[PFS/DMK/YSK] 6-23 The Darkest Abduction (Inactive)

Game Master Kludde

"Your price, and what we get for it - remember, you bargain with a Hellknight, and so choose your terms carefully"

Sense Motive 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 - Hunch, Svetlana is trying to get a feel for where they are at.

The swamp wants 3000 gold crowns

Ouroboreia appears surprised, but doesn't say a word.

Weird, they usually send us on errands instead. Them asking for money? That's new.

The Hellknight sounds very incredulous "For three thousand I'd be expecting secrets that would relate to the rulers themselves and shake the foundations of an Empire, you jest with us to ask such a sum without serious explanation of what you offer - I have no time for games"

3000!? Are they having a laugh or what? Gut feel? Svetlana losing her cool in 3...2...1... Is our instinct that they are fishing, and we can just talk them around, or they are trying to dupe us, in which case Svetlana wont be laughing.

Elindriel smiles, "Perhaps the swamp could be a bit more reasonable on its price, given the circumstances, or, as my colleague requested, perhaps we could know what that price will grant us? Will you tell us the location of the abductors? The abductee?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

The swamp has seen strange figures move about, and the swamp has seen where they went.

The swamp gives and the swamp takes. The swamp gives you half of the price, as a sign of hospitality. Or you may decide to take the information at no price...

"Well here's the thing then, friends, for the fifteen hundred you can give us that information - but you'll find the hospitality of the Order of the Nail decidedly less giving and whole lot more taking if you break your agreement or double cross us."

Sense Motive 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Discern Lies still running.

Did Hagnar identify these creatures?
Sense motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Hagnar identifies the two figures as human. They each have a boar alongside them.

You basically have three options:
(1) Pay 1500 gp
(2) Don't pay 1500, but say you'll take the info for free (with potential deeper consequences)
(3) Have a chelish ale

Elindriel would prefer to just pay the 1500 (250/person), though would support taking the info for free (probably a combat option)

Ceobryrn shrugs, "You should know that those of the city blame the swamp denizen for taking their people, If none that live here did the act, then would it not be to your benefit to give us the information on the true abductors as mutual neighbors who seek balance would?"

Svetlana has such a thirst for Chelish Ale, however will come to the discussion with her contribution towards 1500. At the end of the day, she hates darkness and corruption, but her early days with the Silver Crusade still sway a sense of goodness.

Hagnar agrees to the price - he had paid more in search of other bits of information before...

Ceobryrn agrees to pay a share of the price too

The swamp has seen several groups of figures dressed as mourners. Many wore fine jewelry and several carried bundles wrapped in gray linen—much the same shape as bodies swathed in shrouds. Most of the sightings have taken place at the west end of the city. The swamp suspect that these cloaked figures are using the sewers to reach the Eylusia Building, an extravagant funerary business operated by Zeffiro Lesiege.

For several years the swamp is aware of a concealed passage that leads to the Eylusia Building, but even then anyone using it traveled alone or in pairs; the groups seen lately number as many as 15 individuals at a time.

The swamp's eyes have tried to confront these suspicious figures several times, only to watch as the strangers melted into the gloom. Those who try to investigate further have turned up dead or disappeared entirely.

Woe to those who venture near the building! The building is protected by wards and traps, far more than any businessman would require!

Ouroboreia agrees on paying the reduced price as well, getting a hefty purse of 250 gold pieces from her handy haversack.

"A secret passage? Highly interesting, an information that will indeed prove worthwhile. We thank the swamp for it. One question though: would you know, or at least have an educated guess at, who these figures are?"

The swamp only knows that they are not inhabitants of this place.

I've put up the map, in case you want to follow the directions of the swampers

For the price, reckon that isn't a bad deal, we'd have likely blown a similar amount of consumables otherwise... well negotiated!

