[Non-PFS] [3PP Class Only] Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands (Inactive)

Game Master djpika

Combat over. M12 doesn't have more than what's already been described. Where does the party go now?

Forward. Forever forward.

If my understanding of the layout so far proves true, I think we missed some rooms down the hall to the left. We should exhaust our search before considering the pit."

putting a comment in discussions~

@Xeph - no need for a perception there, it's already been explored up to room M12. There's the double doors in room M12, and 4 doors in the hallway between M12 and M6.

Finding time to retrieve her thrown dagger and resharpening it after a bit of cleaning off the goblin blood, Chigao asks, "Does anyone recognize what manner of creature that led those three goblins? It was clearly back by it's throne when I first saw it and it easily caught up to me despite the distance by clearly outpacing its' three underlings. I don't doubt that it had spotted me first while I was keeping to the shadows."

If my understanding of the layout so far proves true, I think we missed some rooms down the hall to the left. We should exhaust our search before considering the pit."

"Those double doors to the south... it might be best to leave them be for later on after we've cleared up some of those missed rooms. Perhaps we'll have better luck searching the doorway nearest to that disposal cube pit? I had spotted it earlier before I was seen at that skull-pile room." Room M12, of course. ;)

Threading her way back through the dungeon room of M7, the Young Kunoichi makes her way past the pit of M6 to stealthily examine the missed door to the east of the pit- with dagger drawn, of course.

Stealthing to the door: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19.

Perception of door: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8.

if disable device is required: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17.

if unlocking door is needed: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29.

Chigao opens the door to a decent‐sized chamber. It features two large beds, a sturdy chest and a table with two chairs. Two muscular, dark­‐furred creatures with milk‐white eyes wield morningstars. They turn towards Chigao with wicked glee. One gently rolls his shoulders, thick sinew stretching from neck to arm, before unleashing a gorilla-like roar.

==COMBAT==
Table: This sturdy wooden table is 3 ft. high. Characters under it have cover (+4 AC, +2 Reflex saves). Characters can leap atop the table (DC 12 Acrobatics) to gain the benefits of higher ground (+1 on melee attacks).

Benches: The benches are 2 ft. high. Characters can leap atop a bench (DC 8 Acrobatics) to gain the benefit of higher ground (+1 on melee attacks), but are considered balancing. A character in an adjacent square can push a bench at an opponent to make a trip or bull rush attack (increasing the attacker’s reach by 5 ft.; +2 bonus to the attack).

+ PARTY UP

==INIT==
Zupon: 15
Randall: 13
Nathan: 13
Chigao: 13
Xeph: 7
GM: 2

Note - I moved the rest to M6 to start.

"Ooh boy, that was loud! Chigao fall back!"

Zupon doesn't wish to charge down a hallway, and instead leans against the wall steadying his aim and waits to provide Chigao covering fire with a flashbang dart.

Would it be fair to say that the two dark-furred creatures in the room would be a bit more larger than the creature that commanded those 3 goblins in M12? How about when either are compared to Xef or Randall in terms of standing height? ;)

Her eyes widening at the sight of the pair of dark-furred monstrosities dwelling inside of the room at M8, Chigao opts to fall back instead as directed by Zupon.

Not sure how legal it is but Chigao will attempt to 5' step away from the fur-monster by the door as a move action so that she avoids any Aoo. If disallowed to do just that, she'll try acrobatics to do the same. Then she'll spend her 2nd move action to retreat to M6 under her normal 30' speed.

if acrobatics is needed instead: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23.

Heading back to the cube pit where the others are gathered at, the Young Kunoichi calls out, "There's two of them! Dark-furred monstrosities wielding weapons- morningstars! I've never seen their like before...!"

Kn. Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Randall blanches slightly at the description. "Given the only thing we've seen up to now are goblins...sounds like we might be dealing with bugbears. They're nasty, cruel creatures. It's always a pain when the army has to put down an organized group of them."

He moves forward and sets himself up to limit their movement if they attack.

