GM Derek W's PFS First Steps "Mission Blitz" - Group A (Inactive)

Game Master Derek Weil

As the Centaurs depart, Walter glances over to Sambar:

Can you determine the effects placed upon these berries? It is not my expertise.

"I do not need any of the spears, my honor is bound to my sword," Yoshima replies as his hand rests on the hilt of his katana.

"Let us look over the berries and continue on. And we should mind ourselves as we travel, a beast that gets the attention of centaurs is one not to be trifled with."

Walter nods his agreement toward Yoshima.

I agree, honorable Yoshima. We need to be extra cautious on this journey. And remember we also stick to the map!

Walter begins to enter the wood., looking around for danger. he is also looking the trail over for big cat tracks!

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"What the Centaur's said is true, they are Goodberries. Its either a full size meal or 1 point of healing when eaten."

Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

"The spear is a little too big for me... Might be just the thing for Walter. I'll stick to my Explodinators."

I'm assuming this is a medium-sized longspear -- if PFS rules allow on-the-fly resizing I can use it.

Walter will use it only if no one else can

Walter glances back at Johann and....smiles!

It may come in handy in this environment, true.

You continue on your journey. As you near the end of your first day's journey the sound of running water echoes ahead, and several muted beams of light pierce the thick forest canopy. Soon the dense forest opens, revealing a river that blocks the way forward. A large felled tree trunk offers a way over the swift moving river. With the exception of the rushing sound of the water, an eerie silence pervades the area, as does the fresh smell of death. The half-eaten carcass of a large deer stains the forest’s foliage near the fast moving river.

Sambar sees the carcass, takes a disgusted step backwards, and looks around to see if he can see what did that to the deer.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

If he doesn't see anything and the rest of the group starts over the river, he will take his time trying to shimmy across the tree trunk.

Sambar will take 10 trying to cross the river if possible

Good idea - it's an Acrobatics check, but taking 10 is just fine.

Map Time!

Is 'C' on the map the dead deer?

Perception, taking 10: 10 + 7 = 17

"I don't like this... it's too quiet," the gnome whispers, and readies and loads his crossbow.

The fey-like Paladin, moves forward a dozen paces (20 feet forward please). His hand resting on the hilt of his curved blade.

His eyes peering through the dense jungle forest looking for signs of the predator.

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

As he approaches the dead deer he begins to look it over for signs of what may have killed it.

Heal 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Walter scans the immediate area for tracks leading away from the deer.

survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

I suggest we wait to see if I can discern what may have caused this death. May be the beast the Centaurs spoke of?

Correct, "C" is the deer.

As the party searches the scene of the kill, they are able to discern a few things of note. Johann and Muteki look at the carcass and see several rake-like claw marks, indicating a pwoerful feline predator. Walter looks for tracks and sees several very fresh and distinct paw marks leading towards the felled tree bridging the river.

"Looks like a perfect place for an ambush. If someone crosses, we'll need to cover them with our bows or spells," says Johann. He steps up to the edge of the fallen log and raises his crossbow, readying it to shoot at the first dangerous thing he sees.

Move action 20 ft forward, I guess that'll put me next to the deer, standard action: ready an action to shoot at anything that looks like a predator attacking us.

"I will cross the log. Honor demands no less of me," Yoshima says solemnly. He then begins to move toward the log, before turning back at his companions.

"But in case my honor is not enough. I would appreciate it, if you put enough arrows into anything that attacks to change it's classification from animal to plant," he says with a grin.

Muteki crosses the log without incident. When he reaches the far side, he notice a shadowy form begin running away from the party through the tree. The way seems clear now, and the sun has almost set.

"Cross quickly, the beast is in the trees moving away," The half-elf calls to his companions as he draws his blade in preparation of the cat charging.

Perception to watch the cat as it runs away. 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Walter sighs, It is as I suspected. The 'Cat' did this. Hmmm...I wonder if this is normal for this type of feline?

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Walter quickly follows Yoshima and he also takes up a defensive position. The Longspear planted before him.

Here kitty, kitty!.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Johann peers into the dusk, trying to catch a glimpse of the beast. Does it appear to be fleeing?

As Johann gazes towards the shape in the darkening woods he gets a feeling that the creature is not fleeing in fear, but rather simply withdrawing for a time.

Walter mumbles a quick pray, granting him a boost to his skills (Guidance).

Then he stares out into the underbrush, searching for the beast.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

I am wondering about this beast. It seems to be acting...weirdly.

