DM S's "Battle for Star's Fate" [Outpost VI] (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

[Not sure yet if I'm following the right tracks]
{Keep at it}
[Hopefully one of the others has better eyes for this type of thing]

Mandoo Survival (Track): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Mandoo Survival (Track): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

And the extra

Mandoo Survival (Track): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Actually, just before everyone stops to tray anew to find the tracks, Caitlin finds them! After merely 3 hours, it looks like your tracking has borne fruit. A small, shaded oasis stands in the valley created by several dunes. Underneath palm trees, several individuals work quickly to take down tents and pack up a temporary encampment. A robed figure stands at the center of the camp, directing the flurry of activity. As of this moment.... they don't seem to notice you.

Caitlin mutters a quiet prayer in Elven to Ketephys in thanks for the guidance.

Gruntarr prepares his weapons to attack the camp

Easiest thing to do is to ask for your Exploration activity. If you plan on casting buff spells, you're far enough out that anything at or longer than min/level is fine. Include those in your post.

Scerzaq begins to quickly sneak across the desert using the dunes to hide behind. "I can get a little closer, make sure they are friendly."

Avoid Notice.

Caitlin keeps low and quiet. She Avoids Notice.

[Do you think these are the malfeasants that sent those creatures against us?]
{That would appear to be the case}
[They certainly seem in a hurry to decamp]
{Not surprising if they believe us to be on their tail}
[I suppose we better confront them and get some answers then]

I'm not sure I understand your comment about bluff spells. The 2-action Bless spell lasts 1 minute. During that one minute, Mandoo can spend 1 action per round to expand the emanation by 5 feet. Does it make sense for him to cast it now and expand it as much as possible before the start of the encounter? How many of the 10 rounds will pass before the start of the encounter?

Mandoo will use his Perception for an initiative of +13. Whether that is with the Repeat a Spell or Search activity depends on whether he casts and continues to expand Bless before the encounter.

Rawiri tries to Scout as the move closer.

Hoya, his leopard walks behind him

Gruntarr cast a shield spell to enter Arcane Cascade He Scout

Vandren glares out at the encampment ahead as he unslings his shield and draws his sword, "If we didn't pick up a different trail in the middle of this inhospitable desert, I wouldn't bet on them being friendly, Scerzaq."

Vandren will Defend

the party is far enough away that you can likely cast some spells and then approach, but the approach is far enough away that the half movement speed of Avoid Notice is too much to do it for a spell only lasting a few rounds. I'll allow Bless this way as Repeat a Spell says only "typically" a cantrip, but the nature of the spell seems to fit.

Caitlin: Avoid Notice +10
Rawiri: Scout +10 (Does not stack)
Vandren: Defend +13
Mandoo: Repeat a Spell +11
Gruntarr: Scout +10 (does not stack)

Scerzaq: ???

Sorry I had it above. Avoid Notice +11 Current Speed is 40'

That's my bad. Not sure how I missed it!

The party approaches, but even the stealthy among you fail to hide your presence; though Caitlin can see they aren't reacting to her, but Scerzaq. The good news is that you've caught them as they're desperately trying to strike camp, and clearly were not expecting you to find them! Leaving them shakened for a bit

There is a pair of shady looking bandits, a pair of tough looking bandits, a hooded figure whose features are hidden, and Brinna!.

ROUND 1:
Caitlin: Go
Tough-looking bandits/Hooded: TBD
Rawiri: TBD
Mandoo: TBD
Gruntarr: TBD
Vandren: TBD
Weaker bandits: TBD
Scerzaq: TBD
Brinna: TBD

"Let's see if we can get them to surrender with a show of force!"

She ◆ hunts the tough-looking red bandit, casts ◆ Gravity Weapon on her bow and fires twice at her prey (◆ Hunted Shot)

Hunted Shot 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 292d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 1) + 4 = 12
Hunted Shot 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 192d8 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9
Potential Precision: 1d8 ⇒ 7

If 29 is a critical, Deadly: 1d10 ⇒ 4

19 non-crit, 42 crit

By virtue of her stealth, Caitlin drills one of the bandits with an arrow, nearly killing him in a single shot!

One bandit Rushes in and attacks Caitlin with a falchion:
ATK: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31 for DMG: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

The severely wounded one looks, sees Caitlin and settles in to get her back:
ATK Prey: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16 MISS

The strange hooded figure casts a spell, a door to another dimension opens, and through it they step. A moment later, it closes.

