MUMMY'S MASK ADVENTURE PATH - GM Spazmodeus

Game Master Spazmodeus

While I am inclined to want to believe her, I would like to attempt a Sense Motive on her statment to see if there is there any hidden emotion in her voice or is she being genuine. Regardless of my result Alexandra is glad she is OK.

Without any sarcasm I respond.

That's good to hear. Talking through this gate is a bit bothersome, do you mind if I, err I mean 'we' come in? I realize I haven't formally met your team and a little meet and greet would be a sunny spot in a rather trying day.

I will be rushing into the room, Alex would let Chui look at the gate and cat-man-do what he does best.

We don't see Hypaxes or anyone else, correct? Does Chui hear anyone or anything other than her? I gather that Chui doesn't smell any fresh blood about, correct?

I will be rushing into the room, Alex would let Chui look at the gate and cat-man-do what he does best.

I'm assuming that Alex is quietly communicating this to the rest of us.

Chui whispers quietly back ...

One cleverly opened gate coming up.

Chui takes a move action to check for traps around the gate and then moves forward to unlock (if necessary) and open the gate. I believe Chui observed Alex unlock the previous gate that was similar to this one.

As Alex responds and Chui begins to approach, there is movement. Idorii appears from behind the corner, but still within the room. She holds a khopesh in one hand and a kukri in the other. Behind he steps another member of the Scorched Hand, Khelru, wielding his quarterstaff defensively.

"I wouldn't recommend that," Velriana responds to Alex. "Acolyte."

Does Chui stop his approach? Does Alex stop as well? I am moving this back a bit, giving you a chance to not initiate combat immediately.

Oh its a quarterstaff? I thought it was some kind of hook weapon spear thing(patent pending) from the picture.

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, I stop moving forward and put my hands up.

OK, no gate for now. Got it.

A brief look of annoyance flashes across my face before I let out sigh and relax again.

Is this how other Nethites act towards each other? To dominate and obsess over something. Hmm, maybe. Maybe not. Unless she has discovered a back door we have accidentally trapped her. She might feel cornered and frustrated. I'd be edgy as well. Let's try to negotiate something.

I do not want us to come to blows Miss Hypaxes. OK, what do you want right now. How do you want to see this end?

Now that Chui is next to the gate, can he see how it would be unlocked or opened?

Does it look like Idorii and Chui could attack each other through the gate? I doubt Chui could get a bit attack between the bars, but what about a paw or his wakizashi?

Chui smiles toward Idorii ...

So, what's a nice Garundi girl like you doing with a treacherous Taldan imperialist like this one?

Before going up to the gate, I want to do one more thing in regards to Idorii and try a probably hopeless diplomacy roll.

Chai continues to smile and nods toward Hypaxes while talking to Idorii...

You know she'll sell you out in a Taldan second if she thinks it would help her in her precious religious quest. She hired thugs to kill us. Not very talented thugs as you can see.

Would it be OK to try a Diplomacy roll at this point? Chai is trying to talk to her as one professional to another as I think she and Chui have a good relationship going back to that first crazy encounter in the Tooth & Hookah when Wynrey and Elendra were still with us.

If I am an Acolyte, what title would I call Velriana?

How can I get through to them? They feel like they should be here, and that is a reasonable thing to feel. I can work with that. Miss Hypaxes is very firm on this fact, so maybe I can try to talk with the other three. Hmmm. Azaz has always looked out of place in this group. Miss Hypaxes is the scholar, Idorii is here for traps and to have nice hair, Khelru must be here to flank with Idorii and with that staff he might also be an actual cleric. But what about Azaz? He's just a young kid.

That's a bit of a longshot, perhaps I could appeal to Khelru along the lines of his faith. Is this fight really the will of Nethys?

alex iirc kherlu is a worshiper of sarenrae

Velriana steps out more into the open area as she continues to address Alexandra.

