|
"M'lord, it would be a great honor for me to have a soldier as venerated and skilled such as yourself try on this armor to see, as one soldier to another, that while I may weave the arcane arts, I do so as a warrior more so than a wizard."
With that Vaylen slips out of his Mithril Chain Shirt and allows Lord Rothos to try it on. As that's happening, Vaylen leans over to Scion Lord Kerkis of House Damaq and tries his charm once again.
"Beautiful blade m'lord, a scimitar of that quality and caliber denotes both status and skill. Though my blade is likely not as pricey as your own, I'm proud of both it's quality and utility." Vaylen opens, trying to test the waters of conversation with the Scion Lord.
[ooc]
|
|
Kahwen is distracted from his focus on the high-and-mighty by the odd behavior of one of the servants. He can't be bought with food but having someone make a special effort to please him and thank him for his work makes an impression and is the start of a friendship with the Tengu.
While he knows Orielle has her duties to attend to, he notes the change from when she was first assisting him to now.
"Excuse me," he says to his tablemates, slipping away from his chair to track the young woman down.
"Is anything wrong, Friend Orielle? Can I assist you with anything? I am sure that serving at a party like this is quite taxing so maybe I can help with some of your tasks as a way of saying thank you for your assistance," he says when he catches up to her.
|
Melea wishes she had concrete numbers to give now. Lying about anything here could explode in everyone's face. She resolves to get some such information from a faction head at her next chance to excuse herself, and turns to small talk with Dremdhet instead.
"So, how have you and yours been keeping? Beyond this threat of demonic incursion, that is. I journeyed back to my home of Varisia recently. Sadly it was not for pleasure, but a mission called. For my service to the Quahs, we were given these necklaces, strung from the remains of a menace against their ancient sites." The aasimar draws forth a rope of strange stones that looks much heavier than it is. She also pulls at a second one around her neck. "My leopard companion was given one as well. She has not taken to it, and I think it would better grace your neck or that of your lovely wife."
Kahwen: Orielle puts on a flirty pout. "You haven't introduced me to your friends! I don't want to be your errand girl, I want to be part of the team! Who is who? Where do they come from? What do they do?"
Melea:
Vaylen: Lord Rothos tries on the magnificent armor, grinning like a little boy. Some of the other guests point and giggle.
Scion Lord Kerkis is happy to show you his scimitar. It's a ceremonial weapon, and he clearly has no proficiency - as shown from the fact that he unbuckles the scabbard and hands the whole thing to you rather than draw it.
"Be careful - this scimitar cost more than her," he says, gesturing towards his date for the evening.
Mykel: Lord Rothos admires your mithral shirt as well. "This is as good as a fine breastplate," he remarks. He gives you a bear hug. "And it's flexible!"
Lord Kerkis scoff when you mention Lady Vaelia's insults. "Lady Vaelia thinks 'homeland' means her homeland. She's of the mindset that Taldor is the center of the universe, and she's said some of the most despicable things about every place that isn't Taldor and everyone that isn't Taldane."
---
Rounds 3 and 4
Palakar (x2)
Kahwen (x1)
Melea (clarification requested)
|
|
”Oh, my apologies,” Kahwen says. ”I do not think of you as an errand girl. I don’t know much about my companions other than the fact that they are Pathfinders. But I will tell you what I know. If you will do the same about yourself.”
He points to the golden haired elf. ”That’s Vaylen. This is the first time I’ve worked with him. He seems to know his way around his sword, though I haven’t actually seen him use it. He’s a bit haughty, to be honest but I’m sure he’s a good fellow.”
”That’s Melea,” he continues, pointing to the green skinned woman. ”You remember her from the wedding. She’s a wilderness person. I never met her cat before, but it seems pretty nice, too. She knows some magic, but how to fight, too.”
”There’s Mykel. He’s from Cassomir. He’s got lots of brothers. I went to a scary plateau in the middle of an ocean with one of them, one time,” he continues, pointing out the dashing young man.
”Palakar is kind of a mystery. I’m not sure what she is. I think she may be some kind of water fairy. But she’s very inspirational, so that helps in a fight,” he says, thoughtfully.
