The Scythe and the Forge: Smuggler's Run

[Blue Jay]

In the Tavern

Nightshade

With mind-controlled enemies gathering to stop his advance towards the window, Jarren feels the lure of a siren's call and cannot resist being led towards the sound of Callyndia's voice.

But he also hears a second voice in his head. "Jarren Grayson?" the voice asks in confusion, "I told you to call me 'Alloria Rosa'. A nymph never shortens-" The voice stops, mid-sentence. "Wait. Is that my daughter? What's going on...?" She trails off, and Jarren can almost feel a swirl of the nymph queen's emotions, from confusion, to horror, to indignation.

NPC Adventurers

As Jarren walks through the Tavern, no longer attempting to hide from them, the enthralled adventurers all zero in on his position. Some of them shuffle around for maximum coverage of the room, one of them drawing a bow and nocking an arrow, while another preps a large sword. A third casts another spell, hitting Jarren with faerie fire. The spell also hits Callyndia, but she doesn't seem to mind the extra glow.

Skall turns his head to look at Cufwell, then points his hammer in Cufwell's direction. "Cufwell," the dwarf says, his voice seemingly amalgamated with the Barkeeper's, "I told you not to do this. I have this under control: your concerns are unwarranted, and you're being manipulated by powers you don't understand. Stand down, and tell Jarren to hand over the Scythe." Skall hops down from the table and approaches Cufwell, warhammer at the ready.

((Skall is readying an action))

Map

Initiative and Status

24 - Skallaburljalf

22 - Cufwell

18 - Gitcha

16 - Callyndia

14 - Jarren

12 - Generic Adventurers (Expert?/? hp, Spellcaster?/? hp, Warrior?/? hp)

To Post: Cufwell

Special Actions: --

 

[Blue Jay]

((bump, @Delia2531 ))

[Delia2531]

Cufwell Greenskin

Cufwell pauses as Skall speaks, the mixed voice giving him slight concern for his friend's well-being.

 

He takes a deep breath and responds as firmly as he can; "I'm no negotiator nor a diplomat, but I trust my friends; and I don't trust those that invade the minds of others. Let Jarren through, then the others can join us and perhaps explain what is going on better than I can; but for now I promised I would do what I could to help, especially to help Jarren here in the Tavern; and so I will. I don't know what happens when we get hurt here, or if we can die, but figure I won't be the first one to find out!" He raises his axes ready to face his, potentially former, friends.

OOC

Sorry, totally missed that you were waiting for me. Cufwell won't strike first; ideally he'd delay his entire turn until someone does something so as to get a FRA if required, but I think he can only prepare a standard action if he wants to interrupt someone? In that case he'll prepare an action to strike at anyone that tries to hurt Jarren or himself; he probably doesn't know what Callyndia is doing to Jarren at this point.

 

[Blue Jay]

In the Tavern

Cufwell

Cufwell and Skallaburljalf have entered a standoff, each one apparently ready to slug the other at the slightest provocation. Skall's face does some talking, but the voice the comes out is more the Barkeeper's than Skall's own: "I don't want to kill you, either, Cufwell," he says, "But if you choose to continue this course of action, to fight against me, the Tavern's magic will not protect you should you fall.

"But you don't have to do this! Do you really think Snayatesh Yramarra, of all people, knows better than me how to take care of my own Tavern? After all I've done for you, Cufwell?"

Gitcha

The mantis man cocks his head to the side and trills a weird, buggy trill. He hops at Cufwell, kukris flashing.

+1 kukri (primary hand, crit on 15-20)

kukris (off-hand; crit on 15-20)

3 Crit Confirms (no crits confirmed!)

Damage (3 hits)

The thri-kreen's blades slash and cut at Cufwell's arms and face, doing some damage.

((Cufwell can choose to take your delayed turn at this time, if you wish. Your Initiative will move to 17.))

Callyndia

((OOC: The DC against beckoning call was actually only 19. Sorry about that.))

The nymph's daughter continues to smile warmly, trying to drown out the noise of nearby fighting with her intoxicating beauty. "Give me the scythe, Jarren," Callyndia says softly, holding out her hands for him, "I'll take care of it for you."

Jarren can also hear the voice of Alloria Rosa in his head: "I'm trying to get through to her, Jarren. I need you to snap out of it, though!"

((This is a suggestion spell. For this one, the Will DC is 20. You can also repeat your save against beckoning call (DC 19) at the end of your turn. You will have a +4 bonus to both saves, because I'm counting Alloria Rosa and Argent as taking the Aid Another action on your behalf.

Beckoning call will last 3 more rounds, because Callyndia has stopped concentrating on it.))

Unidentified Roll vs DC 42

Map

((I'm not posting a new map here, because the only change from the previous one is that Gitcha took a 5-foot step northwards to close to melee against Cufwell.))

Initiative and Status

24 - Skallaburljalf

22 - Cufwell

18 - Gitcha

16 - Callyndia

14 - Jarren

12 - Generic Adventurers (Expert?/? hp, Spellcaster?/? hp, Warrior?/? hp)

To Post: Jarren

Special Actions: JarrenWill DC 20 vs suggestion
Will DC 19 vs beckoning call

Edited January 12 by Blue Jay (see edit history)

[rogueblade0729]

Jarren Grayson, the Nightshade

"Alloria Rosa... help me... help your daughter. My actions are not my own," Jarren replied mentally, feeling his body begin to move of its own accord. Give Callyndia the scythe... he feels his shoulders begin to roll ever so slightly, beginning to shirk off his haversack, pull out the weapon and place it directly into her hands. All while he stood there like a fool, trapped in his own body.

This cannot be. He must escape. He must refuse her call, draw on every last ounce of strength he and his allies have, and flee at once! His hands begin to twitch, his blank expression cracks, and he makes one final push to reassert control over himself...

And just as the weapon is set in the enchantress's grasp, Jarren blinks once, reanimated and back in command of himself! But is it too late? He locks eyes with her, his expression surprisingly collected and calm. Then, in a low, steady tone, he spoke to her.

"Callyndia, this isn't right. This is the Barkeeper's will, not your own. Don't let him control you! Your mother is doing what she can, but you've got to save yourself. Would you please return the scythe to me? It's not too late."

With that, he extended his right hand, open with the palm upwards, the haversack still in his left. An invitation, a sign of friendship. Deep down, he knew this was their last chance before he was forced to do something he really wanted to avoid.

Where was the aid that Lady Tirianna promised him? If there was ever a time for help to arrive, it would be now!

Mechanics & OOC

Statblock

Jarren Grayson, the Nightshade
Male NG Dark Human LA 1/Rogue 5/Avenger 7 || Urban Ranger 3/Fighter 4/Swashbuckler 2/Urban Ranger +3/Barbarian 1, Level 13, Init 7, HP 131/131, DR 1/- (10/10), Speed 60ft
AC 22, Touch 16, Flat-footed 17, Fort 11, Ref 16, Will 6, Base Attack Bonus +13/+8/+3
Lesser Cold Assault Rogue Blade +19/+14/+9 (1d8+1+1d6 Cold, 19-20/x2)
+1 Light Swordbow (x40 Arrows) +19/+14/+9 (1d6+1 [Bow] | 1d8+1 [Rapier], x3 [Bow] | 18-20/x2 [Rapier])
+2 Short Sword +20/+15/+10 (1d6+2, 19-20/x2)
+3 Least Iron Ward Mithral Chain Shirt (+6 Armor, +6 Dex)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 21, Con 13, Int 18, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition

Dark Subtype

• Resistance: Cold 10
• Hide in Plain Sight (Ex)Use the Hide skill even while being observed (except in natural daylight, the area of a daylight spell, or a similar effect).

Rogue/Avenger

• Sneak Attack (+7d6+13)
• Trap Sense (Ex) +1Trap Sense (Ex)
  At 3rd level, a rogue gains an intuitive sense that alerts her to danger from traps, giving her a +1 bonus on Reflex saves made to avoid traps and a +1 dodge bonus to AC against attacks made by traps. These bonuses rise to +2 when the rogue reaches 6th level, to +3 when she reaches 9th level, to +4 when she reaches 12th level, to +5 at 15th, and to +6 at 18th level.
  
