Jan dithers by the bridge, muttering. The other pathfinders, trying to perceive the secrets of the hidden room, catch snatches like "...if everyone carried a spear into the tavern we'd all trip...", "... who owns a net?..." and "Should've known better than to think a meeting with Dreng wouldn't require armor." Eventually Jan moves toward the desk and the muttering becomes clearer. "Yargos just warned us about solving problems with fireballs and arms, and you all just charge in with weapons drawn. This is an office, not a dragon's dungeon. There is a desk! Desna help us! We'll never get this wine to Dreng if we try to solve every mystery in Absalom on the way." Knocking on the desk, Jan calls out [b]"Hello. Just picking up some wine, sorry to disturb."
The desk is very old, and made of polished wood. Your quick inspection reveals no traps or hazards. A drawer contains a number of books and pieces of paper.
Surprise Round, Choker Only Choker: Move Action, Quickness Ability: Move 10' next to LB. Standard Action:Attack LB vs. Flat Foot AC:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
As L.B. pokes suspiciously into the shadow of the corridor, he sees nothing but a dark, empty passage, while his companions talk and begin to examine the desk behind him. Suddenly, a small man-shaped thing only a few feet tall but with long, grasping arms far too large for its body comes hurtling out of the crevasse. Its oversized hands swipe for LB's throat but catch on the edge of the passageway. The creature hisses in frustration and hunger, showing a mouth full of sharp teeth and raising both of its arms menacingly in front of it.
Knowledge: Dungeoneering, DC 12:
This is a Choker, and underground predator that often dwells on the outskirts of subterranean ruins or in the deep shadows of nameless cavern outposts. Chokers lurk in the darkness and lash out with their long, rubbery arms to grasp prey as it passes by. Despite their small stature, their arms allow them to grasp prey at a distance 10 ft reach and choke the life out of them. They are known for choking off their victim's air supply, preventing them from being able to speak or cast spells with audible components while they strangle their prey to death. Grab and Constrict special abilities.
Knowledge:Dungeoneering, DC 17:
Chokers are extremely quick, able to move and attack with both of their long, grasping hands with great agility. They have a supernatural ability that gives them an extra move action/turn. They are also preternaturally excellent climbers, and often can be found scurrying along ceilings and in high corners. Climb speed 10 feet.
Knowledge:Dungoneering, DC 23:
Chokers are fierce combatants, despite their small size, and are able to easily finish off man sized creatures such as orcs, but would have a hard fight against larger, stronger prey such as an Ogre. They can grapple up to size Large creatures despite being size small, and are CR 2, slightly weaker than an Ogre in challenge.
Round 1
Initiative Order:
LB Pollock Vincenza Jan Giovanni
Choker
Nixim
Human Rogue (unchained, Investigator) 5 | HP 33 | AC 21/14/17 | F+2 R+8 W +1 | Init +4 | Perc +10 (+11 Danger Sense) | Active Conditions: Heightened Awareness, Evasion, Feather fall (1/day)
kn dung:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Damn, a Choker. Careful, they can grab up to 10ft and they don't let go. They are fast and they climb. we need to nail it down fast.
Giovanni moves to side-by-side with LB and pegs it with a Rapier.
Male Human | Lawful Good | HP 13/13 | AC: 16, FF 14, Tc 12 | CMB +4, CMD 16 | STR 16 DEX 14 CON 14 INT 13 WIS 12 CHA 10 | Ft +4 Rx +2 Wl +1 | Spd 30' | Init +3 | Perc +1 | Bluff 0 | Climb, Swim +7 | Survival +5 | SenseMo +1 | Know(Geo, local, nature) +5 | Stealth +2 | Sling 50' 20 ammo | Net 10' | Dagger | Lore Warden Fighter/1 | Load: Light -7.5# | 6 gp 5 sp 7 cp
Pollock is caught looking down the other cracks when he hears Giovanni call out the monster. He spins on his feet and is shaken for a moment as he encounters his first monster. Whoa, it's bigger than I thought it would be...
As Giovanni lunges at the lanky, hissing creature, Pollock recovers his nerve. He tenses his right arm, ready to throw his net once it becomes his turn Giovanni recovers from his thrust.
Net Attack:
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Mechanics:
Target is entangled: -4 DEX penalty, -2 to attack rolls
I think I have an extra move action. Is that correct?
Pollock lashes out with his net, entangling the creature and hampering its movements. As L.B. turns to dodge away, the choker tries to lash out and grab L.B. by the neck, but the sprightly wayang is able to deftly duck under its grasping hands. The crossbow shot, however, also goes high, sailing over the choker's small body.