ROUND 1:
Caitlin: Crit
Tough-looking bandits/Hooded: ATK
Rawiri: Go
Mandoo: Go
Gruntarr: Go
Vandren: Go
Weaker bandits: TBD
Scerzaq: TBD
Brinna: TBD

Rawiri closes his eyes, and his posture erupts in flames, the air around him begin to be warm. Casting Incendiary aura anyone hit with fire in the aura is set on fire and takes 3d4 persistent fire dmg

Then he moves behind one of the bandits

I've added fiery jaguar image to the slides

Vandren circles around behind the closest bandit, slashing furiously with his nine-ringed sword.

Strike: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Slashing: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 6) + 4 = 13

Strike: 1d20 + 12 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 12 - 5 = 25
Slashing: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1) + 4 = 6

I dropped a green square around Mandoo to indicate the extent of his Bless aura. Anyone within its bounds gets a +1 status bonus to attack rolls.

[They spotted us before we could fully prepare]
{I will engage}
[I'll try to catch up. Without being near you, my spell has no effect]
{I will try to survive without your help}

Mandoo casts a spell ("ବ୍ଲେଡ୍କୁ ତୀକ୍ଷ୍ଣ କର") while Libitina moves close enough to one of the bandits to attack.

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 (35 feet)

Religion (Extend Boost) vs DC 19?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Failure means that Boost Eidolon spell only last 1 round

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

Libitina Scythe Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 1 = 31
Libitina Scythe Damage: 1d8 + 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + (7) + 4 + 2 = 16 slashing damage
Libitina Scythe Spirit Touch Damage: 1 = 1 positive damage

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

Libitina Scythe Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 1 - 5 = 25
Libitina Scythe Damage: 1d8 + 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + (1) + 4 + 2 = 9 slashing damage
Libitina Scythe Spirit Touch Damage: 1 = 1 positive damage

The hot desert gets a fair bit hotter with Rawiri's magic. Meanwhile, Vandren closes in and draws first blood on the other bandit.

Mandoo's own magic intensifies Libitina's actions. The last thing the bandit sees before death is the scythe. Perhaps it'll be a psychopomp known to the eidolon who guides him to the Boneyard.

ROUND 1:
Caitlin: Crit
Tough-looking bandits/Hooded: ATK
Rawiri: Burn!
Mandoo: Magic with a kill
Gruntarr: Go
Vandren: Hits
Weaker bandits: TBD
Scerzaq: TBD
Brinna: TBD

Just a note, as I forgot about it. Casting this spell made Rawiri once again into Moderate curse and as a result he is concealed

Gruntarr moves and attack with his weapon
+1 striking Halberd attack+spellstrike vs flat: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
damage: 2d10 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8, 1) + 4 + 1 = 14
gouging damage: 3d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1, 2) + 3 = 8

Gruntarr's attack is powerful, and while the bandit doesn't fall, he's certainly on Death's Door!

One of the bandits draws a warhammer and closes.

ROUND 1:
Caitlin: Crit
Tough-looking bandits/Hooded: ATK
Rawiri: Burn!
Mandoo: Magic with a kill
Gruntarr: Hit
Vandren: Hits
Weaker bandit: Close
Scerzaq: Go
Brinna: TBD

Scerzaq shields himself as he quickly moves between the two rocks. Reaching up he peers to look for the best approach to the bandits.

◆ Cast Shield
◆ Enter Arcane Stance
◆ Stride

Scerzaq girds himself for battle!

Meanwhile, Brinna enters the combat quite willingly. she draws a hammer and swings at Libitina :
ATK: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22 for DMG: 1d6 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (5) = 9

ROUND 2:
Caitlin: Go
Tough-looking bandits: TBD
Rawiri: TBD
Mandoo: TBD
Gruntarr: TBD
Vandren: TBD
Weaker bandit: TBD
Scerzaq: TBD
Brinna: TBD

Caitlin ◆ steps back, cursing viciously in elven and trying to ignore the pain. She then ◆ strides to get a clear shot. She ◆ (Hunted Shot) lets loose a pair of arrows at red.

Hunted Shot 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 182d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 5) + 4 = 14
Hunted Shot 2, MAP: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 102d8 ⇒ (7, 8) = 15
On any hit -
Precision: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Caitlin's shots fly wide, with the arrows landing in the hot sand.

Now surrounded, the tough bandit steps to the side and engages only Gruntarr with his falchion:
ATK 1: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29 for DMG: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
ATK 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 for DMG: 1d10 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9

ROUND 2:
Caitlin: Miss
Tough-looking bandits: ATK
Rawiri: Go
Mandoo: Go
Gruntarr (60/80): Go
Vandren: Go
Weaker bandit: TBD
Scerzaq: TBD
Brinna: TBD

Rawiri whistles and Hoya runs towards the closest thugs and attacks them with her jaws.

