You walk to your meeting with Palliettor amiably enough through busy city streets. You pass three acolytes of Abadar, just off work apparently, as they head the other way and toward the pub. When you arrive the church is well lit (continual lights abound) but quiet.
As you open the main doors however, you hear a cry from within! The voice of the Enummerator!
- - -
Edelmira rushes into the room, drawing two throwing axes as she moves. ”Cravens! You shall face justice at our hands for this villainy.”
HP: 73/73
AC: 11/11/10
Saves: F7/R8/W9 (+2 vs ingested/inhaled poisons)
Hero Points: 2
Spells/Conditions Active: Fastidiousness
0: (Grasp, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Spark)
1: 1/3 used (Fastidiousnessx1, Serren’s Swift Girdingx0)
[ dice]1d20+13[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+6[/dice] damage.
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Hero Points 6/8
Init +8; Senses low-light vision; Perception +11
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 25, touch 18, flat-footed 18 (+5 armor, +1 deflection, +4 Dex, +3 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 58 (8 HD; 1d8+7d10+8)
Fort +2, Ref +11, Will +6 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments
Defensive Abilities aristocratic discipline +2, nimble +2; Immune sleep
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +7/+2 (1d4/19-20+7 Precision) or
koriana's blade +16/+11 (1d6+9/15-20+7 Precision) or
mwk rapier +14/+9 (1d6+2/15-20+7 Precision) or
sap +7/+2 (1d6 nonlethal)
Special Attacks deeds (derring-do, hidden blade, incredible aspirations, instant unveil, kip-up, precise strike, quick draw, social panache, swashbuckler initiative, targeted strike), hidden strike +1d8/+1d4, panache (4/5)
Kamari dashes in while drawing Koriana's blade.
"His sermon wasn't that bad was it?"
Round 1
Anselm follows Kamari, getting as close as he can to the assailants. "Let him alone, you brutes!"
One of the great sculpted beast appears and attacks .
Perhaps the lionine fellow already had dinner. He hardly seems enthusiastic about this new dinner.
Speechreader’s Sight, Undetectable Alignment
improved outflank
54 / 54
21 / 18 ff / 13 touch
5/6
5/6
3/3
8/9 (foo lion)
8/8
6/6
6/6
6
36
Outflank, Improved Outflank
52 / 52
17, touch 12, ff 14
25 (29 v. trip)
DR 5/bludgeoning
Immune poison, disease, paralysis, sleep
Stony Defense used: 0 of 5 uses/day
Round 1, Init 4
Kort moves in and situates himself next to Anselm, firing off a quickly loaded bolt after the draw on the move. He fires a snap shot at the guy on the left.
to hit; (+PBS)
magic cold iron damage;
hp: 52/52
AC: 16/13/13
Saves: F4/R10/W10 +4 vs. enchantment, +2 vs. illusions +6 vs. poison
Lowlight. PBS.
Aroden's Verve: 0/7 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/2 used
Extend PotionRadiation: 0/6 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 0/9 used (CLW*0,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*0)
2: 1/7 used (Inv*0,RE*0,*CE*0,0*SInv)
3: 2/5 used (H*2,DM*0,Sear*0)
[ dice]1d20+5[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+11+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS)
magic cold iron damage;
UMD vs. DC 20
touch to hit;
fire damage
miss chance
Elen double moves into the room.
Anselm summons a lazy lion who doesn’t even properly play with its food! Kamari double moves into the room. Edelmira rushes into the room drawing her weapons and challenging the assassins. Elen also enters the room and gets into position.
The attackers, trying to make good on their contract before turning to face you, stab the still defenseless priest once again with their rapiers.
One miss and one hit as the priest holds his own, though he's looking quite peaked.
Hero Points 6/8
Init +8; Senses low-light vision; Perception +11
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 25, touch 18, flat-footed 18 (+5 armor, +1 deflection, +4 Dex, +3 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 58 (8 HD; 1d8+7d10+8)
Fort +2, Ref +11, Will +6 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments
Defensive Abilities aristocratic discipline +2, nimble +2; Immune sleep
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +7/+2 (1d4/19-20+7 Precision) or
koriana's blade +16/+11 (1d6+9/15-20+7 Precision) or
mwk rapier +14/+9 (1d6+2/15-20+7 Precision) or
sap +7/+2 (1d6 nonlethal)
Special Attacks deeds (derring-do, hidden blade, incredible aspirations, instant unveil, kip-up, precise strike, quick draw, social panache, swashbuckler initiative, targeted strike), hidden strike +1d8/+1d4, panache (4/5)
Kamari pauses to see the potential flanks set up by Elen and Edelmira before moving. Assuming the priest will not impede her path, Kamari tumbles past the priest, between both attackers, and onto the altar.
