HP 5/32 (0 NL) | AC 16; T 12; FF 14 | CMD 19 | Fort +2 | Ref +3 | Will +4; ++2 vs. enchantments; immune to sleep | Init +4 | Percept +9 | L1: 7/7 L2: 4/4
Wyeth nods at Gob's remark. "Aye, makes sense that does, this flask'd be conjurin' for true."
GM BPC wrote:
@Wyeth: Just to let you know, half-elves have the keen senses trait :) also, look over the loot for something interesting to aid with that!
Sheesh, I dunno how Wyeth can have high perception when his player is blind. I actually looked for Keen Senses on both Wyeth's alias page and in Hero Lab. But it's not on the former (I guess I didn't bother because it's a simple static bonus to Perception), and is on the Background tab -- not the Feats/traits tab where I looked -- in the latter. So I missed it and was thinking gee, you must have to be something primal like catfolk to have that. Thanks for the whack with a clue-stick.
Not that the auto-success will help us much, since he doesn't have Linguistics. :op
Perception DC 10:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
I saw the loot list item but there didn't seem to be a reason to use it (barring meta knowledge). But let's let Wyeth make an observation, and maybe somebody else can follow through.
Fascinated by the flask, Wyeth pings it again with a finger, turns it in the light to study it, even sniffs it in an effort to understand how it's made, since it won't be covered in class until Alch 301.
None of that tells him anything about the phial but, focused on sniffing, he picks up another scent... no, an odd mix of scents, very faint, very subtle. Sniffing, he moves about the room, eventually zeroing in on a bundle of lab notes he'd missed before. Riffling through them, he eventually pulls out one specific sheet. Sniffing near it, then repeatedly across and down the paper, he looks at it and frowns.
"Arr, any ye scurvy dogs got a talented smeller? This here sheet's got all manner o' scents on it. I'd say random chemical spills, but too orderly they seem for that. Almost like it's a... code."
He looks up from the page and around at the others. "Or some kinda writin'. But it's far beyond me ken, arr."
Hey, think we can keep this scenario going for about another month? September 19th is International Talk Like A Pirate Day...
Spellcraft vs DC 19:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18 Kn:Local vs DC 18:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 Kn:Arcana vs DC 15:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20 Kn:Local vs DC 15:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 Appraise vs DC 18:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Can we try the Linguistics check once Wyeth points out the scents or is it totally beyond the ability of anybody without sharp senses?
I think we've made all the checks now except for the Profession and Linguistics ones.
Aspex smirks as she picks up the badge Gob cast aside. She rubs her thumb over the raised snake and flicks it with her fingernail, nodding to herself. "Nothing unusual, save that this is a fake."
She looks over curiously at the flask as Wyeth describes its properties. "Useful."
Unable to decipher the note, the party pockets it and continues on.
Barring the unknown ailment, I'm assuming the party is healing up beforehand.
The party heads towards the next room from the lab. This large chamber’s walls are covered maps, documents, notes and missives. Pins and daggers jut out of the maps in different spots. A raised stage takes up the southeast corner of the room. Four pillars support its lofty ceiling.
As the party enters the room, they see a man unarmed against the back wall, while a haughty ratfolk speaks from a raised stage in the southeast corner of the room. "Welcome, Pathfinders. I can’t say I’m glad to see you. Are you more of Colson Maldris’s lackeys, here on another one of his murderous missions? Everyone’s heard about what you did to Ascalar Vruul. I assure you, no one here has bothered to blackmail that lout with evidence of his many indiscretions. Perhaps instead you are here to pledge your services to a far more lucrative organization? After all, you have shown some skill in locating this place." She laughs, "It only too you, what, three years?"
Tseka seems surprised, but smiles. "I pay well for those who earn it, unlike this man here.", the ratfolk looking over to the human at the side. "You may recognize him, a former agent of yours named Makino. He joined the Aspis over three years ago, but recently has made some bad dealings that have me doubting his worth. Here's what I propose. You get to take the traitorous Makino and will be contacted for a lucrative contract in exchange for my freedom."
"And just, out of curiosity, if we don't take you up on your offer? What then? Note that I'm not saying yea or nay yet." Hakime asks politely but says nothing about her own inclinations as of yet, she wants Tseka to state her intentions first.
Wow, so I had a good post with replies and stuff... and I have no idea why it's not here! Sorry for the delay! So going to speed things up since you guys aren't going to cooperate :P
@Aspex: Unfortunately, no. The very defensive Tseka would engage combat before you got too close.
