The crackle of flame and cries of pain echo down the street as panicked townsfolk flee from invaders. A swarm of small, winged fiends dangle a man in fine clothing by his ankle above a horse trough. Four horses, still harnessed to the remnants of a smashed carriage, careen by, their eyes wild with fear. With a loud crack, a water tower atop a nearby building collapses and falls, the torrent of water overturning carts and sweeping fleeing elves from their feet.
“Pathfinders!” Fola Barun calls out, quickly gathering all the agents at hand. “The defenses have fallen, and the people of Folien need our help! Spread out and do what you can to drive off these fiends. Try to find out what they’re after and put a stop to that too, if you can. Whatever it is, it can’t be good!”
”Your hard work trying to keep Nathatel and his forces out of the town is not without benefit, though, as Nathatel’s servants are finding the going harder than they would like”.
Table GMs, Defense Events 1-4 are now available and the Know Your Enemy condition (carried over from Part 2) is now in effect.
Geshko chooses his prey, but nothing comes to his mind about the enemy. He shoots arrow and commands his companion to attack the same. Runner takes 3*2 P + 5 B + 3 precision = 14 total damage. That is enough to bring down Runner.
Redirecting Miss Sorbet's attacks to Scout A...
Seeing Runner is taken care of, Miss Sorbet focuses her strike against Scout A!
Only her first attack connects but deals much damage that is enough to bring the enemy down as well. Scout A takes 15 total and is eliminated.
Scout randomly attacks with his club! 1 Miss Sorbet, 2 Animal, 3 Elias:3d3 ⇒ (1, 3, 3) = 7 (Miss Sorbet, Elias, Elias).
Club Attack vs Miss Sorbet AC 18:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 Damage:1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 bludgeoning damage
❖❖❖❖❖❖ FOLIEN IS UNDER ATTACK! Round 3 and 4 ❖❖❖❖❖❖
Party Conditions: ---
Terrain Features: Squares with foliage can provide Standard Cover (+2 to AC, Reflex, Stealth; can Hide)
ENCOUNTER MAP Other Notes: ☘️ - Hero Points
❖❖❖CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN ACT!❖❖❖ Round 4 Runner (-24 HP) | Eliminated ➤ Miss Sorbet (☘️ 1/3)(AC 18)(2/26 HP) | Critical Overdrive
➤ Geshko (☘️ 1/3)(AC 18, +1 vs Prey's Attacks)(20/20 HP) ⠀⠀➤ Animal (☘️ 1/3)(AC 16)(11/11 HP) Scout A (-34 HP) | Eliminated
Scout B (-2 HP)
Round 3 ➤ Khaldan (☘️ 1/3)(AC 16, 17 w Shield)(15/15 HP) | Protective Ward (+1 status bonus to AC to Khaldan and allies around 10 ft emanation)
➤ Elias (☘️ 1/3)(AC 18, +2 w Wooden Shield raised, -1 while Raging)(15/21 HP) ➤ Eovar (☘️ 2/3)(AC 18)(16/16 HP) ➤ Mibli (☘️ 1/3)(AC 17)(20/20 HP)
When the scout deals damage on a critical hit, the target is Frightened 1, and the scout can knock the target up to 10 feet away (this is forced movement).
Mibli debates whether to try and help finish off the last foe or to send another healing wave to Sorbet, who's suffered a lot of injury during the course of the battle. Deciding that a strong offense may serve as a good defense at this point, she takes aim with her sling and flings a stone...
Elias fails to trip the scout, even his bites do not connect. Eovar manages to burn the scout, but it remains standing. 8 P + 3 F = 11 total damage Mibli fling stone at the scout and electrifies him. The stone hits, but some electricity is evaded. 5 B + 3 E = 8 total damage
DC 17 basis Reflex save:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
❖❖❖❖❖❖ FOLIEN IS UNDER ATTACK! Round 4 ❖❖❖❖❖❖
Party Conditions: ---
Terrain Features: Squares with foliage can provide Standard Cover (+2 to AC, Reflex, Stealth; can Hide)
ENCOUNTER MAP Other Notes: ☘️ - Hero Points
❖❖❖CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN ACT!❖❖❖ Runner (-24 HP) | Eliminated ➤ Miss Sorbet (☘️ 1/3)(AC 18)(2/26 HP) | Critical Overdrive
➤ Geshko (☘️ 1/3)(AC 18, +1 vs Prey's Attacks)(20/20 HP) ⠀⠀➤ Animal (☘️ 1/3)(AC 16)(11/11 HP) Scout A (-34 HP) | Eliminated
Scout B (-29 HP)
Khaldan (☘️ 1/3) (AC 16, 17 w Shield)(15/15 HP) | Protective Ward (+1 status bonus to AC to Khaldan and allies around 10 ft emanation)
Elias (☘️ 1/3) (AC 18, +2 w Wooden Shield raised, -1 while Raging)(15/21 HP)
Eovar (☘️ 2/3) (AC 18)(16/16 HP)
Mibli (☘️ 1/3) (AC 17)(20/20 HP)
When the scout deals damage on a critical hit, the target is Frightened 1, and the scout can knock the target up to 10 feet away (this is forced movement).
