GM Matt's Night of Gray Death

Game Master ChesterCopperpot

Aphotos flinches at Chance's suggestion, nearly dropping his stirring spoon. "Stars' silence! I certainly hope you're not onto something with that, Chance. But that feels too believable to refute outright."

He shakes his head, he's never been the best at speculative planning. More of a man of action, truly. He merely sips his tea in further response.

"Well then. Shall we work out a plan to get a hold of one of these blades then? Shut it down. I suspect since we have all found our invitations to the masque, that's going to be our best chance at coming into contact with one."

"It's almost a shame I'm not the type to send calling cards, it does seem like this would be exactly the time for one."

"We've got one chance better,"[b] Funmi says, pointing at the Grange Market on the map. [b]"Some kind of travelling circus. The necromantic energy I felt coming from inside is almost certainly a Blade, and even if it's not, it's a threat that must be addressed. I thought it strange for a circus to to have such a thing, but with the information we received from Ms. Liendi, it makes sense. A travelling circus is just the guise for their sudden and erratic movements."

Funmi glances over at Fiorré. The girl doesn't seem her usual excitable self, but given the circumstances, Funmi can hardly hold it against her. She almost opens her mouth to say something, but thinks better of it. "Don't call attention to the girl. Just give her time and she'll be fine, I'm sure."

"Let's take a few hours to rest and prepare. I want to strike today, before they have time to make a move. And remember, Gardeners move in disguise. Our enemy could be the entire circus, or just a single individual. We choose stealth first and fight only when forced."

Aphotos smirks slightly underneath his hood. "Ah, they may move in disguise, but likewise so could we. Let us finish up tea time and disperse, and make whatever preparations each of us need. Best we all leave separately, one at a time."

He slowly takes the last sips of his tea, sliding the cup and tea saucer to the other side of the table towards their teamaker. Then gets up in one swift motion, picks up his cane and shuffles towards the exit.

"We'll meet back at the coop after sunset. Bring everything you need. I'm sure a nighttime circus show will be great entertainment."

And with that, he nods a thank you to Keznin and the cartographer, then steps out through the doorway.

The crew splits up, and has a shockingly normal day strolling through the city and selling some of the magical wares they had recently acquired.

As night falls, they rendezvous at the safehouse, then make their way to the Grange Market, the site of the suspicious circus. In the center of the market sits a gaily painted tent--the only place large enough to hide a final blade. At a glance, this circus clearly isn’t operational, though, and a heavy, mustached barker is moving people away while directing several gnome roustabouts to get to work.

All of you realize that realizes that the roustabouts aren’t actually doing anything but wasting time, and the barker doesn’t seem to mind.

Funmi's afternoon errands are quite mundane. She sells a few magical runes, divides the earnings for each of her companions, and purchases a scroll or two. Nothing out of the ordinary for a travelling mage of the Magaambya.

But the woman who arrives at the Grange Market is someone else altogether. She wears a cloak as dark as night, with a mask that hides her face. She travels in darkness, away from the watchful eyes of Galt's citizens. Someone who has travelled through the Mwangi Expanse and asked after it's more frightening secrets may have heard of the Specter of Mzali. Certainly not a name she prefers. Instead, she tells her allies, "For tonight, call me Eclipse."

I switch into my Vigilante guise, throwing in a cast of Restyle to disguise my Robe of the Archmagi
---

Eclipse observes the barker from hiding, and is struck by a bolt of inspiration. "My friend, how would you like to join the circus?" she asks, glancing down at Chance. With permission, she waves her hand over the cleric's head, and disguises her as one of the workers.

Cast Veil on Chance, duration 1 hour or until Dismissed

Fiorré spends her time during the day shopping for minor items, exploring the city while taking care not to run afoul of further legal (or Gray) trouble, and occasionally surreptitiously tailing one or two of the others to see what they’re like outside of their adventuring lives. While she’s tempted to arrange a performance—Litran surely has a thriving artistic and musical scene, and it’s been too long since the Iobarian girl has had a chance to show off her skill as a pianist—such a show would most certainly imperil their mission here.

At the appointed hour, Fiorré leads the group to the alleged circus with all stealth, scouting warily ahead; as she prowls the darkened alleys and quiet streets, her clothing flows and reshapes to tight black velvet, and her braided hair goes panther-black. As the group approaches the false circus, the beastblood girl falls back a little, her hand drifting into her satchel to brush across the masques of filigreed mithril and tangled wood. All right, girl, time to choose. The Lady... or the Tiger. It’s strange to think in her own voice for once, but Fiorré is too busy wrestling with her conflicted feelings to properly appreciate it. Perhaps she should have brought this up earlier? Too late now, though.

Know yourself, and you have nothing to fear. The words Miss Ozinichi spoke during their odyssey through the Shadow come back to her. With a glance towards the others, at the woman calling herself Eclipse, Fiorré makes her choice. Pulling out the appropriate masque and trying to calm herself, the beastblood girl draws a deep breath, whispering the mantra that Lesedi, Funmi, and her classmates had all helped her develop. “O Huntress Queen, o Huntress Queen.” As she dons the item, Fiorré screws her eyes tightly closed...

...and Mayael, the Huntress Queen, opens her eyes.

The beast girl peers through the masque of tangled wood, her shimmering eyes easily piercing the shadows, and sniffs the city air, lips peeling back from her fangs in a sneer. She’s half-changed, as she often is when taking the fore, tail and antlers both twitching as they acclimate. Reaching over to the bracer on her arm, she gives it a little twist, feeling the twining mithril tracery slither down her fingers as it becomes vicious silvery claws. Then Mayael creeps closer to the others, slinking up in hopes of giving them a little scar—

Be nice, Miss Mayael. Please. She huffs softly, all but pouting at Fiorré’s pleading rebuke. Ní cheadaítear spraoi, sea, banphrionsa.* Prowling up to the others with what can only be described as petulantly presentable levels of stealth, the beast girl nods respectfully to Eclipse, who she knows to be a most skillful huntress. The others receive a cold glare... mostly to cover Mayael’s hesitation as she tries to remember foreigner-speak, finally settling on ‘scholar talk’. “On the prowl,” she purrs menacingly in Mwangi. “We hunt bad people, yes? Do we kill? Or...” The beast girl slowly bares her fangs, her smile dripping with playful feline malevolence. “Catch?”

