GM supervillan's 8-14 To Seal the Shadow (Outpost III) (Inactive)

Game Master supervillan

Tenibri's elemental batters the blue-ribboned wayang.

The two red-ribboned wayangs nod to each other and continue their coordinated assault on the Foreigner; light red shifts his stance.

light red vs Foreigner (readied), flank: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 2 = 27damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

dark red vs Foreigner, flank, flurry, pa: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 - 2 - 1 = 16damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
dark red vs Foreigner, flank, flurry, pa: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 2 - 2 - 1 = 17damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

The more measured technique of the light red ribbon proves more effective.

Combat round 3 / 4

Foreigner (-10hp)
Team blue (dark blue stunned, 2nl; light blue -6hp, 12nl)
Tenibri + elemental
Dana
Dale; feint vs dark red
Team red (light 31nl; dark 28nl)
Hayden (-5hp)
Vlazis

Active conditions: Bless

The bold may act!

"Fight on Nobali Hohachi! Fight on O Ilyakamano!"

Inspiring Command again: Foreigner and Hayden gain a +2 insight bonus on attack rolls, AC, combat maneuver defense, and skill checks for 1 round

Again, the Foreigner feels his wounds subside as Hayden's watchful eye literally keeps him from harm. Those with keen eyes, however, spot blood beginning to drip from under the knight's armor. Life Link transfers 5 hp to Hayden

Feeling the call of Tiqa Vastrokardoyo, Hayden's large form steps onto to the platform over one of the wayangs. He brings his scimitar down roughly on one of the wayangs teaming up against the Foreigner.

Attacking light red
Attack (bless, DF, inspire, height): 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 29
Damage (enlarge, DF): 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 10

Crit Confim!: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 25
Extra Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 11

Pretty sure Hayden will get a +1 from the platform height. Bonus if the platform can't hold his weight and he collapses it on dark red. :)

Vlazis bestows another divine blessing from his devilish patron.

Hayden steps onto the raised wooden platform...

OK, the platform would definitely hold 6 medium creatures, you weigh the equivalent of 8 medium creatures - I'm going to say 1 in 4 chance of collapse.

collapse on a 1: 1d4 ⇒ 1

CRRRAAAACKKKK!!!

The platform is unable to support the mass of the enlarged knight, and as Hayden swings his scimitar the wooden planks beneath his feet give way. But the gods must be with him, for even as he falls his sword-point finds a vulnerable point on the body of the wayang below, who falls, unconscious and pinned beneath Hayden's bulk.

lethal damage to wayang: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Hayden, attempt a DC10 Acrobatics check - if you fail you land prone. No damage to you though.

The crowd applaud at the daring attack; but the gladiator is left badly injured.

Combat round 4

Foreigner (-5hp)
Team blue (dark blue stunned, 2nl; light blue -6hp, 12nl)
Tenibri + elemental
Dana
Dale; feint vs dark red
Team red (light -27hp, 33nl, unconscious; dark 28nl)
Hayden (-10hp)
Vlazis

Active conditions: Bless

The bold may act!

Haha! I didn't expect it to actually happened, but that was perfect!

Acrobatics: 1d20 ⇒ 1

As is that. So Hayden is prone in the wreckage of the platform.

Delaying the Foreigner

Dark blue ribbons shakes his head and comes to his senses. His ally in the light blue ribbons continues to focus on Tenibri.

grapple vs Tenibri: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

He grabs a hold of Tenibri.

Combat round 4

Team blue (dark blue 2nl; light blue -6hp, 12nl, grappled)
Foreigner (-5hp)
Tenibri (grappled) + elemental
Dana
Dale; feint vs dark red
Team red (light -27hp, 33nl, unconscious; dark 28nl)
Hayden (-10hp)
Vlazis

Active conditions: Bless

The bold may act!

With the light red wayang unconscious and its dark red comrade trapped beneath Hayden's bulk and the collapsed platform's wreckage, the Foreigner charges the dark blue wayang, feeling the rush of Nobali Hohachi's battle spirit.

Greatsword, Bless, Bull's Strength, Inspiring Command, Charge, Signature Weapon, Power Attack; Damage: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 2 + 2 = 302d6 + 13 ⇒ (5, 6) + 13 = 24

(-2 Charge penalty to AC; +2 shield bonus from Shield of Blades)

Dana steps forward and tries to aid the defense of the Foreigner.

aid Another ac : 0 + 1d20 + 3 ⇒ 0 + (12) + 3 = 15

Aagghhh! I mixed up Team Red's hp! Dark Red is the unconscious one, pinned under Hayden. To fix my error, I will say that Light Red misses its AoO against the charging Foreigner.

