Blood Under Absalom (Inactive)

Game Master Granta

Sarnoc takes to his spellbooks as soon as we wakes; pouring over the pages, going from book to book to decide what might be required this special day. He eats a couple of pears and an apple, still in good season from southern Galt. Galtan fruit is sweet must be the blood of the land.

You've done excellently so far, so I still have nothing to report to you until Something Happens.

Kallyan woke up after the others, as imaginable. Already fully dressed and with a somewhat sleepy face, the bard carried adorned jewels, a smile, and a small summoned percussion instrument with extravagant colors and a swift sound. He came downstairs knocking it with skill, surrounded by dancing lights and greeting everybody in a very attention calling way.

Oh! My companions! Kallyan salutes you! It's another sunny day for songs and adventure! - he said, with a tone of voice that would make some people question if he wasn't under the effects of pesh or something stronger.

After completing his spell preparation. Sarnoc draws out his Extend Lesser Metamagic Rod and uses it to cast mage armor on himself. He then joins the others; waiting for the rubies to light up.

I prepared a second Mage Armor for Ara -- will cast when we are ready to go.

***OVERSEER ANNOUCEMENT***

Overseer thread

1d100 ⇒ 40

The arrival of the morning brings with it the joys of a glowing Ruby!

That day you are greeted by a black-feathered tengu who introduces herself as your liaison to the Emissary of the Ruby Phoenix. She informs you that all contestants are to meet within a large shipping house near where the Docks meets the sodden district known as the Puddles and provides you with a specific time and directions to the event.

***

Following the directions given to you by your tengu liaison, you arrive just past dusk at the shipping house. Soon enough, a small crowd of would-be contestants begins to gather.

Approaching the entrance you spot a dishevelled, barefooted man dressed in plain sackcloth leaning in the shallow doorway. As you draw nearer, he slowly raises his head to examine the crowd. Then, grinning a toothy smile, he holds out his hand and asks “Any of you happen to find a ruby?”

The crowd excitedly signals their affirmative response and several glowing rubies are thrust into the air, there is an electric vibe flowing through the assembled host and everyone seems very ready for action.

The man nods and pushes the door open. Then he holds out a sack to collect the rubies of those seeking entry. As the various contestants enter, he directs them towards a flight of stairs near the back of the warehouse. These stairs descend into a wide and shadowy basement converted into a crude, make-shift arena illuminated by a ring of greasy-scented torches. The main floor is cleared of all objects save for a dusting of sand and straw that covers the cold stone floor. An assortment of contestants have already arrived, anxiously scanning the room. Almost all in attendance are recognizable from the previous night’s brawl.

From across the arena floor strides Kiang Zhen, the terrifying creature who represents Sifu Xho Nuo. Clapping her massive, clawed hands, she calls for silence, and with a low growl addresses the entire room as she runs her hands over her gruesome golden horns.

“Bringing defeat upon your perceived adversaries is only part of what it takes to walk the path of a truly great warrior. A true master sees beyond his adversaries; he sees the war and not just the battle. Last night, I watched how all of you were quick and eager to fight one another—therefore today... today I shall see how you fight together! Let’s see how well you can keep each other alive!” As she finishes this exuberant and enigmatic statement, smoke flashes erupt throughout the arena, and several dozen hidden trapdoors suddenly spring open, unleashing a horde of otherworldly beasts!

A great ophidian creature with a sharp-featured humanoid head, flanked by a band of horned, clawed, bulging-eyed fiends armed with massive bludgeons, races toward you!

Ajax
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Pale Oni
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Ara, Sarnoc, Vrald
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Dark Oni, Red Oni
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Shel
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Naga, Brown Oni
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Isonda/Scratchings, Kallyan

Perception 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

"Be alert. Tengu and oni are paying too close attention to us for comfort right now. Guard your flanks!"

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

"Stay behind me!" calls out Vrald.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28

Ajax surveys the combat arena, noting any other trap doors or secret doors, as well as the combatants, before casting Cat's Grace on Ara and commanding her to defend him as he pulls out is bow.

