TOZ's Bronze House Reprisal [PbP Gameday VII] (Inactive)

Game Master TriOmegaZero

Confusion Roll: 1d100 ⇒ 24

Metumé blinks, the haze of confusion lifting, if only for a moment. She checks around the corner to take stock of the situation and, seeing that she has been left behind, quickly begins running towards one of the figures she doesn't recognize that is making threatening gestures at the hellknight that is much bigger than she remembers.

Double move

"ACK! Too big too big!" Melnat yelps in surprise as Thokzazt grows twice as tall.

22 Alexei (Damage: 15NL, Delay)
16 Melnat (3 Images, Roll d4)
18 Thokzazt (Damage: 29)
14 Agraic (Damage: 1NL, Prone, Laughing 4 Rounds)
13 Maléwyn (Damage: 12, Confused 7 Rounds)
12 Borox (Damage: 20, 13NL)
8 Wolfgang
5 Athalis (Damage: 25, Confused 7 Rounds)

Borox and Wolfgang can take actions.

"You made your choice!" Wolfgang says, aiming for the wizardly female...

Attack roll 01: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 2 = 27 → Damage roll: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11 → Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 19

Attack roll 02: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 2 = 23 → Damage roll: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 → Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 89

Borox raises his greatsword again and attempts to clobber Alexei before taking on the rather annoying gnome. As he raises his sword, he invokes the power of Gorum as a Ferocious Strike!

Nonlethal Greatsword w/ Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 82d6 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (3, 6) + 10 + 3 = 22

I think the dice are borked for this session!

Wolfgang's bolts ping off of the stone pillar between him and his target, one shot narrowly streaking by one of the multiple gnomes.

"You swear not harm us?" Melnat's gaze darts from Thokzazt to Borox to Wolfgang rapidly. Alexei remains tense, bouncing slightly on light feet.

22 Alexei (Damage: 15NL, Delay)
16 Melnat (3 Images, Roll d4, Delay)
18 Thokzazt (Damage: 29)
14 Agraic (Damage: 1NL, Prone, Laughing 5 Rounds)
13 Maléwyn (Damage: 12, Confused 8 Rounds)
12 Borox (Damage: 20, 13NL)
8 Wolfgang
5 Athalis (Damage: 25, Confused 8 Rounds)[/b]

Anyone that is capable of acting normally can attempt a Diplomacy check to end combat, if they wish.

Minor correction, as Melnat speaks the wall disappears.

Confusion Roll: 1d100 ⇒ 94

Metumé's vision clouds again, her faculties clearly not her own once more as she rushes at the Aspis agent, screaming something about snakes as she slaps him with the saps in her hands. Zealously.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 = 21
Attack 2: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 = 27
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 2 = 26

Non-Lethal Damage 1: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 plus
Non-Lethal Hidden Strike: 3d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 2) = 5
Non-Lethal Damage 2: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 6 = 11 plus
Non-Lethal Hidden Strike: 3d4 ⇒ (1, 4, 3) = 8

Not being much of a diplomat (-1 mod) Borox thinks the third time is the charm and tries to knock Alexei down.

Nonlethal Greatsword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 272d6 + 10 ⇒ (4, 6) + 10 = 20

Critical Confirmation Roll: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 232d6 + 10 ⇒ (5, 4) + 10 = 19

That should be +3 on the ATK roll, not +7 as there's a -4 modifier to the ATK roll for doing nonlethal damage with a lethal weapon.

"As long as you surrender. My friends here are trying not to kill you. I can't do the same with my crossbow. This is over and you know it. Surrender and we won't kill you but be prepared to answer some questions" Wolfgang says, while refraining from shooting... for the moment.

Wolfgang readies an attack against the first of the 2 who takes bellicose actions, like attacking or casting a spell

Readied Attack (deadly aim): 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 - 2 = 25 → Damage roll: 1d10 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 4 = 11

Mirror Chance: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Malewyn bludgeons Alexei into unconsciousness in her confusion, while Wolfgang and Thokzazt attempt to convince Melnat to turn herself in. She shakes her head, floating away from the embiggened Hellknight and weaves arcane symbols. Wolfgang's powerful shot streaks right through one of the multiple gnomes, causing the illusion to disappear, right before Melnat disappears as well.

As all falls quiet, Metume and Athalis find their minds cleared. Agraic continues to laugh for awhile longer, while Kasadei slowly enters the vault room. "Looks like you've secured the site. Well done, Pathfinders. What have you found that we can use as evidence?" she inquires.

