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Lizbeth nods along with Chorlo. "Yeah, smells like this is the right supplier." She looks at Pemak. "We're on the trail of a poisoner and murderer who is tying up any loose ends in regards to their crimes. And YOU seem to be on their list. Care to make a statement?" Lizbeth smiles and glances around the poison shop. "Any help you can give us in identifying who you sold a certain type of poison to would be appreciated. Probably save your life, too."
"ME?!?! I'm on a list of potential targets." She considers this a moment before nodding her head a few times, "I see. Well, not the first time I suppose. As far as making a sale? No. I make it a habit to know who my ...clients...are. However, someone did break into my shop the other evening. They stole a ..project I have been working on. Is that all?"
Ayo seems to accept Pemak's account of a theft. She is also reasonably assured that there is no strong aura of any kind on the shopkeeper.
It seems with your courtesy and concern that you may have made a friend.
Once she starts to discuss business, Pemak uses coded language to probe your knowledge of her own connections and interests. For example, she asks you if the party is seeking “specialized medical care” for a loved one. Ayo quickly surmises that in Daggermark, this is an innuendo she uses to discuss assassination targets in public. She also brings up her own interest in hiring “private security specialists” after her recent burglary, suggesting that she wants to find and kill those who stole from her.
With a better grasp of your local acumen, Pemak moves to discuss their specific case, speaking in plain terms.
"You know, I think we can strike a bargain. What would you say if I told you that the Poisoner’s Guild will ensure your Pathfinder Society can rebuild their operations out of Dryblade House without interference. All you have to do is eliminate the Ghostknives. I mean, unless I miss my guess, you were going to do that anyway. I may even be able to offer you a position here in town. That could end up providing special protections to Pathfinders operating out of Daggermark. Don't feel like you need to say anything now, just think about it."
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"I shall consider your proposal, we'll return after we deliver the Ghostknives to custody with our response," Wallace declares, shaking Pemak's hand. Can't seem too desperate, but protection for future Pathfinders in exchange for a job we were already going to do? I'd commit to that in a heart beat.
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Upon your arrival, the chamber is cloaked in darkness. After bringing light into the gloom, you continue forward.
The sound of rushing water echoes throughout this dank cistern as sleet-filled runoff pours in from northern, eastern, and southern channels before emptying through an outlet in the northeast corner. Stone walkways line the walls, with a large platform jutting out into the center of the room. Seven coffin-sized crates float on the water, tethered to the platform’s railings by short chains.
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While Ayo turns her gaze to the coffins, Wallace keeps an eye on the water. All manner of beasts could be lurking within the murky depths, ready to snatch us unawares. "We must remain vigilant," he whispers to the others. "We dive head first into a den of snakes, there is bound to be a viper or two lying in wait."
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Chorlo helps out with the correct details, once they are satisfied that they are all on the same page Chorlo nods to the assessment.
"So we can get the society back into Daggermark and eliminate a threat to them all at once? I feel like they Society may not like the way we have to do this but in the big picture it will be for the best."
The team makes their purchases and heads off into the night.
Ayo casts spell before plunging into the depths. Wallace likewise swallows an elixir to stave off any potential infection.
Upon your arrival, the chamber is cloaked in darkness. After bringing light into the gloom, you continue forward.
The sound of rushing water echoes throughout this dank cistern as sleet-filled runoff pours in from northern, eastern, and southern channels before emptying through an outlet in the northeast corner. Stone walkways line the walls, with a large platform jutting out into the center of the room. Seven coffin-sized crates float on the water, tethered to the platform’s railings by short chains.
Lizbeth makes her way across the large chamber to investigate the other entrance. She quickly surmises that the tunnel leads off and away from the base, with likely nothing to be gained by venturing further.
Lizbeth heads toward the double doors, but stops short just before stepping into the alcove. She grabs Wallace as she realizes the floor is trapped. It looks as if the floor would drop away, causing any on top of it to fall and possibly be stuck below.
Llovora lights the gloom, but is certain nothing of interest is floating in the muck.
Drips echo off in the distance.
Ayo steps across the tiles and up to the door. Not to be out done, Wallace follows. Lizbeth assureds them there are no more traps on the door or otherwise. Both Lizbeth and Llorva believe they hear something on the other side of the door, but they are not too certain as to what it could be. Together, the divine warriors push open the double doors.
