GM Rednal's Legendary Planet AP (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

Cleaning up *may* not be our responsibility, but going with what I know about the character...

CMW x3: 6d8 + 21 ⇒ (4, 3, 2, 5, 3, 5) + 21 = 43

"Save it for the next fight," Child waved off Vincent, as he tapped into the Hierophant spirit and cast a few cure spells on himself.

And then, gamely, he leapt into the pool, searching for any crevices or loose mud in the bottom that the eel might have laid eggs in.

Reconfiguring for gills, swim speed, and darkvision.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

And, finally, he attempted to haul the creature's corpse out of the water—since his earlier question about cooking and eating it had been in earnest—but if it proved too heavy, he'd settle on taking off its head as a trophy.

Child's heavy load is only 230 lb, but he might be able to drag it, depending on buoyancy.

Offering his hand to Phai, Isen murmured, "Do you need healing?"

Thankful for the gesture, Phai takes Isen's hand, and climbs out of the bloody pool:"Thanks, but I should be fine."
Phai touches herself where the Eel had taken hold of her, and the wounds close almost completely.
Healing Hex, Self: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (5, 5) + 5 = 15
"Thing was nastier than I thought. At least a locked chest won't bite back...", she starts, then remembers the mimic they fought:"...Usually!"

@Healing: I do have Healing Hex, which is completely dedicated to once/day/person healing. Unlike channeled spells(I assume) or spell points, there's no other use for it. So if someone is hurt and was not, on that day, healed via Hex, use it first if we are out of combat. Do roll yourself if you want inmediate results, but it's a "free" resource with a single purposes.

Isen smiled. "Ah, I wouldn't say that. One chest I dealt with snapped shut if you picked up the contents inside it. Teeth of steel turn out to be an interesting way to...disarm an inquisitive thief." The Elf nodded. "If we're all ready, we can see what surprises this one has."

Okay! I'll ask about Hex next time. My healing is most effective OOC, but I did just use up all of it for the day.

The body of the creature could be dragged... but was well over Child's ability to lift. He did, however, manage to get the head as a trophy... as your squiddy observer looked on.

'Very good. We are pleased, if not surprised, by your success. Would you prefer to proceed to the other task immediately? If not, we will see if there are any refreshments appropriate for your physiologies.' He thought to you, the 'tone' of his voice exactly the same as before.

"I see no reason to wait.", Phai states, while replacing the string on her bow with a dry one, ready to go once she is done-

"The sooner we deal with these tasks, the sooner we can be on our way, so I'm in favor of dealing with this box or whatever it is you need us to open."

"My tools await your test." Isen said with a nod.

"Sure," Child shrugged, as he idly knocked needle-like teeth out of the severed head he now carried around.

Realizing that with my training at jewelrymaking, it probably makes more sense to make eel-tooth necklaces than trying to taxidermy a whole head.

Oulek nodded and led you back through the east door, then north from the central chamber.

The domed ceiling of this cavernous chamber peaks 25 feet overhead. Two gates, both metallic rings nearly 10 feet in diameter, one red and one green, stand at opposite ends of the room, and at its center is a strange mechanism of dark green material, from which a number of tangled cables snake across the floor. Some of them attach to the metal rings, while others head east to a baroque black iron cradle holding an egg-shaped stone pulsing with mottled hues of orange, yellow, and red. Doors lead north, south, and east, while an iron ladder leads upward from a niche in the west. There wasn't much time to look around, though, since your guide escorted you through the next northern door.

Organized crates, casks, and barrels litter this sprawling warehouse. Doors lead north, south, and east, and it was again north that you were taken, past a couple of workers who didn't look up as you moved through. Finally, you arrived at your destination, and Oulek carefully hid the keypad as he opened the room for you.

Seven metal barrels, crates, assorted racks, and lock-safes dominate the curved wall of this semicircular vault. It appears clean, dry, and secure. In the center of the room is a decorative metal crate with dozens of interlocking rods, plates, and pressure points. Casual inspection of the mechanisms reveals the metallic rods secure most of the moveable parts, thereby preventing their manipulation.

'This is the box that Mr. Sarlu would like you to open.'

"Not exactly what I was expecting," Vincent said as he walked around the crate, "much more mechanically complex. Axis, mind taking a look at this?"

While the wyrd was working, Vincent addressed Oulek, "Have your people tried to open it? Did they find any traps, or note any protections beyond its obviously complex locking mechanism?"

The wyrd responded quickly, assuming its physical shape quickly and floated around the box, occasionally sparkling a few comments to Vincent.

Kn. Engineering?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

As they pass through the other rooms, Phai wonders about the metal rings. They looked remarkably like Gates, themselves. Was Mr. Sarlu attempting to create an artificial gate?, she wondered as she looked at Oulek, remembering he was a telepath, and wether he would answer to a question she only thought.

Arriving at the vault, she returned her wandering thoughts to the present. Phai takes a moment to cast "Heightened Awareness" and "Detect Magic", then takes a closer look at the crate.
Perception to spot Traps: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36

Yeah, I don't think we're getting a better result than that.

