GM Endless Forms' PFS 02-26 The Mantis's Prey (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

A 7-11 PFS scenario played at the 7-8 subtier. Torch's conference room


1 to 50 of 201 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | next > last >>

The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

You are waiting for your briefing with your fellow agents.

I'll get the intro post up later. Feel free to dot or introduce yourselves.

Scarab Sages

Panfalcon does not wait for mortals. He simply abides.

Liberty's Edge

Half Elf Ranger (Urban) [15.0] HP 124/124 | AC 36 T 23 FF 28 | CMB +18 CMD 40 (FF 32) | F +15 R +22 W +13 (+2 vs enchant) | Init +10 | Perc +28 (low-light vision) | SM +1 | Stealth +24 | DD +25 | Acro/EA +21 | Climb/Swim +7 | Surv +20

Faldoc and his loyal animal companion Boomer arrives.


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

You are in the Water Palace of the Grand Lodge of Absalom as Venture-Captain Shevala Iorae quickly briefs you on a rather important assignment. As agents of the Society, you know that Shevala herself is a Pathfinder of
considerable repute, perhaps best known for decrypting and unsealing the legendary Spire of Nex.

Shevala nods in greeting, then loses no time in explaining the mission at hand. “Your task is rather delicate. The Decemvirate has something of a love-hate relationship with one of Absalom’s most notorious information brokers, a dastardly yet charming kingpin who goes by the name Grandmaster Torch. You have heard of him, yes? The Grandmaster’s life is in danger. While the threat is likely well-deserved, it may be more than he and his guard can handle themselves. And since he can hardly look to the authorities, he’s turned to us. Find out what the nature of the threat is and do what he asks. I have faith that the Grandmaster is one step ahead of any plot against him, but he needs help, and you will give it to him. Above all, keep him alive. While you would do well to withhold your trust from Ol’ Torch, he has been of immense value to the Society and we have something of a... history. I’ll see you again once you have resolved this little problem for us. Oh, and take my wayfinder. He’s expecting the team I send to come bearing it. And remember—I expect that wayfinder back!”

Liberty's Edge

Half Elf Ranger (Urban) [15.0] HP 124/124 | AC 36 T 23 FF 28 | CMB +18 CMD 40 (FF 32) | F +15 R +22 W +13 (+2 vs enchant) | Init +10 | Perc +28 (low-light vision) | SM +1 | Stealth +24 | DD +25 | Acro/EA +21 | Climb/Swim +7 | Surv +20

Good ol' Torch, yes indeed I have had dealings with him before. What a surprise to hear that he is in some sort of trouble and has turned to us for aid. Seems he is turning in that favor I owe him.

Not sure he is actually calling in a favor but I do have a chronicle from The Many Fortunes of Grandmaster Torch for Faldoc here.

Did he give you any clue as to who is responsible for the situation he finds himself or has he kept everything to himself until we arrive?


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

"He’s holed up in one of his safe houses—the Crescent Manor, in the Petal District. Given that his life is endangered, that’s not exactly the best hiding spot, if you ask me, but I’m told he’s determined to stay put. You can learn more about the situation directly from him."

Sovereign Court

AC24(25)/T15/F22/CMD26||HP73[73]|Fort:+7;Ref:+4;Will:+7|Percept.+13(+15 traps)|Init.+4 Human Barbarian 2 / Oracle (Life Oracle) 4 / Rage Prophet 3

Jarlgur stands, listening quietly.

Liberty's Edge

Half Elf Ranger (Urban) [15.0] HP 124/124 | AC 36 T 23 FF 28 | CMB +18 CMD 40 (FF 32) | F +15 R +22 W +13 (+2 vs enchant) | Init +10 | Perc +28 (low-light vision) | SM +1 | Stealth +24 | DD +25 | Acro/EA +21 | Climb/Swim +7 | Surv +20

Fine.... we'll ask him directly then. Let's go.

Scarab Sages

"I have dealt with this Torch many times in the past. While his methods are . . . unsavory, he has held up his part of many bargains with the Pathfinders in the past.

It is interesting that we need Iorae's wayfinder in dealing with Torch. I wonder if other would-be assassins have tried already to get close to him under the guise of Pathfinders."

