Oskar Z.'s page

Oskar takes copious notes about the witch's death, even noting the pitch of her final screams and then writes feverishly through the night. In the morning he is tired but looks very satisfied as he pronounces the opera complete. "Of course you all must come to the opening! We will all look dashing on the red carpet!" He gives out vouchers to everyone for ten percent discounts on tickets and urges the Rooshyans to make the trip south for the show. "You'll be famous! And wait till you try the beet soup in Absalom! It's to die for!"

Thanks for running, GM! I had a great time with y'all!

Downtime:
Storied Talent Boon allows Oskar to attempt at Level 7 task.

Performance DC 23: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (2) + 21 = 23 Yeesh, but a success.

2.5 gp/day for Master Proficiency x 8 days = 20 gp earned.

RPG chronicles looks good for Oskar.

Oskar calls forth more stones and rocks from the surroundings to batter poor Chesjilawa. "Now look, when we kill you do remember to not just flop over like a fish! You've got to show some emotion, help the audience to feel your anguish!"

◆◆ Cast 4th rank Animated Assault
B dmg, CA: 4d10 + 1 ⇒ (9, 7, 10, 6) + 1 = 33 DC 25 basic Reflex

"Ogthup, are you lagging again? Remember, there's no 'i' in team!"

◆ Command Minion

◆ Ogthup Stride
◆ Ogthup Stride

Courageous Anthem remains in effect until the start of Oskar's next turn.

Any foe within 30' of Oskar has to make a DC 20 Will save at the end of their turn or they can't reduce their Frightened value below 1.

If someone else is able to command Ogthup next time that'll be helpful. Oskar won't have the actions to cast a spell, sustain the animated assault, and also command minion. Not sure when the ability to command him resets...

Oskar surveys the scene, arms akimbo and a look of evident displeasure on his face. He dons a beret, pauses to make sure it is properly askew, and begins to smoke clove cigarettes, two at a time. Finally, he raises both hands above his head, calling for the company's attention. "People, people, people! Is this what we've rehearsed??? Are you hitting your marks?!? With feeling!?!"

He turns and points a finger at Ogthup. "What is this lollygagging? Let me see you stab something in the back! Be the knife!"

◆ Command Minion

Ogthup leaps into action and hurries forward, slipping in behind the Purple/Pink redcap and poking him before hurrying on.

Ogthup: ◆◆ Sidle Stab Scamper
dogpiercer knife vs Purple Frightened 1 and Off Guard (from flank with Estes) AC, Courageous Anthem: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 16 + 1 = 37
P dmg, CA: 2d6 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1) + 5 + 1 = 10 + Precision dmg due to flat-footed foe: 1d6 ⇒ 6
This movement will provoke from Purple if he has an AoO

Ogthup clearly takes Oskar's scolding to heart. He hurries forward to render assistance to Dennis.

Ogthup: ◆ (Quickened) Stride

Oskar does his best to mask his enjoyment of Ogthup's performance but he can't hide his smile entirely. He moves forward to the edge of the forest and steps tentatively onto the ice.

◆ (Quickened) Stride

"Now look, Chesjilawa, a lot is riding on you! The audience hates you. But you can't die too quickly or they'll be let down. I need you to really show us your outrage as the very land you claim as your domain rises up to pummel you!"

With that, Oskar makes a few occult gestures and the stones and branches themselves begin to fly about around Chesjilawa's head, battering her mercilessly, and seeming not to care about her multiple images.

◆◆ Cast a Spell (4th rank Animated Assault)
B dmg, CA: 4d10 + 1 ⇒ (7, 9, 1, 2) + 1 = 20 DC 25 Basic Reflex

This is the start of round 2 (of 3) of Courageous Anthem

GM, reminder: Frightened foes who are within 30' of Oskar have to make a DC 20 Will save at the end of their turn or they can't lower their Frightened value below 1.

