DM Rich's Carrion Crown

Game Master Briccone

Sophie drives her longspear at the remaining zombie, grimacing.

longspear, attack, power attack, Bull's Strength: 1d20 + 8 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 - 1 + 2 = 29 for piercing, cold iron, weapons against evil: 1d8 + 7 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 3 + 3 = 21

confirm crit: 1d20 + 8 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 1 + 2 = 18 for piercing, cold iron, weapons against evil: 2d8 + 14 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 8) + 14 + 6 + 6 = 35

As Vivian escapes from the clutches of the remaining Juju zombie, Sophie's longspear completely impales the creature and pulls it apart into a puddle of limbs and black goo, not terribly unlike the necromatic alchemical serum you found in the cabinet.

Combat Over

Injury report: Bert 10 damage, Vivian 4 damage, Amaria 1 damage.

A subsequent search of the room only reveals 36 corpses preserved by some type of nercomatic magic. Nothing of value is found.

Okay, you've searched all the rooms in the factory. If you want to give the remaining mongrelmen any direction, feel free to do so. Otherwise, the group had considered returning to the courthouse to make sure the city's angry residents don't do anything to the Beast who's jailed there.

Thank you Sophie... I wouldn't dare to be one of your foe... Your skill and power with that spear are impressive. Does anyone need some healing? Thank you, Tara, by the way.

"I would pose that we suggest to the mongrelmen that they remain here for the next day or two, and that we shall make an introduction to our friends at the carnival. I am hopeful that they would be able to find gainful employment there.

"At that, I say that we should return to the courthouse to offer our client what protection we can against unruly townsfolk."

we didn't leave any items behind, did we? Were there any doors or rooms we didn't thoroughly go through?

Sophie pats Vivian on the arm. "Of course, child."

You're quite sure you thoroughly explored the factory.

Assuming everyone is fine with the plan is to introduce the mongrelmen to the Crooked Kin later, there are two things I would like to know before moving you back to the courthouse. First, is there going to be any healing? The second, what are you going to do with Volkstag's unconscious (and gross) body?

Bert, you seem wounded too. Let me heal that.

Vivian traces a spiral on the warrior's wound, praying to Pharasma

CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

and gives the now whole flesh a playful kiss

Now, your boo-boo is better. Can we drag the body of Volstag? Maybe improvise a stretcher or something like that with a bed or table??

Removing her bedroll and some rope from her pack, Tara lays it down next to the skin-less body of Volstag. "We can put him in here and carry him to the courthouse. I would also like to recover as many of the skins from his wardrobe as possible, if not the wardrobe itself; It will bring attention to all of the crimes that these monsters have done in the nearby area, even those that we are not aware of." Offering a nervous smile to the others, Tara straightens her tunic, waiting for some help to move the body and create a make-shift travois.

"I would concur with Ms. Elaide's assessment."

Being used to dead bodies, as a Pharasman, Vivian naturally comes to Tara's help, wrapping Volstag in sheets from the beds upstairs with a cold and detached efficiency, and asking Bert to break a door so they can use it to transport the body.

She, however, doesn't dare to touch the various human skins.

Someone else will have to carry these.

"Bert and I will carry the whole cabinet to the courthouse as evidence."

I didn't realize the skinwalker was still conscious. That's interesting!

Yes, Tara used Stabilize on Volkstag right after he hit the floor.

Vivian heals the majority of Bert's wound, and the fighter blushes bright red at her playful kiss afterwards.

Tara then takes the initiative by providing her bedroll and rope to obscure and bind Volkstag. Afterwards, Vivian gets Bert's help in removing a door and gathering some sheets to create a make-shift travois to carry the body.

Bert then reluctantly agrees to help Sophie carry the heavy cabinet out of factory and to the courthouse.

* * *

Although the group is quite a sight as it makes it way back in the early evening with a travois and two people carrying a heavy wardrobe, no one accosts you or seems to notice as the streets are mostly dead. In fact the city seems eerily quite until you begin to near the courthouse.

You hear loud, angry shouting demanding justice and/or death to the Beast before you see the large mob gathered in a park adjacent to the court building. There appears to be at least two score of angry townpeople, carrying torches and crude weapons, being riled up by a number of leaders. The crowd's wrath seems almost inflamed to a fevered pitch, readying itself to attack the courthouse at any moment.

