GM Mauve's (PFS 2e) Menace Under Otari (Beginner Box Adventure) - Dwarf table (Inactive)

Game Master MauveAvengr

Please dot in here and introduce your character!

"Greetings! It's a great day to get out and do some real adventuring! Heck, any day I can sleep in past sunrise and not muck out a bunch of goat and sheep pens is a great day! What say you all, ready to get out there and make the world a better place?"

Durnik is certainly a morning person, scarfing down a plate of eggs and potatoes with a large mug of steaming coffee. He already wears his breastplate and traveling clothes,while his sheathed great sword, bow and pack stand nearby against the wall.

"If you're looking for adventures friend, you're in the wrong place. Nothing like that happens around here. Unless you count getting caught in a storm out fishing as an adventure.
You'll want to head down to the city. You can get in plenty of trouble down there. Sometimes more than a sharp blade can get you out of." He sighs. "Which is why I'm back here. But the boats aren't going out today, so I guess I can drink the day away."

Horst is also nursing a big mug of coffee, but eating plainer fare - some kind of porridge. Dressed in common working clothes, his only visible weapon is a plain working knife.

"Adventuring's overrated. Had enough of that in my youth. You'd be better of finding you a wife and settling down," Ursk says as he walks in, wiping his hands off on his apron. He looks down to see that they're still fairly soot covered, shrugs, and orders a drink. "Drinking the day away, now that's more like it."

The small seaside town of Otari is known for its fresh fish and skilled sailors, but above all, it's a big logging town, providing valuable wood to the nearby metropolis of Absalom. But for you, Otari is home. You grew up playing on the docks, getting lost in the nearby woods, and hearing the fantastical stories of travelers from faraway lands, tales of terrifying dragons and virtuous knights. Such adventures always seemed so distant - until today!

Word has begun to spread around Otari that there's a problem down at the Otari Fishery. Some are saying that some sort of beast is lurking in the basement, feeding on the stores of salted fish. Folks are worried that whatever is eating the fish might get hungry enough to eat the fishers next!

You've received a letter from Tamily Tanderveil, the owner of the Fishery. Inside is a desperate plea for help. With the town guard busy protecting the loggers, she needs a few brave souls to venture down into the basement of her warehouse and put an end to the beast that's feasting on her fish! Do you have the courage to face the menace under Otari?

Feel free to continue roleplaying intros and place your token on the map, on the stairs. Once everyone is ready, we will start!

Dragh is sitting with the others drinking beer. He looks at the note, his rings catching some light and reflecting on the wall. He is rubbing on his trimmed beard.

"I came here to drink beer and find some work. And I just finished my ale. What say you?" he speaks in the dwarven language, not seeing a point in speaking common with his brethren.

"I am happy to set out, eager to see what adventures we can get into. Let's get to it!"

Durnik shovels the rest of his breakfast down, then drains his coffee in a long draught. He moves to the door and retrieves his gear and weapons, settling everything into place.

"Time to track down some fish-eating critters!"

"Well, if Tamily needs help, I guess it's not a drinking day after all." He finishes his coffee and heads out the door. "I'll meet you there. I want a little more gear than this, if we're going looking for trouble."

When he catches up at the Fishery, he's wearing leather and carrying noticeably more sharp pointy things.

"I knew it! As soon as you mentioned adventures, here comes somebody with a task." Ursk continues to grumble as he takes his leave as well, but still shows up later also wearing armor and carrying a weapon.

I don't see any stairs.

Placed you on the map, Ursk.

The stairs leading into the basement of the Otari Fishery creak with age as you make your way downstairs to find the beast that has been eating all the fish. In the center of the room, between two stone pillars holding up the fishery overhead, are barrels filled with salted fish. Two of these barrels have been smashed open, spilling their contents on the floor. In the east wall is a large hole, opening into darkness.

Just a few hours ago, you gathered with a few other adventurers in the office of Tamily Tanderveil's office, where she offered you ten gold pieces each if you could put an end to this menace. She was thrilled when you agreed to help her with this simple task, but as you make your way downstairs, you can't help but wonder if this might be a lot more adventure than you bargained for.

Everyone can do one thing in here! Let me know what you want to do.

"Let me check it out first."

Horst will sneak down the stairs first, moving to the opening and just trying to spot any immediate threats.

"I don't like the look of that hole...something dug into this basement from the other side for sure."

Durnik draws his great sword and watches Horst sneak up.

Dragh pulls out his crossbow and loads it. "That looks fishy..."

If I can't hold loaded crossbow, Dragh would simply hold crossbow ;)

Ursk readies his shield, just in case.

As the group of four go down the stairs to investigate, they explore the room. Horst silently sneaks through the room, assessing the situation. Durnik pulls out his great sword, hanging back. Ursk holds up his shield, just in case. And Dragh loads his crossbow. Suddenly, a massive rat the size of a dog emerges from the darkness - and it isn't alone! The giant rats rush toward you, their huge teeth snapping.

The blue rat sees its chance and moves up. It takes a nibble out of the rogue.

It only manages to take a bite out of Ursk's tunic. It attempts again, but the rogue is just too nimble and dodges out of the way!

