Shifty PFS group Charlie (Inactive)

Game Master Nik B.

"Wa'n't impressed. 't's all scream and no bite, and it cooled on th' way down rather than th' nice warm glow tha' a good whiskey might give. Still, an' port in a storm, right?"

After getting that informational download from Kel Agraic slumps his shoulders a bit.

"'preciate y' sayin' it, but at th' same time, now y' gotta hope I either don' get skunked an' blab, or some'un tortures it outta me. Meh. Better knowin', though."

After taking some time to get his gear all squared away, it's painfully obvious that it all bears the sales marks of House Cartahegn, though it is quality gear.

"We rentin' or buyin' th' mounts t' get that way?" We are ridin', right?"

Cool. Also I misstated earlier-- Adeah is a gunslinger/occultist. She just dipped this level, so there'll be some character development as she gets used to her new abilities...

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Adeah joins the others for the mission brief. She is lightly armored and dressed for movement, with pants made of worked leather and a shirt of chain mail over one of cotton. Her dark hair flows past her shoulders, and her pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes of gold give her an elven appearance. However, her otherworldly heritage is betrayed by the large crimson wings bursting from her shoulders. She keeps them strapped down, out of the way. Across her shoulder is an ornate musket, well-cared-for and polished, and her brow is adorned with a circlet that enhances her ken-- a recent purchase that she hopes will make her more effective in the field.

"Hi. Name's Adeah, I'll be joining you for this leg of the mission. I understand you've worked together before, so think of me as backup." She points to the route indicated on the map. "That trail isn't used much, but it'll get us there. I'm sorta familiar with the area." She notices a few of the others nodding; apparently it isn't news to them.

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Henrick checks his gear and says "Ready to go."

Once everyone is ready, he looks around.
Well, since Kish isn't coming along with us, I suppose I need to let you in on something. My tavern isn't exactly... a simple tavern, see? It's a front for the Nightstalker Thieve's Guild. The society knows, and they know I'm a member, but I mostly play dumb when it comes to the skills a man... acquires in such an organization. Gotta keep it a secret, especially since the Society would rather not openly deal with us. But, since the lovely lady had pressing matters back home, it looks like I'll have to take over for her, no? Just be a friend and keep this little information between us, though. Don't need the rival guilds coming after my bar, you know?

He checks his pack to make sure everything is ready, and gives the group a (hopefully) reassuring look.
So, who's leading the way to the first jewel?

I won't say anything--don't run much in those circles anyway. But I did hear a few choice things about our route. I can lead us there, if you want.

When Adeah introduces herself, Magrim nods his head stiffly.

An Alkenstar weapon, huh? I met some men from Alkenstar once--one was a bit pampered, but he showed his mettle in the jungle well enough. Gave me this, he says, patting a darkwood longbow on his back.

I'm sure your skills will help us, you're not just 'backup'. The dwarf extends a filthy hand to shake yours.

He then looks around as though he's missing something.

Gertie, where'd you run off to? It's time to go!

Ready here!

"'d much rather have y' as part 'f th' team, than backup, miss. We go through our backup like... well...."

We've had a... significant number of roster changes.

"Once we get transport squared, good t' go here."

Two questions:

Are you all mounted (buying camels etc)?

Mapped route, OR 'direct route' (using survival)?

Agraic's 'votes': Rent camels and food/water for them. Follow the map, don't go exploring, as tempting as it is. Group is on a deadline.

Agree with camels, but I want to use survival to take the direct route. That should be faster, Agraic, and I have +12 survival to avoid getting lost and people can aid me. I can use my boon again to get a 25 gp discount on the camel rental. Also, I can cast Create Water at will.

I support Magrim's plan.

There may be *good* reasons to not take the 'direct route'. Still, Explore, Report, Cooperate, if you think you've got it... Shifty, could you please give us numbers, then?

It is an abstracted system, but in short, its a race between you and another team. You can follow the map on foot or mounted, or you can cut across the desert. If you do really well cutting across the desert you will save a fair amount of time, or if you get lost you might blow your timings right out. On top of this are some 'gm side' mechanical bonuses and penalties for early vs late respectively. Witha +12, Magrim would be pretty confident in his ability to pick a path across the desert

Other note, you guys are in T4-5 territory now too

Kel is also picking up a set of masterwork thieve's tools. Other than that, I think we may be able to pull off the direct route with his high skill and our aiding. Let's go for it!

