Silent Tide

Game Master Diaz Ex Machina

I was going to say...I don't think i've ever seen that much gold at once... Therin chuckles.

i can help with the guidance...

Torch nods in a pleased manner and waves you away. The original "receptionist" ushers you back to his room and then into anothe side room where five safes are arranged on a variety of tables.

Safe 1: The devil dial
The lock of this iron cask contains a laughing devil’s head.

Safe 2: The box of golden faces
This red box has been inset with a trio of golden faces: the first appears stern, the second angry, and the third fumes with hatred.

Safe 3: The riddle vault
The lid of this stone chest is covered with a relief of carved ivy.

Safe 4: The smooth stone chest"
This sealed stone chest has no visible lock or hinges. No decoration or writing of any kind can be found.

Safe 5: The Holed Safe
A strange stylized writing wraps around the whole of this rectangular chest. Stranger still are the ten small pores that run along the box’s lid.

A successful search check made against each of the safes might reveal more information.

Yukari takes out her tools and gets to work.

Perception 1: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9
Perception 2: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 = 23
Perception 3: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 1 = 18
Perception 4: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8
Perception 5: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 1 = 17

Rusty looks the chests over, hoping to figure out why they are all so unique.

Perception chest 1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Perception chest 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Perception chest 3: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Perception chest 4: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Perception chest 5: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

”Interesting,” they add while absentmindedly chewing on the edge of a silver coin.

Zhaxia focuses her attention on the chests, looking for magical auras and psychic significance.

Like a bloodhound, Marius examines each of the chests in turn, mostly by sniffing near them.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Therin looks the chests over, and scans for magic auras as well.

perc: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
perc: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
perc: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
perc: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
perc: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
detect magic too...why not?

Safe 1: The devil dial
Marius examines the devil box first. He quickly realises that the devil’s head can be turned in both directions, like a combination lock, but without numbers to act as a guide.

Yukari then puts her ear to the box and starts to rotate the knobs. Eventually she gets the box open to reveal A lost treatise entitled “The Inward Facing Circle” written by Coganaris the Wracker, a famed Chelish devil-binder, along with scrolls of protection from evil and protection from good.

Safe 2: The box of golden faces
Zhaxia detects a lot of negative emotions coming from this box. She thinks it would likely react to something similar itself.
Rage, or you could try to project an emotion with perform(act), intimidate, use magic device or as a last resort, you could try a will save.

Safe 3: The riddle vault
Therin examines the third box, noticing that there are very small letters engraved between the leaves on the chest's lid.

Though different now sounds my name, the spelling

still remains the same.
Once prior leap of might, now becomes bird of white.

Safe 4: The smooth stone chest

Safe 5: The Holed Safe
The last chest is examined by Rusty who discovers a hidden panel on on side... but no means to open it. She does examine the writing a bit more, but can't quite make out what it is.
A bardic knowledge, decipher script or a music related perform check may be helpful here..

Assuming Guidance on all those:

UMD for 2: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 = 30 Yukari tinkers with the fustration that device-disabling skill won't work on this box.

"White bird......dove? swan?" Yukari is riddled. non-native speaker, language puzzle is a bit too much to handle

Spellcraft untrained, not a caster

Perform wind untrained on 5: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 1 = 21 Yukari blows air into the holes as if it's a harmonica

The Android comments, ”The prior owner of this body was quite fluent in the common tongue, which I fortunately inherited when my soul took over. That knowledge indicates there are a lot of words that are spelled the same but pronounced differently. Like read (reed) and read (red). I expect this riddle implies one of those oddities. Oddly enough you have stumbled upon one when listing white birds. Because dove (duv) also can be pronounced dove, with a long ‘o’ sound. And if my guess is correct, that form of dove matches the riddle perfectly.”

They then move over to the magical box and scan it.

Spellcraft t: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Yukari blows a tune, and proves that the holes certainly can work as an instrument, but what tune to play... that is the mystery.
Which would require bardic knowledge, decipher script or a music related perform check

Rusty tries some linguistic experimentation and with a pop the chest opens revealing a collection of several dozen blocks of rare incense and a small book.

Boxes 1 and 3 are solved.

The psychic stands up straighter and glares imperiously down at the golden box. She takes a deep breath and snarls, "OPEN UP, DAMN YOU!"

Intimidate check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Or if Yukari's UMD check already opened the second box, please use that roll for a Spellcraft check (+9) on the fourth safe.

"Can I get some guidance, Therin?"

Brat casts detect magic and focuses on the fourth box.

Spellcraft t, guidance: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 = 27 (on safe #4)

Nice, a nat. 20! :-D

[ooc]Sorry, missed that UMD[/oooc]

Yukari projects the feeling of anger into the second box and it too springs open, revealing a collection of ancient stone miniatures of an ulfen army from the Land of the Linnorm Kings.

Zhaxia and Brat determine that the magic aura in the forth box is from the illusion school...

