GM Kate's Extinction Curse [closed]

Game Master Kate Baker

Rova's about to shout out the truth -- not about Groetus, this time, but about "Darricus Stallit" -- when Prism hops forward. She bites her tongue, wondering if the gnome might be able to get away with tying the other person up before a fight breaks out by playing dumb.

She hopes Prism is just playing dumb.

As Prism draws close to tighten the man's bonds, he starts to reach for his club.

Darricus's smile gets more sinister. "I tried to do this the easy way. You could have just left."

Initiative!
Rova
Prism
Unset
Darricus
Corbin, prone
Niksi
Kennari

Rova, Prism, and Unset are up first! Prism, since he already has ropes around him, if you can succeed at a one-action DC 27 Thievery check, you can tighten them.

Unset jumps into action.
Step
"Not so fast, there. Bound ye are and bound ye shall remain!" An appendage from the fleshforged man wraps around Corbin's bonds in an effort to tighten them.
Thievery: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

"And, Unset thinks it best ye be joinin' this one on the floor!" he declares to Darricus, swinging another appendage in the man's direction.

Melee, +1 striking thundering fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22
Damage (B)+1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 2) + 6 + (5) = 16

Rova moves her full attention to the guard -- she knew he was a bastard! -- and launches a couple of quick arrows in his direction.

Hunt Prey (Darricus), Strike x2
+1 striking shortbow (deadly d10, magical, 60 foot range, reload 0): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (1, 5) + 2 + (8) = 16
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 1

Shortbow (iterative): 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 17 - 5 = 14

Thievery: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34

Prism yanks the ropes tight. "See they were just a bit loose was all." She smiles at Darricus. "Just like he said let's do this the easy way."

◆ Stride
◆ Tie-up
◆ Shield

Unset and Prism both tighten the bonds on the man on the floor!

I'll rule that as he needs to succeed at two Escape attempts to free himself.

Meanwhile, Unset and Rova both go after Darricus! Unfortunately, they both miss.

Darricus draws his sword provoking from Unset and swipes at both Unset and Prism.

Swipe vs Unset and Prism: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (6) + 21 = 27
ouch!: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (6, 6) + 9 = 21

If Unset crits on the AoO, then Darricus uses his second action to draw his sword and one action to attack only Unset.

The man on the floor struggles to Escape his newly tightened bonds.

Escape: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35

Escape: 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 17 - 5 = 18

Escape: 1d20 + 17 - 10 ⇒ (19) + 17 - 10 = 26

He shakes off some of his bonds, but is still tied up.

Initiative!
Rova
Prism, -21 hp
Unset, -21 hp
Darricus
Corbin, prone
Niksi
Kennari

Everybody up!

Rova casts a quick glance at the tied-up guard -- he'd be awfully easy to hit ... -- but Darricus is clearly still the bigger threat right now. She returns her attention to him and silently urges Groetus to show him The End right now. Not that he deserves it, but at least he'd be out of their hair.

Great Groetus! (+1 striking shortbow eldritch shot, deadly d10, magical, 60-foot range): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (4, 6) + 2 + (6) = 18
TK projective: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 5, 2) = 18
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 10
Crit specialization: The target gets stuck to an adjacent surface by the missile. The target is immobilized and must spend an Interact action to attempt a DC 10 Athletics check to pull the missile free; it can’t move from its space until it succeeds.

"Looks like your ruse has been turned against you, officer." Kennari says, nonchalantly. His voice takes on a more serious edge as he weaves magic into the followup: "Isn't that funny?"

◆◆Cast hideous laughter on Darricus, as I suspect he might be enough of a trained soldier to have an AoO. DC 26 Will save.

Kennari then weaves another spell to protect himself. ◆Cast shield.

Niksi begins to harmonize as she begins two performances.

Harmonize, Inspire Defense, Inspire Courage

Prism steps over to the side, "Quite struggling so much." She tightens the ropes back up.

Thievery: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20
Hero Point: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26

Thievery: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28

◆ Step
◆ Tie-up
◆ Tie-up

Darricus draws his sword provoking from Unset and swipes at both Unset and Prism.

Unset swings back!

"Watch where ye swing that thing!" Unset retorts before trying to beat Darricus to the ground.

Melee, +1 striking thundering fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26
Damage (B)+1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 3) + 6 + (4) = 18

Melee, +1 striking thundering fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse): 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 17 - 4 = 25
Damage (B)+1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 3) + 6 + (1) = 14

Melee, +1 striking thundering fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse): 1d20 + 17 - 8 ⇒ (7) + 17 - 8 = 16
Damage (B)+1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 1) + 6 + (1) = 14

Rova gets Darricus with an arrow and his grin starts to fade.

