Arnaut's page

Boon?: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Thank you GM Redelia - it’s always a pleasure to play at one of your tables. You did a lovely job within the restrictions of the source material and adjudicated things evenly and fairly. See you around the forums everyone!

Yep, that roll was for Monster #1. This one is for Monster #2:

Knowledge (planes), GH, Lore Master: 10 + 25 + 2 = 37

“Excellent work.” Arnaut applauds politely as the man-elk topples. “I don’t suppose anyone has ideas about how to nip these intrusions in the bud though? I’m going to be very upset if one decides to make an appearance at my latest premier tomorrow.”

I mean, I know as a player that they’ll stop showing up when the scenario finishes, but the character doesn’t, so it’s something for him to think about while everyone else mows down anyone attacking us. XD

Knowledge (planes), Lore Master: 10 + 25 = 35 (Any ideas where this thing came from? Environment? Diet? Typical loyalties?

“Lovely.” Arnaut pokes the fiendish beast with his foot before retreating repositioning to the side of a nearby house. “I don’t suppose anyone knows where it might have come from, or who it might have been working with? Anyway, if you could come back over here Gabrielle…” The bard begins to gently whistle a short, lilting melody that gets a little bit faster and faster with each repetition.

Let’s get Inspire Courage active and cast haste.

"At least she knew how to execute a proper death scene," Arnaut comments as he catches up with the rest of the group. "Suspense, drama, a little monologue before killing one's self in an incredibly bloody fashion - I wouldn't give it a standing ovation, but certainly applause-worthy." Somehow, the bard's trivialization of the thief's curse and death fills his companions with hope and optimism.

Casting good hope.

I suppose I’ve got the PP to bring this poor lad back again if something goes terribly wrong. XD

Arnaut slides off Sentry’s hindquarters as the two of them and Sir Hendric catch up with the others. “Darling… please don’t take this the wrong way…” he pants, brushing white horse hair from his clothes, “…but I hope we never have to do that again.” He does his best to collect the hair in his hands, then tosses the pile carelessly over his shoulder. The orb of white fur flies through the air, then abruptly reversed course and zooms over the cavalier’s head to explode all over the unfortunate thiefling.

Casting glitterdust (Will 24).

How do the cards/chase sequence interact with teleportation magic like dimension door?

Reflex vs DC 19: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29

“I’d ask how they’re going to pay for all those windows, but then I remembered who’s tacky church we’re in.” Arnaut stands, shakes the sparkling dust from his hat, and claps twice. The sound echoes off the stone walls and ceiling, growing with intensity at the same rate with which the performer’s face is darkening. “My loving fans,” he intones with a deep, rumbling voice, “Is this any way to act? Does this bring me joy the same way I bring joy to you? No? Then bow down and pray I am feeling merciful as well as fabulous today!”

Swift action to start Dirge of Doom performance (and everyone’s conveniently within 30 ft of Arnaut), and standard action to cast overwhelming presence on Yellow, Pink, Red, Orange, and Blue (Will 32).

"Darling, I can tell from your face that you're overthinking things again." Arnaut flaps a hand at Gabrielle. "Just use the front door and bowl them over with your stunning personality."

Arnaut bows to Cazic and Gabrielle both with a flourish of his hat. "An excellent idea, and I'm sure the Duchesses will not take as kindly to competition as the Society."

Fortitude vs DC 23: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

“Oh Shelyn’s plumed backside, that’s awful.” Arnaut grimaces and begins to whistle - a long, warbling sound that calls to mind birds singing sweetly in green pastoral meadows and not a ghost wailing in a dank basement.

Starting a Countersong performance (+49) and pulling out lesser Threnodic rod.

"Dear gods, they're multiplying." Arnaut swoons on the couch.

"Meh, just send our resident lawyer." Arnaut gestures over his shoulder at where Hendric stands next to Sentry, then leans in to clarify in a stage whisper, "The one on the left."

"Is this... Could it be?" Arnaut gasps loudly and puts a hand over his chest. "Oh be still, my poor sentimental heart! Falling Rock has found his one true love, only to be cruelly and unmistakenly rejected by the object of his affections! But quick! If all of us don't lose hope in him, he won't lose hope in himself either! Stay strong! Stay strong!"

Delaying.

Oh dang - is the hydra immune to mind-affecting effects? Shame.

