[Gameday X] GM Zin's CORE Blood Under Absalom (Inactive)

Game Master Zin Z'arin

Fort save with prayer 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 = 25

Pau tries to thump on the enemy monk a few times.

FOB with Prayer 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 1 = 25
Damage, with prayer 1d8 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 5 = 11

FOB with Prayer 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 = 27
Damage, with prayer 1d8 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 5 = 10

Iterative FOB with Prayer 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7
Damage, with prayer 1d8 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 5 = 14

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

As the Pathfinder forces bring three of the monks down, the Sifu's ki force begins to wane!
______________

Code White is now in effect!

Bella moves up the steps of the dais.
"The Sifu is invisible? All we need to do is touch him? Huh. Let's see if I can detect a magical aura."
Bella weaves an arcane symbol in front of her, puts both wrists together with palms facing outward, and scans the back wall of the dais for any magical auras.

Lite-Brite zips over to Varidian.
"You need to hit the bad man better. Ohh. You're hurt, too. Here. I help you."
The ball of light nudges Varidian offering a bit of aid.
Temp. hp: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Prayer 3/6 rnds (+1 luck allies/-1 enemies, 40' centered on Bella).
Lite-Brite 4/6 rnds. (DC 13 Will vs. Aura).

Viridian grows frustrated with his lack of success.

Bella, it is as if the very gods want me to fail!

He slashes through the imaginary bars.

#1 +2 longsword,prayer: 1d20 + 13 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 13 + 1 + 1 = 30 for dmg: 1d8 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 1 = 16
#2 +2 longsword,prayer: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 17 for dmg: 1d8 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 1 = 13
#off +1 shortsword,prayer: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 27 for dmg: 1d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11

As he steps to the right to block escape.

Better, at least!

Kaya steps up, snaps her crossbow up and fires a bolt at the jerk monk. Then she reloads while looking around for their real target.

P.S.D. + Prayer + PBS - Cover: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 12 for Cold Iron/Piercing + Prayer + PBS: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7 (she has precise shot)

The monk suddenly shudders--and darts a quick, concerned glance up at the Sifu--when he feels his master's ki power begin to wane.

The Sifu is not invisible; he is floating above the dias surrounded by monks. This is part of the imagination and suspension of disbelief this scenario asks of players. The difficulty in touching the Sifu is not that he can't be found, it's that he's too well protected. The only way to complete the scenario's objective and touch the Sifu is to defeat his monks first. Sorry if that's a bit railroady, but it's what we've got. Bella, you can retcon your action, as you don't need to search for the Sifu; you need to defeat one or more of his monks.

Lite-Brite zips over to Viridian and grants him the same aid she granted Pau.

Pau shakes off the sparkly darkness that was creeping into the edge of his vision, and tries to make the monk pay for almost knocking him out like that. Only one of his punches gets through the nimble warrior's defense though, as the monk dodges and weaves with ease.

Viridian moves with Pau, though, and catches the monk at the other end of the warrior's bobs and weaves, leaving two deep gashes that immediately start to soil the man's monastic robes.

Kaya sends a crossbow bolt flying at the monk, but can't find a lane that doesn't threaten her allies; the bolt flies wide. Kaya, cover provides a bonus to AC, not a penalty to attack. It's my responsibility to track that; please don't penalize your rolls. You run the risk of me not noticing that you included it, and thus doubling its impact when I raise the target's effective AC. Feel free to add an ooc reminder after your rolls--and PLEASE feel free to remind me if you benefit from cover but don't think I gave you the bonus to AC--but don't put the math in the dice statement for your attacks. Thanks!

Round 3 (bold may act!)
Bella (-0/44 hp; protection from evil)
Lite-Brite
Gwen (-0/31 hp, 10 nl)
Pau (-28/51 hp; aid)

Round 4 (bold may act!)
Viridian (-9/74 hp, 4 temp; aid)
Kaya (-0/30 hp)
Hera
Red Monk (-74 hp, shaken)
Bella (-0/44 hp; protection from evil)
Lite-Brite
Gwen (-0/31 hp, 10 nl)
Pau (-28/51 hp; aid)

Active Effects
Aid: Aid grants the target a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects, plus temporary hit points.
Prayer: You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a –1 penalty on such rolls.
Protection from evil: gain a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves vs attacks made or effects created by evil creatures; prevents bodily contact by evil summoned creatures.
Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Totally called it. thinks Gwen.

