Zadim the Ewok's page

Thank you so much! What a fun game!

Your behind the scene notes were very informative and helpful! I'm going to steal lots of your good ideas!

Zadim takes a look at the creature. "May the light guide your soul, foul beast."

After ensuring the enemies won't wake up anytime soon, he assists his friends. "Up, Einn. The Pathfinders don't pay you to sleep on the job."

Thanks for rolling that crit for me! I thought that Kukri had a 19-20 for some reason.

Zadim smiles as his prey falls to the floor. "Thank you, Corona. So very kind. "

Zadim dances around the guard, his eyes only on his prey.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

He strikes, mercilessly, at the defenseless man. There is no emotion in his eyes.

Kukri: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 14
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 10
Kukri: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 30
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 6

I think he still has a Dex bonus, so no sneak attack. Also, -4 to his AC for being prone. My bonuses include the advice, blessing and study target.

I, too, am holding the chronicle for an appropriate level. If you could put that on there, I'd appreciate it. If the dates are in a weird order that may mess me up one day.

Zadim walks forward, pulling out his kukri's as he goes. "No violence, she said. Well... I think she meant no violence in the auction. "
He smiles at his prey, Blackburn.

GM, what map is this? I want to own it...

Zadim eyes Blackburn, taking in his weaknesses.

Study target as a move action.

He looks at his comrades. "Anyone wish to get above them? I brought a potion. "

I have a potion of fly, if anyone wants to use it.

Interesting... if only the author had allowed for, or suggested, various skill checks to make it winnable. Fighting against those odds, it's fairly unlikely a party would win all three slaves. (Which is probably the point, I'm guessing.)

Zadim cracks the slightest hint of a smile as Corona is announced the winner. "Something had to go right." As Bounder's lackeys walk the slaves over, he shakes in rage. So much injustice. Such a need for vengeance. Serenrae would be most displeased.

With the slaves in hand, he whispers to the group. "I say we return these two to our Paladin master. Then we ask for further orders as to the retrieval of our third hero."

I am inclined to agree with the above comments. Not for a lack of trying on your part, but the writing and the mechanics in this section seem kind of railroad-y. It feels like one of the "intentionally unfair" hooks that some scenarios have.

Once I realized this auction was, most likely, just the beginning of this section, I was more ambivalent.

Zadim sighs in frustration as the slave is led away. "Lady Vanessa, you seem to have experience with having your hands tied. At what point do we break the restraints given to us and add a little red to these festivities? "

He shakes his head in disbelief. If only the Paladin was am adherent to the Dawnflower. But, orders are orders, I suppose.

Agreed, there has to be a way for us to influence the bidding. Otherwise it would be very random.

I do have a potion of invisibility, but am not trained in Slight of Hand...

Zadim gets a gleam in his eye. He speaks in a loud voice. Loud enough for all to hear. "Aye, mistress. I would be happy to examine the man. Don't want to buy defective goods."

Heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

He begins poking and prodding at the man. Searching for the weak points he knows all to well, he pokes at the man's nerves in an attempt to get him to show weakness.

He moves up to Lady Vanessa's ear and whispers. "I am not as well spoken as you. Pretend I told you he has dark humors and weak fingers. Terrible in a caster."
Bluff, aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

When in doubt, I find it best to throw a lot of dice. Let's see if we can gather any more information before bidding. I find it unlikely that the average bid (10) will win all three slaves.

Zadim is his normal silent self as the group walks in. Pretending to be a bodyguard is not far outside of his normal behavior. Walking in, he scopes the place out. Are these nobles, with coin to throw around, or are they barely making by? We must not underestimate their coffers.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Zadim has been to Misery Row before, on various missions for the church. He reflects on the prices on similar warriors he's seen in past auctions, trying to get a read on how much these slaves will cost.
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Once the auction begins, Zadim studies Bounder, trying to determine the price he expects for the elven slave.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 = 24

He whispers to his new friends during the bidding. "We must be careful with our coin. If we miss a single slave, we may have to use more...unconventional methods."

Before leaving, Zadim asks one final question. He puts his hands behind his back and addresses the Paladin solemnly. "To clarify. We are not supposed to kill the slavers. " He looks at her queerly. " N-ahhhhhhhhht supposed to kill them. " He's acting far odder than ever before, more than a little confused.