  Trap sense bonuses gained from multiple classes stack.
• TrapfindingTrapfinding
  Rogues (and only rogues) can use the Search skill to locate traps when the task has a Difficulty Class higher than 20.
  
  Finding a nonmagical trap has a DC of at least 20, or higher if it is well hidden. Finding a magic trap has a DC of 25 + the level of the spell used to create it.
  
  Rogues (and only rogues) can use the Disable Device skill to disarm magic traps. A magic trap generally has a DC of 25 + the level of the spell used to create it.
  
  A rogue who beats a trap’s DC by 10 or more with a Disable Device check can study a trap, figure out how it works, and bypass it (with her party) without disarming it.
• (Improved) Uncanny Dodge (Ex)Uncanny Dodge (Ex)
  Starting at 4th level, a rogue can react to danger before her senses would normally allow her to do so. She retains her Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) even if she is caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. However, she still loses her Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized.
  
  If a rogue already has uncanny dodge from a different class she automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead.
  
  ---
  
  Improved Uncanny Dodge (Ex)
  A rogue of 8th level or higher can no longer be flanked.
  
  This defense denies another rogue the ability to sneak attack the character by flanking her, unless the attacker has at least four more rogue levels than the target does.
  
  If a character already has uncanny dodge from a second class, the character automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead, and the levels from the classes that grant uncanny dodge stack to determine the minimum rogue level required to flank the character.
• Evasion (Ex)Evasion (Ex)
  At 2nd level and higher, a rogue can avoid even magical and unusual attacks with great agility. If she makes a successful Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half damage on a successful save, she instead takes no damage. Evasion can be used only if the rogue is wearing light armor or no armor. A helpless rogue does not gain the benefit of evasion.
• Poison UsePoison Use
  Avengers are trained in the use of poison and never risk accidentally poisoning themselves when applying poison to a blade.
• +3 to Saves vs Poison
• Death Attack (DC 21)Death Attack
  If an avenger studies his victim for 3 rounds and then makes a sneak attack with a melee weapon that successfully deals damage, the sneak attack has the additional effect of possibly either paralyzing or killing the target (avenger's choice). While studying the victim, the avenger can undertake other actions so long as his attention stays focused on the target and the target does not detect the avenger or recognize the avenger as an enemy. If the victim of such an attack fails a Fortitude save (DC 10 + the avenger's class level + the avenger's Int modifier) against the kill effect, she dies. If the saving throw fails against the paralysis effect, the victim is rendered helpless and unable to act for 1d6 rounds plus 1 round per level of the avenger. If the victim's saving throw succeeds, the attack is just a normal sneak attack. Once the avenger has completed the 3 rounds of study, he must make the death attack within the next 3 rounds.
  
  If a death attack is attempted and fails (the victim makes her save) or if the avenger does not launch the attack within 3 rounds of completing the study, 3 new rounds of study are required before he can attempt another death attack.

Urban Ranger

• Favored Enemy (Human +4) (Gnoll +2) (Ex)Favored Enemy (Ex)
  At 1st level, a ranger may select a type of creature from among those given on Table: Ranger Favored Enemies. The ranger gains a +2 bonus on Bluff, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot, and Survival checks when using these skills against creatures of this type. Likewise, he gets a +2 bonus on weapon damage (and attack, due to Solitary Hunting) rolls against such creatures.
  
  At 5th level and every five levels thereafter (10th, 15th, and 20th level), the ranger may select an additional favored enemy from those given on the table. In addition, at each such interval, the bonus against any one favored enemy (including the one just selected, if so desired) increases by 2.
  
  If the ranger chooses humanoids or outsiders as a favored enemy, he must also choose an associated subtype, as indicated on the table. If a specific creature falls into more than one category of favored enemy, the ranger’s bonuses do not stack; he simply uses whichever bonus is higher.
• Urban TrackingUrban Tracking
  You can track down the location of missing persons or wanted individuals within communities.
  
  Benefit
  To find the trail of an individual or to follow it for 1 hour requires a Gather Information check. You must make another Gather Information check every hour of the search, as well as each time the trail becomes difficult to follow, such as when it moves to a different area of town.
  
  The DC of the check, and the number of checks required to track down your quarry, depends on the community size and the conditions:
  
  If you fail a Gather Information check, you can retry after 1 hour of questioning. The game master should roll the number of checks required secretly, so that the player doesn't know exactly how long the task will require.
  
  Normal
  A character without this feat can use Gather Information to find out information about a particular individual, but each check takes 1d4+1 hours and doesn't allow effective trailing.
  
  Special
  A character with 5 ranks in Knowledge (local) gains a +2 bonus on the Gather Information check to use this feat.
  
  You can cut the time between Gather Information checks in half (to 30 minutes per check rather than 1 hour), but you take a -5 penalty on the check.
• Wild Empathy (Ex) (1d20+3)Wild Empathy (Normal)
  A ranger can improve the attitude of an animal. This ability functions just like a Diplomacy check to improve the attitude of a person. The ranger rolls 1d20 and adds his ranger level and his Charisma modifier to determine the wild empathy check result. The typical domestic animal has a starting attitude of indifferent, while wild animals are usually unfriendly.
  
  To use wild empathy, the ranger and the animal must be able to study each other, which means that they must be within 30 feet of one another under normal visibility conditions. Generally, influencing an animal in this way takes 1 minute, but, as with influencing people, it might take more or less time.
  
  The ranger can also use this ability to influence a magical beast with an Intelligence score of 1 or 2, but he takes a -4 penalty on the check.
  
  Wild Empathy (Urban Ranger)
  An urban ranger adds only one-half his class level to wild empathy checks, reflecting his limited connection with the natural world.
• Combat Style (Two-Weapon) (Ex)Combat Style (Ex)
  At 2nd level, a ranger must select one of two combat styles to pursue: archery or two-weapon combat. This choice affects the character’s class features but does not restrict his selection of feats or special abilities in any way.
  
  If the ranger selects archery, he is treated as having the Rapid Shot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  If the ranger selects two-weapon combat, he is treated as having the Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  The benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor.
• Improved Combat Style (Two-Weapon) (Ex)Improved Combat Style (Ex)
  At 6th level, a ranger’s aptitude in his chosen combat style (archery or two-weapon combat) improves. If he selected archery at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Manyshot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  If the ranger selected two-weapon combat at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Improved Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  As before, the benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor

Swashbuckler

• Weapon Finesse (Ex)A swashbuckler gains Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat at 1st level even if she does not qualify for the feat.
• Grace (Ex) (+1)A swashbuckler gains a +1 competence bonus on Reflex saves at 2nd level. This bonus increases to +2 at 11th level and to +3 at 20th level. A swashbuckler loses this bonus when wearing medium or heavy armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load.

Barbarian

• Ferocity (Ex)Ferocity (Ex)
  Once per day, the barbarian can enter a state of adrenaline-fueled fury, increasing both his physical might and his reaction time. He temporarily gains a +4 bonus to Strength and a +4 bonus to Dexterity, but he takes a -2 penalty on ranged attack rolls beyond short range (30 feet).
  
  He can enter this state as an immediate action, even when flat-footed at the start of combat, so he may apply the enhanced Dexterity modifier to his initiative check.
  
  While in a state of ferocity, the barbarian cannot use any Charisma- or Intelligence-based skills (except for Intimidate), the Concentration skill, or any abilities that require patience or concentration, nor can he cast spells or activate magic items that require a command word, a spell trigger (such as a wand), or spell completion (such as a scroll) to function. He can use any feat he has except item creation feats and metamagic feats. Ferocity lasts for a number of rounds equal to 4 + his Constitution modifier (if positive). The barbarian may prematurely end his state of ferocity. At the end of ferocity, he loses the ferocity modifiers and restrictions and become sickened (-2 on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks) for the duration of the current encounter (unless he is a 17th-level barbarian, at which point this limitation no longer applies). Abilities that normally render him immune to being sickened (such as the Strong Stomach feat, Cityscape 64) reduce the penalties to -1, but do not remove them entirely.
  
