PFS PbP Gameday V - #7-00 The Sky Key Solution (tier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master Uktar

Feel free to make a diplomacy check, Zavubak (or Intimidate, if that's what you're going for). Either as an Aid Another to Barl (who'll probably take lead as the one who speaks Undercommon), or on your own.

The Aid Token can provide an Aid Another to only one roll. Unless I hear otherwise, I'm assuming it'll be for Barl, if you choose to use it. Others can either Aid, or make their own attempts at Diplomacy, or try something else?

Diplomacy (Aid Barl): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Zavubak holds the head up near Barl as he speaks to the woman in their foreign language. He adds two words in Common, speaking as slowly as he can, "Same enemy."

"That's...interesting. Some of the words she uses share common roots with the Azlanti language! Perhaps these people are descendants?" Isme whispers excitedly to the others.

As Zavubak comes racing back with the bloody trog head, Isme smiles and nods in agreement. She points to their group and then to the trog head before hefting her spear slightly and nodding towards the passageway behind Uszanriar.

Diplomacy (Aid Another: Barl): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

I'm fine with using the token in Aid Another if need be :)

Etna will stand wide eyed and confused as she listened to everyone speak in such different tounges. She was not sure what anyone was really saying but does her best to help out with the situation in any way she can.

Translating everything for the group. No need for anyone to be in the dark here.

He shares Lorian's words and when Zavubak returns with the troglodyte's head, he continues:

Diplomacy+inspiration: 1d20 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 3 + (1) = 6

Oh dear. We certainly need the aid token. My streak of great rolling in this session has come to an end.

We've got Zav, Isme and Aid Token. Etna, Ajaline, do you want to roll diplo to Aid Another, or make your own separate diplomacy check (understanding that the DC is worse due to language restrictions if you're doing your own check)

I'll aid

Ajaline listens to Barl's translations. He is impressed at the breadth of knowledge that the dwarf seems to display. He jumps in and tries to help convince the other group to join with them.

Diplomacy,aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 Assuming not sick anymore

diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
She will do her best to back up her party in trying to this person that they mean no harm to these people.

Pardon the retrofix, but Lorian's check was actually enough to move Uszanriar to Friendly, even with the language barriers--the scenario's rules for this diplomacy are different than standard diplo rules.

While Barl seems quite tongue-tied, Etna, Isme and Zavubak do their best to be encouraging. But Uszanriar seems more puzzled than anything. Just when Barl is getting ready to throw up his hands in frustration, a female halfling pathfinder agent by the name of Janira happens upon the group. She quickly explains to Barl that he had the Undercommon words for friend and enemy backwards, and then tips her hat and dashes off to aid other pathfinders.

A look of relief washes over Uszanriar's face, and she grins and nods at Zavubak and the troglodyte head, carefully repeating in common:"En-nuh-me."

Then she starts talking in Undercommon, with Barl acting as interpreter.
"These cursed Serpentfolk are at war with our great empire of Azlant. We were captured and brought to these dungeons for questioning. Abour an hour ago, the priests dragged away our general, Krahnaliara Lac Suhn. We must try and rescue him. Can you help us?"

Now that tensions have eased, and you've moved a little closer, you notice that In addition to being short of decent weapons, she and her men are injured. In fact, her face and arm are heavily burned. Uszanriar, now in a Helpful mood, shares what little she knows about the areas above. There's a temple plaza, and then the main temple, but she hasn't seen the interior yet.

Victory Point You can pass the Aid Token to another table now. Might I suggest returning the favor to Table#5, who passed us this token?

Pointing to the head and then like he was cutting his throat, Lorian placed his hand over his heart "May your enemies lay at our feet!" he said before pulling out his curing wand to start healing the injured, starting with Uszanria and ones with serious injuries.

Not sure who else has a wand of cure light wounds but spread heling out as needed.

