[PFS PbP Gameday V] GM Boldr's PFS 02-26: The Mantis' Prey (Inactive)

Game Master MisterSlanky

Afficus draws a sinister looking black wand.
infernal healing

"A few charges from this should do the trick....any objections?"

Kain turns to eye the devil... "No - thank you. I will pass on the evil magics."

"By the Hammer of Torag, heal these m#~!~*@+&$%@s!"

channel to heal
Healing!: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 2, 6, 2) = 19

1 more clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 full

"Thank you Denbora my Friend." He remounts and prepares to follow Raven in.

Almost fully healed after the profane gnome channels once more, Gunari resorts to using his wand.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

"So, fellas, time for a beer? We survived!" He then pours a beer for everyone who wants one, makes his way to shore, and proceeds to make the climb back up to the door.

Raven nods in thanks for the channel and looks to the door.

"So... scouting didn't go well last time. Shall I give it another shot?"

"Raven, why don't we all just stick together. I am guessing that with all the racket out here, and the missing patrol, they will be expecting us. Safer that way.

"You can be up front if you can help find any traps these bastards probably set for us, but other than that."

Gunari finishes his tankard of beer, giving himself Heroism for 30 minutes. Before actually going into the door, he will cast an extended shield of faith on himself (18 minutes), and will activate Sacred Armor (1 minute). Before entering a door inside, he will make sure to re-up his sacred armor.

Kain turns to eye the devil... "No - thank you. I will pass on the evil magics."

Choco pecks at Kain for his rudeness.

"Ow. I apologize Afficus. oh... Choco would take a mage armor spell if you would spare it. Can never be too careful."

He will down Gunari's ale and hand back the mug.

Go ahead and move up to the door where you'd like if you wish to open it.

Afficus puts the wand away, "Suit yourself--more charges for me."

The bird has more sense than he does....

"I'm sorry, the only mage armor I am capable of casting is a particularly evil version of the spell. I'd be more than happy to cast it on your mount, but I worry it might upset your delicate sensibilities..."
10 on bluff for a total of 38

Raven looks at his companions and moves up, glancing about the room, hoping that someone follows him.

Having prepared himself, and seeing that Raven is moving forward, Gunari also moves up, and opens the door.

The enormous stone doors grind open. The room is entirely dark except for an area of dim light that extends in 10 feet from the now open doorway.

Seeing the dark room, Gunari flicks on his wayfinder

Everybody sees
This once-grand chamber is now full of dust and cobwebs. A number of broken instruments such as harps and drums lie scattered throughout the room.

Those with low-light see
A wide staircase ascends to the north, while nine metal cages line the walls.

Those with low-light also see
At the edge of your vision you see five cages in a cluster. Each cave contains one battered and bound figure, probably human or human-like. Ducked behind one of the caged individuals, not hidden, but clearly trying to minimize her silhouette, is an individual dressed head-to-toe in red mantis attire.

You hear a voice, "I see you there. Come no further or there may be fewer prisoners for you to rescue. I know you took care of the patrol, and the door's guardian, so I am aware of your strength. Certainly there must be some kind of agreement we can come to."

A disembodied voice? And its reasonable?! I hope we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement...

"Hello in there! So glad to 'see' you! I'm afraid our business here is less about prisoners and more about an individual your organization has targeted. That being said, I'm certain that my compatriots and I would be happy to avoid further hostilities. No need for violence where it can be spared, hmm?"
Bluffing because I don't think Gunari or Kain are keen on playing nice after the mention of prisoners.

bluff: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (20) + 28 = 48

"To whom do I have the honor of addressing?"

"Why don't you step into the light where we can see you." Gunari says. "But, we'd better not see any weapons, nor any dead prisoners." His voice is cold, as he carefully draws Cayden's Churchkey from its scabbard. He does not want to treat with an assassin such as this, but if the lives of the prisoners are at stake, he might make an exception. But only if the prisoners are healthy.

