Male Human Cleric of Shelyn 3.1 | AC 17 (T 10/FF 17) | CMB +4 CMD 14 (FF 14) | HP 24/24 | Init +0 | Fort +4 Ref +1 Will +6 | Perception +3 | Speed 20' | Channel Energy 7/7 | Bit of Luck 6/6 | Dazing Touch 6/6 | +2 Concentration
Wylka also returns to the Inn, but meditates in prayer to prepare his mind for the future trials and to hopefully give him insight to discover who is the betrayer among the local people.
Male Halfling Fighter 2 | AC 18 T 15 FF 14 | HP 19/19 | F +6 R +5 W +3 (+3 vs. fear) | Init +4 | Perc +9 | Active Status: -none-
Cazlin finds himself unable to settle down and rest after the events of the day so far. Instead, he tries to track down Harjandi.
If he finds her: He skitters over and grabs a hold of a sleeve, obviously nervous. An extended throat clearing session is finally followed by "E-Eyn-" He fumbles about for a few more moments before he sighs and says:
"A shadow proud and strong, weaves plots ever long.
What dream does he hold, to bring shame to the old?"
As soon as it's out, he shakes his head in frustration as how difficult it is to get his question across. He instead follows up with a different one.
Eynemb smiles at Cazlin, who came up to her in a small road-side stall, eating some grilled meat with peanut sauce: "Here, have some!"
Listening to Cazlin's words, she smiles: "Very nice... but the debate is over, too bad.."
Then, answering, his question, she explains: "You will need to participate in this final ritual that strengthens the bindings on the otherworldly presence entrapped by us wayangs. This ritual takes the form of a shadow puppet show that retells the story of the original wayangs and Minatan heroes you have been emulating. It will be nice. You will manipulate your puppets for the enjoyment of all!"
Male Halfling Fighter 2 | AC 18 T 15 FF 14 | HP 19/19 | F +6 R +5 W +3 (+3 vs. fear) | Init +4 | Perc +9 | Active Status: -none-
Cazlin takes a bite of peanutty meat, listens to Harjandi's explanation, and seems to settle down. "Sounds n-nice." He puts the first question he asked out of mind.
Maybe I just don't understand wayang culture. Maybe Eynemb was acting completely normal. I'm hardly an expert. We just have to hope nothing more comes of it!
He gives a bow of thanks to the wayang and heads back to the inn, where he practices making shadow animals with his hands in anticipation of the shadow puppet show.
Mao meditates a bit to calm himself and ponder on what has been happening so far. After a few silent moments by himself, he grabs the mask and goes out of his chambers towards the booming cheers of the wayangs enjoying their festivities.
Not seeing anything out of the ordinary, Senna skips on her way to the seaside for the puppet show. Mist follows close behind with a trot in his step to keep up.
Free | Male CG Dwarf CORE Barbarian 2 | HP 27/27 | AC 18, T 12, FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +6 R +2 W +2; +2 vs. Poison, Spells & SLA | Init +2 | Per +7, SM +2, Darkvision 60ft, stonecunning | Speed 30 ft | Rage 9/9 | Active Conditions: None | Re-Roll (+1) 1/1
Realizing he has been here for a while Tolinath pulls himself from the bar and heads towards the beach. Oi! That berry drink is amazing. I'll have ta take some home with me.
Male Human Cleric of Shelyn 3.1 | AC 17 (T 10/FF 17) | CMB +4 CMD 14 (FF 14) | HP 24/24 | Init +0 | Fort +4 Ref +1 Will +6 | Perception +3 | Speed 20' | Channel Energy 7/7 | Bit of Luck 6/6 | Dazing Touch 6/6 | +2 Concentration
Wylka joins the others at the beach for the puppet show, wondering what this 'trial' will contain and what mischievous will be brought by whoever is sabotaging then events.
The final event takes place at night, just outside Inahiyi on a large stretch of beach that overlooks the former location of the volcano, Mount Shibotai.
A number of small bonfires are lit all along the shore, providing dim light in the majority of the area, through which wayang children frolic and caper.
The fires also give off a pleasant scent of sandalwood, and their smoke seems to be quickly whisked out to sea.
The entire population of the town is gathered on the beach, but they reverently make way for the you.
Harjandi and Mayor Farzhan join you, directing the party to approach a set of pavilions at the center of the gathering.
See Slides
Most of the food vendors have relocated to the outskirts of this clearing, though they are now giving away what remains of their stock. Free food?
