PFS- Way of the Kirin, 4-21 (Inactive)

Game Master DrGabe

Fendahl dresses in the garb for the ceremony.

He bows deeply when introduced.

"I am Fendahl. At your service. It is an honor to even attend such a meeting of historical importance as this. My role is to protect and heal on missions for the Society. I have a special interest in fighting undead, although I am not sure that will be relevant today."

Riley...hasn't changed much. With his hair tied back, wearing silk instead of cotton, he does convey a much more. . . convincing image however. It may just be the subtle things.

When he speaks, a small smile plays on his lips. "I'm afraid my role in the Society since I returned from my study of swordplay has not been as quiet as one might have hoped, although blade and skill have played a role. It seems I have been designated one of the 'problem solvers' of this group. Although it seems almost all of those problems can be 'solved' with the edge of a sword."

Tsuneo listens to everyone with a grace you don't usually see in such a venerable warrior. Looks and nods at each Pathfinder. He follows up these questions by wanting to know some of the darker side of the Pathfinder organization. He asks if any of you have been asked to kill on behalf of the Pathfinders, or how the gods of the inner sea are difference than the deities of Xien Tia.

This is your chance to learn more about the Way of the Kirin and Tsueno. If you have specific questions then here is your chance. Also, you may have been introduced to Tsueno during the First Steps. If there is nothing more to talk to him about we can move on.

Jory listens to the venerable warrior. He has kept his quiet politely, letting the others speak first out of respect to their Lodge and leaders. But Jory gets choked up at the last question and blurts out.

"We have crossed paths when I went through initial Pathfinder training. I have been asked to do things I could not do! I have brought my talents of sharp eyes, quiet movement, and deadly accuracy with the bow to help the Pathfinders. I assumed we were all working for helping people and the Grand Lodge would be above petty politics. But my last mission I was asked to do things I could not do, and my standing with the Grand Lodge has suffered. It is for this reason I wish to help you here."

Jory fights back tears and almost breaks down.
"My moral code is more important than sealed orders from Pathfinder 'Powers that Be'. I will not kill innocents working for legitimate civil authorities who are just doing their job, I WON"T!!"

Jory recovers and adds: "I worship Irori. I am dedicated to being the best I can be, an endless quest for the highest level of professional abilities. Irori's motto would probably be: Amateurs practice till they get it right once, but professionals practice till they can never get it wrong."

Jory asks: "Hypothetically, Master Tsuneo, would it be possible to switch to the Lantern Lodge after working for the Grand Lodge? "

Anything from Detect Evil, Sense Motive, or Discern Lies?

After the others have spoken Sutoku adds My origins are of Xien, so what I know of the gods here are only what I have learned in the short time I have served. He looks strangely at Jory perhaps our of doubt, or out of concern; his avian features are hard to read. I for one have never been asked to do something I felt evil, Nor have I had to turn down a mission. But I suspect that, like any large organization, factions have developed and politics is at play. It is possible that some venture captains act more for their own reasons than that of the society. He pauses before speaking more boldly. But enough of us for now. I would here more of the Kirin if you would tell us.

"I am a member of the sub-sect of the Pathfinders known as the Silver Crusade. Our primary goal is to help those in most need. We do our best to ensure that our fellow Pathfinders are safe, supported, and taken care of. I have never been asked to kill anyone for any reason, and generally, I try to avoid such things, when ever possible. I just wish more people would endeavor to make it possible. What can you tell me about your order, Sir? Perhaps you would like to speak to the head of my order? It would be a great honor. I am certain that the goals of an organization named for the noble Kirin would have much in common with my simple group. I am not blessed with a honeyed tongue, but perhaps my companions could make this make more sense."

Faction Mission! If anyone could be a diplomat for me, I would greatly appreciate it!
Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 18 Aid Other if someone will take point, else solo roll I do believe.

