GM Peachbottom's War for the Crown

Game Master Peachbottom

Round 2

Attack Yellow: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

You may be surprised but with the blinded condition a 13 hits. Tychus doesn’t even need to use a reroll.

Tychus blasts the blinded statue of Shelyn which is unable to defend against the unseen attack.

Caryatid column (Shelyn) takes 13 damage after DR.

Xallis – Aid Another (Defense) DC 10: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Xallis steps us and helps defend Icabhod from further attacks.

I’m not sure what Xallis wants Navia to do, so he can say when he next posts.

Shatter Weapon: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 3) = 8

Icabhod easily hits the statue of Abadar, however the attacks only leaves a minor scratch.

Caryatid column (Abadar) takes 2 damage after DR. Icabhod's weapon is undamaged.

Trevor raises his rapier to attack but the statue of Cayden effortlessly bats it to the side.

Trevor misses.

Shatter Weapon: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 3) = 10

Henrika also hits the statue of Abadar but with much more power.

Caryatid column (Abadar) takes another 11 damage after DR. Henrika's weapon is undamaged.

Round 3

Caryatid Column (Abadar) – Crossbow vs. Henrika’s AC 21: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Mirror Image: 1d5 ⇒ 4
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

The Abadar caryatid column turns towards Henrika and tries to bash her with its crossbow. Another image bursts like a balloon.

Caryatid column (Abadar) hits and destroys one of Henrika’s mirror images.

Still blinded, the Shelyn caryatid column swings its glaive in Tychus’ direction but he is out of reach.

Caryatid Column (Cayden) – Rapier vs. Trevor’s AC 22: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

The Cayden caryatid column trades parries with the Trevor with neither harming the other.

Caryatid column (Cayden) misses Trevor.

Caryatid Column (Shelyn) Will DC 17: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

After the caryatid columns’ attacks, the column of Shelyn regains its vision.

Round 3
Initiative
22 – Caryatid Column (Red, Abadar) (13 damage)
22 – Caryatid Column (Yellow, Shelyn) (13 damage)
22 – Caryatid Column (Blue, Cayden)
21 – Tychus (51/51 hp)
15 – Xallis (51/51 hp)
15 – Navia (32/32 hp)
08 – Icabhod (27/47 hp) (Defending +1 AC) (Aid +2 AC)
08 – Trevor (47/47 hp)
04 – Henrika (65/51 hp) (Defending +1 AC)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲False Life (14 hp, 6 hr), ▲Heightened Awareness (59 min), ▲Mirror Image (3 images, 5 min)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min), ▲Perceive Cues (59 min)
Trevor: ▲Sheild of Faith (+3 AC, 6 min)
Tychus: None
Xallis: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min)
Navia: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Unfetter (59 min), ▲Invisibility (11 min)

Players’ turns

Over by Navia, one of the guards says, "There really sounds like a loud commotion by the entrance. Something must be happening."

Another guard reples, "Eh, the columns can handle it. Besides, they can't tell the difference between friend and foe. Do you really want to get between them? I sure don't."

"I suppose so..." the first guard mumbles.

Henrika tries to return the blow against the statue of Abadar. She considers adding a bit of witty reparteé, but she figures the statues wouldn't get it and in any case it could reveal information about them to anyone else in the vicinity. So, she simply grunts as she swings her enchanted sword.

If the Abadar statue falls before her turn, she will step to the west and switch her attack to the Cayden statue instead.

Attack red (Korinna's blade), defending, flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 10 - 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 - 1 + 2 - 2 = 28
Damage (magic, slashing), defending, Power Attack: 1d8 + 6 - 1 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 1 + 6 = 18
Critical confirmation: 1d20 + 10 - 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 1 + 2 - 2 = 19
Additional damage (magic, slashing), defending, Power Attack: 1d8 + 6 - 1 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 1 + 6 = 14

Round 2

Navia can't help but smirk as the guards stay where they are. She considers raising a ruckus, but she may as well search for something more substantive. The eidolon will do her best to slip into the door as a servant passes though, making it look less like the door is opening and closing on its own suspiciously.

