DM Panic's Devil We May Know Part 4 (Inactive)

Game Master wakedown

Venture-Captain Hestia Themis, a woman of small stature, but great importance within Cassomir, sweeps locks of thick, raven hair away from her face.

“Colleagues, the city of Cassomir declared a state of emergency this morning! Late last night, swarms of rats poured into our streets spilling forth from every sewer grate! As the city guards dealt with this infestation, a large force of derro assaulted Swift Prison!"

Shrill horns bellow an alarm, suddenly interrupting the small woman. She pauses for the signal to quiet, and as the trumpeting ring fades, she continues.

"They emptied the Swift of all the prisoners, and marched their new slaves into the Darklands. Normally we defer incidents like this to the authorities, but I offered our assistance..."

She pauses again, the barest smile on her face.

"You see, there’s an item of interest... a church bell called the bell of obedience, that may reside in prison’s chapel. We want to catalogue it and may never have another opportunity to explore the Swift unsupervised."

She then gestures to the outside, clearly indicating your destination - the prison - off in the distance.

"So... investigate this derro invasion and detour to this chapel to determine whether the this bell is in fact the legendary bell of obedience. Do not take it from the prison! Cassomir’s constabulary is as of this moment fighting Cult of Nature’s Cataclysm devotees at the south entrance to the prison. They have agreed to distract these cultists so you can approach the north side and enter from the south gate behind the cultists.”

She pauses again, as if there's more, yet looks towards the door of her office.

Standing in the back of the room is a shorter man with a cloak over his body and a mask covering his face from below his eyes with his hood pulled up. On his back is an elvin curve blade and bow. He sits in the back waiting for the young venture captian to finish with the mission.

There is an indigo-haired gnome here as well, slight of frame, dressed simply in a baggy shirt and trousers, and sitting cross-legged on the floor. The gender of the gnome is a little unclear-- delicate features and a slender body lend a certain ambiguity in that regard. The gnome is wearing a well-made backpack and a scroll box at his-or-her waist, and listens to the briefing with a sober earnestness not usually common to gnomes. The gnome is fidgeting with a strand of wooden prayer beads from which dangles a tiny carved wooden hand, the symbol of Irori.

"I see," the gnome says in a soft voice. "Do we have any description of what this famous bell looks like, in order to better confirm its identity? Furthermore, do we know if these "derro" utilized a sewer entrance in or near to Swift Prison itself, or did they return below through various access points?"

The gnome considers a moment regarding derro, but has never run into such creatures and knows nothing about them.

"My name's Pinzellio," the gnome murmurs to the other Pathfinders. "But most Pathfinders I've traveled with call me Pinball. You're welcome to use either."

(You can also use either pronoun to refer to Pinball. Pinball is indifferent to which is used, heh.)

Hestia hesitates briefly as Pinzellio poses each inquiry.

She then clasps her hands together.

"Excellent questions! My, you are a perceptive one!"

Her compliment is earnest.

"The bell... I do believe it should radiate a magical aura, and it should bear some sort of inscription related to obedience. I'm afraid this favor was asked of by a fellow venture-captain who provided little more. Your instructions here would be to make a sketch of it, measure it's dimensions and auras. Record any inscriptions. I believe that would be sufficient?"

She then considers the question about the derro.

"I do not believe they used any sewer access near the Swift, although here in Cassomir, the sewers are usually where we see them coming and going... no, I fear their point of ingress and retreat was from somewhere within the prison itself."

Roll Knowledge (local) and pop all relevant spoilers for the DCs you've met or beat.

First roll for the bell...

Then a second roll for insight into the kidnappings...

Pinball blinks a little twitchily at Hestia's compliment, then bobs a small nod of acknowledgment.

Taking 10 on Kn Local, for a 10 (an eleven that caps on ten, as it is untrained).