There appears to be just enough time to make inside the courthouse before the mob attacks. Although if you prefer to deal with the situation on the outside that's fine as well. Depending on which way the group wants to deal with it, I'll get a map up once I know. Splitting up is also an option, Bert and Amaria will either go where directed or with the majority.

"Let's get inside before they over the courthouse!"

I agree. We don't need these folks to get angry because their favorite scapegoat might not be guilty as charged. This is their justice's job to tell them. Let's be as quick and discreet as possible.

"Yes, we should make our entry into the courthouse post-haste!"

GM: Is there a balcony or large windows from which we could try to address the crowd once we're inside?

Tara stops and stares frightfully at the crowd amassing. "You can all go ahead, I'm going to try and dissuade their anger. If they make it to the courthouse they very well may burn it down along with anyone inside it." Shaking slightly, Tara approaches the crowd.

"Friends it is awfully late for a mid-summer night bonfire." she shouts, announcing her presence to the mob.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Sophie, Vivian, Dr. Von Herzog, and Amaria swiftly make their way to the courthouse, while Tara remains behind to try to address the mob. Bert stays with her in case things go poorly.

As they arrive with the heavy wardrobe and unconscious body of Volkstag, those going to the courthouse are quickly ushered inside by the guards and the doors are relocked and barred behind them.

As Tara begins to address the crowd, someone from the crowd yells, "She's one of the outsiders defending that murderous freak! Don't listen to her lies!" In response, some of the mob begin to gather up rocks from the nearby gravel path and seem ready to throw them in her direction.

The rest of the angry mob begins to move more earnestly towards the courthouse, repeating the chant, "Give up the Beast! Give up the Beast! Justice for Lepidstadt!"

Okay, the mob is just about to assault the courthouse, although Tara has the attention of some (albeit ready to throw rocks at her). Information about the courthouse map follows below. If those in the courthouse want to direct the guards, it's an Intimidation check. If you want to try to disperse the mob with Diplomacy or Intimidation check, you'll need to address from either the ground or the courthouse balcony or an open window. If you just want to attack or cast spells at them, then those rolls follow normal combat rules. Bert and Amaria will do whatever you direct them to do, otherwise they will default to protecting the others in the group.

Here is a link to the new map. I've labeled the floors on the map for easy of reference. The second floor does have a balcony, which is probably best for interacting with the mob. The balcony has an A beside it. Those in the courthouse can move their icon anywhere they wish to be at this moment, assume the items you brought back from the chemical factory are safely stored.

Tara and Bert aren't exactly where I've placed them on the map, but they have 11 belligerents about to throw rocks at them. If it turns into combat, I'll deal with their placement then.

Otherwise 44 other members of the mob are closing in on the courthouse. If you are on the ground or make it to the balcony, you can see that they are carrying portable rams, 20 foot ladders, ropes, and grappling hooks. They are appear to be ordinary people, so if you open up aggressively on them, they won't be able to put up much of a fight.

So, let me know what you want your character to do here, including movement (please move yourself if you can). Once everyone takes some actions (feel free to command Amaria or Bert, otherwise see above), the mob will go.

Sophie rushes upstairs to the balcony. "Come, help me to talk them down before blood is shed!" She murmurs a prayer for guidance and then steps up to the balcony.

"People of Lepistadt! The trial has not yet ended! Justice yet awaits you! Please go home to your beds and your families. The trial tomorrow will give you a shock; you will need your rest!"

Diplomacy, enhanced Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13
maybe Amaria's roll will be better...

Diplo, Amaria: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Diplo aid, Vivian: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Amaria's voice rise
People of Lepidstadt.. You are facing the halls of justice your forefathers have build, ensuring that everyone will receive a chance to be defended and judged, instead of being simply lynched by a mob. If you dare Attack this place, and the guards who are here to hold the peace, remember you are not only spitting on your past, you are endangering your future. If any of you, standing in this crowd tonight, is in the next months or years accused of Something, if your children, or grandchildren, are suspected of a crime, where will you be, where they be protected from the wrath of their neighbours? Who will stand between them and the fury of the townpeople? Who will defend you, and try to prove your innocence, if there is no longer a judge, no longer a law, no longer some rights for the accused? Will you let Lepidstat go down into chaos, and let the strong decide of your fate? Who would listen to the voice of the poor, the innocent, the weak and the wrongly accused, if the crowd take justice in his bloodied hands tonight?

