GM Otha's Daughter's Due (Inactive)

Game Master Otha

Idina (aka Ursahla), I'll count Zaarah's bluff check as an Aid to your check, so go ahead and read the spoiler...

Faerin once more finds herself lacking.

Being a stonelord was one thing but in this she was indeed like stone. Hard and useless..

She frowns...

"Zaarah and I got one of the staff to spill it. Looks like they tried to frame us for the disappearance during a recent attack on the exhibit."

Zaarah gasps! "This is truly outrageous! This whole museum seems to be ... ehh ... insane?!?"

One of the staff members, pleads with you. "Ma'am, we meant no ill intent and we did this behind Nigel's back; he did not know. That painting was too eerie; none of us wanted to see it return. Since it was already gone, we just made it look like it was destroyed in another Pathfinder accident."

With the staff's confession, you know you have enough to dispute Nigel's finding on the painting as well...

With your investigation complete, you return to Hamaria Blakros to report the results of your investigation. Nigel Aldain stands just to the side and behind her, appearing a bit anxious...

Lady Blakros rises upon your approach, eying each of you in turn. "Well, let's not beat around the bush. What did you find out?"

No more checks are needed here; just present your arguments for why each item is missing as opposed to being destroyed per Nigel's findings...

Zaarah steps forward.

She looks at Nigel pitifully.

”Well, even for us it was hard to get everything right but to be honest we did not need much time. You need to improve the diligence in this museum! So the Pathfinder you believe stole the blade is dead and your story doesn’t make sense. One of the wax golems escaped to a secret vault. The Pathfinder that vanished with the headdress actually teleported away and did not disintegrate. And your own staff sabotaged the acid / painting incident!“ she says and provides all the evidence fhey found.

While Nigel blushes, Hamaria nods in consternation as she looks at the curator and her son-in-law. "As I suspected, something is amiss...Nigel, I expect you to work steadily with Zalta to improve the flaws in our security."

Turning back to you, Lady Blakros speaks in a voice of authority. "Very impressive work. Now though, I have a request to make of you. I would like you to travel to Shadow Absalom and do what you can to track down these missing items. I believe they have fallen into the hands of the Onyx Alliance; I have long harbored suspicions about their interference for a while now, ever since our family ended the Penumbral Accords...

"Will you agree to this? If so, I will give you time to gather and ready yourselves; I will also gift you an item to keep you well nourished while you are there. If we are in agreement, I would prefer to send you there ASAP, within the hour at the latest...what do you say?"

"I am in agreement. When do we meet and how would we be heading over?" Faerin asks.

"I'm in", Taurus grunts at the question of taking the fight to the Onyx Alliance.

"Do you have reason to believe they'll be expecting us? I hope they put up a good fight."

Zaarah is a little insecure.

"My sister Setare was in the plane of shadow once and she had a very unpleasant experience. Additionally, Mesh's essence is infused with the soul of a deceased Wayang ... and I really fear that he gains control over me in the shadow plane ... so ... ehh ... lady Blakros, what do you expect us to do in ... eh ... Shadow Absolom?!"

Hamaria gives a rare and heartfelt smile. "Excellent! You can depart now if you like...follow me..."

Talking as you follow her, she tries to answer some of your questions. "I have no reason to believe that they know you'll be coming...each of these items they stole at different times and this is the first time we've went after them. Zaarah, I have no knowledge of this wayang of which you speak...I expect you only to track down and return the items we are missing. Once you have recovered them, returning is a relatively easy process: you must simply enter the light at the heart of the city, known as the Glare, and you’ll instantly return to the location you left from. The Glare is marked on your map."

She stops upon reaching her destination, the sealed vault you'd already explored. Stopping just short of it, she looks back to you, saying, "Returning to the scene of the crime, as they say..."

Lady Blakros nods to one of her attendants, and they leave, only to return shortly with a small cauldron. "This is a cauldron of plenty and will provide food and water on command, as needed. Also, you might find this handy," as she hands you a map.

Shadow Absalom Map - Slide 4

"Now if you will, please proceed into the vault, we will send you on your way. Good luck!"

Once you've gathered in the vault, Hamaria wastes no time in revealing the shadow obelisk and activating it...

Without a word, Hamaria Blakros and the Blakros Museum disappear in a gale of muted black wind. Like a hurricane’s eye, black, blue, and violet motes turn at impossible speeds before suddenly slowing. As the storm gale fades, the area beyond the pastel winds comes into focus. Buildings made of light gray stone and streets of pure obsidian materialize around you. The sky above is a gloomy collage of grays and blacks, and a pervasive dim light blankets the area. This light has no discernible source, though stronger light sources dangle from braziers attached to the sides of simple stone structures and soaring jagged towers alike.

Once you get your bearings, you check out the map, you notice the name of an inn; you recognize it as the same one mentioned in the Decemvirate's letter...it's where Drendle Dreng is staying...

Ridley will spend an hour before departing brewing up another cognatogen.

Anyone got any idea where to start? Checking out the inn seems like as good a place as any...