Harjandi explains that: "You need to participate in a final ritual that strengthens the bindings on the otherworldly presence entrapped by the wayangs. This ritual takes the form of a shadow puppet show that retells the story of the original wayangs and Minatan heroes you have been emulating, with your masks".
Mayor Farzhan explains that: "Once the play begins, the
distant bull’s-eye lantern magically projects the images across the dark waters north of the beach".
Harjandi remains with you to direct their actions, while the mayor adjusts the light from afar.
Most of Inahiyi’s citizens are already in the midst of relocating to higher ground, where the visual play will be most observable.
Farzhan quickly departs, indicating that he’ll be operating the remote lantern.
As the mayor leaves, Harjandi adds that she’ll remain to assist you in controlling figures of your respective Minatan heroes.
Harjandi insists that: [b]"At least one of you must attempt the ritual, but I will try to help and guide you.
You can get a "free" +2 to your skill checks for the Ritual for 5 actions
________
OOC: To accomplish your part of the ritual, you must succeed at six skill checks.
These checks can be attempted by any PC within the southern pavilion, though only one PC can make these checks in a round, as that PC controls the Minatan puppets.
Up to two allies can assist the PC performing the ritual, making an aid another action as appropriate.
The PCs can perform the ritual by using either broad or refined skills.
Broad skills include Acrobatics to move around the stage to best display the shadows, Bluff to make it look like the PCs know what she’s doing, Intimidate to put on terrifying performances, and Sleight of Hand to create elaborate hand puppets.
Refined skills include Knowledge (planes) to understand the underlying cosmic principles of the ritual, Perform (act) to operate the shadow puppets effectively, and Perform (oratory) to tell the story to the onlookers.
Succeeding at six skill checks, regardless of any failed attempts in between, completes the ritual.
Male Human Cleric of Shelyn 3.1 | AC 17 (T 10/FF 17) | CMB +4 CMD 14 (FF 14) | HP 24/24 | Init +0 | Fort +4 Ref +1 Will +6 | Perception +3 | Speed 20' | Channel Energy 7/7 | Bit of Luck 6/6 | Dazing Touch 6/6 | +2 Concentration
Knowing he probably wouldn't have the manual dexterity or the performing skills to help with the puppets, Wylka takes a seat on one of the crates at the red tent to keep an eye on the mayor and the crowd to see if they do anything suspicious.
Male Halfling Fighter 2 | AC 18 T 15 FF 14 | HP 19/19 | F +6 R +5 W +3 (+3 vs. fear) | Init +4 | Perc +9 | Active Status: -none-
I've put Cazlin on the map. Not sure which direction is which here, ie. where we need to be to actually do the performance. Or where the light from the remote lantern is coming from. Feel free to move Cazlin's position if needed.
Cazlin takes the lead, eager to put his shadow puppetry practice from earlier in the inn into action! Also, shadow puppetry doesn't require him to talk!
He grabs a hold of a couple of the Minatan puppets and starts things off by acrobatically dancing across the field, showing the dramatic advance of the minatan heroes as they set upon the slopes of Mount Shibotai. He pays particular attention to the puppet of Ilyamakano, making sure that the pointy elven ears of the puppet are prominent as it follows and supports the other puppets.
As you arrive, you see a large tent-covered stage set up between two sets of rocks, facing the nearby waters.
A bull’s-eye lantern is positioned several hundred feet south of the stage, shedding light onto the stage and beyond.
A number of two-dimensional cutouts of humanoid figures lay scattered on the sand near the pavilion, with hundreds more stacked in a second tent to the northwest.
Cazlin and Claudia move down to the larger tent to perform.
You can do a double move down to the tent if you wish.
I will keep your rolls for the next round. You need to be anywhere in the big tent to the south to perform.
So you can RP your actions next round and the roll will be Cazlin = 21 + 2 from Claudia (and remember you can get a +2 five times from Harjandi)
Unless you want to change that, of course and do something else next round.
Before the ritual can begin in earnest, Harjandi mutters to herself: “Where is Eynemb? He is supposed to be here for this...”
Wylka sits down on a crate amongst those hundreds of puppets.
The smaller red tent is also filled with additional puppet props and ritual items, from incense sticks to pale-hued banners.
As Wylka gets a load of his feet, a-- giant black spider pops out from between the puppets, and tries to bite the resting cleric.
Bite:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
But it is still climbing up over the crates, and it misses.
About 6 feet long, with hair as big as your pinky, it is quite disgusting.
