[Gameday XIV] GM PaleDim PF2 #6-08: Upon Wheels and Rime

Game Master PaleDim

Gitaena admits to Ivinder that his construction is interesting and wonders if the hot gases coming out of the rockets might damage the train if it is navigating a turn. Perhaps that propulsion could better be used to push a piston that then through a series of gears and shafts turns the wheels.

Crafting: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Apologies Gitaena, it case it wasn't clear each character gets one attempt per group. If you'd like to redirect that roll to another group I'll let you keep it and apply a different skill/bonus is necessary.

though each PC may only attempt one research check per group.

Faethor continues stroking the ego of the Matriarch, ”I believe we are here to provide a layman's once over in case one of the engineers miss something obvious due to focusing on minutiae. I am quite sure that's not necessary in your case however.”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Then he makes his rounds with the other prospective train engineers.

Faethor then approaches the godless arcanist. ”Having a bit of trouble there?”

Faethor continues and it keeps working.

Indeed young man. It might be more fruitful to turn that keen eye on the other designs now! She smiles knowingly at him, but it's clear that's all he's getting out of her for now.

+1 RP

Matriarch Szvetneera insists that the only proper way to create an Irriseni device is to cleave to tradition. Therefore, she and her coven have devised a method to grow chicken legs on each of the cars, much like Baba Yaga’s famous hut. Which some of you have surmised already.

The wrestling, roughhousing pack is suddenly called to attention by Faethor's stern admonition. It's work! At least somewhat. A couple of them meekly wander over to the construction table to see what task Danixki would give them.

+1 RP with Danixki

Danixki reveals that their plan is an easy one—their pack is more than capable of pulling a “chain of iron boxes” across ice, so long as well-waxed skis are laid beneath the cars.

Siraya gives Faethor a very suspicious look. Hmm, that doesn't sound right! You might get startdust all over your cloak, but all creatures must eventually die. Otherwise their stories have no meaning!

+1 RP with Siraya

Siraya explains that the best way for a train to move through Irrisen’s wilderness is for it to be adaptable. She proposes that a small group of sprites could craft the cars from wood and manipulate its form as needed. If pressed, she taps her wooden model—causing it to sprout a wooden set of dragonfly wings that thrum at a rapid cadence.

Ivinder gives Feathor a dubious look.

Why would anyone get that gravely injured when we're practicing full safety measures from the get-go! Even in my previous projects, I've never had anyone die that wasn't intended to.

-1 RP with Ivinder

T-trouble? Definitely! I can't feel my hands! How does anyone work in these cursed, frozen lands! he frets, his teeth chattering wildly. Warmth, please!

Woefully unprepared for the cold, Firozet seems to be draped in multiple layers of coats begged off of local villagers.

Before you can proceed with research...

DC16 Diplomacy to calm him or DC16 Survival to build a fire for him.

"I'm sure if you give those coats a little time, they'll start to warm you up. And maybe someone can build a fire." Faethor makes eye contact with his fellow Pathfinders, trying to ask with his eyes if anyone can build a fire quickly.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Gitaena approaches Lt. Surkzin and asks her about her stone carriages. As needed Surkzin gives curt commands to her attending engineers. Gitaena speaks to the leader, "Did you come up with this idea or are you executing the design of one of your well-diciplined cohort? What powers the vehicle and what kind of track does it require?"

Apply the previous d20 roll to her Society skill of +7.

If allowed, Gitaena will cast her Nudge Hex on herself before each interaction.

Next, Gitaena approaches the southerner (Firozet) and helps fetch some wood for a fire to help warm them up. Once this is accomplished, she listens to the elementalist's design concept.

Good golly, this really blew up while I was away!

Elidathas approaches the Planar Engineer and tries to engage him in a discussion of the workings of his craft.
"I'm fascinated by the energies you've harnessed here, sir. What is the containment system you're using there? Do I see skymetals there?"

Nature (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Next, he'll talk with the frozen arcanist and try to build him a warming fire.

Survival (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

"You are correct. This is a most inhospitable location for keeping warm The wood is all too wet to light."

