GM Valen's 2nd ed Pathfinder Society #1-06: Lost on the Spirit Road (15 Challenge Points) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

"So. Skeletons. Uh, what kind of skeletons are these, Fae? Can I bash them with my sap, or do they ignore nonlethal damage? Will my claws work if I slash em?" Fae thinks about the question and tells everyone about the skeleton's weaknesses.

Swayaah shrugs, runs up to the fountain and hides.

◆ Recall Knowledge
◆ Stride
◆ Hide

The Varisian will grab his quarterstaff and a bat shaped dart and then run up towards the action, staying in the shadows if possible.

Not sure if I can do all of that in one round

Swayaah concludes that three of the boney foes are skeleton guards (blue, black, and yellow) which are resistant to certain forms of damage.
Resistances cold 5, electricity 5, fire 5, piercing 5, slashing 5

The Varisian will grab his quarterstaff and a bat shaped dart and then run up towards the action, staying in the shadows if possible.

Not sure if I can do all of that in one round

Grabbing the quarter staff and dart would be two actions. A Sneak action would be the third, but you can only move at half speed, not run.

With its blade held high, the more armored skeletal figure (red) moves towards the nearest Pathfinder.
Stride x3

PC tokens placed on Map.
Foliage on the map provides difficult terrain.

RATTLING BONES! - Round One Cont'd!

PCs in bold may act

Swayaah
Ulfgar
Graeyson
Rafe
Red
Khaul
Blue
Amelia
Yellow
Black

Khaul moves carefuly forward, getting into a position where he might be able to set up a flank next round. Then he grins at the skeleton and raises his shield.

"In the name of Torag, yer headin back into tha ground!"

Will use either glimpse of redemption or shield block, depending on who the first pathfinder hurt is. Shield block will reduce damage to me by 5. Glimpse of repemption means either it does no damage to to person it strikes, or their damage is reduced by 3 and the skeleton gets enfeebled-2 until the end of its next turn[

Khaul moves carefuly forward, getting into a position where he might be able to set up a flank next round. Then he grins at the skeleton and raises his shield.

"In the name of Torag, yer headin back into tha ground!"

In response, the dwarf receives only a silent, perpetual grin from the skeletal figure.

One of the skeleton guards (blue) advances, bow drawn, and releases a pair of arrows at Ulfgar.
Ranged (shortbow): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage (P), deadly 1d10: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Ranged (shortbow): 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 5 = 12
Damage (P), deadly 1d10: 1d6 ⇒ 2

A projectile finds its way deep into the dwarf's flesh!

PC tokens placed on Map.
Foliage on the map provides difficult terrain.

RATTLING BONES! - Round One Cont'd!

PCs in bold may act

Swayaah
Ulfgar -6 HP
Graeyson
Rafe
Red
Khaul
Skeleton guard (blue)
Amelia
Skeleton guard (yellow)
Skeleton guard (black)

Amelia draws both weapons and rushes in.

interact x2, stride

Two more of the skeleton guards (yellow & black) advance and each looses arrows at the nearest Pathfinder.
Stride for each
Yellow, Ranged (shortbow) v Ulfgar: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Damage (P), deadly 1d10: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Yellow, Ranged (shortbow) v Ulfgar: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 5 = 2
Damage (P), deadly 1d10: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Black, Ranged (shortbow) v Ulfgar: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage (P), deadly 1d10: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Black, Ranged (shortbow) v Ulfgar: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 5 = 4
Damage (P), deadly 1d10: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Another arrow finds its way into Ulfgar!

Map updated.
Foliage on the map provides difficult terrain.

RATTLING BONES! - Round Two Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Swayaah
Ulfgar -11 HP
Graeyson
Rafe
Red
Khaul
Skeleton guard (blue)
Amelia
Skeleton guard (yellow)
Skeleton guard (black)

Swayaah thinks about it.

Devise a Strategem: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Oh yeah, it's go time. She runs off the platform and rakes across the red undead thing with her claws.

Claw, Devise A Strategem: 20 + 3 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 28
Strategic Strike Damage: 1d4 + 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + (3) + 3 = 8 Please double if it's a crit, which it should be unless AC 28 missed.

◆ Devise a Strategem
◆ Stride
◆ Strike (uses Devise a Strategem roll)

"Hey Graeyson. I'll knock it off balance."