  The barbarian can invoke ferocity only once per encounter. At 1st level he can use this ability once per day. [1/1]x/day
• Lion TotemRegal and intimidating, the powerful lion is a symbol of nobility among the races of the wild. By selecting him as your spiritual totem, you gain the pounce ability (MM 313).

Shadows of Virtue

• Rank 30 (Nightshade)
• Hire for Lesser ActionA Vigilante gains the ability to hire an agent to perform a simple action. Among these include Urban Tracking/simple intelligence-gathering, stealing an unprotected item, and commandeering small numbers of horses/simple land vehicles. Lethal actions not allowed, and it is up to the DM's discretion as to how successful the agent was. This ability may be used once per mission.
  
  Base cost is 50gp for a level 1 Urban Ranger or Rogue; +100gp per additional level.
• Hire for Greater ActionA Nightwatch gains the ability to hire an agent to perform an advanced action. Among these include kidnapping, infiltrating a dangerous organization, stalking a target for an extended time, stealing important documents (or planting false ones), and commandeering a large convoy or sea vessel. Lethal actions must require a DM's approval, but the result is also to their discretion. This ability may be used once per mission.
  
  Base cost is 100gp for a level 1 Urban Ranger or Rogue; +200gp per additional level.
• Nimble ChargeRun or charge across difficult surface without Balance check
• Nimble StandStand from prone safely (no provoked AoOs)
• Dimension DoorDimension Door
  Conjuration (Teleportation)
  Level: Brd 4, Sor/Wiz 4, Travel 4
  Components: V
  Casting Time: 1 standard action
  Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
  Target: You and touched objects or other touched willing creatures
  Duration: Instantaneous
  Saving Throw: None and Will negates (object)
  Spell Resistance: No and Yes (object)
  
  You instantly transfer yourself from your current location to any other spot within range. You always arrive at exactly the spot desired—whether by simply visualizing the area or by stating direction. After using this spell, you can’t take any other actions until your next turn. You can bring along objects as long as their weight doesn’t exceed your maximum load. You may also bring one additional willing Medium or smaller creature (carrying gear or objects up to its maximum load) or its equivalent per three caster levels. A Large creature counts as two Medium creatures, a Huge creature counts as two Large creatures, and so forth. All creatures to be transported must be in contact with one another, and at least one of those creatures must be in contact with you.
  
  If you arrive in a place that is already occupied by a solid body, you and each creature traveling with you take 1d6 points of damage and are shunted to a random open space on a suitable surface within 100 feet of the intended location.
  
  If there is no free space within 100 feet, you and each creature traveling with you take an additional 2d6 points of damage and are shunted to a free space within 1,000 feet. If there is no free space within 1,000 feet, you and each creature travelling with you take an additional 4d6 points of damage and the spell simply fails. [1/1]x/day
• Opportunist (Ex)Once per round, the rogue can make an attack of opportunity against an opponent who has just been struck for damage in melee by another character. This attack counts as the rogue's attack of opportunity for that round. Even a rogue with the Combat Reflexes feat can't use the opportunist ability more than once per round.

Magic Items

• Rogue BladeROGUE BLADE
  Price (Item Level): 12,320 gp (13th)
  Body Slot: — (held)
  Caster Level: 6th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 18) illusion
  Activation: Swift (mental)
  Weight: 2 lb.
  
  The edges of this elegant rapier seem to fade and twitch, making it difficult to look at directly and surrounding it with a blur of motion though it remains per*fectly still.
  
  When you activate this +1 rapier, it provides you with the effect of a blink spell for 6 rounds. The effect ends prematurely if you stop holding the rogue blade. This effect can be used twice per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, blink.
  Cost to Create: 6,000 gp (plus 320 gp for masterwork rapier), 480 XP, 12 days. [2/2]x/day
• Belt of BattleBELT OF BATTLE
  Price (Item Level): 12,000 gp (13th)
  Body Slot: Waist
  Caster Level: 9th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 19) transmutation
  Activation: — and swift (mental)
  Weight: —
  
  This leather belt bears a platinum buckle set
  with three small black pearls.
  
  A belt of battle helps you avoid being caught off guard in combat and allows occasional bursts of extra activity. While worn, it grants you a +2 competence bonus on initiative checks. This is a continuous effect and requires no activation.
  
  In addition, a belt of battle has 3 charges, which are renewed each day at dawn. Each time you activate the belt, one of the black pearls set into its buckle turns white. The pearls return to normal when the ring's charges renew. Spending 1 or more charges grants you an extra action, which must be taken immediately (before you take any other action).
  
  1 charge: 1 move action.
  2 charges: 1 standard action.
  3 charges: 1 full-round action.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, haste.
  Cost to Create: 6,000 gp, 480 XP, 12 days. [3/3] charges
• Rod of RopesRod of Ropes
  This versatile item meets your every rope-related need.
  
  Crafted from the darkest teak and repeatedly stained until it holds a lustrous black shine, this rod is a sculpted, 18-inch-long baton. Closer inspection (Search DC 15) reveals three barely perceptible concave indentations in the middle third of the rod.
  
  The three indentations act as buttons. Pressing any one of the rod’s buttons requires a move action.
  
  The rod has three functions, each of which can be employed an unlimited number of times. However, no two functions can be used at the same time
  
  Rope: When you press button 1, rope begins to extrude from one end of the rod at the rate of 60 feet per round. The rod can extrude 300 feet of rope in this manner. Pressing the button a second time stops the rope from extruding. Pressing it a third time draws the rope back in, also at a rate of 60 feet per round. Any knot in the rope automatically unties when it comes within 30 feet of the rod. This rope has the same hardness and hit points as the rest of the rod.
  
  Grappling Hook and Rope: When you press button 2, a small leather wrist loop springs from one end of the rod and three sharp grappling hooks sprout from the other end. Pressing the button again launches one-third of the rod (the end with the three hooks) in the direction you aim it. A length of rope up to 300 feet long trails behind the launched section and connects it with the end you hold; all 300 feet of rope can discharge in 1 round. The rope stops unreeling if the hooks strike something solid (including a creature) or if you give the rod a quick backward jerk. Pressing the button a third time retracts the rope, drawing the held end toward the hooked end if it is secured properly. The retracting feature can pull up to 1,000 pounds with it, drawing up 60 feet of rope per round. The rope has the same hardness and hit points as the rest of the rod. This function can be used to attack and push back opponents within 30 feet (beyond that distance it lacks sufficient power). On a successful ranged attack (no range increment) the hooked end deals 1d6 points of damage. The force of the blow is considerable, and those struck by it are subject to a bull rush effect (treat the hooked end as having a +5 bonus on its opposed check). The hooked end cannot pursue a pushed opponent.
  
  Grappling Hooks and Slide: When you press button 3, three sharp grappling hooks sprout from each end of the rod. Pressing the button again launches the two ends of the rod (each one-third of its length) in opposite directions simultaneously. A length of rope up to 300 feet long trails behind each launched section and connects it with the middle third you hold (all 600 feet of rope can discharge in 1 round). The grappling hooks work exactly as described above, including the possibility of bull rushing opponents. Pressing the button a third time causes part of the middle section to expand slightly in diameter and slide freely along the extruded rope. The slide can be released from the remaining part of the middle section by squeezing it to loosen it. Two hand loops allow you to slide down the rope if it is at an angle. Regardless of the angle of the rope or the load on it (up to 1,000 pounds), if attached firmly the rope does not sag. Pushing any button a second time returns the rod to its previous (unactivated) state.
  
  Aura/Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 10th.
  Weight: 4 lb.
• Corsair's EyepatchCORSAIR'S EYEPATCH
  Price (Item Level): 3,000 gp (7th)
  Body Slot: Face
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) divination
  Activation: Swift (command)
  Weight: —
  A leather strap and a bit of hardened leather and krenshar hide make up this menacing black eyepatch.
  
