The Foreigner's page

"Mind if I hang on to one of the healing draughts?" the Foreigner asks.

He huddles close to the team and whispers, "Dana's sharp eye caught on that someone's interfered in this ritual. Whoever it was, they might try to do so again."

Retrieving his starmetal greatsword and placing the wooden one back in the weapons rack, he looks at Sir Hayden. "Your optimism notwithstanding, it may yet come to more blood spilled, before this day is done."

"I'll be back." The Foreigner heads to the private dressing room. "Need to change my shirt... "

"A compulsion?" the Foreigner rasps. "Who is dominating them?"

He pursues the dark blue wayang and swings his wooden greatsword, pulling back on the force of blow, not intending to kill it.

Greatsword, Bless, Bull's Strength, Signature Weapon; Damage: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 292d6 + 7 ⇒ (3, 6) + 7 = 16

He raises his arms to the crowd and beseeches the officials. "Some evil menace has beguiled these honorable wayang warriors, forcing them to fight to kill against their will!" the Foreigner thunders. "He or she desecrates this sacred ritual!"

The Foreigner shakes his head to clear it. This must be the spirit of Nobali Hohachi speaking. It is unwise to voice this concern before learning who is behind the compulsion.

With the light red wayang unconscious and its dark red comrade trapped beneath Hayden's bulk and the collapsed platform's wreckage, the Foreigner charges the dark blue wayang, feeling the rush of Nobali Hohachi's battle spirit.

Greatsword, Bless, Bull's Strength, Inspiring Command, Charge, Signature Weapon, Power Attack; Damage: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 2 + 2 = 302d6 + 13 ⇒ (5, 6) + 13 = 24

(-2 Charge penalty to AC; +2 shield bonus from Shield of Blades)

"My thanks, Sir Haydren," the Foreigner grunts, acknowledging the oradin's heavens-sent first aid.

He slips to the side, to escape the danger of flanking foes, to take advantage of flanking the maroon ribboned wayang with the oradin. "Let's put this foe down, shall we?"
Signature Weapon, Greatsword, Power Attack, Bless, Bull's Strength, Flank; Damage: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 2 = 202d6 + 13 ⇒ (6, 3) + 13 = 22

(+2 shield bonus from Shield of Blades)

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
"This guy's using lethal force," the Foreigner rasps when he's slashed bloody by the wayang's sword. "The rules of engagement seem to restrict only us!"

The Foreigner raises his arms to the crowd and looks at the wayangs officiating the ritual match, seeking some acknowledgement of the this unsportsmanlike breach of the ritual's sacred etiquette.

(Giving Hayden and Vlazis a chance to act in Round 2, before acting in Round 3.)

Infused with the spirit of Nobali Hohachi, the Foreigner looses a terrifying cry to battle and charges forward at his red foe. "Receive the Holy Word of the Duke of Thunder!"

Charge, Signature Weapon, Greatsword, Power Attack, Bless, Bull's Strength; Damage: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 262d6 + 13 ⇒ (6, 4) + 13 = 23

(-2 Charge penalty to AC; +2 shield bonus from Shield of Blades)

The Foreigner takes up position behind one of the barricades. Your Power Attack penalty is -2 now I think - base attack +5, correct? Also you are under Bull's Strength.

Thanks for reminding me, GM. I'd just leveled up, and had forgotten Power Attack advanced with a BAB of +5. Yes, the attack penalty is -2, and the corresponding Shield of Blades shield bonus is therefore +2, if Krieger power attacks.

And thanks for reminding me of the buffs, bless and bull's strength.

I didn't realize the dark brown 5ft lines were barricades. If it's all right with you, I'll adjust Krieger's position 5ft to the south. (His intent was to get close enough to charge. Standing behind a barricade would prevent a charge.)

The adjusted attack bonus would be +11 for his readied attack.

A mystic vision possesses The Foreigner. For flash in time, the man is Nobali Hohachi, facing a wayang captain across the battlefield. Never one to shy from a fight, Nobali raises a nine-ring broadsword and rushes headlong to meet him...

The Foreigner realizes he will increase his affinity with Nobali Hohachi's heroic spirit if he charges an enemy in this battle.

Behind his wayang mask, black as a starless midnight, the Foreigner clenches his jaws in frustration, unable to reach these enemies were he to charge now.

The Foreigner adjusts the grip on his wooden greatsword and strides forward, ready to attack if one his foes gets within his reach.
Readied Attack: Signature Weapon, Greatsword, Power Attack; Damage: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 1 = 222d6 + 10 ⇒ (4, 1) + 10 = 15

Shield of Blades (Vigilante Talent): +1 shield bonus to AC, if his readied attack is triggered.

