[PbP Gameday VIII] GM Irish202 #10-23: Passing the Torch: Who Speaks for the Ten (Inactive)

Game Master Irish202

Perception: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (7) + 32 = 39

Thank you

Perception : 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (5) + 28 = 33

SM : 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

Hugo does not really have success piercing the mist.

He bows to the former acquaintance from his past experience with the Ten.

”This entire situation has unfolded and unraveled most unfortunately. The divided attention most certainly makes it difficult to focus and finish. But what else transpires in this misty room?“

Detect Magic + Knowledge (arcana) DC21: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22
Perception DC35: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (15) + 24 = 39
Perception DC45: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (15) + 24 = 39
Sense Motive DC35: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (4) + 34 = 38
Knowledge (arcana) DC20: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23

"The figure before us is the result of a project image spell," Jack whispers. "There are clues: no sound from the figure's movement and slight lag times in body language. Probably female, based the voice inflection tones and body structure hidden beneath the concealing robes."

"I don't think this person is lying or telling half-truths," the bard adds under his breath.

I recognize her! It's Shemis. We saved her a few years back during an assassination attempt.

"Bottom of the stairs, look for a flagstone marked with the Glyph of the Open Road. Two short taps and three long knocks," Jack nods. "Can't wait to see how the Decemvirate expresses its appreciation." He gives Shemis a jaunty wink.

Let's hope whatever we find indeed proves helpful with this evening's trials. Don't hold your breath, Jack ol' boy.

"This obscuring mist-like effect. Can you dispel it? It might make our job a little easier," the bard smiles, hopefully.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (7) + 34 = 41

"Oh." The aasimar pauses. "Any sign of Zurnzal? Half-orc assassin. Colleague of Torch."

"Shemis! How I missed you! I was hoping to at least see you again in this life! For all those years, i was wondering how were you doing! " Says Gaétan as life returns to him.

"Shemis! How I missed you! I was hoping to at least see you again in this life! For all those years, i was wondering how were you doing! " Says Gaétan as life returns to him.

The Decemvirate visibly winces as her name is uttered aloud. "It is...good...to see you again as well. Please, keep my name just between friends, perhaps?" She looks off in a random direction in the distance, as if peering at something in front of her actual location. "Currently doing well, as long as my protections on my chamber continue holding."

But what else transpires in this misty room?

"The large concentration of magical artifacts in the Repository make it difficult for my scrying sensors to penetrate. I was lucky enough to catch view of you all before you descending too far into the building."

This obscuring mist-like effect. Can you dispel it? It might make our job a little easier," the bard smiles, hopefully.

"I could expend my considerable resources to directly oppose the incredibly intense magical energies of an unknown number of potent magical artifacts, just to disperse some mist," The Decemvirate posits briefly. "Or..." She turns and appears to be pushing a button of some kind out of sight of the image. Shortly afterwards, several very loud thud noises can be heard in the distance in the trees beyond the Repository. "...I could continue activating the Lodge's defenses against Vahlo's undead allies that are continually trying to sneak up on you. I feel this is a more effective use of my time."

"Oh." The aasimar pauses. "Any sign of Zurnzal? Half-orc assassin. Colleague of Torch."

The Decemvirate pauses briefly, as if inspecting something. "Zurnzal? Colleague is a generous term, for Torch. Lackey or tool, perhaps. I don't-" The image wavers sharply as lines of static shoot through the illusion before the group. The Decemvirate looks behind herself quickly. "-really trying to break through-" Her words cut in and out for a moment, and then the image vanishes completely from view afterwards.

Perception: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (8) + 32 = 40

Do you hear that? Sounds like glass, and oddly regular. Into the mist we go, I suppose.

"You're right, Marcus. Lead the way, my friend," Jack says, ready to head into the mist, keeping to the middle of the team's formation. "Can you tell which direction the sound is coming from?"

The aasimar considers the mist obscuring the Repository. "I'm unfamiliar with the interior layout of the building. If we're unsure where the sound of the breaking glass is coming from, shall we adopt some sort of systematic reconnaissance? Clockwise, then working our way to the center, perhaps? Other ideas?"

Never been here either. Just follow me and step where I step. I'll keep an eye out for any traps.

Marcus leads the group into the mist, honing in on the sound of clinking glass.

Gerdur follows, his earthbreaker held up and ready to smash.

Hugo does not like the sound of the glass breaking.

”I surmise we are walking into an ambush based on the comments. “

He casts invisibility purge and follows the others.

Post incoming after work this evening. If everyone could roll initiative for me in the interim, that would help me out a lot!

Initiative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Jack tenses, ready for action.

