[Outpost II] GM PaleDim's PFS#10-10 The Shattered Shield [Tier 1-5] (Inactive)

Game Master PaleDim

Hmm, very well. Thank you for your assistance, we can handle it from here. They continue to question Inusi, as she very slowly calms down.

Kazima in particular looks your way and remarks, I thank you for your aid travelers. This is the second time you've helped me. However, be wary of trouble in this city in light of recent, strange events. If you get too far in over your heads, I may not be able to help you! As always, if you do uncover clues about the goings on, or have information on the whereabouts of Torvad, do let me know.

Torvad glances at you nervously, before motioning for Bartolomey to help him up. He casually makes his way out of the estate during the continuing commotion. He decides some rest is in order after the traumatic events of the evening, and so you assist him further to return to his room at the Efreeti’s Flame. He leaves you with his bidder's banner to attend the auction in the morning.

---------------

The Museum of Philosophy, Logic, and Natural History is one of the most prominent buildings within Azir’s Grand Souk. The construction of the building itself was ordered by the current Keeper of the First Law, Malduoni, as a way of preserving Rahadoum’s culture, history, and influence, as well as reinforcing the positive impact of forbidding religion on Rahadoum’s development as a nation. As a purely academic and historical institution, the museum focuses on exhibits and displays related to anatomy, arcane studies, archaeology, astronomy, debate, law (including an exhibit focusing solely on the history, development, and evolution of the Laws of Man), mathematics, philosophy, science, secular history, and zoology. Constructed of three stories of stacked sandstone blocks, a prolific archway over the main entrance, and white marble columns accented with silver trim, the structure itself is already becoming an icon of the city as much as the Pure Legion patrols that often pass by its front steps. Many of Azir’s residents spend time reflecting in the museum’s main courtyard, which features a magic pool of eternally clear water surrounding a colossal, white marble statue of Kalim Onaku, author of the Laws of Man.

You arrive at the museum the next morning just before 9am, leaving you with plenty of time before the auction. You observe that there are guards posted at all of the entrances, and they are turning away typical museum patrons explaining that it is closed today for a "private lecture."

When you approach the entrance, they look over your bidder's banner carefully. On asking for the name of the patron represented by it, you're able to easily supply Torvad's name and so you gain entrance. You notice, however, that guards within the museum are still keeping a close eye on attendees of the auction.

To your right you notice the Hall of Taxidermy (area B4), where you can see that other bidders have gathered.

You have about an hour to assess and/or influence the other bidders, in addition to wandering the museum otherwise.

With time to spare, you may explore the various areas of the museum.

Map updated! Please let me know what area you wish to explore or where you want to go before the auction starts.

Pathfinders, what do you do?

"I will take a look around and see what I can eaves drop on in the waiting room" Uroon half whispers to the group.
He walks into the trophy room and "admires the taxidermy" while listening in on whatever conversations he can.

Uroon leads you all into the Hall of Taxidermy. Because you don't know anybody immediately, you find yourselves needing to lightly query the nearby guards to collect a run-down of who's-who among the serious bidders. Let's call that a take-10 in diplomacy, gather info, because what else would you do?

Abeesa and Abbashin Borkalik are a brother and sister who inherited their parents' wealth after their unexpected death. Abbashin has already depleted much of the family’s wealth with his reckless spending. Abeesa seeks to temper her brother’s reckless spending, but foolish Abbashin pays his wiser sister little heed.

Famish Squinwhisban is a gnome obsessed with architectural techniques and devices.

Madam Adenalar is an amateur horticulturist and flower enthusiast.

Pateba is former adventurer Pateba who always has an ear out for unique opportunities and artifacts.

You will have to approach them specifically to learn any more or attempt to influence them.

Uroon takes a seat next to Madam Adenalar.
"Hello there miss, what brings you to the auction today?"

Gint takes off his cap, smooths back his hair, and starts meandering around the trophy room. After admiring the taxidermy for a bit he sees another of his kind. "Good ta see a fellow gnome around here."
Gint wipes his hand on his pant leg and holds it out to Famish.
"Names Gint."

Pateba is former adventurer Pateba who always has an ear out for unique opportunities and artifacts.

Oy, I butchered that.

Pateba is a former adventurer who always has an ear out for unique opportunities and artifacts.

Kyunjiro decides human form is better for this kind of place, and changes into it as he walks behind a display case. He then locates Pateba, and proceeds to talk with him.

"So, fellow auctioneer, what brings you here today?"

diplomacy if needed: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Uroon takes a seat next to Madam Adenalar.