"Afficus, can you see them? Are there actually prisoners, and are they safe?"

In a hushed whisper, "I can see one prisoner...but compared to Chelaxian traditions this is luxury."

The voice calls back "The name is Somasia, and I am with the Red Mantis. I think I will stay here for now, until we agree to our terms of parlay and I can be assured my safety. You have my word I will not hurt any prisoners unless you give me reason to."

There is a pause, "If you wish to see me, you may come in further. Forgive me, but you know who I am, but I do not know who you are. My career has taught me to be cautious when it comes to agreeing to terms of surrender. Perhaps prisoners for my safe escape?"

A difference female voice calls out, "We just want to go back to our families."

Another gruffer male voice calls back, "I don't care how much he paid to act as a scout, my life isn't worth Eando's. Just get me out of here!"

Somasia speaks again, "None of these people is my target, please let us keep it that way."

"I appreciate your honesty and desire to have me reveal myself, but I am loathe to identify myself to a group of professional assassins. View this as respect for your organization's capabilities rather than a personal affront."

Taking 10 on diplomacy for 31.

"I respect your desire to remain unharmed and to limit bloodshed. My associates and I have but one interest--Eando's safety. Given your offer of parley, I presume that this is a negotiable position?"

Gunari moves up, carefully, until he can be seen, and he can see the assassin. He has put his rapier away, and takes on what he hopes to be a non-threatening posture.

"My Chelish friend here speaks the truth. We would negotiate for the freedom of he monks and bards you have, but we also have our employers safety to keep in mind. You have seen our skill at arms, but know that drawing steel is not our first choice. Your friends drew first, we merely finished the confrontation.

"So, we are at an interesting crossroads. Do we just rush you, or do we talk. I think that being people of good hearts, we will choose to talk. Drop your weapons onto the floor, and we will start to believe you negotiate in truth."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35

Holding off on responding until people get into position or otherwise follow/not follow Gunari's lead.

Kain quietly sits astride Choco, patiently waiting for Gunari and Afficus o do their work.

Raven glances around the large room, seemingly distracted.

"You're not dumb. We're not dumb. You're smart. I work with smart people. I think we could work something out where nobody gets hurt."

Assist diplomacy, set up for recruitment.
Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 ....whoops.

The yelling continues back and forth across the enormous room with the roar of the waterfall behind you. It's hard to hear anything in here, let alone have an actual conversation.

Gunari moves forward to try to speak in a more normal tone over the thunder of the waterfall. The rest of you speak, but aren't sure you're being heard.

Gunari has been moved forward the minimum amount of space needed to see who he's talking to in dim light. He still can't make out what is further into the room. Everybody can at least see the first prisoner and the Mantis now. You cannot see the remaining prisoners unless you have low-light.

If you're moving, I need to know if you're moving for light and vision purposes.

Raven follows beside the other holy warrior.

Kain will guide Choco to flank gunari, lance held high at rest - taking no aggressive stance.

Denbora walks forward with Gunari. "Let's get this s#&~ over with..." he grumbles to himself.

The Mantis listens to Gunari. It's impossible to see any facial expressions behind the red mask, but she lowers her blades. "I know when I am negotiating from a position of weakness."

She leans over lies her curved blades on the ground gently. "I have done as you wished and placed my weapons on the ground. I suppose you will want to free these captives?"

From behind her you hear one of the prisoners whimper, "Don't let her hurt us anymore." Another, the gruff half-orc again grumbles, "Eando isn't paying me enough for this crap. Get me out of here! Come on, open the damn cage already!"

You can all more clearly (in dim light) see the nearest prisoner. She is wearing the uniform of the Wave Riders, Absalom's aquatic cavalry. She has a large bruise on her cheek.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 +2 if vs Bluff.... or nevermind....

Prisoners released... Eando contract terminated... I can live with that outcome... Must honor my compatriots' bargain

Raven nods.

