[LPF] Escort Service

[Systole]

A short but challenging Living Pathfinder adventure, designed for one 6th level character. Escort Service is set in Venza over the course of one evening. Given the length and timing of the adventure, level-ups will wait until completion of the adventure.

Judge: Glasseye
GM: Systole

Heroes:
perrinmiller: 6th level Female Human Fighter/Bard/Dragon Disciple, Cythera e'Kiernan


[sblock=XP]Encounter 1: 1800xp
Encounter 2: 1200xp
Encounter 3: 2400xp

Treasure: 6847GP

TBX: 3300xp as of 5 April 2012
TBG: 3150GP as of 5 April 2012
*Cythera is Level 7 as of 5 April 2012
TBX: +732xp = 4032xp as of 17 April 2012*
TBG: +636xp = 3786GP as of 17 April 2012*

*Missed a day of TBX/TBG. Added into final reward below.

Total xp rewards = 9476 xp
Total GP rewards = 10675 GP

Notes:
Adventure Starts on: 21 Jan 2011 (Cythera at 16,360 xp)[/sblock][sblock=Treasury]Encounter 1: MWK chain shirt (3 @ 250gp), buckler (3 @ 5gp), nets (8 @ 20gp), broken net (1 @ 15gp), MWK scimitar (3 @ 315 gp), potion of cure light wounds (2 @ 50gp), thunderstone (3 @ 30gp), 80gp in currency
Encounter 2: Jewelled MWK rapier (1700gp)
Encounter 3: MWK Pickaxe (3 @ 314gp), Spiked scale mail (3 @ 100gp), Brooch (1750gp)[/sblock]
[sblock=Adventure Rules]* Initiative, saving throws, and perception rolls will be made for the players by the GM if it moves the adventure along quickly. Otherwise, players will roll their own dice.

* Dice rollers can be Invisible Castle or the EnWorld on-line dice roller for the players. The GM will use his own dice at home or an on-line random number generator.

* Any absences for longer than 2-3 days should be communicated to the GM.

* All characters need an appropriate character picture, head-shot preferably, for token on the tactical grids.

* A mini-stat spoiler block that includes a link to your character sheet will be required in every IC post.[/sblock]

 

[Systole]

Ben stammers as he’s moved out of the Inn, and only manages to gracefully disengage himself a minute or two later, blushing. “I’ve met Dame Forenicci. It’s a … it’s a story.”

He comes to a full stop, and bows. “I’m ... I apologize. Let me introduce myself. My name is Most Benevolent Seeker of Untold Bounties of Esoteric Knowledge in Service of the Greater Glory of Our Lord Serroth the Wondrous Bearer of the Thirsting Pick Upon the Holy Field of Battle and the Slayer of the Unrighteous and the Cowardly.” He smiles. “Or you can call me Ben. It’s shorter." He resumes walking.

“I don’t know what you know of Serroth, but he is a god of war, and I was raised in his service. I’ve been assigned as a missionary to Venza, and I’ve been trying to see Enza Furros, of the Lower Guild. The Lower Guild keeps a retainer of guards and mercenaries. Serroth’s faith is one of soldiers and warriors, and it would be a good fit if Furros would allow me to establish a mission in their headquarters. I’d be willing to offer healing services and combat training at no cost, but I … haven’t been successful. Furros has refused to see me.”

The young man frowns. “The last visit – yesterday – he had me thrown out, but I happened to land at the feet of the Dame as she was on her way to see him. We struck up a brief conversation. And today, her messenger appeared with an invitation to tonight’s party.”

He shows Cythera the invitation. Upon the back is written in a feminine scrawl, “He’ll be here. Dress to impress. And bring a friend. -Emi.”

The young man bristles. “I’m not stupid. I know what this is. If I go to her party at her invitation and by some chance win Furros’ approval, I’ll be an up-and-comer in this city’s social scene, and I’ll owe her a favor. On the other hand, the more likely scenario is that Furros snubs me publicly. In that case, I’m the entertainment for the evening, and all her invited nobles get to laugh at the poor country bumpkin. It’s win-win for her. And telling me to bring a guest when she knew I'd no one to ask ... she's expecting a spectacular failure.”

