GM Silbeg's PFS: Eyes of the Ten (Inactive)

Game Master GM..Silbeg

"Alright, I didn't gag you since it'd be best if you talk the crazy out of your allies so we can finish this without more bloodshed; I mean, we can if ya want, but I think it's best if we avoid that for all parties involved."

Koraq picks up the Red Robin and heads back inside.

90' movement speed and I would think with my strength that carrying a tied up man shouldn't affect my encumbrance adversely.

If possible, to get into the building immediately, Koraq can jump a minimum of 13' straight into up thanks to Monk High jump and ridiculous speed. If he can go through a window, he will.

Acrobatics check if needed: 1d20 + 40 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 40 + 12 = 54

Okay, looks like the general consensus is that you guys are regrouping and letting them run away. Combat over.

First of all, welcome to Eyes of the Ten!

Ralph heads over to the Armory, and one of the servants is happy to talk about their experience, although they are currently weeping around one of their fellows, who seems to have gotten trampled on in the darkness and is not conscious.
"That elf came in and grabbed the Pale Maiden. We tried to get out and leave, but he cast a spell and the doors wouldn't open. He told those guys to grab us, but they didn't seem to excited about it. They just wanted to grab the sword and leave."

Koraq is a kung-fu master and easily jumps in the window.

Géatan feeds Osprey a potion of cure light wounds, which wakes him up. The bird says, "Where's Eliza? What happened?"

Lavode teleports in time to see the group from the armory run into the hedge maze in the back.

"I'd like to catch them bastards... but think we outta regroup first. This is sure one helluva mess."

Koraq will use his superior speed and strength to round up all of the bodies, servants and assassins alike. "Let's get everyone healed up then see what we can do with our captives."

"We lost the pale maiden but we catch Adril's murderer." says Géatan." As for Eliza, " he looks the pile of detritus."W may have time to save her."

Géatan starts to take out the debris.

"If this the first time I do this as a pathfinder, but we need to strategise our next move and tactics.

And maybe we should contact the decemvirate. A life and a national treasure is lost... For the moment. I also fear we have a black sheep in the family. We were here in less than a days. And we received our mission yesterday. It's impossible to have plan that without being in the inner circle. "

-Posted with Wayfinder

Ralph checks the servants to make sure they are otherwise unharmed, apart from the trampled one.

"Regrettable. I had not realised that the elf had taken the sword. No matter, this may work in our favour. As for the darkness, it was necessary to rescue all of you, as well as Geatan. Do not fret. I shall restore him. There will be some darkness again, but do not fear. My servant does not like the light."

Ralph mentally calls the shadow demon back and instructs him to use shadow conjuration to cast infernal healing on himself and the wounded servant, and ablative barrier on himself.

Finally some hit points back...

Then he asks the shadow demon to place in his hand some of the blood (dried or otherwise) from the elf in his hand, then lets him leave. (I assume that there is some blood since the shadow demon did at least wound the elf and force a concentration check.)

"He shall recover in a minute or so. If he does not, bring him to me again."

Returning to the meeting room, Ralph sees that Koraq, Geatan, Lavode and Osprey are all gathered.

"We should try to recover Eliza from the rubble and then gather for a conference. I've manged to capture the one who calls himself 'Red Raven' - the one who killed Hestram. Bloody git got himself killed by a single strike, I should add, most embarrassing and disappointing for one with the mantle of 'venture captain'. But I trust he should have enough fame and prestige in the Society to arrange to be raised from the dead? In any event, the enemy's wizard has taken the Pale Maiden. Once we have had a chance to rest and recover from this battle, we shall need to retrieve it, and I have a plan for that."

"But first and foremost, once Eliza is recovered, we will need answers, and now that we have one of their leaders under my control, I can compel him to give us those answers."

Ralph takes a moment to catch his breath. Were it not for his flight spell, he would surely have needed to sit down, and he finds himself grateful to Nethys that he managed to avoid that show of weakness.

"Koraq, I do not think our captive is going anywhere for now. Would you be so kind as to try to extract Eliza from the rubble so we can see what the extent of her wounds are?"

GM, can we get a body count and assume that Koraq manages to clear the rubble where we saw Eliza being buried, and then take it from there?

