GM Endless Forms' PFS 03-02 Sewer Dragons of Absalom (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

Ezrek comes forward and examines the Taldan before producing his wand of healing and using it on Xarcious.

Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Ninja'd, go ahead and keep the actions though

Whatever Xarcious is suffering from seems to be beyond the skill of Ezrek. He is currently at 8 HP with a Con of 4.

Emral stirs a bit and his eyes open up to see Ezrek standing near him with a wand. Ah. . . ah, thank you. Thank you very much. Who are you? Are you here to ransom me? What do you want from me?

We have come looking for information about the Sewer Dragons, though it looks as if we have won your freedom as well.

Shan smiles like a proud grandfather at the success of Anja and Reiko.

"You have preserved the peace and rescued a soul today. Harmony has been maintained."

Shan stays in the main room with Greeves & company while his companions tend to Xarvious.

All: Feel free to view both spoilers, I just wanted to organize them this way.

Desmond slips one of the guards 20 gold and both guards convene in the corner before walking out the door. Greeves calls out to them but they are already gone. Greeves looks suspiciously at Desmond and backs away into the corner.

Map

Why did they just leave? Who exactly are you people?

Anja walks to the door, but stops to watch as the guards leave and Desmond prepares to confront Greeves. If/when it appears she won't be needed, she will join Ezrek and Sahar in the other room.

Desmond makes his way towards Greeves.

"Greeves, my name is Desmond Aesculus and I represent the interests of Guaril Karela. It seems that you recently let your tongue wag a little too freely, and Mr. Karela is not happy about it."

Desmond gets closer to Greeves. "If you know what's best for you, you will STAY SEATED!"

Desmond rolls Intimidate to scare Greeves into staying in his seat and allow Desmond to stand next to him. Intimidate Roll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

I hope what I posted previously is okay. I'm not sure of the exact mechanics of attempting to grapple Greeves while out of combat. I imagine that my grapple attempt was possibly too low to work, and we will probably roll initiative for a fight.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Reiko will stay and assist if needed.

Shan's smile flattens as he witnesses what is about to transpire.

"That is a road you must travel alone." The dwarf shakes his head in disgust and walks outside. After his exit, Shan scans the roads around him before tuning out the din of Absalom. Through waking meditation, the monk draws in calming, grounding energy from the ground beneath him, waiting for the moment to pass.

Desmond, your Intimidate will be enough to scare Greeves into sitting down. I will say that your grapple attempt (not successful) was the surprise round and we will start into regular combat now.

Initiatives:

1. Desmond
2. Anja
3. Ezrek
4. Shan
5. Greeves
6. Reiko
7. Sahar

MAP

If you don't want to participate, just comment as such and we'll skip over you.

Desmond is up!

Shan will Delay until otherwise notified.

You put in a +9 instead of a +4 in my initiative modifier. Did my intimidate give me a bonus? Since a +4 would tie me with Anja for first, I will go ahead and describe my actions.

Desmond again tries to grapple with Greeves:

CMB Grapple roll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Edit: I was going to type one thing, but changed my mind midway through and accidentally left in that I had pulled out the dagger and then attempted to grapple. I have no weapon drawn when attempting this second grapple.

Desmond successfully grapples Greeves.

@Desmond: Sorry about that. You're still first, so we'll just keep going.

Also, we'll keep using this thread for combat rather than switching over to the Roll20 chat. That way we're not switching back and forth. Just use Roll20 for the map and to move your character around.

Just to refresh everyone:

Sahar attempts to put an evil eye (-2 attack rolls) on Greeves from where she stands.

DC?

Anja draws a dagger, but stays back. She'll back up to make room for anyone coming in from the office.

Grappling flowcharts I find useful http://tuskmountain.wikidot.com/grapple-flowcharts

Reiko will leap onto the table and attack.

Move Action - Move on top of the table while drawing her Wakizashi. I'm assuming the table gives me an additional +1 to hit from a higher elevation but you can remove that if you decide it doesn't. Also I'm pretty sure you know but but they get a -2 AC penalty from the loss of dex while in a grapple as well.

Standard Action - Attack
1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 1 = 28
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Confirm:
1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 = 18
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"Drag him away from the corner so I can get behind him!" Reiko says over the sound of combat to Desmond.

Ezrek continues to talk to Xarcious. Can you tell me what happend to you? He then turns at the sounds of commotion in the other room and steps out. What is going on out here?

Round 1 of combat: Summary

Desmond's voice raises and Greeves falls back into his chair as Desmond grabs him and holds him still. Anja and Shan step back to see how this new turn of events transpires. Hearing the commotion, Ezrek steps out of the office just in time to see Greeves slip a small axe from his belt and slash at Desmond.

