Kingmaker - GM ST

Game Master SodiumTelluride

Adela disagrees. while it may be dangerous she feels that a religious site such as this needs to be restored. "We know there is something in the cave. Best to prepare and then draw it out so we can deal with it." She says quietly.

"We don't want whatever it is to decide to follow us and attack at its pleasure!"

We haven't actually met Jhod Kavken yet I believe. so that quest hook isn't known. But Adela is a bit opinionated on what you do with temples. :)

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Hearing the roar, Rhiann’s eyes widen, glad she thought of ‘testing the waters’ so to speak. ”Feel like there’s definitely something to the footprints not leading away from here. What bear, especially that size, based on the prints, doesn’t hunt?” she asks.

”I think Adela’s right. We leave here, it would likely track us after we leave, and could easily attack at night when we bed down. It knows we’re here, might as well find out what we’re dealing with.” she suggests. ”Carefully.”

"Okay, so what's the plan?"

Nothing about the scene changes as you deliberate from a distance. The creature (or creatures) seems content to let you stay where you are for as long as you like.

"If I cast Light on a stone and we throw it into the cave we might be able to see what we are dealing with?" Adela whispers. "I believe stepping into the temple will probably provoke it and draw it out. So we can be ready to strike first!"

Try to see what it is first, then draw it out while we're ready to hit it at range.

...

Hearing the roar, Rhiann’s eyes widen, glad she thought of ‘testing the waters’ so to speak. ”Feel like there’s definitely something to the footprints not leading away from here. What bear, especially that size, based on the prints, doesn’t hunt?” she asks.
...

Erik speculates: "A guardian beast sent by Erastil to preserve the shrine? That might not hunt..."

Anybody got a decent K Religion? I don't. Also, that sense motive check is makeable with a good dice roll, so Adela, Dare, Yuki; might want to fill your boots. I am hesitant to rush in after the shambling mound.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

"I doubt Erastil would use a bear as a guardian. His favored beasts are the Elk, deer and other hoofed creatures. Besides I don't believe this temple would be so decayed were it still in his favor?"

I think that would be a good level of detail for my roll?

Rhiann listens to Adela’s suggestion, as well as her assessment of the abandoned temple, and considers for a moment. ”That could definitely work. Everyone should have their bows or anything ranged ready, in case it charges out. I’ll be ready to strike if it rushes us.” she offers, readying her weapon.

Adela is confident this isn't common for a shrine to Erastil. Erastil has no particular affinity for bears, and while the lack of upkeep to the shrine probably bothers him much less than it would most others, he (like any deity) would have more to lose by scaring sentient people away than he could ever hope to gain from the local fauna.

Dare nods at Rhiann and one hand lights with a mystic glow. With her other hand she pulls a potion of shield of faith out of her belt pouch.

Adela has her crossbow loaded with a flaming bolt and is ready to act.

Before things start however she casts Bless on the party.

Bless fills your allies with courage. Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.

With a nod, Rhiann picks up a rock, waiting for Adela to cast her light spell on it before hurling it as far into the cave as she can, moving to stand a bit ahead of her companions, giving them room to use ranged attacks.

Erik whispers a prayer to the Horned Lord. With an arrow on the string, he eel's forward to a position where he can cover Rhiann...

Stealth: 1d20 + 3 + 3 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 3 + 3 - 3 = 17
3 rank +3 trained +3 dex -3 ACP

Adela casts Light on the stone and steadies herself for what is to come.

When the second stone lands with a splash in the fetid water, a creature makes its appearance. It is, in fact, a bear, though its brown fur is mottled with algae-green. It sees Rhiann, now much closer to the shrine, and it stands and roars a second time. Visible on its chest is a stag symbol very similar to the one carved into the shrine, but one that has been warped; an angry mockery of the gentle animal depicted in stone.

The bear makes no indication that it has noticed Erik, and starts to charge at the fighter!

Initiatives!

~~ Turn Order (Bold may act) ~~
Dare (Round 1)
Bear
Adela
Yuki
Rhiann
Erik

Erik is hidden right now, so on his (first) turn the bear will be flat-footed against him.

Dare is up!

Dare drinks her potion (+2 deflection bonus to AC) and moves around the rock toward Rhiann while drawing her sword.

The strange bear rushes forward to attack the intruders. Unlike most foes, it seems equally dangerous from all sides even during such a headlong assault.

Angry triple move. It has the Run feat and therefore is not flat-footed due to this action.

~~ Turn Order (Bold may act) ~~
Dare (Round 2)
Bear
Adela (Round 1)
Yuki (Round 1)
Rhiann (Round 1)
Erik (Round 1)

Party is up!

Erik assess the beast as it closes. As it closes with Rhiann, he steps from behind the rock he was using for cover, taking his bow to full pull...
SNAP!

move action - use studied target
5' step
standard action - shoot. I am within 30', thus PBS and sneak apply.

To hit: 1d20 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 24
1 bab +3 dex +1 studied target +1 PBS +1 bless

Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 + 1 + (3) = 10
+1 str + 1 studied target +1 PBS +1d6 Sneak Attack

Adela moves across to gain a better view of the bear.

crossbow + bless: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Wincing at her pathetic shot.

In case his advance creates an AoO (if not then this would be her normal attack roll)
Masterwork cold iron fauchard: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Slashing/reach/cold iron: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Bracing herself as the massive bear bears down on her, Rhiann brings her weapon up in a powerful slice, reversing direction immediately in a falling strike, before taking a step back, her stance ready to strike again should the opening present itself. (Combat reflexes. Reach weapon)

Masterwork cold iron fauchard: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Slashing/reach/cold iron: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Dare gets a little closer, while flinging a blob of magical plasma at it.

