DM Brainiac's Blood Lords

Game Master Brainiac

Humerus feels completely comfortable as an unnamed, unimportant mercenary. It's like he's barely acting at all!

"I have a belt, boss!" Humerus says, gesturing to his the impressive leather accoutrements and it's oversized buckle featuring a strange creature that looks like a giant eyeball with a maw and several other eyeball stalks protruding from it. "See the new buckle? It’s so shiny!"

He leaps up and down so everyone can behold the costume.

Athletics (master): 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (16) + 29 = 45

The crowd gasps and cheers at Aily's and Humerus' performance.

You gain 4 Performance Points.

As the act continues, though, strange events start to occur. Floorboards pop up, pieces of the set fall, and costumes start to slip off. Though minor, it appears someone--or something--is manipulating things to try to embarrass Aily and Humerus.

Aily and Humerus must each attempt a DC 35 Reflex save, with the following results. They can then make their second checks to Perform in the Winnowing for Act I.

reflex: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (7) + 30 = 37 success turned to crit success cause of being a rogue
performance: 1d20 + 29 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 29 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 44

Every inconvenience is incorporated in the maid's dry wit and fluid grace. A slip of a costume reveals a pale shoulder, where her blood red eyes track the audience's gaze with cool invitation. A floorboard popping in front of her is twirled around with ease, sending her skirts flaring. Her lines are delivered on time, altered as before to be not bumbling but put upon by her employer and the other minion mercenary.

Reflex (expert, +1 vs. disease and poison): 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (17) + 24 = 41
Athletics (master): 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (8) + 29 = 37

Humerus doesn't even notice the strangeness, soldiering on unashamedly as he acts his nonexistent heart out.

You gain 3 Performance Points, 7 total.

The crowd applauds again as Act I comes to an end.

***

ACT II

The lights return on a scene of Gachanta with her accountant. Stacks of coins surround them as they carefully record business dealings. While Gachanta conducts business, the villainous vampire mastermind on the Ethereal Plane boasts about his plans to a meeting of shadowy creatures. They discuss their plans to deal with this upstart, Gachanta, who has disrupted their own stranglehold on trade. The vampire soon grows tired of this talk and breaks away from the others. He gathers a few servants and travels to the physical world where they begin enacting a magical summoning.

Aily and Humerus may make rolls to Perform in the Winnowing for the first part of Act II.

The Mysterious Assassin enters, stage left! It appears roughly humanoid, but its gaunt form resembles bone and tendon more than flesh and skin. Adding to their its appearance, its legs have an additional segment between their shin and thigh, and likewise for its eerily long arms. Its featureless faces bears only a singular scar.

Aily Initiative: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (13) + 27 = 401d20 + 27 ⇒ (16) + 27 = 43
Humerus Initiative: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39
Enemy Initiative: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (6) + 34 = 40

Even as the being appears, it is already moving faster than the eye can track. It leaps on Humerus, conjuring a magical garrote of cold malice that it uses to ensnare the skeleton!

Uncanny Pounce: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (12) + 35 = 47
Damage: 3d10 + 15 ⇒ (7, 8, 2) + 15 = 32
Improved Grab: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (9) + 35 = 44

61 cold damage to Humerus after resistance and he is grabbed (Escape DC 45). Aily may act now before the enemy goes again!

performance: 1d20 + 29 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 29 + 1 + 2 = 43

Aily delivers her line with dripping sarcasm and isn't surprised at all that they are being attacked on stage. The costumed maid merc darts like a shadowy arrow, behind the creature, slicing the spaces between shin and thigh.

stride
dagger: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (8) + 29 = 37
damage: 3d4 + 11 + 3d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 4) + 11 + (3, 3, 5) + (4, 4) = 42 enfeeble
dagger: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (15) + 25 = 40
damage: 3d4 + 11 + 3d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 4) + 11 + (4, 3, 3) + (5, 2) = 38 enfeeble

opportunistic backstab, reaction if someone attacks in melee an ally
dagger: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (12) + 29 = 41
damage: 3d4 + 11 + 3d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 1) + 11 + (6, 6, 1) + (6, 1) = 36 enfeeble

"Oh, an enemy... how surprising." the dry sarcasm radiates boredom.

