Looking momentarily confused he replied, "Oh I thought I gave them back afterwards..." Shaking his head he said, "They'll be in my pack, one moment please."
Having fetched the papers he hands them over for inspection saying softly for Sambryl's ears only, "Captain, as you can see we have a royal warrant which states the bearer is to pass without let or hindrance, and may commandeer such assistance as may be required. We are on a covert diplomatic mission headed north beyond the Watch Wall, the details of which are to remain confidential. I assume your men inspecting the cargo can be trusted not to gossip, right?"
Suddenly everyone was shouting at once, Lope's words had caused a sensation! It took several minutes for Lord Rudig Autun to bring the chamber back to order, favouring Lope with a despairing look he said, "I trust you have proof?"
The council then spend the next ten minutes examining the letters, there were several arguments about the veracity but Lady Aumber Gewbell snarled at Lady Carmellio Rauls "Cut the c**p! You know Earl Yander's handwriting as well as anything, this is damning!"
Lord Autun seemed to be having a migraine, slumped in his seat as half a dozen members of the lower council attempted to ask various points of order. After several minutes of cacophony he stood up and shouted "ENOUGH! WE SHALL HAVE ORDER IN THE CHAMBER!"
A shocked silence followed into which Lord Autun spoke in a more measured tone, "Clearly we're going to have to arrest Earl Yander. I don't imagine that will be easy..." Lady Carmellio Rauls interjected to say, "What of the reputational damage, we can't allow the defection of the Taldan Horse to become common knowledge, the people will panik!"
"Yes. Yes. I guess you're right." sighed Lord Autun, turning to you he said, "Unfortunately, you're going to have to keep the Taldan Horse scandal quiet. If you can do that and capture Earl Yander we'll reward you handsomely! I mean you're due a reward for this information anyway, but if you can do this we'll make its worth you're time. Do we have an agreement?"
Valeria:
It's hard to say with a room full of politicians, but you do detect naked self interest from Lady Carmellio Rauls who holds a lucrative contract to supply the Taldan Horse. Anything beyond that you just don't know.
Now fed and presentable once more thanks to the indefatigable staff of the Gilded Baldachin, you make your way to the Mercantile Council. As before, you are greeted by the loquacious halfling, Gregor Hamble, in his customary council livery. "Ah the Opparan delegation! The council was hoping for an update your investigation, as I'm sure you've heard there's been an uptick in banditry of late and the Taldan Horse are nowhere to be seen. Most regrettable..."
After waiting in an oak paneled side room for ten minutes you are ushered into the council chamber where there was a gap in the schedule. You are greeted by Lord Rudig Autun, "Welcome! I must say despite Yanmass's other problems I don't don't think any of us have slept so well after you ended the plague of dreams!"
"Indeed! We are all extremely grateful." agreed Lady Carmellio Rauls, who added "But something tells me they're here on other business."
"A lesson I'd imagine." Colin's replied dryly. Noting the hole, Colin speculated, "Or perhaps you mean to start by inserting something into this indentation? If so, the question is what. I have noticed the use of gemstones which appear to be powering things, but you seem to be powered already, its purpose could be something else entirely."
Colin considered what its function might be based on other Dwarven technology he'd seen in the star tower.
Dwarven Lore:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Colin raised his eyebrows slightly, an impatient sentient item wasn't on his bingo list.
Colin found the experience of a psychic presence both scientifically extraordinary and a bit creepy at the same time. It took him a moment to order his thoughts and reply, "Professor eh? Figures. Look Professor, uh, can I call you Prof? Anyway as fascinating as Applied Micrometallurgy and Linked Agent Particles sounds, and believe me it does sound fascinating, tantalizing even! I think we might need to start with something a wee bit simpler..." He gazed around the wonders in vault noting his companions in various stages of communion with intelligent dwarven items, "Who am I kidding, the Stoneborn are clearly way more advanced than my people, maybe we should start at the beginning?!"
"It certainly is!" whispered Colin who likened this to what he imagined a royal treasury might be like. He wandered among the various outlandish artifacts, identifying some kind of geared bow, various arms and armor, a sort of half crown that Em was making a beeline to, a crystal orb and many other items. Despite marvelling at the exquisite craftwork, Colin wasn't tempted to touch any of them for the exactly same reason you didn't touch any of the exhibits at a museum, it simply wasn't done.
After circling for a while, a book that seemed to be constructed from metal caught his eye. "My my, that must have taken a delicate hand!" he breathed "Still if you want it to last, metal sure beats paper!" On an sudden impulse he reached out, "I wonder what you have to say..."
"Carry a weapon?" Colin was taken aback by this, "I uh, never really saw myself as a fighter. Mine and civil engineering is more my calling, but I guess sometimes circumstances don't give you a choice! As for your conditions, I would never sell any dwarven artefact, or willingly see it fall into evil hands." Glancing subconsciously at Phantrel's weapon Colin added, "As for respecting it, I can promise to try but in the end that's a two-way street..."
