GM Burglar's 5-06: You Have What You Hold (Inactive)

Game Master mechaedd

Asuna will tag along with Luisila, seeing her as the leader of this group.

Mathchk: 42 - 16 = 2626 - 1d4 ⇒ 26 - (1) = 25 Counting in 8 hours of rest for each day to prevent fatigue.

If anyone wants to try to aid/make diplo rolls, feel free to do so. (And gathering info while getting drunk is technically an option. No need to waste time, unless you want to. I will also allow this charity bit to be used as Paladin-friendly version of Coercion for the Bribery and Coercion section of Performance Combat if you throw some money behind it and make a diplo.

The ladies tending to the (surprisingly low in number) wounded and sick outside the arena. Discussing her future opponent with one of the injured "rivals" of the Silver Slayers that have finished practicing inside the next day, lets some of the easy-to-pry information out. "Yeah, the Slayers are among the better team-oriented gladiators in Tymon. They are quick on their feet and favor the use of exotic weapons and fighting styles. Helkit's famous for her piecemeal armor, which I've heard includes a piece of armor from each of her fallen foes. She hasn't fought in the Arena for several years, but Helkit is adored by the crowds."
~~~
Meanwhile, the first night of drinking wraps up at the Flooded Sands as hungover workers shuffle towards another day of painful work. Anything gather-y, bribe-y, or whatnot? Buying gratuitious drinks for people under the Knights' Banner? Would count as bribery if desired, IMO.

Desmond, though not a mean drunk, isn't any more convincing than he normally is. Though he does talk himself up a bit at the Flooded Sands.

"You know...I wassa one that challenged whassername....Helkit. Yeah, I did. Well, 'pparently issa big deal 'cause she's bludgeoned. No wait thatsnotit. What was it...oh Bloodied."

Desmond is not the diplomatic type. He's gonna play it safe and not try and bribe anyone.

Asuna will ask a few of the locals if they know anything about Helkit.
Diplomacy 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

A number of people who appreciate chairity can auto aid for the 30+ tier info, which helps speed this along (since you really can't learn more. Now you guys just gotta decide if you'll throw money at this problem to see if it helps.)

Asuna asks a singular passerby about Helkit. Much to her fortune, the 40-something, lightly-tanned ex-gladiator (Wally) turns out to be the self-proclaimed BIGGEST Silver Slayer's fanboy EVER. "I've got every ticket stub from every game she's been in! I'm so pumped about Fireday Fights this week!" He can prove his credability by showing you his full-back tattoo of Helkit, standing on a rhino, running through some poor soul.

"Oh, she's the GREATEST Beastmaster Tymon's ever met! I mean, have you ever heard the story about the time she brought a RHINO to the fight and RODE IT AROUND?!? She basically danced around as she cut everyone else down in the 20-Man-Melee of 4707! It was the best!"

"In the heat of battle, she's able to tap inner reserves of SOMETHING, probably her Numerian space-blood or something, to become giant-sized. She's also never lost on the 'shifting sands,'" which he describes in detail is an arena setup that involves hidden pits*. "I mean, since the name Silverbane is probably refers to Numeria. I theorize it was her’s homeland from which she fled more than 20 years ago. I'd bet she keeps a cache of Numerian devices that she uses to win her battles, too. She's SOOO COOOL! You guys are... uhh... probably in pretty deep, but... uh... good luck...?"

Got a problem? Put it in a pit!

Bazresh digs out a few coins to aid Asuna stunning act of diplomacy.

"Thanks you for your information." Asuna says with a bow. "We hope to put on a good show."

I doubt this is going to help our cause, but it's probably what Súrë would do, given a few days.

Súrë connects with his entomologist friend and rounds up a few locals who are interested in bugs. He puts on a display (in a public area somewhere) to show off his bug collection and offers to take anyone interested on a nature walk nearby!

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

KN (nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

(enhanced) Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26

Varg sits and drinks with Des. He overhears the words of the fan.

Blah, blah, blah...she has ne'er seen the likes of Des an' me in a scrap!

As a single mug of mead arrives, Luisila is only half listening to her companions’ conversation as she scrawls away on some of the papyrus Geoffry and Conman the Barbarian arena manager gave the Knights of Karela.

“OK, I’ve done some threat analysis about Helkit’s crew for you guys to have a look at. As always, feel free to disagree and suggest improvements.”

“What does Victory look like? Simple. They yield with no deaths on our side.”

“This won’t happen until Helkit is unconscious. Taking her down = Victory.”

“In my opinion we can’t be too cocky, they have some good positives, like:

• Charging rhinoceros mount. *Ouch!*
• Numerian devices that probably don’t need magic to work
• Pits, by the sound of it.
• A number of support mooks

“So we need to work out how to counter those threats and put our damage dealers in a position to take Helkit ASAP.”

“Let’s take pits first. Des, Varg, Omrax and Asuna need a way to get themselves out of a pit. Omrax has a Fly potion, I did too. But I will donate it to one of the front-liners who needs it.”

“Charging rhino mount. This is gonna hurt if it hits. Maybe we have to risk taking that first hit. Melee types closing with it quickly to stop it charging might help.”

“I think Des’s archery + Instrument of Agony with a dash of battlefield control from Burst of Radiance can set up our victory, by hopefully slowing down Helkit and the rhino.”

“If Helkit can we weakened like this, it gives Varg, Omrax and Asuna the chance to take her down more easily.”

“So basically, I think Cleaver, Omrax and Asuna close with Helkit + Rhino, giving Des the time to weaken her with arrows + Instrument of Agony.”

“My role is ideally to cast Burst of Radiance and then help Des hit more accurately with BoL. However, I am more likely to be healing and ‘rescuing’ anyone grappled or incapacitated or held up by mooks.”

“Baz, I think you will contribute most early on with spells like Bless and any other buffs you have that help Varg, Omrax and Asuna win. Move to archery once you’ve helped the others.”

“Sahrek and Ilivan are excellent at mook control. Tying up the mooks, to give the front-liners a chance to get the big bad are what they are good at.”

“Súrë, I see you as having the most freedom to cast or move to attack as you see fit. In all honestly, I think that loose combat style suits you extremely well.”

“What do you all think?”

“Súrë, I see you as having the most freedom to cast or move to attack as you see fit. In all honestly, I think that loose combat style suits you extremely well.”

"Oo! Ilivan can rescue people from pits if they need it!"

Yeah, Súrë's combat tactics are pretty fluid, which can be a good or bad thing. I can fill whatever roll but can also be unpredictable. Fits him though. I purposefully didn't min-max him as either melee or caster so I'd have both options. But eventually (after 6th) he'll be wild-shaped pretty much all the time for aerial support with Ilivan.

BRRRRRRP...Sound plan, as always, m'love.

Omrax would auto assist on the charity front.

"Lady Luisila, that is an excellent plan. If there is a way to expose the pits by blowing sand off them or detection, that would be even better than being able to escape them. I am not the most nimble balancing on the edge of pits. Fighting the rhino and rider is more my speed, with strong allies like Sir Varg and missile support from Sir Desmond and Sir Baz, we should succeed. "

"Luissila, that is the way to go. I'll just keep aiming for Helkit, you guys all stay outta my line of sight, that's all I ask."

Desmond raises a glass to Luisila and promptly empties it.

