PFS 6-01: Trial By Machine (Inactive)

Game Master Wilmannator

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Machine Soldier - Tactical Map
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More than a millennium has passed since the "machine mage" Karamoss's failed siege of Absalom, and for years the Pathfinder Society has used upper reaches of his subterranean siege tower as a training ground for initiates. During a routine drill, the once-dormant dungeon springs to life, and it will take all the PCs' resourcefulness and skill to make it out alive.


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Flanking with Meleren, as far as I can tell. Problem is, he's fascinated and can't actually threaten that square. Kaishgara could relatively easily flank with Amaranti if you like, you just won't get the paired opportunist bonus (sacrificing it for a +2 flanking bonus).

Scarab Sages

Male Human (Garundi), Summoner 10, HP: 93/93 | AC: 19[21] FF: 17[19] Touch: 13 | Saves: Fort: +11[+13] Ref: +9[+11] Will: +11[+13] | Perception: +2 SM +0| Init: +2 | CMB: +16 | CMD: 27 | Speed: 30 | Spells 1st: 6/6 2nd: 4/5 3rd: 2/4 4th: 1/1| Wand of MA 39/50(1) | Wand of IH 38 / 50 | Active conditions: heroism 200 min, greater invisibility 10 rounds

Ah, fascinated, forgot about that... No flank there, then. Amaranti nor Kaisharga do not have enough movement to provide flank to each other, but maybe on future turns (provided they are not fascinated or fleeing...)


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Actually, just move up one square (to R7) and you can flank with Shechera. I've moved you up, assuming that's what you wanted. You still threaten the scarecrow from that square.

Amaranti strikes an incredible blow across its glass-plated face. Alas, the Garundi's lance falls short of actually breaking it and the images still hold his allies in thrall.

Cheeky damage total: 22


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Just waiting for Gunari's action to finish round 1. We might as well queue up the start of round 2 in the meantime. Next up: (Gunari), Miro, Shechera, Mors, Meleren, Finarin, Jaender.

Please recall that Mors, Meleren and Jaender are currently fascinated.

Also note that it is a standard action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity to "wake" a fascinated ally.

Shechera shakes Meleren to his senses. He shakes his head with a start, spins his morningstar around and whacks the metal scarecrow around the back of its bizarre head. It barely notices. All the same, cracks begin to appear at the edges of its faceplate.

Meleren attack, flank, inspire courage: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 17
Damage, inspire courage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 1 = 9

Cheeky damage total: 31

Sovereign Court

Male CG Halfling Bard 6 | HP 33/33 | AC 24 (15 Tch, 21 FF) | CMB +1, CMD 14 | F +7, R +10, W +8 | Init +7 | Perc +11, SM +12 | Speed 20 ft | [ooc| Inspire 16/18[/ooc] | Spells: 1st 5/5, 2nd 4/4 | Active Conditions: Short Sword shrunk

Miro continues singing, rushing up to Mors to try and shake him out of his trance.

Continue inspire, move to Mors, standard to wake Mors.

Sovereign Court

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Male NG Elf Magus 8 | HP: 57/57| AC: 22[21] (16[15] Tch, 16Fl) | CMB: +6, CMD: 22 | F: +9, R: +10[9], W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +9, SM: +2 | Speed 30ft | Arcane Pool Point 8/9, GM Reroll: 1/1, Pearl of Power: 1/1 | Active conditions: Fatigued, Shaken, Haste; 5 images

For my turn

shortbow: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 26

confirm: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 24

Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Damage if confirmed: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Damage if confirmed: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

Move so that I am 30 squares away

Sczarni

Male Half-Orc Ranger 1 | HP: 13/13 | AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl) | CMD: 16 | F: +4, R: +5, W: +2 | Init: +3 | Perc: +6 (+8 vs undead and secret doors; +9 traps), SM: +2 | Active conditions: None

Mors growls as he comes to, then gives his hammer another good swing.

Hammer time: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d12 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

Sovereign Court

Male NG Elf Magus 8 | HP: 57/57| AC: 22[21] (16[15] Tch, 16Fl) | CMB: +6, CMD: 22 | F: +9, R: +10[9], W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +9, SM: +2 | Speed 30ft | Arcane Pool Point 8/9, GM Reroll: 1/1, Pearl of Power: 1/1 | Active conditions: Fatigued, Shaken, Haste; 5 images

Forgot Anatomist so that confirm is +19


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@Finarin: since you're firing into melee without the precise shot feat, those rolls are at -4. You still hit and confirm anyway.

