[PFS] GM Skipper's Low-level games (Inactive)

Game Master SkipperD

"Yes, she is rather." Rilia purrs.

The sphinx lays her disconcertingly intelligent eyes on Kara and readjusts her large paws.

"I was bound magically by a powerful wizard many years ago, and now I travel with the carnival."

The slides have been updated.

These are very..large.. paws.

It's obvious that "Leb", as he is called now by the girls, doesn't really means "paws"

"And what large teeth." Rilia says chomping hers closed with a snap.

She moves toward the sphinx. "A carny wizard powerful enough to perform such a binding?"

Kara is aghast.

That sounds like slavery to me. I know it exists, but I did not think it would come so close to home.

She lowers her voice conspiratorially.

Would you leave the carnival if you could? Did you owe the wizard some large debt, or are you here just by the whim of magical bond?

The sphinx leans closer, lowering her voice to a whisper.

"I see you're more inquisitive than the normal rabble we get, so I'll let you in on a secret. I'm not bound by any magic at, it is just a convenient lie we tell to appease the common folk. I am in fact a bard, playing at being a circus star in order to travel Avistan and expand my already vast knowledge of history and lore. I enjoy performance art, and love humanity, at least while I'm performing."

Oh, how fascinating! But is she saying that because it's true, or because she's magically bound to give a convenient lie?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Kara lowers her voice so as not to give away the "secret" to the crowd.

Oh, how wonderful! I would love to talk to you for a few minutes alone. If you're truly free then you can surely spare that, yes?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Sorry! swamp-ed by work!

Lizbeth enjoys the day following the group around the carnival and applauds Leb when the investigator strikes the gong along with the others. Ruffling her wild mane of red hair she eagerly heads towards the sphinx show.

Fascinated to see kara take the lead, the Noble Lady coming out of her shell quite nicely, Lizbeth fights down her hatred against slavery.

"Well well," she asks Conspiratorially, keeping her voice low, "to see the world is a fine thing indeed, but why pretend to be a slave? Surely there is much more you can experience whilst free?"

The sphinx gives Kara a penetrating stare before continuing.

"Perhaps it can be arranged that you could come see me in my 'cage'."

She chuckles slightly before setting her gaze on Lizbeth.

"It is merely to mollify the common folk, that I pretend to be subservient. What would they think, or do, if they knew that I am free to do as I please?"

Hey! where's my post from this morning?

Lebraerio tries to go back to his usual, intellectual self, and to remember everything he knows about sphinxes

Know arcana: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + (1) = 16
But his newfound lust make him difficult to concentrate, and he has an hard time looking the sphinx into the eyes.

So he tries another tactic, and asks as many questions as he can to the creature

Where are you from? How long have you bee in this circus? Have you been in other circuses? Do you long for other sphinxes conmpanionship, or are you, by nature, choice or inclination, a solitary creature? What is our favorite story or riddle? What do you eat? Can I please touch your fur? You will be the only sphinx I will probably see in my whole life..I can't believe it...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

"I am originally from Osirion, but I've been with the Umbra Carnival for a little over a decade. It is the first circus I've been apart of though. I was a part of a small group of sphinxes, a cult as they're called in Osirion, but we wen't our separate ways. As for riddles, I quite like this one: 'There are two sisters; one gives birth the the other, who in turn gives birth to the first. Who are they?'"

When Lebraerio mentions her diet, she smiles, revealing teeth that are worryingly feline. When he asks to touch he fur, she gets to her feet and motions to a nearby carnie. He nods and holds a megaphone to his lips.

"The sphinx show is now over! Jherizhana will be back this afternoon!"

She then gracefully saunters out of the tent.

Oh... Maybe I was too forward... I should apologise, as soon as possible. Maybe this afternoon

Lizbeth rolls her eyes and pouts playfully, waving to the Sphinx as they turn to leave. Looking around the tent she shrugs elegantly.

"Well, this place certainly is an odd one, a real life Sphinx! We must talk with her again. Hmm now if there are no more shows, I want to find a game I might do well at. Knife throwing perhaps?"