*No fun allowed, yes, princess.

Eclipse glances at the Huntress, although her mask hides whatever expression she might have made. "If we are lucky, we will not need to do either. But I don't expect luck will be on our side. If the enemy attacks us...kill."

Chance takes a moment to consider her new new form. Taking a moment she shifts her gate and posture to fall in line with her new disguise. Pulls from one of her many pockets a cup and some dice. And makes her way in, to the group of gnomes.

"Nivi guide me in this great deception."

Chance casts Guidance upon herself

Feigning an apologetic hurry, she makes her way in to "assist" the other gnomes in their tasks. All the while apologizing for being late.

"Sorry I'm late, but you won't believe the game I just learned. Beginners luck even. Won these dice and some odd candy off of some crazy old gnome."

She tips her workman's cap at the guard as she passes in to join the others.

"Looks like we haven't started yet anyone wanna learn this awesome new game." Looking over at the guard, "It's a quick game you could join if you like!"

All the while Chance is remembering that game she learned in Kibwe. Certainly, none of them have heard of it... Its newness should draw their attention for a bit.

Stillness, darkness, it's a familiar and welcoming environment. And even especially more so in this outfit. Peering out through the full face mask, it often reminded him of the dark depths of the sea, down where the only lights were either your own or the ones belonging to things you definitely wanted to make sure you saw coming. The journey over is instinctual, stay near the shadows of buildings, say nothing, stay unseen by all.

And arriving at the circus he peaks up at the sky, a calming presence as well. Honestly, he nearly fell into old habits, watching waiting, saying nothing at all while the scene plays out, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. That is, until it had occurred to him, as he watches Chance worm her way into the crowd of workers, that he did have partners on this job. Right. Should probably remember there were others around and introduce himself.

"When you work with others, remember that they actually need to see you."

He steps forward, and a hooded figure, dressed entirely in black, with knives strapped on either side of his waist materializes out of the blackness of night. His expression is unreadable behind the full face mask covered only in a cryptic mysterious star pattern.

"Apologies. I should have spoken up earlier, my friends. Old habits die hard, I suppose. Silent Midnight, at your service. So what's the plan then now that we have our little distraction? I prefer to stay out of sight, myself but I've been known to be great hiding others when need be, as well. Shall we take a look around?"

Mayael’s gaze flicks to the apparent newcomer, and she prowls closer, circling like a predator. Sniffing, she tilts her head. “Is buachaill tú a bhfuil boladh blasta mar iasc agat,”* she murmurs at Midnight. After a moment, in strained Taldane, the beast girl adds in a condescending tone, “Means ‘fishy-boy’. And Mayael is hiding herself fine.” Heard in Taldane, her accent is strange even by the standards of Fiorré’s utterances, a breathy purr full of strange pronunciations and unusual tenses.

Still, any fear éisc who can sneak up on the daughter of Erastil is no poor huntress. After a moment’s consideration, Mayael gives a little sniff and a nod of grudging respect at Midnight. “We look, yes. Stalk and prowl, move unseen.” Glancing around the market and peering at the tent, the beast girl thoughtfully taps her clawed finger against her lips, the most Fiorrélike she’s yet looked. Is the circus just the big tent, or are there other tents or wagons or whatever? “Perhaps we are circling around, cutting into the tent in its back.”

*You are a boy who smells delicious like fish.

The circus gnomes quickly join in to the dice game; they have unusually high and thin voices--even for gnomes.

I wanna do my 8th level Detect Magic before I go any further. Anything within 30 feet that my passive Magic Sense wouldn't have detected?

There is transmutation magic around those circus gnomes.

Funmi's mask hides the faint glow of her eyes as she takes stock of her surroundings. She uses a message to whisper to Chance, "Be careful. They are not what they seem. If you feel you are in danger, get away from them quickly." Then she shares the same information with the others.

"I'm going to take a look inside. I'll let you know what I see."

Before anyone can object, Eclipse has already disappeared. For a moment, Mayael can probably still pick up her scent - the smell of cherrywood, old tomes, and plant extracts. But then that fades as well, as Eclipse takes one step forward, blinks through space, and is standing inside of the large tent.

Casting 2nd level Invisibility and 4th level Dimension Door

Chance having heard her companion's warning does not let her surprise show. She is the 5 time grand champion of the Bloodcove Grand Card Tournament after all, may Nivi always guide her hand. Instead, she focuses on seeing what she can learn from her new "gnomish" co-"workers". In between rounds of the dice game, she uses her skills as a dealer to get the "gnomes" talking and sharing information they perhaps should not be. Gently intermixing questions between bouts of trash talk. Letting slip the occasional gnomish phrase. All the while noting where her potential enemies are. And keeping an on how the barker reacts to the shenanigans.

Basically since she's "just one of the work crew" she's seeking confirmation of what their gig actually is (playing it off as having had too good a time at the gambling hall). Since it obviously isn't moving anything. Additionally she wants to periodically note how the barker is behaving. Playing it off as "when are we gonna get yelled at for not working?"

Games Lore (L) to Put on a Good Show: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (13) + 26 = 39

Chance has Discrete Inquiry and Group Impression
Diplomacy (M) to Gather Info: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (8) + 26 = 34

Perception to Sense Motive: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (20) + 25 = 45

"Well, they're not trying to hide it. In some ways that might be worse," Eclipse says, sending a message to Midnight this time. "I don't think there's any way we're extracting this quietly, but I'm going to try my hand at dismantling it."

A perception check to see if the guillotine can be taken apart/the blade removed, and then a thievery check to try to do it.

