PFS PbP Gameday 5: 6-02 The Silver Mount Collection [3-7] (Inactive)

Game Master Feral

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Zeno is working on one of his maps, finishing his refinements on the mountains of Southern Galt, when suddenly he feels the urge to get up and open a window. He does so, and barely two or three seconds pass before a blunt-tipped arrow sails through the window and lands in his seat. There is a note from the Society attached to it....

“It is truly a pleasure to be back.” Venture Captain Drandle Dreng takes a seat at the head of the table and leafs through the papers set before him. “Some of you might have worked with me before my… furlough. And I look forward to reminiscing, but first it seems we need to spend the next few hours tidying up the paperwork you’ve accumulated overt the course of your adventures.” He wets his cracked lips. “First, we have this extradition order from Cheliax for... Oh my. Well, I’m sure the Society can—“ A blue-grey shape crashes through the window and lands on the oak table with a metallic schwak! The tangle of wings and claws eventually stands, a gleaming silver raven, and opens its mouth. “G—gods help me, Dreng, I’m dying,” a distant male voice sputters from the bird. “Men in black—came for… Numeria exhibits. It’s Nigel... I’ve been shot! You owe me, you old bastard!” Dreng’s lips crack and pop as they tighten. “Well… Sounds like you lot need to head to the Wise District. That sounds like Nigel Aldain, so go to the Blakros Museum. If he lives through the night, I might be able to make something of this—” he waves a hand over the mound of parchment, “disappear.”

Please include a description of your character with your first post. Also, you may roll a Knowledge (local or nobility check) to see what you've heard about the Blakros museum.

You can also attempt a check to see what you know about Numeria.

A large, burly half-orc, who had been straining to keep up with Dreng before the bird thing appeared, eagerly stands up and cracks a tusked smile to the assembled agents.

"What a shame we can't stay and work on our reports..." He winks slyly. "Well, we'd better go save good old Nigel. Wouldn't be the first time, at least for me."

Zavita walks in at the tail end of the crashing bird.

"I am sorry if I am late. I was finishing up with a patient." After eharing the bird saying something about being shot. "oh, I guess I am needed else where." With that she turns on her heal and walks back out the door.

If you have room for one more, I would like to submit Awen. I can have him ready to go tonight.

Can you keep up? I expect at least one post per day?

One post per day? yes I can do that. I have some travelling to do mon/tues for Dr appts with the wifey, but other than that, it wont be a problem.

A dark shape jumps our of the shadows in the corner as the bird crashes the party. In his excitement, his carefully maintained hood falls back to reveal the nubs of horns and pointed teeth of a Tiefling. His tail switches back and forth in agitation as the bird gives its message, then silently, the demon spawn flows out the door like a moving shadow.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30

An elegantly-dressed elf with platinum hair and turquoise eyes mysteriously leans back in his chair moments before the silver raven comes crashing in, and returns it to normal after the commotion is over. He thinks about what has been said for a moment.

"I understand the museum's been closed for the past few weeks - they've been suffering a greater volume of calamities recently than is standard even for them. The Blakros family didn’t build the museum, you know. They bought it from some insane wizard’s estate after he died. I understand that Mr. Nigel isn't a Blakros by birth, he married into it - I wonder if that matters. Then again, the Technic League will gladly shoot anybody who manages to part them from the smallest scrap of Numeria's wonders."

@Awen: That'll do. Welcome aboard.

I didn't see any questions in there so I'm going to assume you guys are ready to move on.

With their preparations complete the party leaves the lodge behind and heads toward the museum.

***

The dark, blocky architecture of the Blakros Museum squats stubbornly between the more impressive government buildings of the Wise Quarter. One of the older buildings in Absalom, it remains unchanged and lacks the ornamentation of its newer neighbors. Imposing statues of armored men flank the entrance ahead, one partially obscured by a half-fallen banner reading “Grand New Exhibition!” A blue flicker intermittently tints the dark windows, casting long, dull shadows over the groomed gardens and fountain. A crumpled figure in bloodstained robes lies against the fountain’s edge.

Seeing the ominous individual against the fountain, Zeno prepares himself with magical defenses.

false life: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 (duration 5 hours)

I also use my mage armor wand (duration 1 hour).

Gromsk draws his trusty falchion and assumes a defensive position between the fountain and the main entrance.

"Any of you good at doctoring? If so, take a look at that poor feller, and I'll stand guard."

Anyone familiar with the Blakros museum recognizes the victim as its caretaker, Nigel Aldain.

Gromsk has met him twice before.

Looking over his shoulder, Gromsk recognizes the elf.

"That's Nigel who sent us that bird thing. We'd better patch him and hear what he has to say."

Approaching Nigel, it quickly becomes clear to even the untrained eye that Nigel's impending mortality is mostly a haze of shock and melodrama. “Keep your heads down fools! They could be anywhere!” he says weakly.

“Gromsk? Is that you? Did Dreng send you? It was... it was... it was in no way my fault! We took every precaution! Tomorrow was going to be such an event, unveiling the new museum, and absolutely nothing could go wrong! I personally inspected every artifact that came in, as both a scholar and a wizard. Everything was harmless as a newborn lamb! And anything the least bit suspicious went right into the lockbox! We even made sure those bizarre “robots” of theirs were neutralized!"