As soon as the wayang grapples Tenibri, an amulet worn around the arcanist's neck flashes with the golden glow of the sun. Tenibri easily slips from the wayangs grip and darts around the elemental to stand by the nearby pillar.

The air elemental slams into the wayang again, whirling faster and faster and growing in size as it attempts to trap the wayang in its spinning form.

As Dale prepares to strike with his oversize wooden sword the platform collapses and buries the wayang "Oh man, maybe next time he'll keep his head on a swivel."

The hairy man turns his attention instead to the bruised up light red one. "I don't find it very FAIR that we're required to use non lethal force in this reenactment, while you and your allies are drawing blood!" He turns to the crowd and asks them how they feel about it... but not before he attacks!

Wooden Greatsword, 'half proficient', heroism, bless, Bull's Strength: 1d20 + 3 - 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 3 - 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 182d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 6) + 3 = 11

The Foreigner switches targets, and whacks dark blue ribbons so hard the wayang is almost stunned again.

Tenibri magical protections prevent his opponent keeping a hold, and he tries to skirt around his enemy...

AoO vs Tenibri: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

but doesn't quite avoid a frustrated gladiator's retaliation.

elemental slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 Augment Summons is not improving the Small Elemental's attack roll because the creature uses Weapon Finesse.

Tenibri's elemental gets in some retaliation of its own. resolved attack against Light Blue, not Dark, given position on map.

Dale knocks out the other member of Team Red and turns to the crowd, who cheer loudly!

Combat round 4

Team blue (dark blue 26nl; light blue -13hp, 12nl)
Foreigner (-5hp)
Tenibri (-4hp) + elemental
Dana
Dale
Team red (light -9hp, 33nl, unconscious; dark -24hp, 33nl, unconscious)
Hayden (-10hp)
Vlazis

Active conditions: Bless

The bold may act!

Anyone who has not already done so may attempt a DC25 Sense Motive check. If you pass, open this spoiler:

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Understanding full well what it is to make a propitiating offer that could well include your blood, Vlazis steps into the fray, cautiously swiping at the wayangs with his mace.

Mace @ Dk Blue (Defensive, Flank, Bless): 1d20 + 3 - 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 3 - 4 + 2 + 1 = 16
Nonlethal bludgeoning: 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Hayden rolls off the collapsed platform, muttering, "Sorry, mate" to the unconscious wayang underneath. He stands and instinctively reaches for an arrow but then realizes he has the scimitar in his hand. He moves to where he can support the others. He grunts as his lifeforce continues to buoy the Foreigner.

Stand and move to where he threatens dark blue. 5 more points of healing to the Foreigner with 5 taken by Hayden.

sense motive : 0 + 1d20 + 7 ⇒ 0 + (18) + 7 = 25

“Something is definitely wrong! This fight is not a show as the Wayang are under the effect of a compulsion spell! We need to end this quickly but nonetheless connect to the spirits and not hurt the Wayang!“

Sense Motive, Heroism: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13

"Huh? You sure?" Dale asks, still amazed he actually hit and knocked out someone with this giant wooden sword.

Vlazis enters the fray, and makes a tentative attack; but his caution means that the wayang has ample opportunity to avoid the blow.

Hayden extricates himself from the pile of broken wood and wayang, and adopts a more strategic position as his life link with the Foreigner takes its toll.

Meanwhile Dana makes a discovery.

Light Blue ribbons skirts the elemental in order to pursue Tenibri, and attempts to pummel the arcanist.

light blue vs Tenibri, flurry, power attack: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 2 - 1 = 7damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
light blue vs Tenibri, flurry, power attack: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 8 - 2 - 1 = 10damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Distracted by the summoned creature's attack, the wayang gladiator fails to land a blow.

Dark blue ribbons launches fists and knees against the Foreigner, before backing away to try to escape the flank.