Round 3

Once through, Navia takes in her surroundings as she creeps through the secret room.
Navia's Stealth (invisible, above half speed): 1d20 + 21 + 20 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 21 + 20 - 5 = 51

Xallis continues his support, drawing a knife and waving it at the enemy in a distracting fashion to aid Icabhod.
Xallis' Aid Another vs Red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

During the Battle
The CCC (Cayden Caryatid Column) and the caydenite continues the commerce of fists-to-cuffs (Damn. I wanted that alliteration to continue).
"Column of Cayden. it is clear that I don't want to fight you. You don't want to fight me. Right now, I'm just defending myself. My ire is for the flesh who resides in this place, currently. Please for the Love of The Drunken Hero whose visage you bear. please shut down!"

Round 3
Trevor attacks the CCC, hoping for a quick resolution.

Godspike: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Dmg.: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Round 3

Icabhod strikes the one to the north again

Rapier+1,Flank: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 121d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Quickly glancing to his backside to ensure no one was sneaking up on them, Tychus focuses all his attention on the statue of Shelyn, make sure to stay out of it's reach.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Damage 1: 1d10 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Attack 2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Damage 2: 1d10 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Attack 3: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Damage 3: 1d10 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Re-Rolling the first attack.

Attack 1 RR: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Round 3

Tychus fires at a weak spot of the statue of Shelyn’s hip and hits twice in rapid succession. The leg crumbles under the caryatid column’s weigh and the entire construct shatters against the floor.

Tychus hits the caryatid column (Shelyn) twice for a total of 27 damage and destroys it. (This time, since the column was no longer blinded, he does need to use the reroll.)

Navia Reflex Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

As Navia makes her way down the hallway, she feels a tile under her foot depress and her heart skips a beat knowing she just triggered a trap. Iron manacles magically form around her ankles and shackle her to the floor. Fortunately, the hallway is designed to prevent sounds in the hallway from being heard from the outside but its only a matter of time before someone passes by unless she escapes.

Navia is bound to the spot she is standing. She can attempt to escape with an Escape Artist, Device Device, or Strength check.

Xallis’ aid another does not succeed.

Icabhod tries to strike the column of Abadar from behind but his rapier skids harmlessly against stone.

Icabhod misses caryatid column (Abadar).

Trevor continues his swordplay with the statue of Cayden Cailean with neither gaining the upper hand.

Trevor misses caryatid column (Cayden).

Shatter Weapon: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 5) = 15

Henrika hits the statue of Abadar hard and a weapon of lesser quality would have shattered from such a strike but Koriana’s Blade is no mere sword. The caryatid column, on the other hand, cannot withstand the damage and bursts into pieces.

Henrika hits caryatid column (Abadar) with a critical hit for 27 damage and destroys it.

Round 4

Caryatid Column (Cayden) – Rapier vs. Trevor’s AC 22: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The last remaining caryatid column shows no indication of registering that its allies have been destroyed and continues to cross swords with Trevor. Once again, Trevor blocks the blow. However, unlike Trevor, the construct can tirelessly continue indefinitely.

Caryatid column (Cayden) misses Trevor.

Round 4
Initiative
22 – Caryatid Column (Blue, Cayden)
21 – Tychus (51/51 hp)
15 – Xallis (51/51 hp)
15 – Navia (32/32 hp) (Shackled)
08 – Icabhod (27/47 hp) (Defending +1 AC)
08 – Trevor (47/47 hp)
04 – Henrika (65/51 hp) (Defending +1 AC)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲False Life (14 hp, 6 hr), ▲Heightened Awareness (59 min), ▲Mirror Image (3 images, 5 min)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min), ▲Perceive Cues (59 min)
Trevor: ▲Sheild of Faith (+3 AC, 6 min)
Tychus: None
Xallis: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min)
Navia: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Unfetter (59 min), ▲Invisibility (11 min)

Players’ turn.

Round 4
"Oh! Cayden! WHY?!?!"

The cleric laments as he attacks his god's image, taking a 5-ft step to the left so Trevor is flanking the construct with Henrika.

Godspike, flanking: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 = 15
Dmg.: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Henrika aims a mighty blow with the hope of finishing off the last aggressive statue, imbuing the stroke with a bit of personal confidence.

Attack blue (Korinna's blade), defending, flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 10 - 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 1 + 2 - 2 = 11
Damage (magic, slashing), defending, Power Attack: 1d8 + 6 - 1 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 1 + 6 = 18
Reroll attack: 1d20 + 10 - 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 10 - 1 + 2 - 2 = 16

Xallis moves in with his knife, trying once again to throw off the enemy.

Xallis' Aid Another vs Blue for Ichabod: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

"Pupa, you're not gonna believe this."

"What is it? Did you find Lotheed?"

"I... fell for a trap."

