Blood Under Absalom -- A Multitable PbP special (GM Hmm's table) (Inactive)

Game Master Hmm

Mort stands back to the wall watching what he hopes is not him being arrested yet again. "Finally some backup, maybe now we can sleep without fear for our lives!" If we end up in prison for this I swear I'm quitting this Pathfinder crap!

Tiffany lowers her guard at Mort's suggestion. "Oh, they're friendly? Maybe they're the Vase Defense Force! Or even our escorts to the opera! How nice of them. Check it out, Corona, our personal guard detail has arrived!"

Sheela is pulling up crocodile tears when the door bursts. Her surprise is real. "OH!" Um...are you with her?"

The tengu skid to a halt upon seeing the gruesome Sophia. One of them replies to your questions:

"Errr, I got here to tell you to be ready at sunup tomorrow morning for the opera when I heard fighting. I quickly rallied some of my friends to come to your assistance, but it seems you have everything well in hand."

He puts his sword away and continues "You do not really plan on eating her, do you?"

Sophia was secretly looking forward to scaring the daylights out of the fake-ninja, but then the beak-squad barged in.

Aw, too bad.

She looks at the tengus, her face away from the captive. Her expression makes clear she's joking, but the captive doesn't see that....?

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

"I suppose not, i've had my fill. I might later."

"Opera, oh ya. So is there a dress code? Or... should we be prepared for more sly assassins hiding in the privy kinda event? I'd had to be over or under dressed. Not to mention a nice suit is NOT cheap!"

Mort looks over to Sophia and her ruse and figures he should play along "Ya, you'd be amazed what she can fit down that gullet of hers." Bluff Aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

"Ah, ok I see. But remember that any dishonesty will get you disqualified. Now I don't think that she is trying to get a place in the tournament, but the same would go for her."

He turns to Mort and smiles "I would not bother with buying a suit, just wear a clean outfit and you should be fine. If you'll excuse me now I will take my leave. Enjoy your dinner."

Yorad sighs in relief. "Well I can certainly handle a clean outfit at least! When yer workin' on the docks, you tend not to wear fancy fabrics, though I certainly have carried my fair share of them. Those fancy outfit don't exist without the silks and satins that get shipped to this fine city!" You can all detect a note of pride in his voice.

"Oh, pah sunrise? I'll have to buy something now!" Sheela pouts. "Luckily my Crisis Tailor is up at almost all times of the night!" Sheela practically bolts off toward the tailor.

Sheela will buy a Courtier's Outfit for 30 gp. This also includes 50 gp of jewelry.

Sophia tidies up, of course.

With her own entertainers' dress, she would be good to go.

Mort watches the Tengu legion head out, followed closely by Sophia and Sheela, he turns to Yorad and Corona "So umm, what are we going to do with her? Lets get this over with so we can get some dinner."

He pulls up a chair near her and takes a seat. "We'll make this easy on you, answer a few questions and we'll turn you over to the city guard. Fail to answer said questions and we'll add you to your friends. All I'm interested in knowing is who contracted you to kill us, why would they bother, and can we expect more of these attempts?" Intimidate: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Study Target of course, and a sense motive roll for her hopeful response. Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13

The tidying up is after the interrogation of course.

She herself sits, with bloodied mouth and fingers, in a chair near the prisoner.

***OVERSEER ANNOUCEMENT***

Overseer thread

The first rays of light creep into the inn’s window, accompanied by a loud knocking at the door. Someone in the hall screeches, “The sun is up! Time to gather your tickets and head to The Opera!”

***

Arriving at the opera, you are greeted by a trio of actors dressed in the garb and makeup of a traditional opera from Lung Wa. They seat you in the first few rows. Looking around you see a few others also in attendance. Strangely, there are no sets and the unlit stage is empty except for three plain wooden chairs. Then Kiang Zhen strides onto the stage and addresses the audience.

“Today I am treating myself to a display of opera, which all of you shall perform for me! Backstage, you shall find traditional costumes that will determine the roles you will portray. You may choose these roles yourself, but be forewarned - you must act within the limits of your role. Your objective is to perform an epic combat against a rival group. However, there must be no bloodshed. Any shows of lethal force will result in your immediate disqualification from the event. The troupe able to force its opponents to yield is the victor. Now go and prepare yourselves for the evening’s performance. It starts in 10 minutes!”

Sheela shows up the next morning, dressed in a green dress with white rose trim. Small rubies adorn her gown. "Sorry about not showing up last night. The tailor needed some help to get the dress ready, and he didn't have one my size at first, and a priest had a broken carriage- all resolved... so where is the play?"

