
GM G |
You luckily chose the same direction as Tiffany 1=Yes: 1d2 ⇒ 2 too bad...
The pathfinders on foot choose to go west, while unbeknownst to them princess Tiffany swims east. She comes up an swims to the shore, climbing up one of the ladders that hang from the quays.
She looks in the direction of the bar and sees a lot of people ransacking a few bodies one the ground. One of the bodies is a redheaded woman. Her companions are nowhere in sight.
The others have successfully fled the bar and shouted something about these thugs. A few others have taken the bait and are going through the pockets of the two thugs and their leader.
We have some time to play this out, what are your intentions? No communication between Tiffany and the rest please ;-)

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"Well, that was fun. Let's keep clear of that bar." She looks around and does a quick count. "Does anyone see Princess Tiffany?" She looks around and frowns. "Well, that won't do."
Sheela calls upon her magic to allow people to whisper messages to her.
Casting message twice so I can communicate with everyone.
"She is a...frog. So maybe she swam along the coast? Let's spread out a little; If you hear me whisper, feel free to whisper back, I'll hear it. Trust me."

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"Sooo...uhhh...anybody know where the Princess disappeared to?" Yorad asks.
On hearing about where she could be he nods to the beautiful woman. "Sure thing. Gotta stick together ya know!"
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

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Sophia's forked tongue slightly pokes out from her lips as she's looking around.
Having scent would've been awesome.
Predatory senses, where's the lunch frog?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
But not having it, i'll just be looking.

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Tiffany looks around and hesitates, taking cover behind the corner of the building.
Corona... My friends? Where are they? I must have gone the wrong way.
Her thoughts are interrupted when the tiny toad jumps out of her pack and croaks. "Bebop, be quiet. We've got the gems. We don't want any of those thugs or bug people to notice us!" She feels around in her pack to make sure they're still there, and also steals a peek at them. The sparkly glow of the gems is just entrancing to the young grippli.
Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Afterwards, she attempts to quietly make her way along the shore, looking for someone she recognizes.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

GM G |

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Sophia glares at the shape.
"We've got company. A stalker....on the roof."
She carefully makes a finger movement, to point at it.
Sophia makes the shape the target of her hypnotic stare.
If by a few moves it still follows....she conjures an orb of acid, which she blows towards the target.
Ranged touch, acid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21Drip drip, painful stare: 1d3 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (5) = 8
"Stay away, lurker!"
Wounded Wisp....guess what a few of us are playing right now.
Eh, Tiffany?

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Knowledge Local (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
"Hummm, well she could try making her way to either the Pig’s Paunch or the Wounded Wisp."

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Knowledge: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
"Both sound like good, Pathfinder friendly locales. Maybe we should search nearby-"
Sophia cuts her off and looks at the roof. "Hopefully that will ward them off."
"Let's try the Wounded Wisp?" She whispers the idea. A second later, you hear her voice again, like a nearby echo.

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Kn. History: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
"There's also the Blakros Museum!" Corona chimes in as she huffs back to the group, having seen no sign of the Princess or her frog. "She said she came here from the Mwangi Expanse...and don't museums keep relics from all over? Maybe she got to feeling homesick and decided to go see a little piece of her home!"
"Oh...but uh...I guess the Wounded Wisp works too..." she whispers.

GM G |
The humanoid on the roof jumps up in shock when the blob of acid flies his way. He tries to dodge the blob, but Sophia's aim is perfect. After taking the hit he quickly scrambles away.

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Knowledge: Local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Mort has been following along, not saying much, feeling pretty low after his poor showing at the brawl. Maybe I can sell this ruby for a better sword, this old one is holding me back.
He nods along as the others mention the taverns and inns and museum. "I guess we should have mentioned a meeting place ahead of time, lessons learned. I've been to the Wisp before, however, don't forgot we're supposed to keep our allegiances quiet, and hanging out at a Pathfinder bar doesn't help that."
After a few moment of thought, and Sophia chasing off someone on a roof Mort reconsiders "Finding our froggy friend might be the best bet for now though. Which ever of those places are closest to here would be the best bet... or we head back to where we first all met.."

