Eliseera Tulman's page

Elsie slips inside the office after yet another meeting with the Watch officer. Since it had gone surprisingly well she was in a good mood. As she headed up to the small room where she knew Tella was waiting, the haunting strains of the melody wafting from inside the room reached her ears.

Hearing the melody brought her back to a place she desperately wished, but also knew she would never be completely free from. She paused just outside the doorway and simply let the sound carry her away...back to that hated place, and the last hours spent there. A tear trickled down her cheek as she remembered the fate of the vigilante who gave his life to save theirs.

Once the playing has ceased, she let the memories flood her mind for another moment before banishing them away...for now. Taking out the bottle of wine she had grabbed earlier, she knocks softly before entering the room. Closing the door behind her she proceeded to take another step...a small step on the path...away from the Blight.

FIN

Wow, that was an interesting adventure! I have to admit I did enjoy the various settings we got to visit...I mean a boat lashed to a pier sideways is just AWESOME! I do think being more familiar with the setting would have added more flavor and made things more memorable.

As for the plot itself I felt as if we were struggling initially to track down the source of the living flame it eventually became clearer as we progressed. Needless to say losing our main muscle and our healing source definitely hurt us at the end.

As for questions I have, I think most of them have been answered...though I would like to know whether the Family crime syndicate was involved, and to what extent? Also the City Watch was definitely involved too; I am curious to know what extent he he. While I could read the module (I did pick it up during the KS for the Blight) I think I will await your response instead, Zed.

Finally while I am burning with curiosity as to how the Stirge managed to survive, there is a part of me that shudders as to what dark pact the Stirge made to return to life...

...such is the nature of the Blight...

Elsie clings even tighter to the small woman, her thoughts awhirl. Perhaps she is right...Many times I have felt the oppressive weight of the Blight pressing upon me...I have always thought I could resist, and yet...perhaps I have already succumbed...

Lightly stroking Tella's hair she murmurs, "Perhaps...yes you are right. Staying here is folly...regardless of where our path leads. I am sure I can convince Darc to join us...he loves his home, yet I also know he loves me in his own way. Still even if it is just the two of us...we will be together."

Elsie hugs the smaller woman tightly. "I do as well, Tella...This city is indeed a Blight upon the world. It has devoured all the good folk that stand for it...like the Stirge. And yet...I find it...difficult to comprehend leaving this city. Perhaps this place does indeed...infect you..."

Elsie was strongly considering returning to the island, but ultimately would consider it too risky. After all, the Rage-fire Elemental likely survived the blast IMO.

Not sure what Tella and Elsie should do here. Perhaps return to the island and search for any clues/remains?...One question I had was if the Stirge was still carrying the Living Fire? If so then we may have exhausted our last lead.

Elsie wraps her arms tightly around the slight woman, supporting her gently and allowing the power of flight bestowed upon her to take hold. "Of course, Tella. I do need you to watch our backs...we know those gargoyles are still out there; they may wish revenge upon us."

Yeah I think Evil wins this round...

Even though she is in mortal danger here, Elsie cannot help but pause and stare in astonishment as the Stirge's identity is finally revealed.

Varian is...the Stirge...Amazing, and yet...I think I have known all along...The fact he gave his life for us...we must not let it be in vain... She grabs Tella's arm to prevent her from doing anything foolish. "We must flee...tell those in the know what we have learned, and return to bring the hammer of justice down upon her!"

Elsie will continue to withdraw towards the waiting boat.

*nods* I do feel bad for him, as I don't think either Elsie or Tella can get close enough to the Stirge without getting dropped by either the Elemental or that other woman.

I will wait to post here until the Stirge responds.

Reflex save DC 18, Evasion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 Saved, takes no damage due to Evasion.

Elsie feels the flames start to engulf her, and reflexively twists her body out of the aura's radius. Giving the woman a murderous glare, she points the tip of her rapier at the fiery woman. "I will remember you and I WILL be back!" She then whirls around and moves back outside the Windmill structure.

Withdraw action.

OK now that Paizo is finally up, I think it is time to discuss tactics here. For the record here are what the viable options we have are:

1) Tactical Retreat,
2) Tactical Withdrawal,
3) Run away!

Let me know which one will work for you guys.

Fear and panic grip Tella's heart as she realizes how much trouble she's the whole group is in.

Fixed it for ya!

Elsie vision grows hazy with rage as she sees her friend mortally threatened. Gripping the hilt of her rapier tightly she dashes back into the Windmill, fury in her eyes.

