GM Peachbottom's War for the Crown

Game Master Peachbottom

Round 1

Slightly, but not completely, surprised, Tychus takes a few cautious steps backwards to put some distance between himself and the traitor. He retrieves his crossbow and pulls a lever to transform it into it's combat form.

Activate Bane(human). Apply Sneak Attack (1d6) if he is still considered Flat-Footed.

Attack: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36
Damage: 1d10 + 19 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 19 + (2, 6) = 33

Round 1

Tychus gets off the first shot but it appears to hurt Gannaius a lot less than he would have expected.

Tychus can get sneak attack. However, the bane (human) does not work against him. Tychus hits Gannaius and deals 12 damage after DR.

Chain – Dirty Trick (Blind) vs. Tychus’ CMD 29: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Gannaius waves his free hand and a magical chain of force materializes and hovers midair above the table. The chain then lashes out with a hooked end at Tychus’ face. The chain smashes into Tychus’ eyes, temporarily blinding him.

Gainnaius takes a 5-ft. step and casts a spell. The magical chain has 10-ft. reach and performs a dirty trick (blind) against Tychus. The attack succeeds and Tychus is blinded for 1 round.

Round 1
Initiative
17 – Malphene (84/66 hp)
11 – Icabhod (93/75 hp)
09 – Henrika (111/93 hp)
07 – Xallis (101/83 hp)
07 – Navia (78/60 hp)
05 – Jack (94/76 hp)
01 – Trevor (97/79 hp)

Round 2
Initiative
26 – Tychus (97/79 hp) (Blinded 1 rd)
17 – Gannaius (12 damage)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Heightened Awareness (95 min), ▲Message (5 min)
Icabhod: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days)
Trevor: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days)
Tychus: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Heightened Awareness (95 min), ▲Dignity’s Barb (Crit 12, 19, 20)
Xallis: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Overland Flight (10 hr)
Navia: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Mage Armor (10 hr)
Jack: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days)
Malphene: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days)
Gannaius: Chain of Perdition (6 rd), ▼Hypnotic Stare (-3 Will)

Everyone goes.

Icabhod steps in front of their easily damaged summoner and drinks an extract of Displacement10 rounds

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (18) + 23 = 41

"Take him alive." Xallis suggests as he reaches into his bag of holding, drawing the full length of the Standard of Conquest. With a free hand, he raies a free hand and holds for just a moment, and then casts his time accelleration at the same moment Navia confirms her defensive position.

Navia moves towards the entrance and stands guard just in case someone wants in or he wants out. Xallis casts haste on every nearby party member, which should include everyone but Navia, Henrika, and Jack.

"I told you we should have left", Toini admonishes in his thick Galt accent.
The performer touches something under his shirt and casts hold person on Gannaius. (Will DC 15 negates)

I think Henrika can add 7 damage to Tychus's attack with her painful stare. It says she can do it as a free action not on her turn, and the only restriction seems to be that the target is subject to her hypnotic stare.

Also, I think Henrika can trigger the Fearsome Guise that is implanted in Tychus. It says he has to be within 100 feet of her, and he has to be within 30 feet of Gannaius, and it is triggered as a free action not on her turn. Fearsome Guise allows Henrika to make a demoralization check against the creature that Tychus attacks, as his disguise briefly shifts into something monstrous.

Intimidation to demoralize: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (6) + 25 = 31

Henrika casts battlemind link on herself and Jack, and moves back into the room.

Jack double moves.

Round 2

Tychus staggers backwards as he clutches his face, letting out a frustrated grunt. He awkwardly stumbles through some of the chairs of the adjoining tables.

"Whatever he is, he isn't human!" he blurts out, hoping to be of some use in his disabled state.

I hope it's ok for Tychus to make that assumption based on the perceived effects of his attack.

Round 1

I think Henrika can add 7 damage to Tychus's attack with her painful stare. It says she can do it as a free action not on her turn, and the only restriction seems to be that the target is subject to her hypnotic stare.

Damage added.

Also, I think Henrika can trigger the Fearsome Guise that is implanted in Tychus. It says he has to be within 100 feet of her, and he has to be within 30 feet of Gannaius, and it is triggered as a free action not on her turn. Fearsome Guise allows Henrika to make a demoralization check against the creature that Tychus attacks, as his disguise briefly shifts into something monstrous.

The fearsome guise briefly shakes Gannaius, but not for long.

Gannaius is shaken for 1 round.

Xallis casts haste on every nearby party member, which should include everyone but Navia, Henrika, and Jack.

Since Henrika closer before Xallis’ turn, she is also within the haste spell.

Trevor CL check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Trevor’s spell washes over Gannaius harmlessly.

Gannaius has spell resistance and Trevor’s spell did not overcome it.