Move forward, ready to attack. Keep in mind I also have Reach. Gonna preemptively make attacks. Power Attacking for once since these guys are probably a bit easier to hit than goblins.

Readied Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (2, 4) + 9 = 15

AoO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (1, 1) + 9 = 11

If the Readied attack hits I will use my Swift action to Triumph and give the party +2 to the damage of their next successful attack.

For an explanation of how I'm able to take a Swift action sort of (but not quite) off-turn, it's due to this interaction:

If this sounds weird/unintuitive to the GM, feel free to nix the Triumph part and I'll keep it in mind for the future.

@Randall - if you have a specific question for hitting the DC +5, please go ahead.

The creatures are larger; they're about the size of Shaq.

@Chigao - Taking a 5' step restricts you to no other movement for the turn. You have to use acrobatics here to move without the AoO.

Still Up:

Nathan: 13
Xeph: 7

Xephkiel advances to the corner and talks in a hushed tone to the conscript. "Maybe we can draw them out and throw them into the cube down in the pit?" The astral deva's rapier is at the ready.
Move. Holding Action.

Xephkiel advances to the corner and talks in a hushed tone to the conscript. "Maybe we can draw them out and throw them into the cube down in the pit?" The astral deva's rapier is at the ready.

Move. Holding Action.

"There aren't a ton of distracting things Psimon can do ... but maybe I could make him glow to get their attention?"

Moved

Good to know about that 5' move stuff, DM rel20. In that case, Chigao will then opt to acrobatics her way to safety with the roll previously made. ;)

Recalling the relative sizes of the two 'bugbears', as identified by Sergeant Harkness, in the room before she fled back to the others, Chigao makes a quick mental comparison between their height of 7'1" and Xephkiel's height of 6'6" and realizes with a sinking feeling of dread that the two dark-furred 'bugbears' are both at least 7" taller than the Astral Deva Caydenite himself, possibly weighing even more in terms of body weight- although the fur makes it harder to tell by how much more.

Calling out to Xef, the Young Kunoichi warns him by saying, "I've seen them both, Xephkiel; they both stand much taller than even you- by over half a feet at least. They might even outweigh you but with all that dark fur covering over them, it seems pretty hard to tell."

Thinking back to how furry these 'bugbears' are, Chigao tries to recall where exactly she has the flasks of alchemist fire stowed upon her person as she further adds aloud, "Speaking of fur, it might be possible to set them on fire much more easily because of how much of it covers their entire body. Unfortunately, I've no confidence in being able to lob an alchemist fire flask accurately at this distance- not with everyone gathered so closely nearby..."

Perhaps the idea of setting the bugbears on fire would help to give Nathan the idea of using matter agitation upon them? I think it doesn't require an attack roll so Randall wouldn't give them any soft-cover penalties to attack them with it. ;P

All of a sudden, Nathan thinks, "Hey I could probably ignite one of these bugbears, that would get their attention!"

Cable moves to 30' range of the red bugbear

The first bugbear runs into the hallway, heavy steps echoing into the room. Zupon tosses a dart that catches the wall of the tunnel as Randall plunges his polearm into the lead bugbear. The momentum of the brute carries it forward and the weapon goes deeper, slowing it in surprise. Grabbing the shaft with his off hand, the bugbear removes it and presses forward. Randall trys to break the weapon free for another attack, but fails to overcome the strength of the bugbear's grip.

A crude morningstar slams into Randall (7 damage), spikes puncturing armor and flesh alike.

The second bugbear steps into the hallway and bellows in a low, primal voice, "I'm going to gut you and hang you by your own entrails!"

Does Xeph want to take his action now? Otherwise the next round is up.

The astral deva reaches out and cast cure light wounds on the conscript.
CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Xephkiel channels his innate divine energy and binds some of Randall's wounds.

==COMBAT==
Table: This sturdy wooden table is 3 ft. high. Characters under it have cover (+4 AC, +2 Reflex saves). Characters can leap atop the table (DC 12 Acrobatics) to gain the benefits of higher ground (+1 on melee attacks).