"Hello there miss, what brings you to the auction today?"

The madam does not hide that she's a clearly wealthy noblewoman. She bows very slightly to the Oread, and offers a friendly greeting.

Greetings, earthy one! I'm Adenalar, and just like you, I presume, I'm here to look at things that might be blessed by, or otherwise related to the gods who are so scorned in this country. I admit, it's a little bit exciting that we have to do this in secrecy! Who might you be? Is there anything specific you're after?

Gint takes off his cap, smooths back his hair, and starts meandering around the trophy room. After admiring the taxidermy for a bit he sees another of his kind. "Good ta see a fellow gnome around here."

Gint wipes his hand on his pant leg and holds it out to Famish.
"Names Gint."

The other gnome has the look of someone who gets intensely into his craft. You notice smeared pencil on the outer edge of his right hand, where he must drag it across the page as he drafts designs.

Famish looks Gint up and down like he's unsure of him. He particularly looks at the hand that was just wiped off, wondering what might have been on it. Finally, to break the awkward pause, he takes Gint's hand.

Well met, I'm Famish. I don't normally do these kinds of things that the kids get all excited about, but I was told that there might be an item relevant to my interests up for bid. What about you? What are you in the market for?

Kyunjiro decides human form is better for this kind of place, and changes into it as he walks behind a display case. He then locates Pateba, and proceeds to talk with him.

"So, fellow auctioneer, what brings you here today?"

[dice=diplomacy if needed]1d20+3

Pateba is a Mauxi citizen of Rahadoum, with very distinctly bright blue eyes to contrast his ashen skin. He appears to be middle-aged.

Auctioneer? No, not me. I'm just a bidder. But if that's your role I think they probably want you to have already checked in, in the lecture hall!

When he sees that the Kitsune isn't moving in that direction he continues.

Well, when I was younger I got around as an adventurer. I saw many fascinating and wonderous things. I like to keep abreast of the Sacred Cobra's offerings as they sometimes have things that interest me in ways similar those old days.

Gint grins.
"I'm lookin fer rare antique firepower!"
He pats his pistol at his side.
"Ya see I learn better with my hands. I like ta take things apart and see what makes em tick. Heard there was some stuff bein sold here that would be right up my alley. What about you, whatcha here fer?"

Bartolomey looks all around and notice brother and sister. He approaches and sits close to them.

"Have you found something interesting for yourself?" he asks.

Sense motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Styrian follows Kyunjiro to speak to the ex-adventurer Pateba.

He asks "What sort of adventuring did you do? And what kind of items interest you? We ourselves are adventurers of a sort."

"Nice to meet you, my name is Uroon. I too am interested in religious items, more importantly the study of religions in different cultures around Golarion."
sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Gint grins.

"I'm lookin fer rare antique firepower!"
He pats his pistol at his side.
"Ya see I learn better with my hands. I like ta take things apart and see what makes em tick. Heard there was some stuff bein sold here that would be right up my alley. What about you, whatcha here fer?"

He becomes slightly self conscious.

Well... I'd rather not say. But frankly, when I start bidding it will hardly surprise you.

Bartolomey looks all around and notice brother and sister. He approaches and sits close to them.

"Have you found something interesting for yourself?" he asks.

[dice=Sense motive]1d20+2

The siblings start and turn suddenly at the abrupt interjection by Bartolomey. The haughty brother starts up at him immediately, as if it's a natural reflex.

What of it, my good man? When you're of means, you can collect rare things that are inaccessible to the masses, or not appreciated by those with less discerning eyes. And you would be?

It's clear to Bartolomey that Abbashin does have his eye on something, which is likely what he and his sister were fighting about. However, he's at least clever enough to not tip his hand instantly to random strangers.

Styrian follows Kyunjiro to speak to the ex-adventurer Pateba.

He asks "What sort of adventuring did you do? And what kind of items interest you? We ourselves are adventurers of a sort."

Oh, nothing too epic, just the usually looking for trouble... and finding it. Gods know there is enough of it to be had in the world if you know where to look. I was the same as any other, presuming that my quests would one day reach the scope of world-saving. Alas, I did not draw the attention of such omnipotent villainy. As for the auction, I like items that may be useful in such ventures, as they remind me of those times. You as well you say? What sort of trouble do you get at in your adventuring?

"Nice to meet you, my name is Uroon. I too am interested in religious items, more importantly the study of religions in different cultures around Golarion."

