It's been a little over two weeks with no replies from anybody else, so I'm gonna assume ya'll aren't interested in continuing. Sucks, but understandable.
Thanks for tryin out this little experiment with me, perhaps I can try again another time.
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If others feel the need to drop, please let me know, so I can either move us forward or end things.
I feel the need to repost this. Longears, if you wanna leave, that's okay. As you said, no hard feelings. I am still here, and I am still committed to running this as long as able. If others aren't feelin it any longer, that's also okay, and if that means the game has to end, so be it.
The dragon rages as it suddenly finds itself trapped within an invisible cage.
Engineering:
This is a Clockwork Dragon However, it's gargantuan instead of huge, and obviously, I've boosted some it's stats to be a bit more of a challenge. It's still vulnerable to electricity, but it has resistance 20. It's fire resist is 30, as is it's SR. It also has acid and cold resist 25.
Why in the **heck** does the Squirrel Mob have such a massively high bonus to their initiative?!? lolol
Remember that time I said "I'm not here to ruin your fun" ? Well, your squirrels, are part of your build, and thus part of your fun. Did I rule that companions and familiars should also get ABP? If not, let's give them those boosts. If I did, let's see how this battle goes, and we can look at improving them afterward, if we feel we need to. **Because this is a test, if any PC or ally/companion/familiar should die, they will be brought back to life instantly after combat is over.**
Apologies, I didn't answer your question, but I need to ask one of my own, first: Your squirrels are considered both familiars and companions(or at least the boss is both), yes?
This fight is basically just a test to see what you're all capable of, and if things need to be adjusted on either end of the the 'screen'. It's not something from the module, it's just a quick encounter I whipped up(while still trying to stay on theme, hence clockwork dragon). Part of the problem with a game at this level(even without my extra rules, gestalt, etc) is that there's a ton of extra moving parts beyond simple stats. Immunities/resistances, wonky class features(the core, *chained* monk gets SR, for example, lol), and more can make it difficult to just base an encounter on generic stats. This doesn't even include buffs, which again, even a normal party of level 20 core classes should have plenty of. Just to be clear, I'm not saying you're at all wrong or disagreeing with you. Rather, I'm pointing out that I am aware that this group is built with nonstandard rules, and we need to try and test(as best as possible) your capabilities, *before* we get to the actual module's encounters. This way, if we need to make any tweaks, we can do so. Also, please remember that I'm not here to fight the players or ruin your fun/kill the PCs. Everything is open for debate and change, but we can't potentially change things if don't know what needs 'fixing'.
Just wanted to give ya'll a heads up: I am fully committed to and have every intention to see this module through to the end. However, with both convention and craft fair(my mom and I make candles) season ramping up, there might be times where I am suddenly away(I will always *try* to give advance notice, but sometimes I get overwhelmed or just too tired to do so) for days or even a week+(depending on what exactly is going on). If that's the case, please just sit tight, and know I'll be back eventually. If we have to replace people along the way, or if anybody wants to drop now with this 'revelation', I have no problem doing so. Obviously, if you wanna drop, there's absolutely no hard feelings, and hopefully we can play again together! Ya'll are definitely an awesome group, and I'm quite happy I chose each of you!
A massive dragon, made from gleaming metal and countless complex cogs and gears, comes soaring down from the clouds, clearly intent on destruction. As it nears your location, it belches out a huge cone of flaming tar.
DC 50:
You hear a loud, draconic roar. Based on how loud it said roar is, you're fairly certain the creature emitting is somewhat close. DC 55:
The draconic roar seems mechanical, not organic. Your best guess is that the creature is moments away from spotting you're group. DC 70:
Rahl spots an incredibly rare flower that hasn't been seen in over 1,000 years. It's a stunningly gorgeous stargazer lily, but it's colors are inverted. Some sages speculate that this version has magical properties when used in certain alchemical concoctions. Unfortunately, due to her fascination with such a unique discovery, she's stunned for the first round of combat.
You all bid appropriate farewells to Tasha, gather whatever you require, and teleport to about a mile outside of Rasonia. From your vantage point, you are able to easily see into the city, and from the looks of things, it seems fairly normal. Nothing seems out of place or unusual. In fact, it would appear that the city has actually gotten more prosperous since the last time any of you have visited.
Update: Heard back from Matt, so I'm all set there. *However* due to a combination of things, including my tinnitus flaring up, I haven't really slept since yesterday(it's currently 1:48pm). Unsure if I'll end up posting tonight, but if I do, it won't be till much later. Apologies all!
