[PFS] GM Skipper's Low-level games (Inactive)

Game Master SkipperD

Open for dotting

Wherever he is standing Archimeles always stands there stoically in his flowing white toga and sandals. His travel pack sits on his hip rather than his back and is stuffed with the tools of his trade. And when you are know-it-all that's a lot of (mostly useless) stuff.

Kara is accustomed to the finer things, and although she looks as if the current level of dust in the room is a travesty, still she remembers that Adventure! is sometimes dirtier than one would hope.

A small, wrinkled, grayish thing in leather armor that vaguely resembles that of a samurai introduces himself (at least you think it's a him) only as Veilblade. He also introduces the mangy wolf beside him as Shadowfang. He squints at you, and the room, and everything else as he idly scratches the wolf's ears.

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Entering the room with a sensuous swaying of her hips, which seems almost unconscious is another strange and exotic creature. With fine porcelain skin, periodically decorated with ice blue scales and strange serpentine eyes, Lizbeth looks around the room with a professional stare.

A rapier forged of cold iron hangs on her hip and a buckler on the other, finely made but well used, loose trousers and a sleeveless shirt made from the hide of a shark, and matching gray boots complete the look.

She gives a warm smile and a nod, as Lizbeth speaks a slightly forked tongue occasionally flicks from her lips.

"My name is Lizbeth, a pleasure I'm sure"

The man who enters is quite unremarkable.
A bushy beard, black eyes, average build, brown and dark simple clothes with a hood over his head.
He wears a chain shirt of very good craftmanship, and a short sword on his hip. There is a short bow resting on his left shoulder.

He puts his backpack on the ground, massages his shoulders.

Taking a look at the small group, he introduces himself

I'm Lebraerio Hantwell, "Finder in training. Better not to travel alone, wherever we might go, I guess.

He studies each and everyone of you, calmly
Is the group complete or do we wait for someone else?

His tone is neutral

You find yourselves in the office of Ambrus Valsin, the venture-captain in charge of daily operations in and around the Grand Lodge. The efficient and straightforward chamberlain greets you curtly and motions for you to sit before jumping straight into your assignment.

"“All right, Pathfinders! Listen up. I know you are new recruits eager to make names for yourselves in the organization, but first we need to make sure you are up to snuff and won’t get yourself killed out there. I have a number of small assignments for you and your team, and it would be best if you could finish them before the day’s end.
Every day we get some doe-eyed hopeful or some sniveling bootlicker willing to do anything to join up with the Pathfinders. Most of them are good kids, but not all of them have the salt to make it in a world like this. It’s rough out there and I’m not just talking about the ruins, tombs, and wilderness Pathfinders find themselves in on missions. We’ve got people who look down their noses at us, folks who think we squander our resources, and agents who want to take everything we have collected. This wealth of knowledge and these items of lore make us the most powerful organization on the planet. That said, since we are fractured and widespread, it’s difficult for that power to light on anything for too long. For every friend of the
Society, there are two enemies.
Your first mission, to test your mettle and loyalties, sends you to meet a few people important to the Society living here in Absalom. These are other venture-captains or close allies of our organization, so follow their orders as you would mine. I’ve prepared a list of things I want you to do. They’re not arranged in any particular order of importance, but I want them all completed as quickly as possible. Only report to me once you complete them all. Included in the envelope you hold in your hands is the list, complete with the name of your contact, and directions to the meeting location."

See up top for the list of task, a picture of Valsin and a map of Absalom.

Archimeles considers the best course of action absently fiddling on his measuring rod, calculating distance, wind speed, curvature of the city, and the philosophical ramifications of their journey and tasks.

"It occurs to me, that under normal circumstances it would be best if we were to split up." He looks at everyone meaningfully. "*Sigh* Alas these are not normal circumstances. Maybe we should start with what is closest and least likely to be crowded this time of day."

knowledge (local-to get a handle on the personalities involved): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 If I need more rolls let me know. If so this is for their first 'client'.

I believe we're in the Grand Lodge now, correct?

The gentle, refined young woman speaks up.

We are in the Foreign Quarter now. We must go to the Docks, Ascendant Court, Wise Quarter, and Ivy District. I am new to the city, but it appears we may make best time if we take the closest task first, then travel clockwise.

She traces on the map a route from the Grand Lodge to the Ivy District, then the Wise Quarter, followed by the Ascendant Court, then crossing the Coins to the Docks district.

Her singsong voice brightens as she says,

With any luck, we'll be done in time for High Tea.

Kara consults with Archimeles on the local lowdown.

Knowledge Local, Aid Another: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 Ha! Just made it.

That seems a good plan. Anyone here from Cheliax, or linked to the Paracountess?

