GM Hawthwile's Birthright Betrayed (Inactive)

Game Master Hawthwile

... Whoa.

Meant to say my Diplomcy was an aid.

I imagine there are some gasps here and there, some mutterings about evidence, and the like. Then Theld points his finger, speaks louder and longer than anyone's ever experienced, and drops that on the crowd. Bloody crickets, as far as I'm concerned, like Death himself just passed judgement on a mortal.

The townsfolk's hushed murmurs begin to grow as each Pathfinder speaks in turn before falling completely silent at Theld's declaration. Almost in unison, the crowd turns to stare at the priest, blink in shock, then return their attention to the earl before them. The guards step forward to contain what looks to be a growing riot, and the musicians start unobtrusively looking for the nearest emergency exit.

“People of Ridonport,” the earl proudly pleads, backing into the museum’s main room as the crowd advanced menacingly. “Your actions bring shame to our port’s greatest hero. When I looked through this museum’s collections, I found a mighty artifact hidden from view since 3827 - as if we were ever ashamed of our heritage. Do not jeer at me, for I am about to reclaim a relic used by my ancestor and bring glory back to Ridonport!”

Vernisant motions to one of the attendants, who pulls a blue cloth off of a heavy chest. The word “Gallowspire” runs diagonally across its surface in peeling paint. The earl places a hand on the chest and announces, “Let us see what treasures the past has promised.” As if responding to his voice or his touch, the chests numerous locks all click open. Vernisant’s smirk turns to a look of confusion as the lid flies open and a wave of palpable menace rushes out. As it passes over the suits of armor on display, they animate and begin menacing the crowd. At the same time, a pair of gauntlets leaps out at one of the guards, choking the life from him.

Other haunted relics begin rising from the crate as a spectral voice bellows, “We can sense you, General, and we can sense your people. We shall destroy them all as a reminder that none ever mock the Whispering Tyrant, Tar-Baphon!” In response, Calhadion Vernisant takes a fearful step back, swishes his cloak, and disappears in a cloud of blue-and-green smoke.

As the remaining guards rush into the museum, a pair of helms float on ghostly vapors above them towards the crowd. "Ignore them - we have to keep these suits of armor from escaping!" one of them yells, though their voice is barely audible from the screams of panic from the crowd. On the ground, a pair of gloves scurry like unnatural insects towards the townsfolk!

What Belongs in a Museum
Round 1! Bold may act!
Red
Blue
Yellow
Green
Vosk
Gorrig
Molvil
Droo
Vinegar
Bocke
Theld
Crowd

Area Effects:
- Panicking crowd (yellow spread) is difficult terrain and requires a DC 10 Reflex save from each character who enters or starts their turn within it to avoid accidental damage
- Crowd can be directed as a full-round action using either Diplomacy or Intimidate, negating accidental damage and allowing one (potentially more) PCs to move freely for one round

What do you do?

Vosk's eyes grow large when the Whispering Way and Tar-Baphon are mentioned, but his attention quickly turns to the murderous armor. Yet another opportunity for shame!

"Friends, necromancy is afoot, bring your holy powers forth! Metal plates make it harder, but not impossible. Unsurprisingly, the hands choke and the helmet blinds, now, off to work!" he orders before turning to the crowd and opening his arms wide.

"Good people of Riddonport, your Earl, Calhadion Vernisant, the Betrayer, has abandoned you in your time of need in favor of his own safety! Make way for your heroes of the moment, for we are your salvation!" the big man shouts above the crowd, gesturing towards his alies. Being a priest is so easy! Maybe I'll start a religion in my honor...
________
Reflex, DC 10: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Diplomacy vs Crowd: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Vosk isn't moving and is doubtful his spells will be of any use vs these foes. He'll spend full-round actions to try and keep the crowd at bay. Do Vinegar and Droo count as one or two characters? Order of PC's to allow free movement: Droo/Vinegar, Theld (he channels), Gorrig, Bocke, Professor.

