DM S's "Battle for Star's Fate" [Outpost VI] (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

Arcane Marks go here

The weather is nice outside the camp. Still, it's hot, and Venture-Captain Eando Kline offers you a drink of water.

"Thank you for coming all the way out here, Pathfinders.” Eando begins. “We know the Inspiriting Wellspring is a bit of a trek, but unfortunately your travels aren’t done yet.”

“As I’m sure you know, the Society recently came into possession of a trove of unique items, and we’re working hard to figure out what they do, who they belong to, and how many layers of security to lock them behind. One such item is this dagger, nicknamed the calamitous dagger by some... enthusiastic members of my faction.” He produces a long, thin dagger inscribed with several runes as he speaks. “We don’t know exactly what it does, but so far it’s led us to an ancient automaton buried in the desert named Star.”

“Star’s been out there for quite some time, and until recently, we were working on excavating them. However...” he glances at the dignitary seated next to him as he chooses his words carefully.

Smiling, Gol Amri steps in. “Prince Zinlo, in his infinite wisdom, brought news of the Society’s discovery to some of the lesser nobles in the area. These other nobles, being less careful with such delicate secrets, allowed the news to become known. As a result, a small collection of interested citizens has gathered around your Society’s dig site.”

“Yeah, that’s it.” Eando grimaces. “All sorts of folks have started showing up and talking to Star, trying to win them over to one cause or another. I’ll be frank, Pathfinders. This automaton is powerful, and we’re worried they could fall into the wrong hands. Our hope is you’ll be able to befriend Star and convince them they’re better off with the Society, rather than out in the desert alone or worse, conscripted into someone’s private army. We’re not interested in forcing them to do anything, we just want to get them freed and for them to know they’ve got a safe home with us.”

"I remember Star." Scerzaq frowns as he stares intently at the Calamitous Dagger. "That thing led me on a wild chase all through the desert." The small ratfolk scratches furiously behind his chipped ear. "Fleas are all over this blasted land."

As they'd all come over on the same ship, Mandoo had already become acquainted with the other members of the group while on board. He was pleased to arrive in Aspenthar with all its exotic appeal, but only managed to spend a few hours working his way through the markets, soaking in all the sights and smells particular to Thuvia, before being informed that their destination was in the desert and that he'd be riding a camel to get there. He was a little disappointed to leave all the excitement behind, but life as a Pathfinder was not always as exciting as advertised.

A handsome man with graying temples, he climbs down from his camel once they arrive at the camp, a little haggard after the long trek across the sands. His youthful countenance is overlayed by a certain world-weariness that makes it difficult to guess at his actual age. His frame is rather spare and his somewhat pale sallow skin give an impression of fragility, which is belied by his dark penetrating eyes and strong voice. Even in this heat, he is dressed in a dark gray wool suit whose coat hangs down to the back of his knees. He wears a white high-collared shirt with a royal blue formal cravat around the neck that is tucked into the top of his waistcoat. A prominent silver tie pin in the form of a spiraling comet secures the folds of the cravat. Hanging from his leather belt, a sheathed dagger and a coiled whip can occasionally be seen as his coat opens to reveal them.

He listens carefully as the Venture-Captain describes the situation. It seemed like a simple enough task; Mandoo was quite good at making friends and meeting an intelligent automaton sounded like it would be an interesting experience. But still, it was best to go into this as prepared as possible. He coughs to clear his throat. "Venture-Captain, what do we know about the dagger apart from its ability to locate Star? And who are we likely to be in competition with for Star's allegiance?"

Mandoo and his eidolon, Libitina, are in constant telepathic contact, even when she's not at his side. I will regularly transcribe their communications with each other as below, but these should be treated as private and unheard by the other PCs.

{Do you need me yet?}
[Not immediately. I'm in the middle of the mission briefing]
{Will it be dangerous?}
[Doesn't sound like it. We just need to make friends with an automaton and convince them to join the Society]
{Hmm. I expect there will be more to it than that}
[Ah, the eternal pessimist]
{Nevertheless, call me if you need me. I find myself between jobs at present and the ushers are beginning to eye me suspiciously}
[We can't have that now. They'll probably assign you some demeaning task]
{They do seem to have it in for me, especially Ceyannan}
[Because of that thing you'd rather not talk about]
{Exactly}
[Sigh! Very well. I'll call you to me as soon as we head out]
{Do that}

A dwarf in white shirt and a scarf covering his face stands there, the hairs that do stick out from under his scarf are firey red, and his skin is of a bit metallic tinge to it.

