The Red Arm of Absalom - Ongoing Campaign

[Uesugi Hideyoshi]

Oh crap!

[Mr. Peppers]

Immediate Action: Counterspell Dancing lights, have it prepared of course.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

Counterspell Exploit: 1d20 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 5 = 29

Mr Peppers wags an imaginary mind finger at the puny caster. Not in my house...

Counterspell Exploit:

Counterspell (Su): By expending 1 point from her arcane reservoir, the arcanist can attempt to counter a spell as it is being cast. She must identify the spell being cast as normal. If she successfully does so, the arcanist can attempt to counter the spell as an immediate action and by expending an available arcanist spell slot of a level at least one higher than the level of the spell being cast. To counterspell, the arcanist must attempt a dispel check as if using dispel magic. If the spell being countered is one that the arcanist has prepared, she can instead expend an available arcanist spell slot of the same level, and she receives a +5 bonus on the dispel check. Counterspelling in this way does not trigger any feats or other abilities that normally occur when a spellcaster successfully counters a spell.

[Sir D. Arthraven]

Though i bolded in my last post, i did not say that in character, to avoid confusion.

D. frowns.

Our cover is blown. It is time for some action.

D. focuses his power, and the veins in his right hand twitch, as his eyes glow an ominous amber-red.

Empowered blast. +50% dmg.
From accepting burn, and overflow, i get a +1 on my attack roll for having a point of burn.

Vs green.
Sand BULLET: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 1 = 29Dmg: 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 5, 6) + 8 = 25
+50%. 37 is nice, right?

"あなたの時間は上がっています。"

Tien:

"Your time is up."

[GM Hmm]

Nadini looks up at the sky in disbelief as her dancing lights are dispelled. "Dammit, there's a mage up there! This is a full out ambush!"

Meanwhile, D's blast hits Verde straight in the chest. The green soldier is still standing, and he returns the favor by shooting right back at D, with a bolt that screams loudly as he shoots it. SCREE-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E--E-E-E-E-E-E-E !!

Crossbow, Screaming Bolt: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Though the bolt misses D, its scream grates and reverberates in your ears, putting you off your game.

Will Save, D: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Will Save, Silas: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Will Save, Gallix: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Will Save, Sirettis: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

You're all shaken for one round!

Then Azul shoots his screaming bolt to the sky at Mr. Peppers.

Crossbow, Screaming Bolt: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 1 = 18
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

SCREE-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E--E-E-E-E-E-E-E !!

Will Save, Mr. Peppers: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Though the bolt hits Mr. Peppers, it doesn't shake the cool headed elf.

Spellcraft DC 19:

It's a screaming bolt that just hit you. It's magic, so it does damage you.. Sorry.

ORDER: Nadini (dancing lights), D, Verde (-37, shot) + Azul (shot) Guards, Sirettis, Uesugi, Mr. Peppers, Silas, Gallix

Everyone but D is up!

[Sir D. Arthraven]

You got ninja'd. :)

[GM Hmm]

No, I didn't. -- Shifty eyes. -- Look, I had the right information there ALL ALONG!

[Mr. Peppers]

Mr Peppers takes a loud angry bolt to the shoulder and seeing as it hurt when he didn't think it would, he drops down prone and pulls out his own crossbow and returns fire on 'Azul' while whispering to the group "Those loud bolts are magical, and painful. Try not to kill people! D I'm talking to you mostly!"

Light Crossbow vs Blue - Range: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 2 = 241d8 ⇒ 5
Crit? Light Crossbow vs Blue - Range: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 2 = 51d8 ⇒ 8

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

[GM Hmm]

Pep hits Azul, but fails to crit!

ORDER: Nadini (dancing lights), D, Verde (-37, shot) + Azul (-5, shot), Sirettis, Uesugi, Mr. Peppers, Silas, Gallix

Everyone is up but D and Pep!

[Sirettis]

And now, to end this mockery you call friendship.

Friendship is precious. Trust needs to be earned. Every person she meets helps her keep that thing away.

But now, Sirettis must break that trust. And lose a friend.

I am so sorry.

"Nadini, are you there?"

Uh, I can't see Nadini on the map.

Sirettis draws her sap and runs up (in melee) to Nadini.

"We should be alright, as long you follow my lead."

"Go. To. Sleep."
Slumber Hex: Will Save DC 16 or fall asleep for 5 rounds.

[GM Hmm]

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Nadini's eyes go wild. "Sirettis, you too?

Oh well. It was a 50% chance. By the way Nadini is purple on the map.

