PbP GameDay 3: PFS 03-02 Sewer Dragons of Absalom (3-7) (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Trexler

Darro instructs Blackthorn to attack the Kobold on the ground...The Wolf moves to the kobold...

Meanwhile Darro continues to aim at the Kobold on the ceiling
Longbow Rapid1: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14...damage1: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Longbow Rapid2: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18...damage2: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

and misses again.

Reflex Saving Throw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Round 5

Eager to assist his companions, Azdak hurries up the stairs and lets fly three magic missiles at the (purple) kobold on the ceiling.

Magic Missile: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3, 4) + 3 = 12

Frustrated by his inability to hit anything but ceiling tiles with his arrows, Rhydderch moves down the stairs to heal Darro.

LoH: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10

"Many thanks."

Fortitude save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 That oughtta do it.

It's a reflex save, but that doesn't matter :) Rhydderch gives some healing to Darro while Azdak puts some hurt on the alchemist up above. Blackthorn moves to flank with Rikas.

Tarri!

Round V
Master: frost bomb
Darro @ 40/59hp (Blackthorn 52/66hp): miss (move)
Rhydderch: Lay on Hands
Azdak @ 29/32hp: magic missile
Rikas @ 38/59hp: feint
Tarri @ 35/40hp (Hugo 38/39hp): CURRENT
Guard:
Li @ 18/26hp:

Tarri looses three more arrows at the kobold on the ceiling, only the first finding its target.

Longbow Attack Primary: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Longbow Damage Primary: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Longbow Attack Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Longbow Damage Rapid Shot: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Longbow Attack Iterative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Longbow Damage Iterative: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Tarri keeps chipping away at the kobold up above. Faithful to the last, the guard on the stairs makes (presumably) his last futile attempt at Rikas.

Claw: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 MISS
Claw: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 MISS
Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 MISS

Li!

Round V
Master: frost bomb
Darro @ 40/59hp (Blackthorn 52/66hp): miss (move)
Rhydderch: Lay on Hands
Azdak @ 29/32hp: magic missile
Rikas @ 38/59hp: feint
Tarri @ 35/40hp (Hugo 38/39hp): one hit!
Guard: miss
Li @ 18/26hp: CURRENT

Li keeps on targeting that roof-dwelling kobold with a calm procession of shots.

1st shot: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 211d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
2nd shot: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 151d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

A veritable forest of arrows graces the ceiling near the crafty kobold. The bombardier drops another explosive, this time aiming for Tarri atop Hugo, before skittering across the ceiling toward the bookshelf-covered wall of the loft.

Frost Bomb (Touch): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26 HIT Damage (Cold): 3d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1, 5) + 3 = 12 plus a DC 16 Fort save or be staggered for the next round, plus 6 cold damage to Hugo (Reflex for half).

Round VI
Master: frost bomb
Darro @ 40/59hp (Blackthorn 52/66hp): CURRENT
Rhydderch: CURRENT
Azdak @ 29/32hp: CURRENT
Rikas @ 38/59hp: CURRENT
Tarri @ 23/40hp (Hugo 32/39hp): CURRENT Fort save! (Reflex for Hugo!)
Guard:
Li @ 18/26hp:

Round VI

Azdak casts flaming sphere and directs it up to the kobold on the ceiling.

Flaming Sphere: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 4) = 10

Reflex Saving a Throw DC 16 negates

Reflex: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16 SUCCESS Though distracted by the chaos, the kobold manages to avoid the jumping ball of fire on account of its blistering reflexes.

Round VI
Master: frost bomb
Darro @ 40/59hp (Blackthorn 52/66hp): CURRENT
Rhydderch: CURRENT
Azdak @ 29/32hp: flaming sphere
Rikas @ 38/59hp: CURRENT
Tarri @ 23/40hp (Hugo 32/39hp): CURRENT Fort save! (Reflex for Hugo!)
Guard:
Li @ 18/26hp:

Rikas moves to end this kobold so as to focus on the one on the roof.

