[IC] Rise of the Runelords (Spheres)

[richmond]

"I agree, it's too quiet" Verezza answers Madison, lowering her shield once again as no attacks come. The small hallway ahead of them could present a difficulty for the large party. Perhaps two small teams would work better if there were many doors to check.

"I think we should move in with two groups. First check the doors, second checks the hallway," she says, pointing to the corresponding areas. "I'll stay in the back and open the doors with Halcyon and Madison. My shield works as cover before opening it so the girls are safe," she explains her thoughts, more to put Tempest at ease from being 'separated'. "Iss, you go ahead and check on the hallway turns. Tempest and new guy will be on your back, ready to provide support. Both groups stay close and we won't be caught by surprise. Does that sound good?"

[Kvard51]

Issachar nods and takes off down the hall, his senses tuned to seek anything out of the ordinary that might pose a danger to his companions.

Spoiler: Action

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Trapfinding Perception: (1d20+8)[17]

[stack]

Magnus frowns, but does as instructed, axe ready and eyes open.

[Bansheexero]

Issachar does not detect any traps, so as the group opens the first room on the right, they find it filled with finished glassware, ready for sale or shipment. Rounding the bend in the hallway, there are two more doors on the left as well as a door straight at the end of said hallway.

[Bansheexero]

As the group searches the southern half of the building, they see things like store rooms, rooms with various files, an office, glass preparation rooms, and a loading room. Oddly, the dining room and pantry are torn up, and a dogslicer (goblin weapon) is found near a broken barrel.

Other than that, most of the southern half seems rather standard, until they reach the Servant's Quarters. There are various bloodstains on the beds and the room is in disarray. You know in the northern half awaits the Glassworking Room with the furnace, most likely there will be trouble awaiting you there.

[Kvard51]

Issachar grimaces upon seeing the goblin weapon. He remembered all too well what that had done to the poor dog at the festival during the goblin attacks. "We need to be careful from here. Something very bad has happened here. Shalelu is right about the threat the goblins present, unified. I only hope we are in time to save Ameiko. And maybe even her stupid brother..."

He draws a second dagger and moves forward, a grim look on his face.

[stack]

"Lots of small rooms back here. If they were smarter, they could have ambushed us every step." Magnus observes as they ready to enter the glassworking room.

[Bansheexero]

As the group starts towards the northern half of the building, they hear the sound of breaking glass along with several voices and maniacal laughter. As you approach the Glassworking room, you notice trails of blood leading there.

[Bansheexero]

Upon entering the Glassworking room, a furnace burns along the southern wall of the room. A palpable heat permeates the air as it makes a loud rumbling. Marble tables sir in the chamber, used to work raw glass into workable shapes, with nearby wooden tables cluttered with tools of the trade.

This is quickly overshadowed by the gruesome scene on display as you enter. You see firsthand what goblins tend to do when bored. The bodies of 8 murdered staff members lie in various stages of dismemberment. The goblins have been burning arms and legs with glee and pouring molten glass on the other remains, in an attempt to mimic the "masterpiece" in the middle alcove. Encased in thick, runny sheets of hardened glass, Lonjiku Kaijitsu lies, propped up on a chair. Tsuto stands amidst the chaos, trying to reign the goblins in from their antics, but to no avail. He notices when the PC's enter, however, unlike the goblins.

Spoiler: Combat

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Against the Goblins, you get a surprise round, though Tsuto is alert to your presence.

Initiative Rolls
Issachar (1d20+4)[10]
Verezza (1d20+4)[24]
Madison (1d20+2)[8]
Halcyon/Tempest (1d20+2)[12]
Magnus (1d20+1)[6]

Tsuto (1d20+7)[23]
Goblins(1d20+6)[17]

[BtanH]

Madison freezes as the group enters the room the noises were coming from. Peering cautiously around Verezza's shoulder gave her more information than she'd ever wanted. She steps away from the group and empties her stomach onto the floor, whimpering slightly. A few words slip her lips as she prays to the gods she remains in one piece.

[richmond]

Verezza grew more and more concerned as the group explored the place. The goblin weapons and the blood stains were definite signs trouble was ahead, so the warrior had been preparing herself for a fight, always walking cautiously with her shield at ready. She was not prepared for the scene as they opened the door to the glassworking room, however.

