Bloody Streets: CT by AG

Game Master Apoc Golem

Golloriel grabs Andakos's arm. "No, that's not it. It's just very generous, is all."

Andakos blinks. "Oh. Yeah, I guess it was. But what are we going to do with it if the city falls or the Queen kills us? Besides, he lost his wife. Maybe he can at least get some quality liquor."

He thinks for a moment. "That was a lot of information. I'm not sure how much of it we can trust, considering the source, but it seems pretty clear that Vencarlo and Rey were here, were looking for this Salvator person, and that Salvator is mixed up with the most predictable thing ever: someone with just a little more power than the lowest of the low using their power to punch down rather than up. I still think we should go to Vencarlo's first, but we should try to track down Salvator and the Emperor as well. Sound good?"

Golloriel nods. "Works for me."

Vexelune looks up from her semi-futile attempts to get airborne for more than a few seconds. "What? Oh. Yep, I'm just along for the ride. That man was nice! But a little smelly."

Nyx leans in to Lune conspiratorially. "Yeah. Kinda like old cheese."

Olmere looks blankly at the small pouch. "Oh. Uh. Thank you." He doesn't respond to the comments about his wife, just stares morosely at the empty rocking chair. "Thanks fer swingin' by, Dembert," he says absently. "Yer mum an' I appreciate it."

----

Armed with new (though perhaps not entirely reliable) information, the party continues down the road. Eventually, they enter a small plot of land slightly back from the street, where Vencarlo's house sits.

The former fencing teacher's home is surprisingly modest considering the success of his school (or former success, since he closed it before the plague even struck), a solid but mostly unadorned small two-story structure whose second floor comprises roughly half the size of the first. The windows are dark, and upon reaching the front door, Andakos notices it's slightly ajar.

Nyx doesn't like the look of this place--mostly because they can't see it. The dim light from the streets doesn't reach this far back.

They pull out two wands and tap themself with one of them. A shimmering aura of pure force surrounds them.

Casting mage armor.

They put the first wand away and grip the second tightly. "I couldn't see," they mutter. "Need light. Sorry."

They pull out a battered old leather gauntlet banded with pitted lengths of steel and slip it onto their right hand. They then touch the gauntlet and murmur words of power, and it begins to glow with flickering yellow light. Then, as if that wasn't enough, the gauntlet bursts into orange-yellow flames that dance and twist silently.

Nyx shrugs apologetically, holding the gauntlet aloft to spread light around for everyone to see.

Okay. She's my first mesmerist, so bear with me!

Normally, you can only implant a trick into one subject at a time. However, she has two cool abilities:
1. Split Trick, which allows her to implant one trick in two subjects at once. When the trick is triggered, she decides which subject the trick affects.
2. Manifold Hijinks, which allows her to implants multiple tricks in a single subject, provided the tricks are modified by trick feats.

Split Trick is the only trick feat she has right now, so I can basically split a single trick between subjects A and B and a second trick between subjects A and B or A and C. Each trick can only actually affect one subject at a time when it is triggered, but it allows a lot more utility than one trick in one subject at a time.

Once implanted, a trick remains until triggered or the next time she prepares her spells.

Clear as mud? Good.

Oh and she has DR 2/cold iron. I'll put it in her status block but wanted to call it out specifically.

Vexelune calls everyone to her side. "I can... um. Well. It's hard to describe. But if you let me just a little bit into your minds, I can provide you extra protections. I promise I won't go rooting around in there." She looks at each companion in turn to get permission, closes her eyes, and (assuming Nyx is cool with it) reaches out to the others with her mind. Everyone feels a little tug and then a hook in their minds, not unpleasant, just strange. When Lune opens her eyes again, the others still feel the tiniest piece of the gathlain, watching and protective.

"Nyx, you and Andakos can now quickly and easily escape a sticky situation." Compel alacrity: if the subject begins a turn within the enemy's reach, they can move 15 feet without provoking. It doesn't count against their movement speed for the turn.

"And Golloriel, you and Andakos can create illusory copies of yourselves. Well, I can create illusory copies of yourselves. It's complicated. You'll see." Mesmeric mirror: basically immediate action mirror image. When an opponent rolls an attack roll against the subject, Lune can trigger the trick to grant 2 images to them.

She pulls out her metamagic rod, then nods that she is ready.

