"Hmmm, an interesting approach." Loredana says as she studies Guillaume's disguise. "That would certainly work quite well in a large city, where you could disappear into a crowd of faces. Unfortunately, Kantaria is a small town. New faces are rare enough to attract attention just by their novelty, and that was before the Reclamation overthrew the age old power structure. You certainly can't help being new since you are, but a new face everyday would likely draw undesired attention. I'd advise that if you don't want to be seen as yourself, you should at least adopt a singular persona for your mundane dealings with the townsfolk. I suspect the ruling counsel will want to meet with you at some point. This disturbance today is meant to help put you on the right foot with the right people." She advises the disguised tiefling.
Turning to Giuliano, she answers, "I don't know much in the way of details. It should occur toward the end of the market day, a few hours past noon. That should give you ample time to attend to any business. I did get the impression that there will be an attack, and a rather obvious one at that. Something to horrify the populace. And judging by the devil's gleeful expression as he informed me, I do suspect it will be a something as opposed to a someone. As much as the zebub enjoys carnage, he may well be in attendance today." Razelago will give you guys an advance warning so you can prepare.
Loredana takes a sip of coffee as you begin to discuss possible stories to spin when something takes her off guard and she begins to cough and splutter. Turning to Aurelius with her lip curled in disgust, she exclaims, "You have a what?! You brought a severed monster head into my Inn? I hope you intend to peddle that off at the market today. Linton Demeer, the alchemist might buy such a revolting thing. Otherwise, you'd better bring back a cask of salt to store it in outside!" She shudders delicately and rises from the table to stalk off to her own room, taking her coffee with her.
Thus with your briefing concluded, you are left to make your way to the Inheritor's Square on your own. The square lies south of the Little Uskwood Inn and is quite obvious by it's market stalls with colorful awnings and the bustle of busy market patrons. A familiar sight for some of you, a Hound Archon patrols the area alongside some human guards. His noble canine countenance is alert and watchful.
Fellzir and Aurelius need the alignment concealment the most, so I will assume they have it. The rest of you won't ping until level 5 or higher. You can shop, gather rumors using Diplomacy, Knowledge(Local) or Stealth and Giuliano can work on establishing The Shrike's renown.
Loredana laughs lightly at Giuliano's quick reversion to 'Madame' in his consternation. "You could always claim to be seeking sanctuary from our "oppressors". The Reclamation seems to believe that we all suffered terribly under the black-gauntleted fist of Thrune. Such a cover would play right into their preconceived notions as well as inspire their sympathy." She smirks and leaves you to consider your options.
You are each granted a private room, though they are all grouped together. The rooms are modest but comfortable. The night passes uneventfully.
Loredana's brisk rap comes early, though the sun is well above the horizon. In the small kitchen, she serves coffee, which is good, dry toast, a thin, bland and colorless porridge and small dark lumps of seasoned meat that seem to be overcooked sausage. It becomes clearer at every meal that if you should like to eat well, you might ought to eat elsewhere.
"My news is, interesting... Razelago says there is to be some sort of disturbance today at the Oathday Market in Kantaria’s town square, also known as Inheritor’s Square. Farmers from outside of town, as well as local merchants, come to sell goods to Kantarian families, and the Glorious Reclamation sends at least one good outsider to discourage thieves and remind the populace that “angels walk among them.” Loredana rolls her eyes at the cloying phrase.
"Razelago wishes for you to beat the outsider to the punch and be seen doing so. If you can take out the threat before the outsider can act on it, it will show the people that they are not so safe as the Reclamation would have them believe as well as illustrate the fact that angels are not all-powerful." She gives a sly smile, "Not to mention painting you all with a heroic brush in the people's eyes."
Oh, also... Unless we are doing Thrune business 24/7, Giuliano tries to spend 4 hours every day socializing and making contacts (to build his renown).
"After spending 1 week doing this, whenever he is in his social identity, all NPCs in the community have a starting attitude toward him that is one category better, as long as each person’s initial attitude would have at least been indifferent." Plus bonus to intimidate in vigilante identity.
That's all fine, I can have you gather rumors about the town at the same time. But if we do the social event first, you won't have the renown established by then.
Quote:
Not everyone needs sense motive, I believe. Social combat is teamwork just like the non-social one?
Not for this event. It's specified for each PC to attempt to influence one NPC but you will get further opportunities to influence your "mark" beyond the initial encounter.
"Ah... but one question, Loredana - may I call you Loredana? What is you role in all this Thrune business? I might have missed that."
Loredana nods her acquiescence to being called by her given name, "My primary task is to provide you with information and advice on how to proceed. I am Nidalese by birth, but I have lived here in Kantaria as long as I can remember. It's a small town and I know it and it's residents well. Not to mention providing your lodgings and your covers as my employees. You might give some thought as to the particulars of your expertise. Fex suggested I claim you as security, but such a large force of hired muscle might be suspect in and of itself. I don't suppose any of you cook? No, well perhaps that was too much to hope for. I have floated the idea of expanding the Little Uskwood, so I could reasonably have taken on a Carpenter or a consultant in Real Estate. A Decorator would make sense as well, possibly a financial advisor." She shrugs slightly, "So long as it is plausible... you can let me know what you would prefer."
On the off chance that someone hasn't added background skills, a point or two sunk into a profession like Cook, etc or Craft, Artistry, etc could be put to use toward your cover identity.
Looking over everyone's skill sets, shoring up Sense Motive would be helpful for most for what we have coming up. A cracked dark blue rhomboid ioun stone fits the bill at 400 gp and grants +1 competence bonus on Perception and Sense Motive checks. We can say the Hag's loot contained 6 of those unless someone has an alternate (<500gp) request.
The first encounter in Wrath of Thrune is set up to be a sort of Ultimate Intrigue based "social combat", whereby you try to gain influence with important NPCs through a series of skill checks and dialogue.
Or if you prefer something more straightforward to begin like a traditional combat, we could start with that instead. This book is described as a Sandbox so your input will drive the action.
