GM Doom 'n Gloom: The Cyphermage Dilemma (Inactive)

Game Master TriShadow

Damn. Direct orders. Guess the party is starting now. Itami puts an arm around Basto's shoulders and nods his head sagely. "You're right Basto, good call then. Looks like our hands are tied! Before we settle in for the night, how about you take some of these," he says, pausing to fish a trio of gold pieces out of a pouch, "And buy us all a couple of rounds of drinks? Nine of us will still be here, so one person out is fine!"

Once Basto has responded and a chance to leave, he looks a few of his fellow real friends in the eye and gives a curt nod.
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Perception, DC 16: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
This will be Itami's last attempt to get things further in our favor, thank you for everyone's patience while I try to get as much as I can out of this!

Kenta pulls out three coppers and tosses them to Basto to pay for the opportunity for the tour. He eyes the indicated trap with a simple comment, "That is sneaky."

He smiles, but not as sneaky as me! I was so quiet earlier, I think my training is paying off.

He stops and stands next to the poker table as his wheels turn. Seeing Itami attempt to send his friend off, everything starts to click. He was just trying to save his buddy from these pirates! Now I get it. I'll let him get clear and then we have a reckoning coming with the rest. Now what was that phrase they said to use in these situations?

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

_________________________________

Waiting for the Charm stuff with Basto to play out before acting. He isn't planning to jump right into combat, but what he'll do will probably cause combat so... fair warning. I also want to let everyone get into position if they so chose.

Now what was that phrase they said to use in these situations?

LEEERROOOOOOOY JENKINS!!! About the 1:11 mark gives you enough information to understand the reference.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

GM, can you indicate where that would be on the map? c:

"Nine's an auspicious number," grumbles Hiiragi, who cannot help herself.

This will be Itami's last attempt to get things further in our favor, thank you for everyone's patience while I try to get as much as I can out of this!

No worries here. Happy to have role-playing opportunities in an RPG

Perception DC 16: You notice some prybars, hammers and a few nails on top of one of the boxes near the card table.

GM, can you indicate where that would be on the map?

Look for the mallet on the map. Border color dark blue.

"Nine is indeed most auspicious." Ikari nods.

"Hey, Gip, sounds like our most important job is protecting the 'package' then, eh? How about you show us where it is, so we can make sure we don't let anyone get near it, yeah?"

diplo if needed: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

GM, how high is the ceiling? Just wondering about sudden growth options ;)

GM, how high is the ceiling?

About 15'

"And buy us all a couple of rounds of drinks? Nine of us will still be here, so one person out is fine!"

Basto mulls the idea over quickly, "Well, there are a lot more of us. Sure, why not?" In short order, Basto heads out the door.

As Gip slides the bar back in place, Ikari asks about the cargo. The crewman eyes the barbarian up and down. "Nah. I figure there's a reason the Captain put us in charge. Tell you what, you just kill anyone comin' in no matter what they're close to. That way, yer gonna be protecting the cargo just fine." Gip starts heading back toward the poker table. He makes a dramatic gesture toward all of the boxes, "It's ALL cargo. Keep it safe ya swabs."

You may place yourselves where ever you would like. Assuming you are done with a non-violent approach, you may take a round of surprise actions. They aren't going to spill any more information at the moment.

SOMEONE'S GOIN' DOWN ON THE DOCKS! Surprise Round (bold may act)
A SINGLE Standard, Swift or Move action
Crewmen
Toshiko
Itami
Hiiragi
Ikari
Gip
Kenta

Ikari would like to start out up on the crates, if that's ok. Have positioned accordingly. Will delay posting surprise round action until GM confirms positioning on crates is ok.

Figuring I want to be well-centered for this!

The piratey lass clears her throat.

"Well, now seems like an excellent time to offer a quick prayer to Our Lady of Foxes, don't you think?" she asks, as her companions quite suddenly feel more capable.

Bless!

Kenta turns his glare towards the pirates now that Itami's friend has left.

"Now that our friend is safely out of the way, surrender your prisoner now or I shall be forced to act."

He attempts to put a bit of edge on his words, hoping to cause at least a pause in one of them as well as allow them a chance to give up.

Demoralize Say Words at Red

Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Positioning on top of crates if acceptable.

"May She favour the endeavours of the industrious" Ikari answers Hiiragi - and thrusts his spear at the nearest ruffian pink.

spear vs pink, bless: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 1 = 24damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

confirm crit?: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 = 14crit damage: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 3) + 2 = 6 could've been a lot more impressive with a spot of rage, but ah well....

I'm guessing 5' steps might not be possible atop the crates, so AoO's might happen...

