The Sirensong Traveling Carnival (Inactive)

Game Master Whosawhatsis?

Once Erin and her team have finished making plans, she mounts her bat and they take off, rising thirty feet above the battlefield.

You need to be on the ground, in your team's "corner" when the match starts.

Okay, no problem, adjusting her position now.

Erin also loads a bullet in her sling and holds it in her other hand.

Nathaniel held a knife in his right hand, nervously glancing at the southern stands and the small, expert audience in attendance. He looked to the West, then the North, watching the other two teams set up, wondering what their plan would be.

Does someone have a horse? Or is there a stray running around the arena?

Does someone have a horse? Or is there a stray running around the arena?

I think Evalee said she was summoning it with her mount spell.

Guess I wasn't paying attention...thanks!

Looks like everybody's ready...

Gregor Maleffect takes a place on the southern stands with the other members of the carnival. He raises his fist high in the air, holds it there for a moment as he looks from one group to the next, then brings it down to smack into the palm of his other hand. BEGIN! He then sits down to watch.

Team West:
Aphrashai the Mystic Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Erin Reynor Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Ashak the Acrobat Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Team East:
ClydeMcClod Initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Nathaniel Whitecloak Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Zarine Greenblood Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Team North:
Evalee Ribbinz Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Semsephiel Godscourge Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Pogug Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Damn, I wish I could roll that well as a player...

Current Initiative: ClydeMcClod (23), Ashak the Acrobat (23), Aphrashai the Mystic (22), Pogug (21), Semsephiel Godscourge (20), Erin Reynor (19), Nathaniel Whitecloak (13), Evalee Ribbinz (11), Zarine Greenblood (5)

Btw, Since their initiatives are adjacent and they're on the same team, I'm considering Ashak and Aphrashai to have the same initiative (whoever is ready to post first can do so), and the same goes for Pogug and Semsephiel. Clyde and Zarine will share an initiative as well, after Clyde's initial turn. Anyone else is, of course, welcome to delay their action to get into the same block as their teammates. This will be simpler when there aren't 3 teams.

Clyde focuses himself and calls upon some tricks
Using Brawler's Flexibility to gain Improved Overrun for 1 minute

When the signal is given, Clyde is off like a shot, charging at the blue clad man like a living avalanche, seeking to crush him underfoot.
Toot! Toot! Here comes a double move! OOOOHH YEAAA!!!!

Aphrashai steps back and lays his hand on Ashak's shoulder. He says softly so only Ashak can hear, "Get him, my help shall be there when you need it." His head snaps toward the fat man in front of him. He says in a loud but calm voice, the words almost vibrating in Clyde's head, "You shall falter. There is no point to debate."
Focusing my hypnotic stare at Clyde, causing him to take a -2 to attacks and will saves.

I can feel the Warp overtaking me

Ashak nods to his ally and leaps forward, somersaulting past Clyde the dancer rises on his other side.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

He winks at Clyde and smiles wide. "Look behind you big fella" As he speaks Aphrashai appears on the strongman's other flank. Ashak holds his knives out wide and spins, landing in a crouch and strikes upwards. false flanker

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Confirmation: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 not quite
Damage (pulled): 1d4 + 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + (5, 5) + 4 = 17 = 8 nonlethal

Ashak's knife flashes at Clyde's neck but the Strongman is quick too and twists to take it on his shoulder. The knife leaves a bloody but superficial wound, to an experienced onlooker it is clear that Ashak was aiming for blood not pain.

Perfomance combat - first blood
Perform (dance): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
When his knife hits Ashak whistles and crouches back down, spinning low before tossing one knife in the air, switching on to one hand and then flipping back around to catch it. He freezes knees bent and knives raised in preparation for Clyde's retaliation.

It appears that battle has been joined. Semsephiel can't help but grin. It's been far too long since he'd gotten to play with his flying blade.

Tactically speaking, I think I want to stay right where I am. Between my extended reach and flying blade, I could keep any one of them at bay, but the last thing I need is someone sniping from afar. Semsephiel decides to deter the person most likely to use ranged weapons.

His extoic weapon whistels through the air as he swings it impossibly far (practically in Nathaniel's face) but it doesn't have the chance to touch the ground before Semsephiel pulls it back to him.
"Whitecloak, eh? After today, they'll all call you Redcloak."

Intimidate Check to demoralize: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Nathaniel's only shaken for two rounds, I'm afraid.

EDIT quotation marks.

