[PFS/DMK] 0-13 The prince of Augustana (Inactive)

Game Master Kludde

Chyras is amusingly surprised to see the blunt elfgirl on such a modest tone.

Cast message in a somewhat twisted voice, not his own on Shayla.

<"So...you CAN be nice towards non-elves.">
Since he hasn't spoken with words of his own dialect, maybe it'll be less obvious who told her.

"If" Shayla turns around to see where the voice came from, should she look at him, simply with a surprised innocent look:
Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
"..'mm? Sometin wrong? De man is talkin to you, ignorin 'im might be bad for our image towards 'im. Wit us supposed to be doing a noble ting 'ere."

You can use the [spoiler] tag if you want to hide conditional things or things like message that are only for certain players, Chyras.

I know. But it seemed not that relevant to me to do so in this case. Besides, too late anyway.

Without bothering to look who said it, Shayla replies to the comment. "I admit it's hard, but sometimes it's advantageous. Also, I think the guys who attacked us earlier were Steel Wyverns? So I'm quite content, knowing I might get to slay some more."

Maxwell looks uncomfortable while listening to the predicament of this poor man.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
He notes how the mention of the gang unnerves the man and believes that he is genuinely afraid of them, and wants to help him.
"Sir, we require your assistance in our task. As a fellow holy man I for one will gladly help you with your problems with this gang, and if you wish to help us with any information you may have then it would be appreciated."
Max looks around at the squalid conditions in the basement, not sure where to start.
"Perhaps we could set up some sort of ambush for them? I'm afraid this sort of thing really isn't my specialty..."
sorry I haven't been able to post much lately, I was busy

The almsman nods. Of course, I will divulge everything I know. I know every beggar, and even the ones I don't know I can readily trace for you. I must admit, I haven't heard anything about a portal, but I can likely tell you where this man came from.

If you agree to help, you've got about two hours to set up an ambush. Also, you haven't given the almsman more information than 'beggar from upstream'.

"The beggar who told us about the protal was some Gandros dude, claiming he's the long-lost Prince of Augustana. He also said something about being in hiding since his father, supposedly the Emperor, died."

"Do you know how many Steel Wyverns will come, Almsman?"

I'd prefer to simply cut or shoot them down, but an ambush might be better if there's a large number...

I'm not sure. There's usually a band of them - three, four... five?

"We can handle such a small group."

Is there any special way in which you prepare, or shall I launch the encounter?

Paru will take this time to study his spellbook. (He may or may not fill that last slot with grease before the fight.) He will also take this time to find an advantageous hiding spot (taking 20 for a 22).

Cyrus was outside standing guard so he has heard none of the conversation. One of the characters needs to fill him in.

Shayla steps outside and pokes Cyrus' shoulder. "Cyrus, we're going to beat up some Steel Wyverns! Get inside so we can surprise them!" She then goes back inside, without waiting for a reply.

Once back inside Shayla sheaths her swords and knocks an arrow on her longbow. Shayla then announces her strategy: "They're evil. We kill all of them."

No more preparations are needed :)

Cyrus nods his head at Shayla and walks into the building.

Parumartish looks up from his spellbook and frowns at the suggestion that killing these men should be as simple as declaring them evil, but says nothing on the matter as these Steel Wyvern thugs aren't likely to give them much choice.

"While I don't expect they will be particularly receptive, might someone try talking to them first?" he suggests.

Edit: Yeah, it doesn't really matter where I am.

Max raises a hand in a placating gesture towards Shayla's bloodthirsty statement. "That's quite the plan but..." He indicates the almsman. "I want to respect the wishes of the Almsman and the sanctity of this place. He will remain after we leave and might have to deal with any repercussions of our actions. If there is a way to simply scare these thugs off or deal with them in a non-lethal way I think we should do it. Not every problem needs to be solved with death after all. That being said, they wont have any qualms about killing us so we should prepare..."
He looks around some more.
"Not many places to hide. Maybe Shayla can got into that other room and cover this area with her bow, that seemed to do the trick before. Our spell users can go back there as well to stay out of the thick of it if violence erupts? The rest of us can stand at the back and look menacing."
Max shrugs.
" Maybe the thugs will walk in to find themselves outnumbered and decide to leave the almsman alone."

Chyras, listening to it all, reacts to Parumartish's suggestion.

"Well, if i may. I volunteer for de part of talking to dese Steel Wyverns. I'll try to persuade dem into leaving. If dey say non, you'll 'ave your fight regardless."

He smiles when Maxwell says they should "stand back and look menacing."
"Which reminds me. Someone would 'ave to be able to quickly step in, should dey wish to attack me on de spot."

