GMBot Mk III's page

Runewolf stands impassively through Uldar's presentation of the evidence, and even signals to a few of the Greycloaks to bring him the footlocker, which he roots through as Uldar talks. There's a few interruptions - at one point, the guards compare the found arrow to the fletching in Parani's quiver, and a few guards find Barleyhusk to confirm her version of events - but within an hour Runewolf has decided that he's heard enough. "Good work here," he says stoically, prodding Parani with a foot. "Us and the city watch will take her from here."

The trial takes a few weeks to get up and running, but the wealth of evidence you uncovered makes it an open-and-shut case - Parani Akar is found guilty of murder and theft, as well as a host of supporting crimes, and is sent to prison for a long time. While you personally get some threats and glares from a few surly and presumably crooked guards, the overall tensions between the Absalom City Guard and the notorious "murder hobos" over at the Pathfinder Society actually lessen - seems like a new dawn of cooperation between the Society and the City might be arriving thanks to your restraint.

Fin.

Yes, I'm working on a wrap-up post right now :)

Chronicles might take me a day or two to pull together (I lack Auke's super-impressive PDF-Fu, so there is going to be some Experiential Learning), but you're getting full credit: +1 XP, +2 Prestige, +1454.5 gold for playing out-of-tier, the following boon, and the list of items below:

Evenhanded Investigator: By capturing a dangerous renegade guard, you demonstrated bravery and foresight, and an uncommon respect for the process of law. You gain a +2 circumstance bonus on Diplomacy checks when dealing with guards and city officials within Absalom.

potion of bull’s strength (300 gp)
potion of cat’s grace (300 gp)
potion of delay poison (300 gp)
potion of invisibility (300 gp)
scroll of cure moderate wounds (150 gp)
silenced scroll of shrink item (CL 7th; 700 gp, limit 1)
wand of mage armor (CL 1st, 15 charges; 225 gp, limit 1)

It is way easier to enter a kata when the opponents you are facing is almost unconscious and tied up - Mao strikes a couple of blows that could be taken straight from a Monking 101 textbook. Parani drops unconscious after the first punch.

Lukian runs over to the frozen hawk and takes a look to see how it does. The bird, shivering with cold and bleeding from it's wounds, turns it's head to stare him down. It gives a weak, fading cry.

Fort: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 It continues to bleed.

There's a rising commotion behind you - yelling and cries - and turning to look, you see a large group of Graycloaks approaching you. Standing a head taller than any other of the guards, a big Ulfen man sees Mao standing on the tent roof and points a bastard sword at him. "I expect you to get down from there and I expect an explanation for all of this, and I expect it RIGHT. NOW!"

Cloudia's eagle actually does hit the hawk, which gives a surprised squawk as it's hit from behind - and a second screech as the magic missile hits home. It turns to attack it's new adversary.

Bite: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 - 2 = 6

Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Talon: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 - 2 = 5
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Talon: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 - 2 = 18
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

It manages to land one damaging hit on the celestial eagle, leaving the angelic bird on oblivion's doorstep.

Parani continues to struggle violently in the face of Mao's attack, though she seems to be nearly spent.

CMB: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

The ropes hold, and she spits and gnashes her teeth at Mao.

Lukian, realizing that he was about to miss his turn, fires a ray of frost at the hawk.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
The shot connects with the hawk before it can harm Cloudia's eagle and the frozen Talon drops lightly on the tent top.

Sorry about the confusing order of the post - the way the dice roller works with previews/edits, I forgot about botting Lukian but if I wrote it in the correct order, it would have given Lukian the 5 from Talon's first attack and that didn't seem right or fair to me. So Lukian fires first, takes down the hawk and negating the top of the post and the damage to Cloudia's eagle - and then Parani fails to escape.

Best Mortal Kombat voice: FINISH HER!

Cloudia, Lukian, Mao, Uldar
Parani [-28 hp]

With the bird and archer preoccupied, Cloudia starts casting a summon monster I spell.

She looks around nervously since in the past she has always become a lightning rod when casting the spell.

There's a rumble of thunder overhead... but no lightning hits Cloudia. Just a weird weather fluctuation.

The hawk screeches angrily at Lukian.

The hawk continues to attack Mao as best it can, though it seems wary of Uldar.

Bite: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 - 2 = 9
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Talon: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 - 2 = 15
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Talon: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 - 2 = 14
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Ruling that once a person is tied up, the instigator no longer needs to be grappling so Mao does not have any penalties to AC.

