[AP] Curse of the Crimson Throne by GMs Rutseg, Zek and Snowheart (Inactive)

Game Master Balacertar

Zamanda opens the door slowly, with Ilsa and Bashiel sneaking close by, and the more noisy Kalem and Laori a bit in the back.

A72 Grand Salon
The wooden floor, walls, and ceiling of this large hall present a rich and harmonic scheme of decorations. The twenty-fivefoot-high ceiling is supported by pillars inlaid with ivory and partially hidden by a hanging forest of silk draperies in the colors of autumn. Near the walls, these draperies reach down to the floor in cascades of deep red and yellowish-orange silk. Circular crimson couches sit around the base of the pillars, with matching stuffed stools and low ebony tea tables with stained-glass tops. In the middle of the hall are an empty space that serves as a dance floor and a balustrade opening to the stage hall below.

This large space, once a mess hall and mustering area for the Sable Company, was converted by Ileosa into a great salon for private parties and celebrations.

The opening in the floor overlooks the stage hall below.

1d4 ⇒ 4 assassins are sleeping in the hammocks hanging from the pillars 10 feet over the ground.

Another one is leaning over the railing of the central opening, casually surveilling the area below.

Perception-distracted-door-distance to noisy PCs: 1d20 + 14 - 5 - 5 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 14 - 5 - 5 - 5 = 5

The red mantis is giving you the back and seems distracted, hence he does not notice you opening the door.

Bashiel: 132/139 hp; Stealth seance, ironskin 24 min, hedging weapons 24 min, see invisibility 16 min, keen Serithial 36 min, trick (mesmeric mirror on touch attack)
Ilsa: 161+15/161 hp; trick (spell anticipation with feeblemind), spite (bestow curse, Will 22) 10 h 46 min, hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), invisibility 15 min, mirror image (6) 15 min, expeditious retreat 15 min
Kalem: 161+21/161 hp; trick (mental fallback), shield 1 min, see invisibility 136 min, heroism 136 min, infuse self 136 min
Zamanda: 111/112 hp; trick (mental fallback), hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), gravity bow 13 min
Laori:
Surprise round: Kalem, Zamanda, Ilsa, Laori, Bashiel
Round 1: Kalem, Red Mantis, Zamanda, Ilsa, Laori, Bashiel

Everyone has a single standard action for the surprise round.
Kalem can also go with his first round full actions

With line of sight to one of the assassins, Ilsa tries to take control of his mind.

Dominate person (DC 24 Will)

Are swift actions allowed in surprise rounds as well as the standard? I'm guessing not, but if I can I'll designate my hypnotic stare before casting.

Hypnotic Stare target: -4 Will, -3 attack rolls, -3 damage, -3 DC of spells, spell-like abilities and spell resistance (if demoralized, additional –2 attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks)

Surprise round move up 30ft, then round rage, fly over to orange and attack

Hit: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (19) + 33 = 52
Damage: 2d4 + 36 ⇒ (1, 4) + 36 = 41
Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

Confirm: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (9) + 33 = 42
Crit: 6d4 + 108 ⇒ (1, 4, 2, 2, 3, 3) + 108 = 123

With the element of surprise on their side, Kalem ran into the room, growing wings as he did so. Using his momentum he jumped into the air and flew past one of the assassins, holding his scythe at neck level. If all went according to plan, then momentum alone would decapitate the unfortunate.

Assessing the situation as quickly as she can, Zamanda realizes that only one of the assassins is awake, but will notice them soon.

Unfortunately, Silence will take too long to cast, so although she is worried at the sound carrying below through the apparent balcony, she takes advantage of their surprise entrance by shooting at Red.

Attack: 1d20 + 22 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 22 + 1 = 37 (point blank)
Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 2) + 6 + (4) + (6) + 1 = 24 (gravity bow, acid, cold, point blank)

Bashiel just strides in, blade and shield at the ready for what might happen after Kalem's deadly entrance.

(Just moving for the surprise round)

As the doors open, Ilsa stares at the awake red mantis and starts casting a spell.

Kalem flights over the doors.

Zamanda puts an arrow into the air and injuries the red mantis in the back, which the assassin notices without doubt! "Argh!"

Bashiel comes into the room.

Laori advances herself as well.

Kalem flights entering into a rage and with a mighty swash decapitates the red mantis with his scythe.
50% to fall: 1d100 ⇒ 30
The head falls through the opening crashing and rolling through the ground below, while the body collapses lifeless at the tieflings feet.

DC to notice combat is -10 according to Perception
Perception-sleeping-distance: 1d20 + 14 - 10 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 14 - 10 - 4 = 5
Perception-sleeping-distance: 1d20 + 14 - 10 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 14 - 10 - 4 = 7
Perception-sleeping-distance: 1d20 + 14 - 10 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 14 - 10 - 5 = 2
Perception-sleeping-distance: 1d20 + 14 - 10 - 6 ⇒ (16) + 14 - 10 - 6 = 14

The mantis assassins move in their hammocks, they raise their heads and look up "What the...?" "Shit!" "Mother of...!"
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25

They hastily hand for a sword and jump down to the ground. They are dressing their armors but no helmet.

