[PFS] GM Skipper's Blood Under Absalom (tier 5-6) (Inactive)

Game Master SkipperD

Looking through the window somewhat enviously. "That looks like a good deal of fun. But, I do enjoy this bed." At that Eramos lays back down in bed and rest his eyes, one hand still on his greatsword out of habit.

"I am just as happy to stay within the walls and rest well for the night," Taika sighs, and gives her rabbit a few more chunks of turnip before yawning.

"I think it would be wise of us to post a watch tonight, even here in the inn," she says seriously. "We made off with a number of the gems. Some dishonorable sorts might try and take them from us in the night. I'm happy to take the first leg of the night."

"I agree with you. In pairs would be best. I volunteer for the first shift, if for no other reason than the fact that getting this armor on in the middle of the night would certainly wake you all." Looking out the window, "There are wounded out there as well. I am tempted to go help them, but that may draw undue attention to us."

I have a question GM Skipper. If there are any wounded players at other tables, is it possible to offer healing? With a few channels, I could help lots of lower tables that may not have resources. I doubt that there is a mechanic for something like this, but it never hurts to ask.

Braxus doesn't bother to wait for Caduceus to finish before he grabs a spot on the floor, slumps down and puts his head on his pack. In moments he is fast asleep, even with the ruckus still going on outside. He never volunteered for a watch shift, but you get the feeling he wouldn't mind being nudged awake when the time comes.

His dreams must be vivid, for at least once he smiles and says something out loud that is completely unintelligible. He seemed happy though.

@Caduceus: I've broached the subject in the GM discussion. I've seen something like it in IRL multi-tables, so Shifty might give us the green light.
I've also bumped the ruby-sharing discussion.

After you settle in, one (or more) of your rubies starts glowing. As if summoned by the light, someone knocks on the door.

I have seen that as well in RL tables. When someone would channel in a group, they would shout out something like, "you feel the grace of healing wash over you" and then announce that someone channeled. It was pretty cool.

===========<<<<o>>>>===========

Braxus' eyes snap open and he rolls to his feet in a flash, surprisingly quick for a man of his size and bulk. He grasps his earthbreaker as he moves to the door and flings it wide open...

"Did you bring more wine?" He says to the lovely pale haired maiden at the door with an oddly wicked grin...

===========<<<<o>>>>===========

Braxus stirs in his sleep as the rubies start to glow...his dream continues unabated...

Auric was studying one of his collected rubies when it starts to glow. The archaeologist's eyes instantly glimmer with interest, attempting to understand the phenomenon at work.
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

The knock rouses Jal from where he's been sleeping slumped in the corner. He notes the glowing gem(s) and shoots a questioning look over at Taika, then Auric. After a moment, he crosses the room, checks his blades, then eases the door open a crack, wedging his boot against the near side in case the door-knocker is prepared to push it open further.

"What's your business?" he says, his voice still drowsy and grumpy-sounding.

Auric concludes that the ruby radiates a faint amount of evocation and divination magic.

Through the narrowly opened door, Jal sees a tengu with midnight black feathers.

"Greetings intrepid warriors," she squawks. "I am your liaison to the Emissary of the Ruby Phoenix. All contestants are to meet within a large shipping house near where the Docks meets the sodden district known as the Puddles. You are expected there just past dusk."

She gives you the directions to the specific warehouse.

Ensuring his team is both awake and alert, the paladin walks to the door, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He opens his senses, alert to any tendrils of darkness in the area.

Detect Evil on the stones and the Emissary's tengu liaison.

"Well met! I am Caduceus. Will we be working with you throughout the tournament? If you have the time, I am certain we have a few questions for you. Perhaps we could start with your name? Please come in and join us for some."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16

@ GM Skipper ~ Thank you for checking. I have a LOT of burst healing I can do. If we are getting the chance to rest the night, I can top off several tables. Not certain how many table there are, but I can "donate" a 4d6 channel 5 times and a 3d6 channel 7 times (as I said I would burn one channel on us).