Also, good job everyone! If Lavode didn't roll 2 consecutive 1s for his will save (not your fault), we probably could have captured the wizard and saved the sword, but hopefully we still have a chance to remedy that. It's sad that Ralph did not get to see the elf first hand, but we have the next-best thing. My shadow demon managed to get some of his blood.

Very important edit:
Whilst Koraq gathers the fallen and digs out Eliza (or her body), Ralph thinks for a moment, then begins casting yet another spell on the tied-up Red Raven. Taking advantage of his weakened mind, Ralph calls upon his vast spell knowledge to cast a spell to modify the Red Raven's memory of their recent battle. Using spell study.

Details of what memories are being altered will come in a later, more detailed post, when I get a little more time, but I want to make it clear that I am doing this now before too much time passes. Otherwise, it might be difficult getting the Red Raven's cooperation if we need it later... Mainly it will be erasing the threats that Ralph made and the arguments that Ralph had with RR. Not that Ralph really cares what RR thinks of him, but he realises that right now RR's cooperation could prove very important against Cale, who I suspect is the main villain we need to deal with.

I'm getting very low on higher-level spells now, so if we don't get a chance to rest soon, Lavode I will need you to take care of the magic support, and save my spell slots for things that only Ralph can do through his spell study ability.

Some quick notes for now - hopefully I'll be able to get a more detailed post in tomorrow during my breaks in parent-teacher conferences

Note that shadow conjuration can't actually emulate infernal healing since the former can only emulate conjuration(creation) or conjuration(summoning) spells.

The only bodies in the building are those of the scarlet worms and the stone golems. Everyone else got away. (Oh and Adril's body is there.)

Géatan is able to clear the rubble (with Osprey's help, once he goes out of bird form). Eliza is in the middle of the rubble, but unconscious.

Note that shadow conjuration can't actually emulate infernal healing since the former can only emulate conjuration(creation) or conjuration(summoning) spells.

Sorry, I don't use the shadow spells often, considering none of them are in my spellbook. I should start to learn to use them more. I will use a charge from my wand on the servant then, and another 8 on myself when we get the time.

Does someone else want to revive Elisa in case she disapproves of infernal healing? If not I'll use a charge on her too, unless Osprey wants to actually be useful.

Guys, I would like your opinions out-of-character about what I am hoping to change Red Raven's memory to. Feedback would be appreciated before I finalize it.

Ok, I worked out part of what I need to do.

At about 1.5 minutes after the start of the fight, Ralph will ask that RR be taken to a room and left alone with him. He will leave instructions that it is of utmost importance that he be left alone with RR for about 6 minutes, and that they must not be disturbed and no talking should be done near the room where they might be heard. If the library is reasonably sound-proof, he will use that room.

"If we want our interrogation to go smoothly and potentially secure his assistance, it is imperative that I have the next few minutes with him, and that he overhears no other conversation."

At the 2 minute mark, Ralph will issue the command "think of nothing for the next 5 minutes", and then start casting modify memory. In the mean time, I assume Koraq will be making a body count and finding out that everyone is ok, and Eliza will be healed.

Obviously very embarrassed at having fled the fight, Lavode quietly says, I will take care of Eliza and Osprey.

Will use 3 wand clw and try a heavenly fire on each of them. That should be more than enough to get them conscious and able to take care of themselves.

Ralph will also blindfold RR before starting to cast modify memory.

Details of the modified memories in the minute that the battle lasted for are being discussed in the discussion thread. If no one else has any input on it, I think we can call it finalised, including the later addition of the fake servant's cry about the elf mage going to kill them all.

After modifying RR's memory of the battle (first minute of modify memory), Ralph will insert a memory of RR losing consciousness in round 10, and then actively erase his recollection of the following 2 minutes (so he has no recollection of being brought into the lodge, being brought to the library, and Ralph starting to cast the spell). Since dominate person is preventing him from thinking about his situation, the next 4 minutes of real time for him should pass without him thinking too much about his situation. Ralph will modify the first and last mintues of those 4 minutes to memories of him regaining consciousness (in a tied-up blind-folded state), losing consciousness again, and then at the end of that time (coinciding with the last bit of time Ralph has to modify memory), him regaining consciousness as Ralph wakes him up.

In other words, he should have a seamless modification of his memory so that from his perspective, he lost consciousness at the end of the battle and has only a vague idea of having been passed out before being woken up by Ralph again. Between the sensory deprivation from the blindfold, the quiet room (apart from Ralph silently concentrating on the modify memory spell) and the dominate person spell suppressing his thoughts, the time in between should also pass in a haze, and he should have no reason to suspect his memories have been tampered with magically.

