Dungeon Master S's Fabric of Reality (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

I am wondering if a fight wasn't going to be an inevitable reality - we've opened nicely, however as we suspect it is some ninja-assassin who is now dealing with a bunch of Pathfinders...

Takahiro is all about peaceful, however he is resigned to the reality that what he wants the universe to be like isn't how it always is :)

Aye, I'm similarly not surprised that a 32 didn't do anything for diplomacy and really not surprised a 24 apparently didn't work for intimidate. But sometimes we just gotta get to that violence in a nice way rather than just jumping right in.

Agreed on all accounts! I'll give the others a window to reply, just in case Hannah et al. wants to do something in the meantime. Still, well played by everyone thus far.

Also, when you said "guards looses their weapons", does that mean I got 'em to disarm? =P [/wishful thinking]

Takkits' fingers flex, just barely, at his wrist sheaths when the fighter tries to scare the woman.
No no no! We aren't here to fight! We're here to find a book! Please be polite!

Or at least stall long enough that she won't suspect one of my knives when the fight breaks out...

Likewise, I think the fight was inevitable, especially after diplo and intim both had high rolls and we got nothing out of them. Oh well. Time for stabbing.

Seeing that things have escalated beyond words, Hiro resigns himself to combat; he shifts about looking for a good place to flank the guards. I hope some one else can take care of the elf...

Additionally, his hands slip to his daggers, easily retrieving a darkened one and a silvery one.

Having seen their efforts at diplomacy fail, and quite convinced he's looking at the real Shadow Orchid, Aeris waits to see how she and her guards respond to a more forceful approach. Nonetheless, he slips his bow smoothly off his shoulder, the fingers of his arrow hand twitching slightly as he considers the situation.

"I'll be polite when she stops playin' games. An' quit lookin' at me like that! Ya look like you're about to pounce on me and... hey, you don't worship Calistria, do you? Cause if that's what you have in mind, I may not be inclined to stop ya."

Zannah continues to stand in the back, quiet, watching, and listening to what is going on.

In other words, I was busy at work and OMG you guys posted a lot.

Takkit lets out a small huff, and his ears point down for a moment.
Ah well. I had hoped to make friends, Shadow Orchid, and learn a thing or two from someone with your skills. Please don't make us fight. We only wanted to borrow a book...

Nevertheless, he flexes his wrists, and two daggers fall from the concealed sheathes inside. His ears perk back up, and his eyes dart around the room, taking in all of the potential threats, before coming to and resting on Shadow Orchid.

Takkit's motions go seemingly without notice, and the woman is still calm.

"I suggest you leave. This is deteriorating quickly. It is in your best interest."

The same people who noticed her oddities before note that she's REALLY studying Baldwyn.... and stalling for something.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Zannah, hearing the direction the conversation is headed, applies a charge of her Mage Armor.

Not trying to rush things, just want to make sure we get the drop on her on inevitable combat, rather than the other way around. Not liking how she's looking at Baldwyn.

Barring any party objections, Baldwyn simply shakes his head. "Fine. Kriff it."

And he lashes out with his bardiche to trip the woman!
Trip vs FF CMD: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

He does not follow with a strike as she falls (assuming a 31 will fell her flat-footed, even in this tier, or cover from the desk if it applies. GM call on that bit) though he looks at the guards, almost daring them to do something about it.

Seems ok to me, she appears to have started offensive posturing so weapons free, we can escalate the situation

I can't really give you the surprise round. No one is "surprised", BUT your awareness of what's going down makes you immune to the one hit kill.

Zannah: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Aeris: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Baldwyn: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Takkit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Takahiro: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Hiro: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Baddies: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Tried of the social dance, Baldwyn opts to make the conversation decidedly more honest. The polearm master hopes to capitalize on his quick reflexes and the Shadow Orchid's advanced age. With a success even he's a little surprised at, Baldwyn trips the Shadow Orchid, even around the desk.

Initiative Repost:

Baldwyn: Trip!
Aeris: On Deck
Zannah: TBD
Takahiro: TBD
Hiro: TBD
Takkit: TBD
Baddies: very much last.

Takahiro delays until after Takkit, in case he needs to respond to anything...

