Angered by the crossbow attack, the hill giant responds with a powerful overhead smash to the top of Adeah's head! Another giant swings for Farrokh, while a third hurls a rock at the tiny wand-wielding Tzleztor!
Meanwhile, towards the rear of the battle, the other giants see their leader in peril and rush into the fray hoping sheer weight and numbers will make up for their deficit in skill and strategy!
Blue does a power attack on Adeah, who gets soft cover from Anthys. Result: Hit. Adeah, you take 28 damage.
Yellow does two attacks on Farrokh. Results: One gets close enough to pop a mirror image.
White hurls a rock at Tzleztor. Result: Nat 1 miss.
Magenta does a double move. Farrokh, this will provoke an AoO from you.
Light Purple continues his retreat and leaves the Central Hall. I'm going to assume he gets himself lost somewhere in the massive castle and take him out of the encounter.
5 of the 6 Red giants do double moves, but we'll have one stubborn giant throw another rock at Zoarth to keep him busy. Result: Miss.
Seeing the previously mounted giant strike his ally, Farrokh turns his attention to dealing with her (or at least trying to)...
Farrokh will initially aim his attacks at the previously mounted giant and will deliver the calcific touch (DC19 Fortitude to avoid the slow) as part of his first attack on her. If she goes down he will switch targets to her mount and if the mount goes down he will attack any remaining giants within his reach, switching targets as soon as a foe falls (In the unlikely event that he runs out of reachable targets, he will use a 5 foot step if that would bring new targets into range of his 20 ft reach)...
Like a massive floating whirling dervish, Farrokh six-handedly devastates the battlefield, cutting down almost every foe within reach!
Farrokh's AoO hits Magenta. Utter digression: I'm rather colorblind and couldn't pick colors like Magenta out of a crowd, but PBP life became much easier when I realised Google Slides labels the name of border colors.
Farrokh's first attack is a confirmed critical hit and does enough damage to take out Bald Giantess.
Farrokh's second attack hits (also a confirmed crit) and kills the poor misunderstood dinosaur.
Farrokh's third attack hits and kills Yellow.
Farrokh's fourth attack hits and kills Blue.
Farrokh's fifth and sixth attacks miss Magenta, but the seventh attack hits. Magenta is still up, but badly hurt.
Male N Salt Mephit | Buffs: Endure Elements, Mage Armor, False Life (16/16), Ablative Barrier (50/50). | HP 41/41 Temp 16/16|DR 5/Magic|First 5 points of damage is converted to nonlethal|FH 2 Arid Env|AC 29 T 14 FF 26|CMB +5 CMD 18|F +4 R +5 W +7|Init +6|PER +14 DV 60' SM+1|40' Fly +18 Stealth+20|Improved Evasion,SR 16
Xilt's conjured balls of magical lightning electrocute one of the hill giants, while his familiar's magical staff sends beams of pure fire into the chest of another!
Magenta is killed by Xilt's ball lightning.
With Magenta dead, Tzleztor's attacks will target Red as instructed. Result: Both scorching rays hit
@Everyone: I've added new colors to the remaining hill giants to distinguish them.
The bearded wizard, still standing on the upraised palm of the statue, nods at you in appreciation of the awesome displays of magic you've shown. "These savages will regret intruding into my home," he intones sternly. Slipping his wand into hidden pocket in his robes, he points his finger at a giant and a tiny, pea-sized bead of flame streaks towards the foe before exploding!
Zoarth casts fireball that will catch Blue, Black, and Red. Results: Blue and Red fail the save and take 20 damage, Black makes the save and takes 10.
GM Dice:
Blue Reflex save (DC 17):1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 Black Reflex save (DC 17):1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 Red Reflex save (DC 17):1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 damage:6d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 4, 2, 1, 2) = 20
M Human Fighter 10 (Drill Sergeant) | AC 29 T 14 FF 26 CMD 29 (plus Teamwork) | HP 94/94 | F+12 R+9 W+8 (plus Teamwork) | Init +3 | Per +11 | BB 5/5 | Tactician 2/3
Anthys charges at Yellow!
