PFS PbP: Master of the Fallen Fortress & Murder's Mark (Inactive)

Game Master Hawkeye127

When you said: "YOU, YOU, and YOU!!!" ;-P

It was a very loud inside voice ... :-)

;P

Arthrax continues glowering...it's his second favorite thing to do.

The nervous onlookers run in terror at the thunderous commands of Evanstar. Sheriff Feldane only looks up for a moment before resuming her review of the note. "Well, I'd say that Archaneem Braeton is the next person you need to see. Go talk to him at his manor and see what you can find out. We'll finish cleaning up here and meet up with you later on."
Following the lead, you find your way back to the Ivy district, standing before an impressive-looking mansion. However, something seems amiss. Although nightfall has fully descended, there are no lights to be seen coming from the windows and the building seems eerily quiet. As you go to knock, you notice that the door is already slightly ajar.
Map's been updated.

"Look guys, they left the door open for us. Too bad they didn't leave the lights on." Arthrax smiles without humor, donning his shield and pulling his axe out before he sets foot inside the house.

The tiefling follows meekly along.

I still can't believe those villagers took off without speaking with me. I guess next time I'll have to yell louder...

Evenstar looks at the open door suspiciously. "Looks like we're not the only company they invited over," she says as she follows Arthrax into the house.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Misforstått sees nothing...

This large, spacious foyer has high ceilings and is richly appointed. North of the door sits a large planter where an indoor tree is bathed in light from the skylight above. A massive staircase gradually ascends to a second floor above. Two sets of double doors on the east and west wall lead farther into the house. Another set of double doors stands behind the stairway. Leather padded chairs are interspaced throughout the room. As you gaze around the room, you hear a gruff voice yell "Get 'em, boys!" as 4 men spring from their hiding places to attack you.
Initiative!
Arthrax: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Misforstatt: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Dolph: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Evanstar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Dar'erthan: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Thugs: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
One thug throw a satchel that bursts in a shower of bright light at the party's feet (Everyone needs to make a DC 10 fort. save or be blinded for the next round) while the others draw short swords, one attacking Evanstar and two others moving in to flank Arthrax.
Attack (Evanstar): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Attack (Arthrax): 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 1 + 2 = 13
Attack(Arthrax): 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 1 + 2 = 23
Confirm Crit.: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 2 = 8
Damage (Arthrax): 1d6 ⇒ 3
Two of the thugs miss while one is able to find a chink in Arthrax's armor, stabbing him in the side.
The party is up!

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Arthrax squints his eyes as suddenly everything is super bright, then fades into darkness. Near panicked, he swings his axe wildly in the direction from where he got stabbed, yelling.

Blind Axe!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

GM, I'll let you roll the concealment roll, if that 15 is enough to hit.

Percentile Hit/Miss (let's say high=hit): 1d100 ⇒ 89
Arthrax swings wildly, blinded by the flash powder. However, he's still able to land a solid hit against the thug in front of him, slashing the man across the chest.
Everybody but Arthrax is up!

Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Seeing Arthrax get hit, Misforstått's eyes well up again with tears, cleaning out whatever the enemy threw at him.

"NO! I will not let you harm Gallant Sir Bellringer!"

- Move Action: Draw Wand
- Standard Action: Wand of CLW on Arthrax: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Sigh...

fort save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Evenstar, accustomed to the roar of a bonfire in the night, shrugs off the effects of the blinding light.

She swings at the thug next to her as her anger boils over.

"RaaaAAAAAHHH!!!" RAGE!

MW Greatsword Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 2 = 18 for MW Greatsword damage: 2d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 6 + 3 = 12

Fort save 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

"What was that! my eyes...." Blinded by the flashing light, Dar'erthan blinks his eyes constantly. he takes his scimitar and swishes wildly at the person flanking Arthrax. "It is brighter than even the desert sun!"

Scimitar Attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 would probably be flanking with Athrax
Scimitar damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Miss/Hit chance 1d20 ⇒ 11 high hits

Misforstatt heals Arthrax while Evanstar flat-out cleaves her opponent in half, dropping him to the floor. Dar'erthan is blinded by the flash powder and is unable to connect with his target.
Dolph!

Sorry, lots of tests and papers these two weeks for finals

"VICTOR! We have POACHERS!" Dolph tries to sic Victor on the man outside the door.

Handle Animal (attack): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Dolph draws his dorn-dergar and readies an attack for when he has a flank from Victor.

