[PFS] GM Rinaldo's The Golemworks Incident (4-03) (Inactive)

Game Master The Great Rinaldo!

I'd like to hear from Nergi before we move on. I'll describe the contents of the first crate once I know what she is doing.

"I'm no lawyer, but perhaps modify this clause here... and change the wording of that one slightly too..."

assist Mutahir, profession lawyer: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Nergi know absolutely nothing about laws or programming a golem, but offers some notes on the proposed wording: "Why are you limiting this to Pathfinders? What if there's a courier coming through? What if a kid wanders in being lost? What if the gardener, or the city guard happen to be in the yard? I'm sorry - it's just me being concerned about doing it right the first time."

Rocky easily opens the first crate with Trusty Buddy, and then sets the crowbar down as he inspects the contents. A brassy humanoid figure crouching within stands up to reveal a beautiful angelic figure with silvery wings. It opens its eyes and scans the room.

As it sees the wayfinder in Kel's hands, your hear a brief rumbling before it opens its mouth and a jet of fire lances across the room, scorching Marduk, Kel, and several bushes and crates before cracking the glass on the far wall.

Fire: 6d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 1, 3, 1, 6) = 21
I need Marduk, Kel, and Riddywhipple to make DC 13 Reflex saves for half damage. The greenery and crates behind Kel are smouldering but do not seem to have caught fire at this point, probably due to the humidity.

Seconds after the surprise attack, the two other Golemworks crates burst open as their occupants stand.

Surprise round was the first golem attacking and the other two breaking out of their crates.

Correction to earlier statement: Because we are in the 5-6 subtier, there are only three Golemworks crates in the greenhouse. All three are now open and the golems are active.

I placed everyone on the map based on what they said they were doing:
Rocky and Marduk were opening the crate.
Kel has the wayfinder, so is where he can see and be seen by the angels.
Mutahir specified being by the door, so Antonella and Nergi are next to him discussing how to phrase orders.

Map notes:
The table in the center requires a DC 16 Acrobatics to leap onto it to stand there or cross through; alternately a character can enter the square and crouch down to gain partial cover.
Other squares with foilage or furniture are considered difficult terrain due to the combination of plants and stacked crates.
The other squares are an open path.
The outer walls and ceiling of the greenhouse are thick glass; the windows into the manor are normal glass.

One of the angels (red) spreads its wings and flies over Rocky, landing next to Kel. It raises a metal fist and swings at the wizard, but even taken by surprise, he is able to dodge the attack.
Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Kel, Ridywhipple, and Mutahir are up! Trusty Buddy is on the ground near Rocky and Marduk.

reflex dc 13: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

reflex dc 13: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 no damage, evasion

Since Rocky's intent was to set it aside until needed again and seeing that there is a table next to Rocky, I think Rocky would have set trusty buddy on the table.

Son of a Scorpion!

Mutahir draws his blade as he rushes along the edge of the garden, pulling up opposite Kel as he lashes out with his Rapier.

rapier: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
damage: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
rapier Crit?: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
damage Crit?: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

He dances back and shouts out.

Kel! The Wayfinder! Toss it here!

sorry on phone today and hard to post at length

Kel hands the,Wayfinder to mutahir.

Mutahir shouts at the angels as the wayfinder is tossed to him.

Hey! You want this? Come on you piles of snake dung, come and get it!

He shouts back to kel...

Better I hold it than you my soft and squishy friend!

Since Rocky's intent was to set it aside until needed again and seeing that there is a table next to Rocky, I think Rocky would have set trusty buddy on the table.

Fair enough - Trusty Buddy is on the table.

Normally taking an item from another character takes a move action, but since Kel didn't post any other actions, I'll allow Kel to use an action to hand the wayfinder off to Mutahir.

----------------------
Ever the pragmatist, the faerie dragon dives behind his master, allowing Kel to take the full brunt of the flame attack; as the fire disperses, Riddywhipple pokes his head out and sticks his tongue out at the golem.

Mutahir runs past the wizard, who hands him the wayfinder; continuing past the angel, he draws an attack from it as he runs by.
Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28 damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 Hit!
He attempts to parry, but the fist is just too strong and he takes a solid hit on the arm.

