GM Burglar's #2-20: Wrath of the Accursed (Inactive)

Game Master mechaedd

So that means that I would never take my second attack as a full round action if Cleave were available because my Cleave attack would be at the higher bonus? See, this type of rules scramble on most issues is exactly why I have given up and am playing only 5E, with the exception of the completion of this game.

"If you miss with the initial attack on a cleave, then there is no second attack" with Cleave is the trade-off. Plus some mobility.

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Luisila reclaims her backpack and cheer-channels healing for Varg.

With the best detect magic
It would be tragic
To not worship Calistria
YEAH!!

Channel: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 4, 3) = 15 ☤ Cleaver's back at full health ☤

Luisila smiles. “OK, heathens. I guess it’s time to head for the next room and for Ryster to do some trap disarmament. Oh! Assuming you’re in the mood for it, Ry.”

Take 10 Perception for door traps and threats: 10 + 20 = 30

Not quite, Lu, but close enough...

Thanks, Lu - I needed that.

Ryster frowns at his unused, infused cartridge, then begins moving down the center aisle, looking from traps, as he heads toward the door on the far side of the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Are you still down some hp Varg (and how many)? If so I'll channel or cure you back to full. With three healers there's no reason for our tank to be down even one hp.

[6 points...it is in my tag line next to the avatar.

Aakif casts his domain cure light wounds (empowered) on Varg, then is ready to move on to the next room.

Empowered CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 multiplied by 1.5

Varg slaps Aakif on the back.

Thanks, pal! I'm whole and hale again and ready to cleave!

The room proves untrapped as does its only other door. In the next room...

This white-walled chamber holds two stone benches and there are storage jars made of pottery and alabaster, as well as shrouds and funerary masks stored on and around shelves and tables. A stairway on the wall opposite the door leads down. The pungent smell of astringent chemical compounds fills the air.

There is an old papyrus tome on the eastern shelves, though the hieroglyphs inside it are far older than any of the unreadable scripts seen about town. An old belt made of electrum scales rests on a bench and has a closed manilla folder next to it. The belt detects magic.

No traps are detected here as well.

Luisila *casts* superior detect magic of the Wasp Queen before boldly opening the book.

"Check it out, guys! It seems safe. It's some sorta Ancient pharaonic text that is likely to get VC Balentiir all hot and bothered. I guess it's coming with us."

Flushed with success, Luisila chances her hand by opening the accompanying folder. "Well, well, well. Three holes in the ground ... Not really. It's a catalogue of Sandswept Hall's missing cursed items. Just lying out in the open for us to find!"

"Hmm ... the Shadow Lodge should consider consulting Temel Passad and the Prophets of Kalistrade about Golarion's Best Practise journal security."

The priestess slips both items in her backpack and mother-hens the party a little. "Remember there's a pit trap at the base of the stairs. It should be easy enough to avoid, seeing we know it's there."

Take 10 Perception for traps, just to be sure: 10 + 20 = 30

A set of steep, banistered steps climbs the eastern wall of this low-ceilinged basement. There are large clay urns, crates, and boxes against the walls. A rough tunnel, seven feet in height, has been dug into the middle of the northern wall.

Luisila notices the banister at the bottom is fairly worn, suggesting that people have been using it to slide over instead of exiting the stairs like uncool nerds who want to fall in pits.

Note that since there are no doors remaining between you and the expected end boss of the Sothis Shadow Lodge, I am presuming magics are not being cast down here unless otherwise stated (in case of more hilarious stealth attemps.)

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"Ryster, don't forget the arrow trap that needs disarming. I'll start buffing once it's sorted."

Luisila drops her backpack at the top of the steps before beginning her descent on foot. Just past halfway, she parks her derrière on the bannister, sliding sidesaddle to the bottom like a working girl on an Alkenstar saloon bannister.

From the base of the stairs she casually kicks both legs over the rail from inside to outside, before dismounting at the side with a short hop to avoid the pit trap.