I hope it's ok for Tychus to make that assumption based on the perceived effects of his attack.

Yes. Tychus knows the bane (human) effect didn’t work so he can make the logical conclusion that he probably isn’t human.

Round 2

Tychus is no longer blinded at the end of his turn.

Gannaius Falcata, shaken vs. Henrika’s AC 25: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Gannaius Falcata, shaken vs. Henrika’s AC 25: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Gannaius Falcata, shaken vs. Henrika’s AC 25: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Gannaius Falcata, shaken vs. Henrika’s AC 25: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Gannaius channels supernatural energy to attack with haste-like speed. Henrika manages to dodge some of the attacks but gets hit for just as many as well.

Does Henrika not have mesmeric mirror implanted today? Just fearsome guise? She can trigger her fearsome guise after the attack. Gannaius attacks Henrika 4 times. Henrika gets hit twice for a total of 25 damage (19 slashing, 6 fire).

Fearsome Guise: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (9) + 25 = 34

Gannaius is shaken for 1 round again.

Then Gannaius takes a 5-ft. step to try to avoid being flanked.

Chain of Perdition – Dirty Trick (Trip) vs. Jack’s CMD 26: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

Lastly, the animated chain whips at Jack’s leg in an attempt to trip him. However, Jack manages to kick it off and remain on his feet.

Chain of Perdition’s dirty trick against Jack fails.

Round 2
Initiative
17 – Malphene (84/66 hp)
11 – Icabhod (93/75 hp)
09 – Henrika (86/93 hp)
07 – Xallis (101/83 hp)
07 – Navia (78/60 hp)
05 – Jack (94/76 hp)
01 – Trevor (97/79 hp)

Round 3
Initiative
26 – Tychus (97/79 hp)
17 – Gannaius (19 damage) (Shaken 1 rd)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Battlemind Link (10 min), ▲Heightened Awareness (95 min), ▲Message (5 min), ▲Haste (10 rd)
Icabhod: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Haste (10 rd), ▲Displacement (9 rd)
Trevor: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Haste (10 rd)
Tychus: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Heightened Awareness (95 min), ▲Haste (10 rd), ▲Dignity’s Barb (Crit 12, 19, 20)
Xallis: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Overland Flight (10 hr), ▲Haste (9 rd)
Navia: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Mage Armor (10 hr), ▲Haste (9 rd)
Jack: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Battlemind Link (10 min)
Malphene: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Haste (10 rd)
Gannaius: Chain of Perdition (6 rd), ▼Hypnotic Stare (-3 Will)

Everyone goes.

Round 2`

"Damn." Toni cursed under his breath. "Everyone stop for a moment!"
The Galt performer reached under his shirt again and cast charitable impulse on the aggressive bar patron.

Trevor's CL check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

If Malphene or Ichabod attack and hit Gannaius, Henrika will add 7 damage to their totals with her painful stare.

Does Henrika not have mesmeric mirror implanted today? Just fearsome guise? She can trigger her fearsome guise after the attack.

Henrika can only have one trick at a time implanted in a subject, and I figured it was better to maintain everyone's disguises for this meeting. Since Fearsome Guise lasts indefintely, Henrika will probably keep it up at all times unless our cover is blown.

Henrika steps behind Gannaius (or rather, the creature that looks like Gannaius) and slices towards him in a deliberate miss designed to put him off-guard.

Bluff to feint, trait: 1d20 + 26 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 26 + 3 = 44

She follows up with a powerful overhand swing of her sword, both hands bringing it down solidly into her foe.

Attack Gannaius (Koriana's blade), haste, Power Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 17 + 1 - 2 = 28
Attack (reroll: battlemind link) Gannaius (Koriana's blade), haste, Power Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 17 + 1 - 2 = 33
Damage (+4 weapon, slashing), Power Attack: 1d8 + 11 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 6 = 25
Painful stare: 3d6 + 7 ⇒ (1, 3, 1) + 7 = 12

Henrika's Fearsome Guise trick can be triggered when the subject (the person in whom it is implanted) makes an attack. When Henrika attacks this turn, she will trigger her own Fearsome Guise against Gannaius, and we can just use the roll you already made. :) That will clear her implanted trick, so she can use her Reflexive Trick feat later this round if Gannaius attacks her again.

Lightning-fast, Henrika stabs forward with her sword, seeking another opening left by her feint.

Attack (Surprise Strike) Gannaius (Koriana's blade), haste, Power Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 29
Attack (reroll: battlemind link) Gannaius (Koriana's blade), haste, Power Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 29
Damage (+4 weapon, slashing), Power Attack: 1d8 + 11 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 6 = 22
Painful stare: 3d6 + 7 ⇒ (3, 4, 1) + 7 = 15

Jack steps up to flank Gannaius, and swings his falchion in almost a mirror image of Henrika's actions.

