PF2: Playtesting til we just couldn't anymore (Inactive)

Game Master Wandering Wastrel

Lani fires off one more electric arc.

Electric Arc: 1d6 ⇒ 3

3 damage, DC 15

Gaven tries to lash out with his sword to protect Edric, then follows up with another attack. Since both attacks went poorly, Gaven decides to raise his shield and try to harry to flying monster in an effort to assist Edric in his attacks.

Reaction: Retributive Strike
Action 1: Attack
Action 2: Shield Up
Action 3: Assist Edric

"I got your back!" What with Irfan's skill at melee combat, that's about the gist of it all things considered.

Action 1: Concentration. Action 2: stride to get into combat. Action 3: strike using quarterstaff.
Attack 1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Chill Touch requires two actions and going into combat, where I'd become a target, is not the smartest of choices what with Irfan's AC.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Lani's spell jolts the last remaining demon, which shrieks and sizzles as it evaporates into nothingness.

Combat over! Although I still need a Fort save from Edric.

The poison works its way out of Gaven's system, burning him with pain as it does so (Gaven takes another 1d4 ⇒ 2 poison damage)

Now that the idol has been removed from the pool, you can see that the water is already less murky and starting to clear, although it will be some considerable time before it looks clean again.

You have two choices for your next direction, although one of the stout wooden doors (the one at the bottom of the map) is locked shut.

The locked door needs 3 DC20 Thievery checks to unlock

Lani takes one look at the locked door and laughs. "Nope! We're not getting through that unless we bash it down."

She points at the other one. "That way, then?"

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Edric examines the door and then shakes his head. "I can't get through that one."

Gaven takes a quick look at the locked door. "Maybe if I had an axe... and a lot of time... and a stiff drink. I could use one of those."

Gaven trudges towards the unlocked door. He raises his shield and waits for the rest of the group to join him. Then, he bashes the door open with his shield.

"Lead the way!" With that said, Irfan falls in behind. It seems that his knowledge of, well - all things - was playing second fiddle to his skill at tending to the traumas of the flesh.

Edric feels the sting of poison course through his veins, although he eventually fights it off. (Edric takes 2d4 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7 damage)

*bash*

Gaven smacks the door with his shield and it flies open, knocking into a large number of rusting bits of armour which have been suspended from ropes on the other side of the door.

*smash*

*crash*

*whum*

*whum*

*whumwhumwhumwhumwhum*

A rusted shield falls from one of the frayed ropes and lands, spinning noisily, on the floor.

Whoever set this up now knows that you are coming.

The passageway beyond offers a choice of directions: it curves sharply off to the right, and you can see it branches further beyond that point. To the left, a narrow passage of natural stone appears to lead into a cavern.

With the trap now triggered, all is deathly silent.

Let me know what direction you want to go in

Gaven looks to the group and grimaces. "Any preference to which direction we take?"

Lani shrugs. "Beats me! You're in front, so you decide."

Trying not to influence things with out-of-game knowledge. :P

Edric, who is still feeling somewhat woozy from the quasit's poison, just shakes his head. "Your choice. I'm not feeling so good now anyway."

"Mmm. Lani, Irfan, how are you on healing magic? Do you want to patch up Edric?"

I'll be leading to the left passage. Shield up

"I've only got two more spells left in me today," Lani says. "I'll leave the healing to Irfan unless it's an emergency. We don't know what other creatures lie ahead!"

"I can feel the strain channeling all this energy is putting on me, but I ain't done just yet."

Heal on Gaven: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Heal on Edric: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Now I have 1 channel and 2 spells remaining :)

Gaven sighs with some relief. "Thank you, Irfan. Now to battle."

This large sunken chamber is more cavern than worked stone, and the tangle of damp flagstones underfoot provides an uneven surface. Water and slime drips from the walls, seeping in through narrow cracks above. A crude fire pit sits in the middle of the room, surrounded by filthy mats of fur and fungus. The stench of warm, wet bodies hangs faintly in the air, underlying the smell of overcooked meat.

The fire-pit still glows faintly, suggesting that it has been recently doused. Sadly, it is not bright enough for anyone to see by.

