Gestalt Academy of Secrets Table 1 (Inactive)

Game Master drbuzzard

Not that is likely to matter, but Rogard is large at the moment.Just checked the map and noticed.

no i know it has a +5 to will so it should of only rolled a 19 assuming your using the straight stats from the pazio srd. but your the gm so your call, if it misses it misses, im not to phased at this stage of the game as like you said it probably wouldn't last long anyway. so its all good

no i know it has a +5 to will so it should of only rolled a 19 assuming your using the straight stats from the pazio srd. but your the gm so your call, if it misses it misses, im not to phased at this stage of the game as like you said it probably wouldn't last long anyway. so its all good

You know there are templates like advanced? That's not a template I would reveal with a knowledge check.

I'm not going to announce what mythic template I slap on things later on. Hence I'm not going to show modifiers. I'm not going to help out the metagaming which will occur.

Pulling out a sling stone, he holds it between thumb and forefinger. Staring at it, it almost seems like it's moving. Moving extremely fast at the retriever. Which of course it is. As he shoots, he's ducking back into the shadows.

Sniping with a TK blast
attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
sniping stealth: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (3) + 34 = 37
TK blast damage: 7d6 + 12 ⇒ (5, 1, 4, 2, 2, 5, 5) + 12 = 36
sneak attack damage: 6d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 1, 1, 3, 2) = 13

A loud crack sounds out as the rocks bashes into the carapace of the construct.
Critter is at -108.

Mi'al continues forward, falling to a knee besides the downed student, lays a hand on the person, calling forth empyreal grace.

Lay on Hands: 6d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 6, 5, 1, 6) = 24.
My take on the whole knowledge thing; I personally think players shouldn't be looking up monster stat-blocks. That said, replying that 'it's a retriever' doesn't give the players much to work with regarding deciding what their characters do and don't know about the creature. At that point, you can either decide that your character knows everything you know about retrievers off-hand, or you can go look up the creature and pick an appropriate number of facts about it your character knows. I can see how this might feel like a reasonable thing to do, even if I'm not quite sure I agree. Regarding templates, the advanced template itself exists in wierd territory, in that it's an entirely metagame construct. It exists because sometimes fights aren't quite hard enough, and it allows for an easy way of bumping a creature +1 cr. This is hard to describe in an appropriate in-character way, because it's not an in-game mechanic. Which is also why I personally loathe its existence, but that's besides the point.
If it'd been an Invincible retriever, maybe there could be some fluff about how its chitin is really thick, plate-mail grade stuff, and a knowledge check could turn out something like "That Retriever was created with heavier armor than they are normally forged with - hacking through it will be at best a difficult prospect."

The student coughs loudly and their eyes open. They have a completely terrified look on their face after they see what is still right in front of them "No, what did I do!?!"

"I don't know what you did. I'm just here to get you back on your feet."

That's a wierd way to react to nearly being killed. Mi'al concentrates, and takes a look at its aura. Is it evil?

Details about the person? Gender, looks, dress, so on.

Female human, dressed on robes that you've seen be pretty common on the academy grounds. You would guess a student. Takes a bit for the aura to come into focus (detect evil does require a move action, and you're used that).

"You've got to kill that thing before it hurts anyone else!"

The creature, not being the sharpest tool in the shed, is going to respond to stimuli and attack back at Aramus.

bite: 1d20 ⇒ 1 damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 miss
claw: 1d20 ⇒ 17 damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 hit
claw: 1d20 ⇒ 15 damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 hit
claw: 1d20 ⇒ 8 damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 miss
claw: 1d20 ⇒ 14 damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 hit

(not accounting for parries or any other ticks beyond your listed AC).

and it bloodies him a bit.

PCs up again.

Aramus grins as his rapier thrusts into the beast's carapace, and he dances back as it lunges at him with bites and claws. He swings his sword to and fro, hoping to bat away the first two claws that come near.

Parry #1: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (15) + 33 = 48
Parry #2: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (4) + 33 = 37
Guessing at least one of those is successful... So that's 2 Panache points used. Aramus has 2 left.

