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I usually look to simplify things on boards, especially since some of you are telling me you are very pressed for time. If you all want to roll 2 and wanna do the extra math going forward, we can. Talk about it in discussion. I'm cool either way as average damage will be the same. Resolve this round as called for since we've already started.
The blast of flame engulfs Edmond and he is struck down.
Devil charges the mage-skele Tessai attacked. (Unless it's already down)
With hair still ablaze and half his face burned away, Edmond looks more a nightmarish hell-creature than anything the director could have envisioned.
With a roar of anger and agony, he launches himself at the other large skeleton.
Hp=2/30
Ac=20
Beppo hacks at the remaining large skeleton, hoping to bring it down.
Beppo charges at caster D, rage boiling in his eyes thanks to the now-singed quality of his wardrobe.
Next turn:
Take that you undead motherf*%$ers!!
AC: 21
HP: 19
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Round 4
As everyone gets burned, Tessai moves to the front, drawing an AoO.
She charges forward, and knocks out one of the mage skeletons. Aemon falls to the ground with Edmond...but Edmond is able to retain consciousness thanks to Kyle's Channel. Both prone on the ground, the alchemist launches himself into a wrestling match, teeth and claws flying, and emerges victorious.
Beppo launches himself forward, and hits the remaining skeleton.
Enemy Turn
The remaining caster takes a five foot step back. Again, rocks come down from the sky hitting the majority of people.
This spell doesn't allow a save.
not in AoE
Everyone except Corellon takes six points. Aemon dies.
Beppo, full of rage, strikes the last skeleton down. The audiance stands up, clapping!
The curtain comes down.
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Status
5' Kyle (2/20 Shield), Aemon (-12/28 Drovalid, Dead),
PFL Beppo (16/31 ), Tessai (16/26 Dentris, Protection f/Evil), Edmond (-4/30 Tybsin, Shield of Faith, KO'd, Prone, Bleeding), B Devil (19/25 ), Corellon (12/18 Larazod),
10' SkeleA (KO'd, Out), SkeleB (KO'd, Lg,Reach, Prone),
50' SkeleC (KO'd, ), SkeleD (KO'd, ),
Save was failed, 31 damage, Aemon at -3
Kyle made his save, channelled for 3, Aemon at 0
bleeding out, -1 HP, Aemon at -1
6 HP latest and last stones fall, Aemon at -7
5 HP to go.
Beppo roars at the shattered skeletons. He turns to the crowd and releases another yell, his eyes bulging with roid rage as he shakes his blade.
As the curtain falls, so does his adrenaline and testosterone levels. He turns to Aemon, then to Kyle.
Is he alright? Is he going to make it? he asks the priest.
Edmond staggers to his feet, grasping Kyle with one clawed hand. He doesn't seem to know what to say.
My... my thanks.
He then moves to one of the large skeletons and, siezing its oversized skull in both hands, rips it from the vertebrae. Turning to the crowd and with a roar hurls it into the crowd with little regard for where it lands.
HAVE YOU HAD YOUR FILL!?
He spits and turns to the others.
Brandon is demanding to know if everyone is healthy. Please, he is making my head ache worse that those giants.
"There's another scene.", Devil cautions coolly. "Eyes on the prize."
Tessai kneels nexto to Aemon - Survive my friend...
"If we have lost him, I am executing Thesing as soon as I leave this stage" - Tessai looks round for a few moments - "Actually... this is going to be settled NOW!"
The tiefling female stands up and storms out of stage - "Where is Thesing?!" - you can hear her roar as she makes way backstage with her spear in hand.
Devil falls in beside Tessai, breaking protocol to use her personal name, "Tessai!", he hushes. "I can stop you.", he states.
Into the wedged sliver of mind he hopes that made, he hurriedly casts reason. "The action you contemplate destroys the value earned so far. Do not reduce it all to failure."
He couldn't see if any of that has found purchase. So he tried for delay. "Wait until the next scene. Turn it to success."
Tessai throws a sideways glance at Devil as she turns to answer - "You need to step aside... I do not need to speak to you but to Thesing - there is something DEADLY wrong with the Acts - one of us lies DEAD on stage. Please move... aside..." - her voice starts clear but ends in a growl, as her eyes unmistakingly gleam red.
"Below stage you say... I'll find the wy there myself thank you"
Storming off again she will look for a way to get below stage.
"Lotus, a theatre is a labyrinth. You'll miss your cue, you'll miss his cue; he'll get away. Do not follow your rage to where he only might be found; Go to where you know he will appear."
