Shackled City (Pathfinder) - GM_Chris

Game Master Chris Shannon 719

Green is just a curtain.

Pushing the curtain aside, Dyrant sees a short hallway ending in two doors.

Even newer map to speed things along. I'm going to wait a minute though to see if anything else is done before leaving the common room.

Hrm. Where have I heard about red sashes, other than the ones at the bordello on Temple St.

Knowledge (Local) 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Once Toffitt has stabilized the thugs, he follows after the group. However, if it took too long he will ask for a minute to prepare another elixir for Finneas. He then takes out his wand, holding it at the ready in his right (off) hand.

"The red sashes are for keeping their pants up Dyrant."

Hah, two can play that game!
Female voice: Let us know when you start.

And the OCD kicked in.

Even better map

Toffitt doesn't recognize the use of the red sashes, but by the crossed cudgel tattoos on their forearms he recognizes the two men in studded leather as Alleybashers from Cauldron. A gang on the decline.

It's been about two minutes since the party entered the building and fought. That leaves two minutes of elixir of shield for Finneas if my calculations are right. Enough to move on now, but not enough for more than stabilizing the thugs. Rope typing or interrogation will reach the four minute mark.

"I wonder if the red sash might symbolize some new alliance between declining gangs. The ones in leather are part of a minor gang that used to extort The Velvet Well." Before I gave the ladies some of my spare chirurgeon's knives...

One minute of elixir — Toffitt's CL is 3. Probably warrants a minute or two preparing more draughts.

"Hey! A stage!" Glimmil points out the obvious as he pokes around the common room in search of a kitchen.

He then continues to open the door that leads to the interior courtyard assuming the kitchen is in that direction.

"And a courtyard... this place is pretty neat!"

Glimmil absentmindedly fishes a chocolate eel-monster from a pocket, finds it slightly melty from his body heat and devours it to continue his multi-day sugar high.

From courtyard to kitchen and beyond!

"Glimmil, when you were at Skie's shop, did you pick up the wand of Cure Light Wounds we ordered? It came yesterday or the day before, I've lost track."

Atol follows the party to the kitchen hungrily looking for any Cuthbertines as he goes.

That attack of Dyrant's was quite shocking. I should learn that too, it would be quite an addition to my skills. I'll have to remember to ask him to teach me.

At Atol. You have the CLW wand.

Toffitt finishes an elixir for Finneas and the party begins to cross the courtyard to the kitchen.

Perception
Atol1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Cog1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Dyrant 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Finneas 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Glimmil1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Toffitt 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

The central courtyard looks like it escaped the devastation that has been visited upon the rest of the roadhouse. Trees and flowerbeds accent the area, and a white gravel path wind past a pair of marble fountains tha bear intricate carvings of monkeys tauting all manner of strange monsters.

Several party members notice baboons lurking in the trees.

New Map

Dr. Toffitt avoids the poo in the middle of the courtyard.

Dyrant strains to see into the room.

"Baboons? BABOONS!?" Dyrant asks incredulously.

Dyrant wonders if they are just talking about Finn.

"Are baboons local to this inn? Does anyone know? Move aside, Dr. Toffitt, if you don't mind," Dyrant says, poking his head around the Doctor's shoulder to get a look.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 Know (nature) on them baboons
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 Know (local) on if the baboons are a local attraction to the Chunky Monkey

Maybe Dr. Toffitt can talk to them...

Dr. Toffitt takes out his formulae book. Hrm. No, I don't think that'd help us comprehend simians. If it did, perhaps I'd better understand Dyrant's grunting.

Come to think of it, they wave those cudgels around as though they were freshly chewed yak femurs. I may be on to something here...

Dyrant knows the baboons to be local to the area, but not the inn. They typically raid campsites and attack lone individuals.

"Um, perhaps there is another route to the kitchen. No need to kill the ugly monkeys." Unless perhaps the wands are up their bums. Should I ask Dyrant to use his arcane sense on them?

"I suggest caution with these. They can be aggressive," Dyrant nudges Glim/Cog towards the curtains in J13.

Knowledge (Nature) check to determine whether any of them seem to have a strange posture suggesting hidden Wands of Control Water: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

The only creature around that looks like he has a stick up his arse is...

"Dyrant, I think before we beat them up, the rogues might have hidden the wands up yo... Oh, hey, maybe that curtain leads to the kitchen."

Glimmil closes the door as swiftly as he opened it.

"I don't think we have time for monkey business..."

Which is a shame, because monkey business usually involves bananas, which go swimmingly with chocolate...