"Very well.", Tseka relents as she shows a toothy, malicious grin. "Then I'll see how much you are worth, dead or alive!", the human in the back beginning to move with arcane intent as the ratfolk leader pulls out a crossbow!
HP 5/32 (0 NL) | AC 16; T 12; FF 14 | CMD 19 | Fort +2 | Ref +3 | Will +4; ++2 vs. enchantments; immune to sleep | Init +4 | Percept +9 | L1: 7/7 L2: 4/4
"Arr!" Wyeth cries as he leaps forward and swings his fauchard through a vicious arc at another ratfolk, who is preparing to attack from behind a column. "There be no sense of fair play to ye, I see!"
Since Ratty McRattensneak is hiding and I can't see him on the map, I'm not sure the above is legal. It doesn't appear there's anything stopping that maneuver and I see no real cover, but I'll retcon if necessary.
I'm giving her a partial cover from your strike. Oddly, she wasn't flat-footed, but you still went well above the AC even with the cover bonus!
"Boss!", yells the ratfolk on the stage as Wyeth's blade cuts into the supposedly stealthed opponent. "You fool!", she hisses back before glaring at Wyeth. "Get him! Get them all!", she commands!
DC 15 Sense Motive:
You get the idea that the ratfolk that Wyeth hit is the real leader... she must be Tseka!
Aspex chants out the words to a spell and gestures as if throwing something. Glittering motes of golden dust start raining from the ceiling near Tseka and the visible ratfolk.
Cast Glitterdust, DC 18, centered on the square to the right of Tseka.
@Aspex: Glitterdust is only a 10' radius burst, so you'll miss one of the ratfolk. Since you named a square and the fact that Marduk and Wyeth currently have beat the snot out of the other, I'll leave it to Tseka and the human Makino
Makino, knowing what's coming, closes his eyes, but Tseka isn't so lucky!
"Kill them! Kill them all!", she squeaks in rage!
Marduk then follows up with a tiger knee, the crack audible as the no-longer hidden ratfolk is dealt a nasty blow!
Tseka leaps down from the stage and slowly joins over to where the hidden rat folk is, both of them moving strangely and aiding the wounded ratfolk's attack!
Tseka Will:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18
The moving seems to have shaken the sparkles from her eyes, too! "Go get him!", she shouts with glee!
The no longer hidden ratfolk in retaliation then slices at Marduk with her blade, before disappearing into the shadows!
Hiding Ratfolk blade @ Marduk:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 Damage on hit:1d4 + 1 + 3d6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (1, 2, 5) = 11 Marduk Fort save on hit vs DC 24:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 Str damage on failure:1d3 ⇒ 2
The ratfolk retaliates in kind, her blade slipping in between two of Marduk's ribs. While blade injury stings, a painful burning then ensues as it feels like something is trying to melt the half-orc's muscles from within!
You have been poisoned, Marduk, with a VERY nasty toxin at that! DC 24 fort save on your turn or take another 1d3 Str damage. You already have 2, which is -1 to all melee attack and damage rolls.
GM Dice:
Stealth:1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31
DC 31 Perception:
You find the hidden ratfolk 5' back from the pillar, still lurking in shadows against the wall.
To add more to Marduk's woes, the sparkly man moves to the side, moving his arms in some strange fashion before taking a deep breath and spewing fire at him and Wyeth!
@Marduk: I thought that was already up from before you guys entered the Aspis base; although I guess it would help as a reminder if you put that in your block, perhaps next to your AC in parentheses or something.
Sorry, by 'thought that was already up', I meant that you already had your mage armor up on you, so no issues with Marduk's beefier defenses. I just need to start rolling less than 22 now :P
The entire party feels more rapid when ANOTHER ratfolk dashes out from under the stage! It moves into the same area as Tseka and also stabs at the weakened Marduk!
So new ratfolk is red bordered, Tseka is black bordered, and the sneaky stealth ratfolk is white-bordered... when you can see her again anyway :)
Aspex gestures imperiously at the floor, palm down, and pushes suddenly, making the floor near the ratfolk fall away. "Jump, Marduk!"
She'll cast Create Pit, DC 18, centered in the square 2 squares south of Marduk. If I'm counting right that should get the stack in the ratfolk square, Tseka, and Marduk. If I miscalculated the radius, that is my intent.
