[Outpost 7] A Most Wondrous Exchange! (Inactive)

Game Master Michael Hallet

Rhaegal hisses at the metal creature and steps away, stretching his small winglets out. However, they suddenly unfold into massive wings and the small dragon shoots up into the sky. He roars and then dives back down, spraying rock and fire at the metal creature.

Blazing Dive (Reflex DC 22): 3d4 + 3d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 3) + (3, 5, 4) = 19
The 3d4 part is bludgeoning, and the 3d6 portion is fire.

◆ Step SE
◆◆ Blazing Dive to hit Red

Unusk grins, baring her tusks, and hurries back into the fray. She lashes out at Black, then casts shield.

+1 striking scimitar, dual-handed assault: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 = 14

I had to swap Olov and Unusk's positions. It looks like Rhaegal moved on the map before posting their turn which led to Olov's post (and actions) coming in first and him ending up in a square that Rhaegal would have still occupied.

As Olov closes, Red attacks.

↺ Reactive Strike
Halberd: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23

The orc ducks the strike and slashes into the smaller construct before healing Samna.

Rhaegal takes the the air and tries to blast the tall construct.

Reflex: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

Resist Physical 5

Unusk joins the fight but misses.

Map: Slide 4

⚠️Red (51 damage) - Reaction used
✅Scratch
Olov
Rhaegal (64/66 hp)
✅Jinlong (56/56 hp)
✅Samna (48/74 hp) - Black attached, off-guard, +2 AC
Unusk (49/77 hp) - Wounded 1
⚠️Black (55 damage) - Attached to Samna, off-guard

Jinlong moves away to give himself some room. "Feel the Dragon's wrath!" he roars as he unleashes a ray of light at Black.

Holy Light, OG: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31 for Fire Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 4, 6, 3) = 19 Doubled to 38

◆ Stride
◆◆ Holy Light vs Black
◇ Celebrate at the crit :)

I'm assuming that will take care of black.

Samna concentrates her senses and uncanny powers on the red construct, then strikes out at it.

Hunt Prey, Glimpse Vulnerability, Strike

starknife: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27 for slashing: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7
Weakness 2 to my attacks.

AC 27 (+2 status from LoH, +1 circumstance from Monster Hunter)

Scratch watches in awe as the group continues the rally. Dodges, blocks, glancing blows, cork screws, diving dragons, blasts of light! "Best show I've seen in ages!" He ◆ scurries across the market for a clean shot on red, lining it up and pulling the trigger. Then he ◆ ducks for cover to reload.

BOOM!

◆ +1 Striking Arquebus: Concussive, Fatal d12, Kickback: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26
Damage (P/B): 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5) + 2 = 12
Replace Damage with Fatal Damage if a Crit, then x2 (P/B): 2d12 + 2 ⇒ (4, 9) + 2 = 15
Extra Fatal Dice Damage (P/B): 1d12 ⇒ 10

So 12 or 40 + DC22 vs Stun 1 for red. AC26 for the round and currently loaded.

The small construct is burned to a pile of slag.

The large construct is pummeled a few times but continues to act. Resist Physical 5 x2, Weakness 2 It slashes at Rhaegal before bolstering its defenses.

◆ Strike
Halberd: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33
Slashing: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

◆ Strike
Halberd: 1d20 + 18 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 18 - 5 = 16

◆ Activate Defenses

Map: Slide 4

⚠️Red (62 damage) - Shield raised.
✅Scratch
✅Olov
✅Rhaegal (50/66 hp)
✅Jinlong (56/56 hp)
✅Samna (48/74 hp)
✅Unusk (49/77 hp) - Wounded 1

Samna continues to plink away at the sturdy creature.

Glimpse Vulnerability, Strike, Strike

starknife: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26 for slashing: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

starknife: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 15 - 4 = 23 for slashing: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5
Weakness 2 to my attacks

"I got some fire bombs if it ever gets away from the group." Scratch calls out before unleashing another barrage of gunshots.

BOOM!

