DM Rah |
You have been called to the Grand Lodge of Absalom for a briefing. Seated in a small chamber around a darkwood table, various trophies gathered from across the face of Golarion hang from the walls. A monkey-shaped mask with a serpent’s tongue glares out from the center of one wall, a strange halberd with gold rings piercing its thick blade and dragons carved along its haft hangs opposite the monkey mask. You are alone save your fellow Pathfinders, who apparently have been called here for the same purpose.
Vanyel |
The tall, slender, shaven-headed elf stands, leaning against one wall. He waits quietly for the briefing to begin, a tremor in one shoulder only apparent because the raven sitting on that shoulder has to hop back and forth to keep its footing.
Ugly Stranger |
Out of the horizon, comes a man (a half-man actually). The morning sun rises; his silhouette slithering like a silent serpent. Lashing wind whips at his weathered tabard, sending dust disintegrating back into the void. What others made of him as he approached, he didn't seem to care. There he was and in he walked. He was dark, not dark-skinned; more as if he was always walking in a shadow. Every step he took towards the light, just when his face would be revealed, it wasn't, as if the lights dimmed just for him. ::a gratuitous tumbleweed rolls by::
The Stranger walks over to the bartender, at least he thought it was the bartender, and sets down his gear. A bear trap drops against the floor. He leans over and speaks with a gravelly tone, "I'm looking for a man who calls himself 'Franhk'. Do you know where I can find him?" When the chamber steward replys 'no', the Stranger turns to the others. "How about you, have you heard of such a man?" He drops the half-smoked blackweed roll and takes the next step with his dung-kicker to grind and extinguish. ::squish!::
::grind:: ::grind::
::grind:: ::grind::
::grind:: ::grind::
::grind:: ::grind::
::grind:: ::grind::
::grind:: ::grind::
Once sound of the obliterated smoker has uncomfortably caught the attention of the Venture Captain, he takes to the nearby wall to listen to the objectives.
M's |
With an athlete's gait a young varisian warrior walks in, clad in plate armor and bright colorfull clothes. Most of his fingers full of golden rings and a matching pair of earrings to complete the outfit. His face is of the brutish type with a nose broken too many times. Strapped to his back are two swords of different sizes.
Interesting decor. I wonder how much that halberd is worth...
George Demonspawn |
A man in a black cloak and a black, smoked glass mask strides into the room. A monkey sits perched on his shoulder. He stands with his back against the wall, not saying anything.
Sark Mistfill |
None of you noticed the kid sitting in the corning quiet as a mouse as he studies each of you, when you DO notice him he sneaks up behind the Stranger and slaps him on the back jumping high to hit his sholders "BULLETS! Man your not aging well at all! You know there is magics that can fix that nose of yours and maybe even those teeth too... You still looking for that guy, i would have thought you have found him by now, your not a very good tracker i guess, i can give you some pointers if you like? I learned alot since we last met you know!" At first you thought this kid was human, and he would be other than the fact when his hood falls down he is bright red and when he smiles at you he has fangs.
Ugly Stranger |
Ugly nods to Vanyel's offer and takes the bottle from Nicolae's hand, waves off the cup, bites and spits the cork away then tilts the bottle back like a brute. In a middle of a large gulp, Sark's slap gives the half-orc such an anti-thematic startle that nearly send his pistol jumping out of it's holster and does send a spray of vermillion and saliva against the tapestry.
::SPOOGG!::
Wiping his mouth and turning with a glare to see whom he had to gut before the Venture Captain arrived, Ugly see's Sark. He frown changes to a single raised eyebrow of disappointing surprise, "Burns-", Ugly shoves the bottle into the young tiefling's chest, "Don't you have some place to be? A bonfire or raging inferno that needs some extra fuel?"
Sark Mistfill |
"na" the kid shakes his head replying " its no fun when fire cant burn you now is it, though i am sure i can start one in here if you miss the glow of one." He starts to joggle a vial that Ugly knows is an alchemy fire. He smells the bottle then says "O i been told i am not old enough to drink yet, i'll pass thanks. OWWWW wow what a big weapon, hey Bullets I bet you cant lift that weapon, it looks far too big even for you! Go on try come on!"
DM Rah |
"The Chronicles of Bullets and Burns."
Finally, a huge man wearing creaking leathers marches into the room. He looks at each of you, as if he were appraising a handful of gemstones freshly pulled from the earth, and nods curtly. Some of you know him as Adril Hestram, a longtime Pathfinder and rumored to be the unwitting architect of the famed Katapesh slave riot of 4702. Adril’s physique puts most half-orcs to shame.
“Welcome, friends. We have a serious problem. Skelg the Ripper came to Absalom one month ago. Like many Ulfen warriors he joined the Longaxes, the Taldan Emperor’s personal guard whose duty it is to protect the embassy and Taldan visitors. Skelg also dropped a hefty sum of gold to purchase a manor in the Ivy district, something a Longaxe isn’t paid well enough to do. It is widely assumed that he brought most of his wealth with him from the north—a rumor I know to be true.
