Age of Worms - The Hall of Harsh Reflections

[JWallyR]

"Olof- what in the nine blazing hells are you doing?!?" shrieks Jan over the sudden tumult. "I was with you the whole time back there!! Let me go!!!"

Spoiler: Actions

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Escape Artist check to escape the Pin: (1d20+2)[7]

Spoiler: Stats

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Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 8, Init 10, HP 45/61, Speed 20
AC 11, Touch 7, Flat-footed 11, CMD 7, Fort 5, Ref 5, Will 6, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 4
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+4 Armor, +1 Size, -4 Misc)
Abilities Str 6, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 24
Condition Mage Armor: +4 AC, ~1 hour
See Invisible: ~70 minutes (??)
Pinned: No Dex bonus, -4AC

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Map

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[IMG][/IMG]

Due to the Obscuring Mist spell active, you don't get a map! Confusion!

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Spoiler: Initiative

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PC-"Lydia" (24)
PC-"Frederick" (21)
Prisoner-"Marzena" (20)
Prisoner-"Lydia" (17)
Prisoner-"Olofire" (16)
Prisoner-"Jan" (16)
PC-"Jan" (14)
PC-"Olofire" (10)
Prisoner-"Frederick" (8)
PC-"Marzena" (6)

PC-"Olofire" pins Jan.
PC-"Jan" tries to get free and fails.

Prisoner-"Frederick" steps away from PC-"Frederick" without incurring an AoO. He remains out of sight and quiet for the rest of his turn.

As PC-"Jan" and PC-"Olofire" wrestle and argue, Prisoner-"Frederick" steps away from PC-"Frederick" and remains out of sight/sound in the mist.

---

Mid-round update complete. It is now PC-"Marzena," PC-"Lydia," and PC-"Frederick" to act. I will try to update faster now that I'm not on Watch at night at work. Thanks for the patience!

[MuffinMan]

With a growl of frustration Lydia weaves a spell and then slashes her arm through the mists - at her touched they are whisked away supernaturally quickly by the effect of dispel magic! "Yes, get the one that looks like me!" she yells to the archon. "We know she's an impostor!"

Spoiler: Actions

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Lydia casts dispel magic on the obscuring mist.

Hound Archon will move up to Prisoner-Lydia and attack, assuming he can reach her:
greatsword atk (1d20+9)[11], dmg (2d6+3)[8]

Archon HP 39 / 39
Archon duration 2 / 8 rounds

Spoiler: Archon Aura of Menace

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Aura of Menace (Su) A righteous aura surrounds archons that fight or get angry. Any hostile creature within a 20-foot radius of an archon must succeed on a Will save to resist its effects. The save DC varies with the type of archon, is Charisma-based, and includes a +2 racial bonus. Those who fail take a –2 penalty on attacks, AC, and saves for 24 hours or until they successfully hit the archon that generated the aura. A creature that has resisted or broken the effect cannot be affected again by the same archon’s aura for 24 hours.

Spoiler: Lydia status

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Lydia Constantine Human Cleric 8 LG HP 75 / 67 Speed ft Init 7 AC 20 Fort 7 Ref 5 Will 9 CMB +9 BAB 6 +1 Longspear +10 / +5 (1d8 + 5, x3)
+1 Longsword (2H) +10 / +5 (1d8 + 5, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace (2H) +10 / +5 (1d8 + 4, x2)
+1 Longspear (Power Attack) +8 / +3 (1d8 + 11, x3)
+1 Longsword (Power Attack) +8 / +3 (1d8 + 11, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace (Power Attack) +8 / +3 (1d8 + 10, x2) Str 16 (3) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 18 (4) Int 12 (1) Cha 8 (-1)

[Farmerbink]

Frederick prowls carefully (clanking) deeper into the mists. "Your lies don't fool me!" he roars, viciously attacking the false Lydia in the mists.

Spoiler: Frederick, round 3

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 8 (VMC Barbarian), Level 8, Init 1, HP 60/68, Speed 20
AC 25, Touch 12, Flat-footed 25, CMD 23, Fort 10, Ref 5, Will 8*, CMB +12/+7, Base Attack Bonus 8/3, Power Points -/0
Magic Falchion +1 +14/+9 (2d4+8, 18-20/x2)
Returning Trident +1 +14/+9 (+9 thrown) (1d8+6, x2)
Warhammer +13/+8 (1d8+5, x3)
MW Glaive +14/+9 (1d10+7, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +9/+4 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Natural, +2 Deflect)
Abilities Str 20 19, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack (-3 attack, +6 damage (+9 two-hander))
Uncanny Dodge
Lay on Hands: 5/6 (2d6, removes fatigue, disease)
Smite Evil: 3/3
Divine Bond: 1/1
Rage: 3/8
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Paladin's Sacrifice: 1/1
Righteous Vigor: 1/1
Blinding shield: 2/2
Aura of courage
Aura of resolve
Squid poison: -1 str damage

5-foot step to F6

Full-round attack prisoner Lydia:
(1d20+12)[21] (squid poison, rage & power attack)
(1d20+12)[22] CC (30+, x2)
(2d4+20)[26] damage
(2d4+20)[23] crit bonus

(1d20+7)[10] (squid poison, rage & power attack)
(1d20+7)[14] CC (25+, x2)
(2d4+20)[23] damage
(2d4+20)[22] crit bonus

Sorry if that's the real you, @MuffinMan!