"I've heard a little bit about this bell; prisoners say it has a soothing ring," Pinball muses, thin fingers continuing to fretfully turn over the prayer beads in hand. "The rats have been a problem lately, I heard. Some of the citizens think druids have inflicted the plague on the city for their wood-cutting greed. I'm afraid I know little more. I'll have to purchase paper in order to make an appropriate sketch, unless you have some I might use, Venture Captain. In the interests of saving time."

know local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Know local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

The little humanoid in the back speaks up.

"So is there another way into the Prison that you know of or do we have to go through the door. I say we start with the sewers and go from there. If we dont know of a secret way to the prison maybe we can find the one the derro used down there."

A muscular Tiefling standing in the back, listening, but observing his new agents. A careful look and you'd notice his skin is scaly, tougher than most. He wears only a breast plate on his chest, and has a dagger at his side. When he grins you could see sharp fangs protrude from his mouth. Im hard pressed to feel any sympathy for these prisoners, however, this bell seems quite the tale. Thank you I have all the info I need.

Hestia shakes her head.

"Oh no, you shouldn't need to touch the sewers this time! You're absolutely investigating from within the prison itself to pick up the trail of the derro..."

She nods.

"That is how we're getting a chance to take a look at the chapel's bell. And I've worked so hard to get you slipped in past the current tussle with the cult taking place on the grounds at the moment."

A soft knock on the door brings her focus back to it and she gestures to Phantomblade to open it, him being in the back and all...

Opening the door allows a young, teenage boy to enter. Hestia quickly gestures him over and he takes a couple quick steps to flank her desk.

"This is Nefti... I believe some of you may know him already?"

Smiling, she adds surprising news to those that don't.

"Though he works with the Apsis Consortium, he helped us rescue a fellow Pathfinder when all this derro business began. It seems Nefti happened to be serving a debtor’s term inside the Swift when the abductions took place. For his testimony to last night’s events, we secured his release. He agreed to escort you to a spot north of the Swift where he will tell you all he knows."

Nefti swallows hard and nods.

As if you to remind you that time is pressing if you're to take advantage of the distraction provided by the cult's attacks in order to examine this bell, the prison's siren roars up again in the distance.

"... Oh dear, I suggest you hurry!"

A dwarf in drab travelling garb sits in the parlour, hands folded daintily over a heavy woolen skirt. Her gender is also a little unclear until she removes her hood, revealing ornate tattoos and long tresses of well-brushed black hair that stand testament to her womanhood. A large reptile sits draped across her shoulders, its slow breathing and rise and fall of its craggy skin the only signs of life it's given since entering the room.

"The Darklands? Kolo and I had wondered why you sent for us. I've wandered the Old Roads many a time. The stones there have long memories, and the most songs to sing." Aware she sounds more than passing strange to these topsiders, she hastily introduces herself and motions to the craggy reptile on her back, who croaks a greeting. "I am Shardra, and this is my teacher, Kolo. Pleased to meet you all."

She stands abruptly at the interruption. "I will need to change, and to consult the spirits before we leave. Don't worry, it shall only take a few minutes."

Knowledge Local Untrained: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Knowledge on the Derro, their origins, and their special attacks: 1d20 ⇒ 18 +modifiers

Shardra returns with her great brass headdress affixed firmly to her head, her thurible alight and smoking, filling the room with a rich earthy incense. She chants in Dwarven, in Terran, and in tongues older still, breathing deep of the incense and falling into a deep meditation. Kolo observes her, nodding with satisfaction.

"I am ready. Let us away."

"Agreed the sooner the better"

Pinball looks over each of the others in turn with indigo-hued eyes, blinking once as if trying to commit details about them to memory.

During the brief moment while Shardra is out of the room, Pin darts out the room as well, to snag a piece of paper and a charcoal stick from the lodge's library. The gnome leaves a gold coin to cover the cost of replacing the items. (-4 sp and 5sp for the items)

"Ready. Ready. Ready," Pin repeats, barely audible, like a mantra. As the team heads out: "Hello, Nefti. You look young for a job like this."

...says the gnome who could probably pass for a waifish human child in the right light.