Colin frowned as the the radiant heat from Forgewise seemed to grow exponentially, suddenly he was sweating and he was gripped with a sudden terrible premonition of impending doom. He blurted out a heartfelt cry, "Master Forgewise! Please we didn't mean to upset you so! I know so much has been lost, but some of the gems are still lit! Think on that! Some of them are still alive. Perhaps with your help, we can find them..."
Colin found all this... Well frankly it was all a bit overwhelming! The dwarven pantheon, the artistry of the pews, and Forgewise in particular. It seemed Forgewise didn't was in denial about what happened to the stoneborn, if the lore was correct he'd been here alone for a long time.
When Argatha asked if there was something they could do, Colin found himself nodding and when Argatha pointed out that other duties might superseded Colin again nodded saying, "An astute point!"
So Colin addressed the shrine's guardian in his most respectful dwarven, "Master Forgewise sir, it is clear that you have diligently guarded this shrine for a very long time. Yet my friend here points out, correctly I believe, that a soldier has more than one duty. It sounds like it's been a long time since your last report to the stoneborn which surely is against the rules? What if something happened to Verrik Brightbrass? He could be lost or hurt somewhere, surely it's your duty to organize a search party?"
Diplomacy!:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
If that doesn't work, Colin has a second idea
Plan B:
Colin bit is lip thinking before coming up with another pont, "Master Forgewise, if I understand correctly you also have a duty for the wider defense of this Star Tower because the shrine's defense depends on it, right? I don't mean to alarm you, but if we stumbled upon this place, it's only a matter of time before others from the surface find it too - ones far greedier than us - and there are many of them! Ones who rather than an engineering marvel see gold, which they lust for and and want to rip it away to enrich themselves! This brings me back to duty, the Star Tower needs defenders! You need recruits! As the ranking officer I uh, suggest you deputise us!"
The escape from the caravanserai was a nerve wracking affair, the storm was moving away and you were intensely aware of the creaking of the floorboards as you stole away. There was a nerve wracking moment as you crept past the room where Triphylla had seen a sleeping dragon, which on reflection can't have been much bigger than a few horses but still a dragon! You heard creaking from within the room, it seemed the creature stirred in its sleep but nothing happened as you made your way along the stairs and past the room with the snoring.
Scarcely believing your luck you crept outside into the rain, giving the chained elephant a wide berth. And then you headed south, away from Tallgrasses hoping the rain would mask your passage. Perhaps lady luck smiled upon you because after weary hours of trudging through the rain you see the distant shilouette of yanmass in the pre-dawn twilight. Another half hour later, brings you through the northern gate and into Yanmass proper.
Given the muddy disarray you're in you enter your lodgings, The Gilded Baldachin, by the trades entrance. The ever attentive staff soon have you out of your muddied travel clothes and into steaming rose petal bath water. Perhaps the rain was just as well because it washed away the worst of the blood and Triphylla in particular might have had a very difficult time explaining it all away.
Later you start reviewing the voluminous correspondence. Commander Staubel it seems was a staunch believer in tidy book keeping, a necessary skill for efficiently administering an armed force. Most of her notes are mundane in the extreme, and your eyes start to glaze over after a few pages.
Perception DC 18, Intelligence DC 16, Linguistics DC 15:
After many hours of tedious reading, the dry regimental ledger starts to paint an extraordinary story. It seems a few months ago, the paymaster abruptly changed from an R.G to a G.Km. The commander kept correspondence with various people, including somebody who styled themselves as the Grey Kingmaker. You get the impression this individual's source of funds is highly placed in the Taldan military, and seems likely to be Maxillar Pythareus himself.
Commander Staubel's orders, as transmitted by the Grey Kingmaker was a false flag operation, where they where to pretend to be the Qadiran bandits they once hunted. Their orders where to harass and scare traders, before arranging a massacre in a few week, which would give Taldor a Casus Belli for a retaliatory invasion of Quadria!
Regimental notes show the Commander ruthlessly removed Junior Officers she deemed disloyal to her, ordering them on one way trips to investigate Orvestikar Manor where she had an agreement with the medusa Aresphena.
Combining this with the other correspondence you found at the former Sanguine Brothers Slaughter house looks damning for Earl Yander. He is undoubtedly the Grey Kingmaker, and has much to answer for! The Mercantile council will want to know what you have discovered...
Colin fond the conversation deeply weird which made him uncomfortable, he found his eyes wandering. He frowned at a statue of aregal figure with a crown and a very long beard, he felt he ought to know who that was but the name was elusive. As his rear end became slightly numb, he then found himself examining the benches. Marvellous work clearly depicting a famous legend, pointing this out to the others he said, "Oh look the bench decorations are depicting an origin myth, the Quest for Sky! Supposedly 10,000 years ago, they left the Darklands and fought their way past countless foes to reach the surface, pursuing a prophecy given to them by Torag. On the surface they established a great empire, including massive settlements called Sky Citadels, perhaps this is part of one?"
