PFS2 #1-14 Lions of Katapesh (Inactive)

Game Master cmlobue

Ahmad rest on daywork schedule and remain all the day ready for figth

That evening, a trio of felines enter the camp. Although they are trying to sneak past everyone, they did not count on some eagle-eyed Pathfinders waiting for them.

The few goblins who are still awake run toward the nearest structure, whether tent or more permanent building, leaving the party alone with the creatures.

The area inside the yellow circle is normal light from the campfire. The rest of the map is dim light unless you do something to change that.

Round 1 - bolded may go

Maldthelu
Penny
Red
Ulrich
Haechi
Green
Ahmad
Blue
Masigonde

“Magic!” Maldlethu shouts, striking his glowing staff on the ground. “It is what binds us, and what will eventually destroy our bonds - and us as well! Let it flow through you...” The aged elf reaches out and lays a hand on Ahmad’s sword, which glows brightly in response. “...and welcome its destructive healing into your soul!” His sermon complete, the priest moved away from the cats.

Casting magic weapon to give Ahmad’s greatsword a +1 striking enhancement [AA] and Stride [A].

Putting Penny on delay as her player has not been around lately. She can go anytime if she returns.

Maldlethu

The lead creature looks at Ulrich quizzically for a moment, then decides that he looks delicious enough, even if he's not exactly what they were expecting.

Pounce, Jaws: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Piercing Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Ulrich falls unconscious. The creature then begins to drag the body away.

Round 1 - bolded may go

Maldlethu
Penny
Ulrich (-17 HP, dying 2)
Red
Haechi
Green
Ahmad
Blue
Masigonde

Ulrich is standing near the fire when he spots the cat.

"It is looking at me, I think it is working..." were the last words that you heard from the gnome dressed as a goblin.

@GM - due to losing the HP to a critical hit, Ulrich goes to dying 2. Also, he moves in initiative order to be just before red cat (which gives all of my team members a chance to heal him).

Fixed. You obviously looked extremely delicious.

Haechi was by the fire with his companions considering which spells he would like to prepare for the next day when the few goblins still about start scattering. "My, they do seem a rather more skittish bunch than usual tonight. I wonder what startled them."

Haetae notices the cats before Haechi and decides that now would be a good time to retire for the evening. She makes a beeline for Haechi's backpack, but not before saying,

Haechi gets a sharp feeling of terror and a vague sense of direction from his familiar and turns towards the camp entrance in time to see the first of three large cats bound in, rip the throat from Ulrich, and try to escape, all without so much as a by your leave! The kobold gets incensed at the situation. "The gall of these beasts! If they think they can just waltz in here and start killing with impunity, then they've another thing coming. The sons of Apsu do not sit idly by while death stalks their friends."

Seeing that Maldethu had enhanced Ahmad's greatsword, Haechi thinks back to himself, "Oh good. Excellent in fact. I do hope Ahmad has the same luck with these insolent creatures as he had against that ogre." Freed of the need to improve Ahmad's sword himself, Haechi instead selects a nearby stone, and with flick of the wrist and a "felis manducet lapis," sends it flying into the side of the cat trying to drag his friend away. "I guess Ulrich's impenetrable goblin disguise worked a little too well."

Actions 1 & 2 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Telekinetic Projectile targeting Red Cat

Telekinetic Projectile Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 vs. Red Cat
Telekinetic Projectile Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 bludgeoning damage

Please tell me that's a crit.

Almost before the stone smashes into the creature's ribs, Haechi thrusts his arm straight at it. A bright point of focused energy leaps from his now open hand; unerringly finds its way to the flagitious feline; and plunges into its head.

Action 3 (◆): Cast a Spell: Force Bolt vs Red Cat

Force Bolt: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 force damage

Sorry, AC is better than 17.

Haechi hits the beast that took down Ulrich with a one-two punch of magical force and flying rocks. This is not going to be the easy meal it expected!

The second feline weaves around the party and the barriers and enters a tents. You hear a crunching sound that does not bode well for one of the goblin workers.