He frowns. “But I am Serroth’s servant, and this situation wins or loses His mission in Venza, so my path is clear, even if defeat is the most likely result. Did not the prophet Y’lan Lo speak, ‘It is ever better to fight a difficult battle and risk losing all than to flee, and in fleeing, lose all’?” Ben straightens, and his hesitation disappears once more. “I need someone at my side to demand the attention of Furros and Forenicci both, in strength of blade and ease of manner. We’ll stop at your apartments. You’ve armor and weapons? Get them. Furros will be impressed with no less.”



[Sblock=K:Local 10 – The Lower Guild] The Lower Guild is the first trade guild to exist in the lower district of Ranocchio. The tradesmen in the guild were safe from the everyday, commonplace violence that plagues Ranocchio, as the guild kept a retainer of mercenaries, guards, and enforcers to keep things in line.[/Sblock][sblock=K:Local 15 – Enza Furros]Enza is lowborn, but earned great wealth by founding the Lower Guild and bought himself a noble title. He has a manor in the Roses di Sanguono. He’s known to be rather gruff. http://livingpf.wikia.com/wiki/Enza_Furros[/sblock]

GM: I misread your tavern post as moving him out of the Inn, sorry.

 

[perrinmiller]

Cythera e'Kiernan, Bronze Dragon Disciple

Cythera gestures towards her apartment building as Ben lets go of her arm, "Well, met. I am Cythera e'Kiernan. Here we are, this is where I live... For now at least."

She leads him upstairs to her door and into the sitting room of the small, modest flat, just inside while she starts gathering her gear. Taking a look in her books, she double-checks her memory on some of the issues Ben has mentioned.

Making conversation she asks, "So, you think they will be impressed with my martial prowess, not having an attractive and excellent dancing woman on your arm? Let me show you my selection of blades.

"It sounds like you are expected to bring a date, not a bodyguard. Are you planning to go dressed like that? Perhaps we should stop by an excellent tailor first."

[sblock=OOC Stuff]Knowledge Local (1d20+8=20)

As advertised, this adventure is to be challenging. As such, I am hesitant to leave any of my gear behind. However, I could see that decked out as an adventurer (6 melee & 2 ranged weapons not counting her dagger) is not really appropriate IC. Would it be too challenging to leave most of her arsenal behind, or would you re-adjust the balance for that?

This is a meta-game consideration, since without another character as back-up, bad luck could make more of a difference.

Re: Ben's attire. If we buy him better clothes, would that expense be a wash in the GP awards balance so we can skip tracking the transaction?

Edit: Oh, I just did that to make sure it was clear she exited. No worries. [/sblock][sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 15 (22 with armor)(19(12) flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus, Overhand Chop

Current Weapon in Hand: none
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 5/5 rounds remaining

Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________

Cythera e'Kiernan

 

[Systole]

"A dancing ... ?" Ben stutters. "I hadn't considered that. I suppose ... maybe. I'm sorry. I've only been able to think through half of this. But if you could wear your combat gear, I'd appreciate it. That was what the Dame hinted at on the invitation when see wrote 'dress to impress.' It was part of our discussion." He sighs. "You and I will be the star attractions at the zoo, you see. Clanking around in armor, while all the nobles glide around in fancy silks. I know how she thinks. Bring everything. If it's too much, I'm sure we can leave it at the door."

He gestures at his scale mail, with a clean white tabard bearing Serroth's insignia over it. "I appreciate the offer of a tailor, but I'm a simple priest, straight out of the countryside. If I myself dress up, then I'm just another clueless social climber from the sticks, and not a humble country priest after all. If I do that, then I lose whatever small bit of credibility I have.

"But ... but I still need to show Furros and Forenicci that I understand both war and elegance, which is where you come in. You can make the impression that I can't. Dame Forenicci expects that I'll either be a country bumpkin to be laughed at, or I'll be a country bumpkin who thinks he can play noble games, which will be even funnier."

He smiles, and there's a wicked edge to his smile that seems well beyond his years. "You're the third option, you see. If you impress the nobles while I stay simple, then I'm an honest and humble priest with a good eye for talent." He shakes his head. "Which is all I ever wanted to be, really. Just not this way."




