[PFS1] 10-18 The Daughter's Due (GM Watery Soup, 5-6 Subtier) (Inactive)

Game Master Watery Soup

A place with hulking stuffed monsters, statues, and suits of armor, but it's the normal tables, chairs, rugs, and books that attack you instead.

Hold your horses! You need to endure the BBE's speech before you get predictably ambushed!

As though emerging from water, a raven-haired woman with skin of near-alabaster white appears. Dressed in a stylish, dark violet dress armor that shifts as though it were oily liquid, the woman looks out with glowing yellow eyes.

See Slide 1 for art.

“I suppose this is the moment where most of your ‘villains’ would gloat about their plans and how you’ve fallen into their trap. Well, I like to think I’m not a villain, and I would ask that you review your own organization’s history, not to mention that of the Blakros family. I’ve appeared here to let you know that, under my leadership, the Onyx Alliance has little interest in pursuing a vendetta against the Pathfinder Society. Assuming, of course, that you break off your ties with the Blakros family."

“This of course leads into the ‘why’ question. So, I’ll spare us all the pedantic headache and summarize: For over six hundred years, the Blakros family had an agreement with the Onyx Alliance. The Alliance provided their considerable resources to assist with the Blakros’s early smuggling operations. In exchange, the Blakros family offered up a hefty number of slaves and their eldest daughters from each generation. Without recounting a whole history lesson, my name is Sarnia Blakros, and I am one of those daughters sacrificed on the altar of history and contractual obligations."

“Why would I reveal all of this? Well, because unlike the Onyx Alliance leadership who preceded me, I like to think that my opposition isn’t completely inept. In fact, I fully expect you to overcome the challenges set forth in this building and return to the Material Plane with all the objects you’ve recently come to realize I acquired from the Blakros... from my family’s museum. I even promise that beyond the walls of this building, you’re safe to continue your investigations and find any items you may not have already recovered without fear of Alliance interference.”

You're free to ask any questions you want of her.

Aiden stops short as the woman appears. He listens to her with a surprised expression on his face. "So, this is now a family dispute? Perhaps the Society should stay out of until you resolve it. It may be worth consideration. But if we're as competent as you believe, then there's no reason we won't take the items back and continue our relationship with Blackros. Why should we rethink our position?"

"And how did you manage to take control of the Alliance?"

So, this is now a family dispute?

"My dear, it has always been a family dispute. It was a family dispute from the moment the first Blakros daughter was sent here. You have been blinded by your loyalty to the Blakroses of the Material Plane."

"Why should we rethink our position?"

"I don't think you will, at least not initially. Your association with the Blakroses causes only minor inconvenience at the moment. But there will be a time where the Pathfinder Society is asked to give more ... and more ... and more. As the Blakroses are sapped of their resources, they will do what they have always done - turn to the powers of darkness to save them.

I have no doubt that the Pathfinder Society will eventually rethink its position, and come to the conclusion that the alliance with the Blakroses is unfruitful and messy. It's only a question of when that realization will happen."

"And how did you manage to take control of the Alliance?"

“They say that immense pressure is what creates diamonds. In my case, immense pressure unlocked a reservoir of psychic potential that I used to my advantage in a rather well-executed coup. When it came time to make my move, it was honestly very simple. Turns out, if you offer a whole caste of enslaved and mistreated servants a more noble cause to fight for... well, they tend to fight for you instead.”

Nali has her bow out immediately upon Sarnia appearing, but the arrow is left unnocked as conversation breaks out. After a moment, she loosens her stance and asks, "So, Show skills and 'freely' retrieve artifacts then? Though if you wish to cause alliance to end, we are better as messengers. Why not write down demands for delivery?"

I don't want to seem rude, because so far you didn't cause us any harm, but I do have a few questions. What is your long term purpose in that? It seems to me that's some serious planning and work, just to sever the link between your old family and the Pathfinders. What do you gain from it, apart for the satisfaction to stick it to your ancestors? What if the Pathfinder Society refuses your offer, even with the promises of a truce with the Onyx Alliance, as long as you lead them?

Dru takes a few seconds, then adds, pointig to her flask by her side, engraved with the symbol of Cayden Cailean
Can't stand no slavers myself, miss, so you have at least my sympathy, even if I can't help you yet.

Arin focuses on Sarnia's delivery to see if there is any deceit in it. His companions seem to be asking the right questions.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Sense Motive, eternal hope reroll: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 uh....

