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

Game Master kuey

Fortitude: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Smells like someone has forgotten to wash the dung off the mushrooms before eating them.

Lande draws his clan dagger as he moves around to strike at the creature.

◈ Interact
◈ Stride

◈ Strike - Hatchet (agile, sweep)
1st Attack, Inspired: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 = 22
Damage (Slashing): 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

“Blech! What a foul smell!” Peri looks like it sapped something from her.

She raises her shield, moves up opposite Lande, and tries to strike with the shield.
Shield Boss, enfeebled, IC: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 1 + 1 = 22
Bludgeoning, enfeebled, IC: 1d6 + 3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 - 1 + 1 = 5

For Pré and for Su the +1 mentioned doesn’t come from the bard but from Burn it feat

"There's the hag!" ...whatever her name is! Scooting closer (but not too close, because that green gas looks noxious!), Salaish begins her chant, motioning to call down fire on the new foe.

Produce Flame: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 241d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

◆ Step, ◆◆ Cast a Spell

Fort:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Assuming Salaish hits with 24 the hag is now in fire (2d4+1). As Su Fix said the +1 is because of Burn it!

The goblin steps and casts a Fire Ray towards the hag.

Fire ray:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Damage:2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 3) + 1 = 9 Again the +1 is because of Burn it

Well the goblin, seeing the hag on fire, decides to loads his sling and to fires a bullet.

Sling:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Damage:1d6 ⇒ 3

Then he casts a Shield.

She's on fire brother, that works!

Voron gasps as the hag appears. Aaaah! I mean the danger. Not your face. Definitely wasn't take aback by that...

[[AA]] Cast (somatic, verbal) Telekinetic Projectile
Spell attack (inspired), B damage (inspired): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 = 251d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

With a sweeping gesture of his hand, he chucks another downed tree-branch at her head.

Got it, Su Fix!
Peri, Pre Fix, do you want to use the free saving throw reroll per encounter?
Sorry I wasn't clear. The gas disperses immediately after she has expelled it.
Realised I made a mistake with the homunculus. It would only have taken the burning damage at the end of its turn. Oh well.

The Pathfinders recover quickly from the sudden appearance of the hag. Lande comes around one side, chopping deep into her flesh with his hatchet. Peri comes round the other side and slams her shield against her shoulder, and she screeches in pain. Voron picks up a broken branch telepathically and slams it into her skull. From behind the cluster of trees, Salaish does possibly the most devastating attack, sending an orb slamming into her and setting her aflame! Thankfully for her, the two goblins' attacks fail to connect.

The hag snarls at the Pathfinders, screaming, "That scarf is mine!" Realising that Pre Fix is the source of the magical fire combustion, she swipes a claw at him. The fire distracts her sufficiently that the strike is weak, and further weakened by Peri who intercepts the bulk of the blow with her shield. Frustrated, she pauses briefly to concentrate, and disappears from view!
Peri, I assume you use Liberating Step, reducing the damage by 3. Pre Fix, go ahead and decide if you wish to take the 5-foot step before taking your turn.

The hag is no longer in view. Maybe invisible, maybe teleported away. If you are still going to attack, let me know exactly which square you're attempting to strike. Or if you think she's invisible (i.e. Undetected), you can take an action to Seek to make her Hidden to you.

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 3: Status: inspire courage 3/3 (+1 attack, dmg, save vs fear)
~~~
red humanoid (-30; burning 2d4+1; invisible)
orange humanoid
yellow humanoid
Salaish
-------
Round 4:
~~~
Peri (enfeebled 1)
Pre Fix (18/20; enfeebled 1; fort DC18 or enfeebled 2; 5-foot step?)
Su Fix
Voron
Lande

What?! Again?! Scanning the area, Salaish tries to spot where the hag could be, maybe looking for footprints or something?

Perception to Seek, DC 17+: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Perception to Seek, DC 17+: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Perception to Seek, DC 17+: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

It took way too long to spot her, but Salaish triumphantly points out her quarry. "She hasn't moved! She's still there!"

◆◆◆ Lotsa Seeking

Fort save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 Well, it is better. Still same result. Thanks for the reminder though.