  Despite its name, the improved visual acuity provided by a corsair's eyepatch is equally useful to landlubbers. Wearing this eyepatch has no negative impact on your eyesight—it appears completely transparent to you. While you wear a corsair's eyepatch over your left eye, activating it grants you the ability to use see invisibility (as the spell) for 1 round. While you wear it over your right eye, activating it grants you the benefit of the Blind-Fight feat for 1 minute. Moving the eyepatch from one eye to another requires a move action that doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity.
  
  A corsair's eyepatch functions a total of three times per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, see invisibility.
  Cost to Create: 1,500 gp, 120 XP, 3 days.
• Bracers of MurderBRACERS OF MURDER
  Price (Item Level): 8,000 gp (11th)
  Body Slot: Arms
  Caster Level: 5th
  Aura: Faint; (DC 17) evocation
  Activation: —
  Weight: 3 lb.
  Each of these burnished metal bracers is adorned with grinning skull set with onyx stones in its eye sockets.
  Bracers of murder grant you a +2 profane bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls against flat-footed targets.
  If you have the death attack ability, the save DC to resist your death attack increases by 2.
  If you have sneak attack or sudden strike, reroll any result of 1 on the dice.
• Cloak of the BatCloak of the Bat
  
  Fashioned of dark brown or black cloth, this cloak bestows a +5 competence bonus on Hide checks. The wearer is also able to hang upside down from the ceiling, like a bat.
  
  By holding the edges of the garment, the wearer is able to fly as per the spell. If he desires, the wearer can actually polymorph himself into an ordinary bat and fly accordingly. (All possessions worn or carried are part of the transformation.) Flying, either with the cloak or in bat form, can be accomplished only in darkness (either under the night sky or in a lightless or near-lightless environment underground). Either of the flying powers is usable for up to 7 minutes at a time, but after a flight of any duration the cloak cannot bestow any flying power for a like period of time.
  
  Moderate transmutation; CL 7th; Craft Wondrous Item, fly, polymorph; Price 26,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.
• Necklace of Vine StrikeGrants sneak attack against plant creatures 3 times per day. [3/3]x/day
• Anklet of TranslocationANKLET OF TRANSLOCATION
  Price (Item Level): 1,400 gp (5th)
  Body Slot: Feet
  Caster Level: 7th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 18) conjuration
  Activation: Swift (command)
  Weight: —
  
  A pewter chime hangs from this simple leather ankle-band.
  
  An anklet of translocation allows you to make short dimensional hops. When it is activated, you can instantly teleport (with no chance of error) up to 10 feet. The new space must be within line of sight and line of effect.
  
  You can't use the anklet to move into a space occupied by another creature, nor can you teleport into a solid object; if you attempt to do so, the anklet's activation is wasted. You can bring along objects weigh*ing up to your maximum load, but you can't bring another creature with you.
  
  An anklet of translocation functions two times per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, dimension door.
  Cost to Create: 700 gp, 56 XP, 2 days.
• Ring of the DarkhiddenRING OF THE DARKHIDDEN
  Price (Item Level): 2,000 gp (6th)
  Body Slot: Ring
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) illusion
  Activation: —
  Weight: —
  
  More than a dozen etchings of closed eyes circle this tarnished silver ring.
  
  You are invisible to darkvision, although you are fully visible in normal light.
  
  Prerequisites: Forge Ring, invisibility.
  Cost to Create: 1,000 gp, 80 XP, 2 days.
• ShiftweaveSHIFTWEAVE
  Price (Item Level): 500 gp (3rd)
  Body Slot: Torso
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) transmutation
  Activation: Swift (mental)
  Weight: 5 lb.
  
  This otherwise plain-looking set of clothing seems to have gossamer threads woven ran*domly into the fabric.
  
  When you activate shiftweave, it changes your garb to resemble any of five specific outfits designated during its creation. Shiftweave has no effect on any armor you wear (nor can it mimic armor) and does not change the effect of any magical clothing you wear.
  
  Lore: Though originally created for wealthy socialites who wanted to avoid wearing the same gown to the gala, shiftweave is also useful to spies and assas* sins (Knowledge [nobility and royalty] DC 10).
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, disguise self.
  
  Cost to Create: 250 gp, 20 XP, 1 day.
• Handy HaversackHandy Haversack
  
  A backpack of this sort appears to be well made, well used, and quite ordinary. It is constructed of finely tanned leather, and the straps have brass hardware and buckles. It has two side pouches, each of which appears large enough to hold about a quart of material. In fact, each is like a bag of holding and can actually hold material of as much as 2 cubic feet in volume or 20 pounds in weight. The large central portion of the pack can contain up to 8 cubic feet or 80 pounds of material. Even when so filled, the backpack always weighs only 5 pounds.
  
  While such storage is useful enough, the pack has an even greater power in addition. When the wearer reaches into it for a specific item, that item is always on top. Thus, no digging around and fumbling is ever necessary to find what a haversack contains. Retrieving any specific item from a haversack is a move action, but it does not provoke the attacks of opportunity that retrieving a stored item usually does.
  
  Moderate conjuration; CL 9th; Craft Wondrous Item, secret chest; Price 2,000 gp; Weight 5 lb. 

Active Effects: Darkstalker, Hide in Plain Sight, Ring of Darkhidden, Nondetection

---

Notes on Sneaking

Before crossing the portal, Jarren casts nondetection on himself, meaning anyone who attempts a divination spell like locate object, clairaudience / clairvoyance, and detect spells are blocked, unless the caster makes a DC 22 caster level check (15 + Jarren's caster level) to pierce the veil.

He then attempts to sneak across the room! He will move at half his normal movement speed to avoid penalties to Move Silently, meaning he can cross 30ft per move action. Recall the rules about invisibility, which involve distances and other factors at play.

Several things to note about his sneaking:

1. Jarren's got stupid high Hide and Move Silently checks, which are rolled below. I actually noticed an error a little while ago where I added several overlapping bonuses to his Hide check, so it's not +40-ish anymore, and should now be correct.
2. Jarren has the Darkstalker feat, meaning creatures with blindsense, blindsight, scent, or tremorsense have to roll Spot to notice him.
3. Jarren has the Dark template, meaning he has Hide in Plain Sight. He can use the Hide skill even while being observed (except in natural daylight, the area of a daylight spell, or a similar effect).
4. Jarren has the Ring of Darkhidden, meaning he is considered invisible to darkvision. He must have some light cast on him in order for creatures with low-light or normal vision to possibly see him.

OOC: With the bonuses, this is now literally a coin flip. 10 or higher and I succeed, 9 and below means doom. Let's see what happens...

Man, talk about a tense outcome! Jarren's turn is over, the bit at the end is just a free action to speak and emote.

Edited January 12 by rogueblade0729 (see edit history)

[Blue Jay]

In the Tavern

Jarren (and Callyndia)

((That Unidentified Roll was Callyndia's Will save against the Barkeeper, but I wanted your saves resolved before I let her complete it. Suggestion has run its course, so it's ended. You've broken free of beckoning call.))

His mind still not his own, Jarren retrieves the scythe from its hiding place and hands it to Callyndia, who accepts it and holds it tightly. She then blinks in confusion for a moment, and the glowing light dissipates from her eyes as she looks around. "Mother?" she asks, "What happened? What did I do?"

"I'm going to have to have a little chat with the Barkeeper," Alloria Rosa's angry voice returns, "But I can't enter his demiplane at the moment. I'm obviously not letting you stay there, though.

"Jarren, what is going on with this scythe? Please tell me you've got a good reason to feud with the Barkeeper over it."

NPC Adventurers

The other controlled adventurers call out then: "She's got the scythe! Get him!"

The spellcaster, standing in waist-high mist, waves his hands and speaks arcane words, and a column of whipping winds wraps around Jarren's position.

((This is a binding winds spell. The winds block sounds and prevent you from moving from that spot, though you can otherwise act normally. Ref DC 16 allows you to ignore the movement hindrance.))

The other two adventurers shout a battle cry and rush to battle. The swordsman clambers over the nearby table and (barely) reaches Jarren for an attack:

Greatsword Attack;Damage

Jarren is wary enough to dodge the greatsword attack. Callyndia squeaks a bit in surprise as she shies away from the attack (which inadvertantly clipped a couple of her long, red-gold hairs).

