GM Tealk's - Return of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master Brainiac

"Yes, let's try to be civil at first. If they decide to respond with violence... then so be it."

Borgol nods, then adds, "Might be worth adding a bit of careful to that, though. Remy and I could go ahead and try to scout the grounds, then meet up with you and give a report of what we've seen.. just so we're not going in totally blind."

Remy, who has never had much mind for strategy, nods. "Ah. Good idea, Borgol. Let's do that."

The monk moves quietly between pieces of cover as she sneaks around the manor's perimeter.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Sneaking around the building doesn't necessarily go as planned, since there is little places to hide from the direct view of the various open windows. However, you manage to wait out the passer-by's avoiding some subtle glances out the windows. Remy and [/b]Borgol[/b] notice the place is well occupied. There are two entrances, one round front and back, or you could easily climb through any of the open windows on either floors.

You notice a strange small building connected to the house via the decking that rings the structure. Dark, thorny vines have grown all over to cover the exterior, as they cast a weird shade over the building before it. On the map, is the small building on the left.

Other then that, no one comes in or out for the half hour you go sneaking. The rest of the group notice a few eyes are kept on them, as they stand around trying to look inconspicuous waiting for their allies to come back.

Which way in guys?

"They obviously know we're here. If you still want to try the diplomatic approach, let's just go knock on the front door."

"Clearly something is amiss. In the unlikely event that they are of good will, they should help us. If not, they already know we are here. Let's knock!"

Yes, I agree. The direct, friendly approach seems to be our best option. Fergus says with a nod.

GM Roll: 1d100 ⇒ 1
GM Roll: 1d100 ⇒ 53
GM Roll: 1d100 ⇒ 77
GM Roll: 1d100 ⇒ 95

It's decided, the party wanders up to the front door and before they could knock, a woman wearing a colourful costume opens the door. She brandishes her green, blues and pinks proudly as she stands cross armed after opening the door. She has a serious look on her face. "So how do you like the house? Looks good from the outside, doesn't it? Unfortunately we're not accepting visitors at this time, please come back another day."

Looking past the woman, you see varisian landscapes hang on the walls of this wide hall. Double doors on the north and south ends of the hall allow access to this space, and a number of other doors lead to other places in the manor. A set of varnished wooden stairs rises to the second level of the manor.

Please give me some social checks if you're talking to her.

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Never one for social subtleties, Remy crosses her arms over her chest and glares imperiously at the woman. "We are here on official business. You will take us to the head of your order. Right now."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Earlier..

Borgol muses, "Means they're keeping vigilant, maybe even an active watch... seems at least a little suspicious."

Now..

Borgol smiles at the woman, ready to make a sharp retort at the dig about their little tour, but he stops when Remy starts in with a demanding tone. I thought Flik was going to charm our way in, but I suppose that works... So much for the velvet glove approach, though...

He chooses to hold his tongue, but adjusts his shield so that at least one of his weapons is ready to strike, just in case.

Fergus is at a loss on whether to smile or glare at the woman!

She looks surprised at the energy that Remy showed in that moment, "Very well, if that is really what you truly desire." Reluctantly, the woman steps aside. Once you are all in, she leads you into the room immediately on your left. A comfortable setting, the place looks warmly decorated with rugs and cosy sitting areas. She goes to leave, and then asks, "You will wait here, for the lady of the house to see you. Please do not leave this room for any reason. What should I tell the lady, what official business to you have?"

"We are investigating monster attacks and missing citizens. We have come to inquire after what your lady knows about these things."

While Remy talks, Alustria looks around the room, scanning for threats or anything remarkable. She especially focuses on the walls for hidden doors or passages.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

Fergus will be ready in case this is a trap.

The woman lets out a small laugh, "Heh. Very well then. You shall wait here while I return with Lady Corstela." and leaves the room. After a few second, you hear a slight click and you realise that she locked the door behind her.

Alustria and the rest of the team take in the room around them. In the southwestern corner of this room is an elegant table and several chairs, one of which is far more elaborate and comfortable than the others. Another pair of common chairs have been tucked against the northern wall. This modern receiving room contains no secrets or alcoves, and is otherwise uninspiringly ordinary.

GM Roll: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 5) = 9

If anyone decides to check the doors, they realise that both are locked. You will need a disable device, or strength check to open them. You think one of these options will make lots of noise.

Do you wish to wait here the entire time for her to come back? What would you guys like to do?

"Locking us in? Not very friendly. I could get us oht, but do we want to wander around?"

