PFS2 - 1-14 Lions of Katapesh by GM redeux (Inactive)

Game Master redeux

After the conversation with the group, Dr. Tanglethorn joins Roslyn in trying to track their bestial attackers.

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Regardless of whether we learn about any druidic circles or not, I'd like to act on my hunch and do something fun.

Later, as the group goes about their business, Dr. Tanglethorn goes in a stroll around the perimeter of the camp and carve 'parley?' in druidic on the logs of the palisade.

"I'm sure this is all a big misunderstanding. Here's hoping we can get this resolved without violence, right Phia?' Her leshy responds by excitedly fluttering about.

The group spends 2 hours doing various things...

Dr Tanglethorn and Seggiatore aren't able to recall any useful knowledge on druidic circles, likely due to their secretive nature combined with being in unfamiliar land.

Sir Reinhart attempts to reinforce several of the fence pieces but has difficulty attaching the spikes to the fences with limited supplies at first. Gazard joins and together they are able to fashion 4 fences that he believes will be more difficult to climb over. these are red bordered in the map

Rosie searches the camp for animal tracks with Dr Tanglethorn. Dr Tanglethorn thinks she found a lead but ends up walking the perimeter of camp for an hour with no luck. Rosie, following Gazard's notice of claw marks on the tent flaps, backtracks and is able to find some paw marks leading up to the fences just south of the infirmary.

Seggiatore is convinced by sacrificing supplies from one wooden fence that a ladder could be built to give access to the roof of the Infirmary. A ladder item can also be used if someone has one. He also recognizes that the building was built hastily when the camp was set up and the roof wouldn't be able to hold more than one person, but it would provide lookout to the surrounding area as it is 15ft tall and overlooks the camp and surrounding area.

Several hours have passed...Sunset is drawing within the next hour or two.

Many of the Goblins begin to stop working. They've finished the fences Zig ordered them to create and the goblins are now sitting for dinner while Seggiatore attempts to raise spirits. He does find that there is a language barrier, as not all of the veteran workers speak common, and those that do prefer to keep to themselves. Despite his best efforts the only information he finds is from one goblin who saw a cat scratching on the infirmary door the night before last.

Zig meets up with the pathfinders and asks the group to finish their preparations and make sure to be ready to stand watch.

It will take remaining time until sunset to put the fences into place and/or build a ladder.
Go ahead and update your token locations on map as well as the fence tokens.
One person can be on the roof if a ladder is constructed/used, or if an Expert in athletics climbs the 15ft building.

I have placed 11 fence bits and 4 spiked fence bits. This is totally me spit-balling where good spots are. Protecting the tent areas, with a focus on the SW group since that where there were tracks.
Please feel free to rearrange as you see fit, gang.

Seggiatore will climb the ladder and perch on the roof when it comes time to set first watch.
He is fairly effective at range and has a decent perception.

Placed, to be clear I'm on the floor, not the roof of that building.

Additionally, Seggiatore's interest in the doctor is piqued by the mention of a cat scratching at the infirmary door. He tries to get a sense of the kind of person Pearlybones is.
While observing her, he thinks to himself, "She couldn't possibly be involved in the attacks, could she?"

Sir Reinhart takes up a defensive position behind his shield near the entrance to the north-east tent.

If there's still time, Dr. Tanglethorn would like to go to the southern bridge and the northern gates and use one of her scrolls of alarm on each, choosing the audible alarm option.

Then she will position herself near Gazard and wait out their attackers. Just before nightfall, she will drink one of her Eagle Eye Elixirs. After an hour has passed, if there are still no signs of the attackers, she will drink another one.

For the first 2 hours, Dr. Tanglethorn will have a +1 Item Bonus to her Perception, bringing her modifier to +9.

I'm also assuming we didn't have a chance to rest per se, did we?

Roslyn stakes out the infirmary.

No time to sense motive Pearlybones before the watch starts. Dr Tanglethorn can cast the scrolls of alarm while setting up the additional fences. There hasn't been time to rest in terms of spell lots being recovered.

The sun sets and for the first hour it seems it will be an uneventful night afterall. The goblins are still up and around camp enjoying the off-hours and seem uneasy about falling asleep. Off in the distance Seggiatore hears a twig snap in the undergrowth. Peering intensely he spots two feline eyes staring at him. He calls alarm and Dr Tanglethorn is first to react.