Believing it to be of more use than his bare hands here, Gorrig rips his sword from its sheath. Armor can't be intimidated... but panicking people can. "MOVE!" he thunders at the people around him.

Is making a Diplomacy/Intimidate check against the crowd an action? Or does it apply to your next turn?

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Are the statues on the map ornamental, or could Bocke climb one to get a crowd-less shot?

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Bocke will move - towards the statues or to a tree if he can, and towards the group if he can't find high ground.

He'll pull out his bow on the way and fire at the Red helm.

I will let you decide cover.

Longbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Piercing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

... Do Vinegar and Droo count as one or two characters? Order of PC's to allow free movement: Droo/Vinegar, Theld (he channels), Gorrig, Bocke, Professor.

I would guess two, unless Vosk is casting a spell that turns them into some sort of gnome/wolf centaur.... IS VOSK GOING TO TURN THEM INTO A GNOME/WOLF CENTAUR!?! Droo bounces up an down in excited anticipation.

ride (fast mount): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 Mounts as a move action.

reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Droo draws her sword and moves Vinegar toward a clear space.

handle animal (just in case): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 Mauls someone a bit--but just around the legs and groin!

In their panic, the crowd repeatedly slams into the cleric as he makes his way forward. He manages to draw the large blade off of his back. Unfortunately he is unable to land a strike against the animated glove.

Reflex vs DC 10: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Nodachi {flank} vs YELLOW: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

I am just assuming that channeling here would kill all kinds of innocent people and an evil...EVIL thing to do.

A Kinder, Gentler Theld: says more than one word at a time and doesn't immediately commit mass murder. Let's put him on the fast track for sainthood.

Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 16

The Professor casts Mage Armor on herself, then cranes her neck to try to see where the possessed artifacts are. Unfortunately, the press of panicked bodies around her shields her view. Pressing her lips into a thin, irritated line, she pushes her way closer to the spot where the Earl had been standing.

She has Adhesive Spittle prepared, and plans to start by spitting on all the things. (Just like her students--shudder!)

As Vosk and Gorrig direct the crowd, the other Pathfinders draw their weapons and move to intercept the undead. Bocke tries to shoot down one of the helms, but has to aim higher to avoid the townsfolk and ends up shooting one of the banners hanging from the museum instead. Theld likewise finds himself distracted by the press of bodies and his sword only finds the courtyard instead of the crawling glove.

1d10 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

The crowd rushes out the entrance to the museum courtyard, leaving more breathing room for the Pathfinders to work - and for their undead adversaries! The helms fly towards Vosk, the first attempting to place itself over his head...

Red Grapple vs Vosk CMD 10: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20

...and the eloquent wizard suddenly finds his view of the retreated crowds cut off, replaced with the dark inside of the helm and the bits of dried skin and hair stuck there. The other helm tries to buffet him...

Slam vs Vosk Blind Grappled AC 8: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

...but only clangs off Vosk's new headgear. On the ground, the gauntlet leaps at Theld...

Yellow Claw vs Theld AC 16: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Slashing damage: 2 = 2
Grapple vs Theld CMD 12: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19

...and grabs the priest by the throat!

@Theld, Yellow provokes an AoO from you by entering your square.

The other glove scurries around the bush like a spider and leaps at the professor...

Yellow Claw vs Molvil AC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Slashing damage: 2 = 2
Grapple vs Molvil CMD 9: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

...but it bounces off her magical wards and lands at her feat.

What Belongs in a Museum
Round 2! Bold may act!
Red (Grappling)
Blue
Yellow (Grappling)
Green
Vosk (Grappled, Blinded)
Gorrig
Molvil
Droo
Vinegar
Bocke
Theld (-2, Grappled)
Crowd

Area Effects:
- Panicking crowd (yellow spread) is difficult terrain and requires a DC 10 Reflex save from each character who enters or starts their turn within it to avoid accidental damage
- Crowd can be directed as a full-round action using either Diplomacy or Intimidate, negating accidental damage and allowing one (potentially more) PCs to move freely for one round

What do you do?

