Saturday 28 March 2020

ep 101 1/3-3/3/4720 AR Spires of Xin-Shalast #1 - The Horror Tree

Roger's Blogspot: The Vekker's Cabin (03/14/2015)

Simon N. (GM):thinking we start 10 days later w you back in Magnimar and long rested?
JamesDevil:I think so, yea
Chris T.:souds good to me. Are you okay with Mal resummoning her Pegasus?
Simon N. (GM):yes? :)
Chris T.::)
JamesDevil:Claw's going to try to find a few more BoHing then ask Quillax to give him a life how, the Wife needs some love ;)
We've also got all that loot to sort, mostly metals
Quillax:Back.
If we have had time, Q would like to pick up a bag of holding since she still hasn't gotten one yet :D
Chris T.:M has no need of treasures other than for food and board so you guys fill your boots with them.
Quillax:since the accident
Simon N. (GM):GM: 1/3/4720 AR, Heidmarch Manor, Magnimar
JamesDevil:@Simon did Claw find any BoHing?
Simon N. (GM):You have Windwalked back from Xin and had a Long Rest.
You can buy the stuff on https://smonscurseofthecrimsonthrone.blogspot.com/2019/01/rise-of-runelords-4719-ar.html in downtime so 2000gp per bag of holding
please update PC sheets now
JamesDevil:will do
Simon N. (GM):Items available in Magnimar 4720 AR
1. Bag of Holding - 2000gp
2. Boots of Striding and Springing - 1000gp
3. Cloak of Elvenkind - 1500gp
4. Gauntlets of Ogre Power - 4000gp
5. Gloves of Swimming and Climbing - 1000gp
Simon N. (GM):6. Goggles of Night - 1000gp
7. Headband of Intellect - 4000gp
8. Keoghtom’s Ointment (5 doses) - 500gp
9. Wand of Magic Detection - 1000gp
10. Wand of Magic Missiles - 3500gp
11. Various +1 weapons & shields - 2000gp each
Simon N. (GM):12. Potion of Climbing (3) - 100gp each
13. Potions of healing (35) - 50gp each
14. Cloak of Billowing - 200gp
15. Potion of Growth - 250gp
16. Potion of hill giant strength - 250gp
17. Ring of mind shielding - 2000gp
Simon N. (GM):18. Ring of swimming - 2000gp
19. Perfume of Bewitchment (12) - 50gp each
20. Ring of Warmth - 2000gp
I can expand chat bar. woot! :D
Chris T.:I updated my PC sheet on the DF thread this morning. Is that okay?
Simon N. (GM):yup thx Chris
Quillax:Q will take a bag of holding then :)
JamesDevil:CClaw will take multiple, for he is the the pack mule ;)
Quillax:(did we assume we finished and won the fight?)
JamesDevil:yep
Simon N. (GM):GM: 1/3/4720 AR, Heidmarch Manor, Magnimar. Sheila Heidmarch has invited the three of you to the briefing roo, the same room where a young novice Pathfinder called Quillax began her adventures, so long ago. Also in attendance is the old sage Brodert Quink. Sheila has a rather red nose and bleary eyes, likely one of those seasonal bugs going around...
GM: The aboleth plane shifted or teleported away, you're not sure which. You did a quick loot of the palace (let's say you sold stuff for +5000gp each) then Wind Walked home a week ago
JamesDevil:so all the metals sold for 5K total?
Chris T.:M will donate her share to the poor of Magnimar.
Quillax:(5k each, james)
JamesDevil:(its just thatI have the Dzejet liqid metal as being 20000 on its own, no worries though
Simon N. (GM):(no I meant new post-game stuff gets you 5000 each so we don't have to play through weeks of looting the Isle of Xin!) Sheila: "Thank you for coming today. Mayor Grobaras has asked me to complete a full report to the Sihedron Council. As I understand it, you have each been somehow infused with the Power of the Sihedron, although Xin has taken the device away to the Great Beyond..."
Quillax:Got it :)
JamesDevil:;)
Simon N. (GM):(you get 5000 plus the value of what's on your sheet)
JamesDevil:ooo, ok
Chris T.:The last queen of the Azlanti nods her head sadly.
JamesDevil:I'll divy that up while you type
Chris T.:(M still donates everyting but living expenses to help rebuild the poor sections of the city after the flood and feed the poor.)
Simon N. (GM):Sheila: "The Mayor's public relations campaign is minimising the negative consequences of the recent unpleasantness - the tsunami and such..."
"And of course your heroic actions and generosity are most appreciated."
Chris T.:"It is the least we can do."
"The Mayor is concerned by reports that Runelord Karzoug's forces are already on the move. We believe attacks on the Storrval Stairs and Turtleback Ferry are likely within the next month."
Chris T.:"Lady Heidmarch, would you consider this the greatest threat?"
Simon N. (GM):"I've been asked to propose a plan to aid in the defence of Magnimar's holdings - and all Varisia." She turns to Malassandra. "I don't know. What do you think, Lady Malassandra?"
