DM Rah's "Before the Dawn, Part I: The Bloodcove Disguise" PFS (Inactive)

Game Master Kobash

"Ing 'n I would be alright tah sleep outside, but if we're all pitchin' inn, why not?" Barlor says, snickering at his own joke.

What's so funny?

"-pitchin' inn- Hah!"

Peri tries to hide her frustration.

???

A slight smile at Peri, "An inn will be fine. A nights sleep will do us all well, and perhaps the morning will bring good news for our mission."

I'm cool with just skipping to the nearest inn if you like, though I would like t switch out some spells if I'm able.

Upon Laszlo's suggestion, you choose an Inn along the docks that seems to cater to legitimate merchants rather than privateers and muggers. However, it also turns out to be a favored hangout for members of the Aspis Consortium, as you discover upon entering the common area on route to your rooms. Already committed, you try to act natural, but László and Haris were in the middle of revisiting Barlor's joke and a few patrons give their laughter scowling looks as you pass through. You make it to your rooms, but not without feeling like you just barely dodged a bolt.

Assuming you stay here - Yanos, feel free to change your prepared spells. I'd like to continue later tonight if possible.

"Ah, the worst of luck! We shall have to set watches during the night, I fear." László looks over the rooms to be sure of the locations of the exits, note what's under the windows in case anyone needs to jump out suddenly, and also to try to spot any murder holes.

Perception check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Looks clear and secure to László.

The night passes without incident, though the feeling that someone might break through the door haunts you. In the morning you rendevous with Raimondo and his caravan, freshly loaded with supplies from House Cartahegn and a case of alchemical regeants curtosy of Rulkep Tonics.

"I'm not sure how you managed so much in one day," Raimondo chuckles, "but everything we needed was waiting for me at first light. Whatever you did sure greased some wheels in this gods-forsaken place. Now let's show it our backsides."

Giving the reins a shake and calling to his beasts, the caravan rolls out of Bloodcove.

For most of the day you make your way north out of the Vanji River basin and into the Terwa Uplands. If anything, the blistering heat of the Garund plains grows more intense away from the coast. The trade routes cut through winding switchbacks, avoiding the marshiest ground and occasionally crossing a river.

As the caravan crests a hill on the edge of a large gorge through which the river rushes, sudden activity silences the ambient jungle noise. Armed guards pile out of the foliage. An ebon-skinned woman strides out alongside them, brushing back her tresses and grinning from ear to ear. “Let’s not mince words, Pathfinders. Give me the key you carry, and I shall let you continue on your way. Refuse, and my men will toss you in the river and you can swim to your destination.”

Initiative Order:
Peri <== UP
Yanos <== UP
Barlor <== UP
Woman
Shel
Haris
László
Guards

MAP HERE

Delay until after Barlor,

My action depends on movement, I plan on casting sleep

Barlor rushes towards the woman.
"C'mon Ing! Time to fight!"
Club: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11, Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Handle Animal (attack): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Gore: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20, Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"We have no key, woman. And what is it with all of you foolish women coming to me to die is some half-cocked attemt at, well, whatever you think this is? And it really took you this long to find out we where Pathfinders. Really? I mean I honestly believed that the Aspis Consortium where actually a threat to us. We just strolled into town, slapped a few of your btter agents around, got what we wanted and left, and you just now caught up to us.", shaking his head to highlight his disappointment.

I'm assuming Yanos is deferring.

"So be it. The river it is then." The woman steps back and begins casting a spell.

Initiative Order:
Peri
Yanos <==Deferred
Barlor
Woman
Shel <== Up
Haris <== Up
László <== Up
Guards

Sel pulls her dagger as she hops out of the wagon. She advances toward the two bandits in the rear.

László turns and fires an arrow over Shel's shoulder at one of the bandits behind the party.

Arrow to O-5, incl. PBS: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 = 15
Arrow damage, incl. PBS: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Yes sorry. I was originally going to attack but decided to just wait and see if there was a chance to talk things out (even if Im being arrogant). Im not really Holding or Readying an action, I just figured since I spoke more than a simple sentance that would take up my turn. I just forgot to mention that as I editted.