The monk is able to dodge the angry hawk's onslaught once he lets go of the tied ranger.

Parani has more or less come to by the time that Mao has gotten Uldar's assistance tying her up, and struggles against the ropes.

CMB: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

"I will resist you until you kill me, coward!" yells the angry Parani, struggling to face the monk instead of just yelling at his knees.

Cloudia, Lukian, Mao, Uldar
Parani [-10 hp], Talon

Monk wrote:

Bonus Feat: At 1st level, 2nd level, and every 4 levels thereafter, a monk may select a bonus feat. These feats must be taken from the following list: Catch Off-Guard, Combat Reflexes, Deflect Arrows, Dodge, Improved Grapple, Scorpion Style, and Throw Anything. At 6th level, the following feats are added to the list: Gorgon's Fist, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Disarm, Improved Feint, Improved Trip, and Mobility. At 10th level, the following feats are added to the list: Improved Critical, Medusa's Wrath, Snatch Arrows, and Spring Attack. A monk need not have any of the prerequisites normally required for these feats to select them.

Yup - but Combat Expertise isn't on that list, so does still need the pre-reqs. Looks like Mao took it as his 1st-level feat.

Don't worry, Mao, with two GMs giving Mao the once-over, you can now walk him into any local store with the confidence of a thorough audit ;)

Parani Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Parani Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Parani again overwhelms the glitterdust - but as she makes a rude Rahadoumi gesture at the gnome, she is not prepared for Mao's knock-out punch. She drops her bow, and in a flash Mao has her grappled.

The hawk gives a screech and throws itself through the air to try to dispatch Mao.

Attack, Charge: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9
Damage, Talon: 1d4 ⇒ 1

The bird beats itself ineffectually on Mao's mage armor.

Cloudia, Lukian, Mao, Uldar
Parani, Talon

Mao has both strength 14 as strength 16 listed in his profile. I assumed the 16 was correct.

Yeah, I see that too - I'm looking at the complete stat block where the +2 is, cuz that matches up with the strength, to-hit, skills, etc. - and gives Mao the 13 Int to take Combat Expertise. Guessing it was a rebuild situation that didn't get caught in update.

Re: turn actions: No, Cloudia is a round behind everyone else as a matter of initiative, not as a matter of a missed turn, so in a turn-based world, she'd be taking her round two action (Color Spray) at the end of round 2 and then everyone else is taking their actions at the top of round 3. Then Parani gets a chance to act, and then Cloudia will get her Turn 3 action.

Cloudia was slower on the init than the ranger, so she's 1 action down on the rest of the party - the color spray is technically her round 2 action, and the rest of you are on your round 3 actions. And yes, I do keep forgetting the shaken - keep calling me out on that. You guys throw a lot of buffs/debuffs around :)

You can even flurry and get two tries! with the current buffs it would be +10/+10 if I'm not mistaken! (+1/+1 base flurry, +5 strength, +2 improved grapple, +1 bless, +1 inspire courage) Maybe even an extra +1 for higher ground?

No to higher ground, and Mao with a Bull's Strength is only a +4 str, but the rest of the math seems right - a +9/+9 to grapple if he goes that way.

Talon Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

The wave of color washes over the hawk, which turns a baleful eye towards Cloudia and screeches it's defiance.

I think I can honestly say that I have never had bad guys do so well on saves. Kinda terrifying - Parani must be really mad at you!

Ya know, I coulda sworn I read somewhere in the scenario that the tent was only 7.5 feet off the ground... 10 feet is too tall for a ten anyways.

Mao gives a mighty leap and winds up on top of the tent with Parani, but the ranger deftly dodges the monk's punch. She steps back off of the tent onto another stall, whose owner begins to yell in alarm - and she shoots another pair of arrows, both at Mao!

Attack, Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 13 - 2 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Attack, Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 13 - 2 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

One of the arrows heads straight for Mao's eyes!

Attack, Confirm: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 13 - 2 = 24
Crit Damage: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (4, 6) + 8 = 18

Thankfully, the Protection from arrows spell prevents Mao from going unconscious - but that was all that came between him and being incapacitated by the woman. 27 damage, before being modified by the PfA spell.

Her hawk, meanwhile, continues it's avian assault on the illusory party of gnomes, it's birdy little eyes intent with malice.

