GM Ietsuna's For Honor's Echo (Inactive)

Game Master Ietsuna

Borador had hardly gotten his hand on his heavy pick before Polgrim yielded. He snorts as he lets it fall back into its belt loop. "Tha' was unnecessarily intense. Let's speak tae the tree so we kin be out of each other's hair, aye?"

Trajet takes no action, just standing there with a far off expression on her face.

Combat Round 2/3 - Bold May Act

Cassiopia
Yulau
Zarek
Lucky
Trajet (-4, Dazed 1 round, Shaken 1 round)
Borador
Gorrig (-1NL)

Cassiopa quickly casts Daze to keep Trajet dazed.
"Can we try to knock him out. He seems to follow no reason!"

"GORRIG, MATE, WE'D BEST PIN HER DOWN!"

Lucky trots over towards Trajet and helps restrain the violent gnome.

actions: move, free to drop hammer (in end position), standard to ready an aid

"Agreed." Holding his greataxe with one hand, the burly half-orc grabs at Trajet's weapon hand to restrain her from attacking.

Grapple: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 4 = 21 (provoking an AoO nothing since she's dazed!)

Borador frowns. It's hard to tell if the gnome is still aggressive when she's dazed. With a sigh, fingers the head of his heavy pick and waits to see where he's needed.

Holding action. Borador is kind of useless at the moment lol

Gorrig and Lucky restrain Trajet.

Moving down Cassiopia puts her hand on the restrained Trajet and looks him deep in the eyes.
"Please, let us have peace. I yield to you!"

"I AIN'T YIELDIN' TO A MURDEROUS BANDIT! BORADOR, ZAREK, TAKE M' ROPE AND BIND HER! WHEN SHE'S BOUND WE CAN TALK."

Lucky doesn't intend any further harm, just wants our assailant made safe.

Borador sighs. "Alright, lad," he says to the over-excited halfling. "Bring it down a notch. She's well in hand." He takes the ropes and helps Zarek bind the gnome, doing his best to keep the knots tight but not painful.

Aiding Zarek in binding her. I dunno what that does to the Escape Artist DC (but I'm assuming Zarek's is higher than Borador's, so I figured I'd aid and use Zarek's instead of mine).

"I will not yield." His fierce expression softening, Gorrig stows his axe. "But I think we can be civil. If we can stop attacking each other, that is." He takes hold of the handle of Trajet's weapon.

If she doesn't resist, I'll calmly remove the sickle and set it on the ground. If not...
Disarm: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 5 - 4 = 9

The melee over the tree begins to speak. I thank you for your restraint. Trajet will be dealt with by our druidic circle. How can I help you?

"Sorry mates.... meant... meant to tell you about... me... before we got into a fight... I'll explain later."

Lucky's anger subsides as the danger passes, and the smell of brimstone fades away.

"Tree! O Tree! We come to ask you to share your memories with us. A man named Remaio Alcasti asked us to seek you out, for he believes you will recall his ancestor, General Countess Honaria Alcasti. He believes you alone know the truth of her deeds, and seeks to prove her virtue to his contemporaries."

Lucky takes out his journal and writing implements, to note down the words of the talking tree.

diplomacy, aid another: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 +4 to whoever I'm helping, from Helpful halfling trait.

Aid another diplomacy 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

”He is correct, o floral one. We are sent to see if your long memory could recall something to tell the whole truth about his ancestor. We’d be obliged for any assistance you could provide.”

Bowing deeply to the tree Cassiopia speaks up.
"Honored ancestor, we are pleased to be in your presence. We have traveled far on behalf of our benefector. He seeks to clean the stain on his familys honor by collecting tales and evidence of his brave forbearers.
Can you tell us any tales of Honoria Alcasti, or do you know where to find proof of her battles?"
Diplo: 1d20 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 6 = 27

Honaria was a commander in the outlanders’ army some years ago, before they split into squabbling nations. She came to round up fugitives in the woods, but she always treated the Wildwood Lodge with respect.[/b]

Honaria led a few score of warriors, but she lost only a handful. Although the campaign took seasons, she was implacable. Eventually her
little group wore the fugitives down, like a rock cracking under roots

The fugitives were outlanders who Honaria said were stealing from other outlanders. She said they used to be another part of the same army. The fugitives never gave us any problems, but the conflicts of
outlanders are non of my concern.

