GM Aarvid PbP PFS First Steps1: In Service to Lore (new players welcome) (Inactive)

Game Master GM Aarvid

Funny, just realize the GM posted 2 mins before me and i didnt see it until now. Yet the action would had fit just fine.

Dahriakt looks at the rest of his new companions walk thru the door, and at the servant eagerly waiting to close them inside the vault, and sighs.
To the servant: "Wait!, might as well get inside with the rests".

Walks inside the vault and looks around.

Slowly, without any hurry Thosar walks inside and takes his position in the back, near the halfling.

No one said I have to like this - he thinks absent mindendly while scanning the room for any potential surprises.

If there is an opportunity, Thosar would cast detect magic once he enters the room

Once all of you have entered the room, the servant shuts
the door and you hear the deadbolt lock behind the door.

Now visible, written on the back of the heavy door is the message:

"Within these cases lies your quest and your way out."

Initiative Rolls for actions within the room:

Feel free to post your actions or engage in plans or dialog. I will go in initiative order just to keep things orderly for me. You can delay or ready or whatever...

Action Order
Dahriakt
Thessel
Eli
Thosar
Archmoon
Elindriel

Standing on his current position he takes his time to look around the vault while saying out loud: "So... any suggestions before we start moving around and randomly opening those chests? Anyone see or feel anything out of the ordinary?"

Perception check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

holding any action besides visually scanning the vault to see what the others can percieve.

edit: I think Dahr figured out the group are inside a locked vault with three chests!

Right after the door shuts Archmoon equips his longbow and arrows for combat as he shouts: "What's the meaning of this!?"

Addressing Dahr: "I'll be sure to keep my eyes open. I knew something was not right."

Perception check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Eli quickly reaches into his cloak and pulls out a small leather case. He opens it with his left hand as his right hand floats above the red chest about a foot. His right hand traces the outline of the chest slowly as he intently inspects it for some time.

You all may want to step back a… just step back

taking 20 on search for traps 20 + 4 = 24

Making several repeated gestures with his left hand, all the while softly reciting several elven arcane runes, Thosar tries to determine presence of magical auras in the room, all the while studying room for any interesting details.

Standard action: Detect magic

Not a big deal, but I'm +4 to initiative

Elindriel attempts to discern what spell is being cast, but is unsuccessful.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

She goes on to look in the jar, and carefully lifts the lid of the basket to see what is in it.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

@ Elindriel - Init Mod duly noted, bad copy/paste on my part. I have updated my list for future reference. Also noticed I had Archmoon and Thosar switched.

Action Order
(19)Dahriakt = Looked around room...

(14) Thessel - ????
(9) Eli - Preparing a detailed inspection of the red chest...
(7) Elindriel - Moving towards back table with jar, and will attempt to open basket...
(5+) Archmoon - Looking, bow ready...
(5-) Thosar - Prepares to cast detect magic in the room...

Why do I get the feeling I should get used to things like this happening? Thessel moves to the steel chest. Y'know this would make for a terrible story if this kills me. He opens the steel chest.

Thessel moves up to the plain, steel chest to try and open it, but cannot. It appears to be locked.

This steel cube has only the faintest crack where its lid
meets the base, and would be completely featureless save
for its narrow keyhole.

Round 1

* Eli is able to start his detailed inspection of the red chest. This will take concentration for next 2 minutes...

* Elindriel walks up and looks at the glass jar.

This gallon-sized clear glass jar is about half full with
clear liquid. At the bottom of the vessel sits a jeweled
brass key.

She proceeds to the wicker basket.

This 2-foot-round wicker basket requires no key to open, its lid resting gently atop its wide rim.
She is able to open it without problem. Looking inside...

* Archmoon is ready with his bow, looking...

* Thosar continues concentrating on his spell...

Back to the top with Dahriakt...

Round 2

(19) Dahriakt
(14) Thessel
(9) Eli (searching red chest)
(7) Elindriel
(5+) Archmoon
(5-) Thosar

Elindriel says, "Nobody reach your hand into the jar or the basket - I think there's a snake in the basket, and I'm guessing that's not water in the jar. Unfortunately, there's also a key in each. I'm going to see if I can't retrieve either of them with a little magic..."