Attack, Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Attack, Talon: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Attack, Talon: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Confirm Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
CritmDamage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Mirror Image: 1d4 ⇒ 1

The hawk somehow picks the right Lukian to attack, and snaps at the gnome's face with his beak 5 damage. The creature's talons rake and lash out, popping two more Ill-luk-sions, leaving just 2 copies of the gnome.

Cloudia, Lukian, Mao, Uldar
Parani, Talon

Also, Uldar, I forgot to add the damage from Favored Enemy to successfully hitting you last round, so if you could add 2 more damage to the successful arrow hit, Parani would appreciate it :)

The court will sustain the retconning case provided by M. Lukian, though under the condition that the number of Mirror Images shall be 3 due to getting Hawked in round one.

And yes, Mao - your movement is so damn high that you can move out from under the tent 15 ft, come back 10 feet, and still have a vertical leap to on top of the tent - if you want to give me that Acrobatics check. If you don't post something tonight I'll GMBot you in the morning.

Will DC 16: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

The woman stands there, glowering but still clearly staring right at the gnome, covered in the glittering dust that Lukian has blown upon her. She gives a sharp whistle and the hawk screams in response, angrily.

I think Aurus was level 2 when he started. And he's four now, so the math checks out!

...Well, he's supposed to be 4th. The pace of PbP and the stint of GMing has really pushed my procrastination to it's limits. But I'm gonna have to level him up soon!

I'm going to say the tent is not slanted, so she won't slide off - think of it as a sunshade more than a teepee. And it should be about 10 feet off the ground... though you're not sure whether the tent is going to be able to hold two adult humans.

You're right, those buffs would probably still have been up. So we'll ignore both the damage and the arrow, and Mao, depending on what your potion was, I'll let you retcon that move if you want.

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

The woman remains looking stony-faced at Uldar, not even a flicker of mirth crossing her face as the spell breaks over her. "You have funny sayings, orc-man? Well, have you heard of a Rahadoumi kiss? It looks like - THIS!" She swiftly fires a pair of arrows, one after the other, at the half-orc.

Attack, Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 13 - 2 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Attack, Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 13 - 2 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Both arrows hit Uldar, though only one actually manages to pierce his armor. (10 damage)

The woman gives a whistle and the hawk screeches, lifting into the air and then dive-bombing the gnome.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

The hawk, however, is unable to get past the gnome's mage armor.

Cloudia, Lukian, Mao, Uldar
Parani, Talon

Mao easily lifts the footlocker into the back of the cart and the you all begin rolling back towards Torch with the evidence you've collected.

Your route takes you right through the God's Market itself, and soon you're in the thick of the riot of tents, hawkers, and the faithful seeking relics and guidance. You pass a number of Greycloaks - tall half-orcs, a couple dwarves, one gnome riding atop a wolf-ish looking dog - but none of them match the description of Parani Akar that you've received so far.

At least until you hear some muttered cursing from up above you, and an arrow arcs out of the sky to attack Mao.

Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

It's a quick and sloppy shot - if Mao had been aware of it, it would have been no trouble at all to dodge it - but as it is, the arrow comes as a painful surprise. And there, crouching on a tent overlooking the main boulevard, is Parani Akar.

Mao's wound begins to itch and burn immediately.
Mao Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Whatever was on that arrow leeches strength away from Mao. 1d2 ⇒ 1 Str Damage

New map up! Even with getting her in her "Plan B" position, this is set up to be a pretty hard fight for you all - give it all you got!

Lukian, Mao, Uldar
Parani, Talon
Cloudia

Uldar does not see the trap, or any locks for that matter, and flips open the footlocker unimpeded.

Several letters from local collectors and aristocrats offering to purchase the keg are in plain sight on top of the footlocker. The footlocker also contains what appears to be a client list, a Pure Legion uniform, and several official papers discussing the Pure Legionnaire Parani Akar and her record of blackmail and extortion while in the Pure Legion - looks like these were probably stolen from a Rahadoumi military or guard's office. Alongside the official papers is a printed broadsheet, alerting the public to be on the look-out for the escaped ex-Legionnaire, as she was apparently able to escape prosecution under the Laws of Man and was at large.

Also in the footlocker are a potion of delay poison, a potion of cure light wounds, a suit of masterwork agile half-plate armor, and a golden statue of Iomedae worth 600 gp.

As Uldar scans the room, he does notice something unique - a large footlocker in the corner with a prominent Keleshite scarab with Saraenrite stylings. It's tucked in the back corner of the warehouse, and is one of the few boxes of it's size in the warehouse that doesn't have other things stacked on top of it.

