GM XaveTheNerd's Murder's Mark (Inactive)

Game Master X Hums

"Oh no you don't!" Shenzen declares, crossing over to the bedroom and spotting the man trying to escape.

He focuses his inner reserves and a bolt of magical force projects from his third eye.

Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Ao marches forward and slashes.

attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The man quickly jumps out the window.

Ao AOO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Ao slashes down, absolutely terrifying the kid in the bed, but misses the man.

Dark skinned man's climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Acrobatics to avoid fall damage.: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Falling damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

The man quickly climbs down the rope and lets go at about 10 feet from the ground. Unfortunately for him, he falls to the ground and biffs his landing, causing him to fall over and clutch his ankle for a moment.

Framed
Initiative - the BOLD may act!
Active effects: #Blessed; Obscurring Mist
-----------------------------------------------
Wulthur
The Grandfrogger
Barrabas
Dark Skinned Man (-3; Prone; Outside; Fleeing;)
Shenzen (Entangled)
Ao Shoku

”Down the stairs now, quickly!” the Grandfrogger orders even as the hooded form moves in the opposite direction. A thin voice calls to the seeds laying dormant in the grass outside, bidding them spring forth and twine around their surroundings. ”Spread out and cut off his retreat!”

Move and cast entangle (Reflex 15). Hopefully the difficult terrain lets us get around the perimeter to catch him before he escapes.

Barrabas hauls down the stairs.

Move, move gets me to the door, I believe.

Blade in hand, Wulthur rushes back down the steps.

Shenzen's speed is still hampered so he knows he's never going to catch up to the man or cut him off. But he can get to the window and he starts to reach for the bow strapped to his back, releasing the ectoplasmic sword in his grasp with the same motion.

Ao marches around to the outside as well.

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

No entangle for him.

The dark skinned man stands up and begins trudging towards the front gate. (Shenzen, he will have light cover from you due to his position, but you still definitely have sight.)

Framed
Initiative - the BOLD may act!
Active effects: #Blessed; Obscurring Mist
-----------------------------------------------
Wulthur
The Grandfrogger
Barrabas
Dark Skinned Man (-3; Outside; Fleeing;)
Shenzen (Entangled)
Ao Shoku

Barrabas darts across the lawn and around the corner, when he sees the man, he sprints to the edge of the moving grass. Surrender. You'll be choked by these vines or you can deal with me. Not great options. I suggest you come peacefully.

Intimidate: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Wulthur continues to race down the steps and to the double doors.

Ooo, was that to demoralize, Barrabas? I've got just the potatoes to accompany that steak.

The Gradfrogger shuffles into the room behind Shenzen and continues out the window and down the wall. "He's right, you know." The thin voice winds like a snake around the man's shoulders, causing the hair on the back of his neck to prickle in an unseen breeze. "They'll strangle you and hold you as tight as that poor man you left hanging on the tree."

Our friend is taking a -2 penalty to saving throws for 7 rounds from the Grandfrogger's Evil Eye (Will 15 to reduce duration to 1 round). Since he's still in the area of the entangle, he'll need to make the save again (Reflex 15). And if he's shaken from Barrabas's demoralization as well, he's looking at a -4 to his saving throw. Fingers crossed something sticks.

I moved twice, so I don't know if I have enough action for a demoralize. I threw the roll in the for the GM to play with. Happy to play it however. Cinematically it does feel like his world is closing around him.

Yeah, doesn't have the action to demoralize, but you HAVE effectively changed his tactics. I'll give you that. He didn't realize the situation he was in until right about when you said something.

Save on evil eye: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

The evil eye sticks!

Framed
Initiative - the BOLD may act!
Active effects: #Blessed; Obscurring Mist
-----------------------------------------------
Wulthur
The Grandfrogger
Barrabas
Dark Skinned Man (-3; Outside; Fleeing; Evil Eyed)
Shenzen (Entangled)
Ao Shoku

Shenzen would never admit it, but he's a little creeped out by the Grandfrogger and the fact that he can just crawl down the wall like that.

Still, he doesn't hesitate in pulling out his longbow and taking a shot.

longbow (entangled): 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 2 - 4 = 15
arrow: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Ao makes his way through the fog and back out the front door. Hopefully he won't be too late...double-move.

Shenzen's shot goes just off kilter, narrowly avoiding the fleeing man.

Ao runs.

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 - 2 = 12

The dark skinned man finally realizes the situation he's in and draws his longsword. He marches forward and attacks Barrabas.

Longsword. Two handed: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 2 = 24
Confirm?: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 2 = 13

Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Framed
Initiative - the BOLD may act!
Active effects: #Blessed; Obscurring Mist
-----------------------------------------------
Wulthur
The Grandfrogger
Barrabas (-6)
Dark Skinned Man (-3; Outside; Evil Eyed; Entangled;)
Shenzen (Entangled)
Ao Shoku

Barrabas takes the slash in stride and returns with a gore attack on the dark skinned man.

gore: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Barrabas buries his right tusk in the man's gut, lifting him off the ground for a moment.