Only Edric, therefore, can see the five goblins lurking at the edges of the cavern...

Lani gets to go first, then the goblins, then the rest of you. Lani - if you want to ready/delay until they come into view (assuming that they come into view), that's fine, just let me know.

MAP

When Edric calls out a warning, Lani focuses her power inward. An angelic halo appears above her head, warding her from harm. "Ashava, keep me safe!" She then hefts her crossbow in both hands.

Use 1 spell point to activate angelic halo. +1 AC vs evil for 1 minute.

OK, this could be painful so bear with me.

Kill the longshanks nice and slow
Chop them up from head to toe
Carve out organs, nice and sweet!
Lots of tasty things to eat

Carve the flesh and break the bones
Tenderise with heavy stones
In the cauldron, longtime stewed
We be goblins! You be FOOD!

Arrows fly from the darkness, striking Gaven in several places (Gaven, you're flat-footed because you can't see the enemy, meaning you get a -2 to AC, so I think that a 14 hits you. Please let me know if not! If it does, you take 6 piercing damage)

Edric can see that one of the goblins is much older, and wilier, than his companions - they shoot at the nearest enemy (Gaven); this one sees a hated dwarf and sights along his bow accordingly. The arrows hit to good effect, sinking deep into Edric's flesh. (Edric takes 8 piercing damage)

Finally, the remaining goblin, a half-naked capering loon with an insane look in its red eyes, dashes into the light. Its grin is wide as it pulls on a rope, sending several large rocks falling onto Edric and Gaven! They strike with devastating accuracy. Edric, Gaven, you take 12 damage from the rocks. Reflex save DC 13 for half, or no damage on a critical success)

After that, the goblin bows, mockingly, and retreats back into the darkness.

Party is up! (then Lani's next turn, who might just be the sole survivor from this expedition...)

MAP

I mentioned that I had my shield up, which would give me AC 18, -2 for flat footed would be 16.

Reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12 The clumsy trait hits me again!

I don't know if it matters, but I think I'm screening Edric from most of the goblins, which would give him +1AC.

"Yikes! Irfan, heal Edric! I'll get Gaven!"

Lani strides forward to get to the paladin, then casts two quick heals in rapid succession. "That's all I've got! We need to either take down the goblins fast or beat a hasty retreat!"

Heal: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Heal: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Stride and cast 1-action heal twice. Out of spell slots! :(

Thanks Gaven - I hadn't realised you could start combat with your shield raised: I thought it took an action. I'd also overlooked the Screening, so thanks for pointing that out. In that case... Gaven takes 4 damage from the arrows and 12 damage from the rocks and Edric takes 5 damage from the arrows and needs to make a Reflex save for the rocks.

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Edric's dwarven reflexes, not usually the best, do give him enough of an edge to avoid the worst of the rubble.

11 total right?

Edric moves quickly to close the gap, going for the cunning goblin, before unleashing a double strike at speed.

Flurry 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Flurry 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

1: Stride, 2: Stride, 3: Flurry!

The last spark of divinity bursts out of Irfan's fingertips and over Edric's traumatized flesh. There, it starts to deconstruct and reconstruct, putting things back where they belong, making right what's wrong.

Action 1+2: Cast 'Heal' using Channel Energy on Edric. Action 3: bring out the crossbow
Heal on Edric: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

I could have said it like "I go through the tunnel in the defender tactic".

Gaven is gripped by fear as he's pummeled by the goblin's trap and tentatively considers withdrawing, but as he sees Edric charge forward bravely despite his injuries, Gaven can't bear to leave him. Gaven whispers a desperate prayer to Abadar to heal and protect him, then charges forward after Edric. Though his blade wavers due to his fear, Gaven in immediately satisfied with his decision.

Action 1: Lay on hands on self
Action 2: Stride
Action 3: Strike

Lay on Hands: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 I have the feat 'Warded Touch' which allows me to use lay on hands without a free hand. Though in the base rulebook it just says 'removes manipulate trait', it is further clarified in the latest errata.
Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Gaven - Changing your LoH to a raise shield action is fine.