Mao observes the room carefully, but nothing but the quiet bulk of the warehouse crates is visible to his keen eyesfrom where he stands - even when Cloudia lights her spear and Lukian sends the wispy orbs of his dancing lights through the warehouse..

The boarded-up windows make the warehouse dark, but you have doors open - we'll call it dim light, so I imagine that Cloudia and Mao might appreciate some light spells or wayfinders.

Cloudia looks inside one of the boxes - the entire thing is full of straw as a packing material, and by reaching in and shifting things around, she's able to find what looks like bottles and flasks for potions, beverages, and the like.

With a *CRACK!* the boards covering the door give way, leaving you able to enter.

Adjusted your map position - feel free to place yourselves as your explore the warehouse. I'll ask you to place a line indicating your path through the warehouse - if you do not put something indicating pathing, I'll just assume the most direct route.

For reasons relating to succeeding at the Secondary Success condition, I would strongly suggest exploring inside the warehouse ;)

Lukian does not detect any magic in the area.

Mao, meanwhile, has decided to scout the area and gives a go at heaving open the door to the north.

Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

"I guess someone knew their carpentry when they boarded this up - Uldar, you got that anytool I can borrow? Any of you want to try giving me a hand with this?"

Assuming A Second Chance, Plus Anytool: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 2 = 19

Mao's arms bulge with effort, and the door creaks under the strain, but it isn't... quite... opening...

The eastern door can either be forced or fixed with a Disable Device check. Also, in your investigation of the building, none of the doors have gaps in them, but the small access door to the north (left side of the map) is, well, smaller, so you think it would take less force to force.

Sounds like a plan.

As Cloudia creeps forward to try the door, note in hand, she comes up short - the northwestern cargo doors seem to be boarded shut. The eastern cargo doors don't seem to have the same issue, but they seem to be removed from the track, so it will either take finesse to re-rail them or strength to physically move them. Taking a lap around the building reveals that the small access door on the north is also boarded shut, but may be able to be forced open.

Note the compass on the map - threw me for a loop while I was trying to decipher the scenario :)

Yes, the barrel is, to the best of anyone's knowledge, the 'real deal,' though there's going to be a lot of divination and scholarship to determine whether it has any historical or spiritual connection to Cayden Cailean or if it's just an old barrel. And Tersula and Durnil are in agreement - their plan is to find somewhere else to be - they hear Kaer Maga is lovely this time of year...

Lukian doesn't detect magic from the barrel or in the area of the warehouse. The place seems to be empty from the outside.

Yes, the clothes are an approximate enough match that Cloudia can comfortably wear them.

What are the specific instructions with regards of the delivery? What and how much are 'we' getting paid?

Tersula and Durnil let you know that the deal was half paid up front, then to take the keg to the warehouse and put it in a footlocker in the corner - they'd never been there but had been told that they could find it by "the big scarab" on the locker. For the second half of payment, they were told that "she would find us," and the woman seemed so intense that they didn't push the issue. [b]"But if you catch her, there should be 150 gold pieces in her pockets for you.

The two sisters look at each other, then look back at Lukian, Mao, Uldar and Cloudia, but they don't say anything in response to Uldar's plan. "Long as we're swapping clothes and you're not just leaving us here for some Calistrian to find," mutters Tersula.

Let me know what preparations you are making, but I'll still move us along to the next place.

With the sisters' instructions, you find the Pitview Pub and then walk to the warehouse in question. The exterior of this run-down building is rotting, and the roof is clearly sagging in places. Any paint that once coated its walls has long since flaked off the parched-looking gray wood. The windows are boarded firmly shut, and both pairs of loading doors appear to be jammed closed.

Map added

Uldar is convinced that the woman is sincere, and she drops her wands and weapons as a sign of good faith. When her sister recovers from her stunned silence, the two of them explain their role to the party - they were simply hired to steal the keg by a woman in a grey cloak, but they never exchanged names. The only new piece of information: they can tell you the exact location of the warehouse they were supposed to deliver the keg to.

Acquired Loot: potion of cure light wounds, potion of invisibility, wand of mage armor (14 charges), quarterstaff, potion of bull’s strength, potion of cure light wounds, wand of mage armor (4 charges), morningstar

The wife and I are travelling back to our old hometown for a couple of days, so my posting may be scarce - I'll try to keep a post or two rolling, but we'll be back Wednesday evening so you can expect a post then at the latest.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Botting Lukian

Lukian runs up and goes to stab the stunned woman with his dagger to take her out.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

...but even stunned, her armor and height proves too much for the gnome to hurt her any further.