"Thanks Salaish!"

Raising her shield, Peri then tries to slam her shield into where she last saw the hag.
flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Shield bash, IC, Enfeebled 1: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 - 1 = 16
Bludgeoning, IC, Enfeebled 1: 1d6 + 3 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 - 1 = 6

Frowning when she doesn't connect with anything, she decides to put her whip away.

Raise Shield, Strike, Interact to Sheath Weapon

The goblin moves to be nearer the scarf's bearer and loads and fires a bullet at the place where the hag was.

Sling:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Damage:1d6 ⇒ 4

The goblin takes the step when he can.

Fort:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Then he casts a fire spell towards the square where the hag was seen.

Produce flame: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Damage:1d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9 +1 because of burn it

Well, Salaish doesn't have an action to point it out, so...

[[A]] Seek Seek (Perception), DC17: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
[[A]] Point out

Voron sees that the hag never moved and points this out to the team.

She's still right there!

His boney finger makes it quite precise. He then flings his dagger at her, beckoning it to return to his hand after missing her completely.

[[A]] Cast (somatic) Hand of the Apprentice
Spell attack (inspired), flat check DC11, P damage (inspired): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 171d20 ⇒ 51d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

Damn!

Pending Lande's actions.

Lande slashes once at the invisible figure.

◈ Strike - Hatchet (agile, sweep)
1st Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Damage (Slashing): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Flat Check: 1d20 ⇒ 16

◈◈ Ready
Trigger: I can see or hear the remaining humanoid.
Action: ◈ Hunt Prey

Lande, added IC to the damage. Note that Salaish's inspire courage has expired from this round, unless he casts it again, in which I would count it for the whole round, even if you post before him.

Salaish and Voron searches around, and both eventually sees little depressions in the grass, showing that the hag has yet to move away. Even though Voron calls out that fact, the rest just assumed that was the case and just sends their attacks there. However, Peri, Su Fix, Pre Fix and Voron's attacks just strike empty air. Lande's hatchet, however, meets some resistance and sure enough, some greenish fluid appears on his blade as he hears a grunt.

There's a brief silence and faint rustling, and suddenly Pre Fix feels a deep and sharp pain across his chest, as the hag suddenly appears before him, her claws dripping with his blood. Again, she slashes and would have cut him down if not for Peri's intervention, nudging him out of the way to lessen the impact.
(I'm ruling that Peri couldn't use Liberating Step for her first attack as she was still invisible then. Peri used Liberating Step on the second attack, keeping him from dying. Just 1 hp away! )

Even more unfortunate for the hag, the fire keeps burning, and she screeches in pain.

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 4: Status:
~~~
red humanoid (-43; burning 2d4+1)
orange humanoid
yellow humanoid
Salaish
-------
Round 5:
~~~
Peri (enfeebled 1)
Pre Fix (1/20; enfeebled 2; 5-foot step?)
Su Fix
Voron
Lande

Lande approaches and cuts into his prey.

◈ Step
◈ Twin Takedown

Strike - Hatchet (agile, sweep)
1st Attack, Hunted Prey: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Damage (Slashing): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Strike - Clan Dagger (agile, parry, versatile B)
2nd Attack, Hunted Prey: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 2 = 20
Damage (Piercing): 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

◈ Strike - Hatchet (agile, sweep)
3rd Attack, Hunted Prey: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 4 = 14
Damage (Slashing): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

The goblin doesn't understand why the hag is so angry against him. He feels pain. That doesn't affect his will to win this fight. But for now he needs to recover. He steps back and casts a heal spell.

Heal, 2 actions: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Pre, be careful! This woman is dangerous.

The small one loads his sling again and fires a bullet towards the nasty female.

Sling: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Then he casts Shield.

Peri moves to flank with Lande, raises her shield, and attacks again.
Shield Boss: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 1 = 16
Bludgeoning: 1d6 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 - 1 = 4

@GM kuey: Salaish is female.

I had said her first action this turn would be to point out the hag's position, so I'll keep with that. She'll still get to do what she intends anyway.