Take 10 Acrobatics + guidance: 10 + 3 + 1 = 14
Take 10 Perception: 10 + 20 = 30

Ryster nods and takes out a small vial, then drinks its contents. Feeling more dexterous, he removes his tools snd works on the traps.

mutagen for Dex.

Disable T10: 10 + 20 = 30

Brachus watches with interest at what's going on

"Someone should pick up that belt, but don't touch it! We can put it in a backpack or somewhere secure. Just to be safe though, I think some one more agile than me should get it.... Plus, Luisila should probably stay away from it too...."

Aakif looks at his companions..... Then carefully picks up the belt with his scimitar and places the belt in his backpack. Aakif does his best not to touch the belt.

"Ok... Let's move on. Can we disable the trap or should we use the.... Banister method?

The belt is retrieved and both the current and hallway trap are handled. Barring any surprises, all that remains is the boss man.

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Luisila arches an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't I want to get my hands on that belt, Aakif? You men get waaaay more benefits than we do."

"It's true we live longer - but that just leaves us alone. Oh and the other day, some guy told me that 'man-colds' are REAL! He said it's been 'scientifically proven' that colds affect men more than women. SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN!! Can you believe that drone-dung?"

"You know what?" Luisila eyes the Sun Servant's backpack. "How about you hand over that belt right now, Aakif. I've got the sniffles and I could do with a good dose of man-flu about now."

Buffing post coming soon to a screen near you ...

"If someone has a spare Freedom of Movement, would they mind casting it on Varg, please?"

Luisila *sighs* melodramatically and soldiers Pathfinders on.

"Calistria comfort me while I deny myself the pleasure of gazing upon Your dwarf child's handsome features." The priestess grins as she gestures for Ryster to lower his Spell Resistance and *casts* invisibility. 9 minutes

She flouishes her recently purchased scroll and spits out a phrase with venom. "I DENY the strength of the false fire god Moloch and AFFIRM the Inner Strength AND Beauty of the Unquenchable Fire!" Bull's Strength for Varg, 3 minutes.

Finally, Luisila holds her scroll of silence in her right hand, and as they approach Hondu's Hole of Hiding, she manipulates the fingers on her left before reclaiming her bow. "The trickery of the Reborn Shadow Lodge ends now! With your Blessing, Mistress, let vengeance be ours!"

Casts Blessing of Fervor. 9 rounds and copycats.

Varg feels the magical energies of Lu seep into his muscles, yet again.

Thanks, Lu! Let's get to cleavin'.

Aakif looks relieved that the belt's magic doesn't affect him just by putting it in his pack.

"You know what?" Luisila eyes the Sun Servant's backpack. "How about you hand over that belt right now, Aakif. I've got the sniffles and I could do with a good dose of man-flu about now."

Aakif keeps his back (and backpack)turned away from Luisila. "It would be a shame to change anything about a beautiful desert flower such as yourself. Perhaps it is better if I hold onto the belt."

Should Aakif roll diplomacy?

Aakif casts freedom of movement on Varg (80 minutes), then protection from evil on Varg (8 minutes).

"Sarenrae please do not let anyone impede or control our companion."

"While the Mistress is an Angel with a flaming golden tongue, I note Her servant is a silver-tongued devil."

"Perhaps it is better if I hold onto the belt."

"Perhaps it is best that you do." Luisila's features soften. "I have enjoyed everyone's company on this caper, and hope to experience such fellowship again."

A frown returns to the half-elf's brow, as if she's suddenly remembered something ... "Imam Hazam, didn't you ALSO call that murderous old crone of Sarenorgorber a 'beautiful desert flower'?!?"

;)

Aakif smiles at the silver tongued comment, taking it as a compliment.

"Yes, of course. All women are beautiful in their own way. They are a treasure to be cherished. And like flowers of the desert, it is wise for a man to be aware of their thorns. This describes you well, Luisila.... I also have enjoyed this adventure with all of you. It would be be an honor to accompany you on another mission sometime. For now, let's finish this!"

