PF2E Stolen Fate

Game Master andreww

"How'd they even get that in there?" Pinebrush glares at the offending boulder, "Past the teeth. Unless they carved it that way, but then it was never open. Hey!"

Wings unfurling, Pine focuses magical energy into them. They sparkle, and then seem just a bit more solid, more real. He zips up into the air, trying to keep up with Slick.

Fly speed of 30 for one minute with Energize Wings.

The mouth section is at ground level, the eyes are a good 40' up but the face can be climbed fairly easily

Scrambling around the face carved into the hill quickly determines that the eyes are simply empty shallow caves. There is nothing of interest in them.

The boulder filling the mouth is smooth and it seems possible to rotate it. This seems fairly easy to do although it quickly clicks back into its starting position. It looks like a lot of force would be needed to meaningfully shift it.

Dramiil however notices some old brown stains around the edges of some of the "teeth". It looks decidedly like old dried blood. He recalls that the Silent Hag is often invoked when forging blood pacts involving secrets.

Billy is about to create a magical spiral staircase. He thinks it would be really cool, but he aborts the casting when Slick opts for some rock-climbing.

While Slick (and Pine?) investigate the eye sockets, Billy studies the boulder blocking the cave entrance. He muses aloud, "Looks like it's gonna take some brute force to shift it." The little halfling flexes his flabby arms and moves toward the boulder. Before getting too close, he grins, "Just kidding. I'm exhausted just watching Slick climb." Turning to the fighter, Billy says with a straight face, "Go ahead. I wouldn't wanna show you up." After a short pause, "Care for some magical guidance?"
Billy casts Guidance on Slick if he wants it for an upcoming Athletics check.

GM: Can we make any recall knowledge checks regarding the boulder, hags, or blood pacts? Society +21, Occult +18, Religion +22, Mountain Lore +17.

"There's no entrance up there--at least not an obvious one."

Pine points at the boulder in the hag's mouth. "There must be a trick to it, so it's probably that. Let me take a look in case it's dangerous."

A strange mechanism, probably magical and obviously very old, could easily have something tricky or dangerous to its security. Most people can get past a lock, no matter how strange, one way or another if nothing stops them from trying. That's why this stuff usually tries to stop them.

Pinebrush looks closely for any pressure plates or other mechanisms that might trigger a trap if someone does the wrong thing with the boulder.

Probably a moot point since we've already been touching it, but Pinebrush will check for traps first before trying to figure the mechanism out.
Perception +20? Thievery +23 (24 to Pick Locks or Disable Devices)?

Slick examines the mouth and the smooth boulder within. He attempts to rotate or move the stone, but his efforts do not meaningfully shift it. "Looks like it's going to take a lot of strength to seriously move that thing. Good thing I came along, eh?"

He nods to Billy for the Guidance spell, then faces the boulder in the mouth and braces himself (using his crowbar if it helps). After adjusting his Lifting Belt, Slick reaches in, takes hold of the smooth stone, and rotates it again. But this time, when he reaches the point where the boulder refuses to move further, he strains his muscles and tries to force it further. He slowly increases the pressure until he reaches the limits of his strength... or that of the stone.

Athletics + Lifting Belt + Guidance: 1d20 + 23 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 23 + 1 + 1 = 39

I assumed you would make RK checks so made them in the background. You have as much as you understand at this point.

Pinebrush examines the boulder and teeth in detail but can find no sign of any sort of trap or complex mechanism.

Slick sets his strength against the boulder but it is extremely difficult to move. He shifts it a little bit but it quickly slips back into place.

Billy is shocked. "That's something you don't see every day -- an immovable object that Slick cannot move." He continues, "And Pinebrush surely would've found a mechanism or lever if one exists."

Billy looks up at the eyes holes, "Maybe the answer is in those smaller caves?" He looks to the sprite, "Maybe worth flying up to check?"

Then, turning to our very quiet oracle, he suggests, "Dramiil, what about that Tesseract Tunnel of yours?"
Not sure if shifting the boulder would be enough for line of sight...

You have checked the eye holes already, there isnt anything there. The boulder blocks the view beyond even when you shift it a bit. Slick can try again or you could consider if anything you have learned might give you a clue...

Slick is disappointed that his efforts were for naught. "I guess there really are some things in this world that can't be wrestled into submission." But what about beating them into submission? He hadn't tried that yet.

Taking more on an attack stance, Slick curls his hand into a fist and gives the boulder two quick blows.