~~~

Everyone good for Arena Combat? Any Purchases? The town is cranking, knowing Helkit is getting back into the arena, and thus is better than it normally would by standard Gamemastery Guide buying limits and counts as a settlement with the sufficient (5,000, I think) population for stuff to not be unavailable or worth more Prestige that usual.

Omrax is as ready as he can be. Bow in hand, ready to enter once the inspection period is over and the announcements are made.

"Inheritor, guide our blades so justice may be served."

Double-checking: is there any restriction on casting a spell once we are in the arena? I know that favor with the crowd may be lost from using magical healing, but other spells are fair game, yes?

“I’m spicing up your resume a bit, Omrax. Do you know how to spell ‘nalfeshnee,’ ‘slew’ and ‘toothpick’?”

A harried Luisila is trying to catch up on some papyrus work during a short break from the knights’ charity work. She sits on an old crate and pulls a stray strand of hair out of her eyes.

“Omrax, that’s a good idea about blowing away the sand. Not sure I can help with it though … maybe Súrë can??”

Luisila finishes taking stock of the party’s loot.

“I think I’ve finished fussing with my spell list. Also, I don’t think we’ve passed out the identified items yet.”

“I think Varg should have the +1 Cloak of Resistance we took from the Galtan pirate. I am also giving him my Potion of Fly.”

“Asuna, please accept my +1 Ring of Protection for the event. I think you’ll have more use for it than I will.”