Chris T.:"We have intelligence recently gathered from our trip to Xin that a greater threat may be rising."
Simon N. (GM):Brodert Quink is stroking his beard. "If these rumours of the Lady of Lust's awakening are correct, then Karzoug I fear is the least of our concerns!"
Chris T.:(Chris desperately searches his notes )
That's the one! She who put Mal to sleep :)
Soz, bit rusty
Simon N. (GM):Brodert: "Sorshen! "
Chris T.:(Thanks)
JamesDevil:"My Giant allies are will hold the enemy back on the Storrval Stair, they will make no gains once they reach it"
Simon N. (GM):Sheila to Brodert: "The Mayor is more concerned by the Armies of Greed approaching his domain." She looks to Claw and frowns. "With such champions as yourselves, and the Meteor Storm Bombards installed on the city walls, we are excellently placed to defend against conventional attack. However, my concern is that destroying Karzoug's rune-marked armies merely furthers his plans - by harvesting their lives we may give him the power to free himself from his prison dimension."
Chris T.:"Then we must withdaraw before his forces whilst we hunt him down?"
"Giving ground to buy us time.."
Simon N. (GM):Sheila nods to Mal. "My own inclination is to avoid mass battle, while a strike team - yourselves - enters Xin Shalast, finds the imprisoned Runelord, and eliminates him there. Once he is free, locating him will be much harder - and he will likely be able to rally the Rune Giants to his cause."
Brodert looks at you over his spectacles. "You are all familiar with the Rune Giants? Enormous brutes! An army of them would be too much even for yourselves, I fear!"
Brodert: "However, I fear that by fighting Karzoug, we leave Sorshen free to act... "
Chris T.:"We met the rune giant who tried to assassinate Emperor Xin. He was mighty indeed."
OOC Geographically can we swoop on Sorshen whilst our forces tacticaly withdeaw buying us time to then reach Karzoug?
Simon N. (GM):Sheila: "Three Runelords are known to have awakened - Greed, who marches against us. Gluttony, who campaigns in the east, against Lastwall. Sloth, who seemingly does little..."
Quillax:Greed is undoubtedly the most active - by taking him out, we can stop him taking over the other armies and adding them to his own. Gluttony, we may be able to distract.
Simon N. (GM):>>OOC Geographically can we swoop on Sorshen whilst our forces tacticaly withdeaw buying us time to then reach Karzoug?<< All Mal knows is that Sorshen's ancient capital is now the city of Korvosa; Sorshen may have been buried in vaults under the city.
Chris T.:Korvosa is near the pyramid she was trapped beneath?
Ah yes. I have it
East and a little south of Sunken Queen.
"So it seems we must choose between Karzoug and Shorshen?"
Simon N. (GM):Sheila: "Our agents in Korvosa have not detected any unusual activity - if Sorshen has awoken, she must be subtle indeed."
Chris T.:"She is subtle as a vixen, make no mistake."
Quillax:we can assume if most the rune lords are awake, so is she
Simon N. (GM):Sheila nods to Mal. "I defer to your expertise". She dabs her nose with a scented kerchief, sniffling slightly.
Quillax:She will let them rip each other apart and sweep in after. It's what I would do in her position.
Chris T.:Mal steps back to 6' away.
Simon N. (GM)::D
Chris T.:"You are wise Lady Quilax as always."
"So by destroying Karzoug we strengthen her hand?"
"Should we therefore chop the head directly from the snake?"
"And go to Korvosa..."
Simon N. (GM):Sheila shrugs. "I don't know. And we have had appeals for aid from Lastwall - several senior Pathfinders have already fallen opposing Zutha. It looks as if with the spring his hordes will overrun the nation within months - possibly weeks..."
Quillax:"It is possible we would strengthen her, but waiting also puts many at risk. If we could redirect Karzoug to target Gluttony, then we could safely go after her, but we cannot ignore him.
JamesDevil:"we've met the current leader of Greed, she seemed to think that I was an agent of Wrath (soz i can't remember the name)
"I may be able to warn her of an 'inniment attack from Gluttony'"
Simon N. (GM):Sheila: "There are too many wheels within wheels... but I do feel that we have the opportunity now to stop Karzoug. And that the others can be dealt with in their turn."
Chris T.:"And do we know where Karzoug may be sleeping?"
JamesDevil:"If she thinks that Gluttony is going to attack while her army is away, she'll have to cancel her attack on the stairs"
Simon N. (GM):Sheila nods to Mal: "The legendary city of Xin-Shalast. High in the Kodar mountains. We believe he is trapped in some kind of extra-dimensional space, with limited ability to influence Golarion. That he is harvesting life energies to free himself."
Chris T.:top right, got it
Simon N. (GM):Sheila looks to Claw: "The problem is that such conventional thinking may avail us naught, if Karzoug wants his forces massacred to power his rebirth or liberation."
JamesDevil:"Once her army is redirected, we can assassinate her"
"You'd prefer that he attacks the stair and is power'd by the deaths of our forces?"
