GM Pathmaker's "First Steps, Part 1" (Inactive)

Game Master Pathmaker

"Sinker who? Summoning what?" Embel looks at his companions, specifically Gustav who was trying to get a bead on the little monster.

"What's so important about it that you want to get it open? Because I'm told it's got like a half-dozen locks, which means you don't have a chance in hell... gotta stop sayin that.. Look, we got keys, so give it here and you'll get to look inside. Otherwise we'll get mad and start stabbin stuff."

bluff?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

"Looks like the only thing you're stabbing is steaks", he adds, "Nope, can't let you have it, it must be destroyed." You hear it banging the case against something hard, when Gustav is able to determine the general area of the magic aura is coming from the foyer seats.

all PCs up

"I am afraid that we can't let you do that - it doesn't belong to you, and our employer wants it back..."

Using Gustav's targeting information, Geoffrey throws a bag of powder at the square where the devil is.

Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 = 22.

"Well tell your employer to go f-", ::poof!:: Geof's powder bag hits the invisible little devil on it's head, revealing it's position for the moment.

When the tiny devil reappears, Katharina tries to slick that darn box if she can see it.

Grease for 1 round, DC 14 Reflex to negate

Sorry, I'm working my butt off in this, my lucky 23-hour shift

Gustav continues to concentrate on his spell, in case the little monster can turn invisible again, but moves adjacent to it to provide a flank if necessary.

kn planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

REF: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

"Ack! No! Wha? What?!" with a thud on the floor, the case drops from its grasp.

Embel, Kain UP

Embel lunges forward to throw the bed sheet on the case and use it like a sack to scoop it up into his arms.

"NOOO!!! Damn it! Damn it!!!", it shouts as you hear it fly by back into Darlneen's bedroom and starts thrashing it again.

Escaping with your prize proves easier than anyone expected, even Zarta, who laughs with excitement as you exit her bedchamber.

"Splendid! He won't soon forget that lesson, I'm sure!" She caresses E mbel's arm, sizing up his muscles. "We should have more like you working for Cheliax's goals. Nothing says, 'shut up and behave!' like a big man."

She gives your group a personal escort to the exit, wishing you well, and promising to invite you back again soon.

*****

Back on the streets in very short order, you have plenty of time to return to the Grand Lodge. But very soon, you realize that the tail you've spotted occasionally throughout the day has found you again, and this time he makes no effort to conceal himself, planting his feet in the middle of a narrow street ahead of you. You also notice that he's gathered a few companions to back him up, and they don't look friendly...

The man who’s been following you draws aside his cloak to reveal a chain shirt underneath and unsheathed rapier in hand. Standing with him are three others. A young woman, lithe, with dark hair hanging in ringlets that just brush her shoulders wearing a long skirt, embroidered with silver and black thread and a high-necked woolen blouse. An exotic Tian woman with blue eyes and an open smiling face, wearing a well-made, green silk dress in the most current fashion and a shimmering black scarf draped across her shoulders. Last, and least, is a strange muscled Halfling with a handlebar moustache and a crazed gleam in his eyes.

With a grin, your stalker talks over his shoulder to young dark haired woman. “Here they are Deandre, just like I said they’d be.” The young woman doesn’t immediately appear a threat, but as she speaks, her role as leader of this rough crew becomes clear. “Yes, Larkin, I have eyes. But you haven’t proven your worth yet.” Gesturing to the Tian woman and the Halfling, she says. “Go with Hallis and Ledford, and get me their Pathfinder gold and trinkets.” She then turns her pale face to your group and calls out. “Go ahead and resist if you like. Norgorber likes a little blood on his loot.”

Init:
Deandre: 21
Ledford: 17
Kain: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Halli: 15
Larkin: 15
Geof: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Kath: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Embel: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Gustav: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Deandre casts a spell then rushes towards you behind Ledford the halfing. Ledford charges in with a greataxe in hand and blood thrust in this eyes, cleaving down at Kain. The vicious attack strikes true.

great axe. PA: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 - 2 = 16 >>dam: 1d10 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 = 10 hit

[Kain UP, map updated]

Ummm... Ow? This is going to hurt...

just a very close shave

-Posted with Wayfinder

Kain, unaware of what's coming can only watch the crazed hafling dig his axe into his collarbone, and watch the blood pour out his body. The damage done, is almost enough to drop Kain, but he manages to stay on his feet...probably much to the surprise of the halfling.

