DM Fang Dragon's: War for the Crown

Game Master FangDragon

For a moment Triphylla is surprised to find the assassin's weapon hidden in the kitchen. Having found it, she sets it back exactly as she found it. This is her one chance to catch the hired killer and she does not want to risk spooking her before she can make a play.

She finds the baking flour and spreads it thinly on the floor in the area of the knife. Not enough to be detected or to cause issues with footing. Just enough to adhere to the shoes or feet of the killer.

There are a good many cupboards and nooks to hide for a person of her size in the kitchen, and she selects a space that allows her to see the face of anyone approaching the knife, but also to attack with surprise if the moment present itself. Inside the cupboard she sets out her mutagen and extracts.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 Assuming assassin is human. Else +8

Lope fits his mustache and smiles to the Baroness "In that case, let me say you might be well pleased in the following weeks. I cannot disclose details as to how this is going to happen, but I well know the Princess plans to make Merratt County her base of operations on her attempts to ensure the control over the throne."

The Aldori looks around, both making sure there is no one at ear-shot, nor a dangerous assassin up to jump over the Baroness or himself "When it comes the time though, it would be good to count on your support to ensure the Count accepts by good or bad the Palace of Birdsong belongs to the true heir to the throne."

Valeria was a bit surprised when Cyrene came up close behind her to pass on her message and for a moment she got an entirely different idea in her head. She quickly corrected the mental image of rolling in the hay with Cyrene and turned to look at the disguised tiefling and said, "Very good, that will be all for now," dismissing the "servant". As Cyrene left Valeria realized that she had not seen Triphylla for a while and hoped this meant good news. Regardless she knew it was necessary to pass this along to Lope, Dianna, and the Baroness immediately.

Valeria went to the room where they were meeting and found they were no longer there. It took a little more searching to find out that they had gone on a walk. With a little more work Valeria tracked them down and approached the trio and their discussions. As she came closer, she looked at Dianna and said, "Milady, I bring news."

Once she was close enough to talk without being overheard Valeria said softly, "Cyrene has found a stash that likely belongs to assassins in the stables and has gone in hiding there to watch for them. I have not seen or other servant since, but I would assume she has found something of interest as well, though I know not where."

"In that case, let me say you might be well pleased in the following weeks. I cannot disclose details as to how this is going to happen, but I well know the Princess plans to make Merratt County her base of operations on her attempts to ensure the control over the throne."

"Mmm." replied Baroness Voinum, "That'll get interesting. If memory serves, the Lotheeds owe their stewardship to the royal family, which they and most of the county have conveniently forgotten."

"When it comes the time though, it would be good to count on your support to ensure the Count accepts by good or bad the Palace of Birdsong belongs to the true heir to the throne."

Voinum nodded but cautioned Lope, "I have no particular affection for the count, but I trust this can be done with minimal bloodshed. Done right, Baron Okarra and the others will come around eventually. If things go poorly, well they can get rather judgemental."

You carry on walking for a little while (feel free to add any extra questions) but the late begins to fade and everyone realizes they're hungry.

"Lets head back for dinner, and a bottle or two of Taldor's finest." suggests Voinum.

Meanwhile.

Cyreen cunningly hidden in the hayloft prepares for a stakeout, likewise
Triphylla finds a hiding spot in the cellar near the kitchen stairs with a good view of where the knife is stashed. There are various comings and goings in the kitchen as the chef and his staff put the finishing touches to dinner and on three occasions somebody hurries past the shelf where the knife is as they fetch things from deeper within the cellars.

Likewise Cyreen's watch starts uneventfully, the ostler and the groom take care of the horses from your carriage but after they've gone silence reigns and darkness falls.

So the rest of the evening's itinerary is dinner, a long chat in the drawing room before turning in for the night. Complicating matters you expect the assassins to strike at some point.

Guess my flour trick isn't going to do much.

Triphylla keeps her cool, stretching her short legs to stay as comfortable as possible while waiting for anyone to approach and go for the assassin's blade.

Unfortunately the flower gets trodden in *, good idea otherwise Triphylla. Are you going to investigate the noise upstairs in the kitchen or stay put for now?

