GM Tyranius (PF2E) Lost on the Spirit Road (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

I asked in the Discussion Thread but never got an answer. Do the trees provide cover or concealment? Is there any difficult terrain?

Apologies, I know I read it and though I had answered it but it must not have went through. Yes, the tree areas are difficult terrain as well as cover as they provide a physical barrier.

@Redd- You can since there is cover here just keep in mind that Hide is also an action and so sneak attack will only apply to your first attack. At that point you are out of hiding.

Ogren defensively draws his weapon and shield, trying to understand what is happening as Katami clinks another arrow into the statues base. Ducking out of sight Redd's first arrow shatters one of the fragile statues and the second arrow nearly does the same to another of them. Zelphari follows it up with a thunderous crash as his lightning blasts the remaining broken guardians apart.

Nothing is left but a small pile of stones in the snow.

"Thank the North Star!" Lin Po cries, jumping from his cart with a thud. Ti Lan isn't far behind, nodding in gratitude. "We had been at that fork for nearly a day, hoping to rush through. To no avail, as you can see. Anything we can spare is yours."

Sweet cream puffs! Redd says joyously as she runs out from the shadows of the trees.
Lin Po! Ti Lan! We sure are glad to see the two of you. We've been following your trail for quite some time. Oh! My name's Redd, by the way. And these are my adventuring companions. Redd introduces each of her friends in turn and then continues.
Do you know anything about a kitsune? She asks the two Pathfinders.
It's kind of a long story, but we learned this kitsune may have been causing a lot of the problems that have been occuring the past few days. It may have stolen a special bonsai tree and cast some bad spells on it. We need to find that bonsai tree and get you two back to Amara Li in Minkai.

Lin Po san, Ti Lan san says with a bow to each of the Pathfinder Katami.

Yes, we are happy to see you well and alive. How have you been for such a long time. Amara Li sama was worried that something terrible happen to you and the cargaison.

After a short silence, she adds As Redd san said. We've encountered some Kami and it seems that a Kitsune stole something from the caravan.

"Nice work. Efficient tactics and everyone is safe."

He extends a hand to Lin Po, then to Ti Lan. "I am glad to see you safe."

He surveys the caravan as Redd explains what the party know. When he finishes he extends a hand to the two of them, "I am glad to see you safe. I am Marcus... pleased to meet you. The Kami of the forest seem to have your backs and have already provided us with leads."

Zelphari looks slightly askance at the goblin. Despite his initial misgivings, Ogren had clearly showed his bravery when fighting the walking trees. But yet, he seemed to have frozen up when the team encountered the statues. Not quite sure what to make of it for now, he sets it aside and approaches Lin Po and Ti Lan.

"I am heartened that we got here in time. Please share with us what you've encountered. From we've gathered, some strange occurrences have been happening."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

The pair start explaining their situation. "Shortly prior to reaching Suboyashi, we were visited by a kami. It is locked inside one of our relics - a bonsai tree, we believe - and was concerned something in this forest was after it. Still, it bid us take a detour from the current road and assist another spirit."[/b]

"Not long after, it was taken. We barely made it through that patch of animated trees and guardian statues and gave chase to the kitsune thief. But we only caught a few glimpses. These spirits brought us to a halt, and we couldn't break out without serious risk. The others have mostly given up, and we can see why." The pair and their staff look the part; tired, scared, even a bit guilty at all the arisen problems.

She points southeast. "We think he has gone that way, just off the path but following it."

Lin Po hurries off to a wagon and quickly returns as he chats with the rest of teh caravan, "We will make camp here. There is time to return to Suboyashi with you. Then back to Sakakabe and a week's rest!"