◆ +1 Striking Arquebus: Concussive, Fatal d12, Kickback: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32
Damage (P/B): 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (5, 8) + 2 = 15
Replace Damage with Fatal Damage if a Crit, then x2 (P/B): 2d12 + 2 ⇒ (7, 9) + 2 = 18
Extra Fatal Dice Damage (P/B): 1d12 ⇒ 1

Covered Reload

BOOM!

◆ +1 Striking Arquebus: Concussive, Fatal d12, Kickback: 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 17 - 5 = 13
Damage (P/B): 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (5, 3) + 2 = 10
Replace Damage with Fatal Damage if a Crit, then x2 (P/B): 2d12 + 2 ⇒ (8, 12) + 2 = 22
Extra Fatal Dice Damage (P/B): 1d12 ⇒ 9

So 15 and miss. AC26 for the round and currently unloaded.

Jinlong sighs and pulls his crossbow off his back. He loads a bolt, points it at Red and fires.

+1 Striking Crossbow: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 for Piercing Damage: 2d10 ⇒ (8, 9) = 17

Unfortunately Jinlong is a bit too happy from the previous crit that he jerks his weapon upwards, sending the bolt towards the sky and missing Rhaegal by inches...

◆◆ Interact to draw and load
◆ Misses Red by a mile and Rhaegal by inches...

Rhaegal huffs in laughter as the metal man is all alone. A crossbow bolt zip by his face and he growls at Jinlong. "Watch where you are putting those things!" He steps back out of its reach and roars lightning at it.

Electric Arc (Reflex DC22): 3d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 4) = 11

◆ Step
◆◆ Electric Arc

Olov mutters another prayer to Sarenrae, laying a hand on his friend Unusk's shoulder to heal some of her wounds before trudging around the construct to its far side and slashing at it with his falchion.

Cast lay on hands, Stride, Strike.

Healing for Unusk: 18 = 18
Unusk +2 AC for 1 round

Falchion vs. flanked red: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Slashing: 2d10 + 6 ⇒ (9, 9) + 6 = 24

Unusk nods her thanks to her friend, then slices three times with her scimitar.

+1 striking scimitar, dual-handed assault: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 4) + 4 = 15

+1 striking scimitar, snagging strike: 1d20 + 16 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 16 - 5 = 17
ouch!: 2d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5, 3) + 4 + 2 = 14

+1 striking scimitar: 1d20 + 16 - 10 ⇒ (19) + 16 - 10 = 25
ouch!: 2d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 1) + 4 + 4 = 11

The rampage of the clockworks ends with the orcs chopping the final one into three pieces.

The merchant whose stall was attacked comes out of hiding.

"Thank you. My name is Sihn Siphandon, clockwork magician. Do you have any idea what this is all about? I think it would be helpful if I could study one of those..."

In this state you think the clockwork key you were given might be able to keep the black in just good enough condition for study. but it will take some careful work to integrate it into the creature's clockwork. (DC 20 Crafting check)

Remember you came to the market looking for a clockwork familiar.

Soc: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

"Hmmm..." Jinlong muses, looking at Sihn.

Jinlong shares his recollection with the rest of the party. Go ahead and open the spoiler.

"Could we perhaps trade? We are looking for a clockwork familiar that may have made its way into your collection."

Unusk does not have Crafting to attempt the check.

Rhaegal huffs. "Yes, if you give us the familiar that came into your possession, we will repair one of these wrecks and give it to you."

Likewise, no crafting.

Samna sheathes her weapon and wipes some of the blood off herself with the back of her hand.

"Yes, a trade seems to be in order. I'm sure our friend Scratch could help with your study in exchange."

"You need a lil demo work? Or is it more of a 'un' demolition type of situation? I've got some experience in both.." He grins, showing off some seriously yellowing teeth, still holding his loaded rifle. He uses the barrel to sift through the wreckage of the destroyed constructs.

It's attaching a device that will essentially "stabilize" the construct.

"Who's got that stuff they gave us?" Scratch gathers up the key and the cool goggles and puts them on. He flips the goggles on and off to get an idea how they work.

"Well, I'm pretty sure I could repair one of those constructs that we saved you from, but we're here for an escaped familiar construct... maybe a deal can be had?" He looks around, hoping that key alerts him to a hiding familiar maybe?