Pollock, you do have an extra move action if you would like to use it. Also, the Choker is in melee, so ranged attacks with be at a -4 penalty for anyone without precise shot, which I believe is the case for LB. LB, I'm not sure where you wanted to move to, but the choker missed its AOO, so go ahead and place yourself where you want to go.
female | human | alchemist 1 | Movement: 20 ft | HP 10/10 | AC 16, FF 14, T 12 | CMB +1, CMD 13 | Init +2 | F +4 R +4 W -1| Perception +3 | Bombs 6/7 | Demolition Bomb 1/1
Vinny hears the choker scrabbling around in the room, and moves forward to peek around the corner at it. Ugh, what a creepy thing she thinks to herself. Seeing it caught in Pollock's net, as soon as LB moves, Vinny throws her bomb around the corner at it. "Look out everyone!" she yells as she lets it go.
Alchemical Bomb, attack square behind choker, cover, AC 5:1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 4 = 6
If Miss: Direction:1d8 ⇒ 1
Splash Damage: 5, DC 14 Reflex for Half
Jan steps back, draws a dagger and tries to focus despite the shocking flurry of attacks and the sudden eruption of darkness. Jan feels around the desk for some throwable object, keeping both eyes on the choker.
Choker: Full Round Action: Full Attack, choose to continue grapple on Giovanni Move Action: Nothing
The choker screams in pain as Vincenza's bomb explodes in the narrow confines of the chasm behind it, channeling the force of the blow out into the creature's back. It lashes out at Giovanni with both of its hands, one snagging on the net wrapped around its body, but the other finding purchase on Giovanni's face, slicing it open with sharp claws before constricting around Giovanni's neck, cutting off his air and blood.
Nixim's spell wraps around the creature's mind, but it is too furiously intent on strangling the life from the man in front of it to succumb.
Everyone is up. Current Status Effects:
Choker: -11 HP, Entangled, Grappled Giovanni: -11 HP, Grappled, Unable to Speak or Cast Spells with Verbal Components
Male Human | Lawful Good | HP 13/13 | AC: 16, FF 14, Tc 12 | CMB +4, CMD 16 | STR 16 DEX 14 CON 14 INT 13 WIS 12 CHA 10 | Ft +4 Rx +2 Wl +1 | Spd 30' | Init +3 | Perc +1 | Bluff 0 | Climb, Swim +7 | Survival +5 | SenseMo +1 | Know(Geo, local, nature) +5 | Stealth +2 | Sling 50' 20 ammo | Net 10' | Dagger | Lore Warden Fighter/1 | Load: Light -7.5# | 6 gp 5 sp 7 cp
Oh no! It's got Giovanni! Pollock thinks. He sees the Choker concentrating on his teammate, and closes the distance. "Shove off, you-" Then he swings his dagger up and strikes downward: "Yah!"Avast! Wait, not that kind of sailor... :P
5-foot step to close with the choker, Attack with dagger. Not sure what kind of penalties I'll take, so I'll let the GM work the rolls.
No penalties! You're not grappled or entangled, and it doesn't have cover or any other penalties from melee attacks from where you are. Its easier to hit because of the entangled and grappled conditions giving it dex penalties, as well.
Pollock lunges forward and slams the dagger through a hole in the net and into the creature's shoulder. It staggers sideways with a keening wail, though manages to keep its hold on Giovanni's neck.
Human Rogue (unchained, Investigator) 5 | HP 33 | AC 21/14/17 | F+2 R+8 W +1 | Init +4 | Perc +10 (+11 Danger Sense) | Active Conditions: Heightened Awareness, Evasion, Feather fall (1/day)
Giovanni tries to remain calm under pressure and distracts the Choker with his left hand working to loosen the tendrils while he stabs with his rapier.
rapier:1d20 ⇒ 71d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 1 + (4) = 11+d6 if the feint and strike land for sneak attack. choker's dexterity is negated if it isn't already for this strike
Giovanni stabs his rapier straight through the creature's throat, cutting off its wail with a gurgle. Its hold on Giovanni's neck loosens as hit slumps forward to the ground.
"Are...is everyone ok?" Heryn asks, peeking around the edge of the corridor entrance, face pale and shaking with fear. "What...what happened?"
Human Rogue (unchained, Investigator) 5 | HP 33 | AC 21/14/17 | F+2 R+8 W +1 | Init +4 | Perc +10 (+11 Danger Sense) | Active Conditions: Heightened Awareness, Evasion, Feather fall (1/day)
Giovanni raises a hand to Heryn while rubbing his neck with the other. It's fine, Heryn. Just the exact opposite of what we were expecting is all. Giovanni mutters, It's just a wine delivery he said, it'll be easy he said.
Giovanni takes out his wand of cure light wounds and gives himself a few taps to bring him magical healing.
