Torgat Eaglecaller |
"Stay with me, Trex. That dog looks very ill-tempered."
Torgat (and Trex) move a little closer to the thugs and their malevolent pet. The young wizard reaches into his pouch and removes a small square of wax paper and rubs it between thumb and forefinger, smearing the slightly rancid butter onto his fingers as he recites the phrase of arcane power exactly as his instructors taught him.
The cobblestones under the feet of the gangsters and the dog shine with an oleaginous coating, and they each must struggle to keep their feet.
Casting Grease, DC 16 Reflex save to avoid falling prone, and DC 10 Acrobatics check to be able to move through the affected squares even if they make the save. I have outlined the area affected.
Kinshasa |
Fast dismount DC15 : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Kinshasa attempts to leap out of the saddle, but fails to do so with any grace. He slowly dismounts and approaches the enemies, drawing his sword as he goes.
GM Silbeg |
Darven, what is the cost for accepting your controlled raging song?
Red reflex DC16: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Red reflex DC16: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Dog reflex DC16: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Wow, all three fall down!
Torgat is/are up!
Universal Adjustments: Raging Song (+2 STR)
Universal Conditions:
- x Garekk
- x Darven
- x Kinshasa
- => Torgat
- Dog
- Thugs
- Warren
P = Protection vs Evil
U = Unconscious
S = Surprised
D = Delay
=> Active
Conditions:
Darven 27/27
Garekk 25/25 + rage
Kinshasa 12/12
Torgat 7/7
Warren Peace 24/24
Enemies:
Blue Thug:
Red Thug:
Dog:
Torgat will be in delay at 13:00 CDT (UTC-0500)
Darven Aulamaxa |
There is no cost other than number of rounds I can perform, that's why I picked this archetype.
Torgat Eaglecaller |
I don't think I'm up. I just cast grease.
GM Silbeg |
Yeah, I think I got confused by all the half-orcs...
The dog snarls, stands up, and tries to move in towards Garekk. The poor thing, however, sprawls out, falling back down on the grease.
acrobatics vs DC10: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Then, red stands up, and fires his crossbow at Garekk. Garekk notices that his bolt is coated with some sort of substance. The barbarian is just grazed by the weapon, and unaffected by the venom.
Crossbow vs AC15 + Cover: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 piercing damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1 Garekk save vs poison: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Blue then stands up, and does the same thing. However, the sprawling dog breaks his concentration, and he misses.
Crossbow vs AC15 + Cover: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 piercing damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5 Garekk save vs poison: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Garekk, Darven, Kinshasa, and Torgat is/are up!
Universal Adjustments: Raging Song (+2 STR)
Universal Conditions:
- Garekk
- Darven
- Kinshasa
- Torgat
- Dog
- Thugs
P = Protection vs Evil
U = Unconscious
S = Surprised
D = Delay
=> Active
Conditions:
Darven 27/27
Garekk 25/25 + rage
Kinshasa 12/12
Torgat 7/7
Enemies:
Blue Thug:
Red Thug:
Dog:
Darven Aulamaxa |
Darven maintains his groups raging song (expending his second round), moves forward with his adamantine longspear, and stabs it at the top guy (red).
"You picked a fight with the wrong group of pathfinders, face your retribution! For the Society!"
+1 Adamantine Longspear attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Kinshasa |
Kinshasa moves up and chops down at the dog with his sword.
Bastard Sword, Raging Song: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14 Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7
GM Silbeg |
I will be doing some catchup exposition in spoilers for Meiomi... all should feel free to read, just doing it so it doesn't distract from the the rest.
kn:local: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 10 + (3) = 16
Just after the Pathfinders leave the stables, an elven Pathfinder finally gets her note. She hurries to the stables, where she practically runs into the Master of Scrolls. "Oh, yes, young lady," he says, not noticing that she is nearly as old as he is, "your friends just left me." He sums up the mission briefing to her, and she asks a bunch of questions:
She asks "Has anyone been investigating this?"
Shaine replies “Currently the Graycloaks are investigating the muggings, but seem to treat this as a relatively low priority. Apparently they feel these stolen treasures are ‘mere curiosities’ of no consequence.”
She asks "Have any of the relics been recovered?"
Shaine replies “The Shard of Iomedae’s Lance was recovered, but now the Graycloaks are holding it as evidence. It was being hawked in a common vendor’s stall in the God’s Market.”
She asks "Who are the Graycloaks?"