Meandering, Beezhul walks up to the Godless Arcanist and asks him "Sorry to disturb you" she says "But I understand you work with the 'spirits' that inhabit these creations. Perhaps we can hold a seance and ask them what they seek?" He was, after all, talking to the device in his hand - who's to say it isn't, on some level, sentient?

Diplomacy (T) w/ Sweetbreath Kholo (+1): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 1 = 18

Either way, our kholo hero's sweet-smelling breath brightens his own spirits!

Feathor seems to convince Firozet... for now.

Yeah. Maybe if I just keep moving around. They have to keep in any heat that I generate, right?

He turns to his model.

Oh, it is really simple. Through gentle applications of planar binding, minor elementals of air and fire can be used to create superheated air. This in turn is directed out through a large vent in the back of the train, causing a horizontal push that will propel the train.

Research Checks:
Arcana to untangle the theory involved
Nature to coax the smaller elementals into cooperating
Thievery to assist with the delicate instruments

Yeah, I think she could reasonably apply Nudge Fate each time :)

I commissioned Top Experts to help me devise potential components of a fruitful design. I and my subordinates were tasked with construction. Oprak is a well-oiled machine! It will be powered by steam, like many other attempts, but we believe that the portals remove the need for long tracks. Verily, even at short distances between portals, the stone wheels will roll over obstacles! I think.

Critical success! +2 RPs with Lt. Surkzin.

Surkzin lays the train model out on one of the tables and winds it up. As it moves on its own, she infuses an object in her hand with a bit of magic, causing an obsidian archway to appear in front of it. The model enters and comes out of a different archway on the table next to it. The lieutenant explains that the train can use the Stone Roads to travel vast distances in an instant.

Elidathas approaches Surkzin, who seems a little caught off-guard by his question. Clearly some things were deferred to Oprak's "experts."

Err, skymetals? Yes, very likely those are holding together the stone pieces!

+1 RP and Surkzin's research is now complete!

The lieutenant informs the party the guest house behind the estate house is suspicious. Her troop has noted the number of icicles hanging from the roof seems to change each time they patrol near it.

Firozet has already been coaxed to move on, but...

Gitaena and Elidathas set to trying to make a fire for Firozet. Perhaps their efforts will further comfort him.

Then Beezhul approaches...

A seance? I'm not sure, planar gates are a little more straightfoward than spirituality.

Checking your character sheet, how would you feel about converting that roll to Thievery (which would pass)?

Gitaena has picked up a thing or two about arcana so she tries to link what she knows to the idea Firozet outlined. "Have you considered combining the capabilities of water and fire elementals to create steam? If water is turned to steam in an enclosed chamber with something like a piston at one end, then the expanding steam would push the piston, which could then be linked by gears and shafts to turn wheels."

Arcana: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Next Gitaena moves on to the fey lady, Siraya. The idea of making the train adaptable reminds the witch of a story, which she tells Siraya. "There was a witch who had the misfortune to live in an area where people did not understand witchcraft. A corrupt and hateful cleric of Abadar told tales that painted all witches as evil and out to harm good folk. Braeton, a young witch was being kept as a slave in a household in Cheliax. She tried to use witch spells and hexes to escape but was discovered. The priest ordered her hanged.

"As she was led to the gallows, she used her magic to enchant the hangman's noose and it slipped over his head and lifted him up. She used the same spell to untie the knots holding her hands behind her back and slipped into the crowd which was frightened and distracted by the animated rope."

The story continued, each time presenting the witch with a new threat and each time, she used her magic to transform herself or something nearby to create a way of escaping, eventually leaving the country and becoming free.

Performance: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

When she visited the witchwarg faction, the unruly beasts kept interrupting Danixki's explanation. She told them to behave and when they ignored her, cast an illusion making herself appear to transform into a large werewolf and bellowed at them to behave or be eaten.

Intimidation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Faethor takes a peek at the elementals.

”Air elementals can be a flighty bunch. It takes a firm hand, but not too firm or you'll just push them out of your grasp.”

Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Equipped with her own impressively large weapons, Beezhul makes a beeline towards the thin woman in the light blue dress - the Coven Matriarch - and speaks pleasanetly.

"Perhaps when this charge is completed, it too can be adorned with lovely furs" she looks down at the table "Have you been able to make any progress?"