Dagger!: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 12 + 2 = 30 vs Flat-footed AC
1d4 + 1 + 4d8 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (3, 5, 4, 8) = 23

It dies. Gruesomely.

Round VI
Master @ 28dmg: frost bomb
Darro @ 40/59hp (Blackthorn 52/66hp): CURRENT
Rhydderch: CURRENT
Azdak @ 29/32hp: flaming sphere
Rikas @ 38/59hp: kills the last guard
Tarri @ 23/40hp (Hugo 32/39hp): CURRENT Fort save! (Reflex for Hugo!)
Li @ 18/26hp: CURRENT

Darro once again aims at the dastardly kobold on the roof...Longbow Rapid1: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25...DMG1: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5Longbow Rapid2: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16...DMG2: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

maybe one hit...?
He also takes a 5 foot step and calls for his friend to come back. Blackthorn moves closer to Darro

Edit: and crappy damage if it hit...

Tarri shrugs off the cold and fires three arrows at the kobold again, once again only landing the first one. "Oi! Wouldja just die ya bastard!?!" the halfling shouts.

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Hugo Reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Longbow Attack Primary: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Longbow Damage Primary: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Longbow Attack Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Longbow Damage Rapid Shot: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Longbow Attack Iterative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Longbow Damage Iterative: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22, 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Rhydderch fires another arrow near the kobold.

Of all the shots, only Tarri lands one. The kobold's looking a little bloodied by now, though.

Li!

Round VI
Master @ 38dmg: frost bomb
Darro @ 40/59hp (Blackthorn 52/66hp): miss
Rhydderch: miss
Azdak @ 29/32hp: flaming sphere
Rikas @ 38/59hp: kills the last guard
Tarri @ 23/40hp (Hugo 32/39hp): one hit!
[b]Li @ 18/26hp: CURRENT

Li keeps up his steady stream of arrows.

1st shot, with Point-Blank Shot: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 = 221d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6
2nd shot, with Point-Blank Shot: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 = 251d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

The kobold, looking pretty bloodied, reaches down for what you think is another bomb but suddenly he swigs it, some of his wounds disappearing. He crab-walks across the ceiling rapidly to climb out the window and beyond.

Out of intiative!

While you patch yourselves up, I'll move things along for the sake of time.

A quick search through the shop reveals five vials of alchemist's fire among the many partial concoctions and reagents among the shelves. Heading through the door at the other end (it's untrapped) leads to a large hallway, or perhaps an atrium for whatever is behind the huge double doors ahead. Finding that these are untrapped too (though you have an opportunity to buff, should you wish to) the party heads inside.

It’s clear that at one point this was a grand theater. The gold railings still gleam despite years of sitting unpolished, and plush red velvet covers the walls and cushioned furniture. The cushions are mostly brown now, covered with mold and dirt, and the ground level seats are all empty. The damp, pervasive scent of moldy fabric and rot fills the air. There are two large balconies on each side of the theater about twenty feet above the orchestra level, each teeming with nervous-looking kobolds. The floor slopes down slightly, ending at a theater pit at the base of the stage. The stage itself is empty save a large, comfortable-looking chair in the center, illuminated with an ingenious system of magical lighting and mirrors. Seated in the chair is a wizened kobold with blue-ish skin with a crudely-made 'crown' atop his head. Behind him rests the enormous form of a blue dragon, and a pair of heavily armed kobold guards flank the stage.

As the party enters, Chief Kibizax holds up a hand, motioning for you to halt. The blue dragon stands and peers in your direction, stretching is gargantuan wings--with nearly reach into off-stage. "Where is my tribute, Pathfinders?" Kibizax demands.

Before continuing, Azdak will heal up his wounds with a tap of his wand of cure light wounds.

Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Azdak will also cast Resist Energy, Electricity on himself.

Azdak also casts Mage Armor upon himself.

