[PFS2 GM Psyblade] 01-01 The Absalom Initiation

Game Master Psyblade

College of Mysteries?

"Let's see about that haunted house, I'd say. Better now than at night."

We suggested the haunted house first, and I think we were told we had to wait until night for it. I vote for College of Mysteries, as well.

College of Mysteries sounds good to me.

Since it isn't night yet, college of mysteries it is, I will post next blurb in a few hrs, doing a change atm, so please bear with me

Gather intelligence roll from everyone (diplomacy)

When the party arrives at the museum after hours, they find the front door closed but unlocked. A single staff member, Chayron, is cleaning the museum, performing maintenance on the exhibits, and acting as a doorkeeper for Tavvar and her assistants.

Let me know how people want to enter the College, stealth or just walking in

After hours? How long did it take us to go out to the boat and back? It was morning when we left, wasn't it?

Diplomacy(untrained, gather info): 1d20 ⇒ 7

Doc has no success getting any information, but he knows where the College of Mysteries is. As they approach, he opens the door and calls inside. "Hello? Pathfinder Society here, looking for some information ..."

Gather Info: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Vellir takes some time doing his best to chat up the locals. When he enters the museum, he does so quietly, but assumes the big lugs won't follow suit.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Tevvy will waltz in proudly, as Tevvy deserves to.

The order of the scenario makes "less" sense tbh if you go over it

Nothing is learned from asking the locals as the team makes it's way towards the Blakross Museum. Once arriving there the door will be opened by what seems to be someone from the cleaning staff, introducing himself as Chayron, checking out the team a frown crosses his face. "I know it is late, but, who are you and what are you doing in this museum after closing hours. Nobody should be here."

D'oh, just realized I have Academia Lore. I'll roll that, just in case that gets me any information about the College of Mysteries or helps with the gather info.

Academia Lore: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

"Greetings, my good Mr. Chayron. We have been sent by Gorm Greathammer, to investigate someone here who has been researching some scrolls. I do apologize that we do not have greater depth of information to provide, which is why we wanted to ask around a bit among your current researchers. Might you know of anyone conducting some cutting-edge, perhaps even dangerous, research in this area?"

Bloodshanks walks through the door. "We'll just show ourselves around a bit, if that's okay."

Chayron was about to say something as Doc barged past him. "3rd floor, lot of stuff been going on... not sure what..." He then stepped aside and let the group move on as he pointed them towards the stairs for the 2nd floor.

Moved you all on the map

Sorry, got busy this weekend.

Doc moves through the building, toward the stairs up to the second floor, his eyes surveying things as he passes. "Oh, they've updated this exhibit ..."

Explore action: Investigate

Namza scowls a bit at many of the exhibits. "Not surprised there are unusual things happening here. Where did all of these artifacts come from?"

Vellir follows a short ways behind Doc. "I've heard such awful things about this place. But the few I've met who've been here always clam up at the details." He looks under and around everything that seems like it won't attack if disturbed.

Exploration tactic: Search

Tevvy follows along. "Tevvy's sure it can't be too bad. After all, Pathfinders come here all the time, so it must be a nice place to come to, right?"

Tactic: Search

Carefully framed spellbook pages hang along this room’s walls, while eldritch relics stand in small display cases in the room’s center. In the far corner, shadows hang thicker than the rest of the room, and it seems a boisterous half-orc woman stands there, surrounded by vague figures, as she welcomes newcomers. Her voice is thin and reedy, but eerily familiar. “Congratulations! Let me spice up that punch a bit for you—to celebrate, of course!”

As you keep standing around there you see more encounters from the event you have attended.

"Well, that's a little creepy," Vellir says. "Glad it doesn't go back further in our heads. Then it'd be a real haunted house!" He keeps looking through the area, around the images.

"Nothing to be afraid of here. I don't jump at shadows."

"Tevvy's not afraid of nothing," he declares, confidently marching on. "You think this is bad, you shoulda seen the mummies."

Bloodshanks nods at the others. "Yes, mere phantasms." Despite his words, he picks up his pace toward the stairwell, clearly not wanting to linger near the images.

Doc continues moving up the stairs.

Sorry for the delay, been sick end of last week and been busy beginning this week.

The area where Doc and Tevvy are walking to are stairs leading down. the Stairs going up are opposite of where the team entered.

Gonna do a quick bit fast forward if ppl don't object since nothing really happens. And if everyone agrees put you on the 2nd floor

Sounds good

The apparitions are interesting, but wear thin quickly. Vellir scampers up the stairs in search of the dangerous research the team is after.

Doc adjusts his bandolier, getting a bit of a spring in his step. "Strange, my alchemist tools feel much lighter than usual today ..."

