[NostalgiaCon 2021] PFS2 #3-99 Fate in the Future (Tier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master cmlobue

Woo! Mandoo gets nat-20s even when someone else does the rolling.

[Oh dearie me! That creature is rather, um, huge]
{All creatures perish eventually. Even huge ones}
[I was actually a little more concerned about our own lives]
{I'll do my best to have this creature precede you to the Boneyard}
[Yes. Please do. I'll do what I can to help from my end]

Mandoo casts a spell ("ବ୍ଲେଡ୍ ତୀକ୍ଷ୍ଣ କର") as Libitina closes with the huge millipede and slices it with her scythe.

Action 1 (◆): Act Together
- Mandoo Action (◇): Cast a Spell: Extend Boost
- Mandoo Action 1 (◆): Cast a Spell: Boost Eidolon vs Libitina
- Libitina Action 1 (◆): Stride (25 feet)

Religion (Extend Boost) vs DC 16?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Boost Eidolon extended to 3 rounds.

Libitina Action 2 (◆): Strike (+1 Ghost Touch Vanth Scythe with Boost Eidolon and Spirit Touch) vs Purple Millipede

Libitina Scythe: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10
Libitina Scythe Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9 slashing damage
Libitina Scythe Spirit Touch Damage: 1 = 1 negative damage

Libitina Action 3 (◆): Strike (+1 Ghost Touch Vanth Scythe with Boost Eidolon and Spirit Touch) with MAP1 vs Purple Millipede

Libitina Scythe: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 - 5 = 24
Libitina Scythe Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9 slashing damage
Libitina Scythe Spirit Touch Damage: 1 = 1 negative damage

Man! Talk about running hot and cold.

[I hate to point this out while your hands are full dearest, but there's very little between me and a couple of the smaller insects]
{I suggest that you fall back}
[I was too busy casting spells to realize my danger]
{How unfortunate. You may actually have to use that knife of yours then}
[I was hoping you would have a better solution]
{Sorry. My hands are a little full right now}

Mandoo, you are quickened, so you get an additional action.

Mandoo casts spells to help Libitina, who moves forward to attack the huge creature. Her first swing is wildly off target, but she ends up in the perfect position to hack a nice chunk out of it with a follow-up.

The monster responds to this indignity by striking back with teeth and tail, then wriggles toward the rest of the group.

Mandibles: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Piercing Damage: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Tail: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 4 = 20
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

It hits with both, and injects some poison into her.

If she is not immune to poison, she needs to make a DC 19 Fortitude save against it.

Meanwhile, one of the smaller bugs Mandoo was worried about moves over and tries to bite him a couple of times.

Mandibles: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Piercing Damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Mandibles: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 6 - 5 = 13
Piercing Damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

It manages no more than giving him a pair of small bruises.

1 nonlethal, but in 2E the differnece only matters if it is the blow that reduced you to 0 HP.

Round 1 - bolded may go

All Pathfinders are quickened 1 during this battle.

Mandoo (-1 HP) / Libitina (-26 HP, Fortitude Save)
Purple (-20 HP)
Green
Isaku Beru
Red
Blue
Yellow
Ace Malaluna
Kornel
Bina Sevencloaks
Dancing Sunbeam

Nature to Recall Knowledge. There are two types of creatures that require separate checks.

Libitina takes a couple of hard hits but miraculously remains standing, though some of the creature's poison enters her wounds...

Libitina Fortitude Save vs DC 19: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

... She shrugs off its effects.

[That was brutal. How are you holding up my love?]
{I'm still standing}
[But not by much it seems]
{No. Without ministration I may have to leave soon}
[I can't live without you my dear]
{I know}

Isaku tries to devise a plan on taking the big one down.

Devise a Strategem vs Purple: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Seeing a plan, he fires at Purple.

Piercing + Precision: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7

He reloads Piercing Wind and moves away.

"Ace, hit its head!" Purple is now FF to Ace

◆ Devise vs Purple
◇ RK Nature +5
◆ Strike
◆ Reload
◆ Stride

[Ouch!]
{What happened?}
[One of the little ones just took a swipe at me]
{I'm still here, so it couldn't have been that bad}
[I'm not like you dear. I bruise quite easily]
{With that soft body of yours, I really don't know how you managed to stay alive before I came along}

With just a splinter of time left, Mandoo focuses his power on Libitina and says, "ଟିନାକୁ ସୁରକ୍ଷା ଦିଅ."

Mandoo Action 4 (◆): Cast a Spell: Protect Companion vs Libitina - she's now at AC 19

[I'm afraid that's the best I can do right now]
{Let's hope it'll be enough. I'm not looking forward to having to explain an early return to the Boneyard... especially if you come along for the ride}

Isaku is not sure what the huge creature is, but fires a shot at it, then backs away.

When he does, the creature whips a tail at him.

Tail, AOO: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

The other three insects close and attack.

Mandibles, Red, vs. Bina: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Piercing Damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Mandibles, Red, vs. Bina: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 6 - 5 = 21
Piercing Damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Bina must make two DC 14 Fortitude saves.

