Sorry for the delay in leveling up. Early in the wek is the days where I have work and school. And between Xallis, Navia, Bartelby, and my Summon Monster stats I have like 5 to 6 characters to update ._.
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Xallis shrugs in response to Henrika's misgivings. "I was hedging my bets, so I won't say 'I told you so,' but I did warn you that the notorious information broker might know about us. If he wasn't that good at his job, he wouldn't expect people to kneel in the filth for his amusement."
Xallis glances down at the stagnant pool, trying to hide his elation at the prospect of not having to kneel in it. He nods to Icabhod's suggestion. "I'm willing to contribute to the pot, of course."
I forget do we have someone who has ranks in Knowledge: Dungeoneering? I may just have to investigate into that skill next level, then. It feels like something the party should have just in case.
When the party leaves Sister Dismaal’s domain, Xallis sighs and shrugs his shoulders. "I must admit, I expected the accommodations to be a little more... eccentric. I could probably found a more indulgent organization with a handful of gold and a spare summon." On their way to the Lord of Filth, Xallis suggests caution. "This one is supposed to be an information broker. It is possible, through his trade, that he knows about our little operation. In case he does, let's not come off as too bossy. But let's still try to keep up the charade, in case he isn't." Before the encounter, Xallis will enhance himself with overland flight, extended barkskin, and extended heroism.
Xallis stands straight up and keeps his arms to his side, recalling the stance his brother took when facing discipline from their parents. The fear of their discovery stands as a perfectly suitable substitute for the fear of a hypothetical punishment. When 'Milon' looks at him, he makes deliberate eye contact, and then glances down at his dagger. He contemplates saying something to get the message across, but with this much of a spotlight on him, the summoner decides the risk isn't worth it.
You know, I can only speak for myself as a player and a player character, but I say go nuts. We have healing spells for later. Make some bloody examples.
Round 2 The prospect of a fistfight appeals to Xallis about as much as eating a cactus sandwich, but the man's got a show to put on. He steps forward, fists raised as he leans towards his opponent, only to shift back at the last second to bait a high block.
Xallis' aura of confidence is thrown off a bit once the fight spreads to his whole team. But thankfully, he's well out of range to embarrass himself. He considers using his spells, but he isn't sure just how far he can push it. Instead, he looks one of the monks in the eyes. "Don't embarrass yourself."
The summoenr crosses his arms and smirks. "Well, master, make sure not to kill them. A proper humiliation is an indulgence in its own right." He then shoots Sister Dismaal a wink.
Xallis considers. "Are we... going to move on, or take up the offer? Either way, I can make this easier for us." If they move on:
The summoner nods. "One bridge coming up. With a simple thought, he conjures a large-sized earth elemental in the narrow gap. A gritty-sounding command in Terran has it resting its arms on either walkway, forming a sturdy bridge for the party to effortlessly pass. If they'd like to speak with Squelch...: The summoner peers down the hallway and considers. "I think I can make a ferry for that... let's see." He narrows his eyes and concentrates, conjuring a large-sized water elemental. The primordial being flinches on contact with the nasty sludge, its own body darkening as the liquids mingle.
"Just a moment, friend Squelch! I'm ensuring we can more easily cross this minor gap." Xallis waves a hand dismissively and gives it simple orders in Aquan to ferry his friends one at a time across the gap. "Well, not the most elegant ride, and it will be a tight squeeze, but if anything can get through it should be a pure liquid being."
Finding that Iron Flask reminded me of a funny thing I stumbled upon recently.
When Xallis sends Gannaius on his way the summoner also uses his 3rd level scroll of mount to ensure that he has a means of getting around swiftly. Upon his return, he gives Henrika a nod of approval. "We should probably ensure he won't reach his destination unannounced, yes?"
When Xallis identifies the Iron Flask, his eyes go wide. The possibilities of what might be in there race through his mind, and the potential power frightens him slightly. Nevermind its monetary value. So strong is his fascination with this particular item that it takes the ghostly paladins to shake him out of it. He wonders what happened to these poor souls, and what might be used to possibly free them, but he doesn't bother asking for fear of breaking character.
Round 1 Xallis weaves his magic to hasten his party. Better to finish this one quick. He may as well put some effort into their ruse just in case another bestial outsider is within earshot. "Say what you will, traitor, they'll be your last words!"
Oh no. The hand glance was simply because Xallis briefly thought about the prospect of having to fight Oaca in the future, which in turn reminded him about the torture. All for flavor.
Xallis bows slightly, bearing a grin. "That you'd even classify me as a potential threat to you is among the highest of complements, master. And the fact that you still allow me to live is a testament to my service." Xallis considers what 'Milon' has planned. His eyes quickly glance over Oaca, and his hands in particular, and the summoner suppresses a sigh.
