[PFS] PbP Gameday 4: GM Harker Presents #4-14 My Enemy's Enemy (Inactive)

Game Master Justin L. Warren

"How long will it take him to recover? Is there anything we can do to aid his recovery?"

turning to the old women Moadis asks: What can you tell us about Antaios Mrs....? Sorry what is your name again ma'am?

Also, what is a plater? I am not familiar with that word.

A planter is a decorative container in which plants are grown.

From Halkale's estimation, Elias will probably be good in about half a week. The only thing that could really hasten his recovery would be magic to restore his sense of mind and/or improve his general health.

"Antaios? Huh? Sorry, I ain't familiar. Like I said, that shop gives me allergies so I don't go in there if I don't have to so I don't have a good handle on his business as long as the rent comes in on time." The elderly woman replies, then introduces herself, "I'm Abigail Soap, his landlady."

"Wasn't that the name on the planter that was overturned? on the plate? Halkale asks.

While the paladins are busy talking to the land lady, Mel slinks off to try the locked door.
open lock: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

-Posted with Wayfinder

Slipping away back downstairs, Melufiuos takes a moment to unlock the door to the backroom.

I'm going to assume Mel will wait for the others to join him before opening it up.

I am out of ideas about what to ask the old women. If nobody has other questions Moadis will thank her and go down to help inspecting the shop and said plater.

Also what kind of magic would "restore his sense of mind and/or improve his general health"? Would lay on hands be enough?

The kind of magic that would heal ability damage from poison, such as Lesser Restoration.

Quiella looks to Ophelia. "Can you help him?"

if Ophelia doesn't have a slot free to prepare Lesser Restoration we should probably split the cost of a scroll. We need to hear this guy's perspective.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Before you potentially go out and spend gold, it's clear to Halkale that the man will probably need a lot of sleep even if his ability damage if healed, so he probably won't be very talkative either way.

Yes, Mel will wait until everyone is downstairs and near, then he will open the door, "Hey, I thought you said this door was locked?"

-Posted with Wayfinder

Once the group finishes interviewing Mrs. Soap and examining Elias Chert, Melufiuos pulls everyone back to the shop and opens the northeast door behind the counter. Tools, soil, and pots are stored in the room beyond, all next to a deeply-scarred hardwood worktable. A strange plant, shaped like a jaguar made of thorny vines and covered in freshly blooming rose buds, sits crouched in the corner among torn sacks of potting earth.

"Halkale, do you have any idea what that is?"

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Halkale looks at the thorny Jaguar and studies it, searching his memory.

If Halkale is unable to discern what the strange topiary is, Valik will take a look at it.

nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Mel tilts his head sideways and almost whispers to himself, "they never mentioned whether or not plants had fear. I'll bet it doesn't even notice" As he says this, he pulls out his wand of cause fear and casualty fires it at the plant. He has no weapons drawn as he is genuinely lost in curiosity.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Although Halkale isn't quite sure what the plant is, Valik identifies it as as a Living Topiary. He recalls that slashing weapons or fire are the best way to combat such a creature.

Melufiuos points a wand at the Topiary and casts Cause Fear on it. Although the spell appears to have no effect on the plant, it does cause it to stir aggressively towards the party.

PC Initiative
Halkale's Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Melufiuos' Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Moadis' Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Ophelia's Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Quiella's Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Valik's Intiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Initiative (Round 1)
Halkale/Frostfur <= Up
Living Topiary
Ophelia
Melufiuos
Valik
Moadis
Quiella

Halkale and Frostfur are up first in initiative.

Mel nods to himself in satisfaction when the wand has no effect, but then stares, wide eyed, as the plant attacks. "Ummmmmmm, oops?"

-Posted with Wayfinder

Halkale fires an arrow at the Living Topiary, doing some damage to the creature despite the piercing nature of his projectile. With the bottleneck near the door, Halkale keeps Frostfur back for the moment.