Mostly seeing if Brachus has any buffs left to distribute; I don't recall what he has and hasn't cast yet (and doesn't use handy strikeout tags on his spell list).

Since I'm posting anyways, an additional note regarding the belt: Its effects (as described by the manilla folder) are NOT a condition that must be cleared to remain a legal character... Especially since it took until Advanced Class Guide to make an item to do just that, as it is otherwise a permanent effect.

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Not much buffs for me, I have some stuff..but that's more to counter things. And I don't use that strike out thing because to be honest...I didn't know how to do that (just looked into it and found out how to do it test

"Ready when you are"

They added it early this year or mid-last year, I think, after they admitted they're not updating the forums any time soon.

The party starts their jaunt down the hall, but a voice speaks to you all from the end of the hallway. The disembodied voice reverberates deeply with a strong, southern-Osirion accent. "You are capable, most assuredly, but are you rewarded as such? What would it take for you to forgo the shackles and collars? What would it take for you to be free to do as you please?"

The Red Zone is for the placement and positions of PC and possibly starting of initiative, based on your response. There is no stopping in the Red Zone (though do note this is before halfway down the hall and thus before Blessing of Fervor, so stopping actually won't waste buffs in any grand scale.)

Luisila calls out to the disembodied voice. “There is an element of truth to what you say. You have our attention.”

Luisila speaks in a serious, hushed tone. “This corridor is a death trap. Hondu is probably a magus who means to feed us in to him one at a time, so he can slice us up with his shock-powered sickles – like meat into a grinder.”

“Well, sod that! Who’s played leap frog? I think Ryster, Varg and Aakif should each take ONE turn on the front line. That’s ONE turn, guys! Then you withdraw for healing by the clerics, and get healthy while you get ready for your next go at Hondu. That way he can’t wail on one person at a time, drop them and attack the next person in line.”

“Bray stays at/towards the back and is our ‘always healer’. I’m helping him. The other three rotate to the front to smash him once and then withdraw. Try to leave a 5’ gap between all of us so there is always a place to withdraw to amongst the healers to heal up.”

“If we reach his small room and there’s more room to manoeuvre, tactics change to our normal ones. Whoever wins initiative out of Ryster, Varg, Aaakif or me is first on the front line.”

“What do you guys think?”

@GM Burglar. Just to clarify, the nearest PC is to be positioned halfway down the red corridor, with the rest of us behind him?

Blessing of Fervor is not up yet.

Yup, anywhere in the Red Zone. Further up means you're approaching during dialogue, but the length on the zone is because he does love to talk.

"Surely you have superiors you have a distaste for. Those that would send you into Hell for a mere trinket. Those that would send you into a cave of bears, coated in honey? Those that would do these things with no remorse." He speaks, leaving just enough pause to allow interruption for your answer, should you have one.

"I have foreseen this meeting, as shown to me by the Book of Thoth. It showed me images of foreign cartomancy; on one side, the Wheel of Fortune, Strength, The Sun, Temperance, and The Hermit gather, though the Lovers rest fallen in the distance. A single man watches which I can see from The Tower. What rests in-between fates is The World itself."

"Always fascinating imagery. I should learn the techniques later. But that is for the future. What is your answer? What would bring you to the correct side? One must hope words will solve this, instead of bloodshed."

Aakif, believing this hallway to be the perfect place for a lightning bolt, attempts to secretly cast resist energy - electricity on himself.

Modifiers: -5 spell has a range of touch (it would be -0 with a range of personal. Technically the range is listed as touch, but I'm casting it on myself. Gm call if I should take the -5, but it is included below)

Bluff vs Sense Motive: 1d20 + 18 - 5 ⇒ (7) + 18 - 5 = 20
Sleight of Hand vs Perception (if he can see me): 1d20 + 22 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 22 - 5 = 33

Aakif nods his agreement to "the plan" then moves up.