[Gwynfrid]

Marzena realizes that her attempt to clarify who is who isn't going to be successful in the midst of the chaos. First, find out who is real... She notices Lydia next to her, attempting to dispel the mist. "Clearly the mist sows more confusion, so it's bad for us. That means you're the real Lydia. Good to know. My turn now." She begins casting.

"C'en est est assez aujourd'hui!
Voilà trop de sorcellerie!
Foin de toutes ces tromperies!
Magie, disparais d'ici!"

The mist vanishes!

Spoiler

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Dispel magic against the mist (1d20+8)[13]

Marzena Human (F) Cartomancer Witch 8 CG
HP 50 / 50 (temp hp are now gone) Speed 30 ft
Init +3 (+5 if Lydia is in sight) Senses Low-light vision
AC 16 CMD 15 Fort +5 Ref +7 Will +10 (+1 vs enchantments)
BAB +4 CMB +3
Harrow Card +7 (1d4+2, 20/x2)
Dagger +3 (1d4-1, 19/x2)
Str 8 (-1) Dex 14 (+2) Con 12 (+1) Wis 12 (+1) Int 23 (+6) Cha 10 (0)
Powers per day Fly 7/8 minutes, Levitate 1/1, Augury 2/week, Harrowed feat: Draw Harrow card for +2 to 1 check 0/1, +2 bonus on a Constitution-based roll 1/1
Reference for Harrow deck rolls
Spells and powers in effect: Water breathing

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Map

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Spoiler: Mechanics

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Spoiler: Initiative

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PC-"Lydia" (24)
PC-"Frederick" (21)
Prisoner-"Marzena" (20)
Prisoner-"Lydia" (doppelganger) (17)
Prisoner-"Olofire" (16)
Prisoner-"Jan" (16)
PC-"Jan" (14)
PC-"Olofire" (10)
Prisoner-"Frederick" (8)
PC-"Marzena" (6)

PC-"Lydia" casts Dispel Magic (which fails due to low dice) and directs the Hound Archon to try and attack Prisoner-"Lydia." The Hound Archon walks towards where it last saw Prisoner-"Lydia" and attacks, missing her.
PC-"Frederick" 5-ft steps and drops Prisoner-"Lydia," who is revealed to be a doppelganger.
PC-"Marzena" casts Dispel Magic successfully, revealing the scene again!

Prisoner-"Marzena" casts a spell, conjuring an effect like the Web spell mixed with a wall spell.
Prisoner-"Olofire" full attacks Frederick, missing twice.
Prisoner-"Jan" continues speaking and casts a spell, disappearing from view.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 16 - PC-"Jan" automatically passes

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Prisoner-"Marzena" cast Silent Image.

Spoiler: Spellcraft DC 16 - PC-"Jan" automatically passes

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Prisoner-"Jan" cast Vanish.

It takes two tries, but the fog is dispelled revealing a dying doppelganger where Prisoner-"Lydia" stood a moment before! Prisoner-"Olofire" glares at PC-"Frederick" and slashes at him with two claws, missing the larger half-orc twice. Prisoner-"Marzena" casts another spell, conjuring a mass of webbing in the doorway walling off four of the "PCs" from Frederick, the hound archon, and the prisoners. Finally Prisoner-"Jan" casts a spell and disappears from sight while calling out, "Lydia? What? Oh, the real Lydia must be free still! Help us! Yay!"

---

It is now PC-"Olofire" and PC-"Jan" to act. Continue with Round 3!

[JWallyR]

"Lydia? What? Oh, the real Lydia must be free still! Help us! Yay!"

Jan ceases her thus-far fruitless struggles against Olofire to guffaw at the doppelgängers(?) efforts. "Ha! That doesn't sound anything like me! I thought you tricksters were supposed to be good at this! Speaking of which, the web is fake!! Can't even get that right! Now, Olof, let me go!!" she says, wriggling once more against the halfling's grip!

Spoiler: Actions

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Resume Escape Artist attempt to escape Pin: (1d20+2)[10]

Spoiler: Stats

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Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 8, Init 10, HP 45/61, Speed 20
AC 11, Touch 7, Flat-footed 11, CMD 7, Fort 5, Ref 5, Will 6, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 4
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+4 Armor, +1 Size, -4 Misc)
Abilities Str 6, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 24
Condition Mage Armor: +4 AC, ~1 hour
See Invisible: ~70 minutes (??)
Pinned: No Dex bonus, -4AC

[Albinobrow]

I'm trying to protect you, the real you, safe until we can get this sorted out. But I also need to stop the fake me from killing that Frederick. I'm sure we can solve this without killing each other but I only see one other option for that now. Please stay safe. As he tries to explain his intentions to the Jan below him, he takes the rope around him and begins to tie it around her before squaring off against himself once more!

Spoiler: OoC

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One last roll to tie up Jan hopefully keeping her safely out of harms way and also causing more harm. (1d20+9)[20] vs Jan's current CMD 7. Which Auto succeeds I believe.

Meaning she remains pinned. DC to escape is 24 (20 + 4 Olofire's CMB) with her CMB +1. Whiiiich if I'm reading this chart means she can't escape by normal means, but I'm sure she's got something up her tied up sleeves.

Since that's my standard action, and Olofire is no longer grappled, as a move action he'll go to G,5 to flank prisoner-Olofire with the hound Archon.

