[Outpost VII, 1e] #2-21: The Dalsine Affair (Inactive)

Game Master Mustaparta

Discussion thread, John Carlos is in. I'll wait until wednesday if Birseko Naam shows up.

Posting this here so we can find it quickly:
Dalsine Affair Slides

Is there any chance you can make it so we don't have to log in to Google Slides to add/move tokens, etc.?

Posting this here so we can find it quickly:

Dalsine Affair Slides

Is there any chance you can make it so we don't have to log in to Google Slides to add/move tokens, etc.?

The same link to the slides is also in Mustaparta tagline (see above).

Sorry for the posting delay - I'm here, leveled up, ready to go!

Options dealing with guards:
* Barricading the door: Up to four Medium creatures can block the door with their bodies, increasing the DC by +1 per two creatures. PCs may also drag barrels, tables, chairs, or anything else they can find in the house in front of the doors, increasing the DC by an additional point. The militia members have a portable ram
* helping cultists escape: This can include verbally encouraging them or helping them down the steps or the ladder into the basement. Each PC engaged in this task reduces the total evacuation time by 1 round, but must spend the entire encounter helping the cult members; breaking off to cast spells or participate in combat negates the effort. Any PC with at least 1 rank in Bluff, Diplomacy, or Intimidate decreases the total evacuation time by 2 rounds per PC assisting.
A more effective method of helping the cultists escape is magic. Any spell cast on a cult member that increases his or her speed (such as blessing of fervor, fly, or haste) decreases the total number of rounds needed to evacuate by 1 round per person affected. Note that mundane and magical means of speeding the cultists’ evacuation stack.
* Verbally stalling the guards requires a Bluff check opposed by the Militia Captain’s Sense Motive check. Intimidate and Diplomacy checks each take a minute to perform, these skills are not useful in this situation; the guards simply don’t wait that long before forcing their way in. PCs can either attempt the Bluff check themselves or assist Muesello in his attempt (he has a +14 modifier unaided). Any number of PCs may assist. Each successful opposed Bluff check delays the guards from attempting to enter the house for 1 round.
* Attacking the guards

Gaius will go with option 2 since he has 1 rank in Intimidate.

Options dealing with guards:

* helping cultists escape: This can include verbally encouraging them or helping them down the steps or the ladder into the basement. Each PC engaged in this task reduces the total evacuation time by 1 round, but must spend the entire encounter helping the cult members; breaking off to cast spells or participate in combat negates the effort. Any PC with at least 1 rank in Bluff, Diplomacy, or Intimidate decreases the total evacuation time by 2 rounds per PC assisting.
A more effective method of helping the cultists escape is magic. Any spell cast on a cult member that increases his or her speed (such as blessing of fervor, fly, or haste) decreases the total number of rounds needed to evacuate by 1 round per person affected. Note that mundane and magical means of speeding the cultists’ evacuation stack.
* Verbally stalling the guards requires a Bluff check opposed by the Militia Captain’s Sense Motive check. Intimidate and Diplomacy checks each take a minute to perform, these skills are not useful in this situation; the guards simply don’t wait that long before forcing their way in. PCs can either attempt the Bluff check themselves or assist Muesello in his attempt (he has a +14 modifier unaided). Any number of PCs may assist. Each successful opposed Bluff check delays the guards from attempting to enter the house for 1 round.

Byron has Diplomacy and a bit of Intimidate, but no magic to assist. I think he would best serve by getting the Sarenrites moving.

That set of options seems... rather more overt than I was expecting Muesello to be fine with. I originally thought he would prefer being able to say "fugitives? What fugitives?" to the guards.

FIREBALL!!!

It works on both the guards, and in getting the cultists downstairs quickly as there won't be any floor left for them to stand on.

GM, Any word on the windows? Can we see through them, can the folks outside see in, are any of them open?

Is there someone we're waiting on? I think everyone's helping the cultists get out, although to be fair I'm not sure about Natula.

Who all has at least one rank in bluff/diplomacy/intimidate? Byron and Gaius do, but what about everyone else?