Mandibles, Blue, vs. Libitina: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Piercing Damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Mandibles, Blue, vs. Libitina: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 6 - 5 = 11
Piercing Damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Libitina must make a DC 14 Fortitude save.

Mandibles, Yellow, vs. Libitina: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Piercing Damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Mandibles, Yellow, vs. Libitina: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 5 = 5
Piercing Damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

And another, though you seem to have found the weakest bugs in the brood.

Mandoo is not looking so hot, and Libitina is getting a bit fuzzy around the edges.

If you share HP, healing Mandoo should also treat Libitina's wounds, yes? And if so, you would have told this to everyone?

Round 1-2 - bolded may go

All Pathfinders are quickened 1 during this battle.

Mandoo/Libitina (-29 HP, 2 Fort saves)
Purple (-27 HP)
Green
Isaku Beru (-11 HP)
Red
Blue
Yellow
Ace Malaluna
Kornel
Bina Sevencloaks (-5 HP, 2 Fort saves)
Dancing Sunbeam

Holy smokes! Does Libitina's luck know no bounds? Those damage rolls by the bugs were terrible... y good for Mandoo/Libitina.

If you share HP, healing Mandoo should also treat Libitina's wounds, yes? And if so, you would have told this to everyone?

Yes. Healing either of them raises their shared pool of hit points. Mandoo will be performing Battle Medicine on himself to keep Libitina in the fight. Heal spells can target either party, but if it targets both, they only get the benefits once. And... Sure. For the sake of argument, let's say that chatty Mandoo shared this information with his colleagues during a break :)

The strikes by the smaller bugs are like mosquito bites to Libitina, but in her current state, even mosquitoes can be deadly. Having survived the bites, she must now deal with the poison kicker which...

Libitina Fortitude Save vs DC 14: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Libitina Fortitude Save vs DC 14: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

...once again has no effect on the Vanth.

Action (◇): Delay until the end of Bina's turn in case she needs Mandoo for flanking (I left a red dot to indicate his starting position).

[Tina dear? You seem to be fading away]
{I am, as they say, on my last feet}
[To be honest, I don't feel so great myself]
{Perhaps now would be a good time to do something about it then}
[Oh! Yes. Of course. Hold on]

Mandoo Action 1 (◆): Battle Medicine (Medic Dedication) on Mandoo vs DC 15
Medicine (Battle Medicine) vs DC 15: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Battle Medicine Healing vs DC 15: 2d8 ⇒ (4, 7) = 11 hit points healed

[That's a bit better]
{Yes... a bit. Back to work I go}

As Mandoo makes a tactical retreat from his bug, Libitina's scythe whistles as it slices through the air and then through each of her pesky assailants.

Action 2 (◆): Act Together
- Mandoo Action 2: Stride (25 feet)
- Libitina Action 2: Strike (+1 Ghost Touch Vanth Scythe with Boost Eidolon and Spirit Touch) vs Yellow Bug

Libitina Scythe: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 1 = 28
Libitina Scythe Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10 slashing damage on Yellow Bug
Libitina Scythe Spirit Touch Damage: 1 = 1 negative damage

Libitina Action 3 (◆): Strike (+1 Ghost Touch Vanth Scythe with Boost Eidolon and Spirit Touch) with MAP1 vs Blue Bug

Libitina Scythe: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 1 - 5 = 19
Libitina Scythe Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8 slashing damage on Blue Bug
Libitina Scythe Spirit Touch Damage: 1 = 1 negative damage

[That'll teach the bugs to pick on my girl]
{We're not out of the woods yet}
[True enough. Let's see if I can improve the odds further in our favor]

As per Mandoo's Medic Dedication Once per day, you can use Battle Medicine on a creature that's temporarily immune.

Mandoo Action 4 (◆): Battle Medicine (Medic Dedication) on Mandoo vs DC 15
Medicine (Battle Medicine) vs DC 15: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Battle Medicine Healing vs DC 15: 2d8 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12 hit points healed

With the two Battle Medicines, Mandoo/Libitina's pool of hitpoints is back up to 1+11+12 = 24 hit points

Fort DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Fort DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Bina brushes off whatever was in those mandibles and goes to work on the Big One. She is under no delusion this thing gives a single whit about her dancing, but it helps her focus so she does it anyway. She pirouettes and drops into a three-point stance, then launches herself backwards in a series of swipes against the beast's flank. Seeing Mandoo waver on his feet, she rushes around the creature, hoping to administer one of her many potions.

She tops it off with a flamboyant stab to the creature's guts.

♦ Focused Performance vs Purple Will DC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
♦ +1 Shortsword vs Purple: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 S Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Hero Point Reroll: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
♦ Sh. Swd vs Purple, MAP, Agile: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 8 - 4 = 20 S Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
♦ Confident Finisher vs Purple, MAP, Agile: 1d20 + 8 - 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 8 = 17 P Dmg: 1d6 + 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + (6, 1) + 1 = 11

Thanks to Panache, my Speed is increased by 5 feet so I should be able to stride around the creature. Hopefully it doesn't have a second reaction!

