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.
The deciphered codes will allow you all to once grant all undead creatures present the confused condition for 1 round. If an undead creature confused in this way attacks one of you, it takes a -4 penalty on its attack rolls.
You seem to have found a good number of clues... what do you do?
Davorin looks quizzically at the group, "It could be the best way to see what happened is to do it ourselves, but take precautions to avoid the area around the locus on the summon, maybe rope? We need a beam of light to aim at that focus item though."
Bard 9 HP 90/90 | AC 17 T 12 FF 15 | Fort +9 Ref +12 Will +7 | CMD 23 | Init +13 | Perc +2 | +4 DC to cast defensively if threatened by Hassam | BANNER +2,
Dioneo looks at the others and shrugs. "Well, indeed. Let's try. I have no 'beam' of light but I'll aim with magic." he says, as he casts light on the lens.
A whirling portal of intertwined bright and dark energies opens, sucking you in despite your precautions!
Knowledge (planes or religion) DC 23:
You realize that the portal
took them to the Ivory Labyrinth, Baphomet’s domain in the Abyss, and that the portal remains open as long as the light feeds energy to the sundial.
As you rematerialize, you see a winding labyrinth before you and a whirling portal still behind.
In the distance, you can hear a woman shouting commands in Kelish language over the sounds of battle — are the Sarenrites near?
Unfortunately, as you creep through the labyrinth towards the fray you discover that you are not alone!
A pair of minotaurs with tremendous bows and axes await you with a wicked looking brazen bull, and a thundering snort alerts you to another one slipping through a side passage behind you!
Bard 9 HP 90/90 | AC 17 T 12 FF 15 | Fort +9 Ref +12 Will +7 | CMD 23 | Init +13 | Perc +2 | +4 DC to cast defensively if threatened by Hassam | BANNER +2,
Resources:
BP (18/24) | S 1(6/6) 2(3/4) 3(2/5)
Hassam assists his allies once again with a haste spell and inspire courge
Like in the earlier fight, a pair of burning wings sprout from Dioneo's back and he lifts himself in the air. 30 feet. I just realised that with the wings of fire he has a fly speed of 60 feet.
Can Dioneo have a direct line of view on the minotaurs, since he's 30 feet over the land?
Dioneo shouts at the closest minotaur: "Hey! Your buddy has a holy symbol of Sarenrae, he's a shapeshifted sarenite!"
Kn: Religion:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Davorin grunts at the situation, "Well colleagues, we're not in Absalom anymore. This is the Ivory Labyrinth. You know Baphomet's domain. That sundial cannot go out or we'll be stuck here like the Sarenrites. To arms!"
Davorin moves in at the first Brazen bull hoping to gum up the narrow hallways, drawing Remembrance as he does so. "For the fallen!
One of the minotaurs fires a volley of shots at Rogar, one of them piercing his plate, but his companion flings aside his bow and take a wild swing for his companion!
The bull behind rushes forward, slipping surprisingly easily through the narrow confines as it tramples your rear lines! Undiana, Riddy, Hassan and Ralph can either make an AoO at -4, or a reflex save to take half damage
Trample:2d6 + 12 ⇒ (4, 4) + 12 = 20+3 more vs. Undiana
Bold may go!
Hasty, Inspired Rogar -16
Dioneo
Undy - Being trampled, may post twice (Riddy, being trampled)
Hassam - Being trampled
Davorin
Minotaurs (Blue - Murderous)
Brazen Bulls
Ralph (Being Trampled)
Bard 9 HP 90/90 | AC 17 T 12 FF 15 | Fort +9 Ref +12 Will +7 | CMD 23 | Init +13 | Perc +2 | +4 DC to cast defensively if threatened by Hassam | BANNER +2,
Resources:
BP (18/24) | S 1(6/6) 2(3/4) 3(2/5)
Hassam forgoes his own safety in favor of making an attack on the bull.
Hassam CL check vs Riddy SR 13 for Haste:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Undy Reflex vs Trample, haste:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21Undy takes either 23 or 12 dmg, depending on the DC Riddy Reflex vs Trample, haste, improved evasion:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23Due to improved evasion, Riddy takes either 10 or 0, depending on the DC
If Hassam's attacks have taken the Bull out:
Undy and Riddy will both move forward up to 60' around the bend, to where they can see the two minotaurs. I haven't moved our icons yet since this is a conditional action depending on whether or not the Bull has already been defeated. Undy, Knowledge (Nature?) check re the minotaurs:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35 Riddy, Knowledge (Nature?) check re the minotaurs:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25 If it's a different knowledge skill the modifiers will be slightly different but they are all pretty close to this. Not sure how many questions that will get but requesting, in descending order of preference, Immunities, Resistances, Special Attacks, Weakest Save
Undy and Riddy again use the power of Elemental Commixture to send modified spell combination towards the two minotaurs. Undy casts Burning Arc (primary target Red, secondary target Blue), while Riddy casts Shock Shield These spell choices assume that they are not immune to fire - if they are I'd like to switch to a different spell combo.
