Longroads Coffeehouse 2.0

Game Master chadius

"Blast those flying flaming buggers Nicky before they catch us on fire again!" He gives a quick side eye to the still burning Franny.

"Sure, wait." Nicole quickly brews another lesser ghost charge. She looks back and forth to see which one she will throw the bomb at. She decides to throw it at Blue. "You can handle that, Miss Bella!" she tells Bella about the Yellow and rushes to the Blue one. "Help her remove the flames on her."

Bomb Attack with Far Lobber: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Lesser Ghost Charge: 1d8 ⇒ 3 positive damage plus 1 splash damage, and the target is enfeebled 1 until the start of your next turn

◆ Quick Alchemy
◆ Stride
◆ Strike

Nicole hits with her bomb.

Red Flaming Skull flies over to Clover and head butts her twice. She falls unconscious with the second strike. based on the hit points in her header
forehead, MAP: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

forehead, MAP: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 10 - 5 = 18
Bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Yellow Flaming Skull decides to head butt Belle. Only the first strike works.
forehead, MAP: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 - 1 = 4
Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

forehead, MAP: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 5 = 9
Bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 - 1 = 7
Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

I believe that second attack is a crit failure, allowing for a riposte.

Round 3:

Bolded may act
Religion to identify
They are all tiny flaming floating skulls

Red Flaming 18 damage
White Skull 9 damage
Yellow Flaming 28 damage
Black Skull 8 damage
Green Skull 8 damage
Bella & Khiari 4 damage riposte
Blue Flaming 12 damage 20’ above ground enfeebled
Fran 16 damage 1d4 persistent fire
Roark 12 damage
Nicole

Round 4:

Stitch
Meat Wagon
Clover 29 damage unconscious

"SQUAWK! CLOVER!" Roark yells.

GM Correction. I had missed that Clover has Fire resistance.
Clover should only be down 25 damage, which still leaves her very badly injured but not unconscious.

Clover 25 damage

Belle takes a flaming skull to the face. She grimaces, sidesteps the followup and counters.

Spending my reaction for the Opportune Riposte.
Shortsword: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 = 6

Khiari moves quickly, especially when Clover falls from bruises and burns. "Leave Clover alone! She makes really spicy soup!"
◆ Khiari Strides

Bella looks at the Yellow skull. Is it still intact?

1d20 ⇒ 8

Bella prepares herself to counteract the first fool to critically miss her.

↺ Bella's Opportune Riposte

When Yellow badly misses with it’s attack, Bella quickly takes advantage of the opening and strikes if.

The Yellow Flaming Skull explodes in a shower of fire and bones,
Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 4 DC 18 basic reflex save (single save applies to both damage pools
Pierciing: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Bella dashes north to where she can see Stitch, Meat Wagon and Clover. Oh, there is an enemy there as well.

Meanwhile Khiari moves up and tries to head butt the Red Flaming Skull. Unfortunately she misses.

Blue Flaming Skull seems upset about that bomb. It moves up and head butts Nicole twice. The first misses but the second causes her to catch fire!
forehead: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 - 1 = 7
Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

forehead, MAP: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 10 - 5 = 25
Bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 - 1 = 4
Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Round 3:

Bolded may act
Religion to identify
They are all tiny flaming floating skulls

Red Flaming 18 damage
White Skull 9 damage
Yellow Flaming 36 damage
Black Skull 8 damage
Green Skull 8 damage
Bella & Khiari 4 damage riposte dC 18 basic reflex vs 4 fire and 3 piercing
Blue Flaming 12 damage enfeebled
Fran 16 damage 1d4 persistent fire
Roark 12 damage
Nicole 14 damage d4 persistent fire

Round 4:

Stitch
Meat Wagon
Clover 25 damage

Too bad they are mindless, no villain dialogue.

Fear giving strength to his legs, Roark rushes north to where Clover lays. He pulls out his healing potion and tips it down her throat.

Minor Healing: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Roark looks at the expiry date on the bottle and notices that it's 6 months past its sell by date.

"No wonder the goblin gave it to me cheap!"