Jaws@Black bandit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Damage, p, fire: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5 If hit, the bandit is set on fire 3d4 persistent fire damage

Rawiri turns towards Brinna and points his figer towards her

"You, come closer, take a bow traitor. Come into the light"

Produce flame@Brianna: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Damage, flames: 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 3, 3) + 4 = 15

Command animal, produce a flame

Hoya's teeth pierce through and the man immediately starts to burn! Rawiri's flames also strike Brinna!

ROUND 2:
Caitlin: Miss
Tough-looking bandits: ATK
Rawiri: BURN!
Mandoo: Go
Gruntarr (60/80): Go
Vandren: Go
Weaker bandit: TBD
Scerzaq: TBD
Brinna: TBD

REMINDER: Anyone within the bounds of Mandoo's Bless gets a +1 status bonus to attack rolls. That now seems to be Rawiri, Vandren and Libitina.

[Seems I was right about Brinna]
{Apparently so}
[She seemed so friendly when we met her too. A pity]
{Her hammer is certainly not my friend}
[No. Indeed not. Better teach her the error of her ways I suppose]
{Yes}

Mandoo moves forward and expands the reach of his Bless spell before casting another spell ("ବ୍ଲେଡ୍କୁ ତୀକ୍ଷ୍ଣ କର"). Libitina meanwhile starts slicing into Brinna.

Mandoo Action 1 (◆): Sustain a Spell (Bless) - Now at 10 feet

Mandoo Action 2 (◆): Stride (25 feet)

Action 3 (◆): Act Together
- Mandoo Action (◇): Cast a Spell: Extend Boost
- Mandoo Action 3: Cast a Spell: Boost Eidolon vs Libitina
- Libitina Action 3: Strike (+1 Striking Ghost Touch Vanth Scythe) with Boost Eidolon, Spirit Touch and Bless vs Brinna

Religion (Extend Boost) vs DC 19?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Failure means that Boost Eidolon spell only last 1 round

Libitina Scythe Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 31
Libitina Scythe Damage: 1d8 + 1d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + (1) + 4 + 2 = 9 slashing damage
Libitina Scythe Spirit Touch Damage: 1 = 1 positive damage

Mandoo exudes ever more magic as Libitina makes a wicked cut with the scythe!

ROUND 2:
Caitlin: Miss
Tough-looking bandits: ATK
Rawiri: BURN!
Mandoo: Magic + Crit
Gruntarr (60/80): Go
Vandren: Go
Weaker bandit: TBD
Scerzaq: TBD
Brinna: TBD

◆ Refresh Spellstrike
◆◆ Spellstrike
+1 striking halberd attack + gouging claw: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
damage: 2d10 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 + 4 = 14
gouging: 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1, 2) + 4 = 8

Gruntarr cuts down the burning bandit! The odds turn heavily towards the Pathfinders. The lone bandit looks to break and run, though the desert may not be a better fate...

ROUND 2:
Caitlin: Miss
Tough-looking bandits: ATK
Rawiri: BURN!
Mandoo: Magic + Crit
Gruntarr (60/80): Kill
Vandren: Go
Weaker bandit: TBD
Scerzaq: TBD
Brinna: TBD

Vandren follows Libitina forward, pursuing Brinna, "Thought I couldn't get a read on you before. Maybe I should have assumed the worst in the first place... Doesn't matter, you aren't getting away with trying to turn the sky to your some petty end like that!" He punctuates his declaration with a series of sweeping blows.

Strike at Brinna: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Slashing damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (6, 6) + 4 = 16
Strike at Brinna: 1d20 + 12 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 5 = 24
Slashing damage: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (6, 2) + 4 = 12

Vandren cuts Brinna down in a single swing! Only the fleeing bandit remains, but at the last moment decides surrender and a hope of mercy are a better fate than the dry desert.

As some members of the party handle the prisoner, the others search the camp. Unfortunately, there isn't much of a clue as to the underlying scheme or why they attacked, but searching the tents uncovers two potions of leaping and an emerald grasshopper.

[That Vandren fellow was quite effective with that odd sword of his]
{Yes. Most impressive}
[Poor Brinna never had a chance with you two going at her]
{She chose her own death}
[At least it was quick]

Mandoo looks over the potions and talisman. "I think I'll hold onto one of the potions if nobody minds. It might help me keep up with Libitina."

I assume that we have enough time to hand-wave all the healing away? Mandoo has Assurance in Medicine with Ward Medic.