Action: Flurry of Blows vs Boulder
- Strike (+1 Striking Handwraps of Mighty Blows) with Powerful Fist vs Boulder
- Strike (+1 Striking Handwraps of Mighty Blows) with Powerful Fist with MAP1 vs Boulder

Fist Attack: 1d20 + 21 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 21 + 1 = 34
Fist Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 2) + 7 = 11 bludgeoning damage

Fist Attack: 1d20 + 21 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 21 + 1 - 4 = 38
Fist Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (5, 3) + 7 = 15 bludgeoning damage

According to Flurry of Blows: Make two unarmed Strikes. If both hit the same creature, combine their damage for the purpose of resistances and weaknesses.

Slick punches the boulder but it ignores him.

No apparent effect. Flurry doesnt get around Hardness.

Been waiting for an excuse to try Augury...

Billy frowns as the stubborn boulder withstands Slick's assault. Looking closer at the blood stains on the "teeth", he suggests, "What if we need a blood sacrifice?" He excitedly says, "Oohh!! I'll ask Desna!" The bard activates his Phylactery of Faithfulness to ask for spiritual guidance.

He calls out, "Oh wise and benevolent Desna. Will the application of blood to the mouth of this cave help in locating the Silent Hag harrow card?"
Item: Phylactery of Faithfulness. Cost: 1 action. Gain the effects of an Augury spell.
Note: The Carnival reduces the Augury flat check from DC 6 to a DC 4.

Billy feels his phylactery grow warm and comforting in his hand, as if encouraging him to take the proposed course of action.

Feeling the warmth of the phylactery in his hand, Billy smiles up at the skies and says softly, "Thank you." Turning to the group, Billy confirms, "Desna is sending positive vibes on a blood offering." After a short pause, he suggests, "No need to slaughter an innocent beast. I'll test it."

He moves to the cave mouth, takes one of his two daggers (which looks surprisingly pristine ... almost as if it's never been used), and makes a small cut in the palm of his hand.

Dagger Damage: 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3 (How lucky ... max damage.)

Standing in the mouth, he drips blood onto the "teeth".
If the boulder rolls aside, he'll follow the everyone in.
If each PC needs to sacrifice his own blood, he'll wait and go last.
He calls out helpfully, "Remember we have these delicious berry tarts for anyone who gets hurt." He considers taking one, but decides to brave the pain. For now.

Billy is a very brave boy as he slices open the flesh of the palm of his hand. Blood drips onto the stone and rapidly spreads across the "eye", leaving it with a slick, glistening appearance. Reaching forward he finds that the boulder now easily rotates and he can push it sideways and up where it disappears into the roof of the mouth.

Slick just missed the DC40 Athletics check

Beyond is not a cave but rather a small niche. Inside sits the Silent Hag Harrow Card along with a small stone coffer. After making sure it is safe you are easily able to retrieve both items. Inside the coffer are 13 gleaming, eye shaped green emeralds. Examining them you realise one is magical (its an eye of apprehension talisman) and the other 12 are worth around 50gp each.

Having secured the card you are able to return to Harrowheart where, as ever, Baines is already there waiting for you. He looks with some dismay at the melting snow and mud dripping onto his recently polished flagstones.

Welcome back Sirs. I am glad to see none of you are badly injured this time. Blood is such a bother to get out of armour.

OK, you have completed the Silent Hag, the card is up on Roll20. If you want to you can take some downtime, maybe a week or so before deciding where to go next.

Slick just missed the DC40 Athletics check

Argh! Win some and lose some. I guess next time I'll just keep at it :)

Slick looks on impressed as Billy cuts himself open to paint the boulder. "Good one Billy. Looks like that did the job. Oh look, there's the card and some nice emeralds as a bonus."

Loot sheet updated.

Once back in Harrowheart, Slick shrugs out of his cold wet armor. "Sorry Baines, no blood and guts this time. Why, I don't believe I raised my weapon once! Quite the singular adventure really."

Downtime is of no use to Slick and he has nothing that needs retraining. He's good to go whenever everyone else is.

After the group safely exits the cave with the new Harrow card and the loot, Billy reaches into the knapsack to retrieve a berry tart.
Berry Tart Healing: 4d8 + 8 ⇒ (5, 5, 8, 8) + 8 = 34
"Yummy...as delicious as I've heard." He watches the painful cut on his palm completely heal up.
Slight overkill for 3hp, but might as well make use of the knapsack before we sell it!

