PFS1e 1-46 - EotT#1 - Requiem for the Rouge Raven (KS) (Inactive)

Game Master phaeton_nz

Percy was off to ensure the henchmen trapped in ice felt like talking and absolutely spilling their hearts out with everything they knew...

Before Tess does anything else, she pulls a rod from her cloak and casts two spells upon herself. ”Got a little lazy in my old age,” she laughed quietly to herself.

Use lesser rod of extend spell to cast Mage Armor that lasts a full day, and False life to gain 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 temporary hit points for the day.

After a bit of convincing, Percy learns that the Red Raven ordered them to
pose as members of the household staff weeks ago. Only today did they receive orders to strike.

They also know that Adril Hestram was responsible for Teppin Montroses death.

"I am not sure who Teppin Montrose is (TM for short ongoing), but if Adril killed him was TM bad or Adril?

"I am not sure who Teppin Montrose is (TM for short ongoing), but if Adril killed him was TM bad or Adril?

"Then let's speak to our hosts and ask them to tie together these mysteries"

"Potions of invisibility, a stack of bodies, a bunch of prisoners talking about 'Montrose', some illicit activities, and a lot of blood and gore - and an enemy on the run through the Maze"

Tess was anxious to piece the puzzle together and get to pursuing the murderers as quickly as possible.

You end up meeting with Eliza on the rear lawns.

Eliza and Osprey await you near the entrance to the Maze of the Open Road. Both look somber and contemplative. A smudge of ash on Eliza’s cheek and disgusting stains on Osprey’s already filthy garb hint at the chaos of only moments ago. Eliza turns to you with a wistful sigh as Osprey speaks with a low, scratchy voice.

This Red Raven struck at Adril Hestram for a reason. The truth is that we have suspected Hestram of treachery against the Pathfinder Society for months. The Decemvirate asked me to investigate personally. The Talespinning was not a prelude to Adril’s promotion, but rather a test of his loyalty.

A test, Eliza says, Adril Hestram appears to have failed.

Osprey smiles, his thin lips showing comfort and humor belied by his penetrating, avian gaze. It remains to be seen whether you, his most trusted field agents, may yet pass. Guilt by association is not fair, but in the Decemvirate’s eyes it is prudent, especially in these dangerous times. Your investigations thus far have proven you loyal Pathfinder agents. Venturing into the Maze of the Open Road and solving the mystery of Adril’s assassination will assure your loyalty to the Society, and will surely gain the approval of the Ten.

Eliza steps forward, her hand curling into a triumphant fist. I believe in you. I have since the first day we met. Go into the maze. Learn what you can of the Red Raven’s operation and how it ties in with Hestram. Come back and report to us, and we will coordinate our next move.

TO THE MAZE!!

"Huzzah! The maze it is"

Percy is ready to roll!

Mörök is shocked to hear of Hestram's betrayal, but is nevertheless excited to follow conspirators "Yeah, to the Maze we will depart!"

River narrows his eyes at Osprey and his veiled threats and aspersions. Eliza's kind words though dispel his dark thoughts, as does Eska's gentle nudgings from his familar satchel.

"You have proven yourself hardy indeed Osprey, rarely have I met anyone more deserving the name of Skentok"

He bows deeply to him, and then to Eliza. He nods and smiles at the others enthusiasm.

"Very well, let us follow the trail of the Red Raven and learn what we can"

Percy raises an eye curiously and mouths to River silently "Skentok?" though has enough nous to know it probably wasn't a compliment.

Percy also does not attempt to hide the slightly judgmental and disdainful attitude towards Osprey and his attitude and assertions. The classic stare of a seasoned field agent barely tolerating the attitudes of someone who lives in an ivory Absalom tower. His warmth and friendliness are reserved for Eliza, for whom he shows nothing but charm.

Into the Maze you go.

At a glance it looks like any common hedge maze, if a living structure 300 feet to the side can be considered common. Its 20-foot-tall walls always appear perfectly manicured, even decades after their Pathfinder caretakers
left for safer grounds. Bright red roses accent the deep green walls at irregular intervals.

The Red Raven and his fellows left an obvious trail that can be followed.

