Jangafzaar Kargar |
Jang begins to cast a summoning spell.
1 round casting time.
Magas |
Jang directs Magas to attack and the insect moves!
bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 151d8 ⇒ 1 plus bleed and grab
Special Attacks bleed (2d4) : 2d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4
free CMB +14 Grapple (Grab) (+4 BAB, +1 Size (Hefty Brute Feat), +5 Str, +4 grab) : 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
Special Attacks blood drain (1d2 Constitution) : 1d2 ⇒ 1
Abaal Zadeir, Sword of Katapesh |
Could someone shift me one space to the NW?
Finally got the chance to do this myself. YAY!
And Abaal's initial second iterative attack roll (the dice expression before the just above the "THREAT" tag) should be +7 to attack (total of 26 to hit) and +2 damage (damage total for that roll = 23) thanks to backswing and power attack. The crit confirmation dice are correct. Just a copy/paste error, in my rush to post on break. And those should be attacks with his +2 adamantine falchion. I hate auto-incorrect.
Janus Too |
Janus Too scuttles forwards on their tiny legs, long neck extended.
The creature snaps its jaws, ready to defend the pathfinders.
Aid Another AC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Defend the first eligible party member against the first eligible attack.
GM Erich |
Jang starts to summon (as well) as his mosquito tries to connect, but fails. Patros and Abaal draw and strike hard, their tandem blows cutting into their respective foes at nearly the same instant.
Round 1 - Bold can act
Blue Pegasus
Red Sczarni -45 damage
Claudia
Janus
Orange Sczarni -34 damage
Jangafzaar
Magas
Patros
Abaal -15 damage <bleed 3>
Janus Too
Nemesis
GM Erich |
Nemesis' highly selective maelstrom of negative energy proves far too much for the Sczarni aggressor and his head simply caves in.
The restrained Pegasus clambers as best it can onto the hay bale to close with Claudia.
Nemesis Force Channel: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 5, 6) = 18
Red Sczarni will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Round 2 - Bold can act
Blue Pegasus
Red Sczarni -63 damage <dead>
Claudia
Janus
Orange Sczarni -34 damage
Jangafzaar
Magas
Patros
Abaal -15 damage <bleed 3>
Janus Too
Nemesis
Janus Grey |
After you, Claudia. Perhaps you can mount the pegasus? He seems to like you ;)
Janus Grey |
Will post action assuming Claudia moves from her current square - under spoiler so as not to influence Claudia's decision.
dire flail vs orange, main hand, studied target, flank, vessel: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 23damage: 1d8 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 2 = 12precision damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10
dire flail vs orange, off hand, studied target, flank, vessel: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 15damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7precision damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3
"We make endings."
GM Erich |
@Claudia the rope is hanging loose now, so a move action to grab it (will provoke). The Sczarni was just holding it before.
Nemesis Melek |
Nemesis' highly selective maelstrom of negative energy proves far too much for the Sczarni aggressor and his head turns to solid ash before collapsing in upon itself.
FTFY a bit - but good call!
GM Erich |
Strangely, all the pedestrians and livestock vendors hurry past or look on in distaste but don’t interfere in the fracas.
So Claudia simply infuses her tongue with electricity and zaps the thug, who convulses wildly before slumping to the ground. While you are dealing with Abaal's bleeding wounds, a man in merchant clothing walks close by and utters. "Time to return to the House of Common for your just rewards..." before disappearing back into the crowd.
swift for spell recall
Claudia touch attack: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 3 = 20
Claudia shocking grasp: 5d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 2, 6, 6) = 16
End of Combat!
Blue Pegasus
Red Sczarni -63 damage <dead>
Claudia
Janus
Orange Sczarni -50 damage <unconscious>
Jangafzaar
Magas
Patros
Abaal -18 damage <bleed 3>
Janus Too
Nemesis
After healing, you can return to the common house with your new prize.
-------------
Jangafzaar Kargar |
Jang nods and tries to smile.
“We are also glad Freemen that the Pegasus was rescued. Will you now hear us out on the Gael family that you are supporting!“
Janus Grey |
As Claudia drops the thug, Janus draws a wand.
"We started the fight, albeit inadvertently; these men chose to make their Journey today. We will repair your wound."
clw: 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (7, 2, 8) + 3 = 20
Janus heals Abaal.
