DM Dr Evil's PFS - 05-08 The Confirmation (Inactive)

Game Master DM DoctorEvil

Tight Spaces - Concluded

The move back to a more tactically advantageous spot pays diviends as all the novice pathfinders strike out and hit the cube. With all the blades slashing, it is merely moments before the cube falters and melts to teh ground lifeless.

End of Combat

With the coast now clear, the Pathfinders hurry to the aid of their mentor, Janira Gavix as she continues to lecture the minotaur. "As Durvin Gest, exemplar of our Society, saw through the treachery of the fabled Lens of Galundari and chose to hurl the terrible lens down into the never ending Nemesis Well, so you, his we, his noblest of heirs, shall stand steadfast against deceit and error, surrendering nothing but your burdens, and falling nowhere but on our foes."

You break out of the dank cavern and into the fresh air of the Kortos Mounts. Even at night, the light of the surface world above provides a welcome reprieve from the blue and green fungus of the cavern below, and the nearly full moon illuminates a stream whose water is hastened by runoff from a recent storm further up the mountains. A ledge to the west rises up to the nearby forest canopy.

Patches of woodland below are filled with early growth trees. These trees squares act as difficult terrain and also provide concealment. The stream below is 10 ft wide and 5' deep moving from east to west at a brisk pace. A three-foot diameter tree trunk spans the stream, but looks like ti might be treacherous to try to cross, unless caution were used. The slope to the west rises gradually to a height 20' above the rest of the plain and creatures standing there have a commanding view of the battle below.

In said battle, a wounded but still bravely holding on Janira Gavix stands against the relentless, battle-maddened minotaur. The minotaur's axe appears to have taken some damage and it has several serious wounds.

As the PC's exit the cave mouth, Janira challenges, "You vile beast! I know not what drives your black heart, but I shall not fail in my duty. I shall see you driven from this forest, back to the hills from whence you came."

Janira is using Inspire Courage so all PC's get a +2 to attacks, damage, and saves vs fear and charm. This lasts for 7 more rounds, and then lingers for two subsequent. The rest is up to you!

The Final Exam - Round 1

25 Josnavaarin
22 Maximilan
19 Ruinor
17 Janira
17 Orovan
8 Minotaur
7 Aarion
5 Silverback

All the PC's start at the cave mouth and make start taking actions from there. Remember squares with trees provide concealment, but are considered difficult terrain. Josnavaarin, Max, and Ruinor start things for the heroes - Orovan right behind.

Jos heads out across the open ground sword in hand to help Janira. He is moving as fast as possible until he is slowed down by the overgrowth.

"We moust get there fast to help"

Seeing the halfling in trouble, Maximilian runs as fast as he can to the log across the stream.

Hey Maximilian, when you move diagonally, you have to count the second square as two move points. As such, your double move wouldn't quite get you as far as you believe. I will move you to the proper square.

The Final Exam - Round 1 - continued

Eschewing the higher ground, both Max and Josnavaarin charge out down the slope towards the rapidly rushing creek. Neither can get close enough for any intervention at this point.

In the heat of battle, Janira steps back 5' from teh minotaur, and using her whip, tries to rip the battleaxe from its mighty hand. Her woeful attempt fails, and the minotaur catches the whip, ripping it from her grasp. Things begin to look pretty hopeless for the worn Pathfinder.

Janira whip, disarm, fatigued, bardic performance: 1d20 + 1 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 - 2 + 2 = 2

Ruinor is up. Orovan might as well post his action also, as he is after Janira.

I was intending to run as a full-round action; up to four times movement speed but only in a straight line.

I was intending to run as a full-round action; up to four times movement speed but only in a straight line.

So noted. Will place you back there then. Please explain that in the future.

Orovan moves towards what looks to be the narrowest portion of the river. "Come back towards us, Janira!"

Round 1 Action

Aarion lowers his Fauchard and sprints towards the water's edge.

(Full round action) Sprint x4 move.

