GM Jhaeman's PFS1 Module: "Curse of the Riven Sky" (Inactive)

Game Master Jhaeman

"He may have been mean to you, but it's not a reason to double down on your mistakes! You can atone for the damage you've done on the region below by coming with us and assisting us in neutralizing him. If he's dabbling with forces from the Nine Hells he owes everyone a serious explanation and must renounce his evil ways going forward. Torag's honor demands it!"

Diplomacy, aid x2: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 17 + 2 + 2 = 29

"Mistakes?! I am Verakas, the Storm-Queen, and Zoarth deserves . . . But, perhaps you're right . . ." the giant looks thoughtful for a moment. "I have allowed his wrongs to lead me down a dark path to try to match his power. But still, he and those demon cats have to face justice for what they've done! My birds were beautiful . . ."

Whew, that was close! Fortunately, the Aid Anothers turned a failure into a success. I now need one more successful Diplomacy check to seal the deal.

"Perhaps if we better understood the situation we could help you to resolve it in a way that avoids any further darkness."

Aid for Berato's diplomacy + heroism: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 = 16

I would also use Augment to give Berato a +2 to charisma, but I suspect using a spell like ability on another party member would look suspicious so I'll hold off on doing that.

"Yes, perhaps it is the fault of the demon cats after all."

Aid to Diplomacy, DC 10: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

12's do happen on a die 20 and someday Xilt will succeed on a Diplomacy aid. :)

Tzleztor just shakes his head at Xilt. How someone so intelligent and learned can be so clearly incapable at any sort of social interaction baffles the elemental creature.

"Well, yes. We can try to help you find the best path to resolve this issue."

Aid to Diplomacy, DC 10: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Anthys is sure that Berato has this. He waits and watches.

Berato used to have a feat that would give greater confidence (+3 any check as an immediate action) just for standing next to Anthys... perhaps Anthys thinks that he still does.

"Acceptance is the first step in personal growth, Your Highness. I am heartened by your reaction and I think you can still be counted as an ally of the forces of light. Let us not dwell of previous dark paths and see how bright your future can be! let us join together and fight the evil that Zoarth has invited into this world!"

Diplomacy, aid x2: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 17 + 2 + 2 = 30

"Yes! I want to see what that smug cat-lover has to say for himself. You're welcome to come aboard. Next stop: Zoarg's castle!"

With that, the flying barge slowly turns to point towards the direction you came from. Powerful winds buffet the barge as it begins to pick up speed.

Another successful check--good teamwork, everyone.

With the return journey underway Farrokh looks to get a fuller understanding of the falling out between the two cloud giants.

"Not to be intrusive, but if we are to help you to resolve this situation with Zoarth, it would be beneficial for us to know some of the history behind it."

"What are the cats? Where did they come from? What did they do? What did Zoarth do? What is the story between you and that rift to the realm of the Pale Ones?"

"...and importantly what, for you, would resolve the situation with Zoarth? Do you believe it could be resolved in an amicable manner?"

"What do I want? I want him to die in front of me, pleading abjectly for forgiveness! He and those demon-cats killed my birds and left me for dead! Those damned cats should burn, unless they come from Hell itself--I've never managed to learn from what foul plane they slipped into our own. And I don't want to talk about the Pale Ones anymore. I was desperate, but that's past--with your help, I don't need them."

"While he has clearly wronged you, is more bloodshed really the solution? Should he not be given the opportunity to explain himself and redress what he has done first? And what will it achieve for you? Vengeance may be sweet in the moment, but it is invariably followed by the hollow feeling that you have sunk further into the darkness. Is he worth that? Could there be a better way to resolve this without further violence?"

"As for the cats, you have seen much more of them that we have. What signs have you seen of their extraplanar in origins?"

