[PbP Gameday XII] GM Chadius 4-99: Blessings of the Forest (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

4-99: Blessings of the Forest

Kyonin!

They don't have "queens" where Tao comes from. Only elders. And many of them, to boot. Who sometimes are able to take quite a long time reaching a consensus when making decisions for the community, often needing to address each of everyone's concerns to find some compromised outcome. There is a saying "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together". Never having lived under a monarchy (for more than a night or two at most!), the idea of rule by a single individual is, well, unfathomable. Perhaps it is why elves get to live so long, never having to go through the rounds to hash everything out? Who knows...

♪♪) Summon Instrument

Having arrived early, and with nobody to talk to (besides... well... more on that later...), our vibrant hero extends her arms and fingers outwards, and blowing into the air, swirls of wispy green and brown reeds knit together in an instant forming a simply crafted pan flute. She blows into it bringing forth a light and airy sound, playful and loudly sharp at times, a scarf on the ground formed into a bowl and into which has already been tossed a single copper...

"Yeah, canna truss 'em 'ol alfs, kinya cuzzin?"

A scrappy youth with skinned knees and all-dirty bounds up to Tao and stands next to her in a pan stance: chest puffed, elbows poking out with hands on hips, sporting a sly snarl for a facial expression "I kin pro-tek yuh frem 'em eazy, ain' no alf want nunna Bedwick - nossiry!"

Tao pats her cousin on the head which is immediately rebuffed in spastic squirming withdrawal "Uh, doncha git all squishy now, ruinin' mah stride - gossa look the part, cuz yuh never no when no alf gun' jump out onya!" fist-o-cuffs boxing an imaginary foe, the youngin showcases a skill slightly above par with what someone might expect for a child of so few years.

The air in this cavernous room holds a palpable excitement as Pathfinders fill it, joining together in small groups as they evaluate supplies and whisper excitedly about why everyone has been summoned to Kyonin. Representatives from all the nations of the Inner Sea and beyond have come, gathering together amid the haphazard assortment of tables and chairs, seemingly pulled together in support of this unprecedented mustering.

A tall man with blond hair enters and finds a seat among the many Pathfinders. He's also curious at being sent to Kyonin and asks around.

"Well met, Pathfinders! Isaku Beru from Absalom. Any idea why we're here?"

"Ta whup'on dem alves!" the boy shadow fisticuffs to demonstrate...

...Tao pats her little cousin on the head "No no, we are here to help the elves - just don't know with what yet!"

She strides over to the "pathfindery" looking fellow, and shakes his hand with vigor "I'm Tao and this is Bedwick - come introduce yourself Bedwick!" - she smiles as the boy reluctantly obeys to approach...

..."putting away" his fists, the youth eyeballs the contents of Isaku's backpack, pockets, and his eyes absolutely bug when he counts "one, two, three..." skipping a few and landing on "... uh, seventeen!? Yuh gets seventeen dem hetchets! Whutcha need senenteen hetchets fer!?"

A half-orc wearing several layered pelts stands at the ready. A smoldering cinderclaw gauntlet strapped to his arm but little else. He growls "I am Nakgu. I was a part of the Fangwood Forest, until the Hobgoblins uprooted most of it. I will give back what I can."

A well-dressed orc, wearing a turquoise cloak over well-used chainmail and using a trident as a walking stick, joins his assigned group in the large room. He doffs an oversized matching turquoise fez and says joyously, "My frriends. My frriends. Greetings! I am Mork: monster-hunter, dabbler in the occult, story-teller, and ..." he pauses here for effect and continues, "...and voted best-looking orc of my tribe." He bows and adds, "Haha. Mork knows what you think: Tribe must be small. Yet we number in the dozens!"

Very jovial and gregarious, the orc always has much to say. And sell. The linings of his cloak reveal all manner of reagents, powders, and trinkets. "Can Mork interest anyone in some rare esoterica? Mork was also voted best merchant in tribe." Then, as if it's perfectly normal, the orc holds up a unique set of wind chimes made of bits of silver, iron ore, and teak -- when he runs his fingers across the chimes, the sound is oddly pleasing to the ear.

Sensing Nakgu's... rage... Tao simply bows before him, allowing the orc of few words the space to let those chosen words settle in. She pauses a moment, not awkward, just, well, patient...

Until!