Panfalcon then looks around.

"Surely there are more then just the three of us."

Silver Crusade

Male halfling Fighter/Cavalier | hp 28/95 | AC 29, T 12, FF 28 | Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +2 (+6 vs. enchant) | Challenge 2/2 | Bluff +14, Diplom +17, Handle Animal +22, Percept +2 Halfling
Naala, wolf mount:
hp 21/76 | AC 24, T 16, FF 19 | Fort +10, Ref +12, Wil +5 | Speed 50 ft. | Acrobatics +8, Percept +10

Alden sits uncomfortably in the chair obviously made for humans, his armor chafing him terribly. "I have also dealt with Torch. He's a bit of a scoundrel, as far as I'm concerned, but if he's in trouble, we should help, I suppose. Naala and I will be ready to aid all of you in whatever way we can. Our specialty is keeping things from hitting our allies."

Just a heads-up, Alden focuses almost exclusively on giving his allies more AC and taking attacks for them, so if you're a melee fighter, make sure to stay near him. He can give you up to a +10 Dodge bonus to AC using an attack of opportunity, and Naala can give an additional +5 Dodge AC.

Grand Lodge

Male Human (Varisian) Arcanist 7 HP 16/30 | AC 15 | T 13 | FF 13 | CMD 17 | Fort +4 | Ref +6 | Will +7 (+1 v charm/comp) | Init +6 | Perc +0 | SM +0 | Reservoir 1/14
Magic:
0: any/any, 1: 6/6, 2: 4/6, 3:3/4

"I have never worked with Torch before," Matteo says. Do we know who or what is threatening him?"


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge
Matteo the Arcanist wrote:
"I have never worked with Torch before," Matteo says. Do we know who or what is threatening him?"

"I suppose I should leave it to the man himself to tell you more."

---

The party moves along to Torch's estate in Absalom. The Grandmaster’s half-orc guards greet you with suspicion when you arrive at Crescent Manor. Tension is clearly in the air, but once you produce Shevala’s wayfinder for inspection, the guards escort you to the Grandmaster’s receiving room.

The notorious Grandmaster Torch is once again soaking the burn scars that cover his body in a gigantic alabaster tub. He gestures for you to come forward. “Ah! There you are! Your timing is fortuitous.” Pointing to a well-dressed associate at the side of his tub, he says, “We can get to your other business in a minute; I've got something else for you to do first. This blubbering fool here has failed me. I recently acquired four relics from the north of historic import. But a source of mine has revealed that the seller has been bragging that he has secretly sold me replicas. He will pay for that. But first, to protect my source, I need to prove each of these items is a fake so that I can claim I uncovered the ruse independently. You would have thought my expensive sage here could help but no. You Pathfinders, however, always know just how to ferret out the truth. That’s why I like you so much. Now, don’t just stand there—take a close look at each of these and let’s see what you can come up with.”

Grand Lodge

Venture-Captain Kynrac Chronarion | Male Elf Oracle (Ancient Lorekeeper) 17 | HP 190/190 | AC:35 T:15 FF:32 CMD:27 (+1 AC +1 FF/surp.) | F+15 R+13 (evasion) W+15 (+2 ench, +11 mind-aff; +1 FF/surp.) | Init +6 (roll 3 times take best, always act in surprise round) | Perception +21 (darkvision) |

One of the attendees is a well-dressed, clean elf with blond hair and timeless blue eyes. By his looks, you can tell that he likes everything to be neat and spotless, just like his enamelled mithral breastplate bearing the open palm of Irori. His gestures are precise and never made in vain. Yet one thing contrasts with the elf's shiny appearance: his hands, up to the elbows, are severely burnt, to the point that it'll probably never heal. Those burn marks are in the open, a reminder of the vicissitudes of his past.

Addressing his companions, the elf displays a no-nonsense attitude, even adding a touch of humilty as he bows to the other attendees. He's obviously an experienced socialite, adapting to his environment rapidly. "I am Kynrac Chronarion, librarian of the Scrolls and apprentice of Master Shaine. Well met."

"I have never met Grandmaster Torch, though his fame - or should I say infamy - extends far beyond the boundaries of reason. That being said, I will heed the will of the Decemvirate once more and save his life."

