GM BPC's Deepmarket Deception PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Black Powder Chocobo

"Well we can certainly discuss it," he says with a smile as he looks around at the rest of the team. "I think we have some questions to ask you as well, hmm?"

"Oh I'm fine, don't worry about me" Gob says as he winces from the broken rib. He retrieves one of the wands from his belt to accelerate the healing. "By the way that thing can heal itself while it's back there in the undergrowth, thought you all might want to know that." He adds after he is finished casting from his wand.

Wand of infernal healing, 2 charges should have he close to normal after 2 minutes.

So you did remember that... now would it be appropriate for this thing to stalk you or leave a fire-disposing group of foes alone... :)

Coranna swallows a mouthful of ale the ale, wiping her mouth of the frothy brew. "Sure, although I'm not sure what use I can be for you."

"Well I for one would like to know what happened. How'd you get in this fix?"

"We were just doing our normal business a bit ago when outta nowhere a bunch of kobolds attacked us! We heard they were getting feisty lately, but wasn't expecting... it was a massacre. They killed so many people, then started rounding us out. It was slow going with so many of us; some were left for dead as they marched us along. I couldn't take it any more here and I guess the kobolds left me to be food for something."

Wyeth rubs his chin, pondering what Coranna had said. "Was it only kobolds? Did anyone seem to be giving orders or directing them? Any idea where they were taking you?"

"No, just them, and exceptionally violent, too. They were heading that way when I guess I passed out.", Coranna pointing to the north.

Once woken, Shasta grits her teeth and grumbles a bit about her weakness. Once back on her feet, she tries to be more useful than she was during the fight, examining the objects found to try to identify them.

spellcraft, Armor: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

spellcraft, Blue Liquid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

"The blue liquids are healing potions," Shasta points out. CLW. "There are also some rare herbs worth collecting and selling." She sets about gathering the herbs.

She can heal with CLW spells from her daily alotment or from her CLW Wand, if anyone needs.

Regarding the woman's story, she comments, "This is very odd behavior for kobolds. This is a very isolated spot, so they could stay safe in their hidey holes and enjoy the dank dark depths of their cave. I think something's controlling them, ordering them to bring back captives. Perhaps they want information about the surrounding area. I suggest we head down and try to sort it out, after getting some shut-eye. It's almost dawn." She yawns, this time not from the pollen.

There is a spot to the upper left of the map that looks like it might be steps leading underground. But the woman's comment suggests the kobold lair is to be found further north. I'm not clear on what she is asking with regard to "I don't suppose if I make it to the ridge that you'd protect me when you come back?" We came from the ridge but are heading deeper into the valley. Not clear on the geography.

The 'stair-like' thing is just part of the map pack that was used for the encounter; it isn't relevant to the mission. Sorry for the vagueness; she is saying she can reach the top of the valley for safety (not wanting to get attacked by more sleep flowers or angry bushes), but will not return to the fort on her own nor accompany you as you progress further.

"I have no bloody idea, either.", Coranna shaking her head.

Yes, and the reason Wyeth said "we can discuss it" is that he's not keen on the idea of just leaving her on the ridge unprotected and, I presume, defenseless. So he's assuming we will at least talk through options.

"She can ride the mule and stay with us. Might be safer than being alone in this verblitzen jungle. If we find a safe cave, she can hole up there and we can find her on our way back, assuming we make it back ourselves," Shasta suggests.

To Gob she says, "Can you identify this armor? It's magical, but I'm not sure what the enchantment does. I might want to swap my chain shirt for it if it does something nifty. If anyone else wants it, we can roll dice," she rattles a bag on her belt with dice in it.

Then she chuckles. "I once heard from a bard named Jeff that there was a halfling rogue who told everyone his nickname was Highroll. Later when they found some nice magical loot, he said, 'As for how we divide the loot, how about high roll gets it?' When others agreed, he snatched up the items and began to stuff them in his sack. When everyone objected, he said, 'I'm Highroll and you all agreed, Highroll gets it.'"

Ow!

I'll need a Diplomacy check to convince her to follow along!

-Posted with Wayfinder

"You know how dangerous these jungles are, so you have to make the call whether to take your chances by yourself in your condition. We have extra supplies we can share. But consider that we have six seasoned adventurers, and lots of creatures will not attack a strong group where they might attack a lone, weak individual. I'm suggesting that you go with us long enough for us to find a relatively defensible shelter where we can leave you, so on our way back, we can locate you. It's going to be dangerous any way you choose, but staying with a group sounds safer to me." Shasta does not share her thought, assuming we get back.

"Keep in mind, we aim to free whatever hostages or prisoners we can, so after that point, you'll have some of your comrades for mutual protection and support." While Corrana thinks about it, Shasta pulls out her fiddle and tries to play some contemplative melodies to calm her mind.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

That'll do bard, that'll do.

Coranna agrees to follow along.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Wyeth nods. "I like that better than just leaving you to fend for yourself," he says with a meaningful look at Coranna.