Shaine replies “The Graycloaks are a force of professed nonbelievers who police the God’s Market and the entire Ascendant Court. Their atheist bent is meant to ensure that no one group of worshipers receives any special treatment.”
She asks "What relics have been stolen so far?"
Shaine replies “There have been two robberies so far. The first stolen relic was a shard from a lance Iomedae used in a battle with a demon when she was mortal. The other was a pen that a Chelish noble claims was used by Asmodeus to create the accord with House Thrune. Neither of the relics has been validated as authentic, so their worth is questionable. Nevertheless, they are invaluable to study and the fact that they are likely going to be sequestered in some private museum or collection is infuriating to the Society.”
She asks "Have there been any survivors of the muggings?
Shaine replies “Oh yes, of course. Ferran is recovering with Grandmaster Torch. Torch said she is still recuperating from her injuries and you should question the others first. He has recorded much of the information he acquired from Ferran in the letter I gave you.”
The God’s Market is a sort of bazaar filled with various vendors hawking all sorts of religious items. All of the major gods are represented, as are many minor gods. One can purchase religious texts, items of worship, holy water, and even minor blessings in the God’s Market.
The God’s Market is policed by a group of guards called the Graycloaks. They are sworn to hold no god above any other and are all staunch atheists. They are easily identified by their plain, unadorned gray cloaks, but wear nothing else to make them stand out.
GM Silbeg |
Meiomi learns that the Pathfinders were off to see Jarid Moltwin to ask him some questions. She arrives relatively quickly to find his stall, "“Estelle’s Last Hope Mercantile". The Kellish man is quite annoyed about something, and when Meiomi starts asking about where the Pathfinders went, he spews at her, "How the hells would I know?
"If it means you will get out of my shop more quickly, I think that they were going to see some Ralla Barleywine or some such."
Meiomi |
Walking out of the shop, Meiomi whispers, "may your compassion grow as the year progresses" and looks up and down the street for the other Pathfinders. Hearing a commotion down the street, she takes off in that direction. "Coming, wait for me!" she calls out.
Garekk |
Garekk gives a hearty laugh as he sees the dog try and attack but end up sprawled in the grease. His smile doesn't fade as the first arrow leaves a streak of blood across his arm, but he does point his sword at the man and say "Poison? The cowards way! You fear to fight like a man, may you die as a bug beneath my heel!"
His eyes take on a gleam of anger as his muscles swell with rage, buoyed by Darvens song! Accept the rage
Acro, half speed: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
The large half orc steps into the grease spell, warriors balance evident as he keeps his feet and launches an attack on the red cloaked man.
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 6) + 8 = 15
Torgat Eaglecaller |
Torgat winces at the spray of blood that erupts when Garekk's enormous sword chops into the thug. "Remember, we should probably keep one of them alive!" he calls. Not wanting the men to think the party will take it easy on them, he adds, "But we only need one!"
Torgat pulls out his crossbow and loads a bolt.
GM Silbeg |
Dog gets an AOO
Darven shoves his spear into red, but the thug still stands.
Kinshasa slashes into the dog, all but killing it with the first blow.
The large half-orc swings his greatsword into the red thug, dropping him instantly. It is apparent that the man is probably dead already.
Little confused on your math.
BaB +2, STR 18 w/ rage (+4), Mwk Greatsword => +7 to hit.
STR 18 => 2d6+6 damage.
You showed 2d6+8.
Either you were power attacking (but did not declare nor take the penalty for), in which case that should have been 2d6+9, or one of us is missing something.
Thanks!
The blue thug, seeing what is going on, yells out, "You have been warned, Pathfinders!" His voice is breaking, as he is coated with blood spatters from his dog and friend. "Keep your noses out of this!"
He then withdraws away from the Pathfinders. He quickly turns a corner around a building, out of sight.
Combat over.
acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
studded leather
1 tiny vial of liquid (kn:nature or craft:alchemy)
club
light crossbow
19 bolts
Journal.
Kreighton Shaine and several local relic merchants. The entries are intermixed with lamentations about his guilt over working with a former member of the Pure Legion and the threats she’s made against him and his family.