"Awake now? Good. We will bring you in to our meeting room when we are ready. You just stay right here and don't try to escape."
That last command will be reinforced by the dominate person.

Ralph will then use detect magic to check that RR has not somehow shaken off the dominate person as well as check RR for magic items, then take all his magic items and weapons before opening the door to the library to ask the nearest servant or PC or NPC he sees to help with bringing RR to the meetin room.

"Alright, so as a quick recap, we were told to escort the Pale Maiden, then we find Adril here as a guest alongside us. Then crap goes down, Adril dies, the Pale Maiden is stolen, and all we gotta show for it a local wannabe Strixman, amirite?", Koraq asks away from the the Red Raven, presumably in group with Ralph, Lavode, Geatan, Osprey and a hopefully conscious Eliza.

"I mean, I hear Galt's gotta a lot of head-chopping and stuff, but are loonies like him a normal thing?"

"I suppose he didn't have a good family who taught the vertue of hard work and not to causing trouble as adventurers do."

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Galtan politics have never been my greatest topic of interest, but I try to read up at least a little about...everything. Here's what I know."

Rolling a knowledge local for some exposition about the local political climate, the revolution, and what reputation this 'Red Raven' guy has if any.

knowledge local: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (20) + 23 = 43

Looks like Ralph is going to cast 'summon exposition'. Feel free to add additional background info, GM.

First things’ first, let’s make the save for the modify memory.
Will save: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (18) - 3 = 15
Hey look! Not a natural 20! He fails the save!

Lavode heals up Eliza and Osprey with his wand. Neither of them are injured or healed by his Heavenly Fire.

Ralph searched the Red Raven for magic items.

With Eliza and Opsrey up, the two of them listen closely to what happened. At the sign of the Pale Maiden disappearing Eliza is visibly distraught, but only for a moment as she quickly collects herself back together to listen to the rest of your explanation.

Assuming someone mentioned something in all that about how most of the people ran off into the hedge maze in the back
Eliza pipes up at the end of the explanation “The attackers fled into no ordinary hedge maze,” she says. “The Lodge’s books call it the Maze of the Open Road, and my own investigations reveal that it contains portals that connect to sites all over Golarion. It’s been here for centuries, and it’s extremely dangerous. I’ve been spending most of my time worrying about the rare curious citizen who sneaks onto the grounds and wanders in, but I wonder if I shouldn’t have been more concerned with what might come out.
“Following these annoyances into the Maze of the Open Road is a priority, but we should investigate the scene of the crime and see what can be learned. There’s no telling where they wandered off to inside the Maze. If you’re to follow them and hopefully get the Pale Maiden back, you’d best do so with as much information as possible. And it sounds like you kept a hold on one of our best sources possible.”

"Good idea. That the best we can do for the moment
Before searching Géatan will ask Osprey to use his wand of cure light wound for healing.

Osprey agrees and pokes Géatan for however much he needs.

"The Maze of the Open Road bears the same name as the Pathfinder's glyph. This is more than mere coincidence? What is the connection between the Society and this maze? As for the Pale Maiden, as long as our captive knows the hideout of the elven wizard, it will be an easy thing for me to trasnport us there and attack his base of operations directly."

Ralph brings the Red Raven into the meeting room with the Pathfinders, Eliza and Osprey. He laughs when he works out the secret to the Red Raven's legendary ability to apparently appear and disappear at will.

"Such a paltry trick behind such an inflated legend!"

He pauses to slip on the raven's ring.

"But what you have done here is no small or laughing matter. You have wrecked our Lodge, murdered one of our Venture Captains, and were it not for our intervention your associates would have also murdered several of Eliza's servants in cold blood. Damage to property. Assault. Murder and attempted cold-blooded murder of helpless non-combatants. These are serious matters, war crimes even, and hardly befits the Red Raven's reputation. So I must compel you to answer:

1. Who are you really? Are you the real Red Raven or an imposter?
2. You said that Adril Hestram was convicted of a murder. Who did he supposedly kill? Who convicted him of the murder? What was the evidence?
3. What was YOUR reason for killing Adril Hestram?
4. Who is Cale? What are his abilities? Where is his hideout and have you been there? What defences does he have at his hideout?
5. Why did Cale steal the Pale Maiden?
6. What is your name? What is your quest? What is your favorite color?"