She begins making motions and chanting in a way similar to Thosar, as she focuses first on the key in the basket, then the key in the jar.

Elindriel casts mage hand and attempts to grab each key in turn

EDIT - she's not going to grab the key that was in the liquid, in case it's harmful - she'll set the key on the table

(Elindriel,sounds good. You are able to convey your message as part of your round 1 actions. Your casting will happen in round 2.)

Thessel blinks at Ellie's cautions. Oddly silent he walks to the glass jar and, eyes never leaving Ellie with a deadpan expression, pours the liquid in the jar onto the floor. (or attempts to)

Dahriakt leans his trident against the wall near the door and moves closer to the desk: "A snake you say? We should see if is really not water on that glass as you suggest Elindriel."

Reaching for his shield he moves closer to the table and says: "I could smash the basket with my shield..."

Holding any attack until someone else replies regarding that course of action. Im not sure if i can move and hold the rest of the action or not. If i get the green light to smash the basket and cant do it on this round will stand defensively besides the basket and attempt the basket bashintnext round.

Archmoon, still with his longbow prepared and his eyes open, moves right next to Elindriel after hearing that there was a snake in the basket, and attempts to help her get the key inside by calming the snake, preventing her from becoming aggressive.

Wild Empathy+0: 1d20 ⇒ 14

On hearing liquid hit the floor Eli will look up from the chest. THESSEL!!!

and hear I thought the little guy only acted the fool. I must remember to watch my back if he is ever guarding it.

My, my...we are typical adventuring party now. No semblance of order, no team-work, just a "let me show them" bravado so representative of our spirit. Well, since it seems everyone... - looking at beautiful half-elven lass, as well as tall Garundian, he pauses for a moment.

OK, I stand corrected. Since it seems that most of us are action-oriented, I do not really see a reason to hurry. Either they will stumble onto something and be heroes... - and here, Thosar chuckles lightly - ...or they will stumble onto something else, and need assistance

"I really do not understand as to what is the reason for such a expeditiousness, I was not under the impression that we are in an urgent situation, and that the time is ticking, as you humans are so fond of saying" - Thosar says calmly, while maintaining his focus on his arcane incantation.

Spellcraft check for Detect magic 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

I've added elven bonus to identify magic properties to my spellcraft, for a total of +10. If this was not correct, feel free to substract 2 from final result

+-------+
+ MAP +
+-------+

Round 2

(19) Dahriakt - sets down trident (free?), and moves to basket - ready to smash with shield

(14) Thessel - moves to the glass jar and poors the contents on the floor in the corner before Eli can shout out a warning to him.

Thessel lets out a shout of pain as he takes 1 hp damage as the corrosive acid splashes and burns his legs and feet. He still has the jar in his hand.

A jeweled brass key lands on the floor in the puddle in the corner.

(9) Eli (searching red chest) shouts out "Thessel" and is having a hard time concentrating (take-20) with all the distractions...

(7) Elindriel begins casting a spell

(5) Archmoon moves to the basket thinks to try to sooth the supposed snake, but cannot see anything but linens and key in the basket at this point. (remember the wild empathy takes about 10 rounds, so could also be difficult with the splashing and yelling and casting going on...)

Let me know if I have the above right. Archmoon really could change his action...actually anyone after Thessel since nobody could stop him.

This lock is beyond my abilities. It may be magical there are glowing runes that are pulsing... does someone having magical abilities want to take a look

Eli moves to his right and will search the copper branded chest for traps

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

(7) Elindriel finishes her spell and can direct it to pick up a key from basket or floor etc.

(5-) Thosar concentrates on magic auras

All this running around is not helping Thosar's concentration either...

After noticing the absence of a snake inside, he remarks: "There is no snake inside, you can remove the key manually if you wish so."
And right after Thessel's incident he addresses the halfling: "Are you alright halfling? I told you not to fool around!"

