Legacy of Fire SoP/SoM/PoW III: The Revengening

[lostsole31]

Khwaja Malak, seeing the sorceress rush the back line, fires a strange blast at her.

Spoiler

Show

FA: 5-foot-step to the SW, putting him at 35' to the sorceress (max for a DB).
SA: Attempt to hit her with a full-power mana siphon (2 SP). Perform (oratory) (1d20+15)[17]
* RTA (1d20+7)[21], damage (4d4)[7], Fort save vs. DC 17 or lose 1d2 SP (which Malak gains).

The Water Prince closes on the sorceress and tries to halt her progress.

Spoiler

Show

MA: 45' to get right up to her, one square to her SE.
SA: Provoke an AOO by attempting a trip maneuver! Trip CMB (1d20+7)[9]

[bcool999]

Rowan
HP 45/45
AC 21

Slightly startled at the sorceress's effective protection, Rowan sends a weaker gout of flame her way before finding cover behind the large boulder to the north.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Searing Blast on the Sorceress, then a move action north to cover behind that boulder (40ft move speed).
Ranged touch: (1d20+8)[13]
Damage: (6d8+6)[17] Fire damage that ignores 10 resistance.

[digiman619]

This battle in the north was kinda odd; while each combatant made multiple attacks against one another, only one hit in four seemed to connect, with the blow this round dealing 14 damage to Goma. 'Riq made short work of the wounded gnoll its compatriot deciding to get out while the getting is good and runs. The gnoll that was flanking with the ettin decides to look for a squishier target and 5 foot steps to Malak and stabs him for 8 damage.

On the lower front, Pretty much everyone focused fire on the priestess, trying to stop her from getting Rowan/attacking her now she's in position. Malak blasted her with magical energy that sucked 2 spell points from her and Akaash hit her with air, making her queasy in the process. Pretty much the only one who failed to stop her was the Water Prince and that was because the couldn't cut his momentum fast enough and overshot, taking 9 damage for his troubles. Shaharazad blasted the Ettin for 17 (it's definitely seen better days), but it still stands.

For her part, the priestess takes a step back, squints at Akaash for a moment, and screams at him in Gnoll before unloading a massive blast on Akaash, who is rocked for 38 damage!

Get ready for the final push!

Spoiler: Gnoll

Show

For the Carrion King!

Spoiler: Updated Map

Show

Direct link

[bcool999]

Rowan
HP 45/45
AC 21

Safely behind cover, Rowan focuses fire on the Priestess.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Full round action, Gathered Energy Searing Blast on the Priestess.

Ranged Touch: (1d20+8)[24]
Damage: (10d8+10)[52] Fire Damage that ignores 10 resistance.

[stack]

Akaash takes the blast square in the chest and staggers back, then grits his teeth. He is not going to give her another chance to do that.

Spoiler

Show

5' step NE
move action trip (1d20+13)[20]

energy blade (1d20+11)[30] (+4 is vs prone)
damage (1d6+6)[7] (5d6)[21]
trip (1d20+17)[31]

Spoiler: status

Show

Akaash Windborn
M NG Sylph Hedge Witch (Entropic Sage/Martial Hedgewitch), Level 7, Init 5, HP 8/55, Speed 30 (45)/15(30) fly
AC 24, Touch 20, Flat-footed 19, CMD 25, Fort 5, Ref 9, Will 7, CMB +6, Base Attack Bonus 5
Unarmed Strike +11 (1d6+6, 20x2)
emei piercer +10 (1d3+4, 19-20x2)
Monk, Trip kama +10 (1d4+4, 20x2)
AC Bonus =Int, Armor attunement , MW Buckler ABP+1 (+1 Armor, +2 Shield, +5 Dex, +1 Deflect, +5 Misc)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 21, Con 12, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 10
Condition 12/16 SP
+1 CMD vs trip
2/2 inspiration

[SwordChucks]

Goma shrugs off the last hit and continues to bash the ettin.

Spoiler: Combat

Show

Swift action: Use Sentinel's Reserve to gain 14 temp HP and cancel out the damage in my delayed damage pool.
Full round action: Full attack the ettin, if it drops use the remainder of the attacks on the gnoll adjacent to Goma.

Shield1: (1d20+12)[18], (2d8)[14]+(1d6+9)[14]
Shield2: (1d20+7)[21], (2d8)[15]+(1d6+9)[13]
Bite: (1d20+6)[14], (1d8+2)[3]
Trip on hit: (1d20+15)[34]

[lostsole31]

Khwaja Malak is feeling the continuous wounds and steps back to take care of them.

