GM Badblood's Tyranny of the Winds Series (PFS) (Inactive)

Game Master Lance K

Ahh...I see. I was taught there is a time for directness and a time for dancing around with words. Thankfully I chose the wiser. We have been tasked by our superiors to do a bit of research. regarding the Elemental Plane of Air...and since you are a learned person, the smart choice is to ask you. If it is no bother, that is...

"Really? What are you researching?"

Do you remember what Balentiir asked the party to find out?

Javon pipes up having allowed the others to open the conversation up. "Do you know anything about an item called the Untouchable Opal? Or perhaps do you know where to find more information about it? It appears to be a gem constructed to hold entities prisoner."

Fairuza sets her drink down on a nearby table. "The Untouchable Opal you say?" The djin begins to tap her fingers together. "I suppose you haven't heard of the Cloisters of the Hidden Breeze? Many prefer to study at the Azure Hall, but with most of it closed to the public until the grand re-opening, you might want to look into other options. The Cloisters are dedicated to Pulura and while it isn’t the most prestigious of the temples in the Godsward, it boasts an impressive collection of historical documents about the planes. You might be able to find something about the Opal there.”

Continuing to tap her fingers against each other, the djini begins to back away. "It was lovely talking with you but I see a friend of mine just came in and it would be rude not to greet them." Fairuza then turns and flies away.

"Hmmm... at least we got some useful information out of her. If the rest are as flighty as her, it might be difficult to get more useful information."

Anyone can open that Sense Motive spoiler now, since Therin managed to make it with a 20.

Therin bows his head in respect as she leaves.

Thank you, madam. Have a pleasant night...

He looks around as he chats with the others.

Well, that was at least a little helpful. I didn't want to tip our hand...just in case we are unsure of anyone's allegiances...

Rhu checks a scrap of parchment in his sleeve. "We also need to learn about the Concordance, and Jamila al-Shafah."

Almoshtari has just finished talking with a group of scholars and is gliding towards a crystal fountain bubbling with punch, an empty goblet in her invisible hand.

Ghassan El-Amin is still sitting alone but has taken out a slim green book. His raven perches on his shoulder, craning its neck as if it too is reading along.

A group of young slyphs have surrounded Vivek Vallathol. The veela is acting out what appears to be an impression of some kind of large oafish creature as he is telling the hanger-ons another story.

Lineji Niarndu is still standing at the base of the tree but is now attempting to climb up its trunk. She is not having much success and keeps sliding down the surface of the tree.

Well, next... Therin says as he girds himself for more banter. He heads over to the bubbling fountain. He picks out a ladle and offers to top off Almoshtari's goblet.

Allow me, madam... he says politely. He tops off his own and holds it up in salute. Delighted to meet you...I'm Therin. Oh, silly me. My friends... he introduces each of the others.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Kroone follows behind Therin. The paladin bows deeply and introduces himself.

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Kroone follows behind Therin. The paladin bows deeply and offers to fill the invisible stalker's cup for her.

Almoshtari accepts Therin's offer and hands the goblet over to the cleric. His hands brush against hers and the invisible creature giggles as he struggles to grab the cup. The bangles and beads jangle as she laughs.

"Oh, my! So delightfully polite!" she says between giggles. "What is a group of Golarionites doing at our little party?"

Therin's Diplomacy has turned Almoshtari helpful, so the subsequent checks to request information will be a lot easier. Everyone gets one check, to aid or ask themselves.

Anyone can attempt Diplomacy to ask Almoshtari questions. Now that she is helpful the DC to succeed is much lower and there is no penalty for failing to make a request. Only the check to improve their attitude has a chance of making it worse on a bad enough fail.

"Not a talkative group, huh?" Almoshtari says as she jangles her beads emphatically.

"Ah, madam. We are looking for information on two subjects. The first is an item called the Untouchable Opal. Have you heard of it? We would like to learn more about how it works. The second is..." Javon leans closer, though the extra inch or so the bird manages is useless. "...Have you ever heard of the Concordance of Elements? We are looking for one of their members, I believe."

sorry...fely like crap last day or so...nothing serious...wanted to make sure i'm thinking straight for this one...

Yes, as my friend here has said, we have been tasked with a...somewhat sensitive mission to learn some things. among them, the location of an alleged thief. Her name is Jamila. She is said to have stolen some valuable items from the Society. The leadership of the Society would appreciate any help to locate her and the items.

diplo: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10

Rhu stands by, waiting for the invisible stalker's response.

Almoshtari leans in and the cleric can feel her hand on his shoulder. It is gentle, but Therin gets the sense that she is actually quite strong.

