GM Chadius: 1-23 - The Star Crossed Court (Gameplay) (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

Kamil starts to bow to Kesstraka before pleading their case.

Like I said before, I'm Kamil Durus. Even if I wasn't born here, I lived in the Mwangi Expanse for several years before joining the Society and my mentor was from even farther East, the faraway Minkai.
From my experience, and the fact that my previous employer was not as regarding of the locals or their traditions as is the Pathfinder Society, I can say that our goal is to find the best agreement for both parties. Sargav... Vidrian and Ekkeshikaar as equals as they were before.
I'm no merchant, but I know ways to write unfair contracts and I can assure that the agreement we want to present to the Council contains none of this type of writings.
Fair for both parties. Strong for the Future. A true partnership.

Impressive Performance (Oratory): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24

@Thrass with following the expert, you can roll that diplomacy roll ;-)
@Celestia you can maybe reroll with a Hero Point that bad roll?

"Ah, a Mwangi native!" Kesstraka hisses lightly. "You must have many stories to tell me about Vidrian. You wouldn't believe how many former Free Captains found refuge here."

"You will find many different aspects of iruxi culture here. For example, we are obsessed with the stars." She turns to Celestia. "They warn us of disaster, bless our journeys and sometimes we misinterpret them. But they are never wrong." She smiles.

"I have no doubt our... guests were sent by isolationists." She gestures to the blood and dust left behind by the basilisk corpses. "They don't want your deal to work. And they know I would greatly help tilt the scales. So, they tried to disable me for a few days." Her thinking only lasts for a moment.

"I don't like to slow down. And you've made a good argument. We would benefit more from cooperation than separation. I will join you during the negotiations on behalf of forming a trade deal."

With your discussion complete, you return to the embassy. Eras and Calisro are reading the documents when they look up at the door opening.

“Well, seems you’re pretty fair diplomats yourselves,” Calisro remarks by way of congratulations, raising her glass as though in salute. “Having Kesstraka’s support will go a long way towards getting this trade deal in the bag. But the day’s not done just yet. We have one more lizardfolk for you to wrangle.”

Eras rolls his eyes and sighs slightly at Calisro’s comment, before resuming his previous pleasant demeanor. “Other than the fact that they prefer the term ‘iruxi,’ and that we wouldn’t want to imply any disrespect by comparing them to farm animals, my colleague here is correct: there is one more local whose support we hope you can secure. It’s one of the members of the Council of Stars, the ruling body of Ekkeshikaar that we’ll be arguing our case to tomorrow. His name is Lashweather—apparently he gained it in his youth, when he served as a weather mage aboard an iruxi...” he coughs meaningfully “...shall we say, ‘privateering vessel?’”

This time it’s Calisro who rolls her eyes, jabbing Eras playfully in the ribs. “The word you want is ‘pirate,’ Eras. No need to dance around it here.”

Eras frowns uncomfortably. “If we’re too loose with our words in private, it becomes all the easier to slip up and say it in person. And the last thing we need is to offend the man.”

Calisro snorts. “I’ve never known a pirate who couldn’t handle being called a pirate. Hells, it’d probably be a good way to win him over.”

“With any luck,” Eras retorts, “we won’t need to win him over. Our sources indicate he’s predisposed towards our cause, the problem is that he apparently hasn’t been seen in days and isn’t responding to messengers. We’re worried he may not show. Apparently, it wouldn’t be the first time. So, we want you to head to his observatory—it’s a tower on the edge of the city, you can’t miss it—and make sure he’ll be there tomorrow.”

“And try not to do anything that’ll make him change his mind about voting our way, yeah?” Calisro adds playfully.

You can ask the Venture-Captains for more information or inform them of more events. Or you can move on to the observatory.

Just for your information, we've encountered Basiliscs. They were sent against Kesstraka, but she thinks that this action has the signature of Isolationists not wanting the Society to succeed in this deal.

Thrass doesn't show any sign of offense at Calisro's words. He knows her by now and knows there's far worse things to be called.

"Kamil is right, someone is either targeting us or sabotaging the trade deal in general. Any sign that might be the case with Lashweather?"

Celestia has a quick bath and a change of robes as soon as she gets back. She comes back in the room, smelling of lavender.

"Hmp. What else can you tell us about him? Personality? Interests? Does he live with anyone? Who else has been trying to contact him, that you know of?" Itka works her jaw like a cow chewing cud again, pondering the implications. "Hmp. If he's had a basilisk run-in days ago, he's probably too far gone for us to fix that easily. If they're smart, they'll have used a different method, likely one that could seem accidental at first. Hmp. You'd better think of a way to spin this if he's dead. Make him a martyr to inspire folks to support his cause. Hopefully it'll be a useless exercise." She sucks her teeth, absently feeding a piece of fish from Thrass to the rat in her pocket as she glowers at the table, lost in thought.