"Very well" Svetlana equally pays in her share "a deal is a deal, and we honour our bargain. Asmodeus sets us the obligation to be true to our word, and I follow his shining example"

"We need to find out about the Elyusia Building and maybe some history, and who is Zeffiro Lesiege and what he would want with abducting people. I'll try the front door before trying the back"

Svetlana will note the path to the Swampers indicate, but her intent is to check back in the city the details above - who is this guy, and what is that place, and what would his motive be?

Ceobryrn checks for tracks along the path and for traps.

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
survival w/+4 to track: 1d20 + 14 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 14 + 4 = 36

While Hellion tries to discover more about the building, Lirianne stakes out the hidden entrance, watching for suspicious activity and any clues to who might be operating there.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Above ground

The five-story Eylusia Building is among the most conspicuous in Karcau, and it is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Tall, ornate, and styled like an ornate mausoleum, it stands out as a monument to the egotism of its owner.

The ground floor serves as an ostentatious showroom for the coffins and displays created on the floor above. There's three more floor above the second, for which the purpose is not readily apparent, but which show little evidence of shady business. Offices, most likely.

Below ground

The path to the sewer entrance leads to a series of pipes and tunnels, which are inhabited by swamp dwellers. Though otherwise tight-lipped, an occasional finger or head nodded points the adventurers in the right direction. Finally, the entrance lies beyond something of an underground sewage lake, which requires a boat to cross. A mute swamper points a bony finger to a rickety dingy...

Svetlana would like to get the word on the street about Zeffiro, who he is, what he is doing, and whether he is known to be trying to make a play into something - politics, power - trying to find out why he'd be abducting people. Seems if he wanted dead bodies for dark necromancy he wouldn't have a shortage, but he seems pretty bling-bling for a funeral home, whats the money spinner?

Svetlana starts wearing out shoe leather asking around.

Diplomacy (Gather Info) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

She represents the Pathfinders, but is acutely aware this city has no Hellknights - so is keen for the locals to see the benefit of having an orderly group of law abiding and law enforcing agents in their city...

Hagnar travels with Svetlana, also asking questions about the Eylusia building, and also the occasional inquiry about 'Jax/Jacks'...

Diplo (gather info): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Which would be sweet info if we ever go to Pezzack :p

It turns out that mister Zeffiro Lesiege is in the undertaking business: he sells coffins. The man himself doesn't seem to be around, asking for him yields some generic replies: Mr. Lesiege is a very busy man. If you want, you may leave your business card and we will can contact you for an appointment as soon as he is available.

Which may very well be never.

Nobody has ever heard of any Jaks, though some people make a reference to a nearby noodle stand.

Ouroboreia lets out a slight sigh, and looks at the ceiling absent-mindedly.

"I feel we won't have a choice but to use the same way of entering and exiting the building as those we're looking for did. Shall we?"

Once they reach the end of the secret passage, she casts mage armor and heightened awareness with various wands, then inspects the door for traps, also enhancing her vision with detect magic

Perception: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 2 = 16

Please note that if we enter combat, Ouro will dismiss her heightened awareness to gain the +4 initiative bonus.

So regrouping and heading in the back way?

Wrinkling her nose at the smell, Lirianne mutters under her breath, "why do I always get the swampy assignments?" She carefully checks her powder horn and cartridge pouches are well sealed before gingerly stepping into the boat.

"Well, maybe after this we can check out the noodle stand...more pleasant than our current assignment!"

Svetlana is satisfied she has taken reasonable steps to gain the mans co-operation, but his refusal to participate simply shines light on his guilt. With eye witness accounts of nefarious activities taking place, she joins the others for checking the back area.

Ceobryrn check the doors for traps as well.

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

Elindriel takes a moment and casts a spell as well in preparation for what may come, drawing her falcata as well.

