8-05: Ungrounded but Unbroken by GM Chadius, Table 2 (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

"Holy hells, ain't this a bit of a surprise!" He watches the angry snake thing whirl around, acid spraying and shakes his head "Nah, I ain't gettin' near THAT! I'm goin' round!" He takes off to the South at a Dwarven jog, axe and shield at the ready. Double move, 40'.

Ironshanks wisely takes this opportunity to flee strategically retreat the long way around Agatha.

Undaunted by its ally getting pulverized, the remaining earth elemental swings at the unprepared Durgan, earning a nasty bruise along his legs.
Slam vs Durgan: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

Annie and Nef scream and begin to run away. ”Ahh! Thieves! Run!” Nef hustles. ”Agatha! Dammit, she’s not listening. Don’t hurt her, please!” Annie hops off just as Agatha starts to spit acid around her.

The beetles drop their cargo and begin to flee with Annie and Nef.

Round 1 - Inspire Courage
Elementals
Durgan (7 damage)
Agatha

Durgan moves and then it's Agatha's turn.

Durgan unleashes a flurry of blows on the ambushing elemental.

[dice=Flurry of blows 1 (flanking, inspire courage)]1d20+3+2+1[/dice]

bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

[dice=Flurry of blows 2 (flanking, inspire courage)]1d20+3+2+1[/dice]

bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

With one solid blow, Durgan pulverizes the other elemental.

Now that just leaves one agitated Agrawgh. Agatha spits acid, showering everyone but Ironshanks in acid.

Everyone except Ironshanks: I need you to make a DC 13 Reflex Save to halve 1d4 ⇒ 1 acid damage.

Agatha is injured and continues to flail around, spitting up acid.
You can try to heal her injuries, or try a Diplomacy check as a standard action. Multiple PCs can assist. You can also try to KO her.

All but Ironshanks: Reflex Save DC 13 to halve 1 acid damage.

Round 1 - Inspire Courage
Agatha
Wraith

Round 2 - Inspire Courage
Barcher
Darven
Thordir
Ironshanks
Durgan (7 damage)

"Please don't kill Agatha!" Nef cries from a distance. "She's just hurt, is all!"

Ironshanks slams on the brakes as he hears more rocks crumble to the ground, he slowly inches back towards the angry snake creature "I gotta healin' wand if any of you can use it.. maybe that'll calm'er down eh?"

Durgan dives out of the way of the acid.

[dice=Reflex save vs. acid]1d20+5[/dice]

He attempts to aid somebody more diplomatic than himself in calming Agatha.

[dice=aid another Diplomacy]1d20-1[/dice]

reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 So, non-lethal acid damage?

Darven sheathes his sword and turns to try to soothe the beast. "Oh now, easy...hey...easy, easy"

diplomacy, aid: 1d20 ⇒ 16

The rage fades from Thordir's eyes as the second elemental crumbles back to the ground. As he begins to calm down and take a breather, Agatha begins to spray acid over him and his companions.

Reflex, fatigued: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 - 1 = 8

The acid singes his clothes and flesh, but thankfully the acid is dispersed over a great enough area that he suffers little harm. He retreats from the agrawgh and calls out to his companions. "Anyone have any skill with beasts? I'm afraid it's not my area of expertise."

Reflex vs DC 13: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

The ninja is stunned by how fast the team engaged and destroyed the elementals. She steps up and hopes to pin the large creature between herself and Durgan.

Flurry/PA/IC: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 131d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Ironshanks pulls out a wand, hoping someone can use it to heal Agatha's wounds. Darven tries to calm the beast, but even with Durgan's help it's not enough.

Wraith tries to subdue Agatha but her blows are no good- the Agrawgh's scales are much too tough.

She continues to flail acid. Durgan, Wraith and Darven are splashed with acid for 1d4 ⇒ 1 damage.

Reflex Save DC 13 for half

Darven, Durgan, Wraith: Reflex Save DC 13 to halve 1 acid damage.

Round 2 - Inspire Courage
Agatha
Wraith (1 NL acid damage)

Round 3 - Inspire Courage
Barcher (1 acid damage)
Darven (1 NL acid damage)
Thordir (1 NL acid damage)
Ironshanks
Durgan (7 damage, 1 NL acid damage)

You can try a Diplomacy check as a standard action, or you can try to heal Agatha. Or you can try to subdue her.

Ironshanks hustles back to Barcher and points to a wand at his belt "You can use this right? Come on now, heal that thing before it melts a hole in mah beard!"

Thordir calls out to the agwargh's handlers, "Come on, can't you two calm that thing down? I don't want to have to hurt her!"

Barcher will stop singing and grab the wand from Ironshanks,"Yes I can Mr. Magee," he says as he takes a 5 foot step closer saying, "Thordir, you just stay back there and catch your breath, I'll have it calmed down in a few seconds."

