'23-'24 Round Robin w/ S01-06 Lost on the Spirit Road (Inactive)

Game Master Frozen Frost

Reflex saves DC 17: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 201d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Reflex saves DC 17: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 251d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"What kinds of persons are you? And what are you doing here? Did you send those rats from your chests?" Veiled Lady inquires them both but not in a suspicious way.

The gnome looks around to have an idea of the suffered wounds by his companions. Then he goes to see who is calling being on his guard.

Ramona takes 1 and 8 damage from the swarm. Second is a crit fail.
I'm keeping track of hit points due to time pressure.

Wizel checks his party members for wounds. Ramona is looking pretty banged up, the rest have some minor injuries that might need looking at.

Wizel
Ramona, 9 damage
Kieran, 3 damage
Krinolyn, 4 damage
Swix, 5 damage

Well, you don't see that every day, do yeh? What is it that ye know? How can yeh help us?

"Well, I sorta used to be a spy for Aslynn, but I'm done with all of that! She owes too big a piece of my soul for my liking, and I don't like what she's cooking up for you. I don't know the details, but I do know that she’s trying to brew some powerful magic in that weird cauldron. She needs a few of the magic items from your stash here. Luckily, I found some of them, and have been keeping it safe for you. Mr. Glovely, if you would?"

Biglock's lid opens with an "aaah" and Mr. Glovely rummages inside, then removes two items: a dagger with runes all over the blade, and a key made of crystal.

“This dagger here looks like it’s from the Jistka Imperium. Might be a powerful magic weapon, but I’m not sure how to unlock its potential! I think Aslynn was looking for this key, too. I don’t recognize the crystal it’s made of, and I don’t think it’s from this world at all! I entrust this to you, as a sign of good faith and trust between us."

Biglock gives a friendly wink and Mr. Glovely holds out the two items.

"As for how we can help, I have come up with a plan! Mr. Glovely, show them the thing you found!"

Mr. Glovely does a "nothing up the sleeves"-motion, then produces a golden spoon out of nowhere and does a "tadaah!" motion. "No, not that! The other thing!"

Mr. Glovely then slaps his invisible forehead, and produces a purple shard of glass, with constellations like those visible in the ooze in Aslynn's cauldron.

“That’s the one! I think it’s a shard of Aslynn’s mind. It’s projecting all those creatures into this place. She’s probably looking for it. I think you should destroy it, but first, you’ll want to prepare for a fight. A piece of a night hag’s mind isn’t bound to go out without a struggle."

Swix grabs the "Key? To What do you Unlock? That which is Unlocked from one side is Locked from the other? Are you Locking yourself IN, or are you Locking yourself OUT!?!"

While he puzzles the indolent riddle, some of the bites dissipate as an invisible hand "writes" in "ink" upon his flesh, leaving behind vague runes instead of wounds...

◆) Lay on Hands (+6 HPs)
~) Refocus (10 minutes)

What do you know about her? Do you know of any weaknesses that we could exploit? Kieran asks as he tends his wounds. (technically just binding them, not using Treat Wounds)

He peers over, interested in the dagger...

Would I be able to attempt an identification with Occult? I don't have a great bonus, but I am trained...

A fight? Will she come back here do you think?

The genie strokes his chin.

"Even as a spy, I wasn't able to get too close to Aslynn to know her weaknesses. She has a whole host of 'children' that she commands, as well as a lot of other monsters and allies under her command. She isn't just some weird night hag with ambitions; she has a whole army at her disposal."

"She sounds like she's the head honcho," Zykyryz cackles with glee.

"Ahem. Anyway, to answer Wizel's question, yes, I think she will. She might be the one who put the lock on this vault in the first place. But I don't think she'll come here herself. She's a very tricky spellcaster, with powerful mind-magics. She's capable of splitting her attention several ways at once that all work independently from each other. I bet that shard will summon a piece of her mind at some point. Given how the past two interruptions happened quite quickly, I'd say you have half an hour, at most."

Mr. Glovely produces a pocketwatch on a chain and swings it in front of you.

"Tick tock, Pathfinders."

You can do anything you want in the meantime. You can heal up, set up some sort of trap, or go back to sorting the junk and see if you can find more useful stuff.

People can also try to identify the key and dagger and see if they might be useful.

Swix examines the key...

Ah, identifying the key or dagger is an Arcana, Nature, Occultism, or Religion. Or maybe a relevant Lore you might think of.

Religion (Trained): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

The dagger functions as a +1 striking dagger, but there's something more to it. It doesn't seem harmful to the wielder, but you can't quite make it out.

When you hold the key for a while, a voice in your head suddenly starts speaking in an alien language. You can't quite make out what it says, but it drowns out other thoughts. You get a +2 item bonus to Will saves while it's on you.

They're both items that will become important in later season 4 scenarios. I myself have no idea what happens in those or the purpose of these items.

Pulling a chain from his pocket, Swix hangs the key around his neck.

"Lock Out the Evil. Lock Out the Good. Either way? Misunderstood!"

+2 item bonus to Will Saves!