EDIT: Got ninja'd! Mandoo got himself fixed up so adjusting my final action. Also adjusted dice rolls to not be against FF AC, since Bina's no longer flanking.

If the last attack misses, it takes half the 2d6 precision damage.

Libitina looks much better as Mandoo performs first aid on himself. It's a summoner thing. In any case, she dos significantly more than 0 damage to the bugs flanking her, cutting both in half.

Bina does a dance that would have been right at home in the Ivy District, then repeatedly stabs the big guy. While the last only nicks it, she leaves the insect wavering on its many feet.

Round 1-2 - bolded may go

All Pathfinders are quickened 1 during this battle.

Mandoo/Libitina (-6 HP)
Purple (-43 HP)
Green
Isaku Beru (-11 HP)
Red
Blue
Yellow
Ace Malaluna
Kornel
Bina Sevencloaks (-5 HP)
Dancing Sunbeam

As if she was dancing the magus thrust her left hand towards red and twirling with the motion Dancing Sunbeam drops into her arcane cascade stance before suddenly disappearing only to appear on Red's other side flanking it. Her sword flashes as she finishes her spin.
Ray of Frost: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
shortsword: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Ray of frost, get into stance, dimensional assault. The melee strike has the Cold trait.

Ace draws his weapon as soon as the combat breaks off. Instinctively, but also helped by Isaku's cry, he aims at the giant creature. "The sooner we put this thing down, the better off we'll be. Come on, Old Deadeye, be true to me!" he shouts.
Ace activates his potency crystal and shoots at the giant beast. Then reloads, and shoots at the small creature in the north. He Reloads again.
◇ Draw firearm (One shot, One kill)
◇ Activate potency crystal
◆Strike One Shot one kill Vs FF Purple
Strike: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 1 = 22
Damage: 2d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 1 + (1) = 5

◆ Reload
◆Strike Vs Green
Strike: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 1 - 5 = 17
Damage: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 2) + 1 = 5
[/ooc]

◆ Reload

These d6 rolls.......

Ace powers up his weapon and fires at the huge creature, piercing its exoskeleton. It falls to the floor (a whole lot of floor) motionless. He then takes a potshot at green.

Dancing Sunbeam fires some magic ice past Red, then teleports in to a spot where she surprises it and cuts it in half.

Round 1-2 - bolded may go

All Pathfinders are quickened 1 during this battle.

Mandoo/Libitina (-6 HP)
Purple
Green (-5 HP)
Isaku Beru (-11 HP)
Red
Blue
Yellow
Ace Malaluna
Kornel
Bina Sevencloaks (-5 HP)
Dancing Sunbeam

Despite the near-fatal wounding of Libitina, you made quick work of this group. Time to think about combat or skills for the next wave.

(These critters don't seem that tough, so I think I'll just try to finish it off.)

Kornel, slow on the draw as usual, directs some jolts of electricity in the remaining enemy's direction.

Electricity damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
(Basic Ref save, DC 18.)

◆ Stride; ◆◆ Cast a Spell: Electric Arc, targeting green; ◆ Cast a Spell: Shield.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

(Technically that leaves it with 1 HP, but with Mandoo out of danger, I don't see any reason to play out the next round.)

Mandoo/Libitina (-6 HP)
Bina Sevencloaks (-5 HP)

Dozens of strange and twisted quadrupeds emerge from the corners of the chamber, with oversized eyes and lolling tongues. “Hounds of Tindalos! These are the creatures that pursued Heraxia!” Ashasar exclaims. “They’ll weaken away from angles!”

Sparks fly from the Eternity Arch, sending bolts of lightning streaking across the chamber. “That thing is overloading!” Eando Kline shouts. “We need to stabilize it somehow!”

Fight the hounds or stabilize the Arch? One vote for "fight" from Discussion.

Once the last of the bugs is dispatched, Mandoo and Libitina rejoin.

[Phew! That was a close one there]
{Yes. That big one hit me quite hard}
[Looks like you still have a few scratches, Tina. Let me do something about that before the hounds arrive]

He calls out. "Everyone who would like some healing, please gather around; I'm going to cast a Heal spell." Mandoo looks around to confirm that everyone who wants to be healed is within range. He then pulls out his Heal scroll and making a pirrouette in place, says, "ସମସ୍ତ କ୍ଷତକୁ ସୁସ୍ଥ କର"

Mandoo: Cast a Spell: Heal (3-action) in 30-foot emanation

Healing: 1d8 ⇒ 7 hit points healed.

Looks to me like the wounded were Libitina -6, Bina -5, and Isaku -11. So only Isaku is still slightly wounded. The following assumes this is the case.

Mandoo looks around and sees that Isaku is still a little beat up. "Isaku, let me have a look at those wounds. I think we have time to patch you up before the hounds get here." He then whips out his tools and gets to work.

Activity: Treat Wounds (Medic Dedication) on Isaku vs DC 15
Medicine (Treat Wounds) vs DC 15: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Treat Wounds Healing vs DC 15: 2d8 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9 hit points healed
Treat Wounds Crit Healing: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 3) = 10 additional hit points healed.