Oddly happy to be in the countryside, which he usually hates, Haris was enjoying the comparable peace compared to Bloodcove. "Asmodeus ass...", he fumes as he pulls out a small vial from his side bag.

drink Potion of Invis, move towards Beyonce

Talking is free unless you are attempting diplomacy, bluffing, or intimidation. Go when you like Yanos.

Haris vanishes. Getting past the caravan took up some movement.

The guards move to attack, the one near the woman stepping between her and Ing and taking a swing at the boar.

The two in the back respond in kind, attacking Shel. One takes an arrow from László before closing the distance, and Shel dodges him easily, but the second gives her a deep slash across her stomach. 8 damage

Attack on Ing: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 Miss
Attack on Shel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 Hit
Attack on Shel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 Miss
Damage on Shel: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Initiative Order:
Peri <== Up
Yanos <==Deferred
Barlor <== Up
Woman (casting)
Shel
Haris (invisible)
László
Guards

Updated MAP

Finsih Casting sleep on the lady and the tramp A4 & B4. (DC20 Will).

Standard Action - Cast bungle on the goon in O5 (DC20 Will)

" Sweet dreams darlings..."

The woman resists the spell, but the guard standing with her drops like a sack of potatoes. The guard opposite stumbles comically and fumbles his weapon for a moment.

Ill wait still on my first round action.

Round 2

Ill cast Bless (+1 att and save vs Fear) and step up so that I threaten the two before me. (will edit a bit more flavor in soon when I get home + the AoO if I get one against the woman casting).

AoO only provoke when someone begins casting, which means closing distance and putting them in a threatened square does not. Also, you'll need more than a 5' step to get within spear reach, and since nothing prevents you from doing so I'll assume you take a standard move.

Barlor and Ing split up, going on either side of the sleeping guard to close in on the woman.
Club: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14, Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Gore: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12, Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

No worries, i wasn't sure if she was casting something that would take mor than a round, and I couldn't see the map on my phone.

I'll cast Bless and then move from F5 -> D3, -> C2, (assuming difficut terrain) -> B2.

"Are you sure you shall not harken to what your intuition is telling you and just turn away from this, blatently suicidal path? We are reasonable people, and will hear you out.", as he leaps from his position, bringing the spear to bear and sets up a good position for defense.

The rules for provoking AoOs are the same for spells with a casting time of 1 standard action or 1 round. Only if you begin a spell in a threatened area do you provoke an AoO.

Ignoring Yanos and avoiding Barlor and Ing's attacks through a combination of quickness and magic, the woman continues her spell and throws a handful of fine sand into the air. Barlor feels a slight tingle from the magic, but suffers no apparent ill affect. Ing, however, plops down suddenly, gives a big toothy yawn, and takes a dirt nap.

The woman then gives the sleeping guard at her feet a good solid kick, waking him. "Get up! Fight, you fool!"

Barlor Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Ing Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Initiative Order:
Peri
Yanos
Barlor
Woman
Shel <== Up
Haris (invisible) <== Up
László <== Up
Guards

Shel was again bloodied to almost the point of passing out. She struck out at the bandit at O 5, trying to take him with her if she was going to go down.

Attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Damage 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

HP 1/10

László moves to position himself better for melee (to M-2) and fires again at the same bandit, hitting him solidly.

Arrow to O-5, incl. PBS and bless: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 21
Damage, incl. PBS: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Having reread the intro, I see we do have a key. I'd forgotten. Who has it, as I will probably change my tactics to go protect them.

You or Peri probably has it, being higher-level than the rest of us peons :-).

Your worthy allies, my friend, not peons in my book. :)

The guard at the woman's feet grabs his scimitar and takes a desperate swing from a prone position at Barlor but misses badly.

Attack on Barlor: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

Of the guards to the rear, one is still fumbling his weapon as László's arrow takes him down. His companion gives a cry of determination and swings his scimitar again at Shel, but she dodges.