Round 1

Oh no, here we go again. Why do they always want to resort to fighting. Thinks Hiro about the Society's contacts as he goes into a defensive possture while checking for city guards outside the small shop.

Hiro will spend this round in total defense and check to see if anyone outside is taking interest in the activities within the book shop.

DM - since I can now see how small the place is, Aeris would have drawn his longsword rather than his bow - I hope a minor retcon is okay.

It's pretty clear to Aeris this has not gone as they'd hoped, and he prepares for the fight to get nasty. He lays a hand on his chest, his blade held before him to protect him as he casts a spell, then prepares to strike if Orchid's guards attack.

Cast divine favor defensively, using one use of Fervor to cast as a swift action (1/7 used). Then ready an action to attack Red guard with longsword if he attacks.

Cast Defensively: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Readied Attack:
Longsword, divine favor: 1d20 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 3 = 17
Longsword damage, divine favor: 1d8 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 3 = 7

Aeris, longsword out prepares for a serious kerfuffle.

Round 1 update

Baldwyn: Trip!
Aeris: Cast and ready
Zannah: Current
Hiro: Total Defense
Takkit: On deck
Takahiro: TBD
Baddies: very much last.

Takkit is about to make things nasty. 5 foot step to adjacent to Shadow Orchid, activate Arcane Strike, and Full Attack, with two daggers and a bite. Since she's prone, she's Flat Footed, which means Sneak Attack and 4 Bleed Damage every round.

As it becomes apparent that a fight was unavoidable, Takkit leaps forward at the opportunity provided by Baldwyn. His daggers glow a muted blue as he stabs them both into Shadow Orchid's vital areas, and then he bites at her throat.
I didn't want to do this! I'll try and make it quick...
Attack 1, Dagger, Piranha Strike, Arcane Strike: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Attack 1 Damage: 1d4 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Sneak Attack 1: 4d8 ⇒ (8, 3, 8, 3) = 22

Attack 2, Dagger, Piranha Strike, Arcane Strike: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Attack 2 Damage: 1d4 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Sneak Attack 2: 4d8 ⇒ (6, 1, 8, 2) = 17

Attack 3, Bite, Piranha Strike, Arcane Strike: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Attack 3 Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Sneak Attack 3: 4d8 ⇒ (4, 5, 5, 5) = 19

Debilitating Injury from sneak attack:
Disoriented: The target takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls. In addition, the target takes an additional –2 penalty on all attack rolls it makes against the rogue. At 10th level and 16th level, the penalty on attack rolls made against the rogue increases by –2 (to a total maximum of –8).

Ladies and Gentlemen, Takkit Shinrou.

Takkit - Being prone doesn't make her flat-footed. But the fact that she hasn't acted yet in the round does. But if she's still prone next round, that won't apply.

Takkit - Being prone doesn't make her flat-footed. But the fact that she hasn't acted yet in the round does. But if she's still prone next round, that won't apply.

That's actually what I meant. I just had prone in my head for some reason.

You guys beat me to it. Unfortunately, a woman of her training is hard to catch flat footed, and while impressive, Takkit isn't quite there yet. Still, she is seriously messed up after that.

Takkit steps in and lets the woman have it. She's highly trained for certain, but years of retirement and... something else... have slowed her down somewhat.

Zannah and Takahiro get their actions to finish out round 1

...a woman of her training is hard to catch flat footed...

Oh, right. Uncanny Dodge would be online by this level. Ah, well.

Dungeon Master S wrote:

...a woman of her training is hard to catch flat footed...

Oh, right. Uncanny Dodge would be online by this level. Ah, well.

I figured the whole assassin thing would include Uncanny Dodge, but I went ahead and rolled all my sneak attack just in case. Still did plenty of damage even without it.

That is a lot of damage. I look forward to my Unchained Rogue getting past level 1, looks like a fun combo of abilities.

Zannah will cast Adhesive Spittle at Yellow.

DC 16 Reflex to avoid being stuck to counteract.

Zannah spits a viscous mess at one of the guards REF: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17. He quickly yanks himself free of the floor, but finds himself all bound up in the stuff.

Takahiro to finish the round!

Takahiro draws his katana and strikes at the nearby guard.

PA
Attack 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 2 = 20
Damage 1 - 8 + 7 + 6 = 6

"The odds are not in your favour - kindly reconsider fighting" Takahiro offers as a friendly suggestion.