"Wait, how did you... nevermind. Get out of it if you can. Give me the signal if you need to be recalled. And remind me to install more eyes in your head next time."

Excited at the prospect of gaining additional eyeballs, Navia begins to wriggle free of her restraints.

Navia's Disable Device: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27

Round 4

Icabhod tries to coordinate with Xallis

Rapier+1,Flank: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 221d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Round 4

Tychys attacks the remaining caryatid column.

Dignity’s Barb, point-blank: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d10 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 1 = 20

Dignity’s Barb, point-blank: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d10 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 1 = 15

Bang! Bang! Two bolts explode into the side of the statue of Cayden’s head. The statue turns slightly to stare dead-eyed at Tychus with half a face.

Tychus hits the caryatid column (Cayden) twice for a total of 25 damage after DR.

Xallis’ Aid Another is successful.

Navia tinkers with the chain. She remains bound but feels like she was very close to freeing herself. With just a little more effort, she should get it. Navia’s Escape Artist check is a failure but was close. She can retry next turn.

Shatter Weapon vs. Icabhod: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 4) = 11

Shatter Weapon vs. Trevor: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 1) = 9

Icabhod and Trevor both hit the caryatid column with their rapiers but neither puts enough strength behind their attack to punch through its hardened body.

Icabhod and Trevor hits but the 4 damage (Icabhod) and 5 damage (Trevor) is absorbed by the column’s DR so the column takes 0 damage.

Shatter Weapon vs. Henrika: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 1) = 5

Henrika swings at the column from behind. Her powerful attack collides with the weakened statue which can take no more. Its upper half breaks into pieces and its legs topple to the ground.

Henrika hits caryatid column (Cayden) for 13 damage and destroys it.

Combat over

From the servant’s hallway, Navia hears from the ballroom:

”Maybe we should at least see what’s going on over there.”

”I suppose you are right. I don’t want to be scolded for negligence. The last soldier who was reprimanded disappeared. I’d rather that not happen to me. Form up men.”

Navia hears the soldiers start moving in the party’s direction.

The party can either wait for the soldiers to arrive or move away before they show up. You only have about 1 round before they arrive.

Status
Tychus (51/51 hp)
Xallis (51/51 hp)
Navia (32/32 hp)
Icabhod (27/47 hp)
Trevor (47/47 hp)
Henrika (65/51 hp)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲False Life (14 hp, 6 hr), ▲Heightened Awareness (59 min), ▲Mirror Image (3 images, 5 min)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min), ▲Perceive Cues (59 min)
Trevor: ▲Sheild of Faith (+3 AC, 6 min)
Tychus: None
Xallis: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min)
Navia: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Unfetter (59 min), ▲Invisibility (11 min)

Henrika retrieves her wand of color spray and positions herself so she can blast the soldiers as they enter.

Navia continues to work at her bindings in an attempt to escape.
Navia's Disable Device: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29

Regardless of the result, she uses her remaining time to open the secret door within arm's reach (assuming she can see it from this side) in a rather hasty and loud fashion, hopefully delaying the guards in the momentary confusion to buy time for the team or even split them up further.

Hearing of Navia's attempt, the summoner sheaths his dagger and draws a long scroll with several spells on it, fingers rolling down the letters until he stops at mount....

Icabhod drinks a potion of Cure Serious Wounds

CSW: 3d8 + 5 ⇒ (6, 2, 1) + 5 = 14

The cleric notices the investigator drinking a healing draught. "Everyone. Be very vocal about where you are health-wise. I'll do my best to stay on top of it. I'm trying to save my clerical spells to fight any extraplanar threats, I can still Channel Energy so long as I have my holy symbol", Trevor explains.

Navia continues to work at her bindings in an attempt to escape.

Navia's Disable Device: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29

(Poor Navia. The DC is 30. =) She can keep trying. Or if a soldier comes and she is still bound, she can fight, she just can’t move until freed.)

One of the soldiers responds to Navia’s noise. ”You hear that?” a soldier points towards the servant’s hallway. ”I’ll go check it out.” One soldier breaks away to investigate where Navia is, while the other two proceed towards the group in the gallery.

Henrika retrieves her wand of color spray and positions herself so she can blast the soldiers as they enter.

(I moved you all closer to the door.)

Two guards open the double doors to the northeast of the gallery with halberds drawn. ”What’s going on here?” They survey the room and see the destroyed guardians and are surprised to see you waiting in ambush. Their faces pale, recognizing that they are in trouble.