Acrobatics check to leave grease spell (1d20+16)[22]

AoO if given Piranha Claw Attack (I forgot to include the +2 from flanking on attack rolls) (1d20+13)[23] CC (1d20+13)[28] Dmg (1d4+12)[13] Crit damage (1d4+12)[14] Sneak Attack (4d6)[10]

Spoiler: Character Stats

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Dr. Olofire Lightouch
Male N. Good Halfling Alchemist (Chir./Vivis.) 6/Unchained Rogue 2, Level 8, Init 7, HP 71/71, Speed 30 ft, 15ft swim
AC 25, Touch 19, Flat-footed 17, CMD 22, Fort 7, Ref 17, Will 4, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 5
Masterwork Scalpel (dagger) +12 (not mutated, +14 mutated) (1d3, 19-20/x2)
Sling (Bullets) +11 (not mutated, +13 mutated) (1d3, x2)
only while mutated, Claw +15 (1d4+8, x2)
Mithral Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +7 Dex, +1 Size, +2 Deflect)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 24, Con 12, Int 17, Wis 8, Cha 9
Condition Mutagen 53:06
Animal Aspect (Otter) 2:18 15ft swim speed, and can hold breath longer
Water Breathing 3ish hours
-Mutagen Prepared: Dex +4, Wis -2, +2 Nat Armor 0/1
-Panache 3/3
-Spontaneous Healing 2/3 left today

[Gwynfrid]

Marzena surveys the now clear battlefield with a cool soldier's eye. "Well, I can confirm that this web wall is indeed not real. Also, the one who may or may not be Jan went invisible, but that won't last long."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Map

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Spoiler: Mechanics

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Spoiler: Initiative

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PC-"Lydia" (24)
PC-"Frederick" (21)
Prisoner-"Marzena" (20)
Prisoner-"Lydia" (doppelganger) (17)
Prisoner-"Olofire" (16)
Prisoner-"Jan" (16)
PC-"Jan" (14)
PC-"Olofire" (10)
Prisoner-"Frederick" (8)
PC-"Marzena" (6)

PC-"Jan" struggles but cannot break free from PC-"Olofire's" pin. In the absence of anything else, he then proceeds to tie her up.
PC-"Olofire" then tries to move through the webbing, which requires him to interact with it and pass a Will save to disbelieve the illusion. To keep things moving I rolled the Will Save - natural "1," so a failure in spite of PC-"Marzena's" encouragement.

Prisoner-"Frederick" is not visible, nor can anything he does be heard.

A moment later PC-"Jan" is tied up by PC-"Olofire" and the halfling is stopped by the webbing. In spite of Marzena's words and his own experience seeing illusions, the little man simply cannot get his mind to disbelieve the illusion and push through it...

Somewhere the Prisoner-"Frederick" acts, but no one can see or hear whatever he does.

No meaningful change to the map. I didn't change the image, but there is an exit to the south, into darkness. It goes to the right (West) about twenty feet before coming to a closed door. (This will only apply if PC-"Frederick" decides to move in that direction.)

It is now PC-"Marzena," PC-"Lydia," and PC-"Frederick" to act. Begin Round 4!

[Farmerbink]

"ENOUGH!" Frederick roars, stepping into the doorway that leads south, and turning to face the rest of them. He lowers the tip of his falchion concerningly close to the bleeding, dying doppelgänger. He snarls back into the room, with plenty to spare for everyone.

"Come tend your wounded. She will die without help."

Spoiler: Frederick, round 4

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 8 (VMC Barbarian), Level 8, Init 1, HP 68/68, Speed 20
AC 25, Touch 12, Flat-footed 25, CMD 23, Fort 10, Ref 5, Will 8*, CMB +12/+7, Base Attack Bonus 8/3, Power Points -/0
Magic Falchion +1 +14/+9 (2d4+8, 18-20/x2)
Returning Trident +1 +14/+9 (+9 thrown) (1d8+6, x2)
Warhammer +13/+8 (1d8+5, x3)
MW Glaive +14/+9 (1d10+7, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +9/+4 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Natural, +2 Deflect)
Abilities Str 20 19, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack (-3 attack, +6 damage (+9 two-hander))
Uncanny Dodge
Lay on Hands: 4/6 (2d6, removes fatigue, disease)
Smite Evil: 3/3
Divine Bond: 1/1
Rage: 3/8
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Paladin's Sacrifice: 1/1
Righteous Vigor: 1/1
Blinding shield: 2/2
Aura of courage
Aura of resolve
Squid poison: -1 str damage

Drop rage.
5-foot step to E7
LoH self, mostly to remove fatigue, but (2d6)[8] HP
Use intimidate to coerce/threaten/well, intimidate the remaining doppelgängers. If I have to pick a target, I pick "prisoner" Olofire. (1d20+21)[29]

[MuffinMan]

Lydia is struck by a sudden idea - in the wake of Frederick's sudden ultimatum, she pauses her own movement and quickly scans the faces of all combatants assembled, looking for the tell of an imposter. Come on, where are you... I've got you now!!!

"Archon! Slay that one if the others do not surrender!" she barks an order.

Spoiler: Actions

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Lydia's idea is that Archons can imposed the shaken condition on enemies via their Aura of Menace. So she'll spend her action looking for telltale signs that a combatant might be "shaken" - trembling, flinching away from the archon, avoiding eye contact, etc. If she gets a sure enough "read" on an imposter she'll call them out to the group.

Not sure if this is Perception (+16) or Sense Motive (+15) but here's a d20: (1d20)[4]

The hound archon holds its action to coup de grace the doppleganger if fighting does not cease per PC-Frederick's instructions.