Stride, Stride, Interact

Round 1 - bolded may go

Maldlethu
Penny
Ulrich (-17 HP, dying 2)
Red (-14 HP)
Haechi
Green
Ahmad
Blue
Masigonde

Stride, Attack,Attack

+1 Greatsword attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Damage+deadly simplicity: 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1, 5) + 4 = 14
+1 Greatsword attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Damage+deadly simplicity: 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2, 5) + 4 = 15

Ahmad, you still need to show me how that feat works in your case - both the weapon type and die size rules seem to be against it. However, due to the striking rune Maldlethu put on it, the sword's damage is currently 2d12.

Damage: 2d12 + 4 ⇒ (12, 2) + 4 = 18

Ahmad moves to the second feline and takes two powerful swings at it. The first connects, and the power of the magic rune results in a serious wound, though it is still focused on what's in the tent.

The third creature moves to interpose itself between the party and their meal, biting at Haechi as it takes a protective position.

Stride, Stride, Strike

Jaws: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 plus Grab
Piercing Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Round 1-2 - bolded may go

Maldlethu
Penny
Ulrich (-17 HP, dying 2)
Red (-14 HP)
Haechi (-8 HP, grabbed)
Green (-18 HP)
Ahmad
Blue
Masigonde

Ulrich, you can wait for the others to go or make the recovery check and ignore the result if it ends up not being needed.

Deadly simplicty

Greatsword is not a simple weapon. There also doesn't seem to be a die size above d12.

Masigonde bounds past the lion mauling Haechi. "I will return for you."

He curls his fingers and begins to flick them rapidly as he takes an agile stance. He drives his hands rapidly at the lion dragging Ulrich away.

Stride, Rain of Embers Stance, Flurry of Blows
AC now 18

Fire Talon (T): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Fire: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Fire Talon (T): 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 7 - 4 = 13
Fire: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"Feel it burning away your pain!" Maldlethu commands, gathering white light around himself before pointing a finger at Ulrich's fallen form. The magic streaks towards the gnome, burning away the blood and cuts from his skin.

Heal: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"Feel it burning away your doubts!" The elf points again at the gnome.

Ulrich can add a +1 status bonus to one attack roll, skill check, or saving throw before Maldlethu's next turn.

"Feel it burning away your mind!"

Casting heal [AA] and guidance [A] on Ulrich.

Masigonde comes to Ulrich's rescue, swinging twice with fiery fists. The first connects, but the beast dodges out of the way of the second.

Maldlethu also helps, by healing his injuries and giving him a boost to his next action.

He doesn't need it, however. His eyes open and he immediately finds a weakness in the feline's guard. He grabs a weapon and slashes at the cat, severing an artery, and it immediately falls to the ground. It's a good thing this is a desert, or some goblin would have a lot of cleaning up to do.

Round 2 - bolded may go

Maldlethu
Penny
Ulrich (-8 HP, wounded 1)
Red
Haechi (-8 HP, grabbed)
Green (-18 HP)
Ahmad
Blue
Masigonde

Haechi keeps a wary eye on the last big cat outside the camp and is quite happy to have Ahmad standing in front of him to ward off the beast. "Good thing you're here Ahmad, that cat out there is looking at us in a decidedly unpleasant manne... Um, Ahmad? Uh, where are you going?.. Oh dear, oh dear. This just won't do." But the great warrior had chased after the cat feeding on the goblins.

The wizard sees nothing but clear air between him and the cat now and gulps. "It seems that we're in a bit of a pickle here Penny... Penny?" Haechi looks over at her, but the witch seems frozen in time; almost like a statue. "Oh dear. This isn't looking good at all. No, Not. At. All." And then the cat comes out of nowhere and strikes, plunging its teeth deep into Haechi's leg and not letting go.

"Argh! Get off me you foul feline. Let go! Oh thank Apsu it's you Masigonde. Perhaps you could see your way to removing this cat from my leg... Masigonde? Where are you going?" But Masigonde also runs away leaving Haechi to his own devices. "I fear this is not going to end well".

It is clear to Haechi that if he doesn't do something about the situation himself, he'll likely end up as cat food tonight. He gathers his courage. "After all, if a descendant of the great Maker can't get out of this, then no one can." He then puffs out his chest and turns to face the cat. Giving it a piercing glare, he hisses, "Let go of me cat or I'll turns your guts into lute strings."