Cat spotted! Round 1: Bold May Act

30 Dr Tanglethorn (-1)
22 Seggiatore (-2)
18 Gazard
15 Roslyn Turin (-1)
12 Cat
12 Sir Reinhart (-2)

Dr. Tanglethorn will Move->Move->Request, using Wild Empathy to make 'a very simple request of them (animals). In most cases, wild animals will give you time to make your case'.

With her senses heightened by her herbal remedy, Dr. Tanglethorn reacts to the snapping twig incredibly fast. She rushes to the source of the sound, wayfinder held aloft in one hand and her Holly and Mistletoe charm in another.

As she approaches, she sees unmistakeable eyes of a feline reflecting her wayfinder's light. "Please! Stop! If you are hungry, we can feed you and yours. We don't want to hurt you, but we are not defenseless! We can't let you continue taking ours in the night..."

Acknowledging that my action might be wasted, I decide to give it a shot anyways.
Wild Empathy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

I'll hero point it!
Wild Empathy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

That was quite the improvement!

Also, as a reminder, Dr. Tanglethorn is a Sensate Gnome, so she has Imprecise Scent 30ft. It might be possible for Dr. Tanglethorn to detect foes within her Scent range (which might be increased or decreased depending on wind conditions).

Dr Tanglethorn doesn't sense any other creatures, though not soon after from the shadows two more cats emerge. The Red cat appears next to infirmary and kills a goblin worker. It then begins dragging the goblin by it's entrails through the camp causing all the goblin workers to panic and hide as best they can in tents and the infirmary.

A pink cat also emerges from the east side of camp and pounces Sir Reinhart with it's claws. It swipes at him three times but does nothing more than scratch his armor each time.

Cats spotted! Round 1: Bold May Act

30 Dr Tanglethorn (-1)
25 Pink Cat
23 Red Cat
22 Seggiatore (-2)
18 Gazard
15 Roslyn Turin (-1)
12 Green Cat
12 Sir Reinhart (-2)

Seggiatore sings out a few strong notes that pierce the screams.
Lingering Composition: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Inspire Courage is active for +1 status bonus to hit, damage, and fear saves for 3 rounds.

He then summons a bit of magic to punish the murderous big cat for its actions and hopefully prevent it from getting away.
Cast Magic Missile at Red
2d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 + 1 = 8

Another blue cat emerges from the shadows and pounces Rosie. It misses with it's jaws but it's claw rips through her armor with incredible strength. crit, 16 slashing. A second claw didn't manage to connect.

Cats spotted! Round 1: Bold May Act

Inspire Courage: +1 status bonus to hit and damage rolls and saves vs fear for the bard and all of his allies. (Round 3/3)

30 Dr Tanglethorn (-1)
25 Pink Cat
23 Red Cat (-8)
22 Seggiatore (-2)
21 Blue Cat
18 Gazard
15 Roslyn Turin (-17)
12 Sir Reinhart (-2)
12 Green Cat

Roslyn stabs desperately at the lion who gave her the gaping wound.

Rapier: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Piercing: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 plus another Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 4 if that is a crit.

Rapier: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Piercing: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Rapier: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Piercing: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Roslyn's rapier pierces through the cat's torso and spills a tremendous amount of blood on the floor. Her second strike opens up another wound causing the cat to let out a shriek of pain. crit, hit, miss

Cats spotted! Round 1: Bold May Act

Inspire Courage: +1 status bonus to hit and damage rolls and saves vs fear for the bard and all of his allies. (Round 3/3)

30 Dr Tanglethorn (-1)
25 Pink Cat
23 Red Cat (-8)
22 Seggiatore (-2)
21 Blue Cat (-28)
18 Gazard
15 Roslyn Turin (-17)
12 Sir Reinhart (-2)
12 Green Cat

Sir Reinhart raises his shield and moves deftly towards the red cat trying to force it to drop its prey with a powerful longsword swipe.

inspired sword vs red: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 1 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

Raise Shield, Stride(30), Strike. AC 21

Will Shield block at earliest opportunity (6/20/20)

Sir Reinhart shouts back towards his allies "Watch out for kitties, I can't hold the east and get this goblin back!"

Sweet, I can hit the pink one without moving, it within 15 feet and nothing was in my way to catch fire. Take two actions to cast burning hands dmg: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6
And then my third action I move. Reflex 17 for half.
My last square ended in melee with red, hopefully it doesn't have reach and I just provoked.

