Sounds like both Akku and Siiska were the only ones to fail - you both gain the new shadowbound corruption. Please remind me if I forget about it!
Both owbs smile as they watch Akku and Siiska start flickering.
<Well, well, well...> they both smile. <Let us continue the story of the Reborn. Started as a secret society, the Reborn assert that when a caligni die, fragments of their memories pass on to their children while their souls move on to the afterlife.>[b]
You would remember that when any caligni dies, their body combusts and leaves almost no trace.
[b]<The Reborn argue, the violent flash of energy upon death is a physical manifestation of the split between memory and soul. Most caligni cannot recall these ancestral memories except in dreams or on an instinctual level. Except for the Reborn themselves - they claim they can recall ancestral memories dating way back to Earthfall, when the Seers of Calignos first led their people into the Darklands. You can see why this is appealing to the Reborn.>
The other owb (telepathically) continues. <It was a sham of course... until a caligni named Nephenie came along that could actually communicate with with her ancestors. Let's just say she had a long talk with one of her ancestors. They had a long talk... which lead her down her path. She quickly took control of the Reborn and the rest is history.>
Again, the other owb cuts in. <We do not like her methodology. She is a bit too brutal. She also has an acquaintence... Veilisendri...>
Anyone listening can hear a hint of jealousy at the name of Veilisendri.
<She is up ahead. As you can see, the webs here are from a creature. I do not know how to say the name in your language. But watch out for it's web. We do not know where it is currently lurking, but it's quick and powerful.>
<Good luck on your quest. We are going to go to the Shadow Plane to restart our goals and hopefully have better luck.>
Hey guys, sorry for the delayed post. I've been working quite hard the last few weeks - basically work 7 days on, 1 day off, 7 days on, 1 day off. Been getting home around 10/11 most nights so haven't had the energy to post.
I'm about 80% done with a new post, but have to head in to work (or be late). Just wrapping up the encounter with the owbs (they are just giving backstory really). Please decide what to do next/where to go - east, north, or west.
I'm going to skip some of the smaller/less important battles (or we can just roleplay them out and not actually do combat).
<Approach, and I'll tell you the true story of the Reborn.> the owb on the right (Xhamila) says. As far as any of you are concerned, she is genuine.
<It all started with Earthfall, tens of thousands of years ago. The ancestors of the caligni divined only a day before Earthfall their city would be destroyed, so they evacuated their people into the subterranean realm of Nar-Voth, hoping to use it as temporary shelter. But as tunnels to the surface collapsed, they were forced ever downwards in search of safety and resources.>
The group of you slowly approach, keen to listen more.
<They believed that their gods had utterly abandoned them so they sought new gods for support and inspiration. A mysterious pantheon of Shadow Plane demigods known as the Forsaken responded to these prayers with unexpected vigor...>
As the group approaches, they don't see nor sense the webs that line this room. Each of you start feeling sick. Looking to each other, each of you see the others sometime shift or blur before resuming the appearance of solidity.
Please everyone here needs to make a DC 18 Will save vs a new Shadowbound Corruption (insubstantiality) as you touch the webs. You have to repeat the save every minute you touch the webs with the DC increased by 1.
The owbs almost giggle as you walk into the webs... but don't seem eager to attack.
Do you let the owbs continue their story or attack?
The Pathfinders hear a crash and several loud screams in Giant coming from the east. Seems like the dragon may be riling them up. With that way blocked off, the Pathfidners set their sight to the north (Is there any more healing/restoring needed?)!
As they approach, several ornate arabesques of paired pillars rise to 60 ft above. At the room's center stands a circular well of dark water. Between each pair of pillars and along the room's northern wall, curtains of gray, phosphorescent webs extend up to the coffered vaults. All the doors leading out are heavy stone doors.
But most importantly are two creatures! Owbs! Two owbs you recognize: one from Ezkurian's lair who escaped (Xhamila) and one you just encountered outside the Foresaken Fane (Solestenes).
Neither attacks right away, but they instead stare right at you. Telepathically, they say in unison: <You are not welcome here. We can not let you pass.>
Not going into initiative just yet, depending on what you do. Neither owb approaches.
The dragon is within reach of Leon, but he misses both attacks!
The dragon is seemingly quick to anger, but he is realizing that he may not be able to win.