Perception
Initiative
It looks as if you were also detected. The woman behind the table drops an empty flask to the ground. "Ilchok, am I right? I'm assuming the lazy sloth failed. What a waste. Did he at least get anyone on the list? Well, no matter. I guess we will just have to clean up his mess. I don't suppose you want to do this the easy way?"
Round 1 bold may post
Round 1
Llorva
RED & YELLOW
Cladara
Chorlo
Ayo
Wallace
Lizbeth
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"Ilchok, am I right? I'm assuming the lazy sloth failed. What a waste. Did he at least get anyone on the list? Well, no matter. I guess we will just have to clean up his mess. I don't suppose you want to do this the easy way?"
Llovra moves up to the open doors as far as her friends let her she pipes in, Depends on what you mean by easy! Do my arrows kill you instantly or do you dance around and prolong the inevitable? Hard easy...it all ends the same for you. Prepare to meet justice for the assassination of one of our own! Llovra then releases an arrow at green.
Unfortunately, the arrow lodges in the door jamb.
The pair of guards move up together, a clear sign these two have worked before. They stop just outside the doorway and swing their blades. However, they have no more success than the oracle.
The woman behind the table scoffs at Llorva. "If that is how your arrows dance Princess, then this little cotillion just might be your very last. You know, your friend looks kinda skinny, like she should be scaring birds out in a corn field." She eyes Lizbeth, "How 'bout a little fire, scarecrow?" She hurls a flask into the center of the group. It shatters on the occultist's armor, followed by an explosion of heat and flame.
Round 1 bold may post
Round 1
GREEN & YELLOW
Cladara
Chorlo
Ayo
Wallace
Lizbeth
Round 2 starts here
Llorva
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Ayo is not noted for her quick reactions, and she stoically takes the fire bomb full-on. She contineus on, golden eyes shining, as though nothing happened.
"Empress of Heaven, for just a few moments, allow this unworthy creature who speaks before you to have just the slightest touch of your favor."
She draws upon the training of her inquisition and feels her steps briefly increase in speed.
She strides right past the eastern guard as she draws her sword. She ends within striking distance of the leader woman.
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Wallace's shield is already in place as the guards close in on them. This will be easy! We are already in formation, they shall fall before us as parasites ought to. Seeing the glint of a bottle in air, he throws himself against the wall and tries to bring his shield to the other side, but simply isn't able to do so before the heat burns him. To make matters worse, the formation he thought he had immediately breaks.
WHERE IS SHE GOING? Exasperated with Ayo breaking ranks, he looks to Lizbeth. "Close the gap and hold the line!" he orders before taking a step into the room and swinging his sword at the nearest guard. However, his emotions seem to have gotten the best of him as the strike is haphazard at best.
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A moment before the fiery vial strikes Lizbeth there's a sudden flash of blue energy -- what looks like the spirit of a samurai shelters Lizbeth from harm, vanishing a split second later!
With a roll of her eye Lizbeth steps into the room and swings her overly large blade at the green enemy.
"I never was fond of taking orders," Lizbeth remarks to Wallace.
There's another burst of blue energy and the samurai appears again, interposing himself between Lizbeth and harm.
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Wallace falls back on the lessons his masters have drilled into him. He recalls 'When entering an unknown stronghold against prepared forces, stay together, like a closed gauntlet. Your Brothers at Arms will be your strength. Fight shoulder to shoulder and slowly punch your way forward. Never break the ranks! You'll not only kill yourself, but the man next to you as well.' Taking command, he starts to bark out orders.
Behind the cleric, two women share a look, fire in their eyes. Together, they make the bold choice to sprint into the room.
The defenders, clearly caught off guard, manage feeble strikes that fail to pierce armor and find blood. One sword rings off Ayo's divinely enhanced armor, the other blow seeming deflected by an ancient tien warrior. Pressing the offensive, the battle-host feels more alive than she has in weeks. Her blade leaves a deep gash in the defender's thigh. She may have sliced right through an artery. Chorlo steps forward and adds his blade to the mix. The guard takes a wild swing at the elven investigator before taking a measured step back. His counter part chases after Ayo, trying to strike her from behind.
Lizbeth and Ayo wanted to seize the tide of the battle, and did just that! In mere moments, the pair have separated the defenders and taken control of the battlefield.
Their stunned leader cries out, "You fools! How did you let this happen?" However, she is a professional and no stranger to combat. She brings up her rapier. It darts in toward the inquisitor's face. Years of training allow Ayo to knock the attack aside.