Archimeles knows the following:

So this is the illustrious Captain Valsin, exactly how the Cap'n described him". Lizbeth listens intently to the mission briefing, giving the Captain the full respect he deserved. Once he was finished she looks at the map and traces the same line as Kara with a delicate finger.

"Hmm, I agree, a circuitus route seems to be the most logical. What are our specialities? I favour quick strikes and can Inspire us to greater feats."

The little wrinkled gray thing squints at Archimeles, unmoving. He tilts his head and indicates that it would be simpler to start at the top of this list and work down.

EDIT: Whoa. Major ninja.

But, at the suggestion to follow a circuitous route he shrugs and agrees to do that.

He wordlessly whips out his naginata in response to her question, and then pats Shadowfang on the head.

That seems a good plan. Anyone here from Cheliax, or linked to the Paracountess?

"Not I though I hear she is out of favor with her homeland and has since risen to the pinnacle of the Dark Archive."

The little wrinkled gray thing squints at Archimeles, unmoving. He tilts his head and indicates that it would be simpler to start at the top of this list and work down.

But, at the suggestion to follow a circuitous route he shrugs and agrees to do that.

Achimeles looks down upon the little err-gnome?

"Hmm, I agree, a circuitus route seems to be the most logical. What are our specialities? I favour quick strikes and can Inspire us to greater feats."

"Madam, I will have you know that I am a philosopher of the natural sciences and that therefore there is nothing I cannot do."

Kara arches an eyebrow at the boastful philosopher. She makes a stirring motion at her tea, and the liquid swirls in response and begins to steam. Prestidigitation

Anything, huh? We'll see about that.

I believe we're off to see the Paracountess in the Ivy District, unless anyone has a reason to delay.

Off to the paracountess it is then!

Arriving at Paracountess Zarta Dralneen’s townhouse in the Ivy District, you come upon a magnificent gothic structure three stories in height. The ebon lacquered double doors wrought with gleaming silver fixtures greet you, a prickly brass cone hanging from a chain serving as the door chime. Moments after ringing it, a servant in loose casual attire opens the door, greeting you as if expected. Led through well-appointed sitting rooms, ballrooms, and a grand stairway granting a view of an elaborate study, you finally arrive on the third floor of the house, at the door of Zarta’s personal study, which lies beyond her bedroom. Knocking upon the door and announcing his presence, the servant opens the darkly stained wooden door. A large intricate carpet dominates the marble floor in this sitting room. A chaise sits along the north wall and a desk spans the southeast corner, its chair positioned with its back to the southwest corner of the room. Three comfortable chairs are positioned around a small, low circular table. Sitting in the chair behind the desk, Paracountess Zarta Dralneen regards you with a wry smile, putting away a few papers before standing to address you.

"Aldor, you are dismissed. Close the door behind you and attend to your other tasks."

She then turns her attention to the group.

"It’s always so incredibly adorable when I see a freshfaced batch of Pathfinders. I mean, look at you scrumptious little teacakes. I could eat each and every one of you up. Well, maybe not you."

Zarta points at Veilblade.

"I assume this isn’t a pleasure visit since most of you are terribly overdressed for that manner of occasion, so that must mean you are here for that trinket Valsin has been nagging me about. Seems I can’t get that man around these parts anymore."

She gestures, sliding her hand down her body and widening the gesture to sweep out and across the room as if her home were a secondary thought.

"On the good side, he always sends me all the precious new recruits. Many think we in Cheliax serve and worship devils, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, we use the creatures for their power. They serve us and we sculpt their power in our own interests. The world must come to terms with the order of things. People need to know their place and operate accordingly. It is the only way to make order from this world. Too many people stretch too far beyond their station, making waves and eroding the true order."

Zarta composes herself before continuing.

“Well, to the matter at hand. The trinket Valsin wants returned is a seven-fold locked iron case. I’d advise you not to tamper with it, as it radiates abjuration and strong evocation magic.”

As the paracountess talks, a cacophony of booms and crashes sounds from beyond the room’s west door.

“There is a slight problem though. A servant is greatly misbehaving. You’re going to have to deal with it in order to get the trinket.”

She goes over to the desk in her study, opening a drawer and drawing out an exquisite silver letter opener shaped like a dagger (treat as a masterwork silver dagger).

“You might need this to get it to submit.”

Combat map added at the top. The NPC gallery has been updated as well.

I wonder what we might find beyond these doors... Probably some kind of devil? Let's find out, and be prepared

Lebraerio starts to mix strange components in a vial

Readies Adhesive spittle extract, just in case..

Is everyone ready?

Deal with "it", you say? If I may ask, Paracountess, what kind of servant is it?

Someone besides me should take the dagger.

"If we must." Archimeles says resigned to his task.

Zarta smiles seductively.