Midnight nods instinctively."I see... I'll try to get a better look at what's going around near the one exit out.

He directs the next words at his compatriots. "I think our clever Eclipse has found our final blade culprit, but we may have to get a little loud to extract it... I'm going to see if there's any way to scatter this man instead of going straight for the obvious solution to deal with him." He accents the end of his sentence, however by still drawing one of his knives as he quickly inches around the perimeter of the tent.

Stealth, dim/dark light: 1d20 + 31 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 31 + 2 = 40

He tries to peek around at the scene behind him and get a sense of the scope of the staff and the best method of removing them from the picture discreetly.

Mayael sniffs just in time to sense the familiar scent of Funmi fade into empty air. Behind the darkwood masque, the beast girl’s luminous indigo eyes widen... and then proliferate, another pair opening behind the others, broadening her scope of vision. “Ar an bhfiach,”* she purrs, just loud enough for the others to hear. Then, not even pausing to translate, Mayael is in motion; she moves with an inhuman blend of grace and speed, circling around the tent to reach the back side.

Stealth with Swift Sneak: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (2) + 28 = 30 moving 50 feet.

Unfortunately, open spaces were never the Huntress Queen’s domain; she is a creature of narrow spaces and vertical drops. Too, the feline shine of her eyes in the dark, the gleaming silver that replaces her sadly absent claws, are not always easy to hide. Still... the beast girl can outpace any pursuer. And perhaps drawing someone off to play will make things easier for the others. We’ve important business, Miss Mayael. Miss Oz... um, Miss Eclipse may need our help soon enough. Fiorré’s anxiously insistent tone elicits a frustrated huff from the beast girl as she prowls around the back of the tent. Ba mhaith liom a imirt leo, banphrionsa.***

But Mayael has promised to be good, and good girls do what they are told. Besides, even if she wouldn’t admit it under torture, she is a wee bit concerned for Eclipse. With her extra eyes keeping watch for pursuit, she drops to all fours. Deft as a cat burglar, the beast girl flicks out a mithril claw to daintily cut a kitten-sized slit in the tent. Peering through to make sure the coast is clear—and assuming there’s no one, outside or in, that will see her enter—Mayael oozes through the gap, flesh and bone turning gelatinous as she slithers through the aperture.

legendary Acrobatics to Squeeze with Quick Squeeze: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (8) + 31 = 39 I miss the compression monster ability. ^_^;

Effortlessly reforming on the far side, Mayael rises to her haunches, leaning on her clawless right hand as she prefers to, and surveys her surroundings. ‘Tis enough to make a lass sick, the princess whines, when you do that with our body. Mayael rolls her primary eyes. Is ar éigean atá an locht ormsa go bhfuilimid solúbtha, banphrionsa.****

*On the prowl.
**Sure I’m looking forward to a chance to play.
***I want to play with them, princess.
****It is hardly my fault that we are flexible, princess.

~+~Inside~+~
Funmi attempts to disable the final blade, but the results are frustrating, at best. Each time she removes a screw or peg, it replaces itself as soon as she glances away from it. Cuts to the rope securing the blade reweave themselves before her eyes. Handling the device is almost numbing to the fingers, and to Funmi's eyes the structure has the unhallowed glow of powerful necromantic magic. If there is some way to disable the devise, it is beyond mundane means.

~+~Dice Game~+~
The barker seems to be scanning the sparse passersby in the evening market and paying little attention to the roustabouts. For their part, they respond to Chance's Gnomish comments in Sylvan. The seem enthralled by the dice game and try to bet a number of small unusual items such as hen's teeth, tangle's of mare's mane, and children's laughter. In conversation, they mention being bored by "guard duty" and wanting to go for "a nice snack."

Meanwhile, Aphotos sneak to the end of the tent, unseen.

~+~Behind the Tent~+~
Mayael pads behind the tent. Her steps are light, but the canvas of the large tent makes an audible noise as it parts. She slips bonelessly inside the tent.

At the tent's front, the barker cocks his head. "Hmm...Think I hear something, boys. You, you, and you: Go check it out." He points to two of the gnomes...and Chance! He gestures impatiently behind the tent. The two gnomes grumble, but quickly pack away their bets and start for the rear of the tent.

Kaylee scoops up her dice and follows suit, thinking to herself, "Being evil doesn't preclude using a more gender-neutral term." She takes position behind the two "gnomes" guiding them to walk down the side closest to them. The side at the top of the map. Continuing the beleaguered lackey banter as they go. "Where are the best snacks in Litran, has any of you heard any rumors?" Hoping to get some clues as to what they think good snacks are... Hopefully not children or kittens. Unfortunately, her knowledge of the primal world is a bit lacking so besides a hunch they may be evil fey she can't really figure it out. Or just a creature that speaks sylvan.

She begins wondering what she will find when she rounds the back of the tent and begins thinking of what deception she will weave. And, hoping she can keep up with whatever deception her companions have planned. As part of the standard gripping while rounding the tent she attempts to get them to spill the beans on what we are guarding and who from. If she has a good sense that they are relatively in the dark too well that is information as well. Again playing things off as being out of sorts from too much time gambling, and maybe drinking. "Now you all have gotten me remembering how hungry I am," she bemoans.

Her hand rests on her hammer, ready to spring to action.

As "Kaylee" takes her new gambling friends around the tent, and the Huntress rushes ahead, Silent Midnight finds himself staking out the scene alone. However, he is not the only one left without friends to back him up, the ringleader himself... separated, ripe for the picking.

He steps back, using the slight bit of magic that he has picked up on his travels to help sell his life as an entertainer... and to help him with his real work he sends a Message to Eclipse.

"Forgive me if you have made progress, but I see my opportunity to take a terrible player out of this whole equation and I am going to have to take it. Hopefully you all can forgive me later."

Without waiting for a response our Midnight hero steps forward into the entrance area then moves towards the ringleader moving slowly, rhythmically, all the while intoning his voice to the same rhythmic beat that he steps until he gets right behind him, and finishes with a clap, blanketing the entire area around them in darkness.