The Final Exam - Round 1 - concluded

Like the others, Ruinor runs out of the cave mouth, but instead of the stream, he heads for the bridge.

Orovan runs to the nearest portion of the stream beseeching the Pathfinder to make her way to them.

The injured minotaur, enraged at the distraction, stomps forward lookign to end Janira Gavix right here and now. The mighty swing crushes the halfling and she crumples unconscious and broken before you. The bull fiend bellows in triumph and then turns to see if you present a threat or not. Seeing you some distance away, the bull-man raises up to put the coup de grace on Janira, next round.

Aarion and Silverback also rush out of the cave, seeing they are woefully too late to keep Janira on her feet.

Mintoaur battleaxe, broken condition: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Minotaur dmg, broken: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 5) + 4 = 15

While she is down, the lingering effect of her inspire is still with you for 2 more rounds.

End of Round 1

The Final Exam - Round 2

25 Josnavaarin
22 Maximilan
19 Ruinor
17 Janira(-8 hp)
17 Orovan
8 Minotaur
7 Aarion
5 Silverback

Action begins with Josnavaarin, Maximilan, and Ruinor. To cross the tree bridge, a DC 7 Acrobatics check, at half speed. Leaping the stream is a long jump Acrobatics check, based on the width where you cross. The DC is equal to distance jumped (ie, DC 10 for 10 ft).

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Maximilian nimbly skips across the fallen log bridge, then moves toward the minotaur with his rapier drawn (double move).

Jos continues running full speed through the brush and then leaps the 10'river in a single bound. Once landing on the other side he heads straight for the minotaur.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Silverback urges Splittooth to engage the minotaur, while he casts a spell to occupy the creature's attention.

handle animal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Casting Entangle, DC 14 Reflex, will cast it so that only the minotaur is included in the 40' radius.

Double move for splittooth.

acrobatics splittooth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Ruinor gasps when he sees Janira go down. He quickly runs through his options to help her but his shoulders droop when he realizes there is nothing he can do for her. He begins casting a spell in order to help his companions and hopes that one of them can keep the minotaur from finishing her off.

Will cast sleep, trying to avoid all but the minotaur and possibly Jos if necessary. Will save (DC15) to negate.

Orovan makes for the other side of the river, leaping off the near bank.
Acrobatics (DC 5? 7 maybe?): 1d20 ⇒ 9
He lands narrowly on the opposite bank and continues towards the minotaur, seeking to block the killing blow.

Round 2 action

Shield of faith -0/10 rds.
AC-21 / T-15 / FF-18 / CMD-18

Realizing he is to fare away to prevent the Minotaur from striking a final blow, Aarion takes a running leap across the narrowest part of the stream.

Acrobatics: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

Once safely on the other side, Aarion embraces his holy symbol and prays to Pharasma for her protection in the up coming battle.

(Move action) Move 10 foot and jump across the river, (Standard action) Cast shield of faith.

The Final Exam - Round 2 - concluded

Josnaavarin continues hustling, leaping the fast-moving stream with little difficulty and ending up near the raging minotaur. As he steps into the fray, the minotaur reaches out with his battleaxe, cutting into the elven man.

The beast has 10' reach, so getting adjacent is going to provoke an AoO.

Ruinor begins casting a spell that, he hopes, will put the bull-headed monster to sleep ending the fight.

Janira is able to self-stabilize, holding now at -8hp.

Finding the narrowest place to cross, Orovan still nearly ends up in the drink. But close doesn't count, and he manages to keep moving to be near the minotaur, trying his best to protect his mentor and friends.

Having already seriously wounded Josnavaarin, the minotaur swings at him again making a full-round attack.

Aarion clears the river, stopping to cast a divine warding spell on himself, especially as he sees the minotaur continuing to maul his friends.

Skipping across the fallen log bridge, Maximilian races up to the minotaur, his rapier ready for action. Unfortunately, the minotaur sees him coming from far away, and makes another chop at the onrushing performer.

