Anthys's page

Looks good. Thank you for running!

Anthys continues to watch as the ranged combatants handle the golem.

Day Job Profession (Soldier): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 33

Anthys will continue to delay, as even with Air Walk he does not see a need to get into the pit in melee with the golem. The archons seem to be handling things.

Anthys continues to delay.

Anthys delays.

When the material is clear, yes, PFS does require that a GM not contradict it. But when there is a lack of clarity in the material, it falls upon the GM to make whatever ruling they think leads to the best gaming experience. If your ruling is "invincible cats", so be it.

I had a good sense this is where it was going, because Dispel Evil is basically the exorcism spell. Break Enchantment doesn't expel possessing demons, and Banishment doesn't end enchantments, but Dispel Evil does both making it more of an all-purpose "End this controlling effect" option. If there were space for a GM judgment call, I would not be able to think of a better spell for removing the effect.

Based on what you have said, I am not a fan of the author's decisions in this part of the module. But it is what it is. And you as GM have to interpret the grey areas as you see best.

Seeing that there are just too many cats, Anthys steps up and attacks the giant.
Since an ally hit Zoarth within the past round, Blood for the Empire triggers; +3 morale bonus to hit and damage.

Attack, Haste, Blood for the Empire +3, PA -3: 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 21 + 1 + 3 - 3 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 3 + 6 = 23

Hasted Attack: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (18) + 22 = 40
Damage: 1d8 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26

Iterative: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (1) + 22 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 21 ⇒ (3) + 21 = 24

AC is back to 30, with another +2 vs evil foes for having 1 ally adjacent.

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!"

Lightning Bolt and Magic Missile, I guess.

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

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

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.

Anthys takes a step and attacks the Roc.

Attack, Haste +1, Blood for the Empire +3, PA -3: 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 21 + 1 + 3 - 3 = 39
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 3 + 6 = 25

Hasted Attack: 1d20 + 21 + 1 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (7) + 21 + 1 + 3 - 3 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 3 + 6 = 25

Iterative: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 16 + 1 + 3 - 3 = 34
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 3 + 6 = 25

Quite sure it is dead now, but in any event the squares surrounding Anthys are now considered difficult terrain for enemies.

Anthys uses Barroom Brawler (move action, use 1 of 5 for the day) to pick up Lunge, takes a 5' step forward (Air Walking, no AOO for 5' step), and takes a Lunging slash at the roc (Blue).

Attack, PA, Blood for the Empire: 1d20 + 21 - 3 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 21 - 3 + 3 = 36
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 6 + 3 = 26

His AC takes a -2 penalty for using Lunge, so he is right now AC 27 before Teamwork feats (as he is still adjacent to Farrokh, +2 sacred vs Evil foes).

Reflex DC 20, +3 Shake it Off at time of save: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 3 = 29
Anthys dodges the lightning bolt.

He moves between Adeah and the mounted giants (using Air Walk) and takes a defensive posture.
Total Defense for AC 35, with another +2 sacred from Lastwall Phalanx for AC 37 vs evil creatures (more if more allies move adjacent). Remember that his Arrow Catching Shield will draw ranged attacks targeting adjacent allies towards him.

I am very confident about my calculations of time to get there.

The half speed for ascent already accounts for the diagonal movement as shown in the FAQ that I linked. So it is half speed to cover 4000', meaning 133 rounds at 30' base move. We do not need to cover 5656 feet. See the linked FAQ.

"Even without teleporting, I would be able to ascend that distance without tiring."

The "diagonal ascending at half speed" rule for 3-D movement means that a double move (for 30' move speed) is 30' up and 30' over. So we are looking at ~133 rounds, or 13 minutes. Hustling (double moving) for 13 minutes does not cause fatigue.

I have no idea how long our task will take once we get there. There is just no way to know. But the movement up there is pretty straightforward.

Communal Wind Walk will get us there. At 100 minutes, that is 30 each for Anthys and Adeah and 40 for Berato. It's about 13 minutes to ascend 4000'. And it's a great deal less than that if we Teleport.

A massive antimagic field around a flying castle (which would then have to be an artifact) sounds extremely improbable, but even in that case our Air Walk would reactivate once outside of the area.

I think we should Communal Air Walk + Teleport to get close enough. I don't see any need for scrying or scouting and I don't see it as all that complicated. Let's just keep this moving and not drag it out (especially splitting the party with a mini-solo adventure for the scout - let's not do that).

Xilt can bring along 4 others with Teleport if he uses an arcane reservoir point for CL12. So that is the whole party minus the familiar (which could either fly to catch up or just hang out and wait). Prep Teleport into the open slot; Berato uses Communal Air Walk on the party; we go.