Later at the Petal district...

The Lorekeeper addresses a skeptical look at the Grandmaster. Surely one whose life is threatened wouldn't act thusly... Is his reputation really deserved?

Clearing his throat, he declares. "My respects, Grandmaster Torch. It appears we weren't sent for that reason, but for a most ominous one for your person. However, I am fond of mind games and will gladly take the opportunity to prove to you that we are worthy of your attention and capable of saving your life through solving these riddles of yours you seem so fond of."

Scarab Sages

On his way over to Torch's hideout, Panfalcon would have cast Mage Armor.

"I feel as if we've played this game before, Torch. Unlock 4 chests, hunt down 4 artifacts, now authenticate 4 relics. It is becoming that you are needing the Pathfinder then they are needing you. Oh no need to respond. Show use your wares and we shall see if we can help. After all it is your life that is in the balance."

Panfalcon will cast Detect Magic to assist him in the identification process.

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Sovereign Court

AC24(25)/T15/F22/CMD26||HP73[73]|Fort:+7;Ref:+4;Will:+7|Percept.+13(+15 traps)|Init.+4 Human Barbarian 2 / Oracle (Life Oracle) 4 / Rage Prophet 3

Jalrgur nods in agreement with Panfalcon. "This does sound all too familiar." He then turns his attention to the relics.

Silver Crusade

Male halfling Fighter/Cavalier | hp 28/95 | AC 29, T 12, FF 28 | Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +2 (+6 vs. enchant) | Challenge 2/2 | Bluff +14, Diplom +17, Handle Animal +22, Percept +2 Halfling
Naala, wolf mount:
hp 21/76 | AC 24, T 16, FF 19 | Fort +10, Ref +12, Wil +5 | Speed 50 ft. | Acrobatics +8, Percept +10

Kn(nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 just incase it's a druidic artifact

Naala will also go over and sniff the artifact, in case it has some sort of poison or something on it that she may be able to detect with scent.


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

Torch smiles as the party accepts his proposition. "I'm glad to see this group has learned to take orders better than some other agents I've dealt with in the past."

---

The Shield of Varovan III

DC 15 KN (history):
Varovan III was an Ustalavic knight who fought
alongside Mandraivus, the heroic soldier who defeated the blue dragon warlord Kazavon in the 41st century ar.

This ruby-red shield with an Ustalavic crest is a plain, large steel shield. It detects as magical with a transmutation aura.

DC 15 KN (arcana) or Spellcraft:
One would expect an enchantment or abjuration aura on a magic shield.

DC 20 Appraise or DC 15 Craft (armor):
The item itself is not of masterwork quality.

After that:

DC 10 KN (arcana) or Spellcraft:
All magic armor must be of masterwork quality.

If you are casting Detect Magic:

DC 16 Spellcraft:
magic aura


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

Shard of the Tarrasque

This foot-long, jagged fragment is allegedly a genuine piece of the impenetrable hide of a legendary Spawn of Rovagug, the Tarrasque. It weighs over 100 pounds and if tested, proves highly resistant to force.

DC 20 KN (arcana):
The true Tarrasque carapace has a unique magical property that enables the beast to effortlessly deflect all cones, lines, rays and magic missile spells.


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

The Cracked Skull of Nirmath

This skull is labeled as the recovered skull of Irgal Nirmath, the simple trapper who rose to unite the disparate peoples of the war-torn wilderness of Nirmathas during the Freedom War of 4648 to 4655. The jagged fractures in the bone at the back of the skull bears testimony to Nirmath’s violent end.

DC 15 Heal:
The skull is a human skull. This poor fellow died instantly from a heavy blunt trauma to the back of his head.

DC 15 KN (history):
Irgal Nirmath was a half-elf.

DC 25 KN (history):
Nirmath was killed by an assassin’s blade to the heart.


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

The Bloodsworn Declaration

This ancient-looking scroll purports to set out the formal declaration of war initiating the months-long Battle of Bloodsworn Vale, and the resulting near-extermination of the Shoanti in 4396. The scroll further bears 10 signatures and seals of Cheliax’s political elite including King Haliad of Cheliax, Field Marshall Korvosa, and Duke Sopaerin.