Benches: The benches are 2 ft. high. Characters can leap atop a bench (DC 8 Acrobatics) to gain the benefit of higher ground (+1 on melee attacks), but are considered balancing. A character in an adjacent square can push a bench at an opponent to make a trip or bull rush attack (increasing the attacker’s reach by 5 ft.; +2 bonus to the attack).

+ Everyone before 2 can go for ROUND 2

==INIT==
+ Zupon: 15
+ Randall: 13
+ Nathan: 13
+ Chigao: 13
GM: 2
Xeph: 7 -> 1 (Delay)

Leaning against his wall, and aiming steadily using a brace stance Zupon fires at the creature engaged with Harkness, hoping his powder will blind the creature and give Harkness the edge
Flash Bang Needle Launcher. Touch AC.: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 to hit @ Red w/ ally providing cover I assume.
Bludgeon / Slashing / Piercing damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Fort save DC 15 vs blind and deafened 1d4 rds: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Witnessing with disbelieving upon her face at how easily the Red Bugbear shrugs off a full impalement from the burly Sergeant, Chigao- biding her time after Zupon fires off another needle launching attack- slowly draws out the goblin-made tanglefoot bag as she approaches right up next to Nathan.

Seeing as how the second Bugbear, Yellow, has openly declared it's hostile intent, the Young Kunoichi lobs the tangle-foot bag at the Red one [despite the 20' distance and bodies in between] as she thinks to herself, These Bugbears are intelligent enough to speak aloud in the Taldane Common tongue... that certainly isn't a good sign!

Ranged touch vs Red Bugbear at -4 distance/-4 soft cover from Nate and Randall: 1d20 + 4 - 8 ⇒ (11) + 4 - 8 = 7.

Miss chance direction: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Good thing it wasn't an alchemist fire flask, eh? ;p

Randall grunts as the glorified club slams into him, and struggles against the bugbear. At first he presses hard, using his greater physical strength to force the goblinoid back...then quickly reverses course, stepping back and bit and throwing the bugbear off-balance as he lines up another thrust.

Ranseur (Impale): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Unfortunately, his shoulder freezes up at the wrong moment, a bit of spike broken off from the morningstar scraping sickeningly against bone. His attack goes wide.

The astral deva takes several steps back in order for others to be able to move in and out of combat.

Zupon strikes the lead bugbear, bursting with a yellow light followed by a loud thud as it falls to the ground. Chigao tosses a tanglefoot bag at the remaining bugbear. It presses itself against the wall, shield out, escaping most of the goo as it sprays the hallway. I moved Randall up 5' to make the attack; still misses.

reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Just need an action from Nathan...

Randall wouldn't be able to make the attack from there; he's using a Reach weapon and cannot attack adjacent enemies. That's why I had him 5' step back.

If Nathan was going for a matter agitation attack, I think it'd just be a matter of him starting it up and concentrating from there- plus deducting the pp cost for the power. ;)

Just got in from work team, give me a minute.

MA is paid once and then maintained ... and then concentrated on for 3 rounds. On the 3rd round, its fur will ignite.

Randall wouldn't be able to make the attack from there; he's using a Reach weapon and cannot attack adjacent enemies. That's why I had him 5' step back.

The first one went down, so you would have to step up 5' to maintain a 10' distance with the one behind him. The end result is the same, no attack vs. taking the attack with the low roll. It just depends on where you want to end up.

The bugbear slogs forward, goo stretching across limbs.

Check for AoO - Randall

+ Everyone before 2 can go for ROUND 3 once Randall resolves the AoO

==INIT==
+ Zupon: 15
+ Randall: 13
+ Nathan: 13
+ Chigao: 13
GM: 2
Xeph: 7 -> 1 (Delay)

Power Poke: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (2, 2) + 9 = 13

Ok, so Randall's defense against the dark goblinoids succeeds, jabbing at the bugbear, but not enough to keep the determined brute away. From above:

morningstar: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 2 = 23
morningstar crit?: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 - 2 = 12
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Fueled by rage, the bugbear moves like a juggernaut powering forward. It bashes Randall again with a thundering crack.

