Zarabeta's page

Zarabeta's hands grip into claws at the sadistic 'ad-libbing' and wishes she had the capacity to have prepared Raven for his trials with something more useful, such as a false life incantation, or some divine magic to take an equal share of the pain he suffers from him.

Anticipating a surprise disrobing for Raven, if Zarabeta can manage to touch Raven before he is placed upon the rack, she quickly mutters the words to a protective spell, to help shield him from at least some of the whip-strikes.

mage armor on Raven, +4 armor bonus to AC, doesn't stack with actual armor.

"I'm not an expert on enchantments, but getting him drunk should make him even more susceptible to such magics, neh?"

Are there rules in Core for drunkenness? I've seen them in certain items or spells, like Drunkard's Breath or Pick Your Poison...

Zarabeta assists Fiosa in their task, pondering the very real performance to follow this last rehearsal.

She whispers to Fiosa as they work, "It occurs to me that once the actors begin changing their lines, that Robahl may call for an intermission and attempt to stop us from hijacking his play. We should have some means of preventing that, even if it's merely to spice up his drink and leave him too wine-addled to intervene..."

"There's some justification for our participating in this degeneracy, but the only one that matters to me is that the play was going to happen regardless of our presence, and if not us, who have special skills that will help us escape lasting harm, then some other poor slobs would likely be tortured to death for the amusement of the mob." Zarabeta says, as they work.

"I have no fondness for the 'lesser of two evils' logic, but, in this case, we may be able to save lives, by taking on these roles."

"Let's see how potent it is at the mixture that the Asmodean suggested. I can dip a finger in it to check, and if it seems too potent, we can dilute it then." Zarabeta replies. "Marius will likely be one of the persons immersed in this solution, so I don't want it strong enough to cause any lasting harm to his delicate features."

Zarabeta's tone and expression do not change as she says this, which may make her attempt at humor fall flat, or seem paradoxically funnier...

Lowering her voice, now that the devil-lover is in the area, Zarabeta whispers to Fiosa, "The Six Trials of Larazod is the story of a man who undergoes six tortorous trials to prove his innocence before a corrupt Asmodean magistrate. They are grisly and terrible, and some level of versimilitude is traditional, with 'actors' in past performances having been literally killed as part of the performance. We are attempting to avoid that sort of nonsense, but there will be blood and pain, as part of the spectacle, which, as much as possible, will be faked with illusion or acting. Still, if you have healing gifts, you may find them in high demand. One of the earlier actors fainted after nearly dying during a 'trial' in rehearsal involving rot grubs..."

Assuming Fiosa has a disbelieving stare at that last, Zarabeta just nods, confirming that this situation is an insane as it sounds.

To Fiosa

Zarabeta busies herself adding color to items (or reducing the color of items that are so garish as to appear fake or off-putting), or making tiny alterations to outfits with prestidigitation, primarily keeping herself too busy to fret about weightier matters.

She picks at the bread and only sips her tea, not wishing to have to suffer bladder complaints in the middle of the performance, or the potential embarassing consequences of eating too much fruit before having to sit quietly before an attentive audience...

Zarabeta laughs softly at Waifrin's comment, and whispers back. "Showered with gold, now? Is he actually choosing this late hour to pretend that his 'actors' are intended to survive, let alone get paid?"

Zarabeta remains silent, and grows uncharacteristically introspective, as Waifrin and Fiosa speak of how terribly this nation has treated them.

Poor little Zarabeta, spoiled tourist from a far-away land, come to avenge her daddy. she thinks, momentarily struck by how trivial her own loss seems to the wrongs that have befallen so many of this fallen nations own citizens.

Zarabeta's eyes go wide and nods in silent respect as Fiosa waxes eloquent.

Zarabeta's feeling a bit like Cletus, the Slack-Jawed Yokel, here!

Diplomacy check to modify the script without offending. 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Ah, my dice rolls. It's either tragedy or comedy.

Zarabeta will run her changes past Fiosa and Waifrin, hoping that they can point out anything that is either an overreach or too subtle to be noticed.

