[Gameday VII] Rose Street Revenge - PFS Playtest - Elinnea (Inactive)

Game Master Elinnea

Together Jorgon and Lander determine that this trap is not going to go off again. Taking a closer look, they see a way to offset the pressure plate, and think they could disable the trap if they came across a similar one.

I'm normally cautious about botting with limited-use abilities, but it seems likely that Kyra would heal herself after that blow, so I'll use one of her channels.

Heal: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Kyra lays a hand on the wound caused by the slashing blade, and the worst of the damage is healed.

As the echoes from the shouts and the triggered trap all fade away, there's a small scuffling sound from the south as someone tries to sneak up on you and... we're in combat!

I'll roll initiative using the tactics that you declared earlier

Round 1
Cain
Pooka
Lander
Jorgon
Yellow kobold
Pink kobold
Kyra (-2)
Tessel
???
Blue kobold

The four in bold can act, and notice three kobolds trying to steathily approach from the south tunnel (we'll say by sound, if you're not close enough to the front to be able to see them).

Cain hears the scuffling, darts out into the hallway and his eyes go wide. "Why you little rats! You hurt the lady!" Rushing forward he swings a meaty fist at the front Kobold.

Stride 20 ft, Step 5 ft, Strike Yellow.

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 for Nonlethal Bludgeoning: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

"Sharks you say? Time to go fishing!"

Having dealt with the trap, Jorgon returns to the clear path beside the muck and proceeds with shortsword in hand toward the kobolds. Moving 25 ft he stops adjacent to yellow, surprising the creatures instead of being surprised. On the first round of combat, creatures that haven’t acted are flat-footed to you.

Seeing the first kobold wounded by Cain, Jorgon swings instead for purple.

Shortswrod attack against flat footed: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Shortsword potential damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Potential sneak attack damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Potential critical damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
I don't have time to check right now if sneak attack dice are also doubled so just in case...
Potential critical damage from sneak attack: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Jorgon then provides his best intimidating glare at blue to demoralize him.You can Demoralize those around you with a mere glare. When you do, Demoralize loses the auditory trait and gains the visual trait, and you don't take a penalty when you attempt to Demoralize a creature that doesn't understand your language or can't hear you.
Intimidation: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

If we were not considered to have a weapon in hand then Jorgon would have had to use an earlier action to draw his sword so would not be able to attempt to intimidate

Pooka nimbly hops up on the nearby ledge and races advances just around the corner to see what's happening even though she already basically knows what's happening. She just likes to see it for herself.

"Hah! Stupid Baby Sharks can'ts sneak up on anyones," she cackles gleefully before starting up a little cheer to inspire them all.

~Ra ra ree,
Kicks them in the knees
Ra ra rass,
Kicks them in the other knees!~
____________

Pooka will 'Stride' to her current map position and then cast 'Inspire Courage' which has a 1 round duration; you inspire your allies with words or tunes of encouragement. You and all allies in the aura gain a +1 conditional bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear.

Lander moves forward and shoots at yellow kobold.
to hit: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Cain leads off with a hefty punch, sending the first kobold flying backwards. He lies on the ground, unmoving but still breathing. Jorgon then steps up and slashes through the next kobold. It was utterly unprepared for the relentless attack, and drops dead before making any sound. His intense stare fills the remaining visible kobold with dread, and his toothy mouth drops open in an expression of horror. Meanwhile, Lander's first arrow plinks harmlessly against the wall of the sewer tunnel.

Two kobolds have both been dropped, so the rest of the party is up

Round 1
Cain
Pooka
Lander
Jorgon
Yellow kobold - unconscious
Pink kobold
Kyra (-2)
Tessel
???
Blue kobold

Tessel isn't quite as unforgiven as Cain, but she keeps her thoughts to herself. Well, we seem to be the one invading their turf. Even if they wanted to take over from our allies. She strides forwards, to gaze upon the carnage that her companions already wrought. "That should teach you. Go home, these sewers aren't yours," she boasts.

To add some punch to her words, she summons the fire within her, uttering a low growl from her throat while she flexes her fingers to coax the energy out. When her hand is glowing red hot, she makes a throwing motion at the remaining kobold, releasing a gout of flame. "Jorgon, duck!" she warns the Kelish man who's screening the kobold from her view.

--

First action to Stride 25 ft., then use two actions to cast the 'Produce flame' cantrip and toss it at the blue kobold. If I'm correct, the kobold gets +1 circumstance bonus to AC due to screening.
Ranged attack +inspire: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9
Damage +inspire: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

My last post seems not to have stuck :-(

Jorgon has a great respect for spellcasters and their abilities so responds instantly to Tessel's warning by crouching low while maintaining his concentration on the enemy and his weapon at the ready. He also remembers Fazgyn's advice and reminds himself to seek for traps even while in combat.

