PbP Gameday IV - GM Silbeg's 6-11 Slave Master's Mirror (Inactive)

Game Master Silbeg

"Many thanks Miro. Haafiz, may your feet .... never touch the ground." With a smile, Finarin once again pulls upon his arcane powers to cast a spell. When casting this epell, the words he utters have a much lower resonance, almost a bass depth to him. His arm wave in a forceful, commanding gesture.

Cast Stone Call.

bludgeoning damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 to all creatures in the circle, and the circle is now difficult terrain for 7 rounds.

It will be a joy to see Haafiz glide across. It would also have been a joy to see Gunari bumble his was across

Two figures start moving toward the portcullis, almost simultaneously. The canine-headed form strides onwards, filled with righteous might, and places itself directly in front of the portcullis. It raises its shining sword, ready to stop any hostiles who try to get through. "Slavers! Lay down your weapons and surrender!"

On the other side of the room, the almost-naked Garundi skulks closer to the chest, even if his tall form is ill-suited for sneaking. Amaranti reaches into the magical depths of the chest, and grips his trusted lance. While still practically naked, now he feels much less so.

Amaranti: move and take lance from the chest
Hound Archon: Move and ready action: attack the first gnoll that comes in reach. Note the archon has Magic circle against evil, DR 10/evil, SR 15, and aura of menace 20' (will save DC16)

menace (red): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
menace(purple): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
The portcullis opens, and the two gnoll guards use their whips on the hound archon, Eremiel.

The Red gnoll starts barking, and cracking his menacing whip in all sorts of nasty, dazzling ways.
Dazzling Display!: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20
(Haafiz, Amaranti, and Eremiel are all demoralized [shaken])

Purple Whip 1 PA (AC19): 1d20 + 14 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 14 - 2 - 2 = 21magic scorpion whip: 1d4 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 4 = 16
Purple Whip 2 PA (AC19): 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 - 2 = 17
Neither are affected by the aura any more.

Haafiz can break in at any time here... I will wait for a while before moving forward with Faruq, the obvious leader of the gnolls

Pooka still needs to act for the last round. I don't know what to do, I need a couple of questions answered first. In your description you said the kennel doors were wooden. Are they wooden or iron? You also haven't answered if Luna's kennel is locked or not... I tried to just open it in the previous round, and put a conditional spoiler in case it was locked, but it seems that action didn't do anything. I need more information before I decide what to do next...

Edit: Pooka's actions so far have been:

• Round 1: Readied action to attack that never went off
  
• Round 2: Move over and try to open Luna's door if it was unlocked (conditionally, if it was locked, attack it)
  
• Round 3: No action yet, need to know if door is wooden or iron, locked or unlocked

Haafiz will act immediately after the portcullis opens, and prior to the demoralizing. I will be shaken after, assuming that is okay. The gnolls have changed their arrangement, but I'm pretty sure I could get through before without provoking. If that's not the case, my acrobatics modifier is +11. My (naked & raging) AC vs AoOs is 18.

Haafiz smiles at Finarin, "Yes indeed, watch this!"

He mutters a quick internal prayer to Desna, asking that she show him the best place to put his feet. In the same breath, Haafiz asks for his blade to strike true against the foul gnolls. -- Agile Feet (su) - free action, ignore difficult terrain for 1 rd, Bane (su) - swift action, +2 attack / +2d6 vs gnolls.

Immediately afterwards, Haafiz speeds off through the almost fully open portcullis, past the gnoll guards to strike at their leader with his cold iron nodachi. As he runs, his blood boils and righteous rage fills his eyes (free action to enter rage). Stepping light as a feather, Haafiz picks the best spots amongst the rubble and sure-footedly races past the gnoll as though he were stepping fresh cut grass and not a cluttered courtyard.

Spring attack as a full-round action.

Nodachi vs Faruq, power attack, bane, rage, inspire courage: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 32
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 25
Damage vs Faruq, power attack, bane, rage, inspire courage: 1d10 + 4 + 6 + 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 6 + (5, 3) + 2 + 2 = 25
Crit damage vs Faruq, power attack, rage, inspire courage: 1d10 + 4 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 6 + 2 + 2 = 15

So, 40 damage total if the crit confirms, 25 otherwise.

