Dungeon Master S's "The Darkest Vengeance" (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

"He uhhhhh.... He used an inter-intermediateary. To ugh ...okay look. It's a long story, and obviously I'm not good at bluffing fellow Pathfinders. Let's have some dinner. It'll be easier to show you rather than explain.

At the mention of the offer of dinner, Hack emerges from his concealed spot. NOW yer talkin!

Orryn smiles broadly. Dinner! A capital idea! He reaches into his haversack and brings out a bundle of silver utensils in one hand and a stack of silver plates in another. I do love parties. Now let me see, there are nine of us and I believe I have service for fourteen in here...

"He uhhhhh.... He used an inter-intermediateary. To ugh ...okay look. It's a long story, and obviously I'm not good at bluffing fellow Pathfinders. Let's have some dinner. It'll be easier to show you rather than explain."

"My friends certainly like the idea of food, and I cannot deny the appeal of such an offer, but I am also one who likes to be social and like to have a visit as we eat, but I would like to know who I am socializing with. Could you kindly tell me who I am addressing?"

Sumac comes forward eagerly looking forward to a bite to eat. However the small druid tries to use this time to get a better look at this trio of men and the room around them.

Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Obyrn does not like to be poisoned.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Do the gentlemen respond to Azdak and tell us their names?

Yes, they do respond to Azdak, just waiting until I'm on a PC and not my phone. :-)

"I'm Blarman, this is Theos, and that's Ardan. Here, break bread and cheese with us now. Grab a seat, and let's put everything out in the open now rather than later."

The one named Ardan grabs a fresh block of cheese from a backpack on the floor and offers it to Sumac. He takes a hearty bite out of the one already in his meaty hand. Blarman, the apparent leader takes a quick look out the window and awaits the party to sit before he does the same.

""I'm Blarman, this is Theos, and that's Ardan. Here, break bread and cheese with us now. Grab a seat, and let's put everything out in the open now rather than later."

"Well, I am pleased to meet me, Blarman. I'm Azdak, and these here are my friends." Azdak introduces himself. "I rather like the idea of getting everything out in the open. So kindly tell me what you are doing here, and what is going on with this pathfinder lodge?"

Sense motive: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22 Fel is uneasy too.

Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21 Fel picks out one of the thugs who looks to be stupid in an especially thug-like manner and says "Oh wow! That is a beautiful sword! I am a collector of antiquities and fine weaponry and I might be willing to pay a lot of gold for that beautiful specimen!" Fel gets an avaricious look in his eye and eagerly rubs his hands together, leaning forward eyes wide and nearly drooling in anticipation. "May I please examine it more closely, I might be willing to send for one of my agents with a hefty sum of gold if that weapon is as fine as I think it is."

Ooc- hopefully this can disarm at least one of them :)

Well, Ardan look slike the dumbest one. None of them have swords. They're all armed with well built clubs and nice daggers. Ardan's eyes widen at the thought of gold. He hands over his club for you to inspect. Meanwhile Theos eyes Sumac's cheese block. His expression says that he wants a bite after Sumac takes one.

Now, fellows, there's plenty for all. Orryn sets out the serving utensils and plates for each person, moving about gingerly between each. The utensils are spoons and butter knives; the plates about the size of a sandwich plate.

With a flourish, he grabs the cheese block and begins to slice it using his sickle.

Sumacs digs in after a Orryn serves it. He even tosses a piece over his shoulder that Gripper snaps up. The halfling seems to be patient wondering how this will play out. Sumac thinks tohimself, "Even if we have to kill these guys, there is no sense to do it on an empty stomach ifwe dont have to."

It is when Sumac tosses the cheese block to Grip that all hell breaks loose. It's obvious to both parties that something is up. The trio of men act on a sharp bark from Blarman. The tense conversation turns to action. No one is surprised, so act on initiative. I'm going to hand-wave guess initial positions. Currently the only person with a weapon out is Fel, holding a club.

The bad news is, I can't get the battlemap up and running until I get home from work at about 3:45. No one is adjacent to any enemy at the start of combat.

