PFS2 1-04 Bandits of Immenwood (1-4)(GA) (Inactive)

Game Master Pirate Rob

Natural Medicine: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 = 11

Welp.

Inside / Earlier: "But things ARE worse Isfan. Besides, if we manage to return with 19 out of 20 of those things on that list, we're still doing a whole lot better than the first party!"...

Inside/Earlier: "Better for us, but a lot worse for this forest. These animals are going to continue to run mad, as long as the box his here. But you are right, I dont think we can keep this up 3 more days. we must find a way to mask the effect. Maybe there is something else on the list to help?"

Recall Knowledge religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Inside / Earlier: "Oh!" Anri is surprised at the man's sudden erudition "I hadn't considered that!" Having also fought him earlier, Anri's respect for Isfan grows exponentially with a single moment.

Clarification: Not the part about the Forest - Anri could care less - the part about exploring the other cargos as potentially containing some more tools for problem-solving.

When the Commotion outside is heard , Isfan immediately steps next to Zanderel. After a short survey of the battlefield he shouts: "Caution, There is somebody moving through these bushes:"

Open Flap, Leave Wagon, Point out
Isfan has still no weapons drawn as he was busy searching things inside.

The wind flows through the now open flap, disturbing the interior contents a bit as Isfan exits to point out a hidden foe.

Green D on the map represents a now hidden foe. (Cariad can still see) You know the square but still need to succeed at a DC 11 flat check to target

This first squirrel swarm finishes chewing through its ropes causing a massive log to fall across the path, narrowly missing Cariad and the horses.

Log spaces are now difficult terrain

Those squirrels then scramble forward, climbing the horses and wagon climbing in, on and around the wagon and Pathfinders.

Initiative:

Isfan
Cariad
SS1
SS2
Zandarel
Pawero
Anri

Everybody is up!

Isfan concentrating on the squirrels at hand in order to protect the precious target.

Draw weapon, Strike, Strike

Scimitar1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 Dam: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Scimitar1, No Flurry, Forceful: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Dam: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Isfan's initial swing is almost comically off target as the wind slams a squirrel onto his face knocking him off balance.

His second swing merely a miss.

Anri's first gut instinct was to unleash a cold blast, probably taking out the squirrels, but also hitting Isfan, Zanderel, and the horses as well. She she goes with her second idea: Pure intellectual instinct!

◆ Interact to grab the Carved Ebony Box with Wax Seal that has a "faint transmutation" aura (1 Bulk)
◆ Stride through open front flap clockwise around the wagon to the back 35 feet over 180 degrees
◆ Interact to open back flap

"Let's see if they come!?" Maniacally excited to test her and Isfan's theory!

Cariad starts slicing into the pile of angry squirrels.

Longsword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
ouch!: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Main-Gauche: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 7 - 4 = 5
ouch!: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Main-Gauche: 1d20 + 7 - 8 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 8 = 10
ouch!: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

extra precision damage on first hit: 1d8 ⇒ 8

She moves a little closer to the hidden creature in the woods.

"Squirrels?" Pawero exclaims incredulously. "These are no beast of the wind nor water, so the direct hand of Gozreh seems less likely. But the wilds seem intent on sending waves of these tiny beasts to crash against our blades, so let us scattered them again."

He thrusts his spear at the swarm of squirrels and then speaks a word of occult power, summoning a shimmering shield between himself and the squirrels.

Cast (V) inspire courage, Strike, Cast (V) shield

Longspear, IC: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 1 = 22
P, IC: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

With the swarm of squirrels covering too many allies, Zanderel focuses all his energy into conjuring and sending magical bolts of force at the squirrel swarm.
Magic Missile vs 1: 3d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1, 3, 1) + 3 + 1 = 9

Andi opens up the back flap as well, the wind is really whipping through the wagon now, much more of this and you're going to start losing pieces.

Cariad can't connect with a meaningful number of squirrels as she repositions, doing her best to keep track of the hidden foe.

Through sheer bad luck Pawero gets his spear caught in the spokes of the wagon rather than skewering a few squirrels.

Zanderel does manage to connect with quite a few squirrels with his magic missiles though.

Unfortunately it's' not enough to stop the squirrels who bite and rip and tear knocking open containers and destroying most of a bamboo mat., Combined with the wind things are going to get worse quickly if this problem isn't dealt with.

Zanderel and Isfan also get nibbled on.

The second swarm continues around nibbling on Anri and the flaming feline but does not quite make it into the tent.

Initiative:

xIsfan
xCariad
SS1 -9
SS2
xZandarel
xPawero
Anri

Everybody is up!

Cursing to herself, Anri closes the flap as squirrels bite and scratch at her limbs. Aiming just away from the flaming cat, she lets loose with her original plan to unleash a freezing blast of icy energy, hoping to disperse them from claiming their prize.

Reflex vs Squirrels: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 = Anri is Clumsy 2 (AC 18)

(◆) Interact to close flap
(◆◆) Chilling Spray @ Reflex 19 2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3 cold

Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"Rowr!"