Silbeg, I just wanted to check that you knew there was difficult terrain in the slaver's area. Dazzling display is a full-round action, as is a full-attack, so the gnoll slavers shouldn't have been able to take the 5-ft step and then attack/dazzle (if that's what they were doing). I don't know if they moved, but if memory serves me correctly, I don't think they were there originally. That may or may not change who was affected by their display... or if they were able to hit the hound archon.

To be honest, it's hard to tell who is who and who is doing what... I'm not a big fan of the Slides vs Drawings and it's a very busy map right now. There's a green blob that I have no idea about (was it the menace aura or something weird?)

Also, I just want to clarify that Haafiz would have come out of delay as soon as the portcullis was opened and would have acted before the gnolls.

The green square is Miro's grease spell I believe. Pooka is still waiting for some answers so he can take his round 3 action as well. Hopefully that will involve getting Luna out of her cage, and so shouldn't affect what is going on at the portcullis anyways, but at some point I am hoping I can get back in the fight. (Though I might not need to...)

@Haafiz -- damnit. Faruq isn't there until after your action - if this matters. I had moved him but forgot to move him back. And, yes, I remembered the difficult terrain. The slavers did not move at all. They just whipped from the spot they were standing on. If Haafiz wants to attack Faruq, which is fine, he would have to wait until after Faruq acts (which is after the whipping slavers) I am really messing this game up. Sorry guys. :(

I am going to assume this... to avoid making Haafiz repost. 1) He waits until there is a target to spring attack. 2) That this will be AFTER the demoralize happens. 3) That he gets to keep his rolls.

Faruq moves up and attacks the Hound Archon.
will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Great axe attack vs. hound archon: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 15 - 2 = 20 slashing damage (ax): 1d12 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Then Haafiz dances through the area, slashing at Faruq as he goes by. His blade cuts in VERY deep indeed. We're in the position that the map shows -- Pooka can still go... the door is locked and Gima is not coming out... almost like she is afraid of battle.

Sorry about the confusion - but let me tell you that you guys are doing so much better than any previous table I have seen it is amazing. This battle often brings death to PCs, but you're making it look like a walk in the park!

@Silbeg: No problems, mate. I've put Haafiz's line of travel on the map. He didn't need to have the leader move before he can attack - 50ft movement! He was able to attack the leader from the leader's previous placement (so doesn't need to wait until after his whipping). I've put an orange *bam* with a red outline on the spot where the leader was.

Additionally to that, though, I didn't realize about the whip, so I would have provoked from the red gnoll (assuming he drew it the last round after hurling his javelin... otherwise, again, not sure how he got a full-round action).

Haafiz acrobatics to avoid AoO, vs Red Gnoll, full speed: 1d20 + 11 - 10 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 10 = 19 -- AC 18 vs AoOs

Urgh. Just saw the second gnoll had reach on me too. Again, if he had his whip out...

Haafiz acrobatics to avoid AoO, vs Red Gnoll, full speed: 1d20 + 11 - 10 ⇒ (4) + 11 - 10 = 5

Sorry to keep beating a dead horse... Is the door wooden? I don't want to keep attacking an iron door.... If it is wooden, Pooka will use both attacks (round 3 and 4) to try to break it down. Otherwise he will go to the magic chest and get done equipment out.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Addendum with clarification
Faruq, after being slashed open by Haafiz instead goes after him, instead of the Archon. Bleeding from a halfling-sized gash in his side, he grips his axe a little tighter than normal. His axe cuts deep, hurting the unarmored Haafiz deeply.
Rage, Power Attack, Greataxe: 1d20 + 15 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 15 - 2 - 2 = 21 slashing: 1d12 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 6 = 20

@Pooka - the door is a heavy wooden door. You have cut into it, but it still exists.

While I can still post (may be leaving PbP for the day shortly...)

Most of the axe would is dulled by the unnatural anger welling up from deep within Haafiz's heart (blasted through the temporary hit points and then 6 more after that!). Despite the natural fear he has for the snarling whip-wielder, Haafiz stands his ground, "The moment of freedom for those you once controlled is now at hand. No more are we slaves - and no more are you slavers. We are freedmen and you are worm food. Only moments stand between now and this end state."