"That will just provoke them. I say we wait for them to come back, but be ready in case they decide to spring some sort of nasty surprise," Remy says.

Alustria agrees, adding, ”It doesn’t do to break in to other people’s houses, especially when you’re trying to be a guest.”

I agree. So far there has been no ill intent, but we should remain vigilant. Fergus says in agreement.

Wandering around sounds like ea good idea, but something eats away at your concious and you decide to stay put. The party waits patiently, as roughly 10 minutes pass before you start hearing footsteps again.

A few moments later, you hear a click as the door swings open. You see a familiar face. The dwarf's red beard hangs low covering his large stomach. He wears a similar alchemist attire, though looking a little more polished than he was outside the encampement you caght him by. He smiles and offers a hand to Remy standing at the front of the group. "Eh, i se' you've made et bach? Eheh, very good, very good. Did you fand mah reseach nots?" He pauses for a moment, and looks around the group, "Did you defeat Motha'?"

There are now two tightly dressed women standing behind the short dwarf. They have their arms crossed and are giving you all silent, but stern looks. The dwarfs, feeling the tension smiles, "Dan't mand 'em - they joost looking ut far meh. Philosophers, heh, they call 'em. The Order's gat plenty of 'em. To protect us gasin't those Horned Fangs on the ather 'ide af tawn. Dan't want to get on er bad side though!" he goes to punch on in the arm, as they swat it away.

He follows up with a question, "So what can i do yer for, friends?"

Remy puts her fingers to her temples, fighting off a sudden headache. That feeling of wrongness strikes her again. He's not supposed to be here.

At length, she reluctantly takes the dwarf's hand. She eyes the two women warily before turning her attention back to the alchemist. "Mother Nightthrush will no longer be a problem. We've come to look into a series of monster attacks in town, the most recent one just a few hours ago. We're also looking for our missing friend, Audrahni. Do you or the members of your order know anything about these matters?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Fergus nods, A deal's a deal, but iffn yer be usin' this research tha wrong way, then ye will be answerin' ta me! Don't ye doubt it! Fergus says, slipping easily into his dwarven accent.

He reluctantly hands over the research.

Borgol blinks, I wasn't expecting him here.... He shrugs, adding, "Also, missing kids, though that might be related to the monster attacks."

Good diplomacy rolls.

The dwarf carefully takes his pack from Fergus, nodding them instantly looking inside to check what's inside. "Yes, everthin' 'eems ta be 'ere. Good. These will 'ome in very useful. Thank ya, brotha." He seems happy that all of his papers are there.

He turns towards the monk, "Excellent, she 'as a nasty ol' crone. How did you do et, how did ya stop her?" The question doesn't seem out of place, but more an attempt to dodge the main topic.

With a solemn look on his face, his posture slumps a little he speaks. "The attacks, truly tragic. I onleh got 'ere the day before last, and the place was already so chaotic. The order protects 'eir own, so we've tried staying out of the towns matters. We are a peaceful philosophical society, I would suspect the Horned Fangs are responsible for al this. Their leader Jana, es, for a lack of a better word, unstable. The word on the block is, that they've allied themselves with Mister Retch. If there is anything we can do ta 'elp..."

At the mention of Audrahni's name, the dwarf stumbles. "You 're our first visitors for a while. Lot's of people have been going missing in this town, i'm sorry your friend was one of them."

GM Roll: 1d20 ⇒ 17
GM Roll: 1d100 ⇒ 58

Obviously having had enough with the conversation, one of the women behind the dwarf interjects, "I apologise, but you've gotten us at a bad time. Headmaster Tilaresk is giving his weekly lecture on the Importance of Meditation. After that, is supper, and we need to tend to our pupil's needs. If you please, the door is this way." She motions for you all to leave.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

"Please, you've told us almost nothing! If you think the Horned Fangs are behind this, perhaps we can help? Could you tell us more about them? You seem very knowledgeable--I just feel there is more here."

Flik will try to use Bluff to pass a secret message to the dwarf that we know he isn't telling us everything.

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Remy raises an eyebrow as the dwarf's words ring hollow. She looks to her companions, waiting to see what course of action they wish to take.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Fergus takes the dwarf at his word.

Sense motive, Dolland: 1d20 ⇒ 13
Sense motive, Guard: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Sense motive, Guard: 1d20 ⇒ 10

The dwarf grimaces, and looks from side to side. "Ay, i am knowledgable. Which is why, i'd offer you to use our extensive book collection to..."

Before he is even able to finish that sentence, one of the guards steps pushes him aside and steps in front, "Which are is currently in use by our Order initiates. It is a private collection only for the eye of the Order."