The shadowy pathways stretch and turn, surely taking you outside the dimensions of the maze as viewed from the lodge’s rear lawn. The leafy walls virtually bristle with enchantment, and the atmosphere thrums with the sense that once inside the Maze of the Open Road, you have somehow left the mundane world behind. At irregular intervals side paths branch off from your chosen corridor, leading who knows where. After several minutes the path widens to reveal a long causeway roofed by crumbling marble arches. Far up ahead the stone pathway opens onto a large plaza containing a handful of ruined stone structures, ancient buildings that look like abandoned temples. An enormous marble colossus of a robed figure looms upon a pedestal at the center of the courtyard, looking down upon a field of lifelike statues arrayed in a chaotic pattern. All bear terrified looks and are posed in grotesque defensive postures, arms out to stave off some unseen danger.

Place your tokens at the bottom of the map in the area labelled Start, then describe how you are progressing.

Know Nature 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

"We can follow the obvious trail of Narven's tears!"

Percy and Boffins maintain a flying altitude of 15' as they travel.

"A field of horrified statues, which comes first with this old chestnut - the statues come to life or a medusa comes to light?" Percy comments dryly.

Percy will advance, pausing to Detect Magic ahead of him

Tess follows behind Lord Percy, keeping an eye out for anything u usual.

Perception 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19

if someone could place my token anywhere, it would be appreciated. Thanks!

It says. Follow him

Lucija repays the idol's cheeky reply with a surprisingly strong-handed slap. "Really, is that any way to behave on your first day out!?" She bellows at it before returning to her quarters to pout for a time.

Back To The Present:

When Lucija returns, she is once again aloft astride Naghamadi, who somehow appears only a little the worse for wear despite the punishment he'd taken before.

Summoned back at 34 hit points, plus we'll assume this had been done for him in the interim:

lesser rejuvenate Eidolon: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Tessara's Healing Hex: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (7, 2) + 10 = 19

Meanwhile, the faintest shuffling on the ground behind the others suggests her unseen servant remains among them as well, for the time being.

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Lucija recognizes the rare flowers with ease, but she seems much more taken with the inherent magic of the Maze, and the statue-garden.

Naghamadi's second head flicks in and out as he scans the area from above.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Mörök rides his dinosaur at front. The field of statues raises his suspicions and he motions his friends to be cautious. "Wasn't medusa that monster, which could turn creatures to stone? Then these statues were once living?" he asks while becoming nervous

Shau and Peep follow the huge goat creature trying not to step into any waste products. If the smell is too bad, she will move back some. The same if the goat smells also (lol).

Perception: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29 if needed.

and if she has somewhere to be in the shadows/cover/concealment

stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (19) + 26 = 45

River walks cautiously with Eska bounding along at his side. He nods in agreement at Percy's identification of the extinct blossom.

"This is fascinating, I wonder where we are."

He casts a warding spell Greater False Life on himself and catches up with the others.

HP: 2d10 + 12 ⇒ (6, 10) + 12 = 28

No wonder nothing had been happening. My post got eaten

Morok can see into the area to the right. Age has conspired against this brittle structure, which must once have been a small chapel. The ceiling collapsed long ago, and huge gashes in the walls suggest that the rest of the place might topple to the ground any minute now. A bulky stone statue at the center of the building is difficult to make out from the causeway, but appears to be a giant serpent of some sort.

Percy will advance slowly, pausing intermittently to Detect for Magic...

Something is quite off here.

”I have never encountered a pleasant statue,” Tessa whispered to the others, staring at the massive serpent statue. She follows the group.

Shau advances with Percy.

A sibilant female voice seems to come from the air around you, snaking its way into your brains without actually making a sound. Ssssso many visitors! Sssso many men with weaponsss and murder on their minds. For yearssss and yearsss no one would visit Condria’sss garden. Ssssso many years. Ssssso lonely. But now you come in numberssss! With your ssscarlet cloaksss and your ssswords of ssteel. It issss good that you have come, for now you shall never leave!

The guardian naga statue in the ruined chapel reverts to it's fleshy form and moves to attack, their eyes glowing red. It also softly says Forgive me, Kyalla. I wasn’t fast enough!

Initiatives:
Lucija: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Morok: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Naghamadi: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Percy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
River of Stars: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Shau Lynne: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33
Tessara: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

guardian naga: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Shau Lynne is up first before the naga

”I have never encountered a pleasant statue,” Tessa whispered to the others, staring at the massive serpent statue. She follows the group.