Talk about overachieving! That should be everyone patched up and ready to go.

Isaku was not injured - that was an error on my part - so the Heal spell fixes everything.

From the side chambers to the northwest and east, a stampede of aberrant creatures emerge. Two of them get past the other Pathfinders and focus on you.

Round 1 - bolded may go

Ace Malaluna
Dancing Sunbeam
Cyan
Magenta
Bina Sevencloaks
Mandoo/Libitina
Kornel
Isaku Beru

Occultism to Recall Knowledge.

Botting Ace and Sunbeam.

Ace fires at Magenta, then Strides behind a pillar and tries to Hide.

Strike: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Concussive Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Precision Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Dancing Sunbeam casts Shield, enters her Arcane Cascade and Strides toward Magenta.

The creatures suddenly appear next to Bina and Kornel and attack with unnatural appendages.

Jaws vs. Bina: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Piercing Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Claws vs. Bina: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 4 = 15
Slashing Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Jaws vs. Kornel: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Piercing Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Claws vs. Kornel: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 11 - 4 = 15
Slashing Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Luckily, the Pathfinders are mostly able to avoid their attacks.

Since I know Isaku gets a free Recall Knowledge...

He is not able to figure out what these odd dogs are.

The creatures' eyes glow balefully, and is not comfortable to be close to them.

Round 1 - bolded may go

Remember what Ashasar said!

Ace Malaluna
Dancing Sunbeam
Cyan
Magenta (-5 HP)
Bina Sevencloaks
Mandoo/Libitina
Kornel (-13 HP)
Isaku Beru

Occultism to Recall Knowledge.

Bina yelps as the weird dog-thing appears out of nowhere and lunges at her. Almost instinctively, she dips and sways like a drunkard at a barn dance, kicking and ducking wildly, yet even in her panicked, reactionary state, there seems to be an underlying rhythm to her movements that might prove hypnotic if one were to stare too long.

After a deft stab, she recalls Ashasar's warning, and steps back from the creature to draw it away from the pillar.

Today's Perform (dance) check is brought to you by "Genghis Khan" from Miike Snow.

♦ Focused Performance vs Purple Will DC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
♦ +1 Short Swd vs Purple: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 P Dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
♦ Step.

Kind of making a big assumption that 19 beats its Will DC. If not, reduce damage dealt by 2 4, because it's a crit! Would have been way more impressive if I'd done a Finisher. D'oh!

Looks like Bina got in ahead of me today :)

Remember what Ashasar said!

I've been mulling what “They’ll weaken away from angles!” might mean, but nothing obvious comes to mind. If someone figures it out, feel free to shout it out to the rest of us.

[look Tina! It seems that the so-called hounds have arrived]
{Indeed}
[I must say, they look like spectacularly ugly creatures... with very little 'hound' about them]
{They will die regardless. If not today, then some other day}
[If you could arrange it for today, my love, I would appreciate it]
{I'll do what I can}
[And as always, I'll do what I can to help]

Mandoo Action (◇): Activate an Item (Potency Crystal on +1 Dagger) - the weapon becomes a +1 striking weapon for the rest of the turn.

Mandoo casts a spell ("ବ୍ଲେଡ୍ ତୀକ୍ଷ୍ଣ କର") as Libitina moves into flanking position with the nearest creature and slices at it with her scythe.

Action 1 (◆): Act Together
- Mandoo Action (◇): Cast a Spell: Extend Boost
- Mandoo Action 1 (◆): Cast a Spell: Boost Eidolon vs Libitina
- Libitina Action 1 (◆): Stride (25 feet)

Religion (Extend Boost) vs DC 16?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Boost Eidolon extended to 3 rounds.

Libitina Action 2 (◆): Strike (+1 Ghost Touch Vanth Scythe with Boost Eidolon and Spirit Touch) vs Cyan Hound

Libitina Scythe: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 1 = 23 vs Flat-Footed
Libitina Scythe Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11 slashing damage
Libitina Scythe Spirit Touch Damage: 1 = 1 negative damage
Libitina Scythe Potency Crystal Striking Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7 slashing damage

Not only did I notice the Potency Crystal, but I also was reminded that Libitina has an agile secondary unarmed attack with her wings.

Libitina Action 3 (◆): Strike (+1 Ghost Touch Wing) with Boost Eidolon and Spirit Touch) with MAP1 vs Cyan Hound

Libitina Wing Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 1 - 4 = 8 vs Flat-Footed
Libitina Wing Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10 bludgeoning damage
Libitina Wing Spirit Touch Damage: 1 = 1 negative damage
Libitina Wing Potency Crystal Striking Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6 bludgeoning damage

[Tina, what do you think Ashasar meant with his 'angles' comment?]
{I don't know}
[I must admit to the same condition. Perhaps it will become apparent in time]

Bina dances away from the hound's strikes. That is a success vs. Will DC. Though she is certain her strike was perfectly placed, the shape of the creature shifts in a way that is hard for her eyes to follow, and causes little harm to it.

