Bloody Streets: CT by AG

Game Master Apoc Golem

All buffs still active!

Andakos waits until Nyx does any preparation she sees fit, then leads the others to the house. He tells everyone to wait while he looks over the wooden patio surrounding the house.

Knowledge (engineering): 1d20 + 14 + 1d6 ⇒ (18) + 14 + (4) = 36

If he finds a safe place to stand, he approaches the nearest window and looks in.

perc: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22 +4 traps

Nyx takes another hit off their wand of mage armor, then nods, keeping a little behind the investigator to provide everyone with light from the burning gauntlet.

I made a mistake on the map. The version I have is not a great quality so there's actually a door next to you that I missed. My apologies! I assume you'd want to peek in the window first anyway.

Andakos is confident the boardwalk around Salvator's home is stable; as long as none of them get too close to the sinkhole, there should be nothing to worry about.

Peering into the house, Andakos sees a spare entryway with mud tracked to and fro on the floor, as if a small army had marched through the room. To the south stands a single empty set of shelves. He can also see a door on the northeast corner of the room leading further into the house.

While he's peering through the window, Golloriel and Lune hear a low, quiet gurgle come up from the nearby sinkhole. The gurgle then erupts into a wave of brackish, muddy Narrows water as three hulking figures lumber out of the hole. Nine tentacles waver in the air like rubbery snakes, and bodies that are almost entirely mouth bellow almost in unison:

"FFOOOODDDD!! OMNOMNOMNOMNOM"

[color=green]ROUND 1
Characters in BOLD may act.
Golloriel (105/105 hp, Sacred Shield)
Vexelune (67/67 hp)
Otyugh 1 (0 dmg)
Nyx (51/51 hp, M. Armor)
Andakos (74/74 hp, 18 temp hp, Heroism, Shielded)
Otyugh 2 (0 dmg)
Otyugh 3 (0 dmg)
[/color]

Golloriel has absolutely no desire to go any closer to that sinkhole. She moves to get between the creatures and Vexelune, raises her shield, and waits.

Readied action: if any get in range, she'll take a swing. This is a terrible time for Andakos to not go first because no one else has dungeoneering!

readied scim: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 cold iron, magical, slashing

confirm: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Vexelune doesn't know what these things are, but they are fascinating! And gross! She concentrates for a half second, and multiple copies of her appear and swirl about, confusing her form.

mirror image: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Don't forget Nyx has the compel alacrity trick implanted; they can move 15' with provoking as a free action if they start their turn threatened by an enemy. Doesn't count against their movement for the turn.

UGH I forgot to highlight Lune and Lori. I always forget something. My bad!

The furthest otyugh begins lumbering forward, licking its gross rubbery chops with excitement. Thankfully these things are slow, and it doesn't get terribly far.

[color=green]
ROUND 1
Characters in BOLD may act.
Golloriel (105/105 hp, Sacred Shield)
Vexelune (67/67 hp)
Otyugh 1 (0 dmg)
Nyx (51/51 hp, M. Armor)
Andakos (74/74 hp, 18 temp hp, Heroism, Shielded)
Otyugh 2 (0 dmg)
Otyugh 3 (0 dmg)
[/color]

Nyx yelps something along the lines of "HOLYHIBIDYJIBIDY" and then, mostly on instinct, frantically flings a little red bead of energy out to the middle of the three creatures. The night is briefly illuminated like a miniature sun, leaving scorch marks all over the three attackers.

FIREBALL BABYYYYY

Fire Dmg: 8d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 1, 2, 5, 1, 5, 2) = 26 DC 18 Ref for half dmg

Perhaps because it was cast reflexively and in haste, the fireball spell detonates a half-second late, and the otyughs all manage to duck out of the worst of it (nat 16 and two nat 20's on the saves, WTAF).

In response, their tentacles all whip up and waver dangerously in the air, with al three eye-stalks zeroing in on Nyx.

[color=green]
ROUND 1
Characters in BOLD may act.
Golloriel (105/105 hp, Sacred Shield)
Vexelune (67/67 hp)
Otyugh 1 (13 dmg)
Nyx (51/51 hp, M. Armor)
Andakos (74/74 hp, 18 temp hp, Heroism, Shielded)
Otyugh 2 (13 dmg)
Otyugh 3 (13 dmg)
[/color]

Knowledge (dungeoneering): 1d20 + 15 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 15 + (3) = 27

I assume that's enough to know that otyughs are often rather intelligent and can be reasoned/bargained with? Maybe not after getting a fireball to the face but Lori has a killer diplomacy so maybe...?

