PFS PBP Gameday IV: #07 - 04 The Ironbound Schism -- GM Hmm (Inactive)

Game Master Hmm

Phase 2: Impressing Kalla Tusk-Breaker

Yojimbo looks over the information in the battle plan on the supplies.

Survival: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 1 = 22

"You are carrying a great deal of supplies. You could likely reduce your weight and move faster if you take into account the numbers you will lose in the battle."

Dhiara turns to Kiku and takes her hands. "I see that you have the eyes of a true seeker. Perhaps we should talk a while?"

Kiku, you're right, this is your special contact. Take a little time to chat here if you like. This is your opportunity to act on your letter from your faction head.

Meanwhile, Yojimbo's suggestion improves the battle map and causes the War Council to make even better placement of their troops.

TWO MORE SUCCESSES!

Kiku smiles, her eyes flashing with surprise, as she did not expect such a positive reception to her modesty overture.

After conversing with Dhiara for some time about the intricacies of the Iroran faith, Kiku attempts to segue into Tahonikepsu's request.

"I have to confess that I am not just here to help you all in your battle against the giants and to learn more of your faith, though each of those would be purpose enough to bring me here. My patron, a woman of great age and wisdom known as Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage, has heard glowing words of you and your exploits from your fellow Irorans at the Monastery of Tar Kuata. Therefore, she has asked me to pass on a message of greeting to you."

Kiku bows deeply once more, her torso managing to become perpendicular to the ground.

"If I can prove to you that our cause is worthy through my assistance, I would be overjoyed if you would consider meeting her."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

UGH

@Kiku:

That would be your second roll in Phase Two anyway, which isn't allowed.

But... since this isn't for gaining influence with the Council, I'm okay with declaring that it happened in the coffee break between Phases Two and Three. Perhaps you could convince a certain helpful halfling to help you? I know one that is simply dying for a chance to assist someone...

I'll also note that the module allows for a circumstance bonus for RP here, which you have more than earned.

Ah, okay. I wasn't sure whether it counted as an attempt to influence or not or against the roll limit per phase, so I figured I should roll anyways.

During a break in the council meeting, Kiku draws Juniper aside.

"Um...I'm sorry to have to ask this of you, but I'm not sure of the best way to broach a certain subject with Dhiara." Kiku shows Juniper the note she was given.

Copied it below

Once Juniper appears to have finished reading it, Kiku backs away and bows to her.

"I would be most honored if you would lend me your assistance."

"Certainly, Kiku. Did you know that I trained at Tar Kuata?—hey, I must be one of the 'colleagues' mentioned in your letter who visited the monastery! Imagine that. Boy, the Pathfinder Society sometimes seems big, but it really isn't. How can I help?" Juniper seems overjoyed to assist someone as kind-hearted as Kiku Caritas.

Addressing the elf, she says, "Esteemed Dhiara, would you believe the coincidence? I too studied at Tar Kuata, albeit ever so briefly. I was only there long enough to receive introductory lessons in fighting while blind-folded," she holds out the blindfold that she was given by the monks at Tar Kuata, before ceremoniously covering her eyes with it. "I practice daily, and hope to one day hone my senses to a state deemed worthy by Apsu, the Waybringer. That, for me, would be perfection. I have not traveled long with Kiku," she gestures blindly yet also accurately at the human, "but I have known her to be both wise and honorable. My hope is that you take her for her word, and trust her as I trust her." Juniper smiles.

Diplomacy to Aid Kiku: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
+4 bonus :)

Edited 8P

[pedantic]
You can't Take 10 when Aiding Another, but in your case you can't fail anyways =).
[/pedantic]

Dhiara gazes at both of you with her golden eyes, as if trying to take the true measure of you both. She inclines her head to Juniper. "I had not thought to meet anyone else who had studied at Tar Kuata. It is an honor."

