[PFS/Shifty] Serpents Rise (Core) (Inactive)

Game Master Nik B.

Sho takes her time here.

"Keep watch, if anything in this place is well guarded, this will be"

Poking, proding and examining, she takes a couple of minutes to check the door and surrounding is free of any traps or devices.

Takes twenty on perception for 34

Shohiraj listens in at the door.

The sound of a conversation can be heard from this side:

A self-righteous male voice, lecturing: "If it hadn't been for your brash measures, we would not have been on this duty. Think of it, if you had changed your violent ways, you could be enjoying the greatest moment in pathfinder history. What a view that congregation should be, and we only get to watch this torn tapestry".

A female voice, agitated and fiery: "Is that so? I had no other option in Isger. We were surrounded, and I had to think quick. At least I got to see the tapestry again. If I had followed your advice, we'd all be dead."

Time to avoid patrols again!

*Each party member must make a DC17 Disguise OR Stealth check.

I guess I'm going with whatever you rolled for Z's disguise earlier? Or do you (or I) need to roll again? If so, will this eat up another use of my disguise kit? It's all good whichever way it goes.

Z recognizes that stealth checks are easier to make when you aren't bleeding all over the floor. If there is no healing to be had, Z starts quietly culling the weakest members of the party figuring it would be better if he and the other healthy members had their stuff. This of course happens during the long, windy trek to the tapestry doorway. ;)

Or I guess Z could wait until we're healed up. Again, it's all good.

Once the party is healed up some, Z in his guise as the oh-so recently late aid to Aram Zey walks openly toward their next target.

If Z could manage a clipboard and some spectacles all the better.

Sho takes her time here.

"Keep watch, if anything in this place is well guarded, this will be"

Poking, proding and examining, she takes a couple of minutes to check the door and surrounding is free of any traps or devices.

Later, around the corner and down the hall:

"Well, anything?"

"Two folk arguing. I think they are the ones we heard about. I wonder if we could bluff them into letting us take their guard shift?" muses Sho.

Was the door locked?

"It is probably worth a shot. At the least it would get us close to them."

Sounds like it's worth a shot. We can talk while you get into position in case things go sour. I can see you while you are invisible, so I can wait for the right moment.

"Sounds good. Remember - use their names, and tell them you are here to take their guard duty. Something about you don't see why you should miss out on the fun might be good. If they look reluctant, just tell them they can stay on guard and you'll go back and enjoy yourself."

Advice for bluffing, aid-another?bluff aid: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20 I think the plan is Rataji makes me invisible and I sneak in while they try and bluff the two to leave. If push comes to shove, I hit one over the head with a sap. Who has the best bluff?

stealth: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

Reminder: Two of the unfortunates assigned to guard duty are Loshari and Telandril, part of a team sent to Isger to recover a relic lost during the Goblinblood Wars. The venture was a debacle and resulted in part of a town being set on fire and inadvertently let goblins loose in the town square. Most blame Loshari, but Telandril stubbornly insisted on sharing the punishment—likely so that he could lecture her further.

The door is unlocked.

Marnarious is completely correct. 10 uses of the CLW wand should solve anyone's problems though

"OH? You want to partake of their gifts too, friend? You are more than welcome. Here! Feel the touch of oblivion and be remade anew!" says 322 before touching Marnarious (and everyone else in need of healing) with her wand. Apparently it knits wounds closed as well as regular healing does but it feels cold to the touch and somewhat leaves a lingering, slimy sensation, and what worse as it heals you feel the weight of something unscrutable and monstrous observing you...

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

As the group arrives near the Door 322 shows no particular incliantion to act one way or another. She just looks at the others and waits.

OK let's set the scene...
* You can hear the grumbled debate on the far side of the room.
* There are a couple of voices.
* You suspect they are on guard duty for their failures, and you two of their names.

