[GDX] GM Blake - PFS(2) 2-11: Pathfinder Trials (Tier 1) (Inactive)

Game Master Blake's Tiger

Gameday X Play-by-Post begins September 6, 2021.

Banners adorn the walls of this impressive meeting room. Symbols of dozens of groups emblazon the banners, but overshadowing them all is an enormous tapestry at the hall’s front depicting the Pathfinder Society emblem: the Glyph of the Open Road.

Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin, steward of the Grand Lodge, saunters into the room from a door at the opposite end of a large table. He doesn’t bother taking a seat at the table, instead pacing around while he speaks. “Welcome. I’ll keep this brief; I don’t have a field assignment for you, but I do have some requests from the three deans. Given that you’re all in-between missions, the deans have requested that you take part in some training upkeep trials. Nothing serious, mind you. We just want to make sure those skills of yours don’t get too dulled!” Valsin ends with a brief chuckle, as though joking to himself.

“You’ll want to go see each of the deans at your convenience. In case you’ve forgotten, that would be: Kreighton Shaine, the Master of Scrolls; Sorrina Westyr, the Master of Spells; and Marcos Farabellus, the Master of Swords. I place you in their capable hands, and may fortune be with you all.” With his delivery complete, Valsin makes way for the exit. “Oh... yes, you’ll find the deans in their respective offices. If you don’t know where those are, then just ask around.”

A strange bipedeal creature that looks closer to a series of burlap sacks filled with jello that a person listens closely. Various adventuring gear hangs in bags and such hangs from straps around their body and a wayfinder is prominently around what is most likely their neck.

A voice bubbles out
"Blub. Just to get things out of the way, this is all Thurl's fault, no I don't expect it to get any better. My real name has been lost but you can call me Squish, nice to have some levity, Valais says I need to laugh more anyway."

Society: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Squish looks to see how his companions respond to both his introduction and the mission before further babbling on."[/b]

Peter Plus-Haut swaggers into the room, dressed in shiny armor that's clearly never seen any combat.

"Peter Plus-Haut," he bows. "Autographs later, after the mission."

He holds his chin up high, staring at Squish out of the corner of his eye. Oh my gods, is that some kind of captured animal?

Society: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

"Of course, Marcos Farabellus, the Master of Swords. Big fan. Easily the most personable of the three deans. Kreighton Shaine, the Master of Scrolls and a dedicated scholar and engaging teacher, I'm sure he's heard of me. A bit eccentric. Sorrina Westyr, the Master of Spells, having filled the vacancy of her successor and predecessor, the lost wizard Aram Zey. She is a devout follower of Nethys, the god of magic."

Society: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Again, not how I'd like to start

A happy-go-lucky gnome looks up from the coffee he'd been drinking. "Ah, Venture-Captain, I knew there was a reason for this meeting. I do recall reading the memo about training upkeep. I suppose we should get started."

Turning to the other Pathfinders in the room, he introduces himself with a bow, "Gnimishmeijinomu, or just Gnimish, at your service. I recently opened a coffee stand near the Dacilane Academy with my fellow Pathfinder Gizzard Stu. Don't know if you've been there."

He stares a moment at Squish before his eyes widen in recognition. "Squish, right?! Oh this is wonderful! My friend Mik-Mek just got back from Otari and had this most wonderful tale of meeting a creature such as yourself. I also met a wonderful creature myself, he calls himself Dead Odo."

I used Gnimish in 2-09 (Seven Secrets of Dacilane Academy), hence the references to my tablemates

Squish nods and burbles "Blub. boat ride to Otari was cheaper than straight to Absalom, then got job coming this way. Good deal all round."

A creature that appears to be some manner of overgrown cactus eagerly bounces around as introductions are being made, flexing its limbs in a little dance.

"Oh yes! Time to be a Pathfinder and do more Pathfinder things! This is what Bugtussle has waited for!"

The tone seems a bit of a mismatch for the rather startled expression that's been carved into the leshy's 'face'.

Pathfinder Society Lore (DC 10): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

"Hmm...Bugtussle doesn't remember much about the Pathfinder deans but this is okay since Bugtussle's teammates do," the leshy continues, tone now thoughtful. Turning to the others - Squish, Peter, and Gnimish - he waves one of his spined arms.

"Bugtussle here! Happy to meet more Pathfinders. Bugtussle waves instead of shaking hands. His spines are quite sharp and pointy, best saved for enemies!"