"I, like Sutuko, am sworn to serve Lantern Lodge, and so far, there have been no orders to do anything against my beliefs as a Pathfinder, nor, more importantly, against my devotion to Sarenrae...goddess of healing and sun. I am not as familiar with the local pantheons but as a student of religions, I would be interested in learning their names and devotions."

Sutoku- sorry, keep missing to report on your checks,- no detect evil at this time, Tsuneo appears is honest but reserved, he seems to be honestly interested in all that you have to say.

The Kirin ambassador listens to Fendahl and Sutoku with great interest. He nods and asks simple follow up questions that suggests that he is genially interested in what the Lantern Lodge is doing.

Tsuneo is greatly affected by Jory's comments. I appreciate your honestly, sometimes we are all asked to do hard things, impossible things even. I see that the Pathfinders have chosen well with you, and that you will go far in this organization. As far as what leader you serve, that is not for me to say.

Jezebel has some more work to do...

And does he speak of the Kirin?

Tsueno responds to Jezebel Well I suspect that we should arrange a meeting with your leader mistress Jezebel. This Crusade of yours sounds like something the Kirin would be interested in. We will talk later. Arrangements can be made of course.

Sorry gang, Jezebel doesn't need a Perform check. Does anyone else want to speak with Tsueno or do you want me to move to the next act?

Fendahl watches Amara Li and follows her lead as best he can. If she appears ready to close the discussions, Fendahl will stand quietly waiting the next activity. .

I have asked him twice about his order and have now asked you twice OOC about it. Not sure why we are having a hard time communicating DrGabe?

Riley takes things in, obviously very carefully considering his answer here. "I would say that I have killed on behalf of the Society. We don't live in a world where we have the luxury of learning of the past without competition. We do, after all, have an interest in things which may be powerful weapons or things of wonder, beauty, and great value. Very often, others want to find the very same things we do, and are willing to use deadly force to obtain it. When that happens, my skills are called in."

"The other time, of course, is when that past tries to eat my fellow agents."

Riley continues after that, apparently unaware of the joke. "I will say that I have never been tasked with the death of a particular individual, nor a group of individuals."

"Yes, what of the Kirin? How do their ways differ from ours?"

Fendahl waits with the others to learn more of the mysterious Kirin from their guest.

Tsueno nods at Riley's reports on the Pathfiners. Turning to Sutoku he happily answers that the Kirin have a good heart and aim to defeat evil creatures, though they are tempered by caution in meddling directly in the everyday affairs of others. He is about to expound further on the virtues of the Kirin when suddenly the stops and looks out the window. A warm, reddish-orange glow brightens the horizon. But instead of fading like a normal sunset, it glows brighter and brighter. The glow isn’t the sunset—it’s coming from the pier.

I am going to be traveling the next two days, I'll still be updating slowly. On Sunday I'll be back to full speed.

Fendahl will spring into action, and head towards a window or door to see if the house is under attack or on fire or something else.

"Hrrmm, we may have company already!"

Jezebel begins to rush off to stoke the fires underneath the boiling liquid in kettles above the murder-holes. As she starts up the steps, Jezebel points out, "That certainly looks bad. Might I suggest someone bar the doors and someone else mount the tower and get the catapult ready?"

Riley just nods to Jezebel's comment before standing and bowing to the two leaders. "It seems there's a small amount of trouble. We'll take care of it." With that he rushes to bar the doors himself, then stands in front of them with a hand on his sheath, ready to draw the weapon inside with barely a moment's notice.

After barring the door, Riley will ready an action to strike at anyone who successfully opens it.

Tsuneo looks to Li and the assembled Pathfinders, You have brought this to me haven't you? Tell me now, you are not Pathfinders you are part of the Apsis! Do not lie to me now.? The taciturn man has suddenly turned angry.

Rushing up to the catapult it you can see down to the dock where the Kirin's boat has been set ablaze. Coming on shore appears to be four dozen Golden League men! The island is under assault!

"That is insulting to me old man. I am going to the tower to get vital intelligence and shoot at these men as they approach."

Jory points to Tsueno:
"They probably have come for you. Stay inside and don't expose yourself. They may not attack until they are sure you are within."

