[GDX] PFS(2) 2-00: King in Thorns (Tier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master Blake's Tiger

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

Indeed it is not long before you hear a clacking sound approaching your position. Tiny, chitinous fey wielding spiked hammers march into view. The first one reaches Ulrich and swings it maul at his stomach where the padding under his armor absorbs the impact of the teeny-tiny hammer.

Encounter! Round 1. Bold may act.

Blue Square
Laeron (28/30 hp)
Blue Circle
Red Circle
Ulrich (25/26 hp)
Red Square
Quickblade
Anschluss
Bosh
Nant
>Needlework

Ulrich! It's right next to you!

Laeron changes the grip on his sword from one-hand to two and then launches a mighty Power Attack at the Blue Square enemy.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Cold Iron Bastard Sword: 2d12 + 3 ⇒ (9, 11) + 3 = 23

It was right next to Ulrich. Laeron crushes the bug-like fey with a single, powerful blow.

Two more of the tiny, armored fey advance from the south. The first nearly takes off Anschluss' kneecap with a wicked strike from its hammer. The other slams its maul down on Bosh's foot quite painfully.

Encounter! Round 1. Bold may act.

Laeron (28/30 hp)
Blue Circle
Red Circle
Ulrich (25/26 hp)
Red Square
Quickblade
Anschluss (18/30 hp)
Bosh (18/26 hp)
Nant
>Needlework

Ulrich looks at the creature towards which he has a clear line of sight.

Devise strategem@red square: 1d20 ⇒ 5

Seeing no good ways of attacking he tries to hit the other creature.

He whistles at the creature and suddenly his skin, hair and eyes change colors in very fast speed.

Vibrant Display@red circle and blue circle: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 Vibrant Display allows to make a Feint vs range targets vs Perception DC.

Then he puts an arrow and takes a shot

Shoot@red circle: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Damage, piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Strategem, Vibrant Display, Shoot

@Ulrich: I don't believe Feint is a valid option--see discussion--so you can take another shot, if you like.

Another chitinous gremlin arrives from the north path, following in its predecessors footsteps. However, this one has better aim and slams Ulrich hard in the gut with its tiny hammer. How do such tiny creatures hit so hard?

Encounter! Round 1/2. Bold may act.

Blue Circle
Red Circle
Ulrich (18/26 hp)
Red Square
Quickblade
Anschluss (18/30 hp)
Bosh (18/26 hp)
Nant
>Needlework
--2--
Laeron (28/30 hp)

Shoot@red circle, map: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 5 = 5
Damage, piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Ulrich takes another shot at the creature...

Quickblade glares at Red Square and fixes it in his mind. He shoots at Red Square and reloads.

Crossbow Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Precision: 1d8 ⇒ 2
Crossbow Ace Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

◆ Hunt Prey (Red Square)
◆ Shoot at Prey
◆ Reload

Anschluss growls as the fey hits him in the knees. He Hunts Prey, steps, and attacks.

Spiked Chain: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 vs flanking
Slashing: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 plus Precision: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Bosh swipes at red circle with his kukri. Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 161d6 ⇒ 6 He then stabs at red circle with his kukri Attack 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 221d6 ⇒ 6 and then follows that up with another swipe Attack 3: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 151d6 ⇒ 4

Quickblade fires at close range. His quarrel hits the tiny gremlin and rips off a strep of chitin. Anschluss punishes his assailant, wrapping his spiked chain around it. The chain rips deep grooves in the gremlin as the kayal yanks back on his chain. Bosh lands two swift and powerful cuts on his assailant, but the gremlin just manages to parry the third.

The gremlin chases after Anschluss and hammers away at him, managing to strike soundly once on his thigh. The gremlin harassing Bosh swings its hammer hard and slams him in the chest, nearly taking his breath away. It leaps and swings again, knocking him out with a crack to the jaw.

Encounter! Round 2. Bold may act.

Blue Circle (-14 hp)
Bosh (0/26 hp; dying 1, prone, hands empty)
Red Circle (-12 hp)
Laeron (28/30 hp)
Nant
>Needlework
Ulrich (18/26 hp)
Red Square (-7 hp)
Quickblade
Anschluss (10/30 hp)

are the fey occupying the same squares as Bosh, Ulrich and Anschluss?

