Malusha |
Spellcraft@rod: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Spellcraft@tablet: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Malusha takes a moment to examine the rod and the tablet. As he feels the magical power in the rod he starts a low whistle. "This is very powerful." He holds the item in front of himself and looks at it with a bit of awe. "It is sometimes known as rod of the viper. It is used like a mace, a good mace, but it can also be used to poison whomever it attacks."
He holds the rod out to anyone who wants to take it.
"I'm not sure if the gate guards will recognize its value but if they do, the tax on this could be quite high. If there's a way for us to get it into the city secretly, that would be best."
DystopianGM |
You saw no evidence of magical protection. You're not sure the amount the tax would be. The gate poses no problems to move through unless you're the one carrying the Osirion relics. Let me know what you settle on. Night or day, the gate or the wall. As before, I will treat three votes as party consensus.
Dart, Poison |
Day and through the gate is my vote. If we go through the gate.
Dart chats briefly with on of the guards to try and ingratiate the group as he did before, while keeping the guard a little less focused on searching.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
"Out of curiosity, how much do people have to pay to bring artifacts through? I hope it's enough to help protect the heritage of the region. You know, fund a museum or or some expeditions.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
Umbrato Shawart |
As the group approaches the front of the line, Umbrato slips behind the taller Malusha and pulls a scroll from his pack.
Reading the arcane writing, his form shimmers a moment and vanishes with a soft 'Phht'.
Turning away from the group, he scurries for the gates, in an attempt to make it inside the walls before the magic reveals him.
Stealth, Invisibility: 1d20 + 14 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 10 = 30
Edit: Forgot my Caster Level Check
Caster Level Check (DC 4): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Well...shoot
Wis Check: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15 Phew! No Mishap
Caster Level Check(DC 4): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16 Success!
Sira Ulo Ako |
KNO Local-Toll Price, any rumored corruptibility of the guards: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
*Sigh
Nadric Yarrow |
Nadric agrees with the plan and before they leave he claps Umbrato on the back. "I have faith in your ability to get it inside safely. And if the worst happens... we'll bail you out." With those inspiring (?) words, he collects his rope and climbing gear back at the top of the well. Remembering how half of them weren't even able to get down the well safely, he comments, "We wouldn't have been good at climbing the city wall anyway."
When they get back for the customs search, Nadric innocently looks away from the place where Umbrato had disappeared, and opens his bag readily for the search.
DystopianGM |
Dart chats amiably with a guard while Umbrato manages--after a close call mispronouncing a tricky passage--to cloak himself in magic from a scroll.
"Heh," the guard--Jiifo--says to Dart. "Yeah the Kingdom's coffers are very well off now that the Prince opened the tombs to explorers. I think the taxes are different, depends on what the item is, how much it's worth. Though sometimes they take something really important to our history for use in a museum, yeah. I'd say it's enough."
While Dart continues conversing, Umbrato manages to weave through the caravans without spooking a single horse and come out on the other side before the spell wears off. The others meet him soon after clearing customs.
You make your way back to Grandmaster Thorn's lodgings and deliver the rod.
"Good," he rasps. "Very good Pathfinders. You even smuggled it in without the authorities knowing." He holds up three blackened fingers. "Three more to go."
Which one next?
Sira Ulo Ako |
"Grandmaster Torch, a question if I may. What specifically is it about Ionacu Lozar's lifestyle that makes you feel he is worthy of a visit from the humbling tricks of Khepri? What hubris is he guilty of?"
SENSE MOTIVE: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Dart, Poison |
"The more time I spend with that man the more I disdain..." Dart trails of, "myself."
Contemplatively Dart says, "If we are dealing with people next, I would rather deal with a gang leader than the other two, as it seems unlikely a gang leader can go to the authorities. We maybe able to keep our presence inconspicuous a little longer, but I would like to hear your ideas."
Nadric Yarrow |
Nadric nods sagely. "That makes as much sense as any. Let's hunt down some Hundredfingers. I don't know what kind of message needs to be for Torch's ears only, but hopefully we can talk her around. Someone asked for the leader's name earlier, right?" He casts his mind back to their initial conversation with Grandmaster Torch, and then snaps his fingers as he remembers. "Naleth Hundredfingers, that was it."
DystopianGM |
Torch says to Sira, ”I see you paid attention in your dieties and religion classes with that fool elf, Shaine. It’s nothing as malicious as that, I assure you. Be sure to take care with that book, and without him noticing it.”
