GM Red's Down the Blighted Path (Inactive)

Game Master GM Red

Hinata nods her head at Lilly's comment as she finally manages to free the potions from her back. Since Poe seemed to know the others he wasn't met with quite as much suspicion as Lilly was at first. "Does anyone need healing before we try to move on?" She asked offering her extracts to anyone that needed them.

"I will be ok, thank you, Poe," the lizardfolk thanked with a nod and a smile. He gave a sigh of relief as he recognized the new dwarf as well upon closer inspection, though this was their first time truly speaking. More than anything, the reptile was glad he had showed up when he did. With his body still fine, Yizzik would only nod to Hinata's question, ready to press onward despite the hit from the allip. He truly felt like he had no choice but to for now.

You head back up the dark stone stairs and into the main hallway. From the nearest door to the southwest, Lilly is again beckoned by whispers and noises, only this time, everyone else also hears similar sounds. Every few moments, a heavy object falls to the ground with a thud, and the smell of lamp oil pours out from the crevices of the door in front of you.

"Ah... This place is full of the creeps, aint it?" Poe observes, pumping the slide on his crossbow and prepping a fresh bolt. "Ah well, nothing Olivia can't handle."

"Olivia? That's a pretty name.
Is it named after someone you know?"

(Teasing smile)

Poe gives a chuckle. "Aye, she is." he replies. "My ex-wife, that be. Sharp as an arrow and never missed ah mark..." he gives a remorseful half shrug. "both sing beautifully when properly handled... Though me wife needed ten times the maintenance that this olivia needs."

The dwarf glances over at Lilly. "But tell yah what, I'm glad she remarried. Adventurin's not kind to wives awaitin their husband's safe return."

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"Poe! You son of an orc, how are you?! Oh it's going to be good to have somebody aloff who can keep up with me in the bar!" Vingold gives a deep laugh and slaps the grizzly dwarf on the back.

"You two are drinking friends? Oh, who's won more times?"

"We were drinking. Both of us." Vingold says with a chuckle.

"aye, you play to win, its just about who wins faster." poe adds

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Lilly sniffs around the door before giving it a push open, her curiousity getting the better of her. Yizzik dashes in front for her protection, the lizardman holding his shield up high. The door creaks open to reveal stone bookcases, reaching from floor to ceiling along the curved walls. Chairs surround tables loaded with lamps, open books, maps, and scrolls. Cabinets of small statuary and other assorted items line the open remaining wall space.

Poe, Lilly, and Hinata begin feeling off - they suddenly get an almost claustrophobic sense of commitment and obligation as they walk into the room. A faint mumbling can be heard, and the few ghostly words you make out sound like something along the lines of, "Remember your family... Family is everything... Stay.. Just for one more season.. Please."

Lilly, Hinata, and Poe can act before the haunt manifests
Side note, if you want to ever adjust the marching order, let me know. Right now, I have it as (from front to back) Yizzik, Poe, Lilly, Vingold, Hinata.

Some hints, because I don't know how the book expects you to know the non-violent ways of satisfying the haunt without knowing more of the lore.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

"Kols is the son of Torag." Poe says aloud, quoting from his own faith, the creed that had been drummed into his head since his father told him of their family debt. "As the god of duty, honor, and promises, he understands the burdens you face better than any dwarf. Sometimes you have a duty to your family, and sometimes you have a duty to our people as a whole. I am here now because of my Duty... my honor is to repay you for what you've done. Be at rest, I promise you that I will succeed at saving your line."

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Unsure of what to make of the smell or whispers, Yizzik would simply keep up the defense. He would focus all his effort upon it, amber eyes narrowed as he listened to Poe speak from behind while his eyes kept focus on what could appear before him.

Poe, give me a Diplomacy roll for that. Lilly and Hinata can aid if they'd like.

Please assist, i have terrible charisma.
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

... Nevermind. Just start the encounter! I'm super terrible at this.

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Oh man, that family's a sore subject for Lilly.
It's her own disbelieving family who put her in the asylum...

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

"Oh, another spook!", Lilly smiles in excitement.
Take 10 for 16 on the Kn. history.
She gives herself an encouraging tap on the chest.
Casting enhanced diplomacy, +2 to diplomacy or intimidate check.

She remains quiet for a moment, when family comes to mention.
It takes little effort to notice her being absent minded, her eyes shifting between scared and sad, trying to fight back tears.