"Isen... you've got small fingers, right? Let me know if there's any parts of that thing that can be smashed."

Edit: whoops, my post got delayed

Isen walked around the crate, looking it over. "Perhaps 'mobile vault' would be a more apt descritpion than crate would convey? I have seen mints with less static defences than this." He looked over at the others. "Would one of you be kind enough to see if this is radiating magic of any kind?"

Child is certainly willing to give it a try, casting a few diagnostic spells on the vault as he taps its surface, muttering oddly in several different voices.

Knowledge (arcana) (Detect Magic), Burst of Insight, Archmage, Spirit Surge: 1d20 + 9 + 4 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 4 + 2 + (2) = 23

Appraise (psychometry via Object Reading), shard, Trickster (DC 15, with a bonus for each 10 points exceeded): 1d20 + 10 + 5 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 5 + 13 = 43
Mythic Surge: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Child gains four pieces of significant information about the object's historical significance, previous owner, a vision of its last use, etc., as determined by the DM

Close inspection of the box was definitely useful - because, during her pokes around, Phai observed what looked like the triggers for some kind of trap. It could be bypassed by successfully opening the device... but actually disabling the trap would involve removing the rods (through delicacy or force), either of which would set it off before it could be disabled.

All in all... a fiendishly complex crate, and it was going to take a lot of effort to get it unlocked.

If anyone wants to try, give me seven Disable Device checks. Also... Child-of-Planes, keep your powers there. XD; The book doesn't actually have any further information on the box in question.

Any clues to the nature of the trap—spell, elemental damage, etc.—that we could potentially buffer ourselves against?

As Axis didn't seem to have any ideas, it danced around Child, Isen and Phai for a few moments before retreating back into Vincent's tattoos.

"Axis is at a loss, and I've never been particularly good at dealing with traps. I can take things apart and rebuild them, but generally the 'taking apart' bit tends to be.... rather destructive, unless I built it originally. Isen, if you need my help, please ask and I'll do what I can, but I think I'll be letting you take the lead on this one. Although... I could try to use magic to open it, if we'd like to try that."

Seven disable device checks? I can't see how that can possibly end badly...

Nodding, Isen pulled out his tools, and wondered if perhaps investing in mithral extenders might not be a bad future purchase. "May I suggest that anyone who does not wish to or cannot help should perhaps stand back? And possibly find some cover."

Disable Device 1: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
Disable Device 2: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
Disable Device 3: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34
Disable Device 4: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
Disable Device 5: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
Disable Device 6: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
Disable Device 7: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

Will Surge as required to not die.

As Isen set to work on the box, Child dipped into his Marshal spirit, and quickly began barking orders at the others, strongly suggesting several spells that might make the process go faster, as he attempted to spot Isen's work.

Marshal spirit should give +1 to all Disable checks. Thanks to my last spell failing, I have just enough of my daily powers to keep it up for the first six checks.

Spirit Surge (add to Isen's roll of 21): 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Which means that, if the others are okay with the buff spells, the current lowest roll is a 27—and a surge from Isen, if necessary, can probably pump that higher.

Cat's Grace it is.

Vincent tucked his shield away and invoked an arcane spell to intensify Isen's natural dexterous abilities.

Spell Failure (5%): 1d100 ⇒ 45

+4 DEX for 7 minutes.

Oh, right, and Phai was absent and wanted to be botted.

There were a few tense moments as Isen worked, although various support from the others definitely helped. There was one particularly awkward moment when something slipped out of his grasp - but in the end, all of the locks moved aside and it looked like the box would open easily enough. Oulek moved back towards you (having retreated to a safe distance) as that happened, and his mental voice sounded quite pleased.

'Strong and skillful - yes, I do believe our arrangement shall work out nicely. You may leave the box where it is - please, follow me and we shall report to Mr. Sarlu.'

"We don't get to peek inside?" Child asked, a bit disappointed.

"Somehow I doubt I'd be pleased with the contents of that box." Vincent commented wryly.

"I'm not certain it contains anything." Isen shrugged. "These taste like tests, and you don't need a full box to test something. Simply have the box." Still, the Elf flexed his long fingers. That had been...challenging.

A few of Oulek's tentacles waved through the air - although if he was emoting, none of you were aware of what it might mean. His body was simply too different from yours, but he did repeat the mental message about going back to see Mr. Sarlu and made no mention of looking through the box any futher.

"Right. Okay. Let's go ask about this third task then."

Vincent followed Oulek's lead. The sooner we deal with this gangster's task, the sooner we can be on our way to our real mission.

Isen nodded and followed, still flexing his fingers. Hopefully the next task would involve fewer locks.

Oulek calmly guided you back to Mr. Sarlu, whose voice returned once more to your minds.