Ahh, the familiar sound of treachery. Not as sweet as it once was, but there is still a comfort in it. Fortunately these fools are criminals, real criminals. Seeing Ikari thrust his spear into one of the crewmen, he hums to himself cheerfully while pulling out a shimmering wand.
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Draw wand of Magic Missile.

Sorry Itami, but in a surprise round, you can only take a single action. Your's was to murder PINK. I'm not certain where you were, so can you place yourself back?

Seeing his charmed ally safely away, the aged sorcerer draws a wand. Kenta courteously requests the location of the missing scholar. Daikitsu's favored calls upon a blessing. The bloodthirsty barbarian jabs his spear through the back of Dober's throat. The last thing the man sees is his own trachea as he can do little more than gurgle at the sudden and violent attack.

SOMEONE'S GOIN' DOWN ON THE DOCKS! Surprise Round (bold may act)
A SINGLE Standard, Swift or Move action
Crewmen (Less PINK, who is now bleeding all over a crate marked 'FRAGILE')
Toshiko
Itami Drew Wand ~ No more actions
Hiiragi Cast Bless ~ No more actions
Ikari Murdered PINK ~ No more actions
Gip
Kenta Spoke polite words ~ No more actions

If there is no post by tomorrow, I will put Tosh on delay.

Just a clarification, GM. I positioned myself atop the crates in response to your saying "you may place yourselves where ever you would like", ie prior to the surprise round beginning. My sole surprise round action is then to spear Pink.

Ikari glances at the fallen crew member. 'Fragile' seems accurate.

No worries. I was basing off of:

I'm guessing 5' steps might not be possible atop the crates, so AoO's might happen...

I misinterpreted the context and though you moved after.

Kenta hears a thud and looks back to see the bloody spear and fallen pirate, "Ikari NO! You gotta give them a chance to surrender."

He thinks for a second brow furrowed, "Unless he was going to attack, then I guess it's okay."

Toshiko draws a dagger from her bandolier.

The red-shirted crewman comes to his sense first. He draws his cutlass and lunges at the paladin. Kenta sidesteps the novice tactic.

Meanwhile, the man with the yellow bandanna shouts down to Gip."What the-? AMBUSH!!" He then leaps to the offence, bringing his blade down in an overhead chop intended for Hiiragi. However, fortune is with her as she twists away from the brutal attack.

Understanding the team's subterfuge, Gip looks at the swashbuckler with a mix of rage and fear. In response, Toshiko slides deadly steel into her hand, cloaked in an aura of menace.

SOMEONE'S GOIN' DOWN ON THE DOCKS! Round 1 (bold may act)

Crewmen {RED & YELLOW}
Toshiko
Itami
Hiiragi
Ikari
Gip
Kenta

"Violence; so swift and so sudden," she says, leaning as she pulls the flail from her back.

"Yet always so predictable, in our line of work. Kenta, would you mind making room?" she asks.

If Kenta moves southeast, that gives me room to grow and negate the cratewalker's height advantage in the process!

Kenta can't act for a short bit cause he be slow.

oh yeah

...as she grits her teeth, and whirls her flail around and whaps it at the man in yellow!

Raged Flail Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Raged Flail Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

AC temporarily -2!

She takes a step back and growls!

Toshiko moves up and tosses her dagger at Green.

Dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Confirm?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Extra Damage?: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"You're right of course, brother." Ikari calls down to Kenta. "He was about to trigger that trap and bury Hiiragi in packing crates." I mean that's almost certainly true - if Ikari hadn't jumped him ;)

Ikari hops along the upper level to place himself within striking distance of two more thugs although I suspect Yellow has been dropped already. He thrusts downwards at Gip Green.

spear vs Green, bless, elevation: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 23damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"You can still surrender you know. My brother here prefers talk to bloodshed. Me, on the other hand, well I've got my dander up. You have a prisoner here - release her to us."

The grim-faced kitsune nonchalantly informs the would-be pirates of their situation as he goes on demonstrating the error of their ways.

I've assumed difficult terrain atop the crates.

Wand now in hand, Itami lets some of the carnage unfold before launching a blast at the weakest looking foe. Never got to be part of my own clean-up crew though, was always invisible and gone as soon as it got rough. Think I'll stick to the subterfuge, this kind of thing just gets a little too barbaric for my tastes.
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Magic Missile vs Foe: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Itami will move if he has to! Just needs LoS.