"Mork, friend, I am Tao, and this here is Bedwick" the boy eyeballs all the things in the thaumature's coat while his cousin continues to chat "I would love to peruse you assortment, yes!" keeping one eye on the light-fingered boy, she points to broach, earring, bracelet, toe ring, necklace, or anklet?: 1d6 ⇒ 2 an earring and says "Okay - how about that? What's it go for?"

Her own earrings - with, of course, plenty of room for more - dazzle with the dark opulence of black opal speckled multi-hued in the dim forest light, cutting the shape of a matronly crow, and jangling in the non-existant wind which, by deign of some insistent yet invisible force, stands to contrast with the otherwise calm and pleasant weather.

A human man walks in, carrying a shiny, unused Shelynite glaive on his back, decorated with intricately carved flowers; and a well-used shortbow.

And pie.

"I got it from Dacilane Academy," he says, as he offers some banana cream pie. "They've got infinite pie there."

Seeing Nagku decked out in pelts, Mork asks, in Orcish, "Those are fine hides, my frriend. Souvenirs from noble kills?"

Turning to Tao and Bedwick, "Ahhh ... Mork can tell you have impeccable tastes, my new frriends. Yes, yes. Mork has trinkets for all." The orc unhooks a silver earing from the lining of his cloak, and holds it out for Tao to inspect. "Normally such vintage antique jewelry would sell for 5 silvers, but it's your lucky day! For a fellow Pathfinder, just 2 silvers." It seems a fair price. While Mork is a merchant by trade, he would never profit off a member of the Society.

**HOUSE GM ANNOUNCEMENT**

The raucous excitement that has filled the room comes to a calm as four figures step to the center. Fola Barun and Eando Kline are accompanied by a scholarly elven man and a lithe, hooded figure. Eando clears his throat and begins.

“Agents, thank you for braving the not-quite-so safe trip to join us here in the heart of Iadara. While publicly still unwelcome within Kyonin, when we received a cryptic message bearing her majesty’s seal, asking us to come here and lend aid, we took the chance. One of our foundational principles is cooperation, and in doing so here we have opened the door to an opportunity to foster mutual respect, loyalty, and trust; perhaps even to rebuild a bridge long burnt. However, this is better explained by the envoy the queen has sent to us.”

With that, the hooded figure takes the center of the floor. A feminine voice begins to speak from behind the cowl that obscures their face. “Thank you, Pathfinders, for obliging the request to come. You see, things here in Kyonin are not what they seem... And, let me start by clearing some of the confusion by introducing myself properly.”

As the elf lifts her hood, it starts to shimmer, and then falls back upon her shoulders. She lifts her head, making eye contact with the audience surrounding her, all the while the crystal in the center of the circlet encircling her fair forehead glows with the new day’s dawn.

“I am Queen Telandia, and I hope you will accept my apologies for concealing my identity, but there are many here in Iadara, in Kyonin as a whole, who still hear the title Pathfinder and find a bad taste in their mouth. For them to find me meeting with you would be very... bad for my health. However, I know this opinion doesn’t need to stay the case—even if the glacial pace of elven politics seems nigh impossible to change. After speaking with your former Venture-Captain of Kyonin,” she gestures to the other elf in the entourage. “I have come to ask a great favor from your society, one that is surely dangerous, though I’m still trying to discern how much so. I am certain that your success at this mission will help me to prove your worth as allies to others, possibly even speeding up politics.

“As for why I have called you to this place: the Tanglebriar at the edge of Kyonin is a horrid place. A twisting swamp filled with abyssal energy and other horrors one dares not speak of. Thankfully, the corruption within Kyonin has been kept to there—that is,until now. My agents have found information that indicates an individual named Nathatel Zephon is actively working to spread the message of his ‘elves first’ manifesto and is possibly involved with the spreading corruption.”

Amplifying his voice for the room to hear, Venture-Captain Ciobanu comes into the explanation. “There are pockets of woods in Kyonin that are starting to resemble places that have been tampered with, not the least of all my hometown of Folien. Reports state the area around the town has become darker, more sinister. You can never take the same way home as how you got there, and the shifting navigation has made it nearly impossible to get through if you don’t already know exactly where it is you’re going.”

The queen continues, “I’m certain something is messing with the town, working to find a way to take control of it and the ley lines running through there. What I need from you is to find your way to the town, find out exactly what is causing these concerns, and neutralize it with whatever means you must.”