Haafiz returns the gnoll's blow with a blow of his own, muttering a prayer to Desna that his blade might strike deeply. (Swift action: judgement of destruction - +2 to cancel out the shaken!)

Nodachi vs Faruq, power attack, bane, rage, shaken, inspire courage: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 2 = 25 -- Only 5 additional modifiers to worry about. Sheesh!
Damage vs Faruq, power attack, bane, rage, inspire courage, destruction judgement: 1d10 + 4 + 6 + 2d6 + 2 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 6 + (5, 5) + 2 + 2 + 3 = 33

Haafiz then ducks away before the gnoll leader can return the blow in kind, slipping off and away - but not too far away. (Free action: reactivating agile feet for one more round).

Acrobatics to avoid AoO, half speed this time, shaken: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 2 = 22

The nimble Kelishite tries to roll out of the way before the gnoll leader can return his blow, but is not quite quick enough. The two are trading mighty blows, and both are hurting, fiercely.

AoO, PA: 1d20 + 15 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 15 - 2 - 2 = 19 damage: 1d12 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 6 = 24

Pooka to move in 3. Everyone but Haafiz in 4.

Thank you! I feel much better about continuing to swing at it now...

Pooka growls at the cracked wooden door and puts his halfling weight into another swing, hoping to punch through the door separating him from his closest companion.

"Coming! Just gotta get this... *urrng*..." THUD!

Round 3 attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 for Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

"... Dammed door down! *aarrgggnnn*" CRACK!

Round 4 attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 for Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The crack echoes in his ears, leaving him to wonder if it was his weapon or the door...

Gah I need my $*%& armor! And my Mount! Never should have signed up to pretend to be slaves, Finarin was right.

The old man, having finally collected his bow and a bundle of arrows, quickly follows his companions to press the attack. He strides across the room, waiting for an open firing lane to appear as his vantage changes. Directly south he can see perfectly through the door and fires at the creature straight south of his position.

Move Action: move 20-feet to get a clear shot.
Standard Action: Attack at gnoll directly south of Ibid's position (clear shot).

attack @ gnoll straight south of ibid, longbow(DA, PBS, VS): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
damage: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (2, 1) + 9 = 12

Someone deleted some icons from the map. I am trying to target Faruq, who I hope is the empty green box, as Ibid (empty red box) has shot at the gnoll in the other red box. If I cannot target Faruq, retcon it to the gnoll in the purple box.

Seeing Haafiz take a deep cut from the ax, Finarin immediately begins to move and cast at the same time. Whipping his hands in an intricate pattern, a snowball issues forth. should have clear line of sight and Faruq is not in melee so no range penalties

Snowball (Intensified), ranged touch attack, heroism vs touch AC: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 2 = 19
Snowball Damage (cold) Fort save DC 16 or Staggered: 7d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 4, 4, 1, 5, 4) = 22

Finarin: don't forget Mito's inspire courage bonuses! ;-)

Finarin: don't forget Mito's inspire courage bonuses! ;-)

Are we +2/+2? If so 21 to hit touch AC for 24 cold damage?

Eremiel the hound archon feels suddenly nervous. The gnoll's display with its weapon is so savage, the archon starts to doubt the wisdom of attacking such opponent alone. The it remembers what it is, and with great resolve starts moving forwards in the rubble - however taking on the less frightening opponent.

Archon greatsword attack, shaken, PA: 1d20 + 9 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 - 2 - 2 = 15
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 3 + 6 = 17

Archon at 33hp

Like the archon, Amaranti is also shaken by the gnoll's display, and refuses to charge into battle. Not being in the lance's reach gives the Garundi some time to think strategy. So he starts casting a spell that enables him to hit enemies from a longer distance.

Cast Long arm (no material component needed

Pooka pounds on the door, trying to get at his beloved pooch. One of his blows seems to have an effect on the timbers, while the other does not.

Ibid takes careful aim, and puts an arrow into the demonstrative gnoll.

Faruq save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Finarin throws an oddity for the region... a snowball... which he laces through the doorway. Whether Faruq would have saved, or not, is moot, as he falls over, quite dead.

The hound archon does not manage to hit. The menacing whips have him concerned.

Miro is still up.

Miro being botted

Miro steps up, and casts hideous laughter on red.
will DC15: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The gnoll falls down, laughing hysterically!

