Shisumo's Jade Regent Prologue - Burnt Offerings

Game Master Shisumo

Decision made, Lamsfel prepares to lead the group toward the Rusty Dragon, but a sudden new bloom a fire, quite close, catches everyone's attetion. To the south and east, between some nearby houses and the southern wing of the new cathedral, a group of goblins have found the cart full of wood intended for the festival bonfire tonight. Three of the goblin warriors are waving torches and looking for a way to get the burning cart moving, apparently with the intent of sending it crashing down the nearby hill onto the houses below, while a fourth goblin, coiling a long whip in her thick blue fingers, encourages them with more of the bizarre, scratchy song.

New map! The wagon and the speaking platform from the previous map are in the upper left - we're just moving south and east a bit. The uneven line of grey and black squares along the bottom of the map represents the small cliff separating Sandpoint's Uptown district from the rest of the town. The slope over those two squares is about 10 feet per square; they are of course difficult terrain, and trying to move down them requires an Acrobatics check to avoid falling prone at the bottom. Being forced over (with a bull rush, for instance) deals 1d6 nonlethal damage. The cart with the fuel for the bonfire is, itself, basically a bonfire at the moment. I don't recommend stepping into those squares.

The crowd has dispersed enough that the terrain is no longer considered difficult.

Please place yourselves on the map (you'll be coming from the northwest, but can be up to a full move's worth of distance from your previous position if you like) and roll initiative. Marcelina, you're back in Aqua-land. ;)

Tristan grins sheepishly: "Yah, that's the general idea. Carry a big sword and hopefully you won't have to use it. To tell the truth this is the first time it's tasted blood." He's interrupted by the commotion to the southeast. "But not the last, it seems."

Initiative:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

"So much for returning for our gear. Any suggestions other than charging straight in? I wonder if the one with the whip is a leader of some sort."

Initiative 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

I might have a spell that can slow them down a bit and buy you some time, as long as we can get to them before they leave the cart. Let's approach cautiously.

Tristan, don't forget guidance if you have an important attack or ST

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Initiative

So much for getting the jump on them with my 3 Init, hehe

Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

"All right, Marcelina, you say water's your friend? Let's see if it can help us keep that fire from reaching the rest of the town. I might be able to make it tough for them to move it."

Grease spell in the squares indicated with a pale yellow (DC 13), then swift action, Arcane Strike

Initiative for Goblin Warriors: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Initiative for the Goblin Bard: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Lamsfel's not yet on the map, and we still need Marcelina's initiative.

Then I might need to adjust where I drop the grease spell, depending on the goblins' actions. Hope that's okay.

Then I might need to adjust where I drop the grease spell, depending on the goblins' actions. Hope that's okay.

It's expected. After all, you might be dead by then. >:)

Sorry, today involved very little computer time. He's on the map now.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Marcelina pulls up short at the sight of the goblins and, though she cannot understand what it is that Tybus is saying, she apparently has the same idea as she reaches out a hand to the space over the cart. As she slowly clenches her fist, a blob of water condenses in the air, growing quickly before dropping onto the fire.

Create water: 2 Gallons dropped onto the fire.

As soon as the heroes come into view, the goblins leap and shriek, their plans to start the cart moving seemingly forgotten. The one with the whip lifts her hand and points at the space between the nearest house and the corner of the cathedral, and abruptly a thick sheen of grease covers the ground, causing Tybus, Lamsfel and Tristan to slip and slide. I need a Reflex save, DC 12, from those caught in the grease effect. At the same time, the other goblins rush forward, trying to catch their foes off-guard.

Goblin 1 dogslicer attack on Lamsfel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12, damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Goblin 3 dogslicer attack on Lamsfel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13, damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Goblin 2 charging dogslicer attack on Tybus: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20, damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

These attacks occur after you roll your Reflex saves, so if you fail, they will gain the benefits of you being prone, in addition to flat-footed.

You guys are up - and I should apologize to Stalwart for stealing Tybus' thunder, but this was the bard's tactic from the very beginning...

Marcelina's magic dumps water onto the fire, which flickers and smokes horribly, but has not yet been doused.

Tristan gingerly tries to make way towards the goblins.

