Round 1, Init 19
Initially, Briar smiles as Fondo gakks the obstructive nurse.
Ah! Good! Fondo wants to help save Truebloods as well! Very helpful of him!
However, Briar's mind works quickly and the smile is quickly replaced with feigned shock and fear!
Showing his fright to the nurse, Briar tries to enlist the nurses protection.
"Your doctor! He's mad! Where are the guards!? I'll go get them! You have to protect me from....HIM!" Briar points a trembling finger at Fondo.
Bluff
Bra-*VO*, Briar. *clap* *clap* *clap*
"Quick, let me aside!" Birar says to the nurse.
Briar tries to squirm past her to safety!
Acrobatics
Bra-*VO*, Briar. *clap* *clap* *clap*
Briar draws his bow to 'defend' himself from the crazed doctor.
Round 1, Init 20
Barael sizes up the closed quarters, and bolts out the door.
Barael breaks line-of-sight with the nurse out of the doorway, vanishes, then tumbles back into the closed quarters, where he leaps up onto the table, and waits until the others finish the fight, and follows them through the leather curtain to avoid detection of any Maidens waiting on the other side.
Brov...? Fondo frowns under his illusory mask, his right hand seeming to have deserted him.
Barael once again bravely runs away. Dandilion speeds up and rushes to the door. Briar tries to get past the Matron - and she lets him go. Majenko, unsure what's going on, hangs on to Briar and hopes for the best.
The matronly nurse gets out of Briars way and lets him through the curtain. She then steps behind the desk and fumbles in a drawer pulling out an old poorly maintained dagger for her defense.
Briar steps through the curtain with Majenko on his shoulder. He's faced with a large warehouse full of the sick - the place is thick with the coughing of dying patients. The warehouse’s vast interior has been converted into one gigantic convalescent ward, the stench of alcohol, sickness, and waste choking each breath. Tight rows of low, stained cots cram the stone-floored hall. Every bed is filled with a pitiful story - men and women of all walks groaning and wheezing as they’re consumed by blood veil, their sufferings multiplied by the echoing chamber.
In between the beds however he sees two Gray Maidens, swords drawn, moving straight to him. In the rafters he spies two more walking catwalks with bows at the ready and quickly trained on him. He also sees several of the Queen's Physicians tending the ill in the large warehouse one standing right next to him. The warehouse is maybe 30' x 50' with an extension on one end.
The nearest of the Gray Maidens yell at him to get out as they close. The whole place is difficult terrain due to the crowded beds so they're not quite on Briar, but they will be - and swinging - next round. Majenko fills in the party on what he and Briar see.
Most of you are in a small 10' tall x 15' wide room. The desk takes up a portion of the N & NE corner, the Matron is in the north center behind the desk (squeezing). Fondo is sharing the south center with Charlie at the moment (both squeezing).
Dandilion is just outside the door. Nikolay is 1 round away from the door to the room I think, but feel free to let me know if that's not the case (from your post Nikolay might be at the door peeking in).
There are sick patients sitting to the SW and the SE forcing anyone in those spaces to squeeze, so -4 to attacks and AC.
Round 1, Init 6
Fondo reaches out and tries to pull the matron's mask up over her eyes, blinding her. He then moves through the curtain after Briar, saying in a different voice, "There's a mad Shoanti loose in the waiting room!
Round 2, Init 20
AC = 18
HP = 51/51
Weapon Equipped = None
Condition(s) = Invisible
If Charlie and/or Nik hold(s) his/their own against the sturdy nurse, Barael waits for another party goose to tailwind past the leather curtain, into the next room.
If neither stay, leaving the nurse to pull out her dagger, Barael attacks from his perch (higher ground?), to avoid her flanking the flock.
Round 2, Init 19 +
Dandi hurries after the others, dodging around people as possible as she tries to get to the other side of the leather curtains, drinking her mutagen as she goes.