Pogug gives a grin, before bursting into song. Entirely in orcish, the song speaks of a long and tired battle between two orc tribes, each with their own reasons for getting into the war, and each valiantly fighting to their deaths. The message of the song is unfortunately ruined as Pogug has replaced every name with his own, reciting confusing scenes in which Pogug stabs Pogug, but is subsequently shot by Pogug, who is the son of Pogug, who in turn was raised by the tribe of Pogug.
Raging Song as a standard action, gives +2 to Str and Con, +1 to Will, and -1 to AC. Also the same skill restrictions as rage.

Erin blinks in surprise as Clyde comes barreling forward, but her surprise doesn't last long. She and her bat quickly vault in the air, rising in a flurry of wings as they loop around to place themselves above their advancing foe.

Spending 35 feet of movement to fly in an ascending curve, placing herself ten feet above Clyde. Erin now threatens Clyde's space and a 10-ft. radius around it with her lance. Her bat, Epsilon, then takes a total defense action.

Even as she rises, a look of intense focus and reckless determination comes into Erin's eyes. Her movements become more fluid, more natural, as she twists and spins through the air.
Entering a bloodrage as a free action, which triggers a performance combat check.
Perform (dance): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26

At the apex of her climb, Erin glances downwards at Clyde and calls, "Hey! Heads up."
She jabs downward with her lance, twisting it at the last second so that the haft slams into the side of his skull.
Power Attacking with a -4 penalty for nonlethal damage.
Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 4 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Just realized that intimidate to demoralize has a thirty foot range. (Haven't ever made an intimidate build before.) Instead of intimidating Whitecloak, Semsephiel will hold his action to act on Evalee's init.

"Alas, Clyde, you are beset! I shall help!"Nathaniel moved forward, a bit more wary than his larger companion after spying the large hits brought against him by Team West. Drawing daggers into both hands as he moved, he flung the one in his right hand at the Mystic after aiming carefully, the weapon flying to where the pommel would strike the man, having taken note of the man's strange powers from afar, taking the time to flip the other dagger into his dominant hand after doing so.

Spending panache point to eliminate range penalties

Dagger Throw: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Pulled punch damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8So that's 4

Semsephiel and Evalee will both hold their actions. (Sorry about the lack of action, but it seems my characters are in zugzwang. And the ranged character doesn't have a clear shot.)

Boy, it's weird trying to GM a combat in which I'm not running any of the characters. Anyway, couple of things...

Perfomance combat - first blood

Perform (dance): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Checking the performance combat rules again, I'm adjusting this to 1d20 + 6 = 19 per the tables on that page, which is still enough to improve the audience's attitude toward Ashak. Btw, I'm also going to say that a successful intimidate check against another character also counts as a performance combat check, because anything showy enough to demoralize a character should also play to the crowd (unless of course you're whispering something up close). The performance combat check is modified by your CHA modifier, number of skill ranks in the associated skill, and BAB, per the tables on the performance combat page. As far as I can tell, bonuses class skill, trait, feat, etc. don't affect performance combat checks, though I'm considering modifying that rule...

I also need a performance combat check from Pogug. The performance combat rules obviously weren't written with skalds in mind, but I'm going to say that any bardic performance/raging song triggers a performance combat check for sure. I think accepting a skald's rage song probably should trigger one as well, but the fact that accepting the rage song isn't an action makes that awkward. For now, I'll just say that the skald makes the check.

Entering a bloodrage as a free action, which triggers a performance combat check.

Perform (dance): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26

Adjusting to 1d20 + 3 = 14, which also succeeds.

Cheers can be heard from the stands when Ashak draws first blood and when Erin brings her lance down on Clyde. Ashak and Erin each get a +1 morale bonus on all attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, ability checks, skill checks, and saving throws.

Clyde has 23 points of nonlethal damage and a -2 to attacks and will saves. Aphrashai has 4 points nonlethal. Semsephiel and Evalee's actions are held, so they can enter initiative whenever they want, otherwise Zarine Greenblood is up.

Unless Nathaniel has some ability I'm unaware of, factoring in the attack penalty from dealing nonlethal I beleive the attack would miss. Against Aphrashai.

I've chosen to use the DM's pulled punch method, which uses the regular attack but only half damage.

Ah, didn't catch that. Well, damage taken then.

Aye, skalds are a bit strange. The wording gets weird, and what starts the rage (the performance versus the accepting of it) is unclear. For future reference, Pogug will do a single performance check, which is likely the intention.