At the back Colin didn't see much but when Phantreel spoke of finding another route, Colin spoke up "At some point we'll be forced to interact with the things that live here. Knowing potential hidey holes is good, in case that goes poorly, but I don't think we'll be able to sneak around undetected forever. No idea when we should switch from sneaking around to taking though!"
Absorbed by arcane speculation over exactly how the dwarven technology was powered, Colin is completely oblivious to anything up ahead. He muttered, "I'd like to open that furnace door later, seeing what's inside might be vital to understanding how this complex was powered and perhaps even restoring it. Given the size I'm speculating it's an alchemical process of some kind, because if it was fueled by pure magic it wouldn't need to be so large, but beyond that the details are anyone's guess."
Triphylla tears into the commander once more, although in her follow up she can't quite manage the same ferocity. Still she bit a chunk out of the woman's thigh and lacerated her let legs. Wracked with pain and weakened by loss of blood, the commander wobbled. Lope took immediate advantage and swung gloriana in a powerful lateral blow, taking her head clean off.
The ram is still there, but I think this fight has run its course.
Shocked by the loss of its mistress, the ram bleats incomprehension as you hack it to pieces, the stench of blood and voided bowels is strong, leaving the room like a charnel house. Thunder crashes outside as you steady your breaths.
Loot:
+1 chain shirt, mwk light wooden shield, +1 shatterspike, cloak of resistance +1, ring of protection +1, keys to all locks in Tallgrasses, spell component pouch, 158 gp, mwk leather armor barding.
The room has extensive shelving full of plodding military histories. There's also neat row of records, examining them all will take some hours.
Perception DC 22:
Among the mangy books, you notice something out of place, a religious treatise discussing the merits of Aroden. This proves to be hollow, containing a pouch of platinum coins (200pp).
I'm traveling this week and the internet connection has been kinda bad today. Will hopefully be able to get a proper post up tomorrow, assuming it doesn't get eaten again.
Triphylla uses a sachet of a special alchemical powder that creates a weird cloud that masks even the heavy rain! Most of you manage to get inside without but Valeria slipped and almost fell before catching herself on the door which slammed into the door fame. Your hearts where in your throats as the huge elephant twitched and stirred before rolling over and falling back to sleep.
Ok that got you inside the narrow musty smelling corridor, mercifully you're now out of the rain. You can all hear the sounds of snoring coming from one of the doors. Actions?
Not sure if Colin needs to make another swim check or not.
L
Swim:1d20 ⇒ 5Oh boy dice bot has it in for Colin now!
Colin was desperately glad to see Bumble and he tried not to panic, he really did! But the water kept going into his eyes and up his nose and there were corpses of the freshly floating about! Part of him worried that some of these might rise up as undead if not properly buried, another part of him laughed - he would drown before that could happen. Problem was the laughter came out all wrong and he took half a lungful of water in the process.
Colin realized he was scared beyond reason, literally paralyzed with fear. But at Xira's shout he remembered he very much did not want to die. With one last agonized look at Lord Highcliff, Colin said something that he hoped was passable dwarvish, feeling that it might be appreciated as he jumped towards what he hoped was salvation.
Dwarven Lore:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Dwarvish with a TERRIBLE accent:
You are possibly the bravest man I've ever met. If I can save her I will.
Anyway re an assassination that might be possible with suitable planning. The logical target is commander staubel but as a reminder you're looking for correspondence that will hopefully incriminate Earl yander.
"I'm sure the warning not to mess around with it was unnecessary. But you should keep a careful eye on it. The strawberry-blonde halfling - Specks, is it? She was watching you open it with a shrewd gleam in her eye. I can't speak to her intent but it seemed a covetous look. I'll try and keep an eye on her, just in case she has something in mind."
"Oh I hadn't noticed. Thanks!" Colin replied to Phantrel, "I hope she's not planning anything foolish, many of the alchemical substances in the kit are dangerous if handled improperly..."
Raka wrote:
"You really think someone mighta stole it? Why not just turn it in and get the reward?"
While it occured to Colin that even small dwarven artefacts might be really quite valuable to the right buyer, he was certain that the only buyer within a hundred miles was Lady Highcliffe and she'd named her price. So he found himself nodding.
Quote:
Minty shrugs. "I hear you could get twenty times what she's offering for it if you sell it in Riddleport or the like..."
Colin muttered, "But that means going to Riddleport, and then you're just as likely to get swindled or end up a knife in your gut."
Valeria invoked Nocticula's wrath once more, her hand becoming a nimbus of darkness. She reached out and touched the already wounded lion and a multitude of deep cuts and abrasions appeared. The big cat whimpered before it fell twitching horribly as it died.
Touch attack: inflict serious:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16Damage:3d8 + 7 ⇒ (3, 3, 2) + 7 = 15 <--- HIT
The remaining two bandits or rather Taldan traitors continue to circle Lope, but they seem to be tiring, none of their attacks come come to hitting.