Dark blue vs Foreigner, flurry, power attack: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 2 - 1 = 6damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Dark blue vs Foreigner, flurry, power attack: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 2 - 1 = 9damage: 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

His attention seems to be mainly on avoiding the press of pathfinders about to surround him, and his attacks are half-hearted. Flurry of misses from both wayangs :o

Combat round 5

Team blue (dark blue 26nl; light blue -13hp, 12nl)
Foreigner
Tenibri (-4hp) + elemental
Dana
Dale
Team red (light -9hp, 33nl, unconscious; dark -24hp, 33nl, unconscious)
Hayden (-15hp)
Vlazis

Active conditions: Bless

The bold may act!

Slightly concerned Hayden may have crushed the life out of the dark red wayang, Dale pauses to make sure he still lives.

Heal, Heroism: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 2 = 23

"First Whaoxi wants to kill you, then he wants to heal you... WHO is that masked man!" Dale moves to engage the remaining foes.

Dana steps forward again and tries to aid the defense of the Foreigner.

aid Another ac : 0 + 1d20 + 3 ⇒ 0 + (1) + 3 = 4

Unable to get by his allies and the various barricades, Hayden opts to take his enlarged self around the outside of the melee to support Tenibri and his elemental.

Double Move. Threaten light blue

"A compulsion?" the Foreigner rasps. "Who is dominating them?"

He pursues the dark blue wayang and swings his wooden greatsword, pulling back on the force of blow, not intending to kill it.

Greatsword, Bless, Bull's Strength, Signature Weapon; Damage: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 292d6 + 7 ⇒ (3, 6) + 7 = 16

He raises his arms to the crowd and beseeches the officials. "Some evil menace has beguiled these honorable wayang warriors, forcing them to fight to kill against their will!" the Foreigner thunders. "He or she desecrates this sacred ritual!"

The Foreigner shakes his head to clear it. This must be the spirit of Nobali Hohachi speaking. It is unwise to voice this concern before learning who is behind the compulsion.

Dale casts an eye over the unfortunate gladiator beneath the wreckage of the platform.

Dana tries to concentrate on protecting the Foreigner, but the big man just brushes past her as he swings a controlled sword-blow at Dark Blue ribbons - knocking the wayang out.

There is some murmuring in the crowd at the Foreigner's pronouncement. The Mayor and the dignitaries around him look concerned, but take no action.

Sir Hayden comes around to support Tenibri.

Combat round 5

Team blue (dark blue -9hp, 33nl, unconscious; light blue -13hp, 12nl)
Foreigner
Tenibri (-4hp) + elemental
Dana
Dale
Team red (light -9hp, 33nl, unconscious; dark -24hp, 33nl, unconscious)
Hayden (-15hp)
Vlazis

Active conditions: Bless

The bold may act!

Tenibri once again attempts to curry the favor of his mask's inspiration. He slips quickly in front of the wayang warrior to stand beside the enlarged Hayden; he slips a small vial into his hand as he moves. He motions and then gestures with the vial held tightly, causing a small glob of acid to fly towards the wayang combatant.

The elemental repositions quickly before continuing to buffet the too-eager wayang with wind and sand from the arena floor.

Tenibri moves with an almost unnatural precision, his steps the steps of long-dead ancients more so than they are his own; they carry him past the last wayang foe. An equally precise glob of acid scorches the enemy, before the unseen hand of history is stilled.

You hit both DCs exactly :)

Tenibri's elemental staggers the last gladiator. The crowd applauds!

Vlazis is up!

Deciding that this might be a time to display a bit of carefully calculated valor on Tenibri's behalf, Vlazis brushes past the towering Hayden to greet the wayang with mace and shield!

Mace (Bless): 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 1 = 18
Nonlethal: 1d8 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

A swift blow from Vlazis's wooden mace ends the fight. The crowd cheer and applaud as the mayor announces: "The heroes of Minata are victorious! The battle is won!"

The crowd immediately begins to disperse. Teams of wayang stretcher-bearers emerge from the tunnels, as Mayor Farzhan and Harjandi hop over the wall and drift to the arena floor under a feather fall spell. The pair rush over to you.

"So sorry, Pathfinders, so sorry!" the mayor gushes.

"Nobody knew, I swear!" adds Harjandi.

"Tradition demands that nobody interfere with the ritual once it has begun, no matter how the fight goes. But here, please accept these gifts as compensation!" The mayor hands you a small box and a purse full of gold.

"There are four hours until the next part of the ritual - the debate. I will see you by the debate stage at the main square" Harjandi explains, and the two hastily depart.

Party status

Tenibri -4hp
Hayden -15hp

Hayden will take one of the healing potions if no one minds. Usually it's use it or lose it in these scenarios, and this one doesn't seem like it'll be combat heavy.