An older gentleman wearing clerical robes over chainmail hurries into the Great Hall just before the Venture-Captain arrives. He has a scimitar and shield strapped onto his back, and you notice a holy symbol of Sarenrae etched into his armor. He clears his throat politely, "Ah, my children, I'm Father Cornelius. It's a pleasure. Please forgive my tardiness. I was in the middle of some research in the library." He sighs, "Time slipped away, as it so often does." He listens to the Venture-Captain's welcome.

Society: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

He nods to Peter, appreciating the explanation of the three deans. "Thank you, lad. Alas, I only know the Dean of Scrolls, Kreighton Shaine, where I spent many aday studying." He takes a moment to look at the group: a gnome with the odd name hardly stands out at all compared to walking jello and a succulent. He smiles and nods to each of his fellow Pathfinders. "Sarenrae smiles upon me. I'm surely in for a treat." Realizing he's been standing for some time in his armor, the old warpriest settles into a nearby chair.

Society: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

A tall, older elf stands tall, furiously taking notes. "Repeat that again, please.". He barely looks up from his writing. The words seem to go into one ear and onto the paper without processing it.

"Squish, where are you from? Do you mind if I record your words? I've never heard Common quite like that."

He suddenly realizes he hasn't introduces himself. "Oh, the name is Feno. I'm here in Absalom to record dead and dying languages." He glances over at Squish. "And any new languages that develop."

"I wonder what these deans want."

"Good mix. Bugtussle appreciates variety," the leshy remarks happily as Father Cornelius and Feno introduce themselves as well. "Bugtussle thinks we should talk to Dean Farabellus first, if anyone wants Bugtussle's opinion. But Bugtussle is also happy to go with the flow if friends want to talk to someone else first. Flexibility isn't just for limbs, after all!"

"The only dean I remember is Sorrina Westyr, the Master of Spells, since that's who I spent the most time with, during my studies here. In any case, I'll follow you."

Father Cornelius nods reverently when Bugtussle suggests talking with the Dean of Swords first. "That's fine with me, lad." He looks to the group and asks sheepishly, "Er ... who knows the way?" If anyone takes the lead, Cornelius follows close behind.

Peter will stride in one direction, pretending he's very confident of knowing where he's going.

In truth, he's just looking for signs pointing to the Master of Swords's office.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Peter leads you confidently toward the Master of Sword's office. However, as you are walking down the halls of the Grand Lodge, Marcus Farabellus calls out to you. "Ho there! My Pathfinder recruits! I was looking for you. Come with me!"

Presumably, you follow the Master of Swords, since you were looking for him anyhow. He leads you out of the Lodge toward a nearby arena. "We rent this smaller adjunct to the Irorium for tests and trials like these," he explains.

Squish nods and burbles to Marcus Farabellus.

Emerging in an amphitheater covered in sand, Marcos Farabellus extends his arms out wide. “The Trial of Swords is a bit simpler than those of my fellow deans,” he says merrily. “Since I’m the Master of Swords, I want to see how you lot use your swords. Or maces, or bows, or what have you. Now, don’t worry yourselves; this is all nonlethal, wouldn’t do to take our newest prospects off the map before they have a chance to do anything for us, eh?” He laughs. “This arena is under a ritual effect that stops any of these fights from getting too out of hand. Mind you, you can still be knocked unconscious, and if you all go down, it’s not getting you good marks here, so do try and nonlethally ‘kill’ your opponents first, eh?”

He points to the other side of the arena. “You’ll face three waves of foes, emerging from there and charging down the field at you. You’ll have ten minutes or so to rest between waves, enough to patch yourselves up. Good luck!”

"A chance for Bugtussle to use fists! Coming here first was a good idea," the leshy exclaims with delight. There's a slight pause and then, "Bugtussle fights with fists and spines. Sometimes a sickle if Bugtussle needs to cut something, but that isn't as fun or impressive."

"How do the rest of you fight?"

Feno furiously takes notes. "What kind of foes are we expecting here?". He looks around briefly before continuing back to his notes.

At Bugtussle's question, he looks up. "I fight just fine." He looks at his greatclub tucked into his side. "I can also provide some protection against attacks. Don't want my allies to fall." He laughs.

Feno is a Liberator champion.