She surveys the room, her expression softening as she watches her friends from the War Council study the battle map once more. "This little community, so improbable and rare, has entered my heart. I admire their fierceness, and the intensity with which they protect what they have built against a constant threat from the giants." She turns back to you, eyebrows raised. "Show me what you are made of, Pathfinders. Protect these people, and I'll consider visiting your Diamond Sage."

"The honor is mine." Juniper's smile is warm and bright.

"This town is wonderful. I have not known a community such as this. We must protect it! Apsu has brought us here for this purpose, I know it in my heart. I am his bastion, his sacred shield." Juniper grows strangely serious; she bears a visage that her companions have not yet witnessed.

Kiku blushes at Juniper's glowing recomendation. She subconsciously draws her kapenia farther over her face.

"You shame me with your words, Juniper. I am not worthy of such kindness."

Kiku smiles broadly, the beginnings of tears in her eyes, as Dhiara gives her response. When she finishes, Kiku wipes her eyes upon the edge of her kapenia, then bows once more.

"You have my deepest gratitude, Lady Dhiara. If I may, I would like to swear an oath of service to you and your people, as a symbol of my devotion.

Kiku sets out ten of her ofuda in a semi-circle on the ground. She kneels before them, hands clasped and eyes closed. As she says the name of a deity, she points to its ofuda, drawing that god's holy symbol in the air with her other hand.

"I swear by Arqueros the Golden Bulwark to protect the people of Averaka, by Dalenydra the Blessed Attendant to heal its wounded, by Damerrich the Weighted Swing to pass judgment upon its enemies, and by Ragathiel the General of Vengeance to carry out the sentence."

"Should I fail in this task and live, let Neshen the Steel Lash punish me as is fit, let Vildeis the Cardinal Martyr give me scars so I never forget my failure, and let Korada the Open Hand of Harmony grant me the ability to forgive myself. Should I die, let Ashava guide me to the Boneyard to face Pharasma the Lady of Graves and her judgment."

She opens her eyes, looking directly into Dhiara's.

"Let Eritrice the Heart-Speaker show you the truth of my promise."

Kiku collects her ofuda one-by-one, in the same order that she named them, returning them to her haversack.

Dhiara nods. "I will see you in the fight, then."

@Kiku and Juniper: Lovely job!

@Harsk: I will let you do both Phase Two and Three when you come back to us. I'm moving everyone forward.
_________________________________________________________________

RELEVANT SKILL CHECKS -- Reprise by Request

• Improve the Battle Plan: Knowledge (geography) or Profession (soldier); if you are proficient in at least one martial weapon you may instead use 1d20 + BAB + (Int or Wis modifier); bonuses on attack rolls against giants may be added to this as well, as may favored terrain (mountain).
  
• Impressing Councilor Kalla Tusk-Breaker: Kalla leads the town gaurds and oversees the patrols around Averaka. You can match her tough demeanor with Intimidate, demonstrate knowledge of outdoor skills with Survival, or judge which parts of the plan worry her most and address them with Sense Motive.
  
• Impressing Councilor Bravok: Bravok serves as Averaka's chief ambassador, traveling throughout the Inner Sea region to spread the word of Averaka and attract more half-orc settlers to the island. Bravok also manages the town's largest temple, devoted to Desna. Tactful overtures (Diplomacy) and confident speeches (Perform: oratory) resonate well with his style. He also respects those who connect on a religious level (Knowledge: religion).
  
• Impressing Councilor Suota Iron-Tongue: Suota maintains Averaka's lore and society, serving as a teacher for children, artists, and craftspeople alike. She promotes curiosity and education. Those learned in cultural lore (Knowledge: local) and classical education (Knowledge: history) earn her respect, as do capable wordsmiths and educators (Linguistics).
  
