[PFS] #7–06—To Judge a Soul, Part 1: The Lost Legacy (Inactive)

Game Master Psyblade

Each of you gets the following missive, use this to introduce yourself to your travel companions, once everyone reported in I will start. Handout can be seen here

Honorable Pathfinders,

Venture-Captain Bakten Shengrah

.

Dotting

"This is first time Asuran has been back to Tian Xia since Asuran left," the towering snake-man says in stilted Taldane.

"Anyone know this BACH-tin?"

Kn. (Local), New Oppara: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

The letter was short and sweet, and Erlathan wasn't sure what to make of it. Mmmhmm, so it looks like I'll be going to Tian Xia. Well, at least it's not another tumble in the harpy-infested desert. His hair had begun to regrow since his encounter with the vargouille at Blakros Museum, and even the tentacles on his chin were shrinking in size. He almost looked elven again. Almost.

As the tall, lanky elf strolled through the tavern looking down at the note, inspecting it for anything magical, he nearly walked right into the towering nagaji asking about Bakten. "Er, apologies, my scaly friend. It seems you received the note too. I'm Erlathan, dabbler in the arcane. Please, don't mind the appearance," he says as he smiles, showing off two razor sharp fangs. "It's a long story, really."

Kun Ling was unsure what to think of this mission. This work with these pathfinders had it's benefits, the money kept the ale flowing, and it kept me occupied...and hopefully I was leaving some impact on this world. But Tien? Would I be recognized or remembered there? I couldn't bear that shame. The missions were not his to choose anymore though. Walking away from this did not seem to be an option. And likely, they chose him for a reason.

An middle aged Tien man walked in with a bit of a stumble and stagger to his gate. He is dressed in a simple robe with a cloak, carrying now weapons. Two waterskins hang at his side, but from the smell, they are unlikely to hold water. He let out a belch before introducing himself. "I am Kun Ling. I received an invitation to be here."

A flurry of cherry blossoms paints the air above the Sanctuary of the Unbound Knot. A chill wind brings the last gasps of winter down from the Zi Ha Mountains, which legends claim to be the cradle of samsaran civilization. Now, in New Oppara, one of their living legends lies dying within his sanctuary.

Soon, the sages say, Bakten Shengrah is to transcend to the Great Beyond, taking with him all the wisdom of twelve lifetimes and two millennia of lore beheld firsthand. For Pathfinders, an audience with the reclusive Bakten is a privilege indeed. As the gust of wind subsides, a gray rabbit quietly lopes down the sanctuary steps and across the courtyard.

As the rabbit makes it's way towards the pathfinders it speaks up at the group “Walk-lookers! You! Now! Come! Bakten, friend, good news, dying soon. But woe! Worry and fear. A veiled life. Come!” If none of the group seems to respond to the talking rabbit mental pictures are being telepathic send to the pathfinders of the following Bakten bathed in light, or studying old scrolls, or levitating with his face half in shadow.

"How strange. By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. Today, it seems we will find wisdom in a fourth method, by rodent."

"Ah, I should have coined you as the serious bookworm type when I saw you," Erlathan says as Kun Ling makes sense of the visions. "Pretty cool levitation trick he's got there, you know. Then again, it could just be a weak feather step spell for all we know," he says as he pulls out a file and begins trimming down his nails. "I suppose we're to follow the talking grey bunny. Heh, cute thing, so much better than being around goblins."

"No worry, magic man, I not say thing about your ears," Asuran assured the elf with a claw on his shoulder. "I am Asuran of Valashmai, I big and strong and tough, to protect little magic men and women."

The nagaji seemed to be perturbed by these mountains. He had heard stories of the spirit people who lived to the north, who didn't die right. His well-maintained reddish-grey scales seemed to have lost some of their luster. Every so often his three-clawed hand would pat the scythe or the long lucrene hammer on his back, just to make sure they were still there.

"Asuran of Valashmai say we follow rabbit."

Lore and wisdom. Is Dioneo sure this a mission for the good of our family's namesake? I never liked this idea anyway...

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The man traveling with you is a half-elf whose face is covered with a white mask. He wears a black breastplate and has a scarification on his right hand displaying an eagle and a dagger. His long pale hair fall on both sides of his mask. He bows to each of you and presents himself with a young voice. "Fellow agents, even if my name matters not, the code dictates that I share it. I'm a professional sent by the silver crusade to ensure your security. I'm Xavilon Starnon. Pleasure."

On his side are two deadly eastern blades, a katana and a wakizashi.