"We can continue on in the night, hoping to be out of its territory soon. Or we can make camp and post watches. All of us but Sambar can see in low-light, and Walter can see even in pitch darkness."

How bright is the night likely to be? Are there clouds and is the moon full or new or somewhere in between?

"While I would normally insist on aiding the noble Centaur's in their hunt. We have a more pressing duty to fulfill, one we vowed to carry out. I say we continue forward."

Yoshima then started to scout ahead, while the Wizard and the Appraiser crossed the bridge.

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

the night will be "in between" - light cloud cover, not quite full moon, stars - so it counts as dim light for Sambar.

The group continues for an hour past the crossing. Nester Rees finally says:

"Sirs, I think that I must rest very soon. This is a long journey, and I would recommend against overexhausting ourselves so early.
Gesturing to a spot just ahead he says;

"Here is a good spot to camp, for instance."

Walter nods as the appraiser speaks.

Yes, it is late and I know you humans have a difficult time in the dark.

He looks around the trail.

I will find us a secure camp site. It may need to be defensible. Wait here!

Walter begins to canvas the immediate area around the trail. He will go only 25' into the wood on either side to look for a defensible camp position.

Walter speaks a familiar pray, grasping his symbol to Abadar (Guidance)

survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

"If we gather some wood, I can light it without need of flint or tinder," grins Johann. He will use dancing lights as needed to give light to those searching for firewood, and light the fire with Produce Flame.

Yoshima aids in the setting up of camp and offers to cook some of his rations for meals.

While cooking he offers: "My elven heritage allows me to perceive many threats in dim light, I would be happy to take first watch til the light fades or morning watch before I begin my daily prayers."

"I will take the first watch of the night. That way I can prepare my spells and watch out before it is completely dark out where I can't see a thing"
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

After Walter locates a suitable camping site, he also searches the ground for any more cat prints.

First, he mutters his trusty prayer (Guidance)

survival: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9

Walter says, I will take the darkest watch since I can still see perfectly fine in the night

"Then I will take the predawn watch," The half-elf responds with a slight bow. "May Shizuru stand by your side as you sleep. Good night."

When it comes to my watch, I will don my armor my armor, while Walter is preparing for bed and then roll perception.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

"I guess that leaves me with second watch," says Johann with a yawn. "Sambar, wake me when the moon is at THAT tree branch, alright?" Johann indicates a branch that he figures the moon will touch in about two hours. Before retiring, he takes a minute to prepare a second extract, this one of Shield, in case he is awoken suddenly and needs it, or should need it while on watch.

Forgot this: Perception check for 2nd watch, if needed.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Walter will remove his scalemail while sleeping and don it while on watch.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

And he will attempt to hide while being still and on watch.

stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

In the dead of night, soon after Walter takes watch, he suddenly sees a shape lunging out of the undergrowth at him. As it pounces, he can see it looks like a huge black cat with glowing eyes. It lands in front of Walter and swipes with its claw!

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

The beast's claw scrapes Walter's armor, but does not draw blood.

The Map

Perception to hear the attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
That should be god enough to know Walter is under attack

Initiative 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Groggy from waking while in a deep slumber, Yoshima blinks over the fire to see a beast attacking the Inquisitor. It takes him but a second to realize what is going up before he leaps to his feat [move] drawing his Katana as he does.

"The beast is upon us, wake and to arms brothers! Wake and to arms!"

He will move to the immediate right square of the beast with his first action and that will be all he can do.

Perception, -10 for sleeping: 1d20 + 7 - 10 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 10 = 8 That should be enough for him to wake up as soon as the attack comes, and not have to wait for the Muteki's shout.
Inititative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

I am assuming I get a move and standard action -- if not, I will just take the move action and take the standard next turn.

Johann scrambles out of his bedroll, and reaches for his bomb pouch. A well-placed explodinator might just scare it away! He throws the bomb, not directly at the creature, as that would hit Walter and Muteki too, but at a point just behind it.

Bomb Attack on vertex of squares directly behind the creature. Would be the corner just below and to the left of the creature. PBS applies.: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 That hits, as the AC of an empty space is 5. Splash damage only, which is minimum damage of the bomb -- 1(minimum of 1d6)+3(INT)+1(PBS) = 5 fire damage to the creature. Reflex save for 1/2 DC 14

Before I forget:

Johann peers between the others to catch a glimpse of the creature, racking his brain to know if there is something unusual about it.

Knowledge to identify creature, +6 to nature, +7 to arcana: 1d20 ⇒ 7 So Kn(Nature) 13, Kn(Arcana) 14.

