GM TOP #5-S: Siege of the Diamond City lvl 3-4 (Standard, Retrocon) (Inactive)

Game Master Pete H.

kn religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Dana raises her eyebrow.

Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

"I am a big fan of children and those that protect them. But ... I never had any. Although some have assumed in the past that I am pregnant." she says with a sly smile.

The Chelish woman seems a bit overwhelmed but manages to pick out the details of everyone's message. She replies in a calmer manner with proper speech as one would expect, "so I doubt demons would go to this kind of effort to convince me with logic and rational. Devils maybe, but not demons. Alright, I'll trust that the civilians have gotten out. Any idea where I should..."

A mostly organized group of crusaders rushes down the street, leveling their spears at the devils. They begin encircling the group but pause for a moment as a commander points his sword at the Chelaxian Lady, "DISMISS THESE FOUL BEASTS AND STAND DOWN! YOU WON'T BE TOLD TWICE!"

The woman looks exasperated again, "WHAT? YOU IDIOTS I'M HELPING YOU!!!"

Taniian steps forward and tries for a calm but authoritative voice, "Commander, no need for hostilities here. We are Pathfinders who have been battling in defence of the city since the beginning of today's troubles. We have witnessed this lady use her devils to successfully fight the demons as she stood alone to protect this orphanage while it was evacuated. She is on our side and we need all the assistance we can muster."

Diplomacy (to aid?): 1d20 ⇒ 4

Apparently, not so much. Time to use my reroll?

Guy looks over the crusaders, checking for any Hellknights.

I am going to assume there aren’t any.

To the lady, he says “Best do as he says since many can not tell the difference between devils and demons. Although it is a waste of your magic, it would be an even bigger waste to fight amongst allies.”

Guy tries to hide his relief at the idea of the devils being dismissed.
Bluff to hide his dislike of devils.: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Diplomacy, Request the lady comply: 10 + 10 = 20

Looking to the crusaders, he tells the apparent commander “The woman was using her skills to protect yonder Orphanage. She was using the devils to fight the invading demons. Surely you have heard of Hellknights, they study the fighting techniques of devils so as to be more effective against demons.”

Diplomacy, calm the commander: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Being from Isger and having grown up in a Chelish Orphanage, I do not think it unreasonable that Guy would know of Hellknights. He also isn’t fond of the Chelish, but tries to hide it.

Hah! I have a PC with the same background as Guy. Yay Iskgerian Orphans!

No hellknights here, fyi. Also, I think we have enough to resolve this scenario but I'm a hair busy at the moment. All are welcome to continue with your reactions and such.

Diplomacy to Aid Guy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

"Please, gentlefolk! We are all on the same side! Do you want to kill demons or not?" Flip asks, indignantly, though the noise of the crowd undercuts him.

Guy smoothly calms the Crusader Commander who motions and the spear points snap back towards the sky. Explaining that devils are not demons helps everyone calm a bit. The Commander adds to the Chelish Lady, "I'm sorry ma'am things are quite tense. You are welcome uh... to use your allies to defend yourself and this town. We do appreciate all the help we can get, some of us here understand that to defeat true chaos some lines get blurred. I'm happy these pathfinders were here to keep things on an even keel."

He tips the brim of his helm to the group and they move back down the street. The woman gives a short curtsy and heads out mumbling, 'now I just have to figure out which damn family member signed the deal to give me my protectors!"

ENCOUNTER SUCCESS & REPORTED!!!

There won't be much more today (I'm busy tonight), but we have enough time to at least start another encounter before the next Act so I'll get something moving in the morning. Any preference between skill based or combat?"

Guy waits until the lady is safely out of earshot, then suggests “Let’s go that way!” pointing away from where she went.

I’m good with either a skill or combat challenge. I would like it if for fluff reasons wherever we go was a different direction than the Chelish lady went. :)

"You grew up with a lady like that as your matron?" Flip asks Guy. "No wonder you're so fierce!"

I am okay with either skills or combat as well.

Chuckling, Guy says “No, she was much more reasonable than the nuns. She even showed some respect.”

“The nuns had rules for EVERYTHING! A nun would have harangued me about some minor infraction whereas the lady gave a curtsy.”

"grumblegrumblegrumble" Torsten isn't happy (when is he ever) but there's no sense in picking this fight, now. He just bites his tongue during the negotiations.

I'm not brilliant at skill encounters but I've had a good run with combat so I don't mind sitting back a bit if you wanna go skillz.

Feeling the same way. Gordy probably won't be able to contribute much to a skill encounter, because most of his skills are movement based things like Stealth and Acrobatics. But I'm open to whatever.

"Glad that didn't end in violence. Had enough fighting for a lifetime today," Gordy grumbles.

Taniian watches as the negotiations unfold and the other parties wander off.

"Well I am glad we were able to divert unnecessary trouble, mostly thanks to Guy's smooth talking, I suspect. There is enough unavoidable conflict today without allies mixing it up."

Happy to go either way. I trust you to select something that will likely be fun and not too long to have a chance of completing.

OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT
The Demon horde has so far failed to get a beachhead into the city, being driven back over and over. They rally for one more attempt in their greatest numbers so far...!

On the map, the group came from the bottom. Barricades are the yellow X's. Crusaders are green and yellow dudes.

The street is littered with bodies almost equally split between those of demons and those of crusaders. The sounds of battle intensify ahead, demonstrating that more fighting is happening nearby. The group comes upon a group of crusaders taking cover behind barricades and the corners of buildings. Ahead, there are several hideous demons moving down the street, looking for targets to attack. The crusaders yell, ”help us!”

No initiative yet, I'll give the group a surprise round to act or move into position. A Standard or a Move action only.

Kn: Planes: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 I’ll take Resistances and Spell Like Abilities for 5, Top!

“Dretch demons!”

I don’t want to mess with any of our melee people, so I’ll post my action once they have gone.
Assume I share what I know about Dretches.

Do the NPC’s fight, and are they injured currently? Makes a difference for Bard song and use of wand.

kn planes : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19 Immunities

Dana casts bless.

K. Planes vs DC12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 Weaknesses, Special Attacks, Special Abilities, please.

Dana, I think you have one more question available.

Taniian asks of the crusaders, "Are you hurt? What's been going on?"

For a fleeting moment, Taniian wonders if these aren't more demons in disguise trying to set a trap. The words and attitude of the lady with the devils has come back to mind.

Taniian draws out a wand of Magic Missile as a precaution.

Knowledge Planes, Monster Lore: 1d20 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 3 = 21. Special attacks and special abilities, please!

Longbow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Cold Iron Arrows: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

"Vile creatures! That was a warning shot! Know that you face the wrath of Pathfinders, and we will cleanse you from the earth!" Then he pauses. "By the way, do any of you have gambling debts that you need to settle?"

Okay, so that is enough successes to just cover everything and I don't want to have to figure out exactly each category. Here you all go.

A dretch stands 4 feet tall and weighs 180 pounds. This creature’s bloated frame shudders with each heaving step, yet despite its shape, the thing moves with surprising quickness. CE Small Outsider. Darkvision. DR 5/Good or Cold Iron. Immune to Electricity and Poison. Resist acid 10, cold 10 & fire 10. Spell Like abilities are 1/day—cause fear (DC 11), stinking cloud (DC 13) or summon (level 1, 1 dretch 35%). 2 Claws and a Bite. Languages Abyssal (cannot speak); telepathy 100 ft. (limited to Abyssal-speaking targets).

_________________________________________________

Guy (Heal Check as a Move if you wish to check for injuries), Gordy & Torsten still have their surprise round action/prep to do. Flip's arrow intentionally flies wide (so he claims). Taniian's suspicious nature causes him to draw a wand and eye the crusaders who just point at the Demons and plead, "help us please!" Dana blesses her allies with a gift of... being better at hitting things.

Untrained Heal: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19

Guy looks over the crusaders, trying to determine if they are injured and if so how badly.

Guy takes a closer look at the crusaders. They do not appear to be injured. The barricades in front of them look shoddily built.

Ready for whatever treachery these demons have planned, Gordy steps forward to stand shoulder to shoulder with Torsten.

"Looks like we be sending some more fiends back to the Abyss today, eh?"

"Well actually we probably won't. From what I've been told, the demons coming out of the Worldwound are fully here, body and soul as one. So if they die here they die for good. It's not like when a wizard summons just a representation of a demon. It's as real for them as it is for us. So anything we achieve here today is really making the world safe."

Looking at the positioning of the crusaders and demons Torsten strides forward to block the demons' path.

"Well, Torsten, I never took ya' for the kind of person some might people might be calling an optimist, but that be just about the most cheerful news I've heard all day."

Gordy and Torsten move up towards the demons and banter back and forth a bit about the merits of killing a demon dead-dead.

Round 1
Gordy
Taniian
Torsten
Flip
Guy
Dretchs
Dana
Crusaders

Bold may Act!

Dana, I know your posting is a bit limited so you are welcome to post your planned actions ahead of your initiative turn. Then, assuming they can go into effect, I'll work them in after the demons' actions.

Dead bodies everywhere. No injuries on these guys, but they are supposed to be crusaders and all they can do is ask for help? Barricades that are shoddily built? Something doesn’t seem right here!

That devil lady said demons could disguise themselves....

Guy shifts forward slightly and suspiciously eyes the uninjured cowardly crusaders. “You aren’t injured, why are you cowering? You are supposed to be crusaders!”

Perception vs Disguise?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 Nothing to see here, move along!

He then fires past his friends at the red demon.
+1 darkwood composite shortbow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Cold Iron arrow, Piercing damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Evidently there are strong winds throwing off the accuracy of all missiles in this alley!

Taniian takes a step to the side, then, while keeping an eye on the crusaders, makes use of his wand, targeting the blue demon.

Magic Missile force damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

He calls out to those cowering behind the barricades, "Come on you lilly livered sots, get out here and face your fears. You have help now. No excuses." Apparently the trials of the day have worn down his mood and he is not feeling very understanding or charitable right now.

Torsten glances at Guy and shouts;
"Können Sie diese Kreuzfahrer im Auge behalten? Diese Dämonen sehen nicht so unheimlich aus, finden Sie heraus, was mit den Leuten auf unserer Seite nicht stimmt."

Torsten strides forth to keep the small demons pinned down. He strikes at Red:

to hit, bless: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
cold iron slashing: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Thanks GM. Bless is still active, right?!

Yup, bless is up! I'll try to remember to put it up there next update.

Guy twitches his whiskers, then replies “Sorry, that isn’t a laanguage I know!”

“Voisitko toistaa sen?”

“Che ne dici del linguaggio silvano, lo sai?”

All translations via Google Translate, all I know is how to cut and paste between there and here. :)

At Guy's comments, Flip flies within sixty feet turns his attention on the crusaders.

DETECT EVIL, YO!

Sense Motive + Stern Gaze: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Gordy moves forward and splatters the ground around the closest dretch with slippery sea foam, hoping to cause the beasty to tetter and fall.

Grease for 1 Rd, Reflex DC 16

Gordy drops a big slosh of slick oozing seafoam right down under one of the beasts, Torsten remembers the smell of it well.

The demon suddenly finds its feet above its head as it slams down to the ground. Taniian, warily eyes the crusaders who have yet to act other than pleading for help, takes a second to activate his wand to send a single missile of force at the demon in the back. It slams into it, leaving a red welt.

Torsten rushes up, taking advantage of the prone demon and slashes with his axe, gouging a chunk of flesh off the beast.

Flip also feels very suspicious of the Crusaders, checking them over for an evil aura and then double checking them with his gut. Nothing seems off about them to his senses.

Guy fires off an arrow, well wide of any target. Darn sun or wind or something threw it off! Jerks!!!

The beast on the ground attempts to carefully cast a spell, trying to avoid another hack from the dwarf towering over him.

It successfully does so and the dwarf is targeted with a simple fear effect. (DC 11 Will Save vs. Spell Like, save and are shaken for 1 round, fail and are feared for 1d4 ⇒ 1 rounds.

The second dretch, either assuming the dwarf is out of commission or just confident he can handle a mere mortal, lumbers past Torsten and stands in the middle of the alleyway before belching out a disgusting cloud of nauseating smoke.

Anyone inside the purple outline (including Gordy, Torsten, Flip & Big Sky) DC 13 Fort Save (Poison/Spell-Like) or be nauseated for 1d4+1 rounds (please roll the duration yourselves if you fail).

Round 1 Bless is up!
Gordy (Fort 13 vs. Nauseated)
Taniian
Torsten (Will DC 11, Shaken 1/1 or Feared 1/1, AoO vs. Blue available if only Shaken, also... Fort 13 vs Nauseated)
Flip & Big Sky (Fort 13 vs. Nauseated for both)
Guy
Dretchs (Blue -3, Red -7/Prone)
Dana
Crusaders

Bold may Act!

Assuming the nauseating cloud actually happens, both Dretchs are now inside a smoke cloud effect. 20% miss (1-20) if next to them and attacking and 50% miss (1-50) if not next to them AND know what square to shoot into. It is fair to assume that everyone knows what square they are in right now, but next round may be different.

Dana can’t see the demons so she walks forward and readies to cast magic missile should a demon appear.

A voice echoes from the rear.

"Walk forward friend, and let Shelyn's blessing guide you."

Another seeker aid token from Hania!

AoO, bless: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Torsten takes a whack at the demon casting a spell within his reach.
cold iron slashing: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

He's immune to fear due to Aura of Courage (not shared with others, due to Alone In The Dark).

"Sì, lo parlo. Senti, puoi tenere d'occhio quei crociati? Questi demoni non sembrano troppo duri, posso tenerli occupati per ora."

He saves vs. the cloud:
Fort vs. SLA: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

“Li guarderò, ma tu ...” Guy pauses as he sees Torsten trudging through the cloud without pause. “... Immagino che continuerai ad essere il tuo ruvido io nano!”

Torsten's axe bites into the dretch as it moves past, much to its surprise. However, the beast continues along and enacts the stinky plan... which is also ignored by the stout dwarf.

Dana moves up and readies to blast the crap outta the first demon she sees.

The crusaders move out from behind the barrier, guisarmes ready and pointing into the fog, "listen here, you watch crusaders and demons slaughtering each other for the last 3 hours, you'd be a bit more careful too! We've had friends die before our eyes! If you all are so brave, why don't you just head in there and fight?"

Round 1 Bless is up!
Gordy (Fort 13 vs. Nauseated)
Taniian
Torsten
Flip & Big Sky (Fort 13 vs. Nauseated for both)
Guy
Dretchs (Blue -10, Red -7/Prone)
Dana (readied to MM a Dretch)
Crusaders

Bold are up!

Assuming the nauseating cloud actually happens, both Dretchs are now inside a smoke cloud effect. 20% miss (1-20) if next to them and attacking and 50% miss (1-50) if not next to them AND know what square to shoot into. It is fair to assume that everyone knows what square they are in right now, but next round may be different.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Shaking his head, Guy says "I'm not fond of the smell. I've a better idea."

Guy moves forward as he starts singing, ending up just short of the fog.

♫ I can see clearly now the pain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day ♫

You aren't sure how he does it, but somehow he makes his voice echo on the word bright.

Bardic Performance: Song of the Fiery Gaze Allies within 30’ can see through fire, fog and smoke without penalty.
I am not certain if Torstein is in range or not, but everyone else should be.
Unless they take an AoO on him, Guy will consider the Crusaders allies at this time, especially since the bonus is only being able to negate a miss chance.

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Flip easily saves vs the cloud of nasty smoke, and attempts to shoot through it at the demons.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 4 = 15
"You okay, Big Sky?"

Longbow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Cold Iron Arrows: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

"*cough* Screee! *cough*"

Translation: Yeah, boss.

Hey, I can see! This isn't so bad!

sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Despite his suspicions, Taniian begins to develop sympathy for the Crusaders, it has indeed been a trying day.

"Thank you, friend Guy. Once again you prove to be a most useful companion."

After a moment of foggy obliteration, Taniian can clearly see his target and once again uses the staff to send a bolt of energy toward the blue demon.

Magic Missile force damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Dana’s readied can go off now.

Botting Dana's spell

With the song allowing her to see them, Dana targets both missiles at the standing blue dretch.

Magic Missile: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 2 = 5

It looks like she can't make it Toppling because Psychics add Metamagic feats in the same way as a sorcerer. It would take a full round casting and she moved.

My previous strike as well as my AoO were at the red Dretch; as is the upcoming strike.

Torsten holds his breath (50% chance not to need to save against inhaled poisons this round, CRB p.558): high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 61

He peers through the rotten gas at his adversary, hoping to finish this fight.
to hit, bless: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
miss chance, high is good for me: 1d100 ⇒ 97
damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Not wanting to get separated from the rest though he walks backwards. Risk AoO from Red if Red is still alive. He walks backwards, coming in range of the song and spotting Blue, stopping there and nodding to Gordy on the other side to go for the flank.

Red cast defensively, it did not provoke.

Ah, ok, I got the impression from your earlier post that Red had provoked and would have cast the Cause Fear if the AoO didn't disrupt it. In that case the AoO could only have been against Blue.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 2 = 20

"Smells like me mum's cabbage and fishhead stew. And now I'm hungry."

Gordy steps forward and forms his water blast into a heavy Warhammer before swinging it at the fiend.

Kinetic Blade: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 22
Blunt, magic: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 5) + 7 = 14

Sadly, my kinetic blade goes away at the end of my turn, so I can't help with flanking...Realizing I should probably pick up a cestus for Gordy when I get the chance.