GM Valen's PFS 1-12 The Burden of Envy (June 2020)(Table 2)(12 Challenge Points) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

The pompous man cries out in pain as the sprite's rapier cuts into him.

Seeing her employer imperiled and, thus, fearing for her purse, the trained killer, a recruit of the assassins' guild known as the Hungry Blade, draws her own rapier and swings at the fey.
Interact; Strike

Melee Strike (rapier): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Damage (P): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

She skewers the sprite, ending its existence on this plane instantly.

Barralbus gives a quick smile at the woman's efficiency, which ceases as he winces in pain at his fresh wound.

"You're next." the woman shouts to Zabu.
You’re Next [reaction] (emotion, fear, mental)
Trigger: The Hungry Blade recruit reduces a creature to 0 Hit Points
Effect: The Hungry Blade recruit attempts an Intimidation check with a +2 circumstance bonus to Demoralize a single creature it can see and that can see them.

Intimidation to Demoralize Zabu Will DC (17): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8

Despite the killer's obvious prowess, her threat has little effect on the gnome.

The Hungry Blade recruit then assumes a protective stance in front of her employer.
Step

Barralbus and the killer are atop a stack of crates, which are 15 feet above the warehouse floor.

Round Two Initiative Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

-
Miladistra
Hungry Blade Recruit (red)
Zabu -25 HP
Montagné
Lirabelle
Barralbus -4 HP
Jak

"Can someone tend to his wounds? Or drag him out of sight." Montagne yells for the first time as he springs into action. Rushing up to the boxes and starting to climb.

◆:Stride
◆:Stride
◆:Climb

Atheletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Lirabelle moves in closer and raises her shield.

"I don't suppose we could talk about this?"

She'll use her first available reaction: Shield Block if she gets attacked or Liberating Step if an ally within 15 feet is damaged by an enemy within 15 feet.

"Pokes! Man, that woman's aim is impeccable. I can help Zabu with his injuries. Just take care of those two!"

Zabu looks down at the arrow that's sprouted from his chest in surprise. Then, he looks around at his companions as though confused.

When the sniper calls out to him he looks back at her. His features shift, his face becoming sharp and feral, his jaw extending into a snout and sharp fangs protruding from his mouth.

"No, you're next! I'm gonna kill you so hard and fast you're going to be following a psychopomp before you know you're dead!"

Far from hiding, he rushes the stack of crates.

Climb (Athletics): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

1st: Rage; 2nd: Stride; 3rd: Climb

"I don't suppose we could talk about this?"

"Tell me what you and the soon-to-be-former-Assistant-Minister Themolin Yun are up to and I may yet let you live." Barralbus replies as he spies the other Pathfinders nimbly approaching him atop the crates. He then gestures and mutters an arcane phrase. As he does so, the bureaucrat's form appears to shift and become blurry as he cautiously backs away from the Pathfinders.

Round Two Initiative Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

-
Miladistra
Hungry Blade Recruit (red)
Zabu -25 HP
Montagné
Lirabelle
Barralbus -4 HP (concealed)
Jak

Jak moves to get in line of sight of Zabu and focuses his healing aura to streak over to Zabu and begins to heal his wounds.

Heal Spell on Zabu (2-action): 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

1-action: Move 20'
2-Action: Heal at 30' range +8 HP

Another Hungry Blade recruit (green) attempts to come down from her perch.
Athletics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Athletics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

It takes her a second try until she is able to gently slide down to the floor and take up a position behind a bunch of stacked crates with her crossbow at the ready.

Round Three Initiative Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Hungry Blade Recruit (green)
Miladistra
Hungry Blade Recruit (red)
Zabu -12 HP
Montagné
Lirabelle
Barralbus -4 HP (concealed)
Jak

"Jeez, another cockroach!" Miladistra skirts around the corner. She draws an extended arm and fires an Electric Arc across the Red hooded fighter who shot Zabu.

