Secondsight's page

I moved Alyczandra's starting position slightly as I had her under an awning (she tries being out of the sunlight whenever possible) but still able to observe the crowd. She can be anywhere that best fits this description if the place I chose doesn't make sense.

Also, if possible, Alyczandra would like to wait to see the results of others' actions before jumping in

Alrighty then, first scout the church and grab what we can. Then sleep back at the burned-out manor, then get back together with Cimri and Jerax, then buy silvered weapons and a Wand of Infernal Healing.

Over to you GM!

@GM: In addition to the map of the d'Alkenov residence, Soliel had asked for and presumably received descriptions of the d'Alkenov family members.

@Dareon: it is likely about 5pm or thereabouts. Also, recommend referencing the Campaign Info tab (right next to the Gameplay tab) when names or places you don't know come up. Hast and the other Masters are described there.

Soliel continued her impassioned expression in the face of praise from Master Hast, but the whole of her eyes flushed white for a moment before disappearing as quickly. Very well sir, we will move to planning the operation. Is there anything else sir? Soliel wait for any additional instruction, which was followed by her customary salute.

After Master Hast departed, Soliel turned back to the assembled group, just as the clarification (or lack thereof) concerning Snake-Man had been completed. We have a decision to make regarding our plan of action this evening. Noting that the group was next to one of the Tower's dining chambers, Soliel suggested the group sit down to dinner while discussing the d'Alkenov raid.

Assuming no disagreements....Sitting down to a bland but nutritious meal supplemented with water to drink, Soliel turned to Dareon. As I mentioned previously, the Masters have seen fit to entrust us with a wide variety of missions that overlap no more than the welfare of Coran and its enlightened leadership. She spoke in very articulate Common, but spoke as if it was a well-known second language. I will not burden you at the moment with the details of them all, but later this , here she brought out a battered black journal pulled out of an improbably small pocket, will be of benefit to your knowledge base.

After a few bites of food and a drink, Soliel continued. Firyin, the drow in question, caused some issues amongst the underworld vermin that invest this city some time ago. He was apparently the confidant and close associate of "The Mistress", a drow named Diguri who runs the underworld of this city. The drow of course are effectively illegal in the city, and no wonder why given the volume of their presence amongst the criminals.

Another bite of food, the observant noticing the woman ate with impeccable table manners. This Firyin then, sought to overthrow Diguri and failed, but caused considerable tumult. As a wanted criminal he of course must be eliminated, but the situation is more complex. He was at odds after the coup attempt with a band of Diguri loyalist run by a summoner named Anthony. Soliel's eyes slide noticeably toward Ian as she spoke that last name. Anthony and his band are, by some margin, Diguri's most effective operational arm. Eliminating them would be a substantial achievement, both for practical and....sentimental reasons. Again a glance at Ian as she finished the sentence.

Therefore, our first objective is to speak with Firyin to ascertain the location of Anthony's contingent. He should be more than happy to convey what he knows in this regard, given his loathing of them. Firyin in fact has surreptitiously sought out the Tower's help before to avenge his slain hussy Vondereil. Likewise, our group has come into information that will display in no uncertain terms that past alliances Firyin thought he had with others outside the Tower were violated. So while he cares about nothing but himself, our interest in the matter of Diguri's thugs do rather nicely align. It may be he knows nothing useful of Anthony's location. But on the quite possible chance he does, securing that potential information has primacy.

Letting that information sink in, she took in a few more bites of food. We have strong intelligence to suggest that Firyin is currently housed within the d'Alkenov residence. The d'Alkenov's, as I am sure you are aware, are a major merchant family in Coran. And the Merchant class of course play a rather large role in shaping Coran and the kingdom. In discussion with select Masters, it was made clear that while the d'Alkenov's have clearly made some inappropriate choices, for the time being it is best not to create unneeded complications with them directly. Operationally, this means we will actively avoid injury to d'Alkenov family members but guards and other associates can be dealt with as required. Incriminating evidence regarding the d'Alkenov's activities can be collected as primary mission parameters allow. After we have secured all information Firyin has regarding Anthony's location, he is to be eliminated.

Soliel finished her meal while answering any questions Dareon had before moving onto planning. Now then, we need to determine the best way to accomplish our objectives. Unrolling the map provided by Aurelion, she continued. Fortunately one Aurelion d'Alkenov, a scion of the same family, has seen past the criminal ways of his family and has become an upright soldier for the Mageocracy. He has provided us with this map of the residence, along with descriptions of d'Alkenov family members. Importantly, Aurelion's associate Tunny Murdoch also provided the location of two secret entrances; one here, she pointed to the cellar and here, pointing to the chimney. Of these the chimney entrance seems unknown to many even in the family and its associates. The Murdochs appear to comprise the more competent of the d'Alkenov mercenaries.

Soliel paused to answer questions, then posed her own, her gaze taking in the whole group. So, how should we approach this task?

Got it, thanks all. Almost 7 years on these forums and I never knew!

Hi,

I'm in a PbP on these forums, and as of today or maybe yesterday when I post my avatar is now a Smurf.

http://paizo.com/campaigns/AscensionMageocracy/gameplay&page=77#3843

My PC is Sister Soliel Levant. In the thread you'll see what the avatar should look like and then at then end the smurf avatar I now have. I never changed the avatar since creation, and in all other places it just shows as the original avatar.

While this is a bit funny, I would eventually like to post with my actual avatar.

Thanks!

EDIT: Well, lol, looks like my main avatar is a smurf too!

Bummer, this is a good group with regular posters. Appreciate you letting us know though GM. I'm going to stop checking this page, but if things pick back up shoot me a PM.

Thanks all for the input! Good food for thought.

A few folks brought up readied actions. However, my read of the rules is that you can't ready an action until initiative has been rolled and your turn comes up.

