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

Game Master Pete H.

The rogue's rapier spears hard through a solid body, spraying blood everywhere. The sorcerer clutches at the wound and stumbles back, glaring at Ahmerisiel, "Lucky!"

She begins conjuring another damaging spell, ready to blast the group into oblivion!

Zano, Doodle, Kyra, Talevia (+2 from cover), please make a Refl Save vs. an Evocation/Cold effect. 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.

Ahmerisiel gets an AoO here. If it hits, the spell could easily be negated. But it has to hit and there is still one mirror image up. So go ahead everyone make your saves and take your actions.

Round 4: OH CRAP GIVE THEM THE BOOK... or maybe not?
Group Buffs: IC IS UP!, Heroism on Khellek, Doodle, Talevia, Ahmerisiel
Khellek (-0 HP)
Zano (Reflex Save Pending, -7 HP)
Doodle (Reflex Save Pending, -0 HP, Cursed 1 rd till save, 6 mirror images)
Kyra (Reflex Save Pending, -17 HP)
Talevia (Reflex Save Pending, -10 HP, Cursed 1 rd till save)
Ahmerisiel (AoO pending, -0 HP, -5 Wis Damage, Cursed 6 rds till save)
Yellow Tattoo Lady (-65 HP, H7, 1 Mirror Image)

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.

Ref save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Reflex 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Please remember cold resistance 10 for Doodle.

Reflex Check: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 2 = 20

reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Khellek keeps offering advice. "Remember the maxium of the great witch-slayer Kasised-the-red! Surrounded, even a powerful wizard will quickly fall to a flurry of blades."

Continues inspire courage

His feel move almost as fast as his words, and soon the elderly scholar is adjacent to the evil aspis agent with his ... dagger... drawn.

"I'd surrender now young lady." he suggests.

If nothing else, I provide a flanking buddy for Ahmerisiel.

Ahmerisiel squeezes next to the shrub, trying to get any tactical advantage he can eek out. He strikes, hoping that Khellek's meager dagger is enough of a threat to keep the sorcerer distracted.

Ahmerisiel misses with his thrust, spearing the remaining image instead. She smiles as she blasts everyone with cold icicles hard.

It hurts. Not like a blizzard cold that is slow, but more like someone driving tiny shards of ice into every inch of your flesh as you dive into a giant frozen lake.

Unless you are Doodle, who shrugs most of it off.

I don't think anyone is unconscious, but let me know if you are.

Ahmerisiel slips quietly into the hedge, then viciously spears a strike out of it. The blade slips right past the tattooed lady's defenses, leaving a wicked gut wound. She grasps at it and collapses to the ground.

There are no more enemies, but we have a lot of wounds and only one round until two of you need to make 'saves to not be a puddle' so we will stay in initiative for a couple rounds. Alternate actions if bored could include searching bodies for things. Doodle and Talevia can take their actions and also roll their round 6 save to speed things up.

Round 5: OH CRAP GIVE THEM THE BOOK... or maybe not?
Group Buffs: IC IS UP!, Heroism on Khellek, Doodle, Talevia, Ahmerisiel
Ahmerisiel (-0 HP, -5 Wis Damage, Cursed 5 rds till save)
Khellek (-0 HP)
Zano (-41 HP)
Doodle (-7 HP, Cursed 1 rd till save, 6 mirror images)
Kyra (-51 HP)
Talevia (-44 HP, Cursed 1 rd till save)
Yellow Tattoo Lady (-88 HP & Dead)

Bold may Act!

This fight could have been very bad. The sorceress FINALLY rolled average on her cone of cold that last round and you can see how hard it hit. If you all didn't have a cleric and a few well timed high damage magic missiles, it could have been bad. But, a close fight won is always more fun!

Will 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Folio reroll on Will 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Khellek quickly scans the bodies for items of magic or interest.

If any of the agents are not dead yet, he binds their wounds... but not until after removing dangerous equipment from them.