GAK!

◆ Stride
◆ Interact to draw
◆ Interact to feed an expired potion to Clover

Nicole brews another lesser ghost charge and throws it at Blue that just attacked her. "Take that!"
Bomb Attack with Far Lobber vs Blue: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 (realized been using the wrong modifier twice)
Lesser Ghost Charge: 1d8 ⇒ 6 positive damage plus 1 splash damage, and the target is enfeebled 1 until the start of your next turn

She then loads her hand crossbow with a bolt.

◆ Quick Alchemy
◆ Strike
◆ Load Hand Crossbow

"Ow ow!"

Still on fire, Fran attempts to help Nicole battle Blue while the others see to Clover. She tries flinging a stone from the ruined building's foundation...

Telekinetic Projectile vs. Blue: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Damage (B): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

...and this time her aim is better! Fran also continues to sustain her good luck magic on Roark.

FIRE BAD: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Flat Check (DC 15): 1d20 ⇒ 19

Perhaps the good luck is beginning to rub off because the flames covering her finally extinguish on their own.
______________

◆ Sustain Nudge Fate on Roark
◆◆ Telekinetic Projectile

"Hold on there you fiery little gnome, let's patch you up quick before we blow that skull apart..." Stitch tries to return the favor with some quick medicine.

Battle Medicine on Clover vs DC15: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 222d8 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Then he reloads and commands Meat Wagon to attack.

Smash it? Gash it? The wagon rumbles in excitement, doing its best to extinguish the flaming red skull.

Melee (Overdrive): Bumper Ram: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Damage (B): 1d8 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 3 = 13

Melee (Overdrive): Mower Blade (Agile)(Finesse): 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 8 - 4 = 18 Damage (S): 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 3 = 8

Sorry to try blowing it up with everyone nearby, its doing a ton of damage on its turns, may as well eat the blast faster.

◈◈◈ Heal (Fortitude DC 19): 2d8 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4

With all the villains concentrated up close and personal, Clover stretches her arms and channels positive energy.

Roark runs to Clover and feeds her a potion of healing.

Nicole throws another bomb at Blue Flaming Skull, and then loads her hand crossbow. She continues to burn.
Persistent Fire: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Does the fire go out!: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Stitch quickly patches some of Clover’s injuries and reloads his gun before having Meat Wagon attack the nearby skull.

Meat Wagon misses with the bumper, but cuts the skull with the mower blade. Another hit like that and Red Flaming Skull is likely to go down.

Evidently rocks work better than lumber for crushing Flaming Skulls hits Blue with a chunk of a wall. That is enough to destroy that skull, causing it to explode catching Nicole, Fran and Mr. Midnight in the blast. Fran takes some more damage before the fires go out on her.
Fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2 DC 18 basic Reflex for half
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Clover releases a burst of healing energy., releasing some of the injuries of all her allies. The remaining skull is not so fond of this as it is harmed by the same energy. It dies in an explosion of bone and fire.
Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 6 DC 18 basic Reflex
Piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 4

You also hear the sound of metal hitting stone during that final explosion.

End of Combat:

Red Flaming 33 damage
White Skull 9 damage
Yellow Flaming 36 damage
Black Skull 8 damage
Green Skull 8 damage
Bella & Khiari 0 damage DC 18 basic reflex vs 4 fire and 3 piercing DC 18 basic Reflex vs 6 Fire 4 Piercing
Blue Flaming 31 damage enfeebled
Fran 15 damage DC 18 basic Reflex vs 2 Fire 4 Piercing
Mr. Midnight DC 18 basic Reflex vs 2 Fire 4 Piercing
Roark 8 damage Nudge Fate DC 18 basic Reflex vs 6 Fire 4 Piercing
Nicole 12 damage d4 persistent fire DC basic Reflex vs 2 Fire 4 Piercing
Stitch DC 18 basic Reflex vs 6 Fire 4 Piercing
Meat Wagon DC 18 basic Reflex vs 6 Fire 4 Piercing
Clover 12 damage DC 18 basic Reflex vs 4 Fire 4 Piercing (fire resistance already applied)

Nicole is still on fire and I think others could have gone down to that final set of blasts. Everyone please take a turn dealing with those last blasts. Then we can most likely drop out of rounds assuming no one is still on fire.
Someone can do Assisted Recovery on Nicole to help her extinguish the flames. This can only be done once per round.

