GM TOP #3-03: The Ghenett Manor Gauntlet (Core) (Inactive)

Game Master Pete H.

"Hmm... protective magic. That might just mean the door is warded against physical damage - made harder so to speak, just like magical armor. Or it could be more significant. But I can't tell any more than that." muses the scholar.

"But I do recall a tale in which the master cat-burglar known only as Tolmund met a similar safe, and the approach he took was..."

Happy to use inspire competence (+3) on an opening check if you want.

"What was it you translated, Khellek: 'cacophonous moral denunciation'?" Ahmande clarifies with the scholar. "It doesn't take a fool to think that means something loud. Anybody here have a spell to silence loud noises?" He looks around at the spellcasters. "I can't find the trap, but I think that door is going to start yelling at me if I try to open it."

Essentially it is a gap under a flagstone. In the gap was a bag with the stone and platinum. Under the bag is a small lever.

Essentially it is a gap under a flagstone. In the gap was a bag with the stone and platinum. Under the bag is a small lever.

I re-read back and realized I misunderstood. I was thinking we found a lockbox in a recess under the lectern. I didn't realize it was a locked trapdoor under the lectern (i.e. we can't carry it with us to deal with later). Edited my post to make sense with that new understanding.

Oopse, wrong thread. Different game with small finding under where the players were looking. Please ignore my above post. Sorry

"I have no such spell nor item that can silence a spell." Talevia added, wondering if such an item would be good to add to her equipment at a later date. "Although cacophonous moral denunciation doesn't sound all that dangerous. A spell that would scream at us for trying to break and enter? It might be a warning to something else in this complex. Those dogs that we were warned about perhaps?"

"The butler was quite clear that the dogs were well trained and only attacked those on the grass.." reminds Khellek.

"But you are right, there may be other guardians who would be alerted by it."

He turns to Kyra. "Do you have such a blessing?"

I’m here and monitoring the action fyi, but you all look like you are working out a plan so I’ll chill until that is finished.

I’m here and monitoring the action fyi, but you all look like you are working out a plan so I’ll chill until that is finished.

I got accidentally trolled by another GM, but it still lead me to the correct understanding that I'd misinterpreted things. Ha!

If nothing else, Disable a device check(s) please and then tell me who is opening the safe thingy. Thanks!

So nobody can pre-empt the likely sonic trap?

Ahmerisiel kneels down by the trap door, accepting Khellek's inspirational advice as he tries to undo the lock.

Disable Device, trapfinding, inspire competence: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 17 + 3 + 3 = 26

I looked at spell lists and consumables in the group, I don't think anyone specifically has silence (as requested). I can't speak as to whether other options may or may not work here but it seems no one is volunteering anything.

Ahmerisiel unlocks the door with a simple click. It wasn't easy, but it wasn't hard for someone of his skill.

______________________

Current Status
Talevia (Cursed but stable, 1 rds to go)
Doodle (Cursed but stable, 1 rds to go)
Ahmerisiel (-4 Wisdom Damage, Cursed, 4 rds to go)

Doodle will pull open the latch now that it appears to be unlocked and ready to open.

And it looks like it’s time for a Will save. Will 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

The scholar is well schooled in dealing with noisy students. In the event of a disruption to his carefully prepared lecture on disarming of traps in Orission tombs, he ... is prepared.

Is ready to use Countersong if something loud happens.

Alright, I think you all have had enough time to propose or enact various actions, let us move this thing along.

Doodle pulls the safe door open and her eyes go wide as she sees a very nice book inside!

Unfortunately she isn't able to enjoy their success right yet, as a loud piercing wail begins rising. It starts low and deep, vibrating your very bones and then escalates up the chromatic scale quickly until reaching heights of sound one can barely comprehend. Finally, with one last incredibly high note, the large glass chandelier shatters and rains down shards of glass upon... the collection of bookcases in the center of the room.

EVERYONE, please make a Fort Save vs. an Evocation (Sonic) Spell. I will provide the results as quickly as possible. You are welcome to use a re-roll at any point before those results are given, unless said re-roll specifically grants you the ability to do so after the result is given.