Stepping back from his parries, Aramus lets out a grunt of pain as a claw tears into his shoulder, drawing blood. "Now now, let's not get hasty, you great bugger," he comments, drifting flawlessly into a new stance--one that's more aggressive. "Have at you!"
Swift action to challenge, followed by a full attack.
Attack 1: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (11) + 32 = 43
Damage: 1d8 + 49 ⇒ (4) + 49 = 53

Attack 2: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (17) + 27 = 44
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 27 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 27 + 4 = 46
Damage: 1d8 + 49 ⇒ (6) + 49 = 55
Crit Damage: 1d8 + 36 ⇒ (5) + 36 = 41 Plus 2d6 bleed damage on its turn.

Attack 3: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (2) + 22 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 49 ⇒ (8) + 49 = 57
Personally doubting that last on ehits, although I'm hopeful it doesn't matter, given that possible critical.

Both parries are successful.

Kills it with his first attack. I did sorta say it was a creampuff.

My only regret is having but 3 Panache points left!
Aramus has a wide smile on his face as he drives his rapier deep into the beast's body. He shoves it a little further, holding on as the creatures goes through its death throes, and then draws it out, wiping his face with his sleeve.

After only a moment, he wipes the blade clean on his trousers and sheathes it, approaching the student. He holds out a hand to help her stand, then bows and kisses her knuckles. "Alas, fair lady, it seems you made an error of some kind. Not to worry, though--the fell beast is felled, and only a little harm has been done. Are you alright?"

Arvaldo zooms into the room. "Incredible teamwork. Great job everybody."

"Hmph; and that was a mere mistake." Irra strolls up to look over the retriver carefully, before casting a glance back at the students. "This bodes dangerously for our trial." She ponders a moment, before turning to Jandar. "I must learn a little of your curriciulum and methods before I go, Mister Lilswin. Andoran's own schools tend to encourage initiative and independent research, with varying results..."

The remains of her dance still affecting her, Irra casts her eyes over her group of would-be teammates. "Well fought."

Take 10 for 45 on K. Local to learn a bit more about all the other PCs; lord forbid I actually ask! Tsk tsk.

The student stands up and speaks, rather sheepishly. "I was trying to show off. I borrowed a scroll to show how good I was at magic. I was sure Tomas would notice me then. "

The Headmaster comes into the room at this point demanding to know what happened. "What exactly occurred here?"[b] in particular he glares at the student [b]"And you know you won't do well if you try to lie to me. "

The student goes from sheepish, to panicked, "I...I...I...stole a scroll and summoned something. It was too much for me. "

Obviously the headmaster looks pissed enough to blow a gasket.

feel free to intervene

"See? A fine example of Andoran initiative." Irra presses a hand against the student's arm comfortingly. "Caution should be taught, but mistake never drastically punished, if you'd permit some comment. Innovation never arises otherwise."

Headmaster i believe the girl has suffered sufficient punishment in being attacked by the retriever and the humiliation that she has endured in front of her class mates. no one else was harmed and we were happy to assist. let this be lesson learned for the student.

Diplomacy checks please.

No diplomacy check, I'm not trying that hard. Just doing some mild Andoran public relations.

Well the girl will the book thrown at her without diplomacy checks. Your call.

If I can make a diplomacy check without pissing off the headmaster for butting in, sure. 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (6) + 25 = 31

Rogard stays on guard for a while to make sure that the creature is actually dead before noting on the subject. "Some reading onto the subject of what you intend to summon might be in place however." After that the dwarf changes back into his humanoid form, deciding that it is probably unwise to give excuse for people to think that he is some escaped experiment or something.

Take 10 for total of 11 for aid another on the diplomancy.

You manage to convince him to simmer down, and let the student stay in school instead of being drummed out of the academy in shame.

Irra smiles and makes a mental note to track down the student later to find out what the task will involve, and to suggest Andoran for work upon graduation.

Aramus also makes a case for the student, arguing that she was clearly trying her hardest and simply loves her art a little too much. He grins at her the while, and when the headmaster determines she can stay, he nods happily and rests his hands on his belt. "Well, that's taken care of then! All's well that ends well and there was really no harm done here. Who's up for a drink?"

