[PBP Gameday VII] [PACG] Assault on Absalom by Yewstance [Tier 2] (Inactive)

Game Master Yewstance

This is the gameplay thread for the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game version of Assault on Absalom. Here are the players for this table:

Playing Assault on Absalom
  Pathfinder Society Special #9–00: Assault on Absalom is an interactive event in which many tables contribute to a shared success. This allows both Pathfinder Society Roleplaying Guild and Pathfinder Society Adventure Card Guild players to participate in the same adventure! An Overseer GM coordinates the event, making announcements and tallying reported results over the course of the adventure. It’s important that everyone pause play and listen when the Overseer GM makes announcements. When the table completes an objective in scenario 9-00A or wins Scenarios 9–00B, C2, or D, your Box Runner will report a success to the Overseer GM. Do not report a success for Scenario 9–00C1.

  The event has three parts. In Part 1, event organizers are mustering tables, and players are being seated, unpacking dice, and introducing themselves. During this time, decide what character you are playing, and decide as a group whether you would like to begin the event by playing Scenario 9–00A (a scenario that focuses more on consolidating Absalom’s resources and recruiting help) or Scenario 9–00B (a more combat-heavy scenario). You will play each at least once, so where you begin is a matter of group preference. Whichever you choose, set up the scenario and read the opening text aloud. Don’t begin playing until the Overseer GM cues the start of Part 2 by reading out the opening scene (listen for the Overseer GM as Marcos Farabellus calling for the Pathfinders to “Seek out the leaders for instructions, and make the city proud”).

  After you complete either Scenario 9–00A or 9–00B, set up and play the other scenario, alternating which scenario you play each time. Continue to build and play until the Overseer GM begins Part 3. When the Overseer GM calls an end to Part 2, immediately end the current scenario. You did not win or lose, and do not earn the scenario reward, but players can upgrade their decks. Then begin setting up Scenario 9-00C, which has two sections (C1 and C2). Don’t begin playing until the Overseer GM announces the start of Part 3. If you win Scenario 9–00C2, you may play it again and continue reporting successes.

  Finally, when the Overseer GM announces the final transition, end the current scenario (you did not win or lose, as above). Set up and play Scenario 9–00D. If you win this scenario, repeat it and continue reporting successes until the end of the adventure.

DURING THIS ADVENTURE

  As you gather at the Grand Lodge, Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus addresses the crowd: ”Pathfinders, our beloved Absalom faces the threat of invasion and needs our help. Just as Absalom has been our Society’s home for centuries, so does it fall to us to aid in its defense. Find the group to which you’ve been assigned, lend a hand as the city prepares for the siege, and be ready for more instructions.”
  Hundreds of Pathfinders stand waiting at the Grand Lodge for news of the coming battle, and a murmur of anticipation has risen from the nervous crowd. Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus takes the lectern, raises his hand for attention, and speaks: “Pathfinders, thank you for answering my call. It has been two days since we received news of an army of demonic abominations building a siege castle in the Cairnlands north of Absalom. Today, the Grand Council of Absalom announced they have invoked an old wartime law, according to which a Siege Lord must be appointed to oversee the city’s defense. They’ve made an excellent choice: Wynsal Starborn, District Seat on the Grand Council and retired Captain of the First Guard.
  “He has already organized scouting forays and evacuations of the outer towns in preparation for a siege. The Pathfinder Society has pledged to help the Siege Lord with the preparations. All of you have been assigned to teams, and if you have already found the other members of your team, you should get started. Go now, but be ready to return here when you hear the signal horn.”

Playing Assault on Absalom

[...]

The event has three parts. In Part 1, event organizers are mustering tables, and players are being seated, unpacking dice, and introducing themselves. During this time, decide what character you are playing, and decide as a group whether you would like to begin the event by playing Scenario 9–00A (a scenario that focuses more on consolidating Absalom’s resources and recruiting help) or Scenario 9–00B (a more combat-heavy scenario). You will play each at least once, so where you begin is a matter of group preference.

As identified in my previous post, before we officially start on the 1st of October, the group should determine whether they would like to start with Scenario 9-00A or 9-00B. After completing one, you will move onto the other and continue to alternate until the next part is announced. I have attached an overview of each scenario below.

