Those Who Walk in Blood (Inactive)

Game Master Stalwart

Lilith again surges in size and takes a second swing at Vimanda.

+1 Keen Scythe (PA, Song, Flank): 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 15
Damage: 3d4 + 8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1, 3) + 8 + 6 + 2 = 21

@Lilith: I'm not sure that's right. The Change Shape (Su) quality indicates that they keep most of their physical attributes. While it's possible that the DR is supposed to be unavailable, I've already adjudicated that it still applies during the fight with the other two rakshasas.

Lilith's first strike (inserted prior to Vimanda's action so she was flat footed) lands and her oversized might manages to punch some damage through.

Alenaya's bomb was extremely close to striking the intruder, but because she had to adjust to the proximity of the Vernai, her throw was just off enough that she missed a direct hit. The flask of combustible compounds erupts into flame.
Reflex: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33
Unfortunately for the Mantis, the impostor twists out of the way of the explosion and takes no damage.

Will: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Eris, you didn't really explain your suggestion. I'm assuming that you still want her to reveal her true form.

Vimanda pauses in her actions and allows her form to shift to that of a beautiful fox-headed woman. She turns back to Eris and sneers through her sharp teeth, "You worship a bug. The gods you mortals so love are distant and uncaring. We rakshasas are the true gods of this realm, willing to bestow our gifts upon those who worship us."

Kage's attacks are unable to strike true, though Jon-Wyn manages a palpable hit. Still need a crit confirm roll from Jon-Wyn! Lilith's follow-up strike also fails to connect.

Acantha tries to take advantage of the momentary lapse of concentration that Eris provided as she attempts to deliver her touch spell.
Melee touch, flank, song: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 22
Caster level: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
Unfortunately, the spell fizzles when she touches the rakshasa.

"Acantha! Get back!" shouts Jagen as he moves forward with his dual sabres. He swings hard once he takes her place when the cleric steps back. The enemy's kukri, however, slashes first as he moves past her blade.
AoO: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (1) = 7

Melee, song, flanking: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 2 + 2 = 36
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 3d6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (4, 2, 6) = 19
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Astrid keeps playing. You guys are up!

"Hold still, ya glorified mutt! I got a present for ya!" Alenaya taunts as she hurls another vial of liquid fire at her..........
__________
Bomb Attack, Inspire, Point Blank: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 1 = 28
Damage: 4d6 + 8 ⇒ (5, 3, 5, 6) + 8 = 27

I did. It was the third roll in that last post.

Humble apologies GM, could have sworn I added it. My actual suggestion would be to kneel, hands behind her back, and allow use to bind her hands. Once she is bound, we have plenty of options to get rid of her.

Ah yes so you did, my mistake. I'm curious to see what happens with this suggestion before taking any other actions.

Jon-- So you did. Not sure how I missed that!
Eris-- I'm going to rule that such a suggestion is obviously harmful -- it's tantamount to suggesting she commit suicide, to suggest that she put herself at the "mercy" of a bunch of outraged assassins with no assurances she won't be CDG'd the instant she's bound. I'll work with you and let you change your suggestion, but that would automatically negate the spell, per the text of the spell.

Hmm, I'd make a bluff check and ask her not to resist the Vernai's next spell and claim its a buff or whatever, but I still think thats 50/50. I guess if there isn't a valid combat use, I'll have her tell us all about her brothers secrets or something that might be useful like that, but I'd have to phrase that right. RE the bound thing, does it work if I tell everyone to back off?

Moving this to the discussion thread

Retcon, based on suggestion shenanigans.

"Darling, why don't you stop and tell us about all those little secrets you have been hiding, I know how you like to show how clever you are. I'd be so impressed," Eris coos with the power of her spell.

Vimanda pauses in her actions and turns back to Eris. Though the battle rages around her, she stops her attacks on the Vernai to respond to the sorceress. "You realize what you ruined? Your chances to become Vernai are lost without me! Rumor has it that the queen's power is in her crown! I, as Eris, would have claimed it! It would have been a great prize -- and the power within it would have placed me in the highest ranks of your organization. And you would have been my most prized pet! What will you gain without me?"

Kage's attacks are unable to strike true, though Jon-Wyn manages a palpable hit. Lilith's follow-up strike also fails to connect.