Niksi inspires everyone as Prism tightens the prone man's bonds.

Kennari tells a funny joke.

Will save: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

Oh nooooo

Darricus falls to the floor laughing.

Thanks to Darricus being prone and Niksi's inspiration, Unset lands two punches.

Darricus laughs as the other man tries to escape.

Athletics to Escape: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32

Athletics to Escape: 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 17 - 5 = 28

He manages to break all of his bonds and stands. Provokes from Unset.

Initiative!
Rova
Prism, -21 hp
Unset, -21 hp
Darricus, -69 hp, prone
Corbin
Niksi
Kennari

Kennari maintains focus on the laughing man, pausing only long enough to send jolts of electricity at both him and his suddenly-free friend.

◆Sustain hideous laughter, ◆◆Cast electric arc.

Electricity damage: 4d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2, 4, 3) + 4 = 17
DC 26 basic Reflex save.

"Ye would'da done better stayin' in yer bonds, ye would!" Unset suggests as he swings at the rising foe.

Melee, +1 striking thundering fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse), AoO: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19
Damage (B)+1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 6 + (5) = 16

"A tricksy one, eh?" Unset notes as he continues to try and make his point.

Melee, +1 striking thundering fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34
Damage (B)+1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 6 + (6) = 15

Melee, +1 striking thundering fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse): 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 17 - 4 = 25
Damage (B)+1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 4) + 6 + (5) = 20

Melee, +1 striking thundering fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse): 1d20 + 17 - 8 ⇒ (14) + 17 - 8 = 23
Damage (B)+1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 5) + 6 + (5) = 18

Rova breathes a prayer out to Groetus again and fires at Darricus.

Great Groetus! (+1 striking shortbow eldritch shot, deadly d10, magical, 60-foot range): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (1, 1) + 2 + (4) = 8
TK projective: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 5, 4) = 19
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 5

Nikis laughs as Darricus is knocked onto his back, but she continues her harmonizing unabated.

Harmonize, Inspire Defense, Inspire Courage

"Sorry, that's my fault." Prism squeaks out as she draws her sickle and tries to defend herself.

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4
Knife Crit: 1d6 persistent Bleed.

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 17 - 4 = 17
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 4) + 3 = 9
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4
Knife Crit: 1d6 persistent Bleed.

◆ Draw Weapon
◆ Strike
◆ Strike

Kennari zaps both of them!

Darricus Reflex: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29
Corbin Reflex: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

As Niksi inspires everyone, Unset hits once and Rova lands her shot!

Lying on the ground, Darricus drops his sword.

"I don't want to die for the likes of her! Let me live, and I'll help you!"

Corbin, however, keeps attacking.

He steps away from Unset and draws his club, then swings at Prism.

greatclub: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30
ouch!: 2d10 + 10 ⇒ (10, 1) + 10 = 21

His injuries bleed, then clot.

bleed: 1d6 ⇒ 2

flat: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Initiative!
Rova
Prism, -40 hp
Unset, -21 hp
Darricus, -105 hp, prone, surrendering
Corbin, -63 hp, 1d6 persistent
Niksi
Kennari

Kennari maintains his focus on the laughter, just in case Darricus is lying, then conjures a puddle of magical grease beneath the bruiser's feet and Darricus's prone form.

◆Sustain hideous laughter, ◆◆Cast grease (area marked on map). DC 26 Reflex save or fall prone.

"Well, better late than never!" Rova says, and turns her attention to Corbin, slamming a couple arrows into his chest.

Hunt Prey, Strike x2
+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, 5) + 2 + (5) = 13

Shortbow (iterative): 1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 17 - 5 = 31
Piercing damage: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 5) + 2 = 9

Unset tries to tumble after Corbin and around Darricus.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18

Getting caught on a loose bond, he sighs and just steps around the foe, then strikes.
Stride

"Hands off, Prism!" he shouts as he swings an appendage.
Melee, +1 striking thundering fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse) v Corbin: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34
Damage (B)+1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 6) + 6 + (6) = 22

Prism steps around the grease as her bell gets rung from the club. "Oh, that's not nice." She slashes at the man's ribs as her sight remains a bit blurred.

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3) + 3 = 9
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
Knife Crit: 1d6 persistent Bleed.

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 17 - 4 = 21
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 3 = 8
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12
Knife Crit: 1d6 persistent Bleed.