Power Attack with Throwing Axe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Greeves is unable to swing hard enough to pierce Desmond's armor. Reiko leaps up on top of the table and slices at Greeves' arm. Sahar glares at Greeves from across the room and his expression falters a bit (Evil Eye Hex).

AC is 20, but I'm not sure what penalties I have to it while grappling Greeves.

"Greeves, you're just full of surprises. I'm not trying to kill you, but I don't want you going anywhere."

Maintain Grapple and pin Greeves to the chair: 1d20 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 5 = 26

Desmond then puts his weight into his grapple and pins Greeves to the chair. "Reiko, I just want to tie him up. I think I've just about got him, but thanks for steppin' in."

Desmond successfully pins Greeves to the chair. He is essentially helpless now. Desmond can tie him up next round or someone else can tie him up.

@Des: you have a -4 Dex, which takes your AC down by 2, but he still didn't hit you.

Anja, Reiko, can one of you grab my rope and help me tie this lousy rat to his chair?

Ezrek grabs Des' rope and begins tying up Greeves. What happend Desmond, did he attempt to hurt one of the party?

Seeing the Greeves diversion under control, Anja sheaths her dagger and slips into the office to see for herself if Xarcious is in there.

"You're Xarcious? We're Pathfinders. We understand you've been working with a gang of kobolds called the Sewer Dragons. They've been getting aggressive - intercepting shipments and killing Pathfinders. What can you tell us about them?"

"Oh, Pathfinders. Well that's good then. The Sewer Dragons? Yes, they've been gaining power for some time now. Kibizax, the chief, is a powerful sorcerer with a dragon ally who has rallied many kobolds about him, but rumor has it that Kibizax is getting old and plans to turn the tribe over to one of his two children. His elder daughter Yiddlepode is a spellcaster much like her father and will most likely take over the title of chief soon. Yippitok is the younger son and I believe he is also the tribe's lead trap crafter and may even have some skill in alchemy.

Now if you plan to go after these Sewer Dragons be warned. They've taken over a massive underground theater which was covered over long ago as the city grew. The kobolds have closed off most of the tunnels that gain access to the theater, but there is one passage in the sewer system that can still access the old theater." Xarcious gives clear directions of how to get to this passage.

"Thank you so much, Pathfinders. I owe you, I truly do. So let me give you this one more piece of advice: you won't have any luck dealing with Kibizax, but I think that Yiddlepode might be open to bargaining with the Pathfinder Society. She's your best chance. And you might not even have to go down in the sewers to find her; she often dons a magical disguise to sneak into the operas in the Ivy District. I hear she disguises herself as a halfling with a blue opera cloak and only goes to poorly attended shows just to be sure her disguise isn't blown

The antiquities shipment Drandle Dreng warned of arrives in Absalom in three days. Being in Absalom, you all know that there are currently three operas gracing the stages in the Ivy District over the next three days: a traveling Andoren troupe's performance of the Chelish history called Fall from Glory, a local diva's rendition of Serpent's Song, and a comedic opera called The Trouble with Swans.

You may all make Diplomacy (gather information) and Knowledge (local) checks to see what you know about the opera scene in the Ivy District. Because you have three days before the shipment, you can spend a lot of time researching and talking to people and how much time you spend affects the DCs of the checks so let me know if you are spending 1, 2, or 3 days and what you are doing. The third night will be the last opportunity to catch Yiddlepode before the shipment arrives the next day.

Desmond let's out a sigh of relief as Greeves is bound to the chair. Ezrek - I was afraid you'd miss all the fun! He turns his attention to Greeves, Now, as to you. As I have said before - I am not here to kill you. Mr. Karela is not that vicious. However, he doesn't want your loose tongue spilling all of his secrets to anyone within earshot either, so...

Desmond then pulls out his dagger. With his free hand, he squeezes Greeves' face to force his mouth open. Then, quickly grabbing Greeves' tongue, Desmond slices, but his grip loosens and ends up mangling Greeves pretty badly. With a bit of tongue in hand, Desmond absentmindedly wipes the blade of his dagger on his pants before sheathing it. He curses to himself, I hope this is enough to make Guaril happy.

Heal check to remove the tongue cleanly:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

He pulls out his healing wand and addresses Greeves. This has not been a pleasant experience for me, I want you to know that. I'm not a bad guy; it's just that I sometimes have to do some pretty low stuff. I'm sure you can relate, right? Well, I hope this helps.

With that, he points the wand of healing at Greeves at uses it to heal the wounds incurred during the fight.

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 points of healing to Greeves.

Edited to reflect failed Heal Check.