Simon N. (GM):Brodert: "I should also mention Runeforge, where legendary weapons may be forged against the Runelords... but it seems to me you likely already have the strength to defeat Karzoug, if you can reach him."
Chris T.:"Lord Claw. Could your Giants be better used building passive deffences to slow the enemies progress rather that slaughtering them and thus increasing the power of our enemy?"
JamesDevil:Claw's eyes narrow
"Passive isn't really the giant way, even if i insruct them to do so"
"but i supose it is possible
Simon N. (GM):Sheila: "It may even become necessary to abandon the Stairs, rather than slay too many of Karzoug's forces... but I believe we still have a few weeks. Two at least. If we are swift we may be able to locate and eliminate Karzoug before his armies can even reach Magnimaran holdings."
Quillax:In terms of magic, If we can alter the shape of the symbol or break the magic inherent, then when they die, he gets no energy. Alternatively, if we can create an anti-magic field, anything killed inside would not benefit him.
Chris T.:"Can we reach XinShalast sooner?"
Quillax:The problem with anything physical, unless we can trap them in such a way that they cannot kill themselves or each other, we cannot prevent them from simply killing each other to power him. Even binding them within the earth would only be a short term measure - when they die of thirst, it would power him...
Simon N. (GM):Sheila sighs. "I don't know. Legends say Xin-Shalast is no longer entirely of this world..."
JamesDevil:"....then we bring down the stairs"
Let their army enter the stairway, then collapse the way in front and back of them , penning them in
JamesDevil:sigh
Simon N. (GM):They are only a few hundred feet high
JamesDevil:"then we have to redirect that army"
Chris T.:"If we can but lure them on slowly, for ever promising battle but cunningly avoiding it. They will have no need to fall on their own and it may gift us the time to find unworldly Xin Shalast?"
JamesDevil:"if we trick Greed into messaging her army to return to her city THEN assasinate her there will be no further orders"
Chris T.:"Is this Greed such a threat as Karzoug or Shorshen?"
Quillax:Q looks up from her contemplation of the table top. "Are we certain they will make for the Stairs?"
"Because if so, there may be an option. I would need some of the most powerful magic users and my druids but it might be possible for them to carve anti magic runes into the bedrock. It would kill all the magic in the area, possibly forever, but any killed within the anti magic would not benefit any rune lord."
Simon N. (GM):Sheila: "I don't know. The campaign map seems to indicate likely attacks on Storrval Stairs and Turtleback Ferr, the only direct routes from Shalast into Magnimaran lands."
She coughs.
Quillax:"only those without magic would be able to fight there, potions would be useless, so would magic weapons and magical creatures."
Chris T.:Mal is convinced that destroying the leaders not the foot soldiers is the key but Claw and Quila have been battling them longer than she so she will go along with any plans they make.
Simon N. (GM):GM: Storrval Stairs are a 400' rise - https://pathfinderwiki.com/wiki/Storval_Stairs
Quillax:She shrugs. "It would allow his forces to be held there while we go deal with the direct threat."
Chris T.:"Or we move swiftly and surely now, trusting to guile?"
Simon N. (GM):OOC page w known leaders of Shalast (Greed) https://smonscurseofthecrimsonthrone.blogspot.com/2019/04/intermission.html
Sheila: "I think you are best placed to decide. I know Mayor Grobaras is keen to minimise the threat to Magnimar, and would prefer not to see a Runelord army at his walls."
JamesDevil:"Taking out Shalast will reduce the number of fronts we are having to hold"
Quillax:"we will, of course, go as the strike force, but methods must be put into place to slow his progress."
Chris T.:Happy to go along with your plans guys. M has had her say.
Simon N. (GM):Sheila nods: "The Mayor promises any aid he can provide."
JamesDevil:"Ok, i still think an assassination on greed first, then we can move onto Gluttony, that should stunt Greed's attack without feeding Gluttony as their ranks will be in chao's
Simon N. (GM):That's Viorian Dekanti, the Greed commander at Urglin
Quillax:"Then we shall endeavour to find entry into Xin-Shalast. We have plenty of experience in getting into places we shouldn't."
Chris T.:M nods.
Simon N. (GM):And General Stom, who fancies Claw. :D
Chris T.:hehe
"As you will. I'll pack my things."
Simon N. (GM):Sheila: "I'll report to Mayor Grobaras today. Let me know when you're leaving. Brodert can assist you with information on Xin-Shalast."
JamesDevil:OOC so, this is the value of the metal we looted...
Skymetal 2 bars - 200000 each = 400000
Siccattite 24 bars - 1000 each = 24000
Inubrix ingots 38 - unknown value
Adamantium Dragons teeth - Unknown value
each means per bar, not per share
JamesDevil:correct me if i'm wrong on these Simon
afk a min, gonna grab lunch
Simon N. (GM):ok going to take break to 2pm for lunch etc, will stop GMing but stay online
Quillax:ok
Chris T.:cool, I'll grab a sandwich then. Good to be bak :)
Simon N. (GM):I seem to finally have 'mild flu symptoms' today :\ - explains why so achey this morning
Chris T.:oh dear. That doesn't sound good.
