Diplomacy (Caravan):1d20 + 33 ⇒ (11) + 33 = 44
Engaging in trade negotiations, Lorian started pointing out that there was a change coming down the road that will throw the merchant caste into chaos shortly if they did not start preparing to get things out of the area. With it, there will be an increased demand for necessary supplies the current residents will need at their new location, if they relocate.
Not sure if the Rumor rules from Inner Sea Intrigue are in play.
Xilt learns much of the same information about Lao Shu Po as the Doctor lectured them on earlier. Although the rat is a goddess of night, the people revere her as a protector of their town.
Nikita has trouble connecting with the people, despite his communal language.
The Doctor has an enjoyable cuppa.
Lorian begins negotiations with the local merchants, setting up some very favorable deals for the items the Society provided. He gets the impression that this would be a very profitable place to take his caravan if it still existed in a few weeks.
After this, the hour grows late. The Pathfinders retire for the night. The archives and any additional attempts to convince the residents of their danger will need to wait until morning.
Male Chaotic Good Half-Orc Warpriest 9/Bloodrager 1 | HP 85/85 (rage: 115/115) 27 nonlethal | AC 21 T 11 FF 20 (rage: -2) | CMB +13, CMD 24 | F +16(19), R +9, W +14(18) | | Init +1 | Perc +10 SM +8 | Speed 40' |Fervor 9/9 |Bloodrage 16/16 | Blessings 7/7 | Sacred Weapon 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9 | Active Conditions: |
Tull wishes he could be more helpful but it does not seem like intimidating the good citizens of Round Mountain would be the wisest strategy. He bides his time, trusting that sooner or later someone will need the help of an angry butterfly.
Tull really has almost no skills besides Intimidation. But he'll cast the Enhanced Diplomacy cantrip on anyone making a Diplomacy check for +2 competence. And he can use Lucky Presence (warpriest blessing) to let anyone roll twice and take the better result for their skill checks (have to declare using it before rolling).
Lorian already gets the bonus from his Circlet but the Lucky Presence may come in handy,
With the hours creeping up on them, Lorian called it a night and looked for the best place in town to sleep, getting the best room and meal.
The next day, a couple of the ratfolk Lorian has been speaking with return for further negotiations (that don't require a roll just yet). As part of the discussions, they mention some areas further from the city center that may be worth investigation by the Pathfinders.
The fields where the residents harvest most of their food and trade good have been visited by strange clockwork creatures.
The other main source of food is a lake, where there have been rumors of something in the water.
It may also be worthwhile to visit the garrison, as the militia would be instrumental in any potential evacuation.
The archives also await you, if you are interested.
Male Chaotic Good Half-Orc Warpriest 9/Bloodrager 1 | HP 85/85 (rage: 115/115) 27 nonlethal | AC 21 T 11 FF 20 (rage: -2) | CMB +13, CMD 24 | F +16(19), R +9, W +14(18) | | Init +1 | Perc +10 SM +8 | Speed 40' |Fervor 9/9 |Bloodrage 16/16 | Blessings 7/7 | Sacred Weapon 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9 | Active Conditions: |
To clarify about using Lucky Presence: Tull has 7 blessings/day and he's unlikely to use Lucky Presence in combat (since it uses a standard action). He'll save 1 blessing to be able to use Liberation on himself if needed, so the rest of the party should feel free to use the remaining 6 uses for the skill checks in this part of the adventure. I'm mentioning this because the use has to be declared before rolling and it's hard to do that in PbP. So feel free to make use of this - it's likely the only contribution that Tull can make towards a skillfest! Reminder: it allows you to roll twice and take the better result. Also, for those who may be wondering, Tull doesn't yet have major blessings because he has a 1 level dip into Bloodrager which has slightly slowed his warpriest progression.
"Looks like there are a few things we can help with while we are here. There are clockwork creatures that have been visiting the fields and something is in the lake that also helps provide food to the ratfolk. We also have the archives to check out and a garrison to get with them for evacuation plans." Lorian said.
"We can see about taking care of the first part, maybe even on the same day if they are near by each other."
