[RD] PFS 7-05: School of Spirits (Table 1) (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Harasty

Peregryne backs away from the confrontation and around to the side - to get a clear shot if necessary.

The spirit begins to radiate a dark miasma. She seems to consider the weight of Bon Jon's and Patros's words. Pointing to J. "Why should I forgive her?"

"Forgive her for what? Has she done something to you? If so, I'm sure she will do her best to make amends, and we will help her. Just tell us your story and we will be sure to help you."

Egg keeps a wary eye on the spirit girl, thinking, Spirit be evil...we should kill it for good...but he stays his hand waiting to see what develops...

Boftil, still gripping his hammer so tightly the veins in his arm look likely to pop, waits to see how this conversation plays out. As for Bon Jon's assertion that they'd help this whining ghost, we'll we'd have to see about that.

Think for a moment. If the roles were reversed, what then? It is by a simple twist of fate that she lived...she couldn't control that. You cannot fault her. I know it won't assuage your pain, but talk to her. She is still your friend...diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

As the spirit listens to Patros's words, the darkness around it begins to lighten. "Yes. I understand. She too is just as much a victim of fate as I am. Maybe it is time to stop fighting the fates." As she speaks, Cassiel slowly begins to fade. "Rest is calling me. Thank you for your words. She knows my story and she should share it."

With that the darkness and the spirit of Cassiel fade away. Everyone can sense relief as the whole of the Tri-Towers seems to have been made peaceful once again.

J. Stands up. "Good bye Cassiel. I am sorry but I will remember you and all those that died here." She glances at Grishan. "We both will." She then turns to the party. "Thank you. I know mother does not think highly of Pathfinders, but I am very grateful for what you have done." She smirks with a small laugh. "Maybe I will become a member of your society. That would make mother...happy."

Grishan chuckles as well. "Now friends, shall we to the Arboretum?"

Aye...now that we have helped Cassiel find peace, we can move on....thank the gods! Patros says, a little relieved they didn't have to deal with the spirit.

Well, there are my good rolls used up for this game...lol

Egg nods and follows Junia and her spirit to the Arboretum...

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Bon Jon smiles and waves cheerfully to the fading spirit, hopeful that the future may be kinder to her than the past.

"So, on to the Arboretum... I wonder what Colonel Madris' brother has got cooked up ..."

"Ha! Nice work! Who knew talkin' to dead people might actually work. Most dead things I've come across just end up as smears on me hammer!" The dwarf, helps lead the way to the Arboretum.

Collecting yourselves you make your way to the Arboretum.

The Arboretum Arcanis was once a haven of exotic trees, bushes, and flowers from all over Golarion. The enigmatic wizard Beldrin built the Arboretum in ages past, covering it with a crystal dome that let through light while keeping everything inside safe. Inside the dome, each greenhouse had its own magical temperature and moisture controls, and was watered by artificial clouds that rained only at night. The earthquake of 4698 ar cracked the crystal dome, disrupting and twisting its magic. The magical rain turned dark and acidic, causing the plants to melt away or transform into horrid mockeries of their former selves. Other plants came to unnatural life and strangled their former caretakers, feeding on their pale corpses for lack of other nutrition. Now, even the aggressive undead that plague the Precipice Quarter at night avoid the Arboretum Arcanis.

Most of the Arboretum now lies in ruins and is inaccessible. The crystal dome is cracked, with a large central portion missing at its apex. Vines have grown through the cracks in the dome, so thick that the interior of the dome is shrouded in perpetual dim light, even on bright, sunny days. Large skylights in the Arboretum’s greenhouses open the interior to the corrupting rains. These days, the artificial clouds crackle with soundless, purple lightning and emit a slow drizzle of acidic water from time to time. This liquid eventually corrupts all living things it touches, but the corruption takes days to take hold.

Standing before the Arboretum, Grishan has a sudden flash of memory. He tells the party that he is sure that the packet is inside, and that he now remembers that he placed it in a red lion statue that was part of a fountain. He doesn’t remember the location of the fountain.