"Look at that, folks!" Arnaut's voice continues to echo off the walls of the arena as he gives up-close and personal blow-by-blow commentary on the action. "It's a bit of a sticky situation right now, but maybe Falling Rock can turn it around! Oh, look at him go! I bet the beast doesn't like that one bit!"

For the lolz, activating Dirge of Doom to give the hydra the Shaken condition and then casting unadulterated loathing on it (Will DC 28) to make it nauseated if it is within 60 ft of Falling Rock.

Arnaut harrumphs softly as Rilke and Hendric sprint away like toddlers making a break for freedom from the clutches of their nannies. A wave of a hand and warbling whistled melody summon defensive magic that warps the air around him as though he were the hottest thing in the arena.

“Good people!” His voice echoes off the stone bleachers and cuts effortlessly through the roar of the crowd. “Are you prepared - nay, are you braced for impact!? He’s a shooting star descending from the highlands - nay, the very heavens above us! Get ready to see Falling Rock in action!”

Casting displacement and beginning Inspire Greatness - up to four people within 30 ft get an extra 2d10 HD, +2 to attack rolls, and +1 to Fortitude saves.

"Now remember, everyone loves an underdog story." Arnaut straightens his hat and artfully smears some dirt on his face. "But if you just sit there and dodge everything, the crowd'll get upset. If you kill the hydra too quickly and it dies right away, the crowd'll be upset. But! If the beast truly is a hydra, it'll heal itself over time, so you can rough it up a bit and let it recuperate and then do it again."

Arnaut can offer good hope, Inspire Courage, and Inspire Heroics.

Arnaut wipes invisible dust off his invisible sleeves and rolls his shoulders a few times to open his ribcage. Softly he begins to chant - a barely audible whisper of words not quite Thassilonian, but close enough that if you squinted and looked at it sideways you’d be forgiven for thinking it was. The stage was set - now for the star of the show to make his entrance.

“Would the ‘Duchess’ like to make an appearance?” Arnaut cleans under his immaculately-groomed fingernails. “It’s a shame of course that she snuck into the church and touched they key and is now haunted by the spirit of a fearsome Shoanti warrior who threatens to kill her and everyone around her, but what’s a lady to do except seek help?” He nods at Gabrielle, then smiles at Falling Rock. “If you’re not comfortable performing your own lines, I can of course handle both the dialogue and the stage effects.”

Ghost sound, dancing lights, invisibility, and silent image available here and disguised with Spellsong.

Reflex vs Entangle: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26

Arnaut’s lips twist in disgust as he picks his way out of the overactive foliage. “Watch what you’re doing, p*ss-brain!”

Perform to Hide Spellcasting: 1d20 + 49 ⇒ (20) + 49 = 69

Move (assuming the save was successful) and cast echolocation to give himself 40 ft of blindsight.

No requests - just a look that says “You and me, we’re not paid enough to get involved in this noble nonsense.” Goal is to get them out of the fight.

Sounds good for Arnaut's first round.

Do we want to shut them all down with a mass cacophonous call, or will that ruin anyone’s fun? It sounds like we might be slightly crunched on time at this point.

“M’Lady, you’re so suspicious!” Arnaut’s voice has an uncomfortable whine and unusual thinness to it. “I still don’t see why we have to come all the way out here and walk to the safe house when we could just sent a message bird with directions and been done with it. Whatever. I never should have let myself get drug into this mess and I’ll be damned if I let you drag me in further, so let’s get this over with. We leave now, you follow my orders, and if I hear any grumbling from your friends the deal’s off and you can find another safehouse on your own.” He peppers his monologue with sour side-eyes at the two folks atop their high horse. “Noble sh*ts don’t know sh*t - let’s just hurry and get this over with,” he whispers to the poor guard.

Bluff: 1d20 + 49 ⇒ (7) + 49 = 56
Perform to Hide Spellcasting via Spellsong: 1d20 + 49 ⇒ (2) + 49 = 51

He’s also slipping a Persistent charm person (Will 27) on the guard into his monologue.

“Nobody said we had to disguise ourselves as tastleless bandits,” Arnaut also suggests distractedly as he compares styles of boots (one on each foot, of course). “So why not be a widely successful bandit since we’ve been given the opportunity?”

