[PFS_CORE_Aerondor] 04-Special Race for the Runecarved Key (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

I'm here, just waiting for you to think though how you might approach this mission with the paladin's present. If it is any consollation, most tables seem to have at least one paladin, and lots of them are having trouble with how this encounter is structure.

These are passive checks, so no taking ten

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

"Aspis. So this is the right caravan. Still don't feel great with thuggery, but at the same time, it would be a shame for the Aspis to get their hands on an artifact."

Perception 1 auto

perception 2: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34

"Yes Aspis as expected. And whoever that is sneaking through the woods over there deserves inspection."

Liminy points out the sneaky figure.

Lasaraleen also prepares for the caravan 'ambush' but is not fond of acting as a common brigand.

We will have to call on the Dawnflower for a creative solution or we are no better than those dreadful Aspis.

She will call a prayer of Sarenrae upon her allies.

Prayer +1 most rolls (attacks/skills/saves etc).

perception prayer: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 1 = 16

perception prayer: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 1 = 12

Perception 1d20 ⇒ 5
Stealth 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
lol those rolls.

Making sure to keep low and hidden behind a tree, Seiran tries to spot what his companions do but is unable to do so.
"I must have it known that at this time I'm loathe to take a life but if there is some way to delay them or at least ensure their life, I'd be willing to hear it. Perhaps our resident spell weaver could come up with a spell to ensure that they all dream the night away?"

Perception1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Jayori will notice the man in the trees as well.

"Perhaps we should just go up and ask." He offers, helpfully.

Suggestion for the paladins:

- So, we know that the Aspis Consortium is an evil organization, so it should be a no-brainer to a paladin to want to stop them from bidding on an artifact. Paladins wants to stop evil.
- However, we know that not all within the Aspis are evil people. So, maybe you just try to employ nonlethal tactics and chalk this up to being "For the greater good."

Not sure how the GM feels if that breaks code or not, as it's more of a neutral good suggestion than lawful good, but just thought I'd try to help.

Irori is about seeking perfection! So if you're going to rob the guys, rob them well! =)

But, we're on a clock here, so lets not deliberate too long!

"Well, no point delaying things." Jayori will say. "Let us go see if we can't persuade them to come back later!"

As you clank through the trees, a voice (presumably belonging to the person that Limney spotted) calls out "Stop! Turn around and go away. These are private wagons and you are not allowed to approach them."

I'm gonna delay action abit to see what the others do first.

coward =)

Jayori ignores the voice, continuing in the direction he was going. "These are not private paths, and we are free to walk them." He says, cheerfully.

"And only the gods say what I can, or can not, approach." He adds, a little more sternly.

"Now who's in charge of this operation, tell them we need to talk." He adds, finally halting for a moment to look at the man who challenged them.

"The master is asleep." calls back the voice.

"Now depart, or I will see you treated as the bandits that you likely are."

A piercing whistle cuts through the night, and the sound of figures stirring themselves from sleep can be heard.

Gadget stands there nervously. This conversation is so tense...

Seiran can feel himself tensing as he feels the converstaion might has just gone sour..........

after whispering "Just say when."

Liminy then moves up and hides behind a tree stump.

stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Gone sour? Don't think it started fresh =)

"Well then it is a good thing you've waken him up!" Jayori says. "You clearly are not the one to talk to."

"Identify yourselves" calls out the voice. From a slightly different location that before.

Back in the camp you can hear the sound of people getting up and peering into the darkness.

Heh, no clue where this is going... just kinda winging it! Til someone gets trigger happy! =)

"As I said, you clearly are not the one to talk to." Jayori replies. "So go tell the one in charge we're here to present an opportunity."

"Or we go to the alternative... which is would not benefit any of you, I'm afraid."

maybe we can convince them to take the money themselves? Instead of all getting beat up, and us taking it.

Can we see how many of them there are?

Lasaraleen will stand aside jayori after tagging herself with a touch of glory

"Yes, we have business to discuss with your master."

Diplomacy : 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 1 + 6 = 20 assist jayori or other speaking

sorry - just cross posted.

Oh... hmm.. suppose that might help!

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 2 = 29

You're not too close to the fire at the moment and have not actually seen the speaker in the woods, who moves and tries to stay hidden. However you can make out at least two, possibly three figures near the fire.

"If you have business, that is another thing entirely." he concedes. "Stay where you are and I'll ask for you."

And assuming you wait for a minute or so

Another voice calls out.

"Who are you and what business do you have with me?"

Assuming Jayori will stay with her and do most of the talking, she tags him with a touch of glory for the boss talk.

"We have an important business proposal. My associates will explain."

She turns to Jayori to finish

she auto assists him and he is at +6 from glory.

GM, when exactly is the actual auction? How long would we need to delay the money, for it to matter?

If it helps I have Darkvision. What doesn't help is that I'm a Paladin and if they ask me, I'll answer truthfully lol.

