GM PaleDim's Glories of the Past

[GM PaleDim]

Entering the tunnels you walk along uneventfully for fifteen minutes or so.

The monotony of cavern terrain—gray sand, gray walls, and gray rocks—is broken by the appearance of a fierce banner as the tunnels open into a slightly wider stretch of cavern. At the cavern’s center, a standard constructed from a column of giant vertebrae is planted into the sandy floor. An intact femur forms the standard’s cross beam, and a sheet of purple cloth hangs from its knobby prominences. An image of an orc skull almost entirely encircled by coiled spinal column is emblazoned across the banner’s center.

See slides for visual.

DC 12 Knowledge (nobility):

You identify the banner as that of the Broken Spine Clan, a violent tribe of orcs with a deep-seeded hate of humans—and of members of the Pathfinder Society in particular.

DC 15 Knowledge (local or religion):

You recognize that the placement of the banner in the cavern is a sort of ritual challenge.

What do you do?

[Lebraerio Hantwell]

Kno Nobs: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (20) + 8 + (4) = 32
Know Religion: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 10 + (2) = 16

Beware. THat banner here, as Marianna can probably attest due to her training as a knight, is a formal and ritual challenge, from the Broken Spire Clan, who unfortunatly hates humans in general, with a double serving of hate for any member of the Society. Equal rights to hate, without regard toward race, in a sense.

[Juis Helfro]

"Guess there will probably be no way to avoid a fight."

[Inira McCullagh]

Knowledge, religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

"I don't think we can stop, so I suppose we just keep going?"

In any case, Inira grabs an arrow and readies her bow for trouble.

[GM PaleDim]

As you carefully continue on, approaching the banner to pass by it, a sinister laugh echoes throughout the cavern.

“Pinkskins! I told you, Kogan! I may not be able to see them before you, but I can smell their perfumed skin long before you spot them.” Emerging from the shadows, a large orc with prominent lower tusks, milky white eyes, and innumerable scars steps forward and snorts contemptuously.

“And what’s more, I reckon these pinkskins are the Pathfinders we were expecting.” A toothy grin spreads across the orc’s meaty face as the guttural laughs of several more orcs echo off the cavern walls. He continues, “I am Magra of the Broken Spine Clan. I demand to know what right Pathfinders have to cross into the Hold of Belkzen and pass beneath Urgir’s walls—all without the protection of the clans. It is especially galling when your Society owes me so much gold!”

The hidden orcs laugh again, and impossibly, his grin widens. “And before you let your itchy weapon hands get the better of you, know that I have an entire clan of brothers in Urgir who expect me back soon and know where to come find me. If they fail to find me alive, rest assured that they will find you.”

What do you do?

[Tabar]

Tabar is clearly irritated and steps forward.

"I sincerely believe that your discriminating words are completely out of line! I mean look at me Magra, I have no pink skin! So yes, we are Pathfinders and yes we have crossed into your territory but the overseer of the Bloodworks himself gave us permission and even provided us with a guide to get here! I personally will not give you gold but maybe we can come to a peaceful conclusion here. Is there potentially something else that we can do receive your blessing to continue on our path?" Tabar asks the orc leader.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

[Juis Helfro]

"As my friend has stated, perhaps there is something besides gold that would earn your blessing on our path."

Diplomacy (Aid Other): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

[GM PaleDim]

Magra chuckles at the claims and shares a contemptuous glance with Kogan.

Ploog? He has no power here. He gave you a slave either because you beat him or it benefited him. Only time will tell.

He focuses in on Tabar before continuing. Diplomacy check failed

Now that you bring up the Bloodworks... whatever deal you had with Ploog had an unintended consequence on our clan. You see, things are suppose to go a certain way and Vroth the champion didn't win. You were supposed to die that day and make me some money. So, either you will pay me that money. One-thousand gold coins will do. I know the Society is well funded, so between all of you, I'm sure you can come up with it. Be quick though.

He looks at each of you expectantly and a din of laughing orcs rises from the surrounding darkness.

[Tabar]

Tabar shakes his head.

"Have you ever heard of a risk and return ratio? Well, you should have because you obviously are a gambler. So please understand that you betting on Vroth was the risk that you personally took so you are responsible for you loss. And please also consider the risk that you take in case you consider to attack us and what you will get in return. I believe that you should rather pack your belongings and go home. I think what happened to Vroth should not happen to you!" the little ratfolk says with full sincerity.