Fola looks to the agents gathered in the large underground tavern, and then back to the queen. “Your Highness, I believe this is a challenge we can take on, and we’re grateful you’ve determined we’re the right people to help you.”

Eando smiles. “Of course we are. Containing power from being accessed by an evil enemy? This happens to be my area of expertise.” Venture-Captain Ciobanu looks at the rest of the agents in the room. “What say you? Are you with us?” As a cheer erupts from the crowd, he smiles. “Well, we have but a few moments for questions, feel free to come and ask, but then we must be on our way.”

Table GMs, please begin Part 1

Nakgu grunts. "Yes, every part of the forest is used to survive." He strokes the deer pelt across his shoulders.

What do you know about Venture-Captain Ciobanu? Make a Diplomacy (DC 20), Society (DC 22), or relevant Lore skill like Pathfinder Society or Kyonin (DC 20) check. Failure means you know nothing pertinent.

What do you know about the Pathfinder Society's history with Kyonin? Make a Diplomacy (DC 18), Society (DC 20), or relevant Lore skill like Pathfinder Society or Kyonin (DC 18) check. If you are from Kyonin, your result is one step higher than the roll. Failure means you know nothing pertinent.

Everyone starts with 1 Hero Point. Feel free to purchase supplies and get school items.

Here are the list of events. You can complete them in any order. You'll have 10 minutes inbetween each event. You can also choose to take a single overnight rest at any point.

- Travel Event 1: Forest Campsite (Combat)
- Travel Event 2: Missing Agents (Skills or Combat)
- Travel Event 3: Friends or Foes (Social Skills)
- Travel Event 4: Navigating the Overgrowth (Navigation)
- Travel Event 5: Breaking Through (Skill Challenge)

To help with Play by Post, we'll do stack ranking. Please vote for which 3 events you want to do, and in the preferred order. I'll add up our votes and get us started on the winning vote. Please decide within 48 hours.

You are not expected to complete all of these before the next part.

A handsome man with graying temples joins his assigned group. He appears a little haggard after his voyage to Kyonin. His youthful countenance is overlayed by a certain world-weariness that makes it difficult to guess at his actual age. His frame is rather spare and his somewhat pale sallow skin give an impression of fragility, which is belied by his dark penetrating eyes and strong voice. He is dressed in a dark gray wool suit whose coat hangs down to the back of his knees. He wears a white high-collared shirt with a royal blue formal cravat around the neck that is tucked into the top of his waistcoat. A prominent silver tie pin in the form of a spiraling comet secures the folds of the cravat. Hanging from his leather belt is a sheathed dagger and a short bronze rod with the form of a serpent coiled around it. A white marble staff with a stylized knight of Lastwall raising a wickedly pointed sword is strapped to his back.

As he arrives, he spots a familiar face. "Why, if it isn't Isaku Beru. It seems an age since we walked the Maze of the Open Road. How have you been old friend?" After exchanging greetings with Isaku, he turns to the rest of the group. "Greetings fellow Pathfinders. My name is Mandoo. I expect my, um, special friend Libitina to be along shortly. I shall warn you when her arrival is imminent"

Mandoo and his eidolon, Libitina, are in constant telepathic contact, even when she's not at his side. I will regularly transcribe their communications with each other as below, but these should be treated as private and unheard by the other PCs.

{Did you say my name?}
[Yes. I was merely preparing them for your arrival]
{So you do not require my immediate presence then?}
[No, not yet. We're about to start the mission briefing, so no need for you to stand around here bored when you can take it easy back in the Boneyard]
{Bored? Do not talk to me of boredom until you have witnessed the birth, life and death of several universes}
[Ah. Fair enough]
{Right now I am sorting through the souls of billions of dead bacteria trying to decide which afterlife each should go to}
[A plum assignment no doubt]
{Not exactly. I apparently remain in Ceyannan's doghouse}
[I'll call on you soon]
{Please do}

Everyone starts with 1 Hero Point.

In Discussion, was it determined that we had enough glyphs for everyone to start with 2 each?

Mork listens with interest as all the important people describe the mission. On his way to Kyonin, the affable orc spoke with many friendly people who told him much about the area, including Ciobanu.
Diplomacy (Ciobanu) DC 20: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18
Alas, those conversations were over card games involving too much mead for him to recall all the details. "The Venture-Captain is...taller than I expected."