"I met Star at some point, and I used that dagger that you speak of. Star seemed reasonable the last time I met them. But weeks alone on the desert might have changed his view on the world."

He looks towards the others

"I am Rawiri and this is Hoya" he points to his always burning leopard sitting in the corner, his green eyes look at you, and the cat gives you no further notice.

Eando smiles a bit. It's a knowing smile, “I suppose I should begin with the obvious: it’s very sharp. Beyond that, it’s helped us locate this automaton and powered them up. Otherwise, we’re not sure what its full capabilities are. It’s possible Star knows more, but so far they’ve been reluctant to tell us anything about it.”

He thinks a bit before answering about competition, “You’ll meet with the dig site leader, a carpenter named Darius. He can brief you on the current situation.”

Caitlin, a tallish, athletic blond human with twin braids has been quietly standing near the back. She is dressed in well-treated leathers and has an elven-made composite longbow on her back.

She has seemed very comfortable on the journey here.

"I've met Star too. Had some trouble with the hag's minions though. The dagger always seemed to have something about it."

Pufff what I was missing the last mission underwater, now to the bloody desert, but there is no place where it is not less hot for an Ulfen, the sunproof is paid by the Society, right?

Well to the subject when we can start the trip that I am rusting

"Ha! Paid for by the Society. You are pretty funny Gruntarr. You'll have time to buy some."

“Thanks to the efforts of the Pathfinders, the journey shouldn't be dangerous!” exclaims Gol Amri. “Owing to the popularity of the site, most of the previous dangers have been scared off or trampled over. One should always be careful in the deserts of Thuvia, but we anticipate a quiet trip for you. Should be a wonderful change of pace!”

She continues, clearly excited, "I've hired a cartwright named Croll who was already on the way to the dig site to transport you, along with another merchant. This other merchant is named Rasool Alame."

If you used THIS character in Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-21: In Pursuit of Water, let me know. Feel free to ask any more questions, but I'll advance tonight otherwise.

Vandren is a human man only in his mid 30s, but with the skin of a man 10 years his senior, deeply tanned and weathered but long years in the sun. The pauldrins of his plate mail are embossed with the cloud and thunderbolt symbol of Hei Feng, matching with the nine-ringed sword strung from his waist. He nods, recognizing Caitlin, before introducing himself to the others, "Vandren Milral. I appreciate the understatement about how much of a mess the hag's minions almost made of it all, but between that and this landscape that's clearly been forsaken by most gods, I'm at least looking forward to finding out more about what this was all about, and how Star wound up on the hag's to-do list."

Rawiri moves slightly from one leg to the other "With the popularity of Star, did any dangers showed up in the desert? Marouders, mercenaries? Bandits?" asks the dwarf

Mandoo stands. "No time like the present then. Let's go meet this Croll fellow who will take us and... Rasool Alame was it? out to the dig site so we can be briefed by Darius. I am quite interested in meeting this Star that I've heard so much about."

"None, as I mentioned, the Pathfinders have been keeping the area peaceful."

Kline drops his voice a bit, “I’ve got one other task for you if you’d be so kind. My faction, the Vigilant Seal, has been working on some new containment options for some of the more... unpredictable items we’ve acquired. There’s a crafter out at the dig site named Induren who’s been working with us, she says she’s got a container just about ready for this dagger as a test. If you can get the dagger safely secured, the Seal will be grateful.” He hands the dagger to Caitlin.

We're going to be using the 2e Influence system. If you know it, awesome! If you know the 1e system, it's pretty similar. I've seen a lot of table variation over the years here, so I'll try to be transparent and consistent.

