Blood Under Absalom (Inactive)

Game Master Granta

Thanks, that raises my to-hit on orange to 19, which might be just enough if I'm lucky.

"Charge!" calls out Vrald, hamming up his role as The General.

GM - please apply +2 favored enemy bonus to hit and damage if the target of Isonda's attack is human. Are all the aspis agents human?

@Vrald: The enlarge completed after your turn. Orange is the only one you could have reached at the time.

Maps

Round 2-3
Effects haste, coin

• Ajax
  
• Sarnoc blind
  
• Kallyan - not hasted
  
• Red - 14 damage, nauseated (1/3)
  
• Orange
  
• Yellow - 19 damage
  
• Green - prone, laughing
  
• Vrald - not hasted, enemy insight
  
• Shel - 7 damage
  
• Isonda - enemy insight

Vrald attacks the general twice, but misses both times. Shel lands three solid blows on him though, and Isonda delivers a crushing blow to the cruel bandit. Ajax taps Vrald's armor, pinging its location for Sarnoc's spell, which suddenly turns the knight into a giant. Sarnoc quickly follows up with another spell, luckily not catching any allies in the area. Kallyan finishes up the assault by reducing the monkey king to uncontrollable laughter.

The clown withdraws, vomiting the whole way. The general manages to hit Shel one time. The bandit also tries to attack Shel, but she dodges the blow with easee.

Everybody is up.

Edit: Oh that's right...now I remember Vrald was against the curtain.

Assuming the broom counts as being armed for the purpose of threatening. If not, then Ajax moves one square over in front of the chou so that Isonda can flank with Shel

Having heard the half-orc reference his deity, trusty broom in hand, Ajax moves in a circuitous route to avoid an opportune strike from the bandit and sets up shop right behind him. He then whirls on the nauseated clown and attempts to snatch the half-orc's holy symbol.

Steal holy symbol (BAB + STR +FE + H + M): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21

Sarnoc fumbles backwards behind Vrald, not wanting to press his luck blind casting, he instead ups his defense.

Moje ime je zamegljen obraz He mumbles, his form appears as though blurred.

Cast blur

Vrald, somewhat embarrased by his inability to hit an enemy in sub-par armour, redoubles his efforts.

power attack, FE,coin: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 16 - 3 + 2 + 1 = 30
iterative power attack,FE,coin: 1d20 + 11 - 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 3 + 2 + 1 = 25
damage,PA,FE,coin: 2d6 + 9 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5) + 9 + 6 + 2 + 1 = 24
iterative damage,PA,FE,coin: 2d6 + 9 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2, 3) + 9 + 6 + 2 + 1 = 23

He looks a lot more pleased with his results this time.

I've cancelled out the size penalty to hit and the size strength bonus to hit for simplicity

Cruel Bandit Shel again swung her wooden knife at the General, enhanced by the Haste spell.

Attack with Haste, morale bonus, favored enemy 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 12 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 19
Damage 1d4 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 9

Iterative attack 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 13
Damage 1d4 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 7

Haste attack 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 36
Damage 1d4 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 + 2 = 9

Edit: possible crit on third attack 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29
Damage 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Isonda continues to attack the Aspis Bandit as she does her best to make the fight look like a spectacle.

dull polearm attack, haste, power attack, (furius focus), Enemy Insight(human): 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 31

dull polearm damage, power attack, Enemy Insight(human): 1d6 + 7 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 6 + 2 = 18

dull polearm hasted attack, haste, power attack, Enemy Insight(human): 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 2 + 1 + 2 = 15

dull polearm damage, power attack, Enemy Insight(human): 1d6 + 7 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 6 + 2 = 17

"You should give up now, you're clearly outmatched!"

Oh, but why? Why aren't you laughing as well? - says the bard, pointing at the general.

Hideous Laughter at the Orange as well; DC 18.