Oooh! I just re-read the 'speaking in combat' section (pg 308) and I guess I don't have to wait until my turn to react verbally to things. Excellent! RP incoming. :P

As the blood sprays wide and high from the splatter of Jorgon's knife, Cain brings his hairy arm up to keep it from his eyes. He exclaims, "holy crap did ya really need to gut him stern to stem? I just knocked mine out..."

Ooh, I hadn't noticed that but you're right, speaking isn't a free action, it's no action at all. Still only 6 seconds' worth per round, but I like it. Especially for PbP.

I'll delay Kyra for now.

Tessel's burst of flame flies harmlessly over the quivering kobold's shoulder. That appears to do it for her, and she takes off running around the corner. A moment later two more armored kobolds appear from around the bend, looking a little confused at their ally taking off in the other direction.

Nevertheless, one rushes up to attack Jorgon with the pick that he's holding.

Attack Jorgon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Second attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

The weapon can't quite penetrate the rogue's armor. The other kobold stands back in the intersection with a sling drawn and sends a bullet flying at Cain.

Attack Cain: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

The bullet clangs against the wall and the kobold hurriedly loads another into his sling.

Round 2
Cain
Pooka
Lander
Jorgon
Kyra (-2)
Tessel
Blue kobold - fleeing
Green kobold
Red kobold
Yellow kobold - unconscious

Everyone's up! (If anyone has colorblindness and has trouble telling the kobolds apart let me know. In retrospect I realize red and green are not the wisest choices...)

Emboldened by the goblin, Cain steps up and swings a couple fists at the newcomers while growling, "we'll fill the hall with your bodies if need be, surrender!"

Step, Unarmed Strike at Green 2x

Unarmed + Inspired Courage: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 = 20 for Bludgeoning/Nonlethal + I.C.: 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

Unarmed + I.C. - 2nd attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 - 4 = 10 for Bludgeoning/Nonlethal + I.C.: 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

Lander moves closer and shoot in red kobold.

to hit + inspire: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 = 22
damage + inspire: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Cain's first punch lands heavily, almost knocking the kobold backwards, but the second one goes wide. Lander's arrow finds its target in the other kobold's left shoulder. (It's not quite a crit.)

Round 2
Cain
Pooka
Lander
Jorgon
Kyra (-2)
Tessel
Blue kobold - fleeing
Green kobold (-5)
Red kobold (-2)
Yellow kobold - unconscious

Pooka continues to cheer her companions on, even as she pulls out a shortbow and readies to fire an arrow into the fray - provided the others leave some kobold for her!

~Hey, hey, gos, fights, wins,
Hey, hey 'til the ends!
Hey, hey, gos, fights, wins,
Until the very ends!~
____________

Pooka recasts/concentrates on Inspire Courage and spends (two?) actions to draw and ready her shortage!

I believe for bows, long and short, it does not take an action to ready an arrow, it is included in attacking.

Having listened to Fazgyn, Jorgon now remembers to quickly but intently look around for traps. First action = seek with perception +3

Then, as long as it seems safe, Jorgon moves forward to red while advising it to "Surrender now and agree to leave the Sewer Dragons territory and you may yet live." Unless the kobold immediately shows signs of surrender, Jorgon follows up with a swing of his shortsword.

shortsword attack + inspire courage: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26
Dang!
potential shortsword critical damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 5) + 8 = 19

Edited to add, I almost hope a surrender came before that blow, though it would also seem a shame to waste rolls like that.

Tessel looks just a little smug when the kobolds flee just after sending her flame bolt. "Yeah, that's the smart move!" she calls after the fleeing creature.

She tries to figure out what exactly Pooka is singing, and is about to remark on it when she sees Jorgon at work. The violence done by the Keleshite's shortsword is a bit much for her to stomach. She hesitate to say something, but doesn't really know how to do so tactfully. "Ehm, Jorgon. I... think he got the message..."

She steps forward and summons another gout of glame, hurling it to the kobold closest to her.

--

Action to Step 5 feet, two actions to cast the 'Produce flame' cantrip at red.
Ranged attack +Inspire: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 1 = 20
Damage +inspire: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Jorgon is correct. Slings and crossbows have reload times (either 1 or 2 actions) but for bows it's included in the action to fire. So Pooka would have one more action left but well... with the way this combat is going it might not matter.

