Abaal Zadeir, Sword of Katapesh's page

Will save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Abaal attempts to appraise the abilities of the skeletal horror that has suddenly appeared in their midst as he moves to flank with Brallenera and attacking.

knowledge (plane): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

+2 adamantine falchion v pink (Backswing, Power Attack): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20 damage: 2d4 + 20 ⇒ (1, 3) + 20 = 24

+2 adamantine falchion v pink (Backswing, Power Attack): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 damage: 2d4 + 20 ⇒ (4, 4) + 20 = 28

Shasta notices Abaal's expression of disapproval at the violence toward the guards and says, "They're ordered to keep everybody in. They should know that's not something a powerful tyrant does so he can do nice things for them. They knew the job was dangerous when they took it."

GM: The doors were said to be barred, which I assumed was on the outside keeping people in, not on the inside, keeping people out. Which is it? If we can just lift the bars and open the doors, then we don't need to beat them down. It's probably just a strength check.

Abaal is aware of the fact that the bars are on the outside, but he rather destroy the door completely so that the group doesn't have them locked behind them should more guards arrive. Plus he could do it on his own in the space of a round or two.

Also, I'm just making fun of the fact that the party fighter was the only one who didn't choose immediate and direct violence against folks who were probably instructed by the real villains to keep the doors barred. Even if they are complicit in a murder ambush, they were ordered to do so by their king. Abaal does try to be honorable even in the face of adversity.

initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Abaal takes out a guard and puts him in dying.

Totally NOT what actually happened, but whatevs, I guess. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Abaal steps past the guard contemplating his destroyed glaive, or dwarven longhammer, or greatclub, or mancatcher, or nunchaku or whatever it was and cleaves through the barred door with two quick swipes of his great black blade.

**SWISH! SWOOSH!**

+2 adamantine falchion un-improved sunder (to destroy) v door (Backswing, Power Attack): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 damage (shattering strike): 2d4 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 18 + 2 = 23

+2 adamantine falchion un-improved sunder (to destroy) v door (Backswing, Power Attack): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 damage (shattering strike): 2d4 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 20 + 2 = 30

He sighs at the violent antics of his fellows and their monkeys. Not every encounter need result in bloodshed and fatalities. After all, these guards were probably just doing their jobs.

initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Abaal still has his black adamantine "skeleton key" if we need a way through the door.

Apologies friends, we're just looking around. You are certain we just can't peek in? Seoni asks, I do love the architecture of this place, and we'll be quiet as fieldmice!

UGH

I don't know. Somehow that seems perfect. ;)

Abaal steps forward. "If it is any consolation--Ionnia sent us."

Charisma aid Seoni: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

Once the heroes retrieve evidence from Calhadion’s villa, they should return to Laurisa Tromaine at the Kitharodian Academy, where they’re quickly ushered in to meet with the senior Lion Blade. You recovered the documents, and Laurisa is clearly convinced that Stavian has jeopardized the independence and stability of Taldor by making such reckless overtures to foreign powers, and she mobilizes as many Lion Blades as she can to make haste to the senate building.

Larissa speaks. The Grand Prince Stavian has just recently arrived at the senate building for the Grand Day of Exaltation ceremonies. Please make your way to the building and keep an eye on events while I rallies those remaining Lion Blades not already nearby. And she gives you a senatorial aide badges.
Arcade of Triumphs
This entry gallery celebrates Taldor’s abundant military and political glories. Banners and trophies line the halls, some displayed openly while others rest behind intricate glass cases, while armor stands and display cases present countless artifacts belonging to great heroes and soldiers.

Abaal wanders the huge corridors (see map) more interested in the people than the furnishings, in particular the cyan halfling assassin* they just fought at Vernisant's villa.

* I'm guessing/hoping they're a copy/paste artifact.

"No." says Abaal succinctly.

Abaal sweeps this black blade through the air in broad arcs.

+2 adamantine falchion v orange (flank, Backswing, Power Attack): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18 damage: 2d4 + 18 ⇒ (1, 1) + 18 = 20
And
+2 adamantine falchion v red (flank, Backswing, Power Attack): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 damage: 2d4 + 20 ⇒ (1, 1) + 20 = 22
THREAT!
confirm?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 damage: 2d4 + 20 ⇒ (1, 2) + 20 = 23

Abaal misses red, and then takes him out on the 2nd swing.[/ooc]

After which, he takes a 5-foot move to flank orange.