Sauntering over to one of the Carnies running the menagerie, she asks where there might be games of skill to be found.

As you exit the tent, you hear screaming from the outside. Running past you, a carnival goer yells, "The dragon has escaped!"

True to his word, the "dragon" is loose, snapping it's jaws at anyone unlucky enough to get within reach. Above the mayhem, a extremely odd looking creature flies around, held aloft by what seems to be giant leathery wings.

"Please don't kill the baby dragon...", he begs you.

I've added the map and a better picture of the flying creature to the slides.

Rilia steps forward crouches down to get closer to the things eye level and says very sweetly "Has the baby dragon gotten loose? You're not going breath fire, and rape and pillage are you little guy?"

fascinate (Will DC 12)

Balfour looks at the mad lizard and smiles.

"I told you the little guy wants to be freed!", he yells as he runs forward and attempts to grapple the "dragon".

Grapple: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Lets try to fix this situation..

Lebraerio quickly drinks an extract, and spits on the "dragon"

adhesive spittle, DC 14 Ref or be stuck for 2d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 rounds

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

The dragon ignores Rilia's charms, but is not as lucky when it comes to Balfour and Lebraerio, as it is now grappled, entangled and glued to the ground. Never-the-less, it tries to bite the dwarf.

Attack (with penalties): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Fort, Balfour v poison: 1d20 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 3 = 19

Combat Round 1
Bold may act
____________________________________
Balfour (10 damage), Rilia, Lebraerio
"Dragon" (entangled, glued to the ground)
Kara
Phardaen
Veilblade, Lizbeth

Kara searches her repertoire for any nonlethal skills worth mentioning.

Well, I could hit it with my fist, but I don't think it will even notice my presence. Maybe if I cause it enough pain it will go back to its pen.

She tries to aim for the hindquarters, a large target unlikely to suffer permanent damage from the frost. Fluff only, no combat consequence.

Ray of Frost, into melee, vs. Touch: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 2 - 4 = 13 Damage, Evoker: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

edit: remove flanking bonus, add firing into melee penalty. Thanks, Rilia, I couldn't find the "casting into melee" rule but I think you're right.

Kara, you are probably still going to hit because rays are ranged touch, and the lizard is all but pinned, but flanking is a melee thing, and you are firing into a melee without the benefit of the Precise Shot feat so you take a -4 for that.

Kara hits the lizard with her spell to the horror of the flying creature.

"No... Don't kill the baby dragon!"

Combat Round 1/2
Bold may act
____________________________________
Balfour (10 damage), Rilia, Lebraerio
"Dragon" (2 damage, entangled, glued to the ground)
Kara
Phardaen
Veilblade, Lizbeth

"Perhaps you could calm it down yourself then?"

Rilia rushes up to the wounded and struggling Balfour.

As there is some debate on the subject, the next bit might not all happen this round. Rilia has a +1 BAB, she can draw a weapon or weapon-like object for free as part of a regular move action. If wands count as 'weapon-like' at this table she brings it to bear this round. Otherwise she retrieves her sword while moving this round (for defense) and spends her standard action to retrieve the wand and uses it next round. I've seen it argued lots of ways, have my own feelings on the subject, but defer to the GM.

"Where does it hurt?" Rilia asks in a whisper. She pulls free a rather suggestive, thick, black, lacquered wand.

suggestive wand of cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Knowing she could render the poor creature unconscious but unwilling to hurt the poor captive creature further, Lizbeth darts across the open grounds of the Carnival to flank Balfour as he wrestles with the Lizard, aiding the Dwarf in his attempts.

The Dragon-blooded ex-pirate also leans in to help hold the dragon in place.

Move to flank with Balfour and then Aid another to help his continued Grapple

Aid attack, AC 10: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Giving Balfour a net +4 on his Grapple

The gray thing watches the carnival amusements from Shadowfang's back with a passive look; as if he is too serious for such games. He does offer an abrupt laugh at Balfour's poor attempt at the strength game.