I will tend to move us forward about every other day, with or without input. I will default to the path as laid out in the AP without any. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease..." so by all means, squeak! XD
And speaking of squeaking, if anyone should be *cough*interested*cough* in Loredana Viorica, you should let me know. Either here or by PM is fine too. ^_~
With Fex's exit, his contract business concluded, Madame Viorica offers to show you to your rooms, though she makes an effort not to interrupt any conversation that is ongoing.
"We have only one other guest staying with us here in the Little Uskwood at this time. Master Nicolae and his men are from Nidal. Though he is not involved with our enterprise, you need not put up a facade for his sake. I know him to be... sympathetic to our aims. Outside my Inn, you will want to be more careful. I am happy to provide shelter and information. But should you earn an... unsavory reputation, I will not hesitate to disavow all knowledge of your activities and turn you out. Understood?" Her grey gaze appears steely and her countenance stern as she meets each of your eyes in turn and gives a curt nod.
"I expect news in the morning, I will come by your rooms and knock when it is time to meet. I wish you a good night. Welcome to Kantaria." She says this last with a sardonic twist to her mouth and leaves you to your various nightly routines.
Fex nods approvingly to Charles' and Sercrutio's oaths of fealty. He retrieves an official looking contract and six black quill pens with very sharp nibs which he passes out to each of you. "We'll witness the signing before Her Infernal Majestrix's portrait. As close as we can come being witnessed by the Queen herself." And he leads the way back into the room he entered from. Loredana Viorica and Razelago follow.
"The quill will draw the blood from your own body to sign your pledge of loyalty. No magic binds you to this oath besides the strength and sanctity of your own word."
The document bears the official seal of Abrogail II and of House Thrune. It states simply:
I do hereby swear to Commit my Loyalty and Service First and Foremost to Queen Abrogail Thrune II, Her Infernal Majestrix and Rightful Ruler of Cheliax, and Second to Her Royal House of Thrune. I pledge my Body to Serve as the Hand directed by Her Will, even unto my Death.
After you have signed the document, Archbaron Darellus Fex draws an invisible arcane mark on each of you to identify your association with House Thrune and names you Loyal Agents of Thrune. "This mark will only be visible to other, similarly marked Agents of Thrune. Though, there are magical means of detecting it. Your first line of defense is to avoid drawing suspicion onto yourselves. Remember, you are not here as a strike force. But as infiltrators, spies and saboteurs. I wish you success!" He also gives you a purse containing a signing bonus of 1,000 gp. Fex lingers only a short while longer in case of questions and then he and Razelago teleport away with the contract.
Note that signing is not required, but it is expected and I will assume you do so unless otherwise stated.
The fly-like mouth-parts protruding from Razelago's pudgy, infantile face widen his mouth in some grotesque semblance of a pleased grin.
"Yezzz, I will be prezzzent from time to time. You will get your chanzzze."
Then Loredanna is returning with five men on her heels.
Flipping over to gameplay! Huzzah, the party unites!
@Fellzir, that would work. Might help to shore up some social skills. I can even offer to allow you to improve the quality of Ioun Stones over time with your crafting feat for greater bonuses.
Archbaron Darellus Fex receives you with his usual good humor, ”Ah, excellent. You have dealt with the Hag plaguing my Barony? Of course you have, after your fine achievements here, I had no doubts. I’ll confess I wasn’t sure about you lot when Razelago first recommended you, but you have certainly risen to the occasion. I wrote to Her Infernal Magestrix, just as I told you I would and she was impressed by your success here in Longacre and has an even more challenging endeavor in mind for your next assignment.” The clock begins to chime and he motions you closer with some urgency, lifting a satchel over his shoulder to hang across his body.
”I’ll explain more once we’ve arrived, it will save me the trouble of having to repeat myself. Gather your things with one hand and grab onto your fellow with the other. Come, come now, we mustn't fall behind schedule.”
He seizes hold of one pair of you with his left hand, and the other pair of you with his right and begins a complex incantation.
Spellcraft DC 20:
He is casting teleport.
1d100 ⇒ 86
There is a sensation of swift motion and then you find yourselves in the middle of a dim room lit with only a few taper candles of red wax. There is a circle of black stones surrounding your arrival point. The room has a slightly gloomy appearance, grey wooden walls with heavy dark curtains tightly drawn. The furnishings are nice, though. Ebony wood with red lacquer work. There is even a portrait of Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II on the wall in a heavily gilded frame. A pale, dark haired woman, slender and petite, stands attendance in the far corner of the room. She steps forward and bows from the waist. "Welcome to the Little Uskwood Inn. It is good to see you again, Archbaron Fex."
"Thank you for your hospitality, Madame Viorica. These are the fellows I wrote to you about. It’s time for our little meeting.” Fex say's with a slight incline of the head to the woman.
”Of course, if you’ll follow me please.” She leads you through the door into a small kitchen that also serves as an informal dining room. Seated at the table are a pair of human men and the devil you know, Razelago, hovers nearby. Loredana introduces the seated men, who likely rise as she does so, ”This is Charles Beecroft and Sercrutio Leroung, I have engaged their services to aid in this project. I have the honor to receive Archbaron Darellus Fex to my humble establishment.” She turns to the new arrivals, ”My name is Loredana Viorica and I am pleased to offer you shelter while you begin your work here. Do make yourselves comfortable.” She turns to the kitchen counter and begins to prepare coffee.
The Archbaron inclines his head very slightly to the men Loredana introduced. ”I am indeed Archbaron of the Longacre Barony, we faced our own little rebellion there, but by the grace of Asmodeus, I was fortunate enough to find competent help to snuff out the little flames before they could grow beyond control.” He nods proudly to the men accompanying him. ”Alas, my colleague Narikopolus did not prove so lucky.” Fex looks smug and not at all sorrowful over the man’s fate.
”Instead, Kantaria fell and is currently occupied by the so-called Glorious Reclamation. Obviously, Her Infernal Magestrix cannot stand for such an affront. She has charged me to relinquish my employment of your company to The House of Thrune directly. I am reluctant to give you up, but what My Queen desires, she receives. Your stations are rising, dear fellows, and your challenges increase in equal measure.”