Red: 24 damage
Bashiel: 132/139 hp; Stealth seance, ironskin 24 min, hedging weapons 24 min, see invisibility 16 min, keen Serithial 36 min, trick (mesmeric mirror on touch attack)
Ilsa: 161+15/161 hp; trick (spell anticipation with feeblemind), spite (bestow curse, Will 22) 10 h 46 min, hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), invisibility 15 min, mirror image (6) 15 min, expeditious retreat 15 min
Kalem: 161+21/161 hp; trick (mental fallback), shield 1 min, see invisibility 136 min, heroism 136 min, infuse self 136 min
Zamanda: 111/112 hp; trick (mental fallback), hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), gravity bow 13 min
Laori:
Round 1: Zamanda, Ilsa, Laori, Bashiel Round 2: Kalem, Red Mantis

Everyone can act!
@Ilsa, I think your stare only works at 30' reach, but you can use your move action to approach and the standard to finish the spell you were casting.

Ilsa steps into the room and finishes casting her spell.

Zamanda starts to panic when she sees the head make a perfect arc and fall down from the balcony. Stealth was pointless if you threw a bloody head into the queen's lap. She tried to remember what was below this on the maps and she ran over to the balcony to see what the damage was. Were there tons of people down there, or would they still have a chance to keep things under wraps?

Perception: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (12) + 28 = 40

... If there ARE people down there, maybe a good bluff will work? If they are Gray Maidens, she could say something like "and that is what you get for disparaging our queen" or "for betraying a maiden's honor" or some such drivel, but maybe...

Zamanda tries for a snap evaluation, after which she may take some free action like informing the party they are about to have a whole castle come in to kill them, or yelling a bluff, or ... something else depending on what she sees. Her whole focus is on outside danger and she only recognizes the danger from the awakening assassins as a secondary thing at this moment.

Also, that is a move action and a perception roll... does that take up my other action? Let me know what I have to work with based on what I see. Free action only is okay... I can work with that, but if I have more, then that opens it up a bit.

Hit: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (15) + 33 = 48
Damage: 2d4 + 36 ⇒ (2, 4) + 36 = 42
Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12

With one down, Kalem went for the next closest. Flying south he engaged the next assassin, landing before the man and swinging his weapon.

Will DC ?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Ilsa moves into the room, and once at range, she takes control of the orange red mantis assassin with her stare.
With a move action Ilsa can now issue a command to her controlled creature. Here you have the sheet and I have added a "Commanded creatures" link at the top of the campaign for your convenience.

Zamanda presses on to look down. The balcony brings to the third floor, opening into what seems a Stage Hall A55. A colonnade along the room’s perimeter supports the balcony and casts a deep shadow on the walls of the hall. Along the south side of the room is a theatrical stage built atop a wooden platform.

Fortunately, there is no one staging or passing by at the moment. The mantis' head lays lifeless in the middle of the blooded ground.

Kalem turns and charges over the green red mantis striking hard with his scythe. The tiefling opens a deep gash all through the chest, but the assassin holds, badly injured, but holds "Argh! Help! They are killing us!"

Laori comes in and keeps walking in the air after Kalem "I am backing you!"

Bashiel does something heroic!

The green mantis answers by slashing at Kalem, but with just a single sword he is no way as mortal as the double style the group has seen in the past.
+1 sawtooth sabre: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 271d8 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
+1 sawtooth sabre: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 81d8 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

The blue one swings her sword at a distance "Ah, at last we can revenge our comrades! Look at me tiefling!" the assassin moves forward surrounding Kalem while trying to mesmerize him with the hypnotic movements of her sawtooth sabre.
Will DC 16 vs fascinate Kalem

The orange one moves forward but seems confused by the mind invasion.

The pink one rushes towards Ilsa "We are used to fight against casters, we know you must go down first"
+1 sawtooth sabre: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 241d8 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Green: 54 damage, badly damaged
Bashiel: 132/139 hp; Stealth seance, ironskin 24 min, hedging weapons 24 min, see invisibility 16 min, keen Serithial 36 min, trick (mesmeric mirror on touch attack)
Ilsa: 161+15/161 hp; trick (spell anticipation with feeblemind), spite (bestow curse, Will 22) 10 h 46 min, hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), invisibility 15 min, mirror image (6) 15 min, expeditious retreat 15 min
Kalem: 161+21/161 hp; trick (mental fallback), shield 1 min, see invisibility 136 min, heroism 136 min, infuse self 136 min
Zamanda: 111/112 hp; trick (mental fallback), hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), gravity bow 13 min
Laori:
Round 2: Zamanda, Ilsa, Laori, Bashiel (x2) Round 3: Kalem, Something happens, Red Mantis

Everyone can go!
Bashiel can do his round 1 actions in addition to round 2.

Thinking that it might buy them some time, Zamanda casts invisibility on the head. Not a perfect or complete solution, but a partial and temporary one was better than nothing. Maybe after the battle, if things were still quiet down there, she could retrieve the head and clean up the excess blood, but for now, that would have to do.

She then turns her attention back towards the battle.

Round 1:
With the foes waking, but still far away, Bashiel steps forward to guard Ilsa while she weaves her magic. He readies to strike the first mantis that moves up.

Serithial, 1-hd PA, bane: 1d20 + 27 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 27 - 4 + 2 = 37
Serithial damage (P, d6A, 2d6bane, 2d6holy): 1d6 + 13 + 8 + 2 + 1d6 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 13 + 8 + 2 + (2) + (4, 6) + (5, 1) = 44

Round 2:
Then, once the pink mantis arrives to attack Ilsa, he unleashes a full flurry of deadly strikes. He speaks in a low voice as he delivers his attack "May you find a better path in your next life."

