GM Rinaldo's Eyes of the Ten 2018 (Inactive)

Game Master The Great Rinaldo!

“Euthenasia!?”

“Well, it does sound better than ‘murdering them in their sleep’, my dear.”

Luisila ✨casts detect magic to help home in on the good loot.

“For acting as mercenaries in what they all think a worthy cause?”

A mercenary’s only worthy cause is gold – but it’s not worth arguing over.

Luisila watches Qadathra fly the ring like a kite around Zaliex’s lair and smiles. “May I have one of the beads of force we captured earlier please, Mighty Wyrm?”

“May I have one of the beads of force we captured earlier please, Mighty Wyrm?”

A moment or two later, Luisila spots a small grey bead as it flies up to her, buzzes around her head, and finally comes to rest having gently lodged itself...up her nostril.

Marta watches with surprise as the incorrigible mini-drag attempts to send the bead up Luisila's nose and eyes it with disapproval.

And why am I surprised? Take away one toy and naturally it will find another to wreak havoc with. Maybe I should catch it and give it a spanking. If I can catch it.

Marta's glare turns to one of speculation as she calculates distance and angles.

Luisila removes a crumpled yellow handkerchief and tiny tin from her Pathfinder pouch.

Opening the rusty lid of the caddy, she removes a pinch of brown powder, placing it under her nose from whence she takes a delicate sniff.

One short, mouse-like ⚞ ka-CHOO⚟ later, the half-elf has captured the bead of force in the golden silk of her hanky.

She speaks kindly to the elven witch as she slips the bead into one of the many pockets of her explorer’s outfit. "Vladek, I consider you to be my friend."

𐌄𐌅𐌆 𐌈𐌉𐌊𐌋 𐌌𐌍𐌏𐌍 𐌏𐌐𐌒𐌓𐌔 𐌁𐌂𐌃𐌄𐌕𐌖 𐌗𐌆𐌇𐌉𐌊 𐌋𐌌 𐌐𐌑𐌓𐌀 𐌁𐌂 𐌃𐌄𐌆𐌇 𐌉𐌋𐌌 𐌍𐌐 𐌑𐌓𐌕 𐌖𐌚𐌞𐌝 𐌍𐌏𐌐𐌑 𐌉𐌋𐌌𐌐𐌑𐌕 𐌇𐌉𐌝 𐌊𐌋𐌌 𐌍𐌏𐌐𐌒𐌓𐌔 𐌕𐌖𐌞𐌚

Fendahl also looks upon the antics of the tiny dragon with disappointment. But figures Luisila is dealing with it more tactfully than he might.

”And do any of you know if reinforcements were expected here? And if so, how many and when? I would rather not have to deal with overzealous newcomers while trying to rest. “

Luisila sees that Teko could be awakened with a small amount of healing, perhaps one or two castings of CLW would suffice. Are you reviving him? And what about the other archer? Sounds like you're leaving the bugbears unconscious for the moment - they are all KO'd by nonlethal from Marta in round 1, so they'll be out for a few hours before waking up on their own.

Fendahl, whom were you addressing with your question above?

that was to the archer Kirrah was guarding next to swordsman

Marta will strip Teko of any magic items or lockpicks that she can find, bind him with her Shackles of Compliance to something he cannot budge, and then let Luisila revive him.

"I think we should leave the other fellows out of commission until we deal with this one. Luisila, could you revive him now?"

” Hrrmm. Agreed. We just want to ensure the bugbears don’t wake up and attack us in our sleep. But this Teko seemed to have some honor to him. And is most likely of the lot to know something useful.“

Teko's gear includes: +2 full plate armor, +1 heavy steel shield, ring of protection +2, amulet of natural armor +1, cloak of resistance +1, +2 keen longsword. He doesn't have anything that even remotely looks like lockpicks.

”And do any of you know if reinforcements were expected here? And if so, how many and when? I would rather not have to deal with overzealous newcomers while trying to rest. “

The archer says, "Reinforcements? If you took out the squad Cale led to the Pathfinder lodge, we're all that's left other than the Red Raven himself ... and that's assuming he makes it back. From what Teko and Geppa were saying, things are kind of tense upstairs."

