[PFS2] 1-10 Tarnbreaker's Trail (GM Watery Soup, Fast Game) (Inactive)

Game Master Watery Soup

"Hookie, lend thet blade 'ere a sec, so's Nethys magicks flows through it, sharpenin' it against Bears!"

Indicating to the goblin what her next round's actions will be.

Hooie nods. "Hookie am hoping maybe Bear am running away? Maybe it am not wanting to fight? Hookie am not wanting to fight Bear, no no no!"

The bear saunters up to the DMZ and stands on its hind legs, roaring a challenge!

Round 1/2! Pathfinders can go!

Vellir
Rextangalin
Tao
Hookie
Bear
Asketell
Marra

"Get around it, Haast!" Vellir casts his eagle off. While reloading, he does a little mock-roar back at the bear, then continues. "It can move awfully fast when it needs to, looks like. And don't let it get its mitts on you - you will get chucked."

Haast is 20 feet in the air, and has AC 18 against the bear thanks to Hunt Prey.

◆ Reload
◆ Strike
◆ Command (◆◆ Fly, Fly)

Crossbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Marra casts Magic Fang on Tor ◆◆ and sends him towards the bear.

"A wild animal that has a taste for the blood of the locals. Do what you must."

She then sends Tor towards it. ◆

Asketell drinks his juggernaut mutagens and advances towards the action as quick as he can over the frozen lake.

"Come guys! Leave a little bear for me!"

As promised!

(◇) Release one hand from Staff
(◆) Interact to Draw scroll of Magic Weapon
(◆◆) Cast Magic Weapon on Hookie's weapon (Scimitar, I assume?)

Rex strides forward and perhaps in a bit of panic starts throwing whatever bombs he has on hand.

(◆)Stride
(◆)Quick Bomber - Interact and Strike, 2nd range increment
Alchemist Fire: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 - 2 = 211d8 ⇒ 2 fire damage, 1 persistent fire damage, 1 fire splash damage
(◆)Quick Bomber - Interact and Strike, 2nd range increment
Thudnerstone: 1d20 + 6 - 5 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 5 - 2 = 01d4 ⇒ 1 sonic damage,1 sonic splash damage

Even though it landed far away from its target, he hoped the sound of the boom would alert others nearby to what was happening.

GM, speaking of loud noises (thanks Rex!), is the source of the piercing scream visible?

Hookie accepts the blessing of Nethys on his scimitar, and adds his own prayer to Saranrae to guide his hand and thoughts.

He strides up beside the dinosaur and begins smacking his scimitar on his shield, hoping to scare the bear away with more loud noises. No idea if this works, but Intimidate?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

He then raises his shield!

GM, speaking of loud noises (thanks Rex!), is the source of the piercing scream visible?

Not yet.

He strides up beside the dinosaur and begins smacking his scimitar on his shield, hoping to scare the bear away with more loud noises.

Hookie bangs on his shield, but the bear looks confused by what turns out to be a reggae beat.

Vellir's crossbow bolt flies wide. Rex lands an alchemist's fire, but the thunderstone only grazes the bear.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

The bear is not deafened by the boom. The ice appears intact.

---

The bear charges at 1d2 ⇒ 2 Tor, and swipes at it with a claw.

Claw: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Slashing: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 plus Grab

The bear grabs Tor! It throws Tor 20' backwards.

Marra, this puts Tor at Dying 1. Usually, this means Tor's initiative moves to before the bear's, but that would split you up. In this case, there's no difference since you all act as a block. Let me know if you'd prefer this to be organized differently - with non-companions, what I usually do is move their initiative and then let everyone go first, so it's 100% clear that everyone has a chance to help the dying individual before the flat check needs to be made.

Actions: Stride, Strike, Mauling Throw Grab

Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Bear takes 1 point fire and is still on fire.

Round 2/3! Pathfinders can go!

Vellir
Haast
Rextangalin
Tao
Hookie
Bear (-4 hp, 1 persistent fire)
Asketell
Marra
Tor (-11 hp, grabbed)

Sorry, not sure if this applies, but remember: with the Grab ability, the bear needs to spend an action following a successful Strike. That'd mean it can't throw Tor this round. If it has Improved Grab, it doesn't need to take that action. In which case...uh oh.

At Vellir's command, Haast dives into close quarters. The eagle aims at the eyes as the halfling tries for whatever he can get, considering his prior aim.

◆ Command (◆◆ Fly, Support)
◆ Reload
◆ Strike

Crossbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 plus bleed and dazzle

Sorry, not sure if this applies, but remember: with the Grab ability, the bear needs to spend an action following a successful Strike. That'd mean it can't throw Tor this round.

Ruh roh! Good catch ... I'll revise.

Revised. Bear's third action is Grab.

