Professor Molvil Masaendri's page

Chronicle looks good. Thanks for running the whole thing, Otha! And thanks for the fun roleplay, everyone!

Shaking her head with an exasperated sigh, Professor Masaendri steps back and remarks dryly: "You could have been wise enough to abandon this folly. I hope you said a fond farewell to any loved ones, as your bones will be interred where they fall. We will close this tomb once again, so that no one disturbs it again." And she burns the red-clothed idiot.

Burning hands vs. Red (shaken): 3d4 ⇒ (1, 1, 3) = 5
DC 15 reflex save for half damage

The Professor rolls her eyes, steps back, and casts Mage Armor on herself. She's confident that her pupils will be able to handle this on their own, and chooses to give them the opportunity to do so.

AC 17 now

Sighing at the folly of hubris-driven greed, the Professor strides forward and levels a withering glare at the nearest dwarf. "Are you so eager to meet your maker? Better to live to die another day, fool."

Demoralize vs. Red: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Demoralize rules

"I assure you, if the Society sanctioned removing that amulet, they wouldn't have assigned us the task of returning it. It was obviously stolen by unscrupulous people who only cared for the profit they could gain by its sale." The Professor lectures as she sketches, notates, and records the wealth of cultural information in the room.

The Professor produces a stick of charcoal and sheets of parchment, intent on recording the illustrations and statues. "This is fascinating! What a rich culture. Watch your step, please. Tombs with riches often have traps, and those traps do not know that we are not here to rob the place." Before moving forward, she checks for traps.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Professor Masaendri draws herself up to her full height, towering over the peddler like a slender obelisk. She glares down her nose, and with a voice as brittle and cold as Irrisen winter, she imperiously commands: "We asked nicely twice. Beware the cost of denying us again."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

The Professor sits ramrod straight, observing all the finer points of etiquette during the exquisite brunch. Recalling the team's manners yesterday, she makes a point to model the behavior she expects to see.

"I ask that you find the tomb, place the amulet back where it came from, and reseal the vault so that no one else disturbs it."

"Ah, wonderful! I prefer to be a student of culture and history to being a grave robber. This will be a most satisfying mission. What can you tell us about this family's tomb? What was their name?"

Appraise DC 15: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Knowledge History DC 15: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Knowledge History DC 20: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

The Professor attempts to hide her interest. With a slightly bored drawl, she agrees: "All right. Now, if you're finished dawdling, we have an appointment, remember?" She resolves to ask Piotr to look at the scarab more closely later.

Suddenly a thought occurs to her. That was awfully convenient. It's a deal too good to be true. Hmm... Suspiciously, she glances around to see if there's an ambush incoming.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

The Professor nods approvingly as the final conscious thug chooses to flee. "Excellent." Brushing off her hands, she marches directly into the tavern to begin untying Elwyhir. "How do you do, Elwyhir. I am Professor Masaendri. The Pathfinder Society has pulled some strings to ensure your freedom. If you would be so kind as to join Talmar and Holianda in coming with us, we will escort you to safety."

The Professor goes red with suppressed rage at the foul language and flippant attitudes of her charges. Her hand grips her sturdy yardstick with white-knuckled intensity. Preposterously crass! And for what?! All the sounds that escape her lips, however, amount to little more than incoherent sputtering.

"He's treating these people like s$!@, so I'm just returning the favor," says Hellebore innocently.

"Language!" The Professor snaps.

To add insult to injury, Belladonna sticks her rear out of the pocket she's in and squirts a foul smelling liquid in his direction.

One lone eyebrow makes a break for the Professor's hairline at Hellebore's boorish antics. "Really!"

Lips pressed in a thin line, she cautiously steps away from Blackburn, dashing around so she, too, can cast Burning Hands on him without scorching Piotr. The orange shape is her 15' cone.

Acrobatics to leave threatened square: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Burning Hands: 3d4 ⇒ (4, 3, 4) = 11
DC 15 Reflex for half.

Blackburn is a bit too close for comfort, whatever he is. The Professor glares down her nose at his impudence, then menacingly unhooks the sturdy yardstick from her belt and begins tapping it into her other hand. "It is time to teach you a lesson, child." Her voice is cold and calculating.

Intimidate to Demoralize: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
(Demoralize rules.)

The Professor would've re-upped her Mage Armor right before arriving.

Noting the nearest thug snuggling into the pavement for a nap, Professor Masaendri nods briskly with approval. "Ah. Excellent." She casts Protection from Evil on Piotr, then replies to Blackburn: "Now, as to your claim about our deaths, I would like to submit the following evidence to contradict your claim. Team: show them that Pathfinders are made of sterner stuff than the average thug." She sticks up her nose dismissively at Blackburn's pathetic posse.