Spoiler

Show

FA: 5' free move 1 square west.
SA: Cast cure on self (use 1 temp SP). Perform (oratory) (1d20+16)[18] vs. DC 20. Cure (2d8+5)[12]

The Water Prince steps in on the sorceress and tries to confuse her with a combination of the sun on his sword and sand swirled by his sandals.

Spoiler

Show

FA: 5' free move 1 square NE, bringing him to the SE corner of the sorceress.
MA: Feint (bluff) (1d20+15)[31] (incl. aura bonus)
SA: Attack w/ CE (1d20+7)[8], damage (1d6+3)[6], sneak attack (if feint successful) (4d6)[23]

Pre-Empt fumble changes that attack roll to a modified 14.
Also, CE means AC = 24 this round.

[pfm1995]

Tempo: 0

Alssariq turns his back on the fleeing gnoll and runs to Goma's aid, circling around the Ettin and leaping bodily onto its back to stab it messily in the shoulder.

Spoiler: Rolls

Show

Scout - (1d20+13)[23] (+2 vs Ettin attacks, -2 to the Ettin vs Alssariq attacks)

Brutal Strike, Power Attack, Genius Strike if Scout succeeds.
Attack - (1d20+15)[17] (+2 if Scout succeeds) Damage - (1d6+24)[27] + 9 if Scout succeeds

[digiman619]

The battle between Goma and the ettin really came down to one thing: Goma knew how to roll with the punches, and the ettin didn't. Without his techniques to lessen the force delivered to him, the ettin would have been able to win the damage race, but Goma knew how to take a hit far better than the Ettin did. While 'Riq's timely distraction helped, the ettin was about to fall anywey, leaving Goma time to finish it before ending the gnoll behind him as well.

To the south, the priestess was doing surprisingly well against the combined assault; Rowan';s blast slid off her ward as she sidestepped the Water Prince's blow. While her ward did nothing to protect her from Rowan's trip, she was able to get it to stop what would have been the fata blow by catching it against her ward. She continued to snarl, quickly getting to her feet, avoiding the party's attempt to stop her before backing off again to blast the water Prince. Squinting before hitting him with concussive force for 23 damage! Shaharazad, for her part, rushes to the Water Prince's side, ready to take the fight the party.

Finish this!

Spoiler: Updated map

Show

Direct link

[SwordChucks]

Goma dashes to the west, drawing his javelin as he runs. The javelin returns to normal size as he hucks it at the sorceress's head.

Spoiler: Combat

Show

Move action: Move 20ft west.
Standard action: Throw javelin at the sorceress. Throwing Mastery returns it to Goma's hand...somehow.

Javelin: (1d20+12)[24], (1d6+6)[10]

[lostsole31]

The Khwaja Malak plays a different gamble, and he fishhooks along the NW to halt the gnoll's progress.

Spoiler

Show

2xMA: KM moves around to end up one square NW of the gnoll, which will provide flanking for ...

Even as the javelin flies in, the Water Prince skips behind the priestess to stab her as Khwaja Malak confronts her.

Spoiler

Show

FA: 5' step NW, now adjacent to priestess.
SA: He is now w/in K-M's aura. CE. Attack (flanking incl.) (1d20+9)[22], damage (1d6+3)[5] + sneak attack (4d6)[17]
W/ CE, AC = 24 (t 16, f 21)

[bcool999]

Rowan
HP 45/45
AC 21

Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Rowan prepares another blast of searing energy. The priestess's wards were strong, but the combined might of the group will whittle her away in no time.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Gathered Energy Searing Blast.
Ranged Touch Attack: (1d20+8)[22]
Damage: (10d8+10)[64] Fire damage that overcomes 10 resistance.

[digiman619]

The Priestess does her best, even bounding Goma's lance off her ward, but in the end, it wasn't enough and she is brought down by the party's combined might. As she lays slain, the party does their best to recover. Shaharazad refocuses her abilities and begins healing the party (via Revitalize and Mass Healing). As she does so, she mentions that you should probably investigate the Sphinx; if these gnolls were using it as base, there might be something useful in it.

[lostsole31]

The Water Prince adds, "As we were fighting, I noticed something gold glinting from there ... the Sphinx, that is."

