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

Game Master PaleDim

The players signed up can dot here.

You arrive in the Rahadoumi port city of Manaket and make your way to the Swordmeet Lodge. See "Where on Golarion" on slide 1. A candied aroma wafts from multiple barrels of pyment—a beverage of fermented grapes and honey—strewn about the surprisingly barren grand hall of the lodge. At an ornate banquet table with legs carved in the stalwart forms of Rahadoumi crusaders wielding immense falchions sits the room’s lone occupant, Venture-Captain Obo. See slide 4. He is a broad-shouldered man wearing an olive tunic trimmed with gold filigree and sporting a puffy gray beard mottled here and there with black patches. Next to him sits a large bottle of pomegranate wine, several empty glasses, and a silver plate adorned with a half-eaten roast hen, a fig tart, and a small mound of creamy bread pudding topped with ground pistachios. Obo’s attention is clearly focused on the ornate siege board arranged as if two players had played a game into its late stages, with the monarch threatening to leave via the right edge of the board, thus winning the game for the defenders. As he stares at the pieces, Obo holds his fingers atop one of the attacking pieces, a knight carved of crimson marble, studying the placement of the defenders—white caliche castles protecting a lone sovereign. His other hand absentmindedly stirs the bread pudding with a spoon.

Venture-Captain Obo mumbles to himself while studying the siege board. "Now, if the invader moves parallel to the defender, resting in the seventh hall of the first tower, then the sovereign will be exposed to counterattack from—bah, I will never remember all of Valsin’s cryptic strategies!" Obo slams his free hand down on the table, and then gestures at the open chairs before him. "Sit, sit, for our very own game is afoot. Troubling news arrived two weeks ago from one of the Society’s trusted confidants, an artifacts expert and appraiser in the souk of Azir. Goes by Torvad. Torvad Shalzadin."

Obo produces a small roll of parchment, its wax seal clearly broken. "This letter indicates that Torvad had been recently asked by a client to verify the authenticity of a rare artifact. Much to his surprise, every detail about the relic indicated that the fragment is one of the shards of the Shattered Shield of Arnisant. That’s supposedly impossible; all of the remnants of the shield are kept safe in Vigil, right under the Watcher-Lord’s nose. Per reports from both the Decemvirate and the Dark Archive, no one in Lastwall suspects any of the shards are missing. Torvad reports that the shard’s current owner, a clandestine auction house for illicit divine artifacts in Azir, the Sacred Cobra, intends to sell it in just seven days! If that shard is in fact a piece of the Shattered Shield of Arnisant, we must stop such an important relic from falling into the wrong hands."

"Though it would be faster to go by sea, a rash of piracy just beyond the Arch of Aroden means reconsidering the route. I’ve arranged for you to go by caravan. Once you arrive, find Torvad and convince him to disclose the location of the Sacred Cobra auction house as well as the precise time of the auction. The Cobra’s whereabouts are known only to a few major players in the artifacts trade, so you’ll need to act quickly before the shard can be sold and potentially lost forever. To even be considered as a buyer, you’ll need him to lend you his bidder’s banner, a token the Sacred Cobra uses to identify clientele considered in 'good standing' with the organization. It’s probably safest if you can acquire the shard by winning it at auction, though I trust you to do what is necessary to obtain the shard for the Society. Take this." Obo again slides his hand inside his tunic to retrieve a small bundle of parchments. "Each of these ten letters is a bank note from Manaket, good for one thousand gold pieces. Showing these to the clerk of the auction house should help establish you as a serious buyer. Use the Society’s money wisely to ensure you obtain the shard, but if you see any other artifacts on auction that might be better off in the Society’s possession, you can use these funds to obtain those as well."

"Any questions?" Even as he says it, Obo is trying to restore his attention to his game of siege.

And we're off! RP introductions, and ask your VC questions about the mission.

Earlier:
First Pathfinder into the room is grumpy looking female dwarf, plain as dirt and utterly unremarkable aside from the perpetual scowl etched onto her face. Glancing around and noting that no one else from her new team is there, she deliberately selects a spot in the shadows off to the side so she can observe and avoid idle chatter once the others arrive.

After the briefing:
During the briefing, Yangrit had made a mental list of her questions. As soon as it is finished she begins asking them methodically, allowing Venture-Captain Obo to answer each one before asking the next.