"It is nothing but a minor devil. Nothing such brave adventures like you can't handle."

Pyrgo ends studying the enormous variety of wannabe agents reunited just to discover he´s inside the paracountness townhouse. Wow, I must have been distrated so much looking at Kara and Lizbeth… well at least neither of them had noticed it.

Overdressed? Overdressed for what? Then he looks at the dagger. Nevermind, you want us to “take care” of a servant. With a dagger.

How much has it done to you to deserve being stabbed a little? Pyrgo makes a pause to show he´s not confortable with that. Because you´re not asking us to stab it a lot, right?

A momentary scowl passes over Zarta's face.

"Do what you must. This particular servant has displeased me one to many times, so I do not care what becomes of it."

Lizbeth raises her eyebrows at the Monk's boast only a tad overconfident, well it takes all sorts I suppose, the though flits across her mind as she smiles politely at the assembled agents. Enjoying the brisk pace through Absalom, the stranger to the coty attenpts to get the lie of the land, but seems turned about.

Entering the home of the Chelaxian Paracountess she supresses a grimace at the anti-thesis of the nation she had sworn to serve along with her captain. She smiles politely at the paracountess and takes the offered weapon with a measured gesture, lightly stroking Zarta's arm and fingers, playing the woman's game.

"I do not mind wielding this, my blade won't help much against this type of hellish denizen. Unless someone else would prefer it?"

Lizbeth awaits the others readiness before pressing on to the next room.

The little wrinkled Gray thing squints at the paracountess. Then he nods, pulls out his Naginata, and moves over to the door with Shadowfang. He glances over his shoulder as if to ask if the party is ready for him to open it.

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Kara calls forth a mystical protective force.

Casting Mage Armor

If it's a devil then killing it will only return it to its home plane.

I'm fine with that.

I think we're ready to open the door.

Lebraerio opens the door, and checks the room

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

If it's a devil then killing it will only return it to its home plane.

"I'm afraid there's a bit of debate about that madam."

Kara is scandalized.

Madam??? Just how old do you think I am? It's "Miss", if you please, and regardless of where it goes it's in the way of us completing our mission.

Lizbeth winks at the paracountess and makes her way to the door as Lebraerio begins to open it, she raises her hands to try and forestall any further bickering between the primadonna and the braggart.

"Yes exactly, we have a mission, now let us kindly press on with it."

Archimeles produces an abacus. "Mrs. Saint-Germaine you are half-elven correct? Might I inquire as to the nature of your grandparentage?"

And open the door you shall

Zarta’s bedroom is decorated in the colors of Cheliax — ebon black and crimson red. Silk, rare woods, and carefully carved marble compose every bit of furniture in the room. Goose down now litters the room, covering almost every surface and the silken shreds of the cushions that contained it lie about like flayed skin . A post on the massive screened bed is snapped in half, collapsed on the bed and drawing the screened curtains into a ripped slope of formerly fine cloth. Vials of perfume and crystal jars of other cosmetics sit smashed on the marble floor around the dresser. A prominent fixture in the room, a large “X” made of stout wood sits along the west wall, complete with leather shackles and chains. A table sits to its left strewn with various items intended for pleasure, but outwardly resembling implements of pain.

Jumping on the ruined bed while holding a metal box, is a small, red-skinned creature with wings and a whipping scorpion-like tail.

The fiend disregards you completely while continuing its rampage by smashing the box against a broken bedpost.

The little wrinkled Gray thing squints at the paracountess. Then he nods, pulls out his Naginata, and moves over to the door with Shadowfang. He glances over his shoulder as if to ask if the party is ready for him to open it.

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Veilblade was the first to get to the door, so I swapped places with Lizbeth. Also, could you put down a token for Shadowfang?

Added a wolf token.

Kara arches both eyebrows at Archimeles.

No. You. May. Not.

She attempts a peaceful solution with the fiend.

You! Put that down or you'll regret it.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Yeah, about what you'd expect from a threat from a sheltered, highborn young lady, and also my inability to come up with any better consequences for her to threaten with.

Veilblade gestures to Shadowfang and then runs into the room, swinging his naginata. A moment later, Shadowfang follows after him.

naginata, attack, charge: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 2 = 22 for slashing: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

handle animal, attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

bite, attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13 for b/p/s: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 and free trip attempt if that hits: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Veilblade has Combat Reflexes and will take any AoOs agains the demon

also, FYI, GM, Veilblade will use his Resolute ability as an immediate action to roll twice and take the better result anytime he is forced to make a Will save. He can use it once a day.

Pyrgo looks intensely a room with more riches than what he had seen in his whole life. Yes, she has some interesting tastes, but look how much she had obtained. Then he´s absortion is interrupted by Kara and Achilles quarreling about proper languaje and ancestors, which let him notice the little winged creature.