"You are stronger than you look Pathfinders. I have been keeping an eye on you for Veilisendri and Nephenie. We knew Aiyana had recruited some uplanders. I was nearby when she recruited you. I was there when you entered Hamril's Tomb. I was there when you entered Lyrudrada. I knew when you overtook Aiyana's estate and when you visited her allies. But yet, you are stronger than I ever imagined."
The dragon retreats to over Nyx's ice wall to the area with the giants. But before he leaves, he turns back and finishes, "There are stronger foes than me in here. Watch your back. Because I may be there too."
@Siiska, dragon's attacks are magical so I'll fix her damage. @Galadan, that's my mistake. Will update his damage. Two arrows + Siiska's Hateful Aura. @Farrar, I'm pretty sure that the (object) tag in the SR of the spell means it affects objects and creatures.
SR info:
The terms “object” and “harmless” mean the same thing for spell resistance as they do for saving throws. A creature with spell resistance must voluntarily lower the resistance (a standard action) in order to be affected by such spells without forcing the caster to make a caster level check.
The dragon takes some more damage! An arrow from Galadhan lodges right under it's wing as it screams in pain (nice crit!). The others run away as the dragon's mouth starts forming a small cloud of negative energy... seems like it may be preparing for another breath attack.
The dragon does not take an AOO's (just yet at least).
The dragon will swipe at Siiska as she flies up. Assuming Siiska will have to fly up, which will provoke an AOO. Debilitating Portent is not in effect for AOO as Siiska acted first.
Only Galadhan manages to hit! One arrow lodges under the dragon's wing. Siiska can't pummel through the dragon's armor while Nyx's lightning is absorbed by the creature (did not bypass SR).
The dragon flies down and attacks the most threatening one: Leon.
Farrar knows dragons - this is definitely a dragon. But he didn't get a good look at it before being blinded! Beyond that, he just doesn't know anything about this one.
The giants make no reaction to Nyx's ice wall - either they don't hear the combat, aren't interested, or doing something more important.
As for Pathfinders... a few are blind but despite it's frightful nature, none are afraid of the dragon!
Leon channels the Inheritor, with radiant energy encouraging his allies. Farrar also inspires his allies as well as speeding them up.
Galadhan quickly fires off three arrows. All seem to miss... until the power of the Inheritor guides one arrow to strike the dragon (barely a hit).
1d4 ⇒ 2
The dragon makes no comment to the Pathfinders - his only purpose is to eliminate you. He flies down, only 15 feet above, and attacks the weakest looking - Farrar.
Good thing about paladins, they are indeed immune to fear effects so Frightful Presence has no effect on Leon! And everyone within 10' of Leon gains a +4 morale bonus on the check vs Frightful Presence (and any future fear effect.
Still waiting on Galadhan and Farrar to go. Both Siiska and Akku still take 1d4 STR drain on a successful save vs the dragon's breath.
The dragon is 50 ft directly over head despite his location on the map (I don't want to overlay tokens). I'll use a red square to indicate his location. You also have some flexibility on starting location. I clustered you in a group with Leon leading and Galadhan dropping behind. If Nyx wanted to scout ahead, feel free to put him ahead of the group (but within ~15/20 ft of Leon).
I believe that Nyx's spheres are no longer as they only last a minute (10 rounds) and it's been a bit longer than that.
As Farrar comments on the lack of Reborn about, Nyx hears something coming from the unfinished section of the room... deep, low tones that he knows comes from a certain type of creature: giants! At least a few different voices can be heard, perhaps 6 individuals, all whispering (well whispering for a giant).
But.... before the group can approach, the ceiling starts to rumble and debris falls from above. Slithering out of the darkness of the ceiling, a large creature unfolds it's wings and blasts the group with a burst of energy! Each of you feel your body twist and weaken!
Surprise round!
The dragon is directly overhead, 50 feet above. He uses his breath weapon - a 50 ft cone. Everyone must attempt a DC 23 Fortitude save or are blinded for 1d4 rounds (please roll for yourself) and take 6 points of STR drain. A successful save negates the blindness and reduces the STR drain to 1d4 points (please roll for yourself).
Please place yourselves somewhere in the red square. I'll likely update tomorrow after work. Please roleplay as you enter the Foresaken Fane and find it empty of Reborn.
What do you do? Approach the four freestanding columns? Approach the two dark pools filled with inky liquid? Head north thru the 60ft-wide arch? Head east towards the unfinished alcove? Feel free to place yourselves somewhere in the room.