Acantha tries to take advantage of the momentary lapse of concentration that Eris provided as she attempts to deliver her touch spell.
Melee touch, flank, song: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 22
Caster level: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
Unfortunately, the spell fizzles when she touches the rakshasa.

"Acantha! Get back!" shouts Jagen as he moves forward with his dual sabres. He swings hard once he takes her place when the cleric steps back. The enemy's kukri, however, slashes first as he moves past her blade.
AoO: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27
Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (1) = 7

Melee, song, flanking: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 + 2 + 2 = 36
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 + (4, 2, 6) = 21
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

You're up again!

Vimanda's pause gives Jon time to retrieve and drink a Potion of Haste.

A normal-sized Lilith takes a step closer and takes a hasty swing at Vimanda.

+1 Keen Scythe (PA, Song, Flank): 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 18
Damage (PA, Song): 2d4 + 7 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 7 + 6 + 2 = 21

Unable to hit the magically defend Rakshasa with brute force Kage's style shifted as he circled Vimander with the others. He waited patiently for openings, hoping to strike a vital spot...
Full attack with studied target, flank and song.
Mainhand: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 2 + 2 = 22damage: 1d8 + 8 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 8 + (6, 6) + 2 = 28
Offhand: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 2 + 2 = 20Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (4, 1) + 2 = 14
Mainhand iterative: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 18Damage: 1d8 + 8 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + (2, 1) + 2 = 14
Oof the dice roller doesn't want this to happen. Hopefully shatter defences will come into play soon making this a bit easier.

Man, Acantha is useless IMO

I'll try and step back and cast Glitterdust trying to avoid spreading it AoE if I can. If I can succeed in this, then the save DC to avoid blindness is DC 19

Botting Alenaya...

The alchemist tosses another flask at the rakshasa, which strikes her true and sends fire cascading around her. Bomb: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 2 + 1 = 31
Fire: 4d6 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4, 2, 4) + 8 + 2 = 21

Jon steps back to drink a potion, while the rest of the group are unable to strike the elusive rakshasa.

Eris, there's too many people surrounding Vimanda, so one or two friendlies (at least) are going to get hit. Still want to take that action? And if so, who's it gonna be?

I can ignore 5 targets I thought...

You had no problem. Eris, on the other hand, doesn't have any control over her 10' radius glitterdust spread.

"Why don't I let you live then, and you get to be my pet dear, wouldn't that be a fair trade. Surely if you expect me to enjoy being your pet, you would likewise feel enjoyment from being mine? Eris offers.

Bluff: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (12) + 20 = 32

Assuming her offer is rejected, Eris proceeds to unleash blasts of fire.

Spell Resistance Scorching Ray: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Spell Resistance Scorching Ray: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 2, 5) = 11
Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 5, 1) = 14

You only need to roll for SR once per spell. I'll apply the second roll to your attack, because otherwise you would have missed with both (you lack Precise Shot).

One of Eris' rays strikes true and causes more fire damage while the other whizzes past. Now scorched and burned multiple times, Vimanda begins to look serious. Eris' words, however, begin to enrage her. She focuses on her.

"You DARE suggest that I debase myself? To you? You are MINE! And I suggest that you do all in your power to stop that bomber from throwing another flask!"

Concentration DC 21: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Eris, DC 18 will save

Jagen continues his attacks wordlessly, focusing on bringing her down.
Melee, pa, flank, song: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 + (6, 4, 6) = 26
Melee, pa, flank, song: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 + (3, 4, 3) = 25

Vimanda twists and dances around Jagen's savage blades, evading them narrowly. Acantha sneers, and suddenly her hand crackles with black energy. She steps forward and plants her hand on the intruder.

Melee touch: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 = 28
Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 4

She grins evilly, shaking her head. "Do you think the powers of Achaekek are so weak that we cannot deal with one intruder? Your defenses are impressive, but you lack the means to heal yourself, do you not? Now you will bleed to death, slowly, as we watch."

You're up!

"B$+!+, please! I do what I want!" Alenaya boasts as she heaves another.

