Rise of the Runelords IC 2

[u-b]

The demon man has magical boots, which Adalbert quickly identifies to be Daredevil Softpaws, an unworked black pearl, a small tightly-packed purse with 88 platinum coins and no other gear. The Gray Maidens have nothing magical on them. They are clad in otherwise very high-quality mundane gear and have the following things of note stored in their chambers ("yours" maidens will tell you that much):
1. A heavy chest with 3581.73 in copper, silver and gold.
2. A heavy book accounting that much and all thansactions into and out of the chest, including a record of "88p taken by S".
3. Some writing supplies.
4. Three wands of CLW, with 50, 43 and 36 charges. No one of them can use the things as they have lost both sisters that could.
5. Assorted stuff, including empty vials labeled "healing", spare underwear, bedding, and other things that are of no real interest.

Helanda comments: "Name's Sallmothan. An Incubus or something. Was quite a way up the pecking order. Lost his favor when she got some new toys,..." she grins sadly as she applies that name to her friends and herself "...maybe related to failing to stop us. For that reason, does not like us very much, and guess how we like him. I'd kill him if you would not mind."

Spoiler

Show

[450 gp] Unworked black pearl (worth 225 gp; Craft (jewelry) DC 20 to repair)

UPD: Oh, and there are Enchantment auras where you could quite expect them.

[DrK]

Rakieth Anlec Rakieth looks at the boots and grins, measuring them against his feet. Before turning to the others, "Lizuga, would you like these? They'll help you dodge between the enemies if you need to reach one of us." He tosses the money pouches into the centre of the circle, grinning at the multitude of cure wands. He taps one and offers it to Iris, "Would you mind?" he asks politely. At the words from the Grey Maiden he nods. "After the trouble he has caused I'm happy to slit his throat here,..." he pauses and looks at Iris and Lizuga to see if either object

Spoiler:

Show

HPs 36 / 40 Saves +3/9/5 (+2 Vs Enchant, +2 vs Traps)
AC 20 (FF 20 Touch 15) +2 dodge = 22 Init +7 Perception +9 (11 vs traps) Darkvision 60ft/Lowlight vision

Abilities
Inspiration 5 /5 Remaining (+1d6 on skill check, Free on Knowledge/S.motive Perception, 2 points for Saves / Attack rolls)
Sneak Attack +2d6
Trapfinding +2
Uncanny Dodge

Path of War
Active Stances: Riven Hourglass
Body of Night (Heal ranks to Stealth, +4 to hit/+1d6 dam Vs FFooted)
Scarlet Einhander (If one weapon fighting, +1d6 damage, +2 shield AC)
Riven Hourglass (+4 Dodge AC/Initiative, Immune to Slow, 20% Spell Miss chance)

Moves
Hunting Serpent (strike)
Dizzying Venom (boost)
Sun Dips Low (Counter)
Iron Fang (strike)
Sight Piercing Fang (strike)
Broken Blade strike (strike)

Instead of recovering maneuvers like a standard stalker, a vigilante must open his mind to the flow of battle and the inherent patterns therein as a full-round action. When he does so, he recovers a number of expended maneuvers equal to his vigilante initiation modifier (minimum 2), gains a +4 insight bonus to his AC for one round and can move up to to his speed during the action, provoking attacks of opportunity as normal. In addition, the next attack he makes this encounter adds his sneak attack damage if it hits, regardless of whether or not the target his flanked or flat-footed. Alternately, the vigilante can center his awareness and recover a single maneuver as a standard action.

Conditional effects

[Erloas]

"He's a demon and we've got any useful information that we're going to get out of him.
So where is this lady now, and do you know what needs to happen to get your fellow sisters free of her influence?" Krusk asks as they look around the room.

"How is everyone feeling? I think we can make a plan and move forward but this might be a reasonable area to secure if we need a quick break to regroup." Krusk asks the group.