Performance for Dance of Darkness vs DC 35: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (9) + 29 = 38
I spend one focus point, and now a 10ft burst centered on me is blanketed in magical darkness as the spell Darkness at level 8 for two rounds.

As Chance mentions snacks, the gnomes smack their lips. "Yes, you do smell...hungry." The round the back of the tent and see the small rip in the canvas. "Hey, what gives?" The first one pokes his head through the hole into the tent. "Anybody in here?"

Meanwhile, out front, darkness falls!

~+~Combat Round 1~+~
Aphotos
Barker (Blue)
Red
Funmi
Chance
Fiorré
Kuthek
Green
Yellow

Map

Aphotos lets out a terrifying yell right next to the Barker's face as he drops darkness down on him.

Battle Cry Intimidation vs Blue's Will DC: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (7) + 29 = 36

Then he quick draws one moonlight shining silver dagger and plunges into the Blue Barker's legs above him.

+2 Striking Returning SG silver dagger vs FF Blue: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (9) + 29 = 38
Piercing, Silver, Sneak Attack: 2d4 + 3 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (2, 4) + 3 + 6 + (1, 6, 1) = 23

He follows up by immediately drawing and slicing across the Barker's side with a second dagger, this one dark and heavy and made from an expertly crafted iron.

+2 Striking SG cold iron dagger vs FF Blue: 1d20 + 29 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 29 - 4 = 33
Slashing, Cold Iron, Sneak Attack: 2d4 + 3 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (1, 1) + 3 + 6 + (3, 4, 2) = 20

And to keep up his advantage, he silently tries to move past, keeping his location a mystery to this new foe.

Aphotos cry is unnerving, but not enough to frighten the barker, who seems tougher than his exterior suggests.

He also manages to avoid one of her attacks, though he is definitely caught off-guard.

Surrounded by darkness, he retreats to the interior of the tent and shouts, "We're under attack."

Those inside the tent can see him pull on a white ceramic mask and slip it over his features. He puts his back to a crate and draws his sword cane.

The "gnome" with his head poked into the tent sniffs the air, "I smell something that is very hungry. But so am I! Haha!"

The creature's form twists and shifts, and its teeth and nails sharpen.
Seek: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (12) + 21 = 33

"I know you're in the boxes! You smell like a cat. Are you a cat?"

The creature moves cautiously toward Mayael, though he doesn't seem to have penetrated her hiding place.

Terrain Effect: The little guy has a 15-emanation of difficult terrain. If you move into it, you also need to attempt a reflex save.

~+~Combat Round 1~+~
Aphotos
Barker (Blue)
Red
Funmi
Chance
Fiorré
Kuthek
Green
Yellow

Map

Eclipse stumbles back from the guillotine, shaking the chill out of her hands. She hadn't expected the entire frame to be enchanted. She tries to take a moment to figure out her next step, but before she can form a plan, there are shouts coming from the front of the tent, screams coming from behind her, and the ground starts to warp beneath her feet.

One problem at a time, she sighs. She raises an open hand towards the barker, perspective making him small between her fingers. Then she slowly closes her hand into a fist, encasing him in illusory walls. No one else will be hindered from striking him, but he'll remain trapped unless his mind is strong enough to break free.

Casting Phantom Prison. It is a 3 action spell, so I can't silence it. If he succeeds his will save, but doesn't crit succeed, I'll use Convincing Illusion.

Kaylee realizes the gig may soon be up but tries to hold on to the deception for as long as possible. Making some wild assumptions about these creatures as she is not trained in Nature. She casts a spell upon herself while attempting to conceal what exactly it is. Then moves into the tent. Declaring "Hey, what's going on in there boss needs help out front too?" Looking back at her erstwhile companion, "You comin' or are you chicken? We ain't gettin' any snacks if we don't finish this quickly."

Casts Airwalk to avoid touching the ground.

Deception: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (15) + 24 = 39 (+4 higher if veil will help)
Basically she tries to pass it off as a different personal spell and tries to conceal that she is not actually touching the ground.

As the voices approach her point of entry, Mayael silently draws the princess’s sword; in the Huntress Queen’s hand, its auroral sheen fades into ever-twisting shadow, cruel barbs and serrations manifesting as its bearer’s nightmarish nature infects the weapon. Tá ocras orm, i gcónaí agus go deo,* she thinks as the investigative creature creeps closer. Agus boladh mé cosúil le caitín. Cén srón géar atá agat.** Her own sharp nose draws a curious scent; not quite gnome at all, but something fairy-spicy. The beast girl grins to herself, as much at the delicious scent as at the impending debauch of blood and butchery. Múinfimid dóibh eagla a chur ar an Sealgaireacht Bhanríon, banphrionsa.***

Mayael is unfazed by the terrain, tarry, sticky, melty though it is; a protean nightmare such as she is perfectly at home in such environs. Nevertheless, the Huntress Queen gives a regal sniff of disdain. Tensing her powerful thigh muscles, the beast girl launches herself into the air from her crouched position among the boxes, executing a perfect backwards flip that drops her neatly into place alongside Miss Eclipse.

Athletics to Jump: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (14) + 29 = 43 (with Quick Jump and Cloud Jump, this should be easy)
Reflex save with improved evasion: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (4) + 31 = 35 (in case this triggers the aura)

Mayael nods at the princess’s favorite teacher. Then, without so much as a mistress-may-I, the beast girl brusquely presses her silver-clawed hand against the elvish woman’s sensitive ear, muffling her hearing on Mayael’s side. What’s coming could hurt Miss Eclipse, who needs her hearing, and the Huntress Queen is not the type to waste time on warnings. Besides, nearly deafening the teacher once—back in the teaching city, before Mayael became a good girl—was quite enough.