Vivian adds a few elements to think about
If the Beast of Lepidstat is guilty, it will be executed. If he's innocent of the crimes he's accused of, and you try to kill him tonight, will you be able to forgive yourself? Look at you, Lepidstadt!! Look who's next to you in that crowd. If you kill an innocent, you will have to face this man, or this woman, perhaps every day in the street. Won't it be better to meet him, or her, with a smile in a few days, after you've gone back to your houses tonight, knowing you have done the right thing, you have let justice follow its course, instead of lowering your head, so they won't see how ashamed of yourself you are, because you listened to foolish and hateful mouths?

Sophie's words to the assembled mob fall on deaf ears. More the same insulting jeers heard from the courtroom echo out from the angry townfolk.

Amaria's speech, boosted by Vivian, seem to have a much greater effect as you notice at least 4 people appear affected by her words and leave the mob.

I'll give Tara and Stefan until Sunday to act before moving forward with what the mob does.

Taking the liberty to move Amaria's and Vivian's tokens...

Chasing after his friends, the doctor makes it to the balcony, but is too winded to offer additional words.

He surveys the crowd, contemplating the effectiveness of his various spells as a crowd-control device.

He whispers to Sophie, "I could attempt to scare them off with a show of thaumaturgic might... but that gambit could also enrage them further!"

While Dr. Von Herzog gets into position on the balcony and ponders the use of intimidating magic against the angry crowd, Tara and Bert bravely remain outside distracting some of the mob. Those angry villagers all await the cleric's words for a few more moments as they continue to gather rocks to presumably throw at her and her bodyguard.

The rest of the mob begins to move into action. While the majority of its members chant their desire to kill the Beast, ten of their members break away from the greater group with portable rams in tow. They swiftly move towards the main doors to get into position to knock them down. In addition, five of the more boisterous members of the crowd move behind some bushes and each train a crossbow on those standing on the balcony.

The unhappy faces are mob members with the rams. The icons with colored borders are the loud villagers with crossbows. The map isn't exactly correct with the positioning, but assume you can make ranged attacks (within 30') on any enemy currently on the map, although the crossbow people have some cover. Tara and Bert can move to melee attack those at the front doors as well.

PC's are up, please see the spoiler below for a refresher on how social checks work in this encounter.

Sophie looks mournfully at the others gathered on the balcony. "Shall we continue to try to reason with them? Or shall we now turn on them?"

Dodging the thrown rocks, Tara approaches those attempting to ram down the door. "Friends, please! We have uncovered that Ga-the beast is not the one responsible for the horrendous crimes that have plagued your streets! We have just come from the Chymic works where we discovered that Mr. Vorkstag and Mr. Grine have been responsible for all of the misdeeds that you have attributed to the Beast! Mr. Vorkstag is not even human, if you put aside your anger for one last night, you will see tomorrow during the trial!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

As Tara departs from the side mob, they collectively shrug and join the rest without throwing any rocks at her or Bert. The cleric then attempts to talk sense into the villagers with the ram, but those at the front doors ignore her, while those with crossbows point their weapons at her and her chaperone.

Sophie, Vivian, Stefan (and Amaria)

Please gods, let these people see reason...

"Please leave! We don't want to see more violence in the name of Justice, but we will not see you murder an innocent!" She pleads with them, begging one last time.

diplomacy, enhanced diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 2 = 22

"Don't listen to her, she's protecting that monster!" One of the townfolk with a crossbow hisses back in response to Sophie. Nevertheless, Sophie's words touch one of the men at the door and he hastily moves away from the door and the mob.

Vivian, Stefan, (and Amaria)

Diplomacy, Aid: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Diplo, Amaria: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

The redhead starts to talk

Please, listen to the voice of reason, not to the hate and spite blinding your hearts. What is a monster, if not someone who follows his passions, even if they are destructive, instead of reason? Do you realise you accuse someone of being a monster.. while acting as an heartless, brainless monster yourself?