She didn't feel particularly icky for the amount of blood, as she had seen plenty of it in her lifetime, nor the fate of Lonjiku displeased her. He was a hurtful man and he likely had it coming. But the fact those other people, working people, had been hurt and dishonored this badly didn't sit well with her. Specially as the man in the center of the room, the one apparently trying to guide those repulsive creatures, looked her way. He knew who he was, and may the gods help him if he had allowed the same thing to pass to his sister.

With a primal battlecry, she immediately thrusts her spear at the nearest goblin, aiming straight at its heart. The goblin manages to duck for something at the right time, but she only wanted to show Tsuto her intentions as she draws her spear back and points it at him. A goliath promise with no words. He was gonna be next.

Spoiler: Actions

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Verezza attacks G7.
Hit: (1d20+5)[10] (don't forget they should be flat-footed)
Damage: (1d8+3)[7]

[Bansheexero]

Seeing the trespassers mean business, Tsuto uses the terrain to his advantage. He takes a small step back and to the left to make sure he does not hit the table behind him and looses an arrow from his bow. He targets Madison, taking advantage of her sickened reaction.

Spoiler: Attack

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5 ft step back and to his left
Tsuto makes a ranged attack against Madison (1d20+5)[6]
Crit? (x3) (1d20+5)[16]
Damage (1d6+1)[5]
If Crit add (2d6+2)[8]

The shot flies wide, as he can't focus with all the noise coming from the furnace and the goblins.

[Illogictree]

The two sisters have been quiet for the most part as they explored the building, Tempest focused on her task and Halcyon seemingly concentrating on... something. But upon entering the furnace room and beholding the horrible scene before them, Halcyon stands aghast for a few seconds. When Verezza takes action, that seems to jar the dancer out of her reverie.

"What have you done?!" she shouts, souls flaring to visibility about her as her long white hair seems to float about her. Instead of their normal appearance, the soul orbs take on the vague forms of furious faces. "TSUTO! Where is Ameiko?!"

"Hal, hold it together!" shouts Tempest. In comparison to her sister, she's calm and focused, as if this is far from the most horrible thing she's seen. She steps into the fray, positioning herself near Verezza and brandishing her polearm with the wicked forked tip. She stabs it at the goblin lurking in the corner nearby.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Halcyon spends a move action to maintain Tempest's summon.

Tempest moves to O13 and makes an attack at G6.
Attack (1d20+6)[9] crit? (1d20+6)[24]
Damage (2d4+3)[7]

[stack]

Seeing the goblins, Magnus pushes forward, charging his axe with mystic power as he swings at the nearest goblin.

Spoiler

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seems he doesn't have extended range yet, so explosive orb is less helpful.

move to P15, energy blade w/ base blast type on G7 (no AOO due to melee blaster feat)

att (1d20+6)[10]
damage (1d8+4)[7] + (1d6)[2] bludgeoning

starts sequence on hit

If attacked, will use active defense for +2 AC (21 total). Only 1 AOO available to activate it

[Kvard51]

Issachar takes the opportunity presented by Verezza and Halcyon's show to slip around the equipment in the middle of the room and stick a dagger in the goblin fighting Large and Lovely.

Spoiler: Action

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Attack G7 (1d20+6)[18] for (1d4+1)[3] Piercing Damage.

Crit Confirm (1d20+6)[10] for (1d4+1)[3] Piercing Damage.

[BtanH]

Recovering slightly from her shock, Madison pulls herself together long enough for a few scraps of song to escape her lips. Golden notes float through to air to the goblin closest to her who becomes trapped in golden bonds. She tries to stand up straight, and staggers against the wall, using it to hold herself upright as she tries to get a better look at whats going on, while also averting her eyes from what has become of the bodies.

Spoiler: Action

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Minor Charm Paralyze Goblin 6 - DC 20 Will or Dazed 1 Round

Perform Sing - (1d20+13)[29]-2 sicken, DC 17

5ft step down.

[Bansheexero]

Issachar lands a dagger deep into the unsuspecting goblin, feeling the blade slip under the ribcage and into its heart.

As Madison sings, one of the goblins begins to become entranced and listless. Though the other goblins appear more alert and definitely take notice of the party.

