Numalar Auritonius's page

Guys: I've been having internet connectivity issues the last few days. My connection has been going out for long periods. I'm hoping that the problem is over but I can't say for sure.

I'm going to try and get caught up but since my window for posting may be limited I will handle threads that require short posts first.

Hotspur considers Numalar's words for a moment and then says, "... That Igor fellow had a unfavorable look to him,... "

"I think it is pronounced EYE-gor, actually. But really? You suspect him?"

While Numalar tries to draw out the conversation, he studies Hotspur carefully.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
sense motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Will Save (to see through illusions): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

He turns aside and looks back down into the courtyard. "Everyone all right?"

While facing away, he murmurs a few words, then when he turns back to face Hotspur, his eyes have turned a golden color.

Casting detect magic while facing the courtyard, then turning to face Hotspur again after casting. I want to try to conceal the fact that I am casting a spell and will use bluff to do so if that is feasible.

bluff (to conceal spellcasting): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
spellcraft (identify auras): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

On the topic though I looked over what we do know about this whole mess. Maybe this is another piece?

In a similar vein, there's also a spoiler for Alia here. No idea what that is about.

Well, it sounds like we agree, but we don't have a simple way of figuring out who he is, if he is not what he seems. All I have is detect magic and some skill checks. +2 Sense Motive, +9 Perception. +6 Will if I can "interact" with an illusion.

If he turns out that the guy is not Hotspur that might invalidate the contract in the eyes of the dwarves.

Either way, for sure we don't want to fight them if we don't have to.

You make both of that sound negative.

In my book, both are factors that should have helped convince him :)
Gunboat Diplomacy is a thing, is it not?

Yes, but in Pathfinder we call it Intimidate. :)

I certainly would have given you a circumstance bonus there were I the GM. But you never bothered to roll, which may be why he never even responded. Of course, had he agreed, would the dwarves have actually honored a transfer of their contract at the point of a blade? Since they had an obligation to protect Lord Hotspur from such a thing? I probably wouldn't in their shoes.

That was a pretty good Diplomacy check I made... not amazing, but good. And I offered reasonable ideas as to why it was in his own interest to give up the contract, including offering to pay him for the money he already had spent. So he saves face and keeps his money.

I do think something is up because not long ago he was desperate to get away. I don't know what has changed, but something must have.

I suspect the elemental was summoned via an elemental gem. Pretty expensive way of calling for help. Maybe there was more to it than just calling for the Lord-Mayor?

"You know... there's a very simple solution to your current problem."

"You and your friends' valiant efforts have shown me the error of my path, I and my dwarven army will return to Mivon. There I will seek an audience with my father and discuss the matter of the Stolen Land and my ambitions for myself and Mivon."

Numalar rubs his chin in thought.

"Well, Lord Hotspur, that might be asking for trouble."

"You see, it was not us that conjured that enormous elemental. Someone else wanted to alert your father of what was going on, and that suggests that your father already had an inkling of what you are about, and is probably on his way now. Heading back at the head of your army here might be better than being caught by him in this castle, but not by much. Not by much at all."

"So you see, what you need is some kind of deniability. Some way that you could prove that it wasn't you that hired these men. You can always hire others later on. There are many mercanary companies for hire in the River Kingdoms."

"And it just so happens that we are in need of a few mercenaries ourselves. I don't think we had planned on a body as large as this, but beggars can't be choosers, as they say."

"SO.... what I propose is that you transfer your contract with these men to us. We can compensate you in lieu of whatever down payment you have made to these men. Then, when your father arrives, you can say: 'No father, I was merely acting as an Agent for my friend Numalar here. I would never dream of going against your will!' We will, of course, support your story. Won't we, everyone?" Numalar looks around.

"So, Lord Hotspur? What do you think? Take a gamble with your father catching you in the act? Or put off your plans for a little while and let us take the blame for this enterprise?"

Who is up now?