Performance Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Pogug's song invokes laughter from the audience. He is quickly becoming a crowd favorite. One voice laughs particularly loudly. It is the nasal voice from the night before, and looking over toward the stands, you can see another goblin, rolling on the ground, in tears with laughter.

Pogug also receives a +1 morale bonus on all attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, ability checks, skill checks, and saving throws.

Btw, Pogug, your combat performance bonus should be +5 by my count (+3 for CHA, +1 for BAB 1-5, and +1 for 1-5 skill ranks).

Zarine starts her performance by moving south towards the audience and narrating the story so far.

Derring-do: Team East gets +1 morale on Reflex saving throws and +2 competence on Dexterity-based skill checks. If they move at least 10 feet they get +1 dodge to AC until the start of their next turn.

Alas, Clyde she says, pointing him out to the audience, began his life as a prince, born to wise and good parents, and he grew up fair and strong, until the jealous Bat-witch came along <Points out Erin>, cursing him with ugliness, killing his parents, and turning the kingdom against him when he was only ten years old. His noble footman Nathaniel <points out Nathaniel> smuggled him out of the castle before she could murder him, saving his life and hiding him in a carnival, where they became Nate the Great and Clyde the Clobbering Clown.

Unfortunately, many years later, as they were innocently traveling along with their friend and confidant the fire-dancer <she indicates herself>, they were discovered. Now they fight for their lives against the Bat-witch and her henchmen, as the rest of the carnival <She indicates Team North[/b] makes up their minds whether to support the cause of righteousness and good, or to give in to the lust of corruption spread by the Bat-witch and her henchmen.[/b] <Indicates team West>

Perform Oratory: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 Looks like adjusted for "performance combat" that would be +4 instead, so a 13.

Nathaniel took his cue and bowed quickly to the audience as Zarine introduced him, shouting "Down with the evil bat-witch!"

Actually, unless we're doing a houserule for it, Performance Combat checks only get bonuses from Perform(acting,comedy, or dancing). Singing and String don't count, so I don't get the bonus from it. Only the BAB and CHA bonus apply.

Burn the witch! She tried turning me into a newt!

Actually, unless we're doing a houserule for it, Performance Combat checks only get bonuses from Perform(acting,comedy, or dancing). Singing and String don't count, so I don't get the bonus from it. Only the BAB and CHA bonus apply.

I mentioned that I was going to houserule that. Basically any perform that you can RP using in combat (which definitely includes bardic performance to boost your allies) is usable for performance combat.

In that case, yay! It is a +5.

Perform Oratory: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 Looks like adjusted for "performance combat" that would be +4 instead, so a 13.

Zarine gets only quizzical looks from the audience.

Are you waiting on me?

Clyde decides to overrun the fellow in front of him
Improved Overun

Overun: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

So Improved Overrun removes the special attack of opportunity an overrun attempt provokes from the target of the maneuver. But would Erin still get the normal attack of opportunity he provokes for moving out of a threatened square?

Clyde hasn't mentioned where he's moving, but I don't think he can overrun Ashak without provoking an AoO from Erin, so yes, Clyde falls to the ground, unconscious. A cheer can be heard from the stands. Erin's morale bonus increases to 2.

Nathaniel scratched his head, brow furrowed, wondering what the large man had been up to. He guessed he would have to ask him after the battle royale. Knife in hand, he awaited the onslaught of Team West.

Evalee watches as the strongman collapses to the ground. She winces, rubbing her own head. "Sephy? I know you wanted to let the other teams duke it out themselves . . ."

"But you have the irrational urge to side with the underdogs?"

"Well . . . yeah. I kinda do."

Semsephiel took a moment to think. Interfering now was a fairly awful idea, tactically speaking . . . but this was performance combat. And theatrics are . . . well, theatric. "I'll follow your judgement." Semsephiel grins, a feral thing. "Down with the evil bat-witch."

The horse didn't have a name. It wasn't even a horse, really, it was a conjured thing, an aspect of horsiness, as Evalee would put it.

The horse wasn't a minute old, but it was somewhat worried. It couldn't put its worries into words, but it was worried because it was surrounded, hedged in on all sides by people who were shouting and waving weapons.

But, gradually, it felt its fear slip away. As it listened to Pogug's song, it felt at peace with the conflict. Deep inside it, it knew that it was ready to fight.

The horse accepts the raging song.

Semsephiel and Evalee are making double moves to reposition, the horse is making a mounted charge, targeting Ashak.