I am awaiting a question I asked of Matt, the author, before moving us forward. Hopefully I'll get an answer once I get up(it's 4:30am, time for sleepies, lol).
"Rasonia is a wealthy and influential city state, so you should be able to gather whatever you require for your preparations within. Should you wish to take additional time, I would suggest not waiting more than a day or so. Whatever Kazsethil is planning is likely imminent."
Ok, thank you. Like I said before, I’m not sure how helpful I (a planar traveler) will be in an adventure where I can’t use a bunch of my spells known and spell-like abilities, but I suppose I’m ready to find out. I don't know everything you're capable of, but I did see there's 3 spells on your Sorc list, and one on your Oracle that will be blocked by the ward. Hopefully you'll still be able to contribute plenty. *However*, while I am running this AP with little to no holds barred, I don't want you to end up feeling or being useless. Let us see how things go, and should that end up being the case, we'll figure out a work around. I already have a few ideas in mind.
When I spoked with the creator of the module, he said the ward prevents any extra-dimensional spells that allow *creatures* to enter from other planes. Including personal demi-planes used for resting. Items going into and out of storage are fine.I don't want to beat a dead horse, but I'm still trying to wrap my mind around exactly how this works. By RAW, there's no rule against living creatures climbing into a bag of holding (they just have to be able to fit through the opening, and not need to breathe), so it sounds like maybe the intention is that the effects still work but the ward stops creatures from passing through? If that's the case, could you still use like a rope trick or mage's mansion if only items were passing through the portal? What about something like teleport- could an intelligent item (with the teleport ability) teleport itself within the ward? And, what does all that mean for similacra? They are intelligent, animated objects... can they climb in and out of bags of holding and/or a mage's mansion? Can they teleport if they're not bringing any living creatures with them? The spell itself "completely blocks extradimensional travel." Going into and out of a rope trick or a mage's mansion is considered extradimensional travel, because they create extradimensional spaces. This would include attempting to 'hide' in a bag of holding. It doesn't matter if your flesh and blood, a construct, or anything else. Those spells are blocked. As a reminder these are the spells Dimensional Lock blocks: Forms of movement barred include astral projection, blink, dimension door, ethereal jaunt, etherealness, gate, maze, plane shift, shadow walk, teleport, and similar spell-like abilities. So no, an intelligent sword/simulacra can't teleport, because the spell itself is blocked. DL makes no distinction as to who or what is casting the spell.
"For what it's worth, I agree with Rahlmaat's suggestion of entering the city normally. It's a bustling, busy city with merchants, travelers, tourists and more going in and out all day. Should be easy enough for you six to gain access." Tasha offers, as the group begins to discuss their options.
The way you worded all of this definitely comes across as if you had a fast healing of 80+, especially when you said he was barely injured: Bolvar Damage Taken: 33 + 26 + 29 = 88 Round 3: Bolvar
The dragon obviously believed the dwarf to be dead, for it had chewed on him, thrown him to the ground, and stomped on him No mortal of such size had ever survived such in the dragon's very long life. To it's surprise, Bolvar rose to his feet, apparently no more than bruised. Hence my **severe** confusion and serious concern.
** spoiler omitted **... How in the heck do you apparently have fast healing 80+?!?
Tasha shakes her head at Ethulfel's question. "Unfortunately, the ward prevents any and all forms of extradimensional travel. Including personal abodes. However, pocket dimensions tied to items, like the aforementioned bag of holding, should be safe." She turns her attention to Rahlmaat. "I don't think he has any power bases beyond his castle, and the city. That alone should prove challenging enough." Finally, she chuckles at Erasmo's comment. "Still as surly as ever I see. While I'm a bit miffed you killed me, I appreciate your help in dealing with my sister. So for that, you have my thanks."
I realize that the general purpose of the Blacksmith is to work with/on/enhance manufactured items. However, this is such an unusual party(by design and intent) that I'll houserule the buffs can affect natural weapons and/or natural armor/scales. We'll see if that pushes things too over the top, but I kinda doubt it. Unless there's some crazy interactions I'm missing.