Fola Barun waves and jogs over, talking quickly as she arrives. “I’m sure you haven’t a moment to catch your breath, but I have an urgent task and I need a few more hands. I caught a glimpse of some dretches dragging a wagon full of crates through town a few moments ago. I tried to catch up but was distracted by an agent in trouble. Others have seen similar things. I don’t know what’s in the carts or what it’s for, but I’m sure it’s no good. Please, find one of these carts and see what they’re hauling around.”
To complete this mission, you need to do the following: 1. You need to find fiend-drawn carts. Each PC can attempt one check at the DC 13 to find a cart:
- Perception to spot one
- Athletics to climb to better vantage point,
- or Diplomacy to quickly ask around.
Creative solutions are allowed at the same DC. If at least one PC succeeds, we can all move on to the next task. If at least half the party succeeds, you get a +1 circumstance bonus to all future skill checks in this mission as they can choose the most favorable target.
2. To anyone who has located a cart, you must acquire one of the crates. Roll a DC 17 skill check to do so such as:
- Stealth or Thievery to surreptitiously steal a crate,
- Intimidation to temporarily scare off the fiends pulling the cart,
- or Athletics to knock the cart over.
On the other hand, instead of attempting to steal a crate, a PC who succeeds at a DC 17 Crafting check can erect a barricade that will slow down the cart, reducing the DC for their allies’ attempts to steal a crate to DC 15. If at least one PC succeeds, the PCs can move on to investigating the crate. If at least one PC succeeds, the PCs can move on to investigating the crate. If at least half the PCs succeed, all PCs get a +1 circumstance bonus to investigate.
3. Finally, any PC can investigate the contents with an DC 13 skill check, such as Perception, Crafting, or Mercantile Lore to catalog the items, or Arcana, Nature, Occultism, or Religion (or an appropriate Lore) to determine their use.
Male Beastkin Human Barbarian 1 (raging) | HP 21/21 | AC 18/20 | F+6 R+5 W+5 | Perc +5 | Speed 25ft | Hero Points 1 | Exploration: Scout | Active Conditions: None
Elias isn't too sure about the investigation part, but climbing and knocking things over are things he feels really good about.
1. Climbing to higher vantage point Athletics:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
More difficult than anticipated. Maybe he's climbing the wrong building? Disappointed, Elias moves to one of the carts spotted by the others.
2. Knocking a cart overAthletics:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
And deprives it of its cargo with gusto!
3. Determining the items' useNature:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Oh. He didn't really expect to be able to figure that out.
Khaldan - Success, Failu
Elias - Failure
Miss Sorbet - Success
Eovar - Success
Khaldan - Failure
Elias - Success
Miss Sorbet - Success to reduce DC to 15
Eovar - Failure
Elias - Crit Failure
Miss Sorbet - Success
Khaldan - Success
Miss Sorbet and Khaldan investigate the crate and inside they find candles, chalk, bags of dead rats and snakes, jars of larvae, and other bizarre items. They also determine that the items are ritual components.
With your group able to spot and stop a crate, I'll just need those who have not rolled yet (Mibli and Gehsko) to investigate the crate with DC 13 skill check, such as Perception, Crafting, or Mercantile Lore to catalog the items, or Arcana, Nature, Occultism, or Religion (or an appropriate Lore) to get the discover more what is in the cart.
NG Male Human Ranger 1 HP 20/20 | AC 18 | F +7 R +9 W+4 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | Spd 25' Hero Points 1/3| Exploration: Scout| Conditions:
Sorry, was traveling back from the shore today!
