Marcus Wallensis's page

@Fizzlebottom - A reasonable suggestion. I know that Outpost is a pretty big time investment for a lot of people.

I think that would be a good idea. Dusty, Miri, thoughts?

I'm very saddened by the idea, but at the same time, Marcus is my highest leveled PFS character (indeed, I am a nub), and I would love to advance him.

I haven't heard anything.

I'm sure he hasn't, but I sure miss this game. :'(

@Fizzlebottom Not sure if you realized that you are up in combat in the Gameplay thread (Miri and Marcus went)

Glad to have you back. Best of luck with continuing to work through things!

"Lady Luck, keep me safe," the bard whispers. Continuing his oration, Marcus takes a step back from the Drochtac and mite, draws his bow, and looses an arrow at the orange-hued mite.

+1 Comp. Shortbow, PBS, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 24
Arrow, PBS, Inspire Courage, Cold Iron Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 5

Marcus will continue his bardic performance (free action), take a 5' step (not an action), draw his bow (move action), and fire his bow (standard action, ranged attack that may provoke attacks of opportunity). I believe his is still in range for an AoO from the Drochtac. Also, the Drochtac may have (partial?) cover from his attack, if the orange mite is dead.

And a (mostly on time) Happy New Year 2019 to all, once again!

Holidays can be a rough time. Best of luck, and I hope things continue to settle down for you.

A happy Early New Year's to all as well :-)

"I remembered! Drochtac, that's its name." Marcus calls out to Miri. "And if we're looking for demonic rites and ruins, it means we're on the right track! Still looks like a skin-covered centipede to me though."

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

The bard looks at the Skinipede, and immediately recognizes it as a fey beast from his studies. "Watch out for the Skinipede," he calls out, "Its reach is longer than it looks!" (Once per round, it can act as if they had 10ft of reach. This includes for Attacks of Opportunity!)

He begins a rousing oration, entreating the group to overcome this new threat and help save the town of Saringallow from the Demon's Bile.

Marcus performs a Knowledge check (not an action), and then begins to Inspire Courage (round 1 for the day) as a standard action. All allies receive a +1 competence bonus to attack and damage.

@GM Chie, my apologies, I'm trying to get oriented. Should we assume that we received a rough description of the outside of the manor from our new friend Olaus and have traveled an hour up the road to the manor? From the new map, several of us would have line of sight on enemies (Friends!), but are we headed straight into combat? Thanks, and sorry for the minor barrage of questions.

Since you requested we finalize a standard door opening procedure in the gameplay thread, I thought I'd summarize what we have so far to give us a starting point:

SUMMARIZED FROM EARLIER POSTS IN THIS DISCUSSION THREAD
Searching for traps at doors
Everyone mentioned checking with Perception (Dusty +8, Miri +5, THF +7, Marcus +5, Fizz +2). Marcus would take 10 for a 15.

Dealing with traps
Dusty - (primary disarmer) Take-10 on any DD (23 to check)
Miri - assist with DD if possible (aid another, succeeds on a 1 with a mod of 13)
Marcus - Inspire Competence if necessary for trap disarm (i.e. trap disarm failed, but did not explode). Takes between 1d4 and 2d4 rounds of Bardic Performance per trap (1d4 vs 2d4 depends on the specific trap, as per the Disable Device skill)

Opening the door
[NEW] Marcus would stand 10-15' away at an angle if possible, with bow at the ready and ideally a clean shot at the door. As a ranged weapon user and secondary caster, he'd prefer not to be the one to open the door.

I didn't even know that PAX had done a Tabletop specific convention! Nice to hear that you go to go.

Sense Motive (take 10): 10 + 8 = 18

Marcus looks skeptically at the "shepherd" after his introduction. "We've been on one or two adventures, if that's what you're asking. Did they injure you?" he asks, looking at the boy to check for injuries. "I have some small skill at healing and could help, if need be."

Marcus smiles to himself as he listens to Miri's brief diplomacy. "As my friend explained, we have helped a number of people around Saringallow in our short sojourn here. You would have been in real trouble if we hadn't chanced upon you, so you look like you might need help. But we can't help you if you don't tell us the truth."

"I know you've not met us before, but we just saved your life, and are not asking for any recompense. Take that as a sign of our character, and please, tell us what you're really doing out here."

Aid another (Diplomacy): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Attack (shortbow + PBS): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13Damage (cold iron piercing): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Marcus takes a quick step to his right and looses an arrow at Dusty's attacker.

Marcus can help check for traps with a +5 Perception bonus; however, he does not have any ranks in Disable Device and cannot help disarm traps.

