DM Brainiac's War for the Crown: Table 2 (COMPLETE!) (Inactive)

Game Master Brainiac

Gannaius looks up at Katria. "Indeed. Please, sit." He nods and closes his portfolio, gesturing to the empty seats across from him.

He pours coffee for himself and each of you, taking a long sip from his cup. "I don't recognize you, but Kathann must have sent you if you knew where to find me. You weren't followed, were you? Who are you, and what are you doing in Zimar?"

Both Amelia and Seth notice a fine falcata under his coat--an unusually flashy weapon for a slight and reclusive spy.

Amelia notices the weapon, A falcata. Seems a little flamboyant. She laughed a little and waited for a signal from the others, but until then she looked to ensure that they weren't followed.

This was a critical moment for their disguises and for their duty.

If he knows that Kathann sent us, is that not enough? Why would he ask us to publicly reveal our identities and our mission?

Liam does not answer Gannaius's question.

"We are friends. Loyal Taldan citizens. Perhaps we can help if you can tell us more about these Qadiran attacks. Did the Qadirans eliminate the other Lion Blades in the city?"

How does that Inspiration from the training work? Is it +1d6 like an Investigator? How many uses do we have?

Katria opens her mouth, then closes it quickly as Liam asks his questions first.

Going to wait and listen for the moment.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

"It was not Qadirans who attacked the Lion Blades, but Pythareus' men in disguise," Gannaius says, shaking his head. "If I hadn't fled when I did, I would be dead now myself. I'm grateful that Kathann made it out safely."

Katria finds it hard to get a read on the man as he takes another sip of coffee. "Before she left, Kathann mentioned getting in touch with Princess Eutropia. Was she successful? Is the princess the one who sent you to work with Kathann?"

"The Lion Blades do not serve either claimant to the throne. They have tried to remain neutral in this unfortunate turn of events."

Liam uses this non-answer to stall while he tries to ascertain the man's truthfulness. If he has been engaged in conversation for a minute now:
Sense Motive, Inspired: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36
Sense Motive, Inspired: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35

Also using one of my uses of Inspiration from that Lion Blades training - how does it work?

Katria waits, wishing Maya were here, since her friend was much better than she was at this sort of reading of people. Her skill was reading books, and items, not people.

Going to let Liam take the lead here.

Katria looks around, trying to nonchalantly see if anyone is watching them.

Perception (+resonant power, Liam's aid): 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 17

Sorry, missed the question about inspiration earlier. A PC can expend one use of inspiration as a free action to add 1d6 to the result of a check he just made with one of the five skills (or attack check) selected during Event 3, or he can expend two uses of inspiration to add 1d6 to the result of any other skill check, saving throw, or attack roll. The inspiration PCs gain from this training is of limited value—consisting of factoids, local names to drop, and jargon—and can be used only in and around Zimar. Unlike an investigator’s inspiration, these uses never replenish; they are a one‑time boon to assist PCs in their adventure. If a PC has additional inspiration from another source (such as the Investigator class or the Amateur Investigator feat), track these uses separately. If a PC has a larger inspiration die from a class ability, she can roll that die instead of 1d6 for this adventure’s additional inspiration. This inspiration otherwise functions identically to the ability granted by the investigator class.

Inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Katria doesn't notice anybody else watching you.

"And you are the only group the Lion Blades sent? We have no other backup in Zimar?" Gannaius asks insistently.

Liam notices that the man is getting increasingly impatient with your evasive answers. There is a cold glint of malice in his eyes...

"Naturally, they wouldn't have told me.
That is rather the way things are done in this line of work, is it not?
To not share more details than absolutely needed?
I suggest you tell us the truth about who you are and who you are working for."

Liam will give up Dismissal to cast Suggestion. Will DC 20.

Yep, Liam is triggering combat. Not sure if I can get a surprise round or not.

Laying in wait, the dandy sees the magic coming from Liam. He isn't subtle is he?

Something was going on, and she was going to ensure they weren't in for more than they signed up for.

Liam SR Check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Liam's spell seems to have no effect on Gannaius. The spy narrows his eyes. "Treachery! You'll pay for this!" he growls as he stands and reaches for his weapon!

Gannaius draws the falcata from under his coat and speaks a command word, causing the blade to burst into flames! He then casts a spell, conjuring a floating chain of force with hooks at each end that lashes out at Liam! The half-elf dodges the chain.

Dirty Trick (Entangle): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Everybody may act!

Wasn't expecting SR. Would Liam be aware of that? Does it appear different from a successful save - like the target wasn't even struggling with it - or can he just not tell?

