Magnimar Special Investigations Unit One (Inactive)

Game Master Nazard

Being as I'm unconscious I don't think I'm doing anything this round!

Calatin's unconscious? Whoops, missed that. Okay, Laya's next action will be to cast to stabilize on him. Hooray for unlimited orisons! :)

Hearing the call about burning wizards and Garidan's comments, Heward turns away from immediate pursuit of Veristan.

"Here." Heward shoves the spear into Garidan's hands and runs toward the library, scooping his halberd up on the way.

That seems like a lot to do. If I do get an attack.

Heward levels the halberd like a lance and charges at the elemental looming over the fallen mage.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 .. damage 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Not a charge action. Too much zig-zagging I think.

The problem with all that is that Heward is currently standing inside a thick cloud of yellow gas and can't see. He's not even aware Veristan is gone until someone tells him. Getting down off the table takes ten feet of movement, at which point he can see. Passing the spear would be a move action, which would mean he's done, whereas if he continued on, he'd be able to get his own attack in.

Handing off an object to someone waiting for it can't be a move action, surely? That would imply it takes as long as picking up an item, moving a heavy object, or retrieving a stored item. In action-economy terms that would mean it's faster for everyone involved to drop something at an ally's feet as you run past than actually passing it to them, which would seem weird... to me at least... :/

Picking up the halberd would be a move action though.

Of course everyone conscious can freely attack the fire elemental now - assuming it has orders to attack Calatin and nothing else was mentioned to it. Garidan tested that theory with the other elemental (which ignored him and kept attacking the table when he took a chunk out of it) so it would seem unlikely that Veristan thought far enough ahead to give the elemental attacking the wizard contingency orders.

'Damn!' Garidan exclaims as his spear thrust (or whatever he's ended up using...) misses the target, adding, 'Heward, quickly - Veristan is down and out, but your wizard friend needs help!'

Enough to get Heward on track? :)

"Hey! I'm talking to you!" Auriel continues to try to distract the elemental. She digs in her backpack and comes out with a bottle; she shakes it to create a thick, sloshing sound. "Guess what I have here?" she asks. "Oil! A whole bottle of lovely, burning oil! Just think, if you came over here to attack me, we could both go up in a huge conflagration! You could even set the whole house on fire! C'mon, you know you want to." Free action: maintain performance to make Calatin invisible DC 13 1d20 ⇒ 8; ready action to climb out the window if the elemental comes after her: Climb 1d20 ⇒ 11 Acrobatics to negate 10 feet of falling damage if that's not good enough 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

[ooc]I've always been bothered by the lack of the "pass-off" action in Pathfinder, too, especially since it shows up in so many stories/movies of the genre (usually with some sort of fancy flip move or other theatrical stuff). Either way, if Heward passes off the spear, he can't get an attack in with his halberd.

ROUND 5

Taverson reloads and fires his crossbow at the elemental.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 - 4 + 1 = 3
No luck as the bolt goes very wide.

The table crashes to the floor as the legs give way.
The other elemental takes a step towards the offending witch with the giant piece of kindling.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Reflex save or catch fire

Auriel then succeeds in making somebody invisble (I'll let you change who if you want).

Up next: Laya, Heward

Confused map-wise. Are there still two elementals? And the one that was attacking Calatin is now attacking Garidan? Who else is currently threatened by an elemental? And is this the correct initiative:
Auriel
Awgin (unconscious)
Laya
Calatin (unconscious)
Heward
Garidan
Taverson
elementals?

Happy to just get the spear to Garidan. That's why I split my post into two parts with "That seems like a lot to do. If I do get an attack...." I'll grab the halberd next turn and attack then.

Ah well...

Reflex save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

As posted above, Laya's action is to cast stabilize on Calatin.

Not sure if Heward's left yet, but posting anyway.

Heward grabs up his discarded halberd and thrusts it at the elemental attacking Garidan.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

His blade pierces the elemental. A hole is ripped in the xentre of the dire, which quickly expands to the edges, snuffing out the flame.