Once he is able to confirm their location, Lorian pulled out a book and started writing a small note informing Venture-Captain Li that the group had arrived and located the Old Rats Stolen Heart along with directions to it.
Once done, headed out to locate a bat and used a wand to cast a spell. Carefully tying the note to the bat, he gave directions back to the base camp and the location of her tent.
All this time with a Level of Ranger and it now useful for the Wand of Animal Messenger.
Lorian commands a nightflyer to report back to Amara Li.
The Doctor searches the archives. He discovers several town planning documents that suggest that the layout of buildings across the cavern has changed numerous times since the town’s founding. Of particular note, the ratfolk have demolished numerous buildings over the years to make way for the construction of irrigation canals and related infrastructure.
He also finds town census information that indicates there are over 1,000 ratfolk living in this settlement.
Xilt travels to the garrison to speak to the leaders of the militia. As he approaches the guard house he casts Heightened Awareness to sharpen his senses.
Male N Salt Mephit | Buffs: Endure Elements, Mage Armor, False Life (16/16), Ablative Barrier (50/50). | HP 41/41 Temp 16/16|DR 5/Magic|First 5 points of damage is converted to nonlethal|FH 2 Arid Env|AC 29 T 14 FF 26|CMB +5 CMD 18|F +4 R +5 W +7|Init +6|PER +14 DV 60' SM+1|40' Fly +18 Stealth+20|Improved Evasion,SR 16
Xilt and Tzleztor decide to change direction and join the rest of the party. Once they are underway he casts Heightened Awareness to sharpen his senses. He casts Message on the party so can communicate more discretely.
Male N Salt Mephit | Buffs: Endure Elements, Mage Armor, False Life (16/16), Ablative Barrier (50/50). | HP 41/41 Temp 16/16|DR 5/Magic|First 5 points of damage is converted to nonlethal|FH 2 Arid Env|AC 29 T 14 FF 26|CMB +5 CMD 18|F +4 R +5 W +7|Init +6|PER +14 DV 60' SM+1|40' Fly +18 Stealth+20|Improved Evasion,SR 16
A large body of water fills the Big Ticker’s northern segment. Scores of ratfolk work the lake, carrying a variety of crustacean traps back and forth along the dozens of wooden walkways and platforms that stretch out over the water. On the shore, teams of engineers manage the flow of water along a series of canals cut into the cavern floor, which lead towards Zhotan and the mushroom farms beyond. A bustling fish market sits along the lake’s shore. The market’s food stalls fill the area with the pleasant aroma of local shellfish specialty dishes.
The Pathfinders ask around, finding little solid detail about what is going on. Whatever is going on in the lake doesn't seem to bother the workers directly, though they stay close to the shore for all of their activities. You do hear one story of a cave in nearby, where many squadrons of soldiers were lost, around the time when Hao Jin was creating the tapestry.
The ratfolk inform you that the cave in underwater now. You are fairly certain that when Hao Jin moved this area into the Tapestry, it collapsed, and the hole left behind filled with water. They can point you to the spot in the lake where they believe it once was.
Xilt shrugs as such minor annoyances are not a problem for a wizard of his experience.
"I can protect you all from the water if you like. I will just need a minute to study my notes to prepare the spell."
I can fill an empty spell slot with Life Bubble if the party wants to explore the cave. Not only will we be able to breathe underwater but it will keep all our equipment nice and dry.
Male Chaotic Good Half-Orc Warpriest 9/Bloodrager 1 | HP 85/85 (rage: 115/115) 27 nonlethal | AC 21 T 11 FF 20 (rage: -2) | CMB +13, CMD 24 | F +16(19), R +9, W +14(18) | | Init +1 | Perc +10 SM +8 | Speed 40' |Fervor 9/9 |Bloodrage 16/16 | Blessings 7/7 | Sacred Weapon 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9 | Active Conditions: |
If we have a chance to rest before investigating the cave I can prep up to 4 castings of Water Breathing (as a backup in case any issue with Life Bubble)
Tull, thanks for the offer but a 1 minute wait and one spell expended sure beats a day's wait and four spells expended. Life Bubble is a way better spell anyways providing (in addition) Endure Elements, Protection from pressure and keeps all your stuff nice and dry. :)
The Pathfinders make the preparations they deem necessary and head beyond the waterworks and aquaculture initiatives. As they approach the shore, a huge creature emerges from the water. The bones and skulls of countless smaller creatures dribble from the joints and rib cage of this massive skeleton.