Honaria broke the fugitives’ army and captured their leaders. We never heard from them again.

Many of her fallen enemies were buried in a cave not far from here. Their bones are long gone, but a sword or two might remain. You may search through it if you’d like.

The cave is not far from the tree, and with its directions you find it easily. A quick dig reveals several split helms and broken swords, each bearing the fox insignia of a unit in the ancient Taldan army.

Yulau casts Detect Megic on the cave area, looking for anything that might not be broken.

"Your understanding," Gorrig says to the tree, with a sour glance at Trajet, "is much appreciated. Mind if we take some things from that cave as proof? I'm sure the Society higher-ups would be pretty interested in what's here."

At the cave...

"A fox symbol? Maybe Tree knows more about this? If not, it's back to the Venture Captain to find out...

Ah, by the way, about me... When I get angry, or when my mates are under threat, I get really angry. Sometimes I catch fire. I don't fully understand it, but I know that it's all a result of experiments carried out on me by the Devil Nuns of Isger. I was their slave, for a long time. I think they wanted to turn me into some kind of weapon. I don't know if they think they succeeded or not, but they sold me to a gladiator stable. My new owner had me fight in the Irorium. I lost, and was left for dead in Absalom's gutters. A pathfinder named Lem found me, had me nursed back to health. And here I am today. Lucky, eh? Anyway, sorry if that was a nasty surprise. I'm hoping the Society can cure me, someday."

You take some of the pieces of armour as proof and Polgrim and Trajet grudgingly lead you to the boat. They are noticable quiet and cowed by the experience of fighting you and the resulting disciplinary action of the community. Just before you board the boat Trajet removes her cloak and passes it to the group. Treeform Cloak

First Quest Done. You characters have a chance to refresh their spells etc, but I'll jump straight into the next quest.

Although the tree has many fine things to say about Honaria, its testimony alone is not enough to pass muster in the courts of Oppara. However, the broken equipment of her enemies adds weight to the story, particularly because the unit it belonged to was disbanded for treason.

After a day of rest you receive another missive. Slide 2

You read it and set out on the next mission to gather evidence.

The blue dome and fluted spires of the Basilica of the Last Man rise from the skyline of Oppara, the capital of Taldor. The basilica rests atop a tall hill, whose rolling, grass-covered slopes are free of the usual bustle of city life. A carriage bearing the symbol of a pegasus on its doors stops at the foot of the hill. A young man in fine clothing steps out of the carriage and gives a polite nod. For those of you who have not yet met me, my name is Remaio. Thank you all for coming. We’re here to check on the bust I mentioned in my note and, if we can, convince Brother Valicus to let us move it to a safer location. The gods know I’ve tried, but he just won’t listen to reason.

”I’m sure our group will be able to convince them to hand the bust over. It is your relative, after all!”. Yulau had looked around for any in the group with an especially strong connection to nature. Seeing none, she wore the Treeform Cloak around her shoulders.

Anyone object to me wearing the cloak? I don’t see any Druid or ranger in the party at first glance...

Lucky's fine with Yulau taking the cloak. The healing function of the cloak is quite nice :)

"A pleasure to meet you, Remaio. It's an interesting job you've hired the Society for. I hope I shall get the chance to explore this great city when we are done here.

But to the business at hand, if I may: why does this Arodenite, Brother Valicus, refuse to part with your ancestor's bust? Surely you've offered him gold, or something in trade? It's hard to see what value if could have to him. Perhaps he is simply hoping that you will increase your offer."

Borador snorts, and nods at Lucky. "I dinnae know much about Aroden, but greed is greed. Seems most likely tae me. Though I guess it could be pure obstinacy. Mayhap 'e thinks it's church property. All due respect tae the dead god, I ken it aughter go tae sommat as has a real connection tae it, aye?"

Did Valicus give a reason why he did not want to give it to you?" Zarek asks Remaio

"Well in any case let us explore this wonderful building."

Valicus always said that the bust was safe here, but I have my doubts.