The circuits are quickly degrading. If you want to use that second roll, it would have to be a hero point reroll. Otherwise someone else can try to stabilize the construct before it is too late.

Hero Point it is then!

"Eh, I think its stabilizing.." He looks it over, wishing he'd used these items in the fight earlier.

"About that," Sinn says sheepishly as he pulls a badly damaged clockwork frog. "Those constructs that did a number on my stall have rendered it inoperable."

Repairing the clockwork familiar requires a DC 20 Crafting check or DC 22 Thievery check. A PC can Aid this check with a DC 20 Arcana or Occultism check. The PCs can attempt this check again if they fail, but if they critically fail, they break the familiar.

Alternatively you could convince Sinn to repair the construct with a DC 20 Diplomacy or Deception check (one try only).

"Oh, they didn't say it was a frog. Tasty little buggers.." Scratch mumbles as he takes the frog and opens it up, goggles zooming in and out, displaying the schematics.

Expert Craft to repair, Goggles vs DC20: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 2 = 33

Apparently his culinary experience on frogs translates pretty well to construct versions.

"Its alive!" He hoots as sparks shoot out and the eyes light up. "My arse of a brother Stitch lives for this shyte, he's an inventor."

Hero point to Scratch for his expert repair work and one to Unusk for bravely holding off the attacks of the constructs with her face.

The frog’s memory contains routes of secret “shadow roads” between Absalom and its shadowy counterpart. For learning of these, Zarta rewards the PCs with a dusty rose prism aeon stone!

You return to the Grand Lodge for one more assignment.

"Mr. Glovely, bring out the poison sword," Biglock commands, upon which Mr. Glovely emerges bearing a sickly green abysium greatsword encased in a translucent sheath.

“Quite the blade, eh?” Biglock says cheerfully, as Mr. Glovely gingerly holds out a glowing green sword. The blade is chipped and cracked, leaking an unpleasant liquid into the bottom of its translucent sheath.

“Or it would be, if it were intact. Don’t take it out of the sheath! It’s made from abysium, a poisonous skymetal, but it’s been damaged. The thing’s leaking all over the place, contaminating everything else in its storage area. We’ve got to get it fixed soon, but skymetals are hard to come by. The only supplier in Absalom is a fetchling by the name of Tesyovensku, who runs a warehouse in the bazaar. Zarta wants you to negotiate purchase of an abysium ingot from them to fix the sword. Easy peasy—or so you’d think, but Tesyovensku has had some run-ins with the Onyx Alliance leader’s agents, so they might be hesitant to touch a job relating to them, even tangentially. The Society’s already arranged a meeting, so your mission is to win them over. Oh! And bring some tea if you can. Tesyovensku always offers customers Shadow Plane teas during business negotiations, so if you bring a gift of your own, it might help your first impression!”

Biglock lends the PCs a messenger’s ring, embossed with the Pathfinders’ insignia above a small beagle, to verify their identities to Tesyovensku. Before meeting with the witch, the PCs can locate a suitable tea for negotiations elsewhere in the Grand Bazaar with a DC 20 Diplomacy or Society check.

Arriving eventually at the appointed meeting place, two loading doors open onto the floor of this large warehouse, with stacks of lumber and sealed barrels lined up against the walls inside. A colorful fresco is painted on the western wall of the otherwise utilitarian building, depicting various fey creatures and centaurs frolicking amid a lush green forest On the warehouse’s eastern side, a smaller interior office juts from the wall, its windows overlooking the fresco. The door bears an engraved plaque reading “By Appointment Only.'

A dusky-skinned figure greets you.

"Please come into my office and tell me what business the Society has with me."

Society: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

"I have a favorite tea shop, we can stop by on the way to the fetchling's shop," Samna suggests.

At the meeting...

"Thank you for agreeing to see us," she greets the witch. "Before we get to business: A gift, from us to you!"

She hands over the tea. "One of my favorites."