I watched reruns of that show when I was a kid. He really captured the spirit of Dennis the Menace perfectly. RIP.

I think BakBat indicated that they wouldn't be able to post through Monday.

@Charlies, unfortunately the Quickening from Loose Time's Arrow can only be used to Stride or Step, not to Strike.

Reflex DC 25, cover, old woman's verdict: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 14 + 2 + 1 = 26 Half dmg - Oskar takes 12 cold.

When the blast of cold explodes in their midst Oskar applauds heartily. "Oh well done, well done! This will be certain to captivate our audience. And bits of snow are so much easier to work with on stage than fire, don't you think? (It's always such a bother when the fire marshal gets involved - not much of a fan of the theatre is I suppose the kindest way to put it...)."

He brushes the snow off his shoulders. "Now it's our turn, I think."

He begins to sing a rather bawdy song about a group of adventurers meeting a washed up old ingenue with delusions of royal grandeur and a fondness for Turkish Delight.

◇ Lingering Composition
◆ Cast Courageous Anthem
Performance DC 24, mask, virtuosic performer, accompaniment: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (3) + 21 = 24 Whew!
Success, barely. Courageous Anthem lasts for 3 rounds. One focus point spent (2 remaining)
Comrades, +1 status bonus to attacks, damage, and saves vs fear. Please note that you are including it in your posts so that me or the GM don't have to bug you to ask if you included it!! :-)

"Now, you are all rather far away. If we are going to choreograph a good ensemble dance battle I think we need to be closer." Oskar wiggles his fingers, as if to mess with the flow of time itself, and then mutters, "there, that should be a bit better."

◆◆ Cast Loose Time's Arrow
Everyone (including Ogthup if someone has the spare action needed to activate him) but Dennis (who is unfortunately out of range) is quickened for 1 round. They can use the extra action only to Step or Stride.

GM, note that Oskar's Dread Armor rune will come into play for Blue's Frightened (and anyone else within 30' of Oskar who becomes Frightened). Frightened enemies within 30 feet that can see you must attempt a DC 20 Will save at the end of their turn; on a failure, the value of their frightened condition doesn’t decrease below 1 that turn.

My kid starts her week-long spring break today and we are going to visit Grandma. I'll still be able to post but likely with reduced frequency until after April 13. I appreciate your understanding.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

Oskar is most interested in whatever will make for a grande finale. "Oh this is just splendid, just splendid, the "rightful" ruler returns to reclaim what is hers but the steadfast Rushyan newcomers will have freedom no matter the cost! Just brilliant! Would you mind, do you think perhaps you could scowl a bit more when you say "uncouth strangers" and "folly of their actions" - it will help the audience to know who to root for!

Hearing BakBat's suggestion, Oskar sighs. "I suppose, though do you think the audience will really be satisfied if we don't have some blood and gore at the end? They do like happy endings, though..." He looks a bit uncertain.

Vote for siding with the village on the grounds that this seems the most likely to provoke an epic battle that is certain to please the theatre critic of the Absalom Gazette.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

As they walk along Oskar tries to make notes to be able to recall Ogthup's horrible melodies; he's certain that he'll find a way to weave them into the opera in a way that will strike just the right note!

...

Upon meeting the winter witch, Oskar bows obsequiously. "Oh my, it is an honor to make your acquaintance m'lady! Oskar at your service, a humble songsmith, if you can believe it. I have been composing an opera about this strange and wonderful land - your domain, I believe - and it is all coming together so well but I've been feeling that the audience will not really believe it all unless they can meet the main character, the one whose very magic brings sparkle to the snow, the one who - if I'm not mistaken - can even concoct the most enchanting Turkish Delight - I don't suppose you have any? - well, never mind, and now, here you are! It is truly serendipity! If you don't mind, I'd like to share a few of the songs with you - make sure I've got the place names right and all that - have to be authentic, you know - and then perhaps we can discuss what sort of finale you would find most suitable to your grandeur?"

