Ascension - Mageocracy

Game Master bbangerter

I'll do such a double move then. Could i get a map repost? Can't find the original link...

Map

Roland flies past the two in the room, the bouncer taking a swing as he moves past, the wooden cudgel bouncing off of Roland's form.
AoO d20 + mods = 22

The girl screams and drops her weapon.

In the main room are several of the girls Roland spent time with earlier in the day, along with several customers sitting at tables drinking ale, the girls sitting nearby, or in their laps.

Rilumin squeezes up the stairs and into the room. The bouncer turns on him with his cudgel. Attack d20 + mods = 26. Damage d6 + mods = 4

Party is up. Though Leo, Serelina, Ian can crowd up the stairs behind Rilumin last round if they want.

ugh, i wouldnt have come up here if i knew there was a guy there... this map isnt very clear. this bouncer is about to get four new breathing holes unless someone does something to prevent such an occurrence

As Leo moves up into the upper floor, he notices Rilumin drawing at the bouncer. "Hold your fire!" he says, trying to stop his shot. "It's just a regular brothel bouncer, he's little threat to us, and doesn't deserve to die simply for defending his place of business from a group that looks like us. He might not be involved."

Making as much of a spectacle of himself as he can, Roland flew across the room inches over floor to rest directly in front of the front door of the establishment. In a booming voice altered to sound different from his own he announced: Everyone remain where you are! No movement, no attacks, no violence. This establishment is confirmed to be a front operation for the drow-run criminal gangs in this city and I will not abide such in Coran! The innocent will be unharmed and released after questioning. Roland transfixed the crowed with his faceless, 4-armed shape in an effort to quell any unrest or stampeded towards the door.

Basically an intimidate check here. Idea is to get everyone to freeze while the rest of the party gets into the main room

@GM: is the older lady who was behind the bar when Leo and Roland were here previously still present?

@Rest of Party: consider having Rilumin stay back a bit with the rest of the group and announcing yourselves as Mageocracy/Guard authority making arrests. If the bouncer is just defending his place of employment he'll not attack. If he still does...I vote for the new breathing holes.

Serelina stays with the prisoners, content that Roland will call if help is needed.

The most annoying part of his arrogance, is that it is generally well deserved...

Ian hefts the unconscious prisoner onto his shoulder--an impressive feat even if they both weren't fully armored. Once the pit disappears, he guides Cheyle ahead of him after Roland and into the room.

"Put down your weapons, we're the Tower," Ian drones, almost bored, armored man on one shoulder, greatsword on the other.

Leo removes the masking from over his shield, allowing the symbol of the Tower to be seen by all (His eyes, however, are still masked by his hat of disguise).

Rilumin moves away from the bouncer, leaping over his comrades.

move up to 20ft, using half-speed and acrobatics to avoid AoO

acrobatics: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31 vs opponent CMD

also, readying an attack if that guy who hit me does anything aggressive towards me or party members

Leo approaches the bouncer after Rilumin has held his shot. "Club down, sir. We'll be done here shortly, and no one need be hurt." Bluff check as Diplomacy to get him to stand down.

@GM: is the older lady who was behind the bar when Leo and Roland were here previously still present?

She is still behind the bar.

The room goes silent at Roland's pronouncement and the bouncer lowers his cudgel, though his muscles are still taut as he follows in behind Rilumin back into the main room. Rilumin, you may take that as an aggressive action if you wish to trigger your readied attack. While he is not currently attacking anyone, he isn't surrendering just yet either.

Though shown on the map, Serelina is still downstairs, or in the stairwell at least.

Map

Rilumin stops walking and turns to face the bouncer who is following him. "If you do not remove yourself from my personal space, I will shoot you. Back up."

readying an attack action (with 5ft step just prior) if he is still there at the end of the round.

Roland surveyed the room in a commanding fashion, floating just inches above the floor while standing directly in front of the entrance. Pointing with three of his four arms at the three customers, he stated, you three, stand over by the north wall. You are all likely unfortunate bystanders in this affair, and the Tower apologizes for the inconvenience. As soon as possible we will clear up your involvement and release you.

