Outpost VI - GM Valen's Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-00: The King in Thorns (Levels 1-2)(14 Challenge Points) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

Lohco is using Avoid Notice.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Exploration activity: defend.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

Qxal’s animal allies have been defeated! The animals that remain may even aid us in battle.

GMs, the Animals Defeated condition on page 8 is in effect.
______________

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

The Thorned Monarch has enchanted the plants of this area, but they were no match for the Pathfinders! The enchanted plants have been defeated.

GMs, the Plants Cut Down condition on page 8 is in effect.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

The mushroom rings have been disabled! The Thorned Monarch’s tide of reinforcements has slowed.
______________

GMs, the Mushroom Ring Disabled condition on page 8 is in effect.

Mushroom Ring Disabled: At the beginning of one combat encounter, the PCs can reduce their Challenge Points by 2 for the purposes of scaling the encounter. If applied to an encounter for which this adjustment would otherwise have no effect, decreases the AC, attack modifiers, DCs, saving throws, and skill modifiers of any creatures or hazards the PCs face by 2. Additionally, decrease the DC of all skill checks during this encounter by 2.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

Qxal’s animal allies have been defeated! The animals that remain may even aid us in battle.

GMs, the Animals Defeated condition on page 8 is in effect.
______________

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

The Thorned Monarch has enchanted the plants of this area, but they were no match for the Pathfinders! The enchanted plants have been defeated.

GMs, the Plants Cut Down condition on page 8 is in effect.

Animals Defeated: At the start of one round of combat, a group of animals rushes into battle to assist. For that round, any PC making a melee Strike can treat their target as flanked.

Plants Cut Down: The PCs can use their experience cutting through plants easily. For 1 round, the PCs can ignore difficult terrain.

Arglwyddes, Perception (Detect Magic): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Ronnie, Perception (Defend): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

[oo]CORRECT: Missing our cleric.[/ooc]
Kyra, Perception (Search): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Across the river, a sizable, bluish frog hops into view.

THE MONARCHS FORCES - Round One Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Frog
Locho
Archurius
Ronnie
Arglwyddes
Kyra
Lihterian

Map now updated on Slides.

Lohco moves forward and draws his Dogslicer, at the same time, he examines the 'frog' to determine if it has any weaknesses.

◆Interact, Draw Weapon
◆Stride
◆Expose Vulnerability: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 Oof. With a crit fail, Lohco is currently flat-footed until my next turn starts.

Distracted by how tasty he thinks the frog will be Lohco fails to take a proper combat stance.

Khyra takes her sling and shoots two times.

sling: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 81d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 21d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 71d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

There are also some snakes. Is the frog running from the snakes? Or am I looking at the wrong map since there is no frog on that map.

You might be looking at map three. We are on map four.
Gm, is that a passable bridge across the river, or just deadwood?

Ah, thanks.

Achurius will attempt to daze the thing since the others have already started attacking it, then he ducks for cover.

**DC 17 Daze for 4 damage
*Move to hide behind tree

You might be looking at map three. We are on map four.

Gm, is that a passable bridge across the river, or just deadwood?

It is a passable bridge.

Locho licks his lips.

Kyra can't cast stones.

Archurius attempts a spell.
Frog, Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

THE MONARCH'S FORCES - Round One Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Frog
Locho
Archurius
Ronnie
Arglwyddes
Kyra
Lihterian

"Mission 4" Map with frog.

intimidating glare: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

intimidating glare retry?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

"Sigh"

Raise shield.

figured I'd get my sling out just in time for him to hop up on us and catch me without my shield.

"I believe that is unusual behavior for an amphibian of that size?" Arglwyddes shrugs and utters a familiar incantation (cast telekinetic projectile ◆◆), followed by a third syllable (cast shield ◆) that summons a translucent disk in front of her.

Telekinetic projectile vs Frog: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Bludgeoning damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Despite their efforts, the Pathfinders are unable to influence, injure, or incantate the frog from this side of the river.

THE MONARCH'S FORCES - Round One Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Frog
Locho
Archurius
Ronnie
Arglwyddes
Kyra
Lihterian

"Mission 4" Map with frog.

Litherian focuses his will on the frog, clouding its mind and attempting to harm it.

Cast Daze, DC 16 for 3 Damage

Litherian ttempts a spell.
Frog, Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Editting

THE MONARCH'S FORCES - Round Two Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Frog -3 HP
Locho
Archurius
Ronnie
Arglwyddes
Kyra
Litherian

"Mission 4" Map with frog.