The auction is the next day.

Gah, I had not expected this to get this far... figured I'd blow smoke for a while til someone got impatient =) But now I have to at least try!
No lying, no bluffing!

Will at least type it all now, so that we aren't dragging this on any more then necessary... I feel like I'm hogging the spotlight here, which was not my intention at all!

Jayori moves to greet the apparent leader, placing his palms together and giving him a respectful bow.

"I think names are perhaps inappropriate for the conversation we are about to have." He says finally. "Everyone knowing as little as possible is probably for the better. Suffice it to say, we come with a proposition. Though I believe it would be remiss to call it a business one."

"We know, that you are carrying funds, that you have been tasked to deliver to Magnimar." He says, finally getting down to the meat of the matter. He quickly waves away any attempt at denial. "Now, don't try to deny it. I'm sure it does not surprise you in the least to learn that you might have some ... shall we say, informational leaks, in your august organization."

"But, do not fear," He offers. "I am not here to lord our having this information over you, or to threaten you with it. In fact, I shall put you on more even ground right now and tell you that we too have an assigned task. That being, to take those funds away from you, by force."

He quickly holds up his hands, to forestall any immediate over-reactions.

"Now, no need to get all jumpy." He quickly amends. "If we wished to act like common brigands, this would have started quite differently, I assure you."

"But, we were left with a choice." He smiles. "And we decided we'd give you one as well."

"As you have no doubt already surmised," He continues, indicating the rest of the Pathfinders, and the dark woods beyond. "We are well armed and capable of doing what we were sent here to do."

Maybe he'll assume there are others he can't see!? Hopefully the foolishness of letting them all wake up and get ready might give him pause at least =)

"And based on the men you have here," he eyes the nearby guards with a lack of concern. "I can only guess that secrecy was part of your defensive plan, as you do not have nearly the force to stop this from happening, if we decide to go that way."

Everyone try to look competant!

"So there are two choices here. We can come to blows... and though we will attempt not to cause any permanent harm, one never can predict where the flow of combat might lead, so what state you will all be in come the conclusion if somewhat in flux. I doubt it will be enjoyable though." He shrugs slightly. "After which, of course, we will take the coins, as mentioned... and be on our way."

He leans in slightly, taking on a more conspiratorial tone. "I am not sure how the Consortium will view this sort of failure, though their reputation in such areas is not stellar... so perhaps what mercy we might show will not be such a mercy after all... and I appologize for that now, should we head down that road."

"But, then there is option two!" He adds, brightly. "And, I won't deny that this is the option I hope you will consider."

He frowns slightly, before going on. "We are not overly pleased that we have been tasked with this distasteful errand... so have decided we can be a little more fluid in our interpretation of it."

Again, a slight smile. "In truth, all we really need to do is keep the gold from reaching the city by the deadline. So why not go for a result that helps ease the burden on our conscience... and yours at the same time!"

"So I propose this... all of those coins, sitting on your wagon..." He waves towards the transport. "We propose that you take them."

He lets that comment stew for a moment, smiling slightly. "I'm sure it is a considerable sum, given what they are looking to purchase... as I am sure that whatever they are paying you to deliver it, is not near recompense for the peril they put you in by having you bring it. So think of it, as a severance package. As the one in charge, how you decide to divvy them up amongst your men, that would be up to you, of course."

"But take them." He adds, more seriously. "Take them, and leave this place, and go somewhere far far from Magnimar. Dare I suggest somewhere out of Varisia even. I can recommend Vudra, if you like warmer climes, but where would be up to you. A change of profession maybe, as well... it all might do everyone a little good."

"If we instead come to blows," He reminds him, "Then, of course, we would feel obligated to take the coins with us... and we already touched on where that leads you."

"But if you do not show up at all, and someone..." He glances around. "Not I, of course, but someone... were to drop a few comments within earshot of the right people, about how we waylaid you and took your coins... and then those very coins fail to show up." He spreads his hands, as if what comes next is obvious. "Well, I can not see why they would even take a second look at what happened to you then. All their ire would be focused on us. I doubt they would even have the decency to come look for your bodies for proper burials."

"Then, we're happy." He says, indicating himself. "You're happy." He adds, indicating the caravan leader. "The only ones not happy, would be the ones not taking any risks, nor facing any repercussions."

He spreads his hands again, before finally asking, "So? How shall we proceed?"

How convincing is he being? Spoilered for suspense!

Gadget's head spins from all the conversation. She was never good at these kind of talks.

Liminy moves to clap before but it would break his attempt to hide.

Seiran applauds for the sheer beauty of that speech.
"What?" upon noticing looks directed at him.

"It sounded good doesn't it?"

Liminy is fine where he is but he does speak up.