Marcus takes a seat on the edge of one of the caravans on considers the information they've gathered over the last day. He steeples his fingers and furrows his brow, but keeps silent for... well... just long enough to be awkward. Finally he speaks, albeit slowly. "It seems as though you had the misfortune of being unknowingly involved in the struggles of the spirit world. Fortunately you appear to have exhibited remarkable resolve and have been able to provide us with a strong lead to follow while maintaining the safety of yourselves and your associates... but this Kitsune vexes me. What does this Vulpine fellow have to gain in rousing the ire of the Kami? I have known Kitsune to be predisposed to chicanery and pranks, but this seems to be with purpose. If you have any information about the bonsai or the kami you spoke to, perhaps it may reveal more..."

He cracks his knuckles, then stands up. "Either way, we have our work cut out for us, and your pursuit of the thief has made this a much more achievable task. We should depart without delay."

Lets follow the trail to this individual.

Says Katami

Redd looks at Marcus with a perplexed look then back at the Tien Pathfinders.
Uhh. Yeah. Vexin' and predisposited to chicken-ary. We gotta find that fox person!

Lead the way, Katami. I'm right behind ya.

"Afraid we don't know anymore than we have already shared with you. The Kami shared little more than memories or gut feelings."

Katami is able to quickly pick up the trail of pawprints. After nearly two hours following them, the sound of a flute can be heard in a nearby clearing. There sits a kitsune. Both of his hands hold the instrument in question. He looks battered and weary. Opposite him sits the small bonsai tree, the katana at his side, and many other relics in a sack, largely ignored.

"Hello there, travelers," he says, putting down the flute. "What would cause you to break from the Spirit Road's path? It has become dangerous of late."

Marcus's eyes narrow momentarily. He considers the scene, but can't shake a gut feeling that something is very wrong here. He mutters to Katami, "Eyes up... seems like a setup"

He steps forward and responds jovially to the kitsune, "The spirits guide, and we follow. Sometimes they play games and we are but pawns, sometimes they lead to treasure and fortune, and often we find ourselves the fools in a puppet show... but nonetheless we follow lest we anger them. And you mister....?"

He does his best to put the kitsune at ease... with luck it wont come to blows but better that they learn what they can of the area before that happens.

Not sure if deception or diplomacy would be called for here, +8 for diplomacy, +4 for deception

Redd steps forward to confront the kitsune.
You're in big trouble, mister. I am a kami in physical form. You have meddled with us kami for too long! I demand you give us our pretty little bonsai tree and if you think to attack us, you are outnumbered. Not just us, but we have dozens of good kami surrounding these woods ready to take back what is ours.

Charming Liar: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Katami says nothing, but has her hands on her bow.

Ogren watches the new man with interest. He seems so interesting but yet is a Bad Fox. He looks over at Redd and nods as she seems to set a good course of action to take. "Right! She's a kami!"

The kitsune recovers enough from his fatigue as he appears a it taken aback and shaken. "I am Dorobu, little more than an amateur mage I am afraid." He looks a bit embarrassed. "I was fascinated with your spiritual magic. I was studying how the plants in this region had become animate and territorial during the local kami’s absence, with aggressive arboreals filling the kami’s role as a forest protector using indiscriminate violence." He nods towards the small bonsai tree. "I sensed the Kami's return but it also brought an uptick in the arboreal's aggression as you may have noticed."

"I admit to filching the tree but I wanted to figure out a way to harness the Kami's power over the plants to help. I'm sorry." He bows his head down low.

Marcus approaches carefully, but leaves his weapon sheathed. "Hrmmm... stealing magic items beyond your ability to control... just to poke at it with a stick and see what happens?" He smirks and shrugs. "Sounds like Pathfinder material to me..."

perception, sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

"Well, if that is the case, then it is about time the tree is returned. Enough mischief has been caused, but it is not too late to make amends."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Dorobu says, flicking the stolen bonsai tree around a few times. He then hands it over to anyone who accepts it. "The arboreals leader will know of the bonsai trees presence sooner or later. Defeating it may not stop them entirely, but it'd strike a decisive blow. That, and it may allow the kami time to return to full strength."