Sigh.

"Careful, Lori! Its tentacle can reach you from there!" He also shouts out everything he knows about otyughs in short, succinct sentences!

Andakos hustles up behind Golloriel, keeping her between himself and the creature (IOW using her as cover to avoid an AOO). He studies #1 as he moves, then tries to put his spear through the cleanest spot he can find on its body.

spear: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24
damage: 1d8 + 11 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 4 = 19 magic, piercing, 4 precision

Not gonna pop studied strike just yet. If either Golloriel or Andakos are hit with an attack roll, Lune will trigger mesmeric mirror on him/her. Whoever receives it gets 2 mirror images.

The first otyugh grunts in pain as it gets stabbed in the... n... neck...?

The other two otyughs move up and start trying to snack on whoever is closest. That means Ducky and Lori, both of whom easily dodge the clumsy tentacles.

Andakos's Perception is ridiculous, btw.

Despite the clang of battle, Ducky could swear he just heard a door being thrown open somewhere nearby. Friendly reinforcements, or more problems?

[color=green]ROUND 2
Characters in BOLD may act.
Golloriel (105/105 hp, Sacred Shield)
Vexelune (67/67 hp, 6 images)
Otyugh 1 (19 dmg)
Nyx (51/51 hp, M. Armor)
Andakos (74/74 hp, 18 temp hp, Heroism, Shielded)
Otyugh 2 (0 dmg)
Otyugh 3 (0 dmg)
[/color]

Vexelune gets into #3's head and suddenly is not so fascinated anymore. It's a mess in here. Hypnotic stare @ #3. All effects detailed in Status block.

Then she gives #3 super bad luck. (Ill omen: must roll twice on next two d20 rolls and take the worst; no save.)

Golloriel shouts, "Sarenrae protects me from their disease! Stay behind me!" Then steps up to #3 and swings her scimitar a couple times.

scim: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 4 = 14 cold iron, magical, slashing, +4 painful stare

scim: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
damage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 = 9 cold iron, magical, slashing, +4 painful stare

#3's problems start when Lune stares at it, and it grips its... heeaaddd...?... with its tentacles and groans. Its problems are exacerbated when Lori uses the opening to step in and rain down a couple scimitar strikes. Only the first connects, but the otyugh yelps in pain and bellows at her. It's a really good thing she's immune to disease because there are definitely wet flecks of something super gross that sprays on her face and shield.

#1 is completely oblivious to (or perhaps uncaring of) its buddy's situation, its eyestalk waggling furiously between Nyx and Andakos. It can't reach Nyx without considerably more work, so it decides to chomp at the next best thing, stepping up uncomfortably close and flailing and biting at the investigator.

It's kind of sad, actually, how hard it slams itself against Ducky's impressive defenses to no avail.

Your AC is stupid and I rolled all single digits. OOF.

[color=green]ROUND 2
Characters in BOLD may act.
Golloriel (105/105 hp, Sacred Shield)
Vexelune (67/67 hp, 6 images)
Otyugh 1 (19 dmg)
Nyx (51/51 hp, M. Armor)
Andakos (74/74 hp, 18 temp hp, Heroism, Shielded)
Otyugh 2 (0 dmg)
Otyugh 3 (14 dmg, Ill Omened, Stared At)
[/color]

Nyx moves around to get a clear shot, then lobs a beam of magic that lights up the night sky for a moment, making everyone (including Nyx) flinch.

Searing light!

Ray vs #1: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 4 = 15
Dmg: 4d8 ⇒ (6, 3, 2, 8) = 19

#1 is wavering on its feet, looking like it is deeply regretting its life choices and ready to scurry back to its hole.

You can tell it's about to flee.

[color=green]ROUND 2
Characters in BOLD may act.
Golloriel (105/105 hp, Sacred Shield)
Vexelune (67/67 hp, 6 images)
Otyugh 1 (38 dmg, fleeing)
Nyx (51/51 hp, M. Armor)
Andakos (74/74 hp, 18 temp hp, Heroism, Shielded)
Otyugh 2 (0 dmg)
Otyugh 3 (14 dmg, Ill Omened, Stared At)
[/color]

Seeing #1 retreating, Andakos decides to take a chance. He puts the butt of his spear on the ground and speaks to his friends. "Stand down, everyone!" Then, to the otyugh's, who he knows understand Common: "We understand that you are hungry, but we are not the easy prey you might have expected! Please stop, and we will help you find food!" He makes eyes at Golloriel, who he knows has an almost magical ability to persuade peo... well, not people... let's go with others.

