Pooka Bladespinner's page

Got mine, thanks again GM! Well done everyone!

Thanks again GM Ietsuna!

Steve H.
Pooka Bladespinner
133958-1
Liberty's Edge
Day Job - Handle Animal (via Farmstead vanity) Handle Animal: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35

So sorry for my long absence. I have been working 16+ hour days trying to finish updating the new house and move in. My fingers hurt typing because everything in my body hurts... I never want to move again lol...

Pooka sees Shel floundering. Her argument seems sound, but something is clearly not resonating with the judges in her delivery. He tries to step in and help.

"In all of this, Hao Jin has attempted to do the right thing, as Shel is trying to convey. In the beginning, she was working to save and preserve historical sites so that they wouldn't be lost forever, and now she works to preserve the life and history again, to keep it from being lost. While her methods have not always followed every detail of cosmic law, she is here submitting herself for review so that we might not only save lives and preserve history, but do it in an acceptable way. She seeks to correct her mistakes, and that should count for very much."

This is still rolling with just ranks, right? My full modifier is +13, but just 7 ranks according to my math.

Diplomacy/barrister roll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Hey all - my wife and I are buying a new house, closing on it today. I will be taking the rest of this week and all of next week off of work because we will be doing a bunch of work plus actually moving, so my posting might get a little spotty. At some point in there I will probably be without internet as we switch from one house to the other.

Just wanted to warn you. I will do everything I can to keep up on the posting, but if you see me fade, that is the reason why :)

Ograk - The way that is worded, you can only use your number of ranks, not your actual modifier for those skills. Ok, I am going to try to act as Hao Jin's counsel. Everyone hold on to your butts...

The testimony of Tenth by third dances a bit on Pooka's strings of patience, but he contains himself. Feels a bit like you are cherry picking the strictest interpretation of laws to suit your case here, don't you think? Just because a safer measure existed doesn't mean one is required to use it. At one point, those untested techniques would have been considered unsafe because they were unknown. Also, Tenth by Third, your personal bias against the chaos of sorcery is showing a bit here...

If we are telepathically linked, then all of you would have heard my internal rebuttal. Feel free to use it as if it were your own thoughts :)

I think I am doing this right here, if I am wrong let me know. I will try to assist Ograk here (as opposed to protecting him from the judge's inquiries)

"Indeed, Pooka speaks up to assist his fellow pathfinder, "You mention these other methods as if they also weren't at one time deemed unsafe. Who is it that deems certain methods safe, and others unsafe? Were the other, safer methods available to Hao Jin at the time of the creation of the demi-plane? Your assertion that her sorcerous methods are too unpredictable is completely immaterial to this proceeding, and you only accuse her of it because it makes you uncomfortable. The facts are that despite how unpredictable you think it is, she succeeded in creating a demi-plane that has been stable for decades. Long enough that generations of inhabitants know nothing aside from their existence within the plane."

Trying to play up on facts here and arguing that Tenth by Third's accusation is not based on fact but opinion.

Barrister roll, Diplomacy ranks used for modifier: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

I had to read the rules about what modifier we could use 3 times before I finally got it. The author is trying to limit the bonus so someone can't use a +20 something modifier and breeze past the challenges. Admirable, but a very weird way to do it.

I don't actually know how many ranks I have in Diplomacy, which is the only thing that would really help here. I am pretty sure it is 7 though based on my current number - 3 for charisma and 3 for being a class skill to get to 13.

So should we just speak up? Do we wait until it is our turn to speak as a witness on Hao Jin's behalf? I was intending on just being a witness, but I don't mind taking the role of being her counsel just for the fun of play this game. What does everyone think? If someone else wants to be her counsel that would be cool too.

Unfortunately I can't help in in way here... Nice rolls though!

Pooka does his best to help. He meanders around, talking with a few of the others that are doing the same. The charming little halfling manages to get into several conversations and makes a handful of new friends very quickly. Unfortunately when he tries to ask about the hubbub around the tribunal he is met with blank stares and shoulder shrugs.

