(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +6; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
perception:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
Khellek looks up from the book he was reading.
"Maybe, but it's pretty loud. Quite distracting actually. And why would they have a mock battle for an opera? I am aware of some opera that do have battles but they would be with padded weapons so as to not distract from the music."
You recall that pillars and buttresses near the auditorium’s wooden base suggest that the theater is ingeniously secured above a wide depression in the ground. The hole must be the fabled Kendall Vault, a cave complex from which subterranean creatures have been rumored to emerge. The presence of the Vault explains the rule that contests held at Kendall Amphitheater must be bloodless, since burrowing predators would be drawn to the scent.
Renn leads the company through the back door, into an assortment of backstage rooms littered with costumes and props. The sounds of swordplay and banter have gotten considerably louder, and the party can almost make out the words. Ahead, a heavy red curtain covers an open doorway on a raised platform.
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +6; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
Khellek loads his crossbow.
"I abhor violence, but even a historian must be able to protect himself from time to time." he notes.
In preparation for pushing through the curtain, Khellek offers some saliant words.
"Just remember, as the brave team of pathfinders attended the Opera in Oppara they overcome heavy odds to save the city from an undead menace, so surely will be overcome any obstacle within this opera house."
Inspire courage active for first round of what may be a combat. But hopefully won't be. Plus one to hit and damage.
The sounds from beyond the curtain suddenly stop. "Ow," someone says, without context.
The stamp of feet precedes the curtain being ripped open, revealing a furious gnome in a white top hat. On stage behind him are two men with swords, one of whom is wiping blood from a cut on his shoulder.
"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU? COME FOR SOME BACKSTAGE SCUTTLEBUTT, HAVE YOU? WELL, YOU'VE JUST RUINED THE WHOLE BLOODY PERFORMANCE! UTTER DISASTER! MAXIMOS'S SWORD ARM WAS THE ONLY STAGE-WORTHY PART OF THIS WHOLE FARCE, AND NOW YOUR ILLEGAL INTRUSION HAS STARTLED HIM INTO GETTING HIMSELF CUT OPEN! DON'T YOU KNOW WHAT A CLOSED REHEARSAL IS?!"
The gnome does not appear to be running out of steam.
DC 25 Perception:
Over the bellowing gnome, you hear the faint sounds of... scratching? Scraping? Coming from beneath you.
"The door was not locked, nor was there a sign stating that the building was closed. We heard the sound of combat, and, based on the history of this place, feared for your lives."
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27.
"If I were you, I would be more concerned by the fact that something appears to be digging up from the area beneath us... I recommend that you all get out of here, now!"
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +6; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
Khellek looks unimpressed.
"If my words disturbed you so much, then I hate to think what effect a live audience would have on you."
He looks at the bleeding arm.
"You should cover that immediately. There are stories of the creatures below here that are attracted by the scent of blood..."
Male Human Ranger 4 - Init +5 - AC 20|13|17 - hp 39/40 - Fort +6 (+5 vs. cold weather), Ref +7, Will +2, +2 vs. charm and compulsion - Speed 20 ft. - Perception +7
Peter was with his bow in hands, prepared to fir against anything that was behind the curtains, when becomes surprised with that scene.
"What a hell...", he thought.
Perception DC 25:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
"Shut your f+~* up", Peter told to the gnome, "just listen them", he pointed to Khellek and Varian.
"WHAT RIGHT HAVE YOU TO COME IN HERE AND ORDER US AROUND?! I'LL FETCH THE CONSTABLE THIS INSTANT IF YOU DON'T GET OUT OF MY FACE!"
The gnome talks right over the Pathfinders, hardly bothering to listen at all. The actors onstage share a concerned look, however, and look at their feet.
Male N Elf Wizard 2 | HP 12/12| AC 16 T 12 FF 14 | CMB +2, CMD 14 | F: +3, R: +2, W: +4 | Init: +2 | Perc: +5, SM: +3 | Speed 30ft | Hand of the Apprentice: 4/7 | Spells: See Stat Block | Active conditions: Mage Armor (1 hour)
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +6; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
perception:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
"I don't smell anything..." notes Khellek.