Do yeh think I might use that dagger? Would be kind of poetic ta dispatch of her minions with it, eh? Kieran muses, What kind o' trap could we use t' dispel her beasties, do yeh think?

Any Deception or Occult things might help? A Recall Knowledge, perhaps?

"I have no use for the dagger. Anyone, take it." Veiled Lady tells them and looks for more stuff in the Vaults, in the central pile of treasures.
Perception to Search Pile of Treasures: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

A Religion or Society might get you more information might allow you to recall information about night hags in general, but not specifically about Aslynn.

Esoteric Lore (Trained): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Swix explains to the party about hags of the night!

The genie listens quietly to the explanations to learn something.

Veiled Lady will Recall Knowledge with Religion +7.

Swix and Krinolyn recall that night hags are very powerful creatures, but since only a shard of her mind is here, Aslynn won't be able to unleash her full power. They're weak to cold iron, but aren't resistant to anything in particular.
They're also occult spellcasters and they typically have spells such as Magic Missile, Sleep, and Ray of Enfeeblement in their repertoire, among other things.

Sleep targets a 5-foot burst, so you might not want to bunch up too much.

"This Fool Witch with Half a Brain!"

Stomping his foot impatiently, Swix looks for more treasure among the piles, not straying too far from the party in case Aslynn shows her fragmented self prematurely!

Search for Scrolls (Arcana, Trained): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

The gnome goes with Swix to find out scrolls.

Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Veiled Lady takes the opportunity to gather them around and heal them, including herself.
3-action Heal: 1d8 ⇒ 8 HP

Thank you, wee Kryn! the Varisian says with a wide grin, rolling his shoulders and stretching his neck. This knife is pretty sweet... Let us find anything else that could help us with Aslynn...

What is left to do amongst the skill tests?

The Veiled Lady heals everyone and you're all feeling much better.
Only Ramona has 1 damage left.

Swix and Wizel dive into the pile of wands and scrolls once more and both come out with what they think is another wand, but turn out to be a very fancy long prawn fork and a paintbrush.

Krinolyn looks through the pile of treasure, but can't really find anything useful.

Kieran: This is what remains:
Assorted items: Arcana, Crafting, Perception.
Weapon shelves: Arcana, Crafting, Gladiatorial Lore, Warfare Lore.
Scrolls and wands: Arcana, Nature, Occultism, Religion.

Everyone has two tries. Swix has used his on refocusing and searching, Krinolyn and Wizel have both used one.

Not happy with his first search the gnome continues to dig among the scrolls.

Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Kieran looks amongst the Assorted Items looking for something interesting...

Perception, 1st 10 mins: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 I guess I will use the full 20 minutes then.

Perception, 2nd 10 mins: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Veiled Lady moves over to the elevated structure to look for useful stuff among the Assorted Items.
Perception in Assorted Items: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Perception in the Assorted items: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
and
Occultism in the Scrolls and Wands: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Wizel dives back into the stack of scrolls and eventually comes back out with a 1d6 ⇒ 3 scroll of Darkness.

Kieran has trouble finding something useful, but eventually finds a 1d4 ⇒ 3 Vine Arrow.

The Veiled Lady looks over the pile of random stuff and finds 1d4 ⇒ 4 a Wolf Fang.

Ramona takes a look as well, but thinks you've depleted the stash by now.

There's more useful stuff in there, but the diceroller apparently only hands out mediocre stuff.

"Oooh, here it comes," Zykyryz calls out, and you see the purple shard of glass starting to rise into the air. You have just enough time to get into position.

I've drawn a lightning bolt on the map where the shard is right now. Feel free to set up however you want around it. I'll roll initiative in 24-ish hours.

You have enough time to trade items and affix the wolf fang, if you want.

In position, assuming I was able to take the dagger...

In position. Would it be possible for Ramona to begin Inspire Courage before we begin initiative?

Veiled Lady hurries down and draws his shield to raise it. She stands beside Ramona.

Please move my token to the corner of the wall

Opposite Kieran, Swix plants his cane!

Wizel, there? (check map)

Euh, sorry. I'm at a computer now and I've set my token where I tried to describe to place it. But thank you anyway.

^_^

Kieran: Yeah, you have the dagger. Didn't see anyone else claiming it.
Ramona: Yeah, sure.

The shard, hovering near the amassed treasures, twists and warps, taking on the familiar form of Aslynn and her cauldron. “Your plan
to kill me? So brave, so bold. And yet, it matters not. Behold!” She plunges an oozing claw into the pile and brandishes a jeweled chalice.

“Boundless wonder called to me. And I respond with nightmares three! Three children of my last thirteen shall join me in an endless dream. A realm where you shall vex me not—a realm where you shall be forgot! Destroy me here, but at what cost? You fight in vain, for all is lost!”

Cackling with glee, Aslynn watches as the chalice brims with swirling magical liquid. She inhales deeply, then empties the chalice into her cauldron. A fuming creature boils forth, and Aslynn commands, “Kill the Pathfinders! And should they survive, let this be the first of their boundless nightmares!”

Together with a glass-looking Aslynn, two skunks are ready to attack you.