She'll also attempt to Aid Other on Waifrin's Bluff check, as well. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

She does, at least, give Waifrin a +2 to her Bluff check, if Aid Other is possible in this situation.

Zarabeta seizes the lifeline that Waifrin has thrown her and makes a polite excuse to Millech for having to attend to some last minute preparations.

"While I could use a meal, I'm afraid I have no head for strong drink, and must attend to some last-minute preparations tonight. Thank you for the invitation, and hopefully we'll have a successful performance ahead of us to give us cause to celebrate."

Diplomacy check to not offend Millech with the brush-off. Take 10 for a 19, if possible, otherwise... 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Perform 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Perform 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Perform 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Zarabeta, who has remained quiet until now, having never been a fan of the whole play thing, speaks up, "I don't think that the director is going to allow any changes to the script, whether we claim to have found a 'purer' version or not. Any changes to the wording, or emphasis, will have to be delivered on the stage, on the night of performance, where the director will be unable to stop it."

"The play itself deals with a corrupt official abusing his position and authority in a lawless manner, although 'consorting with demons' is the main reason he truly gets punished for it. What is necessary, I think, is to play up the vileness of the corrupt official, allowing the unspoken association of authority *with* corruption to settle into the viewers who would be receptive to that notion, while those who are in authority can, of course, rationalize that this is just the tale of 'one bad apple,' and not an indictment of their entire class."

"By downplaying any reference to the heroes of the play as being of noble birth themselves, or coming from a background of authority or aristocracy, without explicitly saying that the unwashed downtrodden masses are somehow more morally pure or righteous than the aristocracy, we can softly deliver this message, without being it being so overt as to end up with guardsmen storming the stage."

"The primary hero of the story being a tiefling, itself an oppressed underclass here in Westcrown, treated even more poorly than the halfling slaves, the play is already defying expectations, and if we could play up the tiefling angle, or, actually cast a tiefling in that role, it would be scandalous, and yet beyond reproach, as the part is actually that of a tiefling. As that option is out of reach, given our most recent relations with the Bastards," she pauses to gently touch the place on her ribcage where the Bastard's leader nearly gutted her, wincing at the memory, and not appearing remotely regretful that none are available for the role, "We will have to suffice with the use of cosmetics to make the actor look more overtly 'tiefling' in appearance."

"Where we have the chance to make a powerful statement, is with whomever plays the role of Asmodeus himself, at the end of the play. Words of rebuke towards those who corrupt lawful authority to their own ends, coming from that personage, will have the most borrowed authority, I suspect. Some offended viewer who takes a rebuke of abuse of authority personally will be less likely to jeer or catcall someone who is, even fictionally, representing the god of the state."

Zarabeta is smarter and more diplomatic than I. Is there an option for me to have her Take 20 on a Diplomacy check to subtly rewrite some sections of the play to place appropriate sentiments into the dialogue? I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm not real motivated to rewrite the play myself, and would rather have the character use her skills... With a take 20, her Diplomacy check would be 29, with possible bonuses from Waifrin and Raven using Aid Other.

If Waifrin, or someone else, can add Bluff to the pool, it would help to use innuendo and 'verbal sleight of hand' to convey the message without it being too overt. Zara's Bluff check would be at default, a +2, I think, so she'd be of little use there. Waifrin has +10 Bluff and Raven +8, so they'd be much better at taking Zarabeta's inspiring rhetoric and 'soft-pedaling' it so that it doesn't end with us all hanging from gibbets before the third act. :)

Zarabeta attempts to back up Waifrin's discouragement of Morosino's interest in the play. "It is a brutish thing, of interest only to the jaded upperclass that want to howl for blood like starving dogs and yet pretend it is a sophisticated historical allegory."

Take 10 Diplomacy (+9 to the check) to make the play seem as unattractive as possible, perhaps with some sort of bonus because it really is kind of an ugly concept...

Zarabeta thanks Morosino for the information, and offers him a cup of something to drink, by way of gratitude.

Any plan that includes 'getting some sleep' has Zarabeta's enthusiastic support.

