[PFS2E] GM kuey's Lost on the Spirit Road (1-06) - GD IX (Inactive)

Game Master kuey

"Well, I was going to volunteer, but I'm not exactly 'broadly studied'... I dunno. I think Su handled it pretty well last time." Salaish pouts a little, wondering if Peri is speaking out of personal reticence or if she's projecting her personal values on the party.

Peri knows she wouldn’t be able to identify stuff and for that reason is hesitant. She most definitely is not telling anyone else how they need to act.
Sorry if it came off that way.

Voron grins and stands in the center of the trail, his staff planted firmly at his side.

Come and get me, spirit! Behold, a worthy receptacle of the images you would project...

"Fine, but I get the next one." Salaish crosses her arms for a bit, but is soon too fascinated by what is happening to keep pouting about not getting her way anymore.

The spirit seems to hesitate momentarily as the Pathfinders decide among themselves who to approach it. But as soon as Voron steps decisively forward, the spirit dives into his body. As it does so, its form grows much more distinct and just before entering Voron, you can see that it seems to have the form of an very tall elf, one that is dressed very primitively.

Like Su Fix before, Voron also stands transfixed staring into thin air. He remains frozen thus, except for a brief moment when he seems to shudder in fear, before the spirit finally exits him. Voron staggers unsteadily as the spirit gradually fades from sight.

At seeing the image of an elf, Peri says “Well bonding elf with elf should work out.” Then when she sees his expression of fear “...or maybe not. Voron are you alright?”

She offers her shoulder to help steady Voron. Offering her water skin, she says “Here, drink! Sit for a moment if it would help.”

The goblin is enthusiastic: What happened? What happened? Can you feel it? What do you see?

It wasn't 100% clear, but I presume "the relic" was the scarf.

Whoa...

He takes a minute to look around at the party, get his bearings, and feel his body again in its actual location.

Obviously this elf was a hunter. Solitary. He seemed good at it too. He was attacked in the night by a wild predator. He saw the kitsune flee the battle at the caravan. It stops to admire the treasures it stole, all sparkly. A green scarf. Apparently the hunter, now a spirit, approaches the kitsune. We... must retrieve the scarf, and soon!

Open the spoiler above.

"Seek out the kitsune with a green scarf. Got it! Any idea where this clearing was?"

I can only imagine it was near the caravan, meaning we should keep following this road and move quickly before it gets far!

"Well, let's go! Dibs on the next spirit!" Salaish bounces off down the trail.

Voron recovers soon enough, and the Pathfinders continue on their journey. Again, they find that despite various branches along the way, the path always seem to be laid out quite clear in seemingly coincidental ways and you find that you are making good time indeed.

In a few short hours, immediately after a bend in the trail, you spot something through the snowfall! 3 wagons are stopped at a crossroad ahead. The caravan members appear to be resting, but are watching the surroundings carefully, and they immediately spot you. Immediately, they rise to their feet, many of them retreating in fear back to the wagons. Two, however, stand forth with their weapons drawn, staring at you warily. They match the descriptions of Lin Po and Ti Lan.

"Are you flesh or spirits? Answer!" the tall athletic woman, presumably Ti Lan, calls out.

“Flesh! We are the team sent by Amara Li to find you, Ti Lan. Are both of you alright? How is the caravan?”

She tries to see past the woman for any that might be hurt.

“No need to flee. We are here to help.”

"Yup! We're Pathfinders! I'm Salaish, and these are Peri, Voron, Su, Pre, and Lande. --Hey, you seem concerned about spirits. We've had some not-bad encounters with a couple of them that seemed to be trying to help us, and a bunch more of...helpful circumstances along the way that were just too convenient to be coincidences. I thought the spirits here were nice, as long as you're nice to the forest. Have any been giving you trouble?"

We were sent here to find a caravan and secure some artefacts. You still have them, no?

Yes, yes. We met spirits. good ones. They leads us. We found you because of them. That's a proof. Where does the kitsune go?