Perception: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (5) + 32 = 37

“…tell me which one of these costumes screams ‘bandit with a heart of gold buried beneath a rough exterior’ to you. Be honest - this is important…” Arnaut alternates between a heavy leather cloak over dark fabrics with a wide-brimmed hat and patchwork furs that leave his midriff uncovered and seem to be one well-placed cut away from falling apart completely.

Arnaut leaves the duchesses to Gabrielle and instead plays the crowd like a fiddle for juicy gossip and rumors surrounding Dymal Rinks.

Knowledge (local), Boon, Take 10: 10 + 26 + 1d4 ⇒ 10 + 26 + (3) = 39

Do we need to ask around for these folks one at a time, or can we roll a series of checks? This feels like a proto-social encounter, so I'm not certain what framework we're dealing with here.

“Darling Hendric, you really should try some of this!” Arnaut pauses mid-sip to put a hand on the knight’s shoulder and swirls his wine glass enticingly. “It’s not the good stuff of course - they’re keeping the expensive vintages out of sight, just like at the manorhouse - but it’s not on our tab, so drink up!”

Bluff vs DC 20: 1d20 + 49 ⇒ (8) + 49 = 57 (This is just here in case an NPC might notice that Arnaut is passing a secret message)

And with that, the singer leaves his glass in Hendric’s hand and floats away to hear what the crowds want to say.

Diplomacy to Gather Information?: 1d20 + 49 ⇒ (11) + 49 = 60

I’ll admit I’m a little lost at what’s possible right now, so feel free to ignore the Gather Information if needed.

"Darling, that's probably precisely why she asked you to come!" Another human - this one wearing what appears to be a pirate's outfit (though the clothes themselves appear to have never seen saltwater, let alone been ripped or torn like a real pirate's would be) sweeps the tricorne off his head and flips it around his hand as he bows deeply. "Arnaut Daniel, a humble bard, at your service. And at Sheila's, as it happens. But getting back to the point - you've heard of the phrase 'strongarm the competition', yes? I dare say it's more effective if there's a strong arm or two nearby to point to." He winks, perfectly-coiffed hair framing his face like a masterpiece portrait.

Player: Hawthwile
Character: Arnaut Danièl
PFS #: 264524
Character #: 2
Faction: Liberty's Edge
Day Job: Perform (sing): 1d20 + 49 ⇒ (3) + 49 = 52
Progression: Normal

Arnaut is here to bring out the best in people - and look great while doing so! He's very heavily focused on spellcasting (buffs and debuffs) and will happily let other folks do the stabbing and the slicing and getting their heads knocked around.

Noteworthy things:
- Arnaut has an item (3 Reasons to Live) that increases his effective level for known bardic performances by 6. Please let me know if you'd like to see the chronicle sheet regarding this item and I'll dig it out and send a picture or type out the relevant section.
- Arnaut has a feat (Spellsong) that allows him to disguise his spellcasting as simply a performance by making a Perform check as a swift action. This has come up most often outside of combat when we're trying to be "discrete" (as if this bard is ever discrete!).

Always a pleasure playing at your tables, GM!

GM, I think there might be a mistake with the Aid Mission boons.

Knowledge (dungeoneering), Luck, Take 10: 10 + 20 + 1 = 31

Arnaut helps steady Marta and points out another crevice that looks more promising for her and Omrax. ”You coming, Captain?” he calls back to Hamish.

Perform (dance) vs DC 29: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (8) + 35 = 43

Marta makes it look like a chore to maneuver on the quaking floor - Arnaut makes it look like art.

With a flick of his cape, Arnaut summons a curtain of sound to cover as many undead-spewing crevices as he can. It quickly blares into an overwhelming cacophony as more and more mindless undead pass through it, the sound of their destruction also damaging their tightly-packed companions.

Arnaut doesn’t do attack rolls, shall we say. But that wall should be good for 280 ft and does more damage the tighter the enemies are packed, so that’s got to count for something, yeah?

Boon?: 1d20 ⇒ 4

No boon. Only tragedy. XD

Excellent - that means we also get good hope on the map as well.

*Tips hat to the good captain*

GM permitting:

”Oh no you don’t!” Arnaut strides into the room and grabs the fallen Captain Hamish by his coat collar. ”Did I say you could lie down on the job? Back on your feet, soldier!” A flash of brilliant sapphire light accompanied his words.

First Aid gloves (Breath of Life): 5d8 + 9 ⇒ (4, 4, 8, 8, 8) + 9 = 41

Well color me impressed - and color Hamish a shade of not-dead! That’ll get him down (up?) to -12, which is above (below?) his Con of 14! Woo! I don’t suppose we have an Aid token or something similar to get him out of the unconscious danger zone, do we?