The group heads towards the stairs and where the voices are coming from.

A gigantic reptilian beast is on display in the center of this expansive gallery, ferociously leering over the collection of taxidermy animals and monsters. Shadows flit between the displays, meandering and shuffling shapes reminiscent of museum patrons. Then a distant shriek echoes off the walls, as the shadow of a stuffed owlbear lashes out at one of the shadow-visitors with its talons. The shadow of the tyrannosaur in the room’s center departs from its source and snaps at the misty image of another patron, tossing its head back and seeming to swallow its meal nearly whole. Other shadows snarl and hiss, scuffling amongst themselves as shadow-guests panic and run toward the exit.

the shriek appears to be coming from the third floor up the stairs.

"Trouble upstairs. Let's hurry!" Namza rushes to the stairway to investigate.

Vellir ogles the upgraded attraction for a moment, then grabs his crossbow in a mad dash for the stairs.

Doc hustles up the stairs, pulling a bottled lightning and a frost vial from his bandolier as he does so, ready to confront the trouble should they encounter it.

GM Roll: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Droning voices echo off the mahogany walls and domed, plaster ceiling of this luxurious room. The sumptuous furniture has been pushed to the sides of the room, making space for eldritch markings and mystical paraphernalia laid carefully over the plush carpet. The chamber seems muted and dim despite the crystal chandelier overhead, and a bonenumbing chill seeps through the space along with a metallic scent. A ritual is obviously underway here, but it doesn’t seem as though it’s working as planned. Shadowy energy lashes out from a twisting breach in the center of the room, and indistinct shapes flit and scuttle along the walls.

Tavvar stands at the head of the circle, her face twisted in a determined grimace, while her assistants each frantically continue their gestures and chants. The ritual is obviously wearing them down and they are too occupied with the ritual.

Stopping or interrupting the ritual could have serious consequences. you must help bring the ritual to a safe conclusion by
1 Correcting flaws in the ritual circle with Occultism check. This check becomes easier with each successful check to correct a flaw.
2 Correct flaws in the ritual introduced by Tavvar's personality and insecurities with trained checks Deception or Diplomacy.

Bloodshanks puts his bombs back in his bandolier, looking at the ritual circle appraisingly. "No, no, this will never do," he mutters, kneeling down and pulling a chalk from his backpack. He begins scratching marks to counteract the flaws in the ritual circle.

Occultism(trained): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Okay, I'm spending a hero point for a reroll there ... That is just embarrassing.

Occultism(trained): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Surrounded by the shadows, Namza feels the spirits of his ancestors whisper to him of the ritual. They encourage him to focus his energy on bolstering the ritual's leader.

Using Ancestral Memories focus power to be trained in Diplomacy.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

"Tavvar, you are in control of this ritual! Bend the energy to your will."

"Come on, now. Just keep going at it, I'll look up for you and it all seems under control."

Deception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Hero point!

Deception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

@Tevvy- What are you doing?

Doc immediately begins to kneel down and outline an area in chalk while Tevvy and Namza bolster Tavvar's confidence, though really just Namza as the goblin seems keen to the shadows flitting around the room.

Tevvy Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

2 successes

As the group tries to help with the ritual, the breach begins to shrink, but then you notice an unnatural almost intelligence that, was willing to simply wait out the endurance of the ritualists, but now pushes back. The breach pulses, releasing a wave of negative energy that effects all who have participated in the ritual (that's everyone who helped plus Tavvar and her assistants).

In future rounds, as a reaction, a non-participant can protect a participant by stepping in front of an adjacent participant and subjecting themselves to the damage instead and gets to make a fortitude save as above. If Tavar and all of her assistants die, then the ritual fails and bad things happen.

Negative Energy Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5 Basic Fort DC 18 Save.

Tavvar and her assistants look quite wounded and to make matters worse a small wisp of shadows leaps out from the ritualistic circle. Fighting the wisp counts toward closing the rift, but does not count for participating in the ritual.

Round 1
Tevvy
Vellir
----------------------------------------------------
Wisp
Ritual
----------------------------------------------------
Doc
Namza

Fort Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Tevvy takes the brunt of the negative energy squarely on the chin, but steels himself.

"You keep working on ritual! Tevvy will deal with spooky shadow," Tevvy shouts before running and leaping at the wisp, hands curling as claws grow from them and trail fire behind him.

First action stride, second action activate Dragon Claws focus power, third action Strike.

Claw attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 slashing plus 1d6 ⇒ 4 fire.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Vellir practically flings his eagle from one shoulder, even as he fires a crossbow bolt at the shadow. "Get it, Haast!"

