Rise of the Runelords IC 2

[Spore]

Adalbert Hornwood Halfling Mage AC: 18 HP: 26/26 touch: 14, ff: 15, CMD: 13 Conditions: Anger +1, Mage Armor (4h), Longstrider (5h)) This is indeed a question worth answering. And maybe I even have the book to tell me. Adalbert rummages in his backpack for one of the books he found in Sandpoint. Spoiler Show Know Planes (1d20+8)[10] possibly +2 from the correct book.

[u-b]

Adalbert only has one working hypothesis... that these things have not been summoned... but then Lizuga brings to your attention the fact that the wounds on two of the three seems to be closing up fast...

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu Lizuga tries to recall barely listened-to lessons from her training in Sarenrae's temple, on the nature and weaknesses of bodies made of literal evil. Knowledge Planes - (1d20+6)[21]. Meanwhile, she gives the regenerating demons a few good whacks with her hammer.

[u-b]

The bodies of the demons... well, they often are tough and sometimes heal quickly. It seems this time they are both. Most likely, nothing that can't be solved by a couple of good whacks. Lizuga does just that, waits a few minutes and indeed observes that the tiny bodies beging to decompose - the process goes fast enough to be observable for reasons having to do with lack of separate body and soul or some such, but Lizuga couldn't remember the details.

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu Lizuga makes sure everyone is okay. Then, she turns to Adalbert. "Before we were so rudely interrupted, you had a plan with a rope and this torch?".

[Erloas]

"We're sure he's teleporting away, rather than being able to turn invisible? Either way, lets close these doors and at least partially secure them and search the room before trying anything else with this door. Then we need to figure out a way to find where he is and put him down." Krusk says as he heads to the doors. Looking around outside the room before pulling them closed and waiting to see what the other's come up with.

(1d20+6)[12] Perception

[Spore]

Adalbert Hornwood Halfling Mage AC: 18 HP: 26/26 touch: 14, ff: 15, CMD: 13 Conditions: Anger +1, Mage Armor (4h), Longstrider (5h)) Still peering into his book searching for the exact fiend in question, Adalbert offhandedly mentions Many demons are able to teleport themselves freely. Their lack of a real body makes them realized essence, basically a physical soul. I have not heard of many creatures who can go invisible at will, but potions and even a small well of arcane energies would make this certainly a short-term idea. So, in fact, both ideas are viable. I say Iris should open her eyes. She has a knack for this stuff. With these words, Adalbert repeats his fiend detection spell and looks for demonic energies beyond those already slain. Spoiler Show Cast Detect Fiendish Presence.

[u-b]

Aaaaand... yep! There is fiendish presence. A tiny round aura high in the center of the room, right below the ceiling. With your normal vision, you don't see a thing.

[Spore]

Adalbert Hornwood Halfling Mage AC: 18 HP: 26/26 touch: 14, ff: 15, CMD: 13 Conditions: Anger +1, Mage Armor (4h), Longstrider (5h)) Fascinating. There you are! ADalbert says and aims a flame spray upwards at the demonic presence. Spoiler Show DC 16 Reflex or take (5d4+17)[29] Fire Damage from Burning Hands.

[u-b]

The flames should have hit the creature, but seem to have a much lesser effect than Adalbert has intended. He had to break the concentration to cast the fiery spell, but when he scans the room again, he finds the same aura, now in the central firepit and still not fading...

Spoiler

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Reflex: (1d20+5)[23]

[DrK]

Rakieth Anlec As Lizuga continues to pound on the bodies Rakieth nods in satisfaction. then jumps slightly as Adalbert appears to flame empty air. "What are you doing mage? What do you hope to hit?" Even as he shakes his head at the halfling's actions he hops to the east wall looking for a catch to the door that they could open to get out of this room

Spoiler:

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Perception (1d20+9)[29] + (1d6)[2]
Disable to open the door (1d20+9)[11]

HPs 33 / 33 Saves +2/8/4 (+2 Vs Enchant, +2 vs Traps)
AC 20 (FF 20 Touch 15) +4 dodge = 24 Init +7 (+11) Perception +9 (11 vs traps) Darkvision 60ft/Lowlight vision