While Pooka sends goblin chants echoing around the sewer, Jorgon attempts a bit of kobold diplomacy. The kobold in front of him looks somewhat unnerved but has no reaction to the man's words. His shortsword swiftly does a better job communicating as it splatters the kobold's remains across the floor.

Tessel steps up and tosses a burst of flame at the remaining visible kobold that is standing, and brings him down as well.

Jorgon, from his position at the sewer intersection, can see that the kobold who was fleeing before comes back toward the site of the combat, though she is still glancing at Jorgon and trembling a little.

Round 3
Cain
Pooka
Lander
Jorgon
Kyra (-2)
Tessel
Blue kobold - frightened 1
Yellow kobold - unconscious

Cain lumbers forward to the corner and glancing ahead he sees a familiar Kobold still holding a weapon. Taking a step closer to her he brings his meaty fist down to knock her out.

Stride 20 ft, Step, Strike Blue.

Unarmed + Inspired Courage: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 = 23 for Bludgeoning/Nonlethal + I.C.: 1d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

Not wanting to be any more exposed to the sludge in the canal, nor slowed by the muck, Jorgon makes an easy leap across to the other side then progresses to move down the tunnel all the while vigilant for traps and other dangers.

leap, stride, seek
GM Elinnea, if you determine that an acrobatics check is required for the leap, I am happy to provide one.

"OK Cain, let's see what this creature has on them."

If the kobold is not unconscious then Jorgon would address them directly and tell them to surrender.

Lander moves around the corner and shoot in blue kobold with his longbow.

to hit + inspire: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 1 = 18
damage + inspire: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

My damage rolls are bad. :)

A triumphant roar sounds from Tessel's throat when her flame blast drops the kobold, and the sound seems to surprise even herself. Her voice skips and she clears her throat. "Sorry about that. I didn't really... I only meant to scare him away."

She hears sounds of more battle around the corner, but by the sounds it seems like the battle there is over before it has really begun. She strides up to look around the corner, then walks back to check on the unconscious kobold in yellow. Not wanting the fellow to drown in the muck, she tries to pull him up to the ledge she's standing on.

-

I'm later in the initiative order, and no further combat actions seemed necessary.

Actually, it's not over! This kobold has more HP than the others. If Jorgon or Tessel want to change your actions you can.

Cain strikes another powerful blow, and Lander's arrow finds its target, but the sturdy kobold stands her ground, if barely.

Round 3
Cain
Pooka
Lander
Jorgon ?
Kyra (-2)
Tessel ?
Blue kobold (-10) - frightened 1
Yellow kobold - unconscious

Jorgon's actions stand, he has taken to heart Fazgyn's advice to always seek for traps in kobold territory so that requires an action and crossing the channel then moving requires two actions. As stated he would have demanded surrender so only the RP would change a little. Next turn though, if the kobold remains...

With the tide of battle firmly shifted to their side, Pooka lets her singing echo and fade away as she hustles after the single kobold and her companions. As she reaches the corner she finally has sight to the creature and attempts to bring it down with her bow!

Attack (Shortbow): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

"Kobolds not as smarts as dragons; dragons knows when to gives up!"
____________

Pooka will Stride twice and then Strike with her shortbow!

I'll redo my action.

Tessel does a double-take as she looks around the corner. She had expected another unconscious kobold tbere - or worse - but this kobold seems to hold her ground quite well. [i]Could it be their leader, or one who's had more training. Whatever the reasons, Tessel doesn't want to take any chances. "Take care up there. She seems to know how to fight!"

Despite the crowded quarters, Tessel thinks she spots a gap to sling another flame blast. She casts another spell by uttering the low growl she did earlier, and flings the flame at the kobold. She doesn't want to run the risk of hitting Lander, and has to aim a bit too high.

Stride to the corner, then cast the 'Produce Flame' cantrip. Target gets +1 AC for screening.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

The last remaining kobold somehow avoids the attacks of both Pooka and Tessel, though her wide-eyed stare makes obvious how unnerved she is to be surrounded by enemies. She hisses a few words and reaches out one hand to try and touch Cain's armor.

Touch attack vs. Cain: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 = 20
Electricity damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

The spell was shocking grasp, so she got a bonus because Cain is wearing metal armor, and he also takes 1d4 persistent electricity damage.

She grins triumphantly and shrieks on Common, "Ha! How about that?!"

It suddenly seems to dawn on the kobold that she's the only one left standing and she hurriedly backs away, glancing into the tunnel leading to the south.

