(PFS 08-16) GM Dinketry and the House of Harmonious Wisdom (Inactive)

Game Master dinketry

"That's not quite what we expected, is it?" wonders Glastor aloud.

L'Mont is utterly unsurprised (just as the GM ruled).

Bolty quips "I hope nobody needs these characters"

before stepping south, aiming at the blue one and pulling the trigger.

Double Crossbow PBS: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 = 19

damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 + (1) + 1 = 10

The blue one (Thing #1) charges forward at the crossbowman as his double bolt attack pierces its flaming torso. With a roar of flames, the creature's formless fists blast Bolty.

Charge Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 201d4 ⇒ 31d4 ⇒ 3
GM roll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

The crossbowman suffers a blast of super heated air 3hp damage, Bolty, but shakes off the accompanying flames, avoiding catching afire. 3hp damage total, Bolty

Glastor, L'Mont, and Ushi may act!

I assume the GM roll was a reflex save?

"How you doing, Bolty? Still hanging in there?" asks Glastor. "Ushi, I assume you've got the blessing, so I'll give Mongo a hand!"

He slaps Mongo on the back, granting him a bit of luck. Roll twice, take the better, until Glastor's next turn

He then steps back, under hopeful protection.

L'Mont, having learned his lesson from the dire panda, draws two cold-iron sharpened daggers and takes a five-foot step towards Mongo, so that they can easily get into a flanking position. He waits, letting the fire-letter-creatures come to them.

Ushi raises one hand. "Indeed, friend Glastor." he affirms, summoning the power of lore. "May the knowledge of ancient hosts bless your strikes!" Having bolstered the Pathfinders morale, the nagaji turns to move to Bolty's aid.

Bolty shouts back a quick reply "Just a little singed."

The second flame-encircled entity charges the wayang over the open lid of the skyrockets cache.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 191d4 ⇒ 11d4 ⇒ 4
GM rollin': 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

The super-heated blast of air from the creature singes the tips of the L'Mont's ears 1hp damage, but the lithe rogue avoids the bulk of the flames.

Unfortunately, the fiery creature's position complicates the situation.

evil GM rolls: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
evil GM rolls: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5
evil GM rolls: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8
evil GM rolls: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
evil GM rolls: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10
evil GM rolls: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13 Yellow Skyrocket: 1d8 ⇒ 2
evil GM rolls: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
evil GM rolls: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17 White Skyrocket: 1d8 ⇒ 81d20 ⇒ 10
evil GM rolls: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
evil GM rolls: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19 Violet Skyrocket: 1d8 ⇒ 71d20 ⇒ 91d20 ⇒ 182d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

A hissing noise emanates from the cache of ancient skyrockets as three light on fire and fly out of their nest. A yellow skyrocket flies harmlessly to the north and explodes with a bang low to the ground, while a white skyrocket buzzes past Mongo's head and explodes against a ruined wall.

A third skyrocket strafes Mongo, but as he turns to follow its path, the paper tube slams directly into the gnome, exploding with a calamitous BANG! and a blinding violet flash to those at its epicenter.

GM rollin': 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 101d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 81d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Mongo effects: 1d100 ⇒ 951d100 ⇒ 45 Mongo, you're deafened and take 10hp of fire damage.
Glastor effects: 1d100 ⇒ 221d100 ⇒ 100 Glastor, you're blinded and take 10hp of fire damage.
Luwei effects: 1d100 ⇒ 341d100 ⇒ 23 Luwei, you're both blinded and deafened and take 10hp of fire damage.

Luwei, I need a stabilise roll, please. Mongo and Bolty, you may take your actions.

"Ow!" says Mongo, unable to hear his own voice, as he experiences a flashback to a scene from a life not his own. He then draws the naginata he found earlier and takes a mighty swing.

attack, power attack, bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 - 1 = 25
attack bit of luck, power attack, bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 - 1 = 9
damage, power attack: 1d8 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 3 = 10

Out of habit Bolty fruitlessly steps into a flanking position and stabs at the flaming critter in front of him.