**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.

Strategem@red square: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Ulrich sees an opening despite grasping for air, he grabs an arrow and takes a shot at point-blank range.

Attack using strategem@red square: 13 + 7 = 20
Damage, strategic strike: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

Then he reaches for another arrow and takes a shot

Attack@red square, map: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 5 = 8
Damage, piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 1

"What is your problem!? Go and smash something else with that hammer of yours!"

Nant's electric threads lash out at the gremlins.

Electricity damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
(Basic Ref save, DC 17.)

◆◆ Act Together: Nant gets a two-action activity, and Needlework gets one action; ◆◆ (Nant) Cast a Spell: Electric Arc, targeting blue circle and red circle; ◆ (Needlework) Strike, targeting red circle, fairly sure I can reach it from here?; ◆ (Needlework) Strike, same target.

Needlework pummels and punctures the gremlin that just felled Bosh.

Fist: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Bludgeoning: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Needle: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 4 = 15
Piercing: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

With a look of grim concentration, Laeron releases one hand from his sword to go from a two-handed grip to a one-handed grip. He raises a free hand to call forth an electric arc targeting red square and red circle.

Electric Arc Basic Reflex Save DC 17: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

He then strikes at red square with a Snagging Strike!

Snagging Strike: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Cold Iron Bastard Sword: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

btw, GM, you forgot to add my precision damage to Red Square. His total damage was 9 instead of 7.

are the fey occupying the same squares as Bosh, Ulrich and Anschluss?

Yes. And apologies for forgetting the precision damage. I said in my head so many times, "9 damage."

Ulrich sinks an arrow into the armor-hided fey at his feet. The other arrow sinks into the dirt. Nant summons lightning onto the head of the fey at Anschluss' feet and clips the one dancing over Bosh with the rebounding arc. The puppet has trouble catching the chitinous gremlin.

Laeron summons lightning, too, but his first target makes a spinning leap out of the way (critical success). However, the rebounding arc fries the gremlin on top of Bosh just as it was making rude gestures at Needlework. He tries to strike and grab the nearer fey, but it slips his graps.

Encounter! Round 2/2. Bold may act.

Red Circle (-16 hp)
Laeron (28/30 hp)
Nant
>Needlework
Ulrich (18/26 hp)
Red Square (-17 hp)
Quickblade
Anschluss (10/30 hp)
Bosh (0/26 hp; dying 1, prone, hands empty)

recovery check: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Bosh gets a little closer to death.

Grabbing his healer's kit, Quickblade attempts to keep Bosh from dying.

Battle Medicine: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Healing: 2d8 ⇒ (6, 7) = 13

The job done, he turns back to Red Square and shoots his crossbow.

Twang! Whiff...: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Quickblade growls in frustration as the bolt speeds past. He reloads again.

◆ Battle Medicine
◆ Fire Crossbow
◆ Reload

I don't know how the saves worked out, but Blue Circle and Red Square are on the map, while Red Circle and Red Square are on the tracker. Did Blue Circle die? Or is it still in Anschluss's square?

Either way, Anschluss will attempt to Battle Medicine himself.

Medicine: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 vs DC 15
Healing: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 8) = 9

He re-grips his spiked chain.

If Blue Circle is still alive, he'll Strike.

Spiked Chain: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Slashing: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 plus Precision: 1d8 ⇒ 7

If Blue Circle is dead, he'll Hunt Prey on the closest enemy.

@Anschluss: Ah, Blue Circle should have still been on the tracker.

Quickblade brings Bosh back to cruel consciousness as the battle rages on around him. He pulls the trigger too soon and his bolt sails wide. Anschluss quickly applies a prepared poultice to his bruises and then ends the life of the gremlin plaguing him with a swift lash of his chain.

Encounter! Round 3. Bold may act.

Bosh (13/26 hp; wounded 1, prone, hands empty)
Laeron (28/30 hp)
Nant
>Needlework
Ulrich(18/26 hp)
Red Square (-17 hp)
Quickblade
Anschluss (19/30 hp)

**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.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

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.

Venture-Captain Tolal's shout seems to excite Nant. The puppetmaster waves his marionette control bar with even greater vigor. "Hurry, you fools! Needlework, assault!"

Electricity damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
(Basic Ref save, DC 17.)