He says nothing more on the topic, clearly preferring to hold his cards close to the chest.
---
Going with the assumption of tackling the gang next.
You make your way through the bazaar on to Beggar’s Alley. Here, two rows of decrepit wooden shacks are separated by an alley that serves more as a filthy runnel than a pathway. Broken wooden doors do little to keep the elements or vermin out, but there is little within to steal. Few of the shacks boast more than a chair or two and several threadbare bedrolls. There is little foot traffic here, a few beggars amble up and down the row. A woman walks about the place, selling herbal remedies. She says, ”Friends! Brothers, sisters! I have found the lost art to restore your flesh, comparable even to the famed Sun Orchid Elixirs! My tonics and herbal remedies can cure whatever ails you. A pinch here, a dab there, and your troubles will be forgotten.”
After a moment, she turns her attention to you. ”Ah, it is always good to see new faces. My name is Kura, humble peddler of forgotten tinctures. Tell me, would you like to buy a set of herbal teas, or perhaps a basket of flower oils, sure to add spice to any romantic evening?” She says then after a bit of idle chatter, ”Where are you from, strangers? Tell me, what sights you must see beyond these shadowed walls!”
You see a small talisman within the folds of her clothing of a praying mantis trapped in amber.
Knowledge (religion) to identify.
Malusha |
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Malusha steps carefully into the alley with his companions. The rundown squalor of the place makes his skin crawl as he imagines all kinds of filthy vermin, filled with disease, just waiting under a broken board, or loose stone. Waiting to jump out and take a bite of his foot or leg. He tries to put on a neutral face when the beggar woman approaches.
"Indeed, we are strangers here. But first, tell me, what are you selling? I might be interested in one of your teas."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Trying to get on her good side since she might be a good guide to the gang.
Dart, Poison |
Dart not being accustomed to areas like this keeps a keen lookout for pickpockets, tails, and cut purses.
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
To see the talisman:
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
"Kind friend, I would love to hear of your wares. Maybe while you tell us of your wonderful brews we could walk the area so we may get better a quainted with it."
Dart a hermit of sorts does not recognize the talisman but whispers to the woman "May I ask about the mantis? You seem to keep it in a place of reverence."
Sira Ulo Ako |
Sira chuckles at the apprehension of his companions,
"I would have to say, not as bad as some of the worst of the worst in Anuli. Be at ease, my friends, desperation is nothing new,the average thief has evolved with the times to where they can pick out those who are trained from those who aren't. If we were indeed accosted, it would most likely be from those who we are looking for anyways..."
Nadric Yarrow |
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
"Greetings, Kura!" Nadric responds gallantly. "I am from Varisia originally, among a people who also often make their way by selling goods to travellers. It is a lovely country with impressive sights indeed. But then I think Osirion and Eto itself have a lot to offer as well. I might be persuaded to purchase one of your herbal teas, provided the price is reasonable."
He keeps an eye on their surroundings, to watch for signs of the gang they seek, and to see if any of the locals get fancy ideas from a bunch of adventurers wandering into their territory bearing expensive equipment. As Sira points out, they may be one and the same.
Dart, Poison |
"When you are 2ft 2in tall, born in the jungle, and lived in a monastery crowds will always be a source of anxiety. It does not help that I look like a grocery bag in these robes."
DystopianGM |
Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Kura displays several different salves in a wicker basket that she holds on her arm.
"Let's see here are the herbal teas," she says to Malusha and Nadric, holding out a few cloth bundles. "These increase stamina, energy, and productivity. This is for the bedroom, perhaps a special lady?"
To Dart's question, she says, "Ah, this. I had it given to me by a customer as payment. Exquisite isn't it?"
You're pretty sure she's not telling the whole truth.
To Sira, she says, "Who would you be looking for here? Perhaps I could help?"
Malusha |
"For the bedroom? I currently don't have any trouble sleeping, so I think I won't need that. But the teas that improve energy? How much?"
Malusha has little doubt that the teas are not actually effective but he plays along with the lady in hope of building favor with her.
Sira Ulo Ako |
PERC DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
"Ahhh....the bedroom, yes. I will take one of those. You can never have too much help in that area, no matter how proficient you already are!"
He winks and lowers his voice ever so slightly,
"We seek the group that claims Onehundred Fingers. A message, for the ears only of a certain individual. And, yes, the irony does not escape me that we are here to hear and convey that which is intended for the ears of only the one who sends us..."