GM Erich |
"Yes, of course, when our spies returned from the stockyards and informed us that you briskly melted the head of one of the Sczarni and electrocuted the other to unconsciousness, we knew you were no-one to mess with and perhaps a mighty ally. We have already voted to rescind our support for the Gaels."
Halman Wright raises his mug with the gathered Freemen. "To the bloody Society!"
Feel free to drink with your new found friends, but there is one more lead to follow.
Janus Grey |
Janus drinks the toast.
"Now we must find Dakar and the Commerce League."
GM Erich |
Your minds only slightly hazy from the celebratory rounds - you take to the streets once again. No more than a few hundred yards from the Common House, the thick crowds suddenly disperse, leaving only a half-dozen burly thugs and a wiry man leaning against a wagon. He smirks and hungrily spits out that “Dakar wants to speak with you, now.”
Stepping further into the clearing, he holds a half dozen black hoods. "You're going to need to wear these, though." A few of thugs muffle nervous laughter behind him.
Some in the crowd hold poses and expressions as if this has happened before but are curious to see your reaction.
Jangafzaar Kargar |
Jang nods.
“Maybe the blindness will also enable us to forget the cruelty we witness every day … I am ready for Dakar!“
Janus Grey |
Janus studies the leader, trying to gauge his intent...
sense motive, studied target: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 2 = 32
Janus will let the rest of the party know whether he feels the group's intentions are hostile or not.
GM Erich |
@Janus The men seemed well-practiced at this formality. It is likely a simple precaution to protect the whereabouts of this Dakar fellow.
Nemesis Melek |
"Yes, of course, when our spies returned from the stockyards and informed us that you briskly melted the head of one of the Sczarni and electrocuted the other to unconsciousness, we knew you were no-one to mess with and perhaps a mighty ally. We have already voted to rescind our support for the Gaels."
"A wise decision. There is indeed no mightier ally, or deadlier enemy, than the Queen of the Inferno," Nemesis replies, indicating her heavy golden icon. "We're not normally a missionary faith, but if I've Sparked your interest, I can tell you about Her." She raises her glass eagerly. "Yes! To Queen Ymeri, AND the Society, and the kindling of a new friendship!"
__That Was Then___This Is Now__
Seeing Janus's assent, Nemesis grimly gives hers. "Allow me one precaution," she says stiffly as she pulls out what appears to be the femur of a wolf, which she dusts with a generous handful of natron while saying a prayer in Ignan before hurling it to her side...at which point it immediately begins orbiting around her.
CL 8th, duration ≤ 8 hours, damage threshold 40 points.
GM Erich |
@Nemesis The Freemen would listen politely but are bombarded by tales of a hundred gods in a day, and most favor Cailean on principle. But they toast Ymeri nonetheless!
Grudgingly allowing the weird floating bone, the thugs proceed to place the bags over your heads. You quickly realize they are under the effect of some sort of silence effect, but are otherwise comfortable.
You are guided into a wagon that winds and bounces its way through the streets for over an hour before the goons lead you on a short walk. When the bags are removed, you find yourselves in a room luxuriously appointed in the Tian style. Dakar (presumably), visible only as a large shapeless silhouette, addresses you from behind a large backlit paper screen decorated with images of imperial dragons.
In a clearly disguised but deep voice he intones. “You’ve been busy, Pathfinders, so I’ll get straight to the point. I’ve invested a lot of money in the Gaels. If you’re asking me to help you kill my investment, you’ll have to offer me something more valuable in return.”
Janus Grey |
"The Gaels have proven themselves untrustworthy and duplicitous, Dakar" Janus replies simply. "They have demonstrated this in their dealings with the Freemen. They will be the same with you. What return were you expecting from your investment?"
Abaal Zadeir, Sword of Katapesh |
In a clearly disguised but deep voice he intones. “You’ve been busy, Pathfinders, so I’ll get straight to the point. I’ve invested a lot of money in the Gaels.”
Like his sword Abaal cuts to what he feels to be the core of the matter "Why? To what end?"
GM Erich |
The silhouette moves slowly with laughter, as the guards tense slightly at your directness. "I know of the Gaels far better than you, newcomers. But my business dealings are my own. I will share my reasoning with you, perhaps... someday - as you need to know - provided of course you become valuable to me as well. But I am the one asking questions for now. So what do you have to offer me to betray the Gaels?"
