[CORE] #4-09 The Blakros Matrimony

Game Master Ilmakis

Travail saddles up to the matron of the family, Hamalia, admittedly a bit nervous around a woman of such fame and noble standing,

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 4 = 24

He seems to get his footing, though, as he speaks. "Ah, but sending the Pathfinders an invitation to this delightful gathering was surely a bright move. The Onyx Alliance wouldn't dare ruin a wedding, especially with the extra security."

She gives her a mild, but respectful wink, and flashes the tip of a cold iron arrow.

Hamalia smiles at Travail’s words Yes, you are certainly right Pathfinder. WIth the extra security I’ve hired and your presence here, how could they dare make an appearance!
I thank you for your kind words Pathfinder and I will remember them.

Travail thinks that the Matriach is now in good standing with the Pathfinders.

Reception (Part 2) (1 influence check)
Bold may act
Cloudia
Aurus
Jack
Uldar
Travail

Guests
Nigel (talked 3, no discovery) - You think is in good standing with the Pathfinder Society.
Jeon (talked 2, Discovery +4 to your influence check) - You think is in good standing with the Pathfinder Society.
Rubaani (talked 4, Discovery +4 to your influence check) - You think is in good standing with the Pathfinder Society.
Alexander (talked 2, Discovery +4 to your influence check) Not in a good mood
Hamaria (talked 3, Discovery +4 to your influence check) - You think is in good standing with the Pathfinder Society.
Tancred Desimire (talked 3, Discovery +4 to your influence check) - Not Available -
Other guests N/A

After easing the matriarch's fears, Travail slips away, losing himself in the crowd and preparing for what he suspects will be exactly what Hamaria fears--an attack from the Onyx Alliance.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Know: Hist/Nob: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 4 = 27
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Aurus, over at the bar during the announcements, watches Tancred Desimire's exit through narrowed eyes, but upon receiving the full tankards he'd ordered, the thought leaves his mind. He joins Jack and Bedard, pushing one of the tankards into Bedard's hands and sliding another to Jack. As the speeches haven't been going well with the Andoran, Aurus settles for a simpler tack.

"To fighting on, and moving forward," the half-elf says, putting a firm and friendly hand on Bedard's shoulder, clinking glasses, and taking a huge draught of his tankard.

Aurus simple words seems to get to the Andoren who takes the tankard from the paladin"s hand.
For Liberty and Freedom! says Bedard in the loudest voice possible in direction of Lictor Toulon Vidoc of the Order of the Scourge. Then he drinks in one sip his tankard.
After that, his dour face lessen and he taps Aurus' shoulder before going to see other guests, avoiding the Chelaxian delegation.

As Travail gets out outside unseen from the guest and most of the guards he sees that a dozen of them are patrolling the area and the Pathfinder quickly realizes that it will be virtually impossible to pass them without be see. Except of course if you are invisible or have any magical effect to hide your presence.

Despite the music, the loud discussion and the laughing coming from the tent, the guards seems on the alert. He also hears other guards patrolling further.

As Travail gets outside, Damian Blakros ushers aside the rest of the Pathfinders for a private conversation.
It’s not difficult to see that the newly married man is worried about something. He gets quickly to the point.
Pathfinders, I’ve heard good things about you and I’m in need of your help. I... I... I fear that Michellia has disappeared. I’m sure that’s nothing and she’s likely took off toward the site of her old summer home where she used to play with her sister, but the walk is not that long and she’s away for quite a while now.
I will have already go to get her, but her Mother, Lady Hamalia, is watching my every move, like a hawk, to see what kind of impression I’m making on the guests...
I’d rather not earn her ire so early after the wedding by disappearing from the wedding reception!
Can you help me to check on her? I will give you the direction to her old summer house on the island.

Without consulting her allies she immediately responds. "Well, of course. We would be delighted to help. Where did you say the place was?"

With the quick question of Cloudia, Damian seems relieved.
It’s south of there, quite easy to get. You only have to follow the path...
Damian give you easy to follow instructions to get to the old Blakros summer house Area E on the MAP

"Well, I suppose we should get going. But let's not involve the guests."

Trying not to be noticed, Cloudia slips outside and heads along the path (presumably accompanied by the others).

"Let's go!"

Aurus finishes his flagon and sets it down heavily on the nearest table. "On it," he says.

The Pathfinders gets out of the reception almost unnoticed as the feast is at its peak.
Outside, the sky is clear and the light of the moon is enough to be able to walk without much difficulty and several small pire are placed around the road of the island to guide the guests to their amenities. Dozen of guards patrol the Pavilion Area B perimeters but don’t say a word to you.

You see also more light walking around farther, guards patrolling the island.

Joined by Travail, the group move away, following Damian’s directions.

The path is easy to follow to the former summer house and you starts to see less and less guard patrolling the surroundings. After a good 30 mn walk you get to the place.