Readied Attack with Dorn-dergar (outflank): 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 4 = 19
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

I thought I had the stats for his ram goat animal companion Victor in his statblock, but the forums must have eaten it. I'll get it up now. I assume Victor would be still outside.

K, everything should be up now. I took the liberty of getting a picture and putting Victor on the map, if that's okay.

At the sound of the word "poachers," Victor suddenly stops chewing Mr. Braeton's grass. His brow furrows in anger, and he stomps his paw a couple times before charging at the aggressor in the door.

Gore Attack (charge, power attack, outflank): 1d20 + 3 + 2 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 - 1 + 4 = 14
Damage (power attack): 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

That's fine. I completely forgot about Victor.
Dolph and Victor take out the Thug outside with their combined efforts.
The remaining two continue their attack against Arthrax...
Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 1 + 2 = 15
Attack: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 1 + 2 = 17
...but neither are able to make it through his shield and armor.
The party is up!

Arthrax finds the thug he buried his axe into last time, growling as the stars fade and the room comes back into focus. He tries to repeat the process, hoping to drop his enemy this time around.

Axe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Quick, someone blind him again!

Arthrax, is it OK if I splash you?

That would be delightful.

Evenstar moves to flank with Arthrax, a wild fury in her eyes.

MW Greatsword Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 15 for MW Greatsword damage: 2d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 6) + 6 + 3 = 21 added flank and rage modifiers

Nevermind. Evenstar beat me to that particular enemy...

"You hurt my friend!"

Intimidate: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3 (Sigh.)

Evanstar cleaves another foe as Misforstattt puts on his best 'mean' face.
Dolph and Dar are up!

Dolph grins at his teamwork with Victor. "You are just full of the grass today, Victor! A carrot for you when we have defeated the last of the thieves!" Dolph five-foot-steps out of the door way and attacks.

Attack with Dorn-dergar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"Come, Victor! Dolph has made room for you."

Handle Animal (attack): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Victor taps his hoof against the cobblestone, and charges again.

Gore Attack (charge, power attack): 1d20 + 3 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 - 1 = 8
Damage (power attack): 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Victor, distracted by thoughts of carrots, misses.

Dar, srtikes ineffectually at the enemy once more, his weapon striking nothing but air.

Scimitar 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Dar, Dolph, and Victor each miss their respective attacks. Emboldened by his luck, the thug takes a 5-ft. step to the side and continues attacking Arthrax.
Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Swing and a miss. The party is up!

- Free Action: "No means no, villain!"
- Move Action: Move to Flank with Dolph
- Standard Action: Aid another to Dolph 1d20 ⇒ 10 (+2 for flanking, +2 for aid another)

With the thug still standing and looking smug, Arthrax proceeds with the busting of grills.

Axe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

With a final swing, Arthrax cuts down the last attacker.
Out of combat!

Dar'ethan immediately looks around for any signs of danger, before checking each fallen thug in turn, "If any live, do you want me to save them for questioning?" asks the cleric.

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Dar, doesn't bother checking any thug obviously dead, e.g. head severed from body, etc.
Heal (Thug 1) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 is he still alive
Heal (Thug 2) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 is he still alive
Heal (Thug 3) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 is he still alive
Heal (Thug 4) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 is he still alive

Once he has determined the state of the enemy, he asks about his allies."Anyone hurt and need any of Sarenrae's burning health"

"I'm fine." Arthrax responds gruffly to the cleric before starting to investigate the room. It was quite ominous that these men had been here, ready to jump them. Apparently the murderer was aware they were being tracked down.

Also searching:
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Dolph and Victor will head up to the steps, as Dolph holds his hand up to his mouth and calls out. "Hellllloooooo? Mister Braeton? We have defeated the thieves in your parlor, so it's safe you now!"

He glances around as he calls out. Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Arthrax steps to Dolph's side, ready to proceed up the steps, which seemed as good a next step as any. If anybody has a finding, he will stop to listen to their finding.