Sir Hayden hurries to use his enlarged size to clear the fallen platform and check on the wayang underneath. "Sorry, friend. That's wasn't quite my intention." He uses a charge of his healing wand on the warrior, hoping to get him conscious and ask him what happened.

Once, he's awake, the knight asks him, "Do you remember what happened? Why were you fighting to kill?"

Heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Sense Motive, Heroism: These mofos lyin?: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 = 27

"Well, we made it through alive. Hopefully our adversaries survive ok. We'll go check on them, thanks." Dale quickly nods and goes to check on the stretcher bearers and the downed teams of wayangs.

"Ah, let me help you there, I'm a trained physician, don't want anything developing. Could be some serious cranial swelling from those blows. Or perhaps a severe case of lignin puncturitis from those wooden weapons!" Dale tries to get a good look at the downed. Checking them for magic with his wayfinder, and looking for anything odd medically.

Take 10 on heal and spellcraft: 27 and 25

"Mind if I hang on to one of the healing draughts?" the Foreigner asks.

He huddles close to the team and whispers, "Dana's sharp eye caught on that someone's interfered in this ritual. Whoever it was, they might try to do so again."

Retrieving his starmetal greatsword and placing the wooden one back in the weapons rack, he looks at Sir Hayden. "Your optimism notwithstanding, it may yet come to more blood spilled, before this day is done."

"I'll be back." The Foreigner heads to the private dressing room. "Need to change my shirt... "

... A minute later, Krieger rejoins the team, hair bound back in tight braids, noble attire all neatly in place.

"So how shall we prepare for the debate?" he asks. "And what if someone tries to interfere again?"

He cranes his neck, looking for their wayang contact. "Perhaps Harjandi can enlighten us."

Sir Hayden hurries to use his enlarged size to clear the fallen platform and check on the wayang underneath. "Sorry, friend. That's wasn't quite my intention." He uses a charge of his healing wand on the warrior, hoping to get him conscious and ask him what happened.

Once, he's awake, the knight asks him, "Do you remember what happened? Why were you fighting to kill?"

Dana looks at Hayden and casts detect thoughts and concentrates on the Wayang that Hayden is questioning trying to get a glimpse of what happened to them.

Will DC 18

Hayden finds that one charge of his healing wand is not sufficient to restore the wayang gladiator to consciousness, though he easily frees the small warrior from the broken platform.

Dale ascertains that the defeated wayangs are not in danger of dying - but they will need either further healing magic, or a couple of days' bed rest before they are back on their feet. Dale also notes multiple magical auras on each fallen wayang.

It will take another 2d8 of healing to restore the wayang that Hayden near crushed to consciousness. Dale's expertise as a healer tells you that the wayang that Vlazis knocked out can be restored more easily (1d8).

If you decide to use further healing so that you can question one or more gladiators, I can then resolve the Detect Thoughts and Sense Motive as well.

Hayden will use 2 charges of his wand on the gladiator he fell on and 1 on the one Vlazis knocked out. That should get them both conscious so we can question two.

Hayden administers healing to two of the gladiators, ensuring they are ok.

Vlazis observes carefully, prepared to prompt and direct the Wayang's thoughts to aid in Dana's divinations once they return to consciousness.

The restored wayangs are somewhat dazed and groggy. The stretcher teams are glad of your help in getting them on their feet.

Sir Hayden questions the two conscious gladiators whilst Dana attempts to listen in on their thoughts and Dale watches closely.

"Uh... I remember... a hooded figure" says Blue Ribbons.

"Yes" Red Ribbons agrees. "He said that you outsiders were here to destroy Inahiyi - that as representatives of the ancestors it was our sacred duty to stop you, and we couldn't risk just knocking you out, we had to kill you."

"There was a spell... or some kind of magic, I'm sure."

"The hooded one enchanted us then! I am sorry, strangers." Red Ribbons looks down at his feet. "We did you wrong."

Dale: the gladiators seem sincere to you.

Blue Will vs detect thoughts: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Red Will vs detect thoughts: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Dana: you get flashes of recent memory as Hayden talks to the wayang gladiators - their recollections of the fight. When they mention the hooded figure, you see it too: a small figure in robes, its face concealed. As the hooded stranger talks, there are flashes of magic, and you sense the gladiators agreeing with the hooded creature.