Turning to the gnome he adds "I am sorry if we have disturbed your performance though. I for one find interruptions to my work irritating in the extreme. "
He pauses.
"We were led to believe that there may be a significant risk within this building. So perhaps summoning the constable would be wise."
Max HP 35 | AC 16 (T12/FF14) | F: +5 R: +7 W: +5* | Perc +7 | Init +2
Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Renn had begun closing distance to the injured "swordsman", intent on quieting the shouting gnome with a little restorative magic for whatever irreparable injury the man had sustained.
I swear, sometimes it's like people don't realize we live in a world of magic...
Renn hesitated, not wanting to actually "touch" the actor to administer the aid.
Renn's question is immediately answered as two immense insectoid creatures burst through the floor below the stage, madly clicking their ferocious mandibles!
These strange beasts are ankhegs, terrible insectoid burrowers with highly acidic spittle. One question plus one for every 5 by which you beat the check.
Round I -- bold may act!
1. Peter, Varian, Khellek, Zordlon, Horlan
2. Monstrosities
3. Renn
4. Actors
"Watch out!", Varian cries. "These burrowing creatures are known as Ankhegs, and are capable of spitting great gouts of acid. I would suggest spreading out!"
He then dumps a cloud of glitter upon the Blue one.
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +6; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
know(arcana):1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 And then tell me even more! Focus on weaknesses, then immunities, then attacks
"Indeed, and in the city. How unusual!" notes the scholar.
"When the people of Khalipesh found Ankhegs devouring their crops during the 'Summer of 1000 locuts' they rallied together to fight them by..."
Standard: Inspire courage +1 to hit and damage; move, step back out of the line of fire.
Male N Elf Wizard 2 | HP 12/12| AC 16 T 12 FF 14 | CMB +2, CMD 14 | F: +3, R: +2, W: +4 | Init: +2 | Perc: +5, SM: +3 | Speed 30ft | Hand of the Apprentice: 4/7 | Spells: See Stat Block | Active conditions: Mage Armor (1 hour)
Knowledge (arcana):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Yay.. I know something too
Zordlon will attempt to put the red one to Sleep.
DC 16 Will Save
Ankhegs are scary-looking creatures at all angles -- but it's their mouths that are the real threat, and they carry an acid-sac that can spit a blast of acid as a defense mechanism. Varian, Khellek, and Zordlon note that these are particularly large ankhegs with healthy plates, but they'll still die when stabbed enough.
Varian turns the ankheg on the left a much more pleasant gold color; Zordlon tries to put the other to sleep and is unable to overcome its hungry interest in a meal!
Forgot that these are advanced, so Horlan goes after them. As he hasn't acted yet, I'll adjust initiative.
Round I -- bold may act!
1. Peter, Varian, Khellek, Zordlon
2. Ankhegs (red blind)
3. Horlan, Renn
4. Actors
Max HP 35 | AC 16 (T12/FF14) | F: +5 R: +7 W: +5* | Perc +7 | Init +2
Posting now just so GMTrex can advance the full round on his next post after Peter's... I can only imagine the enemies change this if someone (like Renn) ends up near death in their actions.
Renn leaps back in surprise as the insects crash through the stage, but quickly holds up both hands.
"Company! And not company that we brought -- I see you thinking that, Sir Gnome!"
As he appears about ready to join the theatrical performance himself, Renn catches himself as he recognizes Khellek has beaten him to the punch.
"A fitting choice, Sir Khellek!"
Returning his bow to his hand, Renn swiftly draws an arrow and aims it at the blinded bug.
Male Human Ranger 4 - Init +5 - AC 20|13|17 - hp 39/40 - Fort +6 (+5 vs. cold weather), Ref +7, Will +2, +2 vs. charm and compulsion - Speed 20 ft. - Perception +7
"Stay behind me", Peter told to the others, as he makes a short step forward and fires two arrows against the red ankheg.
Apologies for the delay. I had some unexpected travel come up and was in airports most of Thursday/Friday.
Peter pins the goldleaf'd ankheg with two arrows, though its plates are just thick enough to turn Renn's follow-up shot! The other ankheg clambers onto the stage and snaps ferociously at an actor, putting a pincer through the floor. The blind one screeches and mills around bumping blindly into things.
