GM Nowruz's #6–10 'The Wounded Wisp' (Tier 1-2) - 20180430 (Inactive)

Game Master noral

"Seems quite odd to be tribute who attempted to attain divinity and failed. I guess there are all types here in Absalom. How do we determine the place to speak Fimbrick's password? This sort of thing makes my head hurt."

Calvert then concentrates to summon his phantom blade, which spring into existence after some moments. He tries to look menacing and ready for trouble, following Kenza's lead.

Thendros stands back from the group as he tends to let others do the talking. "I may not be useful in many of these social events, but at least I can help out in combat", he thinks reassuringly to himself.

Sandi starts carefully looking in each of the small alcoves, seeing if she can find anything that reminds her of the three names, or of their epitaphs. (please assume just goes in numerical order)

going to take 10 for 18 on the perception checks, can someone please roll some aid anothers?

Calvert follows Sandi in her exploration, helping to look for clues.

Aid Another by taking 10 for a 15 gives Sandi a 20

I don't think you can take 10 on aid another, unfortunately. I think you just need to roll a string of aid checks, and the GM can use them in order.

I don't see any reason why you couldn't take 10 to aid a skill check, but I'll roll it just in case.

Perception aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Perception aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Perception aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

perception aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

perception aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

perception aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

perception aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

link to rules

Since there are seven chambers, that's seven aid rolls needed from anyone who is helping with them.

I already rolled my first perception above, which was a 16.

Perception 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Perception 3: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Perception 4: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Perception 5: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Perception 6: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Perception 7: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

All to AID Sandi, by the way.

we could also just take 20 at each monument, that makes it easier

OK, that's just a lot of time. However, I think that missing on the perception checks here would be truly awful.

If the party agrees to take 20 on the search, Sandi has 28.

Huh weird, it's just rolling a skill check vs DC 10, I wonder why they prevent taking 10.

4 more perceptions: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
4 more perceptions: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
4 more perceptions: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
4 more perceptions: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

I would guess it's because it's too easy to succeed at. Unless you have a penalty, you would succeed. If 5 people without a penalty all aid, it gives +10 to the original check. That just feels really out of whack.

So far:
1: 24
2: 20
3: 24
4: 22
5: 20 (no roll from Calvert yet)
6: 22 (no roll from Calvert yet)
7: 20 (no roll from Calvert yet)

Or, if we take 20 instead, we're at 28 on all of them just from Sandi's take 20.

aid 4: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
aid 5: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
aid 6: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
aid 7: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

While the others are searching, Dark cast Detect Magic and goes around looking at the names on each plate to see if any of them stands out.

I apologize again, I guess I'm having trouble keeping up with the pace. If I understand correctly, you need 7 aid another attempts?

perception aid another: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 121d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 141d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 111d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 131d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 111d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 241d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Quesa helps with the careful examination of the shrine.

You check all the names and after 15 minutes you see that the area E2f holds several shrines, among them those of Doulgonlir Caskmail, Hollis 'Evil Grin' Thorne, and Karina Clamp.

You all start searching when you find the plate with the name Doulgonlir Caskmail and also through detect magic discover a secret door hidden by an illusion against the room’s west wall, though you can’t see any means to unseal the door.

Due to the fact that you all jointly tackle every angle you also see that something is off with the name plate of Doulgonlir Caskmail. You look at the name plate again and see that it can be slid aside.

Behind the name plate you all see a miniature chalkboard and a thin piece of chalk.

waiting here, since I remember the solution from a previous playthrough, and want to let someone else have the fun of figuring it out.

Quesa examines the chalkboard and chalk with detect magic to see if either is magical. If so, Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Thendros levitates the chalk with his geokinesis and has it write "Wiffle" on the board.

"This is my best guess, the gnome left a note saying this was some kind of password after all."

Dark nods, "That seems like the right course of action Thendros."

Calvert grunts his agreement.

Kenza watches greater and wiser agents than herself solve the complicated series of clues.