Archon HP 39 / 39
Archon duration 3 / 8 rounds

Spoiler: Archon Aura of Menace

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Aura of Menace (Su) A righteous aura surrounds archons that fight or get angry. Any hostile creature within a 20-foot radius of an archon must succeed on a Will save to resist its effects. The save DC varies with the type of archon, is Charisma-based, and includes a +2 racial bonus. Those who fail take a –2 penalty on attacks, AC, and saves for 24 hours or until they successfully hit the archon that generated the aura. A creature that has resisted or broken the effect cannot be affected again by the same archon’s aura for 24 hours.

Spoiler: Lydia Status

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Lydia Constantine Human Cleric 8 LG HP 75 / 67 Speed ft Init 7 AC 20 Fort 7 Ref 5 Will 9 CMB +9 BAB 6 +1 Longspear +10 / +5 (1d8 + 5, x3)
+1 Longsword (2H) +10 / +5 (1d8 + 5, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace (2H) +10 / +5 (1d8 + 4, x2)
+1 Longspear (Power Attack) +8 / +3 (1d8 + 11, x3)
+1 Longsword (Power Attack) +8 / +3 (1d8 + 11, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace (Power Attack) +8 / +3 (1d8 + 10, x2) Str 16 (3) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 18 (4) Int 12 (1) Cha 8 (-1)

[Gwynfrid]

Marzena maintains a calm face, but she certainly doesn't feel in control of the situation. Lydia, good, Frederick, pretty sure, the other two? Let's try this, then.

"Je veux voir toutes les auras,
Conjurées, invoquées, illusoires,
Ainsi rien ne m'échappera
Ami ou ennemi, je dois savoir..."

An eerie blue glow emanates from her eyes as she scans the everything around her, while she cautiously steps through the illusory webbing and into the next room.

Spoiler

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Casting Arcane Sight.

Move action: Half-speed move to E3 (passed the DC10 Acrobatics check in OOC).

Marzena Human (F) Cartomancer Witch 8 CG
HP 50 / 50 (temp hp are now gone) Speed 30 ft
Init +3 (+5 if Lydia is in sight) Senses Low-light vision
AC 16 CMD 15 Fort +5 Ref +7 Will +10 (+1 vs enchantments)
BAB +4 CMB +3
Harrow Card +7 (1d4+2, 20/x2)
Dagger +3 (1d4-1, 19/x2)
Str 8 (-1) Dex 14 (+2) Con 12 (+1) Wis 12 (+1) Int 23 (+6) Cha 10 (0)
Powers per day Fly 7/8 minutes, Levitate 1/1, Augury 2/week, Harrowed feat: Draw Harrow card for +2 to 1 check 0/1, +2 bonus on a Constitution-based roll 1/1
Reference for Harrow deck rolls
Spells and powers in effect: Water breathing, Arcane Sight (10 min, CL 10)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Map

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Spoiler: Mechanics

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Spoiler: Initiative

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PC-"Lydia" (24)
PC-"Frederick" (21)
Prisoner-"Marzena" (20)
Prisoner-"Lydia" (doppelganger) (17)
Prisoner-"Olofire" (16)
Prisoner-"Jan" (16) (Is fleeing!)
PC-"Jan" (14)
PC-"Olofire" (10)
Prisoner-"Frederick" (8) (Has fled the scene.)
PC-"Marzena" (6)

Frederick moves, drops rage, heals himself with LoH (removing fatigue) and threatens to kill the unconscious doppelganger.
Lydia maneuvers past the Grease and illusory webbing to observe the reactions of everyone to Frederick's threats. She also directs the summoned archon to coup de grace the fallen doppelganger if anyone continues fighting. All three of the visible "prisoners" appear to be frightened of the archon.
The Hound Archon prepares to kill the doppelganger, as directed.

Marzena also moves into the room and casts Arcane Sight, gaining the ability to see the auras of the doppelgangers' shapechanging supernatural powers. She also sees that the invisible Prisoner-"Jan" is just south of Frederick.

Two of the doppelgangers realize they've been discovered and move to attack Marzena with their claws - three slashes connect for 31 total damage. (Doppelganger-Olofire does more damage with each attack.)

The Hound Archon CDGs the downed doppelganger.

Prisoner-"Jan" (who is invisible) flees to the south and west, casting Grease along the path behind her.

Frederick, Lydia, and Marzena each make dramatic moves to expose the doppelgangers with dramatic success. Frederick's threat doesn't cause the violence to end - doppelgangers have a pathological aversion to deliberately exposing their true natures to observers - but his position prevents retreat as Lydia and her summoned archon escalate the threat and expose who is frightened of the noble angel. Marzena's brilliant decision to observe auras is what really does it, as she steps into the room and identifies the magical auras demonstrating which of the figures are shapechanged - all of the visible prisoners! She also sees auras suggesting that the invisible Prisoner-"Jan" is in the opening to the south, just behind Frederick.

The exposed doppelgangers realize the gig is up and silently turn to attack Marzena! Their natural claws exposing their true natures, both step towards the battle-mage and slash at her violently, drawing blood three times! Following its orders, the angel disposes of the dying doppelganger and the invisible Prisoner-"Jan" flees into the dark corridor beyond the party's half-orc paladin.

All PCs are up to act. Begin Round 5!

[Farmerbink]

"Very well," Frederick mutters with a grimace. He strides forward and attacks the false Olofire.

