GM Bruno Romero's City of Strangers (Inactive)

Game Master Bruno Romero

The Ghost Writer drops his bow and returns the arrow to his quiver.

"We can't secure her without a proper base here in Kaer Maega, but I will not kill her without the consent of everyone. Fine. After we have finished with this so called Shadow Lodge, we will bring her to the nearest lodge to face judgement."

Without further delay, the group decides its best to take Vadoma and her goblins hostage for later presenting onto the Society. You all tie them up and drop them off in Collgardie's house, which is still vacant.

Making sure their bonds are secured tightly, you close all curtains and knock her out, expecting to see her as you return from dealing with the other lietuenant. Eventually, your journey takes you to the edges of the Bis district, and in front of an abandoned theater.

The theater is small, designed for around 200 people you'd guess, and it's architecture suggests it was used for recitals, operas, plays and concerts in its time. It's windows broken ages ago, and it's paint already flaked off, you identify only one possible entrance.

The front door of the theater, bearing a carving of a singing ogre and his band, is definitely closed, but a good push is more than enough to open it, you'd guess.

Dragall pushes door open and enters with his axe in hands.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

The Ghostwriter searches the entryway for signs of traps or ambush, then moves into the theater stealthily, with bow drawn.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

As soon as you enter, you all hear a voice - high-pitched and grandiose, much like a poet reciting a summer sonata. He raises his voice, which rings through the theater. Even though the building hasn't been used in decades, the architecture seems just right to carry his voice directly to you-"A warm welcome to our special guests - Pathfinders, sent all the way from Absalom! Yes, the Society spares no expense when they feel threatened - let us now begin, our epic clash of ideals! The Decemvirate Puppets versus the Voice of Naderia! A battle for this City of Strangers!"-as you notice two hungry-looking wolves bark at you, one of them growling towards the Ghostwriter.

Initiative: Round 1! (Areas marked with chairs are hard terrain)
----------------------------
Andy
Wymund, Wolf Green
Dana, Ghostwriter, Dragall, Ignaru, Crowe
Wolf Pink

Andy is up!
Knowledge (local and nature) can be used to discover abilities of your enemies!

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Andy shares what he knows with the group, then starts to sing..."My friends and I have come to fight, evil creatures we will smite. Your reign of terror soon will pass, once we have finished kicking your....butts."...while drawing a wand out of his cloak.

Inspire Courage(Su): A 1st level bard can use his performance to inspire courage in his allies (including himself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities. To be affected, an ally must be able to perceive the bard’s performance. An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

Andy immediately identifies the wolves - summoned creatures, probably by a spell! Their fiendish presence is obvious to him, and so is the fact that they probably deal more damage to good creatures! Simultaneously, Andy recognizes a fellow bard when he sees one. Wymund Pratt is definitely a bard, and one skilled in oratory and exposition. His is definitely well-versed in summoning magic, and he's changed his spell to augment his summoned wolves.

Andy's words fill the theater, his voice bolstering your resolve and urge to fight. But at the same time, Wymund begins his performance too. His soft-spoken voice you hear-"Pathfinders! Let us begin our battle! Today, the Shadow Lodge reigns supreme! A few agents gone missing in this City of Strangers, surely your Venture Captains will not even move a finger! Such is the life of those who work at the base of the organization!"-as with a snap of his fingers, a cloud of of brilliant dust covers all of you except Ghostwriter!

(Everyone except Ghostwriter and Dragall needs to make a DC 18 Will save or become blinded (plus a -40 of Stealth checks! Needed to make Dragall's save first, to see if he would get hit. If you fail, you can repeat your save at the END of your turn to shake off the blindness)

As soon as Wymund covers all of you with sparkling dust, he snaps his fingers as one of his wolves charges towards the blind Dragall! The wolf easily bites at his ankles, and he falls down prone! (9 points of damage to Dragall!)

Initiative: Round 1! (Areas marked with chairs are hard terrain)
----------------------------
Andy
Wymund, Wolf Green
Dana (save pending), Ghostwriter , Dragall, Ignaru (save pending), Crowe (save pending)
Wolf Pink

Dana, Ghostwriter, Dragall, Ignaru and Crowe are up! Please remember your Will saves!

Will vs. DC=18: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Dragall tries to hit wolf with his axe blindly.

+1 cold iron greataxe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

acrobatics to avoid AOO: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Ignaru fights off the dust and moves past the wolf. He then moves towards the leader and other wolf.

The Ghostwriter begins moving across the aisles of chairs, unleashing an arrow at the enemy bard before ducking behind a pew.

Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Piercing Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Will save : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Dana ignores the glitterdust and the many words spoken.

Dana starts casting ‘spiritual weapon’ directing a shortsword of pure force and attacks the shadow lodge bard.

Spiritual shortsword +5 to hit, 19-20 Crit range, d8+1 damage : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 111d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

@Dragall: Would you like to stand up using your move action? Not doing so would impose a -4 penalty on your attack roll (prone), but doing so would provoke from the Green Wolf. Asking since you didn't subtract the -4 for Prone.

will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Crowe steps back 5ft step casts a defensive spell while blinded.
shield
end of my turn will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Would someone move Crowe back? I can’t move my lawn on my phone (just keeps selecting the wolf)

I moved you back

Yes. I will like to stand up as a move action.

thank you

The battle rages on! Dragall is momentarily blinded by the glitterdust, his swing strikes true however, as his greataxe hits the leg of the savage wolf. His teeth however, bite into the half-orc calf, dealing serious damage. (6 points of damage to Dragall!) Ignaru takes advantage of the battle, and jumps over the wolf, rolling in the ground and continuing his sprint uninterrupted, until he reaches the middle of the room.

Finally, both Dana and the Ghostwriter attack Wymund with ranged attacks! The bard dodges the arrow, and is just barely able to block the ethereal shortsword, but the weapon still hovers before him, ready to try again! The man yells out-"Get him, my pet! Show him that no one messes with the Shadow Lodge!"-as the wolf charges Ignaru and digs his teeth onto his forearm, hitting bone. (11 points of damage to Ignaru! Thankfully the crit didn't confirm)

Initiative: Round 1! (Areas marked with chairs are hard terrain)
----------------------------
Andy (blinded)
Wymund, Wolf Green (-8)
Dana, Ghostwriter , Dragall (-15), Ignaru (-11), Crowe
Wolf Pink

Andy is up!

Will save vs. DC=18: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Andy continues to sing..."My friends and I have come to fight, evil creatures we will smite. Your reign of terror soon will pass, once we have finished kicking your....butts."

[ooc]Inspire Courage(Su): A 1st level bard can use his performance to inspire courage in his allies (including himself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities. To be affected, an ally must be able to perceive the bard’s performance. An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.[b]

The hafling bard continues singing, even if he can't see through the glittering dust. He knows the incantations he has rehearsed all too well, and with a flourish continues to embolden your spirits. At the same time, the wolf, also emboldened, goes for Dragall's throat! But the oracle swiftly dodges to the right and evades the wolf's attack.

Wymund immediately notices Ignaru's attempt to get at him, and decides to move to get some space between them. However, he incorrectly assumes Dana's weapon is more swift than it is, and decides to just sidestep back (He thinks he would provoke, but he actually wouldn't)

Still, he smiles at the Tian monk and says-"A smart move! But I think my pet wants to play with you a little bit longer. Aren't your legs weary, dear? It's just so tiresome, doing Pathfinder work, isn't it?"-and winks at him, his very words twisting the air around him and making Ignaru feel sleepy.
(Ignaru needs to make a DC 17 Will save or fall asleep!)

Initiative: Round 2! (Areas marked with chairs are hard terrain)
----------------------------
Andy (blinded)
Wymund, Wolf Green (-8)
Dana, Ghostwriter , Dragall (-15), Ignaru (-11, save pending), Crowe
Wolf Pink

Dana, Ghostwriter , Dragall, Ignaru, Crowe are up!

will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Ignaru stares at the bard as he attempts to stun the wolf.

Swift action, ki point to gain additional attack
inspire courage

stunning fist, NL damage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 161d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7DC 15 fort or the wolf is stunned

NL damage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 131d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

NL damage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 121d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The Ghostwriter pulls another arrow from his quiver as he climbs over theater seats, unleashing the missile at the bard as he moves towards him.

"Your crimes have been uncovered! Give up now!"

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 1 = 14
Piercing damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 1 = 10

Dragall swings with his axe to hit wolf.

+1 cold iron greataxe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Dana starts casting a spontaneous toppling magic missile and hits the bard to throw in on the ground!

Full round action, toppling mm is a 1st lvl spell due to traits.

MM, Trip Bard: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1) + 2 = 51d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

* *

Dana's ‘spiritual weapon’ of pure force attacks the shadow lodge bard again that is hopefully on the floor.

Spiritual shortsword +5 to hit, 19-20 Crit range, d8+1 damage : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 251d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Criit confirm Spiritual shortsword +5 to hit, 19-20 Crit range, d8+1 damage : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 91d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

No modifier for a prone target included.

While blinded Crowe could see only the storm, now he embraces its power.
raging

He steps up to the wolf and swings.
attack PA,FF,IC,Rage: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 32
damage: 2d6 + 7 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 7 + 6 + 2 = 20

Crit confirm attack PA,FF,IC,Rage: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 14
Extra Crit damage: 4d6 + 14 + 12 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2, 6, 6) + 14 + 12 + 4 = 45

Together, both Dragall and Crowe attack the wolf. Dragall swings his greataxe at the beast, and tears off a hind leg in the process, the wolf barely able to stand. Crowe, on the other hand, shakes off the dust and with a battlecry hits the wolf square in the head with an overhead swing. Just one swing is enough to knock it down, but Crowe takes the chance to double tap it, hitting it again while its on the ground in a frenzy.

Finally, both Ghostwriter and Dana attack the bard from afar. Wymund's reflexes prove quick enough to dodge the arrow, but not the magic missile coming straight at him. The arcane projectile knocks him down, and the spiritual weapon arcs down for his head - he however blocks the hit with his arm, taking less damage.

The wolf in front of Ignaru is very much angry at the monk, and goes again straight for his throat! It doesn't get to bite into it, but the monk is forced to sacrifice his other forearm, feeling the beast's teeth hit his own flesh and bone. (10 damage to Ignaru!)

Initiative: Round 3! (Areas marked with chairs are hard terrain)
----------------------------
Andy (blinded)
Wymund (-9)
Dana, Ghostwriter, Dragall (-15), Ignaru (-21), Crowe
Wolf Pink (-7)

Andy is up!

Will save vs. DC=18: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Finally!

Andy shakes off the blindness and rushes to help Ignaru, singing along the way.

Double move and Inspire Courage again.

Andy finally shakes off the dust from his small eyes, and sprints towards the action! Wymund at the back, trying to hold the line, starts casting a spell-"One of my pets fall to your advance! But it's only a matter of time before I take an eye for an eye. Stay back! Fight, my pet!"-he says as he waves his hand and a puddle of grease covers the main passageway, right on top of Ignaru! (Ignaru needs to make a DC 17 Reflex save or fall prone!)

Initiative: Round 3!
(Areas marked with chairs are hard terrain)
(The dark yellow square has Grease on it - hard terrain, and DC 10 Acrobatics to move through)
----------------------------
Andy
Wymund (-9)
Dana, Ghostwriter, Dragall (-15), Ignaru (Reflex pending, -21), Crowe
Wolf Pink (-7)

Dana, Ghostwriter, Dragall, Ignaru (Reflex pending) and Crowe are up!

Dana casts a magic missile and hits the bard!

Standard action, normal mm

MM: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4) + 2 = 8

* *

Move action to direct the weapon back to the bard.

Dana's ‘spiritual weapon’ of pure force flies forward and attacks the shadow lodge bard again!

Spiritual shortsword +5 to hit, 19-20 Crit range, d8+1 damage : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 81d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

And then the hammer vanishes.

How high up are the balconies?

Dragall moves closer to the second wolf. double move

reflex save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Ignaru keeps his footing and continues his assault on the wolf.

inspire courage, spending a point of ki to gain an additional attack

unarmed strike, NL damage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 191d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
unarmed strike, NL damage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 271d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
unarmed strike, NL damage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 121d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

The Ghostwriter moves across the aisle and into the seats on the other sides.

If the wolf is still alive, he will swipe at it with a claw attack. If Ignaru brought it down, he will instead fire his longbow at the enemy bard.

Claw Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 1 = 28
Slashing, Bludgeoning: 1d3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 = 29
Slashing, Bludgeoning: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Wowser!

Critical Confirm:Claw: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Extra damage: 1d3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Critical Confirm:Longbow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Extra damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 = 8

(Balconies are 20 ft. Up)

The party continues their assault! Both Dragall and the Ghostwriter advance further into the center of the old theater. The latter lets loose an arrow, which flies straight at the Bard's hand - piercing right through! You hear his screams as he yells-"Bastard! You dare hurt the Voice of the Naderia Theater?"-but his diatribe is cut short as Ignaru silently takes out his last remaining wolf with a series of jabs and kicks.

The bard is about to rebutt, but Dana's arcane missile hits him square in the cheek, and he is not able to taunt you for now.

Initiative: Round 3! (Areas marked with chairs are hard terrain)
(The dark yellow square has Grease on it - hard terrain, and DC 10 Acrobatics to move through)
----------------------------
Andy
Wymund (-32)
Dana, Ghostwriter, Dragall (-15), Ignaru (-21), Crowe

Initiative: Round 4!
----------------------------
Andy

Crowe and Andy are up!

Andy continues to sing as he moves forward next to Ignaru...

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

...and casts a spell and touches Ignaru...

CLW vs. Ignaru: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Again, Dana starts casting a spontaneous toppling magic missile and hits the bard on the other side.

Full round action, toppling mm is a 1st lvl spell due to traits.

MM, Trip : 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 4) + 2 = 71d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Crowe charges down the aisle and jumps over the grease auto-pass for 10ft bellowing a wordless war cry, ”Grooaaargh!”

Seeing the cavalry is about to rain down on him, Wymund starts jumping on the theater's seats, and says-"What tragedy! A star like me, now standing on the very seats citizens showered me with applause from! The Naderia Theater is now a miserable building...but the Shadow Lodge will rebuild it! Yes, we'll make Kaer Maga our own! Our very own Grand Shadow Lodge, in the City of Strangers!"-as he starts conjuring up some kind of spell, which doesn't manifest just yet.

As he starts casting his spell, Dana answers with a magic missile, hitting him in the chest, but not shoving him down nor breaking his concentration.

Initiative: Round 4! (Areas marked with chairs are hard terrain)
(The dark yellow square has Grease on it - hard terrain, and DC 10 Acrobatics to move through)
----------------------------
Andy
Wymund (-39)
Dana, Ghostwriter, Dragall (-15), Ignaru (-15), Crowe
Initiative: Round 5!
----------------------------
Andy
Wymund

Ghostwriter, Dragall, Ignaru, Crowe and Andy are up!

Crowe, with his unusual speed, moves up to Wymund and swings his earthbreaker over his head. The storm moves through him.
attack (PA,FF,Raging): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
damage (extra dice is electricity): 2d6 + 16 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 1) + 16 + (3) = 25

Yep, rolled a two! Grrr.

Dragall moves through chairs to reach enemy. double move

acrobatics, DC 10: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Ignaru then moves through the chairs at great speed to cut off the bard's escape.

Andy continues to sing and then tries to move off the grease....

Acrobatics vs. DC=10: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5

...and instead falls on his back and bursts out laughing.

Not sure if that will disrupt Inspire Courage or not. Wrote it off anyways.

”I am so glad I will soon forget all your babbling!!“ Dana exhales.

Again, Dana starts casting a spontaneous toppling magic missile and hits the bard on the other side.

Full round action, toppling mm is a 1st lvl spell due to traits.

MM, Trip : 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 = 61d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

The Ghostwriter darts through the chairs, moving to corner the enemy bard.

"You are surrounded! Your plan has been foiled and escape is impossible! Surrender now and spare yourself some pain.

Like a pack of hunters, the group circles into their prey - the bard, now defenseless, start jumping through the seats in an effort to evade you! Before he does so, however, his spell finishes, and another wolf pops into existence! He yells-"Surrender, you say? Nonsense! The Shadow Lodge will not fall here! We're more than you think - hundreds of Pathfinders, all of them fed up with you. If I fall, it shall be defending this dream - a dream of a new Pathfinder Society!", clearly trying to get into position instead of running like a coward.

Wymund finished his spell, and is now trying to move, provoking from Crowe, Ghostwriter and Ignaru. Will wait until the attacks are resolved, since they could mean the end of the fight

Crowe, Ghostwriter and Ignaru can make an AoO!

AoO , now with flanking: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
damage: 2d6 + 16 ⇒ (1, 3) + 16 = 20

The Ghostwriter takes a swing at the bard with one of his claws.

Claw: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 171d3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

Inspire courage
AOO, NL: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 231d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Ignaru delivers a knee to the bard's solarplex, maybe cracking a rib.