Male Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 10 | Bardic Music: 11/25 | HP: 67/76 AC: 32 CMD: 28 CMB + 8 | F: 9 R: 13 W 10 ( 12 vs Charm and compulsion) | Perception: -1 Sense Motive: -1 | Init +8
Archibald waves his hands My madam chamberlain I am afraid things are a touch more urgent than all of that you see....well I confess we are in the service of the Lion Crown himself and he wishes to surprise your master with a gift for his recent dedicated service to the Lion Throne. May we please have a tour of the place - perhaps a peak in his private study to see what works of art he keeps nearest and dearest to him?
Obsidian, interested little in the fanciful conversation takes to looking at the statues. As a minor stone crafter himself he appreciates the attention to detail. He keeps all of these thoughts to himself however.
"It would help if we knew both his aesthetic interests and what artworks he already has, so the Lion Crown doesn't get him a duplicate of something he already has, you see," the enchantress chimes in.
The chamberlain smiles at your suggestion of a gift for Vernisant. "That would be unexpected, and my master would appreciate any sort of token from the Grand Prince, of course. Would you care for some refreshments?" she asks as a pair of halfling servants bring trays into the room bearing confections. "I'm afraid that we aren't prepared to receive you properly. Might I have your names?"
I need a Bluff check for the gift-investigation angle.
Male Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 10 | Bardic Music: 11/25 | HP: 67/76 AC: 32 CMD: 28 CMB + 8 | F: 9 R: 13 W 10 ( 12 vs Charm and compulsion) | Perception: -1 Sense Motive: -1 | Init +8
Archie tugs at his collar uncomfortably. He could feel Glorymane practicality itching at the urgency of the Lion Blade business at foot here. The very thought of stopping to enjoy tea and cookies at a time like this was not kosher with him.
Bluff, aid Ansha:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
That's fine. We can observe a single cup of tea for decorums sake but we really are in quite a hurry. Todays senate business may be over quickly. Oh....and my name is Archibald Peck, Pig Baron of Sleepy Boughs Archibald was TRYING to be a good noble after all and he couldn't have it getting out that he was rude to house keepers.
I've set up Ionnia and two large size figures in the center room of the Noble Estate map. The large figures are statues and do not appear to be moving, one of a woman and another of a man. Feel free to place yourselves about the room.
"Welcome, Baron Peck. It is good to meet you in person. I've heard of the grant of your title. Please everyone, be seated," Ionnia motions for you to sit. The refreshments have been set out on small tables near each of the seats in the room. "I wasn't aware that you were in the service of the Grand Prince, Baron Peck. I had heard that you had taken up an adventuring lifestyle? Were you a member of the Pathfinder Society?"
"I'm afraid that I haven't heard of your family before, Baron Kell. I'm also not familiar with your homeland. Could you tell me more about it?"
After the introductions are fully completed, Ionnia turns to Archibald. "You mentioned that you needed to be somewhere by the time the Senate's voting was completed. I'm afraid that my master's collection of artwork is quite large, and I do not wish to detain you from other duties unnecessarily. Perhaps we should reschedule this meeting for another day when you will be able to evaluate the King's gift at your leisure?"
Sense Motive 20:
Ionnia has grown suspicious of your claim to need to see Calhadion's chambers, but is otherwise sincere in her interactions with you. She seems to think that your need for haste is unrelated to your current mission on behalf of the Grand Prince.
Obsidian Stonecrafting:
The statues are exceptionally well-crafted and are made out of well-fired clay. One appears to be of the goddess Iomedae and the other bears an inscription stating that the statue depicts General Arnisant, a hero of the Shining Crusade and an ancestor of Calhadion Vernisant, the man whose estate you are visiting. The inscription details Calhadion's (rather heretical) claim that Iomedae and Arnisant were lovers, and her statue here looks on longingly at his. The not-quite-stated implication is that Calhadion is a descendant of Iomedae.
"These nice statues." Obsidian states, obviously engrossed in the statues. His rough, rocky physique an odd contrast to the statues. Seemingly paying no attention to the conversation at hand he crosses the room to look at the other just as intently.
Male Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 10 | Bardic Music: 11/25 | HP: 67/76 AC: 32 CMD: 28 CMB + 8 | F: 9 R: 13 W 10 ( 12 vs Charm and compulsion) | Perception: -1 Sense Motive: -1 | Init +8
Archibald Peck thinks back on his oratorial training and considers the behavior of his host.
Sense Motive via Perform Oratory Versatile Performance:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
Archibald considers his words carefully My dear, I did not mean to imply that we did not have time for his business, merely that extended pleasantries might slow our progress. We would be happy to have you receive us.
