[PFS] GM Skipper's #5–20 The Sealed Gate (Inactive)

Game Master SkipperD

Bambang whispers to his teammates as discretely as he can. "They all have some kind of magic affecting them. I've managed to dispel it from the half-elf. I'll see if its necessary to do with the rest."

He then speaks up. "Mwangi Expanse? We're not at the Mwangi Expanse."

The half-elf gives Zeno and Bambang a baffled look.

"Zey and Li are in the Hao Jin Tapestry. This is the Mwangi Expanse... The jungle flora and oppressive heat do give it away. Dawnflower have mercy on me, the entry requirements for initiates must have dropped to an abysmal level in my absence!"

Bambang looks back and forth among the supposed Pathfinders, then back to their party. He figures that whatever magic had been laid on them, would likely have affected their memories. But at the risk of attacking who might indeed turn out to the Pathfinders, some finesse is needed.

"Hmm, why not we both start from the beginning. You share with us how you got here, and in return, we'll do the same? We have been following your trail to get here and I believe you've had the most harrowing experience. We are eager to learn of the experiences of experienced Pathfinders like you."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

The half-elf smiles at Bambang and addresses him as would an inquisitive child.

"Ah, more sheep to my flock! The stodgy old priests in Qadira were wrong to dismiss my interpretations of The Birth of Light and Truth, but I see that you are pure of soul."

He fidgets absentmindedly with his holy symbol as he continues.

"We were visited by a rather charming woman in the camp up north, and she informed us that we were to establish a lodge here, in the Mwangi Expanse, with me as its tenurered Venture-Captain. She seemed trustworthy, and such a position had been held beyond my grasp for long enough, so I, and my loyal companions, agreed to travel with her. She wove a spell and poof, we found ourselves in this sweltering jungle. She then retreated to her own abode, giving us time to construct the lodge itself."

”Where is this lady’s abode? I think we should meet her. And give her ....thanks for giving this mission to the Society.”

"And how can we help!" the paladin adds.

Fahd's suggestion causes the half-elf to hesitate.

You can all try to convince him with a diplomacy check.

Aid another diplomacy 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

”Cmon, them more the merrier. If she assigns us to help you, we can get everything done much quicker!”

"Yes, come come. We are all Pathfinders, are we not? How does it go? Explore - Report - COOPERATE! Periel has it right. We are here to help. Together!" Bambang stands and projects the majesty that only the first-born son of the chieftain of the Menguam Singa tribe could do.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27

Autoassist Diplo

"What could possibly go wrong?" Zeno adds dryly.

aid Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

"Someone could drop a mountain on th' Lodge," Mavarion responds immediately. "But I - I mean they - won't do that. So all's good."

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (12) - 3 = 9

The half-elf agrees to to take you to his newfound friend and leads you to a placid lake. A broad, slow-moving waterfall feeds the clear water, and the area is somewhat cooler and more pleasant than its oppressively hot surrounding. To the south are several pits and piles of soil where two Pathfinders are digging what looks decidedly like shallow graves.

At the edge of the water, a beautiful woman stands atop a massive amaranth flower growing out of a mass of thorny vines. Her golden hair stretches the length of her body and elongated pointy ears hint at a
fey heritage. She greets you as you approach, her words carrying a lilting grace.

“Agents, welcome to your new home. I was curious if any of Nikolai’s friends would be joining us.”

She smiles at the half-elf and continues.

“You've preformed your duties beyond my expectations, Nikolai. Even now more and more Pathfinders flock to your lodge.”

The half-elf beams with pride at this compliment.

"Well met, Mylady, may I introduce myself. My name is Periel!"

GM, would using an SLA be noticeable, if spell itself has no visible effect? Different GMs have ruled differently in my experience. If not noticeable, Bambang will activate aura sight on the fey woman.