Action 1 (◆): Demoralize (Intimidation +7) vs Blue Cat
Intimidation (Demoralize) vs Cat Will DC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

But the cat appears to be unfazed by the kobold's words. "That could have gone better. Oh well, no time to waste. Here goes nothing". Haechi then smacks the cat on the head and yanks his leg away...

Action 2 (◆): Escape (Athletics +0) vs Blue Cat
Athletics (Escape) vs Cat Athletics DC: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20

...and almost miraculously, the surprised animal releases him. "Oh thanks be to the Maker. Time to make tracks before it recovers". And without further ado, Haechi takes off.

Action 3 (◆): Stride (25 feet)

"Excuse me Masigonde; just passing through; don't mind me. Ah, good to see you on your feet again Ulrich. Nice job you did on your cat by the way. If you have a spare minute, there's another one over there that needs attending to."

Guess I won't be needed to narrate Haechi's turn.

The cat by the tent turns and sees that its path back home is blocked. It leaves its meal and tries to push Ahmad out of the way.

Shove: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

The hungry beast knocks Ahmad back into Penny. Its way clear now, it begins to drag a goblin out of the camp.

Round 2 - bolded may go

Maldlethu
Penny
Ulrich (-8 HP, wounded 1)
Red
Haechi (-8 HP, grabbed)
Green (-18 HP)
Ahmad
Blue
Masigonde

Ahmad delays.

Blue steps towards the exit and tries to cover its packmate's escape by clawing once each at Ulrich and Masigonde.

Claw vs. Masigonde: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Slashing Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Claw vs. Ulrich: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 10 - 4 = 7
Slashing Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Round 2-3 - bolded may go

Maldlethu
Penny
Ulrich (-8 HP, wounded 1)
Red
Haechi (-8 HP)
Green (-18 HP)
Ahmad
Blue
Masigonde (-8 HP)

Maldlethu points a finger at the wounded cat. “Do you feel the magic within you!?” he demands, voice rising almost to a shriek. “Can you feel it consuming you, Masigonde!?”

Casting daze on Green - 4 damage and Basic Will 17 to halve (Stunned 1 on a critical failure) [AA] and guidance on Masigonde [A].

Despite bleeding from the deep stripes on his thigh, Masigonde moves to block the escape of the lion dragging the goblin. He throws two swift strikes with his clawed hands at the cat. Unbalanced, he throws one last desperate strike.

Stride, Flurry of Blows, Strike

Fire Talon (T): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Fire: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Fire Talon (T): 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 7 - 4 = 9
Fire: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Fire Talon (T): 1d20 + 7 - 8 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 8 = 3
Fire: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Well, that was a whole lot of nothing.

Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Sensing a meal in their immediate future, the felines become determined. They shake off most of Maldlethu's spell and dodge all of Masigonde's strikes.

Round 2-3 - bolded may go

Maldlethu
Penny
Ulrich (-8 HP, wounded 1)
Red
Haechi (-8 HP)
Green (-20 HP)
Ahmad
Blue
Masigonde (-8 HP)

Haechi watches the cat shove Ahmad out of the way and try to waltz out of the camp with a goblin in tow. This cavalier attitude somehow manages to incense Haechi. ”Just where do you think you’re going with our goblin you, you, you... foul feline fleabag!

Action 1 (◆): Demoralize (Intimidation +7) targeting Green Cat
Intimidation (Demoralize) vs Cat Will DC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

”I think it’s time we taught you a lesson in proper manners”. Picking out a nearby rock, he says, ”frange quern cattus,” and with a just so twist of his wrist, sends it flying at their impolite intruder.

Actions 2 & 3 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Telekinetic Projectile targeting Green Cat
Telekinetic Projectile Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Telekinetic Projectile Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 bludgeoning damage

Ulrich looks at the cat next to him

Devise a strategem@Green: 1d20 ⇒ 18

And knows how to attack. He gets up and slices at the wild beast

Attack using strategem: 18 + 6 = 24
Damage, strategic strike: 1d4 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (3) = 7

"That goblin might be alive! Stop it!"

Haechi summons his best invective at the cat carrying a goblin, and then follows up by summoning a rock at high speed.