[u-b]

Helanda responds to Krusk's questions: "She normally is on the upper floors, but she does move around. You'll have to go through the teleporter and more guards to get ho her. Some of ours, that still have spells on them, and some other dangerous creatures. She had to repeat casting the spell once every few days, so just waiting will do. Or you can dispel magic or something. Sorry, I don't know how exactly that's done."

[Erloas]

Mostly directed to the two Maidens in the room but not under the spell, but thinking aloud to the others as well Krusk asks: "Do you know if anyone was sent to warn her when we attacked or if she has any other way of knowing we are here? Does she come down to re-cast the spell or do you head up to her for that sort of thing? If it's been a while since it was last cast I'm wondering what the chances of her coming down to check on things or cast the spell, that sort of thing so that maybe we could plan some sort of ambush around the teleporter. At very least know whether or not we can expect to be ambushed ourselves the moment we go up."

[u-b]

"This guy..." - one of the Gray Maidens kicks the demon-man lightly to better indicate the guy - "...has probably warned her. He did not report to us whether he did, but I wouldn't assume he didn't. She probably still expects him to handle it, though, and won't be alarmed until he fails to report for some time. She comes here every day or two, I think the spells are arranged to expire on different days to spread the castings, and if she was warned about you coming in, by the next time she's to come, she will sure be alarmed. I have no idea what she would do in that case."

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu Lizuga slips on the enchanted boots. "I could do with half an hour to wring out my clothes, but nothing life threatening". As the conversation turns to the visits from the mistress of the house, Lizuga shrugs. "I have no head for deceptions".

Spoiler: Stats

Show

AC 22, Touch 13, FF 20, CMD 21|Fort +6 Ref +3 Will +8|HP: 45/46
Perception +12, Initiative +2
Healer's Hand 3/6
Triage 4/4. Maneuvers readied: Encouraging Roar (boost), Kill the Wounded, Curate's Strike (heals 16 or new save), Piercing Strike (+5' reach, attack two targets next to each other), Goring Strike (strike 15' line, +2d6 damage, fort 17 or bleed 1d4). Stance: Armaments of the Empire

[DrK]

Rakieth Anlec Listening to the women he nods and agrees with the burly orc. “A rest may not be a bad thing. These ladies free from the charms can help watch us and after a brief trance I shall be refreshed.” He looks more closely at the women, “after a rest you can show us the way deeper into this place and we can speak with the Mistress of this place. We shall stern words I suspect…”

Spoiler:

Show

HPs 36 / 40 Saves +3/9/5 (+2 Vs Enchant, +2 vs Traps)
AC 20 (FF 20 Touch 15) +2 dodge = 22 Init +7 Perception +9 (11 vs traps) Darkvision 60ft/Lowlight vision

Abilities
Inspiration 5 /5 Remaining (+1d6 on skill check, Free on Knowledge/S.motive Perception, 2 points for Saves / Attack rolls)
Sneak Attack +2d6
Trapfinding +2
Uncanny Dodge

Path of War
Active Stances: Riven Hourglass
Body of Night (Heal ranks to Stealth, +4 to hit/+1d6 dam Vs FFooted)
Scarlet Einhander (If one weapon fighting, +1d6 damage, +2 shield AC)
Riven Hourglass (+4 Dodge AC/Initiative, Immune to Slow, 20% Spell Miss chance)

Moves
Hunting Serpent (strike)
Dizzying Venom (boost)
Sun Dips Low (Counter)
Iron Fang (strike)
Sight Piercing Fang (strike)
Broken Blade strike (strike)

Instead of recovering maneuvers like a standard stalker, a vigilante must open his mind to the flow of battle and the inherent patterns therein as a full-round action. When he does so, he recovers a number of expended maneuvers equal to his vigilante initiation modifier (minimum 2), gains a +4 insight bonus to his AC for one round and can move up to to his speed during the action, provoking attacks of opportunity as normal. In addition, the next attack he makes this encounter adds his sneak attack damage if it hits, regardless of whether or not the target his flanked or flat-footed. Alternately, the vigilante can center his awareness and recover a single maneuver as a standard action.