Gunari steps up and strikes a blow against the twisted creation. It shrugs it off, when Mors swings past Gunari to hammer it on the chest. Stumbling backwards inside its shallow hole, the thing barely notices the elf at the end of the corridor knocking an arrow.

Infused with arcane energy, the small bolt flies straight and true. It finds a crack in the glass plating of the robot scarecrow's face and blasts through to the back of its head where it stops with a loud, metallic tink. Smoke pours out of the cracks in its head before a loud fizzing is heard. The smoke turns to sparks and then boom, a tiny explosion causes the faceplate to completely shatter all over the ground and the plating around its head to flip over onto its shoulders. The scarecrow's body freezes in place and it never moves again.

Finarin, must be nice to finally deal some damage - and get in the killing blow! Gunari, sorry to gloss over your move, but there seemed little point to wait for it in light of Finarin's rolls.

Congratulations to all! You have officially dealt with the last threat this scenario has to offer. All that remains is to say farewell to, or otherwise deal with, the former bandits and report back to Venture-Captain Valsin.

Sovereign Court

Male NG Elf Magus 8 | HP: 57/57| AC: 22[21] (16[15] Tch, 16Fl) | CMB: +6, CMD: 22 | F: +9, R: +10[9], W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +9, SM: +2 | Speed 30ft | Arcane Pool Point 8/9, GM Reroll: 1/1, Pearl of Power: 1/1 | Active conditions: Fatigued, Shaken, Haste; 5 images

I thought that everyone had reach - sorry about that ...


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No worries at all, you hit anyway! Gunari probably got into melee, but the ex-bandits were definitely whacking away in close range.

Sovereign Court

Male NG Elf Magus 8 | HP: 57/57| AC: 22[21] (16[15] Tch, 16Fl) | CMB: +6, CMD: 22 | F: +9, R: +10[9], W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +9, SM: +2 | Speed 30ft | Arcane Pool Point 8/9, GM Reroll: 1/1, Pearl of Power: 1/1 | Active conditions: Fatigued, Shaken, Haste; 5 images

And yes it felt GREAT to finally hit and to kill the BBEG at that. Is this some kind of PbP world record? I started another PbP at the same time and we are not even at the first fight yet. Bravo DM

Sovereign Court

Male CG Halfling Bard 6 | HP 33/33 | AC 24 (15 Tch, 21 FF) | CMB +1, CMD 14 | F +7, R +10, W +8 | Init +7 | Perc +11, SM +12 | Speed 20 ft | [ooc| Inspire 16/18[/ooc] | Spells: 1st 5/5, 2nd 4/4 | Active Conditions: Short Sword shrunk

Miro sighs in relief. "A fine shot, Finarin!" their allies had fought well and accounted for themselves in this fight. His suspicions dissipated, he asks, "what will you do now?"

The Exchange

Male CG Human (Varisian) Warpriest 10 | HP:83/83| AC: 32 (15 tch, 30 Fl) | CMB: +10, CMD: 24| F: +13 (+5 vs cold weather), R: +9, W: +16 (+2 vs mind effecting) | Init: +1 | Perc: +7, SM: +18 | Blessing: 8/8, Fervor 3/10, SacWeap (9/10r), SacArm (7/10m), Shirt 0/1 | Pearl 1 1/3, Pearl 2 0/1, Extend: (2/6), Heroism (0/1), Chalices (2/4), Corset 0/1 | Active: Divine Favor +4, BoF

Gunari looks at the adamantine dagger in his hands... and then at his companions. Why do I bother?
Not that it mattered, but Gunari was going to use a fervor to cast divine favor, and then attack with the dagger. Gonna roll it here, just for fun!

dagger attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 16 for: 1d4 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 6


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Lucky Finarin was around to save the day, then! ;-)

Liberty's Edge

Male CG Wayang Sorcerer (Linnorm-Draconic Bloodline) 5 | HP: 23/23 | AC: 15 (14 Tch, 12 FF) Fire Resist: 5 | CMB: +0, CMD: 13 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +4 | Init: +3 | Perc: +10, SM: -1 | Speed 20ft | Fire Spit 7/7 | Spells: 2nd 5/5, 1st 8/8 | Daily Abilities: [Ghost Sound] [Pass without Trace] [Ventriloquism] | Active Conditions: None

Jaender, fresh off of his clever spell that didn't work so well, moves to begin casting another spell when he locks his eyes on the electronic face of the monster.

Fascinating....