The Grandfrogger's voice continues worming its way into the man's mind. "It will be easier if you stop struggling. Surely you said something similar to those children you abandoned."

Our friend is taking a -2 penalty to AC for 7 rounds from the Grandfrogger's Evil Eye (Will 15 to reduce duration to 1 round). This is in addition to the -2 penalty to saving throws he's taking (6 rounds remaining).

EDIT: Well, this could be awkward if we killed our only lead and suspect.

He started it!

Wulthur continues his dash toward the foe he last saw fleeing.
Double move

WOAH. Barrabas skewers straight through the man. Dropping him unconscious.

He's not ded, though. Luckily this man had quite a few class levels.

Out of initiative

Anything y'all want to do before the Sheriff shows up in about 9 minutes?

Barrabas drags the man out of the entangled area and stabilized him with a wand. He'll heal himself as well.

clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

”Excellent work, Barrabas. Be sure to check his pockets before tying him up.” The Grandfrogger clambers back through the window to the bedroom. ”Shenzen, could you looks around for some evidence as to what these fine folks might have been up to? One of us needs to stay here and protect the children until the sheriff arrives.”

The hooded figure turns to the conscious child, clasps clammy hands together and bows. ”Our apologies for being so violent in your presence. Are you injured? Do you want food, or water?”

Shenzen watches his arrow go wide with lips pursed in distaste. His eyes widen at the devastating blow Barrabas lands. He's still looking at the downed man as the Grandfrogger climbs back into the window.

"Of course," he answers, stowing his bow as he starts meandering around the house looking for clues. He focuses on the downed henchmen, first.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 15

The child is absolutely terrified. 1. Because the Grandfrogger mentioned Barrabas and 2. Because you would be too if you were an 8 year old and a strange anthropomorphic frog talked to you. Nevertheless, The Grandfrogger manages to calm the child.

---

Searching the place and the unconscious bodies within it reveals nothing of importance aside from 2 potions of cure light wounds on the body of the dark skinned man.

---

The Sheriff arrives almost as soon as Shenzen finishes searching the place. After asking what happens, she identifies the dark skinned man as Borvius Monchello, and though she's initially skeptical due to the childrens' eyewitness accounts, she trusts the Pathfinders when they explain of Borvius's shapeshifting. She recognizes the other individuals as his employees.

For whatever it matters anymore, Ao readily volunteers to guard the children.

This must be the mastermind behind all this, Sheriff. I trust you can handle the interrogation and vindicate the circus-folk among others.

"Vindicate?" she asks. "You're just assuming that this man had caused it because things happen to line up? Listen, between you and me I totally agree, but I cannot go to the town with this. They aren't going to believe it. Borvius here was a good businessman who brought the town a lot of money."

"BUT...If you can prove they did it, I can 100% vindicate it. There must be something you can find at his shop." Sheriff Feldane sneakily hands Barrabas a wand without explaining what it is. "Use this. Go now. Maybe you can catch them off guard. I've got to clean up this mess."

She gives the Pathfinders directions to Borvius's business, known as Ilsurian Storage & Hauling, and quickly runs back inside to continue her investigation within the mansion.

You all have a moment, at this time, to purchase basic goods if you find yourself needing anything.

The wand is a wand of Cure Light Wounds with 10 charges.

Barrabas applies the wand to whoever needs it, We'll do just that, then. More investigation.

Shenzen nods. "Of course. We would not expect you to take our words for it or simply the evidence we have found so far," Shenzen says.

He's ready to go when the rest of the party is. When they get to the warehouse, he pulls the glistening sword out of his mouth.

"It would seem our work, then, is not yet finished." notes Wulthur. "To the shop then."

The exterior of the building resembles that of a large storage and hauling business, as the name would suggest.

The interior of this large building appears unfinished, with a wooden frame that could have housed two separate floors but is instread open to the roof like a barn. Sliding bay doors stand to the south, where a serviceable wagon is parked. Across the center of the warehouse, a catwalk hangs fifteen feet off the ground. Heavy items can be pulled up to the catwalk with ropes and a block and tackle. In the northeast and southwest corners, rooms have been framed in and walls erected. Shelving lines most of the walls, and crates and boxes are stacked in many places on the main floor.

Three men are currently hauling boxes around on the catwalk above. "Hey there!" one of them shouts. "Welcome to Ilsurian Storage & Hauling! Can I help you today?"

"Unfortunately it seems he brought more than just a lot of money to town," the Grandfrogger mutters as the sheriff departs. "Also unfortunate that her constituents trust her judgement so little. Perhaps she should consider another line of work."

------------------------------------------------------

"Yes, we find ourselves in need of... specialists." The Grandfrogger's voice is steady and emotionless. "Someone who could satisfy our... unusual tastes, let's say."