-----------------

When Qadathra delivers the ring to Zeliax, the phoenix swallows it, and says to you, "Good luck. If you have need of me, come to this cavern and call my name."

Luisila spontaneously converts air bubble into CLW, dips her index finger in some holy water and makes the triple-dagger sign of Calistria on Teko’s forehead.

CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

If that is insufficient to revive him, she repeats the process, converting bless.

CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

“Fendahl, I suspect the Red Raven may be in no condition to fight us, and may be very relieved we are willing to sort things out with him diplomatically.”

“Despite what we saw at the Woodsedge Lodge, I believe Zaliex when he says RR is generally honorable. As such, I think we should press on WITHOUT resting.”

“If it does come to a fight, I believe Vladek and possibly Myrdon(?) still have a number of high valence spells available to them. If you would like additional healing for yourself and Kirrah before we depart, I can organize that too.”

Teko's gear includes: +2 full plate armor, +1 heavy steel shield, ring of protection +2, amulet of natural armor +1, cloak of resistance +1, +2 keen longsword. He doesn't have anything that even remotely looks like lockpicks.

I'll happily take the sword! I'd take the amulet, too, but I've already got an amulet.

Can I snag the ring? If we do proceed, Marta she does have a couple of spells, a judgment, and most of her rounds of bane left. Should be OK in combat.

After Teko is relieved of his weapons, Luisila casts a spell to revive the swordsman. He blinks and looks around him. Seeing the phoenix gone and all of you standing around him, he says, "So, you've killed everyone else but you revive me to gloat?"

”Hrrmm. We do not gloat. We seek answers and you seemed to be honorable enough to answer truthfully. We did not come to fight you, but to address the unprovoked attack upon us in the lodge and address this red raven. “

Fendahl will keep the mans stuck sword , at least until the resinous skin elapses.

I’m assuming one CLW spell, GM Rinaldo? And I don’t want any of the loot.

"Fendahl, mo leithscéal. B'fhéidir go raibh mé ró-chasta? B'fhéidir go bhfuil troid eile ann ní mór dúinn páirt a ghlacadh sa staighre thuas, ach an uair seo chun an fíon dearg a tharrtháil. Beidh suim agam a fheiceáil cad a deir an claidheamh a athbheochan le déanaí."

फेंडाहल, मेरी क्षमायाचना। शायद मुझे भी जल्दबाजी थी? हो सकता है कि एक और लड़ाई हो, जिसमें हमें ऊपर की ओर भागना चाहिए, लेकिन इस बार लाल खड्ड को बचाने के लिए। मुझे यह देखने में दिलचस्पी होगी कि हाल ही में पुनर्जीवित तलवारबाज क्या कहता है।

“Myrdon, please forgive me. I will translate my words for you shortly.”

“But you revive me to gloat?”

“No, we’ve revived you to give you a second chance to complete your mission of safeguarding the Red Raven.”

Luisila explains patiently. “Zaliex the phoenix believes the Red Raven to be honorable. Your archer companion implied he is in great danger, with nobody guarding him at present.”

“With your assistance, we are prepared to rescue him and listen to his side of the story.”

“However, before we attempt to make peace with someone whose lieutenants were trying to kill us moments ago, we need to know what is going on upstairs and why you told your own soldiers ‘things are kind of tense upstairs.’”

aid diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Fendahl nods to Luisila

”Very well. It seems urgency is overtaking prudence again. But we must do the needful I will accept your offer for healing Kirrah and myself if you can spare it.“

can use his own wand unless you were going to channel etc

One spell was enough to wake up Teko.

Teko eyes you all warily. "You are prepared to aid the Red Raven now, after you've killed the woman he loves? Why did you not leave in peace when we asked you to? If you know of Hestram's crimes, then you had only to go and let justice be served!"