”And Elado has magic. I’m not sure how. I’ve never seen him study a book and he doesn’t pray. He seems pretty good at convincing people to do things, though. I don’t think that’s magic. I think he’s just nice,” he finishes, pointing out the older human man.
”And I guess me. But you know me, I’m Kahwen.”
"What about you? What do you do when you're not doing this? Have you thought about becoming a Pathfinder?"
Kahwen will listen closely and patiently but if things go longer than 10 minutes, he'll excuse himself as carefully as possible, citing his need to rejoin the table for the mission.
Retaking his seat, his squawks a bit in amusement at his half naked fellow Pathfinder but sees Lord Rothos wearing his chain shirt.
He tugs on his, which is exposed by his half open shirt. "Yes, Vaylen's shirt is quite nice but did he get it by defeating a former pirate captain returned to unlife as a ghoul?"
Kahwen: Orielle smiles excitedly about hearing the details of your companions capabilities. "Taking care of the Blakroses is more than a full time job. My employers are very demanding, but of course I enjoy doing what I do. I guess I think of myself sort of like you, stealthy, sneaky - I slip in and take care of my tasks, and then leave quietly. Do you think I'd make a good ninja?" She pretends to climb in a window, dodge an arrow, and throw two shurikens.
---
|
Seeing that Rothos seems far overloaded with dinner guests and Kerkis is comfortably occupied, Palakar will sit with Ladies Darchana and Dyrianna.
After introductions between herself and Dyrianna, Palakar moves into the heart of things. I know nothing of magical theory, and won't bore you by pretending to. But I know it's what we'll need out there. Without your support, it won't matter how many of Gloriana and Rothos' troups march out - a sword isn't going to put down those demons. Eldest - at the wedding half their swords were melting just on hitting the things. It's magical firepower that will win the day. And while I can yell loud enough to take some of them out, I know when a foreman is needed who knows what they're doing and can get the right magic and forces to the right places. Palakar continues on with a mix of flattery, earnest appeal, and workforce motivation.
Feeling amazing, Palakar turns back to Darchanna and resumes their earlier discussion about possibly rubbing some shoulders.
|
|
Kahwen strokes the underside of his beak thoughtfully as he watches Orielle's moves. "Perhaps, perhaps. Being able to blend in so that people don't notice you even if they can see you is a form of hiding that I haven't mastered. But you will also need to learn to protect yourself in case you are spotted. When this is over, I'll teach you some things about handling a blade. You don't have to be a muscled giant to do some damage with a good weapon. You just have to know where to hit and how."
The tengu clearly looks pained as he looks around at the gathered people when it becomes evident that he'll have to take off his armor (and thus coat and shirt) in front of all these people.
Even when he's doing it, it is evident that he is embarrassed and he quickly puts his shirt and coat back on while Rothos tries his +2 Mithral Chainshirt, which he got from a shop on Seafoam Street in Absalom and not from ghoul pirate, on.
Lady Dyrianna's escort, Faelyn, also takes off his shirt. Lady Dyrianna glares incredulously at him.
"Everyone else is doing it!" he protests.
"You weak-willed idiot, put your shirt back on," she snaps. "And keep it on!"
Major Maldris beckons you aside, and looks concerned.
Kahwen, Mykel, and Vaylen start to protest, but Major Maldris cuts them off. "It's not about that," he says, "Although we will be having a conversation about that later."
Kahwen, Mykel and Vaylen grab their armor and don it hastily. ()
The soft susurrus of servants clearing dessert dishes and esteemed guests shuffling about to hobnob with their peers echoes from the nearby dining room as Major Colson Maldris furtively glances about before speaking in a stage whisper.
“Have you noticed,” he inquires, “that several of the serving staff seem to be behaving strangely? I have watched a handful of them, and although they have not expressed any hostility, this strikes me as odd." He pauses. "Even odder than other things I've witnessed tonight."