Aiden give a slow smile. "Well, Ms. Blackros, I for one admire the position you are taking. Eyes open and suffer no fools, eh? And you clearly have made something of yourself. I may be willing to put in a word for you with the Paracountess. She could be interested in a separate arrangement, and your family has proven to be...unreliable in the past. If you return the other two items, we could consider that a sign of good faith to the Society. If you choose to wage war with your family, perhaps the Society would stay neutral in the matter."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Patros pauses to collect his thoughts. So...you're leading the Onyx Alliance to eventually stop your family's involvement? Wow...I had no idea that the Blakros' had this...agreement. I'm no fan of slave yrading, no matter the reason or cause. And to give up your own daughter...marriage us one thing...but this is....I have no idea what this is...

"Why not write down demands for delivery?"

"I trust you to deliver the message faithfully. It will come as no surprise to either the Blakros clan or to the Decemvirate."

What do you gain from it, apart for the satisfaction to stick it to your ancestors?

"I seek nothing to gain. This crusade is about justice. Over 500 of your years, the Blakros family sent 50 of its own daughters to be tortured, to die in a land that was not their home, knowing their family had sent them there - and for what? Gold? Is that how much their daughters, their own flesh and blood, were worth?

When they unilaterally ended the Penumbral Accords, tell me, did they return the money they had stolen, publically admitted their wrongdoing, or show any contrition whatsoever?"

What if the Pathfinder Society refuses your offer, even with the promises of a truce with the Onyx Alliance, as long as you lead them?[/b]

"The Onyx Alliance would have never accepted me in the first place had I not represented their wishes."

"If you return the other two items, we could consider that a sign of good faith to the Society."

“Come now, while I recognize that you’ll likely triumph here, I still need to provide some challenge. Besides, if I just gave you all the items back, your superiors would assume that was my intent all along. Of course, you’re going to report back that I expected you to take back the items, so they may think that anyways. What can I say; I like to keep my opposition on their toes!” Sarnia smirks.

I had no idea that the Blakros' had this...agreement.

"I suggest you do a little more research on your allies and decide whether you really want them to be your allies."

If you were unaware OOC, you should play #2-11. It's a straightforward dungeon crawl but the metaplot sets all this up.

Arin focuses on Sarnia's delivery to see if there is any deceit in it. His companions seem to be asking the right questions.

I will tell you without a roll that Sarnia has not lied. She, however, may be mistaken. This section is mostly about metaplot - at the end of the scenario, I'll ask you to collectively decide whether the Pathfinder Society should continue its alliance with the Blakros family - this is one of the final scenarios of PFS1, so the question is left open-ended for PFS2 to continue/complete.

---

The Onyx Alliance leader lets out a long sigh and says, “Well then, I suppose we should get this over with. Best of luck.” Sarnia’s image and the associated flames immediately disappear in blast of smoke.

Round 1!

Nali
Dru
GM
Patros
Aiden
Djorn
Arin

i did play it...I was Goran...

Djorn shrugs. "You've got the wrong crew to make any decisions here. It's not as though anyone's going to listen to us. But I'll be happy to pass your message along."

He eyes the tricerabtops. "Since you know what's coming, I suppose we don't have to feel guilty about breaking your nice things?"

Dru waits for Nali to strike, and braces herself for a fight, putting herself on the front line

5 feet step, readies an attack vs Yellow Evil Stuffed Bunny

ready power attack: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 - 2 = 24
dmg: 1d8 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 4 = 12

ready 2d power attack: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 2 = 10
dmg: 1d8 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 4 = 11

Dru, I believe you can only ready a standard. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

did I get anything about these bunnies from the Knowledge check I made earlier? Knowing that changes my action.

Nali did not. Relevant knowledge is arcana.

Nali scowls as the inevitable attack from the bunnies begins. Guessing that these things are closer to animate armor then zombies, she swiftly fires a pair of arrows over Djorn's shoulder, at the closer of the two rabbits.

Swift action - Bane(Construct) on bow. (This is a guess, I'll add what her attack would be if she's wrong.)
Full attack vs. Yellow. Nali ignores soft cover from allies now.