Despite herself, Luisila actually takes an interest in the voice’s words. Honestly! However …

If nothing else, this wordplay gives us a chance to move closer …

“Surely you have superiors you have a distaste for …”

“Of course!” Luisila’s tone is level and sincere. “But such is life, my friend.”

“We are all have differing goals and motivations, which means clashes and conflict are inevitable between the ambitious. With wisdom and maturity comes the ability to manage these relationships ensuring the best possible outcome for ALL parties.”

"I have foreseen this meeting, as shown to me by the Book of Thoth.”

“ “The Book of Thoth’ you say? You read the Word of the god of Wisdom, fellow traveller? I pray that you have interpreted His words correctly.”

"It showed me images of foreign cartomancy; on one side, the Wheel of Fortune, Strength, The Sun, Temperance, and The Hermit gather …”

Luisila pauses. Her mouth hangs open.

Doth he speak of a Harrow Reading? With cards representing: Me? … Cleaver … Aakif … Brachus (for sure!) and possibly Ry …

"A single man watches which I can see from The Tower. …”

Single, eh? I assume Hondu refers to himself …

"Though the Lovers rest fallen in the distance ... What rests in-between fates is The World itself."

WOW! Is he offering the World? If this is a pick-up line … it’s the best I’ve ever heard! And brother, I’ve heard them all!

“Perhaps where the Lovers lie is not as distant as the Lone Watchman thinks. To claim the world, even the best must risk it all! Yet you do not even reveal yourself. You have more than my attention now. A girl has no need of pretty words if they are hollow. What specifically do you propose as a next step?”

Ugh, I just had a thought ... What if he’s gay? His words might be aimed at wooing Brachus or Varg!

Would have the -5, as the minuses (I suspect) are for having glowy-hand issues.

"Reading of the Book is my function. To carry its prophecies of my fate is its purpose." His voice continues to speak without body. "But this tarot meeting is not one of utter peace. It is one that lie in the midst of conflict, though the outcome is uncertain to me."

"Speaking against oppression is only the first step, and yet I only hear from you. What of the others you are having approach? You may as well speak your mind, as hiding from me is useless."

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I'm assuming that Aakif got his spell off successfully.

"We're listening. As Luisila said, we all have choices in life. So.. you knew we were coming? How? Why were you stealing all the cursed items?"

"I am certainly against oppression...."

@Aakif: Nobody interrupts you, at least.

"If what I have said doesn't tell you that already, you may want to ask your associate more about Thoth and his purviews."

"You ask 'why', but I have a feeling you know the answer already. Why would anyone want to recover items that destroy lives? For 'safekeeping'? A facade, clearly. Your superiors are preparing for something by acquiring the lowest-hanging assets within their grasp."

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Aakif whispers "I don't know if he's telling the truth or not... But we're giving him time to prepare by talking. Do you all want to try to talk him down? What if he speaks the truth? Or... We could always try 'Plan B'. Let's face it.... Eventually it always comes back to 'Plan B'.".

Aakif looks around to try to find hidden or invisible objects.

Perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21

Up until this point, Luisila had been seriously considering whether the encounter will be resolved without violence. She makes no effort to lower her voice. "'Agent Sun', it is possible for broad-minded agents and a thinking, flexible opponent to reach an accord without coming to blows."

But then ...

"Your superiors are preparing for something by acquiring the lowest-hanging assets within their grasp."

Aaaaaaak! He' a conspiracy theorist! Oh, and I sooooo wanted to believe his words, I've probably neglected the most telling parts. Thank the goddess, Aakif didn't!

The half-elf turns his words over in her mind, trying to view them from a more shadowy angle. He's preaching 'Make War not Love!' Trying to recruit us into his army to take control of the Society and use its resources to take over the ... same old song.

Luisila mouths Sorry, at the Dawnflower Dissident before setting her game face and preparing to launch an offensive spell.