Attack on Shel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Initiative Order:
Peri <== Up
Yanos <== Up
Barlor <== Up
Woman
Shel
Haris (invisible)
László
Guards

Barlor takes a hard swing at the woman again.
Club: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8, Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Dang dice.

Haris fills his hands with daggers and trails Ing towards the woman.

{double move to A3}

"Why must I always compensate for the tiny Folks?"

Peri casts Bungle on the other goon Shel is fighting.

She bleeds easily.

Peri does not have the key. I believe Yanos with his monster Perception should have took it.

Guard will save: 1d20 ⇒ 4 Fail

Peri's spell begins to interfere with the other guard's fine motor skills.

Waiting on Yanos. Shel, Haris, and László feel free to declare intentions for after the woman goes. Also, I don't think a map update is necessary, particularly since it might migrate off the page to the left.

If Shel stays put, László draws his rapier, moves to flank the fumbling flunky (5' step to N-3), and proceeds to miss the bandit cleanly.

Flanking rapier attack on N-4: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Shel, hoping to gain an advantage from Laz's positioning, slices at the bandit. She either didn't hear Peri, or was glad enough for the distraction that she ignored it.

Attack 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 2 = 21

Damage 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3, plus 1d6 ⇒ 5 sneak attack.

Current HP 1/10

László will need to make an acrobatics check to avoid an AoO from the guard.

Since László's just taking a 5' step from M-2 to N-3, how does the guard have the opportunity to take an AoO?

My bad, missed his previous movement.

No problem; I wasn't sure if it was that or something about the terrain.

Once close enough, Haris charges at the woman leading with the dagger.

Atk 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 = 17
Dam 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Sneak 1d6 ⇒ 3

Ok, Ill take the key if no one else wants it. If so, tat's fine by me.

Ignoring his instinct for a moment to run to his ally, Yanos begins to chant a spell to aid her nonetheless. "Together we are strong, but sometime even we need aid. Help us, in our time of need, so that we might stand strong against those that attack us."

Casting Spiritual Weapon, centering it into square O4 to hopefully by Shel a bit of time before death calls. It quickly begins to stab at the villian in O5, with varying degrees of success.

AoO 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

AoO 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Spiritual Weapon: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Force Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Barlor swings his club and misses the woman. Ing snores.

Yanos' spell strikes the guard facing Shel a glancing blow.

"Get up! Get UP!" The woman screams at the guard still prone at her feet. She intones a command word that causes the wand in her hand to trail red mist, then makes a feeble attempt to touch the dwarf with it. Then Haris appears behind her and plants his blade in her back. She stumbles and gasps in shock, but remains on her feet.

Woman Wand Touch Attack: 1d20 ⇒ 3 Miss.

With László moving around to flank, the guard on Shel is distracted momentarily and takes her dagger in his ribs. Gurgling blood, he falls.

The last guard scrambles to his feet and takes Yanos' spear in the leg as he does so. Growling defiance, he slashes desperately at Barlor but gets nowhere near hitting him.

Guard Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Miss.

Initiative Order:
Peri <== Up
Yanos <== Up
Barlor <== Up
Woman
Shel
Haris
László
Guard

Mentally reqesting the divine weapon to keep up the attack, I'll launch an assualt of my own at the woman befor me.

Longspear: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Spiritual Weapon: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 <at same target is up, or the other is the first has fallen>
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Yanos redirects his spiritual weapon and brings down the last guard. He then thrusts his spear at the woman, but slides off magical defenses.

Not that it matters in this case, but shouldn't Yanos' spiritual weapon be doing 1d8 + 1?

Barlor goes for another swing with the help of Haris's distraction.
Club: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6, Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Battle looks well under control, time to earn some prestige with the Trade Prince.

Move action : Peri will dig into her bag and retrieve her wand of Vanish.

Swift Action : Peri unsprings Wand of Magic Missle

Standard Action : Peri casts magic missle at the lone enemy.

"Take this!"
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3