Khellek, please make a Perform (keyboard, percussion, wind, string, or sing) skill check to set your DC for the Countersong.

Doodle melts into a puddle, but she has gotten pretty used to this by now and easily regains her form.

Talevia, you also need a Will DC 15 Save.

Fort 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Can I tell you all how much I hate this manor, lol?!

Fortitude, heroism: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 = 21

This would be a good time to fall apart into a puddle, Ahmerisiel thinks as he shields himself from the shards of falling glass.

fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Gahhh... no oration option for countersong? They really didn't think this one through
perform, heroism: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 = 11 Bahh, now it it was oratory that would be a 21
fort, heroism, well versed: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 + 4 = 25

Khellek finds the sudden sound a little louder than expected.

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Khellek manages to resist quite a bit of the sound, probably just because he is so far from it. Nothing to do with being a master of sound himself.

The rest of the group seems to be a bit confused though. It got really quiet and something is dripping down from their ears.

Ah yes, it's blood.

Everyone but Khellek (and Talevia because she hasn't rolled) takes 24 sonic damage and are deafened for 9 rounds. Khellek takes 12 damage and can hear just fine, though there is a faint ringing. The glass shatters on the ground, barely missing several pathfinders.

Talevia, you have a Fort Save (DC 22, damn) and Will DC 15 save. Yeah Doodle, this villa sucks.

Kyra channels the power of the Dawflower to heal everyone.

Channel to heal: 6d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 3, 4, 2, 6) = 20

"...." Ahmerisiel can't hear anything as he starts yelling at the room.

"...." He points to the book, motioning to the group and then shrugging his shoulders in a questioning manner.

With a sigh that nobody else can hear Khellek carefully approaches and holds his hand up to his lips for quiet from everyone.

Then he takes out a leaf of paper, an ink bottle and a quill. Sighs at the waste and writes down. "Be prepared! Guards may come" and holds up the sign for the others to read.

Once that is done, he looks, but doesn't touch, the book. Carefully he scans it for signs of further magic.

Considering we are all deaf, Zano puts a thumbs up to thank her for the healing.

Being injured and deafened did not put Doodle into a better mood. She waited for the others to try and obtain the book, hoping this mission would be over quickly.

Talevia was expecting some sort of loud noise to come from the little door in the floor, but not shower of glass.

Fort save Vs Sonic: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

At the same time, she felt the tingling in her body spike up. "Not..now..." she hissed, summoning her strength of will to keep her body from turning into a puddle.

Will save vs Puddle: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Sorry about that break there, had a rough Friday and then a busy weekend. Next weekend will also be busy, fyi. But hopefully we can get a bit done this week. Closer to wrapping this scenario up at least. Still have a fair amount to go.

Talevia's ears bleed a bit and she is also deafened, but soon afterwards Kyra's healing brings blessed relief from the pain. She even manages to reform herself after melting into primordial ooze.

The book inside the safe is 14 inches tall, 10 inches wide, and 4 inches thick, bound in red-tinted leather, and features an embossed pair of nunchaku on the cover. The book’s contents are written in an archaic dialect of Tien script that requires a Linguistics check to translate (which would take a lot of time so I am assuming this is not done right now).

Current Status
ALL BUT KHELLEK (-4 HP, Deafened 5 rds remain)
Talevia (Cursed but stable, 7 rds to go)
Doodle (Cursed but stable, 7 rds to go)
Ahmerisiel (-4 Wisdom Damage, Cursed, 0 rds to go)

Ahmerisiel, you know what time it is. :(

Khellek spends a few rounds inspecting the book for magic. He finds it is just a mundane, if incredibly well crafted, book.

It might be good to start figuring out where to go next and if you want to wait until the deafened effect fades.

Khellek writes out "I think we need to return to the house keepers. This time we need to ask about our scholarly brother. Or maybe we just check the guest rooms now that creature has been dealt with. He may just be sitting in one of them with his nose in a book."