However, if you are just looking to indulge in sin, all you need to do is ask, and I'd be glad to oblige.” Joneius gives Xallis a seductive, toothy grin. Procleto responds with a grin. "The offer is appreciated, but right now there's a woman who knows exactly how to tear be into absolute ribbons in just the way I like." "For anyone else..." he raises a hand and curls his fingers, using borrowed muscle memory from Navia to look like he's concealing claws. "...I prefer to be the one doing the rending." Later, Xallis reports what he's learned to his allies. He suggests an investigation of the cult, likely under the guise of wanting to indulge. He responds to Trevor's suggestion with a solemn nod, wondering to himself if he's becoming a bad influence on his allies.
Fishing for rumors around town wouldn't be the worst thing. I wouldn't mind being able to use Diplomacy instead of my poor Disguise for once, haha. ...let's just make sure our PCs regularly check up on one another. To see if one of us (me) ends up in prison again. I'm not sure Navia's status as a known entity, whether or not she'd be connected to Xallis or his disguise, but she could potentially be sent into one of these establishments as a solo spy? If she's caught, she could be unsummoned. The only concerns are taking up spotlight time and Xallis needing to be relatively close by. (she could be up to 1k feet away with a 50% max hit point reduction, I think)
Before they enter... "Well, I think I'm going to leave Navia out of this one. Out of all of us, her appearance would be the most difficult to explain, and I'm not sure if she can hide in plain sight from their senses. If things go bad, I've still got my summons."
Inside the manor...
Xallis will do what he can to convey information over Henrika's message spell. He emphasizes to keep the mind clear of incriminating thoughts. "Think of the last time you killed in battle. Well, except our last one. That what you don't wouldn't raise any suspicion."
It's piercing and good. Holy stabby. That said, I fully support stabbing enemies with expensive materials to flex on them.
Waterhill Manor? If we want to be tricksy, Henrika can probably pass most Bluff checks, though depending on how we intend to do it, we may all have to succeed at a Bluff check to maintain a ruse. The manor isn't a bad idea. Xallis has decent enough Bluff. Navia can come in with stealth, or she can be tucked away to make room for summon spells. Icabhod's got good rogue skills in case that comes up so we'd still be solid.
The summoner slouches a bit. And then he nods. "He's overheard too much. And you're right... we have to think about the mission. Very well."
The summoner seems satisfied with the information. His hand trembles only slightly, still stained with the fruits of his grim work. He nods at the captive. "Your cooperation is appreciated. Toni, close the man's wounds." He then turns towards his party. "Let's clean up. Gather your things, patch yourselves up, grab a refreshment if you need. We'll have my 'shadow' untie our shape shifting cat man after we've left."
A summary of the interrogation.: Phase 1: "Let's begin" Xallis will begin by casting heroism on himself to boost any relevant skill checks. He will begin with questions about the Immaculate Circle, attempting to gain intel on their mission, political allegiances, membership, and capabilities. Each time Milon gives a satisfactory answer (provides new information while not tripping Navia's sense motive or ichabod's mask) then they thank him and move on to the next question. Each time he gives an unsatisfactory answer, Xallis makes another shallow carve in his life dissection of the hand. The summoner is not physically strong, instead relying on the spear to make the job easier. The phase continues until they run out of questions or his hand is completely ruined. Skills most likely to be used are Knowledge (planes) for exploratory surgery. Phase 2: "This is punishment for your evil deeds. Now, about your friends..." In this phase, Navia places Milon on a table and Xallis' work continues on redundant extremities. Ear, fingers, a leg... any place where his true form differs the most from his humanoid form. Uncertain in his skills, he doesn't attempt to cause damage to vital areas. Xallis asks questions about Milon's own agents in Waterhill, asking for data on which ones they are. Xallis will also inquire as to the nature of the Seven Forms of Sin. Deep inside, Xallis is hoping this will be enough. If not, he will reluctantly progress to phase 3. Phase 3: "You have the power to stop this at any time. Navia? Break him." Growing desperate, Xallis will cast evolution surge and then enlarge person to make Navia a Huge sized, grotesque abomination in hopes that will threaten Milon into compliance. If not, he demands information while Navia batters his form with her raw strength, going so far as to break limbs and bones. Skills may include Navia's strength, attack, or CMB, all of which are boosted (+5 Str, +2 Size to CMB, -2 Size to attacks) If Milon manages to endure... Phase 4: "Please... don't tell my sister I did this...." Unable to continue, Xallis' resolve reaches a breaking point. He screams out for answers one last time, and if Milon does not say anything, the summoner relents. He steps out of the room, barely holding in his lunch, as he helplessly asks the party what to do now. Diplomacy would be his best skill to try, but it may be more appropriate to use an untrained Intimidation roll to represent his faltering skills.