He coughs, clearly in great pain from his still-severe wounds. "When you arrived, you spoke the name of Aric of Halvon. When he returned from the Pathfinder lodge, a mob had come to Halvon's estate. We aren't sure what they wanted, but Halvon is not completely trusted by the people of Galt, who have no idea he is actually their hero, the Red Raven. He told us to remain here while he went to find out what was going on. He gave the phoenix ring to Geppa and told her to wait for Cale's return, and not to interfere with whatever was happening upstairs. We feared the worst, but followed his orders."

Marta lets out a sigh when love is mentioned.

Well that would explain a lot. If he is in love, who knows WHAT the truth is compared to the Red Raven's perception. Thank Ragathiel I've never been in love.

Marta decides to let the others continue questioning the man. The whole 'love' thing just makes her uncomfortable and she has no idea how to deal with people or matters corrupted by it.

That’s the umpteenth mention of ‘upstairs.’

Luisila lets the information process, before … “Wait … are you saying we’re in the basement of Red Raven Manor?? And he’s currently fighting for his life up a literal flight of stairs while you’ve been brawling with us?!?”

Frustration with her superiors, opponents and the mission itself finally bubbles over. “WE TOLD YOU WE WERE WILLING TO LISTEN TO HIS SIDE OF THE STORY, BUT YOU DECIDED TO FIGHT US ANYWAY!”

The cleric of Vengeance takes a long moment to calm down, before continuing with a calm fury. “Geppa’s death is on your hands, Teko. And if you don’t want the Red Raven’s as well, I suggest you let us heal up and guide us to him.”

☤ Medic’s Report ☤ Marta + Qadathra FULL HEALTH, Fendahl (including combat channel) 69 + 27 + 10 + 4 = 110/112, Kirrah 90 + 3 = 93/95, Aegis II (including combat channel) 49 + 27 + 9 = 85/85, Vladek 67/70, Myrdon 54 + 20 = 74/77, Luisila 122/123 **If I have any of this wrong, please let me know**

Out of channels, Luisila burns her bless spell to ✨cast CLW on Fendahl. She also spontaneously converts grace to CMW for Myrdon.

roll from above CLW spell on Fendahl: 5 + 5 = 10
Luisila's CLW wand on Fendahl: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Luisila's CLW wand on Kirrah: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CMW spell on Myrdon: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (2, 8) + 10 = 20
Luisila's CLW wand on Aegis II: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

I had not included the channel on Fendahl nor Kirrah as I was not sure if they were in range after movement on map. If they were , then the above is correct

”You have our thanks. Let us hope the Red Raven is not so heavily guarded. “

"I am going to test you for your worthiness in the sight of Ragathiel. Please do not resist."

An aura surrounds her and changes nature as it shifts from white motes to metallic stars.

Marta uses her detect alignment ability to detect good and law on Teko. She may offer him freedom if the results are right.

"Hey, if I was gloating, you would know. Besides, I am living proof that death is not permanent. Just cost you a bit of gold is all. But let's not delay further. Let's not add another one for the coffers of the clerics." He tips his head Lusila at that, with a grin, inviting her to calm down. Despite his frivolity, he is eager to get moving - to get to the bottom of this conflict that had taken his life.

Teko looks up at Luisila and responds, "As if I can stop you from doing anything. Unless you heal me and return my weapons, I would be more of a danger than a help even if I were to go up with you. However, he ordered me to guard the Roost and not follow him. I have no choice but to do as he told me."

"No choice? How so?"
Again the nimbus surrounding her alters and changes to a soft glow that surrounds both her and Teko.

Marta will fire up her discern lies

Teko looks at Marta. "I, for one, follow my orders, even when I wish I didn't have to. The Red Raven said he had to deal with the matter himself, regardless of the outcome, and we should not interfere."

“Have we got all the useful info out of him? If so, I think it’s time to head up while we still have some buffs active.”

Luisila casts Teko a final glance. “You realize our intention is to sort things out with the Red Raven diplomatically, right Teko? I can’t spare additional healing right now and if you’re not contributing to a potential fight upstairs, your magical items are more useful in our hands than yours.”