Caduceus senses no evil from the tengu, who in turn bows deeply.

"I am Kankai. Sadly, I can neither join you, nor divulge any details about the competition. Orders from the Emissary and all that. I will be the one to guide you through the different stages, nothing else."

She bows once more and bids her farewell.

Braxus, jostled awake by Caduceus, slowly sits up, his left hand on his earthbreaker as Caduceus approaches behind Jal.

He listens to the exchange of words, satisfied with what he hears and he casts a look at Lady Taika, wondering if it is his turn for watching his group...

In a whisper that is almost as loud as a normal person's speaking voice "psst! Is it my turn yet Lady Taika? You know, to take watch? I'm not sure how long I've been asleep... " he says, his large eyes fully alert and wide with questions.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Taika merely spreads her hands at Jal's questioning look. "A keyed light spell of some sort..."

She thanks the emissary for the instructions of where to go next, then offers a slight smile at Braxus's earnest, and loud, words. The human is more oafish than many of his kind, and yet his well-intentioned simplicity is somehow endearing, she supposes. He means well, as they say.

"It is not yet your turn, mighty Braxus. We were merely learning of the next step in the maze, as it were. But we do not need to be present until dusk, and so, we may continue to take our ease.

"From what I know of the Docks and the Puddles, we might as well expect more refined company like that of tonight: ne'er-do-wells, to put it simply."

"Well hells." says the northman, with a hint of frustration. His frustration is short lived though as he quickly returns to his relaxed and resting position on the floor.

He quickly casts a smiling glance at the others in the room, before closing his eyes and falling almost immediately asleep. "Dusk. thinks the man in the moments before sleep. "That gives us time to get there early and see what this place might have in store...I've got a feeling more blood is to come...much more."

To the others in the room, they only hear a soft utterance as he drifts off to sleep "blood is to come."

***OVERSEER ANNOUCEMENT***

Overseer thread

Following the directions given to you by your tengu liaison, you arrive just past dusk at the shipping house. Soon enough, a small crowd of would-be contestants begins to gather.

Approaching the entrance you spot a dishevelled, barefooted man dressed in plain sackcloth leaning in the shallow doorway. As you draw nearer, he slowly raises his head to examine the crowd. Then, grinning a toothy smile, he holds out his hand and asks “Any of you happen to find a ruby?”

The crowd excitedly signals their affirmative response and several glowing rubies are thrust into the air, there is an electric vibe flowing through the assembled host and everyone seems very ready for action.

The man nods and pushes the door open. Then he holds out a sack to collect the rubies of those seeking entry. As the various contestants enter, he directs them towards a flight of stairs near the back of the warehouse. These stairs descend into a wide and shadowy basement converted into a crude, make-shift arena illuminated by a ring of greasy-scented torches. The main floor is cleared of all objects save for a dusting of sand and straw that covers the cold stone floor. An assortment of contestants have already arrived, anxiously scanning the room. Almost all in attendance are recognizable from the previous night’s brawl.

From across the arena floor strides Kiang Zhen, the terrifying creature who represents Sifu Xho Nuo. Clapping her massive, clawed hands, she calls for silence, and with a low growl addresses the entire room as she runs her hands over her gruesome golden horns.

“Bringing defeat upon your perceived adversaries is only part of what it takes to walk the path of a truly great warrior. A true master sees beyond his adversaries; he sees the war and not just the battle. Last night, I watched how all of you were quick and eager to fight one another—therefore today... today I shall see how you fight together! Let’s see how well you can keep each other alive!” As she finishes this exuberant and enigmatic statement, smoke flashes erupt throughout the arena, and several dozen hidden trapdoors suddenly spring open, unleashing a horde of otherworldly beasts!

From the pits slither several snakes made of segmented metal.

Combat Round 1
Bold may act
____________________________________________
Taika, Jal, Braxus
Snaaaaaakes
Eramos, Caduceus, Auric

"I call the one on the left!!" Eramos shouts in an excited voice. (Yellow)

Kn Arcana to identify snakes?: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

Buffs when they left the inn: mage armor on self, false life on self. False life: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Will post once I know results of my KN check.