First, Xallis turns towards his volunteer medic. "I understand that you are a man of your god first and foremost. Should any of what transpires here threaten your work in this world, you are welcome to walk away at any time. You will not be judged by the likes of us." Then, he pivots to Milon. The summoner does his best to recall his discussions with his brother Faribus. "I'm not the kind of man to deal in threats, so I won't bother with those. But I am a curious man. Regardless of how this goes, I will learn from you this day. It is your choice whether I learn about these organizations or about your anatomy." Navia secures the prisoner by the wrist, exposing his hand. Xallis touches the tip of the spear to it. "Thank you for shifting to a human form. I've always wondered how much of your anatomy shifts to mimic our own, and how much of it is skin deep. Now, let's begin. Tell us more about this Immaculate Circle."
The Chelaxian summoner considers their bound opponent. "A shame I cannot basnish him anywhere else. And our little control anklet is a one-of-a-kind made for my brother's project." He shrugs. "If it comes down to it? This wouldn't be our first assault upon an entire fortress' worth of armed combatants, if we're willing to risk another slog. But we're better off playing this smart." Then the summoner looks around back at their captive. He shudders a bit as he steels himself. Time to finish what he started. "I ordered the capture, and I'll lead the interrogation. I'd like a volunteer who can practice medicine, or at least someone who can reliably use a cure wand..." He looks back at the creature as Navia places a clawed hand on its shoulder from behind. "....because this is going to be sloppy." "We know the steps." Navia says, clacking her talons threateningly. "We'll just rearrange his essence. Like you do for me." "Unless," Xallis' pained look says to the party, "you'd prefer a quick mercy." He waits for a volunteer or an objection.
Xallis examines the note and then nods to Icabhod. [b]"Looks like there are a lot of players in the game. And a lot of them aren't a fan of Pythareus. I'd like to get to know who they are and what they're about before we try to make use of them, though. Maybe get some information out of this overgrown housecat. While we figure out the details, I'll update our friends." The summoner takes a moment to mumble words to himself. Several sentences and contractions. When he's sure he has something within 25 words, he casts a sending to report. "Presumed found Gannaius. Meeting. Ambush. Rakshasa disguised as Gan. Found Letter: Cult leader Iovinus and 'Seven Forms of Sin' mentioned plus more. Will Investigate. Advice?"
Absolutely drained after school today. I'll try and post tomorrow.
Xallis' eyes dart around as he attempts to keep track of the fleeing imposter. Thankfully, Navia takes flight just above the tables and points out the exact location of the target. With a smirk, Xallis gestures and chants to conjure an old favorite: glitterdust!
What action provoked? The plan was to have Xallis use his abundant haste movement to weave back and forth like a caffeinated goblin to provoke an AoO so that Navia wouldn't provoke when attempting a grapple.
Round 3 "You're right... he seems unusually reailient..." The summoner decides to test something. First, he moves close to the foe, using his hasted speed to weave back and forth to open himself up to an attack. He also calls upon his recent training.
Then, he concentrates on his bond with Naia, rubber-banding the thread and swapping their positions. Now in melee, Navia attampts to apprehend their foe!
Round 2 Xallis raises his arms indignantly. "I said take him alive!" He sighs. Then he gets an idea. Conjuring a bit of magic, he shrouds Icabhod in a powerful illusion that shrouds him from sight. "Sir Icabhod, would you be so kind as to sneak in there and knock him out? I fear our swordsmen are about to cut down our only lead."
"Take him alive." Xallis suggests as he reaches into his bag of holding, drawing the full length of the Standard of Conquest. With a free hand, he raies a free hand and holds for just a moment, and then casts his time accelleration at the same moment Navia confirms her defensive position. Navia's Readied Action: if Gannaius gets in range:
The summoner does what he can to smooth over the situation while he still has a moment. "You'll have to excuse my associates. Considering our affiliations, we had to enter this city discreetly, and the local authorities have done much to put us on edge."
"I am afraid to say that besides 'K,' who barely escaped, there are no other members who have made any sort of contact. We were hoping to... well, I'm sure the cypher already explains why we're here." The summoner places the message back into his bags. Meanwhile, Navia remains hidden, keeping watch from the shadows.
Xallis considers Trevor's warning. But trap or no, this is still their best lead. And considering that Gannaius went from concealing his weapon to calling it a trophy, the summoner is beginning to assume it may very well be.