Standing in the back listening the mission briefing is a suit of full plate armor, with a katana sheathed on its belt. A small songbird sits on her shoulder. Removing her helmet to listen to the briefing reveals the face of an angelically beautiful Japanese Tian-Min aasimar. She listens to the briefing with wide eyed wonder.

"Of course, we need to help the authorities recapture the prisoners. Any information on the most dangerous criminals, so we know which are the highest priority to stop?" she asks.

"Oh, and of course, we'll check out this bell for the Society. But that hardly seems like the most pressing matter right now, with the safety of the city at stake."

"ISSLES!!!" the small brown and grey songbird sitting on the aasimar's shoulder suddenly yells.

"Oh right. Where are my manners? My name is Misaki Hamamoto. I'm a warrior, obviously." She looks down to gesture to her armor and sword. "And this is Whistles. He's my... umm... mentor? I guess?"

1d20 ⇒ 16

Hestia smiles at the introduction of the two mentors. She opens her mouth, closes it, then seems to decide to speak the words she just reserved.

"The Society is certainly.. recruiting young these days? Unless you both are... kitsune in guise?"

She eyes Misaki and Pin both.

"Oh no! You needn't say anything!"

Looking out the window again, she stands as she guides you to the door.

"The most dangerous prisoners? I can't say? I know this cult was among the prisoners within, and that is the reason for their current attack to try to take the prison. There is also the... Crazed Painter. I have some intelligence on that one, but it's not conclusive if his paintings truly are divinations, or simply the work of a madman..."

Hestia smiles as she allows her words to wind down. She pats Misaki on the back and ushers you out - politely.

"Good luck! Find out what happened to those prisoners, and don't forget to confirm the details of the bell!"

Pausing instead of railroading to the next step should the party wish to make a quick stop for any purchases or discuss plans among themselves.

Nefti bobs from left to right, anxiously. He pauses to allow someone to ask him a question, but them stammers like a nervous teen.

"I... uhh, can show you guys to the north side to find the... uhhh, derros."

He swallows.

"Whenever you're ready."

Sense Motive on Nefti: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Sense Motive on Kolo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

The bird cocks his head, going back and forth between eyeing the lizard that could swallow him whole and the Aspis boy.

Misaki seems taken aback by Venture-Captain Hestia's accusation.

"I'm an aasimar, not a kitsune", she explains, as if surprised that the woman doesn't realize this.

wisdom: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17

Well, look at that. Misaki isn't completely clueless, and would wonder about Nefti. That doesn't happen often.

As the group leaves the Venture-Captain's office, Misaki turns her attention to the Aspis agent.

"You were in jail for debt? I understand what it's like to be poor. I grew up on the streets in Kasai. But if you work for the Aspis, don't they pay you?"

Realizing she's getting off topic, Misaki redirects the conversation.

"But of more immediate concern, what can you tell us about the prison and prisoners? How might the derros have gotten in? And how can we find them?"

Nefti doesn't seem phased by Misaki's questions, but readily answers them without pause.

"Lots of folks in prison. Folks like me who had debts they couldn't pay. People who stole, people who killed. I was in the juvenile area, so there weren't a lot of those, though."

When asked about how the derro got in, he shrugs.

"I don't know exactly. They're from the Darklands, so I'd think a tunnel. There's lots of those under Cassomir. I guess if I was a team leader, I'd probably look for trapdoors in a basement if the prison has a basement?"

He continues to lead you all towards the north side of the prison.

Hmm...Nefti is it? I'm Vrothum, stick with me and you'll be fine. The Tiefling man grins, showing his fangs, attempting to look friendly, but probably makes the boy more uncomfortable than anything.

Similarly, Pin blinks emphatically at Hestia. "I'm fifty-two," the gnome says in that same soft voice.

**

Outside, Pinball trots along after Nefti, small legs moving at time-and-a-half to keep up with the group, although the gnome seems used to this. "Right. Right. Ready. Pits and doors and holes. Got it. We'll check."

