[PFS1] Redelia's The Devil We Know Arc

Game Master Redelia

Neri stays to protect the gnome engineer.

Slan: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Claw 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26Dmg: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Claw 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23Dmg: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Specter full attacks.

Claw 1 Confirmation: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17Crit Dmg: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Laurentina casts Guidance on the dwarf and moves forward.

Ela, Anya, and Specter all damage the leader, who falls over, dead.

The gnome engineer introduces herself as Queck Majet. She thanks you for rescuing her and the other engineers who remain in the building. She explains that about an hour ago, more cultists left with six captive engineers— the six engineers who are most knowledgeable on the subject of ancient Cassomir construction.

What questions do you have for her?

Did they say where they were headed? Did you see what direction they went? Ela asks, hopefully.

Did you overhear the kidnappers saying anything, even if it does not make sense to you right now?

Bagurm is not happy with the idea of cultist kidnapping engineers. Six of them...

We should rescue your friends then Neri pipes up. Although. Ancient Cassomir construction? Seems like these cultists are looking for something really old and forgotten.

Laurentina and Specter will loot the cultist for useful supplies while others talk to the engineer

“They ransacked our guild and stole ancient city plans—not to mention
kidnapping six of my best engineers! They demanded we hand over any blueprints that detailed the Crypt of Fools. They said something about keeping the location of hidden tunnels a secret."

To keep things moving, I will assume that one of you asks what the Crypt of Fools is, and where it can be found.

"The Crypt of Fools is a secret graveyard, long fallen from use, where traitorous families were buried, or in some cases re-buried, to scrub their stain from Taldan history. The entrance lies under an ancient fountain hidden somewhere below Old Cassomir, though the knowledge of its exact location was lost some time ago and finding it presents a bit of a problem. A legend among engineers tells of a series of hidden clues within three Cassomir monuments. These clues yield three locations which, when triangulated, give the location of the surface entrance to the Crypt of Fools; they also show the combination required to unlock the entrance. Look for old buildings built by the Ismacco family, whom we’ve long suspected used the Crypt of Fools as the base of their heinous operations after it fell from use.”

Neri would have asked that.

So which buildings would that mean and I guess we're going to need a map of Cassomir.

Knowledge (local) and or Gather Info to figure out the monuments? (If so, Ela is trained in neither)

Do we need some engineering knowledge to know where the Crypt of Fools is? Or Queck could help us decipher the location as long as we find the monuments?

Mmm... It is concerning. They took the blueprints, but, why also the engineers? We must hurry and find where this crypt is. Quickly.

Queck answers Neri's question about what buildings the Ismacco family were involved in the construction of.

"“The construction of the entire Swift Prison was headed by Ismacco engineers and I’ve been asking the city to destroy that Groetus-festooned statue in front of the prison for years. They also built the Imperial Hall of Records, the Admiralty Citadel, and the Harbor Watch; laid the stone that makes up the square around Pharasma’s Pulpit; and built retaining walls to shore up some of the ruins at Quickfall Abbey.”

Because it's been over two months, I'd like to call your attention to several previous posts. Please look at and consider this post and this post.

From the paintings we observed before, perhaps the monuments are among: Cassomir’s Imperial Hall of Records, the northeast retaining wall that shores up parts of the ruined Quickfall Abbey, the statue in front of the Swift Prison she muses to the rest of the party.

I think that's right from the linked posts and above... but double-check my work folks.

She turns back to Queck, asking Thought you don't know where it is located, would you happen to have blueprints for the Crypt of Fools among your records of buildings built by the local government?

Makes sense to me

Oooh. Well noticed Ela. Let's go check those out.

It seems a reasonable deduction... I think.

Bagurm is aware that he is not as sharp as some of his mission companions, but it is not his role to think... too much.

"Blueprints sounds like exactly the thing you would expect to find in Cassomir’s Imperial Hall of Records." the duo concur

Anya joins the others in the room after the fighting ends. "The Hall of Records seems like a good place to start, then."

"Sounds like a reasonable guess. Let's go!"

I agree. Let us go.

The blueprints stolen from here are the only possible ones left.

The gnome suggests that the paintings themselves might be the key to finding what you need.