Without waiting for Chesjilawa to agree, he launches into a medley of show tunes about Irrisen, the bear, the village, the Russian newcomers, the winter witch herself, and even, here and there, a pastiche of strange goblin tunes.

Performance to Make an Impression: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (17) + 21 = 38

The grim trophy is a nice armor talisman for anyone who can Demoralize. I would ordinarily suggest Oskar for this but he's already got a Jolt Coil attached to his armor.

Fort DC 17: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
"We halflings like our grog!" Oskar says with a smile as he wipes his mouth.

Performance: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (3) + 17 = 20 I think Persona Mask (+1) and Virtuosic Performer (+2) won't apply (unless Oskar can sing along while he dances!?!). Musical Accompaniment (+1) might well apply though
Hero Point - Oskar cannot bear the shame of failing a Performance check! 0 Hero Points remain.
Performance: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18

2nd round of the dance:
Performance: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18

Oskar drinks more vodka to drown his sorry at the shamefulness of his dancing. He looks around nervously, hoping that the critic from the Absalom Gazette is not somehow in the audience!

Dennis the Menace for very entertaining character concept and roleplay!

Oskar loves a good party and dives in to the feast like a starving artist who is still waiting for his paycheck from his employer. Between mouthfuls of food, he attempts to answer Semyon's queries with a musical rendition of his career among the pathfinders, with particular focus on the society's role in helping to bring diverse peoples together and hinting at how the society might well be useful to the Russians as they settle in to their new world.

Performance to Make an Impression: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (16) + 21 = 37

Oskar furiously scribbles notes in his manuscript, considering whether or not audiences will believe that the halfling musician character could possibly have chopped down the tree.

Oskar dives into the task at hand, humming along as he does.

Athletics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Athletics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

He concludes by rendering it all into appropriate musical form for the entertainment of the old man.

Performance to Make an Impression: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (18) + 21 = 39

Oskar follows along, wondering how he is going to compose songs for the dour Russians that won't kill the buzz of the entire opera. He cheers himself by generating some musical accompaniment that is suitable for Dennis' enthusiasm.

Btw, I have family visiting this weekend. Posting will be a little limited through Monday but I'll do my best to keep up.

Seeing that a serious injury has occurred, Oskar stops his musical hijinks and does his best to assist Vera with her treatment.

Medicine: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Oskar notes the Sarge's eyebrow and shrugs to himself. Admittedly, not everyone loves disco. Maybe I should try some jazz on her? he thinks to himself.

For a rare moment, Oskar says nothing at all, letting his comrades fill the air with their words. He surrounds their words with beautiful melodies and a thumping backbeat, hoping to encourage the Sergeant to get her groove on as they all discuss.

Performance (in lieu of Diplomacy) to Make an Impression: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35

"let's get this party started!" he murmurs.

"Oh that's quite a story. Worthy of an opera of its own I should think! But I'll have to think about how to weave her into this one - I don't doubt that she'll have some impressive wardrobe selections! Now, what about this "lost servant"? Was that you? Or someone else?"

Nature DC 20: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

"Goodness, a winter wolf! A real one! And working as a bartender, no less! Well I will certainly have to revise my script to incorporate these details - the narrative is getting more and more riveting, if I do say so, and I do!"

Turning to the wolf, Oskar realizes that it may not be the proprietor of the village pub after all, that this may not even be a pub at all! He looks around for a frosty mug or two and then shakes his head in disappointment before answering the wolf's question.

"Death? Aye many deaths we've seen, both foreign and domestic. Were they dreary? No, quite the contrary, everyone of them was romantic or courageous or tawdry or heartrending, each in its own way, as only great drama can show. Here, let me explain..." He hums a few bars to catch the tune and then launches into an impromptu song about death, with particular attention to all the deaths of villains that pathfinders have caused. The musical accompaniment surrounding him swells to meet the occasion and it isn't long before Oskar is belting out a jaunty death tune!