After about an hour or two, laughter and footsteps can be heard approaching from the west. A voice calls out “Almsman! What say you? Are you resisting or giving us what we want? I hope you’re resisting!”

Four thugs, and their leader, step in, who looks around and says Resisting!

I've updated the map - let me know if positions are correct. Would have included a nice initiative block too, but the internet connection ate it.

Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Not bad, now let's hope this works.

Looking at the 5 thugs, Chyras casually starts talking.

When pointing his finger at his companions (read spoiler),
Chyras quietly casts Message, Perception 25 for non-targets closeby to hear. Though unsure what range that is, not specified on text.
"Should dese lunatics not attack us but still attack the door, it's easier to catch dem unaware."

The receivers of the spell can whisper back, Chyras will hear the replies.

De stalkers? What are you, some kind of troubadour band from the River Kingdoms the leader says, as the thug laugh with him. Whoever you are, this is our turf, so scram!

....Darn...you are lucky on the rolls DM.. :)

Chyras shrug and with a casual smile, walking backwards towards his companions.
"Don't look at me, but it's likely you've just pissed off a girl."
A sly smile as looks at Shayla.

With a grin Shayla, standing in the back of the room, replies to Chyras. "Finally, I thought we'd never get to it."

Shayla shoots an arrow at the leader of the enemies, taunting them as the arrow pierces the air. "Oy! Catch this!"

Shoot arrow: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 2 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Cyrus will step forward to guard Chyras."Although I like to sing, calling me a bard is an insult to bards everywhere." Cyrus readies his polearm.

I will keep keep ten feet from the enemy when I set up

If possible, Chyras will have walked next to where Maxwell is on the map.

Kluddle did you still want to roll initiative for us? And have we started combat or can we still catch them off-guard with some sudden aggression?

Shayla lets fly an arrow, signalling the attack. The arrow just barely misses Randalan, the leader of the thugs.

Everyone has a surprise move - which is a single standard or move action, and Paru, Hothan and Chyras can also act in their first round before the thugs (so please post both moves, if applicable)

Paru
Hothan
Chyras
--
Leader
Thugs
--
Shayla
Cyrus
Maxwell

I believe i posted that move action above. Ending up next to Maxwell.

I kind of like my placement, so I'm good to go there

Well if they insist on violence, we shall oblige them. Shame really...
Max reaches out and lays on hand on Chyras, infusing him with an overwhelming feeling of goodness.
as my "surprise action". He has +1 to saves, hit, damage, ect.

As Shayla lets fly with her arrow max takes a step forward to stand beside her, and also gives her the touch of good, the divine essence filling her with divine warm fuzzy feelings.
He readies his scimitar for the coming battle...

touch ALL the party members!

That is too bad... Parumartish thinks with a sigh as he accesses the magic in his tattoo to grant him magical resistance to harmful effects.

Prescience: 1d20 ⇒ 19

In his mind, he sees his next move. Perfect. It would be unfortunate to lose my concentration trying to avoid this fool's weapon, but it seems I won't have any trouble with that.

Striding forward with absolute confidence, Parumartish stands directly before the Wyverns' leader and casts a spell.

Concentration to Cast Defensively: 19 + 6 = 25
Parumartish casts color spray (DC 16). He should be able to catch all enemies from that square.

Cyrus moves with quick graceful strides to help Hothan form a first line of defense.

Please move Cyrus one square back and to the right of Hothan with one square between him and the thugs. I'm using a reach weapon.

If there's only one space between you and the enemy, they can just take a 5-ft. step to avoid your reach weapon and close with you.

Edit: Nevermind, the square you indicated is further back than I thought.

While Maxwell is busy touching up party members, the thugs stand flat-footed, watching parumartish move closer. Defiantly, the frail wizard looks like a dwarf in front of the beefy fighter. That is, until a spray of bright colour flashes forth. Three of the thugs sag onto the floor in a narcoleptic seizure. The leader manages to cover his eyes in time, while the single remaining thug was simply looking the other way.

Surprise round:
Paru - Prescience
Hothan
Chyras - Move
Shayla - Fire Arrow
Cyrus - Move
Maxwell - Touch

Main:
Paru - Color spray
Hothan
Chyras
--
Leader
Thug USB: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
Thug USB: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6
Thug USB: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5
Thug

--
Shayla
Cyrus
Maxwell

Surprise round: Hothan moves 10 feet, drawing sword. Freedom stays back. Normal round, Hothan charges remaining distance.

Charge: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Damage: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10

Hothan charges up to the flamboyant leader of the thugs, sword in hand. The leader gasps in horror, and tries to dodge the mighty blow, but to no avail: Hothan opens up a large gash in the leader's arm.