At this point, the invisible caster finishes her spell - Cloudia being the closest, she gets the brunt of the sleep spell.

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Cloudia easily shakes off the spell, which causes the newly appeared woman a look of consternation. That look deepens when she sees the state the other woman is in.

"Wait! Please don't hurt her!" yells the un-stunned woman.

Only seeing Lukian as level 3 in the stats.

Botting Mao.

With Uldar being in the way, he also gets an attack of opportunity against Durnil as she darts to shrink the barrel, but this misses too - lucky for her, as there was some muscle behind that thrust!

Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12

Mao darts toward the would-be thief and tries to land a stunning fist on her.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9

Fortitude: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Mao's blow catches the woman under the chin and she stands stunned, weaving a little as though drunk.

Spellcasting of sleep still underway from the invisible foe from the direction of the chicken pile.

Initiative:
Lukian, Cloudia
Tersula
Uldar
Durnil [-13 hp]
Mao

Well sh-*. Thank you for remembering that. I always remember Enlarge Person, Summon Monster... Sleep has been flying under the radar. *headdesk*

*retconretconretcon*

Yes there is someone invisible casting a

Initiative:
Lukian, Cloudia
Tersula
Uldar
Durnil [-4]
Mao

Cloudia's attack hits, but doesn't appear to do anything. The woman opens her mouth to laugh - but cries out in shock as Lukian's ray hits her. "I can't see!" she shrieks in what could almost be a laughable way, if the circumstances were different.

However, this is no laughing matter - the party can suddenly hear a second voice rising over the yelling and the clucking from the chickens' end of the alley.

Mao Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Uldar Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Cloudia Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Lukian Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Everyone but Mao goes down in a heap, snoring lightly as the spell overcomes their senses.

Delaying Uldar as he is asleep.

The first assailant runs over to the barrel and touches it - with the spell she had cast, the barrel shrinks smaller and smaller, until it's now the size of an apple.

Initiative:
Lukian (asleep), Cloudia (asleep), Uldar (asleep)
Durnil [-4], Tersula
Mao

And to all of you as well! Definitely overestimated how much time I was going to be able to give to the forums this year... XD

Well! Back at it!

Botting Lukian. Also realized that I had the enemy in the wrong spot - You saw the woman in the southern alley, not in the alcove above you. Fixed on map, added the cart and mule.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Lukian's eyes narrow as he realizes the spell, and steps towards the woman, raising his hands and casting a Burning Hands at the woman.

Fire Damage: 3d4 ⇒ (4, 3, 1) = 8

Relfex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

She ducks underneath the blast of flames, glaring at the gnome, but draws a scroll and quickly reads from it. She doesn't discharge the spell yet, but holds it in her hand and steps toward the gnome.

Initiative:
Lukian, Cloudia
Uldar
Durnil [-4]
Mao

Uldar's chastisement manages to chase away the less fervent, and the truly dedicated quickly realize that they've mistaken Mao for their favored aspirant, so the crowd quickly (and somewhat embarrassedly) disperses. The keg and the cart remain unmolested.

At this point, you’ve traversed most of the Ascendant Court with no trouble but a few headaches and startles. The roads here become narrower and more congested, until you’re driving down what might be generously called an alley. A wagon loaded with over a dozen chicken cages has toppled onto its side ahead, and a farmer and a local vendor are arguing loudly over whose fault it was rather than clearing the alley.

Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Mao Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Cloudia Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20
Lukian Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Uldar Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Mao watches the farmer and merchant suspiciously, but Lukian, Uldar, and Cloudia all notice the real trouble - a woman who wraps up casting a quiet spell in an alcove nearby.

Cloudia: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Lukian: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Mao: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Uldar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Tersula: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
D: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Surprise Round actions, please - Uldar, I'll allow a retcon if your action gets invalidated.

Initiative:
Lukian, Cloudia
Tersula
Uldar
Mao

The party closes ranks around the wagon - but after the crowd pushes past to better see the parade and the mummers travel further down the street, your crew of drunks has dispersed as well, leaving you all more or less on edge, but otherwise unaccosted. The Greycloak nods respectfully to Cloudia before continuing down the street, following after the parade, and leaving you free to venture onwards.

