Second Darkness (KEJR's Pathfinder RPG Play-by-Post)

[Lyre]

"Thank you" Lyre says to the head before moving onto Skiffs and betting 2 silver teeth

Gambling check

1d20 ⇒ 15

[Mario Nedraid]

If he can, Mario will go back and check on what Ormizd is up to before jumping in to the next phase.

Mario will again concentrate on the Golem game for the third circle, betting five silver teeth at a time. He will try to win the five gold eyes for passage to the Phlegethon circle that way.

When he does win that much, he will again make one stop at the Goulette table for a single spin for the minimum bet. He'll roar with laugter at the antics of the Ghoul's head; then he will go pay for the next circle.

He will in general make an effort to be drunk and friendly, buying drinks and such. Cheering for good hands and groaning for bad.

[Antianel Jastieth]

GameMasterKEJR wrote:

For Antianel:

** spoiler omitted **

Spoiler:

I had been assuming that Antianel would just lose slowly, but I suppose I should check that out as well.

Profession (gambler) 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

[DM Shisumo]

Tsadok Duskwalker wrote:

DM:

** spoiler omitted **

Spoiler:

The woman blinks in surprise, then blushes slightly herself, looking down (the tattoos look quite fetching against the blush, as it happens). "Ah, yes," she says hesitantly, "thank you. I would appreciate that. My name is Sam... ah, Samaritha, that is, Samaritha Beldusk. But you can call me Sam, everybody does." She blinks again, rather owlishly. "You don't look like a cyphermage to me..." Sam continues, then looks horrified at her own words, clapping a hand over her mouth. "I mean, um, oh, I'm sorry..."

[DM Shisumo]

Lyre wrote:

"Thank you" Lyre says to the head before moving onto Skiffs and betting 2 silver teeth

"The storm's a-comin'," shouts the dealer as the players gather around the table, and Lyre entertains herself trying to master the strange halfling game, which is as much strategy as it is luck. In the end, she breaks even, neither winning nor losing any chips; she's still not sure if she figured out how the game worked, but at least she didn't get taken.

[DM Shisumo]

Mario Nedraid wrote:

If he can, Mario will go back and check on what Ormizd is up to before jumping in to the next phase.

Mario will again concentrate on the Golem game for the third circle, betting five silver teeth at a time. He will try to win the five gold eyes for passage to the Phlegethon circle that way.

Can I get some Profession (gambling) rolls then, please?

[Tsadok Duskwalker]

DM:

Spoiler:

"Cyphermage? Me? No, I've not even heard of such folk. My primary interest is what the thing they call the "blot" really is. I'm looking for any reasonable explanation that it would be sitting there, even if it were only a extraordinarily long-term spell. I'm here to research it on my own, perhaps increasing my own arcane knowledge as I go." He waves one of the succubi over to him, "What I'm having for this young lady, and another for me."
He turns back to the woman. "Sam, I'll be honest, I'm a monk from a temple not terribly far from here. I tended to be the researcher and watched from afar. Here, I have a chance to do some good, and get some answers. Will you help me help everyone?"
His big, orcish eyes are pleading, which I'm sure is a strange look indeed.

[Mario Nedraid]

GM:

I authorize the GM to make all gambling rolls for me that are needed.
My Profession (Gambler) skill is +0; My Bluff skill is +7.
I was playing the Golem game because Bluff could be used there (at least in the previous two circles).

[Lyre]

Lyre having played all the games decide to goes back to the one she was good at and heads back to the gollum table. Deciding to go all out she puts down all her winnings (18 silver)

Bluff check

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

[Tippello Tabinero]

Tippy keeps an eye on Lyre while he mingles with the crowd. (never straying too far away in case trouble rears its ugly head)
He continues to nurse along his first drink while observing and being amused by the folks having fun gambling.

[DM Shisumo]

Tsadok Duskwalker wrote:

DM:

** spoiler omitted **

Spoiler:

Sam blinks again - you notice she seems to do that alot - opening and closing her mouth a few times. Once her drink arrives, she takes it and drains about half the glass in a single go, then starts coughing for a few moments. Her breath finally back, she says, "No, no, no, that's what I'm interested in too, and of course I want to work with you, I just thought... I mean, I assumed you'd be in the Order of Cyphers, is all..." She stops, shakes her head, and looks doubtfully at her drink. "That might have been a mistake." Redirecting her attention to you, she begins to explain. "Um, the cyphermages are a local arcane order that does research on the Cyphergate, and everyone I've talked to around here seems to think the Blot is some effect of the Cyphergate's magic. Weird stuff just happens in Riddleport sometimes, y'know? The cyphermages have been working on the Blot since it showed up last month. I, uh, well, I'd like to join the Order myself, and I thought that if I found a cyphermage scholar and helped him work out the Blot's secrets, that would get my foot in the door." She frowns for a second, then brightens suddenly. "But if we work it out, then I don't have to share credit!" Sam blushes again at once, adding in a hasty rush, "I mean, with someone in the Order already, that's all! Of course I'd share it with you!"