"How do I want this to end?" she says with a smile. "With the Scorched Hand claiming what rightfully belongs in the hands of those faithful to Nethys. As she says this she motions specifically to Khelru and Aziz. She then turns back to Alexandra. "How do you expect this to end Acolyte."

While Velriana and Alexandra banter back and forth, Chui and Idorii seem to be sizing each other up.

"Betray me, huh?" she smirks. "Her gold has always be loyal to me."

Khelru and Aziz seem to be following Velriana's lead, though they are alert and ready if action begins.

Among the spoilers are clues based on Sense Motive checks. Use them as you see fit.

Holding off on a Diplomacy roll sounds just fine to me. I do have a response from Chui that I'd like to post. However, I'm going to let Alex go before Chui and let her take the lead in setting the tone of the conversation.

And when I wrote that Chui has a "good" relationship with Idorii, I did mean a professional relationship (though a Bastet-worshipping cat can dream).

Our goals are linked, Miss Hypaxes. I came to this place to so I could learn about my god beyond what The Book of Magic says about him. This quest to explore my faith is, well was what pushed me forward. If this place was, lets say, a temple to Asmodeus and some Asmodeons hired some thieves to kill me if I went near this temple, I would just leave and go somewhere else. I'd wake up tomorrow and get another lottery assignment and not have a second thought about it. But this place is important to me as well and I have a right to be here, just as you do.

Velriana seems a little impressed as she considers your words.

"Well, it seems we may be able to make an agreement. You will join with the Scorched Hand and we will split the treasures we have found her equally among the members." She pauses for a moment then adds, "Idorii included of course."

Sense Motive already rolled.

Chui glances toward Velriana and then he looks back toward Idorii. He speaks quietly, not whispering but at a lower volume than Alex.

Buying and ...

Here Chui pauses for emphasis.

Selling people seems to be a Taldan specialty. And apparently they think it’s funny.

Worst of all, they’re too cheap to pay a good price.

This woman, she makes me sick. How could I have ever...AHHH!

How...you think I would join you now? You try to have me killed, to kill Bambara, my dearest friend, and then you want me to join you? No, I do not think that is possible.

Exasperated, I turn to Khelru hoping to talk to someone less crazy.

What do you think of all this Khelru? I came here as an acolyte to learn about my faith and how have I been treated? Threatened and cast out if I do not agree to cast aside someone I hold dear. Demeaned by someone who thinks I am not worthy to learn about the god I try to serve unless I also serve her. Is this how you believe the faithful should act? If not towards others than at least towards each other?

I throw my hands up as I continue.

This place is important and beautiful but I for one do not want to spill the blood of the faithful in these halls as if we are crusaders "purging the heretics". While I would defend this place against those that would do it harm, how does the eight of us killing each other serve Nethys? I see no need to risk our lives on this; our groups are evenly matched and even the victors will suffer losses. If we won could I guarantee that I would survive? Or Bambara? I could not. If you won could you guarantee both Azaz and you would survive? Only you could say. So what DO you say?

To clarify, when I am bringing up Azaz and Khelru both not surviving the potential confrontation I am not saying it as a threat, it is a statement pleading him to consider what he is doing.

Idorii chuckles at Chui and smiles. "Are you not paid for services rendered? My price was met."

Velriana nods as Alexandra speaks. "Kill you?" she says. "I hired men to make sure we were left undisturbed, nothing more."

Khelru looks over to Velriana for a moment and then back to Alexandra.

"You are far from educated if you feel that Nethys would have an opinion on this situation. We seek knowledge and power but stand opposed to each other. To Nethys this is a matter for us to settle, as long as it is in pursuit of the magic we seek."

Khelru then motions to the members of the Scorched Hand.

"You were offered a chance to join us, you are being offered a chance to join us again. Your companions that can serve must either join the faithful of Nethys or be your hirelings. Those who cannot serve Nethys, have no such choice and are either hirelings or must leave."