The good news is that the water only seems to be about 5 feet deep. The bad news is that the creature still towers over you while partially submerged.
Male Chaotic Good Half-Orc Warpriest 9/Bloodrager 1 | HP 85/85 (rage: 115/115) 27 nonlethal | AC 21 T 11 FF 20 (rage: -2) | CMB +13, CMD 24 | F +16(19), R +9, W +14(18) | | Init +1 | Perc +10 SM +8 | Speed 40' |Fervor 9/9 |Bloodrage 16/16 | Blessings 7/7 | Sacred Weapon 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9 | Active Conditions: |
Eyeing the water with misgiving, Tull pops a potion out of his spring-loaded wrist sheath and drinks it. (swift action to retrieve the potion, standard action to drink it - it's Enlarge Person, which has a 1 round casting time - I can't remember whether Potions speed that up or it still doesn't take effect until the start of Tull's next turn)
Then he draws his axe and moves up the shoreline, filled with an angry bloodrage. (move action to draw and move; free action to enter bloodrage 1/16)
Current AC is 19 (17, once Enlarge Person takes effect)
In preparation for this encounter Xilt has cast Life Bubble on everyone in the party and their companions (if applicable) providing them all with a protective shell of fresh air.
The duration of the spell is massive (22 hours split among the party) so we can decide on how it is split up after the combat. ;)
As the monster emerges from the water the wizard studies the creature.
Male N Salt Mephit | Buffs: Endure Elements, Mage Armor, False Life (16/16), Ablative Barrier (50/50). | HP 41/41 Temp 16/16|DR 5/Magic|First 5 points of damage is converted to nonlethal|FH 2 Arid Env|AC 29 T 14 FF 26|CMB +5 CMD 18|F +4 R +5 W +7|Init +6|PER +14 DV 60' SM+1|40' Fly +18 Stealth+20|Improved Evasion,SR 16
Tzleztor examines the creature as well. While not as learned as his master he might know something of value.
Knowledge Religion:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
@cmlobue - I will take my turn for both my character and his familiar once I learn a bit more about this creature. How many questions do I have between these two?
@Tull - A potion of Enlarge Person is a standard action to drink but the effects will be felt immediately after drinking the potion. In other words your character is large size right now. :)
"It is a gashadokuro. Quite rare actually. Let me help you while I think about what I might know about it."
Special Attacks please. :)
Xilt will cast Haste on the party.
@cmlobue - If allowed Tull is hasted as well. Technically he has moved away from the rest of the party but my character does have a higher initiative so he could have gotten the spell off first.
Male N Salt Mephit | Buffs: Endure Elements, Mage Armor, False Life (16/16), Ablative Barrier (50/50). | HP 41/41 Temp 16/16|DR 5/Magic|First 5 points of damage is converted to nonlethal|FH 2 Arid Env|AC 29 T 14 FF 26|CMB +5 CMD 18|F +4 R +5 W +7|Init +6|PER +14 DV 60' SM+1|40' Fly +18 Stealth+20|Improved Evasion,SR 16
"Well, let's see if I can help things along. Lorian said as he started to give battle commands to the group.
Move action-Pincer Maneuver (Inspiring Command) Allies apply the battle herald’s inspiring command bonus (+2 competence bonus) to attack and damage rolls when flanking and as a dodge bonus to AC against attacks of opportunity provoked by movement (including standing from prone)
Standard action-Tactician (Precise Strike) All allies gains Precise Strike feat if you are within 30 feet of me. Whenever you and an ally who also has this feat are flanking the same the creature, you deal an additional 1d6 points of precision damage with each successful melee attack. This bonus damage stacks with other sources of precision damage, such as sneak attack. This bonus damage is not multiplied on a critical hit.