Attack #1 vs Gannaius (Breadknife), flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 15 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 15 + 2 - 3 = 31
Damage (magic, slashing), Power Attack: 2d4 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (1, 4) + 8 + 9 = 22

Critical confirm attack #1 vs Gannaius (Breadknife), flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 15 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 15 + 2 - 3 = 34
Critical confirm attack #1 (reroll: battlemind link) vs Gannaius (Breadknife), flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 15 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (4) + 15 + 2 - 3 = 18
Additional critical damage (magic, slashing), Power Attack: 2d4 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (2, 4) + 8 + 9 = 23

Attack #2 vs Gannaius (Breadknife), flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 2 - 3 = 27
Damage (magic, slashing), Power Attack: 2d4 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (3, 3) + 8 + 9 = 23

Critical confirm attack #2 vs Gannaius (Breadknife), flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 2 - 3 = 29
Critical confirm attack #2 (reroll: battlemind link) vs Gannaius (Breadknife), flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 2 - 3 = 17
Additional critical damage (magic, slashing), Power Attack: 2d4 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (2, 4) + 8 + 9 = 23

Attack #3 vs Gannaius (helmet), flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 2 - 3 = 8
Attack #3 (reroll: battlemind link) vs Gannaius (helmet), flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 2 - 3 = 13
Damage (bludgeoning), Power Attack: 1d4 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 3 = 6

Henrika also triggers his Fearsome Guise when Jack attacks.
Intimidate to demoralize: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (6) + 25 = 31

Icabhod sees that Henrika and Jack will once again puree the opposition and thus holds his actions.

Round 3

Tychus blinks several times as his vision starts to return. He shakes his head violently to rid his mind of the thoughts of permanent blindness. He raises his crossbow and takes careful at the thing pretending to be Gannaius, aiming for the holding holding the sword.

Ranged Disarm: 1d20 + 20 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 20 - 2 = 20
Damage on Success: 1d10 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Round 2

Xallis raises his arms indignantly. "I said take him alive!"

He sighs. Then he gets an idea. Conjuring a bit of magic, he shrouds Icabhod in a powerful illusion that shrouds him from sight. "Sir Icabhod, would you be so kind as to sneak in there and knock him out? I fear our swordsmen are about to cut down our only lead."

Casting greater invisibility on our investigator in delay.

Of course.

Round 2

Is Malphene here?

Henrika puts Gannaius off-guard then strikes him twice with her sword. Her weapon also does not hurt Gannaius fully.

Henrika successfully feints Gannaius. He is flat-footed until Henrika’s next turn. He has +9 Dex and +1 dodge, so his AC drops by 10! Henrika hits Gannaius twice for a total of 44 damage after DR.

Jack seems to know all the right places to strike and lands two critical hits against Gannaius hurting him badly despite his resistances.

Jack gets two critical hits against Gannaius for a total of 68 damage after DR (including 7 from Henrika’s painful stare). Gannaius is shaken for 1 round again.

Gannaius Will save DC 16, hypnotic stare, shaken: 1d20 + 14 - 3 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 14 - 3 - 2 = 29

Trevor casts another spell. This time is bypasses Gannaius’ SR but he resists the effect with his force of will.

Gannaius passes the Will save against charitable impulse.

Round 3

Tychus tries to disarm Gannaius with a bolt. Gannaius moves his weapon out of the way before the bolt has a chance to strike it.

Tychus’ attack misses.

Gannaius Falcata, shaken vs. Jack’s AC 24: 1d20 + 20 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 20 - 2 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Gannaius Falcata, shaken vs. Jack’s AC 24: 1d20 + 20 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 20 - 2 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Gannaius Falcata, shaken vs. Jack’s AC 24: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 15 - 2 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Gannaius Falcata, shaken vs. Jack’s AC 24: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 - 2 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Gannaius turns his attention to Jack. Shaken from the beating Jack just gave him, he struggles to land a hit.

Gannaius attacks attacks Jack 4 times but only hits once for a total of 14 damage.

Chain of Perdition – Dirty Trick (Trip) vs. Jack’s CMD 26: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

Lastly, the chain of perdition tries to trip Jack again. This time it succeeds. It pulls Jack’s leg out from under him and he faceplants onto the hard wood floor.

The chain of perdition trips Jack and he is prone.

