RECAP: AI Synopsis of War of the Burning Sky, 7-13-25
Recap of Last Session and Current Objectives
The group is reminded of two pending tasks from the previous session:
- Commando Raid: Duke Gallo has tasked the party with a covert raid aimed at disrupting enemy siege works and magical support.
- Potion and Scroll Acquisition: The party was supposed to provide a list of magical scrolls and potions to purchase for augmenting their capabilities, especially invisibility and flying spells.
The discussion about potions and scrolls reveals the party’s intention to buy fly scrolls and invisibility scrolls or potions, critical for stealth and mobility in the upcoming mission. The players are also reminded of the strategic importance of their mission: attacking Kelkin, the enemy war mage, and destroying siege engines to disrupt enemy magical firepower.
Tactical Overview of the Battlefield
Duke Gallo’s strategic assessment forms the core of the briefing. Key points include:
- Kelkin’s Position: Kelkin, the enemy war mage, is positioned away from the main camp near siege works on the right flank. Eliminating him could disrupt enemy magical operations and control of the cryosphinxes.
- Siege Engines: The enemy has a line of siege engines that bombard the battlefield. Destroying these will reduce enemy firepower and protect friendly forces.
- Cryosphinx Threat: Cryosphinxes, flying creatures stationed atop the mountain, pose a significant threat, especially to cavalry units, as horses are terrified of them. These creatures are suspected to be controlled or summoned by Kelkin.
- Enemy Forces: The enemy camp comprises primarily dwarven infantry under Marshal Malken, while Duke Gallo’s forces are augmented with cavalry forces under Lord Dashgoban and Lady Timor. The cavalry is vulnerable to cryosphinx attacks, which may be a deliberate countermeasure by the enemy.
- Political Intrigue: Nina Glibglammer, a political officer with suspected mind control abilities, is present on the battlefield. The party has mixed feelings about her—some want to bring her to justice, others want to kill her. However, the priority remains military targets.
Potion and Scroll Availability and Pricing Mechanics
The party discusses the availability and cost of magical scrolls and potions using Pathfinder 1E rules, with the DM introducing a probability mechanic based on spell level for availability:
- Cantrips: 80% availability
- 1st level spells: 70%
- 2nd level: 60%
- 3rd level: 50%
- 4th level: 40%
- 5th level: 30%
- 6th level: 20%
- 7th level: 10%
- No availability for 8th or 9th level spells
They decide to prioritize buying:
- Protection from Evil (1st level) scrolls: To defend against mind control, especially from Nina Glibglammer.
- Invisibility and Invisibility Sphere scrolls/potions: For stealth during the night raid.
- Wall of Fire (4th level) scrolls: To destroy siege engines through powerful area fire spells.
- Flaming Sphere (2nd level) scrolls: For additional fire-based damage.
The party carefully allocates their limited budget, balancing cost and effectiveness. The DM confirms the prices and availability, and the group agrees on quantities.
Strategic Planning for the Raid
The party’s plan is to:
- Approach Kelkin’s camp stealthily at night under invisibility.
- Cast Wall of Fire spells to incinerate the siege engines from a distance.
- Simultaneously attack Kelkin to prevent him from dispelling their magic.
- Use obscuring mist spells and pit traps to slow enemy reinforcements and cover their approach and retreat.
- Consider the timing carefully: Launch the raid before dawn to maximize stealth and allow spellcasters to recover spells for the upcoming battle.
The DM describes the battlefield layout in detail, including the position of camps, siege works, earthworks protecting the siege engines, and the enemy forces’ expected movements. The party discusses the tactical pros and cons of their approach, including the risk that Kelkin may have dispel magic prepared. They express confidence that a surprise attack will keep him distracted.
Magical and Tactical Capabilities of the Party
The group reviews the magical resources and abilities available:
- Buff Spells such as Bless and Protection from Evil.