“If you’re staying down here, be a good boy and we’ll see you soon.”

”No arguments with that, Lusila. It’s about time we get to the bottom of this.” Myrdon does not give Teko a second thought as he turns to face further in, sending Aegis to fly on ahead as the shield for the team/

"He seems like he is being honest. Let's go up and see if we can help."

Marta looks over at the passage upwards with an appraising eye and removes the shackles from Teko.

"Promise me you will not make any trouble for us or revive anyone who would."

Marta gives the man her cold-eyed stare as she waits for a response, her otherworldly visage unflinching as her glowing aura surrounds them.

"Promise me you will not make any trouble for us or revive anyone who would."

"I have no way of doing either."

- - - -

A thin, winding passage leads up a steep incline from the massive cavern to a dead end that is clearly the obscured side of a secret door. The door stands ajar just a crack, but appears to be built into the altar of a small private chapel. Light from stained glass windows above the altar suggests that you’ve reached the surface. Within the secret door, on your side of the chapel, a rough red cloth cloak and the headdress of the Red Raven hang from a wooden peg in the wall. A basin of water nearby is tinged red and a fresh pot of red paint sits next to the basin.

The secret door from the tunnel opens into the false facade of an altar in an austere chapel dedicated to Abadar, Master of the First Vault. Numerous lit candles flicker from shelves built into the whitewashed walls, which extend thirty feet to end in what must be some sort of spire or steeple. The upper walls of the structure bear huge stained-glass windows. From the light illuminating their colorful scenes it’s clear you’ve emerged onto the surface. Two huge double doors on the far wall, about 20 feet away, stand open just a crack, revealing a sliver of the courtyard beyond. Several figures throng the yard, jeering and yelling. Inside the chapel, though, all is quiet.

I've updated the map. Your tokens are on the side as you are all still in the secret tunnel. The altar on the right is where you are entering; the doors mentioned in the text are on the left.

Searching the area, and your conversations with Zeliax and Teko took about 10 minutes for spell durations.

Marta casts a heightened awareness from her wand, and sneaks forward to the double doors to take a look at what is happening outside.

stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

More than a dozen angry Galtan citizens throng the narrow courtyard of the keep, crowding around a tall wooden guillotine erected on the far end. Four tall, gaunt human men wearing long gray coats and armed with sturdy halberds patrol the angry Mob, keeping the peace while at the same time cheering along with the bloodthirsty crowd. Howls of “off with his head!” and “death to the noble traitor!” emerge from the loud din of the rabble. A richly garbed man wearing an absurd hat festooned with ribbons and badges looks down on the crowd from atop the courtyard wall, unfurling a scroll and preparing to speak. As the crowd shifts to reveal the guillotine, the focus of all the anger becomes clear. Kneeling in the mud, his neck exposed to the guillotine’s blade, is a dark-haired human man dressed in familiar red leather armor.

“Aric of Halvon,” screams the hat-wearing man atop the courtyard wall. “You stand accused as an enemy of the Red Revolution and a sworn foe of the People of Galt. By my decree, you are required to grant us the magical password that grants access to Montrose Keep, so that the ill-gotten gains of your evil nobility can be distributed to the good people of Galt!”

Map updated. The judge is on the wall, looking down at the man at the guillotine. Aric is face down, but trying to look upward at the crowd. Everyone else is looking at him, with their backs to you.

As the passes through the secret door, Myrdon glances at the red cloak, headdress and pot of paint, considers matter briefly, then grabs and stuff them into his backpack. "Might come in useful to expose that fellow," he whispers to his team.

---

Myrdon stands behind Marta for protection, peeping over her shoulders as much as possible to see what's happening outside. He quickly turns around and cast a couple of spells on Aegis, and activates two wands on himself, just in case matters turn south. And they look like they might.

Cast shield and bull's strength on Aegis. Activate wands of shield and heightened awareness on himself.

