[PbP Gameday VII] GM Irish202: #09-00 Assault on Absalom (Inactive)

Game Master Irish202

“Zarta, will you please loan me a Dire Collar? Thank you.” (Master Librarian faction card boon)

Emyla hands the collar to Riddywipple. Emyla casts Mage Armor and Merge with Familiar, using her Extend metamagic rod on each (20-hour duration). She Just before entering she casts then casts Fly on Silvermane (10-minute duration).

Ready to enter

Thank you Emyla!

Longer buffs, Chaine and Silvermane: antitoxin (based on the acrid smoke - 1 hour), protection vs. evil right after entering the site (SOP, 1 min); Silvermane: feather step (10 min), fly (10 min); Qatala, Silvermane, Naghamadi, Emyla: Lastwall Phalanx via Drill Instructor ability on the way there (15 min).

"What is the Forae Logos library, and why have *I* never been made aware of it?" Asks Lucija in a haughty, surprisingly deep voice for a gnome.

Zarta raises an exquisitely carved eyebrow at Lucija, a spark of her usual demeanor sneaking in as a sly smile graces her face. "Why, Lucija, since it was an extremely important and famous library I assumed all of my agents would know of it. Any book or scroll that is brought into Absalom must be copied for storage in the Forae Logos, or the bearer must pay a hefty tax to the city. As you could imagine, the collection is quite large as a result." She sighs with just a little more than just longing. "Anyways, you can ask Sandaril all the questions you might have if you see him."

“Zarta, will you please loan me a Dire Collar? Thank you.”

She reaches into a rather cleverly hidden pocket in her dress and pulls out the collar (despite the fact that the collar should not have fit in where that pocket was located). Zarta hands it to Emyla without comment, though with her usual sly smile on her face.

Back in the library, the group begins to enter combat with the mist-erious creatures attacking the Forae Logos! These robed skeletal beings wield sickles, and appear to be stalking humanoids fleeing from them around the library. They take no notice of your arrival, either tearing books from the shelves (as in search of something) or following after fleeing librarians with an eerie grace.

I have placed your characters based on what I assume your marching order was. Feel free to adjust your positions as needed during your initial combat post as long as it is generally near the entrance. See the quick links up top for map image (use gridding in your post for movement) or for the Roll20 map. The yellow aura indicates an area of mistiness as mentioned above in my previous spoiler, the red square is a group of fleeing librarians.

Initiative: Round 1

Bold means go!

Misty Skeletons
Qatala
Lucija
Emyla
Chaine
Torrag

How high is the ceiling? can Chaine/Silvermane charge above the enemies? i.e. ceiling 20 feet or higher?

It does not say in the scenario, so lets leave it up to the dice...

Chance Ceiling is Convenient (High is good): 1d100 ⇒ 53

I will say the ceiling is just high enough that you can charge over the enemies, but just low enough that you will scrape your helmet on the rough stone ceiling the entire way.

Main thing I'm trying to avoid is AoOs so if I'm a 10-foot cube that's located at 10 feet above ground I'm good

Qatala glides into the mist looking for the skeletal figures on finding one she attacks attempting to trip it with her adamantium nine section whip.
Fighting defensively AC=39, any AoO's on her if applicable whilst moving in are against AC 35.

Swift Action Crane Wing Stance

trip attack: 1d20 + 13 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 13 + 7 - 2 = 33 vs figure on m9

If that is successful two AoO's using bodywrap+1
viscous stomp: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 14 - 2 = 26 vs prone M9
damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (3, 2) + 5 = 10 magical, cold iron, silver bludgeoning

greater trip: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 14 - 2 = 15 vs prone M9
damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 1) + 5 = 11 magical, cold iron, silver bludgeoning

Assumeing some kinda nasty mist effect needing a fort save
fort save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

know religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Know Religion: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

As Torrag moves upward to the ceiling and to the edge of the mist he yells out to the others (that can hear him), "Their weapons may be poisoned and watch for precision damage. Hit 'em with slashing or bludgeoning. Immune to Cold. The mist also swallows up sound!"

