Thread and Circuses

Game Master ChesterCopperpot

Will: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
"I guess...will there be tea?" The cleric willingly sits down on the ground.

Recall Knowledge
religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Oh, no that won't do at all. Papillon, that lady is a succubus. Her suggestions do not have your best interests at heart.

Guys, you're gonna have to steal your nerves for this one. Do we have any cold iron gear?

Lingering Performance
oratory: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

3 rounds

Just a note that everyone has at least 1 hero point, and if the GM is kind, maybe two with the start of the new day. Orm spent the 1 given before, so if we have another he'd be at 1.

Derrikk directs Adora to attack the wolf

jaws: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 1 = 19 for damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 10

He then stands up and continues shooting at the succubus

HuntedShot1: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 1 = 18 for maybe damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7

HuntedShot2: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 = 11

"A what? Succubus? No...she seems so...likeable?" Says the halfling casually, not taking her eyes off of the succubus.

Sorry for the delay, all. Also, you'll get hero points after this fight--I'm not sure who has any right now.

The quasit squeaks, "Intruder alert!" then, with an odious puff changes into wolf. "Wolf pack attack!" the unnatural creature laughs as it runs up to attack Derrikk.
jaws: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 for piercing: 1d10 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Madame P--the suggestion was to have a seat until this is over, so you can do anything you like, as long as you stay seated.

Alex, I'll just do your turn now. Sorry about the delay.
Adora takes down the other wolf, though Derrikk's arrows miss the mark.

Group Buffs: Inspire Courage +1/+1 (3/3)
~+~Round 2~+~
Quasit
Madame P
Lady (-28)
Derrikk (-8)
Orm
Wolf
Junebug

Map

"Wolf pack? What wolf pack?" She says, calmly sitting down.

Hahaha alright, but this is more fun. Delay for now. Ill wait to see waht she does. Put me in init with Derik and Orm.

The woman sizes up Orm. "Now, now. There' no need for us to fight."

She attempts to slip an arm around the monk's shoulders, pulling him in tightly.
Embrace (grab): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22
With him in her grib, she whispers conspiratorially in his ear, "You could join me. You seem much more fun than these stinking troglodites."

Then, she gives him a friendly peck on the cheek.
negative: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 3) = 11
Orm can feel some of his vital essence being syphoned out by the creature. (You're Drained 1)

Please also attempt a Will save. I'd say your bonus from Inspire Courage applies.

Group Buffs: Inspire Courage +1/+1 (3/3)
~+~Round 2~+~
Quasit
Lady (-17)
Derrikk (-8)
Madame P
Orm (-11, drained 1)
Wolf
Junebug

Map

Will: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Not clear on what I'm allowed to do here. Can I attack but just not escape?

I'll just post my full attack, and if that's not an option, ignore

Attack 1 – flurry w/ IC : 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 = 22
dmg 1?: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

Attack 2= flurry w/ IC: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10
dmg 2?: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

Attack 3= w/ IC: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
dmg 3?: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

Attack 4= w/ IC: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (6) - 4 = 2
dmg 4?: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7

looks like the wolf before me in initiative is out of combat

Meeting a succubus is much less cool than I'd imagined.

Thelonious casts Spiritual Weapon and attacks the lady.

1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 1 = 18
1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13

Sorry to bog things way down in a climactic fight! My bad.

Brian, I think you can attack her, but not try to escape. (Otherwise her ability is...very brutal.)

Madame P, do you want to get in here before we go on to Round 3?

Orm can't bring himself to break away from the succubus, but he does manage to ward her off with one blow.
Fortitude: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Thelonious conjures a weapon and it swings, narrowly missing the succubus.

Group Buffs: Inspire Courage +1/+1 (3/3)
~+~Round 2~+~
Quasit
Lady (-27)
Derrikk (-8)
Madame P
Orm (-11, drained 1)
Wolf
Junebug

Map

I really can't do much sitting down tbh. So i guess i just play with my thumbs for a while? I will heald if we get more damaged.

The "wolf" next to Derrikk tries to nip at him.

"Hey, tasty adventurer! Hold still!"
bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 for piercing: 1d10 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

The animal grabs Derrikk by the leg and drops him to the floor. (Knockdown)
"This is fun. More interesting than those dopes, right boss?"
bite: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 5 = 14 for piercing: 1d10 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

The succubus leans close to Orm and breaths in. The monk feels more of his essence being drained away.
negative: 3d6 - 2 ⇒ (4, 3, 6) - 2 = 11
Orm, you are drained 2.