I leave it to the first person who goes in to make their entrance and their first actions and conversation, no rolls will be required at that point. I also assume one person is going in (visibly), if it is a group then let me know how that is working :)

Marnarius frowns, but as his wounds close, he decides that maybe making a fuss about feelings would be... Less than manly. "Much obliged." he mutters as he quietly moves to the fore.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"Want me to walk in with you or stay hidden around the corner?" whispers Marnarius hoarsely with the message spell as he attempts to remain as quiet as a man his size can be.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Prior to setting the scene:

"Sounds good. Remember - use their names, and tell them you are here to take their guard duty. Something about you don't see why you should miss out on the fun might be good. If they look reluctant, just tell them they can stay on guard and you'll go back and enjoy yourself."

Advice for bluffing, aid-another?[dice=bluff aid]1d20+11 I think the plan is Rataji makes me invisible and I sneak in while they try and bluff the two to leave. If push comes to shove, I hit one over the head with a sap. Who has the best bluff?

Reminder: Two of the unfortunates assigned to guard duty are Loshari and Telandril, part of a team sent to Isger to recover a relic lost during the Goblinblood Wars. The venture was a debacle and resulted in part of a town being set on fire and inadvertently let goblins loose in the town square. Most blame Loshari, but Telandril stubbornly insisted on sharing the punishment—likely so that he could lecture her further.

"I'm already 'invisible'. Why not let me go first? How can I identify Loshari and Telandril and what all do we know about them?" Aram Zey's assistant considers. "That and I doubt that they'll just turn over the post watching the crown jewels to a bunch of people they don't know without something more. They already screwed up once after all.... How did this Loshari mess up their mission?"

Had I poison I could have brought them snacks. Seriously though we don't want to make a log jam in the doorway. So how about me and clever bluffer go in. Mr. Z doesn't bluff. He gets by on good looks alone. And for all we know guards might be tricked out to see invisible stuff. That and because of were we are whatever fighting we do will have to be a quick and quiet as possible.

That was why I included a stealth roll above. Sho is invisible but still the consumate professional. She'll stealth where she can. Sounds like Rataji will be our face man.

Once Rataji's buffs are in place and others are ready, he'll open the doors and walk in casually.

Hello! You guys are...Loshari and...Telandril, correct? We are the exchange in guard duty. I've been told that you need to report to Aram Zey immediately. I think he has an even less glamorous assignment for you guys, which, knowing him, is not all that surprising.

Bluff: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

Crazy weekend. I don't mind being botted or story goes on without me, but I will try to check in at least 1/day.

'Arminaldi' nods sagely and looks about the room.

bluff (aid): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Mr. Z takes up a position near the squishest possible opponent.

An unremarkable tapestry bearing intricate but heavily worn geometric patterns along its length hangs on the far end of this meeting room. A rune-inscribed circle set into the floor completely contains a table at the room’s center.

"Oh, uhm.. no, we have to stay here, Aram's orders from the man himself - can't leave 'til he comes back for us personally" the self-righteous voice says, belonging to a young human male - he looks for your Wayfinder but gets lost in the righteousness and certainty of Ratajis voice - totally fixated on the conversation. "Yes, he's been bossing around all day" The half orc woman complains.

There's a third person in the room, quietly observing, with a musket hanging from his side.

The party files in and then the guards pay attention again - "Off now, though"[b] the fiery voice, a half-orc woman, says. [b]"Can't allow you in here, I'm afraid, only guards on duty" - but the guards are slow to clue on.

The Ambitious and the Professional have already managed to get in position...

The Party mostly in the room!

Over to you...

Rataji eyes the musket wielder and worries.

Rataji whispers to the party through his Message Get em! DC 25 Perception for the bad guys to intercept the message, with distance penalties (+1 per. 10 ft.) to those far away from him. Basically, trying for us to get a surprise round on them if possible...You let me know what happens. :)

The Artist strides in and tries to chew the Pathfinders up "Did you lot argue over whose job it is to put out the fire as the town burned down? There are Aspis all over the place go to Main Entrance and make sure no more get in. I'll summon back some teams from inside the tapestry and guard it as well. Now GO!"
intimidate: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Marnarius nods and steps up to the gentleman on the right. Quickly, he draws his sword and swiftly attempts to sheathe it into the mans' guts, whispering into his ear "This is for my three years in a cage, Assfinders."

