Blood Under Absalom (Inactive)

Game Master Granta

There are coloured pens and different thickness settings at the top. I've put them on for you to help make targets clearer.

Not sure which icon is which. I'm under the assumption Vulgar is the one directly in front of Shel. If one is dead, Ara will instead pick up a Ruby.

...

...

Ajax, having found a ruby, grabs it, and pulls out his bow.

You can still attack; like I said, grabbing a ruby evidently doesn't cost an action.

Waiting for that and Kallyan now....

Kallyan smiles and blinks to the enemies, trying to fascinate them in the process. He performs quick dance moves as doing so, then finally casts a spell on himself.

Using Shining Star to fascinate in combat, self-harmonizing with Harmonic Sage. The save DC is 22 - they can try to break on their turn with a DC 26 or stay fascinated even while being attacked. The spell is mirror image. Sorry for the small post, I don't usually post on weekends ;)

Images: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

You can still attack; like I said, grabbing a ruby evidently doesn't cost an action.

Waiting for that and Kallyan now....

I think someone posted in the forum that it is a Standard action. The idea being that players have to choose between attacking and collecting rubies. Maybe check with Shifty to be sure.

Moving along then....

Vrald deals the strange-looking assassin a grievous blow, and then Ara tears her to pieces!

Will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

A serene expression crosses the other assassin's face as she slides gently to the ground. Uncanny. Shel reduced her to EXACTLY 0 hit points.

Combat over (aside from Shel needing to make a DC 17 Fortitude save to get over the poison)! What now?

Finding yourself with a bit of breathing space now, you are able to take stock of your immediate situation: Groups of opportunistic thugs have formed themselves around each of the tavern's exit doors, though the windows are not necessarily so blocked, and there is an open pit in the floor leading to a 15-foot drop to the bay below.

With the foes defeated, Shel pulls her vial of antitoxin and chugs it down.

Fort save 1d20 + 10 - 1 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 10 - 1 + 4 = 24

"Can any of you teleport us out of here? If not, I think we need to make for the bay!"

I assume we scope up as many rubies as we can first of all for the 5 rounds or what have you.

I can Dimension Door myself, and 2 others out of here, so that is an option. Sarnoc relays as he searches around for rubies that may have fallen to the ground.

I can also use Dimensional Steps for all of us to flee...but I could only take us about 30 feet. Which may be enough.

"Get us outside if you can! We'll figure it out after that!"

@GM How many rubies have we collected?

I suppose we don't really know, but do we need a ruby per person or just 1 good one for the group. I think we shouldn't take any chances and collect what we need.

Once the group decides we have collected what we need Sarnoc gathers everyone together. Join hands or grab ahold. Once he sees everyone is connected he dimensional steps the group outside.

Total dimensional steps 48 5' steps. 8 players and companions, 30 feet each.

"I do not have a Ruby yet." says Vrald.

He eyes the doors.

"But I could probably force a doorway if we wanted to make a more mundane exit... and save the magic for an emergency?"

He sticks close to the others glaring at anyone who gets too close.

The party only needs 1 glowing ruby amongst you.

Someone must have been lying in wait in the crowd - just as Sarnoc begins to work his magic, a small axe comes flying straight at him!

masterwork throwing axe: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Yes, that really just happened. Make a concentration check, Sarnoc!

"Do you think we have enough gems? If so then we need get out before we get ganged up on. Teleportation magic sounds like a great exscape route to me!"

"We do not know which rubies will glow on the morrow. Those of us who spot them should grab them and the rest should clear a path to the nearest exit If these two are the best this tavern has to offer, then we have little to fear."

Ajax will grab a ruby if he is able, with Ara on guard duty.

So is it safe to say, dimensional steps/axe toss occurs in round 5 or 6? As we certainly want to make sure we have a decent number of rubies to better our chances.

DC = 10 + damage (10) + spell level (4) = DC24

Concentration check v. DC24: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27 boom!

Right at he instant Sarnoc was about to say the magical word that would teleport the group outside the walls of the chaotic tavern, an axe imbeds right between his shoulder blades. Pain courses through the wizard all the way to his toes.

Koraki!

But his focus does not fall him and the spell works.

So is it safe to say, dimensional steps/axe toss occurs in round 5 or 6? As we certainly want to make sure we have a decent number of rubies to better our chances.

Certainly - but that does mean someone else seeks you out in the interim!

An axe flies out of the crowd at Kallyan!

masterwork throwing axe: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Fortunately his armor easily deflects it.