Conditional effects

[Erloas]

"What other sorts of guards does she have? And how obvious is using the teleporter? Is it in the open?" Krusk enquires while trying to find a good place to secure the unconscious maidens. "I think we should lock them in one of the rooms until this is finished and the spell controlling them is over."

[u-b]

"We hadn't ventured into the upper structure, but besides our troops... I have no idea how they are called, but they are her original guards, native to here, I think, red skin, female body, monstrous head. This side of the teleporter is tricky, but we know how it's operated. The other side can be watched. The problem is, the teleporter works for a person at a time, so it would be tough for those going first." She pauses thinking of something, then adds to Lizuga. "Unless that one is you, in which case all bets are off."

Spoiler

Show

Okay, go ahead and rest, I think. Or whatever.

[DrK]

Rakieth Anlec Rakieth nods and smiles at Lizuga. "You have proven to be hardy Mistress Lizuga. We can rest now and then start the teleporting tomorrow. If you are through first lizuga I'm happy to be second." He'll look about and suggest to the others that they do some watches, Rakieth happy to take a long watch needing only a few hours of quiet meditation to restore his spirits.

Spoiler:

Show

HPs 36 / 40 Saves +3/9/5 (+2 Vs Enchant, +2 vs Traps)
AC 20 (FF 20 Touch 15) +2 dodge = 22 Init +7 Perception +9 (11 vs traps) Darkvision 60ft/Lowlight vision

Abilities
Inspiration 5 /5 Remaining (+1d6 on skill check, Free on Knowledge/S.motive Perception, 2 points for Saves / Attack rolls)
Sneak Attack +2d6
Trapfinding +2
Uncanny Dodge

Path of War
Active Stances: Riven Hourglass
Body of Night (Heal ranks to Stealth, +4 to hit/+1d6 dam Vs FFooted)
Scarlet Einhander (If one weapon fighting, +1d6 damage, +2 shield AC)
Riven Hourglass (+4 Dodge AC/Initiative, Immune to Slow, 20% Spell Miss chance)

Moves
Hunting Serpent (strike)
Dizzying Venom (boost)
Sun Dips Low (Counter)
Iron Fang (strike)
Sight Piercing Fang (strike)
Broken Blade strike (strike)

Instead of recovering maneuvers like a standard stalker, a vigilante must open his mind to the flow of battle and the inherent patterns therein as a full-round action. When he does so, he recovers a number of expended maneuvers equal to his vigilante initiation modifier (minimum 2), gains a +4 insight bonus to his AC for one round and can move up to to his speed during the action, provoking attacks of opportunity as normal. In addition, the next attack he makes this encounter adds his sneak attack damage if it hits, regardless of whether or not the target his flanked or flat-footed. Alternately, the vigilante can center his awareness and recover a single maneuver as a standard action.

Conditional effects

[Ghostfoot]

Iris "It doesn't seem right to execute him, this 'Sallmothan'. But we can't afford to have him in our heads again." She spends some moments casting her eyes over the women soldiers to make sure they all appear suitably well behaved. "I have some blessings of Shelyn that may be useful if we are teleporting into the unknown." Spoiler: actions, rolls etc Show Detect evil on the demon guy to confirm what we already know. Knowledge Planes (1d20+5)[17] to ID anything Iris might know about his demonicness. Sense motive (1d20+15)[27] to check out all the Gray Maidens and ensure we have the opposing forces correctly identified. I have invisibility and silence available to help with going through the teleporter. Also protection from evil to assist with any mind control. Iris would prefer not to execute the (demon) man. Ghostfoot is unconcerned. Spoiler: Stats Show Iris of Shelyn F NG Human (Varisian) Inquisitor (Urban Infiltrator), Level 6, Init 7, HP 28/28, Speed 30ft AC 20, Touch 16, Flat-footed 16, CMD 22, Fort 4, Ref 6, Will 8, CMB +6, Base Attack Bonus 4 +1 Composite Longbow (+2 Str) +9 (+4 BAB, +4 Dex, +1 weapon) (1d8+3, x3) Battle aspergillum +6 (+4 BAB, +2 Str) (1d6+2, x2) Dagger +6 (+4 BAB, +2 Str) or ranged +8 (+4 BAB, +4 Dex) (1d4+2, 19-20/ x2) Mithral MW Chain Shirt Armour (+4 Armor, +4 Dex, +2 Misc) Abilities Str 14, Dex 18, Con 8, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 10 Condition *Lucky Number [18](24 hours): reroll or +2 Luck bonus if number [18] rolled *Adoration: immediate sanctuary (Will DC15) *Agent of Chance: immediate - adjacent ally can reroll a skill check *Merciful (Lizuga): +1d6 damage, all damage non-lethal

