Retrocon 2019 - Year of the Shadow Lodge 1-2 - GM Ietsuna (Inactive)

Game Master Ietsuna

Gameplay will go here.

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**OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT**

The City of Absalom is abuzz with excitement. The streets are full of revelers and feasting, as residents celebrate the city’s independence from tyranny. All seem most eager to witness the evening’s biggest event, the annual Passion of the First Siege of Absalom, where hundreds dress in elaborate costume, don fake armor and weaponry, and crowd the Irorium floor to participate in a mock combat, reenacting the first siege of Absalom.

I suggest you do what you need to prepare yourselves and then get to the Irorium to find yourselves some seats.

Table GMs, the Irorium gates are open. Please run the introduction and describe the setting while we are finishing mustering. Do not begin Act 1 until my announcement on the 14th.

Ok, here we go

As you make your way through the streets, a lean-faced man hiding behind a long cowl slips alongside. A moment of your time, he says and pulls you aside, into the shadows of a nearby alley. It seems we have two things in common, an eagerness to participate in good celebration, and this… He punctuates his sentence by holding out an elaborately carved wayfinder, the type only granted to Pathfinders of great importance. I assure you, its mine, he adds quickly, closing the device and tucking it back into the folds of his cloak with a quick, easy motion. Then he continues, I know a good number of you are already planning to attend the festivities this evening. I need but a casual favor. An old associate of mine, Charvion Eater-of–Bones is set to make an elaborate display of some artifact he claims to have recovered. I’ve not had contact with him in a year or so, and I’ve a curious feeling about the event. More I cannot say; however, I’d appreciate you keeping an eye on whatever stunt he’s considering. He’s a natural charlatan that one. Just keep an eye out is all—nothing serious. Don’t let him know that you’re watching, and do not approach the artifact during the showing. Most importantly, tell no one of this conversation.

He walks alongside you for a dozen more steps then ducks back down a side alley into the shadows, transforms into an a small bird of prey, and flies off.

You manage to make your way to the Irorium without any more strange people accosting you from alleys. You reach the gate and find that the society has allocated you seats in the Mezzanine. You enter and select your seats. Looking around you see a number of exits.

Main Gate The main gates face north. On the mezzanine level, a 20-foot-wide stone arch opens onto an equally wide marble stairwell that descends out onto the street. The stairwell corridor is 300 feet long. At street level, the corridor can be barricaded with a pair of barred iron gates.

Side Gates There are four side exits, all connected to the mezzanine level. Each exit leads through a 20-footwide stone arch that opens to an equally wide marble stairwell, which in turn descends out onto the street. On the mezzanine level, the stairwell corridor is 300 feet long. The upper level stairwells are 500 feet long. At the street level, the corridor can be barricaded with a pair of barred iron gates.

Service ExitThe service exit is located on the arena floor, just behind the makeshift stage. Only Irorium workers and performers are permitted to use it; anyone attempting to pass through the doors without permits is denied. All would-be trespassers are sent off by a platoon of surly guards. Beyond the entrance, a main passage connects to side chambers used by gladiators and arena workers. All creatures, gladiators, workers, and others involved with events use this route to gain access to the arena floor.

The Mezzanine This level sits just above the field seats, though it is entirely separated from them. The mezzanine has a slight overhang that extends over the last two rows of field seats. These seats are open to the general public; however, they cost a couple of gold pieces apiece (depending upon the event), and thus their occupants tend to be middle and upper class citizens. The mezzanine is the central hub of the Irorium, providing access to all other levels as well as the most of the exits. It connects to five of the Irorium’s exits: the main gate and the four side exits. From the mezzanine, several sets of stairs climb to the upper levels as well as descend to the field seats.

Well that was strange, thinks the Ifrit. Wonder if we should rat him out. He didn't even give us any gold as a retainer. I'll tell Zarta if I see her.
---
At the Irorium, he is fuming. The Balrog (Lord Balrog, he reminds himself, after that heroic defense of Absalom) is an actor.

"I should be down there! Hey! Stage manager? Wasn't there a Balor at the First Siege of Absalom? Twelve feet tall, on fire, whip and sword? I can do that. Come on, set me on fire! I'd be perfect. Okay, okay, fine, I'll even be an orc. Or whatever. Just get me a part!"