He'll cast Flaming Sphere over the one Qatala knocked to the ground (assuming it's still moving).

Fire Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 5) = 12 Reflex DC 18 Negates.

Torrag is currently 15 feet off the ground.

Upon seeing the skeletal figures threatening the civilians, Chaine issues a challenge, and proceeds to spur Silvermane on a wheeling charge. Flying above the attackers, Chaine brings down his lance upon the one nearest the librarians!

[swift action to challenge]
+1 Cold Iron Valiant Lance, Mounted charge vs. Challenged target, Banner, Feather Step: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28 for 3d6 + 3d8 + 51 ⇒ (6, 6, 2) + (1, 7, 6) + 51 = 79 cold iron magical piercing dmg.

+6 AC vs. Challenged opponent (+4 dodge, +2 sacred)

knowledge religion: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22
Emyla runs 30' forward and uses her Conjurer’s Focus ability, spending 5 arcane pool points to summon ?: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 Foo Lions (image link for tokens).

Knowledge (Religion), automatic aid from Naghamadi: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

Lucija's eyes widen in recognition of the horrors.

"It's been a very long time..." She declares to it's-not-exactly-clear-whom. The last time she faced these things, it was her very first commission for the Society....

Any other special defenses not yet mentioned?

Qatala swiftly moves into the mist, encountering two of these skeletal figures shortly afterwards. She swiftly trips it and delivers a follow-up strike to its skull; causing it to spin around for a couple rotations as it struggles on the ground. She finds no deleterious effect from the mist, beyond that she seems to move in "horror-film slow-motion" as she strikes and the complete lack of sound around her.

Qatala, there are two of them adjacent to you. Which one did you want to strike? I have now color-coded them all if that will assist. Trip and strike 1 hits either one regardless, the greater trip attack misses. The slow motion effect is purely cosmetic and has no effect on combat.

Any other special defenses not yet mentioned?

Beyond having undead traits and a general lack of appreciation for skeleton jokes, these creatures have no other special defenses.

Emyla moves forward into the mist and calls forth a pride of Foo Lions. She attempts to instruct the lions to attack, but no sound comes out of her mouth. They squint at her with their leontine eyes as they attempt to get a sense of what she wants.

They all look very confused and cluster protectively around Emyla to prevent the skeletons from getting to her. Sorry if this subverts your turn a bit, but the mist generates a silence aura and they cannot understand the commands you are giving them.

Chaine 20% Mist Concealment (Low Miss): 1d100 ⇒ 17

Chaine charges through the air on Silvermane, leaving a trail of sparks as his helmet scratches along the ceiling as the super flying horse zooms over the skeletons. He attempts to strike one with is lance, but the swirling mist causes him to miss the creature by a couple inches.

Skeleton Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Torrag's flaming sphere rolls right over the prone skeleton, leaving several charred bones behind as it goes.

Initiative: Round 1

**Maps Updated**
Bold means go!

Misty Skeletons (-22 to one of them)
Qatala (Please specify which one you attacked, thanks!)
Lucija (Pending action)
Emyla
Chaine
Torrag

Blue

Will roll Lucija's action into Round 2 to keep combat going.

The group of librarians continue to scurry away from the advancing enemies. The skeletal figure attacked by Chaine follows in his direction to the edge of the mist, pulling a dripping dart from its cloak as it does so. It flings the dart at him from the concealment of the mist, only narrowly missing a chink in Chaine's armor. The prone skeleton and its nearby ally attempt to strike Qatala, but are completely unable to pierce her exceptional defenses. The remaining skeleton moves off to continue stalking the librarians, cutting one of them down with its wickedly sharp sickle.

