"Can you tell us anything about this place or where we might search? Kamari inquires of the inevitable.
"If Taldor is similarly imprisoned, might there be a way to communicate with or free him remotely?"
"You sound up to dealing with whatever might come by now that you're not imprisoned, but do you have any interest in joining us until you pop out of here? Perhaps you could offer some insight into whatever we find."
Kamari will offer the inevitable healing from her wands if he wants it.
(Ex) (Advanced Class Guide pg. 58): At 7th level, as a full-round action the swashbuckler can spend 1 panache point to make an attack with a single light or one-handed piercing melee weapon that cripples part of a foe’s body. The swashbuckler chooses a part of the body to target. If the attack succeeds, in addition to the attack’s normal damage, the target suffers one of the following effects based on the part of the body targeted. If a creature doesn’t have one of the listed body locations, that body part cannot be targeted. Creatures that are immune to sneak attacks are also immune to targeted strikes. Items or abilities that protect a creature from critical hits also protect a creature from targeted strikes.
Arms: The target takes no damage from the attack, but it drops one carried item of the swashbuckler’s choice, even if the item is wielded with two hands. Items held in a locked gauntlet cannot be chosen.
Head: The target is confused for 1 round. This is a mind-affecting effect.
Legs: The target is knocked prone. Creatures with four or more legs or that are immune to trip attacks are immune to this effect.
Torso or Wings: The target is staggered for 1 round.
Tracking:
Hero Points 3/3
#/# daily uses remaining
Panache 5/6 - 1 lost, 1 gained this round
Arcane Pool 3/3
Pearl of Power 1/2
Swordmaster's Flair blue scarf 0/1 - used this round
Winged boots - 1/3 minutes - 1 used last round
Koriana's blade gemstones
White - Magic missiles 1/1
Pink - Mind-affecting spells 1/1
Black - Negative energy 1/1
Green - Poison 1/1
Prepared Spells
Level 0 (4 per day)
Dancing Lights
Daze
Mage Hand
Prestidigitation
Level 1 (3 per day)
Shocking Grasp
Shock Shield
Shield - used
Round 3, take 2, AC 34 (Kort & shield spell), -4 CON
Kamari imagines saving Elen, but the woman saves herself.
Kamari casts shield, takes a 5' step to where the Night Swan had been standing and stabs around the corner at purple.
No +2 from charge and -2 for spell combat puts the attack roll at 26 before the possible corner coverage.
tracking:
Hero Points 3/3
#/# daily uses remaining
Panache 6/6 - 1 gained this round
Arcane Pool 3/3
Pearl of Power 1/2
Swordmaster's Flair blue scarf 0/1
Koriana's blade gemstones
White - Magic missiles 1/1
Pink - Mind-affecting spells 1/1
Black - Negative energy 1/1
Green - Poison 1/1
Prepared Spells
Level 0 (4 per day)
Dancing Lights
Daze
Mage Hand
Prestidigitation
Level 1 (3 per day)
Shocking Grasp
Shock Shield
Shield - used
Not much else to do until they make their report in the morning, so Kamari spends her night sipping and snacking as usual, hoping the marinade will help her figure out what in the world, astral plane, whatever, is going on.
Kamari examines the iron body of the daemon for any clues as to whom or what might have set it to protecting and what protected space to which it was referring.
Major K'Aldrian Kort 1ATD, Ret. wrote:
"Okay, which way now? All directions are open to us?"
If no leads are found in the examination of the daemon, Kamari proposes going up.
"We're at the foot. Perhaps by the time we ascend to the head things will reveal themselves. Maybe the constellation will talk. Anything seems possible here."
Well, everyone else has the super-powered creative juices flowing. Unfortunately, life has me a bit fried so forgive my shorter posts. Really, though, nice work everyone.
Kamari says little as the rest of the party draws out what is needed from Qarit. She does have one inquiry though.
