A Visit to the House of Blood (DM Cayzle) ROUND 0 Friday November 14th, 2014 6:44:32 PM
[OOC: This post and Grell's were edited to switch posting order ... so that Grell's post is read before the DM Post.]
Royston sits back to enjoy the competition.
Ariach is worried that events will offer a surprise. Adventurer's intuition or paranoia?
Stent tells Zero that channelling is allowed so long as it heals all equally. Other casting is not.
Felix chuckles at Yeshua's concern. "They have more to fear from me, the King Of This Town, than I do from them, even with my gentling gems."
Evaris is concerned that too much blood will be shed. Stent reassures him. "This is a demonstration, not a bout. Quint will not let it get out of hand."
Emrys echoes Stent's words.
Above, Grell is concerned about the danger to Felix. Quint reassures him quietly. "There will not be just one bout to a finish, my friend. I have five gladiators who will each fight for just a round or three. If the tiger takes more than a few scratches, then I will not have done my job. I want these good people to see the tiger's true capabilities, not to show them blood."
Lowell distracts the guests from this quet conversation by boldly and eloquently vouching for the tigers. Squelching his fear, he stands next to Gavisus. The giant tiger butts her head against him and purrs. That is, until Lowell says she is perfectly harmless.
"Well, maybe not perfectly harmless," she laughs. She flexes her paws and shows off her claws. "But the people in the stands are completely safe!"
Quint and the two Arena officials watch intently. Samels asks permission to take her paw and look at her claws -- he is impressed. Gavisus puts down her paw, then, and yawns to show off her formidable teeth.
Jonas is still clearly skeptical, but leans in to look ...
THEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT!
That is, the lights go out in the third floor meeting room. The darkness extends out to cover all but the balcony railing.
Friends, we are in combat rounds. Roll a perception check. If you beat a 10, then you can act. Otherwise you are off guard and actionless for this round, call it Round Zero ...
[OOC: I know that's not how surprise works in Pathfinder, but that's how your DM is playing it in our initiativeless message board game.]
Evaris d20+5=21 ; Friday November 14th, 2014 6:46:14 PM
Evaris springs to his feet, suddenly alert to the danger of whatever the danger is. He pulls out his longbow and nocks an arrow.
Lowell (Genevieve) HP 40/40, AC 19/13/19, d20+10=30 ; Friday November 14th, 2014 6:56:28 PM
Lowell jumps into action when the lights go out. He runs out over to the balcony and points a finger down at Emrys and whispers "We need help, NOW. Something weird happened, the lights went out. Warn the Vanguard, I think we're in a whole lot of trouble." Turning around, he points his hand with his trust handcrossbow on it towards the room, ready for any trouble. Oh no, oh no, oh no.... This is real bad!!! We're separated.... Why did I leave Grell?!?! Calm down.... He'll get out here soon! Grell's a fighter, he'll be fine! I just have to be on my gaurd. Oh please, let everything be fine! Please let me just be paranoid about all this!! (Perception: 30! Yay for natural 20!)
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 d20+11=18 ; Friday November 14th, 2014 10:46:55 PM
Sir Royston smiles. "Even more interesting! Excelsior." He leaps to his feet, placing one hand over his heart in prayer and holding the other in front of him. "Hann reið logandi hnakkur, klæddist hann skínandi stjörnu!" Crackling energy surrounds his hand, dancing in the air. He holds it ready.
ooc: Cast shocking grasp and hold it.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 d20+8=22 ; Saturday November 15th, 2014 2:01:07 AM
At first Ariach keeps relaxed because he thinks that is part of the show. But then he hears the iritating sounds of his friends preparing for a fight. Helpless in total darkness he draws his weapon and waits what will happen next. (Perception=22)
Yeshua (Ken) AC 26 Truman AC 26, Joint hp pool 106/106 d20+18=33 ; d20+13=31 ; Saturday November 15th, 2014 8:05:59 AM
As the lights go out, Yeshua (P 33) and Truman (P 31) aren't surprised... They go into combat mode, looking for the nearest wall to back up against, while both snarl and stretch out their claws for combat... Truman calls out to Felix, their new tiger friend, asking him to come by them to strengthen their numbers in the fight...
Yeshua will also cast Magic Fang upon himself, boosting up for the fight...
They both watch out for threats and any danger, trying to discern who's friend and who's enemy...