[sblock=OOC]There's going to be combat, obviously. The fact that Dame Forenicci is playing with Ben is basically the excuse for you to go with all your weapons and armor. You won't need books and camping gear, but taking along a few potions and a wand would be a good idea. You're welcome to bring the whole haversack if you want. As Ben said, you'll probably leave a lot at the door, but I'll make sure you have time to retrieve everything before combat occurs. No point in having goodies if you can't use 'em.[/sblock]

[sblock=OOC]Crap, am I using the same color for Ben's speech at Cythera's? Color blindness strikes again. I'll change it up on subsequent posts.[/sblock]

 

[perrinmiller]

Cythera e'Kiernan, Bronze Dragon Disciple

Cythera shares in the smile as the young priest appears to be knowing something of these circumstances and desiring to turn the tables on those that would think they are social superiors.

Moving into her bedroom, her voice can be heard coming from the next room, "Very well, Ben. I think I understand you."

Changing into her sturdier and functional clothing, she then buckles on her shining breastplate and slips her fancy tabard on over her head. She leaves her hair alone, tied into a pony tail neatly with a ribbon instead of flowing freely as her usual custom. The handy haversack is not too shabby looking, and once she dons the matching half cape of her outfit, hardly even noticeable.

Returning to the front room, Cythera begins putting her weapons into their proper places. Greatsword across her back, over right shoulder; longbow over left shoulder with the quiver of arrows; and the heavy flail in a loop on the outside of the haversack.

Her belt quickly becomes full of her rapier, dagger, morningstar, and chakrams. Many of her weapons are clearly of exceptional quality.

Catching Ben's eye as he observes, she says, "As you can see, once everything's in place, I am no courtesan of the Night Court."

However, the shining breastplate form fits over her ample bussom, plump enough that the sides are clearly seen from around the front of her tabard. The intricate designs in the metal accentuate the shapely curves and leave hints of apparent cleavage protected behind it. Truly the armor is a work of art to capture her womanly endowments underneath.

"So... This what you have in mind? This armor alone cost thousands of gold sovereigns. Even some idiot popinjay will be able to see that."

"Heh, heh. It is a good thing that lecherous dwarf who made it was persuaded," Cythera pats the shaft of her glaive to indicate the sort of persuasion, "to not adorn it with rubies where the nipples are supposed to be. It would have been eye catching, though."

Standing before the young cleric, Cythera is ready to leave as she adjusts the jaunty felt hat of red with a white feather back in place on her head.

OOC: I am tempted to buy Ben a breastplate, but I checked and Cythera doesn't have that cash around unless I spend a DMC.

[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus, Overhand Chop

Current Weapon in Hand: Glaive
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 5/5 rounds remaining

Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________

Cythera e'Kiernan

 

[Systole]

Ben smiles broadly as Cythera reappears. "You look like a true warrior!" he exclaims, drawing closer to examine her gear. "We of Serroth favor the the pick, but I can see your armor, greatsword, rapier, bow ... they're all of exceptional quality. And from the way you move, it's obvious that you can use those weapons. Dame Forenicci suggested we dress to impress; you've certainly done that. I won't ask how much any of that cost, but if this works, then whatever I have in the mission coffers will be yours in payment."

As Cythera mentions the ruby nipples, he seems to suddenly realize that the weapons and armor he's been ogling are attached to a female, and he turns red to his ears and steps away quickly. "I, uh ... I wouldn't know anything about dwarves," he says.

"If we're ready to go, then we should arrive on time, or maybe even a few minutes fashionably late." He looks about for a moment. "Is there ... is there some convention in Venza about whether the man walks on the left or the right?"

GM: Assuming Cythera is ready to leave, we'll move to out. I'll need a Perception check and two -- count 'em, two -- Initiative rolls, as Cythera will be benefiting from Ben's domain power.

 

[perrinmiller]

Cythera e'Kiernan, Bronze Dragon Disciple

Cythera arches an eyebrow, "Being a dwarf, to my knowledge, doesn't mean one is lech or pervert. I think that armorsmith is a unique case."

"Let us depart."

Ushering Ben from her abode, she locks the door and follows him down the stairs and out into the street.

Walking beside him, she says, "Regardless of convention, you should walk alongside. Left or right matters not to me, but staying on my left as you are now is okay."