Location texts have not been included (primarily to increase readability); on request I will provide the relevant location texts for each scenario & objective.

Please do not attempt to lookup the texts for any Villains or Henchmen referenced in the scenario texts.

LOCATIONS:

SMOKING DEN
SURGERY
VIZIER’S HILL
PRECINCT OF LEFT EYES

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DURING THIS SCENARIO:
At the start of the scenario, display the henchman Conflagration next to each location.

When all locations are closed, choose to attempt the Exchange, Scarab Sages, or Sovereign Court objective. When possible, choose an objective that the table has not yet completed.

Exchange: Summon and build the locations Seaside Warehouse and Warehouse. When you defeat a monster or acquire an ally, you may shuffle a weapon from the box into your location deck. When you acquire a weapon, you may immediately attempt to close the location the weapon came from. To complete this objective, close the Seaside Warehouse and Warehouse.

Scarab Sages: Summon and build the locations Altar of Riddles and Vault of Hidden Wisdom, then shuffle the henchman Elegiac Compass into each. To complete this objective, 2 Elegiac Compasses must be displayed next to the scenario. When playing this adventure in Tier 5, the difficulty of checks to defeat an Elegiac Compass is increased by 5.

Sovereign Court: Summon and build the locations Pleasure Barge and Safe House. The difficulty of checks to acquire allies that have Diplomacy in their checks to acquire is increased by 2 plus the scenario’s adventure deck number; when you acquire those allies, you may immediately attempt to close the location the ally came from. To complete this objective, close the Pleasure Barge and the Safe House.

When you complete an objective, report 1 success to the Overseer GM and earn the listed reward, then you may win the scenario or attempt another objective.

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REWARD:

Exchange: Each character draws a non-Basic weapon or a non-Basic armor from the game box.
Scarab Sages: Each character draws a non-Basic spell or a non-Basic blessing from the game box.
Sovereign Court: Each character draws a non-Basic item or a non-Basic ally from the game box.

Adventure Card Guild characters may choose a bonus deck upgrade.
If you replay this scenario, you may receive rewards for any objectives you have not previously completed.

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LOCATIONS:

DILAPIDATED PLAZA
DYE MARKET
ALCHEMICAL LABORATORY
RUINED TEMPLE

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DURING THIS SCENARIO:
Before setting out locations, choose the Dark Archive or the Grand Lodge. When possible, choose one that the table has not yet completed.

Dark Archive: Add the locations Great Library of Tephu and Guardian Vault, and use the villain Velriana Unborn. If the Great Library of Tephu or the Guardian Vault is open, the difficulty of checks to defeat monsters is increased by the scenario’s adventure deck number. When playing this adventure in Tier 5, the difficulty of checks against Velriana Unborn is increased by 6.

Grand Lodge: Add the locations Ghoul Square and Sea Fort, and use the villain Devoted General. At the start of your turn, roll 1d4; if the result is less than the number of characters, you are dealt 2 Ranged Combat damage. When playing this adventure in Tier 2, the difficulty of checks against the Devoted General and Kor-Ahn-Tuk are decreased by 6.

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REWARD:

Report 1 success to the Overseer GM.
For the rest of the adventure, each character gains the following power:
“On your check against a card that has the Undead trait, you may discard a card to add 1 die.”

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Please use the Discussion forum to discuss your preferences of which scenario to begin with. The first scenario will likely offer more boons and doubled Deck Upgrades, which is a great way to tool up for the challenges ahead... but the second scenario will offer a valuable power against Undead that may prove invaluable.

Also consider which objective would be preferred to start with, and come to a consensus before the 1st of October.

OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT
  Heavy clouds are gathering above Absalom, and the city is tense with
anticipation of the coming battle. Suddenly, bright light patterns flash from atop Skyreach. A few minutes later, the sound of an explosion rumbles through the city as an old wooden granary erupts in flames. A little farther away, a stone bridge collapses, dropping a group of soldiers to their deaths. Soon the air is alive with frightened screams, the sound of hurried footsteps, and moments later, the booming blare of a brass horn that rises above the din of a city in chaos. A messenger runs past, shouting: “The horn! We should gather at the Grand Lodge! Let’s go!”
Final preparations are being completed. I will singal the start of part 2 tomorrow (10/2/18).