The leader withdraws to behind his lone standing comrade, commanding him Protect me! Attack that sorcerer!

The thug, taking up the command of his leader, half-heartedly attacks Parumartish with his spiked chain, but does not even come close to the wizard.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Shayla
Cyrus
Maxwell
Paru
Hothan
Chyras
--
Leader (10)
Thug USB: 3
Thug USB: 6
Thug USB: 5
Thug

--

Shoot arrow: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 2 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Another arrow pierces the air, aimed again at the cowardly leader of the Steel Wyverns. "If you're going to hide you should surrender right away!"

Shayla talks of surrender, but hits the leader straight in the chest. Blood seeps form the wound, and the colourful man collapses.

Shayla
Cyrus
Maxwell
Paru
Hothan
Chyras
--
Leader - Down
Thug USB: 3
Thug USB: 6
Thug USB: 5
Thug
--

Parumartish shuffles back and away from the remaining thug careful to avoid leaving his defenses open. "I suppose you should be asking yourself how lucky you feel about now, no?"

Paru withdraws to the square that Hothan moved from next to Cyrus.

Cyrus charges into the fray bringing his large bladed polearm down in an overhead chop.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 2) + 3 = 6

Ac -2 until my next turn.

I... I surrender. Please spare my life! the remaining thug says as the shock of losing his leader materialises. Please my comrades' lives. You can have this area - if you spare us, we promise we'll not bother the Stalkers again...

Combat over

"Oops," Shayla says calmly, and swaps her longbow for her swords. Shayla walks up to the thug and points her longsword at his throat. "You ever come here again, and you won't live to regret it. Make sure to inform your unconscious buddies of that as well when they wake up. Nobody pisses off Shayla, leader of the Stalkers! Also, remove your gear before you leave."

Intimidate: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19 Woohoo!

Shayla starts to remove the gear from the unconscious thugs and their dead leader. "Anyone wants to help with this?"

Inside Chyras chuckles.
Dis girl really is sometin. Bit of an ego dough.

Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
"She means that includes potions, money and useful items.
Needless to say, dat would also be de same for your friends here.
'owever, tink about it dis way. You're not goin to suffer any abuse from your former leader anymore. Maybe becomin caravan guards outside of town is a better profession. If word reaches the street you failed here, you might not be taken seriously anymore. Remove fear and de oppressed might go huntin for de former oppressors."

Cast message on the others.
<"What we won't use, we can sell and give to dese folk. Makin friends in town is nice, non?">

Max looks on as Shayla begins to strip their gear, saddened at the waste of life but glad that none of his companions were injured.
"Well, at least that is over with..." he says to himself.
"What are you after there, Shayla? See something interesting? Remember that these guys live in the sewer...I doubt they have anything of value."

"Waking up in your underwear just after a fight is bound to create a lasting memory. I doubt they'll ever bother the Almsman again after such a nasty experience, especially with him," Shayla points at the conscious thug, "around to tell them what happened."

Stuttering and yammering, the lone thug scrambles out, leaving his gear behind (which is only mundane stuff - no potions, sadly). This leader, he at least had the decency to bring a couple of acid flasks (3 in all).

One by one, the remaining thugs come to their senses, waking up in their underpants, which is - indeed - a traumatic experience. One can be entirely sure that these thugs will think twice before they bother the stalkers again!

The almsman, meanwhile, looks at the entire charade with interest you'll come a long way he speaks approvingly, and I'll lend you my aid. You are looking for the dwelling of this Gandros? Travel east, then take the next branch south. Then, along the south wall, look for a mossy, overgrown door marked 'Skytower'. It should be somewhere along the south wall.

Holding his polearm and smiling Cyrus stands over the thugs as they awake. "Move along or you'll lose more then your clothes!" Turning to the mage and giving him a smile."Nice spell but you took all the fun out of it for me." Cyrus starts humming a tune and stands guard at the door.

Shayla pats Cyrus' shoulder when he threatens the thugs. "Well done, seems you've learned something important from me."

"Yeah thanks," Shayla replies to the Almsman with a tone of faked disinterest. She has to keep up appearances versus humans, even though she feels like the Almsman isn't the worst his kind has to offer.

Shayla picks up the acid flasks and puts one in the pocket of her coat. "Anyone else wants a flask?"

"Don't mind if i do."

Cyrus smiles at Shayla. "Leader of the Stalkers, huh? I will duel you later for the Title."

*Chuckle*
"'old your 'eart if ever comes de question for diplomatic actions from our "leader".

Chyras whistles amused a cheerful tune