Kamari will then strike down at either black-clad figure that is now in a flank. It's not her best strike, but she hopes they'll be dazzled by her footwork enough to still strike them.
When you use Acrobatics to move through an opponent’s threatened area or space without provoking an attack of opportunity from that opponent, you gain a +2 circumstance bonus on your next melee attack roll against that opponent and that opponent is denied its Dexterity bonus to AC, as long as you make that attack before the start of your next turn.
Elen springs over the banister into flank with Kamari and feints. She attacks before hopping back over the banister back to her original position.
for
The good father takes a 5’ step back out of flank and casts defensively as he reaches for his mace on the altar.
vs DC 21
He completes his spell, casting Prayer (link).
"Now crush these unbelievers!" he cries, the bloodlust clear in his eyes and his mace gripped fiercely in his hands.
Round 1, Init 9
AC = 21/16/17
HP = 58/58
Weapon Equipped = +1 Adaptive Composite Longbow
Condition(s) = None
AC = 23/13/20
HP = 63/63
Weapon Equipped = Teef
Condition(s) = None
Muri enters the church, not at all expecting to interrupt an assassination attempt. The halfling takes the split-second to determine that the black lads are the threat, so takes a shot at Blue.
Round 2
Anselm advances towards the assassins, screaming at the one nearest the Abadaran.
The foo lion presses his attack.
Speechreader’s Sight, Undetectable Alignment
improved outflank
54 / 54
21 / 18 ff / 13 touch
4/6
5/6
3/3
8/9 (foo lion)
8/8
6/6
6/6
6
36
Outflank, Improved Outflank
52 / 52
17, touch 12, ff 14
25 (29 v. trip)
DR 5/bludgeoning
Immune poison, disease, paralysis, sleep
Stony Defense used: 0 of 5 uses/day
Edelmira restrains her urge to roll her eyes at the priest’s urging to crush unbelievers. She can hardly crush herself after all. She takes a step forward and focuses on trying to throw.
She then chucks the throwing axe with great force and
HP: 73/73
AC: 11/11/10
Saves: F7/R8/W9 (+2 vs ingested/inhaled poisons)
Hero Points: 2
Spells/Conditions Active: Fastidiousness, Martial Versatility (point blank shot)
0: (Grasp, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Spark)
1: 1/3 used (Fastidiousnessx1, Serren’s Swift Girdingx0)
[ dice]1d20+13[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+6[/dice] damage.
Muri takes a shot at blue, piercing him. Major Kort hits red, piercing him. Anselm screams at red, while his summons makes a hit on blue but just misses the grab (by 1)! Kamari is successful on all fronts, landing a blow on red while Elen flanks it. Edelmira hits blue, her ax digging deeply into him. Elen flips over the railing, tags red, and flips back leaving a ragged wound on the unsuspecting assassin who crumples to the floor unconscious.
vs DC 17 for 8hp dam and no daze
The remaining assassin, reading the writing on the wall, attempts to flee. He draws AoOs from the lion, Edelmira, Muri, and of course Underfoot on his way through. He only tries to avoid the lion, preferring to move at full speed and take his chances with the rest.
to avoid AoO.
Note: Shoot. Elen also gets an AoO! Wish I'd seen that earlier... Might have risked it with the lion.
Kort delays just slightly, rather than shoot into combat when the last assassin was going to be surrounded, pummeled, then likely taxed into financial poverty to match his spiritual one.
He will move up to heal/save the priest as needed.
Round 3
Kamari hops down from the altar and moves toward the fleeing assassin while pulling a tanglefoot bag. She tosses it, but without the most confidence.
Edelmira is not ready for the remaining assassin to come barreling past, and she swing like she is holding her halberd or battleaxe, missing horribly.
She takes off after him, drawing her battleaxe in her free hand on the move, using the momentum of her draw and her stride to bring it around and down in an overhead chop.
