GM Doom 'n Gloom: The Cyphermage Dilemma (Inactive)

Game Master TriShadow

Besides the constant soft rumbling of the tide and echoing drips, the large cave seems empty. A quick search of Topaz Titan shows that there is no one aboard.

Just need to know where you are going and any buffs/precautions you are taking.

Gonna be keeping Resistance on the party; other than that, I'm following with me bow.

You can skip resistance on Kenta, it doesn't stack with his cloak.

Kenta points to the right tunnel, "Follow me, be sneaky."

Stealth - ACP: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 - 2 = 14

He will keep an eye out for dangers as well.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

"Lead on, Brother."

No further prep from Ikari - he travels with his spear in hand.

stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

You're gonna miss out on Hiiragi's high-fives!

Stealth - ACP: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 2 - 4 = 17

Itami stifles a chuckle before crouching low behind the others. He is learning so fast!
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Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Itami can do some brief scouting while invisible if we want as well. TBH, I forgot about it until now.

Itami can do some brief scouting while invisible if we want as well. TBH, I forgot about it until now.

By all means do :)

Itami wrote:

Itami can do some brief scouting while invisible if we want as well. TBH, I forgot about it until now.

By all means do :)

Seconded

Ikari Hateshinai wrote:

Itami wrote:

Itami can do some brief scouting while invisible if we want as well. TBH, I forgot about it until now.

By all means do :)

Seconded

Go forth, Invisible Trickster Grandpa!

Just checking on how 'Invisible' you are. Vanish? Invisibility? Stealth? Other? Need to figure how far/fast/long you can go.

The cagey kitsune ambles up the stairs, hoping the others are too far away to hear popping knees and cracking joints.

A series of wooden planks set into the soft sediment of the cavern’s floor provide a steep stairway into the chamber beyond. An iron gate blocks access beyond this passage. However, Itami can clearly see the chamber resembles a pit more than anything else, and bones of various kinds of animals—including humanoids—litter the floor near the cages. Several sconces with burning torches adorn the walls, and two empty cages stand at the eastern side of the room.

With the others ready to hang around for a moment, Itami breaks into a steady jog before disappearing before their eyes. "If I'm gone longer than a minute, I've died. Back in a jiff!"

Hmmm.... Animals. Might complicate things a bit... Nevertheless, he continues on through the room and out the other side.
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He is going to be moving 25ft per action the whole way (50ft/round). His goal is more general layout and foe locations than anything more thorough. He has invisibility per the spell invisibility, but the rounds are his sorcerer level plus his charisma modifier, totaling 7 rounds (idk why they didn't just call it vanish with a modified duration, but that's how the rules describe it). Vanishing. My understanding of the rules will be that he will be rolling with a +10 base mod, +20 for moving while invisible, -5 for moving over half but less than full speed.

Moving along the second passage, the sorcerer hears a shrill female voice echoing toward him. "Your silence will eventually end Gurukaza. Well, either your silence or your life. Come now, make it easy for your self. We really just want the same thing, to unlock the secret of the Cyphergate. It would be a shame if these discoveries were made after your death." A sputtered coughing is all that follows.

As Itami gets close for a better look, a few pebbles grind on the stone beneath his foot for the barest of seconds. He freezes in place as one of the guards puts his back to the stone pillar. His eyes lock on to the kitsune's.

Still out of sight, the shrill voice asks, "What is it?"

The crewman peers deeper. "Not sure boss. Thought I heard something, like close. But there ain't nothin' there."

A moment later, the interrogation continues and everyone's attention is drawn back into the center of the stone chamber.

Itami slowly moves to see the entire cavern.

Three sets of wooden stocks hang from the northern wall of this room, pitons chaining the devices to the rock. Light flickers into the room from the water out in the cavern’s main chamber to the west, and small holes in the ceiling act as skylights, ensuring that the room needs no torches to light it during the day. Several natural stone columns break up the center of the cavern, sending shafts of shadow across the dimly-lit chamber.

In the middle, a woman matching the description of the vishkanya pirate Alejia stands behind a beaten Tian man. His arms are bound behind him. Even the fingers look to be tied off. He also has a rope wrapped a few times around his throat. As the pirate begins to talk more, she tightens the rope, slowly strangling the man. The prisoner begins to turn red, then purple as he struggles to bring air into his lungs. After an eternity, slack is given and the rope eases, allowing the man to breathe once more. "I have all day Gurukaza. However, I am afraid YOU are running out of time."

Itami is certain that the crew would have a strong chance to hear any approach long before the team could burst in to free the man.

You figure you only have moments before your invisibility expires.

With his invisibility on the verge of fading, Itami steps back around a corner and lets it fade. Now in full view of his family, he gestures urgently down the tunnel and drags a finger across his throat. If I make a sound, the jig is up, but if we're already on the move, we just might make it!
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Probably not, but any rounds of Vanishing left?