"EVERYBODY STOP!!! STOP THIS INSANITY!!!! Show some respect! Have a little love for the sick around us! This is the last f^cking thing they need! Let us leave them in peace and see if we can't settle our differences like civilized people."
Round 1, Init 4
Nikolay tries to comprehend the madness that has ensued and gives up.
This was not the plan.
--You know what they say about plans.
Yeah. Yeah. Probably the elf's fault.
Nikolay casts mirror image and draws his sword as enteres the hospice. He probably makes it to the leather curtain.
I really hope Fondo can talk us out of this one when it's all done.
Leave them in peace, kako? With these murderers, who would spread plague with one hand and claim to treat it with the other? Would you leave them in peace with these monsters?
Round 2, Init 20
Briar tries to dissemble the shouting from behind the curtain with the armed Grey Maidens approaching.
"There is a Shoanti here?! What kind of hospice is this!?" Briar asks aloud.
"Why are there guards in the rafters? For a *hospice*? This place ain't right." Briar hisses, convinced things are odd.
Briar steps through to the waiting room, taking Majenko out of the lines of fire.
Fondo blinds the nurse and rushes into the sick ward. Charlie tries to get everyone to see reason. Nikolay casts mirror image and several of him enter the building. Barael appears out of no where on the desk above the nurse and drops her outright. Dandilion rushes into the sick ward through the waiting room. Briar backs away from the Gray Maidens. Majenko hangs on to Briar and sits confused at the proceedings.
They Gray Maidens seem resolute in their purpose ignoring the claims of a Shoanti Barbarian in the waiting room. Their voices are muffled behind their helms, but clear enough - "Get out! You are not authorized to be here!" The archers loose their arrows and the others close up and try to push you back with their swords.
After a few successful hits and a few misses, the Gray Maidens raise their swords, "Now leave!" It seems clear they will not take AoOs if you withdraw out of the room.
The Queens Physicians (the Ps on the map) move up and attempt to protect the sick near the fighting. So far they have succeeded though the misses on Fondo came close to grazing one of the sick in a nearby bed an arrow sticking out of a pillow.
In the waiting room the nurse drops heavily to the floor, her old dagger clattering harmlessly on the floorboards. Barael, a fierce look in his eye, stands above her inert form bloody sap in hand.
Round 2, Init 8
"My dear lass!" Fondo calls out as Dandi's struck. Maintaining what tattered semblance he can of his 'doctor' cover, he attempts to inspire a revolt against the Queen's guard and leechers.
AC 21 (10 +3 dex +4 mithril shirt +1 buckler +1 ring +2 combat expertise)
HP = 46/46
Weapon equipped Sap
Shield equipped Buckler
Bardic performance used 1 of 8 rounds
Inspired command used 0 of 6 rounds
Spells used 1st: 1 of 3
Tactician Ready
"You'd shoot your bows and swing your swords amidst
poor patients with the plague? No soldiers you.
Nor doctors neither, if my guess is true.
Come, citizens. Let's end this farce. Attack!
Let's show the world what charlatans these be!"
Fondo reaches out to one of the maidens and wrenches her helm to the side, attempting to blind her but guarding his own flank as he does so.
Round 3, Init
These varisians are even more annoying than usual varisians.
Briar reverses course, from exiting the palliative area, and going back in.
Magic will protect me.
Briar will double move to D10.
"Why are you guys guarding the dead? Do you have any Truebloods around?" Briar asks as moves.
Round 2, Init 4
Nikolay swings the flat of his sword at the maiden between him and Barael.
nonlethal
(BAB +4, STR +3, Black blade +2, Weapon Focus +1)
(+3 STR, +2 Magic)
AND SCABBARD +1 ON FIRST ATTACK
Nikolay - she's down and out - did you still want to hit her further? I left her on the map for reference, but she is out cold.
P2 it is - and the party wades in on the physicians. :)
round 2 init 6 {K06-->J05}
5' step to J05
Charlie casts prayer and includes the bed ridden as allies.