Ulrich studies the same creature, and is about to strike when, with a thunk, it falls over. He quickly turns and puts his knowledge to good use striking the last remaining opponent.

Round 3 - bolded may go

Maldlethu
Penny
Ulrich (-8 HP, wounded 1)
Red
Haechi (-8 HP)
Green
Ahmad
Blue (-7 HP)
Masigonde (-8 HP)

Stride to flank, Attack, Attack
Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
attack vs Flat: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
dmage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Ahmad moves into a better position and takes two swings at the remaining beast. The first barely misses, but he spots a weak point and cuts down the creature on the backswing.

COMBAT OVER!

The goblin that was dragged out of the tent is dead, but the rest of the crew still appreciates that you managed to kill the attackers and keep the body from being despoiled. In the morning, Zig arranges for an impromptu but raucous funeral involving significant amounts of fire (and the wood from one of the barricades you made) before work starts. Muckmuck can be seen making comments about how useless the Pathfinders are and how the crew should abandon the site, but the general air of relief keeps him from getting any traction.

Masigonde applies a poultice to his wound, collecting fresh ingredients from the river bank. However, he fails to accomplish much.

Nature (T), Wildnerness: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 = 14

At the funeral, he appears morose at his personal failure in rescuing the goblin.

At some point, Pearlybones comes out of the infirmary and offers to help the Pathfinders who were injured during the attack.

Treat Ulrich's Wounds: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Treat Haechi's Wounds: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Treat Masigonde's Wounds: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Ulrich's wounds are a bit worse than he realized at first, but he is able to help the others.

HP for Haechi: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 8) = 9
HP for Masigonde: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 8) = 10

As the group of you discuss the attack, Maldlethu has a flash of insight. He recognizes the creatures as leopards. He can tell that their attack pattern expresses uncanny intelligence and figures out some of the secrets to their behavior.

Maldlethu gets +5 Survival to Track them and +2 to attack and damage against any other leopards in this scenario. Masigonde and Ahmad get +2 Survival to Track them.

Penny jumps up and says, "I'd better report this back to the Society!" She begins packing her belongings and leaves shortly.

Haechi watches with some satisfaction as his flung rock brings down one of the cats. ”That’ll teach you to pick on poor defenseless goblins, you terrible tabby.” Staring at the corpse of the creature he’d just killed, his anger dissipates. ”Well, um, not you specifically, of course, being dead and all. I meant more the general you, like your still living....” he gestures towards the last cat, just as Ahmad tears it apart with his greatsword. ”... uh, I mean, once living friend over there... oh, never mind.” Turning to the others he says, ”Excellent show everyone; those cats didn’t even know what hit them.”

After all is said and done, Haechi allows his leg to be ministered to by Pearlybones. ”Thank you most kindly, my good goblin sawbones.” Then after jumping up-and-down in place a couple of times to test it, he adds, ”Why, it’s good as new. How wonderful.”

”So Maldlethu, leopards you say, eh? Nasty creatures whatever they were. Do you think there may be more? Maybe we should follow them back to their lair and make sure. Any chance you can follow their tracks? I’d help, but I’m really not very good at any of that outdoorsy stuff. I’m not really sure why I was even picked for this mission, ha ha.” Realizing that he was beginning to blather nervously, Haechi decides to shut up for a while.

"If the assaults are to stop, we will probably need to try to find the source," Masigonde says. "Their behavior seemed strange."

Ulrich wound thank the doctor for the attempt. Sitting on the ground and removing his disguise he would comment

"It is the second time I got tackled to the ground, I need to stay further back, I think."

Then he would approach whoever will try to track the animals and say

"Look, so far this is what we know. The leopards come at night and grab few goblin bodies, which they drag to their den. It means this has to be close by..."

Using Clue In to give +1 bonus to tracking the lead.

After an hour pass Ulrich would attempt to heal his wounds.

Medicine: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Threat wounds: 2d8 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

"There is, possibly, something appealing about gnome flesh?" Masigonde poses to Ulrich with a straight face.

“Indeed - unless these cats have mastered the magic of teleportation,” Maldlethu answers Ulrich. “Though we might be forced to resort to tracing their steps back to their lair mundanely...” He seems rather unthrilled by the prospect, thin lips twisting into a scowl as he glares at the ground.

