[Outpost VII]PFS1 #6-97 Siege of Serpents (7-8) by GM Colin (Inactive)

Game Master Colin_Mercer

Acrobatics 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Ash tries to follow the halfling, trying to safely reach the floor.

"Good thinking, Lady Vanessa! I might need the rope to get around this obstacle - unless you can unblock the door..."

Already used the fly spell earlier in combat. I need to get a pearl of power...

On second thought, Grunjar could teleport with his Domain Ability Dimensional Hop, but he must have line of sight to his destination. Is there a valid square, @GM_Colin? Or does the door open at all? Just a crack to look through would be enough.

"Good thinking, Lady Vanessa! I might need the rope to get around this obstacle - unless you can unblock the door..."

Already used the fly spell earlier in combat. I need to get a pearl of power...

On second thought, Grunjar could teleport with his Domain Ability Dimensional Hop, but he must have line of sight to his destination. Is there a valid square, @GM_Colin? Or does the door open at all? Just a crack to look through would be enough.

Not through the door, but it is possible to hop to the other side from the collapsed opening.

The team quickly survey the tower floor. This floor is clear except where the walls are crumbled away. The north and west windows feature gargoyles just below them. Both gargoyles have a reservoir built into their backs so oil or other chemicals can be poured and sprayed down on would-be attackers. Numerous arrow slits are built into the walls. The south eastern room is the siege supply room, which contains barrels of oil and a decrepit wheelbarrow are here, as well as several crates of serviceable arrows. (You can find mundane versions of any weapon or ammunition in the Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook here.) The room to the south west is the guard station that hasnt' been used for years, old cots and moth-eaten blankets smothered in a thick layer of dust. Finally, the north western room turns out to be the stairs that goes to the upper level of the tower.
~~~~~
Climbing stairs, last chance to buff
~~~~~
The top floor of the tower is an open, undivided by interior walls but for the small space partitioning the stairwell. Windows large enough to step through line the exterior walls. Immense magical circles are permanently etched into the floor, their lines and curves inscribed and filled with several types of metallic powder. Faint, multi-colored mist roils within the southern circle. Two strange contraptions stand near the northwest and southwest windows. Each device is a large, red-tinted crystalline lens mounted in a frame so that they may be angled in all directions. To no one's surprise, you are not alone in this room......

A half-orc stand menancingly behind the colorful mist, greataxe in hand. "The age of the Pathfinder is over. NOW IT IS TIME FOR THE SERPENT TO RISE!"

COMBAT!
Initiative, round 1
~~~~~~~~~~
Lady Vanessa
Ellismus
Ashwell
Grunjar
Bon Jon
-----
Red
-----
Rani
-----
Cyan
Purple

(Bold are up!)

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

Once again, the voice of the Master of Scrolls drifts through the tower, borne on a magical breeze. ”Well done, Pathfinders! The tower is stabilizing…only a little bit more to do.”

Table GMs, the Floating Tower Threat Level is now Yellow.

Ash casts Haste on the group.

Not through the door, but it is possible to hop to the other side from the collapsed opening.

Thanks, will do so. 20/80 feet of hopping used.

Before going up the stairs Grunjar casts the following spells on Bon Jon Bovi:

- Shield of Faith (+3 deflection bonus to AC)
- Aid (+1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects, plus tHP: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 temporary hit points)

He also casts Beacon of Luck on himself.

You send out a burst of luck with a 30-foot radius centered around you. While the beacon of luck is in effect, you gain a +2 sacred bonus on all saving throws. As an immediate action before a saving throw is made, allies within the area can choose to benefit from this luck, rolling twice for a saving throw and taking the better result. Once a creature benefits from the beacon of luck in this way, it cannot gain the benefit of this spell for 24 hours.

Afterwards, he draws his wand of protection from evil, taps himself first and then everyone who wants the spell on them. Please indicate if you want this buff, it only lasts 1 minute.

In Initiative:
Grunjar casts Blessing of Fervor.

With this blessing, you call your allies to move forth and empower them to conquer and become victorious. Each round for the duration of this spell, each of your allies can choose one of the following bonuses for that round at the beginning of its turn (their choice).

* Increase its speed by 30 feet.
* Stand up as a swift action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
* Take one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus.
* Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
* Cast a single spell of 2nd level or lower as if it were an enlarged, extended, silent, or still spell.

These effects are not cumulative with similar effects, such as those provided by haste or a speed weapon, nor do they actually grant an extra action, so you can't use it to cast a second spell or otherwise take an extra action in the round. Blessing of fervor does not stack with haste.

(but you have a +2 bonus instead of +1 on AR and reflex saves, or you can use the metamagicked spellcasting or stand up as a swift action without provoking an attack of opportunity)