Meiomi |
An elven lady walks over, seems to focus on your group and says Are you the pathfinders I've been trying to catch up with? The Master of Scrolls sent me. Of course, I was filing papers for him, and I accidently filed my invitation away. Well, I needed a break from being his secretary for a while, anyway! He's terribly disorganized! My name is Meiomi and I am an investigator. I do have a little flying fox with me, but I tend to keep him out of the way, so no worries. So, we're investigating? MY FAVORITE! Meiomi finally pauses to catch her breath. She is quite tall for an elven lady at 6'1" and appears to be well past middle age. She has a bit of a distracted air, but at the same time seems to be watching everything. So how can I help you fine young pathfinders? Please tell me it's not to go back to the Master of Scrolls for another stint as his secretary. 2 years is too long! OH, you have a book! May I see it? I used to be a librarian... Osiriani, why I speak that, I wonder what it says!
Darven Aulamaxa |
Darven looks at the new elven lady and attempts to keep up with her, near master of scrolls level, exposition.
"Umm yeah sure, here, go ahead and tell us what it says. We are trying to find leads on the Shard of Iomadae, some kind of powerful and rare lance, that was stolen. Managed to get some info from the merchant caught attempting to sell it. He told us a fence around here was the one that sold it to him and was attempting to validate its authenticity. Then we walk outside asking around for the fence and get attacked by some thugs. Anyway, that's the gist of it, want to help?"
He then picks up and hands her the book.
Garekk |
Corrected numbers:
Reg: +5/2d6+3
Rage: +7/2d6+5
Pwr Attk: +4/2d6+6
R+PA: +6/2d6+8
The extra +1 with the power attack comes from the two handed weapon.
The remaining thugs fear filled and quavering voice snaps Garekk out of his trance, and he sags against the wall, nearly dropping his sword. Fatigued, he manages to wipe the blade clean as he calls out to the man's back "Seems YOU"RE the one warned, buddy! Come back and fight!!"
However, the half orc hardly seems to be in position to follow up his words at just that moment. He takes a few breaths, and after a moment the strength returns to his body. Turning back to his companions, he jerks with a start to realize they have a newcomer in their midst. he listens to her prattle on, amused.
"Welcome, Meiomi. By all means, please have at it. I can barely read common!!" He quirks his lips in a bit of a smile at the self depreciating joke.
Kinshasa |
Kinshasa gives a whistle and calls Kokina to his side. Putting a foot in the stirrup he hoists himself onto the back of the snake.
Torgat Eaglecaller |
Third attempt to post this. The site connection keeps going down whenever I click the "Submit Post" button.
As his adrenaline rush fades with the end of the threat, Torgat is almost giddy with relief. He dismisses the grease, then has to scramble to keep Trex from nosing around the corpses too closely. Getting close to the bodies himself, he feels more than a little nauseated, and focuses on the newcomer hoping not to make a bad impression by losing his breakfast in front of her.
”Good morning, Meiomi, and welcome! So what’s in the book?”
Meiomi |
First of all, the book looks like a journal. Always a good idea as with time, all things fade. The author is probably the deceased man. She nods at the body. Evidently he was part of a larger group, though dissatisfied with the Pure Legion. Evidently they've been surveilling Kreighton Shane as well as some other folks.... What do I know about the Pure Legion?
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (12) + (6) + 10 = 28
We also have two other names to be exploring, witnesses. We might want to talk to them before these people threaten them. Finding the fence is also important, but I worry that all of these people may be threatened by the Pure Legion. Garekk, you should be able to catch your breath as we walk. Come, I'll teach you how to read common. I was a teacher for a while.... Meiomi pulls out a paper and starts sounding out words for Garekk. Everyone should know how to read
Garekk |
Garekk's green tinged orc skin turns a weird shade, and it takes a moment before you are able to discern that the hulking mixed breed is actually blushing. He moves closer to Meiomi to lurk over her shoulder as she begins to work out the alphabet as they walk.
Looking up from his tutor during a pause in the instruction, he looks to the rest of the group. "Where to now? There is Rialla and the Friar left that we need to find.. and what do we do with these bodies? Should we call the Greycloaks??"
Darven Aulamaxa |
Feeling a kindred spirit among the blushing half-orc and teaching elf because of his half-elf roots, Darven chooses to walk alongside of them. Occasionally he tries to help explain the nuances of spelling based on stories, usually myths or legends, on where the root word came from.
"Perhaps I can polish your oratory skills in the future as well. Speaking can be of great use, just as reading can.
We likely should inform the Greycloaks of any information we gather, we don't want to seem like vigilantes pursuing our own justice outside of their system since we are trying to stay on their good side. Trouble is deciding when we have enough information for them to care, but not doing too much that would get us in trouble."