Yellow vs Lope:1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 2 = 24Damage:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10<--- MISS
Yellow vs Lope:1d20 + 11 - 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 5 + 2 = 18Damage:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8<--- MISS
Red vs Lope:1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 2 = 15Damage:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 <--- MISS
Red vs Lope:1d20 + 11 - 5 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 11 - 5 + 2 = 10Damage:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 <--- MISS
STATUS: Round 4 wrote:
Environment: Normal.
Buffs and Debuffs:
---- Round 4 ---- Lope Triphylla All the buffs The enemy St John Estini Valeria ---- Round 5 ---- Lope Triphylla All the buffs The enemy St John Estini Valeria
Damage Log:
Round: 1
Purple was hit by Lope for 19 (total damage taken 19)
Lope was hit by Yellow for 12 (total damage taken 12)
Diana was hit by Lion for 12 (total damage taken 12)
Red was hit by St John for 15 (total damage taken 15)
Purple was hit by Lope for 21 (total damage taken 40)
Round: 2
Lope was hit by Yellow for 19 (total damage taken 31)
Lope was hit by Yellow for 9 (total damage taken 40)
St John was hit by Blue for 8 (total damage taken 8)
Estinti was hit by Lion for 12 (total damage taken 12)
Estinti was hit by Lion for 9 (total damage taken 21)
Round: 3
Lope was hit by Red for 19 (total damage taken 59)
Lion was hit by Estinti for 24 (total damage taken 24)
Estinti was hit by Lion for 31 (total damage taken 52)
Lion was hit by St John for 15 (total damage taken 39)
Red was hit by Triphylla for 22 (total damage taken 37)
Colin blinked as Lady Highcliff went to speak to her father, he couldn't quite believe what had just happened and he wasn't at all sure this sort of attention was for the best, even though the thought of all the things he could do with a proper alchemy lab was beyond exciting. "Oh well, retreat forwards is what my Gandpa used to say..." he muttered. That worked well enough for Edwin Bazelgette until the battle of Bulger Pass, he thought, mmm on second thought maybe I shouldn't adopt that motto.
St John gets a couple of good hits in, smashing into the bandit with sword and buckler. The man reels back and St John's follow ups go wide. However the man had blundered towards Valeria who invoked the wrath of Nocticula which manifested itself as if he'd tripped into a blender. Already badly wounded, this was too much and he slumps to the floor, twitching occasionally.
"But the lamps... Oh!" Colin's protest died as he eyes the fragments. As a child he'd been fond of jigsaw puzzles but this seems something far grander.
He looked at the fragments this way and that, circling them before referencing the intact sections of the wall. Colin scratched his head before muttering, "It stands to reason some of these patterns would have continued across the blasted section. Hopefully all the dwarf gold was recovered..."
He starts searching for anything that looks like it might be a continuation of existing lines, before slowly, methodically building up from there.
Sorry for the slow turn around, got very distracted this week.
Lope's sword Gloriana bursts into flame, cauterizing flesh as it cuts deeply into the lead bandit. The man gives a surprised yelp.
With frightening speed, a gore soaked Triphylla chases down the fleeing bandit who is trembling with fear.
The bandit Lope struck attempts to counter attack, but he just can't sneak past the Aldori's defences.
Purple vs Lope:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22Damage:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 <--- MISS
Purple vs Lope:1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 5 = 23Damage:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 <--- MISS
Another bandit suddenly vaults over a rock, and tumbles just under Lope's blade before landing behind in a perfect flank. His blade lashed out with a perfect cut, which burned a line of fire into Lope's back.
Yellow acrobatics to avoid AOO:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25 <--- YES
Yellow vs Lope:1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 2 = 33Damage:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 <--- CRIT?
Crit?:1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 2 = 22Crit Damage:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 <--- NO
A pair of bandits take on St John, who blocks and parries the one in front.
Red vs St John:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13Damage:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 <--- MISS
Red vs St John:1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 11 - 5 = 25Damage:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 <--- MISS
He also manages to duck the horizontal cut from the one who snuck behind.
Blue vs St John:1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 2 = 20Damage:1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 <--- MISS
The lion roars as it runs around and takes a swipe at Diana, leaving deep parallel scratches across her stomach.
Claw:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32Damage:1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 <--- HIT
St John's Falcata opens up a deep wound in the bandit in front of him, the man screeches in pain.
Estinti's weapons blur as he lashes out, but somehow the bandit he was fighting manages to dodge and parry his attacks.
Valeria's magic makes the Lion pause momentarially, it looks confused before it snorts, shaking it head and continuing to menace Diana!
Lion will DC 17:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 <--- PASS
STATUS: Round 2 wrote:
Environment: Normal.