Round 1

Hiro's gaze returns from the street to see Takkit on the elven woman like a savage beast and Takahiro's blade flashing through the air.

"THE NINE HELLS! We don't even know what the book looks like!" He gasps... "Try to take her alive!"

Takahiro strikes at, and easily hits, the guard in the yellow tabard. The guard grunts in pain, and his eyes close to gimlet anger.

The woman, now obviously revealed as the Shadow Orchid fights from the ground lashing out with the edge of her foot at the knees of the kitsune. Her waza directed at the nerves of her foe:

Blade kick knee: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 4 = 20 MISS
Blade kick groin: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 11 - 4 = 26 Threat
Confirm: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 11 - 4 = 22 DMG: 2d8 - 4 ⇒ (6, 1) - 4 = 3 FORT save DC 19 or Stunned for 1 round.
Axe Kick instep: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 6 - 4 = 16 MISS
roundhouse kick inner thigh: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 1 - 4 = 4 MISS

Red: Foregoes the obvious swing with a kukri at Aeris, instead sliding into the middle of a cluster of Pathfinders. His intent is obvious, protect Shadow Orchid. The aasimar is well prepared and brings his blade down on the guard! Ignoring the wound he attacks Takkit: Kukri: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20, but the kitsune is too fast!

Blue: Not wanting to face the skill of Baldwyn, tries to flip to flank with his compatriot. Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23. Despite great skill, Baldwyn's is greater! Blue draws an AoO from Baldwyn He then squares up to sneak attack the knife fighter. Kukri: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 2 = 23. The blade lands DMG: 1d4 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (5) = 11. Unless Baldwyn somehow prevents him from attacking, which is entirely possible.

Yellow: Blood mixes with Zannah's toxic spittle. The guard gives a powerful kiai and jumps up on the table Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 4 = 24 and takes a swing at Zannah! Kukri: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 2 - 2 + 1 = 12, but her spell impedes his skill too much.

Green: With another kiai he draws his blade and slashes at Takahiro Kukri: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 = 19 and lands a hit for DMG: 1d4 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (1) = 8.

Round 2
Baldwyn: Current
Aeris: TBD
Zannah: TBD
Hiro: TBD
Takkit: TBD
Takahiro: TBD
Aeris: TBD
Baddies: TBD

EDIT: Posting now because of work. If something happens to stop Takkit's ability to do any of this, then of course I'll post something else when I get home. Just don't wanna slow up the pace if everyone else posts quickly tonight.

GM, did you factor in the +2 to AC I get against light blades? I am not sure if her knee blades count as light, but if they do then it doesn't confirm.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Stop fighting! And don't kick me there again!
Takkit isn't impressed by her knee blade, and continues his vicious assault, stepping forward and out of the range of the kukri fighter.
Please place Takkit directly to the left of Shadow Orchid.
Dagger 1, Piranha Strike, Arcane Strike: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Damage: 1d4 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Dagger 2, Piranha Strike, Arcane Strike: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Damage: 1d4 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Bite, Piranha Strike, Arcane Strike: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Oh, you know I will take a swing to stop him in his tracks!

Round 1 AoO
Baldwyn sees the guard and shakes his head. "Oh no you don't!" He lashes out with his bardiche and drops the man where he stands!
AoO Trip: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 17 + 2 = 31 Provokes AoO
Greater Trip AoO: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 15 + 2 = 21 vs prone AC
Damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

To the party, he agrees with the fox... well, one of the foxes. "Subdue her! We need what's in her head an' can't afford to have it splattered all over the place! The guards... well, it depends on if they want to throw their lives away!"

"Blade kick" was a bit of fluff text. It's the edge of her foot, though always feel free to remind me. Unfortunately, directly left of Shadow Orchid is outside...

Baldwyn does prevent Blue from making that attack, so ignore the damage. He gets tripped, hit, and hit again as he stands. He doesn't look healthy...

Round 2
Baldwyn: Current
Aeris: TBD
Zannah: TBD
Hiro: TBD
Takkit: TBD
Takahiro: TBD
Aeris: TBD
Baddies: TBD

Ah, gotcha. I didn't even think of blade kick as a type of unarmed strike, and that's sad because I know a bit about martial arts. Takkit will stay where he is, then, and carry out the full attack listed above. And I don't plan on killing her, just forcing a surrender. If I have to deal nonlethal damage after this round, I shall, but I'm hoping to force a surrender by just beating her senseless for a bit.

