The Red Arm of Absalom - Ongoing Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master GM Red

That has become a habit by now. :P

Back!

Mr Peppers looks at the situation and speaks his Elvish words and looks over the battlefield with his arcane sight (detect magic) while his more than capable companions finish off the insect. "You're doing great up there, I'll keep an eye out back here."

Knowledge: Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 But he's more concerned with looking for magic to be bothered with bugs and such.

Mr. Peppers can't quite recall this creature. Aided by Cup's whip, Nixa strikes at the centipede in front of her again. "Begone, foul creature!"
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 4 = 281d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Confirm: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 = 91d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Shield bash: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 4 = 141d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

The blade carves a deep gash along the entire length of its body. Combined with a bash of the shield, the caterpillar is turned to mush.

Combat's over, mite's asleep!

The villager peeks out from under his arms. "Thank you sirs and madames, you saved me!" His voice is filled with relief and his eyes are visibly watering. Poor villager.

"I thoughts I was a goner, I dids. I was just out here lookin' for one o' me calves when these bugs attacked!"

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 1 Mr Peppers scratches his head as he looks at the dead creatures and the sleeping mite, only partially listening to the man. "Yup, yup, you are more than welcome, but don't thank me, Nixa here did more than her fair share!" As he finishes up detecting magic then looking over the 'mite'. Knowledge: Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

"Oh, is that true? What else happened, friend? You can trust us. You can trust me." Sirettis feels the warm wind blow towards the man.

I agree... He must tell us the truth.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Charm Hex: Will Save DC 15 or improve your attitude to me by 1 step for 3 rounds.

Will Save, Olaus: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

"W-well you see missus, I was in that ol' Estate up there," he says as he turns and points up the hill to the north. "I was umm, looking for sumthin to steal.. trying to prove to me friens that I ain't no coward.." He holds his palms out at you. "I didn't take nothin', I swears! 'Soon as I got close to the gates, those things chased me down the hill! I ran 'n I ran!"

"Just what were you thinking? You could have been killed," Nixa sternly says as she sheathes her sword and steps up to the villager's face. "You're coming back with me." She grabs him by the wrist. "The Estate is just up that hill, not more than another 10 minutes. I trust you can take it from here. I'm going to head back to Nolaria. Unless you have any more questions for this... Idiot."

"You didn't steal nothing? Ah, so you admit you -did- steal something.
What item might that be?"

"I actually have some questions for him." Cup comes over to him. She tries to look non-threatening, and since she barely comes up to his hips, she mostly succeeds. "Thieves can be useful, if they put their skills to use. Remember that the estate was abandoned... He could have viewed it as an archaeological dig."

"So... What is your name? I'd love more details on what you saw, and why you chose to take up the dare to prove that you were not a coward. I'm Calpurnia Underhall Poshkettle, but all my friends call me Cup. What sort of souvenirs were you looking for? What did you see that scared you so?"

"Be easy on the man Nixa, you yourself said people head up there to try to prove themselves. Maybe you did some ill-advised things there in the past. I wouldn't be too surprised if Nolaria and her friends haven't gone there, or planned to go there soon enough." As he continues to wrack his brain for the names of those bugs and the mite. He finally takes out his journal to make any notes from what the villager says about the estate.

D you sure are a master of grammar in your non native language :P Next you'll roast him over 'unthawing' something!

"Also, was there an alternate entrance that you used?" Sirettis pets Isa. "We know you are no coward, you were choosing a careful approach."

Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

The villager pleads with Sir D. "I didn't take anythin', I mean! I swear! My name's Olaus. I peeked in the main doors at the front - they weren't locked or anythin' - 'n saw a bunch of antique lookin' paintings. I thought they've gotta be worth sumthin', so I was about to take one when those little blue things jumped out of the bushes!" He points at the sleeping creature. Mr. Peppers recognizes it as a mite, a small, evil puffy-faced fey creature with a huge head. It looks like it's bile-infected.

Nixa releases Olaus' wrist as Mr. Peppers reasons with her. "I was only worried about his safety. Suppose he should be hurt - or worse, killed. If word spreads around Saringallow, you can imagine just what would happen. We can't afford to further drive our citizens into paranoia and fear. The sooner you can figure out what's going on at the Estate, the better."

Mr Peppers finally bursts out with the name of the creature as an evil mite. "Someone should put that thing down, wretched little things they are, only worse I assume now." As he turns away from Olaus and points to the bile.

"Mr Olaus, would you submit to being searched? I promise we won't take anything from you that doesn't belong to you, but we need to be sure nothing important is leaving on you. I'm sure your cooperation will go a long way in Nixa's eyes for the walk back to town."

Mostly concerned he hasn't gotten into any bile or infected with anything, etc.

Gallix obliges Mr. Peppers's suggestion to put the mite down and delivers a swift kick to the sleeping creature's bulbous head.

CDG: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 4) + 6 = 12

Once the deed is done, he flicks off any gore that managed to stick to his foot and turns to Olaus, carefully listening to the man's responses on the off chance that he might try to hide something again.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Sense Motive, Take Ten: 10 + 11 = 21
Knowledge Nature, Mites, Take Ten, Pathfinder Chronicle: 10 + 3 + 2 = 15

Cup pulls out her Chronicle, and her wand of Kreighton's Perusal.

