Game Day IX Mistress of the Maze (5-8) (Inactive)

Game Master Kyle "Worg" H

Ninja Dot thread please

You all are called and assembled into the Grand Lodge, where Venture Captain Eliza Petulengro (N Female Human Diviner) has summoned you for tea and a mission briefing.

Inside the foyer of Skyreach at the Grand Lodge, a masked
servitor awaits. A specter in white, save for the ribbon of scarlet around their neck, the servant bows and gestures to the central staircase, silently leading the way upstairs to a large study. Eliza Petulengro, the unmasked member of the Decemvirate, sits behind a wooden desk covered in neatly arrayed stacks of books and hand-written reports. She gazes quietly across the edge of her teacup. Setting the tea down, she glances to the side at a rune-etched sphere studded with strange metal canisters.

Chance for any introductions if you would like.

Hobbo moves in to the Grand Lodge, slowly but surely. He's always been a bit cautious went entering the lodge as some people give him disgusted looks. He doesn't care too much though - Sarenrae will always protect him. One of his brothers and one of his sisters - Lobbo and Kobbo, both recent Pathfinder recruits - join him in the lobby. The sight of them brings Hobbo much happiness. He has 25 brothers and sisters of the Gobbo clan, Abbo the Gobbo, Bobbo the Gobbo, etc. Not all are Pathfinder worthy though and some are scattered over the globe.

"Can you watch Doggo for a moment, while I attend a meeting?". Hobbo asks them. Doggo - a giant wolf - hangs outside and eagerly licks his aunt and uncle. The goblins all hug before Hobbo moves up the stairs.

The servitor motions to the central staircase. Hobbo walks upstairs to the large study. He nods at Eliza and sits down picks up a teacup. Looks like he's the first one here.

“I expect you know who I am, so I shall dispense with unnecessary formalities. Mostly, I deal in two things—truth and potential. I haven’t the time to shield the first, but I see the second in you. I need you to join me in traveling the Maze of the Open Road. It was once a great asset to the Society. For many years, the Decemvirate and trusted agents could travel all of Golarion in moments. A gift from an ancient druid king, the maze lent us power, discretion, and speed. In time, it also allowed for a terrible betrayal."

“The current Master of Spells, Sorrina Westyr, elected to seal the maze despite its advantages. And for some time I agreed with that wisdom. However, fate has forced our hand. The maze has grown dangerously unstable and we need its abilities now more than ever. With Sorrina currently traveling to the Mwangi Expanse, it falls to us to collect the necessary samples required to diagnose the maze and make it safe and reliable once more."

“Regrettably, this stabilization device,” Eliza indicates a hovering sphere honeycombed with canisters, “will require almost all of my concentration. I will need you ready to protect me as we gather samples along the path through the maze to the Woodsedge Lodge in Galt. Thankfully, Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau is sending an agent to meet us, who should smooth our progress considerably. You have my trust in this. Any questions?”

Hobbo looks around at his compatriots. Seeing that he's the only one here so far, Hobbo nods at Eliza. "I'd be happy to join. Why exactly was it sealed? What are we to expect when we travel through this maze? I hope no minotaurs."

Hobbo looks around at his compatriots. Seeing that he's the only one here so far, Hobbo nods at Eliza. "I'd be happy to join. Why exactly was it sealed?"

“An unfortunate series of events a decade ago that cost the lives of several members of the Decemvirate. I’d prefer not to dwell on it.”

"What are we to expect when we travel through this maze?"

"“The walls of the maze are 20-foot-tall manicured plants with corridors of varying width. Something similar to a barrier of magical force prevents passage between the vegetation and or flight above the height of the maze.”

A tall, silver-haired half-elf strides into the room. She wears a chain shirt and has a bow on her back and rapier on her hip. I've heard rumors of some event like that, but everyone who might have been involved refuses to speak of it. She shakes her head at the force roof. Never makes sense why they don't just put an actual roof. At least then it would keep out the rain.

I am Wolstine, reporting as requested.

A gnome dressed in simple garb has a welcoming smile that slowly fades as he listens to the briefing. Magic wasn't his forte, especially primal magic. Sure, he dabbled here and there, but he could only cast a few simple spells. Neither was being a bodyguard. Truth is, he'd rather have someone guarding him.