"RELEASE HER or DIE!"

Move: Tumble around the Ragefire Elemental. Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Attack the woman. +1 Ghost Touch Rapier, Canny Tumble: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 2 = 14
Piercing magical damage + Sneak: 1d6 + 5 + 4d6 ⇒ (5) + 5 + (1, 4, 2, 5) = 22. Also target is Hampered: All of the target's speeds are reduced by half (to a minimum of 5 feet). In addition, the target cannot take a 5-foot step.

Elsie's heart is gladdened briefly as the gargoyles are driven off...only to sink again as the newcomer shows herself.

Is she the one behind all this...Who is she? (GM Zed, do any of us recognize her from her description?)

When she sees Tella get the familiar glint in her eyes, she knows time is shorty. Deciding to attempt to forestall disaster here she calls out ion what is hopefully a friendly tone, "We have no quarrel with you lady! We came here investigating the source of these Burning Flames. We have no wish to destroy your...Creation! What were you before? A slave? A whore?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24

Elsie nods in agreement, knowing the presence of the fire-creatures would prove their downfall, and immediately tries to weave her way around the other side of the gargoyle, closer to the bellows.

Move: Tumble around the Gargoyle #2. Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Attack Gargoyle #2. +1 Ghost Touch Rapier, Canny Tumble: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 2 = 27
Piercing magical damage + Sneak: 1d6 + 5 + 4d6 ⇒ (1) + 5 + (4, 3, 6, 5) = 24. Also target is Hampered: All of the target's speeds are reduced by half (to a minimum of 5 feet). In addition, the target cannot take a 5-foot step.

Elsie cries out in pain as the gargoyles tear large chunks of flesh from her, but she does not relent...

Attack the Large gargoyle. +1 Ghost Touch Rapier, Flank: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 2 = 28
Crit?: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 2 = 20
Piercing magical damage + Sneak: 1d6 + 5 + 4d6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + (3, 3, 2, 4) = 19
Crit. damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7. Also target is Hampered: All of the target's speeds are reduced by half (to a minimum of 5 feet). In addition, the target cannot take a 5-foot step.
.
GM Zed: I forgot to add Elsie's extra damage for wielding her rapier, so she did 10 extra points of damage last round.

Elsie does not let Tella face the hulking gargoyle by her own, dashes under the guard of the large beast, somersaulting into an upright position in the doorway and stabbing again at the beast.

Move: Tumble to position on map. Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Attack the Large gargoyle. +1 Ghost Touch Rapier, Flank, Canny Tumble: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 2 + 2 = 30;
Crit?: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 2 + 2 = 19
Piercing magical damage + Sneak: 1d6 + 4d6 ⇒ (1) + (4, 3, 3, 1) = 12
Crit. damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3. Also target is Hampered: All of the target's speeds are reduced by half (to a minimum of 5 feet). In addition, the target cannot take a 5-foot step.

Elsie nods in reply to the Stirge and immediately weaves her way behind the gargoyle, stabbing hard once behind it...

Move: Move to behind gargoyle. Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Attack the gargoyle. +1 Ghost Touch Rapier, Flank, Canny Tumble: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 2 + 2 = 29;
Piercing magical damage + Sneak: 1d6 + 4d6 ⇒ (6) + (4, 6, 4, 1) = 21. Also target is Hampered: All of the target's speeds are reduced by half (to a minimum of 5 feet). In addition, the target cannot take a 5-foot step.

Elsie quickly glances upwards on hearing gargoyles were spying on the group. "Gargoyles? Why would they lurk here? They must be guarding this place, but for whom?" She tries to recall what she knew of the mysterious race.

Knowledge Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

"I think we are getting close..." Elsie murmurs as she keeps a sharp lookout for any guards while Tella does her spell-casting.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

Elsie hops onto the jetty and stows her rope back into her pack. "No one would bother with building anything out here unless they did not want to be discovered. Be careful Stirge." She adds under her breath while drawing her own rapier.

Elsie judges the risk is too great to jump here, so she takes out her trusted Rope of Climbing extending it out to wrap around the outward pole of the jetty. "I can hold it steady for you Stirge then I can make my way across."

Elsie recalls where the ledger recovered from the Organ Grinder's study showed where the deliveries of coal and timber were being made. "The great one at the Mouth of the Lyme...and could you be discreet about your approach?" She replies softly, her eyes scanning the area intently.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

"Yes a typical response." Elsie's response is curt, with a not of anger underneath. "Still we did learn this: The Grinder had deep pockets and was able to buy himself adequate protection."