"Yeah, boss, little risk, high reward!" Humerus dutifully recites.

After the sound of crashing, he replies again, on cue: "Wait. What?"

Athletics (master): 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (8) + 29 = 37

"Wait, what?" he cries out as he realizes this attack is real, falling naturally into his normal fighting stance Free action when I roll initiative. Man, natural 20 and I still lost initiative. :D

Caraid frowns and then lays a precise tendril of magic on Aily.

Reach Spell, Energy Aegis on Aily.

Since Humerus was in his stance, the attack wasn't a critical hit so he only took 29 cold damage.

Aily lands a hit on the creature as it throttles Humerus. It turns its head towards her and lashes out with another garrote, scoring a critical hit! It contorts its body at an awkward angle, maintaining its chokehold on both Aily and Humerus as it crushes them in its grasp!

Loathsome Garrote: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (15) + 35 = 50
Cold Damage: 3d10 + 17 ⇒ (5, 9, 4) + 17 = 35
Vindictive Crush: 5d10 ⇒ (2, 5, 6, 2, 7) = 22

65 cold damage to Aily after cold resist 5 and she is grabbed as well (Escape DC 45). Both Aily and Humerus must attempt a DC 40 Fortitude save against Vindictive Crush (22 cold damage).

"Time for another actor to enter the field," Telvir mutters as he gestures at the stage.

"What's all this then?" a skeleton clad in the armor of a mercenary hisses from behind the attacker. Fire runs down his sword as he strikes at the assassin.

Animate Dead (fiery graveknight)

flaming greatsword: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (19) + 24 = 43 for slashing: 2d12 + 10 ⇒ (1, 12) + 10 = 23 and fire: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Graveknight
AC 31; Fort +21, Ref +19, Will +18
HP 175 (rejuvenation, void healing (page 360)); Immunities bleed, cold, death effects, disease, paralyzed, poison, unconscious

Fortitude (legendary, +1 vs. disease and poison, Third Path to Perfection): 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (2) + 26 = 28 Crit fail is a fail for me, so only 22 damage

"Hey, boss, no grabbing. That's my thing!" Humerus tells the grabby ghost, stomping his feet to secure his strong base. He makes a quick move to escape then decides maybe just hitting it might work better.

◈ Mountain Stronghold, ◈ Escape, Flurry to Strike x2
Athletics (master) to Escape: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (5) + 29 = 34

Falling Stone, iterative: 1d20 + 28 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 28 - 5 = 41
Bludgeoning damage (forceful, cold iron and silver): 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (1, 4) + 9 = 14
Fire (ignore resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 5
Crit? 2d10 persistent fire damage (that ignores resistance).
Crit? The target must succeed at a DC 35 Fortitude save or be slowed 1 until the end of my next turn.

Falling Stone, iterative: 1d20 + 28 - 10 ⇒ (6) + 28 - 10 = 24
Bludgeoning damage (forceful, cold iron and silver): 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (6, 1) + 9 = 16
Fire (ignore resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 1
Crit? 2d10 persistent fire damage (that ignores resistance).
Crit? The target must succeed at a DC 35 Fortitude save or be slowed 1 until the end of my next turn.

"Absolutely not." Caraid says, his voice absolutely frigid.

