Gameday VII Carimac's Assault on Absalom (Inactive)

Game Master CariMac

This is a gameplay thread for Gameday VII Session II.

“Pathfinders, our beloved Absalom faces the threat of invasion and needs our help. Just as Absalom has been our Society’s home for centuries, so does it fall to us to aid in its defense. Find the group to which you’ve been assigned, lend a hand as the city prepares for the siege, and be ready for more instructions.”

Please introduce yourselves in character.

"Oh, gosh, where is this meeting place..." the sylph mumbles to herself as she tries to navigate the sea of Pathfinders assembling. Her curly white hair is tousled in a pile on her head and her mithral chain shirt is fastened oddly, as though she didn't have much time to prepare. "Oh! This is it! I apologize if I've met you before; my memory isn't so great. I'm Eugressia Biogon."

While the blue swirls covering her skin mask them from a distance, up close you notice that she is actually covered from head to toe in scars. Some look like wounds, some look surgical, and some look like burns. The wind follows her as she goes, pushing around her hair and clothes even as it ignores those around her.

"Oh, I like you already." She offers from her perch atop a bored looking warhorse. The woman is leaning forward enough to practically fall to the ground as she tries to get a better look at Eugressia. "I don't think we've met, I'd remember. You're very airy... Ranginori would love it. I'm Mely Ara, I think we're assigned together."

Mely isn't entirely normal and you're biggest question might be what she's even doing here. She's wrapped several lengths of fabric around her body in shades of blue to white and grey that give off the impression of a stormy sky and drape down well past her waist. Still, there's no hiding the fact instead of legs she has a long, fish-like tail of cerulean colored scales curled so she sits side-saddle.

Her skin is pale to the point you question if it could be her natural color, and her hair is a shade of blue that perfectly matches her scaling. And her expression is one of curiosity and ease that helps to offset the unnaturally wide pupils of her green eyes. It seems as though she's new enough to the surface that every other thing she comes across is something she's seeing for the first time and this keeps distracting her from the more serious nature of the gathering, for her eyes keep drifting to different groups of pathfinders.

It's odd. Neither of the women will be able to quite define when the little tengu came to stand near them, yet once they notice his presence, it is impossible not to notice him. He moves with quick, constant, but precise motions and, like Mely, keeps looking around at other groups of Pathfinders.

He's clearly agitated and keeps pacing back and forth, flipping open the wayfinder hanging around his neck and staring at it, and listening to it. It lights the way most devices of its type does, but also plays a soothing tune.

They likely notice that he is wearing a chainshirt not unlike Eugressia's, though it is made of exceptionally fine, gray links and is properly done up. It is also largely hidden under his clothes.

A small silver mace hangs from his belt and a shortbow and arrows is secured across his back. But his most prominent weapon is the long, curved blade also on his back. At 4', it is almost as long as he is tall, only half a foot shorter than he is.

"I am Kahwen. I am sure that we have not met, though I am always pleased to meet new friends from the Society," he says.

He notes Mely's holy symbol and hands her a wand he draws out of his pack. Such devices are so ubiquitous that she'll no doubt recognize it as holding cure light wounds spells. "Please use this on me or our companions as needed, Friend Mely," he says.

"Do you really think someone would attack Absalom? Any lodge is a Pathfinder's home, but the Society's truest home is the Grand Lodge here. We just CAN'T let anything happen, here!"

"It is nice to meet both of you! This...this is the first time we've met, right? Mely, it would be marvelous to meet Rigatoni! I mean, Ranginori. I lived on the Plane of Air before the Conundrum, I mean, the Concordance, assigned me to join the Pathfinder Society. Indeed, Kahwen, it is hard to imagine anyone daring to attack Absolut...I mean, Absalom."

Mely takes the wand from from Kahwen and squints at it for a moment, the light of the sun getting into her eyes. Once she realizes what it is, the wand disappears into her things along side a matching one. "I can do that, Kahwen. But I hope I won't have to." She shifts in her saddle and turns her body so she can look off towards the walls around the city. "Well, someone is trying. Apparently a lot of people have tried before. They just haven't succeeded." She gives the tengu her best smile. "We're going to make sure they don't succeed again."