Male Chaotic Good Half-Orc Warpriest 9/Bloodrager 1 | HP 85/85 (rage: 115/115) 27 nonlethal | AC 21 T 11 FF 20 (rage: -2) | CMB +13, CMD 24 | F +16(19), R +9, W +14(18) | | Init +1 | Perc +10 SM +8 | Speed 40' |Fervor 9/9 |Bloodrage 16/16 | Blessings 7/7 | Sacred Weapon 9/9 | Sacred Armor 9/9 | Active Conditions: |
With GM permission, I will move Tull back slightly to remain within 30' of the rest of the party for the purposes of haste, Lorian's buffs, and any other tactics that may be coming from the group. I just moved up the map to get out of the cluster of trees so that we wouldn't all be blocking each other.
Male N Salt Mephit | Buffs: Endure Elements, Mage Armor, False Life (16/16), Ablative Barrier (50/50). | HP 41/41 Temp 16/16|DR 5/Magic|First 5 points of damage is converted to nonlethal|FH 2 Arid Env|AC 29 T 14 FF 26|CMB +5 CMD 18|F +4 R +5 W +7|Init +6|PER +14 DV 60' SM+1|40' Fly +18 Stealth+20|Improved Evasion,SR 16
m LG human Paladin 9 | HP 76/76 | AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | CMD 23 | F+13 R+11 W+11 [+2 vs illusions] | Init +4 | Perc +0 | LoH 6/8 | Bond 0/1 | Smite 3/3 |
In name of Rrragathiel and Vladimirrr Ilyich Lenin, I sentence you to disinkarrrnation. Nikita takes a step forward and starts shooting from the hip with his unusual pistol...
1) +8 dmg with the first hit attack because it's Smite Evil and the undead. 2) I took into account the distance penalty, but since this is a modern firearm, the attack still goes against touch AC.
Male N Salt Mephit | Buffs: Endure Elements, Mage Armor, False Life (16/16), Ablative Barrier (50/50). | HP 41/41 Temp 16/16|DR 5/Magic|First 5 points of damage is converted to nonlethal|FH 2 Arid Env|AC 29 T 14 FF 26|CMB +5 CMD 18|F +4 R +5 W +7|Init +6|PER +14 DV 60' SM+1|40' Fly +18 Stealth+20|Improved Evasion,SR 16
The mephit laughs back. He is thrilled that he has gotten a rise out of the good doctor. Tzleztor is decked out with all kinds of magical gear including several magical wands, scrolls and a bona fide staff. Clearly santa has been very good to this adventuring elemental.
"Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy. My wand shoots three magic missiles!"
Tzeztor is supposed to irritating at times despite his high charisma. He is a salt mephit after all. Please take this as RP fun and not as a knock on your character's abilities. :)
It eats all of the wizard's temporary hit points and looks ready to suck down the real ones next.
The Pathfinders begin to feel woozy, as if it had been days since they last ate. You take 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7 nonlethal damage and are fatigued unless you make a DC 24 fortitude save.
Round 2 - bolded may go
Xilt (haste, Fort save) and Tzleztor (haste, Fort save)
Nikita (haste, Fort save)
Tull (haste, enlarged, grappled, Fort save)
Doctor (haste, Fort save)
Lorian (haste, Fort save)
Gashadokuro (-65 HP, grappling)
@cmlombue - I think that the bite damage should be assigned to Tull and not my character. That would be a neat trick to bite one character and damage another. ;)
Indeed... I need to be more careful to tell my orcs apart.
The doctor recalls a strange but filling meal he ate recently.
Round 2 - bolded may go
Xilt (haste, Fort save) and Tzleztor (haste, Fort save)
Nikita (haste, Fort save)
Tull (-15 HP, haste, enlarged, grappled, Fort save)
Doctor (haste)
Lorian (haste, Fort save)
Gashadokuro (-65 HP, grappling)
