GM Bold Strider's PFS 01-31 Sniper in the Deep (Subtier 5-6) (Inactive)

Game Master rpblue

First time I've ever used a cure spell offensively, so I forgot about the save >_<

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

Hoping that the ghost is close to being defeated, Sir Tristan reaches for the ghost once more with the charge of positive energy in his hand.

Touch Attack (flank, inspire): 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 2 + 2 = 16
Damage (inspire): 1d8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 2 = 10
DC11 to half

I'm not sure that Insidion getting hit by the AoE splash of the bomb counts as being "attacked," as he was never actually targetted by anything. If we are counting AoE effects that do not target him specifically as "attacks," then he should have been locked-into attacking the guy channeling negative energy before.

Also, the Confusion spell seems a little ambiguous re when the effect ends. I did make a save in there. Does that end the effect? Also, on the turn I made my save, I had wanted to only use the wand of infernal healing if it was required to save Varian. I had wanted to cast magic missile if he would live without that spell, and given how desperate our situation is, I'm hoping we can revisit that action and cast the magic missile instead.

@Tristan: You already used your action for this turn, but I will carry it over to the next turn.

As to indirect attacks, Insidion was never injured by the cleric's channel as he was on the floor below until the same round that he channeled while staggered. Insidion would have targeted the Cleric in this capacity, but he fell unconscious. Insidion has only taken channel damage once, I believe. He has dealt himself 10 damage and the one channel hit him for 20 since he failed his save, followed up by 6 from hitting himself again just now and 5 from the failed bomb save/resistance, putting him at 1 HP which is where he is currently.

@Insidion: You stated specifically that "I'd like to have a contingent action if infernal healing is unlikely to help Varian (either because he's dead or because the other actions keep him alive without the need for fast healing). I'll go ahead and cast magic missile instead of the infernal healing unless it will save him." Your Infernal Healing stabilized him and prevented him from dying to splash. Per your own statement, he was not dead and no other actions had been taken to stabilize him, thus the contingent action did not occur.

As to the Confusion duration, Confusion lasts a number of rounds per level. It does not offer a new save, but you roll on the Confusion table every round. If you roll well, you can act. If not then, you are forced to do the proscribed action. If you are attacked, as in you take damage from someone's attack (which is what happened with Quarr), then the confused you goes on a rampage towards them without a chance to roll. I am ruling that Quarr's attack is an attack for purposes of Confusion as a confused person with minimal control over themselves doesn't distinguish from accidental attacking and purposeful attacking.

Thoughts?

Okay, if that kept him alive, that's definitely what I wanted to do. I was thinking he was fine without it, for some reason. Also, I had taken damage off for the channel...if I was outside the AoE, I'll add the 20 hp back on. Thanks for the clarification on the Confusion.

Perfect! :D Also, you did take damage from the 20 point channel that the cleric cast as his last action. You did not take damage from the original blast that the cleric issued after the Confusion. Your HP total is 1, atm. See my previous post for a recap of the damage you took if this doesn't make sense.

Pandora fires off two arrows, but only one finds its mark, bringing the ghost closer to disintegration.

Varian's new grill marks start to heal from Insidion's Infernal Healing as Vaydren lashes out at Tristan once more.

Longsword @ Tristan-21 TAC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Damage: 6d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 1, 5, 3, 2) = 18 Fortitude Save for half.

Luckily, the longsword whiffs as Tristan easily sidesteps the attack.

As there is a chance for Quarr to die, I will roll Insidion's full attack against Quarr, so as not to violate or even abut the "No PvP" rule.

The almost unconscious Insidion rampages the rest of the way out of the water and turns to Quarr and scowls before pouncing on the gnome, mistaking his ally for the enemy after suffering the ill effects of a missed blast.

5' step + Full Attack.

Bite @ Quarr-22 AC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Claw @ Quarr-22 AC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Claw Confirmation @ Quarr-22 AC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Claw @ Quarr-22 AC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

The tiefling's teeth miss the poor gnome's throat, but a brutal claw knocks down the Alchemist, leaving a giant patch of rent flesh in its wake.

Tristan tries his luck once more but his hand is easily deflected by the ghost of Vaydren Lasar.

Initiative:
1st: Varian-IH(2/10)/Confused (5/7) @ -6/52 HP
2nd: Vaydren (Ghost) @ 45
3rd: Quarr-Bleeding Out @ -6/39 HP; Pandora @ 16/42 HP; Insidion-Confused (5/7) @ 1/42 HP; Tristan-Holding Charge @ 16/51 HP; Hagrym @ 26/51 HP

If that's how you're ruling it, that's how you're ruling it.

If that's how you're ruling it, that's how you're ruling it.

I just doesn't make sense that a Confused creature wouldn't target creatures who damage them with AoE attacks the same way they would as if the creature slapped em with a greatclub.

