GM Jhaeman's "Dawn of the Scarlet Sun" (Inactive)

Game Master Jhaeman

Before leaving the area where she was questioning the passerby, Pai would take a good look around to imprint the area in her mind. Her intent is to look for tactical advantages/weaknesses.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

knowledge (planes or religion): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Does Pai know of anything that would be particularly useful against demons, like cold iron, etc.? (Edit: Nope.)

Chiming in with her two coppers, Pai pipes: "And Grunyak and I know about where it happened, too. Not exactly, mind you, but the general street." She then shares her observations of the area's tactical advantages/weaknesses.

@GM - I do have a profile for Qadar, but it hasn’t been updated to his current level. I’ll try to fix that over the weekend!

”From what our witness said, we could deduce that the murderer flies and can see without hinderance in the dark.

"Ah, so lighting may be a challenge as well. Who here can see as well as a desert gnoll? We could--assuming that there is sound of course, train those of us gifted with such sight to use a system of bird calls...."

"Birdie demon." he frowns. "Yaiho will try to grab birdie demon and pin to ground."

Okay, I'm back. Did folks want to do more planning or preparation? Are you ready to report to Captain Kasadei?

Abaal is almost always willing to go, go, go! But he is not foolish (just fool-hardy). Did anyone have any ideas about dealing with flight, silence, and darkness? One idea for darkness (assuming it is not deeper darkness) might be an everburning torch (a 3rd level light spell). Abaal would volunteer to hold it, but he's a 2-handed fighter, and can't really. He is willing to split the bill. Spellcasting types might consider things they can do when not able to make sounds. And as for flight--do we have any archers in the group? Abaal is not.

”Perhaps a torch - everburning or not - would be an effective means of communication,” Angoldir proposes. ”It would certainly not be unusual for someone to be carrying such a light source in the early hours of the morning, and its presence or absence are easily noticed even from a distance. Even from the ground, the torch should provide enough light to work by until the other Pathfinders arrive with their own light sources.”

”As far as demons and their abilities, my knowledge is sadly limited to my experiences during my last mission of dealing with dretches. They resisted our weapons not made of cold iron, and they created clouds of noxious vapors that they themselves did not mind. I cannot say whether these qualities are common to all demons, but perhaps we can use them as a starting point. But no, Drusilla, I do not know of a demon that would prefer a knife in the dark. Perhaps they are more fervent worshipers of this demon lord.”

Sounds like the plan is to scope out a place (done?), get some anti-flying gear (nets, tanglefoot bags, potion - to do), get some anti-demon gear (cold-iron weapons, holy water - to do), and get a dress for Abaal. It would make sense to report to the captain with the plan and perhaps get their feedback.

I'm not that bad with a bow. And if the demon gets close to me, I'll be able to stand my ground, I hope

Back at the Arvensoar, Captain Kasadei listens to the group's explanation of what they learned from talking to people in Underbridge. She seems mildly disappointed that the ambush operation can't go on tonight and will have to wait until the necessary supplies can be obtained, but she also understands the need to get things right. "Well, I'm glad you were able to gain some actionable intelligence. A flying demon! Definitely more dangerous than a lone mad cultist." She sighs. "Well, I'll tell my men to continue with the aggressive patrols for tonight. Maybe they'll get lucky and catch this killer in the act. If not, tomorrow I'm sure the shops of Magnimar will have everything you need for a bout of demon-slaying. I wish we could get this killer off the streets sooner, but as you say, we can't risk botching the entire operation and letting him escape--we'll only get one chance to pull off an ambush like this."

I hope I correctly interpreted that the consensus was to get supplies during daylight tomorrow (when stores are open) and try the ambush op the next night? If I'm mistaken, we can do some mild ret-conning.

Yeah, if shops are closed we can't do anything. Awww, man! I so totally want to stake out the area tonight! See it with my own eyes! Then again, I'd wanna fight whatever showed up right away, if I could even see it. And what if it attacks me, and I'm not even ready! Arrrgh!