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu Once out of her armor, Lizuga wrings out water-soaked padding, and has the friendly sisters help her wring out her clothes as well, using blankets for a bit of modesty. She attends to the wounded, makes sure that the unconscious sisters won't accidentally die. Then, she sets up her small cooking pot, and sets to making a crude meal, inviting her friends and allies to contribute and share. And then, she walks over to the unconscious devil-man and kicks him, hard. Again, and again. A savage beating. Then, she kneels down, checks his breathing, pulls his eyelid open, and roills him over. "That should keep him out for about a day. We may need him for a bargaining chip. I don't..." - her confident voice wavers for a moment - "I just don't think this one is redeemable, you know?". Using Medic's Training to gauge his health, Lizuga beats the fiend down to negative actual hit points. Spoiler: Medic's Training (Ex) Show Early on in her career, a medic quickly learns to assess the battlefield in order to prioritize the needs of her allies against the dangers that her enemies present. Once per round as a free action (even if it is not her turn) the medic can assess the health of her allies. The medic is able to determine their current hit points, any conditions (including poisons or diseases) affecting them, and the duration of these conditions. As part of using this ability, the medic may also make a Heal check to assess the current health and condition of her opponents. She rolls her Heal check once and uses it for each opponent, comparing it to a DC of 10 + the opponent in question's CR. Failing this check against an opponent prevents the medic from assessing that opponent's health for one round.

Spoiler: Stats

Show

AC 22, Touch 13, FF 20, CMD 21|Fort +6 Ref +3 Will +8|HP: 46/46
Perception +12, Initiative +2
Healer's Hand 6/6
Triage 4/4. Maneuvers readied: Encouraging Roar (boost), Kill the Wounded, Curate's Strike (heals 16 or new save), Piercing Strike (+5' reach, attack two targets next to each other), Goring Strike (strike 15' line, +2d6 damage, fort 17 or bleed 1d4). Stance: Armaments of the Empire

[u-b]

You rest for the night, which passes, maybe somewhat surprisingly, without incident. Then you have to operate the teleporter, which is both a way in and a trap. The teleporter is built in the next, rather long, room. There are four statues standing in the corners of the room and three moderately wide brass disks built into the floor along the centerline. The middle disk is the one you want. Two others lead to a bad place. To operate the teleporter the four hands of the four statues must be shaken (not actually shaken as they are not moveable, but you get the idea). Then the teleporter will teleport anyone on the disks. Then you can operate it again, in the same manner. The Gray Maidens haven't seen anyone using the disks other than one at a time and are advising you not to try that, which your overall plan is fine with.

The moment zero happens with Lizuga 'porting...

Spoiler: Rakieth

Show

You can teleport before or after Lizuga. If before, I assume you are invisible, but not silenced. In that case you see what she sees and can be in any position inside the room in which she arrives.

Spoiler: Lizuga

Show

Lizuga appears in the easternmost alcove in a magnificent richly appointed marble chamber. The chamber's domed ceiling is frescoed with an image of a starry night sky, while a thick rug of exquisite manufacture covers much of the floor. A stairway rises to a pair of double doors to the west, while a hallway leads away to the south. Large alcoves decorated with gold tiles extend to the north and east. Black marble benches carved to represent coiling serpents sit on the northeast and southeast walls. There are four creatures on the benches, that are somewhat familiar to Lizuga, but also somewhat different from those she has met before. As the creatures notice Lizuga's arrival, they drop down to their knees, bowing low and saying a chorus of "Mistress!" A gray maiden standing in the entrance to the corridor leading south shouts: "It is not her! I told you! And she would never ever dress like that!" The four creatures, still on their knees, look at Lizuga, confused.

