GM PDK'S PFS RPG 'HONOR'S ECHO' FOR PBP GAMEDAY VI (Inactive)

Game Master Purple Dragon Knight

Please roll your readied attacks as you declare them. Thanks!

Vello and Barid miss the dog. Vindex takes position in the entrance, covering your back. Mohag calls Desna for help!

dog bite vs. Barid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 [hit] for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 b/p/s damage plus 1d4 ⇒ 2 electricity damage plus trip vs. Barid's CMD 13: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 [not tripped]

The hands [i.e. those that don't die from Vindex' readied action and AoO] swarm over Vindex, using their climb speed to move past the warrior and into the room.

crawling hand 1 vs. Vindex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 for 1d1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 plus grab vs. Vindex CMD 17: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
crawling hand 2 vs. Vindex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 for 1d1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 plus grab vs. Vindex CMD 17: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5
crawling hand 3 vs. Vindex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 for 1d1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 plus grab vs. Vindex CMD 17: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
[3 hits but no grab]

Inititiative [bold can go]

Round1
Barid: -6
Mohag:
Vello:
Vindex: -6
guardian dog and crawling statue hands:
Otto:
Sir Durant:

Round 2
Barid: -6
Mohag:
Vello:
Vindex: -6
guardian dog and crawling statue hands:
Otto:
Sir Durant:

Otto moves into a flank on one of the crawling hands with Vindex and tries to cut into it with a powerful overhand chop.

cutlass chop: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

crit confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
extra crit damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

"That'll show ya." quips Otto.

The floating hands seem to be taken care of, so Vello fires off another kinetic blast at the guardian dog.

Cold Blast (Range Touch) vs Dog: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Cold Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Sir Durant moves to help Vindex with the swarming hands as well, slashing at the animated hand as it tries to cling to the warrior from the East.

Soldier's Glory, Bless: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 = 14 Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

"The dog's bite has quite a shock to it!" Barid calls, teeth chattering. He takes a more defensive stance, aiming to delay the statue until he can get assistance.

Defensive stab!: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 3 - 4 = 2

Assuming these are constructs, as they appear to be, they won't recover HP from channeled positive energy.
Seeing both Barid and Vindex injured, Mohag channels the power of Desna to heal.
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 2

I wasn't sure if you wanted me to roll for AOOs and other actions that would occur out of my turn since they might not happen. Here are rolls that might apply:

Readied Attack, Power Attack, Bless: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 - 1 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 3 = 16

AOO, Power Attack, Bless: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 1 + 1 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 3 = 12
AOO, Power Attack, Bless: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 - 1 + 1 = 6
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 3 = 14
AOO, Power Attack, Bless: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 - 1 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 3 = 17

Vindex may not get several of these AOOs depending on how they approach him. His action this round will depend on what is still alive.

Mohag calls for his goddess, and Vindex skewers two crawling hands before they get to him, but one makes it past his blockade. Vindex you only suffer 2 dmg instead of 6 Otto comes up to Vindex's aid and finishes the last animated stone hand. Vello's blast misses robodog, and Sir Durant positions himself upstairs to assist Barid and Soldier's Glory heals the rogue for 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 points of healing. Changed Sir Durant's action because Vindex and Otto already destroyed all the hands.

The clockwork dog resumes his attack on Barid:
dog bite vs. Barid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 [hit] for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 b/p/s damage plus 1d4 ⇒ 4 electricity damage plus trip vs. Barid's CMD 13: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 [tripped and disabled]

Inititiative [bold can go]

Round2
Barid: -6
Mohag:
Vello:
Vindex: -2
guardian dog
Otto:
Sir Durant and Soldier's Glory

Round3
Barid: 10 pts. of dmg; prone+disabled
Mohag:
Vello:
Vindex: -2
guardian dog
Otto:
Sir Durant and Soldier's Glory

Attack, Power Attack, Bless: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 - 1 + 1 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 3 = 13

The hands down, Vindex springs up the stairs behind Sir Durant and thrusts at the guardian dog.

"Hang in there, Barid! Help is on the way!"
Mohag will move and channel again.
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Durant takes a nimble step to the side to clear the stairs and strikes at the canine construct, focusing his efforts on distracting the mechanical creature to help Vindex’s more powerful blows land.

Soldier’s Glory (Aid another Vindex attack), Bless: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 = 25 +4 to Vundex’s next attack against the construct.

Otto trundles up, double moving as fast as he can.

Vello moves down the stairs to get in a better position to target the dog and unleashes another blast at it. "Hit this time, damnit."

Cold Blast (Range Touch): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Cold Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Move Action: 15'
Standard Action: Attack

BOTTING BARID: Barid strikes the dog from prone position but his weapon seems ineffective.