Some of her wounds appear to heal up.
"Yes, they are a pleasant momentary diversion little one. Don't worry, the promised excitement draws near."

She drops Orm and moves across the room, past Adroa, and tries to ease past Derrikk.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
She ends up next to Junebug.
"You hum a pleasing tune. Care to dance?"

Group Buffs: Inspire Courage +1/+1 (2/3)
~+~Round 2~+~
Quasit
Lady (-16)
Derrikk (-15, prone)
Madame P
Orm (-22, drained 2)
Wolf
Junebug

Map

Orm follows, but gets held up in the knot of combat, so focuses his attacks on the demon wolf.

Attack 1 – flurry : 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 1 = 15
dmg 1?: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13

Attack 2= flurry w/ IC: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 = 14
dmg 2?: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12

Attack 3= w/ IC: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
dmg 3?: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9

Junebug gets visibly flustered at the fiend's advance. He stammers, "Well, now that you mention it, I've always said when it's my time I want to go in the arms of a succubus. But I ah- I really don't want today to be that day."

Junebug sustains Spiritual Weapon and casts a 2nd level Grim Tendrils.

Spiritual Weapon: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 1 = 31
Force Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

Neg Energy: 4d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 3, 1) = 11
She take 2 bleed if she fails the fort save (DC 20)

I can't look at the map, so I'll come back to this when i get home, but I thought the wolf had been killed. no?

quasit turned into another wolf; great timing on the crit, Thelonious!

*flexes in bard*

Derrikk scrambles to his feet, moves back and fires at the succubus

huntedShot1: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 1 = 13

huntedShot2: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 1 = 18 for hopefully damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Junebug's magic tears at the succubus and appears to give her pause. She give the entertainer a glare as she attempts to resist his magic
Fortitude: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

Orm and Derrikk are less effective in their attacks.

Group Buffs: Inspire Courage +1/+1 (2/3)
~+~Round 2~+~
Quasit
Lady (-41)
Derrikk (-15)
Madame P (seated)
Orm (-22, drained 2)
Wolf
Junebug

Map

The small hafling woman grimaces, not enjoying what this creature is doing to her team. "Orm I am sorry i cannot be of more help." Seated, she holds her hand to her chest, grabbing her holy symbol and will channel a heal to her friend.
Heal 1/3, 2-action: 2d8 + 16 ⇒ (8, 5) + 16 = 29

Madame P's healing magic surges through Orm.

The quasit-wolf continues its commentary on the battle, "Boy boss, these guys are great! I haven't had so much fun since the shrine!"
bite v Orm: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 for piercing: 1d10 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
bite v Orm: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 7 - 5 = 5 for piercing: 1d10 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
bite v Orm: 1d20 + 7 - 10 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 10 = 17 for piercing: 1d10 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
The critter scores one lucky hit. (Since I rolled a 20.)

The succubus replies, "Yes, it's always nice to have new dance partners."
She tries to take Junebug for a spin around the dungeon.
Grapple: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21

The demon grabs Junebug's hands and takes a few quick foxtrot steps, then engages him in a low dip. Junebug's heart races, but as she resumes her dance, he feels a bit of his essence siphoned away.
negative: 3d6 - 2 ⇒ (2, 2, 5) - 2 = 7
Junebug: DC 24 Will save or feel no desire to Escape. (Though you can still do other things.)
The bard's dance partner looks somewhat rejuvenated by the exercise.

Group Buffs: Inspire Courage +1/+1 (1/3)
~+~Round 4~+~
Quasit
Lady (-34)
Derrikk (-15)
Madame P (seated)
Orm (-7, drained 2)
Wolf
Junebug (-7)

Map

Derrikk fires at the succubus and then sends in Adora

HuntedShot1: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 1 = 18 for damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5

HuntedShot2: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 = 10

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 1 = 22 for damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

Adora attempts to bite her

Jaws: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 1 = 26 for damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 9 1 point of that is fire

will: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Thelonious directs the spiritual weapon to her as they waltz around the room.

1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 1 = 20
1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8

He tries to grapple her back using grim tendrils (2nd level).
Flat Check if I'm grabbed: 1d20 ⇒ 1

womp

Orm will try to take out this annoying flat-footed quasit-wolf:
Attack 1: flurry : 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 1 = 24
dmg 1?: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

Attack 2: flurry w/ IC: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 13
dmg 2?: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12

Attack 3= w/ IC: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
dmg 3?: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

And with final action, Orm will try to trip the wolf. Assured Trip 18 vs. Reflex DC

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
The wolf reels but manages to stay on its feet after the hit from Orm.