Let's see what answers Eliza and Red give.

healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
healing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

"During my exploration, I noticed they were locked rooms. The looter could have done something in there. Those are need to be unlock and searched."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Eliza ponders Ralph’s question for a moment. I haven’t found a connection between the Glyph and the Maze besides their names, but I don’t believe for one second that it’s only coincidence. The little bit of information that I’ve been able to gleam about the Maze made it seem very important, something that higher ups in the Society used more often before Galt fell into a cycle of revolution. It was not the reason why I wanted to restart the Woodsedge Lodge, but I’m not going to complain about reclaiming it.”

She then turns to Géatan and adds, “Yes, if there’s anything you need unlocked, please let me know. I would hope that there’s nothing in my room is relevant though.”

-----

Meanwhile, the Red Raven sits listening to Ralph’s questions. “I am the Red Raven. The real Red Raven.

“The Red Raven. To kill the murderer of Adril Hestram. Blue actually.”

Ralph smiles slyly. He had deliberately left his question open enough so that his captive could avoid replying with his real name, and as he anticipated, the Raven had avoided giving his real name.

"As I thought. Even dominated, he is desperate to hide his real identity. I can use that to my advantage..." Ralph thinks to himself.

"Interesting answers. Firstly, you should know that your attempt at... controlling... your friend, failed. He was going to kill several defenseless servants before we intervened. You should be thankful that we inadvertently prevented a severe stain on the reputations of the Red Raven and your Revolution. How do you feel about Cale's actions? How do you feel about the fact that we stopped him from committing murders in the name of the Revolution?"

"If Teppin Montrose was killed, how did he identify his murderer? Was he brought back to life, or was a spell used to commune with him from Pharasma's Boneyard?"

"Who is Teppin Montrose, and why does the Revolutionary Council care about his murder? Tell me what you know of Teppin Montrose. Who is he to you personally and why do YOU want to avenge his death?"

"Did the Revolutionary Council consider the possibility that it was a doppelganger, or a spellcaster using a magical disguise or that some other means of deception could have been involved?"

"Do you know why Adril Hestram would want to kill Teppin Montrose? Tell me all you know about Adril Hestram."

"Since you have no real interest in the Pale Maiden, do you have the authority to instruct Cale to return the Pale Maiden to us? If we prove Adril Hestram's innocence or discover that he indeed deserved to die, would you be willing to return the sword to us?"

"What do you know about the hedge maze that your allies used for their escape? Tell me all you know about it."

"What Is the Airspeed Velocity of an Unladen Swallow?"

Gaétan looks troubled at the thought of searching in Elisa room.

"I didn't think about that. Just Adril's room to find proof of the accusation and the restricted library to know if they was something missing."

Gaétan starts the search for clues.

"Should we follow our escaped in the tunnel or just going to the wizard home?"

"Huh, 'least we're getting some answers. Foppy did have a 'reason', though we outta figger out if he's got some cockamamie intel or Adril did get himself into some nasty stuff. And strange that he just wanted Adril and didn't want to kill everyone, though with what attacked us, I guess he expected Adril to either have bodyguards or felt that having them worms swallow everyone whole was a fine plan."

Answering Geatan, Koraq says, "We outta follow their trail. May some some clues or even one of them blasted archers if they got lost in the maze. Worse comes to worse, we can teleport out if it looks like we're not finding anything."

And just to note healing, Koraq is using his wand of infernal healing on himself :)

Eliza, there is another problem. This timing was no coincidence. We arrived many days early, yet the attack was perfectly timed. They knew exactly where and when to hit us. Only someone who was here in the lodge and knew your plans and that we had arrived could have given them this information. Is one of your servants missing, could one have been replaced or turned, or one a traitor from the outset.

The Red Raven carefully considers answering each of Ralph’s questions before answering them curtly.
“Frustrated. Embarrassed that you had to stop him. Frustrated that you stopped me from stopping him first.

“I do not know why Adril would want to kill Teppin. Adril is a venture-captain of the Pathfinder Society who has murderous agents all throughout wherever those portals in the hedge maze go. He has a savage mercenary friend who follows him around. He likes apes. Teppin thinks he’s crazed.” The Red Raven then spends a couple minutes described in great detail how Adril’s immune system worked and how he developed a poison specifically for him that would kill him in one shot.