"And that tradition appears to remain unbroken"

Peep jumps in pouch as his move
Swift-style, standard cast longarm-drop wand, standard move to Naga.
I provoke if Naga has combat reflexes.

If it swings I will attempt a parry and riposte.

parry -4 size inc: 1d20 + 20 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 20 - 4 = 22
rip: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 301d6 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
confirm
rip: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 251d6 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

No combat reflexes but it is their turn. It takes a five foot step back and fires off magic missiles as a ninth level caster at Shau.

mm: 5d4 + 5 ⇒ (3, 2, 2, 1, 1) + 5 = 14

Everyone is up.

Tess starts the battle by casting Haste on her friends.

AOO vs casting (if it doesn't do it defensively)

aoo 15+: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 20 = 401d6 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
confirm

aoo 15+: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 291d6 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

Ride to control mount to attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Mörök rides his mount to assault the serpent and strikes with axe.

+2 cruel adamantine greataxe, haste, Rage PA: 1d20 + 21 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 21 + 1 - 3 = 29
slashing: 1d12 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21

Dinosaur rams the enemy forcefully.

gore: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3) + 4 = 11

Naga casting defensively
cc: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 3 + 4 = 36 v DC 15+2=17

Both Morok and his mount hit (-32)

River is startled at the sudden attack, but he wastes no time in springing into action. He rushes forward until he can see the enemy clearly, and prays to his Ancestors and the spirits of the Shundar Quah for aid.

Casting Prayer. It looks like everyone is in range so will get a +1 luck bonus to attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, though it's possible he might not have lines of sight/effect to Shau depending on the wall. The enemy too will take a -1 to all of those things with no save, but it is subject to spell resistance:

vs. SR: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Percy rushes forward and simply casts at the thing!
Glitterdust
DC17 Will

Boffins also rushes to keep up.

Percy and Boffins at 20' altitude flying

will: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

The top of Percy's head occasionally bounces against the invisible ceiling

Lucija and Shau still to go.

There is the sound of something moving from behind the party.
init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Shau says "I am sorry!"
activates haste boots

Attack: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 291d6 + 13 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 13 + (5) + 5 = 24 acid, precision
flurry: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 20 = 341d6 + 13 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 13 + (3) + 5 = 27 acid, precision
ki panache: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 20 = 391d6 + 13 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 13 + (4) + 5 = 23 acid, precision
haste: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 241d6 + 13 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 13 + (5) + 5 = 24 acid, precision
2ndary -5: 1d20 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 20 - 5 = 181d6 + 13 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 13 + (6) + 5 = 30 acid, precision

ki panache confirm: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 351d6 + 13 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 13 + (4) + 5 = 28 acid, precision

Sensing something behind the, Naghamadi shunts upward and to the center, coiling in upon itself in a seemingly impossible configuration in preparation to strike...something...

...while the air near Lucija begins to spark, crackle, and shriek as she once again bids the walls of the planes themselves yield to her designs...summon monster IV this time.

Meanwile, a soft shuffling along the ground nearby indicates her unseen servant is also still with them.

All of Shau's blows hit except one. ((Naga: -158)

The guardian naga goes down but what look like five bestial humanoids show up at the back of the party. They must consider that they would gain much honour by defeating Morok and his giant mount so they gang up on Morok with their spiked chains.

red(sc): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35 damage: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (1, 2) + 8 = 11
orange(sc): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27 damage: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (4, 3) + 8 = 15
yellow(sc): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25 damage: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (4, 3) + 8 = 15
green(sc): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28 damage: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (1, 3) + 8 = 12
blue(sc): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23 damage: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (4, 2) + 8 = 14

Everyone is up.

One of the brutes (looks like Red) receives a vicious phosphorescent bite from above as he carelessly runs beneath Naghamadi!
See previous post; yes, I'm 15' in the air, but given that he's surely at least 5' in height I should be able to close the distance.

Naghamadi follows that up by descending upon the final laggard in much the same manner that vector-graphs don't, shrieking/hissing/trilling/warbling a dreadful battle-cry as it does so:

"EAT AT RALPH'S!!!"

All on Blue Man Groupie:
bite, haste, prayer, flank: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29
damage, plus fire: 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + (2) = 12

bite, haste, prayer, flank: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32
damage, plus fire: 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + (6) = 16

bite, haste, prayer, flank: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37
damage, plus fire: 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + (6) = 14

Meanwhile, Lucija completes her conjuration, and spilling forth from another crackling portal emerge 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 of the largest and most vicious-looking weasels you've ever seen - and what's more, they're on fire.