Shared Strategem
Red here is flat-footed against Graeyson's next attack before the start of my next turn.

Graeyson will drop the dart and attempt to smack the red skeleton a few times with his staff, using 2 hands
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 quarterstaff

1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

He will also nimbly dodge as a reaction if the skeleton attacks him

You deftly dodge out of the way, gaining a +2 circumstance bonus to AC against the triggering attack.

Oh yeah, it's go time. She runs off the platform and rakes across the red undead thing with her claws.

The claws rake against bone, which resists the claws for a time, before chipping off in pieces!

Although the attack causes the skeletal creature to teeter, Graeyson is unable to connect against the undead.

Map updated.
Foliage on the map provides difficult terrain.

RATTLING BONES! - Round Two Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Swayaah
Ulfgar -11 HP
Graeyson
Rafe
Red -11 HP
Khaul
Skeleton guard (blue)
Amelia
Skeleton guard (yellow)
Skeleton guard (black)

Seeing a host of people attacking the sword-wielder, Rafe closes in on the archers, attempting to splatter one of them with his shield.

◆ Stride
◆ Step
◆ Shield Boss, bludgeoning: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 281d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

As he smashes into yellow, "We were having a very nice, informative time here. You are very rude. Who sent you?|"

Ulfgar does not like to be shot but it takes him only a moment of judging distances to know that he's not going to be able to get to the guys with the bows.

He steps over to help with the red leader. His axe is in hand in a moment.

Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Slashing: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

And his dagger soon follows the hilt flying at the figure's torso.

+1 Clan Dagger MAP (Flurry, Agile): 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 8 - 2 = 12
Bludgeoning: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Actions ◆ Step, ◆ Quickdraw (axe) ◆ Quickdraw (dagger)

As he smashes into yellow, "We were having a very nice, informative time here. You are very rude. Who sent you?|"

In response, the skeletal guard (yellow) shatters into bone dust, leaving only its weapons and remnants of armor behind.

He steps over to help with the red leader. His axe is in hand in a moment.

Axe scrapes against bone, causing a few cracks. However, the undead still stands.

And his dagger soon follows the hilt flying at the figure's torso.

The second strikes only the air between a pair of ribs.

The armored foe retaliates against the Pathfinders with its longsword.

Melee (longsword) v Swayaah Maeleranti: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Melee (longsword) v Swayaah Maeleranti: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 10 - 5 = 24
Damage (S): 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Raise Shield

Map updated.
Foliage on the map provides difficult terrain.

RATTLING BONES! - Round Two Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Swayaah -8 HP
Ulfgar -11 HP
Graeyson
Rafe
Red -14 HP (shield raised)
Khaul
Skeleton guard (blue)
Amelia
Skeleton guard (yellow) -14 HP
Skeleton guard (black)

Khaul keeps his shield raised - swinging his warhammer at the skeleton in front of him.
attack vs FF due to flank: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
B damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Third action will vary, depending on whether the skeleton is still up. If it is up, he'll swing again, otherwise he'll advance on the archers.
swing low, sweet warhammer (vs FF): 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 5 = 17
B damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Reaction to be used the first time it is eligable, either shield block if Khaul takes damage, or glipmse of redemption if someone else close by takes damage from a close enemy

Khaul keeps his shield raised - swinging his warhammer at the skeleton in front of him.

Using its shield, the skeletal warrior deflects each of the dwarf's blows.

One of the skeletal archers (blue) drops its bow, draws its blade, and swings at Rafe following with a claw.

Melee (scimitar)(forceful, sweep) v Rafe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Damage, slashing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Melee (claw)(agile, finesse) v Rafe: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 4 = 3
Damage, slashing: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Map updated.
Foliage on the map provides difficult terrain.

RATTLING BONES! - Round Two Cont'd!

PCs in bold may act

Swayaah -8 HP
Ulfgar -11 HP
Graeyson
Rafe -7 HP
Red -14 HP (shield raised)
Khaul
Skeleton guard (blue)
Amelia
Skeleton guard (black)

Does drawing a blade provoke my AoO?

Amelia strides forward and attempts to tumble through the skeletons defenses.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

if that is successful, she will gain panache

nevermind....

She then slashes twice at the skeleton.