“If I have a good reason to explain to Cale why I’m suddenly giving up the weapon I had him risk life and limb for. No.

“I don’t know. You’re a wierdo.”

-----

Eliza nods to Géatan. “You are of course, free to look through those places. I’ll send a servant with the key to unlock them for you.”

-----

Eliza turns to Lavode “That’s an excellent point. If you give me a moment, I can double check that.” She then turns and heads out of the room.

At this point, I assume Géatan is checking out those two rooms in the spoilers, Eliza is now checking out servants identities, and everyone else is in the main foyer questioning the Red Raven? I’m going to clean up the map since I keep forgetting to do that.

Eliza, may I accompany you? If there is a traitor he or she is likely to react badly to being questioned.

Eliza considers that request for a moment, then responds "Sure." Osprey gives a slight caw of disapproval, but otherwise says nothing.

Ralph considers Red Raven's words before making a final comment and question to him.

"I am surprised that you would brand the Society as murderous given how this fight went. We killed none of your fellows despite your vicious attack, and in fact your own ally very nearly commited multiple murders.

"I would also have thought that since Hestram was well-known to Montrose, it would have been surprised the Council for Hestram to turn on Montrose. Do you know what they spent those months discussing? Tell us what you know of the content and tone of those discussion."

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

After hearing the Raven's answer, Ralph waits for Geatan to return and inspects the items retrieved from Hestram's room.

"It appears that you are right about Hestram's predilection for apes, though that's no basis for finding guilt. Hmm... this map." Ralph's expression turns incredibly serious.

He turns to the Red Raven and adds two more question as he shows the Red Raven the map.

"Is Teppin Montrose's estate in Edme? And do you know any other noteworthy allies of the Revolution with the initials 'K', 'EK', 'S' or 'O' that reside at these location and who have had substantial communication with Hestram or his allies in recent times."

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

After hearing the Red Raven's answers, he waits for Eliza to return. (He will use this time to heal himself with infernal healing.) He gives her an update on what the Red Raven has revealed, and then addresses her and Osprey.

"Eliza, if this is the current state of affairs, then the status of your lodge is precarious. Either Adril Hestram or someone impersonating him has killed this Teppin Montrose and in doing so caused enmity between the Society and the local leaders, as well as its most notorious self-styled 'hero'. Unless this situation is resolved, it will prove extremely difficult to maintain a lodge in Galt. The two of you know Hestram far better than I do - I hardly knew the oaf. What do you make of all this? What do you know of Hestram's recent activities and can you think of any reason he would have or would not have wanted to kill Montrose? Do the initials and locations on this map mean anything to you?"

And someone with decent wisdom please roll a sense motive check when they reply. I get the sense that one or both of them might not be telling us all they know.

Koraq nods at Ralph's plan.

Exploit Weakness vs Eliza CR + 10: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 4 = 25
If I pass, I get another +5 to my Sense Motive.

Sense Motive @ Eliza: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 38 Again, +5 if the above worked

Sorry, keeping this short and sweet, busy day today.

The Red Raven sits solemnly through the murder accusations, then adds “I do not know what Teppin and Adril were discussing, only that Teppin said that it made sense.”

-----

The Red Raven looks at the map. “I do not know anyone of those initials that resides in those locations.”

-----

When Eliza comes back, she and Osprey listen to Ralph’s questions. Eliza goes to answer but Osprey cuts her off. “This Red Raven struck at Adril Hestram for a reason. The truth is that we have suspected Hestram of treachery against the Pathfinder Society for months. The Decemvirate asked me to investigate personally. The Talespinning was not a prelude to Adril’s promotion, but rather a test of his loyalty.”

“A test,” Eliza says, “Adril Hestram appears to have failed.”

Osprey smiles, his thin lips showing comfort and humor belied by his penetrating, avian gaze. “It remains to be seen whether you, his most trusted field agents, may yet pass. Guilt by association is not fair, but in the Decemvirate’s eyes it is prudent, especially in these dangerous times. Your investigations thus far have proven you loyal Pathfinder agents. Venturing into the Maze of the Open Road and solving the mystery of Adril’s assassination will assure your loyalty to the Society, and will surely gain the approval of the Ten. While I’m sure you have many theories, we would like some proof.”