Sorry, I assume this means combat but Tabar has a certain attitude that makes paying this amount impossible.

[GM PaleDim]

You will not pass without paying. Do you refuse? His confident smile never breaks as he stares down the Ratfolk.

I can see where this is headed, but 1. want to give others a chance to weigh in, and 2. there's actually a *little* more than all-out chaos erupting after this.

[Lebraerio Hantwell]

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 4 + (6) = 16
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 7 + (1) = 13 Wanted to know if he was lying about his whole tribe knowing his whereabouts, but I guess I won't know for sure

You made a miscalculation about your odds of winning. It happens.You learn everyday. Maybe you should be angry against Ploog, if he underestimated our fighting prowess.. or worse, lied to you to pocket your gold.

Bluff: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 4 + (6) = 21

[Juis Helfro]

"Perhaps there is something we can do for you that doesn't involve the exchange of gold."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

[GM PaleDim]

Magra's grin only deepens as he sees that you can't or won't pay (for the moment).

Since you will not pay your debts, there is one other honorable option available to you: a test of strength! Choose a champion from amongst you. The champion of the Broken Spine Clan is Kogan! Your pink pasty champion may cry for mercy at any time, but then beware that the debt remains!

His descriptor is an obvious slight against Tabar. Continuing in his grim tone, he adds

I warn you, Kogan will not ask for mercy, and likely not need it...

He looks at each of you in turn.

So, who will it be?

[Tabar]

Tabar grins.

“Chaldira is known to charge into battles without much planning, and as a result I’m willing to do so as well!! And I’m not pink!!“

[Marianna Nicos]

In response, Marianna just steps forward, drawing her sword as she does so. "Fine, if you are so intent on wasting more life for your wounded pride, so be it," she utters, eyes darting around for this Kogan. "Where is this champion of yours?"

My apologies, but Marianna's oaths refuse to let her allow another in the party to put themselves in harm's way, while she's on the sidelines. That said, the second that she sees this Kogan, she's Challenging him.

[Tabar]

Tabar steps back.

“He is all yours lady! You honor my goddess!“ he says smiling and clapping.

[Juis Helfro]

Juis walks up to Marianna and moves very close to her, to hid the fact he is touching her back with his holy symbol and whispers in her ear just loud enough for only her to make out his words.

"May Irori bless you in the challenge.

Cast Bless on Marianna.

Bluff on Orcs (if needed): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

[Tabar]

Tabar touches Marianna's sword when the opponent appears.

The sword is now orc bane with +2 to hit and damage and additional +2d6 damage for 1 minute.

Using Legacy Weapon (Su) and 1 point of transmutation mental focus:

As a standard action, you can expend 1 point of mental focus and touch a weapon to grant it an enhancement bonus. The bonus is equal to 1 + 1 for every 6 occultist levels you possess (to a maximum of +4 at 18th level). Enhancement bonuses gained by this ability stack with those of the weapon, to a maximum of +5. You can also imbue the weapon with any one weapon special ability with an equivalent enhancement bonus less than or equal to your maximum bonus by reducing the granted enhancement bonus by the appropriate amount. The item must have an enhancement bonus of at least +1 (from the item itself or from legacy weapon) to gain a weapon special ability. In either case, these bonuses last for 1 minute.

[Juis Helfro]

Nice. Marianna is going to have a +3 to hit and a +2d6+2 damage.

[GM PaleDim]

Very well! I hope your armor is as effective as it is shiny!

Magra rests his greataxe in front of him and leans on it in a relaxed manner, while Kogan takes a more tense, prepared stance with his falchion pointed forward!

Initiative:

Marianna: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Kogan: 1d20 ⇒ 16 Bonus hidden

[u]NOTE[/u] There are many other figures on the map right now (per earlier descriptions when you first encountered Magra). They are simply squares you cannot occupy, BUT they do [u]NOT[/u] provide Kogan with flank, nor can the rest of your party interact or provide flank without breaking the deal. You can tell that the orcs are going to honor the terms of this test of strength and NOT interfere.

Kogan's face remains focused on the cavalier as he navigates the tight space and arrives next to the menacing flag, ready to duel with her. He makes one strong slash toward her, swinging from behind his back and downward at her shoulders.