Nemesis Melek |
Nemesis likewise tries being direct, but rather than simply interrogating their host, she tries stoking the embers of his desires.
"Surely you're familiar with the Pathfinder Society. What can these Gaels possibly offer that the Society cannot match?"
Diplomacy, guidance: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
I suspect this is worth a FOLIO REROLL (+Student of Sulunai)!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 +2 should our "man-behind-the-curtain" turn out to be a Grippli :P
Janus Grey |
"Indeed. The Gaels are only one family of vagabonds. We are a global organisation with greater wealth, greater power, and greater expertise. A superior choice of ally."
diplo, aid Nemesis: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14
Not that I think the Aid is needed - just embellishing the proposal.
GM Erich |
The silhouette calms. "I am quite familiar with your Society and their talents. Although I did hear a squad of them recently perished in the Halflight Path under this city. But that was not you. So you would pledge a sizeable future service for me to be named from your Society?"
Mechanically, he is asking if you would be willing to part with a total of 12 Prestige Points as a group, divided between the six of you however you wish.
Jangafzaar Kargar |
Jang shakes his head.
”As a merchant this does not feel like a good deal to be honest! Do not forget that the society is not all about muscle … our mercantile network is almost impossible to circumvent and has reach. I am sad to admit that but the Pathfinder exchange encompasses the honest and dark sides of this world’s trade businesses so I’m sure you’ll find some other deal that we can make to secure your cooperation!!!“ Jang says with a little more energy than usual.
diplomacy +18 or profession merchant +20 if required (please add modifier): 1d20 ⇒ 19
Nemesis Melek |
”My...counterpart is right,“ Nemesis affirms with a sidelong glance at the weepy priest. "The Society would prefer to think of itself as a candle in darkness; if you could at least name your price up-front, that would be a much easier sell."
Automatic success to aid Jangafzaar's Diplomacy (if that's what ends up used).
Janus Grey |
"Favours are a currency we trade in. But we prefer not to be in debt to an unknown entity. We know little of your objectives and practices; committing to perform an unnamed task at an unnamed date is therefore a poor contract to make. Name your price."
diplo, Aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2
Janus is no negotiator. Fortunately Jang is.
GM Erich |
There is a distinct groaning from behind the screen. "Yes, I know of the Society's reach, I even count some of your Decemvirate as personal friends, and they know of my stature as well. Alas, empty platitudes will not feed me."
The silhouette repositions.
“So if you have nothing to offer me, then I have a job for you. Imelda Gael is using her cousin Orphyro as a bit of a shield. The boy has been a member in good standing for many years now and always paid his dues on time. Of course, I realize the kind of mishaps that occur in your line of work, but I would be disappointed to hear he was dead. Spare Orphyro’s life, and tell him he lives courtesy of Dakar.”
Janus Grey |
"Being contracted not to kill someone is unusual, but it will not be the first time. Such terms are agreeable to us, but the rest must give their view also." Janus nods towards their associates.
"You anticipate a confrontation with Imelda Gael, Dakar. Will you tell us where we may find her now?"
Abaal Zadeir, Sword of Katapesh |
Growing annoyed at the doublespeak, Abaal says "'Job' implies payment, but before you answer I will warn you, though you should already know, that there are a number of competing factions within the Society the largest of which might be the so-called 'Murder Hobos'. If even one of their august group be here among us we as a party would find it difficult to guarantee the life of anyone in the city, or indeed the city itself."
Patros Therinor |
Could we get a description of him at least? In case things get nasty we can avoid gutting him like a fish. I can at least smack him with the flat of my blade...bruises heal much quicker than cuts... Patros asks, trying to smooth things over.
GM Erich |
“You’ll find your payment - the Gaels themselves hiding in Orphyro’s store, Pallbearers. It’s on the ground level of Ankar-Te, at the corner of Blackstone Shamble and Three Eel Alley.”
He pauses before adding, with a strangely calm air.
“You should be aware that Imelda Gael is an accomplished alchemist, and she sells the drug called flayleaf that can induce a pathetic state of fatigue or inebriation. She’s also benefited from combat training with the Freemen for several months. Her cousin Orphyro is a necromancer, as I’m sure you guessed. Just yesterday he purchased the bodies of some deceased Brothers of the Seal—a bit excessive for creating household servants if you ask me. Anyway, you will find him dressed in ghastly garments with stringy blonde hair.”
Jangafzaar Kargar |
Jang just nods.