Alas, Garidan has caught fire, however.

Up next: Auriel, Taverson, Laya

Delay. No one seems to be in immediate mortal danger at the moment.

Delay. No one seems to be in immediate mortal danger at the moment.

Other than the unconscious Garidan currently burning to death...

Taverson quickly drops the crossbow, snatches up his sword, and swinging at the elemental ravaging the table.
Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

The elemental leaves the wreakage of the table and attacks Taverson.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 Missing miserably.

I've lost track of exactly where everyone is on the map, so the following is based on the assumption that Laya has a clear path and won't attract any attacks of opportunity.

Laya rushes to the Garidan's side and begins doing everything she can to put out the fire on him. "Oh for a create water spell," she mutters.

If she can't get to Garidan's side safely, she'll delay.

Auriel Minick wrote:

Delay. No one seems to be in immediate mortal danger at the moment.
Other than the unconscious Garidan currently burning to death...

It's Auriel - I imagine her action will be searching for marshmallows... ;)

Auriel Minick wrote:

Delay. No one seems to be in immediate mortal danger at the moment.

Other than the unconscious Garidan currently burning to death...

I didn't know he was unconscious! Nowhere does it say he fell unconscious! It just said the elemental hit him and he failed to make a reflex save! And the hit points on his character sheet aren't updated, so how am I supposed to know? :P

Auriel tears down a curtain or, you know, priceless antique tapestry, runs to Garidan, and drops it on him. Standard, move, free. It'll take another set of actions to beat out the flames.

Garidan and Calatin down, but Laya and Auriel have them in hand.

Heward spins on his heel and dashes for the stairway and the remaining elemental.

Taverson is probably above the elemental on the stairway, meaning Heward probably has to dash down the other staircase and up behind the elemental. Which will be a double move. If he can somehow attack from above then ...

Halberd 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 .. damage 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Too bad I probalby don't get that attack. But just for the sheer joy of rolling a crit ...

Confirm 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 .. damage 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Actually, for the sake of ending a combat that doesn't need to continue, we can just say that Heward picks up Garidan's longspear once again, and thrusts it past Taverson, into the fire elemental, destroying it.

Laya and Auriel succeed in getting the flames put out on Garidan, and with enough channels from Laya, everybody is back to consciousness, if not full strength.

Except for Markiv.

Taverson picks up the bow and case of bolts, handing them to Auriel. "Those came in handy. Maybe next time you should hold onto your weapons instead of leaving them in a different room? I'm sorry about the old man, though. He fought well."

"Maybe next time you should convince your boss to have the waitstaff armed; then I wouldn't need to disarm myself to protect him," she answers tartly. She looks around at the scorched library and ruined table. "Maybe we should send someone for Captain Percival? Someone needs to take that guy into custody."

Laya channels to heal up the injured. However, she makes certain that Veristan is not in the area of effect before doing so. She doesn't want him waking up just yet. :)

Channel energy: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Channel energy: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Channel energy: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Yuck, those rolls are terrible. Hopefully, they'll bring all the party members conscious though.

Once she's used all her channelling, she says, "Somebody tie up that villain. Make sure he's gagged, too. We don't want him waking up and spouting off any verbal-only spells. Auriel's right. Someone needs to fetch Captain Percival as quickly as possible. I'd suggest whichever of us can move fastest, which isn't me, I'm afraid. We should also report to Lord Staff-in-the-face or whatever his name is."

"I'll go for Captain Boring-Shoes," Auriel volunteers promptly. "I don't think Lord Stafford will be too thrilled to talk to me right now." Despite the situation, she grins a little at the memory of her prank with the winebottle; hope the chaos hasn't made his wife forget what she had to be mad at him about before it started. "I presume someone has Stafford's necklace? If he starts to go apoplectic when he sees his house, you should have it ready to pull out to show that we at least kept him from being robbed." She'll go out the kitchen door, trying to blend in with the crowd and avoid his Lordship's notice, and fetch the captain. Stealth 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22 until she's away from the people milling around the mansion

"I'll go talk to his lordship then," Laya says. "Calatin, you still have the enjoiner, I hope? Bring it along and we'll go give his lordship the good news."