Male Human | Lawful Good | HP 13/13 | AC: 16, FF 14, Tc 12 | CMB +4, CMD 16 | STR 16 DEX 14 CON 14 INT 13 WIS 12 CHA 10 | Ft +4 Rx +2 Wl +1 | Spd 30' | Init +3 | Perc +1 | Bluff 0 | Climb, Swim +7 | Survival +5 | SenseMo +1 | Know(Geo, local, nature) +5 | Stealth +2 | Sling 50' 20 ammo | Net 10' | Dagger | Lore Warden Fighter/1 | Load: Light -7.5# | 6 gp 5 sp 7 cp
As the creature falls dead, Pollock pulls his dagger back, and assumes a more casual stance. "You all right, Giovanni? It had you good for a bit there..."
Despite trying to sound cool, it's obvious from his face that he's excited to have prevailed in his first adventuring encounter.
Pollock searches in his bag for something to wipe off his dagger. "Gotta keep my equipment clean. Ship-shape and Bristol-fashion, as my dad says."
"A-Alright. I'll just stay back here, if that's alright." Heryn huddles back outside of the passage.
LB:
LB finds a fissure in the ground that connects to the Absalom sewers. This creature must have come from there. No other hostile creatures appear to be nearby.
Nixim begins to sort through the documents. It quickly becomes apparent that these papers are very, very old and appear to chronicle the personal exploits of Selmius Foster, a famous Pathfinder involved in the Society near its founding. While he was the subject of a number of famous tales, this appears to be a record of something that is not part of the public knowledge; an investigation into the lost records of a Society agent named Eylysia.
Added relevant found papers to the handouts slide.
Human Rogue (unchained, Investigator) 5 | HP 33 | AC 21/14/17 | F+2 R+8 W +1 | Init +4 | Perc +10 (+11 Danger Sense) | Active Conditions: Heightened Awareness, Evasion, Feather fall (1/day)
Mysteries abound! Seems we've stumbled on some rather important unfinished business. Seeing as how the corpse is unlikely to move, perhaps we investigate with the live subjects first. Starting with Fimbrik? Giovanni finishes reading the papers and passes to the next willing reader.
Wayang Slayer 1 | HP 11/11 | AC 18; Tch 16; FF 13 | F +2; R +7; W +0 | CMB+0; CMD 15 | Speed 20 ft | Init +5 | light crossbow (DA feat) +6 (1d6+2, 19-20/x2) | Perc +6
L.B. stalks out of the crack in the wall, almost surly that there was nothing to fight. "Area is all clear," he says. "Tracking living targets seems a fine plan."
Human Rogue (unchained, Investigator) 5 | HP 33 | AC 21/14/17 | F+2 R+8 W +1 | Init +4 | Perc +10 (+11 Danger Sense) | Active Conditions: Heightened Awareness, Evasion, Feather fall (1/day)
Good, we'll have an interpreter. Giovanni winks at Nixim. I can ask around to see if we can find background on Fimbrik when we get topside.
Male Human | Lawful Good | HP 13/13 | AC: 16, FF 14, Tc 12 | CMB +4, CMD 16 | STR 16 DEX 14 CON 14 INT 13 WIS 12 CHA 10 | Ft +4 Rx +2 Wl +1 | Spd 30' | Init +3 | Perc +1 | Bluff 0 | Climb, Swim +7 | Survival +5 | SenseMo +1 | Know(Geo, local, nature) +5 | Stealth +2 | Sling 50' 20 ammo | Net 10' | Dagger | Lore Warden Fighter/1 | Load: Light -7.5# | 6 gp 5 sp 7 cp
Pollock looks at the papers. "Wow, it looks like Eylysia was less than honest with the Society? I'm sure she had a good reason..." Pollock's words trail off. He's conflicted between loyalty to the Society, and willingness to give the benefit of the doubt.
As the group talks about their next steps, Pollock remarks, "Good plan! There's certainly a lot of leads here. I'd like to know more about this 'Wall of Names'. I think we should give Venture-Captain Dreng that vintage, and maybe ask him about it."
Pollock turns to Nixim and politely asks, "It seems like a lot of this happened in the past. Do humans have a shorter lifespan than gnomes?"
female | human | alchemist 1 | Movement: 20 ft | HP 10/10 | AC 16, FF 14, T 12 | CMB +1, CMD 13 | Init +2 | F +4 R +4 W -1| Perception +3 | Bombs 6/7 | Demolition Bomb 1/1
Vinny glances at the papers as they are passed around. "I agree with Pollock, we should tell Dreng about this before we do anything else. And maybe he'll have some idea of what our next steps should be."
Jan rises slowly from an undignified sprawl and looks for something useful to do. Inquiries about whether Giovanni is alright or LB wants a light trail into mumbling as it becomes obvious the group is fine. Jan looks at the papers too.