• Impressing Dhiara: She responds well to calm, measured arguments (Diplomacy), especially those that relate to her dedication to Irori (Knowledge: religion). She is a highly accomplished monk who trained in Osirion and has spent the past several decades traveling the world, combating evil, and testing her skills against the Inner Sea region's villains. As a result, she respects those who are well traveled and have learned lessons from the places they have seen (Knowledge:geography).

Everyone adds +1 to their checks.
Grigorii gets to add an additional +4.
(Tusks, still.)

_________________________________________________________________

SUCCESS TALLY SO FAR

Calming the Crowd - 1

Initial Council Introduction - 1

Phase 1 - 3

Phase 2 - 6 + ? from Harsk

_________________________________________________________________

-- BEGIN PHASE THREE --

Phase Three

Shel approaches Suota Iron-Tongue at a measured pace. "Ma'am, I have heard long about your appreciation for the culture of the area. Perhaps that is the most important reason we battle today. Not only will the Giants sow havoc amongst the citizens, hen will also assuredly destroy all the local arts your people have created. No one has less an appreciation for culture than the Giants, ogres, and trolls at their command. It's imperative our plan works to save the arts of the land!"

Know. Local 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 1 = 15

Phase 3: Flirt Talk with the Elf

Azara seems intrigued by the new comer, especially after hearing her speak of her past achievements.

"You and I share a common bond, Dhiara. I, too, commit myself to a higher power. Irori and Asmodeus are not that dissimilar. Yours the Lord of Runes, mine the Lord of Contracts. Both hold the highest respect for Knowledge, Law, and Order. Likewise, though by birth we are not affiliated with this settlement, I also respect the empowering effect it seems to have on this populace. I think it is worthy of protection as well."

Is Azara biting her lower lip?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 15 + 1 = 24

Phase 3: Improve Battle Plan

Satisfied with what she had learned from Bravok and Dhaira, as well as that she has accomplished she could for Tahonikepsu for the time being, Kiku finally follows Yojimbo over to the map of the battle plan.

Spiritualists are proficient with kukris, scythes, and saps, so she is proficient with at least one martial weapon

BAB+Wisdom: 1d20 + 5 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 5 + 1 = 23

She takes some time, making sure to not make the same mistake as Yojimbo and forget to read the map key. She finally turns towards the councilors.

"From my own meager knowledge of the ways of war, I think that your plan is very good. There is just..."

She loses her words, suddenly remembering that she is talking to a number of half-orcs, people that have been fighting this enemy for years, people that have probably known violence better than she ever will. Who is she to presume to question their plans?

She looks back to the map, the little markers representing the people of Averaka, people that she has promised to protect. If speaking up would save even one life, it would be worth it.

"I...um...please pardon me if I am overstepping, but I may have a suggestion."

She points out positions to the rear of the formations.

"In my training as a servant of Dalenydra, I learned that it is ideal to keep healers in reserve until after the melee begins. It reduces the chance of them dying to large-area effects, they cannot heal as effectively on the move, and...some enemies like to target healers, even those who wear her symbol."

Dalenydra is basically the god of medics. Her holy symbol has basically the same meaning as the Red Cross does in the real world, as far as the rules of war are concerned.

Phase 3: Impressing Kalla Tusk-Breaker

Yojimbo stares down Kalla, his arms folded in front of him.

"I would know the mettle of she that leads these soldiers."

His ectoplasmic form intensifies, the orange shade veering towards a voluminous red.

"Do you fear death? Even when I was alive, I did not. I was--and am--am Samurai."

"The Way of the Samurai is found in death. I have meditated every day on my inevitable death. I meditate upon being ripped apart by arrows, rifles, spears, and swords, being carried away by surging waves, being thrown in the midst of a great fire, being struck by lightning, being shaken to death by a great earthquake, falling from thousand-foot cliffs, dying of disease, or committing seppuku at the death of my master."

With each item in his list, the burning ectoplasmic energy that comprises him strengthens until his form has become a raging fire, tongues of energy flaring out in all directions.

