GM Bret's Outpost I: The Flesh Collector (Inactive)

Game Master BretI

The tall human says, "Maybe the floating one can look over the walls...and I agree with him that this is not the lawful existence I would expect of a monastery. Chaos is taking over here - that is a bad sign."

When Johann hands him the two extracts, the hellknight nods his head in thanks and salutes the alchemist. "I thank you and will use these to best forward our objectives."

"My friend either of your extracts would be much appreciated by this priest."

Happy for either, and can use either shield or bulls strength

"What? Me?" Strang says, realizing what Grimaldus is suggesting.

He seems hesitant, such activities not at all his forte.

"I suppose I can take a quick look." He finally says. Doing so proves as easy as walking up to the gate, gaining altitude as he goes.

Alright, sure... =) Just get high enough so he can look over the wall. Perhaps there's a friendly doorman waiting for us to knock! =)

Dr. Strang Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Dr. Strang carefully climbs up and peeks over the gate. He can faintly see two people in the quadrangle fighting. Johann faintly hears the sound of battle as well.

Looking over the gate, Dr. Strang sees that it is locked. It would be trivial to open from the inside.

No one detects any indications of traps.

How non-trivial is it to open from the outside? Johann can take 10 for 25 on Disable Device.

Hearing of the lock, Johann spends a short amount of time and manages to open it.

Dr. Strang walks back down to where the others are gathered before the gate, and mentions what he saw.

"As simple enough mechanism, I'm sure with a proper lever and a long enough..." He trails off, noticing Johann has already figured that part out on his own. "Oh... very good."

"There were some fellows fighting in a courtyard not far ahead." He adds. "I'm afraid fisticuffs are not my area of study, so can not say more."

"Shall we proceed in and investigate?"

Unless anyone objects, Grim will open the gate and stride into the monastery, heading towards the sound of a fight. He continues to send out his senses to detect any signs of chaos...

Johann would have given a second shield extract and bulls strength to Chaul.

Johann springs out a wand of Shield and uses it on himself as they advance.

Lurgh likewise uses his wand of shield and also his wand of heightened awareness.

Once everyone is done buffing, advance about 20-30 feet.

Chaul does detect the presence of magic in the cone going forward from him with one round of concentration. Basically as others buff he detected.

If people could please specify their light sources, that would be much appreciated.

Moved ahead.
Lurgh has darkvision 60 ft and blindsense 30 ft.

Johann has an Ioun torch circling his head.

I have placed additional NPCs on the map now that some of you are in position to see them.

Blue and Red are the two who are fighting.
Black is sitting in a chair observing.
Yellow and Green are behind some weapons racks, waiting at attention.

I'll give a full description once everyone has moved up or said they are staying where they are.

Strang has 60' darkvision

Dr. Strang will follow along behind Johann, happy to take advantage of the gnome's light source. He observes the figures in the courtyard with interest.

"Some sort of ritual combat?" He muses, once they see the man simply observing. "Perhaps a training exercise?"

Grim's magic greatsword emits a bluish light (equivalent to a light spell)

The hellknight moves forward with the others, watching with interest the martial test before them. He will stop short of entering the ring in deference to the monks and their beliefs. In answer to Strang, Grim says in a low voice, "Training, or a test of their prowess and mastery of their martial art. Where I grew up, we also trained in hand-to-hand and in weapons combat. The master is likely the one observing in the chair. The rest here are beneath him in ranking, although whether the two fighting or standing at attention are the lowest level I can not yet say. Watch how their strikes and blocks flow from one to the next, each action complementing or emphasizing the next move. It is truly a mesmerizing dance to observe!"

Two towering edifices face each other across this meadow, one reverently decorated as a temple, the other austere as a library. Overgrown wildflowers choke former pathways between the buildings. At the center lies a sunken pool teeming with lotus flowers. An elegant tiger statue crouches, preparing to pounce, beside the pool.

Several doors line the courtyard—one on the south side is slightly ajar. An alcove on the western side contains a plinth holding a wooden bust. In the northeast corner, steel glints from two weapon racks.

