[GM School] Honor's Echo: Basilica (Inactive)

Game Master OG3

I beg you not to dally, my family's reputation hangs in the balance. Remaio stands at the top of the stairs waiting for the group to make a decision.

Ferdrin looks to his teammates awaiting their input, while subtly rolling his eyes in a sideways glance at Remaio.

Just the character. He doesn't like to be rush and is prone to dallying :)

Addressing Remaio, Dol stands from the unconscious ratfolk and dusts off his pants. "Sir, the mission is to retrieve your bust and take it home. The object is safe now, and currently in your possession, but we still need to convince the Brothers to release it into your care.

Angry words will only get you so far."

Gesturing around, Dol attempts to provide additional weight to the argument.

"Speaking as a tunnel dwelling race, threats from below need to be dealt with quickly, whether through diplomacy, collapsing the tunnels, or eliminating the threat.

We would be in a much better situation to negotiate with the Brothers if we first eliminate this problem for them, showing our good will. It is what Aroden would do, and should lend weight to our argument."

Dol still does not want to jeapordize the primary mission. "You should take the bust back up to safety. We will deal with the problem down here and report back to you as quickly as possible.

Although, you are welcome to come with us, if you would prefer to see the results first hand."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 <-- This! is why dwarves should not talk...

Very well. Carouse with your vermin. Remaio stomps up the stairs and out of view.

Bobbi listens to the discussion and was about to chime in with the importance of exploring such a historic site when Remaio's rebuff came forth. When he's out of view and sight he looks at the rest of the party. "What a Chelaxian our employer is!" is muttered with a grimace. "We need to Explore more so we can Report and Cooperate with the local officials, I think?"

After Ramaio stomps off like a petulant dilettante, Melicertes scowls. "What a charming fellow. Not. I think the term rhymes with 'stick.' If he's the descendant of Honoria Alcasti, the apple has indeed fallen far from the tree."

The oracle nods at Dol. "We told the Arodenite we'd recover the stolen items. Let's keep our word."

Amidst the discussion, the western door swings open revealing another ratfolk and a rat the size of a dog! They rush Ferdrin trying to topple the skinny man.

The ratfolk provokes an AoO from Ferdrin if there was a prepared melee weapon.

The rat bites and the ratfolk stabs with dagger.

ratfolk, flanking: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13
rat bite, flanking: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 1 + 2 = 13

The ratfolk looks dejected, having hoped to take down an easy target.

Ferdrin
Dol
Dire Rat
Bikka -6
Thessel
Melicertes
Bobbi
Bold may go

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

"What is with you ratfolk? Have you never heard of diplomacy?"

Stepping back into the room, Dol calls on Torag's blessing and launches a blob of acid at the warrior, then draws his Warhammer.

Acid Dart, Melee: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 1 - 4 = 14 (vs. Touch)
Damage?: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Did not have a melee weapon ready. Ferdrin is not one to try unarmed strike, he doesn't like to get his hands very dirty. No AoO.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Ferdrin notices someone around the corner to the south, points, and calls out.

I see you back there Bikka. Will you come call these two off or are you willing to let them suffer to cover your escape?

5' guarded step.

The lanky arcanist takes a more deliberate stance in close quarters to protect his casting process. He eyes both of the rat creatures in front of him, his eyes darting back and forth while he prepares the next batch of violent arcane energy.

Concentration to cast defensively, DC15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Cast magic missile, standard action, CL boosted to 3 with Potent Magic (free action)
Magic missile at rat: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Magic missile at ratfolk: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The dire rate takes a blast to the face and turns to find more docile prey, turning his attention to the oracle. Thessel stands his ground and stabs at the arcanist again.

rat bite on Melicertes: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Thessel dagger on Ferdrin: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Bikka harries the group with his crossbow.

light crossbow on Dol: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Lucky damage dice!

Ferdrin
Dol
Dire Rat -4
Bikka -6
Thessel -6
Melicertes
Bobbi

Wrapping around to top of the next round. The party is up.

Correction on my concentration DC, it should have been 15+2*level, so 17 for 1st-level spell (I had changed my mind from a cantrip). No change to the result.

Bobbi moves up to Bikka. "We could have done this politely but nooooooooo y'all had to go and pull this stuff." The oozy fellow sighs and lets forth a walloping huge fist at the errant crossbowrat.

Morphic Weaponry: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

It's clear, though, that his heart wasn't in the swing fully, because a chunk of masonry flies from the wall next to the crossbowratperson.

Ferdrin grimaces at the gash that opens as the ratfolk's dagger finds its way through his cloak and across his arm.

As the rat scurries away Ferdrin takes the opportunity to cautiously back away from Thessel, who is still actively engaging him.

5' guarded step

He then quickly summons a more basic store of energy, converting it to cold and aiming at his attacker.