The invisible creature whispers in his ear, "You don't want to go around asking too many questions about the imprisoned elemental lords. The un-imprisoned ones don't like when people talk about them. Fortunately, I like you and know something that can help you out. You probably already know that each of the elemental lords are trapped in a gemstone. Ranginori, the lord of air, is trapped in the Untouchable Opal. Lysianassa, the lord of water, is trapped in the Garnet Brand. Atreia the lord of fire, is trapped in the Gasping Pearl. Finally, Sairazul, the lord of earth, is trapped in the Moaning Diamond. According to legend, there’s an intelligent book detailing how to free them from the gems. Hshurha doesn’t want that knowledge out there so she’s had her agents tracking it down for centuries, to no avail. Personally, I’m unsure if it actually exists. It may just be a rumor. It’s such an obscure myth that even the book’s name is now lost to time.”

“You people are really getting into something dangerous stuff. I don't know much about the Concordance, honestly. They're supposed to be some kind of covert organization. They're probably just spies for the elemental lords, so I would stay away from them.”

Almoshtari chats for a few more minutes before making an excuse to flitter away and mingle.

Rhu again bows. "Thank you."

Once the invisible stalker has left, the monk murmurs to the others, "The archivist next. Ask about Jamila. Think of some reason for asking."

Your warning is greatly appreciated, madam. Thank you for your counsel... Therin says with a bow as she heads off.

I have an idea...Javon...Grax, you're needed front and center here... the cleric says as he moves to the djinni.

Might I ask where you got those clothes, sir? I had to borrow these from a friend. I left my proper clothes back home. At least it gives us something to do here. this place is starting to get a bit hum-drum. I an Therin, servant or the Dawnflower...nice to meet you. I'd like to inroduce you to Grax and Javon...you fellows might hit it off...

diplomacy aid to Javon/Grax's Handle animal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

aaaand my luck runs out....lol

Grax approaches Ghassan El-Amin as suggested by Therin. "Greeting, sir. Pardon the interruption." He gestures to Javon. "My master would appreciate a moment of your time. Does your companion enjoy worm snacks? Javon enjoys them." He offers a handful of worm larvae for the bird.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Handle Animal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

"Oh yes, they are delightful!" Javon bows to Ghassan. "Sir, I am Javon, an esteemed Pathfinder. It is a pleasure to make your May I ask what you are reading? I have always said knowledge is the true currency of the world."

Diplomacy, aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3

Treating the first roll as the attempt to impress, and the second roll as the attempt to ask for a favor.

Grax's attempt to impress Ghassan El-Amin only leads to him giving the half-orc an indifferent grunt. The djinni doesn't even look up to acknowledge Grax and Therin.

Grax has a bit more luck with the raven, which happily eats the worm larvae out of his hand. After a minute or so, the raven hops onto Grax's hand and gently pecks him.

Ghassen finally looks up from his book, saying "Books can also be a pleasure. This is a collection of poetry by Ik-Manoushyar Farazman."

Ghassen admits that he has never heard of Jamilah, but does have some more information about the Untouchable Opal.

“The Untouchable Opal is the prison of Ranginori, the Duke of Thunder and the benevolent counterpart of Hshurha, the Duchess of All Winds. Millennia ago, the evil lord of water, Kelizandri, conspired with the other nefarious lords to trap their good counterparts into four gems. The artifacts were scattered across the multiverse and no one knows where they are now. There are, however, many academic arguments about how to unlock them should they be found. But such discussions are treasonous to Hshurha, so any documentation about the subject would surely be carefully guarded and discreetly marked. Look for documents marked with a storm cloud inside an intricate wreath of lightning bolts, that is one of Ranginori’s sacred sigils.”

Next?

"The gnome has fewer around her, to hear what we--Therin, really--ask. Perhaps she will want a boost up the tree."

well, she does look like she needs help with her kite...Javon might be able to help with that. What do you think, Javon...fly up and nab it for her? any goodwill would be preferred, right? Therin says quietly s he leads the others over to the distracted gnome.

Need a hand with that? My friend here can lend some assistance... he says calmly. {b]Javon, be an absolute legend and grab that, would you, please?[/b]

While he tries to unentangle that, allow me to introduce myself. I am Therin, servant of Sarenrae. I was wondering if we could bend your ear for a moment or two. Some punch he offers before continuing.

We've been tasked to find a thief...who stole something from out superiors. Jamila is her name...might have some contact with a...what was it...Concordance...something or other?

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

"Well...I suppose, I could..." He looks up at the tree and then mutters something. "I'm a Pathfinder, not a skyhook..."

The dark bird flies up to the free to try and untangle the kite and drop it back down to the ground.