Zaarah is still not really comfortable in the shadow plane.

She looks at the black magical Scimitar suspiciously on her hip more frequently now.

"Yes, let us go to VC Dreng ... "

From looking over your map and noting your position to the strong light source, which you assume to be the 'Glare' mentioned by Lady Blakros, you estimate that you are in the district marked as Near Glare. The Glaresight Inn appears to be to the northeast...

Using the rule of two, it's off to the inn...

As you walk through Shadow Absalom, making your way to the inn, you hear various rumblings and mumblings among the locals you pass by, and might pick up a rumor...

You finally reach the inn; upon entering, you see a male half-Elf dressed in simple clothing, except for a fancy ruby earring he wears on his left ear.

He looks up at you as you come further into the inn. "Greetings travelers, welcome to the Glaresight Inn. I am the proprietor, Antos Raul. How may I help you?"

Kn Local: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31

We should keep an eye out for the Wax Golem - he has apparently been wandering around here claiming to be a king.

At the bar,

We're hoping to talk to Drendle Dreng - we hear he has been frequenting this establishment recently?

Upon Ridley's query to the proprietor, Antos Raul's eyes narrow. "Who are you to ask of Drendle Dreng?"

Sense Motive 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Faerin steps up as she knows of the Venture captain. Quite well as she's being on several missions for him.

Digging out her wayfinder, she shows it to him.
"We happen to be close acquaintances." she remarks.

Sense Motive : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Upon seeing the Wayfinder presented by Faerin, the proprietor instantly relaxes, giving a genuine smile. "Ah! You are Pathfinders! Very good; Captain Dreng told me to be on the lookout for you...but here in Shadow Absalom, you can never be too careful..."

He pauses a moment before continuing. "Alas though, Dreng is not here at the moment; he told me if you should could come while he's out, that I should tell you the stakeout location he's hanging at today. There's a small open area amid an otherwise crowded district due south of here, known as the Quiets. Dreng will be in disguise though; however, you can recognize him by the fingers of his right glove as they are coated in alchemical silver...

"That is all the information I was told to pass on..."

Shadow Absalom Map - Slide 4

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Confident that the proprietor is looking out for Dreng. She nods to her companions.

Antos Raul looks at you expectantly. "Do you require a room? Or will you be joining Drendle Dreng directly? It was my understanding that he had some important information to pass on..."

Dont know if we will be here long enough for a room, so I think we will head to meet friend. If we do need a rooms, rest assured we will certainly return here.

To find Dreng we go!

Faerin shakes her head at yet finding out Drendle Dreng was out on another mission.
How typical of the man.

"Rest assured that we shall meet up with him and should we need rooms, we'll be back to have them."

The buildings in the section of Shadow Absalom know as the Quiets are densely packed; making your way through the narrow streets feels similar to navigating a maze. Most of the buildings in this area appear to be unoccupied, with their residents out performing their daily routines. Due to the nature of the Shadow Plane, the light here is dim.

While you know Venture-Captain Dreng was reported to be in this area, you have no idea exactly where...

The Quiets - Slide 5

"Best stick together", Taurus warns as the party enters the tight confines. "It'd be easy to get lost here."

I guess we'll start by exploring south.

Taurus leads the way south. There's very little activity among the buildings...most of those in this section look to be dwellings, and poor ones at that. While an occasional resident appears to empty out a chamber pot or hang up wet clothes, most appear to have left for the morning, either at work, the market...or up to no good. The narrow alleyways lead either further east or towards the center of the Quiets...

The Quiets - Slide 5

Faerin slowly walks with her companions, taking in the sights of the town.

It was strange but nothing seems to stand out to her.

Faerin senses the strangeness of this shadow city. Although the city mirrors Absalom in many places, its dimensions bear odd quirks that challenge anyone using Absalom’s layout as a guide.

The Quiets - Slide 5

I'm going to assume everyone is following to some degree.

After following the alley to its dead end, Taurus moves further east.

Ridley will follow along with the party - weekends are a little harder for me to post regularly so dont let lack of response from Ridley hold things up.

If Ursahla sees anyone around, she will inquire if they had seen a man with silver fingers on his right hand recently.

Diplomacy (gather info): 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 2 = 33

Ursahla makes a query to a woman she sees hanging up washed clothes; the lady is responds pleasantly, "No, ma'am, but I've only been out of the house for a few minutes. You might try asking at the square, northeast of here...there may, or may not, be someone there at this time..."

As Taurus continues east with his companions in tow, he sees a narrow alley heading north with a short flight of stairs leading to some sort of courtyard. Not far beyond the stairs, he can make out an older man; however, as he's on lower ground, he can only see the man from shoulders the up and cannot see if the man has the silver glove on his right hand from this angle...

The Quiets - Slide 5

Ridley will urge the party on, hopeful that they have found Dreng.

Lets continue north

North it is then.

The party continues northward. As Taurus nears the top of the steps, he comes up behind the man. Hearing your approach, he turns in your direction...while the man does not look like Dreng, you perceive that he's disguised as fetchling...a fetchling with a silver-sheened glove on his right hand...