ORDER: Nadini (dancing lights), D, Verde (-37, shot) + Azul (-5, shot), Sirettis, Uesugi, Mr. Peppers, Silas, Gallix

Uesugi, Silas and Gallix are up!

[Sir D. Arthraven]

D.'s ember-red glowing eyes turn upwards briefly.

"We're to keep these three alive, in other words. I can try reducing the impact, but i can't promise anything."

[Uesugi Hideyoshi]

Uesugi tells the dogs to heel and then races around the corner after hearing what he can only equate to be sound of battle.

'That is too loud something is wrong'

His feet aided by the bitter contents of the vial he watches as Azul takes a shot from a bolt launched from high up the cliff.

'They are all still up this will make things more difficult.'

Drawing his blade he turns it hoping not to kill the man if possible and strikes at Azul.

katana+p.a+non lethal: 1d20 + 9 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 2 - 4 = 23
damage: 1d8 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 6 = 14

confirm: 1d20 + 9 - 2 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 2 - 4 + 2 = 18
damage: 1d8 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 6 = 11

[Mr. Peppers]

"Uesugi is back, hacking up Azul, be advised. Gallix get in there already!"

[GM Hmm]

Uesugi does indeed hack Azul, but at least he hacks non-lethally.

ORDER: Nadini (dancing lights), D, Verde (-37, shot) + Azul (-5,-25NL, shot), Sirettis, Uesugi, Mr. Peppers, Silas, Gallix

Silas and Gallix are up!

[Gorgeous Gallix Granbonne]

Man! I really gotta figure out a good time to post from work! So much action!
Hmm, would you mind if I stated that I lit up my mutagen before the assault got started, like, as D and I were walking up maybe? I was planning to do so anyway, but failed to post before.
I'll post a couple options for this turn either way.

With Mutagen:

Heedless of the guard shooting at the party, Gallix rushes past provoking an AoO if he has something besides that crossbow on him. The brawler's enhanced speed carries him past and around the back of the convoy, where he finds Nadini still standing and cursing about her stymied spell.
"Hello there," he says with a grin, then cocks back his fist and unleashes a powerful blow to knock the mage out quickly.
Mutagen speed moves me 40ft, just in melee range of Nadini. Then a standard action to use Knockout on my attack. On a hit, Nadini needs to make a DC18 Fort save or she falls unconscious for 1d6 ⇒ 1 rounds, but may make another attempt each round to end the effect.
Knockout, unarmed strike (NL), mutagen, shaken: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 - 2 = 14 NL Damage, mutagen: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

Without Mutagen:

Gallix begins his dancing footwork and quickly steps up toward Verde, delivering two quick blows with his cesti, though doing his best to avoid killing the man.
Swift to activate Outslug style, 5ft step, brawler's flurry with cestus, non-lethal and shaken. We'll see how this goes!
Flurry MCestus, NL, shaken: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 2 - 4 - 2 = 14 NL Damage, Outslug: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9
Flurry CICestus, NL, shaken: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 2 - 4 - 2 = 9 NL Damage, Outslug: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11

[Silas Vincent]

Silas smiles widely. "Finally, a chance to showcase my abilities. See ya later, Mr. Peppers!" He waves his palms in the air and suddenly becomes very see-through.

UMD, wand of vanish, shaken: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

He uses his invisibility to close the distance to Azul.

Silas will remain invisible until he's up again. I may regret deciding to go the melee route being underleveled and all. Whatever, no fun in playing it safe!

[GM Hmm]

Silas goes invisible, sneaking up on Azul.

Gallix was able to drink his mutagen before the batttle started. Alas, with the danger of the suspicious duststorm revealed, his quarry had put up mage armor in anticipation of trouble. He misses Nadini completely.

Nadini looks toward Sirettis. "Why? Why bolster me, encourage me to believe in Pashow, and then do this?"

Still determined to get the message out, she casts defensively.

Concentration Check, Combat Casting: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 4 = 26

Once more, she defiantly sends her dancing lights into the air, calling to Azul and Verde. "Forget the others! Our lives are forfeit anyway! Get that mage on the cliff!"

*Help!* *Main!* *Help!*

ORDER: Nadini (dancing lights), D, Verde (-37) + Azul (-5, -25NL), Sirettis, Uesugi, Mr. Peppers, Silas, Gallix

D and (possibly another immediate action from Mr. Peppers) may act!

[Mr. Peppers]

Mr Peppers continues to direct traffic and curses when it looks like Gallix's blows bounce off Nadini's magical armor. Always assume one with the Arcane is armored, fool! Oh, what's this? Grasping at more straws? Help will not come for you all for quite some time!