DC 20 Linguistics:
Telltale signs that several of the signatures were made by the same hand.

DC 20 KN (history):
The declaration of war was made in 4396. whereas Duke Sopaerin (the final signatory) actually died several years earlier in 4391.

----

As you expose each fake or prove each true artifact, feel free to make Perform (oratory) checks to impress with Torch with your knowledge about the artifacts' veracity.

Scarab Sages

Shield of Varovan
Using Knowledge Arcana 16 from above.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

It has appeared somebody has placed a magical dweomer on this shield to make it appear magical. I believe it was Nystul who is credited with creating this type of magik generations ago. The fool used the wrong school of magic when casting the spell, however; making the shield detect as a transmutation art instead of the protective abjuration.

-----------------------------------------

Shard of the Tarrasque

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"This looks like it could be legit, though I fear what measures one would take to procure such an item. Can anybody cast Magic Missile? If the spell bounces off, then we shall know for sure."

-----------------------------------------------

The Cracked Skull of Nirmath

Heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

"That looks like a cracked skull. I hope it is everything you wished for."

Oratory: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

"In the end, the shield is fake and the shard looks real. I'll let my fellow Pathfinders comment on the other two items.

Sovereign Court

AC24(25)/T15/F22/CMD26||HP73[73]|Fort:+7;Ref:+4;Will:+7|Percept.+13(+15 traps)|Init.+4 Human Barbarian 2 / Oracle (Life Oracle) 4 / Rage Prophet 3

KN: history Skull: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Linguistics Declaration: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
KN: history Declaration: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Jarlgur examines the items, and then shrugs. "I can not make head, nor tails of the items."

Grand Lodge

Venture-Captain Kynrac Chronarion | Male Elf Oracle (Ancient Lorekeeper) 17 | HP 190/190 | AC:35 T:15 FF:32 CMD:27 (+1 AC +1 FF/surp.) | F+15 R+13 (evasion) W+15 (+2 ench, +11 mind-aff; +1 FF/surp.) | Init +6 (roll 3 times take best, always act in surprise round) | Perception +21 (darkvision) |

Kynrac starts by casting detect magic, then examines the items closer.

The Shield of Varovan III
Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

"Interesting. Varovan III was an Ustalavic knight who fought alongside Mandraivus, the heroic soldier who defeated the blue dragon warlord Kazavon in the 41st century AR. The shield registers as magical, though its transmutation aura is quite unexpected - one would expect abjuration or enchantment on a shield. I concur with you, Pafalcon, it is most likely not genuine."
Perform (oratory): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Shard of the Tarrasque
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Knowledge of the Ages reroll 1/5 Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 5 = 22

"The true Tarrasque carapace has a unique magical property that enables the beast to effortlessly deflect all cones, lines, rays and magic missile spells. I expect the shield to have the same properties. Try out a simple magic missile or scorching ray and you will see if it resists. Destruction should result in exposure of shard being a fake."

Kynrac takes a step back, then casts scorching ray at the shard to prove his point.
Perform (oratory): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
In other words, Kynrac will determine that the shard is genuine if it deflects the rays, and will deny its authenticity if he manages to damage it with his magic.

The Cracked Skull of Nirmath
Heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 +4 Elven Lore: I have a +4 to knowledge checks pertaining to elves... does a half elf count? If not, feel free to disregard this bonus.
Knowledge of the Ages reroll 2/5 Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 5 = 28 +4 Elven Lore

"Now this is more my line of expertise. Irgal Nirmath was a half-elf, but history tells us that he was was killed by an assassin’s blade to the heart. The name implies that it is his skull, but I cannot agree with that assessment. It is most likely false too."
Perform (oratory): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

The Bloodsworn Declaration
Linguistics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Knowledge of the Ages reroll 3/5 Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 5 = 15
"This one I cannot tell for sure."

"In short, Grandmaster Torch, I believe at least two out of four of the artifacts are forged, and whoever made those didn't do their homework properly. These items are not worth your time, nor ours."

