GM Rednal's Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

"Lets hurry while the spell still protects us then."

He sheathes his blade and give a loud knock on the door.

Aleksson followed behind.

Actually, uh, SLA's can also be detected and identified, since they "work just like spells". The components have exactly nothing to do with the ability to be noticed when cast. XD Honestly, that's probably for the best, because evil NPCs with undetectable SLA's could be nasty in the hands of a sufficiently evil GM. "Oh, you weren't aware of it, but you suffered a Dominate SLA five rounds ago, so instead of insta-killing my boss with that combo I forgot you could do, you hit the Wizard instead! 8D ...Why is everyone looking at me like that? Wait, come back! I need you! I live vicariously through you!"

After a few moments, a burly northman ripped the door open. Inside, you could see nearly a dozen figures feasting and drinking, and the sheer sound of the party almost physically knocked you backwards. "...And what do you want!?" the none-too-sober figure asked.

I must admit, this confuses me - if you don't say, move or need an item, how do they know? Do I sparkle? - but apparently that is how the rules work, and there's even a feat so whatever sparkle effects casting creates can be hidden.

Bowing, Shutai looked around the room. She wanted to be sure she knew where the most unpleasant surprises were, as she guessed there was a good chance the man would attack either for entering his hold uninvited or at the mention of the guide if he'd done something untoward to him.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

"Greetings, master of this hold. We apologise for entering unannounced, but could not find anyone to announce us who was not otherwise engaged. We come here with a simple request - to find the guide Uksahkka. We have business with him, and wish to not delay."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Yeah, apparently they've even FAQ'd it. I wasn't aware it was laid out quite as explicitly, but activating SLAs DO provoke AoOs, so I've always played it as "You see the demon focus its attention inward, giving you the chance to strike." Didn't know you were entitled to roll Spellcraft until just now, though.

Aleksson followed in behind, hand ready for the gem in his belt pouch, as he also cast his gaze around the room.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Taka nods waiting on the man to address Shutai back. He too takes notice not wishing to be surprised.

Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34

It doesn't have to be sparkles, per se, just some kind of observable stimulus that lets people know magic is happening and gives them the opportunity to identify it. It's true that the rules aren't as clear on manifestations as they should be. XD

"Get off this land or we'll throw you off." the warrior growled, clearly feeling no particular need to be subtle about things. "You're not welcome here."

Shutai bowed again. "Of course. It is your land. Just as soon as we find out about the Guide, Uksahkka, we will be on our way to allow your party to continue."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

Aleksson followed Shutai in the bow... but not far enough to comprimise his situational awareness.

"Please friend, We are not from around here and we are sorry for showing up unannounced. We seek a guide and Uksahkka was recommended. We were told he was last out here. All we ask is a bit of information. What can we offer in return for this?"

Taka noticing the man was not warming to Shutai decided to try and help.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23And the dice gods laugh as the result is the same :)

"There's nobody like that here!" With that, the man simply slammed the door shut in your faces - hard enough to hear the wood cracking slightly. He was, quite clearly, in no mood to be swayed by sweet words or requests.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Shutai sighed. "Was that frustration at our trespass, or was that him trying to hide something from us?" she murmured softly.

Taka too tried to pick up on if he was hiding or lying about things.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

"Hmm." Aleksson put his ear to the door and try to pick it out if anyone was commenting on their visit, perhaps slipping what they know.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31 Twinsies!

It technically wasn't too late to listen - but careful analysis of the man's voice, and the way he seemed to be anger, suggested that he'd definitely been lying about your guide not being here.

Taka keeps quiet then allowing Aleksson to listen at the door. Waiting to discuss what to do next.

Aleksson stayed by the door and ask softly. "Do we have other preparations to make before entering? We could return come nightfall, but Uksahkka, if alive, may be endangered by our mere asking..."

"Two choices - strike now, before they can prepare and are drunk but know we are here, or strike in darkness when they will likely assume us gone and may be passed out into sleep." Considering, she added, "We can also try going and visiting the three who were...praying to Arshea...earlier. Render two insensible and ask the third what is known. With either plan, it might be a place to start." Considering, she added, "I vote to interrogate now, and attack if the information leads us to the Guide."

"The other entrance would offer us a tactical advantage. I think subduing two of them is a fine plan."

Taka follows as they head back to the other door.

Aleksson was mortified by the idea, but it was a strategically good plan. He gulped, nodded, then followed anyway.

Don't forget that you're not in initiative, have time to prepare... and there are quite a few people in that house. XD Violence isn't the only possible result, but I would encourage making any preparations you want to have.

I've got a potion of cat's grace and the earth elemental gem, but I don't want to waste any of their durations until I know things are getting hairy. If anyone has buffs they wanna cast on me, they're welcome to share.

Do we want to use Disguise Self for an extra element of disguise?

"Let us hurry while my protection still wards us."

Taka cast Long Arm and drinks a potion of bulls strength right before they barge in.

We don't know anyone they know to disguise ourselves as. Maybe we can after subduing the three.

In fairness, you have seen enough locals to disguise as someone who's from the area. A specific person is much harder to emulate, of course.

I think it could be better to wait until subdual as well. That said, Shutai casting disguise self is a risk she's taking on her own, so if she wants to try it now, it simply must done with the knowledge that there's not a high probability of saving her from a mass of drunken Ulfen warriors should things go sideways. >.>

So Aleksson are you suggesting Shutai disguise herself as the girl and go back in and ask for two more men as the others were unable to satisfy her? Cause that is where my mind went. Not a bad plan after knocking these out. :)

Well, my plan was to try and bluff for information in disguise, but luring more people to a secluded spot also works for me.