Survival, Circumstance: 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 5 = 19

Depsite the lack of magic, Maldlethu is able rach the cavern where the felines came from in a couple hours of tracking.

At this point, I have Ulrich down 3 HP and no other ongoing conditions. Anyone want to do anything before going into the cave?

Ulrich would remove the disguise and hold his bow in his hands trying to stay back at least in one of the combat ;)

The gnome tries to stay out of sight adjusting his skin and hair color to one of the walls.

Haechi looks into the mouth of the cave but sees nothing within. ”So this is the leopards’ lair, eh? I wonder if there are any more of them in there.“ He then turns to face the group. ”I think it might be best if our mighty warriors, Ahmad and Masigonde lead the way in, with me and Ulrich following and Maldlethu at the back. That way, if we run into any antagonists, I can enchant Ahmad’s greatsword before he heads into battle.”

The leopard fight took place at night, and this is some time later and involved tracking, which suggests daylight. Did we have enough time to do our morning preparations before following the trail? In other words, are Haechi and Maldlethu at full spellcasting strength going into the cave? If so, then Maldlethu could Magic Weapon Ulrich’s shortbow as well when the time comes. I also suggest that all weapon wielders be wielding them when we enter the cave to avoid wasting any extra actions within (it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve forgotten to do that :).

You would have been expected to finish your watch, and the funeral was in the morning. If you wanted to take a long rest, it would be during the day, and you would be approaching the cave in the evening.

Sounds good for me

Yeah sounds good. In which case Ulrich would be fully healed. Which given how few HP PC has on lvl 1 I highly appreciate

I will point out that Muckmuck will have some biting comments about your possibly being gone at dusk.

Anything else you want to do to prepare? When you are ready to go into the cave, order yourselves on slide 6.

Masigonde activates his wayfinder for illumination before entering the cave. "I apologize, but I do not have the eyes of a dwarf."

Ulrich looks into the cave saying

"The next time we try to barricade ourselves in the camp we should use Muckmuck as bait. One complainer less would help tremendously with the morale. "

Ulrich is good as he is.

You enter the cave, and after a series of winding tunnels, you see a large chamber lit with torches with a 20 foot wide crevasse. The remains of goblins are strewn about the floor along with their possessions. On the opposite side is what at first appears to be a boy, but is in fact a halfling. His eyes are wild and his body seems to be as much beast as man.

"Do you suppose he will engage in parlay?" Masigonde asks while keeping an eye out for lions or other predators in the shadows.

Ahmad activates his wayfinder and draw his greatsword ready for figth

Haechi looks around the cave but it appears that they are all alone with the halfling. ”Is this rather feral looking gentleman the brains behind the goblin attacks? I must say, I’m a tad disappointed; I was expecting something a little more impressive.” When Masigonde suggests parlaying, Haechi looks more closely at the nasty creature before them and says, ”While I would generally agree with your sentiment, Masigonde, this fellow does not appear to be in the mood to share tea and cucumber sandwiches. If, as it appears, he is the mastermind behind the wolf and leopard attacks against the goblins, then he must be brought to justice.”

Turning to Ahmad, he says, ”Oh well, better safe than sorry I always say.” He then claps his hands twice and rubs them together until they start glowing. Leaning forward, he touches the hilt of the cleric’s greatsword and says, ”hoc melius gladio”, and the weapon glimmers with magic and energy.

Actions 1 & 2 (◆◆): Cast a Spell: Magic Weapon targetting Ahmad’s greatsword.

Ahmad’s greatsword now gets a +1 item bonus to attack rolls and weapon damage dice increase to two.

”You’re all good to go now my friend. For the next minute or so your sword should be especially effective, so best take the fight to this evildoer as soon as practicable.”

Haechi then says the word, "scutum," and the space around him shimmers slightly for a second.

Action 3 (◆): Cast a Spell: Shield - AC 17

If there was an opportunity to talk things out, it ended when the group drew weapons and cast spells.

Round 1 - bolded may go

Maldlethu
Kip
Ulrich
Haechi (will cast spells on this turn)
Ahmad
Masigonde