Khiari flashes confusion for a moment before Bella shakes her head and returns some of the stew back to the pot while Madame Rosemont isn't looking.
Deroff and Miladistra evade most of the splinters. She looks at the yellow splinter and points her finger at it and the Red Cap with the Green pants. She unleashes a >Lightning Bolt< across the two, dealing electric damage. "I'll... stay right here." Deroff growls and decides to bite a twig.
"Unhand me, you brut-" Bella can't help but make a pun as the hand with a Blue wrist wraps around her throat.
She scowls at the Hexeren bids her to die. Step 1 is to rid herself of this hand.
Then she follows up with a performance against the Hexeren. If she can speak, she clicks her heels and dances. If she's free of the hand she begins to mockingly sing at Hexeren.
If the Blue Hand is still active:
Bella swings again at the hand, hoping to hack it to pieces.
If the Blue Hand is gone: Khiari notices the hand crawling around. She will move 2 squares up and 1 square left to block its path. "Hey Roark! We gotta flank this thing!" She tries to catch her breath.
"There ya go!" Miladistra cheers as the vines break and Voth is able to move for the first time in... who knows how long. "How about you rest up while we keep the forces away. Take yer time!" She waves goodbye before following the rest of the team. Deroff's yowl is her first warning to danger. The cat is on fire. What is this thing? Didn't Valais Durant mention something about a flaming cat?
As the arrow flies through one of Kaz's images, Itka decides she needs to slow the archer down. Her shadow forms into a flyswatter, complete with a half-orc hand that proceeds to slap the archer silly. "Oh cool! It's following me!" She buzzes cheerily despite her new bruises. Cal holds his ground and takes 12 damage of intense heat. He follows up with his own slice, critically slicing the cat. He then makes a quip that causes the archer to giggle, but the cat completely ignores it. Maybe it doesn't understand what he's saying. His followup swings wide. Harsk hits the cat once and the cat yowls as the cold iron sinks a little deeper into the cat's hide.
Kaz decides to fly both the cat and the butterfly. The Elanax evades most of the blast but the woman is unable to avoid it. BakBat backs Kaz up with an insult followed by scorching ray that almost knocks her out of the sky. "Question!" She raises a hand. "Do you think I'll come back as a stinky rat? Or maybe a garbage-eating seagull? Anyone wants to take bets?"
Kibbles and bits and bits and bits
Bella introduces her "Be the Best Guest" routine to the locals, hoping to pick up a few of their favorite whistles while they work.
Practice makes perfect. In the morning, she enters Kline's sparse living arrangement and makes mental notes of where he should add the throw pillows. He may be excellent with the sword but without the style, what's the point? "Sounds like we're going to escort a potent artifact. My knowledge about Zura is... lacking but I agree with Madame Rosemont. A demonic vampire lord sounds like trouble." "Good thing you chose the best people for the job!" Khiari grins.
Bella rubs her temples and takes off her glasses to focus her vision. "Such repugnant creatures." With the rush of battle gone, Bella frowns. "They kept reminding me of... my father's demise." Khiari lays her non-fungal arm across Bella's shoulders. "It is fine, sister." Bella smiles briefly. "Our father was a minor fey nobleman, cursed to live his days within a castle, on the condition he finds true love. Our mother hailed from the nearby village, she was tired of his rudeness and hoped to teach him a lesson. Instead, they both learned true love. She thought he would turn into a human when the curse was broken..." Bella smiles and has to hide her mouth with her hand to maintain her composure. "A few years ago we found a dagger in his backside. Cold-forged iron. My sister found him first." As Bella continues, Khiari squeezes her shoulder. "I was second. Such a great man, struck down... and we still don't know why." "Those... rats or... fly traps or... I'm not sure what they really are. The point is, they forced me to focus on it, to relive the moment. A pox on them." She stands up and returns her glasses.
