GM Endless Forms' PFS 02-23 and 02-24 Shadow's Last Stand Parts I and II (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

What time is it? Do we have time to hit the club, then make it to the docks in the evening?

If it is daytime I think we should investigate Jarovar first. He may know something important to help us deal with the Spider.

She’s on the docket to give her speech two days and two nights from now, at midmorning. You’ll need to have all your evidence against her together by then. Once you find your initial leads, you’ll probably be moving at night for the most part, which should give you plenty of time to accomplish your tasks before the speech. Do try to get in a couple hours of shut-eye, though.

Assuming you were doing most of the investigation in the evening, it is probably quite late at night now. You can probably hit the club tonight and then pick it up again in the morning. You have two days before the Spider gives her speech.

The Theater District of Almas is filled with old architecture and buildings of a traditional style, save for one: a gaudy, tall structure painted several shades of bright green, everburning torches on either side of the face of the building illuminating the words “The Captive Audience,” painted in overly elaborate, nearly unreadable letters.

When you arrive, a small gnome stands before the stage directing the actors in a rehearsal for the performers for the latest play. He wears armor and directs with a longsword, pointing at the actors and the stage with his weapon as he shouts commands and berates his workers, demanding seemingly impossible feats of them repeatedly. The actors all wear various pieces of armor and wield weapons, though these offer but vague clues as to what the obscure play is actually about.

Maximo approaches the diminutive director, and bows in a Qadiran style. "A thousand pardons my good gnome, is this The Captive Audience I have heard so much about? It is said you employ the finest actors. I would assume so, considering the challenging instructions I have just been witness to."

The gnome turns around with a start to face Maximo. He waves his hands at the actors, who stop their rehearsal. "Why, yes, this is The Captive Audience and I am Senlokto Boraminder, the director. As you can see, we're quite busy preparing for our next performance. What can I do for you? And make it quick!"

"We've heard wonderful things about your Patron. I wonder if they might be around. We've some possible ideas about business."

Kilian stands back slightly, watching the area around them as the party talks with the gnome.

"Yes, yes. Your Patron." Maximo says, more interested in the actors on stage. "It is said you have a revolving troupe of thespians. Have you need of any at the moment? I happen to know someone quite versed in the arts. Has been seen at the Kitharodian, even!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26

Auto success to Aid Another for Maximo's check. He gets a +4 from his Taldor boon, IIRC.

Auto-aid as well.

Baz stands behind, nodding emphatically.

Senlokto responds, "Why, we have many patrons here. I'm afraid I don't understand your line of inquiry. And we are quite set on actors for the moment, as you may have noticed."

"Could you introduce us to any of your Patrons? There is one specifically we need to have a discussion with."

Kilian nods along with the gnome.

"Ahhh," the gnome responds quietly, "and who would you like to speak with? Just so that we are understanding each other."

Baz holds his hands up. "Ok, we have a confession to make. We are not as we appear. Truth be told, we have formed a small acting troupe and have I....we have written a performance. We think we have created something stellar and were told by some who claimed to be in the know, that we should seek out a producer going by the name of Scorpion or something. Surely you were once a struggling artist. Could you at least point us in the right direction?" Baz says meekly.

Bluff: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27

Bluff Reroll: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 3 = 27

"Say no more! I've heard enough lies and I know exactly what you seek. You'll never reach your destination though."

The gnome casts a quick spell and goes invisible.

Initiative:

1. Senlokto
2. Max, Alie, Kilian, and Baz

You guys are up!

Alie quickly casts Deep Slumber, centered on the area the other gnome was last seen.

DC 22 Will save to resist, if I get his square correctly targeted.

Kilian goes defensive, looking around to see if anyone else is reacting.

Maximo was one breath away from launching into a powerful recital of "Oppara, the Guilded City" when the vile gnome decided to go off-script.

"Shelyn's glaive! Where did he go?" Maximo draws his weapon and offers some encouraging words for his allies. "Well it seems the director has shown his true colors - but fear not, invisibility will not hide them for long! Let us dismiss with the pleasantries and convince him of the error of his ways!"

Draw weapon, begin Bardic Courage (+1 to hit and damage, +1 to saves vs fear).

Cursing his ability to lie, Baz steps to the northeast and fires an arrow at the last spot the gnome was standing.

Inspired Point Blank Shot in the Dark: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 9
Miss!: 1d100 ⇒ 8

The arrow sails across the stage, clattering against the far wall.

"Don't forget what we were warned about, Baz."

Baz gives Killian a questioning look, but nods.

That's right; it's late at night. I'd lost track.

Maximo begins a rousing chant but none of the party's other attacks seem to have done much, as seconds later the gnome pops up grinning next to Alie, holding his sword out threateningly.

Initiative:

1. Senlokto
2. Max, Alie, Kilian, and Baz

You guys are up!

"Don't do this." Kilian elects to knock over the gnome instead of cutting at him.

Trip attempt, incl. soft cover: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 12 - 4 = 28

1d20 ⇒ 13

Alie takes a 5' step backwards, and casts Vanish on herself, and shimmers out of sight.

Kilian recovers from his follow-through and adds laconically, "It's an illusion."

"Bah! I've seen better tricks from street performers!" Maximo laughs at the illusion. "Obviously, this gnome is an amateur."