Dust seems so swirl towards the ghost, before she suffers a small breakdown.

"Huh...(sob)..huh...(sob)....

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 = 25
".. (sniff) ..(sob) ...miss spook, we'll look after.. (sniff) ...the memory of your... (sob)..friends. Can you tell me... (sniff) ... more about them, before we.. (sob) ...go search this place?"

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Seeing Lilly cry catches Hinata off guard and creates an near instant sympathy for her. Hinata tries to put a hand on her shoulder if Lilly allowed her to offer what little comfort she could.

"Split responsibility is a heavy burden to bear, you can only do what you think is right and keep moving." Hinata offered to both Lilly and Delbera.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

The apparition seems angry at Poe's words, and long, sinewy arms peek out from the bookshelves. Lilly's emotional display combined with Hinata's sympathy evokes a much more gentle response, and the arms retract.

"Please do as you can... I cannot lead my friends any longer. The Father of Creation beckons. Let his worship lead me to rest."

And with that, the youthful ghost of Delbera Axebringer fades and the room is bright again. Breaking the silence is a thrumming chant of Dwarven voices, swearing, "We who are sired by the will to defend."

Those chants may have a purpose later, and that's the third one.

---

Examining the cabinets, you're able to find a collection of scroll cases containing detailed maps of the Darklands, and a reference to Karexin's Tower.

You can roll Spellcraft or Appraise to figure out what the scrolls are and what the gems/book might be worth.

Whew! Saved by the bell.

Poe looks around, tweaking his moustache as he does so. "What'd I say?" he mutters, looking at the crying Lilly. "Lass... Are ya going ta be okay? We can take a few minutes if'n ya need it."

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Poe points out the treasures to vingold as he awaits Lilly's reply. Surely the bard might know the items value better.

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Lilly's sobbing seems to slowly calm down, after the appeasement of the ghost and Hinata's sympathies.

With her eyes red, she turns her eyes to Hinata.
"Thank.. (sob) ..you."

When she's completely calmed down, she sits down on a chair, stroking the back of her pet raven for some way to relax.
"I must've went spacey huh (,>_>) ....the past came to do an encore, from before freedom day.
Everything the spook held dear, i lost it too."

.."But i'm with good people now, that helps."

If the spellcraft would be above 20, Lilly can't make it.

"Well done with the haunt!" Vingold shouts from the safety of the next room. He comes in and looks at the treasure quizzically. "I'm good at spending treasure, not identifying it."

Spellcraft DC for a scroll is 20 + CL, and these are CL 1. Hinata may be able to ID them? You can roll for each one.

The lizardfolk only gives a sigh of relief, grateful to be surrounded by such a capable and clever group. These spirits were certainly much more than anything the reptile was capable of dealing with.

I assume the party collects the scrolls, maps, and valuable-looking bag of gems before exiting the library. Added to loot tracker

A narrow corridor stretches out to the north. On the east side along the corridor is a large room with three sets of regal-looking double doors. The ground is lined with velvet carpet, suggesting that this is a sort of grand entryway to what is probably a theater.

Once Hinata was sure Lilly was ok She would look over the scrolls but she was completely lost on them.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 Ha nope

This time she decided to take the lead so the others could gather themselves and catch up the newcomer to everything they'd found so far while she scouted ahead.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

You can still try to roll for the other two scrolls if you'd like.

Hinata pushes open the doors with the others following behind her. Faded blue curtains line the stage on the southeastern side of this theater. The benches, stage, and framing have all been carved from the living stone. A yellowed playbill still hangs from the doors, promising "A night of excitement, friendship, and sacrifice in Dawn Shines on the Legion."

Poe and Yizzik notice ghostly figures moving along the darkened stage. A few of the figures beckon to them, their transparent arms giving the two a motion to join in the performance.

Both of you may act before this one manifests, although... Are either of you skilled in acting (Perform (Act)) or Bluffing, perhaps? :)

Nay, I am not proficient in either.

Poe scowls. "Blasted ghosts." he spats, hefting Olivia. "Don't let 'em drag you onto the stage."

Neither xD

Noticing the slowly manifesting spirits, Yizzik would again take a position of defense. In this stance of total defense, while still not suited for dealing with such horrible threats, he would still draw whatever harm he could away from his companions, the reptile growling at the entity as he waited.

As the haunt manifests, the figures of the Firebrand Legion appear amid a din of combat, locked in battle.