- Flight and Mobility Spells: Fly and Wind Jump, enabling rapid movement and escape.
- Summoned Creatures: Including a giant wasp summoned to assist in combat and pit traps to incapacitate enemies.
- Scroll Readers: Vondrum and Titus, capable of reading scrolls to deploy powerful spells like Wall of Fire.
- Combat Roles: Melee fighters like Arandar and Ono prepare for close combat, while ranged attackers like Wraith and Titus provide magical and physical support.
Infiltration and Initial Reconnaissance
The party moves invisibly through enemy pickets and patrols, aided by darkvision and stealth bonuses from invisibility. They observe the enemy camp, noting:
- The presence of several fires and tents indicating the main camp.
- A large pile of bodies nearby, raising suspicion about recent skirmishes or atrocities.
- A troll scavenging among the corpses, which becomes a priority threat.
- Guards equipped with armor and weapons, some wearing Steppendgard uniforms and a few Talon cadre markings.
- The target, Kelkin, located inside a large tent; he has distinctive facial tattoos, and is reading and writing in books.
The party carefully scouts the camp, identifying Kelkin and noting the presence of three guards near him, including a younger dwarf in armor.
Combat Initiation and Surprise Attack
The party opens the surprise round with a coordinated strike:
- Arandar bursts into Kelkin’s tent and attacks.
- Titus follows with magic missiles, automatically hitting Kelkin.
- The troll guarding the area is targeted with a pit trap, causing significant damage and trapping it.
- Other party members position themselves strategically, supporting melee combatants and controlling enemy reinforcements.
The combat is intense and swift, with several enemies killed or incapacitated in the initial rounds. The party uses area spells like Fireball to ignite the camp and sow chaos, setting trees and tents ablaze and forcing enemies to scatter.
Ongoing Battle and Tactical Maneuvers
During the fight:
- The troll trapped in the pit is sealed under a stone cap, restricting its movement and regeneration.
- The summoned giant wasp attacks enemy combatants, adding pressure on the opposition.
- The party manages to keep Kelkin and his guards off-balance, focusing on eliminating the mage first to disrupt enemy magical support.
- The battle is loud and chaotic, with alarms raised and enemy forces scrambling to respond.
The party members coordinate their attacks, use buffs like Blessing of Fervor to enhance their combat capabilities, and adapt to changing conditions on the battlefield.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The session ends with the battle in full swing but not concluded. The DM notes the time and plans to continue the encounter in the next session. The group confirms their next play date, indicating ongoing commitment to the campaign. There is brief mention of concurrent activities like Gen Con and other game groups but a clear focus on continuing the B Team adventure.
FAQ
Q: What is the main objective of the raid?
A: The primary goals are to assassinate Kelkin, the enemy war mage, and destroy the siege engines to reduce enemy firepower and disrupt magical support.
Q: How does the party plan to approach the enemy camp?
A: They will cross the Alydi Gap, move through allied cavalry camps, and then cast invisibility near Kelkin’s camp to approach stealthily under cover of darkness.
Q: What magical resources are prioritized?
A: Invisibility (including invisibility sphere), protection from evil scrolls/potions, wall of fire, and flaming sphere scrolls are prioritized for their utility in stealth, defense, and area damage.
Q: What role do the cryosphinxes play?
A: Cryosphinxes are flying creatures that threaten enemy cavalry, possibly controlled by Kelkin, serving as a counter to cavalry tactics.
Q: How is the party handling enemy reinforcements and battlefield control?
A: They plan to use pit traps and obscuring mist spells to slow enemy movement and cover their approach and retreat.
Q: Are there any political or narrative complications?
A: Yes, Nina Glibglammer is a political figure suspected of mind control and corrupting the king’s mind. The party debates whether to target her but decides the military mission takes priority.
Q: What is the status of the surprise attack?
A: The surprise attack begins successfully, with the party eliminating key targets and setting fires, but the battle is ongoing and will continue in the next session.