Voron, still fresh with urgency, jumps right past introductions asking The kitsune? Did you see what direction it slinked off to?

He begins to scan the ground around the caravan for its tracks.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Ti Lan gradually lowers her weapon, clearly still suspicious, but Lin Po grins warmly in relief. "Ha! You got it the other way round! Spirits have been more than helpful so far. It's the flesh and blood that's been giving us problem. But I have to admit, none of you look like a furry eight-legged cat or have a fox-head." Again, that warm grin as he beckons you to join the caravan.

The rest of the caravan drivers slowly emerge as Lin Po continues to explain. "We have been harassed repeatedly by this cat creature. We think it is still around here. Here, help yourselves to our spare weapon cache if you need." He gestures to a pile of weapons in one of the caravans, consisting of a composite shortbow with 10 arrows, a greataxe, and a greatclub.

You have time to pick up any of them before the following happens...

"It's back!" yells out a voice in panic. One of the caravan drivers point a shaking finger into the forest where sure enough, through the falling snow, you see an eight-legged furry cat-like creature emerges from a tree, literally. A creature that Su Fix recognises from his vision and the rest recognise from his description. The caravan drivers immediately dash back into the wagons for cover, while Lin Po and Ti Lan stand in front of them protectively.

You succeeded in the recall knowledge check earlier: "You recognizes the medium-sized cat-like creature as a poracha, an intelligent beast. Otherwise than a weakness to sonic attacks, it has the ability to teleport and meld into objects."

Terrain Info: Green areas are trees and undergrowth and are difficult terrain. The caravans, marked by the white dash boxes, are tall enough to provide total cover. Takes an action to enter and exit from the front or rear, and is difficult terrain to move through. I have not represented the caravan drivers, Ti Lan or Lin Po.

It takes a little step, and suddenly it seems to instantaneously travel the intervening distance to appear at the rear of party. It then bites and tears into Su Fix, ripping out a large chunk of goblin flesh!