"A drink? Certainly not! What type of a person do you think I am?" he responds with righteous indignation. "Only the lowest cad would offer a single drink when it's obvious that we need to make a night of it. Not just one, but multiple drinks, accompanied by food and entertainments of all types." With this he steps onto one of the chairs of the classroom. It tips, but he manages to find the point at which he can balance. "We face death, the nastiest death that the cruel and sadistic students of this academy can throw at us. If we die, then we shall go out knowing that we have embraced life as few have ever done. If we survive, then tonight's revelry sets the bar for our victory celebration!"

The headmaster considers your appeals on behalf of the student and responds. "Very well, they probably have learned a lesson. I will let them remain in the Academy, though they will will not lack for chores to make up for this mess. I would like to thank you all for taking care of a situation which could have had serious repercussions. " he fishes out a coin purse, and a fairly large one and hands it over. "This should finance a pretty elaborate evening if that's what you are after." and he tosses it to Arvaldo.

"Once again, I must get back to my duties, have a good evening, and see you in the morning. " and he departs.

After the hubbub ends, your guide peeks into the classroom you are standing in, and when he sees it is safe enters.

"Well good sirs, is there any guide services I might provide still? Do you wish to see more of the campus, or to head into Korvosa proper?"

Aramus's grin widens at Arvaldo's proclamation. "Indeed, my fine fellow! We shall set the bar high, and live life to the fullest it has ever seen. And the first toast will be to Cayden himself, in thanks for sending such a fine companion--the second to that companion, you!" Aramus lets out a laugh as the headmaster passes the fat purse, and turns eagerly to the guide. He reaches out and claps the man's shoulders. "We need you to take us to the finest establishment in the city--a place of laughter and warmth, where the drink flows free and fine and everyone within is a sight for sore eyes! If they have beds all the better. Can you do that?"

Not having the book on Korvosa, I can't very well name the best Inn in town, but your guide will take you there where you will have a rambunctious time.

The Headmaster was plenty generous as the purse is quite laden, containing 700 PP.

Well while i do agree that we must celebrate life, especially while planning on dancing with death tomorrow, i think we need to moderate our selves, so in which case I will take the coin purse

Gale then counts out 200PP and hands it to Aramus, See if you cant have a good night with this she then turns to regard the rest of the group i'm going to get some supplies with the rest of the money, would anyone care to join me?

"Gee, thanks for the money, Mom," Aramus teases. "Maybe you could stand to join us, loosen up a little, mm?" He tosses a wink Gale's way and claps Arvaldo on the shoulder. "Still, plenty enough to get us started, eh?"

"Gale, thank you for being practical. Every group needs somebody to keep them balanced. I'm sure you will make some wise selections," and he will bow sincerely.

Turning back to Aramus, "I'm sure it will be enough. If not, I'll sing for my supper." he turns again, dramatically, "And the rest? Who's with us?"

Irra nods, taps a few finger-beats against the small pair of drums slung on her back. "A night of wining and feasting would be rare holiday from my position; I accept." She nods, and looks around the group. If we must face threats of death as a group, it is best we learn to act as a group.

"I look forward to playing with you." He pulls out a set of pan pipes, which do little to clarify the intent of his words.

At this point a manticore slips out of Arvaldo's bag.* The manticore looks up, "I believe that I was promised fresh oysters." Arvaldo nods, "Quite true. the revelry tonight must include the best seafood in the city." To everybody else, he nods, "And this is Stravolo, my partner and friend. The finest feline to ever walk a stage."

With that, he will lead the group out, asking around for the best place for food, song and revelry.

I think we should each post something we do during the night out, so as to prevent this from becoming a months-long digression.

At one point in the evening, Arvaldo sets down his haversack and pulls a pair of stilts out. He then proceeds to tumble and clown around at the dizzying height of eight feet. More as he stands on the tables. At one point, one of the stilts drops into the haversack, leaving him to hop around on one. At one point he loses his balance, falling over with exaggerated slowness. At which point Stravolo saunters over to brush his tail against Arvaldo's nose. The resulting sneeze propels him upright again. But as he hops away, that darned haversack is in the way again and the other stilt falls away, leaving him stranded in midair. He mimes throwing a rope to lasso the chandelier, pulling it towards him at first, then pulling himself toward it. From there, he drops gracefully to the ground and into a bow.

*or perhaps just a grey housecat wearing a manticore costume. Though those who have seen manticores in the flesh will note that he has the body language down quite well.

I will be happy to join you all later Gale says with a smile Is there anything anyone needs me to get in particular?