Eliza steps forward, her hand curling into a triumphant fist. “I believe in you. I have since the first day we met. When you are ready, go into the maze. Learn how all of this interconnects. Try to ascertain whether that is the real Adril or whether it is a doppleganger. Come back and report to us, and we will coordinate our next move.”

"Oh yeah... Don't you have a spell for those occasions Eliza? We better have something from each of us if something happen."

By the way... Géatan will do is thing and takes the scrolls and ask if we can use them.

-Posted with Wayfinder

"His most trusted field agents!? The Decemvirate's grasp of the Society's ongoings must be tenuous indeed if they think that I had much if anything to do with that... oh... sigh. Tell the Decemvirate that next time they want my power employed in a mission, they do so directly. I have little patience for these foolish games they play. At least Eliza seems to have more sense"

Ralph's eyes narrow as he considers their words a little more carefully, then his faint smug smile returns.

"You have inadvertently already revealed much yourself, Osprey," he laughs as he casually walks behind the Red Raven and points to him whilst looking Osprey in the eye to indicate that he was saying this specifically for the Red Raven's hearing, then keeps walking so that it looks like he was just strutting around the room aimlessly. "If Hestram's implication in the murder of Teppin Montrose is proof of his treachery, then that must mean that Teppin Montrose himself had close ties to the Society, and that in striking out against the Society along with Hestram, our dear friend here has in fact acted against the wishes of his lately departed friend."

He now looks directly at the Red Raven.

"We need to find out more about the discussions between Hestram and Montrose, and the clues we need will likely be at his estate. Now then, a few final practical questions."

"Firstly, you have not answered my question whether Teppin Montrose's estate is in Edme. I must confirm my suspicion about this map."
"Secondly, who is the current owner of the Montrose estate and where is he now - be as specific as possible, to the best of your knowledge."
"Thirdly, who is currently in control of the estate? Is it the current owner, Cale and the rest of your allies, or are they in cahoots?"
"Fourth, who leads your allies in your absence? How would one get to speaking with this person without having to slaughter a path through your precious underlings? Be as specific as possible, especially since we might inadvertently kill some of them otherwise."
"Fifth, do you know of any other evidence of Adril Hestram's guilt? If yes, where is it and how would we access it? Be as specific as possible, including all traps and ways of bypassing locks if there are any."
"Finally, what would Cale have done with the Pale Maiden after escaping with it? Would he have kept it on his person or placed it somewhere else for safekeeping. If he has placed it somewhere, what would be the safest way to access it. Be as specific as possible, including all traps and ways of bypassing locks if there are any."

GM, here's one more thing for you to play with if you want.

After Red Raven gives his answers to Ralph's questions, Ralphs adds one more instruction.

"You may now speak freely if you wish."

Just in case there is something that you want Red Raven say to us but is not within the scope of my questions.

Osprey shakes his head at Ralph. “Maybe if you stopped trying to poke a hole in every damn thing anyone says and actually listen for meaning, you’d understand why the Decemvirate doesn’t trust you. You’re a brilliant mind, but you’re also a complete idiot.” Sensing Ralph’s actions, he adds “And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll shut your damn trap and get back to doing what I asked. The eyes of the ten are watching.”

-----

The Red Raven answers each question in a terse fashion.

“Yes.

“Cale would have placed it in the armory. Walk into the barracks and it’s a closet in there. I don’t trap my own house.”

-----

(I’m going to assume for timeline reasons that Géatan brought back the relevant handouts before this triggers so as to keep time fairly linear in this thread.)

As Géatan transcribes the final lines of the Kathari Fragment, the brittle object begins to jerk and shake of its own volition. Before a moment has passed, the fragment bursts in a tiny cloud of dust, which swirls from his hand to form a growing cyclone at the center of the room. Books and scrolls topple from the shelves, and a dark form takes shape within the cyclone. The dust clears to reveal a 10-foot-tall iron statue bearing a cobra’s head. As the creature steps forward to menace him, the room’s torchlight reflects upon an irregular basalt rock encased in the golem’s chest.

Initiative! Everyone heard that.

Init Order – Round 1
Koraq
Cobra-Headed Statue
Lavode
Ralph
Géatan

I’m going to roll out the Cobra-Headed Statue’s turn. Technically Koraq goes before it but I don’t think that he’s going to change the statue’s turn.

The statue breathes out a cloud of foul gas on Géatan, then brings its two gigantic arms down upon him.

