[OutPost I] GM Ladile & the Pathfinder Society Present: Assault on the Kingdom of the Impossible (Inactive)

Game Master Lady Ladile

"Leave, now. Our business is with Zamir, so you may leave in one piece, if you go now. Otherwise, Blarg and I will have to make you leave."

Sori, still perched on Tupp's head, studies the scene with growing anger. However, she's more than a little concerned that the captives could get hurt if a fight broke out. "Careful Tupp! Keep calm..." She gently whispers, knowing (and actually experiencing) Tupp's strong feeling about those who keep slaves. "Take note of their positions, this room is dangerously small for a fight with so many innocents present."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Tupp looks around the room in wide-eyed horror, wringing his hands tightly around the hilt of his sword. He's just about to charge forward when Sori whispers to him. He stops himself, barely, and glares at the guards, hoping to get them away from the bound prisoners without violence. "YOU HAVE ONE CHANCE!" He yells, puffing out his chest and raising his katana over his head, "Free these people and surrender now, or face the wrath of the Empress of Heaven!"

Intimidate; Size Penalty, Adaptable Luck: 1d20 + 2 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 - 4 + 2 = 18

Using adaptable luck (with fate's favoured) after rolling for a +2.

Slavers... If they are cruel enough to profit from oppressing people, they are unlikely to be happy about giving up their 'investments.' Bartimaeus knuckles go white around his wands as the opening remarks fly. He crouches low on the stairs, hoping to actually be able to see into the room. These damn knees aren't what they used to be, I'll have to see a cleric about that...
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Can my threatening statement above be used as aid another on Tupp's intimidate?

aid another, intimidate: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Bon Jon will also attempt to aid Tupp with his previous hostile remarks

Intimidate, aid another: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Yes, you may Aid on Tupp's Intimidate and Bart you can certainly see down into the room by crouching on the stairs :)
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"Hey whoa, whoa, whoa!" exclaims Green, dropping his handaxe and throwing up his hands. "Let's not get hasty, okay!? Look, we don't wanna fight, do we?" he continues, looking to Purple for support; Purple nods his head in agreement so hard that it's a wonder he doesn't give himself whiplash, also dropping his weapon. "If you got by everyone up top then I doubt the two of us are going to do much to slow you down!"

"The key's with Zamir, okay? You want them free, go talk to him - or have a crack at those collars yourself if any of you fancy yourselves a locksmith," Green continues, trying to calm Tupp. "Besides, we haven't done anything to those mages besides put them to work disenchanting what magic loot we come back with - under Zamir's orders," he adds quickly should Tupp or anyone else move as if to strike.

As you more or less hold the hostage-takers hostage, the sound of an opening door and footsteps can be heard from the short hallway to the north. Yet another man dressed in gray robes and wearing a familiar-looking mask strides up behind Green, peering curiously over the guard's shoulder.

"ये सब हंगामा क्या है? कटा हुआ पक्षियों आप परेशान कर रहे हैं?" he asks of Green in a mocking tone.

"Styrian, what did the monks outside tell you to say?"

Styrian sees the monk enter, and in response to Koani's question addresses the monk. He points up the stairs and says in his best Vudrani appoximation, "When waking a tiger, best to use a long stick." The attempt is probably made somewhat easier by his comprehend languages still being active.

Tupp slowly lowers his sword and steps a little closer towards the chained mages, keeping his eyes on the two guards as he does. "Don't worry, we're going to get you out of here!" He whispers softly, trying to reassure the prisoners as Styrian does his best to pronounce the Vudrani phrase. We should tie those guards up!

The monk - Kabrar, surely - blinks and looks from the gathered and heavily-armed group to the two cowering guards and then the chained mages. Suddenly, he throws his head back and laughs a deep, hearty laugh.

"मैं देखता हूं कि मेरे भाई आखिर में Zamir से निपटने की मूर्खता के लिए तैयार हुए! एक दयालुता ने बहिर्वाह के समूह से हस्तक्षेप किया ताकि उन्हें अपनी इंद्रियों में लाया जा सके।," he states, seeming unperturbed by this turn of events. "बहुत अच्छा, मैं अपनी छुट्टी ले जाऊंगा। ज़मीर को बाघ की आंखों के भिक्षुओं का सम्मान दें।," Kabrar continues, offering a short bow to the party before moving towards the stairs. If you allow him to do so, he strides past the party and disappears outside - still chuckling quietly to himself.

"Soooo, um...are we free to go too?" Purple finally asks, sounding hopeful.

"Yes, you may leave, in just a moment. First, this fierce little dinosaus is going to smell you, because then, if you again engage in banditry, he will hunt you down, rip you to shreds, and eat your liver."