Prayer +1 to hit, damage, saving throws and skill checks w/in 40' of Charlie. Enemies get -1 on all that.
round 1/6
AC 14 studded leather +1
CMD 14
HP = 31/31
If anyone is poisoned or diseased Charlie will attempt a heal check (11)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
Orisons DC:14 (Create Water, Guidance, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize, Mage Hand, Ghost Sound)
First Level: DC:15 (7/7 per day) (Bless, Ray of enfeeblement, Remove Fear, Cure Light, Protection from Evil)
Second Level: DC:16 (6/6 per day) (Lesser Restoration, Sonic Blast, Cure Moderate)
Third Level: DC:17 (3/4 per day) (Prayer, Cure Serious, Dispel Magic)
Oracle Revelation: Eldritch Bolt 7/7 times per day.
summon elemental: once per day 4/4 rounds per day
Sociable Trait4/4 rounds per day
wand CLW 48/50
Rod of Reach 3/3 per day
Weapon equipped = Biting wit (and a MW dagger)
Shield equipped =OMG please don't hurt me
I should add that P2 drops like a sack of potatoes to Nikolays vicious attack (nonlethal though it was).
Round 3, Init 20
AC = 18
HP = 51/51
Weapon Equipped = Sap
Condition(s) = Inspired, Prayed For
Barael realizes the cramped quarters, but doesnt' shy away from the positioning that almost guarantees him being flanked. . Seeing Fondo's work, helm askew, Barael attempts to bludgeon some inaction into the girl behind the mask.
What have I done?! First a nurse, now a Maiden. For what? An ocarina player? Wait, no. Not for him. For Fondo. Brov, you had better be right here.
Round 2, Init 19+
Feeling trapped, Dandi draws a sickle and attacks the physician closest.
"How can I leave if you won't let me go?"
Fondo temporarily blinds G1 and inspires courage. Charlie casts prayer to help the faithful and sick alike. Nikolay wades in on a physician. Barael takes out another guardian of Korvosa. Dandilion continues to press the attack on the poor physicians. Briar moves through the others with the grace of a cat. Majenko flies up to the rafters and attacks G4 above Briar but misses.
"As you wish" the Gray Maidens lower their swords and attack in earnest, though largely unsuccessfully. Having been attacked as well, the Queens Physicians also defend themselves and their charges, the sick of Korvosa! They draw simple clubs from their robes and fight back.
G3 moves to get a straight shot at Barael while G4 was going to shoot Briar, but must drop her bow and draw her sword to address Majenko. G1 drops and G2 continues her attack on Fondo.
P1 draws a club and attacks Dandilion while P4 does the same to Fondo. P3 crosses the room to engage Briar drawing his club as he does so. Sadly the simple physicians are no match for your protections and they mostly fail though Dandilion does get grazed by a lucky shot.
Round 3, Init 8
Fondo attempts the same maneuver on the standing maiden. His efforts further leave the the guard off balance, opening her up even more to Barael's attack.
AC 19 (10 +3 dex +4 mithril shirt +1 buckler +1 ring)
HP = 46/46
Weapon equipped Rapier
Shield equipped Buckler
Bardic performance used 2 of 8 rounds
Inspired command used 0 of 6 rounds
Spells used 1st: 1 of 3
Tactician Ready
"You've doctored death into Korvosa's heart.
Veiled murder with deceit. No more. Masks OFF."
Round 3, Init 19
Briar sighs as the physician attacks *him*.
I was only here to help! And ask questions!
Briar 5' steps back to P3 and fires two blunt arrows at the 'doctor'.
to hit; (PBS, bard, prayer, non lethal, rapid)
non-lethal; (PBS, bard, prayer)
to hit; (PBS, bard, prayer, non lethal, rapid)
non-lethal; (PBS, bard, prayer)
Potential Crit:
to hit; (PBS, bard, prayer, non lethal, rapid)
additional non-lethal; (PBS, bard, prayer)
Next time, don't mess with the elf.