The scholar does spend a couple of minutes checking the book thoroughly.
Well trained in Linguistics, speaks Tien and if necessary will use comprehend languages, to make sure we do have the correct book.

I'll give you a +5 on your Linguistics Check as you speak modern Tien, but you will still need to roll it for this archaic dialect. One minute to make one check per page translated. If those that are melting agree to let you take the time to do the checking, then I need checks from them to keep their forms for each minute that passes.

Doodle agrees that the group needs to know if the book is the correct one or not, so she literally tries to keep herself together.

Will 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

"SOUNDS GOOD! LEAD THE WAY," shouts Kyra back to Khellek's long written explanation.

So long as his melting companions don't mind, Khellek quickly checks the first page of the book to make sure it looks like the right article.

linguistics, modern tien, archivist (FJC), dark archive pin: 1d20 + 16 + 5 + 4 + 1d4 ⇒ (8) + 16 + 5 + 4 + (4) = 37

"Oh my, what a book..."

What a comfortable chair.... Were not half his students turning into puddles around him, one might almost think the scholar would have no objections to spending the afternoon in the library. And probably not hear the dinner bell.

Upon reading what Khellek had written, Talevia nods in agreement. It was worth the risk, in her mind, to make sure that the book was the one that they were looking for or not.

Rubbing her ears, and making strange faces by moving her jaw, in an effort to dispel the deafness, she walks over to where Khellek is sitting. "CAN YOU READ IT?"

"Oh yes... very interesting... although this is only the introduction. You really have to admire the calligraphy they used here." says the scholar.

"The first page seems to be mostly just an introduction. Here we have a
Haiku to set the scene. So far it looks promising..."

The scholar stands, clearing his throat.
"Rooted to the ground
She repels her attackers
Flowing, not moving."

Then If they are still deaf sighs, and writes it out in Taldane for everyone to appreciate.

And credit to Ken Chawkin for that actual haiku

Will, heroism, Wisdom damage: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 - 2 = 9
Will, heroism, Wisdom damage: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 2 - 2 = 22 assuming that passes even with more Wisdom damage from the first failure

"Anything you can do to speed things up... kinda having problems over here!"

Sorry, not OK with spending minutes on this while Ahmerisiel is still losing Wisdom. Why wouldn't comprehend languages work for a quick assessment?

Oh good point. I forgot the heroism. Takes it up to 39!

"These things can't be rushed... can't be... oh my..." sighs the scholar.

"We do need to get you some help. I wonder if the staff have a means of fixing you? They do seem a resourceful pair."

As stated, the linguistics check only works if those in melting danger agree to taking the time. Considering Ahmeriesiel is quite against it and you did offer Comprehend Languages, let's just use that.

Khellek casts a spell and quickly translates the page he is reading. As noted, there is an excellent Haiku about the martial form indicated on the page. The form seems to be some sort of fascinating treatise about flowing with the opponents attacks, letting them use their own aggression against them.

The page opposite is an intricately drawn example of the movement. So well done that it appears the figures are actually moving upon the page. Khellek has no clue how this can be done without magic. Truly only a god-level artist.

He shares his thoughts, though none of his allies are able to hear him at all.

Ahmerisiel schloops down into a large puddle, sloshes around a bit and eventually reforms. He looks very sweaty and stressed. This isn't going well.

Current Status
ALL BUT KHELLEK (-4 HP, Deafened 3 rds remain)
Talevia (Cursed but stable, 5 rds to go)
Doodle (Cursed but stable, 5 rds to go)
Ahmerisiel (-5 Wisdom Damage, Cursed but stable, 9 rds to go)

_______________________

Suddenly, the double doors burst open! Standing there are two muscular looking male humans, brandishing well crafted weapons. One with a sharp longsword and another holding a warhammer. A male half-elf with alchemical reagents hanging from his belt and female human bedecked in tattoos stand further back. All look ready to attack. The lady yells at Khellek, "Give us the book or die!"