”That was a wise offer and a good decision of this group. Let us know if you need anything the exchange can do. You probably know that these Gael’s are hunting one of our darker members Guaril. Contact us if there is more!“ he says ready to depart.
Janus Grey |
"That is useful information, Dakar. We thank you."
Later, as the Pathfinders prepare for a showdown:
"Undead are an abomination unto the Green. We have scrolls with a spell that will hide two of us from their perception for ten minutes, though the magic is broken as soon as any recipient attacks anyone or touches an undead."
Hide from Undead. Janus also recommends Communal Resist Energy (hi Jang!) and antitoxin or delay poison.
Janus buys 2 saps en route to the Gaels.
Jangafzaar Kargar |
As I’m on vacation please bot me with preparations.
GM Erich |
Dakar snickers at Jang's persistence. "Yes, master dwarf, it would be regrettable to lose out on such a potential investment, especially one with such connections to exotic goods as the disgraced Sczarni. Perhaps I will prepare a preliminary mercantile contract for you to present to your Trade Prince for when you return from your meeting with the Gaels."
--------------------------------------------
Quickly moving to the bizarre sights of the Ankar-Te district, the group detects spices from Tian Xia and Vudra that mingle with the muted scent of death on the busy streets. The wealthy ride litters carried by teams of undead that slowly push their way through the press of pedestrians.
The directions from Dakar were quite clear, and you find the Pallbearers shop. The front doors look unlocked as if opened for business. Through the dusty windows you can see a glass display case along the west wall that presents a row of mindless undead standing motionless within. A pair of human staff stand idly behind a counter beyond.
New map. Position yourself as you wish to enter and make any last preparations needed.
Nemesis Melek |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Nemesis looks around in genuine interest at the Ankar-Te lifestyle before stopping at their destination; she stands before it, sword shield, and icon at the ready, when a thought occurs to her.
She breaks out a wand she's only used on one occasion before: What looks like a long, thick stylus of brass, etched in silver and gold with tiny, spiraling runes and tipped with a cube-cut fire opal. She points it at (almost) everyone in turn, each of whom experiences a strange, subtle sensation as they peer into the opal's face and discern within its depths a different numeral....
Today's lucky numbers are...:
Claudia: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Abaal: 1d20 ⇒ 19 <- We have a LOSER!!!
Janus: 1d20 ⇒ 3 {-- Oh, lookie, Janus...
Patros: 1d20 ⇒ 6
Jangafzaar: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Magas: 1d20 ⇒ 18
myself: 1d20 ⇒ 3 {-- ...it's your favorite: Twins!
Better luck next time, Abaal; otherwise, not too shabby!
Janus Grey |
"They should not be expecting us, but they may be expecting trouble. A request to meet with the owner to discuss urgent and lucrative business may be appropriate. In the meantime, let us ready ourselves for a confrontation."
Janus casts Shield of Faith and Fallback Strategy on themself, and swallows an antitoxin. They apply a charge of Heightened Awareness from a wand and will expend the spell for +4 initiative if combat breaks out. If anyone wants it, Janus will happily cast Hide from Undead on them from a scroll can do this for up to two persons, duration 10 minutes.
And if anyone wants a sap - turns out Janus isn't proficient, so please take one!
"We were not asked to end Imelda Gael specifically, but to end the threat that the Gael family represent to Karela. Sending this woman on her Journey is an expedient solution, but we are open to others if you have suggestions."
Can anyone think of a diplomatic solution to Karela's problem?
Patros Therinor |
don't need a sap..i can do better with my falcata flat bladed...
We could just try to persuade them to give up their pursuit of Karela...that he is protected under the auspices of the Society. Might be worth a shot at least... Patros says with a shrug.
Abaal Zadeir, Sword of Katapesh |
Earlier.
Well, if she wants to get up close and personal, I'll oblige her. And a necromancer...joyous...
Abaal cocks an eyebrow in Patros, then shrugs.
Currently.
"They should not be expecting us, but they may be expecting trouble. A request to meet with the owner to discuss urgent and lucrative business may be appropriate. In the meantime, let us ready ourselves for a confrontation."
"We could ask them to see reason." Abaal says with all seriousness.
GM Erich |
Stepping into the shop, the two clerks eye you and your companions.
“Sorry, the boss ain’t in right now. I can take your order, though. Just step right up to the counter here.” the man says.