Double slice
rapier: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 121d6 ⇒ 1
deadley: 1d8 ⇒ 1
main gauche: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 181d4 ⇒ 1

Does drawing a blade provoke my AoO?

Yes, I believe it would.

Amelia strides forward and attempts to tumble through the skeletons defenses.

The skeleton responds with its blade.

She then slashes twice at the skeleton.

Neither slash connects.

Another skeleton guard (black) drops its bow, draws its blade, and stabs at Rafe.
Interact, Step, Strike

Melee (scimitar)(forceful, sweep) v Rafe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Damage, slashing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

RATTLING BONES! - Round Three Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Swayaah -8 HP
Ulfgar -11 HP
Graeyson
Rafe -7 HP (May take AoO vs. blue)
Red -14 HP (shield raised)
Khaul
Skeleton guard (blue)
Amelia
Skeleton guard (black)

"You're dead already. Why attack us? Obviously not for our tea."

Attack of Opportunity, Shield Boss, bludgeoning: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 131d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

A little annoyed with himself for getting distracted, Rafe concentrates on (black). Swiping across with his shield

◆ Shield Boss, bludgeoning: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 141d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

he swings into blue
◆ Shield Boss, bludgeoning: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 51d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

and back to black again
◆ Shield Boss, bludgeoning: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 191d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

pulverising black.

Swayaah thinks up a plan.

Devise a Strategem: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Swayaah's got a plan, a good one. Raking her claws against bone is a great way to sharpen her claws difficult, so she instead chooses to punch the thing.

"Hehe. Cute shield. I'm gonna choose to ignore it."

Fist, Devise A Strategem, Lethal: 19 + 7 - 2 = 24
Strategic Strike Bludegeoning Damage: 1d4 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + (5) + 2 = 11

"Hey Ulfgar, there's a weak joint."

Fist, Agile, Lethal: 1d20 + 7 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 4 - 2 = 20
Bludegeoning Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

◆ Devise a Strategem
◆ Strategic Strike
◇ Shared Strategem (Ulfgar's next attack against Red is Flat Footed)
◆ Strike

Ulfgar squints at Swayaah's advice, the expression making his eyes all but disappear in the folds of his face. Then he gives a definitive nod before swiping both axe and dagger across Red.

Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Slashing: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

+1 Clan Dagger MAP: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 2 = 15
Piercing: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

◆ Twin Takedown - If both strikes hit total the damage before substracting resistances.

Then he reverses his grip on his dagger and strikes out with the hilt.

+1 Clan Dagger MAP: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 8 - 4 = 23
Piercing: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

◆ Strike

Then, he shifts it again to hold the blade along his forearm as a sort of shield.

◆ Interact (Parry) AC is 20 this round.

"You're dead already. Why attack us? Obviously not for our tea."

No answer will come from the mouth of the skeleton guard!

Swayaah drops the skeletal warrior (red) before her with her first blow!

Rafe puliverizes another (black).

Ulfgar may revise his actions for this round since red was downed.

RATTLING BONES! - Round Three Cont'd!

PCs in bold may act

Swayaah -8 HP
Ulfgar -11 HP
Graeyson
Rafe -7 HP
Red -25+ HP
Khaul
Skeleton guard (blue)
Amelia
Skeleton guard (black)

Khaul hurries up to help support Rafe.
attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
B damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

He swings his mighty war hammer in a massive blow, hoping to free up his companion.

Khaul fells the final undead.

OUT OF COMBAT

As the last of the undead falls, appreciative villagers begin filling the streets. Some offer gifts and tokens of appreciation.
Worth 3 Treasure bundles.

"Something has angered these dead, causing them to stir," notes one of the village elders. "Have you done something to disturb them? Do you have any idea as to what could have raised their ire?"

Swayaah stretches her fingers. "I love undead. No one complains when I mangle 'em."

Society: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Swayaah thinks about the armor but... nothing comes to mind.

"Now now. No need to thank me... unless you want to... okay, I'll accept your generosity."

"Hey Fae. Bandages." Her assistant runs up with some bandages and antiseptic.

Medicine: Treat Wounds: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Healing: 4d8 ⇒ (6, 1, 2, 2) = 11

"Good job, Fae. See if anyone else needs help."
My hireling offers a +4 Medicine check. You can roll if you want her to Treat your Wounds.

