Shruti Afshur's page

Shruti smiles as the gnome accepts their offer and begins to spill about the orc woman--almost undoubtedly Ulisha--and the weapon she bears.

Just then, Shruti turns toward the door and sees Paemil enter. Their expression grows distant and unfocused for a moment, until they turn to their companions and bid them farewell. "This One has felt the call of the spirits. There is another in need of This One's protection. Go with our blessing, and give our regards to Ulisha. Goodbye."

Without another word, the samsaran slips out of the shop into the streets of Daggermark and begins making their way on to their next destination, wherever that might be.

That's a wrap on Shruti! Thanks for giving them a fun introductory scenario, everyone. Hopefully they'll be able to join one or more of you again in the future.

You did very well RxGM! Thanks for running that quest for us!

#1: I thought you handled this well, as dropping us into initiative instantly ratcheted up the tension and made us really think about where we were moving. I was definitely excited to see where the spiders would drop.

#2: I think this is one of the major challenges of PbP from both a player and GM perspective. As a player, sometimes things in RL get busy and it's hard to put in even a one-liner post like Zin suggested, and when it's a scene that you would really love for your character to be a part of, that becomes pretty challenging. From a GM perspective, you do want to give people space to get their posts in, but don't want to hold things up. I like to go by 12-24 hour periods when I can. That should give people some time to see the posts that are up and try to contribute.

With Webs complete, we're now ready to move on to the final quest in our series here: Silverhex. I'm working on getting that together today (a mixed blessing courtesy of my car having issues, preventing me from making it to work), and I should have our intro post for the final quest up a little bit later!

Shruti pauses to reflect on the gnome's offer, as well as her behavior, and poses another condition to the offer themselves, "This One thinks 200 could be a fair bargain," they pause, then add, "If you will add in information to tell us what makes you behave so nervously. Perhaps we could be of assistance and lend further services beyond simply selling you some silk."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

GM, I imagine a lot of the slow posting has been due to the site being down some yesterday and the Playtest launching today. I think we're still with you. :D

"As for This One," Shruti says, gesturing to themselves, "It is not faith that should inspire your trust, but the simple reassurance that we mean you no harm. Tell us, miss, what has you in such an alarmed state?"

Diplomacy (aid Razisus): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

"Ah! There appears to be a gland here that would provide more of the components were are after. Would someone like some help with collecting it? I will be glad to assist."

Survival aid (if applicable): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Heal aid (if applicable): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Just to be honest, my modifier for Heal is actually only +5. Not sure if that will make the check or not. I'd be willing to roll with your result if you want though. :D

Shruti wonders aloud as the group gathers ingredients for people of Daggermark, "If the assassins seek to use poisons for their craft, why not get it from the source. Perhaps we could get some from the spiders themselves." Growing in boldness all of a sudden, Shruti draws out her dagger and attempts to find whatever she might guess would be the spiders' venom sacs.

Gotta try some things for fun once in a while, ya know?

Survival - harvest poison?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Shruti takes a step back from the sticky orb as the realization of what it is washes over them. "Ah. An egg sac. Well, my friends, do any of you have an idea of how to safely harvest what we are after? This one is no expert in such things."

With the spiders dispatched, Shruti moves toward the white orb. "It's almost as if they were protecting this. We must be careful, but I believe this may be our goal."

Survival, bonus: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 1 + 2 = 14

Shruti moves around their companions as the spider moves up to attack Tsuk. Shruti turns to the spider and calls out to their friends, "You may want to stand back for a moment." Their hand, raised straight out in front of themselves, begins to glow white hot, and a cone of searing flame erupts from it, enveloping the spider.

Move action, then cast Burning Hands
DC 15 Reflex save to take half damage

Burning Hands: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Shruti moves forward through the trees and sees when Tsuk takes a bite from the spider in front of him. Hoping to protect him from further harm, they call upon warding spirits that have guided their most recent life and grant their protection to the Gorumite.

Move up 30ft, standard action to use my Ward hex on Tsuk.
Tsk gains +2 AC and +2 Resistance bonus to saves until he gets hit again or fails a save.

Shruti moves ahead, crossing the log ahead of her, then walks in the shade of one of the trees. "Does anyone see anything? This One can see no sign of anything living here."

Shruti, unlike Razisus, is familiar with the creatures of jungles and forests, and she is not eager to draw nearer to what she only assumes in the spider's nest. "Be cautious, my friends," she calls out as she casts a warding spell on herself. She keeps a sharp eye out for any sign of movement.

Cast Mage Armor

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

"Daggermark," Shruti says with a groan. "The place is an exercise in anarchy. It's a city of death for hire. We shall have to be cautious if our travels are taking us there."