~~~~~

Climbing stairs, last chance to buff
~~~~~

El bumps himself on the head with a wand and disappears.

wand of greater invis; 7 rounds

=====================

Initiative, Round 1

Invisib-El flies past Rani and Ron Joni, then grabs two vials at his belt, slamming a small one within a much larger one, the resulting concoction a yellowish green mixture of dubious nature. He chucks the mixture overhead, aiming for the orc leader.

"Age of the Snake? what the..*?$% Take a deep breath, pal!"

Alchemist Bomb; Stink Bomb 10' radius; ranged touch *DEX mutagen, Heroism, BoF, Invisible, Reduce Person*: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 39 vs. Touch AC
dmg: 4d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 4, 1, 5) + 8 = 20 fire damage (no save) + FORT DC 21 save to avoid being nauseated for 1 + 1d4 + 1 ⇒ 1 + (4) + 1 = 6 rounds.
Splash dmg on other enemies, if applicable: 4 + 8 = 12 fire damage REF DC 21 save for 1/2 dmg and FORT DC 21 to avoid being nauseated for 1 + 1d4 + 1 ⇒ 1 + (2) + 1 = 4 rounds.

The stinking bomb fumes persist on the battlefield for 1 round (i.e. do not remove template until El's next turn)

HAIL HYDRA

Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
El's bomb doesn't seem to affect him at all. He is not even scorched a bit. Looks like some sort of magical protection vs fire to you.

What are Cyan and Purple? Are they humanoids or the mirror machines or something else?

What are Cyan and Purple? Are they humanoids or the mirror machines or something else?

Only those who exit the stairwells (i.e. Ellismus) can see them (unless you see through wall), and they're human.

As Bon Jon reaches the top of the stairs, Lady Vanessa says a little prayer to Zon-Kuthon again. She glances back at Grunjar to watch the poor boy's reaction to the tingle of pleasure-cum-pain that accompanies her minor supplication to the Shadow Lord.

Then when El disappears and she hears a booming voice monologuing from beyond the door, she uses the little bit of extra speed granted by Ashwell to hustle out of the stairwell. Emerging she sees the roiling green fumes but also notes two other figures to the north and south.

"Vhy don't you go kill your boss and take his position as zhe big snake?" she tells the nearer of the two.

Cast Prayer for buff as we reach the top of the stairs. Taking the +2 AC/Reflex from Blessing of Fervor. Hasted move out to behind the pillar. Cast Murderous Command Will DC 18 on Purple with prayer debuff to his will save not included.

Will: 1d20 + 12 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 12 - 1 = 24

Looks like the Aspis are fixated on murdering PATHFINDERS.

Thanks for pre-rolling the possible reroll, though I wasn't planning to use it on this guy for a Rank 1 spell. I'll save it for Blindness or something bigger. 

BOTTING Bon Jon

Start with dragon style, Flurry of Blow Flying kick to the north Aspis, pick +2 option of Blessing of Ferver, swift action Ki point for extra atk.
Flying Kick: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34 Dragon Style dmg: 1d10 + 10 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 10 + (5) + (3) = 24
Flurry: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28 Dragon Style dmg: 1d10 + 7 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 7 + (3) + (3) = 14
Haste: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16 Dragon Style dmg: 1d10 + 7 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 7 + (5) + (3) = 22
Ki attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16 Dragon Style dmg: 1d10 + 7 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + (1) + (3) = 19
BAB-5: 1d20 + 15 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 15 - 5 = 16 Dragon Style dmg: 1d10 + 7 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + (3) + (3) = 21

Bon Jon follows up Lady Vanessa's kind request to the Aspis agent with some draconic strike! The Aspis is barely standing afterward.

The Aspis leader walks out of the stinking cloud, and cast a spell that envelopes Vanessa, Rani, Bon Jon, and Ellismus. It merely tickles El and Vanessa, but it hurts Bon Jon and especially Rani, who is sickend by it.

Initiative, round 1
~~~~~~~~~~
Lady Vanessa -2, haste
Ellismus -5, invisible, haste
Ashwell haste
Grunjar haste
Bon Jon -14 haste
-----
Red
-----
Rani -11, haste, sickened
-----
Cyan -59
Purple

(Bold are up!)

Rani doesn't like that and she decides to let her feelings be known by moving up and stabbing the caster (Red).

rapier: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 - 2 = 24 piercing: 1d4 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 - 2 = 4

Rani's rapier leave a small wound on the Aspis leader.