Heightened Execute - 80 void/vitality damage. Fort DC 36

fort: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (5) + 24 = 29
fort: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (20) + 24 = 44

escape: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (1) + 23 = 24 ugh

While Aily resists the magic with relative ease, she finds her ability to slip out of the garrote to be frustrating at best. Unable to do so, she instead stabs the creature repeatedly.

dagger: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (16) + 25 = 41
damage: 3d4 + 11 + 3d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 3) + 11 + (5, 4, 3) + (2, 2) = 34 enfeeble
dagger: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (19) + 21 = 40
damage: 3d4 + 11 + 3d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 1) + 11 + (2, 2, 5) + (1, 6) = 32 enfeeble

opportunistic backstab, reaction if someone attacks in melee an ally
dagger: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (6) + 29 = 35
damage: 3d4 + 11 + 3d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2, 3) + 11 + (2, 1, 6) + (1, 3) = 31 enfeeble

Fortitude vs Execute: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (15) + 28 = 43

Telvir's summoned graveknight slices the strange being with its flaming sword, giving Aily an opportunity to stab it again. It resists Caraid's spell but Humerus manages a hit, then Aily stabs it two more times. Already badly wounded, the creature releases its grip on Aily and Humerus and then dissolves into the ether, leaving no trace of its presence.

The crowd applauds the brave mercenaries! Across the stage, Ghiasi continues her performance, acting like nothing unusual has occurred.

Aily and Humerus may make their second checks to Perform in the Winnowing in Act II now with a +2 circumstance bonus.

performance: 1d20 + 29 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 29 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 41

Aily lets a little annoyance into the icy cold of her voice. Might be just a rasp from her injured throat though.

Athletics (master): 1d20 + 29 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 29 + 2 = 41

Humerus begins acting his non-existent heart out, though barely manages to resist the urge to start ad libbing some lines. Though he's sure he could improve the script. Heck, he's surprised no one's invited him to put on a play in Ravounel or someplace like that!

2 Performance Points, 9 total

ACT III

The darkness of the stage gives way to a dull red light, and a steady drumbeat softly plays an insistent rhythm. Gachanta stands before a crowd of troops gathered for war. She delivers a dramatic speech calling upon them to fight back against the forces arrayed against them. With cheers and cries to battle, the crowd disperses, some disappearing into the Ethereal Plane to fight there, while others remain behind.

As the act progresses, Gachanta’s tactics seem to be working as her forces defend against the attacks sent by the mysterious vampire, named Count Imneki. Soon they are set to strike a dramatic two-pronged assault on both his headquarters in the Ethereal Plane and the physical world, led by the Gachanta’s bumbling mercenaries who have grown into powerful heroes. Two of them are in the Material Plane, while the others are in the Ethereal Plane in this scene.

Aily and Humerus may roll to Perform in the first part of Act III. Then combat begins!

The reaper swiftly flies to Humerus and attacks!

Keen Scythe: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (2) + 32 = 341d20 + 28 ⇒ (14) + 28 = 42
Damage: 3d10 + 14 ⇒ (6, 7, 8) + 14 = 35

32 slashing damage to Humerus after resistance.

"This performance grows over-long," Telvir comments. Hen unleashes a flurry of spellcasting.

Cast true target on the lesser death, cast amped telekinetic projectile

TKP: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (3) + 26 = 29 or true target: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (15) + 26 = 41 for bludgeoning: 16d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 2, 6, 6, 4, 3, 3, 1, 6, 2, 3, 5, 6, 3, 4) = 64

Athletics (master): 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (9) + 29 = 38

"Yes, he’s in the room right below us, boss. Didn’t even notice me," Humerus recites.

He pauses for a moment, only slightly stepping on the next line, in his haste. "He was looking into a basin of water, like he was watching something."

"Whoa, boss! They're coming out of the woodwork!" he hollers as he realizes death is coming for him (again), and not just in the play. "Pharasma's not interested in me, boss!"

Setting his feet, he lashes out with his fists, then tries to grab the reaper.