My London friends are all in a bit of a tizz.
It sounds pretty bad up there.
Simon N. (GM):GM: The 38 Inubrix ingots are worth 500gp each so 19000gp total
rolling 2d4
(
2
+
4
)
=
6
6000gp for the dragons teeth :)
I don't have much of a dry cough or fever though, do get chills, bleary eyes, sore throat, grotty generally
JamesDevil:back
Simon N. (GM):>>Skymetal 2 bars - 200000 each = 400000<< this looks like an error. From the Reliquary you could gather 200,000gp total worth of Skymetal components.
Chris T.:Things here in rural Yorkshire are still pretty safe but everyone is staying at home and avoiding going to the local town. Plenty of farms and such for fresh produce.
Simon N. (GM):Oh there were a bunch of incorporated magic items - I might have said you could sell them all for another 200,000 total.
"Treasure: Amid the clockwork reliquary’s scattered remains is a king’s ransom in various skymetal components. The exact mix of components the PCs can gather is up to you, but is worth 200,000 gp in all. In addition, several powerful magical items used as nothing more than potent components for the construct’s body can be salvaged from the remains, including a rod of quicken metamagic, a rod of empower metamagic, a cube of force, an orb of utter chaos (Ultimate Equipment), one of each type of ioun stone listed on page 521 of the Core Rulebook, two philosopher’s stones, a spindle of perfect knowledge (Ultimate Equipment), and last but not least, the Guardian Key (see page 58)."
London is somwhat resembling Shaun of the Dead :D
Chris T.:Again with the magic, you guys take what you want. M is pretty much set.
JamesDevil:400k sot eh whole dungeon, gottcha
I was think more like 28 days xD
Chris T.::D
JamesDevil:ok, so, 400k 3 ways?
Simon N. (GM):Not seen 28 Days Later
But I not seen any Fast Zombies yet :)
Chris T.:Jorian may want a share even if M doesn't :D
Simon N. (GM):So 3 ways :)
JamesDevil:really? British zombie film, really good, it opens with a guy wandering around london calling with noone around
fast zombies are a little bit of a cheat at times though :/
Simon N. (GM):Feel better w my Mexican ready meal lunch - I'd only had an apple for breakfast
Appetite has gone so didn't notice :\
JamesDevil::(
Simon N. (GM):I knew I'd get sick when the buggers closed the swimming pools - I need to swim daily to control inflammation >:(
Chris T.::(
JamesDevil:ok, total loot comes to 133,333.33gp for each of us
Simon N. (GM):GM: Suggest you take next 10 minutes to discuss a plan?
JamesDevil:good idea
the last bit of money we spend on a round of drinks ;)
Chris T.:Would Claw fill M in on the tactical situation.
M's share goes straight to the poor.
She will keep 33GP for stabling and food.
(and Jorian will be cross if he doesn't get a share I'm sure)
Quillax:ok, i've been told dinner is in an hour, so I'm expected to go and sit at the table at that time
Chris T.:"So where do we start, Lord Claw, Lady Quilax?"
JamesDevil:No worries Keelia, we can always end early :)
Ok, so, we have an internment battle about to break out at the stairs to the west, we want to avoid that if at all possible, I don't see slowing it down as an option since eventually there will have to be a battle or we would give them so much land that we effectively lose the west
Taking out the leaders is our best shot, without them in command their armies should be throw into chaos and eventually fracture and disband
Quillax:i'm fine with taking out the leaders
JamesDevil:If we can take out the current leader of Greed first then it stops the immediate threat, then we can move on Gluttony to prevent them from capitalising on the situation and taking Greed's land
Quillax:Sloth is least concerning at the moment. I'd say Greed, look for Shorsen, Gluttony, Sloth
Chris T.:And just to be doubly sure, you feel taking out those leaders already in the field is more urgent than stopping Karzoug and Sorshen waking?
JamesDevil:that order sounds like the best
Chris T.:Cool. Let's be at them then. Where do we head and what's the plan when we get there?
Quillax:Karzoug = greed leader, no?
JamesDevil:yep, Karzoug = Greed
Chris T.:Karzoug currently sleeps in otherworldly Xin Shalast
The mayor said he may be able to help locate it?
JamesDevil:yep, if he is still reseraching by the time we leave he can probably contact us without us having to return
Chris T.:excellent. Do we have any clues to his powers?
Ideas of how best to attack him?
Quillax:He's going to have legendary moves, probably energy drain or regather, likely will have people around him to sacrifice to regain strength. Magic and a magical weapons. All safe assumptions
Chris T.:ah yes! The one who regains strength as his chaps die. Thanks Keelia
So hold magics etc ?
may be more useful than those that directly damage..
Quillax:We'll need stuff that can burn through his legendary saves, plenty of potions and such for heals. Hold magics are good for his minions until we can disfigure their symbols.
JamesDevil:The sword of Gluttony drains health, and instant kills on a crit (con save)
Greed does something similar
turns you to worthless crystal on crit
both nasty :P
Chris T.:Maybe locate Object if one of you is familiar with it?
