Hercule Poirot's page

Ummm... Sure, you *could* use it (if Poirot had not), but if the charges have been used up (which they have), you can't exactly keep trying!

@Bizzle: I *did* use the wand - unfortunately, I rolled atrociously (the highest CL I cleared was 8).

I am retiring the character anyway, so I am perfectly happy to expend the prestige on your behalf :-)

Well, we apparently have a CL 10 wand of Break Enchantment; let's try using that first...

CL check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12.
CL check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13.
CL check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19.
CL check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12.
CL check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18.

Hmmm... Probably not...

I am happy to spend the Prestige for Halbarad.

CL check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29.

Hopefully, CL 18 is enough ;-)

Poirot beams when Surma dies.

"I love it when a plan comes togezer!"

He then helps Sinuhotep back to his feet, and beams.

"Let's get back to ze rest of ze Order."

Back in Katapesh, Poirot is sorely tempted by Badru's offer.

"Zat sounds like an excellent idea! Tell me more..."

Normally, I just retire/kill-off my PCs once they hit level 11, but this sounds like a wonderful way to go out. Feel free to mark this character as 'dead' (since I am fairly certain constructs aren't playable in PFS ;-))

Poirot grins at Bruxo.

"Oh, I say! Well played!"

He then fires a wand from a spring-loaded sheath at his wrist, steps through a crack in reality to appear outside the complex (spending 1 point of Arcane Reservoir to Dimensional Slide), and activates it...

UMD: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31.

SR: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21.

Ill Omen. Surma can roll twice for her next d20 roll, and take the less favorable result...

Unable to resist such a tempting target, the kitty then attempts to tear Surma's throat out.

Coup-de-grace: 2d8 + 18 ⇒ (7, 2) + 18 = 27 damage.

So, a DC 37 Fort save (less whatever her DR is) or die, rolling twice and taking the lowest option.

Hopefully, that should do it!

Poirot winces when he sees Hal turned to stone.

"I zink, zat it is time, for ze electrified, flying, dire kitty, of doom!"

Spending 5 points of arcane pool to summon an Aerial-templated dire lion to pounce on Surma.

Suddenly, in a gust of wind, a snarling dire lion, crackling with electricity, appears out of nowhere, and pounces on Surma, floating through the air like a vicious wind.

Bite: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 14 + 2 = 28, for 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 damage + Grab: 1d20 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 20 + 2 = 35 Vs CMD.

Claw: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 15 + 2 = 26, for 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 15 + 2 = 26, for 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 15 + 2 = 23, for 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 damage.
Claw: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 15 + 2 = 36, for 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 damage.

Well, Hercule is LN; he would feel as comfortable dealing with a lich, as with a paladin, provided they were pleasant, and offered a well-reasoned argument. Also, in Golarion canon, there *are* some non-evil undead (although admittedly they are rare), so Hercule isn't going to adopt a shoot-first policy, especially when regarding a Jewelled Sage ;-)

"I say zat we choose Sinuhotep. For a Lich, he seems positively amiable. I am also loaze to destroy knowledge, and he is clearly an incredible font of it. Ze fact zat, to truly destroy him, we would need to destroy his phylactery, which he has indicated is his (purple = amethyst) sage jewel, is also anozer contraindication, as far as I am concerned. I say zat we destroy ze Div!"

Poirot nods.

"Tahonikepsu (ze Diamond Sage) and Amenopheus (ze Sapphire Sage) are certainly trying to restore ze order. Ze Ruby jewel was broken, but ze pieces were recovered, and attempts are being made to restore it. Ze Topaz jewel has been recovered, but is currently not attuned to a bearer. Ze Emerald jewel is currently missing, but we have a fair idea of who has it."

He then gives an apologetic smile.

"As to your apprentices... well... When we encountered zem, Badru and Saruna were at war. We sided wiz Badru, but unfortunately Saruna needed to be destroyed; she seemed to be holding a grudge. Badru, however, is most eager to see you again."

Poirot does a double take, before responding in Osiriani.