Hiiragi nocks an arrow, then mimes shooting around the corner with a questioning look. Might be a good opening volley, at least.

Itami mimes drawing a weapon, lifts his arms wide, then silently charges in place as though his limbs were that of a giant. We need to develop hand signals. "No Hiiragi, be a gods damn giant and smash their brains out" is entirely too complicated to act out quietly AND be effective. "Smite the sinners" might be a good one to establish as well.

Hiiragi is confused, and gives a quizzical look. She’s not sure when Itami thinks she obtained a monkey, but she’s certainly NOT carrying it on her back. Unless the monkey is figurative? But Itami doesn’t know about Hiiragi’s deep-seated emotional hangups, so she doesn’t think that’s right either.

Many thought it was impossible, but the dead look in Itami's eyes some how looks even more jaded. He hangs his head and turns to Kenta.

He mimes drawing his sword, raising it over head, and running in place with his face twisted in anger.

Kenta quickly gets the message, he charges past Itami with sword drawn!

I get what he is asking, but why is he scrunching his face up like he needs to poop?

If we do this in rounds, then Kenta moves forward via the yellow arrow in round one and the green arrow in round two. If we don't do this in rounds, it takes him 4 total move actions to get from the start to the first enemy. Those are pretty much the next four actions he will take and I'm sure at least some of them will trigger initiative, but I expect some of my allies may wish to follow or do their own things while he moves forward towards battle!

Ikari sees the pantomime and grins, gripping his spear.

Ikari casts Shield of Faith, then channels. The healing is irrelevant since none of us is injured. but everyone can ignore fatigue for 1 minute. It's a rage-cycle enabler.

Kenta will... wait. His tail swishes with discontent. We were told to go NOW!

I can probably take one move action each 'round' as I cast and channel, so as to move a little closer, if we stick together.

Once all the spells are cast (Hiiragi having none suitable for her friends, currently), the shrine maiden follows along at a jog. She keeps her flail out, at Itami's advice.

Probably not, but any rounds of Vanishing left?

Playing a little fast and loose with the 'cut scene' spliced into your rounds. Fair if we say two rounds remaining?

Waiting for Ikari to enspell the team seems to take ages for the eager paladin. As soon as the spell is cast, the warrior is off like a bolt.

Cutthroats in the Cavern Surprise Round Bold may post

Crew
Toshiko A STANDARD or MOVE action only
Hiiragi A STANDARD or MOVE action only
Alejia
Kenta Running Yellow arrow
Ikari A STANDARD or MOVE action only
Itami A STANDARD or MOVE action only

Ikari strides forwards towards the enemy. Move 30'

Hiiragi gets hustlin'.

I forgot to move my token before combat started D:

At least someone understands me... Itami steps to the base of the tunnel after Kenta rushes past him.
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Two rounds works for me GM!

Toshiko moves closer, drawing a dagger as she goes.

Abandoning all efforts at stealth, the team sprints toward danger.

"BLADES AFT CAPTAIN!"

You hear frantic shuffling as you race up the tunnel.

Cutthroats in the Cavern Round 1 Bold may post

Crew
Toshiko
Hiiragi
Alejia
Kenta
Ikari
Itami

Hiiragi keeps running! I should have positioned myself better!

Toshiko advances further in, dagger in hand. Double move to get into a position when I could throw next round

As Toshiko races in the chamber, everyone hears an audible 'click' followed immediately by a twang! and ending with a soft thud as Alejia's tiny crossbow bolt plunges into Toshiko's shoulder.

The next sound is the metal on metal rasp of a sword being drawn. "A rescue mission? Well, we'll just see about that." Alejia walks behind her hostage and places the blade to his throat.

Cutthroats in the Cavern Round 1 Bold may post

Crew
Toshiko {16/22 hp}
Hiiragi
Alejia
Kenta
Ikari
Itami

Was Toshiko already injured? She'll have recovered some hp from Ikari's Channel.

Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 4 Result halved because variant channel, so Tosh got 2hp back before we entered the final cavern.

Ikari continues his advance. double move

"You kill him, snake, and not only do you lose his knowledge - you seal your own fate! We'll take his corpse and get him raised. But you and your crew will be shark-bait!"

Ikari rages. +4 to DEX from Controlled Rage. AC21 (22 if adjacent to more than 1 enemy).

A hostage? What kind of vile creature would take a defenseless person hostage? ;D

If only there were a paladin behind her...

Was Toshiko already injured? She'll have recovered some hp from Ikari's Channel.

Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 4 Result halved because variant channel, so Tosh got 2hp back before we entered the final cavern.

I just went off of her stat line. Happy to retcon the heal. New hp total listed.

**************************************************

We'll take his corpse

Gurukaza's eyes go wide at the thought. He shakes his head.

With a snort, Alejia calls back, "I have my own ways of getting even dead tongues to wag. Besides, how helpful will this wretch want be if you allow him to die? I am promising him access and an equal share of whatever we uncover. What's he gonna get with you? Credit? That don't buy squat. No, you're gonna stand down so Gurukaza can keep drawing breath."