“It seems that Skelg also brought a curse with him. In his letter to me, he speaks of lying abed in this miserable summer dying from the cold. Neither physician nor priest has been able to cure his ailment, and there are no signs of disease or poison. Of course, for such a man, there is no greater dishonor than to die in bed instead of in battle.
“Normally, the Pathfinder Society would monitor these events and let the authorities deal with them. However, there are three factors that have drawn our interest. First, Skelg is himself a member of our Society and has asked for our help. Second, he is a personal friend of mine, and finding a sparring partner as worthy as Skelg to replace him would be a trying task. Last, he claims that artifacts of great power are involved, and that we may be able to recover them for the vaults of the Grand Lodge.
“We view this situation as having enough importance to assign you to investigate it. Go to the home of Skelg the Ripper, learn what you can, and do your best to help him. If you find an item that is somehow connected to the curse, either retrieve it or glean as much information as you can about it.
“I trust there are no questions?”
Ugly Stranger |
"no fun when fire can't burn you now is it"...alchemy fire
At least not on the outside, Ugly eyes the fireplace and metal poker. He returns an uneasy upturned lip at Sark, "No- keep it in your pants" .
Knowledge: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Gather Information: Skelg lives in Greydog Manor, on Parkview Street in the Ivy district.: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Sark Mistfill |
Sark address their commander saying" I would like offer up Bullets for sparing, he kills things great, am sure he could make you sweat smiles showing his fangs "You can call me Burns or Sark, and him Bullets or That Guy or Ugly guy" and laughs.
local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
After waiting for everyone else to intro themselves he says "I need to pick some things up but should we make our way towards our charge?"
Hand of the Mage 900 gp
Muleback Cords 1000gp
Bracer of Armour +1 1000 gp
Weapon Blanch Adamantine 100 gp
George Demonspawn |
George casually takes note of the raucous group. He falls in behind the first person to leave the room.
DM Rah |
Ugly knows, but didn't say anything.
Adril frowns. “Try and keep up with local events if you want to get anywhere in the Society. He lives in Greydog Manor, on Parkview Street in the Ivy district.”
Leaving the meeting, you drop into a couple shops along the way to supply yourselves (last chance to declare any purchases), then head into the Ivy district.
Parkview Street is true to its name, running the entire length of the Ivy District park. Standing like a tomb in a flower garden, Greydog Manor is easy to find. Six-foot-high walls surround the massive, stone building and an immense iron gate flanked by granite statues of hunting dogs stands open, offering access to the interior. Looking along the street, it is clear that locals give the estate a wide berth. The stone walls seem to give a slight chill to the air, which is not entirely unpleasant on such a hot day.
Ugly Stranger |
sorry, I posted the spoiler and thought everyone would see.
"Lets do it", Ugly grumbles after a long appraising look at the property then marches straight across the grass to the front door. unless somebody stops him
-Posted with Wayfinder
Sark Mistfill |
On the way sark tries to gather some more info on the place and the man we are going to see."Bullets lets look around outside first eh?" Sark circles the compound looking for guards or other interesting things
local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 211d6 ⇒ 5
local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 131d6 ⇒ 1
perc: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Vanyel |
The Ugly Stranger having already mentioned what Vanyel knew of Skelg, the wizard merely nods and leaves the briefing with the group. At least this lot looks less likely to be caught out the way we were last time....
Knowledge (Local) check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
DM Rah |
The manor has several windows that can be seen from the street, but all have curtains drawn. There seems to be only one entrance - the iron gates that lead to the courtyard. You cannot see into the courtyard itself, though the walls are only 6 feet tall and could easily be peered over, however, you'd have to do so with subtlety if you didn't want to be noticed doing so.
If you are trying to do anything with stealth, please make a roll. If not, and you are trusting to anonymity, let me know that too.
M's |
I am considering if I should buy a cold weather outfit. If we end up in the north it could prove itself usefull. And the scenario have "frozen" in its title :P
Nicolae makes his way to the cursed pathfinder's home with the rest of the group. He waits for his companions to search the area. Did you guys learn anything? Should we knock at the front door?
Alexaander Lightfoot |
trying to be as unseen as possible to see if anyone else is watching the house and if there are any signs of people leaving from odd points
stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
DM Rah |
I was going to give Sark a chance to decide if he's being stealthy, but I'm just going to assume he is.
Sark Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 What were we saying about dice rolls?
Alexaander slips around the side of the manor while Sark takes a quick peek over the top of the wall. Meeting back in the street a short time later they have this to report:
There is no other entrance to the manor, though the windows on the second story seem accessible with by an easy climb. DC 5 climb check, though stealth would be required as well to do so without drawing attention.
The courtyard beyond the wall is about 40 by 50 feet, and has two Ulfen guards posted near the door to the manor itself. Sark also noticed that the guards seem to be wearing their surcoats backwards.
George Demonspawn |
George mutters to himself, We were invited by the Ulfen lord himself, no need for tomfoolery. Additionally, he is a Pathfinder himself.
George walks up to the pair of Ulfen guards. We were requested by Master Skelg.