Then the hunting paladin adds
Give Justice the time and peace to follow its course. You have nothing to gain by bloodying your hands tonight. What is one more day? A few more hours to know if the Beast is guilty or innocent, and more importantly,a few more ours to keep your own innocence, by leaving peacefully.

Another of what appears to be a ringleader with a crossbow retorts Vivian and Amaria, "Everyday we let that abomination live is another day we dishonor those who died at its hands! We can't trust those judges to make the right decision when we already know what it is, that monster has to die tonight before it kills anymore children!"

The crowd seems somewhat swayed by Vivian and Amaria, but when the ringleader brings up dead children, it sways them back into assaulting the building.

Stefan is up.

Realizing that his friends are losing the crowd, Stefan attempts a desperate tactic.

Stepping forward, he throws his arms wide and shouts, "People of Lepidstadt!! Disperse, or face the arcane might of Dr. Von Herzog, wizard!!"

The doctor shouts arcane phrases, then fires a bolt of lightning toward the sky. The crackle of electricity, the roar of thunder, and the smell of ozone fill the air.

"GO HOME!!!"

Casts lightning bolt, but not at anything or anyone. I'm hoping that this show of magical force provides some kind of circumstance bonus to...

Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Yes, I'll definitely give you a circumstance bonus for that.

The crowd goes deathly quiet at Dr. Von Herzog's powerful arcane display, and a few of them appear to be quite cowed. Nevertheless, one of the ringleaders attempts to sway them back, "Stay firm or everyone will know of your cowardice!"

Despite the ringleader's attempt, three of the villagers by the door run away from the door and the mob.

The remaining mob by the door seem far less zealous in their attempt to break down the front doors, but those in front still use portable rams to attempt to burst the east and west doors. The east door holds firm, but the west door groans loudly as if it were almost broken.

The two remaining ringleaders with crossbows (Green and Blue) not working crowd control aim their crossbows at Dr. Von Herzog. The first bolt flies wildly by, while the second hits the Doctor in the shoulder. "See, he's human! He can bleed. You have nothing to worry about!" The accurate crossbowman calls out afterwards. After firing their weapons, the attackers begin work reloading. Assuming Stefan's AC is 16 or lower, he takes 5 damage from Green's heavy crossbow.

Afterwards, Bert looks to Tara, "Are you sure you don't want me to beat up these guys?"

All the PC's are up (Plus Bert and Amaria). There are only 6 angry villagers trying to break down the front doors now (With 5 ringleaders nearby with crossbows). Stefan has 5 damage.

Sophie growls and murmurs a prayer casting Sanctuary on herself. How high up is the balcony? She may jump down as her move action

To give you a better image, here is the full description of the balcony. This also answers Sophie's question.

The grand balcony overlooks the town square 15 feet below, surrounded by a low, 4-foot-high stone railing. A huge brass and wooden clock dominates the balcony’s rear wall. Known locally as “Father Time,” the clock is plain but enormously noisy; its huge bell (suspended in a small tower in the courthouse) strikes every hour.

Sophie draws her longspear and stays on the balcony.

"Ow!" The doctor retreats from the balcony. He calls upon arcane forces to temporarily stanch his wounds until he can stitch himself back up properly.

Casts false life. Gains 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 temporary hit points.

He quickly moves to the courthouse guards. "You there! The townsfolk are trying to break in to lynch the prisoner! What kind of guardsmen are you, just standing there?! Help us defend the building!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Wow!

Stefan, the guards are currently guarding the doors from the inside in case the mob breaches them. Is there something specific you would like them to do? If not, you can use the intimidate roll for something else.

Tara flinches at the sound of thunder and the smell of ozone from Stefan's spell. At Bert's question Tara worries her bottom lip as she watches the doctor temporarily disappear from view to treat his wound. "I just don't want to see any of these townspeople hurt. They're scared and skittish;" she pleads, before turning her attention towards the men working on the west door. "If they get in, Ga-the beast will rend them limb from limb! We have to stop them!"

Pulling out her dagger, Tara swallows nervously as she ascends the steps. "Friends, I am afraid that your continued defiance of the right of due-process cannot go without consequence. Please forgive me." Tara shouts out as she lifts her dagger up to poke the man in front of her in the shoulder.

However in nervousness to avoid any lasting harm, makes her dagger go wide.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 4 = 7

We should get on the first floor, and quick!