Assuming Calatin follows with the enjoiner, Laya then heads downstairs, stepping gingerly over the Veristan's unconscious body, and goes to look for Lord Stafford.

Laya easily finds Stafford. He sees her come out and storms over. "About time! None of you people seem to think it proper keeping me informed on the doings in my own home."

Laya bites her tongue for a moment, then says, "My apologies, sir. We did have a villain to apprehend first, but Calatin and I made our way to you as soon as we were able. You will be happy to know that the man has been caught and immobilized. He will be delivered to a jail cell shortly. I'm sure you'll also be pleased to know that the enjoiner is safe." She nods to Calatin to hand the item over.

"Though you've managed to thoroughly ruin my - daughter's - party," he snaps, snatching the enjoiner out of Calatin's hand before the wizard can even pass it over. "And with who knows how much damage to my house and property. I assure you, the City Watch will be receiving a bill shortly for any carnage you have wrought."

Heward thanks Taverson for his assistance. He concludes with, "I've seen what that snake can do. Lord Stafford is fortunate to have a man of such ability serving his house."

***

Heward is happy to guard Veristan while Auriel and Laya do the talking. He passes the time thinking about Markiv and about kicking the downed summoner. But he restrains himself. He says to any party member who stays nearby, "That was a tough fight. It's a shame about Markiv. The Justices better give Mikobar what he deserves."

Awgin is mollified that he went down twice in this fight. One time when he was even magically enhanced. Then he finds out about Markiv and is humbled. He helps Heward secure the summoner and stands guard over him.
"He was one of us. Tonight we celebrate him and his sacrifice."

"Oh, of course, absolutely," Laya says, "send the bill to the appropriate party. Oh, but wait. The damage was actually caused by that man over there and it would have been a great deal worse had we not stopped him. But oh! Of course, how silly of me. If we had been more efficient, we would have stopped him more quickly. Of course. I totally understand. But well, to be more efficient we would have needed more cooperation from the lord of the house, who--just between you and me--is a completed buffoon and moron, and completely disregarded the level of threat. But I suppose that's an honest mistake that anyone could make. Well, anyone but a complete buffoon and moron, and we've already established that's what you are. No disrespect meant, your lordship. Well, maybe a little. Well, okay, a lot."

She pauses only momentarily, and as he opens his mouth to rage at her, she cuts him off. "Mister Stafford, I have just watched a good man die trying to save your precious home, and several others have been beaten near to death, only surviving by the grace of Pharasma. Now before you start railing about knowing my place and how you'll see my career over, let me tell you one thing. I do not speak for the City Watch. I speak from far above your petty low station. I speak for the Lady of Graves, the one who has already judged your pathetic soul. Let me give you some advice. If you try really, really hard, you might--just might--get her to change her mind. For your sake, I suggest you start trying really, really hard. A little gratitude would be a good first step. That's all. Now run along with you. There's a good little man." She waves her hand in imitation of a noble dismissing a servant.

She will ignore anything he says from here on and simply pretend he's not there. "So Calatin," she says cheerfully, "I was contemplating basic spell theory the other day, and I got a bit stuck on some evocation applications and I was wondering if you could help me out a little."

"Of course, dear Laya," said Calatin, who's still a bit shaken by events. A bookish fellow, he did the bare minimum to scrape his way throught the mandatory combat magic classes, even there preferring theory to practice!

"Excuse me a moment," he continues turning to Lord Stafford. "Whilst I appreciate the historical significance the enjoiner fragment has to your house, I'd urge you to consider whether it is wise to keep such a dangerous object unprotected. And no, I do not want it! I would suggest, however, that you consult with senior magicians about its safe storage in the future."

Lord Stafford looks at the two of you through slitted eyes. The assembled nobles stare at Laya dumb-founded; you could hear a pin drop.

Once he gets a chance, he asks, "Are you quite finished? Too bad. Taverson. Taverson!!"