Drawing a deep breath... Mayael screams. And not just any scream. The nightmarish wail is enough to rival that of the legendary banshee, terrifying and inhuman and indescribably loud, infinitely louder than any mere Iobarian lass should be able to produce. The keening wail hangs on the air, echoing and disorienting. Curiously, the beastly scream carries not only terror, but a horrifying allure; it draws the eye and ear, a hideous fascination that permits no averting one’s eyes from the feline death stalking these moon-soaked streets.

Performance: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (18) + 28 = 46 Mayael Performs, focusing the Fascinating Performance on Red. If this result exceeds any observer’s Will DC, Mayael gains panache. EDIT: And I feel quite confident that it has.

Exulting in the power and terror she exudes, the Huntress Queen releases Miss Eclipse’s head, gazing down at her prey. She’s tempted to play with him, to predate and pounce, and under other circumstances she might; but tonight there is much to do. Instead Mayael’s thick fluffy tail lashes around and upward, catching the fairy thing in the chin and knocking it upward. Exposing the throat. And then... the beast girl darts in, fangs flashing as she, quite simply, brutally tears his throat out.

Bleeding Finisher attack: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (17) + 29 = 46
Bleeding Finisher jaws damage: 2d4 + 5d6 + 11 ⇒ (1, 2) + (2, 6, 6, 6, 6) + 11 = 40 plus the 5d6 bleed, you know, as one does
critical damage, if applicable: 2d4 + 5d6 + 11 ⇒ (4, 1) + (3, 2, 2, 5, 1) + 11 = 29

As she rises, cheeks and chin stained with fairy blood—the sight is, in fact, quite reminiscent of the Shadow’s revealing effect on poor Fiorré—the Huntress Queen disdainfully lashes out with her nightmare-shrouded blade.

Strike attack: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (6) + 24 = 30 Gonna assume that is a miss.

The languid strike doesn’t find its mark, though it’s not as though Mayael minds much. Glancing around the tent, wearing a surprisingly innocent grin—although the gore and the fangs undercut the innocence very slightly—the beast girl nods approvingly. “Circus is fine fun. Must go more often.”

Mayael does a Long/High Jump into the thick of things, Performs in her own special way, and then drops a particularly unseemly Bleeding Finisher on Red. Plus the usual quickened strike with Snowfall Nightfall.

*Hungry I am, always and forever.
**And I do smell like cat. What a sharp nose you have.
***We shall teach them to fear the Huntress Queen, princess.

Funmi's spell wraps itself around the ersatz barker, and phantom bars rise up around him.
Will: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (7) + 29 = 36

It seems sure that the man will shake off the spell, but Funmi twitches the skein of magic at the last movement, and its shadowy threads close around him.

The roustabouts don't seem to recognize Chance's spell, and the one inside the tent is too distracted by what's going on inside.

The fey creature looks absolutely horrified and entranced by Mayael, "So...hungry!" it gasps, breathlessly.

Critical success on Fascinating Performance.

The fey practically offers its neck to Mayael, who digs in greedily. The spurt of blood is quite impressive, even for those accustomed to her hunts.

Critical. I'm going to double the initial damage. (Since it's better for you and 2e stylin')

The fey moans as its lifeblood begins to drain out.

Mayael is terrifying. Have a Hero Point!

~+~Combat Round 1~+~
Aphotos
Barker (Blue)(Phantom Prison DC 37)
Red (-80, 5d6 bleed)
Funmi
Chance
Fiorré
Kuthek
Green
Yellow
Pink

Map

Much like Silent Midnight, Kuthek is accustomed to working alone. He prowls the tent shadows while observing Chance’s gambit. He follows the roustabouts as they go to investigate, keeping his eyes and ears peeled for—



Blood and dust, was that…


The otherworldly predator’s scream kicks off a flurry of motion just visible through the torn tent flap.


Well then, eave. You’re no stranger to wetwork—what are you waiting for?



The stout man places a hand on the pendant at his neck then once again turns, slithering through unseen pathways of dust and musk, mind filled with enough preysense that it almost overwhelms him.

But then he is no longer in the tent shadows, and instead appears directly behind a small, clawed figure. It staggers, one hand grasping at what looks like a truly horrible throat wound.



”Insult to injury, I’m afraid, little mouse.” A sibilant caress in the disoriented creature’s ear. The black skin of Kuthek’s face writhes and stretches. Bones creek and bend, pines in a midnight gale, and his jaws yawn impossibly wide. The teeth are too long, too sharp, too many.

It all happens in the flash of an eye. Kuthek simply appears alongside dry wind and the sound of rustling leaves, and then his jaws are latched onto the creature's throat.
Over his victim’s shoulder, his eyes meet Mayael’s.

Jaws strike, cold iron, ghost touch: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (8) + 28 = 36 for a possible 3d8 + 9 ⇒ (7, 5, 2) + 9 = 23 piercing damage.
Athletics check to Grapple with jaws: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (15) + 27 = 42

One action to abundant steps into the tent, one to Strike, one to Grapple.

Kuthek moves in and does his dirty work. His jaws lock around the creature, completely immobilizing him.

One of the other creatures, all unwitting, morphs into its true form and advances into the tent. Iclaws at Funmi.

claws: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (19) + 26 = 45 for slashing: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (4, 3) + 7 = 14

The other creatures rush through the darkness into the tent to guard their boss.

~+~Combat Round 2~+~
Aphotos
Barker (Blue)(Phantom Prison DC 37)
Red (-103, 5d6 bleed, restrained)
Funmi
Chance
Fiorré
Kuthek
Green
Yellow
Pink

Map

Terrain Effect: Each little guy has a 15-emanation of difficult terrain. If you move into it, you also need to attempt a reflex save.

Reflex Save:
DC 32 Reflex save.
Critical Success The target is unaffected.
Success The target is flat-footed until the start of its next turn.
Failure The target takes 2d10 bludgeoning damage and is flat-footed until the start of its next turn.
Critical Failure As failure, and the target is knocked prone.