If we hit a trap that is particularly difficult to disarm (i.e., the disarm fails, but trap does not go off [fail by 4 or less]), Marcus can attempt to assist with inspire competence. However, since this will use between 1d4 and 2d4 rounds per trap and eats rounds that could be used for inspire courage during combat, Marcus will only do this when necessary.

What in the world are those things, Marcus wonders as he notices the blue skinned creatures assaulting the villager. He tries to recall any knowledge he has about these creatures, and about giant centipedes.

Knowledge (Nature) - blue men: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Knowledge (Nature) - centipedes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Marcus quickly follows Dusty forward, drawing his bow and swiftly nocking an arrow. He looses at the little blue men, shouting, "Turn and fight, monsters!" and hoping to draw their attention from the villager.

Attack (PBS shortbow): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12Damage (cold iron, piercing): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Assuming the Knowledge skill passed, Marcus would like to know any special attacks they have (and what creature type blue things are). Attack order: blue-blue man, purple-blue man, blue centipede. Marcus would not be in range for point-blank shot against the centipede, but should be against the two blue beauties.

As an FYI, I am going to have trouble posting from approximately 12:00 PM EST on Friday Nov. 16 through approximately 12:00 PM EST on Sunday Nov. 18, as I will be traveling with my family. I will try to get signal on my phone and make a post here and there, but if necessary, feel free to bot Marcus so we can make progress.

Linguistics (take 10): 10 + 8 = 18
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

As Lupia brings the set of letters to the priest of Asmodeus, Marcus politely nods his head, saying, "Thank you once again," and then begins to methodically work his way through the pile.

"I don't believe that Luca's death was accidental any more than the servant who penned this did," Marcus says quickly glancing over the death certificate. When he reaches the final letter, Marcus's eyes linger on the word "gifts." "Gifts to the Lord of Darkness," he murmurs to himself. "These gifts are almost certainly sacrifices, and these ledgers probably contain the information that Mayor Trinelli is looking for," he exclaims to the group.

Looking at Lupia, he says "You've been a great help, Lupia. I don't suppose you have any journals or accounts from servants who lived or worked at the Sarini estate around this time, do you?"

Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Linguistics (take 10): 10 + 8 = 18
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"House Dioso," Marcus nearly spits the words out of his mouth. "Lupia, do you have anything on ASMODEUS AND DIABOLISM here? They're almost certainly involved in the history. And it seems like 'Ward' may have not been the most accurate way to describe LUCA. Do you have anything on him?"

Noting the lack of paperwork involved in the hangings, Marcus says, "Sounds like Vigilante justice, rather than a legal proceeding. I wonder if there was one specific event that precipitated it?"

Knowledge (Engineering) DC 12: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Linguistics DC 14: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Perception DC 12: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Knowledge (Planes) DC 12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Heal DC 12: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

"Thank you!" Marcus says with a smile, as she brings out the Book of Records, the Construction Invoice, and the Broadsheet Clippings. "Let's see what's we've got here," he continues, as he pores over the documents. Marcus successfully passes all of the checks The High Fool hadn't, except for the final Heal check.

Looking over the Construction Invoice, Marcus turns to the group, saying, "The estate itself seems fishy. They were ordering extra construction materials they wouldn't have needed for their buildings, and it looks like the invoice has been tampered with."

He next moves to the Broadsheet clippings, and glances quickly over them. "And it seems like the Sarini's were involved in diabolical human sacrifice of young women . . . I'd say those hangings were well-deserved."

Looking over to the archivist, Marcus says, "Lupia, can you bring us any specific information you have on the HANGINGS of the Sarini Nobles, and on BARON MARCIUS SARINI and BARONESS SADIRA SARINI, who owned the Sarini estate in the 4590's?"

Glad to hear from you, though I'm sorry the month has been tough!

I've still been checking up on this campaign daily, because it's kind of my favorite. :) I'll be thrilled to get it going again, when you're able.

Gesundheit.

Not a problem at all, and thanks for responding so quickly!

Hey folks, just wondering if we have a sense of when gameplay posting would resume in this campaign. Hope all is well.

Marcus smiles warmly at Fizzlebottom, "I'll leave the final distribution of rewards up to Mayor Trinelli, Fizzle. I think she knows best where that gold is needed."

He bows once more to the mayor, taking his leave. "Dusty is right. We do ourselves no favors by delaying. Let's head to the archives and talk to this ... Lupia was it?"

As they are walking to the archives, Marcus turns to Miri, "Lachmirianal, could I trouble you for a moment? I want to discuss what you said to Mayor Trinelli."

Glad to see most players able to continue. Savina, we'll miss you!

