PFS PbP Gameday V - #9-00- Assault on Absolom: Tier 1-2 *CORE* (Inactive)

Game Master Uktar

"HHHHHRRRRRRRRMMMMM!!!" Marge Simpson Growl Activate!

SURPRISE VOLLEY: Reflex Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

RUN FOR COVER: Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

SAFE ROUTE Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

COORDINATED MOVEMENT Physically Manhandle the Mother-ruckers! IMPROVED GRAPPLE!: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

OBSTACLES: CMB!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 +2 if Improved Unarmed Strike or Improved Grapple can be used

OVER THE WALL Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"I have heard the rumors. Regardless of who or what was once in that keep we will be taking it back today...as a team." Duath says as they set out.

Surprise Volley: Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Run For Cover: Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 18
Possibly using his knowledge of archery to provide a bonus (Ranged Attack or such).

Safe Route: Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Coordinated Movement: Profession (Soldier): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17 Otherwise -2 for either skill.

Obstacles: CMB: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Over The Wall: Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 4 = 18

As the arrows start to fall Flaith ducks behind her shield.
Or suggest appropriate spell, special ability, etc.

RUN FOR COVER:
SM: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11
SAFE ROUTE
perc: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

COORDINATED MOVEMENT
diplo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

OVER THE WALLra: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Cracks in the Wall:ra: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Big proponent of remembering to spam Guidance, but not plausible in this situation, since it's a surprise attack and desperate dash--there's simply no time to do all those castings...but fear not. Read on!

Duath and Zeebo react quickly to the sudden attack, screaming for everyone to drop just in the nick of time.

As the arrows and bolts come raining down all around you, Duath waits until just the right moment for the group to move to safety before giving the paladin a quick nod and hand signal.
"Quickly, Muckrackers, get to cover," Flaith cries out while Hudor and Zeebo provide help in ushering everyone to nearby cover. One Muckracker seems stunned by all the violence erupting around you, but Shukara grabs him and shakes him out of his panic, dragging him to momentary safety behind some broken wagons and debris.

But your respite is short-lived, for the life-saving barriers also stand in the way of your advance. Duath nods to Zeebo and Hudor, and they give a coordinated heave, clearing a path to make the mad dash to the walls.

AS you come to the base of the wall, Shukara and Duath quickly brace themselves against the wall and Flaith scrambles up onto their shoulders, then begins boosting men over the walls, as you quickly and efficiently breach the walls and gain entry into Fort Tempest with only a few minor injuries among the Muckrackers due to your stellar efforts. Now, for the bloody work at hand...

The Muckrackers scatter into nearby buildings inside the fort, and the sounds of fighting ring through the air. Across the courtyard you spy four dastardly agents of the Black Echelon. The time for battle is at hand!

See Map You're on top of the wall. 10' drop to the courtyard. Stairs to West of you are difficult terrain. The bad guys appear to be armed with sickles. Knowledge Religion check: DC 16 allows you to check one additional spoiler, DC 21 can check 2 additional spoilers, 26 can check all 3 additional

. . . Current Initiative order:
Duath
. Flaith
. Hudor
. Shukara
. Morka
. Zeebo
. . BOLD may act.

Party has received an UNBOOSTED Aid Token.
Use it or Boost it, so we can send it on its merry way...

"Do we have any idea what we are dealing with? I will keep them on guard from up here regardless." Duath says firing off an arrow at the Agent with the red insignia.

Longbow: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 4 = 22
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Duath's arrow streaks across the courtyard and strikes home. Yet the arrow doesn't seem to be as piercing as one would have thought from such a strong, true shot.

The four creatures slink across the courtyard, moving with deliberate purpose yet remaining eerily silent. The first three hurl darts at the party. Flaith and Shukara escape their sting, but Duath is critically struck as the dart catches him right in the throat.
Then the fourth Black Echelon Agent steps up and billows his cloak, and the entire area is enveloped in fog. You can still see the creatures faint outlines through the fog, but things just got a whole lot creepier...
Natural Fog conditions, i.e. 20% miss chance unless you're directly adjacent to target, then no miss chance.

dart attack v Flaith Flatfooted AC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
piercing dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
. dart attack v Shukara Flatfooted AC: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 - 2 = 10
piercing dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
. dart attack v Duath: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 2 = 20
piercing dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
. Crit confirm v Duath: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 - 2 = 18
piercing dmg: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Duath, that's 6 points damage, and make me a Fortitude save v poison.