Boxes 1, 2 and 3 are solved.

"So the true appearance of the chest may be covered by an illusion." Zhaxia draws a dagger and runs the hilt across the surface of the chest, feeling for discontinuities.

assume a guidance on each roll...if thats ok with the GM type person...

Therin tries to sing a song he learned at the abbey.

perform untrained on 5: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

He then focuses on the fourth chest, trying to determine what type of aura is involved.

no spellcraft...

Rusty follows Zaxia’s lead and runs their tactile sensors (hands and fingers) over the plain box.

Will to disbelieve?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20 (+4 if mind effecting)

Zhaxia is sure there is something in that box... then Rusty gives it a Hard Stare(tm). Slowly the illusion peels away (at least for Rusty) and she is able to remove a collection of what appears to be spell components.

Untrained checks won't do for the last safe, as it is understanding the musical notation that you need to do. But four safes is good.

The 'receptionist' returns to the safe room nodding to himself as he does so. "Well done, well done indeed."

You are quickly ushered back into the bath chamber where a different pair of servants are keeping Torch's burns soothed. The receptionist whispers in his ear. Torch sighs. "Well, a deal is a deal, and to be honest, you did better than I expected. Give them the purse." The other man hands over a purse heavy with gold (well, about fifty), before Torch continues.

"You know about the siege towers on the city outskirts? Relics from the past some say. I say that the one known as 'The Pyramid of the God' is where you will find Nessian. Of course it would be _most_ unprofessional for you to let slip where you found his location from. To Anyone. Word would quickly get out about Your unreliability. Not mine, you can be sure of that."

The Pyramid of the Dog
You exit the sewers and make haste to the Grand Lodge, finding a description of where the Pyramid of the Dog can be located. Sadly is not a pyramid at all. Rather it consists of four ancient, battered siege towers, three of which have collapsed inward toward the largest, forming a giant, tepee-like wreck.

I have updated the map.

C is a pole with a large dog (Canine) tied to it.
D are piles of rocks (Debris)

"Ok, let's go!"
The hot-headed gnome starts moving towards the nearest collapsed siege tower, then looks around for anything unusual (that might be a threat).

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

In case anyone wonders, the new map is still to be found here: Act 2: Guardians of the Grain (Tactical Map).

Yeah, sorry, its not my game so I can't add to the header, but I can make new tabs in the map.

A guard dog... Therin says, examining the dog from afar.

looking to see if it's been mistreated/sick/injured

heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Marius had been feeling a bit superfluous after the chests, but Torch's beligerance made him laugh despite himself.

Such an absurd little man

At the tower, keen to demonstrate his worth to his adopted family, he approaches the dog with Therin (walking carefully around the towers and stopping if he sees any sign of life or movement) and tries to talk to it.

Marius is the wolfiest-wolf man there is and has the Beastkin (Wolf) trait which allows his to cast Speak with Animals at will, but only to speak with wolves. Obviously dogs aren't wolves, but maybe there's a bit of crossover?

"Grr, harf harf, grr, woof"

Rusty allows the wolfman to attempt his wolfy communication. The android comments, "If that fails, I have had success in the past befriending dogs. Well technically it was only once and I have never repeated that success. But I guess I could try. If he fails and we aren't fighting, of course."

The guard dog is tied to a stake. It's collar looks too tight and a few of its ribs are showing. It's not that well fed.

"grr, wrargg, woof"

"The dog feels like a bait for distraction and alarm..."

Heh this may have been a mistake

Marius knows his demeanour can be intimidating, even to people who know him. He tries to slowly grab a trail ration to offer the dog whose language he's having trouble understanding.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1
T-shirt re-roll!
Diplomacy GM stars: 1d20 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (10) - 2 + 4 = 12

Marius stays carefully out of reach of the dog who devours the rations quickly and nosily but seems too busy (for the moment at least) to bother with barking any warning. But maybe that is just because it's mouth is currently full.

Yeah, sorry, its not my game so I can't add to the header, but I can make new tabs in the map.

No worries. I was just providing a direct link for everyone. ;-)

Brat diverts to the collapsed siege tower near his fellow pathfinders and checks the door for traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

If she doesn’t find any, she checks if it's locked.

Zhaxia follows Brat, crossbow ready, scanning the area for threats.

Perception check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

As Brat approaches the door he gets a bit of a surprise as a crossbow bolt comes flying out from a hole in the door at him.

attack vs AC13: 1d20 ⇒ 13
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

init: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Status: Initiative. Roll away and if you beat a 5 you can also take a round of actions.
Therin
Rusty
- CC (with Rusty)
Yukari
Marius
Zhaxia
Brat
Baddies (init 5)

Initiative check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

How much time has passed since the last fight? The mage armor spells that Zhaxia cast from her wand only last an hour, so we probably should have refreshed them when we got close to the pyramid.

Init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Assuming Yukari is faster with init mod tiebreaker with her +4...
Yukari double moves to the door.