[DM Shisumo]

Mario Nedraid wrote:

** spoiler omitted **

Spoiler:

Oh, you're right about the Bluff thing for Golem. That works too.

I would rather get you in the habit of making your own rolls, though, because when combat happens, it will work out much better if the rest of the group doesn't have to wait on me to find out how your action went. That make sense? You can find the necessary BBCode tags at the bottom of the posting page, and it's really pretty simple.

[Mario Nedraid]

If he can, Mario will go back and check on what Ormizd is up to before jumping in to the next phase.

Mario will again concentrate on the Golem game for the third circle, betting five silver teeth at a time.
He will try to win the five gold eyes for passage to the Phlegethon circle that way.

When he does win the five gold eyes, he will again make one stop at the Goulette table for a single spin for the minimum bet. He'll roar with laugter at the antics of the Ghoul's head; then he will go pay for the next circle.

He will in general make an effort to be drunk and friendly, buying drinks and such. Cheering for good hands and groaning for bad.

GM:

Here are some bluff rolls for the gaming table.
Bluff: (1d20+7=21, 1d20+7=8, 1d20+7=20, 1d20+7=24, 1d20+7=21, 1d20+7=19, 1d20+7=11, 1d20+7=23, 1d20+7=8, 1d20+7=27, 1d20+7=22, 1d20+7=17, 1d20+7=14, 1d20+7=27, 1d20+7=16, 1d20+7=15, 1d20+7=27, 1d20+7=19, 1d20+7=18, 1d20+7=12)

[DM Shisumo]

Lyre wrote:

Lyre having played all the games decide to goes back to the one she was good at and heads back to the gollum table. Deciding to go all out she puts down all her winnings (18 silver)

Whoa. Now that was a good time to go all in...

The golem game seems to go slowly at first, with careful raises all around the table. Soon, the pot has reached an impressive size, and a few passersby have stopped to watch. When Lyre goes all in on the final round of betting, several other players drop out, but her opponent, a sharp-faced human woman wearing an eyepatch, matches the bet with a confident flourish. The golem hand turns out to be a three of a kind, but the one-eyed Varisian smiles broadly as she reveals a full house - only to stare in horrified shock as Lyre reveals a straight flush.

Lyre gets back her stake, and picks up a whopping 29 silver on top of it!

The human woman leaves the table in a huff, and the rest of the gamblers stare menacingly at Lyre. "That's that gnome who was here before," one mutters angrily.

[DM Shisumo]

Mario Nedraid wrote:

If he can, Mario will go back and check on what Ormizd is up to before jumping in to the next phase.

Mario will again concentrate on the Golem game for the third circle, betting five silver teeth at a time.
He will try to win the five gold eyes for passage to the Phlegethon circle that way.

After another hour or so, Mario's careful play (marred by some careless bluffs in a couple places, but also marked by some spectacular ones), has earned him another 46 silver teeth, plus a handful of copper hearts (5, to be exact).

[Mario Nedraid]

Mario continues to play.

DM:

Here are some more gambling rolls...
Bluff: (1d20+7=18, 1d20+7=10, 1d20+7=8, 1d20+7=15, 1d20+7=17, 1d20+7=27, 1d20+7=9, 1d20+7=19, 1d20+7=13, 1d20+7=14)

[Tsadok Duskwalker]

DM Shisumo wrote:

Tsadok Duskwalker wrote:

DM:

** spoiler omitted **

** spoiler omitted **

DM:

Spoiler:

"Excellent. We shall start as soon as possible. Outside of these Cyphermages, who else might have information? Is it all just conjecture at this point? Oh, nevermind thie evening, what say we enjoy... whatever it is happening down there?" Tsadok says, pointing towards the gambling hall section. "I don't really see much of a point in that stuff, myself, but I'm happy that others are having such a good time. I wonder why they do it?"

Yes, Tsadok is serious. He really doesn't understand gambling, let alone with one's soul.

[ormizd]

as i look at the all thr feastives i say "What the hells why not if i win good story if not i can all ways make more gold some where

[Lyre]

With 48 silver teeth Lyre is going to go and see if she can proceed to the next lvl

[DM Shisumo]

DC 10 Perception checks from everyone, please. If you make it, see the spoiler.