Tessai knows Devil is right - she knows it pointless to run amok through the theatre expecting to find Thesing, but she cannot shake the image of Aemon lying dead - stupidly, A WASTE!
Punching repeatedly an unfortunate nearby piece of set, she growls, holding back tears and dark thoughts. It stops as abruptly as it started while the tiefling looks upon Devil - "You are right Devil - but he will die TODAY" - her expressionless face as scary as her earlier rage.
"He will die in front of everyone... Lets go!"
"I don't doubt your will. But I don't see your wisdom. How is this Thesing's work? You think HE summoned liches? Loose your tongue, surely. But keep your blade sheathed, until you can put it where it truly belongs. Don't let your anger remove the mask your will, still needs."
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Well, there's some illusions at work in this one, and some good ol' fashioned know how with some props. Nothing terribly fancy, and nothing nearly as deadly as what you all faced.
He sees Aemon dead next to Kyle.
I'm...I'm sorry about your loss, friend. I'm surprised any of you survived, really. I've been told you're the first in recent history. The director doesn't know about his death yet...he was getting prepared as well. But he could hear the thunder of applause. I think it's the first time I've seen him crack a smile without insulting someone first!!
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You briefly see Robahl coming from around the curtain, heading to the ladder that leads up to the catwalk. Wearing a very fancy devil like costume, he is very focused.
Act VI—Trial by His Own Dark Hand
In this final act, Robahl plays the part of Asmodeus himself in a shockingly realistic costume enhanced by illusion magic. He drinks a potion of levitate and applies oil of faerie fire to limn his body in red flames, then steps off the upper catwalk to float down to the stage below for his grand entrance.
You all do play a part. This final act is, like the first act, a safe one. As each of you selects his scarf (ending with Larazod), the scarf turns to ashes to reveal the character’s truth and honesty. As the last sash burns, Haanderthan (played by Thesing) is revealed to be the guilty party. You can see surprise in his face as he looks at you.
As Robahl takes him and levitates down through a cleverly hidden trap door into the underworld below the stage, you hear a cry.
(I pause here, before the curtain falls, to see if any of you wish to do something...unpredictable. Note, if one of you wants to break character and do something on stage, you can do that now...or right before he was taken 'down' into the trap. If all of you stay in character, then I move on to the final curtain.)
Hearing Thesings voice below stage, Edmond turns to Tessai;
My dear, I believe that bastard Thesing is playing our tune. he offers a clawed hand in a half bow. Care to dance?
Do not try and stop me in this Brandon.
As Thesing is taken down below by Robahl playing Asmodeus, Tessai is barely able to control her rage, and she leaps forward, with a thunderous shout.
"You will be dragged to the the Underworld monster!! But you WILL take something to remember us all BY!! Even if I have to follow you to Hell, you will feel REVENGE for the fallen ones!!"
She moves her spear forward to impale the man, but at the last moment simply jumps into the hole, intent on not letting him out of sight.
I guess she wanted to lead! That's fine by me, I have two left feet anyway. Leave Thesing to us. I think one of you prettier ones should address the audience.
Edmond moves after Tessai, down the hole.
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The crowd isn't quite sure of what to make when some of the heroes (who were true and honest) jump into "Hell," though Tessai's improvised lines to give some context.
She jumps down with Edmond . There they find the director and several stage hands prepping to help them remove their costumes. They are (along with Thesing) surprised to see the heroes down here.
Tessai! You should be up on the stage! , Robahl states.
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"That bastard really wanted us to die."
Kyle performs for the audience and then casts enthrall to take the focus away from Tessai and Edmond.
A target with 4 or more HD or with a Wisdom score of 16 or higher remains aware of its surroundings and has an attitude of indifferent. It gains a new saving throw if it witnesses actions that it opposes.
The effect lasts as long as you speak or sing, to a maximum of 1 hour. Those enthralled by your words take no action while you speak or sing and for 1d3 rounds thereafter while they discuss the topic or performance. Those entering the area during the performance must also successfully save or become enthralled. The speech ends (but the 1d3-round delay still applies) if you lose concentration or do anything other than speak or sing.
Tessai is up for no jokes, she draws her sper and points it at Thesing, speaking calmly though - "I have heard your conversation back there before ACT VI, bastard... Let me remind you of YOUR OWN words, as I will never forget them since they got one of my companions dead... "I don't care what the mayor paid you, I'll pay you double if you just do your job and make sure that they go down and stay down! This is my time to shine..." - remember these...?"
