[PFS] Teamwork Experiment Table Fez (Inactive)

Game Master Nathan Hartshorn

Anthys looks around for the altar to Zimpar (taking 10, I guess, for a 12).
If our information is correct, using the password 'wiffle' should open a passage behind the nameplate of Zimpar. And if that doesn't work, we can try the nameplates for Oggo or the Muted God.
Before we try this password, Anthys will make sure he has his sword and shield drawn, and is in a shield wall formation with Vindlér.

Vindlér does a bit of looking himself. I'll also take 10 on perception for an 18, or 20 if there's any unusual stonework

Right. Let's do this then.

Alan nods in agreement as he scans the room.

Take 10 perception for 15.

Each alcove contains a small stone altar to one of the failed aspirants. Each altar stands upon a raised dais and bears a small brass nameplate identifying the aspirant and the would-be-god’s areas of interest. It is simple for the group to find Zimpar's altar and the alcove that contains it.

Vindlér is the one that spots the slider on the plaque. Moving the plaque aside reveals a small chalkboard and a piece of chalk on a string. Writing the word 'Wiffle' on the chalkboard causes the wall in the west to disappear.

"Nicely done! It is unlikely that we will encounter foul beasts here, as this has been hidden for many years. But be ready for traps!"

True enough. Though ya never know what might be lurkin around down in the hidden places of a city as old as this one. Best to keep a sharp eye out.
Using survival to check for any tracks for someone going in the passage ahead of us.
Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

The dust lying in the cavern belies the thought that anyone has been here in some time, though Vindlér does notice that the cavern is not natural. Instead it looks as though it was made this way via a few stone shape spells.

Following the cavern to its natural end leads to a room. Several desks are arranged along the northern and eastern edges of this small stone alcove. Whereas the stonework leading to this chamber is rough, the walls in the alcove are polished. A single gem rests among the neatly filed papers on the desk, emitting a soft luminescence that brightens the small room.

The papers are written in an Azlanti dialect that you only recognize from areas of the Grand Lodge. But it turns out Eylysia was hiding knowledge from the Society! Now it will be up to other members of the Society to decipher all of the work here. You decide to go and report this to the Society rather than taking any of the paperwork with you. As you leave the chamber and are about to head back you hear something from the antechamber. "There they are! Remove them so we can take everything in the chamber they've opened!"

Order
Anthys, Vindlér
Swordsman (Human), Archer (Elf)
Alan
Touched (Human in helmet)
Qioté

Do you wish to start bloodshed in the Shrine? That would be most disrespectful. I suggest that you walk away.
Anthys uses total defense and takes a single move. His AC is now 25, or 27 once Vindlér is adjacent to him.

Vindlér moves up beside Anthys and forms up alongside his brother in arms. "Aye, this is not the place for senseless violence. The contents of this chamber belong to the Pathfinder Society, and we mean to deliver it. Stand down or meet the just rewards of your unruly hearts. Oh, and by the way, who the devil are you and what right do you think you have to this chamber?" As Vindlér raises his shield next to Anthys', a flash of golden light shines out from the key hanging from the dwarf's stout neck, which then radiates out until he is limned in the golden glow.

Move up adjacent to Anthys, swift action to activate judgment of justice, then a standard to join in Total Defense. Shield Wall is active, giving Anthys an additional +1 to his AC and +2 for Vindlér. Vindlér's AC is currently 23.

The lone swordsman in the group replies, "And who's to say there are no dirty secrets for your 'Society' hidden there. Our employers are going to pay us handsomely for that information!" He nods to the elven man holding a longbow next to him and advances. He sits beside a column with his sword out and ready. The archer beside advances around that same column and takes a shot at Anthys.

Shot at Anthys: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

The shield wall more than stands up to the arrow, which shatters harmlessly upon hitting the wall.

Order
Anthys, Vindlér
Swordsman (Human), Archer (Elf)
Alan
Touched (Human in helmet)
Qioté

Alan moves up next to Findler, drawing his horsechopper.

"You better start rethinking your actions here. You have no idea what you're up against."

intimidate to demoralize the archer: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

The final member of the opposing party follows the others before yelling out shrilly, "Remember lads, we're doing it for the money!" As though invigorated by her words the other members let out low growls. A DC 16 spellcraft check reveals this to be equivalent to a Bless spell.

Order
Anthys, Vindlér, Qioté
Swordsman (Human), Archer (Elf)
Alan
Touched (Human in helmet)

Qioté maneuvers his mount to lead him to the archer, and then challenges him (swift action) as he lowers his lance and attacks his foe.

"Feel the sting of my needle, you thief!"