Serithial, 1-hd PA, bane: 1d20 + 27 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 27 - 4 + 2 = 37
Serithial damage (P, d6A, 2d6bane, 2d6holy): 1d6 + 13 + 8 + 2 + 1d6 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 13 + 8 + 2 + (3) + (6, 2) + (3, 2) = 42

Serithial, 1-hd PA, bane; itr#1: 1d20 + 27 - 4 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (14) + 27 - 4 + 2 - 5 = 34
Serithial damage (P, d6A, 2d6bane, 2d6holy): 1d6 + 13 + 8 + 2 + 1d6 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 8 + 2 + (3) + (6, 4) + (5, 5) = 52

Serithial, 1-hd PA, bane; itr#2: 1d20 + 27 - 4 + 2 - 10 ⇒ (16) + 27 - 4 + 2 - 10 = 31
Confirm?: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
Serithial damage (P, d6A, 2d6bane, 2d6holy): 1d6 + 13 + 8 + 2 + 1d6 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 13 + 8 + 2 + (5) + (4, 4) + (4, 6) = 48
Bonus dmg if confirmed: 1d6 + 23 ⇒ (1) + 23 = 24

Ilsa mentally commands her new thrall to defend her.

It blindly complies, attacking its fellow as it runs past, then moving to flank with her once it closes with the mesmerist.

+1 sawtooth sabre AoO: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 151d8 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Is it safe to assume Bash killed the pink mantis?

Bashiel is ready when the red mantis approaches Ilsa, and he strikes it hard with Serithial!

Zamanda imbues an arrow with an invisibility spell and sticks the projectile in the head below, turning it invisible.

Then Bashiel unleashes a series of precise attacks and kills the red mantis.

The orange mantis nods and approaches Ilsa to protect her.
Bashiel has an AoO if he so wishes

Laori steps forward and makes her chains spin.
+3 spell-storing spiked chain: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 162d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 9
+3 spell-storing spiked chain: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 162d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 = 9
+3 spell-storing spiked chain: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 102d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 4) + 4 = 9
But none of the attacks harm the red mantis.

Pink: 210 damage, dead
Green: 54 damage, badly damaged
Bashiel: 132/139 hp; Stealth seance, ironskin 24 min, hedging weapons 24 min, see invisibility 16 min, keen Serithial 36 min, trick (mesmeric mirror on touch attack)
Ilsa: 161+15/161 hp; trick (spell anticipation with feeblemind), spite (bestow curse, Will 22) 10 h 46 min, hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), invisibility 15 min, mirror image (6) 15 min, expeditious retreat 15 min
Kalem: 161+21/161 hp; trick (mental fallback), shield 1 min, see invisibility 136 min, heroism 136 min, infuse self 136 min
Zamanda: 111/112 hp; trick (mental fallback), hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), gravity bow 13 min
Laori:
Round 2: Zamanda, Ilsa, Laori, Bashiel Round 3: Kalem, Red Mantis

Kalem to go!
If you others want to state what you want to do next... I think Kalem will probably finish green and blue and finish the combat, so feel free to state your actions going forward.

Hit: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (11) + 33 = 44
Damage: 2d4 + 36 ⇒ (4, 3) + 36 = 43
Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

Iterative 1: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (6) + 24 = 30
Damage: 2d4 + 36 ⇒ (1, 1) + 36 = 38
Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7

Iterative 2: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25
Damage: 2d4 + 36 ⇒ (3, 4) + 36 = 43
Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

”The problem with assassins.” Kalem announced. ”Is that they don’t train for fair fights.” To prove his point he swung his blazing scythe at the survivors.

Kalem crushes down the green assassin with a first slash, then steps forward to cut twice the other, opening his armor like a can and killing it in the process.

Combat is over!

Bashiel: 132/139 hp; Stealth seance, ironskin 24 min, hedging weapons 24 min, see invisibility 16 min, keen Serithial 36 min, trick (mesmeric mirror on touch attack)
Ilsa: 161+15/161 hp; trick (spell anticipation with feeblemind), spite (bestow curse, Will 22) 10 h 46 min, hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), invisibility 15 min, mirror image (6) 15 min, expeditious retreat 15 min
Kalem: 161+21/161 hp; trick (mental fallback), shield 1 min, see invisibility 136 min, heroism 136 min, infuse self 136 min
Zamanda: 111/112 hp; trick (mental fallback), hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), gravity bow 13 min
Laori:

The most perceptive of you can easily overhear the alarmed conversation of two women in the central room of the hall combined with unintelligible casting words coming from the different doors that close the area.

Zamanda starts searching the body nearest her, not really examining anything, but just tossing things into her portable hole to look at later. She motions the others to do the same, and bring the stuff to her, which will bring them all together if they are teleporting away.

She asks

Fight or run?

--If they are staying, she looks over the balcony to pick a target to shoot, and does so.

--If they are going, she notices that Ilsa has picked up a minion, and says

You have to cast it, I'm only strong enough to bring four.

Wow, that was quick.

Bashiel whispers to Zamanda "We're here for Kayltanya and evidence of the Mantis involvement. I don't think we've got either right now." He quickly scans over the bodies of the fallen Mantis for one that looks particularly important. "How about we push our luck?"

There's that enclosed chamber with three sets of doors leading into it. I'm guessing we'll want to check that right away.

Bashiel tries to focus on where the casting is coming from, then he also listens to the door directly to the south of him to determine if there's someone immediately on the other side. If there is, he wastes no time in shoving the doors open.

Perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31

Zamanda nods, and stands up from her rummaging to see who is below the balcony. Shoot or bluff? She still looked like a Gray Maiden, so if that was who was below, maybe just seeing her would affect things.

Perception: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (17) + 28 = 45

Zamanda looks downs but sees the floor below is still calm.