With murder in her eyes, the tiefling stares at Thesing for just a moment - "You have but two seconds to tell me the whole truth IMMEDIATELY - or you will wish you had really went to the Underworld by comparison..."
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He stares back at her, in anger for a moment. How dare you? How dare you upstage me? How dare you come down here and threaten me? How dare...
He stops. He chuckles. He looks around him. Putting his hands up in the air near face level. I admit nothing. I deny nothing. You and your berry little band joined a murder play, and someone died fighting monsters. You're very fortunate that only one died. I grieve at your loss. Seriously. But you wish to blame me for this foul deed? You jump down here to seek revenge? Then by all means. Strike true. Strike hard.
The smirk on his face doesn't require a deep intuition to see that he's clearly hiding a few things.
The director stammers, his eyes wide open, T...T...Tessai! Please!!! Stand down!! You can't threaten another actor. That just won't do!!
At this point, the crowds begin cheering loudly and applauding. The final curtain must have come down.
Look, we need to go upstairs and take our bows. I know we're all under a lot of stress, but the worst is over. Ok? Tessai???
Edmond puts a long arm around the directors shoulders.
Hush, now Robahl. I wouldn't want to have to rip your tongue out to keep you from babbling. That wouldn't do at all would it? he flashes a smile ever so sickly sweet.
Let the lady talk, there's a good fellow.
The crowd isn't quite sure of what to make when some of the heroes (who were true and honest) jump into "Hell," though Tessai's improvised lines to give some context.
The ridiculous knee-walking clownfish dwarf follows the other bit player to center stage, a look of confusion that matches the audience on his bearded face. After a moment, he speaks. (To Kyle, but for all)
"What reason, that? What fires a heart
That from this world, it would depart?
Pursuing vengeance into Hell?
When's sure, the Dark Lord serves it well?
But not for these! Drovalid, slain
Dentris and Tybsin make it plain:
The paladin, Hell's justice scorns!
His prey, to remove, from Hell's horns.
And Dentris, age-ed, yet still firm
(Not just when ridden by hell-worm)
Bright fool he followed, I've no doubt
With arm half-raised for clueful clout
I fancy hearing his words now
Hell's far, too near to mute the row
He'll bend ear of Aroden's knight
Whose faith convinces him of right
Must wonder, I, at fools so dear
As into Hell they do career
And wonder if they reason well
To not trust, Justice done, to Hell.
<Curtain>
Tessai drops the spear and lowers her head.
When she looks up, she wears a smile - "This is not over yet Thesing, I will not rest until you have payed dearly for your actions today - believe that you will be famous one day... I will make sure that no one forgets how the GREAT actor died, while they speak about it with fear and disgust..."
But that will be then, for now I'll leave you simply with THIS!"
She lunges forward and punches him hard.
Edmond wasn't so much intimidating Robahl as stating a fact but even this loses its sting when he bursts out laughing as Thesing goes sprawling.
Get out of here Thesing, you disgusting tub of guts, before we empty them all over the floor.
Come, Tessai. Let him live with the fear of your coming... until that day dawns.
Spitting on the floor, Tessai lets the threat linger as she stands over the man - "Go thank your public now, you pathetic excuse for human... Yes, I am demon spawn, so keep in mind what will be in store for you in the future - you will wish you were as dead as Aemon is on that stage - remember his name when time comes to attone for your sins bastard..."
She walks back, picking up her spear and looking straight at Edmond - her eyes are bursting with tears, but none flow down her cheeks - "Thank you for following me down here..." - is all she says.
Beppo remains with Kyle. You did what you could, friend.
He looks down into "hell" to see if he is needed. At the sound of Tessai's fist smacking the pompous actor in the face, he decides that all is well in hand.
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Prepare for a deluge of information...2-3 posts.
The party earns 700 popularity as the final curtain falls. Normally, I would deduct 200, as 2 of the actors went out of characters, leaving some of the audience confused. But, between the improvised line(s) that sorta made sense and Kyle's spell at the end, there will be no deduction. Final total is 1517.
As the curtains rise again and you all come out (some of you wish otherwise, but bow to pressure), and other actors come out to bow, the crowd goes even wilder. A shower of objects hurls onto the stage—brooches, chains, coins, gems, and other pieces of jewelry. Robahl and other Limehouse players rush onto the stage and hold each of you aloft, carrying and leading you through the streets back to the Limehouse, where you are cheered as heroes.
