[PFS2] GM Nefreet's Bounty Bonanza! (Inactive)

Game Master Nefreet

The gnome smiles big, "Hello Unzgrin, my name is Trig. I think it is fascinating that you are researching ancient dwarves and were very brave to venture in here on your own. If you don't mind, could we assist you in finding your pack? We can at least check out the rest of the rooms in this cavern too, maybe you can find your ruins that way."

But I don't remember to have see your pack before. And we have followed your tracks from the entrance. So perhaps somebody took it after the spiders attack.

We will go to explore the rest of the rooms. Then we will talk again about this pack if we don't find it.

"That's exactly the sort of initiative we're looking for in the Pathfinder Society! I was just telling these three about it. I'm sure the Grand Archive would have something about these dwarves you're looking for."

"My pack has my coin pouch, so hopefully nobody else made off with it, but more importantly it has my journal! I'm the founding member of the Urgir Society of History, and my journal has my drafts of the charter! I'm, umm, the sole member so far..."

Continuing on to (C)

Quetzhal masterfully picks up the trail from the northernmost cave (F), which then leads down some natural stone steps into another cavern.

Quinn, Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Where Quinn, once again, sees another mushroom blocking your path forward.

Well we should avoid to pass or do we need to disable the mushroom?

Should we go from the other side of it? So we avoid it simply.

Circling around to where you began, you then approach the final cave from a westerly direction.

"This is it! This was the first cavern I started my search in," exclaims Unzgrin.

Perception, Quinn: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

"Then it must have been that mushroom that gave you such a terrible fright," Quinn says as he points out yet another shrieker fungus in the back of the cave. "And there's a backpack right beside it."

Well this must be your backpack, Miss.

Then: I go to try to disable the mushroom.

Survival:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Survival, reroll:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

The Tengu looks at his companion approaching cautiously and disabling the mushroom efficiently. He takes it for granted anyway because of the assurance the druid put in his movement.

Trig grins, "Ah see, we found your research. You don't have to worry your cute little butt anymore, the day is saved. So tell me more about this historical society? Are they accepting new members?"

He is crushing hard for teacher on this lady. No sense motive necessary. If she turns out evil, that would be devastating!

D'oh! I keep making the same mistake I made with Mutaq; she is a full-blooded Orc, not a half-orc.

Unzgrin is clearly on edge as Quetzhal approaches the mushroom. She hasn't seen his skills in action, yet, and unconsciously squeezes Trig's hand for support.

When it deflates under the Lizardfolk's expertise and he hands the pack over, she eagerly digs through it to make sure that everything is still in good shape.

"Oh thank Desna's stars! A little mold on the outside, but everything inside appears fine. Thank you all so much!" She loosens the strings of the coinpurse and produces four gold pieces for each of you, which nearly empties it. "It's funny you mention that, I've been trying to recruit new members for months now! Urgir hasn't been the best, uhh, base of operations."

With everything collected, and another tunnel exit just to the south of you, she gestures up. "But what was that, you mentioned, about some sort of Archive? Or, Society? I have to admit, going solo hasn't been very profitable. But if I could do research for a larger organization, that might be intriguing..."

"Well, with this 'rescue mission' complete, I'd be happy to introduce you all to my employers! The Pathfinder Society can always use a historian of your ambition," and he smiles at the three of you, "As well as your varied skills."

Trig squeezes her hand back, "I'm certainly up for the next adventure."

The Tengu looks at his fingers.

Well I will have some changing skills at this point. But the new ones should suit better.

As Unzgrin reaches to grab a ledge one of the rocks dislodges, revealing an ancient-looking urn. Judging by its stout design and dwarven runes, its make is obvious. Unzgrin laughs, "Of all the luck! Haha! Maybe there's some hope aft..."

And then the atmosphere grows ominous really quick, as a spectral pile of dust, broken pottery shards and bones materializes from the ground, blocking your exit from the caves, and trapping Unzgrin on the other side!