She eyes the barbarian, "You overplayed your hand boy. If you had that kind of magic, we never would have heard you coming."

Cutthroats in the Cavern Round 1 Bold may post

Crew
Toshiko {18/22 hp}
Hiiragi
Alejia
Kenta
Ikari
Itami

I need to know where I ended up. Am I in the middle of the cavern or still outside? Thanks!

@Kenta: You are starting outside, with the projected belief that you will follow the arrow and end your turn in the cavern.

Kenta rushes into the room, sword drawn, "We don't negotiate with terrorists pirates!"

I hope Ikari is right about raising this guy, this is not a good situation!

Adjusted his final spot (same total move) so that he doesn't block Ikari's reach for any AoO's

Itami barrels down the tunnel and up against the first rock. Hope they can keep her talking and not killing for a moment... He begins weaving his familiar wispy, blue net.
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Begin casting sleep!

"Only a fool believes the promises of someone who has him tied up and is holding a blade to his neck! And Gurukaza-San is no fool. I hope you're a better fighter than you are a negotiator, snake!"

Ikari goads the pirate leader.

Following their captains lead, each of the crew slides out from hiding to attack the Pathfinders. However, it is quickly clear they are not nearly so skilled as their fearless leader. A crossbow bolt meant for Kenta skitters along the ground. Another shatters against the stone well above Toshiko's head. Even hand to hand, these men are seemingly not up to the task. A red shirted pirate slashes little but the air in front of Ikari.

Cutthroats in the Cavern Round 2 Bold may post

Crew
Toshiko {18/22 hp}
Hiirag
Alejia
Kenta
Ikari
Itami

Toshiko throws a dagger at Blue.

Dagger, Cover: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 7 - 4 = 6 Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Hiiragi finally reaches the cavern!

Locking eyes with the pirate queen, she raises a finger to the epicenter of the tails that mark her forehead.

"It would be a shame if you were to turn your blade on your companion," she said.

Murderous Command, DC15 on Alejia!

Will vs DC 15: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

With a smirk, "Why yes, I suppose it would be. So, I guess I should turn my blade on the next best thing." Alejia presses her blade against the hostage's throat. You see blood start to seep on to her blade. She begins to draw her cutlass horizontally. You realize you have mere seconds to save Gurukaza!

Alejia has begun a coup de grace, which is a full round action. You have one round to stop her.

Cutthroats Cutting Throats in the Cavern Round 2 Bold may post

Crew {RED -5/?? | YELLOW | BLUE}
Toshiko {18/22 hp}
Hiirag
Alejia
Kenta
Ikari
Itami

Damn, that was such a good plan Hiiragi! Kenta if I make you grow, you can smite the pirate now! You move, declare smite, ready attack; I swift action grow you then deal with a minion. GM I think I hit red with an AoO?

Indeed you did. Edited.

and if Itami puts red to sleep, no AoO against you from moving either.

Kenta moves up as commanded and denounces the evil snake pirate, "YOUR ACTIONS HAVE BROUGHT THIS UPON YOU AND WE WILL SAVE THIS MAN!" As he grows to giant fox size he feels confidence flow into his bones and his massive sword slashes down, "SMIIIIIIITE!!!!"

I have cover from Red anyway, no AoO. Move, Swift to Smite Evil vs. Snake Lady, Ready to attack Boss Lady when he grows and can reach her. I'm guessing she is... evil. But if not, just subtract the appropriate bonuses from my attack line. Cover on Boss left up to GM to Apply to their AC.

MW Greatsword - Power Attack + Smite Evil: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 1 + 3 = 13 for Bigger Slashing + PA + Bigger Str + Smite Evil: 2d8 + 3 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8, 2) + 3 + 3 + 1 + 2 = 19

MW Greatsword - Power Attack + Smite Evil Reroll: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 1 + 3 = 27

MW Greatsword - Power Attack + Smite Evil Reroll Crit?: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 5 - 1 + 3 = 10

Your Large greatsword damage will be 3d6 Kenta.

Ikari inhales deeply for a moment, focusing on his connection with his family. End rage as a free action at start of turn - fatigued 2 rounds, but ignore that thanks to variant channel.

The divinely-inspired anger returns quickly as Daikitsu's strength bolsters young Kenta. Ikari drops his spear and draws the fine sword that he found earlier - he swings it at the pirate in front of him.

masterwork longsword vs Red, rage to STR: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8damage, 2 hands: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Yeah, rerolls all round I think!

gm reroll, masterwork longsword vs Red, rage to STR: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 2 + 2 = 22

better :)

Apparently there are differences between the natural attack size change table and the weapon size change table... and I should definitely use the weapon size change table with a weapon.

So since I had 10 of the 19 damage from the 2d8 I'll roll 3d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 5) = 9 and end up doing 1 total less damage, Huzzah.