Round 2
Baldwyn shakes his head at the persistence of the man clad in blue, striking at him with force! If he falls, will five-foot step in that direction and continue attacks on red.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
1d10 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24

Iterative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
1d10 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21

Swift; Lay Hands on Self 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

Attack Green
PA
Attack 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 11 - 2 = 21
Damage 1d8 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 6 = 17

Attack 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 2 = 12
Damage 1d8 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 6 = 18

Round 2

Aeris curses his luck, wishing there were just a little more room, enough for him to use his bow. But Milani teaches the good people can accomplish great things, and Aeris draws on that, continuing the fight with his longsword and striking at the guard near him.

Longsword, divine favor: 1d20 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 3 = 16 vs Red
Longsword damage, divine favor: 1d8 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 3 = 12

Baldwyn's heavy blade comes crashing down and ends blue. He tries to take Red by surprise and misses, barely. Takahiro heals himself a bit before causing a Green to regret some choices. The bodyguard is injured, but not out. Red's luck holds, as he parries Aeris's attack.

Round 2
Baldwyn: Takes out Blue
Aeris: Miss
Zannah: Current
Hiro: TBD
Takkit: TBD
Takahiro: Heal and attack.
Aeris: TBD
Baddies: TBD

Zannah will attempt to cast defensively 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16, but fails to do so.

Round 2

Hiro resigns himself to the combat, flipping the sign on the door as he charges his blade with magical energy and stabs at the guard in the red tabard with his mithral blade.

Activate Arcane Strike
Mithral dagger attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Confirm Critical: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Critical damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"I wonder how many repeat customers she gets with service like this!?"

Hiro drives a dagger home into red. Takkit similarly strikes again, but the woman is tough as nails and she takes another injury in stride.

Shadow Orchid knows the odds are stacked against her, "I'll be reborn as I have been before, ever more powerful. I'll bring you with me!" She unleashes another barrage from prone against Takkit:
ball kick to inner thigh: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31 THREAT
Confirm: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13 DMG: 1d8 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5 and FORT DC 19
ball kick to inner thigh: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21 DMG: 1d8 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4 and FORT DC 19
hook kick to other inner thigh: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15 MISS
Roundhouse kick to inside knee: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 THREAT
Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 DMG: 1d8 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1 and FORT DC 19
second roundhouse kick: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12 MISS

Red: Injured, but unwilling to leave his mistress's side steps in. Skipping the flank on Takahiro, he goes after Baldwyn: Kukri: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 MISS

Yellow: Continues his entangled assault on Zannah Kukri: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 8 - 2 - 2 + 1 = 19 DMG: 1d8 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5 DMG: 1d4 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (5) = 12

Green: Green DOES take advantage of the flank on Takahiro Kukri: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Round 3
Good guys go!

Round 3
Baldwyn lengthens the grip on his bardiche and steps away from Orchid and swipes at her trying to knock her under.

Non-lethal: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Folio reroll: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19 vs prone AC
1d10 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 non-lethal damage

Iterative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 vs prone AC
1d10 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 non-lethal damage
Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 vs prone AC
1d10 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 additional non-lethal damage

Economy: Immediate/Swift to lengthen grip; No action five-foot step; Full attack.

Baldwyn gives Shadow Orchid a solid pair of smacks... knocking the assassin out!

Everyone else!

Odd how I never once intended to make him a non-lethal fighter, hahaha.

Round 3

Aeris steps away from the guard he’s been swinging about, dropping his blade and slipping his bow off his shoulder. He lines up a shot at the same guard, but it flies wildly off the mark, even with Milani’s blessing.

5-foot step and drop sword, move action to draw bow, standard to take a single shot.

Longbow, Deadly Aim, PBS, diviner favor: 1d20 + 11 - 2 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 11 - 2 + 1 + 3 = 15
Longbow damage, Deadly Aim, divine favor: 1d8 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 4 + 1 + 3 = 14

Wow, the dice-o-matic is not exactly piling on the love for Aeris in this fight.