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 1: Status: Nil
~~~
poracha
Pre Fix
Su Fix (6/19)
Voron
Lande
Salaish
Peri
Ti Lan and Lin Po

"Yikes!" Salaish is stunned by how quickly poracha moves. Realizing that speed and accuracy are the name of the game here, she quickly whips out her viola and begins to play a rousing song with extra flair , inspiring the fighters in her party to be their very best.

Performance DC 15: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Inspire Courage will last for 3 rounds

That finished, at least for now, she tucks her viola back in its place and hopes against hope that the gosh darned thing doesn't damage her precious instrument. A thought half-surfaces: perhaps she should've picked up a repair kit in town as well...

◆ Interact to draw item, ◆ Cast a spell, ◈ Lingering Composition, ◆ Interact to stow an item

Lande starts to circle behind, drawing his hatchet before taking a swipe at the creature to fend it off.

◈ Strike - Hatchet (agile, sweep)
1st Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 = 25
Damage (Slashing): 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8

Peri picks up the composite shortbow and a few arrows, thanking them for allowing her to use them. She slings the across her back and adds the arrows to her quiver.

——

Seeing the creature, Peri gets out her sword and rushes through the brush to a flanking position with Lande. She then swings at the creature with her sword. Perhaps next time she will remember to aim before swinging.

Longsword, IC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9
Slashing, IC: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

Interact to draw, stride, strike

You made a mistake GM. I've resistance to all physical damage of 3. That's written in the remainder.

The goblin steps back and casts a fire spell.

Fire ray: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Damage: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 5) + 1 = 10

I've no weapon. I wear a light armor. You're pathetic cat which doesn't dare to fight against warrior. Continue to hit me if that's all what you know to do.

You made a mistake GM. I've resistance to all physical damage of 3. That's written in the remainder.

Got it. Will adjust in the next update. Curious, how did you get that?

It’s a class feature from the Cosmos mystery.

I believe it should be resistance 2, since half the level would be rounded down.
Pending actions from Su Fix and Voron.

Yes, that's the creature! We must kill it before it melds into something and hides!

He circles around the side of the party, keeping on the trail, to get a clear shot at it.

[[A]] Stride, 25'
[[AA]] Cast (somatic, verbal) Telekinetic Projectile vs. RED
Spell attack (inspired) RED, B damage (inspired): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 = 131d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

After his provocation the goblin steps away and run away from the cat.

step, stride 2x

To standardise things, if any group buffs are used, even if it is posted later, I'll apply it at the start of the round to benefit everyone for that round.

Salaish quickly calls upon his bardic magic to rouse his companions into action. Lande and Peri make use of that, moving forward to flank the creature and striking. Lande manages to hack into its flesh, but the poracha manages to twist away from Peri's attack just in time. Pre Fix and Voron sends magical attacks from a distance, but again, the creature dodges them easily. Meanwhile, badly injured Su Fix, after his taunts, flees from the poracha. From behind you, two crossbow bolts fly past from Ti Lan and Lin Po, one piercing deep into the creature's side.

Peri, going to assume you would use your Liberating Step. Unfortunately, because Lande is surrounded by difficult terrain, he can't step.

The poracha twists around furously, focusing its attack on Lande. Its jaws tears into his flesh, but Peri manage to deflect the blow somewhat. It nonetheless follows up ripping into his with its claws. They open up vicious wounds in his sides, and he falls over, bleeding out!

The Liberating Step helped though. Otherwise, its first two attacks would be enough and its 3rd attack would have landed on Peri.

Terrain Info: Green areas are trees and undergrowth and are difficult terrain. The caravans, marked by the white dash boxes, are tall enough to provide total cover. Takes an action to enter and exit from the front or rear, and is difficult terrain to move through. I have not represented the caravan drivers, Ti Lan or Lin Po.

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 2: Status: Inspire Courage (2/3) (+1 attack, dmg, save vs fear)
~~~
poracha (-14)
Pre Fix
Su Fix (8/19)
Voron
Lande (dying 1; weapon dropped)
Salaish
Peri
Ti Lan and Lin Po

I have Unimpeded Step which allows the person to step even if it is greater difficult terrain.

Peri raises her shield and then strikes twice at the poracha.
Longsword T, IC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8
Slashing, IC: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10
Longsword T, IC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 - 5 = 15
Slashing, IC: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9

Voron winces as the stone his magic lifted off the grown misses the poracha wide. He quickly resolves to hit it the next time, picking a larger, rounder rock up off of the forest floor.

Hold still, mangy cat...

[[AA]] Cast (somatic, verbal) Telekinetic Projectile vs. RED
Spell attack (inspired) RED, B damage (inspired): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 = 221d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11

After he draws his dagger.

[[A]] Interact: draw weapon

The goblin repeats his last spell.

Fire Ray:1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 = 10

Damage:2d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5, 3) + 1 + 1 = 10

Then he casts a Shield.

So now getting the Moderate Curse: Smoke and flickering visions of flame fill your senses more completely, and harmless flickers of obscuring flames also fill your space. You are concealed from other creatures, though as the other creatures aren't cursed themselves, they can benefit from effects that would allow them to ignore or mitigate the concealed condition, as normal. All other creatures and objects are concealed from you regardless of distance; however, when casting a fire spell, you automatically succeed at the flat check for this concealed condition for targets within 30 feet. All your senses become imprecise beyond 30 feet, meaning everything past 30 feet that you'd normally be able to see is hidden from you.

My brother, don't stay over there. We will all die there.

I have Unimpeded Step which allows the person to step even if it is greater difficult terrain.

Cool! In that case, if Lande takes the 5-foot step, the poracha would have used his 2nd action to move to follow up, so one less attack. In which case Lande would still be up with 1 HP. Assuming that Lande does take the 5-foot step, then pending where he steps to, and the poracha would move to follow.

the goblin comes back a bit and shout: Nasty beast, I harm you as well.