He then moves back to the wall and remains silent, still with his longbow and arrow ready, and his eyes open for and possible threats.

The Wild Empathy action stops, due to the absence of any animal.

Cursing, Thessel shoots a dirty look at Thosar Yeah, ok, we get it, you're all smart and superior. Wrapping his free hand in his fleece cap and trying his damndest not to get the fleece soaked in acid,(slight of hand 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15) Thessel picks up the key I'm just in a hurry cause I'm allergic to being stuck in a small room with haughty elves who haven't done a damn thing but stand there telling the rest of us how stupid we are since we got here. Oh yeah, and waving a bow around looking worried's been real helpful too. He tosses the key to eli Here 'kid,' wipe the upper crust from yer eyes and open one of those damn boxes.

due to Thessel's actions mine shall change replacing previous post

Eli catches the key and looks at Thessel

UPPER CRUST!? I was born in the back of an old run down bar. Under crust is more like it. By the way this chest may be magical it has glowing pulsing runes on it. Would someone with magic ability like to take a look at it before I try this key?

Flashing a smile at Thessel Eli takes the key and waits for someone to reply about checking it magically prior to trying to open the red chest with key.

Dahriakt remains besides the basket, and looking at Archmoon: "Are you sure there is no snake inside? *points to the basket* then looks at Elin somewhat confused.

Addressing no one in particular "Lets all calm down, arguing between us is not going to get us the map."

Archmoon quickly answers Dahriakt:"I only saw linen and a key inside. But from my experience you can never be certain of anything."

Elindriel reiterates, "I'm sure there's a snake concealed in there, please be careful."

She concentrates on moving the key from the basket, since she was unable to keep the halfling from being impetuous.

Elindriel warns she heard a snake in the basket. She is able to use the mage hand to pull a blue stone key safely from atop the linens in the basket.

Round 3

(19) Dahriakt - calls for calm and puts the lid on the basket (now missing the key). He picks it up and shakes the basket which will disturb a writhing, angry green viper from its hiding spot under the linen and it pops its head out of the basket, looking to punish whomever disturbed it.

(14) Thessel - picks up, wipes and tosses jeweled key to Eli
(9) Eli - catches jeweled key and askes for magical help on the red chest.

(7) Elindriel ?
(5+) Archmoon ?
(5-) Thosar ?

Elindriel takes the blue stone key to the copper-bound chest and, at Eli's urging, begins to utter another spell.

Detect magic, concentrating on the 3 chests

Predicting that the viper might cause some trouble if left alone, Archmoon silently moves to the side of the beast, kneels down and aims his longbow up (to avoid any friendly casualties) at her head and fires one arrow.

Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Longbow+5: 1d20 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 5 = 11
if hit
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

I'm not sure about this roll/action, if anything is wrong please tell me.

This might be a little clunky. Correct as needed. It seems im still holding the basket on my hands.

Dahriakt sees the snake looking for whoever disturbed his rest and:

If dropping the basket on the table and attacking possible during round 3.

Otherwise alternate action.

I'm not sure about this roll/action, if anything is wrong please tell me.

You mean, other than the fact that using a ranged weapon in melee range provokes attacks of opportunity? Just sayin'...

Archmoon Saevan wrote:

I'm not sure about this roll/action, if anything is wrong please tell me.

You mean, other than the fact that using a ranged weapon in melee range provokes attacks of opportunity? Just sayin'...

From the snake?

Elindriel Firesong wrote:

Archmoon Saevan wrote:

I'm not sure about this roll/action, if anything is wrong please tell me.

You mean, other than the fact that using a ranged weapon in melee range provokes attacks of opportunity? Just sayin'...

From the snake?

Yep

The commotion around him continuing at an unabated pace, with halfling bickering over his own actions, and few of them deciding what to do in regards to the simple snake, Thosar is simply unable to concentrate.

Feeling confused in the midst of what he perceived as very chaotic start of events, he decides to try and calm down. He moves down to the unoccupied corner, while speaking slowly. "All three chests are magical in nature, with moderate aura on copper chest, and faint auras on the other two chests. I can not tell you more at the moment."