Hunt Prey, Command Animal, Strike. Haast will Stride and Strike.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Jaws vs. FF: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Tevvy feels the negative energy more than most as it washes over him. 10 damage from critical failure. Tevvy's flaming claws seem extremely well suited against the shadowy wisp as the flames make it recoil.

Vellir launches Haast from his shoulder as the small eagle pelts at the wisp. Both bolt and eagle flit right past the wisp, missing it entirely. The wisp reaches a shadowy tendril out for the eagle.

Shadow Tendril vs Haast AC 16: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Shadow Tendril vs Haast AC 16: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (14) + 8 - 5 = 17
Damage (Negative): 1d6 ⇒ 2

Acrobatics vs DC 16: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

The shadow wisp leaps underneath Haast, trying to latch onto the eagle's shadow but misses.

Another pulse of negative energy pulses out affecting those helping with the ritual. This pulse doesn't harm any of you as you did not try to close the ritual, though it does hit Tavvar and her associates. As a reaction any one of you can step in front of them for you to take the damage instead with a fort save of your own.

Negative Energy Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7 Basic Fort DC 18 Save.

Tavvar and her companions don't look like they are going to be able to take too much more as a second wisp projects itself out from the ritual.

Round 2
Tevvy (14/24)
Vellir (12/17) (Haast 9/11)
----------------------------------------------------
Wisp (Red -16)
Ritual (2 successes)
----------------------------------------------------
Round 1
Doc (12/17)
Namza

Vellir hurries over to one of the ritualists, shielding them with his imposing 2' 11" physique. He tries to whisper encouragement even as he calls for his eagle to attack.

Stride, Command. Assuming the ritual check is 1 action?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Jaws vs. Red, FF: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Talons vs. Red, FF: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Tevvy lashes out again in a flurry of flaming claws.

First action Strike on Red if it's still alive, Green if it's not.

[ooc]Strike: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 slashing and 1d6 ⇒ 6 fire.

He then channels arcane magic into his claws and strikes, his claws now guided by divinatory power.

Second action cast True Strike, third action Strike on Red if it's still up and Green if it isn't.

Strike: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10/True Strike: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 slashing and 1d6 ⇒ 4 fire.

After casting his spell, Tevvy's skin gleams slightly red in the light.

Blood Magic active, giving me a +1 status bonus to AC for 1 round. I'll also jump in front of Tavvar with my reaction this upcoming turn against the feedback.

Only one of us can protect one participant, or can we all protect participants? Also, can we repeat our attempts from previously to keep the ritual on course, or was that a 1-time thing that doesn't apply now that the shadow wisps are flying around?

@Doc-If you do not participate in the ritual then you can, as a reaction, block the negative energy backlash from one of the ritual casters. It would take 4 of you to block all four. You can certainly repeat those checks below to help stop the ritual.

Stopping or interrupting the ritual could have serious consequences. you must help bring the ritual to a safe conclusion by
1 Correcting flaws in the ritual circle with Occultism check. This check becomes easier with each successful check to correct a flaw.
2 Correct flaws in the ritual introduced by Tavvar's personality and insecurities with trained checks Deception or Diplomacy.

Thanks for the clarification.

Doc's eyes go wide as the shadows strike, and he continues moving around the circle and writing feverishly with his chalk, trying to correct the errors in the ritual. "Amateurs ..." he mumbles. "Always double check your prep work before beginning rituals."

Occultism(trained): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

"Do not lose your concentration. We will handle the manifestations."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Oof. That's a critical failure, right? 10 damage?

@Namza- Correct that is a critical failure which will take you right into Dying since you only have 7 hp. The crit takes you to Dying 2 so would need a to make a DC 12 Flat check to slowly recover or move to Dying 3.

Namza's body can't hold up against the weight of the negative energy as it crashes into him. He collapses from the brunt force. meanwhile Doc continues to try and field the lines and make sure that they are all connected.

Tevvy's claws shred through the wisp as it melds back into the shadows once more. This seems enough to suppress the ritual as it completes. While the ritual stands completed and nearly everyone on the verge of death one wisp remains.

Tevvy's second claw strikes hard. the second wisp barely has enough to hand onto the material plane. Vellir shoots his eagle right into the shadowed wisp for the killing blow as the wisp dissipates.

Need to have checks or work out Namza's dying condition first.

Stabilize: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Did I get hit by negative energy twice? I put myself at 7 assuming that I had taken the 10.

You are right, Namza. I was unaware you already adjusted your HP. SO you should be fine.

The team is able to destroy the second shadow wisp and reduce the flaws in the ritual to the point that Tavvar and her aides can bring the ritual to a safe conclusion.

"Thank you. Thank you very much. There is a fair chance we would not have been able to complete it if not for your timely interference. I'll need to peruse my notes to better perform it next time"