Once Taverson appears from the house and comes over, Lord Stafford continues. "Arrest these two and have them sent to the Pediment Building. Threats against a Lord's person. I have corroborating witnesses." He waves a dismissive hand at the assembled guests, then strides off to go inside his house. Some guests follow, others still stare at Laya in shock, or like looking at some strange animal in a menagerie.

Tavern grabs Laya's and Calatin's arms. "What did you two say?"

Awgin is mollified that he went down twice in this fight. One time when he was even magically enhanced. Then he finds out about Markiv and is humbled. He helps Heward secure the summoner and stands guard over him.

"He was one of us. Tonight we celebrate him and his sacrifice."

"Aye. He was a true Watchman. I'll buy the first round."

Blissfully unaware of the firestorm Laya's conjured. --- That was telling him though, Navior.

"Say?" Laya responds to Taverson. "To whom? Oh! You mean the little man. Hmmm... Well, I told him to go away. Oh, I think I also called him a moron. I suppose if that's a threat you'd better arrest me then. Wouldn't want to annoy him. Although, I don't seem to recall your actually being a member of the watch or having the authority to arrest anyone. Tell you what, I don't want to get you in trouble, so I'll arrest myself. Captain Percival is on the way over. I'll hand myself over to him as soon as he arrives. In the meantime, I'll tie myself up with the villain over there as I am clearly as much of a threat as he is. Calatin, here, however, you should let go. He had nothing to do with it, as these corroborating witnesses can easily inform you. Calatin, would you be so kind as to go get some rope to tie me up with? I'd hate for Mister Taverson to have to hold on to me the whole time while he no doubt has more important duties to attend to."

Taverson shakes his head ruefully. He leans in closely to whisper to both of you. "I'm afraid you'll find these corroborating witnesses will not support you, and I'm afraid you may need to brush up on Magnimar law, as, on his Lordship's personal property, I do have the authority to arrest you under his command. I'm sure your people can sort it all out, but Lord Stafford has to save face in front of your...tongue-lashing...in front of these other powerful individuals. I understand you are angry, but please don't make it worse with theatrics. Rope will not be necessary unless your word is insufficient to hold you."

"My word is quite sufficient, I can assure you," Laya responds in a whisper. "I will not make any attempt to escape. However, the theatrics are very purposeful, designed specifically to make Lord Stafford lose face in front of all these people. Oh, I know it won't be an instantaneous effect, and they won't support my word right now. However, it will make them start to question. They've seen him order the arrest of a completely innocent man, and they've learnt that he wilfully endangered their lives. He was warned that there would probably be an attack on this building and he ignored that warning just to have a party. Talk will start, Mister Taverson. Talk will start. Slowly, fewer and fewer people will attend his lavish parties. Slowly, more and more of them will vocally oppose him. So, I can't promise no more theatrics, but I will do my best to bite my tongue for the time being."

Taverson looks seven different ways. Satisfied that there's nobody close by, he leans even closer to whisper, "If only it were that simple. Come, let's get the two of you comfortable. Annoying a noble can get you up to thirty days in the Pediment Building cells or a public whipping. Really annoying a noble gets you thrown in the Hells."

Meanwhile, inside...
Lord Stafford strides in through the main doors, already fuming. Seeing the destruction on the upper level, he storms up the stairs, barely missing stepping on Markiv's face as he does so. "What have you people done in here? Was it really necessary to demolish half my home to apprehend this one barbarian? Take your prisoner and get out, now. All of you." He heads back down the stairs. "Somebody clean that up, too" he adds, waving at Markiv as he passes by, heading to the front doors to welcome back his guests.

The rest of you see Laya and Calatin returning with Taverson. He's not touching either of them, but you recognize the clear signs of two people in custody.