The door creaks open as Galadhan breaks out his tools and hears a satisfying *click*. The door slowly swings wide as a blast of cold air rushes out. Ahead of Galadhan, he sees a vast inner courtyard reaching to a height of eighty feet overhead. Four freestanding columns of dark stone stand in the center of the room, glimmering with a strange violet light. To the east and west are two dark pools filled to the brim with inky liquid. A sixty-foot-wide archway leads north surrounded by carvings of enourmous spectral figures in dark robes. The eastern alcove of the room appears to be unfinished and a dark opening twenty feet in diameter leads into a tunnel of unworked stone.
The room is quiet - perhaps too quiet as the sounds of your footsteps echo throughout this chamber.
Nyx - make sure you record all uses of healing! When the Dark Champions used their Death Throes ability, all items were destroyed with them. The giants have giant-sized battleaxes and hide armor (mundane). The rest of the dark folk fled and are no longer on the tower.
Galadhan Perception:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
Galadhan believes that the winch is trapped, he's seen many traps like this - pulling the lever will release a toxic plume. Easy to disable though.
DC 20 Disable check to disable the winch. No Strength check or anything to use it.
Once the portcullis is up:
The stone door is much harder to open. It's 8 inches thick and bolted shut from the other side. Break DC 30, Disable Device DC 32 to pick the lock. Possibly trapped as well.
This combat is basically over. These dark champions wont be able to do much (they are only CR 5). Leon will have to deal with their Death Throes though (which all dark folk have). All creatures within a 10-ft radius take 3d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 4) = 10 fire damage and 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10 piercing damage (Reflex DC 17 for half). Since the
Then you guys will have to figure out a way to open the portcullis and then open the heavy stone doors. You believe the winch to open the portcullis up is behind one of the giant's body.
The two dark champion/caligni are on the ground, but behind the portcullis/in front of the front door. The two giants and the ballista users are up above on the towers/walls. Does that change anything Leon?
For reference, here are what the dark champions look like - pretty neat!
Farrar recalls some things Aiyana told him about this caste of caligni: those rare dark folk children born without eyes are assigned to this caste and begin a life of rigor, privation, and martial training. Their armor is bolted to their bodies in sections and removed only rarely. Due to their lack of eyes, gaze attacks, sight-based attacks, and any visual effects are not effective (immunity). However, they are vulnerable to sonic based attacks. Other than that, they hit hard (power attack, cleave) and have a decent chunk of hp (CR 5).
Akku neutralizes some of the ballistae users while his sister sneaks in and mauls one of the cave giants!
Galadhan's first arrow flies true and kills the weakened cave giant while his other arrow punches a hole into the side of the other.
The two dark champions behind the portcullis continue their defensive stance, ready to poke anyone who comes close with their greatswords (i.e. they are readying an attack thru the portcullis).
Upon closer look, these dark champions are entirely cased in black plate armor as if it were skin. Each open-faced helm reveals pale skin and shallow, fleshy hollows where its eyes should be.
1) Yes, took damage from a few of you but had plenty of HP left. It cast a spell (defensively) and teleported away based on written tactics (i.e. he retreated after dropping to a certain HP threshold).
2) Green = tower guards. All are dark creepers (CR 2) and are up on the tower. They are all aiming ballistae at you (but you guys acted in a 'surprise round' so they didn't attack this round).
Blue = cave giants. They are also aiming ballistae at you. One is heavily damaged by Galadhan.
Red (in front of door, behind portcullis) = dark champions. CR 5.
Dark Champion description:
This gaunt humanoid’s body is entirely cased in black plate armor. Its open-faced helm reveals its pale skin and shallow, fleshy hollows where its eyes should be.
Small correction: only two cave giants total. I had read it as two cave giants per side, but it's only two total.
Upon realizing that they've been caught, Galadhan quickly pulls out his bow and aims it at one of the cave giants! *wham wham wham*. A succession of arrows fill the giant's gut, but the giant still stands... barely.
Akku goes for a more mysterious route! A sudden "fog cloud" erupts from the spiritualist's hands, engulfing the group in an illusion.
owb will save:1d20 ⇒ 19 guard's will save:2d20 ⇒ (6, 20) = 26
Only one of the guards thinks the fog cloud is real! But both hold up large greatswords, ready to swing at any enemy that approaches.
The owb studies the group of you closely... and Farrar feels his brain being invaded by the owb.