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"If we have to keep a low profile, then we'll have to stay here and search the coast. She couldn't have gotten far."
Sheela tries to look around the area.
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 9

GM G |
FYI: still here, waiting for a bit to see if Tiffany does something with the info in those spoilers

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Sorry. I wasn't sure I was entitled to make those checks or if they were everyone else's only.
Knowledge Local: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Knowledge (Nautre): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
"Hmm, maybe they went to a safer place? Perhaps the Wounded Wisp? What do you think, Bebop?" She waits for the toad to "answer," then decides. "Yeah, let's head there." She makes way for the old bar while trying to avoid the thugs, and continues to look for her friends.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

GM G |
After some deliberation the party makes their way to the Wounded Wisp where Tiffany sees them coming from the shadows.
You can make a DC 20 perception check to spot Tiffany at a distance of 60 feet.
Expect little to no GM interaction here, you are perfectly capable of playing out the re-uniting of the party

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Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 8
"Ah, back to the Wounded Wisp. I wonder what wine they have available. I'm certain someone will buy a glass for me." Sheela laughs.

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Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Yorad's keen eyes spot the grippli and he waves her over. "Good to see you here in one piece. Did anyone give you any trouble?"
When Sheela speaks up Yorad raises his eyebrows. "So, are you saying you will allow me to buy you a drink?" He gives Sheela a wink. "I am but a poor dockworker, with emphasis on the word poor! So we shall see..."

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Tiffany runs over as a familiar face calls to her. "Oh, Yorad! There you are! We're just fine. Those thugs were big jerks, but look at this!" She opens up her sack, showing him the five sparkly rubies. "The shinies are all safe and sound. Not bad, huh?!" She smiles brightly as she closes the cover on it. "Did you guys all make it out okay?"

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"Tiffany!" Sheela moves to hug the Grippli, even if she's a little slimy. "We're glad to see you're alright. We're just fine."
Sheela renews her message spells on the party, including Tiffany. "Good job keeping the goods. Someone was trying to follow up, but Sophia scared him off. Or her off. It's not completely clear."

Shifty |
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***OVERSEER ANNOUCEMENT***
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...

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"Great to see you made it out safely Tiffany! Lets be sure to keep our guard up, people will be hunting our prizes I'm sure." Mort fiddles with his own ruby in his pocket, making sure its still there.

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"New Friends Tiffany and Bebop! I'm glad you're okay," Corona smiles as the group is reunited. "I think we all got out of there without a scratch - how lucky! And before any guards showed up, too. Anyone still left must be having a bad time right about now."
After a moment, she looks around at the others. "Um...so what do we do next, New Friends? I can't remember if there were instructions or not," she frowns.

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”Lastly, I have noticed many of you have come as teams. This is good, for initially, you may need help from allies you trust.” The beast pauses for a moment, letting his dark, pupil-less gaze hover upon the crowd. From his belt he unfastens a leather satchel and holds it aloft before the crowd. “I have here 100 rubies. On the morrow, fifty of these rubies will begin to glow, and those individuals or groups in possession of one such gem shall be contacted by one of our agents, who will give them the details of where the first event of the qualifier will take place.” then with a wide and wild grin he says “And so it begins!”
"I think we have some time to kill." Sheela grins. "Honestly I'd rather stay at the Wounded Wisp all night but I know some of you like to remain anonymous."

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"Corona, what you did back there.. It was awesome! ... And kinda scary. I think I'll be careful about gloating around you," Tiffany jokes. "But let's face it, I was the one who saved the gems, right?!" The grippli couldn't resist a jab, modesty never her strong suit.
"I don't think I was followed. It helps that I'm so small I can easily duck behind walls or signs. Bebop even more so." The diminutive toad hops into her hand, making Tiffany seem a lot bigger than she is.
"I think Sheela's right. Perhaps we should wait it out while keeping a close eyes on these gems. Maybe we can even get some sake or tea?"

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"What I did...?" Corona thinks a moment, looking puzzled. "Oh! Well sometimes you just have to know what to say and when to say it," she smiles. "And we all got five of the g-er...shinies," she says, glancing around nervously.
"But staying here is fine with me, New Friends! We can relax and have a nice meal together."

GM Hmm |
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♪ Oni heralds never say where they come from
The last hour doesn’t matter if it’s gone
While in the thick of the fight
Punching everything in sight
No one knows
They come and go
Goodbye, Ruby Brawling
What’re Pathfinders ‘sposed to do?
Will you glow on the next day
‘Cause we’re gonna need you
Don’t question why we need these gems
In Tournaments it’s us against them
Is my wrist now sprained?
My goodness, what have we gained?
Hope nothing’s lost
At such a cost
Goodbye, Ruby Mauling
Will this be a day all will rue?
Will you glow on the next day
‘Cause we’re gonna need you
There’s no time to lose, I heard them say
The guard is coming, now slip away
We don’t want to do time
Or lose our schemes
For gems that shine
Ain’t life unkind?
Goodbye, Ruby Crawling
The gems are gone and so are you
Will you glow on the next day
‘Cause we’re gonna need you
Yeah, we’re gonna need you! ♫
Written as a thank you to GM G, with apologies to the Rolling Stones.
Source:Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday.
As she sings the song, you realize that this storied location, so important to the Pathfinder Society, may not be the most discreet of locales for Pathfinders trying to lay low. Do you want to go out and hit the roads, looking for a quiet place to stay?
May I have either Knowledge Local or Diplomacy checks to figure out another destination that you could find in town?