Round 4
Cain (-10), persistent electricity 1d4
Pooka
Lander
Jorgon
Tessel
Blue kobold (-10)
Yellow kobold - unconscious

"Heys! You won't gets away with thats!" Pooka cries as she attempts to leap across the gap of sludge to the opposite side...

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

...and then moves up the tunnel a bit before attempting to fire another arrow at the fleeing kobold!

Attack (Shortbow): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Lander moves closer to the enemy and shoots with his longbow two times.

to hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

to hit: 1d20 + 5 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 - 5 = 19
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Tessel has to give the kobold credit for tenacity, choosing to fight back despite being so outnumbered. Still, she seems capable of inflicting actual harm on her colleagues, which won't do.

She leaps across the sewer to close the distance with the kobold. Her first instinct is for Cain and to check that the man is still alright. However, the lingering electricity on his armor gives him pause. "Cain, are you ok? Are you... static?." Without anything else to go on, she turns to Kyra, who might know more of these matters. "Kyra, any idea whether Cain will be OK? Is he safe to touch?"

With that settled, she turns her attention back to the spellcasting kobold. "You should have ran when you could." She summons a blast of fire once more and leans from behind Lander's back to chuck it at the lone kobold.

Ranged attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

The last remaining kobold falls under the combined assault, and her shrill dragon-like cries echo into silence.

Combat is over, but we won’t drop out of encounter mode until Cain deals with the persistent damage. The rules are on page 323 of the playtest rules, but to summarize: at the end of each turn Cain needs to roll 1d4 to take more damage, and then try a DC 20 flat check to end it. He can use any number of actions to reduce the DC to 15, and get an extra check attempt each time such an action is used. In this case that would represent trying to ground his armor somehow.

Are the rest of us able to aid Cain in some manner?

Short answer yes, long answer "You or an ally can spend actions to help you recover from persistent damage, such as casting healing spells or using Medicine to Administer First Aid against bleeding, dousing a flame, or washing off acid; successfully doing so reduces the DC of that condition’s flat check to 15 and usually lets you immediately attempt an extra flat check to end that persistent damage. The reduction to the DC lasts until you remove the persistent damage or gain another persistent damage condition with the same damage type."

Okay, first thing first.

Cain rages because... that's what happens when he gets hurt. Blood pumping heavy in his ears and tunnel vision set in he draws his bastard sword, moves up and starts hacking the source of the pain (Kobold).

Considering the Kobold is already dead we can just skip those rolls. Either way, his actions this round are used up so he takes the damage then gets a flat 20 roll to stop further persistent damage, right?

He takes 1d4 ⇒ 2 electrical damage and tries to overcome it with 1d20 ⇒ 13 which fails. Raging did give him 4 temp HP so that's good.

Current status -10 HP w/ 2 Temp HP left and 2 rounds of rage left.

As his armor crackles around him, Cain sticks his sword into the still warm kobold body and presses the hilt against his armor trying to offload some of the excess energy.

Flat 15: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Now I'm guessing that he waits to see if his allies can help at all to give him more Flat 15 checks. If he doesn't get help or those fail, he takes the damage again and gets another Flat 20 check before moving onto the next round, right?

Okay, noted. Since we're still in combat rounds I think Pooka will have to wait until the next round to attempt to help Cain.

on my turn

Lander goes to Cain and tries to remove his armor with bare hands.

Jorgon joins in, helping to remove the armour and offers Cain an Elixer of Healing (1d8 HP)

Do I get a check per person aiding or per action attempted or...?

The DC is lowered to 15 for the rest of this persistent damage, so there is no more DC 20 check. As I read it, yes you get an extra check for each action and each time an ally helps you. Basically, if you're all doing nothing but trying to get rid of the persistent damage, you'll be able to manage it pretty quickly.

Flat 15 Lander: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Flat 15 Jorgon: 1d20 ⇒ 16

There we go!

As Cain and the rest of the Pathfinders manage to extract him from the sparking armor, a sound comes from the chamber to the south. It turns out to be Fazgyn himself, leading two more Sewer Dragon kobolds. He looks at Cain's singed appearance and the bodies of kobolds strewn along the sewer, and lets out a low whistle.

"We handled some scouts at the other entrance, but it looks like you had the tougher fight out this way. Sorry 'bout that. Between our two groups we've taken care of them now, though. The Dragon Sharks shouldn't be bothering us any more. Thanks for all the help. There are some piles of stuff back in here, if you want to look for any valuables. I already checked for traps, so it's clear. " He jerks his thumb back toward the cavern he just came out of.