Glimmil guides Cog away from the common room, poking at the nearby curtain to see what's behind it.

Curtain at J13

"Hold on, I think I know that one on the left. No, my mistake."

Finneas continues to hold the rear of the party, sticks and all.

The party walks down the hallway and opens the door to an office. There is another door that leads to the kitchen. Glimmil opens the door and finds a large room that was obviously the roadhouse's kitchen. The large tables for food preparation have all been pushed against the walls. Impressive stacks of coins, paintings, silverware, bottles of wine, and other costly-looking treasure lie about in organized piles.

Standing in the room are three baboons as well as another creature. His body is that of a half-orc but he has a baboonish face and snout complete with razor-sharp fangs. A large mane of black hair sprouts from his head. He has many tattoos and piercings made of bone and metal. He wears studded leather armor and has a falchion at his side.

He turns to Glimmil, "I thought that sounded like more than just another squabble."

Initiative
Atol1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13
Dyrant 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Finneas 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Finneas Bonus roll 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Glimmil1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Toffitt 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Others 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 I'm keeping everything grouped together for play by post. I average the initiatives and add 1 for each group. I might split them up if there is more than one boss type, but I think the efficiency far outweights any problems.

Round 1 to follow.

Others = 26
Finneas = 25
Toffitt = 22
Glimmil = 15
Atol = 13
Dyrant = 11

One baboons (B1) rushes up to Glimmil and tries to bite him. Another baboon (B2) tumbles through Glimmil and Cog and tries to bite Toffitt. The third (B3) tries to bite Glimmil around the doorway.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 - B1
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 - B2 Tumble
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 - B2
1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 6 - 4 = 19 - B3

The half-orc baboon (A) stands in the middle of the room and easily pulls out a potion from his backpack and drinks it. He doubles in size and screeches loudly like a baboon.

Party is up. Opened doors have been erased from map.

New Map

Round 1 Init 25

"Guys look, a tumbling baboon!"

Finneas moves up and attempts to hit a baboon in the face.

Maybe I should start covering the front instead of the rear?

Move 20' to J6 and attempt to hit B2.
Greatsword Power Attack +7 Bless
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 162d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 4) + 9 = 18

The baboon bites at Finneas as he rushes up. It's a good lunge that goes straight for Finneas's neck, but the baboon is frustrated by invisible forces Dyrant's blessing and assuming Toffitt gave Finneas the shield potion and he drank it.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

EDIT: Finneas does hit, but the baboon roars and looks ready to bite again.

"Guys look, a tumbling baboon!"

Damn. I've always wanted to fight a bumbling typhoon.

Round 1, Init 11

Dyrant, seeing the big ugly (A), gives him a look of derision that he usually saves for Atol.

(7 rounds/1round on Will save DC 16) Inflict penalties (-2 to AC, attacks, saves, or skills). Choosing -2 on all its saves.

Round 1, Init 22

Dr. Toffitt taps himself with the wand and says "Scutum." He then puts the wand away, raising his blade to remove a baboon head or two.

What is that guy? And anything special about these baboons?
Guy: Local 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Nature 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Arcane 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Baboons: Nature 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

The half-orc is a lycanthrope. Nothing special about baboons.

"The big baboon over there likes to eat silver bananas. And cudgels. And longswords. Don't you big fella? There's a nice, cursed weremonkey."

I guess I should always mention that Glimmil has his lance out when he's exploring. It's not exactly an easy weapon to put back into it's scabbard... which I guess would've provided one AoO? I defer to Chris, if the lance isn't out, I'm not sure where it is :)

Glimmil Lance AoO (would likely be against the first target to close): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Round 1, Init 15

Glimmil contemplates the orc-monkey's labeling of Atol and Dyrant's conversation as more than a squabble, but decides it's better to focus on fighting the vicious baboons than pontificate the interactions of the Cauldron Five.

"Chaaaaaarge!" he shouts, guiding Cog straight into the baboon ahead.

Using Cog for an Improved Bull Rush.

Cog Bull Rush vs L7: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

He'll create as much room as he can (5ft, 10ft, 15ft)

I'm also not sure if Glimmil can still attack when his mount uses a Bull Rush. If so, here's a roll for Glimmil, who drops his lance as a free action during Round 1, and pulls out the hook-hammer.

Fight with combat-trained mount (Ride DC10): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Glimmil attack (hammer, power, bless): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Glimmil damage (hammer, power): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Does Glimmil move with the baboon or just knock him back 10'?

