Dird Bungosen's page

"It might be smart to test that these are as they seem. Maybe you could summon a creature about my size and we can see if it can get through, and if not, what happens to it on failure? You'll forgive me for not diving headfirst, I hope."

"Me, open the door? I didn't find any traps, but my frail little frame couldn't take it if a giant monster comes charging through as soon as we open! One of you big people open it; the door itself should be safe."

Dird will walk over the the door marked with swords, inspecting it for a similar mechanism as the one found on the axe marked door. If he can, he'd like to try to disable the mechanism, assuming there's a way to get to it.

Perception to search: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Disable Device if I can: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

"Well I'm not sure if it'll help us any now that we've gone ahead and opened the thing, but there were...mechanisms in the door, I couldn't tell what their nature was but there were three of them, and there are three axes."

Studying the door, Dird will unpack his thieves tools and attempt to disable the mechanisms in the door.

1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18

While Komana searches the room for hidden passages, Dird approaches the door marked with an axe. With an expert eye, he begins a thorough search for traps, all the while repeating the riddle over and over under his breath.

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Dird let's out a cry of victory as the second skeleton falls, before turning to reply to Iacobus' offer.

"Ah hahah, that second one nicked me when I slipped back there. A little touch-up would be returned with a debt of gratitude!" says Dird, grasping the wound after he sheathes his swords.

There is a 'fumble' penalty on a natural attack roll of 1. The creature you are attacking gets an (extra) attack of opportunity against you. That seems the fairest way to adjudicate the sudden misfortunes of combat. But I am willing to listen to alternatives if you think this is unfair.

Just waiting for Zareth's action, then we can proceed.

By all means, that sounds good. I use the Critical Fumble Deck in my Council of Thieves game and it can be brutal.

With a smirk on his face Dird maneuvers around the sinister looking flame, still wearing a determined expression both uncommon and unfitting his personality.

High on the adrenaline, he creeps up on the remaining skeleton and slashes with his blade.

Moving to the space 'above' the remaining skeleton, and making an attack

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10, for 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1 including DR.

Ouch! I know in my game I'd be reaching for the fumble deck right about now. Just for my own curiosity, here's a fumble confirmation: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

You guessed my action already

Dirds twin blades flash in the macabre light as he lifts them, one at a time, and tries to find a weak spot in the skeleton's form.

Main hand: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 for 1d4 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (5, 3) = 15
Offhand: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 is a critical threat, 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 for 1d4 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (6, 2) = 12.

If the threat confirmed, add 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 to that offhand attack's damage.

I think some of your traits are turning out to be a little too powerful, but I am willing to wait until after the Challenge of Legacy to review them.

Mine were chosen to get my concept across, but I have no problem with reducing the number/changing them out.

Is the map thing helping any? It doesn't look the prettiest in the forum font. It looks better in courier.

I've been viewing it in Courier and it helps me out a lot with visualization.

I have been trying to find rules about lines of sight. This came up before when Dird wanted to throw a dagger but Soven had gone first. I ruled then that Dird didn't have line of sight, but I'm not seeing anything in the book that says another living creature blocks line of sight, just concealment and physical objects. (A creature is a physical object, but they apparently do not block line of sight.) They provide cover. (That's odd for me, I thought they did block sight in 3.5) Because of this, I'm allowing Dird's thrown dagger action from the surprise round in addition to his move. (It didn't hit anyway.)

The dagger throw was more of a nervous habit/RP thing than anything, but I do think you've got the rules correct now. Ultimately, it's your game and I'll take your judgment. The Pathfinder GM screen has a lot of these kinds of rules put in one place, if you have access to it or are considering it as a purchase.

One last thing: If you are trying to do something that requires a d20 roll, and you roll a natural 20 (even if I say it's a high DC), it will automatically succeed! I will probably also provide some other benefit for the luck of the draw.

I need to get into the habit of previewing before I hit submit on the off-chance that this happens. I saw the total for my roll and thought that it was pretty good, but didn't add 2 and 2 together and realize it was a critical success.

With Dird in flanking position, I'm going to make sure he's got both of his +1 short swords in his hands and leave him there until next round

You'll need to make a Reflex save or an Acrobatics check (your choice) to avoid slipping in the gore.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Make an Acrobatics check to move through the skeleton's space (the DC is pretty high). If you're successful, you can either be directly behind it (where you are in the map below) or 1 space 'above' that. If you're not successful, you'll be in the space directly behind Soven.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

Dird moves carefully along the hall, sliding a little on the sickeningly wet floor before regaining his balance. Looking for an opening in the skeleton's movements, he dives when he see's it and....

