GM Chadius's Gameday VI: 8-05 Ungrounded But Unbroken (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

Yeah, if have neither skill you should still try to make the DC 10 check. There's more to this module than basic training, but the start is very skill heavy.

Robyyn's eyes light up. Finally! So there is some appreciation in this troop for knowledge and study.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

"Normally, if you're fighting fire elementals or salamanders, you've already taken precautions to become resistant against their flame attacks. If not, though, once burned, there's not much you can do except to use magical healing. If you're still alight from the attack, of course, and the flames won't go out, you simply drop to the ground and roll; the flames will be extinguished!"

He listens to her follow up question, and another grin grows.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

"Captain, while you may have tripped me up with a question about fire elementals, you surely realize that I'd have studied up on the Elemental Plane of Earth before a trip here. A shaitan's Stone Curse would absolutely be effective against a smaller foe. At its core, the Stone Curse is a simple Bull Rush attack; those are only ineffective against foes that are signicantly larger than you. Smaller foes would be vulnerable."

Robyyn tries to hide it, but he is beaming for the first time since they moved into the troop quarters.

Damien looks at Robyyn in awe. "Look at mistur big werds over here," the halfling quips. "Knows all about salamanders and fire elementals and stuff. Smart guy, eh? Bet yer a real hit with the ladies!"

Kn (planes) untrained: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

Damien squints, his face beaming red as he desperately tries to remember something intelligent...

Kn (planes) untrained: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18

... He releases his breath in a ahhh, a flash of insight washing over his face as he remembers something!

Xabala nods her head as Robyyn recites his knowledge then adds in some of her own. "Utilizing environmental factors may also be in your benefit. Obviously water elementals can douse flames with ease, but stationary pools of water and even magic are effective tools to stop even an elemental's fiery wrath. Large, contiguous pieces of damp vegetation, like the kind found in the Mwangi Expanse, can be used as a blanket to assist in smothering the flames as well."

"Damien! Everyone has their place and it is through our teamwork and versatility in skills that allow us to prevail over all threats. You would do well to expand your knowledge base by learning from him rather than teasing him," she lectures with a scowl and her arms crossed.

When conversation turns to Shaitans, she looks down in shame. "Captain, I must regretfully admit that despite my connection to the Plane of Earth that the abilities of Shaitans are not my area of expertise. Even I can learn something from Robyyn and I've spent years learning about Outsiders as well!"
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Prof. Soldier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Prof. Soldier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Seeing the resident intelligentsia handle the test, Durandal nods in agreement, not having much more to add. "That all seems correct to me, Captain. We do have a couple smart ones on deck."

"Aw, man, yer right, miss," Damien says to Xabala, again feeling some remorse having poked at Robyyn. "I wish I knew as much as him. I'm just feelin' a little useless here. It's like the Captain said: stupid and unprepared! Gah. Wait till I'm chargin' at one of these fire elementals, lance pointed at its head..." The halfling grins mischievously, thirsty for some real combat.

Botting Gili.

Knowledge(Plains): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Gili has no idea what the Captain wants with the first question, but the second question is no problem.

Captain Othis grins as the question stumps most of you, but enough of you are able to answer something to wipe that smile off her face. ”I am… impressed with your answers. You clearly did some homework before coming here. Consider yourself successful.”

As Robyyn not only answers the first question but goes into detail to answer the second, she can barely contain her rage. ”Well! Aren’t you the smart one?” Captain Othis seems angrier than usual; you ruined her fun. ”Don’t get cocky with me, I saw you struggle through the obstacle course! Back to the Mess Hall- you’ll be peeling potatoes for the Ungrounded during dinner.”

Thanks to your correct answers, you have earned a success point!

After dinner you are led to her office. ”Alright. day one complete, Pathfinders. I’ll be at your room at 2130 hours, and you had better be ready for bed. This is it for the next week. Either you graduate basic training, or Reyshal is dragging you back to whatever mudhole you crawled out of. Understood?” She doesn’t wait for your acknowledgement and simply dismisses you from her office.

"And go talk to the medic, Locasta, you look like you climbed out of a rockslide."

That’s day one. You’ll go through 6 more days of general training and practice. Is there anything you’d like to do in the meantime or should I fast travel to the end of the week? Interested in sneaking into the Captain’s office at night?

You are fully healed, by the way.

Robyyn's pleasure is immediately wiped off his face; the little favor the Captain had gained in his eyes immediately gone, replaced with an even greater anger than he'd had previously. You can't win with this one. Do poorly, get yelled at. Do well, get yelled at.

Robyyn makes sure, however, that his bunk in the quarters is ready for presentation when the Captain comes by that night.
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Robyyn is definitely pissed enough that he'd have no reservations about breaking into her office.