Assurance in Medicine with Ward Medic is enough for me. Yes, you have time. Feel free to interrogate the bandit, then I'll move us.

Mandoo, with Libitina looming threateningly behind him, approaches the remaining bandit. "My good fellow, unless you prefer your chances with the open desert, I suggest that now would be a good time to tell us something of value. Something that would make us look kindly on you. Something that might convince us to heal you and take you back to camp with us rather than abandoning you to your fate out here. Let's see now... How about we start with who hired you and Brinna to attack us? Yes, that does sound like a good place to start. Wouldn't you agree? Now speak up you miscreant; we haven't got all day."

Action: Coerce vs prisoner
Mandoo Intimidation (Coerce): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21 vs prisoner Will DC

{Will we leave him here if he does not cooperate?}
[No, of course not. We're not monsters]
{I expect to see him at the Boneyard soon either way}
[Sigh! You may well be right. People in his profession rarely live to a ripe old age]

Scerzaq stands by as he scratches at some new flea infestation site on his shoulder with the tip of his blade. "Also was that your lot messing with Star back there?" He points off towards camp.

After the fight is over Rawiri still shimmers with flames, it takes him couple of minutes to calm down and stop burning. Refocus

Then he joins Mandoo, and looks at teh prisoner

"My collegue here and his ally" he points at Libitina

"Can turn this very quickly into less enjoyable conversation. I imagine that you were hired, and since the situation have changed I am sure you can see your way out through cooperation. So, who send you, what was your objective here?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

The teaming up is more than enough to scare the bandit into talking,"I.... I'm just a merc! We were hired by a hedge wizard named Anavras to come into the desert and summon the elementals to try and destroy the camp. I know he wanted control of that big thing but don’t know exactly why, other than to have a powerful war machine under his control I guess! It's really all I know, but if you're here.... I'm starting to think we were a diversion..."

"Controlling a powerful war machine is a diversion?" Scerzaq is scared what the real goal was then. "Where can we find this Hedge Wizard?"

"No... we are the diversion. Who is defending the camp while you're here?"

The bandit shrugs, "No idea right now..."

{He has a point}
[Yes. With us out here, Star is less defended]
{This Anavras person will come to us eventually}
[If he isn't already at the camp, that is]

Mandoo listens to their prisoner and can't help but to agree with the man's conclusion. "I think this fellow may well be right. We need to return to the camp immediately."

After disarming him, Mandoo slaps a quick compress on the prisoner's worst wounds (Battle Medicine) and marches him back to camp without further ado.

[I hope we get back on time]
{Yes. That would make things easier}

Rawiri looks around and nods to Mandoo

"We should head back!"

Heading back is much easier...

What was once a sedate archeological dig has become a flurry of activity. On the rim of the site, merchants and visitors scramble to strike their tents and pack their wares. Beneath the surface, every Pathfinder in camp appears to have been mobilized to frantically finish digging out the struggling automaton.

The cause of panic is readily apparent: on the edge of the camp, between two ruined stone pillars, sits a swirling vortex. Its dark violet surface seems to bend the light toward it, as if drawing in everything around it. Motes of shadow occasionally emerge, floating along the desert winds like advance scouts before winking out.

As you approach the camp, Induren spots you and rushes over to brief you on the situation. "The portal appeared around an hour ago, and shortly after several bugbears leapt through. While we defeated them, we fear more will arrive soon and we're desperately trying to free Star before that happens!"

You have an opportunity to aid the dig site in one of two ways. You can attempt to help excavate Star with an Athletics, Acrobatics, or Crafting check. Alternatively, you can help the rest of the camp pack up with a Diplomacy check to motivate the fleeing individuals or a Nature or Survival check to help them navigate away from the camp. Successfully doing so earns one Influence point with an NPC (besides Star) of the your choice.

[It seems we've barely returned in time]
{The situation appears to be coming to a head}
[Yes. We need to get Star free as soon as possible]
{I will do what I can}

Libitina heads over to the dig site and uses her considerable strength to help dig the automaton out of its sandy prison.

Libitina Athletics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

I'll assume one roll per PC.

"We need to get Star free quickly so they stop coming!" Scerzaq grabs a shovel and helps dig the behemoth out.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Yes, 1 roll per PC, and the prose doesn't make it clear, but even digging nets you an influence, so pick an NPC from the list Mandoo

Libitina makes quick work! Unfortunately, Scerzaq finds the sands sliding back with his technique.

Still to Go: Rawiri, Vandren, Gruntarr, and Caitlin.

"Star, my friend, we'll get you out." Caitlin says softly to the giant automaton.

She sets to work.Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16