Lousy 15 foot stack of crates. Barbar is out of reach

Red needs a DC 17 basic Reflex Save to halve the damage.
Electric Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Hungry Blade Recruit (red), Reflex save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

The trained killer (red) moves quickly to avoid the brunt of the electric surge.

Then, with her rapier still drawn, she swings at the approaching gnome.
"I warned you!" she hisses.

Melee Strike (rapier): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Damage (P): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Melee Strike (rapier): 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 8 - 5 = 23
Damage (P): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Satisfied with precision of her strike, the killer prepares to acquire another target, but stops in amazement to see the gnome still standing.

"Die already!" she demands with another jab of her blade.
Melee Strike (rapier): 1d20 + 8 - 10 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 10 = 7
Damage (P): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

But, the wildness of her strike betrays her waning confidence.

Round Three Initiative Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Hungry Blade Recruit (green)
Miladistra
Hungry Blade Recruit (red) -1 HP
Zabu -22 HP
Montagné
Lirabelle
Barralbus -4 HP (concealed)
Jak

"Shoulda run, runt!" Zabu says, showing the woman his teeth in a smirk then using them on her before slashing at her with the wicked claws that have grown on both his hands.

Jaws: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Piercing: 1d10 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15

Claw: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 4 = 16
Slashing: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

Claw: 1d20 + 8 - 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 8 = 15
Slashing: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

Lirabelle moves over to deal with the crossbow wielder behind the crates, Raising her Shield in a defensive position.

She'll use her first available reaction: Shield Block or Liberating Step.

Montagne draws one of his weapons after reaching the top of the boxes, steps forward and slashes at the assassin.

"It was a mistake letting us reach you."

◆:Interact to draw weapon.
◆:Step
◆:Strike
Orc Knuckle Dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Damage (P): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

The Hungry Blade recruit (red) narrowly avoids Zabu's claw strikes, but the effort opens her up to a thrust by Montagné, which draws blood. Lirabelle moves toward the other recruit.

Barralbus, clearly displeased, begins to recite more ancient syllables, then issues a command to Montagné.

"Flee!" he demands.
Montagné, Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Montagné, however, is unaffected.

Growing concerned for his safety, Barralbus walks across the crate tops, putting more distance between himself and the Pathfinders.

Round Three Initiative Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Hungry Blade Recruit (green)
Miladistra
Hungry Blade Recruit (red) -8 HP
Zabu -22 HP
Montagné
Lirabelle
Barralbus -4 HP (concealed)
Jak

Jak spends another of his Divine Fonts to heal Zabu again.

Heal on Zabu: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
2-Action Heal

It takes her a second try until she is able to gently slide down to the floor and take up a position behind a bunch of stacked crates with her crossbow at the ready.

My apologies, it is a short bow.

The Hungry Blade recruit (green) near the halfling fires her bow at the Pathfinder.
Ranged Strike (short bow): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Damage (piercing): 1d6 ⇒ 4

Her arrow bounces off the Pathfinder's armor.

Unpleased with her failure, she fires a second arrow.
Ranged Strike (short bow): 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 5 = 21
Damage (piercing): 1d6 ⇒ 1

The arrow pierces the halfling, but just barely.

She then draws her rapier.
Interact

Round Four Initiative Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Hungry Blade Recruit (green)
Miladistra
Hungry Blade Recruit (red) - 8 HP
Zabu -5 HP
Montagné
Lirabelle -1 HP
Barralbus -4 HP (concealed)
Jak

"Pokes the Sprite ain't done yet." A thyme breeze blows past Miladistra. The call of the wild flows through her, and a sprite appears next to the Red hooded assassin.

She draws her rapier and pokes the assassin.

Strike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Piercing Damage: 1d6 - 3 ⇒ (6) - 3 = 3
Fire: 1 = 1

The sprite slashes the assassin, who strikes back at the fey with her blade.

Melee Strike (rapier): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Damage (P): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Melee Strike (rapier): 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 4 = 22
Damage (P): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

The woman skewers the fey.