I think Numalar has already gone, unless we are in a new round. And I don't think I can help Illthir.

"Hotspur!" Numalar shouts with surprise. "Well, that was rather un-gentlemanly," he says, looking at the spot where Illthir was.

"You know... there's a very simple solution to your current problem."

Not sure if Hotspur is going to let me talk but if so...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

I am not a member of any organized party — I am a Democrat. ~ Will Rogers

:D

I will respond with:

"It's easy to be a humorist when you've got the whole government working for you." ~ Will Rogers

"Ye daur cest a speel at me! i'll burst ye sae stoaner 'at yer dad will die afair he f@%$s yer mom! I will!"

"It speaks!" Numalar cries in mock astonishment.

Hit, more draconic defense?

Yeah, I can't afford the damage at this point.

Once again Numalar turns into a solid gold state for a moment, and the bolt flies away harmlessly.

Since I still have my standard action I will go full defense. Brings my AC to 19.

Fireworks spring from Numalar's finger tips and strike the tower-top above.

fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

FYI the damage should be 1d4+1 because of my draconic bloodline arcana. 1 HP isn't likely to matter much, but it might add up.

"Who'd I get these arrows from, they fly all over the place?." he mutters after seeing the arrows spray

"Never buy arrows from a crooked arrow merchant. Or a crooked arrow merchant, for that matter. Hah!"

When Numalar hears the splash, he turns back and looks over the battlements down at the moat. He looks for ripples or signs of someone in the water. "Something's in the moat! Is that Hotspur?"

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

So 5' step, then look over the battlements. It may be a move action to make the perception check. If I see any sign of him I will take a standard action to cast glitterdust.

If the perception check doesn't take a move action then I will also throw another snapdragon firework at Arbalasti.

Snapdragon fireworks damage (reflex DC 16): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

You do understand that no matter who you vote for, someone always manages to form a government.

Too tired... working extra hours again last night on not enough sleep. Next post this afternoon or evening. Bot me if necessary.

I had written this long addendum to Arbalasti's post where I had mentioned that if Numalar wanted to he could attempt a Wisdom check DC 10 to see if it triggered his readied action (since Arbalasti is obviously not casting a spell) and then I noticed that after the crossbowman shot Numalar that he was at -1 hp and then I erased it all. So I need a constitution check or if you want to fiery escape (which i imagine you have the spell mojo left to do If you are readying snapdragon--in which case see Wisdom check above).

Dang... missed that. Too many posts to look through. :)

Numalar sees the bolt coming at the last second, and with a word turns into a statue of solid gold! The bolt glances off him harmlessly. The gold color quickly fades leaving him as before.

Yeah, I'll use draconic defense. I haven't really cast much this battle. So I'll use it again in later rounds if I am hit again.

Is the rope down a knotted rope? I had assumed it wasn't. Numalar's climb skill is bad enough that a regular rope would likely be his death if he tried it.

Scarlet is climbing down a rope right now. Currently she is 10' above the ground.

Is the rope a knotted rope? My climb skill is -2. If it is just a regular rope Numalar might not survive the fall.

Edit: does Arbalasti throwing the bomb trigger my readied action?

Numalar darts over towards Illthir and ducks down behind the battlements. He continues to watch the tower where Arbalasti stands.

Move action to move 15' and then ready action to snapdragon fireworks Arbalasti again if he tries casting.

"I could help Alia if I could get down there. Illthir, do you have rope? I'm not much of a climber but someone could lower me."

I actually was going to ask about that because it looks like there are stairs near you that go down. I'm not sure if they go down to the courtyard or into the building.

Blue staggers to the guardhouse wall, through the open door and inside where he tries to clear his eyes.

[dice=Will save v glitterdust blindness: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Well, that didn't last long. Damn those dwarves and their save bonuses!

Growling at the gnome on the battlements, Arbalasti readies himself to cast a spell.

"I see you there, dog boy! Growl all you like!"