Diplomacy (T) w/ Sweetbreath Kholo (+1): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 = 22

Elidathas converses with the Godless Arcanist.

"I am trying to understand the fundamentals of your design, but find myself at a loss. Can you explain them?"

Nature (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 And he remains at a loss.

Unless her player objects, I'm going to assume Beezhul switches to Thievery (one of the applicable skills) and succeeds for +1 RP. Beezhul is welcome to roleplay the difference there.

Having placated Firozet and warmed his chill, Gitaena, Faethor, and Eladithas join Beezhul in chatting him up about his design.

Gitaena has picked up a thing or two about arcana so she tries to link what she knows to the idea Firozet outlined. "Have you considered combining the capabilities of water and fire elementals to create steam? If water is turned to steam in an enclosed chamber with something like a piston at one end, then the expanding steam would push the piston, which could then be linked by gears and shafts to turn wheels."

Arcana: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Firozet smiles at her and taps a cylindrical tank laying length-wise on the front car of his train model. The players will know this as a traditional "Engine" car.

That is precisely what's happening here. Great minds think alike! You seem to have some experience with the elements! What have you invented with those primal energies?

Success, +1 RP

Faethor takes a peek at the elementals.

”Air elementals can be a flighty bunch. It takes a firm hand, but not too firm or you'll just push them out of your grasp.”

Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

He bobs his head in a sort rhythmic consideration of the point, replying They can, but we can also harness the element through a planar gate that utilizes the raw energy and not elemental entities. No Living Whirlwinds were harmed in the making of this train model!

He smiles enthusiastically, satisfied with his response.

Success, +1 RP

Elidathas converses with the Godless Arcanist.

"I am trying to understand the fundamentals of your design, but find myself at a loss. Can you explain them?"

Nature (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 And he remains at a loss.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. I can't break down the elements any more fundamentally. They are, in fact, elemental.

Crit fail, -1 RP

Firozet explains that through gentle applications of planar binding, minor elementals of air and fire can be used to create superheated air. This in turn is directed out through a large vent in the back of the train, causing a horizontal push that will propel the train.

All players have made their attempts with Firozet. REMINDER you do have hero points. At least one each.

Next Gitaena moves on to the fey lady, Siraya. The idea of making the train adaptable reminds the witch of a story, which she tells Siraya. "There was a witch who had the misfortune to live in an area where people did not understand witchcraft. A corrupt and hateful cleric of Abadar told tales that painted all witches as evil and out to harm good folk. Braeton, a young witch was being kept as a slave in a household in Cheliax. She tried to use witch spells and hexes to escape but was discovered. The priest ordered her hanged.

"As she was led to the gallows, she used her magic to enchant the hangman's noose and it slipped over his head and lifted him up. She used the same spell to untie the knots holding her hands behind her back and slipped into the crowd which was frightened and distracted by the animated rope."

The story continued, each time presenting the witch with a new threat and each time, she used her magic to transform herself or something nearby to create a way of escaping, eventually leaving the country and becoming free.

Performance: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

I can't let that story go to waste, so using GM fiat to bump that to a success :)

This story thoroughly entertains Siraya who begins crafting her own iterations of the tale involving Fey-frost witches and the oppression role projected onto opposing fey lords.

You sound passionate about witchcraft but I daresay you would make a great part-time bard as well!

+1 RP due to GM fiat

When she visited the witchwarg faction, the unruly beasts kept interrupting Danixki's explanation. She told them to behave and when they ignored her, cast an illusion making herself appear to transform into a large werewolf and bellowed at them to behave or be eaten.

Intimidation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Grr. No no. It's okay. They're all energetic after your Beezhul friend worked them up. Some are focused with me, and some are keeping each other busy!

Failure, no RP

Equipped with her own impressively large weapons, Beezhul makes a beeline towards the thin woman in the light blue dress - the Coven Matriarch - and speaks pleasanetly.

"Perhaps when this charge is completed, it too can be adorned with lovely furs" she looks down at the table "Have you been able to make any progress?"

Diplomacy (T) w/ Sweetbreath Kholo (+1): 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 = 22

Of course! The Jadwiga are ever-capable!

It seems giving her chances to bring this up is enough to keep her other frustrations at bay.