This means that anybody else who wants to and is within a move of Yellow (recalling that we are Hasted) can also charge, as an immediate action.
He will provoke an AOO from Yellow against AC 28 (+1 Haste, -2 Charge); nobody is adjacent to him at the time the AOO happens so his AC isn't as good as usual.
Female Aasimar Gunslinger 5/inquisitor 5 | AC: 23/15/17 (resist a/c/e 5) | HP: 79/79 | Fort +12*, Ref +13* (+4 vs ally spells), Will +11* (*+2 vs evil descriptor) | CMB +7, CMD 23 | Init +14 | Perc +16 (darkvision) | Ammo: 31+29 | Bane: 10/10 | Full attack w/in 30 ft: +12/+12/+7 touch (1d12+15/x4 <1 or 1-2>)
So the charge rules say you may make a single melee attack after you move, but it also says you must move to the closest space you can attack from, so I'm guessing I can't use it just to get a little closer before my turn.
Adeah doesn't charge but does move closer for a better shot.
Male LG Human (Chelaxian) Cleric 10 (Torag) - Init +1, Senses: Normal Vision, Perception +25, AC 23/ touch 12/ ff 22; hp 73/73 (1/day converts bonus dmg from crit into nonlethal dmg), F+12, R+8, W+16, Speed 60 ft. CE 7/7; AoM 10/10; ToG 9/9; PT 1/1. Buffs: magic_vstmnt x2
Male LG Human (Chelaxian) Cleric 10 (Torag) - Init +1, Senses: Normal Vision, Perception +25, AC 23/ touch 12/ ff 22; hp 73/73 (1/day converts bonus dmg from crit into nonlethal dmg), F+12, R+8, W+16, Speed 60 ft. CE 7/7; AoM 10/10; ToG 9/9; PT 1/1. Buffs: magic_vstmnt x2
One of the hill giants bellows something, and whatever he said seems to shatter whatever confidence the tribe had left in the outcome of the battle! In a panicked mass, they begin a helter-skelter retreat!
| HP 100+19/100 | AC 19 / 13T / 18FF | Fort +13, Reflex +8, Will +12, (+1 vs reptilian humanoids) | CMD 30 / 29 FF | Init 6 | Perc +23 | SM +3 | Speed 30 (40 flying) | Spells 1st 6/6, 2nd 6/6, 3rd 5/5, 4th 5/5, 5th 3/3 | Augment 7/7, Perfection of Self 8/8 | Resistance: Neg Energy 10 | Active Conditions: mage armor, overland flight, right of centered mind, lucky number (2), endure elements, extended delay poison, extended false life, minor reversion x2, life bubble.
Farrok looks in the direction of the bearded giant. "Do you want us to chase them out, or do you need prisoners?" he enquires, unsure about the exact nature of the conflict.
If the bearded giant wants the fleeing hill giants captured, Farrok will move up and attempt to trip the closest one. If he is happy for them to flee then Farrok will follow the hill giants to ensure they continue fleeing, holding an action to trip any foes who may decide to turn around and move back towards him.
The bearded giant chuckles. "I think they have learned their lesson and will not soon return!" Stepping off the statue's upraised palm, he floats gently to the flagstone floor of the great hall. He sighs as he looks at the devastation wrought by thunderous explosions of flame, blasts of lightning, and hurled boulders. At last, he settles into a somewhat scorched armchair. A number of cats emerge from hiding and start to climb all over him as he speaks again: “Whoever you are, you have my thanks. I am Zoarth, known to some as the Sky Mage. Welcome to my home. How is it that you are here, at my time of greatest need? And what’s more, do you know why these brutes have assaulted me in my quiet and peaceful studies?”