Bite @ Hamm the Lesser:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10very very luckily missed Will:1d20 ⇒ 11
The actors flee for their lives!
Round I -- bold may act!
1. Peter, Varian, Khellek, Zordlon
2. Ankhegs (red @ 19 dmg, blind)
3. Horlan, Renn
4. Actors
Male N Elf Wizard 2 | HP 12/12| AC 16 T 12 FF 14 | CMB +2, CMD 14 | F: +3, R: +2, W: +4 | Init: +2 | Perc: +5, SM: +3 | Speed 30ft | Hand of the Apprentice: 4/7 | Spells: See Stat Block | Active conditions: Mage Armor (1 hour)
Move action Pull out a scroll of Mage armor from scroll case. Standard Action Activate said scroll.
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +6; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
Khellek maintains his oratory.
"Then, the farmers poisoned five of their own calves, positioning them on suspect field by way of ropes. With drums they fooled the creatures into surfacing. The anhegs ate the poisoned calves and were no more."
He fires his crossbow at the red ankheg.
ranged attack,cover:1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 2 - 4 = 10
But the bolt bounces off the creatures thick skin. Sighing, Khellek reloads while continuing to deliver his lecture.
Trying to help the actors get away, Horlan moves in a bit closer and conjures up magical grease underneath one of the ankheg (blue). 5ft step in, cast Grease. DC 15 Reflex save.
Male Human Ranger 4 - Init +5 - AC 20|13|17 - hp 39/40 - Fort +6 (+5 vs. cold weather), Ref +7, Will +2, +2 vs. charm and compulsion - Speed 20 ft. - Perception +7
Again, Peter fire two arrows, this time on the blue ankheg.
With two heavy shots and an angry cat, Peter and company put down the stage's impromptu performance. In the orchestra's pit, the other creature writhes blindly in all directions before suddenly snapping its attention back on the Pathfinders.
Will:1d20 ⇒ 15
Round II -- bold may act!
1. Peter, Varian, Khellek, Zordlon
2. Ankhegs (red @ 19 dmg)
3. Horlan, Renn
4. Actors
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +6; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
Khellek continues to offer advice from the annals of history about how Ankheg infestations have been dealt with in the past.
inspire +1 to hit and damge
Meanwhile he moves across the stage and takes another shot.
Male Human Ranger 4 - Init +5 - AC 20|13|17 - hp 39/40 - Fort +6 (+5 vs. cold weather), Ref +7, Will +2, +2 vs. charm and compulsion - Speed 20 ft. - Perception +7
Horlan moves to get a clear shot, then releases a ray of electricy from his left hand!
Ranged Touch + Point Blank Shot + Precise Shot + Inspire Courage:1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 25 Damage:1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Male N Elf Wizard 2 | HP 12/12| AC 16 T 12 FF 14 | CMB +2, CMD 14 | F: +3, R: +2, W: +4 | Init: +2 | Perc: +5, SM: +3 | Speed 30ft | Hand of the Apprentice: 4/7 | Spells: See Stat Block | Active conditions: Mage Armor (1 hour)
A pair of arrows from Peter and a thunderous bolt from Horlan and the second beast is laid to rest!
Out of combat!
"Look what you've gotten us into now! The stage is nearly ruined... oh this is a disaster..." the gnome chides, though much more sheepishly than before.
One of the actors pipes up. "Um. You offered some healing before?" He holds up a bloody hand from where he's been holding his shoulder.
Male N Elf Wizard 2 | HP 12/12| AC 16 T 12 FF 14 | CMB +2, CMD 14 | F: +3, R: +2, W: +4 | Init: +2 | Perc: +5, SM: +3 | Speed 30ft | Hand of the Apprentice: 4/7 | Spells: See Stat Block | Active conditions: Mage Armor (1 hour)
"Yes some one heal these chaps. Now down to business. We came to this location based on a reading we obtained. And as predicted something disastrous has happened. Now, we are looking for a raveling gypsy, Varisian I believe. We went to her room and she had something circled on a pamphlet. Something about you breath taking disguises. Does any of this ring a bell?"
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +6; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
"Although, the rise of those ankhegs could have been a disaster..." notes Khellek.
