[PFS] The Orphans' Lodge - The Slave Master's Mirror (Inactive)

Game Master Cyril Corbaz

Anaristiel swings her glaive at the hyena; she connects, but not as solidly as she would have liked.

Standard action: Attack hyena
Attack (MW Glaive (2H)): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage (MW Glaive (2H)): 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

For what it's worth, Anaristiel is providing flanking for Gert due to her cestus.

Ic, no less mad than Farug, slices again at the big gnoll Down, stupid doggie! Down!

Scimitar, Farug: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 241d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Anaristiel pierces the hyena's hide, wounding it lightly.

Ic's blow is a formidable one, and should have brought Farug to an early demise. Yet the gnoll just refuses to go down, blinded by his wrath!

"Hrrr. Farug not only kill you now. FARUG EAT ENTRAILS WHILE YOUZ ALIVE!", he shouts.

Initiative - round 2 - bold may act!
1. Liam, Anaristiel, Wulfren, Gert & Old Lace, Ic
2. Farug, Gnolls, Hyena

Liam grunts at the blow. Hoping to keep the gnolls distracted while his friends deal with the leader, he begins tossing insults their way. "Awwww, look at the widdle doggies. Wid faces only a mother could wuv. So long as she's half-blind anyway. Too bad yours wasn't though, mate. She told me last night she still has nightmares 'bout the day you were born. Lucky I was there to comfort her though, eh?"

Distraction: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8 Fail

Gert swings at Farug!

Gert club: 1d20 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 3 = 29 *threat*
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Old Lace moves up bites at the Gnoll next to Liam.

Old Lace bite: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Confirm?
Gert club: 1d20 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 3 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Farug is only a bleedy mess as Gert strikes, but furor and strength still run strong in his veins, keeping him alive. The druid then brings down his massive club on the gnoll's head - because of the blood that runs abundantly over his eyes, Farug doesn't see the blow coming and his skull cracks open with a sinister noise. A second later, the gnoll falls to the ground, lifeless.

As they behold such a spectacular death, the two other gnolls look at each other and retreat, leaving the hyena alone against your combined assault. Unfortunately, it doesn't give up the fight - in fact you see her wounds slowly closing! The mutant hyena tries to bite Anaristiel again, angered against her. The beast acts incerdibly fast and lunges at the elf's throat, tearing it open with its massive jaw! Ana falls to the ground, on the verge of meeting the Lady of Graves...

Miss chance (high hits): 1d100 ⇒ 61
Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 262d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 6 = 12
Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 202d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 4) + 6 = 16 Ouch... That leaves Anaristiel at -9. Since you all act together as group init, everyone gets to act before Ana has to make her stabilization check.

Initiative - round 3 - bold may act!
1. Liam, Wulfren, Gert & Old Lace, Ic, Anaristiel
2. Hyena

There's nothing I can do to heal Ana...

Ic rages at the nasty piece of wildlife, trying to growl as menacingly as he can muster, while slashing with his blade.

Scimitar, Hyena: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 251d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Confirm, Hyena: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 121d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

I've moved you 5 feet since I don't think Ic has reach. If I'm wrong please move yourself back.

Ic steps forward and slashes at the Hyena, injuring it yet missing an artery by a few inches.

"ANA!!!!" shouts Wulfren as he sees the elven oracle fall. Moving with haste granted by fear and anger, he steps to the side and sends a musket ball at the wicked creature!"[/b]

Point-blank BANG!: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 = 12
Damage?: 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Counting on Liam's wand to save Ana here.

Gert currently has his wand. What kind of an action would it be to grab it from her? Could I do it as part of/in the middle of a move? I have the prehensile tail trait, which lets me retrieve items as a swift action if it helps. Although I think that's only things on me.

If he can, he'll heal her to free Gert up from doing it. If not, he'll just make a heal check to try to stabilize her

Heal check if needed (aid?): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

With a cry of alarm, Liam rushes over to his fallen companion, desperately trying to stop the alarming flow of blood covering everything. "C'mon now, ol' gal. Not goin' ta let some grimy mutt take ya down, now are ya?" he mutters as he tries to apply pressure to her wound or waves a wand over her, depending

I'll allow it as part of a move action, I'm about to leave for work so no time to look it up. Though when I look at the map, you can move to the square between Gert and Ana, use your tail to retrieve, then use the wand without doing it as suggested above.

Ok, cool

CLW for Ana: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 Nice!

Gert takes a 5' step toward the mutant hyena and swings her club again! She then whistles at Old Lace to join in the fun!

Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11

Old Lace moves in and tries to bite the hyena!

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

The combined attacks of Wulfren and Old Lace is almost enough to bring the Hyena down, but it appears to regenerate!

Initiative - round 3 - bold may act!
1. Liam, Wulfren, Gert & Old Lace, Ic, Anaristiel (staggered and at 0 hp I believe?)
2. Hyena

Sorry, I was waiting for resolution of the CLW. It looks like Anaristiel is inside the Hyena's reach, so I'm assuming that she can't actually move/stand up without triggering an AoO? If not, she'll just lay there.

Unfortunately you're right, standing up where you are will provoke. I didn't know if you wanted to cast a cure spell defensively in fact.