-----------

[u]Round 1[/u]

Blue rat

Ursk

Red rat

Durnik

Green rat

Horst

Yellow rat

Dragh

Ursk is up!

If any of you are new to PF2e or PbP, feel free to ask any questions!

"Rats? Really? Eating all that fish?"

Ursk sighs and then steps forward. He tries to bash the rat on Horst and keeps his shield up.

1 action to Step. 1 to Strike. 1 to Raise Shield.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Seeing Ursk move to engage, Durnik moves up and delivers a massive blow at he closest rat.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 to hit for Slashing: 2d12 + 3 ⇒ (7, 11) + 3 = 21 damage

Question: in crit power attack is the damage doubled after 2nd die added, or would it be 2d12+6+1d12 for the bonus PA damage?

Ursk moves up to the bluish rat and strikes it with his warhammer. He hears a solid crunch as the rat takes the strike. He raises his shield, just in case something happens.

The red rat sees his opportunity! It skitters up and attacks the cleric.

And the rat initially finds just Ursk's robes. But then it finds a soft spot in his armor! (22 to hit, 7 points of damage)

Durnik, you will have to redo your turn! The red rat went before you and moved into position in front of Ursk. Unfortunately, that means you don't have a space near the rats to move and power attack. You can try to tumble through, move around the barrels and attack from the rear, jump over the barrels (as a leap action), or do something else.

-----------

[u]Round 1[/u]

Blue rat (-5 hp)

Ursk (12/19 hp)

Red rat

Durnik

Green rat

Horst

Yellow rat

Dragh

Durnik is up!

Aww...wasted crit.

Durnik trudges past the obstructed floor area and cones around to swing down on a rat.

Only seeing half the map slide, dunno if I can stride twice and strike.

Strike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 to hit, for Slashing: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 damage

Adjusted the map slightly. Let me know if that works better for you. If not, I'll start putting each room on separate slides.

Durnik rushes around the barrels as fast as he can. He slams down on the red rat, splashing its guts all over the room. (Crit for double damage, killing it!)

The green rat scurries forward and bites down on Durnik's leg. The bite really digs down deep, drawing blood (26 to hit, 6 points of damage). It attempts to bite down again, but Durnik kicks it out of the way.

-----------

[u]Round 1[/u]

Blue rat (-5 hp)

Ursk (12/19 hp)

Red rat

Durnik (17/23 hp)

Green rat

Horst

Yellow rat

Dragh

Horst is up!

Thanks, I can see the whole room now.

Horst draws and throws his dagger at the yellow rat before it can act.
Dagger: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 2 = 23
Damage/Sneak: 1d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (1) = 3

Then draws his rapier. Which he should have done earlier, but he's new to this.

"If it was rats, it was more than just these. And rats didn't make that hole in the wall."

Horst hears a satisfying splat as his dagger digs deep into the yellow rat's side. But it still stands!

In retaliation, the yellow rat tries to skitter up and nibble at Horst in return. But with the dagger still sticking out of it's side, the rat can't seem to focus. It bites once, twice, missing both times! Blood seems to be covering its eyes, but its eager to protect its bounty.

-----------

[u]Round 1[/u]

Blue rat (-5 hp)

Ursk (12/19 hp)

Red rat

Durnik (17/23 hp)

Green rat

Horst

Yellow rat (-3 hp)

Dragh

Dragh is up!

Dragh moves around the barrels and aims over the rubble at the wounded rat

Shoot@yellow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Damage, piercing: 1d8 ⇒ 8

The bolt pierces the rodent to the ground. That should kill it ;)

Another rat goes down to the dwarven wizard. The crossbow bolt sticks out of its side!

The blue rat lunges out at Ursk, hoping to protect its bounty of fish. It bites down hard (25 to hit, 5 points of damage). It lunges out again again, but fails to find any flesh to nibble on.

-----------

[u]Round 2[/u]

Blue rat (-5 hp)

Ursk (7/19 hp)
Durnik (17/23 hp)

Green rat

Horst
Dragh

Ursk and Durnik are up!

"Let's see if I can get two for the price of one?"

Durnik swings at the closer rat, hoping to cleave the beast in preparation for moving in the last one.

Greatswors: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 to hit for Slashing: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 damage

Unconfident at that blow, he swings again at the same rodent.

2nd attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 to hit for slashing: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 damage

I think I'll use shield block on that hit, but the document doesn't say what kind of shield you get.

"Oh no ya don't you little beastie," Ursk says as he fends off it's teeth with his shield. Maybe?

He then brings his hammer down on it twice more.

1 action to raise shield if it doesn't break. 2 for strikes.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Attack: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Between Durnik and Ursk, they eliminate the last of the rats! All is quiet while the dust settles.

Out of combat! You can now explore the room, go back to Tamily, or go into the rat tunnel (or something else?). Unfortunately, it's small enough that you have to get down and crawl through it.

Dragh first begins to search through the cellar. He keeps an eye open for any unusual signs.

"Sorry, but I can't really heal your wounds."

He tries to have a look at the hole in the wall, does it look like dug, blown?