The two Aspis do something to the device, and suddenly two red hot rays of fire shoot out from their lens toward the caster in the center. One of the narrowly miss Lady Vanessa, while the other one hits the mark. Seeing the ray of fire miss his target, the purple Aspis move up to his target.

Initiative, round 2
~~~~~~~~~~
Lady Vanessa -19, haste BlesOfFerv
Ellismus -5, invisible, haste BlesOfFerv
Ashwell haste BlesOfFerv
Grunjar haste BlesOfFerv
Bon Jon -14 haste BlesOfFerv
-----
Red -4
-----
Rani -11, haste BlesOfFerv, sickened
-----
Cyan -59
Purple

(Bold are up!)

Grunjar hustles up the stairs and commands the Aspis in purple: "YOU! Go and kill your leader! NOW!"

Taking the +2 AC/Reflex from Blessing of Fervor. Cast Murderous Command Will DC 19 on Purple with prayer debuff to his will save not included.

Will: 1d20 + 12 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 12 - 1 = 24

"Hands off!" the Lady screams at the nearest minion as she slaps him across the face and then gingerly steps aside.

Touch attack spell, BoF, prayer, haste: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 25

Tap the roll to cast defensively with +23 vs DC 21. Cast bestow curse. Let's give him a -4 to everything that stacks with prayer. DC 20 Will save. Forced reroll on a die of 10+ given how well they're doing.

Will: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 10 - 1 = 15 His luck run out this time :)

Sorry for the posting delay - busy holiday weekend for me - and thanks for botting.

Earlier: if finding the path through the rooms took longer than an hour then Bon Jon uses another charge of his wand of Mage Armor; if it took longer than 80 minutes he uses a point of ki to renew his Barkskin.

Buffs activated from other party members (thanks!): Haste, Shield of Faith, Aid, Protection from evil, Blessing of Fervor (using for +2 on attacks, AC, and Reflex), Prayer.

Noted from (botted) round 1: spent 1 ki (6 out of 9) for extra attack

Bon Jon decides to take care of Cyan to prevent him from firing any more rays of fire.

Swift action to spend 1 ki (7 out of 9) to activate Draconic Fury (round 1 of 4); 5' step; Flurry of Blows

Unarmed Strike, aid, prayer, BoF: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32
Magical B dmg (Cold Iron/Silver), dragon ferocity, prayer: 1d10 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 1 = 13 + Acid dmg (deliquescent and draconic fury): 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 + Cold dmg (frost): 1d6 ⇒ 4

HASTE Unarmed Strike, aid, prayer, BoF: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32
Magical B dmg (Cold Iron/Silver), dragon style, prayer: 1d10 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 = 11 + Acid dmg (deliquescent and draconic fury): 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4 + Cold dmg (frost): 1d6 ⇒ 4

FLURRY Unarmed Strike, aid, prayer, BoF: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19
Magical B dmg (Cold Iron/Silver), dragon style, prayer: 1d10 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 17 + Acid dmg (deliquescent and draconic fury): 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8 + Cold dmg (frost): 1d6 ⇒ 4

ITERATIVE Unarmed Strike, aid, prayer, BoF: 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 17 - 5 = 32
Magical B dmg (Cold Iron/Silver), dragon style, prayer: 1d10 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 = 15 + Acid dmg (deliquescent and draconic fury): 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8 + Cold dmg (frost): 1d6 ⇒ 1

CRIT CONFIRM? ITERATIVE Unarmed Strike, aid, prayer, BoF: 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (11) + 17 - 5 = 23
EXTRA CRIT DMG IF CONFIRMED Magical B dmg (Cold Iron/Silver), dragon style, prayer: 1d10 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 = 11

If crit is confirmed, (Dragon Ferocity) foe is shaken for:
Shaken rounds: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Vanessa places a terrible curse on the purple Aspis, while Bon Jon's draconic punches obliterate the cyan Aspis into indescribable lump of meat and blood.

Initiative, round 2
~~~~~~~~~~
Lady Vanessa -19, haste BlesOfFerv
Ellismus -5, invisible, haste BlesOfFerv
Ashwell haste BlesOfFerv
Grunjar haste BlesOfFerv
Bon Jon -14 haste BlesOfFerv
-----
Red -4
-----
Rani -11, haste BlesOfFerv, sickened
-----
Cyan -163
Purple cursed

(Bold are up!)

Ash moves to the top of the stairwell (if someone would be nice enough to move me), and blasts the purple clad Apsis member with his psychic power!

Cast Mind Thrust IV. Damage 9d8 ⇒ (5, 8, 8, 5, 4, 5, 7, 3, 1) = 46. Will DC 22 for half damage and to avoid being fatigued for one round.