The clockwork dog decides to target Sir Durant:
dog bite vs. Barid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 [hit] for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 b/p/s damage plus 1d4 ⇒ 1 electricity damage plus trip vs. Sir Durant's CMD 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 [tripped]

Inititiative [bold can go]

Round3
Barid: 10 pts. of dmg; prone+disabled
Mohag
Vello
Vindex: 2 pts. dmg.
guardian dog
Otto
Sir Durant and Soldier's Glory: 5 pts. of dmg; prone

Round4
Barid: 5 pts. of dmg; prone
Mohag
Vello
Vindex
guardian dog
Otto
Sir Durant and Soldier's Glory

Otto steps up and makes another big overhand chop.

cutlass: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

"Not the best place to be right now, but that dog'll pull me down again if I stand up..."

Floor stab!: 1d20 + 3 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 3 - 4 + 2 = 20
Confirm: 1d20 + 3 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 - 4 + 2 = 6 =P
Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

Vello unleashes another blast of energy at the dog statue, hoping this time to do some damage.

Cold Blast (Range Touch): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Cold Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Sir Durant decides to risk the dog's attack as he clambers to his feet. With a shout, he raises Soldier's Glory overhead and brings it down on the construct.

Soldier's Glory, Bless: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 = 13 Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Otto hits and puts a dent in the dog's back plates - something is resisting his weapon.

Barid strikes but his rapier bends, doing no damage at all. Something is definitely working against the heroes' blades...

--> Mohag and Vindex you're up!

"Soldier's Glory might hurt this thing! Or the other weapons of Honaria, like this spear!"
Bit of Luck on Sir Durant, and holding the spear out for anyone to take.

Attack, Power Attack, Bless: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 - 1 + 1 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 3 = 16

"I'm just going to hit the damn thing as hard as I can!" Vindex takes a mighty thrust at the dog with his Naginata, skewering the air over its head.

The clockwork dog decides to target Sir Durant.
I'm rolling the two next rounds to speed this up

ROUND 4, dog bite vs. Sir Durant, vs. prone: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 4 = 10 [miss]

ROUND 5, dog bite vs. Sir Durant, vs. prone: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 4 = 25 [hit] for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 b/p/s damage plus 1d4 ⇒ 3 electricity damage plus trip vs. Sir Durant's CMD 15, vs. prone: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 4 = 17 [tripped]

Everyone posts 2 rounds' worth of actions:
Otto
Sir Durant and Soldier's Glory: 5 pts. of dmg; prone
Barid: 5 pts. of dmg; prone
Mohag
Vello
Vindex

The sword can heal Sir Durant, right?
Then Mohag will cast True Strike and draw his bola (round 4) and throw the bola (round 5) to trip the dog.
Bola, Nonproficient, Into Melee, Bless, True Strike, Inexplicable Luck: 1d20 + 1 - 4 - 4 + 1 + 20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 1 - 4 - 4 + 1 + 20 + 8 = 27
Wow, good thing I used Inexplicable Luck. True Strike alone might not have been enough with a bad roll like that.

Sir Durant stood on his last turn. No longer prone.
Round 4

Sir Durant raises the intelligent blade of Honaria Alcasti once again and strikes with his full force at the construct.

Soldiers Glory, Bless: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 = 13 Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Bit of Luck: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 = 10

Round 5
Dog tripped him again. Attacking from prone.

SG, Bless, Prone: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 1 - 4 = 14 Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Attack, Bless, Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 3 = 15

Attack, Bless, Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 3 = 16

Vindex continues to flail ineffectually at the dog, the cursing under his breath intensifying.

Otto makes another pair of downward strikes against the construct.

cutlass: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

cutlad: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Barid growls from his untenable position, but continues striking.

Stab!: 1d20 + 3 - 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 - 4 + 2 + 1 = 21
Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6
Stab!: 1d20 + 3 - 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 3 - 4 + 2 + 1 = 17
Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7
Confirm: 1d20 + 3 - 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 - 4 + 2 + 1 = 19
Crit Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

The dog wouldn't have tripped Sir Durant in Round 5. It only beat his CMD due to the +4 it got for attacking a prone target. But he stood up in Round 3.

Which would mean my attack roll in round 5 is an 18, not a 14.

Vello takes the crypt's spear that Mohag offers since his cold blast doesn't seem to be doing any damage and moves up to attack the statue dog.

4th round
Double Move (Take weapon from Mohag and move into range to use it)

5th round
Crypt Spear vs Dog (Prone): 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 4 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

The heroes swarm the dog construct and put an end to its extended service. Beyond the door, a sparse room holds little beyond a lacquered wooden coffin. A human skull sits on a plate in front of the casket, while a mangled clockwork owl lies a few feet away. An engraved plaque is propped up behind the skull against the wooden pall. The smell of corrosion fills the air.