+2 adamantine falchion v red (flanking, Backswing, Power Attack): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15 damage: 2d4 + 18 ⇒ (3, 4) + 18 = 25
And (shifts 5-feet to the east if red goes down and attacks orange)
+2 adamantine falchion v red (flanking, Backswing, Power Attack): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 damage: 2d4 + 20 ⇒ (3, 4) + 20 = 27
THREAT!
confirm?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 damage: 2d4 + 20 ⇒ (3, 2) + 20 = 25

+2 adamantine falchion v red (flanking, v flat-footed, Backswing, Power Attack): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20 damage: 2d4 + 18 ⇒ (4, 4) + 18 = 26
And
+2 adamantine falchion v red (flanking, v flat-footed, Backswing, Power Attack): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 damage: 2d4 + 20 ⇒ (4, 4) + 20 = 28

Not difficult terrain, you could have just rolled the 2nd attack under the not section, instead of each roll individually. That being said, your 3rd d20 roll (2nd being the crit confirm) was a 12. So it is 7+12=19 to hit. 19 hits flatfooted

Abaal hits one twice across the chest for 22+27 dmg

Sorry. I rolled twice so as not to confuse or slow us down, as Overhand Chop and Backswing have slightly different effects, and he normally uses the latter for a full attacks, which I wasn't sure he was entitled to in the crowded room while making an otherwise free 5-foot move.

"So no one here knows about this 'Brotherhood of Silence' then? Their preposterous title puts me in mind of a band of folk musicians from the 4670's." comments the Daring Swordsman of Katapesh™ when suddenly he notices the wallpaper move.

If he can (sometimes spaces partially-filled with furniture count as difficult terrain), Abaal 5-foot-steps forward and sweeps his Legendary Black Blade™ out from its scabbard and at the nearest animate section of decor sneaking up on Seoni.

He doesn't get flanking because Seoni hasn't acted.

Earlier.

Shasta fails to open the safe and begins to look pale. She stands, wobbles, and staggers to a chair into which she collapses. "I think those treats those halflings offered us were poisoned. URL"

She doubles over clutching her stomach and suppressive a moan of pain.

She puts a finger into her mouth and induces vomiting to limit the damage.

"Raaalph!"

"Anybody got a mint?"

Abaal retrieves his vial of antitoxin, holds it out to Shasta. "Here. Drink this. It will help"

Once the safe is open.
"Have any of you ever heard of the Brotherhood of Silence?"

Knowledge (brotherhood of silence, see knowledge skills above for one that works): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Later.

Shasta opens the safe and finds some evidence.

The portrait conceals a safe where Calhadion maintains his most precious documents, including recent agreements with the Brotherhood of Silence and various foreign operatives for assistance in Stavian’s upcoming cull. Also treasure bundles. As you pass through the hallway and into A3, Ionnia who ate the poison as well is alright.

Hm. Perhaps the poison was past its expiration date, or this Ionnia has developed a resistance to iocane powder.

Then finally.

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Safe is behind the portrait and you need a disable device check to open it. Shasta give me a fort save

Abaal draws out his adamantine falchion-shaped "key".

**CLANG!**
+2 adamantine falchion sunder v safe (with Overhand Chop, Power Attack, Shattering Strike): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22 damage: 2d4 + 22 ⇒ (2, 3) + 22 = 27

**CLANG!**
+2 adamantine falchion sunder v safe (with Overhand Chop, Power Attack, Shattering Strike): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 damage: 2d4 + 22 ⇒ (3, 4) + 22 = 29

**CLANG!**
+2 adamantine falchion sunder v safe (with Overhand Chop, Power Attack, Shattering Strike): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 damage: 2d4 + 22 ⇒ (2, 4) + 22 = 28

If the lady is still there he asks for her name giving his. He also asks for an audience with whomever is 'Calhadion' is or whomever is in charge. Failing that, the location of Calhadion's safe. Otherwise...

"We are wasting time here." the tall swordsman announces regardless of halfling, nameless noble ladies or anything else. "Let us just go see if we can find this safe ourselves. I carry a skeleton key. Perhaps it will fit the lock."

He strides toward the western doors, and throws them open.

Thanks for clearing that up. I'll try to find something useful in his documents.

"I feel as though she mentioned the 'safe' for some specific reason." says Abbal thoughtfully.

"Well, I suppose we'll have to ask elsewhere." Abaal says genuinely disheartened.