“In a moment, Damien Blakros will introduce the esteemed Genedair, an esteemed veteran of the Mendevian Crusades and a guest of honor at tonight’s festivities. I trust that his speech will be suitably distracting to give you an opportunity to slip away and check the rest of the manor. If there is anything amiss, deal with any immediate concerns and then report back to me.” He spares a moment to glance back at the dining room before adding, "Unless, of course, you'd prefer to stay and listen to the speech."
“Under no circumstances are you to upset the guests. I will keep Lady Morilla apprised of the situation, and together we will decide what to do in the event of trouble. The feast must go on without any disruption, and I will stay with the guests to ensure that happens.” As he says this, Damien Blakros begins introducing Genedair in the other room. With a last look, Major Maldris salutes and says, “You have perhaps 20 minutes,” then slips back through the door to rejoin the party.
---
|
|
"I have noticed, but I think it is just because they believe they are being used as tools rather than people," the, admittedly naive, Kahwen replies as he thinks of his new friend Orielle.
It takes him only a moment of hearing the speech begin and to hear that it's going to go on for 20 minutes for him to opt for the exciting prospect of searching the manor rather than the very boring one of listening to someone drone on and on.
As he slips away, he tugs at the collar and hem of his chain shirt, feeling the straps shift underneath with the awkward way he put it back on. He regrets doing it in such a rush but doesn't feel like he has time to correct the problem, now.
|
|
Melea's base assumption is that the servers are simply not well treated. "Such a large event could be a breaking point for their facades. But I wouldn't be surprised if something else was amiss." She does her best to quietly call Galilah from wherever she snoozes to follow along. The relative quiet will be a nice relief - at least until she stumbles upon something awful.
|
|
Palakar would actually rather listen to the speech, but will follow orders. As we're already in room 3, she trusts Maldris to spot anything strange here, and deprioritizes it. Figuring that the most damage could be caused in the kitchen (7), she'll prioritize it and start there, then just go normal on the rest.
Elado checks the exterior and stables. There are several horses and other beasts of burden in the stable, and a few dogs in the kennel. As he looks a little more closely, he sees that the dogs are playfully batting around two bones - two human jawbones. He rushes back towards the house when he hears Vaylen cry out.
Kahwen and Melea bump into each other in the servants' quarters. They both fall prone, and notice a shredded server's uniform drenched in fresh blood stuffed between the wall and one of the beds. They pull out the uniform, and agree to report this. Kahwen heads downstairs to find Palakar and Mykel, but mistakes the shrine for the kitchen (). Melea gives the room one more look over before following Kahwen.
Palakar and Mykel are in the kitchen enduring a barrage of profanity from Chef Domeros Prinitar for interrupting his work, when they hear another barrage of profanity from Vaylen.
Vaylen searches a few closets and pantries, finding nothing. He slips an empty glass from the kitchen and heads down the cellar, intending to grab some wine.
The cool, dark wine cellar has a flagstone floor and walls covered with light gray ceramic tiles. Its irregularly shaped walls and alcoves are lined with dusty shelves that hold an impressive array of wine bottles. Propped up against the far west wall are two naked forms, both covered with fresh blood. Though both are clearly female, their faces have been chewed away entirely, leaving them both unidentifiable. A third corpse lies in the middle of the floor with bloated innards. It is a humanoid skeleton with grotesque, purple loops of intestine growing within its torsos and winding up and out of its mouth like twisting, clawed tongues.
As Vaylen steps into the room, the third corpse sits upright and swipes at him. Vaylen makes some disparaging remarks about the corpse's parentage, which is loud enough to alert the rest of the party.
From the corners, three dark shapes with two flickering pinpoints of light where its eyes should be emerge from the shadows.
The "skeleton" moves up to Vaylen in its surprise round. Then, for its turn, it swipes with a claw ...
... it hits, and grabs Vaylen (). It swipes with the other claw ...
... which narrowly misses (). Finally, its tongue snakes out and licks Vaylen's face.
... but the aroma of wine on Vaylen's lips confuses it!
Surprise Round:
Black Facelicker
Round 1! Pathfinders are up!