”Your task here is to return Kantaria to her rightful ruler. This will be more subtle work than you have performed as of late. Likely you will need to identify weaknesses to exploit and undermine the toehold the Reclamation has established here. Madame Viorica and her associates will advise and aid you in your endeavors. Discretion will be important, at least in the beginning.”
”But before we get into the details, there is the little matter of inducting you officially into the service of House Thrune. Her Infernal Magestrix has asked that I act as her proxy for the ceremony. Becoming sworn Agents of Thrune confers certain benefits of which I’m sure you would like to review.” He pulls a note from his satchel and passes it around. ”This offer is also extended to our new friends. In this tumultuous political climate, our Queen wishes only to assure herself of your loyalty to Her cause, as well as see you survive to see Her will done.”
JOINING THE RANKS OF THRUNE:
The Thrice-Damned House of Thrune rules Cheliax, and
those who work for the imperial government and its
ruling house are commonly known as Thrune agents.
Among these agents, however, are those who serve
House Thrune directly, often working for the best
interests of Cheliax’s ruling family rather than for those of
the nation (though these interests often overlap). These
agents swear their bodies, minds, or souls (or all three)
to Queen Abrogail II herself.
The first level of sworn Thrune agent is the rank of
Thrune Loyal Agent (referred to within the Thrune
organization as simply “the Loyal”). Thrune Loyal agents
swear to give their lives, if necessary, in service to Her
Infernal Majestrix Abrogail II and House Thrune. In
exchange, they gain a bonus character trait: Thrune Loyal
Agent. This bonus trait is an exception to the normal
rules restricting characters to two traits.
Thrune Loyal Agent: You have sworn your body to
Queen Abrogail and House Thrune in a ritual ceremony,
and are willing to lay down your life in service to Thrune.
Once per week, when reduced to fewer than 0 hit points,
you automatically gain fast healing 1 for 1 minute. Once
this ability has been used, you instead gain a +4 trait
bonus on Constitution checks to stabilize when reduced
to negative hit points.
In addition, you receive an invisible arcane mark of
the encircled cross emblem of Cheliax as a symbol of
your loyalty. This mark does not fade and is visible only
to other creatures with this trait, or creatures with the
ability to perceive the invisible (via see invisibility or true
seeing, for example). You can make this mark visible to
other creatures for 1 round as a swift action. If the mark
is dispelled or removed (such as with erase), it can be
replaced with another casting of arcane mark, which
thereafter functions as detailed in this trait.
Invoking the name of Ruler and Nation, Aurelius brings the Hag down with a mighty slice.
Out of Combat, which is good news for Fellzir since there wasn't a safe spot to heal Guillaume from. ^_~
You discover a sack of TBD loot on the Hag's body.
Siova comes around only to weep over Rhysak's remains. After some time, she composes herself enough to thank you for freeing her from the Hag's influence. She takes the time to bury her lover and offers her pledge that she will come to your aid if you send for her.
She can potentially come with you to Kantaria, but FYI I'm not going to have NPC's participate in combat from here on out.
When you return to Longacre, a halfling slave brings a missive from the Archbaron, bidding you to gather your belongings to prepare for a journey and report to his manor after dark.
Next post will move you to Kantaria. If you know of an item around 500g in value, you can request it be your portion of the TBD loot, otherwise it will just be the coin.
Loredana hides an amused smile behind her wine cup as she takes a sip. Her face resumes a much more somber expression when she lowers it. "Whatever else he may be, Nevilindor is no fool. The Little Uskwood is by far the most successful Inn to serve Kantaria." She says with no small amount of pride. "As such, I am in a position to learn much of use to a man in his newly obtained and tenuous position. You'll find many local business owners among his councilors. He surmises, and rightly so, that the town's entrepreneurs are those most invested in seeing Kantaria thrive."
Sense Motive DC 16:
It occurs to you that while Loredana has not said anything untrue, she has not precisely answered the question either. You get the impression she is holding some details back.
There is a soft scratching noise like that of a rodent within the wall nearby and Loredana startles, her wine slopping over the rim of her glass. Then there is a buzz of insectile wings and a revolting whiff reminiscent of chamber pots and sulfur as a horrid creature pops into view. Some twisted parody of a cherubim, it's upper body is like that of a plump human infant with the abdomen of a gigantic gore fattened fly complete with six legs and membranous wings. Red compound eyes gaze over your little dinner party, lingering a moment on Sercrutio.
"Madame Viorica, excuzzze the interruption. Archbaron Fex sends hizzz regards and begzzz that you prepare for hizzz arrival."
"He comes now? Very well, Razelago. I will prepare the circle. Excuse me, gentleman." She rises and carries her own dishes out of the room leaving you both alone with the zebub, with whom at least one of you is already acquainted and the other has at least been made aware of.
The small devil hovers in the air over the dinner table, his insectile forelegs rubbing together with a sort of washing motion familiar to common houseflies. He nods his head in a twitchy greeting and looks on Sercrutio with a proprietary gleam in his crimson eyes. "You seem to have settled in well, Wizzzard." He buzzes conversationally.
The tieflings both land their attacks, with the Crossbow of Doom striking home again as well. The Shrike continues to struggle to land a blow with his sap. The Hag has clearly been well battered but is still standing firm.
Aurelius, I'm not managing to come up with all your bonuses to damage there. Can you list them for me? I'll add it in when I'm sure of the total. You are attacking with Bastard sword, correct?
"Hard nut to crack, ye are. But ye've not seen a Nutcracker like me, fiendling!" She shrieks and cackles as she slashes wildly at Guillaume. Her claws hook wickedly into his flesh through gaps in his armor and she makes that awful ripping motion again. Fortunately, Guillaume is made of sterner stuff than Rhysak and he still stands. Her bite clangs off his chest plate. Guillaume takes 39 damage!
Surprise!