*This probably doesn't stop it from working, just makes it harder for you to spot somebody creeping about invisibly.

Lope listened attentively to the Baroness's advice, pondering the alliances they could forge with other nobles "Baroness, which nobles do you believe we can rely on for support in the coming days?" he inquired, his tone reflecting his earnest desire to navigate the delicate political landscape "I am specially thoughtful of how to avoid the turmoil and ensure Baron Okarra's support"

Once they were seated for dinner, Lope engaged in lively conversation, sharing stories and insights with the other guests while keeping a watchful eye on the Baroness. As the evening wore on, he remained by her side, offering his companionship and protection.

As the night progresses and the Baroness retires to her chambers, Lope resolved to remain vigilant. He discreetly repeats the dummy at bed trick to catch any would-be assailants off guard. With his senses heightened and his blade at the ready, he stayed close to the Baroness room, determined to safeguard her until exhaustion inevitably claimed him and sleep beckoned.

Voinum considered for moment before replying, "Hmm Dame Crabbe seems well disposed towards you, officially she's a supporter of the Promachos but when push comes to shove I have a feeling she'll lean towards Eutriopia. The real question is which way will Grand Duchess Tiberan and Cassomir lean, and that I couldn't say."

Soon you gather for dinner, which proves to be excellent. The main dish was slow roast pheasant and venison with greens, peppercorn sauce and roast potatoes. Conversation was somewhat strained as everyone waited for the other shoe to drop but nothing untoward happened. Likewise drinks in the drawing room passed without event, although the wine was very good.

As the hour drew late, the Baroness asked softly, "We'll have to turn in before long, I wonder if we should make any special arrangements?"

"I believe we should." Diana nods at the Baroness' suggestion, replying in the same soft tone. "I have it on good account that the other party have already made their own arrangements, which should mean they intend to move as soon as they sense an opening. We should act accordingly. We had some thoughts on how to prepare before we left Stachys, actually, some of them might work here as well."

Triphylla, unable to fight against her halfling nature, creeps out of her hiding place to try to witness the berating happening in the kitchen. She sneaks and peaks around the doorway, expecting her low profile to further help her be stealthy.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Lope laughs simulating they are discussing just some fun facts and notes the Baroness thoughts on the other nobles "Indeed, we should just let them think there is an opening. We have friends already tracking them from the shadows, and we should invite them to grow bold while we take our defense."

"Perhaps if we part for a lone night walk, without servants around, we will trigger their attempt. What do you think?" Lope smiles and offers his arm to the Baroness "I would be thrilled to visit that infamous winery of yours. Perhaps even late private walk on the wine fields under the Moon."

Baroness Voignum allows Lope to take her arm, saying "My goodness young man, I don't think I've had an offer like that in what? twenty years!" Feigning a drunken devil may care attitude she added, "Ah to hell with propriety, let's do it!"

Arms linked the pair walked outside to the surprise of the serving staff.

Diana what are you planning to do?

Have to go with what I know

While Triphylla believes the hireling of the shady lawyer is the likeliest suspect, she has no proof until somebody makes a go at the assassin's weapon downstairs. Revealing herself in this spot would potentially foil her ambush. And if this Vi is the would-be killer then she has no longer any recourse but to strike tonight. Triphylla retreats to her hiding spot next to the knife and waits patiently for the assassin to return.

Take 10 on Perception

Cyrene curses under her breath and then slides carefully from her hiding place. She waits for a few moments in case one of them comes for the poison and then moves slowly outside, wanting to keep the two assassins in sight.

Stealth: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27

"I am sure you two do not want anyone intruding on your private walk. I will retire to my bedchamber then." Diana adds with a mischievous smile.

"I'll follow you two invisibly, if you wait a bit by the door while I get ready."

Diana gets to her room, opens the window to let Lira outside, and then casts Mage Armor, adjusts her magical sleeves to change her outfit to a servant's, for when her spell runs out, and finally casts Invisibility. She then leaves the room, closing the door as if she were still inside, and hurries back to join Lope and the Baroness at the door.

"Lope, I'm back." she whispers to Lope as she nears them. "This spell won't last long, so I'll follow at a bit of a distance. When it runs out, I'll be wearing servant clothes - hopefully they won't pay attention to me that way."