As for Eugressia, she giggles at all the mispronunciations, smothering the sound behind a hand so it doesn't turn into something loud and rude. "No, this is the first time we've met... I've never been to the plane of air. It must be interesting, but I'm still getting used to dry land." She doesn't seem the least offended by her got being referred to as pasta. Truthfully, she just might call him that at her morning prayers.

A wiry figure, clad in a gleaming new breastplate, emerges from the crowd, a massive hammer and dark longbow clattering together on their back. Their emerald eyes glimmer beneath a shock of bright red hair, and tattoos stand out against their tanned skin. Thin blue whorls twist across their high cheekbones, then straighten to run beneath a stark jawline, where they thicken into parallel charcoal bands that disappear into a crimson scarf. A similarly colored ribbon of ink twists amongst the grey throat tattoos.

They undo a buckle near one shoulder, loosening the hammer across their back, and catch the weapon before it can hit the ground. Small blue ripples ebb and flow across the hammer's head like a miniature lake at storm.

”Oof, that’s better.” They reach their unoccupied hand around to rub at their side. ”I’m still adjusting to how all this sits with the new armor. I’d rather have a sore back than a pierced gut, though. I think we're all assigned together, so I'm sure you would, too.”

”Oh, sorry!” Thin crimson eyebrows climb up their high forehead. ”Months at sea with the same people, and I’ve forgotten about introductions!” They tap their knuckles against the shining breastplate. ”I’m Oiur! Pleasure to make your acquaintances, Mely, was it? And Kahwen, and…”

Their grin stretches from ear to ear when they notice Eugressia for the first time. They rush to give her a hug, further disheveling the sylph's attire. ”Not going to forget you anytime soon! It’s wonderful to see you again after all these months!" Oiur takes a step back and straighten Eugressia’s chain shirt. ”Looks like you’ve been holding up well in the meantime, though! It’s too bad you weren’t aboard with me—I think you would’ve loved the open ocean, the sea breeze, the songs. The sense of being a part of something bigger. I even got a new tattoo to commemorate it!” They trace the red ribbon on their throat with the tip of one weathered finger. Say, I think I even avoided sticking my foot in my mouth with Mely and the ocean stuff!

Their friendly smile fades beneath a furrowed brow. ”But I suppose that’s all a discussion for later.” Their sweeping gesture encompasses the city walls and assembled Pathfinder agents. ” Does anyone know what this is all about? I’d barely gotten off the ship when I heard the call to arms. Hope I get my land legs before anything big happens.” They look down at Kahwen. ”I’ll stick with you—we’ll help each other out, eh?” A slight smile reemerges, but it betrays an underlying nervousness.

They try to dispel their interior tension by tending to their new equipment, and by humming a steady, deep pitched tune. It rumbles from their chest, stirring the air and listeners’ hearts alike.

"Oiur!" Eugressia exclaims. "There's a name I'll never forget. I'm so glad they assigned us together again." Eugressia noticeably relaxes at the sight of her friend.

A tall woman in robes walks up to your group. She looks like an administrator of some kind. She looks at her clip board and checks off four names.

"Still waiting for more Pathfinders for your group. We'll get started with a briefing shortly."

She nods and walks off looking around for her missing charges.

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

Heavy clouds are gathering above Absalom, and the city is tense with anticipation of the coming battle. Suddenly, bright light patterns flash from atop Skyreach. A few minutes later, the sound of an explosion rumbles through the city as an old wooden granary erupts in flames. A little farther away, a stone bridge collapses, dropping a group of soldiers to their deaths. Soon the air is alive with frightened screams, the sound of hurried footsteps, and moments later, the booming blare of a brass horn that rises above the din of a city in chaos. A messenger runs past, shouting: “The horn! We should gather at the Grand Lodge! Let’s go!”

GMs, you have one day to complete the mustering and preparation section. I will signal the beginning of part 2 tomorrow (October 2nd).

Hundreds of Pathfinders stand waiting at the Grand Lodge for news of the coming battle, and a murmur of anticipation has risen from the nervous crowd. Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus takes the lectern, raises his hand for attention, and speaks: “Pathfinders, thank you for answering my call. It has been two days since we received news of an army of demonic abominations building a siege castle in the Cairnlands north of Absalom. Today, the Grand Council of Absalom announced they have invoked an old wartime law, according to which a Siege Lord must be appointed to oversee the city’s defense. They’ve made an excellent choice: Wynsal Starborn, District Seat on the Grand Council and retired Captain of the First Guard.