I feel like I addressed this already.

And as Farrokh noted, Overland Flight is Personal, so a scroll of it would be useless to Anthys. Nobody could use such a scroll to cast the spell on him.

"Based on what you said, Farrokh, I think we need to close the rift. It sounds like magic can do it, as can Berato's holy power.

I might be more effective in this battle if I were closer to giant-size."

Anybody able to spare an Enlarge Person?

Communal Wind Walk will get us there. At 100 minutes, that is 30 each for Anthys and Adeah and 40 for Berato. It's about 13 minutes to ascend 4000'. And it's a great deal less than that if we Teleport.

A massive antimagic field around a flying castle (which would then have to be an artifact) sounds extremely improbable, but even in that case our Air Walk would reactivate once outside of the area.

I think we should Communal Air Walk + Teleport to get close enough. I don't see any need for scrying or scouting and I don't see it as all that complicated. Let's just keep this moving and not drag it out (especially splitting the party with a mini-solo adventure for the scout - let's not do that).

Xilt can bring along 4 others with Teleport if he uses an arcane reservoir point for CL12. So that is the whole party minus the familiar (which could either fly to catch up or just hang out and wait). Prep Teleport into the open slot; Berato uses Communal Air Walk on the party; we go.

"Even without teleporting, I would be able to ascend that distance without tiring."
The "diagonal ascending at half speed" rule for 3-D movement means that a double move (for 30' move speed) is 30' up and 30' over. So we are looking at ~133 rounds, or 13 minutes. Hustling (double moving) for 13 minutes does not cause fatigue.

"I am not sure what sort of scrying would assuage Berato's concerns, but I have no problem waiting if the wizards have options that would do so."

"Berato, I think Air Walk is a far better option for me than trying to ride a Roc. Infantry here."

Anthys lacks the Ride skill and the Handle Animal skill. My other Lastwall PC is a cavalier who would have no trouble with this, of course.

"Your spell would last a decently long while, would it not?"
100 minutes split among Berato, Adeah, and Anthys, correct? If Xilt or Farrokh prepare Teleport into an open slot then we will not need to Air Walk all that far.

"I do have a potion of Fly but that would not last nearly as long as your spell."

Knowledge (Dungeoneering): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Anthys knows nothing of the ooze-rain.

Assuming Anthys is next to Berato for Scion of the Lost Empire via Solo Tactics.

Perception, Scion: 1d20 + 11 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 3 = 27

"Anybody have any idea what this substance is? Is it dangerous to us, or corrosive to our equipment?"

I think this is Day Eight, and we had one day of rations' avoided by the farmers' hospitality. So everyone has used up 7 days of rations, I think.
We may be asking Berato to prepare Create Food and Water from now on. I would say it is worth it just to avoid the hassle of tracking.

"I don't think this Storm Queen is going to just meekly accede to our requests that she cease attacking Zoarth. But if her grievance against him has any basis in history, rumor, or fear, then perhaps we can negotiate a solution.

Zoarth did tell us that he does not recall making any enemies."

"I think the trolls are looking for a fight, Berato. Looting their treasures would no doubt give them a reason.

While I have little doubt that we would prevail, I don't see a need to take the risk and expend resources. Let's just go on with the information that we have."

I am happy following the group here.

Anthys can see by the light of Berato's shield.

He holds his ground, happy to be in a defensive block of allies.

"I really think it worthwhile for Xilt to prepare the spell to allow Berato to speak to the giants. This translation approach seems to have certain limitations."

You can't use Diplomacy like that without a feat, I think. Need at least a minute of conversation to change someone's attitude.

"Well, we can approach and say we wish to speak. If they attack us on sight before we have a chance to have a dialogue, then I'll be ready to fight."

"I think you are right, Adeah - we should confront them while they are weakened."

"If we save the bear, do you think we can make an ally of it? Can any of you Charm or otherwise persuade it?"

Seems like a job for Wild Empathy?

No map, so I'm going to assume Anthys was adjacent to 2 PCs, for a +3 Shake it Off bonus with the Ring. He'll also use Scion of the Lost Empire for another +3.

Will: 1d20 + 8 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 3 + 3 = 31

Anthys is a bit rattled, but not panicked.

If Profession (Soldier) worked I could use that.

I'm just waiting for someone good with social skills to make the roll and do a post.

I personally don't think it's a good idea or even an interesting one, but I'll go along with whatever the party wants to do.

Anthys gratefully accepts the offer of hospitality.

The stories are all too familiar. Lastwall lacks the strength to fully defend every community, and the retreat of the Hordelines to the current borders serves as a record of the continued surrender of territory to the deprivations of marauders.