Ok, so the cat got a turn in the surprise round. Now we'll move on to regular stuff. You all woke up, but for those of you sleeping it takes a move action to stand up I think? That would jibe with what Johann has done. So yes, this is a normal turn and you may take both a move and std.

Johann is not able to determine what type of creature this is.

Initiative:

Muteki: 18
Johann: 2
Walter: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Sambar: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Cat: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Order: Muteki, Sambar, cat, Walter, Johann

Muteki leaps up, draws his sword and moves next to the cat.

Now up: Sambar, cat, Walter - Johann your action will apply when your turn comes up!

Walter growls at the Cat as he readies the Longspear to strike!

lonspear(mw): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 151d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Sambar will attempt to identify what the cat is.
Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

I will cast Grease underneath the cat with it in its square, the square west, and the 2 south of it.

Reflex DC is 17

My AC is 11 right now as I'm not in armor.

Once the cat take its turn I'll...

Start Round Two, Muteki will take a 5 foot step.

Acrobatics 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

To set up flanking and attacks the cat.

Attack 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 23

If I hit I will do...

Damage Slashing 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Sambar casts his spell, and the ground beneath the cat becomes slick! He tries to tell what it is, but in the dim light, he is not sure.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

The beast's feet slip for a moment, but it maintains its footing.

The cat then lunges at Walter again with both claws.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Claw 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Claw 1 damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

The claw digs deeply into Walter's side.

It then tries to bite Muteki

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Without his armor, Muteki sustains a heavy wound to his leg.

Walter steps back 5 feet and thrusts hard with the longspear. The blow strikes the cat squarely in the chest, leaving a gaping wound that causes the cat to howl in pain.

Johann grabs his bombs and moves.

End of Round 1.

Round 2:

Undaunted, Muteki slides past the cat and drives his blade home! The creature slumps over, all life gone from its body.

Combat is over.

Hmm. I should have specified that Johann sleeps with his bomb sack... always has them on him. (Sometimes, during the night, you can hear him stroking the sack, murmuring, "soon... soon my beauties..." <_< >_> What?) He would only have had to stand up as a move action, and then throw. Oh well, Muteki gets credit for the kill instead of me :D

Johann is preparing to add a catalyst to an accelerant and fuel mixture, when he sees the creature fall. He scurries over and with a firm smack of his cane on its head, makes sure it's dead. If needed, CDG. 2d4 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

"Well, that was fun. Let me guess, Sambar, you now need another 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep before you can get your spells again?"

sorry...actually forgot about the 5' step...thx

Walter winces in pain as he witnesses the Cat going down.

This seems to be a fitting end to our stalker![b]

[b]Better make sure he was alone!

"You get some rest Walter, I will look for any stragglers." As he speaks he removes the Goodberry from his bag and eats it restoring a hit point of health and putting him at 8/11 HP.

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Also, does anyone else have any form of healing, this is Yoshima's very first scenario, so I can't yet buy a wand.

Sorry Johann! I'll keep that in mind, I guess I thought you wanted to move then throw, but you should have been able to just stand and throw a bomb.

Yoshima peers into the undergrowth and trees, seeking any signs of danger. He gazes pierces the foliage, and no other threats are present.

The party passes a fairly restful night. In the morning they continue their journey for another day. By the time dusk sets in, they are right by the foothills of the Kortos mounts. Again, the group camps. This time, they rest without interruption, and awake ready to tacke the next phase of the journey.

Morning of Day 3.

Walter might have to heal you there, Johann doesn't have Infusion yet. On the other hand, the two nights sleeps will restore 2 HP to you, and if you eat another goodberry you'll be at full. That might be a little bit meta though.

Johann prepares another extract of Shield and Cure Light Wounds, as they prepare to set off into the mountains.

With sleep, I'm at 10, I'm fine if 1 HP is the difference in the end, well this is a first level character for a reason haha!

"Shall we continue?" The young paladin asks his comrades as he finishes his morning prayers and straps on his armor.

"Walter, would you like point, and I'll bring up the rear?"

Walter would have spent the next day curing Yoshima and himself by casting cure light wounds on them both.

Walter reaches for his Symbol of Abadar.

Yoshima I can relieve you of some of your injuries.

Yoshima cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Walter cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Then the third day...

Walter smiles at Yoshima.

Yes, I will take point. I would rather the next Cat be coming at me while I am holding this Longspear...Haha!

Walter takes point, holding the Longspear as a walking stick.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29