Bite: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 (+2 for charging, +1 for raging song)

Damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Aphrashai stares at Nathan, his brown eyes seeming impossibly deep. He says in a calm voice, smooth as silk, "Clyde and Nathaniel, faultless heroes, tortured by the one that slanderer in the East calls the Bat-Witch? That is a twisted lie to conceal the truth. No, Clyde's parents made a bargain with the Queen of Bats to make their son strong and beautiful. They reneged on their deal and the Queen of Bats took back the gifts she bestowed. Nathaniel only wished to spare the prince's life to secure his place in Clyde's court. Since they escaped, the Queen of Bats has travelled the lands in search of corrupt Clyde and noxious Nate with her two devoted companions, the Acrobat, master of agility, speed and stealth and yours truly, the Mystic, an expert in the arcane arts. It is fitting then, that the Queen of Bats should strike down Clyde, to finish what she started. So now Nathaniel, your ally has been felled! Perhaps you shall be paralysed with fear? Maybe Nate the Great is not so great?"

Performance Combat (acting): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Nathaniel will take a -2 on will saves and attacks, and all others will gain +1 damage. Nathaniel will also need to make a DC 15 will save or be unable to take actions for a round as per command.

Will Save: 1d20 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 1 - 2 = 12
Charmed Life Reroll: 1d20 - 1 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 1 - 2 = 17

Nathaniel finds himself drawn to the intense gaze of the mystic, his will wavering momentarily before he shook his head, casting off the silky words of Aphrasai. "Heed this wicked sorcerer not, Team North! A noble man hath fallen this day! He shall be avenged!" The young man grinned at the audience to the south before readying himself for the attacks to come.

As far as I know phantom steeds can't attack.
As the strange horse approaches him Ashak ducks and rolls between its legs.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
He bounces to his feat and lashes out at Semsephiel on the other side.
Sneak Attack (pulled): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28 Damage: 1d4 + 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + (1, 8) + 4 = 14 7 non-lethal He strikes at the the back of Semsephiel's thigh, a wound that would usually be debilitating but instead just draws a stream of blood. "you would side with these criminals against our queen? Then you too must fall!"

As the poor horse charges forward to fight for its unknown master, it passes within reach of Erin's lance. She seizes the opportunity, swinging her weapon downward to club the beast across the neck.
Taking another attack of opportunity with Combat Reflexes.
Attack: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 13 - 4 = 13
Nonlethal Damage: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
The horse stumbles, then collapses to the ground, unconscious.

Ashak, I think its a mount spell, not a phantom steed.

Pogug continues his strange tune, before firing a crossbow bolt at Ashak.

Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

It sails overhead.

Erin bears an expression of slight confusion as the orators trade their tales, but by the time they finish she has broken into a smile. As her lance swings from the man beneath her to the charging horse, her eyes turn to scan the battlefield and settle on Evalee. "So you've decided to side with the underdogs, huh?" Erin calls out. "Well, just for the record..." She readies her lance, leans forward, and grins. "Wrong choice."

Her bat shoots across the arena like a bullet, spinning and twisting to avoid the swings of Semsephiel's flying blade. Charging. Acrobatics to avoid an attack of opportunity.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

As they reach Evalee, Erin strikes down with her lance from ten feet above, swinging with all the force of their forward dive.
Attack: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 15 - 4 = 22
Nonlethal Damage: 2d6 + 24 ⇒ (1, 1) + 24 = 26

Wrong choice indeed. Evalee goes down and Semsephiel disappears too. Sorry Pogug. :\

Wait a minute. It's the bat making the acrobatics check, right? But you can't do acrobatics if you're wearing medium or heavy armor or are at above a light load - does Erin and all of her gear weigh less then 76 lbs?

Aphrashai calls out once again, "The leader of the northern barbarians and her infernal ally falls, felled by the might of the Queen of Bats. The Queen's enemies would do well to fear us. Onward my companions, to victory!"

Ok, so the horse was summoned with the Mount spell, making it a light horse which doesn't have a bite attack. Doesn't matter, since it was taken out by Erin's AoO before it could make its attack.

Erin, since you decided to charge, you can't make an acrobatics check to move through threatened squares without provoking. I'm going to rule that Semsephiel gets an AoO. I also have no idea where you got +24 damage, looks like you doubled it twice? I'd also like a breakdown of the +15 attack bonus, because it doesn't seem to match what's on your sheet. I'd prefer if you broke out temporary bonuses, like the ones from raging and charging.

Aphrashai, are you casting Command, or are you performing? I don't think you can do both...