Nebten |
"I didn't break any agreement. You have decided not to take up my offer to try at the riddle again for both of your companions. It feels as if I've given you days to decide on a course of action.
Therefore our original deal still stands: you answered the riddle wrong, I get one of your terrible lizards."
Galstak Ghost-Breath |
Ghost-breath grimaces. "A riddle with a dozens answers is no riddle at all. I could easily say that "a caterpillar is a nasty pest that eats many grains, which causes the farmer store his harvest in a very large room". Does "grain" then answer your riddle? Of course it does. But it could easily be a dozen other things"
Shayn Veilsong |
Shayn stands up. His hands crack as if wanting to move, and the Puppeteer seems to just ready himself. He then smiles.
My companions aren't in fault... As per the agreement seems changed. - he moves his arms and legs but in place; his voice had a clear melody to it.
As so far we see no answers but questions and, you see, few reasons to touch either. Because who would we be here if not foreigners?
The rhythm speech didn't stop.
So well, our host, let's not befuddle; let's agree, then, that our companions to us belong. Because friends, so far, we are; no reason not to be. While your questions riddles seem, with multiple answers to live, ours are few and simple to you.
And, with this performance, I use Fascinate in all the present who aren't my allies.
Kaelin Terrall |
Though the full effect wasn't aimed at her, Kaelin feels a glimpse of Shayn's soporific power, and barely suppresses the urge to smirk. Good luck with that one, creepy bastard. She steps casually toward the broken wheel she left at the door, her hand tracing its edge.
Held action for if the Fascinate effect doesn't work.
Nebten |
Will Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
"Ahhh. It is always the student that blames the teacher when the red check comes. Or the carpenter mouse that blames his tools when the joints don't abutt.
"I will say that if that is your answer ..."
Bernaditi voice begins to trail off as he becomes fascinated with Shayn's rhythmic cadence. He just stands there quietly paying to the bard in the center of the iron, covered cage.
Well done sir. Always like to see the bard powers in action. BTW, being experienced adventurers, I'm sure you know you cannot "ready" or "hold" actions outside of combat. That's kinda what initiative is for. Otherwise you have silly notions of walking around "Full Defensive" or "I attack the first person who attacks me." Silly, silly notions indeed.
Anyways, carry on.
Shayn Veilsong |
Well, damn lucky shot... I didn't know if Rakshasas could pull anything versus mind-affecting, lol :$ We will need Rogg the Giant to roll his Will on the fascination as well (if he's on the room, or whenever he returns)
So, well, here we find us now. In peace and friendship, every single one, no reason for weapons or threats or riddles!
He looks at his companions with a clearly worried expression.
I'll keep performing. Assuming experienced adventurers (or someone who already adventured with me), I imagine people know that fascinate will break if they take any actions against the fascinated, or pull weapons, anything. Even the beasts need to be properly controlled - hence why I will ask him to release them at last.
Then allow me, in prose, to fully smile and greet; as per together we all are, and help needing be. - he continues - I suggest, Bernaditi: help us now; give us the token of the kapenia you took.
I use Suggestion (DC 20) for the part in italic. I can't do multiple suggestions at once - it will have to be one at a time, and it will consume my rounds of performance. So far, I spent two rounds Fascinating, and one to Suggest. (3/24)
Nebten |
Shayn SR roll: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Bernaditi still stands there fascinated by Shayn but does nothing else.
Outside of the covered cage, Rogg continues to whip and snap Kio. The giant appears frustrated that the dinosaur is not bending to his will. While Rogg has not assaulted Kio yet, it could only be a matter of time before the taskmaster tries more aggressive measures.
Rogg is outside of the cage along with the dinos. To speed things up, Shayn, I can keep rolling SR & Will saves until you get a desired effect since I see no recourse for failure. Each set of rolls would however continue to burn Performance rounds. Once the desired effect occurs, I can return the dialogue back to party for the next course of actions. Let me know how you would like to proceed.
Galstak Ghost-Breath |
Galstak raises a bushy eyebrow at the Wayang. Seeing that the shadow weaver seems to have the situation well in hand with the Master of Ceremonies, he steps outside to stare at the cruel giant.