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"Oh, I know that look. Every bug eyed thief will gravitate to this place, won't they?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
"Well, I'll ask around for a bit. Maybe we'll hear of somewhere a little more quiet. Like right after a night with someone you shouldn't have been with..." Sheela recalls fond memories and laughs. "No time to reminisce!"

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Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
"Perhaps we should slip out the back door?"

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"Oh...yeah, I guess if anyone did see us hanging around here then it'd look a little suspicious wouldn't it?" Corona admits after a moment of thought. "We'd better ask some of these other New Friends if they know about a good place to go. Especially since if we don't that means when we slip out the back door we'll have to sleep outside in the alleys and the guard usually don't like it when you do that..."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

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Mort nods along while the group decides they should head somewhere else... a little less conspicuous. "Don't want to get anyone involved that doesn't wanna be. Time to crash some where's else."
Knowledge: Local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
"You ladies and gents can stick with me if you want, I know some good spots to lay low around here."

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"Yeah, let's get out of here. A popular bar is the worst place to be when you have a bag full of shinies!" Tiffany says as she marches along next to everyone else. "After all, someone from the Dregs might have ended up here too."

GM Hmm |
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You slip out the back door and ask around, and you hear of a quiet nearby inn called the Flying Alderman. Looking up at the sign with an image of a fat gentleman with his arms and legs askew, it's unclear whether the Alderman in question is supposed to be flying under his own power, or is flying because someone else threw him.
When you enter, you find a pub filled with slightly worn dark wood furniture, a roaring fire, and the smell of simmering onion and cheese soup. It's a modest but comfortable establishment between the docks and foreign quarter. Going up the steps with his back to you is a man in ornate lammelar armor. He tromps up the stairwell as the paunchy innkeeper calls up the stairway at him, "Yes, that's the ticket, sir! Straight up the left stairway, and to the right, sir."
You hear more tromping steps and then the sound of a firmly closing door. The inn keeper is a paunchy man with prominent side burns, massive jowls and a walrusy look about him. Wiping his forehead, he turns to you. "Well, he could have been friendlier, but we takes all kinds here. ALL kinds." He then winks, and opens his coat to reveal a wayfinder in his pocket. He taps it then closes the coat, and looks at you, expectantly.
What do you do?

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"Thank you, kind sir." Sheela gives a wink back. "We're looking for somewhere to spend the night. We're willing to pay, of course."

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Mort eyes up the man heading up the stairs Is that the Tian man? before turning his extra attention back to the innkeeper study target. "As the lady says, we're just looking for a warm and dry place to spend the night, maybe some breakfast in the morning?" Mort tries to get a sense of the man's intentions. Sense Motive + Study: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 1 = 19

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Tiffany drools at the smell of the soup as it infiltrates her nose. "That smells great. All that soup needs is a bit of dragonfly extract to add in some saltiness!" She then looks up at the walrus-like man.
"Hi, I'm Tiffany, and these are my friends. Does that wayfinder mean you're a Pathfinder too? We're looking for somewhere to rest. A suite... Perhaps one fit for royalty.. would be just lovely!"

GM Hmm |

The Inn Keeper's jowls quiver as Tiffany mentions the dragonfly extract. "Thank you, but I'll be keeping my soup recipe just as it is." He raises his bushy eyebrows. "Maybe you should try some first? Don't have no Suites, but do have good plain rooms for 2 GP, plus dinner and breakfast in the morning."

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Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 13
"That sounds fine to me. The rooms, I mean." Sheela fishes a few gold coins from her pocket.
"If we're ready, let's enjoy the evening."

Shifty |
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***OVERSEER ANNOUCEMENT***
1d100 ⇒ 43
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!