"There she is--OH! Pre! No!" Fearing the worst for her team, and out of healing spells, Salaish whips out her viola again and plays an urgent tune, exhorting everyone the greater heights of prowess.

Performance DC 15: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Lingering Composition: Inspire Courage lasts 1 round

Inspire Courage: You and all allies in the area gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear effects.

◆ Point Out, ◆ Interact, ◈ Lingering Composition, ◆ Inspire Courage

Don't let her get away, for a perimeter! the wizard calls out as he moves into position.

[[A]] Stride, 15'
[[AA]] Cast (somatic, verbal) Telekinetic Projectile
Spell attack (inspired), flat check DC11, B damage (inspired): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 = 161d20 ⇒ 81d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

Salaish, sorry about the pronoun! Oops. Also, since she appeared before your turn, it would seem natural that Salaish would have changed her action, i.e. before she had the chance to point out where the hag was, she already appeared (somewhere else). But yeah, that is only 1 action.

Inspire Courage only applied for this round.

Pre Fix is almost on his last legs as he draws away from the burning hag. However, with call to his divine connection, he heals himself bringing himself out of danger, much to the dismay of the hag. The Pathfinders quickly focus their attacks, trying to take her down before she disappears again. Unfortunately, Su Fix, Peri and Voron's attacks all miss, for even though she is still burning away, her feet are deft and her hide is thick. But even she can't dodge them all. In a moment's distraction, Lande manage to land 2 strikes in rapid succession on her, leaving her on the verge of collapse.

The hag looks to be in a state of panic, especially by the incessant flames. She throws herself to the floor, rolling upon the snow on the ground which does the trick to finally put out the fire. But that leaves her in a very vulnerable position, staring up at the blades of Peri and Lande!

She raises her hand in weak defence and screeches piteously. "No! Please! Let me go! No more! You can keep the scarf. Just let me go!"

combat map
Bold may act
-------
Round 5: Status: Inspire Courage 1/1 (+1 attack, dmg, save vs fear)
~~~
red humanoid (-53; burning 2d4+1)
orange humanoid
yellow humanoid
Salaish
-------
Round 6:
~~~
Peri (enfeebled 1)
Pre Fix (13/20; enfeebled 2)
Su Fix
Voron
Lande

Typo above and too late to edit. The hag is no longer burning.

As the hag cries out her surrender, two thoughts simultaneously tumble through Salaish's mind: Oh, thank goodness! We don't have to kill her! and It's a trick! Isn't it? It could be... Uncertain about what to do next, she keeps playing, the tone of her tune switching to one of caution and readiness. (She won't try for Lingering Performance this time, so Inspire Courage will continue for 1 round.)

Wanting to believe that the fighting is over, she calls out (in time to her music): "Who are you, and why do you want the scarf?"

◆ Inspire Courage, then talking and waiting for a response.

“Yes, what purpose did you have for the scarf? What assurance do we have that you will not attempt to trick and slay others if we allow you to live?”

Peri draws her sword and holds it ready in case the hag attempts any tricks.

Hey, you wanted to kill my brother! You're an assassin! Why should we spare your life?

The goblin is angry against the false woman. That's a bit easy to do: I attack and then I cry for my life.

The goblin stays cautious wit the hag.

How can we trust you? You almost killed me!

Lande shakes his head and unleashes a flurry of attacks at the prone creature.

◈ Twin Takedown

Strike - Hatchet (agile, sweep)
1st Attack, Hunted Prey, Inspired: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 = 25
Damage (Slashing): 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

Strike - Clan Dagger (agile, parry, versatile B)
2nd Attack, Hunted Prey, Inspired: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 2 + 1 = 17
Damage (Piercing): 1d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

◈ Strike - Hatchet (agile, sweep)
3rd Attack, Hunted Prey, Inspired: 1d20 + 7 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 - 4 + 1 = 6
Damage (Slashing): 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

◈ Strike - Hatchet (agile, sweep)
3rd Attack, Hunted Prey, Inspired: 1d20 + 7 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 4 + 1 = 19
Damage (Slashing): 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

"Absolutely not. Someone with your abilities and your outlook is too dangerous to be allowed to walk free and breathe the air any longer."