"As for the spilling of blood, the Scorched Hand is prepared for such if it comes to it. The choice is yours."

If you wish, with your next responses, feel free to give me the diplomacy checks.

Before I attempt to close the deal, that look that Khelru gave to Hypaxes, when she said that she hired the thugs make sure they were left undisturbed, do I get the sense that he suspects something or was that a look of solidarity?

Less then educated? Is every nethite a jerk? Well at least we are getting somewhere.

Well if you agree that it is up to me then I would be happy to not hurl ourselves at the mercy of the goddess whose servants put us in this situation. If they must be part of the faithful or hireling, well I am most of the way there already. Follow me for a moment. All day I have been pushing my companions to follow you because my drive to be within these wall was only matched by the need to confront the woman who wants me dead.

I mockingly mimic the voice of the burly thug that attacked me.

“Kill Alexandra, she’s the dangerous one.” That’s what they said as they stood over the cowering body of a teenage girl. I pushed this team to follow you and ignore everything else because I wanted to see the look on Miss Hypaxes’ face. They are here under my direction. And I just heard the Idorii gets equal shares of your finds which is how we also split what we find as well. Distinctions without a difference, if it’s up to me.

As Alexandra speaks the members of the Scorched Hand all seem to smile.

"Seems those I hired did some extra work." Velriana says. "I never mentioned anyone specific in my instructions."

Idorii nods along then adds, "I was there Miss Trazaron, they were told to block anyone coming this way. You and your group were never mentioned. Perhaps someone else has a grudge against you?"

Khelru through all of this seems to be stifling a laugh.

"Young girl, it sounds like you feel slighted in this event and that it is Nethys' desire that one group or the other should prevail. I assure you, his concerns are not with the outcome of this encounter. If you do not wish to take our offer, and to be honest I am not sure if you were accepting or rejecting it, then our course seems inevitable. Regardless though, the offer still stands. If you and any of your gifted companions wish to join the faith of Nethys and the Scorched Hand, they certainly may. We will share in the spoiled here with all members of the Scorched Hand. Those who cannot or do not wish to join us can either serve as your hirelings, at your expense of course, or they may leave. This is a more than fair offer."

Replying to Idorii, Chui gives a snort of laughter ...

Miss Velriana could not meet the price of any of my services.

...and then he gives one sorrowful shake of his head...

It's sad that you sell yourself so cheap to one so treacherous ...

...Chui sighs...

and so pale.

Alexandra is not aware of this fact and that is playing into her crisis of faith that she has been dealing with all day. She’s hitting that phase that all teenagers that went to catholic school deal with at one point of another. Going forward, how will she feel about it? Well, I’ve Already given unsubtle clues about it, but right now she can’t really process any of that, she needs to work through this. Mat, I’m giving you a heads up. Alex is about to propose something that might make Harmini a little upset so we might have to deal with that.

Idorii’s words strike me by surprise.

You know Idorii, if anyone else had said that I wouldn’t believe them. The sad fact is that you are by far the most trustworthy person in that room. Still, you hired a group to guards and you all knew that we would be following you to this temple. The group that YOU hired then attacked us without warning. In some of the more civilized parts of the world, this is still a crime of intense negligence, but we are not there. We are here.

I counter your proposal with this one. That Harmini, Bambara, and myself team up with you for the purposes of exploration of this temple. Chui can “work for me” and since his expenses are on me, he gets my full share. I didn’t expect to come out of this any richer anyway. To avoid any confusion, Bambara will be able to use magic eventually, the power comes from his anger and his blood. I find this to be a acceptable solution or a conflict.

[ooc]I understand that the roll is not the most important part of this, but for Alexandra convincing everyone that can hear her, not just the members of the Hand, that we should all chill out and work together is the best idea. I am using my hero point.

Diplomacy Check: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (20) + 21 = 41

I look around at everyone I can see, nonverbally asking for confirmation.