Yeah, I played a scenario that had a race element in it before. I think the risk is worth it given the potential rewards. Plus, Magrim is a hunter/wilderness guide--this is his shtick ;-) Adeah can aid me automatically, even on a roll of a 1. Henrick has a very good chance to aid me--he can automatically do it if he buys a wayfinder first. DM Shifty, how much does it cost to rent camels? I can waive transportation fees up to 25 gp. I also get a 10% discount on "mundane goods" in Eto, if camels count as that, lol. Hey, every bit helps, right?

Regardless, if people agree, and after our camels are rented...

Survival: Direct/shortcut route, trying not to get lost: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 28

Note: I will use my Sleeves of Many Garments to turn into Hot Weather Outfit

Kel is also picking up a set of masterwork thieve's tools. Other than that, I think we may be able to pull off the direct route with his high skill and our aiding. Let's go for it!

Ninjaed by the ninja!

Agraic has a Hot Weather Outfit for the trip, three waterskins, two kegs of ale, smoked goggles. Hit it!

Hit it.

I can waive transportation fees up to 25 gp. I also get a 10% discount on "mundane goods" in Eto, if camels count as that, lol. Hey, every bit helps, right?

There isn't really a listed price anywhere for renting a camel, but 6 camels is 900gp, and borrowing them for a jaunt across the gnoll infested desert will probably cost you the 25gp - a magic sum of convenience :)

Magrim has plotted what he thinks is the optimal course...

Three more rolls please Mag :)

Awesome, sounds good!

Survival 2: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Might need some aids on that one, everybody!

Survival 3: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Survival 4: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Oh yea, before we start I'll spend the 200 gold for a Sleeves of Many Garments.

And like you said, I automatically aid all Survival checks so you can go ahead and factor that in :-)

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Aid Roll One: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Aid Roll Two: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Aid Roll Three: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Aid Roll Two: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17

Good rolls!

Taking your expedition through the desert appears to be straightforward, and Magrim lucks onto an unmarked trail that has been clearly used by merchants 'in the know' to save time, and it leads directly towards an oasis where you can make camp and stay out of the heat of the day.

The oasis shimmers like a sapphire in the midday heat. Life clings around its edges tenaciously, with only a few hardy plants nestled amid the rocks managing to survive in patches around the area. Finches bathe in the water, resting on an abandoned harness. Trash and castoffs from travelers litter the area, and a small brick hearth is the only permanent fixture.

"You know your stuff out here, I'll say that," Adeah says to Magrim as she kneels at the pool to splash water on her face and hair. "Count me impressed. And it isn't because of Compensation there," she adds, glancing at his longhammer. Feeling refreshed, she stands up and undoes the clasps on the leather straps around her torso, one just above her breasts and the other near her waist. The straps fall to the sand and her wings flare out, stretching to their full span-- slightly longer than her height. A red feather floats to the ground here and there. She flaps them a few times to move the air. "Ah, that feels better."

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Agraic squints a bit and pushes the goggles up on his forehead, closing his eyes for a bit with a hand over them so he doesn't burn them out in the bright sun.

Slowly he makes his way over towards the abandoned harness, to try and get a feeling for *why* a piece of equipment might be left AT an oasis versus 'somewhere out in the desert'.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

"You know your stuff out here, I'll say that," Adeah says to Magrim as she kneels at the pool to splash water on her face and hair. "Count me impressed. And it isn't because of Compensation there," she adds, glancing at his longhammer. Feeling refreshed, she stands up and undoes the clasps on the leather straps around her torso, one just above her breasts and the other near her waist. The straps fall to the sand and her wings flare out, stretching to their full span-- slightly longer than her height. A red feather floats to the ground here and there. She flaps them a few times to move the air.

Well, I almost had us lost there for a while. Thanks for your help, the dwarf says, conjuring his own water to drink. He then moves alongside Agraic and casts us spell to determine if the harness or any of the debris radiates magical auras.

Detect magic

Agraic moves in, and from the corner of his eyes he notices movement at the rocks dotting the position! Calling a quick warning to the party, all eyes search nearby as the trap is sprung!

He only saw the movement, the creatures have not yet emerged

Surprise
Standard or Move
Kel
Adelah
ENEMY
Agraic

R1
...

Adeah folds her wings and brings her musket around to bear. Great, she scolds herself. Had to unstrap them, didn't you? She hopes they don't get in the way.

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Kel moves up beside Agraic while drawing his rapier.
Well, so much for this being a safe place to stop... What's going on, anyway?

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Sorry, I sort of missed the shortcut help, but it looks like Henrick wasn't needed. In any case, though, he would have picked up a wayfinder for 250 GP before setting out, and applied aid roles, so I will note the purchase.