+ Everyone before 2 can go for ROUND 3

==INIT==
+ Zupon: 15
+ Randall: 13
+ Nathan: 13
+ Chigao: 13
GM: 2
Xeph: 7 -> 1 (Delay)

Wending her steps carefully so that she would avoid [or attempts to] the edges of the yawning chasm holding the glistening cube, Chigao gets within touching distance of the re-injured Sergeant and uses her Fey magics ability to place a Cure Light Wounds upon Randall.

CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6.

if Acrobatics is needed for the pit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27.

Noticing the ninja may fall, Xephkiel advances and assists Chigao in staying out of the pit.
Acrobatics (Aid): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Zupon once again fires a dart, hoping to help the combat.
40increment, touch ac,: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
P/B/S type: 1d4 ⇒ 1
fort dc 15 vs [[1d4]] rds of dazzle/deafened.

Thinking he'd rather be patching up a coworker, but unable to safely get to the location. Flinching as his two allies juggle around with a pitted area-with a bad treat down below.

Zupon's dart lands on the upper torso of the bugbear, but the diminutive projectile bursts brightly and close to the bugbear's face, distracting further.

fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Bugbear: -13 -1
Entangled, Dazzled, Deafened

+ can go for ROUND 3

==INIT==
Zupon: 15
+ Randall: 13
+ Nathan: 13
Chigao: 13
GM: 2
Xeph: 7 -> 1 (Delay)

Giving a grateful nod and smile to Xef as the Astral Deva Caydenite lends a helping hand in steadying her footing along the edge rim of the cube's sinkhole chasm, Chigao once again focuses her attention upon the goo-covered, dazzled-deaf remaining Bugbear- trying to assess where her next move will be.

As Master Fisnaeth would point out, it is currently at a disadvantage at the moment; it would be an eternal shame not to capitalize upon that!

Heated bugbear fur [via Nate's concentrating], anyone? Chigao will likely attempt an attack next round if opportunity presents itself. ;)

Giving a grateful nod and smile to Xef as the Astral Deva Caydenite lends a helping hand in steadying her footing along the edge rim of the cube's sinkhole chasm, Chigao once again focuses her attention upon the goo-covered, dazzled-deaf remaining Bugbear- trying to assess where her next move will be.

As Master Fisnaeth would point out, it is currently at a disadvantage at the moment; it would be an eternal shame not to capitalize upon that!

Heated bugbear fur [via Nate's concentrating], anyone? Chigao will likely attempt an attack next round if opportunity presents itself. ;)

I haven't been counting - it's round 2?

I haven't been counting - it's round 2?

I think [and I could be wrong tho] that round 2 was when Nathan spent his 1 power point to get Matter Agitation started; round 3, this turn, he just has to roll 1d4 automatic damage for the bugbear [via the 2nd round of psionic concentration]. Hope it'll help and good luck on that damage roll. ;)

The rounds have been posted in the initiative updates. In CAPS above the INIT.

Evindyll wrote:

I haven't been counting - it's round 2?

I think [and I could be wrong tho] that round 2 was when Nathan spent his 1 power point to get Matter Agitation started; round 3, this turn, he just has to roll 1d4 automatic damage for the bugbear [via the 2nd round of psionic concentration]. Hope it'll help and good luck on that damage roll. ;)

lewt the bugbears, burnt or not, by perceiving: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Carefully holding her folded headscarf to her lower face, as a make-shift sort of handkerchief, to help ward off the strong smell of burnt bugbear in the morning, Chigao hands over the coins to Xef for safekeeping. She'll grab a single javelin and morningstar- bringing her encumbrance total to 72 [from 64]- as a precautionary measure as well.

She'll then direct the party to the room where she first spotted the Bugbears in. She'll search the room and check for traps upon entering.

Find traps: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8.

If disarming and unlocking are needed: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 121d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26. The first roll is disarming; second is unlocking with MW lockpicks.