In the other room, the guard looks into the servant’s hallway. Since Navia is still invisible, he just sees the chains floating mysteriously in the air. ”What the…?”

Both groups get a surprise round on the enemies.

Surprise Round
23 – Tychus (51/51 hp)
20 – Henrika (65/51 hp)
16 – Lotheed Soldier (Purple)
16 – Lotheed Soldier (Blue)
16 – Lotheed Soldier (Pink)
14 – Xallis (51/51 hp)
14 – Navia (32/32 hp)
10 – Icabhod (41/47 hp)
08 – Trevor (47/47 hp)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲False Life (14 hp, 6 hr), ▲Heightened Awareness (59 min), ▲Mirror Image (3 images, 5 min)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min), ▲Perceive Cues (59 min)
Trevor: ▲Shield of Faith (+3 AC, 6 min)
Tychus: None
Xallis: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min)
Navia: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Unfetter (59 min), ▲Invisibility (11 min)

Two guards open the double doors to the northeast of the gallery with halberds drawn. ”What’s going on here?” They survey the room and see the destroyed guardians and are surprised to see you waiting in ambush. Their faces pale, recognizing that they are in trouble.

Surprise Round

Godspike, purple guard: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Dmg.: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Without wasting breath trying to negotiate their surrender, Henrika fixes the closest guard with her hypnotic stare and blasts both of them with a burst of swirling colored lights from her wand.

She shoots a stream of color spray at the two guards. If either of them succeed at the saving throw (DC 11 I think?), she blasts them again after the surprise round, transferring her hypnotic stare as appropriate.

Surprise Round

Lotheed Soldier (Purple) Will DC 11: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Lotheed Soldier (Blue) Will DC 11: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Blue Duration: 1d4 ⇒ 3

The two soldiers get blasted by a rainbow of lights. The left soldier is stunned and drops his halberd. The right soldier shields his eyes in time.

Lotheed Soldier (Blue) is stunned for 4 rounds and blinded for 3 rounds. Lotheed Soldier (Purple) is unaffected. Henrika stares at the unstunned soldier.

Trevor stabs at the unaffected soldier. Although the soldier is caught off-guard, his armor still protects him.

Trevor misses.

Surprise Round
23 – Tychus (51/51 hp)
20 – Henrika (65/51 hp)
16 – Lotheed Soldier (Purple)
16 – Lotheed Soldier (Blue) (Stunned 4 rd, Blinded 3 rd)
16 – Lotheed Soldier (Pink)
14 – Xallis (51/51 hp)
14 – Navia (32/32 hp)
10 – Icabhod (41/47 hp)
08 – Trevor (47/47 hp)

Round 1
23 – Tychus (51/51 hp)
20 – Henrika (65/51 hp)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲False Life (14 hp, 6 hr), ▲Heightened Awareness (59 min), ▲Mirror Image (3 images, 5 min)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min), ▲Perceive Cues (59 min)
Trevor: ▲Shield of Faith (+3 AC, 6 min)
Tychus: None
Xallis: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min)
Navia: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Unfetter (59 min), ▲Invisibility (11 min)
Lotheed Soldier (Purple): ▼Hypnotic Stare
Lotheed Soldier (Blue): ▼Color Spray (4 rd)

Tychus, Xallis, and Icabhod can still take Surprise Round actions. And Tychus can also take a Round 1 action before the soldiers get to go. (I see Henrika is doing color spray again in Round 1.)

I’ll give everyone more time because of the weekend.

Not one to waste the element of surprise, Tychus tries to aim a sneaky bolt past his allies and into the northernmost guard.

Attack Purple: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 4 = 14
Damage Purple: 1d10 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Surprise Round

Well, her plan worked. Navia considers what to do, and decides to try one last time to wriggle out of her bondage before taking on the guard.

Navia's Disable Device: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29

Xallis, meanwhile, decides to tuck the scroll away and reload his crossbow.

Surprise Round

Seeing himself stuck behind his allies, Icabhod passes his round.

Surprise Round

Attack Purple: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 11 - 4 = 14

What was the -4 for? Tychus has Precise Shot. I’m going to revise that result to a 18, but if I am missing something, let me know.

Tychus hits the startled guard, leaving a bolt protruding from his body.

Tychus hits Lotheed Soldier (Purple) for 12 damage.

Navia continues to struggle with her chains and has not yet freed herself.

The guard looks suspiciously at the rattling manacles. ”W-who goes there?”