Quillax:we are - he stole it from Clank.
JamesDevil:Clank now has Gluttony
Chris T.:You guys have such a history with this game, very cool :)
JamesDevil:that Greedy lady stole the Greed sword (greed sob!)
Chris T.:So the plan is to find a way to Xin Shalast then to Karzoug avoiding as much as we can?
So as not to give him the strength to wake.
Then take his slumbering form out?
JamesDevil:yep, few lives lost, the weaker he'll be
Chris T.:Any clues how we do this?
Quillax:We fought Karzoug once before (he doesn't like Q much) - was he the guy Clank got by the gonads?
Chris T.:hehe
JamesDevil:yep!
Chris T.:and as to getting there...
Quilax's magic I guess?
JamesDevil:Windwalk baby!
Chris T.:Will that spell allow M to take along her Pegasus mount?
Or should I leave old Thunder behind??
Quillax:Willing creatures - it should
Chris T.:Big writings on the screen :)
hmmm how do we remove our own scribbles?
Quillax:use the pointer - click on it drawing, and hit delete
Chris T.:arrgghh
no go
Simon N. (GM):I can delete you! :D
Chris T.:yay
Quillax:ok plan - talk to the mayor dude, wind walk to the location, investigate how we get into the partial dimension castle. hope to hell we don't die :D
Chris T.::D
JamesDevil:Onwards!
Claw heads to the mayor dude
Chris T.:M follows.
Simon N. (GM):GM: The Mayor welcomes Claw & Mal and offers some expensive wine in a lavishly engraved bottle.
JamesDevil:Claw passes on it
Chris T.:M looks questioningly at this extravagance when the poor are in such need but says nothing.
Simon N. (GM):"Magnimar stands ready to assist the Sihedron Heroes by any means available!" he simpers.
JamesDevil:"not strong enough me, but thank you"
"So, any progress locating out quarry?"
Simon N. (GM):GM: Meanwhile in the Pathfinder Lodge library, Brodert Quink passes Quillax an old letter. "Salutations, Mr. Quink! Thank you again for the kind words and drink. It’s always a pleasure to speak with readers of my work, especially those well read and civilized enough to know of my writing beyond Eidolon . Alas, I was unable to procure a copy of the early draft from my personal files. It would seem that it has gone the way of so much of my early work, lost forever to the gulfs of time and narrow-minded publishers unable to grasp the import of a young Pathfinder’s work. Fortunately, my mind is as quick now as it was in those early days of my explorations of your fantastic homeland. I recall the evening I first heard the story of Xin-Shalast, while seated on a log in a Varisian camp, sharing ruby mead with an enchanting young woman. Ah, but that’s a story for other times. I was intrigued by the tale, though. All peoples have tales of “cities of gold,” yet with Xin-Shalast, the Varisians had no tradition of explorers seeking it. They viewed the place as one of evil, a place to be feared and forsaken. As far as I could tell, none of your indigenous people ever sought out the ruins before the advent of Chelish rule. But there was mention, come to think of it, of two dwarven brothers. Vekker, I think their names were. Claimed to have found the route to Xin-Shalast and convinced several tradesmen in Janderhoff to support and supply their plan to establish a base of operations in the low Kodar Mountains along the Kazaron. Their vanishing into the Kodars bankrupted all but one of their investors, I hear, and even today, the Vekker name is generally accompanied by a litany of rousing dwarven profanity when it comes up in ’Hoffian taverns. In the stead of enclosing a copy of the early, complete draft of my work, though, please find a signed copy of Eidolon with this missive. I trust it will look quite handsome on your shelf. In good health, Redwing"
Grobaras: "I was just about to ask you the same!"
Quillax:Q grins at Brodert. "This is an excellent find."
Chris T.::)
Simon N. (GM):Brodert grins back: "I have been doing my own research - and I can confirm that Silas and Karivek Vekker did indeed abscond with a fair amount of invested capital into the mountains. The common theory in Janderhoff is that the dwarves used the “discovery of Xin-Shalast” as a cover for a con, but those who knew the Vekkers personally held them in quite high regard. I suspect that they did indeed discover Xin-Shalast, and their secrecy was one born of necessity rather than malice. For if they had discovered the great city, until they could return with proof, it would only be wise to guard the discovery. I theorise that the Vekkers met some sort of foul end in the Kodars, and that if their base of operations could be found - along the banks of the Kazaron River, according to Redwing’s letter - perhaps clues to the city’s location could be found therein?"
Quillax:"I agree with your theory and I believe it is an capital place to start investigating."
Simon N. (GM):Claw and Mal pass a somewhat frustrating half hour with the Mayor before it becomes clear he knows rather less than they do, basically a regurgitated version of what Sheila reported to him. He is keen to see the Perfect Atomisers mounted on the city walls obliterate Karzoug's army.
Brodert: "Short of some Divine power revealing the city to us, I think this is our best bet."
Chris T.:hehe, back to Quilax the clever :)
Quillax:Q briefly considers if any divine powers are likely to speak with her.
