Shackled City (Pathfinder) - GM_Chris

Game Master Chris Shannon 719

Did the St. Cuthbert priests have enough lesser restorations to cure the 8 damage to dexterity? Was it provided to support the mission like remove disease or at normal price?

I enjoy the loot commentary from Skie & Tygot but am not interested in haggling.

Silfr suggests we sell the following items:

• Gray bag of tricks
  
• tiny glass vial containing some dust - dust of illusion
  
• A masterwork dagger (sized for a Small character) with a small compartment in the grip.
  

"I thank you for the healing brother, and appreciate the information you have given me."

Do I recognize this guy?

"I have never met Alek Tercival, our party is led by a cleric of St. Cuthbert named Atol. He is hiding his greatness from others and allowing a pair of paladins present themselves as leaders, but I have noticed him secretly manipulating events. His endurance and willingness to use his cudgel in the service of good makes me think he could have been a Kordite."

Male voice: You are lying son. Tell him you are in charge!
Be silent father.

"There is also a strange doctor and a once devout preacher with us. The doctor uses many words I do not understand, and the preacher spends most of his time drawing on paper then rubbing it on his face. Aside from these oddities they seem to be waiting for greatness to find them. I suspect that Atol will soon lead us to it."

Presuming Glimmil is about when Silfr proposes selling the bag of tricks...

"A bag of... tricks, you say?"

Glimmil perks up at the mention of the word tricks.

"Garl Glittergold was a well-known trickster, he would often confound evil gods, like the kobold deity Kurtulmak or the orcish deity Gruumsh with his cleverness and cunning!"

Perhaps this bag will finally make me a trickster as well!

"One time, perhaps thousands of years ago, a kobold army was racing against a gnomish clan. It is said that Garl used mighty illusion magicks and disguised a raging river as a simple, calm grassland. He was quite detailed with his illusion, the grass swayed in the wind, and bugs flitted about the field. As the kobolds ran across it, they all plunged into the fast moving river, for you see it was just after Growfeast when the snows had melted. The entire kobold army drowned, and the gnomes were saved for Garl's amazing cleverness and trickery!"

Glimmil approaches Silfr and whispers to the old teacher.

I have no interest in loot-whoring, it's just appropriate that Glimmil would respond to an item involving trickery.

Are we talking at Skie's as I do my bow shopping?

Hmm this he spend the night? Adventuring has its perks.

Talking to Glimmil...

"Considering your story this bag of tricks does seem appropriate for the arsenal of a trickster. You should try it out, we can always try to sell it later, as the magic self replenishes."

Silfr will hand him the bag. I found it in a chest at some point

"Just reach in, grab a bit of fluff and throw it on the ground. You can try it here, as bag based magics are very safe."

Glimmil looks up at the teacher, a hint of worry and doubt in his expression.

"Well... I... a bit of fluff?"

Glimmil finds an out-of-the-way place (perhaps an alley outside) to attempt to use this so-called bag of tricks.

Now, all magics have a command word, right? Silfr didn't say what this one was, so I'll just improvise...

Glimmil reaches into the bag, finds a bit of fur, grabs it and shouts, "Drakatrak!" as he tosses it onto the street.

1d100 ⇒ 7

As the bat appears in a puff of fur and smoke, it floats up next to Glimmil.

"Ahh! A bat!"

Glimmil puts his arms up defensively as the creature flaps its wings, floating there, awaiting some form of instruction. In it's impatience, it lands on a pile of trash and looks at the gnome.

Looking back at it, Glimmil eventually puts his hands back down and studies it before speaking.

"Come?"

Handle Animal ("Come Trick" DC10): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

The bat just sits there, watching.

This bag makes me a mighty summoner like Silfr! Now, if only the animal would listen...

Do I recognize this guy?

Yes. He is head of the church and the defending flood festival wrestling champion 3 years running. You've likely been beneath his notice until now.

Ah, I should've asked that first. Can we retcon my responses to be slightly more respectful? Mostly just addressing him with the correct title instead of brother and cutting out that line about my surprise that he doesn't recognize me. Instead I would've said:

"I am humbled by your notice sir. I have lived here for several years now, although I have spent them mostly working on the new Gate that was completed just a few days ago."