Roslyn will Nimble Dodge the first attack against her, bringing her AC to 21 for just that attack.

Gazard's burning hands scorch the pink cat's fur.

Meanwhile Green cat sits and begins cleaning itself.

Cats spotted! Round 2: Bold May Act

Inspire Courage: +1 status bonus to hit and damage rolls and saves vs fear for the bard and all of his allies. (Round 3/3)

30 Dr Tanglethorn (-1)
25 Pink Cat (-6)
23 Red Cat (-14)
22 Seggiatore (-2)
21 Blue Cat (-28)
18 Gazard
15 Roslyn Turin (-17)
12 Sir Reinhart (-2)
12 Green Cat

Dr. Tanglethorn's relief over having convinced one of their attackers to stop turns to ash in a second as she turns around and sees that the situation has already devolved on full-on combat.

Dr. Tanglethorn closes her eyes briefly and takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself as she mutters a calming mantra quitly.

Dr. Tanglethorn casts Guidance on herself.

"You should go, friend" - she says to the lion she managed to convince with a pained expression on her face - "You are not safe here."

Dr. Tanglethorn would like to Make a request to convince Green Lion to leave with her Green Empathy

Green Empathy, Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 = 23

Without a moment to spare to see her new Lion friend to safety, she rushes to another of the attacking animals, trying to interpose herself between it, the goblins and her other companions.

Dr. Tanglethorn approaches Purple Lion with one of her actions.

Cats spotted! Round 2: Bold May Act

Inspire Courage: +1 status bonus to hit and damage rolls and saves vs fear for the bard and all of his allies. (Round 2/3)

30 Dr Tanglethorn (-1)
25 Pink Cat (-6)
22 Seggiatore (-2)
21 Blue Cat (-28)
18 Gazard
15 Roslyn Turin (-17)
12 Sir Reinhart (-2)

The Green cat nods at Dr Tanglethorn's words and slowly backs away until it is out of sight.

Meanwhile Pink cat pounces at Sir Reinhart with a bite and two swipes of it's paws; however all three bounce off Sir Reinhart's shield with not so much as a scratch.

Red Cat leaps over Gazard to exit the camp through the southern gate. It then turns east and runs out of sight while blood still drips from it's prey.

Concerned about the nearby lion threatening Roslyn, Seggiatore attempts to defeat or drive it off with a blast of arcane fire.

He then begins his descent of the ladder to join the fray.

Produce Flame vs Blue: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28 for 2d4 + 5 ⇒ (3, 1) + 5 = 9 fire damage.
2d4 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6 persistent fire if that is a crit.

As the blue cat opens it's jaws to take a bite out of Rosyln, Seggiatore's flame lights the feline on fire and quickly incinerates it into nothing more than a pile of ash.

Cats spotted! Round 2: Bold May Act

Inspire Courage: +1 status bonus to hit and damage rolls and saves vs fear for the bard and all of his allies. (Round 2/3)

30 Dr Tanglethorn (-1)
25 Pink Cat (-6)
22 Seggiatore (-2)
18 Gazard
15 Roslyn Turin (-17)
12 Sir Reinhart (-2)

Oh, thanks - forgot to cycle the Inspire down a round.

Sir Reinhart grunts "Ahh, they're too fast." as the lion he was fighting just a moment ago flees.

Beset on by a new lion Sir Reinhart turns to it does his best to fend it back with a pair of downward swings from his longsword

inspired sword: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 1 = 14
slashing damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Iterative Sword: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 - 5 = 25
slashing damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7 Crit to 14

Sir Reinhart then maneuvers behind his shield to keep the lion from ripping him apart like the poor little goblin.

Strike, Strike, Raise Shield. (AC 21)
Sir Reinhart will block at the first opportunity

Move to get a clearer shot and cantrip ray of frost the cat
hit: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 dmg: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 cold damage

1st round Gazard's burning hands had +1 dmg from inspire courage, as well as ray of frost in 2nd round

Sir Reinhart's scathing blow hobbles the cat and leaves behind a gaping wound. Gazard then launches a ray of frost focused perfectly on the wound and he freezes the cat until it falls over without a pulse.

End of combat

We're more than halfway, so i've added the following to the hero point slide
Dr Tanglethorn gets a hero point for passively dealing with one cat.
Seggiatore gets a hero point for saving Rosie from getting further mauled

Many of the goblins peek from their tents and begin cheering when they feel it is safe. Soon after Dr Pearlybones runs out of the infirmary "My charbones! He's gone!! Has anyone seen him?!"