Ellismus tries to cool off the red orc, seeing that fire won't work.

Precise (avoiding Rani) Frost Bomb vs. Red; ranged touch *DEX mutagen, Heroism, BoF, Invisible, Reduce Person, Prayer*: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 37 vs. Touch AC
cold dmg, no save; Prayer: 4d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 5, 3, 3) + 9 = 26 + FORT DC 21 save to avoid being staggered on their next turn.

He then flies a few feet to the south.

Ashwell absolutely crushes the purple Aspis's mind, leaving it fatigued, while the invisible alchemist bombard the red Aspis from above. The Aspis leader is staggered from the temperature shock.

The red Aspis swings his greataxe with destructive force at the rogue that dares to melee him, leaving a deep wound on Rani's shoulder.

Initiative, round 2
~~~~~~~~~~
Lady Vanessa -19, haste BlesOfFerv
Ellismus -5, invisible, haste BlesOfFerv
Ashwell haste BlesOfFerv
Grunjar haste BlesOfFerv
Bon Jon -14 haste BlesOfFerv
-----
Red -30
-----
Rani -38, haste BlesOfFerv, sickened
-----
Cyan -163
Purple -46 cursed fatigued

(Bold are up!)

You know what? I think I'm gonna throw up over your boots

rapier: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 - 2 = 24 piercing: 1d4 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 - 2 = 5

@Rani: If you didn't move this turn, you can full attack (haste)! So you can roll one more attack. :-)

rapier: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 - 2 = 20 piercing: 1d4 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 - 2 = 6

Rani managed to poke between the gap of the half-plate, wounding the Aspis twice, which angers him even more. The cursed Aspis disregards Lady Vanessa's warning, and managed to grapples her. "I'm not stuck in here with you, YOU ARE STUCK IN HERE WITH ME!"

Initiative, round 3
~~~~~~~~~~
Lady Vanessa -19, grappled, haste BlesOfFerv
Ellismus -5, invisible, haste BlesOfFerv
Ashwell haste BlesOfFerv
Grunjar haste BlesOfFerv
Bon Jon -14 haste BlesOfFerv
-----
Red -41
-----
Rani -38, haste BlesOfFerv, sickened
-----
Cyan -163
Purple -46 cursed fatigued grappled

(Bold are up!)

Bon Jon charges forward to lend assistance against the Red menace.

Swift action: activate Elemental Assault (Acid), round 3 of 8
Free action: maintain Draconic Fury, round 2 of 4
Full attack action: charge (note that Dragon Style permits charging through allies and difficult terrain)

Using Stunning Fist, 5 out of 8
Unarmed Strike, charge, aid, prayer, BoF: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25
Magical B dmg (Cold Iron/Silver), dragon ferocity, prayer: 1d10 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 1 = 19 + Acid dmg (deliquescent, draconic fury, elemental assault): 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1, 4) + 4 = 13 + Cold dmg (frost): 1d6 ⇒ 5
If hit, DC 18 Fort vs Stunning Fist
If Stunning Fist success, shaken (dragon ferocity) for rounds: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Current AC, with charging, is - I think - 32

The Aspis leader falls unconcious with Bon Jon's ferocious strike!