The kitsune heaves himself back to a sitting position with an exaggerated sigh as he looks absolutely exhausted. He holds forth his katana as well. "I can feel it drawing closer. 'Fraid I am not much help but you may use my blade if it will help." It is a low-grade cold iron katana

I know how to use that. says Katami looking at the weapon.

If we fight again these trees, it could come handy.

After taking the weapon she says. From where they will come from?

Redd accepts the bonsai tree and gently places it in the top of her pack with its tiny branches sticking out.
Oh! So, you are trying to help the good kami. And here I thought you were one of the evil ones, Mister Dorobu. I hope we can do something to help the kami regain their strength. The evil trees need to be stopped, then.

Redd watches Katami wave the exotic blade in expert fashion.
Wow, Katami! You really do know how to use that sword.

"So if I can piece this together... the Kami had been gone for some time, and this caravan brought it back through the region on its way to the Pathfinder Lodge. At that point, you sensed its return as did the arboreals, and you... filched it as you say... in order to attempt to single-handedly bring stability to the region? I don't suppose having a brief chat with the Caravan leaders crossed your mind?"

He sighs and shakes his head. "Of course not... but it is not the best of ideas to leave an area worse than we found it by our own actions. We had best see this through, and then inform Amara-Li of our findings afterwards. So are we just going to camp and let them come to us or do you have a lead as to where we can find this leader?"

Dorobu looks a bit ashamed. "Felt it was worth a try." Moments later a great crashing sound is heard. Nearly the size of an ogre a massive tree crashes through the edge of the clearing. resembling the pine brutes from earlier it wields a large stone longsword and a large bark shield.

Round 1
Redd (15/15)
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Warden
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Ogren (21/21)
Marcus (26/26)
Katami
Zelphari

Oh no! A giant walking tree! Redd shouts.

She darts to a spot to hide in the shadows of the small clump of trees nearby and pulls out her bow.

I wish I had an axe. She says to herself.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

They called the Kitsune Dorobu? That is one sound off from literally being 'thief' (dorobo.)

Ogren watches as the people much more experienced at talking than him interact with the would be thief with good intentions? He puzzles over the complex things and decides to leave it well enough alone. But he does give a start in shock at the giant tree coming for the group and freezes in shock for a few seconds.

I believe that was on purpose hehe

The tree warden stomps forward raising it's shield aggressively as the bark groans and trickles down from the air.

◆ Move
◆ Move
◆ Raise Shield

Round 2
Redd (15/15)
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Warden
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Round 1
Ogren (21/21)
Marcus (26/26)
Katami
Zelphari

Katami casts magic weapon on her new katana and moves closer.

For Glory!

Marcus sighs. "I guess I should take a cue from Ogren and at least try..."

He mutters a curse, then draws his blade as he barks out orders in what he hopes is a language it will understand.

In sylvan: "Arboreal... this is my single warning. These woods are under the auspices of the Kami of the woods... not you. Stand down and coexist in peace, or be pruned."

Versetile Performance to Demoralize: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

After that he grits his teeth and wonders to himself, just how badly is this going to go?

Recall knowledge... just how badly is this going to go?

Darn, I'm not next to Ogren. Wanted to use my scroll of magic weapon on his longsword as that is the most effective weapon we have, assuming it has the same resistances as the walking trees earlier.

Zelphari sees that Ogren is out of reach for the enchantment spell on his scroll. So he summons an arc of electricity to smash into the hulking figure, then pulls out the scroll. Will go enchant Ogren next round.

electric arc: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 Basic Ref DC17

The tree groans loudly at Marcus. "No, co-existance..." The tree seems frightened as Marcus is able to speak and understand it. Marcus believes this creature to be a yellow musk brute. Striking it or getting sprayed by such a plant causes one to become fascinated. The tendriled roots will reach out from the earth grabbing those nearby to hold them in place.

The new katana seems to glow with magic as Katami runs her hand along the blade.

