GM Fuzzfoot's #13 - The Prince of Augustana (Std, Tier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master PJP

Haska looks over Shlevin's shoulder and remarks, "Maybe you should add a little more alkali to the mixer after it changes color?" "Not to tell you your business..."

craft alchemy to aid Shlevin: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
craft alchemy to aid Shlevin again: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Well, I couldn't aid the first one, but helped a little on the second. Sorry, the dice roller deserted me.

"Ah, that just made it worse." "Sorry I will watch closer this time." "That is better."

"This is like my birthday...all these goodies for us."

Haska will take one flask of acid, 2 alchemist fires, a tanglefoot bag, and one of the tonics.

Edit: Wait I forgot the +2 for the alchemy set. SO.. I would have aided both times. But I am not sure about the time involved.

I was under the impression that without swift alchemy that yes, it took a while. There are some items that can be crafted in an hour or so. (I thought Johnn knew something I didn't.) Plus the wording with the alchemy material just seemed like this was an exception. Like he had some things partially prepared. Or was the gold value meant for something else? I took it as that much worth of material was ready for mixture. It makes more sense that it'd just be to sell later.

I don't think we want to wait in the den of our enemies crafting items for hours. Let's cram the stuff in treasure bags and move on.

"I think we should search these guys and then continue on or we will loose our element of surprise." "Let's bag this stuff including the notes...what's left of them anyway...(sorry!)... and move out."

Agreed. If it's not a ten or twenty minute ordeal I'll just skip my crafting and we can just split the material later. Shlevin does still skim the book while everyone searches and whatnot (Idk if a check is needed) and then reads more thoroughly as they walk.

Lady Finley will reload her crossbow, and let the others decide what to do with the alchemical supplies."Seems like a holiday for all if you, but we are searching for someone."

I think the confusion arose because I wanted to do accelerated alchemy, without realizing that it required feats, after looking (quickly) over the updated rules, we could do it, but at a -10 or more penalty, or that's what I could gather...

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Also, just to be clear, any treasure you find is only usable during this adventure. At the end of the scenario, it all goes away (although you are allowed to buy-back things listed on your chronicle sheet. So the value here is really just for flavor (or if you were playing this scenario not as PFS). The nice thing, though, is here's a bunch of otherwise expensive stuff you can use and not worry about it!

After collecting what you want, you continue your search.

Ahead is a junction where a smaller sewer line once joined the main passage. The ceiling of the smaller passage partially collapsed, filling most of that tunnel with rubble. The surface of the rubble pile seems to shift strangely and closer examination reveals thousands of tiny vermin fleeing into cracks and shadows.

perc: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Giovanni moves to the front of the group and takes a look around.

eng: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
dung: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Looks like we might be dealing with some hazards here. That hole up there could expel gas.

"We must be careful then. Should we retreat and let our bomb throwing friends try to clear the gas with an explosion?" she looks confused at things like dungeons.

"The small tunnel is safe from cave-ins now. Only all the creepy crawlies and gas. Luckily for you guys, two of your group mates are perfect for the job. I say let's blow it. There may be less resistance that way since it's been collapsed. I vote small tunnel, it worked out well last time."

Knowledge (Engineering): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Not sure if it's relevant but Shlevin is making a map as they go down the sewer in case they need a reference on the return trip. And to sell/give to the city when they get back.

"I would advise, my friends, perhaps not using any fire if we're swarmed, yes?" Sumil says, staring at the ceiling dubiously.

"I understand Lady Finley's intent, but I at least do not know how big the explosion might be, or how many ears may hear it. We are here to route the Wyverns, but I would like to keep the number of thugs we fight reasonable, no?"

Sumil renews the light spell on his sword, but waits for Giovanni to move first, to see if the tunnel collapses on his head.

If the alchemists do in fact move to blow the tunnel, Sumil will retreat to what he presumes is a safe distance.

Suits me. Bomber brigade, if you please.

Giovanni waves them forward and steps back into the group.

"I'm sorry Sumil, I can't turn down the opportunity for an explosion. Instead of a bomb though let's just try and light it and hopefully it'll just burn it off instead of creating a blast." Once everyone is a safe distance Shlevin lights a torch and throws it toward the passage. Eager to see what happens next.

"For the record, I am not always for blowing things up. This situation is fifty/fifty with me. I don't like announcing our presence. But gas can be dangerous too."

"I'm sorry Sumil, I can't turn down the opportunity for an explosion."

"We are what the gods make us. Do what you must my friend." The occultist makes a quick sign of reverence to Desna as he walks to the back, thankful that at least Haska shares his concerns.

Everyone stays back as Shlevin tries to throw a torch.

Throw: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 3 - 2 = 16

As Shlevin approaches, as swarm of thousands of beetles scurry out to attack, but the throw is well aimed and from a safe distance. A huge fireball erupts (20 ft radius).

Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8
Reflex Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

We will treat that as the surprise round.