◈ Mountain Stronghold, ◈ Evangelize, ◈ Flurry to Strike and Grapple
Diplomacy (expert) to Evangelize: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (13) + 26 = 39

Falling Stone, iterative: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (13) + 28 = 41
True Target: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (12) + 28 = 40
Bludgeoning damage (forceful, cold iron and silver): 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (4, 3) + 9 = 16
Fire (ignore resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 2

Athletics (master) to Grapple: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (19) + 29 = 48
If successful, 5 bludgeoning damage

"Agreed." Caraid replies. "This dirge must soon be over."

He hums a low note and a palpable wave of power rushes over the reaper.

Spirit Song: 14d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 4, 6, 5, 2, 3, 3, 6, 2, 6, 3, 4, 6) = 59
Fort Save, DC36 or effects. See here for details.

perform: 1d20 + 29 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 29 + 1 + 2 = 35

Aily has grown tired of this façade, reciting her lines with true annoyance now. The whole talk of the Ethereal plane has her doubting the single creature is all that is attacking

Plus it is attacking Humerus who will keep it occupied.

So she raises the spectral opera glasses to her eyes and activates its special power to see invisible.

retrieve, activate, then seek

Fortitude vs Spirit Song: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (10) + 31 = 41

Aily holds up the opera glasses to peer into the spiritual world. There, she sees a phantasm lurking behind the stage, an amalgamation of the spiritual and emotional energy of the performers and audiences that have been in this theater. It must be this being that is influencing the play!

The reaper is momentarily stupefied by Humerus' evangelization. The skeleton punches the being and then gets it in a headlock! Telvir batters it with a projectile. Caraid's spirit song causes the reaper to wither slightly, but Aily can see the magic impact the theater phantasm as well. The phantasm winces visibly and retreats further backstage, disappearing from sight.

Nonplussed by being grabbed, the reaper slices at Humerus again.

Keen Scythe: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (16) + 32 = 481d20 + 28 ⇒ (4) + 28 = 321d20 + 23 ⇒ (10) + 23 = 33
Damage: 3d10 + 14 ⇒ (6, 4, 10) + 14 = 34

31 slashing damage to Humerus after resistance.

Telvir unleashes the most powerful reaches of him mind and fires of a barrage of force projections at the lesser death.

Unleash Psyche, Cast force barrage VII
force: 12d4 + 12 + 14 ⇒ (3, 1, 4, 2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 3, 4, 4, 1) + 12 + 14 = 60

With her minion still entertaining the reaper, Aily steps into shadow, then steps up behind her bloodlord. Leaning over his shoulder, she whispers "there is a phantasm behind the stage, a collection of spirtual and emotional energy off all that have been on this stage. It is causing these attacks and disturbances. Your magic hurt it." she leaves her theater glasses so he can see it, then she steps back into shadow to return.

two actions to shadowjump, she is invisible when she jumps, then interact to drop item.

"Well done." Caraid replies, taking the glasses that are handed to him. There's no need for further comment, his maid is more than competent enough to deal with what needs doing so Caraid makes his careful way through the crowd, heading for the edge of the back-stage area.

Interact and double move.

Humerus maintains his hold on the reaper, tightening his grip on death. "Boss, don't you realize you're already beat? I mean, I'm already dead, so it's not like you can do anything to me!"

◈ Mountain Stronghold, ◈ Flurry to Grapple and Strike, ◈ Strike
Athletics (master) to Grapple: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (20) + 29 = 49
If successful, 5 bludgeoning damage

Falling Stone, iterative: 1d20 + 28 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 28 - 5 = 38
Bludgeoning damage (forceful, cold iron and silver): 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (4, 5) + 9 = 18
Fire (ignore resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 3
Crit? 2d10 persistent fire damage (that ignores resistance).
Crit? The target must succeed at a DC 35 Fortitude save or be slowed 1 until the end of my next turn.

Falling Stone, iterative x2: 1d20 + 28 - 10 ⇒ (18) + 28 - 10 = 36
Bludgeoning damage (forceful, cold iron and silver): 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (4, 7) + 9 = 20
Fire (ignore resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 4

Telvir batters the reaper with more force missiles while Humerus squeezes and pummels it until it dissolves into wisps of black mist and vanishes!