Vivian springs into action, dashing towards the stairs

Double move

Tara decides to use force to stop the angry mob from breaking into the courthouse, although her first dagger strike misses.

Vivian moves herself to first floor.

Waiting to see what Stefan wants the guards to do. Also, if you all want Bert and Amaria to do anything, feel free to bot them or let me know and I'll run them.

I'll assume that Stefan just riles up the guards to protect the first floor if the mob gets inside. If Stefan wants them to do something specific, please let me know.

I hadn't checked the map in my last post, so Vivian is still on the second floor, but is close to the stairs leading down.

Bert draws his sword, but doesn't yet attack due to Tara's conflicted answer, while Amaria remains on the balcony with Sophie and Dr. Von Herzog, presumably to draw fire.

With no crowd control to worry about this time, the ringleaders prepare to fire their crossbows. Green and Blue finish reloading, while the leaders in red and yellow fire crossbow bolts at Bert which both miss. The ringleader in black then shoots at Amaria and hits her in the back. That ringleader then says, "Ignore the girl, I'll take care of her. Killing that monster is more important!" Amaria takes 7 damage.

The men and women left at the door continue to obey orders and attempt to ram the front doors once more. Both portals groan as the rams land against them, but still hold firm.

Everyone is up, Stefan has 5 damage and 10 Temp HP, while Amaria has taken 7 damage. Let me know what you want Bert and Amaria to do.

Can Amaria shoot arrows for Non Lethal damage?

I don't see any blunt arrows on her character sheet, so no.

Safe in her sanctuary , Sophie whispers a prayer to the gods which makes her grow to an incredible size, then she clambers over the side of the balcony, lowers herself down, and then drops the last few feet to the ground.

casting enlarge person

Sophie, Enlarge Person takes a round to cast, so you won't be larger or be able to easily climb down until your next turn.

Sophie begins casting a spell to make herself larger.

Vivian, Tara, Stefan. Amaria and Bert.

Bert, amaria, follow me.. we'll try to stop this fools without too much bloodshed. We'll have to use the Blunt of our blades, of course.

Vivian calls her companions into action, and gets downstairs as quick as possible without falling

My plan is to get on the first floor and to use Non lethal attacks. Sorry, these last few days at work were horrible, but now I have a week off

Bashing the butt of her blade against the man's shoulder in front of her, Tara lets out a frustrated cry. "Please stop this! Listen to reason!"

Attack Non-lethal: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 4 = 16
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Vivian calls out to Amaria and Bert to follow her to the first floor, while Tara smacks one of the mob with the butt of her blade.

Already on the grounds outside, Bert advances on the same townsperson and attempts to slam the flat of his blade against the man's back. He slips on some mud, however, and completely misses.

Bert NL attack: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 9 - 4 = 6

Stefan stays on the balcony for a moment in case his magic is needed on the crowd.

The townsperson Tara hits with her dagger panics and runs away with fear in his eyes. This causes the others by the door to break as well. While the injured man exits from the scene, the others return to the mob. The ringleader with crossbows follow and work on getting the crowd worked up again for another assault.

Tara can make an attack of opportunity on one of the breaking townfolk if she wishes.

I placed guards on the map. 6 are at the front doors, 4 are at the side the doors, and 2 are with the Beast in the basement. Since Stefan made a roll to order them, you can move them around if you wish.

You all have 1 combat round to do any actions you wish. Social actions will not work because the ringleaders have the crowd's attention. After this round is over, another assault will begin.

Now considerably larger, Sophie lowers herself over the side of the balcony and drops to the ground. As she holds her spear out, she murmurs a prayer to the gods...

dropping to the ground as a move action and casting Bull's Strength on herself. She will AoOs nonlethally, without power attack. GM, you may roll them. While enlarged she has 2 AoOs total and 15' of reach.
1d20+8+2-4 for 2d6+10

Stefan, do you know spell to keep doors locked? I could jam the lock, but we don't have time..

Vivian studies the situation, as quickly as possible
We don't have time to put on a barricade.Bert, dress a line of shields with the other guards to stop the folk invading. We need to put down their leaders quick, to minimize casualities. Amaria, try to find the loudmouth, and give them an arrow to the knee if needed, nothing lethal.

I should have studied magic more...THere are probably some charms that could be useful here.