Once in position, though, he jabs out with his rapier, managing to find a tiny seam where two pieces of metal come together. Crit confirmed!

The original angel that started this whole mess lashes out at Rocky with both fists and both razor-tipped wings.
Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21 damage (B): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Hit!
Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 damage (B): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Hit!
Wing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 damage (S): 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Wing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 damage (S): 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Hit!
Rocky takes 12 bludgeoning and 6 slashing damage.

Nergi, Rocky, and Antonella are up!

"Too many to restrain. Too dangerous."

Rocky will enter the style of the mighty dragon and lay some smackdown on blue.

Rocky pummels the first angel repeatedly, and despite the hardness of the metal manages to do some damage!

All three blows hit, but it does not seem to be affected by the Stunning Fist.

Kel's Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
Seeing Rocky try to use a special hit against the golem's head, Kel is able to recall that golems cannot be stunned.
I'll allow that Kel can relay that information after Rocky's first attempt, so he doesn't waste any more.

Blue takes 33 damage from the three hits.

Round #1: AC 19

Antonella activates Crane style (swift), moves 10’ to the west to support Mutahir and strikes once.

improved unarmed strike: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
magic, bludgeoning: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

“Mutahir, I am going to do little damage in this fight, with no time to prepare.”

“I think it best I be the decoy carrying the VC’s wayfinder, allowing you and the others to full attack the angels.”

“If you agree, I will take the wayfinder off you next time.”

Nergi draws her bow and mutters something under her breath while observing at Kel. You could swear you saw a radiant burst between the two, but it's gone as soon as it appears.

Antonella, moving with the grace of a crane, joins the fight; her punch isn't quite as effective as Rocky's, but still manages to make a small dent. A solid hit that barely overcomes DR.

Nergi prepares her bow while linking her life force to the injured wizard.

The third angel backs away from Marduk and sends a blast of fire at Rocky and Mutahir. The gout of flame goes through the first angel, but it completely ignores the heat.
Fire damage: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 3, 3, 1, 5) = 16
Rocky and Mutahir can make a DC 13 Reflex save for half damage (or none with evasion).

Marduk is up!

Ref save DC 13: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 that's 9 damages, thanks to Marduk's DR.

Marduk dodges most of the fire and begins to grow enraged. She seizes her Orc Double Axe and attacks fiercely the angelic golem before her!

"MRAAAAAAAAGH! COME AND TRY ME!!!" she yells, attacking the golem thrice and even trying to bite it with her maw.

RAGE/RECKLESS STAT BAR| HP: 73/82; AC: 16/9/13 ; CMD: 25 ; Fort save +13 ; Will save +8 ; 8/9 rounds

ref DC 13: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Rocky ducks to avoid the flame entirely.

Marduk's eyes get "that look" as she starts swinging her axe and even tries to bite the solid metal creature! Her first two swings connect solidly, but the last lacks the power to scratch the golem's surface and her bite isn't quite up to the job, either. Two good hits, each getting some damage past DR.

The angel next to Mutahir steps away from the others and concentrates its full power on the Rahadoumi. The lithe man ducks and dodges, completely avoiding the onslaught!
Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19 damage (B): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Miss!
Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 damage (B): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 Miss!
Wing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 damage (S): 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Miss!
Wing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 damage (S): 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Miss!

Kel, Riddywhipple, and Mutahir are up! I need Mutahir's save vs the fire breath as part of your post.

Kel pops a wand from his wrist sheath and taps himself with infernal healing. Riddywhipple finds a relatively safe spot behind Kel.

Ref: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Mutahir winces as he dodges to the side and the flames scorch him slightly.

Now that wasn't very kind...

He steps forward, his rapier flashing with blazing speed. Swift action activate Precise strike for double level damage on first attack. Also, just re-read the ability, that 5 damage isn't multiplied on a crit since it's precision. :(

Rapier: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29
Rapier: 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23
Rapier: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Rapier: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Rapier Crit?: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
Rapier Crit?: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Rapier Crit?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Rapier Crit?: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

As Kel draws a wand and begins casting a healing spell, Mutahir again finds the extremely well-hidden weak spots on the golem in front of him. As his rapier pierces one of the creature's eyes, the light inside fades and it stops moving.