Everyone is up. Once you get to a place where you can see the statue, you can make a Knowledge (arcana) check on it.

EDIT: Also, I'm assuming that everyone healed up at some point before this happened since you had plenty of time. If you didn't roll out your healing for whatever reason, feel free to do so before doing other stuff this combat.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"What!!!! I didn't touch anything!"

I am gonna be grounded. I know it.

Sorry, busy day today! I'll post tomorrow!

Ralph calmly returns Osprey's glare with an even gaze of his own. "I understand perfectly. Those in power are always wary of others who hold power. The Decemvirate has ever known that my loyalty to the society stems from my regard for its pursuit of knowledge. But because I have grown in arcane might they want to know to what extent that basis of my loyalty holds. It does not surprise me - I would be offended if they were not a little cautious about my power. The leaders of the various former factions in the Society are in a similar situation, though their power lies more in their political power than in magical might. It hardly surprises me."

"But you forget Osprey that you and I are both Seekers now, and of the two of us, one helped apprehended the leader of the attack on this lodge and the other spent all that time in the gullet of a worm. I will heed the mission that the Decemvirate sent you to give me, but I heed THEM, not YOU. And since you hold a well-earned reputation in the Society for sending agents on missions with incomplete or downright lacking information, I reserve the right to discover what I can before -- what in the blazes is that noise!?"

Ralph turns to ask the Red Raven if the noise was from a renewed attack, but the look of confusion obviates any need for the question.

"Tell the Decemvirate I will see this mission through, and that is that. If you refuse to say anything actually useful to help us on this mission or contribute in any meaningful way in battle, then I have no further need to speak with you until the next time the Decemvirate sends word."

I understand Ralph is treading on precarious ground here. I just can't see him doing any different. There's a reason I gave him 0 ranks in diplomacy. But also let's face it, Osprey has not been very helpful to us this entire mission. Eliza at least had the courtesy to trust us, or pretend to.

Ralph then activates his ring of invisibility and goes to see what the commotion is all about.

"Another golem, in the library, no signs of intrusive entry like there was previously... it appears Geatan has triggered a security measure," he sighs.

knowledge arcana: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (11) + 30 = 41

"Golem, like the previous ones, likely immune to direct magic and hits like a battering ram."

Questions:
1. Any special attacks apart from the gas weapon?
2. What magics affect it and how?
3. Details about its DR
4. Other special defences?
Nothing else to ask, really. It's a golem, pound it to death.

Heavenly Fire self: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Round 1
HP 74 of 74
Active Buffs
Heroes' Feast - hours
Mage Armor - hours
Ant Haul - hours
---

fly: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 4 = 16
I can't bear to fail them again!
Lavode spreads his wings and flies toward the noise coming through the floor. Over the rail and through the doorways into the rooms below.

I'm assuming the doors are still open. If that isn't a good assumption, let me know. He should have plenty of movement with a flying double move to get into a position to see the opponent.

knowledge arcana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

He yells back to the others, There's a big metal man attacking Gaetan! And there's some greenish cloud over him!

It gonna wreck the library which is horrible!

Geatan I think we need an action from you.

"Raven, after all the trouble I went through to see you taken alive, the least you could do is protect me. Would you kindly follow the sound of my voice and be on standby?"

Can I get control of the Red Raven token please?

Gaétan retreats.

Gaétan retreats.

In that case, I am changing my move action in light of this. I should be able to since I technically go after him.

Ralph will not enter the library. Instead he waits outside the library, invisible and in the air, and mentally calls the Red Raven to pull back and avoid combat. He should still be able to guess that it is a golem of some sort from the noise and Lavode's description, and he waits till he gets a glimpse of the golem from a safe distance away to identify it.

Ralph's voice is even but tinted with annoyance. "Geatan, tell us what you did to cause that golem to activate. If you took something, put it back. If you said something, apologise, and for the love of Nethys if you broke something say what it was right now."

"Eliza, it may well be that Geatan deserves to be pulped by the golem, but he will be useful in this mission, and you will need the golem to defend this lodge since it has already been breached and compromised as it is. Could you call off the golem and let Geatan deal with the repercussions of his actions after this is all over?"

"Geatan, I suggest you start apologising profusely to Eliza before that golem catches up with you..."