◆◆ Act Together: Nant gets a two-action activity, and Needlework gets one action; ◆◆ (Nant) Cast a Spell: Electric Arc; ◆ (Needlework) Stride; ◆ (Needlework) Strike.

The puppet nearly flies to tackle the remaining enemy.

Fist: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Bludgeoning: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Laeron again changes the grip on his sword, from one-handed to two-handed, and strikes at the remaining enemy with a mighty Power Attack.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Cold Iron Bastard Sword: 2d12 + 3 ⇒ (11, 7) + 3 = 21

Strategem: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Ulrich takes another arrow and takes another close range shot

Attack using strategem@red square: 18 + 7 = 25
Damage, strategic strike: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6

Then he takes another shot "Why don't you give us some space!"

Attack@red square: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 5 = 17
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Bosh will stand, and pick up his kukri.

The chitinous gremlin leaps into the air and completely avoids the lightning strike, but then the puppet pummels it hard and Ulrich finishes it off with a strategically planted arrow.

You have 10 minutes to patch up.

Status

Bosh (13/26 hp; wounded 1)
Laeron (28/30 hp)
Nant
>Needlework
Ulrich(18/26 hp)
Quickblade
Anschluss (19/30 hp)

Quickblade heads over to Bosh to try to patch him up further.

Medicine; Treat Wounds: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

argh... at least it wasn't a crit fail

Quickblade's crossbow remains loaded

Anschluss will offer his minor healing potion and a Battle Medicine to Bosh.

If we can get him up to full with consumables and/or round-based healing, he will clear Wounded after 10 minutes. If we Treat Wounds, he'll get the HP back, but still be Wounded.

He'll bandage his own wounds ...

Treat Wounds: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 vs DC 15
By Desna's Wings!
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

... with a spiked chain!

Bosh will drink one of his lesser silvertongue mutagens and then immediately uses Revivifying Mutagen to heal himself.

1d6 ⇒ 4

The he drinks the other one and uses Revivifying Mutagen to heal some more.

1d6 ⇒ 3

“Ulrich, do you need help?”

Laeron will attempt to treat wounds for Ulrich.

Medicine: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

“Umm…this is maybe beyond me. Do you have a potion to drink?”

Anschluss: +1 Hero Point
Don't forget you have healing potions (see slides).

Status

Bosh (13/26 hp; wounded 1)
Laeron (28/30 hp)
Nant
>Needlework
Ulrich(18/26 hp)
Quickblade
Anschluss (16/30 hp)

**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 end any remaining encounters from Part 2 and begin Part 3.

The gnome looks terrified on how Anschluss tries to be closer to their god
Healing@self: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

And as a result

Ulrich pulls out his minor healing potion and sips it.
Minor healing potion: 1d8 ⇒ 3

"Ok a bit better. But those small creatures with hammers were brutal!"

Ulrich has a lesser healing potion if one needs it

Needlework silently drifts around the battlefield, inspecting the wounded Pathfinders. It circles around Anschluss, and politely gestures at the kayal's lingering injuries. "Master Anschluss, I'm detecting a 46.7% deficiency in your current health status. I advise you to procure medical treatment at your earliest convenience. Note that I am capable of tending to these wounds, provided master Nant permits me."

(@Anschluss:)

Unfortunately, Anschluss is blocked out of Treat Wounds for an hour after attempting on himself.

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.

Two groups of blue-skinned, warty gremlins the size of halflings scramble out from the brush. Two to the north make complex gestures as the grumble and stomp toward you. Something zips around the periphery to the east.

Encounter! Round 1. Bold may act.

Blue Circle (bane 5 ft aura - Will DC 15)
Yellow Circle (bane 5 ft aura - Will DC 15)
Quickblade (hidden to creatures below in initiative)
Anschluss (16/30 hp)
Red Circle
Nant
>Needlework
Ulrich(21/26 hp)
Quickling
Blue Square
Laeron
Red Square
Yellow Square
Bosh

Anschluss will hunt Yellow as it approaches and circle around to its back, swinging his spiked chain.