"One that only happened because we came here to divert it, because of that harrow card to begin with."
He is not looking impressed.
"There is the matter of a famous troop of actors and their skills with disguise...
Khellek takes some of the prop material and tries to fashion a bandage out of it.
Male Human Ranger 4 - Init +5 - AC 20|13|17 - hp 39/40 - Fort +6 (+5 vs. cold weather), Ref +7, Will +2, +2 vs. charm and compulsion - Speed 20 ft. - Perception +7
"From where those creatures came from?", Peter stands thoughtful as his friends deal with the gnome and his puppets.
Max HP 35 | AC 16 (T12/FF14) | F: +5 R: +7 W: +5* | Perc +7 | Init +2
Do folks need wand charges, including the actors? If so, Renn will part with those for "considerations" in the future if he needs to sneak a date backstage.
Renn rubs his chin.
"Hmmm.. have you had any dealings with the Green Market or its proprietor, bychance? Or, alternatively... anyone who would wish you harm and perhaps coax these bugs to this location? We seem to be chasing a fortune tellers somewhat accurate predictions of misfortune."
"Who? What Green Market? I'm from bloody Andoran, don't you know!" the gnome says with some agitation. One of the actors, Maximos, looks at his feet and shuffles uncomfortably. "Don't think I've seen any fortune-tellers lately..."
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +6; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
"And when did you last see a fortune teller... and what did they say." adds in Khellek.
Male Human Ranger 4 - Init +5 - AC 20|13|17 - hp 39/40 - Fort +6 (+5 vs. cold weather), Ref +7, Will +2, +2 vs. charm and compulsion - Speed 20 ft. - Perception +7
"Yes, who 'have' you seen recently, Maximos?", Peter launches a psychopath glance over the actor, as Juhah show him her teeth.
Maximos rolls his eyes. "Oh all right, there was some harrower-looking woman who came by earlier. I sold her some mask powder under the table. Acting doesn't pay that well, don't you know." He flashes the gnome a glance, who currently looks nigh apoplectic. "Kept asking me strange questions, too. Yes of course the powder can make you look Qadiran! Or anything!" the actor mutters under his breath.
@ Renn: one charge for the actors would not go amiss.
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +6; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
"Did she say who she wanted to look like? You mentioned Qadiran..." asks the scholar.
"No," Maximos frowns, "just kept asking the same bloody question over and over."
A lull in the conversation intercedes before the gnome chirps in his best tone, "If you would kindly leave so that I might have a word with my employee, hmm? If it will get you out of here faster, please, take this..."
He tosses a small bag at Khellek. Inside is some 'mask powder' (dust of illusion) and an odd coin (coin of the untrodden road).
The final location the Pathfinders identified this morning is the Frisky Unicorn, a fancy bed-and-breakfast in Citadel Crest. As the Pathfinders approach, a cacophony of shrieks and growls can be heard from within. Periodically, tiny dragons dart out of windows in the turret before flying into other rooms to wreak havoc.
Inside the front door is a spacious lobby that features comfortable couches and tables laden with refreshments. Guests lounge on the couches, speculating idly about what could have the establishment's famous pseudodragons so upset, while servants look nervously toward the kitchen -- from which a great deal of shouting can be heard. The guests’ theories are fanciful, and none of them is remotely close to the truth. Their most popular theory is that the inn’s proprietor, Oliver Cadmion, decided to start charging them rent. A stack of flyers for the Green Market can be found on one table.
DC 10 Linguistics:
The flyers resemble the cards Foxglove gave you early this morning, except that these appear to be forgeries with a phrase added: "Free samples to foreign visitors!"
(Heroism active, +2 to saves and atk)AC 20 (FF:19); Fort +6; Ref +8; Will +5 (extra +4 vs sonic & language)(extra +1 when surprised/flat footed (included in FF))(extra +1 vs evil outsiders); resist cold/4; ; Init +1; Perception -2;(+1 cmd vs grapple)
Khellek looks idly at the flyers.
linguistics:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
"It would appear someone is trying to give Ms Foxglove a bad name. These are crude forgeries."
He peers into the backroom. "Excuse me..." he asks. "What is going on?"