Candela grumbles angrily as squirrels nip at her.

Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Isfan nimbly jumps onto the top of wagon to escape the Squireels before letting himself drop down again.

Then he closes the flap again before attacking the squirrels to save the rest.

"Stop Attacking us. We just want to get rid of the curse ourselves."

Interact, Strike Strike

Scimitar 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 Dam: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Scimitar 1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 Dam: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Anri trips on the mass of squirrels as he manages to step on the muddiest spot in reach and looses his footings.

My apologies if it was unclear but your success level is reduced by 1 (from failure to crit failure in this case) due to bad luck. Being prone doesn't stop either of your actions though.

reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Anri does manage to catch quite a few squirrels in his surprisingly effective chilling blast as he manages to close the rear flap.

Candela dodges the worst of the squirrels, probably they are scared of the fire.

Isfan completely dodges the squirrel onslaught as he gets a single hit which cuts down a disappointingly small number of squirrels, but still almost enough to disperse them.

Isfan
Cariad
SS1 -10
SS2 -6 (-5ft speed 2)
Zanderel (Reflex vs Squirrels)
Pawero
Anri (27/29) Prone, Clumsy 2

Cariad, Zanderel and Pawero are still up.

Half of swarm 1 is inside and the other half is outside, we'll say targetble from inside or outside at the moment.

Anri blushes a little, hoping Isfan didn't see her scrub over, and is glad to see that the only apparent witness is our sharp-clawed friend...

...She gives the box clutched to her chest a second eyebrow...

"Candela, attack and then get out of there!"

Candela tries to take a big bite of squirrel.

jaws attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
ouch!: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 piercing plus 1 fire

extra precision damage on first hit: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Mouth full of squirrel, Candela bounds over to Cariad.

Cariad moves into the bushes to get a better look at the halfling.

"Are you working with the squirrels? What are you even doing?"

Cariad Commands, Candela Strikes and Strides, Cariads Strides and Hunts Prey

No precision damage on the swarm unfortunately

Candela manages to keep only a couple squirrels in it's mouth, likely doing more damage with its fire than its bite.

Meanwhile Cariad approaches the hidden halfling.

"I definitely need a backup blunt weapon. Probably should hav learned that in the spirit forest."

"There we go,"Pawero encorages the others after Anri sends her chilling wind through the squirrels. "Remember, each if us is more than ten times their size."

Having made note of Zanderel's success, he concentrates on invoking a lengthy occult summoning of three translucent motes of force.

Cast (3) Magic Missile

Magic Missile vs. S1: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Magic Missile vs. S2: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 = 7

Reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

The elf does his best to ignore the squirrel bites that get through his robes. He slams the butt of his staff down, causing an infusion of magic to flow into him that re-opens his mind to some of his prepared magic.
Drain Bonded Item, recalling Magic Missile

He once again weaves the spell from before, sending a further three missiles flying into the swarm of squirrels!
Magic Missile vs 1: 3d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1, 3, 2) + 3 + 1 = 10

Zanderel doesn't need to use his missiles here and the halfling will actually come out of delay before his turn.

Bad luck for Zanderel as the squirrels nibble on him before their downfall despite his excellent defense.

Rather than responding to Cariad's question the halflinng hidden in the brush makes a break for it as the squirrels are stopped. As it flees deeper into the woods it launches a spell at Cariad.

Initiative:

Isfan (20/21)
Cariad (15/19)
Zanderel (24/27) Clumsy 2
Pawero (18/18)
Anri (27/29) Prone, Clumsy 2
Fleeing Halfling

Ya'll are up!

"Everything all right back there?"

The halfling still seems to have some common sense left so Isfan tries to help catch him.

Hunt Prey, Stride, Stride

Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Cariad shudders but shakes off the worst of the effects of the halfling's spell.

"So that's how it is? Candela, come here and help me!"

Cariad moves up to the halfling as Candela bounds in, lightly singeing a few twigs from the nearby trees.

Cariad lashes out with both blades.

Longsword: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 1 = 24
ouch!: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Main-Gauche: 1d20 + 7 - 4 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 4 - 1 = 13
ouch!: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

extra precision damage on first hit: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Cariad Strides, Cariad Commands, Candela Strides twice, Candela Twin Takedown

Cariad cuts down the fleeing halfling, her longsword striking deep enough to hit some vital organ and strikes her dead.

Out of combat. Slide 9 for halfling picture.

Anri moves to assess the damage to the cart, as well as the state of the relics. She decides whether or not it would be helpful to apply another Mending spell.

When things settle down here, and the group is ready for movement again, she begins studying the cursed box more closely. A thought that crosses her mind is whether or not a Dispel Magic spell will interact with the boxes "transmutive" curse. (Anri is a Transmuter if that matters).

Arcana, Occult, Curse Lore +9 or +11 Oddity Identification; Transmuter.
If she rolls in the lower third of the rng, she will use a Hero Point.