Greeves' eyes widen as Desmond pulls out his dagger and he squirms as the blade slices through his tongue. He sputters blood for a few seconds before Desmond heals him. Looking down at his hands, Desmond notices that he only managed to take out a piece of Greeves' tongue, leaving the man clacking and clicking as he tries to form words with his new tongue.

@Des: sorry, you needed a 15 to cleanly remove it.

I'm assuming combat is over

Reiko cleans her blade and resheaths it. I hope this was worth it and I hope that if I ask you for assistance you will return the favor.

Reiko turns her attention to Xarcious. In addition to the kobolds do you know the fate of a young Pathfinder named Gil?

As Reiko turns her attention to Xarcious, Desmond again addresses the bound and sputtering Greeves. Can you believe that? I hope that if I ask you for assistance... It's not like you were about to best me or anything, right? I mean, you couldn't even get me with your axe. Besides, I was the one that got rid of your guards so nobody else would need to deal with them. Give some people an inch, and they take a pound.

As he slowly makes his way towards the office with Xarcious, Desmond continues to mutter to himself, Of course I'll help out in a fight...

He leaves Greeves tied to the chair.

Anja has further questions for Xarcious.

"I was surprised when I'd heard the chief hired a tutor for his kids. Both of them or just one? And what did you teach them?"

"Yippitok doesn't mind his sister taking over? Or is there likely to be a struggle between the two?"

"Which of these three would've approved of attacking the Pathfinders that have gone missing in the sewers?"

"Can you arrange a meeting for us with Yiddlepode?"

Sahar nods her head at Emral as he speaks, and when he is done she says, "Sayyed Xarcious, the rays of the Dawnflower now fall upon you. What you have shared with us has been most helpful. Can I offer further assistance or escort elsewhere in the city?"

Looking to Ezrek she says "Please help Sayyed Xarcious to his feet." She gestures with her hand with a lifting motion. "It is unlikely that we should remain here for much longer."

From behind the niqab her eyes narrow and she glares icily at Desmond, "We are guests in the house of Greeves, you shame yourself with your actions. Take care that your masters do not bring shame onto the house of the Decemvirate."

Looking to Ezrek again

Desmond is taken aback by Sahar's words. With all respect Sahar, Greeves was holding Xarcious ransom. You see how feeble he is - and it doesn't look like Greeves has done anything to improve his health. Even Xarcious himself knows Greeves was holding him for ransom. Greeves isn't some innocent babe that got mixed up in this.

Also, don't think that the Decemvirate is so blameless themselves. Keep in mind that we are essentially being tasked to clear a way for them to smuggle goods to the Grand Lodge. That ain't exactly on the up-and-up in my book. But, I get paid to do the task - so I do it.

Walking back towards Greeves, Desmond calls over his shoulder, But maybe you're right. It would be inhospitable of me to leave him tied up like this. Desmond then proceeds to untie Greeves.

Besides, this is good rope - don't want to waste it.

Sahar scoffs in disgust, arching her left eyebrow as she speaks "If you are looking to justify your actions on your mercenary beliefs..." she points to the wall "you'll have better success talking to that sagheer Desmond. I am not here to justify Greeves' actions, I would sooner count the sands of Katheer! You may yet earn Sarenrae's redemption before you earn her retribution. I will not standby while you wantonly torture a helpless man."

Standing up with the help of Ezrek, Emral responds "I was only in charge of tutoring Kibizak's son.

Well, Yippitok is not likely to take it well when his sister takes over instead of him, but that remains to be seen. She is the rightful heir, after all, and Yippitok's allegiances are unknown to me.

Attacking the Pathfinders? From what I know of the three, it seems like some scheming of Kibizax. Yiddlepode is a little more even-headed than to do such a rash thing.

Unfortunately Greeves has had me for over a month and I have lost touch with Yiddlepode. I honestly can not tell you where exactly she is or where she might be. Stake out the operas, that is the only advice I can give if you wish to speak to Yiddlepode. Either that or go into the sewers and confront Kibizax directly."

"Why yes madam," Xarcious responds to Sahar, "I am still quite ill and some assistance to the nearest healer or apothecary would be greatly appreciated.

Stashing his rope, Desmond turns to Sahar during her diatribe. He wipes his face with both hands in exasperation. So, I guess you're one of those Silver Crusaders, huh? Self righteous... His voice trails off as he steps away from Sahar and glances over at the doorway leading outside.

It must kill you to have to work with a sagheer like me, whatever that is. I don't have to justify my actions to you or your precious Sarenrae.

He pulls out his wand of healing. So, should I heal him some more? I don't see you doing anything to help him. Desmond puts the wand away and sighs. I was just asked to collect a little trinket for Karela - a task similar to so many Society missions we get sent on. But I don't want to spend the rest of this mission with you being upset. I promise not to wantonly hurt anybody unless they really deserve it for the rest of our time together.