With a howl of rage, the goblins counter-charge the paladin and the dwarf. Gaven's armour and shield save him from the worst of it (Gaven takes 4 damage) but Edric is soon bleeding from multiple wounds. (Edric takes 11 damage)

Finally, the half-naked crazed goblin rushes around to one side of the fray, with flames gouting out of his hands! He catches Edric and Gaven in the blaze (Edric, Gaven: Reflex Save DC 15 or take 6 damage. Half on a successful save), but also catches three of the goblins as well, two of whom scream horribly as they burn to death.

Party is up!

With the best of intentions, Gaven tries to slice apart the goblin before it has enough time to attack Edric, but Gaven misses terribly. He then inadvertently steps right into the goblin's fire magic. In haste, he quickly gives Edric a healing fist bump of Abadar, before lashing out with his sword at the goblin (2). The first attack is precise but weak, while the next one could cleave the creature in two, if he hadn't messed up the edge alignment.

Edric gains 5hp and +1AC for 1 round.
Reaction: Retributive Strike
Action1: Lay on Hands on Edric
Action2-3: Longsword on goblin 2

The goblin is already badly weakened from the fire blast, and Gaven's sword kills it stone dead.

Edric, Irfan, Lani are up!

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Edric lashes out with a flurry of fists!

1: Enter Stance. 2: FLurry. 3: Strike
Tiger Flurry 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Tiger Flurry 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Tiger Strike: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 4 = 16 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Lani shoots the goblin closest to her, then she drops her crossbow and casts a spell, zapping him with electricity!

Crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3
Electric Arc: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Strike, drop crossbow as free action, cast electric arc (DC 15). It might deal 2 damage on a crit failure! 0.o

Trained like a proper operator, Irfan raises his crossbow and stares down the sight until he, somehow, aligns his aim with the frantically moving goblin."Suppressive fire!"

Action 1: pew. Action 2+3: cast a ranged 'Heal' on Gaven using a spell slot.
Crossbow vs Goblin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2
Heal on Gaven: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

One of Edric's fists connects solidly with his opponent, who grimaces in annoyance before lashing out with its crude sword, expertly slicing the dwarf to ribbons. (Edric takes 13 damage)

The mad-eyed, crazy goblin seems completely unconcerned at having immolated two of his companions. He dances and capers around, singing, until Lani's spell and Gaven's crossbow bolt bring it back to reality.

"Gnome and longshanks, tasty treat!
Lots of ways to cook and eat
Fried or boiled or minced on toast
But best of all I like them...ROAST!"

Fire again gouts from its hands, engulfing Lani and Irfan. (8 fire damage, DC15 for half)

Party is up!

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Electric Arc: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Lani manages to dodge the worst of the goblin's flames. "Ouch! Getting a little hot under the collar here. Time to bring the thunder!"

The gnome casts her spell, and a tiny spark shoots from her fingers to zap the goblin. "Aw, come on, Ashava! Give me some juice!" She then moves to spread out and avoid getting caught in another blast of fire.

Cast electric arc, 1 damage, DC 15. Stride.

Edric keeps smashing at the goblin, hoping desperately he can end it before it ends him!

Flurry 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Flurry 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Strike 2: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 4 = 16 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Strike 3: 1d20 + 5 - 8 ⇒ (3) + 5 - 8 = 0 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Gaven feels a little safer after some of his wounds knit back together, and then strides back into the fray for another clumsy attempt at swinging a sword. He bites his lip and decides to give Edric his last fist bump of Abadar.

Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Dmg: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Lay on hands: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Edric gains +1AC for 1 round.

"My shawl, it burns!" A hand frantically pats at the damaged fabric before reaching back to fetch another quarrel. Onto the crossbow it goes and then, with a loud phwang, Irfan tries to put an end to this fire starting menace.

Reflex vs DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Attack with Crossbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1
Epic damage rolls abound.

I forgot that Electric Arc targets 2 creatures, so the commando got hit last time and this time as well.

The grizzled goblin takes a solid punch from Edric, but it remains standing - just - until a jolt of lightning arcs through it from Lani's spell, at which point it arches its back and topples to the ground, thoroughly dead.

The capering goblin shrugs off the jolting spell and Irfan's crossbow, before realising that it is all alone. With a shriek of rage and despair, it rushes past Irfan and out into the darkness, never to be seen again.