She is speaking about me. This test is my fault. I allowed the scarred man to die in the tavern last night because I was not fast enough! Iomedae, please do not let me fail the others.

"I call the others!" Braxus yells to Eramos, his tone quite serious, though a grin spreads across his face. He spreads his arms wide, presenting a tempting target for the snakes, and roars his challenge to the metal reptiles.

"They'll have to get past me to get to you!" he shouts to his group. He feels a glimmer of something behind him as he readies for the blood to come.

Move action to get combat reflexes from martial flexibility, in case any try to move past him to attack the others in the group. Ready action to strike any snakes that come in melee range. I think he can still take a 5' Step forward, so I will move him on the map, but if not just move him back.

@Taika: These are Iron Cobras. They are small constructs, and with that roll you basically know everything about them.

Combat Round 1
Bold may act
____________________________________________
Taika, Jal, Braxus
Snaaaaaakes
Eramos, Caduceus, Auric

Taika pauses, as if listening to an unheard voice, then nods to herself. "Constructed snakes, forged of iron plates. Neutral creatures without will or malevolence. Their bodies are quite durable, but sufficient brute force should overcome them. Their bites are poisonous. The first to approach us will...."

Her eyes darken to void-like pits again. "...be weak on the scales just behind its head. Strike there."

(Readied action to reveal weakness [-3 AC, no save, SU ability, 1 rd] on the first foe within 30'. I think with this group, these snakes are gonna be toast well before a haste spell would make it worthwhile. Of course I may wind up changing my mind mid combat, we'll see. ;)

Jal calmly steps forward, drawing his blade as he watches the the snakes' approach. "I've seen one of these things before," he mutters as he prepares his blade to strike the first to approach, "Hells, I've killed one of these before."

5' step forward, draw katana (move action), make Green his Studied Target (swift), then Ready an attack against the first snake to close to melee.

The cobras rush you en masse, but to no avail, and Jal shatters the one that came to close to him.

Attack v Braxus: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6
Attack v Eramos: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7
Attack v Eramos: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Combat Round 1/2
Bold may act
____________________________________________
Taika, Jal, Braxus
Snaaaaaakes (green: weakness revealed)
Eramos, Caduceus, Auric

Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38

Jal points across the arena, into the shadows, with his blade. ”We have company. Tengu and … some other things.” Then he darts around the fight, coming at the nearest iron cobra from its flank and trying to drive his blade deep. ”So let’s end this fast.”

Move around to flank Green. Make it Jal’s Studied Target, then attack (including Sneak Attack).
Katana: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 12 + 2 + 2 = 32 <— crit?
damage: 1d8 + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 6 + 2 + (2, 2) = 23
— confirm: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 12 + 2 + 2 = 32
— add'l damage: 1d8 + 7 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 6 + 2 = 16

AoO v Jal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

The cobra lashes out at Jal as he moves by, but it dosen't save it, and Jal neutralizes it.

Combat Round 1/2
Bold may act
____________________________________________
Taika, Jal, Braxus
Snaaaaaakes
Eramos, Caduceus, Auric

"Iomedae, guide our strikes."

Casts Bless. Four minute duration +1 to attacks and saves vs fear effects.

Eramos comes down on the snake that struck at him with an overhead chop.

power attack+furious focus
Charisma: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (1, 5) + 11 = 17

The first chop missing, he quickly hefts it up and brings it down.

Charisma #2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (4, 3) + 11 = 18

I'll remember to roll my readied attacks when I post them in the future. No harm though as Jal took care of it in a smooth fashion.

Braxus steps toward Eramos and brings his earthbreaker down hard on the snake in front of him.

PwrAttk+Furious Focus : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20 Damage : 2d6 + 16 ⇒ (4, 6) + 16 = 26

if Eramos already destroyed his snake, Braxus instead moves to the remaining snake and strikes it.