Buffs and Debuffs:
---- Round 2 ---- Lope Triphylla All the buffs The enemy St John Estini Valeria ---- Round 3 ---- Lope Triphylla All the buffs The enemy St John Estini Valeria
Damage Log:
Round: 1
Purple was hit by Lope for 19 (total damage taken 19)
Lope was hit by Yellow for 12 (total damage taken 12)
Diana was hit by Lion for 12 (total damage taken 12)
Red was hit by St John for 15 (total damage taken 15)
Everyone except Triphylla hears a loud crac-THWUMP as a stun vial detonates. This is followed by a gasp of shock from a man foreshortened by a blood curdling scream.
After disemboweling one bandit and darn near ripping him in half, Triphylla binks the blood away from her face as the huge lion in front towers above her. It seems momentarially phased by this sudden turn of events!
---- Round 1 ---- Lope Triphylla All the buffs The enemy St John Estini Valeria ---- Round 2 ---- Lope Triphylla All the buffs The enemy St John Estini Valeria
COMBAT ORDER:
Lope <----- WE ARE HERE
Triphylla The enemy St John Estini Valeria
Over the link Azzim disagreed, ::We need a forcing function, perhaps a snatch team from mechanus one that will arrive soon but not instantly. Arlo if you press things, he won't have time to examine what I'm doing too closely.::
Azzim carefully considered exactly what a snatch team from mechanus would look and sound like. Metallic robot being or some such. The portal would be loud showy but slow to fully open to admit a gargantuan attack bot. Think 40k dreadnought.
Once he was ready he started concentrating on a new illusion, and a brilliant blue white portal with edges throwing sparks like welding torches on steel appeared.
Kn: Planes for the right portal effects and realistic mechanus shock troops:1d20 + 25 ⇒ (5) + 25 = 30 Bluff to pull it off:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (18) + 20 = 38
The Chief Enumerator listens to the suggestions and tells you, "The spell will last for a few minutes and I think I can manage a maximum of four questions. Let's go with Lope's first question and decide on the next one afterwards."
Turning to the acolytes he says, "Close the shutters and make sure the door is locked. We don't want to frighten any parishioners who might pass by... "
This is promptly attended to, and one hands the Enumerator a censor of ritual incense, and another pours a circle of salt around the Enumerator and the bodies.
When all was ready, The Chief Enumerator started chanting and almost immediately the temperature in the chapel dropped precipitously making your breath smoke. A ghastly green light appeared in mid air, it weaved around before splitting into two and darting into the mouths of the corpses. Both of them suddenly convulse and writhe and one of them screeches, "Whhhhhooo? Whooooo? Whoooo draggss usssss back?!"
Rather firmly The Chief Enumerator shouts, "The one you failed to kill! Answer my questions four! Question the first! Who gave you your orders?!"
"Curse ye! T'was hoodded Fiiiiguure!" snapped the other assassin.
Making a fist the Enumerator sent a pulse of golden radiance which seemed to burn them and the first cried, "Aiiiieeee! Daamn your eyessss! An Aassimarrrr attt the Graaaannnd Uunccllee!"
Sense Motive DC 18:
Truthful you think, but they're holding some detail back.
Kn: Local or Geography DC 18:
You recognize the name of a rather seedy canal tavern called the Grand Uncle. Well known for its rough clientele, it's a plausible place to hire thugs and other ne'er do wells.
Azzim suggested, ::Fear of missing out, that's what will drive him! Watch this!::
Azzim in the form of a crazy eyed magus in a colorful outfit looking suspiciously like Gene Wilder appeared on stage in a clap of thunder. Noting the madness enveloping the audience he made a strange gesture before wiggling his fingers and shimmering field of sparkling diamonds shone over the crowd.
Using Fortune hex and Dispel Magic to try and counter the effect. Dispel check:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22 Dispel check (reroll):1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
Striding up to Snobarny's sequined horse costume he said in a loud stage whisper, "Dobbin, if you'll allow me kind sir..."
Then in an over the top stage bellow he cried, "Ladies, gentlefiends and cosmic horrors! I am Xaru the Munificent, I have come here to spectate and also to bet on the winner of this fantastic prize. But what's going on in there?! Allow me to elucidate!"
Waggling his fingers one more, a giant scoreboard shimmered into existence with roving cameras following the progress of those inside. This display was framed by a glitzy firework fountain. From somewhere an invisible band started playing tension music.
"See! The guy in the blue hat has taken a segment of helix, that makes three parts by my count! But the knight in plate armor has five putting him in first place. BUT WAIT! Is that a thief I spy behind him, OH YES IT IS! Look he's just stolen a helix section, putting his total up to four and now in joint first place! That's right gentlefiends, the rules tonight are the rules of the jungle, whatever goes!
Well there IS one immutable rule, the first to thirteen sections takes all! And look here, more members of the audience are heading in, THAT'S RIGHT gentlefiens and cosmic horrors, there's still time if you've got what it takes!"