"The frog didn't move! Are we sure it's a threat? Are you a threat?"

◆◆ready
◆raise shield

"Let it come to us. Take it out at range, I'll stop it off it comes close."

Or it's might swallow me whole. Either way, it stops.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

"Those hazards were no match for our trailblazers, Pathfinders. The new course has been charted!"

GMs, the Course Charted condition on page 8 is in effect.
______________

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

"Qxal’s forces were tricky, but we came out on top! The shifted forces have been defeated!"

GMs, the Shifters Defeated condition on page 8 is in effect.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

At last, you see an archway of woven vines in the distance, filled with a shimmering pool of magic. Pathfinders, the Door of Seasons is almost within your grasp!
______________

GMs, this is your one-day warning. Please wrap up your current encounters and prepare to move to Part 2.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

The assembled Pathfinders set up camp before the shimmering doorway, the healers among the group offering their magic to heal any remaining wounds and cure any lingering ailments before the company beds down for the evening.

The following morning, Oraiah Tolal addresses the assembled Pathfinders standing beside the portal. ”Well, everyone, this is it. We have reached the Door of Seasons. This crown should allow us to open it. We don’t know exactly what awaits us on the other side, though we do know that it is not of this world. Be prepared for anything. May Alseta guide us through this passageway.” She holds the crown in front of the Door, and the shimmering magic within dissipates.

The demiplane on the other side of the door is green and vibrant, but the plants take on an otherworldly quality. A half-orc man, his age difficult to determine, is bound by vines and flowers. He looks up. His voice is halting and hoarse, as though he had not used it in a long time, “Can it be...Pathfinders?”

After a moment, Oraiah Tolal realizes who he is. “How can this be? Gregaro Voth! You’re still alive!”

The man replies, “It is me. How many years has it been? Wait, there’s no time. That crown! It’s the key to this plane! We’ve got to use it!” As Oraiah Tolal places the crown on Voth’s head, a strange wave emanates from the crown and passes over the assembled Pathfinders. Voth looks hopeful for a moment but then struggles against his bonds, still held fast.

“That would have been too easy. It’s going to take some time to harness the magic to unlock the power of the crown, and Qxal won’t wait long.”

Oraiah Tolal begins to direct the assembled forces. “Pathfinders, it’s time to act! Some of you need to help Voth with the crown. I’m sure we have a ritual to help him attune to it. The rest of you, be on alert! The Thorned Monarch could attack at any time!”
______________

GMs, please begin Part 2. Everyone had a chance to rest overnight, and should begin this section fully healed.

"The frog didn't move! Are we sure it's a threat? Are you a threat?"

No, sorry. I began to write up a post, then had to step away and the rest of the weekend got away from me. If you want to know the "story" behind the frog, feel free to PM me. Otherwise, as this scenario can be replayed at higher levels (and, I suppose, at this level due to ACP) with other PCs, I won't ruin the "surprises".

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

"Those hazards were no match for our trailblazers, Pathfinders. The new course has been charted!"

GMs, the Course Charted condition on page 8 is in effect.
______________

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

"Qxal’s forces were tricky, but we came out on top! The shifted forces have been defeated!"

GMs, the Shifters Defeated condition on page 8 is in effect.

Course Charted: The PCs don’t have to worry about finding the path and can be on the lookout for danger. At the start of one encounter, the PCs each gain a +2 circumstance bonus to their initiative rolls.

Shifters Defeated: The PCs are good at avoiding being caught by surprise. For one round of combat, the PCs can’t be made flat-footed.

Tables are moving quick! Part 1 was completed over a week ahead of schedule! Please continue doing your best to keep up the post rate and I will do the same.

PART 2 BEGINS!

Locho is no stupefied. All PCs should be free of conditions and at full Hit Points.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

Oraiah Tolal begins to direct the assembled forces. “Pathfinders, it’s time to act! Some of you need to help Voth with the crown. I’m sure we have a ritual to help him attune to it. The rest of you, be on alert! The Thorned Monarch could attack at any time!”
______________

GMs, please begin Part 2....

The party must decide whether to 1) help with attunement or 2) help with defense. 2 votes for either option "1" or "2" moves us along to the next encounter.

"Fascinating. If that is indeed Gregaro Voth, it's amazing that there has not been more linguistic shift between when he learned to speak and now." Arglwyddes starts frantically taking notes, craning her neck to catch every word from the half-orc's lips.

As someone who is indeed replaying this adventure, I'll let other folks decide first.

We have two clerics, a witch, and a thaumaturge. We would probably be best suited to attunement.