Ok, we'll go off Initiative. Usual reminder to account for expended resources.
| HP 100+19/100 | AC 19 / 13T / 18FF | Fort +13, Reflex +8, Will +12, (+1 vs reptilian humanoids) | CMD 30 / 29 FF | Init 6 | Perc +23 | SM +3 | Speed 30 (40 flying) | Spells 1st 6/6, 2nd 6/6, 3rd 5/5, 4th 5/5, 5th 3/3 | Augment 7/7, Perfection of Self 8/8 | Resistance: Neg Energy 10 | Active Conditions: mage armor, overland flight, right of centered mind, lucky number (2), endure elements, extended delay poison, extended false life, minor reversion x2, life bubble.
Farrokh bows politely "I am Farrokh and we are Pathfinders." says the wizard. "I'm not sure I can help you much with your second question, but to answer your initial query, we were actually dispatched here to seek your assistance with a magic ritual. That said I'm certainly glad we were also able to help you out with the situation we found when we arrived." he adds looking around the room.
Male LG Human (Chelaxian) Cleric 10 (Torag) - Init +1, Senses: Normal Vision, Perception +25, AC 23/ touch 12/ ff 22; hp 73/73 (1/day converts bonus dmg from crit into nonlethal dmg), F+12, R+8, W+16, Speed 60 ft. CE 7/7; AoM 10/10; ToG 9/9; PT 1/1. Buffs: magic_vstmnt x2
Berato approaches and respectfully asks, "I am a priest and servant of Torag, well-versed in the healing arts. Let me see to your wounds before we proceed to discuss business yes?"
Motioning for everyone to gather around him and making sure no defeated giants are within range, Berato begins to channel healing energies on everyone.
Channel to heal living creatures:5d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 6, 5, 2) = 21 pts. of healing on party and Zoarth.
He then applies a bit more healing on himself, still reeling from the bald giantess' deep cut...
Cure Moderate Wounds:1d8 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 pts. of healing on Berato.
Cure Light Wounds:1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 pts. of healing on Berato.
Berato then asks permission to sit nearby, offering some ale to the giant and the party.
"I hope you'll allow us a slight respite, assuming that you or your castle are now safe... otherwise point us immediately where the battlefront has moved to and we'll assist immediately: the battle prayers of Torag are still fresh upon my soul..."
Diplomacy:1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18(+4 vs. Pathfinders, +2 vs. fey, +2 in Irrisen)
Male N Salt Mephit | Buffs: Endure Elements, Mage Armor, False Life (16/16), Ablative Barrier (50/50). | HP 41/41 Temp 16/16|DR 5/Magic|First 5 points of damage is converted to nonlethal|FH 2 Arid Env|AC 29 T 14 FF 26|CMB +5 CMD 18|F +4 R +5 W +7|Init +6|PER +14 DV 60' SM+1|40' Fly +18 Stealth+20|Improved Evasion,SR 16
The normally sarcastic and abrasive mephit begins to turn on the charm when he notices that their lead negotiator tongue has turned to lead. He might be a jerk at times but he is not stupid.
"Yes, my master has remarked on your exceptional knowledge and sophistication."
Female Aasimar Gunslinger 5/inquisitor 5 | AC: 23/15/17 (resist a/c/e 5) | HP: 79/79 | Fort +12*, Ref +13* (+4 vs ally spells), Will +11* (*+2 vs evil descriptor) | CMB +7, CMD 23 | Init +14 | Perc +16 (darkvision) | Ammo: 31+29 | Bane: 10/10 | Full attack w/in 30 ft: +12/+12/+7 touch (1d12+15/x4 <1 or 1-2>)
Adeah hooks Farrokh's crossbow onto her belt and gingerly summons the badly-damaged musket from her glove. It's split almost in half from a large gash across the barrel. "I, um, don't suppose anyone has a way of fixing this? I'm not very good with other weapons."