Fire dmg to Red:9d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 1, 1, 1, 6, 1, 2, 1) = 18DC 21 Reflex for half Fire dmg to Blue:4d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 6, 6) = 18DC 21 Reflex for half Secondary Effect on each Minotaur: DC 21 Fort save. Fail = Nauseated for 1 round and Blind for 1d4 rounds; Success = Blind for 1 round. Immunity to Fire negates the nausea.
If the Bull is still threatening:
Undy, Knowledge (Nature?) check re the bull:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16 Riddy, Knowledge (Nature?) check re the bull:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26 Immunities? Resistances?
Both Undy and Riddy will step 5' away from the Bull. Riddy will use his wand of Magic Missile on it. Force dmg:2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 2) + 2 = 8. If it is still standing after that, Undy will defensively cast Hydraulic Push, using the Hydraulic Maneuver feat to blind rather than bull rush. Casting defensively DC 17:1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29Dirty Trick (blind) vs Bull CMD:1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18
GM: I see in your init tracker that you left "murderous" with the blue guy. It however only lasts one round.
Dioneo sighs at the clumsiness of the minotaur. He likes a good fight where the enemies hit each other without understanding what's happening to them. He comes towards the minotaurs flying over the labyrinth's wall and mutters a few words in draconic and the pattern of cloud made of many different colors appears over the monstrous foes.
Dioneo casts Rainbow Pattern, will save DC 21 or be fascinated.
The minotaurs appear to be nasty, well trained examples of the breed, but their only immunities are to maze effects and being flat-footed; they're able to perform powerful charges if given the room; and really any save except Reflex should be good.
Bold may go!
Hasty, Inspired Rogar -16
DioneoSince the Minotaurs are presently blind, you may wish to select a different spell...
Undy -11
Hassam -20
Davorin
Minotaurs (Red -18, Nauseated Blind Rounds:1d4 ⇒ 4; Blue -9 Nauseated Blind Rounds:1d4 ⇒ 2)
Ralph (Being Trampled)
Large Tiger (HD 8) | HP 76/76 | AC 28*+ | T 15+ (19 incorporeal)* | FF 23*+ | CMD 28+ | F +10$ | R +12$+ | W +5$ | +4 vs. enchantment | Init +5$ | Perc +7$ (low-light, scent) | Active Spells:Prayer($), Mage Armor(*), Reduce Animal(+)
Move Action
Angel moves up to the closest one. (Unfortunately she takes up a lot of room right now. Might fix that later...)
Davorin again moves forward with determination. "They will fall!
Continue the rally and press onward!
Move: Along wall, move <30' (that may provoke with their reach) Free: Stow quickdraw shield Standard: Attack (Keen/Silver/Slashing) red Minotaur Free: Draw quickdraw shield
Large Tiger (HD 8) | HP 76/76 | AC 28*+ | T 15+ (19 incorporeal)* | FF 23*+ | CMD 28+ | F +10$ | R +12$+ | W +5$ | +4 vs. enchantment | Init +5$ | Perc +7$ (low-light, scent) | Active Spells:Prayer($), Mage Armor(*), Reduce Animal(+)
The minotaurs reel before the sudden onslaught of fangs and blades, Davorin cleanly takes one's head, before Dioneo's fireball finishes off the other!
Rogar -16
Undy +3
Hassam -20
Ralph -10
After the fight, you find the Sarenrites several hundred feet farther down the passage. The Dawnflower's priests have also just defeated a group of minotaurs. Once you guide them back to the Material Plane, Scion Lady Xerashir of House Shamyyid provides some explanation.
“Thank you so much for you assistance. Someone must have tampered with the magical foci we used, causing the spell to fail. When we completed the ritual, a gateway formed that drew us into that Abyssal realm. As the portal closed behind us, I could see a woman’s silhouette as she tossed something through the portal and grimly intoned, ‘My sister’s memory earns you mercy.’ It was this,” she reports, holding up a silver holy symbol of Sarenrae, stamped with the word ‘Oppara,’ and notched as if by a blade. “This style only saw use in Taldor by hidden congregations, including one that reactionary Opparan officials tried to stamp out about six years ago. Was there not a prominent leader in the Society who lost a sister in that incident? A pasha who went rogue? This alone may not be evidence of her involvement, but whoever sent us to the Abyss seemed to want us trapped, not killed.”
Okay guys, Grand Lodge and Silver Crusade are down. Next mission to get two votes takes it!
You find Lady Gloriana Morilla, leader of the Sovereign Court faction, reading through a growing pile of reports. Every minute or two, a courier delivers another sealed letter, or a charmed animal scrambles in through
one of the doors or windows with a rolled up missive from elsewhere in the city.