Alexei (Damage: 1, 45NL, Unconscious)
Thokzazt (Damage: 29)
Agraic (Damage: 1NL)
Maléwyn (Damage: 12)
Borox (Damage: 20, 13NL)
Wolfgang
Athalis (Damage: 25)

I checked stats and Thokzazt could not succeed on the Diplomacy check, so I'm moving us along.

"Everyone get close to me, and I'll channel some healing to save onna wands. Bloody gnomes! I knew that was gonna be a pain in the arse."

When everyone who wants some healing gets close, Borox will channel positive energy.

Channeling: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 3) = 11

Athalis shakes his head as though to clear it, finding himself bloodied and battered. "I hope I contributed something to the battle that I can't even recall..." He mutters to himself, though he suspects that this is not the case - much to his chagrin.

Thanking Borox for his healing, the magus turns to Kasadei. "I believe the contents of the wagon outside will suffice for proof, and the presence of Aspis agents in this tomb as well. This one can likely provide some testimony as to their actions here." Athalis nudges the unconscious one with a boot.

Requesting that the dwarven cleric utilize Athalis' wand to finish healing himself to nearly full health, the Magus detects for magical auras and takes a look around the place, searching for other clues or important artifacts.

CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 HP healed
CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 HP healed

Detect Magic and will Spellcraft as needed.

Borox offers to use wands for whoever needs them.

He also heals himself once.

CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Okay, maybe twice.

CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Athalis detects the omnipresent illusions covering the entire site but little else in this room. The auras are almost overwhelming, even centuries after the glamers were cast, clear signs of high magecraft. Brief flashes of damaged inlays and broken columns can be seen before the glamer warps over the destruction to present the appearance of grandeur. The only thing of value appears to be the altar at the far end, untouched by glamers and clearly an amazing work of art. The historical significance escapes most of the team, however. DC30 Knowledge Religion anyone?

Kasadei's brow furrow in thought. "I agree we've all the evidence of tomb robbing, but connecting it to Bronze House will take more than that. I can haul these two back in for questioning, but the paperwork will slow us down in getting them to talk. If you can get them to confess before all that, so much the better."

Athalis speaks of what he sees, but the historical significance of the art is beyond his knowledge. Turning to the unconscious Aspis agent, the magus nods. "I'm not well-versed in interrogation, but I can stand around and look like I want to kill him. Won't be much of an act on my part." He growls. "First though, we need to get him bound up and gagged to keep him from casting other spells."

If they bring the agent around, he will stand around, looking as intimidating as he can with his katana bared - though apparently his earlier actions of self-flagellation is too strongly ingrained in the mind of the prisoner.

Intimidate 'Aid Another': 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2 vs DC 10 = Woah! Embarassing failure.

Was thinking the one got away via Dimension Door and we only have one prisoner?

Chauncey is still outside.

"I'll let the rest of you handle this part... unless you need someone to rough these fellows up a bit, that is" Wolfgang comments as he follows the others ouside with the prisoner in tow.

Let's go talk to that Chauncey! Agriac had a Good rapport going, so let's see if we can't keep it up!

Heading outside, Thokzazt approaches Chauncey, who is presumably still drinking from the keg. "It appears that your compatriots were less willing to comply. Perhaps you and Agriac could come to an understanding about some... information?"

I'm willing to Aid with Intimidate, but I am certainly not the most apt to do so. Additionally, I'd like to detect magic on the rooms on the way out? Let me know what kind of Spellcraft or K(Arcana) you would like from me!

Thokzazt can give me a Perception check as he exits, along with anyone else that wants to help out. Agraic and Borox have +5 on this check.

The party finds Chauncey bounds at the wrists by the guard scouts, sitting by the wagons. "Uh, I dunno, misster Hellknight. Tha' drinkin' really went ta muh 'ead..."

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

C'mon Chauncey, you've gotta know something, right? Metume asks in as sweet and non-threatening voice she can muster and she sits down next to Chauncey, throwing an arm over his shoulder and pulling him close. I mean, you seem like such a knowledgable guy, and a good singer besides. Isn't there some way you'd be able to help us out? Any way at all? Perhaps there's something we could do for you in exchange...

Diplomacy to butter up Chauncey: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Borox attempts to perceive things!

Perception: 1d20 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 5 = 11

Perception!: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Ooo! Maybe!

Athalis takes a hard look around as they leave, letting Agriac and Metume speak to Chauncey.

Perception Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Thokzazt sees nothing but the shifting illusions covering the room, the distracting figure at the edges of his vision becoming less disconcerting over time. However, a faint aura separate from the rest of the room registers in the northwest corner.