INITIATIVE

Sumac:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Gripper: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Harnac:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Azdak:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Obyrn:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Orryn:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Fel:1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13
Blarman:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Theos: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Ardan:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Azdak:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Harnac:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Sumac:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Theos: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Fel:1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13
Orryn:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Ardan:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Obyrn:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Gripper: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Blarman:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Round 1

Azdak immediately moves his hands in somatic gestures as he begins willing arcane magic forth to cast sleep. He is casting defensively.

No need to be defensive. That's a risky roll and you won't be threatened for the casting.

Hack is quick on the draw. Seeing Azdak do his Sorcerous Thang, he hustles over to him, drawing axe on the move, so he can interpose himself between thespellcaster and the greatest number of bad guys he can. he'll then wind up and give a wicked grin.

ready action: Attack any enemy who closes.

Obyrn casually walks around the table to a chair facing the window.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Though he keeps his weapons sharp, Obyrn's words are blunt. "You seem nervous, Pathfinders. What troubles you?" Obyrn pulls out his dagger and cuts of a slice of cheese, but does not eat it yet. He begins cutting the cheese into thin strips.

Sorry everybody, ignore my last post. The page didn't refresh (with the ensuing combat) until I hit "submit post."

Obyrn pulls out his dagger and cuts of a slice of cheese, but does not eat it yet. He begins cutting the cheese...

EEEEEWWWWWWW

Round One

Ready for danger, the halfling is quick to react. A readied bullet is dropped into his sling and raised ready to fire. The small druid holds off trusting Harnac's instincts that perhaps this could be solved w/out violence. The party does outnumber them 2 to 1, there is a good chance they could surrender.

ROUND 1

Azdak: Begins the arcane casting of Sleep
Harnac: Moves and protects the sorcerer.
Sumac: Readies to fire, but the enemy look like they're drawing weapons. This IS going to get violent. The bullet comes out with a crack towards Blarman directly to the west. 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6, but haste makes the bullet go wide.
Theos: Takes out a dagger and whips it at Fel after he retreats to a safer distance. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 it sticks in the bard for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Fel: Current turn.
Orryn:
Ardan:
Obyrn:
Gripper:
Blarman:

Fel steps back towards the wall, dropping the beautiful club behind him on the floor. Perhaps his agents will find it when they arrive laden with sacks of gold.

He begins a stirring war chant,

Axes grind and maces clash as wounded fighters fall to the ground
Severed limbs and fatal woundings bloody corpses lay all around
The smell of death and burning flesh the battle weary fight to the end
The halflings have been overpowered victims of the mighty horsemen!

With an apologetic nod towards Sumac, Fel continues his chant of the tragic Centaur invasion of the Halfling homeland of centuries past.

+1 attack and damage for all allies until further notice. The Centaur invasion was quite long Fel has many verses left.

How high is the ceiling in the manor?

How high is the ceiling in the manor?

It's all the way at the top of the room.

Well, that clears that up then. LOL

Its 15'in these areas. Enough to fly, too cramped for aerial acrobatics

Cool, thanks.
Five-foot step, then Ready an action to Aid Another on Azdak's AC should an attack on him become imminent while he's casting.

Aid Another: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

I know there's not really a mechanic for this, but Orryn would intercept incoming ranged attacks too, if possible.

Orryn steps in front for added protection. Ardan curses sharply at being duped by the bard. He slams his foot towards Fel's groin Dirty Trick: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12. The kick draws an AoO from the bard, but afterwards he's sickened for one round. The oaf steps back a bit and draws a dagger.

Obyrn is up.

Obyrn foists his spear and stabs at whichever one is Blarman (I'm guessing straight ahead, but he can reach both)...

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

... and trips over some cheese.

Round 1 Grippers action

Sumac sets the wolf to attack Ardan. The wolf lunges forward claws clicking the stone floor.