Welcome back Melk and Aryk! Glad you're both still with us, though if either of you(or any other player, at any time) needs some more time in the foreseeable future, please do so! We'll all hopefully still be here! Buffing is fine, as long as people don't go crazy overboard. At least for right now! I've looked over statblocks, but until we actually get into some encounters, I have no idea how any of this will go. Maybe ya'll will steamroll them, or maybe you'll get roflstomped. I'm not gonna pull any punches, but I'm also not aiming and trying my hardest to actually TPK you guys. Cuz ya know, I wanna actually run this module, lol. That said, if a TPK *does* happen, we'll handle bridge that cross when we get to it. For the time being, let's try to keep bonuses from all buffing(except for situational spells like Invisibility or Acute Senses) to around +10 per buff, per stat. Ie, +10 to Will, +10 to AC, +10 to damage, etc. If you have something that adds +20 to AoO or a limited use class feature like Smite or Judgement, those don't count. Same with any sort of favored enemy/terrain type bonuses as those are still limited. I plan on running at least one test encounter to see how ya'll fare, but even after that, if we need to adjust you guys up or down, we'll deal with that as it happens. OH! Almost forgot(thanks preview!) Animal companions/familiars/etc do not count towards your limit of buff spells/abilities. That's just mean. Though if the squirrel mob ends up taking down a demon lord all by themselves, I may revisit this ruling, LOL
I’m here! I thought I had made a post and nobody had responded. And yet now I see that it isn’t there…I’ll get it rewritten tomorrow. (I put a lot of time into making this character. No way I’d ghost this campaign…) That is the worst! It's why I always double or even triple check via preview to make sure my post is saved, and then I check again to make sure it's actually there. Cuz sometimes I get weird errors, and they can eat a post.
We are currently down to 3 active players. I know Melk is dealing with serious IRL stuff, so they're fine. I also believe Aryk is having a rough time IRL atm as well. I am unsure what's happened to Bolvar. Should we officially pause for the time being, until one or more of the above come back, or do you guys wanna keep chatting away with Tasha?
"I do not have a plan, pre se. What I can tell you is that his citadel is protected by endlessly renewing wards that make scrying, teleportation, and dimensional travel into the Castle or the Sanctum beneath not only impossible but incredibly dangerous for any caster." Tasha pauses for a few moments, letting that sink in, then continues. "As for potential allies, should you be able to find and rescue my sister, she would indeed aid you. My concern is that as the Sinlord of Lust, Kazsethil has stolen the minds and free will of many who would otherwise gladly oppose him."
"Thankfully, we do not need to worry about the Scepter of Ages, for it has seemingly returned to it's own timeline. It would appear that Kazsethil's trip was one way." Tasha explains, as she takes a sip of her wine. "Unfortunately, he possesses an artifact of far greater danger, the Sanguine Locus. For those of you unaware, this is was what the Crimson Queen used in her attempt to become immortal. However, she was basically an amateur when it came to the arcane arts, and she merely stumbled across the Locus. Not only is Kazsethil an awesomely powerful, incredibly well versed spell caster, he was also the creator of the Sanguine Locus. Who knows what other powers and secrets it might hold, known only to the Sinlord?"
"Nay mighty Bolvar. As I said in my Sending the Sinlord Kazsethil has indeed returned, or rather appeared for the first time. You see, Kazsethil is an alternate timeline version of Sorshen, who used *his* reality's Scepter of Ages to travel to our time period. While I was away dealing with Elvanna in the north, he ambushed our Sinlord of Lust, capturing her and my sister, Isolde. He also turned many of Isolde's allies against her. He then managed to defeat me in my weakened state, stripped me of all of magical equipment, and erected a powerful Antipathy spell directly targeting me. Thus, my summons of you six."
Apologies, I intended to post more, but I have a brand new laptop, which doesn't have the PDF on it. I'll resolve that tomorrow, but for now, an introduction!
The raven haired woman smiles, a grin which somehow manages to be both predatory and pleasant at the same time. ”Indeed I do know who you all are. One does not become one of most powerful witches in the known multiverse without learning about her contemporaries. I am Tasha, the Witch Queen, though many may know me as Igwilv, author of the Demonomicon which bears my name. I am also the consort to the demon lord Graz’zt, ruler of the thrice layered Abyssal realm of Azzagrat. Here in the Inner Sea, you may have known me when I adopted the guise of my mother, Baba Yaga, to deal with my unruly sister. She says, introducing herself and winking at Erasmo with her left eye.
I was away Mon and Tues, and I wanted to give a chance to reply before I move things forward. If he hasn't by tonight, I'll get my post up.