He auto-aids diplomacy to persuade, which is +12 with the +6 from Student of Philosophy. Still, just in case his roll is good enough on its own...

diplo (+6 to persuade): 1d20 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 6 = 21

It is not, unfortunately, but you definitely aid.

The otyughs hesitate, their tentacles wavering uncertainly, but they still look like they could strike at any moment.

#2 and #3 ready actions, but do not otherwise move.

[color=green]ROUND 3
Characters in BOLD may act.
Golloriel (105/105 hp, Sacred Shield)
Vexelune (67/67 hp, 6 images)
Otyugh 1 (38 dmg, fleeing)
Nyx (51/51 hp, M. Armor)
Andakos (74/74 hp, 18 temp hp, Heroism, Shielded)
Otyugh 2 (0 dmg, readied)
Otyugh 3 (14 dmg, Ill Omened, Stared At, readied)
[/color]

Golloriel hesitates for the briefest of moments, but she trusts Andakos's instincts, so she lowers her scimitar and follows his lead. "Yes! We are here looking for a friend, but you must be very hungry to attack us. Let us help you. Please?"

diplo: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27

diplo aid: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

"You wouldn't like to eat me, anyway. Not much meat on these bones!"

The first otyugh, beaten bloody and panicking, wails and scrambles toward the sinkhole to hopefully disappear into its depths.

The other two, seeing their companion flee, waver even more, though they haven't yet lowered their tentacles.

"B-but... food..." one of them says in a mixture of confusion and frustration.

For the moment I will consider combat on pause. The otyughs aren't completely convinced. WDYD?

Nyx, who is spectacularly bad with people, wisely keeps their mouth shut and tries to make themself look casually unnoticeable, leaning easily against the side of the house, but they're so terrified that they end up stiff and straight, kind of like a human board.

Before anyone else can speak, a figure comes barrelling out of the back door of Salvator's house. The elf (if her pinkish skin, long pointed ears, and sclera-less black eyes are to be gone by) is wearing a dull gray metal chain shirt, bedecked with short spikes all over the shoulders, belt, and thigh guards, and she sports a wicked spiked chain in her hands. Perhaps most startling, though, is the silver holy symbol jangling around on her neck as she runs: a gleaming skull with a spiked chain looped through its empty eye sockets. The symbol of Zon-Kuthon, the Midnight Lord and god of pain and darkness.

"I'LL SAVE YOU!" she bellows as she charges forward, then whips the chain at the nearest otyugh. It zings just shy of the otyugh's flank.

The otyugh screams in terror, "BAD FOOD! AIIIEEEE!!" and it and its compatriot both turn tail and flee pell-mell into the sinkhole.

You may take attacks of opportunity if you wish, but otherwise...

COMBAT OVER!

The elf slings the chain into a coil and snaps it onto a belt strap in a quick, practiced gesture, then puts her hands on her hips. "No need to thank me! All in a day's work, yeah?" Her smile is absolutely beaming, contrasting oddly with her macabre apparel--and particularly the deity's symbol she wears.

Andakos looks at the others. "Oh. Um. Hi. I think they were already running away but you sealed the deal." He looks at Golloriel. "Should we still leave some food out for them? I'd hate for them to attack anyone else."

Sense motive on the newcomer, since her demeanor is so incongruent with her faith:

SM: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35

Golloriel waves a dismissive hand. "Later, Andakos." She smiles hesitantly at the newcomer, trying very hard not to stare at The Midnight Lord's holy symbol. "Hello. Thank you for the assist. My name is Golloriel, and this is Andakos, Vexelune, and Nyx. Whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?"

diplo: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29

Lune has no idea why her new friends are acting kinda weird, but this new lady is pretty. Maybe that's it? She smiles and waves.

Nyx eyes the holy (unholy?) symbol warily, and says nothing.

GM Mike Andakos senses no malice in the woman, and that her exuberance is quite genuine.