Seeing himself stuck behind his allies, Icabhod passes his round.

Icabhod can reach the enemies in melee from the corners of the doorway (north of Trevor or south of Henrika) if he wants to.

Round 1

Tychus – Dignity’s Barb, point-blank vs. Lotheed Soldier (purple): 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d10 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 1 = 17

While the soldier is still reeling from the surprise attack, Tychus hits him with a second bolt.

Tychus hits Lotheed Soldier (Purple) for another 17 damage and +3 damage for Henrika’s painful stare.

Lotheed Soldier (Purple) Will DC 11: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Henrika blasts the soldier a second time with her wand but again the effect washes harmlessly over him.

The badly injured soldier (purple) looks at his incapacitated partner and the large group of heroes in front of him and makes a decision. He drops his weapon to the ground and raises his hands in the air. ”I surrender. This isn’t worth it.”

Lotheed Soldier (Pink) – Halberd vs. Navia’s AC 22: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
50% Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 91
Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

The last soldier, unaware of the status of the other two guards, swings his halberd in Navia’s direction but hits nothing but air. ”Men! We have an intruder here! It must be a wizard…or possibly a ghost.” When he get's no response, he shouts again. "Men? What's going on?!"

Round 1
14 – Xallis (51/51 hp)
14 – Navia (32/32 hp)
10 – Icabhod (41/47 hp)
08 – Trevor (47/47 hp)

Round 2
23 – Tychus (51/51 hp)
20 – Henrika (65/51 hp)
16 – Lotheed Soldier (Purple) (32 damage)
16 – Lotheed Soldier (Blue) (Stunned 3 rd, Blinded 2 rd)
16 – Lotheed Soldier (Pink)
14 – Xallis (51/51 hp)
14 – Navia (32/32 hp)
10 – Icabhod (41/47 hp)
08 – Trevor (47/47 hp)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲False Life (14 hp, 6 hr), ▲Heightened Awareness (59 min), ▲Mirror Image (3 images, 5 min)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min), ▲Perceive Cues (59 min)
Trevor: ▲Shield of Faith (+3 AC, 6 min)
Tychus: None
Xallis: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min)
Navia: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Unfetter (59 min), ▲Invisibility (11 min)
Lotheed Soldier (Purple): ▼Hypnotic Stare
Lotheed Soldier (Blue): ▼Color Spray (3 rd)

Everyone goes. Soldiers (blue) and (purple) are effectively out of the fight. Only (pink) is still active. You can move through (blue) and (purple)’s spaces unimpeded.

Round 1

Trevor sidesteps the surrendered guards and steps into the room (ES), ducking his head into the adjoining room (H6), looking for opposition.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Henrika marches the stunned guard and the guard who surrendered into the central hall, where she ties them up. "Let us hope that for the stone guardians, the servants and any other guards avoid this room," she whispers through her message spell. "For we must either kill them or leave them, and I for one would prefer the former. It is true that they fight for our enemy, but I would fain safeguard them to repent of their ill-chosen allegiance."

Not sure how many rounds that takes, but I'm guessing it's at least three.

Icabhod helps move any bodies and keeps watch.

Henrika marches the stunned guard and the guard who surrendered into the central hall, where she ties them up. "Let us hope that for the stone guardians, the servants and any other guards avoid this room," she whispers through her message spell. "For we must either kill them or leave them, and I for one would prefer the former. It is true that they fight for our enemy, but I would fain safeguard them to repent of their ill-chosen allegiance."

Not sure how many rounds that takes, but I'm guessing it's at least three.

Tychus glances back towards the entrance.

"Baron Okerra isn't far. Should I escort these two back to him?"

"Good idea-- we should be able to leave them in his care and return quickly," Henrika whispers.

Xallis will do what he can to assist with securing the prisoners.

Meanwhile, Navia lets out a cackle in response to the guard's panic. "Ohh, it sounds like something happened to your friends. I don't hear any fighting. Perhaps if you surrender, you won't meet the same fate~"

And that ultimatum is what what she says out loud. Inside of his head, Xallis can hear a few muttered curses as she struggles with these infernal bindings.

Navia's Disable Device: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34

In the hopes that the last guard surrenders to Navia's threats, Tychus, with Icabhod's help, will lead Purple and Blue back out to the Baron at the entrance. He gives the Baron an apologetic shrug of his shoulders.

Round 1

Navia finally frees herself and the manacles clatter to the floor.