Performance (to Make an Impression, in lieu of Diplomacy), mask, virtuosic performer, musical accompaniment: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35

Reaching the end of the performance, Oskar makes a small but sincere bow, offers the wolf his calling card, and explains, "Oskar's the name. It may be a bit before the show reaches theatres in these parts but I would be so honored if you would attend the opening in Absalom - it's sure to be a smash and you will be equally smashing on the red carpet if you don't mind me saying!" He bows again. "What did you say your name was? I'll be sure to leave tickets at the box office for you."

GM, any result of Oskar's Bardic Lore check?

Oskar is excited to follow Ogthup's lead and get out and explore the village. Since there doesn't appear to be any need for stealth, he envelops the group in musical accompaniment as they walk about, creating an even more festive and exciting atmosphere.

"Might as well head over to The Wolf's Oak first. Sounds like a pub. Perhaps we can get a frosty mug of something there. If these Rushyans even know how to drink..."

Oskar has been feverishly scribbling notes throughout and doing his darnedest to put it all too music. From time to time he tries a little melody on his flute and he appears to be looking for something suitable to convey the eerie strangeness of these polite and gracious hosts being from another planet!

When the discussion turns to the witch Chesjilawa he does his best to recall anything he can about her.

Using Bardic Lore +11 and 1 Focus point to use Loremaster's Etude to roll twice and take the better result.

Oskar is also happy to accept the Captain's invitation and uses their time together to take notes about how he will incorporate these strange foreigners into his drama.

Perception DC 21: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Crafting DC 21: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Bardic Lore for Warfare DC 16: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

... After Captain Semyon introduces himself...

Oskar tries to recall anything he might know about this "Majesty Nicolas II" or this so-called "Imperial Russian Army".

Bardic Lore +11, using 1 focus point for Loremaster's Etude to roll twice and take the better result. He'll factor anything he learns into his Diplomacy attempt.

As Oskar attempts to show the soldiers that they should be friends and allies, from nowhere background music swells up to accompany him as he begins to narrate/sing/rap their noble intentions as explorers and (new) friends. By the time his aria is finished the Captain can (hopefully!) envision himself with a starring role in Oskar's forthcoming hit opera!

Performance (for Diplomacy), mask, virtuosic performer, musical accompaniment: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35

Oskar -- Haha, it's always a struggle with the Bard's CA. Sadly, everyone forgets. Since I play bards too, hopefully Dennis will never forget!

Yep, too true! Including me when I'm playing something else and there's a bard at the table. So I get it.

Oskar tries to slow the bear down.

◆◆ Cast Slow (Fort DC 25)

Then he urges Ogthup to get into the fight. "Hey Ogthup, we could use your blade over here!"

◆ Command Minion

◆◆ Ogthup Stride twice

Reminder to everyone, Courageous Anthem is still in effect, giving you +1 to attacks and dmg (round 2 of 4)

Already posted my actions just above your last post.

Oskar rushes towards the battle while urging his comrades to have courage in the great fight before them! "A bear?!? A bear?!? How am I supposed to put a bear on stage? Just think of the cost. And the maintenance! Do you know what bears eat?!?"

◇ Lingering Composition, Performance DC 24: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (15) + 21 = 36 crit success so Courageous Anthem lasts 4 rounds; Oskar spends 1 focus point

◆ Courageous Anthem: party members have +1 to attacks and dmg rolls; please note this in your posts so we know it's been accounted for.

◆◆ Double Stride

Oskar is within 30' of the Bear so it cannot reduce its Frightened below 1 unless it makes a DC 20 Will at the end of its turn.

↺ If the Bear attempts to Stride, Oskar will use Lose the Path reaction spell on it (Will DC 25)

Oskar can keep a watchful eye on the surrounding environment Nature +11, unless someone else is better suited, in which case he'll attempt to aid

Oskar happily tries on the snowshoes - "Not usually the done thing for us halflings, you know, but then how will I charm my way across the stages of Golarion if I don't have any toes left?!?" He purchases some winter clothing as well. "Brrrrr. Why doesn't the Society ever send me to a tropical island? The could be a perfectly fine setting for an opera..."

