Dragon's Demand (Inactive)

Game Master R D

Wayreth, you have the opportunity to "psych" out the other bidders. You may use a social check (diplomacy, intimidate, bluff, etc). The other person interested in Lots 10 and 11 is Bassy, Belhaim's historian. Since he lives and works in Belhaim, it occurs to you that intimidate would probably have negative consequences.

Lot 19 is being bid on by both Bassy and the Kalistocrats.

Already rolled bluff checks in my previous post. Do I need more?

Actually, no. I thought you needed a check for each opposing bidder, but it looks like you can get away with a single check! No need to roll extra checks for the Kalistocrats! :-)

Would you like to RP your bluffs?

Actually, no. I thought you needed a check for each opposing bidder, but it looks like you can get away with a single check! No need to roll extra checks for the Kalistocrats! :-)

Would you like to RP your bluffs?

Wayreth pretends to whipser to Harlis about some of the lots, but does so just loud enough for the interested parties to 'overhear'

Potions:
"Those idiots! Hunclay kept that poison in a glass vial probably because the vial was kept in a dark room, but that extract got ruined the moment it was brought into sunlight. Well, at least the page-rot is still intact, but it really shouldn't be in a corked vial. It tends to seep through the cork and create fumes that affect paper near it anyway. But at least it's still usable if you know how to handle it. Hey, page-rot is legal in these parts, right? Right?" (Historians don't want anything to do with poisons, right? Especially something called 'page-rot'?)

Scrolls:
"Oh, hey! Those are the scrolls we found in Hunclay's bedroom! The ones that had the really life-like moving pictures of those sexy elves. Who would've thought even at is age Hunclay had a thing for elven lasses, hey? Ahem. 650 gold for the 'magic' scrolls." (Hopefully Bassy is in a stable relationship, or at least isn't interested in what kind of lewd tastes Hunclay had. )

Dust:
"Mummy's dust, I do believe. Cursed and dangerous stuff if mishandled, but I know a person in Riddleport who I'd take that risk to use that dust on. Gotta be careful traveling with it though. Hang on, why would anyone take it out from the protective... Hey did anyone see a lead-lined box of some sort in the other lots? The box itself would have been made of a green-bluish metal? If I win this lot, I'm offering 300... mmm... ok, 500 gold for that box. No one? Argh, fine. 800 gold. Did anyone see that box?" (Of course, no such box exists, which is kind of the point...)

Harlis nods cautiously in agreement trying to follow Wayreth's leads on when to nod or look agast at the tales without giving too much away.

Assist Bluff: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Wayreth wins all three lots. He pays 650 GP for lot 10, 255 GP for lot 11, and 1,200 GP for lot 19. You can cut that cost in half if you take the Baroness up on her offer.

However, he also alienates some of the locals with his derisive manner. ("idiots," racy elf pictures, and talk about intentionally giving someone a disease... while there's a paladin in the party...) The Baroness is not pleased with the behavior, but she won't go back on her word to help with the cost. Though she does so with a disapproving shake of her head.

During the bidding, the mysterious Clausyre doesn't win any of the lots that he's interested in. He stands up dramatically and loudly makes an ominous announcement: "Very well! I must deliver this bad news to my employer immediately. I bid you all good day!"

He then storms out of the amphitheater, an awkward silence in his wake. After a pause, Bassy says, "I suspect he didn’t mean that last bit." This wry crack breaks the tension, causing laughter to fill the crowd.

It's nearing dusk when the final lot is opened: Hunclay's manor home and his land. The auction is running long, and Chosk pauses for several minutes while servants quickly light lanterns throughout the amphitheater. Eventually, the last auction begins with an opening bid of 2,500 gp.

Those who wish to do so may make a perception check!

While gazing longingly at all the awesome things she can't afford, Agnes glances around. Perc: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Ethendril, not knowing beforehand the things Wayreth would say, reprimands the rogue as he speaks. Still, it is not enough to stop the other bidders or the Baroness from being upset.

During the auction, the paladin keeps a careful eye on the other bidders, wondering if perhaps anyone interested in this auction might have been involved with the evil wizard.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Agnes notices a dark shape flying in the skies above. A few moments later, mayhem strikes. A group of four batlike humanoids swoop down to land on the amphitheater stage, the people panic and run from these creatures.