Koani doesn't really care if they wait to be smelled or not, but does send Blarg over towards them.

Bon Jon watches the back of the monk as he leaves with mixed feelings. He hopes that this fellow will find his way back to true monastic virtues, but he has his doubts. Not all of us monks are truly meant for the calling, 'tis true.

Tupp narrows his eyes at Purple, really not wanting the man to be free after knowing his part in putting the mages to work against their will. He's about to protest that these guards deserve more than a sniffing, but Sori tweets something quiet in his ear. He then sighs and reluctantly nods, "Bandit liver is Blarg's favourite, and he always finds his prey."

Bartimaeus sighs and takes a seat on the stairs as the bandits make their way out of the compound. Certainly could have called for more bloodshed, a miracle what the right words from the right individuals can achieve.

Seeing Tupp shift uneasily as the bandits leave, he sidles up to him. "My boy, I cannot guarantee it, however, If I recall correctly, the men with whom we have aligned our goals are members of the law. With any luck, these bandits shall be apprehended by them and tried accordingly," he remarks before readying himself for what is likely their final foe.

Once the bandits and monk clear out, Styrian will be curious to check out the contents of the cells, walking briefly down the north hall first, then the south one.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23, if needed

If he discovers more prisoners he will try to calm their fears and let them know they will release them shortly.

If nothing else he will get a quick read on party strategy. "We have only to deal with Zamir, his tiger, and maybe a few more guards. Master Bon Jon, would you prefer the bane enchantment for Zamir or for the tiger? Potentially Koani had an alternative for the tiger?"

"I may be able to get the tiger onto our side. I won't ask him to attack Zamir, because that makes it too likely he will shake off the magic entirely. I also can make plant bits try to tangle up Zamir, but if I do that, you guys won't be able to get close enough to attack him without getting tangles up too. I also have a spell that will make Blarg better with his attacks. I will use that now."

Koani leans over her sweet little dinosaur and speaks strange words for a moment as she moves her hands. Then she very gently cups Blarg's lower jaw in her hand. Casting magic fang on Blarg's bite. duration is measured in hours, so should last for as long as needed.

After a few seconds to process the comforting words, Tupp nods at Bartimaeus and starts to look a little more comfortable with the situation. "I forgot about them... Thank you." He then gets right back to business, smiling reassuringly and waving at the captive mages. "Okay, guys! I don't know if you understand me, but we're going to get you out of here soon. But we have to get the keys first, so we just need you to hang on for a little while longer and we'll be right back."

As Styrian searches the side rooms for further prisoners, Tupp prepares himself for a battle with a tiger, or if Koani can work her charms, it's master. He runs practice drills in his head, evaluating which moves will be the most effective against such a large foe. Meanwhile, Sori says a few prayers offering the guidance of Shizuru to her charge.

casting guidance on Tupp.

"Does anyone need any help preparing?"

I'm willing to use any wands or scrolls of buffs anyone has that are on my list, or do any healing. Willing to share my CLW wand if you don't have your own yet and are down a bit from the fight.

Bon Jon nods appreciatively towards Styrian. "Since there is a chance that we can handle the tiger without harming it, perhaps it will be better if you make my weapon more effective against Zamir himself. He, at the very least, I expect that we'll need to fight, and given all his misdeeds that we have seen, it will give me no sorrow to help strike him down."

Turning to Koani, Bon Jon answers, "For myself, I think I am ready for us to enter and take on this villain. I've taken no damage and my wand of mage armor should still be effective. If any of you have additional preparations that can assist the group, I am content to wait, but for myself, I am prepared, or as prepared as one can be when one faces the unknown."

"Um...o-okay, no more banditry then, p-promise," Purple stammers, holding quite still as Blarg trots over to sniff him and then his companion. "Come on, let's go before they change their minds," he continues, noting the rather surly look on Tupp's face. The two bandits leave their weapons and hurry up the steps after the monk. "Kabrar! Wait for us!" Green cries, apparently forgetting in his relief that the monks only seem to understand Vudrani.

With the guards and monk out of the way, Styrian begins conducting a quick sweep of each of the cells to make sure there aren't any additional prisoners or additional goons lying in wait. Thankfully all of the cells are empty though they all bear signs of occupation and it seems likely that both the prisoners and some of Zamir's men having been using them to sleep in. Other than some minor personal belongings, there's little else of interest in any of the cells. However, a small chest sitting near one of the benches in the workshop does hold a modest amount of gold, to the tune of 245 gp.

