GM ShadowLord's PFS #4–15: The Cyphermage Dilemma (Subtier 1-2) (PbP Gameday 3) (Inactive)

Game Master The Rising Phoenix

Oliver does not detect any magic in the immediate vicinity.

What the hell is this, a diplomatic UN peacekeeping mission? Where's the fire and brimstone?! I've never seen so many consecutive high diplomacy rolls!

The man in the back ponders over the words of the party as he peers to the side to see actually how many armed people are standing against him. He lowers his cutlass and calls out, "Kruj, Marx, come on out. We're all going to head out and over to the Publican House and grab an ale."

The man turns to Cid and says, "I think you may have miscalculated your odds a bit. No matter, we were just on our way out for an ale. We'll be gone about an hour I s'pose. Shame if someone were to break into the warehouse while we were away."

Looking to Saphera he asks, "Don't suppose you're willing to toss in a few coin to allow the boys to have a drink for a bit, you know, to keep their head from thinking stupid things?"

Troyst enters the room, trying to look menacing without saying anything.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Not how I expected the encounter to go haha

Cid grins again. Well I said I was no mathematician. Good day gents. Cid walks a bit further in the room and takes a better look.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Missy tosses out a gold piece ...
"That should go a long way toward quenching that terrible thirst you boys have worked up. Try the Pumpkin Ale ... it's a seasonal favorite."
After they have departed, Missy and Middy will also take a look around ...
Perception (Missy): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
Assist Perception (Middy): 1d20 ⇒ 19

The man who had been speaking puts his hands on the shoulders of two of the others and says, "C'mon boys, let's go grab a drink." The five cautiously make their way past the party and head back towards the hustle and bustle of town.

Apparently Cid's tongue is more useful than his eyes, he doesn't see much more than piles and stacks of crates and barrels but the summoner has better luck. Once the grunts are all gone Melisandre searches around and finds three acid flasks and one masterwork longsword. But perhaps of more interest is a crate in the back that has several small holes cut into it, the normally that would be used to ensure that an animal or creature can still breath while being contained. Cautiously peering into the crate there appears to be the body of a woman who does not appear to be moving.

Sorry for the absence, folks -- real life has bitten me pretty hard today.

"Excellently handled, fellow Pathfinders. I believe we have done the Society proud thus far. May Desna continue to smile on us as we proceed."

Grym steps into the warehouse and lends his eyes to searching the main floor. However, he stubs his toe on a crate and is temporarily distracted.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Troyst joins Melisandre at the crate, "is she alive?" He looks around for a crowbar or other implement, "do you see any way to open the crate?"

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

There are crowbars and various other tools strewn about the warehouse that one could use to open the crate. Troyst grabs one such object and pries it open. Inside is an unconscious woman in her mid-thirties with a series of bruises visible. It looks like she was roughed up a little, but she is still breathing.

Saphera sheaths her sword then kneels next to the woman. Carefully, Saphera examines the woman to evaluate her condition.

I’m looking to see what it would take to bring her conscious.

Heal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Cid absent mindedly scratches at his thin beard and says"I'm no doctor... but the Dwarf.. Hey Dwarf.. Oliver right? Ask Desna if she's unconscious."Realizing he's no help Cid walks a few feet away as not to crowd the unconscious woman.

Saphera assess the wounds on the unconscious woman. There are a few cuts, scrapes and a whole lot of bruises. It looks like she was roughed up a bit there isn't one wound that is terribly bad. It wouldn't take much healing at all to get her conscious again.

Saphera pulls out a wand and invokes its power. Once the wand becomes fully charged she releases the energy into the woman.

Saphera will use her wand of cure light wounds on the woman.

Wand of cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The unconscious woman quickly comes about when Saphera's healing wand touches her. Comin too she explains that she was kidnapped from the Starfire by a bunch of thugs led by a woman. She was transferred to another ship that she believed was called the Lionfish, but she's not entirely certain of that. The ship docked in the harbor and then she was taken here and told to wait until their 'boss' returned.