While passing near the Avenue of the Hopeful, the street leading up to the massive chasm separating the Starstone Cathedral from the rest of Absalom, another voice calls out - "Ardeth The Deathless! There he is!!" A rush of twenty-some people in functional monastic clothing swarms around the wagon, grabbing at Mao in a fit of misguided devotion, trying to grab a scrap of clothing or a strand of hair.

"Aw, he's just a busker!" someone calls from the back, but he's quickly shushed as Uldar begins his tale - and does a killer job, at that. The crowd of drunks begins to follow after the wagon as Uldar spins his tale.

Meanwhile, up ahead, Cloudia and her mule are stopped by a Greycloak. "Sorry, ma'am," the grizzled man says gruffly. "Parade happening." He gestures over his shoulder to a crowd in front of him - some troupe of jugglers in ornate Tien masks are weaving their way through the street. The crowd of drunks are joined by parade revelers, who press in close around the wagon, leaving you with little space to move.

Yes, you can get a caster to hit someone with Protection From Arrows - just let me know who is having it done to them and mark off the appropriate amount of gold. You can also take the quick diversion to pick up any scrolls you think are appropriate.

Cloudia is able to swap her mule in for the donkey, with no complications beyond a long baleful stare from the donkey.

As you travel with the cart through the heart of the Ascendant Court, you push your way through various crowds, some gathered around aspirants trying to gain a following, and some just huddled around performers and merchants and other people of the street.

Coming around one corner, you run into a small crowd of intoxicated revelers singing about the improbable accomplishments of a famed Taldan prostitute - a little surprising, given the early point in the afternoon. Spying the keg, a voice from the crowd shouts “Ale!” - and the whole crowd of drunkards rush forward, tankards raised like weapons, to claim their share.

Ditto here - so sorry for going dark over the weekend. Needed a day to unplug and recharge.

Work's super nuts this week and I am literally at home one night this week, so I'll be trying my best to post as often as I can, but this is likely the beginning of a holiday slow-down for me - just want to warn you guys as much as possible. Not sure if I can dash off a post today.

Torch smiles knowingly at Cloudia. ”Clever girl, you are - don’t worry, the Grandmaster comes prepared.” He snaps his fingers and the half-orc at the door steps in, hands him a scroll case, and steps out. ”It’s a scroll of locate object - just in case you misplace anything important,” he says with a wink before turning to Uldar with a shrug. ”Sniper-proofing yourself? I'd suggest either platemail, or keeping your head on a swivel. Maybe a scroll of protection from arrows?

"Now, you’re to pick up the keg at some dockside bar called “The Port-O’-Call” in one hour, and you're supposed to bring it through the Ascendant Court to the buyer, only a few miles - don’t be late.” He dismisses you with a wave of his hand.

Though I will take additional questions for Torch if you got ‘em.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Your journey to The Port-O’-Call is uneventful, and you arrive in good time to make your pick-up. The barkeep, a jovial woman more resemblant of a fishwife than a bartender, brings you through the alehouse to the kitchen, where the keg awaits you. Cayden’s Last Keg is 3 feet in diameter and 4 feet tall, and weighs 75 pounds. ”The bloke who bought this got a cart too - thoughtful ol’ bugger. It’s out back, got a donkey hitched to it,” the bartender says helpfully. The keg has old char marks on it as if it had been in a fire, and it still sloshes with the remnants of hops and ale.

"Quite industrious of you all! And rewarding too, I suspect - you've uncovered some critical information there." Torch seems suitably impressed with your exploits and information. "Thankfully, we've had some breakthroughs in the research department as well."

“Kreighton has discovered another relic, and he claims this
could be the most important one yet. Supposedly, this keg was
scavenged from the ashes of the original Cayden’s Hall and is
the last keg Cayden Cailean drank from before he took the Test
of the Starstone. After selling it to our relic dealer, the tavern
keeper threw a huge celebration and bragged openly about
how the Pathfinders were funding her retirement. By now, we
can assume that we have piqued the interest of every would-be
relic thief in Absalom."

“While I am loathe to put you in harm’s way, this does
present a unique opportunity. Should you accept responsibility
for moving the keg from the pick-up location to the Grand
Lodge, you will undoubtedly be the target of the relic thief
we’re looking for. If you properly prepare yourselves, you
might be able to reverse the ambush and catch the bandit
before he makes off with the relic, or follow the thief afterward
to find out where he’s been hiding. Either way, you’ll want to
make sure not to kill the suspect, since whoever is behind this
won’t be much use to you dead. Tracking down the culprit’s
main site of operations is the most important thing right
now—after that, you should search for as much incriminating
evidence as possible."