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23, then Acrobatics 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 to move to G9.

He slips and has to spend the round regaining his balance.

The old man hesitates, wondering if the Faceless One will lead him astray. Seeing the predicament of his new comrades, he decides to take a gamble.

Stop this fighting. Lower your weapons and we will turn you over to the authorities without harming you he says, but only after muttering a strange incantation.

I'll cast Hypnotism (and the bold will be my suggestion to affected targets).

It will hit 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5 creatures, getting the goblins (lowest HD creatures) first. Then, regrettably, the party members depending on the roll.

The DC is 15 WS, but all creatures are in combat so they get a +2 to their save.

Tristan, if you're targeted by the spell you should probably use your Guidance, hehe.

The old man hesitates, wondering if the Faceless One will lead him astray. Seeing the predicament of his new comrades, he decides to take a gamble.

Stop this fighting. Lower your weapons and we will turn you over to the authorities without harming you he says, but only after muttering a strange incantation.

I'll cast Hypnotism (and the bold will be my suggestion to affected targets).

It will hit 2d4 creatures, getting the goblins (lowest HD creatures) first. Then, regrettably, the party members depending on the roll.

The DC is 15 WS, but all creatures are in combat so they get a +2 to their save.

Tristan, if you're targeted by the spell you should probably use your Guidance, hehe.

It hits 5 HD of creatures I should say and I want to cast it at the limits of my range. I hope this means I can target it on the 4 goblins first and then only hit one of the party members, but I'm not really clear if it is totally randomized or not.

Goblin 1 Will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Goblin 2 Will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Goblin 3 Will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Goblin Bard Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Hypnotism is a targeted effect - you won't hit party members unless you intend to.

Two of the goblins attacking the group suddenly stop and stare at Gan, their faces growing slack, as does the goblin with the whip, who lets her strange song trail off. The last goblin looks around, confused, shouting at his companions in his strange, squeaky speech.

Also, couple comments on hypnotism's actual effects. Setting aside the question of being able to communicate with the goblins for now (though only the bard actually speaks Common, so most of that part is wasted effort I'm afraid), hypnotism has some definite limits to its capabilities. First and foremost, it only shifts the creature's attitude by two levels; most often, that makes creatures in combat indifferent at best. Moreover, you have to actually make the request of the creature, which takes a full round's worth of interaction (see the Diplomacy skill) and requires you to actually make a Diplomacy check, with a DC dependent on both the nature of the request and the target's current attitude (effectively indifferent). So, in order to actually get the goblin bard to do what you've asked of it, you would have to take a second round's worth of actions and make a DC 26 Diplomacy check (base 15 for indifferent + Cha mod of 1 + 10 for "give dangerous aid").

Short version? Hypotism is a great noncombat spell, but in-combat you're likely to mostly just be using it to buy yourself a few rounds' worth of peace from some of your opponents.

Reflex save 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Seeing the goblin beside him stop his attack, Lamsfel figures to concentrate on the one that still appears to be a threat, attacking with both daggers at the goblin that has not been enspelled in G10.

Attack #1 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Damage 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Attack #2 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

No movement.

The goblin manages to knock away the elf's first attack with the torch in its left hand, but the follow-up gets through, stabbing it deep in the shoulder.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Tybus slips, slides, pinwheels his arms, and barely maintains his balance on the slick. Then grunts in pain as the goblin catches him good with the dogslicer.

Changing his tactic from a planned grease spell of his own, he sees the goblin who hit him go slack-jawed and stop being a threat for the moment. Taking the chance, he gingerly steps out of the slippery zone and attacks the goblin that Lamsfel wounded.

Attacks Goblin 1 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

The sailor's magically enhanced scimitar is more than enough to end the goblin's life.

Now the fun question - what do you do next? The goblins take no action on their turn, due to the fascination effect, so it's back to you guys again.

Tristan will try again to get past the sticky goo and use his sword try to break the wheel axle of the wagon to stop it from rolling down the hill.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Not sure how far I'll get but aiming for I11.

Quick reminder: Gan needs to roll for the spell's duration as well.

Quick reminder: Gan needs to roll for the spell's duration as well.

Sorry, I thought I did.