"Every day, without fail, you must consider yourself as dead. This is the substance of the Way of the Samurai."

Instantly, his form softens and he returns to the quiet flickering of before. The fire remains in his eyes.

"Thus, I ask of you, do you fear death? Or have you already accepted yours?"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 = 21

Phase 3: Aid Yojimbo: Impress Councilor Kalla Tusk-Breaker (Intimidate)

Juniper struts over to stand beside Yojimbo, her face still a stoic mask after her conversation with Dhiara, she addresses Councilor Tusk-Breaker "Battle is a crucible. It is where we find the path to our true selves. Our strength will be revealed to us. And we must use that strength to protect those who have not been given the gift of strength. We must shield them from harm. That is the way of Apsu, and he will smile upon us."

Aid Another Intimidate +1 from Shel –4 size penalty: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 - 4 = 5

GM Reroll (3 stars): 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 - 4 + 3 = 8
Add +2 for Adaptable Luck, after the fact = 10

Whew!

Edit: Yojimbo adds +4 to his Intimidate.

Glad you posted that. I'll leave it to you to decide then!

Oh! My bad. I added the +1 to my check with Dhiara, but I think you said elsewhere that we didn't get +1 with her. So, correct my roll accordingly =(

Maybe Juniper will help you flirt...

* Gets popcorn. *

If this mission goes well maybe Azara will be late for her next VC briefing, too!

You need to get a day planner. It can be a little book, perhaps in black.

It is dreadfully convenient. You could even have Dalia maintain it for you, so you dont have any work to do!

"Councilors...I have some knowledge of woodlands and of languages perhaps I can add to the wisdom of my fellow Pathfinders.."

Survival: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22

Linguistics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Turning to Shel...

"You're right. The giants will wreck havoc on the town unless checked."

Phase Three: Impress Kalla Tusk-Breaker

Grigorii returns his lute to his bags before returning to the battle plan. Sometimes, I think singing expresses more feelings than I even knew I had.

With fresh eyes, he sees the tension Kalla carries. Back and arms rigid, discerning scowls shown briefly between fierce grins. This woman cares deeply for her community. It is her responsibility to keep these people safe, and she carries that burden with her always. But, she need not carry it alone.

"Kalla, I know you worry for your people, but this plan is the best it is going to be. You only wear yourself down trying to find flaws. Now is the time to trust in your warriors to do what they've trained for, their jobs. And trust me and my party to do ours."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 14 + 1 + 4 = 20

Suota pats Shel's hand. "Not all valuable learning comes from books, friend. To know our arts and cultural scene, you have to experience it. Perhaps your friend Grigorii can aid you?"

Fail.

Dhiara smiles but does not return the fiery swashbuckler's flirtations. "Protecting Averaka is a good ideal. I will see you on the battefield."

Fail. You barely missed. Dhiara's DC was tougher than anyone else. However, maybe you can still impress her in battle!

Kiku studies the battle plan, and her suggestion for organizing the healers improves it.

Success!

"Even your spirits and halflings are fierce!" Kalla declares. "Such fierce warriors should not have to fight alone. Let me reallocate the troops a bit more." Turning to the dwarf, she nods. "Your knowledge of the terrain is invaluable to our planning."

Two successes -- Yojimbo (only due to Halfling aid) and Harsk

Harsk's attempt to impress Suota with his language skills merely has the Councilor shake her head. "At least you can speak giant. Maybe you'll hear overhear their plans on the battlefield?" she asks dubiously.

Fail.

EDIT:

Grigorii's attempt to bolster Kalla's fears, does not work out, in spite of the half-orc's evident charms.

Fail.

Two successes -- Yojimbo (only due to Halfling aid) and Harsk

That's a relief. I was worried I might have chosen the wrong one to aid, and Kiku was my second choice (sorry, Azara—I couldn't think of a way that Juniper would aid your flirting).

No worries. Same # of successes either way.