AoO vs YELLOW {flank?}: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 2 = 14
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

After trying to knocl it aside, Theld struggles to pull the necromatic glove from his throat.

CMB to break grapple: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Vosk flails his arms wildly as the helmet clamps down on his head, forcing fleshy skin to press out of any gaps. Adding to his disorientation, the other helmet collides with him. Having found himself in a spontaneous audition for the role of "church bell clapper," he tries to end the farce. Rubbing his palms together for a moment, he slaps himself across the face.

Fortunately, his crazy behavior seems to have convinced enough of the crowd to leave him well alone.

Unfortunately, Vosk hasn't realized that the role he's really auditioning for is that of "pinata." Looks at Droo expectantly
________
Reflex (Grappled), DC 10: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 - 2 = 10 NAILED IT!
Blinded, 50% Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 51 NAILED IT!
Dazing Touch (Grappled) vs Red (Touch): 1d20 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 1 - 2 = 12 ...nailed it?
Standard for Dazing Touch vs Helmet. Trilogy of Rules Silliness: The first - Unless the rule is tucked away somewhere that isn't in the "blinded" condition (which wouldn't surprise me, tbh), there isn't a penalty to reflex saves... doesn't make sense to me, but *shrugs* The second - Unless the helmet has special rules for this, being blind means you have a 50% chance of missing your own head with your hand on an attack, because ??? The third - Dazing Touch (which Vosk has used two whole times more than I thought he ever would in his whole career) doesn't have the mind-effecting descriptor (neither does the "dazed" status condition) and offers no save, despite being offered by the enchantment school. At least as I understand it, that means this helmet can be dazed, because ???

"Hang on, buddy," Gorrig says to Vosk, "I got you." He brings his sword to bear against the helmet covering the rotund wizard's head, trying to angle it carefully so as not to hurt the man.

Temple sword vs red: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Flurry of Blows (temple sword) vs red: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

One caveat there for Dazing Touch, Vosk: it does say "living creature"...

Bocke pushes his way through the crowd some more, and then casts Deflection Aura (+2 AC, +2 CMD, 20' emanation for 1 round).

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

I didn't move last time because I didn't know if there was high ground. Bocke conditionally moved towards his allies so I double half-moved him that direcrion.

"HEY! I'M WORKING HERE!! SO BACK OFF!" cries Droo from Vinegar's back.

Intimidate v crowd (size?): 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 4 = 22

For the record Droo is a braggart and has pseudo-Dazzling Display if that's any help.

Unfortunately, Vosk hasn't realized that the role he's really auditioning for is that of "pinata." Looks at Droo expectantly

"CANDY!"

Professor Masaendri shudders with repulsion as the glove leaps at her. She hops away from it (5 foot step) and casts Adhesive Spittle on it.

Adhesive Spittle duration: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4 rounds

No attack roll needed. DC 15 Reflex save to avoid being glued to the floor. Regardless of its success, it is automatically entangled and reduced to half speed. (Adhesive Spittle; Tanglefoot Bag)

@Molvil - Adhesive spittle takes a little time to set up - you have to cast the spell as a standard action, then spit the fluid as a standard action. It's kinda dumb since the duration technically runs out before a lvl 1 caster can even use it. If you would like to retcon that, go ahead and include your revised actions in your next post. Otherwise, we'll chalk it up to a learning opportunity for the professor.

Theld cuts down the gauntlet before it can lay a hand on him, the broken armor clattering to the floor. Gorrig and Vosk have less luck as the wizard's magic fizzles ineffectively against his headgear and the monk's blows catch only the hot air coming from Droo.

@Theld and @Molvil can include their round 2 actions in their next post and I'll retcon as needed.