"You said his work was very important to him. Do you know anything about that? Was there a particular cause he was supporting or an adversary he opposed?"
"You might not be on the council anymore, but you are a citizen of this realm and something is askew in this place. It might seem insignificant to you, but it will fester and grow. You recognize it, but others might not before it is too late. You served this realm once on the council, but now you could serve it again by assisting us so that we might deal with the problem."
She is in awe of the many spells available, but unfortunately very few seem useful for dealing with the swarm of cockatiels.
Been a long time since I looked at the official list of Magus spells and not just what was in Hero Lab.
While there isn't any actual countdown looming, Kamari tries to wrap things up quickly as she knows she has hours of study ahead of her if she is going to learn the new spells. She picks up two scrolls each of several spells in case she fails in the first attempt to understand them. She also purchases half a dozen each of bottled lightning and stormstones.
"Oh, what's this?" Next to the small bottles of lightning, Kamari spies some larger jars of lightning. She buys two of those.
Kamari gives in and buys the scarf, but she also picks up a more useful swarmbane clasp. She dons it immediately and stores her amulet of natural armor for now just in case the cockatiels get wind of their plans and strike unexpectedly.
Once back at their lodgings, Kamari spends a few hours learning some new tricks. She entreats the wise and generous Lord Kort for his assistance--and hopefully heroism.
Learning is spellcraft check (DC 15 + spell’s level). If she can take 10, she'll do that. If not, rolls below presumptuously with heroism. Looks like her fate rests with "take 10" or Kort. An hour to learn the spell and an hour to write it in the book. Four hours seems reasonable for a night. Shocking Grasp:1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16 Shock Shield:1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 = 17
purchases:
I'll do the math in the discussion thread when I have time, but she has plenty to cover it and loans to others if needed (15,823.5 gp available). Several spells here aren't useful for what's upcoming, but Kamari should add when she has time to deal with future troubles.
Burning Hands
Chill Touch
Color Spray
Fallback Strategy
Obscuring Mist
Shock Shield
Shocking Grasp
Bottled lightning 40gp x6
Stormstones 150gp x6
Jar of Lightning 800gp x2
Swarmbane Clasp 3,000gp x1
Swordmaster's Flair blue scarf (slot: none) 2,500 x1
Kamari tries to stay standing as Muri's brainstorming leaves her head spinning. She wonders about their goal with the cockatiels. Are they looking to just retrieve the ring? In which case, the party might get away with using invisibility again. Or, are they looking to help Lord Saip and put the Coup in its place...or a hole in the ground?
"Lord Saip, have the authorities tried dealing with the Coup? What's their opinion of them?"
Kamari looks to the more wizened half-elf.
"I know it's not usually your thing, but perhaps an appropriate scroll with a spell of mass destruction, disabling, freezing--um, I don't know--might be appropriate given the circumstances."
If the party doesn't confront the cockatiels until the next day, Kamari will pick up a couple scrolls of burning hands, add it to her spell book, and memorize it along with different spells the next day. Mostly writing this now while I'm thinking of it.
Knowledge Dork DC 20:
Considering cockatiels are omnivorous animals that live in the barren parts of that plane known by some as Australia, the actual phenomenon of a half-elf being stripped to the bone has not been observed. However, based on a similar marine creature from another plane known as the Amazon, scientists estimate it would take approximately five minutes; seven minutes for older half-elves with leathery skin.
"Good morning. We are authorized investigators." Kamari displays the party's warrant but does not hand it over.
"Why are you looking for Nabil and on whose authority? I'm sure you can also produce the proper documentation. If our purposes align then perhaps we can work together. If not, surely chaos ensues."
Kamari tries to chat up the locals and inquire about any Taldaris sightings.
"It's my first time here. I'll admit this place is not what I expected. I was hoping to meet Taldaris. He's something of a legend where I come from. Do you know where I might find him?"