Numalar ducks back behind the corner of the roof and readies his own spell.

I'm going to ready snapdragon fireworks, and cast it when I see Arbalasti actually cast. Maybe it will force a concentration check. Hoping the sloping roof will give me some cover.

__ Numalar -12 hp, FREE!

"FREE! I'm free! Hahaha!" Numalar cackles, full of nervous energy and frustration.

He throws a bolt of golden glitter down at the dwarves below.

Casting glitterdust, finally. Will save DC is 17. I will also take a 5' step towards Scarlet (which I assume is now clear).

"Can anyone tell where Hotspur went?"

And it looks like the main gates to the castle are closed. Is that the case?

Numalar will have to jump off the parapet to get into burning hands range with most of these guys.

Mind you, he is small. He could bounce. :)

I still want to glitterdust Hotspur if anyone can figure out where he is. Invisibility gives a huge big bonus to stealth but if he is moving around that negates some of them.

"Yes! By Macrathane's codpiece, burn this blasted stuff!" Numalar shouts.

Numalar continues to struggle with the webbing he is stuck in.

Escape Artist (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 Nope. But next round the fire should spready to my square, freeing me.

Okay, I'm assuming that my glitterdust failed.

Numalar struggles with the webs, trying to get free.

escape artist: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

The web spell in that description is double dipping on the +10..

CMD is already 10+CMB

and as is pointed out a lvl 13 wizard would get reasonably shut down by a 3rd level wizard casting web.... not what should happen..

Basically the target should be 17 which is much more reasonable for a 2nd level spell.

I had figured this as well.

When you are grappled you can escape using an Escape Artist check against the CMD of the grappler. With web, you use the spell's DC to escape. So the spell DC is basically equivalent to the spell's CMD.

Since CMB is normally roughly equal to CMD-10 then a formula that uses 10+CMB could also use CMD as a rough equivalent, which would be the spell's save DC.

I know James Jacobs made that post you liked to, but I think it was a quick, off-the-cuff response and he clearly didn't look at the responses in the thread.

Oddly, the ruling also means that with my +2 to escape artist I can escape from the web on a natural 14, but I need a natural 19 to cast glitterdust with a concentration of +9.

Numalar, Illthir, Zokon - reflex save DC 15, or be grappled. Webs are difficult terrain and can provide some cover. If Numalar becomes grappled he has to make a concentration check to cast glitterdust.

"Gah!" Numalar shouts as sticky webbing covers him.

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Concentration: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Concentration check is probably good... but the formula for Concentration in a grapple is 10 + Opponent's CMB + Spell level. I'm guessing that for a spell that grapples but has no listed CMB you would use the spell save DC instead of 10 + CMB? If that is the the case then the DC would be 17 and I succeeded.

Please do help me understand your tactical decision on targetting the Glitterdust straight on me.

It's because I know you are in melee with him but I don't know where he is. As Durgan mentioned, Hotspur is now invisible. He drank a potion.

Numalar goes over to the edge of the parapet and looks down, into a pool of inky blackness. He can see the figures withi, though theyn seem cold and gray. He can make out Alia fighting with... something.

That must be Hotspur. But where is he?

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Well, neither of them can see in there anyway. Let's light it up for the rest of us.

Numalar throws a bolt of golden light downwards into the fray. It enters the darkness, and when it strikes the ground it scatters into a ball of sparkling motes, which look silvery in the gloomy view of darkvision.

Casting glitterdust. Will DC 17. Since Alia is already basically blind anyway I hope she doesn't mind. But it will let those of us with Darkvision see Hotspur.

The yellow circle is the AoE but it is at ground level, so those of us on the parapet (such as me) will not be affected.

If any of you guys are in Canada, Happy Thanksgiving!

Those of you in the US, Happy Columbus Day (or Happy "Guy Who Was Looking For China and Ended Up In Puerto Rico" Day).

Hello folks.