Grips attack 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 1 = 17
Bite 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Azdak: Begins the arcane casting of Sleep
Harnac: Moves and protects the sorcerer.
Sumac: Readies to fire, but the enemy look like they're drawing weapons. This IS going to get violent. The bullet comes out with a crack towards Blarman directly to the west. 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6, but haste makes the bullet go wide.
Theos: Takes out a dagger and whips it at Fel after he retreats to a safer distance. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 it sticks in the bard for 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Fel: Begins to inspire his
Orryn: Provides cover to Azdak
Ardan: Tries and succeeds at distracting Fel for a bit as his oration jumps an octave.
Obyrn: Fumbles into the room without much effect.
Gripper: Jumps up and tears the throat out of the thug.
Blarman: Takes out his club and swings it violently at the wolf's head 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22! The weapon connects solidly, eliciting a whimper from both Gripper and Sumac. DMG: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5. He then steps over the corpse of his ally.

Begin Round 2.

First, Azdak's spell goes off--that might end it right there, so saves please??? :-)

WILL: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
WILL: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18

Not today, the two thugs resist the sorcerer's spell.

[dice=WILL]d20+0

[dice=WILL]d20+0

Not today, the two thugs resist the sorcerer's spell.

Bugger!

Sumac stares in disbelief that both thugs were able to resist Azdak's spell. Well we can still do this the old fashioned way... The halfling says to himself as he loads he sling...

"Uykuya dalmak!" Azdak declares as he releases the arcane forces at the two gentlemen.

Round 2

Not disheartened by their resistance, Azdak proceeds to try and cast the spell once again. He moves his hands in intricate patterns as he summons forth the magic that will try to put them to sleep.

Hack hustles forward to block the thugs' advance--and mow 'em down Dwarven Style.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13<--wah--WAAAAAAAH
Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

I believe you said Fel was distracted, so I'm not including his chant bonus here.

Round 1 Sumac

The halfling swings his sling with murder in his eye. He has a bullet with Blarmans name on it.
Sling 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10
Bullet 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

bugger!

ROUND 2

Azdak: Tries again to down the pair.
Harnac: Just barely hits. The octave might have been different, but the bard's performance is still going. The blade sinks deep into the base of the man's neck. He's dead before he hits the floor.
Sumac: Goes wide with his next bullet
Theos: Continues a fighting retreat. He hopes a thrown dagger lands true against Harnac: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20, DMG: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Fel: Current turn.
Orryn:
Ardan:
Obyrn:
Gripper:
Blarman:

Fel continues his chant. Do I get aoo from last round? If so throw dagger.

Five-foot step, attempt to fast mount.
Ride Check DC 20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Or not. LOL
Orryn moves to his avian companion and tries to hop into the saddle as a free action. His foot gets caught at the last second on a nearby chair, however, and it winds up costing a whole move action.

Stellah moves to the turret area just vacated by the Pathfinder pretender as Orryn pulls a tanglefoot bag out of his haversack.

Fel continues his chant. Do I get aoo from last round? If so throw dagger.

Your only option is to hit him with then club, unless you have quick draw

Fel's swing of the clubAoO: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0 ummm.... perhaps the bard will leave this out of the narrative.

Orryn moves into position. The pretender is still retreating as best he can.

ROUND 2 continued

Azdak: Tries again to down the pair.
Harnac: Just barely hits. The octave might have been different, but the bard's performance is still going. The blade sinks deep into the base of the man's neck. He's dead before he hits the floor.
Sumac: Goes wide with his next bullet
Theos: Continues a fighting retreat. He hopes a thrown dagger lands true against Harnac: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20, DMG: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Fel: Restarts chant (you can still move if you'd like.)
Orryn: Mounts and preps.
Ardan: DEAD
Obyrn: Current Turn
Gripper:
Blarman:DEAD

Stellah is flying, right? So I can occupy the same square, just below the avian? If not I will find something else to do.

Obyrn kicks away the cheese and hurries forward with his longspear. He tries to pincushion Theos to the door behind him:

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 13

Just barely a miss I'm guessing? Just in case:

Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

Correct, close, but a miss nonetheless.