Remaio has visited Valicus several times before and has no trouble leading you to the brother’s workshop. As you enter you see Valicus is frantically moving things about and searching high and low. He looks up and notices you. Umm. Hello. Oh, you are with Remaio? We have a small issue. The bust, and several other artifacts have been misplaced.
That is to say they are missing.

Remaio's face reddens and he begins berating the Brother as the clergyman offers apologies. You lost it on purpose by delibarately protecting it inadequately. I need that bust as proof. Remaio is just getting started and his rant seems to be gaining steam.

sense motive on clergy man statement: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

"Remaio, calm yourself" Zarek looks over at the clergyman. "Can you tell us where and when they were last seen and possibly a list of items that have gone missing? "

Borador sighs. "Clerics," he mutters under his breath, and begins looking around the room for clues as to what happened.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Remaio calms himself as you council him to find his zen.

As Remaio winds down Valicus speaks again I only left the relics for a few minutes. He leads you to the area where the relics were housed.

Appraise 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Yulau looks around the scene of the crime, but she couldn’t figure anything out about what had happened. Why were all these items taken?

"Well then," Gorrig offers once the men have calmed down, "our job will be to find them. That should solve everyone's problems. Valicus, I think we can all agree that the relics may have been better off under better guard." The half-orc spreads his hands helplessly. "Hindsight, right?"

Appraise: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

Appraise untrained: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

"Borador, what do you make of this?"

appraise, aid another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Nope, can't do anything with that!

Appraise: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Borador scratches his nose. "Mmm. Thieves left a lot more valuable stuff behind. Seems an awful lot as if they were after your bust specific-like, Remaio."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Survival 1d20 ⇒ 13

Yulau asked everyone she thought might have a clue as to the theft. She was referred to Bastinian. ”A hunched over halfling sized Humanoid, you say? What direction was he headed?”

Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Borador points out a line of tracks in the dust. "Furred feet. Could be big rats, mayhap, but I dinnae ken so. What's rats want with a bust? 'Sides, these're walkin' on two legs, nae four."

"Halfling sized bipedal rats?" Lucky looks himself up and down. "Were-rats? Well, let's get after them then mates!"

Lucky gathers his gear...

Cassiopia shrugs and follows the others. "Well then let us explore this problem. No sense in discussing it!"

knowledge religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Rats that walk on two legs and are about halfling sized. I have a feeling I know what we are dealing with." Zarek say under his breath as he waits to hear where they were last seen.

I made a post that got eaten, apparently.

You follow the trail of footprints and find the entrance to an underground complex below the basilica.

Map updated. Slide 3

The stairs end in a damp room with several deteriorating doors, each decorated with the winged eye of Aroden. A once-imposing set of double doors stands slightly ajar across from the stairs. Another staircase on the western wall once led deeper below the city, but its ceiling has collapsed, blocking further passage.

Do the footprints lead in a particular direction?

"Where'd they go eh? Shall we try the left door first?"

Lucky readies his polearm.

The footprints lead to the top of these stairs. There are too many sets going too and fro down here.

Borador scratches his nose, sniffs the residue the act has removed, then wipes it absently on his armor. "S'pose we may as well try 'em all, aye?" He makes a sweeping gesture to all the doors. "Which'n aughter we start with?"

"I propose we sweep the building, starting on the left hand side and working our way around."

The dwarf shrugs. "Works fer me."

If the party agrees, Borador will head over and check the door for traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

"Works for me. Let's go, boys and girls." Moving to the left-hand door, Gorrig tries the handle-- doubting that it'll work, but figuring he'd cover his bases.

If the door doesn't open, I'll try to shoulder it open.
Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Edit: This is, of course, contingent on Borador not finding any traps.

Borador can also use Disable Device, so we don't necessarily need to bash down all doors if they're locked, only if they're stuck.

Seriously? I have had a lot of posts getting eaten lately. I posted and it isn't here.

Borador does not detect any traps and teh door opens readily. Looking beyond it Borador and Gorrig see rubble and building detritus. You think that you could move through the room but the terrain would be difficult to move through.

Yulau nods at the others. ”If we go that way, we need to care care. It’d be easy to sprain an ankle in there.”