| HP 100+19/100 | AC 19 / 13T / 18FF | Fort +13, Reflex +8, Will +12, (+1 vs reptilian humanoids) | CMD 30 / 29 FF | Init 6 | Perc +23 | SM +3 | Speed 30 (40 flying) | Spells 1st 6/6, 2nd 6/6, 3rd 5/5, 4th 5/5, 5th 3/3 | Augment 7/7, Perfection of Self 8/8 | Resistance: Neg Energy 10 | Active Conditions: mage armor, overland flight, right of centered mind, lucky number (2), endure elements, extended delay poison, extended false life, minor reversion x2, life bubble.
"I know a few of us have the capability to memorise the mending spell which should be able to fix it with enough castings, if its not too heavy." suggests Farrokh. "Given Berato derives his powers from the god of the forge, perhaps he would be the best person to perform such magic if that looks to be a suitable option."
Male LG Human (Chelaxian) Cleric 10 (Torag) - Init +1, Senses: Normal Vision, Perception +25, AC 23/ touch 12/ ff 22; hp 73/73 (1/day converts bonus dmg from crit into nonlethal dmg), F+12, R+8, W+16, Speed 60 ft. CE 7/7; AoM 10/10; ToG 9/9; PT 1/1. Buffs: magic_vstmnt x2
Adeah Silversong wrote:
Adeah hooks Farrokh's crossbow onto her belt and gingerly summons the badly-damaged musket from her glove. It's split almost in half from a large gash across the barrel. "I, um, don't suppose anyone has a way of fixing this? I'm not very good with other weapons."
Berato takes a look at the weapon. "Yes, Torag be willing, that weapon could be fixed in the morning, but alas not today. You are lucky you did not have a wizard put a more complicated enchantment on it; otherwise it could have been too complex for this priest to fix, and it may have required the touch of a high priest!"
Your reliable enchant is CL 8th, and so it beats the CL 6th of your +2 enhancement bonus and sets the CL of the weapon to 8th; so Berato's CL 10th will enable him to fix it with a simple 0-level mending spell...
Female Aasimar Gunslinger 5/inquisitor 5 | AC: 23/15/17 (resist a/c/e 5) | HP: 79/79 | Fort +12*, Ref +13* (+4 vs ally spells), Will +11* (*+2 vs evil descriptor) | CMB +7, CMD 23 | Init +14 | Perc +16 (darkvision) | Ammo: 31+29 | Bane: 10/10 | Full attack w/in 30 ft: +12/+12/+7 touch (1d12+15/x4 <1 or 1-2>)
Adeah's relief at the welcome news is somewhat offset by Berato's last comment. "That's, well, exactly what I intended to do when I can get the gold. I'll have to think on it. But... thank you. In advance."
Zoarth can only shrug in confusion. "I cannot fathom who these invaders are or why they would attack my castle! And a ritual, you say? I think we may have much to speak of! But first, I must show my gratitude in actions as well as words."
The cloud giant gets up from his carriage-sized armchair (scattering cats everywhere) and leads you to an alchemical workshop. "I have been spending too much time recently brewing potions. Please, take some as a reward for your service to me this day."
Each of you can choose three potions from the following list (but when one is gone, it's gone unless multiples are listed): bear’s endurance, bull’s strength, cat’s grace, displacement, eagle’s splendor, fly (x2), fox’s cunning, gaseous form, invisibility (x2), owl’s wisdom, protection from energy (acid), protection from energy (cold), protection from energy (fire, x3), see invisibility, and water breathing. (of course, as with all treasure in a PFS adventure, you don't get to keep anything left over after the end of the adventure unless you pay for it with your own money later)
| HP 100+19/100 | AC 19 / 13T / 18FF | Fort +13, Reflex +8, Will +12, (+1 vs reptilian humanoids) | CMD 30 / 29 FF | Init 6 | Perc +23 | SM +3 | Speed 30 (40 flying) | Spells 1st 6/6, 2nd 6/6, 3rd 5/5, 4th 5/5, 5th 3/3 | Augment 7/7, Perfection of Self 8/8 | Resistance: Neg Energy 10 | Active Conditions: mage armor, overland flight, right of centered mind, lucky number (2), endure elements, extended delay poison, extended false life, minor reversion x2, life bubble.