Assault on Absalom will not begin for another 20 hours, approximately. Please choose your starting locations and indicate to me if the turn order stated in Discussion is not to your preference.

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During This Adventure:

Grazzle will start at the Precinct of Left Eyes and I'm fine with going last.

Raheli will begin recruiting at the Smoking Den

Hand: Blessing of the Quartermaster 2, Frilled Lizard, Confusion, Noxious Bomb, Codex,

Displayed: Centipede,
Deck: 15 Discard: 0 Buried: 0
Notes: BotQ available for non-Combat checks
Sideboard cards:

Starting at Smoking Den
Seoni had just returned from wandering the Worldwound, and was hoping for a nice seaside vacation. Unfortunately, the flames of that hellish landscape seemed to have followed her to Absalom. Nonetheless, when the call for adventurers went forth, she immediately joined the other Pathfinders. The sorcerer hurriedly introduced herself to her new party, joining a blue-skinned witch heading to the smoking den.

Hand: Lightning Touch, Confusion, Turtle, Leather Armor, Crow, Blast Stone,

Displayed:
Deck: 9 Discard: 0 Buried: 0
Notes: I can use Confusion to evade a monster and have someone at my location encounter instead.
Ask before using:
Can use without asking: Blast Stone (+1d4 to Combat at my location)

Valeros strolls in to the Smoking Den and is pleased to see some of his friends already gathered there. "The city may be under assault, but that's no reason not to have a quick smoke break, eh?"

Hand: Staff of Minor Healing, Blessing of the Gods, Spiked Chain +1, Blessing of Gorum, Quartermaster,

Displayed: Reinforcements 2/5,
Deck: 11 Discard: 0 Buried: 0
Notes: Quartermaster: +1d6+1 to your combat checks at my location; BGods; BGorum +2 dice to combat check;
Sideboard cards:

Every siege needs a cook.

Hand: Tussah Silk Coat, Blessing of the Spellbound 1, Frigid Blast, Cure 2, Crocodile Skin Armor, Heavy Pick,

Displayed:
Deck: 9 Discard: 0 Buried: 0
Notes: Blessing of the Spellbound: Discard to add 1 die or recharge to add 1 die to a spell.
Sideboard cards:

Actually the benefits of staying together probably outweigh the risks. Can I start at Smoking Den instead?

Absolutely; all players are now starting at the Smoking Den.

Alright; I'll be posting the intro to the scenario in a spoiler below, followed by the initial scenario post.

However, please do not start gameplay or read the scenario intro below until the Overseer's announcement has been made, which should be sometime over the next few hours. At that point, you are free to begin.
Any further scenario updates will come after I've had my full night's sleep. :)

Once again, do not begin until the Overseer's announcement has been made.
Good luck!

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During This Adventure:

I used that anydice site to do the math. Attempting a disable check on the Conflagration using BotQM and Frilled Lizard comes to 92.75%.

”Never tell me the odds!” ;)

OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT
Several agents assist in marshaling Pathfinders as Marcos Farabellus unfurls several maps of Absalom’s districts. Once a crowd has gathered, he straightens to address the gathered Society. “Pathfinders, Absalom is under attack. We have received many reports of undead saboteurs attacking armories, granaries, water supplies, and guard outposts—targeted strikes to undermine our city’s infrastructure. Absalom is losing key resources, and enough people are panicking that it’s difficult to organize an effective defense.
  Zarta Dralneen, head of the Dark Archive faction, steps forward and interjects. “I have learned someone—someone who knows our home well—has stolen the Black Echelon codebook from our archives. A force of Taldan agents attacked Absalom long ago while following those encoded orders, and with the right combination of illuminated signals, one could draw these oathsworn operatives from beyond the grave to continue their attack.”
  Farabellus narrows his eyes. “That explains the acts of sabotage. Absalom’s First Guard is struggling to restore order, and they need our help. Pathfinders, stand by for instructions!”
  Ollysta Zadrian of the Silver Crusade raises her sword high, announcing, “We should not wait—Absalom needs us now!”
  Clasping the paladin’s upraised hand with her own, Lady Gloriana Morilla adds, “Each of us has accumulated considerable influence and resources in recent years, and this is the prime opportunity for each of us to lend Absalom our strength in its our of need. We may call ourselves factions, but today we can act as one!”
  Nodding with approval, Marcos Farabellus calls out to the assembled Pathfinders. “It’s decided. Pathfinders, we’re deferring to the specialized expertise of these seven organizations to rally Absalom. Seek out the leaders for instructions, and make the city proud.”
  Table GMs, Part 2 has begun.