Cast heightened awareness, dropping for the initiative boost when and if the time comes

Perception (Take 10, Heightened Awareness): 10 + 12 + 2 = 24

The entrance lies past a vertical sewer grate that easily swings open, and the tunnel’s dank brink walls lead to an arched entryway with a strong wooden door. The left half of the door is painted black, the right half white, and both are in need of a fresh coat thanks to the discoloration from years of exposure to moist air.

Ceobryrn doesn't find a trap, but the door is fitted with a sturdy lock. DC 27

"Nethys?" Svetlana notes the doors.

Svetlana tries her Skeleton key.

Disable 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Would inspire competence performance have helped with that roll? If so, I'd submit Elindriel would have begun singing beforehand, for a +3

With the help of Elindriel and her skeleton key, Svetlana manages to open the lock.

Behind it is a low-ceilinged chamber featuring two pairs of manacles bolted to the floor in the center of the room. The stone floor beneath them is stained rust-brown. Hundreds of half- melted candles populate the floor, along with several ritual ingredients, such as jars of tallow, salt, ash, and small bones. Fifteen alcoves line the room, each concealed with a heavy curtain.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Elindriel puts her finger to her lips and points to the southeastern curtain. She quietly makes her way to the curtain, draws her falcata, and, once the others have signaled their readiness, flings the curtain aside.

Stealth (ACP): 1d20 + 13 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 13 - 1 = 25

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
Hagnar sees Elindriel's warning, and stands quietly to one side. But his attention is drawn to the room and the ingredients, trying to identify what spells they are used for.
Kn(arcana): 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 9 + (3) = 29

perception w/+2 underground: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 14 + 2 = 26

Ceobryrn nods seeing the curtain move too, he quietly follows Elindriel.

stealth w/+2 underground: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 = 28

Perception, for spoiler: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Distracted by the disturbing sight, Lirianne doesn't see the curtain moving. She moves towards the manacles and bends to look closer, hoping that her suspicion - that what the floor is stained with is in fact blood - will not be confirmed.

Perception, CSI: Golarion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Ouroboreia follows his companions into the room, her eyes gazing at the unseen.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 2 = 25

Svetlana waits, ready to confront anyone emerging from the curtain.

The party moves into the large room, as suddenly a fine mist sprays out, and three large metallic creatures appear from behind the curtains.

I need a fort save from everyone

The metal constructs are much faster than the group, and quickly move up to Ceobryrn and Elindriel, to form a hedge of halberds

Halberd, Ceobryrn: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 251d10 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
Halberd, Ceobryrn: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 211d10 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
Halberd, Elindriel: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 311d10 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

---
Svetlana
Ouroboreia
Elindriel
Hagnar
Lirianne
Ceobryrn
---
Metal man - Blue
Metal man - Yellow
Metal man - White

Fort save 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Svetlana steps across, channels her magical energies, and thrusts back with her polearm.

Attacks white
PA+Arcane - Adamantine weapon
Attack 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (14) + 16 - 3 = 27
Damage 1d10 + 11 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 9 + 2 = 23

Attack 1d20 + 11 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 3 = 19
Damage 1d10 + 11 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 9 + 2 = 28

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 +3 if it's a spell or spell-like ability.

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30 DR? Immunities? Weaknesses? Special attacks? (in that order).

Ouroboreia's mind quickens as she feels the metal warriors as a threat, and conjures a hound archon behind her foes!

Casting summon monster IV as a standard action (thanks to Aura of Good and Sacred Summons).

"להרוס מבנים המטופשים האלה, כי הם משרתים של צאצאים רעים" she orders.

The anthropomorphic hound snarls and obeys the void wizardess's command, slashing and biting at the blue-hued metal man.
Mwk Greatsword, PA: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 11 - 2 = 142d6 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 6 + 6 = 20
Mwk Greatsword, PA: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 2 = 152d6 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 + 6 = 18
Bite, PA: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 2 = 231d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 4 = 13
Bite (confirm), PA: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 - 2 = 111d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 = 11

Fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

On the assumption that crappy save doesn't negate her turn...