The plaque reads, “Here lies Honaria Alcasti, betrayed by her inferiors and those she served. We shall remember her deeds and restore her honor.” The letters are faded and the plaque appears to be centuries old. You find a hairpin with a noble crest on it.

The coffin itself contains Honaria’s corpse and her accolades, including an impressive collection of military ribbons and medals.

If you approach the owl you realize that he's missing half of his face. He is immobile but he begins to speak in a broken and stuttering voice, "I am A-A-Amantius, the former f-f-f-familiar of Italice Cenabri, whose head now rest here atop Honoria's coffin. Syagra Tetranella did this to m-m-m-m-me. Do not a-a-a-a-approach closer: I a-a-a-am malfunctioning and g-g-g-generating a cloud of c-c-c-corrosive gas. If one of y-y-you is good at dismantling mechanisms t-t-try disconnecting the w-w-wand in my inner chassis. This w-w-will stop the corrosive gas."

The acid cloud deals 1d6 points of damage per round (DC 14 Reflex negates). You can neutralize the broken wand if you succeed at a DC 15 Disable Device check, a DC 13 Craft (construct) check, or a DC 15 Use Magic Device check. Whichever skill you choose, neutralizing the wand takes 1d4 ⇒ 3 rounds. The owl's directions count as a +2 assist. Anything that can generate some wind or air movement can grant a bonus to the saving throw (and can also outright cancel the acid cloud if it's a spell effect that works against gases).

"I can cast a spell of Guidance to assist any of you in disconnecting the wand, and I can call on more of Desna's healing power to counteract the acid."
Two channels left today. Can also maybe get an Aid from the sword on whichever brave hero tries this.
Barid?

Unfortunately, the sword's aid will only grant bonuses on saves vs fear. Not gonna help much against some gas.

"I'm afraid I'm of no help here," Sir Durant says, yielding the space to those more skilled than himself in deft matters.

Aid provides temporary hit points. Beyond that the sword also has one cure light wound left for the day, I believe.

Barid pulls some tools from a pouch on his hip, "Sounds like a job for me. Excuse me gentlemen, I have some work to do."

Reflex!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Grasping: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10 +1 if this is considered a trap
"Hmm, trickier than expected."

Reflex!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Pulling: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 = 14 +1 if this is considered a trap
Acid!: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Barid coughs and his eyes water as the cloud does its business.

Reflex!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Prodding: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 2 = 18 +1 if this is considered a trap

"Ah, so that's how it's moved!"

Reflex!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Twist clockwise: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 = 26 +1 if this is considered a trap
Acid!: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Barid is again burned by the acid cloud, but that doesn't stop him from continuing to work the wand out.

Reflex!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Corkscrew out: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 2 = 18 +1 if this is considered a trap

Barid pulls the wand out of the owl after 30 seconds of work, only being burned from the acid twice. He coughs again and blinks tears from his eyes, "Job well done. I think I'm going to sit down for a bit."

Whenever the acid burns Barid, Mohag channels to heal the rogue.
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 4

"Amantius, can you still speak to us? Who is Syagra Tetranella, and why did she do this to you?"

"Thank you for your warning and your guidance, Amantius. Tell us, why does your former mistress's head lie here atop Honaria Alcasti's grave?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Barid's expert skills easily dismantle the malfunctioning wand from the clockwork owl! Amantius' speech, albeit still labored, appears to come out much easier now. After a violent shaking fit, he finally settles and in answer to Mohag and Sir Durant, says the following.

"S-S-Syagra was one of Honaria's followers. After Honaria died in public ignominy, S-S-Syagra cast the blame on my mistress, Italice Cenabri, w-w-w-which was a prominent adviser to the crown. In truth, many factors led to Honaria's disgrace, but Italice served as a convenient scapegoat for Syagra’s rage and sorrow. I failed to notice Syagra's growing rage thus I failed my m-m-m-mistress...
After years of preparations, S-S-Syagra carried out her plan to assassinate Italice, fleeing from justice and escaping into the wilderness. Again I was out and not by my mistress' side when this happened... I am an extremely bad familiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar...
Syagra eventually made her way here where the Alcasti family had given Honaria a hero’s burial in the family tomb. In her single-minded devotion, Syagra broke into the tomb, planning to leave Italice’s head as an offering to Honaria’s memory.
Ironically, in her attempts to honor her friend, Syagra was forced to smash apart the tomb guardians and vandalize most of the magical wards, a-a-a-as you have witnessed in coming here.
However, as she was about to leave this place I caught up with her and attempted to stop her and reason with her, great hero me... She struck me down and left me as another twisted offering to Honaria’s memory.
First I blamed Honaria for Italice’s death but centuries of reflection in her tomb have changed my opinion. Despite my bitterness and despair,
I must admit that Honaria was innocent in all this, and I do not believe any of this to be something she would have wanted.
Now, will you do the honorable and please arrange for Italice’s remains to be returned to her family?"