"Ahh... teamwork. And numbers. And tactics. It all helps!"

Through the pain and ice, Kyra channels the power of the Dawflower liberally, hoping for the sun's warmth to return to her bones!

Channel to heal everyone, Round 5, Selective Channel to exclude enemies: 6d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 6, 1, 5, 1) = 24
Channel to heal everyone, Round 6, Selective Channel to exclude enemies: 6d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 6, 1, 5, 2) = 19
Total:: 24 + 19 = 43

Talevia let out a calming breath. "There is truth to those words." she said in reply to Khellek. "I hope that these battles are leading us towards our goal. I do not relish unnecessary deaths."

The Paladin trembled slightly as she felt the curse resurfacing.

Curse Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

The group manages to survive the onslought of the aspis agents. Kyra burns almost all of her holy healing to get them back to fighting shape. Two of the cursed pathfinders manage to retain their faculties... for another minute at least.

Current Status
Ahmerisiel (-5 Wis Damage, Cursed 3 rds till save)
Doodle (Cursed 10 rds till save, 6 mirror images)
Kyra (-8 HP)
Talevia (-1 HP, Cursed 10 rds till save)[/b]

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Khellek spends a bit of time searching the absolutely 100% fully dead bodies. The only thing now for these Aspis agents is a shallow grave or incredibly high level and expensive clerical magic. But they do have some nice valuables that one would think could easily be ganked.

On the caster: Potion CSW, Potion Fly, Potion Invisibility, Wand of Vampiric Touch (7 charges), Amulet of Natural Armor +1, Cloak of Resistance +2, Ring of Protection +1, a really fancy book that looks quite similar to the one you found in the safe, gems and platinum pieces.

On the Warhammer Fighter: Potions CLW (2x), Potion CMW, Potion Delay Poison, Potion Endure Elements, Potion Hide from Undead, MW Warhammer, +1 Breastplate, +1 light steel shield, +1 cloak of resistance, gold.

We will keep this in about minute increments, essentially I'll ask for periodic saves from those cursed and you all can continue with the mission. Ahmerisiel is up next (in 3 rds) with another DC 15 Will Save, good luck. Also, where would you all like to go next?

Kyra uses her wand to heal herself fully.

Wand of CLW: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (8, 2) + 2 = 12

She offers to heal anyone else still wounded.

Feel free to roll off her wand...

Kyra goes south back to the fountain room to see what is in the rooms to the south. She casts detect magic and if she finds none, casts guidance to enhance her hearing and visual acuity.

Perception to listen at the door before opening it, guidance: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13
Perception to look for traps on the door before opening it, guidance: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13

If the rogue wishes to try looking for bad things on that door before Kyra opens it, she gladly steps aside

Will DC 15, heroism, WIS damage: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 - 2 = 12

After reasserting control over his form, Ahmerisiel double-checks Kyra's work on the door.

Perception, heroism, WIS damage (adjust per rolls above if needed), trapfinding: 1d20 + 13 + 2 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 2 - 2 + 3 = 29

"Welll... says Khellek eyeing up the second book.

He takes it, ignoring most of the rest of the wealth for the moment, and returns to the library.

There he puts the Aspis book down and starts to examine that as well.

linguistics: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

"Hmm... very interesting... two copies.. are either original?"

The pack of pathfinders heals up a bit more and heads to do more investigation.

Ahmerisiel declares the room safe and then immediately melts into a puddle. It takes him a few seconds to reform, he looks a bit shaken and concerned that soon he might not make it back into the world of being solid.

The room looks almost identical to the one two doors down. A basic guest room, though incredibly well appointed.

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Current Status
Ahmerisiel (-6 Wis Damage, Cursed 10 rds till save)
Doodle (Cursed 6 rds till save, 6 mirror images)
Talevia (-1 HP, Cursed 6 rds till save)

Six rounds till the next set of saves for Talevia and Doodle, you are welcome to roll it on your next post but the group can at least explore one more room before then.