Itka quickly picks out the rotten mead and Pathfinder agents quickly clear them away. Urwal sniffs at some of the grains. "Ah, excellent work. Now we'll be well fed." Kaz quickly sorts the vials by magical tradition, color, height, and taste (tart to sweet.) Zak disagrees with the tasting, but Itka points out it's usually safe to sample vials. Cal's speech grabs the neophytes' attention and soon forms into a crowd, eager to help him and any Pathfinders they can. But especially Cal. Harsk grabs a few crates and quickly moves them into place, earning Venture-Captain Khoumrock Blackthane's thanks. "Make sure they don't tip over... good, perfect!" The team reconvenes and realizes they have a few rewards to acquire:
Inishish looks around the delegation. "After deliberation, we have decided your terms are very fair. The Council of Ekkeshikaar will ratify the agreement as it is written. We hope to learn more from Vidrian, and we hope this is the first of many steps to prosperity." Casilro Benarry pulls out a victory flask. You wonder if it would have been a consolation flask if negotiations didn't go well, or there was a storm, or if it were Tuesday. "A toast to a job well done!" She takes the first drink before pulling out a few shot glasses. "Time to party. Good job, everyone." "Good news, everyone!" Lashweather butts in and takes a shot without asking. "Oooh, minty. Where was I? Oh yes. Bouldstrom admitted the Cho'ataan may have spoken to me wisely. Now, I may be able to harness enough astrological energy to empower a legion of superiruxi, capable of conquering any other team in a game of Exuto. It's good timing, as the Globetrotters may return any day now! I could use some volunteers to practice my Cho'ataan granted abilities upon." He grins in your direction...
What do you have that we want?
"You are self-sufficient for now, but what about the next generation or even next year. Droughts happen, mines become depleted, a forest burns, and then what? The law of supply and demand takes over. You'll pay a premium then for what you could have obtained at a reasonable price now." Jekka nods and turns to the crowd, prompting a wave of hurried whispers. Shulkuru keeps quiet and sits down, unable to think up an adequate response. We trade with Droon
"As for Droon, one cannot live their life in fear. The way to not be under threat from another country is not to cow to their whims but instead of prove your strength and value." Inishish grins as the audience reels back in awe of Samantha's bravado. "Well said. Droon relies on many of our crops and see them as a fine delicacy. They know they do not have a monopoly and cannot demand who we trade with. If Vidrian displays the will and bravery you are showing, I think we will enjoy the competition!" It's not clear if Inishish prompted this response or if they are rolling with it. The conversations come to an end, and the iruxi councilors stand. "Excuse us while we begin deliberations on finalizing the deal. Please be patient with us." They move to a room underground before the captain of the guard closes the door and stands nearby. "Well, that went well." Mirian Raas kicks her feet up on the table and leans back, earning a shocked look from Eras. Calisro seems more offended she didn't think of the idea first and follows suit. After an hour or so, Captain Hazar looks down at the door and shouts out. "Attention: The council have returned. Please be seated!" He opens the door and the council members emerge, returning to their seats.
"Incredible!" Leilin claps as you step off the ankylosauruses. "This will help us greatly against... them. We must reclaim what they've taken from us." She looks solemn. "Absolutely nothing." She turns back to you. "But as for you... to the winner, take this belt." She presents a belt to Radim. "We call it a >lifting belt<. When you focus, you can lift very heavy objects overhead." She turns to Samantha. "We have a smaller cash reward for you. Spend it during the game and wish us good luck." "Give a big round of applause for the foreign dignitaries!" Leilin riles the crowd into an excited cheer. Already some of the iruxi are approaching you for autographs, while others have left the stadium to spread word of your escapades.
Rysk is correct. Whether or not you choose Hard Mode, the ritual mechanics and reward are the same. Everyone, feel free to place yourselves on slide 5. I'll get us started on the ritual tomorrow.
Rysk and Samantha, have a hero point!
"Professor?" Lumki nudges the snoring Pirate turned Professor turned Observer. He said he would only need a moment to revel in his victory over his rival, so she assumed he would leave the auditorium. This wasn't the first time he fell asleep after a public meeting and it probably wouldn't be the last time. She pulls out a portable blanket and wraps it over him. "Goodnight, Professor." She accepts his abrupt snort as a form of thanks, and makes her way out. For now, Lashweather's mind is one with the stars...