Well we can deduce a few things. One, he's an arcanist as he served as a weather mage. Although that could be deific or druidic magic. Plus observatory implies stargazer and Kesstraka said that the stars are important in Iruxi culture.

He's probably like most wizards. So engrossed in whatever he's doing and forgotten what day it is. I'm hoping he just needs a reminder

These new robes are a bit shorter than the others, only going down halfway to the knees.

Azu will draw his weapons before approaching the observatory

Sylvia fixes her hair and throughly washes off any basilisk blood from herself or her clothes. Not because it bothers her, but because she knows the importance of good sanitation when dealing with bodily fluids.

The wisps continue to float around Sylvia, remarkably coming away from that fight without any damage.

Adjust her glasses Sylvia stutters "Wi.. without Celestia's leadership in the negotiations we would have been lost. That re.. reminds me" Sylvia continues nervously.

"How is everybody doing? I can provide a small amount of healing, not all necromancy magic is problematic." Sylvia finishes defensivly.

I think Thrass may still be down 4. Happy to use my level 1 heal spell out of combat to top off.

Celestia blushes a bit. Well, it's more like I sort of stumbled at the beginning but the others picked up the ball and did a very good job of it. So it's more of a team effort really.

Oh yeah, never really said it out loud, but I have a healer's kit and I'm trained in Medicine. I saw other people also had it, so I figured we healed offscreen. I also have Wholeness of Body, so I can heal myself every 10 minutes with a Focus Point.

"Celestia's right, I've seen fellow Pathfinder mages be so obsessed with their studies they forgot to eat. I wouldn't be surprised if Lashweather thinks he's only been up there for half a day or so."

He grins, showing bits of fish stuck between his teeth.

You all have time to fully heal and clean yourselves up after the attack and negotiations.

Calisro pauses for a moment. "Basilisks, eh? Explains the mineral bath most of your took. Lashweather has one assistant working with him. Hmm."

Eras doesn't bother to hide his concern. "We'll contact the authorities directly, to find out more behind this attack. I did anticipate some resistance to the trade deal, but not to that level. We'll take a look. In the meantime, secure Lashweather. Make sure he's not too busy for tomorrow's negotiation."

The walk from the embassy to the observatory takes 15 minutes.

The observatory takes the form of a spiraling white stone tower, worn smooth by age or craftsmanship, that rises some forty feet into the air before widening rapidly to create a circular platform, covered by a glass dome, creating the overall impression of a giant egg in a stone nest. A set of chimes made from hollowed bones hangs next to the only visible entrance, a round stone door at ground level.

The door is locked, but a simple knock is enough to alert your presence.

The door opens, and a female iruxi opens the door. "Greetings, I'm sorry, Lashweather is busy- oh! It's you!" Lumki smiles at Kamil. "It's good to see you again. Come in, come in!"

It seems as though every inch of space in this cluttered tower is spoken for. Rising from cramped living quarters on the ground floor, successive floors require navigating a narrow, meandering path between pieces of furniture piled nearly to the ceiling with books and tomes on astrology, astronomy, and weather patterns, both magical and mundane, as well as star charts and the various tools used to make them. Only on the top floor is there any space to speak of, with the various desks and tables all pushed to the edge of the circular room, leaving a large circle in the middle where various constellations have been inlaid into the stone floor in silver.

Lashweather is already glued to the massive telescope.

"Er, professor? We have guests..." Lumki interjects. "Perhaps you could greet them?"

Lashweather sighs. "Oh? I suppose I should listen..." He finally turns towards you.

He! Nice to see you again Lumki. Long time no see!

Says Kamil as both Lumki and him recognized each other.

Thanks for welcoming us, we were worried that something happen to the Professor. But it seems that he's like any other Professor I know, always in their own thoughts!

He follows the Iruxi until they met Lashweather.

Greetings Professor! I'm Kamil Durus at your service! he says with a flourished bow.
Me and my friends are from the Pathfinder Society. It come to our attention that you could be able to help us convince the Council to reinstate the trade agreement between Vidrian and your city. Do you still planned to attend the Council? Could we help you in any manners?

Impressive Performance: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

At the door to the tower:

One eyebrow makes a run for Itka's hairline as she gives him a look that says: "You didn't tell us you had connections here." Still, it gets them in the door and straight to the professor, so she decided not to make a stink about it.

