GM Lari's Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts (Core) (Inactive)

Game Master Dhenn

Dunkel considers sniffing or checking the bottle's contents for magic, but sees Imrana quickly grab and quaff it.

Shrugging, he imagines the young lass did a similar check, just far more discretely that he was able to notice...

Ah was thinkin' bout tha' tunnel ah' dug tha' one time we ran into tha' mite lair... good times, those.

Dunkel sighs and looks upon Imrana and Imad expectantly.

Imrana, you have the choice to make a will save or elect to fail it.

Imad immediately leaps into a line of questioning.

He does give a pause for response in between, though it is pretty rapid fire.

"How long have you been working for Molthune?
Who is your Molthuni contact?
Have you, or any of your allies, ever been a member of an organization dedicated to the overthrow of the Nirmathi government?"

She chooses to fail it

She speaks brightly and cheerfully to the man, her Garundi accent giving her voice a pleasant music.

How long have you been working for Molthune?

"That question is poorly worded, and operates under the quite false assumption that the one being queried is in-fact working for Molthune. I would recommend rewording it to be more neutral."

She pauses to ensure she is wording her response to answer the question as truthfully as possible.

"To answer your question, I have not at any point in my life worked for Molthune. They are unimportant to the Great Nex, and I am devoted to him."

Who is your Molthuni contact?

"This question is also badly worded, as it also contains the fundamental assumption that the person being interogated is a Molthuni spy. If you would like some assistance writing more effective questions, I would be happy to assist you once my current mission is done."

She once again pauses to recollect her thoughts.

"I do not know anyone from Molthune, as far as I am aware. I am not entirely certain what Molthuni even look like."

She squints her eyes suspiciously at the one-armed man.

"You could be Molthuni, for all I know."

Have you, or any of your allies, ever been a member of an organization dedicated to the overthrow of the Nirmathi government?

"Ah, a much better question! I can say with a great degree of certainty that neither I nor any of the others here have ever been a member of such an organization, as far as I am aware. I cannot entirely speak to the motivations of our superiors, as the Decemvirate are quite mysterious and enigmatic, but I certainly would not agree with such attitudes, as everyone here appears quite nice."

She gives a girlish laugh of pure amusement without a hint of judgment.

"Though they are not very good at writing questions."

Imad rolls his eyes at Imrana, though her responses prove satisfactory.

"Very well. I apologize for the theatrics. It was a necessary precaution with the threat of invasion so high."

“Two weeks ago, while my men and I were patrolling along the edge of the Fangwood south of the city, we spotted a group of bandits attacking a smuggler in the woods. We gave chase, and tracked them as they fled west, but lost the trail when they hit the river. I don’t think they simply forded or swam; I’d bet good money your bandits have a ship capable of sailing up the Marideth River.”

After a moment, he adds, "Oh, and when you make it back to Absalom, tell Ambrus and Marcos I said hello."

Thorn backs away, satisfied....

-Posted with Wayfinder

Jair turns with a friendly smile to the man and asks him a lot of questions.

No worries my good friend. Thanks for the info. It is good to hear that some good man continues to chase bandits.
Do you know what these bandits looks like ? Varisian ? Ramziran ? Local ?
The tracks you followed, they were less than a dozen or more ?
Did they have heavy armor, or light ?

After hearing the answer of armless guy she says to her companions once outside ennemies ears.

So, we have two leads for now. North of the city and West along the river. It's too far to be the same group of people. Or they are very mobile.
Our tonight "rendez-vous" is north, as we know now it's a trap, as earlier, I will recommand we send our group in two. One "visible" and one "invisible", following the first group to set a trap against our ennemies.

"Sounds like a good spot o'map work Jair. Getting through like a cat works for me. Don't you lot worry, my blades will be plenty fast if we need a trip to the deli."

For the sake of efficiency in posting, I'll take 10 on Stealth and Perception as we approach. I'll be on team invisible, staying just out of the light. If we are more than 30' I'll have a bow out. If not, it'll be the twin swords.