Round 1, Initiative 13, Location J9

Atol frowns at the monstrously large babbon-orc-human-thing in the next room and the tight quarters. To deal with this new threat, Atol smiles and casts Spiritual Weapon.

Spiritual Cudgel 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 1 = 13 for 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 points of damage.

Atol's smile turns to a grim look as his Spiritual Cudgel slides off the beasts hide and fails to connect.

Bad luck.

No AoO's for flatfooted Glimmil and Cog.
Round 1 Recap
Others = 26
Finneas = 25 - Hits B2 fof 18
Toffitt = 22 - Uses wand of shield
Glimmil = 15 - Cog bull rushes B1 10' to N7.
Atol = 13 - Spiritual Weapon miss
Dyrant = 11 - Hexes big one. Failed save.

Waiting to find out whether Glimmil is in K7, L7, or M7.

I propose that if players don't post their end location, that the judge make his own determination based on what he feels is fair (and we can just hope GM_Chris is feeling charitable).

Ah, I had presumed I could move along with the baboon without having to worry about AoO mechanics... I'm contemplating. Will edit this post in a second after checking the map.

Now I remember why I wasn't concerned about the AoO, I'm used to taking a 5-ft step after the bull rush is completed into the now vacant square. Glimmil and Cog will just move 5ft after the maneuver to avoid 3 AoOs.

Round 2, Init 22 {>K7}

Toffitt steps into the doorway, to prevent the baboons from closing on Atol or Dyrant. He lashes out at whichever adjacent baboon is most badly injured.

Dueling blade 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 +1 adjacent opponents? +1 if Bless is still active, which seems unlikely.
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

To confirm:
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 +1 bless? +1 adjacent opponents?
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

You're eager doctor. I'm going to let the baboons go first though.

I am... Sorry... Need to stop drinking so much coffee...

The half baboon/orc takes a 5' step back and pulls out another potion. He drinks it and is now harder to see. (Blur, 20% miss chance)

The three baboons surround Glimmil and also try to bite him.

1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11
1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 2 = 20
1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10

New Map

Party is up for Round 2
Bless would be expired from the first fight. Without the confirmation, the baboon still stands after Toffitt's hit.

Actually, Toffitt will have flank on B2, and will take advantage of it. So that makes his confirm total 16. Sneak damage is:

2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

Happy to repost rolls though, if you'd rather I just repost.

No. That'll work. One dropped baboon.

If, as is now classic for me, Finneas kills B2 first, Toffitt will take the AoO's and move to flank B3. Sigh. I need therapy.

Round 2, Init 15

Glimmil and Cog glide deeper into the kitchen, Glimmil wearing a comfortable look on his face, as if the combat was now becoming a basic daily routine of his.

We're like Garl Glittergold, wading into the thick of a xvart lair, totally surrounded and fighting our way through!

Glimmil sighs happily as he continues to block and parry the baboons and approach their leader.

"Hey guys, this one's fuzzy!"

Then, after a pause.

"I mean... he's fuzzy and FUZZY!"

Glimmil will fight defensively as he and Cog coordinate their attacks against B3. This assumes B2 has dropped, otherwise Glimmil and Cog will take the flank against B2 to try to finish it off before moving. In the event that Doctor T is flanking with B3 before Glimiml's action, add an extra +2 bonus below. I've stopped counting a bonus for Bless as well.

Fight with combat-trained mount (Ride DC10): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Glimmil attack (hammer, defensively): 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 4 = 21
Glimmil damage (hammer, defensively): 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Cog attack (bite, power): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Cog damage (bite, power): 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Cog trip: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Then Glimmil and Cog 5ft step to (M,6). Glim is now AC26.

Round 2 Init 25

"Kill this monkey Doctor, I'll try something."

Finneas waits for the Doctor, hoping he will finish off the baboon.

Delay. A little meta I know but I didn't want another 5 posts about him stabbing a monkey. ;)

Once the baboon in front of him drops Finneas sheathes his sword and calls upon the favor of Kord.

Move to sheathe Greatsword, Standard to cast Divine Favor.

Ha ha. Touché!

Round 2, Init 11

Angel, grant me the strength to defeat this blurry apish menace.

Dyrant recites the prayerspell calling motes of angeldust to cover the big ape in their radiant and pure light.

Cast Glitterdust, will save DC 16 at OP:3/4

"...and by the lights of tiny angels, let our foes be blinded by your glory."

1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 3 - 2 = 20 big guy
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20 B1
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13 B3