Aubrey's PF Dark Sun (Inactive)

Game Master Aubrey the Malformed

intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 Gart is tough as hell, wearing heavy armor over his rippled, Bruce-Lee-like muscles with no problems in the sun.

ok 4e noobiness alert: why is my perception +1 and my passive perception 11? is it assumed that we "take 10" on passive perception?

Th'Kal tries to keep his senses focused looking for dangers, but the new halfling's scents confuse and intrigue him... his normally good senses are of no use to the group.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

@Passive: In a sense, yes. In practice, your passive perception is more for the DM to see if you would just happen to notice something even if you weren't actively looking for it. And on any opposed check that you are unaware of it is assumed you are taking 10.
Example:
[]You know there's a goblin over there but it's hiding... On your turn you check to see if you can find it -- You roll your active perception and use the variable result of d20+1.
[]You have no clue there are even goblins in existence but one is sneaking up on you. The DM checks the gob's stealth verse your fixed passive score.... meaning you'd probably get stabbed.

[dice=intimidate]1d20+7 Gart is tough as hell, wearing heavy armor over his rippled, Bruce-Lee-like muscles with no problems in the sun.

ok 4e noobiness alert: why is my perception +1 and my passive perception 11? is it assumed that we "take 10" on passive perception?

Yes. Although actually I dislike the idea of always using Passive Perception and so will normally require a roll. And Intimidate is no use whatsoever for what is being attempted, though I appreciate the attempt.

The group makes steady progress through the cantons, always heading towards their destination. But circling above are tiny, wheeling bird-like shapes, soaring on the thermals.

Perception, DC 16:

OK, the navigation attempt is a 25, which is a success. Next you need to try and be as gossamer on the breeze. This is a group skill check on Stealth - everyone makes a Stealth check and I average the result.

Stealth Check:
1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

intimidate won't scare 'em away from the party? aw, poop.

stealth, uh oh: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6

Cantons? Are we in China? I meant "canyons".

Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Perception on the little shapes in the sky (if allowed): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Edit: oooh, very sneaky sneaky... just still not very perceptive :(

Perception on the shapes in the sky is allowed - that's what the DC 16 Perception spoiler is about.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

"Ohh crap. Those birdmen are just bound to attack. Jareen bellows, experiencing a little temporary deafness and over-compensating....

Ruscer uses one hand to block the sun out of his eyes as he looks for the birdmen. "Can anyone see how many are up there?" After being unable to get a quick count he readies his bow and nocks an arrow just in case. Ruscer wonders how good this mount rides by leg pressure alone.

Anyone who made the Perception check above:

Can we get a description of the immediate area?

Gart will draw his carrikal. "Best to get ready. I don't really wanna have to fling rocks with my dejada so hopefully they swoop down at me."

Can we get a description of the immediate area?

You are in a rocky canyon, with lots of rocks, boulders and rubble and some patches of thorny scrub. It's relatively early in the morning still, though getting very warm. The aarakora are very high and it doesn't seem that they have spotted you yet (pending Stealth checks from those who haven't done them yet).

Also since I'm a little bit familiar with the area do I have any inside knowledge of these things?

You can try a Nature check (when you say "things" I presume you mean the aarakora?).

I mean the aarakora and any geographical knowledge. A close by place to seek cover. An over hang or a cave close by that would provide some cover or escape route.

Nature check on the aarakora 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Ruscer:

"I've encountered these before. They like to ambush groups that look like easy prey." Ruscer sizes up the party and evaluates the members. "As long as we don't stumble into a nest we should be ok. If any of you have any metal and are stupid enough to let it show hide it. As long as we don't run into any of their priests we should be ok." As he speaks a hungry look comes into his eyes. "Bodies count as an equal split of the loot right? An aarakora wing is a little lean but with the right spices quite delicious."

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Stealth 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Arakan spots the Aarakocra, and naturally steers his beast toward the shade. He tries to direct the dwarf out of the open, and get Jareen to keep his voice down.

Gart will follow the patrol leader's direction.

perception 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

stealth 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

"I don't see anything;" Furio whispers, then makes too much noise.

"I'm not that sneaky. Sorry."

Jareen looks a little queasy at Ruscer's remarks. "If you want the bodies to count for part of your share. I think we can handle that. Just not ones that could get is in trouble!" Jareen whispers.

The aarakora begin to circle overhead, staying high but also following the path of the adventurers on the ground. It looks like the group has been spotted.

They round a twist in the path of the canyon, and find a birdman perched on a high rocky outcrop, just at the far extremity of bow range. It turns its bald head to regard them, and shrieks. It takes a little while to realise it is speaking.

"Strangers! Under our skies! Why you come?!"

Can we do a check for any hidden enemies around?