GM Screen:

mwk falchion attack, S damage: 1d20 ⇒ 192d4 + 9 ⇒ (1, 1) + 9 = 11
confirm?, S damage: 1d20 ⇒ 192d4 + 9 ⇒ (2, 1) + 9 = 12
Bonus is hidden, but obviously at least +6

The blade catches her shoulder, and seem to sink deep drawing much blood. At first it feels like a mighty hammer slamming down on her, just before the sharp pain arrives.

This orc does not smirk or revel in his success and seems to remain focused on the task at hand, quickly resetting the position of his blade held out in front of him. A pool of blood forms under Marianna's foot, and another under where his blade is held between them.

Round 1
Bold may act

Kogan
Marianna -23 (bless, bane)

Map is updated!

Marianna is up!

[Marianna Nicos]

Marianna grunts in pain as the blade drives in. With a nod of acknowledging skill, the soldier drops into a defensive stance. As the faint filigree on her armor begins to light up, she brings her longsword in a low swing, aiming for the orc's left side, while keeping her shield bewteen her and the falchion.

Swift action - Challenge Kogan. +4 to AC, +2 to damage
Standard action - Attack vs. Kogan. taking the -4 for Fighting Defensively for another +2 to my AC

Attack(Bane,Bless,PA,FD): 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 2 + 1 - 2 - 4 = 19 For(Chall.,PA,Bane): 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 4 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 + 4 + (5, 4) + 2 = 23

AC is 31 until my next turn

[GM PaleDim]

Marianna returns the favor, starting a new pool of blood under Kogan. He grunts likewise and the trade of punches is on. This time, he attempts to respond with two slashes, marking what would be an X across the cavalier.

GM Screen:

mwk falchion attack, S damage: 1d20 ⇒ 32d4 + 9 ⇒ (4, 2) + 9 = 15
mwk falchion attack, S damage: 1d20 ⇒ 62d4 + 9 ⇒ (3, 1) + 9 = 13

Still reeling from the pain of her slash, he misses terribly on both counts.

Round 2
Bold may act

Kogan -23
Marianna -23 (bless, bane)

Marianna is up!

[Lebraerio Hantwell]

That's an even fight. So far.

[Marianna Nicos]

Without pause, Marianna continues her own assault, swinging a little wildly in response to increased attacks.

Standard action- Attack vs. Kogan, still fighting defensively (AC 31)

Attack(bane, bless, PA, FD): 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 2 + 1 - 2 - 4 = 12For(Chall., PA, Bane): 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 4 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 + 4 + (3, 3) + 2 = 22

[Tabar]

Tabar looks at the scene.

“Stop power attacking Marianna! You’ll get him!“

[GM PaleDim]

Suddenly the pain from the earlier gash washes over Marianna, causing her swing to miss wide. The two are starting to look like fading long-haul street brawlers. The next spark of energy or inspiration might win the test of strength.

Kogans head turns with the blade that flies by him. He turns back and brings his from under, up at Marianna's chest-plate before bring it back down on a backswing...

GM Screen:

mwk falchion attack, S damage: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 322d4 + 9 ⇒ (1, 4) + 9 = 14
confirm?, S damage: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 182d4 + 9 ⇒ (3, 1) + 9 = 13
mwk falchion attack, S damage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 152d4 + 9 ⇒ (2, 3) + 9 = 14

The first "uppercut" slash lodges between the narrow seems of her armor and creates a nasty gash across her rib cage, creating a new generous source of blood. 14 damage

Round 3
Bold may act

Kogan -23
Marianna -37 (bless, bane)

Marianna is up!

[Juis Helfro]

Juis yells out, "Don't worry Marianna, if you fall I will bring the entire ceiling down us. Killing the orcs and ourselves, so you won't go alone."

Bluff on Kogan, to cause indecisiveness.: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

[Tabar]

Tabar looks at Juis and frowns.

“We shouldn’t interfere!“

[Marianna Nicos]

Marianna grunts again, obviously slowing down from the heavy wounds. However, it's not enough to stop her from swinging again.