“It’s a huge gamble — which somehow seems appropriate
when a relic of Cayden Cailean is on the line. This isn’t the sort
of thing I would normally ask a Pathfinder to do, but we’ve
already lost one courier and another was badly injured. I’d like
this ordeal to finally be over with, and with your help, we can
make that happen.”

"Jarrid? The guy I saw you talking to before I tried to give you the slip? He's about as far from a lawman as you can get. No, the woman whose been giving me directions and the relics to sell - Always shows up wrapped up in that gray cloak, standard issue like all the guards wear." He also gives you directions to a place on the north side of the Ascendant Court - "no idea which warehouse she keeps her goods in, though, could be any one of a dozen around there." Even if you go to the pub yourself, you see he's right - there's a few blocks of warehouses, and it would take a team of highly trained Pathfinders weeks to search the area - and in that time your mysterious villainess might get wind and run.

Left with Barnel's dead end leads to chew on, but no actionable information, your individual reveries are interrupted by either a very dirty human child or a very very grubby halfling man in an oversized coat and a cap. ”Message for you lot - Torch business!” he chimes, handing the letter over to Uldar and hanging around before he realizes no one is going to tip him, at which point he slinks off muttering some particularly creative orcish curses under his breath. The note reads:

Gozreh’s Grotto. Post-haste.

and includes directions to a local bathhouse.

When you arrive there, a burly half-orc guard stands near the entrance. Inside, Grandmaster Torch reclines in one of the numerous small pools that make up the sauna, and steam fills the air. An attendant is rubbing a salve on Torch’s burn-ravaged face, but quickly gets up and leaves when Grandmaster Torch gives a silent gesture.

“I have news from the Decemvirate and perhaps some assistance for you, but first I would like to hear what your progress is.”

”Look, I don’t know nothin’” the man begins to say to Cloudia before Uldar shows up all in a hurry. He looks from the half-orc to the murderous-looking gnome, and then when Mao leaps down from the building top, he visibly deflates.

”Lissen, this is about the whole thing with Jarid, right? I’m just a fixer - I was supposed to find some folks with lots of cash looking for somethin’ big and expensive-like, immediate interest only. I don’t even know what she’s doin’ sellin’ relics, for someone who hates clerics and gods so much - must be from some god-hatin’ place.”

He sighs loudly. ”Look, I don’t know how much I can actually help youse all. I ain’t never seen her face, and I don’t know exactly where her hideout is - I just know that the goods is kept up on the north side of the Acendant Court, in a warehouse near the Pitview Pub. And I think the lady is a Graycloak - if you send me to jail, it’s even odds I got a line across me throat before mornin’.”

Sorry about that, Clou - The rules don't have anything about "solving backwards" any skill checks, and with a PFS Regional Coordinator at the table, I figured I'd run as close to RAW as possible :)

One last bit of botting so we can hopefully never do another chase scene ever again...

Lukian, seeing that there's no helping Uldar this time, just tries to make it over himself.

Climb: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Mao looks about to see where the man is heading - seems to be aiming for the rooftops, so Mao scrambles back onto the cart and gives a yell that startles the pack horses, causing them to panic and run. He leaps off the cart onto a roof overlooking the market.

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 = 28
Handle Animal: 1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (19) - 1 + 2 = 20

Barnel tries to wiggle his way through the crowded market - but upon seeing Mao staring him down, begins yelling for people to get out of his way.

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Intimidate: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

The little fence shoves the wrong person in his attempt to escape, and a small mob forms around the man, making him unable to escape. Yelling begins, and Barnel is trapped in an angry circle of strangers.

Out of initiative! Good chase, everyone! With Mao at the end of the chase, each of you can find alternate routes around and rescue Barnel from the trap of his own making.

Let's get some botting going here...

Cloudia Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Cloudia calmly explains the situation to the hostess, who calms down enough to...

Mao Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) - 1 + 2 = 17
Mao Shove Through: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 = 24

...graciously accept the "Ma'am, terribly important, I have to - " from Mao before he races off through the crowd, literally leaping over a pair of footmen trying to help up a visibly agitated viscount of somewhere-or-another. Rather than worry about the pond at all, Mao thinks quick and leaps onto the wall effortlessly, dismounting into a passing hay cart and effectively blocking off Barnel's perceived method of escape - assuming he can get out of the hay in time.