And stands, mostly motionless as he tries to take everything in.

Once Finarin pierces the monstrosity with his arrow, the tiny wayang snaps out of it.

Wow... Uh... What just happened there?

He goes about making sure all of this body parts and belongings are intact and accounted for. Slightly ashamed at the ease with which he was enthralled by the machine, he keeps to himself as the group prepares to leave and make their way back to the venture captain.

Scarab Sages

Male Human (Garundi), Summoner 10, HP: 93/93 | AC: 19[21] FF: 17[19] Touch: 13 | Saves: Fort: +11[+13] Ref: +9[+11] Will: +11[+13] | Perception: +2 SM +0| Init: +2 | CMB: +16 | CMD: 27 | Speed: 30 | Spells 1st: 6/6 2nd: 4/5 3rd: 2/4 4th: 1/1| Wand of MA 39/50(1) | Wand of IH 38 / 50 | Active conditions: heroism 200 min, greater invisibility 10 rounds

Amaranti slaps Finarin on the back. "Nice shooting! One kill for you!"

While prodding the Scarecrow's remains with the tip of his lance, Amaranti remembers he already got the amulet.
"We pass test, right? Go back to captain, now?"


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It is a simple matter for the pathfinders to retrace their steps back out of the Red Redoubt. Meleren's chalk Xs do come in handy for avoiding being covered in embarrassing dyes. The fresh early evening air brushes against everyone's face as they exit the last passageway onto the mountaintop. The moon and stars are bright enough to provide the companions with sufficient light for the return journey to Absalom.

As they stand there at the entrance to the Red Redoubt of Karamoss, an uneasy silence forms.

"So," begins Meleren, finally breaking the quiet still of the night, "What would you like to do with us?" He indicates Shechera as well. "You've all given us a lot to think about, and I think I speak for us both when I say we have no desire to return to a life of banditry. I especially was ill-suited to the role."

Shechera looks hopefully up at the faces of the pathfinders, "Will you give us a second chance?"

Sovereign Court

Male NG Elf Magus 8 | HP: 57/57| AC: 22[21] (16[15] Tch, 16Fl) | CMB: +6, CMD: 22 | F: +9, R: +10[9], W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +9, SM: +2 | Speed 30ft | Arcane Pool Point 8/9, GM Reroll: 1/1, Pearl of Power: 1/1 | Active conditions: Fatigued, Shaken, Haste; 5 images

Finarin returns Amaranti's with a slap of his own, but less powerful. "Let us not forget your ... prowess with the lance. I was just glad that we could all work so well as a team."

Finarin turns towards Meleren, and Shechera. He produces a silken rag from his sleeve and wipes some fluid from Shechera's face. "For me anyway, the past is in the past. You cannot change what has happened anymore than you can control what is to come. You both had choices back there. You could have attacked us, but instead you chose to advise us. When we were presented in battle, you both rose to the challenge at hand. Though I have known you for a brief moment, I feel that you are both on the correct path. You have made poor ... choices as bandits. Though you may have had little choice, your decisions have ... affected people. What you do with that guilt I will leave for you to ponder on. My companions, no ... brothers, might have more to say."

Liberty's Edge

Male CG Wayang Sorcerer (Linnorm-Draconic Bloodline) 5 | HP: 23/23 | AC: 15 (14 Tch, 12 FF) Fire Resist: 5 | CMB: +0, CMD: 13 | F: +2, R: +5, W: +4 | Init: +3 | Perc: +10, SM: -1 | Speed 20ft | Fire Spit 7/7 | Spells: 2nd 5/5, 1st 8/8 | Daily Abilities: [Ghost Sound] [Pass without Trace] [Ventriloquism] | Active Conditions: None

Jaender, ever the logical one, speaks up without hardly a thought as soon as Finarin speaks his mind.

You obviously have some skill and knowledge. You should report to the Grand Lodge! The pathfinder society is an incredible organization. And they are wise enough to know that we aren't all perfect. If they only took perfect people as their agents, well, lets just say that the society wouldn't be what it is today! Besides, then you would get to meet amazing people like this! He says, face beaming as he sweeps his arms wide to his companions.

I for one, will testify to your recent actions and intentions.

Sovereign Court

Male CG Halfling Bard 6 | HP 33/33 | AC 24 (15 Tch, 21 FF) | CMB +1, CMD 14 | F +7, R +10, W +8 | Init +7 | Perc +11, SM +12 | Speed 20 ft | [ooc| Inspire 16/18[/ooc] | Spells: 1st 5/5, 2nd 4/4 | Active Conditions: Short Sword shrunk

"I agree with my companions. Whatever you might have been, you have been worthy allies to us in this past adventure. I will speak for you if you choose to return with us, and will not hamper you if you should choose to leave." He smiles widely at the two.