At least the others are having more luck.

"So one of the judges prefers impassioned speeches while another prefers logical arguments and is already peeved by the meddling with soul energy. This is going to be an interesting tribunal, to be sure. I am equal parts torn to want to witness and be a part of this thing with such powerful and eternal beings, and to just be back at my farm with my dogs where life is much simpler."

"So what is our end game here? We still need Hao Jin's help in repairing the tapestry. Innocent lives are at stake. If there is anything to plea for passionately, that is is. However questionable the energy source is for the tapestry, we know that thousands of creatures will die if we do nothing. Perhaps we need to make our case from two sides. One with the passion of a group trying to save the lives of thousands of creatures, and a second with the math behind the amount of energy per soul and the measureable, or lacktherof, impact on each soul. Once the creatures inside the demiplane are safe, we can determine how to safely proceed with powering the tapestry and what to do with the souls that reside in it currently."

Pooka sits idly while Luna curls up at his feet. The two of them wait patiently, though Luna is much better at it than Pooka. The halfling runs scenarios through his mind of what this tribunal will be like, and how someone like him might even be able to help.

Will we be speaking on Hao Jin's behalf? Is this to answer for the energy siphoning she has done and all that she has done to create the tapestry? I'm not sure I have any authority on the matter, or that my opinion does, but it should be quite a sight to witness. To think of what has come from the prize from the Ruby Phoenix Tournament. he muses.

"Well Luna, we'll have better luck next time actually contributing..." Pooka chuckles and pats his trusty steed on her side. He hops down from his saddle to help look around the room, but before he does he grabs a few treats from the saddle bags and hands them to his very good girl.

The halfling purses his lips and furrows his brow as Yanndu explains the predicament they find themselves in. "For some things I suppose I am glad to not have to have the authority to hand down decisions on things as complicated as this. I don't really know what it would be like to be a soul who has had energy siphoned off of it, but if it bothers one of the pantheon then it can't be good."

Out of necessity, Pooka immediately puts out of mind his consecutive misses. With the wild gesticulations of the devil casting a spell, the armored halfling tries to stick his lance into a spot to foul the casting.

Power Attack AoO: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

for Damage: 1d6 + 27 ⇒ (1) + 27 = 28

question before mmy turn...can i move more than 10ft if i maintain base contact and not provoke an AoO? asking because if I can get a flank with Pooka, that would be greeat, but don't wanna risk a hit if possible..i will take a 5 ft step and get there next turn if needed

Just roll an acrobatics check to avoid AoO. You only have to roll once and beat the Devil's CMD, looks like your check is +16. Reasonably good probability you succeed. Even if you fail, from a probability standpoint you could look at it this way from the devil's perspective - you would need to fail your acro roll and it would have to succeed in it's aoo attack. Even if both of those are 50% chances, the devil has a 1 in 4 chance of actually doing damage to you. Plus I'm using up all the low d20 rolls right now... right? :)

Saw that not all of my damage hit - just a reminder that my lance is currently Good aligned. Not sure if that is what I need to bypass the DR (it usually is for devils)

Luna's shoulders drop to the ground, or at least what would be the ground if she weren't floating in the air. Pooka fights the urge to lean backward to keep his balance, knowing that his mount is preparing to launch herself forward again. One of the most important skills in riding is balance, and when the dog beneath you has to carry so much top heavy weight, it is critical to help her manage that load.

Pooka leans into the inevitable charge, his core tightening as his center of gravity extends over Luna's head. If the dog didn't launch forward, he would certainly fall on his face. "Yah!" he yells, the verbal cue acting like pulling the switch on a trebuchet. Luna's hindquarters uncoil powerfully, sending dog and rider streaking through the air towards the devil.

One... good... shot... Pooka tries to focus, knowing if he places his lance just right he can end this fight right now.

Charging power attack: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23

for Damage: 3d6 + 81 ⇒ (1, 1, 4) + 81 = 87

Oof these rolls... yikes.