I'm taking my kid on a short vacation tomorrow and will have limited ability to post until Monday. Please bot me as needed though I'll try to post when I can.

Oskar listens to the briefing with barely concealed excitement. "A sojourn into hidden mountain passes!?! Why, that is a splendid setting! Just imagine how the snow will look as it swirls down upon the stage! Oh this is brilliant - I'm sure this is going to be a smash hit! And with such a valiant team of actors, I can't imagine anything could possibly go wrong!"

+11 Bardic Lore and Nature
Oskar will use 3 focus points for Loremaster's Etude for himself, Argoni, and Charlies, letting each roll twice and take the better result. He'll refocus afterwards by taking notes for the opera he is writing.

Oskar will bring along an Expert Hireling (Survival, Mining Lore)

A handsome and brash halfling fellow comes rushing up, huffing and puffing. "Sorry to be late - I had some, uh, difficulties back in Absalom that needed... resolving." He glances over his shoulder as he says this, then hurriedly slings his lute on his back, checks his purse to see if it's still empty - it is - and grins at the others. "Oskar I am, and it won't be long before all Golarion is humming one of my ditties. Just gotta write it first. Hope this adventure provides some inspiration, otherwise what's it good for? Less'n ye got rent t' pay, which I does, in which case I'll take inspiration, or at least a nice pay day, mehopes. I don't suppose there's any possibility of getting paid in advance...?" he trails off not very hopefully.

A couple of things to note about Oskar:

* He has the Battle Cry feat, granting a free Demoralization attempt against an observed foe when he rolls initiative. He uses Performance to Demoralize so this will be +20 (or +21 if he has Musical Accompaniment active - he'll keep Musical Accompaniment going all the time unless we are trying to be stealthy or avoid notice). For ease of use in the PbP format, GM please feel free to select the target of Oskar's Demoralize attempt if you wish. He'll prioritize foes within 30' (because of his Dread armor rune) and avoid foes that seem obviously mindless or otherwise likely to be immune to fear; all other things being equal he'll attempt to Demoralize more threatening seeming foes first.

* He has a Dread armor rune (purchased with an ACP boon). "Frightened enemies within 30 feet that can see you must attempt a DC 20 Will save at the end of their turn; on a failure, the value of their frightened condition doesn’t decrease below 1 that turn."

* Oskar will spend 1 focus point as a free action whenever an ally within 30' attempts to Recall Knowledge, letting them roll twice and take the better result. (Loremaster's Etude).

* If anyone has a Level Bump for this scenario, Oskar can offer the Rugged Mentor boon.

* In combat Oskar has a few Reaction spells that might come up: Lose the Path (trigger: a foe within 60' Strides); Overselling Flourish (trigger: a foe within 60' damages Oskar); Wooden Double (trigger: Oskar is critically hit; can be cast using either a 3rd or 4th rank slot).

* At the start of combat, especially if the foes are far away, Oskar can cast Loose Time's Arrow, giving everyone in the party a free Stride action for one round. It may be worth waiting in the initiative order for Oskar's turn to come up for him to cast this to get the martials quickly up to the front.

* Oskar has Bardic Lore, letting him attempt to Recall Knowledge about any subject. Out of combat, if we need to figure something out it may be worth having Oskar cast Share Lore (1 minute casting time) on up to 3 friends, also making them trained in Bardic Lore for 10 minutes. Since we've got at least two Int-based characters in the party this might be very useful.

* Oskar is quite squishy and has no particularly useful melee options so he'll do his best to stay behind his comrades.

I think that's all of Oskar's shenanigans. Most of the time he'll start combat with Courageous Anthem & Lingering Composition, which will give everyone +1 to attacks & dmg. Please make a note of it when you post your attacks so I don't have to bother posting "did you remember to include your +1/+1 from Courageous Anthem?" :-)

Hope we all have fun!

