PFS PbP Gameday 3 #3–25: Storming the Diamond Gate (3-7)

Game Master slin2678

Kiklit casts Read Magic and notes what the scrolls do, letting his fellow Pathfinders know through the Message spell. "These may be useful if we encounter more demons, and if Teenoch gets out of hand." he whispers to them.

To the living agents, Though I hate repeating myself, your only real chance to get out of this alive is to cooperate with us and renounce the vile Aspis. intimidate: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
Who else is in the complex? Where are they? What else can you tell me that might make me want to let you live?
sense motive on any response: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Morrolan successfully intimidates the surviving Aspis agent for 10 minutes.

intimidate duration: 1d6 ⇒ 1

The Aspis agent, with fear in his eyes, stutters, "Please...please...I'll...I'll be useful to you. Just don't hurt me."

Taking a deep breath, he continues, "We are led by a powerful conjurer named Aglorn Desimire. I don't know how many more of us are in the temple. I'm just a lowly guard and am not privy to the Consortium's plans. That's all I know! I swear!."

You sense that he is being truthful.

"Now that we have information either kill him or lock him up. We have a conjurer to get rid off." Logain says dismissively and heads towards the other passageway.
"Teenoch, what do you know about the temple? Could you scout how many are in there?"

Skipper frowns to himself at his colleague's ready willingness to kill those who have surrendered.

"We lock them up," he says, firmly (well, as firmly as one can when one has a voice most charitably described as a high tenor).

To the invisible Teenoch, he says, "Listen. Our superiors and the people these men work for at war with each other. They WILL be punished-- our superiors will deal harshly with them. Their punishment could last decades, if you let our masters handle it! But like I said, I won't just let you kill them. I don't want to fight you, Teenoch..."

Diplomacy to try and convince Teenoch not to try and kill the Aspis agents: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

As he speaks, he's ushering the surrendered agent into one of the cells. There's also that injured probably-Pathfinder to worry about.

Heal check on the unconscious man, to try and verify it's just HP damage and not something else, then a wand charge to heal him. (If necessary, Skipper will use more than one charge.)

Heal?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Wand-heal: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Skipper gives a nod of approval to Kiklit for his work with the scrolls. "Good eye."

Hmm... That's not a lot of information to really make me feel like saving you. I just don't know. Locks the cell door and walks away to think.

Morrolan will also check on the PF agent.
heal+guidance: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 = 18

The man wakes up when Skipper taps him with the wand.

"Wha...? Where...Where am I?," he mumbles as he comes to. Weakly, he lifts his head to gaze at you.

Slowly sitting up to lean against the back wall, he seems to have recovered more. "So who are you?" he asks bluntly.

Does anyone have obvious displays of being Pathfinder out in the open?

Morrolan does.

The man notices Morrolan's wayfinder. "So Pathfinders, eh?" he says softly. "Finally. I thought I was going to die in here."

He tries to stand up but is still too weak, sliding slowly back down the wall onto his knees. "My name is Besnik."

From your heal checks, you can see Besnik has not been treated well. No permanent injuries but he suffers from several large bruises, dehydration, and malnourishment.

Some Bread? Its freshly baked. offers Nevaeh

"Pathfinders, yes!" Skipper chirps, fishing out his own wayfinder from inside his shirt collar to show off. "Do you need more healing? Water? How did you come to be here, Besnik?"

Sense Motive just to put his mind at ease, that the man is a friend, not a foe: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Even as he speaks, Skipper is still keeping an eye (or an ear) out for Teenoch making a move on the agents. He's fairly sure that locking them in the cells will keep them safe from the demon, at least, once they get to that point.

"If you have any information, please share it. We have little time and you can go back to the lodge through the portal just outside this shrine."

Raory leans on his sword as he catches his breath and listens to the convo..

"Yes, some bread and water. Thank you," he says as he accepts the offerings.

He gnaws on the bread hungrily, strength returning with each bite. After taking a huge gulp of water, he looks alot better.

"I'm afraid I want able to notice much as we were only able to explore this level of the temple," he says slowly. "About a dozen or so Aspis agents flowed through here the past few days. They are led by a arcane cater of some sort named Aglorn something or other, though I've only seen him once. "

He frowns as he continues, "I'm sorry I can't provide more information but I must return to Absolam to file my report. I'm afraid I'm of no use to you in this condition."

Aaaahhh. Sorry about all the typos above. That's the risk of trying to do stuff via phone!

"Very well. Head back outside and through the portal on the other side. You should get a proper welcome at the other side."

Guess we'll have to do this the hard way. Kiklit, you want to bluff the way forward again?

Morrolan moves over to the stairs and listens at the door.
perception plus a guidance: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 1 = 24

Kiklit nods and joins Morrolan at the front.

Perception as well. Might get lucky... 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Has Teenoch gone silent? Skipper's not really comfortable with leaving an invisible demon at their back who may not be pleased with them, even a dinky little demon, so Skipper is trying to get a vocal confirmation from Teenoch just to know where Teenoch is before moving on.