When the Stirge mentions buying passage to the Windmills, she hesitates briefly before shrugging. "I see little that could go wrong, unless we end up stranded there by our transportation."

Elsie is OK with buying passage.

Elsie auto-succeeds on the Perception check.

Interesting...all related...something is swimming under the currents here, and I do NOT like it...Perhaps the Stirge may know of a wedge to drive in between them.

Elsie fixes a polite smile on her face and turns to withdraw from the room...Again giving Tella a chance to respond here.

Elsie, noting the tone of the young woman changing, smoothly intercedes, "That's OK. We understand if the good Officer is busy and we can certainly return later. Would it be possible to interrogate Mahaas?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Elsie raises her eyebrow on the request, glancing at Tella briefly before turning her attention back to the officer.

Sooo close :( I will wait for Tella to respond here before continuing.

"Yes, you may let him know we have learned some additional information which I am sure Officer Grast would be most interested in learning." Elsie adds in a respectful tone.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Elsie nods briskly, "We could also see about checking in with the Watch first. They may also be able to provide us a boat."

We could kill two birds with one stone here.

Elsie pouts, "Ohhh...Tella, I thought he looked adorable", as she extends her hand in reconciliation to the man she adds in a sweet voice, "We definitely need to visit the Bazaar once this sordid business is completed!"

Elsie flinches slightly at the words from the vigilante. How did he know of our travails? Did he visit Darc at the Red Dragon?

Turning a cutting tone into her voice, she gives the vigilante a cold look. "If you believe you can find the answer more quickly than us, then feel free to do so! As for the Grinder, he refused to go quietly and indeed had little care for his own survival. Perhaps you would care to question him further?"

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Elsie handles the appearance of the stirge with a tad more aplomb, though her hand does stray to the hilt of her rapier. "Good morning Stirge. To what do we owe this pleasure? We are rather busy at the moment so if this is a social call then you will need to return at a later time."

Elsie votes heading to the Windmills...I suspect investigating the Family directly may prove rather hazardous...

Flex-time works for me, as it gives me time to work on some funny tales to tell, he he.

Elsie is quiet, a thoughtful look on her face. "I would say we do work well together as a team, along with Varian and Darc. If you are interested in working with me I am sure we can find plenty of opportunities here...though you do bring up an intriguing idea in leaving the Blight, I have also toyed with the idea...yet every time I feel the urge, I find it never stays very long..." She responds slowly.

Elsie savors the fine vintage of the wine and leans backs in the divan. "You need not berate yourself Tella. I went through much the same...learning experience earlier in my life. Dealing with the Blight requires you to use ALL the resources you have available to you. Including those parts of yourself you may not enjoy." She is then quiet for a few moments before adding softly, "It is nigh impossible to deal with this place by yourself...why I travel with Darc usually. Have you considered partnering up with anyone?"

Sense Motive vs Bluff DC 31: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29 While she had no chance to beat that DC I figured why not roll here?

Elsie raises an eyebrow at Varian's protestations but does not raise an objection. Hmmm, did I misjudge him? He is very hard to read.

She gives Tella a reassuring smile and takes the young woman's hand. "I would love to see your flat!" She nods respectfully to Lord Varian, "Very well. On the morrow then?"

Once they have arrived at the residence Elsie gives the interior a look-over, nodding in approval at the simple, yet elegant furnishings. "I would love some wine if you have any to spare." Taking a seat on one of the divans she gives Tella a curious look. "I hope this investigation has not proven too taxing on you...and I understand why you decided to flee. I was so sure I had The Grinder subdued!" She shudders briefly as the images flood her mind again, and she takes a long draught of wine. "Without you, we would all be resting in the Lyme now."

Elsie turns back to look at the young girl who came so nearly close to death. She really is scared...and alone. I know...I know what it feels like to be alone...and afraid...

She motions for Varian, a look of compassion on her face rarely seen by others save Darc. "I know you can safely see Darc back to the Inn, right? I just...I have been in her shoes...when I was young, and scared..." She leans forward to give the Lord a kiss on the cheek. "Take good care of him Varian. He has watched over me for many years and I know he is in good hands."