"Aw, it's so nice to meet you! I'm Laori Vaus, priestess of the Midnight Lord. But please, don't let that put you off, I swear I'm not some dour mucky-muck like some of my compatriots." She chuckles. "I've heard of you, actually! Well--you two." She nods at Andakos and Golloriel, giving the other two an apologetic glance. "You two helped stop the plague, right? And took down Lady Andaisin? That's actually why I'm here! I was dispatched by the Nidalese government to bring her back or take her down, but I kinda got stuck over here." She shrugs sheepishly. "I figured while I'm here, I might as well make myself useful. I can tell something hinky is going on around here. The Emperor made a big fuss about this artist, Salvator Scream, and now Sal's gone. Plus a little birdy told me about some crazy announcement from the Queen that got bloody? I dunno, it just feels..." She makes a waggly gesture with her fingers. "Hinky. Besides, have you seen Sal's art? I know the church would love to get their hands on a few of his pieces, it's right up our alley! But this stuff here is--well. It doesn't quite live up to the hype. I was hoping to talk to him and see why his quality has dipped from what he's famous for, but..." She shrugs and waves a hand at the house. "Gone. I'm not much of a tracker. Maybe you guys can find something I missed?"

That was a pretty good Sense Motive so I'm just gonna roll it over.

While Laori is definitely telling the truth, she's not telling the whole truth. She's keeping something back.

Nyx scowls harder with every word, clutching unconsciously at the wooden holy symbol tucked under their tunic. They don't trust a word of this garbage. A Kuthonite! Trying to help! Bullsh*t. They glance over to see if their comrades are buying any of this, and to their dismay, they see polite smiles and friendly faces. And--is Lune swooning?

"This is insane," they grumble irritably.

Not sure which knowledge would apply here, but likely local or geography, maybe history? What interest would the Nidalese government have in Andaisin and/or stopping the plague in Korvosa? Basically, I'm trying to fact-check her story.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 16 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 16 + (5) = 30 (or +12 history/geography for a 26)

No check necessary, actually. Ducky already knew this.

Andakos and Golloriel both recall that Lady Andaisin was a noble in Nidal, wanted by the authorities for crimes committed in that country. It's likely Laori wasn't sent here to stop the plague specifically, just to kill or apprehend Andaisin for crimes committed in that country.

Andakos nods, confident that no one noticed him flinch at the mention of Andaisin. "Yes, that was us. And we seem to be chasing the same leads. In fact, it makes me a bit more confident that we are on the right track that you also concluded Salvator was involved." He begins walking toward the house, keeping a close eye on Laori. "I have a trained eye for investigation. I could take a second look." He gives Golloriel a 'watch my back' look as he approaches the house, intending to enter.

Studied Laori, just in case. If he gets by her and into the house without getting sneak attacked, he'll take a look around.

perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34 +4 traps

Andakos clearly doesn't trust this woman, which makes Golloriel feel a little bit better about the 'working with a Kuthonite' thing. As Andakos approaches the house, she follows, close enough to react to anything that Laori might try to pull but far enough away to actually have a chance to see a sneak attack coming.

Honestly, unless this woman has an army of sadomasochists hidden in the house, she doesn't think they have too much to worry about. Still, she indicates to Nyx and Lune that they should follow her and stay close. A little caution never hurt anyone.

Vexelune has no idea what the weird things Golloriel is doing with her face mean. She half-walks, half-flutters over to Laori. "Hi! My name is Vexelune, but you can call me Lune. If you want. Or Vexelune. What is that on your necklace? It's cool!"

Nyx also follows, feeling a little mollified by the fact that neither Andakos nor Golloriel seem to trust her, though they're still uncomfortable with being this close to her regardless. They keep their eyes open for trouble too.

No Perception or anything yet. Just essentially trying to keep from getting surprised.

If the Kuthonite notices the apprehension and wary looks, she doesn't say anything. Instead, she beams brightly at the gathlain and follows Andakos into the house. "It's the symbol of my god, Zon-Kuthon! The Midnight Lord is admittedly an... acquired taste, but I've found him to be a worthy patron. I have some literature on me, if you'd like! Er, somewhere..." She begins patting her armor awkwardly, as if searching for something. "Where did I...?"

Andakos enters into the house via the back door.

Moved you on the map.

Both of this room's windows are tightly shuttered, yet the air inside seems strangely fresh and scented, no doubt because of the six large candles that burn within. Each candle has been affixed by a glob of melted wax to the crown of a gleaming, polished skull, and each of these impromptu and grisly candleholders has been placed atop an otherwise clear desk to the west, arrayed in a gentle arc. A chair sits before the desk, and a careful stack of papers and scrolls sits inside the arc of skulls. To the south stands a nearly empty cabinet, its shelves barren save for a few paintbrushes and a cracked pottery urn. There is a door to the east on the north wall, and one in the east wall.