Round 3
Initiative
17 – Malphene (84/66 hp)
11 – Icabhod (93/75 hp)
09 – Henrika (86/93 hp)
07 – Xallis (101/83 hp)
07 – Navia (78/60 hp)
05 – Jack (80/76 hp) (Prone)
01 – Trevor (97/79 hp)

Round 4
Initiative
26 – Tychus (97/79 hp)
17 – Gannaius (131 damage) (Shaken 1 rd, Feinted -10 AC)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Battlemind Link (10 min), ▲Heightened Awareness (95 min), ▲Message (5 min), ▲Haste (9 rd)
Icabhod: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Greater Invisibility (10 rd), ▲Haste (9 rd), ▲Displacement (8 rd)
Trevor: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Haste (9 rd)
Tychus: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Heightened Awareness (95 min), ▲Haste (9 rd), ▲Dignity’s Barb (Crit 12, 19, 20)
Xallis: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Overland Flight (10 hr), ▲Haste (8 rd)
Navia: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Mage Armor (10 hr), ▲Haste (8 rd)
Jack: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (4 hp, 25 days), ▲Battlemind Link (10 min)
Malphene: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Haste (9 rd)
Gannaius: Chain of Perdition (6 rd), ▼Hypnotic Stare (-3 Will)

Everyone goes.

Round 4

Forgoing any fancy attacks, Tychus attempts a more direct approach by shooting the remaining three bolts into "Gannaius".

Attack 1: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
Damage 1: 1d10 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27

Attack 2: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Damage 2: 1d10 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26

Attack 3: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Damage 3: 1d10 + 17 ⇒ (5) + 17 = 22

The Dice Gods have forsaken me...

Henrika can only use painful stare twice each round, so once she's taken her turn she doesn't have any uses remaining, so she can't add 7 to any of Jack's attacks. Thanks, though! :)

Henrika gnashes her teeth. "We are doing all we can against a superior foe, my friend. Trust our judgment in martial matters. Our weapons can barely cut through its hide, let alone knock it unconscious-- if we knew what it was, we might be better able to vary our tactics." She squints at Gannaius. "Unless you would care to tell us? What are you, false one, since you are clearly not Gannaius?"

As she lowers her weapon to ask her question, she surprises him with another low feint.

Bluff to feint, trait: 1d20 + 26 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 26 + 3 = 46

She swings hard again, relying on her strength to overcome her foe's incredible physical resistance.

Attack vs Gannaius (Koriana's blade), flanking, haste, Power Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 17 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 35
Reroll attack (battlemind link) vs Gannaius (Koriana's blade), flanking, haste, Power Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 17 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 19
Damage (+4 weapon, slashing), Power Attack: 1d8 + 11 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 6 = 21
Painful stare: 3d6 + 7 ⇒ (4, 4, 3) + 7 = 18

She continues her attack, driving her advantage forward.

Bonus attack (Surprise Strike) vs Gannaius (Koriana's blade), flanking, haste, Power Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 28
Reroll attack (battlemind link) vs Gannaius (Koriana's blade), flanking, haste, Power Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 19
Damage (+4 weapon, slashing), Power Attack: 1d8 + 11 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 11 + 6 = 22
Painful stare: 3d6 + 7 ⇒ (5, 4, 6) + 7 = 22

Jack shakes his head and pulls himself to his feet (provoking attacks of opportunity, if applicable). He grunts as Henrika addresses their opponent, adopting bravado to cover his nervousness. "Whatever it is, its time on this world is nearly over." He makes a face. "I'd give it a taste of its own dirty tactics, but it would probably enjoy it too much. Can't we do anything about that bloody chain?"

He swings his falchion at their distracted opponent.

Attack vs Gannaius (Breadknife), flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 15 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 15 + 2 - 2 = 33
Damage (magic, slashing), Power Attack: 2d4 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (2, 4) + 8 + 9 = 23

Critical confirm vs Gannaius (Breadknife), flanking, Power Attack: 1d20 + 15 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 15 + 2 - 2 = 31
Additional critical damage (magic, slashing), Power Attack: 2d4 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (4, 4) + 8 + 9 = 25

Round 3

"You're right... he seems unusually reailient..." The summoner decides to test something. First, he moves close to the foe, using his hasted speed to weave back and forth to open himself up to an attack. He also calls upon his recent training.
Knowledge (planes) plus Inspiration: 1d20 + 15 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 15 + (6) = 32

Then, he concentrates on his bond with Naia, rubber-banding the thread and swapping their positions. Now in melee, Navia attampts to apprehend their foe!
Navia's grapple vs CMD: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Moving to provoke, then swapping and grappling. Posting on mobile so I can't move my minis right now.

Round 3

Stymied yet again, Toni asks the towering lore warden. "You. Tall one. Please guard the doors and make sure he has no escape."
Malphene blinks to hear her husband get lost in his guise, and runs to secure the door.

Toni takes out his light crossbow and loads it.