Meanwhile, the lone female prisoner finally seems to bring herself to speak, tears in her eyes. "Th-thank you...thank you! I thought I'd never see the sun or a friendly face ever again," she stammers, reaching out to grasp at Tupp with trembling hands. "Zamir has had us here for weeks, disenchanting the things his men bring back. They took our spellbooks and destroyed them so we wouldn't be able to fight back or escape," she explains. "They've made us work long hours, with little sleep or food..." And the party does note that all four of the mages seem thin and worn, with dark circles under their eyes. "But...but it could've been worse...those monks kept the others from beating us, at least. I think they found the idea...distasteful, somehow..."

When Tupp makes mention of pressing onward to retrieve the keys to their collars, all four of the mages look at each other nervously but then nod. "O-okay...Zamir and his tiger Jumra are strong but you've got them outnumbered, so...so I'm sure you'll be able to handle him. But still! Please, be careful..." the woman pleads as everyone prepares themselves to press onward into the next room...
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This large hall is relatively clean and empty. A few racks on the walls contain wooden training weapons, and targets and straw dummies stand here and there. A strange wooden statue stands in front of a large alcove in the south wall. It has three tiger faces on its head, each facing a different direction, and six arms. The statue’s hands hold a variety of weapons; quarterstaff, sai, nunchaku, siangham, and kama. The walls of this room still hold the traces of paint and plaster from what was once a large fresco, now faded into obscurity. In the back of the alcove is a large wooden door.

All is quiet.
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Please adjust yourselves on the map (same slide) as desired and let me know if anyone approaches the statue or the door!

Koani takes out a packet of rations and hands a bit to each of the mages. "We'll get you guys better taken care of after we deal with Zamir, but there's no reason for you to be hungry while you wait."

When the party has gathered in the next room, Styrian will be further struck by the monks' phrase "When waking a tiger, best to use a long stick."

"Normally I am not prone to such crude exploration, but might we actually want to take the monks' words as direction and push at the statue with a long stick?" He holds his glaive, considering the option. "The ones above did suggest this was not an ordinary statue."

If no one else has another suggestion or argument, once everyone is gathered Styrian will push at the statue with his glaive, or if people suggest striking it or sneaking by it he's open to those too.

Bon Jon asks the captive mages, "So can you tell us anything about Zamir and his tiger to help us prepare? Is it an ordinary tiger, or something else? And why does he want you to disenchant the items his men steal? How peculiar..."

When they enter the next room, Bon Jon notes the statue's array of monastic weapons with interest. If only I had studied a bit harder back at the monastery! I'm sure my preceptor would have known what to make of this. But, alas, in those days I had only time for perfecting my kicks... Hopefully that will stand me in good stead today...

Quietly, Bon Jon draws his sword and checks to make sure that it is still sharp...

The mages are quite hungry and so they eagerly accept Koani's offering of rations, tearing into them with great gusto. "Fanks!" the lady mage says through a mouthful of bread. "Anf Zamirf's 'iger's juft a 'iger," she continues, finally swallowing the bite. "As far as the magic items go, I think Zamir's selling the components to someone. He keeps talking about a consortium, so maybe them?"
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As Styrian and Bon Jon cautiously approach the wooden statue, nothing happens...nothing happens...but then, once they move to within 10 feet of it, the statue begins to move! With a clattering and clunking sound, it seems to shift into a combat-ready stance but otherwise makes no move to attack. At this point, Bon Jon may be very thankful to find that his sword is still sharp and pointy!

Tupp follows the others into the next room, looking at all the training equipment with wide eyes. "Hey Sor, just think of the quality practice we could do in a place like- Whoa!" He instinctively hops into a defensive combat stance when the statue moves, holding his katana over his head. Cautiously nodding at Styrian's suggestion, Tupp stands at the ready for combat. "Poking it with a long stick sounds as good a plan as any. If it takes offence, we've got your back."

"Your work corroborates the Societies' prior findings, the Aspis has been receiving these shipments of components. This will be moderate blow to the flexibility of their marketing portfolio..." he notes.

Bartimaeus listens contently as information flows back and forth, but his brow furrows yet again at the woman's words. "Madam, do not diminish your own suffering merely because others have had worse. You and your companions have ample reason to rejoice, please, enjoy your food, but do not downplay your prior oppression. Your issues are as salient as anyone else's," he preaches before mumbling some other comments to himself as he stands at the edge of the hallway. Trials and tribulations have an awful way of twisting one's mind.

"Right you are Styrian, give that thing a wallop! If it moves to engage, I shall support you as well," he calls out, wands at the ready.

Styrian sees the statue animate and fall into a combat ready stance. "It seems to already have awoken. Surely if I reach out it will attack. I fear we may not be able to avoid combat, let me prepare your weapon in case we need it."