Andakos remembers the last time he entered a house whose door was slightly ajar, though, to be fair, last time it was more "blown apart" than "slightly ajar". In any case, he is glad he has his full array of extracts this time around.

He downs shield and heightened awareness (will pop for +4 to init if we get into trouble) extracts, then alchemically allocates his heroism potion. He has built up quite the tolerance to his extracts' bitter taste, but three in a row is a bit much; he winces at the sudden influx of weird liquid magic.

Then he pulls out a final vial, one that he hasn't tested fully. He looks at it for a long few moments, as if deciding if the situation warrants its use. Then he looks at the others, shrugs, and downs it. The effect is immediate and dramatic: he doubles over, retching, even as his muscles grow and ripple and his already tough leather-like skin hardens even more. When he stands to his full height again, it seems as if he stands a bit taller than before, and when he speaks, his voice is just a bit lower in pitch. "Okay. Ready." (Mutagen, baby! +4 str, -2 int, +2 nat AC.)

Golloriel's eyes go wide at Andakos's transformation, and then she catches herself staring for maybe just a bit too long. She shakes herself out of it and clears her throat awkwardly. "I, um. I can help protect you all as well. Mine is less, well, invasive." She reaches out and links her essence to those of her companions. "Nyx, Lune, if you are injured, I can take some of the pain from you. Don't worry about me; Sarenrae has made me hearty, and I can sever the link between us if things get bad." She can't help but shudder a little, remembering the sheer violence of Andakos's death that she felt through their link. She tries to mask it by pulling her shield from her back and strapping it to her arm. She waves a hand over the shield and a burst of white energy flows over it. She motions to the others to move toward the door. "Stay close to me. Andakos, see anything?"

While he is looking, she sends out her senses into the home. (detect evil)

Vindicator's Sacred Shield gives her a +2 sacred AC bonus. It lasts 24 hours or until she is hit in combat. It's a standard action to reapply it.

Oh crap, I forgot: he takes a false life extract to, for 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 temp HP.

It is not lost on Andakos just how much more powerful they have become since Andaisin. Will it be enough?

He follows Golloriel to the door and takes a look.

perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33 +4 traps
DD if needed: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (4) + 25 = 29

Nyx is hesitant to let Lune in at first, but finally decides to allow it. You're strong. If she tries anything, you'll be ready. It's not as confident as they'd have liked.

After watching Andakos go full Mr. Hyde, Nyx stares wide-eyed and whispers, "That was so cool."

They have no group protections to grant, they realize with some embarrassment. Their magic is a little too focused, they suppose.

As soon as Golloriel sweeps her paladin senses over the house, she senses evil here. Concentrating for a few seconds, she detects two very faint auras: one near the other end of the house on the first floor, and another in what she assumes to be the rafters of the second floor.

Golloriel holds up two fingers. "We're not alone. Two auras. Back of the house, and upstairs. Be ready."

She pushes the door open and, if Andakos indicates all is well, enters with her shield raised and scimitar at the ready.

Andakos sees if the entryway is safe to enter.

perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27 +4 traps
DD if needed: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (17) + 25 = 42

There are no traps on the door that Andakos can find, so Lori pushes inside. An elegant Vudrani throw rug covers much of the floor in the entryway, but is otherwise empty. A door faces the party to the north, and a narrow hallway to the west leads further into the house.

Golloriel steps to the first door, holding her concentration on the first floor aura. (Is it behind this door, or the other one? I'm not going to leave a closed door behind us so we're going through this door regardless, but I'm still curious.)

Andakos checks the door.

perception: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29 +4 traps
DD if needed: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (5) + 25 = 30

Lune flits behind the others, amazed at just how much noise Golloriel makes when she walks. Still, it is clear by the way the pair moves that she and Andakos have done things like this before. Lune can take care of herself, but she is still comforted by being surrounded by such badasses.

The aura is coming from the other end of the house, near the NW corner of the first floor.

Once again the door is unlocked and untrapped, but Andakos notices a thin layer of disturbed dust; the house was unattended for a brief period (perhaps a couple weeks) but was recently revisited.

Golloriel pushes the door open and steps in. This is a well-stocked workshop for decorating and repairing bladed weapons. Several partially repaired daggers and rapiers lie on the table. None appear to be particularly valuable.

Three more doors can be seen down the hallway. A fireplace smolders in the room beyond, casting dim light onto a pair of sofas and a small coffee table.