Back at Harrowheart, when Slick mentions no blood and guts, Billy corrects him. "Well, there was a minor incident involving blood, but I managed to keep it off my clothing. See?" He holds up his palm (completely healed now) to Baines as proof. "You can thank me later." Billy smiles.

The bard turns to the group and asks, "So shall we visit the last portal in the morning or wait a week?"

The main reason to wait (aside from earning income) is to use The Carnival to get info on an upcoming foe. If we wait a week, Billy spends 8 hrs at the epitomized carnival. But probably not necessary. Fine with just going to The Trumpet location in the morning.

The morning the group heads thru the final portal, Billy activates his Carnival card to get an idea of whom we might meet.
2 actions, DC 4 flat check

"Ew. But why would you slice open your hand! You could've tried, like, poking a finger first to see if that was enough. Everybody's always slicing open their hand when they just need a few drops of blood. So dramatic! Can I have a tart I want a tart."

Back in Harrowheart, Pine holds up the card they'd just obtained at looks it over carefully. "That wasn't too hard... but it was just sitting there, like it was waitingg for us. Have all the cards been like that?"

When Pinebrush asks about the ease of obtaining the card, Slick laughs. "<Haw, haw> I should say not. usually there's a lot more screaming and killing involved in retrieving the cards. This one was a little different to the others, though I guess the centaurs or giants could have proved a little more difficult to deal with if it hadn't been for Billy's golden words and sweet liquor. Don't expect the rest of the extractions to go so cleanly."

In response to Pinebrush, Billy smiles. "To be fair, I didn't know how much blood was needed. And I didn't want to cut myself twice!" He retrieves an extra berry tart from the knapsack. "Besides, I had these delicious treats for healing!" He tosses one to the sprite.

While Slick is answering, Billy chimes in, "Everyone loves my honey mead!" He holds up his jug, offering rounds for everyone. Even Baines.

After the butler walks away, Billy agrees with Slick and explains, "Yes, normally Baines is quite distressed about the state of our clothing when we return from our card-hunting adventures. They're never just sitting there for us." Billy brightens and suggests to Pinebrush, "Maybe you're our good luck charm!"

Baines declines the offer of mead, I fear I do not drink while on duty sir.

With that he collects your various damp and muddy clothing and prepares to head off. Before he leaves he pauses and turns. I have been able to obtain the services of a pair of chamber maids from the village sirs. Clarice and Mirelle will ensure you are well provided for. They have drawn hot baths for you in your rooms.

With that he quickly disappears into the labyrinthine corridors of the castle.

Heading off to your various diversions you do discover that the castle seems to be in quite a lot better shape. Most of the internal damage and disrepair has now been repaired and the place is clean and tidy. Glancing outside you see the small village below has blossomed into a little town. The small smithy has grown into a full sized blacksmith and farriers and a neat little tavern has sprung up, apparently over night.

For those who have them feel free to engage in some downtime activities. I am not sure anyone has ever caught the Rabbit Prince so one of you may want to do that. I will move us on to The Trumpet on Wednesday.

Noticing all the improvements, Billy says to Baines, "Not sure how you do it, but this place is more impressive every day." When he reaches his room, the halfling meets his chamber maid as she's leaving. "Mirelle, right? I'm Billy. We're happy to have you here. Thank you!"

During the next week, Billy spends his evenings on his usual stage at The Gutless Griffin. Strumming his lute, he sings of recent tales:

♫"Adventures are exciting.
An opera of renown.
The stage began igniting!
The hottest show in town.

Next we met some flyers.
Some tengu and some vrocks.
Naga and vampires.
I love my golden locks!"♫

Billy pauses to run his hand through his hair and continues.

♫"A dwarf inside a cave.
A dragon held the key.
Would stealing it be brave?
Or foolish as can be?

Joining us: a sprite.
Met giants cooking deer.
I'm back tomorrow night.
To bring you more good cheer!"♫

Performance +VirtPerf +Mask, DC 30: 1d20 + 23 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 23 + 2 + 2 = 47
Lvl 12 task, Master, Crit Success => 15gp x 7 days => 105gp

During our last day before the final portal, Billy spends time at The Carnival to gain insight into our next foe.
Perception +23. DC 28. Will use Guiding Luck (if allowed) for a re-roll if necessary.

On the final morning, he uses The Carnival for an extra glimpse of whom we might encounter.
DC 4 flat check

Slick spends his week off working on increasing his willpower while strangely enough, forgetting some of his scouting abilities in the process.

Retraining Level 12 free archetype feat from Scout's Pounce to Perfection's Path to increase his Will saving throw to Master level +21.