Halkale's Arrow + PBS - Cover: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 11 - 4 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

The Topiary then stalks forward and swipes at Melufiuos with both of its thorny claws. The second slam hits the poor elf, leaving him with some serious scratches. Melufiuos takes 11 damage from the slam.

Initiative (Rounds 1-2)
Halkale/Frostfur <= Up
Living Topiary
Ophelia <= Up
Melufiuos [11 dmg] <= Up
Valik <= Up
Moadis <= Up
Quiella <= Up

The whole party may take their actions.

Valik, despite all conventional wisdom, will try to tumble through the thorns and vines. He clicks his heels for added measure.

acro: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

"Yeow!" shouts the elf as he is struck. Yet somehow he retains a measure of calm, taking a five foot step back and using his wand of shield. "Don't kill it. That is this man's creation, if not his friend!"

-Posted with Wayfinder

Valik tumbles past the topiary like a professional, while Melufiuos retreats slightly and casts magical shielding on himself via wand.

Ophelia, Moadis, Quiella, Halkale/Frostfur

Quiella glances at Moadis, "it's you or me, brother. "

-Posted with Wayfinder

Valik, then smacks the topiary with dagger he grabs from his boot.

dagger, AC 17: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 141d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"Yeow!" shouts the elf as he is struck. Yet somehow he retains a measure of calm, taking a five foot step back and using his wand of shield. "Don't kill it. That is this man's creation, if not his friend!"

So you want us to make peace with it now that you have just attacked it?! Why did you do it in the first place? There were other paths to take here. Moadis says annoyed and draws his greatsword but uses it to subdual the creature.

Attk: 1d20 + 8 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 4 - 2 = 19
SD Dmg: 2d6 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 + 6 = 14

Valik slashes at the plant with his dagger, but the creature is too fast for him and the attack misses.

Moadis moves forward while drawing his greatsword and smacks the creature hard with the the flat of his blade.

Quiella casts Shield of Faith on Moadis, then advances while drawing her polearm.

Unable to do nonlethal damage with his arrows, Halkale steps slightly closer and just fires one at the creature. He also continues keeping Frostfur in place.

Halkale's Arrow + PBS - Cover: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 11 - 4 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Ophelia draws her morningstar and moves closer to the plant creature.

Anataios turns its full attention to Valik and attempts to slam him with each of its claws. The first one is a solid hit, causing some signficant injury to the monk. Valik takes 11 damage from the first hit.

Initiative (Rounds 2-3)
Halkale/Frostfur <= Up
Living Topiary
Ophelia <= Up
Melufiuos [11 dmg] <= Up
Valik [11 dmg]<= Up
Moadis <= Up
Quiella <= Up

Everyone is up!

"But.. But.. It.. I.."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Valik, once again tries to slash the creature.

dagger, AC 17: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Just...
Moadis sighs and press on with his attack.
Next time be more mindful of your actions kid.

Attk: 1d20 + 8 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 - 4 - 2 = 7
SD Dmg: 2d6 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 + 6 = 16

Mel is feeling quite foolish right now and decided, on the spot, that he should fix things. With an, ooh s%$*, what am I doing! look on his face, the young magus dives past Modias and attempts to grapple with the plant, to subdue and calm it.

I have no idea what to roll, so roll for me. His goal is to restrain the plant and then sooth it with calming tones and saying it's name.
stupid elf

-Posted with Wayfinder

Halkale stares at Mel, a small curse escaping his lips, but he fires an arrow at the topiary.

Attack, PBS: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 1 = 27 Damage, if hits, PBS: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

Again holding Frostfur back.

Quiella tries to smack the topiary with her polearm... but hits the doorframe instead.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Valik slashes through part of the topiary, leaving an ugly divot in the creature's back.

After scolding Melufiuos, Moadis misses with his second attack.

Melufiuos, you can review the rules for grappling on the PRD from this website.