The performance stays going for another round, for free, due to Harmonic Spell

Maps

Round 2-3
Effects haste, coin

• Ajax
  
• Sarnoc - blind, blur
  
• Kallyan - not hasted, mirror image (3)
  
• Red - 14 damage, nauseated (2/3)
  
• Orange - 73 damage
  
• Yellow - 54 damage, unconscious
  
• Green - prone, laughing
  
• Vrald - not hasted, enemy insight
  
• Shel - 15 damage
  
• Isonda - enemy insight

Vrald delivers two crushing blows to the general, and Shel follows up with two smaller hits. Isonda knocks out the bandit, the first casualty. Ajax opportunistically steals the clown's holy symbol while he is vomiting. Sarnoc's form blurs with defensive magic, and Kallyan frowns as the same joke fails to work a second time.

The clown continues vomiting and the monkey king only laughs, but the general lands a glancing blow to Shel.

Everybody is up.

As Ajax successfully steals the clown's holy symbol, he quips, "You won't be needing that!"

Stepping to the side to clear a path for Isonda, Ajax drops the symbol off-stage. Then, pressing the advantage, Ajax attempts to disarm the half-orc.

"You don't look well Mr. Clown. Let me lighten your load."

Disarm: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31 included -4 for improvised weapon.

I assume dropping something in the adjacent square (which is off stage) is a free action. If it takes more than a move action, I will hold on to it.

Ajax then attacks with his broom,

"...and here, let me clean you off a bit...you've soiled yourself."

Haste attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Damage (Lead Blades +2 STR +4 FE + 1 Morale): 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Iterative attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

FYI - Green will need a new save vs. Stinking Cloud each round. Fort DC21. Any creature that succeeds on its save but remains in the cloud must continue to save each round on your turn.
Not that he doesn't have enough problems with the laughing, but hey laughing and puking at the same time, now that would be a sight.

The wizened crone takes a total defensive stance.

Current AC 20

You big strong man, protect a blind old woman. He says in a crackling tone.

@Ajax: Free action to drop it in your square, move action to drop is in a specific, different square.

Shel attempts to tumble to the square just south of the General to set up a flanking attack.

Acrobatics 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20

She stubs her toe and throws herself off balance as she moves. Once there, she swings the wooden sword at the General.

Flanking, Haste, Favored Enemy, Apsis Coin attack 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 33

Damage 1d4 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 7 plus
4d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 6, 4) = 15 sneak attack.

Vrald, pleased by the headway he is making against the opposing general, continues his assault.

"Flee with your troops while you still have them general!" he hams up for the audience.

power attack, FE,coin: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 16 - 3 + 2 + 1 = 36
iterative attack, FE,coin: 1d20 + 11 - 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 11 - 3 + 2 + 1 = 26

damage,PA,FE,coin: 2d6 + 9 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2, 3) + 9 + 6 + 2 + 1 = 23
iterative damage,PA,FE,coin: 2d6 + 9 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5) + 9 + 6 + 2 + 1 = 24

crit ?power attack, FE,coin: 1d20 + 16 - 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 16 - 3 + 2 + 1 = 25
crit extra damage,PA,FE,coin: 2d6 + 9 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6, 6) + 9 + 6 + 2 + 1 = 30

If the crit drops the general, the second attack will go against anyone else still up.

***Overseer post***

"CURTAINS!"

So close! The monkey king is still conscious. However, she is also unable to act and has to save vs. nausea every round, so . . . the skill of Kallyan's performance tips the judges into considering that a success.

Kiang Zhen places a mark of shame on the ronin and Aspis agents, then hands the Pathfinders a stack of black funerary robes, "Time for your costume change."

"Once you get suited up, throw these over your clothes; you'll need them to enter the next event. Then head to the Petal District. You'll know the way once you get there."

Vrald takes his robes and quickly removes the "general" outfit, changing back into his own familiar full plate.

"Can you give me a hand with these straps?"

Eventually armoured up again he drapes his robe over the top, and secures his shield to his right arm.

"I admit to feeling half naked out there earlier. Let us be off"

How long do we have? Will barkskin still be active? at 10m/level it will last quite a long time.

"I don't usually wear black, but if those are the rules then i guess i can make an exception."

Isonda heads backstage and changes back into her armour then checks on Scratchings.