If the GM could increase Slick's Will saving throw to +21 in the Rolls templates I would appreciate it.

Billy brightens and suggests to Pinebrush, "Maybe you're our good luck charm!"

"Well yes," answers Pinebrush importantly, "That goes without saying."

Not entirely sold on the idea of a chambermaid, Pine is already enthusiastic enough about the chamber. He's never had one before. Not that he needed one--he certainly could have paid for one if he'd been motivated--but it was still nice. Especially in a castle. A castle for giants!

He spends some time exploring the castle and the town. But if they're going to spend some time before going after the next card, he also wants to prove that he's at least as good at singing as Billy. Although he isn't able to get a place at as prestigious a venue...

Can I try a lower task level, like 10?
Earn Income (Performance): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37
Ah, should've just gone for level 12! Although that's a crit at level 10. Just Trained, that's 5 gp per day x 7 = 35 gp.

Level 10 task is fine, you have access to Absalom. Header rolls have been updated with Slicks new Will save and I have added Pinebrush in. Can you just check that they are correct. I will move you on to the Trumpet tomorrow. Just wanting Dramiil to check in to make sure he is still with us.

Before heading off Billy heads to the carnival once more. He is again drawn to the Big Top where a red faced ringmastr in a bright uniform bedecked with medals is trying to direct a great mass of performing monkeys. He isnt doing a great job of it and many of the monkeys dart into the crowd and steal a variety of items from the audience members. Billy cannot tell whether or not the ringmaster can be trusted, it is possible he may be in league with the troop of monkeys. Or not...who can say?

The group gathers before the arches again. Only the Trumpet arch is filled with the glowing mist. Beyond the group can see a rubble strewn hillside. A ruined stone fort sits several hundred feet away and beyond that the land is broken and cracked. Occasionally strange monsters flop between the sections of rubble.

Stepping through the gate you find yourselves at the top of the hill, a ridge of stone forms a natural battlement. The air is hot and muggy and ahead of you echoes a cacophony of growls, roaring and the slithering of monstrous creatures.

Behind you comes a shout of surprise. Turning you see a dozen or more soldiers, higher up the hill, pointing at you and talking excitedly. Their armour is unusual and they are dressed in flowing robes and carrying scimitars, spears and shortbows. Billy thinks they seem reminiscent of southern Vudra but Pinebrush thinks it more likely there are Minkaian.

At that point another soldier, clearly an officer of some sort, snaps at the soldiers to get back to work and approaches you. She bows and addresses you in the same language. Seeing your lack of comprehension she tries other, harsher sounding, languages but neither is comprehensible to any of you.

Billy continues to enjoy his carnival visits. He shares his vision of the red-faced ringmaster and describes seeing all of the monkeys on his visit.

As soon as Billy hears the soldiers talking excitedly in the strange language, he sings,

♫"We're standing on a hill.
Some soldiers marching near us.
It would be a thrill.
If they could only hear us."♫

Billy casts Comprehend Language (heightened to 4th) to allow the party to speak with our new friends.

When the officer approaches, Billy unfurls his cloak and bows in return. He retrieves his Jug of Fond Remembrance and introduces himself, "Greetings! I'm Billy. These are my friends. We're adventurers. Maybe we can help? Care to join us for a drink?" He pours mugs all around and listens to her story.

Diplomacy to Make Impression +Cloak +Jug: 1d20 + 23 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 23 + 2 + 1 = 28
He'll use one of his two remaining Books harrow cards for a reroll on this skill check...
Diplomacy to Make Impression +Cloak +Jug: 1d20 + 23 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 23 + 2 + 1 = 30

As she starts to be able to understand the group the woman is visibly relieved.

Greetings, my name is Sergeant Japulipel, it is an honour to meet you. We are what remains of the 3rd Company of the 5th Imperial Regiment of Randripal. Are you the reinforcements we have been hoping for? Unfortunately there was a mix up with our orders. Our Captain sought and obtained approval to retake the old fort you see in the distance. Those orders were revoked but they had already lead the expedition. They were set upon by monsters and, I think, destroyed but it was difficult to tell. We do not have the strength to retake the fort and find out. I am hoping that you were sent by our superiors to help?

Slick frowns when Billy relays his vision of a great mass of monkeys descending on a crowd and stealing their items. "Sounds like we'll be dealing with a large number of small larcenous creatures. Fighting such swarms is not my forte unfortunately, so let's hope that part of the vision refers to something else."