The group adjourns back upstairs to the wounded wisp's common room, where Giovanni asks around regarding Fimbrik. It seems that the gnome is likely still alive, although he is very old. Yargos Gil has heard of him; as mentioned in Selmius' notes, he is a member of the Arcanamirum here in Absalom, and has a residence on the grounds there for several centuries. However, he has not been seen in public for several years.
Human Rogue (unchained, Investigator) 5 | HP 33 | AC 21/14/17 | F+2 R+8 W +1 | Init +4 | Perc +10 (+11 Danger Sense) | Active Conditions: Heightened Awareness, Evasion, Feather fall (1/day)
Human Rogue (unchained, Investigator) 5 | HP 33 | AC 21/14/17 | F+2 R+8 W +1 | Init +4 | Perc +10 (+11 Danger Sense) | Active Conditions: Heightened Awareness, Evasion, Feather fall (1/day)
normally i'd agree but this is a major shift in mission parameters. probably a formality, but still.
Male Human | Lawful Good | HP 13/13 | AC: 16, FF 14, Tc 12 | CMB +4, CMD 16 | STR 16 DEX 14 CON 14 INT 13 WIS 12 CHA 10 | Ft +4 Rx +2 Wl +1 | Spd 30' | Init +3 | Perc +1 | Bluff 0 | Climb, Swim +7 | Survival +5 | SenseMo +1 | Know(Geo, local, nature) +5 | Stealth +2 | Sling 50' 20 ammo | Net 10' | Dagger | Lore Warden Fighter/1 | Load: Light -7.5# | 6 gp 5 sp 7 cp
I was under the impression that Dreng would only wait for a short while, and then he must move to another location. I think we should report quickly, and then track down those leads! This whole mess started when someone didn't report as often as they should...
Human Rogue (unchained, Investigator) 5 | HP 33 | AC 21/14/17 | F+2 R+8 W +1 | Init +4 | Perc +10 (+11 Danger Sense) | Active Conditions: Heightened Awareness, Evasion, Feather fall (1/day)
The group returns to the Puddles district in search of Drendle Dreng. After some time fruitlessly searching, you find that he is not to be found in the puddles. Whatever his business here, it must have concluded more quickly than expected, one way or another.
Human Rogue (unchained, Investigator) 5 | HP 33 | AC 21/14/17 | F+2 R+8 W +1 | Init +4 | Perc +10 (+11 Danger Sense) | Active Conditions: Heightened Awareness, Evasion, Feather fall (1/day)
Giovanni sighs and shrugs after some time searching. We checked all the beggars too. Nowhere to be found. I suppose we have leads. Let's continue.
Male Human | Lawful Good | HP 13/13 | AC: 16, FF 14, Tc 12 | CMB +4, CMD 16 | STR 16 DEX 14 CON 14 INT 13 WIS 12 CHA 10 | Ft +4 Rx +2 Wl +1 | Spd 30' | Init +3 | Perc +1 | Bluff 0 | Climb, Swim +7 | Survival +5 | SenseMo +1 | Know(Geo, local, nature) +5 | Stealth +2 | Sling 50' 20 ammo | Net 10' | Dagger | Lore Warden Fighter/1 | Load: Light -7.5# | 6 gp 5 sp 7 cp
"I was looking forward to surprising the Venture-Captain with our news... Oh well, we will catch up with him when we can." Pollock follows the party onwards.
The group travels without difficulty to the Arcanamirum, where they easily locate the address for Fimbrik's residence. It is an old, squat stone building, with four rounded corners each containing a large window. A brick step leads up to the front entrance, where the door is surrounded by stacks of newspapers, some of which are jammed into the mail slot under the door.
Human Rogue (unchained, Investigator) 5 | HP 33 | AC 21/14/17 | F+2 R+8 W +1 | Init +4 | Perc +10 (+11 Danger Sense) | Active Conditions: Heightened Awareness, Evasion, Feather fall (1/day)
Well. He's either long since gone or there's a corpse in there. Mail forwarding exists. We're not savages.
Giovanni draws his rapier once again and checks the door for any other discouragement.
Human Rogue (unchained, Investigator) 5 | HP 33 | AC 21/14/17 | F+2 R+8 W +1 | Init +4 | Perc +10 (+11 Danger Sense) | Active Conditions: Heightened Awareness, Evasion, Feather fall (1/day)
Giovanni pops the rustly latch on the door with minimal difficulty, pushing it open. Inside, a large sofa sits awkwardly near the entrance, facing toward the center of the room. Sets of chairs and tables are arranged throughout, and statues of grandiose gnomes occupy the corners of the room. Three sets of doors are set in the edges of the room, and a spiral staircase goes both up and down a floor at the far side of the room.
LB:
LB keeps watch while Giovanni picks the lock, but doesn't detect anything threatening or interesting.