Pinball seems to settle down a moment, losing the fidgeting to become very calm and offering a serene, reassuring smile up at Nefti. "I imagine you're nervous, but there's no need. We'll not expose you to any more risk than necessary. It's good of you to help us. Is there anything else you think we should know about the prison? You're our expert."

Take 10 on Diplomacy for a 21, in case Nefti can be influenced to volunteer anything.

As the group walks from the Pathfinder lodge to the prison, Whistles flies from Misaki's shoulder, and approaches each member of the group one at a time. As he approaches each party member, he chirps his name, "ISSLES! ISSLES", a couple of times, as if introducing himself. He then flies around that person, waiting to see how they each respond.

Significantly, he does this for every member of the group except Nefti. And when he gets to Shardra, he keeps a greater distance than he did for the other party members, keeping the dwarf between himself and the lizard familiar's head.

Phantom doesnt ignore the little bird but doesnt give it a whole lot of information either.

" Hello little one, you can call me Phantom. Only one person in the society knows my real name and they have vowed to never give it away. I hope our mission is a success today, having to sneak into a prison and sneak out. Absolutly crazy."

In response to Phantom talking to him, Whistles flies closer, lands on his shoulder for a moment, and there's a brief flash of magical light as something passes from the bird to the rogue. Phantom suddenly feels more competent.

It's a Guidance spell, which only lasts a minute, so it'll wear off before we get to the prison. Like Phantom, Whistles isn't giving out a lot of information right away, but the message of "since you're friendly to me, we're allies, and I can help more than you'd expect" should be obvious.

Whistles then takes off to go bug the next party member.

Pinball comes to a stop when the bird tweets in his/her face, blinking soberly at the bird.

"Hang on."

After a few seconds of pack rummaging, Pinball produces a handful of dried blueberries, as well as what looks like a twig that's been painted blue. "Here." (Blueberries offered.)

Pinball taps the wand to Pinball's own forehead, with a look of concentration, and seems a little more relaxed afterwards. "Would you like some temporary progress on the road towards perfection?" Pinball asks the bird very earnestly. "It's only for an hour. I'm still a long ways off, myself."

(Happy to mage-armor Whistles, if you like. For that matter, if anyone would benefit from a +4 armor bonus, the offer stands. Is Nefti wearing armor?)

Whistles takes the blueberries and chirps happily, landing on Pinball's hand that's holding them out. Again, he casts Guidance, as he did for Phantom, then quietly waits for the gnome to tap him with the wand.

Thanks! We should probably wait until we're almost at the prison before casting buffs, though, even stuff that lasts an hour.

I'm sort of assuming we ARE almost at the prison, given the VC was actually gesturing to it 'off in the distance' in the first bit, so it's got to be no more than a few minutes' walk away. In any case, I'm throwing the mage armor on myself up now, and anyone else who wants a charge is welcome to it.

A tiny smile briefly flickers across Pinball's face at the bird's response. Pinball strokes a single fingertip down Whistles' glossy feathers before putting the wand away again.

Shardra's heart nearly leaps out of her chest at the songbird's greeting, and she cries out in fright. "Ahhh! ... I, I'm sorry. You startled me. I haven't been on the surface for very long and their aren't many birds in the deep, I'm still not accustomed to the... swooping. Sorry."

Straightening her headdress, Shardra quickens her pace, ears reddening with embarassment.

If you're happy to expend the charge Kolo might benefit from the additional AC. Thank you!

Whistles backs off from Shardra after that. Unlike Phantom and Pinball, he doesn't land on her and cast the Guidance, apparently avoiding the lizard. He flies towards Vrothum next.

"ISSLES! ISSLES!"

I was thinking the prison was farther from the Pathfinder lodge, so it might take some time to get across town. Despite having GMed this adventure twice, I don't really remember the details, since it's been about 3 years since the last time I ran it.

Pinball looks over at Shardra's yelp... and notices her lizard... rock... thing?