Andakos finds nothing else of interest in the studio, aside from the papers on the art desk. They're somewhat crude and all of them are unpleasant; one is a sketch of what appears to be a dragon breathing lightning on a crowd below it, but he can't for the life of him guess how such simple art became so widely popular. He also notes that neither of the doors are locked or trapped (might as well roll over that Perception check since there was nothing else to find in the room).

Andakos opens the eastern door and (assuming he isn't accosted by Laori's BDSM Army) takes a look around.

perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24

Andakos steps into a disgusting room that appears to have once been a combination kitchen and storeroom, but is now a bewildering riot of brightly colored fungus and mold. The stuff grows everywhere and in every color, over tables, across cupboards, and in swaths along the floor and walls, but it seems thickest to the southwest, where puffy sheets of yellow fungus cover several objects so completely it's impossible to make out what lies beneath.

Do you still wish to search the room? I know molds and fungi tend to make us hesitate lol. If you still want to search, I'll roll over that Perception check. It's insane you got a 24 on a nat 5 XD

"Gross." He holds a hand up behind him. "Stop a minute."

He tries to identify if the growths are toxic and, if so, how toxic.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 15 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 15 + (1) = 19

"Nyx, Lune. Don't go in, but take a quick look. Detect any magic?"

Vexelune steps to the doorway and reaches out with her mind.

Detecting magic

Vexelune detects magic in the northeast corner, small in size but of moderate strength.

Unfortunately, Andakos recognizes the mold growing near that corner: yellow mold. It packs a nasty punch when it makes contact, though holding one's breath can help. Once inside a person, the mold quickly makes its way into the bloodstream via orifices and open wounds, and attacks the vital organs.

Basically if disturbed, it deals 1d3 Con damage per round for 5 rounds, ending on a successful save (DC 15 Fort every round). Fire and direct sunlight destroy it. It's in a corner that, based on the windows, you would guess doesn't ever receive direct sunlight, so that's out, and fire might damage the magic item Lune detected, or it might not. Up to you!

Technically it doesn't say it's an inhaled effect, but I'd argue you could hold your breath for the 50% chance to avoid the save. If you want to go that route, you'll have to roll the percentile twice: once to move in and pick up the item, and once to exit the area of the mold. You also don't have to go in at all of course. Up to you!

Andakos nods his thanks to Lune. He starts to step into the room, then stops himself and looks at Laori. "Didn't you say you searched the house? Why didn't you mention this lovely room of death?"

SM: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 38

Laori blinks. "I didn't, actually. I got here not long before you did. And I did say I'm not much of a tracker. I knocked, nobody answered, so I uh. Let myself in. I kept calling but nobody answered so I assumed he wasn't home. Admittedly I kinda got fixated on the art in here." She jerks a thumb to the art desk behind her. "I haven't really had a chance to look at much else."

There's no lie in her statement, and now that you think about it, she never actually said she searched the house, only that she came looking for Sal and didn't find him. Andakos can see some genuine embarrassment as she speaks, too. She seems to be a bit sheepish at not taking a closer look around.

Andakos nods. "I see. Hold here a second; I can make myself immune to the poison." He downs his delay poison extract and goes to retrieve the item. While he's here and presumably safe, he takes a few seconds to look for anything interesting but non-magical.

perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28 +4 traps

Andakos finds several jars of paint of a variety of colors; it appears Salvator was using fungi to get certain pigments and the paints have run riot in his absence. Sadly nothing else of value is to be found in here.

The source of the magic is in a rune-inscribed clay jar. Inside is a brush dipped into a small pool of myriad colors swirling and eddying like oil.

If offered a look, Nyx tries to decipher what it is.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21

They frown and shrug. "No idea, sorry. Definitely magical though. I wonder if this is why his paintings are so popular?"

"Were," Laori interjects absently as she rifles through the sketches on the desk. "There was a serious dropoff in interest a couple months ago, apparently. I can see why. This stuff isn't bad, really, just... not what I'd expect nobles to pay top coin for, y'know?"

Vexelune takes the jar, turns it in her hands, smells it, then shrugs and hands it back to Nyx. "No idea."

Only +9 to spellcraft. Note to self: I added it to the loot sheet with a link to the spellcraft spoiler so we can try again tomorrow.

That's at least the second time Laori has mentioned nobles and how they are still obsessed with this dude's work even with the drop in quality. Let's see if Andakos makes any connections:

Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 12 + (1) = 30

Then he checks the door to the north.

perception: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (9) + 19 = 28 +4 traps
DD if needed: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (8) + 26 = 34