This is a long post, I'll put initiative up in a few minutes and update the map. Please stand by.

THEN

While Khellek is doing his book review, Kyra channels once more to finish healing everyone. Minimun healing is 6hp, so it will cover the -4 HP on everyone for sure.

She also pulls out a scroll to attempt to give back some willpower to Ahmerisiel.
Lesser Restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 2 pts. of Wisdom back.

========================================

NOW

"Folks, I think we have some company..."

Initiative
Ahmerisiel: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 11 - 4 = 22
Khellek: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Kyra: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 4 = 7
Doodle: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 4 = 13
Talevia: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 5 - 4 = 3
Zano: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 4 = 20
Enemy Red & Blue: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Enemy Yellow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Enemy Purple: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Round 1: OH CRAP WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE NOW?!?
Group Buffs: NA
Ahmerisiel (-4 HP, Deaf 3rds, -5 Wis Damage, Cursed 9rds till save)
Zano (-4 HP, Deaf 3rds)
Khellek
Purple Alchemist
Doodle (-4 HP, Deaf 3rds, Cursed 5rds till save)
Kyra (-4 HP, Deaf 3rds)
Red & Blue Fighters
Talevia (-4 HP, Deaf 3rds, Cursed 5rds till save)
Yellow Tattoo Lady

Bold may Act!

Terrain: Chairs, bookshelves, lecterns, hedges and shrubs are considered difficult terrain if they occupy a majority of a square or you pass through them. Hedges and bookshelves provide cover to AC and allow stealth. No one is currently hiding though. Don't forget the Deafened condition for most of you. It mainly just hurts initiative and verbal spellcasting. A surprise round DID occur, but it consisted of the doors being opened and the demands being made.

Deafened: A deafened character cannot hear. He takes a –4 penalty on initiative checks, automatically fails Perception checks based on sound, takes a –4 penalty on opposed Perception checks, and has a 20% chance of spell failure when casting spells with verbal components.

THEN

While Khellek is doing his book review, Kyra channels once more to finish healing everyone. Minimun healing is 6hp, so it will cover the -4 HP on everyone for sure.

She also pulls out a scroll to attempt to give back some willpower to Ahmerisiel.
[dice=Lesser Restoration]1d4 pts. of Wisdom back.

========================================

NOW

"Folks, I think we have some company..."

I am unfortunately not going to allow these actions to happen. If they were taken prior to my post about combat beginning, it would have been fine. But to post them after the fact, I can't allow it. Sorry!

No worries! I've been following the game, just been quiet due to a busy time at work...

Ahmerisiel knows his strengths, and they are not frontal assault. He dashes over to the bookshelves by Talevia and uses their cover to get out of sight... which he hopes to use to his advantage soon.

Zano sees there mouth moving, but can't hear. Zano will know what he said, but he won't even be able to hear himself say it. What did you say? I'm deafened from some trap, write down what you want and we will gladly do it.
With that Zano moves back and ducks to take cover believing this fight can possible be solved without fighting. doublemove.

I'm assuming Khellek was by the lecturn given the time considerations, and not able to soak into one of those lovely plush armchairs

Realising his team still couldn't hear his words of inspiration, Khellek moves quickly toward Talevia. Reaching out to his student he pats her reassuringly on the shoulder saying

Even though the words may not be heard, Talevia does feel reassured by his touch on her arm.

Casts heroism on her. I assume that my own, Ahmerisiel and Doodle's extended heroisms are still active.

If I cannot start at the lecturn, then I move next to Talevia but won't have an action to cast heroism this round.

The rogue and sorcerer wisely vacate the front lines and get into a safer or advantageous positions. The four enemies seem to not care about them though and the lady in the back points at Khellek and says something.

But before anyone else can move, the probable alchemist steps up and launches a flask at Kyra's face. He cackles and yells something out.

Bomb vs. Kyra's Touch/FF AC + 4 Cover - Range: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 8 - 2 = 20 for Fire: 4d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 5, 5, 2) + 3 = 19

It explodes with a whoosh of fire that seems much more ominous when you can't hear it crackle. Kyra screams as her flesh bubbles and burns. The flame reaches out and touches Doodle as well, though she might be able to avoid some of it.

