GM Erich's 7-98 Serpent's Ire for PbP Gameday V (Inactive)

Game Master Thereus, Silver Crusader

Whispering to Zurnzal "Interesting development here. How unfortunate if she were to meet an untimely end, but she may prove useful yet. Eramay, I may be able to help with communicating."

Rataji casts message and points at each of the members of the party.

Seeing nothing of interest at the Shrine, Shohiraj will wave at the others and motion that she's going to go scout out the Manor. Sticking to the shadows she carefully heads towards the Manor, keeping her eyes and ears open as usual.

Scouting out the Manor, she gets an auto check when she comes within 10' of a trap. +22 to see traps. I'm pretty sure alarms and wards count as magical traps right?

Falth attempts to create hazards within the temple, but comes out with a feeling he may have actually made it safer.

Zurnzal follows the real Joliryn to one of the barracks, where he spies on her taking a rest on a bunk, reading a book.

Shohiraj moves to the gate. It appears to be locked with a rather nice keyed lock. The walls are scalable, but it would take extra effort to remain hidden doing that, she thinks. The door itself doesn't seem to be trapped.

The party is now linked with the message spell.

In order to finish up this phase...

Thestil feel free to act as Joliryn if you wish to do something sneaky.

Shohiraj can finish your action near the gate.

Rataji, you still have time for a major action.

Eramay, Zurnzal, and Falth, you still have time for a minor action.

Falth spends a little time scouting the area looking for livestock.

"Surely they must have some - cows for milking or sheep for keeping the grass short..." he mutters to himself.

She'll go around the entire building checking it out, looking for additional entrances, sections of wall that are more hidden than others... ones that don't face the compound and that may not have many windows looking out on. Sections of wall that may be easier to climb. Listening to any possible goings on inside the walls. Then head back to the group.

"Unless someone has another way in, I could definitely get us inside, but it would be far less noticeable if we did it around dusk than the middle of the day. From the looks of that temple, I'd hate to see what they did to dole out pain here."

On his way back to the group, Zurnzal looks around the processing buildings (#4).

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

"Why don't we just go around the back and over the wall there?" asks the Tiefling, unimpressed with wanting to wait.

Rataji will gather more information from the local populace.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28

Thestil waits for a minute, then enters the building she saw Joliryn leave previously.

Not sneaking, just walking in.

Keeping an eye on things.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28

Zurnzal checks the processing buildings out through the windows. In both, it seems there are workers mixing reagents on lab-like settings. It is clear that one is in charge.

Shohiraj scans the perimeter of the manor compound. There are no exterior windows, but the ten-foot walls near the gate (and directly across from it) are definitely scalable.

Falth quickly finds some livestock (cows to be exact) in the warehouse/barn.

Rataji overhears two workers near the residences, grabbing a snack from the kitchen.
"Do you know that new halfling that just returned? She thinks she's next in line here."
"Yeah, she's especially cruel. She beat Ingax with the butt of her sword the other day just for looking at her too long."

As Eramay continues to watch, she notices a couple of the workers in the warehouse are watching her, but casually turn around when spotted.

Thestil, in order to enter the manor (where Joliryn exited) you will either have to enter the locked gate or climb the wall.

Pending Thestil's action, that is the end of Phase II, let me know what you want to do for Phase III. Stealth roll if needed to avoid attention.

Thestil moves over to the locked gate and investigates.

Okay, so there's not a door to try, just the locked gate? Does it look like I could knock anywhere and act like I forgot my key? I do have one dimension door use for the day, but want to make sure we have a plan first. Getting in, without being able to let the others in, wouldn't really help us.

Falth smiles to himself as he spots the cows.

Slipping into the bard. Slipping in he arranges flint, steel, oil and several bales of hay in a manner that... if circumstances turned out just right... might lead to a very unfortunate accident. A cow might accidentally catch fire. And the bard burn down. Horrible thing to happen to such nice people. Horrible, and very accidental.

craft(trap): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

The gate itself could be knocked on, as a matter of fact, that is how Joliryn would probably have to reenter the manor.