"Well, looks like if we just wait a bit, those zealots are likely to do our job for us," Myrdon quips with a sneer. "But that would really let him off too easily, no? That guillotine looks really sharp so he would hardly feel it. Much as I enjoy seeing the source of our troubles in this state, I think I would get greater satisfaction questioning him to get to the bottom of maters. Looks like this has turned to a rescue mission instead, no?"

Myrdon isn't too keen to launch fireballs at the civilians. He could turn invisible (up to 12 rounds), or cast vanish (up to 5 rounds) on someone else to free Aric? Then silent image to mask our escape? Other ideas?

Marta mutters, "My, now, isn't this ironic."

Pulling back from the door, she says to the others, "Looks like our Red Raven has gotten himself into a predicament. He is about to be executed for treason to the Red Revolution of all things."

Now Marta does not have much of a sense of humor in many respects, but irony has always been her one 'comedic vice'. A hint of a smile crosses her face for but a moment.

"Unfortunately, this is also a gross miscarriage of Justice and it would be truly criminal if we were to allow this farce to continue. And I don't like the looks of that judge. It seems I will be forced to save him. The rest of you should follow your own conscious, but I fear I'll have to go out there and face the mob."

Hrmm. Accused of opposing himself. Interesting. I am with you. Honor demands a rescue so true justice may be served. What of the disguise? Not my area of expertise but seems it can be used to our advantage. Especially if it can clear the room of the mob.

"A little deceit? The Red Raven presents himself and vouches for the Red Raven?"

This time the irony is too much for Marta and she chuckles and then laughs.

"I say YES! Which of you think you can pull of the disguise?"

“Not I – but I think that’s exactly the course we should take!”

Luisila slaps Myrdon’s backpack, where the Red Raven’s cape and cowl are stored, with delight. “I think the most diplomatic of us should wear the costume and defend poor Aric before the Revolutionary Court. And that person would probably be … you, Myrdon!”

“Should you choose to make me one of your side-kicks, I would be delighted give you some suggestions, (aid diplomacy) as well a bit of luck and some guidance.”

Luisila places the back of her hand to her forehead. “Assuming I don’t swoon in the presence of the Red Raven, of course!” <giggle>

Myrdon grins gleefully. "My, my, what a wonderful idea! Perfect way to turn the tables on this red fowl. The man responsible for my death, now his life in my hands. As him!" He almost bursts out in laughter, but holds himself in. "Come, quickly! Help me with the disguise! I don't think we have much time!"

Would this be bluff and/or disguise? Myrdon's bluff is good at +16, but disguise more iffy at +12.

I would secretly roll a disguise check for you, with bonuses for using pieces of the actual Red Raven outfit. That will cover your appearance. Once you start talking, I will secretly roll a Bluff check to see how convincing you are. Make sure to let me know what mundane or magical aids you may have to improve your check.

As you quickly discuss your options, you can hear the man on the wall saying, "Your life is forfeit to the Final Blade unless you give up the password to the manor! Do not so willingly lose both your life and your afterlife!"

Things seem to be escalating quickly. You probably don't have long before the judge calls for Aric's execution.

Kn Local: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9, +6 if it concerns a monster which makes absolutely no difference with that sub-optimal roll.

"Quick, time is short, methinks!" With a quick gesture, Myrdon commands Aegis to stay its ground, no matter what. He whips out the cloak, headdress and pot of paint and gets to work...

Disguise is +12. No other magic to boost, but not sure if the rest of the team can aid? Or guidance/luck?

Just before stepping out into the open, Myrdon concentrates briefly and suddenly vanishes from sight. (Fleeting Glance - greater invis for up to 12 rds) Making sure to open the door every so carefully to not draw attention, he paces across the courtyard until he stands beside the guillotine. While unseen, he mutters softly the incantations of a spell and suddenly, a sound of explosion echoes through the courtyard just as he dismisses his spell and appears in the guise of the Red Raven! (cast ghost sound) This would get their attention...