"Wait a minute. These are bile-infected mites, the lowest order of fey. They don't get along with goblins. Yet both the goblins and the mites seems to coming from the Sarini estate. Who is up there, calling the shots? Neither of these parties seems bright enough to be causing all this havoc."

"Perhaps that Gnasher, mentioned earlier."

Olaus appears to be telling the entire truth. "Sure sir, but I don't have ... anythin'? Nothin'? Which one is right again?" He consents to a search as Gallix squashes the small fey creature underneath his boot. Little is found on Olaus' body, and there doesn't appear to be any sign of bile. He isn't even armed.

Mr Peppers nods along as writes notes down in his journal on the situation and gives the man a smile once everything comes out in his favor. "I've seen all I need to see here with Mr Olaus." He says as he slams his journal shut with bang for emphasis. "Be careful on your trip back to town with Nixa, keep yourself out of trouble, she's got quite a strong sword arm there."

Mr Peppers is ready to move on and since its just a few minutes up the road, once Nixa and her charge are out of sight he'll wand himself with some mage armor goodness.

To the estate!

Cup pulls out her Lucky Number wand. "Let's try this one more time."

Lucky Number: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Moves over to Madame Poshkettle and she taps him with her wand.

lucky number: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Mr Peppers shrugs his shoulders "It couldn't hurt I guess, I haven't felt all that lucky of late I must admit. Maybe today will be different."

He gladly receives the wand's magic Lucky Numbah: 1d20 ⇒ 20 Then scratches his head, unsure if it did anything at all.

Nixa turns back to escort Olaus to town, and you head up the hill. The rusted, badly bent iron gate to the walled estate is dirty and hangs ajar, creaking gently in the breeze. The lawn is overgrown, and a thick tangle of vines has crept up the walls of the opulent estate building. An abandoned stable occupies the southwest corner of the grounds, and to the east, more buildings lie partly hidden behind bushes and crooked trees.

With Nolaria's map and details, you're able to discern a decent amount of detail about the estate's layout. There's a gazebo in the northeast corner and the family tomb in the southeast. The estate itself features a grand ballroom shortly after the entryway, a library, kitchen, and nursery. A large master bedroom and servants' quarters are on the upper floor.

Map's up. What do you do?

Oh no, Peppers! Guess that's for when you get confused and try to attack one of us?

Luck be a (Gnomish) Lady: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Gallix steps up after Uesugi receives his luck and gets a strong portion of luck for himself as well. "Thanks, Cup! I'm feeling pretty good about our chances here." He smiles and turns up the road toward the Estate.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

As the Red Arm approaches the dilapidated structure, Gallix points to the swinging gate. "Guess we're in the right place. There's Bile on the gate. Wonder if that's meant to be some sort of signal to other goblins in the area that this is the place to get their fix." Gallix steps past the gate and looks around for any sign of traps...or suspicious plant creatures.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Looking over the map and then to the present state of the grounds he holds his hand up to stop everyone. He nods as the barbarian sees the bile on the gate.

"While the upper level might have some clues for us we should be searching for a lower level. Those documents said that many materials were ordered more than what would be required for this house. If the consort was communicating with the oni it would be away from prying eyes. First let us see who has walked here before us."

Uesugi begins to look around the gate for tracks.

survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

"Thank you, Olaus. Nixa will escort you back to town."

See? It's fun and easy to bend them to your will!

Lucky Number: 1d20 ⇒ 14

"And thank you, Miss Poshkettle." Sirettis takes a look around at the gate as the wind blows.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Heading up the hill, not long after Nixa and her new companion fade from sight, Mr Peppers pulls out his ironwood wand and summons forth his shimmering chain armor. Turning to the host of pets and mounts in his midst he asks "Would this armor be helpful for anyone else? A mighty dragon or perhaps a riding dog or?" Sorry I don't remember if Yurei stayed back in town or not..

At the front gate
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Mr Peppers is too busy digging through his backpack and belt pouch to notice the bile on the gate until Gallix spills the beans. "Would you look at that" Remarks the lanky Elf as he lathers himself up with some pungent oil, reminiscent to all as vermin repellent. His eyes look around the group hoping to avoid judgement. "Hey now, you saw those creepy crawlers down in the road, I don't want to be a tasty snack up here. There's too much talent here to waste being dead in a ditch as bug food."

After which he pulls out a scroll tube and slides out a scroll, reading it over quickly with the help of some magic, he starts over in a firm voice, finishing the spell inscribed within the writing on the parchment disappears and he's bathed in a shadowy light for a moment.

After which he pulls out his recently less than reliable Dwarven Light Crossbow and loads it. "I think I'm ready... let the hunt for MAGIC begin!" He casts detect magic and scans the area as they go.

"Oh, that would be wonderful!" Cup accepts on behalf of her friends. "Oolong and Longling would love armor!"

"Woof?"

Oh boy! Oh boy! Someone's gonna pet me! Oh boy!