Combat over!

A quick search of the room reveals the goblins' treasure stash, such as it is: 2 flasks of alchemist’s fire, 1 smokestick, and 10 cp.

Leaving this chamber and retracing your steps, you find that the other end of the passageway terminates in a door. It is not obviously locked, but it appears to be stuck fast.

Athletics check DC 12 to open - you can make as many attempts as needed.

"Maybe we should fall back?" Edric suggests. "We've almost died at least three times now. Lots of filthy goblins dead. Let's get out, rest and return tomorrow to finish the job."

"They'll bring reinforcements or lay new traps if we wait for tomorrow, but I can't imagine us fighting another group like that, not in the shape we're in." He tries to straighten, but it looks like he's pulled a muscle. "I have to apologize. I don't feel like I've been pulling my weight."

Irfan cranks up another bolt just in case the goblin decides to return. "I disagree, Gaven, but our disagreement still doesn't change the fact that I'm growing weary and there's only so little reconstructing magic left within me."

Camping / resting seems wise. I have one heal left and that's *it* :)

***24 hours later***

Retracing your steps, you find that the place is apparently unchanged from when you left, and you arrive at the end of the passageway - which (still) terminates in a door. It is not obviously locked, but it (still) appears to be stuck fast.

Athletics check DC 12 to open - you can make as many attempts as needed.

Feeling refreshed, Lani flexes her fingers and gestures to the door. "Gaven, want to do the honors? I think that door has a date with your foot!"

Irfan braces himself and, if possible, seeks some relative shelter against the cold confines of the hall's walls. "Let's press ourselves against the walls, have a raised shield at the ready to eat whatever might be flung our way, and well, yes, let's do this!"

"I'll do the door." Edric offers, "Then we can have a shield ready for unexpected circumstances..."

Athletics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

The paladin isn't trained in athletics =P He's a lore and knowledge guy who says please every now and then.

"Good planning, Edric." Replies Gaven. He raises his shield just behind Edric as the Dwarf kicks in the door.

The door gives way at the first attempt and you burst into the room.

While this room may have been used as a shrine long ago, its contents are now a ghastly mockery of its former purpose. To the south, an altar upon a raised dais is surrounded by mosaics depicting a stern woman with long, flowing white hair, all of which has been slathered in filth and gore. The whole area reeks of decay and cloying, clotted blood.

Just in front of you, an armoured figure is busily - and noisily - drinking the blood from a goblin corpse which has been splayed out on the desecrated altar. The figure's three-pronged tongue slurps in and out from a gaping wound in the goblin's neck.

Quick as you are, the armoured hobgoblin is quicker, turning immediately to face you. "Excellent. Something to drink that is better than these goblins I've been living off!"

With that, he steps forward and viciously attacks Gaven. The first attack bounces off the paladin's armour, but the second sinks into Gaven's chest. (Gaven takes 7 damage)

Party is up!

Lani casts a spell and reaches for Gaven's sword. Her hands glow briefly, and the weapon begins to shine like moonlight. "Now you've got a true spark of your own. Go get 'im, big guy!"

Cast magic weapon on Gaven's sword.

Gaven blocks the second attack with his shield to help reduce the lethality of the hobgoblin's strike, but insodoing the wooden shield is cleaved in half. Gaven's arm gets a thorough beating, but it does not get chopped. Gaven shrugs off 3 of the 7 damage, but his shield takes 2 dents and becomes broken.

Gaven drops the remaining half of his shield and takes his sword in both hands. As Lani's magic shines within his sword, he looks the hobgoblin in the eyes and yells "DEUS VULT!" before striking thrice in lightning ferocity.

Edric circles the foul creature, drops into his stance and lashes out with hooked fingers.

1: Stride. 2: Stance. 3: Flurry

Flurry 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Flurry 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Bad guy is flat-footed now right?

Irfan sees the hobgoblin's blood smirched cheeks and knows exactly what to put into the creature's head: visions of quinoa and oatmeal banquets.

Action 1: fire crossbow, Action 2+3: Cast 'Fear' vs DC 15.
Crossbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
attack: 1d8 ⇒ 3