Crowd: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

More townsfolk escape the violence as the haunted relics continue their assault! Vosk's new friend tries to hold on to the wizard's slick head...

Red Grapple to Maintain vs Vosk Blind Aura CMD 10: 1d20 + 0 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 0 + 5 = 22

...and sticks with him! The other helm tries to bludgeon the blinded mage...

Blue Slam vs Vosk Blind Grappled Aura AC 10: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Bludgeoning damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

...and catches him in the side this time! The remaining glove leaps again at the professor...

Green Claw vs Molvil Aura AC 17: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Slashing damage: 2 = 2
Grapple vs Molvil Aura CMD 11: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

...and tears a jagged gash in her arm - but she bats it away before it can find purchase and latch onto her!

What Belongs in a Museum
Round 3! Bold may act!
Red (Grappling)
Blue
Yellow
Green
Vosk (-3, Grappled, Blinded)
Gorrig
Molvil (-2, Round 2 actions as well)
Droo
Vinegar
Bocke
Theld (Round 2 actions as well)
Crowd

Area Effects:
- Panicking crowd (yellow spread) is difficult terrain and requires a DC 10 Reflex save from each character who enters or starts their turn within it to avoid accidental damage
- Crowd can be directed as a full-round action using either Diplomacy or Intimidate, negating accidental damage and allowing one (potentially more) PCs to move freely for one round

What do you do?

Vosk continues to wave his head the pinata around, fruitlessly trying to get the helmet off.
________
Miss Chance...?: 1d100 ⇒ 95
CMB (Break Grapple) vs Red: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Gorrig, missed that bit! Makes way more sense now and my sanity is restored :D That's Vosk's panic button anyways, so he would have given it a go regardless. GM, I don't know if there is a miss chance for trying to break the grapple since there is direct contact, but I rolled it anyways. GM, Vosk is going to attempt casting True Strike next round. Would the last line of the spell, where it negates concealment, apply to being blinded?

"AND STAY OUT!!" yells Droo at point blank range into Bocke's ear while herding the crowd. Upon realizing this she says in a more reasonable tone "Not you, Bocke. You should probably stay, and help."

Intimidate v crowd (size?): 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 8 - 4 = 23

Longbow, PBS, PS: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 0 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 - 0 = 8
Damage, PBS: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

As the crowd clears around him, Bocke shoots at Vosk's head the helmet on Vosk's head. But one last straggler bumps him just as he lets the arrow fly.

"HEY! Watch where you are standing! I was trying to swing my sword around!"

Bocke moves his shins out of the way.

Gorrig tries again on the same target.

Flurry of Blows (temple sword) vs red: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Flurry of Blows (temple sword) vs red: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

@Molvil - Adhesive spittle takes a little time to set up - you have to cast the spell as a standard action, then spit the fluid as a standard action. It's kinda dumb since the duration technically runs out before a lvl 1 caster can even use it. If you would like to retcon that, go ahead and include your revised actions in your next post. Otherwise, we'll chalk it up to a learning opportunity for the professor.

Ah, thanks for catching that. Considering that it's a first level spell, I would think the intent is for a first level spellcaster to be capable of using it, despite the debatable wording of the spell description. If you'll allow a retcon so Molvil holds her spit until this round, that'd be great. Otherwise, she'll learn something today.

Narrowing her eyes at the offending possessed glove, Professor Masaendri contorts her mouth and spits directly onto it.

Round 2

Theld sneers a smile as he cleaves the first gauntlet in twain. He steps up to complete the set.

Nodachi vs GREEN: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Round 3

Theld continues his onslaught of destruction, cutting down the other gauntlet before it has a chance to attack the professor.

@Vosk - true strike would indeed negate the miss chance from concealment, so Vosk would only need to know the square the target creature is currently occupying. Fortunately, I don't think that'll be much of a problem for him. Remember though that he is still being grappled, which complicates spellcasting.