Geshko searches for carts to pilfer.
Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 Thievery:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Once a cart has been obtained, Geshko tries to identify the contents based on his memories of old witch tales told around the caravan wagons.
Occultism or Curse Lore, same bonus:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Geshko, looking further, finds a large shard of purple crystal near the bottom of the crate. Whatever exactly that be, they know for sure that this is needed for a certain ritual. Having intercepted the enemy's plan, their mission here will surely affect that.
The group returns and reports their finding to Fola Barun. She gives her thanks to them for doing a thorough investigation of the crates.
The group has just finished their reporting to Fola when somebody calls them.
“Friends! Over here!” Marilindae calls, waving from beside a small fountain bearing a statue of Yuelral near the center of the town square. “Do you have a minute to help me? I’m trying to restore some of the town’s magical defenses. I have a quick ritual that I think should work, but I can’t do it on my own. It won’t completely replace them, but it might help stop any more fiends from getting in. Would you help me?”
Without waiting for their response, he quickly draws a circle inscribed with three crystal shards around the fountain in chalk. "We don't have enough time." He then hands the Pathfinders a bag of uncut crystals, "Hang them around the square."
To help Marilindae with the mission, each PC should attempt a DC 13 Occultism, Perception, or Religion check to identify appropriate places for the crystals, or a DC 13 Crafting or Thievery check to affix the crystals. If at least half of the PCs succeed, all PCs gain a +2 circumstance bonus on checks to assist in the ritual, which will happen next after this.
NG male human (Keleshite) wizard 2 | HP 15/15 | AC 16 (17 w/shield) |F +4 R +5 W +7 | Perc +7 | Stealth +2 | Focus Points 0/1 |Hero Points 1/3 | Icons: ◆◇↺ | Prepared Spells: mage armor, summon animal, magic weapon | speed 25 | Exploration Activity: Scout | Conditions: None
Khaldan will follow Elias, affixing crystals where Elias points out. Once done, Khaldan will step back and assess the result, saying "Yes, those look like they are well placed!"
Marilindae observes how the Pathfinders do with the crystals. He just adjust's Geshko's and everything looks good.
Once the crystals have been placed around the square, "Now, I need secondary casters for the ritual, as well as guards to ensure I am not interrupted while it is underway." Marilindae tells them and positions himself for the ritual.
So you choose either as secondary caster or as guard. At least two PCs must aid in the ritual, though as many as would like can participate. To aid the ritual, a PC should attempt a DC 17 Crafting, Intimidation, Occultism, or Performance check. PCs guarding the ritual, on the other hand, should attempt a DC 15 Perception, Acrobatics, Athletics, or Intimidation check. Whether the PCs are aiding or guarding, their checks have the following results.
Critical Success The PCs gain 2 Ritual Points.
Success the PCs gain 1 Ritual Point.
Critical Failure The PCs lose 1 Ritual Point.
I am looking for a certain total of Ritual Points to determine if the ritual is effective in slowing down the incoming fiends. The more Ritual Points, the better. Since at least half of you succeed, everyone gains a +2 circumstance bonus on checks to assist (both as secondary casters and guards) in the ritual.
Eovar - ???
Elias - ???
Mibli - ???
Khaldan - ???
Geshko - ???
Miss Sorbet - ???
NG Male Human Ranger 1 HP 20/20 | AC 18 | F +7 R +9 W+4 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | Spd 25' Hero Points 1/3| Exploration: Scout| Conditions:
"You have my bow. You shall not be disturbed!"
Geshko and Animal act as spotters, keeping their eyes, ears, and noses out for threats.
Perception:1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14 You know what? HERO POINT! Perception Reroll:1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 2 = 22
"I could help on either side but let me put some of my magical talents to use. The quicker the ritual is completed, the better." Eovar says as he moves in to help the casters.
All available agents! Nathatel is up to something at the southern end of town. If we don’t put a stop to whatever he’s doing, it won’t matter how many quasits we kill. Get down there as quickly as you can! If we hurry, we might be able to interrupt him before he’s ready!
GMs, please swiftly wrap up your encounters and proceed to Defense Event 5/Area G. The Evil Interrupted condition is in effect.
Botting Mibli...
Mibli chooses to guard the townsquare while the ritual is being performed.