Perception: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (17) + 35 = 52

“Indeed I did hear that someone or someones have a drinking issue or found the fine china rack.”

Using Heightened Awareness and Falling I’m behind Gerdur
Initiative : 1d20 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 4 = 31

Initiative: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

Marcus's whip uncoils in his hand.

Initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

init: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27

As the group begins to advance into the Repository chamber, the tinkling sounds of glass abruptly stop; leaving the Pathfinders alone in the dead silence all around them.

Initiative Order:

Surprise Round: Charleston + Marcus + Something

Round 1:

Charleston
Geatan
Jack
Marcus
Hugo
Gerdur
Enemy #1
Enemy #2

Was Hugo able to cast the invis purge before init or was init triggered first? Will mark off depending on result.

Sounds like it's coming from over there.

Marcus indicates the north east corner before slinking behind a nearby pillar to try and catch the others by surprise.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Was Hugo able to cast the invis purge before init or was init triggered first? Will mark off depending on result.

Hugo, you were able to cast the invisibility purge. So far, it hasn't revealed anything in particular yet.

“Let is be quick in our attack and reactions.”

Using the surprise round to cast haste on the party getting everyone expect for Marcus.

"Quick-thinking, Charleston!" Jack smiles. "I like it!"

The group hears more the sound of more glass vials tinkling in the distance, now sounding more directional to the southwest of Jack's current position. The sound of all footsteps cease, the movement of the individuals that Charleston and Marcus were able to hear earlier vanishing from their perception.

Round 1:

Charleston
Geatan
Jack
Marcus
Hugo
Gerdur
Enemy #1
Enemy #2

Flying East into the room using overland flight to fly 10 foot south of Jack above the runes on the map. If the room is high enough to fly 10’ up for a better vantage point otherwise will just hover off the ground. Keeping watch for someone to come through the fog.

When Jack hears the sound of more glass vials tinkling somewhere southwest of his position, he casts a spell and calls out, "Zurnzal, reveal yourself! We would parlay with you."

Mirror Images: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

"Hmmmph. Not liking this smoke." Gerdur mutters.

He strides forward into the room, earthbreaker ready. He casts cloak of winds on himself! (DC 15)

Correction to my post above. The sounds should be been southeast (down and to stage right), not southwest.

(I should be able to see the fog with my mask.)

Hugo strides forward into the room, trying to locate the source of the prior sounds

”Any signs of them?“

invis purge fills most of the map. Does the fog block both line of sight and effect?

Moving toward the sound of the tinkling glass, Jack steps behind Gerdur. "I'll stay close, brother."

Safest place to be.

Marcus moves towards the last sounds of glass.

If the room is high enough to fly 10’ up for a better vantage point otherwise will just hover off the ground. Keeping watch for someone to come through the fog.

The fog is floor to ceiling, being 80 feet high.

I should be able to see the fog with my mask.)

If the mask you are referring to is this, its 'fog-cutting' function only works while you are physically inside the area of concealment. At your current vantage point, the fog is still blocking your vision.

invis purge fills most of the map. Does the fog block both line of sight and effect

The fog blocks line of sight as far as you can tell. If the purge removed invisibility from someone, they are still concealed by the fog.

"Zurnzal, reveal yourself! We would parlay with you."

Jack's call-out is met with silence and the echoing sounds of the group's movement in the room

Round 1:

Charleston
Geatan
Jack
Marcus
Hugo
Gerdur
Enemy #1
Enemy #2

No, i was saying this item.

The new tokens on the map are only visible to Geatan and Marcus at the moment. Those two, please see your respective spoilers.

Round 1:

Charleston
Geatan
Jack
Marcus (Can amend action if needed)
Hugo
Gerdur
Enemy #1
Enemy #2

Marcus pauses at the edge of the fog.

Hello fellows, are you sure you wouldn't like to parley with my friend back there?

He calls out more loudly than necessary, deliberately giving away his position.

Unsure if they will be willing to talk Marcus keeps his whip ready.

ready an attack if they take hostile actions.

first attack: 1d20 + 32 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 32 - 4 = 33
non lethal blunt dommage: 1d8 + 31 + 1d8 + 31 ⇒ (6) + 31 + (5) + 31 = 73
second attack: 1d20 + 32 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 32 - 4 = 40
non lethal blunt dommage: 1d8 + 31 ⇒ (6) + 31 = 37

Third attack: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (14) + 25 = 39
dommage: 1d8 + 31 ⇒ (4) + 31 = 35

Fourth attack: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 20 = 21
dommage: 1d8 + 31 ⇒ (4) + 31 = 35

Gaétan does a volley on the the half-orc.

