Blood Under Absalom (Inactive)

Game Master Granta

Ajax makes sure to collect his arrows. Playfully mocking Kallyan, Ajax examines his broken thistle arrow, "Oh poor thistle arrow. You died at such an early age, we hardly knew ye."

ok, I'll take liberties in botting.

After detecting magic thoroughly, Sarnoc encourages the deadly Shel.

Shel let's make sure this vase is safe for Vrald to pick up.

The rogue and the wizard study the vase looking for traps.

Perception Sarnoc: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Perception Shel: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35

No traps, it's safe.

Do we find any magic items on the Aspis agents? Ajax doesn't even have a +1 blade, so I may be interested in that greatsword and any potions.

The party finds:

4,704 gold pieces
a dagger
20 arrows
20 bolts
1 masterwork throwing axe
a masterwork sickle
a masterwork shortbow
a masterwork light crossbow
a masterwork shortsword
1 potion of cure moderate wounds
3 potions of cure serious wounds
a +1 Short Sword
a +1 Greataxe
a +1 Greatsword
a suit of +1 Studded Leather
a suit of +1 Chainmail
a Cloak of Resistance +1
a Ring of Protection +1
and a suit of +1 Spiked Full Plate

Ajax grabs the +1 greatsword, a potion of cure serious wounds, the arrows, and puts the cloak of Resistance on Ara, unless anyone has any objections.

If no one objects I'll grab the Cure Moderation Potion for emergency purposes.

Vrald it should be safe to pick up, anyone in the vase? He asks as the fighter picks up the item.

Vrald also takes a potion of CSW, and lifts the vase.

"Back to our accommodations?" he asks

Ajax nods in agreement.

Shel agrees. "We have our vase. We need to protect it closely because we don't have any extras l, like we did with those glowing rubies!"

"See that wasn't so bad everyone, sure it was a bit smelly but atleast we didn't have to spend long down there! Let's go get cleaned up and have a rest so we're fresh and ready for the next challenge!" Isonda's optimism is quite infectious. She always seems to put a bright spin on every situation.

Ajax does not seem to be as comforted by the outcome. "Now that know Aspis agents are afoot, it is a safe bet that they will come after us again. The agents could have taken the vase and fled, but they seem to be waiting for us. It would wager that the Consortium intends to take us out."

Kallyan limits himself to pick the ring of protection.

You know... Just for that extra protection.

Finally, he shakes his head in agreement with the idea of taking a shower, opening a bright smile.

Well, let them come, then, I guess. - he completes, in regards to the Consortium. He was glad he survived the direct attack - I'm shocked they chose to target their cruel arrows on the beauty of Kallyan, but Sarenrae shall protect her bard and his companions.

Ajax nods at Kallyan, "Not that surprising really. I am a bit of a legend in the Pathfinder chronicles and occasionally a doe-eyed scribe will track me down and profess her love to me on account of my many great accomplishments. I find that if spurned too quickly they become rather aggressive, stalkers if you will."

Ajax keeps a straight face. Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

"It is hard to handle this fortune and fame. Everybody is so different, but I have not changed."

Shel rolls her eyes at listening to the boys complimenting themselves. "Oh yes, I'm sure the reason you two have to carry all those weapons is to beat the admirers off of you."

She looks to Isonda. "Where to now? We have time for a bit of exploration down here, or we can head back to the surface and guard our vase. I'm afraid the boys' heads might not fit back up the tunnels however."

"I don't like our chances of going back through the main room. There is sure to be someone just waiting there, wanting to take our vase off our hands. Lets see if we can find another way out. In fact, those four must have come in another way, as they didn't come past us."

"Is there something in the vase, or is the vase particularly valuable? We could break it into pieces and then resemble it. I doubt it represents anything more than a token of success."

Appraise vase: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

"Ha ha ha ha" Isonda finds the whole situation discussing admirers while smelling of sewers quite comical. "I think it's just a way of winding down after having a stresseful day, but i think we should stick to the larger passgeways just to be safe though Shel!" she says to Shel with a wink.

"Maybe some of the challenge is making sure the vase doesn't get damaged. Looking after a delicate item in a tough situation sounds like a challenge to me."

Sarnoc weighs in on the discussion, I could use Ajax's pearl of power and regain my Invisibility spell, then I could make the vase invisible for around 16 minutes.

He pauses a moment, I can see invisibility so I can keep my eye on it.

Ajax hands his pearl to Sarnoc, "As good a plan as any."

Sarnoc uses the power of the pearl and calls the invisibility spell back to his mind. He then casts it on the vase.