Unless anyone wants something in particular Gale will put together a small bag of goodies for the group, of things she think might be handy

Gm please tell me if anything i buy wouldn't be able to be sourced in the town, i dont think there is much out of the ordinary but let me know if there is and i'll swap it out.

Gale will divide these up into goodie bags for everyone as bellow;

after returning from shopping Gale will join the others at the tavern, have a couple of ales and then retire for the night.

Irra rifles through Gale's gifts, nodding thanks.

She spends the evening drifting through the celebrations; pouring someone a drink here, tapping up a rhythm that brings the entire bar to a rousing chorus of dancing legs there, taking a breath and launching the tops off a dozen bottles at once using only her voice. She smiles at everyone, talks with everyone, but doesn't talk about herself with everyone.

Perform (Bongos) 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (11) + 27 = 38

Arvaldo opens the presents with the glee of a child. "Why, thank you Gale, how thoughtful of you!"

While he won't press Irra for details, she will find that Arvaldo seems to be paying more attention to her as the night goes on. It's a subtle invitation, but he expects that she's skilled enough to pick up on it.

You all have a splendid evening, enjoying the best that Korvosa has to offer, and go to your luxurious rooms at the best Inn in Korvosa to sleep, perchance your last chance at such comfort given what you face on the morrow. You are up early and heading over to the Academy.

When Sunday morning arrives, the Acadamae wakes to a single sharp ringing of the campus bells at the break of dawn. The Breaching Festival officially begins an hour after dawn, but eager spectators begin gathering on the surrounding walls and the campus’s southern quad even before sunrise. Hundreds of common folk sit or stand atop the Acadamae’s southern walls, while vendors of refreshments and souvenirs wander nosily and often through the mass. Important observers, such as aristocrats and other prominent locals and nobles, are allowed to gather at ground level among several large and colorful tents and pavilions erected overnight in the quad just south of the Hall of Summoning. It is in this area that the PCs and other contestants are expected to gather, waiting for Toff to begin the competition with his opening speech at precisely 7:00 a.m.
At 15 minutes before, a large group of nobles arrives to excessive fanfare—this is none other than Queen Ileosa and several royal attendants. The queen has no true interest in the Breaching’s contestants—she’s making an appearance out of tradition, and fully expects this year’s festival to have the same result every year has, with another batch of hopeful adventurers vanishing and being forgotten by month’s end. Certainly, her guards won’t let the PCs approach. (If you feel that having Ileosa appear would be too distracting for your group, feel free to omit this cameo appearance, explaining that the queen had other, more important things to take care of than attend yet another Breaching Festival.)

At 7:00, the bells toll the hour and Headmaster Toff Ornelos arrives in a blast of multicolored smoke, teleporting into the staging area from his office. He lifts his hand to signal silence, and after the crowd quiets, he speaks aloud to the crowd, but especially to the contestants.

“Welcome one and all to this year’s Breaching Festival! I know the contestants are eager to begin, so I shall keep this introduction short. This year, as every year, one must enter the Hall of Wards via its eastern entrance after solving several minor conundrums our professors and spellcasters have set up at the other seven halls that surround us. The first contestant to emerge from these doors—” here Toff pauses to indicate the large doors in the Hall of Wards’ western facade, facing the quad—“shall be declared the winner of the Breaching Festival. If no winner emerges by dusk, there can be no winner for this year’s festival. Yet should one of these brave contestants accomplish what no one has accomplished in over 150 years, that person will walk away with more than 150,000 gold sails!”
Here, the crowd erupts into cheers for several seconds. When the roar dies down, Toff places his hands inside the front of his robe and withdraws a glowing, fist-sized sphere of shimmering light that he holds aloft. The sphere dances and bobs an inch above his upturned palm.
“These glowing spheres are the keys to your fate and fortune, worthy contestants. This is a key-light—there are seven of them hidden among the seven other Halls on the grounds. Each contestant needs his or her own key-light to get into the Hall of Wards. So find yourself a key-light, use it to enter the Hall of Wards, and you will have your chance to enter history!”

BTW there are three other individual contestants also present for the event, a human male, a human female, and a dwarf. You would guess from their accoutrements that they are wizard, rogue, and fighter respectively. At the signal to start they rush off immediately to find the key lights.