With that, he stands in a corner, lost in thoughts for a few seconds. I delay/miss my action, since too many of us are already doing something.

Thosar thank you. Now since these chests are all magical we must take care with them

Eli shoots a smile at Thessel

Ms. Firesong if you would let me take a look at that key you so intelligently took from that basket. And I agree with Thosar. Let's all settle down take a breath and see what we have here

Elindriel hands the key to Eli as requested, but continues concentrating on the chests (and keys, for that matter).

Last half of Round 3

(7) Elindriel - Hands Blue Stone Key to Eli and casts spell, concentrating on chests
(5+) Archmoon - takes a shot at the snake in the basket held by Dahriakt, but misses. (Snake is tiny - so does not threaten IIRC)
(5-) Thosar - Delays

Round 4

(19) Dahriakt - drops the basket containing snake and tries to smash it with his shield. However, the basket seems to block or deflect the mighty blow and he does not quite connect with the snake.

(19-) Green snake crawls out of the basket and darts towards Dahriakt's legs - provoking swings from Dahriakt and Archmoon if they threaten. If it survives it will attempt to bite Dahriakt.

(14) Thessel ???
(9) Eli ???
(7) Elindriel ???
(5+) Archmoon ???
(5-) Thosar ???

Elindriel continues to concentrate on the magical auras of the chests and keys.

This will start round 2 of concentrating

Not sure if this is possible at all, but since lot of us are already involved in "direct actions", and not really having something better to do, I would like to try and support Elindriel for her checks.

Seeing that Elindriel is concentrating on the same thing he was doing, Thosar decides to change his approach and tries to support her incantations, instead of starting his anew.

Aid Elindriel with Knowledge/Arcana 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Dahriakt tries swinging again at the snake now that is out of the basket, while reaching for his kurki.
attack (kurki): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
attack (shield): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

haha, a TINY snake is owning me!

Eli takes the blue stone key, (the one from the basket), and tries to unlock and open the red chest.

Annoyed by his failure, Archmoon puts down his Longbow, quickly grabs the snake by the base of her head, to avoid getting bitten (and at the same time immobilizing her), and removes the snake from Dahr's leg, and seeing it's a very tiny snake, he attempts to crush her neck and suffocate her.

Dahriakt takes a couple wild swings (I believe you only get one on an Aoo, but hey) at the lunging snake, but fails to connect with either...

The snake tries to bite the warrior...

bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

for damage: 1d2 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1 and leaves a couple small puncture marks on Dahriakt's leg. (fort save needed vs poison)

(14-d) Thessel? (delays? let me know when you want to jump in)

(9) Eli notices the blue stone key has runes matching those on the Red Chest's lock and tries it, and it seems to fit perfectly and unlocks the chest. Open it?

(7) Elindriel concentrates on magic auras and confirms the copper chest has the stronger aura of the three. (Thosar, I will check to see if you can aid a Kn:Arcana check for detect magic...for some reason I thought I saw somewhere it was not allowed, but if you find otherwise I will allow it)

Oh sorry, didnt realized it was an attack of opportunity, my bad :)

"Damn snake!"
Fort save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Eli carefully opens the chest trying to concetrate on anything that may happen when the chest is open.

Here goes nothing

perception for anything caused by opening the chest1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Well, reading the forums on Aid another Knowledge yielded some great discussions, as well as reasons both pro and con. At the end of the day, it is your call. I am fine with whatever you decide. If you will not allow it, consider please that I am using Acid dart on a snake instead.

Ranged touch attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Potential dmg. 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Thessel hesitates. no point getting tangled in some quality slapstick with no audience.
delays

(14) Thessel - delays
(9) Eli - opens the red chest

(7) Elindriel - concentrates on chest for auras

(5+) Archmoon - attempts to grab the snake (this will provoke a bite unless you have improved grapple) - still want to try? (If so make a CMB roll.)
(5-) Thosar - depends on if Archmoon grabs the snake, Elindriel needs one more round before you can assist her...so your Acid Dart will probably be more helpful this round...will resolve after Archmoon

Round 5