“There’s also those ‘trippy’ gauntlets Gauntlets of the Skilled Maneuver (Trip), if anyone wants them.”

Ready, GM Burglar!

Luisila will *cast* Magic Vestment on Omrax, Cleaver and Asuna AND Protection from Energy (electricity) on Cleaver during the inspection phase. She has also stowed her Ioun Stone for the fight, reducing her Perception by 2 but adding 1 to her initiative (+3).

Baz nods, accepting Luisila's well thought out plan. He spends his extra time praying to Sarenrae for strength and guidance. He purchases some whistling arrows during the interim, hoping they might add to performance.

"Thank you kindly Lady Luisila."

Súrë looks a little upset after his bug venture. He eventually confides that his friend from the other night seems to have gone missing-disappeared, in fact. "I found his box." Súrë explains, holding up the man's collection box.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Ready to go. Casting Longstrider on myself and Hide from Animals on everyone before heading in. Casting barkskin on myself and Ilivan and protection from energy (electricity) on myself as well.

Luisila, what is the total bonus to AC from the magic vestment?

GM Burglar may correct me, Varg, but I believe it is a +1 enhancement bonus (so stacks with everything, pretty much) for my Caster Level = 6.

The way I read the spell description, it would increase to +2 @ 8/L, +3 @ 12/L, +4 @ 16/L, +5 @ 20/L.

I chose this one because it can be pre-cast – Bird Ilivan in the hand … and all that.

EDIT: It's total guesswork, Omrax! ;) I've got to choose one of fire, acid, electricity, sonic or cold. My thought process went ... Silver Slayer/Helkit's got devices from Numeria = Sci-fi = Electricity. Hope nobody's shocked by the result.

Was there some significance where we expect to see lightning bolts or something? If so I missed it.

That is the way that I read it too...that is strong. thanks!

Are you sure Luisila? Asuna relies on Mirror Image to not get hit. She would take anything you are offering, and I really appreciate the offer, but she should not need it.

Desmond will cast longstrider on himself prior to the 10-minute preparation period. Otherwise, he is ready to go.

Luisila takes Asuna’s right hand in her left, holds it palm up, places the ring in the middle and folds the kitsune’s fingers over it.

With a smile, the half-elf says simply. “Uh huh. I’m sure.”

“Now, let’s go and have some fun with this!”

"Thanks Luisila." The kitsune says before giving Luisila a quick appreciative hug.

Timing your arrival to early afternoon (for maximum spell efficiency,) the group arrives at the Arena of Aroden. Your fight is prefaced with a number of naked individuals (a number of whom you recognize from the docks) "fighting" a gelatinous cube, which the packed grandstands are thoroughly enjoying. After herding the skeleton-filled cube offstage, numerous one-on-one matches fill out the schedule as up-and-coming gladiators face off. In the meantime, your requisite paperwork and other "arrive 10 minutes early" activities are completed in the western gate.

---

By the time your match rolls around, the crowd is rabid with excitement; already cheering for the return of a retired gladiator is a rare treat. As the challengers, the PCs enter first through the western gate. The master of ceremonies, a short and stout Taldane-Chelish man with a thick mustache and wearing brightly-coloured finery, shouts with a voice that far out-scales his stature, begins announcing each member through his bullhorn as they are ushered out.

"Alright, folks, we're making our way to the fight you've all been waiting for! But we can't have a bunch of mysterious strangers on the Sands today, can we, folks?" *pause for audience response* "Right you are, ladies and gentlemen, right you are!" He gestures for the the western gate raised, which grinds up slowly (as lifted by a half-dozen men with cranks.

For my impmromtu applause scale, a 1 is outright "Flyers/Browns in Pittsburgh" negativity" or utter silence, a 5 is "If I cheer for both of them, then the fight should be better" and a 10 is "roses/hats thrown into the bull pit." Catcalls are included in scores.