-------------------
Hag - Claws and grapples Rhysak
Round 1
-------------------
Rhysak - tries to escape grapple, fails
The Shrike - delays
Hag - rips Rhysak in half, killing him
Aurelius - moves, attacks, misses
Guillaume - moves, attacks Hag for 16 damage
The Shrike - moves, attacks, misses
Fellzir - fires crossbow on Hag for 3 damage
Round 2
-------------------
Hag (-19 hp) - claws and bites at Guillaume, misses
Aurelius - attacks Hag for ? damage
Guillaume - attacks Hag for 16 damage
The Shrike - attacks, misses
Fellzir - fires crossbow on Hag for 6 damage
Round 3
-------------------
Hag (-41 hp) - claws and rends Guillaume for 39 damage
➤Aurelius
➤Guillaume
➤The Shrike
➤Fellzir
Loredana’s grey eyes spark with interest at Charles’ news. ”Iomedae’s sword, you say? I wonder whose hands hold it now… I shall have to see what Nevilindor knows about it.” She says, idly toying with her wine glass.
”I did find it odd that the Reclamation sought to remove Archbaron Narikopolus. The histories say that Arakhan Narikopolus fought at the head of Iomedae’s army against the aberrant Veiled Masters. She was said to favor his family.” She gives a slight shrug of the shoulders, ”Though I suppose that was long ago and the ruling family had proved… adaptable to the shifting political climate of Cheliax. Perhaps they see such flexibility as a sin.” She shakes her head in clear disagreement with such an opinion.
Loredana gives a wry smile in response to Sercutio’s rising ire. ”You may get your chance. But be patient, Zaine has ingratiated himself into the new power structure. As have I, to a lesser degree. And as will you.” She quirks an eyebrow as she watches your reactions to this assertion.
”Oppian Nevilindor is governor of Kantaria now. We didn’t choose this game but we still must play the pieces as they lay.”
Aurelius and Guillaume move to opposite sides and strike with their weapons, Aurelius just missing while Guillaume strikes true. The Shrike's sap fails to connect but the Crossbow of Doom ejects a blunted bolt that strikes the Hag's hideous hump.
The Hag hisses in pain, spewing rank breath that reeks of carrion. "A feast she brings. A feast we'll have, starting with ye, infernal beastie." She strikes out at Guillaume, but his new armor protects him well, repelling claw as well as fang.
Surprise!
-------------------
Hag - Claws and grapples Rhysak
Round 1
-------------------
Rhysak - tries to escape grapple, fails
The Shrike - delays
Hag - rips Rhysak in half, killing him
Aurelius - moves, attacks, misses
Guillaume - moves, attacks Hag for 16 damage
The Shrike - moves, attacks, misses
Fellzir - fires crossbow on Hag for 3 damage
Round 2
-------------------
Hag (-19 hp) - claws and bites at Guillaume, misses
➤Aurelius
➤Guillaume
➤The Shrike
➤Fellzir
Perhaps it was just chance or an inevitability that your ears are tuned to seek out any whisper of that most despicable order. The voices seem sympathetic to your own leanings and speak low and close to one another. "I heard it was Hellknights that started it all, order of the Godclaw. They found an ancient sword, supposed to have been held by Iomedae herself long ago. Her followers went mad for it, even fought among themselves."
The other voice answers, head bobbing in a nod. "Don't surprise me. No one's so barmy as a bloody zealot. Seen that first hand, we have." They trundle off in agreeable silence.
Sercrutio Leroung:
Given your professional interests, it is unsurprising that you hear word of a colleague of sorts; Faydreth Zaine, a half elven wizard member of the Glorious Reclamation's newly appointed governing counsel. It's said he helped liberate Kantaria, and has now taken up residence in the old Narikopolus Manor. The Narikopoluses were the former ruling family before the revolution and were renowned for quickly adapting to the fiendish allegiances of House Thrune. "He'd better have a care pouring through their library of Arcana." One old sage suggests, and another answers, "Could be that was what his aim all along. That old family was always fiercely protective of their dark secrets."
I'll post Kantaria prequel stuff here on Discussion to avoid confusing matters for the separate groups.
Kantaria
Looking as if it were built from shabby grey wood, the Little Uskwood is actually constructed from lumber imported from its namesake — the Uskwood in shadow-touched Nidal to the north. Built to accommodate travelers journeying between Nidal and the Chelish heartlands, the inn’s gloomy ambiance seems depressing to many Chelaxians and other visitors, but Nidalese guests find the atmosphere comforting and refreshing.
The Innkeeper is also Nidalese, as was her father who founded the Inn originally. Loredana Viorica is small of frame and slight of build with a lithe grace to her movement. She might seem almost delicate were it not for her shrewd grey-eyed gaze and her stern manner. She keeps her dark hair tied up and tidy. Loredana Art
She is not known for her fine cuisine, however, as she invites you to sit and dine with her, serving up a fish chowder as gray as the surroundings. The meal is serviceable, mostly due to a heavy hand with the salt and pepper, but the bread and wine are good. Likely owing to having been procured elsewhere.
She gives a slightly apologetic look, fully aware of the meager nature of the fare. "It just isn't the same without a halfling in the kitchen, is it? We're all feeling the pinch without our slaves. I tried to retain the cook, at least, offered good wages, even in addition to room and board. But she wouldn't stay, given the choice. I'm not sure why..." She trails off absently, taking a sip of her wine.
"So what are they saying on the streets?" She asks, conversationally.
You can gather information with Diplomacy, Knowledge(Local) or Stealth to overhear some gossip.
Looks like this combat will take a bit yet, so let's figure out a book 2 prequel for our new friends too. Want to defend the Inn from some rioters? Start some in character RP? Let me know and I'll set it up!
And Salutations to you both. Welcome, welcome!
< I will be using this portrait for Loredana Viorica since it's close and I couldn't find her actual art on the boards.