Probably too late now (I was hoping for a little feedback on the desired toe) but I did have a couple of ideas: a completely over the top bard-paladin (a mix of lord flashheart from blackadder and the cat from red dwarf for those who know their 90's british tv); and a much more straight face wolf riding halfling barbarian/inquisitor taking very light inspiration from bobby from the 80s D&D cartoon.
Estinti's rope dagger flashes back and forth, it only strikes home once leaving a deep gash on the assassin's head.
Triphylla throws a candelabra at one of the assassins. To her surprise she hit him with a glancing blow.
Improvised Damage:1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
St John's falcata flashes out twice, first deep into the man's stomach and secondly across his throat, tearing out his windpipe. The disemboweled assassin slumps to the floor twitching and spasming as he bleeds out.
Lope then strides towards the last assassin and with a grunt he lops his head clean off.
He actually had a few HP left, but I think this combat has run its course.
There's a moment's stunned silence before Chief Enumerator Abrun Palliettor says, "I owe you my life, that much is plain. If you ever have need of Abadar’s aid, you will be welcome here."
He checks the two assassins and says softly, "Dead and dead..." In a louder voice he tells you, "I can't help but feels that more is needed to settle the scales. I asked about the Immaculate Circle, it is only fair I share what little I know. If you recall your theology, the Goddess Pharasma used to be the Goddess of prophecy before the God Arodenn's fall. She used to have a small temple here in Yanmass and the day before the God Aroden died and many things changed, Pharasma’s priestess Yavala was driven mad by a prophecy and one of my forebears
treated her."
Shaking his head he says, "Such was the force of this last prophecy she she was struck mad and was mostly incoherent except for one thing. She muttered over and over 'Pity and beware the Twilight Prince, herald of Taldor’s Woe. Dragged back unwilling and broken. Most of all beware the Immaculate Circle!'"
Looking you in the eye he said, "I fear this Immaculate Circle is something truly dangerous, and they've done something they really shouldn't, something to draw the ire of Pharasma."
Azzim nodded to Snobarny and Terex and swapped forms, this time into that of a powerful Memitim Psychopomp. A black winged angel with a legionnaire’s helmet and flinty onyx eyes. He set off visiting the gambling halls and the black markets spreading a tale to anyone who would listen, "You know those annoying Zombie Clowns that have popped up everywhere? They're an anathema right, but you know what the really interesting thing is?"
He pulled out a large diamond, "I found this inside the skull of the one I killed earlier!"
Bluff:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36
He then found somewhere discrete and shifted form, this time into an enormous spider like thing, a Augnagar Qlippoth with three clawed tails and eight legs connected by leathery webs of flesh. In this new form he spread another rumour, "I heard a juicy one today. You know all this hoo-ha about opportunities to compromise the Data Mines. Well one of the bidders is that silly little gnome Fentor Fizzlebrow and I heard the true reason why he's so keen. Why? It's because the Data Mines contain recording of his most recent visit to a Callistria Temple. For a gnome who professes to hate larger races he sure likes being told what to do by big busty half-orcs with riding crops! Hah Ha Can you imagine!"
The usher doesn't know what to make of Estini, when the sylph professes to being a history buff asking about the historical significance of this place he replies blithely, "Riiight, historical significance... I mean Really? Whatever historical significance it had is outweighed by the blessed presence of the Twilight Child. That is what the enclosing bower will be remembered for, not it's tawdry past."
Triphylla:
Quiet as a mouse you sneak down timeworn stairs, below the decoration is extremely basic. You find a long corridor below but to your alarm you feel the floor vibrate as something extremely heavy lumbers towards you. It looks like a crudely carved man made out earth or something like that!
Kn: Arcarna DC 20
Spoiler:
This is a clay golem! Not something you'd want to tangle with on your own.
You hear a sound of a horse approaching from behind which turns out to be Ser Dratavis who calls out, "Hullo! I have returned as promised!"
Noting the standoff he rolled his eyes and scolded Gallindra saying, "If only you could see yourself in a mirror Lieutenant Jonrek! You're uniform is an absolute disgrace, and put that bow down! Clearly they're not here to arrest or otherwise harm you because they would have done so already!"
Looking a bit sheepish, Gallindra lowers her bow and sighs deeply.
Dismounting, he trotted over to Dianna and said, "I've bought a small token of my thanks for freeing me. It's something that's been in the family for a long time, but honestly rather than being stuffed in a box it would be better for Taldor it was used. So I'd like you to have this."
He then passes Dianna a small lacquered wooden box.
Inside the box:
Floating inside the middle of the box is a magenta gemstone the size of your little finger, cut into a prism.
The only surviving member of a once prominent Osirion emigree merchant family, Dr Utamose had a rather unconventional childhood growing up as a ward of court in Absolom. His parents were killed by masked Osirion assassins who set their carriage on fire with several gallons of alchemist’s fire. His parents, their driver and the nanny were all killed, Dr Utamose was five at the time and survived albeit with terrible scars which resisted all magical healing.