"My name is Iatha Oedricius and I am a theologian specializing in the study of ancient Thassilonian religions. I'm well known in certain circles, you may have heard of me?" She pauses and looks amongst you for some form of recognition. She continues on, "Anwyway, the Order of Cyphers called on me to aid in the ongoing research of the Cyphergate. I'm not exactly sure why we were targeted, perhaps for ransom."

"I've had more than enough of these docks, she adds, you'll have to find that ship on your own. I am headed for the Cypher Lodge, to recover and finish what I came for. Thank you for rescuing me."

"I've heard of ya. Liberty's Edge asked that I look into your safety. Another ship carryin Hirako Gurukaza is to be coming in soon. The same pirates that captured you will raid his ship if we do not stop them. Is there anything else you can remember to help us? Do you have any idea when this 'boss' might be comin?"

Iatha stares at Oliver for a moment and a big smile washes over face. She takes a few steps forward and throws her arms around him and plants a huge kiss on his lips. "It's good to see that the Andoren people still take care of their own! Thank you my savior!"

She takes a few steps back and looks around at the rest of the group and then thinks on his remaining questions. "This boss person was a female human I beleive. I didn't catch her name. I overheard my captors speaking about how she was going to be gone awhile, on another 'big job' or something to that effect."

She studies the group and adds, "I've heard of Gurukaza, well respected. I hope you are are able to stop them from taking him! I'd hate to think what might have happened if you had not saved me..."

She trails off looking towards the crate she was stuffed into.

"Don't worry about it Iatha."

Oliver says to the group"I think it best we escort her to the lodge, then look for this lionfish boat."

"Works for me."

Well, I agree that we need to find this ship called the Lion-fish.

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Have I heard of, or know anything about a ship called the Lion-fish?

I'm OK with escorting her to safety as long as we have time to achieve our objective.

Everyone who hasn't dropped me a perception for the warehouse, please do so now before you leave. That would be... Oliver and Saphera.

Saphera racks her brain for any knowledge of the Lionfish but can't recall anything at this time, it probably is not a well known or distinguished boat.

Iatha smiles pleasantly to the group, "Thanks, I'm quite ready to be out of this warehouse."

I need a marching order leaving the warehouse and a perception roll from everyone before we move one ... nooottt that anything bad is going to happen or anything ;)

perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Oh ... I almost forgot ...

Missy will pick up the 3 flasks of acid and the masterwork longsword, holding the later up for the party to see ...

"Can anybody use this? I'm afraid I would not be very good with one of these."

Missy would prefer to be in the middle of the pack with respect to marching order.

Perception (Missy): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0
Perception (Middy): 1d20 ⇒ 7

Which is a good thing seeing as she is not paying attention to anything around her.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Troyst would stick toward the back to keep an eye out for anyone following. And because he seems to find trouble whenever he's in front

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

If you want to change your position in this order please say so before it becomes official.
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Proposed Marching Order
Saphera (Highest AC)
Oliver (2nd highest AC / heals)
Mistress (Arcane support)
Eidolon (Pet)
Cid (DPS / support / Rear defense)
Troyst (DPS / Rear defense)

Rubbing the toe of his boot one last time, Grym prepares to head back out of the warehouse with the rest of the party.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Should I feel bad that I got left out of the marching order? ;-) Grym usually finds himself in a second-rank position, assisting with reconnaissance.

Before departing Saphera uncovers a secret compartment in the warehouse floor in which the smuggler’s have hidden a crate of ornate silk flags. You gather up the items you've found (I guess Melisandra has the acid until someone else takes it) and head out to escort Iatha to the Cypher Lodge, walking along the docks and retracing the route you took to get here.