Once we've ascended the stairs:

Stepping into the observatory, Itka is impressed with what she sees. Hmp. If we play nice, he may let us look through the telescope. Once Kamil has finished greeting the Professor, she bobs her head respectfully and gestures to herself. "Hmp. Itka Biklest, at your service. Our Venture Captains expressed some concern for you, as you haven't been seen or heard from in days, especially in light of the recent attack on Kesstraka, who was know to be likely to support our cause. If you fear for your safety, we will gladly do what is necessary to support you. Hmp."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Lashweather seems to nod along with your talking, but it's not clear if he's actually paying attention. He does hum along when Kamil talks, as if he's enjoying the entertainment. Lumki clears her throat and he snaps alert. "Oh? Yes, yes..."

"Good news, everyone!" Lashweather proudly declares. "I can try an alternative technique that can solve my research tonight! I call it the Cho'aatan! So does everyone else..."

He raises a finger. "I will have to attune myself to the very elements. Sadly this will also conjure elementals who will try to reduce me to shreds! I will need someone to protect me from these errant elementals, though. That will be your job. If my concentration is disrupted, then the Cho'aatan will fail. Then it's back to my week long study."

"During the ritual, the constellations on the floor will be charged with astrological energy. Anyone who stands on them as they charge will be imbued with their power. Just imagine, creatures from the great beyond will give you powers we have barely begun to understand..." Lashweather grins. "I am jealous!"

You may be able to improve his attitude to get more information. Kamil and Itka have tried already.

If Follow the Expert applies here as well (if not, please ingore), I'll use it.

Thrass's tail swishes in excitement. "What kind of powers? Will they make me even stronger?"

Diplomacy, Follow the Expert: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Hero Point to hopefully not crit fail.

Diplomacy, Follow the Expert: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Occultism DC 25: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Itka has no idea what he's talking about.

Sylvia rubs her pendant of the occult before pondering.
guidance on self.

occultism: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 15 + 1 = 25

Sylvia looks over the constellations and adjusts her glasses.

"I... I think I recognize these various constellations."

Sylvia is able to glean some of the constellations to astrology.

"Oh! You wish to know what the constellations will do?" He turns to Thrass. "Well, let me explain..." He gestures and points to each symbol, explaining their benefits for standing on them.

Check out >Slide 6< to see which constellations go where.

Sylvia deduces Lashweather is correct about the constellations and their potential benefits.

So .... which one contains Cynosure? asks Celestia. Korlan?

diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
((Hero Point))
diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

I apologise if I have that wrong but the star, Cynosure, is special to me. Although I have to admit, it is rather nice to just lie on the ground and look up at the night sky, wouldn't you agree Professor?

And, if you do not mind me asking, what is this observation that is keeping you so .... busy?

occultism: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Sylvia stands on the Wisdom rune(7)

Adjust her glasses Sylvia Sylvia suggests "Itka, do you want to try the wisdom(7) rune? I'll stand on family(11) and help out any allies who end up near me."

Thanks for the explanations Thrass!

Says Kamil before turning to Lashweather.

Professor, do you know in what order the elemental will appear? Will they be from one element or from several?
Will they be powerful or lesser? he asks.

"Ah yes, the sky is quite beautiful. Beyond the tapestry of space lie entities beyond our understanding. I was once on a ship under attack by a giant octopus, and as it held me in my tentacled grasp, I looked up upon the stars!"

"Ah, Korlan, sometimes called Cynosure, is over there-"

"And I saw something behind Groteus's Moon wink at me! I said ma'am, I'm not interested. And she told the octopus to let us go. Such power!"

Lumki whispers to Kamil. "The Professor told me to expect fire, wind, earth and water elementals during the Cho'aatan. It's quite random." She retreats to find some cover.

Please place yourselves on Slide 5. Sylvia has done so already. Lashweather is the Green square on the northern side of the observatory.

How much time the Cho'aatan is supposed to last? asks Kamil to Lumki before she retreats.

"Yes, good question," Thrass agrees. "Would there be enough time for preparations, or is it going to take a long time?"

If possible, I'd like to use my Barkskin potion I got as a school item. Yes, I know there'll be fire, but I'm taking my chances. :P

Azu, do you want to take the Strength constellation? I'm on there now, but we can swap if you want. Seems like a Flurry ranger would be excellent there. You can put me on #1 or #3 if you want my spot.

Thrass walks over to Kaiross and starts flexing. "Whoah, it really works! I feel more powerful already!"

"Hmp. Sure." Itka hobbles over to the 11 Shal’mokk constellation (benefits adjacent allies), but keeps an eye open for the 10 Sharbosh constellation to open up. Once settled, she casts Mage Armor on herself.