"That is a good idea, as they are clearly a fan of tea."

~~~~~~~~

Once the niceties are observed, Unusk gets straight to the point. "The Society needs to purchase an abysium ingot."

"Blessings of the Dawnflower be upon you" Olov adds, with a respectful nod in greeting.

"Tea?" Scratch looks up from studying a pistol with the crafter's goggles, stuffing it back into a holster under his leather armor. "I make a mean black birch tea, couple drops of honey or whiskey. Good stuff." Doesn't sound very fancy, but whiskey can be effective in some negotiations..

---

During the meeting with the shadowy fella Stitch lets the others do most of the negotiating, but does introduce himself. "Scratch of Clan Steeltoe. Fine establishment ya got here, good and spacious." He comments as he heads inside the office.

He nods in agreement with Unusk, appreciating her direct approach.

Rhaegal tries to stand up straighter, though he only succeeds in gaining an inch or so. "I am Rhaegal, called the Dragon, defender of mighty Jadirahx. We would be grateful for your help providing the metal."

Scratch resists the urge to give Rhaegal 'a boost'.

Jinlong steps up beside Rhaegal. "I am Jinlong, warpriest of Abadar. I, too, am a Dragon. I am named after the famous Pathfinder adventurer Rhaegal Dragonkin, who stands before you."

"Than you for the tea. You seek a very rare metal indeed, and highly sought after. My supplies of abysium are low. If they want to study the metal, the can send some of their researchers here. If they have other intentions, then forgive me for prying, but I need to know. The Onyx Alliance has made a habit of intercepting my wares. I need to know that it will not fall into their hands..."

Before starting the negotiations, each PC can attempt a DC 20 Diplomacy check or a DC 18 Mercantile Lore check to Make an Impression on Tesyovensku. Tesyovensku’s attitude begins as indifferent, and they’ll hear out the PCs regardless of their results, but PCs who succeed gain a +1 circumstance bonus on their skill checks in this encounter (+2 on a critical success). PCs who critically fail instead take a –1 penalty.

The negotiations take place over 2 rounds. In each round, every PC can attempt a skill check to earn Negotiation Points; the skill used depends on the round and the variation, as noted below.

In the first round, Tesyovensku mentions their reservations about the Onyx Alliance and tries to assess the Pathfinder Society’s intentions in obtaining the skymetal. Each PC must attempt one of the following skill checks: DC 18 Pathfinder Society Lore or DC 22 Diplomacy to assuage Tesyovensku’s concerns, or a DC 20 Crafting check to emphasize the danger posed by the sword.

Current Negotiation Points: 1 (for bringing suitable tea)

"It's a pleasure to meet you, and your reputation proceeds you with the Pathfinder Society."

Diplomacy (Make an Impression): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

"We need the ore to repair an item. Don't worry, the Onyx Alliance isn't involved in the repair attempt. In fact, we seized this item from them and they've given up their claims on it." Samna assures the witch.

PFS Lore: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

Diplomacy (DC20): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Rhaegal nods as Tesyovensku seems suitably impressed by his draconic presence. He continues. "We can carry the ingot back to the Society ourselves and the Onyx Alliance wouldn't dare to cross a dragon!"

Diplomacy (DC22): 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 1 = 30

"We appreciate your openness to discussion, despite your understandable reservations."

Diplomacy to Make an Impression: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 Looks like a Crit Success for +2

------

Round 1:

"The Society has our eyes squarely fixed on the Onyx Alliance. If they attempt to take this from us, they will not find us unawares."

Diplomacy, +2 circ bonus: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 + 2 = 32

Diplomacy to make an impression: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Unusk is too quick to get down to business to observe all the social niceties, but she doesn't say anything too offensive either.

"The Pathfinder Society is well-positioned to handle any problems that arise as a result of you doing business with us."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Heck yeah!

You already have enough Negotiation Points...

Tesyovensku is quickly convinced on the urgency and allows the sale of the abysium to the Pathfinders.

You make your way back to the Grand Lodge keeping the witch's warning in your mind as you return.