Invisibility lasts 5 minutes at this level, so I'm guessing it's not going to do much besides getting me outside unnoticed.

"We only live once, isn't it Baroness?" Lope smiles and walks out, stopping at the door to adjust his boots to gain some time, then happily gets out to the gardens.

Walking slowly, even stopping a few times to make some statement, in order to gain time for Diana and the others to catch up, Lope chit chats with the Baroness "Oh, did ever anyone told you how silvery your eyes look under the light of the Moon?"

Valeria was a bit surprised when Lope took the initiative to try and bait out the assassins and went for a private, moonlit, walk with Baroness Voignum. Knowing it would be highly inappropriate for the pair to be alone together Valeria rose and followed them openly, though she kept a short distance away from them so they could have the illusion of privacy. She did not feel the assassins would find her to be a threat to their plans since she was not visibly armed and wearing only her dress, cloak, and the Subtle Mask with her dagger tucked out of sight inside her dress, making her a faceless attendant to the lady Voignum, they would be in for a very rude awakening when the time came.

Valeria is keeping a slight distance away from the pair, whatever would be considered appropriate for a chaperon when two people are courting.

"Oh, did ever anyone told you how silvery your eyes look under the light of the Moon?"

"In Abadar's name, you're enjoying this aren't you Lord Bentony..." replied the Baroness. Again pretending to be far drunker than she really was she regarded you and gushed, "Well I suppose you do cut something of a dashing figure in the moonlight... All the young ladies at court will be terribly envious!"

Meanwhile Diana followed invisibly along with Valeria at a respectful distance.

Probably best to assume only a short time elapses in your next posts.

Lope chuckled softly at the Baroness's playful response, savoring the brief moment of levity amid the seriousness of their situation "I assure you, Baroness, my intentions are entirely honorable" he replied with a charming smile, playing along with the charade.

As they strolled beneath the moonlit sky, Lope kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, mindful of the potential dangers lurking in the shadows. Despite the lighthearted banter, he remained ever vigilant, ready to spring into action at the first sign of trouble.

Glancing over at the Baroness, he couldn't help but admire her poise and grace, even in the midst of uncertainty "You handle yourself with remarkable composure, Baroness" he remarked, genuine admiration shining in his eyes "It's clear that you're a force to be reckoned with in these tumultuous times."

Note bonus to Initiative at the bottom of this post. If Triphylla is not acting in a surprise round then this will probably just be a big mess to clean up. :P

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Triphylla catches her breath at the squeak on the stair. If someone managed to perceive a fine mist of flour on the floor then she's probably over matched anyway. May be best to scare them off.

Or...

From inside her hiding spot she quickly drinks her mutagen and extracts, one after another. It's now or never. Grabbing the bag of flour, she bursts forth from her cupboard and with a heave, thrusts the bag violently at the invisible target above the noisy stair, holding on to the bottom of the sack as the flour explodes into the narrow space.

Throw Anything: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Dex Mutagen + Shield + Expeditious Retreat + Heightened Awareness
+4 Dex, Spd 50, AC 27, Perception +2, Initiative +6

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Valeria's gaze was drawn to something and her eyes widened as she realized what it was.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Diana follows along, mindful of the time left to her spell - splitting her attention between Lope and the Baroness, and looking for somewhere to stand when her magic runs out, so that she doesn't just turn visible out in the open and give the plan away.

Triphylla gives the assassin no quarter, following the explosion of flour with a rabid attack! She screams at the top of her lungs and hurls herself in a violent barbarian rage at the trained killer.

"DIIIEEEEEE!"

Strength Rage, Power Attack, Adaptable Luck on all 3 attack rolls. Assuming target is flat-footed for sneak attack damage.

Bite: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 = 19 Sneak Attack Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 7 + (5, 2) = 17
Claw: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 2 = 17 Sneak Attack Damage: 1d4 + 7 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 7 + (5, 3) = 17
Claw: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 2 = 24 Sneak Attack Damage: 1d4 + 7 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 7 + (2, 3) = 14

Str Rage (1/2) + Dex Mutagen + Shield + Expeditious Retreat + Heightened Awareness
+4 Dex, Spd 50, AC 25

Cyrene slips in behind the assassins and strikes hard at the rearmost one!