Round 3, Init 19+
Dandi steps back away from the physician and casts web up onto the catwalk, hoping to snag the archers but leave Majenko free.
Round 4, Init 20
AC = 18
HP = 48/51
Weapon Equipped = Sap
Condition(s) = Inspired, Prayed
Barael audibly hisses when the Maiden falls from one blow. "We're not here to kill! But you must stand down. Kidnappers sought, they will be found out." Commit to it, Barry. Don't let the poor, sick ones think their own thoughts. Give them something to think on. Unless you can make them blind to our assault, Aroden. Don't let the sick suffer here.
Barael seeks to get further into the room, and possibly allow flank for his brov.
Round 3, Init 4
Init +2; Senses Perception +2
Speed 30 ft. (+1 Chain shirt)
--------------------
AC 23(shield), touch 14, flat-footed 17 (+5 armor, +2 Dex, +2 Deflection)
hp 51 (6d8+12)
Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +5
--------------------
2 (4/day) []Glitterdust, [x]Mirror Image, []Frigid Touch, []Spider Climb
1 (5/day) []Shocking Grasp, []True Strike, [x]Shield, []Burning Hands (DC 14), []Vanish
0 (5/at will) Disrupt Undead, Prestidigitation (DC 13), Read Magic, Light, Detect Magic,
--------------------
Arcane Pool (7/day) 7/7 remaining
Empowered Magic (1/day) 0/1 remaining
Black blade's arcane pool 2/2 remaining
Wand of Magic missiles (23 charges remaining)
Pearl of Power - Not used today
Harrow points 5
Nikolay casts shield as he tries to knock out another physician.
- DC 17 for level 1 spell
(Level 6, INT bonus 3, Combat Casting +4)
(BAB +4, STR +3, Black blade +2, Weapon Focus +1, -2 spell combat)
(+3 STR, +2 Magic)
Dandilion - what's the save DC please. Also the web is a 20' radius and the catwalk is merely 10' above the floor. I therefor presume your web is centered on the ceiling in the neighborhood of F17. In that case some of the patients on the floor below will still be encompassed by the webbing. They're not going anywhere anyway, but it will make a difference if you later set the web alight. With the web as big as it is, I don't see any way to avoid patients.
Also, and more importantly, you can't 5' step in difficult terrain - but it doesn't matter as NIkolay chops the near-defenseless physician down before your initiative.
Nikolay - don't forget the party buffs (+2 to hit, +2 to damage).
Fondo continues to support Barael's attacks by temporarily blinding his opponents. Charlie (as per a prior conversation) will attempt to stabilize the Nurse - vs DC 15. Nikolay cuts down another physician. Barael hammers into a Gray Maiden and then tumbles, knocking over a bed and stepping on another, to get into flank. Dandilion webs the upper deck to capture the two Gray Maidens above, and grabs a few patients as well. Briar steps back and bludgeons a physician seemingly to death. Majenko presses his own attack against the Gray Maidens.
vs DC 15
vs DC 15
(prayer, grappled) vs DC 15
(prayer,grappled)
Though the tide turns against them the guards and doctors press their attacks hoping against hope that they'll be able to save and preserve the sick from the parties unknown purposes. G4, while webbed, can still strike out at Majenko but misses. G3 frees herself from the webbing and begins to travel around the room for a clear shot at the party while the only remaining physician on the floor attacks Fondo feebly.
Round 5, Init 19
Briar snarls as they attack *his* magical companion.
These guards have no respect for magic.
Briar 5' steps to C09 and fires twice at G4.
to hit; (PBS, prayer, bard, rapid)
damage; (PBS, prayer, bard)
to hit; (PBS, prayer, bard, rapid)
damage; (PBS, prayer, bard)
round 4 init 6 {J05}
Charlie casts cure moderate on Dandi. And performs sense motive on the bowmen.
