Outpost IV PFS 2-00 The King in Thorns PbP Tier 1-2 (Inactive)

Game Master James Martin

Elsha lobs one last bomb at the hunched over creature and then circles around the large tree to support Mandower.

◆ Strike RED (far lobber, quick bomber)
alchemist's fire attack, fire damage, persistent fire damage, fire splash damage: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 211d8 ⇒ 71 = 11 = 1

◆ Stride 25'

He quickly glances at Mandower, then the creature in front of him in hopes that the orc is keeping its attention.

◆ Strike YELLOW (far lobber, quick bomber)
alchemist's fire attack (multi-attack), fire damage, persistent fire damage, fire splash damage: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 7 - 5 = 121d8 ⇒ 71 = 11 = 1

NOTE Using the bomber research field ability to ONLY deal splash damage to the primary targets.

Salaish has to let it linger. She has to let it linger. Did she have to, did she have to let it linger?

Mandower skewers the hairy fey, killing it soundly!

Elsha (changing your target to Orange) flings a bomb that finishes off the pugwampi, who collapses into a smelly heap!

Combat over!

“Good job, Pathfinders,” says Valais. “But stay vigilant. There could be more coming and Voth needs our protection.”

You have a brief respite if you want to take it!

Yup. Salaish is happy to take 10 minutes to regain her focus point.

"Woo! Good job guys! I know you did all the hard work, but I could use a short rest to recharge my magic, if we have time. Best not to let it get too low, you know?"

Scratch gives Salaish a nod as he reloads his weapon of mass destruction. "I don't mind takin' a breather and a nip of this juice." He sips on a random bottle he found in the wagon train.

Seeing that is his only has a minor wound, Jak decides to forgo healing to save them for later if they are needed.

"A little break is fine, but we should still remain vigilante."

Seeing that is his only has a minor wound, Jak decides to forgo healing to save them for later if they are needed.

"A little break is fine, but we should still remain vigilante."

"You say you needed a little Scratch? Well come on over and lemme fix you up!" Scratch dribbles a bit of the bottle's contents over the wound... it burns a little but that's about it. "Huh, that usually works."

Medicine: Treat Wounds DC15: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Watching Scratch looking at his wound, he patiently waits as Scratch sees to his wounds.

"Thank you."

Elsha (changing your target to Orange) flings a bomb that finishes off the pugwampi, who collapses into a smelly heap!

I take that as it died on the first bomb, and he wouldn't have thrown the 2nd.

Elsha checks around with members of the group to see who else could use some treatment.

Medicine, healing: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 152d8 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6 Somebody can claim this; I assume jak has to wait another 50m after Scratch's attempt?

With the danger removed, Flunk breathes deeply to relax himself, the little flames fading from his eyes. "Likely more coming, and I regret I chose not to help this G. Voth with the crown. Sounds to me like he may need some legal help in his future." Flunk shrugs, setting down his briefcase and sitting on top of it. "I suppose we'll just have to 'smash more fey', as it were," he smiles, throwing up air quotes.

You can choose to change to Ritual help, or continue Defense!

Urwal climbs up a knot of vines to examine the crown atop Gregaro Voth’s head. “Hmmm… the crown is living but not. An object, but one that once held a soul. Yes! We can make it more powerful. There is a ritual to restore the crown’s power. I will gather the materials, but I need you to do the rest.”

One PC acts as the primary caster for the ritual, but this PC does not need to be a spellcaster. The primary caster acts last. Each other PC can act as a secondary caster but is not required to do so; these PCs likewise do not need to be spellcasters to perform this role. Each secondary caster attempts a skill check from the following options.
• Arcana to tap into magical forces.
• Nature to control the primal magic involved.
• Occultism to know about binding souls to objects.
• Performance to add finesse to the ritual.
• Survival to find appropriate components.
• Thievery to manipulate the ritual components.
• Any appropriate Lore.
The Primary Caster can attempt only an Arcana or Nature check and can’t substitute a spell for the skill check. The Primary Caster gets bonuses based on the results of the secondary casters.

Choose who wants to be primary, and then each secondary caster can roll their checks!

