Zoso the Forlorn's page

Huge apologies everyone. My recent absence does not at all reflect my enjoyment of this game or playing with all of you. I've had some big changes to my responsibilities at work this fall that have resulted in my old routine and free time being hit pretty hard. I don't see my inability to post at the rate that is required changing anytime soon either, which sucks.

It would have been better timing if this had happened at the break between books, but I think Zoso needs to be transitioned out so you all can continue as you see fit with a more active member or at least without the GM-PC weight.

Zoso wipes his mouth after taking the anti-toxin. "Lone quiet rooms sounds intriguing. Give me a moment." Zoso then waits to cast a some spells when they're ready to enter.

Good Hope again, 9 minutes. Haste can come out in the moment.

"Shall we make Saphren and Brenna invisible again?" He asks thinking of Fain's bar.

"They're full body tattoos, kept it simple for the best out come. We don't plan on staying too much longer, this was never meant to be a permanent afair. Simple revenge."

Bluff: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16

Zoso is equally in awe. He moves around the table, keeping it between him and the throne so he can scan the food while keeping the matron in view. Before taking a seat on that far side, he opens his mouth slightly to speak before remaining silent and simply giving a bow. Once seated, he picks up a piece of cheese and smells it as if it were new to him, then eats it.

Detect Magic and a whole lot of knowledge
Kn (Arcana): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
Kn (History): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
Kn (Local): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Kn (Religion): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
Kn (Planes): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

I'm here. No excuses really just work, kids, and being the weakest link on this thread by accident. My apologies.

Zoso nods, "We should continue on," in as stoic of a voice as he can, he has a hard time keeping the grin off his face though.

Sorry for the delay, I've found myself without internet until tomorrow.

Zoso continues to inspire while sending off a hearty volley.

Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot Arrow 1, Multishot, Inspire, Good Hope: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 28
Damage: 2d6 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (6, 3) + 16 + 2 = 27
Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot Arrow 2: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 2 = 11
Deadly Aim, Iterative: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 2 = 13
Deadly Aim, Haste: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 2 = 14

No problem!

The attack and damage buffs are actually competence bonuses so it's only half redundant. I can just cast spells instead, though I like having it going so I can drop it for one of the Finale spells in a pinch. Another option is Fascinate and Suggestion. Funny thing, I've never use the other performances. Can Inspire Greatness now too.

Starting this again!

Lyra:
Good Hope: +2 attacks, saves, damage, skill checks, ability checks
Inspire: +2 attacks, damage

Vex:
Good Hope: +2 attacks, saves, damage, skill checks, ability checks
Inspire: +2 attacks, damage

Brenna:
Good Hope: +2 attacks, saves, damage, skill checks, ability checks
Inspire: +2 attacks, damage

Beshtori:
Good Hope: +2 attacks, saves, damage, skill checks, ability checks
Inspire: +2 attacks, damage

Saphren:
Good Hope: +2 attacks, saves, damage, skill checks, ability checks
Inspire: +2 attacks, damage

Zoso:
Good Hope: +2 attacks, saves, damage, skill checks, ability checks
Inspire: +2 attacks, damage

Zoso fires off an arrow at one of the especially burning drow riders while maintaining his performance. orange or cyan "Remember that no bastard ever won a battle by dying for their cause, but by making the other poor dumb bastard die for theirs."

Deadly Aim, Inspire, Good Hope: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 27
Damage, Inspire, Good Hope: 1d6 + 8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 + 2 = 14

Remember Inspiration and Good Hope, +4!

Zoso draws his bow and continues his performance, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."

Zoso begins to inspire the group for this inevitable clash, "There is no escape, these will pay for the violence of our ancestors."