"How long have you been cut off from outside information? Zere has not been a Satrap in Osirion in quite some time. Khemet I overzrew ze Keleshite Sultan in 4609 AR."

He then bows.

"But where are my manners? My name is Poirot, Hercule Poirot, and we are here on behalf of Tahonikepsu, ze current Diamond Sage, who is seeking to rebuild ze Order. To be honest, we were only expecting to find ze jewel, but its current bearer would be an even better option. Would you be willing to accompany us?"

Diplomacy 'Take 10' = 35.

Poirot simply floats across the gap, stopping to regard the double doors carefully.

Perception 'Take 20' = 41.

"Yes, zat is a nice little haul, but perhaps we can focus on trying to stop zis place falling apart...?"

Poirot then gingerly moves to acquire the necessary pieces to to complete the ritual, before gesturing to the body-shaped depression.

"Any volunteers?"

I am happy to do it, if no-one else wants to; we still have some extra potions that I can use to off-set the damage ;-)

Geez. Please stop rolling max for Charisma damage on our Sorceror - as of right now, he has lost access to spell slots above second level :-/

Hercule frowns.

"Let's try something a little different..."

He then covers two of the undead (red and green) with a Glitterdust.

Once again, spending a point of Arcane Reservoir to amp the DC by 2. DC 24 Will save negates.

Not liking the look of the undead, Hercule retreats straight up to the ceiling (thanks to Overland Flight), and tosses a Fireball at them.

Spending a point of arcane reservoir to amp the DC by 2.

Fireball (hitting red, green, and purple, but missing blue): 10d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 2, 6, 3, 6, 3, 5, 6, 4) = 45 Fire damage, Reflex DC 24 for half.

Knowledge(Religion): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (18) + 21 = 39.

"Zese are Ghuls; undead jann whose eternal existence was twisted by fate and wrought zrough ze displeasure of Ahriman, Lord of ze Divs. As if ze curse of undeaz and ravenous hunger were not enough, zese once-majestic creatures now bear donkey hooves as feet. Despite zeir horrific undead appearance, zis feature shames zem ze most, and zey hide zeir feet from view. You need Good-aligned weapons to harm zem, zey are resistant to Fire, and zey have cursed claws."

Poirot nods, thoughtfully.

"I agree, Cosmo. I zink zat attempting to perform ze ritual is probably ze best way to try and stabilize zis thing, is ze absence of any better options."

Actually, now that I think about it...

Whilst the elemental gets started of the first shelf (and possibly the second), Hercule decides to 'phone a friend'.

Specifically, the Greater God Nethys, by casting Contact Other Plane.

Int Check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 Vs DC 16. Thank God!

Starting On shelf #1, and finishing on shelf #5 (since I can only ask 5 questions) I will ask whether each shelf is the one that contains the information that we are looking for (thereby fulfilling the 'Yes/No' criterion). Hopefully, that should cut down on the searching required!

Hmmm...

A bit of digging through the FAQs confirms that you are correct. Mea culpa!

Never mind - I'll just summon another one, as required; I have the spell slots to spare ;-)

Moving: Summoned Monsters ;-)
Cataloging: Perception +21 (23 with Heroism) - so with a 'Take 10', more than enough to complete a shelf.
Studying: Linguistics +24 (26 with Heroism) - so with a 'Take 10', more than enough to complete a shelf.

Starting at 7, and working backwards...

Hercule frowns for a moment.

"I am afraid zat I will not be particularly useful at lifting ze heavy stuff... but I know someone who can!"

Spending 5 points from my arcane pool to cast Summon Monster V, which I will extend with an Extend Rod (so that it lasts for 20 minutes) for a large earth elemental (enhanced by Augment Summoning), then replenishing my arcane pool by consuming a 5th level spell slot.

Fort: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21.
Strength (Earth Elemental): 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 4 = 26.

With two assists, that will be the first shelf put back together.

Poirot frowns.

"I'll have you know, Suchet is no simple trained pet - he is a highly valued colleague. Speak wiz him yourself, if you like."