The bowman nimbly steps northwards and shoots an arrow at Jarren:

Shortbow Attack;Damage;Skirmish

Crit Confirm;Damage (Crit is confirmed; total damage is 24)

((I'm not sure which of your defenses would apply here. Faerie fire is still active, so you can't benefit from darkness. Your DR does apply, at least.))

Skallaburljalf

Skall looks over at Jarren, and his lip curls a bit in annoyance. He steps back 5 feet, then barks at everyone in the Tavern: "Stop him from retrieving the scythe!" he shouts as he manipulates some spell components.

((This is a mass snake's swiftness spell, centered on Callyndia's space. All of his allies within 20 feet of her (Gitcha, the expert and the warrior) can make one melee or ranged attack.))

Gitcha +1 kukri vs Cufwell

Gitcha Crit Confirm (Crit not confirmed; 8 damage to Cufwell)

Warrior Greatsword vs Jarren

Jarren once again dodges the warrior's sword as it slashes at his head.

Expert Shortbow vs Jarren (with Skirmish)

This time, Jarren also evades the incoming arrow.

Map

Initiative and Status

24 - Skallaburljalf

22 - Cufwell

18 - Gitcha

16 - Callyndia (faerie fire)

14 - Jarren (faerie fire)

12 - Generic Adventurers (Expert?/? hp, Spellcaster?/? hp, Warrior?/? hp)

To Post: Cufwell

Special Actions: JarrenRef DC 16 vs binding winds

 

 

Edited January 12 by Blue Jay (see edit history)

[rogueblade0729]

Jarren Grayson, the Nightshade

"The Tavern is in serious danger, and this scythe will help save it. I'll tell you more once I have a moment to think!" Jarren thought back, turning his attention to the rest of the room. Though the spellcaster did his best to restrain him, the assassin found it trivial to glide through the winds and escape. Despite his age, he's still surprisingly nimble.

Dodging the sword slashes was not too challenging, but it left Nightshade just distracted enough to take an arrow to the shoulder. Beyond a brief grunt, it hardly phased him... or at least he was disciplined enough to not show his pain. His left eye darted around the room, taking in the danger as he quickly formulated a plan.

Mechanics & OOC

Statblock

Jarren Grayson, the Nightshade
Male NG Dark Human LA 1/Rogue 5/Avenger 7 || Urban Ranger 3/Fighter 4/Swashbuckler 2/Urban Ranger +3/Barbarian 1, Level 13, Init 7, HP 108/131, DR 1/- (9/10), Speed 60ft
AC 22, Touch 16, Flat-footed 17, Fort 11, Ref 16, Will 6, Base Attack Bonus +13/+8/+3
Lesser Cold Assault Rogue Blade +19/+14/+9 (1d8+1+1d6 Cold, 19-20/x2)
+1 Light Swordbow (x40 Arrows) +19/+14/+9 (1d6+1 [Bow] | 1d8+1 [Rapier], x3 [Bow] | 18-20/x2 [Rapier])
+2 Short Sword +20/+15/+10 (1d6+2, 19-20/x2)
+3 Least Iron Ward Mithral Chain Shirt (+6 Armor, +6 Dex)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 21, Con 13, Int 18, Wis 11, Cha 15
Condition

Dark Subtype

• Resistance: Cold 10
• Hide in Plain Sight (Ex)Use the Hide skill even while being observed (except in natural daylight, the area of a daylight spell, or a similar effect).

Rogue/Avenger

• Sneak Attack (+7d6+13)
• Trap Sense (Ex) +1Trap Sense (Ex)
  At 3rd level, a rogue gains an intuitive sense that alerts her to danger from traps, giving her a +1 bonus on Reflex saves made to avoid traps and a +1 dodge bonus to AC against attacks made by traps. These bonuses rise to +2 when the rogue reaches 6th level, to +3 when she reaches 9th level, to +4 when she reaches 12th level, to +5 at 15th, and to +6 at 18th level.
  
  Trap sense bonuses gained from multiple classes stack.
• TrapfindingTrapfinding
  Rogues (and only rogues) can use the Search skill to locate traps when the task has a Difficulty Class higher than 20.
  
  Finding a nonmagical trap has a DC of at least 20, or higher if it is well hidden. Finding a magic trap has a DC of 25 + the level of the spell used to create it.
  
  Rogues (and only rogues) can use the Disable Device skill to disarm magic traps. A magic trap generally has a DC of 25 + the level of the spell used to create it.
  
  A rogue who beats a trap’s DC by 10 or more with a Disable Device check can study a trap, figure out how it works, and bypass it (with her party) without disarming it.
• (Improved) Uncanny Dodge (Ex)Uncanny Dodge (Ex)
  Starting at 4th level, a rogue can react to danger before her senses would normally allow her to do so. She retains her Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) even if she is caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. However, she still loses her Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized.
  
  If a rogue already has uncanny dodge from a different class she automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead.
  
  ---
  
  Improved Uncanny Dodge (Ex)
  A rogue of 8th level or higher can no longer be flanked.
  
  This defense denies another rogue the ability to sneak attack the character by flanking her, unless the attacker has at least four more rogue levels than the target does.
  
  If a character already has uncanny dodge from a second class, the character automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead, and the levels from the classes that grant uncanny dodge stack to determine the minimum rogue level required to flank the character.
• Evasion (Ex)Evasion (Ex)
  At 2nd level and higher, a rogue can avoid even magical and unusual attacks with great agility. If she makes a successful Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half damage on a successful save, she instead takes no damage. Evasion can be used only if the rogue is wearing light armor or no armor. A helpless rogue does not gain the benefit of evasion.
• Poison UsePoison Use
  Avengers are trained in the use of poison and never risk accidentally poisoning themselves when applying poison to a blade.
• +3 to Saves vs Poison
• Death Attack (DC 21)Death Attack
  If an avenger studies his victim for 3 rounds and then makes a sneak attack with a melee weapon that successfully deals damage, the sneak attack has the additional effect of possibly either paralyzing or killing the target (avenger's choice). While studying the victim, the avenger can undertake other actions so long as his attention stays focused on the target and the target does not detect the avenger or recognize the avenger as an enemy. If the victim of such an attack fails a Fortitude save (DC 10 + the avenger's class level + the avenger's Int modifier) against the kill effect, she dies. If the saving throw fails against the paralysis effect, the victim is rendered helpless and unable to act for 1d6 rounds plus 1 round per level of the avenger. If the victim's saving throw succeeds, the attack is just a normal sneak attack. Once the avenger has completed the 3 rounds of study, he must make the death attack within the next 3 rounds.
  
  If a death attack is attempted and fails (the victim makes her save) or if the avenger does not launch the attack within 3 rounds of completing the study, 3 new rounds of study are required before he can attempt another death attack.

Urban Ranger

• Favored Enemy (Human +4) (Gnoll +2) (Ex)Favored Enemy (Ex)
  At 1st level, a ranger may select a type of creature from among those given on Table: Ranger Favored Enemies. The ranger gains a +2 bonus on Bluff, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot, and Survival checks when using these skills against creatures of this type. Likewise, he gets a +2 bonus on weapon damage (and attack, due to Solitary Hunting) rolls against such creatures.
  
  At 5th level and every five levels thereafter (10th, 15th, and 20th level), the ranger may select an additional favored enemy from those given on the table. In addition, at each such interval, the bonus against any one favored enemy (including the one just selected, if so desired) increases by 2.
  
  If the ranger chooses humanoids or outsiders as a favored enemy, he must also choose an associated subtype, as indicated on the table. If a specific creature falls into more than one category of favored enemy, the ranger’s bonuses do not stack; he simply uses whichever bonus is higher.
• Urban TrackingUrban Tracking
  You can track down the location of missing persons or wanted individuals within communities.
  
  Benefit
  To find the trail of an individual or to follow it for 1 hour requires a Gather Information check. You must make another Gather Information check every hour of the search, as well as each time the trail becomes difficult to follow, such as when it moves to a different area of town.
  