Cast ray of frost, standard action.

Ray of frost vs. Thessel touch AC: 1d20 ⇒ 1

As he winds up to unleash the ray he accidentally releases it early so that it fires straight upward, leaving a thin layer of frost in his eyebrows. He quickly glances to and fro to see if any of his teammates noticed the disgrace...

Seeing that Bikka has returned, Dol decides to hold true to his previous statement and summon reinforcements.

He steps back into the hallway, drops his warhammer, and begins casting Summon Monster I CL 3 via Master of Pentacles, Extended via Magical Lineage, Duration=6 rounds

"Oh, you dirty rat!" Melicertes steps away from the filthy creature, loads another bolt in his crossbow and fires. The twang of its launch and the satisfying thunk of the bolt sinking into the vermin's flesh is sweet music to the aquatic elf's pointed ears.
Light Crossbow; Damage: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 211d8 ⇒ 6

The crossbow bolt thuds in the rat's side and it slumps lifeless on the spot.

Bobbi and Ferdrin try to connect with their respective prey but are unable to land a strike.

Power coalesces around Dol as he makes contact with another dimension.

Bikka attempts to slink by Bobbi to get to Dol.
acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Thessel also closes on Dol from behind.

Bikka and Thessel stab with daggers in concert.

Bikka mw dagger, flank: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18
damage: 1d3 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + (2, 5) = 8

Thessel mw dagger, flank: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12

Only Bikka's dagger finds purchase and lands a solid sting on Dol.

Ferdrin
Dol
Dire Rat (dead)
Bikka -6
Thessel -6
Melicertes
Bobbi

Party is up!

Sigh...

Concentration DC 19: 1d20 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 3 = 10

Dol take a 5 foot step out of flank position, and goes into total defense.

I don't want to heal these guys with a channel...

Melicertes shuffles away from the ratfolk figure, locks and loads another bolt, and squeezes the trigger. "Are you Bikka or Thessel? How does your mother tell you apart?"
Light Crossbow; Damage: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 121d8 ⇒ 5

Ferdrin joins Melicertes to get a more direct view of Bikka.

15’, move action

He again draws and manifests a bolt of cold energy.

Cast ray of frost, standard action
Ray of frost attack vs Bikka touch AC, into melee: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (18) - 4 = 14
Ray of frost cold damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Bobbi's face becomes a gross caricature of anger as they lose their composure and cohesion for a brief instant before they attempt to skewer the rat-person nearest them.

Morphic Weaponry: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Morphic Weaponry: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

The first one definitely doesn't hit.

Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Dol repositions, Ferdrin lands an icy ray, Melicertes's bolt goes wide, and Bobbi nearly skewers the ratfolk with his followup strike.

Bikka dashes away from Bobbi's weird morphic weapons, sensing impending death at the end of a finger. He nods to Thessel in the direction of Melicertes and they land at the same spot, once again stabbing in concert. You pathfinders are too green. No tactics! Now you die!

Bobbi and Dol get parting strikes on Bikka as he begins to demonstrate some overconfidence.

Thessel mw dagger, swarming, flank: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 = 9
Bikka mw dagger, swarming, flank: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26
Bikka damage: 1d3 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (3) = 5

Bobbi and Dol could take Bikka down before the dagger strike on Melicertes. Thessel will still attack and miss if Bikka doesn't make it. Dol, apologies I used one too many sneak attack dice on the earlier strike on you, please take back 5 HP. I've also updated the map link in my Status bar for easy access.

oops! forgot the initiative tracker:

Ferdrin
Dol
Dire Rat (dead)
Bikka -9
Thessel -6
Melicertes
Bobbi

Party is back up with 2 pending AoOs

As the rats approach Ferdrin backs off again, never allowing close combat interaction.

5' guarded step

Bikka, you're running out of chances to call this off. A group of "green" pathfinders is about to give you a bad day!

Cast ray of frost, standard action
Ray of frost attack vs Bikka touch AC, into melee: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (3) - 4 = -1

When this ray goes wide Ferdrin growls at his own lack of aim.

Too bad it doesn't help with my concentration check... I don't threaten while in Total Defense, so no AoO.

No longer in danger of instant death, Dol looks to get back into the fight.

He sends forth another dart of acid (At Bikka if still standing, otherwise at Thessel)

Acid,Melee vs. Touch: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 1 - 4 = 16
Damage?: 1d6 ⇒ 5

He then picks up his Warhammer and moves out of Bobbi's way.

Pending Bobbi's AoO, I'll redirect that Acid Dart as appropriate.

"We're PATHFINDERS! WE COOPERATE!" Bobbi bellows with an almost primal anger as they send their finger jabbing into Bikka remorselessly and relentlessly!