She may be able to make bugs explode with a single punch, but them? They could work wonders with chalk.

Truly magnificent.

No wonder she had been assigned to be their protector.

For the record, Kenza means that seriously. lol

After the initial idea to write Fimbrik's magical word on the board you proceed and this dispels the illusion concealing the door and causes the stone portal to open.

Quesa examines the chalkboard and chalk with detect magic to see if either is magical. [dice=If so, Spellcraft]1d20+5

The board is a magical trigger to open the secret door - given one knows the right password and writes that password on the chalk board.

E3. Cavern

The cavern beyond the secret door is made of stone. Although the cavern has the aesthetic of a natural cave.

This cavern is dark but there is some illumination coming from further ahead.

E4. Repository

Several desks are arranged along the northern and eastern edges of this small stone alcove. Whereas the stonework leading to this chamber is rough, the walls in the alcove are polished. A single gem rests among the neatly filed papers on the desk, emitting a soft magical luminescence that brightens the small room.

You all start searching and looking around.

The paperwork on the desk is a priceless collection of Pathfinder Society lore and information describing dozens of unexplored sites. Most are written in an Azlanti dialect further encrypted using an old cipher employed by the Society centuries ago.

Although it is clear to you that this collection is very important, you have a hard time understanding the documents as they are mostly encrypted.

Kenza searches the secret cavern for dangers...

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Then she motions the others inside. She doesn't bother trying to read the paperwork, instead leaving that to the more intelligent of her companions. Instead, she places herself in the tunnel and keeps guard over the others.

Calvert clearly admires Kenza's dedication to protecting others, and joins her in the cavern (assuming others enter the repository).

"Kenza, where did you train?

Can you all please position your characters where you would like to be.

kn. dung: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Sandi walks into the small alcove and looks around. Once any of her companions who want to look around get the chance, she carefully scoops up the papers and tucks them into her backpack.

Kenza looks at Calvert in mild surprise.

"I was raised in the Sandswept Hall." she replies respectfully. "That is the Pathfinder Lodge in Sothis. I was a poor academic, but my masters were generous. I was given a extensive combat training--from within the Lodge, and with external tutors. My duty is to protect more valuable agents from harm."

She bows her head to Calvert, clearly considering him (and everyone else present) such an agent.

After a moment, Kenza looks at Calvert again, realizing he might actually want to speak with her. Mildly confused, she turns her attention back to their surroundings and adds, "The Sandswept Hall is a converted jail. Cells are rented to the government, and private customers. The more martial of us also act as bounty hunters. There was plenty of time for practise."

Thendros moves back to cover the other side of the cavernous area.

"Better if I stand watch from here so nothing can surprise us." he says as he watches down the the tunnel.

Dark follows the group as the move into the cavern and eventually into the 'study' at the end of the secret area. He looks around and spots the gem, picking it up.

Whistling, "Nice. This alexandrite is worth at least 550 gold coins. Might even be able to use it for some magical research."

Appraise (DC 15): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Again, you are discussing and standing in a silent room that looks like it was not touched for ages.

Suddenly, Calvert and Kenza hear footsteps that are approaching.

Calvert and Kenza you have a surprise round with a standard or move action.

Round 0 - Surprise
1. Elf Bow, Dwarf shortsword
2. Calvert, Kenza -> GO
3. Human greatclub

The Elver archer makes a single step out of hiding and shoots at Calvert and hits right through his armor piercing his vitals.

Elven archer, Dex +3, bab +1, point blank +1: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 24
Elven archer crit confirm: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 23
Elven archer, point blank +1: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Elven archer Crit damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

The Dvarwen woman runs towards Calvert.

Round 1
1. Sandi
2. Elf Bow, Dwarf shortsword
3. Calvert, Kenza, Thendros
3. Human greatclub

#Male elven archer: Full HP

#Male Human with greatclub: Full HP
#Female Dwarf with shortsword: Full HP
Thendros
Calvert
Kenza
Dark
Sandi
Quesa

"I guess this conversation will have to continue later!"