Then the purple gnoll attempts to withdraw away, obviously disenchanted with fighting after he saw the way his boss was torn apart.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Combat is over, you've routed them... and can just kill them if you wish, or let them run away to tell the tale of your freeing the slaves.

Haafiz's rage fades as he stands over the gnoll who is laughing hysterically. The Keleshite cannot keep from smiling also. "I told you, did I not? I would be the death of you. I would kill you and repay you for everything you have done - not to me - but all of those who came before me. Oh, I did not tell you with my mouth, but if you were worth what they pay you, you would have read it in my eyes."

Without further thought, Haafiz brutally hacks at the gnoll until it is no more.

He then strides over to the chest, pulls out his admantine nodachi and slices open the door containing Luna.

"You are free, my dear," he says to Luna, before addressing the formerly cowering slaves, "You are all free! However, the battle is not over yet. We must still leave this place and we cannot currently do so safely. We have things we must do first. Will you wait here a while longer as we make sure the rest of the complex is safe? Arm yourselves, yes, but please be patient. Your lives are about to change. Do not waste that chance by stealing true freedom a few moments before it is wise to do so."

Will get out the happy stick, heal anyone who is wounded (then myself) and then remove the rest of my equipment. Haafiz helps anyone who needs it - Pooka? ;-) - into their armor.

"Tremble at the might and power of Liberties Edge! Flee little dogs!"

Pooka smiles at Haafiz, mostly in gratitude for his assistance, and partially to hide his shame that he was never able to join the fight.

"I am glad you fight on our side, master Haafiz. Your skill with the blade is unparalleled, and the righteous fury with which you cut down those slaving mongrels... well... I am envious." Pooka smiles.

He shrugs on the last portion of his armor with the help of the keleshite inquisitor, and points out the last few buckles to snap.

"Thank you again. I feel much better now that I have been reunited with my steed, and with this layer of protection. Hopefully there are more slavers to exact our righteous wrath on. Luna is itching to get in on the action." he says with a smile.

As am I. Must pull my own weight here, though I can see I am outclassed. This is a powerful group. Must remember to thank Cyrus for letting me tag along while he is busy.

Out of time for a flavor post with Luna... maybe I can get one up while I am running my dogs... seems appropriate. :)

No quarter asked, no quarter given. A fitting end for terrible gnolls.

Seeing the fight is quickly over, Finarin exhales a large sigh of relief. "That was ... challenging to fight without those tools that we have relied upon so much. By Neyths uncaring grace ... it seems as thought his eldritch gifts have proven quite effective. No ... let us conclude ruse and pay these slavers back .... tenfold."

With that Finarin returns to the chest and gathers his belongings. He affixes all the various straps and buckles, re-positioning the blades, and wands before assisting others struggle into their gear.

Use pearl of power to recall shocking grasp

The old man turns away as Haafiz completes his bloody task, though the unsettling sounds still reaches him while pulling his gear, piece by piece, from the chest. Without wanting to see the carnage just yet, he spends a few moments replacing his chainshirt, strapping odds and ends of gear to himself, hoisting the weighty backpack, and last, ceremoniously donning his brilliant dayfinder.

With his gear and old weatherworn jacket on and settling his nerves, Ibid grabs his longbow finally feeling up to seeing remains of their fallen foe. Moving to the doorway, he sits with an arrow ready, should trouble arrive, and watches while the others collect their own equipment.

Taking one extra moment, he pulls free a wand and proceeds to heal some of his wounds...

Ibid uses his wand of cute light wounds to he himself.
#1: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 up to 33 of 42
#2: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 up to 36 of 42
#3: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 up to 40 of 42, close enough.

Then he grasps his longbow and redoubles his effort to stand watch for the others.

"I'll keep an eye out," he says. "Just let me know if anyone needs help or if you're ready to move on."

Searching the bodies of the two gnolls you killed (I assume you let the running one go from the above) you find. You now notice that the dead gnoll (other than Faruq) was Vangru, one of your escorts.

+1 Scorpion Whip
2 potions Cure Light Wounds
2 potion cure moderate wounds
6 alchemists fire
2 thunderstones
mwk splint mail
mwk light steel shield
3 mwk javelin
cloak of resistance +1
15 gp
mwk breastplate
mwk greataxe
amulet of natural armor +1

There is a door to the east that you can take, that may lead deeper into the fort.