Stabbity: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 191d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Hidden Strike?: 3d8 ⇒ (2, 2, 6) = 10
If I hit with the hidden strike then I get to Study my target as well for an extra +1 damage and other bonuses.

"They're here!" She yells just after striking. The element of surprise is gone, now she needs allies!

Perception DC 20: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13
Lope softly strokes the back of the Baroness as he closes in to mutter some words in her ear "To be sincere I am worried to not spot the assassins on time, dazzled as I am by your grace and presence even at such menacing time for our lives" he speaks with genuine concern, his words laced with a hint of vulnerability as he acknowledges his distraction in her company.

Not being sure where they are in relation to me not sureh I can do just yet.

Here's a map the size of a token is approx 5 foot.

--==Outside==--

Cyrene's dagger sunk deeply into the woman's torso, causing her to grunt in surprise. Neither of the assassins had noticed Cyrene! The man glanced at her and swore softly, threw gritted teeth the woman told him "Get the target! I'll deal with her..."

Environment: Webs are difficult terrain. Except near the glow stick, low light (20% miss chance)

Damage Log:

Round: 1
Red was hit by Lope for 13 (total damage taken 13)
Red was hit by Valeria for 14 (total damage taken 27)
Blue was hit by Triphylla for 13 (total damage taken 13)

Round: 2
Red was hit by Valeria for 15 (total damage taken 42)
Triphylla was hit by Red for 10 (total damage taken 10)

Totals:
Red: 42 damage
Blue: 13 damage
Triphylla: 10 damage

COMBAT ORDER:
Baroness Voignum <----- WE ARE HERE
Lope
Valeria
Assassins
Diana
Cyrene

Baroness Voignum, Lope and Valeria are up.

--==Inside==--

Triphylla's sudden rage was as shocking as it was deadly, biting and clawing she tore into the assassin sending blood flying! Triphylla's opponent was well trained, but Triphylla's mutagens gave her a serious edge!

Sawtooth sabre: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 <--- MISS
Sawtooth sabre: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 <--- MISS

Dual sabres wielded with precision and skill almost gives the halfling pause, but she knows she wounded the assassin, perhaps seriously. Knowing she must finish what she started, her only recourse is to fight. She matches steel with bone, ferocious in her onslaught.

Strength Rage, Power Attack

Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 Damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Crit?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 Damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Str Rage (1/2) + Dex Mutagen + Shield + Expeditious Retreat, +4 Dex, Spd 50, AC 25

Sorry, copied the stat line from the previous post, and it was wrong there too. Triphylla has used 2 of 4 daily Rage rounds.

Lope turns towards the shouts and sees Cyrene fighting two humans. His expression turns stern as he quickly understands the situation "Stay behind me Baroness. We will solve this here and today."

Stepping forward in front of the noble woman and drawing his blade at the same time, Lope says the words for a protective spell, creating an ablative barrier around Baroness Voignum.

The Aldori smiles as his blade crackles with arcane magic and bursting in flames that light the garden at night.

HP 43/43 AC 21 TAC 19
ablative barrier [baroness] (standard)
draw (move)
5' step
arcane pool +1/flaming (swift)

With the sudden onset of combat Valeria did the first thing that came to mind and called upon her goddess to let the assassins feel her bane.

Bane, DC 16 Will.

--==Outside==--

"I appreciate the notion Lord Bentony, but I still have a few tricks up my sleeves!" replied the baroness who pulled a curious looking metal tube from her petticoat pocket. She gave it a smart twist before flicking it and a bubbling translucent shot out which instantly solidified into a jagged crystalline blade!

Kn: Alchemy DC 15 to recognise a liquid blade.