Chris T.:She whistles for mighty Thunder and collects here belongings along with rations for the journey
Quillax:"I concur, my friend. Should we find the Vekkers' base, I'll send word back so that you and Redwing can investigate as long as it is relatively safe."
Simon N. (GM):Brodert: "The reality-altering nature of the region may make Wind Walk inadvisable within the Kodars and Mhar Massif, but it should be safe enough to approach as clouds if you follow closely to the Kazaron River, I think."
Quillax:"That information is much appreciated. I do not fancy being turned into a whale and or flower pot and falling from the sky, however, If Wind Walk can get us close enough, we have other means to travel."
Simon N. (GM):Brodert: "Oh, old Redwing died years ago, I'm afraid. Never quite recovered from the harsh reception given to his Magnum Opus."
Quillax:"Pity. If you can get the scribes to make a copy of his works, I'd be happy to house it in the Library. He may not be around to be acknowledged but we can treat his works with respect."
Simon N. (GM):Brodert: "I can acquire a spare copy of Eidolon for you - many were printed with those infernal Cheliaxan block-print machines. Often you find them in the Remaindered pile..."
Quillax:"I would be pleased to have a copy. I should round up my travelling companions and prepare to make for the Karazon."
Simon N. (GM):Brodert nods. "All good wishes go with you, milady!"
Quillax:"Fare thee well and my thanks."
She wanders off to round up the others and share the information.
Chris T.:Mal whispers to Thunder, gently explaining the nature of the magics soon to be involved in their travels.
"You work swiftly and surly Lady Quilax!"
JamesDevil:"glad that talking is over, we good to go?"
Quillax:"Brodert is a fair ally with a solid mind. But our work is barely started. We have much investigation to be done. Claw is right, we should waste no more time if we can."
Simon N. (GM):GM: From the Jorgenfist Library and her own knowledge, Quillax can put together a map like the one I just pasted
Can you see it ok?
JamesDevil:yep
Quillax:yep
Chris T.:I seem to have zoomed it out and lost it.
Simon N. (GM):The otherwordly Avah river is said to flow from its headwaters at Xin-Shalast, but legend says it no longer exists within this world, or only partially.
Chris T.:what % do you guys have on your screen?
Simon N. (GM):it's to right of the Viorian & Stom pics
JamesDevil:100
Simon N. (GM):100
Chris T.:I have it on the other map.
Quillax:zoom out to like 60% - you should be able to see the whole screen, then zoom in and use mouse to drag window around.
Chris T.:I give up!
I know where we're heading :)
Simon N. (GM):GM: It looks most obvious to travel to Jorgenfist first (transport via plants) then from there wind walk to the upper Kazaron river? But you have also been to Guiltspur where Stom is based and could transport to plants a couple miles west of Guiltspur & fly from there?
Magnimar to Upper Kazaron is very far to attempt in a single wind walk
Quillax:Might as well transport by plants - that's instant. Not sure we have plants at Guiltspur, so Jorgenfist is better option.
Simon N. (GM):AIR you found some a few miles west of the tower you could use. OTOH following the river from the Storrval Deep is the easiest option for no Survival checks :)
GM: OK so that afternoon you gather together in the gardens of Heidmarch Manor, Quillax opens a portal in a large willow tree and you step through to her garden at Jorgenfist.
Quillax:(Q's survival and survival instincts both are crap :D but I think Claw's got some solid survival?)
Simon N. (GM):Well you'll not be able to communicate easily in cloud form so need to be careful.
You are greeted by the lovely Clank, his life partner the Librarian, and Q's druid followers.
GM: At Jorgenfist you can ready yourselves and have a final pleasant night before setting out before dawn the next morning?
Claw's wife Rukvara is at Jorgenfist and is very pleased to see him :)
Quillax:Q fills them all in and goes to re supply her potions, etc
Chris T.:(OOC I'm not aware of what the survival roll is for but M has a low ability, +2)
Simon N. (GM):The next morning the pre dawn light brightens the eastern sky as you assemble in the courtyard; Q casts Wind Walk and you turn into clouds and rise up, heading east to the Storrval Deep then from there NE along the Kazaron River towards its fork with the river Stalak.
rolling d6
(
4
)
=
4
Occasionally far below you see small bands of humanoids, hunters or scouts most likely, whether orc or Shoanti it's hard to tell.
That afternoon you reach the fork - Quillax roll Survival for rate of progress please
(WIS)
Quillax:brb
back, sorry
probably another 30 min to dinner
Simon N. (GM):that's good
Q roll Survival (WIS)
Quillax:
rolling d20+9
(
19
)
+9
=
28
Simon N. (GM):You have +9 WIS? Nice :)
Quillax:sorry, it should be +7 so only 26. GHard to read this sheet - its been overwritten so many times
Simon N. (GM):Still good. You still have 90 minutes left on the Wind Walk when you reach the fork; following the eastern tributary and cutting a bit off the loop you rise up over the foothills towards the mighty peaks ahead...
Quillax:(hell, it could be +9 due to some bonus, but let's go for +7 :D )
Simon N. (GM):It's late afternoon when you reach (A) on the map.