Would be happy with Strength, +2 AC, or +1 to lucks on a reaction..

Okay, put you on Strength, Ako next to you (not on a constellation), and myself on Water Fire, to protect Lashweather more.

Celestia steps close to Lashweather on an empty space, frowning slightly but trying to be reassuring.

Do not concern yourself Professor. I will help protect you to the best of my ability.

Isn't Lashweather meant to be in the central circle

"It should take maybe half a minute or so?" Lumki peeks her head out before going downstairs and locking the door. In game terms, you need to protect him for 5 rounds.

The party prepares and buffs themselves, preparing for the worst.

"Alright! Now make sure I am not reduced to shreds during the attunement! Elements from the greater beyond will certainly seek my scaly flesh!" He chuckles before standing in the center of the room and burying his head within a book, only pausing to stare up at the sky. He's not paying attention to you at all.

A brief rainshower blows into the observatory, followed by a heat wave and cold snap that lasts less than a minute. Some of the weather patterns coalesce into 2 spots. This can't be good.

Creatures of pure wind appear.

Azu watches two of the creatures hover in front of him.

Round 1/5
Azu
Zephyr Hawks (Yellow-Black, Yellow-White)
Thrass (Barkskin)
Celestia
Kamil
Sylvia
Itka

>Map<

>Constellations<

Before the Professor starts the ritual, Kamil casts several spells.

False Life -> +10HP
Protection from Energy (fire)
See Invisibility

I'm ready.

Azu immediately designates one of the elementals (black) as his prey, casts gravity weapon, and hurls his hammer at it.

Light Hamme wSTR bonusr: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 15 + 2 = 28 Damage w/GW+STR: 2d6 + 4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5, 1) + 4 + 4 + 2 = 16

Ako stays by Azu's side.

Azu nails the windy apparition with his hammer, holding Ako at bay.

The windy creatures take flight and begin clawing at the quartet of heroes surrounding Lashweather. Then they scatter through the area.

Yellow-Black vs Slyvia: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 Sylvia is flat footed, this is a crit.
Slashing Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Yellow-Black vs Kamil: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Yellow-White vs Itka: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Yellow-White vs Celestia: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

One of the spirits scatters the spirits surrounding Sylvia away to get at her, while Itka is able to protect herself and Celestia from the oncoming creatures.

Round 1/5
Azu (Gravity Weapon)
Zephyr Hawks (Yellow-Black 16 damage, Yellow-White)
Thrass (Barkskin)
[b]Celestia
Kamil (10 Temp HP, Fire Resist 5, See Invisibility)
Sylvia (8 damage)
Itka

The rest of the team acts.

>Map<

>Constellations<

Celestia casts Bless (5ft emanation)
Then casts Shield.

Sylvia frowns as her spirits dissipate and a bit of blood trickles from the new wound on her arm.

Adjusting her glasses she mutters. "Maybe something more corporeal will do it."

Animate Dead(2) for a Skeletal Soldier

Sylvia then mutters some eldritch words of power and pulls out a skeleton from beyond the grave. As soon as it appears it assaults the nearby hawk with the swiftness of the grave

Including +1 family bonuses.
glaive vs Yellow/white: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 1 = 14
slashing damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

It follows up with a second swipe.

glaive vs Yellow/white: 1d20 + 9 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 5 + 1 = 23
forceful slashing damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 11

Kamil makes a show of strength and targets the Zephir that have just been hit by the skeletal champion.

Intimidate (Demoralize): 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 15 + 1 = 26

Then, he casts haste on himself.

(*) Demoralize
(**) Cast a spell (Haste)

Celestia calls upon celestial powers to aid herself and allies, with Itka and Kamil feeling its immediate effect.

Sylvia decides to take a more direct approach and conjures a warrior of bone and steel. It plunges its sword into the windy apparition.

Kamil takes this time to flex, wondering if he can scare the wind. Turns out he can if he tries hard enough.

Round 1/5
Azu (Gravity Weapon)
Zephyr Hawks (Yellow-Black 16 damage; Yellow-White 11 damage Frightened 1)
Thrass (Barkskin)
Celestia (Bless 5ft, Shield)
Kamil (10 Temp HP, Fire Resist 5, See Invisibility, Haste, Blessed)
Sylvia (8 damage, Blood Vendetta, Skeletal Champion)
Itka (Blessed)

>Map<

>Constellations<

As soon as the elementals appear, Thrass jumps into his familiar stance, arms spread wide and standing on one foot, his other foot ready to lash out. He moves off the constellation towards Yellow-Black and kicks twice.