"Have you already discussed the lending of Torvads bidder's banner with him, or will we have to convince him to do it? Do we have a cover story at the auction, or are we just going in there as Pathfinder Agents? Are there any special considerations for transporting the shard to bring it back to you? What is the maximum that we are allowed to spend at the auction, or on any one piece? Is it true that divine spell casting is outlawed here? Does that apply to wands, potions, and other magic devices as well?"

"Have you already discussed the lending of Torvads bidder's banner with him, or will we have to convince him to do it?"

"Yes, once you convince him to disclose the time and location of the auction, you'll need to convince him to lend the bidder's banner. Depending on how the shard was stolen, and who is trying to acquire it now, I expect there is going to be some danger around getting it back. A society-trusted artifacts expert he is, a mission-ready agent he is not. That's why you're here, and you can remind him of the same."

He continues, expanding on the importance of the bidder's banner.

"My understanding is that these bidder’s banners are ornate, woven scarves with intricate patterns tailored to each specific owner. This is done for the exact purpose of preventing forgeries and infiltrations. While it’s not uncommon for ‘proxies’ to be given a bidder’s banner from an associate of the auction house to acquire an item on the owner’s behalf, the Cobra’s guards will most likely know how to spot a fake. The shard is too important to take such a risk."

"Do we have a cover story at the auction, or are we just going in there as Pathfinder Agents?"

"Keep it simple. As I said, proxies at auction are not uncommon and so you are to be 'buyer's agents' for Torvad."

"Are there any special considerations for transporting the shard to bring it back to you?"

"Keep it secret, keep it safe." He winks at you as he says this.

"The origins of the shield are shrouded in mystery. Some believe that the god Aroden carried it when he was a mortal, while others claim that it was fashioned by Aroden after he became a god. The Taldan general Arnisant carried the shield during the Shining Crusade, and it was instrumental in defeating the Whispering Tyrant—that’s when it shattered. It is possible that even a fragment of the shield could be dangerous if used for nefarious ends."

"What is the maximum that we are allowed to spend at the auction, or on any one piece?"

"Well, the Manaket bank notes provide you with ten-thousand gold pieces to work with. So if you choose to do nothing but focus on the shard, that is your limit. However, the Sacred Cobra will have many relics of potential interest to the Society, and so I encourage you to pay attention to what is available and endeavor to make additional acquisitions, if possible."

"Is it true that divine spell casting is outlawed here?"

"Yes! The entire nation upholds a series of philosophical tenets known as the Laws of Man, the primary tenet of which is known as the First Law, which prohibits religion in any form. The country adopted these laws following decades of religious wars and maintains a peacekeeping force known as the Pure Legion to enforce them."

"Does that apply to wands, potions, and other magic devices as well?"

"Also yes! And the Pure Legion officers are trained to notice such things."

Phew! I think that covers it (there's still a lot more information you can uncover though ;) )

Earlier

The second Pathfinder is a tall half-elf, with a grim face and black hairs wearing simple black leather, a big backpack and a symbol with winged eye around his neck.
His weapon is a massive Glaive and at his side, a morningstar, a longsword and a kukri.

After the Briefing

Gratius Laelius, Venture-Captain Sir!
What about wands and potions made by bard that heal? Like cure light wounds? Are they legal?
If not, how can we be able to heal if something bad happen?

A bard may use his own magic to heal safely, as that is not divine. All healing wands are of divine origin.

this is unfortunately an additional stipulation per the PFS RP guide. I don’t have the quote in front of me but all wands are created by clerics or wizards. This scenario is rough on divine spells and abilities (so I was happy to see your party makeup only minimally relies on it).

We're gonna get wrecked if too much damage lol.

Her considerable bust constrained to perhaps too tight a leather corset or maybe that was the intention. A halfling woman her hair wild as her outlook in leathers speaks up.

"This may make this job a little rough but I'm sure we can do it. These Pure Legion types sounds like they're hard on all divine worshippers but only if they notice it no?"

She glances at the board set and then studies their placement.
"Interesting setup you have there."

"Are going incognito for this job or as agents?" she asks.

I just ran a group through this for outpost. Granted, that was in the lower tier, but they sliced through the encounters like butter. Given how combat oriented this group is, I suspect you'll do well. Also remember that you can discretely use the wands and potions out of view, and the Bard's CLW spell is fully kosher.

"This may make this job a little rough but I'm sure we can do it. These Pure Legion types sounds like they're hard on all divine worshippers but only if they notice it no?"

"That's right, use discretion and you should be okay. Just understand that your current habits will have to acclimate to the lack of acceptance that you're used to elsewhere."