Spoiler

Show

You can roll some Bluff. You will be at disadvantage (she told them) and advantage (you are in the right body), so this can go either way. Or whatever.

=> Someone will appear from the teleporter in one round. Assuming it'll be Rakieth or Krusk...

[Erloas]

"If it's a fight or she's convinced them she's the real thing and gained control of us I think I would stand the best chance" Krusk says as he moves to the teleporter.

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu "Do slaves decide how I dress? Or talk like that, for that matter? Leave her alive, I want to talk to her later, but don't make it overly pleasant either". . Lizuga gestures for the red beings to go get the mouthy Sister.

Spoiler: Stats

Show

AC 22, Touch 13, FF 20, CMD 21|Fort +6 Ref +3 Will +8|HP: 46/46
Perception +12, Initiative +2
Healer's Hand 6/6
Triage 4/4. Maneuvers readied: Encouraging Roar (boost), Kill the Wounded, Curate's Strike (heals 16 or new save), Piercing Strike (+5' reach, attack two targets next to each other), Goring Strike (strike 15' line, +2d6 damage, fort 17 or bleed 1d4). Stance: Armaments of the Empire

[DrK]

Rakieth Anlec Rakieth watches lizuga step through and vanish. He grins at Iris as she makes him vanish from sight and whispers, "into the unkown then, but weapons ready." and with bow in hand steps into the tleeporter

Spoiler:

Show

HPs 40 / 40 Saves +3/9/5 (+2 Vs Enchant, +2 vs Traps)
AC 20 (FF 20 Touch 15) +2 dodge = 22 Init +7 Perception +9 (11 vs traps) Darkvision 60ft/Lowlight vision

Abilities
Inspiration 5 /5 Remaining (+1d6 on skill check, Free on Knowledge/S.motive Perception, 2 points for Saves / Attack rolls)
Sneak Attack +2d6
Trapfinding +2
Uncanny Dodge

Path of War
Active Stances: Body of Night
Body of Night (Heal ranks to Stealth, +4 to hit/+1d6 dam Vs FFooted)
Scarlet Einhander (If one weapon fighting, +1d6 damage, +2 shield AC)
Riven Hourglass (+4 Dodge AC/Initiative, Immune to Slow, 20% Spell Miss chance)

Moves
Hunting Serpent (strike)
Dizzying Venom (boost)
Sun Dips Low (Counter)
Iron Fang (strike)
Sight Piercing Fang (strike)
Broken Blade strike (strike)

Instead of recovering maneuvers like a standard stalker, a vigilante must open his mind to the flow of battle and the inherent patterns therein as a full-round action. When he does so, he recovers a number of expended maneuvers equal to his vigilante initiation modifier (minimum 2), gains a +4 insight bonus to his AC for one round and can move up to to his speed during the action, provoking attacks of opportunity as normal. In addition, the next attack he makes this encounter adds his sneak attack damage if it hits, regardless of whether or not the target his flanked or flat-footed. Alternately, the vigilante can center his awareness and recover a single maneuver as a standard action.

Conditional effects
Bless
Protection from evil
Invisibility

[u-b]

The Gray Maiden smirks when you call her a slave. "I told you,.." she's about to explain to the creatures, but then Krusk arrives. The creatures take their glaives and stand up. The Gray Maiden shouts "Hold them!" and runs away into the corridor. Then Rakieth appears.