Thestil reports back to the others, and lets them know she could probably knock on the gate to get inside. Perhaps she could even get the others in, acting as Joliryn, but they would need a good reason.

"Perhaps this is our chance to use the state inspector rouse? Or I can try getting everyone in over the wall in the back, while you distract them at the front of the gate to let you back inside."

"Before you go over, I have a scroll that will turn you into a veritable 'spider on the wall'."

I can activate a scroll of Spider Climb without fail. Or we can save it for later.

Stealth to not be observed this phase: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (18) - 3 = 15

Stealth take ten for 28 for not being observed in earlier actions

Shohiraj will take ten on stealth for a 26. If Thestil wishes to distract at the front gate then delay these actions until the distraction.

"Save it Eramay, I've had a lot of practice climbing, I'll be fine. I'll climb up then lower a rope for the rest of you. Be careful to stay hidden as best you can. It may help if Thestil heads to the front gate to be let in and distract any guards. We must be silent, this is a bad position to be caught in.. inside walls."

Shohiraj will take out a suitable length of silk rope and attach it to a grappling hook. She then takes a few steps forward, jumps up and climbs up and over the wall in a matter of seconds. A knotted rope drops down a few moments later.

Let's go with Shohirajj's plan, then. I'll distract at the front gate while the others climb over.

Thestil nods in agreement. "I'm a great distraction," she says. "Just be ready when I knock."

She head back over to the front gate, and once the others are in position and give the signal, rattles the gate.

"Hey, I forgot something!" she yells.

Zurnzal and Rataji, do you want to go with Shohiraj and Eramay, or do you have other intents?

When Shohiraj peers over the wall on the far side of the complex, she sees a rather expansive courtyard. new map available for when you eventually enter

Flowering thorn bushes grow from elevated planters set all around, but the central feature is a rectangular pond flanked by eyeless angels. About a dozen koi fish lazily circulate about the pond, and a handful of crows amble about the perimeter of the compound.

Shohiraj vs the crows: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Zurnzal shrugs his shoulders in indifference. "Go ahead. I'll be here if you need me," he says to Shohiraj as he waits for her to climb over the wall. He listens for any sign she may need help.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

I'd like to go with them

Shohiraj will peek her head back over the wall to the others below and describe the scene. "There are a bunch of crows around. Crows can make lots of noise when bothered but I'm sure they can also be distracted by food or maybe a large bird of prey flying overhead? Unless one of you is a 'bird talker' figure out something so they don't give us away!"

Then she goes back to hiding and waiting to hear something from the front gate.

There are a few minutes of patient waiting until the front door of the manor a opens and a harsh-faced woman strides out and heads to the gate. She fumbles at her waist for a key and then unlocks the gate. She swings it open to see...Shohiraj?

disguise (as Shohiraj): 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (7) + 35 = 42
perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

"Forgot something? Of course you did. Well, you are just going to have to stay here til I get back. I need to tell Thraxsom about the water gatherers. I'll be back in half an hour, or less."

With that she lets Shohiraj in and stands waiting to close the gate behind her. After a moment, she impatiently adds.

"Well hurry up, my mind is clouded enough. Get in the manor, and don't come out til I return."

She seems to be waiting for Thestil to enter the manor before she heads out into the fields and locks the gate behind her.

I think you mean Joliryn?

Point taken.

Once she hears the gate open and close Shohiraj will secure the grappling hook and drop down the knotted rope, waving up the others. "Quickly and silently!" Once they are all in she removes the hook and stows it and the rope in a bush nearby after climbing down.

She sneaks towards the front of the building to assess the situation, ready to wave forward the others as they hopefully wait for her signal. She takes note of any other possible entrances to the building as well as anything that stands out as peculiar. Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

From now on unless of course we're in combat, I'll just take 10 on stealth checks for a 26. If there is a roll that you need me to make that I can take 10 on feel free to do that as well to speed things up.

Thestil nods and closes the gate after the woman.

We haven't much time should she run into the real Joliryn.