She then glares at Montagne and announces, "You're next."
You’re Next [reaction] (emotion, fear, mental)
Trigger: The Hungry Blade recruit reduces a creature to 0 Hit Points
Effect: The Hungry Blade recruit attempts an Intimidation check with a +2 circumstance bonus to Demoralize a single creature it can see and that can see them.
Intimidation to Demoralize: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11

Her threat clearly ineffective, the woman moves to protect her employer.
Stride

Round Four Initiative Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Hungry Blade Recruit (green)
Miladistra
Hungry Blade Recruit (red) - 12 HP
Zabu -5 HP
Montagné
Lirabelle -1 HP
Barralbus -4 HP (concealed)
Jak

"It's too late to run now! I'm gonna make your insides your outsides!" Zabu declares, following the woman.

He doesn't slash at her yet, though. Instead, he makes a grab for her leg and tries to upend her.

Trip (Athletics) vs. Reflex DC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Trip results-
Critical Success The target falls and lands prone and takes 1d6 bludgeoning damage.
Success The target falls and lands prone.
Critical Failure You lose your balance and fall and land prone.

Then he tries to bite her with his dagger teeth.

Jaws: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Piercing: 1d10 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9

Lirabelle would have Shield Blocked the shot from the archer, so no damage for her.

Lirabelle moves in and lashes out with her flail.

Flail: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
ouch!: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

She lifts her shield, ready for another attack.

She will use first available reaction: Shield Block or Liberating Step

"Seems a bit excessive! We should save that for Barralbus." Montagne exclaims at the threat from Zabu but still follows after to assist.

◆:Interact to draw weapon #2.
◆:Stride
◆:Strike
Orc Knuckle Dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Damage (P): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"How am I gonna deal with the head dummy if his critters keep killing my friends?" Miladistra grunts, frustrated.

He doesn't slash at her yet, though. Instead, he makes a grab for her leg and tries to upend her.

The woman falls.

She survives the fall, but not the gnome's ravaging teeth.

Lirabelle's flail also deals a substantial blow.

Lirabelle would have Shield Blocked the shot from the archer, so no damage for her.

Apologies. My error and it has been corrected.

"Seems a bit excessive! We should save that for Barralbus." Montagne exclaims at the threat from Zabu but still follows after to assist.

With the red recruit dead and to keep things moving, I am going to assume that Montagné moved ahead and made his Strike on Barralbus.

Concealment: 1d20 ⇒ 16

With a jab, Montagné further bloodies the blurred bureaucrat.

"You hurt me, you animal!" Barralbus cries as he backs off, climbing down a crate.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

He then sends a pair of magic missiles into Montagné.
MM: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 2 = 10

Round Four Initiative Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Hungry Blade Recruit (green) -8 HP
Miladistra
Hungry Blade Recruit (red) - 23 HP
Zabu -5 HP
Montagné -10 HP
Lirabelle
Barralbus -11 HP (concealed)
[b]Jak[b]

Jak moves around the crates to get line of sight against one of the enemies and then unleashes his stone from his sling at the enemy.

Sling vs Green: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Critical Damage *2: 14 = 14

Stride: 20'
Strike: Sling Attack

Unsure if Critical Damage is just *2 like in the PHB or rolling critical damage separately for PFS2 rules.

With precision like that of a skilled assassin, Jak's projectile strikes the skilled assassin in the forehead, crushing her skull and dropping her instantly.

Barralbus' brow furrows with sudden concern.

Round Five Initiative Begins

PCs in bold may act

Hungry Blade Recruit (green) -22 HP
Miladistra
Hungry Blade Recruit (red) - 23 HP
Zabu -5 HP
Montagné -10 HP
Lirabelle
Barralbus -11 HP (concealed)
Jak

"And now you're all alone, monkey flanker. It's ok to wet your pants," Zabu says, crossing the crates to get to Barralbus from another angle.

He makes a bite at the man.

Jaws: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Piercing: 1d10 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9

Then gives him a Shove.

Athletics (shove) vs. Fort DC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Shove Rules -
Critical Success You push your opponent up to 10 feet away from you. You can Stride after it, but you must move the same distance and in the same direction.
Success You push your opponent back 5 feet. You can Stride after it, but you must move the same distance and in the same direction.
Critical Failure You lose your balance, fall, and land prone.