Lirianne straightens, drawing her pistol and firing on the middle enemy.

Pistol (vs touch): 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 14 + 1 = 23 for: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 13

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

As Lirianne, assuming that she can still act

Elindriel begins singing an inspirational tune, then moves forward and brings her falcata down on the nearest construct.

Move action: Begin bard song (Inspire Courage, 20 rounds remaining, +2 competence bonus to hit and damage, +2 morale bonus to saves vs. fear)
Free action: 5' step, as indicated on map
Swift action: Imbue falcata (arcane strike)
Standard action: Attack yellow
Attack (+1 Keen Adamanatine Falcata, Inspire Courage, Power Attack, Flanking): 1d20 + 12 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 2 - 2 + 2 = 34
Damage (+1 Keen Adamanatine Falcata, Inspire Courage, Power Attack, Arcane Strike): 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 + 4 + 2 = 14

Critical Confirm (+1 Keen Adamanatine Falcata, Inspire Courage, Power Attack, Flanking): 1d20 + 12 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 2 - 2 + 2 = 33
Critical Damage (+1 Keen Adamanatine Falcata, Inspire Courage, Power Attack, Arcane Strike): 2d8 + 10 + 4 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (6, 3) + 10 + 4 + 8 + 4 = 35

Svetalana's first strike cuts through the armoured plating like a knife through butter, though her second strike just glances off the guardian's shell.

Ouroboreia, Lirianne and Elindriel feels the effects of the evil mist that was sprayed into this room. Each get 1 wisdom damage and each of you is confused this round. Next round I need another save

Confused, Ouro: 1d100 ⇒ 27
Confused, Lirianne: 1d100 ⇒ 54
Confused, Elindriel: 1d100 ⇒ 27

Elindriel and Ouroboreia just standing around, speaking in incomprehensible tongues, while Lirianne whack herself with her pistol
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

---
Svetlana
Ouroboreia
Elindriel
Hagnar
Lirianne
Ceobryrn
---
Metal man - Blue
Metal man - Yellow
Metal man - White (23)

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Hagnar is so engrossed in the spell components that he takes the mist full in his face!

Ceobryrn fort save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26 Current HP 80-33=47
Lokie fort save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Ceobryrn quick draws his great sword and shift forward attacking the white Metal man twice as he calls for Lokie to attack too.

Adamantine/PA/+2IC
Adamantine Greatsword: 1d20 + 15 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 15 - 3 + 2 = 30
damage if hits: 2d6 + 8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 5) + 8 + 6 + 2 = 23

Adamantine Greatsword: 1d20 + 10 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 - 3 + 2 = 23
damage if hits: 2d6 + 8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 6) + 8 + 6 + 2 = 28

Lokie moves up and attacks the white metal man as well.

bite w/+2IC-2PA: 1d20 + 12 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 2 - 2 = 27
damage w/+4PA+2IC: 1d6 + 9 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 4 + 2 = 21

So Hagnar also gets 1 Wis damage, and is confused for 1 round

Confused: 1d100 ⇒ 86 Hagnar should attack the nearest creature, which would be Lirianne or Ouroborous (I'd say Lirianne is closer)

Hagnar feels the strange influence of the misty vapour running around his brain, whispering to him to perform unspeakable acts of violence, while Ceobryrn brings his sword to the metal man, ramming it straight through the constructs armour plating twice. With a crackle of lightning, Ceobryrn cleaves of the head of the construct, leaving only a sparking, immobile body.

Everybody who is poisoned should roll a DC 20 Fort save or take another Wis damage and be confused for another round (you can also roll the d100 yourself to determine the effect

---
Hagnar (confused, Should attack Lirianne)
---
Svetlana
Ouroboreia (poisoned)
Elindriel (poisoned)
Hagnar (poisoned)
Lirianne (poisoned)
Ceobryrn
---
Metal man - Blue
Metal man - Yellow