@ Finneas. Great stuff.

You appear to understand things well. You may let this Atol lead you to greatness, but be sure to seize it when the opportunity arises. I wish you Kord's luck and strength and look forward to hearing of your success. We will celebrate it at the flood festival. "

@ Glimmil. Good stuff, too. Looks like the bag sticks around for now.

@ Silfir. Unless there are more questions for Jenya, just the mechanics of the morning healing:

1d4 ⇒ 2 - cha
1d4 ⇒ 2 - Dex
1d4 ⇒ 1
1d4 ⇒ 3
1d4 ⇒ 2

You're good to go, but she is tapped out for the day. And yes, they were free.

"Well Glimmil, good effort. Be mindful that Garl Glittergold is divine, and don't be glum if you cannot match his cleverness on the first attempt. Some aptitude with instructing fauna may also lead to more felicitous results."

Silfr will purchase a long bow from skie and arrows, including cold iron tipped arrows. He also asks if she has or knows who could create a masterwork greatsword.

Silfr would have thanked Jenya again after the cures and confirm the group is returning to Jzadirune to continue the orphan search and rescue operation.

Edit make that a shortbow.. a longbow is 5 feet long! That seems kind of absurd to be using in underground tunnels.

He also asks if she has or knows who could create a masterwork greatsword.

"I usually have one lying around here. If you want a new one or something custom the Lathenmires have a monopoly on the market except for a local named Phalian Gurnezarn who still has an independant shop. His prices are a bit more expensive though." She will provide directions to each.

Silfr will thank her for the information

Something to consider. Perhaps with my house symbol engraved.

What does Silfr know about the Lathenmires?
Knowledge: Nobility 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Probably not much more than the basics...

Lathenire Manor: Given another few years, the Lathemires could be inducted into Cauldron’s nobility. As it stands, the family is as rich as most of the other nobles, having effectively cornered the local arms and armor trade. The manor is a sprawling structure with several training rooms and trophy halls on its ground floor.

Gurnezarn’s Smithy: This smithy is generally regarded as the finest such establishment in the city. It’s owner, Pahlian Gurnezard (human male), has long held his own against the relentless acquisition and domination of his trade by the Lathenmires.

He will return to Ghelve's after bow shopping at Skie's.

Fast fowarding for the OCD players incapable of going directly to the elevator. I've assumed detect magic and detect evil, but not take 20 on perception checks since this seems more like an attempt to clear things in a timely manner rather than squeeze every coin out of the level. This takes an hour aside from hauling things to Ghelve's, which is about another hour. Only one room of note will follow in next post.

J45 - Darkness area

J46 - This 20-foot-square chamber contains a stout desk and matching chair. The table bears a set of copper scales and a jar of dried-up ink with a feather quill sticking out of it. Shelves line the far wall. Everything is caked in dust. An "R" gear door key is in the desk.

J47 -

J49 - Three empty chests.

J35 -

J33 - Sleeping quarters like J8.

J34 -

J6 -

Overview Map
Room J48

J48 - Beyond another secret door lies a 10-foot-by-20-foot room with a 10-foot-high ceiling. Standing against the south wall is a gnome-sized suit of banded mail clutching a finely forged gnome hooked hammer. At its feet rests an iron chest secured with an iron padlock.

How would you like to proceed? The secret door goes through 22/23-F.

Yes, Glimmil. The gnome-sized suit of full-plate armor in J47 is your size, is not magical, and does not appear trapped, cursed, or otherwise unusable.

Silfr will Detect Magic then Detect Evil.

Does it look like a mechanical construct or an empty suit of armor?

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Yes, Glimmil. The gnome-sized suit of full-plate armor in J47 is your size, is not magical, and does not appear trapped, cursed, or otherwise unusable.

All those coins in there would make it really uncomfortable though...

Silfr will Detect Magic then Detect Evil.

Does it look like a mechanical construct or an empty suit of armor?

Silfir squeezes his way to the open secret door and stares at the room for half a minute. The suit looks set up in a fashion similar to the plate mail in the other room. You detect no magic nor evil.