Looks like we could use an AoE magic user after all. Sigh!

Once they appear in the wasteland and capable of understanding their new friends, Slick looks down at the old fort. He gives his professional opinion. "The bottom of a hill is a terrible placement for a fort. No wonder it was overrun." He looks around and seeing no better location to look for The Trumpet, says, "Looks like we're going to have to search the old fort to see if we can find the card." Turning to Sergeant Japulipel, he adds, "Who knows, we might run into your Captain in the process."

Billy sips his honey mead as the Sergeant tells her story. He ponders, "I wonder why your Captain's orders were revoked. Perhaps someone knew of the dangers at the fort?" After she responds, Billy admits, "While I don't believe we are your reinforcements, we're happy to help. As my friend said, we're here to find a magic card. Which is almost certainly hidden at your fort."

After refilling everyone's mugs, Billy asks, "How will we recognize your Captain?" And then adds, "What can you tell us about the creatures below?" The halfling starts packing up.

About how far away is the fort?

The Sergeants eyes open wide at the mention of a card. Why, the Captain found some strange card with the image of a Trumpet on it in their gear a few days ago. If you are also looking for this then surely this is a sign from the Fates that you were meant to be here...

The Captain should be obvious. They will be the only person down there dressed like we are. Oddly enough the abominations have little in the way of clothing. They are strange beasts from the darklands. They possess a powerful odour and can often shrug off what might be mortal wounds They tend to resist blunt force attacks but slashing blows are often far more effective.

The fort is about 200' away. The slope below you is rocky and broken and looks quite treacherous. There are cracks and ravines that you could try climbing along but it looks quite dangerous. There are all kinds of places in the broken ground where monsters could be hiding.

When the Sergeant mentions that the Captain has the card, Slick brightens up. "Looks like this is your Captain's lucky day. If they have the card, then we'll definitely go looking for them. As to slashing our way through the abominations..." Slick slowly slides his big sword out of its scabbard and holds its recently honed blade up for all to see. "...Say hello to my little friend!"

He looks down at the treacherous slope leading to the fort and shrugs. "If we're all done with the drinking, we better get going. I have a strange feeling that just getting to the fort will involve all sorts of interesting escapades."

After Slick responds to the Sergeant, Billy confirms, "Yes, he's very good with that pointy thing." He adds quickly, "Thanks for the information. Hopefully, we'll return with good news about your Captain."

Turning to Slick and Pinebrush, Billy offers, "As before, I could send my magic eye to scout ahead ..." (Prying Eye has a range of 500', and the fort is 200' away.) "... or ..." he interrupts himself and continues, "... all three of us have the ability to fly, right? Maybe we just fly above all the dangerous cracks, ravines, and slithering abominations?"

Slick frowns momentarily and then opens his eyes wider in surprise. "That's not a bad idea you've got there Billy. Flying down there would definitely let us avoid this rather treacherous looking slope, and only the flying critters could get to us. I say we do it!"

"It's not my specialty either," says Pinebrush with a frown. He tugs at the beads of his necklace. "I do have one trick up my sleeve for crowds, though, if we need it."

He looks back at the sergeant and raises a hand. "Wouldn't your reinforcements be in the same uniforms, too?"
"Foul stench" sounds unpleasant, but probably not important. Resistance to blunt force is good to know. but not really relevant to Pine. Vulnerability to being cut, though... "So slicing is better than stabbing? I can handle that."

He unfurls his wings and hovers a little. "I can do this indefinitely. To really fly I need to use more magic energy in my wings. I can fly for about a minute at a time." He looks over at the fortress. "Though that's more than enough, unless something hinders us."

When the group is ready to take flight to our destination, Billy strums his lute and sings two short refrains,

♫"I want to see the sights.
Even if they're hiding.
Ready for some fights.
That fort looks so inviting."♫
Billy casts See Invisibility. Rank: 2. Duration: 10 minutes.

♫"I want to fly like an eagle
To the fort.
I want to fly like an eagle
To provide my team support."♫
Billy casts Fly. Rank: 4. Duration: 5 minutes.

Closing his eyes for a moment, Slick silently commands his new baldric and is soon hovering. He rises about 20 feet off the ground and flies down the slope to the fort after his colleagues.

Action: Fly (45 feet) with Bravery Baldric (Flight)

Slick can fly with a speed of 45' for the next 5 minutes.

The group takes to the air which impresses the gathered soldiers. As you fly down the rocky slope you hear the odds on your survival shortening significantly.