Flask Attack, PBS: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 1 = 14
Damage, if Hit: 4d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 5, 2, 3) + 6 = 19

Vimanda easily avoided Kage's mainhand but it was a trap! She'd evaded his mainhand only to run into the path of his offhand! Crimson eyes burning with fury, Kage cries "Indeed! Achaekek is patient and unforgiving, and very soon you will have to explain this sacrilege in person!"

He follows up with a vicious strike from his new saber, and in addition to biting deeply, it's oily patina reacts with her blood releasing noxious chemicals that make her feel quite unwell...

Full attack: Power attack, Studied Target, Flank, Song
Mainhand: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 17damage: 1d8 + 12 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 + (3, 3) + 2 = 22
Offhand: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 30Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 + (2, 1) + 2 = 20
Mainhand iterative: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 26Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 12 + (3, 2) + 2 = 24
Cornugon Smash (Intimidate with Studied Target): 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 2 = 27

The rules are not super clear on how Cornugon smash plus Shatter Defences interact with multiple attacks. What I think happens is this: Kage's offhand hits, he makes his free action intimidate and Vimanda is shaken for a couple of rounds (Intimidate: If successful, the target is shaken for one round. This duration increases by 1 round for every 5 by which you beat the DC.) He probably hits with his iterative attack which does two things, firstly the cruel kicks in immediately and secondly shatter defenses triggers making her easier for him to hit next round.

As man! Her 4 bleed overshadows my 2 bleed. The Vernai just has to show me up. She can't let me be better at something.

Having drank the potion, Jon steps back into the fray, slashing at Vimanda with wild abandon.

Kukri, mw, cold iron: 2 wpn, arcane strike, song, flank, haste
To Hit: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 26 To Hurt: 1d4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11 Sneak Attack w/2 bleed: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7

Kukri, mw, silver: 2 wpn, off hand, arcane strike, song, flank, haste
To Hit: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 19 To Hurt: 1d4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6 Sneak Attack w/2 bleed: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

Kukri, mw, cold iron: 2 wpn, arcane strike, song, flank, haste
To Hit: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 32 To Hurt: 1d4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 10 Sneak Attack w/2 bleed: 2d8 ⇒ (8, 6) = 14

Confirm crit w/Kukri, mw, cold iron: 2 wpn, arcane strike, song, flank, haste
To Hit: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 29 To Hurt: 1d4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 = 9

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Hey GM, if I walk over and slap Alenaya (non lethal, provokes), I'm both doing what the suggestion says and triggering an AoO which could cause harm, which would allow me to break the suggestion anyway? Does that work?

Having few better options, Lilith takes another swing.

+1 Keen Scythe (PA, Song, Flank): 1d20 + 8 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 26
Damage: 2d4 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (1, 3) + 7 + 6 = 17

Jon-Wyn: Her bleed is 1d6 per round, so yours is a good use to keep it going in case she rolls a 1.
Kage: I'm not sure if it's intended for the smash and shatter to trigger off the same effect or not either, but I'm going to give it to you, since you put a lot of effort and resources into that build.
Eris: No, it's not an action that "could" cause harm, it's "obviously harmful" orders that break the spell. There's lots of options available to Eris. Act like you would want one of your own targets to act if you had cast it.

Eris succumbs to Vimanda's spell, but before she is able to make a move to stop her, Alenaya throws her next bomb. In her haste to throw it, however, the incendiary device fails to strike the rakshasa and it explodes nearby, engulfing her with the splash.
Reflex: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

Then, out of the blast of flame comes Kage. His first swing misses but his off-hand strike connects. He adds a vicious epithet that makes Vimanda's face show real fear for the first time and she falters a step. Kage then follows up on that opportunity with a strike from his cruelly enchanted blade.

Jon-Wyn adds another strike that pushes more damage through her resistances.

Covered in wounds and now shaken and sickened by Kage's attacks, Vimanda begins to look desperate. She lashes out at the wielder of the cruel blade, putting all her effort into finishing him.