What vase, we couldn't find one! Sarnoc gives a devilish grin.

As you take the vase, you notice it has something inside!

Sealed with a wax-coated cork, the vase contains a number of red paper envelopes, each embossed with an elaborate hand-painted print of a jade phoenix. Each envelope holds a folded invitation to attend a performance of a traditional opera from Lung Wa entitled "Dawn of the Jade Phoenix," to be held tomorrow at a small theater in the Foreign Quarter.

You make your way out of the sewers without further ado, finding another passage in the unexplored remains of the sewer that the Aspis agents must have come through, and you make your way to the inn, and hopefully, some baths.

I'm afraid that there could have been an extra interlude - and opportunity - here, but evidently we don't have time now. It's partly my fault, and partly...well, I guess that'll teach ya to strike up a chat in the middle of the sewers! ;P

So does that mean we get another night of rest?

So does that mean we get another night of rest?

Yes.

Cool, thanks -- any idea when the next part will likely start?

A day or two now, apparently.

***OVERSEER ANNOUCEMENT***

Overseer thread

Small groups of challengers slowly begin emerging from the tunnels, some elated at having a vase, some looking crushed with defeat as they stare at their empty hands. Victorious or vanquished, they drift off into the night to get clean and well rested after a crawl through a sewer.

What did we decide to do with the vase for safekeeping?

I turned it invisible until we got out of there. Looks like we made it back to the inn okay.

Shel gathers the group prior to entering the inn. "I'm not comfortable with just one of us keeping this vase. Tonight we all bunk up together. When we turn it in tomorrow, we can go back to normal. Any objections? I've got first claim on the bed."

Ajax strokes Ara affectionately, "Sounds prudent. First claim on the bed? Are keeping watch and taking shifts?"

"Lady Shel. Have no fear. I will stand guard outside your door should you deem in necessary. Though with due respects, I would prefer to bathe first."

Please tell me how you are all spending the evening, and where you are in the inn.

Vrald will first bathe. He is happy to stand guard outside lady Shel's door for the night. Ideally trading with another man so we can both get some sleep, but if necessary he'll do the whole night himself.

"I recommend we search the rooms for traps and magic first."

Let's be honest, any time there is a map involved, it's pretty obvious how this going to go down.

So we have the entire Inn to ourselves? PARTY TIME!

Ajax commands Ara to seek as Ajax himself looks through the main room.

Perception Ajax: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29 Add +4 / +2 vs Humans / Evil Outsiders

Perception Ara: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22Ara has Scent, so DC to detect a person is 10. Added her FT bonus, but she also gets Ajax's FE bonuses as well

Since each perception is a move action, Ajax will do this several times as the group goes through each room.

Also, I assume we came straight here from the sewer, so our hour long buffs are still up?

We'll say it took you less than an hour to get here, yes.

Most of the doors are locked. One is ajar, and in it are a Human man and woman who-

"GODSDAMMIT! DO YOU MIND?!?" *SLAM!*

As Ajax turns around just in time to protect his nose from getting smashed, he comes face to face with the concierge, who gives him a look.

"Sirrah, if your pet needs exercise, I suggest you take her outside. We have a lovely promenade in the back just for that sort of thing. If you need anything else, our service-staff will be more than happy to bring it to your room. Otherwise, *please* respect the privacy of our other guests, or I shall have to ask you to find another place to stay."

He then turns and walks away in a fluid clockwork motion.

"Normally i would put scratchings in the stables for the night, but i think it may be safer to keep him around while we have the vase and those tickets on us. Don't worry though everyone, he'll tell me if he needs to go do his business and i'll take him outside. I'm looking forward to visiting the opera tomorrow, it's a big improvement on taking a trip down the sewers that's for sure!"

Isonda joins in with the others in checking the palce is safe, though with her lack of focus he role is mostly one of being there just for moral support.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

What was that? Sarnoc looks around eyeing the concierge with a contemptuous look.

For the night Sarnoc, will stay in the room with the others, he takes the comfy chair in the corner and sets up. Browsing through his spell books.

"If there is a communal room, there would be best for us. If not, I say we all pack the largest room and sleep there. We can take shifts as well. If the Apsis were sniffing around down below, something makes me think they will make at least one more run at the vase."

Ajax nods in agreement with Shel's plan.

Sleep? Oh, I vote we should all party all night long! - says the bard, excited with the prospect of everybody together on the same room - Well, just kidding. Kallyan does understand your point. We all protect each other, and Sarenrae looks all over us. It sounds like a plan!

Vrald takes a nice, long bath, while the rest of the party starts a wild slumber party.