"Well we have a week of this it seems. Anyone else want to try and take a' look in our fearless leaders office? This who thing feels a little off to me."

Clearly Herman is looking for something other then the training to take his mind off of things.

Xabala is speechless as Robyyn gets reamed for an exemplary performance. How can she punish him for doing well? She should be rewarding him for the results of his hard work!

During dinner, she stares at Robbyn's seat with disappointment and does her best to stow food in her pockets for him.

"Robyyn, a word," she informs him once they are in their room. "Your punishment is unjust, I'm sorry you had to go through that. Don't let it crush your passion for knowledge. It isn't much, but I was able to bring some food for you," she says while handing him her pocket's contents.

"If you wish to investigate after hours, I will have no part of it and will remain here," she comments while cleaning her room.
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Xabala won't have anything to do with sneaking into an office, but the way the Captain has been treating her allies, she wont do anything to stop others from doing so in the name of exposing a rat. After looking at the office, I have no problem fast forwarding.

Hmm wrote my post in word and must have only copied part of it over. Please disregard my earlier partial post.

Not happy to be called out but knowing that he is quite banned up Herman will follow the instructions.

"I appreciative your lack of desire to actually kill a Pathfinder. I will head to medical."

IF he is out in time for dinner he eats quickly and offers to help peel potatos with Robynn. Once back to the room he will bring up some optional thoughts.

"Well we have a week of this it seems. Anyone else want to try and take a' look in our fearless leaders office? This who thing feels a little off to me."

Clearly Herman is looking for something other then the training to take his mind off of things.

Sounds like Xabala will stay while Robyyn and Herman want to go. What about the rest of you? If you do decide to sneak around, here are the options you can take.

Dell Darkblade told you Captain Othis’s stays in her office unless she is eating dinner or resting in her private quarters. And when she’s not in her office, the door is locked.

Will you look before dinner? Or after?

Damien considers the idea of sneaking into the office, but doesn't like it. He was here to prove himself, not ransack the Captain's space. Besides, he'd already angered Xabala and Durandal enough, and he felt he should stay out of trouble. "Yeah, Ruby and I will stick with you," Damien says to Xabala and anyone else staying behind. "Not gunna risk it. Doesn't seem right. 'Sides, what could be in there?"

Durandal seems to understand the Captain's punishment for Robbyn. "Punishment isn't always fair as life isn't always fair, however this does not mean that we should illicitly destroy the Pathfinder relationship with the Ungrounded."

"Given that it is unlikely for me to change my mind and that I have no allegiance to the Ungrounded, I won't stop you, but I won't participate." he says firmly after Damien and Xabala decide to stay.

Looking to Herman, Durandal asks. "How does this feel off?"

Prof. Soldier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 Does this feel off from a soldier's perspective?

Durandal wonders if her anger was a reminder that life wasn't always fair, but some part of him thinks Robyyn's correct answers really did ruin her fun. She should have been more professional.

Herman and Robyyn decide to sneak into Captain Othis's office as the others follow protocol and evade her wrath.

Dell Darkblade told you Captain Othis’s stays in her office unless she is eating dinner or resting in her private quarters. And when she’s not in her office, the door is locked.

Herman, Robyyn: Will you look before dinner? Or after?

When only Herman seems interested in getting back at Captain Oat-face somehow, Robyyn seems to second guess his thoughts. "Herman, do we really want to do this? Without the cooperation of the other Pathfinders, I'm worried that we'll get caught."

(Untrained in DD and a negative modifier in Bluff. If you've got a plan, Robyyn's still on board, but his ability to assist was in doing things like using Ayrii to set a watch. He doesn't have the skills to take lead on any of this.)

Thinking that just the two of them doing this is a bad idea Herman addresses the group when they are all together.

"I understand why you do not want to participate but be honest, does this feel right? Basic training is one thing but these challenges are rigged to cause harm. Do none of you think there is more at play here?"

He looks around the room and hr think the pieces may be coming together in his head.

"This is a mercenary group could it be that they see the pathfinder society as a threat to their business? Close ties between us and the empire may make less need for mercenaries."

Another pause.

"Maybe I am wrong and I guess I can't risk getting the Society in trouble unless we all have questions."

Gili is also reluctant to sneak in, knowing his skills aren't a good fit for such tactics. "I can accompany you there and perhaps cause a distraction if you want. But let's eat first- maybe the captain will be sleepy after dinner."

I don't have DD but it seems like it's probably a good idea to try one method or another. My vote would be distract the captain after dinner.

You can try to distract the captain to buy some time, or you can abort plans for now and I can move onto the next week.

There will be more time sneak in, at a later date. For now I'll assume you don't sneak in.

It’s been a long week of training drills, scrubbing floors, and peeling potatoes. But finally, it’s time for your next major task. Captain Othis orders you to the training yard.