The Kodar Mountains are one of Golarion’s most intimidating and massive mountain ranges. Few places in the world are more inhospitable to life than these mountains, yet life endures here. The extremes make for equally powerful monsters and denizens, of course— only the strongest survive for long in this region, known to the Shoanti as the World’s Roof...
The winds here are much stronger, and you have to shelter low down in the river valley to avoid your whispy forms being blown away.
You have about 15 minutes of Wind Walk left and are looking for a good place to land, when you see a man (dwarf?) made structure ahead in the narrow valley...
A split-log tower abuts the cliff face and rises from a workshop on ground level to a larger cabin perched on the cliff’s edge sixty feet above. The rough wooden structure is so overgrown with lichen as to almost appear an extension of the rock face. The ground to the south of the lower structure is a steep embankment, over which a chute protrudes from the structure’s southern wall. At the base of the embankment is a large pile of fine, black sand that spreads out in a deposit striated by years of erosion. The ground surrounding the pile is barren of any plant life, with the exception of a single sagging pine tree. Faint traces of a footpath lead to the workhouse doors, though it is obvious none have come this way in many years.
Quillax:Q heads down towards the structure, expecting the others to follow her wispy form :)
Chris T.:If possible M and Thunder follow
Quillax:Can she squeeze in through the workhouse doors in wind form?
Chris T.:M circles above keeping watch
Simon N. (GM):Wind Walk requires you to stay in a roughly coherent form, so no you can't seep under doors etc.
Chris T.:ah
Quillax:OK, if there's no gap big enough, she'll retake her form just outside the doors.
JamesDevil:Claw will revert to his normal form on a side of the structure on the opposite of the wind
Chris T.:The swooping form of Thunder and Mal reform above the workhouse. Circling lazily on the air currents.
Simon N. (GM):There are main double work-type doors, and round to the right a smaller entry door, more domestic looking.
Quillax:Q checks the work doors for traps first.
Chris T.:Looking out for any dangers in the surounding area.
Quillax:(and to see if the doors are locked)
Chris T.:before coming into land. "Gently lad, wait here for me and stay safe."
Simon N. (GM):The building sits on the west side of a 60' high cliff, which does a good job of sheltering you from the winds. To the south is a steep slope with chute down to the pile of what looks like black sand.
The dead pine tree sagging beside the leavings pile triggers Mal's sense of unease (tick off a Divine Sense)
It has the reek of foul undeath about it!
JamesDevil:"Nice place"
Chris T.:7/8
"Wickedness lurks here abouts and within that tree most strongly!"
Simon N. (GM):Q you turn back to human form to examine the doors?
Quillax:Yes, she's taken human form
JamesDevil:Claw wips around
Chris T.:She deaws the Sun Sword and watches the tree most closely as Q searches.
JamesDevil:"Where?"
Chris T.:she points it out
Simon N. (GM):There are no obvious traps visible.Q can just make out that a rusty iron bar bars the far side of the double doors.
JamesDevil:Claw nods at her and cautiously close to the spot pointed out sword drawn
Simon N. (GM):The side door has a badly corroded iron lock.
JamesDevil:moves*
Simon N. (GM):GM: Claw heads down the slope towards the evil looking tree....
Quillax:She looks to the others and see them heading towards the tree. She considers, then takes fire elemental form
Chris T.:M stays about 60' behind him.
Quillax:She floats down towards the tree.
Simon N. (GM):As he reaches it, it turns, a great fangy mouth gapes wide...
Roll init please :)
Quillax:
rolling d20+3
(
9
)
+3
=
12
Chris T.:
rolling 2d20
(
7
+
6
)
=
13
9
JamesDevil:
rolling 1d20+2
(
15
)
+2
=
17
Chris T.:9 for Mal.
Simon N. (GM):
rolling d20-1
(
4
)
-1
=
3
Claw/Mal/Quillax/tree
The Horror Tree reaches for Claw, then hesitates and flinches as Garvok bursts into flame...
Claw your go
JamesDevil:attack!
Quillax:(I also have timeglass)
JamesDevil:
rolling 1d20+26
(
3
)
+26
=
29
Simon N. (GM):Claw attacks! Roll to hit, AC 19
hit
Quillax:just been called to dinner
Simon N. (GM):It has resistance to Slashing but vulnerable to Fire
so half damage weapon, x2 dmg fire
JamesDevil:
rolling 3d6+25
(
4
+
5
+
1
)
+25
=
35
this was raged btw, forgot to mention
rolling 1d6
(
2
)
=
2
39 total
no wait, half the 35
16 +2
JamesDevil:+4
Chris T.:(Enjoy dinner, Keelia )
JamesDevil:so 20
Simon N. (GM):17 slashing, and 5d6x2 fire
JamesDevil:ah, i'll roll the 4 extra fire d6
rolling 4d6
(
5
+
5
+
5
+
1
)
=
16
Simon N. (GM):I'm not sure you do +25 damage though
+10 STR +4 rage +3 weapon = +17 right?