He then turned to the bouncer. You, sir, will stand down NOW. I will not ask again. Drop your weapon and stand in the northeast corner. Roland's glare and tone were shaped to command respect by authority and a bit of fear. perhaps another intimidate check, at GM discretion

He then turned to the prostitutes, and addressed them in a stern though far less intimidating voice.The four of you stand along the east wall, his directive taking in the one girl he passed on his way into the room. You will be questioned but we have no intention of harming you. In a louder voice he added, if there is anyone in the southeast bedchamber, I would highly encourage you to come out now.

Finally he turned to the older woman behind the bar, Kleonna is it? You come around to this side of the bar and sit on the floor. Make no untoward moves and you will not be harmed.

Let's get the party into the room and check the southeast room to ensure no one is hiding there. Rilumin could do that, while Ian guards the two prisoners and stands in front of the secret door. I *think* we already tied up the guy we fought downstairs but that definitely needs to happen. Serelina could go and get the guards, as this is shaping up as a mass-arrest of the prostitutes and the two captives. We could then question the three johns here. Sound good?

Once the bouncer complies with Roland's order, Rilumin will check the bedchamber.

Hearing the conflict, Serelina climbs the stairs and stands behind Rilumin. Seeing the bouncer appear to be resisting she adds, "I swear by the Tower that I will magically destroy the mind of anyone foolish enough to resist the lawful orders of my fellow officers. Unless you wish to die in fear of a broken mind, yield and obey."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Ian guards the prisoners as ordered and blocks the secret door. If the armored man wasn't tied up, Ian ties him up/manacles him.

Leo approaches Roland while giving a cheery "Sorry to interrupt your fun every body, hopefully you'll get back to it shortly!", to the crowd, playing the good cop.

Reaching Roland, he leans in and whispers. "How honest do you want them to be? I've got a scroll that could be handy in this situation. Separate the illegal wheat from the common-folk chaff."

@GM: If Leo knows that using spells like Zone of Truth on the general populous is unlawful, he'll reluctantly not do... Any of what I just said.

Zone of truth is lawful. But because certain strong willed individuals are capable of avoiding its effects, or those with clever minds of side stepping its effects, it is not fully binding as proof, but can be used as supporting evidence.

The bouncer throws his cudgel to the ground, eyes angrily glaring at Rilumin, then moves to stand where told. The patrons and wenches likewise comply, while Kleonna, visibly shaking, moves out from behind the bar and sits down on the floor.

Rilumin quickly checks the other rooms and finds them empty as Ian ties up the unconscious thug he's carried up from downstairs.

"Room's clean." Rilumin states, then becomes noticeably less tense. While still paying close attention to the movements of people in the building, he didn't currently have his arrow leveled at the heart of the bouncer, so that was something. He smiled at the bouncer, but then he realized the gesture was lost, as the lower half of his face was still covered with cloth.

Roland watch everyone move into position with silent approval. So far, so good Thank you all, for the cooperation. Everyone sit tight while we summon the guard and handle this unpleasantness in a lawful fashion. With a glance over to Serelina he added, Darling, would you be so kind as to summon the guard? Invisibility could be arranged if you would like. He glanced at Leo, as his fellow aasimar spoke. Let's hold off on that for a bit. I think talking to them individually might help the process.

Idea is for Serelina to get the guard, and we send the prostitutes, bouncer and drow with them to be taken back to the Tower for later interrogation. We keep the unconscious guy and Kleonna with us, because I suspect they are the best sources for untapped info. We also keep the clientel with us, because I suspect we can quickly clear them and send them on their way. Let me know if anyone has other ideas they prefer though.

@Leo: Zone of Truth is unfortunately not a very good scroll spell, because it forces a saving throw. Much better to actually cast it. Given the number of very good sense motive checks in this party, I doubt the scroll will be of much use.

Still whispering. "I agree, and with a bit of magical showmanship, and a promise that anyone who refuses to answer will be brought in for further questioning, it could speed this along. We can split the questioning between several of us, the the spell acting as arbitrator."