‘Well done! You’re quite resourceful. And just the kind of individuals I need for this final effort. A few days ago, some disgruntled employees of mine stole something precious to me and now they hold it for an extortionate fee. I caught two of the miscreants — you may have come across them when you first entered my home — and I discovered a former lieutenant named Basher and his remaining accomplices are trying to hire more muscle before coming here to return my property and collect their ruinous ransom. I’d like you to convince them to hire the lot of you, earn their trust, and then turn on them when Basher attempts the exchange. I have no intention of paying his ransom, but I want my property back — and, for his betrayal, Basher must pay with his life.’

"How... exactly, did you catch those things?" Child asked. "Any tips for fighting smoke people?"

And then he thought a bit. "But I'd rather not have too many ghosts on my conscience. If we bring Basher back, and let you deal with him yourself, does that still count?"

"Perhaps you could explain exactly what these former employees were? We found their ability to manifest a Shadow slightly unsettling." Isen considered. "There numbers, talents and such would also be helpful. For example, if we need to take precautions against mind reading, it would be a boon to know in advance. I'd also like to know more about this possession they stole. If it was, for example, fine art it might be possible to secure it beforehand. Alternatively, a person would require another approach entirely." The Elf shrugged. It wasn't likely he would get everything he needed to know, but whatever he could pry out would be a boon.

"Is such deception and betrayal really necessary? Could we not simply go and retrieve your item and capture Basher?"

'Basher has secured a means of damaging my property, and has threatened to do so if any overt moves against him are made. I wish to avoid such a risk at all costs, as this item is precious to me.' Mr. Sarlu explained. 'Should one or more of you feel that you are ill-suited to the task of deception, you may hide here instead, and confront him when the others do. I am more concerned with your success than the exact means you choose to employ. Basher will be here to conduct the exchange, so there is no need to bring him here again. As for Shadows... I am unaware of the association of which you speak.'

He seemed slightly confused by the question - and you remembered there had been three people outside. From his earlier thoughts, he seemed to have dealt with the two he'd mentioned himself - it was very probable the two groups were not directly related.

When no one else spoke up, Vincent explained, "When we arrived there were some thugs outside that wanted to prevent us from meeting you. When we pressed the issue, they attacked, and when things went poorly for them, shadows jumped out of their bodies and sapped some of my strength before we were able to drive them off."

"As for joining Basher and betraying him... I'm rather ill-suited to such a task. I am uncomfortable with such dishonesty and would likely spoil any such advantage merely by attempting it, though I do not wish to leave you all undefended. What do you guys think?"

"A temporary vow of silence might amend the issue, if you were willing to take it." Isen considered. "We would simply explain it as such, and would be telling the entire truth. You would not be forced to lie. We could even acquire an item called a Mask of Stony Demenor to keep your face unreadable. That, and some basic hand signals we arranged between ourselves, should allow you to accompany use." Isen had noticed that there host was not forthcoming with information on what - or who - he wanted returned.

"I suppose that could work. I could simply be a sworn bodyguard, until I am released or a period of time has past..." Vincent said as he found a seat and thought it over.

"Or we could just keep Vincent and his gods out of it. How long can you hold your breath? If you've got special parts for that, I could just stuff you in your haversack until it's fighting time."

Vincent smiled at the thought, but shook his head. "Breathing wouldn't be a problem, since I don't require air, but the prospect of being lost in the astral plane if something were to happen to the bag doesn't really appeal. Besides, I wouldn't fit."

'Agents of another coterie, I suspect.' Mr. Sarlu mused into your minds as Vincent explained the earlier incident. 'They are selfish and do not wish for another rival, for a new coterie shall make the politics of this city even more complicated than they already are. Even for those who enjoy such things, there is a limit - but I have no intention of surrendering what is rightfully mine.'

Ah, right, I guess I usually only stuff small characters into haversacks.

"I don't know where you'd rent a mask," Child cautions, "But I'm not making one. Those things are expensive. Maybe we just put a regular mask on him and say that he's one of those Auttaine with gears in his voicebox, if that's not stretching things too far."

"I'll just be silent. No need for a mask."

Nodding, Isen replied, "As you prefer. I'd certainly prefer you accompany us, on account of both not wishing to separate a successful team and having one more ally if this job goes entirely pear shaped..."

Looking over at Sarlu, he added, "So to be clear, this job is essentially hiring ourselves out to your competitors, accompanying them here for a proposed exchange, and then grinding them to to dog meat along with your own forces with a sudden defection. Is that about it?"

'If that is how you prefer to think of it, Isen Kalla. From my view, it is eliminating one who took advantage of my trust and stole what did not belong to him. This is not a simple business disagreement - he is a traitor and must pay for what he has done. I am also interested in discouraging such behavior from others, of course. Fewer people will be hurt that way... and that is better for everyone.'

"Right. Not loving the idea of putting it on my conscience, but it'll have to do. Is this a task for today, or tomorrow? Because some of my today-spirits will have no part in something this unsavory, but the connection wears thin anyway."

"Does it ever get crowded up there?" Vincent pondered, as he pointed at Child's head.

"It gets crowded in mine, and I'm the only one who lives here," Isen remarked dryly. Well...he thought he was the only one who lived there. He couldn't prove something else had hitched a ride and could keep quiet.