Valeria cast her spell invoking her goddess's wrath and it clearly spooked the male assassin! He cursed as he attacked Lope, somehow just managing to break past his guard!
Red: Will Save DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 <--- FAIL
Green: Will Save DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 <--- PASS
Red Sawtooth sabre vs Lope, bane: 1d20 + 12 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 12 - 1 = 24Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 <--- HIT
Red Sawtooth sabre vs Lope, bane: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 1 = 11Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 <--- MISS

The wounded female assassin snarled as she turned on Cyrene! Her blade flicked out twice, Cyrene parried one thrust and then another!
Green Sawtooth sabre vs Cyrene: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 <--- MISS
Green Sawtooth sabre vs Cyrene: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 <--- MISS

Environment: Webs are difficult terrain. Except near the glow stick, low light (20% miss chance)

Buffs and Debuffs:

---- Round 1 ----
Baroness Voignum
Lope
Valeria ablative barrier
Red Assassin
Green Assassin bane
Diana
Cyrene
---- Round 2 ----
Baroness Voignum
Lope
Valeria ablative barrier
Red Assassin
Green Assassin bane
Diana
Cyrene

Damage Log:

Round: 1
Red was hit by Cyrene for 20 (total damage taken 20)
Lope was hit by Red for 12 (total damage taken 12)

Totals:
Red: 20 damage
Lope: 12 damage

COMBAT ORDER:
Baroness Voignum
Lope
Valeria
Red Assassin
Green Assassin
Diana <----- WE ARE HERE
Cyrene

Diana, Cyrene, Baroness Voignum, Lope and Valeria are up.

--==Inside==--

With the assassin now aware of Triphylla's presence she focused on the defensive and managed to turn away from her bite and parry a claw attack. Triphylla was nothing if not persistent and she managed to sneak past the woman's guard and gore her already blooded chest! It was clear to both of them that she was going down, but Vi was stubborn determined to take Triphylla with her. Triphylla contemptuously dodged her attacks and moved in for the kill!

Vi vs Triphylla: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 <--- MISS
Vi vs Triphylla: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 <--- MISS

Triphylla dripped with the assassin's blood, her mind a blaze of ferocity. Time to go for the kill!

Strength Rage, Power Attack

Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Sneak Attack Damage: 1d6 + 7 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 7 + (3, 5) = 20
Claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Sneak Attack Damage: 1d4 + 7 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 7 + (6, 4) = 20
Claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Sneak Attack Damage: 1d4 + 7 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 7 + (1, 4) = 16

But her natural weapons fail her. Was there doubt in her mind? Triphylla feels a twinge of panic, knowing her barbarian rage is almost exhausted, and her strength would soon fail. She had one more desperate attack left in her before the tide of battle shifted in favor of her foe.

Str Rage (3/4) + Dex Mutagen + Shield + Expeditious Retreat, +4 Dex, Spd 50, AC 25

I'm assuming Invisibility is still up - but my action would be the same even if it's not

Seeing the assassins push on with their mission even as their cover is blown, Diana opts to keep her presence hidden for a bit longer - best not to let them figure out just how outnumbered they really are. With that in mind, she decides to use her magic to bolster the group, rather than hinder the opposition.

Casting Haste on the whole group, including the Baroness.

Ready to start causing harm to the assassins Valeria cast a spell that left her hand coated in dark energy and then moved up as she reached out to touch the nearest assassin.

inflict moderate wounds DC 18: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 132d8 + 5 ⇒ (1, 3) + 5 = 9

Lope smiles as he sees the Baroness brave response to the attack "Bravo! That let's me move to the attack, Valeria keep the Baroness safe!"

Leaving his spot for Valeria to occupy, the Aldori steps forward quickly identifying an opening for Cyrene to sneak attack the female assassin. The black blade crackles with energy as he spell combats casting shield on the go.
Concentration (cast defensively) DC 17: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Aldori sword+pool-SC+haste+flank: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 2 = 20
Magical/Slashing damage-SC+pool+AS+flaming: 1d8 + 4 - 5 + 1 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 5 + 1 + 2 + (1) = 4

Aldori sword+pool-SC+haste+flank: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 1 - 2 + 1 + 2 = 25
Magical/Slashing damage-SC+pool+AS+flaming: 1d8 + 4 - 5 + 1 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 5 + 1 + 2 + (2) = 9

Riving Strike for -2 to her saves during next round

HP 31/43 AC 22 TAC 20
haste (+1 AC included)
ablative barrier [baroness] 5 h
arcane pooled sword (+1, flaming) 1 min

Thankfully Lope moves in to distract the woman as she lands a blow and Cyrene is able to twist with it before retaliating.

