RainyDayNinja's Untitled Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master RainyDayNinja

Roger takes his place on stage, messaging random gnolls in the crowd with his usual "Are you ready," shenanigans until it's time to get started.

Victor hops down off the cart onto the stage, keeping his sword and buckler strapped to his back; although he normally doesn't carry weapons onstage, he's more inclined than normal to be ready to defend himself if the crowd turns ugly, and in any case this particular audience probably isn't turned off by performers with weapons.

Looking around at his bandmates to make sure everyone's ready, he exchanges nods with each of them and turns to face the crowd. Showtime.

So are we doing this like before, where each of us makes a series of three Perform checks?

When all the band members are on stage, the chieftain gives a signal. You hear a loud ka-chunk above your head, followed by the rattle of chains as a large cage is lowered slowly around you.

Does this cage look like it would be easy to escape (i.e., just walk between the widely-spaced bars or climb out the open top) and is therefore merely a prop, or does it look like they're for real trying to capture us? And if the latter, how long does it look like we have before it's all the way down?

It's moving slowly enough that you could make a reflex save to get off the stage before you're blocked off. But once it's down, you can't fit through the bars.

As the cage descends above them, Tobar begins a lilting and haunting tune upon his flute.

Perform (Woodwind): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27

The band members remember it as that local favourite Why did I agree to a gig at the gnoll camp where they're going to lock us in a cage and eat our horses in E Minor.

Cursing under his breath, Jordon makes a leap to escape the falling cage.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Rekkstuff is confident enough in his ability to break things to stay where he's at. Instead, he takes a moment to tune up his guitar; you need to make sure it works properly after braining a moron with it.

Roger, too, tries to make it out of the cage.

Reflex Save1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Dang, I am not doing well with these saves.

"Crap!"

Reflex save:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Tobar turns to Rekkstuff and gives a what are these guys on about shrug of his shoulders at the antics of the rest of the band and just keeps on playing.

Jordon slides under the dropping cage, while Victor and Roger both smack their heads against the bars and drop to their backs. The crowd boos at Jordon, throwing half-eaten chunks of meat at him.

In the stone wall at the back of the stage, you can hear the grinding of machinery, and a dark hole opens up. Above all the noise, you can just make out the snarl of some massive beast. Two animal handlers step out, dragging huge chains pulled taut behind them. Soon the lights of the stage fall on the body of an enormous lion, who lets out a fearsome roar to much adulation from the crowd. He tosses his mane back and forth, flinging the handlers into the bars. They quickly get up and scamper back into the hole in the wall, which closes behind them.

Initiative
Tobar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Victor: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Roger: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Rekkstuff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Jordon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Lion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Note: Victor and Roger are currently prone. The stage is 15x50 feet, and the lion is a Large creature on the opposite end from you.

Dear gods. Please tell me we are using the performance combat system for this.

Yes, but since three of you tried to run away, the crowd is starting out Unfavorable toward you. So -1 to all of your rolls right now.

Jordon wheels around, at once glad he isn't in the cage with the lion and terrified for his friends. He quickly thinks on what he can do (as the crowd would likely tear him to pieces if he tried running away), and then something brilliant comes to him:

"Bi***es and gentle-gnolls, LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLEEEEEEEE!" He shouts in a pitch-perfect imitation of a wrestling announcer, using ghost sound to amplify his voice to that of 12 men shouting in unison. He turns his body to the cage and bluffs like it was his intention to act like an announcer from the start.

Bluff check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

For my turn, ghost sound, no other action. If no one has inspire courage up by next round, Imma do that then.

For clarity, I'm holding off till I know who the lion eats this round...

Roger will stand up, and try something out of the ordinary, using the Dancing Lights effect that creates a faintly glowing, humanoid like shape, and have it dance around the lion a bit to distract it. Medium range spell, the shape itself can move 100 ft/round, no concentration required.

Dancing Lights

Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

The lion watches the dancing lights for a moment, but soon shakes its head with a roar and rushes at Roger, taking a single swipe with his claw.

Claw attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27
1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Good thing you distracted him, or else he would have charged

Pounce. Yeowch.

"The contenders are at it right outta the gate. The beast bounds out and takes a swipe. Ooooh, doesn't look like Roger "the Hammerline" Rodriguez can take many more of those!" Jordon's voice starts to become nervous, as he watches the game from the sidelines with all the gnolls.

Even with the roar of the lion and sweeping claw Tobar maintains his composure, turning to face the beast he seamlessly segues into a more upbeat and harsh tune on his flute. One hand flickers to his waist where he removes a dart and without breaking the flow of his tune slips it into his mouth and fires it at the lion through his blowpipe. Timing the exhalation with a harsh trill so as to make it appear as though the sound itself is what is harming the lion.