Styrian touches Bon Jon's sword, granting it construct bane. Gains extra +2 attack, +2+2d6 damage vs constructs

"I will see if it will allow us passage, but be ready to strike. Maybe this phrase will help us one more time. When waking a tiger, best to use a long stick."

Styrian uses a total defense action (+4AC) and begins to move around the construct, expecting a blow but hoping for the best. He also has a 10% miss chance protection

With the statue now poised and ready to strike, everyone readies themselves to fight as Styrian attempts to move around it. But the moment he steps to within 5 feet, it raises an arm to strike!

Round 1

Tupp (Guidance)
Styrian (Total Defense)
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Statue
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Bartimaeus (Mage Armor)
Koani
Blarg (Magic Fang)
Bon Jon (Construct Bane)

Active Conditions: None

Tupp and Styrian are UP!

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Styrian takes advantage of the jump he gets on the creature to move directly behind it, attempting to set up a flank. 5 foot step

He releases one hand from his glaive to wield his spiked gauntlet effectively. He doesn't attack yet, but readies an action to attack right after the creature does. Trying to set up a flank and preserve my miss chance by attacking after the statue if that works.

Tupp steps forward, raising his sword even higher. "Prepare to be smitten by my SUPER MEGA AWESOME POWER ATTACK!" He swings his sword down at the moving practice dummy with a powerful, studied stroke and an exaggerated step.

Atk. Katana; Power Attack, Flank, Guidance: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 1 + 2 + 1 = 14
Dmg. Slashing; Power Attack: 1d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 3 = 8

5' step, standard to attack.

As Tupp steps forward, Sori flies out of his hair and flies carefully at Blaarg, landing at his feet. "May the Empress guide your claws." She tweets softly, laying a wing on his talon before, very quickly, hopping away.

Move action 10', standard to cast guidance on Blarg.

While the statue had originally been tracking Styrian as he moved around behind it, Tupp's approach and subsequent miss with his katana provide the statue with two possible targets.

1d2 ⇒ 2

With a *chhka-chhka-chik* the statue turns to face Tupp and swings an arm holding a wooden kama...

Slam vs. Tupp: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

...and delivers a solid blow against the halfling! Styrian immediately retaliates against the statue with a punch from his spiked gauntlet and while it connects against the wood of the statue with a solid *CRUNCH*, it doesn't seem as if it did any damage.
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Round 1/Round 2

Tupp (-4)
Styrian
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Statue
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Bartimaeus (Mage Armor)
Koani
Blarg (Guidance, Magic Fang)
Bon Jon (Construct Bane)

Active Conditions: None

Everyone is UP!

"May companions, we have an animated object on our hands! Styrian, you were astute to provide Bon with that arms enchantment!" he cries out as he slings a bolt of force at the behemoth.

"Tupp, my boy, get out of there!" he shouts as the halfling gets walloped by the statue. If things turn for the worst, I have just the spell to save him. However, will he run if given the chance? May he have the wisdom for a tactical retreat...
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Koani sends an arrow at the thing.

attack, into melee: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 4 = 19
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Then Koani asks Blarg to go attack.
HA: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 4 = 19

Blarg runs forward to try to chew on the bad thing that his Koani told him to get. It must be bad, or she wouldn't have asked him to get it.

bite attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 magic fang applies
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Bon Jon watches as Tupp and Blarg step in front of him and sighs. Can't fault the dinosaur, but I'll have to talk with the lad later about tactical positioning on the battlefield. Must remember that not everyone has studied the manuals of Irori... Then he moves 10' around them to reach the statue. This will provoke if the statue has reach so Bon Jon will attempt to use Acrobatics:

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

single attack, +1 seven-branched sword, construct bane: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 = 23
dmg: 1d10 + 7 + 2d6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + (2, 3) = 20

"It's just a bruise, Bartimaeus!" Tupp calls back to the concerned wizard, "I'll be fine, just need to figure out how to hit a moving target..." Deciding that a horizontal strike might be more effective, the plucky halfling switches stance and calls his next attack. "SIDE WINDEEEEER STRIKE!"

Atk. Katana; Power Attack; Flank: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 - 1 + 2 = 13
Dmg. Slashing; Power Attack: 1d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 = 10

"Tupp! Stop telling your opponents what you're about to do..." Sori cries with exasperation as her ward misses yet again and receives another nasty whack for his troubles. She sighs and flies up to land on Koani's shoulder. "Honestly, that boy is going to be the death of me. Please do what you can to protect him from himself, and may the Empress guide your bow when you do."