Spoiler

Show

Lizuga bluff: (1d20-1)[4]

=> Lizuga and Krusk (then Rakieth will appear with no actions save for a swift one, but he will see the creatures' next turn)

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu Liziga darts at the nearest enemies, unbalances herself wildly to swing at one red-skinned abomination, then pulls back, catching the other one with the hook on the back of her hammer. move to GP 10, Goring strike 2 enemies in a southwest line, attack - (1d20+8)[26], non-lethal - (1d12+5)[15]+(3d6)[12] + bleed 1d4 (Fort 17 negates)

Spoiler: Stats

Show

AC 22, Touch 13, FF 20, CMD 21|Fort +6 Ref +3 Will +8|HP: 46/46
Perception +12, Initiative +2
Healer's Hand 6/6
Triage 4/4. Maneuvers readied: Encouraging Roar (boost), Kill the Wounded, Curate's Strike (heals 16 or new save), Piercing Strike (+5' reach, attack two targets next to each other), Goring Strike (strike 15' line, +2d6 damage, fort 17 or bleed 1d4). Stance: Armaments of the Empire

[Erloas]

Following Lizuga's lead Krusk rushes towards the other group and attacks them, trying to make sure the others have room to teleport in safely.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

move to GO-8 and do scything strike (single melee attack against two adjacent enemies)
since that hits, I'm going to use a swift action to apply the Binding Fetters boost (curse)- creature hits must make a DC 19 Will save or be teleported adjacent to me next round, DC+1 for each 10ft moved if they move away from me

(1d20+10)[29] +9 normal, +1 bless
(2d4+4)[8] +4 normal

edit: confirm crit from OOC
(1d20+10)[17]
(2d4+4)[9]

[u-b]

The creatures try to hit you with their polearms as you are approaching them, but they are nowhere good enough. You just deflect those blows and then land yours. And then it's over. You still hear a heavily-armored person run away along the corridor.

Spoiler

Show

Some AoOs:
(1d20+4)[12] for (2d4+1)[5] vs Lizuga
(1d20+4)[17] for (2d4+1)[6] vs Krusk

She runs somewhere FW or such, but you cannot see there from where you stand.

Giving a chase? Waiting for everyone?

[Erloas]

Krusk looks at Litzuga and says "well that went better than expected. I don't think we're going to be chasing anyone down. Is everyone else right behind you Rakieth? Given their reaction I don't think the Lady is here, the grey maiden didn't have much luck convincing them there was a problem, but we need to move quickly before they start believing her"

[DrK]

Rakieth Anlec Arriving invisibly Rakieth just spots legs fleeing away from Lizuag and Krusk as he arrives. Coughing softly he jests, "I am here, Iris blessed me with me some stealth so don't say anything you'll regret thinking I'm not here...". As they await Iris and Adalbert he'll add "The magics are quite shortlived, shall I scout ahead whilst under this cloak of invisibility?"

Spoiler:

Show

HPs 40 / 40 Saves +3/9/5 (+2 Vs Enchant, +2 vs Traps)
AC 20 (FF 20 Touch 15) +2 dodge = 22 Init +7 Perception +9 (11 vs traps) Darkvision 60ft/Lowlight vision

Abilities
Inspiration 5 /5 Remaining (+1d6 on skill check, Free on Knowledge/S.motive Perception, 2 points for Saves / Attack rolls)
Sneak Attack +2d6
Trapfinding +2
Uncanny Dodge

Path of War
Active Stances: Body of Night
Body of Night (Heal ranks to Stealth, +4 to hit/+1d6 dam Vs FFooted)
Scarlet Einhander (If one weapon fighting, +1d6 damage, +2 shield AC)
Riven Hourglass (+4 Dodge AC/Initiative, Immune to Slow, 20% Spell Miss chance)

Moves
Hunting Serpent (strike)
Dizzying Venom (boost)
Sun Dips Low (Counter)
Iron Fang (strike)
Sight Piercing Fang (strike)
Broken Blade strike (strike)

Instead of recovering maneuvers like a standard stalker, a vigilante must open his mind to the flow of battle and the inherent patterns therein as a full-round action. When he does so, he recovers a number of expended maneuvers equal to his vigilante initiation modifier (minimum 2), gains a +4 insight bonus to his AC for one round and can move up to to his speed during the action, provoking attacks of opportunity as normal. In addition, the next attack he makes this encounter adds his sneak attack damage if it hits, regardless of whether or not the target his flanked or flat-footed. Alternately, the vigilante can center his awareness and recover a single maneuver as a standard action.