"Free the captives. Let you go alive, as long as you're not going after our patron."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 11 - 4 = 19

"I will not leave without my blades; to lose them would be a dishonor to the Mantis. I will wait here until you are done, and I will leave behind you. Until then, you are welcome to free the prisoners."

The prisoners look terrified, all have begun to bury their faces in their hands. You hear some crying and whimpering.

"You have not agreed to cancel your contract on Eando."

"I swear upon the almighty Achaekek that I will not reign down her divine punishment on Eando." She speaks as her black Mantis eyes stare back at you.

Gunari hears this last oath, he accepts the Mantis's surrender.

"Very well, we can accept this bargain." In his true style, he pulls out a pair of tankards, as he walks forward, filling them with divine ale. "We shall drink on that... I cannot trust an oath that is not sealed with beer." He hands one of the tankards to the Mantis, after carefully spilling a bit from each onto the floor in thanks to the Drunken Hero.

Raven nods and takes a few steps to one side, carefully, stopping if it seems like he will provoke the Mantis.

He proceeds to whistle terribly and off tune as he waits.

Denbora moves forward to free the prisoners. "You got a f#!!ing key? Would be a lot easier if you just gave me the f+#$ing key."

Denbora would like to use perception to determine if the Red Mantis has any weapons hidden. Perception!: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30

Gunari comes in close and clearly sees the five people trapped in their cages. Four seem to be members of the Wave Riders and the large half-orc appears to be a mercenary of some sort. He grunts as Gunari comes in closer, "Right choice."

Gunari extends out the mug in one hand towards the Mantis, who reaches up to remove her helmet in order to partake in the ritual. Gunari starts to think to himself, 'hey, something isn't right here,' as the helmet comes off. Staring him in the face is no human, but rather a slender, attractive woman with strangely glowing eyes and a full head of hissing snakes for hair.

Surprise Round:
You watch as Gunari's muscles begin to tighten, but he quickly averts his eyes from the woman. The group watches as she reaches down and retrieves her two blades and steps back slightly, one blade held in a hand with her helmet, the other wielded true. "Fools. You think I was given the honor of killing Eando? No, but I will take pleasure in destroying you."

Gunari is up in the surprise round (standard action). Please begin your turn with a fortitude save.

Raven and Afficus are up after Gunari has posted for the surprise round.

"By the Light of the Starstone, that was not what I expected!" exclaims the warpriest as he sees what is happening!

fort save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Gunari responds to this by summoning forth the power of Cayden Cailean. He fervor-casts beacon of luck

He then draws Cayden's Churchkey once more, ready to defend himself, stepping forward.

Raven gasps in distracted surprise.

Fort: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Then charges forward, channeling power into his spear to make an Awe Inspiring Weapon and stabs forward at the Medusa, staring at the ground as he does.

Charging Weapon of Awe w/Concealment: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31
Concealment <20 fail: 1d100 ⇒ 97
Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Kn Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Since nobody has said anything, Afficus will move forward 30.

"Shame."

fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Afficus then holds out his hand, the cerberi tattoo slithers its way off his arm and pools on the floor in smoke. Within seconds, the smoke coalesces into the form of the cerberi.

cerb fort: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

In infernal
"Tear this b#$+# apart."

Cerberi double moves, acrobatics on the last 5' to flank with gunari
acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

The trapped half-orc and wave riders look up at the yelling. They appear to know to avert their eyes, and successfully avoid being turned into stone.

In a coordinated effort the four pull their hands free from their clearly poorly tied bonds. You watch as the cages fall apart as they strike outward with what appear to be nothing more than large wooden spoons.

The two that were originally next to the medusa stab outward from their positions at Gunari. Both strike true deep into the gut of the Caydenite. The red Red Mantis twists his blade and moves without an attack of opportunity into a position behind Gunari.

Two lash out at raven. Only the green Red Mantis succeeds on his attack.