Initiative: Round 2

Librarians Down: 1

Bold means go! **Maps Updated**

Misty Skeletons (Blue -22)
Qatala
Lucija (Pending action from Round 1 plus Round 2 Actions)
Emyla
Chaine
Torrag

Also, our table now has an Aid Token! I have updated the quick links to include a summary sheet of what an aid token can do for you. You can also boost the token by performing the boosted action listed on the sheet, which will increase its effect for the next table it goes to! Our token has the Inspire Courage and Healing boosts on it. I will pass the token onto another table after you use it or in 2 days, whichever comes first; so don't sit on it for too long!

Torrag moves the sphere over the skeleton chasing the librarians (green)

Fire Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 2) = 11 Reflex DC 18 Negates

He then casts Magic Missile at the same skeleton (green)

Force Damge: 5d4 + 5 ⇒ (4, 3, 3, 2, 3) + 5 = 20

Chaine inspires and directs the civilians to protect themselves, grabbing chairs, books, knocking tables over!

"...don't let these monstrosities near you! keep moving, but FIGHT! DON'T TURN YOUR BACK TO THEM!"

Swift Action; Greater Tactician; everyone with 60 feet gains the Lastwall Phalanx feat; for a large group like the librarians this could mean a SIGNIFICANT boost to AC!!!

Chaine charges his challenged Black Echelon skeleton once more!

Miss Chance; 01-20 is a fail: 1d100 ⇒ 36
Vs. Purple: +1 Cold Iron Valiant Lance, Mounted charge vs. Challenged target, Banner, Feather Step: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30 for 3d6 + 3d8 + 51 ⇒ (2, 5, 2) + (5, 6, 3) + 51 = 74 cold iron magical piercing dmg.

+6 AC vs. Challenged opponent (+4 dodge, +2 sacred)

If Qatala takes a 5-foot step to the left she will flank blue with Chaine due to lance reach.

Silvermane attacks the green burning skeleton at the end of his charge!

Miss Chance; 01-20 is a fail: 1d100 ⇒ 99
Vs. Green: Horse Hoof Attack, Charge, Banner; Mounted Challenge: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 33 for dmg: 1d6 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 6 = 15 bludgeoning damage.

Maintains her stance so Ac=39 with a fighting defensive penalty of 2. Note if an enemy hits 35 the ac drops to 35 for the rest of the round.

trip attack: 1d20 + 13 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 7 - 2 = 34 vs red.
viscious stomp: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 14 - 2 = 22 vs prone red.
damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (3, 1) + 5 = 9 magical, bludgeoning, silver and cold iron.

greater trip: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 14 - 2 = 27 vs prone red.
damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (6, 6) + 5 = 17 magical, bludgeoning, silver and cold iron.

nine section whip flury: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 14 - 2 = 22 vs prone blue
damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 magical, bludgeoning, silver, cold iron and adamant.

nine section whip secondary: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 - 2 = 8 vs prone blue
Miss

I have these contained save the librarians

Riddywipple, noticing the distinct lack of any sound coming from the mist and sensing Emyla’s frustration, takes out a scroll of Gust of Wind and activates it, aiming the gust at the center of the cloud of silent mist. UMD DC23: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (2) + 24 = 26

It attacks your opponents to the best of its ability. If you can communicate with the creature, you can direct it not to attack, to attack particular enemies, or to perform other actions.

Emphasis mine; I would think they'd eventually start attacking (to the best of their ability, even :).

Qatala sweeps the leg of other standing skeleton next to her, stomping its skull firmly and breaking several other bones with her fists. She also stomps the other prone one, just for good measure.

Riddywipple swishes and flicks the wand, causing a strong gust of air to blast through the chamber and disperse the mist. Books and papers go flying everywhere, bringing with it the return of sound to the area as well as the sound of librarians crying as their books go flying (because OH GODS THINK OF THE DEWEY DECIMALS!).

Emphasis mine; I would think they'd eventually start attacking (to the best of their ability, even :).

I am OK with this! I don't think you would be able to tactically split up their attacks without communication, so I will act under the assumption they would have attacked the nearest ones (e.g. Blue and Red) and will retro-actively apply their attacks. The resulting damage will kill (re-kill?) Blue and Red, and heavily damage Purple. Feel free take their and your actual turn for this round as well.