Abilities
Inspiration 5 /5 Remaining (+1d6 on skill check, Free on Knowledge/S.motive Perception, 2 points for Saves / Attack rolls)
Sneak Attack +2d6
Trapfinding +2
Uncanny Dodge

Path of War
Active Stances: Riven Hour Glass
Body of Night (Heal ranks to Stealth, +4 to hit/+1d6 dam Vs FFooted)
Scarlet Einhander (If one weapon fighting, +1d6 damage, +2 shield AC)
Riven Hourglass (+4 Dodge AC/Initiative, Immune to Slow, 20% Spell Miss chance)

Moves
Hunting Serpent (strike)
Dizzying Venom (boost)
Flash kick (boost)
Sun Dips Low (Counter)
Iron Fang (strike)
Sight Piercing Fang (strike)

Instead of recovering maneuvers like a standard stalker, a vigilante must open his mind to the flow of battle and the inherent patterns therein as a full-round action. When he does so, he recovers a number of expended maneuvers equal to his vigilante initiation modifier (minimum 2), gains a +4 insight bonus to his AC for one round and can move up to to his speed during the action, provoking attacks of opportunity as normal. In addition, the next attack he makes this encounter adds his sneak attack damage if it hits, regardless of whether or not the target his flanked or flat-footed. Alternately, the vigilante can center his awareness and recover a single maneuver as a standard action.

Conditional effects
Bless +1 to hit +1 va fear
Planar armament : ignore DR 5

[Erloas]

"I guess that means you think you have found him. Maybe he can only teleport to a place he can see, so as long as the doors are closed maybe he's trapped. Spread out, lets see if we can find him, I'll cover this door" Krusk says as he settles into a defensive stance and listens and watches where Adalbert is looking.

Spoiler: OOC

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Vigilant Keeper’s Stance still, all threatened squares are difficult terrain

(1d20+6)[15] Perception

character sheet is updated, switched Iron Shell maneuver for Binding Fetters

[u-b]

Now that he has the hint, with his trained eyes, Rakieth can see quite a lot. First, a thin trail of smoke descending down from the ceiling where the fire struk. That is, the smoke was rising up, but the trail was extending down. Then that same trail landing and quickly dwindling in the firepit that is full with completely smokeless fire. Then there is a tiny emptiness in the center of that fire, occasionally visible as the flames dance. The eastern wall is a bit less interesting. A massive stone block, if you call it a "door", a torch (seemingly lit and extinquished numerous times) in a stand (seemingly not in any way movable) on the wall (seemingly stone and solid)... and that's about it.

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu "Come now. Seriously. You can hide all you want, but this fight will end with your pointless death". Lizuga closes her eyes in silent prayer and glows for a moment. Allies within 30' gain 15 Temp HP for 1 minute.

Spoiler: Stats

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AC 22, Touch 13, FF 20, CMD 21|Fort +6 Ref +3 Will +8|HP: 45/46
Perception +12, Initiative +2
Healer's Hand 3/5
Triage 3/4. Maneuvers readied: Encouraging Roar, Kill the Wounded, Curate's Strike (heals 12 or new save), Oaken Shield (Counter +4 AC), Piercing Strike (+5' reach, attack two targets next to each other). Stance: Armaments of the Empire

[Spore]

Adalbert Hornwood Halfling Mage AC: 18 HP: 26/26 touch: 14, ff: 15, CMD: 13 Conditions: Anger +1, Mage Armor (4h), Longstrider (5h)) Adalbert summons a rolling orb of flames. Point me at him and I will burn him. If it takes the whole day! Spoiler Show DC 16 Reflex or take (3d6)[6] Fire Damage from Flaming Sphere if I manage to pass through the target's square (the sphere can jump too). But I only have 5 turns worth of damage.

[Ghostfoot]

Iris "Why certainly, Master Adalbert". Iris concentrates, pointing out the taint for Adalbert to cleanse. Spoiler: OOC Show detect evil as needed Perception [roll1d20+10[/roll]

Spoiler: Stats

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Iris of Shelyn
Level 6 to do

[u-b]

The plan does not work well. First, no one comes out for anything. Second, Iris can see just one evil aura, a tiny round one in the fire. She says as much and Adalbert directs more fire in there, which causes the tiny evil aura to leave there and fly all around the room, making it somewhat hard to keep an eye on, since whatever radiates that aura remains invisible through this whole affair. Eventually the aura slows down somewhat, but remains invisible and on the move. What do you do?