HP: 73/73
AC: 11/11/20
Saves: F7/R8/W9 (+2 vs ingested/inhaled poisons)
Hero Points: 2
Spells/Conditions Active: Fastidiousness, Martial Flexibility (point blank shot)
0: (Grasp, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Spark)
1: 1/3 used (Fastidiousnessx1, Serren’s Swift Girdingx0)
[ dice]1d20+13[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+6[/dice] damage.
"You should surrender. I know we only got here, but it looks like you're fleeing the scene of a crime. We'll even heal you, before we escort you to the constable."
Anselm’s prayer stabilizes the fallen assassin while the lion moves to guard the priest.
for
Elen will run after the would be assassin if that's possible.
Edelmira swings her AoO, but misses. As the would-be assassin ducks around though, Elen reaches out with the long weapon and clips him as he goes by. Muri, or rather Underfoot, takes a big wet bite out of the fleeing man, who didn’t expect it and he falters.
”Who are you?” he sputters wishing he had a second potion of invisibility. He flings his rapier to the ground and surrenders. ”I know the score, you got me.”
The priest absentmindedly heals himself a bit, but he does not channel to heal the others too.
"I think it is we who will be asking the questions. Who are you, and why are you trying to kill Palliettor?" she asks, binding the conscious one.
"I think it is we who will be asking the questions. Who are you, and why are you trying to kill Palliettor?" she asks, binding the conscious one.
The man submits to the binding quietly enough. ”So what do I get for my nice words ‘ey? How about my freedom. You can keep my stuff, most of it was given by my benefactor anyways.”
”Let me go and I’ll tell you what I know. It ain't much, but it should be enough to save a poor soul like me from a little battery charge.” He looks at the group, but especially the high priest who, as much as anyone, represents the law here. If he says the man can go, he knows it’ll happen.
The Chief Enumerator is thinking and seeks your input.
Anselm approaches the man. "You have just attempted to murder a member of the Mercantile Council. I think you know that counts for more than 'a little battery charge'. That said, I for one believe in sincere atonement. Tell us everything you know about your employer and the reason for this assault, and I'll do what I can to help you find an honest vocation. If that is satisfactory to the Chief Enumerator."
Kort listens, but offers no help to the assassin.
"Truth will set you free."
Edelmira retrieves her thrown axe and slides the other throwing axe into her belt. She keeps the battleaxe out, though. ”Lord Basri has the right of it. You face no less than attempted murder. If you wish to parlay for your freedom, you shall have to show a sign of what you have to offer. You have no leverage with which to bargain. I swear that valuable information will be rewarded.”
Kamari only adds, "The sooner you talk, the more likely you can be gone before your benefactor learns of your failure."
She waits patiently for the assassin to answer.
Anselm approaches the man. "You have just attempted to murder a member of the Mercantile Council. I think you know that counts for more than 'a little battery charge'. That said, I for one believe in sincere atonement. Tell us everything you know about your employer and the reason for this assault, and I'll do what I can to help you find an honest vocation. If that is satisfactory to the Chief Enumerator."
”Says you! I says we was just touching up the man a bit before robbing him. Like I said, you let us loose, and I’ll tell you what you want to know. Or what I know anyway, and my sharp eye spotted something that might be important!”
He wants his freedom by buying it for his statement, and his gear. A successful diplomacy check means more information - but he’s not parting with his only bargaining chip for the promise of some honest job, which for him might be as bad as prison.
The Enumerator is unsure. He’s willing to accept the deal (for after all payment is payment), but Anselm and maybe Valena, seem to want more I think and he wants the party to be happy about the outcome.
Edelmira sighs. Not even death can stop people from talking, so the man has less leverage than he thinks. But she is also getting the read from his poor attempt at lying that he is likely not canny enough to be pulling one over on them. ”I say we take the deal. I would rather not waste any more time than necessary.” She glares at the man. ”Do not even attempt to lie to us. We will know.”
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Muri dismounts...
...poorly, before stumbling over to the captive assassin, foot barely making it from the stirrup.
The halfling removes a glove, palm up and forward, placing it on the shoulder of the cutthroat, bringing a dollop of healing, as promised.