Xallis retrieves the cipher given to him by the Lion's Blades and places it on the table, fingers still holding on. "Read this. It should explain everything."
I hope you had a good time! And if you didn't have a good time, I hope it was funny!
Have a nice trip! Good a time as any to finish up Bartelby....
Forgot to actually put on the +4 Dex belt. Gonna slap it on Xallis.
As the party enters the building, Navia attempts to slip in undetected. Through a discreet entrance if possible, or through the front door behind her summoner if need be.
Sir Xallis prepares to take a seat when he gets a mental message from Navia. The knight pauses and considers what he just heard, then he narrows his eyes. "We never mentioned Princess Eutropia."
"Well, we have ourselves a place to be and a time to be there. Hopefully we can get there without any..." he clears this throat, "incidents. If it's all the same, I think I'd like that magical wig we've been keeping. Unless someone else would like to lay claim to it." He lets out a sigh. "I'm glad your people were able to quiet down the local authorities. That should make my identity less of a liability for our group."
An opportunity to top up your XP by doing a jailbreak. I mean between Xallis' spells, teleportation, summons, and Navia, I assume that the main reason we need a Persona phase jailbreak is because we don't want to show our hand and bring an entire Inquisition on our heads.
Its funnier that someone got arrested. That could be a direct quote from like half my Pathfinder Society roster haha.
In hindsight, I should have double checked our loot table to see if I could patch up Xallis' awful Disguise bonus.
The summoner straightens his collar as he approaches the guards by his lonesome. He's dresses himself before, but never as another person. He only hopes that a confidant step will be enough to do the heavy lifting. Considering his profession as a mercenary, he hopes that a dagger at his side and an unloaed crossbow hanging across his back won't call too much attention. "I am Procleto Porcinus. Traveling sellsword. My papers should be in order."
Navia maintains a position in the sky by around 80 feet, relying on distance to make her reflective skin harder to see in the sky.
Oh and it should go without saying but to be 100% certain, Xallis is going to spend as much time as possible with some kind of bandana or headband covering up the summoner's rune that appears on his forehead whenever Navia is on the material plane. Also, she'll use traditional Stealth to follow us when she can, and take the -10 for Hellcat Stealth when the environment is starving her of opportunities to hide behind/within something.
Once the group reviews their rewards, most notably the potion of invisibility, Xallis can't help but speak on Navia's behalf. "She's wondering if our friend is a master who was merely testing us, or an absolute fool. He could have drank this and saved us the melodrama. Ah well, it doesn't matter." When they have a moment, Xallis discreetly discusses some ideas. "You know, my recent promotion granted me a carriage of remarkable speed. We could go where we want in what feels like moments! But it's a fickle thing, delicate even, with about two solid trips before you need to replace one of the damned wheels. Best saved for when we run out of wine at a rowdy party and none of us want to get accosted by thirsty drunkards, hoh hoh!" He shrugs. "Oh well, I'm sure if we don't make much of a ruckus with the woodworking it won't bother the locals. Either way, we need to find a nice and proper place to park it to make sure we don't get lost on the way back."
Xallis winces at Trevor's bold statement, but them smiles and shrugs. This isn't the first time he's had to improvise.
Xallis maintains his unassuming composure as Navia, making use of the ample cover, sneakily searches through his handy haversack for a potion of gaseous form that she presses into Cyricus' hand. She whispers to him. "Hey, drink this and you'll turn into a man-cloud that can float out of here for ten minutes. I'll try and crack the window to give you an out. Also, suuuuper irresponsible not having a trick to get yourself out of this." Then she winks and hides near the window.
"Hmmm... this Procleto Porcinus fellow seems a little old for me, but at least the nation of origin is correct. I could spin a tale about finding a secret to looking youthful or something. Cyricus is also able to answer a few questions for you, so you can ask him anything you might want to ask now too. "No tieflings, eh?" Navia asks while looking over Xallis' shoulder to read the papers. Then she shrugs. "Well, I'd stick out like a Lamashtan with her wobblers swinging free. I can try to be extra sneaky... Regular guards have no shot of seeing me when I don't want them to, but it's gonna get really weird for us if someone catches a peek. Think I can pull it off, or is it too risky?"
The Paizo website has been really slow the last day. It's making posting a little frustrating, but hopefully it will resolve. Slow for some, constantly down for me. I haven't been able to post for the last few days, sorry for the absence.
Navia takes the initiative by carefully staking towards the worms. Her talons tread lightly over the grass, her body blending in with the natural environment. The light seems to bend around her like rainwater falling off of a treated cloak.
Navia's Attack of Opportunity (in case the worm tries to move over/past her): scooter.monkey has not participated in any online campaigns. |