Spoiler: G6 Will Save

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Will save (1d20-1)[3]

[richmond]

Verezza curses as she sees Tsuto slipping towards the back. Seeing as Madison has one of the goblins charmed and Issachar has already dispatched another, she decides the group can probably handle this bunch of minions while she goes after the boss. She grins.

With confident steps she strides forward, taking the opportunity presented by Madison's spell to slip past the two goblins nearby and positioning herself in the middle of the enemies, Tsuto barely out of her reach. She adjusts her footing and holds the base of her spear, ready to strike at the slightest chance.

Spoiler: Actions

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Verezza moves to L12 (P13 -> O12 -> N12 -> M11 -> L12), drawing AoO from G5.
She then uses her standard action to set a Patrol, threatening up to 15'.
And as a swift action she spends a reserve point to get 7 THP.

She will take all AoO she can. She has a total of 5.
If the enemy is adjacent, she has to use her tower shield bash (+5, 1d8+4 bludgeoning). If not, her longspear (+5, 1d8+4 piercing).
Using her shield bash reduces her AC by 4, so she prefers to use her spear if possible. And if Tsuto attacks her, she will use an AoO to apply Active Defense, increasing her AC by 2.

[Bansheexero]

Tsuto drops his bow and rushes Verezza with a flying kick, using his superior agility in an attempt to slip past her defenses.

Spoiler: Tsuto's Attack

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Moves to flank Verezza
Acrobatics to avoid AoO (1d20+9)[26]

Spoiler: Possible AoO

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Verezza spear attack vs Tsuto (1d20+5)[15]
Damage (1d8+4)[9]
Crit x3? (1d20+5)[24] damage (2d8+8)[18]
(AoO 1/5)

Tsuto's attack (both charge and flank bonuses) (1d20+9)[22]
Damage (1d6+1)[2] plus (1d6)[6] sneak attack damage
Crit x2? (1d20+9)[20] damage (1d6+1)[3]
Active Defense (AoO 2/5)

The goblins assault the party, a few using dogslicer weapons while others use hot tongs and hurled glassware.

Spoiler: Goblin attacks

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Several of the goblins rush past Verezza, right into her patrol radius.

Spoiler: AoO

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Verezza spear attack vs G2 (1d20+5)[18]
Damage (1d8+4)[12]
Crit x3? (1d20+5)[20] damage (2d8+8)[14]
(AoO 3/5)

Verezza shield attack vs G4 (1d20+5)[7]
Damage (1d8+4)[10]
Crit x3? (1d20+5)[6] damage (2d8+8)[18]
(AoO 4/5)

G6 takes 5 ft step and attacks Tempest with dogslicer (1d20+2)[8] (+2 if G2 survives)
Damage (1d4)[4]
Crit 19-20/x2 (1d20+2)[9] damage (1d4)[3]

(If alive) G2 charges and attacks Tempest with dogslicer (1d20+6)[13]
Damage (1d4)[3]
Crit 19-20/x2 (1d20+6)[22] damage (1d4)[2]

(If alive) G4 moves and attacks Verezza with hot tongs (1d20+2)[5] (Flanking)
Damage (1d4)[1] fire (Touch AC)
Crit x2 (1d20)[6] damage (1d4)[3]

G5 attacks Verezza with dogslicer (1d20+4)[18] (Flanking)
Damage (1d4)[1]
Crit 19-20/x2 (1d20+4)[6] damage (1d4)[2]

G3 attacks Verezza with dogslicer (1d20+4)[21] (Flanking)
Damage (1d4)[1]
Crit 19-20/x2 (1d20+4)[10] damage (1d4)[2]

G1 hurls glassware Verezza (1d20-5)[4] (Firing into melee)
Damage (1d4)[4]
Crit x2 (1d20-5)[1] damage (1d4)[1]

G8 throws glassware at Verezza (1d20-5)[-3] (Firing into melee)
Damage (1d4)[3]
Crit 19-20/x2 (1d20-5)[0] damage (1d4)[4]

[stack]

Magnus steps over the dead goblin, frowning at his failure to strike true. He looks at the remaining goblins hurling glassware and tools; conjuring a ball of crystal, he launches it toward them.