Sark Mistfill |
Sark relays the info and before he say anything two of their members just march up "Guys Guys we dont know what state of mind he is in, we should be careful..."
DM Rah |
The courtyard is cool and shady compared to the street outside. Dead leaves are scattered across the flagstones and the granite steps to where the Ulfen warriors stand. Each man wears a chain shirt and a surcoat bearing the Taldan crest and carries the traditional imperial guard long axe. They look at you sternly, and one of them speaks.
“Skelg is ill. He wants no visitors.”
Sark Mistfill |
Sark does not enter with the group but moves around towards the windows he saw on 2nd floor. While the group speak to the guards Sark will make his way sneakily up the walls. Look in the window when get high enough
Take 10 on sneak and climb, unless can keep that 20 you rolled for this sneaking as well :)
George Demonspawn |
We have been requested by Skelg to deal with his ailment.
Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13
DM Rah |
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
SENSE MOTIVE
Alexaander: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Vanyel: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 +10 with familiar, +12 in social situations
Nicolae: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Ugly: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14
George: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Everyone but George notices that when Ugly mentioned the backwards surcoats one of the Ulfen glances down at his, then looks at his companions' surcoat too. Something is very wrong here.
DM Rah |
Was going to wait and give a couple others the chance to jump in, but neither Ugly nor Alexaander are very charismatic, and regardless of any additional aid attempts the result is the same.
"Skelg must have changed his mind, cause he doesn't want to see anyone." Says one of the guards. "Decided he'd rather die in peace."
"Yeah." Adds the other lamely.
1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10
SENSE MOTIVE
Alexaander: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Vanyel: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 +10 with familiar, +12 in social situations
Nicolae: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Ugly: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
George: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Meanwhile...
Sark sneaks around the side of the Manor and finds a good spot to scale the wall. You can climb next round. DC 5 to climb at normal speed and make it there in 1 round, or DC 10 for accelerated climbing to climb up and open a window in 1 round.
Ugly Stranger |
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl6F1nR4w1Q
"Of course...", Ugly suddenly smiles at the expected answer from the guards. "You boys need a lesson in wearing armor? Here, let me help you with that collar."
Bluff, try catch flatfooted: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
CMB Headlock: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
M's |
While Ugly grabs a guard Nicolae steps forward and punches the other in the face.
1/2 charge attk: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 2 = 27
Dmg: 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
If they are unarmed like us. If they are armed Nicolae will move drawing a sword and then attk next round.
George Demonspawn |
George steps back 5' and pulls out two doses of Confabulation Powder from his inside his cloak and throws it onto the "guards".
Poison DC 21 - DC 18+1(Poison Focus feat)+2(Extra Dose)
If they fail their save, then they are staggered for one minute. If they fail a second save after one minute, "If already staggered, stunned, or unconscious, the victim becomes highly suggestible. If an event (whether true or false) is described to him, he unconsciously fabricates a detailed memory of the event, filling in any gaps in the description with his own best guesses. The confabulated memory can be disbelieved with a successful DC 18 Will save the first time it is recalled, but if the save fails, the victim treats it as completely genuine thereafter. All confabulated memories can be removed with a restoration or heal spell"
Inhaled poison targets a 10' square. Choosing their two squares and the two squares behind them.
DM Rah |
The guards were ready for trouble, so I'll skip a surprise round. However, the one grappled by Ugly is still caught flat-footed.
Guard 1 Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10
Guard 2 Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4
Sark Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
INITIATIVE
Alexaander: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Vanyel: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Nicolae: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Ugly: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
George: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Sark: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Guards: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Guards Save vs Confabulation Powder: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Guards Save vs Confabulation Powder: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Ugly grabs one of the Guards as George casts a cloud of powder into the area near the door. Both guards get a lungful of the stuff and stagger about, cursing and swearing in Ulfen.
INITIATIVE - Round 1
George <=Poisons the area (Do you need to roll to hit with this? I've never heard of someone throwing a poison cloud and can't find anything in the rules about delivering it.)
Alexaander <=UP
Ugly <=Grappling Guard 2
Guards
Nicolae
Sark
Vanyel
NOTE for SARK: Because of distance and barriers, Sark is unaware of the impending combat, but I'll keep him in the Initiative to better keep track of his actions.
George Demonspawn |
Per RAW, there is no specific delivery mechanism. I usually treat it like a splash weapon, but I could do touch attack or something else.
Hit an Intersection DC 5 or Whatever Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Provided DM Rah allows it. George sees the glazed look in the guards eyes. Hold them for another 54 seconds and we can have them forget this little incident ever happened and convince them that we are their best friends. Try not to rough them up too much.
Alexaander Lightfoot |
Alex lets go with 2 arrows at the guard Ugly doesnt have hold of and takes a 5' step.
point blank shot:rapid shot:: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
point blank shot:rapid shot:: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
DM Rah |
I'll say let's go with that until I find out otherwise. The closest example I can find is a packet of itching powder. Throwing a packet of itching powder is a splash attack with a range increment of 10 feet, but the splash area is treated different (higher save DC for targeted square, lesser save DC for splash squares). I'll try to research it later.
Alexaander is up, then the guards!