Sczarni

Male Half-Orc Ranger 1 | HP: 13/13 | AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl) | CMD: 16 | F: +4, R: +5, W: +2 | Init: +3 | Perc: +6 (+8 vs undead and secret doors; +9 traps), SM: +2 | Active conditions: None

"That is, if we're not too detestable to you," Mors adds with a smirk at Shechera.


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Meleren smiles uneasily, "Joining the Pathfinder Society? Now there's something I'd never considered. They are collectors of lore, and I am still in need of answers. This place just raised more questions. I still know no more about my own past, or why I felt that strange tug towards the redoubt."

"I'll give it a go," says Shechera, "Just don't expect me to sign up tomorrow."

Unless anyone has more to say, the ex-bandits will part ways with the pathfinders for now...

It is an uneventful, even pleasant, journey back to Absalom and the Grand Lodge. After sleeping the night, the group gathers at Venture-Captain Valsin's office. "Enter," comes Valsin's gruff voice from within. When the pathfinders come inside, they see the mustachioed captain sitting at the desk in his leather exploring gear. He gives you one of his crooked smiles, "So, you're not covered head-to-toe in dye, so I assume congratulations are in order. Care to report?"

Sovereign Court

Male CG Halfling Bard 6 | HP 33/33 | AC 24 (15 Tch, 21 FF) | CMB +1, CMD 14 | F +7, R +10, W +8 | Init +7 | Perc +11, SM +12 | Speed 20 ft | [ooc| Inspire 16/18[/ooc] | Spells: 1st 5/5, 2nd 4/4 | Active Conditions: Short Sword shrunk

"Venture-Captain, parts of the structure are still very much active, though my brave companions made short work of the robotic guardians that had been activated." He nods to his fellows, happy to give them all the well-deserved credit.


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"Robotic what?" Valsin balks, "What you you mean the structure is 'active'?" The Venture-Captain clearly has very little idea of what went on in the Red Redoubt of Karamoss.

We can hand-wave most of this if you like, but I would just like to see how you present it to him. Let me know if you just want to get it over with and get your chronicle sheets.

Sovereign Court

Male CG Halfling Bard 6 | HP 33/33 | AC 24 (15 Tch, 21 FF) | CMB +1, CMD 14 | F +7, R +10, W +8 | Init +7 | Perc +11, SM +12 | Speed 20 ft | [ooc| Inspire 16/18[/ooc] | Spells: 1st 5/5, 2nd 4/4 | Active Conditions: Short Sword shrunk

Miro's brow furrows in thought. "I'm not quite sure myself, sir. There was a lot of advanced technology in there that I certainly don't understand. The doors were in operation, and there was some kind of lift. Also, there were apparently some bandits, as well, but they were all slain by the guardians of the place."


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As the pathfinders explain the situation to the Venture-Captain, he grows ever more concerned. At last, he stands and says, "Well, you certainly have had an outstanding success in the Red Redoubt. The Society will certainly want to thank you for the treasures you have uncovered, and fame, adulation and many other things besides will be hours. You will no doubt take pride in the part you had to play in all of what will now follow."

Venture-Captain Ambrus Vaslin frowns as he steps forward (his mustache frowns also, a feat he has no doubt spent long hours in the mirror perfecting), "However, your foolish persistence in this matter could have got you killed. At the first sign this was no longer the test laid out by your peers, you should have returned to the Lodge and reported it. My superiors are pleased with your results, so there shall be no disciplinary actions - but know that this was not my recommendation at all. Such disregard for your own lives should not be rewarded." Valsin seems to run out of puff.

"Go then," he says dismissively, indicating the door, "Enjoy the feast laid out in your honor. I'll be here, doing the paperwork to clean up your mess."

You have succeeded! Local Pathfinders - many of whom begin in-depth investigation and cataloging of the hidden complex - regard you with high esteem. In the months to come, explorers seeking more hidden secrets swarm the Red Redoubt, finding many strange technologies long lost to the world.