Cestus: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

The smoking form of Mongo shakes his head, pulls out his new poleaxe, and thrusts it through the swirling form of the light-green fiery creature, striking something solid. Bolty thrusts his forearm through a space just-previously occupied by the dark green creature. The dark-green creature returns the aggression, continuing to blast heat and flame.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 61d4 ⇒ 31d4 ⇒ 1

The creature seethes with raw fury, but directs the majority of its energy earthward on this turn.

Glastor, L'Mont, and Ushi are up!

L'Mont takes a five-foot step so that he is flanking the creature with Mongo, then lashes out with both daggers.

Cold iron dagger, left, sharpened, bless, flank: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 231d3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 31d8 ⇒ 8

Cold iron dagger, right, sharpened, bless, flank: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 161d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 41d8 ⇒ 4

(I suspect the creature may be immune to sneak attack damage - ignore the d8s if so - but included it just in case it is not.)

He's also immune to flank, but...

The wayang dances around flying skyrockets and stabs home both daggers, striking something solid within the light-green form. Abruptly, the creature implodes with a puff of acrid green smoke, leaving a stench of methane in its wake. The cache of remaining skyrockets rests still, no further fuses crackling.

It appears that we may have some people travelling, so I'll take over Bot duty for them if we haven't heard from them - and it's important - for over 24hrs. As we are in combat, I will be doing so. Luwei hasn't replied for over 24 hours, so I'll roll to stabilise her. I am assuming that the 4hp of non-lethal damage listed in her stats line is held over from the Scorpion School fight (and would be gone as of now).

Luwei's Stabilise Check, DC 12: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16 Stable!

Also, Glastor is travelling and has given us his actions in this combat. Unfortunately, the gnome has been blinded by the purple skyrocket explosion, so I will rule (unless Glastor posts to the contrary), that the gnome spends the round rubbing his eyes.

Ushi, you may still take your action.

Ushi will step away from the strange fire to touch Luwei. "Your history does not end here." he speaks, positive energy removing the horrid burns.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Can't edit the slide, please 5ft step Ushi to Luwei.

The blue-green fiery creature reacts to the nagaji casting a spell.

AoA: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 181d4 ⇒ 11d4 ⇒ 3

It is rebuffed by the Ushi's armor.

Mongo and Bolty may act. Luwei wakes up, supine and smoking, and may act as well. Mongo, Glastor, and Luwei lose their temporary conditions.

Bolty contues to circle around and takes another stab.

Cestus: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Bolty thrusts his cestus into the substance of the green-blue fire creature, triggering an implosion that leaves a small, dark, bitter-smelling cloud as the sole remnant of the violent soul.

Out of combat!

Bolty looks down in front of him "Whoa"

Well that sucked Mongo says, scanning for more threats. Every movement brings fresh pain from the burns covering much of his exposed skin.

"Ushi, do you mind hitting me a few times with that wand of mine? You could use it on the others too, if they need it." I'm down 10, so however many charges that takes.

"If it is needed, yes." Ushi agreeds, infusing his hand with positive energy once more.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Ushi used his own slots for that, no need for the wand.

L'Mont sheaths his daggers and hurries over to help Glastor navigate out of the ruins.

"Didn't see any directions in the green fire. A couple of bangs, then bright lights and fire things that tried to kill us. Anybody else get anything? Ushi, Luwei?"

Luwei sits up and shakes her head, "I recognized the symbol for Dog in the zodiac. I'm not sure what it could mean."

As the oracle's magic causes his wounds to heal, Mongo says "Thanks, I needed that", and looks around. "Perhaps we could talk about this after we get outta here? There might be more of those things. Or the guards might have seen that and be on their way."