Remember, each has 18 STR, 14, CON, 13 hit points, +5 Fortitude save, etc.

No sooner do they appear than they all lunge for the nearest barbarian's face:

I'll clean them up once I'm on a different computer; for now:

VS Blue Man Groupie:
Pyroweasel #2 bite, flank: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
damage, plus fire: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10
Grab on hit: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
on successful grapple, BLOOD DRAIN!: 1d2 ⇒ 2

VS Greensleeves:
Pyroweasel #1 bite, flank: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Pyroweasel #3 bite, flank: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
damage, plus fire: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9
Grab on hit: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
on successful grapple, BLOOD DRAIN!: 1d2 ⇒ 2

Pyroweasel #4 bite, flank: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
damage, plus fire: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12
Grab on hit: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
on successful grapple, BLOOD DRAIN!: 1d2 ⇒ 1

Lucija Lal Rani is not done with these foolish interlopers yet, oh no; from her view of the proceedings above, she attempts to bind them as she warps the fabric of the Prime Material itself around them (Will DC 20 to resist)!

River looks astonished at the sudden appearance of their assailants, and then again at the fire weasels. To further discourage attacks on the brave Mörök, he chants and conjures barbed chains to trip them!

Trip Blue, prayer: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 17 + 1 = 28
Trip Green, prayer: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 17 + 1 = 24
Trip Yellow, prayer: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 17 + 1 = 28
Trip Orange, prayer: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 17 + 1 = 32

If any of those are successes, they must also make a DC 19 Will save or be shaken for 1d4 rounds

Despite nasty wounds Mörök doesn't shy away from enemies. He concentrates his strikes on yellow, then orange. Hp 57/124

+2 greataxe, haste, rage, prayer: 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 21 + 1 + 1 = 43
slashing: 1d12 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 1 = 22

+2 greataxe, haste, rage: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 16 + 1 = 28
slashing: 1d12 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 1 = 16

+2 greataxe, haste, rage: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 11 + 1 = 15
slashing: 1d12 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 1 = 19

crit confirm: 1d20 + 21 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 21 + 1 = 32 If confirmed, then Fort save DC 16 or be staggered for 1 round.
crit damage: 2d12 + 24 + 2 ⇒ (1, 5) + 24 + 2 = 32

((Red:-0, Orange:-0, Yellow:-70, Green:-21, Blue:-42))

No blood draining or tripping occurs.

Wills:
Red: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Orange: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Yellow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Green: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Blue: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

but they are all slowed.

Percy, Shau and Tessara still to go.

Shau rages all of them ganging up on her fellow aberrant, and vaults nimbly, bouncing off the large creature high over the enemies!

I was going to acrobatics, but I want the 4 of them to provoke.
Acrobatics to make the jump- but not wanting to tumble and avoid.
acrobatics: 1d20 + 25 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 25 + 4 = 33bonus on distance for speed 40

aoo1: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (4) + 24 = 281d6 + 17 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 17 + (6) + 5 = 34acid precision
aoo2: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (19) + 24 = 431d6 + 17 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 17 + (5) + 5 = 31acid precision
aoo3: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (17) + 24 = 411d6 + 17 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 17 + (4) + 5 = 29acid precision
aoo4: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (10) + 24 = 341d6 + 17 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 17 + (5) + 5 = 29acid precision

attack one: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (12) + 24 = 361d6 + 17 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 17 + (6) + 5 = 33acid precision

if I fail and they AOO me, that opens up another bunch of options with stylish riposte, once per enemy per combat if they miss my ac by more than 5. (ac 44 with rage and stuff)

confirm aoo2
aoo4: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (9) + 24 = 331d6 + 17 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 17 + (5) + 5 = 32acid precision
confirm aoo3
aoo4: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (5) + 24 = 291d6 + 17 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 17 + (3) + 5 = 28acid precision

Tess delays to see which, if any, enemies are on their feet after the mashing put on by the more melee oriented members of the party.

Extra haste attack, rage, prayer vs. yellow: 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 21 + 1 + 1 = 38
damage: 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11 Thanks for reminder, Shau

Also keen to know what is still stading :p