Studied Stab: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 1 = 181d6 + 5 + 1 + 3d4 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 + (4, 3, 3) = 22

--==Outside==--
Undercover of invisibility, Diana casts a powerful spell and upon it's completion everyone present felt a huge jolt of adrenaline and suddenly the assassins seemed to be moving slowly as if wading through treacle.

Cyrene tries to land what would have been a telling blow, but the woman twists away at the last moment. If she'd been denied dex that would have landed.

Driven by Diana's magic, Cyrene lashes out again, and this time she connected solidly, leaving a nasty gash in the woman's shoulder!
Hasted Studied Stab: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 1 = 29Damage: 1d6 + 5 + 1 + 3d4 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 + (2, 2, 3) = 14 <--- HIT

Baroness Voignum while in her winter years lead a long and well regarded career in the army and her training was evident in her movement which was economical yet brutal. She feinted and landed a nasty gash along the male assassin's arm, she then managed to pink his other arm, although he parried her follow up strike.
Haste: Liquid Blade vs Red: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 1 - 2 = 22Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 = 10 <--- HIT
Primary: Liquid Blade vs Red: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 1 - 2 = 26Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 = 10 <--- HIT
Iterative: Liquid Blade vs Red: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 1 - 2 = 21Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 4 = 14 <--- MISS

Lope attempts to combine casting a defensive spell with his offence. This was always risky, and his concentration wavered when the male assassin's blade whisked past his eye. Still he managed to land a pair of blows onto the female assassin!

Valeria summons the ire of her goddess which causes the air around her hands to darken ominously. She lunged towards the male assassin who jerked sharply away. According to the rules you can hold the charge and attack again next round.

The male assassin brutally bats aside Lope's black blade and slashes the magus along one arm, and with the follow through he contrived to hit the baroness although Lope's magic deadeed the blow somewhat.
Red Sawtooth sabre vs Lope, bane: 1d20 + 12 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 12 - 1 = 30Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 <--- CRIT?
Maybe Crit: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 1 = 10Crit Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 <--- NO CRIT
Red Sawtooth sabre vs Voignum, bane: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 1 = 24Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 <--- HIT

The female assassin continued to press home her attack on Cyrene! Her blade flicked out twice, Cyrene parried one thrust and then another!
Green Sawtooth sabre vs Cyrene: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 <--- HIT
Green Sawtooth sabre vs Cyrene: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 <--- MISS

Environment: Webs are difficult terrain. Except near the glow stick, low light (20% miss chance)

Buffs and Debuffs:

---- Round 2 ----
Baroness Voignum Haste (5 rounds)
Lope Haste (5 rounds)
Valeria ablative barrier
Red Assassin Haste (5 rounds)
Green Assassin bane
Diana Invisible, Haste (4 rounds)
Cyrene Haste (4 rounds)
---- Round 3 ----
Baroness Voignum Haste (4 rounds)
Lope Haste (4 rounds)
Valeria ablative barrier
Red Assassin Haste (4 rounds)
Green Assassin bane
Diana Invisible, Haste (3 rounds)
Cyrene Haste (3 rounds)

Damage Log:

Round: 1
Red was hit by Cyrene for 20 (total damage taken 20)
Lope was hit by Red for 12 (total damage taken 12)
Green was hit by Cyrene for 14 (total damage taken 14)
Red was hit by Voignum for 10 (total damage taken 30)
Red was hit by Voignum for 10 (total damage taken 40)
Lope was hit by Red for 13 (total damage taken 25)
Voignum was hit by Red for 7 (total damage taken 7)

Round: 2
Cyrene was hit by Green for 11 (total damage taken 11)

Totals:
Red: 40 damage
Lope: 25 damage
Green: 14 damage
Voignum: 7 damage
Cyrene: 11 damage

COMBAT ORDER:
Baroness Voignum
Lope
Valeria
Red Assassin
Green Assassin
Diana <----- WE ARE HERE
Cyrene

Diana, Cyrene, Baroness Voignum, Lope and Valeria are up.