Flurry of Blows: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26
Bludgeoning: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 5) + 4 = 13

Flurry of Blows: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 14 - 4 = 19
Bludgeoning: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 = 12

Crane Stance, Stride, Flurry.

Thrass kicks the gust of air and hits something solid. His follow up is a bit too high, but the wind is unstable - another hit may finish it off.

29 damage to Yellow-black. Itka to finish the round.

"Hmp." This isn't so bad. Yet. That last thought echos ominously in Itka's mind. Conjuring greasy black tendrils, she causes them to grab a paperweight to fling at the nearest elemental hawk.

Telekietic Projectile (B, Bless): 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 1 = 143d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 3, 3) + 4 = 15

She then casts Guidance on Sylvia, seeing as she's already bleeding.

◆◆ Cast a spell, ◆ Cast a spell

Itka's aim is off as the rocky paperweight wizzes past the weakened hawk.

"Hmm? Oh yes, yes, I'll be right there..." Lashweather looks up for a moment before sinking his head into his book.

1d20 ⇒ 2

Two parts of the observatory become glowing hot as two rats burst into the observatory, exuding enough smoke and flame to conceal them.

Azu prepares his next move.

Round 2/5
Azu (Gravity Weapon)
Zephyr Hawks (Yellow-Black 16 damage; Yellow-White 11 damage Frightened 1)
Thrass (Barkskin)
Celestia (Bless 5ft, Shield)
Kamil (10 Temp HP, Fire Resist 5, See Invisibility, Haste, Blessed)
Sylvia (8 damage, Blood Vendetta reaction, Skeletal Champion, Guidanced)
Itka (Blessed)
Cinder Rats (Flatfooted, Concealed)

>Map<

>Constellations<

So do we lose the boost if we move of the sigil?

Azu continues to track his pray, and throws his hammer once again.

Light Hammer vs Yellow-black: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 15 + 2 = 30 Damage wGW+STR: 2d6 + 4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4) + 4 + 4 + 2 = 15

Going to assume that kills the first hawk

Azu hammer returns to him, he then makes one of far black rat his prey, and throws it again.

Light Hammer vs Yellow-black: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 2 = 14 Damage+STR: 2d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5, 3) + 4 + 2 = 14

Ako stays put.

Azu dissipates the first zephyr hawk with a hammer of flame.
Moving off of the sigil will cause you to lose the fire damage bonus.

The remaining Zephyr Hawk swoops in on Itka and the Skeletal Soldier, keeping its distance from Kamil. The fear is overwhelming, so it instead soars over everyone's head.

Hawk vs Itka: 1d20 + 11 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 11 - 1 = 12
Hawk vs Skeleton: 1d20 + 11 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 11 - 1 = 14

A flash flood begins to pour outside, confusing and infuriating the rats.

Round 2/5
Azu (Gravity Weapon)
Zephyr Hawks (Yellow-White 11 damage)
Thrass (Barkskin)
Celestia (Bless 5ft, Shield)
Kamil (10 Temp HP, Fire Resist 5, See Invisibility, Haste, Blessed)
Sylvia (8 damage, Blood Vendetta reaction, Skeletal Champion, Guidanced)
Itka (Blessed)
Cinder Rats (Flatfooted, Concealed)

>Map<

>Constellations<

Thrass looks at the fiery rats, then at his barky skin. He sighs and prepares to fight the northern rat. He runs up next to it and gets a whiff of smoke.

Fort save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Unperturbed, he lashes out twice.
Flurry crane wing: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
Flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Boo! Hero Point!
Flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 13
Bludgeoning damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 = 9

Flurry crane wing: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 14 - 4 = 29
Flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Bludgeoning damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 6) + 4 = 11

First one might be a crit, maybe on the second one as well.

He then retreats so he isn't standing next to the thing and lands on the Earth rune, hopefully shielding Lashweather from the creature.

"Could anyone help me with this one? I'm extra toasty right now."

Kamil moves next to a rat the black one if it still alive, the white one if not

Fortitude: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Then, with one fluid movement draws and strikes it after calling his magic to aim.

KIAIII!

As he casts his spell, his flesh takes a bluish color as scales appears on his body. +1 status bonus to AC

+1 Striking Katana (True Strike): 2d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (14, 5) + 13 + 1 = 33 hit AC28 to attack
Damages, S: 2d10 + 4 ⇒ (8, 4) + 4 = 16

Then, with his enhanced speed, he goes back to his initial location.

(◆) Stride
(◆) Cast a spell (True Strike)
(◆) Strike
(◆) Stride