2d4 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8 duration in rounds

If I use evil eye on someone, does that end the fascinate effect?

Ok, so I just reread the fascinated condition and any attack or spell cast towards one of them will end the effect. So Gan will say:

They will only be entranced as long as they are not attacked. Take them down one at a time!

Gan will ready action to Evil Eye the attacks of any goblin missed by an attack (can I do that?)

Gan will ready action to Evil Eye the attacks of any goblin missed by an attack (can I do that?)

yes you can. Also, for next time: hypnotism has a casting time of one full round - that was my mistake too, though, so we'll just run with it.

Gan Liang wrote:

Gan will ready action to Evil Eye the attacks of any goblin missed by an attack (can I do that?)

yes you can. Also, for next time: hypnotism has a casting time of one full round - that was my mistake too, though, so we'll just run with it.

K, thanks. It should still be fine, though, as I didn't take a move action anyway.

Not sure what I need to move, but I want to get to G10 at minimum, H12 if possible.

I made my reflex save, so I think what I need is Acrobatics to get out of the grease effect.

Reflex save, if necessary 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Acrobatics 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

"Old man, what have you done to them? Should we attack or let them be?"

Not sure what I need to move, but I want to get to G10 at minimum, H12 if possible.

I made my reflex save, so I think what I need is Acrobatics to get out of the grease effect.

Reflex save, if necessary 1d20 + 5

Acrobatics 1d20 + 5

"Old man, what have you done to them? Should we attack or let them be?"

I can't hold them forever. Take those two down first!

Points to the two warriors.

K, thanks. It should still be fine, though, as I didn't take a move action anyway.

Spells with a 1 round casting time don't take effect until just before the start of your next turn. So the gobbos should technically have had another action before the fascination kicked in. Like I said though, I screwed it up too, so we'll just remember for next time.

"All right, let's take 'em while they be goggled!" Steps around the third goblin to get in position.

Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 (+2 flanking)
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Gan Liang wrote:

K, thanks. It should still be fine, though, as I didn't take a move action anyway.

Spells with a 1 round casting time don't take effect until just before the start of your next turn. So the gobbos should technically have had another action before the fascination kicked in. Like I said though, I screwed it up too, so we'll just remember for next time.

I never knew that. Interesting.

"Jibberish in Aquan..." Marcelina seems to be trying to explain her actions or suggest some to the others, but it is very hard to tell. Meanwhile, she once again gestures into the air, pulling even more water togeather to dump on the fire. The act is obviously a bit more challenging as the air becomes more and more dry.

Making sure that fire is out.

Was Lamsfel successful in his move? If he was, was his move before Tybus'? Because if Lamsfel was successful in his movement, he's not in the grease, he's beside the goblin singer, setting up a flank for Tybus there instead.

Was Lamsfel successful in his move? If he was, was his move before Tybus'? Because if Lamsfel was successful in his movement, he's not in the grease, he's beside the goblin singer, setting up a flank for Tybus there instead.

Sorry, yes. The DC is only 10, so you made it easily. Adjust yourself on the map as needed, and then Tybus can rearrange as well.

It was my bad, I didn't say I was waiting. Lamsfel's in position now. He won't take the attack because he called out to Gan before deciding. Tybus, that may or may not change your plans, sorry.

Lamsfel's approach toward the goblin with the whip seems to stir something in her, and she blinks and shifts her stance, as though trying to break free of her trance. Approaching a fascinated target with a weapon in hand allows an additional save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 With a sudden start, she jumps and blinks, suddenly aware of the danger she is in. She's no longer fascinated. She has not yet been missed by an attack, though, so Gan's readied action doesn't trigger. On the other hand, if Tybus wants to move to a flank opposite Lamsfel or Tristan, that might change...

Yes, I'll move to flank opposite Lamsfel. I don't know if you want to use the roll from earlier, or if you need me to roll again. Just in case:

attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 (plus flanking)
damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

They both missed, so...

Tybus' blade only catches air as he tries to take out the goblin before she can react. As soon as he does, though, Gan leaps into the breach, attempting to curse the goblin with his glare. Will save against the evil eye: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Marcelina's efforts on the bonfire are having an effect - the wagon is still on fire, but it is no longer the raging inferno it was moments ago. Likewise, Tristan's unique take on Disable Device has rendered it unable to roll.