The family estate paid for his board and education, but his terrible scars and raspy voice frightened other children and he grew up to be rather peculiar. Dr Utamose attended many prestigious places of learning in Absolom, but it was the Blackros Museum that made the greatest impression upon him, especially The Honoured Dead exhibition. It was from there his first interest in Ancient Osirion was kindled, face to face with the stolen remains of mummified rulers and their finery.
As a teenager Dr Utamose came to the attention of the museum’s curator Nigel Aldain. Mr Aldain was impressed by the young man’s mind and he became a father figure of sorts. Of course somebody as ambitious as Nigel Aldain always had an angle, and in Dr Utamose’s case he encouraged him to go on an expedition to recover sufficient artifacts to warrant a new wing of the Blackros Museum dedicated to ancient Osirion. Dr Utamose for his part thinks this is a capital idea, one that promises to make both men extremely wealthy.
Description:
Hunched and hulking, Dr Utamose’s flesh is horribly scarred and he tends to frighten children which he finds dismaying. The wispy hair and the scythe he favours only adds to the impression of otherworldliness, and his raspy sarcastic voice is usually the last straw for most people.
Still despite all this he has a brilliant mind, and is loyal to those few friends he manages to make. A determined man, Dr Utamose has been described as brave and ruthless by friend and foe alike. His dabbling in necromancy means he has more of the latter than the former, although in a fight you’ll be glad he’s on your side!
1 What is your character’s name?
Dr Menkutu Utamose.
2. How old is your character?
Late twenties.
3. What would somebody see at first glance (i.e. height, weight, skin color, eye color, hair color, physique, race, and visible equipment)?
All too often folk see his shadow first which is an unsettling sight of a powerfully muscled hunchback with a scythe over one shoulder! Sadly impressions typically don’t improve as they get close enough to see his horribly burned face. His eyes are small, dark and beady. His hair is typically cut short, military style.
4. What additional attributes would be noticed upon meeting the character (i.e. Speech, mannerisms)?
Dr Utamose has a habit of taking rubbings of anything of interest and for muttering engineering calculations about how said items might be removed and transported back to the Blackros Museum. If he gets excited or likes an idea he tends to exclaim Capital!
5. Where was your character born? Where were you raised? By who?
He was born in Absolum to an emigree merchant family. After they died he was a ward of state and was mostly raised by a series of disinterested officials before Nigel Aldain stepped into his life.
6. Who are your parents? Are they alive? What do they do for a living?
Dr Utamose’s parents are dead, killed by masked assassins from Osirion. In life they were merchants trading in antiquities.
7. Do you have any other family or friends?
The closest thing Dr Utamose has is Nigel Aldain who sees Dr Utamose more as a long term investment than a true friend.
8. What is your character’s marital status? Kids?
Single.
9. What is your character’s alignment?
LN. His dabbling in necromancy might suggest a leaning towards evil, but he has a very utilitarian view of the world and to him the dead are merely one more tool. That said he would help strangers if they seemed in genuine need and he’d never consider stealing from the living.
10.What is your character’s moral code?
Oh! Look at those ancient relics, they sure would look good in the Blackros Museum where they’d be on display to the world for a nominal fee. He’ll perform whatever mental gymnastics necessary to justify this and to anyone who asks.
11. Does your character have goals?
Perhaps more than anything he’d like to have a wing of the Blackros Museum named after him, not that he’d ever admit it to anyone.
12. Is your character religious?
He was interested in Phrasma until it became obvious his dabbling in necromancy is incompatible. Of late he’s been learning about Anubis.
13. What are your character’s personal beliefs?
The world can learn much from Ancient Osirion, there are mysteries there that if I can solve them will propel me to greatness.
14. Does your character have any personality quirks (i.e. anti-social, arrogant, optimistic, paranoid)?
He’s not very good at dealing with others, he means well (most of the time) but things come out all wrong.
15. Why does your character adventure?
He seeks fame and fortune, in a forlorn hope it will fill the empty feeling inside.
16. How does your character view his/her role as an adventurer?
Working to obtain antiquities for Blackros Museum defines who he is! If he didn’t have that, he wouldn’t know what to do.
17. Does your character have any distinguishing marks (birth-marks, scars, deformities)?
He has a hunched back, and terrible scarring courtesy of the attack that killed his parents and very nearly him as a child.
18. How does your character get along with others?
Poorly at least at first. He is very loyal to the few that accept him.
19. Is there anything that your character hates?
Spiders. He can’t abide them.
20. Is there anything that your character fears?
Rejection, being deemed a failure. And above all getting burned!