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

When Azdak enters the theater and sees the form of a blue dragon, he attempts to disbelieve the sight, hoping that it is only an illusion.

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Regardless of the outcome, Azdak greets the leader using draconic in the hopes of making a good impression.

"Well met, oh great chief Kibizak! I am Azdak Ejderha of the Pathfinder Society at your service."

Azdak bows to the kobold chief. "I am humbled to at last meet you and to gaze upon you in this magnificent hall. I must say, the stories I've heard do not compare to the sight I now behold. With your permission, and on behalf of the Pathfinder Society, I would like to propose an offer."

"The Pathfinder Society has authorized me to offer you and your people a trade alliance that could be lucrative to both our peoples. We can offer to fence goods for you as well as get you supplies at reasonable prices. We can also get goods into the city for you. I also understand that you produce some of the best alchemical substances in the city. Perhaps with this alliance, we can purchase such items for our own use in the field. What say you to such an offer, Oh great one?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Aid: Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

"My companion speaks true...a mutually benefical relationship seems most reasonable."

The dragon seems pretty real to Azdak. And while the mage is exceedingly polite, assisted ably by the paladin, such an attempt at parley would only be successful with a willing partner on the stage. Kibizax is not. Kibizax is... a little off his rocker.

"TRADE?!?! You think your Society has goods of sufficient quality to please, in TRADE, the King of Absalom Below?! NO!!! I will have TRIBUTE or I will have your HEADS! WHERE. IS. MY. TRIBUTE?!?"

The dragon folds its wings and sits on its haunches, its blue head huge among the rotting chandeliers.

So...with a 30 total Diplomacy failing it seems as though negotiation isn't likely.

"You would prefer a one time gift of a shiny bauble to a lifetime of potential riches?"

"Most honorable Kibizak, you are wise and intelligent. Please consider this trade alliance. If you do not find it profitable or to your liking, you may call off the arrangement. However, if you wish to grow rich and see your kingdom prosper then please consider my offer. My people and I would be honored to make such a deal with you. Such an arrangement would clearly bring in at least what you are asking in tribute, but it would repeat the payment to you many time over! What can we do for you to at least consider such a fair deal?"

Kibizax's tone seethes with anger, backed by solid determination. "YOU WILL BRING ME TRIBUTE EACH WEEK, OR I WILL SHUT YOUR ORGANIZATION OUT OF MY KINGDOM! Fifty skins of quality leather. Twenty spears. One thousand arrows. And 10,000 measures of gold. EVERY WEEK!"

Rikas also asks another to utilize his own wand to heal him.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 Full

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

Not known for subtlety or wisdom, Rikas can't hold back a laugh. His words leave his mouth without much notice as he eyes the dragon for a weakness. "Yeah? And who's gonna use them? Your few guards there? Your pet? Your folk up top who look too shaky at this meeting to even shoot straight? We're just a few folk who got thrown into working with each other at random and made it here... with only a few cock-ups, haha. You think your kingdom can stand against more of us who actually are trained to work together?! Where's the tribute?! More important, where's the profit?! Don't throw your lives away over your want for shiny baubles! Be smart about this!"

Huh, I always wondered what it'd be like to take on a dragon. Wonder if I can get a blade in its eye...

The blade in his fingers dances around, almost as if itching to be set flying of its own desires.

Turning to his companions, Azdak says, "Well, you heard the chief. We need to bring him his tribute. I guess we have little choice but to deliver to him the goods."

Bluff (Secret Message): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Spread out. Avoid the dragon breath weapon. Take out just the chief!

Darro spends some time healing himself and Blackthorn...CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 717 for Darro, 57/59 and CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 and 16 for Blackthorn, 66/66

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Rikas mutters back to Azdak, "Eh? You actually want to give in? What's with the hand signals?" Still, he casually takes a few strides to the front of the group, giving himself a nice charge path, itching for the game to start and the 5-foot grid to descend

"...do we have a plan in case this does not work its way out peacefully...?"Darro whispers to his companions...

