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

Game Master Mustaparta

While Byron wasn't thrilled with the breaking-and-entering and theft to cover up a crime... the slaughter of the Sarenrites was going too far. At least the vague "mission" they had gave an excuse to go after the one that led it. Turnabout was fair play, right?

"We are trying to protect the Society's name" Byron points out. Natula seemed to be one of the "kill everything and let Pharasma sort it out" kinds of Pathfinders. "Breaking everything won't help that."

"If we go in the FRONT, we need a REASON to give the doormen. Does anyone have a good idea for that?"

On the way, Byron heals himself back up with his wand. Just before they move to whatever CHALLENGE they decided to attempt, he also has one of the others update his mage armor.
W: CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
W: CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
W: CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
W: CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

”The easy cover would be ‘rare artifact dealers’ looking to purchase for their wealthy clients.”

While Byron wasn't thrilled with the breaking-and-entering and theft to cover up a crime... the slaughter of the Sarenrites was going too far. At least the vague "mission" they had gave an excuse to go after the one that led it. Turnabout was fair play, right?

"We are trying to protect the Society's name" Byron points out. Natula seemed to be one of the "kill everything and let Pharasma sort it out" kinds of Pathfinders. "Breaking everything won't help that."

"If we go in the FRONT, we need a REASON to give the doormen. Does anyone have a good idea for that?"

"We could tell the doorman that if he 'doesn't let us in, I could cut him in half with a high-pressure stream of powerful corrosive acid.' That tends to get people moving if not to help, then definitely out of the way." Natula says authoritatively.

”The easy cover would be ‘rare artifact dealers’ looking to purchase for their wealthy clients.”

"Do we have the collective guile to pull that off or the collective stealth to sneak in? I can make myself disappear with magic but it doesn't last very long."

"I'm not that SNEAKY," offers Byron, "but I'm up for a CHALLENGE."

"If we said we were dealers, they probably wouldn't let us just wander around. We could be STUCK in a meeting room, with GUARDS." Guards they'd need to fight through, more than likely.

When you approach the gate, eight guards are arguing with several qadiran visitors who demand to be let in. To get around them, you need use either 1) diplomacy, needs three DC 25 Bluff, Diplomacy, or Intimidate successes. 2) bribery, 100 gp to both groups 3) stealth 4) brute force

”Ah perfect, a distraction. This will make it easy. Anyone object to me doing the talking?”

+16 Diplomacy and a Reroll if needed. Aids would be welcome. If someone else is better let me know.

”Ah perfect, a distraction. This will make it easy. Anyone object to me doing the talking?”

+16 Diplomacy and a Reroll if needed. Aids would be welcome. If someone else is better let me know.

Checks: Let's see 0 ranks in Diplomacy and -1 Cha penalty. Nah Gaius will let John do his smooth talking routine. He'll try to aid but probably won't!

Bon Jon also wisely keeps quiet. He doesn't remember much about himself but he's pretty sure that charm is not one of his qualities. -2 on Diplomacy!

"If we're talking our way in... do you need a BODYGUARD?" Byron grins and flexes.

+13 Diplomacy, so auto-aid

When you approach the gate, eight guards are arguing with several qadiran visitors who demand to be let in. To get around them, you need use either 1) diplomacy, needs three DC 25 Bluff, Diplomacy, or Intimidate successes. 2) bribery, 100 gp to both groups 3) stealth 4) brute force

Natula prepares to hose the area with streams of concentrated acid.

Intimidate +11....

John leads the group up and starts out by calming the whole situation down, ”Now now, everyone is friends here. No one wants this to escalate. Don’t we all just want to go home sagey at the end of the day? Whatever is wrong can be worked out.”

Diplomacy + Byron Auto Aid: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 16 + 2 = 31

Then works to send off the interlopers, ”Listen, I understand your frustration. I have been there before. You gotta get in to do a thing, and you expected it to work out by just showing up. But these things, they take time. Come back tomorrow and everyone will be in a better mood.”

Diplomacy + Byron Auto Aid: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 16 + 2 = 36

And lastly, tries to talk the group’s way in, ”I assume we are on the books with an appointment? If not, I understand. A lot of my clients keep things on the down low. You know what I mean.” *Salacious Wink*

Diplomacy + Byron Auto Aid: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 16 + 2 = 20
Diplomacy + Byron Auto Aid Two Star Reroll: 1d20 + 16 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 16 + 2 + 2 = 29

Diplomacy Aid? Forecast: Not likely!: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

Gaius attempts to nod convincingly but appears to be holding back a sneeze...

"Just SHOUTING them down won't help" Byron offers to the Qadirans. "You'll need better REASONS for them to listen and let you in."