"Thanks, brother." the Foreigner mutters to Sir Hayden. "Probably going to need it."

He stands up, already on the balls of his feet in a fighting stance. "Let's do this."

The Foreigner listens to the wayang brief the rules of engagement. Hmmm...

"We must lose, but make it look good, right?" he asks, recalling the earlier explanations of the ritual combat.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

"Thank you, Dana Katsu." He nods his appreciation for her blessing, swapping his adamantine greatsword for one made of wood.

He gives the mock weapon a few sweeping practice swings, familiarizing himself with the blade's light weight and balance, a dramatic embodiment of the brash tengu warrior-priest, Nobali Hohachi.

... About a minute later, he emerges, transformed by more than just the wayang ceremonial mask. The man's long dark hair hangs unbound, and his armor no long conceals the terrible scars.

"I am ready," the Foreigner rasps in a hoarse whisper, everything about his tensed body conveying the potential for extreme violence. "Let us begin."

Krieger's Vigilante persona.

The Foreigner is so intrigued by Faust's cryptic description of the lump of amber that he fails to hear the latest installment of commentary from the druid about her cultural-sexual mores.

"It will be interesting to learn what the Society's experts can reveal about the artifact. Shall we leave this anthill?"

The Foreigner breathes a sigh of relief. "Well done, friends."

He sheathes his sword and helps gather the horde beneath the ant-queen's throne.

He studiously avoids handling the lump of amber, until the experts in the party have had a chance to examine it first.

Finally, the Foreigner nods in agreement with Aeliah. "We've got everything. Let's head back to Stuinvolk and Bujune."

Antitoxin?, Fortitude DC16 re Nauseated: 1d20 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 5 = 30
Antitoxin, Fortitude DC16 re Infestation Poison: 1d20 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 5 = 18

Sensing 'somehow' that Faust would prefer he move to a position to the haunt collector's right, the Foreigner slips closer to the ant-queen, entering the swarm of poisonous ants and trying to ignore the bites of thousands of diminutive mandibles. Feet planted on terra firma, he brings his flashing blade down in a mighty overhead blow.
MW greatsword, bless, Power Attack, flank; Damage: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 - 2 + 2 = 252d6 + 10 ⇒ (6, 5) + 10 = 21
"This time you have no time left, Queen of Nothing."

Shield of Blades provides a +2 shield bonus to AC until his next turn.

"I'll flank the she-b***h with you, Forrest," the Foreigner offers.

Not every PbP Gameday VIII GM has linked his or her campaigns. But I've pretty much confirmed

I'm GMing:
PFS Special #10-00 The Hao Jin Cataclysm (Subtier 5-6)

I'm playing:
GM Baerlie's #10-19 Corpses in Kalsgard (5-9), probably with aasimar "Long" Beau, Cleric of Erastil-8.
R Diaz’s #10-20 Countdown to Round Mountain (7-11), probably with tiefling Jake Spade, Inv-Swash-7.
Andrew Watson's #10-22 Passing the Torch, Part 1: Who Wears the Mask (12-18), probably with aasimar Jack, “Just Jack” Bard-13 or with half-elf Slimjim Son House Shady, Bard-9/Paladin-5.

Hope to see some of you at the same table(s)!

Larry

The Foreigner takes to the air and flies to a position above the swarm of buzzing ants surrounding the queen and drops the vial of holy water on top of her.
Holy Water Ranged Touch Attack; Damage vs Undead or Evil Outsiders: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 192d4 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3
(Each such creature within 5 feet of the point where the flask hits takes 1 point of damage from the splash.)

(The Foreigner's elevation is just enough to avoid entering the swarm or within the queen's reach. 10ft?)

GM, can you clarify? Are we in Round 1 or Round 2?

The label 'Surprise' with Round 1 confused me. I thought that was the Surprise round, so the Foreigner made a move action only.

If it was a full round, he'd have flown above the queen and dropped the holy water on her for 2d4 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5 damage. (Or if he couldn't 'drop' the holy water, he'd have expended another action to get in position above the swarm, and 'throw' it in a subsequent round.)

If Round 2 is technically Round 1, then everything's cool as it is, and he'll plan to take that action on his turn in the Initiative order.

The Foreigner used the Surprise round to draw his vial of holy water.

"You said this thing's undead, right, Faust?" The Foreigner reaches into his rucksack and retrieves a vial. "I'll fly above the queen and drop some holy water on her and her swarms."

Then I'll go in for the kill.

"Can anybody lay down some suppressive fire on the queen's halo of ant swarms?"

The Foreigner waits to see if somebody can deal with that hazard, before he heads for the queen.