From above it is apparent that the slope is extremely dangerous. Broken, rocky, ground, narrow ravines, stretches of treacherous shale and bloody gobbets of flesh and blood would have made the clamber down a nightmarish struggle. You also see occasional glimpses of small, squirming, multi limbed and multi eyed monstrosities darting about, seemingly unimpaired by the terrain. Billy recongises them as Bhanyada swarms and they remind him of the monkeys in the big top. He realises that, as swarms, they are immune to precision damage (amongst other things) and as they have far more eyes than is reasonable for any creature they also cannot be flanked.

Fortunately, flying above them, you are able to avoid any conflict with them, at least for now. Descending to the fort you do a quick reconnaissance. You quickly locate the Captain, the only remaining survivor of the group that tried to take the fort. Their uniform is bloody and torn and they are clearly in a pretty bad way.

As you approach they stagger to their feet and draw their blade, albeit rather unsteadily. Who are you and what are you doing here they wearily ask you in Taldane, clearly recognising that you are not from these parts.

"We're adventurers. I'm Pinebrush, and these are Billy and Slick. We're here looking for a misplaced magic item--it doesn't have anything to do with your mission, so while we aren't technically your allies we certainly aren't your enemies. Sergeant Japulipel said you might be able to help us, but I understand that you need our help first... She said you might need reinforcements, and it looks like you could also use a medic. Can I take a look? I'm a lot more precise than human medics!"

[During the flight ...]
Billy shudders as he recognizes the abominations below. He quickly tells the group all about Bhanyada swarms.

[Reaching the fort ...]
The bard nods in agreement as Pinebrush introduces the group. In Vudran (since Comp Lang lasts for 1 hr), Billy chimes in, "As my friend said, I'm Billy. If you've ever been to Absa... never mind. You're the Captain that Sergeant Japulipel mentioned? We're here to help."

Are those Bhanyadas swarming this part of the fort?
After studying the area, he asks, "Is it still your mission to retake this fort, or can we help rescue you?"

You have seen no sign of the swarms near the fort

The Captain sags slightly and leans against the wall of the ruins, clearly in a bad way. I see, well, it appears that the fates are being kind to me at least. Sadly I lost my command to the aberrations that haunt this place. I have been preparing their cairns before risking a climb back up the slope. This position is now hopeless, I managed to use this magical card to disperse a number of them but its power is exhausted for now.

Before you can examine the card the sound of thundering steps and a particularly malodorous stench heralds the arrival of more aberrations.

I have moved you to a new map. You get just enough time to draw weapons and take an exploration activity but that's it. The fly effects on Slick and Billy will still be in effect but I assume you are on the ground talking to the captain. The fly effect on Pinebrush will have expired as I think it only lasts a minute. I have adjusted the encounter to account for their only being 3 of you.

Squares with solid looking grey rocks are difficult terrain for medium or smaller creatures on the ground. A reminder about flight, if you are flying you must take an action of your turn to fly (which provokes) or you fall to the ground. The Captain wont be taking part, they are only level 6 and have 15hp left. They simply take cover.

Slick is the first to react to the dangerous new situation.

If you come within 10' of any enemy I need you to make a fortitude save, DC23 for the Scavengers, DC29 for the Behemoth. Fail and you are sickened 1, critical fail and sickened 2. You are immune to that creature type once you have succeeded at a save (the scavengers and behemoth are separate types).

Initiative
Slick : 1d20 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 20 + 2 = 41
Billy : 1d20 + 23 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 23 + 2 = 36
Pinebrush: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (7) + 23 = 30

Behemoth: 1d20 ⇒ 15
Red: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Blue: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Slick turns towards the smelly creatures thundering towards them. "Whoa! That's one big ugly fellow coming our way. The little ones aren't exactly pretty either." Slick tightens the grip on his greatsword and flies towards the Behemoth.

Action 1 (◆): Fly (45 feet) with Bravery Baldric (Flight)

I'm flying because I'm assuming that the ground is difficult terrain. I've marked Slick's approach to the Behemoth. It should avoid the 10' stench radii of the Scavengers.

As he approaches, the smell of the creatures quickly escalates to dangerous levels of pungency. He carefully avoids getting too close to the smaller Scavengers, but there is no way to avoid the stench of the Behemoth.

Fortitude Save vs DC 29: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (10) + 23 = 33

Fortunately he manages to keep the contents of his last meal in his stomach and slashes out at it twice with his sword.

Action 2 (◆): Strike (+2 Greater Striking Grievous Greatsword) vs Behemoth.