---

"First in, we've got the Enforcer from the North, an Ulfen warrior whose axe has put thousands into the ground at a mere utterance! Can he avoid being buried in the Sands today? Give it up for Va---rg the Cle--a--ver!" *7/10 scale applause*

"Next in, we've got a mystery from the mystical lands of Tian Xia, though I'm pretty sure a blade works the same way regardless of what side of the Crown you're on! Let's hear it for Asuna-- Sen--ko!" *5/10 average (6 male, 4/10 female) scale applause*

"Next we've got a walking contraction, a demon whose thrown his fury in with the faith of the Kelish! Now presenting the burning dervish of Sarenrae, Ba---z!" *6/10 scale applause (though Helkit gets lots of demon-slaying requests)*

"Following close behind, we've got another pious blade, but this one of a more classical nature! A walking hunk of metal, or should I say, a walking hunk in metal? He's already called for, ladies, and I'd be surprised if you could compete with the Inheritor! Let's hear it for... [deeper voice]Omrax[/deeper voice]!" *5.5 average (7/10 female, 4/10 male) applause*

"He's got a pet bird, and he's ready to compete! His name is Sú--r-ë-!" *3.5/10 average applause*

"She may be a sultry seductress, but watch out! She's also a baroness! May I present Lady-- Lui--sila--!" *6.25 average (8.5 male, 4 female) applause*

"And last but not least, we've got the leader of this band cutthroat Knights! Introducing the leader of the Knights of Karela, Ser--- Desmond!" *5/10 applause*

The announcer continues and the center of the arena starts to shift (to which the crowd is going bonkers)! "Despite their achievements, it would be a sad event to just drop anyone into the arena cold against one of the bloodied! It’s only fair they be given a chance to warm up first, don’t you agree?" Supportive as always, the crowd’s cheering drowns out anything else the announcer attempts to say for a moment. "Then let’s bring out our favorite pet! She’s been aching for a hardier challenge, and I think our friends here are just the thing! Welcome back... Sho---crote!"

What bursts out from the shifting sand area is a slithering, multilegged blue reptile. It has a fearsome head crowned with two large, curling horns.

Init order is: Asuna, Desmond & Sahrek, Baz
Bad
Luisila, Sure&Bird, Cleaver, Omrax

KN: nature/arcana?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Desmond tries to talk to the announcer about this unexpected fight. Upon hearing the reasoning, he laughs a little. "I'm not sure the guard here could've done much..."

Ha, it's nice to see a scenario that changes based on character actions. I like this trend. It'll make me think before I rush in and try to mete out my own justice.

In the arena, Desmond acts quickly. He takes a step to the side, quickly draws his bow, and unleashes a number of cold iron arrows at the blue reptile.

Rapid Shot 1: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 11 - 2 = 29
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Rapid Shot 2: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 2 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Rapid Shot 3: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 2 = 7
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

An arrow flies wide, another is a definite hit, and the other looks like it may have hit.

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 - 2 = 10
Damage: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (3, 3) + 8 = 14

DANG!

He then gives Sahrek a quick look. "Attack!"

Charging Bite Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 2 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Trip Attempt: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Miniupdate: Only Desmond's first arrow connects. Very scaley. Though it had full effect.

Ah! Important edit! For the map, please use lowercase letters for your travel path; pits are not your friend (though Desmond & Friend's moves are okay.)

Also, since Des has first blood (unless Asuna charges in to attack, which I doubt because Shadow Clones), Desmond gets a Performance Combat check (if he wants it.) Cat cannot make such checks, being the intelligence of an animal.

Whenever a combatant has a chance to affect the crowd's attitude, she makes a performance combat check. The check is a Charisma ability check modified by the base attack bonus of the character plus any ranks the character has in Perform (act), Perform (comedy), or Perform (dance), whichever is highest. Making a performance combat check is usually a swift action, triggered when a combatant performs a trigger action (see the Affecting the Crowd's Attitude section).

So, likely, BAB.

Yeah, I'll try a performance check.

Performance Check: 1d20 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) - 1 + 2 = 12

That's +2 for the BAB range, and -1 for my CHA mod.

Special Defenses and Special Attacks

Not sure if this thing counts as an animal, but don't forget that everyone has hide from animals up. I cast it twice for eight creatures but it ends for all recipients once someone attacks. So I probably would have put the first one on myself, Ilivan, Luisila, and Asuna and the second spell on Desmond, Baz, Cleaver, and Omrax. So the spell poofed on that second group already since Desmond attacked (that's ok, I was more doing it in case a charging rhino pulled high init). But if it's an animal it shouldn't be able to see the first group (unless Asuna attacks).

@Des: You are Ranger 6; your BAB should be 6, non? Regardless, it wasn't spectacular enough and doesn't quite sway the crowd.