Thanks for the explanation. I guess I'll keep my eyes ears open for a medusa in the future...

Btw, did we ever figure out the gnome's motivation for betraying the Society? Just gold? Or something else more interesting?

Got it - many thanks!

Same for me - I only see Farnguy's chronicle at the link.

thanks again for running, GM!

Thanks for running GM! And especially thank you since Oskar has been waiting a while to get this one last XP from a quest before he levels out of range. Much appreciated!

Oskar scans the area where the gnome was trying to climb to his escape.

◆ Seek; Expert Perception +12, +2 circ bonus from Halfling Keen Eyes ability, for a total of +14

Will wait before using my other actions to see if I spot him

GM, note that Courageous Anthem has expired.

It appears that everyone but Jaehaera missed that I quickened the whole party for one round on my last turn. Oh well - I guess that's the classic dilemma of bards.

Courageous Anthem has now expired

Oskar uses his newfound speediness to advance closer to the pesky gnome.

◆ Stride (Loose Time's Arrow)

Then Oskar shifts the tune of his opera to something with a more goblinish flavor.

Goblin Song - Performance vs gnome's Will DC, persona mask, virtuosic performer: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 14 + 1 + 1 = 27

Critical Success The target takes a –1 status penalty to Perception checks and Will saves for 1 minute.

Success The target takes a –1 status penalty to Perception checks and Will saves for 1 round.
Critical Failure The target is temporarily immune to Goblin Song for 1 hour.

It's clear that his years studying goblin musical theory were not for naught!

He follows this up with some particularly cutting insults, referencing an inordinate amount of detail about the sanitary habits of the gnome and all his kin.

◆◆ Cutting Insult DC 22 Will
Mental dmg: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 4, 5) = 20

You utter an insult so offensive that it cuts your target to the quick. Your target takes 4d6 mental damage and 1 persistent bleed damage and must attempt a Will save.

Critical Success The creature is unaffected.
Success The creature takes half mental damage but no persistent bleed damage, and it becomes frightened 1.
Failure The creature takes full mental damage and full persistent bleed damage, and it becomes frightened 2.
Critical Failure The creature takes double mental damage and double persistent bleed damage, and becomes frightened 3

GM, Oskar has a Dread rune on his armor

Frightened enemies within 30 feet that can see you must attempt a DC 20 Will save at the end of their turn; on a failure, the value of their frightened condition doesn’t decrease below 1 that turn.

Courageous Anthem continues - this is the start of round 3 of 3 (it will end just before Oskar's next turn).

Oskar runs to catch up, worried that show will be over before he's barely hit the stage. "Consarn these stubby little legs!" he puffs, rather out of breath.

◆ Stride 25'

Panting like the out of shape hobbit he is, Oskar says, "What's needed here is to pick up the tempo - a bit of Vivace or even Prestissimo I think..." He stops running for a moment and changes his tune to one more rapid, accompanied by some frenzied 'hurry up' gestures to his comrades. "Don't let 'im get away!"

◆◆ Cast Loose Time's Arrow
Everyone in the party is now Quickened for 1 round. The extra action can only be used to Step or Stride. (Oskar will get his extra action on his next turn, and then the spell will end).

(p.s. yes, this would have been the perfect spell for the start of this fight but alas Oskar was all the way at the bottom of the initiative - by the time he could have cast it everyone was already long gone...)

GM, can Oskar see the Gnome from his current position? If so, he'll use the Lose the Path spell as a reaction if the gnome Strides. It's a 60' range spell (Will DC 22) so the only issue is whether Oskar can see the gnome from his current position or not. If I was GM-ing I would probably say he can't so I will completely understand if that's your ruling! I just added the spell and haven't had a chance to use it yet and this is perfect for it so hopefully we can catch him before he escapes...