"QUIT YOUR MUTTERINGS! BEGONE! RETURN WITHIN THE HOUR WITH MY TRIBUTE OR NO PATHFINDER SHALL LEAVE MY DOMAIN ALIVE, EVER AGAIN!"

"Very well, Kibizak! We shall return within the hour with your tribute."

Azdak exits the room with the others. Once the door is shut, he explains his plan to the others.

"Ok, my friends. This is what I am thinking. The Chief is not hearing anything we have to say. He is completely immune to my charms. I think we need to take him out and set up the daughter, Yiddlepode, as their new chief. This will please the society and the kobolds will trade with us under her leadership. However, to do that, we need to get back in there and somehow eliminate him. I just don't know how we are going to do that with that dragon guarding him. Now I do have an invisibility spell that I could put to good use if we want to try and surprise him, but then we need to follow through with finishing him off. What are all of your thoughts?"

"His threats mean nothing to me. I will not hesitate to defend any one of us if we are in danger but I can not be in the business of regicide simply for the sake of profit."

wand of cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
wand of cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Li wonders if this being is really a dragon or some sort of illusion. He's not going to touch the dragon, but does closely reqard the way the wyrm interacts with the area around it, looking for clues.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 Nope! Looks terrifyingly real!

"His threats mean nothing to me. I will not hesitate to defend any one of us if we are in danger but I can not be in the business of regicide simply for the sake of profit."

"Rhydderch, my friend. I appreciate your position. I am not fond of killing Chieftains just for the sake of profit. However, I do not think this is just about profit. I believe this Kobold King has killed a number of Pathfinders and has made it very difficult for any of them to use these sewers under Absalom. We are trying to make this area safe for other Pathfinders to be able to use. If we could get rid of this evil creature and replace him with his theater loving daughter, I think we will be doing much that is good for the world and for the society. Now, I am wondering if you can all help me with a plan. Shall we make a few of you invisible and we sneak back in to finish the job? This is starting to feel rather political and clandestine if you ask me, but when diplomacy fails, I think a sword and a few good spells need to be put to use."

"What if they start to attack Rikas for no 'apparent' reason...will you defend him?"

Tarri heals herself and Hugo with her wand.

CLW Tarri: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW Tarri: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

CLW Hugo: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Tarri is full, Hugo is at 36/39

"Well, 'e's threatened ta kill any other pathfinders tha' use tha sewers, so 'e got no choice but to stop 'im. Don' mean we need ta kill 'im though. Jus' pull ya punches."

"Yeah... wait, what? Hey, you calling me 'bait', here? Cause if anyone should go poof to sneak up on the lizard king in there, it oughtta be me. Distract him, if he refuses," Rikas pounds a fist into his open palm, "dagger time."
Seriously, though, 4d8 of sneak attack damage might start the fight off with our best feet forward. No idea what to do about the dragon.

I got no idea what to do about the dragon...

"I am just saying your version of diplomacy could lead to a fight...What is our plan?"

"I am not expecting to resume much in the way of diplomacy until the sorcerer, Kibizak, is dead, and death may be our only option if we want his daughter to take over. I propose making Rikas invisible while the rest of us draw the kobold's attention. With magic, I can create a silent illusion of spears and gold that represents the tribute we are bringing him. However, I must concentrate to keep the illusion going, so I need one of you to address Kibizak while we give Rikas enough time to get into position to sneak attack him. My only worry in all of this is the dragon. We may have to take that down as well, but I would rather not engage it if possible. My hope is that it is an illusion created by the sorcerer, but I cannot tell. It certainly looks very real. Well, time is running short. Do you have any other thoughts before we return to the theater?"

What's the deal folks? We're a little short on time and everyone's had a few days to chime in, so 'Executive Decision' is probably the way to go.

"I will take blackthorn and see if i can get to a vantage point on the left." Darro says to the others and runs off.

Reminder: the balconies are crammed full of heavily armed kobold tribesmen.

yep.