I think perception check is a secret one right?

Looking into the hole, Dragh notices steps or stairs leading down. These stairs do look natural though. With a quick look, it seems as the wall was just pushed inwards.

"I've had worse scrapes than a little rat bite, don't you worry. If we come across more nasty beasts we can revisit the idea of patching us up. But I'm good for now."

Durnik moves over to look at the fallen wall section.

"Shoddy work, indeed. No wonder it fell in so easily."

"Let's take a look around and see if there are signs of something other than rats. If the wall looks pushed down, rather than dug through it probably wasn't them."

Horst suits actions to words, checking the smashed barrels and anything else in the basement that might be out of the ordinary.

Dragh begins to climb down the stairs

"I would prefer if someone else would be going down first." comments in low voice...

"I can take point, stay back a bit and let's try to be quiet, right?"

Durnik moves to the front, sword in hand. He tries to be as stealthy as possible, but wearing armor and carrying such equipment doesn't make it too easy.

"If there's nothing else to see here, I can go ahead, if you'd like."

Assuming Durnik doesn't mind letting him by, Horst will sneak down the stairs ahead of the others, rapier drawn this time.

So i found where it says Shield Block reduces damage by 5, so I negated that entire last hit Ursk took.

"Here, I can heal those wounds," Ursk says before praying to Torag.

I'll cast a 3 action version of heal.

Heal: 1d8 ⇒ 2
Figures.

Squeezing through the hole, you find yourself in a cavern that seems to stretch endlessly beneath the streets of Otari. Who knows what menace could be lurking down here? Up ahead, the passageway ends in a cliff that plunges sharply into the darkness.

From here on out, there will be no light source (unless I say otherwise). So you'll need torches or some other source of light!

The cliff is 10 feet tall, but slick with moisture. There are various stalagmites nearby.

You have to roll an Athletics check to climb down the cliff. If anyone has a rope, you can tie it off to a nearby stalagmite

Without a rope, the DC is 15. A crit success, you climb down the whole way. On a success, you climb down 5 ft. On a fail, you make no progress at all. On a crit fail, you fall. If you fall from the top, you take 5 damage. If you were halfway, you take 2 damage.

With a rope, the DC drops down to 10.

We're the dwarf party. We don't need no torches!

"No other way to go. Guess we're climbing down.
Horst will first look down to make sure nothing's moving or obviously dangerous down then, then rig a rope off a convenient stalagmite.

Are there any signs of anyone or anything climbing through here recently?

Oh yeah! Forgot about darkvision. No need for torches indeed!

Horst takes a brief glance over the cliff. He sees a faint trail in the dust and grime, making it clear that creatures have come this way in the recent past. However, moisture and time have obscured any details such as footprints.

Durnik sheathes his sword and draws out his bow. Moving up to the edge of the drop-off,he scans the area for dangers.

"I'll cover you while you descend. No telling what else is down here."

"I rigged it, guess it's my job to test it. Follow me down as soon as I'm off the rope.

Horst grabs the rope and descends carefully.
Climb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Climb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Reaching the bottom safely, he draws his rapier again and ducks behind some rubble, waiting for the others.

"Okay, who's next? I'll take up the rear."

"I guess it is me next"

Athletics: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
Athletics: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10
Athletics: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8
Athletics: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Athletics: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

Dragh hangs on the rope for few seconds before going a bit down. It takes him long, long time to get all the way down

Horst easily climbs down the rope and hops down to the bottom. Dragh on the other hand struggles to make it down. The wizard isn't used to the athletic arts it seems. At first, he can't get a handhold. But eventually makes it down 5 feet. Only a few feet more. With encouragement from Horst at the bottom, Dragh eventually (though slowly) makes it down. There is a patch of mushrooms near the bottom that look like they could be edible.

Durnik and Ursk remain up top.

Ursk stores his handheld gear. "Suppose that makes me next."

Athletics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

And Ursk quickly drops down, a natural climber it seems!

"All right, lads. I'm gonna leave the rope, in case we need tomcome back this way."

Durnik stows his bow and climbs down with the others.

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Handily making it down, he draws out his bow again and steps behind Horst.

"Lead on, if you will."

And Durnik makes it down in no time at all! Anyone can now spot the tracks in the dirt and grime down here, but any details are lost due to time and moisture. Passing by the mushrooms, the group heads north down the stairs.

The tunnel continues deeper underground, eventually opening into a large chamber. Patches of glowing blue fungus cling to the ceiling and provide dim light. You can just barely make out vast strands of webbing across the floor and walls of this cavern, stretching between stalactites like shimmering curtains.

The webbing in this room is difficult terrain, meaning it costs 5 extra feet of movement per square and you cannot Step. You can do a DC 15 Acrobatics to Balance by carefully walking on rocks and narrow ledges. It might take multiple checks to cross. If anyone fails (or doesn't roll an Acrobatics check), please stop and wait for an update!

Can I retroactively grab a handful of those possibly edible mushrooms? On the principle of "take anything that isn't nailed down"

"I don't like the looks of this web. What could have spun it? he whispers, trying to peer into the far corners and the ceiling above to see if he can spot anything.