Bluff: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

"Uhh. What are you trying to get at little frog?"

"He's saying life is better with alchemy...we're here to procure some elixirs that will enhance our mood and expand our consciousnesses," Shenzen chimes in.

Bluff: 1d20 ⇒ 5

When his allies deception does not appear to be convincing, Wulthur steps forward. "We have in an interest in Borvius's business. It is evident that he is not here. Perhaps you can answer our questions for us?"

Ao stands back and silently weighs the men's souls.

I try to Detect Evil.

"Borvius, how do you..."

Before he can speak, another man pipes up from the rafters. "Look man, they aren't going to walk any closer into the room." At this point Ao detects all three of these men are evil. "Just kill 'em now."

Thugs in the Catwalk
Initiative - the BOLD may act!
Active effects:
-----------------------------------------------
Wulthur
The Grandfrogger
Shenzen
Something else
Barrabas
Dudes
Ao Shoku

"Careful." warns Wulthur,. "There concern in our not walking closer, suggests that there may be some traps. Seek cover. I will deal shake them from their perch or ensure that they remain within it."

Ignoring his own advice, the bold fighter draws his blade and moves to the base of the nearest ladder.
Double move

"An unfortunate decision." The Grandfrogger steps closer as well, stopping behind a stack of crates. "As unfortunate as many of the other decisions you've made in the past, I'd wager."

Move and use Evil Eye to give closest opponent -2 penalty on attack rolls for 7 rounds (Will 15 reduces to 1 round).

Shenzen wants to get up that ladder, too. But he doesn't want to crowd it long enough for their opponents to be able to toss bombs or spells at a group of the Pathfinders.

So, he heads for cover, instead, getting behind some crates and almost underneath one of the villains before focusing on his inner reserves and projecting out a beam of icy cold at him.

Ray of Frost Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Cold Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Wulthur double moves.

The Grandfrogger moves in as well, but lands an Evil Eye on the man with the blue hat.

Shenzen gets a ray of frost on the blue man as well.

A jar by the blue man's foot seems to shake. It rolled too well in initiative to go this turn, so it delays.

Thugs in the Catwalk
Initiative - the BOLD may act!
Active effects:
-----------------------------------------------
Wulthur
The Grandfrogger
Shenzen
Something else (Delay)
Barrabas
Dudes (Blue: Evil Eye Attack 7; -3)
Ao Shoku

Barrabas slips his hand into a belt pouch and produces a small clay orb. He pulls the safety paper on it as he walks up to the catwalk. He tosses the orb at the man in the green shirt.

bomb, ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

The bomb smashes into the man with the green shirt, thoroughly dousing him in flames, but the man manages to flick it off of his coat before it does too much damage.

The man in blue quickly kicks over a clay pot, sending it crashing down onto Shenzen. As it bursts across the boxes, hundreds of tiny globules reach out to leech of of Snenzen. This is a flavored version of the swarm's turn. A non-action for blue.

Shenzen reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Shenzen finds himself coated in the strange creatures. Though they only deal 1 damage, they entangle Shenzen, the entangled condition may be removed by spending a full-round action to fling off the globules.

The men from up top each draw a bow and fire at the closest Pathfinder.

Red to Barrabas: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Green to Barrabas: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Blue to Shenzen: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Damage to Shenzen: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Thugs in the Catwalk
Initiative - the BOLD may act!
Active effects:
-----------------------------------------------
Wulthur
The Grandfrogger
Shenzen (-7; Covered in ooze; Entangled)
Barrabas
Dudes ([Blue: Evil Eye Attack 7; -3] [Green: -3])
Ooze Swarm
Ao Shoku

After Shenzen moves.

Barrabas will duck behind some crates and throw a bomb at the ooze swarm. Get back!!

bomb ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

boo. well the scatter will catch a piece.

Fort1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Fort2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

He manages to shake the little droplets off, shivering like a dog coming out of the bath. But the experience of being covered in them leaves him retching and he can do no more than step away from them.

Oddly enough, he is giggling for some reason.

"I suggest that you surrender unless you wish to remain on that catwalk for the remainder of your days! This ladder looks rather fragile." cries Wulthur as he raises his blade, preparing to sunder the ladder.
If the villains take a hostile action, Wulthur then takes an action to begin lining up a shot for an automatic hit on striking the ladder.

"Surrender now," Echoes Ao. "You are not beyond redemption. That is the wise choice - insist on the foolish one, and we shall grant no quarter!"

Paladin rhetoric aside, Ao finds his immediate concerns have less to do with saving his enemies' souls than with saving Shenzen's sanity. To that end, he tries hucking a vial of noxious chymicals at the strange collective of globules on the floor.

acid flask: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
acid damage (since that *might* actually hit): 1d6 ⇒ 2 +50% = 3

The Grandfrogger directs his evil eye at the next man on the catwalk.