Sorry guys, it's still my turn, but I have a meeting for awhile. Wanted to get this out in case I lose it.

Still GMs turn - I have a medusa still.

From the far cage you hear a laughing as the combatant quickly dismisses her bindings. She reaches up and pulls off her 'face'. On the other side is another mass of writhing snakes similar to the first. She speaks, "You think my sister would take your offer? Eando is more foolish than we thought."

Staring at Gunari you watch in fear and horror as you see your ally begin to solidify and harden. In seconds a stone statue with a mug in one hand, and a sword in the other stands before you.

Somasia hisses, "You should listen to my sister, none of you will leave here alive, and Vashian the Needle will complete his contract endorsed by the gods." She steps five feet snd stares deeply at the Cerberus to no effect.

Don't forget gaze rules!
If you're within 30' at the beginning of your initiative, you must roll a fortitude save, for each medusa you can see within that distance.
For each, if you wish to avert your eyes, make a d100 roll first, 50-100 = save required.
If you are averting, any opponents have 20% concealment against you, don't forget to roll that too.

Denbora, Kain, Raven, and Afficus are up.
Raven or Afficus, if you want to wait until Denbora and Kain act, you may.

Afficus moves out of the Medusa's range, so that they cannot 5' and gaze at him. Regardless, the invisible tiefling averts his eyes anyways.

Via message
"Gather on Raven--haste incoming."

Readied action: cast haste on kain, choco, raven, denborra, and the cerberi.

The cerberi tries its save...
fort: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

It then 5' steps and bites at the adjacent medusa.
bite1: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
bite2: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
bite3: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Each of those hits is gonna require a dc20 fort to avoid the curse, but I doubt that it will matter on these enemies

Prior to Afficus's turn...

Kain wheels Choco into charging the second Medusa, declaring a challenge to the vile creature. Translucent image where i attack from

+2 Holy Impervious Adamantine Lance, Charge, mounted, challenge: 1d20 + 24 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 24 + 1 + 2 = 47
Damage, charge, challenge: 6d6 + 78 + 12 ⇒ (1, 3, 2, 5, 6, 1) + 78 + 12 = 108
Holy damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9

confirm: 1d20 + 24 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 24 + 1 + 2 = 39
additional damage: 4d6 + 52 + 8 ⇒ (5, 2, 3, 5) + 52 + 8 = 75

Choco continues 5 more feet in a ride by attack prior to being wheeled 90 degrees to the left. Provoking from Green Mantis, AC26 vs him

Choco bites at the Medusa
Bite, PA, Charge: 1d20 + 12 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 4 - 2 = 27
damage: 1d8 + 9 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 6 = 16
trip if hit: 1d20 + 13 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 13 + 4 - 2 = 30

Snakes. Why'd there have to be snakes? Medusas, very dangerous; you go first. There are motherf+&$ing snakes in this motherf#%$ing room.

Denbora calls upon his gear gnome heritage and casts Prestidigitation. Small clockwork gears form from thin air. They click and whirl about, piecing themselves together. The spell complete, Denbora holds a large mundane looking mirror in his hand.

"Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhhh!" as he runs forward toward the medusas.

Adjusting my ready since kain "went first". Would have followed different turn order. Same move, Standard action Haste on cerberi, denborra, and raven

extra bite, GM plz treat prior attack results from the cerberi as 1 higher.
bite: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25
dmg: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
don't forget about the rends!

Raven averts his eyes.
Avert Blue: 1d100 ⇒ 18
Avert Purple: 1d100 ⇒ 33

Then steps back out of the flank and starts a full attack on Red.

+1 Ada Elven Branched: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

+1 Ada Elven Branched: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

+1 Ada Elven Branched: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Edit: Forgot concealment
Miss, Low Bad: 1d100 ⇒ 89
Miss, Low Bad: 1d100 ⇒ 62
Miss, Low Bad: 1d100 ⇒ 48