The dwarf tries to interject, but sort of gives up after a moment, "'Ats no 'ay tah treat ar guests." He turns back to you, "But truly, you should go. I'd suggest you look for Jana around bah the boatyard. Not sure where the Horned Fangs hang out, bat that's a good place to start."

The cross-armed lady begins to walk to the door, most likely to open it. When she if a few steps away, you hear her murmur something under her breath.

GM Roll: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Remy overhears the woman muttering, and her patience finally runs out. Th monk suddenly darts across the room and grabs the woman by her collar. "What did you say?!? Where is she? Where's Audrahni?!?" she growls, amber eyes blazing with fury.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Borgol is too lost in thought to hear the muttering, but when Remy begins to start shouting, he tightens his hand on the grip of his shield, and ensures his hand is open and ready to draw his blade.

"I think you'd best be explaining yourself," he says menacingly.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Rare anger flares in Alustria’s face. ”Where is my cousin?”

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Fergus does not see anything wrong with the situation until Remy starts to yell.

He looks angrily at the dwarf.

Whatta ye be about? Answer true fer if ye answer false ye won't be welcome where any dwarf dwells. Don't ye be doubtin'!

Intimidate: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

The woman philosopher turns to the sudden outburst of rage, and looks a little shaken. She lo9ks straight at Alustria as she speaks her next few words, "Foreginers, always sticking their noses in other people's business. What are you going to do, elf - join your cousin in the hole she dug herself?"

An obvious threat, you watch her enter into a fighting style as she wait for you to make the first move.

Rolland, reaches to his belt, draws a flask and scofs it down quite quickly. "I would go now, if I 'are ya."

GM Roll: 1d100 ⇒ 26

They are both shaken, but are obviously waiting for you to make the first aggressive move. What do you do? You can act aggressively out of initiative, we will treat it as first round.

"It would seem the time for talk has come to an end," Remy declares, dropping down into her own dragon stance. She lashes out with a heavy kick, the motion mimicking a sweeping dragon's tail as she attacks the rude philosopher!

Flurry, Ki Point: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 161d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 151d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Nonlethal Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 81d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 61d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Alustria begins intoning a summon spell! She is summoning a black bear.

Maddie, having wandered off slightly during all the boring grown-up talking, looks up as it sounds like a fight is about to start, far too eager for someone of her age, and kicks the rock she was playing with off the road, and runs back to the others.

Is it Dolland or Rolland? :)

Fergus eyes the dwarf menacingly, Ye best be stayin' outta this or ye feel tha bite of me axe! Don't ye be doubtin'

Intimidate: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Readied action if dwarf attacks: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Crit damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Hey there Maddie! I hope you're having a good time!

Haha, it's Dolland, must have been a typo!

Map Clarification - So, this map is poorly drawn, so I will allow this to be a double door, and you can move through it 5'ft into any of the adjacent spaces. The waiting room you are all in, everything is fine, nothing is difficult terrain.

Remy steps in and with all her might lands two good blows on the guarded philosopher, who was only a second ago talking smack. You feel the wind exit her lungs. The rest of the team doesn't react quickly enough, but Alustria begins to weave her incantation to summon an ally from another plane.

Borgol grunts as Fergus steps forward and threatens him. He shakes his head begrudgingly. "Eye, brother. But et seems your friend drew first blood..."

Round 2 ♭ Music!
Naturalist not active!

Maddie
Flik
Borgol

! Dolland (shaken, shield)
! Philospher (pink -16 shaken crane style, blue crane style)

Remy (shield)
Alustira (summoning)
Fergus (readying)

Maddie, Flik and Borgol may act! - If someone wants to BOT Maddie, please do so out of character. Otherwise, i’ll take an action for her when others posted.

I'll bot Maddie. She'll use telekinetic fist on the philosopher Remy is attacking.

Telekinetic Fist, Touch Into Melee: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 - 4 = 15
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Borgol rushes forward, taking his usual place next to Remy, drawing his blade as he does, then striking at the philosopher.

Longsword (FE): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 = 17 for 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11

Flik will activate Naturalist, targeting the philosopher.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

"Foreigners? Not an attitude I'm used to in Roderick's Cove!"

The woman grunts as she falls, from the joint assault of the heros. Something she said, must have ticked them off.

Dolland moves back, provoking from his fellow dwarf. and takes out what looks like a flask with burning liquid inside and throws it. "I 'ave no choice. Leave be're this gets messy!" He warns the group. Fergus, I used your readied, as the attack of opp I hope you don't mind!