Move: Starting performance, Inspire Courage +2
Standard: Casts Good Hope Everyone has +4 to Attack and Damage, +2 to Saves

Entering the stable Zoso finds himself beside one of the more difficult lizards from a few days ago. Looking it in the eye he rolls up his sleeves and readies himself. "You think you're clever, eh? Think you have my number.. well lets just see about that." Zoso takes the reigns and pummel in hand swiftly, mounting the beast all in one motion.
Ride: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

I'm assuming we're conversing about this via telepathy.

Booty call gone bad? These Drow are the worst..

"Yes, make sure you haven't forgotten anything. We can carry items for you if necessary." Zoso says to her in a deadpan.

Zoso wakes up after a full rest, "The biggest change is the sleeping, besides the clumsiness," he grumbles. Speaking about the change from Elf to Dwarf without saying as much.

Oof. With Manyshot and Spring Heeled Style, Zoso and Saphren just got a big upgrade. Very cool.

I'm going to really start putting this RNG to work on full attacks! Pretty solid upgrades all around though, I'm sure these Drow didn't get equal goodies in the next part... (flashbacks of heightened fireball)

For new spell, weighing between Jester's Jaunt and Find Fault

Level 9!
HP: +7 = 5 + Con + Favored Class Bonus
+1 to Fort
Inspire Greatness!
An additional 3rd level spell per day

Feat: Many Shot

Skills: 5 ranks
+1 Acrobatics
+1 Knowledge (Arcana)
+1 Knowledge (History)
+1 Perform (Oratory)
+1 Perform (Comedy)

Whoa! A good nights rest indeed!
Zoso collapses into the crappy drow servant bed. "Are we still wanting to post a look out or alarm by our.." he trails off as the exhaustion pulls him under.

I think it is fair that the drow will not qualify for "knowing the individual" with how they treat driders like dirt, but it does seem that suspecting deception is their default mode.

Get three scrolls, cast it on 3 severed heads to look like these other Driders, then walk off into the sunset.

Perfect, I was 80% there but didn't know about that spell. Assumed we make a disguise check on the heads.

"It's in your best interest to listen well to our Matron. Though we are not an extermination force, we would likely prove effective if you betray our peaceful and open arrival here." Zoso interjects at the beginning of Lyra's speech.

When she is done he continues with the proposal she mentioned. "House Vonnarc wants Rikhrys, Ryldtrin, and Yazfein. Those three f#&#ed up and have put you all in danger. We will leave here with either true or false proof of their deaths, but which is your decision as the head of this village. As for us, our Lady has no interest in betraying the existence of this place. Our Matron wisely sees that coexistence between yourselves and our faction can mutually lead to much wealth and power. Once she rises into control of Zirnakaynin, you will have open freedom and we will build a new era."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32 There we go. Blew on the Nintendo cartridge, all good again.

If things go well I'm really digging the idea of funding a proxy war down here once we're out. Support these Driders and Fain to make home life horrible for the Drow.

Zoso gives the Drider a smile and gestures to the surroundings as he begins, "Exquisite. Three Drider recently fled House Vonnarc for this haven of yours, but they were not subtle and the fools may have ruined your secret. So, we are here for the retrieval of these three: Rikhrys, Ryldtrin, and Yazfein." The elf dwarf drow then clasps his hands behind his back and continues. "I want to be clear, we hope there can be a diplomatic solution here. We need convincing evidence to fake their deaths, if you do not choose to punish them with real death. We have no intention to betray your little coven here, in fact we see a relationship between us as advantageous for both parties."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16 Ahhhh I wish there was a Diplomacy reroll feat or something!

I'll give it a shot here, but will likely be more direct than an artful dance of words.

"What is your password for the sentries so they know we mean no harm to the community?" As she looks to him surprised, Zoso gives her a cold stare. "As you said, we're here for the three and saw nothing else. True we're of House Vonnarc, but you're smart enough to know how dangerous it is for Drow to gain power and rise within the ranks of Great Houses. If you prove you're not utterly worthless and unable to be trusted, perhaps this community can survive and have favor in the eyes of the Matriarch of the future. Perhaps a new, natural, method for creating Driders can become accepted." Zoso said referring to Lyra and the driderlings.