“He has already organized scouting forays and evacuations of the outer towns in preparation for a siege. The Pathfinder Society has pledged to help the Siege Lord with the preparations. All of you have been assigned to teams, and if you have already found the other members of your team, you should get started. Go now, but be ready to return here when you hear the signal horn.”

The woman who greeted you briefly just a few minutes earlier walks up to you.

"We have some tasks for you to complete." She references her ever present clipboard.

"We need assistance with: She reads off a list of tasks.

CATCHING A SPY Relevant Skills: Acrobatics (apply any Acrobatics modifiers for jumping) or Climb

DEFENSIVE WARDS Relevant Skills: Knowledge (arcana or religion), Spellcraft, or Use Magic Device

EVACUATION NOTICE Relevant Skills: Diplomacy, Intimidate, or combat maneuver check

RECONNAISSANCE Relevant Skills: Acrobatics, Perception, or Stealth

STRANGE THINGS Relevant Skills: Perception or Survival (apply any Survival modifiers to track)

URGENT REPAIRS Relevant Skills: Craft (any relevant craft skill), Disable Device, Knowledge (engineering), Profession (teamster), or combat maneuver check

USEFUL GOSSIP Relevant Skills: Diplomacy (gather information) or Knowledge (local)

She looks up from her list, "What would you like to do first?

You may participate in each task, but only using the listed skills. You may also aid another.

"Oh, you will almost certainly have to, Friend Mely. I fear I often get myself in trouble," Kahwen says with a rueful expression.

He bows to all three of his companions as they are gathered, left hand on his chest, right arm held parallel to the ground to the side.

"I work best when I work with others, Friend Oiur. Let us stick together," he says, taking them up on their offer with a nod.

When the chaos begins, his nervousness disappears. His expression changes from one of worry and uncertainty to anger. He seems personally offended that someone would dare attack Absalom.

As the briefing takes place, he listens, but it is clear that he is ready for action.

As soon as he is given something to do, he becomes a flurry of activity.

So, each of us can try each one? Do we do one at a time? Does the whole group have to pick one to go with first? I'm going to go ahead and just do rolls for each one but if we have to pick, I'll do them in order of my preference.

RECONNAISSANCE Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

CATCHING A SPY Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

STRANGE THINGS Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

URGENT REPAIRS Disable Device: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

USEFUL GOSSIP Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

EVACUATION NOTICE Diplomacy (Untrained, Aid): 1d20 ⇒ 7

DEFENSIVE WARDS Knowledge (Arcana)(Untrained, Aid): 1d20 ⇒ 3

Eugressia would like to work on the Defensive Wards first.

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Just to make things easier (I can't post again today until late), I'll pre-roll my checks for the others now behind spoilers.

A short Gnome comes running up followed by a serpentine woman. He is clearly out of breath from running. He is wearing a chain shirt and has short legs. The serpentine woman is a purple color and has the facial features of an elven woman.

I am sorry I am late! I just got back in town from the Fangwood. Got here as soon as I could. The name is Nigel. He pauses a moment to catch his breath and look over who is here. This society seems to get crazier and crazier all the time... Now they have me with a fish woman? He is about to speak again when he is interrupted.

The serpentine woman smakes Nigel, How rude! I am standing right here and you weren't going to introduce me? Despite the rude gnome, I am Christina! But chances are that I won't be working with you too much. I am not a fan of combat... she trails off at the end.

Both Nigel and Christina recognize Kahwen. Nigel smiles, It is nice to see you well "Friend Kahwen". I am excited to work with you again. Christina stays quite and tries to look as non threatening as possible as she remembers that Kahwen was afraid of her last time they met.

To keep it fair, I will only make once check for either me or my eidolon, not both. If you rule otherwise, I will add my other rolls as well.

Kahwen is physically incapable of smiling, but there is an obvious look of joy in his eyes as Nigel approaches.

He bows in his signature way when the gnome addresses him, then pats him on the shoulder.