Man, you're doing great for a first time running a PbP scenario!

(The GM put the results of Faust's and Callah's Knowledge checks in the spoiler above.)

"Thanks, Aeliah, for the potion of fly," the Foreigner accepts the generous aid. "I've got a vial of antitoxin."

The man retrieves and quaffs the antitoxin. Then he drinks the potion.

The Foreigner beholds the ant-queen She-Who-Devours and her minions.

"The queen looks to be the greatest threat and big enough, she might have a long reach with her natural weapons," the Foreigner observes. "I'm inclined to rush her, and keep her distracted. Anybody able to soften her up with some spells first?"

Traveler's Any-Tool (counts as masterwork tool +2 circumstance bonus), Sleight of Hand DC22: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 2 = 22
Having reached the ant hill’s larvae chamber and nursery, the Foreigner takes stock of the situation.

It's just as Bujune hoped. There are indeed a few living pupae remaining. And those giant ants tending them must be minions of their queen, She-Who-Devours.

"Best to avoid alarming the ants and their queen. Let me try to reach the pupae without alerting the giant ants."

The Foreigner rummages around in his rucksack and retrieves his traveler's any-tool, an implement that at first seems to be nothing but a 12-inch iron bar lined with small plates and spikes.

With the deftness of an experienced professional, he folds, twists, and bends the device to form a tool that resembles a long pair of tongs.

Then the Foreigner reaches over, under, and around the ant guardians to pluck the pupae out from beneath their very noses, or rather, antennae.

Knowledge (engineering) DC20: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Once again, my time serving in the army of Po La in Icestair at the Crown of the World proves it wasn't wasted. Endless days constructing complex fortifications and siege works make these alien tunnels, twisting and turning as they do in such strange directions and dimensions, seem less mysterious. There's a logic to the tunnels. If you're an ant.

"Follow me." The Foreigner sets out, confident he's going the right way.

Climb DC 22: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
The Foreigner carefully climbs down the loose, sandy shaft and helps his companions make their descent.

"Thank you, Callah. I'd appreciate your enchanting my greatsword, when we encounter trouble."

[smaller]"I'm ready," the Foreigner rasps in a hoarse whisper, after sharpening his greatsword with his whetstone and checking his armor.

The Foreigner nods his acceptance of the nuno's terms. Accepting one of the termite husks. He tosses it in his mouth, crunches it between his teeth, and swallows.

I've had worse.

Testing the nuno's magic, he attempts to communicate with the creature's pet ants. "What can you tell us about She-Who-Devours?". If there's no intelligible response from the swarms of ants, he raises an eyebrow at Bujune, fairly confident the fey speaks the same language.

When the Foreigner hears Stuinvolk mention that the giant anthill must have arisen after he'd been cursed by the nuno, he ponders the implications. Who or what built these giant mounds? How and why? Is the construction recent or ongoing?
Knowledge (engineering): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Knowledge (survival): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

"We ask only that you lift the curse, and we will leave. No one seeks to desecrate your home. Your massive hills are impressive feats of nuno engineering."
Diplomacy to Aid Callah: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

"Well done, Stuinvolk." The Foreigner claps him on the back and grasps his forearm. "Redemption. It's a powerful thing."

He tips his head to his companions. "We did good, here."

[The Foreigner cannot make the DC earlier DC22 Knowledge (arcana) check or the current DC21 Knowledge (arcana) check.]

Noting that his masterwork greatsword had no effect against the mngwa, the Foreigner nevertheless tries again to strike the creature as it moves past him to attack Stuinvolk.
AoO MW greatsword, Power Attack; Damage: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 242d6 + 10 ⇒ (5, 1) + 10 = 16

The Foreigner feels a surge of power, when the grappled Ulfen skald begins chanting.

"Callah, if you can enchant my blade, I might be able to harm this beast." He readies to strike the magical beast again, once the shaman casts her spell.

Readied MW greatsword, Power Attack vs Grappled Foe; Damage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 272d6 + 12 ⇒ (3, 3) + 12 = 18 (Plus any enhancement bonuses)
Crit!? vs Grappled Foe; Additional Damage, if confirmed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 152d6 + 12 ⇒ (4, 5) + 12 = 21 (Plus any enhancement bonuses)

The Foreigner notices the crickets stop chirping. He looks around the camp. (Map)

He spies the oddly translucent mngwa atop the rocks at the northern edge of the camp.

"We must protect Stuinvolk!" The Foreigner rushes a position next to Callah, between the mngwa and Stuinvolk. He holds his greatsword ready, if the creature attacks within his reach.
Readied MW greatsword, Power Attack; Damage: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 152d6 + 10 ⇒ (5, 6) + 10 = 21
VC Shirt re-roll, 5 GM stars: 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 5 = 27

"Stuinvolk, brother, use your skald training to lend us your strength and stamina!"