Some of the hyena's wounds continue to mend, allowing the mutant beast to continue fighting.

The hyena turns to Ic, lunging at the simpleton's throat.
Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 232d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 1) + 6 = 13
Trip: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Initiative - round 4 - bold may act!
1. Liam, Wulfren, Gert & Old Lace, Ic, Anaristiel
2. Hyena

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Gert orders Old Lace to attack and then will take out a flask of alchemist's fire and throw it at the beast!

Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Touch attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

The hyena goes down in a blaze of glory!

End combat.

Bad doggie! Stay dead, now, doggie!

Ic looks around to check if that was the last of them

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

Apparently all the gnolls and the sole hyena that were in this part of the compound are dead.

"Do we need to go after those other two? Or should we quickly move on with our business?" Gert asks as she searches Farug.

Wulfren looks back at the other slaves:

"Spread the word that the Spirit of Liberty will come to captive people in every corner of the world!"

To his friends:

"Let's be quick. Maybe we can do what we need to before they can bring help."

-Posted with Wayfinder

I keep forgetting to pick up a wand of CLW...whoops.

Anaristiel stands shakily and casts a couple of spells to heal herself.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Partially recovered, she throws her arms around Gert and Liam, hugging them both tightly. "Thank you so much! I was so close to..." Her voice cracks, but she gives them one last squeeze before she releases them and retrieves her glaive.

Ic takes a moment to rummage through the chest and gather up all of his equipment. He then moves to the door. Giving Liam the chance to look for traps, he'll open it afterwards.

Just moving this along a bit...

The door doesn't appear to be locked or trapped, and your theory is verified when you open it. It leads into a vast training hall - an abrupt change from the dusty and unfinished slave quarters you've just left. This large room includes many of the trappings of a noble household: a table laid with fancy place settings, a vanity and wardrobe that would be at home in a lady’s boudoir, oversized oil paintings of stuffy nobles, a grand staircase and balcony, and even a chandelier suspended from the ceiling.

A single person stands in this room, clearly bearing the appearance of an outsider. He greets you with curiosity.

"Well met, visitors! I am Jairo the Enlightener, provider of many and source of age-old legends! And who might you be?"

Anaristiel smiles and steps forward. "Greetings, Jairo. My name is Anaristiel, and these are my companions. We would like to meet with Pasha Muhlia al’Jakri, if that's possible, or one of her agents, if not. Would you be able to help us with that?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Anaristiel. Such manners are most welcome in there, and may fare better than harsh words and swords. My mistress, Pasha Muhlia al'Jakri is currently... away from home, shall we say? I'm afraid I can't let you pass unless you have the password. Want to guess it? Or maybe you'd like... a hint?" says Jairo playfully.

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Anaristiel's smile slips slightly, "That would depend on what we might have to part with to get it, I suppose. If you're offering it at no cost to ourselves, and merely wish to challenge us with a riddle, then by all means, give us this hint."

I keep forgetting to pick up a wand also Ana. I've gone ahead and updated my HL character with one so I don't forget again, but do not currently have one either.

Know Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Those two! What a wretched pair! What connection could they have to the Okeno slavers?

Wulfren keeps quiet on his discovery for now, not wanting to upset their odd host.

The djinn smiles at the idea of the challenge of minds.

"Very well, a hint it is. After all, she hasn't been the most rewarding of the mistresses, quite the contrary. Well, what is a password? More than a simple physical key, it’s a spoken declaration of belonging or devotion to a cause. What could be that important to Pasha Muhlia al’Jakri? Like many mortals, she is consumed by a mad quest, her every spare thought given to plotting the downfall of a group called the Pathfinder Society. I honestly find her a bit of a bore, but I do wonder how the that group wronged her to provoke such wrath."

You can also generally assume Liam is willing to heal people with his wand. He still has ~30 charges left/

Local: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 10 + (3) = 15
Planes: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 9 + (6) = 18

Liam looks uncertain when the meet the djinn, but he soon begins to rub his hands in anticipation of a fun riddle. He absentmindedly starts grabbing his gear out of the chest while muttering to himself.

"Hmm, a 'spoken declaration of belongin' or devotion to a cause'. An oath? Probably not the Pathfinder motto given her fallin' out. Perhaps there's a clue in the decor? Some relation to the brothers?"

History: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (14) + 8 + (4) = 26 For any info about the circumstances under which Pasha left the PFS.

Anaristiel listens to Liam intently, concentrating on the few clues they had heard from their briefing. "Well, we know that she's fallen in with the Aspis Consortium - we might try 'Aspis'. Though perhaps, as Liam said, it has something to do with the brothers - Valsin said that she had been close to them, and they were both killed during conflicts with the Society. It's possible the password is one of their names? Or, collectively, their last name? 'Desimire'?" She turns to the djinn. "How many guesses are we permitted?"