"It is excellent to see you as well, Friend Nigel. And also good to see Friend Christina. She so rarely makes an appearance," though his words are warm, at first and true all the way through, he does show some obvious signs of nervousness around the serpentine woman. It is undoubtedly an instinctual reaction, but many of his exposed feathers stand slightly on end as though he is subconsciously trying to make himself look bigger.

"We will have to catch up when we have routed these foolish invaders. I ended up in the Fangwood after we left Bloodcove, too. I'm surprised I did not see you there!"

Just got in from work. Sorry for the delay!

"Are you a sailor? I've met some sailors before." Mely is ready to ask Oiur about their mention of the ocean, and the songs, when she is first interrupted by a gnome and his snakey friend, then their handler to get things underway. She does manage to lean forward during the briefing to try to whisper at Nigel. "What's a Fangwood?" It might be a place, but by her curious expression she's never even heard of it.

Once their options have been handed out she sits and ticks a few things off on her fingers to help while thinking. "I have a few places I think can help out with. Not really going to be good chasing down anyone, though." She stretches out her tail and waves the fin once to accentuate the point.

"Not professionally, really, but—" Oiur's response to Mely is cut short by the flurry of activity.

"Welcome! I think we'll have to make introductions on the run!" They shout to Nigel and Christina as they make their way towards the Grand Lodge.

Once assignments are sent out, Oiur does their best to let others lead the way, offering strong arms or supporting words where they can. They take a particular interest in evacuation notices, however, and do their best to be kind but insistent with any recalcitrant civilians.

Yeah, Christina is more a city girl. We don't have many adventures that take place right her. She was helping me get organized after the last adventure when I called to action. She probably won't be around for long once things start to get... violent. But she will be more than willing to help with the preparations.

When Mely asks about the Fangwood, It is a place, it was my first experience there and can't say it was the most pleasant one. It is a corrupt forest up north.

Nigel nods to Oiur. Yes, there is much to be done. Nothing works better for introductions like defending from a siege he says chuckling.

Catching a Spy

You chase a spy across the rooftops of Absalom, hoping to gain some useful information about the coming attack. Kawhwen and Cristina are nearby when he falls to his death, but the Eugressia finds a symbol resembling a bull’s head branded on his skin. After he fell on his last breath, the spy says “You’re no match for the demon-flesh army my liege commands!”

Once during the adventure, when the group encounters one or more construct opponents, the group can activate this reward to grant you a +4 bonus on their initiative checks for that encounter.

DEFENSIVE WARDS

You make your way to the cities outside walls and help spellcasters set up defensive wards.

Nigel helps establish potent abjurations that protect them in addition to protecting the city. The group does such a good job they receive a nice reward from the spellcasters.

Once during the adventure, when an opponent’s attack roll to confirm a critical hit succeeds by 4 or less, the group can activate this reward to negate the confirmation of the critical hit.

When using the reward above, the group can instead turn any confirmed critical hit into a normal hit.

In place of the reward above, the group can force an opponent to reroll an attack once during the adventure.

EVACUATION NOTICE

You are making your way through the city when you run across stubborn people to abandon their homes and retreat behind the city walls. This involves traveling intothe neighborhoods of Copperwood, Dawnfoot, Shoreline, and Westerhold outside of Absalom. Mely makes good time on her warhorse and is able to convince the most stubborn to move inside the walls for their protection.

Once the people reach the safety of the walls, they regret their initial stubbornness and become thankful.

You can draw upon this goodwill once during the adventure: one PC can reroll a failed Bluff, Diplomacy, or Intimidate check and use the new result.

When using the reward above, the PC can instead reroll any
one d20 roll.

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

Several agents assist in marshaling Pathfinders as Marcos Farabellus unfurls several maps of Absalom’s districts. Once a crowd has gathered, he straightens to address the gathered Society. “Pathfinders, Absalom is under attack. We have received many reports of undead saboteurs attacking armories, granaries, water supplies, and guard outposts—targeted strikes to undermine our city’s infrastructure. Absalom is losing key resources, and enough people are panicking that it’s difficult to organize an effective defense.”

Zarta Dralneen, head of the Dark Archive faction, steps forward and interjects. “I have learned someone—someone who knows our home well—has stolen the Black Echelon codebook from our archives. A force of Taldan agents attacked Absalom long ago while following those encoded orders, and with the right combination of illuminated signals, one could draw these oathsworn operatives from beyond the grave to continue their attack.”