"Of course, Kazuuk." Bella bows. "I'm certain you recall some of the details of our previous visit. We cleared some of the ruins, and encountered a strange skeletal creature in the image of a snake."
Khiari catches on and begins to slither her torso as she walks through the room. Bella continues her story. "The snake tried to distract us with a strange motion-" Khiari begins to shake herself like the skeleton. "My sister was briefly struck witless." Khiari frowns at the mistruth and hip checks Bella without prompt.
"As you can imagine, it would have ambushed us in our distracted state." Bella recovers her posture just in time for Khiari's follow up bump. "But with teamwork and perseverance, we were able to overcome our foe."
Bella quickly cartwheels as Khiari approaches her space. It isn't as sleek as she hoped for. "These are the qualities of Pathfinders. We succeeded once, and we'll succeed again." She sidesteps and catches Khiari's shoulder. "Sister, you can stop playing the part of the aggressor." Khiari sticks out her tongue before loosening up.
"And here's more plaster for you- and for you- and..." Pandir thanks Foremother Meredith for her gifts. Or maybe it is Gozreh? Pandir can figure out the details later. The party is loud, as usual, but the hermitage spends their time reconciling what happened. The Blighted Temptation made their mark, and damaged the temple badly. They will have to rebuild. In the mean time, the Abbot approaches Pandir and holds the scratched symbol of Gozreh. "Ah, yes... we lost too many to that... creature." He hands Pandir a similar symbol, but it is intact. "Be well, Pandir. Normally I would ask you to join us at the retreat, Gozreh already has gifted you with some abilities. Know we are always thankful for what you did." Pandir fiddles with the holy symbol before finding some place to display it. These kinds of necklaces are not well built for bulbous heads. "Thank you, Abbot of Hermits. I will keep both symbols, to remind me to remain strong. And to remind me of the destructive forces at play." She bows, which is difficult when you're this top heavy. "Oh! Daughter of the Mayor mentioned some kind of sacred symbol. It must be protected. What is it, if I may ask?"
Once Miss Rosefinch has finished kicking the Blighted Temptation, Pandir unplants herself. "Ah, excuse me. We are looking for the mayor's daughter." She begins using Healing Plaster to heal any immediate injuries, but she suspects the people here are exhausted.
So this is my first time dealing with >Follow the Expert< and I just want to make sure about something: You get to apply your level as a proficiency bonus to the roll, even if you're untrained. That doesn't mean you add your proficiency bonus twice, it just means your bonus is (level + stat.) You also add a +2 bonus since Celestia is an Expert in Diplomacy. So for Azu, I'd expect 6 + 0 + 2 = 8 bonus.
I'd expect Thrass to have a +7 bonus to Diplomacy if he tries.
Khiari sashays up to Roark. "Have you thought of a grass skirt? I know a few faeries who can make one." She shakes her hips. "I bet you could wrap it around your tail. I prefer to keep mine out, but you do you."
The basilisks have 2 different DCs for their 2 types of petrifying glares, so in round 2 I messed up the DCs by combining them together. If the basilisk spends actions to petrify, the DC is 22.
Sickened reduces the DCs to 21 and 19. The GM screwed up, so it works in your favor. Azu: You are refunded 1 hero point. Your first Fort Save beat DC 19, and your second roll beat DC 21. Sylvia: You are not slowed 1. Your first Fort Save beat DC 19.
Spoiler:
Sylvia is certain these are basilisks. If you can see them, their gaze can turn you to stone. The good news is you can bathe a recently petrified victim in freshly-killed basilisk blood to reverse the effect. 3 medium sized people can restored with one dead basilisk. Basilisks are relatively slow, but they can react by staring at you before you can act. They can also spend time actively staring at you. Closing your eyes, blinding them or diving behind cover can avert their gaze. Recalling this, Sylvia produces a cloud of noxious gas to block their vision.