Build:
Dr Menkutu Utamose
Male human investigator (gravedigger) 1 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Class Guide 30, Pathfinder RPG Horror Adventures 54)
LN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +1; Senses Perception +4
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Defense
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AC 17, touch 11, flat-footed 16 (+6 armor, +1 Dex)
hp 11 (1d8+3)
Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +2
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft. (20 ft. in armor)
Melee scythe +4 (2d4+6/×4)
Investigator (Gravedigger) Extracts Prepared (CL 1st; concentration +4)
. . 1st—enlarge person (DC 14), long arm[ACG]
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Statistics
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Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 11, Cha 8
Base Atk +0; CMB +4; CMD 15
Feats Extra Inspiration[ACG], Medium Armor Proficiency
Traits foreign opportunist, transmuter of korada
Skills Acrobatics -4 (-8 to jump), Appraise +9, Heal +4, Knowledge (arcana) +7, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +7, Knowledge (engineering) +7, Knowledge (history) +7, Knowledge (local) +7, Knowledge (planes) +7, Knowledge (religion) +7, Perception +4, Spellcraft +7, Use Magic Device +3
Languages Ancient Osiriani, Common, Osiriani, Varisian
SQ finesse weapon attack attribute, focus power (necromantic servant[OA]), grave magic, inspiration (6/day), investigator talent (), relic focus
Other Gear chainmail, scythe, investigator starting formula book, occultist's implement[OA]
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Special Abilities
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Finesse Weapon Attack Attribute Finesse weapons use Strength on attack rolls.
Grave Magic (Sp) Sacrifice unused extract slots to cast certain spells.
Inspiration (+1d6, 6/day) (Ex) Use 1 point, +1d6 to trained skill or ability check. Use 2 points, to add to attack or save.
Mind Fear (DC 13) (Su) Target creature is frightened 1d4 rnds. if it has your HD or less, shaken if more (Will neg).
Necromantic Servant (0 servants, 10 minutes) (Sp) 1 focus: Raise human skeleton or zombie to serve you.
Relic Focus (1/day) (Su) Spend inspiration for nec. resonant power 1/day, or grave words any number of times.
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I'll update the gameplay thread tomorrow, but as a reminder Martella told you this. You could also ask Sir Dratavis more about it when he meets up with you again. (FWIW he's gone to fetch a reward for you, something he doesn't normally carry on his person.)
In response to Estini's outburst the man cried, "Pah! Your petty troubles and politics are but a momentary concern! The very existence of the ABOMINATION is a horrible crime against creation, the taint of which shall last for aeons! It must be dragged kicking and screaming before the Lady of Graves for JUDGEMENT!"
The man angrily retorts, "I am NOT an admirer, I am NOT impressed. Here you are prancing around worrying about this and that when you are missing the real problem. You should focusing on the ABOMINATION at the center of the Cult of the Twilight Child! I trust you know where the Encircling Bower is..."
Sense Motive DC 20:
He seems genuinely worked up about the Cult of the Twilight Child, he also seems oddly familiar with you in the way he speaks as if he knows you. But all of you are very certain you have never met him before.
Human Swashbuckler 9 | HP 57 / 78 AC 26 T17 FF21 | Panache 3/4 | CMB +9 CMD 28 | F +9 R +12 W +8(11*) init +7 | Resource Tracker
Skills:
Acrobatics +14 Diplomacy +15 Escape Artist +9 Intimidate +15 Kn: Local +1 Perception +13 Ride +9
Nodding to Ratel, Jim spoke up with a grimace "There are no tales to be told here, no glory. It is a grim task ahead for us, the cult must be scoured from the land. I take no pleasure in it, yet it must be done. Chances of our success are uncertain at best, the only thing guaranteed is there will be blood."
Azzim thought for a moment before suggesting, "If they're truly desperate they might consider the The Night Market at the fall of Sarokin. A difficult place to reach but I judge they would just about be able to make it, and on their best behaviour they might even be let in..."
The house of the fall of Sarokin:
The empire of Sarokin, indeed the entire planet Karadiz was destroyed by the purple worms of the dark traders.
The house of the fall of Sarokin is located in a giant time crystal a moment before disaster where revellers and punters can enjoy the unmatched opulence of the Imperial Sarokin Palace. Famed for its bloodstone marbles, fountains and living psi-crystal chandeliers, only the highest classes of devils, adventurers and bankers are welcome. Contract devils are available on request to notarize deals at the no limits gambling tables.
On every second tuesday of the moth, the gambling tables are moved out of the the great banqueting call to make way for The Night Market, a plans rounded bazaar where almost anything or anyone can be bought or sold,
Rumors suggest that a private members club, The Shadow Concord meet in secret inside the old emperor's private apartments to make plane shaking deals and plot the rise and fall of kingdoms for the amusement and enrichment of its members.
Terrance piped up, "Wow! What are you going to do, confront Commander Staubel? That sounds... dangerous and uh like the most amazing scoop in the history of the Yanmass Gazette!"
Sir Dratavis cautioned Terrance, "If the rot has gone as far as I fear, then The Taldan Horse are compromised and they'd kill to prevent this story reaching the press."
Terrance gulped before saying with a determined edge to his voice, "If sending these men here to their doom was deliberate, then that's monstrous and we can't let it go unpunished."
