[PFS CORE] GM Chadius's The Dalsine Affair 2-21 (subtier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

Poor spider. Wish we could have spared one of the sheep worshipers. I expect that would have been unthinkable. Nasty way to go though. I suppose I would not have liked being its meal. Odd how we intelligent beings put so much importance on ourselves.

Not terribly interested in this Chalfon fellow, and lost in his thoughts about whether intelligence is a boon or a curse, Torrential starts to drift off and examine the temple.

Thank you Akkuret.

Says Gratius who waits for the man to speak.

Did you forget to roll for Torrential's init? The combat is over, but I'm going to be sad if I'm paralyzed before the battle even begins the next time :(

My apologies. I prepare my Initiative rolls in another document, then copy-paste them onto the Paizo boards. I forgot to add you to the list after you joined.

Aritian is tired after the walk and fight. After wiping some of the cold sweat from his brow he asks "After such a long trek I need something wet. Ye wouldn't happen to have any ale would ye?"

"Why of course, we have some ale. Drink as much as you want, the temple had stored a lot of alcohol just in case we needed to settle down for a bit."

Vash tries to smile as Aritian asks for some ale. The shadows from the campfire seem to flicker across him as he moves closer to Akkuret. "What can you tell us about Chalfon Dalsine? Also do you know anything about Dalsine’s home?" ask Vash.

"Now, what do I know about that fiend?" Akkuret spits. "I am ashamed to admit, but I was worried when Piria mentioned Musello was a Pathfinder- Dalsine used to be a Pathfinder, as well. I was worried all of you were like him." He shakes his head.

"But he was...entitled. He is in one of Taldor's richest noble families, and lives in an estate not too far from Oppara. He is the third oldest, so he was never burdened with responsibility, yet he never earned the respect of his family. The promise of adventures as a Pathfinder was like sweet nectar to him."

"However he never felt that he needed to get his hands dirty. He always cheated, paid others to do his hard work, and spent his time in the brothels of Absalom. No wonder he was expelled. Made him easy bait for this thing called the Shadow Lodge. I've only heard stories about this Lodge, but it doesn't sound good."

"I've heard rumors he is trying to discredit the Pathfinder Society by attacking the Dawnflowers. I have also heard he is trying to pit two of the Pathfinder factions against each other: Baron Jacquo Dalsine, his older cousin, and the Qadrian faction leader Pasha Muhlia Al-Jakri, Let us hope he never gets a chance to put them together in the same room- they hate each other so much."

Akkuret paces towards the entrance to the temple.

"But rest for now. It will be easier for you to travel in the morning."

Any other questions for Akkurett?

Thanks for all the info Akkurett. If it's not to much to ask, do you know where exactly he stays in the city ?
We need to find him before he tries to do more damage to us, or your followers.

Asks Gratius.

As Aritian is given some ale he takes a long draft from the ragged flagon, after which he lets out a gratuitous belch. After putting down the flagon he turns to the rest of the group.

"So our solution here is simple. Find Dalsine, preferably alone and away from city guards, and stab him till he dies. Not too complex but once we find him and take him out the Dawnflowers shouldn't need to worry about the raids anymore. We should also attempt to make sure that he doesn't influence any more of the Pathfinders."

I'm not sure killing him is a must but if it has to be done, we probably should. Let's find him first.

" Finding him is important. Wonder if there are any tunnels that would let us out near his home?" ponders Vash.

I haven't heard from Colleen in a bit. She still has time to ask questions, but I'll move things along.

Thanks for all the info Akkurett. If it's not to much to ask, do you know where exactly he stays in the city ?

We need to find him before he tries to do more damage to us, or your followers.

"Finding him is important. Wonder if there are any tunnels that would let us out near his home?" ponders Vash.

"Hmm, I'm not sure where in town he is in..." Akkuret muses.

Sophone pipes up. "I know! He's in the Senate's Hill district. That's what Musello said."

"Oh, of course. Too bad it's such a large neighborhood. All of you sneaking around would seem suspicious during the night. Perhaps during the day."

"Come, sit down for dinner. Join us for evening prayer. Have a good night's rest, and you can continue your search in the morning. No need to rush."

I haven't heard from Colleen in a bit. She still has time to ask questions, but I'll move things along.

Sorry, became an uncle this week, so while murderhoboing is all fine and easy, time for considered action has been lacking. ;)

But, wouldn't night be the time to do the sneaking? I'm not sure we should be waiting.

But, wouldn't night be the time to do the sneaking? I'm not sure we should be waiting.

"Shadows and darkness are great for sneaking. But Akkuret is right in that a large group moving around at night would be suspicious."

Vash nods to Musello and says, "Would you be able to give detail description on how to get to his home?