Edit, just double checked the map, looks like based on the position I can't get a flank, unless Rallas just forgot to move his token. I've removed the flanking modifier just in case...

Moved you Shel! Thanks for the impending flank Rallas!

Pooka grimaces when his lance goes wide of it's mark but smiles wide when the silken ribbons entangle the devil. He quickly lashes out with his lance, trying to get a jab in before directing Luna across the front of the room to line up another charge.

Power attack (not charging): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

for Damage: 1d6 + 27 ⇒ (1) + 27 = 28

The dog does not wonder about the complexities of magic that allow her to float off the ground. The dog does not question why the floor seems to fall away from her. The dog only loves her master, and so the dog does what her master says. When she hears her master call on her to charge at the scion of wickedness and evil, she does not hesitate. Her haunches flex and surge to accommodate the weight on her back and to build up speed. Her paws dig into nothing and yet still find purchase.

Dog and rider bound effortlessly through the air, arcing like a loosed ballista at the devil at the front of the room as the rider screams out a holy challenge to the devil.

Will activate cavalier's challenge against this bum. Lance is already turned into a good aligned weapon.

Charging power attack: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19 for -

Charging (triple) damage: 3d6 + 81 ⇒ (6, 2, 3) + 81 = 92

small reminder for everyone, my banner gives you a +2 on saves vs fear, and an extra +1 to attack when you charge.

Based on the posts - It looks like Ograk and Shel are waiting for Yanndu and Nugats. Neither of those are going to engage in melee, so Shel you might as well take your turn, since I can't act until after the devil. Ograk - Flight would definitely make charging in this space easier - my initial charge question is still pending for our GM and flight might just solve all the problems.

"I would just as soon send you back to the nine hells, but either way you are leaving. Consider yourself no longer busy. It's a little funny, you look just like a demon I slew once assisting the Mendev crusade." Pooka says, with Luna shuffling under the saddle, trying to poke at the devil with words.

I can't think of a reason not to murderhobo this devil... GM - looking at the map it looks like I could use my wheeling charge to go 10' left, make a 90 degree turn and charge straight at the devil. (wheeling charge allows me to make 1 turn up to 90 degrees, as long as I move 10' before and after the turn) but the question would be what looks like stairs between the rows of desks like a lecture hall. If that counts as an obstacle, I'll just have to move and attack. Otherwise, I have enough movement to get to him with a surprise round or 1st round charging attack.

[ooc]If anyone objects to just picking a fight with this thing, let me know, I can be talked down.

Ohh... Hopefully this actually turns into a fight if we are all buffing up... in that case, I'm going to go ahead and apply the oil of align weapon good to my lance. [insert **** joke here] What the heck... might as well drink my potion of shield of faith also. I'll do that right before we head in since we are assuming this will be a fight...

Pooka experiences a series of flashbacks to his days supporting the fight against the demonic hordes pouring out of the worldwound for the society. He quickly catches himself though, remembering that demons are rather different from devils. He nods at Nugat's question. If there was a contract in place, it was no doubt deceptively in favor of the devil. One thing about contracts though is in order for it to be legitimate, it must have an ending time. If this devil has gone past that time, well this might just be pretty cut and dry.

Still, just in case, Pooka pulls out his oil of align weapon (good) and keeps it in hand, just in case he needs to quickly apply it to his lance.

I've got a scroll of align weapon good also, along with an oil of daylight, just in case this goes sideways.

Apologies for my long absence!

Pooka sits comfortably atop Luna, wondering how it seems that so far an assignment from the society has managed to go without life-threatening conflict.

Ready to go through that door!

Pooka is also an auto aid with diplomacy...

"I wouldn't want to speak for Hao Jin, but I am sure we can make arrangements within the Pathfinder Society to allow you to explore the tapestry, assuming it has been repaired, that might help inspire even more creations in the future. One possibility we spoke of was to also return the inhabitants back to the prime material plane. Think of all the new places you could explore to the same ends." Pooka tries to be helpful.

