Dungeon Master S's "War for the Crown" AP

Game Master Chris Marsh

Simultaneously, the two men slay the strange undead!

and for the victory, each agent earns 133 XP.

Corran looks them over, looking for any remnants of humanity.

Search the un-corpses

Poor devils. Died when they were sealed up here in the walls. I love my country, but there's no shortage of dark misdeeds and villainy that some would bury.

Lady Gael Urbaen, "The wall monsters killed him!"

Sir Gryphus Plastion, "Once all hell broke loose in the senate, we tried to flee. Just as an assassin's knife was about to stab me, we all vanished and ended up in here. Lord Manshum said it was a power of these badges he gave us. But before he could explain those things came out of the wall and killed him."

Lord Wilfen Botoles, "There were two others who arrived. I don't know where they went..."

"We're here." an acolyte of Abadar emerges from a room. "I'm Jowuan Zubari, and this is...."

Of all people, the second person to emerge is Dame Trant!

"We've met, and it wasn't a courtly pleasure." Trant seems different. The tough exterior is still there, but her eyes look tamed now. You suspect the true violence is more than she's ever experienced.

Corran checks the bodies as the conversation unfolds, he finds nothing on them.

Lord Wilfen Botoles, "There were two others who arrived. I don't know where they went..."

"well we found you behind one of these doors, let check the other ones."

he moves to the other door to the south and checks it:

Leo listens for noises at the door
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Leo Checks the door for traps:
perception (trapspotting): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14

If it is clear, Leo opens the door.

If it’s trapped, Leo attempts to clear the door:
dd: 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 - 5 = 13
dd: 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 - 5 = 8
dd: 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 - 5 = 9

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 Xavien arches an eyebrow, but does not mention what he noticed.

"Dame Trant! A pleasure!" Xavien smiles and bows. "This meeting, at least. It seems introductions are in order for the others. I am Lord Xavien Marendo Domitian Iactarus Karthis. These are the Ladies Aurelia Basri and Ianthe Clement, and that is Lord Corran Clement, and these are our companions Leo Vulso and Kenton Bowe." He gestures to each in turn.

Xavien also listens carefully as each of the nobles introduces themselves, or is introduced. Where might their loyalties now lie...?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

"We have surmised that our own badges likewise transported us here. Given the age of our surroundings, I doubt we shall find much to sustain us here, so we shall have to discover an exit. Stay behind us and we shall do our best to keep you safe. These muscles are not just for show, after all," the young lord flexes and grins. "Kenton, would you be so kind as to constitute a rear-guard?"

Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Aurelia takes in all the newcomers, and also noted Dame Trant. To them all she says, "The good news for everyone is that we are none of us alone. We have warriors among us now, some even having served in our great nation's military. If we stick together we will find a way."

"After all, we are each Taldan. We are members of the greatest empire Golarion has seen," Aurelia says, her gaze going over the others but lingering on Trant. "Let's remind the world why."
Diplomacy (if needed): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

Corran checks the other externally facing doors, and finds nothing but empty rooms. If anyone else escaped via Senate Aide Badges, it wasn't to here.... wherever here is.

Xavien and Aurelia alike get nothing but fear and worry from the others. Surprisingly, Lady Aurelia gets something of a reaction out of her. "Yeah. Those ~@#$%^ers killed my father! I'll !@~#$ show them!"

She seems to be willing to follow. All eyes, even Trant's turn to you.

Leo's eyes go to the only door he sees that hasn't been opened yet.

"might as well try this one. shall we?"

Leo listens for noises at the door
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Leo Checks the door for traps:
perception (trapspotting): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 = 21

If it is clear, Leo opens the door.

If it’s trapped, Leo attempts to clear the door:
dd: 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 - 5 = 8
dd: 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 - 5 = 17
dd: 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 5 = 15

A long table, its surface covered in green felt, stands in the center of this rectangular chamber. Silver trays dot the table’s surface, each hosting a set of crystal glassware and a tall decanter of wine. There's a document box on the table. Doors exit to the north and south.

The nobles, even Trant, huddle up in case of danger.

Kenton nods at once to Lord Xavien's request, happy both to display his martial prowess and to protect the Taldan elite as needed. This turn of events might be enough to bend this lot to the ideals of Princess Eutropia — assuming she has managed to survive her father's treachery.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"Lady Basri, what do you make of these circles on the floor near the chairs?"

Xavien strides boldly into the room. He is quick to note the state of the silver and wine atop the table. Is the silver tarnished? The wine vinegar?