Jory rushes to find a good sniping post. He wants good fields of fire with ample cover. On the way he grabs any debris from the place to make an impromptu concealment screen.

He turns to Jezebel as he leaves: "Now would be the time for some armor from this wand and that spell that lets us talk over some distances if you have it. It seems to be an arcane Pathfinder staple."

If there is a large gathering of a dozen or more enemies, Fendahl will cast Holy Smite trying to catch as many as possible.

"Sir, We are sworn enemies of Aspis. We did not bring these attackers but rather we will do our best to defend this place from them! "

Hearing Jory speak, he turns to try to catch Jezebel. "Ah, yes. Mine as well, if you would."

He sighs at Tsuneo's accusation. "Sir, please. If that were the case, the boat would not be on fire. After all, we know where you are. We will do our best to protect you, so please remain calm so you can see for yourself."

Jezebel nods, "I will get the fires stoked, meet me in the room, and I will make sure to use any and all wands you may have on you, so long as they are within my ability to use."

Once everything is ready in the bedroom, Jezebel casts "Mage Armor" on herself as well.

"As soon as they threaten to breach the main doors, I will cast Enlarge Person on those who will gain the most from it. Once they are in the room below the murder holes, we will dump the boiling oil on them, then I will hit them with Glitterdust. If we are lucky and they are all packed in there tight as sardines, I will create a pit underneath them so you front liners have a better chance at dealing with the enemy one on one. I don't know how many waves of assault there will be, but the harder we shut down each one, the better it will be for us all.

"Master, I assure you I am not Aspis. I have faith in your ability to make that decision on your own. As you can see, I am completely unarmed aside from my little shield here. My back is completely yours to do with as you please, but at the moment I have to focus on keeping you and Master Li alive."

"Once we are all as strengthened by magic as is likely, we should get to the siege engine, and look for targets. It would serve us well to destroy as many as possible before it comes to man to man combat, eh?[ I believe Master Tsundo has the right of it, Aspis are likely as not the source of this trouble."

If no enemies are in immediate range, Fendahl will don his breastplate and cast shield of faith.

After hearing your replies, Tsueno sinks down and suddenly looks a man of great age. Sorry I am to accuse you, of course you are not Aspsis. It would be my honor if you would help defend us all from whatever this is. He bows deeply to all of you. I will summon aid here, however it will take some time. You Pathfinders stay here and defend the house. Li and I will return with help. Tsueno makes use of the secret door you found earlier. It opens into a steep staircase. With one last glance, Li bids you all good luck.

Heading upstairs for a better look, Jory sees a small invasion force gathering at the docks. There appears to be nearly 60 men and a couple of oni coming ashore! There is a man that you can make out in the distance who appears to be leading the army. He is slowly organizing the troops. The officer doesn't seem to be eager to move up the hill to the house.

You have time to cast spells, put on armor, make last minute defenses.

After nearly an hour, the sun is fully set into the west. Jory can see a small band of men heading up the path to the top of the hill, torches lit to guide their way. Meanwhile more men remain on the beach, their torches also lit.

If you want to use your catapult or any magical items, now is your time to do.

"Hrrmm, time to find our positions and make a stand. Do we all want to all stay with the catapult or elsewhere? "

Feeling better with his armor on, Fendahl will cast buffs when the raiders get within 200' ( shield of faith on self, scroll prot vs evil circle on self and others within 10')

If they approach within 170' in clustered group, he will cast the holy smite on the largest group. He assumes the others can operate the catapult but will join them once he finishes casting.

Riley will wait as described above to hold off the horde.

With Mage Armor up Riley's pretty much capable of holding his own defensively. I'd suggest using the Enlarge Person on someone else - it's a net negative on a dex character with an agile weapon. By staying on the chokepoint, I can continually make full attacks to keep my AC maxed out while more ranged-oriented characters can work them over from above. In all truth, not sure the catapault's going to do a great deal of good now that I think about it, since none of us present actually knows how to use one.