. . . Current Initiative order:
. Duath [-6 hp, FORT save needed]
. Red [-2 hp]
. Purple
. Blue
. Green
Flaith
Hudor
Shukara
Morka
Zeebo
. . BOLD may act.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Duath grabs his throat as a dart sinks home. His eyes are wide and it is clear he isn't used to taking any attacks himself.

Zeebo moves toward the stairs and casts Shillelagh on his club.

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

The Exchange has secured and distributed a fresh supply of weapons and armor, including
highly valuable gear for the Pathfinders’ use.

Table GMs, the Exchange faction’s special condition on page 10 is in effect.

Shukara double moves to the stairs.

I am so sorry I missed out on a part of this, I've been really busy at work.
"Oh dear, what are those things? They look very...specific..." Morka says as he tries to identify them.

Kn Religion: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16 -- "Oh that's right! I've read about these before! Black Echelon soldiers! Use bludgening or slashing to overcome their resistances!"

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 8 = 13

Morka leaps of off the 10ft ledge, drawring his morningstar by his side. He rolls on the floor and rushes the blue undead. "For glo..."

Morningstar: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 -- bludgening and piercing, cold iron
Morningstar: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 20 -- crit confirm
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 -- crit damage

Flaith quickly moves toward the enemy.
Double move

While the rest of the party begins taking the more cautious approach, your halfling literally leaps into battle, dealing a crushing blow to one of your enemies.

I've added the Exchange benefit to your list of boons you can use for this adventure. Try and remember you have them at your disposal...
*cough, cough* Dark Archive benefit *cough, cough*

Hudor, you're up.
. . . Current Initiative order:
Duath
. Red [-2 hp]
. Purple
. Blue [-5 hp]
. Green
. Flaith
Hudor
. Shukara
. Morka [heroism up]
. Zeebo
. . BOLD may act.
FYI: It's about half an hour between faction missions, with moving about city, etc. (Doesn't matter which mission in what order, approx 30 minutes between them.) Morka, this means your Heroism potion will expire after this encounter.

1st Round Action:

Hudor draws his xbow and fires at the nearest enemy.

Xbow vs Red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Concealment 20%: 1d100 ⇒ 71
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 10

2nd Round Action:

Hudor quickly draws out the stone recently received and throws it at the undead's general area. Not completely sure what it does but knows it works on undead.

Uses Dark Archive's Boon.

Hudor unleashes a large, heavy quarrel at the undead villain dressed in red. The bolt strikes home, and rattles around in its ribcage, doing some damage.
Suddenly, all the Black Echelon agents start looking around, seemingly bewildered by their surroundings.

Enemy is CONFUSED for 1 round. Will roll confusion actions on their turn.

Duath, Top of the order. You're up.
. . . Current Initiative order:
Duath
. Red [-7 hp]
. Purple
. Blue [-5 hp]
. Green
. Flaith
. Hudor
. Shukara
. Morka [heroism in effect]
. Zeebo
. . BOLD may act.

After hearing Morka identify their attackers Duath pulls out one of the special arrows granted to him and narrows his eyes at the Black Echelon agent with a green insignia.

"Fly true!"

Longbow: 1d20 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 4 + 2 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (6, 2) = 11

Miss chance,high=good (21+ = hit): 1d100 ⇒ 5
confusorama: 3d100 ⇒ (86, 62, 64) = 212

Unfortunately, Duath's aim is thwarted by the fog that has crept throughout the courtyard. The green uniformed agent locks gaze with Duath with confused murder in his empty eyesockets. But then, the red uniformed agent turns around and attempts to kill him, and it's a flurry of blows as they start to smack themselves and each other in a full-fledged confusorama.

What makes it particularly entertaining is that it all happens in absolute silence. Though chunks of decaying flesh and spray of blackened blood fly around, not a whisper is heard from their immediate vicinity. After the brief foray of self-inflicted damage, they shake off the confusion and turn their silent, deliberate attention back toward all of you.

Red v. Green: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Miss chance,high=good (21+ = success): 1d100 ⇒ 82
dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Green v. Red: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Miss chance,high=good (21+ = success): 1d100 ⇒ 56
dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

self-flagellation Purple: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
self-flagellation Blue: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

. . . Current Initiative order:
. Duath
. Red [-7 hp]
. Purple [-8 hp]
. Blue [-8 hp]
. Green [-6 hp]
Flaith
Hudor
Shukara
Morka [heroism in effect]
Zeebo
. . BOLD may act.