Chaine inspires and directs the civilians to protect themselves, grabbing chairs, books, knocking tables over!

"...don't let these monstrosities near you! keep moving, but FIGHT! DON'T TURN YOUR BACK TO THEM!"

Librarian Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Chaine pierces his target with his lance, really just poking through its ribs but essentially breaks every other bone in the skeleton's body and it collapses into a shattered pile. Silvermane gets a good hoof strike in on the one near the librarians on the south side of the main chamber.

Chaine attempts to issue commands to the librarians, but once again the silencing effect of the mist prevents sound from coming out of his mouth...until Chaine is blasted with hurricane winds from Riddywipple! After struggling with the windy whiplash on top of Silvermane, he finds that he is able to speak and hear once again. The librarians seem to acknowledge his commands and appear to be mustering for general movement to the south.

Torrag's sphere rolls across the chamber, aimed towards the skeleton being attacked by Chaine; unfortunately the skeleton dodges aside as the sphere rolls through its space. It is, however, unable to dodge the five glowing orbs of force that slam into it shortly thereafter.

Green Skele Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Initiative: Round 2

Librarians Down: 1

Bold means go! **Maps Updated**

Misty Skeletons (Blue/Red/Purple destroyed, Green -35)
Qatala
Lucija (Pending action from Round 1 plus Round 2 Actions)
Emyla (Riddywipple Gusted, Pending actions for Emyla and Friends)
Chaine
Torrag

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

The Dark Archive has recovered the missing codebook, allowing Zarta Dralneen and her agents to create contradictory signals that confuse the Black Echelon undead.

Table GMs, the Dark Archive mission has been completed, and that faction’s special condition on page 10 is in effect. No new groups may start the Dark Archive mission; those groups already in progress may complete the mission and report the success towards one of the other missions.

Fast-forwarding this part, since there is only 1 skeleton versus the group with 4 pouncing Foo Lions.

The group makes quick work of the remaining skeleton, causing the mist to swiftly dissipate. The surviving librarians thank the Pathfinders profusely, though they tell the group that Sandaril has been nowhere to be seen since the attack started. Using their collective knowledge about the library, they direct you all to a vault that most likely contains the code book the group seeks. It appears, though, that the vault is protected by a series of three locks; a lock decorated like a closed eye, a lock shaped like a dragon about to breathe fire, and a lock that looks like a spider.

A detect magic reveals illusion magic on the lock; a DC 20 Will save will unlock the eye lock.

All individuals with at least a +5 bonus on Knowledge (Arcana) recognize that the dragon lock is a gold dragon, and know that if you touch a flame of any kind to the lock it will open.

Finally, Qatala and Riddywipple note that the Spider lock appears to have a button to unlock it in the "Spider's" mouth; but see that a poison trap is cleverly hidden inside it. The trap can be triggered to unlock the door (E.g. A Fort Save to "unlock" it), or a DC 27 Disable Device to stop the trap then open the door.

Torrag looks at the illusion. Will: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

He sees through the glamer and unlocks the eye.

He then looks at the dragon pulls a rod out of his backpack. He casts a spell and a bolt of fire hits the dragon lock to open it. Lesser Fire Elemental metamagic rod and Ray of Frost.

He looks at the spider and shrugs, "Anyone else want to take a look at this one?"

Qatala reaches forward carefully to unlock the spider trap.

She gets the potion of neutralize poison ready just in case.

fort save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Qatala gets stung by a tiny needle that juts out of a hidden compartment, dealing 1d4 ⇒ 1 piercing damage. She feels a little off for a moment, but is able to overcome the poison without a problem.

With a series of moving gears and locks making clicking noises, the vault door opens; revealing a series of display cases holding rare books and scrolls. The group easily locates the code book, and has no difficulty returning it back to Zarta at the Grand Lodge. After flipping through the code book, she is able to decipher several signal flares and lights to use through out the city to disrupt the Black Echelon's movements, as well as to guide them to parts of the city that are not so easily destroyed or assaulted. Zarta thanks you for your assistance, and urges the group to assist with the other faction leaders attempts to defend the city.