Meanwhile, Caraid moves backstage to confront the phantasm. The incorporeal being looks like a comical, exaggerated version of the vampire Chancellor Kemnebi. It regards the oracle angrily. "Your companions are stealing the show away from its rightful star!" it says in a harsh stage whisper. "I will not let them upstage Ghiasi. Now, excuse me, for that's my cue!"

The phantasm manifests fully, becoming visible as it floats out onto the stage. "Foolish mercenaries! You now face the wrath of Count Imneki!" it declares. With a gesture, large props shaped like magic missiles fly from off-stage towards Humerus! Fortunately, Humerus manages to dodge.

Impromptu Props: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (9) + 28 = 371d20 + 23 ⇒ (8) + 23 = 31

Humerus pauses and scratches his skull. "I don't think that's the right line, boss," he says in a stage whisper. "I think you're supposed to say 'Gachanta, flee! We’ll protect you!' "

Once someone lets him know this is another disruption to the play, he takes action.

◈ Mountain Stronghold, ◈ Evangelize, ◈ Flurry to Strike x2
Diplomacy (expert): 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (18) + 26 = 44

Falling Stone (forceful, magical, nonlethal, unarmed): 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (15) + 28 = 43
Bludgeoning damage, cold iron and silver: 2d8 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (8, 5) + 6 + 4 = 23
Fire (ignore resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 6

Falling Stone, iterative: 1d20 + 28 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 28 - 5 = 43
Bludgeoning damage (forceful, cold iron and silver): 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (7, 6) + 9 = 22
Fire (ignore resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 5
Crit! 2d10 persistent fire damage (that ignores resistance).
Crit! The target must succeed at a DC 35 Fortitude save or be slowed 1 until the end of my next turn.

Caraid retraces his steps and gestures to Aily, explaining in a swift whisper when his loyal maid approaches.

"The spirit thinks you are doing too well. It is focused on Ghiasi's fame. Let her lead the fight."

He then moves as quickly as possible towards Telvir to relay the same message.

Aily let out a sigh, short and subtle but laced with towering annoyance. With a step back into the shadows she is back on stage.

Instead of her provided line about fleeing and protecting.
"Gachanta protect us Count Imneki is too strong for your mercenaries." she arches a brow at the other performer and nudges her head toward the enemy.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (16) + 27 = 43

This might be silly, but...

"Oh, you want your big moment for Ghiasi?"

Telvir weaves his magic around the count and the potential star and teleports them to downstage center.

Cast collective transposition DC 36. They can accept it without a save if they want.

Will (Phatasm, Ghiasi: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (17) + 30 = 471d20 + 29 ⇒ (15) + 29 = 44
Fort vs Humerus Crit: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (18) + 28 = 46

Neither of Telvir's targets succumb to his teleportation trick. Humerus batters the phantasm, setting it ablaze despite its usual resistance to such attacks!

Howling with fury, "Count Imneki" continues to try to bludgeon Humerus with prop missiles. Ghiasi remains watching from behind the stage, her expression unreadable behind her mask.

Impromptu Props: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (11) + 28 = 391d20 + 23 ⇒ (14) + 23 = 371d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22
Persistent Fire: 2d10 ⇒ (4, 3) = 71d20 ⇒ 13

"So much for appreciation of the theater," Telvir sniffs as the combatants refuse to come to center stage. He unleashes a blast of magic from his still-seething mind.

Round 3/3 for Unleashed Psyche. Cast force barrage on the "Count."

Force: 12d4 + 12 + 14 ⇒ (1, 4, 4, 4, 3, 4, 3, 1, 1, 2, 4, 1) + 12 + 14 = 58

"Boss, you know this doesn't really hurt me, right?" Humerus asks, continuing to pummel away in response. He finishes by lifting one fist toward the "count" and blasts him with a ram-shaped bolt of force!