Kiang Zhen walks on stage and announces that she will be an actor. "Me? In an opera?" She giggles. "Well the singing part shouldn't be a problem. But I bought this dress for nothing?" She shrugs.

Yorad shows up in a clean outfit, nothing fancy about it. He gives Sheela an admiring grin. "Nice dress! And no I don't think you got it for nothing!"

He turns to address Kiang Zhen with a confused look on his face. "An actor? I have never acted in my life! I hope I can find a costume that...looks good on me..."

The next day, Corona practically leaps out of her bed with anticipation of the day's events. An opera! She'd never attended one before and was eager to get ready and get to the opera house. When she meets with the others she's wearing what looks to be a nice, clean outfit; though there's nothing especially fancy about it it does look as if it's been recently washed and pressed.

"Are you ready, New Friends? Oh I am, I was so excited that I could hardly sleep last night," she chatters as they make their way inside. Her eager look shifts to a puzzled one as it becomes apparent that there are no sets or other props on the stage. "Um...is this one of those 'avant garde' type of things? Maybe we're supposed to imagine all the scenery?"

Her questions are quickly answered by the arrival of Kiang Zhen and her cheerful smile quickly returns. "WE get to be in the opera? This is even better than watching one! Come on New Friends, let's go see what sorts of costumes they have for us!"
___________

Woo, you all have been busy while I was at work today!

Wall of text incoming

The previous night you learned that this assassin has not dealt with directly with the client, one of the dead ones did. All she knows is that she was given the coin as a means to enter the Aspis organisation if she wants.

- - -

You are led backstage where three aasimars are waiting for you, dressed in Tien kimonos

"Welcome honorable actors, we will show you the outfits you can choose from"

They lead you to a clothing rack "Now remember that a female role can be played by a male and vice-versa. Sometimes the greatest male performance is given by a female who has observed males her whole life. It is also fine if you want to play your own gender, there is a certain comfort in not stepping to far out of ones shoes. Now what do we have..."

He shows two male outfits "These are for the leading male role, what we call 'Sheng'. You can pick either the General or the Monkey King. The General wears a long beard and fights with a wooden sword and armor. The Monkey King wears an elaborate monkey mask. The Monkey King is an acrobat and trickster and is permitted to cast spells."

The next two outfits are shown "These are for the leading female role, the 'Dan'. I present you the Warrior Woman and the Wizened Crone. The Warrior Woman wears full armor and fights with a naginata. The Wizened Crone wears long robes and walks with a cane. She is permitted to cast spells."

"Then we have the strong and forceful male, the 'Jing'. The two choices for this performance are the Noble Warrior and the Cruel Bandit. The Noble Warrior wears red face paint and full armor, and wields a large club .The Cruel Bandit wears blue face paint and wields a long
wooden knife, specially balanced to allow a capable individual to hit where it hurts."

He comes to the last two costumes. "All the seriousness needs to be offset. For that we have the 'Chou' or what you would call clowns. These humorous characters are allowed to speak with the audience in order to make jokes at their opponents’ expense. Chou are also permitted to cast
spells. Male Chou identify their characters by painting wide white circles around their eyes. Female Chou paint their faces red with black circles about the eyes. These costumes do not include weapons; however, Chou can carry and wield a broom or stick claiming it to be whatever weapon they desire for the sake of performance and comedic value."

She waits for a moment before continuing "You will be matched to another team. On the stage you will together entertain Kiang Zhen, with the team that remains standing proclaimed as the winner. There are to be no lethal wounds dealt. That would be a reason for immediate forfeiture of the match. I suggest you pick your costumes quickly and wisely. We will assist you in putting them on. Of course your own belongings will be carefully stored until you get back to these rooms."

There is one each of each costume (General, Monkey King, Warrior Woman, Wizened Crone, Noble Warrior, Cruel Bandit, Male Clown, Female Clown). Therefore you can not pick the same costume somebody else has already taken. I will go by posting order to decide who takes what if there is any dispute.

"While playing a lead would be great, i would prefer interacting with the public more. Sign me up for the female Chou."

"A monkey or a crone..." Sheela finds faults with both. "Hide my face or my hair. Hmpf."

Sheela walks over to the monkey mask and tries it on. "This monkey's gonna get funky!" She giggles. "Okay, I'll be the Monkey King- er, Queen, er, The Royal Monkey!"

Dex Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Sheela does a quick flourish, although she has no practice.

"Don't go about doing monkey business, will you?"