I was thinking of keeping our new pals between Hellebore, Lanel, and the Professor, assuming Piotr and Gnagnatsu♥ would be striding into the thick of things and we'd be hanging back. Thoughts?

The Professor smirks as Blackburn sheds his disguise. Oh, that's interesting.

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
What sort of creature is Blackburn? She also has history, religion, and planes for +8, and local (Absalom) +6.
Edit: Nevermind. With that roll she thinks he's a brand new species. Fascinating.

"'Pride goeth before the fall.'" Professor Masaendri replies dryly to the being that went by Blackburn. "Why do you not consider yourselves outmatched?" Quietly, so only her allies can hear, she whispers: "Spread out."

Once Gnagnatsu♥ has reported back on the conditions at the tavern, Professor Masaendri calls the group to order. "Well, as it seems we don't have a safehouse nearby, Talmar and Holianda, the two of you will have to stay on your toes and stick close to us. Everyone ready? Let's go!" Assuming the team is actually ready, she marches purposefully toward the (hopefully) final showdown with that greasy, no-account pig, Blackburn.

Wonderful!

"Time is of the essence. They likely expected to be followed and have set up a ruse. Elwyhir is likely the bait for a trap designed to steal Talmar and Holianda." Determination and exhilaration smolder in Professor Masaendri's eyes. Adrenaline surges through her veins in anticipation of the upcoming confrontation.

@GM: Do we know if quickly dropping off our new acquaintances in a truly safe location is possible?

Blackburn shakes his head, then stares at you with ill intent; looking directly at you, he runs a finger across his throat in a slashing manner, a direct threat. A bodyguard of his collects the Elf and they depart the Pits…

I've seen the gesture my students would use to respond to that. Professor Masaendri muses with amusement. She allows a hint of self-superior smugness to leak into her expression as she maintains eye contact with Blackburn until he looks away first.

"Shall I keep an eye on them until they decide to make their clearly obvious move?"

"Yes. We'll make no trouble until we're well away from here. I believe that *both* parties would prefer to handle this without witnesses." The Professor concurs grimly, keeping a sharp eye on Blackburn.

As Hellebore brings Holianda back to the group, Professor Masaendri gives her the same whispered greeting as before. She also slips her dagger to the woman, noting that Hellebore has made a similar offer to Talmar. Situating their two rescues in the center of the Pathfinders' group, she mutters: "Now we watch, and wait."

A part of her hopes that Midley Blackburn bids extra high on the next one. An amusing thought occurs to her, and she leans over to Piotr to whisper: "Let's act like we're discussing our next bid, just like the last two times. If Blackburn thinks we'll bid high again, he will have to bid even higher to stand a chance. The idea of him throwing away his money only to lose his prize amuses me."

Professor Masaendri nods to Talmar when Hellebore leads him over, leaning over to whisper in his ear: "Rescue operation. Pathfinder Society. Play along, and stay in the middle of our group for your safety."

Sure, let's bid 15. Shall we decide with a quorum of two, with the next poster writing out the bid?

The Professor notes Gnagnatsu♥'s eyes roving at pocket-level and leans down to whisper to her before she melts away: "If we lose any bids, you may be the best-equipped to help us determine how to rescue our targets from their new owners."

30 coins worth 25 gp each, so we have 750 gp total and an average of 250 gp per soldier (minimum 200).

Lips pursed with smug irritation, Professor Masaendri holds up one of the bronze coins for Bounder Stig to see. She doesn't bother with words; he deserves no kind ones, and the words he does deserve might get the Pathfinders thrown out violently.

For once, the Professor nods approvingly at Hellebore. Correct on both counts. She's not surprised that Piotr's nobility exceeded his practicality, but she's glad *one* of her pupils had the forethought to realize that slave auctions work on wealth scales beyond what this team of Pathfinders likely has on their persons at this time.

knowledge (local; blue book Absalom): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 = 20

The Professor lectures the group on what relevant information she knows on the subjects of the slave pits, the auctions, and Midley Blackburn.

"If you're certain," Professor Masaendri says, clearly uncertain she trusts Piotr's bravado. "Then I suggest we search quickly, starting at the west door on the north wall and work our way clockwise around this room." Rather rashly, she strides to the aforementioned door and opens it (if it's unlocked).

Token moved to appropriate door.

"An interesting question. Rope can easily restrain her now, though if she transforms it is likely that those ropes would be the equivalent of a disappointing salad to her new palate. I suggest we examine her body to determine how much time we have before she transforms. What other suggestions do we have?" The Professor asks the other Pathfinders.