Reflex DC 13: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

**BOTTING!**

Wraith and Durgan withdraw from the acid spray, waiting for Barcher to try healing the spinning top of acidic destruction known as Agatha.

Thordir calls out to the agwargh's handlers, "Come on, can't you two calm that thing down? I don't want to have to hurt her!"

"Yeah, we're trying, but we could really use your help!" Annie cries back. "Poor girl is upset and hurt, is all!"

Agatha continues to spray more acid, this time on Ironshanks and Barcher. Everyone else is out of range.

The acid deals 1d4 ⇒ 2 points of acid damage (Reflex Save DC 13 for half).

Darven's Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Durgan's Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Ironshanks, Barcher: Reflex Save DC 13 to halve 2 acid damage.

Round 3
Agatha
Wraith (2 NL acid damage)

Round 4
Barcher (1 acid damage)
Darven (2 NL acid damage)
Thordir (1 NL acid damage)
Ironshanks
Durgan (8 damage, 1 NL acid damage)

You can try a Diplomacy check as a standard action, or you can try to heal Agatha. Or you can try to subdue her.

Reflex vs Acid, DC13: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Ironshanks turns back to Agatha, almost as if he knew exactly when she was going to sling more acid his way. It burns the back of his neck a bit but his beard remains intact. "Whew!"

He then turns to try to calm the beast down, not that he's ever attempted it before. "Hey. Agatha. Calm the Hell down. Back in my day Dad would smack us harder if we kept up like that!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9

Thordir runs up, having finally caught his breath, and tries to draw Agatha's attention so that Barcher can get in and heal the creature. "Here, girl! Look here! Calm down alright? We don't wanna hurt you!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 2 = 18

Oh, look at this low Cha party. You're gonna have fun in the next section.

Agatha ignores Ironshanks, but she turns towards Thordir and stops spitting. She slithers up to the half-elf, licks her lips, and then nuzzles Thordir. The acid residue stings him, but not significantly. He pets the creature and it finally calms down.

Combat Over

The raiders have a particular gem pattern on their rocky hides. The inlay depicts three hands grasping at a single faceted gemstone.

"Good girl!" Nef closes in and pets Agatha. "You didn't lick his face, either! Good! Good! See, nothing to be afraid of." He looks at the party. "Thank you all, so much. We would have lost the cargo for sure without you here."

The rest of the trip is nowhere as exciting as the ambush. You reach the estate of Zuhair Issawa, a male noble shaitan. ”Annie and Nef mentioned you protected my cargo. Thank you. I’ll make sure to mention this with your superiors.”

Success Point!

”Milord, I would also like to mention something.” Nef bows humbly. ”They also calmed down Agatha. She didn’t run away, or we never would have gotten here in time.” Annie shouts from the back. ”Tell their bosses they know how to be gentle and tough when they need to be!”

Lord Issawa shrugs. ”I will tell them that as well.” Agatha slithers up and licks him.

Bonus Success Point!

Recruits,

Sincerely,
General Faiza bint Hanif

You return to the barracks and discover this note. Captain Othis is nowhere to be found, and the soldiers are curious on what incident would summon one of the imperial military's finest warriors back to her old mercenary company.

Is there anything you want to do at the ambush site, Lord Issawa's manor or at the barracks?

Know, Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Making the connection, Wraith points out the symbol they saw on the letter matches the one on the bandits. "I don't believe it is a coincidence."

We should make certain we have the letter written by the recruit as well as everything we took from the Captain's office.

Ironshanks watches Agatha choose Thordir over him and scoffs "Elf lovin' snake-beast! I get it, I get it!" He snags back his healing wand from Barcher and stuffs it into his belt.

Once Agatha has truly calmed down, the slighted Dwarf goes to check out the bodies, pointing out the strange pattern on their rock hides. "What the hell is that? A brand 'er somethin'?" If no one knows he asks someone to copy it down if they have paper.

Once they finish the delivery, he shows the drawing (or describes) of the symbol on the elementals to Zuhair Issawa. "Any clue what that means? The attackers had that symbol on their stony hides."

Back at the barracks

"Summoned fer a formal hearin' eh? With the general eh? Sounds like a court martial or whatever they got here on planet rock shop. We best bring our whits, you know Othis is gonna try blamin' us for somethin' we ain't done!" Ironshanks sits on the bench with a thud, then starts shoveling stew into his face and muttering. Bits of gravy flying every which way.

"I'd say we should take some of this hide back to the Captain to see of she knows of this." Darven begins the grisly task of skinning the gems off the attackers, making sure to not mess up the pattern.