  The DC of the check, and the number of checks required to track down your quarry, depends on the community size and the conditions:
  
  If you fail a Gather Information check, you can retry after 1 hour of questioning. The game master should roll the number of checks required secretly, so that the player doesn't know exactly how long the task will require.
  
  Normal
  A character without this feat can use Gather Information to find out information about a particular individual, but each check takes 1d4+1 hours and doesn't allow effective trailing.
  
  Special
  A character with 5 ranks in Knowledge (local) gains a +2 bonus on the Gather Information check to use this feat.
  
  You can cut the time between Gather Information checks in half (to 30 minutes per check rather than 1 hour), but you take a -5 penalty on the check.
• Wild Empathy (Ex) (1d20+3)Wild Empathy (Normal)
  A ranger can improve the attitude of an animal. This ability functions just like a Diplomacy check to improve the attitude of a person. The ranger rolls 1d20 and adds his ranger level and his Charisma modifier to determine the wild empathy check result. The typical domestic animal has a starting attitude of indifferent, while wild animals are usually unfriendly.
  
  To use wild empathy, the ranger and the animal must be able to study each other, which means that they must be within 30 feet of one another under normal visibility conditions. Generally, influencing an animal in this way takes 1 minute, but, as with influencing people, it might take more or less time.
  
  The ranger can also use this ability to influence a magical beast with an Intelligence score of 1 or 2, but he takes a -4 penalty on the check.
  
  Wild Empathy (Urban Ranger)
  An urban ranger adds only one-half his class level to wild empathy checks, reflecting his limited connection with the natural world.
• Combat Style (Two-Weapon) (Ex)Combat Style (Ex)
  At 2nd level, a ranger must select one of two combat styles to pursue: archery or two-weapon combat. This choice affects the character’s class features but does not restrict his selection of feats or special abilities in any way.
  
  If the ranger selects archery, he is treated as having the Rapid Shot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  If the ranger selects two-weapon combat, he is treated as having the Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  The benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor.
• Improved Combat Style (Two-Weapon) (Ex)Improved Combat Style (Ex)
  At 6th level, a ranger’s aptitude in his chosen combat style (archery or two-weapon combat) improves. If he selected archery at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Manyshot feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  If the ranger selected two-weapon combat at 2nd level, he is treated as having the Improved Two-Weapon Fighting feat, even if he does not have the normal prerequisites for that feat.
  
  As before, the benefits of the ranger’s chosen style apply only when he wears light or no armor. He loses all benefits of his combat style when wearing medium or heavy armor

Swashbuckler

• Weapon Finesse (Ex)A swashbuckler gains Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat at 1st level even if she does not qualify for the feat.
• Grace (Ex) (+1)A swashbuckler gains a +1 competence bonus on Reflex saves at 2nd level. This bonus increases to +2 at 11th level and to +3 at 20th level. A swashbuckler loses this bonus when wearing medium or heavy armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load.

Barbarian

• Ferocity (Ex)Ferocity (Ex)
  Once per day, the barbarian can enter a state of adrenaline-fueled fury, increasing both his physical might and his reaction time. He temporarily gains a +4 bonus to Strength and a +4 bonus to Dexterity, but he takes a -2 penalty on ranged attack rolls beyond short range (30 feet).
  
  He can enter this state as an immediate action, even when flat-footed at the start of combat, so he may apply the enhanced Dexterity modifier to his initiative check.
  
  While in a state of ferocity, the barbarian cannot use any Charisma- or Intelligence-based skills (except for Intimidate), the Concentration skill, or any abilities that require patience or concentration, nor can he cast spells or activate magic items that require a command word, a spell trigger (such as a wand), or spell completion (such as a scroll) to function. He can use any feat he has except item creation feats and metamagic feats. Ferocity lasts for a number of rounds equal to 4 + his Constitution modifier (if positive). The barbarian may prematurely end his state of ferocity. At the end of ferocity, he loses the ferocity modifiers and restrictions and become sickened (-2 on all attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks) for the duration of the current encounter (unless he is a 17th-level barbarian, at which point this limitation no longer applies). Abilities that normally render him immune to being sickened (such as the Strong Stomach feat, Cityscape 64) reduce the penalties to -1, but do not remove them entirely.
  
  The barbarian can invoke ferocity only once per encounter. At 1st level he can use this ability once per day. [1/1]x/day
• Lion TotemRegal and intimidating, the powerful lion is a symbol of nobility among the races of the wild. By selecting him as your spiritual totem, you gain the pounce ability (MM 313).

Shadows of Virtue

• Rank 30 (Nightshade)
• Hire for Lesser ActionA Vigilante gains the ability to hire an agent to perform a simple action. Among these include Urban Tracking/simple intelligence-gathering, stealing an unprotected item, and commandeering small numbers of horses/simple land vehicles. Lethal actions not allowed, and it is up to the DM's discretion as to how successful the agent was. This ability may be used once per mission.
  
  Base cost is 50gp for a level 1 Urban Ranger or Rogue; +100gp per additional level.
• Hire for Greater ActionA Nightwatch gains the ability to hire an agent to perform an advanced action. Among these include kidnapping, infiltrating a dangerous organization, stalking a target for an extended time, stealing important documents (or planting false ones), and commandeering a large convoy or sea vessel. Lethal actions must require a DM's approval, but the result is also to their discretion. This ability may be used once per mission.
  
  Base cost is 100gp for a level 1 Urban Ranger or Rogue; +200gp per additional level.
• Nimble ChargeRun or charge across difficult surface without Balance check
• Nimble StandStand from prone safely (no provoked AoOs)
• Dimension DoorDimension Door
  Conjuration (Teleportation)
  Level: Brd 4, Sor/Wiz 4, Travel 4
  Components: V
  Casting Time: 1 standard action
  Range: Long (400 ft. + 40 ft./level)
  Target: You and touched objects or other touched willing creatures
  Duration: Instantaneous
  Saving Throw: None and Will negates (object)
  Spell Resistance: No and Yes (object)
  
  You instantly transfer yourself from your current location to any other spot within range. You always arrive at exactly the spot desired—whether by simply visualizing the area or by stating direction. After using this spell, you can’t take any other actions until your next turn. You can bring along objects as long as their weight doesn’t exceed your maximum load. You may also bring one additional willing Medium or smaller creature (carrying gear or objects up to its maximum load) or its equivalent per three caster levels. A Large creature counts as two Medium creatures, a Huge creature counts as two Large creatures, and so forth. All creatures to be transported must be in contact with one another, and at least one of those creatures must be in contact with you.
  
  If you arrive in a place that is already occupied by a solid body, you and each creature traveling with you take 1d6 points of damage and are shunted to a random open space on a suitable surface within 100 feet of the intended location.
  
  If there is no free space within 100 feet, you and each creature traveling with you take an additional 2d6 points of damage and are shunted to a free space within 1,000 feet. If there is no free space within 1,000 feet, you and each creature travelling with you take an additional 4d6 points of damage and the spell simply fails. [1/1]x/day
• Opportunist (Ex)Once per round, the rogue can make an attack of opportunity against an opponent who has just been struck for damage in melee by another character. This attack counts as the rogue's attack of opportunity for that round. Even a rogue with the Combat Reflexes feat can't use the opportunist ability more than once per round.

Magic Items

• Rogue BladeROGUE BLADE
  Price (Item Level): 12,320 gp (13th)
  Body Slot: — (held)
  Caster Level: 6th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 18) illusion
  Activation: Swift (mental)
  Weight: 2 lb.
  
  The edges of this elegant rapier seem to fade and twitch, making it difficult to look at directly and surrounding it with a blur of motion though it remains per*fectly still.
  
  When you activate this +1 rapier, it provides you with the effect of a blink spell for 6 rounds. The effect ends prematurely if you stop holding the rogue blade. This effect can be used twice per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, blink.
  Cost to Create: 6,000 gp (plus 320 gp for masterwork rapier), 480 XP, 12 days. [2/2]x/day
• Belt of BattleBELT OF BATTLE
  Price (Item Level): 12,000 gp (13th)
  Body Slot: Waist
  Caster Level: 9th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 19) transmutation
  Activation: — and swift (mental)
  Weight: —
  
  This leather belt bears a platinum buckle set
  with three small black pearls.
  