"That was just a warning shot!" Shouts a rough-looking woman with a fearsome axe over her shoulder. "Give me those rubies, or you meet Big Sister!"

Kallyan, Isonda/Scratchings, Sarnoc, Shel, Vrald, Ara
___
Evil Fighter
___
Ajax

The red wallop-sign is your enemy for now; something's wrong with the picture-retrieval. :(

Does this happen outside already? Because the spell worked (teleportation). Plus - I'll assume my Mirror Images are still going on, since they last more than rounds, and since it missed by more than 5, all my images should still be there

Assuming we're still in this combat and not teleported out (or, assuming this combat happens outside?)

Kallyan sees the axe flying towards him and, as it misses, the celebrity bard gives it a smile. He was a big coward, but he'd never lose his flair. He turned around, letting his hair do all the waving on the wind as it could - he certainly could sell shampoo with his movements.

Are you really going to attack me, dear? - he finally says, showing once again the best of his blue-steel-style eyes. Then, he completed with a different spell.

As a move action, Shining Star/Fascinate again, versus up to 3 enemies that can see and hear Kallyan. Main target is Isolda. If we're still on the building, the Will Save DC is 22 - otherwise, it's a 21. If they get fascinated they can try to break it on their turn, but the DC jumps to a 26 (or 25 if we're not on the building anymore).

He ends up his turn completing the spell, and all members of the party feel a little faster.

Haste - up to 8 party members, Kallyan is included, assuming people are not more than 30 feet apart

This all happens BEFORE you teleport out (rounds 2-5).

Okay, so my turn described above is still valid then ;)

Shel growls and moves to attack the human fighter. She swings her human bane kukri, trying to teach the warrior a lesson.

Haste attack with human bane kukri and favored target human 1d20 + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 15 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 23

Damage 1d3 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6 plus
2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

Ara will delay until Ajax's move

Vrald advances on the Evil Fighter.
"Attacking my Lord Blackros was an insult that will not be left unanswered!"

He strikes the man roughly.

attack, PA, haste: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 16 - 3 + 1 = 33
damage: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 6 = 20
Crit?, PA, haste: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 16 - 3 + 1 = 21
Bonus damage: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 6 = 17

Sarnoc lets loose an acid dart at the man.

Range Touch attack into melee: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 4 = 14
acid damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Vrald advances on the Evil Fighter.

"Attacking my Lord Blackros was an insult that will not be left unanswered!"

This is a different Evil axe-warrior. That hasn't happened yet. Don't be confused, you've seeeeen intooo the fuuuuture, OOOOOO...!

Well, he has been in to the past, so the future should be only one step away.

Isond moves Scratchings the long way round to surround the man. She urges the boar to gore the man while she tries he best to equal Vrald's strike.

scratchings attack, haste: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 1 = 14

scratchings damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

greatsword power attack (furious focus), haste, divine favor: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 1 + 2 = 27

greatsword power attack (furious focus), divine favor: 1d10 + 7 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 6 + 2 = 25

"These are our gems now, go get your own!" shouts Isonda angrily.

Is that 70 points of damage after three attacks? LOL at Sarnoc with an acid dart. That's just disrespecting. I may have to one-up that by throwing an empty mug.

LOL - I mean I didn't want the lady to be at like 1 or something...I almost pull out the Wand of Magic Missiles.

Sorry everyone, if I made things a whole lot more confusing by posting the dim steps to early...I just wasn't sure how much time had actually past in game at the time. Just want to make sure we get enough rubies.

The fool falls as quickly as she arose!

Do you gather more rubies, or get the hell outta Dodge? It's only round 3, so if you were to teleport out now, you'd have a total of 10 rubies on you.

I will stop wasting my spells and bardic performance rounds! Bunch of kick-ass damage dealing stuff!

Vrald looks around, assessing the abilities of the other combatants and taking note of those he may need to face in the future.

"We should preserve our strength."

"I say ten rubies are plenty. Magic us out of here, Sarnoc!"

Agreed. Gather around.

Sarnoc waits until everyone is in contact....ouch where did that axe come from! Pop!

Commence dimensional steps

Ajax has to agree that ten rubies might be plenty, but as the fighter falls, Ajax grabs that 11th before calling Ara to him and joining hands. "I know some tengu that would love these things."

Vrald steps back to be near the wizard.

Having made your escape, a much more accommodating environment awaits you at the Celestial Arms.

We are now officially on break until Something Happens. Healing yourselves will be no trouble, and if you want to shop or anything, go ahead.

The following morning, (at least) one of your rubies does indeed glow!

Back at the Celestial Arms, Sarnoc is confident about the groups abilities. He engages is a bit of strategic conversation.