Black Facelicker (grappler)
Kahwen
Palakar
Melea
Mykel
Elado
Vaylen (-11 hp, grappled)
Red
Yellow
Blue
|
|
As soon as Kahwen hears the cry and commotion, he dashes into action. And dash, he truly does. As he runs along, weaving through the rooms and his companions, he draws his sword, holding it behind him like another tail with one hand while pumping the other to keep his balance.
As he rushes down the stairs, he sees Mykel and the thing attacking him. He abruptly changes directions jumping up and pushing off the wall over Mykel's head then turning a cartwheel to the side to land next to the facelicker. He barely breaks stride as he goes around the creature.
|
|
Suddenly finding himself waylaid by enemies, Vaylen doesn't have a chance to draw his sword to fend off the unnatural assailants. Finding himself in the grips of the deadly foes, Vaylen can't help but take the opportunity to quip despite the dire situation he finds himself in.
"I insist on being bought a drink before getting this close to someone!"
Shifting his body weight in the creature's grasp, Vaylen attempts to untangle himself from the monster's grip.
Kahwen somersaults by the Facelicker but it manages to get a swipe in.
Not quite fast enough to catch Kahwen, though.
Vaylen struggles, but the Facelicker maintains his grip.
Mykel moves to the base of the stairs.
Melea moves to the top of the stairs.
Round 1! Pathfinders are up!
Black Facelicker (grappler)
Kahwen
Palakar
Melea
Mykel
Elado
Vaylen (-11 hp, grappled)
Red
Yellow
Blue
Let's start with Haste first since I know that better. I will argue that everyone is hasted. It's undeniable everyone is within 55' of you, but the question is whether Kahwen is more than 30' from Melea.
The stairs are drawn with an L-shaped bend - one goes down westward, there is presumably a landing (which is where Elado is now) and then it bends northward (where Mykel is now). This puts Kahwen more or less below Melea - the distance is 10' plus the vertical distance, which is 10-15'. If Palakar moves into the stairs or tries to move all the way down past the Facelicker, I'm fine ruling everyone gets hasted.
---
As for P/R, I didn't realize you could do it unarmed. You are free to make a free unarmed attack vs the monster to see if you parried the first attack, and I'll retroactively take back the 11 damage and grappled if you hit. I'll need guidace on whether you being flatfooted means you subtract Dex from your attacks. If you do attempt to parry the first strike, you should probably attem0t to parry the second and third, too.
Go ahead and post a full compliment of P/Rs for the next round.
The three ghostly figures drift out of the shadows. They extend their arms to touch the living - Red touches Vaylen, Yellow amd Blue touch Kahwen.
Kahwen goes full Matrix style and dodges. However, Red manages to touch Vaylen.
Facelicker tries to hold on.
And his intestines snake out of its mouth again and gives Vaylen a sloppy kiss on the face.
---
The wraith smiles as he drains your life force. He could spend forever here, and not be satisfied.
The facelicker kisses you so hard, he takes your breath away!
---
Round 2!
Black Facelicker (grappler)
Kahwen
Palakar
Melea
Mykel
Elado
Vaylen (-14 hp, -6 CON, grappled, paralyzed)
Red (+5 hp)
Yellow
Blue
Absolutely. Also, because Vaylen is helpless, his square is available for anyone who wants to to stand there.
The Facelicker is more commonly known as a mohrg, an undead skeleton or zombie whose discolored entrails stick out of its mouth. Spoiler alert - it has a paralysis attack, and can raise those that it kills as zombies. Its "only" immunities are the standard undead ones (mind-affecting effects, death effects, disease, paralysis, poison, sleep effects, stun, nonlethal damage, ability drain, energy drain, exhaustion, and fatigue).
The Touchers are more commonly known as wraiths, incorporeal, dark shapes with two flickering pinpoints of light where its eyes should be. Spoiler alert - it has CON drain, and can raise those that it kills as wraiths. In addition to standard undead immunities, it has a weakness to direct sunlight. Also, as Melea is about to find out ...
---
Galilah hisses when you command her to approach the wraith. Melea will need to make a DC 25 Handle Animal check to command Galilah to within 30' of the wraiths.