The two combatants fight back and forth near the pond. Each is trying to grapple the other.

The seated person to the northeast is observing the match. The two behind him look like they may have recently finished a sparring session of their own.

It is clear that the two combatants have seen you, and quite likely that the others have as well. They do not stop the match nor does anyone come to greet you.

Lurgh, realizing it would be impolite to interrupt them or to ignore them, sits and watches.

Grim also watches the match, noting the strengths and styles of the two combatants. An occasional grunt of appreciation for a well-executed move can be heard from the stoic fighter - otherwise, he could be a steel statue decorating the grounds.

Chaul moves forward, watching the battle only slightly. His focus of attention is on the rest of the area. Wary eyes watch first the men at the back, and then the path around the cloister.

Chaul has Darkvision, but also a boosted continual flame.

Lurgh likewise has an item with a heightened continual flame (5th level).

Grim and Chaul, are you maintaining concentration? Where are you concentrating on?

Chaul tries to narrow down where the aura is, for example is it on the people, or in one of the nearby rooms?

Slowly walking around the cloister, Chaul has a slightly distracted expression on his face. As he strolls, he looks around, taking in what the monastery has to offer, but not getting too close to the fighters.

spellcraft belt: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
spellcraft necklace: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Chaul concentrates on the seated monk. "The fighters have something on them..probably potions, the seated one has others that are more powerful." he whispers.

"Hopefully he is in charge and peaceful."

Chaul continues to watch, looking at the fighters, trying to judge their skill.

Anyone else want to do something quick? Otherwise I will move it forward.

When walking in, Grim would have tried to discern where the chaotic aura emanated - especially if out of place (which it should be in a monastery!) Once he narrowed it down, or if he can't, he concentrates on watching the fighters.

The fight continues for a few minutes. They appear to know what they are doing, but all of you have seen much more impressive displays of martial arts. You notice the one in the chair wince as if in pain a couple of times, but it doesn’t appear to be related to the fighter’s performance. Perhaps he has a bad back or something?

Once they break off, the two combatants turn and bow to the man in the chair. He gives a nod, evidently indicating the match is over.

One of the two approaches you. The other goes over to the stone statue.

“Hello. Why have you come to the Monastery of the Unrremitting Tide?”

Something was stolen from us and we have tracked it's location here, replies Lurgh, making no effort to hide their purpose.

“You will have to talk to The Master about that.” he says through clenched teeth, gesturing towards the white-haired man sitting in the chair.

"Could you guide us to him?" asks Chaul.

"We are not saying we think that anyone from here stole it, but rather it has been hidden here by the thief." he tries to explain.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21

"I think he means that aged fellow back there." Strang offers, pointing towards the man on the chair.

"Yes, we would far prefer a friendly chat!" He adds, in support of Chaul's words. "Sorry to interrupt your training of course, but we wouldn't want someone to take advantage of your fine retreat."

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Grim silently stares at the man for several seconds before saying, "Your combat skills are slightly better than your deception skills. Perhaps you require further practice in both." The armored man then strides towards the man seated in the chair, stopping a few paces from him and offering a slight bow. Slight enough to indicate they are likely equals, but not an a way to give offense.

"Greetings. Are you the sensei? we are on a mission and have questions for the Master of this place."

Johann looks around carefully as he follows Grimaldus.

The fighter talking with you acknowledges Chaul's and Dr. Strang's comments with a nod of his head, but holds up a hand.

"Wait here a moment, I will signal you when you should approach."

Given the general tone I've gotten from the group, I'm assuming you wait. If someone doesn't want to, we can retcon it.

He then moves over to the Master and bends to whisper something. He points towards the wooden bust in the alcove to the west. The Master nods once and quietly replies.

The fighter then moves to the side and gestures that you may approach.

You walk across the quadrangle to speak with the master.

Please place yourselves on the map where you would be as Grimaldus greets the master.