"I say we should make our way there independently. No one will notice if we go about in ones and twos. Once we're all there, however, we'll be noticeable."

"Regrettably stealth isn't exactly my area of expertise. So this may go south pretty fast"

"During the day you can all travel as one group." Akkuret nods. "Much safer. Sleep for now."

An hour after supper, Colleen pulls the party aside.
"Hey. You guys ever notice Akkuret really wants us to stay here? Every time we mention leaving he tells us to stay until the morning."

"It is quite odd. Did they not say there may be a traitor in our midst?"

I don't know, but I will prefer to strike now rather to wait morning. Even if we are not that stealthy waiting is not a good idea as this Dalsin could try to disappear during it.
Let's go, we don't need to rest we have a job to do.

"I don't know if he is a traitor or not but we do know where the item we need is now. And no telling if it will remain there. We could send some of the party head to scout the area and when clear have the rest move forward. "

"A traitor to us certainly, but maybe as well to his fellow Dawnflowers. Any of you lot know and magic beyond hitting things with greatswords and making them still?--No offense Aritian." Colleen smiles. "Either way, I'm not one for waiting for my enemies to come find me in a hidey hole."

Any of you lot know and magic beyond hitting things with greatswords and making them still?--No offense Aritian.

Vash looks sheepish as he had forgotten about his ability to sense motives.

"Yea, I some magic. Let me try something."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Vash glances at Akkuret and concentrate on his motives. Then he continues his check of the rest of the Dawnflowers.

How can you say it's a traitor, I hadn't felt any treachery in his words. May be too prudent but not treacherous and I'm usually not that bad at reading human.

But Gratius tries to help Vash reading the Dawnflower's followers.

Sense Motive (+2 vs human) - aid DD10: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 can help up to a DC21 (or 23 against human)

Actually Colleen was looking for people with actual magic spells--like sleep for instance. I'm guessing we already got our sense motive rolls.

I've been passively rolling Sense Motive checks, but you can manually roll.

"Anything the matter, Pathfinders? Is there anything you need prepared for the morning journey?" Akkuret calls to the group when he notices them huddled up and whispering. "'The city has many eyes', as they say."

Saldoc can't make that roll.

No, nothing is wrong, no. We're just planning ahead. You know our type, always cooperating and that kinda thing.

"No help here. I'm more of a weather druid."

Sorry Akkuret, but we need to go now or our primary mission could fail.
Thanks again for all you have done, for us, and for your flock.

Says Gratius, ready to go.

"No help here. I'm more of a weather druid."

"Hopefully that's for foul weather as well as fair." Colleen says.

"So when most everyone is a bed, let's--Oh no. He's not doing what I think he's-"

Sorry Akkuret, but we need to go now or our primary mission could fail.

Thanks again for all you have done, for us, and for your flock.

Says Gratius, ready to go.

"-damn. Really foul weather after all then."

"We Will do as we must, if that means sneaking around like a some sort of gutter child then so be it. If that means a head on assault then that works too.

"I see. Are you certain?" Akkuret shakes his head and walks toward the entrance, drawing his scimitar.

"I'm afraid I can't let you leave. Master Dalsine's plan is almost complete, and he must not be disturbed." He draws his scimitar. "You shall not pass."

In one sickening motion, Akkuret's facial features seem to melt. Like wet clay structures collapsing, Akkuret is now a loose humanoid figure of nondistinct flesh, wielding a scimitar and carrying a potion.

"What are you..." Xene murmurs as Piria stands up and herds everyone to the back. "Save us from this...thing!"

Despite a lack of mouth, Akkuret seems to laugh. "Now, now Piria. Once I am done with these meddling Pathfinders I will come for you!"

Round 1

Torrential
Aritian
Vash
Gratius
Colleen
Akkuret
Saldoc

"You defiler. Arsonist. Spawn of..."

Quick, set up the map with his icon on it before I run out of insults.

"...Aldinach. Putrified goat's dung...

In any case when the enemy shows his icon, Torrential will case Shillelagh and move in taking a 5' step and an attack if possible but most likely a move action.

"YOU RAT BASTARD, I'll cut your bloody head off you cottage cheese looking piece of garbage!"

Activate Rage. charge if possible.

to hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 Only 23 if I can't charge
damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (1, 1) + 12 = 14

Aroden be bless ! What's that thing ?!

Gratius takes his glaive with two hands and strikes at the creature.

Glaive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Damages: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

I'm going to say you were all within 30 feet of him, otherwise the conversation you had would be very awkward.

Torrential enhances his weapon using that spell the Druid circle taught him long ago. As he approaches into melee, he is surprised to see Akkuret's arm stretch out 10 feet and lash at him with the scimitar.
Scimitar: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Aritian doesn't like betrayers, and charges in, weapon ready. Akkuret attacks him right before he slices into the fiend.
Scimitar: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Gratius is unable to get through Akkuret's thick skin.