Standard action vs. Kogan w/ Fighting Defensively bonuses. (AC 31)

attack(Bane, Bless,PA ,FD): 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 2 + 1 - 2 - 4 = 25For(Chall,PA, Bane): 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 4 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 + 4 + (2, 5) + 2 = 28

[GM PaleDim]

Kogan grunts as Marianna's next swipe hits him hard. The orcs who'd been hooting and shouting for their kinsmen suddenly fall mostly silent.

Starting to look a little wobbly, he draws a potion and drinks...

GM Screen:

cure serious wounds: 3d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 5, 2) + 5 = 19

He tries to hold up his falchion as he does this, but ultimately can't avoid making an opening for the cavalier.

Marianna gets an attack of apportunity before her regular turn.

Round 4
Bold may act

Kogan -32
Marianna -37 (bless, bane)

Marianna is up, but has an attack of opportunity first!

[Marianna Nicos]

There! Marianna all but cries out as the orc makes an opening that she can exploit. As his arm comes up to parry, she swings just outside of that blade, and up under the arm....

AoO(Bane, Bless, PA, FD): 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 11 + 2 + 1 - 2 - 4 = 27For(Chall,PA,Bane): 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 4 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 + 4 + (3, 4) + 2 = 23
Crit confirm?: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 2 + 1 - 2 - 4 = 22For(Chall,PA,Bane): 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 4 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 + 4 + (2, 2) + 2 = 20

....followed by a second swing to the other side of his body.

Standard action - Attack vs. Kogan w/ Fighting Defensive (AC 31)

Attack(Bane, Bless, PA, FD): 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 2 + 1 - 2 - 4 = 18For(Chall,PA,Bane): 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 4 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 + 4 + (2, 4) + 2 = 20

[Tabar]

Yes!! ;-D Just no bane on the Crit. But awesome Marianna!!

[GM PaleDim]

Almost there. Per orc ferocity he fights past zero hit points, but he is staggered and below 0.

As he drinks the potion Marianna lays into the orc, reopening wounds even as he closes them. The orc gets a less-intense glassy-eyed look. He half-heartedly swings at her again...

GM Screen:

mwk falchion attack, S damage: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 162d4 + 9 ⇒ (1, 3) + 9 = 13

And misses terribly. He strains under the movement and his current wounds seem to tear further. The orc crowd gasps, and Magra gets a truly worried look, whimpering as he knows what is about to happen.

Round 5
Bold may act

Kogan -90 (staggered)
Marianna -37 (bless, bane)

Marianna is up!

[Marianna Nicos]

For a moment, Marianna hesitates.

But it's only for a moment.

With a steady stance and precision from constant training, the Grey Maiden initiate drives her blade into Kogan's body, before withdrawing it as the body falls. Then she looks to Magra and with a tone that could chill Irrisen, she asks, "Are we done here?"

standard action - Attack vs. Kogan, no Power Attack,no Fighting Defensively.

Attack(bane, bless, PA): 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 34For(Chall., bane): 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 + (4, 5) + 2 = 26

Crit confirm?: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 2 + 1 = 24For(chall., bane): 1d8 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 16

Fairly sure that's enough to kill him if he's already under 0, so I wrote Marianna's next action too.

[GM PaleDim]

Kogan finally expires and falls to the ground, fully perished. Magra can be heard to growl angrily from his position behind the flag, while the rest of the orcs are seemingly stunned silent.

Out of initiative.

Very well, pink skins. I honor my word. If you leave the rest of us be, you may pass through.

The orcs eye you in a mixture of anger and disbelief as all of you pass through them, peacefully but under a weight of palpable tension.

I'm assuming you take this offer and incite no further violence against the orcs, and that you take some time to heal Marianna (so any rolls for that can be retcon'd to this point). If I'm incorrect on either of these assumptions please stop me.

The tunnel system soon opens into an obvious ruin site. Once a gate into the Sky Citadel of Koldukar, this area greatly contrasts with the rough passages encountered previously. Expertly worked walls, vaulted ceilings that stretch to a height of 20 feet, and stone-tiled floors suggest the work of master builders. Thick stone walls damp with mildew make the entire area reek of wet earth. Any metal sconces and implements have long since rusted away, leaving behind only reddish stains.

Twin doors etched with scenes of dwarven glory stand atop a raised marbled dais. Flanking this remarkable entrance, two mammoth statues of dwarven warriors hold out their hands in a silent welcome. Deep lines carved into the statues might have once been inlaid with various metals, though they are now empty. Ochre graffiti covers much of the fine architecture.