Kukri, stunning fist, shaken, sickened: 1d20 + 19 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 19 - 2 - 2 = 28
Damage plus shock: 1d4 + 4 - 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 2 + (6) = 12
Kukri, shaken, sickened: 1d20 + 19 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 19 - 2 - 2 = 31
Damage plus shock: 1d4 + 4 - 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 - 2 + (6) = 11
Kukri, shaken, sickened: 1d20 + 14 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 14 - 2 - 2 = 21
Damage plus shock: 1d4 + 4 - 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 - 2 + (6) = 11
Kukri, shaken, sickened: 1d20 + 9 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 - 2 - 2 = 22
Damage plus shock: 1d4 + 4 - 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 2 + (4) = 10

Confirm, shaken, sickened: 1d20 + 19 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 19 - 2 - 2 = 17
Damage: 1d4 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 2 = 6
Confirm, shaken, sickened: 1d20 + 9 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 - 2 - 2 = 11
Damage: 1d4 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 2 = 4
No crits, thankfully, but you're taking 44 points of damage from four attacks. Also, make a DC 18 Fort save

Jagen continues his attacks, the savage mauling Sa'Kage received barely registering.
Melee, pa, flank, song: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 12 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 30
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 + (4, 6, 1) = 27
Melee, pa, flank, song: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 - 2 + 2 + 2 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2 + 3d6 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 + (6, 2, 1) = 24

With a burst of magic, 1d3 ⇒ 2 eagles come in from the celestial realms and immediately begin attacking Vimanda.
2 talons, bite: 3d20 ⇒ (8, 17, 15) = 40
2 talons, bite: 3d20 ⇒ (20, 20, 3) = 43
Crit confirm: 2d20 ⇒ (6, 18) = 24
2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
Two of the talons strike true, their celestial natures easily slicing through the evil outsider's defenses.

Bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Jon's bleed is counted this round

Acantha studies the room and backs away from Vimanda, earning a swipe from the rakshasa monk as she leaves her threatened area.

AoO: 1d20 + 19 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 19 - 2 - 2 = 17
Damage: 1d4 + 4 - 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 2 + (6) = 10

The priestess presses herself in the furthest corner and holds aloft the holy symbol of Achaekek. Her mouth twists in a cruel smile. "Now, the power of He Who Walks in Blood shall prevail." A burst of negative energy sweeps from her, flowing harmlessly around Jagen, Jon-Wyn, Sa'Kage and Lilith, but utterly destroying the summoned eagles. The energy stops just short of Alenaya and Eris, but Vimanda is engulfed.

Vimanda's will DC 19: 1d20 + 12 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 - 2 - 2 = 21
Negative Energy: 6d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 4, 4, 1, 5) = 20

The Rakshasa's will is strong enough to throw off some of the damage, so she manages to cling to life. But she looks grievously wounded, and and unable to continue to fight.

Amazing... best I can calculate, she's at exactly zero hp. Of course, the bleed will soon take care of that.

"Eris! Help your Mistress! I--" she looks at her with a mixture of desperation and disbelief.

"You are no god. You are only mortal and today we prove it."

Kukri, mw, cold iron: 2 wpn, arcane strike, flank, bardsong, haste
To Hit: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 25 To Hurt: 1d4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12 Sneak Attack: dagger, bleed 2
Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 7) = 14

Kukri, mw, silver: 2 wpn, off hand, arcane strike, flank, bardsong, haste
To Hit: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 30 To Hurt: 1d4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9 Sneak Attack: dagger, bleed 2
Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

Kukri, mw, cold iron: 2 wpn, arcane strike, flank, bardsong, haste
To Hit: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 9 - 2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 13 To Hurt: 1d4 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11 Sneak Attack: dagger, bleed 2
Damage: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6

No more words, only thrusts as Kage lashes out again and again!
Mainhand: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 19Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 + (1, 2) + 2 = 24
Offhand: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 29Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + (4, 6) + 2 = 22
Mainhand iterative: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 2 = 14Damage: 1d8 + 12 + 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 + (6, 4) + 2 = 26

When Vimanda finally drops from bleeding or the melee men's attacks, Lilith chops her head off to make sure that the outsider stays down.

Coup de Grace with Scythe: 8d4 + 28 + 24 + 8 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 3, 2, 3, 2, 4) + 28 + 24 + 8 = 82

Vimanda is brutally finished, her head shifting to that of a fox's before being severed from its body by Lilith's strike.

The music lingers another few seconds, then stops and an eerie silence settles on the Mantis lair. Jagen pulls up his mask for a moment as he spits on the body, then brings it back down to cover his scarred face.

Acantha steps out from the corner, surveying the scorched displays and furniture from Alenaya's errant throws. Then she looks at Eris imperiously.