Hero point reroll REF save:1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 17 + 2 = 23 Evasion for no damage
Kamari smirks as no swarms appear and a fiery threat she can avoid appears. She bops left and right doing her best impression of a hummingbird. She's about to swoop back in with Koriana's proboscis when the "snake" twists in a way a snake shouldn't be able to--but it is only a fiery magical form after all. Kamari can't see a way to avoid it until she remembers she is flying, and she can also dodge downward.
With just a few singed hairs, Kamari slips close to the wormy wonder to end it before it comes up with another trick.
Kamari flattens herself against the wall as things rain down. She avoids all of the worms and imagines how bad it would have been if they had hungrily chewed her flesh and wriggled into her ears, mouth, and nostrils. She thinks herself safe until they begin to pop.
Given her dubious history with overcoming poisons, she'll trigger the green gem in Koriana's blade for protection from poison.
"Look out below!"
Reflex save + heroism:1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 17 + 2 = 32 Evasion for no damage.
Kamari rises with the dawn and is ready to move in minutes. She pulls out her sketchbook and draws what they know of the tomb. It's not a cityscape, but it's not that different to her. She has two cups of coffee and two breakfast rolls before, as impatiently as she can, nudges anyone who is not moving.
"Time to wake up, sleepyhead. Time to see your mummy."
"Lunch sounds good. I always think better with food and drink at hand."
"Just think of the trouble I get into when only holding my rapier," she continues as she politely elbows the Major.
"It seems only appropriate we should dine with the highest noble around and conveniently he's right here."
From there Kamari's thoughts wander to their mission and how exactly are they going to find this place. Perhaps speaking to the locals when combined with the scholarly knowledge will be helpful...as long as they can do it without giving away their true purpose. Maybe the town has a library or municipal records that might offer some clue.
When away from Kalbio, she recommends that they help the poor fellow out since it makes no sense to have weak allies. She thinks 200 gp each would be a good amount and is really ready to gift the 1,000 herself if necessary.
"You don't intimidate me," she shouts as she stabs him again.
He cant':
Unshakable Presence (Ex) At 11th level, a noble fencer cloaks herself in the combined bravado of a swashbuckler and a noble, girding herself against anything that attempts to shake her impossible confidence. While she has at least 1 panache point, she cannot be demoralized by the Intimidate skill.
Kamari takes a 5' step avoid the impending flank and to get her own flank with the Night Swan. Having used most of her panache last round she looks to regain some with a full round of attacks.
(Ex): At 7th level, as a full-round action the swashbuckler can spend 1 panache point to make an attack with a single light or one-handed piercing melee weapon that cripples part of a foe’s body. The swashbuckler chooses a part of the body to target. If the attack succeeds, in addition to the attack’s normal damage, the target suffers one of the following effects based on the part of the body targeted. If a creature doesn’t have one of the listed body locations, that body part cannot be targeted. Creatures that are immune to sneak attacks are also immune to targeted strikes. Items or abilities that protect a creature from critical hits also protect a creature from targeted strikes.
Arms: The target takes no damage from the attack, but it drops one carried item of the swashbuckler’s choice, even if the item is wielded with two hands. Items held in a locked gauntlet cannot be chosen.
Head: The target is confused for 1 round. This is a mind-affecting effect.
Legs: The target is knocked prone. Creatures with four or more legs or that are immune to trip attacks are immune to this effect.
Torso or Wings: The target is staggered for 1 round.
Inspired Strike:
(Ex): At 11th level, an inspired blade can spend 1 panache point when making an attack with a rapier to gain an insight bonus on that attack roll equal to her Intelligence modifier (minimum +1). When an inspired blade hits with an attack augmented by inspired strike, she can spend 1 additional panache point to make the hit a critical threat, though if she does so, she does not regain panache if she confirms that critical threat. The cost of this deed cannot be reduced by abilities such as Signature DeedUC. This ability replaces bleeding wound.
...charging in untested has greater risks you expect.
Never...