Roland: Only people who make their saving throws don't feel that they are being affected by the spell, and only people who know enough about magic would be aware of this detail of "No feeling, no affect". Let the sense motives be our back up for our confident, knowledgeable, will-save making liars.

@Leo: Ah, OK. I misunderstood the spell. Still, a DC 12 Will save is fairly easy to overcome. The scroll could be helpful though, especially in combo with Sense Motive as you said.

Several moments pass as Serelina does not appear to believe that Roland was referring to her as darling, assuming he must be friends with one of the whores.

Now that's just damn funny...well played

As the awkward pause rolls on, Roland glances back over at Serelina. Yes? No? Would you happen to be mulling the idea over of getting the guard here? Sarcasm, and a tinge of irritability was detectable in his tone. Although he did not speak her name, from Roland's direction it would be clear to all he was addressing Serelina.

Serelina seems slightly startled by Roland's confrontation, and soon an icy glare appears. She raises her voice barely above her normal speaking voice and says mildly, "Guards, help... come quick... Someone needs your help..."

She then turns back towards the secret door and descends to check on the prisoners below.

@Serelina: the prisoners are all upstairs now, the drow and the guy we knocked out, with Ian near the secret door

Roland shakes his head slightly as Serelina rebuffs his request for assistance. Right. So... Looking at Leo standing next to him. You my good man! Would you be so kind as to fetch the guard? Like a good team player? Yes? Outstanding! And do be quick about it, if you would.

Oops.

Pointedly ignoring Roland, Serelina keeps an eye on people, even more inclined to cast Phantasmal Killer on anyone who stops acting appropriately.

"Just when I think he has grown up enough to be a worthy ally... I have to stop giving him as much credit as I do."

Serelina quickly casts message on Ian.

"Whisper and I will magically hear you, in case you run into any opposition."

Leo Shrugs. "Sure, I remember where they are. I'll bring them back quick, and then we do the questioning?" He says.

Serelina: Do you mean, to Leo?

Leo slides around Roland and out the front door, running back to the guard post where they had prepared for this mission, to fetch the guards there.

"Hello again, all. We've got some live ones, and some more to be questioned, but we'll need some more hands. We probably need another half-dozen with manacles to spare to help us weed through these folks."

Serelina: Do you mean, to Leo?

Yes.

Leo makes it about 150' away from the tavern when a dagger strikes him in the back. Crouched atop a nearby roof is a female catfolk.
Attack d20 + mods = 21. Damage d4 + mods = 4 + 3d6 SA = 17 - total 21

Dag! Just hit!

Using the message spell, Leo whispers back to Serelina. "I'm being attacked from rooftop! Catfolk. Please send out Rilumin." and moves back a few paces, removing the dagger as he does so.

He turns to face the catfolk, gives her a wave and channels energy to heal himself (Excluding her from the area, just in case).
Channel Energy: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 6, 6) = 20
A wave of energy shimmers outward from Leo's holy symbol amulet, and as the light fades, so does his wound.

Leo grins up at her under his hood, having healed nearly all of the damage from the sneak attack. "Evening!"

The first time Leo has been attacked en earnest, he finds himself much calmer than he ever expected to be, almost excited to pit the powers granted to him by Nethys against a direct threat.

The anger leaves Serelina's face as she suddenly looks concerned. She immediately begins an incantation, following by saying: "Rilumin! Leo is being attack from the rooftop by a Catfolk. Go hurry! We have this."

Haste has been cast on the party, including our favorite archer.

Ian perks up when Serelina shouts out so quickly. "That was fast. The kid's alright though?"

He picks up an abandoned half-full mug of something off one of the tables and drinks it.

"I bet it was the one from the other night"

Rilumin runs through the door and heads towards Leo's position, keeping an eye out for the catfolk.

with haste, move speed is 60, so in one turn i can get up to 120ft. however, i would stop when i got sight of her, not really wanting to be within 30ft.