Bella's Reflex Save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Bella takes a parting blow from the Yellow-flamed skull as it explodes. Can you react to a reaction?

Khiari arrives just in time to see another skull explode in front of her.
Khiari's Reflex Save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Both ladies are unlucky. "Alas poor Yorick, you were a jerk!" Khiari squeals.

"Uh, is anyone good at dousing flames?" Khiari points at Nicole. "Nicole, try to drop and roll around. Hey sis, can you check the well, maybe it has some water!"

Bella takes note, looks for a bucket and tries to draw from the well.

Reflex: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

I should still have a HP

Reflex, HP, Vestments: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Total 13 damage. With the Aeon stone, he should be right as rain in 15 minutes

Roark dives for cover with a squawk. When he recovers, he stares mournfully at his tail. "My feathers! Singed again!"

Bella has no problems finding some sort of bucket. When she goes to the well though, what she finds at the bottom of it isn’t water. It is the bodies of the townsfolk. That explains why the skulls appeared where they did, they had come up out of the well.

The bodies are slowly burning like charcoal and decomposing. Given the unnatural look of the embers, you wouldn’t be surprised if there are lingering traces of demonic pollution down there as well.

I suppose Roark can tackle Nicole and roll her in the dirt as a form of stop drop and roll…

You can narrate any action that you believe would help put out a fire. The normal example would be using a blanket to help smother the flames.
Immersion in water would automatically extinguish the flames, as would certain spells.

Bella frowns, unable to hide her disappointment. "I found the bodies. Looks like the Crusaders failed to notice." She instead gathers some loose dirt within the bucket. "My apologies, Madame Flames. I think you would rather be covered in dirt than set aflame."

I'll gather a bucket of dirt to help smother the Persistent Fire on Nicole.

Roark assists his fellow dancer by kicking Nicole’s feet out from under her and dropping her to the ground.

“Sprinkle away!”

DC 18 basic Reflex save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Nicole falls to the ground when Roark kicks her and rolls her over while Bella is sprinkling her with dirt to extinguish the flame. She just goes along as long as the flames are put out.

Flat check vs Persistent fire damage: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Hero Point! Flat check vs Persistent fire damage: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Roark was actually planning to just Electric Arc them but because Clover was in the middle of the lot them dying and exploding them wasn't a good idea...

Reflex DC18: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 Stitch sits there mouth agape as the shrapnel peppers his body, he grins a bit at the irony "At least I'm not on fire again!"

Nicole would have also had a flat check for people helping put out the fire.
Assisted Recover flat check DC 10: 1d20 ⇒ 7
Fire damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Nicole continues to burn for a short amount of time before people finally get the fire out. Those skilled with medicine patch up the injured.

Reflex DC18: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Somehow Meat Wagon avoids some of the damage, turning just so slightly, redirecting it to its rider. Loud and angry takes it every time.

Stitch patches the wounded while others hunt up what they were here for "I heard a metal ting at some point" He offers, pointing in the general area.

Once the fires are extinguished, Khiari returns to Pellas's room.

Khiari is very sweaty as her fingers slip back and forth on the lock picks.

After several attempts, Khiari manages to pick the lock without breaking her picks.

Inside the box she finds the deed and other mementos of the Lebris brothers. The deed is as Castor had described it.

Eventually someone goes searching and finds a key with bits of bone still stuck to it. Seems the key was on one of the flaming skulls. Just as Khiari is finishing opening the lockbox, you find the key. Perfect timing!

You check around the town a little bit more but don’t find anything else of interest.