Calvert tries to ignore the pain of the arrow now stuck in his shoulder. He shifts back and casts shield.

I assume Dark takes action with Calvert, Kenza, and Thendros with 10 Init for round 1?

Kenza leaps into action, striding gracefully past Calvert and up to the dwarf. She raises her fist and throws a punch right at the woman's throat.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

EDIT: Attack removed as per discussion. So... can I bank that attack roll for next round? Haha.

The human runs towards Thendros.

Round 1
Sandi you are up!

Knowledge(dungeoneering): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Quesa feels like there's something faintly odd about the stone walls, but can't quite put a finger on it.

"Hmm, these documents... maybe I can decipher them..."

The ifrit is too busy looking through the pages to notice the attack until it comes.

I believe that green is still flat footed, because they have not yet taken an action during a normal round, so Sandi is able to move around without an AoO and also gets sneak attack damage.

Sandi moves around the nearest enemy and then swipes with her rapier.
attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 urk, that might hit, because flat footed
damage, sneak attack: 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (1) = 4

Huh, I think Sandi is right although I've never even realized it before, "At the start of a battle, before you have had a chance to act (specifically, before your first regular turn in the initiative order), you are flat-footed."

rolling an acrobatics check to avoid an AoO if the GM is not convinced by rules presented in discussion; also remove the 1d6 sneak attack die from damage

acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 DC is opponents CMD

I've never seen anyone play that someone who acts in a surprise round is flat-footed until the first round of regular initiative. That seems completely counter-intuitive to me.

I assume Dark takes action with Calvert, Kenza, and Thendros with 10 Init for round 1?

Dark, yes sorry! Forgot to write your name and Quesa's in position 3. in the initiative. Will place you correctly below.

Kenza leaps into action, striding gracefully past Calvert and up to the dwarf. She raises her fist and throws a punch right at the woman's throat.

[dice=Attack]1d20+4
[dice=Damage]1d6+3

EDIT: Attack removed as per discussion. So... can I bank that attack roll for next round? Haha.

Yes, you can keep the roll! ;-) Just copy, paste it to your post.

Calvert immediately casts shield on himself and Kenza runs forward to be able to attack.

Sandi tumbles into battle and is able to stand just in front of the female dwarf without proving an attack from her sharp short sword!

Elven archer, Dex +3, bab +1, point blank +1, melee -4: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 21
Elven archer, Crit confirm vs. AC 18: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 17
Elven archer, point blank +1,: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Sandi, Calvert and Kenza see the elven archer fire his arrows at Sandi with a hateful smile and hits her with an arrow into her abdomen.

Female Dwarf, Shortsword, Str +2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Female Dwarf, Shortsword, Str +2: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

The female dwarf is shocked that she is suddenly surrounded but a second later she tries to stab Sandi and just barely can pierce her armor and injures Sandi's stomach. Sandi is shocked by the two attacks and falls to the floor bleeding.

Sandi, I am really sorry! :-(

At the same time you see that the female dwarf suddenly appears twice in front of you.

Copycat 1/6 move action female dwarf: This is a single mirror image. If you attack her please roll d2 and 1 is a hit but 2 the mirror image. If you roll 2 for the mirror image and hit only 5 lower than her AC then the mirror image is gone. Her AC is 13 and 15 vs. good aligned characters.

Round 1
1. Sandi
2. Elf Bow, Dwarf shortsword
3. Calvert, Kenza, Thendros, Quesa, Dark -> GO!
4. Human greatclub

#Male elven archer: Full HP

#Male Human with greatclub: Full HP
#Female Dwarf with shortsword: Full HP
Thendros
Calvert: 14/19 HP
Kenza
Dark
Sandi: -1/9 HP
Quesa

I'm rolling some stabilize checks so you don't need to wait for me. I will spoiler them so they don't affect others' decisions.