"Oh, it really is that simple," Laya whispers to Taverson. "You just need patience. Words have a much greater effect than people realize, especially among the nobility. Words and rumours affect fashions, and when the fashions change, the old are dropped like a hot coal. Power amongst the nobility is like fashion and nobles who are out of fashion will be dropped. All it takes is a few well-placed words to get the ball rolling. I know of a man who brought down an entire government with just four words. I think the words were, 'Doesn't she look tired?' I'll accept whatever punishment comes my way if I can have even the smallest portion of that success."

Garidan thanks Laya (again) as he awakens... Then he'll search Veristan, checking everything with detect magic and detect poison as well.

'He's too dangerous to live,' the Shoanti notes calmly, gesturing towards Veristan, 'even bound and gagged he can call forth creatures with a mere thought. If he wakes up, we're all dead.'

Glancing up the stairs, Garidan muses out loud,

'What sort of man installs stone floors, thick enough for a three-foot tall earth elemental to pass through, on the upper stories of his home? And then insists that the incredibly dangerous artifact stolen from my people he keeps as some sort of sick trophy has to remain in that particular room, when it's under threat from a man known to be able to conjure just such earth elementals? One could almost assume that such a man wanted his piece of the enjoiner stolen - that he was part of the plot from the very begining. If I were a watchman, I'd certainly keep an eye on such a suspicious individual.'

Also, he notes once again...

'We should just attempt to destroy the enjoiner - it's too dangerous for anyone to posses, and if we can just smash it we should.'

Garidan's search reveals several things of interest. His detect magic reveals only one aura in the beginning, that of an incomplete four-pointed star of black gold around his neck, presumably the remainder of the enjoiner, all ready for the final fragment.

Garidan also finds other things of interest/value. A chain shirt of exceptional quality, Veristan's crossbow (also of exceptional quality), a pouch of small clay spheres (3), another pouch of coarse grey powder, and three glass bottles with liquid inside. He also finds a long thin box which seems heavier than it has any right to be. Opening it, Garidan finds that it is lined with lead and contains six potion vials, all of which glow with magic at Garidan's spell.

Garidan thanks Laya (again) as he awakens... Then he'll search Veristan, checking everything with detect magic and detect poison as well.

'He's too dangerous to live,' the Shoanti notes calmly, gesturing towards Veristan, 'even bound and gagged he can call forth creatures with a mere thought. If he wakes up, we're all dead.'

"If he wakes up, I'll be happy to put him to sleep again." Heward pounds his fist into his left hand. "It's our job to deliver him to the proper authorities alive. I do hope they take his head. We'd have to look over our shoulders for the rest of our life."

Glancing up the stairs, Garidan muses out loud,

'What sort of man ...If I were a watchman, I'd certainly keep an eye on such a suspicious individual.'

Heward nods agreement.

'We should just attempt to destroy the enjoiner - it's too dangerous for anyone to posses, and if we can just smash it we should.'

"Much as I'd like to, we won't be able pry Stafford's piece away to destroy. If someone sufficiently influential were to support it, perhaps the city would buy out one of the shop keepers and we could destroy one of those pieces. In the mean time that enjoiner is evidence. Can we separate the pieces again?"

Garidan pockets the enjoiner (not in a sneaky way - he just takes it), and explains his findings on the rest of the items,

'The non-magical liquid is interesting,' he comments, holding up one of the three glass bottles to the light, 'it didn't detect as poison either... anyone have any ideas?'

No Slippers of Spider Climbing? How was he doing all that stuff whilst hanging from the wall if it was just a spell (spider climb requiring both hands on the surface to work)? House rule maybe?

The pieces don't have any obvious joins, and don't come apart at gentle (or not so gentle) tugging.

I don't know if I'd go so far as to say it's a house rule, but I find the spell quickly becomes next to useless if you have to keep both hands and feet against the wall all the time, so I do it that you have to have all four appendages to move, but you can "sit" on the wall to do other stuff. Maybe it's not RAW, but I feel it fits Rule 0.

...