"WHY DO YOU NEED GOOD FIELDS OF FIRE ON THE DEATHLY ILL?"
Prayer +1 to hit, damage, saving throws and skill checks w/in 40' of Charlie. Enemies get -1 on all that.
round 3/6
AC 14 studded leather +1
CMD 14
HP = 31/31
If anyone is poisoned or diseased Charlie will attempt a heal check (11)
The spells/day listed will include the casting (if any) that I made this round
Orisons DC:14 (Create Water, Guidance, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize, Mage Hand, Ghost Sound)
First Level: DC:15 (7/7 per day) (Bless, Ray of enfeeblement, Remove Fear, Cure Light, Protection from Evil)
Second Level: DC:16 (5/6 per day) (Lesser Restoration, Sonic Blast, Cure Moderate)
Third Level: DC:17 (3/4 per day) (Prayer, Cure Serious, Dispel Magic)
Oracle Revelation: Eldritch Bolt 7/7 times per day.
summon elemental: once per day 4/4 rounds per day
Sociable Trait4/4 rounds per day
wand CLW 48/50
Rod of Reach 3/3 per day
Weapon equipped = Biting wit (and a MW dagger)
Shield equipped =OMG please don't hurt me
Round 5, Init 20
AC = 18
HP = 48/51
Weapon Equipped = Sap
Condition(s) = Inspired, Prayer
Barael itches to rip the mask from the Physician, rip the coat from the breast, and confirm what the depths of the Direption seeded in his mind, that plague curers are actually plague bearers.
Round 4, Init 4
Nikolay casts spider climb and heads up to the balcony as close to the free gay maiden as he can get.
Round 4, Init 6
"You act as though your touch were poison free,
but me know otherwise. Your art's murder."
Fondo attempts to sap the consciousness out of G2.
He then sets the physician next to him up for Barael's truncheon.
"My good people, we're here to ensure you get care that works. These are Svengali! Quacks!"
Fondo misses the Gray Maiden... ...and narrowly misses a sick patient in a nearby bed with his backswing.
Round 5, Init 19+
Dandi takes aim at the mobile Gray Maiden up on the catwalk, and casts ray of enfeeblement at her.
Fondo swings at a Gray Maiden but misses. Charlie heals Dandilion but learns nothing of the motivations of the Gray Maidens other than their current intent - keep the party from advancing. He is surprised by their tenaciousness especially considering how poorly they're faring in this combat. Nikolay climbing on the webbing, makes it right up next to one of the gray maidens (double move though). Barael hits a Gray Maiden dropping her and tumbles to another spot nearly spilling a patient onto the floor. Dandilion enfeebles one of the Gray Maidens. Briar hits the gray maiden for 6hp. Majenko takes another swing at the maiden.
vs DC 14 or sleep
vs DC 14 or 8 points of strength damage
The last physician is nearly in tears, "Why do you attack the sick of Korvosa? What purpose could it serve?". He shakes a little as he strikes out at Fondo, but misses.
The gray maidens in the catwalk have even less success. G3 is staggered under the weight of her armor though she does still swing on Nikolay grunting with the effort. She is, if nothing else, dedicated. G4 falls peacefully asleep, still hanging in the webbing.
- - -
...and at this point I'm going to call it. Next round Barael drops the remaining doctor deep into unconsciousness. Nikolay, maybe with Briar's help, and possibly Majenko's, takes out the remaining Gray Maiden knocking her into unconsciousness.
Charlie and the others do what they can to placate the sick displaced by Barael's tumbling and the general frackas near the doorway. The room grows quiet again, save for the hacking coughs of the sick and dying.
Oh, and P3 is indeed very dead so Briar is the only one with a recorded kill. Everyone else is just down for the count. G4 will wake up in a few minutes, but the others are down for a few hours (at least).
Barael breathes deeply, and blushes as when he looks back at the disheveled state of the beds in his wake. "That... that was uncalled for, I am sorry." Barael drags the Physician's body to lie next to the dead one's, and begins to search over the whole of his body, as well as that of the dead one.