Round 1

Torrential
Aritian (RAGE)
Vash
Gratius
Colleen
Akkuret (14 damage)
Saldoc

Aritian, is your AC 17 or 15 while in rage?

Either way, am I right in assuming that the attacks on Torrential and Aritian were misses?

Yes, the AoOs missed. Aritian should be at 15 now due to rage, according to his character sheet.

Acrobatics (pirate parkour to close): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 If she gets hit--and doesn't die or take more than half her hp--she moves forward 5-feet using her standard action and you can ignore the attack below. I know I am. ;)

rapier: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 dice: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Scimitar: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Colleen begins an acrobatic roll, but Akkuret easily predicts her movement and lashes out again. Grunting, Colleen just steps in to melee.

Vash to end round 1

Vash moves forward during the attacks take place and strikes out with his short sword.

short sword : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

This is my first battle playing in pathfinder. If I made a mistake please let me know.

Yes my raging AC is 15.

Hi Vash, you can the move your icon on the map.
Vash approaches and stabs in the general direction of Akkuret, but isn't able to reach him.

Akkuret decides to attack Aritian with scimitar and his fist.
Scimitar, Combat Expertise: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 - 1 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Slam, Combat Expertise: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 - 1 = 6
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
If that hits, grabs at CMD: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

The Scimitar slices across Aritian, then it takes a step back.

Round 1

Akkuret (14 damage)
Saldoc

Round 2

Torrential
Aritian (RAGE, 7 Damage)
Vash
Gratius
Colleen
Akkuret
Saldoc

Vash frustrated that his first strike did not defeat the creature in front of him, tried again.

short sword: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Gratius moves to give flank to Vash and strikes.

Glaive: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 2 = 21
Damages: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Aritian moves into a flanking position with Torrential.

attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
damage: 2d6 + 12 ⇒ (5, 3) + 12 = 20

Gratius's glaive drives through the creature. Akkuret slows down, clearly weakened.
Aritian tries to end its life but his swing is wide.

Round 1

Akkuret (29 damage)
Saldoc

Round 2

Torrential
Aritian (RAGE, 7 Damage)
Vash
Gratius
Colleen
Akkuret
Saldoc

As is usually the case when I play a rogue, Saldoc is too slow to get into a favorable position to take advantage of flanking. Instead he swings around and tries to find an opening in melee!

Short Sword: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 for Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Feeling its time is short, Akkuret reaches out to strike Saldoc...

Scimitar, Combat Expertise: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 8 - 1 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Saldoc moves in and uses the last of his strength to strike the creature. It loses control and collapses, mumbling "Master Dalsine..."

Saldoc's stabilization check, DC 11: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Saldoc also collapses from his massive wound, but isn't bleeding out.

Combat Over, but Saldoc is unconscious

Akkuret has a masterwork scimitar and a potion of some kind.

The Dawnflowers finally regain their sanity as the creature dies. You hear the many whispers of the Dawnflowers.

"What is that thing?"
"Was that Akkuret, or an impostor? How long was that thing here?"
"How much does Dalsine know about our organization? No where in Taldor is safe!"

Finally, Piria gets everyone's attention. "We must leave, now. I know a ship captain who does not ask questions, and will get us out of Taldor tonight. Everyone get your stuff. While we will abandon this building, Saranae will never abandon our hearts." This speech and order finally rouses the Dawnflowers into packing their goods.

Piria turns to the party. "And all of you. Thank you so much for exposing this...treachery." She shakes her head and glances at the form lying on the ground. "I don't know who this Dalsine person is, but Muesello mentioned he lived in the Senate's Hill district."

Where to, Pathfinders?
Saldoc took 11 damage (unconscious,) Artisian took 7

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

"Any one good at healling? Saldoc needs help. Vash calls out as he moves towards one of the Dawnflowers that Piria was herding. He blocks her path and says, "Child of Dawnflower. Why are you nervous? Clear your soul and tell us what is bothering you."

Not to be picky, but I had to move in on my turn to reach the enemy, I wasn't within his reach on his turn (maybe if I said "moves around" instead of "swings around" it would be been more clear). For simplicity I'll take the hit though.

Cleric! Saldoc then falls unconscious with a look of accomplishment on his face.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
No idea what the potion is.

Barring objections he will scoop up the masterwork scimitar.

sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Torrential also notices that one of the Dawnflowers looked like they have a guilty conscious and backs up Vash.

"Tell us everything. What was your role in all of this!"

diplomacy to aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Cleric! Saldoc then falls unconscious with a look of accomplishment on his face.

Best I can do is a heal check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 for all the good it can do.