Andakos gives the room a once-over, then indicates they should continue.

perc: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28 +4 traps

Vexelune sweeps the workshop with detect magic, just in case one of the meh-looking weapons is secretly a holy avenger.

Golloriel leads everyone down the hallway and stops by the pair of doors.

Andakos looks at the north door.

perc: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37 +4 traps
DD: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (4) + 25 = 29

Lune senses no holy avengers--no magic at all, in fact--so the party moves down the hallway. After checking the door, Andakos opens it. Inside is a small bathroom, with only a slightly mildewed free-standing tub and a sink to its name.

So far as Golloriel can tell, the auras she sensed havenn't moved (I assume she hasn't stopped concentrating). The aura on the first floor appears to be just north of the northernmost sofa.

I'll go ahead and save some time, since the southern door is also unlocked/untrapped and you stated you didn't want to leave unopened doors behind you.

After thoroughly scanning the southern door, Andakos deems it safe to open. Inside, a single leather chair sits at a desk, while two tall cabinets filled with books about sword fighting and philosophy stand to the east. There are papers strewn carelessly about the desk, though it's hard to tell if someone has rifled through them or if Vencarlo is simply not very tidy.

WDYD?

Satisfied that they are leaving no surprises behind them, Golloriel leads the party into the next room, trying to narrow down what is emitting the aura that she detects.

Andakos is curious about the papers in Vencarlo's study, but they can look at them after clearing the house. He follows Golloriel and looks around the room.

perc: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29 +4 traps
DD: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (17) + 25 = 42

As soon as they step into the living room, Andakos's hackles rise up. The smell of old woodsmoke drifts from the smoldering fireplace, but it's tinged with something sharp and chemical: alchemist's fire. He calls out a warning, which spooks the crimson-clad assassin that was hiding behind the sofa.

Despite his warning, only Andakos will get to act in the surprise round.

[color=green]SURPRISE ROUND
Characters in BOLD may act.
Andakos (74/74 hp, 18 temp hp, Str mutagen, shielded)
Assassin 1 (0 dmg)
Assassin 2 (0 dmg)
[/color]

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 17 + 1d6 ⇒ (18) + 17 + (2) = 37

"Red Mantis. Don't let them hypnotize you."

Andakos looks the assassin over, then puts a spear in his throat.

spear + 2x insp: 1d20 + 16 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 16 + (3) = 25 power attack baby!
damage: 1d8 + 14 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 14 + 4 = 23

Not popping studied strike yet. That +4 to hit is huge and I doubt I can oneshot this guy. Bodyguard rolls for +3 AC to Lori and Lune:

bodyguard: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27 -4 against non-studied foe
bodyguard: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19 -4 against non-studied foe
bodyguard: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34 -4 against non-studied foe

The Mantis ducks before the spear can actually go through their throat, but it still tears a large gash in their neck that just barely misses an artery.

The Mantis responds by taking a step back. Ducky sees they're holding an alchemist's fire. He braces to dodge the vial, but the Mantis surprises him by throwing it to the side--at the smoldering fireplace. Andakos realizes too late what the goal is when the vial smashes across the fireplace and it explodes into flames.

Seconds later, a similar explosion erupts upstairs.

The house is now on fire.

This is a big issue. The house--and any clues it may contain--will burn down if you don't douse these fires. It will spread by 1d4 squares at the top of each round. You can spend a move action to stamp out the fire in an adjacent square, but you will also need to roll a DC 15 Reflex save to avoid catching fire. If you have spells/items you think can aid you, feel free to use those as well. I may even grant bonus squares depending on the spell or item used!

Also if you start your turn in a square that's currently on fire you'll take 1d6 fire damage and you will need to roll a DC 15 Reflex save to avoid catching fire.

[color=green]ROUND 1
Characters in BOLD may act.
Golloriel (105/105 hp, sacred shield)
Andakos (74/74 hp, 18 temp hp, Str mutagen, shielded)
Vexelune (67/67 hp)
Assassin 1 (0 dmg)
Assassin 2 (0 dmg)
Nyx (51/51 hp, mage armor)
[/color]

Ooh, fire animation!

Golloriel moves closer to the fire and drops a bunch of water on it.

Create water creates 6 gallons of water at her CL. I have no idea how much that will help.