Good job, everyone! We each had at least one success. :) Kiku had THREE! We don't yet know about Grigorii's Sense Motive check, but he had at least TWO. Well done.

I'm pretty sure I could make it if I rerolled that 1, but I'm confidant that we've plenty of successes. I'll save it for a failed save or something dire

Grigorii, did you roll and I missed it?

Yes :) Right above your previous post.

D'oh! We posted simultaneously. I've edited the results post above to reflect Grigorii's botched Sense Motive roll.

Your preparations were very good, and will help you all the Averkans in the upcoming battle. The battle begins at dusk, so you still have a few hours in town to shop, eat or do other things before the battle.

IE: The GM needs to figure out battle minis for the Giants, AND is busy today with out of town guests and cleaning for the aforementioned out-of-town guests. There'll likely be no battle post today, but feel free to banter amongst yourselves, charm the widow baker, talk to the troops (if one-sidedly)! The size of the town is sufficient to allow any purchases of up to 1500 gold that aren't horribly exotic.

@GM: Since you are busy with other stuff, I will make minis for you if you'd like. I can start with an assortment of giants and trolls. Give me the word, and I will put them on my google drive and send you the link. I have a lot of free time today, so I'm happy to help. And then we can get on with the battle tomorrow with a relaxed GM. ;)

Awww, even ooc Juniper is helpful!

After the planning ends, Juniper doffs her mithral full plate, casts mage armor, then dons the full plate again.

mage armor: 4 hours

I don't expect to face anything incorporeal, but you never know.

I have Burning Hands 1/day for 5d4 and two Artokus's Fire on my ITS. Should I purchase anything else for this troll problem?

If memory serves, once we get a troll to negative hit points we can douse it in fire and coup de grace while it's unconscious to permanently kill it, right?

Not sure if this type of discussion should be had in this thread or the other thread...

Probably take it to the other thread unless this is an in-character discussion. :)
This thread should be for what you character is actually doing.

Harsk will talk to some of the town militia members about the giants and numbers, weapons etc...

Grigorii spends the afternoon indulging in this new-found half-orc culture. He drinks and sings with warriors preparing for battle, wanders the streets admiring craftsmen at their work, and samples plenty of the local... cuisine.

You spend a few hours in Averaka, talking with the militia, shopping and eating supper with the town. Averaka girds itself for war as shopkeepers and fisherfolk alike hug farewell to their families and put on arms and armor. These are not professional troops, merely townsfolk trying to defend their own, but some of it do with more confidence seeing all of you here to join them. Grigorii sings for the troops, and Harsk gives them advice from his many years of experience fighting giants.

The Averakans have sent plenty of additional aid to help you (i.e. the abstracted troops have higher HP so they can stay in the fight longer). Neither they nor Dhiara will be on the map, but both will have an effect on the combat here.

You take off an hour before dusk, marching along the Little Thunder. The roaring river comes to a sudden stop at a crude dam, built with mud, stones, and logs. Muddy water trickles through the dam and drifts sluggishly to the north. A small stone outpost on the east bank of the river has been heavily damaged, its outside walls chipped and scraped. A group of Hill Giants is guarding the dam, and they roar when they see you. The Averakan troops, inspired by all of you, roar back.

ORDER:
Juniper, Yojimbo, Harsk, Shel, Green Giant, Red Giant, Grigorii, Kiku, Averakan Troops, Biter, Azara, Black Giant, Blue Giant

Juniper leads the way, blind-folded and tapping the path in front of her with her quarterstaff, carved with a dragon's claw on top.

When she hears the roar of giants, she quickly readies her shield. (swift) "Friends, the time has arrived. Let's show the Averkans what we are made of!"

Juniper drops her staff (free), and moves forward while drawing a wand (move). Doing so, she trips on her overly long cloak (free). "OOMPH!"