Reflex DC 17: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Lightning scorches the surface of the tree's bark as Zelphari charges teh air around it.

Round 2
Redd (15/15)
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Warden (-4)
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Round 1
Ogren (21/21)
Marcus (26/26)
Katami
Zelphari

Ogren bounces up and down not sure if the new tree thing is friend or foe. "So... Marcus, what's he saying? Is he going to bring us berries? Or PICKLES? Or do we have to fight him?"

He looks over at Zelphari who seems to be staring at him and bounces over. "Did you want some thing?" He then raises his shield and takes out his longsword.

Stride, Raise Shield, Interact to draw Longsword

After the tree responds to Marcus in a strange language, Redd notices the tree is still angry as it shambles towards the group. In the shadows of the copse of trees, Redd bites her lip hoping her arrows will do any damage to this strange spore-covered tree. She fires two shots and then moves out from the copse to a spot behind her companions.

shortbow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 1
sneak?: 1d6 ⇒ 5

shortbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 4
sneak?: 1d6 ⇒ 2

strike, strike, stride 25 ft.

Ogren raises his shield as Redd comes out from hiding. Her first arrow shatters against the tree's bark shield as the second misses. First hit due to being FF from hiding, but between shield block and resistance it caused no damage.

The warden strides forward, bashing the bark shield right into Marcus, tossing him through the air.

Shield Bash vs Marcus AC 17: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Damage: 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 20 crit damage plus pushes you back 10 feet.

Round 3
Redd (15/15)
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Warden (-4)
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Round 2
Ogren (21/21)
Marcus (6/26)
Katami
Zelphari

Katami waits for Marcus to inspire them, then moves to flank with Orgen, takes her katana two handed and strikes!

For Glory and Honor!

+1 striking Katana, IC, vs FF AC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 = 22
Damages, S, cold iron, IC: 2d10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 2 + 1 = 5

Zelphari looks torn between Marcus and Ogren but deciding that the best defence is a good offence, he unrolls his scroll and summons the magic trapped within to enchant Ogren's sword.

Even as the scroll disintegrates, he flicks his hand and sends a mass of air to smash into the large tree.

elemental toss, IC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 17 bludgeoning damage, blood magic, IC: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

2 action: cast magic weapon, 1 action: elemental toss

Just checking. If I don't remember wrong, we never rested right?

Gah! Look at all those ones and twos for damage! Katami's 2d10=snake eyes!

Ogren watches the giant tree with fascination right up until the moment it punts Marcus across the field. He scowls at it some saying, "HEY! That's not Nice! Marcus tell the tree that that's not nice! It looks like it hurt. ...but, can you punt me next?"

He pauses for a moment as Zel brings out a beautiful glow from within his longsword, ohhing and ahhing over it for a moment before remembering what he was here to do. He waits to make sure that Marcus is okay and for the bard to start singing his lovely, lively song before steps up to the tree opposite Katami and tries to hack at the thing. "No punting my friends without permission! Now eat my shiny sword! But I do give you permission to punt me... it looks like fun."

“You’re making me use my pointy SHINY weapon! D-::-D” Longsword+IC VS FF: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 16
Damage, Slashing, Striking, IC: 2d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 5) + 4 + 1 = 12

He then brings his shield up as he gets ready to go flying!

AC20

Marcus coughs and spits blood. "It... more or less told us to sod off."

His arm gives a crunching sound as he raises it and Marcus winces, letting slip a look of concern. "As they say at the Shelynite temples... second verse, same as the first."

Inspire Courage!

With that he closes his fist and growls out a curse in sylvan. "[EXPLETIVE DELETED]"

Casting Phantom Pain on the warden, save DC 18
Mental Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 2) + 1 = 4
Persistent Mental Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Ogren and Katami's weapons glow as the pair work in unison slashing into the mighty trunk of the tree as it blocks what it can.