Hearing Jal's warning, Braxus readies for the tengu to join the fray, still wary for more beasts to come from hiding.

Now that Jal has pointed out the tengu, are they all around, including behind us or just across the way?

"Stay close to me!" Braxus says urgently to those behind him.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Auric judges the situation to be well in hand, and weaves a spell to bolster his spirits. "Tally ho! Strike these snakes down, I have the feeling it is only beginning!"

Casting heroism on myself.

@Braxus: Whoops! My bad...

Even with the Inheritor's blessing, Eramos can't manage to hit the cobra. Braxus, on the other hand, crushes it with a single blow.

Combat Round 2
Bold may act
Party-wide buffs: Bless
____________________________________________
Taika, Jal, Braxus
Snaaaaaakes
Eramos, Caduceus, Auric

"If more enemies are massing, as you say...." Taika says at Jal's warning, "...then I shall deploy more potent spells. May the speed of the north wind end this swiftly."

Haste on party, 1/6 rounds

Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12

The last snake charges Braxus, but fares just as poorly as the others.

Combat Round 2/3
Bold may act
Party-wide buffs: Bless, Haste
____________________________________________
Taika, Jal, Braxus
Snaaaaaakes
Eramos, Caduceus, Auric

Jal wastes no time, continuing his circle to come at the final snake from its flank.

He’ll make Yellow his Studied Target as a Swift action, then Spring Attack it, hitting it from flank (including: Studied Target, Power Attack, Furious Focus, Flank, Sneak Attack).
+1 keen katana: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 2 + 2 = 25
damage: 1d8 + 7 + 6 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 6 + 2 + (1, 5) = 29
.
Then he completes his Spring Attack ten feet south of Eramos (map updated).

He slides to a stop on the other side of the group, eyes searching for the oncoming threats. ”Nice spell-work, Skinny,” he quips over to Taika, ”As always, you’re a damn useful elf to have around.”

As Jal finishes off the last snake, Braxus makes a swift motion with his right wrist activating a spring loaded sheath which brings a slender wand into his waiting grip.

He focuses his mind for a moment and activates the magic of the wand, which causes a slight shimmer in the air around him.

As he slides the wand back into its sheath, he says to his group, "I can feel the quickness of your magic as it seeps through me Lady Taika. Thank you. There will be blood soon."

Sweeping his gaze toward the shadows where Jal pointed, Braxus looks for the enemies mentioned.

I'll wait but a moment for them to move, revealing who among them challenges us. We must not waste the magic spent on us.

swift action to activate sheath to get wand, standard to activate wand, move to sheath wand. Shield spell(bloodrager spell list) activated, 10 rounds. AC now 26. I'll update his status bar later when I'm not using my phone.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Auric focuses his thoughts and weaves the same spell, this time touching Braxus's shoulder.

Casting heroism on Braxus.

Eramos takes the long way around the snake and attempts to chop it in half.

power attack+furious focus+bless+flank
Charisma: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 1 + 2 = 26
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (1, 3) + 11 = 15

Jal slices the last snake in two. The swordsmen and oni in the audience grow increasingly aggressive, goading each other to have a go at the hopeful contestants.

@Eramos: You can change your action, if you want to.

Combat Round 2/3
Bold may act
Party-wide buffs: Bless, Haste
____________________________________________
Taika, Jal, Braxus
Eramos, Caduceus, Auric

Taika offers a measured nod at the thanks of her comrades, even cloaked in Jal's flippant tones. Her pale eyes linger on the mass of swordsmen in the audience, and the elf calls in a voice that carries over the arena noises:

"Gentlemen. If you wish to join in on this senseless violence, please, cease to waste our mutual time and come forward. If, on the other hand, the group of you is afraid of a small group of mortals, then may I suggest you stay in your seats?"

Move action: draw a scroll of web. Ready action: if any of the swordsmen or oni move to stand/move to come into the arena, she'll cast it on their group, trying to catch as many of them as possible, Reflex save DC 13.