Doodle, DC 16 Reflex Save to halve 7 fire damage

Round 1: OH CRAP WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE NOW?!?
Group Buffs: NA
Ahmerisiel (-4 HP, Deaf 2rds, -5 Wis Damage, Cursed 8rds till save, Hiding DC 21 if looked for)
Zano (-4 HP, Deaf 2rds)
Khellek
Purple Alchemist
Doodle (-7 or 11 HP, DC 16 Reflex Save due, Deaf 3rds, Cursed 5rds till save)
Kyra (-23 HP, Deaf 3rds)
Red & Blue Fighters
Talevia (-4 HP, Deaf 3rds, Cursed 5rds till save)
Yellow Tattoo Lady

Bold may Act!

Terrain: Chairs, bookshelves, lecterns, hedges and shrubs are considered difficult terrain if they occupy a majority of a square or you pass through them. Hedges and bookshelves provide cover to AC and allow stealth. Don't forget the Deafened condition for most of you. It mainly just hurts initiative and verbal spellcasting. A surprise round DID occur, but it consisted of the doors being opened and the demands being made.

Deafened: A deafened character cannot hear. He takes a –4 penalty on initiative checks, automatically fails Perception checks based on sound, takes a –4 penalty on opposed Perception checks, and has a 20% chance of spell failure when casting spells with verbal components.

Kyra does not scream, pain being an old friend of hers. Grinding her teeth, she channels the power of the Dawflower to heal everyone.

Channel to heal, Selective Channel to exclude enemies in the door: 6d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 2, 6, 1, 4) = 21

Reflex 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Doodle takes some fire damage, then feels the healing power of the cleric. She casts Mirror Image, knowing she was going to have to defeat these warriors as she then pulls her spear.

Mirror image 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Spell failure chance, high is good 1d100 ⇒ 47

After her spell went off, there were a total of 8 Doodles armed with a spear looking at the invaders.

Doodle becomes many Doodles. All flitting about in the same little space, like someone's nightmare (or fantasy).

Kyra heals up almost all of everyone's wounds, though she feels like she got a bad sunburn still.

The two fighters stride forward and stab and swing hard at Khellek. They definitely want him dead.

Red Longsword vs. Khellek: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21 for slashing: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Blue warhammer vs. Khellek: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21 for bludgeoning: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

In almost perfect sync, they both land blows upon the elderly scholar who surprisingly still stands. Apparently he is made of sterner stuff then anyone expected.

Round 1: OH CRAP WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE NOW?!?
Group Buffs: Heroism on Khellek, Doodle, Talevia, Ahmerisiel
Ahmerisiel (Deaf 2 rds, -5 Wis Damage, Cursed 8 rds till save, Hiding DC 21 if looked for)
Zano (Deaf 2 rds)
Khellek (-20 HP)
Purple Alchemist
Doodle (Deaf 2 rds, Cursed 4 rds till save. 7 mirror images)
Kyra (-2 HP, Deaf 2 rds)
Red Fighter
Blue Fighter
Talevia (Deaf 3rds, Cursed 5 rds till save)
Yellow Tattoo Lady

Bold may Act!

Terrain: Chairs, bookshelves, lecterns, hedges and shrubs are considered difficult terrain if they occupy a majority of a square or you pass through them. Hedges and bookshelves provide cover to AC and allow stealth. Don't forget the Deafened condition for most of you. It mainly just hurts initiative and verbal spellcasting. A surprise round DID occur, but it consisted of the doors being opened and the demands being made.

Deafened: A deafened character cannot hear. He takes a –4 penalty on initiative checks, automatically fails Perception checks based on sound, takes a –4 penalty on opposed Perception checks, and has a 20% chance of spell failure when casting spells with verbal components.

"Oww, oww, owwww" stutters the scholar.

"This is no way to settle scholarly differences!"