GM Hmm |

It's a good thing you guys rested, had a wonderful breakfast of pancakes and recovered all your spells and other special abilities.
Three mosquito-like stirges erupt out of a trap door, headed right to your party!
___
Despite their insectoid appearance, they are magical beasts and can be affected by mind-affecting spells.
strong. Once they latch their barbed legs onto a target, they’ll sink their proboscis under your skin and feed on your blood. One stirge can’t kill a grown man, but you get 3 or 4 on you and you’re a goner!
Perception, Corona: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Perception, Mort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Perception, Princess: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Perception, Sheela: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5
Perception, Sophia: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Perception, Yorad: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
In addition, Princess Tiffany notices some tengus wearing robes and swords in the shadows of the Arena, walking slowly in your direction.
___
Initiative, Corona: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Initiative, Mort: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Initiative, Princess: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Initiative, Sheela: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Initiative, Sophia: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Initiative, Yorad: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Initiative, Stirges: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
___
ORDER: Sophia, Sheela, Princess, Corona, Yorad, Mort, Stirges
The whole party is up!

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Sophia is amazed by the arena, but more surprised by the sudden release of creatures.
Well, i didn't expect it to be easy anyway.
"Bugs! Time for swatting."
Sophia marks purple stirge as her target for hypnotic stare. Swift action.
She moves 10 feet north, and casts acid splash at it.
Rt: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19Dmg if hit, painful stare: 1d3 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (5) = 6

GM Hmm |

Sophia hits the stirge, and smacks it with a greater wallop than one would think possible from Acid Splash!
Purple pops like a blood-filled balloon!
ORDER: Sophia (stare+acid splash), Sheela, Princess, Corona, Yorad, Mort, Stirges
Everyone but Sophia is up!

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"Well that was pleasant. A little boring, but pleasant." Sheela yawns when she wakes up. "Where do we go again?"
----
Sheela enjoys the entertainment and the show as people appear in clouds of smoke, beggars double as inspectors and- wait, fight for survival? Sheela glares at the insects as they emerge.
Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
"Oh! They're not mindless beasts, Sophia. Feel free to scramble their brains. But don't let them suck their blood."
Casting Daze. Will Save DC 16 or lose the next action.

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INN
Mort tries to remember if he saw anyone with a wayfinder... After the owner is out of earshot "He seems to be quite a Pathfinder supporter.. I bet he'd throw a discount our way if someone had a wayfinder to prove it."
Woah and away we go!
Mort keeps an eye on the other participants, noting who he's seen before and trying to remember any particular tactics or weapons they used, but there are just too many. Once inside things move fast, almost like a blur. Next thing he knows there are 3 flying overgrown skeeters heading in his direction. "Take these down quickly, who knows how long we'll be down here!" As he says that Sophia shoots one down..
If he can 5' Step or is in melee already then Study Target (Move Action)
Greatsword + Study + Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 82d6 + 6 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (5, 4) + 6 + 1 + 3 = 19 But mostly he just slices air with authority. The feathers on the tengus ruffle at the breeze his sword kicks up as it whiffs.

GM Hmm |

Stirge will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
The blue stirge is dazed for one round!
Mort steps up and roundly misses the stirges! The little things are way too dodgy!
ORDER: Sophia, Sheela, Princess, Corona, Yorad, Mort, Stirges
Princess Tiffany, Corona, and Yorad are up!

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Tiffany takes note of the tengu warriors, but she's much too distracted by a second breakfast. "Oooh, I know we already ate, but these things look tasty! Let's see if I can catch one!" Tiffany says as she tosses a net at the green stirge.
Net, melee reach: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
"Got it! Squash 'em, guys! But try not to dry their bodies out too much, you know?"

GM Hmm |

Eyeing a potential second breakfast, one even tastier than pancakes, Tiffany catches the green stirge in her net. It starts buzzing in protest, pulling against the net, but Tiffany holds it fast!
ORDER: Sophia (stare+splash), Sheela (daze), Princess (net Green), Corona, Yorad, Mort (miss), Blue Stirge (dazed), Green Stirge (netted)
Yorad and Corona are up!

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Inn:
Yorad takes note of his surrounding in case his path leads him back here in the future. The rest of the time he spends admiring the ruby he gathered (fervently hoping it would not glow come the morrow).
Arena:
Still grumbling about his lousy luck here, Yorad looks at the flying bugs with some interest and more than a little healthy respect. Best keep them away from me...
His knife out now, he eyes the lone remaining stirge fluttering dazedly and moves to slash it...
Move action: Move to position on map.
Standard action: Attack the Blue stirge.
dagger: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Sneak Attack: 1d8 ⇒ 6