@Molvil - it only doesn't work at CL 1. Now if only there was some way for the professor to increase her caster level, even for just one spell... ;-D

Also, I hope @Gorrig doesn't mind me redirecting his attack at the not-grappling helm so as not to hurt Vosk. And because if this works out like I'm thinking, it'll be hilarious.

Droo continues yelling organizing the crowd as Bocke again tries to shoot the helm off Vosk's head - and fails to do so. Gorrig cuts down one of the helms with a swing of his sword, the aged metal clunking hollowly against the stones underfoot. His follow-up swing misses the remaining helm as he tries to avoid injuring his friend as much as possible. Theld marches over and tries to help Vosk remove the offensive headgear, but the wizard's head is still wedged tight.

Assuming Molvil uses a point of her reservoir to increase the CL for adhesive spittle to CL 2.

With no other targets, and unwilling to waste her spell, the professor lets fly a stream of viscous green liquid that strikes the remaining helm...

Red Reflex vs DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Yes!!!

...and hardens around it, glueing it to Vosk's head.

What Belongs in a Museum
Round 4! Bold may act!
Red (Grappling, Entangled, Stuck)
Blue
Yellow
Green
Vosk (-3, Grappled, Blinded)
Gorrig
Molvil
Droo
Vinegar
Bocke
Theld
Crowd

Area Effects:
- Panicking crowd (yellow spread) is difficult terrain and requires a DC 10 Reflex save from each character who enters or starts their turn within it to avoid accidental damage
- Crowd can be directed as a full-round action using either Diplomacy or Intimidate, negating accidental damage and allowing one (potentially more) PCs to move freely for one round

What do you do?

Bocke will step away from Droo and carefully fire an arrow. Bocke will also enact a judgement of destruction - he should have done it at the beginning of combat but better late than never.

Longbow, PBS, PS: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 0 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 - 0 = 14
Damage, PBS, JoD: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 4

"CHARGE!!" shouts Droo launching Vinegar forward at Vosk, rapier first!

mwk rapier v red (v grappled): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
THREAT!
confirm?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 additional damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

"GRRRR--WOOF! WOOF!"

I am relatively certain that Vinegar cannot attack the target as he has not been trained to attack aberrations or undead. Vinegar of course can tell whether it is one of these types even if Droo cannot.

Assuming Molvil uses a point of her reservoir to increase the CL for adhesive spittle to CL 2.

Right! Thanks! I'm still getting to know this class.

Hmm... Now what? If I shoot an Acid Splash at the helm, Vosk will be harmed as well. Sigh. Pulling out her spellbook, Professor Masaendri begins the process of switching out her spells.

Full round action. She'll give up Mage Armor to gain Magic Missile.

Best. Fight. EVER! XD

"AAAAAHHH!" Vosk shouts in distress as his head gets jerked around by Theld. As if that weren't enough, something skewers the helmet. Finally, the metal of the helm now digging painfully into his skin, something splashes onto his head. Seeping into the fetid cloth and oozing through the gaps to his bare skin, he desperately continues trying to pull the helmet off.

"ABILITIES! I HAD NOT! FORESEEN! IT HAS MADE! AN ATTEMPT! TO DIGEST ME!" he announces. This is not how the nefarious Vosk Lazav, Master of Secrets, Scourge of Bakeries, Star of Subterfuge will go, NO! I must escape, RIGHT NOW! "On three... One... Two..." he begins counting, his hands shimmering with arcane energy.
________
Grappled Concentration (True Srike) vs Red (DC, 10+CMB+Spell Level): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
If damaging the helmet hurts Vosk, that's fine with me! Perks of having 3 HD ;) Move to flail, standard to cast true strike.

"Sorry, buddy, gotta do it." Gorrig swings at the helmet stuck to Vosk's head.