"You should treat the animal with more respect. I have heard that they can jump two dozen steps and tear the head off of a creature, and that you can never really tame the thunder lizards. If you persist with the whip, you would be wise to never turn your back on the creature... or its owners."
intimidate: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17 :P
Shayn Veilsong |
Sounds good, my friend. I have no clue on what the SR might be, so please stop if I fail a SR with a roll of 15 or more (SR 25+). Thanks!
Nebten |
5d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 1, 3, 1) = 12
Outside the hosting cage, Galstak issues his warning, but Rogg just snarks and smiles. He throws a thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the four bears with painted faces riding around on unicycles style.
"No problem with them. Lizards dumber then bears," Rogg replies.
Round 1
SR: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Will Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Round 2
SR: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Will Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Round 3
SR: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Will Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 Impressive
After just a little motivation, Bernaditi reaches into his tea cup. He then pulls out pinched in-between his well manicured claws a garnet and gold pendant. He gracefully gives the pendant to Shayn.
Kaelin Terrall |
With one final bow to Bernaditi, Kaelin follows Galstak outside as Shayn's soothing voice continues its work, grabbing her wagon wheel as she backs out. She joins Galstak as he speaks to the giant, attempting to back up his claims. No, seriously. I've heard some whacked-out stories about these things - guys bit clean in half just because they were the ones carrying the food that day. Nothing's worth that, wouldn't you say, Galstak?
Intimidate to aid Galstak: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (10) - 2 = 8
Of course, she's got another motivation as well. If Tall, Dark, and Scaly can't be talked into ordering his mook to release Sheyan's companions, at least here I'm in place for a good hard swing... She leans against the wagon wheel, feigning nonchalance.
Shayn Veilsong |
-6 rounds to a total of 9 used BP: 9/24
Shayn thanks Bernarditi and keeps performing. He tries a new suggestion - repeating for some rounds, if needed.
Now, please, order Rogg to release the dinosaurs back to us, without leaving this room.
Shayn hides the object the best he can, already preparing to flee. He's thinking the best he can on how to get out with his friends from there... He's guessing his host won't be too happy *very* soon.
He keeps avoiding any threatening movements and instructing his companions to do the same, to avoid breaking the Fascinate effect.
Nebten |
Rogg laughs at Kaelin's warnings. He continues to whip and wale at Kio in attempt to drive him back.
Round 4
SR: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Round 5
SR: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Round 6
SR: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Round 7
SR: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Will Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Round 8
SR: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Will Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Bernarditi throws up his hands and they unfold awkwardly.
"Why but of course. Just a parlor game among friends. Rogg, release the lizards!"
Shayn Veilsong |
During the rounds in which the Wayang is trying to work his suggestion with the host, Shayn is visibly worried. He won't be able to perform for long, and he imagines they'll have to flee in quite some haste.
He extends his Fascinate for one extra round, in which he casts Haste in the party and announces to his companions.
We'll be departing soon. Be ready... - then he smiles to the host, preparing to run. Clearly concerned and afraid, the bard now only hopes he can survive the rest of the day!
Rounds of Bardic Performance: 9/27 + 2 x 5 + 1 = 20/27
3rd. Level Spells used: 1/4
Free action for Knowledge (Engineering) DC 15 for Harmonic Sage
Knowledge (Engineering): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
After the current round (in which I already spent the performance), I will use Harmonic Sage to let it "reverberate" an extra round and give us some extra time to flee
Nebten |
Shayn is able Haste the party. After a few winks and nods, they then hurry away out of the Big Top and back onto grounds. The Ringmaster and his cronies do not appear to be in pursuit at this time. With a pendent in hand and more questions in mind, the Pathfinders have to figure out their next move.
Kaelin Terrall |
Well...that went better than we could have hoped. Kaelin slaps Shayn on the shoulder in a congratulatory gesture, although perhaps a less-than-comfortable one for Shayn. Good job, Puppet Master.
So, what do we want to try our luck on next? Wrestling a dire bear? Swimming across the Eye of Abednego, perhaps? Though her comments are sarcastic, she also appears to be genuinely buoyed up by their unlikely success with Bernaditi (and perhaps the riotous energy of the Haste spell), and lets out a loud, raucous laugh. Ah, but seriously. Anyone got any ideas on where we go to look for the next token? she asks, rocking slightly on her toes.
Galstak Ghost-Breath |
"Perhaps we try the Brier and the Garden next? Perhaps the wild beauty of such a place will soothe the nerves of our nature priest..." Ghost-Breath says, gesturing to Sheyan, "... after the peril his companions were placed in."