Search the bugbear room: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9.

If nothing of interest is found, Chigao will confer with the party as to where they should proceed to next.

"We could continue to examine the hallways west of here. Excluding those double doors to the south for last, I think there might be another room to the north of here- but we could reserve that one for later when we have to go back up those stairs to the keep's first floor.", the Young Kunoichi casually mentions with a shrug and head tilt.

Breathing deep, as Chigao starts to take actions Zupon isntead assesses the damage, "You took that hit exceedingly well. Let me patch you up. That would've taken my head off I think."

Heal DC 15 heal 1hp+1 per over DC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Heals you7 hp I don't know your sum total of damage but I think it was les than that? let me know if you need more.

Zupon also takes the time to patch himself, having left it be for want of supplies but seeing the bug bear made him worry...
Heal DC 15 heal 1hp+1 per over DC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Heal DC 15 heal 1hp+1 per over DC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 attempt two

"While Chigao searches. I should make a few treats...

Xephkiel takes the offered coins and puts them in his backpack.

"We could continue to examine the hallways west of here. Excluding those double doors to the south for last, I think there might be another room to the north of here- but we could reserve that one for later when we have to go back up those stairs to the keep's first floor.", the Young Kunoichi casually mentions with a shrug and head tilt.

"I'll go guard those double doors to the south until the party is ready", the astral deva said.

"I'll go guard those double doors to the south until the party is ready", the astral deva said.

Although Chigao, in game/in character, would know nothing about Nate's Psicrystal's capabilities... but perhaps Xef could take Psimon or Nathan with him when he goes to guard those double doors?

Briefly running through the approximate distance measurements from the bugbear room's interior to where those double doors are located at within her head, Chigao acknowledges Xephkiel's offer to guard those double doors as she replies, "Will you be alright watching those door on your own? I fear that I've nothing that could help you to hide or somehow conceal your presence. Perhaps you could take someone with you to help guard those doors?"

This would be presuming that Zupon's healing up Randall or fixing up some more alchemical stuff and Chigao's searching thru the room.

Briefly running through the approximate distance measurements from the bugbear room's interior to where those double doors are located at within her head, Chigao acknowledges Xephkiel's offer to guard those double doors as she replies, "Will you be alright watching those door on your own? I fear that I've nothing that could help you to hide or somehow conceal your presence. Perhaps you could take someone with you to help guard those doors?"

Xephkiel shrugs. "If the others wish to join me, they may. Otherwise I'm fine being the first line of defense. Mortal safety is more important."

Breathing deep, as Chigao starts to take actions Zupon isntead assesses the damage, "You took that hit exceedingly well. Let me patch you up. That would've taken my head off I think."

Randall rubs his neck as that image comes into his head.

"Might have taken mine, too, if he'd landed that hit head on."

"...No pun intended."

Chigao Waiyo wrote:

Briefly running through the approximate distance measurements from the bugbear room's interior to where those double doors are located at within her head, Chigao acknowledges Xephkiel's offer to guard those double doors as she replies, "Will you be alright watching those door on your own? I fear that I've nothing that could help you to hide or somehow conceal your presence. Perhaps you could take someone with you to help guard those doors?"

Xephkiel shrugs. "If the others wish to join me, they may. Otherwise I'm fine being the first line of defense. Mortal safety is more important."

** spoiler omitted **

"May I join you? Possibly we could send my crystal thru the doors to take a look at what we will face beyond them. Just a thought."

"May I join you? Possibly we could send my crystal thru the doors to take a look at what we will face beyond them. Just a thought."

The astral deva stands shocked. "You can?!!"

Chigao doesn't find any traps but does find a locked chest. Quickly picking the lock, she opens it to find that bugbears are from organized creatures. Mundane personal possessions are stuffed inside, piled on top of 367 cp, 197 sp and 87 gp.

The door is partially open. Approaching Xephkiel, Nathan directs his crystal inside. Map updated - room revealed.