Buried Spirits, Round 1

Trig ()
Chupko ()
Quinn ()
Haunt ()
Quetzhal ()

Bold may act!!

To Disable: Religion (must be trained) to speak the proper burial rites, Occultism (must be trained) to exorcise the lingering souls, or Intimidation to scare the fearful souls away.

Each check requires 2 actions.

Quinn steps up to the pottery shards and starts making occult gestures...

Occultism: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

...but they don't seem to have any affect on the spirits emerging from the ground.

"Trig? I don't suppose Nethys might be able to aid us, here..."

The Tengu makes a grin to produce fear and impression in the haunt's dust.

Intimidation:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Trig shouts, "GET AWAY FROM HER YOU DAMN DIRTY SPIRITS!!!"

*cough*

"I mean... by the power of Nethys, remove yourself from this place and seek your final judgement."

Religion (T): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Well, that isn't good. Unless Disrupt Undead would work instead?

Not on the haunt, no, but it will probably work on these...

Failing to quiet the voices produces another effect - severed hands - which claw their way over the debris to grasp at your feet.

Gold, Claw #1 vs Chupko: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8Slashing: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Gold, Claw #2 vs Chupko: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 7 - 4 = 5Slashing: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Grey, Claw #1 vs Quinn: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12Slashing: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Grey, Claw #2 vs Quinn: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 4 = 23Slashing: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 x 2 = 10

Purple, Claw #1 vs Trig: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 plus Grab and Grip Throat Slashing: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Grip Throat: A creature grabbed by a crawling hand has difficulty speaking and must spend an extra action to perform any action with the verbal trait.

Furthermore, spectral hands grasp at everything in the area for 1d4 ⇒ 2 negative damage (Basic Will save DC 17; a critical failure is also slowed 1 for 1 round)

Buried Spirits, Round 1-2

Quetzhal (Will Save)
Trig (-2/18 HP; Will Save; Grabbed)
Chupko (Will Save)
Quinn (-10/16 HP; Will Save)
Haunt (0 Successes)
Gold Claw ()
Grey Claw ()
Purple Claw ()

Party is up!!

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Quinn draws his swordcane and attempts to study the hand grasping Trig's throat...

Devise a Stratagem vs Purple: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Known Weaknesses: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

"Crawling hands! They're undead! Hit them with positive energy, or otherwise squash them however you can!"

Damage, Piercing, Strategic Strike: 1d6 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + (6) + 2 = 10

Quinn frees Trig with a single stab, the hand falling to the ground and evaporating from sight.

Buried Spirits, Round 1-2

Quetzhal (Will Save)
Trig (-2/18 HP; Will Save)
Chupko (Will Save)
Quinn (-11/16 HP)
Haunt (0 Successes)
Gold Claw ()
Grey Claw ()
Purple Claw

Bold may act!!

Will: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Trig reaches up to his throat and coughs out a 'thanks'. Then his eyes go completely black and he screams, "SMITE THESE FOOLS!"

A blast of positive energy bursts from the symbol on his chest, both healing allies and harming the hands.

3 Action Heal: 1d8 ⇒ 6 Basic Fort DC 17 if undead

Gold, Fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Grey, Fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Both of the remaining hands are singed badly, but cling on to unlife.

That will also completely heal Quetzhal and Chupko, regardless of what their Will saves are, but go ahead and roll anyways to see if you critically fail for the Slowed Condition.

Buried Spirits, Round 1-2

Quetzhal (Will Save to see if you Critically Fail)
Trig ()
Chupko (Will Save to see if you Critically Fail)
Quinn (-5/16 HP)
Haunt (0 Successes)
Gold Claw (-3 HP)
Grey Claw (-6 HP)
Purple Claw

Bold may act!!

Will:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 So not slowed

The Tengu strikes the grey one with his beak.
Beak: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Damage:1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Return from where you came from! We are not dead. We are free men (and a woman).