"My apologies, madam." Salera stiffens up and properly bows. "I keep testing him like this and he fails frequently. It is improper." Salera remembers her time in the court and the many, many lessons her mother gave her. Jiggo, meanwhile turns a shade of pink as he pulls out a comb to fix hair. "Oh! Sorry. Normally she isn't like this. I mean, she can be who she wants to be, of course. But..." Jiggo is tongue-tied while Salera fails to fight a grin. Desperate to switch subjects, he offers a hand to Enrax. "Good to see you! Hopefully we can get the details of this mission quickly."
"Yeah, don't forget me." Sherix pipes up and flutters her wings. "If you have a spare wand of Cure Light Wounds, it can help. I do want a fancy bow, though..."
Manny calls upon Shylye to grant him the ability to read Abyssal. And promptly regrets it. "Uh huh... uh huh... ugh... that's kind of creative, honestly, I wanna write that one down... Yikes!" "So, abyssal curses. Tons of 'em. No direct target, they just want you to rot in the Abyss. One odd compliment, they hope I burn slightly brighter than the rest when my soul is tossed into the river of flames." He shrugs. "Sounds like we have a poem to finish." Manny keeps thinking about how to finish what he just read - fun challenge. "Did someone say they saw a ship in the distance? May as well check it out."
Please click >HERE< to download your chronicle sheets and check for errors. As Severus Snape mentioned, you don't get Downtime. You do get 1 XP and 4 gp, however. Since we finished before the end of PbP Gameday XI, I'm going to report it to them so we can get some bonus points. Whether it looks good to you or not, drop a reply. Once it looks good to everyone, I'll report the game as complete.
"You wish to lecture me on the history of my nation?" Deka listens to Severus's lesson with a bemused look on her face. "But yes, the Vidric Revolution ended Chileax's hold on this blessed land. Feelings are... mixed at best." She smiles when the bartender offers her and Ulvard another mug. "But a drink? Ulvard knows the finer points of diplomacy. Come, sit." Demed relaxes as the bartender offers another mug, thanks to Nikma. "Right, Pathfinders. I've heard of the organization. Traveling the world and such. They must keep you busy."
- Looking for a short scenario?
I'm going to GM Bounty 9: Fishing in Anthusis. Click on the >Sign Up page< and add your name to the list. Room for 6, but I'll start once I see 4 level 1 characters sign up. This is a repeatable scenario, so you can play it with a new character, even if you played it already.
As a reminder, in second edition you usually do not have an Attack of Opportunity unless you are a >Fighter< or you have the >Attack of Opportunity< feat, or some ability that lets you spend your reaction on an AoO. The Skeleton champions do have AoOs, so they can punish you for moving around them or casting somatic spells within their reach.
Bella and Khiari spend dinner acting their favorite play, Besting Beauty. A rousing tale of an ugly man stuck in a castle with a beautiful but self-obsessed woman, cursed to see everyone but herself.
The sisters are quite cheerful and manage to slip several songs, with More Guests for Me! as the highlight. Bella and Khiari flop into their beds. "Good night, sister..." Bella falls asleep almost immediately. Khiari stays up writing a report about the Chief Thakik's tribe and customs. In the morning, Bella stretches, Khiari recites her report as Bella proofreads and critiques it. As they reach the underground caverns, Bella pulls out a torch. "Pays to be prepared. I do wish I had my sister's knack for magic." Khiari grins, twinkles her nose. Pause. Twinkles her nose again. "Uh... my magic doesn't work here, sis. Maybe part of the ritual?"
Remembering how Drockhar danced with death last time, Cirri takes no chances. She moves up to him and casts >Stoneskin< (Heightened +2). "Against the roaring seas and howling winds, a stone spire stands tall!"
"For 20 minutes or so."
I say we guarantee 2 Feathers.
Nal and Topias, have a hero point!