Atol will stand well out of the way... but he will load and ready his crossbow.

"Atol, would you kindly make room for Glimmil to enter and work his spoony magic upon this locked chest? The contents must be significant considering the hidden location and posed armor."

Silfr will enter the room, looking around warily for traps.

How long has it been since we encountered a pit trap? Two days?"

Dyrant will give the blessing of St. Cuthbert to Glim, he who braves dangers bravely.

If the detecting of magic is done, Dyrant will wait to see what happens to the gnome.

"What luck!" Glimmil beams as he rubs Cog's neck and proceeds to study the gnomish suit of armor.

What of this finely forged hook hammer? Everyone should stop fighting the urge and just give in and re-roll gnome.

Glimmil kneels, using his spoons, the tools he procured from Ghelve's shop along with the "clean room" to open the lock.

Perception (search for traps): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Disable Device (to open lock): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

I guess no need to take 20!

Finneas stands ready as rear guard, his sword out since entering the foul gnomish city.

"I will never trust this place."

Glimm did you already don the full plate?

A ways back, in the room with the gnomish plate, Dr. Toffitt asks, "Dyrant, Silfr, Glimmil, are you aware of any special provenance of this armor? It could be that it is under Jazidrune's spell, but I can think of no other gnome more deserving of wearing the armor of a champion. If you like, I would be honored to help you don it."

Though I'm not sure it will improve your success with your spoons... Perhaps I should try my hand at those thieves tools...

A ways back, in the room with the gnomish plate, Dr. Toffitt asks, "Dyrant, Silfr, Glimmil, are you aware of any special provenance of this armor? It could be that it is under Jazidrune's spell, but I can think of no other gnome more deserving of wearing the armor of a champion. If you like, I would be honored to help you don it."

"A dreadful thought lurks at the shoals of my subconscious, and I only perceive a glimpse of its scales. That alone is enough to cause me pause. Specifically, what if these suits of armor were not posed but rather worn by gnomes who Vanished while inside. Would part of their soul, perhaps even an afterimage, linger attached to such a prized possession? Could a new wearer be contacted by them, as gifted spellcasters may contact other plane"?

"I think we should be very careful before we use or sell these pieces. This whole place seems more dangerous by the day!"

Dyrant harumphs.

"Glim, the armor is meant to donned by you. It is almost divine providence that this armor here is meant for you. We can sense no fell magics upon it, nor evils untold. The armor is yours. Though this place is dangerous, it has given us tools to succeed should we be smart and bold enough to take them."

Dyrant sighs, remembering the smokesticks and the darkness.

"Glim, we can be afraid of everything. In fact, your courage in donning this plate in spite of some doubts will inspire us. St. Cuthbert has already taught me a lesson yesterday. Today, we must learn from it."

Dyrant rubs his back where black and blue welts are hidden by his cleric's robes.

"Ah, I did not mean to create a scare, gentle Atol. Mu thoughts were ambulatory, and I wondered as to the fate of the Vanished. Glimmil should certainly use the armor. I just ask that he informs us if he beings to hear other voices in his head than his own. That could signify possession or even madness."

Can it be that I agree with Dyrant? Well, to be fair, he is often a font of information, even if I do find his zealotry and grouchiness off-putting...

"I couldn't agree with you more, Dyrant! May this be a trend!" Perhaps if I'd used the tanglefoot bag we found here, some of yesterday's mischief might have been prevented...

Or perhaps lycanthropy... "Silfr, you are ever a source of interesting speculation. We should certainly be cautious about the armor and any other treasure we find. Although if we do find a transmission vector for the Vanishing, it will bring us that much closer to identifying a mundane—well, at least alchemical—cure."

Glimmil beams at Doctor Toffitt's regarding of him as a worthy champion.

"I knew I liked you, Doctor Toffitt." Glimmil works especially hard to pronounce the doctor's name correctly, for the first time ever, while accepting his assistance to don the armor.

As Silfr mentions curses or spirits.

"Ho ho! I'm not that crazy to hear voices in my head!" Glimmil waves a hand at Silfr like such talk is nonsense. "Seriously, voices?" Glimmil chuckles as he pulls the armored helm onto his small head, his laughter echoing from within.