Myrdon seizes the opportunity of the momentary silence befallen the courtyard with his dramatic appearance. "HOLD!" Myrdon raises his hand towards the hat-wearing man atop the courtyard wall, then turns towards the crowd. "Hold, before the Final Blade make the biggest mistake since its creation by Citizen Margaery! Indeed, you see before you Aric of Halvon, a member of the decadent nobility who have oppressed the liberty and lives of countless Galtans, in cahoots with the devil worshipping Cheliax. But not everything you see is as it is." Myrdon sniggers to himself at the irony here. "For the Aric of Halvon you see is no more than a guise. Unbeknownst to the general public, Aric has been a firm but secret ally of mine, aiding in our continual revolution against the corrupt and the debased. To reveal more would put more innocent lives in danger but I bid you to cease and free this man. For there are few are as true revolutionaries as him. Release him!" At that, again Myrdon utters some arcane words and disappears from view, before retreating back towards the rest of the team.

Bluff is +16 or Diplomacy +19, whichever is appropriate. Again, guidance and/or luck is welcomed.

Some backup plan by the rest might be good? Just in case?

GM, let me know how many rounds of fleeting glance he used?

@Myrdon
You get a +2 from heroism.
Dice monologue by the way.

Marta makes her way into the crowd, trying to get as close as possible to the judge.

Stealth roll? Both to keep the door opening a secret and the approach.?

Luisila begins by ✨casting invisibility on Marta. (CL 12, lasts 12 minutes)

“I have four charges left in my wand of invisibility if anyone else wants a tap.” (CL 3, lasts 3 minutes)

She then follows Myrdon aka the Red Raven downstairs, tapping herself with her invisibility wand to move into position beside him, from where she progressively provides him with up to 5 rounds of a bit of luck roll twice take best on every d20 roll until he has finished appealing to the crowd.

At that point, she ✨casts mislead, conveying greater invisibility on herself, while conjuring an image of herself among the throng which she concentrates on to help support the words of the heroic Red Raven.

“Vive la révolution! Vive the people’s hero, Le Corbeau Rouge!”

“If the Red Raven says Aric of Halvon is a friend of the Revolution and Secret Hero of the People, that is good enough for me, mes amies!”

aid disguise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
aid bluff: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
aid diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

re-roll aid bluff with GM star: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

Fendahl and Kirrah stay back, figuring a lion in a crowd will not calm anything

Fendahl is fairly limited on his remaining spells. He has a wand of freedom of movement which could be used if the man cannot be un-bound

Vladek works to bend history in Myrdon's favor before he sets out.

Sorry I didn't check in over the weekend!
Luisila: No need to use the reroll, you wouldn't really have been aiding the Bluff check anyway.

- - -

The crowd lets out a collective gasp as the Red Raven suddenly appears by the guillotine. As makes his impassioned plea, someone in the crowd calls out her support, which quickly leads to the crowd calling for Aric to be released.

The judge on the wall watches, and motions for the crowd to quiet. "Red Raven, your support for the Revolution is well known. For your sake, and on your word, we will release him. I implore you, however, to reason with him about his aristocratic ways. Convince him to divest himself of his ill-gotten wealth, and show his true allegiance to the people."

The judge motions for the guards to release Aric, and they quickly take down the gallows. They lead the crowd out, and you are left alone in the courtyard with Aric of Halvon.

He looks at Myrdon and says, "Well ... I never expected the Red Raven himself to come to my aid. Let us step inside, and you can tell me how you happened to be in the area."

He leads the way back to the chapel door, where he is surprised to find a giant eagle and a lion awaiting him, along with the rest of the party.

Let me know what each of you is doing as he comes into the chapel.

Marta will stand guard over the front door, still invisible, half expecting a force to come breaking in. She will wait patiently for someone else to start the questioning, though.

Has it been over 220 minutes from the first battle where Myrdon was killed?

Marta will stand guard over the front door, still invisible, half expecting a force to come breaking in. She will wait patiently for someone else to start the questioning, though.

Has it been over 220 minutes from the first battle where Myrdon was killed?

Yes, you spent several of hours investigating and getting him raised before setting out into the Maze. OTOH, it has been less than 45 minutes since you entered the Maze.