I feel sorry for anyone stuck in a pit with Marduk.
If you're aiming for the ratfolk stack, Marduk is safe now since he 5' stepped out of the way :)
@Marduk: Unfortunately, the one that got you seemingly disappeared in the shadows... and your Perception cannot find her. Redirecting your attack to Tseka, lower damage noted.
Marduk punches and kicks the newest ratfolk to enter the fray, severely injuring him.
Tseka Reflex:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Falling damage on failure:1d6 ⇒ 1 Red Rat Reflex:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 Falling damage on failure:1d6 ⇒ 5 White sneaky rat Reflex:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 Falling damage on failure:1d6 ⇒ 1
And the dice like you guys.
Aspex's pit appears and a tremor of squeaks are heard as not two, but three figures land in the pit!
"Dammit!", yells the sneaky ratfolk that Wyeth and Marduk struck. "You win you Pathfinder louts... I surrender.""We do, too!", the other two ratfolk squeak in unison.
The human, Makino, shakes his head. "Ha! I'll never go down for treason!"
EDIT: Marduk forgot his Fort save! I'll roll it now.
Marduk Fort vs DC 24:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 Str damage on failure:1d3 ⇒ 2
Marduk feels more of his strength fading to the toxin coursing through his body.
-2 to Strength things now
Init Order (bold = up)
Group buffs: Haste - 5 rounds
Wyeth (20 damage)
Marduk (11 damage, 4 Str damage, poisoned )
Aspex
Stealthed Ratfolk (35 damage, prone, in pit)
Tseka (sparkly, 15 damage, in pit)
Makino (sparkly)
Gob
Red ratfolk (5 damage, in pit)
Hakime
HP 5/32 (0 NL) | AC 16; T 12; FF 14 | CMD 19 | Fort +2 | Ref +3 | Will +4; ++2 vs. enchantments; immune to sleep | Init +4 | Percept +9 | L1: 7/7 L2: 4/4
Man, things moved fast! Last time I checked it wasn't even Wyeth's turn yet, I check in now and BAM!
Sense Motive:1d20 ⇒ 16
"Arr, no escape for a scurvy dog like you, Tseka," Wyeth says to the stealthy ratfolk. But, it draws away and into the shadows before he can strike again... and then many other things happen, including a pit opening beneath the feet of all the rodent peoples!
"No sense of decency, and no courage either," Wyeth says towards the ratfolk. "Ye didn't see me surrenderin' when I fell in a pit, arr!"
"Aye, I'll help ye with that," he says as he rapidly advances on Makino. "Ye'll not go down for treason because ye'll go down dead!"
Fauchard:1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 1 = 17No idea if that's a hit or not. Damage:1d10 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
On second thought, looking at the map with Wyeth's new location, Makino may have partial cover from Marduk and/or the pillar? In which case that's almost definitely a miss. Sorry, rushing to get this in before the edit window closes (had to redo the post thanks to a "backtracked too far" error).
Makino takes the blow, but is still standing. He then tries to cast a new spell...
Concentration:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
But the spell fails!
Yeah, he can't take full rounds from Marduk AND Wyeth right now, on top of everyone else's actions, so ending combat
The party gangs up and beats the traitorous Makino down. The ratfolk trio scoff at the party as they eventually come up topside and surrounded. "Heh, you fools; you think just taking me will bring your precious Grand Lodge safety?", the sneaky ratfolk scoffs. "Sorry boss...", the other two pout.
You guys are basically done! We'll get a bit of fluff in, but since I know some of you are allocated to some PbP GD 5 games, I'll call things here and try to get chronicles out before the end of the day.
The one hiccup is that Marduk's muscles have nearly given out on him, the half-orc barely able to walk. That's a total of 12 Str damage, Marduk! At least you aren't paralyzed :)
Hakime breathes a sigh of relief. "That was actually a bit easier than i expected, but for Marduk's sake, I'm glad it's over... You don't look so good, my friend. I wish I had something to cure what ills you, but I'm sure you can be restored easily once we return to the surface. Shall we take our captives and leave this place? After searching thoroughly of course."
Feel free to mark your own Day Jobs; I'd wait normally but want to get chronicles out today!
Speaking of which, the game has been reported and the chronicles sent; please PM me if you didn't get it!
Hakime searches the Aspis thugs, finding several interesting items I'd share the loot, but it is sorta pointless at this point in the scenario., but the real treasure is the intel on Tseka and in the room.