Trailed off for Stardust to complete

"Blasted big people ruining my throw...."

Muttering that and other things in Halfling, Dird moves forward, slipping his dagger into his robes and drawing out his other short sword.

Dird is moving down the hall to get closer to the skeletons, intending to try to move past one (or both) with Acrobatics on his next turn.

Woo! This should be good.

Initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Spotting the sinister skeletal figures, Dird prepares to hurl the dagger in hand before the skeletons realize we are here. When the skeletons silhouette presents the largest target, he flings it at the dark menace.

As soon as possible, Dird is going to try to catch them flat-footed with a thrown dagger. Attack roll for when he does: (I'm assuming we get a surprise round on them)1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11If that hits, damage is 1d3 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + (1, 6) + 2 = 12

Dird freezes mid-step, one leg floating inches above the floor. His messy hair twitches in sync with the ears it covers.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

"We may have passed the trigger for this part of the passage, but I doubt the Society would let us through that easily. Keep an eye out for more out of place panels and call out if you see anything at all!"

Just to clarify, when you say

After studying the face carefully, Dird follows it's empty gaze back in the direction from which we just came. His eyes linger and you can practically see the gears turning behind them, playing out scenario after scenario mentally.

Snapping back into reality, he turns to look back in the direction we are heading.

"I've got a real funny feeling about this, and I'm almost certain we've got a trap on our hands, but the trigger isn't here." He gestures into the darkness ahead.

"We proceed, but this time let me lead. With all due respect, Soven, I'd rather find the trigger before anybody has had a chance to set it off"

With that, Dird digs around in his bag for a moment, pulling out a sunrod and activating it. Sunrod in one hand, dagger in the other, he moves forward slowly, eyes and ears alert for anything out of the ordinary.

Perception moving forward: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Terribly sorry for not posting in so long, I've been sick yet AGAIN (third time this winter thus far) and struggling with my schedule.

"Hm, there's got to be some sort of trick to it."

Dird steps forward from his position at the back of the group, wearing a look of curious determination that seems out of place on his usually carefree features.

Careful to avoid touching anything, Dird searches the face for anything unusual, his keenly trained eyes looking for clues to the discomforting face.

Friendly reminder that Dird has the "Trap Spotter" talent, granting him a secret perception role to spot traps made by the DM when he comes within 10 feet of said trap.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Had a pretty busy last few days as well.

Dird takes up the last place in marching order, watchful for anything of interest.

Wide-eyed, Dird clutches the stone in a sweaty palm, looking to his companions. Raising it up, he activates it and leaves it floating as Komana did before.

He falls to the back of the group and trails a few short steps behind, spinning a dagger steadily with one hand, the other drawing a short steel blade from its sheathe.

Dird is interested in looking up local information, such as etiquette, sayings, and general information to fit in and pass himself off as somebody more familiar with Absalom.

Perusing the books on the shelves, Dird takes one out, and then another. He spends a few minutes with each, fidgeting and murmuring a few phrases here and there.

"I second that, Iacobus. Trolls can be difficult. There's one other thing, though"

Dird climbs into one of the man-sized chairs, conspicuously avoiding the one that may have recently supported a corpse.

"You must protect the Legacy....so whatever the legacy actually is, we need to ensure that it comes to no harm. What protective magic do we have between us?"

Perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Looking quite out of place in his rags, Dird fidgets as he studies his surroundings.

"Yes, we certainly shouldn't assume that this place is safe...stay within eyesight of one another. I'd prefer not to have anybody replacing me as I did your previous companion."

With that, he begins wandering the nearby vicinity, searching for any signs of struggle or other disturbances.

Perception (searching):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

"Why not? Better than sitting around and thinking about our imminent dooms. Err....I mean to say...our...challenges? Which might end up being very dangerous?"

Shaking his head to clear it, Dird sets his drink down and stands up, shouldering his backpack and looking to the rest of the group.

Accepting the drink Soven offers, Dird sits on a chair near the fireplace.

"I agree. I came seeking employment and the thrill of adventure and danger, but to know that the one I am replacing was killed in such a gruesome way...."

His shoulders slump with a soft sigh.

"It casts a shadow over me."

Dird gazes into the warm fireplace forlornly, and takes a sip from his drink.

"Yes, what the Chelaxian said. I'm eager to win this contest and graduate to the true task at hand. What do we need to do?"

Studying the newcommers as they approach, Dird rises from his seat and offers his hand to Shakhar and Nivenarea in turn, shaking hands lightly and introducing himself.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

The halfling glances around the table.