While a mending spell would put the bamboo mat back into one piece you think the artwork and designs woven into it would not be intact.

Will take some time to investigate the box further, will get back to that in a bit.

The normally composed elf says a single swear word in Elven. "I had truly hoped to prevent the loss of any artifact."

When it becomes apparent that there's nothing that can be done to be done, he instead nods to Cariad to acknowledge her quick kill. "Impressive strike."

Finally to the group he says, "I fear that Zarta will be disappointed. Do not worry, I will take full responsibility for this failure to bring back all the pieces. I do not know how we could have done better, but I think it imperative that we prioritize securing the cargo. Twice now open flaps have allowed creatures egress. Study must wait, with all eyes outward to deal with threats. Now, if I may be excused for a moment, I must consult my spellbook to prepare for the next threat."

He then sits on the wagon, studying and freeing his mind to grant him some power to invoke the wind in a controlled fashion.
Spell Substitution (10 minutes). Swapping Feather Fall for Gust of Wind.

"B~#!&$$s! Study is the only thing which can help us in this. We have barely been 3 hours on the road and already been attacked 3 times. We must find a way to reduce the effect or the next animals to decide to come after us will be a pack of wolfs or boars. And we are clearly not equipped to fight even squirrels for the next few days constantly."

Isfan is clearly frustrated with the whole situation and starts to let his anger out on the tree in front of the wagon, trying to move it.

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

By himself Isfan is able to make little progress on the giant fallen log. It's going to take several of you a good hour to drag it far enough off the road to get the wagon by.

Pawero simply says, "I agree with Zanderel," and then rests his spear nearby before moving to help clear the log from the road.

Later when the party has finished moving the log, Isfan will go over to the dead Halfling to check if he can find anything to help them in their current predicament and than bury the poor fellow.

Cariad silently moves over next to Isfan and helps push the log.

While the log gets moved Anri comes to the conclusion that the aura isn't truly coming from the box but from something inside of it, but still can't make any further sense of the aura.

There seems to be several loose pieces inside the box, maybe some heavy fragments, it's hard to tell from the outside. Maybe 5 or 6 thin but weighty pieces.

Items yellow alchemical vial , club, red alchemical vial, halfling
slingstaff (10 bullets), leather armor, mistletoe and holly,
12 sp

No overly detailed notes from bosses regarding motivations.

Anri shares her findings with her group. "Not the box. But what's inside" As if the sentences would miraculously complete themselves.

Temptation pulls at Temperance's weak grasp over the wizards curiosity-driven impulse. She makes a snap decision:

"Isfan, I need a second opinion. Do you have a minute?" If he comes over, she asks him whether or not he thinks they should open the box... "If we do, we have to deal with whatever repercussions occur. But if we don't we'll have to bear the burden of an unresolved mystery. I can't bring myself to decide!" Practically pulling at her hair!

Pawero speaks over the recovered equipment and waves his hand.

Cast detect magic, excluding the wagon full of magic.

No magic.

I think half you you are already at the VPC event but I'm GMing a vtt game tonight, so am unlikely to get another post up until late, with other household stuff going on possibly not until tomorrow afternoon. Thanks for your patience.

Isfan walks over to Anri and the box. "You think its whats inside the box? Makes sense to me. But I think its been sealed for a reason." He takes good look at all group members. "And I don't see anybody with the expertise to handle this kind of magic. Well I assume thats what the dark archives where build for. And if nobody has any idea how to reduce the effect we only can hurry forward."

Seeing the unsure lookon Anris face Isfan makes sure to have his scimitars drawn and looks expectantly at the Magi.

Cursing his good judgement silently "Perhaps it is better left a mystery, you are right." With some reluctance, she returns the box to the pile of relics. The top of the pile. And as a consolation to being unable to quell her painful curiosity, decides to continue to babysit it in the back of the caravan.

Justifying her action as "keeping it safe from bandits or squirrels" if pressed.

Seeing Anri putting the box down, Isfan takes it eyes of the box nods at Anri "I know what you mean."

When the box is back in the wagon he asks Anri:"Can you identify these?", showing her the vials found on the Halfling.

If my skills help, I will of course also try myself to identify them.
Nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Identify Alchemy (Crafting)

With another hour gone by we're getting somewhat late in the afternoon.

The log is out of the way, the source of your problems has been narrowed down to something mysterious in the sealed box.

People can treat wounds and such if desired... What next?

"Hmm lemme see..." Identify (Craft): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Since we moved the log, patched some wounds, identified some stuff, put the box back into the stack, I suppose we move on?

...

While we ride, Anri will try and Learn a Spell that Wall of Wind Scroll - switching at the reins with Zanderel if he wants to give it a go to.

Arcana +9

Zanderel will also happily study the same scroll when given the chance.
Arcana (Learn a Spell) for Wall of Wind - DC 20: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

After 30 minutes of travel he feels confident he understands the spell and scribes it into his spellbook.
Costs 16gp to scribe