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

Game Master dinketry

L'Mont takes a 5-foot step to flank the yellow Scorpion with Glastor.

He is certain that no one will understand his Taldane even if he could be heard over the din of the fight, but tries anyway. "Hrmmm. My barbaric western gods will mock your weak kung fu!"

Ogre Stomps Around: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 1 = 241d2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Ushi's stare is cold, reptilian.

Rearing his shield back, he kicks out sharply at the black bandana-wearing Scorpion.

Ogre Scares the Foe: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 2 = 17
1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
DC12 Will to avoid losing Str bonus.

Both the wayang and the nagaji land blows against their opponents to appreciative 'ooooh's from the onlookers.

Yellow Scorpion Reflex Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Success
Black Scorpion Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Fail

The Blue Scorpion School student advances on Luwei, weaving his head back and forth while wearing a crooked grin prior to sending a quick one-two punch at her.

Flurry of Blows at Luwei: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 1 = 121d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3 non-lethal damage
Flurry of Blows at Luwei: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 91d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

His first fist raises an angry welt on her cheek; the second is successfully blocked.

Uh-oh. Here comes Mongo!

Mongo loops around the table to avoid an opportunistic strike and moves into a potential flanking position for Luwei. Still feeling the rush from his last successful strike and a strange feeling after the gnome's touch, he lashes out with another strong-side kick.

Ogre Swings the Club, bless: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26
2nd roll (bit o' luck): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 1 = 17

damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Well dang, here we go again!

roll to confirm: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 1 = 15
roll to confirm, bit of luck: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 = 21 by my reading of bit of luck, it seems like it applies to the roll to confirm, but if not then disregard this roll

crit damage, if confirmed: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Indeed you are correct, Mongo, regarding your interpretation of the 'bit of luck'.

The half-orc circles clockwise towards the blue-headbanded Scorpion School student. He turns, arms held in a guard around his face, not expecting the fury of the half-orc's massive kick to his chest. Mongo again demonstrates beautifully the might of the Jade Ogre pose as his explosive foot throws the student backwards across a long table (which breaks merrily), and into another unmoving heap on the ground.

A smattering of applause is heard from the onlookers. A casual glance tells you that no one has left the teahouse, and possibly more have ducked inside to see the melee.

The yellow-headbanded Scorpion School student steps out of the flank between the gnome and the wayang, and performs a curious motion where he draws his fist over his head.

Stunning Fist Strike on Glastor: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 81d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Trusting blindly that his strike would hit, the yellow student continues the movement he decided upon prior to the attack, moving to draw a vial from his belt sash.

Glastor, you may take an AoA.

The black-headbanded student also steps out of the flank between Bolty and Ushi and directs his focused attack on the crossbowman.

Stunning Fist Strike on Bolty: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 221d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 non-lethal damage; Bolty, I need a Fortitude save from you

Bolty's assailant also moves to draw a vial from his belt sash. Bolty, if you fail the Fortitude save, you don't get to take the AoA. If you succeed, please take an AoA.

fort save: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Bolty staggers back as blood from his nose clouds his eyes.

Even though he is wont to let it go, Glastor doesn't want to let his friends down. He takes his attack, bough he expects to miss.

He uses Ogre Stomps Around, since he thinks that's funny.
AoO: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

EDIT: Stunning Fist Strike on Bolty: 1d20 + 3 -1 ⇒ (19) + 3 -1 = 21 1d6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 - 1 = 2 non-lethal damage

I failed to subtract his Str bonus due to Bolty's successful hit. Changes the damage only; not the Stunning Fist outcome (Bolty stunned for 1 round).

It's Luwei's turn!

Luwei leaps daintily over a chair as dodges around Glastor to keep out of the monk's reach.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

In position, she aims a swift kick toward his feet, hoping to put him off balance.

Attack(Ogre Stomps Around): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4 nonlethal
DC 11 Reflex or lose Dex to AC

Bolty wipes the blood from his nose, things not quite as bad as they seemed.

The sorcerer shocks the yellow-bandaned Scorpion School student as he is about to drink a potion.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

He holds onto the potion.

Top of the order for Bolty (stunned), Ushi, L'Mont, and Glastor!

Closing the gap once more, Ushi darts his hand out, not to strike at the black garbed man, but at the vial in his hand.

Disarm on Black: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 1 = 22

Provoking on the attempt, hopefully the total will still be enough if he succeeds in hitting.

Still giggling at all the fun, Glastor moves into a flanking position with a 5' step. He then yells out "RAWR!" again (after all this is Jade Ogre Style, and that's how he thinks ogres should sound).
Ogre Scare the Foe, bless, flank: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 19 NL Unarmed: 1d4 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3 Since he is small sized
DC 13 fort or lose STR to attack/damage

"Hee hee! I did it!"