Maybe we should help with the attunement? We didn't fare so well in combat against that plant and its zombies. What do you all think? Litherian asks the group.

Attunement it is!

Urwal climbs up a knot of vines to examine the crown atop Gregaro Voth’s head. “Hmmm… the crown is living but not. An object, but one that once held a soul. Yes! We can make it more powerful. There is a ritual to restore the crown’s power. I will gather the materials, but I need you to do the rest.”

The Pathfinders can help Gregaro Voth use the crown by performing a ritual to attune him to the artifact. The demiplane is infused with vast stores of primal magic and is particularly mutable; together, these factors allow this ritual to be conducted swiftly and without the ritual casters needing their own source of magic.[/ooc]

Instead of using the ritual rules from the Core Rulebook, this ritual uses a Victory Point system as described on page 19. PCs who played Pathfinder Society Scenario #1– 17: The Perennial Crown Part 2, The Thorned Monarch gain a +1 circumstance bonus to all checks performed in the ritual from prior experience with the crown.

One PC acts as the primary caster for the ritual, but this PC does not need to be a spellcaster. The primary caster acts last. The Primary Caster can attempt only an Arcana or Nature check and can’t substitute a spell for the skill check. The Primary Caster receives a status bonus to the check equal to the number of Ritual Points generated by the secondary casters.

Each other PC can act as a secondary caster but is not required to do so; these PCs likewise do not need to be spellcasters to perform this role. Each secondary caster attempts a skill check from the following options:
• Arcana to tap into magical forces.
• Nature to control the primal magic involved.
• Occultism to know about binding souls to objects.
• Performance to add finesse to the ritual.
• Survival to find appropriate components.
• Thievery to manipulate the ritual components.
• Any appropriate Lore.

If a secondary caster casts a thematically appropriate non-cantrip spell, they automatically generate a success without a skill check needed. If that spell is of the highest level that PC can cast, they instead generate a critical success.

Critical failures will remove Ritual Points.

Go ahead and begin making your rolls. Please indicate whether your PC is the primary caster or one of the secondary casters.

Arglwyddes barely contains her scowl as work pulls her away from her other work.

Occultism vs Secondary Caster: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

However, it's quite apparent where her thoughts truly are.

Arglwyddes barely contains her scowl as work pulls her away from her other work.

However, it's quite apparent where her thoughts truly are.

A failure, true. But not a critical failure. 0 Ritual Points.

I should note that the DC for the primary caster is higher than that for the secondary casters, but also comes with higher rewards for a success.

Also, as promised, I have now awarded two Hero Points! One to Ronnie and one to Locho (sorry for stupefying you!).

Finally, behold! The opening of the door and poor Voth on the otherside.

Litherian jumps in, ready to assist with shuffling the components as directed, getting them all lined up for the perfect ritual alignment.

Thievery: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

thievery untrained; secondary p: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Knowing this is not his area of expertise, which is anything not swinging a mace, Ronnie tries to help out where he can. Looking for something mechanical that he can move to help out He seems someone at a loss.

Just a reminder that PCs have Hero Points, should they wish to use them, including on any of the checks for secondary casters above.

good point, let’s try that again.

hero point thievery: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Ach is pretty good at nature and volunteers to be the primary, at least for now.

kn nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Khyra tries to find some components.

survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

"I know a lot about manipulate delicate objects, let me help."

Thievery: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Edit:forgot to day primary or not before rolling, so DMs choice

good point, let’s try that again.

A critical success! 2 Ritual Points.

Ach is pretty good at nature and volunteers to be the primary, at least for now.

A failure as primary. 0 Ritual Points.

Khyra tries to find some components.

A success. 1 more Ritual Point.

"I know a lot about manipulate delicate objects, let me help."

Edit:forgot to day primary or not before rolling, so DMs choice

Primary was already taken. A success. 1 more Ritual Point. 4 Ritual Points total. Unfortunately, not quite enough to report a success.

Voth manages to salvage the ritual, though doing so clearly takes a lot out of him.

The PCs can now continue on to attempt the next Attunement mission or the PCs can begin the first Defense mission. What will it be Pathfinders?

I say use the token and try again, this time using the aid token for an auto success and the best of us as secondaries.

Agreed, let's give it another go!

Litherian follows Locho's lead instead, mirroring the goblin's deployment of the tokens and items. Like this instead? Thanks!

Thievery, aid token: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 = 22

Agreed, let's give it another go!

Onto Attunement part 2 (which is a little different from part 1)...