The former summer home of the Blakros family on Pariol Island burned down years ago. The summer home’s charred and crumbled outer walls still stand, framing the bare, scorched earth and collapsed tiled roof within. The ruin overlooks the sea from atop a steep granite cliff, but a natural break in the cliff face provides access from the structure to a small, private beach protected from all eyes by small trees .

No light nor people are to see, only the noise of the nearby sea washing on the shore is to be heard.

Cloudia marches up to the front door and gives it a firm knock and calls out.

"Anybody there?"

"I'm not sure knocking is necessary, says Travail, peering through the crumbled outer walls into the scorched interior. "I think we might have better luck at the beach."

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Jack, ever-practical, looks around for tracks...

Survival 'Take 10' = 26.

Aurus shifts from foot to foot, slightly on edge from the silence and emptiness after the hustle and bustle of the party.

"Force of habit, I guess. Shall we search the area?"

Uldar will cast Heroism on Aurus, Jack and Travail.

While Uldar casts Heroism on his comrades, Jack find some tracks!

Tracks left by a humanoid woman dragging what appears to be a body. The tracks lead to the Blakroses’ private beach.

Jack frowns.

"That... does not bode well..."

He starts following the tracks, bow drawn...

Survival: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23.

Have you any light? Or doing something particular ?

The tracks are quite easy to follow.

Aurus begins to un-peace-bond his greatsword as he follows Jack, eyes narrowed and alert.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Don't forget Heroism adds +2 to skillchecks too!

Travail looks to the others to produce a light source, while drawing his bow and keeping to the shadows. (Travail passed the sleight of hand check so his weapons are free.)

Perception: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 = 30
Stealth: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 2 = 27

Cloudia takes on the task of producing light by casting light on her cloak and follows along.

With the light, its quite easy to follow the path to the beach.

Two minutes later, the Pathfinders gets out of the small trees protecting the beach from the island.
Light by the moon, a contingent of Ulfen raiders work to prepare a longboat for departure.
In front a of it stand a big Ulfen in furs. Not far, you see Michellia arranging her hairs.

Clearly, the Ulfen have seen you, or at least your light, but even if their weapon are ready, they are not outright hostiles.

Seeing you, Michellia turns her head to you and says hands open in a sing of peace.
Pathfinders, do not attack! It’s all a misunderstanding. My twin sister Eleanir tries to attack me while I was in the summer house!
Almost unconscious, I was drag here but Olaf here and his men saved me!
I don’t want to cause any more trouble and I was ready to go back to the wedding and ask Olaf to take back my sister out of the island, so nobody have to see her and understand that she had attacked me.

She moves closer to you, waving at the big Ulfen in furs and says Thanks Olaf for saving me, I will go back to the wedding with these gentlemen.

The man grunts, but do nothing to stop her to come to you.

Something smells fishy, thinks Travail to himself. And it's not just Olaf's furs.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 = 8

Travail looks over Michellia to see if she bears any of the wounds she would have if her sister had tried to attack her.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 = 21

"How terrible," he exclaims. "Why on earth would your sister attack you on your wedding day?"

Uldar also thinks this is strange...

sense motive: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 20 = 22

"I don't understand either. Also, why tie her up and send her off in a boat? Is she gagged too?"

Travail don't see any wounds on Michellia but see another woman, unconscious in the longboat, covered by a warm blanket.

Michellia stops moving towards the Pathfinders and says, pain and sorrow on her voice. I... I fear she was jealous I got married and that she wasn't invited to my wedding. She lied to Olaf on false claim that I wasn't happy to marry Damian. But when I woke up I convince Olaf that she was wrong and he listened to me.
Now, he will go back to Garund with her and I will be able to go back to the wedding without further incident and my mother will not know of Eleanir's treachery so she will not punish her.
Turning to Cloudia she adds Unfortunately, she was crazy and Olaf had no choice but to put her into unconsciousness...

The Ulfens still prepare to longboat to depart while the big one Michellia calls Olaf continues to stare at the Pathfinders without a word.

"This is highly irregular. It goes against my better nature to just stand by and watch as someone hauls away an unconscious woman without checking things out. I think we should get the mother involved. She would know the truth of things."

Michellia looks at Cloudia and says My sister is alive, truth! But please, don't involved Mother!
You can check on her if you want!

I assigned the GM credit for the Penumbral accords to Uldar when I ran it for Aurus and Cloudia, so yes 'Uldar' sees through the ruse.

"Oh, jealousy amongst siblings is the worst! There's a reason I left Urgir. I'll tell you the bloodcurdling story!"

Uldar starts performing, filling his allies with courage.

Seeing that the woman's ruse falls appart Olaf turns to his warriors and as he draws his axe says Kill them! I will not let then take back Michellia's and let the world get to his destruction!

Michellia's face turns pale and states No! I've never want blood! STOP!

But the big Ulfen doesn't seem to care!

You can place yourself on the map, into the black form
Round #1 (bold may act)
Jack
Travail
Aurus
Cloudia
Ennemies
Uldar

Cloudia Casts bless from her wand as is her usual opening move.

Travail takes cover in the small trees just inland from the beach move action, an arrow notched and at the quick.