You make the journey back to Nerosyan without incident. You report the well of bodies to both the crusaders and Venture Captain Jorsal. The response of the crusaders is lukewarm at best, but at least you think Venture Captain Jorsal will send someone out who can properly cleanse the site and put any lingering spirits to rest.

Not sure who you want to offer the back of the alter and the holy text to.

You then make your way to Castor’s office with the deed. You are welcomed in and after exchanging the normal pleasantries Castor eagerly asks “Were you able to find anything about my brother’s fate?”

"Good work Khia, maybe sometime I'll have you show me how to do that. Maybe." Stitch grins, showing teeth that could use a fair bit of picking themselves, and maybe some floss and brush work.

On the way back Stitch brings up the altar strapped to Meat Wagon "So, ya, where we dropping this thing off? Give it to the VC or Castor? I think it'd be better off with a VC, maybe they could have a public remembrance or something." He licks his finger and cleans off a well aimed bird bomb.

"We should shove this in the Crusader's faces and make sure they PROPERLY investigate the town." Bella can barely contain her rage. "And give the towns folk a proper burial."

To Castor, Bella hides her rage behind a mask of apology. "We have the deed. We have some of his schematics, as well. We also have..."

Khiari carefully unwraps the altar. "The remaining townsfolk chose to stay behind and buy as much time as possible. Including your brother." She points at the inscription, Pellas Lebris. "His brave sacrifice will never be forgotten." She pauses, a bit out of respect, and also to check herself.

"I wish for the Crusaders to investigate the village. We discovered-" she pauses. "We discovered the bodies of the townsfolk. They need to be purified before any funeral rites can take place. I'll skip the details, for your sake." It is not a question, but rather a statement.

"After that, I'd like to deliver the altar to our Venture-Captain. I am certain we will make a public remembrance. A memorial for the fallen and a testament to bravery I hope I can achieve someday."

Castor looks at the piece of wood with the names on it. He tries to hide his reaction but it is obvious he is shaken by this. He reads some of the other names on the plaque before saying “It looks like most of the town stayed to fight.”

He pauses for a few moments, whether in prayer or just thought you can’t tell.

“Have whomever puts up the memorial contact me. I would like to be part of creating that.”

He then looks over the schematics, the deed, and the mementos from the lockbox.

“It would appear you have done what I asked, and for that I thank you.”

"Looks like your brother helped teach the town how to make traps, they were all over the place, and successful from the look of it." He brings up the demonic icor stains and hands him the partially burned trap formula "We're assuming this was his, it was in his home."

Castor carefully takes the formula and looks it over. Nodding, he says “It looks like his handwriting and style. Thank you.”

“So he got the whole town involved with his trapping the area?” He seems moderately surprised by this news.

Trap schematics litter the inside of this home, along with hastily written instructions on how to install them. Much like his brother, Pellas had a knack for engineering, though whereas Castor focused on architecture, Pellas enjoyed intricate mechanics.

Geez I missed this statement, I would have totally collected all I could before we left! A pity there's no downtime in this adventure to invent some schematics. Not likely I'd ever take the trap crafting feat either.

"Judging by that note and all the traps littering the town, I'd say so."

"I'm gonna need to go buy more healing potions... So, what soup's on today?"

"They were true heroes." Clover says softly. "I am sorry for your loss, but I hope we helped you find closure. Also, do you like grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup? It's one of my favorite food combos, and you're welcome to join us for lunch."

GAH! Now you've made me crave a grilled cheese with tomato soup!

"We will let you know if the Society can help build the memorial for them." Nicole condoles with Castor on what happened to the villagers including his brother. "I would like to try that!" she tells Clover.

"I know that, um, everyone handles things differently but comfort food and some company always make me feel better when I'm sad about something," Fran shyly suggests. "And Clover's soups are really good. We'd be happy to have you."

Once Bella is done mocking impolring the Crusaders for aid, she returns to the lodge and provides her payment. "It is time. I'd like to retrieve it."

The dagger has her family insignia engraved across the pommel. She grips it with a bit of hesitation, her gaze fixed on the cold iron blade. Memories of her father seep through her tears. He always gave her goatback rides, even though her legs itched afterwards from his fur. Or the many times he would hide his grimace behind a napkin. But the love he felt for his wife Crissi, and the love he afforded his children was always the strongest.