If it wasn't clear, you may begin play as soon as your table is ready.

The city in flames and the mortals that live here seem to only care for their own lives and prosperity. Raheli will never cease to be fascinated by it all. Her companions are no less interesting. A human woman with ancient blood, perhaps of dragons, a man with all the rugged self-assuredness that epitomizes human masculinity (I must investigate that one further), and most surprising of all, a Lizardfolk seer who must be a very long way from home.

They have agreed to meet at the Smoking Den. Raheli had previously scoped out the area when she purchased her Revealed Noxious Bomb. Examine Top Card: Corrosion She believes that there's corrosive spirit here that she might be able to tap into.

Before everyone arrives, she's got a Conflagration to attend to. As the flames threaten to take the Smoking Den, she moves debris and detritus to keep the fire from spreading. She sends her faith discarded Frilled Lizard to move some of the larger timbers away while Raheli's long black hair scoops water from a nearby well to dowse the flames.

Character Power: Recharge Codex

Disable 10: 1d10 + 2 + 2d4 + 1d4 ⇒ (10) + 2 + (1, 2) + (1) = 16

The fire recedes. The Smoking Den is safe for now.

Raheli's Companions arrive. Before entering the den, Raheli confers with Grazzle about the mystical energies around the Den. Together they tap into the energy coursing around the place.

Raheli passes knowledge of Give Card: Confusion to Grazzle.

Raheli then turns her attention to Corrosion.

Recharge Blessing of the Quartermaster and Grazzle's Blessing of the Spellbound

Acquire Arcane 7: 1d8 + 2 + 1d8 + 1d8 ⇒ (2) + 2 + (8) + (4) = 16

Raheli now understands the entropy of this place a little more.

Hand: Corrosion, Blessing of the Quartermaster 1, Grounding Staff, Noxious Bomb, Caltrops,

Displayed: Centipede,
Deck: 16 Discard: 1 Buried: 0
Notes: BotQ available for non-Combat checks. Give me any extra items you don't want. I will move next turn. Corrosion to add 1 die to any check to defeat a barrier, or to any check against a monster that has the Construct or Undead trait.
Sideboard cards:

Giving Blast Stone to Raheli
Seoni handed a magic rock to the witch. “Fight fire with fire.”

Exploring Smoking Den 2: Blessing of Thoth

Discarding Turtle to explore Smoking Den 3: Mad Dog Marrn

Ending turn. Resetting hand

Hand: Lightning Touch, Confusion, Blessing of the Gods 2, Leather Armor, Crow, Sage,

Displayed:
Deck: 7 Discard: 0 Buried: 0
Notes: I can use Confusion to evade a monster and have someone at my location encounter instead.
Ask before using: Blessing of the Gods
Can use without asking: Blessing if would recharge; Blessing for Conflagration

May the Elements bless us Valeros thinks, as it begins to rain.

Valeros is at the Smoking Den but cannot seem to find any flames to light his cigar. Only a moment ago there seemed to be useful fire everywhere but now he can't even find a lit candle. Hmph. He goes looking, in hopes that Raheli overlooked a packet of matches somewhere as she was dousing everything.

Smoking Den Card 4: Explore

Opening a cupboard he instead finds a Corrosive Dagger +1. He calls to his Quartermaster to know why the cupboard doesn't have any matches and to send him to get some. Recharging Quartermaster

Dex 7: 1d6 + 1d8 ⇒ (3) + (5) = 8 Acquired

Pocketing his new dagger, Valeros keeps looking around for matches for his still unlit cigar. Discard Blessing of the Gods to explore

Smoking Den Card 5: Explore

Uh oh! Who put this Poison Blade Trap in here! I *really* don't want to fail this check with us all grouped together here - would be 1d4 damage to each of us! Using my Blessing of Gorum and Raheli's Corrosion to add 2 dice

Dex 5: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 2) = 12

Valeros says a quick prayer to Gorum and Raheli swiftly casts her Corrosion spell and the poison blade trap is defeated.