Intimidation:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Will:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

The druid strikes before to cast a spell towards both claws.

Claws:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Damage:1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Electric arc: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Reflex DC 17

Chupko beaks his target, causing it to evaporate into an unpleasant-smelling mist.

Gold, Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

And even though the remaining claw survives Quetzhal's own claws, it does not survive the electric arc. But, failing to quiet the voices produces yet another trio of severed hands, as well as another wave of negative energy...

Negative Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4 (Basic Will save DC 17; a critical failure is also slowed 1 for 1 round)

Gold, Claw #1 vs Chupko: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12Slashing: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Gold, Claw #2 vs Chupko: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 7 - 4 = 17Slashing: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Grey, Claw #1 vs Quinn: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19Slashing: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 plus Grab and Grip Throat
Grip Throat: A creature grabbed by a crawling hand has difficulty speaking and must spend an extra action to perform any action with the verbal trait.

Purple, Claw #1 vs Trig: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18Slashing: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 plus Grab and Grip Throat
Grip Throat: A creature grabbed by a crawling hand has difficulty speaking and must spend an extra action to perform any action with the verbal trait.

Buried Spirits, Round 2-3

Quetzhal (Will Save)
Trig (-2/18 HP; Will Save; Grabbed)
Chupko (Will Save)
Quinn (-8/16 HP; Will Save; Grabbed)
Haunt (0 Successes)
Gold Claw ()
Grey Claw ()
Purple Claw ()

Party is up!!

Side note: There is no "verbal" trait. I wonder if they meant "auditory" when they wrote the Grip Throat ability. I'll just run it as spells with the verbal component requiring an extra action; otherwise, speaking would actually require an action!

Will:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

The Tengu uses his beak again.

Beak:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Damage:1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

But he begins to find things a bit longer.

Now it's enough!

Intimidation:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Will:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

The druid continues to electrify the claws.

Electric arc:1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Reflex DC 17

Then he tries to strike as well.

Claws:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Damage:1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Will: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Trig coughs and tries to gasp out a ritual, "Religion isn't my thing, but I know a few tricks!"

Religion (T): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

And then either tries to squirm his way out of the hand holding him or whack the hand holding Quinn with his staff.

Attack Roll: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Escape is +3, Staff is +2 for Bludg: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Religion isn't your thing? And what is your thing? Knit and crochet?

The Tengu should twist his neck from surprise.

Fashion comes to mind...

Oh. Right. I'm controlling Quinn...

Quinn, Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Trig manages to cough out some incantations from his early days in the church, and then Chupko crows loudly enough to shock the spirits back to their afterlife!

As the spirits fade back into the aether, the physical hands grasping at your very throats evaporate into nothingness, leaving you with the quiet sounds of dripping water echoing elsewhere below.

Combat Over!!

Quetzhal (-2/18 HP)
Trig (-4/18 HP)
Chupko (-4/17 HP)
Quinn (-10/16 HP)

Unzgrin soon makes her way back to you, apologizing profusely again for putting you through all this trouble. “I’m a bit disappointed in my findings, to tell you the truth. I’d hoped to find something more insightful: perhaps some ancient artifacts or ruins. I also hadn’t expected to run into as much trouble as I did, and I have you to thank for getting me out of there alive! It definitely seems wise to team up with other explorers for any future endeavors of this kind, rather than setting off by myself. Know of anyone who might be interested in such a partnership, by chance?” she coyly smiles.

Bounty completed ^_^

Trig is exasperated by the bird, "Religion? Fashion? What no, MAGIC! I mean, I have a keen fashion eye, for sure. But still... Nethys... God of Magic ring a bell at all?"

He takes a deep calming breath, "Anyway, it all worked out. Just like it usually does. Well done team. Good work Q."

He turns to Unzgrin and offers his hand, "I think we can work something out!"