GM Tarondor's Kingmaker Campaign

Game Master Tarondor

Piotr, you detect the lingering presence of necromantic magic here, but little more.

Kern, what are you using for a light source as you scout ahead?

"Necromantic magics were used here," Piotr informs his companions. "Not surprising considering those zombies, although I could not tell how, or how long, the undead were held here waiting for trespassers."

No light source to speak of, but just low-light vision.

"Can one of you mages please cast some magical light? I'll stay just ahead of you but I can't see in pitch dark." Kern asks the very magically inclined group behind him.

Didn't truly realize until now that everyone has spells of some sort. Neat!

Aristu pulls out a wand and with a quick spell he places his own magical light on it. He moves to mouth of the cave and peers inside.

Cast Light on Heightened wand of manifold missiles.

I have an ever burning torch sticking out of my backpack or shoved in my belt. That and Aristu's spell is currently how we are seeing I think. I did not see anyone else put up light.

I'm aware that the team has light. But If Kern is scouting ahead, he can't see.

Because of the light alerting monsters, and my surprisingly good stealth, I was planning to be 10-15 ft behind Kern which would keep him lit up by my torch. If that makes it hard for him to find traps and what not I will hand him my torch so he can carry it.

I just remembered that Kern's player is dealing with some things this week and needs us to bot him. So to keep things moving:

Bearing Mikhail's torch, Kern finds himself in a large cavern dominated by a glassy pond that mirrors the stalactites of the ceiling, making it appear as though a fantastic city hovered in the depths of the water.

Moving his head, Kern can see past the reflection on the surface and notice that there is a set of stone stairs leading down into the water.

Far away, Kern can dimly see the far shore of the lake, a rocky beach and a tunnel winding away into the spire. It's so far away that he is certain that tunnel must lead out somewhere.

Mikhail looks out at the water as it disappears into the darkness beyond. He then says, "That might be a problem. There might be a path to one side or the other, or perhaps a boat we can find. If not we would need to fly to pass over that much water."

At 10 ft squares that is a pretty big underground lake. Do we have a few flies to ferry people across?

Alister catches up to Kern and Mikhail near the shoreline. "I have the boat we can use." He pulls the folding boat out, but goes to inspect the top of the stairs that lead into the water first.

Perception +12

The stairs lead downward - that's all you can tell from above the surface of the dark lake.

Does it seem to lead to the surface or can we see them continue below the surface of the water?

"Does anyone have magics permitting them to breathe underwater?," asks Piotr.

Mikhail, the stairs simply go down into the depths of the lake. You'll have to get wet to learn more!

Aristu gazes into the mysterious depths for a moment before answering Piotr, "I can breathe underwater for a minute." He looks to Alister. "Do you want me to take a quick look?"

"I suggest we clear everything above water we can in the cavern before we separate some out to go below." Mikhail says as he wonders if more undead might lurk beneath the waters.

Alister nods. "Seems sensible to me. Let's cross the water and see what's on the other side first." He turns to his brother. "If we have need to explore below the pool later, then you can try. I'm concerned this place has some very dark magic though and we should be careful about being separated."

He puts his folding boat into the water and presses the button to activate it.

Kern nods in agreement as he watches the boat unfold. "I am not eager to explore the depths. Boats were invented for a reason."

Piotr also nods in agreement.

"I agree. Who knows what undead things might be lurking in the depths."

Aristu takes another glance into the dark waters, then - looking half relieved and half disappointed- he climbs into the boat with the others.

Who knows what undead things might be lurking in the depths."

What indeed?

______________________________________________________________

As you row the magical boat across the placid surface of the tellurian lake, the surface suddenly roils with underwater activity as a long snake-like neck raises a huge head above the water and darts forward to seize you!

Initiatives
Alister: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Aristu: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Kernithar: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30 +2 for Initiative
Mikhail: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26
Piotr: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18
Creature: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27

STATUS
Alister
Kernithar
Creature
Mikhail
Aristu
Piotr

Alister and Kernithar, go!

Rule: A CREATURE'S long neck allows it to interact with the surface while its body remains submerged underwater. While submerged no deeper than 15 feet underwater, a CREATURE can still stick its head up to breathe. A CREATURE gains cover against attacks made against creatures who are above the water's surface while it is underwater, even if its head is above the surface.

Kern takes in the creature that has emerged from the depths.

Hunt Prey w/ Recall Knowledge. Pending that first action to do the final two.

If that was a crit, everyone get's +1 for a round to hit.

"This thing is an ancient creature of immense power. It's not magical to my knowledge, but the elves of Kyonin sing tales of its ability to hold its breathe for hours. Don't let it grab you!"