I don't want to parley with intruders, but i will not kill them for this.

"Oh, dear." Jack sighs, when his unsuccessful attempt to call out Zurnzal and avoid a confrontation is overcome by events, namely by a barrage of the archer's blunt arrows.

Once more unto the breach...

Gaétan does a volley on the the half-orc.

Geatan's volley shoots off into the mist, the group hearing the sound of rock shattering, followed by several sharp rock cracking noises. Half-orc growls and a rumbling snarl echo out from the fog. Shortly after, a half-orc clad in black leathers dives out of a hidden spot in the mist through the air, delivering a devastating snap kick to Hugo's head!

Hugo will take 32 points of magic bludgeoning damage. I will need him to make a DC 45 Perception check as well.

Zurnzal image

Perception : 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (1) + 28 = 29 nope

136/180 hp , counting tattoo . Assuming deathless armor no help here.

Hugo gasps as he is struck from behind..:

Fort, tattoo : 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 18 + 2 = 26
Fort, tattoo : 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 18 + 2 = 31

Thanks for everyone's patience with my vacation.

I missed the fact that he has Disarming Strike. If Hugo had a weapon in his hand, it is now on the ground next to him.

The half-orc flips in the air after his strike, landing effortlessly and silently on his feet in a defensive stance with his fists raised. "That was a warning of what might come next; I could have killed your friend here if I wanted to," he growls at the group as the half-orc clenches his fists. "I know why you are here. Put down your weapons, then we talk." The half-orc's eyes dart towards Geatan. "And no more insane arrow nonsense from your archer over there. Another arrow in the air, and..." he cracks his knuckles meaningfully.

Round 2:

Charleston
Geatan
Jack
Marcus (Can amend action if needed)
Hugo (-44, potentially disarmed)
Gerdur
Half-orc and Troll (Delayed and/or Readied, half-orc -62)
Zurnzal

Marcus stays his hand.

That's an awfully strong introduction for someone who wants to talk.

"All right, then. Let's chat, Zurnzal." Jack lowers his rapier.

"We know Vahlo's the real threat, the traitor within the Decemvirate. Why don't we join forces and put an end to his scheming?" the bard suggests.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (6) + 34 = 40

Hugo stands still , head still ringing.

Had not yet drawn weapon since he was casting and didn’t see foe yet.

”So are you proposing an alliance or offering us your terms of surrender? An alliance would be more mutually beneficial.“

He auto aids diplomacy unless we are still in rounds in which case he readies to step and cast

Gerdur shoulders his hammer. "Talk then."

"You are the first one in my entire carrer who said this. I am impressed. Ok"

Gaétan stand down.

**Temporarily suspending initiative order**

That's an awfully strong introduction for someone who wants to talk.

"Merely a display of strength," the half-orc replies offhandedly. "And a sign that I am not a peon to be trifled with."

"All right, then. Let's chat, Zurnzal." Jack lowers his rapier.

Zurnzal's posture relaxes, accompanied by the sounds of someone cracking their neck slightly from the mists of to the southeast with slight cursing noises.

"You are the first one in my entire carrer who said this."

"Probably because you perforated them before any words were spoken," the half-orc snorts.

"We know Vahlo's the real threat, the traitor within the Decemvirate. Why don't we join forces and put an end to his scheming?" the bard suggests.

"That is way above my pay grade at the moment," Zurnzal replies. "I can offer you information that might help you achieve that result, however. I know exactly where Vahlo and Torch are at this very second," the half-orc says cannily. "Let me and my men walk out of the Grand Lodge from the main entrance, and that information is yours."

”So are you proposing an alliance or offering us your terms of surrender? An alliance would be more mutually beneficial.“

"An assassin never surrenders," Zurnzal says coldly. "I am merely seeking a mutually beneficial arrangement. Take it, or leave it."

Sorry, this guy is a complete and utter jerk based on how the scenario is written.

Perception: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (14) + 32 = 46

And you'll leave behind anything that may have fallen into your pockets?

"Heh, surrender and arrangement sound an awful lot alike. I say let 'em go. Let's get to Vahlo." Gerdur laughs and shrugs.

“Though I would say that was a solid kick. I agree we can end this, but I agree with Marcus you will leave behind anything you didn’t enter the lodge with.”
Looking around the room taking out some paper.
“So for this information how many gate passes do I need to write?”
Using perception and sense motive to watch as they leave to make sure they don’t take anything extra.
Perception: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (8) + 35 = 43
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (14) + 29 = 43

"I have to agree with my colleagues. We're happy to let you go, but you'll need to turn over what you've taken before we let you leave." Jack tries to be convincing.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (1) + 34 = 35