Anyone glancing at Pai can see conflicted emotions flitting across her face as her thoughts whirl. It is clear that she's not happy with waiting, either. "Well, it won't take all day to buy that stuff. What should we do after that? Oh! I know! We could memorize the area! Walk around and around and memorize every street and alley and building and trash heap and...all that! That way, we may be able to keep up with if it flies off 'cause we'll know all the shortcuts! At least it's something! --Oh! and I have a cold iron dagger if someone wants to use it." She holds out a gnome-sized dagger, a smidgen too small for a medium creature to effectively use.

In medieval times and many fantasy worlds many people live above their stores. Abaal suggests the party just bang on the shop doors and yell: "OPEN UP IN THE NAME OF THE CITY GUARD!!" until the owners come down so we can be ready by dawn. Then he demonstrates his plan on one of the shops they had too late planned upon visiting.

"Innocent lives hang in the balance. Better we endure some embarrassment, and the shopkeepers a little less sleep than waiting for tomorrow."

"That would be an excellent way to notify anyone who might be watching that something is amiss," Angoldir cautions the hot-headed human. "Or someone within the district, given how loudly you bellow. When the entire plan hinges on the murderer not realizing you're a decoy, it would be wise to limit the chances of rousing their suspicions."

"That is why we are doing this just past sunset, but before the taverns let out in the small hours, and not at predawn, hours from now. Besides, I have yet to pick out my gown. What do you think, red to match the passion flowing through my veins, or perhaps blue to indicate my cool head in times of crisis?" There is absolutely no hint of irony in the man's voice.

"The Dawnflower's traditional colors are blue and gold," Angoldir replies, also without a hint of irony or judgement.

I don't think I've had this situation crop up in PFS before :) If you want to get closed shops to open up, I think the fairest thing to do is to give you a Diplomacy (to sweet talk) or Intimidate (to brow-beat) the shopkeeper. If it works, you'll get some limited access to materials tonight. If the check fails by more than 5, the presence of six armed strangers demanding entrance to a store will alarm folks and one of the various neighbourhood militias will show up. One person can attempt a check, and the others can aid if they desire.

"I thought we nixed the dress as there are male clergy in the service of Sarenrae too." "It is one less thing to mess with." "And surely the city watch can lend us an ever burning torch or sell us one." "As for the cold iron, I have my war hammer." "Nets are a problem, but tanglefoot bags are common. Perhaps we can get one at the Pathfinder lodge. That is probably open."
Grunyak rubs his bald head. "We can probably get what we need with a little leg work."

Okay, let's just assume you run all over town throughout the night, pestering the Watch, the Lodge, and various shopkeepers. Please note any purchases in the Discussion thread. We'll get started with the ambush in about (real time) 24 hours, so people have time to make purchases. Please place your tokens on the grid of where you want to be for the ambush and decide who is going to be the lure.

The night passes quickly with a flurry of preparations, and soon Captain Kasadei and her officers take up positions a few blocks from the ambush site you've selected--close enough that they should be only a few minutes' away once they hear the sound of the trap being sprung. It's only minutes until dawn, and you can see the first softening of light on the horizon.

Okay, everyone needs to place a token on the map. Please let me know who is going to be the lure, and if you want to draw a path down a certain street or alleyway, please do so. Everyone needs to make one skill check: 1) act the lure and make a Bluff check (one PC only); 2) help set up the lure’s outfit with a Disguise or Knowledge (religion) check; 3) lie in wait with a Stealth check; or 4) keep watch with a Perception check. Each of you make one check and the number of successes you get influences how likely it is that the ambush works.

dis(bluff)guise???: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

"Well, of course I'm not going to shave." Abaal says perhaps too-sharply. "Why would I? I trimmed it this morning."