"Oh no! Demons!"
"Demons? Did Hunclay's ghost summon them?"
"They ain't no demons! Them's from the Mwangi. Run!"

Knowledge nature to know more about these creatures. This is what they look like.

The panicked crowd makes everything difficult terrain and grants these creatures a 20% miss chance on ranged attacks. It's obvious that they're intent on killing people in the crowd. We are in combat!

The party is up first, then the enemy.

ROUND 1

Go!

"Quick! Get the crowd to safety!" he yells. "I'll deal with them!"

Ethendril advances toward the nearest one and chips at it mightily with his greatsword.

Greatsword Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 172d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 6) + 9 = 21 vs. flat-footed?

Can Ethendril move that far AND attack given the difficult terrain?

Bardic Know: Nature: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Hotspur moves forward I moved 3 blocks closer, I think that should be half move for the terrain. Correct me if I'm mistaken there. and fires both barrels at the creature...

Targeting Mr Pink in the back

Point blank ranged touch, barrel 1: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 4 = 19
Point blank ranged touch, barrel 2: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 4 = 23

Damage barrel 1: 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Attempt to confirm crit on barrel 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Damage barrel 2: 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Potential extra crit damage: 3d12 ⇒ (8, 7, 9) = 24

If crit confirms, the total damage to that one is 41 points.

Ooops...I missed that it was difficult terrain and only saw concealment. I'll back up and ready that attack if any come adjacent to me.

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Agnes read about these things. They're call Grioths; they come from the void between the stars. They can attack your mind and they also use poison.

Hotspur's shot decimates one of them.

The other three look at the gunslinger.

I will be taking the baroness up on the offer. Also, I need to emphasise that most of those bluffs were 'whispered' to Harlis, loud enough for some specific others to overhear, but not everyone around. I'd be trying to avoid the baroness in particular from hearing what I was saying, if possible. But whatever.

Is it possible to try to hide amongst the crowd, whilst their attention is fixed on Hotspur, and then draw my crossbow?

Harlis moves up towards Hotspur, struggling through the crowd to both move and see. "Blessing of Iomedae aid and protect you all!" He calls out while channeling holy power.

Selective Channel, excluding the two nearer creatures. Will give the crowd and party members +2 AC (sacred) for a round, while also healing any injured members of the crowd (whether from the creatures or panicked people)

Channel: 2d3 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

Is it possible to try to hide amongst the crowd, whilst their attention is fixed on Hotspur, and then draw my crossbow?

Yes, you can hide in the crowd.

Wayreth takes advantage of the confusion to try to blend into the crowd whilst drawing his crossbow.

stealth: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27

Agnes still has an action to take before the bad guys go.

Sorry, I couldn't type this on my phone last night, kept messing up.

Agnes will use one Arcane Reservoir to attempt to cast Lightning Lance at the blue. touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
If it hits, blue takes 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 2) + 2 = 9 points of electricity damage and must make DC 13 fort save to avoid all its foes having concealment for one round.

Grioth Fort Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Agnes zaps one of the Grioths. It screams an alien scream that drives much of the crowd into panic (for no mechanical effect).

All three grioths fly over Hotspur, and give her the stinkeye. All three grioths are 30 feet above hotspur.

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Hotspur, do you have a re-roll boon? If so, do you wish to use it?

Yes, I have the character folio. I'll us that if I can.

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Edit: Wow, so much for that.

Because this is a long-form module, your re-roll use will "reset" when you level up--which will be soon!

1d100 ⇒ 45

For the next round, Hotspur does nothing but babble incoherently.

The rest of the party is up!

Disclaimer: because of oddities of distance, angles, and such, it is not possible to get within 30' of the grioths without being adjacent to Hotspur.

Agnes will cast magic missile at the one she struck before (blue).
2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 2 = 10.

I might want to try something, would you guys agree to a small request?

Harlis looking back through the crowd tries to see if it was Agnes speaking, his smaller frame causing him to be bounced around as people panic. "What..?"

Agnes' attack tears another one from the sky!

Well, if I take a second to create some fire, or if someone has some fire, you would all need to close your eyes so I can cast Pyrotechnics (Fireworks) to try to blind them. Now, hopefully they don't understand common and just heard me say that.