”Insult to injury, I’m afraid, little mouse.” A sibilant caress in the disoriented creature’s ear. The black skin of Kuthek’s face writhes and stretches. Bones creek and bend, pines in a midnight gale, and his jaws yawn impossibly wide. The teeth are too long, too sharp, too many.

Over his victim’s shoulder, his eyes meet Mayael’s.

Mayael just stares for a moment, bloody jaw open in astonishment and indigo eyes shimmering beneath her masque. Gulping down her mouthful of fresh meat, the beast girl licks her lips, leaning in to whisper a single Mwangi word with an almost coy air.

“Tonight.”

Though his attention is almost entirely fixed on the tension in his jaws, the feel of teeth on flesh, the Huntress's word manages to penetrate the saliva-slick sanguinity of Kuthek's mind. It plants itself in the soil of his curiosity.

Whoops, forgot about Reflex saves!
Reflex save vs. Red: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (19) + 27 = 46
Reflex save vs. Yellow: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (4) + 27 = 31
Fine on the first one, but I take 2d10 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8 damage from Yellow and am flat-footed.

"Oh I see, trying hide behind your lackeys, are you? Should have figured. It's always the pawns that have to lose out first in these things. Very well, I shall have you witness to them first what I shall do to you after."

Ref Pink DC 32: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (9) + 31 = 40
Ref Green DC 32: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (6) + 31 = 37
With improved evasion I crit success unless I roll a 1 here

Aphotos seamlessly glides through any attempts to disrupt their movement and slow them down, while staying hidden beneath the drop of darkness around them. Then he strikes out of the shadows at the creature attempting to block the way to the Barker.

This time he takes the first stab with the shimmering dagger of mystically infused iron.
+2 Striking SG cold iron dagger vs FF Green: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (9) + 29 = 38
Piercing, Cold Iron, Sneak attack: 2d4 + 3 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (1, 1) + 3 + 6 + (3, 2, 6) = 22
If Startling Appearance applies he is also Frightened 1 on a hit
Also if Startling Appearance applies then also check for Stunning Appearance if their level is lower than mine.

Then takes a follow up cut diagonally top to bottom across the creature with his silver knife as well.
+2 Striking SG silver dagger vs FF (and possibly Frightened Green: 1d20 + 29 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 29 - 4 = 30
Slashing, Silver, Sneak attack: 2d4 + 3 + 6 + 3d6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 + 6 + (1, 4, 5) = 25

"I hope you like dying for stupid humans like this one, because you will be slain if you stay here."

The fey that was attacked from the darkness is frightened 1 and stunned 1. Aphotos's iron dagger also burns its way across the creature's innards.

As the barker begins to respond, he shoots a piercing glare at Funmi through the magical barrier.
Intimidation: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (2) + 31 = 33

He presses against the barrier, testing its sturdiness.
Will: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (3) + 30 = 33
Will: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (8) + 30 = 38

The magical prison crumbles on his second attempt. He draws back to a more defensible area.

The heavily bleeding fey creature struggles in Kuthek's jaws.
Escape (Strike): 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (2) + 26 = 28
Escape (Strike): 1d20 + 26 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 26 - 4 = 24
Escape (Strike): 1d20 + 26 - 8 ⇒ (14) + 26 - 8 = 32

The struggles only tighten Kuthek's hold, and who knows their effect on Mayael's appetite!
Bleeding: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 6, 4, 3) = 21
Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 19

~+~Combat Round 2~+~
Aphotos
Barker (Blue)(Phantom Prison DC 37)
Red (-124, restrained)
Funmi
Chance
Fiorré
Kuthek
Green (-32, frightened 1, stunned 1)
Yellow
Pink

Map

Terrain Effect: Each little guy has a 15-emanation of difficult terrain. If you move into it, you also need to attempt a reflex save.

Reflex Save:
DC 32 Reflex save.
Critical Success The target is unaffected.
Success The target is flat-footed until the start of its next turn.
Failure The target takes 2d10 bludgeoning damage and is flat-footed until the start of its next turn.
Critical Failure As failure, and the target is knocked prone.

Kaylee looks around and realizes that all of the roustabouts and the barker are now in the tent and knows she no longer needs to maintain the ruse of being one of them. Though she is a little proud she kept it up this long! "Careful my friends you don't want to ruin your appetites. These foul creatures will just spoil your dinner. But what kind of aunt would I be if I didn't spoil you a little? Allow me to assist by tenderizing them."

Kaylee's eyes grow dark and the form of a gnome-sized Catina flickers through the veil. A hand flicks calling to the heavens and her goddesses. You catch a glimpse of a bracelet made of dice, the sixes replaced by daggers. "I am The Last Hand and you are tainted by your support of those who use these foul blades. I am here to let you know you bet against the house and your debts are due." She eyes the barker as she says this, "The Boneyard is waiting for you!"

Harm DC 37 Fort: 8d8 ⇒ (6, 4, 8, 2, 7, 8, 8, 3) = 46
I have Selective Channel and can exclude myself and the team while catching all enemies. (Aphotots is just out of the 30ft!)

The harmful energy flows from The Last Hand quicker than most, allowing her a moment to draw her hammer.

Mayael is about to turn her attentions to the next fairy over when realization manages to penetrate her stunted social awareness, snapping her gaze back to the restrained, throat-torn foe. Tá sé ag... an ceann sin a shábháil dom?* Mayael blinks, lashes fluttering beneath the masque; then, for the first time in her entire conscious existence, the beast girl blushes. Níor thug buachaill ar bith bronntanas dom riamh.** It’s an entirely novel experience for her, and one she has no intention of wasting.

That other one is going to bother Miss Eclipse and the béallán*** if left alone, though, and while Mayael would hardly wish to compare herself to the princess, she does share Fiorré’s opinion of such things. While she could scream all night if she wanted to, it’s not the moment; instead the beast girl growls to draw his attention and then pulls back, hips swaying as she mimes preparation for a pounce.

Fascinating Performance targeting Yellow: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (13) + 28 = 41 Not sure if it’s enough to fascinate, but it’s definitely panache.