"Teenoch.... answer me if you're in the room," Skipper says, warningly, even as he pats the other Pathfinder on the back and wishes him a safe travel out of here.

If Teenoch does not answer or make some sign of her presence, Skipper will cast invisibility purge before they leave this room, goes 35' out from him.

"Are you done with them?" you hear a voice by the cell holding the conscious Aspis Agent.

"Can I have them now??

Okay, I'm trying not to be That Player who is hung up on an alignment thing here, and stopping the entire game from moving forward, so, let me try and clarify what Skipper is and is not willing to do here. He's told Teenoch twice that he will not allow Teenoch to kill the surrendered Aspis agents, who surrendered under the belief that they were saving their lives by doing so. Teenoch appears to be ignoring Skipper's ultimatum on the issue, or perhaps just hoping the rest of the group doesn't share Skipper's belief. As far as Skipper is concerned, letting a demon slaughter surrendered foes is an evil act, and he will not be party to it, even by tacit consent/looking the other way. That is his in-character opinion (not necessarily mine as a judgment on the other characters).

Skipper will not proceed (though the the rest of the party is free to do so, if they desire) until he is sure that the surrendered Aspis agents are not exposed to immediate danger from Teenoch. The simplest way he sees to do that is to lock them into the cells, take the key with him, and make sure Teenoch is not in the cells with them. So, in light of that, he will demand that Teenoch show herself so he knows Teenoch is not in the cell. He will reiterate that he won't let Teenoch kill them. If necessary, he will fight Teenoch, if Teenoch does not agree to these terms. I don't expect the rest of the party to go to bat if they don't want to, I'm just explaining that I can't move my character out of this scene without resolving this, as far as his alignment and his roleplay goes. Sorry, I really don't want to be holding everyone else up here.

"No," Skipper says sharply. "Teenoch, show yourself right now, or I will make you show yourself. If you try and kill the surrendered people, I am going to stop you, and you won't like that either."

"Let it go Teenoch, or you will be killed. This lowly cretin has already surrendered itself. We are going after it's boss and it's doubtful he will surrender himself as quickly. Wouldn't your mistress be happier if you helped kill the leader of the invaders instead of a simple minion and be banished back to her realm by my companion here? I'm sure she would be rather dissapointed with you and will torture you to no end." Logain says, trying to guide the creature to see the logic in forgetting about this minion and continue assisting us.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Skipper shoots Logain a grateful look, and nods fervently along with what the other man says. He crosses his fingers, hoping Teenoch agrees.

Morrolan doesn't particularly care either way about the Aspis agents. he won't kill them himself, but he see's no particular reason to help those that have only assisted his foes.
On the other hand, he will stand by his allies. Teenoch is not an ally. If a fight with Teenoch breaks out, he will do what it takes to put that one back to his home plane.

I say we just ring the monster's neck and be over this this moral debate. The paladin says while sitting at the table munching on the other half of the loaf of bread and drinking, if he can find anything.

"You mean Teenoch or Skipper?" Logain can't help but joke.

Very funny wizard. Nevaeh says as he tosses an empty cup lightly at Logain.

"I care not either way but it appears my companions dont wish the agents harmed, so if that happens you will be killed tiny demon.. And whats left of your so called precious temple will be destroyed as well.. You should take your leave now.."

"I'm with the others on this. Leave the Aspis agents alone, Teenoch. This is our deal. Accept it please." Kiklit says.

Aid Diplomacy 1d20 ⇒ 16

"Let it go Teenoch, or you will be killed. This lowly cretin has already surrendered itself. We are going after it's boss and it's doubtful he will surrender himself as quickly. Wouldn't your mistress be happier if you helped kill the leader of the invaders instead of a simple minion and be banished back to her realm by my companion here? I'm sure she would be rather dissapointed with you and will torture you to no end." Logain says, trying to guide the creature to see the logic in forgetting about this minion and continue assisting us.

Upon hearing Logain's words, the demon pops into existence in the room. "You make an excellent point caster." she says thoughtfully. "Let us go vanquish the rest of those disgraceful intruders to my lady's sanctum."

She shoots a dirty look to Skipper, then Naveah, and then an especially spiteful look at Roary when he mentions destroying the temple.

"Now," she continues before going invisible again, "shall we continue?"

Besnik, looking completely confused, takes this opportunity to try his strength again. He stands up shakily, testing his legs.

"Thank you for your assistance," he says as he takes a few halting steps. "I believe I can make it to my my extraplanar gate just outside the temple."

Each step becomes steadier as he walks out of the holding room. Stopping, he turns to look back at you and says, "Good luck Pathfinders," before turning and continuing down the hall.

"Yes, let's," Skipper sighs in relief. He takes a moment to murmur to the Aspis agents, you'd better stay in here if you don't want her to kill you... before making sure they are secured.