“The city is in dire straits, Pathfinders. The Siege Lord Wynsal Starborn is a strong leader, but he’s had difficulty gathering the High Council—and in turn getting other nobles to focus. The recent acts of sabotage have caused many noble families to seal off their estates or begin evacuating the city in private ships. Not only is this cowardly exodus clogging the harbor and sowing confusion, but it is also disrupting other defenses because the nobles had earlier promised their household guards’ service in defending the city. Acting under authority granted by the Siege Lord, help me find them and remind them of their responsibilities as members of the nobility. History need not remember them and their descendants as the ones who failed Absalom. The Arpadors, the Caperinas, the al-Hadirs, and the Tullians - if you can bring any three of them back to the fold, we should be able to hold the line.”
Knowledge (Nobility) DC 18 or Knowledge (any) DC 23:
The Arpadors were originally merchants who effectively bought their way into the nobility with their considerable wealth accumulated in the cattle trade. Mentioning their humble origins could make them flustered.
Decreasing the difficulty of Bluff or Intimidate checks against them.
Knowledge (Nobility) DC 18 or Knowledge (any) DC 23:
The Caperinas are from Cheliax, and like many of their fellow Chelaxians, they are sticklers for law. You can attempt Linguistics or Profession (barrister) checks in place of Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks to influence the Caperinas.
Knowledge (Nobility) DC 18 or Knowledge (any) DC 23:
Centuries ago, the extended al-Hadir family produced many great warriors who fought Taldor and became war heroes. Reminding Naadhira of her family history could make her feel ashamed. Decreasing the difficulty of Bluff or Diplomacy checks against her.
Knowledge (Nobility) DC 18 or Knowledge (any) DC 23:
The Tullians are very enigmatic, and have very little information provided for them in this scenario. They are attempting to evacuate via their private ship.[/ooc]
The Exchange's cache of armaments can be used at the beginning of an encounter to treat the enhancement bonuses of all your weapons as 2 higher for the duration of the encounter. Treat the effective enhancement bonus of mundane weapons as +0.
When near Lady Gloriana Morilla, Dioneo nods sharply. "Baron Dioneo the second of House Starnon, at your service my Lady."
After her speech, the man scoffs. "Weaklings. Real nobility fight back to make the enemy taste what it's like to attack them." he says as a fiery glint lights both his eyes and his hair, his burnt arms crossed over his armored chest.
"Anyway, I know that the Arpadors were originally merchants who effectively bought their way into the nobility with their considerable wealth accumulated in the cattle trade. Maybe mentioning their humble origins could make them flustered... I have nothing to say since I myself bought my way into nobility, although my father was a town mayor and my uncle a baron."
He rubs his temples and adds: "The Tullians are very little known family. I'd say that they control very well what information the high society has on them."
Feel free to take some more knowledge checks at the Caperinas and al-Hadirs, but let's go ahead and start voting on which House you'll try to convince first.
"Oi, mate! I 'eard about the Caperinas at least. Chelaxians they be. Big sticklers to the law. If you good with language(Linguistics) or laws(Profession (Barrister)), unlike me, you may be able to talk them into 'elping!"
"If the 'ouses need some... stiff convincing... I'm your man. This ugly mug tends to scare most people!"
It looks like Diplomacy, Bluff, and Intimidate can be used on any of them, right?
Davorin perks up, Well I've heard of the al-Hadir family. Great warriors and war heroes from Taldor. Their blades might be of use and I say we remind them of their past glory. It's best to be direct (diplomacy) about it, but I suppose if you want to shame them (bluff) that wouldn't hurt either."
"They have the most martial prowess, so it might be good to approach them first."
woops forgot to mention that the first are easy to get through Bluff or Intimidate and the only thing known for the fourth is that they are leaving with a private ship.
Bard 9 HP 90/90 | AC 17 T 12 FF 15 | Fort +9 Ref +12 Will +7 | CMD 23 | Init +13 | Perc +2 | +4 DC to cast defensively if threatened by Hassam | BANNER +2,
You'll actually have to succeed at two different checks from among Diplomacy, Bluff, and Intimidate to convince the nobles to stay.
The grim-faced dervishes of the al-Hadir's household guard wear loose-fitting silk garments, but their weapons look lethal. They escort you inside the recently fortified mahal. Both the men and women of the family wear their hair long.
Naadhira al-Hadir, the head of the family, speaks slowly and deliberately, "By Sarenrae’s grace, peace be upon her, House al-Hadir still stands. But I'm afraid we cannot accept more refugees within our home. The mahal has only 48 rooms, and there are already 16 members of my family here, let alone our staff. Beyond what mercies we have offered, we can spare no more. I swear this upon the Dawnflower."
Her cool, polite smile has an edge of steely determination.