Just outside the mess hall, an oval of hard-packed dirt surrounds four columns made of black stone. Gray stone benches encircle the training ground, providing a clear view for nonexistent spectators. A raised balcony made of blue and purple crystal emerges from the stands. Dummies made of stuffed burlap sacks affixed to posts are scattered throughout the field, some wearing crudely painted smiles and posed in offensive gestures. Captain Othis stands in the crystal balcony, a mischievous grin on her usually stern face.

”Alright. It’s time for you to spar with another group of recent recruits. Spells, potions, and other combat-enhancers is forbidden. Both groups will not use lethal force or face the consequences.”

She leads you to a rack of blunted simple and martial weapons. ”These hit just as hard as normal weapons, you don’t need to check your swing.”

Anyone who uses these blunted weapons do not take a penalty for dealing nonlethal damage.

”Fight until they surrender or are knocked unconscious. Begin!” Captain Othis raises her hand, declaring the start of the fight.

Dell Darkblade and other recruits raise their weapons, feebly. ”B-b-best of luck to you.”

Feel free to rearrange yourselves on slide 1.

Round 1
Herman
Recruits
Durandal
Annuit
Xabala
Damien
Robyyn

Herman's reactions kick in before the others do. What is his next move?

Herman would have asked about blunt arrows as soon as the rules were laid out. If not he will snap off a few arrow heads to make blunt arrows if allowed. Failing that he grabs a blunted scimitar.

Herman senses hesitation in the red-sashed recruit. He quickly finds a weakpoint in his armor and fires a blunt arrow at the flatfooted target. Direct Hit!

The recruits close in, wielding blunted scimitars. One of them strikes at Damien, the other at Xabala.

Red vs FF Damien: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Nonlethal Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Blue vs FF Xabala: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Nonlethal Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Damien's armor and size protect him, but Xabala is caught off guard. A powdery black dust comes off the blunt scimitar, making her a bit sleepy...

I need a DC 13 Fort Save against poison, Xabala

Round 1
Recruits (Red solid hit)
Durandal
Annuit
Xabala (3 NL, Fort Save DC 13 needed)
Damien
Robyyn

Round 2
Herman

Party is up.

The unexpected strike almost causes Xabala to blackout, but she manages to pull it together. That was strange...

Composing herself, she takes a step back next to Durandal and fires a shot at her assailant. "Let's show these mercenaries how to fight!"
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Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 (to notice powder)

Robyyn hoists the light crossbow that he selected. He takes a step back to get some separation, and lines it up with one of his opponents in the back. He takes aim, and lets a bolt loose. I don't know what this stupid Captain means to achieve by this. She's completely ruled out any skill I have in combat. My being here only hampers this team if I'm not allowed to use my mind in the real way that it works.

FYI- You have me listed as Annuit in the initiative list but I switched characters. Also, would it be possible for you to post a direct link to the maps which doesn't go through tinyurl.com? My browser is having problems with their cert.

Damien watches as the recruit strikes back at him, and fails. Bending forward, he sticks his tongue out and laughs at the attack. "Consider yerself lucky that I haven't got my lance. Let me show you how to use that weapon o' yers!" Using the blunt rapier he had picked up, Damien swings back at the recruit with the side of his blade.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 241d10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Nonlethal
Crit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 241d10 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

"Told ya not ta mess with Marx!"

"This is yet another pointless exercise."

Herman switches his aim to the same attaker Robyyn fired at and considers the target before firing.

Longbow: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 1 = 9

Twirling his oddly weighted spear around, Durandal grins. "Alright... A straight up brawl." he says as he spins the blunted longspear with sheer strength, his muscles flexing.

Seeing Xabala looking to work with him, he steps forward and attempts to slam the blunted longspear into the warrior with a blue tunic. "Better surrender now, unless you want to end up unconscious!" he taunts.

Longspear @ Blue: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Gili, I've updated the link so it points directly at Google Drive. Please tell me if it's still not working.

Xabala sees the powder wipe off the blade and onto her skin. Her sudden wooziness is brief, however, and she counterattacks, shooting the Blue-belted assailant.

Damien shows the recruit how it's done, and floors him with a single swing of his blade. Captain Othis's scowl only makes the blow more impressive.

Robyyn wonders when his skills will be truly used to their full extent, and shoots Dell Darkblade, almost hitting his black visor. Herman, also bored, backs him up and shoots Dell again. Dell drops his weapons. "I-I surrender! I'll pass out if I do anything at this rate..."

"What are you doing?" Captain Othis blurts out before composing herself. "Dell, I am disappointed..."

Durandal thrusts, but he is unable to pierce the armor.

Round 1
Recruits (Blue solid hit 10 NL)
Durandal
Gili
Xabala (3 NL)
Damien
Robyyn

Round 2
Herman

Gili to finish the round. You made quick work of these guys.