"Ohh, it sounds like something happened to your friends. I don't hear any fighting. Perhaps if you surrender, you won't meet the same fate~"

The soldier ironically replies, ”Lies! I would never trust the words of a trickster wizard.”

Trevor sidesteps the surrendered guards and steps into the room (ES), ducking his head into the adjoining room (H6), looking for opposition.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Trevor can see the altercation with the guard and what he can assume to be invisible Navia. He does not see any other enemies nearby. He can also see the same valuables in the library that Navia spotted when she passed though.

Round 2

The rest of the group brings the two guards towards the entrance. The one guard willingly walks as directed. The stunned and blinded guard is a little harder to move and two of you lift him under his arms from either side and half walk, half carry him out.

”Accumulating quite the collection.” comments Baron Okerra. ”I’ll keep an eye on them.”

Lotheed Soldier (Pink) vs. Navia’s AC 22: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
50% Miss Chance: 1d100 ⇒ 60
Damage: 3d10 + 6 ⇒ (4, 9, 5) + 6 = 24

The soldier standing over Navia swings his halberd again. This time, his weapon hits something solid. Through Xallis’ link with the eidolon, he can feel that she is in trouble.

Lotheed Soldier (Pink) does not surrender. He hits Navia with a critical hit for 24 damage.

Round 2
14 – Xallis (51/51 hp)
14 – Navia (8/32 hp)
10 – Icabhod (41/47 hp)
08 – Trevor (47/47 hp)

Round 3
23 – Tychus (51/51 hp)
20 – Henrika (65/51 hp)
16 – Lotheed Soldier (Pink)
14 – Xallis (51/51 hp)
14 – Navia (8/32 hp)
10 – Icabhod (41/47 hp)
08 – Trevor (47/47 hp)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲False Life (14 hp, 6 hr), ▲Heightened Awareness (59 min), ▲Mirror Image (3 images, 5 min)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min), ▲Perceive Cues (59 min)
Trevor: ▲Shield of Faith (+3 AC, 6 min)
Tychus: None
Xallis: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min)
Navia: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Unfetter (59 min), ▲Invisibility (11 min)

Everyone goes. It only took you 1 round to walk back to the entrance. Baron Okerra can take over properly binding them so you can go help Navia. But now you have a longer distance to travel to reach her.

Navia is still invisible, so she can either fight or just flee (she isn't bound anymore). The soldier would not be able to see her unless she attacks.

Round 1

Trevor wrote:

Trevor sidesteps the surrendered guards and steps into the room (ES), ducking his head into the adjoining room (H6), looking for opposition.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Trevor can see the altercation with the guard and what he can assume to be invisible Navia. He does not see any other enemies nearby. He can also see the same valuables in the library that Navia spotted when she passed though.

Round 2

Henrika returns to the hall and proceeds through the doors, not sure where Trevor or the guard they heard might be. She forgoes sneaking to close the distance more quickly, though she tries to remain aware of the location of her other allies, so she does not get too far ahead of everybody.

(Double move.)

Icabhod follows Henrika

A bit of off-color blood drips from the space that Navia's mouth occupies. "Oh, that was a good one...let's return the favor!"

Navia's Claw (power attack, invisible): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 = 29 damage: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Navia's Claw (power attack): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 damage: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Navia's Claw (power attack): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 damage: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Navia's Claw (power attack): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27 damage: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

crit confirmation (first attack): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 = 19 damage: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
crit confirmation (forth attack): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 damage: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

not gonna lie I don't like this guy's odds of making it outta here

Hearing Navia's inner cry of pain is more than enough to motivate the summoner to hustle forward to see what's happening with his own eyes.

Round 2

Navia’s invisibility drops when she lashes out at the soldier. He is shocked that the intruder is not a man but a monster. He is completely defenseless against her fury and when she finally stops attacking, he is lying bloody on the ground.

Navia hits all four times (the 1st attack confirms the crit) for a total of 52 damage. The soldier does not survive.

Combat over.

