GM Kate's Extinction Curse [closed]

Game Master Kate Baker

Many of you previously worked for the Celestial Menagerie, so you know that its grounds sprawl across a huge plot just south of Escadar. The neatly maintained forest surrounding the site conceals a high iron fence to deter trespassers from entering other than through the main gate. Lights and reflective metal ornaments hang in the trees surrounding the circus, illuminating the site with dazzling colors.

The Celestial Menagerie typically hosts a single performance each evening just after sunset, but the grounds open to the public 2 hours before the show.

"Of course you can join us," Rova tells Kennari. "I bet some magic would be super helpful for the circus, and if you can tell us more about the orbs and towers and all that Aroden stuff, that might help too. We don't want the world to end before Groetus arrives!"

The halfling former cultist-turned-doomsayer then turns her attention to the infernal Celestial Menagerie. "Maybe we should go see with Mistress Dusklight is actually doing. I don't know why she's messed up in all of this, but she seems to be working WITH the xulgaths!"

Perhaps we sneak in, disguised, with the crowds?

"The more the merrier, I always sayz," smiles Unset as he slaps a meaty appendage over Kennari's shoulder.

"An when one hurts one of us circusfolk, then somethin' needs t'be done, it does," he adds. "Though if yer thinkin' of me goin' to the Menag'rie in disguise? Not sure, it will work well, I don't. Me face is me best feature! Be a shame t'cover it now, don't ye think?"

"Wouldn't that bring us to their level? If we disrupt their show or attack the Celestial Menagerie then they will come back at us tenfold. We could get arrested for this if it escalates." Prism tosses her hands in the air unsure what to do.

"Oh, we don't have to attack them, but they're going to keep acting like Pharasmins if we don't do anything. Maybe we can sneak into Mistress Dusklight's tent, and see if we can find anything out. My 'uncle' Caminson used to do that with some other kids, just go in and leave without anyone realizing he was there. He called it creeping... Though we also probably want to do something so they know they need to leave us alone. Maybe we free some of their animals instead of hurting them!"

We could also see if she has anymore documents lying around detailing her interest in the xulgaths? Then we can decide what to do.

Prism looks nervous. She isn't looking forward to going back to there after all these years. The thought of it alone dulls her colors. "If you think it wuld put an end to all this."

"Yeah! Kennari, you know magic, right? Can you cast a spell to make us look different? That would help too!"

Niksi changes herself to look like Kennari using her Illusory Disguise. ”I can disguise myself with magic, but I unfortunately cannot provide such a utility to others. “

I’m like 75% better now and no longer testing positive for COVID, but now I’m crazy busy catching up on a week of missed work

Glad you are feeling better!

"Yeah! Kennari, you know magic, right? Can you cast a spell to make us look different? That would help too!"

"Ah...I'm afraid I have not made much study of illusory magic. Perhaps if we were in Absalom and I had access to a proper magical library..." Kennari trails off for a moment, lost in thought. "I could prepare some concealing magic, if that would help. It won't make you look different, but it will make you invisible to the eye for a while."

I'm happy to prepare up to three castings of invisibility if you'd like. Kennari doesn't have any other illusion spells in his spell book, I'm afraid.

"Disguise me, if ye must," Unset concedes.

"Maybe we can use regular disguises? We did that all the time growing up!" Rova says.

Or do we know enough about the Celestial Menagerie to know if they would mark a bonus circus hand as out of the ordinary? Or is it big/unfriendly enough that Unset could pose as a new hire?

It's big enough to pull off a new hire, but will need a Deception roll or something else to convince them.

"I can dull my colors so I don't stand out as much. Or try to at least." He bright rainbow hair and skin isn't much for disguising, or at least would take a great amount of effort.

"Ole Unset may look charismatic, but not much a liar, me ain't," concedes the fleshforged man.

Prism concentrates hard as she dulls her bright colors and pulls her cloak up right around her head while Rova helps make sure she is good to go. She looks nervous. "Does this look alright?" Seeing a couple nods of approval she moves to enter the tent.

Deception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25

"You don't need to lie," Rova reassures Unset, " -- just don't tell the truth."

She waits for Niksi's help and then for the late rush to begin at their rival's show so they can bled in with the crowds. Nonetheless, she plans to sneak into the premises instead of going through the front gate.

Everyone arrives separately.

When Unset and Kennari each arrive at the gate, a friendly halfling sells you tickets for 5 sp each.

But when Prism and Rova arrive, the halfling turns sour. You both know her as Tusconna Sprightly or "Little Sprightly".

"Prism, I'd know that face anywhere, no matter what you do with you hair. Rova, I see you sneaking around in the bushes. If you want to come in, the price will be 50 gp each. Or else!" She makes a hand gesture and a couple of burly men with big clubs close in at the entrance.