"You *do* know which museum you're curating, correct, Mr. Blakros?" Says Zeno sardonically.

Gromsk raises an eyebrow.

"So what happened in there? And what in the blazes is a 'robot'?"

On the way over, Zavita establishes a link with every one. It is life link, if any one loses more than 5 hp, at the beginning of my round, I will absorb 5 hit points.

Zavita walks up to Nigel makes a quick assessment.

heal check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

If it serious enough she will heal him. I do have a wand of CLW, or if it calls for something more powerful. I might be able to pull it off.

A brief examination reveals to Zavita that Nigel is more or less fine. There is a bruise on his knee that her wand heals instantly.

"Thank you dear. It was those vile cultists! They struck in the night like cowards! Oh, Abadar preserve my poor staff! None of us know how to fight. I went to find help and those Numerian monsters shot me in the back! I blacked out. Thought I’d gone on to the Boneyard, but when I awoke I called for assistance. I don’t know how many of my workers are still alive! Pendleton was in there!"

"You have to do something. They could destroy the entire museum! Half of that exhibit belongs to you people!”

I will mark a charge of my wand. Such a drama queen

Zavita finished up her healing and stands back up.

"He should be fine. Now, if you want to head in, I will be right behind you."

Unless you want the healer to go first.

Gromsk eagerly takes point.

"Alright, you softies stay behind me..."

Sorry about not posting GM. Ysterday was Dr appointments and travelling home.

I have darkvision as well as a high stealth. Yall want me to move ahead of the party as a scout?

Awen stands by as the others render thier ministrations, but does casually drop a hand on the mans shoulders as he passes by. The first sound that the group has heard this heavily cloaked shadow make are the words "Don't worry, Nigel. You and your exhibits will be safe. I will make sure of it.. again". Awen dashes up towards the lead of the party and examines the exterior as he approaches the museum.
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25
Quiet as a shadow, Awen then dashes forward and peers through any doors or windows nearby.
Stealth: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28

Tieflings, always so careless and leaping before looking.

Zavita, being an Aasimar, has a personal disdain for all things tiefling. Do not take it personally.

Zavita makes sure that everyone is accounted for and follows in closely behind the barbarian.

With Nigel accounted for, the party enters the infamous Blakros Museum.

An electric tang overpowers the room’s scent of polish and wax. Walls and pillars of hewn black stone support the heavy ceiling overhead and a lattice of lamps burning with a steady, white flame. Dozens of paintings, both stunning and lackluster, line the walls just beyond the museum’s grand doors. Various statues stand against the walls, while a towering bronze figure, arm outstretched with waves parting beneath him, almost scrapes the fifteen-foot ceiling at the chamber’s far end.

Doors to the west are delicately labeled “Facilities,” while a sign over the double doors across the gallery boasts “Histories of the World.” Two sets of double-doors stand at the room’s north end, barely ajar. A banner hanging overhead proclaims “Secret Sorceries of a Savage Land,” while a more subdued sign below that reads “Grand Exhibition Hall.”

Four clockwork constructs guard the room blocking passage forward. One levels a sparking polearm at the party. “Desist all trespassing” it says in an inhuman voice.

Init: 5d20 ⇒ (14, 12, 18, 1, 3) = 48

The party is up.

The rush of battle taking over, Gromsk advances on the metal men with surprising clarity of mind. He takes a powerful strike at the construct flecked with yellow paint.

Entering rage as a free action, then moving up and power attacking the yellow baddy. Note that I ignore the power attack penalty on the first attack each round due to Furious Focus.

Attack, rage, power attack (furious focus): 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 13 + 2 = 33
Crit confirm?, anatomist: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 2 + 1 = 30

Damage, rage, power attack (magic, adamantine): 2d4 + 8 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (3, 1) + 8 + 3 + 6 = 21
Extra crit damage: 2d4 + 8 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (4, 3) + 8 + 3 + 6 = 24

Hmm, this half-orc sure does look like he enjoys combat.

Zavita not feeling the need to move in combat quite yet. Reaches one of her burned hands up to her bandolier touches a flask.Alchemist Fire. She then points a hand toward her target.Green and unleashes her spell.

Awen steps off to the side, and draws his bow. Sighting down the arrow, he chooses the blue painted clockwork, and sends an arrow that way.
Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 = 29
Dmg: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 1 = 9

Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 = 27
Crit dmg: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

@Awen: Your longbow does TRIPLE damage on a critical hit! :)

Knowledge (Engineering) to identify robots: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Zeno traces his fingers over his bow, and it begins to thrum with palpable force.

I cast gravity bow (duration 5 minutes).

Ah. Good catch, my friend. Thank you! I also forgot to add in my sneak attack vs flatfooted.

More Crit dmg!: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Sneak: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Forts: 3d20 ⇒ (4, 3, 20) = 27

Gromsk, Zavita, and Awen each land devastating blows on the assembled constructs. Their metallic forms seem to partially resist the attacks but the ones struck by Gromsk and Zavita in particular rattle and spark erratically from the damage.