Flurry of Blows (sword) 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Flurry of Blows (sword) 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

I don't know if these things can be critted, but here goes...
Crit confirm 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Extra Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

An arrows from Bocke skewers the remaining helm, poking through the metal to stick out like a strange feather. Vosk yelps as the arrowhead skewers him in the cheek before a sudden yell signals doomsday Droo's rapid approach. The cavalier stabs her mighty rapier through the undead creature, drawing blood from the wizard wearing it as well as she catches him across the forehead. But through the pain, Vosk feels the helm's animating force flicker and fade - though it is still securely glued to his head.

Out of Combat! Damage Report:
- Vosk (-16)

The sounds of violence from inside the museum subside as the last of the townsfolk escape the grounds. Cincia rushes outside, then hurries over to check on the bleeding Vosk. "Are you alright? What are you doing wearing that helmet? It wasn't made to be worn as-is, you know - soldiers would have a leather cap underneath to protect them from-"

"Cincia!" Neffry calls from inside. "Are there more vile magics to defeat out there or not?"

"Oh! No, our guests have taken care of them quite handily!" the caretaker answers. "Here, let's get you inside and see if we can't salvage some of this priceless artifact from your head." As she helps lead the still-blinded Vosk through the doors, she mutters under her breath, "I can't imagine where the earl got that chest from - I know it wasn't just sitting around here in some corner. Well, probably not..."

Inside, sets of armor lie scattered in pieces on the floor. Rasvelg tosses a few pieces into a growing pile in the center of the room, pausing only to glance over at a guard laid out on one of the couches before shaking his head and grabbing a few more. "Feel sorry for 'em, - but you'd think they'd at least not have to be rescued from a pair of gloves, by Gozreh's breath..."

"Haha! Our champions emerge victorious!" Neffery beams with pride as he picks up an inanimate gauntlet from the floor with the tip of his sword cane and flicks it into the pile. "I haven't had this much excitement in years! And look at us, Joleana! Defending Ridonport with our own hands, just like old times!"

The magistrate sighs as she replaces the pin in her shawl, but a smile crosses her face. "I don't know where you get all that energy, Neffrey, but I'm afraid I'm a bit too old for this sort of thing. Not that I'm retiring anytime soon, mind you - especially not when we have such a legal mess on our hands."

Cincia frowns as she and Bocke peel the broken helm off Vosk's head, the adhesive crackling as it dries beyond effectiveness. "...don't know what else could be hiding around here, or what else might be dangerous in the hands of fools." She turns to the Molvil. "Professor, I don't suppose I might trouble you to recommend a few of your agents well versed in the occult to assist here for a time? Or at least someone somewhat magically inclined?"

-----------------------------------------------

The boat ride back to Oppara on "The Beautiful Maiden" is a welcome change from the hubbub of Ridonport, even if the captain is as sour and demanding as before. In the capital city, though, rumors and gossip abound.

"...you hear? They say the Earl of Ridonport was accosted by his own citizens! They surrounded his estate and shouted and waved signs and pitchforks and torches! What do you think he could have..."

"...and Vernisant got in a shouting match with them - how uncouth..."

"...'s not the worst of it! 'E was caught, see, tryin' t' sneak out th' back o' 'is fancy 'ouse by climbin' down th' chimney. 'Cept 'e didn't give 'imself enough rope, see, an' 'e slipped! Tore th' sleeve right off 'is jacket, left it hangin' like a flag 'alfway up..."

"...say they saw the Earl of Ridonport riding into town the other day, covered in soot atop some brutish plowhorse. But that's not the worst of it! He only had one boot! Can you imagine..."

"...supposed to be a hearing in the Senate, discussing why he allowed piracy in his prefecture. Not to mention why he was soliciting bribes from navy officers. If you ask me, they're likely to censure him..."

-----------------------------------------------

Back at the Red Herring, Venture-Captain Muesello ushers the Pathfinders into the back room and turns the sign to "Out Fishing". After closing the door behind him, he turns to the agents. "Well, I'm sure you've already heard the news on your way here, but I'd still appreciate a report from you. How did the mission go?"