Spoiler

Show

Do we assume we are brought to max hp then?

[SwordChucks]

Moments after the fight concludes Goma returns to his normal size.

"That sounds like a plan. Being out of the sun for a bit might be nice too. Let's check these bodies first to see if they have anything we might need inside the sphinx, like a key."

[bcool999]

Rowan moves over to the group, taking a look at the battlefield. He nods at several charred bodies that was his handiwork before posing a question to the others as they begin to strip the enemies of valuables. "They were quite persistent for a random gnoll raiding party. Anyone know why they were willing to fight to the death? After the first group fell I thought they would be routed." Rowan declares.

[lostsole31]

"About 30 seconds before her death, just before making her push west to our back lines," says Khwaja Malak, pointing to the gnoll female, "this kheri-heb shouted a battle cry in honor of the fallen Carrion King. No doubt, she was a zealous follower of the man over the mission."

[pfm1995]

"That," Alssariq says, "Or she hadn't gotten the news yet. This is the middle of nowhere, and they didn't look to be sharing stories with travelers."

[stack]

Akaash shrugs, "Maybe we will find an answer inside." He lends a hand in searching the bodies.

Spoiler

Show

Need to tick off and spell points for healing?

[digiman619]

As Shaharazad finishes patching everyone up, you search the bodies for loot. For the most part, there is little to note on most of the bodies, but there were a few things of note on the priestess; a small rod, a crystal necklace, an obsidian necklace and an iron key. Investigating the sphinx, in the back, you see a small pile of gold coins; no more than a few hundred, but there is a chest lying on top of it. Using the key reveals what can only be described as a crown' a round circlet of gold with large jewels at regular intervals, smaller ones as accents all around. This is expertly made; unless the priestess was a master goldsmith, this was probably not made by the gnolls. Of note, there are two deep indentations on opposite sides that appear to have been carved out and then smoothed over; clearly, this was a modification to fit a gnoll's head made after the fact rather than part of the initial design.

Spoiler: Rod. (DC 16 Spellcraft)

Show

This is wand of Protection with the Armored Magic talent.

Spoiler: Crystal Necklace (DC 18 Spellcraft)

Show

This is what's known as a crystal capacitor (This one in particular is the lesser version); it can hold magical energy to be used at a later date. In game terms, a person can place a number of spell points (the lesser version can only hold only one, but the normal can hold two and the greater three) and the user can draw that energy back at a later date. It takes roughly 24 hours to attune your magic to a crystal capacitor, and you can only attune yourself to one at a time; the containment field it uses to contain the magic within interferes with similar magicks. If left alone, a crystal capacitor can reliably hold its charge for about a week; upon the eighth day and each day thereafter, it has a 25% chance to lose 1 spell point worth of energy. A crystal capacitor requires a CL of 4, 10, or 16 to create and has the same costs as a 2nd, 5th, and 8th level pearl of power, respectively.

Spoiler: Obsidian Necklace (DC 12 K:Religion)

Show

It's a holy symbol of Rovagug

Spoiler: Obsidian Necklace (DC 15 Appraise)

Show

It's worth roughly 200 gp.

Spoiler: Gold pile (DC 20 Perception or DC 15 Appraise)

Show

There's roughly 500 gold pieces in the pile

Spoiler: Crown (DC 20 Kn:Nature)

Show

Judging from the gems and metal alone, this is easily over 25,000 gp. Probably less than 30,000 unless you find the right buyer, though.

Spoiler: Crown (DC 20 Appraise)

Show

The ear-holes that were carved out definitely decreased the value, but even in this condition, you're looking at somewhere between 25,000 to 30,000 gp.

[SwordChucks]

"One of the gnolls shouted 'For the Carrion King'. Do they not know he's dead or is there a new king?"

"Either way, we should water the camels and I can move the corpses away from camp."

While Goma is moving the bodies he checks to see if they are from a tribe he recognizes.

[digiman619]

Spoiler: Goma

Show

No; these must be from those northern gnolls who were going to join him so he could assault Kelmarane.

Between Malak and Sharazad, they were able to identify almost all of the items, though the rod only partially, as it's a a wand involving the Protection sphere, but they don't know more than that. The obsidian necklace was a holy symbol of Rovagug, and it was worth roughly 200 gp. The other necklace was more interesting; as it had a lesser crystal capacitor as the central stone (see spoiler in previous post for details of this mostly homebrew item). There's about 500 gp worth of coins, but the big deal is the crown. Though it's worth less than what it used to be because of the "aftermarket alterations", it will still fetch over 25K gp; the gems are high quality rubies and diamonds and the gold is pure, so you this little treasure is a kingly gift.