"Good shot." Miladistra watches the carnage unfold. She Strides twice and simply draws her crossbow. It's gonna get messy.

Montagne rushes up, feinting with one blade before shoving the other at Barralbus before he goes toppling off the crates.

"Surrendering before you die is advised."

◆:Stride
◆◆:Twin Feint

Orc Knuckle Dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 Target becomes Flat-Footed for 2nd Strike.
Damage (P): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Orc Knuckle Dagger: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Damage (P+Precision): 1d6 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 4 + (4) = 12

If Barralbus is shoved off

Lirabelle moves up and strikes her her flail, then raises her shield.

Flail: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
ouch!: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

If not

Lirabelle raises her shield and watches the scene carefully.

She'll use her first available reaction: Shield Block or Liberating Step.

Zabu, Flat Check v. Concealment: 1d20 ⇒ 11
Montagné , Flat Check v. Concealment: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Zabu teeth pierce solid flesh from the blurry form, but Barralbus manages to maintain his footing.

Montagné likewise connects, slashing deep, as the other Pathfinders look on in anticipation.

Barralbus utters an incantation and waives his hand as a slick film begins to form beneath the gnome and half-orc's feet.
Zabu and Montagné must succeed at a DC 20 Reflex save or Acrobatics check or fall prone.

Injured, the blurry bureaucrat then attempts to slide down the crates.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

He winces as his feet stick his landing on the ground.

Round Five Initiative Ends/Round Six Initiative Begins

PCs in bold may act

Jak
Round Five
Miladistra
Zabu -5 HP (Need Reflex or Acrobatics)
Montagné -10 HP (Need Reflex or Acrobatics)
Lirabelle
Barralbus -25 HP (concealed)
Jak

Zabu is more than a little annoyed that he wasn't able to push the man off the crates. It's almost as though he's half the other man's size and simply doesn't have the mass...

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

To make matters worse, the man makes him fall with his tricks.

He jumps back to his feet. "You think you're funny?! Am I a joke to you?!" he roars.

He clambers down the crates.

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

"Alright, how does this work again? Grab a bolt, pull it back, lock the string..." Miladistra mumbles to herself as she loads her crossbow.

She strides around the corner, steps around the brained assassin (ew) and backs up against some crates. "Okay, okay. Point and shoot. Just like Uncle taught ya!"

Crossbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Concealment: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Miladistra stammers as the bolt goes off and right through Barralbus. "Bah! Of course he's too dang blurry! Hold still why don'tcha!"

Joyed by his impressive hit to take down one of the enemies, Jak pursues the remaining one to prevent his escape.

> Stride
> Stride

Lirabelle moves over to flank Barralbus, hopefully penning him in.

Concealment Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Flail: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
ouch!: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

She Raises her Shield.

Reactions as usual: Shield Block or Liberating Step

Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Montagne slips in the greasy substance falling fast first, barely catching himself.

"YOU RAT!" he roars, visibly angry. He crawls out of the liquid before standing up and striding along the stacks.

◆:Crawl
◆:Stand
◆:Stride

The Pathfinders manage to surround Barralbus, but cannot land a blow on him.

With the hired help dead or dying and himself clearly outnumbered, the angered bureaucrat draws upon his magical power to clear a pathway. He chooses the most injured as his target.

"Out of my way, beast!" he yells at Zabu as a sphere of flame appears and threatens to consume the gnome.
Damage (fire): 3d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 5) = 14

The man looks pleased as the flames lick at the Pathfinder...

Zabu, Reflex (DC 20): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

But his look turns to horror as the gnome readily avoids the flames.

In hasty desperation, Barralbus reaches for a vial.
Interact

Round Six Initiative Ends/Round Seven Initiative Begins

PCs in bold may act

Jak
Round Five
Miladistra
Zabu -5 HP
Montagné -10 HP
Lirabelle
Barralbus -25 HP (concealed)
Jak

"Hmpf. Tries to kill complete strangers and then calls them beasts." Miladistra reloads her crossbow.