[Dice=sense motive]1d20+4

Well, believe it or not, despite my high birth I spend quite a bit of time in the garden, amongst flowers of numerous variety. I understand there will be a beautiful trellis of ever-blooming grape flowers purportedly planted and blessed by Kelksiomides, the Iblydan hero-god of gardens, orchards, and terraces! It seems a silly thing, that I suspect many others won't be so interested in.

She then looks back to the Oread, realizing he didn't really answer her question very specifically.

And what sort of item here at the auction do you think would satisfy your curiosities? Surely not the trellis?

Gint laughs loudly
"Well said my friend."
He leans back in his chair and stares off into the distance, one hand on his pistol, smiling the whole time to himself.
Up until the auction, every once in a while, he looks out of the corner of his eye at the guards to keep track of where they are.

"I'm here to see if there is anything interesting for me! I do not have any specific intentions." says Bartolomey to Abbashin.

Let me know if you guys want to move onto the auction, or if there's something else you want to do or try. I'll take majority votes later this evening to proceed one way or the other.

I am for moving us to auction

I'm good with moving to auction.

"Just looking for a certain special item, not the plant. It does sound beautiful though."
I'm all set for the auction as well.

You all make your way to the lecture hall, auction attendants handing you pamphlets containing brief information about the items to be auctioned.

This long and narrow room features a podium at the far end. Two columns of oak chairs with satin pillows cushioning the seats line the northern and southern walls.

Attendees file in, and very soon after an auctioneer steps up to the podium, holding a pair of bracers.

Greetings enthusiasts of divine and other forbidden relics! I don't want to waste your time, you have information on all of the items that will be offered up tonight! So let's get right to the bidding. First up, I have these bracers of divine range! We'll start the bidding at 2500. Do I have a taker?

bracers of divine range function as bracers of archery but provide the bonuses only on ranged touch attacks and the associated damage rolls made as part of divine spells.

The lecture hall begins to buzz with activity as prospective bidders discuss the item with their associates.

Very soon, the auctioneer announces: Abbashin Borkalik for 2500. Do I hear 3000?

Recall that the VC handed you bank notes worth 10k for your use in the auction.

important For each item, talk amongst yourselves (in character, here) about how high you're willing to go, whether you should target an item, etc. Having the program, you can plan for how much to bid now vs. save for the shard at the end.

"These bracers do not seem like a very important item for The Society. What do you guys think?"

"I agree. Target the shard, nothing else."

"Yes, that is a good plan!"

Is that golden statue like the golden statues spreading all the disease? It may also be worth looking at.

it has nothing to do with the recently spread disease

In that case, saving for the shield does sound good

"None of the others sound as important. I agree we save for the shield."

"Sounds good ta me"

This is fair, but one last reminder for Dark Archive members, way back from this post.

Dark Archive Members:

Just before you leave Swordmeet Lodge, Obo pulls you aside to remind you that the Sacred Cobra auction will have many other relics and items of interest beyond simply the shard, and encourages you to do your best to secure as many of the other relics and magical items available at the auction as possible.

While not required, it does affect the reward at the end of the scenario. If you all like, and you will not bid on any items until the shard, then we can move onto that.

While not required, it does affect the reward at the end of the scenario. If you all like, and you will not bid on any items until the shard, then we can move onto that.

You can move to that.

Understood. If the shield is the last thing up and we only have 10k we probably don't want to risk failing the main quest for the other items going for 3k+.

Yeah I'm with Styrian, no need to risk blowing all the money we have before the shard.

The shield shard might take all the cash we have as well

I’ll prepare a post to fast forward us in a few hours

Auction montage!

Abbashin appears to harbor the only interest for the bracers and walks away with them easily, a smug expression on full display. Next up is a clockwork statue of Brigh, for which the adventurer Pateba is the only bidder. You suspect he must have some connection to this diety.

The next item is a Phylactery of faithfulness, which you instantly imagine would be useful to a group of nobles and other citizens of means who desire influence. Indeed, a bidding war erupts between Abbashin and Pateba. Ultimately Abbashin outdoes Pateba, all the while is sister sighing and protesting audibly.

Kelksiomedes’s grape trellis draw the immediate interest of Madame Adenalar, but interestingly the gnome architect, Famish Squinwhisban jumps in. You overhear him exclaiming with his nearby associate that it would make a terrific centerpiece for a project he is trying to bid on. This would surely win him the job! In the end, of course, the wealthy Madame outdoes him and Famish looks crestfallen.

Then, surprisingly, a minor staff of healing goes unbid upon! After, Famish lights up again at Eldas’s platinum drafting tools, quite obviously what he came here for. He wins it unchallenged. Another completely unbid item, Incense of meditation passes.