Some sort of poison drips from its fangs!
Wylka nods to himself: "MIssion accomplished: I spotted suspicious things!"
At the same time, Eynemb darts out from between a set of large rocks to the east of the stage, his shadow taking on a life of its own as it glides toward the pavilion housing the stage... you actually see not one but three Eynembs!
There is a sudden gasp from the few surrounding wayang stragglers as a shadowy shapes move within the western tent.
“Fools! You’ve been slaves to tradition for far too long. Cease this nonsense this instant or I will be forced to stop you myself!” Eynemb shouts.
Harjandi replies: “Don’t do this, Eynemb! If we don’t strengthen the bindings, the shadow will escape!” “Then you leave me no choice", Eynemb calls out.
Well I should have known! Mao frowns as Eynemb reveals his true colors. He sees the spider and gives a shout of warning to his comrades. "Be wary everyone. Something foul is afoot." He then takes a strike at the spider.
Male Human Cleric of Shelyn 3.1 | AC 17 (T 10/FF 17) | CMB +4 CMD 14 (FF 14) | HP 24/24 | Init +0 | Fort +4 Ref +1 Will +6 | Perception +3 | Speed 20' | Channel Energy 7/7 | Bit of Luck 6/6 | Dazing Touch 6/6 | +2 Concentration
Surprised by the sudden appearance of the giant spider, he is glad he is able to jump out of the way before those venom dropping fangs could sink into him.
Grabbing the shaft of his glaive he swings at the spider as his skin crawls, hoping to end the creatures threat quickly.
Free | Male CG Dwarf CORE Barbarian 2 | HP 27/27 | AC 18, T 12, FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +6 R +2 W +2; +2 vs. Poison, Spells & SLA | Init +2 | Per +7, SM +2, Darkvision 60ft, stonecunning | Speed 30 ft | Rage 9/9 | Active Conditions: None | Re-Roll (+1) 1/1
Seeming a threat appear Tolinath drops the mug and food he had been stuffing his face with Rushes over drawing his Waraxe swinging down yelling out with a mouthful of food "Dwmn Swiders!" food and spittle flying everywhere.
Male Halfling Fighter 2 | AC 18 T 15 FF 14 | HP 19/19 | F +6 R +5 W +3 (+3 vs. fear) | Init +4 | Perc +9 | Active Status: -none-
OK, things are a bit clearer now.
Cazlin makes his way to the southern tent, intending to perform the ritual. Upon hearing Red's exclamation, he looks over his shoulder and starts to finger his bow. Spiders? Is that Enyemb's doing?
At Mao's warning, Senna and Mist get ready to attack. Mist growls and his fur along his back is sticking up. Senna slashes at the spider and Mist goes for a bite.
Mao is unable to get to the spider, as the crates block him.
Wylka takes a step back, but he too misses because of all the mess of things in the way.
The Glaive being a Reach weapon, I had you move back 1 square (5ft. step). If is okay?
Red, with food and spittle flying everywhere, slashes the spider, sending blood and ooze flying everywhere!
The spider is barely alive, three legs on the ground, four eyes popped out, and one fang cut off.
Senna and Mist move in - I moved you so you can hit the spider, if that's okay -, and Mist even gets to flank with Red and give Red the flank, but both Red before and Mist now hit even without this help.
Mist's jaws crush the remaining life out of the spider that dies.
Claudia is helping Cazlin perform with the puppets - roll is at 21
____
Round 2 Bold are up Claudia Darkmantle (giving +2)
Cazlin Summerweft (performed: 21) Mao Asaka
Tolinath "Red" Bronzebeard
Eynemb
Wylka Forth
Senna Faerhana
(rituals performed ?/6)
_____________
Red:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Free | Male CG Dwarf CORE Barbarian 2 | HP 27/27 | AC 18, T 12, FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +6 R +2 W +2; +2 vs. Poison, Spells & SLA | Init +2 | Per +7, SM +2, Darkvision 60ft, stonecunning | Speed 30 ft | Rage 9/9 | Active Conditions: None | Re-Roll (+1) 1/1
Tolinath has the Dirty Fighter Trait so +1 Dmg when Flanking Yay!
The spider resisted, but as Mist came running up, Red pulled a fast and dirty trick, twisting his axe as he pulled it out, adding to the damage... thus Mist crushed a dying bug.
Mao goes off to help...
@Mao can you roll for Acrobatics, to see if you reach 10 for a +2 in Aid Another, please?