Sense motive to get a feel for how committed she is to her plan.
sense motive + heroism: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 2 = 23

"Those cats! Zoarth said he discovered an interesting new summoning spell he wanted to test. He emerged from his workshop one day with these cats--some of whom he even started talking to like they were intelligent! The next morning, I awoke to find all of my birds gone--Zoarth lied and said I left the cage door open, but I knew the truth: they were dead--devoured, a sacrifice to his fiendish new companions he cared about more than me!"

"I think we need Zoarth to tell us exactly what happened. Given the nature of the situation it may be worth us speaking to him first."

Based on Verakas' description, would a knowledge or spellcraft check help provide any information on the possible nature of the summoning spell or the cats? Or is the description to vague?

"I'll give you five minutes to remind him why he should beg me on his knees for forgiveness! After that, I'll take his apology in blood and skinned cats!" Verakas' eyes flash with anger as she says it.

Although the journey from Zoarth's castle on foot took many days, the journey back (literally) flies by! Sailing on magical winds, the floating barge makes good speed and in a span of several hours, the cloud-borne castle is in sight. Verakas steers the barge towards one of the upper turrets and releases an enchanted anchor to ensure the barge won't drift away from the castle. "Five minutes--remember!"

Inside, the castle is exactly as it was before--only the damage from the Jurn giants' attack has all been repaired. Here and there, the glowing eyes of cats can be seen lurking around a doorway or high up on curtain rod, but they quickly scamper away as you approach. Through massive and seemingly endless corridors, ballrooms, libraries, and kitchens of the floating fortress, Zoarth is finally located in the same place you initially encountered him those many days ago: in the vast central hall. He seems to be putting the final touches on the repair of the enormous statue. "Ah, my new friends have returned!" he says with a grateful smile. "What have you learned?"

@Farrokh: It's too vague, unfortunately.

@Everyone: I know many of you are buff-happy fiends (kidding!) and I've zoomed us forward a bit, so please feel free to take whatever precautions you would have when the barge approached the castle.

I'm definitely a buff-happy fiend! Although I did manage to blow through quite a few of my remaining spells in anticipation of a big final confrontation with the Storm Queen, so my buffing will be rather more restrained. Just to check on buffs that may still be up, I had a couple of extended spells (heroism and clay skin) which had a duration of 3.3 hours, was the journey long enough that they would have gone down or would they still be active?

Farrokh returns the smile and gives a polite bow "I think we have managed to discover why those hill giants came to your castle. Do you know the name Verakas, the Storm Queen?"

Looking at the cats on the way to meet Zoarth, do we notice anything unusual about them?

"Verakas!?! She's still alive?" Zoarth's words drip with contempt when he says her name.

@Farrokh: Okay, I have done math! (with a ruler and everything!) The module doesn't give a speed for the flying barge, so I'm going to use "Airship" from Ultimate Combat as the closest equivalent. It has a maximum speed of 100, which (doing a double move every round since vehicles don't worry about fatigue) translates to 20 miles per hour. The distance as the crow flies from where the barge was initially located to Zoarth's castle is 360 miles, meaning the journey takes approximately 18 hours.

"She is. What do you know about her?"

With the 18 hours travel time would it have been possible to sleep and prepare new spells (if so that may change my buffs a bit)?

"She's a bird maven. Always going on and on about them! How she could feel their feelings and so forth. Her aviary made such a ruckus it was impossible to concentrate! I'm surprised she's alive. She was always so weak and teary. What a woeful woman!"

@Farrokh: Sure, that's reasonable.

Fantastic. As I won't have slots to cast any of my overnight spells I'll slightly modify my prepared spells to include a few of those. To aid Berato with any negotiations I can also prepare eagle's splendor and heroism to cast on him, plus tongues if that is also useful. As Farrokh won't need life bubble to last all night he can also extend that to the rest of the party (unless someone else can cast it).

"What happened between the two of you? She believes that you sacrificed her birds to your cats and left her for dead. She's now come here looking to address the matter in person. While her words are full of anger and violence, I still think this situation can be resolved peaceably in a manner which works for all parties, if everyone is willing."