Conditional effects
Bless
Protection from evil
Invisibility

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu Liziga waves Rakieth ahead, and walks cautiously down the hall.

Spoiler: Stats

Show

AC 22, Touch 13, FF 20, CMD 21|Fort +6 Ref +3 Will +8|HP: 46/46
Perception +12, Initiative +2
Healer's Hand 6/6
Triage 4/4. Maneuvers readied: Encouraging Roar (boost), Kill the Wounded, Curate's Strike (heals 16 or new save), Piercing Strike (+5' reach, attack two targets next to each other), Goring Strike (strike 15' line, +2d6 damage, fort 17 or bleed 1d4). Stance: Armaments of the Empire

[u-b]

Liziga walks cautiously down the hall*. Rakieth... well, you cannot see what he does, but he supposedly goes down the hallway*. Meanwhile, adalbert appears from the teleporter and then the allied Gray Maidens start appearing at ever-increasing intervals. The hall has ample decoration that has, surprisingly, managed to resist the passage of time. For example, a thick orange carpet. You would not expect it to last that long without some potent spells. It's kind of massive to move through the swamps, but probably worth a fair amount of money. The golden decorations probably worth a fair amount of money even if sold for scrap, but selling them for their historical value would need some more competent effort than just tearing them off. A stairway rises to a pair of double doors to the west. The doors to the west might or might not be easy to open. At least, there is no sign of lock on your side.

Spoiler

Show

*Or are you both going south?

Spoiler: Rakieth

Show

You chase the woman to the next large hall, which is also made of marble, with two rows of pillars carved to resemble tree trunks supporting the ceiling thirty feet above. The frescoed ceiling is painted to depict the canopy of foliage such trees would produce, and a star-flooded sky, full moon aglow, peeks through the boughs here and there. A lavish rug, colored burnt orange shot through with threads of gold, runs the length of the room. Two great tapestries of rich burgundy hang from the sides of a balcony on the east wall that overlooks the ballroom from a height of thirty feet, while at the opposite end of the room, four statues of a beautiful woman guard a large stage, on which there is what seems to be a classical orthestra, not playing anything just yet. Just below the stage sits none other than Runelord Sorshen herself on a ruby throne, clad in a scandalously revealing gown. There are other people sitting nearby, looking expectantly at the east, from where the Gray Maiden runs, apparently not followend by anyone, past the full length of the hall and to its south-west, where she opens a secret door leading somewhere...

Spoiler

Show

You choose where you are and what you do. You can be next to Gray Maiden by the time she opens the secret door, if you want to, but this would mean ignoring everyone else. I'm placing only the Gray Maiden on the map. The whole rest is west of AQ and she is plain ignoring them... and then Rakieth hears a spell being cast somewhere behind the grand piano.

[Erloas]

Krusk fills in the others as they come up "The other grey maiden ran south, assumably to warn whomever else is up here, so we need to move quickly. I think we need to go that way," he says as he points to hall she ran down, "so we aren't caught from behind when she comes back with others. It still might happen, but we can be pretty much assured of it if we leave them alone."

Krusk heads towards the hall the grey maiden ran down then moves forward once everyone is there.

[DrK]

Rakieth Anlec Seeing the runelord on her throne Rakieth freezes and stops his breath. "Damn..." he whispers quietly to himself before he turns and scurries back to the Lizuga, Adalbert, Iris and Krusk. Still inivible he speaks slowly and quietly "Hey, I found someone who looks Lizuga's twin down that way..." he forgets he is invisible then describes the room. "Shall we go and pay her a visit?" he suggests as he checks his bow is ready and nocks an arrow.