Outside, Metume's plea causes Chauncey to shift his feet and shrug. "I iunno, mebbe ya put a good word in wit' the law? Can't tell ya much, Melnat wer' tha only one wit' a bronze badge. We were doin' plenty of jobs for Bronze House late'y."

Perception check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

"What kind of jobs exactly? If you spill it I'm quite sure the "law" will leave you alone... and perhaps you'll even get a commendation as a loyal citizen of Magnimar..." Wolfgang puts in.

"Most'y these kinna jobs. Ol' artifact stuff, that Tassillon wha'ever. I ain't no Magnimar fella, jus' don't want ta be locked up res' o' my life."

Perception(+5 for Reasons, Aid if cleverer): 1d20 + 13 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 13 + 5 = 25

The brusque brawny fellow recovers from his laughter and takes a gander about the room, to attempt to determine what other objects may have been hidden behind clever illusions or the like.

"Migh'a fou' so'thi'." he offers, pointing any areas of interest to the rest of the team before heading up to his drinking buddy upstairs.

"Chauncey! Chauncey! Y'r pres'n f'r a mir'cl!" Agraic offers excitedly. "Th' Man 'imsel' jus' visi'd me an' tol' me t' ligh'en up an' be a g'd per'n t' folks!"

...admittedly, the miraculous nature of the situation may be overstated, but not by the earnest ramblings of Agraic.

" 'e t'rned some ale ro'en, the' tol' a grea' joke t' ge' me to ligh'en' up! I would'na 'ad tha' chance if'n i' weren' f'r you!"

Diplomacy(Aid will probably be cleverer): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6

"'ey lawma', c'n we ge' a g'd wor' f'r Chauncey as 'e doin' wha' is righ?" Agraic offers with bluster and resolve befitting the Drunken Hero.

Athalis heads to the northwest corner and will summon his magic to determine what is causing the aura.

Since Athalis' Perception check was a bit higher than Thok's, I'm guessing I noticed it as well? Will Detect Magic on the aura and Spellcraft, if applicable

Spellcraft Check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18 (additional +2 if it's a magical item)

I'm with Agraic, could we get some leniency for Chauncey if he cooperates? He's been a model prisoner to this point, couldn't it be arranged? Metumé requests of the constablulary, hoping this could be the way the party gets the information it needs to move on the Bronze House. Desperately. The urge to stick it to the local Aspsis burns like a fire in her soul.

Diplomacy on the Cops: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Borox will go over to the northwest corner and attempt to figure out what is there as well.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Agraic is able to peer through the distracting illusions to notice a small velvet pouch stashed in the corner. The faint illusion aura appears to radiate from a pocket sewn into a decaying scrap of cloth, which Athalis is able to identify as a concealing pocket. Also in the pouch are numerous gems that appear to have been pried from the walls and decorations of the room beyond. Opening the pocket reveals a small feather that radiates strong conjuration magic.

Outside, the guards look at each other and shrug. "Whaddya say, Kasadei?" one inquires. Your liason looks over Chauncey thoughtfully.

"Do you swear to provide your testimony that the Bronze House is where you have delivered these illegally procured items, against Magnimar law? If so, I can promise to speak on your behalf in your own trial." Chauncey grimaces, but nods slowly. "I would hear your word, sir." Kasadei presses further.

"Aye, fine, by Cayden I swear ta speak that truth." Nodding at the admission, Kasadei turns to the party.

"That will greatly reduce the time needed to authorize an investigation of the premises. If there is nothing else, we should return to the city and you will want to plan your approach."

One more Spellcraft check to ID the feather, then more to come tonight, assuming I don't crash.

A Feather, huh? I could nat 20 this check.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

"Well done people. A pity the gnome escaped but at least we got a witness and thanks to him we'll be granted permission to investigate the viper's nest from within very soon!"

Sorry. I wasn't much useful with the checks. I hope I can do better with the next part

As you return to Magnimar, Kasadei praises your handling of the situation, especially in capturing the smugglers alive and mostly unharmed. She promises to do her best to give you the maximum time to act if the Bronze House calls for the guards during your investigation.

As to why that would be necessary, when you return to Heidmarch Manor both Kasadei and Sheila agree that Maiveer Sloan could end any serious investigation with the aid of the Lord-Mayor. While the writ gives authority to raid the Bronze House now that Chauncey's testimony links illegal activity to the establishment, a more subtle approach will likely increase your ability to find evidence before Sloan can act.