"Where do you think your going mage dog?" she taunts. She reaches behind her back, pulling forth another dagger, hurling it at Leo. It bounces off his breastplate, then vanishes from sight, never striking the ground.
Attack d20 + mods = 15

She moves eastward, making an easy leap across the gap between two buildings, and disappearing from Leo's view from the ground.

Leo can't see her from where she currently is, Rilumin will be able to see her clearly as soon as he moves forward another 30'. At which point he will indeed recognize her from earlier in the day.

Map

The captives in the tavern sit quietly.

Not sure how we are doing on initiative, but I would move forward, and when i see her, take a shot.

entangling shot: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
dmg: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 and target is entangled on hit (1 round)

improved precise shot in effect, plus +1 to hit and damage if she is within 30ft

Seeing Rilumin appear, Leo will move beside/toward him.

If Rilumin entanged her and Leo is within 15 feet of him, Leo will cast bless on the both he and Rilumin. This activates his Divine Vessel domain, so he swift actions that bonus onto Rilumin as well.

Divine Vessel: This boon grants a +2 bonus on the next attack roll, skill check, or ability check made before the end of their next turn.
Bless:Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.

If Rilumin misses and the catfolk is within Leo's sight after he moves up toward him, he will cast Terrible Remorse (Will: 21) on her (if in range of 55 feet), or hold person (will save 19) if not.

Serelina whispers a moment.

"Yes, he is fine. I am certain that Rilumin already has things well in hand - few can match him at a range and I have enhanced his considerable skill magically."

Rilumin's arrow strikes the catfolk, who flashes her teeth at him and hisses.

Will save vs Terrible Remorse d20 + mods = 12

She then lets out an animalistic howl, her clawed hands digging into her arms. Damage d8 + mods = 4 She staggers backwards several feet, then drops prone, and out of sight of both Rilumin and Leo.

Leo looks over to Rilumin. "You want to follow up on this while I get the guards? OH! If you don't have a connection to Serelina with the message spell, maybe I shall and you should get the guards. Looks like you're running faster than me right now, anyway." Leo grins at Rilumin, pleased things seem to be going alright.

He then whispers to Serelina "So far, so good. If things are well inside, your help wouldn't hurt."

Rilumin moves around to where she fell, looking for her or traces of blood. He keeps an eye out for any backup she might have though.

Serelina whispers to Leo, "I suggest you take Rilumin, fetch the guard and return here quickly. We should not allow our foes to distract us from our task - as they seem to be trying to do... Actually, have Rilumin gather me a sample of the enemy's blood if he can first."

Leo hurries up to Rilumin, trying to keep up with his speed. "Hey, she wants some blood. I concur. Then we've got to get the rest of the guard, quick." Leo helps look for blood, using his light spell for better vision if needed.

"there'll be plenty of blood, if i find the b!~#~."

Still late afternoon/early evening, so plenty of light to see by

Moving around to the southeast corner of the house, Rilumin can hear the cat folk sobbing, but staying low to the roof to keep out of sight.

Will save d20 + mods = 9. Damage d8 + mods = 3

Party up again

would she count as helpless? (for coup de grace purposes)

"I think she meant to just get some blood for our magics, so we can stay on track. If you you're confident about finishing this, I'll continue onto the guard post. Otherwise, find some blood so we can track her later. My spell will hopefully incapacitate her for a while, so I'll move on."

Depending on Rilumin's answer, Leo may or may not continue on to the post.

No, she is inflicting self harm based on the terrible remorse, using her standard action to attack herself, but still has her move action each round to move, or do whatever with, and can defend herself if attacked.

Rilumin sees her whimpering form, and he begins shooting arrows into her body.

Shot 1 (two arrows)
RS+DA+PBS: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
dmg: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
dmg: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Shot 2
RS+DA+PBS: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
dmg: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Shot 3
RS+DA+PBS: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
dmg: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 ignore if crit confirms

Shot 3 crit confirm
RS+DA+PBS: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
actual dmg: 14 + 2d8 + 20 ⇒ 14 + (2, 5) + 20 = 41

Sorry, with her prone on the roof you don't have line of sight to her unless you can gain some elevation.