Litherian may make a new check for this part as Thievery is not one of the applicable skills.

"You see? The crown is more powerful now!” Urwal states triumphantly. “Voth, it’s all up to you from here. Damn it, man, free yourself! The crown gives you the power! Pathfinders, help him see the strength he has!”

Once Voth is attuned to the crown, he can start to break free of the vines that bind him to the demiplane with your help.

Each PC can attempt two skill checks, but unless the second check uses a different skill than the first, it takes a –2 circumstance penalty. The options are as follows:
• Arcana to use knowledge of magical forces.
• Athletics to physically help pull Voth from the ties that bind him to the plane.
• Diplomacy to encourage Voth about what he needs to do.
• Nature to use knowledge of the planes.
• Occultism to use knowledge about strange artifacts.
• Performance to inspire Voth.
• Any appropriate Lore.

A critical success generates 2 Liberation Points, a success generates 1 Liberation Point, a failure generates no Liberation Points, and a critical failure removes 1 Liberation Point.

Arglwyddes raises an eyebrow. Oh, so now Urwal can be direct and clear with what he says? Fascinating.

Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

“Focus your mind on manifesting the outcome you want to achieve. Some people find that a vocalization of some kind assists them in achieving this mental state.”

"Okay Voth, let's get you out of there! AArgh!"

Athletics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Athletics: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 2 = 21

Oops, I completely missed the part about two checks!

Occultism: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

“Now, this specific item is a crown. Based on the cultural connotations of that type of item, I would suggest removing any traces of doubt from your mind.”

Diplomacy is the same bonus, can I keep that really good roll?

Andrelis looks up at Voth, You can do this Voth! Come on through to us. Believe in yourself! the elf encourages.

Diplomacy, 2nd roll?: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12

"You have it in you. Be free of that little accessory."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Even as he says it, Lohco is considering other ways to help.

Esoteric Lore via Diverse Lore: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 2 = 13

Khyra tries to help Voth with his physical strength and the knowledge about planes.

Athletics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

At least 6 successes. If the total number of Liberation Points is at least equal to the number of PCs, the PCs successfully complete the mission.

The Pathfinders free Voth from the control of the demiplane.

1 Ritual success reported.

Onto first Defense mission...

Your party is directed to assist Valais Durant.

An ethereal glow surrounds Valais as she prepares her squad for battle. “We have some time before the Thorned Monarch arrives, but they may have advance scouts. Watch out for the early arrivals.”

Some of the Thorned Monarch’s forces arrive ahead of the others and try to pick off unprepared Pathfinders by themselves. Two such creatures, estranged from the other fey, look to take out some Pathfinders by themselves.

The creature, not quite three feet tall and hunchbacked, has three glowing blue eyes and black, oily hair on their head and back that covers them like a cloak. It is joined by an even smaller, dog-faced creature.

It approaches the party's current position through the ancient forest from the southeast.

Map now on Slides.

CLASH WITH INITIAL FORCES! - Round One Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Kyra
Ronnie
Litherian
Arglwyddes
Creature (purple)
Archuris
Creature (yellow)
Locho

Nature is the skill to identify either of the two creatures.

"Not to cast stones, but that the eyed creature is ugly!"

◆ stride
◆ stride
◆ take cover

"Defensive positions!"

Litherian nods, Gotcha Ronnie! and he follows the human into the underbrush on that side of the trail, disappearing into the brush as only an elf can.

Stride, Stride, Hide (Stealth +6)

Kyra moves, and tries to hide. For helping Achurius she casts guidance over him.

stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Arglwyddes raises an eyebrow as other folks go charging off into the underbrush. Rather than join them, she conjures a translucent shield in front of herself (cast shield ◆) and tries to say something encouraging to Archuris (cast guidance ◆) and Locho (cast guidance ◆).

The hunched over creature approaches toward Ronnie quickly.
Stride x3

CLASH WITH INITIAL FORCES! - Round One Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Kyra (hiding)
Ronnie
Litherian (guidanced)
Arglwyddes (shield)
Creature (purple)
Archuris (guidanced)
Creature (yellow)
Locho (guidanced)

Nature is the skill to identify either of the two creature

Map

Archurius is a healer, not a fighter, and his offensive repertoire is limited. So he moves in range of his healing spells and waits for the inevitable, though he does spare a few words and gestures to cast a DC 17 Daze spell for 4 damage at purple.

*move
**cast daze

Guidance does not boost spell DC does it?
@Arglwyddes, I would not waste a guidance on Achurius.