The Quiets - Slide 5

Taurus hesitates at the sight of the fetchling until one of his companions explains the disguise.

”Greetings stranger. Would you mind showing myself and my friends around the Quiets?”

Edit: Thanks Ridley.

Ridley leans over to Taurus, Psst, pretty sure that's Dreng in disguis...

Ridley will subtly flash his wayfinder to Dreng and say,

Yes! Good Sir! Perhaps we could go somewhere to talk!

Ursahla inconspicuously taps her wayfinder hoping Dreng will get the message while other observers might not notice.

Bluff: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

The man's eyes widen...just as the gives the Pathfinder hand signal to retreat, four others appear from different avenues of entry in the square.

They all draw weapons as one accuses, "Kalaster! What is this? You were supposed to be alone...treachery!"

The man you suppose is Dreng, exclaims, "I know not these strange interlopers; they came up to me from behind to rob me, no doubt," as he turns and disappears into a nearby building...

The one who spoke earlier looks at you and says, "You shall pay for your intrusion...it's obvious you came for the sword and you shall not have it...the Onyx Alliance knows how to deal with the likes of you..."

COMBAT! Round 1 - The bold may post!

Ridley
Zaarah
Ursahla
Faerin
Onyx Alliance Veterans
Taurus

The Quiets Map - Slide 5

In her hands, Ursahla's quill turns once again into a rapier.

"Who shall be the first to teach their fellows the lesson of messing with the likes of us. It shall be you."

She points her weapon at the man in red.

Freebooter's Bane. PCs have +2 to attack and damage vs red.

Zaarah moves forward to attack the red thug.

Swift action: Spend one point of Arcane Pool to turn her Black Blade Scimitar +2 into a keen +3 weapon for 10 rounds.

Keen Scimitar Black Blade +3 attack roll, spell combat, bane +2 : 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 2 = 21
Scimitar Black Blade +3, Dex mod +6, Damage roll, bane +2 : 1d6 + 2 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 9 = 14

* *

As Ursahla grants her companions a boost, Zaarah moves straight at the red Onyx dude. Her keen black blade strikes the flat-footed foe a glancing blow off his left shoulder...

COMBAT! Round 1 - The bold may post!

Ridley
Zaarah
Ursahla
Faerin
Onyx Alliance Veterans (red -14)
Taurus

The Quiets Map - Slide 5

Ridley advances and lobs a grease bomb at red.

Range Touch Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 + 1 = 21
Damage: 3d6 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2, 5, 5) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 21

The area contained by the orange box is now greased. The two guys currently inside it need a DC 19 Reflex save or fall prone. Green takes splash damage - 9 damage, DC 19 Reflex for half.

Hmm my post got eaten?
Moved Icon already.
Total Defence.

Faerin moves up her hands reaching down to release her chosen weapon..
"Not snake men but men who behave like snakes. Have to content yourself with them at this time." she comments as Slitherbane comes into her hand ready for action.

Faerin moves and goes into a defensive posture while Ridley tosses one of of his concoctions at the red dude...

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Both vets are hit and slip to the ground...

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Red fails to stand up but blue is successful and he moves out of the grease area as red goes total defense...

Yellow and black advance, swinging their flails at Ridley and Taurus...

Flail: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Flail: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

...and both flails slam into each Pathfinders' side...

COMBAT! End Round 1 / Begin Round 2 - The bold may post!

Ridley (-14)
Zaarah
Ursahla
Faerin
Onyx Alliance Veterans (red prone -35, blue prone -9)
Taurus (-13)

The Quiets Map - Slide 5

Ursahla glares at black.

"Look at him grovelling on his belly. Perhaps you'd like to be next."

Freebooter's Bane is removed from red. The +2 to attack and damage now applies vs black, but Zaarah is too far away from Ursahla to benefit from it.

She then ducks around the corner as the current way is blocked.

Taurus had DR 4/- during that first round. He should be at 9 damage currently.

Ridley do you mind stepping NE or NW?

Ridley is going to use the withdraw, provoking from Black as he has to move through two threatened squares.

Zaarah starts her spell combat.

Spell combat & spellstrike: Cast touch spell Brand/0-level defensively, free action to deliver touch spell with Scimitar (spellstrike).

Zaarah successfully casts brand defensively and deliver her touch spell with her Scimitar.

* *

Casting Brand defensively, concentration DC 15: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Zaarah attacks with her intelligent Black Blade Scimitar.

Brand, free action to deliver with Keen Scimitar Black Blade +3 attack roll, -2 spell combat : 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 13 - 2 = 19
Scimitar Black Blade +3, Dex mod +6, Damage roll : 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

* * *

Then regular attack with her scimitar during spell combat full attack.

Keen Scimitar Black Blade +3 attack roll, spell combat : 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 13 - 2 = 29
Scimitar Black Blade +3, Dex mod +6, Damage roll : 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Potential crit confirm roll : 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 13 - 2 = 24
Potential crit damage: 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

* *