"I'm sure I'm not alone in saying I'm extremely interested in finding out what this job entails. Care to share any more information, or are we to pass another test before being brought into the fold?"

EDIT: Did you want separate perception rolls? If so: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 for the second check.

Dird accepts the plate from the masked human with a raised eyebrow.

"Young man? Exactly how old are you? How young do you think I am?"

He pushes his hair back, revealing ears that taper to a point.

"Five silvers says you can't guess within 2 years of my age!"

Dird sits at the table and dives into the food, his face shifting through a range of emotions with each new and exotic cheese (for him, anyway) that he puts in it. Eventually he reclines in his chair and lets out a belch.

"Oh, that really did the trick. What do you call those little squishy white cubed ones?"

Walking down the hall, Dird glares up at Komana momentarily before losing his strait face and breaking into a childish grin.

"Oh come now, what reason would have to be dramatic? I never said it was horrible, I just got upset is all."

After entering the other hall and being introduced, Dird removes the well-worn scrap of leather he calls a hat with a flourish and takes a bow. He eyes the table, searching hungrily for food.

"For your information, I am free and always have been. I go by Dird, and look forward to unraveling the mystery laid before us. What are your names, again?"

Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

"Are you alright, Komana? You look like you've seen a ghost!"

"I look forward to meeting them. As for me, I only recently arrived from Oppara, capital of Taldor. Lived there my whole life, poor and sometimes homeless as long as I can remember. When I was real young they found out I was something of a prodigy with the lute and from then on out I was out on the corner from sunrise 'till sunset earning money to support my mom, dad, and all my siblings. Life was tough, but I was tougher...."

Dird blinks repeatedly, trying not to tear up.

"I was just a child! I had to work hard and a few years later I started taking jobs, any kind of job that paid, do gods name it. Please don't make me go back...."

Dird pulls out a stained handkerchief and blows his nose loudly into it, pausing to glance at his companions quickly before burying his face in it again. His gaze lingers on Komana just slightly longer than their Chelaxian cohort....

Bluff check =1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17. For those that exceed that on Sense Motive:

"And Zareth said that complaining wouldn't speed the process up! Ha!"

Dird goes to nudge Zareth in the side, but reconsiders when the snake follows his movements. He leans back on his heels for a moment, forcing an awkward cough.

"So, how much work have you each done for the Society? I've picked up odd jobs here and there, just enough to keep my belly fool and my head dry. The Lodge in Oppara is pretty impressive but the one they've got here really takes the cake. Yeah, I imagine they've got somethin' real special for us, we'll probably be searching ancient ruins and fighting evil wizards in no time!"

He stops to take a breath. "You guys don't talk a lot, do you? Or am I talking to much? You should let me know if I do that, my dear ma' always told me I talked to much, nervous habit she said it was. Not that I'm nervous, I'm just anxious to get out and explore."

Dird will continue running his mouth until he is asked to stop, asked a question, or until Sol or their patron return. If none of these happen within 15 minutes or so, he'll attempt to restring his lute and get it back in tune.

As the three walk into the room, Dird almost jumps out of his chair with excitement. His mouth curves slightly upward before expanding into a wide and friendly grin. He puts his hand out for a moment and, when it isn't met with a shake, fidgets with a dagger sheathed on his belt anxiously.

"And a goodday to you, miss. Sol here tells me you might have use for my particular talents? Hm, an initiate and little old me."

Dird pauses, and looks Komana over shamelessly. He has no interest in human women, but gets a kick out of teasing anyway.

"We could make a good team, I think! I'd be glad to help you if only to get out of this room!"

The messy halfling glances to the others in the room.

"Any chance somebody could fill me in on what we're even doing?"

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the castle....

A very tanned halfling man fidgets in an oversized seat with his run down lute. One of the strings just won't stay in tune, it seems, and it's only compounding the frustration of waiting for what seems like forever.

His clothes and general appearance match that of the lute: worn and raggedy. Nearly should-length hair and thick sideburns cover most of his head, and his leather armor is badly scuffed, but given a haircut and a bath he might be attractive. He moans loudly from boredom.

"Ye gods, what is taking so long?"

Dird shakes his head, and focuses again on the shoddy lute he was attempting to tune. He plays a couple of broken chords, sighs, and tightens another string. It snaps, stinging his finger, and he gives up.

Putting the lute into a sack that seems slightly too small for it to fit in, he reclines and addresses the other occupant(s?) of the room.

"Are you sure they didn't tell you how long it would be? I'm Dird, by the way, pleasatameetya."

Here we go, got my character all rolled up except one last thing:

3d8 + 24 ⇒ (5, 3, 7) + 24 = 39

...and there we go!