Liam steps back, announces "Tyrants will fall!" (INSPIRE COURAGE +2), and readies to cast Good Hope once his allies are in range.

@Amelia, Seth, Katria - +4 to hit and damage between both effects (+2 competence, +2 morale), and +2 morale bonus to all saves and skill checks.

He has Freedom of Movement to protect him from the floating chain, but Gannaius doesn't know that.

You can tell the difference between spell resistance and a successful save.

"Don't kill him!" Katria hisses in an assertive voice. "But we need to end this quickly!"

Hoping her companions can quickly knock him out so they can continue this somewhere safer, she tries to bind his mind.

From the shadows, Amelia readies a single arrow hoping to knock him down should he run.

Readied Trip Arrow: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22 Possibly FF against her.
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Trip: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Seth rushes into action, his blade springing into his had and glowing with a pale blue light as he makes a quick cut against Gannalus.

Frostbite Sword, Good Hope, Inspire Courage: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (2) + 20 = 221d6 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Spell Resistance: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Frostbite (nonlethal): 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

If the spell connected, he becomes fatigued

Again, both Inspire Courage and Good Hope are in effect, for +4 to hit and damage.
We know this guy has SR better than 23, so the Frostbite won't work this round, unfortunately.

Gannaius dodges Amelia's arrow in an uncanny manner, his instincts warning him to the lurking ranger. As Liam begins his chant, the spy turns to parry Seth's attack, deflecting it with his falcata.

Katria Spell Resistance: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Katria's binding pattern has no effect against Gannaius either. He smirks as he attacks Seth, the floating chain trying once more to ensnare Liam. It succeeds, but the cleric's magic allows him to immediately slip free!

Feint: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35
Falcata: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31
Damage, Sneak Attack, Flaming: 1d8 + 3 + 3d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 3 + (3, 2, 5) + (1) = 21
Dirty Trick (Entangle): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

20 slashing and 1 fire damage to Seth. He must make a DC 24 Fortitude save against purple worm poison (1d3 Str damage on failure). Everybody may act!

Liam casts Delay Poison on Seth and draws his morningstar.
Concentration DC 19 if needed: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21

When Gannaius attempted to attack Seth, the magus responded instantly, his blade coming up to attempt to deflect the falcata as it strikes.
Attempting to use my Flambouyant Arcana Parry ability.
Parry: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23
Welp
Fort DC 24: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Seth takes the hit with gritted teeth as he fumbles his attempt to parry the blow, then counterattacks with a vengeance, his limbs blurring in attack. as his blows attempt to sap the life from their target

Hasted Attack, Spell Combat (vampiric touch)

Spell Combat: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 331d6 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Spell Resistance (Vampiric Touch): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 255d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 5, 2, 2) = 14
Spell Resistance (Chill Touch): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 291d6 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Haste: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 361d6 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 19 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 19 + 7 = 361d6 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Spell Resistance (Chill Touch): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 301d6 + 10 + 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 + (3) + 10 = 26

Main Attack: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (14) + 19 = 331d6 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Spell Resistance (Chill Touch): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 161d6 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Iterative Attack: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 371d6 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 19 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 19 + 7 = 391d6 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Spell Resistance (Chill Touch): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 231d6 + 10 + 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 + (6) + 10 = 28

If applicable, Seth will use Parry again if attacked. (AC 32 currently)
Parry: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (19) + 21 = 40

DB crit number for the day: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Retreating as much as the room allows, Katria pulls out Dignity's Barb and lets a bolt fly. It swerves around Seth, directly toward their foe's chest!

Move action to retreat, but staying in the tea room. Standard to fire bolt
Dignity's Barb (+4 seeking darkwood light crossbow): 1d20 + 15 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 15 + 4 - 4 = 34
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 4 = 14

Crit?: 1d20 + 15 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 15 + 4 - 4 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 4 = 15

Remember you can roll twice to confirm crits with Dignity’s Barb.

Confirm: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (16) + 24 = 40

Seth lands several good hits, including a critical strike! Gannaius seems to resist nearly all of the physical damage, but the magical cold saps his strength and leaves him fatigued! Katria scores a critical hit, punching through his damage reduction.

As Amelia awaits an opportunity, she notices something odd about the way Gannaius holds his falcata. It’s almost as if his wrists are bending the wrong way...

Amelia may still act.

Does the Vampiric Touch land?

Ah, sorry, missed that in there. SR 28 so no.

No chance of figuring out what this thing is...

