[PbP Gameday V] 7-00 The Sky Key Solution (Tier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master GM Red

Blaster, so far it's one Con damage, but it may be higher. Sirettis tried to heal you, but didn't roll high enough. Gallix can also try.

The human captives here appear malnourished and on the verge of death. Hearing Gallix's voice, they avert their eyes, struggling to even keep them open. Most of the prisoners seem to be well past the point of broken. They let out a groan in a foreign language,

"ᛎᛋᚷᛑᚠᚯᛣᚮᛂ᛫... ᚦᚥᛞᛑᛤᚱᚯᚶ"

In a corridor branching towards the north, footsteps on the cold stone ground can be heard.

Mr Peppers will duck behind the corner into the slave pen lined corridor quietly and motions for the others to do the same, then responds to the slave in a whisper

D. could try to help in the heal checks.

"Let me have a look, i might be seeing something you might have missed."

Aid other: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Sirettis follows Mr. Peppers and reaches for her rations and waterskin.

"The captives are starving. They need food, at the very least."

Mr Peppers motions for Sirettis to wait "Stay your hand Sirettis, we have plenty of time to help them but first we need to not cause a big stir that'll bring a pile of guards down on our heads! If you show them food and water they may draw attention we don't want yet. Lets secure the area first ok? Another few minutes without nourishment won't make the difference." Mr Peppers then motions to Corsac and Uesugi to hide at the north hall entrance. "Lets keep this quiet shall we? Watch the northern hall, and Corsac please don't fire that musket!"

"My sand bullet is much more silent, but its accuracy diminishes beyond 30 feet."

Mr Peppers nods at D. "Maybe you should go then and assist Uesugi"

D. Nods, and follows behind Uesugi.

Readied blast: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 251d6 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 3 + 1 = 10

Crit?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 251d6 + 1 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 3 + 1 = 7

Sweet lady luck, don't let it be in vain.

Nodding to Mr. Peppers he heads to the north hall and hides there readying his blade should the guards emerge from the hall.

Readied Attack:Katana: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 - 2 = 7

You heard and smelled them first, so you all get a surprise round. Uesugi and D's actions counted as theirs

As the creatures patrol south towards you, the stench of reptiles becomes much too evident, and D and Uesugi ready their attacks. Two dull-gray lizard-like humanoids suddenly emerge from the northern hall. They look a lot like cave lizards, with a long tail and a crest on their heads and back.

The one leading doesn't notice anything, but the second sees Uesugi hiding in the corner. Unfortunately for its friend, his awareness is far too late, and Uesugi slides his katana deep into the creature's side and through its liver.

D's sand bullet slings through the air moments later and smacks the same creature in the forehead, right between the eyes. It pierces through its brain and sends it onto the damp floor.

The remaining creature's yellow eyes roll around in fear, and it yells ahead,

"ᚿᛌᛛᛰᛑᚨᚧᚧ᛬ᛮ ᛝᚶᛠᚯᛐᛟᛦ ᛟᛣᚪᛇ ᚩᚧ ᚴᚩᛥᛠ ᚣᛈᚩ ᛩᛛᛛᚨᛁᚴᛡᛃᛆᛔᚵᚪ ᚾᛮᛙᚸ ᛎᚬᛈᚬᚾ!"

Slave Pens, Surprise Round
Sirettis, Mr. Peppers, Blaster, and Gallix

"Look alive, we're had! Bring him down, muskets away!" With that Mr Peppers fires off a magic missile as he peeks around the corner at the remaining lizardman. Magic Missile Wand: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Ok,boss."

Ranged touch Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Damage: 1d12 ⇒ 12

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

"Hey, wait a minute. That thing looks like a troglodyte! Uesugi, watch out for the claws and teeth, not just their weapons. Better stay on your toes." Gallix calls out excitedly to the sober swordsman, pleased to actually provide some useful information to the group for once. Just as he finishes delivering this information, however, a bolt of magical energy and a mundane, but still impressive bullet strike the second troglodyte in quick succession. Eh. Maybe he won't have to worry about it after all. He turns and moves along the passageway between the cells, keeping an eye and an ear out for any more guards that approach from the east.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 4

The magic missile from Mr. Peppers wand slams into the lizard's body, followed by a lightning fast bullet from Blaster's musket which pierces the creature straight through its cold heart.