The small group travels at night and rests during the middle of the day, to avoid the heat of the desert sun. The seven-day journey is largely uneventful as the caravan travels through sunbaked dunes and scrublands. Croll drives the cart and takes care of the dromedaries, while Rasool spends his time surveying the landscape or doing minor embroidery work on his wares. this journey grants you 1 Influence Round in which you may make either 1 Discovery or 1 Influence check..

Influence!
The Rules , GM Tracker

NPCs Available:
Croll
Rasool Alaime

ROUND 1 of 1:
Caitlin: Go
Gruntarr: Go
Mandoo: Go
Rawiri: Go
Scerzaq: Go
Vandren: Go

Mandoo quickly gets bored just sitting under the cover at the back of the cart so as to avoid getting fried by the searing sun.

[This is not very exciting]
{Where are you?}
[Sitting in a wagon trying to avoid heatstroke]
{I see}
[I think I'll talk to our traveling companion. He might prove to be an interesting fellow]
{Very well. He may know something of use}
[Here goes nothing]

Mandoo works his way to where Rasool is sitting and attempts to engage him in conversation. "They told us that your name was Rasool Alame. May I address you as Rasool? My name is Mandoo, a physician of the Pathfinder Society. I couldn't help notice the excellent embroidery that you were working on there. You have a skilled hand. They told us back in camp that you were a merchant but they omitted to inform us as to the makeup of your wares. I take it that this embroidery is part of your merchandise?"

{Opening with the tried and true I see}
[In the absence of any information about the person, flattery is always the best approach]
{Good luck}

Mandoo Diplomacy (Influence) vs DC ??: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Scerzaq sits in the back of the wagon, scratching his fleas free. He watches Rasool keeping an eye on the landscape. "What are you keeping an eye out there for? Expecting some troubles?"

Discorvery (Rasool) Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Rawiri covers his head with scarf to protect as much skin from the sun as possible. He loves sun, he lingers for the heat on his skin, but even he need water to survive.

During the moment he sits at the cart he would try to chat with Croll

Diplomacy to influence Croll: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

"So how did you end up doing this job? Driving a cart through the desert does not sound to exciting." he says only then hearing how did that sound

Caitlin is quiet for most of the journey and spends her time watching, scouting and practicing archery.

She keeps an eye on her travelling companions.

Discovery (Croll), Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Mandoo find that his flattery lands quite well. Rasool engages him with the opportunity to show case that he does, in fact, "wear his wares". Success

Scerzaq tries to be subtle with his watch and engagement, but spends too much looking at the merchant with peripheral vision. Failure

Rawiri's questions go completely unanswered as Croll simply ignores them. Failure... but not Critical Failure

Caitlin too struggles as she can't get a solid read... Discovery Failure

Influence!
The Rules , GM Tracker

NPCs Available:
Croll
Rasool Alaime

ROUND 1 of 1:
Caitlin: Discovery Failure (Croll)
Gruntarr: Go
Mandoo: Influence Success (Rasool)
Rawiri: Influence Failure (Croll)
Scerzaq: Discovery Failure (Rasool)
Vandren: Go

Vandren settles into the cart for the ride, and looks over at Rasool, "Seems like a fine enough product you've got, but I've got to wonder, are you really sure there's gonna be enough demand out this far from the cities? I've spent a bit of time on trade routes before, wetter ones mind you, and I wasn't handling the books, but it always seemed to me like the right port was what made the sales. Still, you seem like a man with some kind of plan. I'd be pretty keen to hear what it is."

Diplomacy to influence Rasool: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

After a bit of a frustrating start, Vandren works his way in with the man. He responds openly about opening new lines of trade, being first to market and a business plan that includes "A wonderful monopoly" Success

Mandoo find that his flattery lands quite well. Rasool engages him with the opportunity to show case that he does, in fact, "wear his wares". Success

Scerzaq tries to be subtle with his watch and engagement, but spends too much looking at the merchant with peripheral vision. Failure

Rawiri's questions go completely unanswered as Croll simply ignores them. Failure... but not Critical Failure

Caitlin too struggles as she can't get a solid read... Discovery Failure

Influence!
The Rules , GM Tracker

NPCs Available:
Croll
Rasool Alaime

ROUND 1 of 1:
Caitlin: Discovery Failure (Croll)
Gruntarr: Go
Mandoo: Influence Success (Rasool)
Rawiri: Influence Failure (Croll)
Scerzaq: Discovery Failure (Rasool)
Vandren: Influence Success (Rasool)

Gruntarr tries to influence Rasool
society: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

I'm guessing that was a Discovery check (to your knowledge only Diplomacy is available.)