Realizing that the hidden ratfolk is the real Tseka, she has a note in her breastpocket wrapped around a silver badge.
Letter on Tseja:
Tseka,
For a supposedly bright agent, you seem to be struggling with a basic truth: you are a silver agent. You are not a gold agent and have never been a gold agent, and you are doing a fine job of campaigning against your own promotion with your childish antics.
If I catch you stepping outside the bounds of your authority again, my next letter to you will contain your shiny new bronze badge. Do I make myself clear? As for your latest request, the patrons are not prepared
to release more funding to your cause at this time.
A. X. Adrius
DC 15 Kn: Local:
You recall that A.X. Adrius is the public face of the Aspis leadership and that he's on par with the organization's shadowy board of patrons.
Also within her belongings is a gold badge that looks somewhat similar to the one found on Yekai: it is also a forgery.
On the stage where the fake Tseka was talking is a letter addressed to someone named Marnarius.
Marnarius note:
Marnarius,
I am growing increasingly concerned that I haven’t heard from you since the report on your glowing success at the Pathfinder’s Grand Lodge. I have tried to supply you with the means to rebuild your life, but I’ve heard rumors that your desire for vengeance is preventing you from accepting my help. Take some time to enjoy your accomplishments and revel in the harm that you have already caused to the Society. Don’t let the Pathfinders drive you to throw your life away chasing wild schemes, and please, Marnarius, stop placing your trust in the hands of people who have already failed the Consortium in the past.
Regards,
Tseka
The maps within the room show several locations in Goka, in particular, there is a sketch of the interior of the Lantern Lodge and a detailed drawing of a familar multicolored tapestry covered in abstract patterns: the Hao Jin Tapestry!
On the way out, it doesn't take long for the party's inquisitive guide, Yrishi, to reappear. "Wowee! You guys look beat... but who's them people with you?"
"This is Teska, the leader of this group of Aspis agents. We'll be taking them back to the lodge with us to face judgment for their crimes against the Pathfinders," Gob says to little Yrishi. "You are welcome to come with us if you like. The Pathfinders are always looking for people who treasure knowledge and curiosity. You could learn a lot more there then down here in this black market."
HP 5/32 (0 NL) | AC 16; T 12; FF 14 | CMD 19 | Fort +2 | Ref +3 | Will +4; ++2 vs. enchantments; immune to sleep | Init +4 | Percept +9 | L1: 7/7 L2: 4/4
"Arr, shut yer pie hole," Wyeth says as he pokes Tseka with the butt-end of his fauchard. "I no be carin' 'bout no Grand Lodge nor hearin' yer yammerin' neither!"
Unfortunately Wyeth doesn't have any of the Restorations memorized, and Oracles can't choose spells on a daily basis. Sorry, Marduk!
"That's Tseka? AWESOME!", Yrishi bobbing her head up and down looking over the ratfolk. "Much smaller than I thought, given her reputation.", she analyzes. At Gob's request, her eyes glow wide with excitement. "You mean, you'd take me on all of your cool adventures and learn things. That would be AMAZING!", her tail happily wagging in the air.
Returning to the Lantern Lodge, Amari Li is pleased at the group's success. "Well done, Pathfinders!", Li then snapping her fingers to get two other agents to escort Makino and Tseka into interrogation. "Your skills and ingenuity have brought an enemy of the Society to answer for her crimes and hopefully help us unravel how their attack on the Grand Lodge was organized. Thank you for putting an end to her schemes and sending a crippling blow to Aspis operations in Goka."
Li bows as she suggests the party take some much needed rest, also calling for attendants to look over Marduk and Gob.
You two have Bubonic Plague! It's 1d4 Con damage, 1 Cha damage, and fatigue each time you fail the Fort save. Of course you can spend 250 gold or use 1PP for Remove Disease; the DC is 17. I'll let you take care of it, but not using RD requires 2 consecutive Fort saves and the disease is lethal.
Cool, no accidental deaths I would have to correct and record :) Just note the prestige cost Gob!
@Marduk: You are correct; that's how ability damage works. Now ability drain is far more dangerous since that actually reduces the ability score and can cause problems if that reduces the modifier!
Gob decides to let Nethys' faithful take care of him while Marduk tries to exercise and recover naturally, trusting his Iroran training. The first day takes some adjustment, the half-orc overexerting himself, but within two days he finds a pattern that allows him to naturally attack the plague from the inside and flush them from his system.