@Sercrutio, a zebub has 4 HD, so he will suffice for now, though only just. You most likely met Razelago through Loredana as he is the go between for Achbaron Fex and checks in with her for intelligence on Kantaria. He will likely trade your contract to a more powerful devil when it is time for you to level up. You'll have to let me know if you have any preference and send your letter to Asmodeus Claus telling him just how naughty you've been. XD
Soon after beginning its crusade against Thrune dominated Cheliax, the Glorious Reclamation set its eyes on Kantaria, one of Cheliax’s most sacred Iomedaean sites. For weeks prior to its assault on the city, the Glorious Reclamation worked in secret with Fourth Sword Knight Oppian Nevilindor, Kantaria’s highest ranking priest of Iomedae, and thus enacted a relatively bloodless takeover of the town. The knights and their priestly allies quickly rounded up most of the loyalist Thrune elements in Kantaria (including a pair of visiting Hellknights of the Order of the Rack), freed the town’s resident slaves, and instituted immediate reforms in line with the teachings of Iomedae. Oppian’s appointment as the town’s official governor, advised by a supporting council drawn from local citizens, assured the people of Kantaria that the Glorious Reclamation had the best interests of the just at heart.
You are associates and recent employees of Loredana Viorica and under her advice, have kept your political leanings to yourself. Imagining themselves your liberators, the Glorious Reclamation has little reason to suspect where your true loyalties lie. A fact which, Loredana assures you, will prove advantageous in the days ahead. Loredana has provided you room and board at the Little Uskwood Inn in exchange for your services to discourage any looters during the upheaval.
Alright, Charles Beecroft and Sercrutio Leroung are hereby invited to jon us by dotting in on Gameplay thread and begin discussing associations on Discussion thread.
@Veniir, thank you for the submission. It was a hard choice!
Fellzir casts Blessing of the Watch (4 hour duration) on everyone. (+1 to hit) Then Magic Weapon on Guillaume's blunt weapon (4 minutes) and finally Light on a leaf that he tucks in his belt. He will enter the cave last so as to not interfere with sneaky Darkvision teammates.
Sounds good! The party's turn is up for combat, The Shrike has delayed to wait for a flanking partner to step in first, so looking for actions from our Frontliners.
I'm also selecting our new players today. I'll direct them to this discussion thread to start working out the logistics of their backgrounds.
Did we want a Discord server? It can be handy for when the Paizo boards have a case of the hiccups, but certainly not a necessity.
That's useful. So even though the chronicle would put him at L2, he still gets the final rebuild before advancing?
PFS RP Guild Guide wrote:
The most common type of rebuilding is a 1st-level character rebuild, which you may do freely anytime before playing an adventure at 2nd level or higher.
Looks like there was some sort of posting issue. I posted outside the cave that Rhysack should cast Light on Siova so the two of us could see and maybe it would hinder the hag's vision if she wasn't prepared for a bright light walking into the cave.
Shrike seemed to have read it because he mentioned the fact that I couldn't see, but the message is gone now and bluedove clearly didn't read it, because she had all of us walk into the cave in the dark. I hate rewinding, but this is a pretty significant difference. Rhysack should have cast something and Fellzir would have cast something.
That is unfortunate, but I don't think much would change had we done it the way you suggest. The presence of Light doesn't impair darkvision and if it did, it would adversely effect most of the party. Even assuming Shield of Faith, Rhysak would still be caught and killed.
I think The Shrike was responding to Rhysak speaking about his inability to see but he'll have to confirm or deny that himself. I definitely did not see the post you describe so I acted on the plan that was presented. I feel I gave ample opportunity to plan ahead. I'll allow retroactive buffs but I'm not going to retcon.
I felt it was important to demonstrate the Hag's abilities before you fully engage her, so I did. You can certainly withdraw and leave Siova to her fate. For future issues, I can offer to set up a Discord sever for the campaign as questions and tactical planning are often faster and easier to address on that platform.
Dreng's eyes widen slightly at this news. "Already beset by that troublesome lot, eh? They represent themselves as a syndicate of merchants and tradesmen which is just true enough to conceal their more nefarious machinations. They are headed by a conglomerate of the wealthy and powerful and unsurprisingly, they are always striving to increase that wealth and power. Often by any possible means, no matter how lawless or unscrupulous." He says, with a sour twist to his mouth.
He frowns thoughtfully. "We'll increase the security measures on the sites, just to be on the safe side. You've done great work and the Society will likely be reaping the benefits of your discovery both in the near future and for many years to come." He opens a decanter, likely containing the self same wine you brought him earlier and pours you all a small glass for a toast.
"To your future endeavors as Pathfinders! Cheers!"
The Hag cackles at Rhysak's weak attempt to taunt her. "Oh, but I do have ye, don't I? Wee little snack though ye are." She jibes back and plunges another claw into his body, ripping him in half and biting into his still beating heart.
Siova shudders, tears streaming down her face. She screams and falls away in an apparent faint. "Mmm, sweet indeed. I see now why she liked him." The Hag smacks her lips and turns her gaze toward the rest of you.
Surprise!
-------------------
Hag - Claws and grapples Rhysak
Round 1
-------------------
Rhysak - tries to escape grapple, fails
The Shrike - delays
Hag - rips Rhysak in half, killing him
➤Aurelius
➤Guillaume
➤Fellzir
Since spots are limited and I'm already going to have to turn away good entries, I'll go ahead close this against new applicants. I'll wait to see Violant's submission if it's ready before the end of day on Nov 3rd and then I will make selections.
Not wishing to let go of Siova completely, Rhysak holds the cuff of her sleeve and lets his light spell expire. Siova heads into the darkness of the cave, veering to the right. She clatters over the loose rocks, and stops short near the cave wall. But then a shadow shifts and the wall slashed down with a massive clawed hand, hooking into Rhysak's side and scooping him up before anyone can blink.
"Hmmm... What's this, dearie? Did you bring a present? Sweetmeats for your old Mam?" Croons a gravelly voice as the Hag ogles her prize. With skin the dark color of a deep bruise, she blends in well with the shadowy wall of the cave. Even with a grotesque hunchback she stands 12 feet tall easily with powerfully built shoulders and wickedly sharp claws.
Rhysak Escape Artist:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Rhysak squirms uselessly in her grasp. "You'll... not have her... monster!" He hisses, struggling for breath. Siova begins to make a soft keening sound in the back of her throat but takes no action.