◈ Mountain Stronghold, ◈ Flurry to Strike x2 , ◈ Activate ring of the ram
Falling Stone (forceful, magical, nonlethal, unarmed): 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (7) + 28 = 35
Bludgeoning damage, cold iron and silver: 2d8 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 7) + 6 + 4 = 22

Falling Stone, iterative: 1d20 + 28 - 5 ⇒ (7) + 28 - 5 = 30
Bludgeoning damage (forceful, cold iron and silver): 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (6, 1) + 9 = 16
Fire (ignore resistance): 1d6 ⇒ 4

Force (DC 22 Fort): 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10

Aily seems annoyed that 'Gachanta' is not coming out to take center stage. How can she let her lead the fight if she is not Leading the fight. If she can't get the actor to act, she can Act like it is their doing instead of hers. "Gachanta, without your leadership this would not be possible." as well as making her strikes as feeble as she can make them

deception: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (10) + 28 = 38

dagger: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (5) + 29 = 34
damage: 3d4 + 11 + 3d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 3) + 11 + (5, 6, 6) + (1, 5) = 41 enfeeble
dagger: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (5) + 25 = 30
damage: 3d4 + 11 + 3d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 4) + 11 + (5, 6, 2) + (1, 6) = 39 enfeeble

opportunistic backstab, reaction if someone attacks in melee an ally
dagger: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (1) + 29 = 30
damage: 3d4 + 11 + 3d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 4) + 11 + (2, 3, 3) + (5, 6) = 40 enfeeble

Caraid sidles backstage once more and goes to stand next to Ghiasi.

"You're missing your cue." He says quietly. "Unless you just intend to land the final blow. Or this is a truly inept assassination plan. Either way I wouldn't wait too long, my servants are extremely adept in combat."

If it is an assassination he probably shouldn't be standing so close - but life is full of little risks. Things would be very dull otherwise.

Ghiasi glances over at Caraid. "It is not uncommon in Geb for one's servants to do the fighting for them. After all, prestige isn't necessarily about physical prowess; rather, it's about influence and control. If I wanted to kill your followers, they'd be dead by now. Think of it instead as a test. One that they seem to be about to pass," she replies.

Indeed, between Telvir's force missiles and the barrage of attacks from Humerus and Aily, "Count Imneki" lets out a wail as his form discorporates! Waves of emotional energy ripple outwards from the phantasm as it is thwarted! The crowd cheers!

Catharsis: 10d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 1, 3, 1, 4, 3, 6, 2, 1) = 26

Aily and Humerus take 26 mental damage (basic Will DC 34).

Aily and Humerus may make their final rolls now to Perform in the Winnowing.

Caraid raises an eyebrow at that piece of absolute h@%##$*#% and leaves before the woman's stupidity becomes infectious. Besides Aily is doing a wonderful job on the acting and he doesn't want to miss the finale.

Sadly Ghiasi has lost any claim on his respect, but she likely won't care and he doesn't much either.

"Complete idiocy." He says softly to Telvir.

Will (master, +1 vs. disease, poison, fear, Path to Perfection): 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (11) + 22 = 33

"Boy, boss, performing's harder than I expected. It's like a whole adventure (path) all by itself!" Humerus says, shaking his suddenly pained head.

Athletics (master): 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (13) + 29 = 42

will: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (13) + 25 = 38
performance: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (19) + 31 = 50

Aily pauses next to Humerus, resting her hand on his shoulder in the appearance of concern (something he is definitely not used to seeing on her face) "We have done what we can, all else must fall on the shoulder of Gachanta, our lord. Never has there been a worthy soul." she projects with ease, conveying her faith in the actor, willing audience to feel it as well.

The play comes to an end, and all of the cast comes out to take a bow to thunderous applause!

+3 Performance Points, 12 total. The characters gain 6 Reputation Points with one faction of their choice, 4 Reputation Points with any other faction of their choice, and 2 Reputation Points with a third faction of their choice. Everyone also gains a Hero Point!