Harm, 2 actions: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Fort DC 17

I moved Lande.

Whoa! No wonder they've had trouble! This thing's nasty! Torn and wishing that she could cast her healing spells way more times in a day, she decides Lande needs healing NOW, but Su can probably (probably?) wait until the end of the fight. Chanting the words in a clear voice, she sends a Soothe spell Lande's way.

Soothe: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Then she makes sure she's not standing by anything solid, like a tree trunk or large rock. The fact that she can't reliably get off the ground doesn't comfort her, though. She draws her rapier, hoping that she'll be able to get a stab in if it decides to target her. Eeep!

◆◆ Cast a spell, ◆ Interact

Some slight retcon due to liberating step. Lande, you're still up so may still take your action for this round before I move on.

Even as Peri distracted the poracha from its first attack, Lande takes the opportunity to step away into the undergrowht. The poracha moves forward going after him, and rips a deep gash with its claws. Lande is severely weakened but manages to stay on his feet if just barely. (As mentioned, instead of triple strike, it strike stride strike. So Lande is still up at 1HP as of after it's turn. Peri, as a result, I move you forward so you can strike, but that means you only manage to attack once. The 2nd attack missed anyway.)

Peri moves forward to flank the creature with Lande, but the dextrous beast squirms away again from her attack. Both Voron and Pre Fix sends stones and fire after the poracha but again, it dodges all of them. (You might want to take note of what Voron rolled. This one has got a freakishly high AC...) Su Fix's spell, however, sends negative energy directly at it, weaking it very slightly. (Didn't bother rolling the fort save since min damage is 1 anyway.)

Salaish focuses on her ally, restoring some of Lande's health.

Pending Lande's action before I move to next round.

Forgot the mention that the trees provide cover, i.e. +2 AC vs ranged attacks.

Terrain Info: Green areas are trees and undergrowth and are difficult terrain. The caravans, marked by the white dash boxes, are tall enough to provide total cover. Takes an action to enter and exit from the front or rear, and is difficult terrain to move through. I have not represented the caravan drivers, Ti Lan or Lin Po.

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 2: Status: Inspire Courage (2/3) (+1 attack, dmg, save vs fear)
~~~
poracha (-15)
Pre Fix
Su Fix (8/19)
Voron
Lande (9/23)
Salaish
Peri
Ti Lan and Lin Po

Lande takes a moment to focus on the creature before striking twice.

◈ Hunt Prey

◈ Strike - Hatchet (agile, sweep)
1st Attack, Hunted Prey, Inspired: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 = 13
Damage (Slashing): 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8

Spending a hero point to reroll the attack.
1st Attack, Hunted Prey, Inspired: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 1 = 21

◈ Strike - Hatchet (agile, sweep)
2nd Attack, Hunted Prey, Inspired: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 2 + 1 = 21
Damage (Slashing): 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

Hopefully a 21 hits its flat-footed AC.

PSA: last round of Inspire Courage. Salaish, you just need to renew it next round (round 4).

Lande lashes out twice with his hatchets, chopping into the poracha each time like chopping wood. The poracha screams in pain, now uncertain if the caravan is such easy target for harassment after all. This point is driven in when Ti Lan sends another bolt into its side.

Despite its heavy wounds, the poracha presses on, ripping into Lande with a terrible bite, which sends him falling unconscious and bleeding badly. (Crit so straight to dying 2. Peri, even with the Liberating Step, Lande would still go down.) It quickly twists around to attack Peri but she deflects its claws with her shield.

Terrain Info: Green areas are trees and undergrowth and are difficult terrain and provide cover to ranged. The caravans, marked by the white dash boxes, are tall enough to provide total cover. Takes an action to enter and exit from the front or rear, and is difficult terrain to move through. I have not represented the caravan drivers, Ti Lan or Lin Po.

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 3: Status: Inspire Courage (3/3) (+1 attack, dmg, save vs fear)
~~~
poracha (-33)
Pre Fix
Su Fix (8/19)
Voron
Lande (dying 2; items dropped)
Salaish
Peri
Ti Lan and Lin Po

Peri raises her shield against the poracha and then swings her sword at it twice again.
Longsword T, IC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 16
Slashing, IC: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 = 11
Longsword T, IC, MAP: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 - 5 = 4
Slashing, IC: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

The little goblin stays quiet and casts a new fire spell.