Attack(vs.FF,ST,Bane,RS): 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 32For(ST,Bane): 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 + 2 + (4, 6) = 22
Without Bane, this is 30 to hit, and 10 damage

Attack(vs.FF,ST,Bane,RS): 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 24For(ST,Bane): 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 + 2 + (1, 3) = 18
Without Bane, this is 22 to hit, and 12 damage

Nali puts two arrows into the huge stuffed rabbit.

The cute widdle bunny wabbit storms forward, and lowers its head to attack 1d4 ⇒ 1 Drusilla.

Gore: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26
Damage: 2d10 + 10 ⇒ (5, 3) + 10 = 18

It gores Drusilla!

Round 1!

Nali
Dru (-18 hp)
Yellow Wabbit (-40 hp)
Patros
Aiden
Djorn
Arin

Arin moves behind Dru. She feels a light hand at her back as some of her wounds close up.

[move] 10' S
[standard] Cast Cure Serious Wounds on Dru
Cure Serious Wounds: 3d8 + 6 ⇒ (6, 6, 2) + 6 = 20

I honestly wasn't sure about the second attack, so I posted it just in case.

Aiden flicks his wrist and a wand drops into his hand. He quickly taps himself with it as he backs away towards the wall, but sparks fly from it instead. Cursing, he draws a knife and holds his position, eyeing the other hulking rabbit.

UMD Wand of Shield: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

I knew it...killer rabbits. Oh well... Patros laments as he darts to his left and slashes at the guardian. He readies to fend off any attack.

attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 261d8 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 5 = 11
p/r: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 261d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 241d8 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 5 = 15

unsure if they are immune to precision damage, if they are disregard the second +5

Arlo heals Dru, and Aiden tries to cast a spell but fails.

Patros moves forward ... this triggers an AoO

Gore: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29
Damage: 2d10 + 10 ⇒ (2, 1) + 10 = 13

... Patros tries to parry, but the horns are too strong, and Patros gets gored on the way. He finishes walking up to the rabbit and stabs it.

Round 1!

Nali
Dru (-0 hp)
Yellow Wabbit (-51 hp)
Patros (-13 hp)
Aiden
Djorn
Arin

figured they had reach...took one for the team...

Son of a motherless goat...I'll make a lucky charm out of you foot! Patros says as he cuts the construct in half. He spits in anger as he checks his wound. I'm fine..go get that other one...

Djorn sees Patros' results and has little desire to get gored, himself. The tricerabtops may not be fast enough to get two people coming at it, but then again, it might be.

So, instead of stepping up, he steps back. His hands fly to the quiver on his back and snap forward just as fast, sending 4 projectiles at his target.

+1 Javelin plus Precise Shot (PBS): 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 1 = 16
Piercing: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

Javelin plus Precise Shot (PBS): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 = 26
Piercing: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

Throwing Axe plus Precise Shot (PBS) minus Range Increment: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 1 - 2 = 18
Slashing: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

Dart plus Precise Shot (PBS): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9
Piercing: 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

This would all look a lot cooler if the dice would cooperate...

It's a huge creature ...

Djorn throws four items, all of them make contact, although the dart bounces harmlessly off its tough hide.

The axe slashes open a few stitches. Extra damage from slashing ... i forgot t9 apply it to Patros ealier too.

Round 2!

Nali
Dru (-0 hp)
Yellow Wabbit (-75 hp)
Patros (-13 hp)
Aiden
Djorn
Arin

Full Power attack: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 - 2 = 30
dmg: 1d8 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 4 = 14

Full Power 2d attack: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 2 = 13
dmg: 1d8 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 4 = 18

Full Power attack Crit?: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 12 - 2 = 15
dmg: 1d8 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 4 = 16

Dru manages to land a solid blow on the creature, but she regrets her choice of weapon, as the morningstar might be less effective against a big fluffy stuffed animated wabbit

Nali raises an eyebrow as the 'beast' continues to function. As such, she continues her flurry of arrows to end the monster.

Maintaining Bane(Construct)(3/6)
Full attack vs. Yellow

Attack(PBS,ST,Bane,RS): 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 25For(PBS,ST,Bane): 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 + 2 + 2 + (6, 6) = 26

Attack(PBS,ST,Bane,RS): 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 35For(PBS,ST,Bane): 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 + 2 + 2 + (1, 1) = 14

Crit Confirm?(PBS,ST,Bane,RS): 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 1 + 2 + 2 - 2 = 21For(PBS,ST,Bane): 2d8 + 6 + 2 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (6, 5) + 6 + 2 + 4 + 4 = 27

Drusilla and Nali literally knock the stuffing out of the rabbit. Its seams tear apart, and the contents spill out all over the floor.