Let me know what you need me to roll.

I might actually have a wayfinder. ;)

As we walk in, as a swift action, Mr. Z uses Martial Versatility to gain improved grapple. I kinda wanted to see the layout of the room before declaring so I hope that's okay.

The professional, positioned behind the dwarf with a Mohawk does her best to take him out of the fight before it even starts.

sap attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
damage, sneak attack, sap adept: 1d6 + 4d6 + 8 ⇒ (4) + (2, 5, 2, 4) + 8 = 25 <- and debilitating injury(Disoriented: -2 to hit, -4 to hit The Professional).

:( I had positioned myself there because it would give you sneak attack.

OK lets untangle this :)

The Agents have moved in on the unsuspecting Pathfinders, who only twig that things are going wrong a moment too late.

Surprise
Standard action
Joliryn - starts intimidating!
Shohiraj – sap attack.
Marnarius - TBA
The Ambitious – garrotte attacks
322- TBA
Rataji - TBA

***
Jolly starts dressing down the shocked pathfinder!
Taking advantage of Jolly’s distraction, The Professional smacks the victim across the back of the head!

The Ambitious loops a garrotte over the neck of the half orc woman and pulls in tight – her eyes bulge and she grabs for the noose!

R (Grappled – Conc check to cast)
O 25+ Disoriented
Y

D'oh - Brain fade. I forgot Marnarius got sneak attack too. What a well oiled team we are!

"Seems like your fate is decided. Your souls will make for a fair banquet..." says 322 in a charming tone before casting her magic at the musket whielding man.

She casts Murderous Command on the musket man. DC 15 to resist

Will 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

The gunslingers eyes cloud over in anger...!

Surprise
Standard action
Joliryn - starts intimidating!
Shohiraj – sap attack.
Marnarius - TBA
The Ambitious – garrotte attacks
322- cast!
Rataji - TBA

Standard Action
Rataji quickly assesses the best way to handle the situation, and decides to cast Haste on Marnarius, Shohiraj, and Joliryn. That's the only 3 I could have included in the radius.

Non-Action
Rataji 5 foot steps away, hoping not to get hit.

Finally on a more normal schedule again.

Rataji casts his enhancement magic over his fellows!

Marn, then I will start up R1 proper :)

Jolryn thinks woo hoo 50 feet move speed
I think great you going to make me look up how haste works with spell combat
Good Move hope this combat will soon be over

I think great you going to make me look up how haste works with spell combat

Marnarius stabs his foe.

Hasted/Fave Enemy/PA/Sneak/Vicious
Attack 1d20 + 13 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 2 - 2 = 29
Damage 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 4 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 + 4 + (4, 2) + (2, 6) = 28
Damage to Marn 1d6 ⇒ 3

The fellow shrieks as he is well and truly stabbed!

R1
Bold up!
Joliryn
Shohiraj
Marnarius
ENEMY
The Ambitious
322
Rataji

R (Grappled – Conc check to cast)
O 25+ Disoriented
Y 28

Taking the opportunity presented, Shohiraj lays a couple of more blows out on back of her unfortunate victims head.

attack,haste: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 1 = 16
attack,haste: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 1 = 29

Not sure about whether the first hits, it might against flat footed, here is hoping

The first is slightly rushed and she hopes his armor doesn't protect him, but her second blow is more measured and highly effective.
BTW the surprise round she should have done an extra 6 hp damage, I messed up the damage

damage1, sneak attack, sap adept: 1d6 + 6 + 4d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 6 + (6, 2, 1, 1) + 8 = 26+disoriented (-2 to hit, -4 to hit Sho)
damage2, sneak attack, sap adept: 1d6 + 6 + 4d6 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 6 + (4, 6, 4, 2) + 8 = 33+bewildered (-2 to AC, -4 to AC against Sho)

Shohiraj blets the fellow twice more across the bag of the head before he gets his wits about him, and he crashes to the floor, laying very still.