Kn Planes for the oni?: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

"We realize that you have no quarrel with us per se, AND the directives insinuated to 'keep each other alive'? Perhaps it would be best if our two groups kept a safe distance apart to prevent any accidents or...misunderstandings."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

I don't believe Diplomacy checks are possible in combat (as Diplomacy generally takes 1 minute of effort).

Jal cuts his eyes over at Caduceus, "Or perhaps not. We re trying to qualify for a blood tournament."

Through gritted teeth, ready for battle, Braxus calls over his shoulder, "There's a reason for all this sand and straw everywhere...it is to soak up the blood. I'd rather it be theirs than ours. Accept it and be ready!"

I think that since they haven't engaged us, even if we are still in "initiative", Caduceus thought he could try Diplomacy. BTW, just a refresher on who he has life links on would be nice. I'm guessing Taika, Auric, and Jal, but maybe Eramos?

Keeping his eyes on the potential enemies and a smile on his lips, the paladin responds with a quiet terseness, his voice barely carrying beyond his comrades, "I'm not certain how you think this works, but I can assure you Iomedae has not blessed me with an infinite font of healing energy. Any conflict we can avoid keeps our resources in reserve for battles we actually need to have."

I figured I had nothing else to do, might as well take a shot as they had not engaged us yet. If we avoided a fight, great. If they were going to attack us anyway, nothing lost. I'm just not certain what counts as a "success" for this part of the story, so why not give it a go.

1d4 ⇒ 2

Caduceus' words fall on deaf ears, and the crowd moves on the attack. Taika gunks up a large group, but a pair of oni take to the air and charge Jal and Eramos.

@Taika: There are several kinds of oni in the audience, but the ones you are currently fighting are kuwa oni. You have two questions.

Attack v Jal: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Attack v Eramos: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Damage v Eramos: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Combat Round 3/4
Bold may act
Party-wide buffs: Bless, Haste
____________________________________________
Taika, Jal, Braxus
Oni
Eramos (19 damage), Caduceus, Auric

Something in Braxus' blood stirs at the sight of the fiends attacking Jal and Eramos. He's felt it before but he holds it in check for now and rushes to the aid of his friends.

He lets out a wrathful shout as he swings his heavy weapon at the creature next to Jal.

Pwr Attk+FF: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32 Damage : 2d6 + 16 ⇒ (2, 1) + 16 = 19

-Posted with Wayfinder

Questions: special attacks, and any elemental resistances/immunities?

Taika takes a handful of steps out from the shelter of the gate, her eyes again becoming black frosty pits as she studies the further oni.

"Eramos. Your foe's armor bears a weak spot at the helm, an impurity in the metal," she intones in a distant voice. "Strike there."

Reveal weakness on Blue, -3 AC for one round

"Got it" Eramos shouts back to Taika

Eramos then swings for the stands.
Power Attack + Furious Focus + Bless + Haste
Chrisma #1: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (6, 2) + 11 = 19
confirming critical: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Extra damage ?: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (5, 5) + 11 = 21

He follows up with a back swing.
charisma #2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (5, 4) + 11 = 20

Feeling a burst of energy, he then brings the sword around his head and brings it down once more.
charisma hasted: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
damage: 2d6 + 11 ⇒ (2, 3) + 11 = 16

@Taika: No elemental resistances or immuneties. They can cast invisibility, darkness, fly, charm person and deep slumber as spell-like abilities.

Braxus clobbers the oni who leers back in defiance.

Eramos takes advantage of Taika's help and chops the other oni to pieces.

Combat Round 3/4
Bold may act
Party-wide buffs: Bless, Haste
____________________________________________
Taika, Jal, Braxus
Oni (red: 19 damage)
Eramos (19 damage), Caduceus, Auric

"Expect some spells," Taika says coolly. "He might try to vanish. We shall see."

Eramos, feeling his own blood running down his arms, smiles and shouts to the remaining enemies in the stands.

"We are still here...is that your best shot...come and get us"

Come on, so close, let me lose control