You enter through the doorway, and immediately begin your ascent to what you can only assume is your ‘benefactor’s’ quarters(at least you hope). About half up the stairs, those of you who are sensitive to such magicks, feel yourselves cross over into some sort of dimensional pocket. Cleary, you’re now in the personal domain of whomever summoned you. You emerge from the stairwell into a huge space that is obviously much larger than its outside appearance would indicate(from your best guess, you’re in the head/crown of the statue). The room is well lit and comfortably warm from a fire with no obvious fuel source, and there’s a dozen or more cozy looking chairs scattered throughout. Windows dot the walls, with some looking out into the surrounding countryside as if it were daytime, others gaze up into the night sky, and still more show what can only be far off vistas either elsewhere on Golarion or an obvious planar location. Finally, there’s an absolutely massive table that is so laden with food that it actually sags a bit under the weight of it all. ”Come. Sit and eat. If there is any cuisine missing from my table, it doesn’t exist.” Says your hostess, seated at the head of the table.
I'm a dope, and forgot I had my IRL vampire game(in my defense, it was our first session). I wrote up about half of my post, and then just ran out of creative steam. I am gonna take the advice from another GM, and *not* give a specific day that I'm gonna post by cuz the universe seems to kick ya when you do, lol
Last couple of days have been a bit rough IRL, but I'm hopeful I'll be able to post tomorrow(later today, technically, Wed the 5th).
Legend Lore:
You do not learn anything new about the statue, however, you do see images pertaining to the creation of the torch. You clearly see some sort of binding ritual, and while you can't truly make out the soul, you get enough of a glimpse that you can try to identify it.
The soul, or at least a fragment of a soul, that is being merged with this mystical flame is none other than that of Amaznen, the ancient Azlanti god of magic. As you all discuss the possibility of journeying to Xin-Shalast, a voice emanates from the statue and also within your minds. *"I did not go through the trouble of summoning you all here only for you to leave before we have spoken. Come, let us discuss your concerns."* For those of you have spoken to Sorshen, this does not sound like her, though it is female. Suddenly, a door appears at the foot of the statue, and slowly opens, revealing a set of stairs leading upwards.
Well. Perception is the only one of those I could possibly have made. That’s…concerning. I mean, I’m not built as a skill monkey, but even so… While this particular scene is of my own creation, the DCs in the adventure are roughly the same. Thankfully, D&D/PF is a group game, and while you're not able to make those DCs, other members in your party smashed them. Also, this is literally the very first 'encounter', and if we need to adjust builds on the fly, we can absolutely do so.
Arcana 50+:
This statue was crafted via incredibly powerful magic, likely at least by somebody as strong as you, if not stronger. The list of such mages, at least that you're aware of, is very short indeed. Especially since you're clearly not the builder. Arcana 50+ & Detect Magic/Arcane Sight/etc:
The statue radiates as if a major artifact, and then some. Were you not used to such auras, you would have been struck permanently blind. Even then you get the impression that you probably shouldn't stare directly at the statue for too long, else will indeed lose your sight. Geography 50+:
You can easily tell that the statue has been here for hundreds if not thousands of years. There’s not even the slightest traces of construction, tracks, or anything else that might indicate that it was even semi recently built. In fact, as you survey the area, it seems like the terrain and flora have shifted and grown around the tower, clear signs of just how long the statue has been here. History 50+:
Not only has this statue been here for likely thousands of years, it’s always been here. You know for a fact that even though your memory suggests otherwise, the records, history books, even people you’ve talked to, all verify it’s most ancient existence. Not only that, but now that you really think about it, you too have seen this statue, of the man and not Sorshen, here before. Local 50+:
Local legends dating back hundreds of years confirm that this statue has always been here. Stories abound about the purple flame in particular, as that’s the color often associated with royalty. Some claim it was placed in the torch by Aroden himself. Others say a Sinlord set the flame. A few believe some otherworldly entity lit the fire. Whomever is responsible for it, that purple flame has never gone out in well over a thousand years. Religion 50+:
Some form of mythic being created this statue, though whether it was the Sinlord it depicts or somebody acting on his behalf, you aren’t sure. What you do know is that there’s some crazy theories about the flame(see Local), with one of the most outlandish being that the soul of a minor deity of magic fuels it, keeping it forever ablaze. Perception 50+: There is absolutely zero evidence that anybody has been around this statue in well over a decade. There’s no tracks, no broken branches, no distributed dirt, nothing. You also see no way in or out of the statue, not even the hints of a crack or secret door. The entire thing appears to be one completely seamless structure.
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