GM Silbeg |
Waiting on a decision on where to go next...
Torgat Eaglecaller |
”Agreed.”
Meiomi |
"It is always preferable to visit witnesses in the order of the crimes committed, we may find clues that we wouldn't have thought to ask about by the time we get to the second crime scene. I was a detective for a bit... Meiomi pauses a moment to look around, gets her bearings and sets off for Rialla Barleyhusk's location, assuming the rest will be following. She turns back a moment and calls, "Garekk, you are doing very well. Lets start with some definitions... Can you tell me what impetuous means?
I miss teaching so much, all those youngsters, so eager for knowledge. It's good to be appreciated that way, much better than a secretary!
"I think, my friends, that we are here."
GM Silbeg |
The team easily discovers the location of the shop Rialla Barleyhusk works at. This brick building is fronted by two large, many-paned glass windows and a large sign that reads, “Mercantile, Curiosities, Unique Items, and Magic—Bought and Sold Within.” Inside the store, the shelves are lined with all manner of goods, crafts, and artwork both domestic and foreign. A halfling clerk sits on a large stool behind a human-sized countertop.
See slide#5 for her portrait!
"Good day, patrons!" she excitedly calls out as you enter the shop. "What may I do for you? are you looking for a poultice, potion, or other curative?"
Kinshasa |
Are you Rialla Barleyhusk? I am Sir Kinshasa and I, along with these other individuals, am looking into some thefts. We believe you may have witnessed something that could help us.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Garekk |
This time, Garekk stands towards the back of the group, restlessly pawing at the ground with the toe of his boot and watching the shelves from the corner of his eye. Being surrounded by so many valuable and most likely fragile items makes the large man nervous! He does his best to stay in the middle of the isle to prevent any accidents!
GM Silbeg |
Barleyhusk’s excitement is palpable, and she rambles everything in one long, breathless speech. “That poor man you asked about who was attacked, he looked a right mess, he had an arrow in his side, and he could barely walk. I sat him down and started to bandage him up. Then all of a sudden the Graycloak was there and asked if I had a potion to fix him up. I said I could patch him right up because I took a class from Berntuck’s Fine School of First Aid. That Graycloak gave me the nastiest look and said the Graycloaks would pay full price for the potion. Well, I knew the master had some peppermint flavored healing potions that weren’t selling very well, so I ran back to get the potions and before I could even get to them, I hear the injured fellow gasp really loud. ‘Hurry!’ the bossy Graycloak said, so I ran back as fast as I could, but when I got there, he was already dead.”
The halfling quietly sobers up as she finishes her story, and walks back behind the counter and climbs onto her stool. “I was too slow.”
Torgat Eaglecaller |
Torgat blinks slowly and catches Meiomi’s eye, before clearing his throat nervously to speak.
”Did you know this Graycloak prior to the murder, madam? Would you be able to identify him for us? And - this may be a ridiculous question, but I am new to Absalom, so please forgive me - how did you know he was a Graycloak? Other than the color of his cloak, I mean. I assume that was gray.”
Garduk trails off, convinced he has botched the interview with the witness.
GM Silbeg |
”Did you know this Graycloak prior to the murder, madam?"
"No." she says, barely able to keep from crying.
"Would you be able to identify him for us?"
"No... she was a tall, dark woman. That's all I remember. *sniff!*"
"And - this may be a ridiculous question, but I am new to Absalom, so please forgive me - how did you know he was a Graycloak? Other than the color of his cloak, I mean. I assume that was gray.”
"I dunno..." At this, she breaks off bawling.
Sense Motive
Darven SM: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Garekk SM: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Kinshasa SM: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Meiomi SM: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Torgat SM: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1
You think that she is withholding something small piece of information, and that if you are careful, you might be able to wean it out of her.
Darven Aulamaxa |
"It wasn't your fault he died mam, although I know what you saw might have been very traumatic. If you could just think for a moment and tell us any more information that might be useful, me might see the murderer justice, but without more information, it might be tougher."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Meiomi |
Meiomi steps forward, "Rialla, it is very important to share this information. Close your eyes, think back to the morning of the event. Remember the weather, how the customers moved in the shop. What changed to let you know that something was wrong? Was it a scent, a sound, a touch? Keep breathing deeply, I know you can do this."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 Meiomi reaches out to hold the woman's hands, offering support.
Kinshasa |
Kinshasa offers a reassuring pat on the shoulder to Rialla. Diplomacy aid?