"We wouldn't want to be indirectly responsible for your death.
There's plenty to go around with on that account lately."

spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Gob inspects the armor. "Hmmmm, is you are wearing a regular chain shirt and wish to be more stealthy then you may wish to trade armor." he says as he hands the armor back. "Now if we are all in agreement then let us press on."

Forgot about the survival spoiler to check.

Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

"It should be easy to follow the trail," Shasta says, pointing out the many footprints heading north.

"One of us should wear this nifty black armor. If no one else wants it, I'll wear it until we get back. It's lighter than my chain shirt and looks to be just a good, plus quieter." She looks at Wyeth's cuirass and says, "This will be better protection than what you're wearing. It would also quiet the thud from your peg-leg." She gives him a coy smile. If Wyeth doesn't want it, she'll recommend Hakime wear it. If neither wants it, she'll don it and stow her chain shirt.

"If we don't get some sleep soon, we're gonna feel it. That cat-nip nap didn't really do it for me. How about we take advantage of the shade and sleep through the heat of the day?"

"I also had thoughts of resting, however that plant like creature is still out there and regaining it's strength. I recommend pressing onward for now, in favor of a safer location to rest."

"Fair enough, we can take watches if you need to rest."

"I'd wear such armor as well, but to be honest, I think it would serve better to be worn by someone more inclined to directly engage an enemy. I tend to stay back and use my bow more. If no one else claims it, by all means, Shasta, it would look good on you and be beneficial for you to wear it. As for resting, I think Gob has the right of it - let's find a more defensible position to rest."

I'm going to take the armor just to avoid a three-way Chip and Dale/Goofy Gophers scene. "Oh no, I insist..." :op

Wyeth frowns, then nods silently. Accepting the armor from Shasta, he cautiously sniffs to check that it doesn't stink too badly, then swaps it out for his own.

"Feels okay," he remarks, flexing his shoulders and twisting.

(EDIT after updating Wyeth in Hero Lab: Oh yeah, now I remember why I went with Lamellar rather than Studded. Eight pounds versus twenty. Hello, Medium Encumbrance!)

Oh yeah, now I remember why I went with Lamellar rather than Studded. Eight pounds versus twenty. Hello, Medium Encumbrance!)

Says the man whose land speed is permanently reduced to 20'. :)

Actually, I'm not sure how you are getting medium encumbrance with a strength of 18 (can carry up to 100 lb with light encumbrance). Unless you are carrying all your gear with you, including the furs, the snowshoes, and the cold weather gear, you should be under 100 lb. Even if you for some reason decided you needed to lug all that stuff with you, you could put some of it on the mule and stay under 100 lb.

Also, keep in mind the Studded Leather is MWK, which makes it's ACP one less than normal, which means it has no ACP.

Actually, I'm not sure how you are getting medium encumbrance with a strength of 18 (can carry up to 100 lb with light encumbrance). Unless you are carrying all your gear with you, including the furs, the snowshoes, and the cold weather gear, you should be under 100 lb.

This. 127 pounds. :op Hadn't considered la mula.

Also, keep in mind the Studded Leather is MWK, which makes it's ACP one less than normal, which means it has no ACP.

Agreed.

The party aids Coranna on top of a mule and continues on, more wary of natural dangers that may lurk.

A deep ravine divides the valley here, bridged only by an ancient and crumbling span of stone reinforced by haphazard wooden reinforcements. A pair of dwarven statues flanks either side of the bridge, each in considerable disrepair. An ancient stone building partly consumed by the jungle is visible across the ravine.

There is evidence of crudely made repairs done on the bridge.

Map updated!

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

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Hakime points out the statues and the condition of the weapons they bear to the others (feel free to read the spoiler guys I guess).

Marduk takes in the odd new sight.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Marduk's got a long way till his goal of self perfection.

"Ravines...reminds me of home, back at the peninsulae.
Great mountains and cliffs. I recall one rude human getting drunk and sliding off a slope, we didn't much shed tears on his account."

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Hold before crossing, there's a trap! a noose sprung to that tree.. over there." She points to the location, hoping others see it as well, and that someone has the wherewithall to disable it.

Knowledge(Engineering): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Shasta studies the bridge, but notices nothing unusual. She figures she can jump across if need be.

But she does study it to see if it might have some kind of trap affixed to the apparently slipshod repairs.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Who's best at acrobatics (i.e. jumping?)

<--? :)

If needed, Marduk takes a running jump.
"Here i go..."
Iroran jump: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

When Shasta hears Marduk say, "Here I go," she tries to stop him by grappling him. "Wait! Trap!" she yells as she lunges at him.

Grapple: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Marduk can make an AOO before she grabs him, if he chooses, but I think that might be enough to succeed. Marduk's listed CMB is 18.

I can't make the jump?
If i have a running start, i can jump as far as the result of the check.
Which is 5 squares, given of course, i can jump from a safe square.

Marduk raises a brow in surprise, as Shasta manages to get a hold of his biceps.
"Excuse me...but this is hardly the time to feel up my muscles."

"As long as you see where that noose is and don't put your head in it, ..." She gestures for him to go ahead. She slaps a bicep and adds, "Not bad. You're no Wyeth, but solid." She gives a thumbs up and steps aside.