As he runs into a better position the Varisian will pick up his dropped dart and chuck it at the skeleton
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Ulfgar can also use some healing up. Not that he'll ask for it but if Fae is going around...

Medicine: Treat Wounds: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

It doesn't work, though. Maybe he should have asked nicely.

society: 1d20 ⇒ 16
"I never did understand why you'd bury the dead with a good sword and shield." he says shaking his head.

Turning to the villages he asks "Be the walkin dead botherin ya all oftin?"

Are darts re-suable or are they like arrows?

Are darts re-suable or are they like arrows?

They're permanent weapons, not ammunition, so reusable.

Society: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"My studies would indicate that the style and design of the armour and weapons employed by these undead dates back over four thousand years ago to some time during the rule of the Teikoku Shogunate. They were ancient skeletons. Not as old as Azlanti-era but dating back close to Aroden's ascension." He pauses in thought. "Must thank the archivist for that tome."

Rafe sits down. "I say, could someone give me a hand cleaning these claw scrapes please?"

Rafe would appreciate a heal.

Amelia places both blades back in their respective sheaths.

should really pick up a blunt weapon to deal with these bony characters She thinks to herself.

Amelia begins to look around for a weapon merchant.

Once back with the group, she wraps an arm around Rafe's shoulders, "So where to next?"

Fae apologizes profusely to Ulfgar and waits for acceptance.
She gets fidgety when he doesn't respond.
"Don't worry, Fae. Ulfgar is the strong, silent type."

She nods and tries to help Rafe.
Medicine: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Nope, she's not helping there, either.

He picks up his dart and puts it back in a pouch.

"It's a good question, Amelia. I would suggest we stayed here for a couple of hours. Firstly, to make sure no more of those things come to attack the village. We can't be abandoning people who might need the assistance. Secondly, I think we should make sure we are all in excellent health." He smiles at her.

What time of day is it please?

Ulfgar looks down at his wounds, quirks an eyebrow thoughtfully then up at Fae.

He gives her a nod and a pat on the shoulder then gets to his feet and heads to the road, indicating his readiness to continue.

"I never did understand why you'd bury the dead with a good sword and shield." he says shaking his head.

Turning to the villages he asks "Be the walkin dead botherin ya all oftin?"

"Not for some time, though it seems that there have been rumors of undead roaming the surrounding woods and occasional sightings of undead in nearby towns ever since the Taldans first appeared in numbers over a century ago." a village elder replies. "It is believed that the kami had placed protections on the nearby forest against such destructive, spiritual influences. Though, if that is the case, those protections would seem to be failing as this attack would seem to evidence."

"My studies would indicate that the style and design of the armour and weapons employed by these undead dates back over four thousand years ago to some time during the rule of the Teikoku Shogunate. They were ancient skeletons. Not as old as Azlanti-era but dating back close to Aroden's ascension." He pauses in thought. "Must thank the archivist for that tome."

A village elder listens intently and then begins examining the armor and weapons herself. "Yes, yes," she concludes. "I believe you are correct. And your insight may answer some of your questions, if not ours."

She turns to Khaul, "If these dead were among the samurai of the Teikoku Shogunate, then they could very well have been part of the army led by Zaokoyu all those years ago. As was explained earlier, Zaokoyu and his men were slain by the kami that they had angered. To my knowledge, their bodies were never recovered. They never received proper burials. Thus, their armor and weapons were never taken from their side."

"Yet, while this would explain the presence of their weapons, it does not explain why they have risen up now," continues the elder. "If a powerful kami prevented the samurai from doing harm in life all those years ago, why would they not also try to stop those samurai from doing harm in death in the here and now?"

"It's a good question, Amelia. I would suggest we stayed here for a couple of hours. Firstly, to make sure no more of those things come to attack the village. We can't be abandoning people who might need the assistance. Secondly, I think we should make sure we are all in excellent health." He smiles at her.

What time of day is it please?

The sun is setting. "You may stay night in home of mine," offers the man whom you first met, who introduces himself as Tho Quenh. "Should you want follow the wagons you asked about before, I tell you of way when sun up."

Before night falls, Amelia is able to find a light mace for sale.

Society: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Zaokoyu wasn't the first fool to condemn followers to their death, and unfortunately he won't be the last.