Yes - Perception.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Jareen stays quiet this time and hangs back for Arakan to do the talking.

Arakan recognizes his usual cue to step forward and assume his role, that of convincing a possible enemy out of attacking. "Oh, most noble being. We do not come to endanger your lands or your people. We are merely passing through, and wished to not appear under your skies by following the shadows of the canyon. We ask just that we be allowed to pass, as humble travelers."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Ruscer glances at the birdmen and back at the group. He's wondering how this will work out.

Shoparoo is a free iPhone and Android app that turns pictures of your shopping receipts into donations to the school or charity of your choice. It's quick, easy, and convenient "Bodies count as an equal split of the loot right? An aarakora wing is a little lean but with the right spices quite delicious."

"Tastes like crodlu."

Furio looks around;
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

for hidden enemies. He'll stay quiet, until it's time to intimidate these guys.

The birdman seems mollified to some extent by Arakan's words, but not entirely. "Tribute! You give tribute to pass! Shinies! Or crodlu! Or dwarf! Nice tasty dwarf!"

Ruscer:

Ruscer tries to speak as softly as possible to his companions. "Those dust swirls are probably elementals. That means this guy is probably one of there clerics. Unless you have something to trade I suggest you all get ready." Ruscer slightly pulls back on the arrow to test the line on his bow.

"Come take a bite. I'll give you something to eat." says Gart as he hefts his carrikal

Jareen weighs the possibility of giving up the Dwarf in his mind, and then, seeing the reaction of the others, realises this is never going to come to anything but a fight. He carefully reaches inside his pack to grab hold of his orb and secretes it under his outer clothing.

Intimidate:
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Furio bawls up and breaks bad, flexing and whipping out his boom stick and smiling.

"Put your wings in the air, BOY. Or we'll break them off and leave you flopping about in the dust."

Arakan rolls his eyes and growls under his breath. Why is he always stuck with lunks that think they can threaten their way out of everything. Why are they so eager to fight. "Whoa, all of you need to calm down! I do the talking, you are just the muscle. If I need you to ruin my success at negotiating, I'll tell you to open your filthy lips." He turns back to the Aarakocra. "Please forgive the actions of my companions, they do not know how to act proper in front of esteemed company."

"You ask for tribute, I offer you this." He holds up the spear he was given with the crodlu. "It may not be shiny, but it holds special purpose. This very spear was instrumental in bringing down a false Pyreen, claiming control over the silt runner tribes south of here. Just ask my fellows here, they saw it happen."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Bluff 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
The last part is a request for an aid on my bluff check. All you need is a DC 11 bluff to give me a +2 (all of you can assist)

bluff aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

"I did see that. In fact, I threw it for the killing blow. I'm good at weapons."

bluff

1d20 ⇒ 13

"It was bodacious."

Struggling with a response to Arakan and still being a group player, lol... so, most of this is just RP reaction to Arakan, don't read too much into it... Th'Kal just needs to see the two others prove themselves (probably after the first fight) - and he'll happily accept them :) Gruff-demeanor and all, lol

Th'Kal releases the pheromones of challenge towards Arakan. The little almostelf that requires "muscle for protection" should not be issuing orders. It must be a challenge... though, maybe he was only giving orders to the rest of the clutch - he did say 'shut your filthy lips' which clearly does not apply to Th'Kal.

Still, the almostelf should watch his place in the group. If they others won't speak up, Th'Kal will... but perhaps this is not the time.

Furio and Gart both seem to be lying for Arakan. This must be some form of bartering-hunt. Curious. Clearly, they will need Th'Kal's assistance with this or any hunt.

"Birdman, you will like this spear. It is a good weapon. We want passage <brzzzk> It is a fair trade."

Bluff Check: 1d20 ⇒ 16

But just to be safe, Th'Kal shifts the reins to his lower arms and let's his upper arms relax down closer to axes.

1d20 ⇒ 14

"Saw it with my own eyes."

The aarakora seems slightly confused by the party, first threatening and then cajoling. Its dark glittering eyes regard the spear dubiously. "If spear so good, why you give away?"

"I'm keeping mine,...."

It doesn't take Arakan long to spin a bold-faced untruth, as that is what he does best. "We have already used the spear. It is gifted by the spirits of nature to right any wrongs done to Athas, but only once per wielder. I have already used its power for my flock." He indicates the small group in a term he thinks the bird-man will understand. "Now, as a tribute to your wisdom in letting us pass, you can use it to help your people, and show a true sign of rulership."

Bluff 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Sorry for any posting delay, I've entered, and been pretty obsessed with, superstar this year.

do we need to help with this bluff check?

My bluff is +0, so I think I better just shut up and not mess it up.