Silver Crusade

Male halfling Fighter/Cavalier | hp 28/95 | AC 29, T 12, FF 28 | Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +2 (+6 vs. enchant) | Challenge 2/2 | Bluff +14, Diplom +17, Handle Animal +22, Percept +2 Halfling
Naala, wolf mount:
hp 21/76 | AC 24, T 16, FF 19 | Fort +10, Ref +12, Wil +5 | Speed 50 ft. | Acrobatics +8, Percept +10

Alden's appraise on the shield: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28

About the shield: "I agree with the others... this item is not even of high quality, let alone the quality which can be easily enchanted with magic. Steer clear of this one, Master Torch.

Alden's Heal check on the skull: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7

Alden sees nothing specifically useful about the skull.

Liberty's Edge

Half Elf Ranger (Urban) [15.0] HP 124/124 | AC 36 T 23 FF 28 | CMB +18 CMD 40 (FF 32) | F +15 R +22 W +13 (+2 vs enchant) | Init +10 | Perc +28 (low-light vision) | SM +1 | Stealth +24 | DD +25 | Acro/EA +21 | Climb/Swim +7 | Surv +20

Sorry but today was a bit hectic, seems that I am not fit to help on any of these items anyway so my timing is spot-on.

Is it truly necessary that we act as appraisers? We were brought here for a serious matter, not games. Faldoc will wait patiently as his new friends examine the pieces in question, though with a scowl on his face.

Grand Lodge

Male Human (Varisian) Arcanist 7 HP 16/30 | AC 15 | T 13 | FF 13 | CMD 17 | Fort +4 | Ref +6 | Will +7 (+1 v charm/comp) | Init +6 | Perc +0 | SM +0 | Reservoir 1/14
Magic:
0: any/any, 1: 6/6, 2: 4/6, 3:3/4

"Surely you jest!" Matteo exclaims. "You were taken for a fool by a con man and now you want us, who are meant to be your saviours, to get you out of it?"[b] the mage is clearly annoyed. [b]"Proposterous! The missions the Society hands out these days..." He trails off, shaking his head as he approaches the items to look them over.

Detecting magic...
Shield History: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
Arcana: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28
Appraise: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

"Nothing to add about the shield. A terrible fake, really. Only a fool could've fallen for it."
Oratory: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Shard: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24

"Hmm, this one requires testing, as Dryadson said." Matteo absentmindedly moves his fingers and says some simple arcane words. He points his finger at the shard and icy blue balls of force shoot from his hand and strike the shard. By the time it strikes, he is already examining the skull.
Oratory: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5
Magic Missile CL9: 5d4 + 5 ⇒ (4, 2, 2, 2, 2) + 5 = 17

Skull Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 8
History: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
History: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

"Even though I cannot tell whether this is a human skull or not, even a child would know that Nimrath was stabbed in the heart. Obviously a fake." Matteo moves on, obviously bored.
Oratory: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Declaration Linguistics: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
History: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Matteo sighs. "Torch, from what I know of you, I am incredibly disappointed. Also, I would consider a refund from this so called sage. He is probably a con man as well. This last item is also clearly a fake." he looks around to see if anyone else can see why. He sighs again. "I suppose it falls on me to explain why, as usual. And you were all doing so well!

"You can see here, here, here, here, here, and here," he points to various letters and signatures on teh document. "that these are all made by the same hand. Also, did you know that this Declaration of War was made in 4396, whereas Duke Sopaerin (he is the final signatory, here) actually died several years earlier in 4391? So obviously, he did not sign this document."

Oratory: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Matteo shakes his head again.

"Now then, Torch, if you are finished with these games, can we continue with the task at hand?"


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

Torch listens intently, his smirk increasing as the party rattles off inconsistencies and errors. Each time one of you is stumped by an item the sage Irskin Jayorass sneers at you, although Torch seems to be ignoring the hired hand. As Kyrnac's scorching ray burns a hole in the fake Tarrasque shard as a fitting finale, Torch and his bodyguards politely applaud while Jayorass goes quiet.

DC 15 Sense Motive:
Jayorass’s anger has been silently boiling under the surface while the sage stood off to the side during the show.

Torch awards you with the following items, explaining that you may need them for the task ahead: potion of water breathing, a potion of resist energy (electricity), a scroll of dimension door, and a scroll of freedom of movement.