*Hums and waits patiently while you plan* ^^ I'm in no rush - and there ARE an awful lot of guys inside, so by all means, come up with a plan you're all happy with. XD

Yeah, I mean, I wasn't suggesting that, but it's a great idea. Maybe play the 'couldn't handle their liquor' angle.

alright well let's go with we talked about that on the way back over. It all starts with jumping in and subduing the ones inside. Ready when you guys are.

Ready.

With the door in question unlocked, bursting in was easy. And the scene, well... it was pretty much exactly what you'd expect from what you'd heard earlier, and definitely not something you were going to describe in detail whenever any children were in the audience.

"'Ey, who are-" one of them began, looking up from the servant he was... uh... 'getting to know'.

Given she's got the spells, I'll wait for Shutai to take the lead on this.

"Don't mind us," Shutai murmured, and cast Hold Person.

DC 19 Will Save please.

I'm assuming a surprise round.

Taka stands ready sword drawn as Aleksson opens the door. As it opens he rushes in. Partial charge

As the man stutters to get out any words caught up in the moment Taka's blade high he begins to bring it down with thunderous speed but does not turn his wrist to cut, but rather slam the pommel into the back of the mans head.

Charge subduing attack: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 13 - 4 = 29
Charge subduing attack: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 13 - 4 = 25

Damage: 2d8 + 18 ⇒ (1, 4) + 18 = 23

I've been meaning to mention this, but Taka's profile should definitely have the text of his abilities in it. Also, remember to cite something as 'confirming' a crit so I don't accidentally think you're making two attacks instead. XD

Taka had... no particular trouble bludgeoning the first man unconscious, even as the woman there screamed and the other man punched out at Taka's head in a blow clearly intended to rattle his brains a bit.

Unarmed Strike (Taka): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

It was, alas, nowhere close to actually hitting him.

Oops, copy and paste error, forgot to add confirmation. So description of the abilities like on other sheets. I can do that. May be a few days. Sorry I didn't specify a different target. I thought I did but it was a hasty post after being out of work 3 days for parents visit I had 130 emails to respond to :)

Animus Gained: 4 (combat start)

Maneuver Gained: 1d4 ⇒ 2 | elemental strike

Freeing his blade, Aleksson lightly shook his head as Shutai and Taka felled the same man, and he circumvented the group to stand between their targets and the exit back into the main hall. He fell into a loose form.

Maneuver Gained: 1d3 ⇒ 3 | temporal burn

Not sure what we are waiting on. That should have been surprise round. So we need init.

Init: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Assuming Taka still has the jump on them he attempts to subdue the other man.

Swift: Arcane Strike
Move: study target
Standard: Attack

Attack Non Lethal: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 12 - 4 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Active Buffs: Pro Evil, Bulls Strength

Taka was sufficiently fast off the mark to bludgeon down the other man as well - and the woman there let out a scream, clearly assuming that she was going to be next. (Un?)Fortunately, that sort of sound wasn't much different from the noises she'd been making for awhile now...

I think we were waiting to resolve who was defeated and who was left upright.

Shutai cast Hold Person again, this time on the woman. It was likely no one would investigate a woman's screams in this place, but better safe than sorry.

DC 19 Will Save again.

Aleksson waited in the doorway, hoping Shutai's spell was successful.

Taka watches to see if the magic does it's job.

Moments after Shutai chanted, the woman was held fast by the magics - and she was clearly terrified of whatever you had planned for her. She didn't look like she recognized or understood the magic at all... all she knew was that you held great power and she could do exactly nothing to stop you from doing whatever you wanted.

With the three unconscious or under the effect of her spells, Shutai drew out a length of rope to bind them, hand and foot, and gag them. Once they were secured, she considered.

"This is a simple question: Who knows where the Guide Uksahkka is, or can give us any information regarding him? Simply nod your head if you know, and I shall cast a spell to make sure you speak only truth. Then we'll remove the gag and you can tell us. Once we know what we want, we leave. We have no wish to hurt you, and beyond a few bumbs on the head, we haven't. We take our leave, and a knife. You cut yourselves free - in time - and...well, if you wish to tell your chieftan about being caught with your pants down, that's entirely up to you."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

Taka takes hold of the woman as she freezes up. Shutai is quick to bind her up before moving to bind the men. Taka takes care to muffle the woman and telling her they have no intention to hurt her. That we are only here looking for Uksahkka. Once Shutai begins to ask question Taka will allow her to speak ready to muffle her again if she instead decides to call out. If the girl knows nothing we can bind and gag her while we use a few charges of the want to awake one of the men after they are bound.

The adrenaline of the moment wearing off, Aleksson was once again uncomfortable with the... state of the room's occupants. While Shutai and Taka questioned the woman, Aleksson grabbed blankets, sheets, even removing his own cloak if necessary, and covered up the nude bodies of their captives. The task was made difficult through his refusal to watch what he was doing.

At Shutai's first question, the woman's eyes flicked to the door heading inside. She let out a terrified squeak a moment later, apparently all the response she could actually muster in the face of the questioning.

Shutai followed the girls gaze. "Is the man we seek in there? Or the answer to where he is? Nod once for the first, twice for the second, and shake your head for neither."