Spoiler:

Something peculiar catches your attention in the crowd.
Sense Motive check now too.

If you make a DC 20 on the Perception check:

Spoiler:

You notice a man standing in the doorway of the casino lavatory, holding a scroll and staring fixedly at something in the center of the gaming floor.

[Antianel Jastieth]

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Antianel suddenly looks up from his game, frowning.

Sense Motive (untrained): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

[Lyre]

Perception

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Sense motive

1d20 ⇒ 12

Lyre seems to notice something in the crowd

[Mario Nedraid]

Perception: (1d20+0=9)

Mario plays on, oblivious to whatever it was under that spoiler tag...

[Tippello Tabinero]

Perception check 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Tippy senses something peculiar

Sense Motive check 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

[Tsadok Duskwalker]

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Sense Motive 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
DM:

Spoiler:

Tsadok senses something wrong in the crowd, and speaking to his contact, "Do you see something strange out there?"

Whoops! Wrong alias initially. Sorry about that!

[DM Shisumo]

It's a con weekend, guys - I'll be back with a post tomorrow night, I hope. Otherwise Monday morning.

[DM Shisumo]

Tsadok and Tippello:

Spoiler:

You notice a human woman with an eyepatch and several other hardened-looking fellows in the crowd all seem suddenly tense, and then - simultaneously - they all close their eyes tightly.

[Tippello Tabinero]

Tippy ducks under the table that Lyre is gambling at and attempts to pull her under with him.

for Lyre:

Careful Lyre, looks like trouble (tippy whispers).

for DM:

It looks like those several people are expecting something bad to happen, so Tippy attempts to protect Lyre by pulling her under the table if possble but otherwise ducks under himself and closes his eyes like they did, and waits to see if his suspicions are proven correct. He will try to do this without drawing too much attention to himself since he's not sure whats going on.
Stealth check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

[Lyre]

"Whaaa" Lyre cries out as she is yanked under the table.

[Tsadok Duskwalker]

DM:

Spoiler:

My computer is on the fritz, IF I don't post and you need to move the story along before Friday, just DMPC me. I expect Tsadok to be protective of his contact, otherwise, stopping whatever madness is about to happen.
"Sam, close your eyes, I believe we are in for a surprise." Tsadok whispers to his contact. He then braces for anything that might go 'boom,' checking to make sure the table can be overturned if cover becomes necessary.

[DM Shisumo]

Tsadok and Tipello:

Spoiler:

You close your eyes in mimicry of the people you see in the crowd, and just in time, for there is a sudden whoosh from the center of the room, and a burst of bright light batters your eyelids. You open your eyes again and see most of the crowd suddenly blinded, and the woman with the eyepatch and the men with her all raise weapons. Their attention seems to be fixed on the chest full of gold - the prize money for the tournament - in the center of the room.

Roll initiative, please.

Everybody else:

Spoiler:

While everyone but Mario is suddenly looking around the crowd, the brazier in the center of the room, hanging just above the dais that holds the chest containing the tournament's prize money, bursts into a dazzling pyre of multicolored flame. The light hammers your eyes.

Will save, DC 14, please - Lyre gets a +4 bonus for being half under the table when it happens. Curious folks with ranks in Spellcraft are welcome to roll Spellcraft, DC 17, to recognize what just occurred. Once you make your save, everyone except Mario can roll initiative.

[Antianel Jastieth]

Antianel closes his eyes tightly, then - just after the flash - opens them again, already reaching for his sword.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

[Lyre]

Will save

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

The table in front of Lyre's face shields her from the flash

Initiative

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

"What's going on." She asks Tippello

[Tsadok Duskwalker]

Initiative:
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Tsadok stands and looks towards the foes, ready with his fists.

[Mario Nedraid]

Will save: (1d20+0=4)

"What the...?!"

[Tippello Tabinero]

"Looks like someones trying to steal the devils gold instead of winning it." (to Lyre)

Initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Tippy begins casting a spell from under the table

for GM:

Tippy will cast summon monster I for a Riding Dog placed next to or near the chest of gold with the command to attack the first brigand that comes close enough when it comes into play at the end of my 1 round casting time.

attack bite 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
damage 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 plus trip 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

"Looks like we'd better do something to stop them. I mean how are you supposed to win it if they make off with it." (also to Lyre)

[DM Shisumo]

Woman with the eyepatch: Initiative 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Thugs: Initiative 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Hidden man: Initiative 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

So the initiative order is as follows:
Thugs 21
Eyepatch woman 20+
Tsadok 20-
Antianel 15
Hidden man 11
Lyre 10
Tipello 8

This is a surprise round, during which Mario cannot act; as it happens, however, he is blinded anyway, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 rounds.