GM: Please move this question to the top of the list of questions from my knowledge check:
0. What would have caused this golem to activate and who/what/how can cause it to stop attacking? Geatan's lifeblood is a legitimate answer. ;) #joking

Bah, Sorry, meant to say bot me if you wanted to.

Hearing the commotion, Koraq heads towards the library not sure how far or how to get there, the map doesn't seem to show how to get there, but I'm assuming a 90' movement speed will do it.

Seeing the large creature, he curses in Orc before charging towards it. "More of this crap?!", the angry pugilist trying to close into the golem, watch its movements, then deliver a powerful blow channeled with draconic electricity.

Acrobatics to avoid AoO: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24
Poo, well my AC is currently 26 ala Haste. Good times.

Exploit Weakness Wisdom vs golem CR + 10: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 4 = 28

If successful, adding +2 to hit and ignoring DR/Hardness

Vital Strike PA punch w/ Elemental Fist (electricity): 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 14 + 1 + 1 = 36 +2 if Exploit weakness worked
Damage on hit: 2d6 + 16 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) + 16 + 9 + (4, 5) = 43
Electricity damage on hit: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 6) = 13
Confirming the crit: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 1 + 1 = 35 +2 if Exploit weakness worked
Damage on hit: 2d6 + 16 + 9 ⇒ (4, 2) + 16 + 9 = 31

Koraq runs around and punches the statue hard in the chest. Given the large indent it left in the statue, it looks like he hit something that the statue really needed.
Don’t need the Acro roll since you went before the statue, so he was flat-footed.
Exploit the weakness, crit the statue, deal 87 damage, slows the golem for 3 rounds.

Golem then slams Géatan. (Only the first one goes through because he is slowed by Koraq, so Géatan only takes 23 damage, lucky guy.)

Lavode flies around the balcony trying to get a better look at what happened. Yeah, doors are still open as far as I’m aware.

Ralph takes stock of what he knows.

Géatan decides that discretion is better than valor and retreats. And we can’t AoO at reach since we’re slowed.

Init Order – Round 2
Koraq
Cobra-Headed Statue - 87 damage, bloodied, lowed for 3 rounds
Lavode
Ralph
Géatan - 23 damage

I’m going to roll out the Cobra-Headed Statue’s next turn. I honestly doubt that he’s going to get another turn with Koraq in full attack range, bypassing his DR, and going before him, but we’ll give it a shot anyway.
Slam vs. Koraq: 1d20 + 28 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 28 - 1 = 45
Damage: 2d10 + 16 ⇒ (8, 6) + 16 = 30

"I did not touch anything, break anything or says. "

-Posted with Wayfinder

"You interfered with that stone in the middle of the golem, and that triggered it to attack. I can tell at least that much."

"No matter."

"Eliza, I do think you should call off the golem and save it for the defence of this lodge if you can. The Raven and I will wait by the hedge. I now have the information we need for our ACTUAL mission, and I don't think there is anything more we can gain here if Osprey refuses to let any more information be supplied to us."

Gaétan looks with wonder the epic battle of Koraq and the golem.

Woo. Busy weekend. Looks like we're still waiting on Koraq to finish off the golem here?

If Koraq doesn't finish it off, then Géatan lands a nice solid hit.

Woo. Busy weekend. Looks like we're still waiting on Koraq to finish off the golem here?

If Koraq doesn't finish it off, then Géatan lands a nice solid hit.

** spoiler omitted **

Sorry, ready to beat it down!

EW Wisdom check @ golem CR + 10: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 4 = 24

Add +2 to hit if the EW check passed and ignore DR/hardess
PA Flurry punch @ golem: 1d20 + 19 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 19 + 2 + 1 = 23
Damage on hit: 2d6 + 22 + 9 ⇒ (6, 5) + 22 + 9 = 42
PA Flurry punch @ golem: 1d20 + 19 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 19 + 2 + 1 = 24
Damage on hit: 2d6 + 17 + 6 ⇒ (3, 5) + 17 + 6 = 31
PA Flurry punch @ golem: 1d20 + 19 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 19 + 2 + 1 = 37
Damage on hit: 2d6 + 12 + 6 ⇒ (5, 2) + 12 + 6 = 25
PA Flurry punch @ golem: 1d20 + 19 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 19 + 2 + 1 = 27
Damage on hit: 2d6 + 12 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 12 + 6 = 23

Heh, I may have missed that! After the last set of rolls, though, only fair :P