Shruti shifts forward and tries to force the second archer to hold his arrows for a time.

Attempting the Peacebond hex on the second archer (the furthest one I suppose). DC 14 Will save or the target is unable to draw weapons/arrows for 1 round.

"So you have chosen violence and death as your way? Very well." Shruti's voice grows cold and menacing as she lays a presses a hand to their chest and summons a suit of shimmering armor that appears around them for an instant before fading like a mirage. She draws out her shortspear and waits for what will come next.

Cast Mage Armor on self. Move action to draw shortspear.

Shruti has no intention of letting these savages cut into her. She gazes at one of the barbarians firing arrows at the Pathfinders and raises a hand toward him. "Peace, friend. Let us have peace."

Using Peacebond hex on the nearest bowman. DC 14 Will save to resist.
Peace bond: A witch can use this hex on a creature to prevent it from drawing a weapon for a number of rounds equal to the witch’s level. This hex has no effect on natural weapons or weapons already in a creature’s hands, but does prevent an archer from drawing arrows. A Will save negates this effect, and whether or not the save is successful, a creature cannot be the target of this hex again for 1 day.

"There is an ancient saying that suits this situation perfectly," Shruti says calmly, "It goes: 'The ones who have found the great treasure through peril and labor may keep what they have earned, but those who have lost the chance for discovery will weep to mourn their loss.'" Shruti pauses a moment to let the wise words sink in, but seeing that there's a good chance they may have gone over the Kellid woman's head, they repeat it again. "In other words: 'Finders keepers, losers weepers.'"

Appraise bracer: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"This One does not know what to make of this bracer though. Perhaps Ulisha will know."

Shruti slips into the 'cave' shortly after the others and begins examining the various discs and other objects inside. "Perhaps this bracer would be of some importance to someone with the right understanding," Shruti says quizzically. They follow Feelo's example and examine the objects, searching them for any magical auras.

Cast Detect Magic, then trying out any knowledge that would be applicable.

Knowledge (arcana) or Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 Same roll, but +9 for Knowledge (history) instead of +8

Shruti smiles broadly at the view, but moreso at Feelo's joy. "Indeed, friend Feelo, the world is a wondrous place. This One has visited it many times and in many different places, but this is a new sight even to This One. Now, let us see where Ulisha's cave is."

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Shruti nods along in agreement as Feelo and Razisus describe what they had learned. Shruti had learned all of this a while ago, of course, in studying the nations of the Inner Sea, but they preferred to partake in conversation around the topic rather than to be the one to teach everyone else.

"Of course, there will be some who wish to destroy what they know little of. Our Ulisha does not seem to be that sort, however. This One is sure she will try to make as much profit from the bounties of this crash, whether it is asteroid or vessel from the stars. It will be interesting to see what we will encounter there."

I didn't end up getting assigned a quest, so I could step up as well if we still need it.

Shruti moves forward and heals Razisus. ”Return to us, friend. The fight is not yet done.”

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Shruti’s face fills with horror as Razisus falls. ”Not yet, my friend. Your goddess will have to wait for another time for you to join her!” Shruti raises a hand toward the bleeding priest and closes his wounds from a distance. In the next moment, a spear is in the samsaran’s hand, pointed at the followers of the Living God.

Cast Stabilize on Razisus, then draw my spear.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Shruti summons a suit of magical armor to protect herself, then moves over beside Sirius. "You must be careful, my friend," Shruti says to the half-elf. "These men are radicals. They will do anything to preserve their doctrines, especially if they have been lining their pockets."

Cast Mage Armor then moved.

Finding that the crowd is pressing close, even with the blessing of Tsuk's god, Shruti tries to divert the crowd's attention toward someone on the other side of the courtyard where they had all gathered.

"Look, a man has been trampled! Everyone stop and help him!"

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Shruti looks up at Tsuk and smiles, "Many thanks, my friend. Now let us make our way through this throng so we may catch the deceiver and take away his treacherous tools." Shruti follows along in Tsuk's large wake as he presses through the crowd. As they emerge from the mass of spectators, Shruti tries to go unnoticed behind the massive half-orc warrior.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

As Tsuk roars at the crowd, Shruti works to aid his impressive nature by drawing a scroll from the case at their side and casting the spell upon it. "Stay still for just a moment, my friend. This One will make you even more terrifying to these people."

Begin casting Enlarge Person on Tsuk Sach!

If we we attempt a spell, do we need to make concentration checks?