Miro slaps Haafiz on the back after the combat, wide smile on his face. "You are a bloody maniac, friend! Excellent work on that repulsive creature." The halfling then moves to the chest and retrieves his own belongings, shrugging into them before moving amongst his allies and the rest of the slaves, whispering encouraging words to the latter, assisting the former into their gear (mainly Pooka, who is his own size and heavily armored).

Seeing that his allies are still carrying out the process of outfitting themselves, the perceptive bard looks through the gnoll's possessions. He finds a few scraps of paper with names and signatures. Though the names mean nothing to him, pieced together they might weave a more complete picture. He shares his discovery with his friends before putting the scraps in a pocket.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Amaranti stands in quiet, and observes Haafiz butcher the hysterically laughing helpless gnoll. "Good. Is really annoying when enemy laugh at you, and not fight. Best kill and show no mercy. But Haafiz fight good. Good have you on team!"

The battle has died out, and the Garundi's lance is unbloodied. Is he letting others do his work? Is he like these slavers, is his own greatness made possible only by the labour of others? Amaranti looks at the freed slaves, who look puzzled and uncertain with the sudden change of events. Many are beaten in body and spirit. Then he compares them to Eremiel, who stands upright in front of fallen enemies. The canine humanoid looks proud, immersed in celestial aura of righteousness. Perhaps these are different things

"Good work. Finarin-friend, you great wizard now. Command great magic. Good!" the Garundi slaps his old team-mate on the back, happy to see him growing in power. "This not end yet. Eremiel, guard while we take weapons and wear armor!" The last bit comes out so automatically, he has already forgotten the musings just moment ago. Not even realizing this, Amaranti starts taking his gear our of the chest and re-equipping.

Haafiz sees red at Miro's comment. So soon after an otherworldly anger filled him, it takes a moment before he sees the complement for what it was.

"Oh, thank you friend Miro," Haafiz replies, calming. He adds the 'friend' as a reminder to himself as much as anything else, "That letter is most interesting. I wonder if it is penned in Pasha Muhlia al’Jakri's hand. These names must be associates of hers if their signatures appear on a letter to her slavers. The name 'Desimire' rings a bell. I am sure I met someone with that name before... at a wedding? However, we did not get along."

EDIT: Forgot to heal and move on!

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

"Shall we search this room before moving in further?" suggests Haafiz, indicating the rectangular room just south of the dead gnolls. He hefts his adamantine blade, ready to pick the lock whenever his new and capable companions are.

Can't use any of those items. Will leave for the others or the freedmen.

Maybe a Kn. history or Kn. Nobility to recognize "Jacquo Dals—"? Finarin might know the name, even if John doesn't(?). I'm sure Amaranti wouldn't know or care...

While the gear is collected, bodies looted, and former slaves organized, Pooka lovingly pets and scratches Luna, adjusting her barding and saddle until it fits just right. Not to snug, not to loose, padding in the right spots so they don't rub her skin raw. He gives her treats liberally as if he was trying to win back her favor, though he knew deep down that his dog was loyal to him to the end, and vice versa.

"None of these names sound familiar to me, I am sorry I cannot be more help." Pooka says sheepishly.

"Thank you for helping me don my armor. It feels good to wear it again. And it is nice to not have this one locked behind a door. Hopefully that mongrel gnoll that ran away will spread the name of Haafiz, Finarin and Amaranti, as well as the Freedom Fighters of Liberties Edge. Perhaps his pathetic life may yet be useful."

Pooka leaves Luna to walk beside him, not yet ready to have her bear the burden of his weight while the group finishes searching the area around them. "Yes, we should certainly see what is in this room here." he says, indicating the closed room where the Gnolls congregated before they busted out.

"Would anyone mind terribly if I wore this amulet?" He asks the group.

I'll take a thunderstone, potion of CMW, potion of CLW, amulet of natural armor +1, and cloak of resistance +1 UNLESS someone else wants them. Just don't want them to go unclaimed before the next encounter. :)

Just before the group gets ready to head east, further into the compound, Pooka pulls one of his potions of bull's strength from his pack. I may need a little assistance if I want to keep up with these mighty warriors...