Gruntarr similarly struggles to make headway.

The small caravan crests the final dune as the sun begins its slow descent into evening. At the foot of the dunes, a makeshift camp surrounds an active dig site. Figures scurry between patches of shade as they begin the evening’s work, and the setting sun gleams off the half-excavated shell of a massive, turtle-shaped automaton at its center.

As the group arrives at the camp, Rasool reminds you to "check in with the lead carpenter. Farewell friends and good luck." Croll wordlessly raises a hand in farewell before driving the cart into the camp.

Leading the dig for the Pathfinder Society is a man named Darius Martz. "Greetings comrades! I'm glad you're here. I admit that I am neither a diplomat nor much of an adventurer. The dig has been on hold for weeks, ever since Star told everyone to leave them alone." He looks about, "There are a few people here to get to know, but I understand if you want to see what's going on with Star first."

Mandoo waves a goodbye to Rasool. "It was a pleasure making your acquaintance Rasool. A pity we had so little time to talk. Perhaps we will meet again some day."

When Darius suggests that they'd rather go check in with Star before anything else, Mandoo agrees. "Yes. By all means. Let's go see Star first. I am quite intrigued to meet such an ancient automaton."

{This Star creature sounds dangerous. Are you sure you do not want me there?}
[Dangerous? If that were the case we'd have heard by now]
{Nevertheless. Do not hesitate to call me if trouble brews}
[You'll be the first to know... after me, of course]

Rawiri is surprised to get there in such short time "The last time I traveled here, it took ages. We must have took the wrong turns on our way here. Thanks for the ride!" he yells after Croll

Turning towards Rasool "Yeah I thin we should speak with Star, I wonder what have happened."

Scerzaq has been blowing every opportunity at speaking with Rasool. "May as well go check out Star again. It might be more willing to talk now after all this time." He looks in wonder how much had changed in the little bit of time they found such a creature.

Gruntarr says goodbye to Rasool, regarding him to meet again later and, like his companions, he is encouraged to visit the ancient automaton and see what they can discover about him, "OK guys, let's see what surprises this star has in store for us"

Vandren nods, "They were still pretty sluggish when we met before. It'd be interesting to see what they've got to say now, if they're even willing to talk to us. If not, maybe we can at least sell them on the joy of being able to walk away from annoying people, so the dig can keep going."

"Star seemed intelligent but out of place before. It must be such a shock to find all you knew has changed beyond recognition. We should talk to this carpenter before we go." Caitlin adds quietly.

A sudden rush of emotion floods the mind of those around the ancient automaton. Most prominent is a deep, melancholic loneliness, the weight of thousands of years with only the stars for company pressing down upon the soul, but there are other emotions as well. Relief at being discovered, at being protected from harm by Pathfinders before. The pain and loss of warfare, but also the joy of battle, tempting in its sweetness but sour in the throat. An ache and an emptiness, a desire for... something yet undiscovered.

The automaton’s eyes spiral open. The head shifts slightly to better see the group of adventurers before them. Mentally, they speak in a quiet, commanding voice, asking “Who are you, to disturb my rest? It is not yet so late that the heavens gleam. Ah, yes, Pathfinders, I remember you. You’re rather more pleasant to have around than most of the opportunistic rabble that have been prattling on at my feet these past weeks. So far, the Pathfinders have defended me from those who wish me harm. I welcome you, brave warriors. But I must yet rest. There has been far too much conversations for my taste of late. Return in the morning, after I have viewed the stars again, and we may speak.”

Star's eyes close, indicating that they didn't really give you an option.

As you leave, you're greeted by one of the other people at the site, a cheerful woman named Brinna. Her colorful clothing is patched several times over and numerous tools poke from her pockets, including a number of wet paintbrushes and a chisel. Brinna introduces herself, then excitedly asks, "What brings you to the dig site and did you learn anything from Star just now?!"