Once he can see, Glastor heals all within reach of his divine butterfly energy.
1d6 ⇒ 3
1d6 ⇒ 4
1d6 ⇒ 4

As your gang exits the ruins, you spot a familiar figure in a wide-brimmed hat camped just outside the station, seated on a folding camp stool and peering through a tripod mounted telescope pointed at the night sky. Gesturing upward, Yue Xin says, “So the letters of green fire invoke the sign of the Dog, eh? Dogs may be vicious gluttons or friendly allies, and the wise know to be cautious until a cur’s true nature is revealed. But tell me, what does the Dog have to do with the lost palace? Information, like grains of rice, surely improves when shared."

And what's this cur's true nature? Mongo wonders, waiting for one of his better-spoken companions to respond.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Ushi studies Yue Xin's demeanor, pondering the mans intent. "The only grains I can share are that of ignorance. The rockets display the sign of the Dog, but I have little idea what that could mean."

L'Mont shrugs, and nods at Ushi's claim of ignorance.

"Some of us were blinded by the glare. Couldn't see a thing. Right, Glastor?"

Yue Xin rolls his eyes. “Ignorance and choke-vines strangle the unwary.”

He begins packing his camp chair and telescope with a quickness. Without further words, Yue Xin stalks off into the night towards the lanterns of Changdo, leaving the party to ponder further the mysteries of the Summer Palace.

This ends the scene 'Constellation'. Please see the Discussion thread.

"For a man who speaks of sharing, he has offered little." the nagaji muses. "I wonder if the constellation of the Dog leads in the direction of the palace?"

The giant map of the region is highly detailed. Someone with a steady hand carefully marked several remote locations in various mountain ranges. The border of the map is an intricate depiction of the Dragon Empires zodiac.

"The map we recovered for Mai Chun had various signs of the zodiac detailed along the border." Luwei recalls, "The sign of the dog is a clever clue to the location of the palace."

Glastor runs after the man, yelling, "When we lit the fireworks, firework creatures arrived. They looked like two characters! We could draw them for you if you'd like."

Glastor will cast comprehend languages to see if he recognizes the characters still emblazoned on his retinas.

Sorry, been pretty busy vacationing, and taking care of my wife.... she fell and broke her wrist at work on her last day before vacation.

Glastor needs not comprehend languages to recognise the symbol for the Constellation of the Dog, once Luwei and Ushi point it out to him. Unfortunately, Yue Xin does not turn around.

The party is left to find their own way back to the outskirts of Changdo. You espy your trusty international caravan once back to the quiet nighttime trading grounds, and you are away!

Your two-and-a-half days' travel into Lingshen to its capital city, Xiwu, is fraught with poor weather, as driving rains make the trip a full day longer than it should be. As the torrential weather melts into brief squalls, the capital city becomes prominent on the horizon. Compared to Changdo and Lanming, the architecture of Xiwu appears extremely war-like. Towering castles and fortifications dripping rainwater indicate that your caravan travels into the world's largest military stronghold. The massive iron gate into the city may have been the largest you've ever seen.

The School of Affinities stands on the southern side of Xiwu, overlooking the Golden River. The school is a compound of several freestanding buildings surrounded by a stone wall. Your caravan comes to a stop in front of the open gate to the school. The rains have ceased, but the grounds are soggy, with puddles in places.

As you disembark and head onto the school grounds, you note a small fountain bubbling in the center of the compound, providing a peaceful background for the artistry in motion. The sliding walls to most of the buildings are open, allowing light to reach rows of students dressed in white, kneeling at their desks. Teachers in red robes walk between the desks, occasionally pausing to check work before continuing with their calligraphy lessons.

Map is up. We will assume that you're standing at the north end of the map, on the path leading through the school grounds.

Perform sing: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Perception : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Glastor quietly points out the folks in blue robes with black sashes, and then the armored guards. "Something isn't right, t" he mumbels, and then cast comprehend languages.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

"Maybe those are bodyguards? VIP students perhaps?"