  A belt of battle helps you avoid being caught off guard in combat and allows occasional bursts of extra activity. While worn, it grants you a +2 competence bonus on initiative checks. This is a continuous effect and requires no activation.
  
  In addition, a belt of battle has 3 charges, which are renewed each day at dawn. Each time you activate the belt, one of the black pearls set into its buckle turns white. The pearls return to normal when the ring's charges renew. Spending 1 or more charges grants you an extra action, which must be taken immediately (before you take any other action).
  
  1 charge: 1 move action.
  2 charges: 1 standard action.
  3 charges: 1 full-round action.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, haste.
  Cost to Create: 6,000 gp, 480 XP, 12 days. [3/3] charges
• Rod of RopesRod of Ropes
  This versatile item meets your every rope-related need.
  
  Crafted from the darkest teak and repeatedly stained until it holds a lustrous black shine, this rod is a sculpted, 18-inch-long baton. Closer inspection (Search DC 15) reveals three barely perceptible concave indentations in the middle third of the rod.
  
  The three indentations act as buttons. Pressing any one of the rod’s buttons requires a move action.
  
  The rod has three functions, each of which can be employed an unlimited number of times. However, no two functions can be used at the same time
  
  Rope: When you press button 1, rope begins to extrude from one end of the rod at the rate of 60 feet per round. The rod can extrude 300 feet of rope in this manner. Pressing the button a second time stops the rope from extruding. Pressing it a third time draws the rope back in, also at a rate of 60 feet per round. Any knot in the rope automatically unties when it comes within 30 feet of the rod. This rope has the same hardness and hit points as the rest of the rod.
  
  Grappling Hook and Rope: When you press button 2, a small leather wrist loop springs from one end of the rod and three sharp grappling hooks sprout from the other end. Pressing the button again launches one-third of the rod (the end with the three hooks) in the direction you aim it. A length of rope up to 300 feet long trails behind the launched section and connects it with the end you hold; all 300 feet of rope can discharge in 1 round. The rope stops unreeling if the hooks strike something solid (including a creature) or if you give the rod a quick backward jerk. Pressing the button a third time retracts the rope, drawing the held end toward the hooked end if it is secured properly. The retracting feature can pull up to 1,000 pounds with it, drawing up 60 feet of rope per round. The rope has the same hardness and hit points as the rest of the rod. This function can be used to attack and push back opponents within 30 feet (beyond that distance it lacks sufficient power). On a successful ranged attack (no range increment) the hooked end deals 1d6 points of damage. The force of the blow is considerable, and those struck by it are subject to a bull rush effect (treat the hooked end as having a +5 bonus on its opposed check). The hooked end cannot pursue a pushed opponent.
  
  Grappling Hooks and Slide: When you press button 3, three sharp grappling hooks sprout from each end of the rod. Pressing the button again launches the two ends of the rod (each one-third of its length) in opposite directions simultaneously. A length of rope up to 300 feet long trails behind each launched section and connects it with the middle third you hold (all 600 feet of rope can discharge in 1 round). The grappling hooks work exactly as described above, including the possibility of bull rushing opponents. Pressing the button a third time causes part of the middle section to expand slightly in diameter and slide freely along the extruded rope. The slide can be released from the remaining part of the middle section by squeezing it to loosen it. Two hand loops allow you to slide down the rope if it is at an angle. Regardless of the angle of the rope or the load on it (up to 1,000 pounds), if attached firmly the rope does not sag. Pushing any button a second time returns the rod to its previous (unactivated) state.
  
  Aura/Caster Level: Moderate transmutation; CL 10th.
  Weight: 4 lb.
• Corsair's EyepatchCORSAIR'S EYEPATCH
  Price (Item Level): 3,000 gp (7th)
  Body Slot: Face
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) divination
  Activation: Swift (command)
  Weight: —
  A leather strap and a bit of hardened leather and krenshar hide make up this menacing black eyepatch.
  
  Despite its name, the improved visual acuity provided by a corsair's eyepatch is equally useful to landlubbers. Wearing this eyepatch has no negative impact on your eyesight—it appears completely transparent to you. While you wear a corsair's eyepatch over your left eye, activating it grants you the ability to use see invisibility (as the spell) for 1 round. While you wear it over your right eye, activating it grants you the benefit of the Blind-Fight feat for 1 minute. Moving the eyepatch from one eye to another requires a move action that doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity.
  
  A corsair's eyepatch functions a total of three times per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, see invisibility.
  Cost to Create: 1,500 gp, 120 XP, 3 days.
• Bracers of MurderBRACERS OF MURDER
  Price (Item Level): 8,000 gp (11th)
  Body Slot: Arms
  Caster Level: 5th
  Aura: Faint; (DC 17) evocation
  Activation: —
  Weight: 3 lb.
  Each of these burnished metal bracers is adorned with grinning skull set with onyx stones in its eye sockets.
  Bracers of murder grant you a +2 profane bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls against flat-footed targets.
  If you have the death attack ability, the save DC to resist your death attack increases by 2.
  If you have sneak attack or sudden strike, reroll any result of 1 on the dice.
• Cloak of the BatCloak of the Bat
  
  Fashioned of dark brown or black cloth, this cloak bestows a +5 competence bonus on Hide checks. The wearer is also able to hang upside down from the ceiling, like a bat.
  
  By holding the edges of the garment, the wearer is able to fly as per the spell. If he desires, the wearer can actually polymorph himself into an ordinary bat and fly accordingly. (All possessions worn or carried are part of the transformation.) Flying, either with the cloak or in bat form, can be accomplished only in darkness (either under the night sky or in a lightless or near-lightless environment underground). Either of the flying powers is usable for up to 7 minutes at a time, but after a flight of any duration the cloak cannot bestow any flying power for a like period of time.
  
  Moderate transmutation; CL 7th; Craft Wondrous Item, fly, polymorph; Price 26,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.
• Necklace of Vine StrikeGrants sneak attack against plant creatures 3 times per day. [3/3]x/day
• Anklet of TranslocationANKLET OF TRANSLOCATION
  Price (Item Level): 1,400 gp (5th)
  Body Slot: Feet
  Caster Level: 7th
  Aura: Moderate; (DC 18) conjuration
  Activation: Swift (command)
  Weight: —
  
  A pewter chime hangs from this simple leather ankle-band.
  
  An anklet of translocation allows you to make short dimensional hops. When it is activated, you can instantly teleport (with no chance of error) up to 10 feet. The new space must be within line of sight and line of effect.
  
  You can't use the anklet to move into a space occupied by another creature, nor can you teleport into a solid object; if you attempt to do so, the anklet's activation is wasted. You can bring along objects weigh*ing up to your maximum load, but you can't bring another creature with you.
  
  An anklet of translocation functions two times per day.
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, dimension door.
  Cost to Create: 700 gp, 56 XP, 2 days.
• Ring of the DarkhiddenRING OF THE DARKHIDDEN
  Price (Item Level): 2,000 gp (6th)
  Body Slot: Ring
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) illusion
  Activation: —
  Weight: —
  
  More than a dozen etchings of closed eyes circle this tarnished silver ring.
  
  You are invisible to darkvision, although you are fully visible in normal light.
  
  Prerequisites: Forge Ring, invisibility.
  Cost to Create: 1,000 gp, 80 XP, 2 days.
• ShiftweaveSHIFTWEAVE
  Price (Item Level): 500 gp (3rd)
  Body Slot: Torso
  Caster Level: 3rd
  Aura: Faint; (DC 16) transmutation
  Activation: Swift (mental)
  Weight: 5 lb.
  
  This otherwise plain-looking set of clothing seems to have gossamer threads woven ran*domly into the fabric.
  