Thought I'd posted, guess it got lost in Preview instead, sorry.
Claudia hurries over to help Cazlin with the puppets. "The show must go on right? There's a ritual that needs to be completed. We don't want that thing escaping, do we?"
As Mao reaches the stage, he gives Cazlin a boost as he is attempting a somersault. Mao follows it up with a dazzling display of mid-air twists and turns.
Male Halfling Fighter 2 | AC 18 T 15 FF 14 | HP 19/19 | F +6 R +5 W +3 (+3 vs. fear) | Init +4 | Perc +9 | Active Status: -none-
Mao Asaka wrote:
As Mao reaches the stage, he gives Cazlin a boost as he is attempting a somersault. Mao follows it up with a dazzling display of mid-air twists and turns.
The minatan puppets go from dashing up the slopes of Mount Shibotai to CARTWHEELING AGGRESSIVELY as Cazlin is thrown into a somersault! Cazlin holds onto the half-dozen shadow puppets he's trying to simultaneously control with white-knuckled determination.
Other than splitting into a bunch of copies, it is clear what Enyemb is up to?
The multiple-Eynemb moves back to get an eye on Red, and, casting a spell, points his finger at Red: "Run, fool!" @Red: DC14 Will save vs. Cause Fear.
Cazlin feels that his questions about Eynemb are answered...
____
Round 2 Bold are up Claudia Darkmantle (giving +2)
Cazlin Summerweft (Acrobatics @ 23)
Mao Asaka (giving +2)
Tolinath "Red" Bronzebeard
Eynemb Wylka Forth
Senna Faerhana
(rituals performed ?/6)
Free | Male CG Dwarf CORE Barbarian 2 | HP 27/27 | AC 18, T 12, FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +6 R +2 W +2; +2 vs. Poison, Spells & SLA | Init +2 | Per +7, SM +2, Darkvision 60ft, stonecunning | Speed 30 ft | Rage 9/9 | Active Conditions: None | Re-Roll (+1) 1/1
Will Save:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 for 1d4 ⇒ 4 rounds
With the spider dead, Senna rushes to the stage to help the others with the show. Mist runs past her and grabs for a puppet. Senna beats him to it and gives him a look to settle him down.
You see Red's eyes rolling, as he starts to panic, while Wylka, Senna and Mist rush over to the stage. I moved Mist's mini over.
Cazlin, helped by Claudia and Mao, makes a wonderful series of tumbling and acrobatic moves across the stage, and the crowd is very pleased, Harjandi calling out to you: "Yes, that is it, you are performing the ritual! Keep at it..." Will track the rounds for you (1/6 now), at the bottom.
But, the color starts to drain out of the area, and the contrast heightens: white is paler, black darker.
____
Round 3 Bold are up
Claudia Darkmantle
Cazlin Summerweft
Mao Asaka
Tolinath "Red" Bronzebeard (will be frightened for 4 rounds - bleh)
Eynemb
Wylka Forth
Senna Faerhana
(rituals performed 1/6)
Male Halfling Fighter 2 | AC 18 T 15 FF 14 | HP 19/19 | F +6 R +5 W +3 (+3 vs. fear) | Init +4 | Perc +9 | Active Status: -none-
Bolstered by Harjandi's comments, Cazlin continues his contortions with even more energy than before.
Acrobatics to continue performing the ritual:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
The puppets reach the top of the mountain, each one full of energy. They skip and jump as they wait to meet the wayang contingent and join them against the evil.
Not sure if we're supposed to do six different skills for the ritual, or if repeats are OK. If its supposed to be different ones, Cazlin will let someone else take the lead.
Free | Male CG Dwarf CORE Barbarian 2 | HP 27/27 | AC 18, T 12, FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +6 R +2 W +2; +2 vs. Poison, Spells & SLA | Init +2 | Per +7, SM +2, Darkvision 60ft, stonecunning | Speed 30 ft | Rage 9/9 | Active Conditions: None | Re-Roll (+1) 1/1
"Ah!!!! Run fer yer lives!!!" Tolinath runs straight away from Eynemb as far as he can as fast as he can.
Double Move
Seeing as next round I will probably head off map how would you like to handle this?
Cazlin feels that the most important is to keep those puppets moving, and that it does not seem important to have diverse actions to complete the ritual.
No need for different skills to be used.
As Red moves off the map he falls into the Void and disappears for ever...
More seriously: let's just keep track of how many squares you move away, to reduce them again when you come back (if you do!).