Cains breathing slows and he can focus a bit more on things around him. He takes the offered elixir and slams it back. Nodding towards Jorgon he speaks, "thanks, I lost it for a bit there." He quickly slips his armor back on and when Fazgyn comes he heads off to look for loot.

Elixir: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Perception: Seek +2

"You're welcome big guy. Let me know what you find." Jorgon replies to Cain with a smile in his voice.

To the rest of the group he adds, "Well, we've completed our main task here. Should we return to Dragonspeaker Engashez and see if we can find out anything relevant to our overall mission, or do you think we should head straight back to Venture-Captain Valsin?"

"We should goes and reports," Pooka remarks, grinning widely in satisfaction at a job well-done. "But first let's see whats shinies there are! Shinies, shinies, shinies!"

With that, Pooka eagerly chases after Cain. "Waits for mes, don't takes all the good stuffs!"
____________

Perception: Seek +1!

Lander goes to see what is in there for him.

Perception: Seek +4

Cain, Pooka, and Lander scour the outpost of the Dragon Sharks. They uncover a small stash of items tucked into a corner. It consists of a scroll, a hat, 8 silver coins, and a journal. The first two items are magical (as I'm sure somebody will be able to figure out) but the journal is mostly waterlogged and only the pages near its center are legible.

I've added the text from the journal to the slides, after the image of Fazgyn.

The rest of the room just contains scraps of clothing and random bits like spare wire.

Tessel lets the men search. As they turn up the first items that seems magical, she attunes herself to magical auras and assists in the search. When the group is satisfied that they've gotten everything of interest, she puts her hand on her hips. "Well, that was a load of junk, as was to be expected. Still, two magical items that might prove to be great treasures. Not too shabby! I could take a closer look, but it'll take me a bit of time. I'd rather do that where the air is clear, if you all don't mind."

With the items done for now, she tries to make out what the journal is supposed to be. "Someone who helped a few of the former slaves?" Her eye falls on on passage in particular. "See here, this part about the halfling gardener in the Rose Street. Isn't that what they called the serial killer? Maybe he's seen something! We should report this to the Lodge, and see if we can find him. Right?"

Before long, another thought pops into her heads. "Wasn't there supposed to be a run-away guard in here, with the kobolds? I couldn't make head nor tails of what the Dragonspeaker meant. Maybe we can ask her again, not that the Dragon Sharks have been dealt with?"

--

Use detect magic during the search. When we get back to the lodge, Tessel tries to Identify Magic on both items. (Arcane/Religion, both at +1).

"Ooh, nice hats," Pooka grins, immediately trying it on before anyone can object. "What you thinks? Is it mes?" she asks, spinning around for a moment, the floppy hat perched ridiculously on her head, her oversized goblin ears peeking out from underneath it.

"Heh! Playing dress-up is funs," Pooka continues, pulling the hat back off her head and passing it over to Tessel. She peers over the woman's shoulder, curious, trying to help make sense of the journal entries they'd found.

"List of slaves? That'd make it easys for someone to finds them and...and kills them," the goblin frowns, her expression now quite serious. "We shoulds report this back to the Lodge!"

Cain guffaws at the goblin and slaps her on the shoulder, "that's a good look there! I like you Pooka!"

I'm guessing we are taking the planned break now? Will this even continue after?

Dragonspeaker Engashez, upon being questioned further, merely shrugs. "That man was just someone guarding the sewer for us. I don't know if he has anything to do with your missing people problem. If we find out anything more, I'll send word. It's good to have the Pathfinders as allies." She grins widely, showing off her impressive set of teeth.

Back at the Grand Lodge, Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin is pleased with your report. "Very good, I will contact Venture-Captain Drandle Drang about our ongoing relationship with this group of kobolds. It seems we will be able to continue working together in the future." He looks at the evidence presented in the journal, and lets out a Hmm, one finger tapping on his chin. "This is troubling. I believe this list of names might open some new leads in our investigation.

"But before you tackle any further tasks, perhaps you would care to take a break." His nose wrinkles up slightly. "And a bath?"

As soon as she gets a chance, Tessel sits down with the magical items to figure out what they do. The scroll remains a mystery, but the hat is clearly a hat of disguise. (Page 393 in the playtest book)

Cain looks at his allies, "SEE! I told you we would have to stop to bathe if we went to the sewers first!"

He stomps off to find a bathhouse. Not really upset but he'll make a big show of it at least.

Jorgon is happy to avail himself of a long soak and a good scrub. He will check his equipment and make sure all is ready for when the group reassembles for their next task.

"You were right, Cain. I never doubted it."