Knowledge (religion), Inspiration: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) + 8 + (5) = 23

”That’s fine - it’s quite traditional for clergy of the Dawnflower to cover their faces with shawls or veils against the desert wind,” Angoldir replies as he hands Abaal a piece of wood roughly in the shape of an ankh. ”And remember that your skirt will hamper your movement slightly unless you hitch it up. I did try to recommend a style more in line with Qadiran fashions to accommodate for that, but if you feel so strongly about wearing a Taldan dowager’s gown then it’s just something you’ll have to work with.”

1d20 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 2 + (3) = 24

”अभी भी पकड़ो,” Qadar warbles from Abaal’s shoulder. ”यह काफी मुश्किल है जब आप अपने डांस मूव्स का अभ्यास नहीं करते हैं।” Carefully, the whippoorwill gets back to hanging a string of golden talismans across the warrior’s back.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Dru gets on higher grounds, if possible, and keeps her eyes open for their flying foe.

Can't put my token on the map from the computer at work, could someone place me on the roof of the house in the middle, near Pai? thanks!

"If you see anything attacking , jus' holler out. One the trap is sprung noise won't matter.

With that Grunyak hides in one of the alleys.

Grunyak, I need a skill check (Stealth, if you're hiding)--the more successes the group gets, the more likely it is that this ambush works.

Alternatively, if Stealth is not your thing, you could help us dress Abaal up all nice and purdy X-D

Pai creeps into the shadows beside a building in a spot where she can see as much of Abaal's route as possible. With the hood up, her deep green cloak allows her to melt into the shadows, with only the glint of distant torchlight reflecting in her eyes.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

It looks like we could use someone on the northeast portion of the map.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Yaiho takes a position to ambush the fiend. He crouches down between to buildings and keeps an eye out for the target.

Grunyak attempts to hide, but given his armor he really just hopes he is out of site.

stealth to hide: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5

The tense waiting continues as Abaal makes his rounds. Suddenly, everything goes completely quiet--not even the sounds of his footsteps hitting the pavement can be heard! From out of the shadows, a figure darts out, blade in hand, and stabs the poorly-disguised warrior right in the chest! The red-haired assassin raises her blade for another strike!

Abaal, you take 14 points of damage.

I gave you each Perception checks to notice the approach, but the dice weren't in your favour.

Initiative (Round 1)

Pai
Abaal
Angoldir
Drusilla
Yaiho
Heart-Taker
Grunyak

Bold may go!

@GM Jhaeman: Does the silence encompass the entire map? If not, what are the boundaries?

Pai's lips silently mouth: "Oh my gosh! Abaal!" Dashing closer to the end of her alley, she can barely make out the assailant on the other side of the large man. Ugh! Why can't they be where I can hit 'em? Realizing the others who are farther away won't know what's going on, she shoots a blast of electricity straight up into the air. There! That'll get their attention!

This kinetic blast will go up 30 feet into the air.

That's a fair question--the magical silence only extends in a 20' radius from the Heart-Taker.

Free action quick draw weapon. Somehow there is a flash of matte black steel. **SWISH! SWISH!**

[b]"Blast! I just purchased this dress!" complains the brave swordsman from Katapesh.

Abaal steps back to lead his attacker into the open.

Angoldir‘s eyes widen in surprise as he watches the knife slash out from the alleyway in front of Abaal. Quickly regaining his composure, he whispers to the bird perched on his shoulder. ” हमलावर के पीछे बड़े हरे आदमी का मार्गदर्शन करें।” Qadar nods and flits off towards Yaiho while the elf strides forward and taps his sword cane soundlessly against the attacker’s ankle.

Sword Cane vs AC 10: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Move action to move, Standard to Aid Abaal’s next attack. Not certain if cover from the corner would apply to the roll - if so, it is not successful. Otherwise, Abaal gains a +4 bonus on his next attack against our assailant - enough to offset the penalty for attacking non-lethally if so desired.