Rex moves a little bit closer (just a little bit). and then he starts casting a spell. With a few arcane words and rubbing his fingers together and electric charge builds up in the bear's fur and then BAM!

Electricity: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 DC 16 basic Reflex

(◆) Stride
(◆◆) Cast electric arc

Tao strides toward the bear, next to Tor, and just below Hookie, and calls upon "That Which Is Not There, To Be!" (in uncharacteristically well-prounounced Taldane!?)

(◆) Stride (10 feet west through ice)
(◆◆) Cast Bless

Tao, Tor, and Asketell / Rex if they move close: +1 status bonus to attack rolls

"You got this Tor!

Forgot Magic Fang is one of it's attacks, Would be the higher dmg Jaws.

Marra has Tor fight back. (◆)

Tor
Strike vs flat-footed with +1 Striking Jaws inc Bless: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 1 = 11 (◆)
magic/piercing: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (8, 6) + 2 = 16

strike vs flat-footed with agile talon inc Bless: 1d20 + 7 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 4 + 1 = 9 (◆)
slashing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Marra then attacks the bear with Ray of Frost. (◆◆)

spell attack vs AC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
cold dmg: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Asketell moves up to the bear and swings a wild right cross straight to it's jaw.

Stride, stride, strike

Unarmed strike: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 = 15
blunt: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Spending a hero point to reroll that attack

Unarmed strike: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 1 = 18

Including a flank for Vellir.

Vellir puts a crossbow bolt into the bear's paw. While it's focused on Vellir, Haast pecks at the bear's eyes.

Reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

The bear feels the electricity building within its fur. Sensing something odd is about to happen, it resolves to stand firm and not dodge it! Crit fail, double damage.

Tao's incantation fills the air with good vibes.

Tor, the cold-blooded creature, is feeling a bit lethargic. The bear easily dodges its attacks. A bolt of frost shoots from Marra's fingertips, but the bear learned its lesson from the electric arc, and leaps out of the way.

Including a flank and bless for Asketell.

Asketell engages the ancient Ulfen tradition of punching bears in the face.

Round 3! Pathfinders can go!

Vellir
Haast
Rextangalin
Tao
Hookie
Bear (-46 hp, 1 persistent fire, 1d4 persistent bleed, dazzled)
Asketell
Marra
Tor (-11 hp, grabbed)

On his turn

Asketell raises his shield, then kicks the bear in the shins and follows it up with an uppercut go to the jaw, but doesn't land a solid blow with either strike.

Unarmed Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 = 10
Blunt: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Unarmed Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 - 4 = 9
Blunt: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

"Come and get me, you ursine coward! Why don't you try to snack on some tasty Ulfen flesh!" he shouts, foaming at the mouth like a rabid dog as he attacks the bear with his bare fist.

Standard action for Hookie if an ally is struck within 15' of him and he has a reaction - Glimpse of Redemption! The enemy chooses: The ally is unharmed by the triggering damage. OR The ally gains resistance to all damage against the triggering damage equal to 2 + your level (1). After the damaging effect is applied, the enemy becomes enfeebled 2 until the end of its next turn.

Hookie strikes twice, then raises his shield!
Hookie Strike, Magic Weapon: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 13 for 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1, 3) + 2 = 6 damage!
Hookie Strike, Magic Weapon: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 - 5 = 3 for Forceful: 2d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1, 5) + 2 + 2 = 10 damage!

"No bear! Bad bear! Bear am letting thunder chicken go and am going away! Go away!"

Tor will take 8 damage and the bear is Enfeebled 2. Hookie strikes twice, but connects zero times.

Now, the bear is going to use Mauling Throw and throw Tor backwards.

Then, it swipes at 1d3 ⇒ 2 Hookie.

Claw, Enfeebled: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 12 - 2 = 11
Slashing, Enfeebled: 1d12 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 2 = 9 plus Grab

Enraged, it bites at Hookie!

Bite, Enfeebled, MAP: 1d20 + 12 - 2 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 12 - 2 - 5 = 8
Piercing, Enfeebled: 2d6 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (6, 4) + 4 - 2 = 12

The bear takes 1 persistent fire.

Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 19

And the fire smolders.

The bear takes 1d4 ⇒ 3 bleed.

Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 16

And stops bleeding.

Round 3/4! Pathfinders can go!

Vellir
Haast
Rextangalin
Tao
Hookie
Bear (-50 hp)
Asketell
Marra
Tor (-8 hp, prone)

Tao braves the bear!

(◆) Interact to Regrip (back into two-handed staff grip)
(◆) Step
(◆) Strike vs flat-footed (flanking with Haast) 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 = 231d10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Looks like a solid hit for 8 bludgeoning damage.

"Why doncha pick on somewhat yer own size!"

Marra takes the opportunity to Heal Tor.

heal Tor: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 (◆◆)

Before sending him back into the fight. (◆)

Tor strides twice. (◆◆)

Rex gets a bit closer and conjures a ball of flame in his hand that he tosses at the bear.