Status
Henrika (65/51 hp)
Icabhod (41/47 hp)
Trevor (47/47 hp)
Tychus (51/51 hp)
Xallis (51/51 hp)
Navia (8/32 hp)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲False Life (14 hp, 6 hr), ▲Heightened Awareness (59 min), ▲Mirror Image (3 images, 5 min)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min), ▲Perceive Cues (59 min)
Trevor: ▲Shield of Faith (+3 AC, 6 min)
Tychus: None
Xallis: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 59 min)
Navia: ▲Mage Armor (59 min), ▲Unfetter (59 min)

When the group catches up to Navia, a timid maid tiptoes out of the kitchen. ”I recognize you. You’re the nobles from the Betany Estate. You might not recognize me since I’m not in a bird costume, but I accompanied you during the Tanager Jubilee. I’m Purple Finch. Or my real name is Alista Cragus. Listen, your deeds throughout Meratt have earned you more support than you might know. Most of the guards have already deserted to avoid the conflict. Only the most loyal ones remain. And none of the servants will oppose you. And some like me, will give our full support. How can I help?”

Letting his crossbow droop to the ground, Tychus takes a moment to catch his breath and take in the situation.

"If it isn't our helpful little Finch. Glad to finally meet you outside of the insanity of the Jubilee." Tychus bows to her respectfully.

"I suspect you know why we are here... Any chance there are a few alternate routes we would be able to take to reach Bartelby?"

"The last I saw of Count Bartelby, he was up near the parlor on the second floor. The only guards remaining on the second floor generally station themselves near the family suites in the west wing. If you take the stairs up to the second floor in the east wing where we are now, you might be able to reach Bartelby without encountering anymore soldiers."

"Lord Titus and his hanger-ons were last getting drunk as they usually do in the waiting room on the first floor to the west, right in front of the royal tower. A few guards also remain there to make sure no one enters the tower. Servants aren't allowed in the tower, so I can't tell you what's beyond. I thought I saw a soldier go running towards Lord Titus earlier. I don't know why he hasn't raised the alarm."

I put tokens on the map (in gray) to represent where Alista described the enemies would be. You'll have to confirm for yourselves if you go to any of the locations. You have no reason to believe she is lying but the NPCs aren't necessarily static in place depending on what you do.

Henrika gives a familiar nod. "A great pleasure to see you again, Mistress Cragus. We are very grateful for your assistance."

She turns to the others and whispers to each in turn: "Shall we deal with Lord Titus first, before we seek out the count? I know Sir Trevor is anxious to test his steel against him again, with higher stakes."

Arms folded, Trevor leans in "Like in chess, when the King is taken, the game is over. Perhaps we meet our host properly. I can wait for Titus."

I agree that we should deal with Lotheed first. Of course, that might give Titus a chance to slip away and become Trevor's dreaded nemesis in the future.

Trevor shushes violently. "BY THE GODS! Don't say that out loud!"

Alista says, ”In that case, the stairs in the servant’s hallway would be your best bet. I assure you, there are no other traps that way. I apologize for not deactivating the last one but I didn’t see anyone coming.”

”But before you go, your, um, eidolon looks like she’s in bad shape.”

If you don’t want to expend spells, you have 84 charges among your cure light wounds wands or Xallis has 50 charges on a lesser rejuvenate eidolon wand.

”Also the Lotheeds are pretty careless with some of their treasures. If you keep your eyes open, you might find some stuff you could use laying around. Good luck.”

Since you are returning the Palace to the Princess, you don’t need to ransack the place of all valuables but you were told you could keep useful magic items that you found. I mentioned there was a locked drawer in the library if you want to check it now that you are out of danger. You can also check any of the other rooms around here if you want.

Also, I’ll list the equipment of the soldiers you defeated so far. You can take their potions now. Their weapons and armor are probably no use lugging around, but you can cart all that stuff up and sell it later. You fought 5 Lotheed Soldiers so far.

Each soldier had: oil of magic weapon, potion of cure moderate wounds (x2), antiplague, oil (x3), masterwork chain shirt, masterwork halberd, masterwork heavy crossbow, bolts (x10), backpack, bullseye lantern, flint and steel, manacles, signal whistle, and trail rations (x10)

Navia lets out a wheezing chuckle as one claw clutches her stomach, holding in some wriggling organ. "Oh, you know what an eidolon is? Heh, it looks like his helpers are smarter than the ones he gives weapons."

Xallis sighs, wand already in hand. He gets to work tending to her wounds as she looks around the room for anything valuable.

Navia's Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19

lesser rejuvenate eidolon: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
lesser rejuvenate eidolon: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
lesser rejuvenate eidolon: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"Oh, you know what an eidolon is? Heh, it looks like his helpers are smarter than the ones he gives weapons."

Alista winks. ”The Lotheeds are the most powerful mages in Meratt. I’ve learned a few things from them.”

Xallis heals Navia back to full health.

Ok, let me help move things along a little bit.