As for my lineage, yes I did work with the Pathfinder Society. Truthfully, I have been in the employ of the Grand Prince and the late Baron Jacquo Dalsine, rest his soul, as a part of the Shadow War for control of Absalom. Lately I have taken time away since Lady Morilla has seemed less interested in pressing the interests of the Lion Crown in Absalom. My loyalties have always remained with he who granted my bestowal...even if that bestowal is but a pig sty on his most remote lands.
I thought that Arcane Duelists didn't get Versatile Performance Archibald? Did you find a way to recover the class feature? I'm ignoring your comment for a bit since a potential failure on Sense Motive might change what your character says.
Ionnia cringes slightly at Ansha's mention of the statue's history, "Yes, the Vernisant family has quite a bit of family lore built up around the subject."
Ionnia looks at Tytus quizzically after he insists on haste, "Examining the artwork in this estate will take a matter of some hours. Surely we can take a moment to refresh ourselves before we begin. What was your name, again?"
I've placed minis for the remaining characters on the map outside the room. If your mini is there, please move it inside. I'll do so tomorrow if anyone is still absent by then.
Male Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 10 | Bardic Music: 11/25 | HP: 67/76 AC: 32 CMD: 28 CMB + 8 | F: 9 R: 13 W 10 ( 12 vs Charm and compulsion) | Perception: -1 Sense Motive: -1 | Init +8
Woops, youre actually right, I just forgot because its been quite a while. Archibald still would have said the second but, but probably not the first now.
Archibald muses We are in a hurry, but not so much that we don't have time. Just a tight schedule miss.
No worries, Hiram. She just botched her Nobility check for your character.
Ionnia drinks some tea before continuing. "I will assume that all of you are Pathfinders then, yes? Such a motley crew that arrives at our door fully armed for battle is surely not here only to examine some pieces of art. What is your real reason for coming here?"
Ansha fixes a warm smile on Ionnia. Gesturing with her hands as she speaks, she reassures the woman, "No, no. Whatever they and I are, we are servants of the Lion Throne and in his service we are here to inspect the Lord's art collection...among other things. For example, I think it would be quite enlightening to hear what sort of history these two statues have, that they elicit such a reaction from you."
Casting Persistent Charm Person (DC19) on Ionnia. Due to her Covert Spells class feature and Persistent Spell feat, Ionnia has to reroll if she makes her save, and has to beat both Ansha's Bluff and Sleight of Hand to even notice Ansha cast a spell. Also, because of the Subtle Enchantments feat, if she makes her save, she has a 50% chance to not notice she made a Will save.
Will Save Charm 1:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Will Save Charm 2:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Sense Motive:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 Perception:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 Fail to Notice=1-50:1d100 ⇒ 86
Wow. I really didn't think she would pass that. Her dice are insanely hot. She didn't make either check to know that you cast a spell on her, but she passed the check to know that she made a save and both saves on the spell.
Ionnia's expression grows distant for a moment as she struggles with the enchantment before her expression turns cold with anger. "I don't know what you did, but it was a mistake to bring your boorish ways into this house. You wish to know their history and so I will have them tell you themselves. Iomedae & Arnisant, if you please."
The pair of statues in the room begin to move at Ionnia's command word while Ionnia is obviously looking to escape the room.
Arcana 20:
Now that the statues are moving, you can identify them as clay golems. The wounds made by clay golems are cursed and cannot be healed easily (caster level check required to magically heal the damage). Golems broadly speaking are immune to magic and clay golems are no exception. (Spell resistance allowing spells & abilities will fail.)
Arcana 25:
Clay golems speed up after engaging in combat, gaining the effects of a Haste spell after one round. Clay golems are also known to go berserk, ceasing to accept commands. The chance of this occurring increases the longer they fight.
Arcana 30:
A few spells work in odd ways against clay golems. Move Earth drives them backwards and damages them. (3d12) Disintegrate slows them and does relatively small amounts of damage. (1d12) Earthquake cast on them directly prevents them from moving for a round and deals damage to them. (5d10) Magical acid attacks heal them.
Party turn! Some of you still haven't moved your characters into the room, so I'm placing them now.
"Know what who did--?" the enchantress asks, her expression quizzical.
Bluff:1d20 + 23 ⇒ (4) + 23 = 27
Her eyes widen in alarm as the statues begin moving, and she exclaims, "Clay golems!"
With that, she starts backing out of the room toward the north and waves her hands in protest at Ionnia. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! There's been a misunderstanding. Call the golems off!"
Casting Suggestion (DC21) on Ionnia. Same as last time, beat Ansha's Bluff and Sleight of Hand, both, to notice she cast a spell, and if she makes her save, 50% chance she doesn't notice she made a Will save.
Also, could someone move me 30ft north on the map? My phone doesn't like when I try to interact with Google docs slides.