If the GM allows this retcon on Arnaut’s actions, we’ll still have Inspire Courage +4 - but no good hope.

[ooc]Unfortunately, Arnaut wasn’t performing when the save was made (since the nightwing went before him). But! Arnaut does have a pair of first-aid gloves. With the GM’s permission, he’ll undo his good hope and apply the gloves instead.

Knowledge (religion), Luck, Take 10: 10 + 20 + 1 = 31

Let’s go with defenses/resistances/DR-type stuff.

”A nightwing. Lovely.” Arnaut looks at the other Pathfinders pointedly. ”I’m sure we won’t let any more of the Society die here today, will we?” His tone makes it unquestionably clear that failure is an unacceptable answer. An unseen wind tries to make the blood-soaked feather of his cap dance, but the decoration merely flops to the side and sticks to the hat.

Beginning Inspire Courage +4 and casting good hope - should affect everyone since Arnaut and the Seaward Gull are barely within 30 ft of each other.

Dispel Check: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

Arnaut points a bloody finger at the doorframe. "A wise warrior does not endanger themselves except when no other options arise," he intones, slowly lowering his arm as he speaks. "A foolish one triggers a known trap without thinking of her allies who may not be afforded the same protections as her." His scarlet finger comes to a stop, pointing at the unarmed inquisitor before him. "Tell me, Marta Telmar So-Melnop, which one do your actions say you are?"

Casting dispel magic. With all these undead, might as well use these spell slots for something useful.

I enjoyed Gervase's honorable mention of Jack and his playhouse in your Sewer Dragons of Absalom game.

We’ll have to see if Gervase still thinks Arnaut is a hack - but it was fun to think of how you could do a show like that with one bard and a pit orchestra.

Arnaut snaps his fingers and the Pathfinders disappear, reappearing at the top of the chasm. "No need to be slow," he says gravely, clothes still covered in the blood of the river. "Lives are on the line."

Casting bard's escape.

If folks want to get to the other side of the thorns, just say the word!

Will, IC vs DC 26: 1d20 + 17 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 17 + 4 = 41

”I must say, that’s a fascinating use of vibrato there Jack,” Arnaut comments with professional interest. ”Though it does...” Whatever the bard was going to say is lost as Arnaut’s voice catches in his throat. ”Shevar!” he bellows as the venture-captain’s body plummets limply though the air. As the minstrel plunges into the river of blood (heedless of the danger), a mournful keening begins to echo off the canyon walls - not trying to harmonize with the other two voices, but providing a poignant descant.

Fortitude, GH: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 2 = 31

Free action to cease Inspire Courage, swift action to begin Inspire Greatness on Omrax, Jack, Hamish, and Rokgurn, standard action to cast virtuoso performance with Inspire Courage attached, and move to wade into the river of blood after Shevar.

Don't worry - Arnaut's destroyed not one, but two graveknights in his career. Based on his exceptional expert expertise, the next question we need to be asking ourselves is "Where's the nearest volcano?"

When they get there she mutters, "Dang it! I'm not flying again. It just isn't right. Isn't there another way? Anyone have a scroll of monkeyfish or something I might be able to activate?"

”And they say I’m the dramatic one,” Arnaut whispers to Omrax, his hushed voice carrying easily across the unnatural river. ”You know what she needs? Well, besides a nap? And a medical exam to look for that stick up her rear? Or a vacation? And a course in how to appreciate good music and fine dining? But besides all that, I think we all could use some inspiration and hope. And maybe that nap.”

Casting good hope as a standard action and starting Inspire Courage (+4) as a swift action.

”Oh? But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?”

Knowledge (religion), GH, Take 10: 10 + 20 + 2 = 32

”It is the east, and it is disgusting.” Arnaut pauses to point at the smaller figures. ”Look, Marta! Graveknights! Your favorite! And they’ve found themselves a charnel colossus to be their friend - isn’t that the sweetest?” He pulls out the femur from his pack and leans on it with a showman’s flair.

Let’s go with Resistances for both of them, and Special Defenses on the graveknights. Move action to retrieve lesser threnodic rod from pack.

Arnaut whistles at the sight, the sound rising to disappear in the dark air.

Re-casting echolocation.