@GM Burglar, I can't move my token until my Monday morning. I'm thinking with the time that has elapsed our merry band would be pretty close to the doorway of the little room?

Y'all can be anywhere in the red zone, plus the end of the hallway.

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Aakif nods in agreement to Luisila.

"Hopefully we can take him alive and have a nice, big discussion with our superiors. Who knows? We might even get invited to that meeting! Also, I believe we're hearing a projected image, or something similar. Our opponent might be somewhere besides where we hear him to be."

Aakif would like to be farther north, but remain ten feet or so behind Varg. I'll wait and see how far up Varg moves. My plan is to stick close in case Varg needs healing or a flanker.

Varg moves up 7 squares to the space right in front of Aakif.

Someone please move me up.

Ryster follows.

Can't edit map.

Y'all can be anywhere in the red zone, plus the end of the hallway.

Luisila saunters onto the spot the disembodied voice is coming from. Can someone please move me up? Can't edit the map until Monday morn'

"Oh, I've finally reached you, my Lord. It's good to finally meet you, face to face!"

If Hondu's been buffing, I'd like to think Luisila would have cast blessing of fervor this 'turn', GM Burglar.

Brachus follows after the others

Map updated for clarity of squares and because I've finally actually sat down at my computer for the first time in a while.

There has been no casting during the discussion, as "casting in a speaking voice" is a DC at which even the distance you were at is pretty much an auto-succeed for this group. Would have noted such in the actual text, probably with Spellcraft spoilers. Though everyone's pretty much aware that if your minute-long buffs are still going...

Everyone makes their way forward, with no extra things cast and Lu looks into the room, not seeing any new faces.

Neat map, GM Burglar!

After glancing into the room and seeing nothing, Luisila skips 15' to the end of the corridor and then re-traces her steps back to her original spot, making sure Hondu isn't in the passage.

If I was him, I'd be hiding out in that pokey room ... Who am I kiddin'? If it was me, I'd be laying low in a fancy Kalistradan villa in Druma!

"I do NOT have eyes on target. Bray, we might need invisibility purge. Standard entry protocols apply. I am preparing a radiant stun spell. Aakif, do you have a fireball left?"

"A voice coming from no where, seems like a good time for invisibility purge indeed, move over a bit so I can closer"

Following Luisila's suggestion Brachus casts invisibility purge (and takes a look behind him, just to be sure - take 10 for a 26) and then moves forward, following behind Varg to enter the room to cover the entire visible area while he stands in the doorway.

"I am out of that spell.".

Aakif will search for hidden doors, objects, and people, with the assistance of detect magic. Take 10 perception is 30.

Aak: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Bra: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Lui: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Rhy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Varg: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Not Mums: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

The floor of this cool subterranean chamber is formed from the natural bedrock on which the city rests, and the dusty clay bricks of the walls rise up twenty feet. There are several benches and wooden tables here filled with antique relics and scattered paperwork.

Just as the Varg and Brachus combo move forward to encompass the whole room with Cayden Brand Invis-Away, a man is revealed from invisibility as Brachus enters through the doorway! Since everyone was pretty much aware of everyone else and everyone had a conversation (also strangely because Brachus cast before he went in, as odd as that sounds), no surprise round!

Knowledge Arcana to ID effect in progress: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23 Ha, just barely ID's a posthumous Invis Purge. 3rd, level, right?.

INITS!
Brachus (in round 1 of Invis Purge), Aakif
Hondo
Luisila, Rhyster, Varg!

If anyone in the hallway wasn't keeping pace, feel free to move yourselves back a little. Fireball Formation seems to be the standard quo for this group, since you all like touching each other (with spells.)

"Uhm..guys there's a flying bald dude duel wielding some weapons hovering above the ground in the corner of this room...how do we want to deal with this?"

Shame that I already used my fly ..

Brachus then whispers
"I case we end up deciding to deal with this violently...."

Brachus cast a sun metal spell on Varg's weapon (it deals +1d4 fire damage on each hit now for the next 8 rounds)