Bluff: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

"I don't trust her with the truth of our true nature. Maybe we should just let her be pleasantly surprised when we don't burn the whole village down.. we're not going to burn it all down, are we?"

Zoso's mind drifts to driderlings and his skin crawls. "Since they were transformed into, that, I had suspected that they were sterile. Or maybe hoped. To be born like that... do you think they're insane as well? The kids? That it's not just the ordeal of creation that drives the driders we know to be mad?" He just shakes his head and follows Durthee.

This is so convoluted, he thinks to himself. 'Evil within evil begetting innocents.. how can this be? What do the Gods even do if this is the kind of stuff that happens within the dark?'

Zoso's eyes narrow. "You're bringing us there for starters. Where is it? How many know if it and what are their names? How many and of what types of creatures inhabit it?"

"Finally, our guide to the Last Hope has decided to arrive. I'd have you beaten now for you tardiness if the Lady did not wish to be underway hours ago, so your punishment will come on the road."
Intimidate: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Niiice a new bag to hold it all in too! Sounds like no one else wants the +1 mithral chain shirt? Zoso will change the two shirts out if not. Then let's keep the potions at arm's reach, load the new bag up, beatup Fain as much as you all feel we need to, and get Stylix on this trail to Durthee.

+1 mithral chain shirt is a +1 upgrade for me.

"Lets round up Stylix and some food if it doesn't look suspicious then. We don't want word of this getting a head of us."

'An anti-drow timebomb, how fitting. Maybe we should leave him some surprise and anonymous patronage while we're on our way out of these caverns for good. It'd be satisfying to cause some rebellion.' Zoso thinks back at everyone.

Zoso shakes his head, "You're better off without them, they harassed us in the street and then led us right to you. But fallen empires of trash and Durthee Gemcutter are just the start of your woes. After you tell us where to find her you're telling us everything you know about the Last Hope."

Has anyone else been thinking of Padan Fain every time Xomos Fain is mentioned?

'Be ready to corral the two coming down stairs. What do you all want to do with these once they break?' Zoso telepathically sends to everyone.

"Now Fain, you and my Lady were called together, and thus we have come. Speak of Gemcutter. Be quick unless Stylix must be involved in our ritual as well." Zoso finishes his performance and eludes to Lyra as the threatening companies matron.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

"Death was my errand and the date they had earned." Zoso continues while letting loose arrow after arrow at Fain.

Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim, Haste, Inspire: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 14
Rapid Shot, Deadly Aim, Haste, Inspire: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 29
Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Iterative Deadly Aim, Haste, Inspire: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 27
Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Hastened Deadly Aim, Haste, Inspire: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 11 + 1 + 2 = 16

"I swam in the blackness of night, hunting monsters out of the ocean, and killing them one by one." Zoso continued.

If blue is alive still, this attack will be on them. If not, Zoso moves to Blue's old spot and shoots the other guard.

Point Blank, Deadly Aim, Haste, Inspire:: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 1 + 2 = 20
Damage, Inspire: 1d6 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 2 = 16

Cool cool, not a problem

Updated for After Zoso and Saphren

Lyra: -9 HP
False Life (1h) 11 temp HP
Magic Circle vs Evil (80m) +2 AC, +2 saves
Life LInk
Heightened Senses (80m) +2 perception, +4 init
Shield Other +1 ac, +1 saves
Paragon Surge, +2 int, +2 dex, counterspell focus
Haste, +1 attack and AC, +30' movement, +1 attack during full attack
+2 Inspire to Attack, Damage, saves against charm and fear

Vex: -2
Minor Image
Improved Invis 2/6 rounds, +2 vs sighted opponents, +40/20 stealth
Haste, +1 attack and AC, +30' movement, +1 attack during full attack
+2 Inspire to Attack, Damage, saves against charm and fear