"We are on a rather urgent task in which many lives are hanging in the balance. In order to understand how to fix the unraveling of Hao Jin's demi-plane tapestry, we are trying to recover the engrams of her memories. You have one of them, we understand, to better help your research into new forging methods. What can we do to get that engram from you?" Pooka indicates the badge given them by Eleven-Sun-Truth as Ograk mentioned and waits patiently for a response.

Pooka eyes the inevitable and decides that this one seems to fit the description they had been given. "An inevitable in love with the performing arts? You must be the one we are looking for. Eleven-Sun-Truth described you as eccentric. To my delight it appears she... he... they? are correct. It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Pooka and this is Luna." Pooka bows and indicates his dog when he does.

I didn't want to cut to the chase too fast, in case some banter would be benificial.... Someone else can feel free to add in what we are after if you want. My gut tells me that this will require us performing a task in return for the engram...

Just a reminder for everyone...

"One engram stores a portion of my client’s creative innovation, and as an experiment, authorities in the Adamantine Forge granted it to now somewhat…" Eleven-Sun-Truth scowls with disappointment. "…eccentric inevitable in order to explore new inevitable-forging techniques. That inevitable frequents the domain of demigoddess Chaldira Zuzaristan in its downtime."

Also...

Instead they produce six small electrum badges each marked with three vertical lines surrounded by a border of unevenly spaced dots. "These are for you to wear. They will help others recognize that you are acting as Hao Jin’s advocates in recovering the engrams. Have a care though. These badges are for identification and not signs of absolute authority. These alone may not be sufficient to secure the engrams..."

"Alright Luna, there is bound to be little snacks in whatever is happening over there. Let's see if we can't get you some." Pooka says with a grin and scratches his dog behind the ears. He recognizes that he is likely wearing the wrong attire for what must certainly be a party, but puts that thought out of his mind immediately and strides forward through the archway to see if they can find this inevitable.

Yanndu was afraid that something like this would happen in the City of Axis. Days before their trip to Axis he had made arrangements and made contact with someone who owed him a debt, and instructed her to travel to Axis at her earliest convenience and wait for their arrival. This was the moment to repay that debt.

***...Now is the time, Maffei...steal the engram for me and return to the designated location...make sure she does not notice you...I will meet you in five minutes...***

Using Debt of Shadow boon from Dragon's Demand module

From behind a nearby fountain a barely noticeable shadow figure stretches a hand and carefully liberate the engram from 322's person... and disappears from view!

[dice=Sleight of Hand to steal]1d20+16
[dice=Sleight of Hand to steal with GM 3-star reroll]1d20+16+3 vs. 322's opposed Perception check.

** spoiler omitted **

Succeed or fail, this is hands down the absolute most amazing use of a boon EVAR!!!

Either way, Yanndu might have just put us in a position where 322 attacks us, and we can claim self defense when questioned about the use of violence.

Maybe...

Either way, I am massively impressed. I know we are breaking the scenario GM, but that isn't your fault and you are handling it spectacularly. First rule is to have fun right? I am freaking loving this.

I'm with the other PCs here - wondering why it feels like the scenario is trying to get us to do something that very much seems like a bad idea. It wouldn't be the first time I've experienced a scenario that just assumes you will do something with terrible long term consequences for the sake of a short term goal.

"There must be another way we can come to an agreement. Sneaking you into the Grand Lodge is... an unacceptable term, to put it as politely as I can. Our task may or may not be possible without the information you stole from Yakamo. But the fact of the matter is you stole it in a land ruled by the strictest of adherence to law. Add that to the matter of us being unable to pay your price, and we are at an awkward impasse here."

Such a tranquil place here Ograk, I don't think we should disturb the peace here, don't you? I am sure we can come to some sort of agreement. She did say just get her in, not necessarily sneak her in... Pooka trails off his telepathic thoughts, realizing it was his own comment that made the first assumption that getting her into the Grand Lodge might be breaking some kind of rules.