Mork then considers what he's heard about the Society's relationship with Kyonin.
Diplomacy (History w/ Kyonin) DC 18: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
He shares, "Mork remembers hearing that some of the elves accused the Pathfinders of looting their homes after Earthfall." He shakes his head sadly. "Surely not! We must show the locals that we are honorable allies."

Event Vote (is this an OOC vote, or shall we RP it?)
1) Forest Campsite (Combat)
2) Friends or Foes (Social Skills)
3) Missing Agents (Skills or Combat)

When Eando finishes up with his exhortations, Mandoo claps politely. "Well, that certainly was a rousing speech." He pauses and looks more closely at Venture-Captain Ciobanu...

Mandoo Action: Recall Knowledge (Diplomacy) with Diplomat's Badge vs. Ciobanu

Mandoo Diplomacy (Recall Knowledge) vs DC 20: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 1 = 32

..."I remember where I've heard that name now. Venture-Captain Ciobanu is from the town of Folien, and was the leader of the lodge in Kyonin, known as the Leaves of Talhindir. The Society had been making great headwinds in gathering information about the history of Kyonin prior to Earthfall when suddenly he disappeared while leading a covert operation with members of an elite team from his lodge. The stories say they were ambushed, with everyone in the group being assassinated by order of Queen Telandia. It's only recently that anyone even knew Ciobanu was still alive."

Mandoo Action: Recall Knowledge (Diplomacy) with Diplomat's Badge vs. Pathfinder Society's history with Kyonin

Mandoo Diplomacy (Recall Knowledge) vs DC 18: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 1 = 28

He then snaps his fingers as another memory surfaces. "Kyonin and the Pathfinder Society have been on uneasy terms for many years. When the elves returned after Earthfall, they found many of their artifacts had been looted from their homes, and with the Society’s reputation for taking first and asking later the residents of Kyonin have trouble trusting them." He drops his voice slightly to a whisper. "Not many know this, but the reason the lodge in Kyonin was shut down wasn’t due to speculation, but evidence gathered by the Queen’s agents that they had been transporting Kyonin treasures out of the country to the Society’s vaults in Absalom and beyond. With the elven members of the lodge seen as traitors, they were silently shut down, seemingly overnight."

{You seem quite the expert on these areas all of a sudden}
[Yes. Sometimes I surprise even myself with what I know about the world]

Mork's order looks fine to me too

1) Forest Campsite (Combat)
2) Friends or Foes (Social Skills)
3) Missing Agents (Skills or Combat)

Gather Information about Venture-Captain Ciobanu (Diplomacy) vs DC 20: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Gather Information about Society's history with Kyonin (Diplomacy) vs DC 18: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Turns out the elven folk of Kyonin are eager to talk about the venture-captain, but our boisterous hero's indelicate queries into the history of her organization and the nation are met with polite rejection, perhaps. Not anything she isn't used to. Not everyone likes to talk, or is even good at it!

"Give the man two silvers, Bedwick!" and as the boy struggles somewhat to pass the money in that direction, she pins the silver earring to his left ear "Handsome now, you little ruckus - let's thank him now!" she turn back to Mork "Remind me to Search Your Stars as the firmament collides with the earth - I suspect they give their light unto your twinklingly!"

Turning to "How do you do, Mandoo?" Tao sing-songs the sentence to her own amusement "I see you are not alone! A blessing and a curse, I know, never to have a moment's privacy to one's self..." her red bandana swirls up in a gust by some invisible force "So, this Libtina - do we get to meet? Or is she the more invisible type?"

If he engages her in conversation, our extroverted Varisian fills his ear until the mission briefing cuts the talk short. She looks left, then right, and decides she's okay to ask the obvious question, and so pipes up.

"Ciobanu, what is a ley line?"

While everyone is busy looking at whatever is going on with the weird hooded lady, Bedwick seizes the prime opportunity to snatch back the 2 silver from an unsuspecting Mork!

Steal (Thievery, Expert) w/ Pickpocket vs Mork (Perception DC 23): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

His mood elevated from the successful abscondence, he files back in line with Tao, rubs his "lucky" silver earring - which he now got for free! - and shifts his behavior back into what he knows his dutiful cousin would shower praise upon him for.

If she only knew!

Society 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Society 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"I head rumors the same as Mandoo" Nakgu shifts uncomfortably. "Why would the Queen have the assassinated?" His eyes lock with the hooded Elven Queen.