John has multiple ranks of both of those.

Is there someone we're waiting on? I think everyone's helping the cultists get out, although to be fair I'm not sure about Natula.

Who all has at least one rank in bluff/diplomacy/intimidate? Byron and Gaius do, but what about everyone else?

Nat was waiting to blast either the guards breaking down the door or the cultists and building to remove any links to the Society.

Natula has 3 ranks in Intimidate, but hates babysitting... and babies.

Is this Knowledge: Nature (vermin and animals), Arcana (magical beasts), Dungeoneering (aberrations), or something else?

Seconding the question of if this is a stone bridge or a narrow spot in the tunnel.

Is this Knowledge: Nature (vermin and animals), Arcana (magical beasts), Dungeoneering (aberrations), or something else?

Seconding the question of if this is a stone bridge or a narrow spot in the tunnel.

Its a vermin, identified by Nature. Narrow strip on the map is a tunnel.

shaventalz wrote:

Is this Knowledge: Nature (vermin and animals), Arcana (magical beasts), Dungeoneering (aberrations), or something else?

Seconding the question of if this is a stone bridge or a narrow spot in the tunnel.

Its a vermin, identified by Nature. Narrow strip on the map is a tunnel.

Figured it was probably still a vermin, but worth asking. In that case, Byron doesn't know what this is other than "I didn't think spiders came that big." Assuming it actually does look like a spider, and not that other vermin he had a bad encounter with back in 4717 AR. It doesn't have crab claws, does it?

And if that is a tunnel... there's at least one bit in the center that's too small for a Huge creature to pass without squeezing. We might be able to bottleneck it fairly well. I say "we", but Byron isn't getting an action any time soon here.

John steps up and releases a startling and disturbing yell.

[dice=Intimidate to Demoralize - size]d20+15-4

** spoiler omitted **

Sure you want to do that? According to this FAQ, Intimidate is a mind-affecting fear effect.

I did not know about that faq. I searched all the rules and it never mentioned mind effecting.

I will retcon.

"GO, friends! SQUISH the bug to keep everyone safe!"

Byron looks back at Marcian. "This fellow hasn't let go of my handshake yet, so I might be a little DELAYED."

Three cultists revert to their true shapes Right on slide 8 and move forward preparing to strike when you approach.

Four questions:

Mustaparta wrote:

Three cultists revert to their true shapes Right on slide 8 and move forward preparing to strike when you approach.

Four questions:

1) What creature type are they, for the purposes of Knowledge checks?
2) Are they (still?) carrying scimitars, or was that only Akkuret?
3) Is Akkuret one of the transformed cultists, or is he off to the side letting his goons fight us?
4) Does that last line mean they are visibly readying an attack for someone approaching?

I axed about 1) on the Gameplay thread.

Gaius and Natula both know these are Faceless stalkers, which have DR vs. bludgeoning weapons.

DR broken by bludgeoning damage, or DR that only functions against bludgeoning damage?

Mustaparta wrote:

Gaius and Natula both know these are Faceless stalkers, which have DR vs. bludgeoning weapons.

DR broken by bludgeoning damage, or DR that only functions against bludgeoning damage?

Latter, DR 5/piercing or slashing.

shaventalz wrote:

Mustaparta wrote:

Gaius and Natula both know these are Faceless stalkers, which have DR vs. bludgeoning weapons.

DR broken by bludgeoning damage, or DR that only functions against bludgeoning damage?

Latter, DR 5/piercing or slashing.

That's unusual. And annoying for the guy who normally punches stuff.

But, he's always up for a CHALLENGE!

@GM: For future reference, if he hits a high enough DC, my first preference is to learn about 'defenses': SR, energy immunity/resistance, DR.

Quick info question for any GMs: How many scenarios/modules have maps with squares this small? My eyes don't work well and I had to magnify the map a crazy number of times just to find the grid lines to move Gaius's token.