Sira holds out twice the asking price.
Umbrato Shawart |
Earlier
Staying silent as they part ways with the burned man, he nods. "Yes, I believe the gangs would be the logical next move. I'm not sure I like that man...but as long as he holds up his end, I suppose it doesn't matter much."
Now
Perception DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
K Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Nearly blending in with the shadows, Umbrato eyes the peddler warily. As the others interact, he tries to recall where he saw her symbol before.
"We are in service of one that's been told a leader of sorts has a message for him. That ring any bells for you?" he asks a bit cryptically.
Dart, Poison |
"Please, don't be shy, share the story of the mantis or any other stories you have with a weary traveller. There is no needed for such secrets amount friends.
Sense Motives: 10 + 9 = 19
Diplomacy: 10 + 11 = 21
DystopianGM |
bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Umbrato knows that this amulet is a token of the Red Mantis assassins.
She says, half-shyly to Dart, "I aplogize, I prefer not to disclose its origin. The story is something dearest to me." She is obviously lying. And then turning to the others: "The teas are one gold each. If you keep the cloth and return it, your next purchase is half off!"
Then, to Umbrato and Sira she says, "Who would such capable men be in service to?" Then a wave of excitement rolls over her face. It is only a moment, then her features settle back into the easy smile she had. "You wouldn't be speaking of Grandmaster Thorn, would you?"
Umbrato Shawart |
"Though he may be a thorn in one's side, I believe he prefers 'Grandmaster Torch' these days." replies Umbrato. "Now, my dear, are you out here in search of us?"
Pointing to her pendant, he adds "I recognize the marking. To each there own and all, as long as we aren't on your list." The small man's hand subconsciously thumbs a scroll hanging at his waste.
Malusha |
Malusha hands over a gold piece in exchange for a small satchel of tea leaves. He senses that the beggar lady is not being completely forthcoming in regards to the grandmaster.
"You do have a message for him? Then fortune has favored us both. We are here to collect his message and deliver it to him. If you tell us the message, we will repeat it. That will save you the trouble of leaving this place."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Dart, Poison |
Dart narrows His eyes, "In your line of work I would expect you to be a more talented liar. I have seen through each of your lies thus far but my patience grows thin."
"Speak plainly and tell us what you know."
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Dipolmacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Sira Ulo Ako |
Surprised and amused by Dart's blunt brashness, Sira takes a step back and surveys the area for possible unseen threats lurking about.
PERC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Umbrato Shawart |
His hand falling firmly on the parchment at his waste, he eyes the woman. "Of sorts, huh? Care to be a bit more descriptive there? Nice and slow now."
"We wouldn't want any misunderstanding, of course."
DystopianGM |
She gives Dart a calculated smile and you can clearly see her thinking, the algebra of the situation written across her face, balancing risks and rewards.
She says, finally, her forced smile fading, "Yes I am connected to the organization, and we are looking for the scarred man. I would procure his whereabouts to relay back so that they can plan a visit to the man. You are obviously associates of his, so the question is, are you his minions?"
Sira Ulo Ako |
Sira, having done his own calculations speaks up,
"There is definitely no misunderstandings going on here-and I believe the "message" you have for him is quite clear. We are not minions of Torch, and our association is only that of our need of some information we need from him. Although the inability of your organization to track him down brings up some questions of its own, we cannot leave him to your whims just yet. Let us complete our tasks unmolested and gather th information we need from him. Then you may have his location."
Dart, Poison |
Dart nods in support of Sira. Then glances about and looking to make sure the situation is not escalating.
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
"Naleth was the name", Dart whispers."
Sense motive to determine if she recognizes the name.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Umbrato Shawart |
"Are we to understand the message for Mr. Torch is...an assassin is looking for him?" asks the short man, cautiously. "As my companion pointed out, we are not minions."
Suddenly noticing they don't know for certain this is whom they seek, he presses. "Are you a simple minion? If so, we've simply been wasting our time with you and request you supply us to the one we seek."
DystopianGM |
She does not recognize the name.
The woman sighs, "It would seem the Hundredfingers caught on to my little ploy. That probably is their message for him. Fate has smiled, however, and delivered you here with the exact knowledge I seek."
To Sira, she says, "Torch is very resourceful, but he will die by a mantis saber if that is what they wish. Though it will take time for my message to reach the organization's ears; you have no need to worry on that front. You have plenty of time to conclude your business with him before we strike. So, do we have a deal?"