Obsidean's question: I've picked up a method for initiative that I've seen in other play-by-post games to help things move along. Both teams roll initiative and the highest average team goes first. The whole team. Then the other team goes. Under this model, you are going before all of the golems, and players take their turns in the order they post, not in initiative order (you can still do things like say "I wait for such and such to occur then do this" for readied and held actions. If you guys would rather do a stricter initiative ordering let me know, but that is what I intended. To finish answering the question, Arnisant Golem (the one you are next to) will be golem #2.
Further sidenote: I get why you did in this case (you wanted to know what the initiative orders would be) but broadly speaking, please don't look in my GM Dice spoilers.
As far as waiting for Ansha's spell goes: if the Suggestion works, you'll still need to wait for Ionnia's turn to come up before she can use a standard action to command the golems. It usually isn't important, but Team Enemy will be going in their actual initiative order for this purpose, so Arnisant Golem will go before her and Iomedae Golem will not. In the meantime, you might want to take whatever actions you intend.
I talked it over with a friend, Archibald. If you want, you can wait until Ionnia's turn goes on a readied action "I cast Haste if Ionnia fails to command her golems to stop attacking". That means that Haste wouldn't be up for Arnisant Golem's turn, but it might be worth conserving the spell slot. Since it would be a Ready, you could still start your Inspire Courage now.
Obsidian quickly realizes the threat in front of him and, concerned about his other party members, he thrusts his hand into the air palm facing up. A rumble quickly turns into a roar as metals from all around seem to lose a part of themselves. He then slams his hand down onto the floor and a large metal spike generates from the floor next to Obsidian and speeds toward the golem.
Move action, gather power. Standard, metal blast (ranged). I will be applying both empower and maximize for a total burn cost of 5. It is reduced by 3 by both infusion specialization and gather power. I will use my internal buffer, to only accept 1 burn overall.
Metal Blast (ranged):1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30 rolling for the empower damage 10d6 + 27 ⇒ (6, 6, 1, 4, 1, 4, 5, 3, 1, 4) + 27 = 62
maximized plus 1.5 of above = 118 piercing damage
Note 1: this attack is not susceptible to SR Note 2: Obsidian takes 9 unsealable nonlethal damage
Obsidean's blast shreds the Arnisant Golem completely (along with much of the well-furnished room) and Tytus's attack connects with great force against the Iomedae Golem, damaging it somewhat. No damage reduction.
"Another time, Iomedae," Ionnia commands as the Suggestion settles in on her, causing the Iomedae Golem to cease its attack routine and return to its pedestal, motionless. She still regards you with fury in her eyes. "What is this all about, then?"
Male Human Bard (Arcane Duelist) 10 | Bardic Music: 11/25 | HP: 67/76 AC: 32 CMD: 28 CMB + 8 | F: 9 R: 13 W 10 ( 12 vs Charm and compulsion) | Perception: -1 Sense Motive: -1 | Init +8
Archibald lets out a frustrated tsk. The truth then. Ish. Official Lion Blades business. We prefer to be discreet, but we are in a hurry. Your count is plotting a mass murder of senators in support of lifting the primogeniture laws. The Lion Blades have decided that the nation must be protected, even from The Lion Crown's confidants. We know your boss has the papers we need as proof. We need to see them. Now. We have the full authority of the Lion Blades behind us, Glorymane here should be proof enough of that Archibald says pointing to his shield.
Ionnia seems by Archibald's accusations and she sits back in her chair. "A massacre of the Senate? No...he couldn't. How did...?" her question is cut off by a sudden fit as Ionnia coughs up blood.
I need a Fort save vs Poison from everyone that had tea or ate any of the treats, or would have and didn't work it into their descriptions.
I'm assuming Ansha would not have eaten or drunk anything, since she got up almost immediately to look at the statues, before Ionnia made Ansha mad by making her Will saves and the fight broke out.
Halfling servants rush into the room at the sound of the commotion. And start stabbing people.
Perception 31 to participate in the surprise round. Archibald is hit (31 flat-footed) for 23 damage, Gaius is hit (31 flat-footed) for 22 damage & Obsidean is hit (24 flat-footed) for 16 damage - I didn't reduce for your DR. All three need to make a fortitude save vs poison, though Gaius's Delay Poison is effective. From the last round's poison Archibald takes 1 Con damage and Hiram takes 2 Con damage. I need a Fort save vs the ongoing poison from those two. Gaius is poisoned as well, but won't feel its effects until later. Ionnia looks very ill and poisoned as she slumps in her chair (but better now that she has Delay Poison! Some of this damage was sneak-attack related, so if you have a feature that means you wouldn't be sneak-attacked, let me know.
Are there any other hours/level buffs going I should know about?
Perception 22:
Someone else is in the corridor where the halflings came from, but they are still out of sight.
Disappearing Halfling:1d3 ⇒ 3 Edit: Oops. I messed up the 4-player adjustment. The halfling attacking Obsidean isn't there.