Round 1: (Bold may act)
John, Giovanni, Lady Finley, Haska, Shlevin, Sumil
insect swarm (12 dmg)

Shlevin hurls an alchemist’s fire at the newly erupted beetles.

Alchy Fire + Point Blank: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 81d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Yeah, I keep rolling terrible!! ...except initiative
John will stand back, unable to do much against the swarm...

Isn't fire damage 1.5x on swarms? For the initial explosion and Alchy Fire splash

hard to tell how far away i am but i intend to be 15ft away.

The heat hits Giovanni's face, relishing the glow for a moment. He opens his eyes to a skittering swarm. Giovanni walks up fishing a flask out of his bag and throws it at the swarm as he gets to the front of the group.

acid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 61d6 ⇒ 4

scatter: 1d8 ⇒ 6 [ooc]lands in the water by my estimation, i suppose no damage.[/dice]

Thankful that the blast was not as dangerous as he'd feared Sumil moves past Giovanni after the rogue tosses his acid flask and launches a spout of flames toward the swarm.

Burning Hands: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 1 = 8Fire Damage

Shlevin, it isn't fire damage specifically: A swarm takes half again as much Damage (+50%) from spells or effects that affect an area, such as splash Weapons and many evocation spells.

I can't get the map to come up so if the swamp is still functioning, Haska will try and get a clear line to throw acid.

Thank you Sumil. I figured I was missing something. I think that would cover the initial explosion though.

That is correct - if you look, it tooke 12 damage from an 8 damage hit. :)

Miss location: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Shlevin overthrows the swarm, but it still takes splash damage (6+3)

Sumil bravely steps to the front and fries the remaining bugs that can't scurry to safety fast enough.

Combat over.

After cleaning up a bit, you continue east from the sewer junction. You soon reach another intersection where a minor sewer line flows into the main line from the south. Graffiti covers much of the walls here, most of it simple drawings. Prominent among them is a large stylized drawing of a wyvern in shiny gray paint. Also among them is an image of a skull crawling with bugs and an arrow pointing back to the west, and a representation of a beggar’s bowl holding a coin and a key with an arrow pointing to the south. Underneath the picture of the bowl is the word “Almsman.”

Continuing on, you find similar symbols at intersections along the way. If you try to go a different way, you find no symbols, but also nothing else of interest.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Giovanni looks for symbols or other features that indicate direction or warning. But otherwise is continuing in the direction of the symbols.

I suppose we follow the signs, although for someone as secretive as the Almsman, I feel like we're walking off a cliff with blindfolds.

"I agree my friend." Sumil says, patting Giovanni on the back. "They say he is a hard man to find, yes? So why would he provide such an obvious way to find him. We should be careful."

Pointing to the bug symbol he chuckles a bit. "If only we had seen that one sooner."

Seeing the symbol for the Almsman, he wonder if it's possible the symbol means anything else as well.
K. History: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

As they continue to follow the Almsman symbols, Sumil keeps his eyes peeled for any danger.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

You can't think of anything else the symbols might mean. So you follow the path marked fairly easily.

Ahead a faint light glimmers in the dark. Slowly it resolves into a crude lantern held by a toothless old beggar who holds a chair leg in his other hand. Beside him stands a scrawny youth, similarly armed but obviously terrified. Behind the two derelicts is an open door bearing the symbol of the beggar’s bowl, coin, and key.

"That plan worked wonderfully. No one was hurt, and the gas was removed." she looks a bit proud her suggestion worked out so well.

She studies the signs drawn on the wall and tries to recall if she knows any local customs about them. " I feel the same way. This seems to be too simple and obvious. I wonder if they are pointing in the correct direction or in the opposite direction we need to be going in."

Know Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Giovanni approaches slowly, lowering his rapier in a non-threatening manner.

Greetings, grandfather. No need for violence, I've been on the business end of a chair leg before. Go ahead and lower that.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Sumil nods along with the rogues words and smiles as friendly as he can, making sure not to speak very much, knowing that this is not his area of expertise.

He takes a few coins from his pouch and tosses them toward the duo.
"We've had enough fights today, after the Wyvern attack." He says, still grinning.

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7 Fail

John will put away his bow to help indicate that violence is not wanted. "We mean no harm, a small discussion is all we seek." diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 5
and... Since we all just rolled really bad we might just need that bow...

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"Now. Now. No need to be afraid. We are looking for Almsman. Maybe you could help us. We have more coin if you do." Shlevin walks in front of the others, hoping his small stature looks less frightening to the poor individuals. Taking a long look at them to ensure they are who they were pretending to be.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

and... Since we all just rolled really bad we might just need that bow...

I find that with diplomacy, if you don't have a good modifier, it's usually best to roll Aid instead, if you passa DC10, it's +2 on someone else's roll, and if you fail you avoid the consequences of failed diplomacy, which can be pretty dire.

Good advice!

The old man eyes you warily as you approach. The old beggar then says, “If yer intentions be peaceful, Abadar makes you welcome.” The two men standing try to look intimidating, but make no other move.