Father Cornelius, with noticeable effort in his chainmail, rises from his chair in the Great Hall. He first trudges after Peter, then Marcos Farabellus, to the amphitheater, trying to catch his breath. After hearing the Master of Swords' description of the task, the warpriest nods to the succulent. "Indeed, Bugtussle, my child. An inspired idea to visit here first." He looks around in awe.

When he sees someone in the stands, Father Cornelius asks the others, "I say, isn't that our Venture-Captain? Let's try not to disappoint." With battle imminent, Cornelius mutters a prayer, "May Sarenrae smile upon us all during this test" and seems to have sudden renewed vigor. With surprising ease for a man of his years, the warpriest draws his scimitar and moves forward, next to Bugtussle, ready for action.

Squish nods to Bugstussle and undulates uncomfortably, glad to have a fellow Pathfinder be interested in organizing.

Squish formulates some complex tactical plans but just manages to blub "Blub. Ooze magic, not any good at healing yet. Blub."

Basic divine casting, I do get a really cool focus spell though.

"Umm.. fight?" Gnimish asks nervously. "I've never been good at fighting, not up close, anyway." Gnimish pales considerably at the thought of having to engage in fisticuffs at close range. He pulls out the scroll he just acquired and reads it, encasing himself in magical armor. He then reaches into his pouch for a few round stones, ready to drop them as needed.

Cast Mage Armor from scroll and pulls out 3 sling bullets from his pouch

"That's alright, Gnimish!" Marcos says, giving the gnome a powerful slap on the shoulder that knocks the sorcerer a step forward. "That's why we practice. This will give us a chance to see if your self-assessment is accurate. Remember, the ritual will keep you alive!" He chuckles as he heads into the empty stands. "Feno! Time to put down the pen and pick up your club!"

Moments later, the opposite gate begins creaking open and high-pitched cries in Draconic tumble from the darkness. Marcos calls down to the arena in his booming voice, "Let me extend my thanks to the Society’s allies, the Sewer Dragons, for their assistance in today’s event!"

Five kobold warriors emerge from the opposite gate. They hop in excitement, slapping and cheering each other into a frenzy.

Encounter! Round 1. Bold may act.

Environment: Columns provide Greater Cover and block line of sight.
Global Effects: Non-lethal ritual

Squish
Bugtussle
Red Circle
Peter
Blue Circle
Cornelius
Feno
Yellow Square
Gnimish
Blue Square
Red Square

Squish looks at Bugtussle and infused him with oozy powers.

The target gains a +2 status bonus to damage rolls.

Before moving towards cover and protecting themselves with a shield spell.

AC 20, will block.

"Blub."

"I can feel the ooze! Blub to you too, pal!" Bugtussle calls out as Squish infuses him with the power of ooze. He advances forward a few paces and then adopts a readied stance.

"Gaaaa!" one of the kobold warriors loads a stone in his sling and spins it over his head as he rushes forward. He stops and releases the stone, which strikes the column to Bugtussle's right with a loud thwack.

Encounter! Round 1. Bold may act.

Environment: Columns provide Greater Cover and block line of sight.
Global Effects: Non-lethal ritual

Squish
Bugtussle
Red Circle
Peter
Blue Circle
Cornelius
Feno
Yellow Square
Gnimish
Blue Square
Red Square

Peter clears his throat. Imagining the amphitheater full of adoring fans, he sings a tune of hardship and misery, topics he considers himself expert in. Inspire Courage ◆, no Lingering Composition.

He draws his shortbow ◆, and fires ◆ at the kobold that moved up (Red Circle).

Shortbow, 2nd Range Increment, IC: 1d20 + 5 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 - 2 + 1 = 21
Nonlethal, IC: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Peter launches an arrow at the lead kobold while another loads a stone in his sling and begins rushing forward. The bard's inspired arrow lands solidly, eliciting a stream of curses in draconic. The second kobold lets his sling stone fly... and it flies well over Bugtussle's head.

Encounter! Round 1. Bold may act.

Environment: Columns provide Greater Cover and block line of sight.
Global Effects: Non-lethal ritual, Inspire Courage +1

Squish
Bugtussle
Red Circle
Peter
Blue Circle
Cornelius
Feno
Yellow Square
Gnimish
Blue Square
Red Square

Seeing the kobolds on the far side of the arena, Father Cornelius says a quick prayer, "Oh, Sarenrae, if you're not too busy doing something more important, please watch over us." With his scimitar already drawn, and inspired by Peter's tune, Cornelius boldly moves into the arena. Compared to earlier, when he spent a lot of time resting his aching bones, the old warpriest is suddenly moving with surprising agility for a man of his years.