Toshiko's dagger thuds into Gip's chest. His eyes go wide seeing no escape. Unfortunately, Ikari's offer of succor comes only after he killed the man. Across the canyon of boxes, Hiiragi's flail crashed into the nameless crewman who tried assaulting her. Air blasts out of his lungs as his ribs shatter. He falls to the ground lifeless as his soul searches for The Lady of Graves. Itami can barely see the head of the sole surviving band, but it is more than enough for a missile of arcane energy to connect.

SOMEONE'S GOIN' DOWN ON THE DOCKS! Round 1 (bold may act)

RED {-2/??}
Toshiko
Itami
Hiiragi
Ikari

Kenta

"There you go, brother, have a word." Ikari calls down.

Kenta gives a bit of growl and pulls out his massive sword holding it high over his head, "SURRENDER!"

Move to draw sword, Standard to Demoralize Red

Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

"That's a good word. A very good word."

Ikari nods sagely.

"You first ya mongrel!" The crewman swings, then turns tail to run toward the back, leaving himself vulnerable.

SOMEONE'S GOIN' DOWN ON THE DOCKS! Round 2 (bold may act)

RED {-2/??}
Toshiko
Itami
Hiiragi AoO AoO available now
Ikari

Kenta AoO available now

"Unfortunate," growls Hiiragi, reversing her spin from her first hit before swirling around and--

Blessed Raged Flail AoO: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Damage?: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Let me know how that does!

Kenta's brow furrows and then he growls angrily, "I Will Never Surrender!"

MW Greatsword - Power Attack AoO: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 - 1 = 8 for Slashing + PA: 2d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4, 5) + 3 + 3 = 15

Itami starts humming again as he keeps the wand trained on the crown of the sailor's skull. Seeing another opening, he fires a second blast. Unfailingly principled does have it's perks! Hehe, but perhaps in more of a "the broken clock is right twice a day" sort of way.
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Magic Missile vs Red: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The not-yet-a-pirate dodges both attacks, but Itami's arcane projectile connects solidly to the back of his head. He tosses his blade clattering to the ground as he continues to run away, "I give! You win! She's in that crate right there by the table. Not worth dyin' for. But I am gonna kill Basto when I get my hands on 'im. Filthy traitor."

We can move out of combat rounds unless you want to chase after the man.

While most of the goods stored in this warehouse are either ancient beyond repair or spoiled foodstuffs, It never hurts to take a look around.

Examining the storeroom, you discover the unconscious but stable body of Iatha. After she is healed enough that she can speak, she tells the team everything she can about the bandits who commandeered the ship she was on and captured her.

"I heard them taking as they brought me ashore. Before they took to their latest unlawful deeds, Alejia and her crew were well known among the pirate gangs of Riddleport. Alejia’s crew is known for its ruthless tactics and efficiency in commandeering and sinking targets, often switching or altering ships to conceal her true whereabouts." She takes a moment to catcher breath. A look of concern comes over her face as she leans in and whispers the next piece of information. "While she appears human from a distance, Alejia is actually a ...vishkanya. Yeah, the kind from Vudra. But she's good at concealing it, very good. In fact, I believe Alejia uses elaborate disguises and magical ability to alter her appearance. That combined with her blood and spit being a deadly poison? She's a dangerous foe. Please, all of you, be careful."

Iatha recalls that the ship that brought her in is the Lionfish and can succinctly describe it. "No way I am going down to point it out though. No way! Don't even ask. I have had my fill of pirates." She let's out a deep sigh. When she continues, her tone is more apologetic. "Sorry for snapping at you. I really just want to get to the Cypher Lodge."

Once Kenta sees the sword drop and knows the kidnapped is okay he shrugs, "Guess we taught him a lesson."

He looks for a crowbar or hammer and starts ripping open the crate to find the unconscious but alive body of the kidnap victim. A quick use of his wand later, she starts talking. He moves over to Itami while she shares what she knows, "You better find your friend, he might want to move outta this town."

Wandering around the warehouse he finds...

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

...a really nasty splinter in his paw.

__________________

1 charge of CLW wand used, 43 charges remain

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Hiiragi sighs, stowing her flail. "Very well. I would recommend, in future, that you don't take part in any further kidnapping plots," she advises.

Eyeing the poor sap that Ikari de-throated, she raises her eyebrows. "They tend to go... poorly."

"What? Kenta, that was the spell of 'friend-making' I was talking about! I've never seen the fellow in my life. I charmed him into letting us in, hoping we could simply avoid this violence and walk out with the prisoner. When it didn't quite work the way I had planned, I sent him out to save us the trouble of doing him in ourselves. I didn't even lie!" Itami explains quite proudly.