"Easy now Cazlin. That's it! Concentrate! You're doing great!" Mao gives encouraging words of support to Cazlin and makes sure that he easily lands on his feet.
Cazlin is twirling the puppets in a nice show, with Mao and Claudia aiding him.
Meanwhile, Red, spins around and races off into the night!
Eynemb points a finger at Cazlin, casting another spell.
DC 14 will save vs. Cause Fear/
The color keeps on draining out of the area.
____
Round 3 Bold are up
Claudia Darkmantle (aiding)
Cazlin Summerweft (25 Acro' roll for ritual)
Mao Asaka (aidiig)
Tolinath "Red" Bronzebeard (will be frightened for 3 more rounds - bleh)
Eynemb (2 x Cause Fears used)
Wylka Forth
Senna Faerhana
Mist
(rituals performed 1/6)
Male Human Cleric of Shelyn 3.1 | AC 17 (T 10/FF 17) | CMB +4 CMD 14 (FF 14) | HP 24/24 | Init +0 | Fort +4 Ref +1 Will +6 | Perception +3 | Speed 20' | Channel Energy 7/7 | Bit of Luck 6/6 | Dazing Touch 6/6 | +2 Concentration
Wylka moves closer and gets Eynemb in his line of sight. He then begins chanting a spell directed at Eynemb. "Lets talk this out and see if we can come to an understanding."
Move Action: 20'
Standard Action: Cast Charm Person @ Eynemb. DC 14 Will save.
Cazlin finishes the ritual successfully, but then succumbs to fear and bolts.
Only 1 round
Red is still running.
Mark distance covered - 2 rounds left
Senna orders Mist to attack, and the wolf races over, biting at Eynemb, making an image disappear.
Senna rushes over to help whoever will perform the ritual this round, and gives a hand.
+2 from Aid Another +2 from Harjandi = +4
It seems the bindings holding the evil presence begin to fray at the edges. The color totally drains out of the area, and incorporeal black tentacles snake out from behind the stage.
The wayangs on the beach flee back to the city, screaming.
The shadowy tentacles wriggle from the stage, infesting the Material Plane.
They coalesce in the open area north of the stage, manifesting as a hideous shadowy rendition of some animal... that is not yet totally visible nor present.
At the same time, it seems the shadows also awaken the spirits of the Minatan heroes who helped seal away the shadowy evil long ago.
You all have pleased these heroes by performing actions they favor, and have thus attuned to your chosen hero.
You feel a comforting presence watching over you and infusing you with power.
The mask channels energy into your gear.
Choose +1 enhancement bonus to a single weapon or a single piece of armor. This lasts until the end of the encounter.
____
Round 4 Bold are up
Claudia Darkmantle
Mao Asaka (aidiig)[/b]
Cazlin Summerweft (fleeing) (next round the Fear stops)
Tolinath "Red" Bronzebeard (will be frightened for 2 more rounds)
Eynemb (2 x Cause Fears used)
Wylka Forth
Senna Faerhana
Mist
(rituals performed 2/6)
Claudia's eyes go wide as tendrils of energy emerge from her mask and wrap around her crossbow slowly sinking into the weapon then fading. She fires a quick shot at Eynemb. Then, dropping the crossbow, snatches the shadow puppets as Cazlin trembles in fear. "I've got this." She says encouragingly.
Claudia - after you attack action you can use the move to get the puppets, and can use the action on next turn
Mao - you can act, sorry I garbled this list above[/b]
Free | Male CG Dwarf CORE Barbarian 2 | HP 27/27 | AC 18, T 12, FF 16 | CMD 17 | F +6 R +2 W +2; +2 vs. Poison, Spells & SLA | Init +2 | Per +7, SM +2, Darkvision 60ft, stonecunning | Speed 30 ft | Rage 9/9 | Active Conditions: None | Re-Roll (+1) 1/1
"Ahhhhhh." Tolinath follows the remaining Wayang who are screaming running from the beach back to town.
Male Halfling Fighter 2 | AC 18 T 15 FF 14 | HP 19/19 | F +6 R +5 W +3 (+3 vs. fear) | Init +4 | Perc +9 | Active Status: -none-
Cazlin's fright is wide-eyed and quiet. He runs directly westward away from the site of the performance. As his fear fades, he looks back and observes the shadow-y manifestation with almost as much trepidation.
This doesn't look right. Did I ruin something?
Since Cazlin's two move actions bring him to just barely off the map, I've left him in one square off the edge. Hope that is OK.