She super-charges Hera again and flips the monk the bird.

aerial acrobatics (avoid AoO): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

shocking grasp v red (touch, prayer): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 electricity damage: 5d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 1, 2, 3) = 15

Gwen charges Hera with another shocking grasp spell, and the owl swoops over to the monk.

She comes in on a diving spiral path--to try to confuse the monk--but ends up confusing herself more, flying right into the monk's instinctive batting motion. Thankfully, that's good enough to discharge the spell, and the monk pulls his hand back in pain as electricity sparks up to his elbow.

Round 3 (bold may act!)
Bella (-0/44 hp; protection from evil)
Lite-Brite
Gwen (-0/31 hp, 10 nl)
Pau (-28/51 hp; aid)

Round 4 (bold may act!)
Viridian (-9/74 hp, 4 temp; aid)
Kaya (-0/30 hp)
Hera (-7/15 hp)
Red Monk (-89 hp, shaken)
Bella (-0/44 hp; protection from evil)
Lite-Brite
Gwen (-0/31 hp, 10 nl)
Pau (-28/51 hp; aid)

Active Effects
Aid: Aid grants the target a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects, plus temporary hit points.
Prayer: You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a –1 penalty on such rolls.
Protection from evil: gain a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves vs attacks made or effects created by evil creatures; prevents bodily contact by evil summoned creatures.
Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Bella casts fly on herself. Phantasmal gossamer wings sprout from her back. She soars upward and gets 20 feet above the evil monk.

Prayer 3/6 rnds (+1 luck allies/-1 enemies, 40' centered on Bella).
Lite-Brite 4/6 rnds. (DC 13 Will vs. Aura).

Bella calls on Desna for the ability to fly, and her deity answers in the only way she can--with gorgeous butterfly wings. Bella flies around to a spot nearly above the monk.

The monk makes careful gestures in the air, and his form suddenly becomes misty, insubstantial, and translucent. He flies 10' up and over Pau and Viridian's shoulders, avoiding any attempt from either to capitalize on his quick exit.

Round 4 (bold may act!)
Bella (-0/44 hp; protection from evil)
Lite-Brite
Gwen (-0/31 hp, 10 nl)
Pau (-28/51 hp; aid)

Round 5 (bold may act!)
Viridian (-9/74 hp, 4 temp; aid)
Kaya (-0/30 hp)
Hera (-7/15 hp)
Red Monk (-89 hp, shaken)
Bella (-0/44 hp; protection from evil)
Lite-Brite
Gwen (-0/31 hp, 10 nl)
Pau (-28/51 hp; aid)

Active Effects
Aid: Aid grants the target a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects, plus temporary hit points.
Prayer: You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a –1 penalty on such rolls.
Protection from evil: gain a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves vs attacks made or effects created by evil creatures; prevents bodily contact by evil summoned creatures.
Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

Kaya's mouth drops, "Gaseous Form? Really? Wowsa. First Slow, then this. I didn't think enemies were allowed to use magic."

She looks at her allies, "Oh yeah, so it like makes him a tiny bit harder to hurt, unless you can magically do damage. So an enchanted weapon would do it. Or just magic."

She blasts him with more magic missiles, "Like that."

MM CL 5: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 4, 2) + 3 = 12

Kaya blasts the monk out of the sky; his gaseous form falls to the ground, unconscious and bleeding out.

Combat over! Everyone has 1 round of actions to heal, buff, whatever you like, then the next encounter will start!
(And yes, I too was disappointed that gaseous form (followed by a cure potion that our monk never got to drink) was the emergency fallback strategy here...)

Status
Bella (-0/44 hp; protection from evil)
Lite-Brite
Gwen (-0/31 hp, 10 nl)
Hera (-7/15 hp)
Kaya (-0/30 hp)
Pau (-28/51 hp; aid)
Viridian (-9/74 hp, 4 temp; aid)

Active Effects
Aid: Aid grants the target a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects, plus temporary hit points.
Prayer: You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a –1 penalty on such rolls.
Protection from evil: gain a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves vs attacks made or effects created by evil creatures; prevents bodily contact by evil summoned creatures.
Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Kaya pulls out a scroll and magics up her crossbow for the battle with Sifu.

Scroll of magic weapon, 1 minute duration.

”Any chance someone has healing magic to spare?

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

Yet more of the Sifu’s disciples fall under the combined weight of the Pathfinder forces, causing his ki force to weaken even further!
______________

Code Gray is now in effect!