I know quite a bit about why someone might want their true form hidden. All to well... Plenty of useful information though, that explains how the Captain is so successful. "Iatha, I believe it is in our best interest to escort you to the Lodge. Shall we?"
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Perception, DC 10/20: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Our dice are on fire...

"I agree with Grandfather. But let's see if we can put these hammers to any use first."

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 woot!

"Well, look here. A few weapons, and some nice silks hidden away. I'll take one of these flasks. I know my way around a longsword too, unless one of you would like it? It's almost as good as Jinin-make, I'd say."

taking one acid flask, and the mastwork longsword unless someone else really wants it.

"Vishkanya, you say? Perhaps we should stock up on anti-toxin." ikari intends to do so if there's a chance to stop at a suitable store or market stall.

"Iatha, I believe it is in our best interest to escort you to the Lodge. Shall we?"

"No offence, but I just met you guys and have no idea who you really are. Besides, if you really are here to save others like me, should't you be out doing that?"

While your suggestion make total sense, the author did not think of that (or did not consider that players may be considerate non-murder hobos with a conscience). Instead they gave you a time limit.

Any other business here before moving on?

Hiiragi smiles; "Go with Daikitsu, then," she says with a bow.

She picks up the remaining acid vials and slips them into Toshiko's belt. "If anyone can throw things well..."

Kenta seems ready to defend his honor and go into great detail about who they are, but she makes a good point. He points his sword in a random direction, "Let's go find that ship and stop the next attack!"

As they move out, he chats with Itami, "So that was a spell? You didn't know that guy? It seemed like you did. I guess I didn't really know what to expect from the plan you all made. So much to learn still."

"As you wish, good luck," Itami says with a shrug. Hope you don't get kidnapped again, would be a shame. "Wonderful idea Kenta, to the docks then? Seems like the most logical next step."

"Yes, one of the spells I've been cursed with gives me the power to turn anyone into a friend of mine, for a time. I had to put my best face on to keep up the ruse in front of the others. I am sorry for not being more clear. I must ask, how do you feel about a little deception if it means fewer are harmed? Not lying, but I certainly wasn't being transparent with those sailors," he explains, a curious look resting on his face. Does us no good if Kenta is alienated by our measures. His rules are his own to follow, but family can be flexible for family.

Well here's a turn up. Itami, a former Kuthite, concerned with sparing others. Those would-be pirates deserved no mercy. I slew two myself, though it was in my power to save them. No, Daikitsu condemns those who would live by stealing others' labour. Idle villains! They met a villain's end.

Ikari suppresses a growl as he considers his deeds.

"Aye. To the docks. If we find an apothecary along the way let us pick up some antitoxin."

The team clears out as much useful loot as the can after bidding Iatha a safe journey. You then set out for the Lionfish by way of an apothecary.

Itami and Toshiko notice that the team is being followed by a pair of half-orcs. One has a mean looking dog with no leash. They have been with you since you left the warehouse. As the team turns, the pair pull out saps. One calls out, "Boss Croat's been telling you that Alejia wench needs to pay up. Looks like we're gonna take it out of yer hides!"

DEBT ON THE DOCKS! Surprise round bold may act.

Hiiragi
Toshiko
Ikari
Half-Orcs
Kenta
Itami
Dog

Map is updated

Toshiko draws a dagger and turns to face the pursuers. Don't do anything that you'll regret later.

Itami sighs as he walks behind a stack of crates and draws his trusty wand. "Your assumptions will be your undoing," he states flatly.
________
Move 10ft while drawing wand.

GM, do those crates on the map hinder movement or Growth in any way? Looking for room to go Large ;)

They are high enough to provide cover. I would say difficult terrain for someone trying to Godzilla through them.

Toshiko again draws an instrument of death, whilst the arcanist draws a weapon of his own.

Stepping out from the other side of the ally is another half orc.

DEBT ON THE DOCKS! Round 1 bold may act.

Hiiragi
Toshiko
Ikari
Half-Orcs
Kenta
Itami
Dog

Map is updated.

Hiiragi sighs and shakes her head.

"Foolish," she says simply, pulling her flail from her back as she moves. "Our hides are worth far more than any debt."

"But you should learn--

She takes a quick few steps forward, eyes bugging a little as she grows to double her size, flail head spinning around before coming down either on or near the (hopefully flat-footed) dog!

Enlarged, Enraged Flail: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Enlarged, Enraged BONK: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (5, 6) + 6 = 17

"I HATE DOGS!!!"

Kenta waits just a bit to long, his wheels turning as to why these people would be attacking, "...hold on now we aren't..." and then he sees an enraged giant Hiiragi attempting to slaughter a dog, "...well crap."