Spoiler: Frederick, round 5

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 8 (VMC Barbarian), Level 8, Init 1, HP 68/68, Speed 20
AC 25, Touch 12, Flat-footed 25, CMD 23, Fort 10, Ref 5, Will 8*, CMB +12/+7, Base Attack Bonus 8/3, Power Points -/0
Magic Falchion +1 +14/+9 (2d4+8, 18-20/x2)
Returning Trident +1 +14/+9 (+9 thrown) (1d8+6, x2)
Warhammer +13/+8 (1d8+5, x3)
MW Glaive +14/+9 (1d10+7, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +9/+4 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Natural, +2 Deflect)
Abilities Str 20 19, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack (-3 attack, +6 damage (+9 two-hander))
Uncanny Dodge
Lay on Hands: 4/6 (2d6, removes fatigue, disease)
Smite Evil: 3/3
Divine Bond: 1/1
Rage: 3/8
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Paladin's Sacrifice: 1/1
Righteous Vigor: 1/1
Blinding shield: 2/2
Aura of courage
Aura of resolve
Squid poison: -1 str damage

Move to flank with Lydia
power attack
(1d20+13)[21]
(1d20+13)[16] crit bonus (31+, x2)
(2d4+16)[19] damage
(2d4+16)[20] crit bonus

[Albinobrow]

After seeing both Marzena and Lydia walk through the webs Olofire shakes his head and again reaches towards the wall before him finally able to see how he isn't going to get tangled in the illusion. He growls his frustration looking between the now tied up "Jan" and the combat in the other room before bending down over flexing his own claws over "Jan", Marzena!!! What about this one?!

Spoiler: OoC

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Action to interact with the wall, rolled 16 in OOC succeeding in disbelieving it.
But not moving from the space. Continuing to threaten "Jan" until identity is confirmed or denied.

Spoiler: Character Stats

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Dr. Olofire Lightouch
Male N. Good Halfling Alchemist (Chir./Vivis.) 6/Unchained Rogue 2, Level 8, Init 7, HP 71/71, Speed 30 ft, 15ft swim
AC 25, Touch 19, Flat-footed 17, CMD 22, Fort 7, Ref 17, Will 4, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 5
Masterwork Scalpel (dagger) +12 (not mutated, +14 mutated) (1d3, 19-20/x2)
Sling (Bullets) +11 (not mutated, +13 mutated) (1d3, x2)
only while mutated, Claw +15 (1d4+8, x2)
Mithral Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +7 Dex, +1 Size, +2 Deflect)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 24, Con 12, Int 17, Wis 8, Cha 9
Condition Mutagen 53:00
Animal Aspect (Otter) 2:12 15ft swim speed, and can hold breath longer
Water Breathing 3ish hours
-Mutagen Prepared: Dex +4, Wis -2, +2 Nat Armor 0/1
-Panache 3/3
-Spontaneous Healing 2/3 left today

[MuffinMan]

Got you now! "The prisoners are imposters - slay them! And don't let them escape!" she barks an order to the hound archon. Then she drops her longspear in the close quarters, drawing out her rune-engraved longsword instead. Finally, she engages the Prisoner-"Olofire" doppleganger just as Frederick arrives to flank!

Spoiler: Actions

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Lydia draws longsword and attacks Prisoner-Olofire (includes +2 flanking bonus):
power atk (1d20+10)[15], dmg (1d8+8)[13], cc (1d20+10)[24] (19-20/x2), cdmg (2d8+16)[20]

Spoiler: Lydia Status

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Lydia Constantine Human Cleric 8 LG HP 75 / 67 Speed ft Init 7 AC 20 Fort 7 Ref 5 Will 9 CMB +9 BAB 6 +1 Longspear +10 / +5 (1d8 + 5, x3)
+1 Longsword (2H) +10 / +5 (1d8 + 5, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace (2H) +10 / +5 (1d8 + 4, x2)
+1 Longspear (Power Attack) +8 / +3 (1d8 + 11, x3)
+1 Longsword (Power Attack) +8 / +3 (1d8 + 11, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace (Power Attack) +8 / +3 (1d8 + 10, x2) Str 16 (3) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 18 (4) Int 12 (1) Cha 8 (-1)

Hound archon attacks Prisoner-Olofire and then moves to take Frederick's position in E7, blocking the door. (Might incur AoO)
power atk (1d20+9)[14], dmg (2d6+3)[12], cc (1d20+9)[22] (19-20/x2), cdmg (2d6+3)[13]

Archon HP 39 / 39
Archon duration 5 / 8 rounds

[JWallyR]

"The prisoners are imposters - slay them! And don't let them escape!"

"You hear that? They're all fake! So let me out, you great big idiot!!" hisses Jan, as she struggles furiously against the ropes with which Olofire has her pinned.

Spoiler: Actions

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I'm assuming Olofire has no more actions with which to release Jan... Escape Artist: (1d20+2)[10]

If he's able to release her, she will instead use a Move action to rise from prone and will then cast Detect Magic in preparation of the next round...

Spoiler: Stats

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Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 8, Init 10, HP 45/61, Speed 20
AC 11, Touch 7, Flat-footed 11, CMD 7, Fort 5, Ref 5, Will 6, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 4
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+4 Armor, +1 Size, -4 Misc)
Abilities Str 6, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 24
Condition Mage Armor: +4 AC, ~1 hour
See Invisible: ~70 minutes (??)
Pinned: No Dex bonus, -4AC

[Albinobrow]

Olofire almost growls, I don't see a "prisoner Jan", do you? Without taking his eyes off Jan he again yells, MARZENA!

[JWallyR]

"Because she vanished!!" sputters Jan, the gnome's frustration twisting her expression into a furious grimace.