__________ Cast - Magic Fang (Y)
Jeff L Zero McHero. 68/68, AC 16 (T9, FF 16) CMD 24 d20+15=16 ; Saturday November 15th, 2014 8:42:53 AM
Zero jumped to his feet, warned his friends and started casting. All the while he evaluated the room to see which if his forms would be most suitable. He would need to fly and perhaps see in magical darkness.
Actions: Cast Barkskin. Evaluate room for most suitable form.
Grell, Uncanny Dodge AC21, HP 87/87, d20+8=26 ; Saturday November 15th, 2014 7:58:56 PM
The warrior scans the room when the lights go out, fully suspecting something fowl is afoot. Drawing his massive sword, Grell whispers to Gavisus "Stick close to me mighty Gavisus and please alert me if you sense anything by means of scent. We need to find our way back to my brother, so if you can locate him, let's start heading that way. With one hand holding his massive sword, and the other on Gavisus flank, Grell is depending on the mighty cat's hunting senses to help him locate his brother.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d20+16=29 ; d100=8 ; Monday November 17th, 2014 1:30:18 AM
(Perception: 29)
Emrys can see that the darkness extends unnaturally across the balcony up against the rails. He then utters words of power. Then with a graceful flourish of his hand, Emrys sends a wave of anti-magic at the darkness. However the wave collapses upon itself sending a recoil of energy back at Emrys knocking him to the ground!
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Monday November 17th, 2014 5:57:29 PM
check
A Visit to the House of Blood (DM Cayzle) ROUND 0 Results Monday November 17th, 2014 7:15:12 PM
Round Zero!
The Upper Chamber ...
Lowell's amazing senses detect the sound of something hitting the floor and crunching over thataway. Then everything goes black.
He dashes to the balcony and calls for help. He sees the two battle-scarred (but well-dressed) men and the elderly woman in the dimness at the edge of the dark. He alerts his friends below.
Grell draws his weapon and asks Gavisus to stay close and smell. She says "okay."
The Courtyard ...
Evaris draws his weapons.
Royston casts Shocking Grasp and holds the charge.
Ariach draws his own weapons as well. He hears people moving up there on the balcony and in the room.
Yeshua casts Magic Fang, and calls to Felix. The big cat comes up next to him. He swishes his tail angrily.
Zero casts barkskin and things about the most useful form.
Emrys tries to dispel the darkness, but it is not to be.
NPC and Enemy Actions
There are shouts and yells as people protest. You hear weapons being drawn. People are stumbling, and moving around.
Lowell hears someone approach, then Grell does, then Gavisus growls. Everyone hears a horrible scream. It does not require a dire tiger's nose to smell spilled blood, nor to hear the thump of a body falling to the floor.
You all hear Quint shout, "Bar the server door! Do not let anyone leave by lift or window. Can anyone counter darkness?"
Please post for Round One.
Evaris d20+8=26 ; Monday November 17th, 2014 7:53:00 PM
Evaris moves as close as he can to the darkness and attempts to dispel it.
[Caster level check 26. Provided he can get to within 180 feet of the Darkness this round, and provided that the caster was 15th level or less, that ought to do it.]
Yeshua (Ken) AC 26 Truman AC 26, Joint hp pool 106/106 d20+20=36 ; d20+13=30 ; Monday November 17th, 2014 8:47:32 PM
Yeshua and Truman try to sense if anyone is nearby, especially enemies.... If nothing appears, then Yeshua will cast magic fang on truman. Also, Yeshua will encourage Felix to stay by them to present a strong front so that none can be flanked... They remain with backs against the wall
Yeshua Perc - 36 Truman Perc - 30
Cast spells Magic fang on y and t (pearl of power for 2nd spell)
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Monday November 17th, 2014 9:29:52 PM
Sir Royston shadows Evaris, staying by his side.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d100=53 ; d20+17=35 ; d20+7=22 ; Monday November 17th, 2014 11:42:19 PM
Emrys gets to his feet with the expression of growing irritation on his face, and looks back up at the balcony. Depending on what he sees, he decides what to do next. He needs to know what is going on!
IF the darkness is dispelled by Evaris, he will cast Arcane Eye. The invisible Eye will appear on the balcony and then move into the room and looks all around (Perception 35.)
IF the darkness persists, he will attempt to recast his own Dispel Magic on the darkness (Caster level check: 22).
(Leyline: 53. Casting either Arcane Eye or Dispel Magic. As explained above.)