Finally, Silverback casts his spell, causing the plants around the minotaur to grasp and grapple him. The druid sends his dinosaur companion to enter melee when possible.

End of Round 3

Minotaur AoO vs Josnavaarin: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Josnavaarin dmg: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 9
Janira stabilize roll: 1d20 + 1 - 8 ⇒ (20) + 1 - 8 = 13
Minotaur battleaxe, broken: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Minotaur battleaxe, broken: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22CRIT THREAT
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 Fail
Dmg, Josnavaarin: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4) + 4 = 12
Minotaur AoO vs Maximilian: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Dmg, Maximilian: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 = 10
Minotaur DC 14 Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Alright, so, let's talk about what just happened. 10' reach is a b@!#% and you guys ran right into the meat grinder. He just used the reach on Janira, so you should've seen it coming. Minotaur takes an AoO on Josnavaarin, who however he approaches still provokes (he is earliest in initiative). That hit takes Jos to zero (per his stat block at 9/17 hp). Immediately after, Orovan arrives, not provoking since the AoO was burnt for this round. With Jos, at zero but still upright, I randomly chose target and Jos came up again. This time the full round attack took him to -12 which is equal to his CON, I believe. By rule, he is dead. Since the minotaur just had his turn, the AoO resets, and when Max comes rushing in, he gets one in the face as well, taking him negative also.

What did I miss? No one said, I stop 10' away, and none of the counter placement shows that. I'm not sure if Josnavaarin got healing after taking damage from the ghouls, but I didn't see it, and his stat block doesn't show it. There is little disagreement that the AoO "timer" starts over on the creature's count -- you'd get the same benefit. And, lastly, if you think you approached from a corner diagonal and hence magically went from 15' away to 5', you still had to provoke from his reach in there somewhere. If I take the hit on Orovan instead of Josnavaarin, then he also goes down to negative, and we risk a TPK situation.

I hate killing players (in nearly 50 tables of PFS, this will be KIA #3) but rushing into the meat grinder when you aren't at full HP might get you killed. Please show me where I missed something, and I'll gladly retcon.

It is what it is and luck did not prevail. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes it kills you. Thanks for the game.

Round 3 action
Shield of faith -1/10
AC-21 / T-15 / FF-18 / CMD-18

After watching his comrades fall Aarion pushes forward. Raising his Fauchard high overhead, Aarion brings the curved blade down into a forward arcing slash.

(Move action) Move up 20 foot, (Standard action) Attack the Minotaur.

(Attack) Fauchard: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
(Damage) Fauchard: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Ouch! Yeah, I think in our excitement to save Janira we rushed into that a little too zealously. Any chance of taking acrobatics checks to avoid AoO?

Oh no! Jos has the ring of protection too. I guess it didn't protect him that much.
I'm curious though, does the minotaur really have BAB of +6 or higher? Because, if so, wow. If not, how did he make two axe attacks in the same full-attack?

Oh no! Jos has the ring of protection too. I guess it didn't protect him that much.

I'm curious though, does the minotaur really have BAB of +6 or higher? Because, if so, wow. If not, how did he make two axe attacks in the same full-attack?

His listed BAB is +6. His main weapon does have the broken condition, which evens the odds a bit, and he is partially wounded to begin the scene.

Orovan wrote:

Oh no! Jos has the ring of protection too. I guess it didn't protect him that much.

I'm curious though, does the minotaur really have BAB of +6 or higher? Because, if so, wow. If not, how did he make two axe attacks in the same full-attack?

His listed BAB is +6. His main weapon does have the broken condition, which evens the odds a bit, and he is partially wounded to begin the scene.

Well alright, that makes some sense. Still, sucks for Jos.

OK, so I realize as I am getting ready to post the next round, that moved Max in the wrong order last round. He should've come right after Josnavaarin took the AoO and before the Minotaur's turn. As such, he wouldn't have suffered the last hit. That I can retcon. Return Max to full HP (at least for now)

The Final Exam - Round 3

22 Maximilan
19 Ruinor (casting Sleep)
17 Janira(-8 hp, stable)
17 Orovan
8 Minotaur (entangled)
7 Aarion
5 Silverback

Max, Ruinor, and Orovan are up next. Ruinor's Sleep spell should go off, and then he can still take full round actions after that.