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Garekk |
Garekk gets even more nervous as the wonderfully talkative halfling suddenly goes morose. He looks down on her kindly, and tries to assuage some of her guilt.
"We all lose compatriots.. some closer than others. Your sorrow is not shameful if you use it to drive you to greater success in the future." Tentatively, he tries to use his great ham of a hand to pat her on the shoulder.. and nearly buckles her knees in the process.
Diplomacy?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Yea, Garekk is done with diplomacy for this mission. Call him when something needs broken.. LMAO! Which sucks because he really is just a big teddy bear!!
GM Silbeg |
"Well," she says, “According to what I learned from Berntuck, an injury like that shouldn’t have killed your friend so quickly. Berntuck said gut wounds are a long slow death. I’m not sure what happened. I meant to ask the Graycloak about it, but by the time I thought to ask her, she was already gone.” Again, she bursts into tears.
Darven Aulamaxa |
"Alright guys, I think she told us all she knows, let's go and leave her in peace. We've bothered her enough I should think."
Darven then gestures towards the door that the party leave this woman alone.
GM Silbeg |
"You sure *sniff* you don't want any of our peppermint-flavored healing potions?" she asks, showing some candy-striped potion vials. "We've got plenty, and they are quite effective."
Darven Aulamaxa |
"Not currently, but I'll be sure to tell the pathfinder lodge about this store. I'm sure someone just loves peppermint there and we are always getting banged up."
Meiomi |
"Well, if it's only 50 gold, I'll take one of the cure light potions. Never know when I'm going to have to chug one, and the peppermint does seem to allay some of that chalky aftertaste." Meiomi Craft Alchemy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 "Nice Quality Item you have, I'll be sure to send along my approval! Thank you for all the time you offered. Now it is time for us to attend to other interviews. Have a lovely day, and thank you again for the peppermint cure wounds!" Meiomi fishes in her bag for the money, and begins walking toward the road, pausing to let Garekk catch up for more lessons. Once the party has gathered and is far enough from Rialla, she whispers "Ok, do you think we're going to get attacked again like you told me they attacked you? We should be vigilant as we walk to the next witness."
Meiomi perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
GM Silbeg |
She perks up at the sale. ”While I hope you don’t need it, I hope later you really good! Thank you!” she says, brightening up a bit.
Garekk |
As the rest turn away, Garekk too pulls a handful of coin from his beltpouch. "I believe that may come in handy as well!" he says with a smile, counting out 50 gold. "Thank you for your assistance, and may the gods smile upon you, little one.."
He tucks the potion into his belt and follows the rest of the team out the door and back into the city.
GM Silbeg |
The team then makes their way to their final witness. Erastil’s Alehouse is a thriving brewery and alehouse run by monks of Erastil. Located near the edge of the Avenue of the Hopeful, it’s currently a challenge to enter, with a mob of followers of a would-be-god crowding around the entrance hoping to catch a glimpse of the future godling drinking a swig of ale. A monk stands at the entrance blocking the path of some of the more aggressive followers who are trying to squeeze into the alehouse.
Darven Aulamaxa |
Darven walks up to the monk guarding the entrance.
"Grettings monk of Erastil! We are pathfinders on an investigation, do you mind if we ask you a couple of questions? We can give you a hand with some of your rowdy patrons here if you'd like."
Torgat Eaglecaller |
Torgat squeezes through the crowd, anxiously holding onto Trex and trying to avoid bumping into anyone. As he nears the space cleared by the bouncer, he starts at Darven's offer.
"We can?" he gulps, then nods. "Yes, right. And we would like a moment to speak with your chief brewer as well!"
Meiomi |
"Darven, perhaps they may be bested in a drinking contest, I'm not sure we want things to get rowdy." Meiomi looks a little flustered at the idea of combat.
I'm here to investigate murders, not perpetuate them!
"I mean if he really is a godling, he will be able to drink any one of us under the table. We could try some persuasion first?"
Meiomi Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 Diplomacy aid
Darven Aulamaxa |
"A drinking game, eh? Well, I'm sure Milani won't mind this one time. After all, sometimes the inebriated are the easiest to sway towards a revolution against the machine...not that we need that hear mind you."
You can see the flash of passion and chaos in Darven's eyes before he attempts to quickly gain his composure.
"On second thought, I'm not sure if getting me drunk is such a good idea...when I talk, people tend to listen." he says, gesturing towards the more rowdy patrons of the inn.