You feel safe enough to explore the nearby rooms on the first floor as long as you don't go to the west wing.

H6 Library

Once again, there are a number of antiques on display, including a functioning Jistkan timepiece, a teak-and-ivory globe, and the quill used to sign the Treaty of the Wildwood, all sealed in glass cases. With detect magic Xallis determines that none of these items are magical but there is abjuration magic on each of the glass cases.

Xallis - Spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

The glass cases are protected with alarm spells.

Icabhod - Appraise - Timepiece DC 20: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Icabhod - Appraise - Globe DC 20: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Icabhod - Appraise - Quill DC 20: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Icabhod appraises the value of the items, the Jistkan timepiece is worth 1,200 gp, the teak-and-ivory globe is worth 400 gp, and the quill is worth 250 gp.

It's up to you if you want to try to take these items out of the cases and deal with the alarm spell. Princess Eutropia might appreciate you leaving them alone. I'm going to assume you leave them alone and not add them to the treasure for now.

Navia – Disable Device: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33

Navia tries her hand at the locked desk drawer. She says, "I'm so close. If someone can lend me a hand, I think I'll get it"

Icahbod Aid Another DC 10: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Icabhod lends Navia his expertise with locks and she sees her mistake. With a click, the lock opens. Inside is a magical headband and a pair of magical spectacles.

Identify Headband DC 23
Xallis: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Identify Spectacles DC 17
Xallis: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Xallis identifies the items as a headband of vast intelligence +2 and spectacles of understanding.

H5 Game Room

Across the hall from the gallery is a game room and is the furthest west you dare explore. This well-lit room features a billiards table and walls lined with dart targets, scoreboards, and cabinets full of gaming supplies.

A set of four ivory carambola balls sit on the table. And a metamagic rod has been casually racked alongside the pool cues.

Icabhod - Appraise - Balls DC 20: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Icabhod says the ivory balls are probably worth 50 gold a piece.

Identify Metamagic Rod DC 20
Xallis: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
Trevor: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Tychus: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Tychus identifies the rod as a lesser extend metagic rod.

From here, you circle back around to the kitchen and pantry.

H9 Kitchen

This large palace kitchen can provide enough cooking and baking to entertain up to 80 people at a time. A single chef is working in here, tidying up some of the dishes and silverware since he is not currently cooking. As Alista implied, he goes about his business and leaves you alone.

There is nothing of value in here.

H10 Pantry

Connected to the kitchen is a pantry. The well-stocked closet includes enough beans, flour, rice, and water to feed the entire palace for 6 months, in addition to a huge collection of spices and pickled and preserved produce from all across Taldor and beyond. A small cabinet has been permanently enchanted to remain as cool as a late autumn morning, allowing the kitchen staff to store eggs, milk, and produce far longer than normal. A set of stairs descends down to the palace’s considerable wine cellar.

Appraise Checks in the Cellar
Henrika: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Icabhod: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Trevor: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Tychus: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Xallis: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Examining the cellar, you discover 19 bottles of rare and expensive wine worth 100 gold each. In addition, you find a particularly pungent tin which contains 5-pounds of imported cockatrice coffee worth 1,500 gp.

You can safely add the pool balls and the items from the cellar to your treasure.

Finally, the hallway to the right of the gallery ends at a sealed room (H11). The room is secured by a 4-inch-thick iron door with a lock beyond Navia's skill.

Alista says, "That's the Lotheed's vault. Their most valuable items are stored within there but only Count Bartelby holds the key."

I’m going to say doing all this searching and appraising took you a total of 30 minutes to complete. When you are ready, you can head up to the second floor.

Trecvor looks at the treasures with his Betony estates family. "It does not feel right to claim any of these, since we intend to deliver Birdsong to Martellas's hands. The wine on the other hand..."

We will toast our victory. Icabhod claims the spectacles.

When the group has finished taking the various Lotheed treasures and stashing them with the baron outside, Henrika prepares to go up and seek out the count. She casts a few spells just before they ascend the stairs.

She re-casts mirror image and Hermean potential.

mirror images: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Xallis considers their next move. "Unless we need to clear out that little side building to the east, our only move is east. Shall we have Navia scout, or is now the time to move in formation and simply conquer the facility room by room?"

"If the other guards are anything like the last few?" Navia says, idly rubbing at the part of her torso that had recently been healed. "...I think we can take them easy as a group."

Answering a quiet plea from the eidolon, Xallis enhances Navia's body with an extended casting of barkskin.