Bashiel goes straight for the door where the voices are coming from and opens it.

A73 Bar
The doors opening into this enclosed area are made of woodframed stained-glass. The room is furnished with sturdy tables and high stools, and numerous bottles, crystal goblets, mugs, and other drinking implements are stored on the shelves lining the walls. The air here is strangely cool and moist. A hammock hangs from the rafters of the chamber.

There you find a woman drinking a potion, and by her side is Koriantu who seem to just finished casting a spell and has an image of herself.

"It's them!" exclaims Koriantu surprised.

"It seems we will have to deal with this before the Queen finishes her plans" says Kayltanya cleaning her mouth after finishing the potion and discarding the crystal flask.

Bashiel: 132/139 hp; Stealth seance, ironskin 24 min, hedging weapons 24 min, see invisibility 16 min, keen Serithial 36 min, trick (mesmeric mirror on touch attack)
Ilsa: 161+15/161 hp; trick (spell anticipation with feeblemind), spite (bestow curse, Will 22) 10 h 46 min, hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), invisibility 15 min, mirror image (6) 15 min, expeditious retreat 15 min
Kalem: 161+21/161 hp; trick (mental fallback), shield 1 min, see invisibility 136 min, heroism 136 min, infuse self 136 min
Zamanda: 111/112 hp; trick (mental fallback), hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), gravity bow 13 min
Laori:
Round 1: Zamanda, Laori, Kaytanya, Koriantu, Ilsa, Kalem, Bashiel

Zamanda goes first!

Hearing that Bashiel has found someone else to fight, Zamanda moves over near him, sees the two women, and shoots at yellow.

Attack: 1d20 + 22 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 22 + 1 = 30 (point blank)
Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 3) + 6 + (2) + (2) + 1 = 20 (gravity bow, acid, cold, point blank)

Image: 1d2 ⇒ 1
Zamanda scores an arrow hit on Koriantu.

Laori steps forward and opens the door. Seeing the two women, Laori activates her aura of destruction and tells Kalem "Destroy them!"
All attacks at 30' from Laori get a +7 damage and criticals are automatically confirmed

Kaytanya casts a spell and becomes invisible.

Koriantu points towards Bashiel and casts blade barrier barring the way to Bashiel.
Force damage: 13d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 6, 4, 5, 1, 6, 3, 4, 2, 1, 6, 5) = 53
Ref DC 22 to avoid the damage Bashiel and you can decide in what side of the wall you end.
The blade wall reaches the ceiling and offers cover.

She then walks up in the air to 10 feet into the ceiling.

The northwest door opens and there is another mantis assassin there "Shit!" she casts vanish and disappears.

Koriantu: 20 damage, copycat, flying 10'
Bashiel: 132/139 hp; Stealth seance, ironskin 24 min, hedging weapons 24 min, see invisibility 16 min, keen Serithial 36 min, trick (mesmeric mirror on touch attack)
Ilsa: 161+15/161 hp; trick (spell anticipation with feeblemind), spite (bestow curse, Will 22) 10 h 46 min, hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), invisibility 15 min, mirror image (6) 15 min, expeditious retreat 15 min
Kalem: 161+21/161 hp; trick (mental fallback), shield 1 min, see invisibility 136 min, heroism 136 min, infuse self 136 min
Zamanda: 111/112 hp; trick (mental fallback), hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), gravity bow 13 min
Laori: destructive aura 30' (14/15)
Round 1: Ilsa, Kalem, Bashiel Round 2: Zamanda, Laori, Kaytanya, Koriantu

Everyone can act!

That's some really high damage on blade barrier.
Reflex: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35 Evasion, so Bashiel takes 0.

Bashiel hops free of the blade barrier as it forms, and points Serithial at Kayltanya, offering wryly "You'll have to deal with this right now, I think." He takes a quick step in toward the invisible leader of the Red Mantis.

"In Osiris' name, may you find peace in your next life." He clicks the heels of his boots together for haste, and whips Serithial into a blur of strikes against Kayltanya.

Serithial, 1-hd PA, bane, haste: 1d20 + 27 - 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 27 - 4 + 2 + 1 = 43
Autoconfirm due to Laori
Serithial damage (P, d6A, 2d6bane, 2d6holy): 1d6 + 13 + 8 + 2 + 7 + 1d6 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 8 + 2 + 7 + (2) + (6, 5) + (6, 4) = 54
Crit Bonus dmg: 1d6 + 30 ⇒ (1) + 30 = 31

Serithial, 1-hd PA, bane, haste; itr#1: 1d20 + 27 - 4 + 2 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 27 - 4 + 2 + 1 - 5 = 37
Autoconfirm due to Laori
Serithial damage (P, d6A, 2d6bane, 2d6holy): 1d6 + 13 + 8 + 2 + 7 + 1d6 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 8 + 2 + 7 + (1) + (2, 2) + (6, 1) = 47
Crit Bonus dmg: 1d6 + 30 ⇒ (4) + 30 = 34

Serithial, 1-hd PA, bane, haste; itr#2: 1d20 + 27 - 4 + 2 + 1 - 10 ⇒ (7) + 27 - 4 + 2 + 1 - 10 = 23
Serithial damage (P, d6A, 2d6bane, 2d6holy): 1d6 + 13 + 8 + 2 + 7 + 1d6 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 8 + 2 + 7 + (6) + (2, 5) + (1, 5) = 54

Serithial, 1-hd PA, bane, haste; haste bonus attack: 1d20 + 27 - 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 27 - 4 + 2 + 1 = 43
Autoconfirm due to Laori
Serithial damage (P, d6A, 2d6bane, 2d6holy): 1d6 + 13 + 8 + 2 + 7 + 1d6 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 8 + 2 + 7 + (6) + (5, 5) + (1, 1) = 53
Crit Bonus dmg: 1d6 + 30 ⇒ (3) + 30 = 33

Hit Yellow: 1d20 + 33 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 33 + 7 = 45
Damage: 2d4 + 36 ⇒ (4, 2) + 36 = 42
Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3

”Right!” Kalem said, as he rushed in with his scythe raised.