Within the group, there is a golden-haired man. Most of his body is hidden by a long dark robe plagued by greases mark, pinholes and decolariation. A silver belt surround him with a lot of vial of holy water and a scroll pouch. He wear also also a breastplate with a wooden shield.

Jobin the light. Pharasma's Envoy. I suppose you know why I am here.he says with an stern voice and face.

Because I don't know. That the problem with fate alias Pharasma. Her ways are so mysterious that i wonder if she does anything sometimes. ... I was joking Pharasma. I hope you understand.

When the rabbit arrives and talks, he follow him without a question like he was a human.

It seem I was not to late. Thanks Pharasma. Let follow this rabbit into his hole.

This tranquil sanctuary’s architecture shows a strong influence of Minkaian styles. A prominent, gently curved, moss-covered roof soars over 30 feet into the sky above the single-story building. At the front of the sanctuary, wide stone steps ascend to the outer courtyard, which features a pristine copper bell decorated with intricate knotwork and several pieces of statuary. A pair of staircases on the east and west of the courtyard leads to the interior of the sanctuary, which is modestly furnished and does not contain any particular items of value or interest.

The earthen floor of this tranquil courtyard is perfectly flat and clear of debris. A 20-foot-diameter circle occupies the center of the courtyard, filled with a sand painting depicting intricate, endless knotwork. To the southeast, four fir trees grow in an orderly row, and to the southwest, a small rock garden peeks out from behind a layer of tall bushes.

In the middle you see an elderly man meditating.

For the map, see the map handout and put yourself there (I will place people at the location where people enter

Initiative (Bold can act)
Erlathan: 25 (surprised)
Kun Ling: 19
Xavilon: 16 (surprised)
Pale Silence: 14
Bakten: 10
Grast: 8 (Surprised)
Asuran of Valashmai: 7 (surprised)
Jobin: 2 (surprised)

Kun Ling senses the danger, spotting the ninjas. He says to his companions, "The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent." He then proceeds to play up being a drunk meeting the ninjas, and making it obvious where their locations are, greeting them like friends. "If you want to join me for a drink, come down from there. No reason to hide up there. I have enough for everyrone."

Drunken advice for the party = +1 hit/damage/saves vs fear. Lasts 3 rounds due to lingering song. Then I point out the locations of the enemies.

When the pathfinders enter the courtyard nothing seems to happen till the man in the middle seemingly whispers a few words and then 2 creatures fall down from the rooftop on the floor beneath them. Neither one of them is moving by the looks of it.

Initiative (Bold can act)
Erlathan: 25
Kun Ling: 19
Xavilon: 16
Pale Silence: 14
Bakten: 10
Grast: 8 (surprised)
Asuran of Valashmai: 7 (surprised)
Jobin: 2 (surprised)

Where are we on the map? I put myself besides Kun Ling.

Xavilon is startled by the sudden appearance of the two ninjas he didn't spot earlier. As a reflex, he draws his katana extremely fast and readies himself.

Where are we on the map? I put myself besides Kun Ling.

That is the good place and roughly where people should start

"Oh dear," Erlathan sighs. "That didn't take long at all. Are they real? They aren't moving much. Guess we'll find out," he says as he pulls a wand from his pack and launches a force projectile at the top ninja.

MM: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Jobin glances the group.
Please don't kill them... I will be obliged to give them their final rites.

Last time, the bodies were sunk into the sea... The clergy was nooot happy. I have been obliged to help to find the bodies in the bay and I hate water.

As he sees the elf pull out the wand, Xavilon shouts "Erlathan! Maybe they aren't foes!" But it's too late.

Yeah, being into intiative doesn't really mean we're threatened...

I'm well aware. I think it more comes down to what your character would actually do if suddenly surrounded by ninjas.

Delaying. To see what reactions happen. If a ninja attacks, I'll come out of delay there

With the element of surprise being taken away from them and with 2 of them down on the ground the 2 nearest ninjas make a quick dash of the roof and make their way to Erlathan who decided to go on the offensive and to Kun Ling who spotted them. Each of them draws a Naginata and attack them. The 2 others in the far end can be seen coming out of the bushes and throwing what seems to be small slivers of silver at Bakten and each seem to land on him solidly.

Bakten on the other hand winces in pain as he casts a spell before floating upwards and is now a good 20" above the ground.

attack Erlathan: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

attack Kun Ling: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Ninja attack Bakten (shuriken): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Ninja attack Bakten (shuriken): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Initiative (Bold can act)
Erlathan: 25
Kun Ling: 19
Xavilon: 16
Pale Silence: 14
Kun Ling: 19
Bakten: 10 (2)
Grast: 8
Asuran of Valashmai: 7
Jobin: 2

Guess that means they want a fight...or that they object to magic missiles.