Jory reports exactly what he sees from this spot high on the tower.

"I am best used to shoot my bow. I have no idea how to use that catapult......and no, all dwarves do not know how to use catapults."

If an hour truly did pass, Jory will need another charge from the wand.

"I will return to my high post and pass on what I see." Jory drinks water from a waterskin before departing.

Send the kitchen staff to me, they can help load, I will fire the catapult. Those with nothing better to do than to wait until the enemy approaches closer might find the catapult a good investment of their time.

Jezebel rushes up the steps, and with help, loads and fires the catapult as many times as humanly possible before the enemy is close enough to make the catapult ineffective.

Firing the Catapult (module alternative rules): to fire the catapult, the crew leader attempts a DC 19 targeting check (this DC includes the PCs’ –4 nonproficiency penalty). This check uses the leader’s base attack bonus, and either her Knowledge (engineering) skill modifier or her Intelligence modifier (if she’s not trained in Knowledge [engineering]). Operating the catapult requires 3 people working for 3 full round actions to load and fire it.

Once the sky is dark- several groups of torches start to make the slow climb up the hill to the light house.

Now is your time to fire the catapult, fire other ranged weapons, and cast ranged spells.

My Engineering is +9, so that makes a 23, 15, 14, 29. I assume that since this is a skill check, a 20 is not a crit. The two misses have an excellent chance to hit if I get Aid from Others. Are the Kitchen Help able to assist? If not . . . Please everyone? They wouldn't put it here if we weren't to use it. . .

Jory uses his excellent sight to call out adjustments to the catapult operators and let them know how to adjust their fire. He call out short/long and left/right miss distances in feet.

Jory prepares to let two arrows fly in rapid succession from his post.
arrow1 hit/damage: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 201d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
arrow2 hit/damage: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 261d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
arrow2 confirm/damage: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 112d8 + 10 ⇒ (5, 2) + 10 = 17

Fendahl casts Holy Smite on the largest group containing one or both of the Oni(?) or leaders in a 20' radius burst.

"Here they come! Fire at will!"

holy damage to evil: 3d8 ⇒ (5, 3, 4) = 12 Will Save DC18 for half and avoid blindness.
holy damage to evil outsiders: 7d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 4, 4, 5, 4, 3) = 28 Will Save DC18 for half and avoid blindness.

Good creatures take no damage and neutrals take half or quarter damage (and no blindness)

K. _____ to gather information on Oni: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
K. _____ to figure out who enemies are: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Riley makes several calls from looking through his positions on the ground floor through a window before moving into position.

Knowledge (Aid Other): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22, 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9, 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15, 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15,

As the invaders move up the mountain, their torches are blocked out by huge falling stones for a few moments. The stones and broken pieces of furniture land with a horrible sounding thud. You can hear shouting in the distance as the leaders issues commands to put out the torches. The raiding party is too close now for the catapult.
Fendahl's spells starts to tear through the invaders - Soldiers: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12 and Leader: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Jory, leaving the catapult sees that there are only a few men coming up the hill. Five to be exact. Two arrows later, one of the soldiers is drowning in his own blood.

Jory and Jezebel notice that there are no Oni this attacking group. However Jezebel does know that the Oni are a race of evil spirits, native to the Material Plane, that manifest physical bodies based upon the shapes and desires of humanoid mortals. In pure spirit form, an oni is nothing but a disembodied evil longing for the sins of the flesh. In this form, oni are harmless and invisible.

Initiative Order: Riley, Soldier, Jezebel, Sutoku, Fendahl, Officer, Jory
Conditions: Soldiers (blinded)
No Map yet- there are soldiers x3 30 ft from the front door; the leader needs a perception check to see; please indicate which room you are currently in

Back from my trip- Sorry for my absence. During out prep time Sutoku recommends we wet down the house as best we can to make it harder for the enemy to burn us out. He will enlist the aid of the servants to carry water to wet down the roof and walls, wishing that someone had the create water cantrip.