What skill would we use to examine the woman's infection? I have Heal +1, Knowledge (arcana) +9, and Perception +8.

?Skill to examine the woman's infection: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Add whichever modifier best applies, though with that roll I doubt it matters.

@GM Otha: Wow, that sounds like a whole dang lot of wild fun! You may need a nap when you get home.

Have fun!

"A noble thought. How do you suggest doing so?" It isn't clear if the Professor is taunting a bad idea or nudging a good one.

"Oh, bother." Professor Masaendri mutters, striding purposefully into the room, past the poor lady who likely had no intention of turning into a crazed murderer when she came to work today. She casts Acid Splash on her backside, remarking: "I'm afraid your supervisor will have to inform your next of kin, madam."

Acid Splash vs. Pink: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Acid damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Smart. Professor Masaendri is thinking of Lanel's choice, not necessarily Piotr's. She hangs back as well.

The Professor shadows Piotr, casting Detect Magic.

Primly, the Professor follows Piotr, feeling safe behind his armored bulk.

"Well, those were more tiresome than we would have preferred. Poitr, we'll buy you an antiplague when we return. Do you feel well enough to continue for now?"

It is a good thing we found these alchemical items earlier! Professor Masendri muses as she coolly pulls out the alchemist's fire she procured in the other room and tosses it onto the ooze that had the audacity to approach her. (Targeting square with green X) Brushing off her hands, she sticks her nose in the air, determined not to react if it whacks her as she strides up the stairs.

Provokes AOO, since she can't 5 ft step up the stairs and she doesn't want to get cornered.

Alchemist's Fire vs. Green: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Fire damage CRIT: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6
Plus 1 fire splash damage to Orange

"Oh, very well." Professor Masaendri sighs, pulling out an acid flask as she descends the stairs and chucking it with gusto over the heads of Piotr and Lanel at the orange ooze (green X).

Acid Flask, 2nd range increment: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 3 - 2 = 17
Acid damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Plus 1 acid splash damage to Green

The Professor had climbed back up the stairs a ways to allow the others to do so as well, but instead they all begin filing into the room, offering themselves up as fodder. Oh, honestly! Well, if they want to get flanked, I suppose I should make sure they survive to tell the tale. She turns around and descends again before casting Magic Missile at the blackened flesh-ooze.

Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"Piotr, toss one of those vials you found in the other room on them. Surely we can neutralize these things before I die of old age." The Professor snarks.

"Well, it seems that death and destruction are the theme for the moment. Shall we back up and let them come to us one at a time?" Professor Masaendri has no shame for hiding behind Piotr and Gnagnatsu. An elderly woman such as herself is entitled to such protection.

"It seems safe enough. After you."

Can all of us make the "DC 15 Craft (Alchemy) OR DC 20 Perception" check? Or just one? Rolling for it here, just in case (ignore if not).

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
1d2 ⇒ 1 1d2 ⇒ 2
One acid flask and one alchemist's fire

"Can anyone figure out what the strange substance is?"

"No, but I'm not stepping on any unknown substances in an alchemical laboratory without testing them first." The Professor pulls out a sheet of parchment and tosses it onto the sticky substance. Will the paper be damaged or just stick to it?

The Professor assures Kalkuin: "Indeed. Don't worry. We'll handle it. Was that researcher the only one who seemed affected like that?"

Before leaving the room, she casts Mage Armor on herself.

Primly turning to the crowd after Valsin's dismissal, the Professor muses: Ah. As much direction as a Socratic Seminar. Very well. Let's see how they do. She spies Piotr approaching a group of nobles and decides to shadow him.

Ah. Straight to the point. Good. Professor Masaendri skips the preamble and also gets right down to business. "Are there any particular nobles that should be our priority? Can you recommend any specific conversation starters for them?"

Professor Masaendri, for one, enjoys a good lecture; sermons are simply lectures based on beliefs rather than empirical facts. She nods approvingly at the speakers' passion. I would prefer more eloquence and data, especially from a Venture Captain, but they effectively communicated their opinions. B+, A-.

"Ohh myy. I do so want to inspect the contents of that safe deposit box, though I suspect it would be wise to deliver our prisoner to his jailer first." She flips through the documents, scanning the contents, chuckling mockingly. "Oh dear, oh dear. Someone's been very naughty."

I'm having fun.

"Oh, a sub-basement. How inventive." The Professor gives it a quick glance for traps before attempting to open the trapdoor if it seems safe.

Perception (traps): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18