Ruinor finishes casting his sleep spell and targets a spot behind and to his right of the minotaur in order to avoid his companions.

To the SW, opposite Jos. Will save negates (DC 15)

As he waits to see if the spell is effective, he unslings his light crossbow from his back should he need it. A tear runs down his cheek as he notices Jos is not moving, his body bloodied in a heap on the ground next to the beast.

"Oh, please work so we don't lose anyone else," he thinks to himself.

Max is on the clock. I will run him tomorrow if we don't see a post. He may think he is down and out of the fight based on last night's post.

The Final Exam - Round 3

Ruinor finishes the steps of the Sleep spell, and it lays down nicely on the minotaur. Shaking it's bull-like head from side to side a few times, the minotaur manages to fight off the sleeping spell, but can't stifle a yawn from his fierce maw.

Still unconscious, Janira appears to be stable, and not losing any further life force.

Max and Orovan are up now before the minotaur takes another turn.

Minotaur DC 15 Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Maximilian lets out a howl of rage and swipes at the creature.

Rapier: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12 for: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5

But his anger clouds his aim and the blow is ineffectual.

The Final Exam - Round 3 - continued

Maximilian's forward rush leads to an attack on the fierce minotaur with his rapier, but the skald's emotions are too strong and his concentration waivers at the last moment, causing his attack to fail.

Waiting on Orovan to post. Will DM-PC him by tonight if we don't see any action from him. The minotaur is up after that...

Orovan focuses once again on the ability to strike with added power, throwing a punch at the entangled foe.
Punch Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 - 1 = 14, Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8
He then steps back and nearly trips over his fallen companion. "Jos, get off the--" suddenly he realizes that the elf isn't moving and is bleeding quite rapidly.

The Final Exam - Round 3 - continued

Orovan steps over the body of Josnavaarin and swings mightily at the minotaur. The beast tries to dodge, but the ensaring vines hold him in place, and he catches the fist right on the chin.

Bellowing in rage, the horned creature lowers his head, and tries to gore the half-orc brawler. But again the restraining vines hold back the mighty head, and the horns catch nothing but air.

Enraged more than ever, the mintotaur struggles to free himself from the entangling vines, but only succeeds in getting more snared.

Even against the ensnared creature, Aarion's fauchard cannot find or make a mark.

Minotaur gore, entangled: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 2 = 15
Break entangle, STR check, DC 14: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

The entangle causes a miss on the gore, after allowing a hit on Orovan's turn. It also prevents a full-round attack that might be bad for someone. Guess that was a good ploy. Silverback and Splittooth up now to end the round.

Silverback is now on the clock. I will run him later this evening if we don't have a post from him before that.

Silverback moves quickly toward the melee, glad that his spell had some effect.

double move

Splittooth circles in to attack and tries to sink its toothy maw into the minotaur.

bite: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 2 = 231d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Shield of faith -2/10 Rds.
AC-21 / T-15 / FF-18 / CMD-18

After having some difficulty penetrating the Minotaur's thick hide, Aarion moves slightly south and watches for a vulnerable spot on the powerful beast. After carefully selecting his target, Aarion swings his Fauchard forward into an upright slash across the beast's mid section.

(Free action) Five foot step south, (Move action) Study target on the Minotaur, (Standard action) Attack the Minotaur.

(Attack) Fauchard: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 = 22
(Damage) Fauchard: 1d10 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

(Attack)Critical Conformation: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 13
(Damage) Critical: 1d10 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

The Final Exam - Round 3 - concluded

Silverback, seeing his entangling spell used to good success, rushes forward, urging his carnivorous pet on to the kill.

Splittooth advances towards the minotaur, coming within his reach as the dinosaur looks for a bite of his own.