Before Mistress Li departs he make sure he understands her direction. I a to stay here and guard this house and not stay with you my mistress? As you will. He obeys but is not happy to see her depart without escort.

As the enemy approach he stands in front of Jezebel a the window (in A5) and is ready with his bow to send them arrows. I recommend we do not use the oil this first wave. They test us I think. More will come. And when it comes to melee I do indeed like to be enlarged.

Longbow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 261d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Jezebel ist at the catapult tower. As soon as the Soldiers hit the front door, Jezebel will cast 'Create Pit' underneath them, such that the edge of the pit is right at the front door. Once the spell is cast, Jezebel will immediately retreat to the bedroom with the Murder Holes.

I guess I was not sure where the catapult was - was it A4?

Riley quickly runs down and takes his position...

Just behind the entrance at A4, I think. Ready...steady...

If the light room (A7) offers clear fields of fire, Jory is there. If not, he is probably on the roof of the house.

Fendahl will follow the others to the catapult room (A4) and casts divine favor on himself as he moves into position need Sutoku and Riley.

"What do we have coming now? I lost sight of one of them...but I think I blinded a few others."

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Cut to before the attack- Li bows low to Sutoku and whispers in his ear The time for your valor will come soon. This one thing will be the last I ask of you.

As the attack gains momentum, Riley races down from the catapult and is ready to receive the charge.
The soldiers slow their advance due to being blinded, the three remaining soldiers take cover against the wall of the house, hoping they haven't open themselves to more fire from the defending Pathfinders.

Jezebel finishes her spell and suddenly the ground before the house opens up and two of the soldiers try to avoid falling in the hole. Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2 Not taking any time to look the damage caused, she runs up the stairs and into the former master bedroom.

Sutoku's arrow cuts through the thick armor of one of the soldiers, the shaft sticking out of the man's arm.

Fendahl looks around, but can't find the leader of this group.

Suddely, Jory squeals with surprise. The leader of this attack bursts through the night as if he is flying in the air! The leader is still a few feet away (ends turn not on ground, but flying at the top of the lighthouse). Strangely enough the fellow isn't armed but appears ready to take on the dwarf with nothing but his fist!

Initiative Order: Riley, Soldier, Jezebel, Sutoku, Fendahl, Officer, Jory
Conditions: Soldiers (blinded)
No Map yet- there are soldiers x3 are adjacent to the house; Leader: (A7); Riley (A4), Jezebel ( A5), Sutoku (A4 w/ Catapult, not loaded), Fendahl (A4), Jory (A7)

Jory yells, "I am fighting the leader, I need help up here."

Jory does not know who this leader is, but he chooses cold iron arrows to shoot, as that has worked out in the past.

Jory uses his ability to aim for more damage and his ability to fire closely without causing any retaliation. The first shot he concentrates on to make a perfect shot.

Perfect shot, deadly aim/reroll/damage: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 171d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 201d8 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Arrow2 deadly aim/damage: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 261d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Jory then steps back five feet.
Full attack (flurry of blows) then 5'step back (if allowed)

Jory AC 19 with mage armor

Jezebel relays Jory's message, "The leader is with Jory, at the at the top of the lighthouse! Reinforcements are needed as soon as possible!"

AC: 25/26 if only adjacent to a single foe, HP: 39/39, Mage Armor

Riley spares the group above a glance. "Sutoku, go! I'll stand and ensure that these three are no bother."

That said, the Taldane man leaps over the pit. Once on the other side, he turns to bring his weapon to bear on the single guard he is facing...

Running start, Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

I believe that's enough to cross the pit. If this leaves me next to the guard, taking a standard attack, fighting defensively.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
[ooc]Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

"Looks like you have these, Master Riley. I will assist Master Jory as well. Call out if you see more. Hope to be back in a minute."

Fendahl will race up to assist with the leader with the others.

Jory was stepping away to try to deny the leader a full attack.

Jory hoped his maneuver kept the leader from getting in a flurry. Jory knew fist fighters can be dangerous.