And just like that, combat is over! There's a chance to earn a victory point here, and it involves the prisoners.

The captives moan and groan as they watch from the cells as the party takes down the two troglodyte guards.

You can attempt to assist them with medical care with a Heal check, or help them escape with a Disable Device or Diplomacy check. Alternatively, you can try to communicate with them and learn something with a Bluff, Diplomacy, or Intimidate check. Being able to speak Draconic, Undercommon, or Thassilonian will make the check easier.

Heading east down the corridor, Gallix hears the sound of human voices in the distance rather than the hissing of snakes.

Mr Peppers peeks around the corner after the musket shot rings out and sees the last Trog go down. "Any more coming from up there Uesugi? How about down your way Gallix?"

Mr Peppers then turns to Sirettis "Now would be a good time to see if we can't help these poor souls with some medical attention and sustenance? I'll try to calm them down and get some information on what's going on. Feel free to make use of some of my rations and water." Mr Peppers then digs out 3 days of rations and his waterskin. He takes a long drink off the waterskin then hands the remained over to Sirettis to distribute to the slaves.

He then pulls out his journal and pen and prepares to take some notes. He'll take his time and try to calm down and reassure the captives that they are here to help as best they can but need some information on the who/what/where of this place.

Mr Peppers will then repeat what he said in common for the group as well as translate responses from the slaves.

Nods at Mr. Peppers and focuses his attention on any sounds coming from down the northern hallway.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Sirettis begins to glare in the lizards' direction, only to see them cut down in an instant.

Sirettis begins distributing water and rations among the prisoners, offering whatever emergency aid she can.

Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Sirettis tries to not seem creepy and help calm the soldiers down, but it's no use. Isa chirps at her in Auran.
Diplomacy(Aid Another): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

The high-flying Pathfinders have taken control of the Temple Plaza! In doing so, they have found out how to access the Temple itself!

The Temple Plaza is now claimed, the Temple Interior is now discovered. This will be reflected in the map momentarily.

As Mr. Peppers and Sirettis speak to the prisoners, they eagerly take the rations and water offered, shoving it down their throats as quickly as they can.

Sirettis tends to the prisoners health and successfully cleans their wounds and bandages what she can. It would seem most of their ailments, however, are not the kind that can be fixed with a simple bandage.

Another Victory Point to the party!

Mr Peppers listens and translates to the group with also taking down a few key notes, then speaks up "When you say escaped do you mean died or escaped alive? Have you seen any others working with the serpentfolk... non-serpents? Are there other groups of slaves nearby other than here?" Mr Peppers will reassuringly nod at the prisoner and get up after he answers the last of his questions, again translating for everyone.

In common: "We need to figure out where we can get them to safety before we run out of time. Somehow we need to balance our mission with their safety." With that he'll finish some last bit of notes and pack away his journal.

Please be sure to ask any questions you want to ask.

Sirettis carefully listens to Mr. Peppers's translation. "Ask them if they can find refuge somewhere if we release them."

"I've done all the help I can for them."

Gallix continues to move down the hall, but pauses to answer Mr. Peppers's question, "Yeah, sounds like there's some folks down this way. Doesn't sound like more of the troglodytes, though. Sounds like it might be the people that got out already."

Blaster reloads, as the others do all the talking. Then he turns his attention to the sounds down the hallway.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

As Gallix continues investigating the hallway, the voices that he had heard get louder and louder, until he sees the source. Men and women - many of them malnourished and wounded but athletic nonetheless - stand over the fresh corpses of troglodyte minders while gripping stolen blades and makeshift clubs.