I'm afraid I've been bedridden for several days. My stomach is still in knots but I'm starting to feel better and I hope to catch up soon.

Bot me in the meantime if necessary.

Just leaving that here...9 hours remaining at the time of posting...

Would have preferred a different AP, but then, I have no time to play now, anyway. So I see it as simply investing into getting more of that in the future.

Yeah, it has popped up on GOG.com. It would be a strain on the budget, but I am having a hard time resiting the impluse to get it.

"Bah," says Numalar. "Let the lordling go. If the city guard appears his plans regarding this mercenary company are foiled anyhow. The mercenaries can hardly keep their contract if it is overruled by the Lord-Mayor, now can they? That will happen whether or not Hotspur is here."

"Better to let him save some face by not having to deal with the guards personally. He can disavow the mercenaries, and they will be free of his contract."

Too tired to concetrate on posting right now. Maybe the afternoon.

Numalar Auritonius wrote:

GGGM: If I were to cast enlarge person on Alia, would she fall off the battlements? Or could she stand on the rooftop to the east of her?

She would be squeezed unless she tries balance on the battlement wall.

Alia seems to have a very good acrobatics, so I'll get it ready.

"Alia, if you want to make a bigger impression, let me know. I can make that happen."

Bluff (to pass a hidden message): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

The hidden message is basically: I'm getting enlarge person ready. Let me know if you want it.

Numalar takes a step back and begins chanting and waving the wand about.

5' step (in case the big elemental has reach) and then begin casting enlarge person. The spell has a 1 round casting time so it goes off at the start of my next turn.

GGGM: If I were to cast enlarge person on Alia, would she fall off the battlements? Or could she stand on the rooftop to the east of her?

"Looks like you have this one in hand. I'll go see what I can do against the big one."

Wand in hand, Numalar heads towards the bell tower.

Withdrawing.

Serena fights back against the elemental nearest her, her scimitar reaching out to strike at the fiery creature.

Don't forget the +2 from my aid action.

Numalar steps beside Serena and his fingernails lengthen into claws.

"Over here you stupid spark!" he shouts, as he claws at the elemental, trying to divert it's attention away from Serena.

Claw (Aid Another) +2 bless and inspire: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 1 + 2 = 14

Serena: please enjoy your +2 to hit the elemental on your next attack.

Numalar looks at his wand. "A little close-quarters for this right now..."

With his free hand he pops open the end of his scroll case. He pulls out a scroll and begins to recite from it. After a moment, a pair of starry bolts fly forth

Using the CL 3 scroll of magic missile. Aiming the first missile at blue. If blue goes down, then the second missile will aim for yellow.

Magic Missile #1: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Magic Missile #2: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Let's see if it sticks this time.

"I too am hardened againt fire," says Numalar. "But against a fire elemental, most of my spells will be useless!"

Gotta get me an elemental substitution metamagic rod! :)

Numalar runs towards the flames and as he does so he pulls out a slender wand.

Double move, and as part of my move I will draw our wand of enlarge person. Who wants to be enlarged? Getting past the DR of the big guy probably just means doing more damage per hit, and if you do STR-based fighting then enlarge person should help.

Which way did Hotspur go?

"All right, I'm coming," Numalar grumbles as he downs the last of his wine. He continues to mutter to himself, but begins to genuflect as if in prayer, and he holds his symbol to his lips.

Moving and casting message. I'll have to cast it twice to be able to speak to everyone. The first casting I will target the party members furthest away so they can move out of line-of-sight and I can still speak to them.

Once finished, Numalar whispers under his breath.

"Can everyone hear me?" Numalar asks. "Good. It seems to me that this Lord Mayor may solve our problem for us. He wants to stop Hotspur, and I say let him. The trick will be keeping the dwarves from actually fighting the Mayor's guard. We ought to prevent bloodshed if we can, especially if the dwarves are going to suffer real losses."