Is persuading Zoarth to apologies likely to involve diplomacy checks? If so I'll hand over to Berato's expertise in such matters at this point having covered off some of the basic facts.

Overnight on the way here Berato would have discussed tactics with the Storm Queen to prepare in case Zoarth wants to fight, including but not limited to what spells he usually casts and how Berato could protect the party via Spell Immunity; once he knows, he will cast it on Anthys to render him immune to 2 spells on the way in, as well as casting air walk communal on the party, bear's endurance on Anthys, bull's strength on Berato, fallback strategy on Berato and finally protection from evil on each party member before entering Zoarth's lair.

Berato approaches Zoarth, steely eyed. "You should feel shame for having treated her that way. This is no way to return a woman's love Zoarth. Even now you dig your heels in and further dishonor yourself by calling her names. How about you be the BIG man you are and apologize for what you've done? you're a GIANT yes? show her how LARGE your kindness can be!"

Diplomacy, Eagle's Splendor, Heroism, Aid: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 17 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 27
Reroll via fallback strategy: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 17 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 36

Zoarth is startled by Berato's outburst, but looks increasingly ashamed as the cleric continues speaking. He sighs and his shoulder slump.

"Perhaps . . . I may have played a part in things. Mistakes may have been made. I suppose I could speak with Verakas, and apologise. About the birds, at least."

As he speaks, dozens of cats from a variety of breeds pad into the hall and begin to climb and jump all over Zoarth. His brow suddenly furrows and his face darkens. He raises himself to full height and booms forth imperiously: "On second thought, she deserved her fate! And who appointed you as interlocutors?! Get out! I'll keep the Book of Titan as payment for your meddling!"

"Berato, I think the cats are controlling him somehow. Can you free him?"

"Torag will see to it! CATS BEGONE!!!!!!" replies Berato, calling for holy power and touching the giant's leg.

Casting dispel evil and touching Zoarth

Melee Touch, BS, Heroism: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 26 vs. Touch AC

Anthys has his sword in hand and is ready to start attacking the cats if need be.

Farrokh raises an intrigued eyebrow at the new developments. Calmly glancing around to see the reaction, he looks to bolster his defenses (casts mirror image), although holds his hand in a conciliatory manor making it clear he is not looking for a fight.

images: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Zoarth's eyes flash in anger as he sees Berato begin to use magic and reach out to touch him. "Betrayal!" he shouts.

We'll proceed to normal Initiative, since neither side is Surprised. Berato and Farrokh, if you win Initiative, I'll resolve your spells before Zoarth acts.

Initiative (Round 1)

Xilt
Adeah
Berato
Zoarth
Farrokh
Anthys

Bold should go!

@Everyone: This encounter takes place on Slide # 3. We're (almost) back to where this all started!

@Farrokh: Your Initiative includes spending heightened awareness

@Xilt: Your Initiative includes spending heightened awareness and having taken your pill.

Berato discharges holy energy into the cats clinging to Zoarth's leg, forcing some of them back to whence they came! Zoarth's anguished cry echoes through the hall.

For reasons I can't explain yet, whether/how the spell works in this particular context is far from clear, as the module doesn't do a good job describing some particular mechanics it has introduced--I'm going to rule that the spell will weaken Zoarth and given him the Shaken condition.

Initiative (Round 1)

Xilt
Adeah
Berato
Zoarth (shaken)
Farrokh
Anthys

Bold should go!

"It's the cats! I think they're the ones who screwed this whole thing up between them!" Adeah manifests her musket into her hand, but doesn't fire it yet.

Move action to draw musket, standard action to use detect evil as a spell-like ability.

Knowledge (arcana? planes?) + Monster Lore: 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 4 = 16
(My bonus is the same for each. Specifically wanting to know about any mind-affecting abilities these creatures might have.

Xilt checks out the cats before casting Haste on his teammates and moving to a safer distance.

Knowledge Planes or Arcana: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (18) + 22 = 40

The mephit sighs as combat breaks out. He flies away as well and strikes a defensive pose (Total Defence Action).