L'Mont moves over to flank the other remaining scorpion with Bolty.

Ogre Stomps Around: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 141d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The gnome kicks the yellow Scorpion School students left leg out from underneath him as he reels from the sorcerer's strong kick to his right leg. He goes down in a heap, moaning and clutching at his knees.

The nagaji successfully knocks the vial out of the black-headbanded student's hand, sending the vial crashing to the ground.

Fortitude Save vs Break: 1d20 ⇒ 17

The vial lands on the ground but doesn't break. The warrior responds by directing a blow at the nagaji's head.

AoA Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 41d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

The flailing student misses wildly, but presses his luck by back-flipping out of his flanked position to redirect his attack on the less-heavily-armoured wayang.

It's his turn in combat. He takes a 5 foot step and then uses Acrobatics.

Acrobatics to avoid AoA from Ushi and L'Mont: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

That beats both of your CMDs

Unarmed Strike on L'Mont: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 161d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

He misses the diminutive L'Mont by inches, knocking over yet another innocent table, and scattering the ground with spilled plates and cups as the cheap furniture breaks into pieces.

Candygram for Mongo!

Ushi chooses to snatch the vial rather than knock it away.

Ushi glances around the room and sighs.

The phrase Mongo like candy pops into his head out of nowhere as he moves toward the remaining foe, pushing scattered and broken furniture aside. Mongo double moves adjacent to the remaining enemy.

It's Luwei's turn, and then the change of the round with L'Mont, Bolty, Glastor, and Ushi being able to act.

The lone remaining Scorpion School student appears unafraid, supremely confident in his martial superiority.

oops, I thought it was Mongo's. Do you mind reposting the initiative list? if not with each update, at least once when the page changes is helpful

Luwei dashes past Mongo to provide a flank for the Wayang.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

She taps the student on the shoulder and bats her eyes at him.

double move, tumble

Bolty vaults onto the table
acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

without any trouble before giving the remaining guy a swift kick.

Ogre stomps around: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Subdual damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Reflex DC 13 or lose dex for 1 round.

L'Mont grins wolfishly at the Scorpion, despite his adversary being more than twice his size.

Silently - Snappy patter isn't my thing, I guess - he launches into Ogre Stomps Around.

Blessed flanking boot to the gut!: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 181d4 + 1 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (2) = 4

I may have had one SNAFU with the initiative order, but I won't post it again as it's likely to not be needed after the next action. Mongo, you may also make your attack this round.

L'Mont's kick in Jade Ogre style connects with the Black Headband's flank. He exhales painfully.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

He remains in his combat ready stance, however.

Mongo leans back for a moment before throwing his fist forward in a straight-line punch at his foe, trying to smash him back into the wood-pile behind him:

Ogre Smashes Rock, bless: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 = 8
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Knowing the guy doesn't understand him, Glastor just yells out "RAWR!!"
again, and tries to knock him out.

Ogre Scares the Foe: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 NL damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3 DC13 or lose STR to damage and attack

Reeling as he dodges multiple attacks from his back-flipping and dexterous foes, the last Scorpion student pays little attention as the previously-ineffective gnome charges, his foot cocked at the odd Jade Ogre angle as he comes in low.

The blow strikes a particularly sensitive area, and the student crumples in a heap, moaning and squirming.

Combat over!

The crowd gives a smattering of appreciative noise and claps as the servers of the teahouse come rushing out, clearing the broken tables and chairs and replacing them with new cheap versions as if this is something that happens with regularity.

Jiang Fei is beaming as you make your way to her. She shakes the hand of a middle-aged man who turns to nod curtly at you as you approach. He clasps Mongo specifically on the shoulder as he walks past.

A server brings a tray of seven steaming tea cups over to you and stands expectantly in front of you. At your unspoken question, Jiang smiles at you and points to the patron of the house who stands behind the long bar. As you look over, he raises a small tea cup to you.

Nodding, Ushi reaches for a cup. "A toast to the master of the house, my friends. Quickly now!" he says, downing the cup in one quick go.

"What? Oh." Following Ushi's lead, Mongo quickly grabs a cup, wincing as he clumsily sloshes some tea on his fingers. He, too downs the tea in one shot.

Bolty has had his share of drinks and downs a cup.

"WhohH that's hot!"

L'Mont takes a cup and raises it in the direction of the leader of the Scorpions, then brings it to his lips and gulps down the steaming liquid and slams the cup down on the table.