[Gwynfrid]

"AAAAH!" Marzena yells out in pain, putting her hands to her face and seeing them covered in blood from the wide gash to the top of her head. Dizzy, partly blinded from the blood running down from her forehead into her eyes, she barely hears Olofire's call. "She's... real... Fake one ran away, they just were all fakes...", she feebly replies, looking for an escape route back to a less exposed position.

Spoiler

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Full round action, withdraw to A1.

Marzena Human (F) Cartomancer Witch 8 CG
HP 19 / 50 (temp hp are now gone) Speed 30 ft
Init +3 (+5 if Lydia is in sight) Senses Low-light vision
AC 16 CMD 15 Fort +5 Ref +7 Will +10 (+1 vs enchantments)
BAB +4 CMB +3
Harrow Card +7 (1d4+2, 20/x2)
Dagger +3 (1d4-1, 19/x2)
Str 8 (-1) Dex 14 (+2) Con 12 (+1) Wis 12 (+1) Int 23 (+6) Cha 10 (0)
Powers per day Fly 7/8 minutes, Levitate 1/1, Augury 2/week, Harrowed feat: Draw Harrow card for +2 to 1 check 0/1, +2 bonus on a Constitution-based roll 1/1
Reference for Harrow deck rolls
Spells and powers in effect: Water breathing, Arcane Sight (10 min, CL 10)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Map

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Spoiler: Mechanics

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Spoiler: Initiative - resolved into PCs and enemies in block initiative

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PC-"Lydia" (24)
PC-"Frederick" (21)
Doppelganger-"Marzena" (20)
Prisoner-"Lydia" (doppelganger) (17)
Doppelganger-"Olofire" (16)
Prisoner-"Jan" (16) (Has fled the scene).
PC-"Jan" (14)
PC-"Olofire" (10)
Prisoner-"Frederick" (8) (Has fled the scene.)
PC-"Marzena" (6)

Frederick moves to F5 and hits Doppel-Olofire for 19 damage.
Olofire disbelieves the web-illusion-wall and frees Jan from the ropes.
Lydia attacks Doppel-Olofire and misses.
The Hound Archon attacks Doppel-Olofire and misses. It then moves to E7, incurring two AoOs in the process, one from each adjacent doppelganger - both hit but fail to pierce its DR.
Jan rises and casts Detect Magic.
Marzena withdraws, passing her Acrobatics check to move through the Grease.

The two visible dopplegangers each take 5-ft steps to flank Lydia and attack with their claws! Three of their attacks hit for 35 total damage.

The party begins attacking the "prisoners" (doppelgangers) as Olofire, Jan, and Marzena (verbally) argue over whether Jan is a duplicate or not. In the end Olofire frees his friend from her bonds, allowing her to rise and begin preparing to fight.

Unfortunately for the party only Frederick strikes Doppelganger-"Olofire", dealing significant damage but not-quite-bloodying him. As the hound archon blocks the exit it weathers two claws from the doppelgangers, apparently unphased by their natural claw attacks. Finally, a bloodied Marzena flees back into the previous room to try and avoid the enemies' claws.

In the crowded absence of their previous target the two remaining enemies move to flank and claw Lydia, striking three times total and leaving her bloodied too!

Begin Round 6, all PCs to act!

[Farmerbink]

"The real Jan would never have run from me!" Frederick barks, closing the distance with divine, violent purpose. His blade lashes out at the revealed foes threatening Lydia.

Spoiler: Frederick, round 6

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Frederick Strongarm
M LG Half-Orc Paladin 8 (VMC Barbarian), Level 8, Init 1, HP 68/68, Speed 20
AC 25, Touch 12, Flat-footed 25, CMD 23, Fort 10, Ref 5, Will 8*, CMB +12/+7, Base Attack Bonus 8/3, Power Points -/0
Magic Falchion +1 +14/+9 (2d4+8, 18-20/x2)
Returning Trident +1 +14/+9 (+9 thrown) (1d8+6, x2)
Warhammer +13/+8 (1d8+5, x3)
MW Glaive +14/+9 (1d10+7, x3)
MW Composite Longbow (+3 str) (40 standard arrows) +9/+4 (1d8+3, x3)
Full Plate +1, Heavy Steel Shield (+10 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Natural, +2 Deflect)
Abilities Str 20 19, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 16
Condition Irrepressible: Cha isntead of Wis for charm/compulsion will saves
Power Attack (-3 attack, +6 damage (+9 two-hander))
Uncanny Dodge
Lay on Hands: 4/6 (2d6, removes fatigue, disease)
Smite Evil: 3/3
Divine Bond: 1/1
Rage: 3/8
Grace: 1/1
Hero's Defiance: 1/1
Paladin's Sacrifice: 1/1
Righteous Vigor: 1/1
Blinding shield: 2/2
Aura of courage
Aura of resolve
Squid poison: -1 str damage

5-foot step to F4
not power attack: first targeting fake Olofire.
(1d20+13)[21]
(1d20+13)[27] crit bonus (31+, x2)
(2d4+7)[12] damage
(2d4+7)[13] crit bonus

If "Olofire" is still up, attack him again. Otherwise, fake marzena
(1d20+8)[14]
(1d20+8)[18] crit bonus (26+, x2)
(2d4+7)[12] damage
(2d4+7)[11] crit bonus

If anyone looks likely to fall, cast paladin's sacrifice on them.

[Albinobrow]

Olofire almost deflates as he releases Jan, relief washing over him. Oh thank goodness.. I hope you can forgive me Jan, but let's discuss this later. This madness must end, now!