Spoiler

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explosive orb 1 SP, crystal blast, CL1, centered on grid intersection I-J/13-14, 10 ft radius, hits G1, G8, G4 and TK, just misses Verraza

damage (1d4)[2] piercing, reflex save DC 12 half
Reflex 12 or be entangled and unable to move, area is difficult terrain
If any creature takes damage, initiates sequence

Spoiler: Crystal Blast

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Your destructive blast becomes an explosion of crystal, growing where it strikes. A crystal blast uses d4’s instead of d6’s as its damage die and deals piercing damage. The target of your crystal blast must pass a Reflex save or be entangled and unable to move. In addition, the target’s square (or the blast’s affected area) becomes overgrown with crystal and counts as difficult terrain. Breaking free of the entangled condition is a move action, requiring either a Strength check or an Escape Artist check against the crystal blast’s save DC. A target may also destroy the crystal on a square or creature by dealing 3 damage per caster level to the crystal. This removes the entangled condition from the creature and destroys the difficult terrain. Crystal disappears after 1 minute.

Move to N14. Will spend AOO on active defense if attacked, +2 AC

[Bansheexero]

The crystal orb Magnus forms explodes into a rain of shrapnel.

Spoiler: Saves

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Goblins save (1d20+2)[15]
Tsuto save (1d20+9)[14]

Unfortunately, the magic is underwhelming, as the enemies dodge it quite readily. While a few of the goblins have minor cuts, Tsuto remains unscathed.

[Illogictree]

Tempest gives a "tsk" as the goblins swing and miss her. She nods approvingly at Magnus' quick dispatch of the goblin, and turns to the one getting up in her face. Shortening her grip on the haft of her guisarme, she stabs at the writhing little beast at close range.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Using Polearm Mastery to attack G6 at -2.
Attack: (1d20+4)[7] crit? (1d20+4)[10] damage (2d4+3)[7]

The angry spirits whirling about Halcyon tear across the room with an eerie howl that somehow cuts above the sound of the furnaces. They stop, hovering above Tsuto where he's fighting with Verezza, seemingly waiting for the next move.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Standard action to maintain Tempest's summon.
Move action to move all 7 souls to Tsuto's space.

[Kvard51]

As the goblins move to surround Verezza, Issachar runs to her aid. He slides to a stop behind the beast Tempest had just swung at, barely missing her slice himself. As he comes to a stop, he attempts to ram his dagger home ina filthy goblin spine.

Spoiler: Actions

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Charge G5:(1d20+8)[27] for (1d4+1)[4] Piercing Damage + (1d6)[4] Sneak Attack damage

Crit? (1d20+8)[12] for (1d4+1)[2] Piercing Damage + (1d6)[6] Sneak Attack damage

[BtanH]

Madison steps forward, using the tables for support, and another string of beautiful sounds leave her lips. This time, they float towards Tsuto, attempting to lock him in place.

Spoiler: Actions

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Move to Q12 (i think it's 30ft from Tsuto which is my max range)

Perform for cast
(1d20+13)[20] -2
1 SP to paralyze, DC 19 Will or stunned for 2 rounds
The target is allowed a new Will save each round to end this effect early. This is a full-round action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity.

If perform check fails by 2, Inspiration on self for +2, otherwise inspiration on self for 2d4
Perform for any inspiration (1d20+13)[25] -2

If someone attacks Tsuto and rolls something that looks like a near miss (I'm going to leave this to GM discretion, but if their swing looks good but slightly off) Madison will use inspiration on their attack.

[Bansheexero]

While Tempest fails to land true, Issachar takes down another goblin.

As Madison continues to sing, she focuses on Tsuto in an effort to disable him.

Spoiler: Tsuto's save

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Will save (1d20+7)[20]
Elves/half-elves get +2 to saves vs Enchantment effects, so I have applied this vs the Mind sphere instead

Unlike the others Madison has targeted in the past, Tsuto shakes off the spell.

[richmond]

Verezza sees the enemies moving and reacts. Tsuto is far too quick, his unpredictable move catching the goliath by surprise. She raises her shield in time, however, taking the brunt of his assault before she focuses on the goblins instead. Two quick thrusts in sequence, immediately downing one of the enemies as her spear pierces its abdomen.