"If that is the case then we should see if we can go save him. We could figure out even more about this place if we can save him as well. Does she have any idea where the the snake priests dragged him away to?"
Etna will speak to Barl, letting him do the real talking for the group right now.

You dole out 4 charges of CLW, and then quickly exchange details of the layout and what you've encountered thus far. She also gives you a detailed description of the General.

Then Uszanriar says, "We'll have a better chance of saving the general if we split up, to make certain he's located as quickly as possible. There's the Temple Plaza and the Interior of the Temple. Why don't y'all pick which one you feel best suited to reconnoiter, and we'll go to the other."

Janira had mentioned to you that Pathfinder Agents have secured the Temple Plaza. You could go there if you so choose, but the Temple Interior has not yet been secured. While Uszanriar seems hale and hearty, you think her men may not be ready for heavy action. And even if you let Uszanriar know you believe the Plaza is secure, the general could still be there somewhere. Either way, your path lies up. Where to?

See Overarching Map

Also, any objections/alternative suggestions to passing the Aid Token to table#5?

Thanks to the efforts of the Pathfinders, the Slave Pens are now claimed! Sources say that there's something weird going on in that temple! Hurry up and check it out Pathfinders!

The map has been updated.

"I think we should head for the interior of the temple. Most likely they will want the General as a guest of honor at a sacrifice and time is of the essence. The other pathfinders can use any extra help in the plazaLorian said, drawing his rapier.

4 charges marked off from ITS. Lets send the token back where it came from

While Railroading is not my favorite method of GMing, we're are on the Sky Sky Solution Special Express, so off to the Interior we go.
P.S. Your victories in the Slave Pens obviously helped tip that scale...

After winding your way through tunnels with Uszanriar and her men for about: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 minutes, trying to go ever upwards, you finally spot the twilight sky at the end of the tunnel. Outside lies the Temple Plaza. You do hear some noises off in the distance of the plaza, but nothing is in sight, and what really dominates is the temple to the West.

Here is where you part company with Uszanriar. "Strength and honor to you and yours," she says in parting, then turns to her men. "For the glory of the everlasting Azlanti Empire!!!" They race off into the Temple Plaza, running quickly and quietly, trying to avoid attention.

You skirt the edges of the plaza area and come upon an entrance to the temple.

Link to image of temple & entrance

And while we're at it, everyone can make an intiative and perception check for me to file away in case something untoward pops up.

We can't give it back to the table who gave it to us according to the overseer thread. I would let the fates decide and just roll for it.

"The serpents' den," mutters Barl. "The snakepit." He doesn't like being above ground anyways and this place offends his senses more than most.

initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Lorian looked at the snake symbols and shook his head "Why couldn't this temple be for a love goddess or something?" he asked the heavens while checking the area out for any dangers.

Suggest table 1 then since they are 1-2 Core (Why can't I roll like this at the table top sessions?)
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

"It is good to be out of those wretched tunnels..." Zavubak casually dusts off his armor and wipes his hands free of troglodyte blood, then has a look at the outside of the temple for any threats.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Thanks for reading the fine print, Barl. We'll pass it to table #1

After following them through the tunnels and out into the sun Etna will stretch out a bit. "Man, it's nice to finally be in the fresh air again."
After asking Barl to translate the message Etna will give a shrug. "I'm no history expert but I think it will be a bad idea to tell them the everlasting empire blew up."
Etna will keep her eyes and ears open as they approach the temple, enjoying the scenery.
init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"I agree, though more on the grounds that they'd think us mad," Isme huffs as they come to the top of the stairs. Stopping to catch her breath, she studies the temple for a long moment before pulling a small vial from her pack and downing it in one go.

"This is where things truly become dangerous. We should be cautious as we proceed."

Perception: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 = 18
Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Isme will drink her extract of Heightened Awareness before proceeding.

I'll probably be offline until much later today. Standard marching order? Etna scouting ahead a bit? If so, how far ahead of the group? Ajaline, need your rolls.