Spoiler:

Show

HPs 40 / 40 Saves +3/9/5 (+2 Vs Enchant, +2 vs Traps)
AC 20 (FF 20 Touch 15) +2 dodge = 22 Init +7 Perception +9 (11 vs traps) Darkvision 60ft/Lowlight vision

Abilities
Inspiration 5 /5 Remaining (+1d6 on skill check, Free on Knowledge/S.motive Perception, 2 points for Saves / Attack rolls)
Sneak Attack +2d6
Trapfinding +2
Uncanny Dodge

Path of War
Active Stances: Body of Night
Body of Night (Heal ranks to Stealth, +4 to hit/+1d6 dam Vs FFooted)
Scarlet Einhander (If one weapon fighting, +1d6 damage, +2 shield AC)
Riven Hourglass (+4 Dodge AC/Initiative, Immune to Slow, 20% Spell Miss chance)

Moves
Hunting Serpent (strike)
Dizzying Venom (boost)
Sun Dips Low (Counter)
Iron Fang (strike)
Sight Piercing Fang (strike)
Broken Blade strike (strike)

Instead of recovering maneuvers like a standard stalker, a vigilante must open his mind to the flow of battle and the inherent patterns therein as a full-round action. When he does so, he recovers a number of expended maneuvers equal to his vigilante initiation modifier (minimum 2), gains a +4 insight bonus to his AC for one round and can move up to to his speed during the action, provoking attacks of opportunity as normal. In addition, the next attack he makes this encounter adds his sneak attack damage if it hits, regardless of whether or not the target his flanked or flat-footed. Alternately, the vigilante can center his awareness and recover a single maneuver as a standard action.

Conditional effects
Bless
Protection from evil
Invisibility

[Ghostfoot]

Iris Iris steps through the portal belatedly, "Sorry, I thought it best to let the Maidens through first." She nods as the invisible Rakeith describes the bizarre orchestral phenomena ahead, "That sounds...intriguing. Although no doubt some sort of magical enslavement or twisted curse taints the whole. I can't imagine one as infamous as Runelord Sorshen creating all of this simply to foster artistic talent." Spoiler: actions, rolls etc Show Happy to follow when everyone is ready Stealth if needed (1d20+12)[27] Spoiler: Stats Show Iris of Shelyn F NG Human (Varisian) Inquisitor (Urban Infiltrator), Level 6, Init 7, HP 28/28, Speed 30ft AC 20, Touch 16, Flat-footed 16, CMD 22, Fort 4, Ref 6, Will 8, CMB +6, Base Attack Bonus 4 +1 Composite Longbow (+2 Str) +9 (+4 BAB, +4 Dex, +1 weapon) (1d8+3, x3) Battle aspergillum +6 (+4 BAB, +2 Str) (1d6+2, x2) Dagger +6 (+4 BAB, +2 Str) or ranged +8 (+4 BAB, +4 Dex) (1d4+2, 19-20/ x2) Mithral MW Chain Shirt Armour (+4 Armor, +4 Dex, +2 Misc) Abilities Str 14, Dex 18, Con 8, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 10 Condition *Lucky Number [18](24 hours): reroll or +2 Luck bonus if number [18] rolled *Adoration: immediate sanctuary (Will DC15) *Agent of Chance: immediate - adjacent ally can reroll a skill check *Protection from Evil *Bless *Guidance

[Erloas]

"How close did you get to them? They didn't come running to the grey maiden yelling?" Krusk stops and thinks for a second "Wait, if she's right in that room then why did the demons even hesitate when Lizuga appeared, knowing it couldn't have actually been Sorshen? Something doesn't seem right. Make your way in and see how close you can get to tell what is happening. We'll wait just outside the door, ready move forward and wait for your signal."

[CasualViking]

Lizuga Manescu Lizuga nods her assent to Krusk's plan and joins him at the doorway.

Spoiler: Stats

Show

AC 22, Touch 13, FF 20, CMD 21|Fort +6 Ref +3 Will +8|HP: 46/46
Perception +12, Initiative +2
Healer's Hand 6/6
Triage 4/4. Maneuvers readied: Encouraging Roar (boost), Kill the Wounded, Curate's Strike (heals 16 or new save), Piercing Strike (+5' reach, attack two targets next to each other), Goring Strike (strike 15' line, +2d6 damage, fort 17 or bleed 1d4). Stance: Armaments of the Empire