(how you would ever guess that without hints I have no idea...)

But I presume there's still a monument or more specific clue at the Hall of Records?

But I presume there's still a monument or more specific clue at the Hall of Records?

Yes, but it won't do you any good without the paintings. Yes, there's a logical leap here, and I have not idea how you're supposed to get over it other than GM declaration. I wonder if this bit, together with one or two other things that make no sense over PbP, is why I've never seen these scenarios run in PbP.

I've played this in CORE so I might take a bit of a backseat here - and there is a connection, it's just a bit tenuous. Sometimes it's just a case of jogging the PCs memory

So, if I understand correctly, and looking at the posts that the GM pointed us to, should we go to the Hall of Records and Quickfall Abbey?

That's the best I've got right now, yes.

That's my understanding as well. Let's go then.

The team is unable to find any clues at any of the locations.

I need to emphasize again the importance of the hint found [url=https://paizo.com/campaigns/v5748p75j5qod/gameplay&page=12#573[/url]here. You will not be able to proceed without taking care of that first.

After their trips turn out to be fruitless, Anya starts thinking about other possible solutions to the problem(s).

"I recall that there were musical notes written out above a flutist on one painting. Maybe the notes need to be played at the southwest corner of the Imperial Hall of Records?" she muses. "I recall that section of the painting seemed to be glowing, anyway."

Why should these damned architects make things so hard? Cannot they design a proper secret door, with its traps and all that?, complains Bagurm.

Ok, ok... Let us do that.

Neri consults her notebook.

Yes. I remember those musical notes. That was Cassimer's Hall of Records. And yes, it was.

Then there is that retaining wall that shores up Quickfield Abby

That is much complexer than I thought it would be. Let's go then.

Based on what Anya and Neri have remembered, the team realizes that they will need to bring the actual paintings with them to the locations.

Yes, the scenario does require you to buy the paintings from the mad painter. That's what I meant about there being bits I have no idea how you are supposed to know.

When you go talk to the painter again, he tells you that Garver, the man Hestia sent with you, can aquire the paintings from prison authorities for 1 GP each.

Oh! That's very affordable. Well take three arts please! She points at the paintings for the locations they've been discussing.

Well, this is... new, grumbles Bagurm when he realizes that he is going to be going around with the paintings.

Indeed. I would have never figured out that we need to bring physicially the paintings.

Neri just nods in agreement.

I would have thought taking notes on what we observed would be enough but, I suppose, having the source means that no minor detail gets overlooked. I wonder what Janira would say about that?

Anya looks to Garver (I presume he's still with us). "Would you do the honors?"

Before we go on, who is spending the 3 GP? Or how are you splitting it among you?

Ela hands over three gold coins.

Laurentina volunteers to hold on to the paintings since she usually stay out of harm's way away from the frontline.

"Let's go then."
Ready

Neri passes over a gold coin to Ela so she's not so much out of pocket.

I am ready too

It takes a bit of time to locate Garvin, but once you find him still at the prison, he quickly takes care of acquiring the paintings for you.

To keep things moving, I will assume that you start with trying to find a clue at the statue just outside the prison.

I need a perception check from everyone to look carefully at the statue. Because this check is significant, I will give you a chance to roll yourselves rather than bot it.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Specter Perc: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27 Specter carefully looks at the statue...

Laurentina Perc: 1d20 ⇒ 1 ...while Laurentina can't see anything because of the painting she is holding in front of her

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Anya casts detect magic, curious whether there is anything special about the statue.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

She also runs her hands over the statue to see if anything feels odd

Hi, everyone.

After looking at what everyone had available, we'll be running this low tier. I am aiming for an APL of right about 2, so I would like each of you to pick a character of about level 2 (so 1 or 3 is also possible). I know several of you indicated you could be building a GM credit blob for this table, so I expect there to be some discussion needed here. Please try for some party balance, but make sure you're playing something you will enjoy.

I tend to run very story focused games, so do not feel like you need a really optimized character.

Once we've made our decisions as a group, I'll open gameplay for everyone to dot in, and then we can pause for a few days so those who need to build a character can do so.