Farabellus narrows his eyes. “That explains the acts of sabotage. Absalom’s First Guard is struggling to restore order, and they need our help. Pathfinders, stand by for instructions!”

Ollysta Zadrian of the Silver Crusade raises her sword high, announcing, “We should not wait—Absalom needs us now!” Clasping the paladin’s upraised hand with her own, Lady Gloriana Morilla adds, “Each of us has accumulated considerable influence and resources in recent years, and this is the prime opportunity for each of us to lend Absalom our strength in its our of need. We may call ourselves factions, but today we can act as one!”

Nodding with approval, Marcos Farabellus calls out to the assembled Pathfinders. “It’s decided. Pathfinders, we’re deferring to the specialized expertise of these seven organizations to rally Absalom. Seek out the leaders for instructions, and make the city proud.”

Table GMs, Part 2 has begun.

RECONNAISSANCE

You perform a short scouting mission to spy on the army mustering in the Cairnlands. Oiur is key in spying on the army and finds that the army consists of various kinds of creatures stitched together from demonic flesh: constructs, oozes, and undead.

Kahen notices both that the army’s field commanders are all minotaurs and that there are true demons among the army’s ranks.

Each PC gains a single piece of +1 bane ammunition (such as an arrow, bolt, shuriken, or sling bullet). The bane weapon special ability is keyed to a creature type (and subtype, if applicable) of the PC’s choice.

STRANGE THINGS

Christina takes the lead in investigating strange occurrences that have been reported all over Absalom. She finds a skeletal footprint and a part of a broken sickle. Following skeletal footprints, Oiur notices that the supports of a bridge have been sabotaged.

Once during the adventure, when the group encounters one or more undead opponents, the group can activate this reward to grant the PCs a +4 bonus on their initiative checks for that encounter.

URGENT REPAIRS

Kahwen with Eugressia's assitance helps repair a wagon that tipped over while carrying alchemical goods and other important supplies. Thankful for the PCs’ help, the wagon’s owner provides a potion of cure serious wounds for each of you.

The owner also procures a 2nd-level potion of the your choice for each of the characters, in addition to the potions of cure serious wounds. The potion cannot have an expensive material component.

In place of the above reward’s 2nd-level potion, a PC can choose to receive a 3rd-level potion that has no expensive material components.

USEFUL GOSSIP

People have been complaining that the local bread and water taste funny today. Sailors have been talking about a strange fog rising in the Flotsam Graveyard and at sea beyond the bay. Some even say they’ve seen the outlines of masts within the fog. These rumors about possible enemies keep the Mely on her toes toes. She shares what she's learned with the others.

Once during the adventure, each PC can reroll one initiative check. The PC must take the second roll, even if it is worse.

It has been decided. The factions of the Pathfinder Society will coordinate the Society’s efforts to help Absalom survive from the attack.

Each faction has identified a task ideally suited to its strengths and its agents’ skills, so choose your missions wisely. Most of you are best equipped to serve the needs of your own factions, but there are considerable opportunities to help Absalom by assisting other factions directly. Now is not a good time to be selfish—you’re all in this together!

Your mission choices can be found here.

In character, I would side with the Exchange. Out of character, that is probably not a good suit for my character at the very least, not sure about anyone else. Most of the players here are part of a faction not represented yet so that doesn't help our decisions haha

Right, no Concordance! Eugressia was Scarab Sages at first and would have some loyalties there. She would also probably be well-suited to the Dark Archive Mission. As a player, I’m in for whatever!

I'm never going to remember all those benefits...I guess that means that we really did do really well!

Kahwen is panting by the time they gather around the tables to look at the maps with all the other Pathfinders. Every time one problem was solved, it seemed like 2 more popped up and he honestly doesn't remember everything they did. What they've already done would be a good day's work, but it seems like the trouble is just beginning.

Still, he is eager to get to the next task, grimly determined to do all he can to keep Absalom from falling. It takes him only a moment to see the list of tasks before his decision is made.

"To Fort Tempest!' he declares.

A perfect mission for Kahwen...his faction and strengths. I suspect that one of the two mystery missions might fit everyone else's abilities better, though and he can easily be talked into something else.