Mission Success! The Dark Archive boon mentioned above by the Overseer grants you all a one time boon for the adventure that you can use in an encounter with an undead creature. This results in conflicting signal flares to erupt overhead, causing all undead creatures in the combat to become confused for 1 round.

Please pick another mission to attempt! The mission handout has been updated and the unlocked boon tab will be shortly. 30 minutes will elapse between mission locations, in terms of buff expiration.

Grand lodge trouble at the fort?

We have a couple Liberty's Edge and an Exchange. I think the LE was next on our list, but I'm up for any of them.

Rule of Two takes the next location. One vote for GL and one vote for LE.

LE please

The group searches around the Grand Lodge for Colson Maldris, the head of the Liberty's Edge faction; but are unable to find him! The do locate a halfling who appears to be standing in for him during the assault.

Tamrin Credence Image

“Looking for Maldris, are you? Me too," the halfling says grimly. "It seems the major’s been on hiatus for some time—worrisome, but hardly as dangerous as the army camped outside. What say we do a little good in the meantime?" he asks.

“Siege Lord Wynsal Starborn signed an emergency mandate that says any slaves who volunteer to serve Absalom in the defense of the city will earn their freedom. A few messengers set out to take the proclamation to Misery Row. Turns out, no slaves have showed up to help move supplies and fight fires, and Absalom’s finest figured the spooky undead saboteurs must have had something to do with it." Tamrin looks like he doesn't quite believe undead had anything to do with it.

"Just to be sure, the First Guard has deputized fine freedom-longing folk like us to look into it, guarantee the message reaches Misery Row, and ensure the slave masters don’t try any monkey business.” Tamrin Credence scoffs to ensure his feelings about slavers’ integrity are entirely clear. “You, my friends, get to be the ones to carry out this important task. Remember that bloodshed tends not to endear emancipators to bystanders, so avoid violence unless you have no other choice.”

Tamrin hands the group a copy of the proclamation (Now in the handouts tab!) with a grin. It’s not every day someone gets to deliver a speech that undoes an unjust institution. Savor the moment, and make it good.”

Tamrin is available to answer questions, but urges the group to go to Misery Row as quickly as possible. (Feel free to ask any questions as a ret-con if needed)

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

Thirty minutes later, the group arrives at Misery Row to see a crowd forming on the street around a scene. Moving through the crowd, the Pathfinders see what appears to be a dead woman's body lying on the street; clothed in the uniform of the messenger's dispatched to spread the proclamation throughout the city.

**ENGAGE INVESTIGATION MODE!!**

The group has enough time to investigate 5 out of the 6 pieces of evidence listed below. Each evidence entry will have a skill associated with it; attempting that skill will lock the group in to using that evidence for the above total. Any number of people can attempt the same skill, highest result leads with the rest aiding. An asterisk (*) indicates that the skill is easier compared to alternative options.

Evidence List:

Woman's Equipment: Perception

Footprints: Survival* or Perception

Woman's Injuries: Heal

Eyewitness Yggwil (male Dwarf): Sense Motive

Eyewitness Marten (young male human): Diplomacy or Intimidate*

Eyewitness Tamira (female human): Sense Motive

Evidence List:

Woman's Equipment: Perception Chaine: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Perception Silvermane: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Footprints: Perception Chaine: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18 Perception Silvermane: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Survival, Track trick, using Scent, Silvermane: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Woman's Injuries: Heal Chaine: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Eyewitness Yggwil (male Dwarf): Sense Motive Chaine, Absalom Resident, Corruption Uncovered Boon: 1d20 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 1 + 2 + 2 = 23

Eyewitness Marten (young male human): Intimidate Chaine, Absalom Resident, Smine's Best Boon: 1d20 + 18 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 18 + 2 + 1 = 30 Intimidate Assist by Silvermane: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Eyewitness Tamira (female human): Sense Motive Chaine, Absalom Resident: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 2 = 16

With the group we have, I'm assuming Heal is the skill we lack in. If it's wrong I'll roll to aid in Heal later.