"Bahh.. we should have let the Aspis flee with this fake. It was what they deserved."

He puts the fake book back on the lectern in disgust.

"Let us return to the grounds staff and see if they can tell us anything more about our missing scholar... and let them know about the mess that needs tidying up."

Kyra suggests, "I can carry this fake copy. It can be used as an exhibit to corroborate our reports upon our return. Anything not found within these halls and found upon Aspis members is fair game for the Society to keep, is it not?"

Zano will stay here with the people until all taken care of and ready to move on, nothing like enemies coming in while we are doing something important.

Kyra suggests keeping the fake copy. It isn't a bad idea.

Khellek suggests tracking down the caretakers to get some more information and let them know about the damage in the library.

Zano seems to be staying with the group, which is probably wise.

First two to suggest the same course of action and we will go that route.

”The fake copy might have come from the Manor originally, so I’d advise against taking it. I think talking to the caretaker would be a good was to finish up here.”

The pathfinders head out the way they came in, looking for the groundskeeper or whatever he is. That one old retired fighter looking guy.

It takes about four rounds to move that far assuming you all don't leave Doodle behind.

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Current Status
Ahmerisiel (-6 Wis Damage, Cursed 6 rds till save)
Doodle (Cursed 2 rds till save, 6 mirror images)
Talevia (-1 HP, Cursed 2 rds till save)

Doodle and Talevia can roll their saves. It will happen mid-conversation.

The groundskeeper stands from his seat at the front gate as the front doors open behind him, "Ah, I was wondering if anyone survived with all those explosions. I'm glad it was your group, honestly. You all seemed more respectful. Are you heading out?"

”The fake copy might have come from the Manor originally, so I’d advise against taking it. I think talking to the caretaker would be a good was to finish up here.”

"The Aspis agents came in from the outside, so they obviously were carrying this fake on them to attempt a stealthy swap once they found the real book. Do you think these louts were in the manor before us?"

I may have missed something here... were they here first? did we find evidence of their passage 'inside' the manor?

Will save 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

"I think they were... one of the rooms has signs of a bad break-in" adds Khellek.

"If it wouldn't be too much trouble, we were hoping to also locate one of our missing colleagues. Apparently he might not have been very respectful. I'm sure he was a trial, and we are happy to take him off your hands."

Khellek also hands over the fake book. "Would you be wanting to keep this, or can we take it along with the genuine article?" he asks.

"And please, complement your master on his library. I would love to come and browse it again some day."

Talevia quickly gathered up the potions from the fallen Aspis agents. Potions would always come in useful.

She waited for the Groundskeepers reply to Khellek.

Will Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

I may have missed something here... were they here first? did we find evidence of their passage 'inside' the manor?

The lectern under which we found the real book had a dusty outline of a missing book. Presumbably, the Aspis took the fake without investigating further.

Ahmerisiel adds to Khellek's point. "While we've succeeded at your master's challenge, we still have an unfortunate colleague to find and rescue."

Kyra silently admired Khellek's manners and diplomacy skills. By sending him on this mission, the Society had made great steps in repairing the damaged relationship with this merchant...

The groundskeeper shrugs, "You are welcome to keep looking for your colleague if you wish, I can't reveal where he might be located, including here or elsewhere."

He glances down at the book you are showing him, "Yes, you may keep that book."

And then Talevia and Doodle melt into puddles, screaming wordlessly from their ever changing mouths.

Doodle quickly reforms, sweating a bit under the hot sun. Talevia does not.

Talevia, go ahead and keep rolling Will Saves until you hit the DC 15 required. Each failure gives you another -1 Wisdom Damage. For each -2 Wisdom Damage you take, you have a -1 on your next Will Save. Ahmerisiel is also up in three rounds so can roll too.