◆ Stride
◆ Stride
◆ Shield

Niksi strides over to Darricus and draws her elven curve blade, pointing it at him. ”No sudden moves, dear Darricus. Or whoever you actually are.” She then returns to singing.

Stride, draw sword, inspire defense

Kennari splatters the floor with grease.

Reflex: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27

The man keeps his bearing.

Rova strikes him with two arrows as Unset moves in and clobbers him! Prism follows up with a perfectly placed stab.

The man drops his club nd raises his arm in the air.

Niksi moves in to threaten Darricus with her sword.

He stays on the ground. "I am Darricus! Please don't kill me!"

Initiative!
Rova
Prism, -40 hp
Unset, -21 hp
Darricus, -105 hp, prone, surrendering
Corbin, -119 hp, surrendering
Niksi
Kennari

I'll keep us in initiative to see what you want to do, but they have both surrendered now.

"Alright Darricus.." Prism says as she sheathes her sickle once more, bending down to grab the rope. "Put the rope back on first."

"Put the rope back on first."

Unset flashes a grin and wiggles a pair of appendages to help secure the bonds once they are on.

Rova relaxes her tension on her bow string as both their assailants relax.

"OK, if we're not going to kill you, tell us what you're doing here? Does Mistress Dusklight know we're coming? What's she up to?!"

Darricus dutifully puts on the bonds, as does Corbin.

"Of course she knows you're coming! She set up the whole Heavenly Gallery to attack you. She's furious with you and she wants you all dead!"

Niksi runs her hand along the dull edge of her curve blade. ”How long have you been working for her, Darricus? What has she been having you do?”

Prism looks around as a glint of light catches her fanciful eye. She hops over to a table and grabs a small glass vial and shakes it. Tiny motes of light drift within. "Pretty!"

"If Dusklight wants us dead then there is no stopping this. If we don't end this tonight then she could attack the rest of the circus by daylight."

"Just what have these fine folk all done that has so stirred the ire of yer Mistress Dusklight?" The fleshforged man inquires of the bound prisoners.

"I've been on her payroll for a few years now. I make sure the constables don't give her or the Celestial Menagerie any trouble, and I don't ask too many questions!"

"Do you know where she is right now?" Prism asks.

Darricus gestures to the door he just came out of.

"She's not alone. She's got this big aasimar knight she's duped into falling in love with her. He thinks she's pure of heart."

”Oh her heart is quite pure. Pure evil.” Niksi clicks her tongue at Darricus. ”I never have been a fan of your kind. People who seek to jail and punish others tend to be the worst sort. Thank you for proving you are just as corrupt as I assumed.”

Prism nods. "Sooner is better than later." She turns invisible and passes through the door to take a peek beyond, see what they are getting themselves into.

Cast Invisibility and stealth +18 to peek beyond the door.

Rova waits to see what Prism can determine. She's ready to kill this aasimar knight if she has to -- they're often the do-gooder types who hounded her family most of her childhood -- but if he's been duped by Duslight too, maybe they can make him see the (moon)light.

She still can't quite figure out how the circus rival is wrapped up in everything, but she doesn't think Darricus and Corbin are likely to know that.

Invisible, Prism cracks open the door and peeks inside.

This large room is decorated with colorful curtains and low, comfortable furniture. An exquisitely carved mahogany four‑poster bed stands in one corner, piled high with luxurious satin sheets, plump pillows, and a damask coverlet in midnight blue. Circus posters showing Mistress Dusklight’s acts over many years—as an acrobat, an animal tamer, and a ringmaster—adorn the walls in gilded frames.

Mistress Dusklight paces around the room, clearly irritated. A young blond man in gleaming armor stands near the door.

When someone fully enters the room, we'll roll initiative, and you'll all get a +4 circumstance bonus from Prism's scouting.

Prism hops back to the group for a brief moment before drawing her blade as she quietly explains what she sees. "Dusklight seems worried. We should hurry." Prism then silently slips back into usklights room, into the shadows and out of sight.

Rova nods. "Let's go!"

She follows Prism into the room.

"Show's over, Dusklight! We know you've been consorting with Abyssal forces -- not to mention sabotaging our circus and hurting our friends -- and we're tired of it!"

Kennari weaves a magic spell just before Rova opens the door, imbuing Unset with supernatural speed. Casting haste on Unset.

Niksi stride in with her "happy" faceplate on. "Why, Mistress Dusklight! Fancy seeing you here. You are looking like you are having a rather hard time of it. You know, I heard that the Great Niksi is in town. Surely she could cheer you up."

Switching Prism's outline to dotted to help me remember that she is invisible!

You all waltz into Mistress Dusklight's room after Kennari casts a spell.