(Hushed laughing)

Tiffany pokes through the costumes, looking for something regal and over-the-top, but nothing looks like what she had in mind. "I was really hoping for a long, drapy cerulean gown, adorned with the finest alexandrite gemstones and embroidered with pearl lace..." She looks wide-eyed as she imagines it.

"BuuUuuUUtt... I guess I'll settle for this Wizened Crone thing. " She pouts as she halfheartedly chooses the costume from the rack, throwing it over her shoulders. Bebop croaks frantically as he leaps onto her head, almost as if to laugh at her. She ties the red robe around her body and pulls the sash tight. "How do I look, guys? This is one weird opera."

Yorad's eyes glaze over as the aasimars explain the intricacies of the costumes. As one of them mentions the word 'knife' his ears perk up and he grins happily. "I think that costume...what is it called, the Cruel Bandit? I like the sound of that!" Putting on the costume itself is a breeze but his face grimaces at the feel of the blue paint on it. "This paint...itches!"

Looks like the Cruel Bandit is perfect for Yorad :)

"Hum...I've always wanted to be a clown," Corona muses as she peers at the options that are left. "So I'll take the male cl-er chou!" She immediately begins pulling on the costume, giggling a bit as the hair from the fake beard tickles her nose.

"You look perfect, New Friend Tiffany! I think everyone's picked well," she adds as she glances into a mirror and prepares to add some white face paint.
___________

Of the options left, I think the Male Chou suits Corona best :)

Mort looks through the different costumes but focuses mostly on those with large weapons. "Wooden swords, been a while since I've swung one of those. A big ole club though, a warrior with no budget! Been there done that, sign me up for the Noble Warrior. I'll do my best to be 'Noble'."

After seeing the armor though his eyes go wide, then squint a bit. "Damn this armor is unruly! Do I need to wear it, or can I wear my regular armor? I can't move in this stuff! I don't even know how to put it on!" Wow, they are all heavy armors, which of course I'm not proficient in.

The aasimars step forward to Mort "If it is part of the costume that you choose you have to wear it, you do not want to insult your host. We can assist you in putting it on though."

Yep, heavy armor, so ACP (-7) on to hit rolls. Any last minute changes or things to do before entering the stage?

GM, ACP would apply on skill checks, is this a special one, that it hampers his attack rolls?

No, standard rules: if you are not proficient with your armor you also take ACP on your attack rolls.

Well that's some bad design, oh well.

Mort puts down the large heavy club and sighs "Well, guess I'll need to change things up and be this Chou guy with the stick." He goes off and starts getting changed.

Sophia and Corona took the chou roles already.
We look charming in them too. ^^

I took the Male Chou role because it was the only other role left that has spellcasting capability. I could swap out for one of the other roles if need be; Corona isn't proficient with heavy armor either but I know the penalty would be harsher for you since you're melee. Whatever works best for you!

No worries, I'll just be the noble warrior. I was going to get -4 to hit with the chou anyhow, so now I get -7 but get armor. I'll rely on my acting skills to carry my share :)

The aasimar's lead you onto the stage. At the other end of the stage you see a Monkey King, Warrior Woman, White-eyed Clown and a Cruel Bandit also entering the stage. You all immediately notice the aspis symbols fastened to their outfits. Kiang Zhen sits alone in the audience. He hefts a small gong and strikes it "The opera has started!"

Initiative
You all have a +1 morale bonus on your rolls vs the aspis (to hit, damage, saves, skill checks.
Tiffany, Mort
Red Warrior Woman, Blue Cruel Bandit
Sheelah, Yorad
White Clown, Green Monkey King
Sophia, Corona

Tiffany and Mort can act!

Mort will stiffly and loudy stomp his way to the NE and stand in front of Sophia, raise his club in the air and shout menacingly at the Red Warrior Woman before stomping his foot "We will crush you beneath our boots, one after another!" Intimidate (demoralize): 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 1 = 28

Tiffany holds her palm out, and with her best mezzo voice, she sings, "A storm will now come, soaking these Aspis,
Oh, but why must we fight with honooooOOooor? And why must we entertaaaiiin?
Are we but pawns, but clowns, but Pathfinders in garb,
Here to just entertain,
Yes, here, to just entertaiiiiin."

A blast of water arises from underneath the blue bandit, soaking his clothes and pushing him away.

Hydraulic push to bull rush: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

I take it pushing him off-stage counts as lethal damage. If it does not, I'd like to push him south, otherwise east.