As you are walking along the docks, a few of the party (Grym, Saphera, Troyst) notice that you have picked up some new friends. It appears there are two half-orcs and a dog following you. They've been sneaking around and following you since you have left the warehouse. Melisandra meanwhile is lucky not to trip over her own two feet as she moves along in the middle of the pack, barely avoiding the fishing gear and barrels along the docks.

We'll inset you second as Oliver doesn't protest, otherwise we'll go with Saphera's proposed order. If anyone has any qualms about the order just let me know and we'll swap you around.

Map Updated!

Trying not to draw attention to himself, Grym mutters to no one in particular, "ہم، دوست اکیلے نہیں ہیں ," and a few seconds later, "Ми не одні, друзі."

I'm fine with the order, didn't realize I needed two perception checks.
perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Oliver responds in Dwarven.

He keeps walking forward though as if nothing is wrong.

OMG Aduon...LOL totally my bad. Please accept my apologies.
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Marching Order
Saphera (Highest AC)
Aduon (Off tank)
Oliver (2nd highest AC / heals)
Mistress (Arcane support)
Eidolon (Pet)
Cid (DPS / support / Rear defense)
Troyst (DPS / Rear defense)

After observing the half-orcs following the group, Saphera casually lets herself fall back to the rear of the party.

Iatha looks confused and turns to Grym. Speaking a hushed tone of concern she says, "تم ہم اکیلے نہیں ہیں کیا مطلب؟"

She slows her pace some and looks around worriedly, afraid of another attack.

Iatha is in blue on the map, orcs in red and party in green.

Troyst notices their new "friends", Those must be Croat's men, he thinks. He turns to Iatha and points out to the harbor, "What is that boat out there?" Troyst stumbles a bit and leans in to her, moving them a few feet closer to the water. When they're beside the crates, he continues softly, "be prepared to crouch down and hide."

Half pushed, Iatha stumbles slightly to the west, confused. As the party begins to shift positions one of the half-orcs decides that they are catching on and decides to act before its too late. He raises a sap and nods to his companion and heads toward the party. He takes only a few steps out from his hiding spot and rounds the corner, but the party is ready for them!

No surprise round since you are all aware.

Initiative:

Grym, Oliver, Baddies, Saphera, Melisandre, Cid, Troyst, Iatha

Grym and Oliver are up first!

No worries, Saphera -- I had been absent for a bit before that.

Grym dances onto the nearby dock, whipping his bow from his back as he moves. He nocks an arrow and fires at the half-orc closer to the party.

Shortbow, with Point Blank Shot: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 = 15
Damage, with Point Blank Shot: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

He looks at the dog for a moment, attempting to determine if it is what it seems to be.

Oliver circles around to Saphera's side.

"Have at them Saphera! I doubt this encounter will be as peaceful as the last!"

Oliver transfers a bit of Desna's Luck to Saphera.
Bit of Luck - on her round she may roll any 1d20 twice and take the better of the 2 rolls.

Grym's shot is true and buries into the thigh of the closest orc (red). He grunts in frustration and issues a command to the dog and points to Grym. The dog immiedately takes off around the crates and runs up next to him, snarling and foaming at the mouth. It obviously is ready to take a bite out of the investigator.

The half orc that was hit raises his sap as he moves around the crates and slams it down on the back of Cid's head with a CCRRAACCKKK. The half-orc adds a slight taunt and says, "That lump remind you Boss Croat say you pay next time!" 9 NL damage to Cid.

The second half-orc moves around and also takes a swing at Cid, but is unable to put him down on the ground.

I have changed one orc to orange to make differentiating between them easier. Grym has damaged red for 6. Remainder of the party is up!

While observing the closest half-orc for weaknesses, Saphera attempts to draw his attention with an insult.

Looks like the local orc tribes send their runts to Riddleport. After verbally abusing the half-orc, she moves her shield firmly in front of her.