The white haired tien man looks a bit frail, but moves rather quickly with a sweep of his leg trying to catch his attacker by surprise.

trip(Monk Lvl+Wis+imp trip+song): 1d20 + 3 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 5 + 2 + 1 = 24

"You would do well to learn more respect for your elders, they may just surprise you. If you live through this day, it is a lesson to remember well."

The ninja attacking Erlathan should have triggered my readied action :)

@GM: are the doors before Xavilon opened?

I read the readied action as them attacking you, if that wasn't the intend he will take the hit, was how I interpeted it. Doors are open. Attack hits, still standing

Yeah, sorry, I readied my action to see if they meant to attack us or not.

Xavilon rushes into the open doors to defend the man the party seeks. "YOU THERE! Vildeis asks for revenge! Prepare to die!"

Withdraw action down the stairs!

Are we supposed to not know where the ninjas are or is google just not showing it quite right?

"So they are not friends," Asuran says, "What are they?" The Valashmai jungles were filled with ancient evils and massive kaiju, not so much shadowy assassins.

The nagaji moves to his right, draws his lucrene hammer and brings it down on the ninja

Power Attack, w/flank: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 1 + 2 = 13 for bludgeoning: 1d12 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

"Um, yeah, this is way too close for comfort, really that missile was just a misunderstanding, forgive me?" Erlathan pleads as tiptoes back, then turns and dashes down the stairs towards Xavilon.

Withdraw

FYI, by the time Asuran strikes, I'm hoping he has an additional +4 to hit for flank, and everyone still will have +1 hit/damage from my superior advice during the surprise round due to lingering song.

Dot for posting

A young bearded man carrying a small bottle gets out of one of the small buildings

I thought I heard some troubles..Needing a hand here?

He sings a few notes, trying to influence one of the men in black's mind

Cast "Daze" DC 15 on the closest ninja- Don't know where you want to put me on the map..

A young bearded man carrying a small bottle gets out of one of the small buildings

I thought I heard some troubles..Needing a hand here?

He sings a few notes, trying to influence one of the men in black's mind

Cast "Daze" DC 15 on the closest ninja- Don't know where you want to put me on the map..

Placed you on the map

Daze safe (DC 15): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

The ninja seemed unaffected by the actions of Lukas as he casts the spell. At the same time Asuran makes an attack on the same ninja and at the last moment the ninja seems to side step the attack. Meanwhile Xavilon makes his way out of the combat, closely followed by Erlathan

Initiative (Bold can act)
Erlathan: 25
Xavilon: 16
Pale Silence: 14
Kun Ling: 19
Bakten: 10 (2)
Lukaas: 8
Asuran of Valashmai: 7
Jobin: 2

Jobin takes a 5 foot step. He looks at the ninja with a dire look. his palm tries to touch is.

gentle rest: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Being alone is dangerous against ninja.

He draws a dagger.

I screwed up and missed Kun Ling's trip attempt, sorry! retconning the attack from Asuran on it as well

Kun Ling manages to take one of the attackers down to the ground with a sweeping move while Jobin makes an attack on the other one. While the creature that Kun Ling attacks goes down the hammer from Asuran seems to follow his path and hits him square in the back. The creature is still alive as it is moving

[new ini round]
The 2 creatures from the bushes throw another pair of shuriken at Bakten, each of them hitting the Venture captain. At the same time the 2 creatures that had been caught in the spell by Bakten aren't moving. Meanwhile the 4 pathfinders facing off the last 2 are seemingly on the upper hand as 1 is on the floor and the other one is making an attack on Jobin. Both of them are bleeding from the attacks made on them.

The one attacking Jobin seems to land a solid hit on him while the one on the floor makes a feeble attempt to attack Kun Ling.

Pale sister 1 (attack Jobin): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Pale sister 1 (attack Jobin): 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 5 - 4 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Bakten on the other hand mumbles a few words and the air around him shimmers a bit as more images of him appear around him.

Initiative (Bold can act) [Active conditions: +1 hit/damage/saves vs fear (drunken advice 2/3)]
Erlathan: 25
Xavilon: 16
Pale Silence: 14
Kun Ling: 19
Bakten: 10 (4) [Mirror Image 6/6]
Lukaas: 8
Asuran of Valashmai: 7
Jobin: 2

Seeing the first ninja on the ground, and seeing Jobin take a solid hit, Kun Ling steps to confront the second ninja, making an exaggerated drunken stagger to get position before cupping a hand around the ninja's ankle and pulling it out from under her.

trip(Monk Lvl+Wis+imp trip+song): 1d20 + 3 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 5 + 2 + 1 = 31

Note: This is the third round of my advice, so it will run out on my turn next round.