As you make your way through the streets, Scratch shouts a warning, as two faceless gargoyles spring from some debris. A moment later another creature, gaunt, with hair that appears to float on its own appears in the air above them.

Why concern yourself with the Onyx Alliance when your doom is upon you? Aslynn will collect her prize and with it we shall reap a harvest of desolation upon Absalom!

Map: Slide 1

✅Scratch
✅Olov
⚠️Red
Rhaegal
⚠️Yellow
Jinlong
Samna
Unusk
⚠️Purple

"The Dawnflower's radiance will burn you away! Allies, burn them if able!"

◆Stride, ◆◆Cast incendiary aura. Any creature within 15 feet of me that takes fire damage catches on fire and takes 3d4 persistent fire damage.

Curse: Minor -- all creatures > 30 feet from me are concealed to me.

Just checking, but there was no rest between the last fight and this, right?

You had time to tend to wounds so you are at full hp.

I neglected to mention earlier, monster identification is occultism or dream lore for both types.

Scratch spends too much time thinking about what to say and the group has the ingot in the bag with some smooooth talkin'. "Bunch of silver tongued salesman you all are!"

---

"Flyin' beasties dead ahead!" Scratch calls out, ready to grab his rifle, at least until Olov gives him another direction "Burn 'em? Well, I can do that... FIRE IN THEIR HOLE!" He steps forward, draws out a home made fire bomb and chucks it around the corner at yellow, splashing purple.

Moderate Alchemist's Fire: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29
Damage (Fire/Splash/Persistent 2): 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (8, 8) + 2 = 18

I'm not 100% on cover rules, but if they get cover from me here then I'll instead be 5' NW of my position to avoid possible cover. I want to maximize my hit chance.

Step/Stride, Draw moderate alchemist fire, ranged strike yellow. Also, I have 9 more of these and they don't cost me anything if you want to spend actions taking some from me to toss.

Purple is 10 feet higher than red or yellow, so not in the splash.

Yellow is hit and ignites.

The other winged creature moves in to claw Rhaegal.

◆ Fly
◆ Strike
Claw: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Failing to gain a hole with its talons, the creature flies away to perch on a rooftop.

Map: Slide 1

Identification: All - Occultism or Dream Lore

Scratch
Olov - Doomed 1
⚠️Red
✅Rhaegal
⚠️Yellow (18 damage, 3d4 persistent fire)
Jinlong
Samna
Unusk
⚠️Purple

Rhaegal hisses as he blocks the dive attack with his arm and tough dragon scales. The Dragon snorts, preparing to retaliate. However, he spots Samna with her starknife out of the corner of his eye, and turns to her. "My wings aren't yet strong enough for aerial combat, but that knife will carve them out of the sky." Rhageal imparts some of his draconic power to the Ranger.

Going full on power-up for Samna:
◆◆ Haste on Samna
◆ Guidance on Samna

The burning "gargoyle" also dives at Rhaegal.

◆ Fly
◆ Strike
Claw: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
Slashing: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 3) + 7 = 12

The claws dig in and the creature tries to hold on.

◆ Grab
Athletics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Fire: 3d4 ⇒ (2, 3, 1) = 6
Flat: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Map: Slide 1

Identification: All - Occultism or Dream Lore

Scratch
Olov - Doomed 1
⚠️Red
Rhaegal (54/66 hp)
⚠️Yellow (24 damage, 3d4 persistent fire)
✅Jinlong
✅Samna (Haste, Guidance)
✅Unusk
⚠️Purple

"Thanks, my dragon friend!"

Samna concentrates her attention on the yellow creature menacing her scaly companion. A touch of magic makes her weapon strike harder than normal.

Glimpse Vulnerability, Gravity Weapon, Strike, Strike

starknife: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 15 + 1 = 29 for slashing: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 = 8 deadly?: 1d8 ⇒ 5
starknife: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 15 - 4 = 31 for slashing: 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5 deadly?: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Plus 2 weakness to my attacks.

Reaction: Ring bell (DC 22) if yellow attacks or casts a spell, to make it clumsy 1.

Jinlong steps forward and sends Yellow some of Abadar's goodness.

Divine Lance vs Yellow: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Spirit Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (4, 1, 3, 1) = 9

◆ Step
◆◆ Divine Lance

Unusk draws her scimitar, steps up to Yellow, and slices.

+1 striking scimitar, dual-handed assault: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 7) + 4 = 16