Ride: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Can't charge due to friends in the way, but still decent attack. AC is +1 vs Archer, but -2 vs others

Anthys will move up and attack the swordsman.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Vindlér moves ahead and again places his shield next to his friend's. He places a hand upon Anthys's back, and the golden glow of Vindlér's divine wrath spreads to surround Anthys as well.

Moves up and casts Lend Judgement. Anthys is now under the effect of my Justice Judgment for the next round. +1 to attack.
Shield wall also active. +1 to Anthys's AC, +2 to Vindlér

The archer cries out as Qioté's lance pierces his side and the swordsmen growls in his throat as Anthys does the same. They prepare to retaliate, the archer stepping back to open fire on Qioté and the swordsman swinging without mercy.

Attack Qioté: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Attack Anthys: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

The arrow skips off of Qioté's armor and Anthys' shield catches the blow meant for him.

Order
Anthys, Vindlér, Qioté
Swordsman (Human) -5, Archer (Elf) -4
Alan
Touched (Human in helmet)

Sorry. At ComiCon San Diego so might be delayed in posting.

Alan moves up and jabs the bad guy to the north (swordsman?).

horsechopper: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Welp, that guy is pure dead.

Alan's jab turns to a slash somewhere along the way, and it takes the swordsman's head entirely off his neck. The remaining human pulls out a scroll and rips off the spell a little nervously covered in the viscera of her erstwhile companion.

Order
Anthys, Vindlér, Qioté
Archer (Elf) -4
Alan
Touched (Human in helmet)

Vindlér breaks formation with Anthys and calls out to him as he moves along the colonnade, "You and Alan stay on this fellow. Qioté, let's finish the work you started on this little tree-prancer over here." He weaves among his comrades until he stands directly in front of the elf and draws his morning star. "Try to fire off another shot. I dare ya!"

Move next to the elf, then move to draw my weapon. Dang BAB requirement to draw as part of a move.

Anthys moves around the caster, provoking an AOO if the caster has a weapon out, then attempts a trip.
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Probably doesn't succeed, but also probably doesn't fail by 10. And now giving Alan a flank.
Your tactical position is compromised. Yield and you will live.

Touched AoO: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

As Anthys moves in position the caster swings her Morningstar, and only Anthys' quick sidestep causes it to miss by a hair.

Order
Anthys, Vindlér, Qioté
Archer (Elf) -4
Alan
Touched (Human in helmet)

Qioté manuevers his mount to charge the archer again (although not an actual charge because only 5' away).

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The archer tries to roll away and come up firing.

Acrobatics vs CMD+2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Unfortunately he stumbles into his roll leaving him a bit breathless before he fully comes back to his feet. AoO from Vindlér and Qioté

Order
Anthys, Vindlér, Qioté
Archer (Elf) -4 (presumed)
Alan
Touched (Human in helmet)

AoO Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

AoO Attack+Judgment: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Alan takes a 5' step north and swings at the Touched but it goes wide.

Horsechopper: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Not having much luck hitting Anthys the human in the helmet steps towards Alan and swings her morningstar.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

It crunches into Alan's side with force.

Order
Anthys, Vindlér, Qioté
Archer (Elf) -4
Alan
Touched (Human in helmet)

Vindlér, cavalry coming through!
Anthys moves up to the caster and attacks.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

"Aye! I'm with ya, lad! Budge over, Qioté." Vindlér shoves his way around the mounted halfling and steps into a position surrounding the helmeted man, then swings his own morningstar.

Attack+Judgment+Flank: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

"Right! I guess I will find combat elsewhere then."

Turning towards the elf, he charges.
Ride: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Attack, charge: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 = 15

Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 1) + 4 = 11

No luck from the dice gods today...

Despite the tandem furious assault the aggressors don't seem to be fazed at all. The archer tries to roll out of the way once more to shoot Qioté's mount.

Acrobatics vs CMD: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Shoot Wolf: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Order
Anthys, Vindlér, Qioté
Archer (Elf) -4
Alan
Touched (Human in helmet)

Alan, we'll drop you into Delay until you come back. Come back when you can.

The human swings her mace, too nervous to cast her spells with so many enemies around.

Attack Vindlér: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Her swing is wild and shaky missing by a wide margin.

Order
Anthys, Vindlér, Qioté
Archer (Elf) -4
Touched (Human in helmet)

Delay: Alan

Qioté guides his mount forward, attacking the elf again with his lance.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Anthys takes advantage of Vindlér's distraction to make his own attack.
Longsword with flanking: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 = 26
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
confirm critical: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
What could have been a lethal blow deflects into the caster's shoulder rather than her neck.
Iomedae has spared you. Yield, and do not scorn her mercy.