He suddenly gets a look of remembrance.

"Oh, and not just divine spells... Members of the Pure Legion are Rahadoum’s primary peacekeeping force, primarily charged with enforcing the nation’s First Law, which prohibits religion in any form. You’d be wise not to carry any items of contraband such as holy symbols or religious artifacts into the city, as it’s certain the Pure Legion will search you all before entering the city."

She glances at the board set and then studies their placement.

"Interesting setup you have there."

"Each year some of the venture-captains meet to have a siege tournament, and that sneaky bastard Valsin has won the last three. I don’t care about winning the purse, it’s about besting him in front of everyone else! Now, if only I can recall his damnable strategy from the last time he won."

"Are going incognito for this job or as agents?" she asks.

"Not strictly incognito, but I see no reason against keeping a low profile. It will help when you need to pass as buyer's agents at the auction."

Int DC20: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Looking at the board, Gratius tells the Venture-Captain what is not right with his play.
Look, right there, if you do that, and that I think you could take the upper hand.

Turning to his comrades he adds
May be it will be safer to buy a better armor... I don't know...

Int check 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Hootie couldn't make sense of what's on the board neither can she see what the hulking warrior does.

"Impressive. Brains and Brawn. I might like working together with you."

Obo gets a sudden flash of clear recognition. He looks at Gratius and then back at the board. He looks back and forth between them a few more times, flabbergasted that he hadn't seen it. Then, his expression slowly turns to a smile as he eyes Gratius more directly in gratitude and

Suddenly at ease, and clearly satisfied he is able to leave the board be, and suddenly displays a much more helpful side.

"Let's see, what else can I tell you...Azir is the capital city of Rahadoum."

He scratches his head, clearly aware that it's not the most interesting thing he could have said.

"Where people outside of Rhadoum hold a place in society for religion, most Rahadoumi hold a deep respect for rhetoric and philosophy. As a result, most Rahadoumi are well-educated, promote civic-minded behavior, and place a high value on self-discipline and familial loyalty."

"Despite the Pure Legion’s best efforts, some of the nation’s citizens worship various gods within the country’s borders. Years of confiscation of divine artifacts, combined with the clandestine demand for divine paraphernalia, has contributed to a considerable secret trade of smuggled religious items. Punishments for breaking Rahadoum’s First Law range from a fine for possession of forbidden relics to public humiliation, incarceration, or banishment for public displays of divine advocacy, magic, or worship."

"While members of the Pure Legion have a reputation for being stalwart enforcers of the nation’s laws, they are educated, civil, and disciplined. Far from reckless killers, most members of the Pure Legion consider it their duty to protect Rahadoum’s citizens and view their vigilant adherence to the First Law as the most effective way to keep each resident safe from the strife caused by religious zealotry. Generally, most members of the Pure Legion resort to violence only if left with no other choice."

Suddenly enthusiastic to help the mission he looks at you all more directly.

"What else do you need to know? How can I help you?"

He scratches his head again, thinking. "Let's see, Torvad, the Sacred Cobra... what else is important?"

"A bard may use his own magic to heal safely, as that is not divine. All healing wands are of divine origin."

"Well, isn't that lucky... oh wait, no it's not! I only ever cast healing spells from wands--my own or those of other agents. We best make sure that we take care of each other, as the only healing I'll be able to provide will have to be done in secret."

Just pointing out this other language from the guide. Not sure if it changes that ruling, but it's the only relevant language that might:

For the sake of simplicity, there is no difference between an arcane, divine, or psychic scroll or wand; thus, a bard and cleric can both use the same scroll of cure moderate wounds.

"If the job calls for it, I might be able to sneak some thing on my person and bring it in. Not large items mine you but the smaller objects." Hootie points out.

"He said they would be searching us when we enter their border. I would not count on being able to successfully hide anything. It is best to play by the rules and try to avoid any physical violence. Is anyone here good at talking their way out of a mess? I am not. Yangrit's voice sounds almost as melodious as a large stone being dragged over gravel. Despite this, her enunciation is impeccable and precise.

Sitting in a back corner, Kirrote finally grunts at all of the conversation. As he stands, the chair he was sitting in creaks from relief. Moving up to the group, he glances as the Siege table. "Hmph. I've never understood grown people playing with toys."

A couple long, yellow teeth stick up from his lower jaw like upside down fangs. The half-orc scans the group. "So, no magic and no violence. Not sure what's left." His eyes stop on Yangrit and he points at her. "You! I know you. We did that mission with the lion not long ago." He doesn't wait for the dwarf's response.