Kain, coughs up a spout of blood, directly onto the crazy man's shoes...if solely out of spite. He then withdraws from the action as he in no condition to fight at the juncture, hoping that his companions will fare better against the assaulting enemies.

withdraw action to not provoke AOO

sorry everybody, but I am at 1 HP, so hopefully I will be able to get another action next round

What, you mean you don't want to front-line? ;-)

More seriously, it might be worth delaying, and holding your position for the moment (at least until we are ready to act) - you are currently bottle-necking the alley, and preventing the others from reaching us...?

true...so how about this?

Instead of withdrawing, Kain will delay, hoping that the enemies on front of him are unable to find a means to attack him.

DELAYING ACTION UNTIL AFTER HALLI AND LARKIN GO...wish me luck guys lol

give an hour before I post

-Posted with Wayfinder

Larkin grabs some wall and takes to the roof. Hallis thinks that Ledford has put Kain down, instead flings an acid glob at Embel.

climb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
acid at Embel: 1d20 + 2 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 2 - 4 - 4 = 12 >>1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 hit

[party UP]

I'll assume Kain withdraws now? Also, nice map.

Embel looks down at the acid burning his chest and give a bestial growl. "That's gonna leave a mark."

Throwing off his bearhide cloak to free his clawed hands, he reveals many other scars that lace his big arms. He then steps toward the halfling and swipes at him with a roar.

Claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

I withdrew at the beginning of the rest of the groups turn round 1. Moved Embel forward

both hit

Embel rakes his mitts across the little halfling, mauling him like a bear, sharp claws cutting deep.

[Geof,Kath,Gustav UP]

The perfect end to a perfect day...

Katharina strategically moves behind Geoff and attempts to finish off the halfling with cold.

Cold Blast (touch)+P-BS-cover: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Confirmation: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Crit Damage because you never know: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Kath aims a chilling blast at Ledford's heart and stops it mid-beat, dropping the raging halfling, sending him towards the Green Fields.

Geoffrey steps forward, and throws a pile of earth at Hallis.

Earth Blast: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 13, for 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11 damage.

Gustav activates the lingering energies in his antique blade psychic weapon (Sp) and steps forward to Deandre(?, the one past Ledford). Letting the resonant spirit of the Vudran Soldier guide its one-time issued weapon, Gustav throws his shield arm up as a distraction for the low, diagonal swing of his kukri.

kukri: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Geof's earth and Gustav's kukri deflects off a magical barrier surrounding Deandre. She smiles and winks, suddenly there is two of her. They swing a lethal looking shortsword at Gustav but it goes wide.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 >>1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 miss

Kain is up, but since he is likely not meleeing and either healing or ranging, I'll do Larkin and Hallis to expedite a busy day and light weekend posts. If he takes someone down, I'll retcon.

Hallis fires another acid glob at Gustav to melt some skin. Larkin runs along the roof and throws down a dagger at the mustache.

acid RT: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 2 - 4 = 15 >>1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 hit
dagger: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 3 - 4 = 18 >>1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 hit

The mustache goes down, sopping up alley water.

a valiant effort Gustav

[all PCs UP, Gustav bleeding out]

Not that it matters, but I targeted Hallis, not Deandre.

Oh I missed that narrative, sorry, though she has Mage Armor up anyways, and there's soft cover as well.

Couple questions? I go before either Hallis or Larkin correct? If so, how does Kinetic Cover interact with the attacks? Would the acidic ray simply destroy it, and call it good; or would it continue and inflict "partial" damage to Gustav. I understand that the dagger from Larkin will do full damage, but my main question is the acid ray from Hallis?

No problem - I just wanted to miss the correct person ;-)

Yes, Kain before Larkin and Hallis. Yes, I'll allow, the acid does partial to cover, destroys it at 2 hp, putting 5 on Gustav. The other partial question would be if Kain would have shielded Gustav vs other actions.

Mustache is up! -Barely.

Also Kain, take your next round's action as well, Deandre is going to defer to Larkin/Hallis initiative (for GMs sake).

[All PCs up!]