"Eris? Would you care to explain yourself?"

Eris doesn't back down from Acantha's gaze, not the least bit intimidated.

"Vimanda insisted on speaking to me in the audience chamber, while the rest of the team waited outside. She had nothing worthwhile to say, but of course as we know, my team proceeded to leave me behind in a dangerous situation" Eris remarks in a matter of fact tone, but no reproach in her voice.

"Once they had left, this one proceeded to get more aggressive. She wanted utter obedience, and she wanted to infiltrate us. She tried to break into my mind and take the relevant information and I was able to resist, and then had to fast talk my way as to why I was resisting. Of course, she threatened my life several times. Once I knew she could take my form, I had to tread carefully, I needed to stay alive, because as was just proven - you needed me to actually tip you off that she was faking her disguise. So, I had to stay alive, I had to direct her into meeting with my team, because I knew I couldn't kill her myself, and I had to resist her mind affecting magic, manipulate her into meeting you and keep her from reading my mind to discover my secret plan, all of this is not easy, and I encourage you to try it some time if you disagree."

"Without me, at a minimum, she would have successfully infiltrated us, probably eventually killed you Acantha, and sought to control the Red Mantis against her vendetta against her brother. As a loyal member of said organisation, I had to formulate a plan to stop her, which I did. I certainly hope that you didn't expect me to turn a blind eye to her plans Acantha?"

The Vernai rolls her eyes. "No, I have concerns about your sense of timing. We have only a couple hours left before the ceremony." She pinches her brow as she thinks, then moves over to a scorched desk and pats out a few smoldering embers before opening a drawer. She retrieves a couple scroll cases and unfurls the parchments within.

"Let's see... we'll do this one," she mutters mostly to herself.

Mass Cure Light: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

A wave of healing energy washes over everyone in the room as she activates the magic on the page. Then she selects another spell and touches Kage.
Cure Critical: 4d8 + 7 ⇒ (6, 2, 6, 3) + 7 = 24

"Now, I'm not accustomed to nursemaiding my Mantises, so I do not wish to hear further complaints. I hope you have saved some resources for our fight against Ileosa. If not, then you'd better get used to swinging a blade." She rolls up the remaining parchment and tucks them away in her crimson robes. "We leave for the palace in an hour. Make yourselves ready."

Astrid's instrument fades from her hands as she steps forward and gives the rakshasa's body a kick. "When Nordusk finds out he missed this, he's gonna be pissed."

"Come. Let's leave the Vernai to her meditations while we update Eris on the plan." Jon starts to leave pulling out his Wand of Infernal Healing for any who need it. He turns to Eris. "Your forethought saved us."

Eris ignores the eye roll. "Just as a heads up, I also managed to observe the adventurers that happened to attack our hideout. I know what they look like, possible strengths, and that they will probably be heading towards the palace. Furthermore, while they saw me in a specific form, they do not realize I'm Red Mantis. If we want to manipulate them, then I can steer them in the right direction assuming we want to involve them in our mission."

Gritting his teeth from the pain, Kage grunts, "Jon-wyn could you please use that wand on me too, she did quite a number on me..."

Catching Eris's suggestion about the adventures Kage nods, "That seems a good idea. Best warn them about how hard to kill she and her henchmen reputedly are, if they don't already know. We can let them attack first and take the brunt of the counterattack, placing us in the prime position for a surprise attack..."

Are we ready to move on? There have been a few ideas tossed out there, but no one's discussing it. Let me know, and I'll set things up for the upcoming assassination.

I think Kage is, I like the idea of sending the adventurers in to soften the queen up. I presume we're going to have to fight spell casters so I wonder if we can get anything like dispel magic, or maybe a scroll of silence?

"Eris, given how you can spin a story, I figure that being your familiar is the best way to sneak me into the meeting. Got any preference for what animal I should be? I can become an assortment of [b]Tiny critters."[/b]

I was thinking fox or owl.

Before we go to the meeting, Lilith will prep by casting Freedom of Movement, Greater Magic Fang: All, Resinous Skin, Bark Skin, Delay Poison, Spider Climb, Longstrider, and Heightened Awareness. All the 10 minute per level spells will be bumped up one CL via Place Magic.