The main floor of the Gold Goblin is shaped roughly like a quarter circle, with the "straight" edges about 75 feet long. In the center of the room is a dais, two feet high, upon which the chest containing the gold is resting. Because of the suddenly (mostly) blinded and panicked crowd, the entire area is considered difficult terrain. Tippello and Lyre are together, as are Mario and Ormizd (who still needs to make some Perception, Will, and initiative checks); otherwise, everyone is fairly scattered, with none of you closer than about 20 feet from any of the thieves, nor more than 40 feet away.

[Tsadok Duskwalker]

DM:

Spoiler:

Looking at Sam, he says "Find cover, stay safe." as he turns to move towards one of the thugs.
If, for some odd reason he is able to reach one of the thugs, or the woman with the eyepatch, he will move to subdue them.
"That money doesn't belong to you. It belongs to those actually gambling with their souls."

Attack and damage: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 31d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Well, that was pointless.

[Lyre]

Lyre's face goes from its normal joyefull one to one of great anger in a heartbeat "They.......Ruined.........My........Game" she hisses through clenched teeth. before diving behind the table out of sight

Stealth

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Correct me if I'm wrong but since Sleep requires a round to cast she couldn't cast it in a surprise round? If she can she will do that instead

[DM Shisumo]

Rolling for Ormizd, since we haven't heard from him...
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

The bard turns toward his companion and says, "Mario, I think there's a wizard in the privy, casting a sp-"

(flash)

Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

[DM Shisumo]

Around the room, five men draw saps and prepare themselves. The one-eyed Varisian woman shouts, "All right, folks! Drop to the ground and don't try anything stupid and we might let you live!"

Tsadok moves toward the nearest opponent, who happens to be the woman in the eyepatch. As this is a surprise round, moving to threaten her is all he can manage.

Antianel moves up to threaten one of the thugs, drawing his blade as he moves.

Across the room, a thin man in a narrow goatee steps out from the privy, dropping what looks like a discarded spell from his hands as he does.

Lyre disappears behind her table; Tipello begins casting a spell (which he can finish next round as a standard action).

Ormizd? You're up!

[Lyre]

Taking a glance from where she is standing behind the table Lyre begins to cast a spell

Casting sleep on Lyre's turn on the men with saps. DC16 will saves or fall asleep
(It says casting time 1 round does that mean until the end of this round or start of her next round?)

[DM Shisumo]

Lyre wrote:

Taking a glance from where she is standing behind the table Lyre begins to cast a spell

Casting sleep on Lyre's turn on the men with saps. DC16 will saves or fall asleep
(It says casting time 1 round does that mean until the end of this round or start of her next round?)

Start of her next round - also, sleep is a 10 ft radius burst, and the men are so scattered that currently, you could only hit one target at a time (unless you wanted to try to make the warrior-elf or the scary-looking half-orc stepping up to confront the woman with the eyepatch fall asleep too...).

[Mario Nedraid]

Staggering around for real this time (but still not losing his drink), Mario shouts;
"What? What's going on? I can't see!"

[DM Shisumo]

Camris, Mario can stil take actions while blinded, but perhaps you'd like to handle Ormizd too, at least until we hear from him again?

[Tsadok Duskwalker]

"Might let us live? I believe, madame, that you are the one that should be fearing us!"

Subdual strike versus the eyepatch

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 111d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

[Lyre]

DM Shisumo wrote:

Lyre wrote:

Taking a glance from where she is standing behind the table Lyre begins to cast a spell

Casting sleep on Lyre's turn on the men with saps. DC16 will saves or fall asleep
(It says casting time 1 round does that mean until the end of this round or start of her next round?)

Start of her next round - also, sleep is a 10 ft radius burst, and the men are so scattered that currently, you could only hit one target at a time (unless you wanted to try to make the warrior-elf or the scary-looking half-orc stepping up to confront the woman with the eyepatch fall asleep too...).

On second thoughts I will have Lyre blast with a magic missile at one of the thugs

1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

[Prof. Faradir Rokannon]

Ormizd drops under the table and drags Mario down too.
"Quiet! It's some kind of robbery; I'm blinded too..."

[DM Shisumo]

ormizd 2 wrote:

Ormizd drops under the table and drags Mario down too.

"Quiet! It's some kind of robbery; I'm blinded too..."

Actually, no, Ormizd just made the save.