Torch then leans back in his tub and continues the discussion, his face growing much more serious and in line with the circumstances now that his games are over. "All right. Time to get serious. As you know, I make my living keeping tabs on who’s doing what in this city. A few weeks ago, my sources watched some new players move in north of the city: a team of Red Mantis assassins—nasty, bloody killers. Imagine my surprise when I learned I was their target. Me! I don’t intend to sit around and wait for the Red Mantis to strike. I want to hit them in the sanctity of their little base. We’ll only get one shot at this. If they survive, they’ll relocate, become invisible, and find another way to strike at me."

Grand Lodge

Venture-Captain Kynrac Chronarion | Male Elf Oracle (Ancient Lorekeeper) 17 | HP 190/190 | AC:35 T:15 FF:32 CMD:27 (+1 AC +1 FF/surp.) | F+15 R+13 (evasion) W+15 (+2 ench, +11 mind-aff; +1 FF/surp.) | Init +6 (roll 3 times take best, always act in surprise round) | Perception +21 (darkvision) |

Kynrac bows, actually enjoying Grandmaster Torch's polie applause, then pockets the scroll of freedom of movement.

"It looks like you have some serious enemies, Grandmaster Torch. We will strike at this base, but it won't change the fact that Red Mantis assassin never give up on a contract even if it fails the first time. You will have them on your back for the rest of your life. That being said, we will do what you ask, and make sure they don't disappear."

Liberty's Edge

Half Elf Ranger (Urban) [15.0] HP 124/124 | AC 36 T 23 FF 28 | CMB +18 CMD 40 (FF 32) | F +15 R +22 W +13 (+2 vs enchant) | Init +10 | Perc +28 (low-light vision) | SM +1 | Stealth +24 | DD +25 | Acro/EA +21 | Climb/Swim +7 | Surv +20

Assassins. How am I not surprised? Faldoc says slowly. Very well. As Kynrac says, we will do as you ask.

Scarab Sages

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Panfalcon fingers the potion of resist energy.

"As a learned man, I'm sure you have many enemies Torch. But has there been an resent events that somebody may have wanted to take such a high profile contract out on your life?"


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

"A recent event that would have caused someone to take my life? I believe those events pepper my life on a weekly, perhaps daily, basis. I do not think I could narrow it down for you." Torch smirks and pushes some froth about in the pool.

"We estimate a dozen assassins but cannot be certain. We, of course, have located their camp already. In the abandoned remains of Allegro College, a cloistered bardic college hidden behind the curtain of a waterfall called Frothripper. It’s in the mountains just north of the city walls. I can sketch you a map. One of my people is camped there now. He has been watching the Mantis come and go from a hidden vantage point."

Grand Lodge

Male Human (Varisian) Arcanist 7 HP 16/30 | AC 15 | T 13 | FF 13 | CMD 17 | Fort +4 | Ref +6 | Will +7 (+1 v charm/comp) | Init +6 | Perc +0 | SM +0 | Reservoir 1/14
Magic:
0: any/any, 1: 6/6, 2: 4/6, 3:3/4

Matteo gladly takes the scroll of dimension door.

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 12

"When you attract enemies, you sure attract the worst of them..." Matteo notes. "We are about to make enemies out of some very powerful people. I hope you are able to compensate us accordingly."


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

"Surely. I wouldn't hold my position if I didn't compensate my friends."

Sovereign Court

AC24(25)/T15/F22/CMD26||HP73[73]|Fort:+7;Ref:+4;Will:+7|Percept.+13(+15 traps)|Init.+4 Human Barbarian 2 / Oracle (Life Oracle) 4 / Rage Prophet 3

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Jarlgur look meaningfully at his companions, then walks over to the sage. "Fear not Jayorass, we all know that one can be mistaken at times. I would say my companions merely had luck this time. Over the long term, I'd bet your expertise would prove to be the greater, no?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

Jayorass sneers at Jarlgur at first and then gives him a forced smile. "Yes, once again you are likely correct."