When he passes the first pillar, he stops his advance and raises his steel shield etched with the symbol of Sarenrae.

Actions: ◆◆ Double Move, ◆ Raise Shield

◆◆◆ Triple Stride.

Studying these kobolds, Feno shouts out to them in Draconic. "Why hello there strangers. Hope you're enjoying this lovely day as much as I. But we're going to win these games if it's the last thing we do."

"Sewer Dragons will be victors!" one of the kobolds shouts back in Draconic while loading a stone into his sling. He then flings it into Feno's chest (probably). "See? First blood!"

"Hey!" shouts the kobold with an arrow sticking out of his shoulder.

"Oops. Didn't see you!"

Encounter! Round 1. Bold may act.

Environment: Columns provide Greater Cover and block line of sight.
Global Effects: Non-lethal ritual, Inspire Courage +1

Squish
Bugtussle
Red Circle (-4 hp)
Peter
Blue Circle
Cornelius
Feno (-2 hp)
Yellow Square
Gnimish
Blue Square
Red Square

Jabbering words to a spell, Gnimish unleashes three darts of force, striking 2 of the kobolds.

◆◆◆ Magic Missile

Damage, Red Circle, IC: 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6
Damage 1, Blue Square, IC: 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 5
Damage 2, Blue Square, IC: 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

Gnimish launches a volley of force missiles into the kobolds. The one with the arrow wound gets knocked out cold. The other two yelp and growl as they are stung.

"I would have been more impressed if those had been arrows like Peter's," Marcos heckles from the stands.

The last kobold to act loads his sling and moves to a new position on the arena floor before unleashing his stone at Feno. The stone glances off the side of his brow.

Encounter! Round 2. Bold may act.

Environment: Columns provide Greater Cover and block line of sight.
Global Effects: Non-lethal ritual

Squish (inspire courage)
Bugtussle (inspire courage)
Peter
Blue Circle
Cornelius
Feno (-6 hp)
Yellow Square
Gnimish
Red Square

"No one throws stones at Bugtussle's friends and gets away with it!" the leshy bellows as he charges across the arena and attempts to crack Blue Square across the jaw with his fist.

"RAAAAHHHHH!"

Strike vs. Blue Square (Fist; IC): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8
Damage (Bludgeoning; IC): 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

But in his eagerness he misses horribly, looking more like he's trying to punch the sun rather than the kobold right in front of him.

Peter moves forward ◆, so that everyone in the amphitheater can hear him.

♫ Impressing the captain is what I do
My skills unparalleled, I'm one of the few ♫

Inspire Courage ◆

He'll fire a shortbow ◆ at Blue Circle.

Shortbow, 2nd Range Increment, Inspired by My Kind Words About Myself: 1d20 + 6 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 - 2 + 1 = 20
Nonlethal, IC: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Squish continues to stoke Bugtussle's heart while casting daze on the square teal kobold.

4 mental damage, Basic will dc 17, stunned 1 on crit fail.

Bugtussle suffers phototropism at just the wrong moment.

Peter continues to encourage his companions and then fires an another arrow into a kobold warrior. The warrior then slaps a hand to his head and grimaces in pain (fail). The kobold drops his sling and draws his spear as he moves toward the only inured Pathfinder. He thrusts his spear but only manages to stab sand.

Encounter! Round 2. Bold may act.

Environment: Columns provide Greater Cover and block line of sight.
Global Effects: Non-lethal ritual, inspire courage +1

Squish
Bugtussle
Peter
Blue Circle (-6 hp)
Cornelius
Feno (-6 hp)
Yellow Square
Gnimish
Red Square

Father Cornelius surveys the battlefield and advances. Realizing he can put himself in position to help Feno achieve success, Cornelius moves opposite one of the kobolds. The old warpriest says to the champion, "We attack together, my child. May Sarenrae shine upon us both."

Scimitar + IC (w/ Flanking): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11
Slashing Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9
Oh my ... this entire battle is comically ineffective!

Actions: ◆◆ Stride x2, ◆ Strike

"Let's debate theology after this fight sometime, Father. I'm sure Sarenrae will not shine on all of us here.". Feno watches the kobold with intensity.