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Current Status
Ahmerisiel (-6 Wis Damage, Cursed 3 rds till save)
Doodle (Cursed 9 rds till save, 6 mirror images)
Talevia (-1 HP, -1 Wis Damage, Cursed X rds till save)

The groundskeeper frowns, "Ah dang, really sorry about that curse. The Chaos Beast is quite nasty. I was told to mix in some debilitating challenges, things that wouldn't quite kill anyone but would really cause complications. That was one of the less horrible options." He glances at Kyra, "A high enough level cleric should be able to clear it up, which I would assume your organization would have access to that kind of resource."

Kyra adds, anger plain on her face, "'Tis quite the impediment, this curse, and perhaps bordering on criminal intent. I would be careful in the future to not be overzealous in trying to please your master, for you have admitted this was your doing, and if legal repercussions ensue, thus given deniability to your master, who could now discard you like a basket full of old rags. Perhaps a show of good intent would help re-establish some of your character within our world-spanning organization, but it is unknown at this point how much your reputation will be affected once we file our reports to the Decemvirate."

Diplomacy to request help: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

He looks at her.

And keeps looking at her.

Then releases a massive laugh, "YOU ARE SERIOUS! Oh my gosh. Literally breaking and entering into private property to steal an item and you have the audacity to spout moral high ground and then threaten my standing with YOUR organization. The same organization that pissed off my master SO MUCH he spent thousands of gold setting this whole test up. Oh my, that is quite funny."

He gets very serious, "Now then ma'am, I would ask you to leave my presence at once. I will not abide by your threats anymore."

That was most definitely intimidation, not diplomacy. It also failed. Though I do respect the RP of Kyra finally snapping.

"Very well. I shall wait in the streets, as they are a more noble setting than this manor of decadence. Remember why perhaps your master is... annoyed... at the Society, and this should perhaps enlighten your path in the future. We came at the invitation of your master yes. I now leave at YOUR request, and that, as well, shall go into our Chronicles. Good day Sir."

Kyra departs the manor.

Ahmerisiel stops Kyra before she heads out into the streets. "I get why you're upset--it's happening to me after all--but we're not done here. We can leave this man's presence without leaving the manor house entirely, so let's head back in and find the Pathfinder who started this whole mess."

Will DC 15, heroism, WIS damage: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 - 3 = 13
Will DC 15, heroism, WIS damage: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 2 - 3 = 21

Kyra is obviously fuming, but nods and follows Ahmandé...

Will save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Talevia the puddle slowly rises up from the ground to resume human form. For a moment she looked shaken, having had her physical form dissolve into goo was not a pleasant sensation. "That was NOT a comfortable sensation." she said regaining her composure. "We need to move on and find this book. I don't know how much longer we can suffer this curse."

"Well, while we are not especially happy with your choice, I'm sure we are all glad you opted for a less horrible option." smiles Khellek.

"And we are not breaking an entry, we were invited into this building. Just to be clear. Now.."

He looks around the room trying to get his bearings. "I think we should check out the other guest rooms. And then maybe there was another exit from the golems dining room?"

Doodle remain quiet, her suffering was almost too much to bear in this place.

The group wisely interprets the words of the groundskeeper as indicating that he isn't kicking them out, but is definitely done with them in his presence.

Khellek may be confident in his claim about being invited, but a nagging thought does cross his mind as to how strong his argument would hold up in this nation's court. But he buries that concern when Ahmerisiel has another episode of melting. The group heads back inside to look around again.

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Current Status
Ahmerisiel (-7 Wis Damage, Cursed 10 rds till save)
Doodle (Cursed 5 rds till save, 6 mirror images)
Talevia (-1 HP, -1 Wis Damage, Cursed 6 rds till save)

The pathfinders make it back to the golem room in record time.

The main Manor map is back up. There is a door off this room that hasn't been checked. There are also four doors off the Chaos Beast room that haven't been checked. First two votes towards the same location will win where you all go next.

Khellek points to the first door off the golems dining room.
"Thinking about it, with time an issue, let us try the first door first."

He quickly scans it for magic, hopefully while Amerisiel checks it for traps.

Vote for first door.