The constructs strike back!

Vs Gromsk: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Vs Gromsk: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Vs Zavita: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Vs Awen: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

The party is up.

Somehow realizing he is in danger, Gromsk adopts a defensive stance before striking at the yellow construct again.

Using the Guarded Stance rage power as a move action, then power attacking yellow.

Attack, rage, power attack (furious focus): 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 2 = 28
Damage, rage, power attack (magic, adamantine): 2d4 + 8 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 8 + 3 + 6 = 23

This is not good

Five foot step and then attempt to cast defensively.

At the beginning of the turn, Zavita absorbs some of the damage from her comrades. Gromsk and Awen, I know it is not much, but you each heal 5 hp

Concentration check vs DC 17: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Yay..? They sure hit hard...

Yeah unfortunately this is the one revelation that does not scale with level. It was good for levels 1-3, but not worth a damn at higher tiers.

This is probably one of the hardest scenarios of the season. I suggest you don't hold back with the resources.

+1 Adaptive Composite Longbow, Point-Blank Shot, gravity bow, Focused Shot VS Red: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 1) + 9 = 12
CRITICAL THREAT!: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
critical damage: 4d6 + 18 ⇒ (4, 3, 4, 1) + 18 = 30

Thanks Zavita. Every little bit helps at this point..

Awen reels from the stunning blows unleashed upon his body. However, this is not the first time that he has fought out classed, and most likely will not be the last. Grimacing, Awen drops his bow and grabs his sword.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
He misses, then gives ground, trying to buy himself some time.

With another mighty blow, Gromsk smashes one of the constructs into sparking inert pieces. Zeno connects with an arrow but it seems to do little more than scratch the metallic solider.

The crit didn't confirm and they have hardness 10. =(

The survivors bring their weapons to bear again.

Vs Gromsk: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Vs Zavita: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Vs Awen: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

The party is up.

Zavita continues to heal the party through her link. Awen and Gromsk get 5 hp back

Zavita will five foot step back, hopefully out of range.

Gromsk dosen't let up the assault and take two swings at the nearest construct.

Attack, rage, power attack (furious focus): 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 2 = 28
Damage, rage, power attack (magic, adamantine): 2d4 + 8 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 8 + 3 + 6 = 23

Attack, rage, power attack: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 2 - 2 = 11

Zeno sifts through the array of possible immediate futures to get a more favorable shot. These things clearly demand some of his special arrows...

Prescience: 1d20 ⇒ 3

+1 Adaptive Composite Longbow, Point-Blank Shot, gravity bow, Focused Shot, adamantine arrow VS Red: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 4) + 9 = 14
arrow retrievable if I missed? 10-35 or 65-90 says yes: 1d100 ⇒ 67

Awen stumbles under the heavy blows directed his way. Bleeding and coughing, his hair standing on end from the electrical shocks, he realizes that this enemy far outclasses his skill as a fighter. He feels Zavitas healing wash over him, but it is so little compared to the damage he is sustaining. He gives ground again, dropping back beside Zeno. He grabs a vial from his belt and drinks it down in a gulp
Potion CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

GM: Looking over my character, I realized I have been forgetting my elemental resistances. I have a DR 5 fire, electricity, and cold. HP has been adjusted.

@Awen - That's fine.

Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Zeno's arrow ricochets harmlessly off the construct's armored form. Zavita and Gromsk have more luck with their blade/spell but the flaming sphere seems to do little to the Zavita's target.

Vs Gromsk: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Vs Zavita: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Vs Zeno: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

The party is up.

Prescience: 1d20 ⇒ 12

+1 Adaptive Composite Longbow, Point-Blank Shot, gravity bow, Focused Shot, adamantine arrow VS Red: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 1) + 9 = 12

Five foot, move action to move the flaming sphere back on to red. Immediate action to end the life link.

Not letting up yet, Gromsk tries to smash the construct to pieces.

Attack, rage, power attack (furious focus): 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 13 + 2 = 30
Damage, rage, power attack (magic, adamantine): 2d4 + 8 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 8 + 3 + 6 = 23

Attack, rage, power attack (furious focus): 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 2 - 2 = 13
Damage, rage, power attack (magic, adamantine): 2d4 + 8 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (2, 2) + 8 + 3 + 6 = 21

If the first attack drops it, Gromsk will move 10 ft south, ending up next to red.

Awen separates from Zeno, trying to work his way around the creature to come in from behind. He keeps his sword moving defensively though, trying more to keep the creature occupied rather than harming it.
Attack: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 8 - 4 = 9
Fighting defensively, +2 AC

Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Gromsk smashes another of the constructs to pieces while Zavita's flaming sphere slowly melts the one jabbing at her.

The surviving guardians strike back.

Vs Zavita: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Vs Zeno: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20
Electricity Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

The party is up.

Zeno buckles under the robot's attack - he is not in a good position. Sensing another strike much harder than that could kill him, he draws a small, smooth, mithril wand with a lilac pearl embedded in its center, and waves it across himself.

I use my shield wand.