"And you little one, your clothes look too tight already. How would you hide something in them?"

"By persuading them to look more closely and miss seeing what is hidden." Hootie grins and winks. Bending just abit to place more emphasis on her bossom.

"Some jobs require distraction and sometimes, direct force doesn't work well." she explains.

Obo chuckles at the group's banter.

"Don't worry Kirrote, I doubt all of your fun has been taken away. As I said, I suspect there is going to be some danger to navigate given that somebody went out of their way to steal this relic from under close watch. Also, we might not be the only ones after it."

Then to Hootie.

"Those methods can definitely be effective! On the other hand, they can also backfire with some when it's blatantly obvious what you're doing. Or, for example, if you haven't correctly picked up on their preferences..."

Again he remembers something.

"Oh, Torvad! You need to know how to find who you're looking for once you arrive in Azir. He wears a pair of wire-rimmed spectacles and an old golden bracelet he found on some archaeological dig or other. Last I heard, he was a guest of Inusi Mendalari, a noblewoman from the Artisan’s Souk in Azir, with a habit of ‘collecting’ artists and other intellectuals she thinks might benefit from her patronage. You could also look for anyone with his fingers jammed inside an ancient magical cookie jar. That’s probably Torvad."

Feel free to ask more questions if you have them! If not, I will casually move us to the caravan, but not expect much progression over this weekend with PaizoCon going on.

Ahmandé simply nods his head; he looks ready to find their caravan and begin their travel.

"Well, something you said didn't make sense." Kirrote scratches the back of his head. "I mean, you said that the auction was in seven days and so instead of going the fast route, you want us to go by caravan. Won't that mean we don't get there in time?"

"You! I know you. We did that mission with the lion not long ago."

Begrudgingly, Yangrit grumbles: "Yes. And we investigated the Tri-Towers before that (Black Waters)." Half-orc he may be, but he is a decent enough sort. For a half-orc.

"Won't that mean we don't get there in time?"

Ah, that is a good question. Of course. She is irritated that a half-orc thought of something so obvious that hadn't even occurred to her, a dwarf! Still...better that every member of the team be useful...

"Ah, yes. How much time will we have to meet with Torvad before the auction, assuming we avoid any unforeseen setbacks along the way?"

Obo bobs his head in a conceding gesture, understanding their desire to take a faster ship route.

"Well, as I said, the fast route is currently Plagued by a Pirate Problem. The risk is quite high that way, and we'd likely just be sending the next group of agents along after your demise, except another day or two behind. If we just take the safe bet, you can get there in six days. You'll have the afternoon after you arrive to locate Torvad and obtain the location of the auction. It's a short time, but I have faith in you!"

"So we're likely to be spending most of the time on the road before we do this job?" Hootie points out.

"Rush job don't always yield the best results." she cautions.

"However with this team with no unforeseen misfortune, we should be able to repay that trust you have in us."

Obo chuckles.

"Hehe, nah, the caravan travel will be over before you know it! It'll pass just like that!"

He snaps his fingers on his left hand to emphasize what he wants you to believe.

"Well, and, when it comes to Pathfinder missions it's my experience that a lot can happen in little time. Hopefully you can proceed to the auction and acquire the shard smoothly, but if it's the real deal, somebody stole it for a reason. Why do I get the nagging feeling that it wasn't just to be traded for some gold..."

He seems to get lost in this pondering for a moment. He shakes it off.

"Or who knows, perhaps it is just a fake and somebody is trying to make some quick cash. Either way, the Society must confirm this."

Kirrote repsonds to Yangrit. "Yeah, that ghost thing was pretty messed up. Just kids." He shakes his head at the memory of that time.

"Oh well, this is now." He turns back to Obo, "Hmph. I guess you know what you're doing." He pats down his bag, checks to see that his throwing axes are hanging at his belt while he great axe is in the sheath on his back. "Yep. I'm ready to go."

How can we know if it’s a fake or the real deal?

Asks Gratius.

A heavy armored dwarf walks in.
"Sorry a'm late. Ah took a wrong turn 'n' ended up at a doon by th' docks."
"What is this that ah hear aboot no gods ur aloud? sae if yer nae aloud tae have a holy symbols, whit dae ah dae wi' mah birth marc? "

"Lope it off I guess." Hootie responds in jest to their latest newcomer.