Ghiasi, however, is absent from the curtain call. Backstage, Caraid can see a swirling portal where none existed before...

When Aily looks around Caraid makes a wide encompassing gesture and then beckons her towards him. Bring the others.

"She went through here I believe." He says once Aily has brought his companions. "And left the portal open too, which I am reasonably certain is an invitation. Shall we?"

Unless strong objections are made he steps cheerfully through the portal with his usual debonair swagger.

"Let's get to the bottom of this," Telvir agrees. He whistles for Smoke to follow through the portal.

"Shall we what, blood boss?" Humerus asks ... then flinches violently.

Aily follows close behind Caraid, but before she disappears she gestures to Humerus to do the same.

You step into the portal, which closes behind you. You find yourselves in a broad, shadowy room that seems to absorb sounds, making it feel smaller and closed in. The room is dominated by a stage that’s standing fifteen feet above the floor in the center of the room and is supported by an ancient mechanical device.

Ghiasi is here, floating in the air above the center of the stage, wisps of her shadowy body flickering around her dramatically. She spreads her arms wide and calls out, "Welcome to your final audition! Let us hope it won't become your curtain call!"

The strange mechanical device begins to whir and shift as it rises up, concentric rings whirring around it while it glows with radiant energy!

Aily and Telvir may act first!

Aily dashes forward, drawing her dagger with deadly ease, before slashing in the apparition. Testing its corporealness with efficient experimentation.

dagger: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (7) + 29 = 36
damage: 3d4 + 11 + 3d6 + 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3, 2) + 11 + (4, 6, 5) + (6, 1) + 3 = 44 enfeeble
dagger: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (5) + 25 = 30
damage: 3d4 + 11 + 3d6 + 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3, 3) + 11 + (5, 1, 2) + (3, 3) + 3 = 38 enfeeble

opportunistic backstab, reaction if someone attacks in melee an ally
dagger: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (14) + 29 = 43
damage: 3d4 + 11 + 3d6 + 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 3, 4) + 11 + (4, 6, 5) + (1, 3) + 3 = 43 enfeeble

"A tedious pun," Telvir sniffs. He casts a spell to bring Ghiasi down to earth and orders Smoke to attack.

Cast falling sky (DC 36), Command (Stride, Strike) Smoke will flank with Aily

jaws: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (8) + 27 = 35 for piercing: 3d8 + 9 ⇒ (8, 1, 4) + 9 = 22

Fortitude: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (6) + 25 = 31

She's level 17, so the failure becomes a success. She falls prone but is not stunned.

Ghiasi cries out as she suddenly plummets to the stage, hitting hard and falling prone. Smoke and Aily both leap upon her to take advantage of the turn of events, but Aily is only able to hit with her opportunity attack, and the shae's insubstantial form renders her immune to sneak attacks!

"How rude!" Ghiasi declares as she gets to her feet. "Don't you recognize that you are in the presence of greatness?" She casts a spell, surrounding herself with supernatural splendor.

Meanwhile, the whirring construct swings shimmering hammers at Aily.

Hammers: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (1) + 32 = 331d20 + 27 ⇒ (18) + 27 = 451d20 + 22 ⇒ (10) + 22 = 32
Damage: 3d12 + 15 ⇒ (2, 1, 9) + 15 = 27

Everybody must attempt a DC 38 Will save against overwhelming presence. Aily takes 27 bludgeoning damage and must attempt a DC 38 Will save; on a failure, she can't use any teleportation effects for 1 minute. On a critical failure, she is also permanently blinded.

Will: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (20) + 27 = 47

Caraid laughs derisively. "No my dear, you are the one in the presence of greatness!" His voice booms with unnatural power, rending the spirit of their foes.

Spirit Song: 14d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 6, 6, 4, 2, 3, 5, 5, 2, 2, 5, 1, 2) = 54 DC36 fort.