K. Planes on Pale Oni: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
K. Planes on Dark Oni: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
K. Planes on Red Oni: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
K. Planes on Brown Oni: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
K. Dungeoneering on Nagai: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11 Nope - i'm glad you lot are here or Isonda would never see a thing!

The party is over here, Isonda *waves*.... :/

Spot check humor

You had time to cast your blessings. It only makes sense, a 7-9th-level adventuring party isn't going to be herded into an arena and not expect imminent combat.

the oni are all of the same mold, which Knowledge check is 'the real one?': 1d4 ⇒ 4 You're a lucky guy! I consider that good enough to know this.
As for the naga...not so lucky. You probably think it's this guy.

The pale oni spares no time, swinging at Vrald with brutal force!

masterwork greatclub, Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
damage: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

His club hits Vrald's armor with a sort of low popping sound. It's a testament to the weapon's construction that it doesn't crack in half.

Ajax
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Pale Oni
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Ara, Sarnoc, Vrald
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Dark Oni, Red Oni
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Shel
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Naga, Brown Oni
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Isonda/Scratchings, Kallyan

The kind Oni, having spared Vrald the trouble of moving, gets given a longsword as a thank-you present. Twice.

attack,PA: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 16 - 3 = 21
attack2,PA: 1d20 + 11 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 11 - 3 = 10
damage (iron, magic), PA: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 6 = 17
damage2 (iron, magic), PA: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 6 = 21

Would have cast Mage Armor on Ara prior to entering the arena.

Since we already know what the Oni's are I'll just roll for the Naga. Is it dungeoneering, I'll roll that if it's Arcana add 5.

Know dungeon stuff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 dern

Sarnoc does not recall the creature from his studies, although he thinks he should.

Premikajo Zelo Hitro!

Sarnoc casts Haste on the party.

As Sarnoc goes before Vrald, I'll roll the extra attack, please add +1 to the attacks above for the haste effect
attack: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 16 - 3 + 1 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 6 = 16

Don't know if GM is waiting on Ara, but I posted Ara's move OOC, she's been ordered to attack anyone who threatens Ajax

Don't know if GM is waiting on Ara, but I posted Ara's move OOC, she's been ordered to attack anyone who threatens Ajax

A-ha, yes.

An unmistakably irate voice calls from the shadows, barking in some gutteral, yet complex tongue. The googly eyes of the assembled oni suddenly take on an awkward, sheepish cast, and they begin to fall back with remarkable speed.

Ajax
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Pale Oni -33
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Ara, Sarnoc, Vrald
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Shel
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Naga, Brown Oni
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Isonda/Scratchings, Kallyan

Ajax tries to determine if the oni mean to withdraw or are up to some subterfuge.

Using Sense Motive if it does not require an action Sense Motive: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20 Adding FE bonus since these oni have the human subtype

"The snake-like creature is not withdrawing, let's focus on that."

Does Sarnoc understand the tongue? Aklo, Aquan, Azlanti, Celestial, Common, Elven, Giant, Gnome, Ignan, Infernal, Kelish, Osiriani, Sylvan, Terran, Tien, Varisian

Just guess Abyssal.

Perhaps Linguistics to make a guess at what the language is and basic meaning of the message or whatever you will allow GM

Lingustics: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35

There seems to have been an embarrassing mix-up in somebody's plan. These oni, it appears, are but pawns in the Game of Life.

Taking 33 points in the first round is what really scared them off, that's my story and I"m sticking to it.

Acrobatics 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33

Shel tumbles forward, hoping to deny the snake like creature an AOO against her. She moves close and swings her kukri.

Attack 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 15 + 1 = 18

Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Shel manages to avoid harm, but so does the naga as the knife bounces off her hard, rubbery scales - which begin to crackle mightily with electricity, until it is projected forth in a mighty blast!

lightning bolt: 7d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 3, 4, 6, 1, 6) = 29
Vrald, Isonda, Scratchings, Kallyan, and Sarnoc are all struck, and may make a DC 16 Reflex save for half.