Bella uses a charge from her wand of cure light wounds on Pau.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
"During our next battle, Lite-Brite will fly around and continue to refresh Pau and Varidian with a bit of temporary health until he goes away. Give a bit to Pau, now, Lite-Brite."

"Okie dokie, artichokee."
Temporary hp to Pau: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

All of Bella's 3rd level spell slots are used. Still have three 1st & all five 2nd level left.

Gwen fades into the background before the next challenger arrives and casts disguise self.

Hera flies about above the melee, noxious magical clouds and rays, and around any flying or levitating contestants.

I was not liking this monk bit he was not as annoying as that Judge whatshisname.

"Whoo?"

Gwen, what's your disguise?

Another one of the monks peels away from the Sifu's defense and moves to engage you.

Round 1 (bold may act!)
Pau (-19/51 hp, 8 temp; aid minutes)
Hera (-7/15 hp)
Gwen (-0/31 hp, 10 nl; disguise self minutes)
Kaya (-0/30 hp; magic weapon 9 rounds)
Monk
Bella (-0/44 hp; protection from evil minutes, prayer 1 rounds)
Lite-Brite (2 rounds)
Viridian (-9/74 hp, 4 temp; aid minutes)

Active Effects
Aid: Aid grants the target a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects, plus temporary hit points.
Prayer: You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a –1 penalty on such rolls.
Protection from evil: gain a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves vs attacks made or effects created by evil creatures; prevents bodily contact by evil summoned creatures.
Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Kaya moves into the middle of the room and launches a crossbow bolt at the newest threat, "Sigh, another middle manager approaches."

P.S.D. + Prayer + PBS: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 28 for Magic/Cold Iron/Piercing + Prayer + PBS + MW: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 9 (she has precise shot)

Crit on 19?: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 12 for Extra Damage?: 1d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 9

Bella starts laughing and points at the new monk opponent.
"Hahaha! Look! He's way over there! He had to appear all the way across the room. How lame!

Should we just let him come to us?"

After our 1 round break after last combat, Bella should still have 2 rounds of prayer & 3 rounds of Lite-Brite... Umm, right? I keep track in my posts on notepad and that's what I have for rounds remaining.

Gwen, what's your disguise?

Glad you asked!

"Hold, brother!" cries another monk dressed in similar Sifu-style, interposing herself between he and the party. "Master Sifu has another test for you. The Invincibile Sword Goddess is approaching the tomb entrance above and only the strongest may stand against her! You must deny her access to the chamber! HURRY!"

She turns to the party. "Leave these pretenders to me."

bluff (prayer, possible bluff modifiers): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

After our 1 round break after last combat, Bella should still have 2 rounds of prayer & 3 rounds of Lite-Brite... Umm, right? I keep track in my posts on notepad and that's what I have for rounds remaining.

That's what I thought too when I first put it together, but I went through the posts and found that Lite-Brite had taken 4 standard actions along the way (3 aids and one light blast), so it could really only be this, right?

Pau readies an action to engage the creature if the illusion doesn’t work.

Could you shift Kaya’s shot to be a readied as well? Thanks.

"Master Sifu has another test for you. The Invincibile Sword Goddess is approaching the tomb entrance.... "

"WHOO!?" says an incredulous owl amazed at the event's star-power.

bluff (aid): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17

The monk seems suddenly unsure. He glances from the Sifu to the monk in front of him and back for assurance, but at the moment the Sifu's attention is directed at another part of the combat. "But defending the Sifu is our single goal? Are you sure?" His indecision overwhelms him and he doesn't know what to do; he panics, doing nothing at all instead.

Round 1 (bold may act!)
Bella (-0/44 hp; protection from evil minutes, prayer 1 rounds)
Lite-Brite (2 rounds)
Viridian (-9/74 hp, 4 temp; aid minutes)

Round 2 (bold may act!)
Pau (-19/51 hp, 8 temp; aid minutes)
Hera (-7/15 hp)
Gwen (-0/31 hp, 10 nl; disguise self minutes)
Kaya (-0/30 hp; magic weapon 8 rounds)
Monk
Bella (-0/44 hp; protection from evil minutes)
Lite-Brite (1 rounds)
Viridian (-9/74 hp, 4 temp; aid minutes)

Active Effects
Aid: Aid grants the target a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and saves against fear effects, plus temporary hit points.
Prayer: You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a –1 penalty on such rolls.
Protection from evil: gain a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 resistance bonus on saves vs attacks made or effects created by evil creatures; prevents bodily contact by evil summoned creatures.
Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Kaya points her crossbow back and forth between the two monks, ”Uh boss, which one do we shoot?”