"Oh, I'd be happy to do the same for your friend," Pinball offers, and touches the wand to Kolo as well.

(Yep! Wand charges are cheap, my pleasure.)

Vrothum notices the little bird flying all over and is indifferent. He's focused on protecting Nefti and preparing for whatever he might see when they make it to the prison.

After saying hello to the rest of the party and being ignored by Vrothum, Whistles returns to Misaki's shoulder.

Nefti's just wearing a loose fitting khaki shirt and some brown trousers. He appears slightly disarmed by Pin.

Nefti pauses as you finally set foot on the Swift's grounds and appears to genuinely be thinking of things he could add.

"That big building there's the keep. Behind that's the Greedy Narses. Just ahead there... that's the Convict Market. If you're looking for the derro, I'd check the keep."

The sound of a blood-curdling yell causes Nefti to wince suddenly as if anticipating pain. He dives away back in the direction you've come, blurting out.

"The cult!"

The blood-curdling cry is soon answered by another, and another, and finally a fourth as several robed individuals, each accompanied by a pair of rats can be seen making their way between buildings and gesturing in your direction.

d1-d4: Nature's Cataclysm druid
r1-r8 : Dire rats

The first of these (d1) gestures at Pin.

"You! Feel the unbridled wrath of Nature as she seeks to return you to the mud! THE MUD! YES!!! HAAHHAHAHA!"

And we'll be going into initiative next post.

Round 1
20 Phantomblade :
19 Cultists & Rats :
18 Vrothum :
14 Misaki :
11 Pinball :
4 Shardra :

Phantomblade, ever ready for danger, quickly moves his center of balance to his toes and is ready to strike.

Now Up: Phantomblade

Are they flat footed because they have not acted yet?

Phantom blade moves up to r1 drawing his curve blade on the way.

atk: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

dmg: 1d10 + 10 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 10 + (1, 2) = 16

-Posted with Wayfinder

Phantomblade advances towards the first cultist and his rats, drawing his blade along the way.

You all watch as various groups of cultists and rat pairs begin moving throughout the buildings to get a better look at you all. Each druid's club seems to grow in size, while the original one that spotted you gestures at Phantomblade as his two rats rush forward to engage. The smaller of the two bite the tengu (1 damage).

Round 1
20 Phantomblade : Double move
19 D1 : Casts spell, moves
19 R1 : Charges PB, hits for 1
19 R5 : Charges PB, misses
19 Other Cultists & Rats : Mostly moving/casting
18 Vrothum :
14 Misaki :
11 Pinball :
4 Shardra :

Round 2
20 Phantomblade :

Now Up: Everyone!

Whistles casts Guidance on Misaki, then jumps off her shoulder and flies to the nearest rooftop.

Misaki draws her katana while double moving as close as she can to Phantom, but doesn't catch up to him, due to her heavy armor.

Pinball glances around, quickly assessing the number of inbound cultists. The gnome snaps his wrist forward and a thin piece of wood drops down. Pinball points it to the east and a slick of grease appears on the ground between some of the oncoming rats and the rest of the group.

Then Pinball jogs forward to stay close to the others.

"Just stay back, Nefti, we'll handle this."

Swift action to draw wand from spring-loaded wrist sheath
Standard action to cast Grease, as shown on the map. Not catching any enemies in in the actual spell zone, but creating an obstacle that should slow their approach or make them move around it.
Move action 20' south.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Vrothum has no clue what spell was cast , so foolishly rushes the next threat. Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 In position Vrothum strikes at one of the rats. Dagger: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 81d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Bite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 151d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Can someone move me in the square in front of r6 please?

Misaki moves up with the guidance or her familiar, while Pin strategically places an obstacle for the cult.

@Vrothum: How are you managing to attack with both a dagger and bite after moving?

Still Up: Phantomblade, Shardra

I wasn't sure if I could or not I moved 30 ft used dagger as primary attack, and secondary attack was bite at -5 penalty. If that's considered to be a full round action, then just count the dagger attack wich probably missed.