"Mm-hmph, mm-hmph, mm-hmph."

In no particular rush given the mortality rate, Irra pulls out a pair of silver rings, donning one and muttering a word over the other. She holds the other out to the group. "A ring of shielding, tying together our bodily fates. Any takers?"

Shield Other
Active spells: Overland flight, Silent Image

Rogard is quite silent during the evening rarely speaking up but is listening quite carefully. He does drink but not a whole lot. The dwarf gives a heartfelt thanks to the sylph at the gift.

Rogard starts casting a spells and after a while once the last one is finished he lets out a rather loud birdcall from his mouth. Finally he takes the form of a massive tiger.

Using commune with birds to ask about the "keys"

let the test begin!

gale then heads to the closest building that currently has no one else heading to, to look for a key.

She will use her flight hex on herself

Arvaldo will spend a moment concentrating. It seems painful but invigorating. As he focuses, the air around him distorts with a slight bluish tint.

As he sees the others scramble away, he will step up to Irra. "Even for a short time, to be bound to one as lovely as you is a treasure. In return for your protection, I shall go before you. Though you may not see me, I shall be your scout - finding the dangers to come."

He will stealth and stay a bit ahead as they go off for a key.

stealth: 1d20 + 40 ⇒ (14) + 40 = 54

spending 5 burn to augment my force ward
Current burn 5:
Burn effects:
65 points unrecoverable nonlethal
45 temporary HP (recovers 3/minute)
+2 size bonus STR&CON
+4 size bonus DEX
+4 to hit kinetic blasts
+8 damage kinetic blasts

How does the Force ward interact with Shield Other? I believe (and prefer) that my temporary hp are external and removed first. damage that penetrates the Force Ward is real and shared through Shield Other.

It would make sense that your force ward are not actually your HP, and as such not affected by shield other.

Mi'al lowers her head in brief prayer, and a soft light flares up in her spear.

Yes. Let's go.

She follows Gale along, on the lookout for something that might look like a key.

They're supposed to be hidden, right? I wonder if they used magic to hide them. That'd make this a little harder. She looked briefly worried. It'll be all right in the end though.

Casting Greater Magic Weapon on my spear. Lasts 12h.

Gale looks back at Mi'al and laughs joyfully Come on! this is going to be fun!

as she moves away from the crowd she will stealth still moving at full speed with fast stealth

stealth: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (2) + 35 = 37

she will also be making spot perception checks to see if she can find anything that gives clues to the whereabouts of the key.

perception: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (8) + 28 = 36

also not sure if track would help in this situation but either way just in case

survival-track: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (17) + 24 = 41

I should probably point out that my air elemental familiar will be following me at all time unless i specify other wise

During the revelry at the tavern, Aramus spends his time laughing and drinking, cheering loudly at Arvaldo and Irra's performances, and telling stories with the others. He makes no pretenses about his purpose in the city, and invites the crowd to come out for the festival and competition the following day, promising a different outcome than in years past. "After all, I've faced challenges all across the Inner Sea and beyond--I'm sure I can handle whatever they've cooked up here, and if not, my new friends can!" He claps the nearest of said friends on the shoulder heartily and finishes off his drink. "Another round!"

At Gale's gift, Aramus bows deeply and gives her a wide smile. "So serious! Why not lighten up a little. I'm sure a smile would grace your features, and brighten your mood. Just a little one? Give it a try." Regardless of her reaction, the swordsman tucks away her purchases and thanks her again--feeling, perhaps, that attempting to kiss this one's hand might be a bit much.

At the festival commencement, Aramus quickly notes where other parties are headed, grins at Gale's laughter, and makes after the dwarf, figuring that he can either outrun the shorter warrior or at the very least challenge him to a duel for the key.

You head into the closest hall, which is the Hall of Induction. It is a large iron cube. Entering into it, you race through the halls looking for something out of the ordinary.

In one classroom you find:

The air in this room smells acrid, making the
eyes water—the source is a large brazier of burning
incense in the corner and a curious set of glass pipes
connecting two vats of bubbling liquid (one green, one
red). The key-light in this room is traveling back and
forth inside of the glass tube—although the light itself
is yellow in color, it appears variously green or red as it
swims through the fluid, looking yellow in the middle.

does there appear to be an opening to the vats?