GM Endless Forms' PFS 02-01 and 02-02 Before the Dawn Parts I and II (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

Before the thugs take more than two steps Maps is dashing through the store. With the confined space his guisarme is impractical, and so he drops it. However, instead of going for his gun, he draws a starknife and hurls it across the room. Before it has reached the target, he has drawn a handaxe and dagger to fill his hands.

Starknife, Point Blank, Deadly Aim at E2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Bizzle will cast Color Spray on the two thugs to the south of him! DC 16 Will

Round 1, Charge

Filios charges E2, and attacks with his Curveblade.

CB Att: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 = 16
CB Dam: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Ryster moves up and fires at the further man.

RTA, PBS: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 = 12
Damage: 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Fire at E1

Maps puts a starknife in the side of one of the men.

E1 Will: 1d20 ⇒ 4
E2 Will: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Initiative:

1. Filios, Maps, Bizzle, and Ryster
2. Enforcers

E1:
E2: 9 dmg
E3:

edit coming

Maps puts a starknife in the side of one of the men.

E1 Will: 1d20 ⇒ 13
E2 Will: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Bizzle dazzles two of the men with a spell, effectively knocking them out for quite some time. 2 HD; they're pretty much out of the fight.

I don't think Filios could have reached the only remaining enforcer. I'll just say you double moved up to him for now. I'll likewise redirect Ryster's shot at the remaining man.

Ryster fires at the last man, putting a hole in his arm. He turns to maps and smacks him with a sap.

sap: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
nonlethal damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Initiative:

1. Filios, Maps, Bizzle, and Ryster
2. Enforcers

E1: out
E2: 9 dmg, out
E3: 8 dmg

You guys are up! One enforcer left standing!

[ooc]Round 2[/dice]

Filios slides five feet to the wall and tries to finish off E3.

CB Att: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
CB Dam: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Maps steps to the last bandit's flank and swings his axe and dagger.

Flanking Handaxe: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 = 26
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Flanking Dagger: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 2 = 17
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Handaxe Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7
Crit Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Bizzle will fire his crossbow at the last thug, in the event that the others haven't already finished him off.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Bolt: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Filios and Maps quickly take down the last enforcer!

Out of combat!

Senzer wipes his brow and wrings his hands in his leather apron. “Thank you, Pathfinders! I’ve been expecting you ever since I stopped contact. Tragic illness grips my poor son, Roald, and a woman named Lura Ichon claimed to have a cure. I signed away my entire operation to the heartless wench to cure my son, but the elixirs she sends every day are diluted with cheap rum to the point of being almost useless. In exchange she’s worked me sunup to sundown manufacturing drugs for her little den of vice, the Sanguine Pit.

“I know she found a real cure for my boy—tiny amounts of it in those elixirs she sends keep him from getting worse—but I can’t march into that bar of hers and demand it. And as soon as she learns what you did to her men, she’ll kill me and Roald, as sure as you’re standing here. I want to help you, really I do, but I gave the Society everything I had for three years. Now, I need you to return the favor. If you want any help supporting your excavation, I need that cure for my son, and some guarantee that Lura Ichon won’t dump us in the bay the moment you leave.”

Each of the enforcers wears a scrimshaw bracelet worth 50 gp, which Senzer tells you marks them as a member of Ichon's crew. They also carried in total 3 oils of magic weapon, 3 potion of shield of faith, 3 chain shirts, 3 light crossbows, 30 bolts, 3 saps, and 3 scimitars.

So, we need to flesh out the real problem, Lura Ichon? Where is the Sanguine Pit, exactly? I could use one of those Shield of Faith Potions, if no one has any objections.

Seems we must take care of this gentlemen's problem in order to receive the solution to our own. Bizzle then looks to Filios and nods in agreement. Yes, where is this place? We'll see if we can't have a chat with this woman.

Cleaning off his weapons Maps listens to Senzer's proposal. If Ichon stands in the way of this mission, he's more than fine with throwing her in the bay.

"What can you tell us about Ichon?"

Ryster shuffles his feet and reloads his gun. Well? What of this Ichon?

Phew. Chem final out of the way. Ok, now I'm back in business.

Senzer explains, "Well, I've rarely dealt with Ichon one-on-one, you see. She just sends her men to harass me. And when I have talked to her she's always surrounded by some mean looking bodyguards. That's why I haven't been able to send any reports to the Society for a while; they're always around. Now the Sanguine Pit isn't too far away really. . . " He gives you directions. It is indeed very nearby and only a short walk.

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

The clamour of cheers and shouted bets drowns out any intelligible sounds in this large, crowded bar. A massive aquarium, fifteen feet on a side, dominates the room as a dog-sized lobster creature and a dark green, man-sized fish with fanged jaws circle one another, occasionally trading blows. Heady, pungent smoke fills the air, and the floor is slick with spilled drinks and seawater.