DC 15 Acrobatics:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Eovar - Success, 1 Ritual Point
Elias - Success, 1 Ritual Point
Mibli - Success, 1 Ritual Point
Khaldan - Failure
Geshko - Success, 1 Ritual Point
Miss Sorbet - Critical Success, 2 Ritual Points
Total - 6 Ritual Points
Their combined efforts to help Marilindae in performing the ritual and guarding the same around the town square to prevent intrusion is successful in stemming the tide of demons pouring into town. Moreover, the powerful magic of the ritual bolsters them, allowing each PC to roll twice and get a better result on their next saving throw.
Mission Critical Success!
Before we proceed to the next, I will let you post healing from your resources. So far, everyone is full except Miss Sorbet 2/26 HP and Elias 15/21 HP.
Thank you for the botting and apologies for my silence. I'm all caught up on the game.
"Sorbet, I've still got some magic reserves - I can use them to patch you up if you don't have anything of your own you can use," Mibli offers once the group has a moment to catch their collective breath. "I think we might still have those potions we found after fighting those elf traitors yesterday, too."
You actually have ten minutes to heal those who need healing, sorry for the confusion. I updated the 6 HP for Elias and 7 HP for Miss Sorbet to the tracker.
I will post the next part. I will allow you to retcon the ten minutes of healing before you post your combat actions if it gets to be your turn.
The Pathfinders quickly head to the southern end of the town as instructed. There, they find a tall elf on an elevated platform making some ominous statement.
“Isn’t it glorious?” > the tall elf < calls from the dais, surrounded by candles and arcane sigils recently carved into the stone. He gestures at the chaos enveloping the town. “You meddling fools can’t imagine the power within my grasp. Soon, this town shall be razed and rebuilt anew, the first step in our glorious march across Kyonin! Those fools in Iadara are too stupid to see it, corrupted as they are by interlopers like you.
"But soon, soon they will see the truth! That we elves were meant to rule, and not just Kyonin! Once I have seized the reins and put this country back on its proper course, the world will kneel!” With an evil grin, he adds “It’s a shame you won’t be here to see our glory!” and raises his spear to attack!
Party Conditions:Evil Interrupted (see below);
Inspired Defense - The next time an opponent would critically hit a PC with an attack roll, they instead get a regular hit against the PC.
Turninf Tides - Once, each PC can roll twice and take the better result on a single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check. This is a fortune effect;
Ritual Effect - Roll twice and get a better result on their next saving throw.
ENCOUNTER MAP Other Notes: ☘️ - Hero Points
❖❖❖CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN ACT!❖❖❖ ➤ Eovar (☘️ 2/3)(AC 18)(16/16 HP) ➤ Khaldan (☘️ 1/3)(AC 16, 17 w Shield)(15/15 HP) ➤ Elias (☘️ 1/3)(AC 18, +2 w Wooden Shield raised, -1 while Raging)(21/21 HP) ➤ Miss Sorbet (☘️ 1/3)(AC 18)(9/26 HP) ➤ Mibli (☘️ 1/3)(AC 17)(20/20 HP) ➤ Geshko (☘️ 0/3)(AC 18, +1 vs Prey's Attacks)(20/20 HP) ⠀⠀➤ Animal (☘️ 1/3)(AC 16)(11/11 HP)
Lemming Rat (Blue) (- HP)
Dretch (Black) (- HP)
Nathatel (Red) (- HP)
The Pathfinder forces have gained the advantage, and brave townsfolk are rushing to lend a hand. Once during Part 3 each PC can roll twice and take the better result on a single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check. This is a fortune effect.
Eovar - available
Elias - available
Geshko/Animal - available
Khaldan - available
Mibli - available
Miss Sorbet - available
Evil Interrupted :
The Pathfinders have turned away many of Nathatel’s forces, causing him to rush his plans. He and his allies gain a –2 circumstance penalty to their initiative in Defense Event 5.
Ritual Effect :
The powerful magic of the ritual bolsters them, allowing each PC to roll twice and get a better result on their next saving throw.
Eovar - available
Elias - available
Geshko/Animal - available
Khaldan - available
Mibli - available
Miss Sorbet - available
NG male human (Keleshite) wizard 2 | HP 15/15 | AC 16 (17 w/shield) |F +4 R +5 W +7 | Perc +7 | Stealth +2 | Focus Points 0/1 |Hero Points 1/3 | Icons: ◆◇↺ | Prepared Spells: mage armor, summon animal, magic weapon | speed 25 | Exploration Activity: Scout | Conditions: None
During the 10 minutes, Khaldan will have refocused.