Before we begin, are there any major changes to characters since the conclusion of "The Cyphermage Dilemma"? This includes spending fame on different Vanities and/or perks.

I've invited a friend of mine (also named Chris) to take the 6th slot. Not sure what he's going to play, but I've done a few games with him, and he's a good fit.

That would be me. Hi, all! :-)

I have a couple of level 3s I can play — one a Shoanti Witch, one a halfling Ftr/Drd flying charger — or I can make a new level 1; I have a number of concepts floating around in what passes for my brain.

Most of all I want to be sure I don't take anyone's MO, which is why I'm throwing this out for discussion.

Chris it's a pretty diverse group, and I don't think anyone will mind you doubling up.

Mike, do you have an ETA on the Cyphermage sheets to scan and send?

If no one objects, I think I'd rather play my halfling. He's from Lastwall anyway and since this takes place in Ustalav it'd be like coming home, in a way. :-)

Definitely feel free to play the halfling. Sumac the druid (and Gripper) are friendly, and with two halflings, it should be a rather hospitable party.

Oh, and for those who played Cyphermage, the Tier 4-5 loot should be crossed out. (Thanks Trex)

I can't access the linked World Map. Says it's private. Error 403.

Strange. I'll work on it. Meanwhile, you can likely just google it.

I can't access the linked World Map. Says it's private. Error 403.

Ditto.

I have to laugh. In another campaign, my character Solaric is the Lord of the entire county of Sinaria and makes his home in Karcau with his wife to be, the Countess Sassandra Livgrace.

A bit confused...

Which of "Lodge," "Manor," and "inn" are the same building, if any?

And which one did you want to go to, Fel?

by the way, this...

Orryn Quattlebaum wrote:

Orryn shakes his head, clearly disappointed to see the legendary opera The Barber of Vigil interrupted.

...was VERY funny!

My wife would be sure to tell you that if you encourage me, I'm just going to think I'm funny. :-D

Thanks for the kind words!

The lodge IS the manor. The inns are a second location that didn't pain out.

That's what I thought. Thanks.

Orryn wrote:

"I believe taking Fel with you would be a good attack plan. The rest of us will remain here, silent unless you need us."

"Well, I hope there will be no plan for attack.[/b]

Orryn's a soldier. EVERYTHING is an attack plan. :-D

I hope nobody minds me trying the stealth play. Sometimes taking the time for a quick discussion can take too long (one of the disadvantages of pbp), so I was just sorta trying to keep it moving.

If anyone has different tactics they think should be used next time post up and let me know.

No worries AFAIC. Keeping things moving is good, and if there's something out of character hopefully we get a chance to correct it.

Sorry for the overlap post to Curse of the Crimson Throne for those who are playing both:

I'm going to Maine for the weekend (through til Monday noonish.) Allison would kill me if I post all the time, but I'll do my best to make sure I keep the game running. Let's finish this combat today. It's easier to post exposition over the weekend than combat.

Fel is healed by Sumac's spell. Dont forget to give him full HPs.

While you can't discern cause of death (or in Fel's educated opinion, cause of sleep), a knowledge (Local) or (Nobility) could give you the identity of the Original Owner (-2 for the decomp)

Well, Orryn would have Kn: nobility, if there was any way Cavalier could be used for flying mounts in PFS — archetype, feat, or otherwise. But there's not, so he's stuck using Fighter. <grumble grumble>

Today's the big day for Gen Con registration. It's going to be a jam packed year. For those who are curious, I'm signing up for:

1. The Ruins of Bonekeep Level 1 (a dungeon so deadly that they allow tables to walk away and keep your lives. Of course the rewards are singularly awesome. Playing Sareth, level 7 cleric.

2. The Special Event: The Siege of Diamond City (one module, a party of 200 PCs) The whole room works together to do something mauraud. Playing Castamir, level 9 sorcerer

3. 4-26 Tier 7-11. Playing Castamir

4. 5-01 Tier 1-5. Playing either my level 3 magus or level 2 barbarian

5. 5-02 Tier 3-7 Playing Sareth if he survives Bonekeep, Ka'atib the level 5 bard otherwise.