"Long-Lived, is there anything here that you can see that speaks of evil magics or evil gods? Anything?!" If he has no luck with the two bodies in the northern part of the room, he moves to check the other two unconscious ones. In each search, he removes the masks, hoping to find monsters looking back at him.
Most of the bodies have no holy symbols, but one physician does have the symbol of Abadar around his neck. It's a little tarnished by sweat and long use, but it is a nice bit of gold (25gp value).
The only other items of value on the Physicians are their clubs (Masterwork). Unless you count their gear of course. It does help with the disease resistance.
The Gray Maidens wear Masterwork suits of full plate, Masterwork Shields and wield Masterwork swords and bows. Of course all of it is custom to the Gray Maidens and you'd likely be arrested just for having it. Selling it would have to be handled out of town or through a less scrupulous dealer (ie not Saul who seems quite above board).
Briar smirks at the claims of physician.
"We came in peace to ask questions, you met us with drawn weapons. This one here died because he attacked me...after I clearly wanted no death. Now, we seek to uncover why they acted this way and what they were covering up, if anything."
Briar will cast Detect Magic in the main area and begin a slow and thoughtful scan of the area.
Taking 10, with Detect Magic = 22 Perception
"Halfblood, see if you can get that one to talk." Briar points at one of the physicians.
"We want to know why there are guards *inside*, let alone at all. In addition, why are visitors not allowed? Surely there are many who would aid in the tending of the ill, easing their pain. Finally, and most importantly, I would know if there have been any Truebloods that have passed this way," Briar asks. "Oh, and if true elves have passed this way, where are bodies taken?"
There is no magic, and you'll need smelling salts or healing to get any to talk - other than the Gray Maiden still sleeping (but not for long with all this searching).
You do come across one elf and 2 half elves in your search of the hospice. None are all that well off as this is where the most sickly patients are taken - those closest to death.
After these searches, 5 minutes will have passed (depending on what other members of the party do of course).
Ignoring the halfbloods, Briar snarls unhappily at seeing the true elf in its condition.
* * *
Briar opens the door at C11 as part of his searching.
Dandi requests the use of the wand when available, and heals herself, then helps the others.
Fondo looks at the dead physician and tsks. "Clearly your bow has a mind of its own, Brother Rose. Accidents do happen, I suppose. Friends, let's search for the evidence we seek, and for our waylaid friend. And let us put on the masks of these physicians. It may buy us some small amount of surprise, as well as protection against the veil."
Fondo attempts to sooth the sick in the waiting area and the main room. "My good people, please do not be alarmed. We have reason to believe there is a fell conspiracy behind this hospice, and that the Queen's Physicians mean naught but ill towards you. If you will be patient with us for now, we shall see what we can do to get you real care."
He is not conscious and of middling age for an elf. He was likely never considered handsome, but in his current condition he is quite foul. Charlie doesn't think he'll die today, but he might as soon as tomorrow. He moans in a high pitch and is quite clearly in pain - as are many of the others in this pitiful room.
Looking around, the party guesses that none you see here will live out the week, or even the next few days. From what Charlie can see of the equipment they have and the various medicinals, they are trying to keep people as comfortable as possible as they ride out their last days. Dandilion sees a lot of shiver on the shelf - presumably used on the most serious cases to induce coma and ease their suffering.
The blood plague is truly a terrible disease and it's claiming lives by the hundreds if not the thousands in Korvosa. They seem to be putting the worst cases here - and likely the most contagious. It occurs to you that may be why no visitors are permitted here - this building is it's own quarantine.
- - -
Behind C11 is a staircase going up, presumably to the catwalk. Looking at the building from the outside, there is also a second floor above that - likely connected to the stairwell as well.
Also, I made a mistake. There is an ever so faint glimmer of magic (transmutation) coming from behind the double doors at C9. You almost missed it the first time, or rather I missed it the first time.