We will work with you for this one venture as followers of Nethys, each in his or her own way. We will work with you on this one venture and then part ways. Is this acceptable?

Khelru seems a little shocked.

"You, Alexandra, are most welcome to work with us," he says. "but the others would have to demonstrate their gifts and their faith if our groups are to align as you say. Bambara's potential may be great, but so is a child's until he has learned. Still, I believe Velriana extended him an invitation before as your companion and we should honor that. As you say, Chui will take your share. This leaves Harmini to decide, I guess."

Khelru looks to Velriana and in turn she nods.

"It seems," Velriana says. " we may have an alliance after all. Assuming your companions agree."

bambara has thought. Kheru nd hand people want holy relics. So dey get them we get evryting else i whisper this into alex's ear

Looking at the group in the room Bmabara no get it. As long as Alex say you friend den Bambara hep yous.

bambara is not ok with this course of action but alex is "family" so he would do it so she is happy. They sent people to hurt us so bambara doesnt trust them. I want it to be known from this point forward that dealing with them if thats how mat leans bambara is on high alert. Any precieved threats will be met with a krunch or 2 to the face

How would Nethys-ites categorize Chui's Supernatural ninja stuff? It's obviously not spell casting but it doesn't work in an antimagic field. I'm not arguing that it makes Chui eligible to be the Pope of Nethys, just curious.

Chui states into space for just a fraction of a second...

Why was my brain suddenly filled with images of girls in matching plaid skirts casting spells!?!?!

... then he laughs loudly ...

But of course Maid Alex, I would be honored to be your employee. Let's get this newly merged corporate behemoth on the road!

This is going to be more laughs than drunken aunt Paws fourth wedding right after all her nipped-up ex-husbands arrived. And it will probably go just as smoothly.

I give a wink to Chui as I whisper to Bambara.

Thank you Bambara, thank you for trusting me on this.

I speak up in response to Khelru.

I am going to have to disagree with you on that second point regarding my friend. A child fresh from the womb would not have the ability to use a wand however Bambara, if given the correct wand, would be able to produce an effect using the magic inside of him. This test is entirely buy your design and if you do not have the wand so that he can prove himself then I do not believe that is fair to Bambara. He can prove himself later. An instructor should not punish his students for not bringing their own paper for a pop quiz.

You are correct. Capitulating to religious fanatics is not Harmini's cup o tea :) I wanted to give Alex the opportunity to work it out peacefully if she could first though. A valiant effort, sadly we're not giving away the farm to the bandits... I fully understand that Harmini's next action may result in combat.

Taking in the conversation from the shadows, Harmini finally clears her throat and steps forward to face Velriana and company with an innocent wave from her free hand.

Oh hello there! You remember me, Lady Hypaxes, don't you? We met that awful night at the Tooth & Hookah about a week ago? What a disaster! I hope you don't think I had anything to do with that farce? No matter. I simply didn't expect to find you all down here. What a delightful surprise indeed!

She purposefully retrieves the lottery token from her pack and holds it up for everyone to see.

I'm terribly sorry but there seems to have been some sort of mix up. There's one teeny tiny detail I think you've all overlooked. You see your god, Nethys, doesn't give you any authority over this sanctum or anything inside of it. This little Pharasmin trinket does... Which belongs to us, Perilous Forays. I'm afraid your lovely group isn't supposed to be here. At all... Not to worry, I have a wonderful idea that will benefit everyone!

Harmini's eyes flash subtly as she utters her next words to Velriana.

Open the gate. Take the Scorched Hand and go back to Sebti, The Crocodile to get yourselves one these tokens. That will make it official so that we can all share in these wonderful treasures together and we'll just forget we ever saw you down here unlawfully, like a bunch of powerless, cowardly thieves. Now how does that sound?

If you're lucky we might even leave something for you by the time you get back... you treacherous trollop.

Harmini smiles.