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
Counterspell Exploit: 1d20 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 5 = 18

Mr Peppers whispers to the group once more "Sooner would be better than later else that message gets off at some point!"

Hopefully that Counterspell was successful, going to be fairly close.

[GM Hmm]

Nadini slumps as her second attempt to call for help dissipates into nothing.

ORDER: Nadini (dancing lights), D, Verde (-37) + Azul (-5, -25NL), Sirettis, Uesugi, Mr. Peppers, Silas, Gallix

D may act!

[Sirettis]

Sirettis seems forlorn. I made a genuine friend...

"We do not wish to kill." Exhale. "Pashow will prosper, after this." Sirettis shakes her head, dejected.

[Sir D. Arthraven]

"It is, pointless, to resist."

D. Uses a gather power, to avoid burn.

"Be a good man, and go sleep this one out."

Sand BULLET, NL: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 4 = 20 Nl: 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 1, 5) + 8 = 20
+50% for 30 NL. :)

[GM Hmm]

The non lethal sand bullet knocks out the much battered Verde.

Despite Nadini's orders, Azul does not aim for the mage on the cliff. Wary of the foe that went invisible and the angry Samurai in front of him, he drops his crossbow, draws his longsword as he five foot steps towards Nadini and readies an action.

ORDER: Nadini (dancing lights), D, Verde (-37, -30NL, Unconscious) + Azul (-5, -25NL), Sirettis, Uesugi, Mr. Peppers, Silas, Gallix

The whole group is up (except D)!

[Sirettis]

"Please. No more. Sleep."

Sirettis stares at Azul, hoping to buy the party some time.

Slumber Hex: DC 16 or sleep for 5 rounds.

[Uesugi Hideyoshi]

Message:

"Mr. Peppers tell them to focus on the driver. She is the greater threat to us."

Uesugi realizes the threat the driver poses and moves directly for her crossing the path of Azul even as the Spirit begins focusing on the guard.

katana slice+pa+nl: 1d20 + 9 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 9 - 2 - 4 = 19
damage: 1d8 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 6 = 17

[Mr. Peppers]

Mr Peppers whispers to the entire group now that everyone is in range "The woman mage is the priority one. Don't kill anyone but get her unconscious first!"

Going to wait to see how things play out before I use any spells. I'd rather save them if I can. Delaying to before the 'baddies' go.

[GM Hmm]

Azul's Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Azul passes out before he can take his readied action!

Meanwhile, Nadini takes 17 nonlethal damage as the Samurai hits her with the back end of his blade.

ORDER: Nadini (dancing lights, -17NL), D, Verde (-37, -30NL, Unconscious) + Azul (-5, -25NL, Asleep), Sirettis, Uesugi, Mr. Peppers, Silas, Gallix

Pep, Silas, and Gallix are up!

[Gorgeous Gallix Granbonne]

Gallix catches the message loud and clear, and delivers two quick jabs at the woman's solar plexus, trying his best to incapacitate her without threatening her life.

Flurry unarmed, NL, mutagen: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 - 2 + 2 = 20 NL Damage, mutagen: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7
Flurry unarmed, NL, mutagen: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 2 + 2 = 29 NL Damage, mutagen: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 = 12
Crit?: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 - 2 + 2 = 14 NL Damage, mutagen: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9

[Sir D. Arthraven]

It only dawned on me yesterday, but it's funny you gave the ninjas the italian names of their colors.

[GM Hmm]

Nadini goes down under the battering.

-- Combat over! --

The coast is clear. How do you proceed?

[Sir D. Arthraven]

Loot!!! :)

[Mr. Peppers]

Seeing the last go down Mr Peppers stands and looks around to see if anything is out of the ordinary from his crow's nest of sorts. Take 10 for a 22 perception

"Nice work down there. The coast seems to be clear up here. Make sure everyone is quite unconscious, we don't want anyone getting up while we're busy. Silas get to work opening the door and get that heat trap disabled. If you don't need me down there I will stay up here and keep watch."

[Uesugi Hideyoshi]

Uesugi starts to remove any weapons or items on Azul. "Let us tie the guard up and cover his mouth." His eyes fall upon the transport wagon and he looks up and down unsure what to expect next. "How do we get inside and remove the vial?"

[Silas Vincent]

"Haha, now I've got you!" Silas says as he fades back into visible light, flanking Azul with two metal fists. "Eat thi--... Oh... Really guys? You couldn't wait just a second longer? I was just about to... Nevermind!" Silas sighs, then moves up to the transport, inspecting the door. What does he see? If he sees a locked door, he checks it for traps, then begins to work on it.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Disable Device, Vest of escape, non stacking tools: 1d20 + 10 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 4 - 2 = 27

[Silas Vincent]

Also this
UMD, Mage armor: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

[GM Hmm]

Silas easily removes the locks and chains around the magical transport, but although he remembers where the secret door is along the underside of the transport box, it appears near seamless with no lock to pick.