---

Moving along:

Decades ago, a devoted cadre of musicians and songwriters collectively withdrew from Absalom and established Allegro College. Their goal was to toil in secrecy and then emerge with the greatest symphony of their time. Concerned with the possibility that rivals might spy on their work, the bards built the chambers of their college behind a raging waterfall known as Frothripper. Once they were inside their soundproof chambers, those outside would never be able to hear them rehearse.

You can reach Frothripper with just under an hour’s travel from Absalom. Once near the waterfall, you meet one of Grandmaster Torch’s henchmen, Hraiken Bloodtrail, a half-orc who has been spying on Frothripper from hiding, watching the Red Mantis come and go.

Bloodtrail explains to you, "There is a hollowed-out space behind the waterfall forming a cavern that leads to Allegro College. I have seen the Red Mantis—typically disguised in plain clothes—come and go from both ends of the fall."

We can move into the waterfall whenever you are ready.

Scarab Sages

"Have you been able to get a solid number of how many are in there?"

Silver Crusade

Male halfling Fighter/Cavalier | hp 28/95 | AC 29, T 12, FF 28 | Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +2 (+6 vs. enchant) | Challenge 2/2 | Bluff +14, Diplom +17, Handle Animal +22, Percept +2 Halfling
Naala, wolf mount:
hp 21/76 | AC 24, T 16, FF 19 | Fort +10, Ref +12, Wil +5 | Speed 50 ft. | Acrobatics +8, Percept +10

"Yes, some more detailed intel would be helpful."

Liberty's Edge

Half Elf Ranger (Urban) [15.0] HP 124/124 | AC 36 T 23 FF 28 | CMB +18 CMD 40 (FF 32) | F +15 R +22 W +13 (+2 vs enchant) | Init +10 | Perc +28 (low-light vision) | SM +1 | Stealth +24 | DD +25 | Acro/EA +21 | Climb/Swim +7 | Surv +20

Just before the party elects to move forward Faldoc will cast Longstrider on himself.

Grand Lodge

Male Human (Varisian) Arcanist 7 HP 16/30 | AC 15 | T 13 | FF 13 | CMD 17 | Fort +4 | Ref +6 | Will +7 (+1 v charm/comp) | Init +6 | Perc +0 | SM +0 | Reservoir 1/14
Magic:
0: any/any, 1: 6/6, 2: 4/6, 3:3/4
Jarlgur Flamnord wrote:

[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+5

Jarlgur look meaningfully at his companions, then walks over to the sage. "Fear not Jayorass, we all know that one can be mistaken at times. I would say my companions merely had luck this time. Over the long term, I'd bet your expertise would prove to be the greater, no?"

[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+11

Matteo does all that he can not to laugh. Before long, he is forced to give in. "Based on what we have seen, I would be half-tempted to call this man a fraud!"

As for the waterfall scene...

"Not just how many, but when do they come and go? Do they have an established routine that they stick to?"

Grand Lodge

Venture-Captain Kynrac Chronarion | Male Elf Oracle (Ancient Lorekeeper) 17 | HP 190/190 | AC:35 T:15 FF:32 CMD:27 (+1 AC +1 FF/surp.) | F+15 R+13 (evasion) W+15 (+2 ench, +11 mind-aff; +1 FF/surp.) | Init +6 (roll 3 times take best, always act in surprise round) | Perception +21 (darkvision) |

"Additionally, do they have any distinctive sign that points them out? I'm not expecting them to wear their armor of course, but any other thing?"

Imitating Faldoc, Kynrac draws a wand of gnarled wood and attempts to mimic the fashion in which druids use it.
Wand of Longstrider, UMD DC 20: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33
30 charges remaining

Just to let you know, EF: Kynrac has a wand of gaseous form in one of his spring-loaded wrist sheaths, while the other sheath holds a wand of ill omen.


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

"They've got at least six, but it could be more. Might be that not all of them are coming out. All humans from what I've seen. Nothing too distinctive about them without their Mantis outfits on; they change their plainclothes each time they go out."


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

Ready to move in?

Silver Crusade

Male halfling Fighter/Cavalier | hp 28/95 | AC 29, T 12, FF 28 | Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +2 (+6 vs. enchant) | Challenge 2/2 | Bluff +14, Diplom +17, Handle Animal +22, Percept +2 Halfling
Naala, wolf mount:
hp 21/76 | AC 24, T 16, FF 19 | Fort +10, Ref +12, Wil +5 | Speed 50 ft. | Acrobatics +8, Percept +10

Alden is ready. Let's go for it!