Not wanting to risk the blade barrier, Ilsa instead targets the flying Koriantu with a confusing mental assault.

I'll make her my hypnotic stare target, then cast confusion (DC 23 Will)

Hypnotic Stare target: -4 Will, -3 attack rolls, -3 damage, -3 DC of spells, spell-like abilities and spell resistance (if demoralized, additional –2 attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks)
If target dies, use Continued Animation (DC 25 Will)[/ooc
[ooc]Trick: Spell Anticipation (feeblemind), Spite (bestow curse) DC 22 Will)

With a fast step Bashiel avoids the blades that cuts a few hairs.

He does invoke Osiris as he pierces through the invisibility and directs a hit to Kayltanya's temple.
Fort DC 25: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 As per discussion
The woman is dazed to find Bashiel was able to spot her!

Copycat image: 1d2 ⇒ 2
With the door opened, Kalem only needs to fly up and strike Koriantu. His scythe finds the aasimar image and destroys it.

Will DC 23: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Will-stare DC 23: 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 17 - 4 = 24
Despite Ilsa's stare, Koriantu manages to resists the confusion. But Kayltanya, despite invisible, falls in the area of the confusion and her mind is blown away.

Kayltanya: 85 damage, dazed r2, confused r16
Koriantu: 20 damage, copycat, flying 10'
Bashiel: 132/139 hp; Stealth seance, ironskin 24 min, hedging weapons 24 min, see invisibility 16 min, keen Serithial 36 min, trick (mesmeric mirror on touch attack)
Ilsa: 161+15/161 hp; trick (spell anticipation with feeblemind), spite (bestow curse, Will 22) 10 h 46 min, hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), mirror image (6) 15 min, expeditious retreat 15 min
Kalem: 161+21/161 hp; trick (mental fallback), shield 1 min, see invisibility 136 min, heroism 136 min, infuse self 136 min
Zamanda: 111/112 hp; trick (mental fallback), hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), gravity bow 13 min
Laori: destructive aura 30' (14/15)
Round 1: Ilsa, Kalem, Bashiel Round 2: Zamanda, Laori, Kayltanya, Koriantu

Zamanda to go!

Zamanda casts a spell and, in a burst of shadowy feathers, turns into something resembling a blurry black raven.

(Raven's Flight)

She flits around the blade barrier, over the balcony, and then ends her turn in a place where she can get a better shot than through the blades.

(If it matters, I'm still a tiny shadow-raven until my next turn begins.)

Zamanda becomes a raven and flies over the balcony looking for a better shot.

Laori points to Koriantu and says "Out of this city assassins!!!" casting destruction on Koriantu.
Fort DC 21: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34
Destruction damage: 10d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 5, 1, 6, 3, 5, 3, 4, 2) = 31
The aasimar trembles but resists the clerical magic.

Kayltanya is too affected by Bashiel's hit and remains frozen and confused.

Koriantu steps back in the air clearly pressed, and creates an image of herself with copycat, casting then confusion in the area between Bashiel and Kalem.
Will DC 20 vs confusion

The vanished red mantis assassin moves around Ilsa and attacks popping out of invisibility.
+1 sawtooth sabre+invis (flatfooted) +sneak attack: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 2 = 181d8 + 8 + 3d6 ⇒ (7) + 8 + (5, 3, 1) = 24
But the mesmerist's armor deflects the attack "Hey Kalathuro flank with me!" he exclaims not noticing his companion is commanded by Ilsa.

Kayltanya: 85 damage, confused r16
Koriantu: 51 damage, copycat, flying 10'
Bashiel: 132/139 hp; Stealth seance, ironskin 24 min, hedging weapons 24 min, see invisibility 16 min, keen Serithial 36 min, trick (mesmeric mirror on touch attack)
Ilsa: 161+15/161 hp; trick (spell anticipation with feeblemind), spite (bestow curse, Will 22) 10 h 46 min, hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), mirror image (6) 15 min, expeditious retreat 15 min
Kalem: 161+21/161 hp; trick (mental fallback), shield 1 min, see invisibility 136 min, heroism 136 min, infuse self 136 min
Zamanda: 111/112 hp; trick (mental fallback), hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), gravity bow 13 min
Laori: destructive aura 30' (14/15)
Round 2: Ilsa, Kalem, Bashiel Round 3: Zamanda, Laori, Kayltanya, Koriantu

Everyone can act!
Bashiel and Kalem Will DC 20

Will: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14 +5 vs mind affecting, +4 vs enchantment

Trait reroll: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

Hit: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (7) + 33 = 40
Damage: 2d4 + 36 ⇒ (2, 4) + 36 = 42
Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2

Iterative 1: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (2) + 24 = 26
Damage: 2d4 + 36 ⇒ (3, 1) + 36 = 40
Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8

Iterative 2: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29
Damage: 2d4 + 36 ⇒ (4, 4) + 36 = 44
Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7

Kalem staggered under the mental assault, and would have fallen for it but for the grace of his goddess. Thanks to the divine intervention he was able to keep swinging his scythe, though it was not with as much skill as usual.