So this is where we set up our ambush of the ambushers?
guess if we get their early enough, we can spot them setting up... no need to use anyone as bait is there?

That map will be up a little later today.

Dunkel argues the finer points of tunneling under the suspected ambush, but eventually relents when it's pointed out that there's not enough dwarves to properly dig a 4x4 "stealth-tunnel" to their destination.

Dunkel makes a mental note to buy a scroll of invisibility and scribe it, but readily agrees to be part of "Team Visible" as they approach the site.

He'll put up mage armor about 10 minutes out from arrival. As he reaches out outskirts, he'll also cast false life and see invisibility.

Temp HP: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Heh, you rolled the wrong die for the Hp's. its 1d10 (not 1d20) ... sadly, you'll probably do better if you roll the lower die =)

I've linked the map above and added you to it, assuming you're setting up an ambush of your own. The buildings outlined in red are unoccupied or abandoned. Set yourselves up how you like. I've just tossed you in the middle.

Which way is North Lari? The note said to meet on the 'northernmost pier' ... but all the piers appear to be east/west

oh, and what's the scale on the map?

It's the usual 5 ft/square. The top is technically north. Perhaps it's better to think about it as the northernmost section of the piers? Easternmost pier might work too.

Imrana will follow Dunkel's lead and cast Mage Armor and False Life at the same time that he does. She saves her See Invisibility in-case it's needed later.

False Life: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

"I am not much of one for stealth, but I do have a scroll of invisibility if someone would be interested."

Imrana does in fact have a scroll of Invisibility, if Dunkel wants to go be stealthy

Placed. Assuming I'm reading the dock situation correctly.

Thorn takes his time rearranging the furniture to maximize his hiding spots. Taking 20 for a 28

Jair has her wand of bless ready as well as her spell to compel their opponent to do what she wishes.

Jair's placed, as Thorn she will take 20 to hide for a 25

How high are the roofs of the buildings?
Doubtful will clamber up onto the roof of the building that Jair is hiding in, and conceal himself in the shadows to wait.

Doh! I did roll 1d20. Guess my fingers are used to typing that. I'll go with the 4, since you are correct, if I rolled 1d10 now I'd probably do better. I can take the lower of the two rolls to be honest.

1d10 ⇒ 8

Yep. I'll keep the roll of 4, though.

10 feet up. Almost nothing in this town is more than one story tall.

I'll post their arrival tonight, so this is your last chance for any preparations.

Aw, 10' is boring... was going to use my safe fall ability to get down (it goes to 20!) =)

Doubtful hides himself on the roof near to Jair's location. He then sets up watch, looking for the ambushers! Though he's pretty sure they're not going to show up.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

1d3 ⇒ 3

Shortly after you finish making preparations, four figures approach. Three are dressed in military-style uniforms with embroidered red birds on their shoulders. The other wears the telltale mask and robes of a priest of Razmir.

Amiri prepares to partial-charge the first person to come around the corner.

Bastard Sword, Rage, Charge, PA, Rage Power: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 21, for 2d8 + 7 + 3 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 6) + 7 + 3 + 6 + 3 = 30 damage.

Looks like we're jumping them just as they're coming up to point 3 then, correct? Works for me!

Doubtful intends to jump down behind them, once their attention turns towards Amiri.

1d3 ⇒ 3 Shortly after you finish making preparations, four figures approach. Three are dressed in military-style uniforms with embroidered red birds on their shoulders. The other wears the telltale mask and robes of a priest of Razmir. Razmiri Amiri, Thorn, Doubtful, Imrana Blue, Green Dunkel Red Jair Initiative: Amiri: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 Doubtful: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 Dunkel: 1d20 ⇒ 9 Imrana: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 Jair: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Thorn: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 R: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 G: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 B: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 Raz: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 Imrana: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 B: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 GMDice: 1 R: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 G: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 B: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 Raz: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 2 R: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 G: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 B: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 Raz: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 3 R: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 G: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 B: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 Raz: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 4 R: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 G: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 B: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 Raz: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 Because this particular situation is tricky to manage in PBP, I've posted the locations each enemy will move to for the next four rounds (by color, Razmiri is purple). If you're taking action before that point, everyone may take a surprise round. If you do so, please move each to the location numbered on the map.