Zadim pauses for a moment of self reflection. "Yes, I have heard that Sarenrae occasionally offers forgiveness. Interesting. While I agree these slaves should be freed, why are we purchasing them? Warriors such as ourselves, I would think there are... other methods. " He shifts his cloak to the side, revealing two of his three kukri.

Zadim's brows furrow. "I know of Misery Row. The Masters assure me that it's time will come. I long for that day. "

Zadim frowns. "Sarenrae teaches that there will be no justice for slavers and that all must be avenged. I am happy to carry out her will. " He looks around intensely. "Where are these slavers? "

Once Zadim, and his wand, shrink down, he hands it to Lady Vanessa. "Please, take this and use it on any who need it. We work best as a team and it is obvious these festivities are far more dangerous than they seem. "

Thanks for the reminder on the Sensei advice. For the flanking I wasn't sure if we would get the benefits. Due to the darkness. I probably should have pointed that out.

Did the darkness go away when the Owb died?

Zadim releases a heavy sigh of relief. Reaching with thick fingers into his back pocket, he pulls out and enormous stick. More Like a small tree branch, his wand is still recognizable as a Cure Light Wounds Wand. He offers it to both of his divine friends. "I hope this may be of use. Thank you for your assistance in the dark. I could not have felled the creature without you. "

CLW, 10 charges. HP: 10/36.

Zadim, hearing Corona's magic words, feels refreshed. "Thank you, ally. "

He, using a shard to see, stabs at the monster with a kukri.

Kukri: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

10/36

He has over +12 to hit?! Holy crow.

Zadim cries out in the dark, his voice lower than usual. "Ooh... that does not feel good. "

I'll delay till some others go. My one standard action isn't worth much on its own.

Zadim, still getting used to his large form, lumbers forward. Using the shard as his guide, he locates the creature and gets into position. "We have the creature cornered, but do not let your guard down. "

Thank you, I took my 5 foot step.

I might have to pick up the alchemy manual, these reagents are pretty Sweet!

Zadim utters a "WHOA!" as he grows much higher than he is used too. With a booming voice he, uncharacteristically, laughs. "The time for subtlety is over, I suppose!" He picks up a piece of glass off the ground and peers into it. He stares at the eyes intently.

Study target as a move action. Put one Kukri away as a standard. (Or move towards the shadow if that is a free action.) Pick up the dagger as a free.

Ouch! 25/36 HP remaining.

Zadim betrays a look of fear as the blast of cold hits him. "How can we fight that which we cannot see? Sarenrae's light has left this cursed place."

He moves to the edge of the light and prepares to fight the creature if it comes within reach.

Ready an attack.

Zadim takes in the room with a slight gasp. Under his breath he mutters. "Forgive me, goddess, for doubting you. This is why you sent me here." He takes a few steps closer to the body.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

His characteristic frown deepens. "Frozen. We are dealing with a magical beast or aberration it would seem." He draws both kukri's, ready for the inevitable ambush.

Zadim walks slowly this morning, enjoying what must be his first hangover. If it were possible, he is more silent and distant than usual. He eyes Zarta with suspicion upon approach. Not a woman I wish to party with again. Hopefully this breakfast is more mellow.

Knowledge Local : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Trying to get more information about the society's encounter with Erya and her castle.

Zadim, uninvited to sit, stands awkwardly. He looks just as uncomfortable as he feels. "Thank you, but I already had some of the grog. It was... delicious."

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Zadim, attempting to blend in, goes to the bar and gets two mugs of grog. Handing one to Night Hunter, he keeps the other for himself. As he walks towards the table a flick of his wrist sends the liquids back into the grog barrel from whence they came.

He gives a slight bow to the pair. "What a pleasure. My name is Zadim. What brings you both out tonight? "

Zadim looks at Vanessa in a new light after she ties up the scientist. Torture implements. Interesting. I didn't know Pathfinders allowed such useful techniques.

Later, after the quarantine, Zadim breaks his traditional stony demeanor with another frown. "Now I suppose we must return to the party. What a stressful mission this is."

Zadim walks in the room and takes the sickle from the sick woman. "Nicely chosen spell, Einn. My methods are less suited to... non lethal tasks. "

What kind of a martial doesn't have rope? Silly pregen

Not my combat turn but hopefully this counts as a Free action

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 = 15

Wow, thanks for the Guidance!

Zadim steps in the room and takes in the scene. "This Pathfinder is not our enemy, just a bit addled in the brain. The root cause is unclear." After a moment's thought he adds. "Dangerous, none the less."