Glastor raises his cup in salute, and downs it, trying not to wince at the steaming hot liquid.

Luwei takes her tea, subtly cooling it with her breath before following suit.

"Jiang Fei should be quite pleased. Her style is quite impressive."

Jiang Fei ushers you all outside after the toast from the master of the house, the hot beverage still stinging your throat. Once outside in the street, she gathers you close.

As you turn to leave, she calls after you.

Random GM roll: 1d6 ⇒ 4

L'Mont has been handed a sack that clinks of glass bottles.

L’Mont, having understood nothing of what Jiang Fei just said, looks quizzically from the clinking sack to Jiang Fei’s disappearing back.

What in the hells just happened?

”Huh?”

"She asks that we return to the dojo as she talks up our victory." Ushi helpfully translates. "And that the Jade Ogre takes the spoils."

Glancing in the sack, L'Mont sees eight small glass vials similar to the one that Ushi retrieved from one of the students in battle.

Back at Jiang Fei's residence and dojo, true to her word, the Tien-Shu woman returns approximately an hour later. She is in very high spirits, as several onlookers at the teahouse expressed interest in becoming students or even funding her school.

With that, Jiang Fei removes the jade comb holding her hair in its bun and presents it to the adventurers for examination. The exquisitely-made item indeed shows an intricately-carved landscape on one side, featuring a distinctive mountain range view.

Jiang Fei will not let you take the jade comb with you, but has no problems with you somehow copying the landscape pattern or writing down a description of it.

This brings to a close the Teahouse Encounter. You finish your business with Jiang Fei and make contact with your caravan driver, who ferries you and your party to the next location as per the Handouts in the links above. Let me know which one you'd like to complete next, and we will start straight away, provided that everyone wishes to continue on.

Kudos!

L'Mont considers their next task. "Hey, you know what sounds like fun? Robbing a calligraphy school!"

"Wait, what? Why do we need to rob anyone? That sounds bad. Couldn't we just talk to them? Maybe they'll let us have what we need if we ask really nicely." whines the gnome, who is not happy at all with the idea of petty crimes.

The eight glass vials rest discontentedly in the sack, disregarded and unidentified.

L'Mont lays the glass vials in front of him on the table and attempts to disable them.

Disable device: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Glastor will cast detect magic and attempt to identify the potions.
spellcraft 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
spellcraft 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
spellcraft 3: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
spellcraft 4: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
spellcraft 5: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
spellcraft 6: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
spellcraft 7: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
spellcraft 8: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

"Let me take a look"

Spellcraft 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Spellcraft 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Spellcraft 7: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Spellcraft 8: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

You can spoil these kinds of checks to speed up gameplay

Ushi concentrates, calling upon the powers of ancient lore to identify the vials.

Identify Spellcraft: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

calligraphy sounds good

Your efforts yield the identification of 2 potions of CLW, 2 potions of Magic Weapon, and 4 potions of Mage Armour.

We may as well stick to the order we decided on earlier: 3 (done), 2, 1, IIRC.

Back in the Caravan District, you board the caravan of Chu Song, your driver through these lands. Once settled, you inform him where you're going. You travel quickly and efficiently through the night. Again, the taciturn driver has little to say, even in Tien, and the road conversation is left to yourselves to generate, if you decide not to sleep.

After just about 10 hours of travel, you begin to notice the presence of heavy military patrols on horse along the well-ordered roads. In another 2 hours, an amazing sight unfolds in front of you.

A massive stone statue, encircled by scaffolds and easily towering over the city walls by at least 200 metres, appears over the hills as you approach what you assume to be Changdo, the capital city of Po Li and your destination. Even from your distance, you can see the intricacy to the carvings of a robed god-like figure. His face remains unfinished, reflecting the dawn sun that glints off the carvings and surrounding construction brackets. Overshadowed by the massive stone figure, the appearance of the city is nonetheless impressive as well, an ancient city of stone buildings with alien architectural flourishes.

You come closer to the city walls of Changdo, and the majesty of the city, and more impressively, the giant statue, do not fail to impress. Just outside the gates, you find a busy trading yard populated by all manner of people from across Tian Xia. To one side of the yard stands a well encircled by a low stone wall. A young Tian-Shu man wearing a broad straw hat stands beside the well, the line of his bamboo fishing pole disappearing into its depths. He glances up at you as you disembark from your caravan, and then continues to focus on his fishing pole.

"Maybe we should find dumplings before starting the job?"

Know Local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

"Or perhaps some fish, my friend." Ushi suggests, striding forward towards the well.

Mongo mutters under his breath "I wonder if the dumplings in this town come with quite as much fighting as the last one?"