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Take 10 on Knowledge Nobility for 16.
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

"Tread carefully, friends. We are among a warrior culture, one that carries forth into death." Ushi warns his fellow Pathfinders.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

L'Mont curses under his breath at the sight of the armed guards, and wonders about the people in the blue robes and black sashes. Like the guards, they seem out of place, and that means that whoever they are, they will make L'Mont's job that much harder.

Armed guards. Blue robes - more kung fu fighters? Six buildings, no idea where to find our target.

You said the sliding doors to "most" of the buildings are open. Which ones are still closed up?

"We need to figure out where the map is. Then probably create a distraction? Depends. Wish we had brought one of the signal rockets from Po Li."

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Luwei composes herself before entering the school grounds before the gate. "It cannot hurt to have a look around."

Her face a picture of calm, curiosity, and friendliness, Luwei begins touring the buildings, looking for the silk map.

If asked I shall say I am an older sister, evaluating the school for a favored sibling. Smile. Act with authority.

know local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Bolty looks to his companions "Do they study foreign languages here as well or only Tien calligraphy?"

L'Mont shrugs.

"No idea. Why?"

As if on cue, an energetic-appearing young Tian-Shu wearing yellow robes and an easy smile jogs over to the group. A dour and scarred giant of a man in tatami-do moves to stand behind the young man at about five paces.

Noticing the blank expression on some of your faces, he tries again, a wider smile on his face.

Bolty nods, almost a bow but not quite

"We are honored that you are willing to speak our foreign tongue."

Jianghong shrugs, a wry look on his face. "I like talking to strangers and learning what they know of the world. It behooves me to know a few foreign tongues so that I may do so." He picks at his yellow robes with disdain.

"The teachers mean for service on the Sunshine Committee to be punitive. They'd likely not be happy to learn that I'd prefer to be here than in most of their classes."

He laughs sharply. "Can I give you a tour of the School?"

Totally forgetting their mission, Glastor starts bouncing, saying, "Oh, my yes, please! Thatwouldtotallybegreatthankyouthankyouthanksyou!!!!"

L'Mont hangs back, following the group but trying to keep one of the larger Pathfinders - Mongo or Bolty - between him and Jianghong and his bodyguard.

Luwei inclines her head,

Jianghong bows his head at Luwei.

He indicates the open classroom to the party's right and launches into his tour in Taldane. "This building is one of our main classrooms, where calligraphy lessons are taught by Master Do." He waves at an old man in red robes who squints at the party. "He is as deaf as a stone post and twice as dense," he remarks off-handedly, still smiling at the man who flicks his hand at the young man.

Jianghong leads the group to the central fountain next. "The founders of the School of Affinities found it necessary to inform those attending as well as those visiting that our school teaches the calligraphy arts. You can see their heavy-handed message in the carved inkstones that make up the fountain." Jianghong cocks an eyebrow at Bolty and says in mock conspiratorial fashion: "I can assure you that no teacher at this school would allow us to use ink in the fashion that it spills from this fountain, and if anyone did so, they would find themselves on permanent Sunshine Committee."

He next leads you to the small building in the southeastern corner of the grounds. "The grounds to the school are open to the public during the day, encouraging us to make use of our tutelage in verbal expressive arts when strangers come to visit. Allow me to demonstrate." He abruptly stops walking and clears his throat.

• There once was a beautiful lass
• Who had a magnificent ass
• 'Twas not perky nor pink as you'd probably think
• It was grey, had long ears, and ate grass

He pauses to wait for polite applause.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Ushi softly claps his gloved hands together. "A fine turn of phrase. Perhaps far less cultured than your teachers might approve." He glances at the guard for a moment, wondering at the formality of his watch. Nothing resembling the target of their investigation has presented itself so far.

Mongo follows along, having trouble making sense of everything, but glad at least that their guide is speaking Taldane. He chuckles at the guides poem.

"Hey, now that's my kind of poetry."

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

He doesn't notice anything else in particular.