[Spore]

Adalbert Hornwood Halfling Mage AC: 18 HP: 26/26 touch: 14, ff: 15, CMD: 13 Conditions: Anger +1, Mage Armor (4h), Longstrider (5h)) Probably not flammable then. But small you say? Adalbert throws her a pint of lantern oil. Try to catch it in there. Maybe a sprite-sized quasit or something. Non flammable does not mean they cannot be drowned in oil, or fried in it.

[Erloas]

"So you're thinking this is some other demon and not the big guy we were looking for? Does anyone have a potion or magic that might give the rest of us some way of helping more?" Krusk asks he moves away from the door and towards where Iris was indicating the creature was, trying to pick up any indication of the creature and ready to strike out if he can sense it.

Spoiler: OOC

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Not sure if the difficult terrain affect would do anything here, but that stance is still up.

perception
(1d20+6)[15]

and an attack or AOO if it might come up shortly
(1d20+9)[25]
(2d4+4)[9]
(1d100)[54] percentile for invisible or whatever

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu "Eh... maybe keep at it with the fire and the torch and the looking for doors? I don't know about invisibility, but I can be ready if something attacks us".

Spoiler: Stats

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AC 22, Touch 13, FF 20, CMD 21|Fort +6 Ref +3 Will +8|HP: 45/46
Perception +12, Initiative +2
Healer's Hand 3/5
Triage 3/4. Maneuvers readied: Encouraging Roar, Kill the Wounded, Curate's Strike (heals 12 or new save), Oaken Shield (Counter +4 AC), Piercing Strike (+5' reach, attack two targets next to each other). Stance: Armaments of the Empire

[Spore]

Adalbert Hornwood Halfling Mage AC: 18 HP: 26/26 touch: 14, ff: 15, CMD: 13 Conditions: Anger +1, Mage Armor (4h), Longstrider (5h)) This is the tiniest mote of demonic energy. As far as I know it could be a permanent Unseen Servant spell carrying around an invisible orb to distract us. Adalbert grimaces. Spoiler Show Do we still have the amulet that lets people scry on us? Maybe that is linked to this whole charade somehow.

[Erloas]

"Have we tried just lighting the torch?" Krusk says as he goes to remove the torch from the wall and take it to the fire to light it, and once looking at the fire "what do you make of this small spot in the middle of the fire?" And moves the lit torch into that small spot. If nothing seems to happen the now lit torch will be returned to the wall.

If the torch can't be removed from the wall he'll get one from someone or find something else to burn to light the torch on the wall.

[u-b]

The torch is easily removed from the wall. There is no irregularities or anomalies in the central fire now. It seems the only anomaly was caused by something that is now flying invisible all around the room trying and failing to find a way out or waiting for you to be gone. The torch lits. Krusk places it back in the holder. For some time nothing much seems to happen. Then you notice the large stone block slowly going down into the floor.

Spoiler

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Like, very slowly. And Iris can see the aura observed notices it and positions itself near the tiny, but widening, gap...

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu As soon as the first tiny crack appears, Lizuga rushes over to look at it. She turns back to her comrades, pointing and smiling widely. "I knew it! I KNEW there was a secret door here!".

Spoiler: Stats

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AC 22, Touch 13, FF 20, CMD 21|Fort +6 Ref +3 Will +8|HP: 45/46
Perception +12, Initiative +2
Healer's Hand 3/5
Triage 3/4. Maneuvers readied: Encouraging Roar, Kill the Wounded, Curate's Strike (heals 12 or new save), Oaken Shield (Counter +4 AC), Piercing Strike (+5' reach, attack two targets next to each other). Stance: Armaments of the Empire

[DrK]

Rakieth Anlec As the huge stone block starts moving with the torch lit on the wall Rakieth shakes his head. "I had expected it to be more complex than that." Advancing carefully he peers down the corridor beyond the stone block, eyes and ears alert for any danger, the bow held taut in his hands watching the space he'll shift back into his stealthy stance and start sneaking down the corridor, a muttered "At least there is a way out now..."