He also maneuvers around the beast to where he might be able to soon assault it from the flank.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 To slip the dart in unseen
Attack Roll (with Point Blank and into Melee): 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 1 - 4 = 15 for 1+1=2 No chance to buy or afford poison yet unfortunately
Perform (Woodwind): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26

I'll assume for the moment that, having attacked Roger, the lion is not adjacent to me.

Victor leaps to his feet, his mind suddenly snapping into the old techniques he learned back in combat training. (Move action to stand, swift action to enter Snake Style stance. Whenever the lion pounces/full-attacks, I'll use it against the bite rather than the claws. Obviously, if he just uses a standard action attack, I'll use it against whichever attack he uses.)

Having fulfilled the mandates of his battle instincts, Victor comes to himself and realizes that this is apparently still a performance. "You want a show?" Victor bellows, grinning. "We'll give you a show! Ladies and gentlemen, Gnashville will never be the same!"
(Standard action: begin Inspire Courage.)

And if possible, I'll take a 5' step toward the lion.

I am also assuming it is non-adjacent.

Rekkstuff brandishes his guitar, pointing it at the lion the same way a batter points at the wall when intending to knock it out of the park. He wanted the crowd on his side, and like any rocker winning over a crowd was what he was best at. Those in the crowd would know the classic signs of someone flying right off the handle and into the end of the universe, as Rekkstuff loosed a primal roar.

Controlled Rage as a free action for +4 STR, which triggers a performance check also as a free action:1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 1 = 20 (If his guitar counts as a performance weapon, add 2 to that for a 22, but either way I think we hit indifferent.)

He then does what any sane rocker would in front of a giant snarling lion: He charges it and tries to smack it in the face before playing a short riff on his weapon of choice.

Attack roll:1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 21

Damage roll:1d8 + 3 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 3 + 1 = 11

And if the Charge hits, spend a swift action on a Combat Performance check.1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 If his guitar does count as a performance weapon, that becomes an 11.

Seeing how his allies are still performing even during a fight with a raging lion, Jordon uses his next turn to conjure up a grand piano, and immediately starts to hammer an intense battle melody on it. He simultaneously keeps up the announcer shtick as he does so.

Perform (keyboard): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Roger, now bleeding, returns to playing his bass. As he does so, shards of crystal materialize from the string, heading straight for the lion ahead.

Casting Defensively, DC 171d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Damage, DC 15 Reflex for half2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

Roger will continue to play.

Performance combat check for Sonic Spell: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Perform:Strings Check:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Roger appears to be a little distracted while playing. I wonder why?

Tobar's dart flies true, but the lion hardly seems to notice it.

The crowd goes silent at Rekkstuff's roar, ceasing their heckling. As the guitar strikes the lion, it roars in pain, but the audience lets out only a half-hearted cheer.

Crowd is now Indifferent.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

The lion turns its face away from Roger, and the few puny crystals that flew from the bass are lost harmlessly in its mane.

The lion turns to Rekkstuff with murder in his eyes. He reaches out with his two front paws and pulls him close to bite down on his chest.

Bite:
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
1d8 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 damage
Grab:
1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36 to grapple

Is the reason my Performance combat check wasn't counted that I didn't do much damage? I'm just curious, as using a damaging spell that manifests itself in some fashion allows a performance Combat check as a swift action, which I took, and rolled prety well on, to boot. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't missed.

Sorry, I missed that it still did half damage. In that case it should count, so that audience is now Friendly.

"Bad kitty!" Victor screams as he charges the beast. Drawing his sword as he goes, he raises it high above his head and brings it down with both hands.

Free action to maintain Inspire Courage (beginning second round).

Attack (+1 for InspCourage, +2 for charge, against the lion's grappled AC):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Damage (longsword, two-handed plus IC):1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

(If that hits, then I'll make the following performance combat check as a swift action.)
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Victor's sword swings down at the lion, and just barely manages to slice off a small chunk of flesh. However it was only a glancing blow, which threw off his balance and almost makes him drop the sword when he tries to work the crowd. They all chuckle a little, and stop cheering on Squealy Nord.

HP: 18/28, 2nd Rage Round

Rekkstuff found himself (Unfortunately) grappled by a lion. 'Caught in the lion's paw,' wasn't the phrase? If it wasn't it was now. Rekkstuff's signature Rickenbaker 4001 hit the ground. It made a small strumming noise as it did.

Free action drop. Move action to draw his dagger. Always carry a dagger.

He pulled a dagger as he roared right back at the lion. With a angry glare, he tried to stab the lion right in the side as he wrestled with it.

Swift action, activate Archaeologist's luck. I'm going to need it. Standard action, STAB A LION IN THE FACE.