Round 2 bold may post
Round 2
GREEN & YELLOW
Cladara
Chorlo
Ayo
Wallace
Lizbeth
Round 2 starts here
Llorva
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Ayo responds to the leader woman’s rhetorical question. ”You failed to follow the wisdom of the Second Lesson of Intention.” She just leaves it at that, as though the woman is somehow expected to know what exactly it is she’s talking about.
Ayo is remarkably uncaring about the flank she finds herself in. She takes a step to the side, both putting herself more directly between the leader woman and the exit and taking herself out of a flank.
Ayo’s mouth shrugs to one side as she notices the purple goop on the leader’s sword. She speaks up so her companions can hear, but doesn’t turn around. ”Her rapier is likely poisoned.”
Ayo trails her sword behind her as she moves to the side, using her body to block sight of it. She uses the swivel of her hips as she squares back up with the bomber to bring her sword up in a diagonal cut.
The bomber's reflexes allow her to twist out of the path of Ayo's strike, but just barely so.
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As all semblance of a battle formation crumbles to chaos, Wallace sighs and merely shakes his head at Lizbeth's resistance. And if they had superior training, we would have already been routed. We've lucked out for now. Enemy reinforcements from any side would be our undoing at this point.
Having expected the guard to continue keeping the rest of the group back, Wallace's strike is delayed and yet again misses the mark. Three on one should be ample odds in our favor. He hopes as he chases down the repositioning guard, but at this point he is entirely unsure about his team's abilities and decision making. Once in position he swings his sword again, shield raised high for a strike from the guard, but he keeps his eyes on the poisoned blade of their leader. Looks like we are in the right place, snakes, all of them!
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Hearing Chorlo speak of possible futures, the guard slightly lowers his blade. "I hadn't thought of it that way. I think it's time to turn over a new l-" The elf's sword steals the remaining words from the man. His weapon clatters to the stone. He looks up at the investigator. "I thought you were going to help me." The man leans against the wall before slowly slumping to the ground. He begins to rip strips off his shirt in an attempt to make bandages for his leg.
Round 2 bold may post
Round 2
GREEN & YELLOW {-10 of 10 / -5 of ??}
Cladara
Chorlo
Ayo {26/30 hp}
Wallace {11/15 hp}
Lizbeth {14/15 hp}
Round 2 starts here
Llorva {16/18 hp}
The battle is now fully engaged! Both 'Divine Warriors' keep the pressure up on their respective opponents, though neither is able to land a telling strike. The occultist joins the fray, but finds the same lack of succeess.
The guard seems momentarily confused as to which Pathfinder to strike. He decides that Lizbeth is a biggest threat. However, his blade skitters off her breast plate. The leader pulls out a flask, giving Ayo a chance to draw some blood. It is not enough to stop the alchemist from tossing the bomb at Wallace. Again, heat blooms over the cleric and his allies. However, the vaporous cloud does not immediately dissipate. It clings to the air and seems into the lungs of those near by.,
The guard caught in the cloud holds his breath, but manages to sputter out, "Hey! What gives?"
"Sorry Nelk, but had to do what I had to do."
You have been hit with a stink bomb. You all need to make a DC 14 Fort save to avoid the effects. If you fail, you are nauseated for 1d4+1 rounds.
As Wallace was hit, he takes full damage from the bomb, but Lizbeth can make a Reflex DC 14 to take half of the splash damage (Ayo is outside of the splash radius).
Lizbeth, let me know if you are using focus to soak the damage. I read your post, but I didn't want to assume you would do it for two points of damage.
Round 3 bold may post
Round 3
YELLOW {-7 of ??}
Cladara {-9 of ??}
Chorlo
Ayo {26/30 hp}
Wallace {4/15 hp}
Lizbeth {10 or 12 or 14/15 hp}
Round 4 starts here
Llorva {16/18 hp}
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"TAKE COVER!" Wallace calls out as a bomb takes to the air again. Even though he catches the flask on his shield, the flames, however briefly, still manage to curl around to singe him. As a poisonous vapor fills the air, he forces his watering eyes open long enough to lash out at the guard before barreling out of the cloud to what he hopes is relative safety. I'm taking a beating out here, but it doesn't look like this will last too much longer.
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Ayo coughs and nearly succumbs to the horrible fumes, but she rallies and pushes forward. Dealing with the bomb has the side-effect of leading Ayo to control her breathing, and she feels newly centered. She sees the pattern in the leader woman's movement and raises her sword, aiming for the exact moment to strike a critical blow.