"Hmmm.. I'm not really a speedy or scouting sort. Mely is off her horse at the moment, curled atop her own tail so she can get a closer view of the map table. She gives Kahwen a glance. "But we can go if you want to! The Concordance doesn't have any strong connections on the plane yet, and anything we do will help the city."

She gives the list another look and taps a pale hand over several options. "I think I'd be more useful dealing with the Black Cipher, the missing faith for the Crusade, or dealing with nobility. My kind tend to fascinate them a bit... I'm not certain why."

I see preferences as one for Exchange, Two Silver Crusade, two Dark Archives, one Grand Lodge. Oiur hasn't given their preference yet.

I've also got a sixth player who will be joining us.

You have received an aid token. Slide three has information on how to use it. It has not been boosted.

Oiur leans over the map, hands planted far apart on the edge of the table. "To be frank, I'm fine working inside the walls as long as possible. Did you see what's waiting out there?" They shudder at the thought of the assembled monstrosities. "But it's hard to not view what we're doing as just a drop in the ocean... That said," they say, planting two callused fingers on the map, "I think I might be most helpful in the Archives, or with the Court." They look down the table at Kahwen. "No offense, you're just much more agile than me!"

They give Mely a nod. "I'm a Concordant, as well. I suppose we'll just have to help out where we can in the hopes of boosting our collective reputation, eh?"

I vote Dark Archives or Sovereign Court!

Kahwen doesn't look the least bit offended to have been outvoted. In fact, it seems possible that he didn't realize it happened.

"To the Archives!" he shouts, bolting from the room and heading toward their destination.

He stops only long enough to make sure the rest of the group is following and to let those with shorter legs catch up.

It looked like we still had a tie, so I changed my vote. While I like to play to Kahwen's strengths, he cares about doing something and helping out.

A tall Varisian man follows the part to the Archives. "Sorry for being later. Valsin said you could use a hand. I've some arcane abilities"

Oiur puts a hand on Kahwen's shoulder to keep him from running headlong into Kennick. They give the man a welcoming nod. "Glad to have you, and you're just in time—I expect we could use some 'arcane abilities' in the Archives!"

Your handler points you the ground floor of Skyreach in the Grand Lodge where you meet Zarta Dralneen, leader of the Dark Archive faction.

An overburdened table creaks in protest under the weight of ledgers and indices as Zarta Dralneen examines the records.

“Hopefully you’ve already heard about the missing Black Echelonn codebook, Pathfinders. It’s a centuries-old volume that details scores of colored light patterns, each of which directed Taldan saboteurs to destroy a particular facility or perform some other action. Somebody—somebody who knew their way around the Grand Lodge and its vaults—stole the codebook and has used it to bring the oathbound Taldan spies back from the grave.'

“Fortunately, the codebook that was stolen from the Grand Lodge is not the only copy; it was an approved copy of the original, which in turn is kept in a restricted wing of the Forae Logos library. With the original codebook, we might be able to disrupt their operation by sending contradictory signals of our own. The Forae Logos is a close ally of the Dark Archive, and you have Second Archivist Sandaril’s blessing to retrieve the codebook from the library.”

I'll give you a couple of hours to complete any preparations. Then we'll move to the Forae Logos.

Mely listens intently to Zarta's briefing, then gives the chelaxian her best salute. "We'll find this Sandaril and grab the book. You'll be here when we get it, I hope?" With a mission to start with, she takes a moment to ensure she has everything she needs from her horse and sets her wand of cure light wounds into a sheath at her wrist.

Then she wiggles her fingers at herself and a surge of fog floods out from the bottom of her robes. It clears as she slides from her horse's saddle, landing on a pair of barefoot legs with all the grace of a newborn deer. It takes several moments of wobbling in place with her horse's flank for a guide to find her balance. She stands noticeably shorter than how long she was when she had a tail, and is more than likely looking up at the rest of the party.

"Alright... I uh... I think I'm good. This walking stuff is hard, but I've got it... and it's safer for my horse." She moves to follow after eager Kahwen, and likely bumps into Oiur's back.

Kennick turns to Oiur "Thank you. We'll see what we're up against no doubt" then to Zarta. "What opposition can we expect in the Archives?"