Jak has an Arcana of +4, Nature +4, Occultism +4, and Survival of +8

Arcana+4, Thievery+4

Elsha's relevant skills: Arcana +8, Nature +5, Occultism +8, Thievery +7

So, perhaps Elsha could be the primary caster with Arcana

OOOH! Performance +7! And Thievery +5, but the rest are lower. I agree that Elsha should be our primary, unless Scratch or Flunk have something up their sleeves.

Scratch's skills all top out at +7 or +6. He's not much of a leader so he'll be secondary!

"We'll have that crown powered up right quick, lemme see here..." Scratch does his best to identify the strange plants woven into the crown. Maybe it'll help boost its power?

Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

These are not secret rolls, so you can go ahead and roll!

Arcana +6, Nature +2, Legal Lore +6 if that can be considered appropriate ;)

I'll be secondary obviously and I'll manipulate ritual
thievery: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Before I roll, can we pick the best result amongst any using Arcana or Nature for the primary? Seems like this could go horribly wrong otherwise.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

Excellent work, Pathfinders! We have repelled the Thorned Monarch’s advance forces.

GMs, the Advance Repelled condition on page 19 is in effect.

Jak goes about getting components needed.

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Elsha hesitantly approaches the crown, and as he does turns to nod some of his companions to follow along and aid him.

He begins the ritual...

Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Arcana, Secondary: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Flunk joins Elsha, concentrating intensely as he attempts to tap into the magical goodness flowing around the crown.

Elsha begins the ritual and his secondary casters provide exceptional support! The ritual goes wonderfully!

Ritual success! Want to continue ritualling?

“You see? The crown is more powerful now!” Urwal states triumphantly. “Voth, it’s all up to you from here. Damn it, man, free yourself! The crown gives you the power! Pathfinders, help him see the strength he has!”

Once Voth is attuned to the crown, he can start to break free of the vines that bind him to the demiplane with the PCs’ help. Each PC can attempt two skill checks, but unless the second check uses a different skill than the first, it takes a –2 circumstance penalty. The options are as follows:
• Arcana to use knowledge of magical forces.
• Athletics to physically help pull Voth from the ties that bind him to the plane.
• Diplomacy to encourage Voth about what he needs to do.
• Nature to use knowledge of the planes.
• Occultism to use knowledge about strange artifacts.
• Performance to inspire Voth.
• Any appropriate Lore.

Elsha uses his knowledge of different magical traditions to characterize the powers around the crown as an artifact and as a vessel of arcane power.

Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Occultism: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Voth, there aren't m-m-many opportunities like this where you have so much power!

Shucks! I missed helping on the last one.

Playing her violin with all her heart, Salaish churns out a tune to inspire Voth to rip up those vines! As the last notes die, she calls out encouragement: "You can do it, Voth! We all believe in you! We've got your back!"

Performance: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Occultism: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

"Pretend like yer growing some sweet pipe herb but instead of passin' out with a belly full of pork rinds, blast them vines with brain power!" He then goes on about some weird trip he had a few decades ago... it kind of undermines his previous advice.

Oh well, can't help the crit failure.

Arcana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Flunk mixes in his magical knowledge with some encouraging words. "I cannot imagine some mere plant matter would hold the Gregaro Voth forever!"

Jak tries to encourage Voth with his knowledge of strange artifacts but fails miserably.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Occultism: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
athletics: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 - 2 = 22 second check.

Voth rallies to your words and know-how. He groans and struggles to rise, your words and cheers clearly helping him!

SUCCESS! We are very close to the last part, so I will hold off on starting another encounter!

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

The ritual is a success and Gregaro Voth is free! The demiplane can’t control him any longer.

GMs, the Gregaro Voth Free condition on page 18 is in effect.

Suddenly, there is a strange shaking, like an earthquake rippling through the ground and air alike. The plants in the demiplane begin to grow and change. Oraiah Tolal calls out, “They’re here! The Thorned Monarch has arrived in the demiplane! And they’re not alone. We have an invasion to fight!”

GMs, this is your 1-day warning. Please wrap up your current encounters and prepare to move to Part 3.

Scratch offers up a liberated bottle with a few pulls left in the bottom to Voth "Finish it off man, I think you deserve a swish or two after what you've been dealin' with." The grin of his yellow teeth doesn't last long as the ground begins to quake.

"Fer cripes sake, can't we get a few minutes to celebrate bafore bein' dumped back in the middle of them hippie yahoo's war?" He hacks up a lunger and sends it into the bushes.