Initiative, round 3
~~~~~~~~~~
Lady Vanessa -19, grappled, haste BlesOfFerv
Ellismus -5, invisible, haste BlesOfFerv
Ashwell haste BlesOfFerv
Grunjar haste BlesOfFerv
Bon Jon -14 haste BlesOfFerv
Rani -38, haste BlesOfFerv, sickened
-----
Purple -46 cursed fatigued grappled

(Bold are up!)

Rani looks relieved as Bon Jon finishes off Red.

Thanks - thought I had met my match then she says as she gives him a fist bump. Help Vanessa please

She then takes out a Cure Mod Potion and drinks it.
healing: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (8, 2) + 3 = 13

Be with you shortly Lady Vanessa

Ash again blasts the purple clad Apsis member with his psychic power!

Cast Mind Thrust IV. Damage 9d8 ⇒ (3, 5, 5, 5, 7, 7, 4, 1, 4) = 41Will DC 22 for half damage and to avoid being fatigued for one round.

Will: 1d20 + 10 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 4 - 1 = 9
The Aspis has his brain fried by Ashwell's mental thrust. He too drops to the ground, blood leaking out from his ears.

As you defeated the last Aspis agents, the circle containing the protean begins crackling with energy, and the a strange silver-colored metal object, which many of you recognize it as the Sky Key, comes out of the Aspis leader's belonging, and begins to pulse as it begins gravitating toward the circle.

One Success! You have 1 round (plus the current round of action, if you haven't act yet) to get prepare yourself for whatever that's coming next or do something with the Sky Key.

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

The floating tower grows quiet as Pathfinders incapacitate the last of the Aspis Consortium operatives. Down hundreds of feet below, for the first time in living memory, the Grand Lodge’s gates are closed beneath the arch that bears the Glyph of the Open Road. Just outside the gates stands a crowd of hundreds pressed up together to look up and watch the spectacle. Behind them, a force of district guards pushes toward the front, calling for someone to open the gates. From the wall, Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin stares down and barks a firm “No.”

“Not your problem,” notes a deep voice. Marcos Farabellus and a half dozen other Pathfinders approach the party while sheathing their weapons. The Master of Swords gives a reassuring smile and remarks, “Just be thankful for once you’re not in charge down there.” His smile fades as he surveys the damaged tower and picks up the Sky Key in both hands. “It’s clear that the tower isn’t stable, and I don’t think tinkering with the Sky Key up here is going to make it conveniently set back down where it was. It’s past time we get out of here—before whatever magic is keeping us afloat decides to stop working.”

One-by-one, Pathfinders emerge from Arliss Hall, with Marcos Farabellus emerging last. A trio of Pathfinders is waiting for him with a thick chest, and he lightly places the Sky Key within, closes the lid, and motions for the agents to carry the strange Numerian device back to Skyreach, where several dozen armed operatives quickly surround them to ensure no more ill befalls the Society’s prize. The Master of Swords strides toward the pedestal where the towering statue of Durvin Gest once stood but now lies shattered. Within minutes, hundreds of Pathfinders and their venture-captains solemnly gather in a wide circle around the monument, and the blood-spattered Master of Swords addresses alumni of this year’s Grand Convocation.

“We were tested today, my friends,” he confidently states as he hefts a sheathed sword in one hand, “But we were not found wanting!” Following a ragged cheer, his expression sobers. “We also lost people today: good agents and one of their greatest teachers—the Master of Spells, Aram Zey. But I tell you we saved something far greater. Not some ancient relics from a bygone era! No! We kept our wits! We kept our courage! We kept our faith in one another, and we stood, shoulder-to-shoulder, UNITED!”

Another cheer rises up and after it subsides, the Master of Swords quietly observes, “And the damned snakes in the Aspis Consortium still don’t have an answer for that.” He clambers down the fallen stones and waves, “Tend to your wounds. Get yourself a good meal and some rest. We have a lot of work to do this year. Dismissed!” With that, he walks side-by-side with other venture-captains towards Skyreach.

Although it incurred losses, the Society has protected its greatest treasures and assets. The Aspis Consortium has revealed a weakness in the Grand Lodge’s security and lost the chance to exploit it—all thanks to the Pathfinders’ impressive defense.

That brings the special to a close. Thank you to the players and Table GMs!

When the Aspis' head literally explodes from Ashwell's mental stab, Lady Vanessa steps back just in time to keep from getting any blood or other fluids on her outfit. When he grabbed her, she had made a plan to cast burning hands with the stilling boost from Blessing of Fervor - right into his crotch, the grabby bastard. Instead she smiles her thanks at Ashwell and casts a quick (negative) healing spell on herself in case there's more to be done.

But at Marcos Farabellus' arrival, she nods to the Master and lets him take the Key and deal with the situation. As he said, it's no longer their problem as line agents. This stuff is for the big guns, though the details will certainly go into her report to the Umbral Court in Nidal.

At the closing ceremony/celebration, she flits about chatting with everyone she knows, maintaining appearances and strengthening contacts. Afterward, she asks Rani if the halfling would like to join her for the night. If so, they both certainly learn some new tricks involving ropes, knots, and the pleasure that can come from the pain.

Thanks all. Perfect timing on finishing that fight right as the Special ended. Thanks GM_Colin for running and keeping us moving. Lady Vanessa and I look forward to playing with you all again.

"Tata, dahlings!"

Ellismus races everyone to the front of the line, extending a wooden bowl to the Grand Hall Lady of the Meals. With a smile he nods for more stew as she heavily drops dollops after dollops of the thick stuff. Choosing a seat near the kitchen and so near the front of the forming line, he eats his soup messily, heedless of the Pathfinders beginning to gather behind him.

Rani will indeed accept Lady Vanessa's invitation. The halfling is indeed curious about what Lady Vanessa will come up with. She also tracks down her sister and suggests to her that she, Prilla, go find Meesha Tenpenny and make her a friend.

Unless you want to date her ... but if you don't, I will. But I always share with my sister.

All Prilla does is blush and nod.