Kern jumps off the side of the boat, his form growing in stature. As he hits the water, his transformation into a Large shark is complete.

Wild Shape 4th Lvl. (Animal Form). I would think technically I should use an action to jump off the boat, but will the GM permit the dive as part of my somatic component?

Sure. The TPK doesn't happen here. That's later.

Free Demoralize vs Will DC: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38 If it's lower level than us, it flees for 1 round

"That long neck is just begging to be cut into a thousand pieces!" He points at the creature and motions cutting its head off.

"Kill it and we eat well tonight!" He encourages his group.

Before the creature can react, Alister weaves a spell and the creature's mind is filled with images of dozens of similar creatures being beached on dry land and being ripped apart by dragons and other large predators.

Lingering Performance (DC 24): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

Cast Phantasmal Killer on it. If it crit fails, it needs to make a Fort Save. Please factor in the reduced save due to being frightened (I assume).
Mental Damage (Will DC 26 for half): 8d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 6, 3, 2, 6, 3, 5, 5) + 1 = 33

Actions:
1. Inspire Courage (+1/+1 to hit and damage for everyone) + Lingering Performance
2/3. Cast Phantasmal Killer

Creature Will Save: 1d20 + 16 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 16 - 1 = 19

As Kern dives into the water, he transforms into a sleek black-and-white killer. With a great shout, Alister frightens the archaic beast and then fills its tiny mind with terrifying visions of vast mososaurs cruising through the dark. The head dives beneath the waves and is gone.

STATUS
STATUS
Alister
Kernithar
Creature - 33 damage, Frightened 1, Fleeing, submerged
Mikhail
Aristu
Piotr

Everyone, go!

Mikhail wracks his mind but comes up empty so he pulls out his crossbow and loads it.

Failed RK on the Arcana checks, then Draw and Load.

Kern swims close to the boat and mirrors the creature, waiting to catch it in his jaws.

Not sure the action economy but I'd like to position myself between the boat and the creature, then Ready a Strike. (I'm now Large with 10ft Reach per Heightened 4th - Animal Form.)

Piotr sits back in the boat, glad that his companions could deal with that threat.

Aristu continues to row the boat across the subterranean lake,

"Where did it go? What did you do to it, Alister?"

"I...I think I scared it away!" Alister laughs. "Come on, let's get the boat to the shore before it comes back. It could probably capsize us if it wanted."

Fighting it from land seems more sensible.

Gotta stay between it and the boat. thinks Kern the Shark as he easily keeps pace with the rowing.

I'm not sure it's going to run away forever?

Are those of you in the boat trying to turn around and head back south? Or continue north?

I would be rowing towards the north shore.

The creature surges to the return and is bitten by the giant shark-that-is-Kernithar Not a crit..

Suddenly challenged in its own domain, the long-necked monster attacks the shark and ignores the boat! With a blood curdling shriek, itt bites down on the giant shark and seizes hold of it! There is blood in the water.

1. Stride
2. Strike
3. Grab

jaws v. Jaws, Frightened: 1d20 + 17 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 17 - 1 = 262d12 + 10 ⇒ (1, 1) + 10 = 12 piercing plus Grab

STATUS
STATUS
Alister
Kernithar - Shark Form - 102/102 hp (3 temp hp left), Grabbed
Creature - 24 damage, cover vs. those in boat
Mikhail
Aristu
Piotr

Everyone, go!

Since this is the first battle underwater in P2e. Can I shoot my crossbow into the water and have it effect them? Can I cast spells through the water?

Did the creature heal somehow? It has less damage this round than last.

Alister points at the creature under the water and shouts. "It's got Kern! Rip it apart!" He extends his right hand and the elven tattoos flare to life. Lightning arcs out at the creature in the water.

Electric Arc (Reflex DC 26) (IC): 4d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 2, 2, 2) + 4 + 1 = 13

Actions:
1. Inspire Courage (+1/+1 to attack and damage)
2/3. Electric Arc vs frightened

Kern wiggles in the grasp of the ancient beast, trying to find purchase with his jaws.

Jaw vs Prey (1): 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 16 + 1 = 18
Damage: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (5, 7) + 9 = 21

Jaw vs Prey (2): 1d20 + 16 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 16 + 1 - 3 = 25
Damage: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (3, 4) + 9 = 16

Jaw vs Prey (3): 1d20 + 16 + 1 - 6 ⇒ (13) + 16 + 1 - 6 = 24
Damage: 2d8 + 9 ⇒ (2, 5) + 9 = 16

RULES FOR AQUATIC COMBAT and RULES FOR AQUATIC COMBAT

TL:DR: Your crossbow will work just fine, but its range is halved. Also, this creature has cover (+2 to AC, Reflex, Stealth) versus creatures above the water.