Sense Motive DC 23:
Naadhira is hardheaded and wouldn’t respond well to threats. You can attempt a second Bluff or Diplomacy check in place of an Intimidate check. (So you can stack up on just one kind of check if you like)
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.
Bard 9 HP 90/90 | AC 17 T 12 FF 15 | Fort +9 Ref +12 Will +7 | CMD 23 | Init +13 | Perc +2 | +4 DC to cast defensively if threatened by Hassam | BANNER +2,
Resources:
BP (18/24) | S 1(6/6) 2(3/4) 3(2/5)
SM:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Hassam explains the society's efforts "We've given all we can and then some more. Please extend your house's grace and honour with more assistance."
diplomacy:1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31
My bluff is +14 if there aren't any better for the second check.
Bard 9 HP 90/90 | AC 17 T 12 FF 15 | Fort +9 Ref +12 Will +7 | CMD 23 | Init +13 | Perc +2 | +4 DC to cast defensively if threatened by Hassam | BANNER +2,
Resources:
BP (18/24) | S 1(6/6) 2(3/4) 3(2/5)
Hassam follow up with a sneakier argument moving numbers around
"48 rooms, if we triple up we can fit quite a few more in. Oh of course we wouldn't possibly suggest tripling up your family, I'm sure they are already burdened enough by the upcoming doubling of them up that you've already put into place as part of standard emergency protocalls, right?"
"Of... of course. I suppose that it would be possible to..."
It isn't long before the fast talking Jeweled Sage has Naadhira housing more refugees and freeing up the room to do so by seconding her household guards to the city's forces.
Bard 9 HP 90/90 | AC 17 T 12 FF 15 | Fort +9 Ref +12 Will +7 | CMD 23 | Init +13 | Perc +2 | +4 DC to cast defensively if threatened by Hassam | BANNER +2,
Dioneo nods to Davorin. "Let's visit the Caperinas, indeed. I'm not much of a 'barrister' man, but as a noble chelaxian myself, I may have some arguments. And of course, if Ralph wants to deal with them using his profession as an argument, that's fine by me."
Between them, Undy and Riddy have some knowledge of all four noble houses, and relay it to the rest of the group. Feel free to read the spoilers up above, if there's any that haven't already been gotten.
Riddy, Sense Motive:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Undy realizes that he'd best keep his mouth shut, lest his obnoxious nature (-2 on CHA checks) derail the sensitive negotiations, but he tries to make himself useful by serving delicious sushi appetizers to the various nobles. Who knows? When this is all over, perhaps some of these noble lords will help me publicize Undy's City Sushi by ordering catering for one of their soirees...
Arpadors Craft Sushi as Aid Another?:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28
Caperinas Craft Sushi as Aid Another?:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
al-Hadirs Craft Sushi as Aid Another?:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Tullians Craft Sushi as Aid Another?:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
The Caperina estate is quite imposing, exhibiting an architectural style designed to impress and to intimidate. The masonry and the furnishings tend toward black and red accents, everything luxuriant.
The private security personnel look highly trained and equipped to keep out heaven itself. After you present your credentials, they summon their supervisor, who leads you to the drawing room. A beautiful woman, well past middle age but not yet in her dotage, sits in a red velvet and ebony chair, evoking the image of a queen on her throne. She holds a gray Chelish rag doll cat in her arms, absently stroking its fur.
The Caperinas have the narrow eyes and prominent cheekbones of Chelaxian nobles, and this woman is no exception. "Perhaps, you are not aware of the laws of the City at the Center of the World. Perhaps, you do not know that no one can legally force House Caperina to do anything against its will," she pronounces in an imperious tone, before you can even open your mouths to introduce yourselves or present your case.
"Perhaps, you do not know who I am. I am Annalia Caperina, the head of my family."
Perception DC 28:
You notice that Annalia bears a small icon of Asmodeus, a faith she has publicaly renounced. Perhaps you could leverage this...[ooc]Doing so will reduce the DC of Bluff checks against her as she'll be too flustered to be on top of her game.
Riddy, perched on Undy's shoulder, speaks up. "Your ladyship, everyone has heard of your family and its reknown. Why, everyone even has heard about how you personally renounced the worship of Asmodeus! But, what a surprise then, to see you carrying that little icon of Asmodeus! It is quite small - perhaps I would not have noticed it if not for the fact that I too am, well, quite small. In any case, I'm sure it would be quite fascinating to learn more about this particular icon and why you bear it when you have so publicly renounced the worship of that deity. Indeed, I'm sure that many people would love to hear about this... Perhaps you could tell us the story while we nosh on a bit of sushi? Have you tried the reefclaw rolls yet?"
Lady Caperina quickly grabs a reefclaw roll to give her time to respond. "It's but an ironic trifle, though it was perhaps a bit garish of me to be so obvious. Perhaps we should discuss other matters?"