Nebten |
1d4 ⇒ 4
Heading in the direction Blanco pointed, the rolling grassy meadows turn into a fields of thick briar as far as the eye can see. Hours of struggling through thorns and mud is utterly depressing. Unsure if it would better to turn back or continue to strive forward, a twinkling light reflecting the "sunlight".
Pushing your way through the last of the briar, you discover what was reflecting the light. White marble walls, stained by ages and overgrown with thorns, surround this weed-choked garden. White cobblestones lead into the open gate, flanked on either side by tarnished bronze angels. Within the gated walls, an argument voices can be overheard. As to what the argument is about, you are all unable to discern.
Being familar with Shoanti Tattoos, these tattoos maybe Magical in nature. With most magical tattoos, one would have to muster a little Will and simply touch it ...
Galstak Ghost-Breath |
"Look at this." the Shoanti says aloud. He holds up his arms and points; the alien Empty Throne tattoo is fading from a momentary glow, although hard to pick out among the bone-and-death iconography of his Skoan-quah tattooing. Ghost-breath reaches out to touch the symbol.
Nebten |
Galstak touches the Empty Throne tattoo. It glows green then fades from his arm. The party now feels more attuned to the Prophet's Garden
While in the Prophet's Garden, each member of the party receives a +2 bonus to Perception and Survival Checks. See more in Discussion.
Shayn Veilsong |
The Wayang was confused now, and a little shaken by the previous events.
Something tells me it will come after us to bite our behind! - he says, almost inaudibly - ... Besides, I'm very tired now. There's quite some time I don't perform for so long.
He hears the argument voices.
Maybe we should investigate it, as much as I needed some rest, my friends.
Sheyan |
I'm sorry to have to do this, but I've just started a new semester at school and the class load is much heavier than I anticipated. I've really enjoyed this game, but I'm going to have to bow out to make sure I have enough time to focus on school. I wish you all the best of luck with the game, and I hope to game with you in the future.
Nebten |
The party pushes through the briar and through the open gate. Before them is a weathered patio that looks over what must have once been an immaculate garden of flowers and fruit trees. Today, brambles and vines overgrow everything, with only the barest hints of desaturated blossoms weakly poking through. A winding path leads beyond the brush.
Following the path, it opens up to a lawn. This ragged lawn features a stagnant, gray pond to one side. A pear tree, bizarrely colorful in full bloom and heavy with fruit, leans near the wall. The path continues north into a forest of pillars.
At the base of the tree is the source of the arguments. A unicorn and a goblin wearing a paper-mâché unicorn mask argue loudly over the ownership of a pear which appears to be skewered through the unicorn's horn.
Goblin: "I picked the pear, therefore its mine!"
Unicorn: "But you gave the pear to me, therefore its mine."
Goblin: "You took it from me after kicking me in the face!"
Unicorn: "Might is right. Isn't that all the goblins think?"
Goblin: "I'm not a goblin. I'm a unicorn. See. My name is Uni and we are friends."
Unicorn: "I don't think we are friends and I think you lied to me. Friends don't lie to each other. You are a wicked creature."
It goes on like this for some time and neither one appear to notice your arrival.
Sheyan and his dinosaurs melt into piles of cheese and more tattoos crowd each Pathfinders' arm (See Gameplay info for update).
Tariel Alexander |
thanks for understanding, bit loopy from pain pills but I figure I'm good enough to start posting again.
oh... Well I hope that means they got out of this place.... he thinks after seeing the sight of them melting, deciding it was best not to dwell on the meaning of that for long.
Tariel walks towards the two hey, hey, now, what's all this fuss about?
Galstak Ghost-Breath |
"It is a single pear, but I see many pears upon the tree. Why cannot one of you simply pick another pear and be done with the squabbling." Ghost-Breath ask, incredulous at the arguing.
Nebten |
In response to Tariel's question:
Goblin: "He took my pear!"
Unicorn: "You are an evil little being."
Goblin:"So, I picked it, so its mine. You stole it."
Unicorn: "Stealing to starve evil is the right thing to do."
Goblin: "But I'm SO hungry!"
Unicorn: "Serves your right for being evil."
In response to Galstak's recommendation:
Goblin: "But I want that pear! It's the right size and shape!"
Unicorn: "I already have a pear. Why would I want another one?"