"How do I look?"

Glimmil poses with his hook-hammer and shield as if he were a Jzadirune mural.

Before any of you can answer, you realize he asked the question to Cog.

Dyrant looks seriously at Glim as he tries on the armor.

"Glim, a moment of your attention, please. Do you hear other voices in your head right now?" Dyrant looks intensely at Glim.

"If there are other thoughts that seek to guide your actions outside of your heart and mind dedicated to Garl, please say so now. Other voices in your mind now are a sign of illness, demonic possession, or worse."

"Among many of the native jungle peoples, possession and spirit talk are considered a sacred mark. Of course, many of these same peoples practice ritual human sacrifice."

And offer their virgin sons to false jaguar gods—men cursed with... But still...

"So, if you should begin hearing voices, Glimmil, I recommend relocating to the deepest part of the jungle. Or perhaps Atol's cudgel will do."

Glimmil grows serious as well.

"Trust me. If I heard any voices, I'd tell you guys if I did!"

Just as everyone looks away, Glimmil gets a look in his eye.

"What's that? Oh they were just asking if I heard your voice inside my head. Of course I didn't tell them about you, you're clearly talking out loud and not in my head, you precious shiny spoon, you!"

The gnome cradles one of his shiniest spoons close to his breast.

Glimmil keeps one guilty eye open on the others, waiting for them to call his bluff.

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Garl would be proud of this joke!

I've escaped the looney bin. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Atol - 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20
Dyrant - 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Glimmil - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Finneas - 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Silfir (synth) - 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Toffit - 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Armor - 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Glimmil bends down to open the chest. He hears a click, sure that it is the chest opening, but then looks up and sees the hooked hammer going for his head.

Round 1
Toffit = 23
Dyrant = 22
Finneas = 21
Atol = 20
Armor = 17
Silfir (synth) = 15
Glimmil = 11

As the party is anticipating trouble and the armor will get to finish its swing before Glimmil. People can react normally and place themselves wherever they'd like. I have Glimmil at 24-D and the armor at 24-C. Otherwise, the room is open.

.....23....24
F.____..____
E.____..____
D.____..Glim
C.____..Armo

Glimmil, what's your AC in your shiny new plate? Please update character sheet. Character sheets

Round 1, Init 23(!), E23

Dr. Toffitt has been standing to the right and rear of Glimmil, attempting to learn something from his spoon techniques and...

Sense Motive + 6
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

... seriously getting worried about his newfound relationship with his spoon. As he begins to look around to recommend a cudgeling, he notices the hammer begin to fall.

"Look out!"

He tumbles into flank with the armor, attempting to ascertain as he goes whether a real living humanoid is somehow occupying it. He lets his always present but controlled rage spill out a bit, which gives him strength to attempt to disarm the (gnome? construct?) from behind. I know, Atol, never provoke..

Acrobatics + 7
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Knowledge Nature + 10
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Disarm CMB + 4 (+1 Str +1 BAB + 2 rage)
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Seeing the armor move to hit Glim, Dyrant does not fear. The armor, the armor a gift of divine nature, should protect Glim, without doubt.

On his turn, Dyrant will inspect the creature to see what he may know of it's nature:

If Glim was hit by the first strike (completely unlikely, I know) Dyrant will renew the blessing of St. Cuthbert.

If not (and if Dyrant knows this to be a thing susceptible to his gaze), Dyrant will show his symbol of St. Cuthbert and cast doubt and disdain into the mind of the creature:

(7 rounds/1round on save DC 15) Inflict penalties (-2 to AC, attacks, saves, or skills). Choosing -2 on all its attacks.

If my disdain won't affect the creature, Dyrant will pull and load is crossbow.

He tumbles into flank with the armor, attempting to ascertain as he goes whether a real living humanoid is somehow occupying it. He lets his always present but controlled rage spill out a bit, which gives him strength to attempt to disarm the (gnome? construct?) from behind.

Flank? He's in a corner. Anyway, I'll put you in 23-C.