Surprise!
-------------------
Hag - Claws and grapples Rhysak
Round 1
-------------------
Rhysak - tries to escape grapple, fails
➤The Shrike
Hag
Aurelius
Guillaume
Fellzir
Dang, probably no Gunslingers (barring Bolt Ace, I'm assuming.) Was recently reading on gunpowder's usage in torture and had ideas for an evil campaign character.
Assuming I don't get the greenlight for that, I might draft up my third Pact Witch. Hell, for obvious reasons, this time.
Yep, you'll find the bit about gunslingers in my initial post under the Class heading. That was the first GM's ruling, but I agree that it doesn't mesh.
Witches work though, in fact one of the NPCs with the party currently is a witch.
Oh, finally, GM. I will be planning on taking the Damnation feats. Is that a problem?
If ever there was an AP for them, this is it! XD
I'll stipulate that you probably want a Devil for a patron (possibly a Kyton or Asmodeus directly) and if you want to begin play with Damnation feats, your patron should be the Zebub (Accuser Devil) from Book 1 named Razelago. He works with Archbaron Fex and is already acquainted with the party.
@Veniir, looks good. Our cleric can also Craft Wondrous Items if you want to wait and save some gold on the Magic Items. Loredana is not a magic user herself, so just a little shift in the background that she would have trained you in the roguish arts and referred you to a magical tutor you can name.
@Charles Beecroft, very nice background! Same note regarding the Magic Items.
@CucumberTree, you bet! Hope you find a game you enjoy!
The halfling apparently finds elven features to be the most menacing and raises a hand to fend off their glares. "Boy, that diviner wasn't kidding. You are definitely new fish. The Aspis Consortium likes to keep an eye on Pathfinder activity. Got the order to follow you lot and relieve you of any interesting finds. Guess we needed more mercs though." He shrugs, casting a wary eye at the fighter with the greatsword.
Back at the Grand Lodge, Drandle Dreng receives you directly, eager to debrief you concerning your grand discovery. "I had a feeling about you. I'll admit I had an inkling that The Wounded Wisp still had secrets to disclose, but I never expected anything on this scale. How did you fare?"
I'd like to put a wizard into the ring, but have questions.
Firstly, what spells are are not available? (i.e. "no spells from x book", or "you must be an undine to cast an undine specific spell")
Secondly, what is the power level you are looking for?
I'll stop there for now.
I don't have any spell bans in place beyond no third party. Generally, as per Paizo guidelines, I'll prefer you own the book. And I will lean toward RAW for requirements and limitations, but given there are rules in place for creating your own spells, there is some wiggle room for customization.
Power level... Ambitious and effective? I see people dissuading "power-gaming" in their campaigns from time to time but I appreciate a well built chassis with good synergy.
CucumberTree, the background needs to be more mundane in nature. Drow are definitely not common in Cheliax and from what I know of Metatron, he would be an antagonist in this campaign.
I've not used RPG Chronicles for a game before but it's the SOP for this Gameday so here is the link to sign up.
Time for housekeeping, double check your info on the sign-up link above, looks like the XP, Prestige and Fame fields are not complete on all characters.
Jack will try to pull it but ... it's a greatsword - and the laws of momentum and inertia still apply.
We can assume that his fall allows his head to descend just enough that you can avoid separating it from his shoulders. But his ridiculous hat is toast. XD
The halfling levers himself up on an elbow to confirm that his fellows appear too senseless to be listening and still lowers his voice as he glances around nervously. "You know... the Consortium." He says, stressing the significance and flashing a bronze medallion featuring a snake eating it's own tail. ∞
You'll need an Intimidate or Diplomacy roll for more. =P
No other rival agents wait to ambush you and soon the Shrine of the Failed is repopulated by its usual attendants who greet your party with wide-eyed astonishment at the door that stands open in what they were quite certain was a solid wall. The City Watch is summoned and you are able to relinquish your captives into their custody after making a statement describing the attack.
You pass through the crowd dispersing from their gathering around the Starstone Cathedral, and many of the locals speak in hushed tones of the recent failure. Many are still horrified following Sir Reinhart’s attempt to vault the chasm on horseback, which ended with a fall into oblivion. A fair few of the laments seem to be dedicated to the memory of his horse, rather than the man himself.
I quite like the Empiricist, but not for Cimri. She's much more of a self-taught street thief/thug. That would probably be better applied to a new character.
Veniir wrote:
Oh, this screams Arcane Trickster to me. Quick question: Is the unchained rogue ok?
I will build/post a submission assuming that it is, then update it if it's not.
Further question: Wizard starts with Scribe scroll. Can I start with a few scrolls scribed by myself?
Yes, in fact I prefer the Unchained Rogue. And yes, you may begin with scrolls you have scribed, especially as long as you could have taken 10 on the crafting roll to auto-succeed.
As the martially inclined of your group converge on the pair, their combined might proves too much for these foolish would-be thieves. Ryul and Paul strike the felling blows. And if Jack doesn't pull his massive slice, that archer is SUPER dead. XD
The halfling at Cortina's feet raises his hands in the universal sign of surrender. "Just followin' orders, you know how it is." He admits with an awkward shrug from his prone posture.
That'll do it, crew! Out of Combat and that was the last encounter. Let me know what, if anything, you want to do with these fellows and I will wrap us up!
Greetings, I am hereby opening recruitment for 1-2 characters to come in on the opening of Book 2, Hell’s Vengeance: Wrath of Thrune. We currently have a 4 man team that I have been supplementing with NPCs (one of which is more like a GMPC at this point) and I would very much like to just run the opposition. XD
We are most in need of Arcane characters, but as Cimri(the GMPC we will be benching) is a rogue, that's not a bad idea either. We currently have:
Tiefling Bloodrager
Human Cleric (channels positive)
Tiefling Omdura
Human Vigilante
Running as Cimri Staelish is certainly an option and she already has a rapport with the party. She would be built to the same specs, so long as she keeps at least one level of some variety of rogue to stay true to her roots. If anyone likes this option, I will PM her background.