This advance provokes from the minotaur, who is still entangled.

While the battleaxe whooshes overhead, the dinosaur sinks his teeth into the meaty leg of the great beast, rending his flesh.

Sidestepping a bit, Aarion has much more success with his fauchard against the minotaur this time, even if he just misses an even greater wound.

End of Round 3

Minotaur AoO, entangled, broken: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 - 2 = 7

The Final Exam - Round 4

22 Maximilan
19 Ruinor
17 Janira(-8 hp, stable)
17 Orovan
8 Minotaur (entangled, 23 hp dmg)
7 Aarion
5 Silverback

Maximilian, Ruinor, and Orovan are up for the heroes as the minotaur starts to take a few big hits.

Concerned about getting too close to the large beast, Ruinor tries to help take it down from a distance and fires his light crossbow at it.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 4 - 4 = -3
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

recover bolt > 50: 1d100 ⇒ 88

His nerves get the better of him though and he doesn't load it correctly as the bolt flips up into the air before falling to the ground a few feet from him.

Orovan pulls out his spear and stabs hard at the Minotaur before stepping back.
longspear power attack: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 4 - 1 = 23, damage: 1d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 = 10
longspear confirm: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 - 1 = 21, crit damage: 2d8 + 8 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 8 + 6 = 19

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Good timing on the crits, guys!

Maximilian takes advantage of Orovan's heavy strike by darting around the minotaur toward the unconscious halfling.

Acrobatics (move w/o provoking): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Intoning a spell he reaches down and touches Janira on the shoulder.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

The Final Exam - Round 4 - concluded

Ruinor's fumbling crossbow shot is almost ludicrous to behold, but just now, no one is in a laughing mood.

In the heat of melee, Orovan stabs the wounded minotaur, hitting his vital organs. The beast screams once defiantly, then slumps on the spear, out of the fight.

End of combat

Nearby, Maximilian provides a healing touch to the wounded Janira, and she slowly opens her eyes, feeling her wounds keenly. "What happened? Did you fell the beast? It was too horrible!"

" We heard your words of inspiration echoing through the cave. We came as quickly as possible to join the fight. The beast has been defeated."

Orovan sits on the ground next to the body of Jos and tries to find signs of life.
heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
"Is he still breathing? It looks bad."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Silverback moves to the body of his fallen comrade and attempts to heal him.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"We may have lost him," the druid says with a frown. "Nature's circle of life spares no one."

Unfortunately, there is no respiration or other signs comign from the mortally wounded Josnavaarin. It appears he has fallen in defense of his fellow pathfinders. Janira is beside herself with sorrow. "This is my fault, all my fault! We shouldn't have lost a member on a confirmation mission. It's terrible, terrible!"

At some point, she composes herself enough to ask you about your mission. "Did you get an understanding of the caves' significance for the gillmen? Did you explore the area thoroughly? Is your exploration complete and you are ready to return, or do you have more questions to answer?"

"No, we're not done in there. We just heard you and came running. I guess we got a bit too hasty..." Orovan trails off, standing and collecting his spear. "Let's leave him here until we're finished, then we can carry him back with us." the big half-orc absentmindedly reaches for his good luck charm, a holy symbol to the god of unknown ends, Groetus. "We're all dust anyway, just some of us get there faster than others."

Aarion watches in silence as the druid and brawler work to revive Josnavaarin. Once the grim reality of Josnavaarin's death is confirmed, Aarion turns to Janira.

"We have determined that the cave is a holy place for the gillmen. They come there to worship."

"I believe our exploration of the cave is complete. During our investigation we came across a dead necromancer, which was attempting to create an undead army of gillmen. His plot was foiled by his own hand."

Janira looks at the pathfinders as she gets what appears to be conflicting responses.

"So it is a shrine for the gillmen? Interesting...And you say a necromancer was creating an undead army, and you stopped that. Very good! But are you done inside, or do you wish to return and explore more? It sounds like Orovan thinks there may be more?"