Technically, Kern's slashing attacks (jaws) take a -2 penalty because they're passing through water, but as that makes no sense at all, I'm ignoring it.

Did the creature heal somehow? It has less damage this round than last.

Oops!

2/3. Electric Arc vs frightened[/ooc]

Nuh-uh. It's no longer frightened.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24 Failure

Thrashing around, Kern manages to get a solid bite of lake monster! Meanwhile, Alister launches a bolt of lightning at it!

STATUS
STATUS
Alister
Kernithar - Shark Form - 102/102 hp (3 temp hp left), Grabbed
Creature - 73 damage, cover vs. those in boat
Mikhail
Aristu
Piotr

Mikhail, Aristu, Piotr, go!

Mikhail fires his crossbow, loads it and fires again.

Fire, Load, Fire. I am pretty sure I am in the first range increment still.

Crossbow Attack: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 16 + 1 = 20

Crossbow Damage: 2d10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5, 9) + 2 + 1 = 17

Second Crossbow Attack: 1d20 + 16 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 16 - 5 + 1 = 31

Second Crossbow Damage: 2d10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 + 1 = 8

One of Mikhail's bolts skips off the surface of the water, but another strikes the monster in the neck!

STATUS
STATUS
Alister
Kernithar - Shark Form - 102/102 hp (3 temp hp left), Grabbed
Creature - 81 damage, cover vs. those in boat
Mikhail
Aristu
Piotr

Anyone, give me orders for Aristu and Piotr.

I have added the +1 to hit and damage, because Inspire Courage now seems to effect any attack and damage and not just weapon damage.

Aristu calls upon his innate power and a horde of Magic Missiles shoot down to strike the immense creature.

I am using a 3rd level slot and all three actions. The Heightened +2 effect is you get an extra missile with each action. So I think he gets six missiles.

Magic Missiles at 3rd Level: 6d4 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 2, 4, 2, 4, 2) + 6 + 1 = 22

Piotr resorts to throwing flames down at the creature and then casting a Shield spell.

Produce Flame x2, Shield.

Produce Flame: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 16 + 1 = 32

Produce Flame Damage: 4d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 3, 2, 4) + 4 + 1 = 18

If that is a crit the creature takes 4d4 Persistant Fire damage, assuming that can happen under water. I did not add Bard Song to this because I am not sure it would apply to persistent damage.

Persistent Fire Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (2, 2, 4, 2) = 10

Piotr summons a ball of flame that he hurls at the dinosaur.

Spell Attack: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
Fire damage: 4d4 ⇒ (3, 2, 3, 3) = 11

On the one hand, Thomas gave Piotr's orders nine hours earlier than John's, but on the other, I only just read both, so I'll use John's. Turns out they had the same idea.

And yes, Inspire Courage does add +1 to magic missile.

Flame and force burst into being and, hurled by the will of mighty spellcasters, slam into the huge beast with deadly effect. It lets go of the attacking shark (Kernithar) and flees! Its huge paddle strikes the shark as it goes.

Swift in water, it is very slow on land and manages to haul itself only a few feet up the tunnel, bleeding from many wounds.

Thrashing Retreat v. Kern: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 282d6 + 10 ⇒ (3, 5) + 10 = 18

STATUS
STATUS
Alister
Kernithar - Shark Form - 87/102 hp
Creature - 121 damage, cover vs. those in boat
Mikhail
Aristu
Piotr

Everyone, go!

Kern moves to the shores edge but does not exit yet.

He swims back and forth, awaiting his companions.

How ever many Strides that may be. Just don't want to shift back and then have it jump into the water again. Also wishing we had some full druidic goodness.

Mikhail continues to send bolts at the creature.

Load, Fire, Load

Crossbow Attack: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 16 + 1 = 29

Crossbow Damage: 2d10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8, 5) + 2 + 1 = 16

The bolt sinks deep into the creature's neck and it dies.

COMBAT OVER

You monsters! That was the last of the great river elasmosauruses and you killed it! You will hear from Greenpeace, gentlemen! And in Golarion they come with druids.

Why don't they come with a cleric who can cast Raise Dead? Wouldn't that better serve their purpose?

And upset the natural order? That elasmosaurus has returned to the green! Ya heathen!

Mikhail focuses on rowing the group across and makes a mental note that more bolts might be needed.