Hits from Derrikk, Adora, and the spiritual weapon connect. She's starting to look a bit battered.

Group Buffs: Inspire Courage +1/+1 (1/3)
~+~Round 4~+~
Quasit (-10)
Lady (-65)
Derrikk (-15)
Madame P (seated)
Orm (-7, drained 2)
Wolf
Junebug (-7)

Map

Delay sorry, very busy atm. Will do something Round 5.

No worries. I've certainly had my share of delays due to real-world business.

"Okay, no more fooling around" the quasit squeaks as it reverts to its nartural form and flies over Orm's head. It strikes out at the monk with a claw.
claw: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 for slashing: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 and evil: 1d4 ⇒ 1

The succubus takes one more dose of Junebug's essence, then blinks over to stand beside her minion.

negative: 3d6 - 2 ⇒ (5, 4, 5) - 2 = 12
"I think this party is just about over, Gelpug," she confides to the quasit/

I fogot, Tim. You are drained as well.

~+~Round 5~+~
Quasit (-10)
Lady (-53)
Derrikk (-15)
Madame P (seated)
Orm (-7, drained 2)
Wolf
Junebug (-19, drained 2)

Map

A very wan Junebug will inspire his compatriots with a quick speech and focus on the silly hammer. lingering Inspire and sustain the spiritual weapon.

oration: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
+1/+1 for 4 rounds!

spiritual weapon: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 1 = 19
1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8

worried about this little guy flying away, so going to to try take him out

Orm attacks the little demon with everything he has.

Attack 1: flurry : 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 1 = 16
dmg 1?: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12

Attack 2: flurry w/ IC: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9
dmg 2?: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

Attack 3= w/ IC: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
dmg 3?: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9

Attack 3= w/ IC: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (7) - 4 = 3
dmg 3?: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7

dice roller hates me

Derrikk shoots at the succubus over the seated Madame P and then sends Adora in

HuntedShot1: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 = 26 for damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

HuntedShot2: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 1 = 26 for damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Shot: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 = 21 for damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7

jaws: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 1 = 19 for damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 8

The quasit survives Orm's onslaught due to dumb luck. After that volley of attacks from Derrikk, the succubus is reeling!

You've almost got her!

Group Buffs: +1/+1, 4 Rounds
~+~Round 5~+~
Quasit (-19)
Lady (-74)
Derrikk (-15)
Madame P (seated)
Orm (-7, drained 2)
Wolf
Junebug (-19, drained 2)

Map

I think a 10' radius burst will get that quasit and the boss.

Sound Burst: 2d10 ⇒ (7, 2) = 9

DC 20 Fort Save

Fort (quasit): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Fort (boss): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Excellent

With a noise that rattles the furnishings in the suite, Madame P blasts the quasit and its master, who both thud to the ground.

Poking around, you find that the succubus has numerous plundered luxuries that she brought with her. These include elegant clothing worth 16 gp, six silk pillows worth 2 gp each, and a golden statuette of a flying fish worth 11 gp. Four matching crystal vials in a velvet-lined case are worth 4 gp each. Two vials hold strong spirits, one holds a dose of belladonna, and the fourth holds a lesser elixir of life. Hanging above the desk is a demon mask resembling the scowling visage of the succubus herself.

On the desk, you also find extensive notes, detailing the succubus's activities over the last few month. It seems that her name was Balenni, and she has been extensively active in the region. She was behind the corruption at the Hermitage, and she was the one who encouraged Nemmia to attack Abberton.

After sowing chaos at the temple, she came to the Eran Tower to investigate the strange activity she had seen in the area. According to the notes, a xulgath leader named a Cavnakash is attempting to destroy the magical orb at the top of the tower. She doesn’t know what Cavnakash hopes to gain by this; he’s working for more powerful xulgaths—whom Balenni doesn’t know—in an abandoned temple underneath Escadar called Moonstone Hall.

Sounds like we're going to have to find the top of this temple. We can't have this Cavnakash destroying the orb.

"Indeed, Thelonious. If we submit to the ministrations of Madame Papillon before we proceed. That mask might be just the thing for you, Thelonious. Might add a dramatic flair to the Master of Ceremonies.

Treat Wounds: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
2d8 ⇒ (8, 3) = 11

"I like that idea, Orm. Also, not for nothing, that demon was really attractive. If not for her problem respecting people's boundaries I think we could've had something."