Women's Equipment: Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Footprints: Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Yggwil: Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Marten: Intimidate: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1

Tamira: Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Qatala will usher the bystanders away from the body whilst we begin investigations.

perception: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (17) + 22 = 39 Women's equipment
perception: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (8) + 22 = 30 Footprints
sense motive: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33 Yggwil
sense motive: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34 Tamira

Woman's Equipment: After inspecting the messenger's body the group notices that not only have all of her valuables been stolen, but the proclamation is missing as well! Qatala, with her keen eyes, spots a hidden pocket sewn into her jacket lining...but that is empty as well.

Footprints: The group notices that tracks around the scene of the crime appear to be made by individuals wearing heavy boots, the individuals maybe weighing around 180 to 220 pounds.

Injuries: Chaine actually believes the woman is still alive, and spends several minutes attempting to resuscitate her unsuccessfully. He is met with raised eyebrows from several people from the crowd.

Yggwil: Interviewing Yggwil, the dwarf says he "saw a couple of those rotten buggers" killing the woman. After Torrag clarifies some dwarven cursing made by Yggwil, he concludes that Yggwil is referencing the undead Black Echelon invading the city. Qatala however notes that the dwarf seems to be exhibiting typical telltale signs of prevarication, and she rather firmly believes that Yggwil is making the entire thing up for attention and booze money.

Marten: Chaine's rather intense presence turns this eight year-old street urchin into a babbling snitch. In a rush of words (made rather difficult to understand due to his thick Varisian accent) he tells Chaine he saw three or four thugs beat up the woman, stole all of her things, and then run off in the direction of the Slave Pits.

The group is only able to investigate 5 pieces, and Chaine locked in the choices since he rolled first. Making the assumption the group heads to the Slave Pits to move things along.

After checking five pieces of evidence, the crowd begins to disperse and street urchins swarm the scene looking for handouts; making further investigation of the scene virtually impossible in the time frame available. With the only believable lead pointing towards the Slave Pits, the Pathfinders hurry there to get to the root of the crime.

Upon reaching the roadway into the Slave Pits, they group encounters several thugs blocking the path. The leader appears to be wearing breastplate and has a rapier at his side, while his cronies appear to wear hide armor and have large earthbreakers on their backs; all of them are seen to be wearing heavy boots. One of the women wielding the earthbreakers smirks as the group approaches, saying "“Sorry, guv’nors, you gotta turn back. Lord’s orders.”

Speaking to the boss, Chaine says, through gritted teeth, "You better step aside, scumbags, or you'll answer to this."

Chaine raises his lance.

Intimidate vs. Absalom Citizens, Smine's Best Boon (+1 vs. anyone who can wield martial weapons): 1d20 + 18 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 18 + 2 + 1 = 38

perception: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (14) + 22 = 36

Gentlemen we are at war and I believe you are hampering the war effort as well as possibly waylaying a special messenger. Surender for justice or it will go badly. This is said flatly as Qatala is not good at charisma things.

Intimidate: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4 Attempt to aid Chaine

Whispering to the party they have bruised knuckles and probably killed the messenger to stop the slave message getting out.

Along the way Emyla uses her Consume Spells ability to regain 12 Arcane Reservoir points (3x4th-level spells)

Riddywipple cracks his tiny knuckles. ”Oh come come! You’ve surely heard of the Pathfinder Society, right? While I myself find the nickname “murder hobo” distasteful and an oversimplified stereotype, there’s a reason it exists!”

aid intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

The thugs seem completely unaware of the incredible strength Qatala possesses and ignore her comment. The female fighters lift an eyebrow at Riddywipple cracking his tiny claws and one of them makes a comment, "Oy, that little one is kind of cute, ain't it?" The other female whispers back, "Shhhh! Ye think its 'cute', but its probb'ly one of those 'ferm-eel-eey-ur' things. Ye know, 'magic.'" The pair nod sagely at each other while the leader performs a facepalm. Their demeanor shifts more towards the tense range of things when Chaine displays his weapon, and their hands stray towards their own in preparation of combat.