Red Angel has been defeated! And that only took Mutahir's first attack, so he can still take a move action.

Rocky's opponent continues to use every attack on him, but this time only a single fist lands with enough force for the oread to even notice.
Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 damage (B): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28 damage (B): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Hit!
Wing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 damage (S): 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Wing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 damage (S): 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Rocky takes 10 damage. Nergi, Rocky, and Antonella are up!
At the start of Nergi's round, she transfers 5 damage from Kel to herself, noted below.

Mutahir dodges forward along the glass wall, holding up the wayfinder.

Hey, you want some of this? Come on, I gotcha shiny bauble right here!

He eyes the angels, ready to respond to attacks.

While Rocky suspects his adamantium weapon would do better here he doesn't want to take the time to pull it out.

If blue goes down he'll step up and take his other attacks on yellow.

As Mutahir runs up with the wayfinder, Rocky is a blur of fists! His first swing is a feint, leading to a pair of followups that knock the angel's head into an unnatural angle, leaving it an inert lump. He then pushes past to the last angel and lands a solid blow on it.

One angel left. Nergi and Antonella are up!

Round #2: AC 19

"Handsome is as handsome does, brother."

Antonella advances 20' up behind Rocky and Lays Hands on the oread monk.

LoH on Rocky: 1d6 ⇒ 3

The halfling looks at the cluster attacking the golem: "They can deal with it."

She stores her bow on her back and pulls out a wand instead. She grits her teeth as wounds appear on her body.

+5 HP to Kel via life link.

Antonella heals some of Rocky's wounds while Nergi prepares to do the same for the ones she is taking from Kel.

Surrounded, the final angel turns its full attention to Mutahir. The limber swordsman deftly dodges the razor sharp wings while knocking aside the golem's heavy fists, and manages to get in his own jab!
Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28 damage (B): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 Parried and Riposted!
Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26 damage (B): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 Parried but not Riposted!
Wing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 damage (S): 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Miss!
Wing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 damage (S): 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Miss!

Everyone is up! I don't think the angel is long for this world ...

Mutahir takes a step back and swings his rapier in a flurry of slashes and thrusts.

Rapier: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
Rapier: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Rapier: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
Rapier: 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

He fumbles a bit though, still off the step from blocking so many blows.

Round #3: AC 19

“May the Master of Masters guide my touch to someone deserving of His Power!”

left, right: 1d2 ⇒ 1

Antonella's *glowing* outstretched palm appears to move of its own accord between Rocky and Marduk, before finally resting on the oread’s broad shoulders.

Strength Surge: +1 to ALL Rocky’s melee attacks (NOT damage) this round.

She raises both eyebows at Mutahir as she draws a wand of CLW. “Seems you’re unworthy, Infidel.”

Mutahir dances around another slash and grins.

Maybe your Master knows it was not wanted Godslave. Remember, I didn't have to sell my soul for power.

Rocky nods to Antonella then tries to end this menace.

Antonella's prayer aids Rocky's strength, while the Rahadoumi eschews divine favor and strikes out on his own. Whether due to godly intervention, skill, or sheer power, the two fighters together bring down the final angel.

End of Combat!

Looking around the greenhouse, you see that the damage was fairly well contained. Very few of the boxes were broken, as the golems appeared to be intent on harming people, not objects. The humidity seems to have been burned out of the air, and you think that another blast of fire might have set crates and plants ablaze. You think about the smoke choking this relatively small room, and are thankful it did not come to that.

Moments later, Sheila Heidmarch runs in followed by several of the staff members (at a safe distance behind). She sees the wrecked golems, and looks at you. The weariness in her eyes betrays the long hours she has put into making her home into a functioning Pathfinder Lodge, but she is strong and quickly composes herself.

"So ... what happened here?"

Make sure to describe not only your response to Sheila, but what (if anything) you are doing about your current wounds. Kel has 10hp coming back from his Infernal Healing, and Nergi will absorb some damage from him as well unless she cancels the Life Link.