Dr. Tanglethorn approaches Dr. Perlybones. She instinctively inspects him for wounds as she speaks "Dr. take a deep breath. We are going to help you. Now tell me, who is charbones?"

Seggiatore tends to the nasty wounds that the cat inflicted upon his ally.

Medicine w/ assurance
HP Healed: 2d8 ⇒ (8, 3) = 11

"I think the one fled to the east with its... umm... prize. Should we follow?"

Sir Reinhart nods, then frowns then puzzles "I'm worried about leaving the goblins defenseless in the dark, that goblin had no light in his eyes, a safer course of action may be to complete our vigil first."

”Thanks, Seggiatore.” Roslyn looks at what remains of the wound and shudders at the memory of being mauled by a giant cat. ”I’m also concerned about leaving the goblins defenseless, but the trail may be cold by morning.”

"Charbones...my son of course...you say he dead?!" she begins wailing hysterically when she sees the blood spilled from the infirmary throughout camp.

Mechanically, you can follow a relatively easier 'live' trail now, or you can rest/recover spell slots and attempt to pick up the trail in the morning. Feel free to RP it out, I'll advance with majority vote.

Dr Tanglethorn (-1)
Seggiatore (-2)
Gazard
Roslyn Turin (-6)
Sir Reinhart (-2)

"Don't lose hope yet, Dr. We will try to find him and bring him home safely." - Dr. Tanglethorn puts her hand upon the Goblin's shoulder with a knowing look - "I have to go help my friends. We'll let you know as soon as we know." Dr. Tanglethorn walks to join the others.

As she approaches Roslyn, she notices she is still hurt. "Ah, Roslyn, dear, eat this. You'll feel much better."

Dr. Tanglethorn will cast Goodberry on one of her berries and give it to Roslyn. For the next minute, when Roslyn eats the berry, she can heal 1d6+4.

"Dr. Pearlybones' son was taken. I think it is our duty to bring the young one back safely...or try to anyways."

Sir Reinhart asks Perlybones "I know this can be a hard time to answer questions, but have the cats ever attacked twice in one night?"

”Thanks.” Roslyn eats the goodberry.

hp: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Charbones was killed and dragged through camp by his entrails, so Sir Reinhart is right that there was no life in his eyes

Dr pearlybones cries and sobs with her head buried in her hands. You hear her muffled response "I'm not sure...no...maybe...I don't know...never been so bold before....Much more quiet..."

Well I do think time is of the essence, we are all down resources and I'm down two spells. If we die we accomplish nothing. I vote we rest first.

”I think our best bet is to go now, but if our casters need to rest, I’m okay with waiting, presuming anyone is good at tracking.”

Seggiatore sets about treating the few lingering wounds while the feline corpses are policed and the goblins are (hopefully) calmed a bit by the victory (Pyrrhic or otherwise).

Medicine on Sir Reinhart, then myself.
Then Rosie if that one point of damage is bugging her. :)

Gazard, just curious - I see the burning hands. What else are you down?

"I won't be able to sleep well, knowing that beast is out there - full belly and all. The more I think on it, the more I want to pursue. This was a fairly brazen attack, unlike the others from what we heard, and that says to me we're dealing with a calculating opponent. Someone we do not want to give time to think up a new plan."
The gnome appears ready to charge out of the southern gate, but clearly hesitant to do so alone.

"Well said Seggiatore. I have some experience following tracks. I can lead us there. I'd much rather not dally"

Dr. Tanglethorn has a +8 Survival. Ought to be sufficient to get us through, I think.

Seggiatore, I'm also down the force bolt

three votes to pursue now. also per discussion tab, Gazard refocuses while Seggiatore treats wounds

Zig soon comes out from his hiding spot the command post and he reassures everyone that the pathfinder agents have everything under control. He is then relieved to hear that the group is eager to get on the trail and get to the bottom of the attacks. "Good good! We have suffered a loss but are eager to have these attacks stopped!"

Despite taking half an hour or so to treat wounds and refocus, the group is able to easily pick up the trail. The Red Cat had left through the south gate and headed east, and the the blood on the ground from charbones made the trail easy to follow. The group finds the tracks leading into a cave about a 1-1.5 miles from the bridge camp.