@Sure: Other than its flat-footed-ness, it doesn't seem to have much trouble seeing the group all bunched up. Weird differences between Animals and Magical Beasts (though it's better than Monstrous Humanoid and Humanoid (Weird things like Giants) and all that jazz.

The chart in the UC made it seem like the mod is +2 for a BAB of 6-10.

Oh, duh; Read the bolded part too literally. You're right, and is why I'm using the full rules; more folks being able to read it.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Baz shakes his head as he recognizes the creature. Spread out! This thing can breath a line of electricity. It can swallow you, grab you, rake you constrict you, um...basically just stay away from it.

Baz moves to the left a a whistling arrow at the creature.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"Spirits protect us."
Asuna calls out, summoning copies of herself into existence.
The kitsune then loops around the creature, trying to set up a flank.
Mirror Image 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2, then attempting to move to 10 feet away from the creature, around the side if we are close enough.

Found a mini image on paizo of the creature in question.
---
Asuna moves forward and makes copies of herself, confusing the drunks in the audience! "I don't know about you folks, but I think I'm seeing triple of the Lady from Across the Crown!"
---
Desmond fires off a few shots and one connects (using the others as a distraction, clearly)! "First blood goes to the Knights!" The crowd doesn't seem any more excited that you got First Blood, though they do enjoy the fact that it happened.

He sends his wolf in, though the creature proves both hard to bite AND trip!
---
Shocrote attempts to show the wolf how to properly consume an enemy creature! It yells out "Morsels! Yum!"

Bite, Grab, Constrict (PA): 1d20 + 14 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 14 - 3 = 201d8 + 6 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 9 = 231d20 + 21 ⇒ (17) + 21 = 381d8 + 6 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 9 = 22 Baz, the contrict die is a d8, not the 2d6 I listed you; forgot the die size change when I copy-pasted.

"And Shocrote begins doing what she does best! Can she handle well armed opponents for maiden voyage, though?!?" The monster takes a bite out of Desmond's pet and grabs on! Damage math help: 23 + 22 = 45
---
Bad
Luisila, Sure&Bird, Cleaver, Omrax, Asuna, Desmond & Sahrek, Baz! A.K.A. Everyone!

Look, it's the flipmat! Reference picture

"No! Sahrek!" Súrë screams out in rage as the wolf falls.

Um, according to Des's header I think that kills Sahrek.

Súrë steps to the side (L5) and tosses his shortspear at the beast in anger!

cold iron shortspear, second range increment: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 - 2 = 12
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

He then removes an alchemist's fire from his belt and holds it up for Ilivan to grab. The BIRD grabs the vial and flies over the beast (of course staying just under the 25' restriction) and drops it from above!

bombard! (touch): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Miniupdate! Wait, shouldn't an AC have a LOT more HP than that, or are we at the levels where that starts to taper off? Like, 33 from HD, then plus Con mod? Regardless, that Swallow Whole Baz told everyone about is totally happening. Alch Fire hits and has full effect. That does remind me, though.

Performance Combat if doggie takedown does happen (CHA, BAB table mod, no perform)!: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 1 + 2 = 18

Also, though nobodys fallen in a pit yet, those who'll be moving in really far patterns (like more than 5ft steps) please leave a trail of lowercase letters for tracking for when/if pit time happens.

Ouch. No, he's dead. Ranger companions are at Level - 3 compared to their masters. So the wolf is a level 3. Looks like I get to write up a memorial post.

Burglar just has it out for animal companions. First BIG BIRD/Ilivan, now Sahrek. They're just too easy to kill. I killed my fiancee's wolf with a remorhaz and then killed my friend Jill's hippogriff with a crazy ten-armed polar bear in Reign of Winter.

He (Burglar) probably got that from me. I lost track of how many ACs and mounts I have taken out in APs...

"Sahrek!" Desmond cannot believe what he has seen. What have I done!? I should've left him out of this battle.

Desmond drops his longbow, quick draws his greatsword and charges at the creature, not thinking about his own well-being.

"You'll pay for his blood tenfold!"

Charging Power Attack: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 2 - 2 = 24
Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 5) + 6 + 6 = 19

Charging is a performance combat check if you want it, IIRC.

-Posted with Wayfinder

To be clear, it is when you hit with a charge. And you did, so the offer for a Performance Check still stands.

Performance Check: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 2 - 1 = 17

Desmond does his best to give his strike a little flourish, but his concentration mostly lies with avenging his dear companion.