Niksi, her Will and Perception DC is 26. If you beat that, you can get in for 5sp and the staff don't recognize you. If not, she tries to hold you up for 50 gp as well. Also, if Rova or Prism wants to use a Hero Point, you can!

Prism sighs and hands over her bag of coin. "This ain't right Sprightly." Prism leans in close. "We need to end this feud before someone dies." She drops the 50 gold pieces into the halflings hands.

Deception (illusory disguise): 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 13 + 4 = 20
Hero Point Reroll: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 4 = 18

Guess it was not meant to be

Niksi gets a bit caught up in her head thinking about Danica when making her disguise and ends up making it more like a costume than a disguise.

Stealth (trained): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30 Hero Point; 2 remaining

"Eep!" Rova eeps as she's spotted, ducking back into the undergrowth hopefully fast enough that Sprightly can't be quite sure she saw what she thought. Moving far more carefully -- it's easier without Prism's hair! -- she makes her way undercover into the circus.

I'm not sure I *have* 50 gp! Though we haven't updated the loot in a while.

"Look, Prism, this isn't personal, but you pissed off the boss big time. She's out for blood."

So to recap, Kennari and Unset entered as patrons, Rova managed to sneak in, and Prism and Niksi both had to pay the extortion fee.

Where to next?

"We need to get to Mistress Dusklight's," Rova says quietly. "It might be easiest to try to go through the Heavenly Gallery, in case they're keeping an eye on Prism. Maybe they'll think we're just here to spy out the competition..."

Or we could split up in hopes they're watching only Prism, send her and Unset and/or Kennari (?) off to somewhere they can be seen but still watch Rova and Niksi try to break into the back of Mistress Dusklight's quarters.

It would be advisable to keep the party together.

Prism quickly scouts out the others to find where they are all sitting at in the stands. "Wonder how much of our show they stole."

"Ye are the show, Prism!" Unset replies. "Without the lot of ye, there'd be no circus. I highly doubt this Mistress Dusklight 'n her crew could offer much competition."

The fleshforged man surveys the grounds, taking in the sights. Despite his words, he does seem to be somewhat impressed by the whole operation. "Rova mentioned some 'eavenly Gallery. Shall we be headin' there, then?"

"We can try. Though they may be keeping a close eye on me. Maybe I can lose them in the crowd." Prism thinks to herself as she shifts into the crowd, turning completely invisible.

Cast invisibility when the group is ready to head to the Heavenly Gallery.

Prisms casts invisibility on herself, and you all head into the Heavenly Gallery.

The first room is filled with thick banks of clouds. Faint, slow harp music echoes around the chamber, and a smooth, white glow illuminates the area. A strong, feminine voice echoes throughout the room. “Come to vanquish a rival, have you? Consider whether you’re on the wrong side of this confrontation. I have the forces of good at my service!”

You recognize the voice of Madame Dusklight!

Two heavenly figures are visible in the room strumming on lyres.

They call out to you, "Help us! We are lillend azatas held captive here by Madame Dusklight! If you are here to vanquish her, we can help you with our spells!"

Art and map on Slide 1

Prism looks on in shock. "Why are they being held captive?" She asks standing next to the group. "What is the purpose of this?"

I wasn't super clear; Madame Dusklight isn't in here. She set up a magic mouth spell to trigger when you came in.

Prism shakes her head. "We should free them." Prims rushes around the thick banks of clouds and pulls out a kit as she begins working on the cages. "How long have you been captive here?"

They're not in cages, they're just sitting there.

"Oh, we've been trapped here about a year! Can we cast our spells on you to make you more heroic?"

Niksi rests her hand on her chin and taps it. ”Seems odd to me that Mistress Dusklight would anticipate use coming enough to leave a message but then put two extremely helpful azatas right here where they can help us.” She holds out a hand for Prism to stop. ”I mean no disrespect if you are who you say you are, but as someone who knows Mistress Dusklight, I find this whole situation rather suspect. You must understand how conniving she is. I want to trust you, really I do, but is there any way you can verify you are who you say you are?”

"But, your not chained, can't you just leave?" Prism looks around or what is keeping the lillend azatas captive.

Kennari peers carefully at the Azatas, looking to see if they are consistent with what he knows of the creatures.

Religion +10T

Rova hesitates -- this definitely seems odd. Why would Madame Dusklight leave creatures here if they were just going to ask for help from everyone who comes in? Does the ringmaster know she, Niksi and Prism are there? But how? What is someone else had entered the tent? Or is this all part of the show?

She sizes up the nearest one to see if she can make any sense of it. Hunt Prey on red.

Also, I see Thkrull on the map; I assumed he wouldn't be able to come considering we had to sneak in. If you want to allow it, that's fine, but I'm also fine if not.

Ha ha, fair enough on Thkrull!

Kennari hasn't spent much time studying azatas, unfortunately.

"Madame Dusklight keeps us here with a terrible spell! And of course we are azatas! We have wings and play beautiful music!"