Returning her attention to her initial victim, Mayael again meets Kuthek’s eye. “An é seo domsa?”**** the beast girl whispers, almost shyly. Then, not waiting for the response, Mayael does pounce, seizing the creature by the arms and burying her razor-sharp teeth in its left arm just below the shoulder. Nor is it a clean bite; the beast girl chews through the flesh, tearing chunks away and gulping them down as she indulges her oldest passion: dismemberment.

Bleeding Finisher attack: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (7) + 29 = 36
Bleeding Finisher damage: 2d4 + 5d6 + 11 ⇒ (2, 4) + (1, 4, 6, 6, 3) + 11 = 37 plus the bleed, of course

Mayael is tempted to keep at it, but she’s a busy girl and it takes so long biting through bone with princess-size jaws. Plus she might break a couple fangs, and they take hours to grow back. And even she knows that experiences like this are meant to be, well, shared. Pulling back from her latest apéritif, the beast girl smiles, in what she at least thinks is an appreciative and welcoming way, at Kuthek. Then, in a single fluid motion, Mayael rises, whirling about to lash out at the other one.

quickened Strike attack: 1d20 + 29 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 29 - 5 = 40 Prolly not quite a crit, alas.
slashing damage: 3d6 + 11 ⇒ (6, 4, 4) + 11 = 25

Her keen senses catch movement from the far side of the cruel guillotine, and Mayael glances over at the now-masked barker. He’s trying to run away from all the fun, and that of course will never do. Unfortunately, a visual trick won’t work with the infernal machine in the way, and she’s still surrounded by magi. Instead, Mayael falls back on one of her other favorite methods; still half-concealed by the final blade, the beast girl begins to sing her stalking song, her insidious voice carrying haunting echoes throughout the tent.

Fascinating Performance targeting the blue barker: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (2) + 28 = 30 Tough crowd.

*He’s... saving that one for me?
**No boy has ever given me a present.
***mouthful, in the sense of “bite-sized”
****Is this for me?

Will Saves
Will (Barker): 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (16) + 30 = 46
Will (Red): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34
Will (Green): 1d20 + 19 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 19 - 1 = 37
Will (Yellow): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29
Will (Pink): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24

Chance's spell hurts everyone, but they are all still alive!

Mayael's attacks crunch bones and rip through sinew. The red creature barely clings to life.

~+~Combat Round 2~+~
Aphotos
Barker (Blue)(-23)
Red (-207, 5d6 bleed, restrained)
Funmi
Chance
Fiorré
Kuthek
Green (-55, frightened 1, stunned 1)
Yellow (-71, fascinated)
Pink (-92)

Map

Terrain Effect: Each little guy has a 15-emanation of difficult terrain. If you move into it, you also need to attempt a reflex save.

Reflex Save:
DC 32 Reflex save.
Critical Success The target is unaffected.
Success The target is flat-footed until the start of its next turn.
Failure The target takes 2d10 bludgeoning damage and is flat-footed until the start of its next turn.
Critical Failure As failure, and the target is knocked prone.

Eclipse scowls as the little creature swipes at her leg, and sucks her teeth in annoyance when the barker frees himself. An unseemly habit, unbefitting a diplomat of Olufunmilayo's position. Luckily, the archer didn't need to concern herself with such trifling things.

"Now that all the players are on the stage, let us start the show properly."

She swipes her hand to the side, looking past Midnight, and reaches out with her mind. This time when she closes her fist, she grasps onto the conjured shadows and starts to pull. She grasps with both hands and heaves as if pulling a great weight, and the shadows move with her, spreading around the edges of the tent. As darkness grows, one by one, the shadow warriors emerge once again, marching until they fill the space and raise their weapons.

"Loose."

Piercing Damage: 6d8 ⇒ (4, 4, 8, 1, 8, 1) = 26

Three actions to cast Shadow Raid. 30 foot burst should fill the whole tent. Enemies attempt a DC 37 basic Reflex or Will save (their choice). Allies are concealed.

Shadow Raid
Will (Barker): 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (17) + 30 = 47
Reflex (Red): 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (15) + 25 = 40
Reflex (Green): 1d20 + 25 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 25 - 1 = 37
Reflex (Yellow): 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (7) + 25 = 32
Reflex (Pink): 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (14) + 25 = 39

The masked barker shrugs aside the magic, but each of the minions is pierced by shadowy arrows.

Jaws vs Red: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (9) + 28 = 37 for 3d8 + 9 ⇒ (1, 8, 3) + 9 = 21 damage.

d20 in before the edit window, won’t look at it until I decide what to do: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Ophidian musculature draws taut, and the winnower’s teeth lock between one another. Shreds of Kuthek’s foe come loose between them. With a single, brutal motion of neck and arms, he sends the little mouse careening through the air toward the barker.



Kuthek breathes in. In this instant, that air is the only thing moving. It flows over the hot blood in his mouth, down his throat, and deep into the hidden corners of his spirit where his patron’s presence makes its home. Far below in a space beyond flesh, something uncoils.



The ringing of steel and shout, the anguished cry of someone just moments from death. They assembl against the background hiss of umbral arrows, and something in that single instant of fluid air crystalized. A mayfly soundscape that is all the eerier for its transitory nature.



”Be afraid.” Kuthek’s mouth has not moved, but his eyes lock with the barker’s through the gloom and chaos.



And then the moment shatters, and he is once again moving preternaturally quickly, slipping in behind the creature threatening Funmi. A strand of crimson slowly oozes down his now-humanoid jawline. All around him, tense with anticipation, is that slithering and coiling sensation, ready to lash out to help friend or harry foe.

Strike Red, cast litany against sloth on the barker, move.

But something else. Was she moving in that uncoiling moment? Head filled with holy purpose, he has trouble remembering. What did she say? "Tonight?" He resists the temptation to seek the Huntress's eyes once more, Kalekot's sibilant call temporarily muffling his curiosity.