Mandoo grants Libitina strength through his own magic and that of the crystal he was given before entering the Maze. Her scythe connects, though does not penetrate as deeply as she would have expected, and her unaccustomed wing attack is nowhere close to the creature.

The gaze of Cyan causes painful wounds as its bizarre geometry leaks into your world, dealing 1d8 ⇒ 2 slashing damage to Bina, Mandoo and Libitina. Bina takes an additional 1d8 ⇒ 8 from Magenta's glare. (Triggers when you end your turn close enough to a hound.
Basic Fortitude save DC 20; critical success also makes you immune for 24 hours.)

Round 1-2 - bolded may go

This may be relevant to your interests/

Ace Malaluna
Dancing Sunbeam
Cyan (-14 HP)
Magenta (-8 HP)
Bina Sevencloaks (2 Fort saves)
Mandoo/Libitina (Fort save for each)
Kornel (-13 HP)
Isaku Beru

Occultism to Recall Knowledge.

Looks like (at least) slashing 5 resistance, and if Bina's attack is anything to go by, piercing 5 resistance as well. We really need to figure out this angles thing to try and get around these resistances. Who's got some Occultism?

[Was it just me, Tina dear, or did your scythe not do as much damage as it should have]
{You are correct. It seems partially resistant to my blade}
[How unfortunate]
{Yes, but not insurmountable}
[Looks like your wing attacks need a little work]
{Maybe}

The creature's gaze then falls on Mandoo and Libitina (and Bina).

I guess we know which way Cyan is facing then, and since Magenta didn't see Libitina, the range might be limited to 15 feet. If so, I'm not sure why Isaku wasn't affected by Cyan though, so something else must be going on, or Libitina blocked the gaze in that direction.

[Ouf! What was that? It felt like I was peppered by flying glass]
{They not only look ugly but they look *at* you ugly too}
[Very droll my love, but I wouldn't quit my day job if I were you]

Mandoo Basic Fortitude Save vs DC 20: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Libitina Basic Fortitude Save vs DC 20: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Both managed the save, so half damage - 1 hit point off.

[That could have been worse. We might want to take precautions in the future]
{I prefer to inflict damage than avoid it}
[That's my girl]

The strange almost-dog-like monsters catch Kornel off-guard with their surprising speed—not that outpacing the lethargic Kornel is any great feat. The monsters' sharp fangs dig deep into the sorcerer's arm, and, after a brief delay, Kornel lets out a monotonic yelp of pain, yet still holding on to his constant smile. "Agh. Die a dog's death, ah hah."

Forgetting (or ignoring) that he's within arm's reach of a psychopomp, he begins spellcasting, and a sinister magical energy concentrates to his hand. Then, the floor tiling in front of him cracks, and from the ground underneath, a skeletal arm rises. A skeletal corpse emerges.

"Kill," commands Kornel, with no change in facial expression.

The freshly-animated skeleton swings its rusty blade at the enemy.

Skeleton's Scimitar: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Slashing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Skeleton's Claw: 1d20 + 6 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 4 = 6
Slashing: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

◆◆◆ Cast a Spell: Animate Dead, summoning a Skeleton Guard. (As per summoning rules, it gets 2 actions.)
◆ Strike, ◆ Strike.

I guess we know which way Cyan is facing then, and since Magenta didn't see Libitina, the range might be limited to 15 feet. If so, I'm not sure why Isaku wasn't affected by Cyan though, so something else must be going on, or Libitina blocked the gaze in that direction.

It is triggered by the end of a PC's turn, and the creatures were not close enough when Isaku's turn ended.

Fort DC 20: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Fort DC 20: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Well at least I halved the damage on the big hit. :S

Can I stay in Arcane Cascade stance in between waves so I don't need to keep going into it every wave?
Dancing Sunbeam decides to keep her distance for now and sends an electric arc at Cyan while keeping her eyes on Cyan's feet.
Electric arc: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Avert Gaze for my third action

Isaku games the combat in his head trying to establish a strategy.

Devise vs Cyan: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

He fires at Cyan and reloads.

Piercing + Precision: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 1) = 7

"Ace, the head's a fat juicy target
Cyan is FF to Ace

◆ Devise vs Cyan
◇ Known Weakness (RK; Occultism +8)
◆ Strike
◆ Interact (Reload)

Dancing Sunbeam, you could stay in the stance, but it would . It's also not likely to matter at this point, as there are only about 2.5 days left. Also, I think you can target both creatures with your Electric Arc as they are both within 30 feet.

Kornel invites some undead to the party, and it does manage to scratch Cyan. Some of the other Pathfinders are... not enthused about this.

Isaku fires a shot at Cyan, who seems slightly hurt.

Dancing Sunbeam blasts the hounds with electricity.

Reflex Save, Cyan: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Reflex Save, Magenta: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Cyan has quite a bit of cover, but Magenta takes the full shock.