I would allow knowledge checks, including local. Finarin gets a +2 on that check, for a reason that will be obvious soon.

Finarin kn:nobility: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 2 = 14
Finarin believes that this "Jacquo Dals--" may be referring to his former faction leader. There was some badness a few years ago, that caused the fall of both the Taldan and Qadiran faction leaders (I don't know the exact details having not played that scenario)

Moving on - you can still divvy out the items if you need.

The party goes through the double doors. The décor in this section of the caves is an abrupt change from the dusty and unfinished slave quarters. 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.

Suddenly, as you are investigating the room, a very tall, blue fellow appears on the upper level.

"Good evening! My name is Jairo the Enlightener, and I am the teacher here! Who might you all be?"

I do not need any of the equipment except the curative potions if/when I take damage.

Seeing his friends all geared up and self-congratulating, Finarin cannot help but feel that over confidence has seeped in the cracks somewhere. He knew he was not overconfident, but he did worry about his friends.

"Hmmm ... Blackros. Very prominent name. How these names connect to that ... I seem to recall some bits here and there."

Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 2 = 23

That room was revealed, looks like it was just sleeping quarters, so going to assume there was nothing in there.

"Jairo the Enlightener, what exactly is it you teach?" Pooka asks, blatently ignoring the question that Jairo asked the group. When the thing appears, Pooka nonchalantly puts his left foot in the proper stirrup, and hoists himself into the saddle. At this point, he expected everything to start a fight with the group, and he was much more confident now that he had his most potent weapon, Luna, with him. The armor and magical lance didn't hurt either.

In his off hand, he keeps a solid grip on the small vial of potent strength enhancing liquid.

The old man's eyes fall over the portraits...

knowledge(local): 1d20 + 15 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 15 + (2) = 21

As he regards each work of art, he conveys what he knows to the others, hoping they will be able to add more knowledge to the subject.

The portraits are of Aglorn and Tancred Desimire, two brothers that Pathfinder Society agents killed while clashing with the Aspis Consortium and demonnic forces in the Worldwound, respectively

As he speaks though, he looks up to see the tall blue fellow on the second floor...

knowledge(planes): 1d20 + 13 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 13 + (5) = 37

Ibid quietly speaks to his companions, divulging what he can ascertain off the top of his head so the others know what sort of creature is addressing them.

He appears to be a Djinni, an air-based genie.

"Good day to you, Jairo the Enlightener, " Ibid says wearily, eyeing the Djinni with suspicion. Even as the words leave his lips, his mind races at drawing up any additional knowledge he can muster which might help his friends if it were to turn out Jairo is indeed a threat. "I have sat through many long and dreary lectures in my day... I am interested likewise to my friend here, if you would be so kind, might you tell us what you teach here?"

The old man's eyes are locked, surveying the creature, and waiting for it to move against himself and his friends.

"Again, I ask, who are you. I assume that you are slaves, sent here to take your classes on how to be a domestic servant. The first lesson I will teach you now is to answer questions you are asked, before asking questions." He looks a little annoyed at the responses from Pooka and Ibid, though less so at Ibid, since he at least gave a salutation.

"We are not slaves. We are, all of us, free. Are you a slave in this place?" answers Ibid truthfully, and asking an honest question. "And I apologize that I did not introduce myself sooner. I go by the name- Ibid."

"It is an odd name, to be sure," the old man admits. "But that is a conversation for another time."

"Now, I apologize if we were rude or offensive, but perhaps you could enlighten us on what you teach?" the old man is still weary of the creature and judging by its initial reaction to them, his suspicions are only raised further. "Do you teach only classes on how to be domestic servants?"

Did Ibid learn/know anything more about the Djinni with the knowledge(planes) roll of 37?

"Ibid speaks true. I am Pooka, of the Freedom Fighters, formerly from Andoran, now indepent as the Liberties Edge."

Whom do you serve, Djinni? Are you free as well, here to instruct of your own volition, or are you forced to servitude as well?"

Pooka shuffles on Luna, regripping his lance as the tension mounts.

"Good day, Ibid and Pooka. I await introduction from your companions as well. I serve Pasha Muhlia al'Jakri. Please, partake of this generous meal and lovely wine," the table is suddenly stocked with a fine meal, " and we can have some pleasant conversation. However, I am required to warn you that I must fight you if you try to go upstairs to my master's rooms.