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 vs DC 15

Spiked Chain, Bane: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 - 1 = 10
Slashing: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 plus Precision: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Quickblade stares at Blue Circle and fixes the gremlin in his mind. He raises his crossbow and fires; then reloads.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Precision: 1d8 ⇒ 3
Crossbow Ace: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

◆ Hunt Prey (blue circle)
◆ Fire at prey
◆ Reload

Anschluss becomes mired in the oppressive mental aura around the mite. Quickblade sinks a bolt into the forward gremlin, nearly killing it with a single hit. Another approaches from the south, muttering and grumbling the same curses.

Encounter! Round 1. Bold may act.

Blue Circle (-8 hp; bane 5 ft aura - Will DC 15)
Yellow Circle (bane 5 ft aura - Will DC 15)
Quickblade (hidden to creatures below in initiative)
Anschluss (16/30 hp; yellow's bane)
Red Circle (bane 5 ft aura - Will DC 15)
Nant
>Needlework
Ulrich(21/26 hp)
Quickling
Blue Square
Laeron
Red Square
Yellow Square
Bosh

Strategem@red square: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Ulrich looks at the closest enemy and takes a shot at the small creature

"Laeron, left leg! Attack from the left!"

Attack using strategem@red square: 19 + 7 = 26 If that hits, Red square is flat-footed against Laeron's next attack
Damage, piercing, strategic strike: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

Then he moves to provide a distraction for Anschluss's enemy

Strategem, shoot, move

Oops. Moved the wrong one. I'll just replace their positions.

Ulrich fires an arrow into the mite's abdomen. The shaft sinks in to the fletching and out the gremlin's back (critical hit), but the foe is not quite finished.

Encounter! Round 1. Bold may act.

Blue Circle (-8 hp; bane 5 ft aura - Will DC 15)
Yellow Circle (bane 5 ft aura - Will DC 15)
Quickblade (hidden to creatures below in initiative)
Anschluss (16/30 hp; yellow's bane)
Red Square (-8 hp; FF vs. Laeron; bane 5 ft aura - Will DC 15)
Nant
>Needlework
Ulrich (21/26 hp; Will DC 15 vs. Yellow's bane)
Quickling
Blue Square
Laeron
Red Circle
Yellow Square
Bosh

Nant's spell zaps the Thorned Monarch's minions.

Electricity damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
(Basic Ref save, DC 17.)

◆◆ Act Together: Nant gets a two-action activity, and Needlework gets one action; ◆◆ (Nant) Cast a Spell: Electric Arc, targeting red square and blue circle; ◆ (Needlework) Stride; ◆ (Needlework) Strike.

Needlework enters the fray and whacks one of the gremlins.

Fist: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Bludgeoning: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

The mites start to scramble out of the way as Nant's lightning manifests, but even the glancing blow that they both catch drops them to the ground. Needlework marches over to the nearest mite and brings its fist down upon it, turning it into a puddle of blue goo and crushed armor.

The underbrush whips about and then a sprite-like creature blurs past you all, sticks his knife into Nant's abdomen and is gone deep into the brush before the pain even registers in the goblin's mind.

One of the remaining mites grumbles and snarls as he approaches.

Encounter! Round 1. Bold may act.

Quickblade (*)
Anschluss (16/30 hp; yellow's bane)
Nant (20/23 hp; Fort DC 17 vs. Slowed 1)
>Needlework
Ulrich (21/26 hp; Will DC 15 vs. Yellow's bane)
Quickling
Blue Square (bane aura 5 ft - Will DC 15 vs. bane)
Laeron
Red Circle
Yellow Square
Bosh

Two more blue gremlins grumble and curse as they march out of the underbrush.

Encounter! Round 1/2. Bold may act.

Quickling
Blue Square (bane aura 5 ft - Will DC 15 vs. bane)
Red Circle (bane aura 5 ft - Will DC 15 vs. bane)
Yellow Square (bane aura 5 ft - Will DC 15 vs. bane)
Laeron
Bosh
--2--
Quickblade
Anschluss (16/30 hp)
Nant (20/23 hp; Fort DC 17 vs. Slowed 1)
>Needlework
Ulrich (21/26 hp)

Quickblade growls at Blue Square and stares daggers at it. He raises his crossbow and tries to put the bolt through its chest. Satisfied, he reloads.

Crossbow Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Precision: 1d8 ⇒ 3
Damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

◆ Hunt Prey (Blue Square)
◆ Shoot Prey
◆ Reload