"Right. Let's keep going. Desimire... I'm pretty sure that's a Chelish family, isn't it?"

Skipper falls silent again as they start proceeding through the halls. He has no love for the Chelish... too many of his kinsmen are slaves in that country. He falls into position at the back/middle of the group once more.

knowledge nobility: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"Quite right. He's but a minor nobleman though. His brother on the other hand is quite the powerful aristocrat.

Go up ahead, Teenoch, scout for what is to come so we can take this nobleman down a notch." Logain says and waits for the strong fighters to take the lead again.

"After you."

Assuming we didn't hear anything at the door...

Morrolan opens the door for Teenoch and the others.

You open the door and Teenoch flies by with a soft, "I'll be right back."

After a few minutes, she returns and says, "There are three humans down there around the Diamond Gate. Two of them have longbows and one does not have a weapon drawn."

Place your icons just before the last corner on the new map. I'll reveal the main map area as well as place what you see when I get home tonight.

Well, lets get this over with shall we.
Cast Bless weapon

Logain casts ablative barrier on himself and just before they reach their enemies, he refreshes his wand of shield on himself and uses a wand of expeditious retreat.

"I'll try to blind them with a glitterdust spell, then follow you into combat."

Roary moves up and readies a charging attack

Kiklit casts a spell before proceeding, then whispers, "This may be a good time to utilize Invisibility Sphere and another Silence that I have prepared. If I cast the Silence on Roary or the Paladin, we can shut down any spells from the Conjuror."

Cast Shield one way or the other.

"Im fine with that idea, just let me go ahead first.."

Morrolan casts a guidance then divine favor on himself just before Kilklit casts the silence.
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Excellent plan Kliklit! Each put a hand on the shoulder of the person in front of you so we don't get separated until Roary charges.
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Roary, I moved you forward on the map. let me know if that is not correct.

Four crimson-hued plateaus pierce an unseen depth, providing contrast to the otherwise bleak cavern. The cavern floor, if it even exists, waits somewhere beyond the glow radiating from the strange red rock speckled throughout this cave. A quartet of swaying rope bridges connects the plateaus together, creating a path that snakes toward a set of descending stairs that disappear into scarlet shadows.

As you peak around the corner, what you see is on the map.

I have placed you in stack formation. Please move yourself if you want to be in a different location. Let me know your actions if you want to try for a surprise round.

Wow they really made it hard for us to get down there. I guess we try and get down there as quietly and quickly as possible whilst under the effects of the silence and invisibility sphere.

Well we really can't talk or see each other in the silence and invisibility. But if we want to all remain invisible, it will need to be cast on someone in the middle of the group or we need to surround Roary. Or maybe the silence on Roary (larger radius) so he can try to close with the caster and the invisibility sphere on someone else in the middle of the group.
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Hopefully the spells should last at least long enough to get us past the bugs. We may have to slow down to not make the bridges swing too noticeably.
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Kiklit, would you make a knowledge check to see if you think the bridges are strong enough to hold all of us at once. If we have to go across individually we will be outside our invisibility sphere.
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Morrolan tries to determine what kind of bugs those are and how dangerous they will be to the group...
any of the monster knowledges: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
and if there appears to be any danger, problems with the bridges, or how they are attached to the stone.
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 another +2 if unusual stonework

Under the spell invisibility sphere you can see one another and yourself.

Under the spell invisibility sphere you can see one another and yourself.

Hungh... You are correct. I somehow managed to forget that. So we can at least communicate with pointing and charades.

Skipper peers at the scene, taking it in with a quick glance. He taps Roary to get his attention, then flaps his arms like a bird, and points to Roary, and then shrugs questioningly?

Skipper also holds up three fingers, then points one at himself, and then moves the hand with three fingers in a jumping motion, finishing by pointing down at the Aspis agents. He looks inquisitively to the others.

He also points at his mouth, and looks to Kiklit with yet a third shrug.

Silence isn't the longest duration spell, alas; I would assume it takes Skipper at least two move actions to mime what he's miming, if DM is wanting to track things.

GM, I assume the elevation changes are cumulative. It is 100 feet down to one, then 100 feet more to go down to the next, etc... So I think that will be a long jump down.
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Morrolan watches Skipper for a moment. Then points at himself and shakes his head and holds up a potion.
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Morrolan has a potion of spider climb if we are going to try and avoid the bridges. I suppose Roary could carry a couple of the lighter PC's.

Roary gives the "AH" nod of acknowledgement and pulls a potion from his pouch.. Gulping it down and slowly rises off the ground a few inches.. Drinking Fly Pot He then pulls another and drinks it as well.. Potion of Pro Evil

Lol, Potion works. I was proposing the spell, but potion > spell when silence is in play, anyway.

Next level I can fly and feather fall and levitate freely, for now, nope :(

Logain taps Skipper on the shoulder, flapping his arms and pointing to himself. He demonstrates his sword to emphasize the point of his use in close quarters.