AoO (Morphic Weapon): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

AoO (Crit Confirm?): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 6) + 6 = 15

Melicertes steps back from the ratfolk, slips another bolt into the slot, and squeezes the trigger.
Light Crossbow; Damage: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 91d8 ⇒ 4

Between Bikka's blustering and taking a step, he's impaled on an elongated Bobbi finger. He stands motionless for a moment before falling against the wall, smearing blood as he slides down the floor.

Dol's Acid Dart splashes in Thessel's face that was gawking at Bikka's rapid demise.

Bobbi, you owe a regular turn as well.

It may be a bit hard to tell, but Bobbi has some fluid come from where their eyes are at which is quickly re-absorbed into them. They then advance on the other ratfolk, waggling the bloody digit in the direction of Thessel.

Morphic Weaponry: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Thessel takes a step back from the dangerous Bobbi and draws a crossbow. He takes a shot at Bobbi to slow any advance.

crossbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Bobbi's defenses prove too much for Thessel.

Ferdrin
Dol
Dire Rat (dead)
Bikka (dead)
Thessel -11
Melicertes
Bobbi

Party is back up! Bring us home.

Dol moves up to threaten the remaining rat and tries to reason with him.

"Your homicidal leader is dead. Let this madness end! Your other two friends remain alive. Keep yourself alive to look after them."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Grrrrr. Take your trinkets. We will leave. Thessel says begrudgingly.

If unimpeded, Thessel will administer a potion to one of the ratfolk and start dragging the unconscious to their hole.

The rest of the floor is unremarkable. Some storage and prayer rooms.

Remaio is waiting for you when you return. Welcome back, Pathfinders. I trust you met no other trouble down there... Topside, Brother Alcasti and I discussed the security of the Basilica. We agreed could use some refortification. We will be taking the bust with us.

Downstairs

"Here. It won't make up for the lost of your kin, but it'll at least cover the potion. Not rich by any means." Bobbi says with a slightly haunted tone to their voice, tossing over a heavy bag that clinks a bit. -50 gold if Thessel takes it

"I'm sorry things turned out like that!"

Their expression is also a bit haunted as they look at Bikka once more before quickly turning to head up with the rest of the party. It... I... why couldn't they just surrender?

Upstairs

What a pantshead!. Not so much as a 'Did you find the other things the Brother mentioned' or 'Did you have any luck'? He's even doing that Chelaxian 'WE' thing. I hope we find enough information for the Society doing this, because right now I'd really, really like to smack our employer a couple of times to get some sense back into him!

"Our team was lucky to recover a few of the other items that the assailants had taken, and they can be returned to the collection. I'm pretty sure Brother Alcasti will be ecstatic."

Just a reminder, away for about a week starting shortly...

Brother Alcasti thanks you for returning the other items. I apologize for my behavior when you arrived. I was more than distraught over losing the relic entrusted to me. Thank you for returning these other items, they are valuable only to the church. Father Basri, my superior, would have an audience with you and bestow you a blessing if you have time.

Remaio also remarks, I have the evidence I need for the Arodenites. We can leave as soon as you have had your audience.

Glad that the tunnels beneath the temple are clear, Dol channels to heal everyone before heading up to return the items.

Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Dol is glad to hear that the brothers have shown interest in fortifying. "Fortification? Now you're thinking like the Forgefather!

Why I was just telling Bobbi here about some of the grand fort temples we've built in Torag's honor. Now, what's needed here is..."

A tap on the shoulder from another party member interrupts him. Looking back quizzically, he sees the party shaking their heads at him.

"Well, no, I suppose now isn't the right time, and I don't have the engineering knowledge to truly help with the task. Anyways, Brother, you should make sure to keep the tunnels clean from now on."

That said, he waits for the audience.

Knowing that we have GenCon this week and will have a few out, I'll put a bow on it. Feel free to RP the end of the quest before the next one kicks off.

Father Basri offers a basic blessing of protection in a private ceremony before you leave. Before you leave he remarks, Thank you again for restoring our relics. May your travels be blessed by the deity you serve.

End Quest.

Beneath the Basilica

Melicertes shakes his head, delicate gills fluttering, in wonderment when Bobbi pays restitution to the ratfolk thieves. Apparently an oozemorph shares an ooze's mental traits, as well. Or maybe it was just a blow to the head as a young child.

Arodenite Conversations
"We're glad we could return the items stolen from your temple. You might still experience occasional trouble with your rat infestation in the basement. Perhaps, leasing an otyugh for a few days would eliminate the problem."

Labor Relations
"Ramaio Alcasti, your cause must be just. You certainly exhibit all of the qualities expected of a Taldan noble."
Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Remaio actually pauses for a moment, seemingly moved by the statement in a rare exhibition of emotion, albeit brief. Thank you, friend. I don't know what to say. My family would be proud.