Will Save DC 18: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

The tree groans as Marcus get's into it's mind causing further anguish. Zelphari sends a gush of wind into the tree to try and blow it down, but misses.

Round 3
Redd (15/15)
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Warden (-22; shield -9)
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Round 2
Ogren (21/21)
Marcus (6/26)
Katami
Zelphari

Redd moves southward to get an unobstructed shot at the giant tree. She lets loose two shots.

shortbow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 1

shortbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 2

I'm pretty scared to get too close to that thing after seeing how it made Marcus fly! She shouts to her companions.

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuudge. She says after seeing her second arrow almost hit a bird flying high overhead.

I think I "earthquaked" the map and shifted it over a bit. I don't think it changes tactics or anything, just letting ya know. Sorry!

Ogren gives Redd a frown. "Oi! I'm next in line for going flying! Wait your turn!"

What're you talking about, Ogren? Redd asks with a puzzled look. I'm not getting anywhere near that giant tree!

"It's overrated..."

Don't forget your +1s

Redd's arrows miss by a wide margin as the tree begins to strike back at those around it.

Shield Bash vs Ogren AC 20: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Stone Longsword vs Katami AC 18: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 5 = 14

Ogren goes flat to the ground and quickly rolls to the side as the bark shield passes right over his head. The heavy stone longsword pass low at Katami as she leaps over it in unison.

Round 4
Redd (15/15)
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Warden (-22; shield -9)
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Round 3
Ogren (21/21)
Marcus (6/26)
Katami
Zelphari

Katami calls for General's Susumu zeal and strikes the creature.

For Glory!

+1 Striking Katana, IC, vs FF AC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 = 22
Damages, S, IC: 3d10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (9, 3, 7) + 2 + 1 = 22

+1 Striking Katana, IC, vs FF AC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 1 - 5 = 14
Damages, S, IC: 2d10 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5, 3) + 2 + 1 = 11

1 action cast, strike, strike

Zelphari pulls out another scroll, turns towards Marcus and incants the words there. Primal energy surge through him, healing him much of his wounds.

Marcus, heal: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

1 action withdraw scroll, 2 cast.
I have one more slot to heal just in case

Marcus breathes a sigh of relief.

I have 1 soothe spell available as well.

"That... really hits the spot. My thanks Zelphari. Now to ensure that does not recur... follow Katami's lead! Precision and persistance!"

Inspire Courage, Telekinetic Projectile

Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

Ogren sees the edge of the shield flying at his face and squishes flat much like a ball thrown at teh ground with force. He looks up at the tree thing with an accusatory look. "I wanted to go flying not get cut up. That looked like you were just trying to hurt me! Bad Tree."

He then takes a few slashes at the tree in retaliation before bringing his shield up and pointing at the center of it. "Hit me here! It'll hurt less but provide a good push!"

“You’re making me use my pointy SHINY weapon! D-: :-D” Longsword+IC VS FF: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 26
Damage, Slashing, Striking, IC: 2d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5, 4) + 4 + 1 = 14
“You’re making me use my pointy SHINY weapon! AGAIN! D-: :-D” Longsword+IC VS FF, Second strike: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 1 + 1 - 5 = 19
Damage, Slashing, Striking, IC: 2d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 + 1 = 11

Ogren rolls back to his feet as his sword chops into the tree's trunk. Marcus tosses a few jagged stones from the ground that twack into the nearby brush.

Katami joins Ogreen as the pair send wood chips flinging everywhere. Zelphari heals Marcus's wounds to try and keep him on his feet for a little longer.

Round 4
Redd (15/15)
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Warden (-69; shield -9)
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Round 3
Ogren (21/21)
Marcus (20/26)
Katami
Zelphari

Redd stays in her spot and lets loose 3 arrows.
Hopefully I'll hit it one of these times!

shortbow & IC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 = 24
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 10

shortbow & IC: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 6

shortbow & IC: 1d20 - 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) - 3 + 1 = 9
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 5