Meanwhile, inside...
Lord Stafford strides in through the main doors, already fuming. Seeing the destruction on the upper level, he storms up the stairs, barely missing stepping on Markiv's face as he does so. "What have you people done in here? Was it really necessary to demolish half my home to apprehend this one barbarian? Take your prisoner and get out, now. All of you." He heads back down the stairs. "Somebody clean that up, too" he adds, waving at Markiv as he passes by, heading to the front doors to welcome back his guests.

Heward stiffens to attention as Stafford approaches. No point making him madder. The Watchman does take some satisfaction from the noble's consternation. He uses his most neutral voice. "Yes, Lord Stafford." As Stafford sweeps by Heward scowls at his back.

"Awgin, I don't want His Lordship's staff touching Markiv. Do you want to drag Mikobar or carry our fallen comrade? I'll get the other."

The rest of you see Laya and Calatin returning with Taverson. He's not touching either of them, but you recognize the clear signs of two people in custody.

Heward's warm comrade-in-arms regard for Taverson drains away and is replaced with a hotter emotion. "What happened?"

Garidan pockets the enjoiner (not in a sneaky way - he just takes it), and explains his findings on the rest of the items,

'The non-magical liquid is interesting,' he comments, holding up one of the three glass bottles to the light, 'it didn't detect as poison either... anyone have any ideas?'

Heward notes the enjoiner's disposition, but says nothing.

"I've got no idea. Let's leave it til tomorrow. We've got to secure Mikobar and the evidence with the Watch. Then I'm hoisting a few to Markiv's memory. He was a brave old man."

I don't know if I'd go so far as to say it's a house rule, but I find the spell quickly becomes next to useless if you have to keep both hands and feet against the wall all the time, so I do it that you have to have all four appendages to move, but you can "sit" on the wall to do other stuff. Maybe it's not RAW, but I feel it fits Rule 0.

No, I like it - very Spidey! I just like to keep these things in mind when it comes to potential future spell selection, as the interpretation does vary from DM to DM, and it can be a shock if stuff doesn't go the way you assume when you've spent character resources on it... Though having said that, I'm not even sure that spider climb is on the Witch spell list... I guess I just assumed it was, since it seems pretty 'witchy'... In any case, good to know - thanks!

Garidan nods to Heward,

'Yes, the elder was certainly a worthy hunting companion, I would be glad to join in honouring his memory, if you'd have me.'

Glancing at Veristan again, the Shoanti's brow furrows,

'I'd suggest keeping that one unconscious, at least, or having a weapon at his throat at all times when he's awake. Truth be told, slaying a helpless enemy does not sit well with me - although the ancestors know that piece of filth deserves it. The quicker your city officials decide to execute him, the safer we shall all be, I'm afraid.'

When either Calatin or Laya appear, Garidan will hand over the case of potions, explaining what he's detected so far. He seems to assume that Heward or Awgin will take the other things.

"We will try to bring him in alive, but if he fights once he wakes up, I can make no promises."

"I'll take this trash here." Awgin mostly drags the summoner's unconscious body outside. If made to carry him properly, Awgin makes sure to have him hit things as they go. When they get to Capt Percival or to whomever they are to turn him over to, Awgin drops him, on his head preferably.

Auriel was sent to bring Captain Percival to Stafford's place, and now you're all leaving? Plus, I don't believe Calatin and Laya are free to go. :)

Calatin stares in disbelief at Lord Stafford.

"I never threaten people. Waste of breath."

He ignores Taverson completely (this is one of those times that his bulk is an advantage) and goes to assist Garidan Hawk Dancer.

"Yes, that seems to be the other bits of the enjoiner. Evidence, as you say, for the time being, but I shall research its destruction or at least disempowerment... um... is there such a word?... for the future. That would be one way for Lord Stafford to keep his bit as a memento without endangering anyone. Anyone got anything to eat, I'm starving?"

It takes Auriel about half an hour to locate and return with Captain Percival. He is quite relieved to hear that the suspect has been apprehended, saddened to hear about Markiv, and concerned to hear about the extent of the disruption to Lord Stafford's party. Arriving on the scene does little to assuage his concerns.

He and three constables (along with Auriel) enter the manor house and come over for a report on the situation.