Mutahir gives a small kick to downed golemn and pulls a wand from his pack.

Kel, would you mind? That punch felt like it nearly dislocated my shoulder.

After passing the wand to Kel Infernal Healing, 2 baps needed he turns to Sheila.

If I had to guess? Assassination attempt.

He holds up Sheila's wayfinder, then points to his own.

When we activated the golems, they attacked Kel immediately. Once he had passed the wayfinder to me, they turned their direction towards me instead.

He taps his own way finder around his neck.

But they didn't do that until I held your wayfinder. So it wasn't just a "attack all pathfinders" order, it was specifically an order to kill whoever held your wayfinder... I'm sure the intention was that you would be the one to give the first orders to these things. After all, if you had been less busy you would have just handled it yourself.

Sheila considers that, and says, "Not necessarily ... I had actually intended to have the new recruits handle it. I only involved you because I made the mistake of telling them they could have the afternoon to themselves yesterday, and they've apparently decided to stretch it out and enjoy the town."

"No, I suspect this is a more general attack on the Society. I have heard rumors that certain enemies of our esteemed organization have been setting up operations in Magnimar. It is possible they sabotaged the golems. Other than them attacking you, did you notice anything odd or unusual about them?"

"Maybe. One activated as soon as I opened the crate. The other 2 burst out of their crates. Could someone have woken them up already?"

"Only if they intercepted the shipment on the way ... which, given that it arrived earlier than expected, is unlikely but not out of the question."

Perception checks are simplified when someone has a +20 ...
While pointing out the angel that initiated the attack, Rocky notices something: on the back of the neck is a small engraved plate. Looking closer, you see the emblem of the Golemworks along with the words "This fine Golemworks product was proudly handcrafted for you by ________________ ." There is no name where the maker's mark should be. A quick check of the others reveals similar plates.

"Well, clearly there is something not right here. I would like for you to go down to the Golemworks and speak to Reemis, the office manager. He is the one who took my order originally. See if you can figure out who actually made these golems and talk to them. Maybe you can figure out how they came to have the 'kill on sight' instructions. Do be discreet, though. Besides my own personal reputation in Magnimar, the Decemvirate will want to maintain a good relationship between the Golemworks and the Society."

Kel takes Mutahir's wand and uses it on him once... and then once again when the first one is finished, handing the wand back to him after the second casting...

"Of course... discretion will be used as we investigate who made these. Getting to the source of the betrayal is crucial."

Mutahir nods as well, sheathing his sword.

Of course. We will make haste, and we will be careful of how we treat them.

He looks at the crowbar still on the table and picks it up.

Mind if I take this with us? If a golemn maker is behind this attack, I wouldn't mind having something adamantine on hand.

Oddball question. Would the crowbar be considered a bludgeoning weapon only or could I use the stabby bit as a piercing? Still wouldn't be proficient, but might be worth it if I can use it for my abilities.

Rocky pulls out a CLW wand.

"My ability to use wands is not yet perfect. Could someone heal me with this?"

Assuming Rinoldo is good with taking the average out of combat Rocky will mark off 5 charges.

As we get near the Golemworks Rocky takes precautions and trys to use his wand of mage armor on himself.

umd: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 Nodding with satisfaction he begins to put it away then hesitates.

"Anyone else want the magic armor?"

"I've got my own, thanks... " and to punctuate the statement, he casts mage armor on himself.

Sheila smiles as Mutahir asks about borrowing Trusty Buddy. "Ah, the tomb doors and ancient crates Canayven and I opened with that thing ... but it has sat on a shelf for quite a few years. Please, feel free to make use of it."

Trusty Buddy counts as an improvised weapon (with the usual penalties associated with improvised weapons) that overcomes DR/adamantine but not hardness. It does not specify damage type, so I'll allow that you can wield it either as a club (1d6 B) or a punching dagger (1d4 P). Switching between them takes a move action, like drawing a new weapon.

Feel free to ask any other questions of Sheila and let me know what (if any) other preparations you want to make before heading to the Golemworks office.