"I'm sorry you missed out on a fight, but those tusks of yours tend to cut people up and we didn't want that. But you were a good boy back here so i think you earned a treat later."

Scratchings gives a happy snort as Isonda gets back in the saddle and gets ready to leave.

Kallyan, reach in my pouch here there's a scroll of dispel magic. Could you cast that and remove my blindness, or I fear I won't be much help going forward. Sarnoc asks the famous bard for some help.

So the check is CL of scroll +5 v. DC11 + spell caster level

Since Kallyan doesn't post on the weekends, I'll go ahead and roll for it.

Dispel: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

sigh...well looks like we'll need a quick stop on the way to the Petals district.

Kallyan expertly reads the scroll, but the magic stored within isn't strong enough to remove the dirtbag Aspis agent's dirty move.

Well that was most unfortunate, I'm afraid we'll need to find a temple on the way to the Petals District. Now if someone could help me put on these black robes.

At GM, will it be possible to find a temple?

Quickly let's get a carriage, I'll pay and we can run by a temple, we are near enough to the Ascendant Court. The Seventh Church is likely the closest.

Sarnoc has the others lead him to the carriage and he soon finds himself in the loving care of the Iomedaens.

150 gp for the spell CL x SL x 10 (5x3x10) and another 40gp for the carriage (including the pets).

Eyesight restored Sarnoc is ready for for action once more.

Shel takes off her costume and throws in the robe she was given. She pulls out a wand and attempts to heal herself.

UMD 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

UMD 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25
CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

UMD 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34
CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

UMD 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19
CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Ajax offers to chip in for the Remove Blindness spell, "I only have 56 gp on it, but I insist on contributing. It might just as well have been me. "

Ajax quickly downs his armor and extras, then throws on the robe. If it looks like the group is in for more combat, Ajax will use his wand of shield companion on Ara

When Ajax sees Shel about to use her wand of CLW, he interrupts her.and offers a shot of his wand of infernal healing [b]"Here, use this one time. It will be more efficient.

Shel accepts Ajax's offer and finally feels all of her bumps and bruises melt away.

Vrald also dips into his purse.

"To contribute to the restoration of a fallen companion is everyone's privilege."

Happy to contribute a share, and help make up for any short fall

Shel has a good chunk of gold and is willing to contribute as well.

***OVERSEER ANNOUCEMENT***

Overseer thread

A crowd of black-robed mourners gathers in a small, grassy square near the edge of the cemetery. The assembly forms a procession, which winds through the cemetery to one of the oldest and most opulent plots. There, the entrances to an entire row of aging marble mausoleums stand open. Before each rests a coffin.

The procession stops, and a woman in the robes of a Pharasmin cleric steps forward. She approaches the various groups of mourners and, speaking in a solemn tone, requests each of them to hoist a casket and carry it into one of the mausoleums. Then she adds the following instructions: “This next competition is the final one of the qualifier. The Emissary lies somewhere in the catacombs below. All you must do now is seek him out and touch his robes. Good luck.” Then the woman nods and leaves, without further explanation.

Isonda will also volunteer to help spread the cost of curing Sarnoc's blindness.

Are we considered mourners and expected to carry a coffin in?

Thanks gang -- the cost is really minimal, so don't worry about it, if something more serious happens we can all chip in.

As the mourners assemble Sarnoc uses his extend metamagic rod to cast Shield on himself.

Sarnoc takes hold of part of the casket and is ready to head on in.

@Shel: Yes

Shel helps with the coffin as much as she can without distributing the weight too much off kilter.

Vrald looks at the coffin dubiously.

He tests the weight for a moment, trying to judge if there is actually a body within.

"I hope nothing leaps out to attack us.."

If Ara is allowed to accompany the party, Ajax uses his wand of shield companion and recalls Cat's Grace on his Pearl of Power before casting it on her. If the hour long buffs have faded, Ajax will recasts those.

This is quite the strangest mission I ever had! - says Kallyan, quickly aligning himself to help the party with the coffin and "touching" the emissary... Whatever that meant.