Rova, Prism, and Unset all suddenly notice that the wings aren't real. They are costume pieces.

"But your wings are fake!" Rova says. "I don't think you're really azatas at all!"

She turns to the others: "Let's leave them here," she whispers. "I think they're just going to attack us if we free them -- if they're really stuck at all!"

Whoops. Monster Hunter let me attempt a check to Recall Knowledge about my prey when I Hunted.
Religion +11

"Is Madam Dusklight hurting on funds that bad that she has to resort to tricks, costumes and mirrors to fool people?" Prism leaves the 'Azatas' be as she follows Rova out.

Rova realizes that these aren't azatas at all, but lamias!

As Rova calls out that the wings are fake, their expressions turn sour and they move to attack!

The banks of clouds are magically created. They are 10 feet high and don’t move from where they are indicated on the map. Creatures wholly within the clouds are concealed, and creatures outside the clouds are concealed to creatures wholly within it.

I moved you all as if you were heading toward the door, per your descriptions.

Initiative

Rova
Niksi
Yellow
Red
Prism
Kennari
Unset

Rova and Niksi up first!

Rova moves forward, quickly drawing her bow and firing, before moving again to safer ground.

Stride to a place to have a clear shot on Red (who's already hunted), Quick Draw to pull my weapon and Strike, then Stride again to current location on the map
+1 striking shortbow (deadly d10, magical, 60 foot range, reload 0): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (1, 4) + 2 + (2) = 9
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 1

Niksi draws her curve blade, moves up next to Prism, and begins singing a song of her own, happy to show these fake lillends how a real artist takes to her work.

Draw sword, stride, Inspire Defense

Red draws a scimitar, scoots closer to the group, and swings once at Prism.

scimitar: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32
ouch!: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (5, 3) + 10 = 18

Yellow disappears! The casters know that she cast invisibility.

Initiative

Rova
Niksi
Yellow
Red
Prism, -16 hp
Kennari
Unset

"Oh, no! Ye don't get t'swing at me friends like that!" shouts Unset. The fleshforged man plunges into a bank of clouds, emerging in front of the notta-azata.
Stride

He then brings his appendages to bear against the lamia.

Melee +1 striking thundering tail (backswing, magical): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34
Damage B & 1d6 So & precision: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 6 + (1) + 3 = 15
Melee +1 striking thundering fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse): 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 17 - 4 = 27
Damage B & 1d6 So w/confident finisher: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 2) + 6 + (2) = 16
Precise damage: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 3) = 13
On Failure, Unset deals his full precise strike damage to the target due to Precise Finisher. This damage type is that of the weapon or unarmed attack you used for the Strike.

Rova emerges from the cloud long enough to fire two arrows toward the closest lamia.

"Back to wherever you came from!"

+1 striking shortbow (deadly d10, magical, 60 foot range, reload 0): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (4, 3) + 2 + (2) = 11
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 8

Shortbow (iterative): 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 17 - 5 = 18
Piercing damage: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (5, 5) + 2 = 12

Prism draws her sickle. "Here I was trying to help you." She steps up and slices at the creature's legs.

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up) vs FF: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 3 = 7
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up) vs FF: 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 17 - 4 = 22
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 4) + 3 = 10
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8

◆ Step
◆ Strike
◆ Strike

Kennari, concerned about the suddenly-invisible foe, looks for any telltale signs that might give the lamia's position away.

◆ Seek (perception +11)

Niksi begins to harmonize her singing with a dance as well, providing multiple inspirations to her allies.

Harmonize, Inspire Courage, Inspire Defense

We'll say everyone waited for Niksi for maximum effectiveness!

Unset unleashes his fury on the pretender, hitting twice!

Rova gets an impressive shot! Crit!

Prism gets in a quick slash.

Kennari can't spot the invisible lamia, so he zaps the visible one.

Reflex: 1d20 + 18 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 18 + 1 - 1 = 38

She ducks under the arc!

Everyone notices the clouds part when the invisible lamia slithers through, but everyone loses track of her as she continues to move quietly. Place marked where you saw her.

The other lamia grins wickedly and lashes out with her scimitar at both Unset and Prism!

attack vs Unset: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23
ouch!: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (2, 3) + 10 = 15

attack vs Prism, sweep: 1d20 + 19 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 19 + 1 = 28
ouch!, forceful: 2d6 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (5, 2) + 10 + 2 = 19 plus DC 28 Will save or stupefied 1, stupefied 2 on crit fail

looks like that hits even with the ID bonus
The lamia used a three-action ability that let her make both those strikes at full MAP.

Rova
Niksi
Yellow
Red, -76 hp
Prism, -33 hp, Will save
Kennari
Unset

Worried by the parting clouds and unable to spot the approaching invisible lamia, Kennari steps away from where he guesses she might be and fills the region with a bloom of sparkling glitter!

◆Stride, ◆◆Cast glitterdust from staff (DC 26, reducing status bonus by 1).