About a half-hour goes by peacefully. The accommodations are a bit cramped, and there's a fair amount of jostling around, but eventually you find some positions you're all comfortable in. You open the window to get some much-needed breeze in, and you're just about to drift off to a much-needed rest...

...when suddenly, three assassins pop out of nowhere - they must have been invisible!

Mr. Creed, +1 Shortsword, Sneak Attack vs Ajax: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
damage: 5d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 5, 1, 5, 6) + 3 = 22
Mr. Bowie, +1 Shortsword, Sneak Attack vs Ajax: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19
damage: 5d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 2, 6, 3, 2) + 3 = 21
Mr. Booth, +1 Shortsword, Sneak Attack vs Kallyan: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
Confirm?: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
damage: 5d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 5, 2, 1, 1) + 3 = 13

Kallyan, I need a DC 17 Fortitude save from you. Ajax, I will need 2 of the same.

Strength damage vs Ajax on a failed save: 1d2 ⇒ 1
Strength damage vs Ajax on a 2nd failed save: 1d2 ⇒ 2

Strength damage vs Kallyan on a failed save: 1d2 ⇒ 1

You know what they say about paranoia: You only have to be right once to make it all worthwhile!

The assassins took care to strike at you when you were at your most vulnerable, meaning your short-duration spells have worn off (subtract 30 minutes of time from all spell durations), and you are all presently prone, unarmored, and unarmed (though your weapons are close to hand, and you're still wearing stuff like cloaks/rings/robes, with the exception of Vrald)!

Ajax, your character sheet link doesn't seem to work.

Shel
___
Mr. Booth (blue)
___
Ajax (-43)
___
Mr. Creed (red)
___
Isonda/Scratchings, Ara, Vrald (as-yet-unaware), Sarnoc, Kallyan (-13)
___
Mr. Bowie (green)

Ajax does not take off his armor because he has Endurance and suffers no fatigue from sleeping in it. Also Ara has scent, so as soon someone gets within 30' she can smell them.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Fort Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Fort Save Folio reroll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Fort Save in case he gets hit again: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Okay, so you've got your armor. As for Ara, you can't smell enmity, but she's at least not prone.

Ajax Urban Perception vs Humans: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (5) + 27 = 32

Ara Urban Perception vs humans using scent : 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20 DC is like 10 to detect someone with Scent

If the creature moves within 5 feet (1 square) of the scent's source, the creature can pinpoint the area that the source occupies, even if it cannot be seen.

Shel rises to her feet beside the bed and grabs her two kukri. "Look alert! I knew those bastards would be making a move!"

+1 Shortsword, flank vs Kallyan: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
damage: 5d6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 2, 6, 3, 1) + 3 = 20

The generously-mustachioed man stabs Kallyan again, twisting the knife painfully as he does so!

Vrald, you may make a DC 8 Perception check to hear the sudden hubbub.

Shel
___
Mr. Booth (blue)
___
Ajax (-43)
___
Mr. Creed (red)
___
Isonda/Scratchings, Ara, Vrald (as-yet-unaware), Sarnoc, Kallyan (-33)
___
Mr. Bowie (green)

Not sure what you mean by weapons close at hand.

Ajax, unsure of why he was the the primary target and feeling like a pin cushion, 5' steps out from between the two assassins and puts a friendly wall at his side. Then armed with his cold iron and mithral cesti, attempts to pummel the killer in front of him.

If Ajax can draw the greatsword he donned previously without incurring an AoO, then he'll do that. Otherwise, I'll just attack with a cestus, which he would have no reason to remove.

Main attack vs Red: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20 Includes FE bonus vs Humans
Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Iterative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Ajax then commands Ara to attack the same target.

If for some reason Ajax cannot take a specific action, then that will change what actions I may do. Ajax is definitely not going to do anything that will trigger an AoO.

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Vrald sings in the bath. He stops for a moment as a genuine clash of arms strikes the chorus he jumps up in alarm. Exiting the bath he grabs his sword and shield.

Sorry, Ajax, but in this case I'm not buying it with the cestus - they're not exactly opera gloves. You've grabbed your greatsword now, though, and of course Ara's ready to go.

The fashionably-dressed (for an assassin) assassin, realizing a bit late how dangerously cramped the room is, tries to finish what he started with Ajax...

+1 Short Sword vs Ajax: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

...it doesn't make it past his armor, though.

Shel
___
Mr. Booth (blue)
___
Ajax (-43)
___
Mr. Creed (red)
___
Isonda/Scratchings, Ara, Vrald (Naaaaaakeeed!!!), Sarnoc, Kallyan (-33)
___
Mr. Bowie (green)