As the group comes out of the tunnels Ajaline is relieved to feel and breathe the fresh air. He follows the group toward the large temple at the west. "So it seems we must go in there," he says without much enthusiasm.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Sorry for the delay. Things were blowing up at work yesterday. Not like SpaceX blowup, but it felt just as bad. :-)

After a couple of minutes passing through winding passages, you come upon one of the temple's main rooms of worship. Glowing coals warm this shrine and cast an eerie under-lighting on the towering, snake-headed statue behind the altar. The reek of ammonia and rotting flesh fills the air and burns the eyes.

Updated Map Temple Interior
Updated image of temple interior

pay no attention to the man behind the curtain...: 1d20 + 1d20 + 1d20 ⇒ (1) + (19) + (4) = 24

What are those little brown circular things along the walls?

Unlit braziers. Only the 2 big braziers in the middle of the room have lit coals (can see smoke coming off them on the map). The red are floor-to-ceiling pillars

Barl quickly chugs his extract of Heightened Awareness and looks around carefully.

perception+heightened awareness: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19

Isme's eyes widen as the group enters the altar room of the temple, despite the horrific stench making them water as well. "This is...actually rather impressive," she whispers as she looks around. "Albeit also rather horrific as well."

Perception (Heightened Awareness): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 2 = 16

Ajaline steps into the large room but just barely. He stays next to the wall at the end opposite the large statue. As much as possible he looks around the room scanning for danger.

Don't know if the perception roll we rolled outside of the temple is what you want to use or if another one is in order. So I'll just roll again since Ajaline is deliberately looking around.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

"I'll never understand why these people like the creepy gods so much. Take Desna. Be a good person, try to travel the world, not that hard to follow right? Then you got your evil gods like Lamashtu. Why would you ever wanna get close to something so creepy and cruel. If Desna ever asked me to go out and eat some one to praise her, I think I would at least have some second thoughts." Raven jokes as she begins to move up to explore.
stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

The Pathfinders have allied with a group of Azlanti Rebels! They're joining up with Pathfinders as they make their way into the Serpentfolk Temple!

Each table now counts as one subtier higher for the purpose of calculating what benefits they get from Aid Tokens. Subtier 10-11 tables increase the Aid Another bonus to +5, the Allied Offensive option deals 4d8 points of damage, and Burst of Healing heals 6d6 points of damage.

Zavubak sidles up next to Ajaline and maintains his silence as he has a look around.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Lorian entered the temple and surveyed the area. "I would hazard to guess that anything here is not going to want to listen to me so it will be your swords and spells to deal with them." he said.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Please note the scale: the obvious squares are 10'x10' flagstones. There is a much more faint 5'x5'gridline overimposed (easiest to see it in the exit hallway SE of your position ). So try and position yourselves in 1 corner of a 10x10 when moving your token.

You take in the ornate architecture with its heavy serpentine accents. Lorian starts gazing up toward the ceiling, which is a good 20' above your heads. It is also covered in serpentine carvings. Then he gets this puzzled look on his face and starts to point toward a spot over his head.
"Did that carving just mov--" His words are cut off by a shriek of surprise as a Small bat-winged serpent detaches from the ceiling with a hiss, and literally spits at him.

Flat-footed touch attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
If it hits, Fortitude save.
Check out: snake image

Etna, it seems to be completely unaware of your presence, hissing angrily at everyone else in the party. There is 15' of space between it and the floor of the temple. It appears to be about 3 feet long, with a wingspan of 5 feet it is Small size.

I'm assuming using Heightened Awareness bump to init, Barl & Isme; let me know if that's not the case.
Otherwise, Barl, Isme, Lorian, Zavubak and Ajaline can go. Buffs/etc go in that order, and I'll keep an eye out to retrofit where appropriate. Normal round. It's stealth check gave it surprise attack.