I am good with going in order or the concensus.

Venture-Captain Ciobanu approaches Tao and the rest of the group. "Ley lines are regions where magical power surges. If you stand on a ley line, magical spells of certain traditions tend to strengthen. And if you can find a node, it's especially potent. Those are usually well guarded."

He sighs. "But that's not why I came here, exactly." His concerned voice is tinged with fear. “Our forward scouts report a group of elves trapped in the woods. With all this ever-changing overgrowth, I’m not surprised, but I do worry what will happen if we don’t help them out. I need you to go and escort them back to the road so they can get to somewhere safer, away from whatever power is affecting the forest. Perhaps the ley lines have shifted.”

Once you finish acquiring resources, you make your way out of the camp. It doesn't take you too long to find the elves. Rather than traps, they seem to be huddled around a campfire. "Oh, howdy there!" A young elven woman waves and stands up along with her elven allies. "Are you lost? We're making some snacks." She lifts a branch covered in melted chocolate, marshmallow fluff and cookies. "Hungry? Put your weapons away and come sit with me."

Nakgu, make a DC 22 Will Save.

>Fire Campfire on Slide 6<

Will DC 22: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Nakgu looks around suspiciously. "Now, isn't the time for food. The ley lines have shifted and you will be trapped here soon. Please come with us to safety."

"That which gives vessel for the Spirit, and that which bestows Life - Ley Lines that touch upon these energies might strengthen my magic!"

She tucks a brownish-greyish Feather (Token (Fan) - School Item) into her bandana, and sets off to rescue the...

..."Alves!" he looks upset "Ain' they caint reskyu 'emsalves?" he drags his feet a little, kicks a stone...

...and arrives at the campfire, tummy grumbling "Don't kerry no wepens - jus' these!" he balls his hands into fists "Yeh - I kin eat - whutcha got!?" he smells the air to try and guess, then sees the treats "Uh. Yuh got Somemore o' those?"

"Bedwick - help us get these kind folks to safety like Nakgu says - the forest isn't safe and we got a bigger camp back that way" she indicates from the direction they came, talking both to her cousin as well as to the small group gathered around the fire.

"I'm Tao by the way. You've already met Nakgu, and this here is Mork and Mandoo - our other friends are on their way" she unravels her bladed scarf here, tautening it between her two hands - it glimmers red matching her bandana, a pair of hooked daggers sewn into the hems at either end, themselves semi-translucent, sharp enough to cut into incorporeal spirit-stuffs "Come now, don't dawdle, strange magicks afoot!"

"Oh, ya'll are no fun..." the leader snaps her fingers as her teammates turn in perfect sync, with blank stares and their hands reaching for their weapons. "But don't worry, I'll have you eating out of my hand in no time..." Her grin rides the line between indulgence to malice. She ignores Bedwick and keeps her glare on the adults. "Why settle for the appetizer, when the main course is in front of me?"

Bedwick says "Oh yeh!?" and bravely dives into the bushes, awaiting the perfect opportunity to sneak attack from ambush!

"Now, bring them to me so we can have an old fashioned cookout." She smiles, and the other elves draw their shortswords in perfect sync before advancing. She delays and keeps one of them close, telling them to delay.

Round 1
Mister Gray
Mister Red
Tao
Mork
Isaku
Emdi
Number One
Mister Green
Mandoo
Nakgu

>Forest Campfire Map<

The immaterial wind around Tao picks up, and a host of varisian musician apparitions wax into visibility, semi-tangible, playing a harp, bones, a penny-whistle... little rippling waves of distortion directed by the Oracle in tune with her athletic dance whirling her bladed scarf, amplifying the music into the ears of her nearby enemies as she wades into the center of the skirmish!

◆◆) Bane (Aura 5-ft @ -1 status enemy attacks)
◆) Stride
+
↺) Retributive Strike (Ally to Resist All 8, counter Strike)
↺) Death's Call (Focus, Cursebound)
~) First reaction to trigger!

At Tao's inquiries about Libitina, Mandoo smiles. "Invisible? Ha! Libitina is hardly the invisible type; quite the opposite. No, she'll be along presently. It's just that she can be a little imposing to the unititiated and I'd rather not cause a ruckus in a large gathering like this one."