"Get ready folks, s&++'s about to get serious!"

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

As the last of the fey attackers fall, a sudden, eerie silence descends over the demiplane. A vision of a green moth—their body composed of thorny vines and their eyes burning with alien malevolence—clouds the eyes of each Pathfinder, and a sinister
voice rings in every ear.

“You have stolen my crown and invaded my domain. I have destroyed civilizations for lesser slights. None of you shall leave this place alive!”

GMs, please begin Part 3.

Urwal appears next to Valais without startling her this time. Valais begins, “We’ve held off their advance forces.” Urwal adds, “We have completed the ritual to make crown more powerful. Voth can take control of this plane, but only if Qxal doesn’t kill him.” Valais continues, “Our most experienced agents are taking on the Thorned Monarch themself, but we can still aid in this fight! Take out their fey forces. The Thorned Monarch isn’t nearly as powerful without their army.” Urwal’s eyes suddenly dart about, clearly tracking something moving at an alarming speed.

Conditions! You each begin the battle with 5 temporary hit points!

ROUND 1:
FEY!
Jak, Elsha, Flunk, SCratch, Salaish, Mandower

The fast fey (yellow) appears out of nowhere, running so fast you can hardly see him move before he's there! He runs up to Mandower, slashes at him, and is gone again! Short sword vs Mandower: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17 for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 plus a Fort save vs Poison if its hits!

The rest of the fey mumble and growl and move at a more sedate speed. They double move to get to you, except purple who triple moves, and attack!

Red Slower fey vs Elsha: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 for 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2 damage!
Orange Slower fey vs Salaish: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 for 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4 damage!
Green Slower fey vs Mandower: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 for 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5 damage!
Blue Slower fey vs Flunk: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 for 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5 damage!

Heroes are up!

As Salaish was using her violin for the previous challenge, she'd still have it in her hands.

"Whoa! Umm..." The aggressive fey are too close for comfort, but Salaish takes the risk to play her violin anyway. The tune peels out, full of determination and energy.

Lingering Performance DC 16: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
All allies get a +1 status bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear effects for 1 round.

That done, she tucks away her violin and draws her rapier.

◇ Lingering Performance, ◆ Inspire Courage, ◆ Interact, ◆ Interact.

oouch, I lost my 5 temp hit points fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Hero point fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Rage and now I gain 4 more temp hit points and swing back hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 dmg: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
hit: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 7 - 5 = 8 dmg: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 damage is slashing if it matters.

Wh-whoa! Elsha exclaims as the Fey rush up to surround the party.

He cautiously steps away before targeting them with a bomb.

◆ Step SW
◆ Strike RED (far lobber, quick bomber)
alchemist's fire attack, fire damage, persistent fire damage, fire splash damage: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 = 161d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 71 = 11 = 1
◆ Strike RED (far lobber, quick bomber)
alchemist's fire attack (MAP), fire damage, persistent fire damage, fire splash damage: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 - 5 = 51d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 71 = 11 = 1
RED and PURPLE eligible for splash damage

Things start whizzing around the group and Mandower gets bit! "I got that one... keep me clean!" Scratch declares his vengeance on the hopped up yellow speed demon/fey, leveling his crossbow and leading the target with well practiced aim.

+1 Crossbow: Hunter's Aim: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 2 = 29
Damage (P), Precision: 1d10 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (7) = 10

Hunt Prey vs Yellow, 2 actions for hunter's aim.

Surrounded by fey, Flunk quickly snaps back into primal goblin mode. "More fey to smash? Time for burn up some crispy wings!"

The goblin hops into a sumo position and spreads his palms, sending flames billowing forth.

Burning Hands, Burn it: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 1 = 8

Step back, cast burning hands, should hit blue and green?

Jak steps forward and thrusts his dagger at the little fey creature in front of him. "Let me send you to the beyond."

Dagger +IC vs Purple: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14
Damage +IC: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Stride 5'
Attack

Salaish begins an inspiring song! Mandower slashes back at green, who dies beneath his onslaught! Elsha's first bombs hits Red square on and splashes Purple, but his second only splashes both Red and Purple! Scratch's shot hits the blur that is Yellow, dealing a wound to the quick fey! Flunk casts a burning spell! Blue Reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 Blue ducks under some of the fire, but ends up scorched anyway! Jak stabs at Purple, who barely dodges his swipe!