The Pathfinder Dossier lists 10 agents last seen entering Goldenflame. Each sack has a single name for them. Ardyl Loralin:
Home: Iadara, Kyonin Ancestry: Elf Background: The youngest in a family of wealthy museum curators, Ardyl Loralin embraced her family’s legacy, devoting all her time reading about different cultures and regions all across Golarion. This childlike curiosity and passion led her to join the Pathfinder Society, believing that the Society could help her discover the rarest and most unusual treasures the world has ever known. A devout adherent of Findeladlara, the elven goddess of art, Ardyl seeks out ever more glorious finds. Through her adventures, she has developed keen scouting senses and a sure shot with the bow, and despite her somewhat spoiled attitude, she is not one to be underestimated. Bryrigar Hassen:
Home: Tymon Ancestry: Half-orc Background: Bryrigar Hassen was raised by the arena, becoming a powerful gladiator at a young age in his birth city-state of Tymon, striking fear into the hearts of foes with his rage and his mighty punches. Yet his interest in the arena waned, as few could muster even the most minimal challenge for him. This did not go unnoticed, and eventually Bryrigar was recruited by the secret Pathfinder Society lodge in Tymon. Bryrigar now journeys across Golarion looking for ever more glorious challenges, in accordance with his Gorumite values. Clement Marten:
Home: Oppara, Taldor Ancestry: Human Background: A minor noble from Taldor, Clement Marten grew up in the shadow of the higher-ranked nobility that control Taldor. Wanting to escape the stagnation and lack of social mobility, Clement joined the Pathfinder Society to explore the world and experience all it has to offer. Always over the top, Clement is known to appreciate the finery associated with the Taldan party scene, dressing in the finest clothing and enjoying the most decadent food and drink every town has to offer. Having taken dueling classes as a youth, Clement employs his rapier with a deft and sure hand. Dargim Margrenstrom:
Home: Highhelm, Five Kings Mountains Ancestry: Dwarf Background: Eking out a threadbare existence in Highhelm was not how Dargrim Margenstrom thought his life would go. He found a new opportunity to use his adept command over alchemy and the forge with the Pathfinder Society, and he now fights foes with alchemical fire and frost vial alike, creates sturdy and sharp weaponry, and enjoys pints of ale with the eclectic folk he meet on adventures. Although he rarely returns home, he carries it with him in the form of a warhammer stylized to appear as that of the Father of Creation, Torag. Gibb Potsmasher:
Home: Absalom Ancestry: Goblin Background: Formerly a mischievous orphan terrorizing the streets of the Puddles district in Absalom with her pyrotechnic prowess, Gibb has become somewhat respectable as a wizard in the Pathfinder Society. Taken in by priests of a temple of Sarenrae in Absalom, Gibb learned that even she could be forgiven for her transgressions and vowed to use her talents for good. On recommendations from the church, Gibb joined the Pathfinder Society, where she is known as a rambunctious yet highly skilled wizard in her own right. Kailli Thimbleberry:
Home: Absalom Ancestry: Gnome Background: Regarded as unfocused and undisciplined in school, the rambunctious Kailli Thimbleberry found herself in music, donning loud outfits and putting on jaunty fiddle performances to the delight and annoyance of visitors to the Merchant’s Quarter in Absalom. Wanting to discover stages the world around, Kailli took up with the Pathfinder Society in the hopes of gaining troves of adoring fans. She enjoys visiting large cities, particularly urban centers in which her deity Shelyn is worshipped, where she can aim to impress even the most discerning listeners. Larraz Virtanne:
Home: Katapesh, Katapesh Ancestry: Half-orc Background: Despite his parents’ best efforts, Larraz Virtanne had no intention of pursuing secondary education, preferring to further his connection with animals and practice his druidic magic. Shortly after his graduation from a small private academy in Katapesh, Larraz joined the Pathfinder Society, eager to adventure the world and see what wonders nature had to offer. An adherent of the Wind and the Waves, Larraz honors Gozreh by traveling with a horse partner, Desert Wind, and wearing a tattoo of a dripping leaf, the religious symbol of the faith. Osprey Pierces the Tide:
Home: Urglin, Varisia Ancestry: Human Background: The warrior-diplomat Osprey Pierces the Tide of the Shriikirri-Quah was tasked to facilitate relations with the orcs of Urglin. When necessary, Osprey Pierces the Tide’s fists become mighty weapons, and orcs who have seen his combat prowess certainly factor that into negotiations. Osprey Pierces the Tide joined the Pathfinder Society in hopes of furthering diplomatic relations between the Shoanti and the rest of the Inner Sea region. Osprey Pierces the Tide prefers to live modestly and travel lightly, preferring freedom from material triviality. Raelyn Mumblewort:
Home: Yanmass, Taldor Ancestry: Halfling Background: Playing the trade routes of Yanmass can be competitive indeed, and the self-made Raelyn Mumblewort dealt with the best of them. She dreamed of exploring the world in search of all manner of finery and strange trinkets, and the Pathfinder Society was just the group to throw her lot in with. Sporting a religious symbol in the shape of a key, Raelyn calls upon her deity Abadar to guide her business dealings and bless her spells when she is required to fight. Zinno Dark Hook:
Home: Absalom Ancestry: Goblin Background: The brash former Captain Zinno Dark Hook was captured in an ill-fated attempt to commandeer a slaver ship, after which they were shipped to Misery Row in Absalom. After escaping in a fortuitous moment, Zinno found the Grand Lodge, where they set about finding a new crew for their pirate adventures. Zinno has found a love for land-based adventuring, but they still sport their signature eye patch and wooden boot, and they honor Besmara the Pirate Queen by carrying a ragged skull-and-crossbones pennant. In combat, Zinno prefers to rely on tricks, diverting foes’ attention and making sneaky strikes with their dogslicer.
"Whoa! Another tower..." Cirri looks up, and up, and up. "I'm gonna fly atop one of those one of these days." "Oooh! Is that a lake?" She points East to F15. "Let's go there!" Survey Wildlife:
"Six feet... oh, but if I were buried, would I sprout?" Pandir wonders about the riddle Friend Katala presented. Eventually she responds with a "Oh! Sister Venus said it will not work in such a way. And it would take too long to help you."
With all of this free time, Pandir searches the dead tree pulp room for more clues.
"Oh hey. Frogs. Big frogs." Khiari adjusts her eyesight. "I think I remember these. Something about their special attacks. One sec..." Bella takes the moment to move up to the tree trunk and begins rapping her knuckles on it, trying to create a percussive rhythm that will fascinate the toad.
Khiari calls out. "Sis. That's too loud for a mating call. Not every frog is a cursed prince."
"Shhhh..." Khiari puts a finger in front of her lips before rubbing her temples. She covers her ears as Meat Wagon kicks into gear. "Ugh, everything is so loud..."
"Yes, we will find that entertaining mushroom." Bella grins as Khiari groans. "Good day to you." "Best to travel in the morning. Let us hope our ally is used to sleeping outdoors." Bella spends the night jealous of Roark. He's probably getting the foot massage of a lifetime right about now. Or maybe a feast fit for a duke. The bed must be so soft and fluffy. Bella feels her bed and has to even out some of the straw manually. Khiari stumbles into the room, reeking of barley and ale. "Man, they got some good stuff. One drink made my hairs stand on end. Phew!" She plops on the ground, next to bed and burps. "G'night, sis. Love ya. Bedbugs are cute." --- In the morning, Khiari asks Finn to pass the pink stuff as she manages to drink some. "Ugh! It's like you dissolved a bunch of rocks in water. Hey sis, you want some? I'll make it bubbly, just the way you like it." Bella rolls her eyes. "I warned you not to drink too much." She takes another spoonful of cereal. "Once we are on the road, I shall scout ahead. Khiari is a bit too... sick to help in that regard."
"Oh, that is so cool! I mean, I can swim underwater like I can walk and hold my breath for so long, but you're like... one with the ocean. I have so many questions to ask-" Max grunts as his arrows fly into the mist. "Oh, right, we're dueling. Sorry. Maybe I can ask afterwards!" She turns to Drockhar. "Should we keep hanging back? The mist should fade away real soon." Cirri takes cover behind a tree and raises her shield.
|