I guess the relevant question is: Should a Wizard be able to Confusion a group, then drop Fireballs repeatedly on them until they die? It is just as indirect of damage as Quarr's bomb. Right? I mean the Wizard doesn't target a creature. Generally, they target a space and the blast just happens to cover the creature, so going off whether Insidion was targeted is not really viable, imo.

When I researched Bastion of Good, which also specifically talks about attacks, I saw that a lot of people use a very restrictive interpretation of what "attack" means.

You could also argue that a confused character, who is so messed up mentally that they can harm themselves and their own allies, does not have the presence of mind to connect the phenomenon "that guy made some hand motions" and "I got hit with fire" to activate the kind of primal defense instinct that getting locked-in seems to represent. Getting locked-in against a wizard would actually be worse in most cases than not imo. You would have absolutely no control over your actions.

Getting locked-in is serious business, so I just want to make absolutely sure. It could easily mean Quarr dies.

I would hope that if quarr is dropped by an attack, then any more attacks aimed at him would stop at that point.. just mho of course

@Varian: I just saw it was a missed attack when I rolled, so I didn't think about him targeting Quarr for the follow-up. Insidion isn't going to straight-up murder Quarr while he is unconscious. Basically, I typed it out, then looked at the results and played with it from there, so I didn't think very much about the missed second claw.

@Tristan: See, I just don't think that that can be viable under the rules as it creates too many problems. Otherwise Confusion/Fireball until dead is insta-win. Also, why wouldn't Bastion of Good work against anything the person does? For example, if you targeted the Cleric with it, then his channels would have done half damage (to everyone else, obvs.). I wouldn't even question that. People honestly think that only means like a melee attack? Wow.

Yep. I've had a GM rule Bastion only works on melee attacks at the table, too. It's one of the reasons I picked the ghost for the target.

If Quarr is not in immediate danger of dying now, then it's academic at this point anyways. I'm not as worried as Pandora about us being able to get through this okay :)

I think you guys got this. ;-) Also, yeah, I'm not going to mercilessly kill off Quarr. He survived the doomed Mauler run, so I think he will be ok here. Isn't that right, Quarr? Also, the Bastion thing is dumb. It seems very obvious that it should work on all attacks. Who is trying to say that the wizard isn't attacking you with fire?

Hagrym opens the vial and applies the Bless Weapon solution to his blade. He takes a 5' step forward, grinning broadly. "Gorum has twice blessed you! You get to die in battle a second time!"

Attack 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Damage 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 2) + 6 = 11

You gotta be kidding me! Do we have any inspiration bonuses I can add?

I have to admit I am with Bold Strider in this particular matter.
I understand why someone would try to find arguments against it in a "Bastion" discussion. It is a simple level 1 splash that gets just better as you level up and find more heavier enemies dealing area damage.
Also, just let's try to finish this, it seems viable at the least but you never should lower your defences.

Pandora clenches her teeth and shots two more arrows "Fell beast of the other life!!!!"
+1 adaptative composite Longbow+PS+PB+Heroism+IC: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 22
Magical/Piercing damage+PB+IC+AS+Alter self: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 16

+1 adaptative composite Longbow+PS+PB+Heroism+IC: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 24
Magical/Piercing damage+PB+IC+AS+Alter self: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 14

Pandora holds inspiring the party, while she steps to the side.
Only 3 uses remaining :(
+2 to hit and damage, and +2 vs charm and fear

I think you guys got this. ;-) Also, yeah, I'm not going to mercilessly kill off Quarr. He survived the doomed Mauler run, so I think he will be ok here. Isn't that right, Quarr? Also, the Bastion thing is dumb. It seems very obvious that it should work on all attacks. Who is trying to say that the wizard isn't attacking you with fire?

Haha , Yea Barely. I completely was not expecting that guy to be that brutal in the Mauler scenario. That is definitely one I am eager to run.

If I die, so be it. I have plenty to rez :) Death is part of the game hehe. Wouldn't be interesting if none of your characters died.

Con Stabilization Check DC 10: 1d20 + 1 - 6 ⇒ (8) + 1 - 6 = 3

Quarr continues to bleed out all over the rotted wood.

Gaakk! Ack!.......

1d100 ⇒ 53

Pandora looses two more arrows that find their mark as the ghost of Vaydren erupts in anger, knocking everyone down in an explosion of pure hatred.

You can feel the soul around you, infused into the ship. A small bit of ectoplasmic residue seems to be gathering from around you and forming into a small ball above the chest with the Sniper.

Insidion looks down at his hand and, out of frustration, slams it into himself, knocking himself out.

Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Varian's wounds are slowly repaired by Insidion's Infernal Healing.

No one is even close to dying from Bleeding Out, so let's move past that.

Is anyone a devout worshipper of Erastil?

Also, what do you do now?

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

"Well, that was quite exciting, was it not?"

Tristan will wait about a minute or so (just to make sure the confusion duration has run out), then try to wake up Insidion and Quarr with healing.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

[ooc]If we are out of danger, Tristan will take 20 searching the room. It's only a 23, so someone else should probably do it as well. He'll also scan everything with detect evil and detect magic.