Derrikk will wait his turn for some wound treatment from Madame P

Treat Wounds: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18 for healing: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 8) = 15

Once Madame Papillon has also had time to bandage Thelonious, the group moves back to the hallway and heads west, with a new mission to prevent the destruction of the orb by the hand of this xulgath, Cavnakash.

Treat Wounds on TJ: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
4d8 ⇒ (1, 6, 7, 5) = 19

exactly the right amount!

"Let's get a move on."

A campfire illuminates this long room and the row of broad, square columns bisecting it. Rough pallets for a dozen xulgaths are scattered throughout the room, and the creatures’ foul stink is strong. The xulgaths have erected short stone stacks at the entrance.

A scared xulgath war leader and two of her warriors sit around a campfire, and 2 quasit flap around the room. When they see you, they shout in alarm.

~+~Combat Round 1~+
Madame P
Derrikk
--Adora
Pink
Junebug
Red
Green
Yellow
Blue
Orm

Map

Derrikk moves to the edge of the doorway, locks in on pink focus, and fires two quick shots Hunted Shot

Hunted Shot1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22 for hopefully damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Hunted Shot2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 for unlikely damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

should we keep botting Madame P?

Yes, we should keep botting. I figure we get to the end of this book (we're quite close) and them look for a replacement if they aren't back. If they come back at some point in the future, we can upgrade to 5 players without a problem.

Derrikk's first arrow pierces the quasit, which hisses in pain.

Madame P moves into the room and makes a mesmerizing motion with her free hand. A glitter of stardust floats around the three xulgaths.
Casting calm emotions.

Will (leader): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Will (red): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Will (yellow): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

The leader looks a bit dazed--the look of hostility dropping from his face, the red xulgath looks a bit confused, and the yellow one's face goes completely slack.

The pink quasit swoops in toward Derrikk and attacks.
claw: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 for slashing: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5 and evil: 1d4 ⇒ 1
And a Fortitude save, please!

~+~Combat Round 1~+
Madame P
Derrikk (-6)
--Adora
Pink (-6)
Junebug
Red (-1 attacks)
Green (calmed)
Yellow (critically calmed)
Blue
Orm

Map

Thelonious shakes his head, still feeling a bit drained after his encounter with the succubus.

"Fellas, let's just dig down deep for this one. No way out but through."

Lingering Inspire: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

It's about as rousing as it sounds. +1/+1 for 1 round.

The words of inspiration fail to ring off the walls, but they are enough to stir something within the hearts of our entertainers.

Two of the xulgaths hang back, unsure of why the battle rages around them.

The third advances on Madame P and takes a swing at her.
club: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 9 - 1 = 16 for bludgeoning: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

The other quasit flits by the waiting xulgaths, "Snap out of it, you numbskulls!" When they fail to act, it flies down to intercept the attacking party.

~+~Combat Round 1~+
Madame P
Derrikk (-6)
--Adora
Pink (-6)
Junebug
Red (-1 attacks)
Green (calmed)
Yellow (critically calmed)
Blue
Orm

~+~Combat Round 2~+
Madame P
Derrikk (-6)
--Adora

Map

Orm aligns with his inner mountain, and then tries to tumble through the xulgath’s square

Acrobatics to Tumble Through: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 vs. creature Reflex DC

If that works, he’ll then flurry on the xulgath.

Attack 1: flurry : 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 1 = 19
dmg 1?: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8

Attack 2: flurry w/ IC: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12
dmg 2?: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12

fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Derrikk continues to focus on the quasit

hunted shot1: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 1 = 15 for probably not damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7

hunted shot2: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 = 12

moves back and directs Adora to go at it.

jaws: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 = 30 for a crit! damage: 2d6 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 13 2 of that is fire

Orm tumbles through the space of the xulgath warrior and pummels him in the back.
Fortitude: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Derrikk shrugs off the quasit's poison, but his bowshots go wide. Adora gets a good chomp in, and the creature is barely holding on.

Madame P maintains the calming effect of her earlier spell and lashes out at the quasit with her starknife.
starknife: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 = 22 for piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Madame P finishes off the creature and takes a stab at the xulgath that she is flanking, just knicking him!
starknife: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 1 - 4 = 14 for piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

~+~Combat Round 2~+
Madame P
Derrikk (-6)
--Adora
Pink
Junebug
Red (-12, -1 attacks)
Green (calmed)
Yellow (critically calmed)
Blue
Orm

Map