“You,” Mistress Dusklight hisses, the corners of her mouth drawn back into a snarl. A low growl rumbles in her throat as she narrows her eyes in anger. “You don’t know when to stop, do you? Do you think killing me will make you better performers? Will your Circus of Washed‑Up Wonders fare better without my competition?” Suddenly, her demeanor changes. Her eyes widen and she clutches at her chest, an expression of feigned terror on her feline face. “Help!” She screams. “Assassins!”

The handsome, golden‑haired young man in gleaming half plate draws his longsword. Dusklight smirks as her champion stands in front of her protectively.

“Mazael, these villains are here to kill me and force my performers to join their second‑rate show. Please, don’t let them ruin what I’ve built here!”

“I won’t let you hurt her,” the man says to you solemnly. “Leave now, or I’ll end you!”

Initiative
Prism (invisible)
Niksi
Dusklight
Mazael
Rova
Unset (hasted)
Kennari

If you would like, you can spend all three actions on your turn to attempt a Deception or Diplomacy check to get Mazael to stand down.

Prism rushes forth, so fast that her blade is all that glints in the light as it slices into Dusklight. "Just a little bit of payback for you attacking our home over and over again."

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4) + 3 = 8
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6
Knife Crit: 1d6 persistent Bleed.

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 17 - 4 = 27
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 3 = 6
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7
Knife Crit: 1d6 persistent Bleed.

◆ Sneak (Swift Sneak) +18
◆ Strike
◆ Strike

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

Niksi bows, removing her hat. ”Dear knight, do I look like I care one whit about forcing anybody to do anything against their will? I would still be working here if your Mistress was not so keen on treating everyone underneath her like chattel. We are a worker-owned cooperative, for comparison, not a dictatorship like her circus.”

Prism goes in for the attack! Her first sickle strike cuts deeply, but the second doesn't quite connect.

Niksi tries to convince Mazael not to fight, but he seems even more convinced that he is correct.

"You are clearly liars! I know I can trust Mistress Dusklight!"

Didn't make the DC, I'm afraid.

Dusklight steps away from Prism and casts a spell at everyone else. A feeling of unbelieveable sadness fills the room.

Mazael steps up to Prism to defend Dusklight. He strikes with his sword and then raises his shield.

longsword: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
ouch!: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Prism is too deft to be caught by the sword.

Initiative
Prism
Niksi, Will save
Dusklight, -28 hp
Mazael
Rova, Will save
Unset (hasted), Will save
Kennari, Will save

Will save (immediate): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

Will save (start of turn): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

As magically-compelled tears stream down Kennari's face, he decides to forgo any witty remarks as he casts a spell, encasing the foolish paladin in a sphere of magical force.

Slowed 1 for this turn, ◆◆Cast resilient sphere on the paladin. DC 26 Reflex save.

Dusklight should have 1d6 Persistent Bleed from the Crit as well.

Prism steps in and continues to attack Dusklight. "Stop..comingatme. She's manipulatingyou." She squeaks out to the paladin.

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2) + 3 = 7
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8
Knife Crit: 1d6 persistent Bleed.

+1 Striking Sickle (Gang-up): 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 17 - 4 = 33
Damage: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 3 = 6
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11
Knife Crit: 1d6 persistent Bleed.

◆ Step
◆ Strike
◆ Strike

Will save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Looks like slowed and quickened conditions cancel out.
Unset wipes his tearing eye with an appendage. Steeling himself, he bounds up to Lady Dusklight.
Stride

"Ye shouldna' be manipulatin'," he manages to mumble through his tears as he brings his appendages sweeping toward the spellcasting woman.

Melee, +1 striking thundering fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36
Damage (B)+1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 6) + 6 + (2) = 17

Melee, +1 striking thundering fist (magical, nonlethal, agile, finesse): 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 17 - 4 = 25
Damage (B)+1d6 So: 2d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 5) + 6 + (4) = 16

Will (expert), inspired: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

Knowing that she's not going to be able to persuade the celestial knight if Niksi can't, Rova concentrates on Dusklight, sizing her up and then firing two arrows. Still, not wanting to kill her until they get some answers, she fires for her arms and shoulders nonlethal, which IIRC is a -2 to my shots. Unfortunately, her attempt to hit the smaller target than her center mass means it's all the easier for her to miss.

Hunt Prey, Strike x2
+1 striking shortbow (deadly d10, magical, 60 foot range, reload 0): 1d20 + 17 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 17 - 2 = 16

Shortbow (iterative): 1d20 + 17 - 5 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 17 - 5 - 2 = 17