At Grimaldus's greeting, he calmly nods and replies "Yes, I am the Master of this order. Why have you come here and what do you want?" He speaks with a slight Vudrani accent.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

Lurgh, overhearing the whispers, glances to where they are pointing. He then waits to be signaled.

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
Chaul advances to stand next to his colleagues.

"We come seeking a book we believe has been taken here.." he starts.

The Master seems to consider Chaul's words for a moment.

I need people to update their locations on the slide, please!

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Johann doesn't hear them, but seeing the carving, he exclaims, "Oh my, what a lovely statue... don't mind me, I just love well-crafted art, must take a look!"

He heads for the bust to take a closer look, and while doing so, touches the ioun stone in his wayfinder, causing it to cast Protection from Evil on himself.

The monks look at Johann quizzically but do not prevent him from suddenly changing direction and going over to look at the bust in the alcove.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

Dr. Strang looks around with curiosity, not really paying much attention to the actions of the locals, more interested in the architecture.

"See those there." he says, though you're not sure what he's pointing at. "I believe those are examples of the Osirion influence. Oh, and those are definitely Gebbite in origin, likely pre-war."

He continues making random observations about seemingly inconsequential things, not really caring if anyone's paying attention.

Perc: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

"Yes, we come seeking knowledge that was taken without being earned or given freely. Our quest leads us to your walls and our request to aid us in our search." Grim tries the diplomatic approach first - in his latest 'full-circle' review by the Order, his abilities in empowering others and political savvy were noted as areas to improve. Of course, his towering stature, frightening appearance, and well-used weapons usually garnered an acceptable outcome...why all should he bother with the touchy-feely way of bards and courtiers?!!?

Looks like everyone has moved to where they want to be. Love the 'areas of improvement' Grimaldus!

As Grimaldus moves up, the Master stands.

After a moment's consideration, he says "Kill the book thieves!"

=== Combat begins! ===
Effects active:
Dr. Strang: Air Walk 5/90 minutes
Chaul: Magic Vestments (8 hours), Firewalker's Meditation, Rites of Bodily Purity (All day)
Johann: Antitoxin, Antiplague (5/60 minutes)

Round 1
Lurgh
Green
Dr. Strang
Johann
Chaul
Black
Grimaldus
Blue
Red
Yellow

Bolded may act!

Weary of damaging anything with a large blast of flame, Lurgh enhances his physical might and moves forward.

bull's strength.

Lurgh bulks up!

Green runs out on to the pavement, around the weapons rack and back towards Grimaldus. He then tries to tackle Grimaldus!

Grapple: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 = 12

Unfortunately, he can't get the leverage needed!

Effects active:
Dr. Strang: Air Walk 5/90 minutes
Chaul: Magic Vestments (8 hours), Firewalker's Meditation, Rites of Bodily Purity (All day)
Johann: Antitoxin, Antiplague (5/60 minutes)
Lurgh: Bull's Strength (0/9 minutes)

Round 1
Lurgh
Green
Dr. Strang
Johann
Chaul
Black
Grimaldus
Blue
Red

Appraise; Linguistics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 181d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Johann is unable to share his insights before violence breaks out! He moves closer to the clump of people and tosses a little bottle over their heads. It smashes on the ground and suddenly a tiny stone figure grows to the size of a man.

Summon Nature's Ally IV as an extract, due to Preservationist archetype, summoning a medium Earth Elemental.

"Նրանց հրամայեց!" he calls out to his creature.

Slam with Earth Mastery, flanking, power attack vs. green: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 1 + 2 - 2 = 11

And that's a miss.

Johann throws a flask, and out spills an Earth Elemental!

Effects active:
Dr. Strang: Air Walk 5/90 minutes
Chaul: Magic Vestments (8 hours), Firewalker's Meditation, Rites of Bodily Purity (All day)
Johann: Antitoxin, Antiplague (5/60 minutes)
Johann: Summon Medium Earth Elemental (ends round 9)
Lurgh: Bull's Strength (0/9 minutes)

Round 1
Lurgh
Green
Dr. Strang
Johann
Chaul
Black
Grimaldus
Blue
Red