I'm looking forward to working through this series of modules with all of you; I often enjoy several scenario runs with a group more than single scenarios because the characters actually get to know one another.

My ranger uses dual shields and is a kinda solid melee, favoring undead right now.

Cleric is a typical supportive character devoting himself to Pharasma, with a channel Positive Energy build.

Halcyon Duid is a build that have access to druid, cleric and wizard spells but having no domain nor companion.

Here are your à la carte for Pathfinders from the Rosenthal family:

For 1-2 tier:
Lv2 Human Splintersoul Vigilante(Stalker), Yukari Rosenthal
-Building toward using ranged feint to deal hidden strike damage, which only comes online at lv8. For now, she is merely a talktive archer.
-Character Inspiration: Yukari Takeba from Persona 3 (and particularly the fighting game spin-off P4AU)
-Lize and Laurentina's older sister

Lv2 Human Duettist/Sound Striker Bard, Lize Rosenthal
-Building toward being able to do sound strike damage from both herself and her familiar. Sound Strike mechanics comes online around lv6~7 and Lingering Performance at lv3. For now, she is an amatuer bard/archer that struggles to keep up with her sisters.
-Character Inspiration: Virtual Youtuber Lize Helesta from Nijisanji/Anycolor
-Yukari's younger sister, Laurentina's older sister.

Lv2 Half-Elf Unchained Summoner, Laurentina Rosenthal
-Summoning focused UC Summoner with an Astral eidolon that is made to be a skill monkey instead of a multi-limbs pouncing monster. The summoner is the introvert quiet kid in her fantasy that's being cared by the butler/maid eidolon. The eidolon is good at Diplomacy and Disable Device at this level.
-Character Inspiration: Spector the Unchained and her Substitue/alter ego from Arknights
-Yukari and Lize's younger sister

Lv2 Human Warpriest of Feronia, Mushou Rosenthal
-Two weapon fighting warpriest, with a double weapon no less! And a familiar as well!
-No, I came up with this character on my own because I want to try something exotic and not another tried-and-true Molthuni Arsenal Chaplain+Bow or Pharasma+dagger build.
-Half-brother of the Charisma-trio above.

Lv2 Human Benefactor/Name-Keeper Shaman(Battle), Mafty Navue Erin
-Archer with Full casting, and can give out hex that buff teammate's attack rolls or saving throws. Eventually can Bane his weapon like a Inquisitor.
Nevermind, his martial weapon proficiency have to wait till lv4, so he can't even shoot a bow properly right now, which is missing out onhis core theme of "full caster contribute in a non-spell way". For now, he's a simple shaman with a buffing hex.
-Character Inspiration: Hathaway Noa from Gundam series/Hathaway's Flash.
-Mushou's nephew

Lv2 Changeling(Dreamthief-Born) Oath of the People's Conucil Paladin of Iomedae, Jehanne Rosenthal
-A paladin from the people, for the people, buff the people (with Inspire Courage). No Lingering Performance yet, that also has to wait till lv3. A sword and board melee frontline. Had to find an alternative non-cliche spelling for her name otherwise it would be way too blatantly obvious.
-Character Inspiration: Jeanne d'Arc from Fate series, and also partially from the irl saint.
-Mafty's aunt.

Lv2 Skinwalker(Witchwolf) Sohei Monk, Saga Rosenthal
-Humble wandering monk with a reach weapon, simple. Such is the monk's way of life.
-Character Inspiration: Saga from Arknights.
-Best doggo

For 3-4 tier:
Lv3 Merfolk Oracle(Ocean's Echo), Skadi Rosenthal
-Still ironing out a few remaining details of this character (mostly feat choice and higher level stuff, will not result in any mechanical difference during the games), but right now she is a oracle with inspire courage/inspire competence and Lingering Performance, who struggles to move on land.
-Character Inspiration: Skadi the Corrupted Heart from Arknights, again. I know, I just love that game.
-In-house minstrel, I guess? Trying to fit a merfolk in a human/elf centric BIG family is hard.

----------
All of them are build for themes and not optmization, if you haven't figure it out with the headcannon dump. That being said, all of them are competent (or will soon be in a level or two when they get their essential feat/stuff).
If you want super-agents, looks elsewhere for Mafty's parents. (Dad solo Red Reaver in 5 rounds, mom carried Bonekeep series and took almost no damage.)