Oolong slobbers all over Mr. Pepper's hand, and wags his tail in excitement.

Yurei is in town but he has better AC than me now lol

Longjing cocks his head at the wand. "Do Dragons wear armor? Will it be heavy?" He extends his wing, clearly worried about flying.

Gallix turns to Longjing with a smile on his face. "I'm no expert on dragons, but I've heard that they're protected by magic that makes their scales harder than steel! Maybe Mr. Peppers's spell would help harden your....scales, too!"

Damn, 5 posts during that edit!

Mr Peppers taps the wand to puppy's tail, doing his best to start a hilarious moment of tail chasing, aka lets make the gnome fall off her dog. CHA check on puppy?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 "Oops!" As he nearly pokes the poor fella in the eye while pulling the wand away from slobber jaws-face.

"My dear Dragon, this armor is made of the strong steel links of magic, bearing you no weight but significant protection from your enemies." He taps the Dragon with his permission.

Longjing gives his assent, whistling happily. "Such magical armor sounds fitting raiment for a dragon. When I have my own lair, you may be assured of a position as my court wizard."

Lucky #?: 1d20 ⇒ 6

D. refrains from pinching the bridge of his nose, with the bird's identity crisis.

"I know of some nagaji alchemist, i saw his shop as a group of people came from it. It seems he also provides lairs for smaller dragons, complete with bath and floors with plenty room for a treasure hoard. One had an iron gate, even."

Uesugi finds tracks of a human and tiny footprints likely matching those of the mites you had earlier encountered. He doesn't see any goblin prints.

Poor Mr. Peppers still detects no magical auras at all from outside the estate.

Sirettis and Gallix don't see any traps in the area, nor any creatures nearby. Other than the breeze of the wind through the estate grounds, it is eerily quiet. The stables are to the southwest, a garden is to the northeast, and there's a tomb to the southeast. The estate entrance lies directly ahead. Where will you go?

As you explore the estate grounds and estate itself, please move your tokens as intended.

"Let us explore the outside, to secure our safety and an escape route." Sirettis heads towards the stables.

Mr Peppers nods in agreement with Sirettis, obviously still concentrating on his spell, eager to reveal new areas to its divining glow, hoping to be rewarded. "Yes, lets, lead on someone." He has his crossbow up and continues concentrating.

I find myself tempted to add in random magical minutia just to please the arcanist.

Bones litter the bare stone floor of the stable. The reek of decay hangs heavy in the air. In the corner of the last two stable stalls is a thick nest of purplish goo, and inside the goo are a collection of black eggs. As you approach, two giant centipedes turn and chitter at you as they curl atop their eggs.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

"Those centipedes don't want to fight us... They're trying to protect their young. However... I don't like the idea of them nesting in bile."

Cup tilts her head. "Wait a minute. These creatures are sitting in BILE, and they are acting perfectly normal. Does demonic bile only affect those who eat it, rather than those that nest in it?"

Not sure what check to make here...
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Cup doesn't really want to kill them unless they and their young are going to mutate into bile monsters. "Sigh. They're poisonous. And sitting in bile.... But is there anyway to save them, or am I being a sentimental fool?"

"Death can be a release, but as long as they show no hostility, there would be little point, right now at least."

Mr Peppers peeks his head inside, still scanning for some sort of magical goodness when he spots the nasty bugs "Ugh! More of those things! I say wipe them out, what happens when those eggs hatch? They'll probably get infected, if they aren't already. We've got to destroy the bile and I'm sure they won't let us near it while they live." Mr Peppers ends his concentration and raises his crossbow, ready to fire.

Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

"I have an idea..." Sirettis ponders. "A nonlethal solution is possible."

Bah! Any chance my Slumber or Charm hexes would work on them? Vermin are weird and immune to mind-affecting abilities. If they were animals I'd charm them then use the healing hex to eliminate the bile.

"Mister Gallix, you are skilled in nonlethal arts, yes? Please use nonlethal strikes to knock them unconscious. Then I will purge the bile. If needed, I will revive the centipedes."

Sirettis is prepared to risk the centipedes' mandibles if she can purge the bile. The healing hex doesn't provoke.

knocking out a bug? interesting mechanically that's possible of course but realistically is that possible? Gallix the bug wrestler!

Should we get him an 'Orkin' mask? Or some other spandex full body suit, maybe with antennae?

Hehe. If these were animals instead of vermin I'd start spamming hexes. But...vermin.

Body suit, with antennae?

(Thought cloud pops up) Like this?

What Cup is able to recall is that the bile has a dose-dependent effect, and it's likely that these centipedes haven't ingested enough to become completely ferocious. Their maternal instinct remains. It is possible to remove all traces of bile through the usual means, but this will still harm the centipedes. What will you do, bug friends?

We have to eliminate the bile one way or another. Can you guys draw them out?

Uesugi looks at Madame Poshkettle and the Spirit then shakes his head. "We should kill them. If they do become infected and then continue to breed what will their offspring be like. I can understand that life in all creatures is important but to turn an eye might lead to greater problems for Sarringallow or any townsfolk that come up this way to 'prove' themselves".