Barid nods as he begins poking through tomb looking for the medals and laurels needed. "Of course we will, no person's corpse deserves desecration such as Italice's. First we must find some of Honaria's things for her descendant, then we will gather the remains to be sent to Italice's family."

Immediately following Barid's noble words, a feeling of peace suffuses the tomb. All PCs are healed for 10 hit points.

”You say your mistress was but a scapegoat for Syagra’s rage after Lady Honaria’s fall. Do you know the right cause? In all our endeavors, we have found much to support the claim of Honaria’s descendant that she was an honorable woman who served her country well and nobly. If it was not the machinations of your mistress, then what was the reason for Honaria’s exile?”

Otto congraulates his companions "Well done all."

and then listens to Sir Durants questions.

"I'm not aware of all that went on in Honaria's downfall, but those details should be sealed somewhere in Court. My mistress also served her country nobly. She was working at the highest levels of policy development to make sure that the nobility did not abuse their power. Honaria was a great warrior but that does not mean my mistress should have turned a blind eye on her unit's expense reports. My mistress was doing a great job. Syagra and her fanatical love for her leader no doubt aggravated Honaria's situation. Sometimes the best advice for a leader is not the one he or she wants to hear, but a good servant owes it to the leader to report the truth in an impartial manner... oh... and by the way, could you carry me to House Cenabri along with my mistress' remains?"

As you return with Honaria’s laurels, Remaio is pleased with your efforts, eagerly describing to you the decorations that he recognizes and basking in secondhand pride.

As he sees you returning Amantius and Italice’s remains, Remaio complains in a sullen manner, "This may taint my petition to restore Honaria’s good name..." but otherwise does not push the subject.

After you arrange for Italice’s remains to be returned to her family, Amantius is grateful though somewhat lost after so many years spent hopeless and imprisoned. Before you leave him with House Cenabri, he insists that you take the partially charged wand of heightened awareness (10 charges) within his body, as it is the only means he has to repay you for their kindness. He informs you that even if the Cenabri family pays for his repairs, he plans to keep his broken face to remember Italice.

===============================================================

ONE WEEK AFTER YOU RETURN TO OPPARA

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Remaio’s blood, sweat, and tears have finally paid off. You each receive a letter and an individual package

Please see the new letter handout linked at the top left of the page.

know nobility: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Otto grumbles a bit to his companions "Careful laddies, Eutropia's the future of Taldor, means she's got plenty of enemies too."

Vello beings to dress up for the party but grumbles while doing so. "I hate these high society parties. They tend to be boring and stressful at the same time. Much prefer a party of street people and common workers. Those types of parties are fun, where you can let yourself go."

Finishing dressing up, Vello sighs. "Hopefully we won't have to interact with the Princess herself."

To Remaio, Mohag says "I did not know this Italice, but if her familiar speaks true - naturally he was devoted to her but that does not mean he lies - it seems this could be a case of people of good will working at cross purposes. A tale without a true villain, just misunderstandings. As is the case in many of the great tragic poems of the skalds."
Upon receiving the letter,
"Ah, excellent. I have generally come to prefer Taldan parties to Ulfen ones. Fewer drunken brawls and stabbings. Well, usually. I will wear my fur cloak over the fine garments; it's a look that the Taldans seem to like."
Thinking of Rollo's later-seasons look in Vikings if anybody knows that show.

Vindex looks troubled at the invitation to court. "I'm with you on this one Vello. I've never been to anything near this fancy." His face hardens as he steels himself for the trials ahead. "Can't say I'm particularly looking forward to this. Honestly, a party with stabbings would be something I'm better equipped to deal with."

Barid does what he can to soothe Vello and Vindex's consternation. "The trick to parties like these is to take up a new hobby in people watching. Guess their intentions, who they're trying to get in bed with, who they're trying to knife in the back and so on."

Despite his knighthood, Sir Durant shows a degree of discomfort as he dons the fine clothing Remaio provided. "I haven't been to these types of things too often either. I was only called to court a few times in all my years in the military in Nirmathas, and I was asked to wear my armor on those occasions. Oh well. Let's just keep on our toes, shall we? I don't like the sounds of what Otto suggested."