Dar tends to each of the downed men, finding that only 2 are still alive. As the rest of the party looks around, you notice a man proceeding down the stairs. But it's not just any man, it's 1d5 ⇒ 2 Arthrax! With a smile on his face, the second Arthax claps as he addresses you. "Bravo heroes, bravo indeed. The death of these men has sealed your fate. I had intended to pin all of these murders on that traveling circus, but the you just had to stick your nose where it wasn't wanted and get in the way. No matter though, now I can just stick the Society for all of these crimes and kill two birds with one stone. Oh, and if your looking for Breaton, save yourself the time. That terrible fighter from the Pathfinder Society took care of both him and his wife. Not to worry, though, as he spared the children.” He smiles evilly, and his magical disguise fades away to reveal a handsome older man with a ponytail. “After all, there’s nothing more compelling than a living witness.”
Initiative! Again!
Arthrax: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Misforstatt: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Dolph: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Evanstar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Dar'erthan: 1d20 ⇒ 11
B: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Seeing that the party is in shock from these new revalations, the man takes the initiative and makes the first move. He draws forth a bag of flash powder and hurls it into the midst of the party (DC 10 fort. saves again.) before charging down the stairs, drawing a longsword as he goes.
The party is up!

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Arthrax checks his watch. Yes, there was still time to bust grills.

Battleaxe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Damage: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (2, 6) + 8 = 16

Fort Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Dolph begins spinning his chain flail again. "Ah! Your tricks do not fool the Son of a Shepherd, Evil-Ponytail-Man! You have given your plan to us, yes!"

Dolph scoots closer to Evil-Ponytail-Man and swings for non-lethal.

Attack with Dorn-Dergar (nonlethal): 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 - 4 = 15
Damage (nonlethal): 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Fort Save (Victor): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Dolph notices that Victor can't see, and his teeth grit in anger.

"You will pay for this! And your haircut too!"

Assuming that Dar still has to make stable the two still alive thugs, Dar will do that first before giving his attention to the new man.

Fort Save 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Heal check to use first aid to make stable still alive thug 1, 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Dar'erthan is once more blinded by the flash, his eyes seem to have lots of fiery red spots blocking out some of his sight. Despite that he takes a cloth from his pocket and tries to stem the flow of blood, from the arm of the thug in front of him.

Evenstar's anger boils to the surface as she tests the man's defenses, flanking with Arthrax.

MW Greatsword Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 30 for MW Greatsword damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 6) + 6 = 13

"You will pay for this! And your haircut too!" rofl!

Fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Move next to the rest of the party.
Aid another to whoever attacks next: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13

Evanstar's fort. save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Ok, your're good.
Arthrax buries his axe into the man's chest as Evanstar runs him through from behind, killing him instantly.
Out of cambat! Wow, that was really quick.

Removing his axe from the man's chest, he frowns and curses. "So am I going to be under arrest now? Let's search this bastard."

With that, he proceeds to strip the man of everything, searching him thoroughly.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Hmmmm....it was definitely a human. Possibly male. Ponytail, check.

Dolph will rush upstairs to the room the ponytail man came from.

Dar hearing the sound of battle and the swift and sudden death sound of a body hitting the floor, turns to see through his blinking eyes Arthrax and Evenstar standing triumphant. Without the need to worry about the violent actions of an aggressor, Dar'erthan is able to spend time and concentrate on his healing skills as he attends the 2 thugs, giving them what first aid he can.

Takes a 10 on heal checks for 10 + 7 = 17 to stabilize both men.

"I think I have saved these two, they should provide useful information if we are lucky. At minimum will provide evidence."

He stands and sees the destructive force of both the fighters, wrought on the enemy. "Congratulation on bringing a swift end to this one, check him over, we should find something to aid us. But remember there was both a guildmaster and mistress. Someone should check for magic, if it affected this man. All might not be as it seems, this whole set of crimes has been based on misdirection and illusion."

"I knew I would not be welcome back at the guild. But this is a bit much, even for them..."

Arthrax proceeds to ransack the fallen corpse while Dolph finds two crying children in their room upstairs. Dar'erthan is able to saved two of the thugs by stabilizing them. As the team mills about in the main hall, Sheriff Feldane bursts through the front door with a troop of armed guards. "Is everyone alright? We heard fighting and...what in the blazes happened here!? And why is Borvius Monchello lying dead on the floor with a greatsword sticking out of him!?"

Well this was great! If the man had spoke true, any witnesses would be pointing at Arthrax as the culprit! He speaks quickly and bluntly. "This man was behind the murders, Sheriff. He confessed as much to my companions and me and then attacked us before we slew him."

Dolph solemnly closes his eyes and holds up an open hand, as though swearing a witness oath in a courtroom. "The Son of a Shepherd swears upon the great dwarven ancestors that this man speaks of the truth."