A table turned on it's side and two benches stand in the rough center of the chamber. A barred, stout door pierces the far wall. Another table against another wall holds objects of obvious torture. A rust-­colored stain covers a nearby bench and the surrounding floor. Three goblins hide behind the table.

Illumination: Darkness throughout much of the chamber; the burning coals of a brazier increases the illumination level by one step in a 10 ft. radius.

Ceiling: The ceiling is 10 ft. high.

Table: This sturdy wooden table is 3 ft. high. Characters under the table have cover (+4 AC, +2 Reflex saves). Characters can leap atop the table (DC 12 Acrobatics) to gain the benefits of higher ground (+1 on melee attacks).

Benches: The benches are 2 ft. high. Characters can leap atop them (DC 8 Acrobatics) to gain the benefit of higher ground (+1 on melee attacks), but are considered balancing. Alternatively, a character in an adjacent square can push a bench at an opponent. This increases the attacking character’s reach by 5 ft. and gives a +2 bonus to bull rush and trip attacks.

Torture Equipment: A bench against one wall holds several objects of torture – clamps, pokers and so on.

Brazier: Several irons poke from a smouldering coal-­‐filled wrought iron brazier.

Xephkiel wrote:

Chigao Waiyo wrote:

Briefly running through the approximate distance measurements from the bugbear room's interior to where those double doors are located at within her head, Chigao acknowledges Xephkiel's offer to guard those double doors as she replies, "Will you be alright watching those door on your own? I fear that I've nothing that could help you to hide or somehow conceal your presence. Perhaps you could take someone with you to help guard those doors?"

Xephkiel shrugs. "If the others wish to join me, they may. Otherwise I'm fine being the first line of defense. Mortal safety is more important."

** spoiler omitted **

"May I join you? Possibly we could send my crystal thru the doors to take a look at what we will face beyond them. Just a thought."

Sensing motives a la Xef; possibly distracted due to bugbear-room examination? not sure of that modifier, if any: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19.

Noting that Nathan and Psimon will accompany Xephkiel removes much of Chigao's unfounded worries of the Astral Deva Caydenite possibly running into more Bugbears, or worse, while he's guarding those double doors all on his lonesome. Speaking of Bugbears, they did leave behind a sizable chest inside of their room...

Chigao doesn't find any traps but does find a locked chest. Quickly picking the lock, she opens it to find that bugbears are from organized creatures. Mundane personal possessions are stuffed inside, piled on top of 367 cp, 197 sp and 87 gp.

After managing to unlock the chest after closely examining it for traps- all the while Zupon is nearby to patch up Sergeant Harkness- the Young Kunoichi notes with some surprise at the cleanliness and organization of the two Bugbears's possessions hidden inside. For such hairy and brutish creatures, these Bugbears do seem quite organized. Never would've thunk that from such vicious savagery...

After counting up all the coinage, Chigao will then inform both Zupon and Randall of the party's latest coin-filled windfall , courtesy of the dead and burnt Bugbears, before adding in, "We'll get these coins over to Xef to carry- he should be by those double doors, guarding along with Nathan and his crystal, Psimon..."

I'll move both Nathan and his Psicrstal over to where Xephkiel is on the map; will place Psimon inside the torture room to spot the 3 hidden goblins there. I'll also move Zupon up next to Randall and place Chigao by the doorway. ;)

I moved Zupon back slightly, as he is middle of attempting to craft more~ likely won't finish but that is fine.He is trying. We know not of the goblins yet, and as far as zupon knows ya'll just searching for now. So he's taking his moment to try and make another bomb he didn't fnish last time.
It might start up without him nearby but that is the result of it. That said. That is indeed where Zupon would normally move Chigao. Good knowledge of my movement there.

put a note in Discussion for GM

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Seeing the cowering goblins, Xephkiel curses the fact that he no longer can use tongues.
"Goblins! Please come out with your hands up. There is a goblin woman with three small children that need goblin protection outside the castle. If you come out peacefully, we shall let you leave this castle in peace!"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13