Initiative: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

"Ouch! Someone shot me!"

Brat steps away from the door while staring at the bolt in her shoulder. She takes a defensive stance, trying to dodge any following attack.
Total Defense

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Marius is distracted by the dog and reacts slowly

init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Coming...

Therin hustles to go help Brat.

double move..next round will heal...

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The Android casts a quick and familiar spell upon Cece, then moves up while drawing a rapier. Their leg ‘muscles’ tense for combat.

Cast Magic Fang on Cece, Swift Action activate Animal Focus: Tiger for +2 Dex, Move while drawing rapier.

Cece follows along to defend her master.

Yeap, unless you have a negative to initiative, you can win ties.Zhaxia, yes, knock off another charge from the wand. With the sewer trip and such it will be well over an hour since the fight at the granary.

Yukari dashes up to the door, taking space offered by the rapidly back-peddling Brat. Therin joins the rush up to try and help his ally. Quickly joined by Rusty and Cece.

Status: Round 1. Bold may post
Zhaxia (init 10) - mage armor
Baddies (init 5)
Marius (init 4)
(round 2 starts here)
Brat (init 22)
Therin (init 12)
Yukari (init 5)
Rusty (init 5)
- CC (with Rusty) - magic fang

Can Zhaxia see the person who shot Brat?

They have full cover from the door at the moment.

Zhaxia moves out of line of sight of the attacker and focuses her will on the door, trying to make it open.

Casting open/close; if the door is barred or locked it won't open, but as I read the spell if the door is latched it will still open.

Zhaxia tries to open the tower door but it fails to respond to her mental coaxing.

From within you hear a cry for help and the sound of a crossbow being wound...
target #1: 1d7 ⇒ 4
target #2: 1d2 ⇒ 1

attack vs Marius AC 19: 1d20 ⇒ 20
attack vs Marius AC 19 crit confirm: 1d20 ⇒ 15
non crit damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4
attack vs Zhaxia AC 16: 1d20 ⇒ 20
attack vs Zhaxia AC 16 crit confirm: 1d20 ⇒ 17
non crit damage: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Two bolts come firing out of the towers, one from the tower you are moving up to, and one from the tower to the north.

Those near the towers can see they each have lots of loopholes for firing crossbows through.

Status: Round 1/2. Bold may post
Marius (init 4) 4 damage;
(round 2 starts here)
Brat (init 22)
Therin (init 12)
Zhaxia (init 10) - mage armor; 8 damage
Yukari (init 5)
Rusty (init 5)
- CC (with Rusty) - magic fang
Baddies (init 5)

Therin grabs his wand and touches Zhaxia's wounds, causing them to shrink.

clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

And Zhaxia if you went up to one of the makeshift crossbow slots, you maybe could look into the room to target someone.

Therin makes Zhaxia feel a little better.

Status: Round 1/2. Bold may post
Marius (init 4) 4 damage;
(round 2 starts here)
Brat (init 22)
Zhaxia (init 10) - mage armor; 5 damage
Yukari (init 5)
Rusty (init 5)
- CC (with Rusty) - magic fang
Baddies (init 5)
(round 3 starts here)
Therin (init 12)

Reminder that arrow slit is used as an example of Improved Cover (+8 AC) in the rules. Total cover means no line of sight and no line of shot/effect

Improved Cover

In some cases, such as attacking a target hiding behind an arrowslit, cover may provide a greater bonus to AC and Reflex saves. In such situations, the normal cover bonuses to AC and Reflex saves can be doubled (to +8 and +4, respectively). A creature with this improved cover effectively gains improved evasion against any attack to which the Reflex save bonus applies. Furthermore, improved cover provides a +10 bonus on Stealth checks.

"Grrrr!"

Hit by the bolt, Marius runs at the door and slams his shoulder into it.

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Yes in general to improved cover, which was my initial answer to the question. But if you are right next to it then you are firing through the arrow slit so I think in that situation you can see and will have line of sight.

Marius charges the door and bursts through it, shattering the makeshift door into dozens of pieces.

Status: Round 2. Bold may post
Brat (init 22)
Zhaxia (init 10) - mage armor; 5 damage
Yukari (init 5)
Rusty (init 5)
- CC (with Rusty) - magic fang
Baddies (init 5)
Marius (init 4) 4 damage;
(round 3 starts here)
Therin (init 12)

The lashunta nods gratefully to Therin, but the sensation of the crossbow bolt still radiates palpably before she manages to suppress her telepathy. She limps to where she can see the inside of the room and the yellow bandit. Gathering her pain, she hurls it at the enemy.

Casting daze; DC 14 Will save or lose next action.

Rusty takes advantage of the busted door and darts inside to stab the crossbowperson.

Acrobatics if enemy not dazed: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

MW Cold Iron Rapier: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17 for Cold Iron/Piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Yukari tries her aim at the baddie(yellow?)
PBS longbow: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 = 20Dmg: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7