"So what are the risks of letting the magic collapse? Doesn't magic just usually fizzle out when it has run its course? Has anyone thought of just shutting it down rather than trying to stabilize it? If it is not being used, why maintain it?"

"You can call me Rex by the way, and this here is Smee," he says pointing to a goblin dressed in sailor's garb. "He will be the captain of my first boat... once I get one"

"Hello. It'Smee. Daddy used to drive boat on river. Catch many fish."

"So what are the risks of letting the magic collapse? Doesn't magic just usually fizzle out when it has run its course? Has anyone thought of just shutting it down rather than trying to stabilize it? If it is not being used, why maintain it?"

Eliza contemplates that question, determining how much she can answer and how much she wants to answer.

"The Maze of the Open Road is a magical hedge maze that warps the dimensions of space and time. A gift of the Druid King Narven, the maze was of great use to the Pathfinder Society for many years. It allowed the leaders of the Society to swiftly, and discreetly, travel the face of Golarion and beyond. In the time since its creation, the maze has grown somewhat unstable, including growing new connections to dangerous planes and planets beyond Golarion." She sighs. "I don't want to imagine the possibility of it connecting to someplace unknown or dangerous... Dark Tapestry, Ninth Ring of Hell, the corners of the abyss. Planar magic is becoming a more known to us than when we first had began utilizing it, and the reality of such magics can cause dangerous factors when destabilized or disrupted. If you have ever read the recent chronicles on the Hao-Jin Tapestry, then you are aware of what consequences can happen."

A close friend of mine died in trying to stabilize the Tapestry. He was able to have his body retrieved and raised, but still. Planar magic is not to be trifled with. Wolstine nods, agreeing with Eliza.

Do we have any idea who or what might be coming through to threaten you while you perform this ritual? If the extra-dimensional magics here have attracted attention, there could be any number of different outsiders or magical beasts or even dragons who might be interested. Have we any indication of who or what has actually been paying attention to it? If it's anything like the tapestry, that attracted attention from very high level psychopomps and perhaps Pharasma herself.

"So you mean the hedges are getting a bit overgrown and going places they shouldn't, got it! Well, I have a few things that might 'prune' a few 'wild growths' if you get what I mean," Rex says, shaking a flask.

Alchemical Items Prepared
3 Alchemist's Fire (moderate)
3 Blight Bomb (moderate)
3 Bottled Lightning (moderate)
3 Dread Ampoule (moderate)
.
4 Elixir of Life (moderate)
2 Mistform Elixir (moderate)
.
3 infused reagents remaining

Feel free to slot boons and call for equipment from Training at this time.

"Unfortunately there is little information about the threats inside, but that can be considered good news, in that we are acting before it becomes too serious to ignore."

"I can tell you that the maze had a guardian in the form of an immortal medusa named Condria. The Woodsedge Lodge reports that other than the shattered remnants of her petrified victims, no sign of her has been found.”

With your final preparations all set and ready, Eliza takes you all to the verdant entrance of the Maze of the Open Road. Reality begins to warp...

**************************************************

... A single step somehow stretches across the length of timeless moments until a strange sky snaps into place above you. Eliza winces a bit and gives the stabilization sphere a look of concern. Blue sky has been replaced by pale lavender with a fringe of starry indigo. The orderly emerald walls of the maze are spotted with irregularities as ragged branches tear at the open air like talons and sections of new growth swell like verdant tumors.

"Perhaps I spoke too soon on our timing. It is worse than I feared." She stops to look over the scenery. "Take some earth and clippings next to the portal threshold as a baseline. Keep your eyes out for other deviations." She frowns and looks to the sphere as it obediently hovers to her side and eldritch bands of energy begin stretching from its protrusions to follow her command.