Mandoo's consumable will be: Scroll (L3:Haste)

Once the group starts trudging their way through the forest to find the elves, Mandoo decides that it would be a good time to call on Libitina. "If we could pause here a minute my friends, I will ask Libitina to join us. She can be quite a sight for the unprepared, so please don't be alarmed."

[Looks like now is as good a time to join me as any, Tina]
{On my way}

Action 1, 2 & 3 (◆◆◆): Manifest Eidolon

A pulse of light in the form of a spiral comet shines from Mandoo's neck and is easily visible through his cravat as a smoky cloud forms beside him. From the cloud steps an 8ft-tall black-boned human skeleton with large glossy black raven-like wings sprouting from her scapulae. A 6ft long skeletal tail extends whip-like from the base of her pelvis. Her skull is covered by a polished black mask resembling a vulture’s skull, through which her glowing red eyes can be seen. In her hand she holds an adamantine scythe with a handle almost as long as her own body and featuring symbols from a long lost language etched onto its blade. A similar spiral symbol glows brightly from her forehead and is plainly visible through her mask.

[Good to see you again, dearest]
{My pleasure is on par with yours}

I know we've gone into encounter mode with initiative, but Mandoo would definitely have manifested Libitina as soon as they entered the forest. Libitina shares her initiative position with Mandoo.

Top 3 for Emdi:
Travel Event 1: Forest Campsite (Combat)
Travel Event 2: Missing Agents (Skills or Combat)
Travel Event 3: Friends or Foes (Social Skills)

I tried to put Emdi on the map with the 15' radius - it is visually distracting, and it makes it very difficult for others to click. I think he'll be fine with out. There's a standing order to use his Champion's Reaction at the first possible opportunity, basically, unless there's someone who really needs it later in the order.

Emdi brings out his shortbow, and mutters some discouraging words. "We came all the way here to rescue you, and this is the thanks we get? I don't know what else is going to happen to you when we get back to camp, but trust me, you're going to regret this."

Demoralize: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

Emdi is difficult to take seriously with cake on his face.

Then, he shoots the man in front of him - hopefully in the foot.

Shortbow, Nonlethal: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 15 - 2 = 30
Nonlethal: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + 1 = 7
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 4 plus immobilized

↺

Devise a Strategem vs White: 1d20 ⇒ 2

◆) Devise a Stratagem
◆) Stride
◆) Strike

Seeing no clear shot on White, Isaku advances upon Red, and jabs with his bayonet!

+1 Bayonet vs Red (Flanked): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 171d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Mork looks at his allies as they begin attacking, "My frriends, my frrriends ... Mork is confused. Weren't we supposed to find some trapped elves? Maybe these are them..." He wonders aloud, "...or is it 'these are they'?" Mork, one of the smartest orcs of his tribe, shrugs. He then studies the nearest (red) enemy to Exploit Vulnerability.

Mork nods and shares what he recalls with the group. "Mork knows much about elves. These ... these are acting like robots. Perhaps under a spell. Maybe best to attack non-lethally?" Mork strides into a flanking position with Nagku, rattles his wind chimes to empower his attack, and jabs his trident at the (red) enemy, careful to avoid hitting vital organs.

+1 Returning Trident +nonlethal vs Red: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 15 - 2 = 26 (vs flatfoot due to flanking)
Nonlethal Piercing Damage (+Implement +Weakness): 2d8 + 4 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (8, 6) + 4 + 4 + 5 = 27
Personal Antithesis weakness +5 has been added. If elves have actual weakness, please subtract 5 from damage and use highest weakness instead.

◆ Exploit Vulnerability, ◇ Esoteric Lore, ◇ Implement Empowerment (shaking wind chimes) for +4 damage, ◆ Stride, ◆ Strike

Thanks for the bot. Had to rush my dad to the hospital last night. He's stable and responding well to the meds but it's the overnight and the processing that's a doozy. I still need to update Isaku's statblock, which I'll do now.

Tao calls upon her ancestral spirits to curse her foes and moves up to help her allies flank.

Mork takes the opportunity to study the elf wearing a Red pauldron closely. For better or worse, this elf is simply an ordinary elf, with no real strengths or weaknesses. He suspects this one is a thief professionally, as he keeps scanning for loose items and loose equipment to steal and sneak attack.

He's also allergic to chocolate. Mork is certain of it, and takes advantage to hit him with a faint aroma of chocolate beans.

Isaku looks, but the man seems too well defended. Even his bayonet is unable to find purchase.