Paladin of Shelyn, so no Erastil here.

Once he comes conscious, Varian will offer healing to whoever needs it, healing himself as well.

cure moderate wounds: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (8, 2) + 6 = 16

Pandora breaths relieved relaxing her bow. She walks towards her companions in order to make sure they are save, and uses her healing resources if she feels they need.

K. religion (loremaster take 10): 10 + 7 = 17

Then, she closes by to the chest and studies the Sniper and the ectoplasmic residue of the ghost understanding it has not been put to an end.

"The ghost will return. Something is tormenting him in this life" She gathers all the information she has ever heard in order to discover what can put the ghost to rest and his seemingly relationship to the Sniper.
Knowledge (loremaster take 20): 20 + 7 = 27
If possible, I will spend my daily use of lore master to try identify how to finish this

It takes some time for Insidion to come to himself. He takes some time to heal some of his wounds.

He scowls at the ground for a while, then looks around the room for anything of interest.

perception take 20: 20 + 7 = 27

Sorry I was of so little use! In fact, I may have been a detriment! I guess I did have a life-saving wand and a magic missile in there somewhere, and most of the time I was just hitting myself in the face...but I didn't do much else to help!

"Anyone see any clues as to how we might be able to put this ghost to rest permanently? His remains might tell us a story. I don't fancy having to deal with him again!"

You see a disheveled, but empty room with only a chest, three sunrods, one body and a ball of ectoplasm.

Pandora thinks that a worshipper of Erastil might be of help as he is useful in this situation.

"Let's go visit a temple of Erastil. I believe they will be of help in this situation. And we should take the Sniper's chest with us" says Pandora.

The woman will cast a couple of healing spells over herself.
CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Then, assuming the rest of the party wants to follow up with her idea, she will advise to fully explore the remaining rooms of the ships quickly and then depart to the temple. And she will follow the party on doing so.

I think there should be Erastil's temples in Absalom

cure serious wounds on self: 3d8 + 6 ⇒ (4, 8, 2) + 6 = 20
cure moderate wounds on self: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (4, 7) + 6 = 17

"Anyone else need healing before we go on?"

You take the chest and swim throughout the ship back to the deck of the fallen ship. You find your rowboat where you left it and row yourselves back to the Harbor.

"Thank you for returning it in one piece." says the harbormaster who rented the boat out.

---

You find a druid of Erastil at the temple in the center of Absalom and he sees you coming. "Something wicked this way comes..." mutters the druid as you approach.

"Excuse us if we look this horrible" Pandora addresses the man "We have found one item you might help us with. There is a ghost whom was attached to this item or the ship were it was found. I believe an Erastil follower like you are might be able to undo the curse of that ghost and release him from his pain"

Pandora shows the Sniper to the druid "What do you think? Can you solve this?"

Quarr was still at -2 but assuming someone heals him. Here are the rolls from his wand.

Pulling out his wand Quarr heals the majority of his wounds.

Yes this curious object very nearly killed us all.

Pandora presents the chest to the druid of Erastil with the ball of reforming ectoplasm hovering over it. The man looks on warily but opens the chest and lifts the Sniper from its confines. With a howl, the ball of ectoplasm explodes and reforms into Vaydren, but the man is smiling. "The Sniper is now protected. Keep it safe, follower of Erastil. It is too powerful to fall into the wrong hands." Vaydren says with a bow before his ghost dissolves into nothingness.

As you look on, a shimmering darkness that surrounded the Sniper has disappeared and reveals a brightly glowing, gold statue of Erastil.

As you thank the druid, he bows and offers his own thanks to have been able to be a part of putting the man's soul to rest.

---

You take the Sniper to Venture-Captain Adril Hestram and present it to him and he grins his trademark toothy grin. "Excellent! You have recovered it." he says ecstatic that you have all returned in one piece. He opens the chest and finds the glowing statue and a hint of a frown forms. "I see that you have freed Vaydren's soul... Sad, he might have been of use to the Society..." he says dejectedly, but quickly cheers up. "But, that is of no concern! Enjoy your rest while you can! Who know when the next mission will be posted!"

Whew! That one was a toughie! Great job as always, DM. Thanks for running for us.

My pleasure!

Sir Tristan bows to his comrades.

"It was sincerely a pleasure to journey with you. If you care for the theatre, please do not hesitate to stop by the Imperial Stirlance Company Theatre here in Absalom."

Pandora performs a reverence in front of Tristan "It would had been impossible without your assistance Sir. You can be certain I will pay a visit to your company" the northern girl smiles.

Thanks for running Bold Strider. This was a fun one!

"A pleasure to have traveled and adventured with you all, though I'm afraid I was perhaps not as effective as I would have liked to be... but I guess when it comes to absorbing damage, better me than someone less hardy. I hope I see you all again soon..."