A cheerful if somewhat road-worn halfling crawls from between wild and unruly plant growth. He spends a second brushing stray twigs from his curly hair before giving up on appearing presentable. Picking up his satchel and an unusually large, chittering squirrel, he addresses Eliza. "You aren’t monsters! Could it be? Eliza, your picture does not do you credit! I am so glad I found you. The way to the Woodsedge Portal is particularly plagued by planar anomalies. We considered the Edme cavern portal instead, but as you know overland travel in Galt is nearly as troublesome. That device is fascinating! But since time is of essence, you can explain how it works as we travel.” He offers a letter marked with the seal of the Woodsedge Lodge. "My credentials."

Handouts Slide now Active. The Halfling is on the cover of the book on Maps Slide 1.

Rex looks over the letter and then eyes the halfling.

"Well, if you are recommended then, welcome. So where do we go first?"

Can I purchase Charitable Adventure to gain 2 more fame/reputation? Not sure if this is an event registered with the OPF. Also spend 4 Fame for the boon: Heroic Intervention

Hobbo jumps up on Doggo. "Yes, yes! Where do we go next? We want to help!"

Will make an alias for Doggo.

@Hobbo the Gobbo Yes that is fine.

“I have a map of the shortest route to the Woodsedge portal. There’s some weird stuff along the way… Strange symbols, luminous orbs, tears in reality, that kind of thing. At one point, I was almost buried in a wall of red sand. Shouldn’t be too bad, really, as long as we keep our eyes on the path forward and don’t get lost.”

Eliza, seeing no further questions or preparations are required, adds in, "I am counting on you all to handle the challenges we face ahead while I concentrate on the stabilization sphere. I trust that you all, as capable agents of the society, can handle whatever comes our way. However, if at any point you feel we are in particularly dire straits, I can return us to the Grand Lodge immediately. Do note that this will ruin the samples I am going to collect, as well as the stabilization sphere."

TLDR: If you feel like the scenario is too hard or you are in over your heads, you can teleport back to the Lodge. Doing so ends the scenario immediately.

***********************************************

Energies from another plane have begun to interact with the Maze of the Open Road. Around this particular corner of the maze, a statue of a robed spellcaster rendered in the act of drawing forth a wand stands in a readied pose. Some of the statue’s fingers have been snapped off. Lichens spot its stone body here and there.

Glinting sparkles shift in the topiary walls and a soft breeze comes from some unknown place, bearing clashing scents of cinnamon and tar.

You have a few options here, some of which is to check out the statue of the robed man, or begin helping Eliza with finding a suitable sample of the maze for the stabilization device, or ask Rindle for any insights.

From our table count, we are firmly 5-6 tier.

"Take a look at this. it appears that there is some extraplanar influence here. Rather straight-edged. I'd say Axis is trying to make changes here. Doesn't Axis have a history of policing extraplanar portals when they get out of hand? Maybe you could use it to stabilize the portals."

Hobbo jumps off of Doggo. Upon Rextangalin's suggestion, Hobbo approaches the statues. "Hmm, yes yes yes. Axis is at work.". Hobbo knows nothing about Axis but is too afraid to ask. "Why would an axis be here? Hmmmm."

Hobbo starts looking around the statue to see if he can spot anything else unusual about it.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

@Hobbo It appears this statue must be either someone who was turned into a statue, or an incredibly good carving. The damage to the statue's fingers provides evidence of the former, however, because under the shattered fingers the wand it holds is still intricately made.

@Rextangalin Rendle chimes in. "Ah, yes! Of course! That must be a capable source of power to stabilize the portal. I would agree, take it!"

Eliza looks it over. "Well, I cannot see any reason not to. The readings are positive, it would provide a decent sample."

I'm not sure what lore would apply, so I'll just roll Bardic

Bardic Lore to know about Axis and their intent/history with portals: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

What is this wand? It looks like it is actually a wand and not just a decoration
Occultism to identify the wand: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
If another tradition would apply, I am +10 with Arcana and +8 with Nature/Religion

@Wolstine Delwaris It appears that it may have once been a wand for an evocation spell, but any magic in it seems to be completely depleted.

Rex shurgs and carefully harvests some of the crystallized sap. Any roll required?

After scoping out the statue, Hobbo looks confused. "There is a person in the stone. And look at his poor fingers! How do we get him out though?"

Then, seeing Rex harvesting some of the crystallized sap, Hobbo joins in. "So tell me Rex, how long have you been a Pathfinder?"