End of Combat!

I'll let you work out healing on your own.

Where to, next? I've color coded the rooms red, yellow, and blue.

That was some impressive shots, Nali. Reminds me to never challenge you at an archery game, and I promise I'll never challenge you to a drinking game. Now let's heal the wounded and go forward

Arin approachs Patros and gets to work on the remaining wounds on the team.

Cure Light Wounds, Patros: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Cure Light Wounds, Patros: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Nice work, Nali. Archer Inquisitors are just death machines!

Aiden walks up to the stuffed rabbit remains and kicks it lightly. He looks down at the wand and shakes it some. "Stupid thing." Finally, it activates, snapping a protective force up in front of him. He steps tentatively around the other rabbit, just waiting for it to come to life too.

If it doesn't, he moves to the door on the left (red) and opens it once the others are in position.

UMD Shield: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
UMD Shield: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

The other rabbit was just there to make you paranoid. You can cut it open if you want and find nothing of interest/value.

Thanks Arin...remind me to buy you a drink or three when we're done. Now...where shall we go next..I'm feeling a bit peeved right now... Patros asks. Left okay with everyone?

Fine with me. Let's move quick, but keep our eyes and ears open. I'm surprised this battle didn't draw some attention.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Djorn grumbles as he gathers up his much larger projectiles that did much less damage. "Shoulda been an archer," he mutters, though he knows he has no natural talent with bows.

"Nice shooting," he says to Nali, nonetheless.

He keeps his magic javelin and a dart in hand as they approach the red door.

See Slide 7.

A few benches and empty armored training dummies are the only things of note in this spacious chamber. The chilled air here speaks to some kind of magical refrigeration, though it has little effect beyond misting breath. A door leads out to the building’s arterial hallway to the south, while a partly opened wooden door leads to the east.

perc: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

These dummies were just used not long ago...and...what in the blazes is that smell? It's worse than a duergar's breath...

I don't know, but I'm almost afraid to open that door.

Given the smell, Arin looks it over for mechanical and magical traps.

Perception, door traps: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Cast detect magic, door traps

"Oh gods, what is that smell?" Aiden inspects one of the training dummies pointed out by Patros. "Whatever was here knows how to use a weapon."

He edges towards the door to see what's inside.

Trying to look through the door from a distance.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

I'm not sure about the smell.. But it ain't some warm, honeyed waffles

Probably would help to roll some Perception
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

By the gods...cover your noses...it might help... Patros says trying to not retch. He grabs the end of his cloak from his pack and wraps it around his nose and mouth

"Well, what we're looking for isn't here, so..." Djorn heads for the door to the east.

He waits for an indication that there is no traps before opening it.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Nali scowls at the odor, but otherwise makes no comment about it. "We move forward," She simply says as she looks over the door for basic traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

The pungent stench of sewage fills this dark room. Tipped over crates fill the southern end of the chamber, some leaking a rainbow of muted colors onto the floor.

"Oh no no nononono ... not Willuh!"

An otyugh holds a half-empty bottle of green acid, staring distraughtly at a dissolving felt hat.

"Willuh! I'll never let you go! I'll never let you go!"

"My Heart Will Go On" starts playing in the background.

The otyugh looks up at the Pathfinders.

"You're here to take my hats, aren't you?" he asks.

Patros' nose crinkles when he sees the creature.

Umm...what hats? First I've heard about any hats... he says, dumbfounded.

Knowledge, Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Aiden wrinkles his nose as the otyugh appears. He tries not to gag. "Who are you and what are you doing here? Are you a member of the Onyx Alliance?"

Patros' nose crinkles when he sees the creature.

Umm...what hats? First I've heard about any hats... he says, dumbfounded.

See the art on Slide 7. The otyugh is wearing several hats on its tentacles.

"Hats? I'm Hats. Wait, what are you talking about?"

"Who are you and what are you doing here? Are you a member of the Onyx Alliance?"

"Onyx? Abyss, no. I'm a guardian for

Hey! Hats! I love this guy!

Shadow Hunter winces at the smell and reaches for weapons. But as the creature makes conversation and not attacks, he lowers his hands.

"Yes. It's very nice. We're here to investigate the Onyx Alliance and their activities. If you're not with them, then...we just need information, if you have any."