Back in Saringallow, Marcus quietly retires to his room at the Witch's End Tavern before dinner, seemingly ill at ease with his thoughts. He rises several hours before dawn, slipping his cold iron dagger into his belt. Stepping out of the inn, he returns with the dawn, seeming (to those who know him) more centered in himself and confident than he has been the last few days.

--

The next morning, Marcus greets the members of the group warmly at breakfast. As he first sees Mayor Trinelli, Marcus bows, saying, "Madam Mayor, it is always a pleasure to see you. Like my companions, I'm wondering why you've called us her this morning."

Marcus take a seat in one of the oversized chairs, and quietly listens to Mayor Trinelli's speech. After she has completed her request, he leans forward in his chair, a determined look in his eyes, "Speaking only for myself, no reward is necessary, Madam Mayor. I have felt it in my bones that my sojourn in Saringallow was unfinished, and that there was work yet undone. I don't know why, but I'm sure that the Sarini estate holds some final key work to be done, both for myself and for the town. I will go."

"As far as questions, can you tell us where the Sarini estate is located? Do you know anything of its layout? And finally, what rumors, specifically, have the townspeople spoken of?"

Works for me. I'm going to get Marcus's sheet updated with the new level, spend some gold, and generally get prepped. I'm very excited for the final chapter of this module.

Great! I'd love to continue next Tuesday as well with part 3, as I had a blast with part 2!

Easy enough, and it makes sense. :)

@GM Chie

The wall emerges from the ground, the Little Goblins react!

Will Saves!: 5d20 ⇒ (1, 14, 18, 12, 20) = 65
The Green Goggled Goblin SHRIEKS and ducks away from the wall, as the rest safely ignore it.

Obviously, Green Goggled Goblin (#1) failed on a natural 1. Shouldn't the 12 Will save (#4) have failed the DC 13 saving through for silent image as well? If there's a reason why not, I'm not too worried, just missing something here.

Don't forget about your inspire courage (Bard Stuff +1), folks!

Continuing his performance, Marcus moves to the gate, surveying the battlefield. His eyes briefly linger on Miri, seeing the blood soaking the side of her armor, a worried look on his face. Seeing the High Fool beset on all sides by foes, however, his demeanor settles into a look of determination. "Don't die, Miri," he mutters as his right hand begins to trace glowing arcane runes in the air.

With a flick of his wrist, the sigils shatter, and a meandering stone wall, 10 feet tall, appears to grow out of the earth, separating the High Fool from his attackers. The wall is decorated with bas-reliefs of horses trampling what goblins underfoot. Jagged spikes face towards the goblins. There is a small gap, that a goblin might be able to squeeze through, between "Rot in your cage, monsters!" he calls out, while pointing towards Mezorodath and mouthing "Get him."

Marcus moves to the door, maintains his inspire courage as a free action, and then casts silent image (DC 13 Will save) of yet another wall as a standard action, hoping to isolate Mezorodath from the rest of the enemies. Sorry for the shape of the wall -- I am bad at freehanding with a mousepad. Let's hope the goblins are simple enough (or have low enough will saves) to fall for it.

Seeing the Knight, Marcus exclaims, "Thank the Heavens, she lives!" Straightening up, he begins to orate, "Let us strike hard and true, my friends! Fiends and monsters stand before us -- may the the Lady of Valor herself strengthen our hearts and arms!"

Marcus uses his (auditory) performance to inspire courage in his allies.

Site seems to be back up for now. I'm ready to go when everyone else is.

Agreed, congratulations!

Marcus attempts to stealthily close on the door, nocking an arrow and readying his shortbow as he does so (Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16). After waiting for the other party members to position themselves, he gives Savina a nod.

If one of our full BAB folks wants the position Marcus took, feel free to move his token a square or so, and take it.

Interesting, Mr. GM. It's like you knew precisely the next two things that Marcus was going to do. :)

After quickly retrieving his Traveler's Any Tool from the compound's entrance, Marcus carefully examines the rusty iron gate, checking for traps (and confirming that it's locked), while trying to assess any particularly weak points in the gate's structure.

Perception - checking for traps: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Knowledge (Engineering) - looking for weak points: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

"Nice shot!" Marcus says, giving Fizzlebottom a big smile. Keeping his bow at the ready, moves just inside the courtyard to finish off the incapacitated goblins, and catches sight of the sturdier building, with its creepy three-eyed carving on the front doors (Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13).

"Yes, the Demon Queen," Marcus agrees with Miri, spitting on the ground in disgust. "I'd wager that they're keeping the Crusader in there, if she is still alive. I think that we should move quickly."