He grumbles and resigns himself to sitting in the mezzanine, but can't help heckling out of jealousy.

"Hey! Hey you! I'm just not feeling 'First Guard' here. What are you by day, a fishmonger?"

Lord Balrog is a pretty versatile combatant, and has a fair number of skills and other tricks. He's a CN cocky hedonist but can be manipulated to do the right thing by appeals to his greed, pride, or lust.

Xavier, forever a city kid at heart, is at first reluctant to approach the stranger trying to talking to him from a dark and shadowy alley. When he sees the Wayfinder, however, he becomes intrigued.
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"Well, that was weird." he says after the man leaves. "What's so important about the artifact? Now I want to investigate it."
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Xavier spends a minute picking a seat, attempting to find one from which he can see the event. Eventually he finds one where he can see just barely over the tops of the heads of everybody. He ends up sitting on his holy text to get a full view. He then pulls out a tankard and snaps his fingers, and it fills with ale.

Manthos enters through the Main Gate, thumbing at the bars of the barriers as he passes by and studies the slight hint of rust they leave on his fingers. Lost in thought, he approaches the steps almost absently.

That was an odd fellow for sure. A shape changer on top of the nicest wayfinder. Wonder how he earned that one, but a kestrel? If I had that kind of gift, I'd go bigger, say an eagle.

Bumping into the Varisian lady in front of him, Manthos realizes his mistake. "Pardon my lady, I'm just not paying attention as I should.". Dressed in lacquered paper armor and carrying an antique dogslicer, and starting to feel a little silly, Manthos bowed once and made for a higher row in the seats.

Settling in for the show, he leaned forward and clapped loudly. "For Absalom!"

Ichio approaches the main door while observing the hubbub and the people enjoying the party while he thinks that in other times he would get rich raising bags full of gold from these poor dupes.

He goes quietly with his companions to find a place from which to observe the show quietly.

**OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT**

”Welcome to Absalom!” The MC's voice, magically enhanced, booms throughout the arena. ”On this glorious eve we gather again in celebration of our wonderful city and its freedom from tyranny. We present to you all—the Passion of the First Siege of Absalom! A performance great and terrible, reenacting Absalom’s victorious slaughter of Warlord Voradni Voon’s troops upon the city’s rocky shores. As the highlight of this years performance, directly following the Passion, the Pathfinder Society has generously agreed to a public unveiling of its latest acquisition, a terrifying device dredged from ancient ruins in the Mwangi Expanse. And now, ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats. The performance is about to begin.”

The Passion is long, tediously so, though the rowdy crowds more than entertain themselves, booing and cheering the performers and throwing rotten cabbages. In all, it turns out to be a fine afternoon of celebration.

Following the performance, a large stage is wheeled in to the west side of the Irorium. The stage is covered with a large curtain. Beneath is a scaled set of a ruin and in the center stands a bizarre, cage-like structure of weathered metal covered with strange runes and other ornate etchings. A man who fits the description of the Pathfinder known as Charvion Eater-of-Bones stands next to the cage.

“Good evening, friends! On this auspicious night I present to you an incredible spectacle, the type of which you have never seen before. From the darkest jungles of Mwangi, I have procured an ancient device, an artifact capable of ripping through the very cloth of our reality!”

Charvion touches something on the cage, and it falls open, slowly unfolding like a blossoming flower. He steps inside, and the cage begins to close around him, crackling with swirling tendrils of mystic, silvery ether. In an ominous and unearthly voice he bellows, “I am now fused to the ethereal plane—the realm of ghosts! Ask me what you will, and the dead shall answer through me! But be wary of what you seek, for you may not like the answers.”

GMs you have one day for the crowd to ask questions of the spirits through Charvion.

Ruinor follows the crowd to the Mezzanine to find a seat, hardly paying attention as he wonders about the encounter in the street.