Taking an extract from his coat, he downs it like one might a snifter of brandy. He then steps forward, goading the director.

"Let us duel like Aboth and Merisok in "The Three Aldoris".

Extract of Shield.

"Come out of hiding you poor excuse for a fey. Gremlins could produce a better performance than this dribble you try to pawn off as high art!" Baz says wickedly while glancing around the room, and drawing his Smine.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 16 + 2 = 26
Fire Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 7

Cast Blistering Invective 30' radius.

I really wish I had See Invisibility or Glitterdust! How in the world did Alie get this far without Glitterdust?!

I concur...pertaining to Baz. *jots note on "to purchase" list*

Ref: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

The party continues to wait for their tricky gnome menace to come out of hiding and stop toying with them.

---

Suddenly the gnome appears as his blade hits Kilian!

Attack from invisibility (denied your Dex):
+1 keen longsword: 1d20 + 15 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 15 + 2 - 2 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

+1 keen longsword: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 2 = 12
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Initiative:0

1. Senlokto
2. Max, Alie, Kilian, and Baz

S: 7 dmg, shaken 1 round

You guys are up!

Baz drops his blade and fires an arrow at the gnomes head!

Attack, PBS, Inspire: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13

Heh, two 1's in a row.

The squirrely gnome moves too quick and Baz puts another arrow in the wall.

Alie pops back into view as she fires a volley of magical energies at the gnome.

Magic Missile 4d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3, 3, 4) + 4 = 18

Kilian turns and backs away from the gnome. "Let's try this for real." His guisarme sweeps out for the foe's legs.

Trip attempt, incl. leaping attack: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 1 = 30

Baz's arrow hits an innocent actor trying to duck for cover behind a prop while Alie's magic missiles blast into the gnome! Kilian then trips the gnome and puts him on the ground.

Initiative:

1. Senlokto
2. Max, Alie, Kilian, and Baz

S: 25 dmg, shaken 1 round, prone

Max is up!

"Aha! Exit, stage floor!" Charging his weapon with arcane power, Maximo dashes back and attacks the gnome.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Damage with Arcane Strike: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (2, 6) + 11 = 19

"Surrender and be spared!"

Max cuts into the gnome. Senlokto screams back, "Never, you pigs!" He swings his own sword back at Max from the ground.

+1 keen longsword: 1d20 + 15 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 15 - 2 - 4 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

+1 keen longsword: 1d20 + 10 - 2 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 10 - 2 - 4 = 13
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Initiative:

1. Senlokto
2. Max, Alie, Kilian, and Baz

S: 44 dmg, prone

You guys are up!

Kilian shrugs. "Have it your way. Baz, better see to that actor." He brings his guisarme down on the fallen gnome.

PA on prone gnome: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Damage, if applicable: 2d4 + 12 ⇒ (4, 4) + 12 = 20

"I can do this all day! Give up now, or you are done for!"

Magic Missile 4d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1, 2, 1) + 4 = 12

3rd 1st level spell cast so far today, along with one third level spell.

Parrying and dodging sword strikes, Maximo gives the gnome a swift kick, hoping to knock him out rather than kill him.

Kick with Prone bonus: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 4 = 23
Damage: 1d3 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

The gnome dodges out of the way of Kilian's guisarme, although Alie's missiles hit him right-on again. Max also brings his foot down on the gnome. That will provoke though.

+1 keen longsword: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 15 - 4 = 15
damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
One of these times he'll roll more than 10. It's because he put keen on it; it's a rule that you can't roll more than 15 if you keen your weapon.

Initiative:

1. Senlokto
2. Max, Alie, Kilian, and Baz

S: 56 dmg, 8 nonlethal, prone

Baz is up!

I don't think Killian added +4 for prone. If that happens to make a difference.

Giving up on the bow, Baz drops it and moves forward, drawing a scimitar, and swinging at the gnome.

Attack vs Prone: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 4 = 30
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 4 = 22
Crit Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

I think prone is technically a -4 AC, so I generally adjust for that unless I see that people have added it to their rolls. In Kilian's case it doesn't make a difference.

Baz moves forward and hits the gnome with his scimitar, narrowly missing an organ!

DC 19 Defensive Casting: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

The gnome casts a spell from the ground and once again turns invisible!

Initiative:

1. Senlokto
2. Max, Alie, Kilian, and Baz

S: 60 dmg, 8 nonlethal

You guys are up!

Baz curses as the gnome disappears once more and swings in the spot he last was.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Miss: 1d100 ⇒ 37

Maximo continues his rousing words. "Press the attack, my friends, he cannot remain concealed forever!" He then swings his sword at the spot where the enemy last was.

Maintain Bardic Performance (+1 hit/damage/fear) 3/8
Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Concealment >50= Hit: 1d100 ⇒ 77
Damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (3, 6) + 5 = 14

Kilian also strikes at the gnome's last known location

PA Guisarme attack at last known location, incl. inspire courage: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 1 = 20
Miss chance, hi=hit: 1d100 ⇒ 75
Damage, if applicable, incl. inspire courage: 2d4 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (3, 2) + 12 + 1 = 18

Alie readies an action to cast a spell for when the gnome reappears.