Round 1-2 - bolded may go

Ace Malaluna
Dancing Sunbeam (gaze averted)
Cyan (-21 HP)
Magenta (-14 HP)
Bina Sevencloaks (-6 HPs)
Mandoo/Libitina (-1 HP)
Kornel (-13 HP, Fort save vs. 2 damage)/Skeleton Guard (2 Fort saves)
Isaku Beru (Fort save vs. 2 damage)

Fort Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Botting Kornel's saves and Ace

Fortitude save, Kornel: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 vs. 2 damage
Fortitude save, Skeleton Guard: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 vs. 2 damage
Fortitude save, Skeleton Guard: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 vs. 8 damage

Kornel begins to understand the non-Euclidean shapes of the creatures, but the skeleton's nonexistent brain is overwhlemed, and it falls to pieces.

Ace loads his pistol, fires at Cyan, and loads again.

Strike: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Concussive Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Precision Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Cyan lashes out in all directions.

1d2 + 1d2 + 1d2 ⇒ (1) + (2) + (2) = 5 top to bottom

Jaws vs. Kornel: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Piercing Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Claws vs. Libitina: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 11 - 4 = 26
Slashing Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Claws vs. Libitina: 1d20 + 11 - 8 ⇒ (1) + 11 - 8 = 4
Slashing Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Kornel falls to the ground.

Magenta steps away from the pillar, bites at Bina, and then steps back.

Jaws vs. Bina: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Piercing Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Anyone who ends this turn within 15 feet of Magenta must make a basic DC 20 Fort save against 1d8 ⇒ 6 slashing damage. Anyone who ends this turn within 15 feet of Cyan must make a basic DC 20 Fort save against 1d8 ⇒ 4 slashing damage. Proximity to both requires two saves. Kornel is now immune to this effect.

Round 2-3 - bolded may go

Ace Malaluna
Dancing Sunbeam
Kornel (-24 HP, dying 1)
Cyan (-29 HP)
Magenta (-14 HP)
Bina Sevencloaks (-19 HP)
Mandoo/Libitina (-9 HP)
Isaku Beru (-1 HP)

"Ugh," Bina grumbles. "Get it away from corners. Sure. Like digging out a tick that's already burrowed." Still, she gives it a shot, backpedaling a few feet and waggling her blade at it. "C'mon, punk, I'm right here! Nice, tasty halfling! Yum, yum!"

♦ Stride 10ft.
♦♦ Ready action.

EDIT: Almost forgot my save against Magenta.

Fort DC 20: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

{Where did that skeleton come from?}
[Um...]
{It was the scruffy one, wasn't it?}
[Maybe]
{I knew it. He has the smell of death about him}
[In all fairness, there are extenuating circumstances. He was acting in self-defense and the skeleton is attacking the hound]
{You know full well that there are no extenuating circumstances when it comes to the creation of undead}
[True, but I don't think cutting down a Pathfinder colleague and putative ally would exactly put us in a good light, necromancer or not. And it's not like he plans for the skeleton to last very long.. Oh look! It's dead... again]
{I'm a little busy right now. We'll revisit this after the hounds are dealt with}

Libitina holds strong under the blows of the hound, but one of the claws slips through and cracks a rib.

[Looks like the hound took care of the necromancer for us]
{So to add insult to injury, he's no longer distracting the creature for me}
[I'm pretty sure he didn't choose suicide just to spite you]
{Wouldn't surprise me in the least}
[Yes, well. Be that as it may, I better step in and help then. You can ferry him to the Boneyard later]

Mandoo steps forward and Libitina grinds the skeleton's remains into the ground as she moves to flank it before raising her scythe and bringing it down on the hound.

Action 1 (◆): Act Together
- Mandoo Action 1 (◆): Step (5 feet)
- Libitina Action 1 (◆): Step (5 feet) - Libitina steps to the square directly west of the Cyan hound

Libitina Action 2 (◆): Strike (+1 Ghost Touch Vanth Scythe with Boost Eidolon and Spirit Touch) vs Cyan Hound

Libitina Scythe: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 = 27 vs Flat-Footed
Libitina Scythe Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8 slashing damage
Libitina Scythe Spirit Touch Damage: 1 = 1 negative damage

[Dear? I know you'd rather keep fighting, but I think the other hound is about to blind-side you with some flying glass]
{So?}
[As your physician, I must strongly recommend that you move out of range of the creature]
{A recommendation?}
[Actually my love, I think I'll have to insist]
{If you insist, then so be it, but for the record, I'm not happy about it}
[So noted]

Libitina Action 3 (◆): Step (5 feet) - Libitina moves back to square she started in

Cyan falls to the floor. And ceiling. And in some other directions you don't have names for. In any case, it will not be hurting you any more.

With cyan down Dancing Sunbeam throws up her hand in magenta's direction directing a stream of electric power at the beast.
electric arc: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Isaku contemplates a strategy for taking down Magenta.

Devise Strategem: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Not sure if it was good enough, Isaku fires anyway and reloads.

Potential Piercing + Precision: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6

GM did I fail the RK from my last turn?

◆ Devise Strategem
◆ Strike
◆ Interact (Reload)

I pre-rolled Isaku's Recall Knowledge and it failed

Bina backs away from the hound and prepares to attack.

Mandoo and Libitina maneuver around the other, and Libitina cuts it down.