Success for +1 RP

Remaining attempts:

The godless arcanist - None
The witchwarg packmaster - Elidathas
The fey lady - Elidathas
The dwarven machinist - Beezhul, Elidathas
The coven matriarch - Elidathas
The planar engineer is maxed out

In addition to any hero points you'd like to use to retry prior attempts.

Might as well hero point the dwarven medicine.

Medicine HP: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Gitaena steps back from all the groups and observes, having done all she thinks she can do. I'll save her hero point for later unless it turns out that one more success might make for a significant shift in the team's performance.

That leaves Elidathas with four groups left that he can try to influence and gain research with. Faethor's critical failure with Ivinder becomes a regular failure with that hero-point roll.

Oh! I had no idea. Sorry! I thought we were going round-by-round.

The Witchwarg

Nature (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Ah! So your pack are all engineers, then? Or They are your, erm, entourage?"

______________________________

The Fey Lady

Nature (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"I understand that your design draws upon the energies of the First World. Or is something in the interstices between?"

______________________________

The Dwarven Machinist

Medicine (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"And I see you have a checklist here for accidents. Very well thought-out. Very thorough of you."

______________________________

The Coven Matriarch

"Chicken Legs for locomotion. That is an interesting choice. Would you permit me to note that for optimal gripping you might wish to perforate the rails, giving the legs something to both push against efficiently and to grip when a quick stop is needed?"

Nature (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 Boom, baby!

Hero Point on the Fey Lady!
______________________________

The Fey Lady

Nature (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 There ya go!

Oh! I had no idea. Sorry! I thought we were going round-by-round.

The Witchwarg

Nature (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Ah! So your pack are all engineers, then? Or They are your, erm, entourage?"

You're pretty sure the pack leader smiles through the next growl.

It's more than the simple social arrangement of your species! They are my family, my tribe, and now my engineering team! None are left behind. Ever.

Critical success, +2 RP! (and COMPLETE)

The witchwarg stoops down from their prodigious height to whisper to the party that a small gang of winter goblins have been causing mischief in the Hoarwood recently. Danixki has scared them off a couple times from getting too close to the palace.

The Fey Lady

Nature (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"I understand that your design draws upon the energies of the First World. Or is something in the interstices between?"

She seems to get bored with no longer being told stories and tall tales. Sighing, she responds It's nothing so obtuse as "energies." The essence of the Fey cannot be reduced to a bolt of lightning.

UPDATE I was going in order and just noticed the hero point :)

Nature (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 There ya go!

She embarks on a meandering, poetic explanation of the essence of the Fey that seems to be a composition of contradictions, leaving you with more questions than answers. It does give you the sense that the magic she deals in is not as simple as the primal wielded by Golarion mortals.

Critical success! +2 RP and COMPLETE

The fey representative mentions passively that it was kind of Queen Anastasia to extend an invite to her people.

Siraya is worried about this development, since humanoid advances in technology often mean the plunder of the natural world. She mentions that even should her proposal not be selected, she hopes that Anastasia will be open to preventing that.

The Dwarven Machinist

Medicine (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"And I see you have a checklist here for accidents. Very well thought-out. Very thorough of you."

Ivinder smiles and taps the side of his head.

Safety first, or the rest of your efforts won't get very far. At least not without a trail of bodies. Nobody wants that!

Success, +1 RP

The Coven Matriarch

"Chicken Legs for locomotion. That is an interesting choice. Would you permit me to note that for optimal gripping you might wish to perforate the rails, giving the legs something to both push against efficiently and to grip when a quick stop is needed?"

Nature (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 Boom, baby!

Szvetneera checks her notes and looks at you, thinking over your suggestion.

We will take it under consideration she replies curtly.

Critical success, +2 RP and COMPLETE

Szvetneera dismisses all of you without even a thank you. As the Ulfen guards usher you away, it can be observed that they are less than happy with their patron’s behavior.

Elidathas very handily closes on three of the design groups! Great job. Looking at the results, it's honestly pretty decent for a party of four! Again, this challenge isn't scaled to party size despite the direct correlation to skill-check opportunities.