"The Pathfinders said I was not ready, Father. But I have to try. Step one is getting a closer look at the weapon." She pockets the blade. "I hope Khiari forgives me."

Upgrading my dagger to a cold iron dagger for 40.4 gp.

Stitch drops the four silver pieces in Bella's hand as soon as they can have a moment without any other onlookers. He gives her a nod of thanks before heading back underneath Meat Wagon for some relaxing tinkering. It wasn't even that cold, I could have waited. He mumbles to himself, pulling half a mandible from behind the bumper.

Bella looks dumbfounded for a moment before Khiari takes the coins. "Thanks Stitch. Bella and money... it's a whole routine. She can't accept coins directly. For... reasons." Khiari refuses to elaborate, but pockets the change and grins.

Roark's going to go grab some winter clothing and some potions...

Some of you attempt to comfort Castor before leaving. You suspect that although he is better know knowing what happened, it will take him a while to really deal with the loss of his brother. This is normal.

You do not have much difficulty convincing Jorsal to get a team sent out to put the spirits to rest. He promises that something will be done in the way of a memorial, but he wants to talk with the church of Iomedae about it. You think he is genuine in his desire to honor the townsfolk, but would prefer if the church did it.

You do some shopping and leave Neosyan the next day and head towards Irrisen.

Start of Bounty 19.

It is obvious when you cross into Irrisen. There is a snowstorm at the border. Within two feet you go from clear skies to a snowstorm. Although it is cold in the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, the winter just seems a little bit more oppressive in Irrisen.

Fortunately it isn’t snowing on your whole trip through Irrisen.

You travel along the southern border of the Hoarwood forest to reach Lod. From there you take the road north.

In Dammartorp you see a bounty posted.

HELP US!

We, the people of Zekrotska, humbly ask for help against the forest creature that preys on us. If we've angered it, we'll placate it; if it can't be placated, we must ask you to kill it. In return, we offer all the silver we can muster, as well as such jewelry as we have and a number of family heirlooms. Please come to our hamlet. We have little time remaining.

That would be your next stop along the road you are traveling.

"Oooh, snowstorm!" Khiari clutches her winter clothing. "Sis and I love snowball fights. But mom is way better at it." Looking at the sign, she reads the message and scratches her arm. "Sounds like more people we can help. Plus, I'd like to learn more about this creature." Khiari sighs, before ducking underneath Bella's snowball.

Stitch quickly puts on his furry bomber hat, heavy fur lined boots and woolen trench coat as the winter storm hits them square in the face. He sits on top of Meat Wagon riding stoically as his wagon rumbles ahead through the snow. "Just remember kiddies, if you start a snow ball fight with this Dwarf, he'll build the biggest, baddest snow thrower ever and get revenge!" He points to the two culprits, waggling a finger.

---

"Side work is good, never say no to easy money, Steeltoe family motto!"

Clover is wearing a cute wool hat, mittens and a matching scarf. She plays around with breathing out clouds of frosty breath and is in a good mood until she reads the bounty board. "Those poor people! Let's help them!"

She's followed by her snorting badger, Big Truffle, and the clanging steps of Mr. Potbelly. The smell of a warm beef and onion stew steams from the walking cauldron.

Fran treks along with the others, dressed warmly in her fur-lined cloak. She also seems to be enjoying the snow, even though it does make travel a little more difficult, and watches the sisters' antics with an amused and somewhat wistful smile.

"It looks like fun. Um, sometimes I wish I had a sibling to pal around with like that..."

Mister Midnight, on the other hand, has a more mixed reaction to the snow and can't seem to decide if he wants to walk in it or ride atop of Meat Wagon with Stitch.

When the group spots the bounty notice in Dammartorp, she nods in agreement with the others. "We should see if we can help. Since we're, um, going that way anyway, I mean. But I don't know if it'd be right to take their family heirlooms as payment."