With hand on shoulder, Muri leans his head close. "We try to injure enemies that are direct threats. You are not a threat, now. You are a warning to the Enumerator. He won't be left alone any time soon, thanks to your attack."
Muri turns to remount Underfoot. "I'd like to hear what he can tell us. He's an arrow, not the bow."
”Do not even attempt to lie to us. We will know.”
In a flash of copper, Elen activates the mask while approaching the assassin to take a closer look.
"Yes, we will."
She nods in agreement with Muri.
”I say kill him, I have little patience for those that would attack clergy in cold blood, we’ll get his secrets from his corpse if he wont speak up,” Kort offers his own opinion, which is pretty clear what you do with murderers caught in the act.
Diplomacy to aid - bad cop
”I’m sure we’ll figure it out. Or the priest will tell us.”
"Old soldiers and their old ways. Give the man a chance."
Kamari steps between the Major and the assassin.
Anselm raises an eyebrow at the Major. ”Just because we can speak with the dead doesn’t mean I’m interested in creating more of them.”
He gazes at the mook. ”Well, Arrow, I suppose a man needs to make a living in this world. I wouldn’t want to impose some soulless drudgery or toil on you. Fancy folk like us are always ordering people how to live. Me, I just wish for you to have a life you can be proud of. But how should I know what that’ll be for you?”
There’s something unusual in his tone. Almost a revolutionary fervor. The world’s not fair, but we can make it better.
”Anyhoo, I’m fine with your offer. What’s your name, anyway?”
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vs DC 19 (detect thoughts)
vs DC 20 (charm)
The priest frowns at Anselm, ”Beating a man is one thing, but taking away his free will is something else entirely. I had no idea you were such a party.” He shakes his head and turns to the imprisoned, ”Son, for your sins I accept payment of your gear and your story, but I caution you on your so-called friends.”
The man nods accepting, and says smiling at Anselm, ”My name is Enzo, and I’ll tell you what I know.” He goes on to say they got their contract from a mysterious figure, as usual, in a tavern called the Grand Uncle. Some of you have perhaps heard of the place, and if not Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor has. It’s a seedy sort of place in the poorer district. Just the sort of place you’d go for such things.
Anyway, Enzo continues, ”Our employer was cloaked and hooded as you’d expect. But we both noticed he was an aasimar, not human.” Further, he spotted their employer attempting to conceal a strange round cap with an attached veil - done in a light blue color.
When he announces that bit, the priest clamors, ”Aha, I told you the cultists were up to no good! I told you to investigate them! Now you see I’m right.” He seems grimly satisfied he was right.
After the charm, he’s very confused. He distrusts the lot of you, except Anselm and can’t figure out why.
Still, at least at the outset, he seems to be telling the truth as far as he knows it. Oh, and the priest isn’t the brightest bulb in the place with an intelligence of 8.
- - -
Kort listens to the priest (and offers a stiff shake of the head), and then to the cultist, who is clearly under Anselm’s considerable charm.
”Interesting. That is helpful.”
Know (Local) - Grand Uncle
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Edelmira shoots the priest a glare. The priest of a major religion—much less Abadar—defending “free will.” Hah! As if his faith’s inquisitors do not do the same and worse in Abadar’s name. Why, at this very moment, there are likely hellknights singing Abadar’s praises whole they dominate and torture the defenseless in the name of their “civilization” and “order.” Disgusting hypocrisy.
She restrains herself from saying any of that, though, instead holding herself calm.
”Oh? Our apologies, Your Eminence. We thought you would appreciate a more subtle means. I beg your pardon for misunderstanding. At least know that such effects are temporary and leave no lasting damage.”
Truthfully, she has complicated feelings on the matter of enchantments as well, but she feels that is irrelevant at the moment.
Anselm looks quizzically at the High Enumerator. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean, father. I've cast no spell. And Enzo here shall be free as a songbird once we've finished our transaction."
He nods at the would-be assassin. "Thank you for that. I hope you will consider a less... violent... line of work. Do you have a family?"
Moving on, he notes, "That certainly sounds like Vaddrigan Pol. Interesting..."
Kort continues to listen, willing to put off outright execution as the priest/victim is satisfied by the restitution.
”Keep going Anselm, you’re doing wonderfully.”
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Kamari nods along at everything that seems to be working itself out.