Elsie allows the young woman to cling to her, knowing full well her magic had saved all their lives. Sighing softly she responds, "Yes I agree we should rest. We should inform the Watch of what occurred but my first thought is to get my friend here back home," pointing at her slumbering friend. "We can wait until whatever poison running through his veins has run its course." Turning her gaze back out over the Lyme she adds, "Should we meet up at the Red Dragon again?"

Once we have rested then following up on the Windmill would be a good idea.

Elsie alights upon the far end of the pier, too shaken by the close call to enjoy the sensation of flight. Turning her gaze to the surface of the Lyme scanning for any signs of survivors she softly asks Varian, a noticeable tremor in her voice, "Please tell me you still have the Living Fire flask, Varian."

Elsie quickly realizes if the medusa was free it would gain a perverse pleasure in seeing them go down with the ship, as it were. Squinting her eyes nearly closed as she continues her uneven ascent she cries out, "Don't look around! You will turn to stone!"

Elsie will NOT risk a Perception check here and will continue her ascent.

Elsie needs no encouragement as she attempts to fly back up the bowels of the Limpet....though her form definitely needs some work. Fly: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Elsie briefly considers using her magical rope here to assist with the climb, but discards the idea. There was simply not enough time. Nodding as she sees Varian gather her unconscious friend she quickly scurries up the ladder next to Tella. "I am ready."

Ready action to pick up Tella and fly up once she has cast her spell.

Eslie pales as she sees the unconscious form of her friend laying on the floor. She can only nod wordlessly in response to the young woman.

Not sure what Elsie can do with a 10 STR...but it looks like we have no choice.

Hmmm...since Darc is now incapacitated, and there now is a very angry ape to contend with, I am perfectly happy in retreating here. Of course...who gets to carry him up the ship? This is where a Levitate spell will be useful.

Elsie curses as Varian falls out of sight -- her attention fully engaged on the Grinder she fails to see what befell -- and with a well practiced flip, tumbles in mid-air and lands again next to the Grinder.

Move: Jump down next to the Grinder. Acrobatics DC 15 (Jump): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19 Success. Elsie is not Prone, and if she beats Grinder CMD then Canny Tumble kicks in.
Attack: Sap: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Add +2 if Canny Tumble is in effect. Non-Lethal damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3. Add 4d6 ⇒ (1, 2, 3, 6) = 12 if Canny Tumble is in effect.
Crit?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 Add +2 if Canny Tumble is in effect. Crit Non-Lethal damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Also target is Hampered: All of the target's speeds are reduced by half (to a minimum of 5 feet). In addition, the target cannot take a 5-foot step.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 Saved...takes no damage due to Evasion.

"I am not letting this one get away that easily!" Elsie exclaims as she continues her attempts to knock out their quarry, landing a solid blow.

Attack: Sap, Flank: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 - 2 = 25; Non-lethal Damage, Sneak attack: 1d6 + 4d6 ⇒ (3) + (1, 4, 2, 6) = 16
Crit?: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 - 2 = 15; Crit damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5 Also target is Hampered: All of the target's speeds are reduced by half (to a minimum of 5 feet). In addition, the target cannot take a 5-foot step.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 Saved...takes no damage due to Evasion.

Elsie dodges around the side of the Grinder, ducking the flames adroitly, before again striking the vile man's temple with her sap.

Move to other side of Grinder. Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Attack: Sap, Flank, Canny Tumble: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 18; Non-lethal Damage, Sneak attack: 1d6 + 4d6 ⇒ (5) + (1, 6, 2, 2) = 16 Also target is Hampered: All of the target's speeds are reduced by half (to a minimum of 5 feet). In addition, the target cannot take a 5-foot step.

Elsie, expecting exactly the same betrayal from the ever-shifty man, steps smoothly next to him and thwacks him smartly on the back of his skull!

Attack: Sap, Flank: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 = 21; Nonlethal damage: 1d6 + 4d6 ⇒ (5) + (2, 3, 2, 4) = 16 Also target is Hampered: All of the target's speeds are reduced by half (to a minimum of 5 feet). In addition, the target cannot take a 5-foot step.

Elsie trails along behind Varian, electing to keep quiet here. She knew little of charm magicks but enough to know their hold was a fickle one.

I will just keep an eye on you Grinder...a very close eye...

Elsie curses as the Grinder prepares to loose his missile at the group. Still unsure whether Tella's magic would be effective she slips into a defensive stance, ready to move should her magic indeed fail.

Standard: use Total Defense, AC now 19 (Touch 17). She will ready to move down the ladder should the Grinder make his save.