K: Planes: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 Might as well try, if he's a noble or acting as an official (highly doubtful) add +6.

It only takes her a moment to see the falcata moving the wrong way. She had trained with many swordfighters but something was wrong. Drawing Koriana's blade, she moved into the battle, ready to fight.

Unsure how far I am, but we need to tangle with this thing in close range. 1 hand holding the bow currently, 1 hand with the longsword.

I'll assume I need to double move in.

Gannaius grits his teeth as he feints and slices Seth again. The chain aims for Liam's legs, tripping the cleric!

Feint: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (3) + 22 = 25
Falcata: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37
Crit?: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25
Damage, Flaming: 1d8 + 3 + 3d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (4, 5, 4) + (6) = 25
Trip: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

19 slashing and 6 fire damage to Seth. Liam falls prone. Everybody is up!

Thanks; forgot about the double roll; will try to remember!

"A rakshasa!" Katria exclaims. "They're fiends, and can change shape. Stab them with blessed weapons!"

She takes a moment to focus on Dignity's Barb, imbuing it with power. Adding an additional +1 holy to it.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35

I think that attack should have been parried? It was a 37 compared to my 40.
Also, 28? That's insane!
I don't suppose I might be able to get a Blessing on my weapon at some point?

Seth grits his teeth as he realizes just how hard it is to slip past this creature's spell protections, and a light on his hand gleams as he suddenly switches fighting styles, becoming much closer to a fencer in his strikes, but the sudden switch in grips throws off his aim for the moment.

Using Tactical Adaptation to gain the Cracking the Shell combat feat, which will reduce SR by 1 each time I deal damage with a piercing weapon after the first each round.
Keeping up Hasted Assault as well.

Haste: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 201d6 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Chill Touch: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 151d6 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Main: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 311d6 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Chill Touch: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 151d6 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Iterative: 1d20 + 19 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 19 - 5 = 171d6 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Chill Touch: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 121d6 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

If the last parry worked, will do so again
Parry: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (16) + 21 = 37

@Seth, yeah, rakshasas had something like 90% magic resistance in AD&D.
@GM, is Liam adjacent to 'Gannaius'? If so, will use the Standard of Conquest to teleport maybe 10' away, behind Seth. If not, will cast Shield and stand.

Sorry, I forgot about the parry, Seth. You successfully parry the attack and take no damage.

Liam, I assumed you stood behind Seth and cast your spell, so you're 10 feet away and can stand without provoking an AoO.

Liam stands and casts Shield (AC is now 30).

Drawing close, the woman sees the target and only at the last moment hears Katria speak of what it is.

"What can we do against it?"

She realizes that her blade has the power of good in it, but she has no way to pierce with a longsword. No amount of training would allow her the flexibility she needed here.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 15 + 2 + 2 = 32 +6 if its an official of Taldor
Damage: 1d8 + 19 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 19 + 2 + 2 = 30 +6 if its an official of Taldor

Not sure if I' within 5 feet but if so, she will obviously full attack instead.

Power Attack, Iterative: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 2 + 2 = 34
Damage: 1d8 + 19 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 19 + 2 + 2 = 26

Critical?: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 2 + 2 = 22 If within 4 she will spend Luck to Confirm it
Damage: 1d8 + 19 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 19 + 2 + 2 = 30

As we are doing Theater of the Mind here, I would assume it is plausible that Amelia and Seth are flanking our foe.

I didn't include it but she has moved almost 3 times to reach this position, I'll leave it to DM Brainiac to add the flank if they wish.

Liam says to Amelia, "Give your luck to the elf's next spell."

Trying to avoid OOC strategizing, limit what Liam says to what could reasonably be said in a round, and also to not use our names.

The woman nods, it was not an easy thing, nor something she could give. She wasn't quite sure what made the die fall in her favour and for others around her, but she always knew fortune smiled on her.

Whether it was a glance in an odd direction, a table leg being unsteady, there was a way to get out of any tight spot, all the fates needed was a little push.

She thought if it was how her magic worked, or well, how those who studied it saw the world. Pushing and making life happen the way you wanted it to.

The thing disguised as Gannaius parries all of Seth's attacks, but with his attention focused on the elf, he opens himself up to attacks from Amelia. The dandy lands two powerful blows that wound the man despite his supernatural resilience. With a snarl, he defensively casts a spell to bolster his defenses, surrounding himself with a trio of mirror images. "I will not fall to the likes of you!" he declares.

Concentration: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Mirror Images: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Everybody may act! Amelia and Seth are flanking.