Cythera begins walking, keeping her pace slower to stay even with Ben as his movements are more restricted by the medium armor compared to hers.

OOC: Perception (1d20+5=10) Perception (1d20+5=24) Initiative (1d20+4=8) Initiative (1d20+4=15)

[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 22 (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch)
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus, Overhand Chop

Current Weapon in Hand: Glaive
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 5/5 rounds remaining

Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________

Cythera e'Kiernan

 

[Systole]

As Cythera and Ben approach the Roses, a sinister growl comes out of an alleyway: “That’s ‘im. Get ‘im, boys,” and a trio of scarred thugs charge out of the darkness, nets in hand. Ben is quickly entangled, but Cythera dances out of the way of the second net, only to be caught in the third.

The successful thug chuckles at his compatriot. “You missed, mate. Yer eyes go wanderin’?”

“Might’ve. It does seem a shame to waste ‘er along with ‘im,” he replies.

“Shut up and get to it,” the first one snarls.

[sblock=OOC]Thugs win surprise and initiative.

Surprise round: Thugs emerge from alleys at E2 & L3, and from around corner at L11. All thugs close to short range (D4, G5, E9).

Round 1: Thug 1 hits Ben with net, draws scimitar, 5 ft steps to melee. Thug 2 misses Cythera with net, draws a second net. Thug 3 makes a 5-foot step, hits Cythera with net, draws scimitar.

Ben and Cythera are entangled.

[sblock=Entangled]An entangled creature takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls and a –4 penalty on Dexterity, can move at only half speed, and cannot charge or run. If the entangled creature attempts to cast a spell, it must make a concentration check with a DC of 15 + the spell's level or be unable to cast the spell.

An entangled creature can escape with a DC 20 Escape Artist check (a full-round action). The net has 5 hit points and can be burst with a DC 25 Strength check (also a full-round action).[/sblock]

GM: Thug 1: Scimitar in hand, uninjured, AC 17. Thug 2: Net in hand, uninjured, AC 17. Thug 3: Scimitar in hand, uninjured, AC 17.

[/sblock]
[sblock=map]

Buildings to your left, walled estate to your right, small bridge over a canal ahead. Typical cobblestone road.[/sblock]

 

[perrinmiller]

Cythera e'Kiernan, Bronze Dragon Disciple

Cythera comments off-hand, seemingly unworried at being entangled in a net, "I guess we should have been paying more attention."

OOC: Never dealt with nets before. To help me decide what to do, couple of questions: Can you take 5ft step? Will the net negate AoOs with her reach weapon? With the net having 5HP, can she use a claw to attack it specifically? Edit: I had not realized it was night time and dark. Cythera has an Ioun Torch for illumination.

[sblock=Actions]Free Action: Talking
Swift Action: -
Standard Action: -
Move Action: -[/sblock][sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 20(22) (19 flat-footed, 14 Touch) -2 from Entangled
HP: 54 Current: 54
CMB: +8 CMD: 22 (23 vs. Sundering) Fort: +5 Reflex: +6 Will: +5 (+1 with Resistance)
Conditions in Effect: Arcane Strike (+1 dmg), Power Attack (-2 Att/+6 dmg), Furious Focus, Overhand Chop, Entangled (-2 Att/-4 Dex)

Current Weapon in Hand: Glaive
Chakram: 8/8 Claws: 5/5 rounds remaining

Battle Dance: 8/8 Rounds Remaining
Spells Remaining: Cantrips: (Read Magic, Detect Magic, Resistance, Light, Prestidigitation)
1st Level 3/3 (Cure Light Wounds, Timely Inspiration, Grease(DC13))[/sblock]___________________________

Cythera e'Kiernan

 

[Systole]

OOC: It's not quite dusk, but the alleys are narrow and dark. I probably shouldn't have called it 'darkness.' More like 'deep shadows.' RAW: "You can't take a 5-foot step if your movement is hampered, such as into a square of difficult terrain, in darkness, or when blinded." I think that being reduced to half speed counts as hampered, so it's NO 5 foot step. It doesn't say otherwise, so you still have AoOs. YES. It makes sense to me that the net can be attacked with any light slashing weapon, as if it were a grapple. YES, it can be attacked with claws.