At this point: Beezhul could go ahead and try the dwarven machinist, OR anybody with a hero point left could re-try the godless arcanist, or the dwarven machinist.

There are bonuses later on in the scenario for crossing threshold with these.

I'll move us forward later tonight.

Apologies Gitaena, it case it wasn't clear each character gets one attempt per group. If you'd like to redirect that roll to another group I'll let you keep it and apply a different skill/bonus is necessary.

GM PaleDim wrote:

though each PC may only attempt one research check per group.

If allowed, I'll use the hero point to reroll her first attempt with the Dwarven Machinist.

Gitaena looks over the dwarves' models as Ivinder explains his plan. "King Anong continues to reach out to the world after years of hiding underground, or so I've learned from my studies. Will she attempt to keep aspects of this design secret to trade with Irissen in return for mechanics who know the secrets keeping the trains running on time? Or will the secrets be sold for a high but fair price? I know there are those in your circle of influence who frown on divesting such secrets at all."

Society result 1d20 + 7 = (4) + 7 = 11

Society, hero point reroll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Using too much technical jargon, Ivinder explains that repeated, controlled explosions will send force out the back of the train, propelling it forward. He gestures to a dwarf with harsh burns down the length of their arm and insists they have tested it.

Once the party has spoken with each of the representatives and exhausted all their research attempts, whether by success or failure, it is time for Queen Anastasia to judge the submissions.

As the struggling sun reaches its zenith, Calix emerges from the main doors of the estate and tolls a large brass bell twice. The sound echoes across the courtyard, piercing through the chatter of the assembled parties and drawing all eyes to the dromaar. Esteemed representatives, assembled staff, and, of course, our honored guests from the Pathfinder Society. I hope you have found the accommodations welcome and are all prepared to present your solutions to Her Majesty Queen Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova. The court will receive you in the estate's meeting room. If you would please gather your demonstrative models and accompany me closely. The estate has many rooms and corridors, and it would not do for any of you to lose your way.

With a scattered mixture of grumbling and excitement, the procession trails behind Calix until it arrives at the same oak doors from earlier—this time swung wide. The long table has been replaced by a circular one, chairs arrayed with name cards so each representative can find their mark easily. Tactfully positioned at an angle of the table that sets her apart from the rest, yet still in full view of the proceedings, sits Queen Anastasia on throne of crafted ice. She rises in a respectful show before motioning for the assembled parties to sit. Once the room has calmed, the Irriseni queen pulls herself to her full height.

Our thanks again, to each of you in turn for replying to our summons. We understand the task we commission is not only strange but made more difficult without our ability to demonstrate the function of a train properly. Therefore, we knew it was best to allow the people of Golarion to set loose their vision and ingenuity in order to bring it about. We are sure we will not be disappointed in what we are about to see. If you would please lay out your demonstration models on the table before you.

The assembled representatives produce their model locomotives and begin to set them up. Queen Anastasia opens her mouth to continue before the sound of wrenching metal and shattering glass cuts her off.

Cold wind surges through the wreckage of the meeting room's large windows, the panes reduced to jagged edges and fine powder on the floor. Before anyone in the room can react, a group of six goblins, their skin a pale blue and accented by patchy tufts of white fur, barge through the opening. They run into the room singing a silly goblin song.

Spread the rime, steal the wheels, Keep the longshanks on our heels. Tear the curtains, claw the floors, Break stuff like we’re charging boars! Rimesnap says the hummies pay, Chase us as we run away. Scare the maids but do not kill, Just cause trouble as we will. House too warm, back to th’woods, Make off with our shiny goods. Think we made that butler cry We be goblins! Now bye-bye!

The small creatures surge over the large table, knocking it over and scattering the models. The goblins slide across the floor, scooping up the models and dashing out of the room. They round a corner, the sound of shrieking house maids marking their passage through the estate.

Only Lieutenant Surkzin still holds her model, shock somehow an even odder emotion on her hobgoblin features than a smile. As she begins to formulate an explanation the chaos increases with the shouts of the other representatives. Accusations are quick to fly, with many of the group casting blame on the lieutenant and crying conspiracy.

Calix is the first to regain his composure. He gestures to the door leading out into the rest of the estate. Pathfinders, if you please? he entreats in a strained voice.