R1
Bold up!
Joliryn
Shohiraj - attacked
Marnarius
ENEMY
The Ambitious
322
Rataji

R (Grappled – Conc check to cast)
O Unconscious.
Y 28

"Prepare yourself for a shock" calls Jolryn as the halfling scoots under the table draws his kukri and arrives at the garotted opponent casting a spell Provoking an AOO off her flat footed opponent and attacking to deliver shocking grasp
concentration check if hit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
kukri attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
kukri+flam+shock: 1d3 + 5 + 1d6 + 5d6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + (2) + (4, 4, 2, 3, 2) = 24

"We are Aspis! You are dead!"

The Kukri delivers a vicious blast, but not all of it gets through...

R 22 (Grappled – Conc check to cast)
O Unconscious.
Y 28

Marnarius keeps on stabbing the man in the gut, forcefully, viciously even, punctuating his words. "Three years of f#+&in' jail with all of Hao-Jin's crap, all because you. Can't. SHARE!"

Attack #1 vs My Pal, Lord L'Oreal (Studied Target, Haste, PA, Vicious): 1d20 + 14 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 14 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 30
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 + 4 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 + 4 + (4, 6) + (6, 4) = 36
Attack #2 vs My Pal, Lord L'Oreal (Studied Target, Haste, PA, Vicious): 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 + 4 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 + 4 + (4, 1) + (3, 6) = 34
Attack #3 (Hasted) vs My Pal, Lord L'Oreal (Studied Target, Haste, PA, Vicious): 1d20 + 14 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 34
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 + 4 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 2 + 4 + (4, 6) + (1, 6) = 38
Confirm Attack #3 (Hasted) vs My Pal, Lord L'Oreal (Studied Target, Haste, PA, Vicious): 1d20 + 14 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 34
Crit Extra Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 2 + 4 = 15

He draws the sword back out of the victim's flesh, pushing the man back and spitting in his face before assuming a readied fighting position.

Damage to Self? (Let me know how much of that i'm actually taking): 3d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 5) = 14

The blade slides through the man once! Twice! Blood buckets over the floor and the carnage is unbelievable as the Vengeful delivers on his namesake and takes revenge with fiery rage!

The wide eyed Pathfinder slips to the floor bleeding all over the place, clearly stone cold dead.

Just the first two hits

The Half-Orc grabs at the garotte 1d20 ⇒ 6 but can't shake her fellow half-orc off his brutal grip!
Not on THAT roll!

R1
Bold up!
Joliryn - attacked
Shohiraj - attacked
Marnarius - stab stab stab.
ENEMY
The Ambitious
322
Rataji

R 22 (Grappled – Conc check to cast)
O Unconscious.
Y DEAD

improved grapple with garrote (in control of grapple): 1d20 + 13 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 5 = 34 damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

With two enemies down and the other choking, Rataji decides to save his spells. Put me on delay.

322 looks at the men trashing on the floor and to the two fallen pathfinders:"This is good. Finish him quick. The void hungers"

Delay as well

1d20 ⇒ 4
I was just rolling in advance, but look at this point the roll above pretty much seals her fate

The bemused Aspis Agents all watch on with morbid curiosity as The Ambitious snuffs the flame out of the Fire Blooded Sorceror, leaving her dead on the floor. The blood continues to pool under the table from Marnarius' handiwork and the other Pathfinder has a fractured skull and is profoundly unconscious.

Things return to silence.

Back over to you *cough ritual cough*

Rataji takes out Aram Zey's notes found in the vault on how to open the tapestry so it works two ways. He begins performing the ritual. Don't know how this works...if you need multiple people, a clear area...a blood sacrifice. He does what's needed.

Marnarius cracks his neck, then winces. Before turning around, he delivers one last kick to the man's head and addresses 332. "If you got anythin' left in that wand, I'll take some more of that magical healin'. Huh, did you hear that gurgle? Good times." he adds with a vicious smile, nodding towards the dead Pathfinder at Mr Z.'s feet.

...a blood sacrifice.

No shortage of that on the floor!

The ritual takes about five minutes of reading and chanting...