I still need to update my position on the map. :)

Positions updated. :)

Xilt magically speeds the group while Adeah tries to figure out the nature of the danger confronting it.

Meanwhile, Zoarth giant-sized fingers move skillfully in arcane patterns to conjure an explosion near the side wall of the hall. "You forced me to do this!" he shouts. "Ironstone Guardian, attend to your master!" From the corridor outside the hall, a ponderous thumping sound--footsteps?--can be heard getting closer.

Zoarth does a 5' step back and casts fireball on the main group of PCs. Berato, Anthys, Farrokh, and Adeah, unless you have relevant protections, please attempt a DC 17 Reflex saving throw to halve 17 fire damage.

@Everyone: Please don't forget to update your taglines with Xilt's haste

Initiative (Round 1)

Xilt
Adeah (Reflex save vs fireball)
Berato (Reflex save vs fireball)
Zoarth (shaken)
Farrokh + Reflex save vs fireball
Anthys + Reflex save vs fireball
Special

Bold should go!

Reflex, Haste +1, Shake it Off +2: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 21

I am assuming based on Zoarth's actions that he is not evil (just enchanted/compelled), and so Lastwall Phalanx does not apply.

Anthys dodges at the last second, though he is still singed.
8 damage, so at 106/114 with the currently increased HP total from Bear's Endurance.

Anthys uses Barroom Brawler (use #1 of 5) to pick up Lunge, then takes a 5' step and attacks one of the cats clinging to Zoarth.

Attack vs Cat, Haste: 1d20 + 21 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 21 + 1 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

His AC takes a -2 from using Lunge, so he is at AC 28 until his next turn.

"We are not your enemies. The cats have enslaved you! Kill them!"

That is the one element I have no defenses against. Probably should invest in some.

Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
Nice!

Adeah only just manages to throw up her wings in time to block the worst of the magical fire-- which still leaves her painfully burned. "There's an evil presence here!" Adeah confirms to the group. Don't have time to narrow it down.

Are we on slide 3 or 4?

As Farrokh is in gegenees form I've updated his token size, but kept his position the same (although he would need to be hovering 5 foot up).

reflex + heroism + haste vs fireball: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 17 (damage is all taken by his temporary hit points)

Out of interest how many remaining cats are there on Zoarth, and are all of the cats in the area on him or are there others elsewhere? Farrokh's exact action will depend a bit on the cat situation, but it will involve attacking something so I'll make the rolls and put the target in spoilers.

As the blast of fire washes over him Farrok looks Zoarth and signs...

Slam + heroism + haste: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 15 + 2 + 1 = 19
B Damage + Arcane Strike: 2d6 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1) + 11 + 3 = 19

Slam + heroism + haste: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 15 + 2 + 1 = 29
B Damage + Arcane Strike: 2d6 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (2, 5) + 11 + 3 = 21

Slam + heroism + haste: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 15 + 2 + 1 = 27
B Damage + Arcane Strike: 2d6 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 11 + 3 = 19

Slam + heroism + haste: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 15 + 2 + 1 = 34
B Damage + Arcane Strike: 2d6 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 11 + 3 = 18

Slam + heroism + haste: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 15 + 2 + 1 = 33
B Damage + Arcane Strike: 2d6 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (5, 1) + 11 + 3 = 20

Slam + heroism + haste: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 15 + 2 + 1 = 24
B Damage + Arcane Strike: 2d6 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (6, 6) + 11 + 3 = 26

Slam (haste) + heroism + haste: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 15 + 2 + 1 = 21
B Damage + Arcane Strike: 2d6 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (1, 6) + 11 + 3 = 21

Anthys' attack impales one of the cats, but more stream into the room to cling to Zoarth! Farrokh decides a more direct intervention is warranted, and with his six giant-sized arms pummels Zoarth!

The sound of the ponderous thumping gets louder and louder, until its source appears at the eastern doorway: what looks like a bulky, crudely carved stone golem!