Quick info question for any GMs: How many scenarios/modules have maps with squares this small? My eyes don't work well and I had to magnify the map a crazy number of times just to find the grid lines to move Gaius's token.

It seems pretty normal to me. 20x30, roughly. Just counted a flip-mat, and that was 25x35.

This is one issue I have with the "just use Google Slides" standard - the maps end up being pretty tiny unless the GM jumps through some hoops. Magnification is a must.

I think this one feels a little worse because it's horizontal, rather than having the map's narrow dimension completely fill the slide width, and running off the top and bottom of the screen. That, and the floor tiles could work equally well as "four tiles to a square", tricking the eyes.

Gaius Marius wrote:

Quick info question for any GMs: How many scenarios/modules have maps with squares this small? My eyes don't work well and I had to magnify the map a crazy number of times just to find the grid lines to move Gaius's token.

It seems pretty normal to me. 20x30, roughly. Just counted a flip-mat, and that was 25x35.

This is one issue I have with the "just use Google Slides" standard - the maps end up being pretty tiny unless the GM jumps through some hoops. Magnification is a must.

I think this one feels a little worse because it's horizontal, rather than having the map's narrow dimension completely fill the slide width, and running off the top and bottom of the screen. That, and the floor tiles could work equally well as "four tiles to a square", tricking the eyes.

Being free is why I want to use Google Slides if/when I start GMing.

"Is it my imagination, or is the dice roller giving me a CHALLENGE and rolling extra 1's?"

dice: 1d20 ⇒ 16

"It's just you." ;)

I'm so sorry everyone. Childcare and work responsibilities got the better of me and I just haven't been able to keep up. I'm back now and will do better. My apologies and thanks for botting me.

At some point, Byron would continue the search for Ahan (started here). Other issues have been more pressing. Just leaving this here so it doesn't get missed/skipped.

"Okay, I KNOW that the plot leads that-a-way... but seriously, what reason do we have to GO there?"

"What's even the goal? Are we supposed to get revenge on him for leading a lawful raid on a group of criminals? KILL him and assume he hasn't told anyone else whatever "something" he knows? Confiscate his Wayfinder and KICK him out of the Society?"

Byron glances up one post. "And what about Ahan? Did my fellow Grand Lodger RISE to the CHALLENGE? Or were those secret notes for something else?"

I demolished the Ahan encounter, we are good to go, fellow Grand Lodger.

The mission briefing, in media res as it was, is pushing us to recover some items from this dude. This dude who ordered a kill, capture and interrogate deal on the Sarenites for simply being Sarenites.

This is definitely an early Pathfinder Season scenario and may not be running as smooth or normal as later better thought out ones. This one definitely puts you in a spot to decide between Law and Good, as everything we are doing is breaking laws constantly.

I will try to get an RP post up soon so we can have some discourse over it all, if you want.

I demolished the Ahan encounter, we are good to go, fellow Grand Lodger.

"Good job, fellow Grand Lodger!"

Byron offers a fist bump.

The mission briefing, in media res as it was, is pushing us to recover some items from this dude. This dude who ordered a kill, capture and interrogate deal on the Sarenites for simply being Sarenites.

Hmm. I suppose that's possible, though that's not how I initially interpreted it. I saw the emphasis to be on getting the Sarenrites out of the mess the VC got them into. Looking back, the VC did mention not wanting the packages tracked back to him, so you're probably right.

Hmm. I suppose that's possible, though that's not how I initially interpreted it. I saw the emphasis to be on getting the Sarenrites out of the mess the VC got them into. Looking back, the VC did mention not wanting the packages tracked back to him, so you're probably right.

From Page 1:

"This is where my own idiocy comes in. I thought that I could save the Society a few pieces of gold by smuggling items out of the city, using my contacts in a secret cult of local Sarenites known as the Dawnflower Blossoms. They receive significant support from people in Qadira, and oversee regular shipments to and from Katheer."