After a moment, you all notice a trio of toughs sprinkling caltrops at the end of the row. They then begin knocking over lean-tos and poles and causing any trouble they can, chuckling as they do this. They reach you in short order and brandish saps, smiling at the violence to come.
The woman shouts, "No, you fools, not these ones. The Hundredfingers gang! Leave the adventurers alone!"
But, having too much fun, the toughs continue toward you, grinning wickedly.
In Combat!
Sira: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Nadric: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Dart: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Umbrato: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Malusha: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Ankird: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Enemies: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Bold may act.
Active party buffs: none
Round 1
Umbrato
Ankird
Dart
Malusha
===========================
Toughs (Blue, Green, Yellow)
===========================
Sira
Nadric
Map has been updated.
Dart, Poison |
Dart rushes off, robes fluttering in the wind behind him. Leaping in the air his leg stretches out as his body rotates with incredible torque.
Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 241d4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Intimidate (enforcer): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34
Swift action on a hit evil eye to AC with soothsayer DC = 17 will.
"You may surrender anytime my friends."
With that, the kick lands forcefully, rattling the teeth the this thug.
Malusha |
Malusha notices the thugs start making noise and a ruckus at the end of the street. "It seems these things always turn to violence. That seems so sad." He sighs in resignation then flicks the wand of bless from its wrist sheath. He casts the spell on the group. He moves a few feet away from the group and unslings the crossbow from its customary spot over his shoulder while loading a bolt at the same time.
Umbrato Shawart |
"Well, isn't that nice. We discuss terms and you attack us? We'll see how conducive we find ourselves in a minute." sneers the short man.
Grabbing his parchment firmly, he pulls it free and folds it into the semblance of a sword. Eyeing the blue clad opponent, he calls out "You aim to hurt us, eh? Why don't I take first blood then!"
Pointing a finger at the man, he gives it a quick twirl and a translucent shimmering ray fires out, rocketing towards the foe.
Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Move action draw parchment, free - turn it into a scrollblade, standard cast magic missile vs blue
DystopianGM |
Umbrato's magic slams into the blue-garbed tough's chest. Ankird misses with his lance but Centimere manages to get hold of the green-garbed tough and takes a bite out of his leg. Dart executes a marvelous kick that any of his instructors would've been proud to see, almost knocking the man to the ground, but he manages to stay upright, albeit barely. Malusha aids his fellows with Sarenae's light.
The green thug promptly drops his sap and goes down on one knee, blood dribbling from his mouth. "I'm done," he says, and repeats it again and again, almost to himself.
The other two move in on the party, the blue-garbed tough moving to engage Umbrato and the yellow tough moving to engage Nadric. Both miss with their saps though!
Blue @ Umbrato: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
DMG (bludgeoning, nonlethal): 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Yellow @ Nadric: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
DMG (bludgeoning, nonlethal): 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
For her part, the woman peddler scans the situation and begins to move away from the combat, stowing her basket and herbal remedies. She keeps a close eye on the Pathfinders, saying aloud, "Fool thugs, can't ever find good help these days!" Then under breath: "I think I've worn out my welcome with these dangerous people."
Sira may take an attack of opportunity on her as she attempts to escape if you want.
Bold may act.
Active party buffs: bless
Round 1 / 2
Umbrato
Ankird
Dart
Malusha
===========================
Toughs (Blue (-3), Green (-13, staggered, shaken) , Yellow)
===========================
Sira
Nadric
Nadric Yarrow |
Nadric curses under his breath. There he was, trying to be friendly and diplomatic, and then before he even knows what's happening, some thug is up in his face. He scrabbles for his rapier and draws it with a metallic scraping sound, and then calls on a bit of luck to guide the blade into his enemy's side.
Move action to draw, swift for luck, and a standard attack
Attack vs. yellow: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 2 = 8
Ankird Softpaws |
The halfling disengages from the gree baddy and has Centimere try to bite and trip the lady while he pokes at her with his lance
1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 = 21
1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Centimere
1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 1 = 19
1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
CMB 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 1 = 18
Dart, Poison |
Dart dashes of around the corner, comes to a sliding stop and says, "Boo". Then strikes the woman in the side of the neck hoping to KO her and not hurt her too badly.
Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 = 221d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Intimidate (enforcer): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25
Swift action on a hit evil eye (AC) with soothsayer DC = 17 will.