She then casts shield from the wand. (standard)

It may seem strange that I want Juniper to fall down, but tactically, it is not a bad idea. The giants won't be able to engage us in melee right away, but if they use ranged attacks, they take a –4 penalty to attack her while she is prone. On her next turn she will start buffing your ACs.

@ GM: Juniper is blind-folded right now, so ranged attacks against her count as if the attacker is invisible.

Shel pulls her small longbow and looses an arrow at the closest giant.

Longbow 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Wouldn't you get sneak attack damage, Shel? The giants haven't gone yet, so they should be flatfooted, I think

Kiku would have cast Mage Armor from her wand on her and Yojimbo once we neared the battle site. That's the only prebuff she would have done

Yojimbo will delay for Kiku

attack the hill giant Shel shot. Full attack

Harsk glances at Shel.

"Not bad"

attack with rapid shot: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 311d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20

attack with rapid shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 111d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 81d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

plus

fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 11d6 ⇒ 51d6 ⇒ 3

I thought for ranged sneak attack I had to be within 30'. My assumption was that we were further away than that. If we are that close then,.

Sneak Attack 3d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 6) = 17

Oh duh >_< my bad

Juniper gives a stirring speech, then trips strategically. Yojimbo delays for orders from Kiku. Shel fires one shot against the Blue Hill Giant and hits.* Harsk fires off three rapid fire shots, but two of them miss due to the Giant’s tough hide.

The Red and Green giants pick up rocks. The Green Giant, looking decidedly un-jolly, throws it at Harsk. ”Wixii Dhagax weyn Snot!”

Green Giant Rock Throw at Harsk: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Hit
Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

The Red Giant shouts, "Tuulada ay fududahay in la weeraray. Iyaga Hel!"

Red Giant Rock Throw at Averakans: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 Yes, that hits. :(
Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

The Green Giant’s rock hits Harsk hard, but far worse is the rock that hits the poorly armored Averakan militia. You hear screams as several fall and die, including the local cobbler and the cute half-orc dockworker who’d flirted with Grigorii when you first arrived.

Still emboldened with all your planning assistance, the feisty Averakans attack, shooting a mass of arrows and tanglefoot bags that deal 10 points of damage to each giant, and inflict them all with the entangled condition this round.

ORDER:
Juniper, Harsk, Shel, Green Giant, Red Giant, Kiku, Yojimbo, Grigorii, Biter, Azara, Averakan Troops (acted), Black Giant, Blue Giant

__________________________________
*Shel, if you do get sneak attack damage you can roll it now. EDIT: Nope, not within 30 feet. Never mind.

I wait until after Kiku has acted, giving her a chance to cast before she has to decide to rage for the concealment or not.

With a gutteral howl, Grigorii begins his raging song (standard), calling forth spirits to protect and embolden his allies. He then starts moving toward the bridge.

Anyone accepting the song right now gets +2 Str/Con, +2 Will morale bonuses, -1 AC, and 20% concealment v. ranged attacks.
You can always choose to accept or decline for a round at the beginning of your turn. Will this affect the troops?
Grigorii chooses to use the bonuses from his Barbarian Rage class feature.

"You'll pay for those lives, giants!"

Kiku holds up her staff in her right hand, holding up her left in an open palm facing it.

"Desna, please grant us the speed of the stars. Haste!"

She then moves up along with Yojimbo.

I can only get 7 targets and we have 8 people/companions/phantoms :(

Unless someone has a preference otherwise, I'm going to leave out the badger. I would leave Kiku out except she needs the speed to keep pace with Yojimbo so he doesn't poof :(

@Grigorii While it's a great buff, I just can't see Kiku willingly going into a rage. I keep getting an error message in my head when I try to imagine that picture

Yojimbo blurs into a wave of fiery ectoplasm as he surges forward, hastened by his master's spell.

Double Move, 45 ft away from Kiku

EDIT: Forgot to mention that Yojimbo will opt-in to the rage so he has 20% concealment vs. ranged attacks now