Liam remembers much about the circumstances in which Pasha Muhlia al'Jakri left the Society four years ago. In the year where an internal struggle took place between the Society and the Shadow Lodge, al'Jakri vanished abruptly after murdering Taldan Baron Jacquo Dalsine in 4711 AR—which she committed in revenge for her own sister’s murder. An investigation led by a team of Pathfinder agents revealed that al'Jakri was tricked by Chalfon Dalsine, Jacquo Dalsine's own brother, into killing the Baron. Still the deed was done and it is well-known that Muhlia turned to the Aspis Consortium where she met Aglorn Desimire.

While Liam tells these events, the djinn has conjured a very appetizing meal for you to share with him, and sits at a table, right in front of Anaristiel. Offering you the food and wine, he takes a morse of a juicy-looking apple before looking at the elf casually. "Under normal circumstances I would only allow for one try. However, I could be persuaded to let you take another try if you were to offer me something meaningful, yet something you wouldn't feel too bad about parting with, sweet Anaristiel. Something, perhaps, as a simple kiss." conclues Jairo with a definitely flirtatious wink.

Ic, completely misreading the situation, reaches for a healing potion to offer as a gift.

I won't be contributing to the puzzle, because I know the answer from GM-ing it.

Well, I've come up with a couple of possibilities...anyone have a preference between them, or any other suggestions?

Gert nods along listening to LIam and Ana. "Revenge?" she offers with a meek expression on her face.

"Alas, it is not that word, and it isn't a grand ideal or a principle. You aren't far however." The djinni turns to Anaristiel, expecting to see what the elf will do.

There is something Ic doesn't quite understand. Why do you want us to guess the password?

Anaristiel flashes a look at Gert, then sighs and closes her eyes, "Very well." She slowly moves toward the djinn, expecting that she will not care for what comes next. As she walks, however, she considers the djinn's response. What might be close to revenge? She wants revenge for the brothers' deaths. Why, though? She pauses. Love? Did she love them? Might that be the answer?

"Hmm, 'revenge' was a good choice, Gert. It woulda made sense. If it's similar maybe the cause that makes her want revenge? Perhaps Ana's earlier suggestion of 'Desimire' if she wants revenge for their death? Since it sounds a bit like Aglorn took her in." Liam looks to Ana and then shrugs as if to say Your guess is as good as mine, luv.

Note: This is all directed at the party, not at the djinn. So it's generally contemplation and not an actual guess. :-)

Gret whispers to Anaristiel, "Let's go with Desimire."

Anaristiel nods at Gert and Liam, then turns back to the djinn and says, softly. "Desimire."

The djinni's eyes narrow to become thin slits. "I see there is a witty spirit that goes along with the good looks. That is the correct answer, you may pass. However, something tells me that it isn't the last time we meet, sweet Anaristiel. I shall be waiting for another of your delicious, rose-scented kisses." concludes Jairo as he disappears in a puff of smoke.

The way is clear for you to reach the Pasha's suite. A shallow reflecting pool is set into the tile floor, flanked by plush divans. Beyond two marble supporting columns, a heavy curtain separates the sitting room from the bedroom. A large map of Absalom hangs on the south wall, riddled with pins and crossed with colorful thread. As you cross the room to see what are behind the heavy curtain, you hear some ill-concealed snarls, and draw weapons. You're under attack by a massive gnoll - a flind!

Initiative - round 1 - bold may act!
1. Gert & Old Lace, Ic, Liam, Anaristiel
2. Chau
3. Wulfren
4. ???

The Pasha's Suite

Gert moves in on the gnoll, signaling Old Lace to come around from behind to flank the beast!

Attack (Gert): 1d20 + 6 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 - 1 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9

Attack (Old Lace, claw): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Anaristiel moves forward and engages the flind as well.

Move action: As indicated on map
Standard action: Attack flind
Attack (MW Glaive (2H)): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Damage (MW Glaive (2H)): 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Waiting until after Ana attacks, Liam moves forward, drawing his relatively new, shiny rapier and attacking the flind.

To Hit (MW Rapier): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Knowledge for flind: 1d20 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + (2) = 7 +8 for arcana/nature, +9 dungeoneering/planes/religion, +10 local

Next round, Liam will be 5ft stepping to get out of Ana's way

After Anaristiel attacks with her pole arm, Ic moves up, drawing his rapier and stabbing at the dog.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 271d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Confirm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 191d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

The Orphans unleash their full fury upon the flind, but the creature manages to dodge all of their blows, save for Ic's! Despite a well-aimed blow, the magus doesn't succeed at hitting a vital point.

Liam: You know that flinds are tougher versions of gnolls, but that they have little more in terms of abilities. In other words, there's nothing to ask about except that they have darkvision perhaps.

The flind retaliates, using his weird stick weapon and his shield to attack Ic.

"Hrrr, hrrr. Chau had worst-behaved slaves than you before! You'll be reared like the rest of them."

Flindbar: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 = 211d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13
Shield Slam: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 = 191d4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8
Bull Rush: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 + 2 = 19

Ic takes 21 damage and is bull rushed 5 feet away.

Initiative - round 1 - bold may act!
1. Gert & Old Lace, Ic, Liam, Anaristiel
2. Chau
3. Wulfren
4. ???

Wulfren moves towards the doorway, then holds his fire with his friends in the way.

He readies a shot in case the flind breaks the circle or if another foe appears.