Javon flies up to the top of the tree and gingerly knocks the kite loose.

Lineji is initially unfriendly to Therin, but retrieving her kite greatly improved the mood of the grumpy gnome.

“Jamila? The name doesn’t sound familiar, but I recently saw a janni matching your description speaking with a dark-haired suli man in the Godsward district. They were near the Cloisters of the Hidden Breeze, a temple of Pulura.”

Thank you. That definitely sounds like our woman. I hope you find a nice gentle breeze for your kite. Therin says as he takes his leave. He gathers the others and compares notes with them.

Therin reviews what he has learned with the rest of the party and they begin to decide upon their next course of action. It is clear that the best place to begin looking for information about both the Untouchable Opal and the Concordance is the library at the Cloisters of the Hidden Breeze.

I posted the clues in the slides for easier future reference.

After discretely getting directions to the Cloisters and making an excuse to leave, the party gets on their magic carpets and flies through the city towards the temple.

As they are flying through the city, coasting about fifteen feet off the ground so as to avoid striking any of the people who are walking in the street, three creatures emerge out from behind an ally and block the party. Two of the creatures are small lizards that are about the size of dog and exude a cloud of steam as they move through the air. Following the lizards is a small creature that appears to be made out of fire itself. One of the lizards begin to speak to the party in Auran, then Ignan.

Both types of creatures can be identified with Knowledge (Planes)

Not liking the creature's tone, Hskoro says something in Nagaji.

Therin holds up his hands to show they are not aggressive. He shrugs to the lizards and elemental.

We don't understand you. Common tongue?

Knowledge, Planes (steam lizards): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Knowledge, Planes (fire creature): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Javon tries to address the creatures, while studying them. "Yes, do you speak one of the mortal languages? We are visitors here on this plane."

Javon recognizes that the lizards are electrified steam lizards, a variant of the much more common shock lizard. They are known for the ability to generate a painful, short range electric shock which can become amplified when they are in a group.

The small fiery creature with the steam lizards is a fire wisp. Wisps are servants to more powerful elemental creatures and are known for their resonance ability, which can amplify the power of elemental creatures and kineticists. Such creatures that are within 30 feet of a wisp have more powerful attacks and spell-like abilities. Being servitors, wisps are also very good at aiding the activities of their masters (providing a +4 bonus instead of +2).

Unable to communicate with the party, the steam lizards become increasingly frustrated. There is a crackling noise and steam begins pouring out of the mouths of the little reptiles. Both creatures roar and then fly forward to attack the party, with the burning wisp following behind them!

Round 1
Rhu
Purple Lizard
Orange Lizard
Therin
Red Wisp
Kroone
Hskoro
Grax

Rhu tries to steer his carpet to the ground, to give Therin better footing for an attack.

You can fly down without making a check. Steering is just like a move action, so you can still use your standard action and even draw a weapon as part of the movement. And finally, just to be clear, these creatures are all flying at th same height as th party, 15 feet off the ground. I don't know if any of that information makes you want to change your actions.

How stable is the carpet as a platform for Therin to attack in melee or Rhu to use archery?

I gave the link to it earlier I believe; but flying carpets function just like overland flight, with the exception that you don't need to make a check to Hover, and since it's magic flight you don't need to make a check when you're damaged. That being said, I would consider it to be about as stable as standing on the deck of a ship, which only requires Acrobatics checks in adverse conditions such as a storm. In normal conditions no checks are needed for fighting or getting damaged while on the carpet.

Shaking his head, the tiefling rises to one knee and sends a pair of arrows at the wisp.

DA flurry, magic weapon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
DA flurry, magic weapon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Arrow #1 damage, magic: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Arrow #2 damage, magic: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

The carpet that Rhu and Therin are on abruptly stops and hovers in place as the archer fires two arrows at the little fire wisp. The elemental creature drops after both arrows strike it.

The two little lizards fly forward, glowing red and hissing as they stream forward. As the get close, both creatures let out a hissing shriek. The creatures appear to be working together to channel an incredible amount of energy. A blast of boiling hot steam then erupts from one of the steam lizards, filling the air.

Fire damage; Reflex DC 12: 4d8 ⇒ (8, 6, 6, 2) = 22

The cloud of steam is treated the same as obscuring mists. The steam grants complete concealment to anyone in the steam farther than five feet away (basically adjacent). Within 5 feet, there is only concealment (20%). This also means that there is no line of sight to creatures within the steam cloud and they can't be targeted spells and effects.