"That was peculiar indeed. Did he even mention his name? And why the interest in the artifact? I wonder what it is or what it does. I can't wait for that. Will be much more interesting than some pretend fighting. Real fighting is bad enough, but pretend fighting, sheesh. So many other things I'd rather be doing. Maybe I could skip the performance and then see the unveiling of the artifact. No, that won't work, all the good seats would be taken. I guess I'll have to manage."

He pauses to scan the crowd, looking for someone interesting to sit next to, and takes a seat. Ruinor unsuccessfully attempt to start up conversation with those around him, but they seem too interested in the performance. To pass the time, he tries to entertain himself by determining how many magic items people are carrying around him. As the afternoon drags on, he notes how uncomfortable the seating is for such a long performance. Removing his cloak, he folds it up in an attempt to create a cushion to sit on.

”Ah, finally the interesting stuff,” he thinks when the performance ends and the stage is wheeled in. He watches and listens intently as the artifact is revealed and Charvion speaks. Remembering the stranger's words from earlier in the day, he watches with some skepticism as the item is used. ”So is this real or just an illusion?”

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

”A question. Hmm, ok I’ll play along. What to ask?” he contemplates. ”Who created this item you are using?” he shouts, not really knowing where to start.

The Balrog looks around for his faction leader (and biggest crush), Paracountess Zarta Dralneen.

Pretty sure this item should be locked up in the Dark Archives rather than shown off like this. And I imagine Zarta will want to know about the man in the alley.

"I kind of want to test him before trusting him." he whispers. He then raises his hand and asks, "My grandfather - Erik Elington - went missing several years ago. Is he still alive? Also, how does this device work?"

One of Charvion's assistants hears Ruinor's question and answers We are as yet unsure of the identity of the creator of the artifact.

Amid the shouted questions Xavier's rings out in a lull. The response coming from the cage is clear as a bell. Erik Elington resides not in this plane.

This thing's real, probably. Xavier thinks. If it was a fake, wouldn't he just come up with a random answer?

"Can you sense things outside of the ethereal plane?" he asks.

Rynbec finds his way to a seat, greeting many around him enthusiastically. Stopping multiple times to chat, he takes his seat just as Charvion enters the machine. Standing on his chair to see over the people seated in front of him, he mutters to himself "Late again. I should try to get here earlier."

Then he stands on his tip-toes and shouts out "Where is Aroden man? Answer the real question on everyone's mind!"

Perform(Oratory): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

No plane but the ethereal one. Bridging this is technical enough.

You see Charvion's eyes narrow as Rynbec's question. You want the truth? You can't handle the truth!!!

Gaping out at the stage and the artifact, Manthos was like a coiled spring. This soon gave way to nervousness. A time for questions! I had not time to prepare questions, this is a disaster. Why did not the stranger warn me! Hand's in the air, he almost slaps his neighboring companion.

Listening to folks around him cry out and receive what sounded like credible answers, Manthos became even more agitated. Only if I could touch it, examine it.

His passions overtaking him, Manthos leaped to his feet and shouted at the stage "Tell me Charvion Eater of Bones, where does the copy of the Book of a 1,000 Whispers lay? Are you prophesying?"

Realizing he was on his feet, Manthos studied the scene carefully, trying to remember what he knows of the Ethereal.

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Rynbec ducks under a flailing arm from Manthos, almost toppling from his perch standing atop the chair and chuckles softly. "Of course, why didn't I think of that. Ethereal, Ethereal, what rhymes with Ethereal... Celestial? No. Material? Why can I only think of planes. Useless brain..."

Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

chio is not happy playing with the planes usually brings dangerous things this Charvion is not right in the head so he reaches for his weapon and has prepared for what may happen "comrades this is starting to make me uneasy"

**OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT**

A low, droning horn suddenly rises over the cacophonous throng. Soon after, it is joined by a second horn, then a third, then dozens. A moment later, the more perceptive spectators notice small black dots appear on the horizon.

The spots grow steadily larger and the crowd begins to panic as it becomes clear what the spots are: a flight of dragons, headed directly toward the arena! Pandemonium reigns as spectators and staff alike abandon their positions and scramble toward the exits.