◆ Strike vs flanking

Greatclub: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

◆ Strike vs flanking

Greatclub: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 5 = 10
damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

◆ Strike vs flanking

Greatclub: 1d20 + 7 - 10 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 10 = 9
damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

If Feno knocks the kobold down, he'll Stride up to red.

Also, Feno will use the reaction Liberaing Step the first time any ally gets damaged, grabbed, or grappled.

I think I confused you with remnant tokens on the board. Since the stakes are low, I just shuffled things around to keep the flow.

Cornelius and Feno telegraph their strikes too much, making it easy for the kobold to dodge.

"Celebrating our victory!" one of the kobolds (yellow) shouts back in Draconic as he loads and flings a sling stone at Feno. The missile bounces off of the elf's breastplate.

Encounter! Round 2. Bold may act.

Environment: Columns provide Greater Cover and block line of sight.
Global Effects: Non-lethal ritual, inspire courage +1

Squish
Bugtussle
Peter
Blue Circle (-6 hp)
Cornelius
Feno (-6 hp)
Yellow Square
Gnimish
Red Square

Gnimish runs up and takes cover behind a pillar. He then conjures a blue mystical barrier in front of him.

◆◆ Stride x2, ◆ Cast Shield

The red kobold loads his sling and runs for the cover of the pillars. He does not quite make it, and flings his stone over the cluster of Pathfinders. Who knows who he was aiming at?

Encounter! Round 2. Bold may act.

Environment: Columns provide Greater Cover and block line of sight.
Global Effects: Non-lethal ritual

Squish (inspire courage)
Bugtussle (inspired courage)
Peter
Blue Circle (-6 hp)
Cornelius
Feno (-6 hp)
Yellow Square
Gnimish
Red Square

Peter moves up ◆ and switches his tune to a Hymn of Healing on Feno ◆◆ fast healing 2.

♫ I sing a different song to help others heal
I'm still the best for boosting his weal ♫

Squish continues to stoke. Won't stack with courage, but still gives 1 extra damage point.

Squish follows up with another daze on blue.

4 mental damage, basic will DC 17, stunned 1 on crit fail.

The blue kobold grips his head and falls over in agony.

Encounter! Round 2. Bold may act.

Environment: Columns provide Greater Cover and block line of sight.
Global Effects: Non-lethal ritual

Squish
Bugtussle (inspired courage)
Peter
Cornelius
Feno (2 temp hp; -4 hp)
Yellow Square
Gnimish
Red Square

With his scimitar wielded, Father Cornelius moves in to attack the nearest enemy. The old warpriest takes a position behind the kobold to provide flanking if anyone wishes to take advantage.

Scimitar vs. Yellow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Slashing Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

He then raises his steel shield, ready for the angry kobold's response.

Actions: ◆ Stride, ◆ Strike, ◆ Raise Shield

Assuming Yellow is still up after the good Father's attack...

"Haha! Teamwork makes the dream work!" Bugtussle hoots as he moves up to flank Yellow Square with Father Cornelius and attempts a two-punch combo against the kobold.

Flurry of Blows (IC): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 = 26
Damage (Bludgeoning): 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

Flurry of Blows (IC): 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10
Damage (Bludgeoning): 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

Feno runs up to the red kobold with a huge smile across his face.

◆ Stride towards red

Feno nods as he swings his greatclub.

◆ Strike

Greatclub: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

◆ Strike

Greatclub: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 5 = 21
damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Cornelius slips his blade past the kobold's defenses and leaves the yellow fellow with a painful if not lethally deep cut. "Good show!" shouts Marcos as, finally, someone makes a more notable martial demonstration. Then Bugtussle hustles over to the wounded yellow kobold and, with a rapid one-two punch, knocks the kobold off of his feet and into Cornelius' shield. "Oh! Spoke too soon! That was a good show!"

Meanwhile, the red kobold answers Feno's challenge. "Pegentarix of the Sewer Dragons will never f--!" He is cut off as the elf warrior clobbers him hard in the head and knocks him unconscious.

"Good job!" Marcos yells down. "Get yourselves dusted off and back in formation for the next round."

The kobolds eventually rise from the floor, moaning and groaning from the pain of their cuts and bruises.

You have 10 minutes to recover before the next match.

"Good work, Pegentarix of the Sewer Dragons! I hope to meet you again."

Feno waves goodbye to the kobolds. Feeling a touch hurt, Feno attempts to heal himself.

Will use Lay on Hands, then refocus for 10 minutes. Feno is now at 16/16 hp