  When you activate shiftweave, it changes your garb to resemble any of five specific outfits designated during its creation. Shiftweave has no effect on any armor you wear (nor can it mimic armor) and does not change the effect of any magical clothing you wear.
  
  Lore: Though originally created for wealthy socialites who wanted to avoid wearing the same gown to the gala, shiftweave is also useful to spies and assas* sins (Knowledge [nobility and royalty] DC 10).
  
  Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, disguise self.
  
  Cost to Create: 250 gp, 20 XP, 1 day.
• Handy HaversackHandy Haversack
  
  A backpack of this sort appears to be well made, well used, and quite ordinary. It is constructed of finely tanned leather, and the straps have brass hardware and buckles. It has two side pouches, each of which appears large enough to hold about a quart of material. In fact, each is like a bag of holding and can actually hold material of as much as 2 cubic feet in volume or 20 pounds in weight. The large central portion of the pack can contain up to 8 cubic feet or 80 pounds of material. Even when so filled, the backpack always weighs only 5 pounds.
  
  While such storage is useful enough, the pack has an even greater power in addition. When the wearer reaches into it for a specific item, that item is always on top. Thus, no digging around and fumbling is ever necessary to find what a haversack contains. Retrieving any specific item from a haversack is a move action, but it does not provoke the attacks of opportunity that retrieving a stored item usually does.
  
  Moderate conjuration; CL 9th; Craft Wondrous Item, secret chest; Price 2,000 gp; Weight 5 lb. 

Active Effects: Darkstalker, Hide in Plain Sight, Ring of Darkhidden, Nondetection

---

Notes on Sneaking

Before crossing the portal, Jarren casts nondetection on himself, meaning anyone who attempts a divination spell like locate object, clairaudience / clairvoyance, and detect spells are blocked, unless the caster makes a DC 22 caster level check (15 + Jarren's caster level) to pierce the veil.

He then attempts to sneak across the room! He will move at half his normal movement speed to avoid penalties to Move Silently, meaning he can cross 30ft per move action. Recall the rules about invisibility, which involve distances and other factors at play.

Several things to note about his sneaking:

1. Jarren's got stupid high Hide and Move Silently checks, which are rolled below. I actually noticed an error a little while ago where I added several overlapping bonuses to his Hide check, so it's not +40-ish anymore, and should now be correct.
2. Jarren has the Darkstalker feat, meaning creatures with blindsense, blindsight, scent, or tremorsense have to roll Spot to notice him.
3. Jarren has the Dark template, meaning he has Hide in Plain Sight. He can use the Hide skill even while being observed (except in natural daylight, the area of a daylight spell, or a similar effect).
4. Jarren has the Ring of Darkhidden, meaning he is considered invisible to darkvision. He must have some light cast on him in order for creatures with low-light or normal vision to possibly see him.

OOC: Jarren's Reflex save bonus matches the Reflex save DC of binding winds, so he auto-succeeds on the save.

As for the DR, does it mitigate 1 point of damage from each die that was rolled, or does it mitigate 1 from the total damage of the attack? Does it mitigate between normal damage and critical damage?

Edited January 12 by rogueblade0729 (see edit history)

[Blue Jay]

((Technically, you still auto-fail a save on a natural-1, so you'll need to roll just to see if that happens. The DR treats it all as one attack, so unfortunately, just 1 damage is negated.))

[rogueblade0729]

OOC: Gotcha. He made the save, and he'll only take 23 points of damage after DR. Not bad, but definitely need to get moving.

[rogueblade0729]

 

Edited January 12 by rogueblade0729 (see edit history)

[Blue Jay]

 

[rogueblade0729]

 

[Blue Jay]

 

[Delia2531]

Cufwell Greenskin

As the kukris bite in to his flesh Cufwell snarls; "So be it friend, can't say I didn't warn you; plus I'm guessing you'll be right as rain again soon amyway!" His axes glint and shine in the light of the tavern, his hands moving almost quicker than the eye can follow.

OOC

Cufwell won't pull his punches; it's an FRA against Glitcha. If he happens to drop along the way Cufwell will strike anyone else in range and threatening him, including using a teleport (10') and 5FS if required.

 

Please alternate Primary and Secondary attacks when resolving; the first successful hit from the secondary weapon reduces target's AC by 1.

So close to a crit, but his axes are 20/x3 not 19-20/x2 😞

Based on the last character sheet I could find for Gitcha I think that's 101 damage?

Primary weapon - first attack
Primary weapon - first attack damage
Primary weapon - first attack sonic damage
Primary weapon - second attack
Primary weapon - second attack damage
Primary weapon - second attack sonic damage
Primary weapon - third attack
Primary weapon - third attack damage
Primary weapon - third attack sonic damage
Primary weapon - fourth attack
Primary weapon - fourth attack damage
Primary weapon - fourth attack sonic damage
Secondary weapon - first attack
Secondary weapon - first attack damage
Secondary weapon - first attack acid damage
Secondary weapon - first attack electricity damage
Secondary weapon - second attack
Secondary weapon - second attack damage
Secondary weapon - second attack acid damage
Secondary weapon - second attack electricity damage
Secondary weapon - third attack
Secondary weapon - third attack damage
Secondary weapon - third attack acid damage
Secondary weapon - third attack electricity damage

Edited January 13 by Delia2531 (see edit history)

[Blue Jay]

In the Tavern

Cufwell

((I am absolutely NOT using the actual stats for these guys. You think I'm crazy enough to try running a SamGronge character and a Xhosant character at the same time? I just recreated the spirit of their characters for simplified NPC statblocks.

But I'm just going to take your word for it on the damage: it's close to what I got.))

Cufwell's axes whirl in response, slicing the thri-kreen up nastily.

In response, the kreen angrily puffs a gout of flame at Cufwell.

Fire Riposte (Ref DC 15 halves)

Gitcha

The thri-kreen coos and chirps at Cufwell. It's hard to read his expression, but it seems pretty obvious that he's weighing his options and deciding against this continuing here. Clearly, he thinks he should focus his blades on the primary target. He leaps over a table, away from Cufwell, to land beside Jarren (attempting to avoid AoOs with Tumble):

Tumble

((Initiating wolf fang strike for two attacks on Jarren as a standard action)):

+1 kukri (crit on 15-20) (failed roll: rerolled below)

kukri (crit on 15-20) (critical threat!)

Reroll +1 kukri (crit on 15-20)

Crit Confirm (crit confirmed!)

Gitcha leaps mightily into the air and comes down with two kukris over Jarren, cutting him up for 27 damage (DR can be applied twice).

Callyndia

Callyndia's eyes go wide and she looks around in surprise and anxiety, but she seems to quickly snap into action. She shoves the scythe into Jarren's arms and, in the same fluid motion, grabs his face, pulling him in for a kiss.

((Lips of Rapture: +2 morale to all d20 rolls and damage rolls; an additional +2 on saves against enchantments; suppresses fatigue, exhaustion and nausea; duration 5 rds.))

She looks into his eyes for a second. "I'm so sorry, Jarren!" she says, "Go!"

With a flourish of her hands, she casts a spell of her own.

CL Check

CL Check (error)

CL Check 2

Magic flows from her, and the twinkling faerie fire lighting Jarren and her up dissipates, giving him an opportunity to slip into the shadows again.

Tavern Hazards

As the magic gripping Jarren and Callyndia dissipates, the Tavern has become very hazardous. Errant spells and arrows are flying, and chaos ensues. Icy magic attempts to ensnare Jarren in a trap.

Hazard Damage (half-slashing/half-untyped) (Ref DC 20 halves the damage and negates the immobility; the save happens at the beginning of your turn)

Map

Initiative and Status

24 - Skallaburljalf

22 - Cufwell

18 - Gitcha (33/134 hp)

16 - Callyndia

14 - Jarren

12 - Generic Adventurers (Expert?/? hp, Spellcaster?/? hp, Warrior?/? hp)

To Post: Jarren ( @rogueblade0729)

Special Actions: JarrenRef DC 20 vs Tavern hazards, CufwellRef DC 15 vs fire riposte
AoO vs Gitcha

Edited January 14 by Blue Jay (see edit history)