She Strides twice towards the larger exit, just in case he has a key to unlock it.

Lirabelle strikes twice before Zabu has to move out of the flames.

concealment: 1d20 ⇒ 6
Flail: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
ouch!: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

concealment: 1d20 ⇒ 16
Flail: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 8 - 5 = 16
ouch!: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

She Raises her Shield.

Reactions per usual.

Montagne climbs down from the boxes before thrusting his dagger around the corner.

◆:Stride
◆:Climb
◆:Strike

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Orc Knuckle Dagger: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Damage (P): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

The flail of the halfling champion brings Barralbus down swiftly. The bureaucrat's crumples onto the warehouse floor and the vial rolls, still stoppered, from his hand.

Out of combat

What next? It is midday. Themolin is not anticipated to arrive for about 4 more hours, time for the party to head somewhere else and back, if you'd like.

"Hmpf. What a silly goat." Miladistra moves up to Barralbus and the assassins, casting Stabilize as necessary.

She also takes their stuff. That's the payment for her services.

"Well, Theomolin's time here is definitely up. And this little weasel has seen us, too. They won't wake up for a few days, though..."

For a moment, it seems like Zabu's not done after Lirabelle takes him down. Even with a few wisps of smoke coming off him, it looks like he's going to keep ripping into the man.

But slowly, his features transform back to their normal, handsome form.

He wipes the blood on his fingertips and mouth on some of the fallen man's clothing then rifles his pockets.

Dragging the bodies to an out of the way place, he stacks some boxes around them to make them hard to spot, not at all like he's done it before...

"Where to now? Should we get some brews while we wait for Themolin?"

Jak moves closer to the group and then begins to pray, "Let the Dark Mistress heal they companions and strengthen them for upcoming trials."

Heal to all: 1d10 ⇒ 9

"There that should help out a lot. Unfortunately that will be the last Heal I will be able to do for the day."

He then looks over the haul found on Barralbus and cast Detect Magic on the items.

Casting Heal spell (3-action) to heal all of his wounded companions.

Feel free to describe how you passed the time and the current state of the warehouse.

The Pathfinders manage to pass the next couple of hours before Themolin arrives at the warehouse. The bureaucrat seems surprised upon seeing you. Looking around, he tries to piece together what must have occurred in his absence.

Not quite sure he was successful, Themolin turns to the Pathfinders and asks, "Wh-what is it th-that h-happened here?"

"Well, Theo. You almost walked into a trap. Barallbus was ready to pounce on you. But... we found him waiting here, first." She motions behind the crates. "They are still alive, but they'll be sleepin' for a while."

"So, what did you want to talk to us about, anyway?"

"We saved you once already and will again before this is over, when we get you safe passage away from here. What is the deal with that man planning to have you killed?" Montagne says as he walks up next to them.

"B-Barralbus? W-wanted t-to pounce? On m-me?". Thmeolin stutters. "H-he n-never hid the f-fact that h-he wanted my job, b-but I n-never thought that he'd tr-try to kill me.

The bureaucrat slumps into a heap on the floor, lost in thought. After a few moments, he confesses, "I had eagerly s-sold my house and c-collected items for payment when G-Guaril f-firsr offered passage. But once he's failed to sh-show, I thought the wh-hole ordeal to be t-too d-dangerous to try and go th-through with. N-now I l-learn that m-my s-subordinates want me d-dead? You d-don't think h-he knew I had c-contacted Guaril, do you?"

"It is a possibility."

Zabu shrugs. "Don't matter much, now," he says.

"It's obvious you can't stay here. I wouldn't think this guy is the only one out to get you, if I was you. So, pack up your things, bring that big sack of gold you promised Guaril and show up at this meeting point and time and we'll find you a safe place to be," he says.

"I doubt we will have much trouble getting you onto the boat with who is checking, he wants you gone likely as much as you want to be gone." he says.