6. 5-03 Tier 5-9 Playing Bishop, level 8 ranger.

also going to a few seminars on the Future of Pathfinder and art of Pathfinder. Looking to play at least one 1st edition scenario too.

like mind flayer tentacles?

Sumac, there are a handful of lawyers from some Wizard on the Coast here to speak with you... ;-)

Sumac wrote:

like mind flayer tentacles?

Sumac, there are a handful of lawyers from some Wizard on the Coast here to speak with you... ;-)

Sumac does not deal kindly with lawyers believing them to be outside the natural order of life

DM mistake. it didn't matter for the first combat, but it does here. Do you guys want to play down or up? The APL is 3 in a party of 6.

I know Mikes vote

What are the advantages of playing up? I know the risk is greater, but is the experience?

Since it's not a S4 scenario, I have no objections to playing up and will not argue for a unanimous decision.

In my view, the one with the most risk is Azdak, so I will vote whatever way he chooses.

Azdak, the experience is no greater, but the gold earned is.

No extra XP, but a LOT of gold. look at your past Chronicles to get a pretty good idea of the total gold Earned. this is an older module though, season 4 and Beyond it's much harder to play up

I will trust to everybody else's judgment. Just remember, I am a lowly level 1 character.

up

Up

UP UP UP

Azdak, stay away from pointy things.

FYI, my posting is going to get more regular, yet less frequent. I won't be able to check the site from work anymore except for lunch breaks due to tighter security/screening, starting tomorrow.

DOH!

FYI, my posting is going to get more regular, yet less frequent. I won't be able to check the site from work anymore except for lunch breaks due to tighter security/screening, starting tomorrow.

...And you call yourself an IT nerd.

Can't you reverse the polarity on the shield deflectors or something?

Just FYI --

I head to DC in eight hours. From that point forward until next Saturday I will be almost entirely without internet. I will do my best to post via phone, but I can't make any promises.

Just FYI --

I head to DC in eight hours. From that point forward until next Saturday I will be almost entirely without internet. I will do my best to post via phone, but I can't make any promises.

90% of my posting is done on my phone. You can do it.

Sure, just give him your phone. ;-)

You can post from my house

You can post from my house

Ha ha!

I was serious... :-D

I was serious... :-D

I know you are. Im an hour north of DC. You are minutes from the metro I think.

Hey guys,
Just a heads up, I'm hoping to get 2 more of these in before Gen Con. I DEFINITELY NEED to get one more. In order to make my table top game easier to plan, I need to let Kevin Tipa play one round on PbP.

The next session will be "The Devil We Know Part III: Crypt of Fools". (Chris let me know if you've played this one.) Part I and II will be given in a summary.

Yes, Kevin would mean 7 players, not allowed in PbP. It's the only time Kevin needs PbP, so it's not going to come up again. Everyone here is awesome, so I'm sure we'll all figure something out.

I have played Parts I & II of that series, but not III (or IV, for that matter).

Sweet!

Christos, are you saying that you want one of us to drop out for a session while Kevin Tipa plays?

Sadly, yes.

Let's do this logically. Kevin only needs a single PbP session. After this he's in for table gaming.

Bill needs to play for Gen Con. He's behind as is.
Adam and Phil are a team. If I split them then at every tier cusp one wouldn't get to play for a session.
Chris actually has Parts 1 and 2, the odds of a person getting all 4 are slim, it'd be a shame to miss out.
Mike needs some Harnac XP for Gen Con.
Trex has 2 characters, missing 1 session wouldn't be bad - but this is his only outlet during the summer.

I can haz internets!

If you need somebody to drop for one I can do it, though I will miss you all.

If you are planning to get two in and you hurry-hurry for this one (as in, post early and often) that'd be even better.

Trex are you here? We must meet up one night.

Indeed! I was about to email you about that actually. I'm in Pentagon City in Arlington for the summer (I work on N Street near Dupont), which is not too far from you if I remember correctly.