Near the central tank stands a well-dressed and well-rounded woman with raven hair. Towering over her, at seven feet tall, stands her idealized, amazonian reflection. Both women bear a curious glowing rune on their foreheads. The bookies clearly defer to the smaller woman, and everyone keeps their distance from her glamorous bodyguard.

Nearly 80 onlookers crowd the barroom of the Sanguine Pit, along with a half-dozen bookies and wait staff delivering drinks and the drugged concoctions Senzer has been brewing for Lura.

Ah, quite the showcase here! I wonder what the odds are on the lobster creature? Bizzle's eyes light up as he takes in all the wagering and action that swirls around the building. Surely we have time to make a few wagers, don't we?

Bizzle will try to get the attention of one of the patrons that looks intelligent enough to answer him. Lo! Down here! Yes, down here! I must ask, what are the odds on the lobster there for the win? Also, who is that dashing young woman? No, the shorter one?

Maps slips away from the group and through the crowd, trying to get a better feel for the Sanguine Pit, Laura Ichon, and her big twin, but also trying to blend in and look inconspicuous.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Filios takes a similar action to Maps, but he circles around from the opposite direction, hoping that the two of them can silently meet at the target, Ichon.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Map has been updated. Placed you guys near the door, feel free to move around where you'd like to go. B is Bellu the Bodyguard. L is Lura Ichon. The people are mostly in a ring around the outside of the room. Drawing the actual difficult terrain would be a pain because it's oddly shaped so we'll say that the 10 feet closest to the walls and bar (around the perimeter of the room) is difficult terrain due to the people.

Bizzle chats it up with one of the patrons. "What's that? Oh, there you are! Sorry, didn't see you down there. Ah, I'm giving the lobster 3:1 but that's just me. Ain't nothin' too fancy nor official here."

Ryster elbows his way over to the bar and orders and ale, then stand near the aquarium, watching the fight and the people with glowing forehead runes.

Damn, my other post got eaten.

Haha! That's 3:1 you say? Brilliant! I must place a wager with those forthcoming odds in play! Do I need to see those lovely ladies over there or does somebody else handle the coin? Bizzle will point at the two women in question.

I have advanced Filios 1/2 movement for difficult terrain.

We're not in rounds until you guys decide to make a move; it's just a crowd of people so she's not likely to notice you amongst the others until you do something suspicious.

"Nah, we make a handshake right here and stick around and watch the fight together. There'll be fights going on all night, the place is always packed."

If it helps to determine which way to bet, Gambler: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Oh! I see. Very well good sir, I'll take your wager, five gold on 3:1 on the whatchamacallit thingy! Do we have a deal? Bizzle will extend his hand for the required handshake. While watching the fight Bizzle will also keep an eye on the women. So tell me, I can't help but be fascinated by those woman over there. What's with them?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Ryster looks to the others, wondering when a move is going to be made. He readies his musket, while keeping an eye on the big one.

Maps continues making his way through the crowd, alert for other dangers aside from Ichon and her large twin. Seeing Bizzle gathering information he waits for a sign before taking further action.

The man gives Bizzle a smile and shakes his hand. "Deal!"

"Can't say I know much about either of them, 'cept that she's the owner and puts on these fights."

Traveling tomorrow morning. Let me know how you'd like to approach her/begin the encounter-because I imagine you'll want to open fire eventually.

Guess I'll go take a closer look then. Thanks pal!

Bizzle cast Detect Magic and then will edge closer to the woman, trying to get a look at what their forehead markings are all about.

Know: Arcana? Spellcraft? Both are the same modifier: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"What do you make of this?" Maps mutters as he slides up beside Bizzle. "Should we try talking sense to her or just start a fight?"

Bizzle detects on the woman and while she is wearing several magical items, the markings appear to be just that. Bizzle recognizes the auras of a potion of invisibility and a potion of cure light wounds.

Pretty much you can try to wait til the crowds die down only to realize this place never dies down or you just start a confrontation right now, in whatever way you see fit.

Well, Bizzle certainly doesn't want to just walk up and start a fight, he'd get smashed.

Well, I can try to convince her to leave our friend alone but I'm not going to do that on my own. Bizzle looks around the bar, wondering if anyone else would get involved if they just try to confront the women openly. Bizzle will make eye contact with the others as if to say, Here goes, be ready!

Bizzle will back up out of the way of prying eyes and attempt to cast Sleep on the two women, hopefully catching them off guard.

When Bizzle gives the get ready look Maps nods and starts moving towards Ichon. As he does he takes a small steel vial from a pouch tied next to his holster, pops the cork, and quickly drinks the contents. Almost instantly his is stride becomes fluid and graceful, his balance enhanced as the mutagen takes effect. His skin seems to tighten, giving his narrow features a hard, predatory look. He then flicks his wrist and springs a wand into hand and gives it a sharp wave before putting it away.

Taking Mutagen and activating Shield.