He takes a step towards the doppleganger wearing Marzena's face and lets loose all his frustration and anger!

Spoiler: OoC

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5ft step into flanking at D3
Acrobatics for Grease (1d20+16)[31]

Full Attack:
Piranha Strike Bite (1d20+12)[31] CCx2 (1d20+12)[30] Dmg (1d6+12)[18] Crit (1d6+12)[13] + Sneak Attack (4d6)[12]
Piranha Strike Claw 1 (1d20+13)[31] CCx2 (1d20+13)[25] Dmg (1d4+12)[14] Crit (1d4+12)[14] + Sneak Attack (4d6)[14]
Piranha Strike Claw 2 (1d20+13)[24] CCx2 (1d20+13)[25] Dmg (1d4+12)[14] Crit (1d4+12)[13] + Sneak Attack (4d6)[16]

AoO if Given: Piranha Strike Bite (1d20+12)[20] CCx2 (1d20+12)[21] Dmg (1d6+12)[17] Crit (1d6+12)[15] + Sneak Attack (4d6)[10]

If it attacks and misses me, spend panache to enter it's space.

Spoiler: Character Stats

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Dr. Olofire Lightouch
Male N. Good Halfling Alchemist (Chir./Vivis.) 6/Unchained Rogue 2, Level 8, Init 7, HP 71/71, Speed 30 ft, 15ft swim
AC 25, Touch 19, Flat-footed 17, CMD 22, Fort 7, Ref 17, Will 4, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 5
Masterwork Scalpel (dagger) +12 (not mutated, +14 mutated) (1d3, 19-20/x2)
Sling (Bullets) +11 (not mutated, +13 mutated) (1d3, x2)
only while mutated, Claw +15 (1d4+8, x2)
Mithral Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +7 Dex, +1 Size, +2 Deflect)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 24, Con 12, Int 17, Wis 8, Cha 9
Condition Mutagen 52:54
Animal Aspect (Otter) 2:06 15ft swim speed, and can hold breath longer
Water Breathing 3ish hours
-Mutagen Prepared: Dex +4, Wis -2, +2 Nat Armor 0/1
-Panache 3/3
-Spontaneous Healing 2/3 left today

[JWallyR]

"Oh, we'll 'discuss' this..." growls Jan as she hurriedly scrambles to her feet amidst the translucent slickness covering the ground. She spares a quick glance at Marzena as she darts past, but it turns into a double-take with an audible gasp at the battle-mage's visible wounds. She steps carefully through the grease, peering between strands of illusory web in the doorway, and her concerned expression deepens at Lydia's condition. "Leave her alone!!!" she cries, delivering a gesture punctuated by a jab of her tiny finger, from which bolts of force dart forward at the dopplegangers!

Spoiler: Actions

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Stand from prone last round
Acrobatics check vs DC 10: (1d20+2)[19] to move to C2 for line-of-sight (unless a 5ft step does not require acrobatics in Grease)
If successful, cast Magic Missile at fake Marzena (if still standing) or fake Olofire for: (1d4+1)[3](1d4+1)[5](1d4+1)[5](1d4+1)[4] damage.

If Jan can reasonably assess that Fake Marzena is almost dead, perhaps she might throw the 4th at fake Olofire anyway? But if in doubt, direct all missiles at fake Marzena.

Spoiler: Stats

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Janstina Silentall
F Chaotic Good Gnome Sorcerer, Level 8, Init 10, HP 45/61, Speed 20
AC 11, Touch 7, Flat-footed 11, CMD 7, Fort 5, Ref 5, Will 6, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 4
Acidic Ray Ranged (1d6+1/2lvl, x2)
Dagger Melee (1d3-2, x2, 19-20)
(+4 Armor, +1 Size, -4 Misc)
Abilities Str 6, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 24
Condition Mage Armor: +4 AC, ~1 hour
See Invisible: ~70 minutes (??)
Pinned: No Dex bonus, -4AC

[Gwynfrid]

"Yes, Jan, we will, but that will have to wait until we finish them off." Having caught her breath, and finding herself in a place of relative security, the battlemage focuses her vengeful glare at the doppelgänger bearing her own appearance.

Spoiler

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Evil eye at the doppelgänger: -4 penalty to AC, DC20 for it to last only one round, otherwise 9 rounds.

Marzena Human (F) Cartomancer Witch 8 CG
HP 19 / 50 (temp hp are now gone) Speed 30 ft
Init +3 (+5 if Lydia is in sight) Senses Low-light vision
AC 16 CMD 15 Fort +5 Ref +7 Will +10 (+1 vs enchantments)
BAB +4 CMB +3
Harrow Card +7 (1d4+2, 20/x2)
Dagger +3 (1d4-1, 19/x2)
Str 8 (-1) Dex 14 (+2) Con 12 (+1) Wis 12 (+1) Int 23 (+6) Cha 10 (0)
Powers per day Fly 7/8 minutes, Levitate 1/1, Augury 2/week, Harrowed feat: Draw Harrow card for +2 to 1 check 0/1, +2 bonus on a Constitution-based roll 1/1
Reference for Harrow deck rolls
Spells and powers in effect: Water breathing, Arcane Sight (10 min, CL 10)

[MuffinMan]

"Hmmph! At least you cravens will have a warrior's death!" cries Lydia as she brings her sword to bear, spinning furiously to parry and thrust at enemies on both sides.