Will vs. confusion: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21

Bashiel blinks once, slowly, as the spell slides off him. While Kayltanya is disabled, he strikes thrice in succession with his rapier. I'm assuming Laori's aura is still up. As soon as his attacks are out, he glances around and spots Ilsa getting 'flanked' to the north. Seems like everything is under control.

Serithial, 1-hd PA, bane: 1d20 + 27 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 27 - 4 + 2 = 41
Autoconfirms thanks to Laori
Serithial damage (P, d6A, 2d6bane, 2d6holy): 1d6 + 13 + 8 + 2 + 7 + 1d6 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 8 + 2 + 7 + (3) + (2, 5) + (1, 6) = 53
Crit bonus dmg: 1d6 + 30 ⇒ (4) + 30 = 34

Serithial, 1-hd PA, bane; itr#1: 1d20 + 27 - 4 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 27 - 4 + 2 - 5 = 37
Autoconfirms thanks to Laori
Serithial damage (P, d6A, 2d6bane, 2d6holy): 1d6 + 13 + 8 + 2 + 7 + 1d6 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 8 + 2 + 7 + (6) + (2, 2) + (2, 6) = 52
Crit bonus dmg: 1d6 + 30 ⇒ (1) + 30 = 31

Serithial, 1-hd PA, bane; itr#2: 1d20 + 27 - 4 + 2 - 10 ⇒ (3) + 27 - 4 + 2 - 10 = 18
Serithial damage (P, d6A, 2d6bane, 2d6holy): 1d6 + 13 + 8 + 2 + 7 + 1d6 + 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 13 + 8 + 2 + 7 + (6) + (3, 6) + (3, 3) = 56

Fly to hover+good maneuverability-ACP DC 15: 1d20 + 7 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 4 - 2 = 27
Copycat image: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Luck smiles the bold and so, Chaldira Zuzaristan protects Kalem's mind once more, enough for him to flap his wings on place and face Koriantu, shattering her image with the first attack but failing the second, while the last attack is deflected by the aasimar's defending sabre.

Bashiel is more successful at the other side of the room. Empowered by Laori's aura, and piercing through the invisibility, he can feel Serithial's happiness and comfort as they together obliterate the confused Mantis Commander. The first attack cuts Kayltanya's aorta, while the second attack directly skewers her heart, instantly killing her due to the massive injuries on her vital organs.

Kayltanya: 255 damage, dead, confused r16
Koriantu: 51 damage, flying 10'
Bashiel: 132/139 hp; Stealth seance, ironskin 24 min, hedging weapons 24 min, see invisibility 16 min, keen Serithial 36 min, trick (mesmeric mirror on touch attack)
Ilsa: 161+15/161 hp; trick (spell anticipation with feeblemind), spite (bestow curse, Will 22) 10 h 46 min, hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), mirror image (6) 15 min, expeditious retreat 15 min
Kalem: 161+21/161 hp; trick (mental fallback), shield 1 min, see invisibility 136 min, heroism 136 min, infuse self 136 min
Zamanda: 111/112 hp; trick (mental fallback), hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), gravity bow 13 min
Laori: destructive aura 30' (14/15)
Round 2: Ilsa, Kalem, Bashiel Round 3: Zamanda, Laori, Kayltanya, Koriantu

Ilsa and Zamanda to go!

Ilsa's dominated assassin does not respond to his former ally, but instead rushes toward him with his sawtooth sabre to attack.

Ilsa's deadly claws extend from her fingernails and she likewise attacks the assassin. I will activate ravenous hunger for haste this round.

+1 sawtooth sabre: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 241d8 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Ghoulish Claws (magic, merciful, cruel, sapping, nonlethal): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 351d4 + 5 + 3d6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + (2, 5, 2) = 16 If hits, DC 21 Fort save or paralysis 1d4+1 rounds.
intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (19) + 36 = 55
If target is frightened, shaken, or panicked, becomes sickened for 1 round. If killed or knocked unconscious, gain 5 temporary hit points.
Ghoulish Claws (magic, merciful, cruel, sapping, nonlethal): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 231d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 73d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 2) = 9 If hits, DC 21 Fort save or paralysis 1d4+1 rounds.
intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (19) + 36 = 55
If target is frightened, shaken, or panicked, becomes sickened for 1 round. If killed or knocked unconscious, gain 5 temporary hit points.
EXTRA HASTE ATTACK: Ghoulish Claws (magic, merciful, cruel, sapping, nonlethal): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 271d4 + 5 + 3d6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + (3, 3, 2) = 15 If hits, DC 21 Fort save or paralysis 1d4+1 rounds.
intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (7) + 36 = 43
If target is frightened, shaken, or panicked, becomes sickened for 1 round. If killed or knocked unconscious, gain 5 temporary hit points.
painful stare dmg: 5d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 6, 2, 3, 5) + 7 = 25 When triggered, target must succeed DC 25 Will save or become sickened by pain for 1 round.
paralysis duration: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Hypnotic Stare target: -4 Will, -3 attack rolls, -3 damage, -3 DC of spells, spell-like abilities and spell resistance (if demoralized, additional –2 attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks)
If both claws hit, deal bleed damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
If target dies, use Continued Animation (DC 25 Will)
Trick: Spell Anticipation (feeblemind), Spite (bestow curse) DC 22 Will)

(Hey, was the "Protectors of the Cinderlands" trait a permanent thing? If so, then we get +1 attack/damage insight bonus vs. Red Mantis and their minions.) I didn't calculate it in, but wondering if that is still true like the "Famous in Korvosa" permanent bonus. I know the Scarwall one was temporary though, so just not sure. Had it on my sheet and wasn't sure if it still worked.)