Perception (Spoiler): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

"Curious. The markings are not magical... perhaps we shall find answers in here." He reaches for the document box, checks the latch once for any trapped function, then opens it.

Perception (Box): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Leo follows Xavien into the room and inspects the papers with him.

Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 (Spoiler)

Yes, let's see those papers. I wonder if this is some kind of game room.

The fine crystal glassware and silver dining sets are in good condition, though the wine has obviously long since soured. The complete set weighs about 5 pounds and is clearly valuable.

The document box on the table includes a selection of magical scrolls

"There's some magic here that, given time, I'd like to learn," Aurelia says of the scrolls, sharing what she's learned.

She takes a quick look over the glassware and silver...
Appraise: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
... and shrugs.

Imistos speaks up with some worry, "I... I just realized that there are no doors out of this area? Are we.... trapped? Forever?"

"We will get out of here, do not worry about that." Leo reassures Imistos. "Let us see what we can see before we start worrying."

Leo heads to the door to the north and opens it.

Corran claims the scrolls of Cure Light Wounds and Breath of Life.

Imistos speaks up with some worry, "I... I just realized that there are no doors out of this area? Are we.... trapped? Forever?"

Corran backs up Leo.

There is a way out. The People who built all this did it as a sort of defense mechanism. The way out will be hidden and possibly difficult to find, but not impossible. The people using them would have to be able to leave, eventually. With all of us working together, we'll find the door.

Leo looks the odd alcove in front of him..."why is this here? it seems out of place, don't you think Lord Clement?"

We should check out each of these side doors to see what kind of supplies we have access to. Leo, help me look in this weird alcove. This feels out of place.

I like to think we said that at the exact same time and...

Jinx!

perception check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Leo is confident that there's something fishy, but his initial search reveals nothing.

[dice=perception check]1d20+6

" Lord Clement, would you mind helping my look around this area? something's not right."

Leo. If you insist on calling me, 'Lord', I'm going to call you Master Vulso...

Corran aids another... 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Corran lends aid, but finds nothing.

Let's search the breakout rooms. Maybe we'll find some kind of clue to show us the way.

Let's start with North West and go counterclockwise around the complex. Pog Moved.

If everyone helps, we can get that check up to 27. If we want to wait, we can search the breakout rooms.

Aurelia: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3 FAIL
Corran: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 AID
Ianthe: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 FAIL
Kenton: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 AID
Leo: Lead Takes 10 = 16
Xavien: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 FAIL
----------------
Result: 20.

The party bands together, even getting the nobles together, though they're of little help. Eventually a rather hard to find button is found on the floor near the northern wall. With a press, it opens!

Pristine glass display cases stand along the walls and in the center of this immense rectangular display/ready room. The area is more than sixty feet wide and forty feet long, with the outer walls covered in glass displays of armor, save near the two northern doors and along the southern wall. Two rusted and decayed suits of armor stand separate, protected in glass cases. Tarnished and discolored weaponry (with some exceptions that seem immune to time) fills the cases in the center of the room. Circles of various sizes have been scratched into the glass and drawn on the walls with chalk and paint. As before they don't seem to have rhyme, reason, or magic intent.

Leo takes a quick look around the room. He notes any weapons that have not aged or looks to be of good quality.

Leo takes a quick circuit. The nobles, in tow, follow. There's a fair bit of Taldan history here.

Most of the armor and weaponry here is rusted and neglected, but serviceable enough that you assume any PHB mundane equipment is present. Among the display cases include an array of ageless wonders; a magical handaxe and a magical heavy steel shield.

Another case contains the alchemical lab of famed natural philosopher "Dumos Fatomax", according the the plaque. It includes a portable alchemist’s lab, three light blue potions which glow under magical detection of cure light wounds, and an a thick, ox-blood potion.

However, one weapon, labeled Dignity's Barb stands apart. Brass inlay and Taldan military symbols adorn the masterwork darkwood light crossbow. An inscription bears the name of General Gerefein of the Seventh Army of Exploration.

Lord Wilfen Botoles, "Gods! It's really here. You know, in his most famous act, he turned the tide of a vicious battle with a Kellid warlord. Through a chaotic blizzard, General Gerefein shot practically blind, yet his bolt struck a lethal blow, dashing the warlord from his mammoth mount and breaking the enemy’s charge! Desna smiles."

Sir Gryphus Plastion speaks up, "Our nation is under attack. We should arm ourselves. If we're not fit to fight, how can we call ourselves aristocrats?"

Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

"Not doing anyone any good here, I say," Xavien mutters, scooping up the silver and glassware. "Nor is that ring doing Manshum any good in the hall," he adds, with a significant look at Leo.