Bluff Aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

Without warning, the entire cavern begins to shudder. Atop the dais, Sifu Xho Nuo’s slight form begins to glow with a soft, white light. Slowly, without breaking his meditative stance, his body rises, levitating a few feet above the dais. Then without warning, a burst of bright energy ripples from his body, striking all of his disciples and causing them to turn gaseous and explode in a shower of rose petals. The Emissary remains motionless, amidst the fluttering petals, waiting for his new champions to claim their victory.

The cavern is thrown into chaos from the ripple of magical energy as the Emissary finally allows touch, and the assembled horde rushes over each other to get to the top of the dais! From the throng of warriors, a single arm reaches forth and touches the Emissary - Leena of the Grand Lodge faction!

Slowly, the Emissary opens his eyes and his body unfolds. Standing before the crowd, he bows graciously and his mouth curls into a contented smile. "I’m truly touched by your efforts; this has been a stellar competition thus far. To those who have fallen, I give my heartfelt regret and sympathy—however, I seek only the greatest warriors."

"To the rest of you now standing before me...Congratulations! You have all succeeded in qualifying for the illustrious Ruby Phoenix Tournament. But be forewarned—tonight’s competition was mere child’s play compared to what is to come."

"Still, for the moment you should celebrate, for yours was a victory not easily won. But waste not too much time in celebration, for soon enough you must travel to Goka on the western coast of distant Tian Xia to compete against other competitors from across Golarion of your skill...or better. And for this, you must be ready."

Upon his parting words, Sifu Xho Nuo vanishes in a puff of pale white smoke.
______________

Congratulations on completing Blood Under Absalom! Thank you to all of the GMs and players who made this possible and took the challenges encountered and ran with them!

Kaya frowns, "Ugh, illusions. I hate them. Such a waste of time."

@ Gwen, :P

"But I guess we won or something? Wait, did he just say this was the SIGNUP for the tournament? ARGH!!!"

Slowly, the Emissary opens his eyes and his body unfolds. Standing before the crowd, he bows graciously and his mouth curls into a contented smile. "I’m truly touched by your efforts...."

"So did we touch him or not?"

Bella jumps up and down with joy, clapping her hands.
Yaaaayyy!!! We did it! Congratulations, everyone!"
She gives each of her teammates a big hug.
"Oh! Lite-Brite only has a few moments left until he gets sent back to his own plane. He wants to meet you all personally."

Lite-Brite soars over and gives everyone a little nudge (or noogie). The little ball of light pulsates brightly with excitement.
"Hi! I'm Lite-Brite! Kaya, Pau, Varidian, Gwen, and Hera... It sure is nice to finally meet you all. I hope I get to spend time with you all again soon. Until then, take care! Buh-byeeeeee..."
In a flash of multicolored light, Lite-Brite winks out of existence.

Bella waves as Lite-Brite disappears.
"Bye-bye, Lite-Brite."

Kaya frowns, "Ugh, illusions. I hate them. Such a waste of time."

"Well maybe if you were tall enough to see them." ;p

Lite-Brite soars over and gives everyone a little nudge (or noogie). The little ball of light pulsates brightly with excitement.

"Hi! I'm Lite-Brite! Kaya, Pau, Varidian, Gwen, and Hera... It sure is nice to finally meet you all. I hope I get to spend time with you all again soon. Until then, take care! Buh-byeeeeee..."
In a flash of multicolored light, Lite-Brite winks out of existence.

"Um? Nice to--Oh! They're gone."

So that can only mean one thing. Ale time!!!!

Bella has a grand time celebrating her team's victory at the tavern. She even partakes in Viridian's drinking contest.

"Bottom's up!"
She cheers as she slugs back another pint of ale.
Fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

"OhhKayy... Yoou winn, Varr-eed-E-inn."
She slurs squinting one-eyed at the warrior before passing out, face down, on the table.

”Good try Bella, but you cannot out drink me. I am a professional. “

Fort : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

He orders a couple more after finishing his and Bella’s

”Yes, Pau. Definitely more missions in pubs when I become VC! “

Bella lifts a sticky cheek from the sticky bar, bobbing her drunken head and points a wavy finger at Viridian.
"I's perfressional, too."

"Barkeep, do you have any octopi on sticks?"

"Whoo?"

"Don't."