Spoiler: Actions

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Swift action use Weapon Master ability (5/8 today) to gain the Flanking Foil feat for 1 round. Then send one attack at each (no power attack):

against E3
atk (1d20+10)[28], dmg (1d8+5)[6], cc (1d20+10)[17] (19-20/x2), cdmg (2d8+10)[19]

against G3
atk (1d20+5)[19], dmg (1d8+5)[11], cc (1d20+5)[24] (19-20/x2), cdmg (2d8+10)[21]

Spoiler: Status

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Lydia Constantine Human Cleric 8 LG HP 40 / 67 Speed ft Init 7 AC 20 Fort 7 Ref 5 Will 9 CMB +9 BAB 6 +1 Longspear +10 / +5 (1d8 + 5, x3)
+1 Longsword (2H) +10 / +5 (1d8 + 5, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace (2H) +10 / +5 (1d8 + 4, x2)
+1 Longspear (Power Attack) +8 / +3 (1d8 + 11, x3)
+1 Longsword (Power Attack) +8 / +3 (1d8 + 11, 19-20/x2)
Heavy Mace (Power Attack) +8 / +3 (1d8 + 10, x2) Str 16 (3) Dex 14 (2) Con 14 (2) Wis 18 (4) Int 12 (1) Cha 8 (-1)

Hound Archon stays put and readies a greatsword attack if an enemy comes in reach
atk (1d20+9)[29], dmg (2d6+3)[12]

Archon HP 39 / 39
Archon duration 6 / 8 rounds

[DarkOne-Rob]

And moments later the battle is over with two more dead doppelganger corpses cooling on the stone floor of the darkly mirrored, octagonal room. The dim light and grim experience of attacking figures who looked so much like their close companions leaves the PCs breathing heavily and looking about each other with newly realized doubts and shame. Realizing how quickly they each came to distrust the others comes as an emotional shock to each, though they likely handle it different ways...

The summoned archon bows as it fades back to its home plane as the two slicks of Grease evaporate. A quick search of the three doppelgangers finds only three large sapphires set loosely in leather loops around their necks. Each gemstone is clearly valuable - approximately 2,000 GP each - and radiates Divination magic strongly. A deeper inspection of the gems reveals that within appear to swirl faint images. When the "wrong" PC looks into the depths of the stone they find them cloudy and unclear, but when Marzena, Olofire, and Lydia each look in a corresponding stone they see...themselves? It is less of a visual image and more a deeply held confidence that they are inside the stones somehow, but also clearly whole and present in their own bodies...

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Jan's Magic Missile spell was spent to get the killing blow. Please ensure you count that on your PC sheet, JWallyR.

The sapphires are unique magic items - Mind Clones. You can learn more about them later and deliberate investigation could explain their purposes. Player/PC intuition could do some too, of course. For now, it is clear to Marzena, Lydia, and Olofire that the Mind Clone that corresponds to them is very personal - a violation that leaves them feeling vulnerable and very possessive and protective of their corresponding gems. This is not a malicious, magical effect - rather it's a very natural and healthy one.

I hope everyone as players enjoyed that bit of deception on my part. I'm confident the PCs have some serious in-character concerns to address here. If five doppelgangers can so thoroughly shatter the confidence of these seasoned adventurers then what could happen if they were better armed and prepared to battle? This situation is ripe for some good RP, so feel free to do exactly that.

In the meanwhile, we can also keep things going with the exploration of the Sodden Hold. You can follow the two doppelgangers who fled this combat out the exit to the south or go back to the secret doors from the planning room.

Spoiler: Map

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[Farmerbink]

"There are still two of the villains out there," Frederick grunts, as if that fully summarizes the entire situation. "Stay close, and stay alert. And stop tying up your friends," he finishes with a special glower, just for Olofire. He spends no time at all pondering the value or usefulness of the sapphires, instead trusting the trio of strangely-possessive allies to handle the situation.

"I'm not sure discretion is doing us any favors. Heal yourselves and follow me." He pointedly waits until the entire party is ready to do just that before striding resolutely towards the hallway leading south.

[Albinobrow]

Olofire's ears perk up at Fredericks' words as he inspects the sapphire. A snarl appears on his face reminiscent of the paladin's own. But as quickly as it appears, it fades, and he shoves the trinket deep in his bag, satisfied for now with his investigation. He rummages a bit more and pulls out a flask of bright red liquid, completely free from any precipitates, and hands it over to Marzena.

Drink this. It should fix you right up.

Once he is resituated again, he follows behind Frederick further into the keep.

Spoiler: OoC

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Give Marzena a potion of Cure Serious Wounds.

Dr. Olofire Lightouch
Male N. Good Halfling Alchemist (Chir./Vivis.) 6/Unchained Rogue 2, Level 8, Init 7, HP 71/71, Speed 30 ft, 15ft swim
AC 25, Touch 19, Flat-footed 17, CMD 22, Fort 7, Ref 17, Will 4, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 5
Masterwork Scalpel (dagger) +12 (not mutated, +14 mutated) (1d3, 19-20/x2)
Sling (Bullets) +11 (not mutated, +13 mutated) (1d3, x2)
only while mutated, Claw +15 (1d4+8, x2)
Mithral Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +7 Dex, +1 Size, +2 Deflect)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 24, Con 12, Int 17, Wis 8, Cha 9
Condition Mutagen 52:24
Animal Aspect (Otter) 1:36 15ft swim speed, and can hold breath longer
Water Breathing 3ish hours
-Mutagen Prepared: Dex +4, Wis -2, +2 Nat Armor 0/1
-Panache 3/3
-Spontaneous Healing 2/3 left today