[stack]

Akaash helps stow the loot. "Well, as far as ambushes go, I would call this one profitable. It would be nice if more of our attackers would see to proper compensation."

More seriously, "I wonder how many others the carrion king called to assist him? Could be dangerous for travelers for a bit, with gnoll tribes out of their normal ranges and expecting to soon be supported by an army to shelter them from reprisals."

[bcool999]

Rowan

After hearing the value of the crown, Rowan can't help but place the crown on his head (angled to account for his horns,) and strike a regal pose. It was undoubtedly the most expensive headwear he had ever owned. Part of him wistfully wondered if he should commission a tiara for his little newborn princess back home. The sudden bout of homesickness puts an end to his fun and he returns the crown to the party hoard.

[digiman619]

The party takes their earnings and continues on their journey. A few days later shortly after noon, they crest one final dune and see it: Katapesh, The City of Trade; Capital City of the kingdom that bears its name. Garavel looks wistful; at it, still about 20 miles distant; clearly he both missed and did not miss the hustle and bustle of the big city. He turns to the rest of the party "Ah, the end of our journey is in sight. We need to head to the southern entrance; his villa is just outside the city proper. I will introduce you and give him Alhah's letter of introduction, but after that I will soon have to head back to Kelmarane. Almah no doubt still desires my counsel." He then smiled wryly. "Though I can probably rest one evening before heading out. No need to be rude and scorn Rayhan's hospitality."

The villa itself is roughly L shaped; 50 feet wide at its longest point,but 40 feet long at its longest. Its real estate was therefor vertical; the villa was three stories tall. There are four buildings surrounding it, the largest being a small stable to the side of it. The entire property is about walled with a ten foot wall, making roughly a 125 foot square around the place, though the back wall does not exist; it instead opens up to a view of the Obari Ocean; 50 foot steep cliffs being protection enough.

It takes you a bit to gain entrance to Reyhan's home; not wanting to enter uninvited, After yelling at the house for a minute or two, a man, hands and legs covered in dirt comes to the the gates. Garavel waves at the man, who approaches almost timidly. Once Garavel is able to tell him that the were on business from ALmah, the man simply nodded and opened the gate. He motioned for you to wait before entering the villa itself and went in to get Reyhan. The man himself comes around a back room, a large tome tucked under his arm. He has a surprisingly intimidating aura about him; as though he was not afraid to fight all of you if the situation called for it. Once he sees Garavel and the letter he holds to him, his countenance turns upward and as he smiles to the assorted company. A raven lands on his shoulder as he gestures to you to come in and make yourself at home, placing the book down on a nearby table.

[stack]

Akaash greets their host, his mind on cleaning off the dust of the road and getting something to eat before liquidating the less practical portions of their loot.

[lostsole31]

Annoyed by the dust that Akaash's smacking of his aba creates (let alone the strange wind effect that always accompanies him), Khwaja Malak simply cast cantrip on him - and himself and the rest of the companions - to make them more presentable. Then, with a bow ...

"Honored Rayhan, Peerless Sage and Friend to Merchant Princess Almah, I am Khwaja Malak ibn Sulayman ibn Wasim ibn Talaat. Almah's letter announces us by function, but I address you by form. I ask that you take my servant here, Shahrazad bint Ilanit of Clan Kadir, and hold her fast to your mind's bosom as you study what will be lent you perforce by our visit. And, if you have a study, that we be made available to its breadth, for I have great desire of study, if it be in your power and your will."

An eyeroll from Rafe, he stands royally to the front, and almost mocking Khwaja Malak while maintaining dignity for himself, "And I am the Water Prince Rafiq Karim, and this observant monkey peeking out from my great turban is the wise Ajiz, my servant. Perhaps you can enfold my servant Ajiz to the secrets of your larder, for he has great desire of surfeiting appetite, if it be in your budget and amusement."