Here, at least, I will bring these marauders to justice.

"I understand your desire to join us. But please understand... we are not like you. We have training, weaponry, and magic beyond anything you can conceive of. I know this sounds arrogant, but it is the truth.
Let me put it this way: As a warrior, I stand a chance against a hill giant in single combat; as a raw recruit, I did not. Bravery and courage do matter, that is true, and I had them then, but so too do tactics, strategy, experience, and equipment.
I do not think you should come with us. I am sorry. If you would ignore me and insist on joining, then we should equip you with crossbows or the like."

"I can attempt to be stealthy, but I'm not particularly good at it."
Anthys has a +3 Dex and -3 ACP, for a net +0 Stealth.

"I have few options against such a beast at range, unfortunately. I can use a bow but I am not a specialist in archery."

"The best defense is an offense..."

Anthys rolls his eyes and sighs.

Still, he will go along with the party.

In-character he very much agrees with Adeah, but I know that scenarios and modules typically expect the PCs to take a more proactive approach.

Anthys can't offer much in that regard; doesn't even have any ranks in Sense Motive.

One can make a fighter with really good face skills through Advanced Weapon Training options. I just haven't done that with this character (yet).

"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.

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.

Attack, PA -3, Charge +2, Blood for the Empire +3: 1d20 + 21 - 3 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 21 - 3 + 2 + 3 = 40
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 6 + 3 = 28

Everybody who wants one gets a charge attack on Yellow; it will just use up your immediate action (and thus your swift for next round).

Anthys will delay until after the bearded giant.

He isn't thrilled about abandoning Adeah, should any foes decide to get into melee with her.

"Sorry Berato - I can't leave Adeah here!"

The Coordinated Charge would be a great option, but Anthys is hoping to tank for Adeah. So he does not Charge. Tough battle map here. Farrokh will probably shred the mounted one before they get to act again anyway.

Anthys attacks the stone giant, then takes a 5' step.
I don't think anybody hit the stone giant within the past round, so no Blood for the Empire. With Difficult Swings, the squares adjacent to him are considered difficult terrain for all enemies.

Attack, PA, Haste, Bless: 1d20 + 21 - 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 21 - 3 + 1 + 1 = 30
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 6 = 22

Hasted Attack: 1d20 + 21 - 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 21 - 3 + 1 + 1 = 39
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 6 = 20
Crit?: 1d20 + 21 - 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 21 - 3 + 1 + 1 = 35
Extra Crit Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 6 = 24

Iterative: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 16 - 3 + 1 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 6 = 25

Anthys has +3 AC from Lastwall Phalanx (2 allies adjacent), +1 from Heart of the Streets, and +1 from Haste for AC 34.

Anthys uses a swift action to share Lastwall Phalanx (Tactician 1 of 3; everybody within 30' at the time he uses it, so the whole party, has Lastwall Phalanx for 8 rounds). "Stick together and defend one another!"

He then moves up and strikes at a giant. Provokes an AOO from Black; AC is 32 with Haste and Lastwall Phalanx (1 ally adjacent for a +2 with Ring). Black was damaged by an ally within the past round (Fireball) so +3 morale to hit and damage. He will use Fighting Defensively for -4 to hit and +3 AC, making AC 35 after his attack.

Attack vs Black, Haste, PA, Blood, Defensively: 1d20 + 21 + 1 - 3 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 21 + 1 - 3 + 3 - 4 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 6 + 3 = 28

Bless is a morale bonus so does not stack with Blood for the Empire.

Anthys is ready to proceed. He is not injured.

GM Jhaeman wrote:

@Berato: You might just double-check if your archons can do continual flame since it has an expensive material component. I'm not sure off-hand. (for example, the summon monster line prohibits it unless you provide the component)

SLAs never require components.

That is true, but:

Creatures summoned using this spell cannot use spells or spell-like abilities that duplicate spells with expensive material components (such as wish).

And all subsequent Summon Monster spells function as SM1 but with a different list.

Looks like the Archon hit the Blue Bone Devil within the past round, so Blood for the Empire applies. And Shaken has worn off.

Anthys dodges a claw, then attacks the Bone Devil with his blessed sword.

Attack, PA, Haste, Blood for the Empire: 1d20 + 21 - 3 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 21 - 3 + 1 + 3 = 33
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 6 + 3 = 22

Hasted Attack: 1d20 + 21 - 3 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 21 - 3 + 1 + 3 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 6 + 3 = 29

Iterative: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 16 - 3 + 1 + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 6 + 3 = 24

Sword has Align Weapon (Good).