Shukara silently moves up to the red-robed Black Echelon skeleton and strikes with her temple sword!

Temple Sword: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 slashing dmg.

The thing ducks, and her sword takes out of chunk of siding from the building next to them.

With two of them engaged in melee against his allies, Hudor takes aim at one of the center ones and fires a bolt toward it.

XBow vs Purple: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Concealment 20%: 1d100 ⇒ 11
Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 2

Darn it. Missed because of concealment. But want to see if I would've gotten a crit if not for that.
Crit dream: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 God%^*&($ :P

Hmmm... how much damage with that crit tho? :P for full regrets you need to roll the dmg too! :D

Morka strikes an enemy with his morning star, hoping to sprirse his enemies with his swift strike! at blue again!
Morningstar: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 -- bludgening and piercing, cold iron

//sorry, could you please move me back to where I was next to blue so I’m not blocking everyone’s way. I accidentally moved myself and can’t move back on the phone. If I destroy blu, I would step directly forward. Sorry.

After the combat can I get the 50% chance roll for the magical ammunition to have survived the miss?

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

The combined strength of the Muckruckers and the Grand Lodge have broken through the Black Echelon’s defenses and retaken Fort Tempest. Absalom’s flag flies over the fortress once more, encouraging the city’s defenders.

Table GMs, the Grand Lodge mission has been completed, and that faction’s special condition on page 10 is in effect. No new groups may start the Grand Lodge mission; those groups already in progress may complete the mission and report the success towards one of the other missions.

Morka swings his morningstar up with frightful speed, crushing the jaw of the blue uniformed Agent, who crumples to the ground, an unmoving pile of dead flesh and bones.

Flaith, Duath, You're up. Feel free to roll percentage dice. High=ammo survives
. . . Current Initiative order:
Duath
. Red [-7 hp]
. Purple [-8 hp]
. Green [-6 hp]
Flaith
. Hudor
. Shukara
. Morka [heroism in effect]
. Zeebo
. . BOLD may act.

I think I got skipped, so I will just double move and avoid the A.O.

Percentage: 1d100 ⇒ 37
Flaith moves forward and attacks the red enemy.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 201d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Sorry about that Zeebo. You are correct.

The Paladin whips her sword around in a vicious arc, cutting the legs right out from under the red Agent. He collapses to the ground like the empty shell he has become--the eerie silence in his adjacent area makes the body seem to fall in slow motion...

[Duath, Top of the order. You're up.
. . . Current Initiative order:
Duath
. Purple [-8 hp]
. Green [-6 hp]
. Flaith
. Hudor
. Shukara
. Morka [heroism in effect]
. Zeebo
. . BOLD may act.

Arrow Survival Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 79

Duath curses under his breath as the fog affects his aim negatively but knowing he serves only as a distraction in the thick of things he tries again however that was his only Undead Bane arrow...he will have to retrieve it later.

He knocks a normal arrow and fires at the agent farthest from his allies. (Purple)

Longbow: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 1 + 4 = 17
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8 Phew!

Forgot the 20% Concealment again Duath.

I didn't know if the GM wanted to roll the concealment stuff. I was just asking about the magical ammo myself and this wasn't a magical one.

Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 44

Duath's arrow rattles around in the ribcage of the Purple uniformed Agent, and he crumbles from the inside.
With quiet desperation, the lone remaining agent lashes out at the Paladin.

attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

First one to post a successful hit gets the glory
. . . Current Initiative order:
Duath
. Green [-6 hp]
Flaith
Hudor
Shukara
Morka [heroism in effect]
Zeebo
. . BOLD may act.

And while we're at it, in anticipation of this mission wrapping up momentarily, pick a mission:
Liberty's Edge: Investigation
Sovereign Court: Diplomacy
Rule of 2 applies

Also, you can always roll your own percentages, for miss chance, ammo survival, etc. High is always good for the players.

Shukara steps up to the green-robed black echelon revenant and swipes at the creature in quick succession!

Temple Sword Flurry of Blows 1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 slashing dmg.

Temple Sword Flurry of Blows 2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 slashing dmg.

O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O

Holy Cow BATMAN!

CONFIRM CRIT 1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10 slashing dmg.

CONFIRM CRIT 2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14 for 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 slashing dmg.

Morka watches as Shukara destroys the remaining undead, blasting it to smitherines. He claps his hands eagerly... "What next, what next? That was so much fun! Anyone get hurt?"

"I think we should go do the sovereign court mission...awwwww someone beat us to it..." hehehe.