Also, I promise I didn't line you all up just for that - I didn't remember what their powers were. :P

Ajax
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Pale Oni -33
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Ara, Sarnoc, Vrald, Shel
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Naga
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Isonda/Scratchings, Kallyan

Knowledge (Dungeon): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Kallyan doesn't seem to know much more about the creature, as he pushes to pay attention to the naga. Nevertheless, the electricity bolt hits him.

Reflex: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

He manages to dodge part of it, and his Aasimar resistance helps - but he's still harmed nevertheless.

9 points of damage

The bard first casts mirror image from his position, trying to increase his defenses. He does so defensively, even though not surrounded by enemies.

1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21 Succeeded
1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Images

Next, he five-foot-steps. Not knowing exactly if his enemies were susceptible to this kind of effect, he tries to fascinate the naga and up to other two enemies that can see and hear him perform his dance steps. He's a fricking celebrity, after all!

Knowledge (Engineering): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32 Succeeded, for Harmonic Sage (self-harmonize)

Will save, DC 22 vs. Fascinate (enchantment (compulsion), mind-affecting). Shining Star allows me to fascinate in combat. If they're fascinated, they can try to break out of fascination on their turns (if they're threatened or attacked), but then the DC becomes a 26 once they fail the first one. Otherwise, just stay there admiring the beauty of my curly grey hair :)

Don't forget Haste gives +1 to reflex saves

Reflex v. DC16: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 = 24

Aazzzzurt!

Spread out!

Is the Pale Oni still part of the fight? If so,...

Ajax startled by the lightning, casts Resist Energy against electricity and moves out of the line of fire. Ajax then orders Ara to spring attack the Oni and return to Ajax's side. Able to do so without getting within 15 of the Naga.

Ara bite vs Oni: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27 +13 attack + 4 vs Human + 2 Cat's Grace +1 Haste
Damage: 1d4 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16 +7 base +4 vs human +2 Cat's Grace +1 Whetbone
Trip if bite succeeds: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 20 = 34

If the Oni is not part of the fight, then Ara will spring attack the Naga. Just subtract 4 on attack and damage, unless it's an evil outsider and then subtract only 2.

ref: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 = 22
Vrald deflects the worst of the lightning assault.

Ara downs the pale oni before he can get away!

Isonda Reflex: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 = 18

Scratchings Reflex: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10

Isonda dodges most of the lightning, but only because Scratchings takes the main force of the bolt.

She calls on her healing magic mend his wounds as she guides the injured pig to circle round the large creature ready to charge.

Cure Mod: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (8, 7) + 6 = 21

Will save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Kallyan's snake-charming act falls on jaded eyes.

"I much preferred your earlier, less preachy work...."

Ajax, Ara, Sarnoc, Vrald, Shel
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Naga
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Isonda/Scratchings, Kallyan

The smell of singed hair still in his nose, Sarnoc decides he should try to be in it for the long hall.

Ne moreš me videti!

With that he vanishes from sight.

Cast invisibility, then 5' step

Vrald any objection to being enlarged?

Don't forget Haste

Shel becomes a whirlwind of blades as she cuts at the snake like creature

Attack with Haste Human bane kukri 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 1 = 27
Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Attack with Haste plain magical kukri 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 13 + 1 = 32
Damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Attack with Haste human bane kukri 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 1 = 21
Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Attack with Haste plain magical kukri 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 1 = 19
Damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Extra attack from Haste at full BAB 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 1 = 28
Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Edit:
Possible crit on second attack 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 1 = 24
Damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Ajax can't help but notice the death by a thousand cuts Shel is attempting.

"Shell, what you need is a flanking partner. I can arrange that..."

Lol, that is exactly what I need!

@Vrald, I think it's your move.

Down come the puppet strings....

Trusting in his armor, Vrald brazenly strides forward...

naga attack of opportunity, sting: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

+1 Adamantine Longsword, Power Attack: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 16 - 3 + 1 = 31
damage: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 6 = 21

...and delivers another mighty blow!