Isaku fires a shot that hits the column next to the monster.

Dancing Sunbeam hurls another bolt of electricity at the remaining creature.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Round 3 - bolded may go

Ace Malaluna
Dancing Sunbeam
Kornel (-24 HP, dying 1)
Cyan
Magenta (-17 HP)
Bina Sevencloaks (-19 HP)
Mandoo/Libitina (-9 HP)
Isaku Beru (-1 HP)

Recovery check: 1d20 ⇒ 3
(Gurgle.)

Kornel remains on the floor, unconscious.

Ace fires, reloads, and fires again.

Strike: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Concussive Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Precision Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Strike: 1d20 + 9 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 9 - 5 = 9
Concussive Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Precision Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

The creature disappears into the pillar and emerges above the pile of bones, then tries to destroy the eidolon.

Jaws: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Piercing Damage: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Claws: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 4 = 13
Slashing Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Round 3-4 - bolded may go

Anyone ending their turn within 15 feet of Magenta must make a basic DC 20 Fortitude save against 1d8 ⇒ 8 slashing damage. Kornel and Bina are immune to this effect.

Ace Malaluna
Dancing Sunbeam
Kornel (-24 HP, dying 2)
Cyan
Magenta (-18 HP)
Bina Sevencloaks (-19 HP)
Mandoo/Libitina (-17 HP)
Isaku Beru (-1 HP)

After several seconds in automatic fire/reload/fire mode, Ace takes a pause and realises that Kornel is about to pass away. He strides towards him while taking a healing potion out of his pockets, then kneels at Kornel's side and pours it down his throat.

◆ Stride
◆ Retrieve potion
◆ Giving potion to Kornel
Healing Potion: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Then he feels the mental assault of the creature and tries to resist it...

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

But takes the full blow of it (-16 HP).

[It looks like they're using the columns to teleport]
{Very efficient of them}
[Looks like that last bite stung a little]
{It is nothing serious... yet}
[Seems that our necromancer is not fated to die today. Ace just recusitated him]
{Who knows. A stray attack may still finish the job}
[On the plus side, he's back in the hound distraction business]
{Yes. Time to take advantage of the situation}

Libitina moves into flanking position with Kornel and strikes at the remaining hound.

Libitina Action 1 (◆): Stride (25 feet) - Libitina moves to the square to the southwest of the hound and in flanking position with the now resucitated Kornel

Libitina Action 2 (◆): Strike (+1 Ghost Touch Vanth Scythe with Boost Eidolon and Spirit Touch) vs Magenta Hound

Libitina Scythe: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 1 = 26 vs Flat-Footed
Libitina Scythe Damage: 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 11 slashing damage
Libitina Scythe Spirit Touch Damage: 1 = 1 negative damage

[Um, dear?]
{Let me guess. You 'recommend' I move away from the creature}
[It's almost as if you can read my mind]
{Whatever}

Action 3 (◆): Act Together
- Mandoo Action 3 (◆): Stride (25 feet)
- Libitina Action 3 (◆): Stride (25 feet)

Dancing Sunbeam surprises magenta with a yell and a her sword on magenta's back as the magus suddenly appears behind it.
Dimensional Assault: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Spellstrike: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Produce Flame: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Dancing Sunbeam, Fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Dancing Sunbeam shows off her own teleportation, scratching the creature with her first strike before missing on a second, magic-enhanced one. The odd geometry seems to slice apart her mind.

Ace tosses a potion down Kornel's throat, and the necromancer regains consciousness.

Libitina hacks at the hound, then she and Mandoo back away.

Round 3-4 - bolded may go

Anyone ending their turn within 15 feet of Magenta must make a basic DC 20 Fortitude save against 8 slashing damage. Kornel and Bina are immune to this effect.

Ace Malaluna (-16 HP)
Dancing Sunbeam (-16 HP)
Kornel (-17 HP, wounded 1)
Cyan
Magenta (-26 HP)
Bina Sevencloaks (-19 HP)
Mandoo/Libitina (-17 HP)
Isaku Beru (-1 HP)

Isaku attempts to create a strategy on how to take the creature down.

Devise vs Magenta: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Coming up with a viable tactic, he sets his sights and fires, reloading afterwards.

"Bina! Hit the head!"

Magenta is FF to Bina

Piercing+Precision: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9

◆ Devise vs Magenta
◆ Strike
◆ Interact (Reload)

(Just an FYI, I don't provide flanking because I'm not wielding a melee weapon.)

Ace's potion breathes life back into Kornel. The sorcerer, still lying on the ground, immediately begins spellcasting to prolong his life, blissfully unaware of the ire his previous spell caused in some of his allies.

Healing: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

◆◆ Cast a Spell: Heal, targeting myself; ◆ Cast a Spell: Shield. (I think my best utility in this fight is to stall and heal. My offensive options seem to be quite minimal, given the enemy's high Ref saves.)

Kornel patches himself up, and Isaku shoots the hound, destroying it in a shower of polygons that don't quite have the expected angles.

Mission complete! That's all for part 4, and with 8½ hours until the next announcement, your timing is perfect. I'm sure you all have nothing to talk about until then...