Oh ya, that was great! I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and cursing Pregens and their lack of weapon choices.

Zadim does not celebrate as the flesh blob dies, merely nods and moves on. "Far preferable to a party. Let's ensure the location is secured. "

Having seen nothing, after everyone is ready, he opens the door to the next room.

I'm curious. What were the growth points?

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Jump off the table.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Move more than half speed

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Dodge AoO.

Zadim wastes not a moment, returning to the first blob and striking from behind. "Seltyiel, let's finish it! "

Kukri: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 3 = 29 +2 for flanking, +1 for sensei.
Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Kukri: 1d20 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 3 = 21
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Knowledge Dungeoneering : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Zadim chuckles lightly. "I study real threats, not piles of lab refuse given life. I'm sorry, my lady, I know no more than you. "

With a tap of his feet he jumps off the table, towards the next adversary. Lining himself up across from Einn, he picks out a weak point in the blob's fleshy mass and strikes!

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Jump into the floor

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Avoid attack of opportunity

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Jump onto the table

Kukri: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 1 = 28
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 + (2) = 10
confirm?: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 1 = 27
crit: 1d4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

Kukri: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 1 = 28
Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 + (6) = 13
confirm?: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 1 = 21
crit: 1d4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9

Wow, I hope I did that right. That was a lot of rolling.

Zadim, can you help me understand how you get a +2 attack bonus from higher ground? Under normal circumstances that's a +1 bonus.

Whoops, good catch! I was going by memory. Thanks for the correction. It should be +1.

Zadim confidently walks across the slippery floor, drawing two kukri as he does so.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

With a quick jump he lands on the table. In an uncharacteristic manner, he cracks a joke. "Looks like somebody's gained a few pounds! "

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Kukri: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 13 2 for higher ground, 1 for sensei.
Slashing Damage: 1d4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10
Kukri: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 27
Slashing Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

Sorry, Thanksgiving.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Knowledge (Dungeoneering): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Zadim enters the room late, cautious as always. With a look at the stairs he nods. "Seltyiel, you are correct. Thankfully the trail will not impede our movement." On a closer look he adds "It may also be an ooze. Keep a close eye."

Zadim takes a second look at the wound. "Unclear. I have not seen this ailment before. " Zadim stops and thinks for a moment. "You have a few days. Let's be careful. Find a room in the Lodge and stay there. We will deal with this situation and bring you a cleric. My friend Kyra is in town. I can fetch her for you as soon as possible. "

Heal : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Zadim, far more comfortable with wounds than small talk, rushes to the agent's side. He speaks in a serious but kind voice. " Agent, this is a grave wound. You must see a cleric within the day. You have time to find one while we see to this problem. Go. Now. "

He turns and speaks to his companions. "His wound is infected with some necromantic disease. We must deal with this immediately. This party will be less enjoyable if it is raided by some ghouls. "

Thanks for the explanation! Personally, I find the non combat social encounters to be the hardest part of PbP GMing. I'm enjoying seeing how you do it!

Zadim, clearly uncomfortable, approaches Seltyiel. "Excuse me. In my country we often entertain guests with jugglers and contortionists. Would you mind joining me in some foolish yet entertaining acts? "

He heads to the center of the room and begins to perform an odd mix of parkour and super yoga.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Zadim freezes at the thought of juggling. Sarenrae bless me. What dastardly mission is this?

When the Grand Ambassador clarifies that other skills are appropriate, Zadim lets out a small smirk. "I'm afraid my skills are less appropriate for the public than most." He shrugs. "I am but a humble servant of my leaders."

Zadim nods. This situation is not within my expertise. Sarenrae is stretching my abilities. With a grimace he looks at the Gripli. "Yes, since it is a party we must drink. Perhaps you should drink for both of us. "

Zadim smiles and looks satisfied. Perhaps I can work with these Pathfinders after all. Beneath their quirky personas they may be true adventurers indeed.

He nods in thanks and remembers his manners. "Lady Vanessa, you know the captain? I should know to ask my... friends...first next time. "

Zadim frowns at this news. I was sent here for a higher purpose than revelry. Sarenrae is truly wiser than I.

He approaches the venture captain and waits politely for his turn to speak. "Master Dreng, do you have a specific target in mind? " Zadim frowns again at his mistake. "I mean, a specific person who may be a source of quality leads?"

Zadim looks at the Grippli with his piercing eyes. "Are you sure you should be drinking before a mission? Dulling the senses is never wise."