"Y'all got nuttin on us, I say. Nuttin!" The leader exclaims, though a bead of sweat can be seen moving nervously down his brow.

In this encounter, the outcome can be affected by presentation of the evidence (as well as which evidence, not all of it is important!) you had uncovered at the murder sight. Does anyone wish to put on their detective hat and do some fingerpointing?

Speaking so that the whole neighborhood can hear, Chaine raises his banner up high, and begins, "I could run you through right now! it would be easy, seeing that you are oily, slimy, and with no honor! instead, I will take the hard route! I will try to spark whatever shred of decency might be left in your hearts! WE ARE AT WAR! Siege Lord Wynsal Starborn signed an emergency mandate that says any slaves who volunteer to serve Absalom in the defense of the city will earn their freedom. A few messengers set out to take the proclamation to Misery Row. Turns out, no slaves have showed up to help move supplies and fight fires. WHY IS THAT? who would seek to work against the survival of this city? is love of coin so great in such individuals as to see the walls and gates crash down, and sign their death warrant in the process? Wake up men! GIVE YOUR HEADS A SHAKE! YOU!," says Chaine pointing at the barbarians, "WERE YOU THE ONES WHO BEAT UP THAT WOMAN MESSENGER IN MISERY ROW?! SPEAK UP! FOR ONCE, SPEAK UP! We found heavy footprints around the poor woman, such as your big frames would be able to produce; then we come here to see your knuckles bloodied. HEAR THAT, PEOPLE OF THE SLAVE PITS! YOUR FREEDOM HAS BEEN GRANTED BY THE LEADERS OF THE CITY IF YOU HELP, AND FILTHS SUCH AS THESE THREE HERE SEEK TO KILL THE MESSENGERS SPREADING THE WORD! GET OUT, ALL OF YOU! LEAVE YOUR MASTERS AND SPREAD THE WORD YOURSELVES! YOU ARE ALL FREE ON THIS DAY, AND LET NO THUG, CRIMINAL OR TASKMASTER TELL YOU OTHERWISE! RISE! COME TO THE STREETS, AND FOLLOW US TO DEFEND THE CITY! IT IS A DAY OF WAR, BUT AT THE DAY'S END YOU WILL HAVE EARNED YOUR FREEDOM! RIIIIIIIIIIISE!"

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

The Exchange has secured and distributed a fresh supply of weapons and armor, including
highly valuable gear for the Pathfinders’ use.

Table GMs, the Exchange faction’s special condition on page 10 is in effect.

Chaine (Perform Oratory): 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 + 5 = 31 (Fitting, no?)

Several doors and windows along the street peep open as Chaine gives his stirring speech; along with the eyes and ears of various townsfolk and slaves seemingly drawn in by his valiant words. Many of them seem to begin pulling out various sundry implements as makeshift weapons; pitchforks, gardening trowels, and ladles become brandished in the general direction of the three lackeys in the street. One of the females with the earthbreaker begins blubbering. "Oy, he called me a 'thug!' I grad'u'matated from Fighter College, that I did. Bathed too, this mern'n!" The other moves to comfort her ("Thar thar, it be alright") while the leader seems to sweat even more.

"SHHHH! Alright, alright, just shut yer trap!" the leader hisses at Chaine. He pulls out the proclamation scroll and throws it at the cavalier's feet. "We just be follow'n orders, ye see? Lord Nevvem of the Council paid me fellows a bit of coin to rough up the messenger, stop the procl'mashun. Said it was 'un-lerful see-shure of property,' ye see?" The leader wrings his hands nervously at the gathering crowd approaching in their direction. "It was an axe-i-dent, believe me; just wanted to rough up the guy, right? But she slipp'd after a right hook, ye see, and cracked her noggin all open on the street! An axe-i-dent!" The leader does not get much farther than that, as he and his goons abruptly get mobbed by approximately thirty townsfolk; the goons find themselves abruptly tied to poles and on their way to becoming tarred and feathered in a nearby square.