Back at the Barracks

"Well we have the evidence to help us out. I think if we use it, we should be okay"

Barcher scoffs at the note,"she's really pulling all the stops huh? wait'll we tell the general she's an Aspis agent!" he says enthusiastically.

Thordir pats Agatha as she nuzzles and licks him, doing his best to avoid the stinging acid the whole time. "Glad I could help. Usually I don't get along so well with...well most anyone. Seems I've made a friend though."

------

At Lord Issawa's estate, Thordir thanks the noble for his recommendation, but pauses to ask him about the pass they traveled. "My lord, is the pass we took normally prone to such attacks? We were lead to believe it should have been a very straightforward escort mission."

------

When they return to the barracks and find the note, Thordir sneers, "Typical. You think they're bringing us up on charges of insubordination for not dying?"

Lord Issawa turns to Thordir. "These paths we travel are usually quiet. Not many are willing to expose themselves to the plane of Water around here- it does make for a nice location spot, frankly." When Ironshanks shows him the jewel inscription, he shrugs. "None of the merchant guilds I know of use that symbol. And they wouldn't try to rob another merchant- they would try to run me out of business, fair and square."

---

Back at the barracks, you remind Dell to be available tomorrow and he gives you his word he will show up. With that done, you decide to take a good night's rest.

In the morning you travel to the General’s office. General Faiza bint Hanif and Captain Othis are seated on opposite sides of a mahogany desk in a spacious, immaculate office. Glass cases along the walls display medals, ceremonial armor and weapons, and framed commendations granted to former and current members of the Ungrounded, including General Hanif herself. You’ve seen her at the casino, but now she is in her formal military garb.

”I’m not one for chitchat, so let’s get to the point.” The General begins. ”I have looked at your records carefully, and I must compliment you on your quick progress through basic training.”

"You completed the training grounds, led the drilling instructions and even the trial of knowledge. You were victorious on the training grounds. The casino staff said you prevented Inysha from entering the casino altogether. And Lord Issawa gave his thanks for protecting his cargo and calming one of his beasts with words rather than swords. Commendable."

Captain Othis stands up. ”I am a harsh, yet fair drill sergeant. I gave them the same treatment I would give my other recruits. But their connection to the Pathfinder Society weakens them. That… nest of roaches causes them too many deficiencies that I simply cannot ignore. It is best that we dismiss them as a liability, General.”

The General shakes her head. ”I need to listen to all sides, Captain. No truth-spinning silver tongue shall convince me of their outcome. I need evidence.” She turns to the party. ”I want to hear from each of you. You cannot aid another, I will judge you on your individual merits.”

Each of you will make Diplomacy checks. You will present a single piece of evidence and make a Diplomacy check with it, DC 20. Each piece of evidence gives you a different bonus.

For each time you beat the Diplomacy check, everyone else gets a cumulative +2 bonus to their checks.

To help speed this up for PbP, I’ll assume the person with the highest Diplomacy bonus goes first unless I hear otherwise from you. Feel free to go to the discussion section to discuss your approach!

Here are examples of evidence that may be useful, and the diplomacy bonus they give. The first ones have a higher diplomacy bonus:

Ironshanks calls in a huddle and starts handing out the bits of evidence to make sure they are all on the same page here.

Please read Discussion tab first before posting. I've got a plan laid out in there.

Barcher steps up to the General, as stone faced as he can be in this farce, and produces the testimony from Dell."General, I believe the captain may have a unfair grudge against us as pathfinders. For instance, during our trials of combat, the opposing team had a sleeping poison coating their weapons. In fact, Dell himself felt guilty enough about it to provide a written statement on the matter." as he shows the general the testimony.

diplomacy take 10: 10+6+6(Dells testimony)=22

"Indeed General, the poison was designed to incapacitate whomever was struck in the combat. Fortunately for us, they tried to use it on someone with a hardy dwarven fortitude. Had the poison been used on any of the others, it could have quickly changed the results of the 'test', effecting the outcome for the worse. It is all there in Dell's written testimony."

Diplomacy, Take 10 (w/evidence-poison use & 1 success): 10 + 6 + 3 + 2 = 21 +1 if he can be attracted to me.

Darven steps comes in and reveals Cauchemers note, "General you should also take time to look at the note we had located in her office. Once we thought something was shady, we decided to investigate. That and the Apis badge she hides in the folds of her coat."

diplomacy+evidence+2 success: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 4 = 24

Ironshanks looks at Barcher and slaps his forehead "Ye both can't use the same evidence! I think what ye meant ta mention was this Cauchemar’s Note. Am I right?"

Someone didn't read the discussion tab...

General bin Hanif listens stoically as Barcher presents Dell's testimony.

"First he complains about the trials being too easy. I knew Dell's squad would fail, so I assisted them to even the odds. Pathfinders are notorious for lacking humility and respect, and here we see one of them claiming my assistance was cheating." Captain Othis scoffs.