He glances at the already-annoyed guards, then leans in. "Better leave now and let them cool down." Those guards were probably at the point of rejecting the visitors out of sheer annoyance.

The guards relent and allow you access to manor.

The grounds within the manor’s walls are well tended and decorated with small statues, topiaries, and the occasional bench. Everburning torches burn inside colorful lanterns from many of the grounds’ trees. Four fierce-looking wolves patrol the yard inside the gate and immediately attack.

First Gaius Marius and Wither, (slide 9)

Wiher was definitely not expecting ambush from inside. "Arghhh!... um..uh....Shillelagh!" She screams at the sight of the fierce wolves while pulling out her club and casts Shillelagh. Moving hesitantly to the nearer wolves, she yells, "Is it okay to attack?"

"I doubt anyone is calling them off."

Gaius fires two arrows at one of the attacking wolves!

@GM: Firing at the dark blue token:

+1 Composite Longbow (+1 Str), PBS, Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 1 - 2 = 131d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 10

+1 Composite Longbow (+1 Str), PBS, Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 1 - 2 = 191d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 5

He then moves slightly in case of a corrosive blast...

5' step.

One arrow hits dark blue and its wounded. Light blue charges Gaius, whom it sees as most dangerous, and trips him.

bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
trip: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Natula, Birseko, Byron and John Carlos are up

Birseko steps back 5' out of the immediate fray and then unleashes a piercing scream that somehow only Light Blue can hear.

Ear Piercing Scream, DC 18 Fort save, dazed 1 round and sonic dmg; success negates daze and halves dmg.

Sonic dmg: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 5) = 13

Byron deftly steps into the opening left by Birseko and punches the wolf who dared CHALLENGE them. To minimize anyone complaining, he aims for disabling (but not lethal) blows.

Go into Dragon Style
Attack 1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 and nonlethal bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Attack 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 and nonlethal bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

John moves up next to Wither, "Sorry Ma'am, didn't mean to invade your personal space. Just here to help with the dogs. Let's see if fire makes them think twice."

Fort vs. Miasma: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 Sickened 1 rd

Grimacing a tiny bit, John still manages to cast his spell and a gout of flame bursts out to scorch the two wolf-dogs.

Move, Cast Burning Hands on Green and Red, DC 16 Reflex for half of Fire: 5d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 3, 2) = 11

Fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Reflex save (green): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Reflex save (red): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Scream hurts Light blue's ears and Byron hits it hard. Both green and red are slightly burned by flames, they also ignore sickening stench. They decide to attack the source of nauseating stench, but are unable to grasp her.

Red's Fort save vs. miasma: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Green's Fort save vs. miasma: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

red, bite vs. Wither: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
green, bite vs. Wither: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Dark blue chooses Byron as its victim, but fails its attack. John and Byron have AoO
dark blue, bite vs. Byron: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Gaius and Wither are up

Byron takes advantage of the opening given. "BAD dog!"

AoO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 and nonlethal bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

MW Cold Iron Longspear AoO: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 for Cold Iron/Piercing: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

”Did you say ‘stab dog’? Ok.”

"Uh... well, I'm sorry." Wither apologizes to John since he looks sickened by her, she leaves the place as her foul aura is not working the right way. She finds a spot away from the party and attacks light blue.

Move, AoO from red and green, Bleeding Touch on light blue.

Bleeding Touch, Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Bleeding Touch, Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

@GM: Natula didn't take her first round action so hopefully she can double up on the wolf next to Gaius. I'll delay since Gaius won't provoke by either standing up or firing a bow.

Red's AoO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Green's AoO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Wither is just too elusive for them. John stabs dark blue with spear.

Light blue is dazed so rest of the party is up and Natula can take her first round action as well.

Unsatisfied with how poorly he took advantage of that opening, Byron punches twice more. He doesn't do much better.

Target light blue. If it drops, 5' step opposite Birseko and use the second attack on dark blue. Attacks include flank bonus.
Attack 1: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 = 16 and nonlethal bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Attack 2: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 = 17 and nonlethal bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Gaius will still wait to see if the field clears a bit so he isn't bit while rising.

Birseko looks at the dark blue wolf in front of him with dismay. Why is this creature in my face? I don't remember having a dog?!? He silently shrieks at it.

Casting defensively DC 17: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

But his concentration is rattled by the giant doggie and he is unable to complete his spell.

5' step but unfortunately he remains in dark blue's threatened area.

Natula uses her first action to cast mage armor on herself. Then she moves into position to fry the furthest wolves first.

scorching ray v green (ranged touch, CL 7, Intense Spells): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 damage: 4d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3, 3, 5) + 3 = 17
scorching ray v green (ranged touch, CL 7, Intense Spells): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 damage: 4d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 5, 2, 3) + 3 = 14

Byron narrowly misses, even with flank, and Birseko can't manage to cast his spell, but Natula's other ray scorches green.