Snapping out of shadow raven form, Zamanda smiles. That was fun, although she stays focused and raises her bow to shoot at yellow.

Attack: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (12) + 22 = 34
Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 + (4) + (2) = 15 (gravity bow, acid, cold)

Attack: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29
Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 1) + 6 + (3) + (3) = 19 (gravity bow, acid, cold)

Note that even though I am not engaged in a bardic performance, which normally negates cover, I still have this trait: "If only a single creature is providing soft cover to your target, your target does not receive the +4 bonus to AC." Not sure if it matters, but just in case.

The assassin is completely taken by surprise by his ally treason, the saber sinks deep in his belly. Then Ilsa obliterates the red mantis with the fever of her claws.

The assassin falls dead as the non-lethal damage becomes lethal and his eyes bleed due to Ilsa's painful stare.

Zamanda puts two arrows in the air, and the first one strikes on Koriantu who bleeds painfuly.
I am fine with the trait, and I added also Laori's destruction aura to damage

Laori just maintains her destruction aura going and cheers up Kalem "It's yours!! Destroy her!!!"

"Achaekek, if I have to die, bring some of these to the grave with me!" Koriantu raises her holy symbol and channels her negative energy on you.
Channel energy: 7d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 3, 5, 6, 2, 4) = 28
Will DC 18 for half (reaches everyone except Zamanda and the orange assassin)

She then steps back, still walking in the air 10' over the ground, and activates copycat creating an image of herself.

Will Laori DC 18: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Laori bleeds badly under the negative energy.

Koriantu: 74 damage, copycat, flying 10'
Bashiel: 132/139 hp; Stealth seance, ironskin 24 min, hedging weapons 24 min, see invisibility 16 min, keen Serithial 36 min, trick (mesmeric mirror on touch attack)
Ilsa: 161+15/161 hp; trick (spell anticipation with feeblemind), spite (bestow curse, Will 22) 10 h 46 min, hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), mirror image (6) 15 min, expeditious retreat 15 min
Kalem: 161+21/161 hp; trick (mental fallback), shield 1 min, see invisibility 136 min, heroism 136 min, infuse self 136 min
Zamanda: 111/112 hp; trick (mental fallback), hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), gravity bow 13 min
Laori: 28 damage, destructive aura 30' (14/15)
Round 3: Ilsa, Kalem, Bashiel Round 4: Zamanda, Laori, Koriantu

Everyone!

Will: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
What is with these 1s on will saves?!

Cornugon Smash on first hit: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (6) + 30 = 36

Hit: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (9) + 33 = 42
Damage: 2d4 + 36 + 8 ⇒ (2, 4) + 36 + 8 = 50
Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

Iterative 1: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (16) + 24 = 40
Damage: 2d4 + 36 + 8 ⇒ (2, 4) + 36 + 8 = 50
Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

Iterative 2: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32
Damage: 2d4 + 36 + 8 ⇒ (3, 1) + 36 + 8 = 48
Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

Fly if needed: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Kalem, likewise, took the blast of negative energy at it’s full strength. The power of the blast sent him stumbling backwards, but with scythe in hand he advanced. Pushing through the pulsating waves, he brought his weapon around and then down upon the cleric…

Copycat image: 1d2 ⇒ 1
Copycat image: 1d2 ⇒ 1
Copycat image: 1d2 ⇒ 2
Kalem flaps his wings hovering in the air to deliver a fatal series of scythe swings. The first two land on Koriantu herself, the third, shatters an image of the dead aasimar chopped in pieces.

Without direction, the corpse crashes over the bar's table, the myriad of bottles falling to the stone floor and crashing, the whiskey and gin mixing in the ground.

Combat is over!

Koriantu: 189 damage, copycat, flying 10'
Bashiel: 104 or 118/139 hp; Stealth seance, ironskin 24 min, hedging weapons 24 min, see invisibility 16 min, keen Serithial 36 min, trick (mesmeric mirror on touch attack)
Ilsa: 149+0 or 161+1/161 hp; trick (spell anticipation with feeblemind), spite (bestow curse, Will 22) 10 h 46 min, hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), mirror image (6) 15 min, expeditious retreat 15 min
Kalem: 154+0/161 hp; trick (mental fallback), shield 1 min, see invisibility 136 min, heroism 136 min, infuse self 136 min
Zamanda: 111/112 hp; trick (mental fallback), hat of disguise (Gray Maiden), gravity bow 13 min
Laori: 28 damage, destructive aura 30' (14/15)

With your enemies over, you can check the items they do carry.

You perform a quick inspection around for written orders or other proof that might link Queen Ileosa with the Red Mantis, but there is nothing. At least in this area claimed by the assassins.

Kalem's shield spell comes to an end.

Once it becomes obvious that there's no smoking gun here regarding Queen Ileosa working with the Red Mantis, Bashiel sighs and heads out of the smaller room to watch and listen for any other attackers. "There'll be something... somewhere else. Maybe in the Queen's quarters, at worst, or in a room near here at best."

Perception; monitoring the surroundings: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23

Arrgh. Shouldn't it count that they are allowed to live in the castle? That's a connection right there.

Zamanda checks over the balcony again.

Perception: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (17) + 28 = 45

If no one seems stirring down there, she steps over the balcony, uses her boots of levitation to go down, get the head and clean up the blood, and then come back.