ROUND 2:
FEY!
Jak, Elsha, Flunk, SCratch, Salaish, Mandower

The super-fast fey launches itself at Scratch! He moves like a blur, pausing only long enough to slash at the dwarf! Short Sword vs Scratch: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28 for 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 damage plus a Fort Save vs poison if it hits!

The smaller fey growl and snarl curse words in their high pitched tongue.
Blue steps up and swings twice at Flunk! Short Sword vs Flunk: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 for 1d6 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) - 1 + 2 = 7 damage!
Short Sword vs Flunk: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 4 = 19 for 1d6 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) - 1 + 2 = 2 damage! It seems particularly angry at him for burning it!

Orange attacks Salaish three times!
Shortsword vs Salaish: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 for 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 damage!
Shortsword vs Salaish: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 8 - 4 = 23 for 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2 damage!
Shortsword vs Salaish: 1d20 + 8 - 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 8 = 2 for 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1 damage!

Purple attacks Jak, as does Red!
Purple: Shortsword vs Jak: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 for 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5 damage!
Shortsword vs Jak: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 8 - 4 = 10 for 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5 damage!
Shortsword vs Jak: 1d20 + 8 - 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 8 = 9 for 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5 damage!

Red: Shortsword vs Jak: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 for 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5 damage!
Shortsword vs Jak: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 8 - 4 = 24 for 2d6 - 2 ⇒ (1, 3) - 2 = 2 damage!
Shortsword vs Jak: 1d20 + 8 - 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 8 = 18 for 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2 damage!

Heroes are up!

What do I know about these creatures that could help...

◆ Recall knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

The alchemist thinks on his foe before attacking again.

◆ Strike RED (far lobber, quick bomber)
alchemist's fire attack PURPLE, fire damage, persistent fire damage, fire splash damage: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 = 221d8 ⇒ 31 = 11 = 1
This time using his research field ability to limit splash to the main target.

Seeing his bombs getting low, he draws his sling.

◆ Interact: draw sling

Fort vs Poison: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Scratch winces as the fast little bugger slices him up. "I got somethin' fer you speedy... just you wait!" He quickly slides one of the cold iron bolts onto the loaded string and aims...

+1 Crossbow: Hunter's Aim: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 2 = 22
Cold Iron: Damage (P), Precision: 1d10 + 2 + 1d8 ⇒ (9) + 2 + (1) = 12

Reload, 2 actions for hunter's aim vs yellow.

Flunk gasps as blood leaks from his fresh wound! "Bastard fey pay with more fire!" He shouts in anger, attempting to get into the creature's mind. Afterwards, he takes a business card, sets it aflame, and whips it at the thing's head.

Intimidate to Demoralize: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Produce Flame: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 91d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Demoralize (-4 if it cannot understand Common, not that it matters with my rollin'), Produce Flame

Feeling quite inadequate, relying on a weapon, Salaish takes a stab at the orange fey harassing her.

Rapier vs. orange: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 for 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5 damage

Then she steps back into the space that has blessedly opened up and sings out in clear a voice like a silver bell: "Fight, fight, fight the evil fey!"

Lingering Performance DC 16: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Success! For the next 3 rounds, everyone gets a +1 status bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear effects.

◆ Strike, ◆ Step, ◇ Lingering Composition, ◆ Inspire Courage

Inspire Courage round 1/3

Halberd the blue one hit: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 dmg: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Then move two diagonals, then strike at blue again, or orange if blue is dead hit: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 7 - 5 = 4 dmg: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
I had a clear shot on blue before I moved, so the first hit is without cover.

Elsha knows these creatures are fey, which means they have some degree of vulnerability to cold iron, but not much more. Elsha's bomb hits red solidly and splashes Purple. Red drops to the ground, but Purple hisses at Elsha.

Scratch feels his wound begin to stiffen his muscles! Slowed 1 for 1 round! Make another Fort Save, DC 18 opr be Slowed 1 for 1 minute! You can revise your actions if you wish!

Flunk tries to demoralize the fey but it doesn't seem shaken. He flings a flame at it, but misses!

Salaish stabs at orange, but misses by inches!

Mandower cuts Blue down, but misses Orange!

Jak is up and Scratch can revise!