Desmond then hangs back at the rear of the group and keeps to himself until a course of action is decided upon.

Reiko speaks up.

"Let cooler heads prevail. Split up, and see what information we can find. Lets regroup in three days and share any information we found. Then we can go looking for the Kobold Yiddlepode at the theatre. Or perhaps one of us should be at the theatre every day keeping watch. If so I volunteer for such a task."

Ezrek watches all the goings on with a furrowed brow. He nods to Sahar, he eyes wide with surprise.

He turns to Desmond. Had I known you intent, I would not have helped. Alas it is down. I do not hold any anger for you, only sorrow. Perhaps when our mission is dowm, you would do well to go speak with Grandmaster Torch. I am sure he would have much to say. Ezrek lays a hand on Desmond's momentarily, shaking his head. He then goes back to tending Xarcious.

Fine, feel sorry for me - I know my standing with you. What is that language you two, he gestures at Ezrek and Sahar, use with each other anyway - Kelish? Yeah, I may not speak it, but I've worked with Quadirans before. They never involve themselves in dishonest or under-handed work, do they? Is removing a man's tongue really any worse than lifting some trade agreements?

He then turns to the group. What's done is done. We should get Emral somewhere safe and far away from here. I dunno how long those guards will be, but I can't imagine they'll be happy to see what's happened. I like Reiko's idea of splitting up, but I'm also all for taking this fight to the sewers without delay.

Sahar, still furious with Desmond storms up next to him her face right in his, the niqab brushing against his face, "If you believe my role here it to clean up the mess you've made, perhaps I'll send Karela my own remembrance of you."

Turning on her heel to face Reiko Sahar rages, "My head is cool enough not to discuss courses of action in front of him. I would be more than happy to make plans elsewhere." she points at Greeves.

Walking to Xarcious she puts her arm in his, "Please sayyed, I would be my honor to escort you to the Temple of the Shining Star in the Ascendant Court. " She touches him with the wand again for good measure.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"At you leisure sayyed Filosten."

Kn: local (to know anything offhand about the Opera Scene): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"Good point. I'll have more questions at the Temple. Maybe the rest of you will, too. Maybe this time we can make a plan ahead of time and stick to it."

At the Temple, Anja continues her questions of Xarcious. "What can you tell us about this dragon ally of the chief? Does he stay with the gang? He seem likely to have a preference for one of the kids as a successor?"

Turning to the rest of the group, "Anyone know anything about dragons? They out of our league?"

"I'd suggest we meet each evening, in case someone finds out that night's show is the likely one to find her."

Hey, my plan went off pretty well, I'd say. Nobody in our group was injured - nothing is hurt but feelings. But I get your point, Anja. I didn't think anyone else would approve of my tangential errand, so I held back information. I apologize for not being more upfront with my intentions. I promise you all that it will not happen again.

Desmond then tries to recall what he knows of dragons...

Knowledge Nature to know anything about Dragons:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Desmond then shares what he knows about dragons with the group.

Edit: I'm not sure what kind of knowledge check would need to be made about dragons.

After arriving at the Temple and ensuring that Xarcious is appropriately taken care of, Sahar shares what she knows about Dragons.

Knowledge (Arcana): Take 20 if possible + 7 = 27, or take 10 if not? 17.

Can't respond to all questions right now but dragons would be Knowledge (arcana) I believe and you can't take 10 or 20 on Knowledge checks unless you are a bard and have that ability.

Tomorrow will be a busy day in the lab and then travelling at night so don't expect an update until Saturday. Go ahead and figure out what you are doing for the next couple days (in game) and make the appropriate KN (local) and Diplomacy (gather information) checks. I'll respond to them when I get time.

Ezrek looks around for Shan. Shan what is your opinion? How long should we spend digging for information?

Feeling more comfortable with her surroundings in the Temple.

"It is curious to me that you only gave instruction to Yippitoh sayyed Xarcious, when it is his sister who by birth should be Kibizak's successor." Sahar notes. "What manner of things did you teach the boy? Any languages perhaps?"

"I believe Rieko and Anja are correct in our path forward. We should split up and attend these operas and search for the kobold-as-a-halfling. We should meet up over the next few days to trade information. It may be difficult to get Yiddlepode into a negotiating mood if we confront her in disguise. It would be helpful for our negotiations though if we knew what it was they wanted to gain from their actions. As Trade Prince has told me on many occasions 'It's always good to know about new customers before they walk in your door.' I doubt very seriously that their goal is simply to make enemies of the Ten."

Sahar spends some time asking around trying to figure out which of the 3 operas would be the least attended based on her Gather Information attempt. Diplomacy (Gather Information) 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16 taking 1d4 ⇒ 2 hours.