Lastly before the shard, the golden statue of Ra that Abbashin wanted so badly. With no other bidders he gets it at a cool initial bid of 5000gp. You get the idea that what his parents left behind isn't going to last long.

Finally, the time arrives to bid on the Shard of the Shattered Shield of Arnisant...

Aya Ajiri gets ready to announce the start of bidding on the shard.

However, she instead looks every-so-slightly upward and gives a signal with the opposite hand of the one holding the shard.

Suddenly something crashes through the glass-ceiling windows of the museum and something comes crashing to the ground near you!

The other bidders quickly stampede towards the western exit of the lecture hall, as the rain of glass creates a dangerous cloud that threatens your vision...

Most of the group reacts quickly and looks down, avoiding having their vision impaired. Unfortunately, Nalaia takes P damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1 and is briefly 1 round blinded.

As you look up it becomes apparent that Aya isn't really Aya, but a woman matching the description you got from Inusi and Torvad at the Mendalari estate. She immediately heads for the exit with the shard.

Meanwhile, as you all look up you get your first good look at the beast that broke through the glass. Thick muscle and jutting bone from multiple corpses fused together form a winged, humanlike predator. Slides update with a picture!

This particular specimen is clad with the familiar gold tinge matching recent experiences.

The creature seems to need to gather itself after the fall and is slow to move at you.

The woman drones, Deal with them, my pet, as she glides towards the exit.

Battle theme!

Round 1
Bold may act

mysterious woman, fleeing
--------
Brun
Kyunjiro
Nalaia (-1, blinded for 1 round)
Uroon
Bartolomey
Styrian
--------
??? (monstrosity with gold glitter)
--------
Gint

Slides updated, with a bigger map of the lecture hall! Everybody but Gint is up!

Know Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Styrian gives chase, fist using his Sudden Speed focus power to go faster (+30 speed, for 50)

He rushes out the door to follow, and will make it to the end of the hall outside with his move action if he doesn't run into the Aya impostor.

From here what does he see? He still has a standard action remaining to attack or keep following.

By the time you reach the hallway Styrian, she is no longer visible. It seems she’s used the commotion to successfully secure her escape.

Haha, then I guess this was like a movie scene where our characters were all watching her escape while the movie's audience is screaming "Don't just stand there watching! Go DO something!" At least, that's how I always feel when the protagonists just watch stuff :)

Then Styrian moves back where he came from, feeling a little stupid for watching the escape unfold instead of springing to action earlier.

Brun moves next to his master and strikes the enemy. 5ft.

slam 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

slam 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Bartomoley steps back takes his Scythe and strikes.

mwk Scythe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (3, 4) + 6 = 13

Uroon charges forward and jump kicks the monster.
unarmed strike: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Uroon, roll again to confirm the critical. if the second roll hits, then roll another d6 and add 2 to the damage you already have.

Kyunjiro smiles as he sees Nalia flanking the monster with him, granting him Rapier attack+ SNEAK ATTACK! + bleeding attack (+1 bleed damage per round if hit): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 2 = 23

damage: 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + (5) = 10

i assume he is bleeding now!

Haha, then I guess this was like a movie scene where our characters were all watching her escape while the movie's audience is screaming "Don't just stand there watching! Go DO something!" At least, that's how I always feel when the protagonists just watch stuff :)

Then Styrian moves back where he came from, feeling a little stupid for watching the escape unfold instead of springing to action earlier.

Yeah, apologies, I might have given the wrong impression by *listing* her on the init table. I was more trying to make it clear where she did go since she leaves the map. The difference is that in this movie, your characters are fending off a glass shower from your faces while she flees, and it probably wasn't clear how much of a delay that was.

If you would like, please retcon that to only move out as far as it would take to *see* that she's gone, and then using the rest of your movement as best to your advantage for using your std. action.

Brun moves next to his master and strikes the enemy. 5ft.

[dice= slam 1]1d20+4
[dice=damage]1d8+1

[dice= slam 2]1d20+4
[dice=damage]1d8+1

The undead gives a slightly quizzical look as the ghostly figure approaches it, almost as if it doesn't expect it to do anything of consequence. However, it's eyes widen slightly as the phantom rushes at it, just barely dodging. Just as it resets itself, Brun comes right back and slams into it. It grunts as it bears the bludgeon.

??? Creature -4

Bartomoley steps back takes his Scythe and strikes.

[dice=mwk Scythe]1d20+6
[dice=damage]2d4+6

Scythe's don't have reach that I'm aware of. Do you mean step up?