Entering the Arboretum

The foyer of the Arboretum Arcanis is in shambles. Debris and dead or dying plant matter cover the mosaic-tiled floor. A gnarled black thorn tree still clings to life in a giant masonry planter. Two massive skylights in the ceiling afford a view of low-hanging, purple and black clouds above; the crystal dome is completely obscured. Piles of rubble obscure most of what once may have been doorways, but a door to the west is free from debris.

As you enter a small bulbous growth detaches itself from one of the trees, it takes the form of a somewhat woody looking gnome and makes a low bow. “Welcome, friends. I am Pip. The caretaker of this place. How may I be of assistance?”

Egg bows to the wood gnome. "Greetings. I am Egg. We look for red lion statue on fountain... you know where find?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Bon Jon looks around at the debris and squints doubtfully. This place could use a good sweeping. I wonder if there's a broom anyplace...?

"Hello Pip, I am Bon Jon. It seems that you are really, uh, taking, uh, care of this place. Do you know Mr. Madris?"

Cork offers a short bow. "Hello Pip." He glances around at the dark and menacing surroundings. It's not at all the sort of place he would want to hang out in.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 Looking around for an ambush, trap, or approaching uglies.

Boftil listlessly reaches down to his hammer and grunts. "Last time I was down here there was just heaps of undead to hit. That was way more fun than all this chattin' and standin' around!"

At the appearance of the gnome, Bofil steps up next to the others. "G'day mate. Sides that red fountain and whatnot, you know any thing around here that need a good bashin'?"

The woody little creature smiles with a thorny grin. "Oh I know of that fountain. And I can show you. But tending this place does take some effort, and I would require payment. Say a drop of blood from each of you?"

Egg does get an uncomfortable feeling of some hidden agenda with Pip's offer.

Cork just sees twisted trees which are disturbing enough, but currently not moving or showing any unnatural behavior.

"Bugger that! Don't know about the rest of this lot, but ya ain't gettin' no blood of mine. That is beyond creepy, if ya ask me!" Boftil doesn't look at all pleased about the strange request from the gnome. "Tell ya what, how bout you tell us where the fountain is or I take more than a drop of your blood instead?"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Cork winces at Pip's request and then even more at Boftil's response. "Hold up," he says and tries to step between Boftil and Pip. "Let's see if we can keep calm about this. You know, Pip, it is a bit strange to ask for our blood. Is there something else we could offer?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17

Egg frowns. "What you do with blood?"

Nice to meet you, Pip. Umm...might we be able to pass without the blood? I mean, I'm not afraid of a wee cut, but that sounds a bit....odd...shall we say? Might you tell us what it would be for?diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Bon Jon shares his comrades’ skepticism regarding Pip’s proposal.

The little creature smirks at Boftil. "Tsk, Tsk. It is only a drop each. It helps me...tend the place." He still keeps his thorny grin while speaking.

Knowledge (nature) to Identify the creature

Peregrine is suspicious of the unorthodox request and tries to understand the creatures motivation. He doesn’t say anything while he stares at the creature.

Kn: Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Peregryne recognizes the creature as a Mandragora. A type of mandrake that comes in to existence from demonic or other evil corruption. It does feed off the blood of living to sustain itself and grow.

You do get the sense that for now, Pip will keep his word.

Bon Jon gazes at the "gnome" suspiciously. He's finding it difficult to imagine a reason why he might give this creature a drop of his blood. He clenches and unclenches his fists.

"Well, let me keep thinking about that blood thing. Do you mind if we just wander around here a bit on our own? Maybe we'll find the fountain ourselves."

Cork presents his question to Pip but has serious doubts that the small creature will allow it.

Pip moves to guard the door and takes a defensive position. "No, I can not let you wander around unescorted. And as I have mentioned, I do need to keep this place running." With all its conviction. "Now pay, or leave!"

Fine...but I will do the cutting. Patros says as he pulls out his bkade and nicks the back side if his shield hand. He offers a drop or two then wraps a rag around the cut.

Any trickery...and you'll see how effective this blade is....

Pip leans forward and with a extended "finger" soaks up a few drops of blood. It is slightly painful as the creature draws out the blood 1 HP damage "Who is next?"

"You're seriously giving your blood to this little pest? There are easier ways to get past, that involve his blood spilling, not ours!" Boftil readies his hammer, clearly more in favour of going through Pip physically rather than giving in to his unsettling request.