"Maybe they'll know more in the foreign quarter." he says to the others. "Thank you for your time, Mrs...?"

The halfling looks over at Abaal. No, this place isn't a gym. Or rather you can work out anywhere, not just one room. There is no specific room designed for lifting weights or jumping jacks.

He takes you into the meeting room. Lavish rugs and velvet couches fill this large, square entry chamber. Sturdy oak doors open to the north, and curtains cover adjoining hallways to the east and west that lead off into separate areas of the villa. A central brazier burns with magical fire, filling the room with cheerful light.

"Well of course this is not a gymnasium. If it were we would all be naked." Abaal says as if it were as plain as the nose on his face.

He was about to ask for the little man's manager when--.

A female human aristocrat approaches you. My name is Ionnia, what brings you here? Image of her on slide 1 off to the left

Abaal presses on in the face of-- or rather the thigh-high offer of treats.

Abaal makes a formal bow to the woman.

"Ah! Perfect timing." he says to the woman. "We are looking for the Lion Blades. We have it on good authority that at least a few of them are based here in your compound. Could we speak with them, please? It is a matter of some import."

"Do they have a room they work out of? Perhaps someone we could leave a note with?"

In front of the building a halfing greets you all. Hi, when you are ready, you I will show you around. Map

"Do you have a name?" Abaal asks the halfling.

Once he finds out what it is he asks to see the CIA, MI6, KGB, Lion Blades.

The Lion blades is expected to be in the building you are going to be touring....

They turn back at you If no further questions, you better, move on.

I have a few questions:

2. How do we know any of this (like one or more Lion Blades are in attendance)? Our Venture-Captain doesn't seem to know anything.

3. Are we trying to find a Lion Blade?

4. Do the characters even know what the Lion Blades are? As a player, I know who they are, but Abaal has never encountered the organization or even knows of its existance.

5. What about the Ulfen Guard? I gather they are part of the assassination plot and our friend Bjarte broke ranks to tell us because of his oath to Lady Morilla. From what I can tell they have been ordered to stand down and look the other way, correct?

6. When is this 'culling'/elevation ceremony supposed to occur? Is it today? We've spent three or four hours gathering info. How much time do we have left before the ceremony begins?

Awww, my memory isn't that good sometimes. Haven't we meet before? Does my name-Brallenera Thalkham-rings a bell to you?

Abaal stops and listens for a moment. "No. And I do not hear any such tolling. Do you hear a ringing bell? Have you encountered a very loud noise recently? Or perhaps... some form of sonic doppelganger!? Where were you and when did you last encountered me--or rather, this face? It might be important."

Abaal speaks many languages, but just doesn't get other cultures' figures of speech.

I must have missed the description of the building and what is supposed to take place there. We were talking with the VC and I never saw a post telling us the details of the next scene.

I think we might have to come up with that bit. So as to give us some agency in the tale. ;)

So we know what is happening--a culling of the Imperial Senate (though not exactly how), where it is happening, and when.
Some folks are considering sneaking in as assassins sneaking in as the help? Why not just sneak in as the help (since obviously they are hiring foreign assassins--they must need more of it--help that is)? Or we could use our ties to the Senator (Lady Morilla) to have us show up in her place (because of her "stomach bug" and/or her allergy to poison) or as her "plus one through sixes", or some combination of the above. Streetwise folks can go in as the Prince's expendable assassins, others can go in as cooks, servers, and cleaners, and others as representatives and/or +1s.
Abaal, while certainly dramatic, is no community actor and would rather go in as the Lady's (or her deputized representative's) guardian.
That's his plan. Does that work GM? Is Morilla good with it? Does she have any ideas of her own? What's everyone else doing?

Looking at his companions, the Tian-Varisian and her epicanthal eyelid folds and the Plumekith and his feathers and cognisant of his own dark skin he looks back at Kwami and says "It is possible, I think, to be too foreign at times."

I have played Library of the Lion, just not with Abaal.

Abaal looks at his sundial to figure out how much time they have.

He uses the three hours that others are out drinking to see that Lady Morilla is well, that Bjarte's immediate concerns are laid to rest and trying to figure a way into the ceremony in the Senate. In a city as large as Oppara it is not likely that the party will have front row seats or even invitations.

"Perhaps the Lady Morilla--a senator herself, might know of a way in? Or Venture-Captain Muesello?" muses Abaal.

"We might pose as waitstaff, or out-of-town assassins loyal to the Prince."