(Just an FYI, I don't provide flanking because I'm not wielding a melee weapon.)

Does Kornel have a body part that he can use for a Fist attack? If so, then he can provide flanking. The Flanking rules state that you must be wielding melee weapons or be able to make an unarmed attack, so we're good to go. Kornel just has to stand there (or in this case, lie there prone) looking pretty and the rest will take care of the actual slicing and dicing.

Bina rushes up to take advantage of Isaku's timely tip, but even as he offers advice, he blows the creature to literal smithereens. She watches the unpleasantly-angled polygonal chunks drift away and fade, mesmerized for several seconds, until she forces herself to turn away from them, her vision swimming from a pounding headache.

"Gods," she groans. "Whatever those... things... were, I'm glad they're dead. They felt..." She shakes her head, unable to vocalize the intensity of her discomfort. "Wrong." That's not exactly it, but it's the closest word she can think of. "I gotta sit down."

She plops down on the bone pile and stares around her. "So... is that it? Are we done? I hope we're done. I'm exhausted." She wipes her blade clean with a small rag from her belt and sheathes it.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

“Done!” Heraxia shouts. “Get out of here before—” Heraxia’s words are cut off as she disappears completely, shuddering back into existence a few moments later with a tear-streaked face. Looking confused, she shakes her head, then eyes the vault door with determination. “Seal me inside the vault, then go!”

As the surviving Pathfinders flee through into the Maze of the Open Road, Venture-Captain Armeline and Eando Kline hurry to the vault door, dragging it shut and sealing Heraxia inside the ovoid chamber.

Pathfinders gather inside the Maze of the Open Road, bloodied but alive. As time passes, nervousness flutters through the crowd. Suddenly, Armeline and Eando tumble into the Maze, panting from exertion. “It’s done,” Eando grunts.

“Wait,” Armeline interjects. “We need to give her time to leave...” After a few minutes, Armeline steps through the portal that led to Akiton. She returns moments later, smiling. “It worked! The Maze of the Open Road is repaired. We did it!”

A cheer goes up among the Pathfinders.

“It’s time to go home.”

---------

The surviving Pathfinders travel through the Maze of the Open Road, back to Woodsedge Lodge. As medics tend the wounded and fresh food circulates among the returning heroes, Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau takes the podium. “Congratulations, Pathfinders! Each and every one of you has performed exceptionally, showing bravery in the face of danger and teamwork throughout uncertain, desperate, and—let’s face it—downright strange events. You should be proud of yourselves.

“On behalf of myself, Heraxia, and the Pathfinder Society, thank you for your efforts. I can’t tell you what will happen with Heraxia and Felise, but your deeds here today will echo into an unknowably distant future. And as for the present, well, I’m sure everyone back at the Grand Lodge will be eager to hear the tales of what you have accomplished here today.”

That concludes the adventure! Thanks for playing, everyone, and especially all the Table GMs whose hard work made this event possible.

[Looks like the necromancer was fated to survive the day]
{We destroyed the creature before it could finish the job for us. Now we will have to take care of the blackguard ourselves}
[That will definitely create problems for us back at the Lodge dear. The Society tends to take a dim view of Pathfinders killing each other]
{That is not my concern. The sorcerer of death cannot be allowed to continue his nefarious acts with impunity}
[If you kill him in cold blood, we will be seen as the bad guys. We'll definitely be expelled from the Society and I will quite likely be imprisoned indefinitely]
{Are you suggesting we do nothing about this?}
[Dearest love of my life, look at the fellow. Does he really seem like such a deadly threat to the world?]
{Hmm... Now that you mention it, he does seem rather inoffensive. That skeleton he raised was pretty pathetic}
[See? Is killing him really worth risking what we have between us, as well as the mission that the Gray Lady entrusted us with?]
{Still. Letting this go unpunished goes against my every fiber}
[I know that dear. And because I love you, I'm going to make things easier for you]
{Don't you dare!}
[Forgive me my love. I'll call you back to my side when this is over]

Action: Manifest Eidolon - Unmanifest

Mandoo turns to Kornel and helps the sorcerer to his feet. "You've put me in a real pickle with Libitina. By all rights you should be on your way to the Boneyard with her right now. My advice to you is to give up your corrupt ways and redirect your life in a less malignant direction. I would also recommend that you give her a wide berth in the future. My love life is quite complicated enough without me ending up in the doghouse every time we run into each other."

Dancing Sunbeam pants as she clutches her head. "Oooh. My poor head!"

At first, Mandoo's stern words seem to have not affect Kornel much. The necromancer's unblinking eyes calmly stare at his fellow medic, trying to gauge the social situation. Perhaps Kornel is not used to such brutally-honest feedback, or situations that can't be resolved by smiles and a few uplifting words. Eventually he hunches a bit, making himself appear smaller, and tilts his head downward apologetically.

"I, ah, see. Thank you for being so understanding."

He lifts his head, and his constant grin now looks a bit more genuine than it usually does. "I hope we meet again. Give your, how do you say, dear friend a 'thank you' from me. Ah hah."