Nice technique GM. well played.

-Posted with Wayfinder

It looks like the guy in green pulls away from the others. I'll try to get him as he approaches.

Sneaking around I'll get him as he exits the building. A shortsword around the neck should do the trick. Thorn lunges out from the darkened building...

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 for DMG: 1d6 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (1, 2) = 9

When Jair heard that their ennemies were on the move, she moves at the corner of the building where she hides to have a good look at her them.

Seeing Amiri charging she yells Don't forget, we need their leader, ALIVE !

Dunkel sticks with Amiri and readies to ambush the men the best he can as they come around the corner.

Waraxe Charge (vs FF?): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 = 16 for 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Thorn: Glad you liked it. That seemed like the best way to recreate what would normally be done as moving minis on a map and having you say when you want to act.

Imrana: You can make a surprise round action, though it would likely have to be moving so you can see them.

Amiri deals a powerful blow, while Thorn and Dunkel both land solid but less impressive strikes.

The Razmiri, caught off guard, brings his staff around to hit the woman who hurt him so badly. Though all his force is behind the blow, it fails to connect. He backs up a little bit, shouting in surprise. His voice sounds unnaturally deep.

2H, PA: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 11 - 2 = 11

Green: 9, Razmiri: 44

Amiri, Thorn, Doubtful, and Imrana are up.

Doubtful shifts slightly, following the priest, and lets loose with a flurry of kicks and punches.

5' step, then use 1 ki point for an extra attack, then flurry of blows on the Razmiran, all for Non-Lethal damage. Using Stunning Fist on the first attack. If the priest falls, remaining attacks will go towards the red guard

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22, for 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 damage (non lethal) plus stunned (DC to 15 fort to negate)
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17, for 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 damage (non lethal)
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22, for 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 damage (non lethal)

ps: I totally want to see Amiri Cleave her way through a couple of these...

I'll be running this sometime in January via PbP, so it's always awesome to see it in play first.

Thorn crosses his blades in front of the thug's throat and drags them back.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 DMG: 1d6 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 2 + (1, 3) = 12
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 DMG: 1d6 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 2 + (1, 3) = 12

If the first slice drops him, I'll move instead of a second strike.

With a roar, Amiri steps forward, and attempts to cleave.

Bastard Sword, Rage, Cleave (Blue): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 = 19, for 2d8 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (5, 1) + 7 + 3 = 16 damage.
Bastard Sword, Rage, Flank, Cleave (Red): 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 17, for 2d8 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (8, 2) + 7 + 3 = 20 damage.

As blades flash and fists fly all across the docks, all of the would-be ambushers collapse unconscious, most beginning to bleed out. Doubtful slugs the Razmiri and pummels one man, allowing Amiri to cut him down in a mighty blow that also claims the other. Thorn likewise cuts his target down. Jair has stabilize prepared, so no need to worry about keeping them alive.

Searching the Red Kestrels, you find each carries a mwk chain shirt, composite longbow (+2 Str) and 20 arrows, handaxe, tindertwig (2), 56 gp, 2 smokesticks, and one potion. Each also carries a lengthy pamphlet titled Behold the Living God!, extolling Razmir's virtues and the rewards that await his loyal servants.

Unmasking the Razmiri reveals a human man. He has a quarterstaff, The scenario is unclear as to whether it detects as magical or not, so we'll say it is. a breastplate that detects as magical, a sling with 10 bullets, two potions (of different colors), and 14 gp.