I took the liberty of peaking into our lovely alchemist's stat block and saw that she's not someone who dirty her hands with lock-picking and other rogue shenanigans. So I will go ahead and pick my summoner for now, so that we have Disable Device covered, and whoever that need to pour life into a GM credit blob need not to worry about bringing a rogue (the horror, I know!). Plus, teammates with silver-tongued is always the more the merrier.

There will be cute birds that can help people flank as well, you know, Summon Monster 1.

It will be my first time playing a summoner, so I'm excited about the experience and the role-play opportunity that this rare master/eidolon dynamic can provides.

That being said, if someone else from the abovementioned list fits the team better, I could be persuaded to switch to another character.

I have a level 2 character pending to be built with my GM credit. So, I am very flexible. Although the classes that I am more keen in building now are, in no particular order, barbarian, druid, rogue, and wizard, I can really take anything (maybe not cleric, fighter, paladin, or sorcerer, since I have other characters with those classes already).

And thanks GM Redelia for having selected me! :-)

I am a Level 2 Alchemist (Grenadier) with 4 XP, specializing in throwing bombs. I am trained in all Knowledge skills. Cure Light Wounds is on the Alchemist's formulae list, so I can use a wand for healing if necessary, but generally I focus on offense.

I have a few more questions:
1. Should we keep the same leveling pace? I'm currently at 4 XP and will reach Level 3 after two scenarios. Or should I use the slow advancement track?
2. How long does one scenario usually take to complete?

My summoner and I believe Evan's ranger are both 3xp at the moment, so we will level up after part 3. You can still play in subtier 1-2 with a level 3, you would just get out of tier gold (about 350gp less than what lv3 would get in subtier 3-4). I guess it depends on whether you want to level up your character as fast as possible, what xp is other GM-Credit-Instant-Character™️ are sitting at.

GM Redelia can answer the second question better, but since both Gameday/Outpost are scheduled for 10 weeks, and we're at subtier 1-2, 8~10 weeks per scenario is my guess based on historical data...?

Non-convention games:
8w 2d for Many Fortune of Grandmaster Torch(3-4 CORE)
9w 5d for You Only Die Twice (5-6)
10w 4d for What the Helms Hide (1-2 CORE)
10w 6d for Emerald Spire 2 (2-4)
12w 1d for Emerald Spire 15 (10-12)

I would actually suggest no one use slow mode. Our party's APL will slowly creep up, and I expect that we will end up in subtier 3-4 at some point, but that's fine. I'm just trying to keep everyone in a small band of levels so everyone's character feels like they can contribute.

In terms of how long the scenarios will take, we used to say that a forum game was expected to take 6-8 weeks, but somehow since Covid, games all seem a bit slower. Also, during a long stretch of games like this, we often run into a few times when everyone is really busy or the GM is traveling. I would expect this series of four scenarios will take at least 6 months, less than a year.

I am applying my GM credit on my ranger so he is now 4xp.
I think over and am determined to play as Dass, the ranger. It will be fun to play a character weilding 2 sheilds. Just hope we will have some of Dass's favored enemy.

My plan is to set up a new level 1 PC but believe I can find someone to fit the level eventually chosen.

Thanks Redelia,

Forgot to mention Dass has a GM credit of S8-07 so he will automatically gain extra xp after Lvl 3

I'm currently looking at an Aquatic Elf Star Shaman (shaman with the Spirit of Heaven). Starting off at 0xp with no GM boons to apply (might have to run a few low level online games soon)

I believe Aquatic Elf do qualify you for the elf Favored Class Bonus. Too bad non-human shaman don't get to pick up the cleric spell...

If you're running those low level games on VTT (especially in Silicon Valley lodge), count me as interested :) Got a whole squard of new-ish Pathfinder that need to leveling.

My eidolon got +16 on Disable Device now so should be rogue enough for the team.