<Hmmm... just as I thought. This musician friend of yours gave me all the information I needed... You don't belong here!> the voice echoes in your head. <This bard is thinking you are here to defeat the Reborn. Let me tell you this - you wont get past me!>
Moved you guys closer to the owb. Right now, only the owb and the two guards realize you are enemies. All the others will take a round before they act. The portcullis (red) is constructed of cold iron and has hardness 10, hp 60, and a lift/break DC 32. The doors behind are stone and bolted shut from the inside with a hardness 8, hp 120, break DC 28, and Disable Device 30.
The owb holds out it's skeletal hands. A sphere of pure ice sizzles as its conjured. <Best of luck, my friends> the owb says as he lobs the ball at the group.
You guys rested since the last encounter (Sadist Spires and the drider) so buffs from last combat are no longer active. Even if you did not rest, any buffs that last 1 min/level or 10 mins/level are no longer active. If any of you want to cast spells or any buffs before going into the fane (maybe with a bit of retcon), please state which spells/buffs you use.
Still waiting on Leon, Farrar, and Nyx's Will Save. I will bot each sometime tomorrow.
It is a new day. I don't recall anyone casting Heroism or Protection vs Evil. For record keeping, who casts those and where do you cast them (e.g. before you travel to Ancestor's Isle? Somewhere on the isle? Right before you approach the Fane? Could be important for timed spells)
All around, the Pathfinders see various caligni snarling at you. Atop each tower, at least four on each look down, pointing the giant ballistae at you. Several giants also point ballistae at you from above.
But most importantly floats a large skeletal like figure in front of the portcullis. He looks at you strangely. An echo rings in each of your head, "What brings you to the Foraken Fane? No outsiders are allowed."
"Wait right here," the commando says as he approaches the portculis and goes through the gate after whispering something in the owbs ear.
"Ah, here to see Veilisendri? What business do you have to him? He does not take kindly to strangers."
The owb's eyes glow red as each of you feel it start probing your thoughts.
@Galadhan, yeah there's plenty of dim/darker light. But you'd know most/all caligni/dark folk have the ability to see perfectly in darkness (i.e. they have the ability see in darkness). Though there may be other creatures around that don't possess that ability
Will saves:4d20 ⇒ (19, 13, 7, 11) = 50
Suggestion, Will save:1d20 ⇒ 16
The commandos and officers look at the Pathfinders, in particular Farrar. One of them seems fascinated by the bard's performance but the others seem to snarl.
"More fodder for the Reborn.." one mutters as he takes a bite out of a freshly cooked chicken leg.
The ranking officer there elbows the discontent commando, "Hey buddy, we know Jorneth died, but you can't be so gloom.". He stands up and takes Farrar to the side. "The Forsaken Fane, eh? I think I can get you in there. Why do you want to go in? Ah, nevermind. Are you going in to meet Nephenie? Or Veilisendri? I'm sure both will be excited to learn how our campaigns on the surface world are going."
He leaves the others behind, "Follow me. This way. Can't keep them waiting."
Place yourselves somewhere in the red square.
Also, interesting thing to note: didn't realize this. The commandos are dark stalkers (size medium). The officers are dark creepers (size small).
Also, is the map too big for everyone? I may cut it up into smaller sections to make it more visible if people want.
You probably wouldn't have a detailed layout - more of a general gist of the Fane. Are you guys going to try Charm Person? Or how are you guys planning on advancing?
@Nyx, I don't see the spells Burrow nor Stone Shape on your character sheet. Is it a special ability that I'm not seeing? If so, feel free to use it and place your pawns on the map.
The map does a pretty poor job of it, but you have to come from the south - the whole area is enclosed by rock. The only entrance to the area is the giant red arrow (where the remnants of an old/destroyed gate used to be). Also, Galadhan saw several sentries walking up and down the walls/towers.
Drew a few arrows on the map for possible routes. Digging through stone via the light blue arrow: about 100-200 feet and a high chance of being seen at the start. Digging through stone via the light green arrow: about 30 feet and a chance of being seen at start and at end of tunnel but avoid kill box. Red arrow: no digging, avoid worst of kill box, but could be seen by sentries. Yellow arrow: kill zone! But with charm person, may be able to get in.
Do any of those work? If Nyx is going to dig, please give me some stealth checks. If you are going to do the charm person route, give me some appropriate checks.