"Or cover it up." she adds

Yangrit rises to firmly shake Aldran's hand. "Aldran, good to see you again. Yes, we will be searched upon entry and all divine spells and items, including potions and wands, are illegal. Now, if no one has any more questions, we had best get going. I need to pick up some more rations before we head out."

Yangrit will purchase 3 bread (6cp total) and 3 cheese (6sp total).

How can we know if it’s a fake or the real deal?

Asks Gratius.

Obo concedes, "You likely won't be able to tell, but I've got experts on hand to authenticate it once you bring it back. If it is a fake, don't worry, it's not as if we'd hold you at fault. Remember, the point of this mission is just to get it, just in case."

A heavy armored dwarf walks in.

"Sorry a'm late. Ah took a wrong turn 'n' ended up at a doon by th' docks."
"What is this that ah hear aboot no gods ur aloud? sae if yer nae aloud tae have a holy symbols, whit dae ah dae wi' mah birth marc? "

"Lope it off I guess." Hootie responds in jest to their latest newcomer.

"Or cover it up." she adds

Obo chuckles at the suggestion. "Well, probably nothing so extreme as a 'lop'. However, where is it? Do you think you can keep it covered up for a week?"

Yes, you're pretty much ready to head out. I did want to pace us and not get started too quickly this weekend, as not everybody is available during the US/UK holiday weekend, or PaizoCon :)

"Ah gess if I keep me arms covered that will keep me birth mac hidden away."
"What de thay do for healing if thay don't hav churches? Who takes care of thee sick?"

Birth mark is on the right forearm, and is the birth mark trait, so I do not carry a holy symbol

"Ah gess if I keep me arms covered that will keep me birth mac hidden away."

"What de thay do for healing if thay don't hav churches? Who takes care of thee sick?"

He nods at the indication of an easily hidden birthmark.

"Bards, alchemists, I suppose the rare witch. They have a bad history with religious struggle. Left quite a scar on their cultural memory."

I'll move us forward tomorrow, coming out of the holiday weekend and PaizoCon. We'll keep a more steady pace from there.

The party heads out with the assigned caravan.

The caravan journey will take just under six days, the camels traveling roughly forty miles per day. Traveling this way provides protections against many of the dangers of the desert.

However, after only two days you’re overcome by a violent, electrical dust storm, leaving the caravan to circle and wait it out. Soon the caravan is fully stopped, sheltering in place and waiting out the storm.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Here! Someone with difficulty to breath! I think they need help.

Says Gratius through the storm.

Nice rolls there Gratius.
Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
heal if passed 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

"I hear someone having some trouble but I can't tell that well if they need to breathe or not!" Hootie points out.

"We should go help."

Perception DC 15: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Ahmande wraps a thin scarf across his mouth and nose, then nods after Hootie. "I can't hear anything for the wind, but yes, let's help, carefully though! This is a crazy storm; let's not get caught up in the same trouble we're trying to help someone from!"

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Yangrit was all hunkered down, lost in her own thoughts, with a strip of fabric tied over her nose and mouth when she heard Gratius's call for help. "What? Where? Oh! Let us see..."

Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

"Yes, you are right." She kneels beside the person and gently (for her) informs them: "I am going to put this fabric over your nose and mouth to keep out the dust. It will help you breathe better. You will be well. Remain calm." If the person does not stop her, she ties another strip of cloth over the person's nose and mouth.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
"Whit kind o' blasted animal is tae dumb tae be oot 'ere? We better check oan it afore it panics 'n' tears thro' this camp."

Aldran starts to fallow the others out after wrapping up his face, when he hears Gratius calls for help. Aldran takes off running to Gratius.
Heal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"This dust mak's it impossable tae see. Lets shift him intae th' tent sae we kin tend tae him.

Aldran will help get the man back into the tent

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Kirrote bats his hand in the air trying to push away the swirling sand. "So this is better than riding on a ship? I can hit pirates, I can't hit this sand." He grumbles loudly and entirely misses the sounds that most of the others hear. "What? Someone is out there? Ok. I guess we should help them."

He steels himself against the storm and moves with the group to find the source of the voice.

"Yes, you are right." She kneels beside the person and gently (for her) informs them: "I am going to put this fabric over your nose and mouth to keep out the dust. It will help you breathe better. You will be well. Remain calm." If the person does not stop her, she ties another strip of cloth over the person's nose and mouth.

Clarity: the initial checks simply give you a direction to search. You do not yet see this person.

Sounds like we have consensus to go help the person you detected.