Ramona's Initiative Using Detect Magic: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Wizel Genius's Initiative Using Avoid notice: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Kieran's Initiative Using Scout: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Antiquarian Swix Harlequinn's Initiative Using Investigate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Krinolyn's Initiative Using Defend: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Aslynn: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Orange skunk: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Pink skunk: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Inspire Courage is active

Swix
Kieran
Aslynn
Orange skunk
Pink skunk
Wizel
Krinolyn
Ramona, 1 damage

Swix and Kieran are up!
To be clear, the skunks are tiny.

Kieran twirls the dagger, steps in, feints low and comes in at Aslynn!

◆ Step
◆ Feint Deception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
◆ Strike +1 striking dagger, hopefully FF: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 14 >.<

Damage, just in case, plus SA if FF: 2d4 + 2 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 + 1 + (2) = 9

Swix moves into flanking the witch, analyzing her with his knowledge of esotericks, and smashes her with his cane!

Esoteric Lore: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Sword Cane: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 251d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 plus trigger highest weakness or custom weakness 3

If the minions attacks, he will use Empathetic Plea! If he is felled, he will use Final Spite!

Kieran advances and tries to catch Aslynn off-guard. That works great, but his attack goes wide nevertheless.

Swix analyses the hag, identifies a weakness, and smacks her up the head with his cane.

Aslynn understandably does not like being smacked, but sees a prime target for her spells. She casts a spell and Ramona and Krinolyn suddenly yawn and have to fight off the urge to fall asleep.

Krinolyn and Ramona, please make me a DC 17 Will save versus Sleep!

Aslynn then moves out of the flank and away from Swix. She waves a clawed hand at him and says, "Dearies, attack that annoying little man!"

Orange skunk turns around, raises its tail, and sprays Swix with a foul-smelling liquid.

Swix, please make me a DC 15 Fortitude save. On a crit success you're fine, on a normal success Sickened 1, Sickened 2 on a fail, and Sickened 2 and Doomed 1 on a crit fail.

The pink skunk then attacks Swix.

Empathetic Plea from Swix: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Swix ducks in time to elicit some pity from Pink, but Pink persists in its attacks.

Jaws: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 - 2 = 7
Jaws: 1d20 + 7 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 4 - 2 = 5

Luckily Swix manages to dodge the attacks.

Inspire Courage is active for Wizel and Krinolyn

Swix
Kieran
Aslynn, 13 damage
Orange skunk
Pink skunk
Wizel
Krinolyn
Ramona, 1 damage

Wizel, Krinolyn, and Ramona are up!
Krinolyn and Ramona, please make a DC 17 Will save or fall asleep.
Swix, please make a DC 15 Fortitude save versus skunk spay.
I was debating whether I'd let Empathetic Plea trigger on the spray, but since it's not an attack I gave it the benefit of the doubt.

Swearing at himself, Kieran charges after the retreating witch, sliding up and tossing his dagger from one hand to the other before slicing at Aslynn twice!

◆ Step
◆ Strike +1 striking dagger: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 = 27 Damage: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 = 6
◆ Strike +1 striking dagger, atk #2: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 - 4 = 23 Damage: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 2 = 7

Dang, TWO crits in a row?!?

Whoops, missed that initiative looped around again. Sorry for not calling Swix and Kieran again.

Kieran charges after Aslynn, angry at being ignored. So angry that he manages to lash out with deadly accuracy. Aslynn takes some heavy hits, and shatters apart like a pane of glass.

The two skunks also shatter now that their mistress is no longer around, and all is silent again in the vault. Even Biglock and Zykyryz are speechless.

DC 17 Will save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

The Veiled Lady can't resist the drowsiness and falls asleep.

During the stunned silence, Mr. Glovely picks up a broom and starts cleaning up the shards of glass that used to be Aslynn.

A few moments later you hear banging on the vault door, and then it crashes open. Zarta Dralneen, Ambrus Valsin, Eando Kline, eliza Petulengro, Fola Barun, and Calisro Benarry all look wide-eyed and armed to the teeth, ready to fight whatever is on the other side of the door. Once they see everyone is in good health, Zarta stows her weapon and checks up on you.

"Pathfinders, what happened here? We've been banging on this door for nearly an hour and you didn't open. We were worried you had activated something the previous team had missed! Give me a report of what happened."

Feeling quite pleased with himself, Kieran nods toward Mr. Glovely, Aslynn attacked us!

With a little twirl, the young Varisian bravo flips the blade and hands it back to the closest Venture Captain, pommel-first, We think she was lookin' fer this and some other things. The blade dug deep into her, sendin' her back ta where she came from.

EDIT: Please excuse me, Kieran goes to check on his unconscious companions and make sure they are okay...

"Broken Glass - yes - you have shattered the witch - but is she Gone? Or merely Away!?" he mutters, half-cackle, half-question...

Veiled Lady soon wakes up, as if nothing happened.

"Don't worry now, we are all safe, thanks to help of our new friends here." Veiled Lady introduces Biglock and Mr. Glovely. "You should note though that this Aslynn is certainly for some items she is interested to have. Though we are not sure why."