Durandal scowls. "We are allowed to wear armor?" he says, knowing that he's not very proficient in armor, but hoping to play it off.

You made quick work of these guys.

I found it amusing that I had Robyyn complaining about being ineffective, then nailed the crossbow attack, and then Herman followed up doing the exact same thing!

Not that it will stop Robyyn's grumbling.... ;)

Thanks, that works much better! :D

Gili calls on the Wet One to storm the blue recruit into submission.

Using storm burst. Deals nonlethal damage always. Also the target gets -2 to attack for 1 round.

ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
nonlethal: 1d6 ⇒ 5

As Gili's gust of wind misses the recruit, Captain Othis gives him a look. "W-was that magic? I'd better not see that again." She has no magic training, but she does seem concerned.

Meanwhile, the blue and yellow recruits see Durandal and Xabala within reach. The blue-belted recruit waves the yellow booted one over first and tries to flank.
Target Even is Xabala, Odd is Durandal: 1d2 ⇒ 1

They set their sights on Durandal. The yellow one advances, provoking an attack. One she gets close enough, she lands a solid strike on Durandal. Black powder seeps off the blade and into his wound.
Yellow vs Durandal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Fort Save, DC 13 vs poison, please!

Noting the ranged weapons, the blue soldier walks into flanking position and tries to surround Durandal, clobbering him with the dented blade. No more powder on this blade, but this hit Xabala before.
Blue vs Durandal, Flanking: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Round 2
Recruits (Yellow dashed hit, Blue solid hit 10 NL)
Durandal (7 NL, AoO vs Yellow then Blue, Fort Save DC 13 vs Poison)
Gili
Xabala (3 NL)
Damien
Robyyn

Round 3
Herman

Okay, you guys are up next..

Robyyn's ears perk up at the Captain's admonishment to Gili. She couldn't tell if that was magic. I wonder if she would recognize a hex, or if that would go unnoticed?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 (Robyyn is trying to get an idea on whether the Captain would recognize an Evil Eye hex, as outwardly it would probably just appear to be a malicious stare.)

Actions to follow

Heh I forgot about the no-magic rule.

Feeling thoroughly admonished, Gili croaks, "I merely prayed, my lady."

He retrieves his sling and finds a likely looking stone, then flings it at the blue recruit's hand.

sling-into melee-nonlethal: 1d20 + 4 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 - 4 - 4 = 4
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

"Excellent work, swarm them!" Xabala calls out as she fires a shot at the mercenary closest to her.
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[spoiler=Rolls]
Longbow (PBS, Firing into Melee) vs Blue: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 - 4 = 171d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Xabala's blunt arrow knocks out the Blue recruit. There's just one left! Robyyn isn't sure if she would recognize a hex.

"YEAH! Swarm them!" Damien excitedly calls, urging Ruby ahead and swinging the side of his blade against the final recruit.

Greatsword, nonlethal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 241d10 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

WIth a sigh Herman studies his last target and lets fly a blunt arrow.

Longbow: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 1 = 9

Assuming that misses.

Herman notches a real arrow, drops his head and speaks just loud enough to be heard.

"Captain, none of this feels right. Exactly is the game here then?"

Durandal takes a swing at the approaching enemies, hoping to take one out before they can attack.

AoO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 I'm very consistent with my rolls, apparently.

His blow goes wide as his training keeps his movements too similar to the first strike.

As the two enemies beat him, he feels the effects of poison enter his system.

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Durandal drops to the ground and passes out. The longspear clatters to the floor and rolls towards Xabala's feet.

Durandal collapses under the recruits's onslaught. Captain Othis almost cheers before Herman's blunt question catches her attention. "You're not going to slice throats every day in the Ungrounded."

Robyyn to finish the round.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 what knocked Durandal out?

It's not clear to you, it seems like Durandal was simply overpowered by two scimitars. Xabala and Durandal know the blades have something on them.

Robyyn locks eyes with the final foe, using the force of his will to debilitate the man's defenses. He moves around, leaning into his already established physical deficiencies to make it look like he can't find a clear shot. "I can't get a good line on him; I'll hit one of you!"

Damien runs up and clobbers the last recruit, but he's still standing.
Yellow's Will Save: 1d20 ⇒ 19
A feeling of dread washes over him, but it's brief. He decides to lock blades with Damien. This swing is very accurate, although not critical.

Scimitar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Crit?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Round 3
Recruits (Yellow dashed hit)
Durandal (7 NL, Unconscious 9 rounds)
Gili
Xabala (3 NL)
Damien (3 NL)
Robyyn

Round 4
Herman

One left, let's wrap this up.

"Let's end this little match!" Xabala says as she fires another blunted arrow .
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