Spoiler:

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Perception (1d20+9)[25] + (1d6)[3]

HPs 33 / 33 Saves +2/8/4 (+2 Vs Enchant, +2 vs Traps)
AC 20 (FF 20 Touch 15) +4 dodge = 24 Init +7 (+11) Perception +9 (11 vs traps) Darkvision 60ft/Lowlight vision

Abilities
Inspiration 5 /5 Remaining (+1d6 on skill check, Free on Knowledge/S.motive Perception, 2 points for Saves / Attack rolls)
Sneak Attack +2d6
Trapfinding +2
Uncanny Dodge

Path of War
Active Stances: Riven Hour Glass
Body of Night (Heal ranks to Stealth, +4 to hit/+1d6 dam Vs FFooted)
Scarlet Einhander (If one weapon fighting, +1d6 damage, +2 shield AC)
Riven Hourglass (+4 Dodge AC/Initiative, Immune to Slow, 20% Spell Miss chance)

Moves
Hunting Serpent (strike)
Dizzying Venom (boost)
Flash kick (boost)
Sun Dips Low (Counter)
Iron Fang (strike)
Sight Piercing Fang (strike)

Instead of recovering maneuvers like a standard stalker, a vigilante must open his mind to the flow of battle and the inherent patterns therein as a full-round action. When he does so, he recovers a number of expended maneuvers equal to his vigilante initiation modifier (minimum 2), gains a +4 insight bonus to his AC for one round and can move up to to his speed during the action, provoking attacks of opportunity as normal. In addition, the next attack he makes this encounter adds his sneak attack damage if it hits, regardless of whether or not the target his flanked or flat-footed. Alternately, the vigilante can center his awareness and recover a single maneuver as a standard action.

Conditional effects
Bless +1 to hit +1 va fear
Planar armament : ignore DR 5

[Spore]

Adalbert Hornwood Halfling Mage AC: 18 HP: 26/26 touch: 14, ff: 15, CMD: 13 Conditions: Anger +1, Mage Armor (4h), Longstrider (5h)) A temple sealed for eons, and a tiny demonic presence wants to enter immediately? This can only end well, I harbor. Adalbert notices in the most sarcastic way possible. We should hurry along. I may be almost out of spells, but this sounds like something that we should at least see in time.

[u-b]

Accompanied by the invisible demonic thingie, you go down the steps of a long stairway of polished stone steps, where... well, let us say you see something contrary to your expectations. You see a dead end. Or an apparent dead end, which, you suspect is more likely the case. The wall opposite the final step depicts a lascivious painting of a beautiful woman (you know the one), arms outstretched as if to welcome one into an embrace, lips twisted in a faintly cruel smile. A phrase in a Thassilonian is inscribed in gold across the top of the mural.

Prostrate thyself and demonstrate proper devotion, my sweet slave, if you wish to enter my domain.

Spoiler

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Contrary to tha mage's suggestion about "eons", Rakieth can see this is regularly and recently used (though "regularly" and "recently" might well be separated by those "eons"). The most wear is on the steps, as would be expected, and on the lower part of the mural, particularly the feet, which you might have to make sense of.

[Spore]

Adalbert Hornwood Halfling Mage AC: 18 HP: 26/26 touch: 14, ff: 15, CMD: 13 Conditions: Anger +1, Mage Armor (4h), Longstrider (5h)) Now was not the time for false pride. Adalbert drops his crossbow and bows down to the statue, almost lying face down. [Thassilonian] Your obedient slaves require entry, Mistress! he says and beckons the others to follow his example.

[u-b]

...aaaand he's gone!

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu Lizuga spares a brief moment to turn to her companions, sigh deeply, and roll her eyes at Adalbert's risky behaviour. Then, she drops down prostrate and attemps to repeat the sounds she just heard: untrained logistics - (1d20+0)[6].

Spoiler: Stats

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AC 22, Touch 13, FF 20, CMD 21|Fort +6 Ref +3 Will +8|HP: 45/46
Perception +12, Initiative +2
Healer's Hand 3/5
Triage 3/4. Maneuvers readied: Encouraging Roar, Kill the Wounded, Curate's Strike (heals 12 or new save), Oaken Shield (Counter +4 AC), Piercing Strike (+5' reach, attack two targets next to each other). Stance: Armaments of the Empire