So, does this mean you are going ahead of the party, ie. adventuring off by yourself instead of waiting the 1d4 hours? You may run into danger, you may not

If she were not in the same building as the party was just now, Abaal would not wait three hours or even three minutes to try and reach her if he knew where she was. But since she is here (just not in the room) it really doesn't matter, right?

He doesn't know what to say after Abaal questions the control of Royalty.

That's just an old Star Wars reference to the Emperor dissolving the Senate, while the original Death Star is coming online. ;)

The others he doesn't know what to say, you come at him with odd questions.

When Kwami asks who should we protect, he just looks at you like you misunderstood what he told you or like you're stupid. Um, everyone. Don't let genocide happen.

"Are all the Senators from one particular ethic group?" Abaal says looking a bit puzzled by the captain's response.

Then turns back to Abaal to answer his question Lady Morilla is [here] at my lodge, but she'll likely tell you the same thing I did, or at least not be involved but will glad you put a stop to it all.

"Well then, problem solved." he says to Bjarte, and extends a hand to the big Ulfen. Then, he introduces the party.

Abaal turns back to Muesello and says "And what was it that you were about to say? Because you haven't finished, I think. Even better, we can all go down the hall to check in with the Lady Morilla and you can say it there. Where is she?"

As Abaal sings, he hears a violin playing along with him. Turning, he sees a Varisian woman playing the fiddle and strolling in as she plays. She has a pretty face, a trim figure, and weapons and studded leather armor.

If he keeps singing, Shasta will keep playing tapping out a percussion line with her feet. When he stops singing, Shasta ends with a quick flourish and smiles charmingly. "Nice song. I'm Shasta Lux. My friends call me Lucky."

"I am Abaal Zadier, Daring Swordsman of Katapesh™, at your service, Lucky." he says and bows in desert fashion.

Typically, Diplomacy (gather info) checks take 1d4 hours of talking to people in taverns. If that is the case, and what folks are doing in the immediate aftermath of the spoiler, Abaal, a man of swift action (and land speed), isn't waiting around to find out the results without some very serious convincing. In fact, he's probably out the door the second someone points him in Lady Morilla's general vicinity, and that is probably his next question to the Venture-Captain.

Glittering, shining, radiant... dare I say Radiant? Joining the group is a man who could best be summed up as angelic in glistening chain with a highly polished shield at his side. If there is something so foul afoot we are duty bound to stop it. Who must we protect?

"Lady Morilla a member of the Pathfinder Society, whom we have business with this day, if Venture-Captain Muesello here speaks truly, which I trust he does." He turns back to the Muesello. "Where is the Lady now?"

Immediately after the 'next':

There is a moment where one might have imagined Abaal drawing the black blade sheathed at his waist to confront the intruder, but that time recedes into the very-immediate past.

"A 'culling' of 'the senate' you say!? 'The Grand Prince'!? Impossible! How will the Emper--I mean, the Grand Prince maintain control without the bureaucracy!?" exclaims the Daring Swordsman of Katapesh™ now suddenly dialed up to eleven.

A tall, swarthy man dressed in flowing blue desert clothing leans against the doorframe singing softly to himself while filing back a rough-edged fingernail.

♪♫ "Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' come
Watching the ships roll in
And then I watch 'em roll away again, yeah." ♪♫

Oh yeah, Abaal just got doing the thing that every 80's movie swordsman wants to do at the end of the movie. He even called it the real world day before he did it. ;)

"We have a saying in my land, 'Should you trip, try to fall upwards.'"

Come Monday, he will be playing the Lion's Justice here for Outpost VII.

Lauranna has seen some play too, just not super recently, in part because of my new funny lass, the unVigilante Madcap! who is also seeing play this Outpost.

Player Great Green God
Character Abaal Zadeir, Sword of Katapesh
PFS # 139009-9
Faction Dark Archive
Advancement Standard
Day Job Craft (calligraphy): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

The caring mother among the deans Easily dismissing the Fleeting Emergency Force Sphere, Sorrina stands up from her seats and catches up to the Pathfinders that're leaving, handing them 3 pins made from platinum in the shape of the gauntlet. "Don't forget, you guys won a gauntlet pin from each of us to celebrate your victory in the Gauntlets. Now go rest knowing that you have conquered one of the hardest challenge."

Technically, that spell only works on her.... ;)

"Rest assured... I will not forget."