As you return back to the crowded theatre, Mayor Arvanxi awaits you backstage. He is so pleased that he tells you that he will personally pay for Aemon's resurrection at the nearest temple of Asmodeus. For the moment, he rests.
After the success of the performance, the exhausted actors wait for the rest of the crew to clean up and return to the Limehouse (although a frustrated Thesing storms off into the night after a short argument with Robahl in which he gives up his share, saying that the production was a farce and he wants nothing more to do with it)— during this time, stagehands gather the take (both from the box office and the gifts thrown onstage) and see to the payment of the house. What remains is gathered in a velvet-lined coffer and presented to Robahl. The actors and crew aren’t too tired to split the take, and the appropriate percentages are given to each of you as payment for a job well done. This payment comes to an amount equal to the party’s final popularity—each of you earns this amount (1517) in gp as payment.
A local bard composes a heroic song, “The Sixfold Survivors,” which quickly spreads to street corners and is heard being whistled throughout the city. The group and Robahl are the talk of the town. Thesing, (who clearly had hoped for more bloodshed and certainly hates to share attention), avoids the celebrations and slink off to sulk in the days to follow.
Finally, your performance has further enhanced their local fame and reputations increasing it by 3 (8 Total). While there's no direct connection with the Shades of Grey (officially), the fact that a group of Westcrown commoners could band together to stand up and survive against all odds, emboldens the people even further.
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After the take is split among the actors, Robahl thanks you for your hard work and announces quietly that he’s lost interest in producing this particular work. Whether he’s decided that actual violence onstage isn’t for him or he’s intimidated at the idea of trying to outdo himself with another performance is unclear, but he does thank you and indicates to those who did the best Perform (act) that he might not retch at the thought of working with them again.
Both Delour and Calseinica thank the PCs for their performances—Delour somewhat less enthusiastically than Calseinica. Melich also thanks you.
If any of you wish to persue a friendship/relationship with any of the NPCs further, you may do so during off time. Otherwise, you probably won't hear from most of them in the future unless you bump into them in the story.
Each of you receives one hero point and two power points for completing the play with minimal casualties.
After the play, you seem to have your old lives back—mostly. At least you no longer are expected to spend their nights promoting yourselves, but as you walk the streets of Westcrown, now and again a starry-eyed fans approaches for an autograph, an offer of a free drink, or simply
a request to chat about their experiences for a few moments. Many of these adoring fans were not even present at the performance, but the spreading fame you earned definitely shows.
Sure enough, within a day of your successful performances, you each receive a spoken invitation delivered by a well-dressed servant. The
messenger gives them a description of a great feast called the Cornucopia and tells them to arrive an hour before sunset at Lord-Mayor Arvanxi’s villa (known to locals as Aberian’s Folly, but never to the mayor’s face) dressed in their costumes from the play.
Once the invitations are recieved and you inform the other Shades, they rejoice. Arael and Janiven Key to personally congratulate each of you. She tells you that while you have been otherwise engaged over the previous week,they have been gathering more information about the mayor and his home.
She shares that events take place in the Great Banquet Hall although the guests tend to wander about some of the side rooms when they are not eating. In all, there are some 40 guests attending.
She goes on to say that you can expect each course to be eaten from tables laid with a dazzling array of cutlery, including a delicate barbed short spear on a slender thread and a fat silver goblet. The table settings are removed at the end of each course and set again for the next event in a 15-minute flurry of action while the guests entertain themselves in adjoining rooms.
Eating generally takes half an hour for each course, during which time attempts to leave the feast without being noticed would be unwise, as everyone is seated. Guests can sit anywhere they wish. She recommends that you use that time to learn more about the Knot and the Folly, as there will be much talking going on. She mentions that with the amount of people about the use of spells might be difficult, and would most certainly offend the others.
Obviously, as we spoke about earlier, she says, I believe your best course of action is to act normally until they are all too drunk to notice if you all go off. Pay particular attention to the Mayor and some of the higher guests. You don't want to do anything they may consider impolite. Expect the courses themselves to last well into the late evening.
After Key offers what help she can in the way of information, she hands you four potions of cure serious wounds and four potions of
lesser restoration to aid against the events to come, and allows you an opportunity to ask questions.
Thesing storms off into the night after a short argument with Robahl in which he gives up his share, saying that the production was a farce and he wants nothing more to do with it
Seeming to be absently doing the maths, "So that's another eight percent for the rest of us....", Devil says, as Thesing passes.