Galstak Ghost-Breath |
Ghost-breath's patience breaks. "Good, evil, what does it matter? There are a hundred pears! Nobody will live or die for want of a pear." He walks over and gives the tree a solid shake - perhaps solid enough to litter the ground with a dozen pears.
Kaelin Terrall |
He's got a point, you know. Kaelin approaches the tree and picks up a pear, taking a huge bite. Juice runs down the corners of her mouth. Plenty to go around.
Then, turning to lean against the tree's trunk, she notices the pile of cheese where Sheyan, Kio, and Teima had once stood. And somehow it doesn't even surprise me anymore...I hope it just means they managed to wash their hands of this weirdness, and not that something bad's happened.
She leans over to Galstak, whispering to him. Which picture was it that flashed on your arm, again? Might lead us to how to help 'em out.
Shayn Veilsong |
Do you have a token of Sonnorae's kapenia? - Shayn finally says to the Goblin and the Unicorn - Because, if you do, we most certainly can help you sort out who should get this perfect pear.
Nebten |
Galstak Intimidate: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
The Goblin looks at the pears on the ground unaffected by Galstak's outburst. The Goblin then looks up at the Pathfinders with puppy dog eyes and points at the pear upon the Unicorn's horn.
"BUT I WANT THAT ONE!"
The Unicorn shakes his head, "Give a Goblin a pear, and he'll never learn. Goblins are Takers. They should learn to be Leavers."
The Goblin starts to tear up, "All those pears are dirty..."
The Unicorn turns to answer Shayn's question, "The what of the whom's what?"
Galstak Ghost-Breath |
"You talk of takers and leavers, unicorn. But let me tell you what I see... a supposedly noble creature, the unicorn, sitting smug in their pride and far removed from generosity." He stares at the unicorn; then he turns towards the goblin. "And meanwhile I see another creature, who wishes to be noble like the unicorn, but can't ever be selfless enough to give up a single cursed piece of fruit. Neither of you do your names justice."
Shayn Veilsong |
Maybe we're just losing our time here.
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 8 Rolling against the Unicorn's answer to Shayn, to see if he genuinely doesn't know what he's talking about
Tariel Alexander |
sense motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
May I make a suggestion? to you, goblin, who will have no other fruit than the one you picked, and to you, unicorn who will not let him have that which he picked.
he steps a couple steps foward,
Why do you not share it? Goblin, if you could have half of that perfect pear, would you then share the other half with the unicorn? and unicorn, if the goblin would share half of his pear, would you then be content to allow him his share?
Nebten |
Everybody believes what the Unicorn or Goblin are saying is true. Madding, illogical, but true.
Tariel Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 15
The Unicorn and the Goblin appear to be unmoved by Tariel's diplomatic recommendation. It is obvious they are unfriendly to each other.
The Goblin complains, "But the pear is mine and he stole it. It's not right to reward the thief."
The Unicorn retorts, "I already have the pear. Why would I want to give him it. What would I gain from the transaction?"
Shayn Veilsong |
Let's try it differently, then. - Shayn says, approaching both - It seems we can try to come to some sort of business between friends, then, right?
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28
Tariel's idea sounds good - maybe we can make it even better! With the help of both of you, we could try to get two more pears. This one, the perfect one, we can split. Then, each one of the parts would get an extra pear!
Nebten |
The Unicorn is amendable to this idea whereas the Goblin still hold a grudge. After finding the perfect pair, the Unicorn allows the pear impaled on his horn to be released. As the pear is removed, so is a molting of the horn.
"A gift for your patience. May it help you in times of silence."
The horn acts as a lesser silent metamagic rod.
As the storykin begin to enjoy their pears, the Pathfinders continue on down the path that they found...
The air grows cold as the garden gives way to a forest of columns. A wide, crimson-stained stone dais creates a massive forum in the columns’ middle. At its center sits an attractive, wooden writing desk. On the top of the desk is an ink well absent a quill. Embossed in brass under the edge of the desk is a single word per side of the desk.
Everyone
Will
Suffer
On the far side of the dias is a well ...
Empty eye sockets and jagged teeth punctuate the palpable hate that roils off this twisted, gray-skinned seven foot crone. She crawls her way behind the desk before awkwardly standing with wet hair slightly parted. An emtpy glare is given in the direction of the Pathfinders with nothing more.
Everybody make a Will Save (include Mind Effecting bonuses)