"Plot armor." Abaal scowls as well. I mean really, the medics are just 'waiting outside'. And technically he unless he's like 3rd level, Marcos, would be more annoyed by being pinned to the wall like a display butterfly and the damage to his shirt than he would the 10ish hp. ;)

spellcraft (5 neg lvls, sick still?): 1d20 + 8 - 7 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 7 = 17

I think any other rolls made by Abaal, just now, would be anti-climactic. XD

Well, what do you know.... It does work every time. ;)

The weakened Pathfinders are in no state for a proper fight, and instead rush to the golden door with their Fly spell. The Pathfinders hurry through the door and slam it shut to block the acid breaths from the dragons. Behind the door is the long stone chamber, identical in appearance to the entry chamber! The deans of the Pathfinder Society stand up as you walk into the room, and applaud. “You’ve made it!” exclaims Master of Spells Sorrina Westyr, beaming with pride.

Abaal takes a moment to use the Barroom Brawler feat to recall Throw Anything and then....

"Fool me once...."

** SWOOSH-SWOOSH-SWOOSH-SWOOSH-CLANG!! **

+2 adamantine falchion v the supposed Master of Swords (ranged, Throw Anything, sick, 5 Neg lvls, distance): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 damage (sick): 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 2) + 6 = 10
THREAT! Yes, even though they are not subject to critical hits....
Confirm?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 additional damage (sick): 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 6 = 12

Knowledge (Arcana, What sort of dragons?) (sick, 5 neg levels): 1d20 + 7 - 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 7 = 12

The fighter holds up his hand and says "Save your energy, wizard. I will do it myself."

He swigs a potion and flies across the bridge.

Or we can all just leap across with haste. ;)

I'm pretty sure a few of us did that back here--though not with any negative level penalties. ;)

HERE COMES THE BOON! 1d20 ⇒ 6 Don't forget to add in Abaal's -5 penalty due to negative levels. ;)

Ash renews his Fly and Mage Armor spells. ”I don’t like the look of this. Not even a little bit…”

"Right." whispers Abaal to the others. "Here is what we do. We burst through the final door at the end there after we jump the span. I'll throw my mystic falchion pinning the Master of Swords to the far wall, hopefully distracting the others while the rest of you make your way out."

It works every time at the end of every 80's fantasy action film where the hero has a big sword, and the Throw Anything feat. ;)

Oh ye of little faith.

Abaal explains what he sees to those around him.

perception: 1d20 ⇒ 19

"As I suspected." hisses Abaal.

+2 adamantine falchion v Sorrina (Backswing, Power Attack, haste, higher ground, sick, 5 Neg levels): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 damage: 2d4 + 15 ⇒ (3, 3) + 15 = 21

+2 adamantine falchion v Sorrina (Backswing, Power Attack, haste, higher ground, sick, 5 Neg levels): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 damage: 2d4 + 17 ⇒ (2, 2) + 17 = 21

+2 adamantine falchion v Sorrina (Backswing, Power Attack, haste, higher ground, sick, 5 Neg levels): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 damage: 2d4 + 17 ⇒ (1, 1) + 17 = 19

After "Shaine" falls, Zaigan steps next to "Sorrina" and strikes the imposter.

What makes you think they are imposters? Perhaps the Society has always been run by other-dimensional horrors. ;)

With its last breath, "Shaine" give everything it got to its final attack, and lash out its claw toward Abaal. The claw goes deep, dealing serious damage to Abaal.

"I loved this robe." Abaal says angrily.

Amorphous (Ex) wrote:

The creature’s body is malleable and shapeless. It is immune to precision damage (like sneak attacks) and [most especially] critical hits.

"But it's my only line!" ~Monty Python's Flying Circus

"Don't let the other thing get away!" Abaal shouts back over his shoulder.

Somehow, I have never had a Society character die in the over five and a half years I have been playing. Pretty sure Elby is about to break that streak, since she is effectively level 1 now.

"Where is your paladin's courage, woman?! This isn't a game."

The champion will be awarded small pins made from platinum in the shape of the gauntlet. Very nice boon, but you will receive 1 less pin for every 5 challenge you do not complete. So at this point you got them all already, and won't lose the boon if you skip all the rest.

Well then, we open the door and leave. ;)

Abaal makes a running jump from the floor over the steps and atop the table the three deans were sitting behind and brings his sword to bear on the foremost.

acrobatics (running jump, sick, 5 neg lvls, speed, boots): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23