The goblin with the whip leaps to the side, grabbing her last remaining ally and shaking it, screeching and ranting. The other goblin blinks, shaking its head, then its eyes fall on Tybus and it raises its dogslicer and torch, jumping at the sailor with both weapons in a flailing, random attack. Two-weapon fighting with dogslicer and torch - dogslicer 1d20 ⇒ 2, damage 1d4 ⇒ 4, torch 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (19) - 4 = 15, damage 1d2 ⇒ 2 plus 1 fire

It's you guys again. Only one of the goblins is fascinated at this point.

Should have stayed in the grease, I guess.

Move to F12 and use flanking to attack bard with primary dagger.

Attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Damage 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Gan moves around the building, not wishing to try his luck with the grease. He fixes his gaze on the lead goblin, bringing the curse of the faceless one to bear (Evil eye her AC).

Tybus, Lamsfel--Take the leader down now! She cannot escape us...

His words ring true but the old man's eyes burn with power, or madness...

Should have stayed in the grease, I guess.

Move to F12 and use flanking to attack bard with primary dagger.

Attack 1d20 + 6
Damage 1d4 + 2

Gah, 5 minutes too late again! Wouldn't have mattered though with that 1 you rolled :-( Tristan, don't forget Guidance on your next d20 roll. It will wear off soon and if you miss by one you'll be pissed, hehe.

Seeing Lamsfel's attack miss the mark, the old man speaks again:

Tristan, Marcelina seems to have the fire almost out. Help these guys in the fight. I fear my dagger isn't of much help.

"I'm on it!" Tristan moves to engage the goblin bard.
Attack with Guidance1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 172d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 6) + 6 = 14

If the attack connects he profits by its momentum to strike the other goblin, leaving himself somewhat off balance.
Cleave1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 172d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 4) + 6 = 16. Tristan's AC is now 10.

"I'm on it!" Tristan moves to engage the goblin bard.

Attack with Guidance1d20+6;2d6+6

If the attack connects he profits by its momentum to strike the other goblin, leaving himself somewhat off balance.
Cleave1d20+5;2d6+6. Tristan's AC is now 10.

Man you do a lot of damage! :-)

Tybus ducks under the spray of goblin blood that likely follows Tristan's vicious attack, and looks to see if the goblin chanter is still alive. If she be, then he slashes at her with his cutlass.

Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Damage 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Then, staggering a bit from the wounds he's received these last few seconds, drops behind the man with the big sword.

Man, the dice roller just doesn't seem to like me.

Seeing that the fire is nearly out, and not going anywhere, Marcelina makes her way around the right side of the combat, ducking past Gan to come up behind Lamsfel.

Just movement this round.

Tristan's sword is an unstoppable scythe of death, reaping lives like so much wheat. Forgive the melodrama, but seriously, that seemed excessive... Both the active goblins fall in one single spray of blood, and only the still-entranced one near the cathedral remains a threat - and not much of one at that, all things considered.

You guys can take your next actions, as Tristan rather thoroughly prevented the goblins from doing anything this turn - or, in fact, ever again.

Gan looks on the carnage with distaste, unused to such a close-up view of violence. Still, he knows the goblins pose a threat to the town and are ultimately getting what they deserve. He moves around behind Tristan and focuses his powers on the remaining goblin.

I'll use Evil Eye on the last goblin's AC (WS DC 14)

Lamsfel will try for a different tactic since Tristan has the annihilate option covered ;-).

Move action to sheathe the daggers, move action to move up next to the goblin.

Speaking to the goblin, trying to keep a calm tone, "Looks like it's just you. You should put your torch and your blade down so you can live and have little kneebiters."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 I presume there's a penalty for not sharing a language, but putting the weapons away counts for something, I hope.

EDIT: Oh, well. Just trying to play the G part of the CG a little bit.

Marcelina is forced to duck a bit as gore goes flying. The sight is obviously shocking to her and if she had a bit more time to look at it she might find herself losing her lunch. However, she makes a concerted effort to focus on something else.

The fire! Yes. Let's focus on the fire. She places herself between the blood and the cart and douses the cart yet again.