Rawiri smiles to Star and when they come he sits on the ground to prepare for the lengthy conversation with them. He is surprised a bit by his less eager position, but he does respect it and walks out.

When approached by Brinna he looks at her and a dodges the question with a one of his own

"We just greeted Star to let them know that we came. Oh but you have interesting tools with you, are you working here on the site?"

Diplomacy to influence: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

Diplomacy to influence, hero point: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

Oh on Star's stony legs! I started with 2 which is followed by two 1's

Mandoo stops in his tracks as the attractive woman intercepts them. "Ah, Brinna was it? Why, we're here to talk to the automaton like everyone else. Unfortunately it does not wish to talk to us at present, so I'm afraid there's nothing I can tell you. And... if I may ask, what brings someone like you to the site?" He eyes the tools jutting out of various pockets. "Are you perhaps an artist? Or maybe a tinkerer of some sort?"

Mandoo Diplomacy (Influence) vs DC ??: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

{Is she really that attractive?}
[Ah, um. Well. Let's just say she's easy on the eyes and leave it at that]
{That better be all it is}
[My dearest. Do not be concerned. You are the only woman in my life]
{Just make sure you remember that}

Not technically an invitation to Discoer and Influence here, but the ball is rolling, so let me lean into a bit.

As the conversation with Brinna unfolds, you also meet Induren. She is a woman with tanned skin, wearing an oil-stained shirt and trousers with a bulging toolbelt. She seems quite friendly, but wrapped up in her work.

Rawiri really flubs up his introduction, but thankfully Mandoo pulls it together. "Toymaker actually! I'm FASCINATED by automata. So naturally I'm REALLY excited to be here. Bummer that he's quite now. Oh well, hopefully soon he feels friendly enough!"

Influence!
The Rules , GM Tracker

NPCs Available:
Brinna
Croll
Induren
Rasool Alaime

ROUND 1 of 1:
Caitlin: Go
Gruntarr: Go
Mandoo: Influence Success(Brinna)
Rawiri: Influence Crit Fail (Brinna)
Scerzaq: Go
Vandren: Go

Vandren watches with a small snort of amusement as the conversation goes off the rails, but tries to catch exactly where it went wrong.

Perception for Discovery: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

Party average roll thus far in the adventure..... <6. Ugh. Vandren, need to know the target of your attempts, though it is a fail regardless.

Vandren struggles to find where it all went wrong...

Influence!
The Rules , GM Tracker

NPCs Available:
Brinna
Croll
Induren
Rasool Alaime

ROUND 1 of 1:
Caitlin: Go
Gruntarr: Go
Mandoo: Influence Success(Brinna)
Rawiri: Influence Crit Fail (Brinna)
Scerzaq: Go
Vandren: Discovery Fail

Target was Brinna

Grintar tries to open a conversation with Brinna to discover her preferences to try influence later Ey Brinna my name is Gruntarr and im a small village on the border of Ulfen nation and Irrisen and i never saw toy as yours, can you explain me about your creations"
Discover Society Brinna: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Gruntarr makes some small talk, but can't get more than some surface answers about the toys, and gets no follow up on his own back story.

Influence!
The Rules , GM Tracker

NPCs Available:
Brinna
Croll
Induren
Rasool Alaime

ROUND 1 of 1:
Caitlin: Go
Gruntarr: Influence Fail (Brinna)
Mandoo: Influence Success(Brinna)
Rawiri: Influence Crit Fail (Brinna)
Scerzaq: Go
[b]Vandren: Discovery Fail

Scerzaq looks over Brinna's toys. He picks one up in both of his hands and turns it around. "These are really good. How did you make them?"

Crafting: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Caitlin continues to quietly observe. She isn't sure who to influence yet.
Perception, Induren: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Scerzaq nearly breaks the toy when he checks it out, clearly not winning any friends here.

Caitlin also fails to make headway. It's not a good outing for the team, but it's also the end of the day, so hopefully the next day will bring success.