Bambang approaches the woman, with caution in his heart but hopefully not showing any of that openly. "Greeting, milady. My name is Bambang. On behalf of the Society, I would to extend my gratitude for your assistance in setting up this lodge. May I be so rude, however, to ask of your name and your intentions in aiding us thus?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

Also, the negative levels are still on, right? :)

Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

The brawler again wasn’t sure about what was going on here. But he wanted to make out what he could from this woman.

The beautiful woman smiles at you as you introduce yourselves.

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance. My name name is Darcassan, and I'm simply here to help fulfill Nikolai's greatest dream."

Bambang feels exceptionally amicable towards her, while Fahd knows that she hasn't spoken a single true word since you reached the clearing.

”Drop the lies, sweetie. I don’t know who or what you are, but you havent told the truth since we got here. It’s clear you’ve influenced he others some way, but we aren’t going to be so easy to control. “

Darcassan's face contorts into demonic snarl for a mere moment.

"If I have to force you to stay, then so be it..."

Combat Round 1
Bold may act
____________________________________
Fahd, Periel
???
Zeno, Mavarion
Darcassan
Bambang
Nikolai

If it makes any difference, Bambang would have dismissed his heightened awareness for +4 to initiative.

Periel sees the demonic visage and quickly smites the ugly being!
Then he doubles moves toward the ugly being.

Fahd double moves toward Darcassin.

Would someone please move me 60’ toward the enemy, please?

"And here I was thinkin' I'd hafta stand here like an idiot while they got talked down," Mavarion chuckles, mostly to himself. "Good to see there's still use for me."

Moved you!

In response to Fahd and Periel's righteous charge, one of the palm trees morphs into a plant creature with an oddly humanoid face. It's mere presence throws Mavarion's focus, and it billows forth a plume of noxious smoke that engulfs Fahd and Periel. Fahd has breathed in worse in his desert homeland, but Periel stops dead in his tracks, coughing up a lung.

Combat Round 1
Bold may act
____________________________________
Fahd, Periel (nauseated)
???
Zeno, Mavarion (confounded)
Darcassan
Bambang
Nikolai

I'm assuming knowledge(nature) to identify this plant creature. What about Darcassan?

Bambang is slow to react but he studies both of the foes, hoping to glean some information about them.
knowledge(nature), plant creature: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Impaired, but not at what he does best, Mavarion swoops forward and hurls a twig at the plant. Covered in an unseen shell of aether, it becomes an incredibly powerful projectile.

TK Blast, PBS: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 17 + 1 = 37
Damage, PBS (Slashing): 6d6 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (6, 2, 1, 3, 5, 6) + 17 + 1 = 41

Acting on a hunch, Zeno takes a moment to open his sight to the realm of the unseen....

Prescience: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Auto-aid Bambang's Knowledge (Nature) check, upping it to '26'.

What kind of Knowledge check would one make for Darcassan?

Bambang an Zeno recognize the newcomer as a kapre, albeit a small one. (You have two questions. Darcassan is also a Knowledge (nature) check)

Mavarion opts to fight fire with fire, so to speak, and shreds the kapre's torso.

The huge, thorny flower Darcassan stads on shudders, and a supernaturally sweet perfume wafts out from it.

The scent has a worrying calming effect on Fahd and Periel.

Combat Round 1
Bold may act
____________________________________
Fahd (calm), Periel (nauseated, calm)
Kapre (41 damage)
Zeno (see invisibility), Mavarion (confounded)
Darcassan
Bambang
Nikolai

Knowledge (Nature) vis-a-vis Darcassan: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

I know it is blatantly obvious but just in case, the kapre is a plant creature, right? :) Bambang would also like to know about defences

knowledge(nature), plant creature: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Gesticulating at the flower creature who once held the shape of a woman, Bambang yells at Nikolai, "Is this your so-called charming benefactor? You still find her trustworthy? Clearly she has enchanted all of you!"
diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

Calling forth the battle spirit within his greatsword to power his movement, Bambang dashes with incredible speed past Periel and coming up in front of Fahd. He then reaches out his hand to lay on Fahd's fists, while calling this time on the spirits again to enchant Fahd's attacks against the plant creatures.