I’m also looking for players who will engage with social role play in our next phase. Book one cast the party as Enforcers and they played that part well. Now we are shifting to a setting where the goal is more intrigue based. Infiltrate the newly established power structure and undermine, sabotage, and manipulate from within while hopefully keeping your reputation clear of suspicion.
Quote:
Hell Hath Fury
The knightly order known as the Glorious Reclamation continues its crusade against diabolic Cheliax, conquering the town of Kantaria, where the goddess Iomedae once ruled as a mortal. The villainous adventurers, now official agents of House Thrune, must retake the town, depriving the knights of a valuable holy site. Can the evil characters earn greater infamy and prestige by dealing the Glorious Reclamation a serious defeat in their most substantial territorial gain so far, or will the knights' rebellion continue unchecked across Cheliax?
Level: Level 4, Pathfinder 1e
HP: Max first level, then roll. Minimum half HD +1
Alignment: This is an evil campaign. The most preferred evil alignment is Lawful Evil, though Neutral Evil works well too. Chaotic Evil can be a little tricky and might benefit from some generalizations about how you will play it. Lawful Neutral and Neutral may get accepted, though your characters will be expected to commit blatantly evil acts. Good alignments have no place here.
Stat Generation: 25 point buy.
Race: Cheliax is many things, but racially diverse is not one of them. Races like halfling, tieflings and gnomes are marginalized, so expect difficulty while playing as these races in Cheliax. Humans will have it easiest, though that doesn't mean I'll reject other races. We do have two tieflings in the party already, so I’m less likely to select more.
Class: Any of the core and base classes, possibly hybrids. However, gunslingers, ninjas and samurais don’t fit the theme and are going to have a hard time being accepted. Obviously, paladin is unavailable, with antipaladin taking its place. Archetypes are also allowed. Basically, the less familiar I am with a class and its mechanics, the less likely I am to select the character. Anything with a point pool is probably going to be frowned upon. Anything relying on a mount is potentially problematic too.
Traits: In addition to a Campaign Trait that you can find in the Player's Guide, you can also take another trait.
Background: Write up your character's background and history. There's no need to write something long, just something that tells about your character's history. Make sure to match the history with your character's Campaign Trait. You will be a native of Cheliax and should be well established in Kantaria rather than Longacre. Instead of Cimri Staelish, as a point of contact, you will be acquainted with Loredana Viorica, proprietress of the Little Uskwood Inn.
Starting Wealth: 6,000 gp
Background Skills: Yes
I won't put a finite time limit on this but I will be checking back frequently to answer any questions. We're doing one last combat and then I will be getting us on to Kantaria. I won't keep you waiting long once selected.
Rhysak releases his hold on Siova's arm and she lurches closer to the mouth of the cave. He takes hold of her again before she disappears inside and looks to you. "I don't see any illumination inside. I won't be able to see at all without my Light spell."
Peering into the gloom of the cave, you can see the passage travels both right and left before proceeding north. No sign of the Hag yet.
The archer and caster step out of their respective flanks. The archer turns his sights on Jack again, hoping his luck will improve against a despicable human, but is once again disappointed as his arrow flies wild.
The caster throws out his hands, calling on divine aid for himself and his fellows. His and the archers' wounds heal partially and the formerly unconscious halfling stirs at Cortina's feet.
Previous Rounds Summary:
Surprise!
--------------------
Ryul - moves, drawing weapon
Cashel - No action
??? (Blue) - stabs Jack for 4 damage
??? (Green) - stabs at Jack, misses
??? (Yellow) - steps, fires at Jack, misses
??? (Red) - casts ???
Paul - steps, drawing weapon
Cortina - casts Bit of Luck on Jack
Nal - draws ranged weapon
Round 1
--------------------
Ryul - tumbles, takes 3 damage from Green, attacks red, misses
Cashel - readies force missile vs Red
??? (Blue) - stabs Jack for 5 damage
??? (Green) - stabs at Jack, misses
??? (Yellow) - steps, fires on Ryul for 1 damage
??? (Red) - steps, casts ???
Cashel - releases force missile vs Red for 3 damage
Paul - tumbles, attacks blue, misses
Jack - steps, attacks green for 15 damage, felling him
Cortina -draws weapon, steps, attacks, misses
Nal - tumbles, double move
Round 2
--------------------
Ryul - moves, attacks Red for 5 damage
??? (Blue) - steps, attacks Nal for 5 damage
??? (Green) - fails to stabilize, -1 hp
??? (Yellow) - steps, fires on Ryul, misses
??? (Red) (-8 hp) - steps, casts ???, draws scroll
Cashel - releases force missile vs Red for 5 damage
Paul - moves, attacks Yellow for 8 damage
Jack - moves, attacks Blue for 12 damage, felling him
Cortina - moves, casts Bit of Luck on Jack
Nal - tumbles, double move
Round 3
--------------------
Ryul - moves, attacks Red for 3 damage
??? (Blue) (Prone, Disabled, -9 hp)
??? (Green) (Unconscious, Prone, Stable)
??? (Yellow) (-4 hp) - steps, fires at Jack, misses
??? (Red) (-4 hp) - steps, selective channels for 4 hp recovered
➤Cashel
➤Paul
➤Jack
➤Cortina
➤Nal
Round 4
--------------------
➤Ryul
??? (Blue)
??? (Green)
??? (Yellow)
??? (Red)
Cashel
Paul
Jack
Cortina
Nal
Everyone is up! Displaced Blue from Cortina's square as he is no longer helpless, but still prone.
Red Concentration vs DC 16:1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 2 = 20
The caster manages to complete his spell, but between Cashel's force missile and Ryul's slice, he finds himself just as wounded as he was before he cast it. And Paul's deft stab leaves the Archer clutching at his side grimacing at Ryul's critique.
Jack saunters over and lays the second halfling low just as completely as he did the first.
Siova has been unresponsive on the journey. Her eyes are open but glazed, seeming to view something distant rather than focusing on what is nearby. She stops when Rhysak takes hold of her, not struggling to escape him but merely standing placidly until she is unimpeded once more.