Map updated!

DC 25 Perception:

You find that a lever rests carefully hidden within a cleft in the rock wall to the east of the main doors.

DC 25 Craft (alchemy) or Knowledge (dungeoneering):

Aside from the reddish stains, there is a complete lack of metal in the area. You identify the rusting patterns as being indicative of rust monsters.

DC 25 Perception:

You find a concealed pit trap at the top of the steps, directly in front of the twin doors. If this spoiler is unlocked, I'll mark it on the map but it should be fairly obvious.

What do you do?

[Juis Helfro]

Cure Moderate Wounds on Marianna: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (4, 6) + 5 = 15
Cure Moderate Wounds on Marianna: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (6, 7) + 5 = 18

"Well done Marianna. Glad we had you there. I surely couldn't have done that. Let me see to your wounds."

Juis begins to pray over Marianna's wounds and watch as most of them heal up.

...

Knowledge (Dungeoneering): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Will use my Think on It ability. (First time using it) to reroll my Knowledge check.
Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +10 Think on It: 1d20 + 12 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 10 = 42
LOL... a 1 and then a nat 20 for the reroll.

Juis frowns... "Uh oh... that red rust tells me that at least one rust monster is nearby because the lack of metal in the area."

[Lebraerio Hantwell]

Perception: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 10 + (1) = 23 Trapfinding: +3 vs Traps

Lebraerio gives Juis some time to shine, and nods

[Tabar]

Tabar nods at Marianna.

"What a fight. You did great Marianna! But how incredibly sad that a life was lost!"

~

When the group moves to the ruin Tabar checks the entrance.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Craft alchemy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

[Lebraerio Hantwell]

It would have been sadder if it was Marianna's life which was lost.You stepped up to the challenge, litterally, and I'm glad you're on our side..

[GM PaleDim]

Lebraerio Hantwell wrote:

[dice=Perception]1d20+10+1d6 Trapfinding: +3 vs Traps

Lebraerio gives Juis some time to shine, and nods

There are two separate perception checks above. Is this the first one? You can still make the other.

[Marianna Nicos]

Marianna's cold, quiet fury stays until the party is well out of earshot of the Broken Spine. "Those arrogant, ignorant idiots," she eventually hisses, almost shaking in rage, "Willing to just throw lives away like that over something they had no control over...." She clenches her armored hands into fists and barely keeps herself from crying out in anger,storming down the tunnel for a little more time to come...

After several minutes further down the tunnel, she finally releases a deep sigh and adds, "Thanks, all of you, for letting me do that, and backing me up with powers and spells."

-------
When the dwarven ruins are reached, Marianna's mood has equalized back to normal. As Lebraerio starts his searches, she stays with him, pointing out little things that catch her attention in the area as well, though the discussion of the presence of rust monsters to make the steel-clad soldier uneasy.

I'll just throw a +3 on Lebraerio's Perception checks. I can't fail a DC 10 perception check.

[Lebraerio Hantwell]

2d Perception check, +3 if traps: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 10 + (3) = 18

Sorry, I thought you had to make the first peception DC to try the second one.

[Juis Helfro]

Juis helps the others to look around, pacifically looking for more signs of the rust monster.

Perception (Aid Other): 1d20 ⇒ 10
Perception (Aid Other): 1d20 ⇒ 8

[GM PaleDim]

If I take Leb's perceptions as leads and all others as aids, we're at: 30 for the first check, and 23 for the 2nd second check. So, Irina might help complete the 2nd check with an aid and you've found the lever.

Leb has uncovered a lever first spoiler...

What do you do?

[Tabar]

Tabar moves forward and uses the lever.

”Let us see what happens!“

[GM PaleDim]

Tabar pulls the lever and opens a secret passage to the East! After a short distance you arrive at a wooden door, which on trying seems to be locked.

Disable device, break it down, or a different idea?

[Juis Helfro]

"Nice going Tabar. That opens a way for us."

[Lebraerio Hantwell]

Let's try to open this.

DD: 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 ⇒ (14) + 14 + (4) = 32

Lebraerio works on the lock

[Tabar]

Tabar tries to help Lebraerio.

"Here and there a little extra pressure?" the little ratfolk asks.

Auto aid on disable device.

[Inira McCullagh]

Running to aid on second check...
Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33