With no objection, let's proceed with the attack.

Azdak casts invisibility on Rikas. "Get right in there and dispatch that evil kobold before anyone else gets hurt! In the meantime, we will try and distract them."

Turning to the others, he adds, "Once I create the illusion of of tribute, I will be focussed on keeping up the image. Go ahead and announce that we have his tribute."

Azdak proceeds to casts Silent Image. He creates the illusion of a cart load of spears, leather skins, arrows, and chests of gold. Once the door opens, he directs the cart to roll forward into the great hall.

As he vanishes, Rikas' large pointed grin is the last to fade from sight. "Gimme a signal to strike. Don't take to long. I don't wanna lost my disguise."
Yeah, thinking 5 minutes may not be enough, hahaha.

Stealth @ 1/2 speed: 1d20 + 17 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 17 + 20 = 53

Azdak leads the way back into the theater, rolling his cart of goods into sight. [Somebody] makes overtures to Kibizax (who frankly looks surprised that you've returned so quickly, but soon regains his airy demeanor by imagining that that was your plan all along) while Rikas cautiously advances under the cloak of Azdak's spell.

Not sure if you have Trap Spotter, but since you're moving half speed I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

As Rikas proceeds down the central aisle, his foot presses down on a secret spring in the floor, pushing one end of the floor down and the other up, dumping the invisible tiefling into the seats. All anybody else sees is the floor suddenly flipping--which causes the guards to grip their crossbows tighter and stare intently in that direction. Kibizax becomes positively irate. "I am glad to see that you have bowed to reason! I shall--WHAT? WHAT WAS THAT? IS THERE SOME TRICKERY HERE! I WILL SLAY YOU ALL!!!"

He continues blathering as Rikas, more cautious now, spots the other three traps and avoids them, making his way up to the Chief. At Azdak's signal, the tiefling's dagger buries itself deep, deep in the kobold's throat.

Sneak Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 2 = 33 CRIT THREAT Confirm: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 2 = 19 CONFIRMED Damage: 2d4 + 2 + 4d8 ⇒ (3, 4) + 2 + (6, 8, 5, 3) = 31

But the self-styled King of Absalom Below still breathes life, and the dragon is roaring in disapproval.

Initiative!

Luckily for Rikas, the dragon is more interested in the air at the moment than it is him, spreading its enormous leathery wings and taking flight, crackling with an aura of blue lightning. Dragon now 30 feet up. For his part, Kibizax is shocked and choking on blood, so he casts a spell on himself defensively and disappears. Concentration: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 SUCCESS

The guards immediately hop to pin-cushioning the Pathfinder scout, rapidly reloading their heavy crossbows afterwards.

Bolt @ Rikas: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28 HIT Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Bolt @ Rikas: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 HIT Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

All PCs are up! Trapped squares are highlighted in green, although this is currently only known by Rikas. The black square is the set-off trap, and counts as difficult terrain (as do all the seats).

Round I
Kibizax @ 31dmg, Guards, Dragon
Darro @57/59hp: CURRENT
Rikas: CURRENT
Tarri (Hugo 36/39hp): CURRENT
Li: CURRENT
Rhydderch: CURRENT
Azdak: CURRENT

I actually don't. It's one of the things given up with one of these two archetypes. Can't recall which one, hahaha.

As Rikas walks down the row and ends up getting flipped into the seats, he mutters quietly about being so foolish. Slower, he advances, hoping to not reappear at the worst possible time.

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

After digging the blade into the king, he not too pleased at being the target of the bolts' attacks. "This is just like what happened at that abandoned house..." he mutters.

With a few quick steps across the stage, Rikas draws and throws a dagger at the southern guard.

Charged throw!: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 2 + 1 = 20
1d4 + 1 + 1 + 4d8 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 + (1, 5, 7, 4) = 20

"A little help up here?!" he calls to his friends. "But watch your step! The aisle is trapped! Don't get yerselves tossed!"

43/59 hp