"Only about half a year or so."

@Hobbo A spell that could reverse petrification, such as Stone to Flesh, could do the trick.

With the samples collected, there is little left to do in this section of the maze, unless the Party has a means to reverse the man's condition.

@All Players What is your preferred method of Exploration?

Hobbo moves along, talking with Eliza about being in the Pathfinders and his experience being a goblin. While he walks, he'll try to keep a close eye out on anything out of the ordinary.

Exploration: Search

If others kept an eye out for danger, Rex would keep his eyes focused on other clues.

Investigate

Wolstine is looking all around the maze as we walk through, searching for anything that seems potentially interesting or dangerous.

Exploration: Search

Eliza looks confused. "Strange, I thought there was supposed to be a fourth Pathfinder helping us." From behind the group then comes the noise as another individual steps forth. "Sorry I am late!" The new individual steps forth and calls out.
First two votes on either Kyra or Korakai will decide who we use.

The Pathfinders move on past the statue and deeper into the maze. Seemingly, with a single step, the world explodes into darkness and
light. Walls of green become swirls of verdant light. A dizzying array of symbols and runes swims through the air, accompanied by the aromas of dried spice and parchment.

Strangely, all of you now are composed of these runic symbols! Eliza appears to be fine. "It seems the device is keeping me stable." Rindle chimes in, "This doesn't look like how it did when I came from here before!"

@Rextangalin
The planar rupture here has caused Nethys’ arcane languages to become both the literal representation and underpinning of reality. Even basic movement and difficult until you all reconcile your relationship with the esoteric symbols. With this knowledge, you could overcome the challenge of movement with knowledge Arcana or Occult, and you can explain that to your allies too.

@Rextangalin, Hobbo, and Wolstine
Some of the phytoliths appear to have been shattered by force, as though someone intentionally broke them. Interesting to note, it appears that Rindle is using some sort of magic to move without hindrance around here.

Eliza considers the situation. "Well, you have two options. The more dangerous of which would be Will Save DC20 to try to reshape the plane to move forward. I say this is more dangerous because it may anger nearby guardians. If you have another idea, I would say give it a try."

Skills that may benefit would be Acrobatics, Knowledge Arcana, Knowledge Religion, Athletics, or something creative.

I vote Korakai, since he is new and Rex can also provide healing.

"Looks like some magic has shaped itself into reality through some planar rupture."

Occultism: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Will use one of my hero points...

Occultism: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

I think we can weave through here this way...

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

I haven't seen Korakai in action (or any oracle for that matter). Hobbo also provides some healing too.

Hobbo greats Korakai (or Kyra). "Hello fellow Pathfinder!"

Athletics: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17 Will use Hero Point to reroll

Athletics: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

Hobbo, even though he seems to be made of arcane runes, flexes his muscles to push through, attempting to follow Rex.

Should I roll for Doggo as well?

Korakai it is then!

@Hobbo Indeed.

Korakai begins to step his way through the difficulties of the plane.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Korakoi fails to move anywhere. "Drat! Perhaps I will need to give it another try."

@Hobbo and Rex You aren't in danger and didn't fail by over a large amount. Certain you wish to reroll with the hero point?

Hobbo wont use the Hero Point then.

Doggo swiftly follows Hobbo's lead.

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

Wolstine will try to weave her way through the twisted terrain, encouraging the rest of the party: Like this as she wriggles her way through.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Was I supposed to make both checks or only 1. I guess I didn't quite understand.

@Rex My apologies. Basically your discovery from investigating would let you use a knowledge skill instead of acrobatics or athletics to move around. You could come up with a different solution too, or use the will save at a risk.

From what the party was able to see, Rindle is able to navigate the area rather easily with his own magical power. In spite of this, however, he does bend the reality of the plane. "Whoops! I don't know what happened!"

In reaction to this, elemental magic seems to be gathering in two clusters. Two humanoids approach with pale eyes and windy looking outfits. They look very angry. "Violators! Prepare to die!"

Initiative Rextangalin: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Initiative Wolstine: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Initiative Korakai: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Initiative Hobbo the Gobbo: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Initiative Janni: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24=

The issues of moving through the plane will not apply to any combat.