Jeff L Zero The Mobat. 76/76, AC 20 (T10, FF 20) 25, Blind sense 120' Tuesday November 18th, 2014 12:42:58 PM
"Hope nobody is scared of bats" Zero said. "Don't let them kill me, eh"
Suddenly Zero's body began to elongate and transform. Seconds later his stout dwarfish figure was replaced with the body of a very large bat. Zero the bat took to the skies, heading for the darkness.
Actions: -Shape change to Mobat (large magical beast) -fly towards darkness (60' movement) -use blind sense to try to figure out what is going on (120' range)
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Tuesday November 18th, 2014 2:22:01 PM
"Giant bat!... isn't that a bit provocative?"
Grell, 87/87, Water Breathing, AC21/14/18 d20+8=20 ; d20+17=30 ; 2d6+13=24 ; Tuesday November 18th, 2014 3:18:58 PM
The tang of iron filing the air around him, Grell gently touches Gavisus' flank as he whispers. "Easy now, while it is dark, keep your wits about you. The enemy is nearby, do not let him catch us by surprise."
Then he whispers in broken Elven which Lowell will undoubtedly know can only come from him. "Bro, I here close. Don't shoot. Cat here too. Really, don't shoot." Casting about while the darkness remains, Grell makes sure he keeps one eye closed so that when the light is restored he will still be able to see." Grabbing his sword with both hands, Grell braces himself for an attack he is sure is imminent. (Per=20)
Held attack if he can see someone about to attack him, the tiger or his brother AC30 for 24.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 d20+9=25 ; Tuesday November 18th, 2014 4:30:22 PM
Ariach listens carefully to every sound in the dark and tries to get more informations about what is going on. Then he starts searching for a way to the balcony.
Lowell (Genevieve) HP 40/40, AC 19/13/19, d20+9=10 ; d20+10=28 ; Tuesday November 18th, 2014 7:34:41 PM
"Grell?" Lowell whispers back, also in Elven. He sounds scared. "Thank goodness you're okay! I thought...." Lowell drifts off, not even wanting to finish his sentence. "Don't worry, I wont shoot you."
Seeing the two battle-scarred men and the elderly woman, Lowell wonders if they were behind all this. Lowell decides to hold a shot. When he finally does shoot though, whenever that may be, he sneezes. (Uhg, natural 1.... And right after I got a natural 20!)
Lowell keeps a sharp eye out for any trouble from anywhere. (Perception: 28)
Evaris Tuesday November 18th, 2014 10:39:27 PM
Tuesday post.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Tuesday November 18th, 2014 11:49:36 PM
checkity check-check
Jeff L Zero The Mobat. 76/76, AC 20 (T10, FF 20) 25, Blind sense 120' Wednesday November 19th, 2014 1:14:39 AM
Check mate.
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 Wednesday November 19th, 2014 5:12:55 PM
check
A Visit to the House of Blood (DM Cayzle) ROUND 1 Results Wednesday November 19th, 2014 7:11:51 PM
Evaris competently dismisses the darkness.
Yeshua casts another Magic Fang.
Royston shadows Evaris as the two of them stand under the third-floor balcony, about 20 feet above them.
Emrys thinks about casting an Arcane Eye, but is it worth it? The spell takes 10 minutes to cast. You could ascend the lift and look around on your own faster than that.
Or you could change into a bat and fly up. That's what Zero does. At the end of the round, he is in giant bat shape, hovering at the balcony. But is he safe there? Emrys seems worried about it.
As the lights return, Grell goes into defender mode, preparing to attack anyone who attacks him or Lowell or Gavisus.
Ariach heads to the lift, the only public way up to the third floor meeting room. The lift starts to ascend. Does Ariach step on and go up, let it go up while he stays below, or stop it from moving ... a simple matter of pressing a button that is labelled "Hold Lift."
Lowell is nervous, and fires an arrow into the floor at his feet. He looks around as the darkness ends, and he sees a remarkable sight.
Arena Master Jonas is lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Dead.
Quint gasps.
Lowell (Genevieve) HP 40/40, AC 19/13/19, Wednesday November 19th, 2014 9:59:43 PM
Lowell stares at the blood and body in horror. "N-No..." His face pales and Lowell looks like he might just pass out. The arena master.... dead?! And there's so much blood... He grips the edge of the balcony to compose himself. Then, Lowell walks into the room. "Who.... did this?" He asks quietly.
Evaris Wednesday November 19th, 2014 10:10:42 PM
Evaris hears Lowell speaking on the balcony.
"Dead?" he echoes. "Somebody's dead?"