Emdi shoots the man with Gray boots in the foot at a critical time. He then tries to cajole the goons into surrendering, but they clearly aren't listening.

The elven woman in the back smiles and ushers the man in Green camouflage. "Oh, it's okay. I'll bring the goods to you." The man in Green advances on Mork.

Shortsword: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

She sighs as the man misses, but she locks eyes with Emdi. "All of this fighting must make you tired. How about you come here and try out some of these smores?"
I'll need a Will Save from Emdi.

Round 1
Mandoo
Nakgu

Round 2
Mister Gray (22 damage, Immobilized)
Mister Red (27 damage)
Tao (5 ft Bane)
Mork (Exploit Vulnerability vs Red)
Isaku
Emdi (Will Save, DC 22)
Number One
Mister Green

>Forest Campfire Map<

I'll need a DC 22 Will Save from Emdi.

Statblock is updated, Botting spoiler added!

Will: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 vs DC 22

"Ooh! S'mores! Hey, guys, they have s'mores!" Emdi looks at the horrified stares of his allies, and suddenly realizes ...

Will, Hero Point: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 vs DC 22

... the cake is a lie.

"Never!"

Nakgu growls at the betrayal "You dare mess with our minds?" He hunches down low as fury and pain grows in his eyes. The top forward section of his head begin to bleed as large antlers sprout and grow bigger and bigger from his head.

Going low he barrels past the elves to the elf messing with his mind as he rams her with his antlers.

Antlers: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
Damage, Bloody Blows, Rage: 2d10 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5, 8) + 4 + 2 = 19
Crit- 1d4 Persistent Bleed on a crit and DC 22 Fort or Slowed 1

◆ Rage (+9 Temp HP | +2 Damage | -1 AC)
◆◆ Sudden Charge

"That's right, juicy sweet s'mores! I got the best- grrr!" The woman growls as Emdi quickly snaps out of the trance. You all notice blood flowing from her nose as Emdi and Mork repel her invitation.
Mental Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 3, 4) = 13

"Who's messing with what? I read the recipe and every- EEEK!" Nakgu has had enough, and quickly barrels through the thicket to gore the woman with his horns.

Number One has taken 32 damage so far. Mandoo is up next.

[Oh dear. These elves appear to be laboring under some sort of enchantment]
{Yes. They do not seem to be behaving naturally}
[I suppose we better take it easy on them then]
{That is probably a wise approach given that we are supposed to bring them back alive}
[Sigh! Better get on with it then]

Mandoo and Libitina go into action. Mandoo casts some spells ("ବ୍ଲେଡ୍କୁ ତୀକ୍ଷ୍ଣ କର" and "ହାଡକୁ ହାର୍ଡେନ କରନ୍ତୁ"), while Libitina steps forward and carefully tries to cut down one of the elves.

Action 1 (◆): Act Together
- Mandoo Action (◇): Cast a Spell: Extend Boost
- Mandoo Action 1 (◆): Cast a Spell: Boost Eidolon vs Libitina
- Libitina Action 1: Step (5 feet)

Religion (Extend Boost) vs DC 22?: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

Failure means that Boost Eidolon spell lasts 1 round, but you don't spend the Focus Point for casting this.

Mandoo Action 2 (◆): Cast a Spell: Protect Companion [L3] vs Libitina - she's now at AC 25

Libitina Action 3 (◆): Strike (+1 Striking Ghost Touch Vanth Scythe) with Boost Eidolon, Spirit Touch and Nonlethal vs Flat-Footed Mister Red

Libitina Scythe Attack: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 14 + 1 - 2 = 25 vs Flat-Footed
Libitina Scythe Damage: 1d8 + 1d8 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + (6) + 4 + 4 = 17 nonlethal slashing damage
Libitina Scythe Spirit Touch Damage: 1 = 1 negative damage

Libitina swings and slaps the elf in Red with the flat part of the scythe.

"I can't believe this! I go to town, actually buy chocolate and marshmallows, and this green guy gets mad and hulks all over me!" The woman cries. "Get over here and protect me!"

The elf in Red and Gray seem to ignore the melee and immediately fall back to harass Nakgu.