Sorry. Been a hectic week so far.

HP 3/11

Alan takes a 5' step back and looks to finish off the Touched.

Horsechopper: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

...and just barely misses.

Vindlér takes another swing at the man. "Abadar's judgment take you!"

Attack+Judgment+Flank: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

As the man (presumably) falls, Vindlér moves back around the pillar and advances toward the elf. He extends his morningstar toward the archer and says in a cold, even tone, "Lay down your weapons. If you do not comply, you shall fall alongside your accomplices. This is the justice of Abadar, and it shall not fail."

As the armored woman falls the archer realizes just how outnumbered he is. Unfortunately for him Qioté is blocking his easy way out of the entrance so he moves farther in the chamber.

Acrobatics DC CMD+2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Successfully avoiding the weapons all around he lets off another shot at Vindlér.

Attack Vindlér: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Confirm Vindlér: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

The arrow sneaks past Vin's guard, but does not hit anything important.

Still need a Ride check from Qioté
Order
Anthys, Vindlér, Qioté, Alan
Archer (Elf) -4

Vindler's eyes glimmer darkly. "Very well then. May Abadar judge you righteously." Vindler advances toward and swings his weapon at his opponent.

Attack+Judgment: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 1 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Anthys moves into position and swings his sword.
Attack+Flank: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Anthys' blade finds its mark, and the archer falls.
Well done, my comrades. Shall we try to save the surviving fools from their own poor judgement?

"Aye, there's no justice without mercy, just as there is no mercy without justice."

Alan will move and try and stabilize the fallen.

Stabilize Touched: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Stabilize Archer: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Stabilize Swordsman: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Anthys looks at the swordsman's severed head.
Alan, I don't think he's going to make it.
He tries to stabilize the archer.
Heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Anthys looks at the swordsman's severed head.

Alan, I don't think he's going to make it.
He tries to stabilize the archer.
[Dice=Heal]1d20+1

I dunno, he rolled pretty high on that one... ;)

Combat's over, is that correct?

Qioté pats his friend and steed on the neck. "Good work, girl. Now, let's see what these people were after."

He searches the bodies, helping to stabilize any that can survive.

Anthys wrote:

Anthys looks at the swordsman's severed head.

Alan, I don't think he's going to make it.
He tries to stabilize the archer.
[Dice=Heal]1d20+1

I dunno, he rolled pretty high on that one... ;)

Alan looks at Anthys dumbly. "Well, I figured since I was the one that did that to him, I should do what I can," he said with a sheepish smile.

Vindlér joins Qioté in moving among the bodies, looking for any clues that might reveal who they were and who they were working for.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Among the bodies you find several sheets of parchment with your descriptions and the activities you have been performing around town. There is no signature on the sheets, but the details are fairly accurate. A separate page is a letter from a family in Cheliax asking this particular group of mercenaries, Devil's Claw mercenaries, to get leverage on the Pathfinder Society.

Vindlér looks over the sheets, trying to discern some further information he might be able to glean from them. The descriptions of himself and his comrades are distressing, but Vindlér finds the order to obtain leverage on the Society much more disconcerting. "They want leverage? Hmm... that doesn't sound great. Although if it's a bunch of devil-worshiping Chelaxians that are trying to undermine us, that might say a thing or two about the good work we've done. This whole thing must go a bit deeper than just a few missing reports."

Sadly I'm lacking the appropriate knowledges. Hopefully someone else can pick up on my lack.

Shall we question the survivors? And see what our peers in the Lodge might make of this information? I have not heard of this family, but I have had unpleasant dealings with Cheliaxians in the past. They are normally far too clever at manipulating our laws to their advantage. But perhaps these mercenaries may be able to tell us of where these Chelaxians may have slipped up.
Also lacking the Knowledge skill, so back to the lodge?

Sorry guys, getting everything back up to speed after the trip is taking more than I expected, and the pdf is complaining at me, I'll be working to get things finished with it ASAP. In the meantime, here's a conclusion...

The crowd gathered around the Starstone Cathedral has disbanded, and many of the locals are still horrified following Sir Reinhart’s attempt to vault the chasm on horseback, which ended with a fall into oblivion. Drandle Dreng personally thanks you for your successful investigation, indicating his interest in your future careers as Pathfinders. The venture-captain promises to speak with Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine to have the process of your Confirmation expedited. The members of the Devil's Claws that you deliver to the authorities have very interesting things to say about the family that hired them and are quickly working their way to a plea bargain (sans swordsman).