Kamari ponders actions that will be efficient but not foolhardy.
"Losing the Lion Blades really left us blind. Max is very well protected. It seems he's not alone much except while sleeping. Maybe we could catch him in his bath. I can't imagine his horse joins him there."
Kamari will spend the afternoon drinking and trying to learn, carefully, of anyone who might also be an enemy of the High Strategos and so hopefully a friend to the party. She'll also try to learn if he visits any bath houses or brothels, though it seems likely he would have any women he wants brought to him.
Kamari sees an elven woman in the distance and feels drawn towards her. She walks cautiously towards the figure and then notices a tear making its way down the sharp cheek bones that mirror her own. She pauses as she finds moving difficult. It's as if something pulls at her from behind, but she sees nothing when she turns her head.
2 hero points for stabilize
With a tear in her eye Kamari smiles at the woman and turns away from her.
Martial dominance – On confirmed crit, demoralize as an immediate action to cause shaken condition:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28 vs DC 10+HD+Wisdom modifier
Martial dominance – On confirmed crit, demoralize as an immediate action to cause shaken condition:1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24 vs DC 10+HD+Wisdom modifier
shaken:
A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
Targeted Strike (Ex):
At 7th level, as a full-round action the swashbuckler can spend 1 panache point to make an attack with a single light or one-handed piercing melee weapon that cripples part of a foe’s body. The swashbuckler chooses a part of the body to target. If the attack succeeds, in addition to the attack’s normal damage, the target suffers one of the following effects based on the part of the body targeted. If a creature doesn’t have one of the listed body locations, that body part cannot be targeted. Creatures that are immune to sneak attacks are also immune to targeted strikes. Items or abilities that protect a creature from critical hits also protect a creature from targeted strikes.
Arms: The target takes no damage from the attack, but it drops one carried item of the swashbuckler’s choice, even if the item is wielded with two hands. Items held in a locked gauntlet cannot be chosen.
Head: The target is confused for 1 round. This is a mind-affecting effect.
Legs: The target is knocked prone. Creatures with four or more legs or that are immune to trip attacks are immune to this effect.
Torso or Wings: The target is staggered for 1 round.
Will +9 (+3 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 Hero point vs having a not cute tail Will +9 (+3 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 Okay then. Anyway, this is an awesome trap.
"The plan works for me." Although Kamari expects amysterious greeting from the sisters like in some overly dramatic street performers' play for the masses.
"I have some skill at drawing and decent knowledge of several subjects but am no expert. While I'm one to normally resist biases against my age, I would probably be best suited as someone's apprentice or graduate student to attract less attention."
Kamari ponders for a minute.
"Perhaps the generous noble Edelmira is sponsoring a trip for some scholars while also dabbling in her hobby of armor smithing. Where else better to learn about the history and techniques then Zimar with its forges and being on the frontlines of the Taldor where the armor is actually tested. Professor/Major Kort and Elen along with me as the graduate student could be studying the area for an upcoming book complete with interviews. I could also be doing the sketches for the book."
Kamari is filled with joy to be home, to be in Oppara. Mindful of their mission, she does not disturb her father. "He'll understand," she lies to herself.
However, on the night of their arrival, she approaches Kort and pleads for a casting of invisibility so that she might fly over her city under the starlight and see it as she never has before.
Kamari inquires of Myrma and Virgil about the possibility of acquiring war horses for their carriage before the trip. If not, then after.
Kamari is all for contributing to keep the projects rolling. "The whole town should share in our success. Let's not lose momentum." She starts to think what else could be built for the town. She considers what else might benefit the people.
A school for the children? A theater? A fencing academy?
She heads to the cafe to make subtle inquiries of the people's interests without making any promises.
Kamari unwraps her present carefully, preserving the bow and box for future use. Inside she finds a brooch with a golden hummingbird sipping on the nectar of a rose gold zinnia with an emerald center. With a smile and a tear forming in her eye she heads outdoors to the sunlight to admire the wonderful piece that is somehow both delicate and powerful. After some time, she'll return inside with the brooch upon her shirt.