Darn my short legs

Zeebo hit the extra dead undead just so he feels like he did not just waste a spell.

Sovereign Court sounds good to me

Hudor watches the last skeleton drop and sighs with relief. "Those are strange undead. But I agree, lets see what the Sovereign Court is having trouble with."

Souvereign Court sounds good, but I have little skills!
"Excellent swordmanship Shukara, excellent swordmanship!"

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

Led from Misery Row by agents of Liberty’s Edge, most of Absalom’s slaves have cast off their chains to contribute to Absalom’s defense.

Table GMs, the Liberty’s Edge faction’s special condition on page 10 is in effect.

----------

The gathering clouds momentarily part as a beam of sunlight shines upon the Ascendant Court, heralding the return of Sarenrae’s holy warriors and the arrival of a small host of celestial guardians. These reinforcements rally alongside the paladin Ollysta Zadrian before dispersing to aid Absalom.

Table GMs, the Silver Crusade faction’s special condition on page 10 is in effect.

-----------

Warriors wearing the colors of a dozen or more noble houses course through Absalom’s streets, lending their strength directly to the First Guard. Numerous well-known aristocrats—previously thought to have fled before someone convinced them otherwise—appear at major sites and intersections to help coordinate the war effort and rally the citizens.

Table GMs, the Sovereign Court faction’s special condition on page 10 is in effect.

Shukara slashes deeply across the agents torso, then with the return strike removes his head. As it bounces across the courtyard, the silence lifts and you hear cheering from the Muckrackers as they tear down the black flag and raise the flag of the First Guard over Fort Tempest. They scream their defiance at the invaders.

Success reported. I believe all missions are now complete. The only one that may be available is the Scarab Sages mission, which you've already done. But success results page shows everything complete, even though we haven't gotten the final announcement. Well done, team (as well as other tables...) I suspect we'll kick off the next part either later today or first thing Monday.

Duath climbs down with the others and cheers on the Muckrackers. As the clouds disperse he looks for and adds the Undead Bane arrow to his quiver.

"Excellent work everyone. I wonder where the next threat will appear."

Flaith will smile towards the others."We do make a good team, indeed!"

Faiths smile make Morka smile and he joins in on the praise - “Yes, yes! Marvellous job everyone! I am so happy I met you all! Jeep up the good work!”

"We will push those invaders back in no time."

With apologies, this from our Overseer:
"we'll move on Monday night/Tuesday morning".
I hate losing momentum, but there's little I can do until given the go ahead to start Part 3. And by RAW, we're not allowed to start missions that have already been completed in Part 2.
*sigh*
Please do check in tomorrow morning (if you're an optimist, check in tonight) and we'll start kicking these invaders butts very shortly...
And in the meantime, why don't we all take a bio break? :^)

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

A cacophonous cloud of debris and dust rises from the Precipice Quarter following the Scarab Sages’ activation ritual. An immense suit of animated plate armor rises from the wreckage, towers over the surrounding buildings, and declares in a metallic voice, “Gulgamodh stands ready.”

Table GMs, the Scarab Sages special condition on page 10 is in effect.

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

Having dealt with the chaos that ensued from the Black Echelon’s attack, the Pathfinders return to the Grand Lodge. You can boost any Aid Token in your possession once, and this is an excellent opportunity to pass it to another group.

-----End Part 2-----

The sound of brass signal horns echoes across Absalom, warning the city that the enemy onslaught has begun. Sergeants of the First Guard shout warnings to attend the walls, when suddenly a second warning sounds. A messenger brings news of a second attack: “An enemy fleet is approaching from the south!” A strange mist is rising in the Flotsam Graveyard, and dozens of ships with tattered sails approach Absalom’s harbor with long-dead marines on board.

Back at the Grand Lodge, Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus addresses the Pathfinders: “You and the factions you represent have greatly helped our city; however, the worst is still to come, and Absalom needs our help! We must fight the enemy on land and at sea. Those of you who choose to bolster Absalom’s defenses against the demon-flesh army attacking from the Cairnlands to the north, report to Captain of the First Guard, Rothos of House Vastille. Those of you who choose to fight the undead armada, report to Captain Sevana Kinhan of the Wave Riders.”

Table GMs, Part 3 has begun.

"Oh my god! It's happening! It's actually happening! I thought it was just a hoax! Ahhhh, well, I guess we should go fight the undead, we all have a little experience with that, don't we? But I don't mind, whatever we do, as long as...as...we stay MIGHTY!"