After that, she starts cleaning up this room, stashing all the bodies in the central area where the last ones died.

Ilsa surveys the carnage.

"It won't be long until this is discovered--head or no. The question is, do we want to continue prodding while they are still surprised, or go back to rest. I, for one, think we could try one more enemy first."

I'd guess we'd look at all the gear once we rest.

Zamanda descends down the balcony and picks up the head, using prestidigitation for a quick clean up of the blood.

Meanwhile the others have a bit of time to examine the area around the hall.

A74 Smoking Hall
Two long benches face each other across this hall. Next to each stands a pair of brass, ivory, and glass hookahs, all of which are empty.

This section of the grand salon has been set aside for smoking pleasures, although it hasn’t been used since Ileosa closed off the palace.

A71 Catwalk
This open-topped catwalk overlooks a sloping section of roof. The edge of the balcony is hedged by a brass railing.

A75 Sunset Room
This room has three large fretwork windows that open on the northwest wall. There are benches along the walls and a round tea table in the middle.

This room is where Eodred II observed the sunset during his last days.

The wall made of force blades keep swinging in the middle of the hall.

Zamanda comes up from retrieving the head and stashes it with the rest of the bodies. She makes sure the doors to the inner area are closed, and if there are locks on the doors, she locks them.

Addressing the party she says

Someone downstairs just ordered people up here to check out what is going on. We probably need to leave. If it is to a different part of the castle, that is fine, but if we stay we're going to get caught.

Of course, if you want to stay and face whoever is coming up here, that's okay too, but I think we have a better chance at coming back if we aren't seen... at least by anyone who is still alive, and we have that going for us right now.

Whatever we're doing, we need to decide really soon.

While she waits for a decision, she half-heartedly cleans up stray blood. It wasn't perfect, and she couldn't stage the scene, but you know, she was rushed, and it was the principle of the thing. A job like this, you were supposed to leave them guessing.

Loot log updated

At Zamanda's prompting, Bashiel whispers "It will be hard to beat the surprise of our first strike. Whoever we leave now, regardless of whether they see us, we'll have to deal with tomorrow at full alert." Bashiel leans over the railing. "Lets ambush whoever comes up to investigate. Preferably close to the stairs before they see the battle's aftermath."

That said, not going to argue backing off or teleporting elsewhere in the castle.

If we're staying, adjust your positions on the map to where you want to be for the upcoming battle. I marked the internal doors closed and moved the bodies, but I assume that Laori and Kalem left before I closed/locked them.

Are we ambushing? Are we taking down the whole castle today and going for the queen? What are our long term plans if this isn't just a raid?

Zamanda nodded.

Or, we could still maintain the illusion, maybe, if Ilsa, you have your assassin guy go downstairs and apologize for the noise of the training exercise? Then we could get more information from him as well, after?

Zamanda moved to a position where she could shoot someone coming up the stairs, but wouldn't be obvious otherwise.

"That's not a bad idea, Zamanda," Ilsa says, eyeing the assassin.

"Though they may find out something seems wrong with him. Should we try it, and if it doesn't work, we ambush them?"

Anyone else want to weigh in on this idea? I suppose we can try both the "go away, all is well" idea and an ambush if that fails.

Might as well try. Just have him go and apologize and come right back...? Maybe something brusque like, uh, what was her name... Koriantu? Kayltanya? "Kayltanya told me to come apologize for the noise of our training exercise, and assures you that we..." oh, wait, what am I thinking?

Zamanda adjusts her hat of disguise so she now looks like Koriantu.

I'll go with him. You can come as Kayltanya. Want to try? Just let me do the talking if his apology doesn't cut it. My voice won't be perfect, but I'm probably better at bluffing.

Koriantu was the Aasimar one, right? And I am actually not certain that we know Kayltanya's name. Did Sabina tell us that?

Ilsa nods at Zamanda.

"Let's just go quickly before they get too far."

The mesmerist dismisses her mirror image spell. To the assassin, she says "Just tell them training got a little loud. She'll do the rest of the talking. If anyone attacks me, defend me," she orders.

With her disguise in place, she follows Zamanda and the assassin trails behind.

Zamanda heads for the stairs with Ilsa and dominated Kalathuro.

"Much better than my idea, Zamanda, Ilsa. And we can fall back on ambush depending on how it goes. I'll follow a little bit behind as you head them off."

Can we tell from the approaching noise which direction they're coming from? And can Bashiel get into position behind a corner? Not sure which staircase they'd be approaching from.

Zamanda disguise+disguise self: 1d20 + 12 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 10 = 40
Ilsa disguise+disguise self: 1d20 + 8 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 10 = 35
Ilsa and Zamanda do not get too far. Descending the eastern stairs, they set feet on the stage room, when they cross a couple of Gray Maidens in the middle of the balcony "Hei! What is going on?"
A Perception vs Zamanda DC 40: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
A Perception vs Ilsa DC 35: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
B Perception vs Zamanda DC 40: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
B Perception vs Ilsa DC 35: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Kalathuro takes the initiative and says mechanically what Ilsa commanded him "Training got a little loud"
A Sense Motive vs commanded DC 15: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
B Sense Motive vs commanded DC 15: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

One of them brings her hand to the pommel of her sword and looks at you two inquisitively "What is going on with this one?"

The rest of the party can easily follow the conversation as it reaches freely your ears through the balcony opening.

I was planning to let Zamanda take the lead on the talking, so this will be an aid roll to her.

Ilsa smirks underneath her helmet.

"This one took a blow to the head while sparring--probably has a concussion or something," she muses.

bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20