Melufiuos moves in to attempt to grapple the creature, leaving himself open to an attack of opportunity by the plant. Fortunately the topiary does not come close to striking him, but the elf cannot get a good grip on it either.

Melufiuos CMB to Grapple: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Halkale fires yet another arrow at topiary and again does some damage to it.

A nearby doorframe thwarts Quiella's attempt to strike the plant monster.

Ophelia switches to her dagger, and attempts a nonlethal attack that misses.

Ophelia Dagger: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Anataios takes a few steps to the northwest and turns its full attention on Valik, striking him soundly with both thorn covered claws. Valik's injuries are so severe that the monk loses consciousness. Valik took 19 damage in total from two slams.

Initiative (Rounds 3-4)
Halkale/Frostfur <= Up
Living Topiary
Ophelia <= Up
Melufiuos [11 dmg] <= Up
Valik [30 dmg; Dying, stabilization check needed]<= Up
Moadis <= Up
Quiella <= Up

The PC's are up

Valik, is unable to dodge out of the way of the thorny "claws". The first one sends him reeling, the second leaves a nasty wound on his chest. He falls to the ground, bleeding from multiple puncture wounds caused by dozen of thorns. He continues to bleed from the holes.

stable?: 1d20 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) - 2 + 1 = 6

Hoping to get luckier this time Moadis strikes the creature again. The odd way the paladin holds his blade make the strikes seem almost silly.

Attk: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 4 = 16
SD Dmg: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 6) + 4 = 13

Moadis, where on the map did you intend to move? On top of Valik, or the square below him? Or did you draw your polearm? The topiary moved away. Where you are affects my action.

Is this plant regenerating?

-Posted with Wayfinder

Just one square north from his current position on the map.

It does not appear to be regenerating or fast healing.

With another nonlethal blow from Moadis' sword, the Living Topiary appears to be knocked out or at least whatever the equivalent of that is to a plant.

Combat Over

While someone undoubtedly rushes over to stop Valik from bleeding out, those searching the unconscious body of Anataios find a scrap of blood-streaked, colored cloth clinging to one of its limbs.

Diplomacy can also be used to gather the above information, but that takes some time and would require leaving the shop. Since it's unclear if Mrs. Soap would let you back in again, it's probably best if you finish your investigation on site first before you start canvassing the street for information.

stable: 1d20 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) - 3 + 1 = 17

Mel plops to the floor, stunned, a puzzled and unbelieving expression on his face. After a bit, he comes to his senses and insists that his wand be used, exclusively to heal everyone. You find it really weird to see someone trying to be insistent and forceful while refusing to look anyone in the eye.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Later, he looks at the cloth
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Knowledge local DC15: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Melufiuos insists that his wand be used to to heal everyone, and Ophelia complies with this request, bringing Melufiuos and Valik back to full health.

Make sure you mark off the 14 charges, Melufiuos.

Valik, stands up after clearing his head after he wakes up.

I will never look at rose bushes the same again

He looks over at Len studying a piece of cloth.

May I try young one?

K local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

16 charges left before the wand turns to dust..... need to find some more bush :)

K. Local: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Moadis looks at the cloth but does not find anything relevant about it

Those of you who made the Knowledge (local) checks may want to share your knowledge with the others, especially since they can then make the later K. (local) checks even if they fail the earlier ones if they possess the earlier information.

Also, the space in the northeast hasn't been investigated yet despite now being visible to the group, let me know if you want to look around there.

dang computer ate my post! Too long to retype :(
Mel shares what he knows about the rag.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Melufiuos identifies the scrap of cloth as part of a satek—a kerchief commonly worn by ethnic Varisians. The cheaply printed scarf, bandanna, or shawl employs an intricate pattern to discreetly display the wearer’s Sczarni affiliations.

Everyone can now make another Knowledge (local) check, except Mel who didn't make the DC when he rolled a second time.