At the Sphinx's tent, he again watches passively. He squints his already small eyes at the Sphinx, looking for a ruse.
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

--

The short wrinkled thing rushes to help Balfour pin down the creature.

CMB, aid Balfour: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Lebraerio waits to see if the "dragon" is still able to move , after three persons try to get him pinned, and offers a suggestion.

Veilblade, try to keep its mouth shut, so it can't bite!

Delays. Could I use another adhesive spittle extract to glue the lizard's mouth shut?

@Rilia: I'm on the 'a wand is a weapon like item' side of the argument, so it's fine by me.
@Lebraerio: That's a cool idea. I'll allow it.

Lebraerio seals the "dragon's" mouth shut as Lizbeth and Veilblade dogpile on to it. As the lizard is subdued, the carnival's master of beasts rushes over with some burly carnies to take it back to it's cage.

"I wholeheartedly thank you, sirs and madams. Here, take this as a token of our appreciation."

He hands you a pouch containing 50 gold pieces.

Lizbeth steps away from the mass of bodies and alchemical glue and wipes the sweat from her forehead, taking the proffered purse from the Carnie. As their hands meet she whispers to him, a fierceness in her eyes.

"You should take more care Sir, this Animal has suffered enough don't you think?"

Stepping away from him and turning her back to him she turns to her companions, her usual smile set upon her face.

"Well Ladies and Gents, that was hot and sticky now wasn't it! Let us go get a beer or three!"

Balfour blushes profusely as Rilia heals him, but tries to brush it off.

"Just a bite, you know, nothing too horrible."

He shifts around as the others come to aid him in grappling the lizard, and finally lets it go with a sigh of relief as the Master of Beasts arrives.

"I say, the best way to prevent such things from happening is to not trap these poor creatures in the first place."

The gray thing replies to Balfour with a half-whispered comment about carnivals being rather dishonorable. He does not object to the suggestion of beer.

-Posted with Wayfinder

With your newly acquired bag of gold, you celebrate the evening at the inn. The next morning, a carnie finds you and delivers a message.

"Mistress Delisen wants to see you. Something about a job opportunity."

sense motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

Once more sat at the dinner table in loose baggy trousers and cotton binding around her torso, her hair a mess ad she is holding her head from a late nights boozing off the Carnie's money.

"Well that was a wondrous night! I never knew you could do that with your beard Balfour!" Lizbeth winds up the dwarf, knowing full well she couldn't remember much of last nights escapades.

Turning to the Carnie she listens to his proposal.

"No need to be scared of us friend, we don't all bite!"

"Uh, yes, of course", Balfour replies to Lizbeth with slight confusion. Balfour does not recall using his beard for any particular feat lately, but you might never know.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

"We'll be glad to help the mistress", says Balfour reassuringly, then leans towards Lizbeth and whispers, "So who's this Delisen lady? Am I supposed to know her?"

The wrinkled thing nods at his breakfast bowl and implies he will meet with the lady.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Sense Motive DC15: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

Oh, another adventure! I haven't had a good one since last night!

Kara casts a glance down the table.

Rilia waves back and winks.

sense motive (+2 more if it's a hunch): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Sleight of hand: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Lebraerio blushes, coughs on his morning drink, smiles awkwardly, look at Kara, blushes again, giving credit at anyone's theory of a nascent and hot relationship.

Sorry. Something in my throat..

The man rises from his seat and walks past Kara, not even daring to look at her again, nearly spilling her own drink but catching it quickly

sense motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18

Lizbeth looks between Kara and Leb with a smirk and a raised eyebrow, but choosing not to say anything at present to see how far it goes between them, and for potential ammunition later for teasing Kara.

Taking a sip of whtever had been put in front of them, her tastebuds spoiled by the alcohol the previous evening, Lizbeth waits for the nervous Carnie's answer.

The carnie's eyes go wide and he mumbles something.

"Something terrible has happened... I hope you can help."