Round 1: FIGHT!
Light Condition: Normal
Active Buffs: None
Active Penalties: None
Rextangalin(-0,Fine)
Smee(-0,Fine)
Wolstine(-0,Fine)
Red Janni(-0,Fine)
Blue Janni(-0,Fine)
Hobbo the Gobbo(-0,Fine)
Doggo the Doggo(-0,Fine)
Korakai(-0,Fine)

Maps added to my Handle, slide 3 is where combat is.

*sigh* "So it has come to this has it."

Rex reaches for one of his flasks and quickly tosses it at the creature before him.

Red is the primary target.

◈ Strike - Dread Ampoule - Moderate (alchemical, bomb, consumable, mental, splash)
Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
Damage (Mental): 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3
Additional Effect: frightened 1 (frightened 2 on a critical hit).
Splash Damage: 2 mental.

He then casts a spell and an arc of electricity jumps between the two of them.

◈◈ Cast a Spell - Electric Arc (cantrip, electricity, evocation)
Tradition: arcane
Components: somatic, verbal
Range: 30 feet
Targets: 1 or 2 creatures
Saving Throw: basic Reflex (DC 23)
Damage (Electricity): 4d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3, 4, 1) + 4 = 15

Smee takes his non-combat position in the back.

Smee is a hireling. He cannot participate in combat. Other than a few skill modifiers he doesn't have any stats.

Oh look. You found some new friends! Shall we kill them an take their stuff?

Perform for Lingering Composition: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22 Level 7 is the highest of my allies, which is a DC23, so this fails to linger, but everyone still gets the benefits of Inspire Courage +1 to hit and damage

What type of creatures are these? Kn(Arcana): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
I see the dice are with me as always on the paizo boards...

Wolstine pulls out her bow and readies an arrow to shoot next round.

Janni Reflex Saves: 2d20 ⇒ (3, 20) = 23

Actually, PF2 dictates that your knowledge to recall is what I should be rolling.

Round 1: FIGHT!
Light Condition: Normal
Active Buffs: None
Active Penalties: None
Rextangalin(-0,Fine)
Wolstine(-0,Fine)
Red Janni(-36,Fine)
Blue Janni(-0,Fine)
Hobbo the Gobbo(-0,Fine)
Doggo the Doggo(-0,Fine)
Korakai(-0,Fine)

The red Janni, looking rather hurt by both Rex's attacks, decides to return the favor. It uses a power to suddenly on Rex, waving its hand in a strange motion. "I shall turn you into the rat you are!"
Fort Save from Rextangalin.

The blue Janni steps up and tries to employ his own tricks, stepping up to swing his blade at the clearly dangerous gnome.
Step Draw Attack
Scimitar Forceful +1, Sweep Attack VS Rex: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26
Scimitar Forceful +1, Sweep Damage VS Rex: 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Round 1 & 2: FIGHT!
Light Condition: Normal
Active Buffs: Bardic Performance
Active Penalties: None
Rextangalin(-13,Fort Save Required)
Wolstine(-0,Fine)
Red Janni(-36,Fine)
Blue Janni(-0,Fine)
Hobbo the Gobbo(-0,Fine)
Doggo the Doggo(-0,Fine)
Korakai(-0,Fine)

All Pathfinders are up!

Added Doggo to the slide, right next to Hobbo.

Hobbo is a Redeemer champion and has the reaction: Glimpse of Redemption. Don't think he can use it yet, but will use it on the Blue Janni's next attack.

Hobbo jumps up. "Me? Violator? No sir! We're just passing through."

After the janni attack, Hobbo goes into action. "Doggo, go help flank."

◈ Command an Animal (Doggo) - Doggo moves then strikes the Red janni.

Bite, Inspire Courage, Flank: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 1 = 14
Damage: 2d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8, 4) + 3 + 1 = 16

Doggo seems to trip as he moves and seems to bite the air. Hobbo sees his companion flail around and goes in for the attack

◈ Strike the Red Janni

+1 Striking Scimitar, Inspire Courage, Flank: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 15 + 1 = 34
Damage: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 5) + 4 + 1 = 12

Hobbo strikes down hard on the Janni and goes in for another strike.