I am going to try to summarize what players are going for so that we can converge to a group as soon as possible (apologies for errors, edit as needed):
* phaeton_nz: shaman 1.
* Colin Mercer: summoner 2.
* Evan_Fang: ranger 2.
* sergiogq: level 2 character, possibly from {barbarian, druid, rogue, wizard}.
* Abraham Z: ?
* Auray: alchemist 2.

Did I get this correct?

I am going to try to summarize what players are going for so that we can converge to a group as soon as possible (apologies for errors, edit as needed):

* phaeton_nz: shaman 1.
* Colin Mercer: summoner 2.
* Evan_Fang: ranger 2.
* sergiogq: level 2 character, possibly from {barbarian, druid, rogue, wizard}.
* Abraham Z: ?
* Auray: alchemist 2.

Did I get this correct?

That seems to be the most recent/updated plan, yes.

We have all Knowledge skills(alchemist), Diplomacy, Disable Device(eidolon), and out-of-combat wand healing covered for now.

Hi GM I think I'm going to give up my seat to someone else. Many thanks for selecting me but I'm realizing that my only character in tier isn't that interesting to me and I'm also feeling a little swamped with real life stuff. Thanks and apologies for any inconvenience!

Hi GM I think I'm going to give up my seat to someone else. Many thanks for selecting me but I'm realizing that my only character in tier isn't that interesting to me and I'm also feeling a little swamped with real life stuff. Thanks and apologies for any inconvenience!

Thank you for letting me know, and I'm sorry you won't be joining us.

I've reached out to one of the other applicants, so we can hopefully be ready soon. I've given them 48 hours to respond, after which I'll reach out to someone else.

Ok. I will wait for preferences of the new player before I decide mine.

Well, it looks like I'm coming off the bench! I see all level 1/2 above, so from my original post it looks like these are the best options:

...

The not-quite fresh young fellows of the occult squad:
- Stavarg Titanshade, dwarf aerokineticist 2
- Darzus, elf dream psychic 2 (if there is high need for diplomacy/npc relations this character gets interesting)

At level one I have many more choices. Interesting ones I'd like to try:
- Ekish, undine empyreal sorcerer 1
- Argil Dust, half-orc sha'ir 1

But I remain flexible.

None of my options fill the rogue roll (my low-level PF1 rogue is active in another game), so you could certainly safely select that character from amongst your options.

Alchemist looks like a highly skilled ranged bomber/striker.

I take it the shaman is something of a healer?

A level 3 character would also be fine if that is more appealing to you

My 3rd level character is a spellslinger, so not a full featured wizard but generally good ranged striking (all of my characters are fairly appealing :) ).

To be clear (and not have my flexibility be indecision or slow us from starting :) ), if there are no opinions about party need, I will probably pick one of the two 2nd level characters above but am considering the spellslinger. I intend to finalize today.

Some numbers, to help people gauging character abilities.

The eidolon has +16 on Disable Device now so she's probably out-rogue-ing everyone unless you really pour all your heart and a EotT boon to DEX, a Skill Focus feat, and probably a trait to it, so don't worry about not bringing one. The Astral eidolon don't get the ability to merge with summoned creature till lv4, so chances are the eidolon will be swinging her claws at d4+3 dmg with AC19 for now. (Summon Monster I is also not nearly as useful/interesting now)

I helped Evan build his ranger so I can share a thing or two about it. I would say our ranger Dass at this level is more of a 'tank' than a damage dealer, shieldbashing at d3+3 dmg, but sports a AC of 21 and give enemy -2 to hit him when he shieldbash them with his buckler.

PaleDim's assessment is correct on our alchemist Auray, a highly skilled ranged bomber. I would say she carried the whole team in our previous 1-2 subtier multi-table special.

My personal opinion (not forcing anyone to make a certain choice here, just factual analysis on characters): A dedicated front-line damage dealer would be a valuable addition, as the alchemist's bombs are a limited resource, and it takes both the eidolon and the ranger combined to match the output of a Strength 18 two-handed Power Attacker.
(Eidolon average 2.5+3=5.5 per hit + Ranger average 2+3=5 per hit = 10.5 per hit. Lv1 warrior with 18 STR, Power Attack, 2d6 Greatsword, average 3.5+3.5+6+3=16 per hit. The eidolon has to hit both claw attacks to be even. A barbarian/bloodrager or a two-handed flurry Unchained Monk can easily do higher, not to mention a Bloodrager+Unchained Monk...)
Having more bodies on the front will also protect our backliners more, considering that we have a lv1 shaman.