Bakten ko'd the two in the courtyard?

Xavilon, seeing that the two in the courtyard are being dealt with, he turns and passes by Erlathan to climb up the stairs once again to put himself between Jobin and the upper ninja. While he moves, he draws another deadly blade, a wakizashi.

"Beware, Jobin." he says on a calm tone.

Katana and Wakizashi in hands, double move.

Bakten ko'd the two in the courtyard?

Xavilon, seeing that the two in the courtyard are being dealt with, he turns and passes by Erlathan to climb up the stairs once again to put himself between Jobin and the upper ninja. While he moves, he draws another deadly blade, a wakizashi.

"Beware, Jobin." he says on a calm tone.

Katana and Wakizashi in hands, double move.

the 2 in the top are ko, the 2 in the bottom are throwing shuriken at him (sorry if not clear) so as it stands, 2 heavily damaged, both tripped and 2 throwing shuriken at Bakten

oh I didn't those down the courtyard... If you allow me to retcon m'y actions, I'll double towards thème instead.

oh I didn't those down the courtyard... If you allow me to retcon m'y actions, I'll double towards thème instead.

go for it!

Thanks! Map updated

"Ah, I was hoping you'd go that way, Xavilon. Can't say I want to get face to face with a scary masked man! Oh, wait..." Erlathan says as he dashes ahead, then lobs a magic missile at the left ninja.

MM: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

The felled ninja attempted to hit the old man who smelled like a Sun Wukong temple. "Not nice," He realigned his lucrene hammer to hit this weird thing with the pointy end.

Power Attack+inspire courage: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 11 for piercing+inspire courage: 1d12 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 = 17

e: fix bold tags

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Using the cover of a corner, Jobin create a spiritual weapon against kun ling's Ninja.

Kun Ling = ko ninja 2

Kun Ling in a sweeping move takes down the second ninja as it goes face down on the ground. A grunt of pain can be heard from him. At the same time Asuran takes the first downed ninja down but somehow seems to miss him barely. Meanwhile Jobin tries to attack the newly downed Ninja but the spiritual weapon slices just some clothing from him.

Erlathan and Xavilon make their way to the other 2 ninja's that are hidden in the bushes with Erlathan releasing magic missiles at one of them and hitting him squarely in the face.

The ninja being attacked by Asuran stands up (Make AoO Asuran) and then steps up to Asuran (Depending on the AoO from Asuran it might or might not stand). The other downed ninja moves back and then gets up as he looks for an opening to strike at Kun Ling.

The 2 ninja's at the bushes take different actions the one furthest from the party throws shuriken at Xavilon which hits him in the chest, while the one just hit with a magic Missile throws a shuriken at Erlathan that sails past him

Attack on Xavilon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Attack on Erlathan: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage: 1d2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Bakten on the other hand just remains floating in the air with his mirror images

Not sure what Lukaas is doing but if he takes down the one ninja attacked by Asuran it will be fine

Initiative (Bold can act) [Active conditions: none]
Erlathan: 25
Xavilon: 16 (-3hp)
Pale Silence 1: 14 (-13hp, got up and moved to Asuran)
Pale Silence 2: 14 (-5hp / tripped)
Pale Silence 3: 14 9-2hp)
Pale Silence 4: 14
Pale Silence 5: 14 (KO)
Pale Silence 6: 14 (KO)
Kun Ling: 19
Bakten: 10 (4) [Mirror Image 6/6]
Lukaas: 8 (can do 2 actions now)
Asuran of Valashmai: 7 (Can make an Attack of Opportunity)
Jobin: 2 (-6hp)

Msw Rapier+Inspire: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 = 15
Dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Msw Rapier+Inspire: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 1 = 18
Dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Lukaas tries to hit their foe with his rapier, fighting side to side with the massive reptilian humanoid

"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win. I believe our enemies have entered this battle far too hastily."

Renew advice bonus for 3 rounds. Then 5' step to prevent flanks. Also, did the one south of me stand up before stepping back? If so, he should have provoked.

The spiritual dagger continues to hit the ninja.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Xavilon, lightly wounded, treads forward to attack with his katana.

"Die, vermin." he says, grinding his teeth.

+1 Katana, advice: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 1 = 26 Threat!
CONFIRM: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 1 = 23 Nice!
for Slashing: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 13
and Extra DMG: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12