--==Inside==--

Triphylla's attack had unrivaled fury but the accuracy wasn't quite there and Vi stepped aside. She was sorely wounded and just as stubborn but in her weakened state she was unable to land a blow either but not for want of trying!

Vi, Sawtooth sabre vs Triphylla: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 <--- MISS
Vi, Sawtooth sabre vs Triphylla: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10Damage: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 <--- MISS

One hit will finish her off

Triphylla might think later on how incredibly lucky she was to have caught the assassin unaware in the stair. The impromptu flour strike seems to have completely debilitated her foe, to the extent that Vi's attacks are not only ineffective but not even remotely close to landing. As vicious as those twin sawtooth sabres look, they are worthless in this killer's hands.

She knows one thing the assassin does not - this is her last thrust of rage.

Strength Rage, Power Attack

Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 Damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Crit?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 Damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Claw: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Damage: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Her bloody fangs go wanting but a claw finds the mark, and the halfling is rewarded for her feral frenzy with a final spray of blood and gore.

Spent, her face runs cold as the barbaric energy rushes out of her. Triphylla slumps against the wall at the feet of her fallen foe.

Fatigued 8 rounds

Yep! The joys of touch spells, holding the charge!

Valeria was displeased that she missed but she quickly had a second shot and this time she shifted to the side to put the man between her and Lope as she reached out touch touch someone.

Inflict Mod 2/haste/flank will 18: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 + 2 = 162d8 + 5 ⇒ (2, 2) + 5 = 9

[oc]Well, if flank applies I might get him. Freaking dice rolls...[/ooc]

Diana looks on worriedly as the assassins attacks find their marks in both Lope and Cyrene - Lope in particular seemed badly wounded after those two strikes, even if his attacker seemed worse for wear.

With no way to help her allies recover, Diana focus instead on trying to prevent the assassins from landing more hits. Focusing on the healtier of the two, she unleashes an inaudible scream at her, hoping the magic stuns her for just long enough for the others to bring her down.

Casting Ear-piercing Scream at Green

Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9 Fort save Vs DC 16 for half, or be dazed for a round. Green takes -2 to saves due to Lope's Riving Strike

Cyrene only has AC 20, 21 with haste, so she's taken two hits now. On the flip side she's using Koriana's Blade as a rapier so the second attack threatens a crit!

Crit?: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 181d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

With her own blood flowing freely Cyrene flashes a grin.

"You're good girl. But not good enough!"

Stabbity!: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 301d6 + 5 + 1 + 3d4 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 + (1, 1, 4) = 17
Crit?: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 211d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12

She feints and lands a second blow through the assassin's defenses.

"Too slow to parry, girly. Sorry to have to kill you."

Lope shouts in pain as he gets another strike, but seeing his friends fighting to death, makes him stand on position to help distract them as much as possible, but taking a defensive stance "You are professionals, I will tell that, but we are more!"
Aldori sword+pool+haste+flank-DS: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 26
Magical/Slashing damage+pool+AS+flaming: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 2 + (4) = 15

if woman falls, the haste extra attack goes after the male
Aldori sword+pool+haste+flank-DS: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 2 - 1 = 22
Magical/Slashing damage+pool+AS+flaming: 1d8 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 2 + (6) = 17

Riving Strike for -2 to their saves during next round

HP 18/43 AC 23 TAC 21
defensive stance (-1 attack/+1 AC included)
haste (+1 AC included)
ablative barrier [baroness] 5 h
arcane pooled sword (+1, flaming) 1 min

Sorry been busy.

--==Outside==--

From everyone else's point of view Diana silently screamed at the male assassin, he however flinched and was rocked back a step by the sound of her fury. Still he had the constitution of an ox and gritting his teeth he forced his way forward once more.
Fort DC 16: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 - 2 = 16 <--- PASS (JUST)

Cyrene's bladework was too fast for the eye to follow, she feinted and thrust and suddenly a patch of red wetness was blooming on the female assassin's chest!