"Hmm, tell me more about Zaokoyu..."

Swayaah will set one of her leads to Zaokoyu and his army.

Swayaah offers her hand to Tho Quenh in thanks before withdrawing it. "Sorry, my hands are pretty dirty right now. I'll wash these up and then shake your hand. Or whatever is custom around here. My bowing is terribly disrespectful, so forgive on that one."

Once it's bedtime, Swayaah finds a corner to snore loudly. Fae stuffs a pillow behind her head before keeping watch.

society: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Khaul nods his thanks. "A warm bed before a night under canvas will be much appreciated. " he notes.

He asks the caravan master "Will you be heading on without us from here? Are you sure you will be okay?"

Did I remember right? Were we travelling with another caravan? If not, please ignore the above line.

Society 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Society: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

"Oh, of course, General Orphyrea Amandar led the last Taldan Army of Exploration in 4606 AR, not long before the death of Aroden sewed chaos throughout the world. The were trying to find a new land to rule from Taldan, in the hopes of propping up their dying empire. From what I understand, they were battered by storms not too long after leaving port. The general and her army weathered Aroden's death and arrived in northern Shenmen in Tian Xia. After she and her army disembarked at the city of Kamikobu in 4608 AR, they defeated a dozen bandit warlords and took control of the region, renaming the city New Oppara. Those two events, the death of Aroden and the new people and magics from Avistan, would undoubtedly cause an imbalance." Rafe pauses. "We're not like those Taldans."

"As we're staying the night, Fae, would you be willing to help me with my wounds again, please?"

"Immigration is always tricky. You're newcomers in a new land." Swayaah flexes her claws. "And you don't fit in. Respect is key. I wonder if Zaokoyu blamed these newcomers for the death of Aroden. Sounds like the kami knew better."

Fae gets enough confidence to try to help Rafe and Ulfgar again.

Medicine vs Rafe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Treat Wounds: 2d8 ⇒ (3, 8) = 11

Medicine vs Ulfgar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Medicine vs Ulfgar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Medicine vs Ulfgar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Treat Wounds: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10

Ulfgar's a bit harder to help, but she eventually figures it out. Or maybe she likes more of his gentle head pats.

"Much obliged, thank you. Now, let's find out what they do for entertainment in these parts."

Rafe tries to find a drinking establishment, bard, dancing or some such diversion before bedding down.

"What am I thinkin?" sighs the champion of Torag.

"Torag be the master of makin and fixin don't ya know. Come over here lad, wounds received in righteous causes are me pleasure ta repair."

Happy to use lay on hands as often as required, and with ten minute breaks can probably patch everyone up in an hour or so.

Amelia hangs her newly acquired light mace to a through a loop on her belt.

"Now those boney bastards won't stand a chance."

"Hmm, tell me more about Zaokoyu..."

The villagers convey all they know.

Did I remember right? Were we travelling with another caravan? If not, please ignore the above line.

You are not traveling with a caravan. However, you were provided a pair of horses, a sturdy wagon, a repair kit, and, of course, a map.

The party purchases some new weapons, heals its wounds, and is afforded an area to rest. Come morning, you are free to head along the Spirit Road in search of the missing caravan. The villagers provide you with directions, indicating that you should travel east, taking the same path that the caravan traveled before you.

Assuming you go...

Along the journey, the road branches off several times, typically only for a short distance before rejoining the main road or reaching a dead end. The seemingly endless rows of conifer trees create a serene yet monotonous backdrop.

Not far from the village, you come upon a patch of road that is choked with snowdrifts, making it too narrow for a wagon to traverse easily. The wagon regularly catches on roots or stalls in the snow. Overall, these impediments slow the wagon to a speed of 10 feet.

Do you wish to proceed with the wagon at the slower pace or return the wagon to the villager and travel at your normal speed overland?

"We be given the wagon fer a reason." notes Khaul.

"And we dunno how long we may be travellin. I'd hate to go a week and then be needin to turn back to get tha wagon. Slow and steady, tha be ma feelin for our way forward."

"Hmm. We may need the wagon to carry all of the other wagon's stuff back." Swayaah shrugs and helps push the wagon a bit over an exposed root. "Let's keep going with this wagon." She exhales and stretches her shoulder.