Valeros is a bit winded and pulls out his Staff of Minor Healing. If I can't have a cigar, I guess I'll get some of this. Bah. Recharging Staff of Minor Healing to recharge Blessing of Gorum

Reset hand, end turn

Hand: Blessing of Cayden, Chain Mail 2, Spiked Chain +1, Chain Mail 1, Corrosive Dagger +1 aq,

Displayed: Reinforcements 2/5,
Deck: 11 Discard: 1 Buried: 0
Notes: NO ALLY AT PRESENT: +1d6+1 to your combat checks at my location; Blessing of Cayden: +2 dice to any non-combat Str or Con check
Sideboard cards:

As per Raheli's suggestion in Discussion, Seoni's Blessing of the Gods was used, rather than Raheli's Corrosion. Blessing of the Gods mimics Blessing of the Elements, and recharges.

The Confusion spell has been handed to Grazzle.

=====================

During This Adventure:

Grazzle thanks Rahali for the spell.
"Confusion to our enemies indeed."

Noting some minor scrapes Grazzle heals his allies.
Discard 1 card from deck to heal Seoni for 1 and Valeros for 1. Blessing of the Spellbound 2

In any siege food is important. Grazzle planned to speak with Valeros's Quartermaster but the man has wandered off.
Grazzle decides to search the den himself. Protein is protein.

He notes a Pahmet Clansman eyeing him and has a chat with him.
Divine 6: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

After a discussion of comparative religion the clansman thinks better of Lizardmen and agrees to aid in the search for food.

Acquire Pahmet Clansman and discard to explore again.

strength 4: 1d6 ⇒ 5

"This place can be dangerous, Take this."
The man gifts Grazzle a Kukri before heading off to search.

Grazzle takes a moment to heal the wear and tear to his body his magics cause.

Cure 2 targeting self auto recharge: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

This place is sweltering even without the fire. Grazzle stows some of his heavier items and sits for a moment.

Discard Heavy Pick and both armors then refresh hand.

Hand: Blessing of the Spellbound 2, Blessing of the Spellbound 1, Frigid Blast, Blessing of the Gods, Confusion Rahali, Kukri aq,

Displayed:
Deck: 9 Discard: 3 Buried: 0
Notes: Blessing of the Spellbound: Discard to add 1 die or recharge to add 1 die to a spell. I can use Confusion to evade a monster and have someone at my location encounter instead.
Sideboard cards:

He is feeling oddly blessed after his conversation. A good deed was done today.

Valeros and Seoni shuffle 1 card from their discard piles into their decks.

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During This Adventure:

Today is Maat's

With the rest of her companions safely ensconced at the Smoking Den. Raheli gathers herself to clear the fires in another part of the city.

Before she leaves, she whispers the secrets of Corrosion to Grazzle Give Card.

She takes care to traverse the city up to the bottom of Vizier's Hill where the fire still blazes.

While there, she finds a small shrine to Thoth. Raheli stops to arrange a proper offering looking for a Blessing of Thoth to protect her from the flames.

Recharge BotQuartemaster and Grazzle's BotSpellbound 1

Acquire Knowledge 10: 1d8 + 2 + 2d8 ⇒ (2) + 2 + (6, 7) = 17

EoT Damage from Location: Discard Blessing of Thoth. Keeping my items for the Conflagration

Hand: Amulet of Life, Black Spot, Grounding Staff, Noxious Bomb, Caltrops, Blast Stone,

Displayed: Centipede,
Deck: 8 Discard: 2 Buried: 0
Notes: Black Spot for a bonus of 3 Combat
Sideboard cards:

Grazzle nods. "I will use it well."

Hand: Blessing of the Spellbound 2, Frigid Blast, Blessing of the Gods, Corrosion aq, Confusion Rahali, Kukri aq,

Displayed:
Deck: 9 Discard: 4 Buried: 0
Notes: Blessing of the Spellbound: Discard to add 1 die or recharge to add 1 die to a spell. I can use Confusion to evade a monster and have someone at my location encounter instead. Corrosion: Discard this card to add 1 die to any check to defeat a barrier, or to any check against a monster that has the Construct or Undead trait.
Sideboard cards:

As a reminder, Valeros and Seoni shuffle 1 card from their discard piles into their decks.

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During This Adventure: