GM Valen's PFS Quests - What the Helms Hide (10-16)(PbP)(Table 3) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

@ Kazu - Yes, Kazu still has claws (somehow).

@ Ilathor - It appears that spells are at caster level, but DC is 16 as stated on Handout #4.

"Eylysia, do be a dear and remind us all of the plan again? It would be a shame if some of us weren't on the same page, yes?"

"The decision to mask the Decemvirate in the wake of the internecine conflict centuries ago ended immediate hostilities." the gnome expounds. "However, I was uncertain whether the leaders’ new anonymity would truly benefit the Society. With the aid of some of you, I have pieced together clues to identify some of the new Decemvirate members. Much to my dismay, several were infamously duplicitous and wicked, purveyors of evil through and through. Unwilling to risk a return to the violence that had plagued the Society so recently, I have taken took matters into her own hands, and with you as my allies, I've confirmed the misconduct of three of the Decemvirate and sought to confront them one by one."

It is now evident to you that you are each seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, though you can still act, have access to your skills and abilities, and discern which of your fellow agents are which.

"I've selected Veldrid as the most likely of these three Decemvirate members to redeem herself." explains Eylysia.

As if on cue, the door opens, admitting three figures wearing Decemvirate helms: one eyeless and triple-flanged, another topped with stag antlers, and the third a crystal-studded black domino mask.

Eylysia blanches, but quickly covers it up with a smile. “So... I take it you aren’t willing to play nice?”

“It is the Decemvirate’s will that your investigations cease,” declares the antler-helmed figure, who is attended by an immense, fierce-looking canine creature.

The figure behind the eyeless helm nods, and the domino-masked figure hesitates before also nodding. “I wonder whether your other colleagues would agree.”

Eylysia draws herself up to her full height. “I doubt they’ll agree with your perspective once they know what I know.”

The figure in the eyeless mask draws his sword. “Then you understand why we cannot let you live.”

Foes and PCs now appear on map!

Terrain Rules: The battlefield is covered in roiling ropes of mist, as though the memories of those areas had faded. Any creature within or on the opposite side of one of these streams of mist has concealment (20% miss chance). Whenever a creature is knocked unconscious, their body seems to stream away into the mist, drawn in and slowly disintegrated. If the unconscious creature is a PC who is not returned to consciousness within 2 rounds, the PC leaves the battlefield.

Combat Round One

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Kazu
Damhán-Alla
Quintus
Richard
Helven Leroung (red)
Rowena
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow)
Eylysia (purple)
Ilathor
Zaul Blystone (green)

Richard moves forward, and throws a blast of flame at Green.

Kinetic Blast: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 2 = 10, for 2d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 1 + 2 = 7 Fire damage.

Damhán is not sure what's going on, but for some reason he gets the urge to strum the lute in his hand. Of course, he has no idea how to play the thing, so the note comes out a little shrill... but in this odd fever dream, it proves enough to activate the magic once performed by Sera Calthial.

OK, activated my companion ability. Everyone gets 5 temp hit points, and a +1 morale bonus on all saving throws!

He snorts in disgust, and quickly evacuates the platform, fearing it too great a target.

He keeps his hold on the lute, however.

Zaul Blystone. more agile than he looks, readily avoids the blast.
As would the canine, if that is what you meant by green.

Terrain Rules:[/b] The battlefield is covered in roiling ropes of mist, as though the memories of those areas had faded. Any creature within or on the opposite side of one of these streams of mist has concealment (20% miss chance). Whenever a creature is knocked unconscious, their body seems to stream away into the mist, drawn in and slowly disintegrated. If the unconscious creature is a PC who is not returned to consciousness within 2 rounds, the PC leaves the battlefield.

Combat Round One

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions CORRECTED

Kazu
Damhán-Alla
Quintus
Richard
Ilathor (Heightened Awareness)
Helven Leroung (red)
Rowena
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow)
Eylysia (purple)
Zaul Blystone (green)

Cursing the mists for preventing him from charging at the enemies he senses but can't quite see, Kazu moves forward drawing his crossbow. As soon as he burst through, he spots the large canine and fires.

vs green FFAC: mw light crossbow: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 5

The bolt pierces furry hide.

Combat Round One

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions CORRECTED

Kazu
Damhán-Alla
Quintus
Richard
Ilathor (Heightened Awareness)
Helven Leroung (red)
Rowena
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow)
Eylysia (purple)
Zaul Blystone (green)
Canine creature (green) -5 HP

"Ugh, a Dire Wolf," Ilathor grumbles as he heads for a coil of mist, pulling out a wand as he goes. While lying in wait, he curls his hand in anticipation of casting a spell.
________
Nature (Heightened Awareness), DC 13: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 2 = 19
Readied action to cast Color Spray (one of his own) at DC 18. Either if the wolf comes up or if two foes come within range. Wand of Magic Missile is in hand.

Not sure whether this is real or just re-living a memory, Quintus nonetheless prepares to fight the masked men and women. He grabs the butterfly symbol, and starts casting a spell.

"Wrongdoers, feel the might of Asm... Desna smite you down!"

A weapon of force appears, taking the shape of a heavy mace. In truth, the cleric was a bit curious how his magic would work here, in this body. But looks like his power still comes Asmodeus. And so the spiritual weapon starts hitting the dire wolf.

"Yes, it's a heavy mace... But see, there's a butterfly symbol there.
Look closer... "

Spiritual weapon : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

The wolf choose not to look and readily avoids the blow of the mace.

Helven Leroung draws his rapier as well as a scroll.
"Your insolence will meet a rapid end." he declares.

Combat Round One

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Kazu
Damhán-Alla
Quintus
Richard
Ilathor (Heightened Awareness)
Helven Leroung (red)
Rowena
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow)
Eylysia (purple)
Zaul Blystone (green)
Canine creature (green) -5 HP

Rowena mvoes up and conjures a shield of force. "Wow, this is, like, super weird."

Move action to move and cast shield

Veldrid, the dwarf in the domino-mask-like helm, looks to her fellow helmed allies, then hesitantly draws her blade. As she does, she begins to sing.

"Agents warned. Yet, still they pry."
"Why not cease? Why choose to die?"
Inspiring courage

The gnome woman responds, "We choose truth!" Eylysia moves toward an arcane device within the library, her words and gestures appear to be activating it. "This should help weaken our foes, draining their strength and countering much of their magical power!" she cries.

The antler-helmed Zaul Blystone considers the agents, his eyes drawn to the lightly-armored Ilathor. "Yes, I know agents such as you--they are so simple to dispatch." he sneers, as he retrieves a scroll.

1 Richard, 2 Rowena: 1d2 ⇒ 2
The dire wolf moves forward, bearing its razor-like teeth, which it brings to bear on vigilante Pathfinder.

Melee (bite), inspired): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 17
Damage (bite + trip): 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

But the beast does not manage to sink fang into flesh.

Combat Round Two Begins

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Kazu
Damhán-Alla
Quintus
Richard
Ilathor (Heightened Awareness)
Helven Leroung (red)(inspire)
Rowena
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow)(inspired)
Eylysia (purple)
Zaul Blystone (green)(inspired)
Canine creature (green) -5 HP (inspired)

"Don't suppose anyone else is concerned with the way the pseudo-anthropomorphic stag is looking me over?" Ilathor questions as he moves to the other side of the pillar. With quick movements of his hands, he creates a rainbow patterned ball, then releases the stored energy at the wolf. I could use Quintus right about now, I might be needing a good shield!
________
DC 18 Color Spray! The cone will only catch Green.

Wolf, Will save (DC 18): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

The arcanist's magic stuns the wolf!

Combat Round Two Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Kazu
Damhán-Alla
Quintus
Richard
Ilathor (Heightened Awareness)
Helven Leroung (red)(inspire)
Rowena
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow)(inspired)
Eylysia (purple)
Zaul Blystone (green)(inspired, studied target:Ilathor)
Canine creature (green) -5 HP (stunned, inspired)

With a shrug, Richard tries to carve-up the stunned canine.

Kinetic Blade: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 2 = 23, for 2d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3, 6) + 1 + 2 = 12 Fire damage.

Kazu (albeit now in the form of a female elf) quickly gives Illathor a quick nod of appreciation as (s)he steps forward and lashes out. It looks somewhat comical as (s)he appears to be clawing with her luscious fingernails followed by a headbutt with her mouth.

vs green FFAC: Sneak Attack
claw 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 lethal dmg: 1d3 + 7 + 3d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 7 + (2, 1, 1) + (3) = 15
claw 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19 lethal dmg: 1d3 + 7 + 3d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 7 + (4, 1, 5) + (5) = 23
bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 lethal dmg: 1d3 + 3d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (5, 2, 6) + (3) = 17
Debilitating Injury: Bewildered -2AC (-4AC for Kazu's attacks1) for 1 rd per hit.

The kinetic slashes and burns the wolf, cauterizing wounds as it goes.

The luscious fingernails reduces the creature to a ribbons of gore even before the administering of the butt delivered by mouth (mouthbutt?.

Combat Round Two Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Kazu
Damhán-Alla
Quintus
Richard
Ilathor (Heightened Awareness)
Helven Leroung (red)(inspire)
Rowena
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow)(inspired)
Eylysia (purple)
Zaul Blystone (green)(inspired, studied target:Ilathor)
Dire wolf

Damhán circles around to the south, looking for a clear shot at the strange figures through the mist. He ignores the dwarf, given Elysia's comment that that one might be redeemable, but can't quite get close enough to the apparent leader. He looks down at the useless lute in his hand, and smiles, just slightly.

A moment later, it starts to float in front of him, then he flings it across the intervening distance at the man in the stag mask, wincing slightly as he does so.

single move, then telekinetic blast vs the antlered fellow, taking 1 burn for the empower. And they gave me a lute, seems a good use for it! El Kabong!

empowered kinetic blast vs Zaul (green), overflow, PBS: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 23, for 3d6 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6, 6, 5) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 26*1.5 = 39 damage. 20% miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 79

The lute strikes Zaul Blystone with a *TWANG*!

Instantly, the helmed man strikes the floor with a *CLANG*!

The force of the bludgeoning instrument drops the member of the Decemvirate, having been sufficient to break the man's neck.

Usually, one kills the NPC, then loots the body, but Damhán-Alla lutes the body, then kills the NPC!

Combat Round Two Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Kazu
Damhán-Alla
Quintus
Richard
Ilathor (Heightened Awareness)
Helven Leroung (red)(inspire)
Rowena
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow)(inspired)
Eylysia (purple)
Zaul Blystone -39 HP (green)(dying)
Dire wolf

Whether a crisis of faith or just bad luck, Quintus's spiritual weapon didn't do much against the wolf. But it matters little, teh wolf is now dead. The cleric commands the weapon to start attacking Helven, and starts approaching the enemies.

Spiritual weapon @Helven: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Whether a credit to his faith or just his foe's bad luck, Quintus' spiritual weapon strikes the helmed Helven!

Though wounded, the Chelish Pathfinder attempts to ignore the blow, whether out of anger or deference to the cleric is not clear. "You will pay for your insolence! You will all pay!" he roars.

"And I shall begin with you!" he cries, singling out Damhán-Alla.

Helven attempts to activate the scroll.
UMD (DC 23): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Damhán-Alla, Fort save (DC 13): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Helven then rushes toward the Pathfinder, his rapier at the ready.

Combat Round Two Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Kazu
Damhán-Alla
Quintus
Richard
Ilathor (Heightened Awareness)
Helven Leroung (red)(inspire)
Rowena
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow)(inspired)
Eylysia (purple)

Fort save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 (+1 if death effect) Ha! OK, not the optimal number

edit: Oh wait... you rolled my save for me! I'll take it!

Damhán-Alla is unphased by the spell cast by Helven from the scroll.

BOTTING Rowena as no post in 24+ hours and to keep things moving (and it allows me to streamline Initiative...

The vigilante hesitates for a moment as she decides on a target.
Rowena delays

Seeing an opportunity, Veldrid summons the power of her helm in an effort to incapacitate the unruly agent that had dropped Zaul and shrugged off Helven's spell.
Swift to activate
Damhán-Alla, Will save (DC 13): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Behavior: 1d100 ⇒ 22

Nevertheless, the agent, again seems unphased.

Concerned that her helm seemed to have no effect, the dwarf then casts an arcane spell of her own on Damhán-Alla.

At last, the stream of assaults on the kineticist wears him down!

Damhán-Alla is blind. He cannot see. He takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class, loses its Dexterity bonus to AC (if any), and takes a –4 penalty on most Strength– and Dexterity-based skill checks and on opposed Perception skill checks. All checks and activities that rely on vision (such as reading and Perception checks based on sight) automatically fail. All opponents are considered to have total concealment (50% miss chance) against him. He must make a DC 10 Acrobatics skill check to move faster than half speed. If he fails this check, he falls prone.

Veldrid continues her song and produces a scroll.

Eylysia rushes to another area of the library, continuing to weave the magics of some arcane ritual. "Do not lose heart, Pathfinders! The dark secrets of these masked foes will be revealed!"

Combat Round Two Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Rowena (delaying)
Kazu
Damhán-Alla (blinded)
Quintus
Richard
Ilathor (Heightened Awareness)
Helven Leroung (red)(inspire)
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow)(inspired)
Eylysia (purple)

"Steel your minds before that helmet steal yours!" Ilathor calls out, noticing the way it just tried to alter Damhan-Alla's perception of reality. "Quintus, if your deity has granted you the capability to restore sight, Damhan-Alla will likely need it," he suggests, much more calmly than his prior statement.

The Elf quickly runs around the pillar, drawing arcane energies around him to form yet another rainbow patterned orb. "Kazu, another for you!" he shouts before detonating it in Leroung's direction.
________
Spellcraft, DC 17: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Arcana (Heightened Awareness), DC 21: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 2 = 20 I'm salty. REROLL!
Spellcraft, DC 17: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Arcana (Heightened Awareness, GM 2* reroll), DC 21: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 2 + 2 = 35
Color Spray, DC 18 vs Red.

Richard hustles forward to engage Yellow.

Double move.

can't say I didn't have it coming. Thankfully the confusion hit the act normally options. =0
Though would have preferred not being blind next to the melee bad guy...

"But alas, restoring one's sight requires a priest far greater than I am. Damhán-Alla just has to cope with the situation for now." And Quintus is deeply sorry for the fact he just stated. Not that he cared for the man, but his ability to cut down enemies was astounding.

Remove blindness is a 3rd level spell :(

Just in case the kineticist decides to start lobbing objects around blindly, Quintus takes only a small step forwards. He takes a wand of bless from his belt, and gives it a little wave in the air. A little bit of divine power fills all of his allies.

+1 morale bonus to attack rolls for everyone

Meanwhile, the spiritual weapon keeps on attacking Helven.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Just don't kill the dwarf lady! she can dismiss it (with appropriate motivation)

Assaulted by magic from multiple foes, it is only a matter of time. Finally one of them sticks, and Damhán's entire world goes dark.

It is not a condition he's used to, as he suddenly finds himself unable to even see something to pick up with his mind... much less anyone to throw things at.

His hands fumble at his belt for a moment, retrieving a small leather pouch stored there, which he dumps into his hand, revealing it full of small round spheres... marbles!

I knew I purchased these for a reason!

By touch alone, he is able to focus his thoughts, and the marbles start to circle in the air in front of him, dozens of them. He's not sure where the dwarf woman is exactly... but the man with the blade next to him, that one he still had at least a rough idea. If he spread the marbles out enough, it might drive him back.

OK, I could see where the red one was before I was blinded, so assuming he's not had a chance to move yet... Damhán will try to attack him! Telekinetic blast, with the bowling infusion. This will cost him one burn, since he can't gather power (due to pulling out the marbles)

Bowling Telekinetic blast, bless, overflow, PBS: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 26, for 3d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1, 4) + 6 + 2 = 17 50% miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 76
Trip: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 12

Current, blinded AC: 10

Unfortunately, this will also provoke from red... twice! (once for the blast, once for the ranged attack)
Preemptive check in the likely event the first AoO hits:
Concentration vs 10+damage dealt: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Hearing the confusion over directly south of him, Kazu dashes down south, positioning himself to wait for Black Midnight to flank the target. This leaves him open, he ducks and weaves, hoping to avoid Helven’s attacks.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26 DC+10 because full movement

Ready action: once Black Mignight is flanking or just before Helven’s actions, whichever comes first, attack Helven.

Once Black Midnight moves into place, he lashes out again.

vs red: Bludgeoner, Enforcer, Frightening, Flank, Sneak Attack, Avera
claw 1: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 2 = 31 nonlethal dmg: 1d3 + 7 + 3d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 7 + (3, 2, 1) + (2) = 16
If hit, intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24 vs 10+HD+Wis to be frightened for 1 rd
Debilitating Injury: Bewildered -2AC (-4AC for Kazu's attacks1) for 1 rd per hit.

If did not manage to flank, remove 3d6+1d6 damage, and debilitating injury

Helven, Will (DC 18): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Blinded and stunned for rounds equal to: 1d4 ⇒ 1

The villain is taken off-guard by the magical flash of lights.

The cleric's weapon then bludgeons him.

Robbed of sight and stunned, he has no sense of the kineticist's assault until the rain of marbles strikes him!

The marble blast fails to drive Helven to the floor, but the tengu is able to do just that with a well-placed blow.

With a prodigious "CLANG*, the helmed Helven strikes the stone floor and now lies unconscious.

Noting that she alone of the assembled Decemvirate remains standing, Veldrid steps away from the Pathfinder before her and draws upon magical energy, as she continues to sing.

"You agents have no future here."
"Time to flee. Time to fear!"

She focuses her words on Richard.
Richard, Will save (DC 14): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8

The Pathfinder is suddenly overcome by a wave of fear and dread!
Richard is frightened. He takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. In addition, he must flee from Veldrid as quickly as she can.

Eylysia continues to work on arcane devices to try and rob the Decemvirate projections of their strength.

Combat Round Three Begins

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Rowena (delaying)
Kazu
Damhán-Alla (blinded)
Quintus
Richard (frightened)
Ilathor[/b] (Heightened Awareness)
Helven Leroung (red) -19 HP | -16 NL (unconscious/blinded/stunnded)
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow) (inspired)
Eylysia (purple)

"Did we get him?" Damhán mutters, hearing the sound of something hitting the ground, but unsure what it was.

He doesn't move, unsure what happened to all the marbles once he released them, but not wanting to trip over them if they are scattered nearby.

I'm assuming the square with the unconscious guy will have the marble effect at the moment.

"Anyone?"

Going to assume someone says something

He starts slowly feeling his way forward towards the sounds of the dwarf lady, his face a grim mask beneath cloudy eyes.

"Veldrid?" He calls out, using the name Eylysia gave them. "We came to talk to you, not these other bastards. Now they're out of the picture. So either stop this, and talk, or join them."

Can't do much, but as long as she can see and hear me, I can try this! Will use my one time Masterful Performance chronicle boon for a +3 to the check

Intimidate: 1d20 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (20) - 2 + 3 = 21

"I-I..." Veldrid's voice falters, even despite the magical alteration of the Decemvirate helms that often give their wearers a more even, neutral tone. "I have no longer any choice. I will preserve my secrets or die trying. I must see this through to the end--even if it means my death."

She attempts to wave her blade defiantly at the blinded man, though it is evident that she now views the battle as her last.

Combat Round Three Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Rowena (delaying)
Kazu
Damhán-Alla (blinded)
Quintus
Richard (frightened)
Ilathor (Heightened Awareness)
Helven Leroung (red) -19 HP | -16 NL (unconscious/blinded/stunned)
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow) (inspired/shaken 2 rounds)
Eylysia (purple)

Richard runs off the map.

Can I confirm that we can see through the smokey areas?

Can I confirm that we can see through the smokey areas?

Confirmed. The smokey ropes provide concealment,but do not block line of sight.

"Can't argue with that! I commend the dedication you have for your cause," Ilathor responds. Walking forward, he pulls his whip out and cracks it against the floor, causing blue arcane energy to course it's length.
________
Move 30ft, draw whip on the move, cast true strike.

"You don't get to die, 'til you undo what you did to my eyes!" Damhán growls back. "It might hurt a bit though..."

The elf's crackling whip gives further pause to the helmed warrior.

"You don't get to die, 'til you undo what you did to my eyes!" Damhán growls back. "It might hurt a bit though..."

"And will you undo what you did to poor, Zaul? Veldrid spits back. "Or Helven?"

Combat Round Three Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Rowena (delaying)
Kazu
Damhán-Alla (blinded)
Quintus
Richard (frightened)
Ilathor (Heightened Awareness)
Helven Leroung (red) -19 HP | -16 NL (unconscious/blinded/stunned)
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow) (inspired/shaken 2 rounds)
Eylysia (purple)

Ah, asked that 'cos I wanted to charge but Ilathor moved into my charge lane. :) Would you allow Ilathor to delay his actions after Kazu's charge?

Separately, Kazu is in a bit of a quandary as I think the only people who can flank with him, Richard and Rowena, are out of commission.

Ah, asked that 'cos I wanted to charge but Ilathor moved into my charge lane. :) Would you allow Ilathor to delay his actions after Kazu's charge?

Given the nature of PbP, I am fine with having Ilathor delay until after Kazu charges.

As soon as Helven falls, Kazu spins around and charges at the remaining Veldrid, slamming his claw across his face.

vs yellow: Bludgeoner, Enforcer, Frightening, Charge, Scout's Charge, Sneak Attack, Avera
claw 1: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 2 = 14 nonlethal dmg: 1d3 + 7 + 3d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 7 + (5, 5, 4) + (3) = 25
If hit, intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20 vs 10+HD+Wis to be frightened for 1 rd
Debilitating Injury: Bewildered -2AC (-4AC for Kazu's attacks1) for 1 rd per hit.

Going to use my reroll for that attack roll, since this seems to be my only chance for sneak attack.
reroll: claw 1, GM star: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 26

The spiritual mace fades away, so best Quintus can do is try to catch up with the bard - although he suspects the fight is over one way or the other before he gets there.

Double move

"Well, we only wanted to talk, and you decided to attack," he calls out to Veldrid. "And in defending ourselves, Zaul and Helven are now dead. You could call this excess of justifiable defence, but I doubt you would succeed in court if you tried."

"However, you don't have to end up like them. All you need to do is stop fighting, restore my friend's eyesight, and then we can have a nice chat."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (16) + 20 = 36

Kazu nearly knocks the helmed villain out with a single blow, causing fear to well up within the dwarven member of the Decemvirate.

As a consequence, Veldrid pays no heed to Quintus' words.

Quintus may take a full round worth of actions. See Discussion thread for explanation about efficacy of Diplomacy check.

Combat Round Three Cont'd

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Rowena (delaying)
Kazu
Damhán-Alla (blinded)
Quintus
Richard (frightened)
Ilathor (Heightened Awareness)
Helven Leroung (red) -19 HP | -16 NL (unconscious/blinded/stunned)
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow) -20 NL (inspired/shaken 2 rounds/frightened 1 rd/bewildered)
Eylysia (purple)

BOTTING Rowena - No post in 24+ hours

The woman surveys the battle field looking for any other potential threats.
Delaying

Eylysia continues her ritual. A tearful smile overcomes her face as she sees the dwarf retreat.

Veldrid, seeing threats all around, backs away from the tengu. Stepping through a coil of mist-like rope, she heads for the door from which she entered.

Rounds Richard is frightened?: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Combat Round Four Begins

All PCs in bold may take a full round of actions

Rowena (delaying)
Kazu
Damhán-Alla(blinded)
Quintus
Richard (frightened 2 rounds)
Ilathor (Heightened Awareness)
Veldrid Goldborough (yellow) -20 NL (inspired/shaken 1 round/bewildered)
Eylysia (purple)

Richard keeps fleeing.

I take it that Kazu can make an AoO when Veldrid fled?

As the dwarf turns to flee, Kazu quickly brings down his claw on a backhand strike across the back of his skull, letting out a terrifying caw as he does so.
vs yellow: Bludgeoner, Enforcer, Frightening, Debilitating Injury from last round (-4AC)
AoO: claw 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21 nonlethal dmg: 1d3 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
If hit, intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24 vs 10+HD+Wis to be frightened for 1 rd

Kazu then gives chase, running after his prey and once again, swings his arm across in a roundhouse blow while letting out a loud cry!
vs yellow: Bludgeoner, Enforcer, Frightening, Debilitating Injury from last round (-4AC)
claw 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17 nonlethal dmg: 1d3 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
If hit, intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 vs 10+HD+Wis to be frightened for 1 rd

I take it that Kazu can make an AoO when Veldrid fled?

Actually, though I see I failed to post it, Veldrid took a Withdraw action, so no AoO. However...

The roundhouse blow connects with the fleeing dwarf, dropping her to the ground. Veldrid falls to the ground, unconscious, and defeated.

COMBAT OVER

Suddenly, the library around you appears to shimmer, the items within begin to slightly distort as the vision wavers.

Eylysia smiles at you all, observing, “That went differently this time."

The gnome's form, too, begins to shimmer and distort, as if being slowly drawn away, but not before a smile can be seen clearly on her face. Eylysia's words seem to echo around the room even after her body fades from view.

"I like this ending better..."

As the gnome Pathfinder's words reverberate in your mind, you are instantaneously overcome by a flash of insight, which you know with certainty must be the past’s true events:

You see an injured Zaul fleeing the battle, abandoning the others as he disappears into the strange mist swirling around the library.

Only one of Eylysia’s companions remains visible. Her remaining companion, the gnome wizard Fimbrik the Illusionist, sends a crackle of spell energy at Veldrid that drops the masked dwarf to the ground where she disintegrates into motes of color that the unstable magic quickly devours.

A badly wounded Helven points his blade at Eylysia and stalks towards the defiant gnome woman.

"Your secrets cannot remain hidden forever!" Eylysia cries, before tapping a foot on the ground and vanishing. The broken strands of magical mist explode in a whirlwind of rainbow light as Eylysia’s vision concludes and the battered, old spell finally ends.

As the final vision fades, the you once again find yourselves in the library that you had entered and fully within the present. The forms you and your companions bear are again solely your own--free of injury or blindness.

Before you stands Kreighton Shaine and the two helmed members of the Decemvirate. The Master of Scrolls steps forward and inquires with great interest and curiosity, "You have all experienced a vision of some kind?"

Ilathor's eyes narrow as he sees the Decemvirate representatives in what he hopes is the real here and now. Unabashedly, he moves to the door and stands before it. "What do you know of Helven Leroung and Veldrid Goldborough? Don't suppose they are you?" he asks, making a point to listen to the voices and compare them to the ones they heard in the vision. This reeks of fraud and corruption. The faster we end this, the better.

"Why do you wish to know what we saw? What happened to Eylysia?"

"It was... certainly an interesting experience; a facsimile of an echo of a memory of what happened, long ago..."

Damhán is distracted, as he finds himself able to see again once the vision fades.

He waves one hand in front of his face, just to make sure, then looks down, to ensure that he still isn't sporting female bits... or a lute.

"Wasn't expecting that." He mutters, as he checks the bag of marbles on his belt, to see if he really tossed them, or just imagined he did.

Rowena dusts herself off, or rather, moves to dust herself off before realizing she is untouched in the real world.

”Wow, that was, like, so exciting! Great job everyone.”