Not sure what is happening with the map, and I seem to have lost my lights, so I will wait to do anything else until that gets figured out.

GM, is there any sort of Knowledge check we can roll to make sense of the chalk circles?

Craft (Drawing) for the circles. Working on the lights now. Also, I just noticed that Dancing Lights has a 1 minute duration. I think if ever combat breaks out, I'll just roll 1d9 to determine what round we're on.

Aurelia takes a moment to identify the ox-blood potion.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

She shrugs. To all of the nobility she says, "I encourage each of you to arm yourselves. If it's got a pointy end, be ready to stab anything inhuman should it be necessary."

As Aurelia picks up the potion to identify it, the two separated suits of armor jerkily animate to attack!

Dame Trant is quick to act, she has already unbound her blade and she rushes forth, but once it's time to fight, she waivers.

Round 1:
Trant: Waiver
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Go
Enemy: TBD
Xavien: TBD
Leo: TBD
Imistos: TBD
Kenton: TBD
Ianthe: TBD

Aurelia heads into the room at the first sound of commotion. She spots the constructs, knowing that these dispassionate defenders are going to be trouble. She thinks back to her studies and shares what she knows.
Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

"Everyone, deal with the one on the right first! I'll slow the other one down!"

Whipping her head back she calls back to the nobles. "You got this, Dame Trant! Help defend the others!"

She then draws once more from the magical reservoir stored within her, weaving a conjuration that summons an eagle that appears next to the left-most construct. With a gesture and a command, it attacks!
Bite vs Red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Talon vs Red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Talon vs Red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Crit confirm?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Extra Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Lady Aurelia is confounded by the foe. These suits of armor move with a warrior’s deadly skill despite obviously being empty. They're no arcane servant. Knowledge (Religion) to identify

The eagle scratches and bites, but only a single strike of the talon lands a blow, and a light one at that.

Upon seeing Aurelia moves quickly and without hesitation, Trant growls in frustration, clearly trying to find the courage that came so easily to her when the stacks were simply pride. She can be influenced with a Move Action Diplomacy check.

Round 1:
Trant: Waiver
Aurelia: Summon
Corran: Go
Enemy: TBD
Xavien: TBD
Leo: TBD
Imistos: TBD
Kenton: TBD
Ianthe: TBD

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Corran sees Trant balk, and begins a low, rhythmic chant invoking Aroden and the divine right of Taldor, it's purpose and light. He weaves subtle magicks into the words and seeks to Inspire Courage in everyone present. His voice rises and he aims his words at Dame Trant. We stand together or we fall...

Begin Bardic Performance. Inspire Courage.

Diplomacy to move Trant to Action:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Move and Standard. That's my turn.

"Shut up! I'm not scared! I'm just... Shut up!" Corran's performance spurs the others to heroic action, but the nobles, Trant included, don't seem to be eager to fight.

The armor counters the eagle with a clumsy swipe of the blade before disengaging to Aurelia:
Longsword: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

The other closes past Trant to Aurelia. Trant doesn't take the swing, despite the opportunity. she curses under her breath as she continues to struggle with what to do.

Round 1:
Trant: Waiver
Aurelia: Summon
Corran: Bard
Enemy: ATK
Xavien: Go
Leo: Go
Imistos: Go
Kenton: Go
Ianthe: Go

The eagle takes a swipe with a talon as the armor floats past.
Attack of Opportunity (Red): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
It's claws come nowhere near the enemy.

Kenton moves in confidently, stepping in and drawing his blade at once with intent to defend his countrymen (and perhaps garner some favor doing so).

per Slack, Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Dame Trant remains inscrutable to the soldier, and it confuses him a bit, so much that he is distracted from the task at hand.

gladius: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7
piercing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Fool! Kenton admonishes himself. One inattentive moment like that on the battlefield cost poor Silys Donwain his head!

The eagle bounces off the armor. Kenton's divided attention costs him progress on all fronts.

Despite already being armed. Imistos backs around the corner, too terrified to fight.

Round 1:
Trant: Waiver
Aurelia: Summon
Corran: Bard
Enemy: ATK
Xavien: Go
Leo: Go
Imistos: Hide
Kenton: Miss
Ianthe: Go

Kn Religion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 nope

Xavien sees Aurelia in trouble and decides he does not have time (yet) to figure out Trant's quiver. "To arms, friends!" He rushes in, blade first, but cannot get the angle around the displays quite right.

Longsword @ Red: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7 ugh
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12