Regardless, it seems like most everyone agrees that the party should not get a full round of attacks to start things off, but that at least one PC should get an attack in before the Demi-Lich would do anything.

I honestly have no idea what that means, Tacticslion.

Any other thoughts?

The party finds a demi-lich and via Knowledge check recognizes its Torpor characteristic. The melee'ers surround it and proceed to attack it. How would you handle initiative?

The Torpor description states (paraphrasing) that the creature only attacks if it is attacked or if its treasure is disturbed. The party has deliberately avoided bothering the demi-lich's stuff.

I could see four possibilities, but maybe there are others:

1) The PC's get a full round of attacks, as the creature would not react until it had been assaulted. Then initiative is rolled.

2) The PC's get the initiative, but the demi lich goes in the same round right after them.

3) The PC's get a surprise action, but initiative is otherwise rolled normally.

4) Initiative is rolled normally with no surprise.

Given a demi-lich's powers, a lot may ride on this decision. I didn't see any prior posts on this issue or official stances on it. Anyone GM'd a module with a demi lich have an opinion on this?

Oblivious to the looks she received from the constables loitering just outside the city jail, Mirri tested out the joints on her leather armor. Being able to move quickly-and nimbly-was important. Unlike her dirty green hooded hot-weather shawl that she wore to keep off the sun, the armor was new, quickly purchased from a vendor after cutting the purse from a tipsy merchant outside a Midwife tavern. Like the shawl, the ragged satchel at her waist wasn't remotely new, but the other contents, a waterskin and hardtack, were. Her slender knife and sling completed her possession. I'm free!

Well under three foot tall, and even then thin for her size (the result of many days of less than three square meals), Mirri had to crane her neck up to take in the disapproving scowls of the authorities. They had no sympathy for her size, her equipment, or the dirty smudges on her face or in her unwashed red hair. Not an implausible response, given the number of times in the past the Halfling had been arrested or suspected of various larcenies by these very officers. She's your problem now, gods help ya.

The last was spoken to Say'ri Al Bashere, who ever-so-kindly saw to Mirri's release from the authorities two days after that scowling dwarf turned her into authorities. How DID she feel my hand on her purse?? It was not until Say'ri and Mirri were well away from the jail that Mirri inquired as to why the popular temple guardian had arranged her release. Mirri's eyes went wide at the explanation. OOH! You won the lottery! And I get to come with and help with scouting and traps and such! We get to keep things we find, ya? Ooh, I can do that. This will be so much FUN! I haven't snuck into the Necropolis in a long time, but I'm sure.... Speaking in a rapid clip, the Halfling suddenly realized that her benefactor might not take kindly to Mirri having broken into hallowed ground previously. She spent the rest of the trip smiling and making small talk, but avoided topics she thought might jeopardize her new chance.

Fast Forward to Lottery Day.....

Mirri kept smiling and giving Petra an inquisitive look despite the tension in the air. She had thought the name funny, given the seriousness and intensity of the other women in the group. The wizardess had given it lukewarm support, but the lack of agreement on other options had allowed "Ibrahim's Angels" to somehow stick. Petra in particular seemed un-amused. Petra...that was the dwarf's name, who landed Mirri in jail. But instead of being angry, disgruntled, contrite, or any of a number of common reactions, Mirri was simply curious. It's you! She had said as Say'ri brought the Halfling to meet the rest of the lottery team. How did you catch me? I'm sure I had that purse dead to rights, gotta tell me your secret! Turning to the others she added, Hi! I'm Mirri, let's go break into some stuff! Mirri seemed un-phased by the disapproving looks from some of the others as well, but the coincidence of being placed in a group with her latest mark struck her as quite funny. Petra may not have shared that feeling.

As Sebti spoke, Mirri paid little attention. Instead she took in the other groups and churning crowd, unconsciously scanning for those who are not paying enough attention to their possessions. Nevertheless, the Halfling perked up as the acolyte called out "Ibrahim's Angels!" With a start, Mirri exclaimed, Hey! That's us! She then immediately darted forward, heedless to whomever else approached as well.

Mirri's move rate is 20', so others could easily move past her and receive the token first if so desired

Roland appeared lost in thought for a few moments before nodding in response to Serelina and Leo's questions. All things are possible; flying would require I call forth great granddad's form, while summoning creatures I could do right now. I'd prefer to try the latter first, but what to call? Elementals are....not so bright, shall we say. I found quite the language barrier in working with them. The Archons tend to be much more suitable: smart enough to talk to and with a helpful disposition...mostly. Roland let a small hint of chagrin shine through at that last comment. Well, let's give it a try.

Stepping back from the cliff face, Roland wove his innate magic for a few moments, and a muscled humanoid with gleaming armor, a large greatsword and the head of a wolfhound popped into existence next to him. Roland smiled broadly and said, Welcome Kultinak! It is quite good to see you..., just then the creature cut him off with a flat-eyed and disapproving glare. Dispense with the pleasantries, Roland. What trollop would you have me spy on or otherwise dupe today. Or did you actually call me forth for some meaningful purpose? The aasimar seemed a bit taken off guard. Ah, yes, that last little errand...well, this is much more, ah, significant. You see, we believe there is a body or perhaps something else of significance in the surf below and would love your assistance in assessing it. Kultinak gave Roland a suspicious look and eyed the rest of the group. His gaze settled on Leo and softened considerably. Child of Nethys, is what Roland says correct? Seeing Leo's concurrence, the creature nods, takes a look over the side of the cliff to find a suitable patch of rocks to Teleport to and does so.

Monster Summoning IV for a Hound Archon, then the Archon will teleport down to the rocks. From there it can teleport around to other rock formations or shallower waters to look around for anything of interest.