Greatsword Attack: 1d20 + 23 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 23 + 2 = 43
Greatsword Damage: 3d12 + 8 ⇒ (5, 2, 3) + 8 = 18 slashing damage

Action 3 (◆): Strike (+2 Greater Striking Grievous Greatsword) with MAP1 vs Flat-Footed? Behemoth.

Greatsword Attack: 1d20 + 23 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 23 + 2 - 5 = 32 vs Flat-Footed?
Greatsword Damage: 3d12 + 8 ⇒ (2, 4, 11) + 8 = 25 slashing damage

Reaction (↺): Attack of Opportunity

Slick skims over the broken rocks and gets right in the face/faces? of the massive Behemoth. His first blow looks perfectly placed but all he does is slice off a random lump of flesh. His second also connects, cutting off more extremely smelly flesh.

The first attack would have been a crit but it negated it. The second is a regular it. It takes 63 damage, including weakness.

The beast, infuriated, lashes out at Slick and grabs hold of him.

Slick takes 52 damage and is grabbed.

The scavenger scurries up to Slick, seeing him vulnerable. The stench makes Slicks eyes water but he avoids throwing up. The thing snaps at him twice, both connecting and the second one finding a particularly tender spot!

Slick takes another 64 damage

Seeing the abominations approach, Billy sings out some inspiration.

♫"Monsters: I've witnessed a lotta.
Including these scary bhanyada.
.....Though we're just a trio,
.....Now listen to me! Oh,
T'will soon make one helluva saga."♫

Performance - Lingering Composition +VirtPerf +Mask, DC 30: 1d20 + 23 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 23 + 2 + 2 = 47
Crit Success: Courageous Anthem (formerly Inspire Courage) lasts 4 rounds. (Cost: 1 focus point).
Note: All allies within 60' have +1 status bonus to attacks/damage and fear saves.

Then, remembering what the Sergeant said about slashing, he turns his attention to the creatures, and sings out.

♫"They're kicking poor Slick's ash.
I need to find a spell.
They said to use some slash.
I hope it stops that smell."♫
Billy casts Shadow Blast. Choose Area: 15' burst w/in 120'. Choose Damage: Slashing.

Shadow Blast (6th) Slashing Damage +Dangerous Sorcery, vs Behemoth and Blue: 6d8 + 6 ⇒ (2, 6, 1, 7, 5, 7) + 6 = 34
Basic Will/Reflex (target's choice) DC 31

◆ Courageous Anthem, ◇ Lingering Composition, ◆◆ Shadow Blast

"Eugh!"

Slick obviously needs help. He's just too big and bulky, and such an obvious target! Pinebrush could try to treat him, but making wounds is faster than fixing them. He couldn't keep up.

He'll have to try to get some of them to swing at him.

Holding his breath, he darts forward. His flight magic is expended, and his stride is... rather smaller than the others. But he scurries and scrambles over the debris with ease, wing-assisted hops helping to make the difference.
He's still slower than Slick.

He remembers what the sergeant said about cutting working better, but still holds Spicy Toothpick. His magic rings copy most of its magical power into the shortsword in his other hand and the whip in his other hand; even his own eyes can't follow how he's doing that, but it feels perfectly fine as long as he doesn't look. The power of The Juggler.

Okay. They smell kinda bad but the sergeant way oversold it. Maybe these aren't the same monsters?

Ducking under the big one, he swipes at an exposed leg with his sword. His blade is but a sliver to the giant, but he's very precise; the magic doesn't hurt.

◆ Stride. Pine ignores non-magical difficult terrain due to his Wild Strider feat. (Which makes Feather Step redundant, I should retrain that.)
◆ Stride. This brings him into both auras. Fort vs Scavenger DC 23: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (12) + 20 = 32 and Fort vs Behemoth DC 29: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 20 = 34. Pine isn't Off-Guard to foes of his level or lower due to flanking.
◆ Strike. The Behemoth is Off-Guard to Pine because of his Surprise Attack feature and also his Gang Up feat, which lets him flank with allies as long as the enemy is within both characters' reach. While I suspect he'll end up dropping it for a free hand to do Battle Medicine soon, he does currently have five-foot reach since he has a whip out (might be relevant to Slick's next turn). Shortsword (CA): 1d20 + 23 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 23 + 1 = 32 for slashing: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 5) + 2 = 13 and precision damage: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 6) = 14. If Slick's 32 hit, my 30 should hit Off-Guard, so...
◇ Debilitating Strike. The Behemoth becomes Enfeebled 1 until the end of Pine's next turn.