IMAGE OF THE LEADER

The escapees look to be lead by a powerful-looking human woman. She and four others stand over a few fresh troglodyte corpses. Her face and arm are covered in burnt tissue. She looks at Gallix while holding her weapon, an aggressive look on her face while she tightens her grip around the wooden club. She shakes as she speaks:

Blaster doesn't speak Draconic, so he looks to the others quizzically, to see if Mr Peppers will translate.

It is possible to try to communicate simple ideas, i.e. pantomime, through basic words and body movements if you don't speak their language, but Peppers will have a bonus to his social rolls if he attempts them as he can communicate clearly.

I wasn't sure if this was happening down the hall and around the corner from Mr Peppers while he spoke with the slaves. I was waiting for someone to come get him, which I will assume Corsac is going to do, but feel free to break the ice with them beforehand Corsac or Gallix :)

D. rolls his eyes, slightly impatiently at the woman's tone.

Granted, he himself would demand answers if he were in their position, but right now, he wasn't.

He walks off to the dead lizard creature he and Uesugi killed earlier, and uses his dagger to forcefully decapitate the creature.

Walking back, he decides to make a statement of where he and the others stand, and hovers the head along the floor.
As D. comes to a halt, so does the head, and he kicks it slightly forward, showing the bullet entrance, and doing his trick, swirling a grain of sand quickly around the arm extended pointing at the head.

"Peppers-San, if the head of that creature is not enough proof of us being enemies of the lizards, i am uninspired of what will do."

My apologies for any 'ick factor' :)

Blaster holds his hands high, in a non-threatening manner. He waves them forward, and points to the others, trying to get them in the same area. "Mr. Peppers! I need your gift of tongues here!"

Trying to be calm, he pulls out some food, and offers it.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Seriously???

Stuff happens, Corsac-San ;)

Mr Peppers will watch as D hovers a freshly severed Lizardman head down the hall until Corsac hollers down the hall for something about a tongues spell... "I'll be there in a second, no need to shout!"

As Mr Peppers heads down the hall he'll cast a spell and begin cleaning his hands and robes, anything that may have come in contact with the slaves.

As he comes around the corner and steps past the others he'll address the woman that looks to be in charge in Draconic "You must be the slaves that escaped. As you can see from my ally Sir D here, it appears we are on the same side. We are Pathfinders. Explorers firstly and apparently saviors of Serpentfolk slaves. We've been tending to your kin down the hall." Take 10 on diplomacy for a 12, he'll also translate of course for the group

Gallix follows Corsac's lead and raises his hands as a sign of non-aggression. He points at himself, then at one of the fallen troglodytes as he makes an angry face before slamming his face into the palm of his other hand. He then points again at himself once again, and then at the woman standing. He smiles broadly and gives her a double thumbs up. That's been around for a long time, right? Maybe she'll understand that?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

The DCs are a little higher for this roll, so Mr. Peppers may want to actually roll it. The lizard head idea is quite creative, however, and I'll rule that as +2 for Diplomacy checks.

The woman remains tense as Mr. Peppers addresses her, and she knocks Blaster's offering onto the ground, but after seeing the troglodyte's head carried by D combined with Gallix's unique body motions and wide smile, her attitude begins to shift, and she instructs the others to lower their weapons.

In Draconic, but with Mr. Pepper's translating:
"I still don't know how you got in here or if this is some kind of snake magic. I fear our time is limited before the wretched serpents realize we've escaped." Another determined look covers her face. You notice the burns on her face are especially bad, and that the other escapees are also wounded with cuts, bites, and scratches. "Please, don't get in our way. We must rescue the General!"

Ya Mr Peppers doesn't currently have any ranks in diplomacy so I tend just to try and not screw it up verses going for the home run :) So he'll gladly translate and aid others for diplomacy. Arcanists unfortunately don't get it as a class skill. I may alter his traits however at some point to remedy that. Also, and more importantly, do we know if we are affecting the past by doing this? And what is the Pathfinders stance on being a third party intermediary... as in.. do we involve ourselves or try to stay neutral in things?

"Where is the general? Perhaps we should help them rescue their general?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 My god, these rolls.