.....23....24
F..____..____
E..____..____
D..____..Glim
C..Doc...Armor

Doctor Toffit tries to grab the hammer from the construct, but is unable to pull it from rigid grasp of the armor. He peers inside the armor, but sees nothing.

How big is this room? It looks like a tiny 5x10 room on the map.

Round 1 init 15

Silfr will draw his sword and move forward, if there is room, and attack.
Otherwise he will attempt to aid another.

Greatsword 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 92d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 2) + 6 = 14

Fail even to aid.

Dryant has a withering gaze attack? How appropriate.

@ Dyrant With your Arcana 18, it's a construct and immune to your hexes. The construct has not hit yet. No surprise round.

How big is this room? It looks like a tiny 5x10 room on the map.

Dryant has a withering gaze attack? How appropriate.

LOL at withering gaze attack. It's a 10 by 20 room.

Round 1 so far
Toffit = 23 - Moved to 23-C and failed to disarm amror
Dyrant = 22 - identified armor as a construct. Drew and loaded crossbow. I put him in 23-F
Finneas = 21
Atol = 20
Armor = 17 - Swinging for Glimmil's head. Result to be determined.
Silfir (synth) = 15 - Planning to aid and arrive at 23-D if possible.
Glimmil = 11

----23------24--
F.Dyrant..____
E.____....____
D.____...Glim
C.Doc....Armor

Flank? He's in a corner. Anyway, I'll put you in 23-C.

Doctor Toffit tries to grab the hammer from the construct, but is unable to pull it from rigid grasp of the armor. He peers inside the armor, but sees nothing.

Oh, I thought you were just sketching a small part of the room. I'm dense at 11pm (and many other times). Did he get the sense that the hammer is fused with the construct, or was his effort just too weak? I.e., would further disarm checks help?

Oh, I thought you were just sketching a small part of the room. I'm dense at 11pm (and many other times). Did he get the sense that the hammer is fused with the construct, or was his effort just too weak? I.e., would further disarm checks help?

The weapon and construct are separate.

Round 1 Initiative 21

Finneas will move to {-E,24} behind Glimmil.

"Beware the doors with teeth she says. At least the doors don't come alive like everything else."

Little over 1 Move Action to get to my spot so I used the rest talking.

Round 1, Initiative 20, Location F 24

Atol brings up his crossbow and shoots into combat!
Crossbow 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 1 - 4 = 7 for 1d8 ⇒ 1 points of damage.

Frustrated as ever by the failure of his crossbow he none the less reloads it for next rounds failure.

I need something better at range in combat against these creatures. He considers the smokesticks...

Round 1
Toffit = 23 - Moved to 23-C and failed to disarm amror
Dyrant = 22 - identified armor as a construct. Drew and loaded crossbow. I put him in 23-F
Finneas = 21 - Move to 24-E
Atol = 20 - Missed with crossbow
Armor = 17 - Swinging for Glimmil's head. Result to be determined.
Silfir (synth) = 15 - Moves to 23-D and misses
Glimmil = 11
Cog - I put in the last available spot.
Where's my fireball?

----23------24--
F.Dyrant..Atol
E.Cog....Finn
D.Silf...Glim
C.Doc....Armor

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

The armor swings the hammer down on Glimmil's head where it lands with a resounding clang, but his new helm protects Glimmil from any damage. The armor then tries to swing the hooked end up, but misses Glimmil completely.

Round 1/2
Silfir (synth) = 15 - Moves to 23-D and misses
Glimmil = 11
Cog = 11
Round 2
Toffit = 23
Dyrant = 22
Finneas = 21
Atol = 20
Armor = 17

Round 2, Initiative 20, Location F 24

Atol takes another futile shot with his crossbow - into cover and combat!

Crossbow 1d20 + 1 - 8 ⇒ (6) + 1 - 8 = -1 for 1d8 ⇒ 4 points of damage.

Frustrated he puts his crossbow away.

Round 2 Initiative 21 {24,E}

Finneas stands behind Glimmil, anxiously trying to find a way at the animated suit of armor.

Perhaps if I chew through this wall...

"Still think head voices are our biggest problem?"

Don't think I can ready a 5' step and an attack, so I will Delay.