Qadar flits past the man in the blue gown and around the corner to the green man. The thrush flies past his ear noisily, warbling and trying to make itself as easily noticeable for the half-orc as possible.

Double move.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Dru keeps her eyes open for any incoming flying attack

If something flying comes (and Dru sees it!)

Dru unleashes one of her cold iron arrow, but the arrow flies wide

Shoot, Deadly aim: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 2 = 5
Dmg, Comp Longbow STR 16, DA: 1d8 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 4 = 13

It will be one of these days, it seems..

If Dru sees no threat from the skies
Acrobatics, Armor penalty: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 - 1 = 6
Dru switches weapons, readying her trusted morningstar and jumps from the roof to the street below, eager to fight.. and nearly breaking a leg.

It will be one of these days, it seems.

Pretty average rolls, if we were using d6s. ;o

Pai shoots up a blast of electricity, drawing attention to the area for the rest of the Pathfinders and the City Watch. Abaal’s blade slashes at the Heart-Taker, but the leather-clad assassin nimbly dodges out of the way! Angoldir sends his thrush to guide Yaiho to the battle, while simultaneously trying to aid Abaal in the fight. Drusilla tries to jump down from her rooftop perch, but she lands awkwardly and her ankle gives way!

Drusilla, you take 3 points of falling damage and are prone.

Abaal, you’ll get a +4 on your next attack roll against the Heart-Taker thanks to Angoldir’s help.

Yaiho, you’re up and then the Heart-Taker!

Yaiho rushes down the alleyway and around the building. When he spots the assassin, he continues his momentum toward her.

Double Move (Moved east around the buidling)

Seeing her retreat cut off, the Heart-Taker brandishes a bloody feather and seems to pulse with dark, coruscating energy that emanates from her like a wave! She then advances towards Abaal.

The Heart-Taker has channeled negative energy. It looks like everyone is in the area of effect (except, luckily, Qadar!). Every PC needs to roll a DC 12 Will save. If you fail the save, you take 11 points of damage; if you make the save, you take 5 points of damage.

Initiative (Round 1)

Pai
Abaal
Angoldir
Drusilla
Yaiho
Heart-Taker
Grunyak

Bold may go!

Will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Still lying on the ground, her leg hurting, Dru mumbles as a cold shiver seizes her whole body

Yeah, it's definitively one of these days.

Grunyak will double move towards the lightning signal. "Just my luck, the battle starts on the far side of the continent." "I'll get there by next Tuesday."
double moves towards the alley Pai hid in. He still has his cold iron hammer out as he is still expecting to come upon a battle with a demon..

Initiative (Round 2)

Pai
Abaal
Event
Angoldir
Drusilla
Yaiho
Heart-Taker
Grunyak

Bold may go!

If you haven't already done so, please don't forget to roll your save vs the channelled energy and adjust your tagline hp as necessary.

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

"OW! Gol ding it!" Pai isn't badly hurt, but she's mad now. She skitters around the corner to get a clear shot at the woman with the hurty feather. Too close! Too close! Aw crud! Reflexively she pushes out her hand to release a large blast of electrical energy right at the woman's chest.

Electric blast vs. Touch AC: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 1 = 182d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1) + 2 + 1 = 7
Includes Point Blank Range & Precise Shot

Just assuming here, but Grunyak does not need a will save as je was well out of any 30' burst.

"Die evil beast of the abyss. Your murdering day are over!" "Especially when I get there."

A dwarf calls in the city, but it is as if no one is there to hear him.

"...?" shouts Abaal at Pai, before stepping into the gap left by her ray.

+1 adamantine falchion v attacker (power attack, overhand chop): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 damage: 2d4 + 16 ⇒ (4, 4) + 16 = 24

And continues to roll single digits on a 20-sided die.

Also, since it is a burst, folks around corners, or with buildings between them and the assassin, either get a bonus on saves for cover or are probably safe.

Will Save DC12: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Yaiho shakes the dark energy that flows over him as he barely feels the effect.