You could call that aid other on Gallix's roll.

"I don't think we can alter events in the past. They wouldn't have sent us all in here if there was that kind of danger. But I think chronicling the events of rebellion are clearly what we are here for, so I vote for helping just so we can watch!"

"Those are clear words."

Aid other diplomacy, respectful gesture: 1d20 ⇒ 17

"Mr. Peppers, if you would translate: 'We don't mean to get in your way. Where is the General being held? We could help you if you like.'"

I should mention that this is a Victory Point skill check and I only want one roll a piece, so let's take anyone who rolled at least a 10 as aiding. Assuming Gallix's roll was the main one, it would be 19 + 2 (lizard head) + 2 (D.) + 2 (Sirettis) which beats the DC comfortably, even if he can't speak in their tongue.

Gorgeous Gallix's charming ways are enough to cause the leader to drop her guard. Combined with the lizard head carried by D and others offering through kind gestures and words, she opens up.

Draconic, translated
She speaks sternly, "Very well, I can see that you are our allies. The serpentfolk priests dragged away our General, Krannaliara Lac Suhn, about an hour ago. He must be somewhere in their temple, I'm sure of it. I don't know what they mean to do with him, but it can't be good. Have you seen anything that might help us here? Even any weapons or supplies you can spare would help us greatly." She looks past the Pathfinders, eager to release the captives and locate the general.

Uesugi comes in towards the end of conversation and seeing that no blood has been spilt we lowers his guard and sheathed his katana. "There is the chance that the lizard men we killed might have a weapon or two I had not thought to check upon hearing the voices of these newcomers. I see we have offered our help to these people. Let me go and check quickly while you all decide where this temple lies."

Heads back quickly and checks the troglodytes for any weapons or anything else of use.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Searching the dead troglodytes' bodies, Uesugi finds two clubs and six javelins.

While Uesugi retrieves the gear from the dead trogs, Gallix draws his dagger and flips it over, catching the blade and offering the handle to the mob of escapees. He nods to the nearest person and silly says, "Help yourself."

"Can you tell us more of your leader and your rebellion?"

Mr Peppers ears perk up when he translates for Corsac, and he takes out his journal to record the information for the archives back at the Lodge.

"Please, do tell."

Draconic, translated. I wonder what other groups who don't have comprehend languages/a Draconic speaker are doing? :)

Uszanriar eagerly grabs the weapons and hands them to the others. "Thank you, these tools will surely help. I've spent nearly my entirely life serving the General. The serpents probably intend on gaining the upper hand in our war through his capture. As I said, I don't know what they mean to do to the General, but should anything happen to him, I fear the worst for Azlantian society. Whatever they do is likely in service to Ydersius." She's quite distracted by leading this rebellion and doesn't seem to know a whole lot about Azlanti history. She seems quite eager in getting to the temple as she continues, "Most of you are humans, and although I know not from what part of this world you come, you obviously do not serve these snakes."

As she's speaking, two more lizardfolk warriors come running down the hall. "There's no end to them. Warriors! Stand with me and defeat these fiends!" She raises her club high.

I'll give you most of today to roll initiative yourself - we have lots of time, unless anyone can fly 400 feet?
You've gained both Victory points in this area, and we're quite ahead of schedule. The next area is currently only accessible if you can gain 400 feet in elevation or until the Slave Pits is considered controlled in the overarching plot - something that will likely happen in the next few days.

Knowledge(History): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Dice, you're fired.

Sirettis and her bird chirp and tweet at each other for a bit. "I do wonder if and how our actions will affect history, but it is worth the risk. This Ydersius entity sounds familiar but my memory fails me..." Her hair seems to curl as she trails off.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

"These lizard creatures take us for slaves the way they rush at us. My blade shall correct them of this soon." the samurai drops into his stance dropping his knees and centering himself.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Corsac levels his musket at the approaching lizard folk. "A slave, I shall not be!"

"They just don't know when they're beat," Gallix laughs. He raises his fists and prepares to make his way back around the corner to confront the new arrivals.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19