What do you do?

[Sirettis]

"I'm so sorry, Nadini. You will never forgive me, but know that I did this for Pashow." Realizing she can't do much with the traps, Sirettis casts Mage Armor and uses the scroll of False Life.

False Life: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

"Silas, thank you for taking the lead. You have learned much from studying their traps and locks, like a master thief."

She moves up to Silas before he enters. "This will help you and your skills." Silas feels a light cool breeze from the Sylph's fingers.

I'm casting Heroism on Silas.

[Sirettis]

Sirettis gathers some sand and throws it against each side of the box. "Perhaps there is a very fine seam, invisible to the eye."

"Mister Peppers, can you detect any messages on the box? I shall assist." She casts Read Magic and takes a look.

[Mr. Peppers]

After surveying the scene, Mr Peppers hunkers back down in a good hiding spot that still gives him a good view of the area as he whispers to the group.

"My detection abilities won't work from this distance. You'll need to detect for magic yourself, oh I see you are, no that's read magic. Detect Magic! Silas help her if need be. Thinking back over the last few days I'm not sure I remember how to get in. Temeera did have the apprentices walk in circles inside the thing for some reason, but that would have to be part of another puzzle. If you cannot figure it out I guess I'll have to come down."

Mr Peppers starts walking them through about if it is magical and what sort of magic, etc.

[GM Hmm]

The whole box is blindingly magical, and the sand does reveal a fine seam.

Mr. Peppers:

With all the inter-dimensional folding that happened, you're not sure if the circles thing was for inside or outside the transport box.

[Silas Vincent]

Sirettis wrote:

"Silas, thank you for taking the lead. You have learned much from studying their traps and locks, like a master thief."

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Silas hides his tools behind his back. "Er, I picked these up thinking they were magical, and when I realized they weren't, I decided I'd hang on to them for when I got bored during conjuration class! Yeah, that's it!"

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Silas smiles. "I've no idea what that spell did, miss, but I'm feeling a lot more determined now! Let's find this elusive entrance!" Silas casts Detect Magic and has a closer look at the seam.

Perception, heroism: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

[Gorgeous Gallix Granbonne]

Gallix stands by and assists Silas with disabling traps or removing locks as he is able.

DD aid Silas: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

[Mr. Peppers]

"Is someone wearing those eyes of the eagle? They really help you see finer details. I would suggest you put them on if you haven't yet Silas. This is a finely crafted piece of machinery, not a lock on your Mom's cupboard."

[Uesugi Hideyoshi]

Uesugi stands guard keeping an eye on the unconscious convoy members while eyeing the northern and southern passages.

"Is there a problem? I had thought you all had figured out how to remove the vial."

[Silas Vincent]

"But they're so... ugly. Very well, give me those," Silas says, strapping on the lenses. "Silas the Ridiculous-looking right now... All in the name of getting into this damn transport..."

Add 5 to my perception check?

[Mr. Peppers]

Mr Peppers does his best to tap his brain to remember if they were missing anything... "On second though, I'm not sure if the walking in circles would only be for inside or not. If you come to a dead end try walking in circles around it a few times. First clockwise, then counter."

I hope that works, honestly this part of the plan has some serious weak points we didn't fully explore before hand. Lets hope it doesn't ruin us.

[Sirettis]

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
"We were fortunate you were able to find these tools."

She takes a look. "Like Mister Peppers said, we may need to mimic what the guards did. Circle clockwise."

[Silas Vincent]

"Fine!" Silas starts walking a broad circle around the transport, first clockwise, then counterclockwise, while yelling back "You guys better not be messing with me!"

[GM Hmm]

As Silas tromps around in a circle, feeling silly, a whooshing sound manifests above him. He looks up to see a portal open.

SHOOOMP!

Silas finds himself inside.

[Silas, I've put you on SLIDE FOUR for the interior of the transport.]

Who else is going in?

[Sirettis]

"That was... unexpected. I will follow."

Sirettis walks around the transport, mimicking Silas.

Auran:

"Don't worry about Nadini, kid. She will understand." Isa tries to reassure Sirettis.

She remains quiet and focused on the mission.

[GM Hmm]

SHOOOMP!

You arrive by yourself in a room. [SLIDE FOUR]

Anyone else?