Seeing Miri finishing off the goblins, he scans the courtyard for any threats or apparent traps, cautious after the recent "Brown Mold" Incident. Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

To be fair, a Gencon break gives me time to digest the playtest rules a bit. :-)

Makes sense. Hope Gencon is fun for all involved!

Note that as of this post, Miri and Fizzlebottom still have actions to take in the Gameplay thread (between Paizo.com being down and the impending Gencon, just wanted to make sure we didn't lose track of anything).

The once the Gencon Madness and ensuing RPing Hangover are through, our fearless GM can jump back into running the epic combat against these dreadful and powerful Lamashblins.

Hoping to open up some space for the group inside the compound, Marcus quickly drops the crowbar and retrieves his shortbow. Nocking an arrow, he leans slightly to the right before loosing his arrow at the red-bandana-ed goblin just past Fizzlebottom. "My apologies, Fizz!" he exclaims as he looses the arrow, hoping he didn't startle the mesmerist too badly.

Comp. shortbow, PBS, Precise Shot: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Cold iron piercing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Free action drop the Traveler's Any-Tool, move action to draw a weapon, and a standard action to attack.

Happy that he was able to help heal Miri, Marcus quickly examines the door, striving to find any weak spots in its construction (Knowledge (Engineering): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13). He then stows his bow across his back, and removes a Traveler's Any Tool from his belt, which he quickly uses to duplicate a crowbar.

"Crowbar" in hand, Marcus then levers at the weak spots of the door, attempting to Aid The High Fool, Savina, and Fizzlebottom in their efforts to break through (Str check to Aid Another + circumstance bonus for crowbar: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 1 + 2 = 15).

After scrambling up the rope, Marcus assists anyone who needs help activating a wand of cure light wounds. Afterwards, he whispers to the group, "If we don't have an alternate entrance, we may want to rush them. Between Fizzlebottom's illusionary patterns and my more minor spells, we may be able to temporarily take a few of them out of the fight."

Perception (taking 10): 10 + 4 = 14
Accounting for the distance to the gate from his initial position (35 or 40', depending on the square), Marcus just barely (DC10 + 4 Perception check) makes his check.

Good thing someone thought to bring a rope, Marcus thinks to himself. He moves quickly to the the wall near the gate, looking up at Miri and mouthing "Thank you," as he gives her a quick smile. He attempts to scramble up the knotted rope as quickly as possible.
Climb (Accelerated Climbing, taking 10): 10 + 1 - 5 = 6 repeated as necessary. Assuming the check is successful, Marcus should be able to climb 15' (half his speed) per move action and get up the rope in a round or two (didn't see the exact height -- I'll look back in the previous page), unless something unexpected happens.

Times like this, I wish I had moved when I said I was going to. Ah well. Not being able to make it past the Brown Mold with a single move action, Marcus will move up towards the stairs. Hopefully, someone has a rope. On the first round of Initiative, he will move diagonally 15' and take a shot at Leeza, assuming he has one. Given the height difference, Point-Blank Shot will not apply.

Marcus quickly moves towards the stairs, and on seeing Leeza, draws his bow and looses an arrow at her.

MW Composite Longbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

"Deadly cold can freeze and kill it, as I recall. Where we'd find such cold is beyond me though."

Knowledge (Dungeoneering): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Marcus jumps as the glass jars fall and shatter near his comrades. "That's Brown Mold!" he calls. "Get away from it -- an open flame will make it grow like mad, and we're surrounded by a bunch of little ooze-addled firebugs!"

After making a mental note about the importance of checking for traps, he then attempts to scan his surroundings for other traps and "ooze-addled" threats. He is, however, more than a little bit distracted due to the commotion on the stairs and concern for his companions.

Perception to check for traps or ambushes: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

As the last Lamashblin falls, Marcus quickly surveys the area for other threats. As the drums fall silent, he breathes a sigh of relief, kissing two fingers on his right hand and briefly touching them to the silver brooch by his left collarbone.

Seeing the two Fools, the Mesmerist, and the Werewolf head to the platform, he glances at its position, frowning. "Well that seems . . . exposed," he mutters to no one in particular. Resolve comes into his voice as he continues, "They say Fortune favors the bold. Let's see if we can earn a bit of Fortune's favor."

Bow drawn, he swiftly moves to the stairs, and then cautiously makes his way up them, attempting to keep hidden from view and silent.
Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

I wasn't sure if Savina went up to the platform or not. I interpreted the post as implying that. If that's incorrect, just mentally remove "and the Werewolf" and put an "and" before "the Mesmerist" from this post. :-)