Anthys' attack hits and kills one of the cats.

As there are a dozen or more cats, Farrokh does the first of the alternatives. With the penalty for nonlethal damage, the first three attacks miss. The fourth and fifth hit. The sixth and seventh miss (even without the penalty).

@Adeah (+everyone): Sorry for the confusion--it's Slide # 4 (the Central Hall with Zoarth).

Initiative (Round 2)

Xilt
Adeah
Berato (Reflex save vs fireball)
Zoarth (shaken)
Farrokh
Anthys
Golem

Bold should go!

Reflex DC17: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Berato turns his face away from the explosion just in time to keep his lustrous black mane. He then barks a quick summoning spell, calling the servants of Heaven into action against the golem.

Casting Defensively, DC25: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

Standard: casting summon monster IV via Sacred Summons to bring 1d3 ⇒ 3 lantern archons; Free: 5-ft step towards southwest next to Anthys (light shield is out)

"SPREAD OUT AND FIRE ON THE GOLEM!"

The lantern archons appear 50' away to the east then fly east, spreading out as ordered, and begin to fire upon the approaching golem!

lantern archon 1 vs. golem, light ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 vs. Touch AC
dmg, bypasses all DRs: 1d6 ⇒ 1

lantern archon 2 vs. golem, light ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 vs. Touch AC
dmg, bypasses all DRs: 1d6 ⇒ 3

lantern archon 3 vs. golem, light ray: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 vs. Touch AC
dmg, bypasses all DRs: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Spotting the newcomer Farrokh tries to recall what he might know about such creatures...

knowledge (arcana) + heroism: 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 21 + 2 = 40 (assuming it is a golem or at least some sort of construct)

Adeah moves closer to the golem and fires her weapon.

Spending 1 grit point on the Deadeye deed to resolve this as a touch attack instead of normal, since I'm outside of my first range increment.

Musket (touch) vs golem, 2nd range increment: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 14 - 2 = 14
Damage: 1d12 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

The zealous celestials follow Berato's command instantly, blasting the golem with rays of divine light! And against such a ponderously moving creature, Adeah could hardly miss her musket shot if she tried!

All of the lantern archons' light rays hit the golem's Touch AC. (cool special effects Berato!)

Adeah's attack hits the golem's Touch AC. There is obviously DR at work here, but damage did go through.

Xilt is up.

Would Farrokh's knowledge of such things give any clues around what sort of DR it might have? Or is it hard to tell?

Xilt glances at the golem, grabs a rod out of his haversack and attempts to drop him into a pit.

Create Pit Reflex DC 24 (Persistent, roll twice and take the lower roll).SR=NO.

Create Pit, Falling Damage 30 feet: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 2) = 11

"It would be a shame to destroy such a nice creation."

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (15) + 22 = 37

Tzleztor attempts to light up the cats and the magical Cloud Giant in case any of them attempt to slink away.

Glitterdust Will DC 14 or be blinded.

The slow-moving construct walks right into Xilt's magically-conjured pit, not even attempting to swerve out of the way! It disappears from view, with a loud CRASH! echoing an instant later.

"Petty tricks will not avail you!" shouts Zoarth, reaching into his spell component pouch for a vial of molasses. But in trying to dodge the flurry of blows raining down on him, he drops the vial and it shatters on the ground!

The golem fails the Reflex save, and lands prone at the bottom of the pit, taking the indicated damage. I've put a cartoonish pit token at the location. (jeez, deploying both create pit *and* making it persistent? Somebody is bringing machine guns to the boxing match! ;)

Zoarth makes the save vs glitterdust. Please see Discussion thread re: the cats.

Zoarth is going to attempt to cast defensively the spell slow (DC 21 Concentration check). Result: Fail (the spell is lost).

Initiative (Round 2)

Xilt
Adeah
Berato
Zoarth (shaken)
Farrokh
Anthys
Golem (prone)
Special

Bold should go!