A thin slit appears down the middle of the tapestry, and then its whole center tears open in a deafening rip and a crack of thunder.

Planar winds whip out from the frayed fabric for several seconds as purple lightning dances in the tattered wound. The gusts die suddenly, and the fabric stretches painfully to create an aperture nearly 10 feet wide, revealing a peaceful woodland occupied by a growing army.

A woman bedecked in chainmail and scars steps through into the room and then motions for those behind her to remain still. She surveys the chamber for a moment before a broad, genuine smile cracks her tough expression. “By Hanspur’s soggy hide, I never thought I’d see this world again.” She shakes her head and wipes away a tear before it can quite form. “The name’s Wolona, bronze rank. We’ve got good news and bad news on the other side. The good’s that everyone we expected to show up did, plus some more besides. The bad news is that some of them are starting to believe we’ve set them up.” Wolona clears her throat loudly as though no more need be said. “The only thing keeping them from just killing each other and the rest of us is my promise that there would be a welcoming committee who might prove this place exists and that it’s not all a trap.” She starts to turn back to the portal. “Think you can give them a little pep talk?”

While the others are doing the ritual, the professional has a quick look through the equipment the pathfinders were carrying.
In particular she looks for wands, potions rings or other easily carried stuff.

"Any of this magical?" she asks quickly.

----====---===---==

She looks to the Leader. "Sounds like you are up."

"Wolona, ya dirty skank!" exclaims Marnarius with a surprisingly more genuine smile as he goes up to clasp the Mwangi woman's hand. "You made it! I was starting to worry one of Hao-Jin's crusty leftovers did ya in." He chuckles and slaps her on the back before going on "Good news is, this guy here can talk. Lets let him do his thing. And then maybe we can get a fire lit under their asses."

Wolona smiles at Marnarius, but with some grimness to it muttering, “I hope they haven’t killed each other already” and stepping back into the demiplane.

She returns a moment later leading an eclectic entourage of about 15 delegates and war leaders, including humans, a halfling covered in bright war paint, a hag, a wyvaran, a yeti, a pony-sized green dragon, and more. They jostle one another while inspecting the room and prodding the dead Pathfinders.

The wyvaran sneers, looks to you all, and asks, “So which of you is the Aspis king?”

Through the Message, Rataji whispers You know, I could always use some back up if you think it would help. But here goes...

Rataji carefully climbs up on the table in the room. He clears his throat, flashes his silver badge briefly, and takes a quiet gulp before starting his speech.

He starts by speaking directly to the Wyvaran, pointing to his teammates as he talks. I am the leader you seek, and we six are the ones who have broken the seal of the tapestry. Hear us now!

He then turns to the crowd.

My fellow agents, associates, and friends. We are gathered here today to take on one of our greatest adversaries; the Pathfinder Society! They have long caused all sorts of chaos to our plans; taking what they want and leaving no quarter to those who would oppose them. They long have thought that they can kill who they like, take what they want, and pull any political power they must to legalize their actions. They have done so with no remorse. The day has come where we shall reverse the tide in our favor and crush the Society at its heart...inside the center of the Society. The Grand Lodge.

Go forth and wreak havoc on the Society! I am confident that we will win! With that, Rataji raises a fist into the air.

Diplomacy to Win Over Crowd: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23 Oh lord...any help? :p

They look as though they balance on a knife edge and could go either way, Rataji's words were good - but his are just the words of one man...!

In particular she looks for wands, potions rings or other easily carried stuff. "Any of this magical?" she asks quickly.

Shoh catalogues the following items:

mithral chain shirt
+1 musket with 20 paper alchemical cartridges (bullet)
sap
ring of protection +1
wayfinder

+1 breastplate
+1 greatsword
+1 composite longbow (+2 Str)
20 arrows
10 cold iron arrows
10 alchemical silver arrows
dagger
silver holy symbol

potion of cure moderate wounds
scroll of fly (2)
masterwork falchion
masterwork heavy crossbow
10 bolts
amulet of natural armor +1
ring of protection +1,