The doppelganger turns on her heel and walks toward the manor.

Once the woman is gone, I'll give an all-clear signal to the others via the message cantrip.

Climb up rope: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Once on the other side, Eramay remains cautiously behind Shohiraj.

"We shall rely on your expertise. Our paychecks count on it," Eramay chuckles. "Let's hope that in her haste, she didn't re-arm anything."

Curiously, the woman waits to watch Joilryn enter the manor, then locks the gate and leaves.

After she does, the message cantrip spurs everyone else into action, and you clamber over the fence. As Shohiraj nears the fountain area, she realizes why the lady watched Thestil (Joliryn) enter the manor, and perhaps why the crows avoided this area. Some sort of alarm spell, but that is no trouble for her to deal with at all.

perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32
disable: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (3) + 24 = 27 whew, close

When the group enters the manor, the entry is strange, to say the least.

Half a dozen upholstered sofas make a lazy circle around the middle of this high-peaked hall. A broad, brass brazier smolders with banked coals. Thin tapestries in bold, dark colors hang from the walls, as well as tall mirrors to the north and south. Overhead, a curious chandelier of coarse crystal and twisted, inhuman, metallic arms radiates light from a handful of glowing stones.

As you quickly search the room for any clues or hidden entrances, several of you spot strange images in the mirrors about the room, the images form directly behind each of you and are strangely prescient. When Zurnzal sees his reflection, a thorn covered vine stretches toward an overhead view of Wirholt's Rictus. Except Rataji views a Mwangi-faced coin bouncing in the manor courtyard instead. Thestil sees a picture frame with rapidly cycling images of everyone she has ever impersonated while Eramay envisions a thick coil of snakes, wet with acid that spills and burns the ground. Falth sees a glowing ball of fire racing toward the fields, destroying everything in its wake. Shohiraj spots an inky shadow pausing and slinking through the trees toward the plantation.

As you all peer at the images, your minds fill with another singular image, that of a bird’s eye view of Wirholt’s Rictus as a set of manacles draws tight around the image like a noose.

Suddenly, each of the symbolic representations you saw in the mirrors breaks those chains, and the plantation falls into chaos as fires break out and all sorts of monsters surge from the manor into the wilderness.

After a pause, you all envision a series of timepieces breaking... an hourglasses cracking, a sundial snapping in two. Then there is silence in the room and in your own minds.

Let me know how you want to interact with the last "spoiler", if at all.

Falth smiles. "I like this place."

He thinks for a bit "Does the mirrors tell of monsters hidden below do you think? It would be very unfortunate if they were released in a terrible accident."

Zurnzal shakes his head as if to clear it. He then looks over to Rataji. "Any idea what that was?" he asks.

"Prophecy can be a powerful driving force, for those that believe in it. Judging by the destruction of those timepieces, I'd say we should probably find this entrance and complete our mission. Quickly."

Eramay will spend 1 minute laying out a plan of what to do should we encounter danger.

Within the next hour, if we should engage in combat, everyone gains the teamwork feat Escape Route for 8 minutes.

Shojiraj looks away, and moves out from in front of the mirror quickly. "What sort of magic tricks or traps are these mirrors playing Rataji?" She whispers. "Don't forget there could be others still in here so be quiet and leave things as you find them!"

Assuming their searches turn up nothing else of interest, she'll work her way down the southern hallway continuing the search for clues quietly as she goes.

Falth... who had been eyeing up the mirrors for potential to shatter... accidently... looks up a little surprised.

"What does prophesy have to do with it..." he asks. His hands, which had been reaching out are quickly brought back to his side at Sho's words.

Thestil nods at Emaray.

"What we have come to do, we must do quickly," she says as she begins searching for the entrance.

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

The group fans out looking for the entrance below. Like the two other well-appointed bedrooms in the manor, this chamber has a canopy bed, a table, fireplace, and several shelves. Unlike the other rooms, this spare bedroom rarely sees use.