Athletics: 1d20 ⇒ 18 The elf in Gray yanks Emdi's arrow and has enough time to swing his shortsword once.
shortsword: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

The one in Red has enough time to swing twice.
shortsword: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Piercing: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

The first blade critically cuts deep. Tao reacts, and a spirit seems to flit away from her to block some of the damage. She also retaliates, but her swing is wide. Nakgu's other allies are too far away to help, but his own anger ignores some of the blow.

Reduced 30 to 13 damage.

shortsword: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Piercing: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8
The followup strike hurts more.

"Okay, big guy! This was supposed to be my day off, but FINE!" The elven woman whines.

Round 2
Mister Gray (22 damage)
Mister Red (45 damage)
Tao (5 ft Bane)
Mork (Exploit Vulnerability vs Red)
Isaku
Emdi
Number One (32 damage)
Mister Green
Mandoo and Libitina (AC 25)
Nakgu (32 damage)

>Forest Campfire Map<

Looking over to see Bedwick safe "Stay there cousin - we'll come get you in a second" she advances once more to the center of the melee...

◆) Sustain Bane (Aura 10-ft @ -1 status enemy attacks)
◆) Stride
◆) Lay on Hands (Cursebound) vs Nakgu (+18 HPs, +2 status AC 1-rnd)
◇) Curse of Ancestral Meddling activates!
+
↺) Retributive Strike (Ally to Resist All 8, counter Strike)

Initial @ Ancestral Meddling (Martial, Skillful, Magical, or Choice?): 1d4 ⇒ 4 @ Choice ➤ Skillful
End of Turn @ Ancestral Meddling (Martial, Skillful, Magical, or Choice?): 1d4 ⇒ 3 @ Magical

A whirling dervish, the swirling musicians around our Varisian hero intensify, affecting enemies to a greater reach, and too, a druidic hand reaches out and touches Nakgu, curing his wounds and bolstering his stag hide to inure him from further injury - Tao's ancestral ghosts change hands quickly, the battle for her daily attention won out by the musicians, if temporarily ebbing to favor the mystics, and her eyes lose their pupils, and she seems to be discussing something with someone hidden, speaking in a language she does not, in fact, understand, as her own perception is overlayed by a seperate realm entirely, and still somehow keeping in tune with the martial kata of whirling knives by scarf!

Mork looks to the leader, "Mork will get to you shortly." The orc strides into a flanking position (with Tau, this time), continues rattling his wind chimes to empower his attack, uses essence of cocoa on his trident and stabs twice at the (red) enemy, once again being careful to avoid hitting any vital organs.

+1 Returning Trident +nonlethal vs Red: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 15 - 2 = 25 (vs flatfoot due to flanking)
Nonlethal Piercing Damage (+Implement +Weakness): 2d8 + 4 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (3, 8) + 4 + 4 + 5 = 24

+1 Returning Trident +nonlethal +MAP vs Red: 1d20 + 15 - 2 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 15 - 2 - 5 = 10 (vs flatfoot due to flanking)
Nonlethal Piercing Damage (+Implement +Weakness): 2d8 + 4 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (1, 5) + 4 + 4 + 5 = 19

◇ Implement Empowerment (shaking wind chimes) for +4 damage, ◆ Stride, ◆◆ Strike x2

Emdi will fire non-lethally at the most damaged minion, which might be Red or Grey, and then move up to provide a flank, against Grey (if Grey is still up) or Green, otherwise. (arrows show the two possibilities)

Shortbow, Non-lethal: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 15 - 2 = 18
Nonlethal: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 5) + 1 = 12
Crit?: 1d10 ⇒ 4 plus immobilized

Shortbow, Non-lethal, MAP: 1d20 + 15 - 2 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 15 - 2 - 5 = 23
Nonlethal: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 6) + 1 = 13
Crit?: 1d10 ⇒ 9 plus immobilized

↺

The elves cannot sneak attack Nakgu, so he took 14 damage from the first hit (removing 9 Temp HP, then blocked entirely by Tao's Reaction). The second hit dealt 11 damage (healed by Tao during the next round.) Nakgu has lost all Temp HP and taken no damage.

Mork takes the opportunity to slap the elf in Red once. The man is still standing, but quite woozy.

Round 2
Mister Gray (22 damage)
Mister Red (69 damage)
Tao (5 ft Bane)
Mork (Exploit Vulnerability vs Red)
Isaku
Emdi
Number One (32 damage)
Mister Green
Mandoo and Libitina (AC 25)
Nakgu (Rage)

>Forest Campfire Map<