A ghostly image of a middle-aged Delbera appears, her flaming axe in hand, ordering, "Rally to me and shields out! Don’t give them an inch!"

You watch as a band of ghostly Dwarven soldiers take on a dozen human bandits. You feel compelled to follow her orders.

Will saves from everyone, DC 17. If you fail, the effects are similar to the song of discord spell. On your turn, you have a 50% chance of attacking the nearest creature with whatever weapon you're carrying unless you are physically restrained, so roll a d2 and we'll say 1 is good and 2 is bad.

As always, the haunt is vulnerable to positive energy. You can also try to take part in the performance, pretending you're one of the soldiers, with an untrained Bluff DC 12, and if you're dwarven, you may have a better shot at tricking the haunt. Everyone needs to succeed at that check to defeat the haunt.

Haunted Theater, Round 1
Everyone is up

I apologize for the slow posting, work has been overbearing lately.

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Action: 1d2 ⇒ 1

"Aye, cut the honor less scum down!"

Bluff: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27

Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Poe resists the effect admirably, though he hesitates as to what he can actually DO about the haunt.

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
+2 if this would fall into the confusion category.

Lilly's unhinged mind is captivated.
"Oh....a fight?"

1d2 ⇒ 2
1 Hinata, 2 Poe, 3 Vingold: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Lilly suddenly swings her heel at Poe's neck.
Unarmed: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21Bump: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Poe, you can use bluff untrained if you'd like to go that route. I looked at your gear and I don't see a CLW and or anything capable of inflicting positive energy damage, so that's pretty much your best bet.

After getting conked like that i might just be fighting, not acting! :p

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Option 2 could be to restrain whoever is affected so that they can't hurt anyone. The effects will last five rounds, and those affected don't get a new save each round.

I don't think Hinata could restrain anyone but a potion might work if she snaps out of it long enough to take it

Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Having been already exposed to the haunt and was now fully prepared Hinata shrugged off the mind altering effects with ease and seeing Lilly fall victim she would try to offer her one of the potions from her supply that would help the girl in a way.

Polypurpose Panacea: Sleep no save if you take it willingly

"Lilly it's ok here drink this." She offered it to her but was careful of any further attacks.

Can I give Lilly the potion and bluff in one turn?

Bluff: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Uh-oh.

"Blast it! Why'n the nine hells are ya swinging at ME for!?" Poe Bellows, lowering Olivia and preparing to swat her back with the stock.

"I...i couldn't help it, sorry. :("

Can i take it willingly? Since i was compelled to take a hostile action against Poe already.

I think I can envision Hinata dropping a potion and Lilly curiously picking it up and drinking it,
or Lilly allowing Hinata to pour it into her mouth as her standard action, sure. I don't think you could bluff and pour during the same turn - I would think both would be standard actions.
I'm just waiting for Yizzik's save to see if he ends up being effected as well for this round.

The picking up method sounds plausible, but it's been my turn already.

sorry for disappearing xD work had me busy

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Ok Hinata, so you can either drop the potion and Lilly will pick it up next turn, or you can try to pour it into her.

Yizzik, since you didn't make the save, roll a D2 and you'll either end up attacking Vingold or Hinata... I hope it misses, because you've got quite the attack roll!

I think letting her find it would be more fitting and if it doesn't work I'll force it next round

1d2 ⇒ 2

>.> i have the worst luck in my mind lol

Mine is usually worse!

Vingold=2: 1d2 ⇒ 2
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 171d8 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
The dazed lizardman strikes his massive battleaxe at Vingold and cuts a gash across his shoulder.

The performance continues, the ghostly dwarves driving their axes at the thieves and cutting them down with Vingold's help.

Haunted Theatre, Round 2
Lilly (dazed) and Yizzik (dazed) are up
Vingold (passed bluff, could restrain), Poe (could bluff again, restrain, or something else), Hinata (bluff, restrain, or something else)

Everyone can go

Poe tackles the lizardfolk, trying to restrain the burly fighter.

Grapple: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Nope.

Vingold grunts as he's suddenly attacked. He turns with a frown. "Alright, that's about enough. Let's calm down." A gentle burst of calming radiance echoes out.

Calm emotions, it will catch everybody. Will save DC 17 or be unable to take any violent actions (except defending yourself).

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Lilly's mind seems to calm down.

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Poe halts trying to pin down the confused lizardfolk... looking a bit perplexed.