"I'll stay close to you, brother," the Foreigner says to Stuinvolk.

"Callah, can you remain near me, at least long enough to cast your spell to enchant my sword, if and when the mngwa appears?"

(Honing a blade with a whetstone requires about 15 minutes of work and grants the weapon a +1 bonus on your damage roll the first time you hit with it. This only works on nonmagical blades.)

"If time and the situation permit, Callah, I'd appreciate even a temporary enchantment on my blade. I haven't yet acquired a magical weapon." The Foreigner says, honing his masterwork greatsword with a whetstone.

"Agreed." The Foreigner nods at Callah's suggestion. "Let's march a ways and then prepare to give the mngwa a proper greeting tonight."

The Foreigner considers what Stuinvolk relates about his former companions and what Faust tells them about the mngwa. "We're not about to let it kill you, brother."

He sits back, giving the Ulfen a little space. "Magically formed as a result of the guilt you feel, it seems, determined to mete out the punishment you feel you've earned. You realize you're not really responsible for the tragic fates of your companions. It's time to face your past and to face this dangerous physical manifestation of evil not of your making."

"We will help you."

He pauses, then turns to the team. "What do think about resting during the day, and remaining vigilant at night? We'd all be ready, when next the mngwa attacks."

As the mwanga retreats into the tall grasses of the savannah, the Foreigner swings his blade again.
MW Greatsword, Power Attack; Damage: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 222d6 + 10 ⇒ (1, 4) + 10 = 15

Having finally got a very close look at the beast, thanks to Aeliah's use of daylight, the Foreigner voices his questions. "Why's this mwanga pursuing us, and what's its keen interest in Stuinvolk?"

He squats down next to the Ulfen man, placing a calming hand on the man's shoulder and staring into the man's eyes. "Anything you'd care to share with us, friend?"

At the sound of the mwanga growling as it circles the camp, the Foreigner readies his blade.

When the creature screams and leaps inside the perimeter, and Aeliah illuminates the battlefield, he steps up near the glowing embers of the fire and swings his greatsword, "This night is your last, fell creature!"
MW Greatsword, Power Attack; Damage: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 272d6 + 10 ⇒ (6, 2) + 10 = 18
Crit!? Additional Damage, if confirmed: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 222d6 + 10 ⇒ (1, 5) + 10 = 16

(Shield of Blades +2 shield bonus to AC: 21/12T/19FF)

Knowledge (engineering) to Aid Faust: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Following Faust's lead, the Foreigner hefts some of the scattered stones and begins to restore the cairn Stuinvolk and his team and erected for their slain companion.

"Stuinvolk, it took a great deal of courage to build this memorial to your fallen comrade. Honoring the dead, keeping their memory alive, that's a good thing."

Daily Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 (The nuno's curse is definitely contagious!)

Forrest, I sent you a PM on an unrelated matter.

The Foreigner looks at Aeliah, patiently waiting for the druid to make her point before Stuinvolk soon returns from his morning oblations.

"If you have a plan, please share it. I might be able to help, but someone else should lead the effort to get a better read on the man or to influence his recovery."

Discovery
+5 Sense Motive

Influence
+1 (Untrained) Knowledge (geography)
+4 Heal
+1 (Untrained) Perform (Comedy)
+1 (Untrained) Perform (Oratory)
+1 (Untrained) Knowledge (religion)
+5 Knowledge (engineering)

When Stuinvolk stops to reflect at the stones and recall his former team, the Foreigner regards his companions, waiting to assist one attempt to influence Stuinvolk in some way, knowing he can't succeed on his own, but he might be able to help.

"Well done, friends." The Foreigner acknowledges their skills with a nod.

Then he turns to their Ulfen companion. "Stuinvolk, it's safe to move on. You ready?"

we have to wish to be here longer than it takes

"Excuse me, I misspoke. I meant to say, we have NO wish to be here longer than it takes."

Not sure how many additional rolls we were supposed to make. Hopefully, the last two cursed rolls were unnecessary.

The Foreigner considers the message that Aeliah passes from Forrest. I think I understand what we need to do ...

Aid Diplomacy to let us pass: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Aid Bluff to convince them the nuno isn't on their land: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Aid Diplomacy to avoid a Mzali escort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

... but that doesn't mean I can help. Is the nuno's curse contagious, I wonder?

"We do not wish to trespass on Mzali lands, we have no reason to believe the nuno is on Mzali land, and trust us, we have to wish to be here longer than it takes to deal with the nuno."