Casting guidance on Koani.

I need something stronger to penetrate its defenses.

Styrian steps back to properly weild his stronger weapon, and strikes with the glaive.

glaive attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 2 = 22
damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

As Bart slings his missile at the statue he realizes with dismay that he's come up against a foe that even magic missiles won't help against for while the statue has none of the typical resistances he might expect, it has been constructed to be incredibly resilient to all forms of damage! (Hardness 8.) And as expected, though the missile impacts against the statue it doesn't seem to leave even a scratch on it.

Koani and Blarg also launch themselves into the fray, trying to bite and pincushion the statue - but while their attacks connect, they can't seem to do any damage to it. And poor Tupp, try as he might, can't seem to connect with his weapon at all.

All is not lost, however! Bon Jon delivers a powerful swing with his enchanted sword and connects with enough power to leave several large cracks in the wood of the statue, despite its toughness. Styrian too manages to score a blow and while most of the energy is absorbed by the statue, a small bit of it does seem to go through and the cracks in the statue grow.

1d3 ⇒ 3

Perhaps somehow sensing which foe poses the most threat, the statue turns to face Bon Jon with another *chkka-chkka-chkk* and swings a different arm, this one holding a nunchaku...

Slam vs. Bon Jon: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

...and strikes the brave monk a glancing blow!
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Round 2/Round 3

Tupp (-4)
Styrian
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Statue (-14)
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Bartimaeus (Mage Armor)
Koani (Guidance)
Blarg (Magic Fang)
Bon Jon (-2, Construct Bane)

Active Conditions: None

Everyone is UP!
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Sorry folks, I know the hardness is going to ruin the day for a couple of you but I will say that you've already done quite a bit of damage to the statue - and Tupp has the capability to do some damage too if his dice will ever cooperate with him! You can do it!

Styrian strikes again, swinging his glaive down in an overhand chop.

glaive attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11
damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

But his attack misses its mark and slams down against the floor.

Seeing how tough the statue is, Tupp decides that the most important thing to do is to make sure Bon Jon hits with his enhanced weapon. With a quick hop and a shuffle, Tupp circles around and takes up a flanking position beside his favourite dinosaur. "FLAAAAANKING FRENZY!" He cries as he makes a quick series of swipes and feints designed to distract his foe, then finishes with a full blooded overhand strike. "HEYAA!"

5' Step, Standard to attack.

Atk. Katana; Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 1 = 20
Dmg. Slashing; Power Attack: 1d6 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 3 = 9

Haha! All he needed was a little encouragement from the GM. :)

Bon Jon unleashes a flurry of blows with his sword at the statue.

+1 seven-branch sword, bane, flank: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 18
dmg: 1d10 + 7 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 7 + (6, 6) = 21

+1 seven-branch sword, bane, flank: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 13
dmg: 1d10 + 7 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 7 + (6, 2) = 19

Bartimaeus grunts in annoyance as his missile proves ineffectual. Sometimes you must leave things to your comrades.
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I'm effectively going to pass my turn, this looks like a job for a big strong person with a big strong stick!

Koani sees that she can't do much against this thing, and decides the best she can do is to keep standing her companions who can. She walks up behind Tupp and heals him.

CLW (wand): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

While Koani applies some healing magic to Tupp and Bartimaeus decides to hold off in hopes that the people with big sticks (or the equivalent thereof) can finish the statue off, the rest of the group continues to fight on! Though Styrian's next blow misses and strikes the stone floor instead, Tupp finally manages to connect and further deepen the cracks in the statue before Bon Jon comes in like a wrecking ball and shatters it completely in a shower of splintered wood!

Combat Over!

As silence falls over the training hall once more, you see all four of the mages peeking through the doorway at the group. When they see that you see them, they all smile and give the group thumbs-up signs.

"Zamir's chambers are beyond that door," the lady mage whispers. "Good luck and be careful, okay?"

Bon Jon claps Styrian on the shoulder amiably. "That was all your doing, my friend! Quite a nice trick, that. How often can you do it? If you can do it again, perhaps you would like to make my sword the bane of tigers?"

"If Styrian can indeed empower your blade, it may be better to do so against Zamir. If Erastil smiles, I will be able to keep the tiger out of the fight."

"Indeed it did combine with your swordwork well, that statue would have taken a lot more out of us. I tend to agree with Koani if she has preparations in mind for the tiger. I can prepare your blade once again for Zamir. Everything points to him being human, but we'll wait to see for ourselves."

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Styrian regards the door behind them. He examines the door and doesn't think it seems suspicious, so he says "Does anyone need any further healing or preparations?"