It's hard for you to judge what Siova will do, she is in some kind of trance and definitely not her normal self. If she is answering the call, as Rhysak suggests, she would likely proceed straight to the Hag, which might serve as a distraction. Annis Hags are stronger in physique, not so much in magic, so she is unlikely to be able to turn Siova against you since it would take a substantial charm effect to pull that off.
And yes, you can have acquired blunt ammunition.
The halfling in Blue takes a step to remove himself from such a surrounded position. He shifts his focus to Nal and strikes a substantial blow with his rapier. Nal takes 5 piercing damage and should currently be at 4 hp.
The elf steps east and fires again at Ryul, but misses badly.
The human caster in Red steps away from Ryul and casts upon himself again and then draws a scroll from his belt.
Spellcraft DC 16:
He cast Cure Light Wounds.
Previous Rounds Summary:
Surprise!
--------------------
Ryul - moves, drawing weapon
Cashel - No action
??? (Blue) - stabs Jack for 4 damage
??? (Green) - stabs at Jack, misses
??? (Yellow) - steps, fires at Jack, misses
??? (Red) - casts ???
Paul - steps, drawing weapon
Cortina - casts Bit of Luck on Jack
Nal - draws ranged weapon
Round 1
--------------------
Ryul - tumbles, takes 3 damage from Green, attacks red, misses
Cashel - readies force missile vs Red
??? (Blue) - stabs Jack for 5 damage
??? (Green) - stabs at Jack, misses
??? (Yellow) - steps, fires on Ryul for 1 damage
??? (Red) - steps, casts ???
Cashel - releases force missile vs Red for 3 damage
Paul - tumbles, attacks blue, misses
Jack - steps, attacks green for 15 damage, felling him
Cortina -draws weapon, steps, attacks, misses
Nal - tumbles, double move
Round 2
--------------------
Ryul - moves, attacks Red for 5 damage
??? (Blue) - steps, attacks Nal for 5 damage
??? (Green) - fails to stabilize, -1 hp
??? (Yellow) - steps, fires on Ryul, misses
??? (Red) (-8 hp) - steps, casts ???, draws scroll
➤Cashel
➤Paul
➤Jack
➤Cortina
➤Nal
Round 3
--------------------
➤Ryul
??? (Blue)
??? (Green)
??? (Yellow)
??? (Red)
Cashel
Paul
Jack
Cortina
Nal
Everyone is up! If Cashel deals damage to Red, he will force a Concentration check and may disrupt the spell.
Also, I believe that Cashel should be placed before Red in initiative order:
Ready action wrote:
(...) Your initiative result changes. For the rest of the encounter, your initiative result is the count on which you took the readied action, and you act immediately ahead of the character whose action triggered your readied action. (Source)
Unfortunately, I use block initiative to make things simpler/faster for PbP, but I will continue to allow Cashel the potential to disrupt Red's casting if he chooses.
Jack's powerful slice fells the halfling in Green with one blow. He crumples to the floor, bleeding out.
Ryul slashes at the caster, but only parts the air.
Cashel prepares to hopefully disrupt the caster with his spell-like ability.
The pair of halflings needle Jack again, trading off which one strikes true. The sturdy fighter now showing blood from two wounds. Jack takes 5 more piercing damage. He should be at 11 hp currently.
The elf in the ridiculous hat steps to fire on Ryul, scoring a hit, but only for glancing damage. Ryul takes 1 more piercing damage, he should be at 11 hp currently, also.
The human caster sees the threat from the looming Elven Curve Blade and takes a step toward apparent safety and begins to cast again, only to be impacted by Cashel's force missile. He grits his teeth in concentration against the pain, however, and maintains his spell to completion.
Spellcraft DC 16:
He cast Entropic Shield successfully.
Surprise Round Summary:
Surprise!
--------------------
Ryul - moves, drawing weapon
Cashel - No action
??? (Blue) - stabs Jack for 4 damage
??? (Green) - stabs at Jack, misses
??? (Yellow) - steps, fires at Jack, misses
??? (Red) - casts ???
Paul - steps, drawing weapon
Cortina - casts Bit of Luck on Jack
Nal - draws ranged weapon
Round 1
--------------------
Ryul - tumbles, takes 3 damage from Green, attacks red, misses
Cashel - readies force missle vs Red
??? (Blue) - stabs Jack for 5 damage
??? (Green) - stabs at Jack, misses
??? (Yellow) - steps, fires on Ryul for 1 damage
??? (Red) - steps, casts ???
Cashel - releases force missle vs Red for 3 damage
➤Paul
➤Jack
➤Cortina
➤Nal
Round 2
--------------------
➤Ryul
??? (Blue)
??? (Green)
??? (Yellow)
??? (Red) (-3 hp)
Cashel
Paul
Jack
Cortina
Nal
Everyone but Cashel is up, his order in initiative has been adjusted in round 2 due to readied action.
Cimri opts to stay behind and take care of such mundane tasks as seeing to her late Aunt's burial and what remains of her family's estate.
Siova's demeanor seems haunted by her nightmares, even during the daylight hours. She says the pull is stronger now and she fears that it means the hag is coming closer to concentrate her influence and force Siova to answer the call. That night, it seems less like she falls asleep to dream and more like she sinks into a sort of trance. Eyes wide and rolling in their sockets like a panicked animal, she stumbles to her feet and begins an unsteady journey through the Whisperwood. Rhysak follows close behind her, lighting the path for himself and Fellzir with the spell on his quarterstaff.
After several hours, he reaches out to stall Siova with a hand grasping her arm. "Up ahead, is that an entrance to a cave? I expect you can see through this darkness better than I, even with the spell." He says to the pair of tieflings.
Map is ready!Let me know how you want to proceed, scouting, buffs, stealth, let Siova go first, have Rhysak hold her back, etc. You can all still grab a bludgeoning weapon on the way out of town if you wish.
Rhysak shares his theory again that this is an Annis or Black Hag. "They are quite strong and have tough hides that are resistant to blades. So blunt damage is the way to go, if possible." He advises.
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