Influence!
The Rules , GM Tracker

NPCs Available:
Brinna
Croll
Induren
Rasool Alaime

ROUND 1 of 1:
Caitlin: Discovery Fail
Gruntarr: Influence Fail (Brinna)
Mandoo: Influence Success(Brinna)
Rawiri: Influence Crit Fail (Brinna)
Scerzaq: Discovery Fail
Vandren: Discovery Fail

The next morning sees a lot of activity. Everyone is awake, including Star. It looks like there's opportunity again to work the crowd...

Gruntarr makes some small talk, but can't get more than some surface answers about the toys, and gets no follow up on his own back story.

Influence!
The Rules , GM Tracker

NPCs Available:
Brinna
Croll
Induren
Rasool Alaime
Star

ROUND 1 of 1:
Caitlin: Go
Gruntarr: Go
Mandoo: Go
Rawiri: Go
Scerzaq: Go
Vandren: Go

Diplomacy, influence, star: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Rawiri heads to Star, he sits on the ground and looks at the big guy

"I always felt the presence of flames within you, but I felt some change. What you were up to those couple of weeks? Hoya and myself we roamed a bit, looking for new job in between missions. But then is when I got this assignement"

Rawiri starts the day off right. "Ah, Rawiri. yes. I have been seeking answers, though I think I'm actually seeking questions. Right now all I can think about is getting out of here so I can move around."

Free unlock, Star wants out. You can use Athletics to Influence him.

Influence!
The Rules , GM Tracker

NPCs Available:
Brinna
Croll
Induren
Rasool Alaime
Star

ROUND 1 of 1:
Caitlin: Go
Gruntarr: Go
Mandoo: Go
Rawiri: Influence Success (Star)
Scerzaq: Go
Vandren: Go

Mandoo decides to head out with Rawiri to see if Star would be any more talkative today that yesterday. He moves up to the half-excavated hole with the automaton in it and looks down. "Good morning Star. How are we feeling today? Did you have a good night's rest? Good, good. So, I'll be honest with you Star. We've been sent here by the Pathfinder Society to make sure that you don't fall into the wrongs hands or remain stranded out here in the desert. Once we've managed to dig you out of the sand, we're hoping that you'll choose to come with us so that the Society can protect you from all these other, um... vultures gathering out here who we do not believe have your best interests in mind. Also, there's this pesky dagger that led us to you and we were wondering if you could help us figure out what it's for?"

Mandoo Diplomacy (Influence) vs DC ??: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

[I'm not sure if they're listening]
{They would have to be totally deaf for that to be the case}
[Do I sense some bitterness?]
{The ushers found me hiding in the broom closet}
[Ah, how unfortunate. What menial task do they have you doing?]
{I'm on greeter duty for newly arriving souls}
[Ouch! That can't be much fun]
{They are making me wear a name tag. It is embarrassing}
[Well hang in there dear. I'll call you to me as soon as feasible]
{Soon, I hope}

"It is kind of you to seek my opinion on matters. The dagger... I am not yet ready to discuss the specifics. Perhaps we focus on getting me out first."

Influence!
The Rules , GM Tracker

NPCs Available:
Brinna
Croll
Induren
Rasool Alaime
Star

ROUND 1 of 1:
Caitlin: Go
Gruntarr: Go
Mandoo: Influence Success (Star)
Rawiri: Influence Success (Star)
Scerzaq: Go
Vandren: Go

Scerzaq locates some equipment to try and help dig / pry Star free. "You are in there pretty deep, does this seem to be getting loose at all?"

Influence (Star) Athletics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Scerzaq works to free the automaton, and finds a loose rock. The ratfolk manages to get it off of Star a bit, but not enough to clear it. You're within an Aid Another, but it's currently a fail. If someone wants to give their turn over to Aid I'll allow it.

Influence!
The Rules , GM Tracker

NPCs Available:
Brinna
Croll
Induren
Rasool Alaime
Star

ROUND 1 of 1:
Caitlin: Go
Gruntarr: Go
Mandoo: Influence Success (Star)
Rawiri: Influence Success (Star)
Scerzaq: Pending
Vandren: Go

Gruntarr follow the step of Scerzaq digging "Ey Scerq let me try"
Influence star: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26