Mishka: by the time you return from 'changing your shirt' Harjandi and the mayor have made themselves scarce. I'll guide you all through prep for the debate in a later post.

”They are speaking the truth! I can see it! We are targeted by a saboteur and this person is small sized and obviously a spellcaster! We have to be careful!“

Dale nods along, listening to their words and sussing out any that seem disingenuous. Luckily none are. "Enchantment magic most likely, its already expired." He gently pats each of them on the shoulder and smiles. "Lucky for us you lost and we didn't. The spirits in these masks did seem happy with our performance. At least mine did."

Dale pulls out his journal and makes a few notes, not wanting to forget any of the details. "Where'd that Mayor and Harjandi get off to? They seem very suspect in all this..."

"But why? Why have them try to kill us? We're here to participate in an honored ceremony. If we get hurt, that only brings dishonor to the tribe for doing so and means that the ceremony won't be fulfilled as it is intended."

"Perhaps there's something they're not telling us. Maybe this ceremony isn't just honoring the founding. Or there's a hidden history they're not aware of." Hayden looks at the mask of Tiqa Vastrokardoyo. "I definitely felt something from the spirit. What if they are trying to tell us something?"

Krieger offers up his wand of cure light wounds to treat the wounds of the rest of the wayang warriors, expending as many charges as needed to restore them to full health, an effort intended to establish goodwill and for word of the deed to spread among the wayangs.

"We do not blame you for your conduct in the mock battle, friends," he says with a smile. "The fault lies entirely with the one who bewitched you. Please, consider joining us this evening for drinks at Unelda's boarding house. I would be honored to buy you all a round or two."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

(GM, please let me know how many charges to expend, at the 2 charges/11 hp average, if that's simplest. 41 charges available)

Three of the wayangs need 6 CLW charges to fully heal; one of them only needs 4 (using average values). Hayden has already used 4 charges, so 18 charges of your healing wand Mishka.

The wayang gladiators, and indeed the stretcher bearers, are very grateful for the healing provided.

"Thank you, outsiders. Heroes of Minata." says one of the gladiators.

'We would be delighted to join you, honourable friends. But it is the feast this evening - an essential part of the ritual. There will be plenty to drink, and you will not need to buy us anything!"

Hayden looks at the mask of Tiqa Vastrokardoyo.

Do you remove your mask to study it, Hayden?

Hayden wrote:

Hayden looks at the mask of Tiqa Vastrokardoyo.

Do you remove your mask to study it, Hayden?

In case Dana sees this:

”Please do not remove your mask! We were explicitly advised to not do that at any time! I have no idea why but let us respect this ritual as much as possible, especially because we know that somebody is trying to disturb it!“ she says to Hayden.

Hayden's hands drop quickly. "Sorry, I forgot. I just meant that perhaps the spirits were trying to tell us something is wrong with the ritual."

At mention of the small, hooded figure enchanting these wayang warriors, Tenibri squeaks "I'm just a conjurer! No enchanting here; not my style!" You don't think he really believed anyone would think him responsible...

He begins digging through his belongings, and sighs in frustration. "I don't know why I keep forgetting to buy one..." his eyes on the healing wands that are being used in abundance.

If purchases can still be made, Tenibri will buy a wand of cure light wounds in town before the debate.

Dale gives their wayang spellcaster a tap of his wand. "Sorry, didn't notice you got hit. This should remove any discomfort."

CLW Wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Kireger stows his wand, ready to put this strange episode behind him. (23 charges remaining)

The gladiators squint at Tenibri. One of them scratches his head. "Well... you do look like the hooded enchanter..."

"...But your voice lacks the same authority, right?" a second turns to the others, who confirm with solemn nods of the head.

A wand of cure light wounds can be purchased here.

"If you haven't already, why not get a bleaching? Or a tattoo? You know, to celebrate the occasion?" says light red ribbons.

You have four hours before the next event, and you are free to roam the city in that time.

Dana really thinks hard.

She starts pushing her corpulent body back into her heavy armor - with a lot of sweat and obvious lack of physical agility and strength.

At the end she decides to really visit a local expert on bleachings and tattoos.

”Good day. A bleaching and tattoo please. I leave the decision to you where you want to place it!“

Hayden gives this some thought. "Can they do any symbol? Or what about a piercing?" After visiting the artists, Hayden decides to get a double earring linked by a chain. He commissions a custom earring with the symbol of the Dawnflower on it.