Bon Jon also remains very reluctant to surrender any of his blood to this creature. "Come, let us explore on our own. This fellow cannot stop us and he has no right to prevent us from going where we will..."

Egg is also reluctant...he grips his bow tightly and watches for Pip's reaction...

Pip sensing the hostility just smiles. "Well it looks like I may get to get more than just a drop"

With a high pitch whistle from pip, four fiendish giant cockroaches emerge from the soil and descend on the party.

Bold may Act. MAP Updated

Egg
Cork
Patro
Pip
Peregryne
Bon Jon
Boftil
Cockroaches

Well, I tried to do it peacefully... Patros says as he bounds towards the closest bug and swings his curved sword at it. He then readies to fend off any attacks.

attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 181d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 3 = 8p/r: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 191d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 131d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 3 = 12

Egg fires quickly twice at Pip...

Longbow: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 - 2 = 28 (vs. Flat-footed AC)

Confirm: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 1 - 2 = 19 (vs. Flat-footed AC)

Damage: 3d8 + 9 ⇒ (5, 6, 3) + 9 = 23 (only 8 if not confirmed)

Longbow: 1d10 + 9 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 1 - 2 = 15 (vs. Flat-footed AC)

Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 5

Patros steps up an quick dispatches one cockroach.

Egg's Arrows catch Pip twice off guard before he can act. Parts of his thorny exterior is shattered off.

Cork can act before Pip goes

Sorry for the delay, I was at work from 6am till 10pm yesterday.

"Ok. If you're going to be that way then I'm tired of this." Cork takes a few quick steps towards Pip and draws his cutlass as the same time. With a quick mental flash he draws from his arcane power to provide magical armor around himself. Before the ugly creature can respond Cork slashes with his cutlass.

cutlass@Pip: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Used arcane point for +4 to AC for one rd

Pip easily dodges Cork's blade then lets out a high pitched piercing shriek.

Everyone make a will save. And Bold may act

Peregryne
Bon Jon
Boftil
Cockroaches
Egg
Cork
Patro
Pip -23 HP damage

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 +2 higher if it is a mind-affecting effect

Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Cork scowls at Pip as his own stroke misses. He shakes his head at the shriek.

will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

WILL: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 +7 more if spell/spell-like or only +2 more if supernatural

"You'll have to do better than that, ya little pest!" Boftil grunts as he shakes off the effects of the spell. The dwarf then strides forward, his hammer 'Regret' raised and ready to clear away some of the roaches. "You got that little bastard under control? I'll deal with these critters then!"

Attack vs. brown. Enter Controlled Rage +4 STR
+1 Dwarven Longhammer: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 2 = 28 Damage: 2d6 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 7 + 2 = 11

Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
+2 vs Charm, Compulsion & Emotion effects
I will wait and see what the effects are before I take my turn

Bon Jon and Peregryne are nauseated for 1d4 ⇒ 1 rounds.

Each are only limited to move actions this round

Everyone else is unaffected by the sickening sound.

Boftil moves up and quickly dispatches another cockroach.

The two remaining cockroaches skitter up and bite.

Bite -- Cork, smite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Bite -- Boftil, smite: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

But the vermin are unable to reach their targets.

back around to the top. Bold may act. Peregryne and Bon Jon can determine their one move action from the previous round

Egg
Cork
Patro
Pip -23 HP damage
Peregryne (move action for last round)
Bon Jon (move action for last round)
Boftil
Cockroaches

Cork draws on his innate energy again to protect himself and then swipes with the cutlass at Pip.

cutlass@pip: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Patros shifts over to deal with Pip. He slashes at the creature, determined to bring it down. He then readis to fend off any attacks made by the plantman.

Begone, cursed weed!

attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 151d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 3 = 10
p/r: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 201d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 161d8 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 3 = 9
intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8intimidate as a swift if attack hits

Feeling sick to his stomach, Bon Jon merely shifts his position to provide some protection for Sir J.

Egg fires twice more at Pip...

Longbow: 1d10 + 9 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 1 - 2 = 11

Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 10

Longbow: 1d10 + 9 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 1 - 2 = 18

Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 5