[digiman619]

Rayhan sits at a nearby table, gesturing for the party to show him the scroll. He has the air of someone who is waiting for the other shoe to drop. You get the feeling that he feels someone is trying to pull one over on him; like he's been the butt of a prank and he's unwilling to fall for it again. The irritation quickly dissipates as he uses his divinatory magic on the thing. He even gets up to get some ritual books from his on the third floor to determine what the deal with the scroll is, but each comes with the same results. He then looks up excitedly at the party, his hands shaking and eyes wide.
"“It would appear that I was a bit hasty in my initial disbelief. This scroll is highly intriguing. I’ve studied the legend of Kakishon for years, and in that time I’ve seen countless shams and forgeries and dead ends. But this scroll… this could be the real thing.

“The legends say that Kakishon was created by the wizard-king Nex to serve him as a portable paradise and an impenetrable bolt-hole. Much as the more commonplace bag of holding opens into its own reality, the Scroll of Kakishon was said to contain this entire world inside of it—the scroll was not Kakishon, but the doorway by which Nex could enter and exit the realm. Kakishon was said to have been a paradise, a laboratory, a menagerie, a hunting ground, and even a tomb—most likely, it was all these things and more, with each island serving a different role.

“The legend of Kakishon falls into increasing obscurity after Nex’s war with Geb began. All signs point to the strong possibility that Nex had grown dissatisfind with Kakishon and had lost interest. When he vanished from the face of Garund in 576 AR, he left the Scroll of Kakishon behind. Eventually, it was stolen from his castle and the scroll passed through many hands. Some used it as a prison for their enemies, others as a place to impress allies or as a vault for their treasures, the stories say. The closer to the present day we get, the more obscure the rumors grow—no sign of the Scroll of Kakishon seems to have surfaced over the past several hundred years.

“The last person to own the scroll, I believe, was a Keleshyte wizard named Andrathi. The accounts of his life are vague and fragmentary, but it would appear that he was the lover of a genie named Nefeshti, the leader of a group known as the Templars
of the Five Winds. Legend holds that the Templars fought somewhere in the mountains against a cruel efreeti warlord named Jhavhul, and that while the Templars of the Five Winds managed to capture Jhavhul inside of Kakishon, the defeat was shadowed in loss. No sign of Andrathi or the Scroll of Kakishon remained after the battle. No sign… until today.

“This is an important find. If you will let me, I would very much like to look into this matter, to research this scroll and decipher some of the writings upon it. And if this is indeed the Scroll of Kakishon, there are protections placed upon it to prevent undesirables from being able to open it and travel to the world within. Yet in time, I feel that I will be able to decipher these writings. You see, before he vanished, the wizard Andrathi went through the same process—yet he obviously managed to
discover the way to open the scroll, even if it meant his doom. Some of his writings have survived to this day, and as it happens, I own copies of these writings. By building upon the foundation he lays in his writings, I am sure that I will be able to duplicate his research and refine it. It may take days, even weeks, but if this is indeed the Scroll of Kakishon, I will find the key to open it.

“But once it is open, I will need your aid, should you be willing to provide it. The legends speak of great treasures kept safe in Kakishon, the greatest of which was Jhavhul’s own weapon, the legendary Firebleeder, said by some to be a falchion and others
a living flame. Sadly, my adventuring days are behind me, but if I find the way, I would be honored to accompany you into Kakishon to find the truth!”

He goes on to say that usually his identification work is usually quite steep, but he's willing to waive his usual fee if he can come along if the map is real. Should the map he a forgery, he'd like to keep it anyways, just to admire the craftsmanship of it. Garavel, who was still standing near the door, agrees to the deal on Almah's behalf. He continues saying that it'll take him at least a week to gather his notes well enough to attempt to use the Scroll, and you are welcome to stay at his villa for your stay, but he does warn that he has only three guest rooms, so you'll have to double up if you stay here, though there are plenty of places to rest in the city proper. He does say that he will need the scroll here to study, but only for a few hours each day and that it should be kept safe when not here.

[lostsole31]

"My amendment to that, Wise Rayhan," says Khwaja Malak, "is that at all times one of us is here to protect you and watch over the scroll. No doubt it won't be long before word gets out of this fabulous find. I am sure you understand our need to protect our investment."

Khwaja Malak turns to his companions, "At least one of us is with the scroll at all times - morning, noon, and night."

[SwordChucks]

Goma's eyes flick in the direction of his childhood home. He chews a lip before saying "I can stay to guard the scroll for now. When night falls I can help find a buyer for our newly acquired odds and ends at the night stalls." He beams for a moment. "They like me there."

"If someone would relieve me in the morning, I have somewhere I need to be tomorrow."