The naga rears back...

defensive casting, DC 21: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

and sends another mighty electrical blast through the party!

lightning bolt vs Vrald, Shel, Ara, and Ajax, DC 16 Reflex save for half: 7d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 6, 4) = 26

Ajax, Ara, Sarnoc, Vrald, Shel
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Naga (-39)
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Isonda/Scratchings, Kallyan

Sarnoc takes another 5 foot step, hoping foes wouldn't notice him; then begins casting a spell.

Boste rastejo večje in večje He speaks in a barely audible tone.

Full Round cast - enlarge person

Isonda kicks Scratchings' flank lightly and urges him to charge the naga, her greatsword ready to strike the creature with a powerful blow.

greatsword attack, charge, haste, P.attack(furious focus): 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 2 + 1 = 32

greatsword damage, P.attack(furious focus): 1d10 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 6 = 22

Scratchings attack, charge, haste: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 2 + 1 = 19

Scratchings damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

"Take that you big snakey thing!"

Reflex with Evasion and Haste 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 17 + 1 = 27

Shel nimbly evades the blast, and she steps 5' around to try to set up a flank.

Will someone please move me 10' to the left? I said last round that I'd move 5' and I didn't move myself. Combine that with a 5' this round, and I'll be able to flank next round, if someone else moves up.

After doing so, she cuts loose with her small kukri again.

Attack with Haste Human bane kukri 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 1 = 18
Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Attack with Haste plain magical kukri 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 1 = 15
Damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Attack with Haste human bane kukri 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 = 22
Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Attack with Haste plain magical kukri 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
Damage 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Extra attack from Haste at full BAB 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 13 + 1 = 25
Damage 1d3 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

reflex: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 = 23

Once again Vrald manages to avoid the worst of the damage.

He then lets loose on the Naga.
full attack, haste, PA: 1d20 + 16 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (7) + 16 + 1 - 3 = 21
iterative attack, haste, PA: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 1 - 3 = 29
hasted attack, haste, PA: 1d20 + 16 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 16 + 1 - 3 = 34
confirm1: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 1 - 3 = 16
confirm2: 1d20 + 16 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 16 + 1 - 3 = 31
I'll assume that is three hits, the last one being a crit. If the 21 doesn't hit, ignore the first damage roll

first hit: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 6 = 22
second hit: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 6 = 22
crit hit: 2d8 + 9 + 6 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 9 + 6 + 9 + 6 = 36

He lands a series of solid blows.

Reflex Ara (with Evasion): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32
Reflex Ajax: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22 If I save, I take no damage due to RE - Energy

Ara easily dodges the bolt, clearing the blast entirely. Ajax ducks the main bolt and his protective spell insulates him from stray arcs.

I'm going to assume that the possible 130+ points is enough to defeat the Naga...If not, I'll roll some attacks.

Isonda slices!
Shel dices!
Vrald makes Julienne fries!
The naga is now an exotic chopped meat platter!

You now have 2 rounds to do whatever you wish....

Ajax winks at Shel, "For this next round, give me a chance to get Ara in place if the opportunity presents itself."

Vrald winces a little and the smell of charred flesh wafts slightly from his armour.

He looks around the room with a small degree of concern.

"Would any of you have the ability to heal my wounds? While I will face a swordsman without fear, more magic like that could easily wear me down."

Sarnoc completes his spell and Vrald grows to enormous size.

Round 4 cast Shield
Round 5 cast Message on everyone

After 2 rounds of prep, there will be 3 rounds of haste left. Enlarge Person, Shield and Invisibility have 7+ minutes left.

Isonda takes a moment to heal herself.

cure moderate: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (4, 3) + 6 = 13

"I can heal you massive Vrald!" says Isonda as she pats his leg and heals his wounds.

cure serious: 3d8 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3, 8) + 6 = 19

She then guides Scratchings to the edge of the area ready for whatever comes next.

Shel takes a deep breath and nods, ready for whatever happens next.

Kallyan?

Due to being a Fey foundling, Vrald heals at +2 per dice, so that is actually 25 points. Many thanks.

Vrald looks much, much better.

Ajax uses his wand of gravity bow, then puts it back.