I'll take an oil of Align Weapon

Oiur sticks close to Mely on the way to the Archives, as unintrusively as possible, but ready to offer support if the merfolk needs it.

Once at the Archives, they listen patiently to Zarta's explanation, pensively tapping their forefingers against their throat tattoos. "So, head to the Forae Logos. Do we know if it's currently safe, or is it occupied by whatever forces have snuck into Absalom?"

They stare into the middle distance, their train of thought turning towards any scraps of knowledge on Taldan cyphers they may have gleaned from afternoons in the Grand Lodge's libraries.

Kahwen watches Mely's change in open awe. "Wow," he says breathlessly. "Is there a potion that makes the opposite happen? I think it would be fun to have a tail for a while. Wait, are you going to get your tail back?"

He nods to Dralneen's briefing, stroking his chin and acting like he is well acquainted with the Black Echelonn and the Forae Logos. He looks around surreptitiously to see if others are as clueless as he is.

As he listens to the questions asked and the answers given he examines the new potions and arrow he was given, shaking the former and holding them up to the light and testing the point of the latter and examining it for straightness and the quality of its fletching.

Oiur catches Kahwen's look and returns it with a slight grimace. I'm glad I'm not the only one who hasn't spent time in the Archives.

"Opposition? I hope not. Very few people knew the original book was there, and it's carefully protected. Since the codebook was stolen from here, I doubt anyone else knew of the existence of the other books." she winces as a boom can be heard in the distance. "However, who know's what you will face. The whole city is under attack."

She answers Mely's question, "I do plan to be here young lady. We've got much to do to stop this tide."

You approach the entrance to the library, they can hear a racket coming from inside. As you enter the building, they notice signs of disarray and violence.

There are books strewn about on the floor, blood spatters on the walls, and a smell of smoke in the air. Second Archivist Sandaril is nowhere to be seen.

There is a group of four undead creatures chasing a group of librarians around. The librarians are no match for them, and they are screaming. It's a mass of bodies moving around trying to get away from the creatures.

Round 1
Bold is up
Kahwen: 22
Oiur: 20
Black Echelon Operative: 17
Eugressia: 15
Mely Ara: 12
Black Echelon Agents: 11
Librarians: 10
Nigel Flit: 5+
Kennick: 5

Kahwen and Oiur Go!

The swarm of librarians counts as soft cover, and difficult terrain.

"This doesn't look good..." Oiur approaches the library cautiously, worried by the wreckage on display. When they hear the sounds of conflict from within, however, they unstrap their earth breaker and sprint into the building. "Come on!"

Stars and spires! The pandemonium within almost brings them to a halt, but they push through their alarm and into the room. "This way! Towards the exit!," they call to the panicked librarians. They punctuate their statement by slamming the earth breaker's head against the blood-flecked floor.

The boom of the weapon's impact echoes throughout the room and reverberates in listeners' chests. As always, the beat is an invitation, a promise of strength. Oiur welcomes the music into their chest. Their throat tattoo begins to move, the crimson ribbon writhing between charcoal pillars. Their body surges with energy.

They stand resolute.

Move action to move in, standard action to begin raging song! Allies can accept it (or abandon it!) at the start of their turn for a +2 morale bonus to Str/Con, a +2 morale bonus on Will saves, a -1 penalty to AC, and a +1 insight bonus to AC against outsiders and aberrations. Also that whole "can't cast or do anything finicky" thing.

Kahwen is immediately on edge as he sees the signs of conflict in the library. There normally is not blood in libraries. They are places of quiet and thought. Although...the same can be said of museums and every time he's been in a museum he's had to fight. Maybe he doesn't really understand libraries and museums.

As they come to the sounds of screams he is reaching for the hilt of his sword across his back. Until he sees the nature of their enemies.

It may be complete overkill and a waste of resources but when an opportunity like this arises one must take it.

His hand moves to his bow, unlimbering it rapidly with one hand and whipping out his fancy new magic arrow with the other. His only regret is that he didn't get to keep it longer. But then, you can't fire your arrow and have it, too.

Shortbow plus Undead Bane Arrow: 1d20 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 3 = 18
Arrow plus Sneak Attack plus Bane: 1d6 + 3 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 3 + (4, 2) + (2, 1) = 14