"Seems like that could be a pretty steep price. What are your intentions when you get there? We can't be the unwitting trojan horses you see... I'm sure we can come to some kind of agreement."

Doesn't look like Pooka has it...

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 +2 vs fear

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

Pooka looks around the tranquil place and instantly senses Luna's desire to romp through one, or many of the pools of water.

"Easy girl. Better wait and make sure we don't make ourselves unwelcome."

"I don't blame you for not wanting to walk into a trap, but I've always figured a trap doesn't have as much of a bite if you know it's coming. Of course, I walk around sealed up in a big metal suit." Pooka winks with a wide grin.

"We should at least see if we can identify the trap before we walk into it. If you need someone to set it off though, Luna and I will volunteer."

Uhh... wow. Wouldn't have thought of asking that... This guy is good...

Pooka nods appreciatively to Yanndu, keeping his face stoic so as not to let on that he wasn't clever enough to think of something like that.

I think that means that this game is officially the distraction now... lol. Congrats!

Pooka can aid also, but with Ograk's aid it would be unnecessary.

"This cat and mouse game gets more confusing with every turn. She will clearly know that we know she is a fake version of Yakomo." Pooka screws up his face as he considers what could be going on.

"Well, at least we've brought a dog to a cat and mouse game."

To the Serene circle? Once Yakomo answers about the engram that is... I suspect this elven woman already took it."

"Get ready Luna," Pooka says, a grin growing on his face. "Anyone want to venture a guess this is our spy friends trying to beat us to the punch?"

Inside the house, Pooka worries his lance might be a bit unwieldy, so he leaves it in it's leather strapping on Luna's right hip. He reaches with his right hand over to the left side and grabs the handle of his trusty flail, the tinkling of the chain harmonizing with the jingle of Luna's chain barding.

"If it doesn't matter what order we go in, and you feel that visiting Irori's realm is the most pressing, then we should head there first." Pooka votes.

Pooka finally pipes up, to add to the discussion. "We will do whatever is necessary to protect the innocents within that tapestry. Many of them have been there for generations, and those alive within the demi-plane have no knowledge or memory of not being in it, save what stories and knowledge has been passed down. They do not deserve this fate. If we, the Pathfinder Society, has had a hand in it's unraveling then we will make the sacrifices necessary to make it right." Pooka's words reinforce what the other's have already said.

Pooka almost continues, but instead stops the next words from coming out of his mouth. Exile? How did she end up in exile? Can we save her from it? Pooka thinks so that others can hear telepathically.

Pooka is taken aback by the sight of the powerful sorceress. Seeing her in person is a bit surprising. It's not as if he didn't believe she existed, but standing in her presence was another matter entirely.

As was the litany of terrible things she listed that might be worthy of her attention. Pooka felt small indeed.

Pooka and Luna wait patiently, allowing Yanndu to expertly do what he does best. There will be a time for him to speak up. Just not yet.

Love this...

Pooka listens closely as they walk, paying attention to the answer to Rallas' question. He also offers one of his own, "You mentioned the Godmind. I assume that is who you serve? Does Hao Jin serve this Godmind as well?"

Pooka nods his head to acknowledge the telepathic instruction and rests easily in the saddle. Luna shifts her feet underneath her while Pooka drums his gauntlets on his armored leg in a quiet, steady staccato.

Reasoning in his mind that their hidden adversary already knows of their plans, and that these guards aren't likely a part of that scheme, Pooka speaks up.

"We are searching for the legendary sorceress Hao Jin to seek her counsel. Our investigation has lead us here as the place she was last known to be. Do you still guard this realm for Aroden?"

Pooka's eyes widen as Yanndu relays this message, the implication seemingly clear to him.

We have a major problem then, if the spy has gotten the story from Esfir. We told Esfir we were looking for Hao Jin. If the spy already knew that, then we are at least no worse off. If the spy did not know that before, he now knows our purpose, and where we are to be looking to pick up her trail. I believe our search just became a race against our hidden foe. We should get going immediately, and keep all our senses sharp for being followed.