Spend one transmutation mental focus to activate sudden speed to gain +30ft speed. Spend another transmutation mental focus to enchant Fahd's unarmed strikes with legacy weapon: additional +1 enchantment & bane(plants), i.e. total additional +3 to hit and +2d6 vs plants

GM, if Bambang is targeted by any negative effect, he'll take immediate action to spend one divination mental focus to activate danger sight, gaining +4 to saving throw.

@Bambang: Apart from the plant traits it of course has, it also has DR/slashing.

Zeno realizes that the thing that calls itself Darcassan is merely a part of the huge flower and is in fact a rare creature called a sarkorian alraune. (It's also a plant and you have two questions)

Faced with what is quickly breaking down into an outright brawl, Niklolai stutters out a warning.

"What? No! You all need to stand down!"

He then draws his scimitar, casts a spell and steps up to Zeno to deliver it.

Melee Touch Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Zeno's quick reflexes save him for now at least.

Combat Round 2
Bold may act
____________________________________
Fahd (calm), Periel (nauseated, calm)
Kapre (41 damage)
Zeno (see invisibility), Mavarion (confounded)
Darcassan
Bambang
Nikolai

Fahd delays. He wasn’t sure why he felt so calm when impending violence was breaking out everywhere, but he did.

Defenses? Alignment?

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Zeno looks at Nikolai with a moment's authentic fear.

"All is easy."
Periel calmed but still a bit green in the face

@Zeno: SR and they're usually neutral evil.

Fahd and and Periel are stumped by the all that's happening around them.

The kapre takes a step towards you and rams its knotted fists into Bambang.

Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Combat Round 2
Bold may act
____________________________________
Fahd (calm, delaying), Periel (calm)
Kapre (41 damage)
Zeno (see invisibility), Mavarion (confounded)
Darcassan
Bambang (29 damage)
Nikolai

Quickly regaining his usual poise, Zeno steps back, and, with a flourish, points at the ground beneath Nikolai's feet - which suddenly disappears!

falling damage if Nikolai fails a a DC 17 Reflex save: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

Prescience: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Reflex save to avoid falling into my own pit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Mavarion draws in additional power, creating quite the spectacle. He then hurls more plant life at the plant life.

Maximized TK Blast, PBS vs. Kapre: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 17 + 1 = 33
54 damage on a hit.

Reflex, Nikolia: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

The Venture-Captain jumps back in the nick of time and avoids tumbling into Zeno's extradimensional hole.

Mavarion shreds the stunted kapre to pieces, and Darcassan advances on you, bringing the sweat scent with it.

Will, Periel: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Will, Mavarion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Will, Fahd: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Will, Bambang: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 4 = 25
Will, Zeno: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

I'll allow any re-roll/ability shenanigans retroactively, but for now...

Fahd's mind continues to be clouded by tranquil thoughts, but Periel manages to snap out of it. Unfortunately, Zeno takes his place as he too becomes unnaturally calm.

Darcassan then stares intently at Bambang,

Will, Bambang: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 9 - 4 = 6

and the already malady-laden Minatan's body goes entirely stiff.

Combat Round 2
Bold may act
____________________________________
Fahd (calm, delaying), Periel
Zeno (see invisibility, calm), Mavarion (confounded)
Darcassan
Bambang (29 damage, paralyzed)
Nikolai

I'll allow any re-roll/ability shenanigans retroactively, but for now...

Fahd's mind continues to be clouded by tranquil thoughts, but Periel manages to snap out of it. Unfortunately, Zeno takes his place as he too becomes unnaturally calm.

Now's where my Prescience roll comes in! Substituting a '15' for that '13', does a result of '21' make it?

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

Bambang feels his body stiffening, glaring at the accursed creature. He struggles mightly, willing the remnant spirit of seer residing in his headband to assist him to break out of its hold.