This is, in fact, Harmini's daily Suggestion spell-like ability. Velriana needs to make a Will save (DC 16) or be compelled to comply with the sentence above "Open the gate. Take the Scorched Hand and go back to Sebti, The Crocodile to get yourselves one these tokens" for the next 3 hours. If allowed, I would like to petition the GM to spend a Hero Point to increase the DC of this save by an amount you deem appropriate. Additional penalties (per the spell) can also be assigned to the save on the basis of how "reasonable" this suggestion appears.

Yep, Lady H would put a beating on all of aunt Paws nipped-out husbands, current and ex, with one elegant hand tied in a most cultured manner behind her back.

Yeah, I didn't think she would go for it but I had to give it a try and to be fair to Harmini they are being a*%$#@+s well above and beyond the acceptable limit, even in Pathfinder. This is one of the reasons I like having non-good party members. You're doing the lords work man. Oh, and GL to all in this combat.

But...I...oh no. Oh no.

I switch my gaze rappidly between Alex and harmini in a look of panic and confusion
Bambara not sure what goin on.

I slide the mask over my face just in case this comes to blows

Sorry for the delay. Busy weekend.

Velriana looks down for a second and smiles as she looks directly at Harmini.

That sounds… she says but then pauses for a brief second. like you lack the faith in Nethys to belong here. Scorched Hand, kill them!

With that everyone springs to life and what seemed inevitable begins.

Time for initiative. I applaud the group for the attempts, it had a chance to work.

Azaz crosses the room to be behind Khelru and reads from a scroll he had prepared. As he finishes a sphere of fire appears next to Chui and the stench of burning fur creeps up.

This brings up Alexandra followed by Chui.

EDIT: There appears to be multiple Velrianas, all in her square. Forgot she cast mirror image in prep of combat. I will add images to the tracker as well.

This is just free battle speech. Not any actions or turn-taking.

Ugh. So much for a peaceful resolution...

Harmini scowls and issues her own battle cry for her companions to engage.

I deny faith in all gods who lead their followers blindly toward destruction! No mercy for the intruders!

Ahh! Trent whiskers Trent Whiskers!

I'm running a bit low on spells but I'll do what I can. That Flaming Sphere is going to be an issue but I do have an idea. In the description of Flaming Sphere it says that it be extinguished like a normal fire of its size. I have on my bandoleer a bottle of liquid ice and impact foam. While the foam can be thrown at a creature and coat it and it reminds me of a fire extinguisher, it is up to your interpretation on how effectivly this foam would stop fire, if at all. The bottle of liquid ice is more straight foreword. Would either of these work against the sphere? Would I target the sphere as a creature or an unattended object?

I am going to rule no on both counts. The flaming sphere is soft and splash weapons will not break on them as normal. The liguid ice would melt instantly anyways and while you could pour the foam out on it it would take the 1 minute time to do this as described in the item.

YOWL! - Time to advance in the other direction!

I think they've got a significant advantage in ranged combat. Our advantage is melee, ie. Bam. I think we should withdraw around the corner and let them open the gate and come to us. However, if you folks really, really want Chui to step forward and try to open the gate, he can do that.

I agree with Chui on this, fighting through this gate with a magic ball of fire sounds less than ideal. Lets back up a bit further down this hall. And as spooky are the cleric is, we need to watch out for Veleria. If she has burning hands prepped, its going to hurt a lot.

As a move action I will move back out of rolling range of that ball. As a swift I will pull out my scroll from my wrist sheath. As a standard I will ready an action to read my scroll of haste and cast it on a party member so I can hit all of us, if not then Chui and Bambara. The trigger for this cast will be me hearing, seeing, or otherwise knowing the gate is open.

Agreed. Bambara, this way!

Chui - move action to square around the corner, drawing his short bow as he moves, and ready action to fire at any (hopefully with Stealth and Sneak Attack damage) any bad guy who appears without cover in his line of sight.

Chui whispers to Alex ....