K. Planes: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

If anyone is more interested in what were facing than in infights, or attacking first and ask second, I can tell you what it is.

The creature is an imp, one of the lowliest of devils. It has tough skin that can be penetrated by silver, has limited spellcasting abilities and a poisonous stinger. He continues with a smile, so it´s slightly more dangerous than myself

Know PLanes: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Just like he said.

The strange gray skinned "man" dashes to the attack

I guess any attempt at a peaceful resolution are vanishing like the morning dew under a shiny sun.

"Ah, young people today." Archimeles walks calmly into the room with a look of scholarly disapproval.

Is there anything left?

Lizbeth rolls her eyes at the rash and impulsive Wayang Well, at least he doesn't go on as much as others looking into the room she surveys the scene of displaced erotica with a raised eyebrow, silver letter opener held tight a sure grip.

She turns to Kara with amusement in her serpentine eyes, Ahh, another charge in, think later sort of boy, too many of those in this line of work."

Going to wait till actual initiative for combat actions.

Velblade storms in and delivers a mighty slash at the imp, who in turn shrieks with pain and anger. Shadowfang is not as lucky, and gnaws fruitlessly on the fiends tough hide.

Bold may act

Kara
Archimeles
Lebrario
Pyrgo
Veilblade + Shadowfang
Imp -7 damage
Lizbeth

It looks you´re right Lizbeth. Our group is full of people anxious to fight.

Let´s not dissapoint them. As he´s to far from the creature to join the fight right now, Pyrgo unsheates his rapier and enters into the room.

oh, I can't edit the map from my phone. Could you put it in Google Slides next time?

The wrinkled gray thing looks surprised--he clearly didn't think there was another option for dealing with a demon that is insane with rage.

in the past I have grappled the imp and then tied it up

He shrugs, points a direction to shadowfang, and then takes a few steps over before slashing at the imp again.

that's 10' West by Veilblade and 10' North by Shadowfang. The latter provokes.
handle animal, flank: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Shadowfang follows his command and moves to the other side of the imp, then bites at it again.

Naginata, attack, flanking: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14 for slashing: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

bite, attack, flanking: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 2 = 13 for b/p/s: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 and free trip attempt: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

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The imp is still startled, so Shadowfang passes is effortlessly. Striking in tandem, Veilblade and Shadowfang both wound the fiend further, but it continues its vile presence.

Bold may act

Kara
Archimeles
Lebrario
Pyrgo
Veilblade + Shadowfang
Imp - 15 damage
Lizbeth

Velblade storms in and delivers a mighty slash at the imp, who in turn shrieks with pain and anger. Shadowfang is not as lucky, and gnaws fruitlessly on the fiends tough hide.

Bold may act

Kara
Archimeles
Lebrario
Pyrgo
Veilblade + Shadowfang
Imp -7 damage
Lizbeth

So this happens last round. See 'If there is' spoiler above.

If there is anything left he might try giving the little samurai fellow some good advice. "You might in the future allow your fellows access to the objective rather than charging in like a one-wayang-army and in doing so blocking your allies' line of attack. Like many of the young your life seems regulated more by moral feeling than by reasoning--your mistakes are in the direction of vehemence and doing things too excess."

This inspires something akin to inspire courage (all allies, +1 to hit and damage and saves vs charm and fear) except of course for the condescending tone.

Round 2

The wrinkled gray thing looks surprised--he clearly didn't think there was another option for dealing with a demon that is insane with rage.

Archimele's either. "SIGH."

If sighs could be expressed in terms of sad, foamy-looking pancakes this would be all of them for any given Denny's at about 4:30 am on a Tuesday.

Climbs onto bed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Grapple imp (CMB, taking his own advice): 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 1 = 21

He makes a grab for the thing's tail.

"Give me that box you rotter." He says in a stern voice quiet aware of the undignified situation he has found himself in and desperate to end it before his fellow philosophers get wind of it--Phillipus Mayweather would never let him hear the end of it.

Archimeles catches the imp in a vice like grip. It struggles for a moment before calming down.

It speaks up in a squeaky voice.

“Yes, you’ve bested me, but I don’t wish to leave so soon. Take the blasted box, and tell Mistress Dralneen I deserve what comes my way.”

---Combat over---

One down, three to go.

"May she not bequeath you so much in riches, but rather a spirit of reverence."

Lizbeth pouts as she realises the fight is over so quickly and gives an elegant shrug before looking at the dagger and making her way to the Chelaxian Paracountess. Well, the Cap'n did say to play nice, even with the Chels. With a graceful bow she holds the letter opener out for the Paracountess.

"It would appear both of our difficulties have come to an end for the moment, do enjoy yourself I hope"