Stealth, Heroism: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 2 = 28

Readied action: If an enemy gets within 30' feet of his range, his sneak attack range, and appears to be hostile, he will fire an arrow.

As he waits in the shadows with his bow drawn, Travail wonders if he's seen Olaf's type before

Know, Local: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 = 9

But clearly can't think of anything.

Aurus moves as swiftly as he's able, drawing his greatsword as he does. "C'mon then, come and get her if you're so keen!" he yells as he pulls astride the bride.

Ready an attack for anyone who comes within sword-hitting range.

Inspire currently adds +2 to hit and damage. Bless doesn't stack with heroism.

@Cloudia & @Jack don’t forget to place your token on the map inside the black form
Round #1 (bold may act)
Jack under Heroism
Travail (Ready) under Heroism
Aurus (Ready) under Heroism
Cloudia (cast bless)
Ennemies
Uldar
Buffs on the party: Bless, Inspire Courage (+2)

Jack frowns.

"We do not wish to resort to violence, but if you start anything, we will finish it."

Taking no action (apart from having his bow out), since he doesn't want to be the first to strike.

Olaf says something in a strange language

While showing the direction of the Pathfinders with his greataxe that seems to have some oil on it.
Then he touches himself and starts to flicker from time to time 20% miss chance, high is good then he moves towards Aurus

Shooting at the Ulfen, Travail see his arrow flight true, but even if Olaf seemed unaware of Travail's position he doesn't seem surprise by hit!
Miss chance>20%: 1d100 ⇒ 85

Two of his men drink potions they had in hand then, flying towards you, draws their axe with clearly murderous intentions.

Michellia continues to try to stop things from escalating into a bloodshed but seems to have no luck in doing so. STOP, STOP IT!

Round #1 (bold may act)
Uldar
Round #2 (bold may act)
Jack under Heroism
Travail (Ready) under Heroism
Aurus (Ready) under Heroism
Cloudia (cast bless)
Ennemies
Uldar
Buffs on the party: Bless, Inspire Courage (+2)

Uldar will move forward while continuing his performance and cast a glitterdust targetting both red and orange.

DC18 willsave or be blinded

Jack shrugs.

"If you insist on suicide..."

He then starts firing at Olaf.

+1 Mighty [+2] Darkwood Composite Longbow: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 25, for 1d8 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 16 damage.
Miss Chance (High=Hit): 1d100 ⇒ 72.
+1 Mighty [+2] Darkwood Composite Longbow: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 33, for 1d8 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 14 damage.
Miss Chance (High=Hit): 1d100 ⇒ 74.
+1 Mighty [+2] Darkwood Composite Longbow: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 29, for 1d8 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 15 damage.
Miss Chance (High=Hit): 1d100 ⇒ 39.
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 28, for 2d8 + 14 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 8) + 14 + 4 + 4 = 31 *ADDITIONAL* damage.

Damn. 76 points of damage! That has to hurt :-P

The two flying Ulfen glitter in the night!

Jack transforms Olaf in a porcupine. But despite the three arrows embedded between his stomach and his shoulder he is still standing!

Round #2 (bold may act)
Jack under Heroism
Travail under Heroism
Aurus under Heroism
Cloudia
Yellow Sparkling
Orange Sparkling
Olaf -76
Uldar
Buffs on the party: Bless, Inspire Courage (+2)

Jack is impressed by the man's fortitude, if not his sanity!

So Travail didn't cause any damage?

"Alright, I'll come to you," growls Aurus. He steps forward and lets his greatsword drop with a "thump" to the sand, and his fingers suddenly lengthen and thicken into long, glittering golden claws. He lashes out with an animal fierceness, claws clenched.

Attacking nonlethal, no penalties because natural weapons :)

Claw 1, Power Attack, Heroism, Inspire: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 18
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 + 2 + 2 = 14

Claw 2, Power Attack, Heroism, Inspire: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 30
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 + 2 + 2 = 14

Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 24
Crit Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 + 2 + 2 = 14

@Jack I forgot to add Travail’s damages, but the man is still standing.
@Aurus non lethal with natural attacks have the same penalties at normal weapons. Only monks can do lethal or non lethal without penalty with their unarmed strike.
I let you decide if you take the penalty or not.
Remember to roll your miss chance

Oh, ok - I will opt to do the non-lethal, so first attack is 14 with the penalties, second attack is a 26 to hit, 20 to confirm. But the Blur...

First Attack, Miss chance>20%: 1d100 ⇒ 69
Crit Chance, Miss chance>20%: 1d100 ⇒ 26

B)

Aurus first attack miss but it was certainly a feint as his second takes the man just under his chin, next to the man's carotid.

The big man fell, dead, despite Aurus' try to attack non-lethaly.

Round #2 (bold may act)
Jack under Heroism
Travail under Heroism
Aurus under Heroism
Cloudia
Yellow Sparkling
Orange Sparkling
Olaf -DEAD-
Uldar
Buffs on the party: Bless, Inspire Courage (+2)