Expend one divination mental focus to get +4 to saving throw.
will save, negative levels, danger sight: 1d20 + 9 - 4 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 9 - 4 + 4 = 20

The arcane winds favor Zeno and Bambang, and Darcassan's influence doesn't take hold in either of them.

Combat Round 2
Bold may act
____________________________________
Fahd (calm, delaying), Periel
Zeno (see invisibility), Mavarion (confounded)
Darcassan
Bambang (29 damage)
Nikolai

With Bambang's 4 negative levels, I figure he would be more effective in buffing your attacks then his own. And seeing how Periel is free from enchantment this round...

Sighing with the effort of deflecting the enchantment, Bambang turns and sees that Periel similarly similarly free, at least for now. He steps back towards him, laying his hand on his weapon and again, summons the remnant spirits in his weapon to enchant Periel's.

Spend one transmutation mental focus to enchant Periel's drawn weapon (katana?) with legacy weapon: additional +1 enchantment & bane(plants), i.e. total additional +3 to hit and +2d6 vs plants

GM, if Bambang is targeted by any negative effect, he'll take immediate action to spend one divination mental focus to activate danger sight, gaining +4 to saving throw.

@Bambang: Gotcha

Bambang enhances Periel's weapon as Nikolai circles around the conjured pit.

"You need to stand down!", he shouts as he attempts to deliver his spell to Zeno again.

Melee Touch Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Will, Zeno: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Luckily, the elf manages to resist yet another magical malaise.

Combat Round 3
Bold may act
____________________________________
Fahd (calm, delaying), Periel (legacy weapon)
Zeno (see invisibility), Mavarion (confounded)
Darcassan
Bambang (29 damage)
Nikolai

Fahd also has legacy weapon from the previous round.

I guess I have no choice but to delay again. This being all calm stinks, lol.

Not sure if this will work but could you move up beside the creature? That is not threatening. That would either provoke her to attack you, ending the calm, or be in position next round to full attack.

Periel charges forward and attacks the creature.
Attack: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 361d8 + 29 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 29 + (1, 6) = 38

AoO v Periel: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17

Periel dodges a thorny tendril as he moves in to deliver a mighty blow.

Combat Round 3
Bold may act
____________________________________
Fahd (calm, legacy weapon), Periel (legacy weapon)
Zeno (see invisibility), Mavarion (confounded)
Darcassan (38 damage)
Bambang (29 damage)
Nikolai

Zeno steps quickly away from his woefully-empty pit, and aims to teach the fool Nikolai a lesson at the point of a beautiful but cruel Elven-made arrow.

Prescience: 1d20 ⇒ 2

[dice= "Comet", Point-Blank, Deadly Aim, Focused Shot, thistle arrow vs Nikolai]1d20+11[/dice]
damage: 1d8 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18
rounds of bleed damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

To be clear, I intend to use nonlethal damage against Nikolai the rest of the way.

The Dawnflower's light must shine on the Venture-Captain, as Zeno's barbed arrow is deflected off its otherwise true path.

Combat Round 3
Bold may act
____________________________________
Fahd (calm, legacy weapon), Periel (legacy weapon)
Zeno (see invisibility), Mavarion
Darcassan (38 damage)
Bambang (29 damage)
Nikolai

Welcome to my run of #5–20 The Sealed Gate!

Please post your PFS#, faction, progression (normal/slow) and dayjob.

The consensus points towards low tier, so the party looks like this:
Zeno Loxley, Wizard 4/Fighter 3
Bambang Kuwatputra, Occultist 8
Kenji Nishida, Monk 6/Sorcerer 1
Fahd Bin Stavain, Brawler 8
Mavarion, Kineticist 11
Periel the Pure, Paladin 8

APL=8

The gameplay thread is open for dotting, and I've set the stage for your introductions.

Gerald
Fahd Bin Stavain
12445-11
Scarab Sages
Normal progression.
Dayjob: none.

Fahd! You may not recognize me, but we've met...still having trouble knowing which one's the salad fork, old boy?