Kallyan I like your use of the haste spell, it really helped our attacks. I cast it myself quite often.

I typically prepare a bunch of hastes to drop one per combat. Kallyan looks like you get up to 4 as a spontaneous caster. We may want to save back a Dispel Magic; but otherwise I'm okay if you want to do the hasting. I'll prepare one and then some other stuff. Sound okay?

Isonda can you spare some healing? If you would be so kind as to hit me with a Cure Mod - I'm down 10...thanks

"Of course i can Sarnoc. I was just about to ask if anyone wounded. I know you took a hit too Shel, so i'll fix you both up good as new so we're ready for whatever come next."

CLW for Shel: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

CMW for Sarnoc: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 6 = 11

"Now don't anyone be shy about asking for help. My spells are here to help and we are a team after all!" says Isonda with a cheerful smile on her face.

"That goes for you too piggyface!" she says as she tussles Scratchings' furry neck.

I don't think anyone else got hurt but Isonda will make a point of looking anyway.

"Oink-oink!" which almost sounds like a child complaining at a doting mother.

Thanks to Isonda being an Oracle Scratchings has Int 6, which is pretty smart by piggy standards! (and even some humans...)

@ Sarnac, for the next day, I've got a 1st level Pearl that you could also use for Mage Armor on Ara. I use them for Resist Energy as that spells is such a steal for Rangers.

"We would be well served to try and figure out what might be required of us on the morrow so that we may prepare our spells accordingly."

Ajax asks around about the Ruby Tournament in hopes of determining what the group should expect.

Gather Information: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 Using Guidance from Wayfinder

Vrald nods to the group, pleased with how they handled the situation.

"Let us raise our glasses and toast Cooperation!"

"That went pretty well, but I got sloppy when I caught the ruby and didn't pay attention to my surroundings. Same as Sarnoc casting his spell. We all need to be on our toes. Clearly, the other groups won't rest until they try to kill us and get our rubies."

"My apologies Shel. I shall try to be quicker in the future." says the knight, who seems to take any injury to his companions as a personal failure.

On my spell priority item, I usually start with Mirror Image because bards are quite fragile, then I start buffing the party (haste, good hope, etc.). So it becomes a matter of what happened already on previous rounds - if you manage to haste the party before, then I'll good hope, for example. Against humanoids or creatures susceptible against mind-affecting effects, my performance usually will be to fascinate them; otherwise, I will probably Inspire Rage as a skald)

Kallyan smiles, checking back on his colleagues. The bard seems quite relieved now they "escaped" the fight.

Oh, thanks, my dear Sarnoc! Your spellcasting was top notch as well. - he said, following immediately to "raise his glass" to Vrald - I shall sing to our ruby conquering quest! We should be on our way, though, and take preparations.

If you guys are going to buff...I am all in favor of, then I will delay my attacks until after you have a chance to cast.

***OVERSEER ANNOUCEMENT***

Overseer thread

Without warning, loud slamming noises echo through the tavern, even over the fray of the combat within. Moments later, the front doors rupture in a shower of splinters. In full battle regalia, a contingent of Absalom’s First Guard rush into the room. Swinging heavy chains and nets, they beat into the brawlers en mass, dragging dozens to the floor. The remainder of the contestants break from their opponents, and the crowd devolves into a raging mob as all race frantically for the nearest exit to avoid arrest.

If you are no longer in the tavern, this is more for your awareness...

Oh my..I sort of feel ashamed we buggered out so quickly, or maybe that was the smart play.

Sarnoc wakes up at the Celestial Arms feeling the most well rested he has in months. He lies there thinking about a dream of great tavern brawl, then he remembers it really did occur. He can't help but wonder but whether they missed the best parts.

Shel awoke early; and tossed her clutched rubies on her cot, watching them closely. After waiting for the glow, she gathers her gear and picks up all the magical stones, heading downstairs to meet the others. "They didn't say what time we could expect a message, did they," she asks.

Ajax will be casting preparation spells once we find out where we are going/just before we get to wherever we are going.

Vrald will wake early and head down to the enclosed courtyard to perform half an hour of martial drills. After a bad dream in which he failed to protect his companions, he spends a bit of time working on deflecting arrows with his shield.

For breakfast he eats lightly, not knowing what the day may bring.

Isonda wakes up and leaves her room to look for the others. She's late but she certainly slept well. She heads to the stabling area where Scratchings spent the night and fusses over him while she gets his armour and riding gear back in place.

Once finished she goes to find the others to see what the day has in store for them.