Billy inspires his companions to greater heights of valour and then unleashes slicing shadows across the battlefield. Both however seem to realise the mostly illusory nature of his magic.

Both pass taking 27 damage

Pinebrush scurries up to the massive creatures. As he strikes it he realises that it is well aware of all of his tricks and he is not making it off guard. Fortunately the power of Slicks strike has thrown off its balance. He also notices all of its many, many eyes watching him!

It is not off guard from surprise attacks as it beat you in initiative. It is also not off guard from Gang Up for reasons. Slick however made it off guard with his crit spec.

Pinebrush manages to slice into the monsters knee and it bellows in pain!

It takes 37 damage and is enfeebled 1

Blue, furious about being affected by Billy's spell, launches itself across the battlefield. As it closes in on him Billy feels his gorge begin to rise...

That is a critical fail so I am going to pause here to see if Billy wants to reroll

As the creature nears, Billy starts feeling sick. With his Crown of Chaos background, the halfling quickly draws a harrow card.

Suit - 1:Hammers, 2:Keys, 3:Shields, 4:Books, 5:Stars, 6:Crowns: 1d6 ⇒ 4
If suit of Crowns, improve the ensuing save result by 1 step.
Fortitude: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39

Billy clamps his mouth shut as the creature comes near him, quelling the churning of his stomach. Fortunately he manages to duck away from the snapping jaws of the monster!

Slick takes a pounding from the Behemoth and, somewhat surprisingly, an even worst chomping from its minion. "You guys hit harder than I thought. Good thing I can hit pretty hard as well."

He slashes once, then twice, following up the second slash with a shoulder slam to shove the creature away and break its hold on him. Once free, he flies to a location at least 15ft above the ground and 20ft from the Behemoth.

Action 1 (◆): Strike (+2 Greater Striking Grievous Greatsword) with Inspire Courage vs Flat-Footed Behemoth.

Greatsword Attack: 1d20 + 23 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 23 + 2 + 1 = 46 vs Flat-Footed
Greatsword Damage: 3d12 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (6, 4, 12) + 8 + 1 = 31 slashing damage

Action 2 (◆): Brutish Shove with Powerful Shove
- Action: Strike (+2 Greater Striking Grievous Greatsword) with Inspire Courage and MAP1 vs Flat-Footed Behemoth.
- Action: Shove with Powerful Shove vs Behemoth

Greatsword Attack: 1d20 + 23 + 2 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 23 + 2 + 1 - 5 = 40 vs Flat-Footed
Greatsword Damage: 3d12 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4, 12, 2) + 8 + 1 = 27 slashing damage

The Shove uses the same success criteria as the Strike. Slick will not follow the Behemoth.

I'm guessing that the Brutish Shove worked, which means that the Grab has ended, since ...the Grab ends for a grabbed creatures if the monster moves away from it.

Action 3 (◆): Fly (45 feet) with Bravery Baldric (Flight)

Slick will fly 15ft (3 squares) up, leaving 2 squares of empty space between him and the Scavenger and thus hopefully putting him outside the Scavenger's reach. He will then fly sideways far enough to put 20ft between himself and the shoved Behemoth, leaving 3 squares of empty space between him and the Behemoth and thus hopefully putting him outside the creature's reach.

I'd move Slick to the correct location, but that depends on how far and what direction the Behemoth was shoved.

Reaction (↺): Attack of Opportunity

Again Slick lands what should have been a crippling blow but instead he only chops off a bit of extraneous flesh! His second strike does the same but does drive the Behemoth backwards, freeing him.

That is two hits for 78 damage. On breaking the grab that text is relevant when a creature choses to move away. For forced movement my recollection is that the effect needs to beat the Grapple DC in order for it to break. In this case you do. I have moved you on the map. Note, you are currently out of the Behemoths reach but being only 15' up it can easily get to you if it moves as it is 15' tall. I will move on once you confirm you are OK with your movement. The scavengers are clearly medium with regular reach so you are safe from it.

The Behemoth, enraged with pain and unable to immediately reach Slick, turns on the small creature poking it in the knee! The first hit leaves the little Sprite seeing stars. The monstrosity then grabs him and smacks him again with one of its many limbs!

Pinebrush takes 74 damage and is grabbed

Red, sensing an opportunity, steps up and tries to finish him off! However, even impeded by the massive monster Pinebrush is able to wriggle away from the crushing jaws.