The potion on that list which would be most useful for me would be the potion of cat's grace as dexterity is the only physical ability score that I don't have an enhancement bonus on and I don't wear armour so that would be super useful. Other than that, I'm happy to take whatever everyone else doesn't need.
Female Aasimar Gunslinger 5/inquisitor 5 | AC: 23/15/17 (resist a/c/e 5) | HP: 79/79 | Fort +12*, Ref +13* (+4 vs ally spells), Will +11* (*+2 vs evil descriptor) | CMB +7, CMD 23 | Init +14 | Perc +16 (darkvision) | Ammo: 31+29 | Bane: 10/10 | Full attack w/in 30 ft: +12/+12/+7 touch (1d12+15/x4 <1 or 1-2>)
I just realized the stat boost items are one-offs. Adeah does have an enhancement bonus to both Dex and Wis, but only +2 to each so they'd be worth an extra +2 to her. She uses Dex for attack rolls (and damage when she has her musket) and Wis for spells. If anyone else would get even more use from them I can pick something else.
M Human Fighter 10 (Drill Sergeant) | AC 29 T 14 FF 26 CMD 29 (plus Teamwork) | HP 94/94 | F+12 R+9 W+8 (plus Teamwork) | Init +3 | Per +11 | BB 5/5 | Tactician 2/3
"Thank you."
Anthys will take potions of Fly, See Invisibility (cannot normally be a potion but if it is in the scenario then it is an exception), and Gaseous Form.
Male LG Human (Chelaxian) Cleric 10 (Torag) - Init +1, Senses: Normal Vision, Perception +25, AC 23/ touch 12/ ff 22; hp 73/73 (1/day converts bonus dmg from crit into nonlethal dmg), F+12, R+8, W+16, Speed 60 ft. CE 7/7; AoM 10/10; ToG 9/9; PT 1/1. Buffs: magic_vstmnt x2
"Thank you Zoarth!" says Berato, picking protections against acid, cold and fire.
| HP 100+19/100 | AC 19 / 13T / 18FF | Fort +13, Reflex +8, Will +12, (+1 vs reptilian humanoids) | CMD 30 / 29 FF | Init 6 | Perc +23 | SM +3 | Speed 30 (40 flying) | Spells 1st 6/6, 2nd 6/6, 3rd 5/5, 4th 5/5, 5th 3/3 | Augment 7/7, Perfection of Self 8/8 | Resistance: Neg Energy 10 | Active Conditions: mage armor, overland flight, right of centered mind, lucky number (2), endure elements, extended delay poison, extended false life, minor reversion x2, life bubble.
"If any of those attackers prove to be unconscious rather than dead, perhaps we can bring them round and quiz them on who they are and what they thought they were doing here?" suggests Farrokh, noting the cloud giant's puzzlement regarding the nature of his assailants.
Once in the workshop he thanks Zoarth for the potions, taking three of them.
Farrokh would mainly be after the cat's grace for the AC and Reflex save as his dex is not that high and he doesn't wear armour, so a +4 to his dexterity would be quite helpful from that perspective.
Male N Salt Mephit | Buffs: Endure Elements, Mage Armor, False Life (16/16), Ablative Barrier (50/50). | HP 41/41 Temp 16/16|DR 5/Magic|First 5 points of damage is converted to nonlethal|FH 2 Arid Env|AC 29 T 14 FF 26|CMB +5 CMD 18|F +4 R +5 W +7|Init +6|PER +14 DV 60' SM+1|40' Fly +18 Stealth+20|Improved Evasion,SR 16
After making the potions available, Zoarth returns to the grand hall and resumes his seat in the singed armchair. Cats begin rubbing themselves on your ankles as he says "Now, tell me about this ritual you need help with? And I believe one of you suggested asking a surviving invader why they attacked--an excellent suggestion. I surmise they came from the north--many of the brutish giants lair there--but otherwise I am at a loss as to why they would attack me."