"I would never willingly put my head in a noose.
I'd rather like to discipline the person responsible."

If the trap has clearly been pointed out, then Gob will take the following action.

"Well looks like no one here has any skill with traps. Best to just jump over it I suppose." Getting a running start Gob attempts to jump over the trap, only to land squarely in it.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Thanks for your patience!

Hakime points out the trap that Marduk almost passes over, but Shasta somehow stops the able-bodied half-orc. His fellow half-orc, though, does a far worse job and lands on the noose trap!

Noose CMB @ Gob: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

The half-orc is now bound by the rope, then is lifted off into the air, hovering upside 10' above the bridge.

@Gob: You can get out of the bindings by either making an Escape Artist or CMB roll or cut the rope with a small or one-handed slashing weapon.

While Hakime was able to notice the weapons and the trap, she failed to spot a pair of large cats that lurked behind the statues and now growl out hungrily after hearing the trap go off!

One of the cats moves around and rears up to bite at the suspended wizard in the 275 gp suit.

Red cat bite @ Gob: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Damage on hit: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Despite being upside-down, the half-orc raises himself up just in time to let his magical armor take the blow, not him!

Init Order Round 1 (bold = up)
Red cat
Marduk
Wyeth
Blue cat
Shasta
Gob (grappled, upside down)
Zadim
Hakime

Map updated!

Man, Paizo game designers love their chokepoints, don't they?

Wyeth harrumphs as he strides towards Gob. (20' MA) "Look, if you're just going to hang around being unproductive..."

Fauchard=>Red Cat: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 Not doing a -4 because Gob's 10' up and out of range for any risk.
Damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

"... then you might consider a different team."

EDIT: Realized after I'd posted that Gob's rope is too high even for Wyeth's reach weapon. Redirected attack from rope to red cat; numbers did not change.

Marduk moves slightly forth and throws a metal star-shaped piece of metal at the top cat.

Shuriken, increment?: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 - 2 = 18Sting: 1d2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

@Wyeth: I'd actually allow you to hit the rope with your reach weapon if you can get under the same square as Gob (math's close enough). Attacking the rope would be a sunder attempt with a -4 penalty to avoid hitting Gob, but you only have to hit CMD 5 for an inanimate object. Let me know if you change your action, but otherwise I'll assume you stick with attacking the cat for now.

Marduk flings a metal shard at the cat on Gob, but narrowly misses to avoid striking wizard piñata.

Likewise, Wyeth's swing is too careful and the blow doesn't have enough force to pierce its hide.

Another cat slinks in from behind the statue and its face reels back, showing its bony skull with musculatory tissue holding in its eyeballs and its flaring nasal membrane as it screeches shrilly at Wyeth!

Wyeth Will vs DC 12 sonic mind-affecting fear effect: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Despite his jest at Gob, Wyeth remains steadfast in defense of his ally.

Init Order Round 1 (bold = up)
Red cat
Marduk
Wyeth
Blue cat (facepeeled)
Shasta
Gob (grappled, upside down)
Zadim
Hakime

Attacking the rope would be a sunder attempt...

Wow, déjà vu; we just had a Sunder discussion in another game. There, it was pointed out that, by strict RAW, one can only Sunder something that is worn (e.g. armor) or held (e.g. a sword). So I didn't think a rope snare in which Gob is entrapped would be... "sunderable."

I'm certainly open to that if it's doable. It was the original plan, after all.

Suddenly finding himself upside down and surrounded by cats Gob mumbles, "I've made a huge mistake." As Wyeth comes in to his aid and makes his comments, Gob replies, "You think this simple trap makes me useless? You under estimate me." The half orc points his staff at the cat attacking him sending the back and white missiles back at his target.

MM: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 3) + 2 = 7

Know Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"Those are Krenshar by the way. They tend to rely on that freaky head trick to shake up their prey."

Since Gob is 10' off the ground, can another PC standing on the ground share his square?

@Zadim: You would be able to normally! However, since Wyeth wants to cut the rope...

@Wyeth: In this case, the rope is being worn by Gob... right across his foot anyway :p Besides, then how can you sunder a door that is neither being held or worn? In any case, go for it!

Wyeth's blade was a false strike, only scaring the cat away long enough for him to swipe at the rope at the half-orc's ankle!
Gob falling damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

The wizard lands on his shoulder, ending squarely at his back before he smacks the adjacent krenshar with a pair of force bolts!

@Zadim: If you wish, you can stand in the same square as Gob, but it'll pose a -4 penalty to AC and attack rolls for you and him as you'd be standing on a conscious and probably somewhat upset Gob who will be squirming around and taking up space.

Init Order Round 1 (bold = up)
Red cat (7 damage)
Marduk
Wyeth
Blue cat (facepeeled)
Shasta
Gob (4 damage, prone)
Zadim
Hakime

Hakime aims at the red cat.

to hit: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 3 - 4 = 14
dmg if hits: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Hakime's arrow just grazes the red cat, causing no noticeable harm other than a scratch in its matted fur.