As evidence of the boy's true nature mounts, she struggles with what to do with him. A part of her wants to hide him away until the Princess has ascended the throne, but she realizes that would likely only lead to more trouble. She wonders if there is any tradition or protocol for the handling of an heir back from the dead after so long. Perhaps the Princess will remain on the throne. Ultimately, she trusts the Princess and believes it best to drop off the boy...even if it does feel like an easy way out that avoid responsibility.
--
Kamari sits silently as Edelmira bares her soul. She cannot fathom any words of comfort that would sooth such a horror and suspects that none would do. She acknowledges the brave act with a nod and smile she hopes conveys that which words could not.
Since Elen, Edelmira, and Kort already have one, Kamari will claim one of the cloaks of resistance (+2) and add her cloak of resistance (+1) to the party treasure. She offers the second to Muri so the whole party can join in +2 resistance.
She admires the cape of mountebank but doesn't believe she'd use it. "It's worth a lot but also a really useful tool that we don't otherwise have. Would someone care to wear it instead of the cloak of resistance? We could also store it in my satchel for emergencies."
AC 26, touch 19, flat-footed 19 (+5 armor, +2 deflection, +4 Dex, +3 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 65 (9 HD; 1d8+8d10+9)
Fort +3, Ref +13, Will +7 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments
Defensive Abilities aristocratic discipline +2, nimble +2; Immune sleep
Panache 2/5
Kamari shrugs off the Earl's spell thanks to the pink gemstone in her rapier. She then tries thrashing about this time to get free and it almost works.
AC 26, touch 19, flat-footed 19 (+5 armor, +2 deflection, +4 Dex, +3 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 65 (9 HD; 1d8+8d10+9)
Fort +3, Ref +13, Will +7 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments
Defensive Abilities aristocratic discipline +2, nimble +2; Immune sleep
Sure that diplomacy is out of the question, Kamari zips in like a hummingbird and stabs red in the back.
Acrobatics + Panache + rerolls:1d20 + 15 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 15 + (5) + (6) + (4) = 49 auto-checks the DC 15 for 90 degree turns and full-speed tumble without penalty allows her to go around and not through the guards
Still not understanding, but willing to live with the overly generous donation of the sword to the military, Kamari recalculates everything and is relieved to see there are still enough proceeds for the boots after purchasing Kort's recommended items.
Kamari will store the extra CMW potions in her satchel and head out in search of her precious boots.
I'm good about tracking individual disposable items like these and tanglefoot bags assigned to her personally.
Having earned many degrees in real life, Kamari walks about the city more like a professor than a student now. She doesn't walk stiffly with her nose held high, but there is definitely an air of confidence and worldliness about her. This doesn't keep her from easy smiles and stopping to talk to anyone who approaches. In public, she happily shares some kid-friendly stories of events, being sure to highlight the bravery and teamwork of everyone in the party. In bars, she does her best to provide the best gruesome descriptions.
She browses about but doesn't really pick up anything other than a few drinks and sweets until she finds the perfect pair of boots. She insists on testing them and will fly about and high above the shop up to the clouds before returning to the ground.
It's even better than the hot-air balloon ride back in Oppara!
Kamari reluctantly walks back to the inn after her shopping trip, mindful of the limited number of times she can fly per day. However, she plans a trip for the evening after dinner under the stars while saving one use for any emergency.
Kamari struggles with the idea of showing up to the council without either of the clueless lovers.
Some guy named Maxilar? Really?
"You'll have no real life together on the run--and we'd probably just have to kill you in the future. We do indeed have sway in the noble circles and will do our best that you receive consideration for your change of heart. You're obviously used to taking chances. Why not give this one a try. The alternative is definitely a losing proposition."
Kamari is unsure exactly how to appeal to those with little honor.