Brenna:
Invisibility (8m) 2 atk vs sighted opponents, ignore enemy dex to AC, +40/+20 stealth
Enlarge Person (8m), +2 str, large size
Freedom of Movement
Haste, +1 attack and AC, +30' movement, +1 attack during full attack
+2 Inspire to Attack, Damage, saves against charm and fear

Beshtori:
Mage Armor (8h), +4 ac
Haste, +1 attack and AC, +30' movement, +1 attack during full attack
+2 Inspire to Attack, Damage, saves against charm and fear

Saphren:
+2 Inspire to Attack, Damage, saves against charm and fear

Zoso: -41 HP
Haste, +1 attack and AC, +30' movement, +1 attack during full attack
+2 Inspire to Attack, Damage, saves against charm and fear

"Dripping with my enemies' blood. I drove five great giants into chain, chased all of that race from the earth." Zoso begins to dictate over the battle in a voice that is stronger than he feels. He pulls a cold iron arrow from his quiver and tries to hit the closest Drow on the other side of Brenna's enlarged form.

Point Blank, Deadly Aim, Haste, Inspire: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 12 + 1 + 2 = 20
Damage, Inspire: 1d6 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 = 12

Move: Start Perforamce (+2 Inspire), Standard: Point Blank at Blue Brute

There also looks to be some unexplored rooms downstairs as well.

No song, and spell casting does provoke. These guys with bastard swords must have reach too. If not, Zoso would 5ft step back instead, but I'm going to post assuming they do.

Zoso is wrecked by the immediate attack. He knows he needs to get help and takes a chance. Move out of Brenna's way, Zoso hurries behind Lyra and casts Haste. Sorry Saphren, you've been missed by this casting. Fingers crossed he can avoid!
TUMBLE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
TUMBLE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

IF they do no have reach, he would 5ft step, cast, and start a performance.

I can cast Haste if you're debating a few options Besh, just so you know you're not tied to one thing or another.

Zoso walks in with Lyra, he has taken his bow off his back now and holds the sturdy wood as a riding crop, slapping it into his hand for added emphasis.
"Such a warm hole you choose to hide in, Xomos, it suits a rat like yourself. I'll assume you're done torturing your little pets, so have a seat. You're going to give us some information."
Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 Whelp, this show seems to be coming to an end..

"Maybe, but not yet. Let's see what's down here. Saph, you're our eyes, ok? I'll walk down slowly but need to keep this personae up. If Fain is inside, I'll try to talk to them first." Zoso thinks as he slowly meanders around the tables and to the descending stairs.

Before we came in I said I could make one person invisible if need be. I assumed it would be Brenna as it sounded like you were doing yourself and Saph, but then I saw the buff tracker exclude it from you as well and wasn't sure.

Oh you're invisible too? K, damn Lyra we must look pretty badass stomping in here this confident! I did mean Saph, thanks.

I love the confusion, "Everyone out! No not any of you, sit down!"

"Stairs it is, who's over there?" Zoso thinks to the party while calmly walking through the tables towards the bartender indicated.

"Pull down your finest bottle but stay behind that bar. Wait until we return." he demands of the barkeep.

Once at the door, "Alright, I'll open the way and visually delay by waiting for Lyra and Besh. You two want to scout this out?"

"Where is Xomos?" Zoso gives an evil glare amd takes a few more steps into the bar.

Zoso can cast Invisibility on Brenna if need be.
Looking for a nod from Lyra that all is ready, Zoso takes a breath before opening the door to the bar. He makes sure both of them are standing to the side of the doorway and waits a few seconds for the invisible party to enter. Once he is telepathically told or once his 5 second countdown finishes, he enters.

Letting either arrogance or dedication get the best of him, he moves in without his bow in hand but still stowed on his back. The elf, dwarf, drow gives a mocking slow clap. ”Very good job. Well executed boys. Get the hell out of here, NOW! You, Fain. Stay there, the Madam has questions for you.”
Intimidate: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31