Liam tries to Dispel the Mirror Images.

Dispel: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

He frowns, and draws his morningstar.

Katria continues to fire at the rakshasa, knowing Dignity's Barb is going to be more effective than any of her wands against it.

Dignity's Barb (+4 seeking darkwood light crossbow): 1d20 + 15 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 15 + 4 - 4 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 = 10
Dignity's Barb (iterative): 1d20 + 10 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 4 - 4 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 4 = 12

@Katria, you made the crossbow Holy, right? So +2d6 damage vs evil?

Duh. Yes, yes I did.

Additional damage for first attack: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6
Additional damage for second attack: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7

What does Amelia's luck do again?

Seth frowns as the creature deflects all of his attacks, but continues on undeterred, casting another spell to try and break through the creature's defenses, and the pale, ghostly light does indeed manage to break through for once.

Maintaining Hasted Assault and using Frostbite after my full attack.

Haste: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 19 + 2 = 411d6 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 19 + 2 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 19 + 2 + 7 = 351d6 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Main: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 19 + 2 = 271d6 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Iterative: 1d20 + 19 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 19 + 2 - 5 = 341d6 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 19 + 2 - 5 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 19 + 2 - 5 + 7 = 271d6 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Spellstrike: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 19 + 2 = 321d6 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Frigid Touch SR: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 304d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 2, 2) = 10
I'm assuming the Frigid Touch connected, so the rakshasa is staggered for 1 round. For each attack that hit after the first, its SR is reduced by 1 for 1 round.

EDIT: Mirror Images: 1d4 ⇒ 41d3 ⇒ 21d2 ⇒ 2

So for example, I can spend an Immediate right now to tilt that Crit Confirm to a success if it misses by just a bit. We don't get to retroactively change it after seeing results however, so we have to make our best guesses based on what we know.

Seeing the images come out, the dandy does her best to swirl through and cut through them for her allies.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 15 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 28 Included Flanking
Damage: 1d8 + 19 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 19 + 2 + 2 = 30

Power Attack, -5: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 36 Included Flanking
Damage: 1d8 + 19 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 19 + 2 + 2 = 30

Confirm? -5: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 31 Included Flanking
Damage: 1d8 + 19 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 19 + 2 + 2 = 27

Dancing with an almost supernatural edge, the woman drives Koriana's Blade hard, hoping that her eyes don't deceive her. "Come now, there's no reason a fiend such as yourself should be given quarter."

Saving my Immediate Action for allies. If you need Luck just note it down and you can use it. Still 3/3 Uses.

Liam's attempt to dispel the mirror images fails. Amelia's attacks destroy two of the images, then Seth destroys the last one before landing two hits, staggering Gannaius with cold. Katria's bolts come up short of hitting their mark.

For the first time, a look of worry flits across the impostor's face. He tries to cast a spell defensively, but he fails!

Concentration: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Everybody is up!

"Keep up the pressure!"
Liam casts Moment of Greatness on the party.
Each PC can choose to double an active morale bonus for one roll. So that could double the attack OR damage bonus from Good Hope from +2 to +4, for example.

"No more magic" Seth plainly tells the creature, "No more tricks." his blade snakes out and atempts to grab its ankle, pulling it off-balance.

Blade Lash (trip): 1d20 + 21 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 21 + 10 = 43

Haste: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (1) + 21 = 221d6 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Main: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 281d6 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Iterative: 1d20 + 21 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 21 - 5 = 191d6 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Liam's words focus Katria and her next two bolts slam home into the rakshasa.

Using moment of greatness on my first attack roll
Dignity's Barb (+4 seeking darkwood light crossbow): 1d20 + 15 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 15 + 6 - 4 = 37
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 + (6, 6) = 21
Dignity's Barb (iterative): 1d20 + 10 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 4 - 4 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 + (6, 6) = 23

Crit? (back to normal +2 for good hope): 1d20 + 15 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 15 + 4 - 4 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 + (5, 6) = 20

I think Dignity's Barb gets to roll twice and take the better on all crit confirmations.

Damn it; why can't I remember that?!

Crit reroll: 1d20 + 15 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 15 + 4 - 4 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 4 + (3, 5) = 23

PA: 1d20 + 15 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 15 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 39
Damage: 1d8 + 19 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 19 + 2 + 2 = 24

PA -5: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 19 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 19 + 2 + 2 = 31

Holding Moment for now, unless the Trip Succeeds then I would use it to offset the iterative.

Watching the images vanish she sees a clear shot and drives the sword down into the fiend.