MROW, there may be another way out of the chamber there're in. We need to watch for them coming up the corridor behind us.

Chui narrowly avoids the flaming sphere then he and Alexandra scurry around the corner in an attempt to lure the Scorched Hand out. The members of the Scorched Hand smile at this, though Khelru seems to mentally prepare himself for a course of action.

Khelru has readied an action. That means it is now Bam's turn followed by Harmini.

bambara delays until after harmini. Please leave a charge lame to azaz. Also i may need a bit of healing after my round as im sure this plan will include multiple Aoos.

I doubt Bam will be able to charge no matter what happens (though I guess this depends on which 5' square contains the "door") GM call here. The primary target is Idorii here (she's in the way). Kill her first and then we can deal with the others. Of note, if Harmini does open the gate, it should trigger Alex's readied action to cast haste on Bam. We'll see.

Harmini's hair suddenly comes to life and lashes out against the gate, wrapping and weaving through the bars violently.

Standard Action - Activate prehensile hair hex (1 minute). Move action - Open the gate with 10' reach. Whether the door opens or not Harmini will still instruct Bambara to attack.

Bambara! Destroy them!

Is Bam going to intentionally charge through a 5 ft. solid ball of flame? I thought he feared fire. He can certainly move around it but not at a charge.

Harmini's creepy hair trick opens the door to the amazement of Idorii.

Alex's readied action goes off as well.

Yes it does, time for the bum rush.

I read the scroll in my hands and cast haste.

Umm, Ok...get um Bam!

fine no charging though azaz is source for burning ball o death
I rush into combat with idorii.
i would like to start raging now. I have fast healing 1 for reaminder of my rage
Ziur gauza

I swing for the ribs of idori with all my might reckless power atk

Is Bam attacking from outside the room or inside. The gate is kind of badly positioned tactically so both are an option but it will determine other things.

As Bambara moves forward Khelru begins casting a spell. Suddenly a glowing staff appears in the air in front of Bambara and begins to attack him. Bambara's earthbreaker smashes against Idorii and her grunt indicates she felt it.

Velriana points the wand in her hand at Bambara and chants some arcane words. Suddenly a ray of bright white light streaks out and washes over him. The light burns into his flesh. She then moves back a bit, putting distance between herself and the party.

It is Idorii's action but that will depend on Bam's response about in the room or out.

I can't seem to change the information on the tracker right now but I want to make it visible. So I am putting it here for now.

We are all hasted now, correct?

I can't seem to change the information on the tracker right now but I want to make it visible. So I am putting it here for now.

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ok so im going to be outside and if the damage was done before end of my turn fast healing shouldve given me 1 point back. And do i get a reflex save against the wand?

Idorii steps forward and swings the gate shut again, blocking the party from entering further.

"Now lets talk a bit more." she says seemingly to Harmini specifically. "Make it worth it for me and I'll just walk out of here."

She eyes back to Velriana and Khelru but does not lower her weapons. She still seems ready to defend herself and the members of the Scorched Hand, though she is not attacking.

Azaz points his wand at Bambara as well. His words seem more confident and he smiles as Khelru seems to be keeping him safe. Suddenly Bambara's earthbreaker slips a little in his hand as it is now covered in a slick substance. Then the ball of fire moves towards Bambara and pushes into him.

Idorii takes a 5 ft step and then uses a move action to close the gate. She also seems to be readying an action as well. Azaz casts a spell and then uses his move action to direct the flaming sphere. He also takes a 5 ft. step south.

Bam needs to give me one REFLEX save for the Grease spell. Then a second REFLEX save for the Flaming Sphere.

Scorching Ray does not allow a save (unless there is something else that allows you to save against a touch attack), so that can be the one save against the grease spell. So, I still need a Reflex save against the Flaming Sphere.

Alex can only get 3 of you in Haste. She and Harmini are more than 30 ft apart. So, who doesn't get it, Harmini or Alex?