Beyond the door, a short flight of steps leads up into what appears to be the basement crypt of a church of Abadar. Perhaps two dozen beggars huddle among sarcophagi, some sleeping, some haggling over bits of junk or scraps of food laid out on blankets.

A tall man in clean robes wearing a plain copper mask walks among them. "“If you respect this sanctuary, I offer you what sanctuary I can. Otherwise, begone!”

Johnn Moreau wrote:

and... Since we all just rolled really bad we might just need that bow...

I find that with diplomacy, if you don't have a good modifier, it's usually best to roll Aid instead, if you passa DC10, it's +2 on someone else's roll, and if you fail you avoid the consequences of failed diplomacy, which can be pretty dire.

Ussually, I'd agree, but our highest at that point was an eleven, so I'd either, not help, roll higher, or roll pretty much the same thing. At least that's how I saw it.

Have faith in the power of the gnome. :)

"We honor your sanctuary holy man. By the way, cool mask! We seek Almsman and were told we could find him and his sanctuary by way of the sewer. Prince Gandros sent us on this journey. Might you be him?" The gnome says to the mask wearing man.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

"That just about sums it up." "We have had a bit of trouble getting here, though." "But your symbols on the walls was very clever and helpful."

diplomacy aid to Shlevin: 1d20 ⇒ 9

"Ah, the prince. Yes, of course."

The man nods. "Yes, I am the Almsman. I treat these poor beggars here, and try to feed them and organize them because no one else seems to want to help them. Pardon my mask. I don't want my actions to reach the ears of my church - I am afraid they would even disapprove."

Looking over the party, the scratches his head. "Maybe we can help each other? Yes, I know where the 'Prince' dwelt, but I am in a desperate mess. If you can help me, I will tell you what you want to know. You see, we operate a fairly decent business here, coordinating begging efforts to pay for food and medicine. We pay the Steel Wyvern's a fee for protection, but now they are getting greedy and want more! We can't pay it, and they want my people here to begin robberies and such, and this I simply cannot agree to."

Shaking his head, he continues. "They are coming in a couple more hours, and these poor souls are no match. And me, well I have taken a personal vow not to take up arms, so this may be the end for us. What say you?"

"If they're anything like the Wyverns who floundered in the sewer water when we fought, I dare say your men might actually be a match, I think." Sumil says smiling as he pats Shlevin on the back, thankful the gnome managed to secure the Almsman's trust..

"But I would be happy to stay and help clear them out, I imagine at least a few of my fellow Pathfinders would be willing as well, if not all. From which tunnel do they usually come?"

"Maybe we can settle this without a fight. After all, attacking the few here will have the entire gang coming next. I believe it may be wise to come to some sort of agreement with them. Once we are gone there will be nothing stopping them from coming after you again." The gnome interjects as Sumil starts devising an attack strategy. "And if all else fails we can have a few ready for ambush if they can't be reasoned with."

"Unfortunately my brother, most thugs are not the talkative type. I would rather see these downtrodden souls liberated from oppression then try such foolishness as to talk with bandits. I will of course follow the intentions of the group, but a more practical approach would be a barricade. Even if we plan to talk it out a barricade on the entrances would be wise."
Engineering: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Johnn searches the surrounding area for anything to make a barricade with.perception: 1d20 ⇒ 20
I do not think that was a bad suggestion, but Johnn would.

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Of course I would blow a twenty on a spot check I could've had the beggars do...

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Giovanni is prone to discussion over altercation. I am in favor of seeking a longer-term solution through a deal, but I'm a realist. Johnn, maybe you lead the efforts on an ambush should things go sideways. Shlevin and I can handle the parlay.

I added a map of the sanctuary (slide 1). They are equally likely to come to the door from either direction.

"Diplomacy is admirable, I think." Sumil says nodding. "But as Johnn said, not typically the way of thugs who live in sewers."

Sumil listens as the Almsman tells them of two possible locations for the Wyverns to appear.

"Only two sides, this could be worse, yes? If we hold the doors, our ranged friends can fire in either direction, I think. We should not let them passed the doors, even if they are willing to speak."

Haska being curious by nature, asks our host, "Why would your church disapprove of this arrangement. Aren't these folks finding a way to function in society? And prosper? "I guess I don't understand the view point of Abadar."

Haska while listening attempts to pick a side to help defend.

"We could barricade one of the two entrances and set up an ambush at the other. The locals could watch the barrier. Also we should look for secret entrances just for peace of mind."

perception for secret doors or other entrances: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Lady Finley stood quietly in the back knowing that her appearance can frighten people on occasion. As she listens to the plans, she clears her throat, and speaks, "I don't wish to muddy the waters. We could disguise ourselves as the beggars. If we run the Wyverns off spectacularly enough, perhaps they will believe this group CAN handle them. They might leave the beggars alone after that without outside intervention. It's just a suggestion. Otherwise let's keep them from entering the room as best as we can."

I can get behind that. Allow me to assist in your disguises, I have some training.