Icabhod moves up and tries to bash the man(?) into submission with his club as Xallis requested

Club,Studied Combat,Studied Strike, Haste,Inspiration,Non lethel: 1d20 + 7 + 5 + 1 + 1d8 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 5 + 1 + (2) = 211d6 + 5 + 4d6 ⇒ (5) + 5 + (2, 4, 1, 4) = 21

Round 3

Icabhod swings his club at the enemy. Gannaius does not seem to be able to see Icabhod while invisible and Icabhod catches him off-guard. However, his club meets unexpected resistance and Gannaius barely flinches.

Icabhod’s attack is a miss. Although flat-footed, Gannaius has some natural armor and regular armor that also protects him.

"Unless you would care to tell us? What are you, false one, since you are clearly not Gannaius?"

”I do not care to tell. You won’t be alive long enough for that knowledge to matter.”

Henrika continues to show her superior martial prowess and feints Gannaius and strikes him two more times.

Henrika’s feint is a success. She hits twice for a total of 53 damage.

"You're right... he seems unusually reailient..." The summoner decides to test something. First, he moves close to the foe, using his hasted speed to weave back and forth to open himself up to an attack. He also calls upon his recent training.

Knowledge (planes) plus Inspiration: 1d20 + 15 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 15 + (6) = 32

Xallis knows it is definitely some kind of outsider. But he can’t confirm what kind without seeing through its disguise. He senses that it is an outsider with the (shapechanger) subtype and that the disguise is through a change shape ability rather than an illusion. He also does know it has DR 15. So far no one has bypassed it. And it has spell resistance. It hasn’t revealed much other abilities since it has mostly stuck with melee attacks.

Moving to provoke, then swapping and grappling.

What action provoked?

Navia swaps positions with Xallis and appears next to Gannaius. She attacks with stealth, still Gannaius is supernaturally strong and pushes her off.

Navia’s grapple attempt fails. The attack breaks her stealth and Gannaius can see her now.

Gannaius AoO, shaken vs. Jack’s AC 23: 1d20 + 20 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 20 - 2 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Jack stands up and takes a hit from Gannaius then gives one back.

Gannius hits Jack with an AoO for 14 damage. Then Jack hits Gannius for 8 damage after DR. The crit. confirmation roll result is 21, per my post in the discussion, which does not confirm.

Round 4

Tychus fires three times but none manage to hit.

Tychus’ attacks all miss.

Gannaius Cast Defensively DC 17, shaken: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 14 - 2 = 27

Gannaius casts a spell and vanishes from sight, invisible. You all can hear the wooden floorboards creak as he moves towards the front door.

Navia can point out his actual position with her tremorsense but he is still concealed from anyone who can’t see invisible. I’d also let Navia make an attack of opportunity against Gannaius when he moves away but she only does 1d4+6 which won’t bypass his DR 15, so I won’t bother.

Chain of Perdition – Dirty Trick (Entangle) vs. Jack’s CMD 26: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

Gannaius’ chain tries to entangle Jack without success.

Chain of Perdition’s dirty trick against Jack fails.

Round 4
Initiative
17 – Malphene (84/66 hp)
11 – Icabhod (93/75 hp) (Invisible)
09 – Henrika (86/93 hp)
07 – Xallis (101/83 hp)
07 – Navia (78/60 hp)
05 – Jack (66/76 hp)
01 – Trevor (97/79 hp)

Round 5
Initiative
26 – Tychus (97/79 hp)
17 – Gannaius (185 damage) (Feinted -10 AC, Invisible)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Battlemind Link (10 min), ▲Heightened Awareness (95 min), ▲Message (5 min), ▲Haste (8 rd)
Icabhod: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Greater Invisibility (9 rd), ▲Haste (8 rd), ▲Displacement (7 rd)
Trevor: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Haste (8 rd)
Tychus: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Heightened Awareness (95 min), ▲Haste (8 rd), ▲Dignity’s Barb (Crit 12, 19, 20)
Xallis: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Overland Flight (10 hr), ▲Haste (7 rd)
Navia: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Mage Armor (10 hr), ▲Haste (7 rd)
Jack: ▲Battlemind Link (10 min)
Malphene: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Haste (8 rd)
Gannaius: ▲Chain of Perdition (6 rd), ▲Vanish (4 rd), ▼Hypnotic Stare (-3 Will)

Everyone goes.

Icabhod utters a word and the eyes of his mask glow, revealing the hidden form of their foe.

He points. There! Block the door so he can't escape! He swiftly moves to catch up to and strike at their foe.

+2 Rapier,Studied Combat,studied Strike,Haste,Blessing of CC: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 16 + 1 + 1 = 351d6 + 11 + 4d6 ⇒ (6) + 11 + (2, 4, 3, 5) = 31

Henrika narrows her eyes. "Invisibility?" she asks. She casts see invisibility and moves to block the door.

Jack will attack blindly into the square everyone identifies as containing their quarry.

Xallis' eyes dart around as he attempts to keep track of the fleeing imposter. Thankfully, Navia takes flight just above the tables and points out the exact location of the target.