Using her shield, Saphera covers her sword arm from the half-orc’s vision. With the large steel shield imposing a visual obstacle, Saphera brings her sword up to her shoulder and prepares for a powerful swing. With every ounce of strength she has, Saphera lunges forward swinging her sword directly towards the half-orc’s head with a powerful forward snap.

(Move action) Study target gaining a +1 to attack and damage. (Standard action) Attack the half-orc.

Attack, Cold iron bastard sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Attack, Cold iron bastard sword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Damage, Cold iron bastard sword: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Round 1 Initiative 11 Firing into Melee

Missy fires at the wounded half-man ...
Light Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 2 - 4 = 8 for Piercing: 1d8 ⇒ 6
... and curses softly as her shot thunks into the barrels beside him. Then she reloads her light crossbow.

Cid grunts in pain from the blow, scowling he steps 5ft between 2 crates away from the 2 brutish orcs. He then begins chanting urgently while blood starts to stream down his neck from the vicious hit.

After he finishes chanting he feels some of the pain subside.

5ft step followed by (standard action) Cast Cure Light Wounds on self

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Troyst sees Cid slide out of the way and moves forward, drawing on his training and deciding to attempt a new maneuver.

Using Martial Flexibility to gain Cleave feat for 1 minute

He clenches his fist and lashes out at the orc that attacked Cid, hitting it fully in the chest.
Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 for Dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

He follows up with a swing at the other orc.
Cleave Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 for Dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

-2AC until next turn
For future reference, can I use Power Attack and Cleave at the same time?

Power Attack will be active for the entirety of your turn, it applies to all attacks. So if you use Power Attack and then get an AoO you will also get to use PA on that AoO.

With a bit of luck, Saphera's bastard sword carves up the orc (red), leaving a huge wound on his back. He howls in pain and eyes the Aasimar with hatred. Before he can even get a word out however, Troyst's left hook catches him in the chest and sends him flying off his feet to the ground. He lays there motionless, blood pooling from his back.

Iatha cowers in fear and moves in a crouched position to the north up behind Ollie. "Oh please, don't let them take me again!"

End of the round. Grym/Oliver are up!

"With all these minacious targets, you choose to assail me? Poor tactics!"

Bravado notwithstanding, Grym's face belies his concern over the dog before him. By Desna, a mad dog!

The half-elf steps backward as he draws a strangely-tipped arrow and fires at the dog.

Shortbow, with Point Blank Shot: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 1 = 17
Damage, with Point Blank Shot: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

Just waiting on status of dog to see which target I attack

Fluffy is still alive!

Oliver says to Iatha "Don't worry, they will have to go through us."

He then moves to engage the dog covering more ground than you would expect from someone of such short stature.

Drawing his warhammer he attempts to cave in the canine's skull.

attack, warhammer: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Grym's arrow pierces the midsection of the dog and it whines in protest from the attack, but it doesn't drop.

The dog pays the dwarf no mind as he misses his swing. He continues his attack relentlessly on Grym as it sinks its foaming teeth into around his ankle. 2 Damage and make a DC14 Fort save.

The half-orc moves south five feet to try and another swing at the bard, but misses and smacks the crate instead.

Party is up!

Round 2 Initiative 11 Firing into Melee
Missy moves and fires at the dog
Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 2 - 4 = 12 for Piercing: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Troyst laughs as the orc moves away, "running already?" He follows around the boxes and attacks again, missing.

Power Attack Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 for Dmg: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Grym shouts more loudly than the severity of the injury would indicate. He looks down at his ankle in fear.

Fortitude, with Inspiration: 1d20 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (11) + (5) + 1 = 17

Yay for the ACG!

Saphera watches the last half-orc’s movements in combat, looking for a weakness in his defense. With no opening for combat, Saphera moves up and waits for a chance to take a swing at the thug.

Am I able to move through the square with the fish cart in it? If so does it count as a double move?

(Standard action) Study target, gaining a +1 to attack and damage. (Move action) move up 15 foot.