Flame: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 241d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

(◆) Stride
(◆◆) Cast produce flame

Tao grabs her staff and clobbers the bear. A ball of flame arcs in the air, and the bear roars in slow motion. It strikes it in the face, and the bear falls backwards, twitching involuntarily.

--- End of Combat ---

The Society Sledmasters follows the trail of blood to the bear's lair, where it discovers a bloody official, dragged there by the bear.

The official is

Forgot to do these during combat: 1d20 ⇒ 15

at Dying 1, but stable.

Tao kneels to heal the wounds 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 hit points restored

"You alright there now?"

"That was a nasty bear. Who's hurt here? I got something to make you feel better."

Asketell can use Quick Alchemy to make up to two elixirs of life.

"It's death should not go to waste. It can provide much food for a victory feast."

To Asketell: "Tor is still hurt but I don't know if he will drink."

"I can administer it. Just make sure he doesn't bite me."

Asketell will dowse a piece of jerky in the elixir and gently feed it to the dinosaur.

Elixir of Life: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Elixir of Life: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Two tall, wooden linnorm statues mark the finish line to the harrowing Balgirdtrek. Crossing the line, the gathered crowd of spectators and participants cheers and applauds, before turning into a hushed silence as they realize the Society Sledmasters are carrying the missing official. A medical team rushes out, and the Sledmasters are met with blankets, soup, and medical supplies almost as soon as they are within the village of Frostgarten, where spectators are gathered to celebrate the competition and those who completed it.

"This year's victors - The Society Sledmasters!" the announcer yells. The crowd roars back with applause.

As one last formality, the winning team is tasked with helping to prepare the feast and medical supplies for the remaining racers. Once the last of the teams cross the finish line, the festivities begin. A massive feast is prepared, and the Society Sledmasters are given a place of honor at the banquet table. One by one, the competitors take turns toasting the Society Sledmasters. But when it comes time for Without Trace or Fail, they have an unusual toast.

"Fellow competitors, race officials. This year's team is a team of winners. Not just in the sense that they crossed the finish line first, but in that they did so despite the odds stacked against them. Our team has behaved dishonorably during the competition, and after they caught us cheating, they not only convinced us to stop for the duration of the race, but convinced us to change our dishonorable ways. Without Trace or Fail deserves to be disqualified for the race, and will accept whatever punishment the officials deem fit. We apologize deeply to the Society Sledmasters, who have shown true spirit where we have failed."

The officials disqualify Without Trace or Fail and ban them from competition for the next year. However, they make clear that because they have come forward, it will not be a permanent ban.

---End---

---End---

...Or is it?

Tao - a lightweight - makes her way over to the team who confessed their own guilt (WTF?), and while she might acknowledge that, given similar circumstances, she "may or may not have" made the same decision, still she is moved by the gesture, and expresses as much: A peace offering of good sportsmanship amidst this general revelry, to amplify it. She stays a few rounds with them, permitting, before eventually being taken by a muse, fetching her pan flute, improvising a tune, and starting in with a little jig footwork, invites these ulfen up one by one to teach them the step to some basic folk dances, selected specifically for their forgiving application in a celebratory context...

Zooming Out on Tao, and In on...

"Well, Rex says with a bit of a sniffle as he takes a moment to enjoy the banquet. "At least the destination was worth it."

Without Trace or Fail gladly dances ... perhaps a little too gladly, as the night goes on the number of beers they've imbibed increases.

"Aww, we melted right through the ice and to their hearts," Vellir grins, between moments of shoveling down food. "I'd call this a victory in every sense of the word. And old Captain Torrsen won't be paying much attention to our moniker, not when it's buried under so many laurels."

"Congratulations everybody! Now it is time to celebrate like the viking raiders from times of old returning from their pillaging! To the victors go the plunder!"

Asketell approaches Without Trace or Fail with a mug of beer in each hand.

"It was a shame that they banned you from the race for next year. It was a noble thing, coming clean like that. It wasn't something we asked for or wanted. If you're interested, I know Torrsen over in Ice Ferry is always looking for new Pathfinder agents and you were a formidable. Its not a bad if you like to travel. Just think about it."

Asketell stumbles off to refill his mugs and continue the celebration.

Marra makes sure Tor is healed. Helped prepare the bear for the feast. Did a little bit of drinking and dancing. Then got some much needed sleep.

Hookie happily nurses a large beer the entire night, and joins in the dancing, even though his version of dancing is... well, different.

He approaches the WTF team during the night. "Hookie am thinking Saranrae am very proud of you. You am doing bad, but then you am doing right to make right. Saranrae am knowing we am stumbling, but She am also knowing we am always trying. Hookie am happy to be friends with team Without Trace or Fail! And with Hookie team, too! Hooray!"