Shortly afterwards, word spreads throughout Misery Row of the proclamation swiftly. The Pathfinders assist with the effort, and soon hordes of freed slaves emerge enmasse from the district to join Absalom's guard in the effort to protect the city from invasion! The group returns to Tamrin to report their success, who seems particularly impressed with the amount of people freed from the clutches of slavery. He urges the group to assist with the other Faction Leader's efforts in the city.

That is mission complete! Chaine didn't technically present enough evidence to avoid the combat, but I counted his particularly eloquent speech as a fake point to nudge you guys over into their surrender. Additionally, the Exchange faction boon that was unlocked by the overseer allows the group at the beginning of an encounter to utilize the resources gathered by the Exchange to increase the enhancement bonus of all their weapons by +2 for the encounter (mundane weapons treated as if having a +0 enhancement).

Which mission would you all like to attempt next? Based on the rumors I have gleaned from our GM thread, Grand Lodge or Silver Crusade could use some love if you all are inclined.

Fitting indeed! thank you GM Irish! I love the visuals of your last post! perhaps I need to upgrade my headband of Cha to a headband of Cha/Int so as to max out Perform Oratory! Silver Crusade please! evil shall fall today! :)

agreed that will do.

The group moves on in search of Ollysta Zadrian, the head of the Silver Crusade faction. They surprisingly do not find her in the Grand Lodge, rather on the streets of the city engaged in combat with one of the Black Echelon skeletons. Adeptly finishing off the creature with a slice of her shining blade, she ushers several bystanders off in the direction of safety while she cleans off her weapon. Looking up, she notices the group approach.

“I’m pleased to see you have come to Absalom’s aid in its darkest hour," Ollysta says to the Pathfinders. "As you may have heard, undead creatures have attacked various locations within the city, and scouts have reported that an army of demon-flesh abominations is assembling in the Cairnlands. The holy warriors of the Ascendant Court would be instrumental in a war against such holy creatures, and I have begun coordinating the faithful. I know Absalom is home to more of the faithful than I have seen." Her demeanor takes a grim turn as she continues.

"Most notably absent are Sarenrae’s blades, and my close ally Scion Lady Xerashir of House Shamyyid at the Temple of the Shining Star has not answered the call to arms. I can only assume that something has waylaid her and her comrades. My presence is required here, but I am trusting you to investigate the matter and lend any aid necessary.”

She answers what questions she can, but provides the group directions to the Temple of the Shining Star and urges haste if possible.

May ret-con any questions that the group may have.

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

The Pathfinders arrive about 30 minutes later. The smell of incense is heavy in the air at the Temple of the Shining Star, but it is ominously quiet in the vast Sarenite prayer room. Statues and other religious objects have been placed in concentric circles atop a massive sundial. Opposite the sundial is a portable lens-like device that seems to focus light like a magnifying glass.

**ENGAGE INVESTIGATION MODE**

The group can investigate the following for evidence and information using the checks listed (or alternative creative solutions). Anyone can attempt any or all of them, highest takes the cake and the rest provide aid. Asterisks indicate that the indicated skill is easier than others listed.

The Temple Floor: Perception or Survival*

The Lens: Arcana or Planes

The Sundial: Religion or Spellcraft

The Temple Floor: Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

The Lens: Know Arcana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30

The Sundial: Spellcraft: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

The combined strength of the Muckruckers and the Grand Lodge have broken through the Black Echelon’s defenses and retaken Fort Tempest. Absalom’s flag flies over the fortress once more, encouraging the city’s defenders.

Table GMs, the Grand Lodge mission has been completed, and that faction’s special condition on page 10 is in effect. No new groups may start the Grand Lodge mission; those groups already in progress may complete the mission and report the success towards one of the other missions.

Most of this is beyond me

perception: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (18) + 22 = 40 The temple floor