Kasadei recommends posing a merchants and bluffing into the daily trading activities, while Sheila thinks a raid at night would garner better chances of searching the premises. In either event, if an altercation breaks out, Kasadei expects around ten minutes before the city guard arrives to break up any fights or put out any fires. She offers you a guard whistle for emergencies, as the patrols will hasten to the call if they believe another guard team is in danger.

Apologies for the brevity, I wanted to get this out while I had time. You can use Knowledge Local or Diplomacy to gather information about the Bronze House and local goings on to help plan your strategy.

Athalis supports a more direct approach, liking the idea of a night-time raid to find what is needed. "If we use deception and fail, we will be forced to either wait, which risks the Consortium destroying evidence, or resort to violence in broad daylight."

The magus does what he can to help the others look into gathering information that might help them with their plans.

'Aid Another' Diplomacy Check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13 vs DC 10 = Success! Grants +2 to another's Diplomacy check.

Borox will Aid Another for Diplomacy as he has a negative modifier as well.

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

"Ye know, a direct assault would work jus' fine. Jus' kick the door in and slap the livin' crud out o' anyone who objects."

Do we have time to memorize spells?

Kasadei expects that a second chance is unlikely to be allowed, as Sloan would have time to spin a failed attempt as a partisan political move to the Lord-Mayor in order to block any further investigation. Sheila stresses urgency as every delay gives the Consortium time to realize the Society’s aims. The timing of the raid is entirely up to the party however, as she has learned to trust the instincts of her agents rather than micromanage them into failure.

You can rest to restore spells, but that would likely require waiting until the next day.

"Let's press on. I don't think we wasted too many resources until now... right?"

Well, the mistress IS a merchant, so she could attempt the ruse while the rest of you attempt to search, Metumé begins while dusting off her jacket, but I'm a capable sneak myself, so I'm willing to participate in a dusk raid as well. I will leave the decision in your... capable hands, she adds as a hint of a smirk passes her lips briefly, before settling back to a neutral expression and continuing to clean her equipment.

Athalis is eager to press on immediately, the magus is quite eager to confront the Aspis Consortium and bring them to justice.

"'ell, 'e go' a non-zer' cha' tha' th' gno' bee' back an' repor'd. 'f we wai' t' long an' try t' ge' in at nigh', 'e're 'runnin' a ris' tha' they dump'd all th' stuff. Pl's 'llusionis'. means we're gonna be' facin' thin's li' the ruins basemen'. Wi' them no' res'd, our chances 'f gettin' nail'd wi' the' cra' they pull'd on us thar is slimmer, righ'?" Agraic opines, giving this some thought.

"Onward it tis! I relie on me sword anyhow, but ye know damn good and well that blasted gnome is going to be about. The good thing is it will na' ha' time to recharge its spells too!"

From what Borox and Athalis have been able to learn around Magnimar, the Bronze House is located off the main thoroughfare in the Dockway district. Merchants haggle and trade in the main rotunda throughout the day, but the Consortium locks the building at night.

What approach are you taking? Any further checks to gather information?

Athalis is still voting for a night raid, after it's locked up (assuming we have someone that can Open Locks?) Also, we still need someone to make a Diplomacy check, bolstered with a +4 bonus due to my and Borox' rolls to Aid Another. GM, what time of day is it? How long before the place is locked up for the night?

1d4 ⇒ 2

By the time you have finished gathering information, the days trading is almost certainly over. Dusk covers the city in shadow, deepening the darkness under the Irespan, but you cannot be sure the building will have been locked up yet.. A covert raid would be workable soon, while using a guise of mercantile business would have to wait until morning.

"I must tell you a little secret now... I'm not the stealthiest of merc... ahem, Pathfinders. I'd prefer to get inside the palce kicking doors and taking names but I'm willing to try something more... subtle if you wish"

Wolfgang is not really built for stealth or misdirection but he has naturally high dex at least

Sounds like Sneaking Mission it is. I am... certainly not the most stealthy, but I can certainly stand guard? Otherwise, I'm ready to roll either way!

Any further Knowledge Local or Diplomacy checks?

I... have knowledge Local!
K(Local): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 Ooh! What do I know about the Locals?

Thokzazt recalls hearing that there are two warehouses within the structure, accessed through the rear loading entrance. Teamsters work the warehouse from dawn to midnight, most recently shipping large quantities of wine. Hired guards are the most common defenders of the house, but the most skilled mercenaries have been absent of late. The Lord-Mayor recently increased the guard patrols in the district, as the request of Mavieer Sloan.