"I can honestly say this sounds like the best option for all involved. I don't want to waste spells, You don't want to be torn apart by elemental forces beyond your comprehension, And the paladins are happy. Take the offer, Take the gold, and take a hike."

diplo aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3

Gadget tries to pipe, stuttering along the way. "Pl... please we just don't want to hurt anyone, but we also c-can't let you by!" She grabs her longbow tight with both hands and closes her eyes nervously, cringing a little, hoping that her words make it through to them.

Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

Lasaraleen fights back the urge to grin at the speech, trying to maintain the look of dire consequences.

I think that pretty much sums it up as clearly as any could. Choose wisely and this will end well for everyone.

"Your request is reasonable... if you have evidence of your force. Jason..." says the invisible voice.

"Blunt weapons, you are to fight their champion. If you fail, then I will accept the offer on behalf of us, and you will be well paid."

Okay, a non lethal battle is proposed between one of his guards and one of you. Pick your champion and you can have the initiative to keep things running at an okay pace.

Jayori raises one eyebrow at the man's counter-offer, then glances back at the others.

Umm... ok... Jayori would volunteer, as he got us into it. But more then happy to let someone else jump in if they want... a core paladin with a non-lethal trident isn't exactly a damage dealing machine =)

Just noting we are on a bit of a timer here, so when you select who you want, I'll get you to make maybe three attack rolls, and note any tactics you might want to use other that standing up and hitting him. I'll do the same for him. Not ideal but probably the best way to give you a shot and getting through a quick fight before you are called away. Remember, others can buff in advance (but doing so during the fight would be cheating)

Well, since this is something I can finally contribute to, I'll speak up ;-) How about we unleash Fluffy (my Owlbear animal companion) on them...?

That would be fine, if he can do NL damage. Precedent in previous Multitable special's has that as a push action unless he has specific training in NL attacks.

Well, since there is no way in CORE to train an animal companion to do non-lethal damage (since it isn't on the Trick list), and my Handle Animal is pretty terrible, I'll just fade back into the woodwork.

No way in Core to let him do nl normally but yes a push action should be fine. DC 25 and a move action so you can try twice per turn. But even with your +4 with him you will need to roll well. You gave him the Down trick so you can just have not attack if you fail twice in a round. If Lasaraleen is willing she can Touch of Glory you each round to make it easier.

Unfortunately, the +4 bonus for Fluffy being my AC is cancelled out by the -4 penalty for him being an owlbear, meaning I need a 19 or 20 on the d20 roll in order to get him to do non-lethal. Hence why I have said it is better if someone else handles the combat.

Forgot about that penalty, Never used that boon. So our best options are Gadget with her blunt arrows or Jayori. Since Andrew will probably be away until late tomorrow that leaves Jayori. Or me but I would need to win init and for them to roll poorly on the first save.

Lasaraleen has shield other she can put on the champion if needed .

"This should not take too long ."

Seiran has shield and armor on. AC at 21. Decent Saves and I can just NL him with the penalty. lol. No sense in wasting such a beautiful setup. I'll win this abit not so Paladiny way. :P

"Send forth your champion. I shall take your challenge."

Horrible rolls.

Seiran and one of the guards face off. Seiran sends a ray out, which the guard sidesteps.

He advances and strikes at Seiran with the flat of his rapier but misses badly.
attack: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Seiran tries another ray, with more success this time.
STR: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Fort: 1d20 ⇒ 10 Success 3 STR damage;

Once more the man strikes out with his rapier
attack: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14
damage: 1d6 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 - 1 = 5 NL

Seiran then gives a weak attack with his staff, that the man sidesteps.
"Why would I yield? I'm winning."

attack: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

Status
Seiran 5NL
Guard 3 STR

Do another three rounds

"Alright then." Seiran shrugs, dropping his weapon and then unleashing his claws.
He's hitting me with lethal damage?

Non Lethal
1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 4 = 151d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 6 - 4 = 71d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 4 = 31d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 4 = 111d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 4 = 181d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 4 = 131d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Yikes!

Nope, he was hitting for NL, thus that "5 NL" in the status block for Seiran

After almost a minute Seiran manages to land a blow, but the guard doesn't.

The two combatants, careful to avoid doing any real damage dance around each other, but are mostly unable to hurt the other.

Status
Seiran 5NL (but after an extra ten rounds that goes up to 21NL)
Guard 3 STR; 6NL

Give me another twenty sets of attacks, you have worked out he is AC 18

Darn it.Come on dice roller.
His enfeeblement would have come to an end now.

Total 36 points of damage.

Come as he may find it strange, Seiran has discovered a new subject. Aspis Agents with honor as he and his opponent circle each other and test out their skills with the intent to do non lethal damage.

His bruises stung by now but he knew he had to keep it up. His claws found quite abit of purchase with him turning them so that they'd only end up brusing. It was he reflected quite an interesting way to solve this.

Gadget watches the lengthy battle unfold, crossing her fingers that Seiran is victorious. She pulls back from cheering in this situation as she thinks it is probably not appropriate.