John is up!

John steps back and prepares for incoming wolves with a spell, then holds his spear ready.

Step, Cast Shield.

After John steps away, Red snatches Birseko in its teeth and takes him down. Green follows John dodging his spear and likewise succeeds tripping its prey. Dark blue is only one to miss.

Red bite vs. Birseko: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Dark blue bite vs. Byron: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Green bite vs. John: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Green trip: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Red trip: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
red confirm vs. Birseko: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Gaius and Wither up

Seeing the situation deteriorate Gaius draws his trusty shortsword and will flail away!

Short Sword, Prone: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 5 - 4 = 41d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Wither draws her club and hit light blue.

Club, Attack (Shillelagh): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Club, Damage (Shillelagh): 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 5) + 2 = 11

Both of you miss and so does light blue, even though it resists miasma.

Light blue's Fort save vs. miasma: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Bite vs. Wither: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Natula, Birseko, Byron and John Carlos are up

"Just DROP already!" Byron continues punching.

Start light blue. If it drops, switch to dark blue and subtract 2 from the attack roll
Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 2 = 30 and nonlethal bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 = 18 and nonlethal bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

John stands up, risking a painful chomp, ”Get off your butts, pathfinders. The bite only hurts once!” He steps back and collects electricity in his hands, reeeeaaaaching out and trying to touch the elusive wolf.

Stand (provokes, AC is 18 - 4 for prone on AoO), Step, Cast Shocking Grasp trying to touch Green, Shocking Grasp vs. Touch AC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 for Electric: 5d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 6, 3, 6) = 17

His hands continue to crackle with the held lightning.

Natula steps back from the fight and launches a fireball into the snarl of wolves along the party's northern flank.

fireball (CL 7, Intense Spells, DC 20): 7d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 5, 4, 4, 1, 3, 6) + 3 = 27

**KA-THOOM!!!**

Light blue drops, but dark blue evades fist. precisely because Byron didn't get flank Ball of fire burns dark blue to cinder, two others avoid worst of it. Green uses opportunity to bite John.

Green reflex save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Dark blue reflex save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Red reflex save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Green's AoO: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
bite: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Trip: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Birseko can act

Botting Birseko: Birseko draws a wand, which he uses to cast magic missile on green. It dies.

Magic missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Red bites Byron.

bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
trip: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Everyone is up

"DOWN, boy!" Byron punches at the remaining wolf twice. The first misses badly, but the second connects solidly.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 and nonlethal bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 and nonlethal bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Wither moves to a flanking position, without letting her miasma touching others, and strikes red with her club.

Club, Attack (Shillelagh): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Club, Damage (Shillelagh): 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 2 = 7

John moves into flanking and tries to discharge his electricity, ”Aw, the puppies are done playing and are taking a nap. Yup. That’s what they are doing.”

Shocking Grasp vs. Touch AC + Flank: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7 for Electric: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 1, 2, 6) = 15

Lol

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

+1 Composite Longbow (+1 Str), Coordinated Shot: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 1 = 301d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

John moves into flanking and tries to discharge his electricity, ”Aw, the puppies are done playing and are taking a nap. Yup. That’s what they are doing.”

[dice=Shocking Grasp vs. Touch AC + Flank]1d20+4+2 for [dice=Electric]5d6

Lol

These wolves have thrown John off his game!

Byron, Wither and Gaius manage to slay it. Make sure you are fully healed before continuing

The front porch of the manor sports a stylized compass inlaid in the masonry, and a similar symbol graces the lintel above the open double doors. Within, the sound of clashing blades echoes off the marble floor. Suddenly, the sound of combat ceases with a gruesome thud, and the sound of a laughing man replaces the metallic din. The furniture in the foyer has been thrown about, and a growing pool of blood escapes from a crumpled corpse at the foot of the wide, carpeted stairs.

John waves his hand around until the held charge dissipates, then pulls out a wand and tries to heal up his wounds, "Everyone ok?"

UMD: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22 for CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
UMD: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26 for CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
UMD: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
UMD: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
UMD: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

He looks at his wand oddly as it fizzles, "Well, that last one shoulda worked. Anyone able to help me out here?"

If someone uses his wand on him.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Damn, that was a really bad string of rolls. STILL missing 2 HP, but whatever.

@John: No way we're going in fully healed. And we'll divide up the charges amongst all the CLW wands we have. Or at least Gaius's and John's. I'll take 1 of the charges from John's healing and put it on my wand with the one down below for a total of 2 for John and 2 for Gaius.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
For John