And then:

“The Society is in a very delicate place at the moment, especially here in Taldor. The upheavals caused by the Shadow Lodge have only made things worse. If the government tracks those packages back to me, they might formally expel all Pathfinders from the country! Now what I need you to do is …”

"Oh, and track down this Chalfon Dalsine, and see if you can find my parcels: two beautiful sets of armor crafted by the fey of the Verduran Forest. Last I heard, the Porthmos Militia had taken them back to Dalsine’s home.”

So it's:

Mustaparta wrote:

"Oh, and track down this Chalfon Dalsine, and see if you can find my parcels: two beautiful sets of armor crafted by the fey of the Verduran Forest. Last I heard, the Porthmos Militia had taken them back to Dalsine’s home.”

"THAT'S the part I was missing!"

thanks for this summary - much appreciated!

The guards that let us in are presumably standing just outside the gate. Are they reacting to the growling and snarling and attacking that's happening just inside the gate?

Yes, I know, season 2... still has to be asked

No, they ignore completely whats happening.

No, they ignore completely whats happening.

"Say, think we should do something about that?"

"Above our pay grade."

"But someone's going to get killed in there. Probably one of the boss' dogs!"

"Look, what's our job?"

"To... guard the gate?"

"Right, and that's what we're doing. What happens to guests after they're through the gates has nothing to do with us."

"But-"

"We're not paid enough to get involved in that mess. Just keep your head down and don't make waves. Now pay attention, I think those Qadirans are coming back for another argument."

Wither draws her club and hit light blue.

[dice=Club, Attack (Shillelagh)] 1d20 + 5

"Don't forget the FLANK!" Byron does what he can to distract light blue.

"That's still only a 17, though, which missed when I rolled it. Still, REMEMBER it for later."

Light blue drops, but dark blue evades fist. precisely because Byron didn't get flank

"I SUSPECTED as much."

Gaius rises to his feet and fires an arrow at the remaining wolf!

[dice=+1 Composite Longbow (+1 Str), Coordinated Shot]1d20+10+1; 1d8+1+1

Fetch the high-speed pointy stick! Go get it!

If Byron and Wither want to spread the CLW charges around to other wands I'm not opposed.

If Byron and Wither want to spread the CLW charges around to other wands I'm not opposed.

"Most of my levels are Life Oracle" says Byron. "I took the CHALLENGE of being the party's front line because nobody else was."

He pouts. "Normally I'd mention this in the briefing, but things happened too quickly for that. I even have a little demonstration I didn't get to do..."

When you enter foyer of the manor, you witness fierce fight between Jacquo Dalsine and Muhlia Al-Jakri. Before you could intervene, Al-Jakri sliced clean through the Taldan noble’s throat. Chalfon Dalsine stands laughing at the top of the stairs, an awkwardly aloof look on his mustachioed face. Pasha Muhlia al-Jakri stands in a pool of blood over Baron Jacquo Dalsine’s beheaded corpse, twirling her twin kukris around her nimble fingers.

I'm not sure what the map is trying to say here. Does the 'C' stand for "Chalfon" or "corpse"? Is '1' Chalfon at the top of the stairs, or is that something else?

Is there a spellcraft check to know whether that was a teleportation or illusion effect?

EDIT: Moved Byron's token to the door

1 is Chalfon at top of stairs and C is the one found by John. You can try Spellcraft DC 20 on the effect.

GM:

Byron has Dragon Style, which allows him to ignore difficult terrain and allies when charging. Does the table northwest of John count as difficult terrain or as blocking terrain?

GM:

Byron has Dragon Style, which allows him to ignore difficult terrain and allies when charging. Does the table northwest of John count as difficult terrain or as blocking terrain?

Its an obstacle that blocks charge.

You have no idea of the spell he cast on himself. When he sees bats appearing and a man throwing shurikens, Chalfon unleashes searing firestorm on you.

First, rude.

Secondly, did that cause him to be visible?

So we're dealing with something like a 9th-level wizard vs a group of 5s and 6s. He's presumably got all his spells still, too, which... yikes.

Yes, quick search into Gm discussion revealed that a lot of characters have died here. He is now visible to all.