Her companions also act, with both Tempest and Issachar engaging in melee. The warrior is unable to hit true, but Issachar's swift moves down the goblin on Verezza's back. She grins and winks to the rogue as Magnus surprisingly throws some kind of magic sphere that explodes amidst the ones in the back, shrapnel flying wide. The goblins seem to dodge most of it though, hurling glass at her and, as she raises her shield to block the projectiles, another manages to burn her with one of the crafting tools, still hot from the furnaces. Halcyon cast her ghosts ahead while Madison sings an eerie tune, but both magic, whatever they should do, seem to not take hold on Tsuto.

Taking the momentary chance given by Madison's spell, Verezza takes a step back, pulling her spear to get momentum before thrusting it in Tsuto's direction. She immediately recenters herself, once more ready to intercept the attacks of her enemies.

Spoiler: Actions

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Verezza takes a 5' step (L12 -> M12) [free action]
Verezza spends her martial focus to activate her Patrol [move action]
Verezza attacks Tsuto [standard action]

Spoiler: Attack

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Attack Tsuto: (1d20+5)[13] vs. AC for (1d8+3)[9] piercing damage
Crit?: (1d20+5)[6] vs. AC for (2d8+6)[17] extra piercing damage.

Verezza will use her AoO to defend herself with Active Defense if their attacks hit by 1 or less, then to attack enemies if they provoke, but only with her spear (+5, 1d8+4).
She has 5 AoO.

[stack]

Frustrated by the minimal impact of his spell, Magnus steps up and swings at the nearest goblin, magically charged axe sweeping toward its torso.

Spoiler

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energy blade, base blast, 5' step to M14, attack G4

att (1d20+6)[26]
damage (1d8+4)[10] + (1d6)[2] bludgeoning


1 AOO for active defense +2 AC if needed

Hopefully will be back on Discord by tomorrow

[Bansheexero]

The goblins close ranks on Verezza to contain her as Tsuto continues his assault.

Spoiler: Goblin Attacks

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G6 takes a 5 ft step towards Verezza, but attacks Issachar.
Attack (1d20+2)[10]
Crit x2? (1d20+2)[14]
Damage (1d4)[4]
If Crit, add (1d4)[3]

G3 takes a 5 ft step to flank Verezza
Attack (1d20+4)[23]
Crit x2? (1d20+4)[16]
Damage (1d4)[1]
If Crit, add (1d4)[1]

G4 uses his hot tongs on Verezza again
Attack (1d20-1)[2] (vs Touch AC)(High Ground, which I forgot last time)
Crit x2? (1d20-1)[13] (vs Touch AC)
Damage (1d4)[2] fire damage
If Crit, add (1d4)[2] fire damage

Meanwhile G1 and G8 continue throwing glass objects at Verezza
G1 Attack (1d20-1)[14]
Crit x2? (1d20-1)[17]
Damage (1d3)[1]
If Crit, add (1d3)[1]

G8 Attack (1d20-1)[10]
Crit x2? (1d20-1)[5]
Damage (1d3)[2]
If Crit, add (1d3)[2]

Tsuto advances and throws a left-right combo with his fists.

Spoiler: Tsuto

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Takes a 5 ft step towards Verezza to flank
Attacks (1d20+6)[16] and (1d20+6)[20]
Crit x2? (1d20+6)[9] and (1d20+6)[18]
Damage #1 (1d6+1)[4] bludgeoning and (1d6)[1] precision damage. If Crit, add (1d6+1)[7] bludgeoning
Damage #2 (1d6+1)[2] bludgeoning and (1d6)[5] precision damage. If Crit, add (1d6+1)[5] bludgeoning

[Bansheexero]

Magnus obliterates the goblin carrying the hot tongs with his blade surrounded by elemental energy.

[Kvard51]

Issachar drops to one knee and ducks the attack of the previously dazed goblin. As he stands back up, he takes a step to the side and places the brute between himself and Verezza. He drives his dagger towards the creature's unprotected kidney, hoping to take it out before it joins the others in attacking Large and Lovely.

Spoiler: Actions

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5' step to flank G6. Attack w/ Flanking (1d20+8)[28] for (1d4+1)[4] Piercing damage + (1d6)[2] SA damage.

Crit? (1d20+8)[19] for (1d4+1)[4] Piercing damage.