Thorn, in my experience (GM/Play in standard, this table, and talking to some other GMs), pretty much everybody ends up counter-ambushing the ambush. Pretty much everyone also covers all the sites on day 1, like you did.

You're welcome to do what you like with these four (question them, turn them in to the authorities, etc.)

Well now, was just posting and it appears we are already out of combat haha

Doubtful prods the downed Razmiran with one toe, frowning slightly.

"I don't think he'll wanna talk." He adds, glumly.

He picks up one of the pamphlets, glancing through it with a thoughtful scowl.

Technically, have they done anything wrong we could turn them in for?

Though questioning seems in order.

To ease the conversation, let me try something, my dear. Says with a smile Jair to Doubtful.

Cast Charm Person on the Razmiran, will DC16 (17 if he could be attracted to Jair)

She also took the pamphlet for her own collection May be Lady Zarta would be interested by this ?

thanks for the tips!

"cataloging propaganda seems like a reasonable idea. If the charm doesn't work, I could cut a finger off..."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Imrana begins collecting the pamphlets as well, stopping to briefly glance over them.

"I would prefer it if we refrain from torture. Fanatics tend to be emboldened by such practices, as it confirms their persecution complex."

She flips the pamphlet over, her brow raising in perplexed worry.

"I also do not like torture on principle."

Doubtful moves aside to let Jair works her influence on the priest.
He continues to browse the propaganda pamphlet thoughtfully.

"Says here riches and glory are ensured for all who follow the steps of Razmir." He mentions, pointing to a passage in the leaflet.

"I doubt that's true." He adds sourly, after a moment.

Thorn shrugs, like the conversation was about deciding what's for lunch. "makes sense, but let me know if we need anything fiestier."

-Posted with Wayfinder

can one of you magical types ID the various things we found of a magical nature? =) else Doubtful might have to start taste testing...
(currently are 5 potions, a quarterstaff (?), and a breastplate)

Doubtful puts the pamphlet away, for further review later.

He looks towards Amiri, "Probably do no good to backtrack these guys to see where they started?"

Amiri shrugs.

"We can try, but it might be simpler to just ask them."

She then sniffs the potions.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20.

I wouldn't mind taking one of those smokesticks, and a potion if that's cricket. When you're an only child it's tough to go to church. But we don't have anything to wrap this up. Now what?"

Doubtful, the church of Razmir is illegal in Tamran, so at the very least masked guy is breaking the law. Whether the guards are is less clear. <Entering GM Headcanon> Given how highly they value freedom here, simply believing in Razmir probably isn't a crime, but actively preaching would definitely be. But only one of them actually got to use a weapon, and he has a good case for self defense.

It's unclear to me if Jair was casting the spell before or after waking him up. In any case, the man screams the following when he returns to consciousness. His voice sounds magically enhanced somehow.
"How dare you assault a servant of the great and powerful Razmir!"

Amiri's potion results: CLW, CLW, CLW, raspberry, and paper. The last potion is actually a scroll. My bad. One potion and the scroll remain unidentified.

Amiri glowers at the man.

"Given the faith of Razmir is illegal in this town, shouting about is, at the very least, a rather bad idea..."

and the weapon and the armor (in the 'to ID' list)

"Guess he does wanna talk." Doubtful amends his comment from earlier, grimacing slightly.

Jair recalls her spell thanks to her pearl of power and tries again.

Jair will have done it while the man was uncouncscious (in this state he's always wiling right ?

You're my friend you know. Remember.

Imrana scans the various items with detect magic, her attention still engrossed in trying to make logical sense of the peculiar pamphlet.

"I agree with Doubtful. I do not believe any of this is true."

Spellcraft on Raspberry: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Spellcraft on Staff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Spellcraft on Breastplate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Aaaaand I didn't prep read magic today....
Spellcraft on Paper: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

...and since I just realised that Amiri actually has Intimidate, let's go with a roll ;-)

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27.

Jair has read magic prepared