Grand Lodge

Venture-Captain Kynrac Chronarion | Male Elf Oracle (Ancient Lorekeeper) 17 | HP 190/190 | AC:35 T:15 FF:32 CMD:27 (+1 AC +1 FF/surp.) | F+15 R+13 (evasion) W+15 (+2 ench, +11 mind-aff; +1 FF/surp.) | Init +6 (roll 3 times take best, always act in surprise round) | Perception +21 (darkvision) |

Ready!

Sovereign Court

AC24(25)/T15/F22/CMD26||HP73[73]|Fort:+7;Ref:+4;Will:+7|Percept.+13(+15 traps)|Init.+4 Human Barbarian 2 / Oracle (Life Oracle) 4 / Rage Prophet 3

Jarlgur nods his assent.

Liberty's Edge

Half Elf Ranger (Urban) [15.0] HP 124/124 | AC 36 T 23 FF 28 | CMB +18 CMD 40 (FF 32) | F +15 R +22 W +13 (+2 vs enchant) | Init +10 | Perc +28 (low-light vision) | SM +1 | Stealth +24 | DD +25 | Acro/EA +21 | Climb/Swim +7 | Surv +20

Yep, let's go.


The Flaxseed Pathfinder Lodge

The cavern is as dark as it is damp. The roar of the waterfall
is omnipresent here. The cascading flow forms a dangerous,
fast-moving wall of water to the south.

This close to Frothripper, the noise is deafening. Everyone in this cavern suffers a –10 penalty on sound-based Perception checks so long as they remain here. There is no south wall. Instead, there is a curtain of rushing water from the fall outside. Anyone who moves or is otherwise pushed into a square occupied by the waterfall (such as by a bull rush) is automatically swept away and dashed into the pool a hundred feet below.

The party seems to have entered at one end of a long arced platform. Six men and women stand guard about the platform, surprised to see newcomers behind the waterfall.

gm rolls:

beheaders: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
enforcers: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
faldoc: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
jarlgur: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
kynrac: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
kynrac: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
alden: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
matteo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
panfalcon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Initiative:

1. Jarlgur, Matteo, Kynrac, Alden, Faldoc, and Panfalcon
2. Mantis

You guys are up!

Sovereign Court

AC24(25)/T15/F22/CMD26||HP73[73]|Fort:+7;Ref:+4;Will:+7|Percept.+13(+15 traps)|Init.+4 Human Barbarian 2 / Oracle (Life Oracle) 4 / Rage Prophet 3

Jarlgur casts a spell, blessing the party and draws his hammer.

Silver Crusade

Male halfling Fighter/Cavalier | hp 28/95 | AC 29, T 12, FF 28 | Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +2 (+6 vs. enchant) | Challenge 2/2 | Bluff +14, Diplom +17, Handle Animal +22, Percept +2 Halfling
Naala, wolf mount:
hp 21/76 | AC 24, T 16, FF 19 | Fort +10, Ref +12, Wil +5 | Speed 50 ft. | Acrobatics +8, Percept +10

Alden and Naala charge the nearest enforcer, hoping to trip him up early in the fight.

Alden charge lance attack: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 1 = 24
Double damage!: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + 1 = 7
Naala charge attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 = 10
Naala damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7 plus trip Trip CMB: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 11 + 1 = 31

Alden's attack hits home (I assume) for a paltry 7 damage, and Naala misses with her bite!

Of course, the whole point of charging forward is to be there to make AOOs to help his friends' AC, so it's all good!

Scarab Sages

You gonna move Jarlgur?

Panfalcon saunters forward pulling out a small shovel. Once he stops, he strikes the ground, creating a small crack. From the crack, a jagged line shoots forth glowing brown eltdrich energy. The energy ends at the last Enforcer and creates a small pit below him.

Create Pit. DC 16 reflex or fall in the pit and take 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 2) = 7 points of damage

1 to 50 of 201 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / GM Endless Forms' PFS 02-26 The Mantis's Prey All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.