"Which means that if Hotspur means to leave before the Mayor arrives, we should try to slow things down. Preferably without looking like we're doing it on purpose."

"It is part of a warning system should any lord in region need aid, be it war or disaster."

"I take it then that the beacon is not lit on account of one's wineglass not being full," Morthak quips, eyeing the empty bottom of his goblet. He then holds it up for the servants to refill.

He puts down the goblet. "How much of a problem is it? Surely it woudn't be the end of the world if some other noble came here to aid you? Embarrassing perhaps, but hardly fatal. You just apologize for the error, and invite him in to dine with us."

"It would seem rather extreme for the Lord-Mayor to actually besiege his own son for hiring mercenaries with his own money. Is that what you expect? Not to mention that digging a hundred heavily-armed dwarves out of a fortified position is hardly a job any sane captain would relish."

"I would be interested in finding out who lit the beacon though, and why."

"Who is this dwarf, to impugn my honor, and speak to me so?"

Warning: long speech ahead. Gotta make up for my lack of posts.

Numalar stands, raising his hands.

"Peace, My Lord, peace. We do not mean to impugn your honour. I know a man of your stature must seek out some bold venture that is worthy of him. I can understand how this Stag Lord might seem to present a promising opportunity."

"But my Lord," Numalar clears his throat for a moment. "It may be possible that you are not very well informed about who this Stag Lord really is. We have traveled through much of the Stolen Lands and have seen the fruit of the Stag Lord's labours, and I think it would be best if we share with you what we have seen.

"In short My Lord, I don't think that you realize just what sort of creature this Stag Lord is. You could be making a deal with a demon. If you will not oppose him, at the very least seal your borders against him so his taint may not penetrate here. I swear by the Spire of Kembalyne that all the things I have told you are true, and I beg you, for your own sake and for the sakes of all people in this region, do not take up with this Stag Lord as his ally. Whatever dark fate he has in mind for the Stolen Lands may consume you along with it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

If Bluff would apply rather than Diplomacy then add +6. Though Numalar is basically telling the truth and also giving Hotspur his opinion.

Hey, guys. Sorry I've been absent this weekend. I don't usually post much on weekends but this one was a long weekend and I got drawn into something at the spur of the moment that ended up being really worth it.

I'm catching up on things now. A lot of posts to read.

Igor turns to the party and says "Pleathe, walk thith way."

Numalar resists the urge to mimic the man's walk. Hardly his fault, now is it? he thinks.

"Wonderful! Yes, a bath would be quite wonderful!"

"Yes, the magnificent Arbalasti is famous for his dedication to the craft. He remains in character at all times until the play is finished its run."

Bluff (Aid): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
Well, technically that's a success... :)

"Whose manor house is this?" Numalar asks, looking around for any markings that might indicate where they are and who the local lord might be.

Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

"Is he an ally of your company, Makdoon? Or do you think your men just 'moved in'?"

Numalar hops up into the wagon. "Well then... Lay On, Makdoon. Let's find these men of yours."

"Clever to pose as a dog. Yes, let's get moving."

Quick note: There is a "normal" watch schedule in the tactical map folio. 1st - Durgan + Zokon, 2nd - Serena + Scarlet + Angus, 3rd - Numalar + Alia + Illthir. Folks can move around as they like but that's my default assumption. I would point out a change that left a total hole in the schedule.

Since we started at midnight instead of just after sundown, it would make sense for the order to be shuffled around so the people with darkvision cover the darkest periods. Numalar could be on the first watch instead of the last, which would be after sun-up. But it looks like we made it through the night regardless.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Numalar approaches the wagon with the others.

"Hello there!" he calls out amiably. "I say, we are happy to see you!"

I'm not going to break away from the others just to make that perception check good.

"If we find a village or an isolated farm, perhaps we could convince the locals to offer us shelter. We can certainly pay, and a barn would probably be suitable without giving the locals cause to fear for their safety letting strangers in their homes."