Filios stealthily approaches the two, using a nearby table and guests as cover.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Filios sneaks up while Maps gets ready for a fight. Bizzle begins to cast a spell and Ichor's bodyguard notices something strange.

Initiative:

1. Maps, Filios, Ryster, and Bizzle
2. Lura Ichor and Bellu

You guys are up!

@Bizzle: are you keeping sleep as your action? Your starting to cast pretty much kicked things off.

RTA, PBS: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 = 9
Damage: 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Ryster levels his weapon and fires. The gun gives an impotent pop as it misfires. Cursing, the dwarf quickly clears and reloads the chamber.

Standard fire, move+grit clear, free reload.

Yep, we'll keep using it since that's what I started. I'd like to move my 20' before starting.

Ryster's gun jams and Bizzle begins to cast a spell.

Initiative:

1. Maps, Filios, Ryster, and Bizzle
2. Lura Ichor and Bellu

Maps and Filios are up!

Before I act, Maps, is that your actual positioning on the map? I thought by your posts that you were moving forward and circling to the opposite side of the room from Filios?

Maps weaves through the crowd and among the tables, approaching Lura and her guard with eyes narrowed to dark slits. Stopping a pace from the two, he whips out his double=barreled gun and levels it at the smaller woman.

"Lura Ichon. The cure for Senser's boy. Hand it over."

Ready action to unload both barrels at her if she does anything hostile. Also, I moved Maps.

Round 1, Sneak Attack

Filios slides up next to the Amazon guard and attacks from a hidden position.

LS Att: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
LS Dam: 1d10 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 4 + (5, 6) = 20

"F++! you!" she screams back at Maps, who responds by unloading both barrels on the woman. Filios sneaks up on the guard but is unable to puncture his tough skin.

Lura pulls a small token from pocket and tosses it at Maps. It instantly transforms into a huge leather whip.

attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
nonlethal damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
grapple if that hits: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

Bellu swings his hand at Filios, followed by a knee to the stomach.

slam: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (1, 5) + 10 = 16

slam: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (3, 6) + 10 = 19

Initiative:

1. Maps, Filios, Ryster, and Bizzle
2. Lura Ichor and Bellu

Lura: 23 dmg
Bellu:

You guys are up!

Bizzle's sleep goes off. I'll center it just SW of L on the map. It only affects creatures 4HD or less so Maps wouldn't not be affected. Of course, the enemy might not be either but I thought I'd give it a shot anyway.

If I still have an action for this turn I'll fire my crossbow at whoever is not sleeping, if any, closest enemy first.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Bolt: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Protected by a magical shield and enhanced by his mutagen, Maps twists and dodges the giant whip. Holstering his firearm, he takes his guisarme in two hands and spins it at the large woman's feet, attempting to trip her and give Filios the advantage.

Trip with flanking: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 = 20

Current Statblock:
Effects: mutagen (+4 dex, +2 natural armor, -2 wis), shield (2/10 rounds)
AC 29 (10 base +7 dex, +5 armor, +2 natural armor, +1 nimble, +4 shield)
HP 42

I moved you up 5 feet into a flanking position, Maps.

Round 2, Flanking, Sneak Attack

Filios smiles deviously as he sees Maps maneuver into a tactical position. He swings his curveblade at Bellu again.

LS Att: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 = 17
LS Dam: 1d10 + 4 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (6, 1) = 13

You were right, Endless...as soon as I went Keen, I have not been able to hit anything!

Lura Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Bellu Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Bizzle is unable to put them to sleep and his crossbow fires wildly, hitting a patron in the gut! Nat 1 mishap!

Maps trips the woman and Filios puts a blade into her.

Told you. I've seen it happen far too many times. My inquisitor got keen on his scimitar and then didn't roll above 15 for about 2-3 games. My fiancee's inquisitor in our RoW has had a keened falchion for about 5 levels and has only crit with it a handful of times.

Initiative:

1. Maps, Filios, Ryster, and Bizzle
2. Lura Ichor and Bellu

Lura: 36 dmg, prone
Bellu:

Ryster is up!

Didn't this say out of combat earlier? Or am I imagining?

Ryster levels his musket and fires at Lura again.

RTA, PBS: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Ha, yeah, you caught me between updates. I accidentally looked at the 1-2 stats and thought, wow, Maps one-shotted her! wait, that's not right. . .

Ryster hits Lura and she falls unconscious. Bellu v(b)anishes instantly.

Now we're out of combat!

She carried a masterwork morningstar, two potions, a wand, and glowing chain shirt.

Instantly the place is in an uproar. The Sanguine Pit’s staff loots the till and carries away whatever valuables they can reach. Only the bartender, Weigo, remains to congratulate you and even offers you a cut of the night's proceeds.

He then serves a round of drinks in honor of his unexpected “promotion” to owner of the Sanguine Pit. The patrons likewise do their best to drown you in free drinks.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

That is crazy stuff, Endless.