"YOU DO NOT INTERRUPT MY GUITAR SOLO!"

Attack roll vs grappled AC:1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 12

Damage:1d4 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 6

Round 3:

Jordon does his best to help by casting daze at the monster of a lion. He masks the spell in his song, as he thinks the gnolls would likely find it underhanded given that he's not in the cage.

I'm not sure if this is a legal action, given that I don't actually have a bardic performance going right now, and the Spellsong feat says bardic performances specifically. I am playing music though. If I can use it this way:

Perform (keyboard): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 (opposed by either Perception or Sense Motive to detect the spellcasting)

If it has 5 or more HD, this does nothing. If 4 or less, Will Save DC 13 or no actions next round.

If I cannot use it that way, I'll just keep with the announcer shtick, and take no actions.

Rekkstuff flails at the lion, but can't get enough leverage to even puncture his skin. Jordon jams out on his keyboard, but it doesn't seem to affect the battle at all.

Seeing Rekkstuff bodily lifted from the ground by the lion and flailed around in it's jaws, Tobar sets his jaw. Theatrically lowering his flute he strides forward to slap the lion on the rump to draw it's attention. As it turns, Tobar channels all his will into a forceful command "DROP!" staring at the beast with all his will and attempting to force it to comply...

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

Worth a shot ;) - I know it's unlikely to work

The lion drops Rekkstuff on command, but turns and glares at Tobar menacingly.

And then he waits for Roger to take his turn.

And Roger readies an action to cast Chord of Shards again if the lion attacks anyone.

The lion roars at Tobar, then lunges to take a bite at him.

Bite:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Grapple: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30

In reaction, Roger strums his base and sends a shower of crystal shard at the lion, but he barely scratches it.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

Want to make another Performance Combat check?

Performance Combat Check:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Victor continues to spew taunts and swears at the lion as he maneuvers around for a better angle of attack.

Free action maintain Inspire Courage (beginning third round), 5' step into flanking with... someone, then another two-handed attack with the longsword.
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Damage if hit:1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

And still in Snake Style.

Rage round 3. Ending Archaeologist's Luck, Lingering Performance: 2 rounds

Rekkstuff drops his dagger to the ground, 5' steps a little away from the lion, and picks up his guitar once more.

As the man sized jaws close around his child-sized frame a gasp of pain escapes Tobar's lips. Looking straight into the eyes of his death Tobar realizes that to struggle is futile... but there is one thing that he might still do.... the show... must... go... ON!

Flute raised to his lips as the lion lifts him bodily from the ground and shakes him left and right, a fierce and piercing high pitched lament sounds out from the small and broken body.

11/21 HP
Perform (Woodwind): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

What are you trying to accomplish with that Perform check?

Nothing specific, just playing the last post while waiting for the chewing to start ;)

If anyone with damage (especially Tobar) is close enough to the bars to be within touch spell range:

Jordon stops hammering out his battle tune to move toward his ally. He changes his persona now to be a boxing coach, patting the ally roughly on the shoulder and saying, "Alright, boy, he's hit you hard but he ain't got you beat yet! Get in there and show 'im how a metal band does it!" He uses the action of patting them on the shoulder to conceal a cure light wounds spell (via the Spellsong feat).

Perform (act), opposed by Perception or Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

CLW heal: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

The crowd boos at the use of magical healing, and you all suspect it will make winning them over that much harder.

Jordon, make a Performance Combat check to keep their attitude from slipping.

The lion pins Tobar to the ground with one paw, and goes in for another bite.

Bite attack:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Damage:1d8 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Performance combat check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Which player did I heal?

"Enough with the biting, geez!"

Same as last round: continue Inspire Courage (round 4), stay in Snake Style, and two-hand the sword at the lion from flanking.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

The little gnome's body goes limp and his flute spills from his grasp.

-2/21 HP
Stabilize Roll: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 - 2 = 15 = stable
Don't heal me - save it for Rekk or someone who is a bit more combat able.

An almost imperceptible rise and fall can be seen from Tobar's chest showing that he still yet lives.

Rage round 4. HP: 24/28(?), Lingering Performance: 1 round

Since Rekkstuff got his guitar back, he's been in a bit of a roaring mood. See, that lion bit him. And Rekkstuff wanted to bite the Lion back. Except Rekkstuff couldn't bite lions, so instead he settled for bashing it with his guitar from the other side of Victor.

Attack vs Grappling AC:1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 30

Damage:1d8 + 3 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 14

ROCKIN!! CONFIRM ROLL:1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 21

CONFIRM DAMAGE:1d8 + 3 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 14

Performance Combat Check for Confirmed Critical:1d20 + 1 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 4 + 1 + 1 = 12

"THAT is why you do NOT chew on Rekstuff VanHalen!"