All Kain has is Earth Blast, which he would be taking some negs on for partial cover. He has seen Geoffrey's EB get deflected off a translucent barrier, so instead he would shield the the front-liner, hoping to keep them from taking damage. He is built for defense, and with 1 HP, going into melee is just plain stupid lol

Kain, conjures forth a barrier of dirt and loose earth in front of Gustav, hoping to provide some protection against the incoming assault. Unfortunately, the onslaught of the enemies are too much for the barrier to withstand, only partially blocking the acid projectile, screaming towards Gustav.

Kain, sees that the tide of battle is still not going their way, but refuses to give up. He conjures forth dirt and loose rubble and hurls it towards the guy on the roof. targeting Larkin

Earth Blast piercing, Larkin?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 231d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

crit?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 111d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

@Kain: Can I recommend that you direct that at the guy up on the roof instead, which our melee fighter can't get to?

Kain smashes Larkin hard with a volley of rocks that the rogue's knees buckle, leaving him fumbling for handholds.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Wonderful :-)

...and just to show that I practice what I preach...

Geoffrey, following-up on Kain's well-placed blast, throws a volley of slashing pebbles at the guy on the roof.

Earth Blast: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 1 = 18, for 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11 damage.

"GGGGRRRR!" Embel steps over the mustache and lunges at the woman, trying to knock her down.

Combat Maneuver Trip: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Wow are those bad rolls.

Geof sends another telekinetic charge at Larkin, causing him to double over head-first to the ground, thus ending the short lived career of Larkin Weaver at the age who give a damn.

In the trip attempt, Embel stumbles over Gustav who was just getting up.

Deandre curse the group and calls upon her deity's might.

Channel Neg, Will save DC 11 for half: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Hallis save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Hallis creates another acid glob and tries to finish off those tough whiskers.

acid RT at Gustav: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 2 - 4 = 12 >>1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 miss

Seeing an opening Embel left, Deandre strikes.

AoO vs untrained Trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 >>1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 miss

[PCs UP]

Kain, happy to see things finally beginning to go their way, he again causes the earth to tremble, sending jagged rocks flying towards the woman in front of Gustav.

Earth Blast, piercing: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 111d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Encouraged, Geoffrey throws a blast of scree at Hallis!

Earth Blast: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 1 = 24, for 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13 damage.
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5...nope.

Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Embel lets the Bear take over and claws at the woman over and over.

Claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Kain's blast goes astray while Geoff's blast puts an end to the acid flinging sorceress. Hallis falls lifeless to the ground.

-Posted with Wayfinder

By the time Deandre realizes her comrades had fallen and she should considers retreating to fight another day, it was too late. Embel goes full bear and slaps her around like salmon. She lays bleeding out near Hallis.

combat over

-Posted with Wayfinder

Embel stalks the alley, snuffling and growling and batting at the defeated thugs. He then sits against a wall and seems to doze a moment before his head comes up with a start.

"Poor fools. Tried to steal from the wrong people."

Geoffrey winces as he considers the damage done to Kain, Gustav, and Embel.

"I don't know... I think we were just lucky; they actually seemed fairly competent..."

He then begins to rifle through their pockets to see what he can find (both in terms of loot, and an indication of whom they are, and why they targeted the party).

"Excellent work, everyone." Katharina punctuates her statement with a polite clap, "It seemed touch and go for a moment, but I never worried. We should hurry back before any more ruffians decide to accost us."

Back at the Grand Lodge... There, you are met shortly by Ambrus Valsin, who assures you that your attackers will be investigated by the proper authorities and then reimburses your group for the trouble. He then gets down to business.

"Congratulations." Ambrus says, not quite smiling, though his mustache twitches a little. "You have proven not only your skill and responsibility, but also that you can handle yourselves in trouble. I cannot promise that your work in the Society will be without danger, but I can promise that your next mission will not be common errands for the Society, and might possibly take you beyond the city's walls. In fact a Venture-Captain has recently spoken to me about putting a group together for something, and I think your group would suit her mission just fine."

"For now our business is done. I'm sure some of you have other work to attend to, people to see, or barstools to warm. See the clerk on your way out for a reward for your service. I will contact you soon."

~Fin~

sniff You... I think you may have saved my life...

Gustav is greatful to have survived the Norgerberian ambush.

Later, at the Grand Lodge...

It was our pleasure, my good man. Explore, report, cooperate; all those things, yes?