Bless is only a save vs. fear, not charm/compulsion effects.
EDIT: Ninja'd by Raz. You got it figured out. :)

Shruti hangs near the back of the crowd with the man they were speaking to and with Tsuk Sach. As the priest comes up on stage, Shruti turns to the half-orc and speaks in a low voice to him, "This One worries that this priest will try to seize your mind. This One will do what they can to keep his influence out."

Using my Ward hex on Tsuk Sach, granting him a +2 bonus to AC and on saves.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

"Ah, a sermon! This One would be interested to hear what it is that has brought your town to venerate Razmir, or at least a member of his clergy, after all this time."

Their curiosity now truly piqued, Shruti moves toward the stage and taps one of the to-be spectators on the shoulder, "Pardons, friend, but This One wonders, what is it that will be happening here? Shall there be a show of some sort?"

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Shruti looks up at the statue as if regarding an interesting curio. "Not only that, friend Razisus. This town is historically resistant to the influence of the Razmirists, yet now they build a statue to one of the Living God's priests? Perhaps they finally found some benefit to the faith's proclamation of law, luxury, and obedience."

Shruti recoils as Paemil and Razisus retrieve the lantern and discuss its apparent evil nature. "This One agrees that the lantern is an item of ill-portent. Such things should not exist. We must discover what Ulisha intends for the object before handing it over to her. Perhaps she will return it to those with sufficient power to destroy it."

The samsaran listens intently to Razisus's offer of service and nods affirmatively, "Yes, This One would value your presence among our number. Join us, priest."

Shruti moves up closer to the river and calls out to Razisus, "My friend, do not let this creature from beyond this world trouble you! You have my protection from its corruptions!"

Move and use a standard to use my Ward hex on Razisus.
@Razisus, you gain a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus to saves.

Shruti moves away from the standing stones and follows Feelo toward the stream, their arm still bleeding badly from where they bit themselves. "Ah, good! It seems that we may complete our task without any further difficulties, yes? Then This One will mend it's wound." Shruti's hand glows softly for a moment as they waves it over their wound and let the healing magic take its effect.

Cast Cure Light Wounds. Not gonna bother rolling since it was only 1 damage

With their stomach in knots, Shruti begins moving around the stone circle, looking for any sign of the ground being disturbed or some other clue about where the lantern might be hidden. "This One is ready to be done in this place. It is foul and frightening, and This One does not care for it at all."

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Shruti feels an overwhelming desire for meat, any meat. There doesn't seem to be any reliable sources of it around them, and so Shruti bites down on their own flesh, taking a small chunk of flesh of of their forearm as they scream with pain and desire.

Hey folks, I'm gonna be on the road for a couple days again, so I won't be able to post much over the weekend. I should be back and ready to run again by Sunday afternoon, though, so it shouldn't be too long of a delay.

Fortitude: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Shruti nods in recognition as Sirius points out the smell on the air, "Indeed. Our feline companion must be hard-pressed not to move ahead without her master's command." Drawing nearer to the circle, they raise a hand and reach out toward the stone slab in the center, using their senses and their grasp of the arcane to find the source of the sick feeling that is starting to rise up in her stomach.

Cast Detect Magic as well.

Shruti nods along sincerely with Birdie's tirade. "Indeed, This One has noted a certainly lack of courtesy in the world of late as well. In This One's previous times in the world, children were not allowed such license. Still, they would need to be very crafty children to retrieve their prize from such a lofty height. Are you certain there is no other explanation?"

In thanks for Birdie's information, and to try to follow the more prudent path, Shruti suggests the group stay the night at the inn and make their way to the grove tomorrow at first light.

"Please, Miss Birdie, rest assured that your soul's fate does not rest upon what becomes of us. We walk willingly into this peril, if only we know where it may be found. Please, will you point us in the right direction?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Yup, I'm in the same boat. I'll be pretty much AWOL from Thursday evening through Monday. I'll also try to get some botting info up for Shruti in the meantime.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

"This One appreciates your hospitality," Shruti says, taking a seat at Razisus's table. "From your appearance and manner, This One suspects you too are from a distant land. Our meeting is a fortunate one, then, especially since our goals seem to align."

As the inn's apparent owner speaks with Razisus, Shruti watches the woman carefully, trying to perceive any unusual reaction to the question.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Shruti's mind wanders back and forth through their lives, trying to recall a time in all their existence when they might have lived as Rhiannon had. The memories are vague, but Shruti is sure there must have been such a time.

As the group of fledgling Pathfinders approach the inn, she looks up in surprise. "Oh. Are we here?"

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

"Yes, I think Ulisha will be satisfied with our work here. Let's be on our way before any misunderstandings arise."