Uqabi takes exception to her attempt to use him as a pillow, but, other than that minor squabble, she's out like a light.

Zarabeta's eyes widen at the quantity of coins, "There's over sixty pounds of copper here. We should perhaps bury it and set up some sort of trap to guard it until we can come back for it, and take the more valuable things now."

"These gems are pretty much worthless. A few gold apiece, maybe." Zarabeta says, tossing them back in the pouch and putting them with the other items being assembled for resale.

"Worthless." Uqabi repeats in a mournful tone, although he follows the sparkly red stones' movements carefully as they enter the pouch, head cocked as if watching a tasty mouse.

Zarabeta continues to look for the signs of magical auras, and takes a special notice of the three red gemstones.

Appraise check, take 10 for a 24.

"Rather a lot of musical instruments for a band of goblins, don't you think?" she says, conversationally.

Zarabeta takes up the two healing potions and hands one to Marius and the other to Raven. "These are healing potions, more powerful than the weaker sort we used back in the day. Save them for when Akorian is engaged in combat and cannot assist you."

She smiles at Marius' consternation at the thought of organized goblins. "They are a cowardly and superstitious lot. Having seen Whitechin fall may cause them to think twice before organizing in this manner again."

Zarabeta checks for magical auras while peering around the room for any additional threats.

detect magic
Perception 1d20 ⇒ 4

Zarabeta picks another random goblin, preferably one already in melee combat with someone, and attempts to daze it. Atonitas!

Will DC 14 or lose next action.

Zarabeta attempts to step back another pace, and throws a cantrip at Whitechin, suspecting that her remaining acid bolts would be wasted on the powerful creature.

Daze, Will DC 14 or lose this rounds action.

If Zarabeta can take a step back to avoid an attack of opportunity, she does so, and releases another bolt of acid, from a rapidly dwindling supply, at a goblin that is not in melee.

ranged touch 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
acid damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Trusting to her defensive magics (AC 18 from mage armor and shield other), Zarabeta attempts to step back a pace to avoid provoking an AoO and hurl acid at one of her attackers.

ranged touch1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
acid damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Note to self, research something to make her acid bolts more viable, since she ends up falling back on them so often! +Int to damage or +X effective level for calculating damage would sure help!

Zarabeta takes suspiciously little damage from the solid seeming blows of the two goblins and retaliates by hurling acid at one of the goblins that struck her.

She takes half damage (3) and Akorian takes the other half (3).

ranged touch attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
acid damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Casting shield other on Zarabeta. Akorian will now take half of any physical damage that comes her way. She also gains a +1 deflection bonus to AC and a +1 resistance bonus on all saves. It'll last for 4 hours...hopefully.

You did the shield other thing just before we entered the building, IIRC, when Zara was luring the goblins out to ambush her and we counter-ambushed them in the alley. It's only been 10 minutes or so, I think.

Just noticed the rolls in my last post changed value between previewing and actual posting, or maybe when I edited that post. I thought they had figured that out.

Unimpressed with her acid serpents effectiveness, and surrounded by tiny menaces with very sharp teeth and blades, Zarabeta attempts to cast daze defensively upon the goblin chieftan.

DC 15 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

But first, she makes a useless knowledge-engineering check to determine if the floor seems structurally sound... :)

Her concentration is distracted, less than she would think by the many menaces, and more by the annoying drumbeat, which causes her to mispronounce her spell as 'Atomitas' instead of Atonitas, causing the spell to fail.

Zarabeta again attempts to silence the drummer, but the arc of acid falls short.

ranged touch 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
acid damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Perception 1d20 ⇒ 14

Initiative 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Zarabeta makes her own attempt to demoralize the goblins by attacking their drummer with a stream of acid.

ranged touch 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
acid damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Zarabeta winces as Waifrin's attempt to move silently appears less than successful, but attempts to not add to the clamor.

Stealth 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

"What have they done to those poor dogs? They look like they've been shaved..." Zarabeta mutters, as the sight of the goblin dogs.