With a smirk, Xallis gestures and chants to conjure an old favorite: glitterdust!

Will Save DC 18 vs blindness. Aiming to avoid allies if possible. I'm guessing Navia pointing out the specific location takes some kind of move action?

Round 4

Toni aims and fires the crossbow at 'Gannaius', in hopes of slowing him down.

Light Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Dmg.: 1d8 ⇒ 4
No one has said aloud yet that this is an outsider, so 'Toni' is going on the information given.

Round 5

Tychus is moments away from casting his own See Invisibility when Xallis showers the enemy in sparkling dust. With his foe hopefully visible, he instead rushes through the tables, crossbow in one had, as his other hand unsheathes his seldom used flaming scimitar.

Round 4

When Icabhod activates the true seeing from his mask, he not only sees the invisible Gannaius, he also sees the creature’s true form: a lion-headed humanoid with backward-bending fingers.

Then Icabhod stabs the enemy with a powerful hit.

Icabhod hits Gannaius for 16 damage after DR.

Assuming Icabhod shares what he sees, Xallis can now identify this enemy as a rakshasa. He’s almost dead now, but a weapon that is both good and piercing is needed to overcome its DR.

Gannaius Will DC 18, hypnotic stare: 1d20 + 14 - 3 ⇒ (3) + 14 - 3 = 14

Gannaius roars in anger and surprise. A coating of glitter reveals his position and Gannaius is unable to see.

Gannaius fails the save against the glitterdust and is blinded.

I'm guessing Navia pointing out the specific location takes some kind of move action?

Sure. But actually I think pointing out an invisible foe as an action is more of a 2E thing. In 1E, I’d probably allow it as just part of speaking as a free action.

Jack Breadknife, power attack: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 16 - 3 = 19
Damage: 2d4 + 8 + 9 ⇒ (3, 4) + 8 + 9 = 24

Jack swings at the revealed Gannaius, hitting him in the back. Gannaius grunts but his natural hide absorbs the blow.

Jack misses Gannaius.

Trevor (Toni) fires a crossbow but the area around Gannaius got real crowded and messes with his aim.

Trevor misses Gannaius.

Round 5

Tychus can draw his weapon as part of his move action, so he can still make a single attack.

Tychus Scimitar, haste, blessing vs. Gannaius, blinded: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Tychus also still finds the enemy highly resistant to attacks.

Tychus misses Gannaius.

Gannaius Cast Defensively DC 19: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

Gannaius Will DC 18, hypnotic stare: 1d20 + 14 - 3 ⇒ (2) + 14 - 3 = 13

Gannaius blindly attempts to cast another spell and badly fumbles it, the spell dissipate before it even forms. Gannaius, or whoever he is, seems to finally realize that he miscalculated and protests. ”I refuse to accept that the likes of you can defeat me!”

Chain of Perdition – Dirty Trick (Entangle) vs. Henrika’s CMD 26: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

While Gannaius struggles, his chain acts independently and whips around Henrika, temporarily entangling her.

Henrika is entangled for 1 round.

Round 5
Initiative
17 – Malphene (84/66 hp)
11 – Icabhod (93/75 hp) (Invisible)
09 – Henrika (86/93 hp) (Entangled 1 rd)
07 – Xallis (101/83 hp)
07 – Navia (78/60 hp)
05 – Jack (66/76 hp)
01 – Trevor (97/79 hp)

Round 6
Initiative
26 – Tychus (97/79 hp)
17 – Gannaius (201 damage) (Blinded, Invisible)

Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲See Invisibility (100 min), ▲Heightened Awareness (95 min) ,▲Battlemind Link (10 min), ▲Message (5 min), ▲Haste (7 rd)
Icabhod: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲True Seeing (11 min), ▲Greater Invisibility (8 rd), ▲Haste (7 rd), ▲Displacement (6 rd)
Trevor: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Haste (7 rd)
Tychus: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Heightened Awareness (95 min), ▲Haste (7 rd), ▲Dignity’s Barb (Crit 12, 19, 20)
Xallis: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Overland Flight (10 hr), ▲Haste (6 rd)
Navia: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Mage Armor (10 hr), ▲Haste (6 rd)
Jack: ▲Battlemind Link (10 min)
Malphene: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 25 days), ▲Haste (7 rd)
Gannaius: ▲Chain of Perdition (5 rd), ▲Vanish (3 rd), ▼Glitterdust (Will DC 18, 9 rd), ▼Hypnotic Stare (-3 Will)

Everyone goes. Finish him.

I’m giving Icabhod and Xallis a hero point for some good moves.