Bomb, Fergus: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 - 2 = 73d6 + 3 ⇒ (6, 3, 3) + 3 = 15
Miss?: 1d8 ⇒ 3 - Remy and Fergus, please give me DC 15 reflex, or take 6 damage thanks! :)

The other monk, decides to step backwards and block the path for the dwarf, chosing a guarded stance.

Punch, readied action, crane style: 1d20 + 7 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 2 - 2 = 41d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Round 3 ♭ Music!
Naturalist active, on Philosopher!

Remy (shield)
Alustira (summoning)
Fergus
Maddie
Flik
Borgol

! Dolland (-13 lethal, shaken, shield)
! Philospher (pink, blue crane style)

Everyone may act! - If someone wants to BOT Maddie, please do so out of character. Otherwise, i’ll take an action for her when others posted.

Borgol shakes his head and says to the dwarf, "You could stand down and have them talk to us, Dollard, rather than throwing bombs. We need to know what is really happening here, and to our friend, even if it means tearing this place apart... not our first choice, but the lying and dismissal... well, here we are. "

With that, he moves forward to the next 'philosopher', using the momentum to power his longsword's strike.

Longsword (PA,FE): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26 for 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Remy cries out in pain as the burning liquid splatters on her, burning her skin and scorching her borrowed clothes. Damn! Lullaby is going to kill me!

Gritting her teeth, she runs up beside Borgol and delivers a powerful kick to the philosopher's gut! "Your Crane Style is no match for my Dragon Style!" she declares haughtily!

Unarmed Strike, Nonlethal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Maddie giggles and punches the same philosopher Remy is attacking, "Try wizard style!" she laughs, responding to Remy's line.

Telekinetic Fist: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 4 = 131d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

DC15 Reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Fergus steps to the side as the bomb explodes. Ye can't even fight me dwarf ta dwarf without hiding behind yer bodyguard? Ye's a coward Dolland an' I will make sure every dwarf knows it, by Torag's Fiery Furnace I will!

He will then try to attack the monk.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Flik will continue performing and cast daze (DC 13) on the philosopher.

The bear appears behind the dwarf!
Bear attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 181d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 211d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Bear damage, same order: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 91d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 101d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Alustria will then cast Aspect of the Bear on herself! She bulls up and her skin turns rough and leathery.

Haha, loved the joke, Maddie!

Between Mattie, Fergus and Remy, they strongly take care of the guarded philosopher. As she slumps down on the ground, unconscious, Borgol moves over her body to strike a really good blow agasint the dwarf alchemist.

Flik, sorry but your daze would not have gone off, i'll say you can redirect it on Dolland, but he has more than 4 HD. Let me know if you'd like to do something else instead, but then again...somethings about to happen.

Alustria's new summon is enough to shake the entire building as a large black bear squeezes itself in-between Dolland's escape route. You see a fearful expression on his face as the group rushes forward. "Ah, I see how ya' defeated Mother so quickly. Ya'r...strong..."

In that moment, you see as Dolland carefully measures out his options, knowing well and good that he cannot win this fight. He reaches for another bomb as BOOM! ...multiple explosions can be heard from the east and west wings of the Peacock Manor. Distant screams echo around the wooden walls, as you all get the uneasy feeling as if something big might be happening.

Just as suddently, the doors through to the salon on the other side of the entrance hallway burst open, as one of the order initiates is kicked through. He holds his sides, visibly bruised he tries his best to stand. His eyes dart around the room at all of you, but they stop on Dolland. "Sir, we are under...attack!"

Dolland pauses his hand over his next bomb, and with his other hand reaches in for an extract. Wearily, he motions to drink it while observing all of you, "'All we call a momentary...truce?". Those of you keen enough can easily identity that as an extract of cure moderate wounds. But he waits until you have all given him the all clear before drinking it.

More so for Alustria and Borgol, do you let Dolland drink his extract? Alustria, you can notion for the bear to not attack him if you wish.

Round 3 ♭ Music!
Naturalist not active!

Remy (shield)
Alustira (aob)
Summon: Bear
Fergus
Maddie
Flik
Borgol

! Dolland (43 lethal, shaken, shield)
! Initiate (orange -5, blue, purple)

! Fleshdreg (green, blue)

Everyone may act! - If someone wants to BOT Maddie, please do so out of character. Otherwise, i’ll take an action for her when others posted.

You can hear combat all around you.

Well then...you guys are really strong...haha! In the interest of saving time for when you will destroy the first wave of monsters I throw at you, did you want to pick a direction to go investigate as a group, east or west?