Also curious about the hour+ long buffs.

Actually, Ajax would not cast Cat's Grace just yet, as it's not clear we will be immediately fighting.

As previously rolled, the time between these two encounters is 48 minutes.

Maps

Round 1
Effects none

• Ara
  
• Shel
  
• Sarnoc
  
• Judge Heng
  
• Scratchings
  
• Ajax
  
• Isonda
  
• Kallyan
  
• Vrald

The stairs empty into a long hall of cool gray stone. On both sides of the smooth, polished walls open deep, narrow arches that recede into straight, dark hallways. A gold-skinned humanoid sits in a trancelike state in the middle of the room like a great silent statue. Across his lap is a massive spiked club. Behind the creature, on the far side of the hall, a small brass gong hangs still upon a lacquered wooden frame. Beside the gong rests a large mallet, its beater wrapped in cloth.

“Greetings, esteemed competitors. Allow me to introduce myself. I am called Heng—the Sifu’s Judge. Within this room you see eight arches; however, only one leads to the final competition. While I can show you the correct path, you must first prove yourselves worthy before I reveal the answer.”

The oni nods and without warning, all eight entrances erupt into impassible whirlwinds of lashing sword shards and colored smoke. Calmly, he continues.

“Beyond me hangs a small gong. In order to pass freely, you must properly sound the gong using the nearby mallet. While this task sounds easy, I assure you it is not, for it must be struck perfectly in order to get it to sound. Hit it too softly and it will fail to echo, too hard and it will crack. Furthermore, I shall do my best to prevent anyone from sounding it.”

The judge bows, his heavy gaze relentless. Then slowly his body coils into a combat stance as he signals the start of the fight with a simple nod.

Ara moves in front of Ajax and growls a warning at the gold-skinned creature.

Shel and Sarnoc are up. Sounding the gong is full-round action and requires a Perform (percussion) check.

This sounds like a job for the one and only Kallyan! I guess we play keep away with our new judge while Kallyan does a gong solo ;)

As soon as Ajax sees the spiked club, he casts Cat's Grace on Ara.

Ajax tries to determine what spells may have been cast.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

As an archery ranger, Ajax would not be in the front of the group with both Vrald, Isonda, and Shel present.

@Ajax: You haven't seen any spells be cast. It's unclear whether the effect is a supernatural ability, magic item or something else entirely.

Shel pulls her kukri. "Are you going to be pulling your punches, or are you striking to kill? Speak quickly as I don't want to be disqualified for slicing your kneecaps," the little halfling calls out. She holds her ground, wanting to make sure she could not be full attacked, if he gives a poor answer.

Damn, it's exactly percussion!

Know Planes on the Oni: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Okay going ballsy here

Sarnoc steps over, Your coming with me boys!

He grabs Kallyan in one hand and Vrald in the other, then uses dimensional steps, teleporting them across the room.

105 feet of dimensional steps.

[ooce]I moved Vrald back to row two.[/ooc]

Vrald you don't want to teleport with the squishies?

I missed the Teleport. Didn;t hit update I guess. I'll go with them and stand guard.

Maps

Round 1-2
Effects none

• Ara
  
• Shel
  
• Sarnoc - 31 damage
  
• Judge Heng
  
• Scratchings
  
• Ajax
  
• Isonda
  
• Kallyan - 30 damage
  
• Vrald

Shel draws a weapon and waits, futilely trying to avoid bloodshed. Sarnoc, on the other hand, drags his companions into battle. Scratchings moves to protect his master.

Judge Heng moves up to bludgeon Kallyan, and swings through to hit Sarnoc as well.

Everybody except Scratchings is up.

GM: My Mirror Images are still active, since only 48 minutes had passed (I had put it on my header to make it as clear as possible, but I believe you might have missed it). I had 3 images. Did he really hit me?

I didn't miss anything!

4 hits: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Okay, maybe I did miss. Knowing that the images were up though, the judge would have swung at Sarnoc first. He's not as dumb as I am.

BTW, what ability are you using to get 10 min/level mirror images?