Lukian Aid, Climb: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Seeing Uldar failing to make it over the wall, Lukian runs forward to help - but instead just serves to break the half-orc's fall.

Barnel Swim: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Barnel emerges from the pond dripping wet and runs into the crowded market - but veers in Mao's direction, not realizing that the monk is lying in wait while he lies in hay.

Sorry for forgetting to post the initiative order on yesterday's post: I'll give a bot-fest.

Uldar handily helps Cloudia slip over the wall, and is joined by Lukian who lands adeptly next to the half-orc after climbing over the wall, grumbling as he does so. Mao again runs up the wall as effortlessly as less disciplined mortals use stairs.

Cloudia Climb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Lukian Climb: 1d20 ⇒ 13
Mao Climb: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 2 = 27

Cloudia and Mao arrive at a scene of utter chaos. The embassy was apparently hosting a tea party, and Barnel was not a gracious guest. From what you can guess, he flipped a table when he landed, or maybe landed on it and upset it - there's broken glasses everywhere, and guests running about the place in a tizzy, a few sprawled onto the ground, though you can't tell if it's from their "friends" or Barnel shoving them. A woman in a massive mountain of a flouncy gown shrieks for the guards. You spot Barnel at the edge of the party, where he locks eye contact for a moment before running into the pond separating the main entrance from this garden.

CMB: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Botting Lukian

"Pardon, my wards went that way, urgent asylum business," the gnome cheekily says to try to get past the guard. The guard gets out of the way with a shocked look on his face.

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Barnel, meanwhile, seems to be getting into trouble. From the other side of the embassy wall, you hear gasps, shouts, and smashing glassware. "Someone catch that man!" yells a haughty voice.

CMB: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

You ANARCHISTS. Makes the running of rounds extra confusing, damn chases.

Round 2:

Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Disable Device: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Barnel manages to figure out that the wall he sees is not really there, and dashes directly into the illusory wall, jimmying open a lock and slipping through.

Round 3:

Uldar whips out the anytool and makes a quick ladder, pegs sticking out of it, that he scrambles up. Mao takes a more expedient route and simply runs clean up the wall, landing with a "thump" in the alley with Cloudia and Uldar.

Uldar, Mao, Lukian, Cloudia
Barnel

Is he within range for me to create a silent image wall in front of him?

EFFECT

Range long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)

I'll say yes, as each square is 30 feet.

Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Barnel freezes as a wall springs into existence in front of him, causing him to panic. Slowing him for one round as he attempts to find another way.

Cloudia slips past the guard as he looks for the thief she yells about, and then scampers over the vine-covered wall, winding up at the gates of the Chelish Embassy, it's cathedral-like facade looming over her and Barnel.

Cloudia, through a square takes a move and then a standard to do an action listed, or challenging both listed actions on the square you are on for the chance to move 3 squares - or mire yourself if you mess up real bad. I'll count the two roles as your actions for this turn and the next.

Uldar, Mao, Lukian, Cloudia
Barnel

Funny that Cloudia mentions that - because as you stand talking about it, Jarid suddenly yells "Wait! That's him!" You look in the direction he's pointing, and there is a scraggly-haired little weasel of a man, looking startled by Jarid's yell about 60 feet away from you. He bolts into a nearby bathhouse before you can react.

Chase Scene! The chase board and rules for chases have been added to the Slides. Also, a reminder that any character involved in the race gains a +2 cumulative bonus on all chase checks for each 10 feet by which her speed exceeds 30 feet, or takes a –2 cumulative penalty for each 10 feet by which it is slower than 30 feet. (Sorry Lukian).

Cloudia: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Lukian: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Mao: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Uldar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Barnel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Lukian, Cloudia
Barnel
Uldar, Mao

"Well, if it WERE greycloaks then it would not be robbery, but I have a suspicion they may have been fakes. In which case you were swindled indeed, but not by the person you thought. Do you remember anything odd about the Greycloaks?"

"Nothing odd except them coming into my shop, madam! They seemed quite upset about the issue of fake relics. Their leader was some tall dark woman - never seen her before."

"What kind of relic? Can you tell us more about this occasional acquaintance"

"Well, I'd been told it was a shard of Iomedae's lance - who knows what that little guttersneak Barnel actually gave me. He's a man who knows where to get things, if you understand what I mean - often unwashed, scraggly black hair. You can't miss him, unless you deliberately avoid those who look like they sleep on the streets."