A massive black dragon dives through the center of the Irorium, spewing gouts of acid onto the arena floor. She heads straight for the small stage where Charvion stands within the cage. Striking with both claws, she plucks the artifact free from the base, shattering the stage and sending remnants of the mock ruins everywhere. The creature lifts into the air, with Charvion clinging to the bars and screaming in terror. The great beast continues her flight, winging off toward the Grand Lodge. A few short moments later, rattling explosions shake the city, and a shimmering column of pale, silvery light shoots up out of the grounds of the Grand Lodge and into the night sky.

GMs, please begin the Dragon Attack encounter.

Dragons?!! In absalom? What is happening here? Rynbec looks around for some explanation...
Knowledge History: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 to know habits/characteristics of black dragons

"Dragons?! Is this part of the show?" Xavier asks. After a second, his shocked expression turns quizzical. "Why would they take the artifact? And where are they... why are they flying towards the Grand Lodge?" He starts pacing around. "Are they attacking it? That would make sense... I doubt they would be working for the Pathfinder Society... are they robbing it?"

He then gulps down the last of his drink, puts away his tankard, and draws his rapier and buckler. "Ahh, whatever. Let's just go figure it out."

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

"What is that noise? It almost sounds like Ulfen Linnorm horns, used in the Land of the Linnorm Kings to hunt dragons. But why would someone be blowing those? There are no dragons aroun ..." Ruinor's statement is cut short as he sees the small dots on the horizon. "Those can't be."

He stands in shock, watching the dragons approach and then attack. It's not until he's nearly run over by fleeing spectators, that he realizes he should also run.

You had a few rounds as the dragon approached to prepare. Tell me you actions then post your actions for this round please.

A small group of goblins leaps from the back of one of the dragons, landing in the arena below.

Map updated, see link in header. I have put your icons up in the stands, but as previosly stated you have a few rounds to prepare, so move yourselves within reason.

Combat Round 1 - Bold May Act

Ichio
[b]Xavier/b]
Goblins
Manthos
Ruinor
Rynbec
Balrog

Prep rounds: drawing rapier+buckler, moving down into the arena. Assuming squares are five feet.

Xavier starts running towards the goblins, but alas, his short halfling legs aren't quite fast enough to get to them!

Readying an action to attack if they come within 5 feet.

Prep rounds: drawing cold iron rapier and moving down into the arena

Rynbec moves down to the arena floor, drawing his rapier as he goes. He looks at the goblins to see how they are armed and tries to remember goblin day at bard school...

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Also readying to attack when they come withing reach.

Prep rounds: the Balrog moves down, drawing sword and shield. Probably should run, but not in front of everybody else. He readies to use his Rallying Cry bardic performance if the dragons get close.

Prep - move over to stairs, pull out and load crossbow.

Trying to find a spot to watch what the dragons will do without putting himself in their path, Ruinor watches from the stairs. While he is relieved that the dragons didn't lay waste to the arena, he is concerned about what is going on at the lodge. Looking back down to the arena floor, he sees the goblins and fires his crossbow.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 Aims for one not in combat if possible. Otherwise, an injured one.
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Prep - Draw and load crossbow

Having been transfixed by the artifact and show, Manthos was unaware of the dragons until Rynbec leaped to action along with neighboring Pathfinders. Tossing aside his useless dogslicer from the shop, he took a bead on the nearest goblin and squeezed off a bolt to cover his comrades. Take that you thieves!

Light Crossbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 241d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Going to bot Ichio. I messed up slightly with the tokens, but I am botting to keep us moving.

Ichio fires an arrow into the blue goblin.

Longbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

The arrow flies wide, narrowly missing someone in the crowd.

The goblins approach the group. Yellow moves up to Xavier who attacks.

Rapier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Xavier pokes his rapier deeply into the small green menace.

Combat Round 1/2 - Bold May Act

Ichio
Xavier
Goblins (Red-0, Blue-0, Yellow-4)
Manthos
Ruinor
Rynbec
Balrog

Xavier shouts, "Hey! Why don't you pick on someone you're own... never mind, you're doing that now." Then he jumps up, slicing upward as he jumps, seeming to hang midair. "And you're still losing."

Rapier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17, 1d4 ⇒ 3

Yellow drops into the dust, unconscious and bleeding.