Sorry for the lengthy delay, but it seemed like every time I had the time to prepare my next post, the Boards would get temperamental. As it is, I don't have the time to set up the boss battle just yet. But I'd like to get this moving again.

Acantha looks at Eris, frowning. "The impostor indicated that the adventurers were planning to attack the castle at the same time as we strike. Was this another lie of hers?"

Her eyes dance between Eris and Alenaya. "Though I should make sure you two stay far apart. I doubt the rakshasa's compulsion on you will wear off before the ceremony. Eris, I assure you that Alenaya will be needed for her poisons, not her bombs."

She then offers a surreptitious wink at the alchemist.
Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Maybe it's been the length of time since things have developed here, but I'm confused as to that last comment.

The suggestion on Eris doesn't expire when Vimanda dies. So she's still under a compulsion to prevent you from throwing bombs.

Doesn't need to last, she throws one bomb (now), I block, suggestion over

Er, no. The suggestion was for you to stop her from throwing another bomb. That's going to last the whole duration of the spell, which will be hours. It's not "completed" if you happen to fail (or even succeed) in stopping her once.

It says if the activity can be completed in a shorter time the suggestion ends?

Kage wonders aloud, "Could the compulsion be dispelled? Do we have any scrolls or such like stored?"

The Vernai turns to Kage. "Dispelling magics pit their strength against that of the original caster, so scrolls are usually ineffective. I have a couple prepared myself, but to use one now would mean I have fewer to use against Ileosa's spellcasters."

"The situation is less than ideal, but this may be our only real chance. Let's do with it what we can. Eris, keep a distance from Alenaya as best you can. Alenaya, refrain from using your bombs if you can. Other than that, I see no reason or room to alter the plan."

Alenaya shrugs, "I'm not a fan of them anyway, just good for something in a pinch."

Kage shrugs, they'd just have to make do with the cards dealt to them by fate. Calmly he replies to everyone, "Sounds we'd better get moving, and trust in our dark lord to provide. There will be souls a-plenty to whet his appetite tonight!"

Probably famous last words, but I think I'm good to go. Lets hope we can arrange for the adventurers to take the brunt of things.

Preparations are made. Astrid moves about the Mantises cleaning the stains of combat with prestidigitation and removing rents in fabric and armor with mending.

Acantha exits her sanctum in a resplendent crimson gown. Her stern face eyes each of those chosen for the mission, giving each a slight nod, then she makes her way through the labyrinthine passages beneath Korvosa toward the castle.

When everyone steps into the streets, the sun is hanging low, turning the sky a burnt orange. The castle is built upon a much larger, ancient structure, that of a flat-topped pyramid of black stone built hundreds of years before the foundation of the city.

The climb up the steps of the pyramid threatens to exhaust any who would attempt it, but the Vernai shows no signs of being out of breath when everyone reaches the top. Numerous of the full-plated, red-plumed Grey Maidens stand guard at the castle gates and allow you to pass.

The ceremony is to present the head of Kalepopolis to the queen. Please describe how you have dressed, and include any last-minute preparations you intend to make. The hour of blood approaches!

Kage had an errand to run, several weeks ago he'd taken the liberty of ordering three things made to order from the best of merchants in the Green Market: Firstly a large lacquered sandal wood box buffed to a high sheen, filled with scented herbs (all the better to hide what was become a rather objectionable smell); Secondly an even larger cushion of the rarest silk, blood red with cloth of gold tassels and piping, stuffed with eider down. of course the particularly special thing about this cushion was the secret pockets sewn within, large enough to contain his sabers; Thirdly a close fitting silken suit, red of course, embroidered with golden thread along and designed to go over his chain shirt. It came with a formal dress shirt, a black bow tie with matching cuff links. Together the ensemble made a presentation fit for a queen or so Kage liked to think. Despite planning ahead he had his work cutout, getting to the Green Market and back again in time required that he fly like the wind...

I'm not convinced anyone would be allowed to just walk up to the queen while armed, hence the James bond stuff. This also gives a good opportunity for Kage to pick up anything else should somebody want him to. There's all sorts of exotic academical substances that could be of use, e.g. could we get hold of some Wouldweal? It would be awesome to get hold of Blightburn paste but that's probably way too expensive.