"Get get the #$%^&* off of me!" Lorian hollered as the bat attacked him. "I don't feel so well." he added as the bat bit into him.

Fort save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Unless there is a +1 to AC floating around then I got hit.

Wouldn't help, unfortunately. It's a touch attack, with no dex to ac because you're flat-footed, i.e. ac 10 unless you have uncanny dodge. Then AC 12. And to be clear, it did not fly down and bite, it stayed up near the ceiling and spat venom on you from 15' away.

Lorian shrieks, "It got me right in my right eyeball." You feel some burning, but no other noticeable effect.

I take it, then, that it's not in melee range for a typical 5' weapon? I don't think I've ever fought a flying creature...

Ajaline pulls out his shortbow and draws an arrow. "Now these nasty creatures are flying!" He lets loose at the flying snake.

To hit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Damage, if hit: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Barl moves over to try to get a clear view of the flying snake, draws his crossbow, and fires!

5' move. Move action to draw light crossbow. It might still have cover?

crossbow attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Knowledge Dungeoneering + free inspiration: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + (4) = 19

Putting his shield over his head in order to protect the eyes, Lorian started to sing to help the group deal with the unknown creatures.

Start inspiring courage 5/10 +1 morale bonus to attacks/weapon damage rolls and save vs charm/fear.

Knowledge Arcana is the relevant skill.
Zavubak, it is indeed out of reach, even of a normal reach weapon. (Enlarged with a reach weapon would do it for melee.) Probably time to dust off the longbow...

While seldom is heard an encouraging word, Lorian's word is inspiring...
Ajaline's arrow strikes even deeper, though Barl's bolt still deflects off its scales.

Zavubak, Isme, you're up.

Just a little thing to, flying creatures need to make a dc10 fly check when they take damage to avoid losing 10 feet of altitude.

Round 1

"Huh...a species that can fly? I wonder..." Isme ponders as she draws her crossbow and then moves into position next to Zavubak.

Kn. Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

On mobile so can't move myself but Isme will draw her crossbow as a move action and then move to the square southeast of Zav.

Isme furrows her brow then cries out, "I think it's called a Seru. A magical flying viper, probably has a poisonous bite."
Sorry. not enough for any questions

Zavubak is up

Zavubak reaches for his longbow, a weapon not as familiar to him as his double axe and definitely not as useful to him as his claws. He looks up at the creature and focuses before releasing an arrow.

Longbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 151d8 ⇒ 1

Thanks to some timely inspiration, Zavubak's arrow strikes true.
+1 damage due to inspire

fly: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Zavubak's arrow knocks the beast down to 10' height, which put the beast just above Lorian's head.
the drop in height does not provoke.

fly: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Ajaline finishes the job with a well placed arrow, knocking the thing down the final 5' onto the ground.
again, does not provoke.

Zavubak and Ajaline have teamed up to knock it out of the air. It hisses angrily at Lorian's insipid inspiration and lashes out with a bite, before trying to get airborne again.
bite attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
damage: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0 min. 1
Lorian: Fortitude save it if hits. Then you may take an AoO as it takes off again.

and here's the fly check if Lorian hits:fly: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Even if Lorian's AoO is successful, unless he kills it, it is back in the air.

After Lorian's AoO, Etna gets his first round (it hasn't spotted him yet), then back to the top of the order.
Barl,
Isme,
Lorian,
Zavubak
Ajaline

Etna reaches down to her belt before she realizes that their is nothing she can throw at the creature. Instead she will come out of hiding and move directly under the creature, reading a action to attack it if it drops down close enough for her to take a swing.

In case the AoO isn't enough.

Barl reloads his crossbow and fires again as the critter takes flight.

crossbow attack+ inspire courage: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 1 = 15
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Barl's aim is true, and the bolt is has just enough force to penetrate its scaly hide, dealing it a severe blow. But it remains fluttering at the ceiling, hissing angrily.

fly: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24