The goblin looks to the scene with surprise. Then he concludes: I think this puts an end to the discussions.

Voron's jaw drops as Lande lays into the hag.

Wait! What if she can give us information on the scarf! Aaaaah!

He sighs audibly after the hag is dispatched.

Well, that definitively takes care of the danger. I hope our caravan hosts can tell us something about it.

The hope briefly kindled in the hag's eyes when the Pathfinders started questioning her is quickly put out by Lande's quick and silent blades striking upon her prone form. She whimpers softly then expires, spilling her greenish blood over the snow-covered ground.

Almost as soon as the hag falls does the scarf suddenly starts to glow with a warm green light. The sparkling light slowly separates itself from the relic and coalesces into a the form of a small humanoid figure with moss-like skin and a conical hat. Although faceless, you can sense it is filled with joy and gratitude and it gives you a deep.

Although lacking a mouth, its deep rumbling voice that belies its small stature booms forth. "A thousand thanks from this humble kodama, whose gratitude would fill the deepest oceans. Both for returning me to my home," and his gestures to the grove you are in, "... and dispatching the usurpers that had profaned my grove while I was imprisoned." It looks down at the body of the hag. "She invaded my grove and kept me trapped in the scarf. What her intentions might be I know not, but I doubt it would have been benign. Still, her death might serve some good, even if base." With a faint gesture, roots burst from the ground entangling into her form and starts to drag the body deep into the earth.

The kodama turns back to you. "I have little to gift you except perhaps for a little blessing that I can grant. (Chronicle Boon). But please keep the scarf. It serves an unwelcomed reminder of my imprisonment. I understand that beyond its purpose as a prison, it is valuable to your kind. And you will forever be welcome in its stretch of the Forest of Spirits."

Peri looks to,the scarf and then the disappearing body of the hag. Looking to Lande, she proclaims “I am glad your decision was the right one.”

Turning back to the kodama, she says “I am happy you are free. May your home be blessed and you always able to roam it freely.”

Whoooooa! Salaish's eyes bug out in awe at this development. ...This is so amazing! Oh, the songs I will write! She does have one question, though. "Um, excuse me, Kodama? Do you happen to know the hag's name? There's been some...confusion about that." She continues on in a rush. "It may not matter at all, it's just that the kitsune who stole the scarf said something about, um, the name of someone we know belonging to the hag, and I was just wondering..." Her voice trails off in uncertainty.

It was a pleasure to help you. I hope we will meet again.

You should come with us, you will see some countries. That's it the Pathfinder Society. To see some countries... To risk your life a little as well.

Chuckling at Su Fix's comment, Peri points out "Although I like travel, it is sometimes nice to visit home again. Since they have been away, I imagine they want some time here right now."

The kami cocks its head to own side at Salaish's question. "Black Olga Middenheap. Why?"

Just want to confirm that this is character confusion and not player confusion, right? :)

It listens as Peri replies to Su Fix. "Yes, indeed. It has been such a long time. Besides, this is where my soul is tied to." It lays its hand lovingly on the rough bark of the giant maple tree in the centre of the grove.

As soon as the kami forms out of the scarf, Voron un-tenses.

Oh... I guess there's not much more to learn about the scarf. I'm very happy we could free you little one. How often do hags or other creatures do this to your kind?

"Not often, thankfully. Although I must admit, I know little of the world beyond this grove and forest."

The little kami bows once more, thanking the Pathfinders for their help. With that, the kodama turns to look longingly at the large tree in the centre of the grove. The hand that it has laid on the bark of tree gradually starts to sink in. It then steps into it, disappearing into its vast trunk. Almost immediately, a sense of palpable peace descends upon the grove.

After getting their rest, the Pathfinders return to Lin Po and Ti Lan, and help lead the caravan safely along the remainder of the Spirit Road into Minkai. There they reunite with Amara Li and present her with the relic. She is relieved to see everyone returning safely, including the two Pathfinders. She listens keenly to the tale of their exploits in the Forest of Spirits, fascinated that the relic housed a trapped kami all this time and that neither she nor her benefactor had any idea. Finally, she suggests that all of you take a well-earned rest before embarking on new adventures.

The End...