Obscuring Mists

Round 1
Rhu
Purple Lizard
Orange Lizard
Therin
Kroone - Reflex needed
Hskoro -Reflex needed
Grax - Reflex needed

Round 2
Rhu
Purple Lizard
Orange Lizard
Therin
Kroone
Hskoro
Grax

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Grax rides the carpet closer to the lizard, drawing his greatsword. He then tries to slice one in half.

Attack (PA): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Damage (PA): 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (1, 3) + 13 = 17

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Taking the full blunt of the fire attack, Hskoro stumbles forward and tries to eliminate one of the enemies quickly with his battle axe.

Cold Iron Battle Axe vs Purple: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Let Sarenrae guide us in this battle!Therin says as he urges his friends on. He draws his cross bow and loads it.

standard to cast bless, move action draw and load crossbow

The steam still grants concealment within melee range. Therin, its seperate move actions to draw the crossbow and to load it, but we can just assume that Therin already has it out. Also, hate to say it, but I'm afraid that unless he's in a familiar satchel, Javon would also need to make a Reflex saving throw against the steam cloud.

Hskoro Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 43

Grax's attack misses the flying lizard, but Hskoro manages to land a solid hit on one of them, despite the fog obscuring his vision. Another hit or two like that is likely to end the creature's life but for now it remains fighting. Therin calls upon the power of Sarenrae to bless the party.

Round 1 -Bless
Rhu
Purple Lizard -10
Orange Lizard
Therin
Kroone - Reflex needed
Hskoro -22
Grax - 11
-Javon -Reflex needed

Round 2 -Bless
Rhu
Purple Lizard -10
Orange Lizard
Therin
Kroone -22 or -11
Hskoro -22
Grax -11
-Javon

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Javon has Improved Evasion, so no damage taken.

Kroone's Reflex save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Kroone navigates the flying carpet into the steam cloud until he sees the dim form of one of the lizards in the fog. He taps his body where he was burned, then grips his two-handed sword and swings at the flying reptile. The creature easily dodges the attack.

Lay on Hands: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Greatsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 56
Slashing, magic: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 6) + 5 = 13

Remember, the steam cloud provides complete concealment

Round 2 -Bless
Rhu
Purple Lizard -10
Orange Lizard
Therin
Kroone -5
Hskoro -22
Grax -11
-Javon

"I will steer us closer, Therin. Be ready." The monk guides the carpet ahead into the steamy cloud.

Single move action; holding a kick if anything comes in range.

Purple Fly: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Orange Fly: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Purple Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 94
P/B, Fire: 1d4 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (1) = 7

Orange Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 60
P/B, Fire: 1d4 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (1) = 7

The lizards attempt to bite the Pathfinders before flying backwards away from the adventurers on their magic carpets. Hskoro feels the heat coming from the lizard's mouth as it chomps on his vambrace, but the teeth fail to penetrate the steel of his armor. The other lizard manages to nip Therin with its teeth. By the time he pushes the fiery lizard off him, the wound has already been cauterized by the reptile's boiling saliva.

Round 2 -Bless
Rhu
Purple Lizard -10
Orange Lizard
Therin -7
Kroone -5
Hskoro -22
Grax -11
-Javon

Round 3 -Bless
Rhu
Purple Lizard -10
Orange Lizard
Therin -7
Kroone -5
Hskoro -22
Grax -11
-Javon

Therin fires a bolt at the wounded lizard and reloads.

Hold still, blast you!

xbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 121d8 ⇒ 7miss, low bad: 1d100 ⇒ 32

Javon flies the carpet closer, using his wings to direct the magical object. Grax tries to chop at the purple lizard.

Concealment (high is good): 1d100 ⇒ 52
Attack (PA, FF, bless): 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 = 22
Damage (PA): 2d6 + 13 ⇒ (3, 2) + 13 = 18

Seeking to take down the one he hit before, he targets the lizard with his battle axe and swings heavily.

Cold Iron Battle Axe +Bless vs Purple: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 1 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Concealment %: 1d100 ⇒ 63

Therin's bolt flies into the cloud of steam. He doubts that it hit anything.

Hskoro swings his battle ax at one of the flying lizards. The blade strikes true and there is a loud crack as electrified blood spurts from the creature and it descends to the ground.

Seeing his ally take down his target, Grax pivots on his feet and swings at the other lizard. Its a solid hit and the creature cries out in pain and shock as the heavy sword cuts deep into its flesh.

Kroone flies his carpet around to cut off the retreat of the steam lizard and swings his zweihander at the wounded reptile. The creature ducks under the blade.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13
Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 33
Slashing: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 2) + 5 = 12

Round 3 -Bless
Rhu
Orange Lizard -18
Therin -7
Kroone -5
Hskoro -22
Grax -11
-Javon