Then, "I need to get up there. Friend Zero! I don't suppose you'd be willing to give me a lift?"
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Wednesday November 19th, 2014 11:13:44 PM
(Ooc: whoops, didn't notice the cast time. I blame pneumonia-induced delirium.)
Jeff L Zero The Mobat. 76/76, AC 20 (T10, FF 20) 25, Blind sense 120' Wednesday November 19th, 2014 11:37:34 PM
Zero scanned the darkness using his blind sense. What was going on up there?
It was then that he heard Evaris, and he responded to the call, diving down and offering him a lift as best as he could. "Muggybwa Muggybwa!"
Once Evaris was on, Zero started to fly again.
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 d100=63 ; d20+17=35 ; Wednesday November 19th, 2014 11:46:28 PM
Emrys points a finger up to the third floor balcony, in Grell's general direction. He then sends a message to both Grell and Lowell, "Please don't shoot the giant bat on the balcony ... it's Zero!"
He then brushes himself off, runs his fingers once through his hair and mutters a few words of power. The thick plumage of black feathers that adorns the collar Emrys' finely tailored cloak suddenly begin to ruffle. Then his gracefully slender and exquisite form collapses and transforms into a tiny raven. He flutters his wings and takes to the sky, on his way to the balcony.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 26 Truman AC 26, Joint hp pool 106/106 d20+8=25 ; d20+7=20 ; d4=4 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+17=37 ; Thursday November 20th, 2014 12:13:19 PM
Yeshua and truman look for the quickest way to the balcony,and if it means they have to climb up support columns, pillars or whatever else has a handhold, they'll do so. They'll also be on guard for any who appear to pose a threat....He will also urge Felix to join and stick by them for mutual defense.
Climb (y, t) - 25, 20 Perc - 23, 37 (Nat 20 for truman)
Ariach AC 29/15 touch/19 AC, CMD23; HP 89/89 d20+9=13 ; Thursday November 20th, 2014 5:43:02 PM
Ariach goes up with the lift and checks out his surrounding. Maybe he is able to see a fleeing person or someone with a bloody weapon. (perception=13)
Grell, 87/87, AC21/14/18 d20+8=17 ; Thursday November 20th, 2014 8:34:34 PM
Grell breathes a sigh of relief when the lights come back on and Lowell finds him. He lays a consoling hand on Lowell's shoulder. "Easy there bro, it can take some getting used to. We'll find the jerk that did this..." Looking around, Grell tries to see if he can find any suspicious looking folks Per=17.
Royston Scalesworth IV AC 16/13/15 - CMD 22 - F+13/R+8/W+13 Thursday November 20th, 2014 9:43:49 PM
Sir Royston points toward the balcony and shouts, his voice booming and his eyes glowing red. "NOBODY LEAVES THAT BALCONY! Vanguard, secure the guests! I don't care how rich or powerful they are, no one leaves!" The paladin points to nearby arena attendants. "You, men, close the exits! Nobody leaves until the town guard clears them."
Emrys ac10, hp42/42 Thursday November 20th, 2014 11:12:00 PM
Emrys continues his flight. Even in raven form, he is grace and elegance in motion.
Evaris Thursday November 20th, 2014 11:27:57 PM
Evaris gratefully accepts a ride from Zero. He alights on the balcony, waving his thanks, and looks into the room.
A Visit to the House of Blood (DM Cayzle) A Mystery Emerges! Thursday November 20th, 2014 11:49:04 PM
The darkness ends, and no one present makes any move to attack or fight (except for Lowell shooting the floor by accident, but no biggie!) Combat is over, for the moment.
Lowell gets right to the heart of the matter! "Who ... did this?" he asks quietly. Indeed, answering that question would seem to be the Vanguard's latest challenge!
Getting to the scene of the crime seems a priority. Evaris is lifted to the third-floor balcony by strong batty Zero.
Emrys changes into a blackbird and flies up as well.
Yeshua, Truman, and Ariach all take the lift up.
Grell cleverly takes an immediate look for possible suspects!
Royston gets to the heart of the situation, and seals off the area. Felix volunteers to guard the lift, so no one can get up or down. With Zero and Emrys flying at the balcony, that avenue is now sealed as well.
Quint shouts at his staff to bar and lock the servants' door.
Short of teleportation, you should be secure. So far no one has teleported out of here.
[OOC: A list of possible suspects and others present in the room will be forthcoming in the early morning.]
LOG ON