Icabhod makes an effort to take the foe alive, even though it is rather difficult

+2 Rapier,Studied Combat,Studied Strike,Haste,Inspiration,Blessing of CC,Non lethel: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 1 + 1d8 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 16 + 1 + 1 + (1) - 4 = 191d6 + 1 + 4d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (2, 6, 6, 5) = 23

Hero point to reroll that

+2 Rapier,Studied Combat,Studied Strike,Haste,Inspiration,Blessing of CC,Non lethel: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 1 + 1d8 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 16 + 1 + 1 + (2) - 4 = 291d6 + 11 + 4d6 ⇒ (5) + 11 + (5, 3, 1, 1) = 26

Second attack

+2 Rapier,Studied Combat,Studied Strike,Haste,Inspiration,Blessing of CC,Non lethel: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 1 + 1d8 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 1 + 1 + (7) - 4 = 221d6 + 11 + 4d6 ⇒ (1) + 11 + (3, 3, 5, 6) = 29

Hasted attack

+2 Rapier,Studied Combat,Studied Strike,Haste,Inspiration,Blessing of CC,Non lethel: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 1 + 1d8 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 16 + 1 + 1 + (8) - 4 = 411d6 + 11 + 4d6 ⇒ (2) + 11 + (4, 6, 2, 5) = 30

Icabhod bashes the enemy over the head with his rapier a few times and Gannaius finally goes down. Once unconscious, the creature reverts to its true form and everyone can see the lion-headed creature laying on the ground.

Combat over

Since you will have more than enough time before another encounter to identify his stuff, I’m going to just list his equipment.

He had:
Potions of Cure Serious Wounds (x2)
Potions of Delay Poison (x3)
Potions of Fox’s Cunning (x2)
Unfettered Shirt
Hemlock (x2)
Purple Worm Poison (x3)
+1 Flaming Falcata
Minor Ring of Acid Resistance
Masterwork Thieves’ Tools
Poison Pill Ring
Poisoning Sheath
Signet Ring
600 gold

More importantly, you find an important letter on his person.

Letter

The letter reads:

Esteemed Brothers,

Immortally loyal,
Milon Jeroth

This document is the first piece of evidence you can collect to use against Maxillar Pythareus and is full of information to use for the rest of the chapter. I’ll see if you can decipher the letter before I give any hints.

Icabhod examines the letter more closely
linguistics,inspiration: 1d20 + 9 + 1d8 ⇒ (8) + 9 + (1) = 18

Do we recognize any of the mentioned locations?

Icabhod doesn't find anything particularly unusual about the letter. It looks authentic.

Icabhod recognizes the name Milon Jeroth as the spymaster working for Pythareus' that Kathann informed you about. And he also recognizes the organization, the Immaculate Circle. as the same group that was holding Prince Carrius in Yanmass.

Icabhod also gets the sense that the letter is implying that these three groups also have a grudge against a particular member of Pythareus' inner circle and perhaps they could be persuaded into dealing with those people for you.

Do we recognize any of the mentioned locations?

No, since you are still new to Zimar. But the Sweat Dreams Tea Shop and Waterhill Manor should be easy enough to locate by asking around for directions.

Xallis examines the note and then nods to Icabhod. [b]"Looks like there are a lot of players in the game. And a lot of them aren't a fan of Pythareus. I'd like to get to know who they are and what they're about before we try to make use of them, though. Maybe get some information out of this overgrown housecat. While we figure out the details, I'll update our friends."

The summoner takes a moment to mumble words to himself. Several sentences and contractions. When he's sure he has something within 25 words, he casts a sending to report.

"Presumed found Gannaius. Meeting. Ambush. Rakshasa disguised as Gan. Found Letter: Cult leader Iovinus and 'Seven Forms of Sin' mentioned plus more. Will Investigate. Advice?"

If no one minds, Toni takes the Unfettered Shirt.

Kathann replies to the sending. “Excellent. Cracks are appearing that you can exploit. Subtle trickery may win more battles than blades here. No intel on this Immaculate Circle. Will research.”

These groups are all evil groups, simply attacking them is a straightforward and reasonable way of dealing with them. Or, you also could try interacting with them. However, they won’t deal with just anyone. You will need to pretend to be part of Milon’s organization, or impersonate Milon himself.

First, disguising yourself as one of Milon’s requires a successful Disguise check opposed by the Perception check of a given group’s representative. All PCs who go will need to be disguised.

Impersonating Milon also requires a successful Bluff check opposed by the representative’s Sense Motive check, in addition to the disguise check above. If you fail the disguise check to impersonate Milon, you can still attempt the Bluff check to succeed but at a -20 penalty.

If no one impersonates Milon, you must succeed at two Bluff checks opposed by the group’s representative’s Sense Motive. One to convince the group that they are a part of the organization, and one to convince the group they speak with any authority. With the portfolio you recovered, you’ll get a +5 bonus on the first Bluff check. The second Bluff check is considered unlikely, imposing a -5 penalty. All PCs must succeed at the first Bluff check, but only one needs to succeed at the second.