Produce flame: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 = 14

Damage: 1d4 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 7

Then he casts Shield.

Hey brother: target the monster, not the tree!

For his part, the oracle thinks the better thing is to bring Lande up.

Heal, 2 actions: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

Now I'm out of 1st lvl spells.

Then he casts Shield.

Salaish's mind spins frantically. I can't hit it! But maybe I can help the others... She steps up closer to Peri and casts Bless with a silent prayer to whatever powers are listening that the party can kill this cat thing before it kills anyone--and that Lande doesn't die!

◆ Step, ◆◆ Cast a spell

Lande stands up, draws another hatchet from his belt and then swipes at the creature again from flank.

"No mutant house cat is keeping a dwarf down."

◈ Strike - Hatchet (agile, sweep)
1st Attack, Inspired: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 = 13
Damage (Slashing): 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

Would someone hold that thing still!? Maybe this will slow it down...

He begins a new series of gesticulations and incantations, first causing a faint, shimmering round disc to appear in front of him, and then flinging a wad of sticky vine at the poracha.

[[A]] Cast (verbal) Shield, +1 AC until beginning of his next turn; no hand needed, still holding his staff and his dagger
[[AA]] Cast (somatic, verbal) Tanglefoot vs. RED
Spell attack (inspired, blessed) RED: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 11

Arg, most anything useful he would do right now requires a spell attack, so Voron has to break that high AC sometime...

Oh dear, no one rolled higher than a 9.

Salaish calls forth occult influences to sway the battle in the party's favour. However, it seems to do little to help for now. Peri's strikes repeatedly fail to connect, and so, too, does Pre Fix's orb of flame lands just short of hitting the poracha. Voron tries a different tactic, calling forth a mass of restraining vines but that misses as well. Even Lande, brought to consciousness by Su Fix's spell, fails to connect with his hatchet.

Only Ti Lan's crossbow bolt manages to strike again, driving deep into the flesh of the poracha.

Clearly frustrated that Lande has gotten back to his feet, the poracha decides to change target, to stop Peri from diverting its attacks. It chomps down hard on her shoulder, but Peri manages to raise her shield in time, catching its lower jaw, partially denting it. Although its fangs still pierces into her flesh, its blow is largely reduced. It tries to follow up but now prepared, Peri deflects the subsequent claw strikes. (I'm assuming Peri would shield block.)

Terrain Info: Green areas are trees and undergrowth and are difficult terrain and provide cover to ranged. The caravans, marked by the white dash boxes, are tall enough to provide total cover. Takes an action to enter and exit from the front or rear, and is difficult terrain to move through. I have not represented the caravan drivers, Ti Lan or Lin Po.

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 4: Status: Nil
~~~
poracha (-38)
Pre Fix (bless)
Su Fix (8/19)
Voron
Lande (11/23; wounded 1)
Salaish
Peri (12/19; shield 13/20; bless)
Ti Lan and Lin Po

The little goblin doesn't crush in despair to hit the creature once. Perhaps because he knows that if he can hit it will take it down. Well he hope so anyway.

Produce flame: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 26

Damage:1d4 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 7

Then he casts Shield.

Peri quickly touches where she was bitten, causing the wound to almost completely heal. She then raises her battered shield before attempting to strike again.

Hopefully the IC will be renewed...I did not include it here.
Longsword, bless: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 = 23
Slashing: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Lay on Hands, Raise Shield, Strike