Another hissing serpentine rivulet of acid flies from Zarabeta's hand, to arc towards another goblins oversized head.

ranged touch attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
acid damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Zarabeta hurls a second serpent of acid at the nearest unengaged goblin.

ranged touch attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
acid damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Through the open door at the top of the stairway you can hear a drum beat, a whip crack, and the chatter of goblins. Through the floor you hear some heavy footfalls, a dragging sound, and the charming pitter patter of little feet.

Drums! Drums, in the deep!

Zarabeta makes sure that she isn't standing in front of the stairwell in question, and warns others as well, "Ware the stairwell!"

Initiative -10 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (3) - 3 = 0

Zarabeta crawls forth into the room and sends a looping stream of golden-green acid at the first goblin not already in melee combat she sees.

ranged touch attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
acid damage 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Zarabeta follows behind Akorian, keeping an eye behind them as she walks, ready to blast any goblin that thinks to surprise them from behind.

Perception 1d20 ⇒ 14

The dog should be gone back to the planes, by now. Why does that sound like barking? Zarabeta ponders, peering in the direction which the others are moving.

Next round, if we're already there.

The dog makes his final attempt to bring another goblin to the underworld with him, stony jaws snapping furiously.

bite attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
bite damage 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
free trip 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

He then crumbles apart, as if made of ash, leaving behind only a greasy residue (and, most likely, a horribly mutilated goblin...).

Zarabeta moves against a wall, attempting to watch in either direction for goblins attackers entering the area, the incantation to bedevil the minds of others, and the reserves of corrosive serpentine force readied for action.

The stony-looking ushabti-hound's eyes glow with a ruddy fire as it surges silently forward like an agent of death.

bite attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
bite damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
free trip 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

And yet death is denied, as goblin fends off it's attack by sticking it's spear in the way and holding it's snapping jaws away.

Damage for dog should be 1d6+6, I've been posting it wrong. +4 Str mod x 1.5 for single attack. I actually looked it up because I thought +5 was too high...

If the dog can find more goblins, it kills them. It's got Int 2, and Zarabeta isn't in a position to give it any more sophisticated instructions. It probably only has a round or two left anyway.

"I think the goblins liked Waifrin's plan to burn the place to the ground..." Zarabeta says, with a worried tone.

Initiative for Zarabeta and her little dog, too. 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Dog stats; AC 13, hp 17, bite 1d20+5 (damage 1d6+5 plus trip), CMB +5, CMD 17 (21 vs. trip). Smite evil on first target for +2 damage. Darkvision, scent, +8 Perception.

Zarabeta incants in the trilling tongue of the angelic hosts for a long moment, her bare arms moving in dance-like gestures of supplication.

When if the spell completes, a sleek hairless dog that appears to be carved of black obsidian, lit from within with a ruddy glow, and bearing the angular features common to the animal-headed gods of the Osirioni, emerges soundlessly, and lopes forward in the direction which the goblin fled.

Her body relaxes, and she refocuses upon the smaller, dingy world before them, saying, "It's done. Let's go."

"I can summon but one hound from the celestial kennels today, before the archons turn their faces from my pleas."

Stingy angels!

"Shall I send it before you? It will last less than half a minute, so we should time it so that you follow quickly on its heels..."

Set, you could send the elemental up the stairs or down the basement without waiting for the search. Retcon available to you.

Ooh! Thanks! Rewinding time with this awesome new power available to her...

Making expansive gestures with her hands, and kicking it once to get it moving, Zarabeta persuades the elemental creature to go up the stairs and continue smashing any goblins it can find.

The creature takes a double move action, and, if it sees goblins in its travels, will head towards them by the most direct route possible.

It will have three more rounds of 'life' after this, in which to possibly smoosh some goblins.

Pre-rolled attacks, since it will be out of sight

Zarabeta regrets having used her once-daily special technique to call up this elemental for an extended duration, as it sits around, no targets in sight, until the weight of this alien dimension crushes it out of existence.

Staring at the dust that remains of her most powerful conjuring, she mutters, "I understand why we shouldn't burn the place to the ground, but these creatures are vexing me..."