As Thestil peers into the room, she finds seams and inset hinges in the bed’s frame that allow it to fold up against the east wall like an accordion to reveal a steel trapdoor set into a reinforced frame. More than that, she also finds a hidden catch activated by shifting the fireplace’s iron log holder in several different directions, like solving a puzzle. This catch causes the bed to retract on its own.

Shohiraj moves quickly to examine the trapdoor, it is apparent this is not only the way into the deep they were looking for but that it is guarded by an ingenious trap. Cautiously she works on it, until she dismantles the poisonous vial and its trigger.

perception Shohiraj: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28
disable Shohiraj: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (16) + 24 = 40

Shohiraj whispers to Thestil "Great find. I'll get this opened up, tell the others."

Once the others have gathered "This looks like the way down, and it was well trapped. That woman could be back at any time, while I'd rather just sneak down here I know that in the long run that won't work. She'll come back and either Thestil is gone or has to stay and won't be able to join us. It may be best if an ambush is set up." She pauses "A QUIET ambush."

She looks around the group, stopping at Eramay "If anyone has any better ideas lets hear them. Otherwise we should scout out the rest of the house quickly before she gets back so we aren't surprised by anything when she returns."

"If ambushing and interrogating her is what we're interested in, I'm certainly skilled at apprehending people. Nonlethally."

"On the other hand, we've left no trace of our visit here. If you can re-arm this trap after we descend, it could confirm that nobody went this way. And the only one who would be thought of as suspicious is the Halfling."

"Either way, our cover will likely be blown if we proceed below, so remember what we're here for..."

Eramay draws out and prominently displays her Silver Aspis Badge.

While her badge is visible, allies within 30ft gain a +3 morale bonus on saves against Charm, Compulsion, Fear and a +2 morale bonus on attacks against the target of her challenge.

"...Nobody messes with the Aspis Consortium, and gets away with it."

Thestil purses her lips as she considers their options.

"I think we should press forward without delay. Reset the trap and the secret door and investigate while we have time. She may think I've gone somewhere else in the compound, rather than down here. Or, she may have already found the other me somewhere else and be coming back. Regardless, I think we need to get this done quickly."

"If we are to leave a message that people don't &^%%$! with the Aspis, it will be plenty evident someone has been here..." notes Falth.

He doesn't seem upset at the idea, not one little bit.

Shohiraj looks at Thestil and shakes her head. "I have no interest in heading down unknown stairs and locking ourselves in with no known way to escape. At some point, in less than half an hour that woman will return and know something's wrong and the first thing she'll do is head down to investigate.. likely with help. That there is a death trap for us. Ambush her and question her, and do what must be done, just leave my name out of it."

She then turns to Rataji again while making sure her disguise is still in place "What is going on with those mirrors? They make me very nervous..."

The group carefully searches the manor in the lady's absence, but finds nothing more than a few mundane baubles and trinkets. After a half an hour she has still not returned.

Sure wish our magic user would chime in

Thestil shrugs at Shohirajj, unaccustomed to waiting around while she could be taking action.

"She likely ran into the other 'me' somewhere else and realized something was wrong. Now she'll bring down the whole camp on us here, while we could have been in and out. She's not coming back...what now?"

While waiting for the Leader or the former leader to make up their minds, Falth looks around for accidents that might happen.

All those mirrors and crystals. Today might be a bad day for reflective surfaces...

He quietly adjusts them so... if one were unlucky... they might fall.

craft(trap): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34

Eramay makes her reflection visible to the Tiefling as he begins to work his trade.

"Maybe not here? We may still have to come back this way..."

"There are windows, and other doors. I can point out places not to walk. I hardly want to have an accident myself do I?"

Then he remembers why he has time on his hands.

"When we going down?"

Rataji considers the chandelier creature once again.

knowledge planes for Rataji: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

Rataji recognizes the creature easily as the guardian of the duality between freedom and fate. He will also realize it is immune to cold, critical hits, and poison, resistant to electric and fire, and has spell resistance. Quite formidable, but also generally neutral with its outlook. Feel free to interact with it, or move into the cellars. It really doesn't look like the lady of the house is returning anytime soon. Hint, hint.