First door seconded

Ahmerisiel concurs. "Yeah, let me take a look at that before I puddle up again."

Perception, trapfinding, heroism, WIS damage: 1d20 + 13 + 3 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (7) + 13 + 3 + 2 - 3 = 22
Disable device, trapfinding, heroism: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 17 + 3 + 2 = 40 if needed

Doodle nods. The first door was fine with her.

Current Status
Ahmerisiel (-7 Wis Damage, Cursed 9 rds till save)
Doodle (Cursed 4 rds till save, 6 mirror images)
Talevia (-1 HP, -1 Wis Damage, Cursed 5 rds till save)

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Khellek scans the door, not detecting any magic from it. Ahmerisiel checks it as well, deeming it safe to open. Doodle opens it and the rest of the group files in to check it out.

A quick perusal of this space reveals it to be an elaborate kitchen outfitted for the preparation of sumptuous gourmet meals. Stone countertops and oak cupboards line the walls, and three iron stoves run down the center of the room. The place is thoroughly stocked with pots and pans, cutlery of the finest quality, and implements whose purpose can only be guessed at by those without vast culinary experience. Various barrels, jars, and other containers around the expansive workspace hold foodstuffs, though not in great abundance.

A large trapdoor in the southeast corner of the kitchen presumably leads to some sort of cellar, but is secured with a thick padlock.

Ahmerisiel takes a look at the padlock, again checking to see if it's safe to open, then trying to spring it.

Perception, trapfinding, heroism, WIS damage: 1d20 + 13 + 3 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 3 + 2 - 3 = 19
Disable device, trapfinding, heroism: 1d20 + 17 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 17 + 3 + 2 = 25 if needed
Disable device, heroism: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 17 + 2 = 37

Talevia follows the others into the new room. A kitchen wasn't very surprising to find in this manor, the staff had to eat after all, but there was always the off chance that this room was merely a deception.

She slowly walked around the room, poking at the pots and pans, and peering into the jars and barrels.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Current Status
Ahmerisiel (-7 Wis Damage, Cursed 6 rds till save)
Doodle (Cursed 1 rds till save, 6 mirror images)
Talevia (-1 HP, -1 Wis Damage, Cursed 2 rds till save)

Doodle and Talevia need rolls soon.

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Talevia doesn't find anything other than a really cool... eggbeater? At least that is what she thinks it is.

Ahmande does not find any traps and begins unlocking the padlock. It is quite easy to do.

Khellek (assuming your usual detect magic) does however notice that some sort of magic has been cast upon the door. He has not idea what it is, but can tell that something will be conjured.

Ahmerisiel says 'hold my beer' and begins fiddling with the magical trigger mechanism. He stands up, quite sure that he has it negated. Then steps back about ten feet, just in case.

Anyone want to open the door?

Zano opens the door.

Will 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Khellek backs up a bit, ready with Bessie incase some demon is summoned.

Current Status
Ahmerisiel (-7 Wis Damage, Cursed 5 rds till save)
Doodle (-1 Wis Damage, Cursed X rds till save, 6 mirror images)
Talevia (-1 HP, -1 Wis Damage, Cursed 1 rds till save)

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Zano seems confident he'll be fine. And perhaps he will!

As the trap door opens, a noxious gas cloud forms around him, spreading all the way almost to Khellek, who wisely does not yet fire blindly into it.

Ahmerisiel is overrun by it as well, getting a nasty whiff of rotting eggs and... is that cinnamon?

You hear cursing from down the stairs, "GORRAMIT WHAT THE HELL IS THIS STINK! FREAKING IDIOTS CAN'T EVEN DISARM A SIMPLE TRAP?!?"

Zano and Ahmerisiel need a FORT DC 15 save.

Then Doodle melts into another puddle.

Doodle you may go ahead and make the save each round until you succeed. Talevia is also due for another set of saves until success (Will DC 15).

Now, what will the brave pathfinders do with this awful cloud of stink?