I will always happily yield the floor when a situation like this arises - no need to apologize for taking the spotlight. That's why this stuff is awesome.

Nice work rolling with the punches too GM!

Pooka nods wordlessly, not realizing that his thoughts of agreement to Yanndu's plan were likely sent plainly through the telapathic link. He hops down from Luna's back to walk around the stall where the merchant disappeared and whistles for Luna to follow.

With a familiar wave of his hand, Luna immediately recognizes that Pooka is asking her to look for a scent. (track) Her head drops to the ground and her tail begins to wag, shaking the chain barding as she snuffles and snorts around the stall.

Having gotten a reasonable noseful of scent, she looks to her master to wait for his next command. To her disappointment, he does not release her to immediately chase after this new smell and instead guides her back to the group.

That whole sequence was awesome, just wanted to say. We all spend so much time building our characters to do something amazing, and we don't always get a chance to use it.

Sometimes Nugats faces enemies that couldn't care less what element he casts his spells as, sometimes Rallas fights enemies that are immune to sneak attack, and sometimes I get stuck in a place where I can't charge. Sometimes having the abilities that Yanndu has won't make a difference in the game.

But sometimes the stars align and the thing you created your character to do exceptionally well gets a chance to shine. I love it when that happens.

"Well I would say that whomever is keeping tabs on us is now aware that we know. They will be more careful in the future I suspect." Pooka tells the others as they reassemble at the gate.

"Yanndu, I can't say I have ever met someone with such prowess as yours. It is remarkable!" the halfling smiles, congratulating the elf on his well displayed skill.

"It is entirely possible you have made yourself a target if this person or people watching us is an enemy. Luna and I will stick close, just in case. Shall we go through the archway now?"

Pooka is momentarily startled by the telepathic connection, but grins at the effectiveness of this type of communication. He had be part of the message spell before, but this didn't even require whispering.

[i]Shel and I should be able to handle this. Though I have no doubt that this person will see through our ruse immediately. No matter though, I think the act of subtly letting him know he has been made will be to our advantage.[/i/]

Pooka gently presses a knee into Luna's side and the canine turns around, walking over to the merchant's tent. "I need to make sure I grab a souvenir before we get to busy. I would just as soon have one now so I am not trying to find something at the last minute when we leave." he says to Shel as the two approach. "Tell me merchant, what do you carry anything unique to the Axis? I want to make sure that whenever I see it I am reminded of my time here."

Pooka looks up at the Kelish merchant as he finishes his question, turning on his halfling charm as he does. He makes eye contact with the man and doesn't break it.

Shel and I have the same bluff modifier, so I figured one of us could aid. Also, I technically haven't lied yet, so this could just as easily be a diplomacy check, but I will let the GM rule on that one. Heck, there might not even be a reason for a check yet...

Check: 1d20 ⇒ 16 Bluff +9, Diplomacy +13

Striding to the gate on Luna's back, Pooka's head swivels this way and that, taking in the scenery. He nods his head at the cleverness of the gates on the lantern flames acting as entry and exit through the arches.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

"I've noticed how the blinking of the lanterns seems to indicate entry or exit through the arches..." Pooka offers, somewhat oblivious to his unhelpfulness in the situation.

"A pleasure to meet you." Pooka says with a low bow, taking cue from Yanndu that this creature is deserving of respect. He cannot help his own curiosity as well. Being partial to dogs as mounts doesn't preclude him from admiring a magnificent steed when he sees one.

Luna sniffs the air beside her master, taking in the scents to aquainte herself with their new location.

"I wonder, where in this impressive and mighty city might we begin our search for the Ruby Phoenix?" Pooka breaks from his admiration of the creature to wonder aloud to his companions.

Pooka, upon realizing he needs to be specific, stumbles verbally over himself for a moment. "Yes, of course. I promise to behave."