18 fire x2 = 36 fire
Quillax:If you guys get into trouble, Q is on fire and does fire elemental damage. :)
JamesDevil:yea...I wrote it down rong i think#
Simon N. (GM):yup!
10+17 = 27 slash/2 = 13 slashing
49 dmg
2nd attack?
JamesDevil:next attack
rolling 1d20+17
(
3
)
+17
=
20
xD
rolling 3d6
(
2
+
3
+
4
)
=
9
Simon N. (GM):Your to hit bonus - +10 STR +7 Prof +3 weapon = +20 AFAIK?
slash dmg 9+17=26/2 = 13
JamesDevil:god my brain is really not working, yes it should be +20
Simon N. (GM):roll fire dmg
JamesDevil:
rolling 5d6
(
4
+
4
+
4
+
4
+
6
)
=
22
Simon N. (GM):22x2= 44 fire!
JamesDevil::)
Simon N. (GM):It's taken 106 damage, large chunks are burning merrily & falling away.
Mal your go
Chris T.:Mal, 60' behind aims four Eldritch Blasts at it.
rolling 1d20+14 x4
(
11
)
+14
=
25
rolling 3d20
(
8
+
6
+
6
)
=
20
25,22,20, 20
Simon N. (GM):all hit AC 19
Chris T.:
rolling 4d10
(
5
+
5
+
4
+
4
)
=
18
18 Force. End turn
Simon N. (GM):it takes full force dmg, 18
Quillax, attracted by the battle, turns into a fire elemental and descends the slope towards the evil tree (end turn)
Tree - it reaches down for Claw with its branch/claws...
JamesDevil:hah! claws at Claw
Simon N. (GM):
rolling d20+15x2
(
12
)
+15
=
27
d20+15
rolling d20+15
(
10
)
+15
=
25
Claw AC?
JamesDevil:21
Simon N. (GM):The tree stomps and bashes Claw
rolling 16d6+30
(
3
+
2
+
2
+
4
+
1
+
4
+
5
+
3
+
5
+
6
+
5
+
4
+
6
+
2
+
1
+
1
)
+30
=
84
84 blunt dmg/2 = 42
JamesDevil:Claw just smiles back
Simon N. (GM):The horror tree’s branches are encrusted with a virulent fungus that grows rapidly when in contact with blood, sending filaments ripping through the bodies of any living creatures damaged by its slams and dealing 1d6 points of Dexterity damage in the process...
Unless Claw has poison immunity he takes 2d6 DEX dmg
rolling 2d6
(
5
+
6
)
=
11
Chris T.:ouchers!
JamesDevil:bah, rude
Simon N. (GM):Claw loses 11 points of DEX, so -5 or -6 to AC
What is his remaining DEX?
JamesDevil:8 if -6
Simon N. (GM):-11
If was 14, now 3
JamesDevil:crap, thats not good
Simon N. (GM):The foul fungal filaments reach towards Claw's heart...
If his DEX reaches 0 they reach his heart...
Chris T.:Gulp...
JamesDevil:yarp
Simon N. (GM):R2
Claw's turn
JamesDevil:Claw is now pissed
Attack 1
rolling 1d20+20
(
15
)
+20
=
35
Slashing
rolling 3d6
(
2
+
5
+
6
)
=
13
fire
Simon N. (GM):30/2 = 15
JamesDevil:
rolling 5d6
(
3
+
2
+
2
+
3
+
2
)
=
12
Simon N. (GM):12x2=24
39 dmg
JamesDevil:I move back up to Mal
Simon N. (GM):Burn piney burn, undead tree inferno...
2nd attack?
JamesDevil:o yea
rolling 1d20+20
(
7
)
+20
=
27
rolling 3d6
(
4
+
5
+
4
)
=
13
rolling 5d6
(
5
+
3
+
4
+
3
+
3
)
=
18
Simon N. (GM):30/2 = 15, 18x2=36, total 51...
The tree goes up in flames! Staggering forward it crashes to the ground as Claw leaps clumsily back. It burns brightly, a foul stench rising with the smoke.
You win :)
JamesDevil:sweet
Chris T.:Nasty!
An OA there could have finished Claw for good..
JamesDevil:yea >.>
how long does the - to Dex last?
Chris T.:I think we just went up a league....
Simon N. (GM):It splits open, you see bones within, a huge black opal, a cracked leather satchel burning and cracking, spilling out a broken rock hammer, a burning coin pouch, a sealed steel flask, and a dozen runescribed x-bow bolts.
The DEX penalty is a magic disease so maybe ask Mal :D
JamesDevil:"I guess this was one of the Dwarf brothers..."
Chris T.:Mal will try laying on hands for 5 points, the usual required for curing a disease.
Simon N. (GM):Mal cures Claw, the black striations under his skin glow and vanish. As the flames die down you can recover if you wish the opal (v 2000gp) 43gp, 12 +2 crossbow bolts of distance, and the steel flask scribed with a stylised mountain peak.
OOC ok stopping there for today
JamesDevil:k, cool
Chris T.:Nice session, Simon! Good to be back guys :)