Henrick readies his crossbow to shoot if anything attacks.

The shapes have not revealed themselves, but Kel is certain he can see the various shadows and tell tale signs of the ambush too...!

Surprise
Agraic

R1
Kel
Magrim
Rogelio
Adelah
Henrick
ENEMY

The half-elf grabs his well-crafted guisarme and makes for the cover of some nearby rocks, while pointing at the location of the contacts that he's seen on the other side of the oasis.

What he *says* is different, and totally out of character for what one might expect for him. "GET THEM! QUICKLY! BEFORE THEY HAVE A CHANCE TO GET AWAY!"

Bluff(*coughs*): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6

Surprise action, moving to cover, trying to make it sound like he's lining up to charge while urging others to move to cover by his actions.

Gertie, stay close, Magrim says as he moves behind a rock for cover. He unslings his bow and focuses for a minute, his forearms expanding with muscle growth. He then chants a spell and his facial features become avian, a strange sight for a dwarf. The hunter draws an arrow and peers into the direction of the ambush party.

Move action, draw bow as I move.

Free--Heel command

Swift--Animal Focus:Bull for Magrim (+2 str), Tiger for Lagertha (+2 Dex).

Standard--Cast Aspect of the Falcon:+3 competence bonus on Perception checks, a +1 competence bonus on ranged attacks, and the critical multiplier for your bows and crossbows becomes 19-20/x3.

Perception to find attackers: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 3 = 30

Magrim can see a disturbed patch of sand now that he is looking closer... it is very subtle and he almost missed it... around 10'x10' near the bulk of the litter.

Adeah loads her musket and raises it to her chin, pointing it in the direction Agraic indicated.

Load as a move, ready an action to fire upon the first threat that shows itself

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There, alongside the water's edge twenty yards or so ahead--sand looks dangerous. I think whoever's out there set a trap for us.

"Show yerselves!"

Surprise
Agraic - postures

R1
Kel - TBA
Magrim - moves/looks
Rogelio - TBA
Adelah - loads/readies
Henrick - Readied!

Kel up, anyone want to 'bot Rog?

Sure, have him move SE of Gertie and draw his whip.

Ah, my bad. I thought I had posted.

Kel draws his rapier and gives it an expert twirl, while calling out.
Well, whoever you are, let's get this started! I'd like to have lunch soon!

Dazzling Display: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

A gnoll hurls a spear towards Kel, keeping itself mostly behind the rocky cover.

Attack 1d20 ⇒ 17

The spear looks like a good shot, but thrown from too far away. It misses harmlessly.

Readied actions may resolve

As the gnoll pokes his head and arm out from behind a distant rock, Adeah puts it in her sights and fires, aiming well high to account for the range.

Musket shot vs normal AC, 3rd range increment: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 4 = 25
Damage: 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Oh sweet jeebus
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 9 - 4 = 14
Extra damage: 3d12 + 3 ⇒ (1, 10, 10) + 3 = 24

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The shot hits, but the stone takes away some of the impact (no conversion!)

Magrim follows suit, stalking around from his rock to launch an arrow at the gnoll as well.

Can't move on the map now, but I'll move N, N, NW, W.

Bow shot: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Henrick's crossbow bolt flies toward the spear thrower, but thunks into the sand in front of the rock instead.

Attack, range 2: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 - 2 = 8

The other shapes remain in hiding!
Magrim moves and looses an arrow!

R1
Agraic

R2
Kel
Magrim moved/shot
Rogelio
Adelah
Henrick

R 9
? 0
? 0

The half-elf moves up a bit, cautiously, watching the area in front of him. He wouldn't put it past a group of ambushers to have *two* traps to funnel folks in their direction.

Move Action: Move up to cover of rocks

Standard Action: REALLY look over the area he's debating crossing on his next opportunity.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Seems Legit!

Agraic moves forward, nothing shady evident...

Adeah reloads and fires.

Musket shot vs normal AC, 3rd range increment: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 9 - 4 = 8
Damage: 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

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The shot ricochets off a rock!

R1
Agraic moved/looking...

R2
Kel
Magrim moved/shot
Rogelio
Adelah (pew pew!)
Henrick

R 9
? 0
? 0

Rogelio will take a total defense. Henrick took a move a couple posts up. Just waiting on Kel I think.

Actually, as I recheck, that might have just been the round 1 readied action. If so, here is round 2 for Henrick.

Henrick reloads his crossbow and moves closer.