What do you do?

Cincia frowns as she and Bocke peel the broken helm off Vosk's head, the adhesive crackling as it dries beyond effectiveness.

"So does that mean that Vosk was the bad guy all along?"

{Waits impatiently for a Vinegar snack.}

"How did the mission go?"

Theld remembers reveling in the chaos, but regrets not channeling entropy into gathered mass. "Disappointing."

"Professor, I don't suppose I might trouble you to recommend a few of your agents well versed in the occult to assist here for a time? Or at least someone somewhat magically inclined?"

The Professor is quite happy to provide the names of some of the Pathfinders she had encountered during her training who would be particularly helpful in this situation, as well as the name of the nearest Venture-Captain.

"How did the mission go?"

A small, exasperated sigh escapes Professor Masaendri. Just like I rehearsed. Leave out my panic and fear. State only the facts. "I would say that we did as we were asked. The curator of the museum, Ms. Cincia Reviamo, has requested the assistance of the Pathfinder Society to examine and catalog the contents of the museum, especially regarding the possibility that any items in the collection may have unknown occult aspects to them. That was part of our first objective. The other part was to stop Earl Vernisant from pilfering from the museum. It appears that the information we uncovered, along with the testimony from certain key local figures, has been enough to cause public opinion to turn against him. We hear that he has fled the area in disgrace."

"Our second objective, requested by Lady Gloriana Morilla, was to investigate the suspected connection between Earl Vernisant and the piracy affecting Count Orlundo Zespire's shipments. After being deputized by Magistrate Joleana Tantriano, we found that the pirates preying upon the Count have received payment for their work in the form of artifacts that the Earl had previously taken from the museum. This situation has caused the Earl 'considerable distress.' I believe this satisfies the criteria we were given." She waves her hand at Vosk, assuming that he will want to add to her summary.

"But let's not forget Captain Discretion," Gorrig adds, reaching down to pat Droo on the shoulder, "who saved us from the seagulls. And my own contribution, which was primarily to make the others look more competent by comparison."

Vosk, head still smarting with a series painful red marks, nurses himself back to health. Sitting in a chair quietly while the others do all the work, he has five pastries resting on his ample belly. And I would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn't for those meddling kids!

Bitterly, he eats his feelings and pouts. Better if I don't expound on the details anyways. Bodies are going to turn up soon and I've a mind to never set foot again in Riddonport.
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Can we talk about how when rolling against Vosk, my own party members crit not once, but twice? :P

Muesello nods thoughtfully, hiding a smile behind his hand as he retrieves two letters from a nearby table. "According to this letter I received yesterday, it seems Ms. Reviamo agrees with your assessment." He passes it to Gorrig while summarizing, "She applauds your efforts and assistance and notes that with the earl no longer meddling, she's been able to begin restoration of the museum." He pauses to smile. "She also asked me for a sketch of the Society's glyph, for the brass plaque she's commissioned to commemorate your bravery in defending not only Ridonport, but the true legacy of General Arnisant. In return, she mentioned that she would be happy to loan you equipment from the museum - though she made it very clear that these would be temporary and not permanent loans, and that she has paperwork you will be expected to fill out before she lends any of you anything." His eyes twinkle with amusement.

"I also received a note from one Count Orlundo Zespire," the venture-captain continues. "I won't bore you with the details - because there aren't any - but the count wishes to express his gratitude to the Society for both resolving his canal piracy problem and for humbling Earl Vernisant."

Muesello clasps his hands in front of him as he surveys the agents. "Lady Morilla also wished me to inform you that she and her allies are already acting to capitalize on your accomplishments. I can't help but wonder what changes might be coming to Taldor - though you'll need to be ready if you want to continue making history, rather than just uncovering it."

And that's it folks! Well done!