If sergiogq is bringing his barbarian then I'll bring the spellslinger. A ranger, a barbian and two ranged strikers would be pretty solid. If not then I'll either bring a monk or create a new frontliner.

As I said, I had different options and happy to take whatever helps the group to fill some gap. Certainly, melee damage is one of those things, so, I will go for a barbarian :-)

Here is PaleDim's elf spellslinger 3.

Redelia here is a link to a folder with the relevant boon for her to have the spellslinger archetype: Chronicles and Boons (it's also linked on the profile under References)

Here's the my summoner......I will work on her PbP profile tonight

Besides Summon Monster SLA, she only have enough skill points for UMD and Linguistic for talking to various summon later.

...and here's the eidolon. Will work on the PbP profile tonight as well.

She is equally good at diplomatizing as she does in Disable Device.

While we're here, I'll be away in nature next weekend, Friday (4/25) evening to Sunday (4/26) late afternoon, US/Pacific time). I'll have signal but phone posting will be spotty. I'll catch up and resume regular posting Sunday evening.

It looks like everyone is ready!

I've created the gameplay thread, so everyone please dot and delete there. Then, please post the info for your chronicle sheets, and anything I should know about your character here in discussion.

I expect that this may take a few days, so we will be starting early next week.

Player Name: Colin
Character Name: Laurentina Rosenthal
Character Number: 2411798-33
Faction: Dark Archive
Advancement Track: Full Speed for all 4 parts
Day Job: none

Player Name: PaleDim
Character Name: ElaKukai
Character Number: 272301-6
Faction: The Exchange
Advancement Track: Normal/Full Speed
Day Job: none

Ok. I will do this during the weekend.

Player Name: Evan_Fang
Character Name: Dass
Character Number: 272301-9
Faction: The Exchange
Advancement Track: Normal/Full Speed
Day Job: +9 Profession (Merchant)

Player Name: Wich
Character Name: Auray Misterius
Character Number: 2416493-5
Faction: Dark Archive
Advancement Track: Full Speed
Day Job: +10 Craft (Alchemy) +2 circumstance, +5 Crafter's Fortune

It looks like we need phaeton_nz and sergiogq to check in before we start.

Just to let you guys know, I'm going to be doing some stuff to my computer tonight. If it goes well, there won't be any changes to you, but if I have problems, I might not be able to post anything substantial for a few days, which might delay our start slightly. I'll be able to check in here by mobile to let you know what is happening.

Sorry. The weekend got complicated. I will have everything ready by tomorrow.

Player Name: Sergio.
Character Name: Bagurm.
Character Number: 16645-4.
Faction: Liberty's Edge.
Advancement Track: Normal.
Day Job: none.

Here we go... :)

A young girl, if human no more than twelve or thirteen years.....

She must have very good Disguise/makeup skills and/or magic to look so young because...

She's an elf.

Completely lost track of this. I'll get straight on it.

Player Name: phaeton_nz
Character Name: Neri Silvermist
Character Number: 124312-31
Faction: Grand Lodge
Advancement Track: Full Speed
Replay: Yes - but only Part 1.

OK, looks like we're just waiting for Auray's character introduction to start.

I will fill the information for the slides tomorrow. It is a bit late here in the UK.

Bagurm, could you please fill out your character header?

Also, some of you have headers that are too long, which makes finding the relevant information take too long. A good rule of thumb is that your header needed to fit in just one row on a monitor.

Bagurm, could you please fill out your character header?

Done. Sorry. I had not realized that I had not done it.

Let me know if you wish me to change something. I have played only a few games on these forums and I am not sure if there is "a" format, or if people use different formats to display more or less the most relevant information.

FYI: I will be away in nature (specifically on a river and out of cell range) and unable to post starting Friday evening 5/23 through Monday evening 5/26 (US/Pacific time). Being a weekend, I hope this minimizes the disruption and I will resume posting that Monday evening (5/26).