I'm Hiding In Your Closet
Zeno Loxley
#40025-8
Liberty's Edge
Normal progression.
Craft (Cartography): 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (18) + 23 = 41

Lol, that was quite an adventure!

Name: JAF0
Character: Kenji Nishida
PFS# 52335-3
faction: GL
progression: normal
dayjob profession cartographer: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Helikon
Periel the Pure
#50731-4
Silver Crusade
slow progression.
Diplo(Caravan): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
Special Info:
Has two Chronicles from Giantslayer AP,
giving him the ability to Enlarge Person with extra HP.
Also Uskroths Armor, giving him 1/day Rightous Might.

Oops, I've not updated Bambang's profile page for a while. (It still has him as level 4!!!) Think I'll need a few days to sort that out.

kuey
Bambang Kuwatputra
215076-5
Dark Archives
Normal progression
craft(calligraphy), masterwork tools: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 15 + 2 = 22 Will use my reroll if I don't use it by end of the scenario

Bambang's main party role in combat is a tank, although he is also great in supporting role, e.g. putting bane on your weapons. Outside of combat, he has fine diplo, and has a good range of utility abilities.

Name: Saving Cap'n Crunch
Character: Mavarion
PFS #: 150618-34
Faction: Grand Lodge
Track: Normal
Day Job: Sleight of Hand, Thieves' Guild Bonus, Green Market Bonus: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (6) + 24 = 30

Special Info:

Mavarion is mostly a damage dealer, but as a kineticist can take a fair few hits. He also has the ability to heal and is quite good at stealth and sabotage (high Stealth, DD, SoH, and the like), but can't disarm magic traps. His social skills are terrifyingly bad and would likely rather decapitate someone with a thrown crossbow sooner than sweet-talk them, so I'll probably leave that to others when able. I need to update his profile from 10 to 11, I can do that later today.

Sorry to ask, Bambang Kuwatputra are you level 4 or level 8?

Level 8. Just that it’s been a long time since I last played him in PbP so the profile page is very outdated.

I had a more hectic weekend that planned, but I'll get a proper post up later today.

sorry if I'm slow posting the last few days and the next few as well... We are suffering from high winds and surrounded by fires in all directions. Constant power outages from the winds and service outages from both power problems and the fires are playing hell with my connection. I will post as I can, but please bot me if necessary.. thanks.

No worries, and stay safe!

Hey guys, I'll be on vacation from today for a week. Posting is likely to be patchy. Please bot freely. Have put up his botting instructions but an occultist is rather complicated, so straight attack is fine. Although with his four negative levels, he'll likely focus on buffing others instead, e.g. enchanting your weapons to make them bane. Sorry for the inconvenience.

The good news is that your negative levels will go away in 15 hours or less.

Dear all, really sorry. A crisis came up at work this week and things are a bit crazy right now. I just got home from a 16hr day today, and things don't look like they will improve just yet. I believe the situation will improve past this weekend. Please bot me freely.

I'm now confused. ARE we in the Tapestry, or not? Didn't we just enter it? I can't tell whether I'm SUPPOSED to be confused, or if I've just lost track OOC.

Well we definitely came through the tapestry! :) So I suspect whatever magic was laid on them also made them think they are in the Mwangi Expanse. It seems that Hao Jin had taken a slice of the Mwangi Expanse and places it in her tapestry, and for some reason, someone or some people, have made these Pathfinders think they are in the real Mwangi Expanse. Interesting mystery... :)

What are we waiting for?

Perhaps another aid, but I'll move us along tomorrow if no one else helps Bambang.

Hey guys, I'll be away for a short vacation until 18 Mar, Sunday. I'll still have internet access but posting will likely slow. Please bot as needed.

GM, sorry didn't realise you were going to prepare the chronicles already. Can I used my reroll for the day job?

craft(calligraphy), masterwork tools, GM Star: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 15 + 2 + 1 = 27

Thanks for running the game, DM! Chronicle looks great.

No worries, Bambang. Your sheet has been updated.