When you arrive at the circus, the carnival has not opened for the day's business yet. Almara Delisen waits beside a large private wagon with an adjoining canopy, and chairs are arranged around a nearby campfire. She greets you kindly but with a businesslike air, and after a brief introduction gets to the reason for her invitation.

"I appreciate your efforts yesterday in the regrettable incident with our dragon. I fear I could also use your help with another matter. You may have heard there was a murder in town last night. The circumstances, I am told, implicate people from my circus - something I find very hard to accept. I'd like to contract you to represent the Umbra Carnival to determine who is really responsible and preserve our reputation."

Ah. A mystery...

Leb tries to recall anything he could have heard about a murder in town, while he was ... occupied elsewhere.

Know Local: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + (1) = 16

Is the finger pointed to someone in particular from your carnival, or just in the vague direction of it?

Lebraerio was far to busy last night to have heard anything about a murder.

With a flash of annoyance in her eyes, Almara answers the question.

"It seems like someone is trying to frame Jherizhana, our sphynx, for the murder. Apparently there's 'evidence' pointing towards her, but I know that she's innocent. Sheriff Feldane has allowed me to hire a neutral third party to aid the investigation, and that's where you come in."

Now interested by the intellectual challenge, Leb asks Miss Delisen

Do you have proof or eye witnesses that Jherizhana is innocent? Not because I doubt your word, but to shut up any villagers asking for vengeance more than for justice. Could we interrogate her? And how do you frame a sphinx? I mean, nothing is more alike to a sword stab than another sword stab, but to fake a magical breast.. err beast's bite and claws is another story...

"Jherizhana?"

Balfour tries hard to think about his encounter with the sphinx, but as Lebraerio can confirm, a man might find it hard to focus while facing her.

"Why would anyone want to frame your sphinx?"

Lizbeth saunters over to the meeting, a mug of steaming coffee grabbed from breakfast in her hands. Listening to the Carnie's story she sips the strong brew, glad she had it to sober her up for the task at hand.

"I guess many shapeshifters could kill with a claw and unless your a sphinx expert you couldn't tell the difference. We should go ask the locals about the night and question witnesses. Boy a proper investigation, shall we sit back and watch Leb work?"

Don't think too highly of me, Lizbeth, I could only disappoint you. I will need your help and assistance. We must act quickly, to clarify the situation. Just a question before we meet and talk with Jherishana: is this the first time the Umbra Carnival comes to this town, or could you have enemies here who waited to avenge themselves?

Once more sat at the dinner table in loose baggy trousers and cotton binding around her torso, her hair a mess ad she is holding her head from a late nights boozing off the Carnie's money.

"Well that was a wondrous night! I never knew you could do that with your beard Balfour!"

"Funny, I thought you were the--well, never mind." Rilia smiles primly.

"I guess many shapeshifters could kill with a claw and unless your a sphinx expert you couldn't tell the difference. We should go ask the locals about the night and question witnesses. Boy a proper investigation, shall we sit back and watch Leb work?"

Rilia considers Leb's butt for a moment.

"Sigh, you couldn't have arrived with this info before breakfast? So who was the person killed exactly? Where and when was the body found? Who found it? We should go see it soon. Is it still at the site? You haven't moved it have you? Every moment we waste means that tracks might be disturbed. Oh, sorry Leb. I'm such a fiddle-head. Those were all the things you were going to say had I not jumped in like an overeager bunny. You're doing fantastic!" She beams and gives him a chaste kiss on the cheek. "I'll just go get my manacles than shall I?"

Balfour don't forget you got healed for 8 hp and probably got one from resting the night.

Almara patiently answers the questions as best she can.

"I don't know much about the murder, or any of the so-called evidence, apart from the the fact the victim was Archivin Walder, a local moneylender and pawnbroker. The sheriff will be able to tell you more, once she's accepted you as an impartial third party. As to why the sphinx, then I can only assume she's a handy scapegoat for these bumpkins."

She hands you a sealed letter.

"This is to let the sheriff know, that you're my chosen investigators."

Shall we visit the scene of Mr. Walder's death, before any important evidence is ruined?