Okay, summing up potions:
Farrokh: cat's grace, invisibility, water breathing
Adeah: protection from energy (fire), owl's wisdom, fly
Xilt: displacement, invisibility, eagle's splendor
Berato: protection from energy (acid), protection from energy (cold), protection from energy (fire)
Anthys: fly, see invisibility, gaseous form
Everything checks out.
Sorry for the slow posting--training course over the weekend.
| HP 100+19/100 | AC 19 / 13T / 18FF | Fort +13, Reflex +8, Will +12, (+1 vs reptilian humanoids) | CMD 30 / 29 FF | Init 6 | Perc +23 | SM +3 | Speed 30 (40 flying) | Spells 1st 6/6, 2nd 6/6, 3rd 5/5, 4th 5/5, 5th 3/3 | Augment 7/7, Perfection of Self 8/8 | Resistance: Neg Energy 10 | Active Conditions: mage armor, overland flight, right of centered mind, lucky number (2), endure elements, extended delay poison, extended false life, minor reversion x2, life bubble.
Farrokh gives one of the cats rubbing on his ankle a scratch behind the ears (He will have changed back to his normal form once it looks like we have dealt with all of the threats, so he should be safe to do that without crushing the cat!).
"The ritual relates to something called the Book of the Titan. We were asked to bring it here and seek your assistance with a ritual required to unlock it's powerful magics."
Zoarth's eyes go wide. "The Book of the Titan, you say? I have come across references to it in my studies, but never imagined I would see it! I know the ritual to unlock it is a long and complex one. I'll get started immediately. In the meantime, please investigate why my quiet castle was invaded. If it were to happen again in the middle of the ritual, the results could be dire indeed!"
Male LG Human (Chelaxian) Cleric 10 (Torag) - Init +1, Senses: Normal Vision, Perception +25, AC 23/ touch 12/ ff 22; hp 73/73 (1/day converts bonus dmg from crit into nonlethal dmg), F+12, R+8, W+16, Speed 60 ft. CE 7/7; AoM 10/10; ToG 9/9; PT 1/1. Buffs: magic_vstmnt x2
Berato nods, asking "Any particular part of your castle you'd recommend we start with?"
"Enemies? I live a quiet life of study, contemplation, and experimentation. In recent years, I have rarely left this place or my beloved cats. No, no, there must be a reason for the attack, but I am at an utter loss as to why. All I can surmise is that the invaders' purpose was not simply to ransack and steal, but to destroy my home! Why else would they have attacked the very foundation magic of my castle?
| HP 100+19/100 | AC 19 / 13T / 18FF | Fort +13, Reflex +8, Will +12, (+1 vs reptilian humanoids) | CMD 30 / 29 FF | Init 6 | Perc +23 | SM +3 | Speed 30 (40 flying) | Spells 1st 6/6, 2nd 6/6, 3rd 5/5, 4th 5/5, 5th 3/3 | Augment 7/7, Perfection of Self 8/8 | Resistance: Neg Energy 10 | Active Conditions: mage armor, overland flight, right of centered mind, lucky number (2), endure elements, extended delay poison, extended false life, minor reversion x2, life bubble.
"Shall we see if any of these fallen foes still lives and would be willing to shed some light on the situation?" suggests Farrokh.
"Speaking of the attack on the foundation of your castle, the perpetrator of that was an ice devil with some sort of mystical connection to a frost giant. The two of them were down there, with the ice devil using its spear to freeze and then shatter the mist."