When Darven reveals the Aspis badge, Captain Othis rolls her eyes. "Of course I'm a member of the Aspis Consortium, there's nothing illegal about that. The General knows my allegiance lies with the Ungrounded, of course. But one lesson Aspis taught me," she reflexively checks her own coat pocket to confirm Darven is holding her badge, "Is that Pathfinders can't be mentioned."

Wraith starts to refer to Dell's testimony again, and General bin Hanif interrupts her. "Yes, Dell's testimony was quite thorough. Did you mean to talk about something else, or did one of your allies wish to speak?"

2 success so far from Barcher and Darven. I'm not sure what Wraith wishes to do as you can't reuse evidence. Your progress is on slide 1.

It looks as if the poison and Dell's testimony were judged under the same success condition. Barcher brought up the Dell's testimony, so I provided more detail on the poison to be considered as a separate issue. Dell being forced to do the wrong thing, poison being it's own piece of evidence.

Ah, I see, you're using the poison samples. Got it.

Wraith reminds the General that using poison is itself very unethical.

"It's not even THAT dangerous of a poison. It just knocks humans unconscious." Captain Othis smugly leans back. "For someone as great as you, General, it would feel like a salt bath."

General bin Hanif stands up and calls for quiet. ”I would like to thank you Pathfinders. Your honesty in the face of adversity speaks volumes.” She turns and glares at Captain Othis. ”Captain, you will waste no more of my time. Guards! Escort and secure Othis somewhere during our formal investigation.”

Two shaitan officers emerge and carry her away. ”They are roaches! All of the Pathfinders are always meddling in our affairs! Nothing good ever came out of that rat hole…”

”Muddy Marlene always spoke too much.” For a brief moment General Hanif relaxes. ”Something tells me you have even more evidence of Othis’s treachery. Show it to me.”

Pre-posting this just to help things keep moving. Please note that this should be in effect after Durgan presents his evidence according to the plan Ironshanks proposed.

Waiting until Durgan has presented Slagcrusher's note, Thordir presents yet another missive to the captain - this one from her Aspis ally, Cauchemar. "As you can see, General, Captain Othis's involvement in the Aspis Consortium is more than just a difference in our ideologies. At her Aspis commander's urging, she was working to sabotage the Pathfinder Society's attempt to lend further assistance to the Ungrounded."

Take 10 Diplomacy, 4 cumulative bonuses, evidence bonus: 10 - 2 + 8 + 4 = 20

”Amazing. She would stoop so low. Not only are you trustworthy, but your investigations are quite thorough.”

That’s a success point!

”Based on the recommendations from those you have interacted with, I have made my decision. You have earned an Honorable Discharge.” She orders the officers to hand you jeweled cloaks bearing the Ungrounded sigil. She personally hands you three masterwork scimitars/a magical scimitar, glamered to look like a cane.

”If your actions represent the actions of all Pathfinders, I look forward to working more with them in the future. Return to the Barracks, pick up your things and return with Reyshal ik Jalman to your homeplane.”

News travels quickly. By the time you reach Reyshal ik Jalman’s estate he has already heard of the General’s decision.

”An honorable discharge is quite impressive, friends. You have done very well.” He slaps all of you on the back in celebration, although he apologizes. ”Sorry, I forgot my strength is greater than yours.”

Is there anything you want to discuss with the General, or with Rayshal?

”Our thanks, General! Despite the unfortunate circumstances of our commanding officer, it was an honor to serve among the Ungrounded for a time. We hope you will think of the Pathfinder Society if you are in need of reinforcements in the future.”

Ironshanks doesn't even get a chance to present his evidence, but he does slide it across the table none the less. "Ya, never mind she tried to pass off yer picture as the thief at the Casino! But we knew better. Hope you had a great time General."

As everyone files out he lags behind a bit to get in one last question "Think you could be interested in workin' closer with us Pathfinders? The big wigs would really... no? Ya, thanks anyhow."

K Local, DC18: 1d20 ⇒ 6

"I need to consider many options when forging alliances." General bin Hanif ponders. "As you have seen, some organizations require more oversight than others. I will consider your words carefully, Magee. But not today."

”Let me bring you home.” With a wave of his hands, you have a brief feeling of vertigo as the estate fades and you return to the streets of Absalom. ”Good bye, friends. I have heard of a delightful casino where the security recently scared out a thief. It feels a bit more safe to me now, hehe.” A wink of the eye and another wave of his arms and he disappears, probably returning to the Peerless Empire.

A few weeks later you receive a letter from Reyshal.

Barcher receives a letter addressed to him, with the seal of the Sovereign Court.

Congratulations, you've completed the scenario. What will you do now?