Tiffany, the black line is a wall. The stage is only open on the south side. I assumed you pushed him southeast.

Tiffany conjures a small water dragon that scares the cruel bandit away. The red warrior woman starts shaking at the sight of the angry Mort. Kiang Zhen smiles and claps in his hands to cheer you on.

The warrior cautiously moves forward, striking Mort with her polearm!
Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 2 = 18
Nonlethal Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Seeing the success of the red warrior woman the blue, soaking wet, bandit decides to attack his pathfinder counterpart! The cruel aspis knife-fighter hits Yorad right where it hurts!
Charge: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (6) = 7

"We don't waste time with frolicking around, we strike you where it hurts" he sneers.

It seems that Kiang Zhen can appreciate the performance so far, as attested by his clapping.

Initiative
You all have a +1 morale bonus on your rolls vs the aspis (to hit, damage, saves, skill checks.

Sheelah, Yorad (-7 hp)
White Clown, Green Monkey King
Sophia, Corona, Tiffany, Mort (-8 hp)
Red Shaking (1/5) Warrior Woman, Blue Soaking Wet Cruel Bandit

Sheelah and Yorad can act!

"Another time, another place."
"My light mace would be in your face."
"But Aspis fight cruel"
"And Pathfinders are fit to rule."
"So of course we'll put you in your place!"

Perform(Sing): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10
That sounded better in my head, honestly.

Sheela shuffles down and begins conjuring magic.
Sleep spell. It's a 1 round casting time, so she can be interrupted.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

The aspis Monkey King looks at Seelah in puzzlement and sings along in a croaking voice.

"Now what's that spell she casts?
I do not know, but it seems to last
She is casting still and takes her time
Will it cast forth a demon that can't rhyme?"

Perform Sing: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Yorad reels from the blow, unable to think of a witty retort he instead tries to retaliate as best he can.

dagger: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 1 = 20
damage, NL: 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

Seelah starts to cast, while Yorad repays the favor to the blue bandit! The aspis clown casts a spell! You all feel a bit down, can you pick up the possitive vibe again!

The monkey king dashes forward and also casts a spell, touching her blue companion.

Initiative
You all have a +1 morale bonus on your rolls vs the aspis (to hit, damage, saves, skill checks)
Sophia, Corona, Tiffany, Mort (-8 hp)
Red Shaking (1/5) Warrior Woman, Blue Soaking Wet Cruel Bandit (-5 hp)
Sheelah, Yorad (-7 hp)
White Clown, Green Monkey King

Sophia, Corona, Tiffany and Mort can act!

Spellcraft vs Clown: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

"The Aspis' Bane demoralizes us."
"But Bless turns it to dust!"
"Corona, cast it, you must!"

Spellcraft vs Monkey King: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

"Magical armor around the bandit who is blue."
"A nap is best for you!"

Will Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16 Mort looks to Corona and Sophia for some help. He then shifts his gaze back to the woman in front of him, watching her movements Study Target - Move Action.

Now that he knows what he's dealing with he hollers over to the blue bandit in the mask "Yorad there, he's some good with knives, watch your throat so I can stomp you myself!" Intimidate (demoralize Blue): 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 1 = 22

Will save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"The show goes on, Pathfinders vs Aspis,
It looks like it may be time for a blast-in-the-eyes! Hah! .. Not bad, eh guys?"

Tiffany points at the blue brute and evokes a bright blast of light in his face.

Flare, DC 13 fort negates

Will, vs mind affecting, morale: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 8

"Something's off...but i'm sure we'll win anyway."

Sophia's hypnotic stare focuses on the bandit.
-2 on his willsaves.

She blows an orb of acid at the cruel bandit.
Rt, morale, bane: 1d20 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 1 - 1 = 21
Dmg, painful stare, morale: 1d3 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + (5) + 1 = 9

Coronabot takes Sheela's hint and casts Bless, nullifying the Bane on the party.

Corona-bot, you mean. ^^

Ha, dang I was hoping she'd lay down some healy goodness on me or Yorad. Hopefully I get some good luck on that woman this round.

Didn't Sophia just deal lethal damage? Wondering if I missed something. I thought we could only deal nonlethal.

whoopsie doopsie!

Ah? Oh, sorry.
Can acid be done as nonlethal?

If acid can't be done to nonlethal, Sophia uses a mesmerist trick on Mort.

Psychomatic surge:
If they attack, and hit him, Mort will get 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 temp hp.
If their attack is enough to drop him to 0 or below, he gets an additional 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 temp hp.

Screw you, dicebot, on the 1st roll. :)