Rynbec smiles as he moves up, brandishing his rapier. "Little onion-peeler, perhaps I shall mention you in a story some day."

Rapier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6, 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

"Well now, you can actually dodge. Good on ya mate!"

When I looked for the last time I did not have a token even though it was my turn again

"I'm on stage! How about some jokes?
Why did the ifrit kill the goblin?
Because... who needs a reason to kill goblins!? Hah!"

The Balrog's sword flickers with violet flame as he strikes.

Longsword, Arcane Strike: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Ichio makes a step combat and attack blue goblin with his wakis
waki1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
waki2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
damage 1: 1d6 ⇒ 4
damage2: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Is my previous action being used now for the end of rd 1?

Yes Ruinor, I will use that one. This is my first special as GM guys. Sorry if I get a bit frazzled.

Rynbec slashes at a goblin with rapier, but the goblin deftly dodges the strike.

The Balrog swings at the blue goblin and it falls into the dust, unmoving.

Ichio and Ruinor double team the red goblin and it too likewise falls.

As the goblins fall three more from in off the back of a passing dragon.

I am keeping the same initiative order for ease and speed

Combat Round 1 - Bold May Act

Ichio
Xavier
Goblins (Red, Blue, Yellow)
Manthos
Ruinor
Rynbec
Balrog

Xavier lands, and looks down at the unconsious goblin. "Y'know, where I come from, it's just common courtesy to not die until after someone finishes their quip."

He then looks up and sees another goblin (yellow) right in front of him. "Well, that's... convenient." He then runs away from the goblin, leaps off of the unconscious goblin in front of him, does a backflip, and lands in front of the new goblin, smoothly slicing his rapier.

Rapier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25, 1d4 ⇒ 1
Crit?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11, 1d4 ⇒ 3

ichio moves towards red goblin and tries to hit him
waki attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Manthos loads another bolt and fires at the Goblins.

Light Crossbrow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 201d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Firing at Blue Goblin

Xavier stabs his rapier into the yellow goblin. The hole is small but it bleeds a little.

Ichio swings at red with a wakizashi but the goblin defly dodges that strike.

Manthos fires at blue and puts the bolt right through its chest. It falls to the ground.

Combat Round 1 - Bold May Act

Ichio
Xavier
Goblins (Red -0, Yellow -1)
Manthos
Ruinor
Rynbec
Balrog

Rynbec steps up to the blue goblin and slashes confidently with his rapier.
Rapier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25, 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Confirm?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24, 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

"That's more like it!"
Don't worry about the details. Running specials is a lot more difficult in person. You're doing fine

The Balrog moves up to Yellow and attacks.
"What do you call an arena full of dead goblins?
A good start!"
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Rynbec Blue is already down, I moved your attack to red.

Rynbec cuts the red enemy down with a strong thrust of his rapier and it crumples into a heap.

The Balrog swings at the Yellow goblin but cannot seem to connect.

Combat Round 1 - Bold May Act

Ichio
Xavier
Goblins (Yellow -1)
Manthos
Ruinor
Rynbec
Balrog

With no clear shot at the last goblin, Ruinor reloads his crossbow and looks around to make sure no other enemies are approaching.

Who?: 1d2 ⇒ 2

The yellow goblin swipes at Xavier with a wicked looking short sword.

short sword: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

The sword scrapes across Xavier's armour, but does no damage.

Combat Round 2 - Bold May Act

Ichio
Xavier
Goblins (Yellow -1)
Manthos
Ruinor
Rynbec
Balrog

"Why are they adventuring PARTIES? Because nothing says FUN like a pile of dead goblins!"
Arcane flames dance on the Balrog's sword as he continues cutting down the vermin.
Longsword on Yellow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Balrog drops the yellow goblin to the dust.

Combat Round 1 - Bold May Act

Ichio
Xavier
Goblins (Red, Blue, Yellow)
Manthos
Ruinor
Rynbec
Balrog

Xavier chuckles. "No, dead goblins aren't any fun." he says, as he turns to see... another goblin (blue). "'Cause that means you can't kill them yourself!" With that, he runs forward and swipes with his rapier.

Rapier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23, 1d4 ⇒ 4