In response to the elf's speech, Khaldan will call out
"If you take power with the aid of demons, it won't be elves ruling but demons! It's not too late to stop this madness"
Khaldan will call forth his protective ward, advance and raise a magical shield.
"You are mad with power. Seeking to take on the entirety of the world is pure hubris. We stand with the world not over it, you will learn this today." Eovar says, brow furrowing at Nathatel's words.
He quickly moves up before lobbing fire at the speaker.
NG Male Human Ranger 1 HP 20/20 | AC 18 | F +7 R +9 W+4 | Perc +6 | Stealth +7 | Spd 25' Hero Points 1/3| Exploration: Scout| Conditions:
"Kyonin is already great, no need to make it great again!" Geshko responds.
"Animal, prowl right"
He and the cat move into position and Geshko fires a shot.
"What a shame," Mibli whines, her expression sorrowful. "If you think you're so superior, you should've led by example with kindness and an open mind. Not...whatever this is!"
She moves up closer to her allies as she tries to recall any useful information about the rat-creature and the demon-thing.
______________
Male Beastkin Human Barbarian 1 (raging) | HP 21/21 | AC 18/20 | F+6 R+5 W+5 | Perc +5 | Speed 25ft | Hero Points 1 | Exploration: Scout | Active Conditions: None
"Elves make the best leaders... and you want to prove it by destroying the town and overthrowing elven leaders? Maybe it's just you that nobody trusts as a leader."
As far away as the enemies are, Elias moves forward with his shield at the ready.
Miss Sorbet brings herself into Overdrive and advances. Khaldan raises protection for those around him, moves and raises shield.
Eovar, Produce Flame is a two-action spell. What would be your last action? Eovar joins them to go head-on the enemy.
Geshko commands his animal to position while he flies arrow but misses the tall elf. Mibli advances to and tries to recall about those behind Nathatel.
Mibli does not know what is that Dretch but she knows Lemming Rat is a rat whose bite causes itchy rash that can make someone Clumsy.
Elias advances to and raises shield.
❖❖❖❖❖❖ CONFRONTATION! Round 1 ❖❖❖❖❖❖
Party Conditions:Evil Interrupted (see below);
Inspired Defense - The next time an opponent would critically hit a PC with an attack roll, they instead get a regular hit against the PC.
Turninf Tides - Once, each PC can roll twice and take the better result on a single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check. This is a fortune effect;
Ritual Effect - Roll twice and get a better result on their next saving throw.
ENCOUNTER MAP Other Notes: ☘️ - Hero Points
❖❖❖CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN ACT!❖❖❖ ➤ Eovar (☘️ 2/3)(AC 18)(16/16 HP) | 1 action left
Khaldan (☘️ 1/3) (AC 16, 17 w Shield)(15/15 HP) | Protective Ward (5-ft emanation)
Elias (☘️ 1/3) (AC 18, +2 w Wooden Shield raised, -1 while Raging)(21/21 HP)
Miss Sorbet (☘️ 1/3) (AC 18)(26/26 HP) | Critical Success Overdrive
Mibli (☘️ 1/3) (AC 17)(20/20 HP)
Geshko (☘️ 0/3) (AC 18, +1 vs Prey's Attacks)(20/20 HP)
⠀⠀Animal (☘️ 1/3) (AC 16)(11/11 HP)
Lemming Rat (Blue) (- HP)
Dretch (Black) (- HP)
Nathatel (Red) (- HP)
The Pathfinder forces have gained the advantage, and brave townsfolk are rushing to lend a hand. Once during Part 3 each PC can roll twice and take the better result on a single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check. This is a fortune effect.
Eovar - available
Elias - available
Geshko/Animal - available
Khaldan - available
Mibli - available
Miss Sorbet - available
Evil Interrupted :
The Pathfinders have turned away many of Nathatel’s forces, causing him to rush his plans. He and his allies gain a –2 circumstance penalty to their initiative in Defense Event 5.
Ritual Effect :
The powerful magic of the ritual bolsters them, allowing each PC to roll twice and get a better result on their next saving throw.
Eovar - available
Elias - available
Geshko/Animal - available
Khaldan - available
Mibli - available
Miss Sorbet - available