☤ Medic’s Report ☤ Kel: 6 dmg, Mutahir: *Full Health* Nergi: 5 dmg, Rocky: *Full Health* Antonella: *Full Health* Marduk: 10 dmg

Out of range of the golems, Antonella channels twice. The deep, soothing growl of Tian-La throat singing fills the ears of everyone except Mutahir, who hears … nothing.

channel healing: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10

I now have everyone at Full Health, GM Rinaldo.

Antonella still looks concerned. “VC Heidmarch.”

“The missing Initiates. How overdue are they from checking in? How many are there and what are their names?”

“Perhaps you could provide a description of them? Also, were any of them …” The monk searches for the right word. “Troublesome?”

“Have you made any new enemies with the establishment of a Pathfinder Lodge in Magnimar?”

⛢ ⛢ ⛢

As the Pathfinders approach the Golemworks, Antonella hands her wand of mage armor to Kel. “That’s a good idea, Rocky. Kel, can you please hit me?”

“I was also thinking assassination attempt, Mutahir.”

The paladin frowns. “Lady Heidmarch dismissed that notion a little too quickly. Perhaps she’s in denial?”

Kel taps himself with the wand of infernal healing on the way to cure the last 6 damage on himself. approaching the Golemworks, he takes Antonella's wand and taps her with it, endowing her with mage armor, then casts his own.

To Antonella's query, Lady Heidmarch responds, "There are six, I would have to check the roster for their names ... they only arrived yesterday, and I told them I didn't need them until this morning. None of them reported in today, so I assumed they were enjoying the city. I hadn't actually met any of them beyond briefly welcoming them when they arrived, so I can't speak to their attitude or behavior."

"As to enemies, who needs new ones when you have old ones in your yard already? The Aspis Consortium wants everything we do, only for profit rather than knowledge. I wouldn't be surprised to find them involved. I suppose there could be a new player, but I wouldn't know who."

I'll wait to allow Nergi and Marduk time to respond to the post-battle conversation before moving forward some time this weekend.

Then I have an idea...

Mutahir bows low to the venture captain.

We will do what we can.

On the way to the Golemnworks, Mutahir respectfully asks everyone to stop by a magic shop for a moment... after perusing for a moment, Mutahir comes out, carrying 4 scrolls.

Kel... You are a wizard yes? I don't know if you've heard of this spell before, but it could come in use...

He hands over the scrolls, continuing.

I wouldn't mind if you kept one to copy in your spellbook, but this could help me be more effective... it makes weapons such as these...

He holds up "Trusty Buddy".

More effective.

Spell is Refine Improvised Weapon. Still torn on if it's actually better for me to use it, or use to have Maruk power swing it, but either way, may be helpful.

He then follows them on towards the golemnworks.

-----------------------------------------
Mutahir nods to Antonella.

Perhaps. The missing team has me worried as well... they where supposably less trained then us, it's possible someone took advantage of new recruits in a new city...

He shakes his head.

Similar tactic to a lot of the cults I deal with, so it could just be bias.

"I'd be happy to learn the spell and scribe it in my book, but that will take time I fear we don't have right now... I will hold onto them and use them as needed until such time becomes available.... "

Mutahir smiles.

Consider it a gift my friend in return for your help with my lack of magic. I once knew a wizard in the pure legion who during undercover missions would carry "Harmless" objects on him that he would use that spell to turn them into pretty deadly weapons, never had a use for it myself.

He pats his sword.

I do not like being without my rapier after all.

Sorry for these last days. I went afk way longer than I expected.

Marduk grunts and thanks Antonella for the healing she provides the party. "MARDUK be happy with healing wounds. Thank you Antonella!"

Marduk then considers the scroll and looks at Trusty Buddy . Despite its name, the tool doesn't inspire trust in Marduk.

"Nay, methinks better hit with double axe than with buddy and paper. Me no trust buddy. 'Berthie is trusty' is all I know." she says, waving her big weapon.

Thanks for the offer. However, Marduk isn't quite as 'powerful' as she seems. The oil of adamantine weapon seems a better deal.

“You’re welcome, Marduk.”

Berthie? Did I hear correctly?

Antonella wears a secret smile.

Sounds more like the name of a Teddy Bear than a battle axe.