“Let us do what we said we would and abide by Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor’s decision on what this man’s fate should be. He is The Law in this Church, afterall.“
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"Aha, I told you the cultists were up to no good! I told you to investigate them! Now you see I’m right.”
Muri marks Abrun psychically, like he's done with Rudig and Yander.
"Do you want to tell the Council you were right, or do you want us to tell them you were right? We could both tell them you were right, so they don't doubt it." The halfling sits upon his leathery throne, and watches the assassin divest himself of his goods, occasionally looking at the Chief.
"Do you think they'll try again? Do you think they already know they failed to kill you tonight? What steps will you take to make sure you're safe from now on? We're probably going to return to the Bower soon, but we got lucky saving your life tonight."
It is however rife with the under-classes. Plenty of thieves and cutthroats in a place like that. If you wanted to hire some random muscle for a quick unpleasant job, that’s where you’d likely start if you didn’t know anyone.
- - -
Anselm looks quizzically at the High Enumerator. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean, father. I've cast no spell. And Enzo here shall be free as a songbird once we've finished our transaction.”
He nods at the would-be assassin. "Thank you for that. I hope you will consider a less... violent... line of work. Do you have a family?"
”No. Why would I have a family?” he shrugs, but listens.
“Let us do what we said we would and abide by Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor’s decision on what this man’s fate should be. He is The Law in this Church, afterall.“
The thief asks, ”May I, er, pour this potion down my friends throat so we can at least walk out of here? It’ll look a little odd, me carrying him through the streets like this.”
He quickly strips out of his armor, drops his rapier and empties his pockets of gold (though why he’s carrying loose change into battle is anyone’s guess). He hands over his possessions and skedaddles, either carrying his friend or assuring him ”This is best, trust me.” as they flee into the night.
You have a pile of the following:
Potion of Cure Moderate x2 (or x1 if you allow him to use one)
Studded Leather +1 x2
Rapier +1 x2
Cloak of Resistance +1 x2
943gp
"Do you want to tell the Council you were right, or do you want us to tell them you were right? We could both tell them you were right, so they don't doubt it." The halfling sits upon his leathery throne, and watches the assassin divest himself of his goods, occasionally looking at the Chief.
”I imagine you’ll give a proper report, which will show the Council I’m right.” the priest grins widely.
"Do you think they'll try again? Do you think they already know they failed to kill you tonight? What steps will you take to make sure you're safe from now on? We're probably going to return to the Bower soon, but we got lucky saving your life tonight."
The Chief Enumerator takes the two cloaks of resistance, ”For the church. Looks like I’ll need some guards until you’ve sorted out that lair of mischief.”
He continues once the thieves have left, ”So what have you found so far? I believe you mentioned to the Council that you’d been there, but maybe that’s my wishful thinking. This is most important as you can see. This Cult must be dealt with!”
Anselm provides some healing to both ruffians.
”Yes, Father, we have paid the cult a visit. The situation appears… Delicate. Our plans are in motion, however. Rest assured, we feel a sense of urgency. It may take a day or two for the seeds we’ve planted to take root. Meanwhile, there is the matter of the recent raids on caravans.”
The young diplomat considers the Abadaran’s mien. He isn’t playing some intricate scheme, is he? He seems all too willing to let his attackers loose, for a man of the law.
"Yes, we are still investigating the cult. Though we haven't directly connected them to anything, the Twilight Child----is a mystery that needs to be unraveled."
Elen cuts the thief's binds so that he can move to do all the things he did.
Kort has no issue with the outcome, especially if the priest has expressed his wishes.
"I'm glad we got here when we did. And it seems that our work needs to continue, there is more to do," Kort says stiffly and even helps the assassins get a move on.
"It seems we have another lead or two to go on."
The priest is pleased with Anselm’s promise to pursue leads in this regard. Further, he’ll see to it he’s well protected in the future so as to avoid such painful attacks. He looks forward to your next report in front of the council.
- - -
”Good. Good. Examine that cult, for I’m sure when you get to the bottom of it, you’ll get to the bottom of the troubles at Yanmass!” He walks with you from the church to the administration building, where he corrals a few guards for his protection. ”I’ll be fine now,” he says, ”You get that cult out of my city!”
It’s late-ish, around 8pm anyway, by the time you leave the Chief Enumerator with some guards to keep an eye on him. Do you head back to your hotel to turn in?