"However, if you were to guess the password in less than two tries, I would be able to let you pass."

SM Amaranti: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
SM Finarin: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
SM Haafiz: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18
SM Ibid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
SM Miro: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
SM Pooka: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3

"I am Haafiz al'Mahir, also a Pathfinder - as we all are - of the Liberty's Edge faction, like Pooka," Haafiz bows deeply and retrieves some wine, "(thank you) If you belong to this household, then you must know by now that your mistress, Pasha Muhlia al'Jakri, has been driven out by the disgusting creatures she employed as slavers.

"Why do you remain when your mistress is gone?" Haafiz asks, "You are as free as the freedmen we have liberated from their cells. Oh, wait, did you say 'master'? Do the gnolls own you now? We would happily free you from your bonds - assuming their death will achieve that. I am certain no bargain you can have with them will last beyond the bargainer's life. However, we do need to go upstairs and we do not know the password." Haafiz is intrigued by this creature who is apparently willing to serve them dinner and socialize, but unwilling or... ah, yes, that is it... he is unable to help us.

"This is a tricky situation, but you said we could try twice. This is interesting. I wonder what stipulations your master placed on you for the password. Did he tell you not to tell us? If not, why do you you not tell us the password, and then we can give it to you? If you cannot tell us what it is... can we ask you if a password is correct before we try it? If you cannot do that... how about a clue? Again, we would be more than happy to help you if you can help us."

Diplomacy if appropriate: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Diplomacy was definitely appropriate!

He smiles at the lethal but evidently very affable Pathfinder.

"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?

"My master has few friends these days, but I suspect that was not always the case. Her password sounds like a mortal’s name, someone she was fond of in the past, I would guess."

He smiles at the Pathfinders again. "As for my fate, there is little you can do. I am bound by the ring that Pasha al'Jakri wears. The only way that I might be free would be to retrieve that ring. I am very aware that she has fled the fortress, but it was not due to the gnolls... directly. Still, I am bound by her orders. Alas, it is my fate."

"Well, good teacher, you have never met an organization so bent on the concept of freedom and independence as the one Haafiz and I belong to. If it is possible to win your freedom, know that I will make it a personal mission of mine to return that ring to you. "

"as for the password, allow us tip discusses for a moment. I believe between the six of us, we may be able to figure this out..."

Pooka relaxes, knowing that conflict can be avoided. In fact, he is quite serious about freeing this creature. As to how, that yet remains a mystery.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Obviously you all know more of what is going on than I. I will defer to the more knowledgeable in the group.

"Ah, yes. I am Lord Finarin Moonstep. Well met ... Jairo. We will most certainly pay a ... visit to Pasha Muhlia al'Jakri. In the meantime I am sure that my more ... learned companions will shortly figure out the ... password. If not, well, let us not speak of such ... pleasantries."

OOOOH, I have Fly. I can use fly. I can fly and fight a djinni.

"Yes, we will try to guess..." says Haafiz, "Though should we fail to guess and should you try to kill us, we will understand and harbor no ill will. If it is within our power to do so, we will try not to kill you also. Our Society is indeed working to bring Muhlia down, and I do not believe that this is the end for us. If we can get the ring from her, your freedom will be granted - provided Pooka and I yet breathe. You are as much a servant here as the others - albeit held by different bonds and the honor of your kind.

"So, perhaps you could tell us... have in our conversation so far, we uttered the password already? If so, search your mind for the wording of the contract. Can you tell us? Can you let us pass given that we have already spoken it?"

I'd like to wait for Jairo to answer, but let's head to the discussion thread in the meantime.

To help himself process the clues, the old man digs through his pack and pulls free his leather-bound journal, moments later he begins to scrawl a smattering of untidy notes...

"Good to meet, Jairo the Enlightener! Amaranti salutes, banging his fist into his chest. "I am Amaranti, rider of worm, servant of time dragon Tahonikepsu! I hope we guess password, and no have fight Jairo!"

Amaranti turns to look at the oil paintings, as his companions seem to know the pictured gentlemen from history. Cocking head from side to side, the Garundi tries to find some clues from the portraits, but he isn't much into understanding art. "Handsome men. Pasha-lady like these men? Haafiz meet this one?"