Will (Red): 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (4) + 30 = 34

The three surviving fey skitter about, amused and frightened in a way only their kind can manage.

The green creature retreats to the foot of his boss, then looks back over the crates! "Peek-a-boo!"
Stride, Take Cover

The yellow creature scoots over and attacks Funmi.
jaws: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (2) + 21 = 23 for piercing: 3d8 + 7 ⇒ (4, 4, 4) + 7 = 19 and poison: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9
Concealed: 1d20 ⇒ 8
jaws: 1d20 + 21 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 21 - 4 = 26 for piercing: 3d8 + 7 ⇒ (4, 3, 8) + 7 = 22 and poison: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3
Concealed: 1d20 ⇒ 13

It misses, badly, but the final creature attempts to take advantage of the flank.

The yellow creature scoots over and attacks Funmi.
jaws: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (7) + 21 = 28 for piercing: 3d8 + 7 ⇒ (5, 5, 8) + 7 = 25 and poison: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2
Concealed: 1d20 ⇒ 10
jaws: 1d20 + 21 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 21 - 5 = 19 for piercing: 3d8 + 7 ⇒ (5, 1, 7) + 7 = 20 and poison: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8
Concealed: 1d20 ⇒ 19
jaws: 1d20 + 21 - 10 ⇒ (7) + 21 - 10 = 18 for piercing: 3d8 + 7 ⇒ (8, 1, 7) + 7 = 23 and poison: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8
Concealed: 1d20 ⇒ 9

~+~Combat Round 3~+~
Aphotos
Barker (Blue)(-23, slowed 1, can't react)
Red
Funmi
Chance
Fiorré
Kuthek
Green (-68, frightened 1, stunned 1)
Yellow (-97, fascinated)
Pink (-105)

Map

Well, don't say that the GM can't get diced!

The deep sphere of darkness fades away, finally revealing Midnight's masked, hooded form as he steps forward towards the now frightened creature. Lucky for it the terrifying smirk of enjoyment on Aphotos' face isn't visible further from behind the mask.

Ref Save vs Green DC 32: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (3) + 31 = 34
He continues to weave through the fey's mystical terrain uninhibited.

Noticing the creatures' particular aversion to the shining cold iron in his hand he spins the knife in one hand, moving his hands up and down and back and forth to a unheard and eerie rhythm, hoping to confuse his opponent and obscure his attacks.

Deception to feint vs Green's Perception DC: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (3) + 31 = 34

He finally ends his motions with a quick strike across the creature's form.

+2 Strike SG cold iron dagger vs F1 Green: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (9) + 29 = 38
Slashing, Cold Iron: 2d4 + 3 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 3 + 6 = 17
Sneak Attack if it happens to be FF: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 4) = 6

Aphotos' knifeplay confuses the creature, leaving an opening for the dagger.

The barker slips an intimidating glance at Aphotos as he starts to move, though he is slowed by Kuthek's spell. (It's surprisingly startling!)

He steps up to Aphotos and flicks out his sword cane, slashing at the rogue.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (17) + 31 = 48
sword cane: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (10) + 32 = 42 for slashing: 3d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 5, 6) + 8 = 20 and precision: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 1, 1) = 7
If you have some way to ignore being frightened, ignore the precision damage.

~+~Combat Round 3~+~
Aphotos (-27, frightened 1)
Barker (Blue)(-23, slowed 1, can't react)
Red
Funmi
Chance
Fiorré
Kuthek
Green (-101)
Yellow (-97)
Pink (-105)

Map

Eclipse sidesteps the loathsome creatures lunging at her ankles. Undeterred by their meager attempts, she brings her arcane energy to bear against the enemies in her path. Black mist sprays from her hands, filling the air with the sounds of gnashing teeth and the laughter of hyenas.

Vampiric Exsanguination at pink, blue and green, hopefully missing Aphotos. DC 37 basic Fort save
Negative Damage: 12d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 2, 3, 6, 6, 3, 2, 4, 1, 4, 2) = 37

And Shadow Raid, DC 37 Ref or Will
piercing: 3d8 ⇒ (3, 8, 8) = 19

And I have a third action so I quickdraw shoot the barker I guess? Minus whatever the penalty is for having a dude in my face

Ranged attack: 1d20 + 27 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 27 - 2 = 33Piercing damage: 3d8 + 2 ⇒ (4, 5, 4) + 2 = 15

Vampiric Ex
Pink: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (1) + 22 = 23
Blue: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (1) + 26 = 27
Green: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (1) + 22 = 23

Shadow Raid
Will (Barker): 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (18) + 30 = 48
Reflex (Green): 1d20 + 25 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 25 - 1 = 41
Reflex (Yellow): 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (15) + 25 = 40
Reflex (Pink): 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (10) + 25 = 35

Eclipse's spells rip through the crowd of foes.

~+~Combat Round 3~+~
Aphotos (-27, frightened 1)
Barker (Blue)(-97, slowed 1, can't react)
Red
Funmi
Chance
Fiorré
Kuthek
Green (-184)
Yellow (-106)
Pink (-198)

Map

The Last Hand observes. It is as if the night itself has fallen early and heeded the battle calls of her companions. Hunters of the night all, now using darkness itself to rend their foes.

"The tables have turned my friends! Let us show these fiends how they have overextended themselves. They should have folded when they had the chance." She looks yellow squarely in the eyes daring him to act. She holds up a hand as if to say stop and the illumination of the Harrow Card of Death protects her. Casts Sheild. Then she reaches into the air and pulls the force of a holy fire down upon them. For a moment the shadows are burned away. But, almost as quickly it came, it is gone. The tent is once again plunged into shadow. Allowing the Beasts and the Night to play. Casts Flame Strike.

Flame Strike DC 37 Reflex: 14d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 5, 5, 1, 1, 1, 4, 1, 4, 1, 5, 1, 4) = 38

"I hope I didn't just go overboard but, I am a bit hungry and people are certainly noticing by now."