Sovereign Court

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Male NG Elf Magus 8 | HP: 57/57| AC: 22[21] (16[15] Tch, 16Fl) | CMB: +6, CMD: 22 | F: +9, R: +10[9], W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +9, SM: +2 | Speed 30ft | Arcane Pool Point 8/9, GM Reroll: 1/1, Pearl of Power: 1/1 | Active conditions: Fatigued, Shaken, Haste; 5 images

EPILIGOUE
The pathfinders emerge from their meeting with the Venture-Captain. Weary and tired, they silently agree to prolong the inevitable and remain together for at least a few hours more. Walking in 'standard formation', they head over to the Full Tankard, on Pregenerated Avenue in the Tavern District. Walking in to the familiar dark, musty establishment, Miro approaches Stock Barkeep, the proprietor of this establishment. Miro:"Good evening good sir. My companions and I find ourselves at your fine establishment again, yet this time we do not have the pleasure of the patronage of our fine Venture Captain like we did over at the Grand Lodge. What say you if I offer my fine services in exchange for a few coins?

Stock"Coins huh, how much are we talking and what exactly do you do?" retorts Stock.

Miro"Judging by my melodious voice, tight leather breeches, and this tambourine I play I would have thought you recognized a lead-singer when you see one. How about I take 20% of the drink coin once I start playing until I stop.' Miro looks around at the less than full tavern. "Couldn't hurt - could it?

Stock"Sure, but I'll have to water down the ale a bit more so I don't lose too much."

At hearing that the ale is watered, Gunari's eyes begin to budge out of their sockets. Mors and Amaranti grab him by the shoulders and drag him off to a nearby table. Gunari's mouth works feverishly, but no words emerge. While all this is occurring, Jaender scurries around the floor, his pack unimaginably coming unzipped again, and his ink well begins rolling underneath tables.

Finarin"Good barkeep, I anticipate that Miro cannot sustain to sing the entire night, so I propose that while he ... breaks, I can entertain your fine patrons with some rare elfish dancing. What say you?"

Stock"Dancing, really? Who would want to watch that?"

Finarin"Ahhh, you have never witnesses fine elfish dancing if you question it. You can rest assured, you will not be sorry. You need only give me 20% of the drink total, but in silver."

Stock"Copper"

Ears blushing pink, Finarin grimly agrees. The rogue ink well rolls to his feet where he stops it, picks it up, and hands it to Jaender.

Jaender"Many thanks. I have no idea how this keeps opening."he mutters more to himself than to Finarin.

Seated around the table, the Pathfinders order drinks and food, except for Gunari who is looking at his ever-full tankard whispering "Who waters ale down ... what kind of person ..."
Mors”Cheap ones.”Mors responds in a deadpan voice.

The pathfinders turn to watch Miro take the stage. He begins to croon in a deep voice, leaping about the stage. He has silken scarves tied to his sleeves, and while missing a note here and there, the tavern slowly begins to fill. Recognizing his growing audience, his voice continues to rise and fall, but now he is incorporating scissor kicks into his routine. After a long set, he gracefully exits the stage and joins the pathfinders at the table. Jaender has commandeered Mors' pack to sit on, as it is the largest he has ever seen. He sits passively, writing letters in beautiful, undecipherable scripts. Amazingly, his pack has again opened and contents are slowly trickling out. As Miro joins the others, he overhears Mors and Amaranti calmly arguing about the benefits of the hammer and lance. Miro makes a mental note that Hammer and Lance would be a cool band name.

Finarin takes the stage and begins to perform a slightly above average dance. The crowd that once was enjoying Miro's singing, quickly begins to lose interest in the leaping, spinning elf. Noticing that he is quickly losing the crowd, he reaches into his sleeve and produces what the pathfinders recognize as one of the metal gauntlets from the skeletons. Sliding it onto his left hand, the gauntlet begins to sparkle with a shiny, white light. A small flow of energy runs through Finarin, and as he resumes dancing. When he dances now though, his moves are much more graceful, his spins are perfect, and he intermittently begins to grab his crotch. As one, the patrons turn to watch the elf dance. Once the entire crowd is watching him he moves to the side of the stage. There he begins to dance BACKWARDS, as if gliding on air. The crowd erupts in applause.

He returns to his seat with the other pathfinders, grabs his wine goblet, and looks at his friends, and raises it to them. As one, the others raise their glasses in a toast. They all drink heartily, knowing that nothing feels better than a completed mission.


CLW: 0 charges left (0 wands), CMW: 43 charges left (2 wands) | Tactical | Portraits | Loot | Wiki

Very nice work, Finarin. Never before has a set of day job checks been so thoroughly roleplayed! Love the WoW reference, too. ;-)

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