Looking around at the panicking crowd and the creatures circling above Harlis responds as best he can. "I think with only a pair left and so many people here that will cause more harm than good right now...!"

Wayreth heeds Ethendril's command and moves with the crowd, hiding amongst them while readying an action to shoot at any enemy that decides to come within 30ft of the civilians.

attack roll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
damage roll: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (6) = 7

I wasn't thinking about the fact there are lots of other people around. I just never get to use that one.

Anybody else want to take an action this turn before the baddies get to go?

Ethendril pulls a javelin from a clutch at his back and throws it mightily into the air.

javelin: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 201d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 targeting any that are wounded first, if any

Between Wayreth and Ethendril, another Grioth is felled!

Harlis continues to attempt to fight through the crowd to Hotspur to see if he can lend some aid while also trying to avoid being trodden upon or knocked down by the bigger folks.

OK. I'm calling the Grioth fight. There's no way that one of them can take you all on.

Just to round out Hotspur's confusion:

1d100 ⇒ 86, attack nearest creature
1d100 ⇒ 82, attack nearest creature
1d100 ⇒ 32, babble incoherently
1d100 ⇒ 26, act normally

Hotspur pistol whips a couple of people. (For no mechanical effect. It's just comic relief. Same as the Baroness' reaction to Wayreth's bluffing.) Then she comes to her senses, apologizes, and all is well.

(We're still in combat.)
____________________________________________________________

Acolytes of Abadar tend to wounded townsfolk. Since you defeated the Grioths, some of these priests tend to your wounds also. (Everyone is fully healed.)

Suddenly, a tremendous roar fills the air. A larger creature swoops down to land atop one of the small storage buildings on the amphitheater's stage--a scaly, reptilian winged creature with smoke and fire billowing from its jaws. The remaining townsfolk shriek, "A dragon!"

Knowledge Arcana to know more about this creature.

Ethendril yells to the townspeople, "Take cover! We will deal with this menace!"

ROUND 1

The "dragon" swoops down and alights on one of the small storage buildings on the amphitheater's stage.

By this time, enough townsfolk have left that you no longer have movement or cover impediments.

The party is up!

Bardic Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Hotspur reloads move action.

She yells up to the creature: "What is your business with us, o' terror of the skies?"

Versatile Performance Oratory/Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Oops, I need to update my character sheet and banner. I'll take care of that today.

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Spell ready will depend on the information about it.

Those rolls! :-(

Well, it's truly of the dragon type... You just don't know anything more about it.

Hotspur tries to engage it verbally. The creature ignores his entreaty.

Sense motive to know more.

Grandma?

sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

With a grimace at the size of the new foe Harlis looks to his compatriots to see if the thought that maybe this foe is beyond folly to assault. Never the less he still calls to Iomedae for a small amount of aid if need dictates.

casting bless for +1 morale bonus to attack and fear saves. This won't stack with Ethendril's fear bonus if both apply.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Wis (Sense Motive): 1d20 ⇒ 3

Agnes will attempt the Ear Piercing Scream.

2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8 sonic damage
DC 15 fort to negate Daze and half the damage.

Fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Agnes lets loose a scream that only her enemy can hear. It shakes its head with mild discomfort and shrugs off most of it.

ROUND 1

"Dragon": Move and be scary (4 HP damage)
Townsfolk: Panic
Hotspur: Diplomacy
Harlis: Spell
Agnes: Spell

The remainder of the party is up!

Ethendril steps up onto the stage and prepares to defend the group against the dragon.

Readied Greatsword Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 272d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 2) + 9 = 15
CRIT?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 222d6 + 9 ⇒ (5, 6) + 9 = 20 35 dmg total. Please attack...please attack...

Wayreth sizes up the dragon, trying to work out what it is up to.

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

This creature cares nothing for you all (humanoids). It doesn't care if it kills you all or flies away. You (all humanoids) are beneath its attention. But, it fears some "master" who has sent it here to kill...
__________

ROUND 1

"Dragon": Move and be scary (4 HP damage)
Townsfolk: Panic
Hotspur: Diplomacy
Harlis: Spell
Agnes: Spell

The remainder of the party is up!

I had just posted a readied action...did it move again and I'm up again?