The party enters cautiously-- not yet seeing any danger but knowing for certain the cats lie within. The cave appears to have a large central chamber and minor passages on either side. More apparent than anything is the stench due to the goblin bodies spread throughout the cave. Several structural columns carved out of rock are in the entrance chamber (These block line of sight). Also, strangely, there are torches lit which provide lighting.

Soon after moving into the cave the group hears an echoing voice, "Kill them!! Kill the murderers!! They killed our friends, and they protect the bridge which is an abomination to nature and the balance of our home!!! We will not stand for this!!!"

Two familiar cats emerge from atop a platform at the far end of the cave. The platform overlooks a chasm and the entrance to the cave. Dr Tanglethorn recognizes one of the cats, and the other cat has a fresh wound on it's shoulder that Sir Reinhart recognizes is where he struck it while it fled the camp.

Slides updated, map on slide 2.

The Lair!! Round 1: Bold May Act

26 Green Cat
26 Seggiatore
24 Dr Tanglethorn (-1)
22 Red Cat (-14)
19 Sir Reinhart
16 Roslyn Turin
11 Gazard

Seggiatore hustles into the cavern, calling out to the voice, "The bridge is progress and it's important. You have been killing innocent workers because you do not like it?!?"

He taps out a simple beat on his drum. Something you can tap your feet along with.
Lingering Composition: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 Seem to have cracked a drumstick.
+1 status bonus to attack, damage, and fear saves, but only for one round.

"Everyone. I believe these animals are being manipulated. Please let me try to defuse the situation first." Without waiting for an answer, Dr. Tanglethorn rushed past Seggiatore and then slowly approached the lions with arms raised.

Focusing on the closes lion, Dr. Tanglethorn begins speaking in a calm voice. "Neither our friends or us want to hurt you. We can find something that works for everyone. I promise you that."

Dr. Tanglethorn uses her 3 actions to move forward.

Entering the inner chamber and approaching the chasm Dr Tanglethorn and Seggiatore see a figure on the other side. The figure is crouched down, has a bow over their shoulder and their hands look like giant claws.

art on Slide 3

"I will not reason with you, or anyone! I was driven from my hunting grounds and now my new home is threatened! The civilization you protect is abysmal and mother nature mourns at the loss of balance!"

With that, she signals to her pride. Red cat rushes towards Dr Tanglethorn and pounces Dr Tanglethorn. The cat's jaws close on Dr Tanglethorn (8 piercing and grabbed). The cat then takes two swipes at it's meal but misses the gnome.

Cave assault!! Round 1: Bold May Act

Inspire Courage: +1 status bonus to hit and damage rolls and saves vs fear for the bard and all of his allies. (Round 1/1)

26 Seggiatore
26 Green Cat
24 Dr Tanglethorn (-9, Grabbed (link), you can attempt to escape (link) on your turn)
22 Kip the Druid
22 Red Cat (-14)
19 Sir Reinhart
16 Roslyn Turin
11 Gazard

Sir Reinhart raises his sword to the air as he calls on the power of The Inheritor and sprints into position on the far side of the grappling kitty with great athletic prowess.

From there he attempts to free the doctor with the pointy end of his sword.
"Call off your dogs!.. err Cats!" shouts Sir Reinhart at the mysterious voice.

Inspired longsword vs red FF: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 1 = 23
piercing damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9

Athletic Rush for a 40ft speed(stride), stride, strike

Gazard spends his entire round moving up. Triple move of 12 squares.

Sir Reinhart's sword once again connects with the red cat's shoulder deepening the open wound though it refuses to let go of it's snack.

Cave assault!! Round 1: Bold May Act

Inspire Courage: +1 status bonus to hit and damage rolls and saves vs fear for the bard and all of his allies. (Round 1/1)

26 Seggiatore
26 Green Cat
24 Dr Tanglethorn (-9, Grabbed (link), you can attempt to escape (link) on your turn)
22 Kip the Druid
22 Red Cat (-23)
19 Sir Reinhart
16 Roslyn Turin
11 Gazard

Roslyn likewise moves up to the nearest lion.

Triple move

Cave assault!! Round 2: Bold May Act

26 Seggiatore
25 Green Cat
24 Dr Tanglethorn (-9, Grabbed (link), you can attempt to escape (link) on your turn)
22 Kip the Druid
22 Red Cat (-23)
19 Sir Reinhart
16 Roslyn Turin
11 Gazard