Spurred on by Diana's spell and with surprising economy of motion and brutality Baroness Voignum's liquid blade darted out again, and again and again turning, turning red as it carved a ruin into the man's chest!
Haste: Liquid Blade vs Red: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 1 - 2 = 24Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 = 10 <--- HIT
Primary: Liquid Blade vs Red: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 1 - 2 = 21Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 4 = 14 <--- HIT
Iterative: Liquid Blade vs Red: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 - 2 = 20Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 4 = 10 <--- HIT

Nobody could withstand such a beating and the assassin fell to the floor with blood rushing from his mouth and nose, he thrashed several times but quickly bled out.

Lope swiftly turned to the female assassin, and with his sword leaving vivid trails of fire he ran her through, not once but twice! She collapsed gurgling something before she fell still and died.

Baroness Voignum stared at the corpses lying in her vinyard for a long moment, clearly horrified at the blood on her hand. With a heavy sigh she turned to you and said, "I had hoped when I retired from the army that I would never need to kill again! I fear this is just the start of things to come... Tell me, that the princess is going to be magnanimous if she wins. Tell me that me that there won't be purges or pogroms..."

--==Inside==--

The assassin, Vi dies with a look of incredulity on her face. She clearly couldn't believe that a halfling took her down. All those decades of training, all the arse kissing, all the conniving and the murders, she was going places, but for it to end like this! An unfathomable waste, one she couldn't process before she finally bled out surrounded by an unholy mix of blood, piss and flower.

Normally I'd figure out the spellcraft DCs but I'm tired... All the assassins's weapons and studded leather armour are all of the highest quality, enchanted to +1. They also have +2 rings of protection and +2 necklaces of natural armor. And there's two hideous [url=https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/wondrous-items/m-p/mask-of-the-mantis/]mantis masks.

Once the fatigue of the rigorous rage has warn off, Triphylla drags the corpse of the assassin out of the stairway and picks Vi's body clean of valuable possessions. She then covers it with an empty sack and scrawls a not, sorry for the mess.

As she is bloodied but unscathed, the halfling makes a quick trip to the wine cellar and takes one of the Baroness' finest, uncorking it with her feral claw and taking a long drink before returning to the estate proper. She had figured (wrongly) that Vi was the lone assassin on premises, so there would be no rush to join the others. When she found everyone outside standing over the bodies of two more hired killers, Triphylla felt a little guilty, like maybe she shouldn't have taken her sweet time. But only Lope seems seriously injured, and there are heal spells to go around.

"Well that makes three then," she announces and informs the others of the fate of the killer confectioner.

She takes another drink and then says to Voignum, "I trust you don't mind. Care for a drink? Sorry, I didn't brink a proper glass."

"Well, here we are, this is the moment when things start to turn around" Lope states looking down at the dead bodies and covering his wound with the free hand "Sorry I cannot assure you that on behalf of the princess, but I truly think our actions here can and will avoid an open bloodbath through the country"

The Aldori looks at Triphylla and smiles to discover she dealt with one more where the rest of the group had trouble to face a couple "Are you a mighty scientist, aren't you?"

Looking down at the masks, Lope frowns worried "Mantis assassins. If we can proof the link between them and the Count environment, this can be the chance we were looking for to convince the rest of the nobles it is a time for a change"

"Is there any way we can prove it, Cyrene? Diana?"

Baroness Voignum smiled at Triphylla, "I'm sure that won't be a problem at all, when I was in the army we used to share from the bottle directly..."

Feel free to continue discussions.

The rest of the night became something of a blur and most of the morning was lost to hangovers every bit as vicious as the trio of dead assassins.

Towards the end of the next day a rather harried looking Tobias Long* arrived. He nodded to Diana and Triphylla and landed Lope a letter "I have word from a mutual friend. This letter is a few days old and it seems events have progressed a pace or two in the intervening time. I must say I'm impressed by how you handled Sir Gusairne. It must have been hard to not wring his neck... Still avoiding unnecessary violence is something Eutropia and her supporters will approve of."

The letter itself was written in a steady hand on the finest parchment and it smelled faintly of perfume.

After you've all had a chance to read the letter, Tobias says, "In light of Sir Gusairne's exile, I'd recommend taking action sooner rather than later. Speculation over your next move is already rampant..."

* Princess Eutropia's agent in Cassomir, previously met by Diana and Triphylla.