Seeing that Golloriel is taking care of the fire, Andakos moves to bring down the assassin.

spear: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
damage: 1d8 + 14 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 4 = 20

spear: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 14 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 14 + 4 = 22

JFC. I spent a TON of resources to make him a better fighter and that's three straight whiffs. Looks like I'll be turning off PA next turn.

bodyguard: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33 -4 against non-studied foe
bodyguard: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22 -4 against non-studied foe
bodyguard: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35 -4 against non-studied foe

Welcome to your first combat, Vexelune! Let's put some of these class abilities to the test.

Vexelune reaches out to #1's mind and latches on. Hypnotic Stare + Disorientation gives #1 a -3 to will saves and attack rolls. If an attack that deals damage hits him, Painful Stare gives the attack an additional 4 damage, plus he must succeed on a DC20 will save or be blinded for a round. Oh, and that's all a swift action.

She concentrates on #1's mind and wishes him the day he deserves. Ill omen. No save. The next 2 d20 rolls he makes have disadvantage. If he can identify the spell via spellcraft, he can use a move action to negate one of the rerolls.

So, to sum up, #1 gets:
- -3 to will saves and attack rolls
- +4 damage to any damage caused by an attack (up to 2 per round) and blind if fails DC20 will save
- disadvantage on the next 2 d20 rolls

My Brother In Iomedae, you hit both times. Your first attack hit on a NATURAL THREE. You have a +16 to hit WITH POWER ATTACK ON. Veldanis is four levels higher than you and only gets a +18 to hit! WITH FURIOUS FOCUS! You are fine. XD

I'll say the spell lets you douse two squares in stead of one. And with no danger of catching fire youreself!

#1 finally manages to draw their other blade and decides Andakos is the biggest threat, weaving their sabres in a hypnotizing pattern.

Andakos Will DC 16: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Andakos nearly drops his spear. What... what was he doing again? Those movements... there's something to them... something he can't quite describe...

Andakos is fascinated.

A loud thump can be heard from upstairs, as well as additional crackling of fire. Something is clearly also burning on the second floor.

[color=green]ROUND 1
Characters in BOLD may act.
Golloriel (105/105 hp, sacred shield)
Andakos (74/74 hp, 18 temp hp, Str mutagen, shielded, fascinated)
Vexelune (67/67 hp)
Assassin 1 (65 dmg, Painful Stared At, Prayer Attack [rd 1])
Assassin 2 (0 dmg)
Nyx (51/51 hp, mage armor)
[/color]

Nyx cries, "Upstairs!" They quickly tap themself with the wand, sending a small disc of protective force in front of them, and rush up the stairs.

Shield for 1 minute.

Golloriel stemmed the tide, but the fire spreads (only one square down here, lucky you!) to the 1d6 ⇒ 5 east of itself, catching the sofa on fire.

Upstairs, something sounds like it exploded. Smoke quickly starts roiling down the staircase.

[color=green]ROUND 2
Characters in BOLD may act.
Golloriel (105/105 hp, sacred shield)
Andakos (74/74 hp, 18 temp hp, Str mutagen, shielded, fascinated)
Vexelune (67/67 hp)
Assassin 1 (65 dmg, Painful Stared At, Prayer Attack [rd 1])
Assassin 2 (0 dmg)
Nyx (51/51 hp, mage armor)
[/color]

Okay, I was confused because after the surprise round, it said 0 damage on #1, so I thought a 25 didn't hit. And now I have learned to always let Lune go first so she can set up debuffs. He would've taken another 8 damage!

Also, this is metagamy, but if a 19 hits this dude, the DC for the fascinate can't be much higher than 15. I'm going to spend two inspiration points to add a d6.

will save inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Okay, I'm going to proceed as if an 18 passes just to keep things moving. I'll retcon everyone's moves otherwise.

Andakos just told everyone else not to get fascinated. He shakes his head, reminds himself the fire needs to be quenched ASAP, and thrusts with his spear again. (I'll pop studied strike on a hit this time.)

spear + 2x insp: 1d20 + 16 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 16 + (3) = 21
damage: 1d8 + 14 + 4 + 3d6 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 4 + (6, 2, 6) = 39 (studied strike)

spear: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
damage: 1d8 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

Can't believe I had to spend 4 inspiration in a single damn round.

Golloriel thinks another casting of create water will take care of the fire down here. She does so.

If the fire goes out, she'll head upstairs. If not, she'll stick around. She can move 25'.

Lune follows Nyx up the stairs. Movement speed is 20'. If she sees something she can react to within that 20', she'll stop and take a standard action; otherwise double move.