Pinball looks over her shoulder, indigo-hued brows dancing a little in mild bemusement.

"If I point a stick at people who are trying to hurt us, and something appears as a result, you probably shouldn't walk in it," the gnome calls out, in a soft, nervous tone.

Phantom will attack number 5

atk: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

dmg: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

i need some one to move me up 1 and left 1 as a diagonal 5ft step aftet the attack

crit threat: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

crit dmg: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

With grace and ease with his sword, phantom makes a swift precise attack on the head severing it from its body

@Vrothum: Got it. Wasn't sure if there was a bloodrager/barbarian "pounce" effect I was overlooking.

Phantomblade indeed makes a smooth attack, skewering the rat in front of him.

Still Up: Shardra

Shardra's thurible rocks on it's heavy chain, and the dwarf breathes deep of the smoldering incense within. A sonorous chant of deep, rolling Terran rumbles from her lips, sounding as if something were speaking through her. Kolo sits quietly perched on her shoulder, sluggishly lifting it's head and fixing it's eyes on the approaching druid.

Move, Ready action to cast Evil Eye Hex on D4 when within 30ft.

@Shardra: Which of the 4 do you wish to reduce with Evil Eye? Despite you readying, I'm going to keep you where you're at in init to keep things easier for a PbP format.

The Pathfinders advance, with Phantomblade skewering a rat and others getting in position despite some rough edges at communicating tactics.

One of the cultists snarls at Phantomblade as his rat departs the world of the living, but seems unmoved at the loss.

"HA! Your bones and blood will soon join that rodent's as your soul is reborn in her mate's brood!"

The druid punctuates his depravity as he and the newly widowed rat combine to retaliate against Phantomblade (11 damage from both). The rogue gets lucky as this rat appears to have better hygiene than the one he slew (no need to save)

Vrothum finds himself surrounded by four rats and an angry cultist, but none of the five of them are a match for the tiefling's defensive prowess.

A third druid advances, his rats in tow and he seems to shirk off any longterm effects from Shardra. He smirks as he raises both palms upward toward the sky and the assorted weeds of the Swift's lawn grow, writhe and grasp at Shardra and Pin (D14 Reflex or entangled; Whistles on the rooftop is safe).

He too, shouts claims.

"Dwarf! I will spare you from seeing The End Of Days as my children feast upon your eyes!"

The fourth druid, accompanied by his own pair of rodents, shields his eyes and glances off intp the distance, clearly more concerned with an attack from the east than the dwarf shaman or tiefling ahead.

Round 2 Con't
D1 : Charges at Phantomblade, slams for 8
R1 : 5ft, Bites at Phantomblade for 3
R2 : Bites at Vrothum, misses
R6 : Bites at Vrothum, misses
D3/R3/R7 : Look around for other attackers
D4 : Moves up, casts entangle, makes hex save
R4 : Moves up, bites and misses Vrothum
R8 : Moves up, bites and misses Vrothum
18 Vrothum :
14 Misaki :
11 Pinball :
4 Shardra :

Round 3
20 Phantomblade :

Now Up: Everyone!

Misaki races up to Phantomblade's side, and swings her katana at the enemy (d1).

to hit: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

"How badly are you hurt, Phantom? Do you need healing right away?"

Waiting to see the Entangle saving throws before deciding what Whistles does. He'll fly to whoever looks like they need the Guidance the most.

With a single swing, Misaki cuts down the druid cultist (d1) and puts an end to his raving lunacy.

Yep! Only 10hp!

Reflex vs DC 14: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Pinball nimbly manages to twist free of the vines that are erupting from the earth, but grimaces as she realizes they're going to slow her progress considerably, to join either fight.

After a second's deliberation, the gnome tears off southeast.

(Single move SE, SE gets me to the edge of the entangle; at that point I'm not sure what the cross-hatched terrain are (possibly small garden plots?) and if they impede movement. On the assumption that they do not, I took a double move to end up in my current map position.)