If you succeed at convincing a group of your authority, assigning tasks to any given agent requires an additional Bluff check. Failing this check generates 1 Suspicion Point, but it can be attempted again.

If you assume control of at least two of Milon’s factions, you will have enough clout to call for a meeting with High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus in Abadar’s Pillar, though you will be searched for weapons, magic items, and spell components beforehand and the general will have his bodyguards on hand. Still, it will provides you an opportunity to record a testimony of Pythareus’s treason from his own mouth—enough to convince the Lion Blades that he represents a threat to the empire.

Because the whole group will need to pass these Disguise and Bluff checks, the smaller the group the better. Your cohorts should remain behind when approaching these factions. They can join you again afterwards.

Also, you have an unconscious Milon Jeroth to deal with. And you can’t just turn him over.

For right now, I’m going to give you another Persona Phase so you can make preparations for the first location you want to go to.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (4) + 16 = 20
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26

I’ll use a point of inspiration if no one else gets the King of Filth info.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

"I'm not sure I like this idea of allying ourselves with these... lawless individuals..."

He shakes his head a bit, seeing that their alternatives were essentially non-existent at the time.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

Toni's facade falters. "..Cayden!! We truly are going in 'the belly of the beast' here."

The aasimar blinks. "Let use the Seven Forms of Sin to hide this body", Toni offers.

Know-Local,Inspiration: 1d20 + 15 + 1d8 ⇒ (9) + 15 + (8) = 32 Lord of Filth

Know-Local,Inspiration: 1d20 + 15 + 1d8 ⇒ (3) + 15 + (3) = 21 Sweet Dreams Tea shop

Know-Local,Inspiration: 1d20 + 15 + 1d8 ⇒ (9) + 15 + (3) = 27 Waterhill Manor

So what will we be doing with our captive?

So what will we be doing with our captive?

"We can certainly question him. The poor owners probably won't be expecting any more patrons today..."

Tychus paces to the front door to secure it from any unsuspecting customers, and makes his way back to the group while fishing through his bags for a length of rope with which to tie up Milon with.

You secure Milon Jeroth and hope that your ropes are strong enough to hold the rakshasa. Once awake, Milon growls then shifts his form again. He turns from a lion-headed creature to a human male with dark hair and a short-trimmed beard. ”You won’t get any information out of me. I am trained to keep secrets. You might as well just finish me off now.”

In a deadpan Galt accent, Toni wrinkles his nose. "I will not be touching your penis. Can a rakshasa actually die from excessive ejaculation?"

Henrika and Jack defer to Xallis and Icabhod, who took the rakshasa alive. They do their best to tie the ropes strong enough to hold the creature captive, and remove all of its possessions.

After the interrogation, Henrika sends some of her agents to scout out the two locations they have learned of, the Sweet Dreams tea shop and Waterhill Manor.

Scout Sweet Dreams Tea Shop, 10 agents: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Scout Waterhill Manor, 10 agents: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Icabhod looks at Trevor oddly.

He mutters to the others. [s]I can use the mask to detect if it is lying when questioned but have no special skills at interrogation. Hmmmm it could be asked leading questions and I could try to determine if it is lying.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Nope. Not high enough.

"Shall we just kill this fiend?" Toni proposed.

Tychus looks over the rakshasa with a mixture of pity and annoyance.

"I'm no lover of executing an unarmed man, but I don't expect we will get much information from him... Letting him go is not an option if we are to retain our cover with these groups."

I'm not quite sure which angle we will be using to interact with the evil groups, but I will nevertheless use the Reinforce Cover (Sagacity) Operation to aid us.

I presume making the knowledge check against a creature tells me its types, including this guy's Native subtype

The Chelaxian summoner considers their bound opponent. "A shame I cannot basnish him anywhere else. And our little control anklet is a one-of-a-kind made for my brother's project." He shrugs. "If it comes down to it? This wouldn't be our first assault upon an entire fortress' worth of armed combatants, if we're willing to risk another slog. But we're better off playing this smart."

Then the summoner looks around back at their captive. He shudders a bit as he steels himself. Time to finish what he started. "I ordered the capture, and I'll lead the interrogation. I'd like a volunteer who can practice medicine, or at least someone who can reliably use a cure wand..."

He looks back at the creature as Navia places a clawed hand on its shoulder from behind. "....because this is going to be sloppy."

"We know the steps." Navia says, clacking her talons threateningly. "We'll just rearrange his essence. Like you do for me."

"Unless," Xallis' pained look says to the party, "you'd prefer a quick mercy."

He waits for a volunteer or an objection.

His joviality gone, Toni mutters in his Galt accent. "I will attend to whatever means you use."