◈ Strike the Red Janni

+1 Striking Scimitar, Inspire Courage, Flank: 1d20 + 15 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 15 + 1 - 5 = 28
Damage, Forceful: 2d6 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6, 3) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 16

Fortitude: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

These are Janni, normally from the elemental planes. Watch out, they can forcefully change your size, making the gnome even smaller - wonder what sort of shenanigans you could get up to then. Wolstine chuckles to herself. Back to work.

She attempts her lingering composition again.
Perform DC23: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
Success! Everyone gets the benefits of Inspire Courage for the next three rounds.

Wolstine will then step over to get a clear line of sight on the janni and take a shot with her bow.
+1 Striking Comp Shortbow: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30 for
2d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 4) + 1 = 9 magical piercing damage.

Round 1 & 2: FIGHT!
Light Condition: Normal
Active Buffs: Bardic Performance
Active Penalties: None
Rextangalin(-13,Fine)
Wolstine(-0,Fine)
Red Janni(-60,Vanquished)
Blue Janni(-15,Fine)
Hobbo the Gobbo(-0,Fine)
Doggo the Doggo(-0,Fine)
Korakai(-0,Fine)

@Hobbo Your first attack landed a critical blow and thus vanquished red, any alternative last action you would like to take?

Wolstine's arrow pierces into the blue Janni, and it is a devestating blow indeed!

Rex finds himself shrunk down to the size of a lawn ornament!
You are tiny for 5 minutes, with a reach of 0ft.

Korakai comes in to aid this battle, "Let the fury of Hei-Feng lash out!" He draws his khakkara and takes advantage of the flank with the canine companion.

Khakkara shove, two-hand d10, versatile P Attack VS Blue: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 Blue is Flatfooted from the flank, so this is a critical.
Khakkara shove, two-hand d10, versatile P Damage VS Blue: 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (9, 1) + 4 = 14

Khakkara shove, two-hand d10, versatile P Attack VS Blue: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 10 - 5 = 11
Khakkara shove, two-hand d10, versatile P Damage VS Blue: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Rex still has a turn and Hobbo still has 1 action.

Hobbo obliterates one Janni and looks at the other ”You’re next. Hobbo steps up to be adjacent to the other Janni

On my phone. Can someone move me?

Done and ready.

Rex looks up (way up) at the janni, speaking in a high-pitched voice.

"I may be small, but that doesn't change the size of the rock I can throw at your head."

He casts a spell and some nearby rubble is launched through the air.

◈◈ Cast a Spell - Telekinetic Projectiile (attack, cantrip, evocation)
Tradition: occult
Components: somatic, verbal
Range: 30 feet
Targets: 1 creature
Attack: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 13 + 1 = 31
Damage (Bludgeoning): 4d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6, 6, 1) + 4 + 1 = 23

"Bet you feel bad getting your skull crushed by a rat."

◈ Bon Mot (auditory, concentrate, emotion, general, linguistic, mental, skill)
Language: Common
Range: 30 feet
Targets: 1 creature
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34 vs target's Will DC

Critical Success: The target is distracted and takes a –3 status penalty to Perception and Will saves for 1 minute.
The target can end the effect early with a retort to your Bon Mot.
This can either be a single action that has the concentrate trait or an appropriate skill action to frame their retort.
The GM determines which skill actions qualify, though they must take at least 1 action.
Typically, the retort needs to use a linguistic Charisma-based skill action.
Success: As critical success, but the penalty is –2.
Critical Failure: Your quip is atrocious. You take the same penalty an enemy would take had you succeeded.
This ends after 1 minute or if you issue another Bon Mot and succeed.

Remarkable, another round of criticals!
With those rolls, I will call this combat over.

The Pathfinders manage to successfully quell the Janni guards. The clumsy Rindle steps forward. "Oh, well done! Sorry, but I seem to have just mistepped."

You all having done well during your investigation and searches, you know that there may be some falsehood to his statement.

"Misstepped? Are you sure you know where you're going?" Hobbo seems a bit skeptical of Rindle's statement.

"What do we do now?"