For this part, you must perform a series of tasks, each of which requires you to attempt various checks described within that task, locating the source of the sounds and determining what to do once you arrive there. These checks occur in phases, much like combat rounds, and each of you can attempt one check during each phase. Each successful check contributes one success to that task, and once the PCs have earned enough successes, they overcome that task and move to the next one at the end of the phase. The quicker you achieve successes, the better.

You can aid another PC instead of attempting your own check. In general, you can use a spell or ability that takes 1 round or less to cast or activate in addition to attempting a check, in a given round; if such an ability would make it considerably easier to complete the task, you can grant one creature a bonus on its next check equal to twice the spell’s level (or equal to your character level for an ability). Especially optimal abilities, like seeing through sandstorms unimpeded, might be particularly beneficial on that next check.

Make sense? (it's okay to say no ;), but if so ask questions). I reserve the right to provide extra bonuses for good to really good RP :)

Task 1 Due to the storm you can only see a few feet away. It’s very difficult to tell where the sound are coming from.

Make successful knowledge (geography), knowledge (nature), perception, or survival checks to locate the sounds.

Phase 1, everybody is up!

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

While more used to the sights and sounds of a city, Hootie is not a stranger to the rougher wilds outside of it. However the sands swirling around her and her party may make things much more difficult.

She hoped her party members could do better then her.

"Call out and stay near each other, rope might be best."

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 +2 vs human

I agree! says Gratius who put out his rope.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Once the sound has been pointed out to him, Kirrote is able to hear the voices calling from the storm. The rushing wind and swirling sand make it near impossible to tell where it is coming from. At first Kirrote thinks it is coming from the north east. He takes a couple steps in that direction but then the wind shifts and the sound is coming from the northwest. He throws his head back and roars in frustration.

Through the flying sand he sees Gratius pull a rope from his bag. He glares at the man. How is a rope going to help find the source of the voice?

She kneels beside the person and gently (for her) informs them: "I am going to put this fabric over your nose and mouth to keep out the dust. It will help you breathe better. You will be well. Remain calm." If the person does not stop her, she ties another strip of cloth over the person's nose and mouth.

There is a moment of confusion, as the person Yangrit is trying to help attempts to communicate that they are quite fine, thank you very much. Chagrined, she apologizes and stands to better hear where the sound of labored breathing is really coming from.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Remember the option of Aiding each other. That +2 to someone else's roll sure could be useful sometimes. :)

Fighting her way over to Gratius, she grips a section of the rope and nudges his arm to get his attention. "I think it's that way!" She points and begins striding in that direction with the rope in one hand. "Kirrote! Quit bellowing and grab onto the rope so you do not get lost in the storm! Goodness. Orcs." The last words are muttered only to herself.

"The rope is to keep us together; great idea! Everybody grab on!" Ahmandé grabs onto the rope and tries to help figure out the location of the cries. "Now shush! We need to hear them, not each other..."

Perception, aid another: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

While the group argues about the use of the rope, they all quickly identify the direction in the dense sandstorm that the distress cries are coming from.

5 successes! Phase 1 passed!

Just yards away from the source, the storm gets particularly violent. Hootie's hair starts to stand on end, making her head into a globe! Yangrit's eyebrows stand up on end, so that it looks like her eyes have visors. Then, you start to see it. Little sparks of light-blue light here and there. Then, a sudden ZAP as a larger spark erupts at your nose, causing you to jump! The whole party is experiencing charges and sparks, all around you in an unpredictable pattern. The sensation ranges from a slight itch to a sharp searing pain. Sometimes, when it strikes near your face you seem to lose vision for a few moments.

Task 2 This type of dust storm builds up stunning static charges, blinds travelers, and can even bowl over creatures.

Make successful acrobatics, or combat maneuver checks; or fortitude saves to withstand the shocks.

Phase 2, everybody is up!

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

With some fancy footwork, Yangrit practically dances around to avoid the electrical charges, switching hands on the rope a couple of times as she hops from one foot to another. She uses her free hand to attempt to brush down her visor-like eyebrows. Unfortunately, all her shifting around only generates even more static electricity. "Whoa! Be careful how you duck and weave! It could make all of this worse. Do not let go of the rope!" Her voice is muffled by the cloth mask.

Acrobatics 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Stunned by the manner of her hair, the normally agile Hootie stumbles as her bangs disrupt her vision further as she frantically pats her hair down........

Fortitude: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Ahmandé tries to keep his focus and hold it together, but finds that he's overwhelmed by the electrical fury of the storm!