He then nods to the female.

"Certainly. Allow me to prove our worziness."

Knowledge(Religion): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (16) + 21 = 37.

Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (2) + 21 = 23.

Poirot steps forward, and bows to the Girtablilu.

"Greetings, noble guardians of ancient sites. I assure you zat whilst we may seem weak compared with your mighty forms, we have strengz enough. We come seeking one who went zis way long ago; we mean no harm to you, or yours."

To belabor the point, Suchet crawls out of Poirot's pocket, and up onto his shoulder, where he makes friendly clicking noises.

I think this is probably one of the few situations where I can justify saying that he can actually use his 10 ranks in Diplomacy to assist ;-)

Diplomacy (including three assists): 1d20 + 25 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 25 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 49.

I'll be summoning things on a fairly regular basis - Hercule's build is focused pretty much entirely around doing that ;-)

Sorry, I realised that I hadn't updated my stat line. Hercule is level 10.2

Poirot nods in satisfaction.

"Zank-you for ze reminder, Badru."

He then turns to the others.

"Let us be on our way, zen!"

Poirot nods to Badru.

"Hello again, Badru. Refresh my memory; what can you tell us about ze Amethyst Sage, where he may have gone, and what he may be trying to do...?"

@GM: Well, on reviewing the chronicle sheet, for 'Beacon Below', those boons were specific to the Dark Archive. That said, when I played it, we destroyed Saruna (undead sphinx), and allied with Badru (intelligent construct).

Diplomacy(Gather Information): 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (12) + 25 = 37.

Poirot waxes lyrical about what he knows about the region.

"Common desert dangers include gnoll raiders, basilisks, jackals, jackalweres, sand eels, and scorpions of all sizes. Because the climate is arid and sand is much more prevalent zan dirt or rock, sandstorms are common in ze region.

Travelers also fear creatures commonly known as ze scorpionfolk. Half human, half scorpion, zey are peerless trackers and hunters, capable of killing caravan guards and porters in ze night wizout anyone noticing until ze morning.

Less well known is zat ze scorpionfolk—also known as girtablilus—are noble guardians of ancient secrets. Zey take zeir role very seriously, and despite zeir violent reputation, zey rarely strike out of malice. If we encounter any of zem, it might be worth talking, before attacking, yes?

Lastly, some sandstorms occurring in ze region are not quite natural. According to legend, zese sandstorms are far fiercer zan any mundane storm and carry ze taint of some evil curse. If we run across one of zose, I suggest running."

"Ah! Zat is true - I come from Karcau in Ustalav. A nice little town with a most excellent opera scene. I suppose zat Suchet could play fetch, but he tends to get nervous when zere are so many 'giants' around - he is worried about stepped on."

I will admit to having a fondness for a certain Belgian detective, as portrayed by Mr Suchet ;-)

A tall man with fine, aquiline features, pale skin, and a finely trimmed, upward-curled mustache, dressed in a finely-tailored three-piece suit, walks regally into the room.

"Ah! I zought I heard ze sounds of a familiar tongue in zis room. It would appear zat I have come to ze right place. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Poirot, Hercule Poirot, at your service. If zere is an investigation zat needs to be done, I am your man. I also have some skill at finding hidden zings, and I have - how do you say? - somezing of a way wiz words."

Basically, a high level arcanist, good at Diplomacy, Perception, Spellcraft, UMD, most Knowledge skills, and Linguistics. I also have the ability to cast Summon Monster spells as a standard action, and have a fondness for summoning electrified, flying, dire kitties ;-)

A small scorpion, its scales a vibrant shade of iridescent green briefly crawls out of Poirot's sleeve, and he fondly gives it a rub at the base of its stinger, before it crawls back into the warmth and darkness of his suit pocket.

"By ze way, Zis is Suchet. Not much good in a fight, of course, but I do like - how do you say? - bouncing ideas off him. He is a good listener!"

PFS #: 2847-29
Faction: Scarab Sages
Day Job - Craft(Alchemy): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31.
Initiative: +8
Perception: +21