Acid splash, changed to fire damage via bloodline ability; +1 to fire damage from a favored class bonus I keep forgetting to add

Ranged Touch Attack, Bless: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

[dice=To hit]1d20+ 1 + 3 + 1+1 +1

1 bab +3 dex +1 studied target +1 PBS +1 bless

[dice=Damage] 1d8 + 1 + 1 +1 +1d6
+1 str + 1 studied target +1 PBS +1d6 Sneak Attack

Hit!

[dice=crossbow + bless] 1d20 + 2 + 1;

Miss!

In case his advance creates an AoO (if not then this would be her normal attack roll)

[dice=Masterwork cold iron fauchard]1d20+8
[dice=Slashing/reach/cold iron]1d10+3

It doesn't, unless you have some way of threatening 15-feet away from you. But that's a hit!

The bear receives a sudden volley of painful hits from both near and far, including a small burn.

~~ Turn Order (Bold may act) ~~
Dare
Bear -17
Adela
Yuki (Round 1)
Rhiann
Erik

Yuki is up! I will wait until tomorrow before botting her.

Where I am now is after taking a 5ft step back. It was 10 ft away from me after it ended its action

Where I am now is after taking a 5ft step back. It was 10 ft away from me after it ended its action

I get that, you had mentioned its movement provoking an attack of opportunity. I was just saying it doesn't unless you have a way of threatening one of the squares it had to move through to get within 10-feet of you.

Botting:
Yuki moves to get a clear shot at the bear.

Crossbow vs bear: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6
Hit!

* * * * *

Fortunately for Rhiann, the bear doesn't have a long reach and must get within striking distance to attack her.

Unfortunately for Rhiann, it does exactly that and rears up to swipe at her with a massive paw, seemingly heedless of the opening it has left its target. (This will provoke an attack of opportunity from you, so go ahead and roll it.)

Claw vs Rhiann: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Grab (vs CMD): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

With a practiced swipe, the bear pulls Rhiann in to smother her. (Awwww, poor thing just wants a hug :3)

~~ Turn Order (Bold may act) ~~
Dare (Round 3)
Bear -23
Adela (Round 2)
Yuki (Round 2)
Rhiann -7, grappled (Round 2 - Pending AoO)
Erik (Round 2)

Party is up!

Yuki moves in, trying to get into a flanking position with the giant furry creature, as she takes a jab at it with her rapier

Jab: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 = 25
Snickt: 1d6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (5, 5) = 16

The bear is 40 feet away from Yuki. Unless you have some way of increasing your movement (quicker than a move action) you will have to double move to get within melee reach.

Also, are you keeping your crossbow in one hand and drawing your rapier with the other? Or dropping your crossbow?

keeping crossbow. She'll just move closer then, hopefully join in turn 3

Biting her lip in concern Adela takes careful aim to avoid hitting Rhiann.

crossbow - Firing into melee: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 2 - 4 = 13
damage + Fire: 1d10 + 1d4 ⇒ (10) + (4) = 14 I doubt that was a hit, but just in case.

And of course on a miss the RNG gives me maximum damage! :(

She moves closer to the Bear in case a Channel is needed.

Getting just close enough by another step or so, Dare lets loose with her signature burning hands spell, angling it carefully to engulf the bear but not Rhiann.

Fire Damage, FCB +1, Reflex save DC 14 for half: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (1, 3) + 1 = 5

As she casts, she prepares her stance to adjust for a possible need to cast carefully if the bear gets closer.

5' step, cast spell, move action to activate Martial Flexibility to gain Combat Casting feat for 1 minute

Erik circles around the brawl, and takes a precise shot into the pile...

move action - 30 '
standard action - shoot. I am within 30', thus PBS. Also, I have Precise Shot, so no penalty for shooting into melee

To hit: 1d20 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 24 Also, the bear has a reduced Dex due to the Grappled condition
1 bab +3 dex +1 studied target +1 PBS +1 bless

Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 8
+1 str + 1 studied target +1 PBS

Even as the terrifying beast bears down on her, Rhiann takes advantage of the opening, swinging a powerful rising slash across the bear’s body as it rears up. Her satisfaction immediately evaporates as the beast’s massive paw hooks into her shoulder, bringing her in with crushing force.

AoO Masterwork cold iron fauchard: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Cold iron/slashing: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Trapped, with no room to use her preferred weapon, she quickly drops her fauchard, grasping the handaxe taken from the fallen bandit leader hanging off her hip and planting it into the creature’s well-muscled back with as much force as she can.

Masterwork handaxe/grappled (vs grappled AC): 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 2 = 20
Slashing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Reflex - grappled: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 - 2 = 5

[dice=crossbow - Firing into melee] 1d20 + 2 - 4;

[dice=damage + Fire] 1d10 + 1d4; I doubt that was a hit, but just in case.

Miss! (Even being grappled.)

[dice=Fire Damage, FCB +1, Reflex save DC 14 for half]2d4+1

Fail! Full damage.

[dice=To hit] 1d20 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 Also, the bear has a reduced Dex due to the Grappled condition

1 bab +3 dex +1 studied target +1 PBS +1 bless

[dice=Damage] 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1
+1 str + 1 studied target +1 PBS

Sure does. Hit!

[dice=AoO Masterwork cold iron fauchard] 1d20+8

[dice=Cold iron/slashing]1d10+3

[dice=Masterwork handaxe/grappled (vs grappled AC)]1d20+6-2
[dice=Slashing]1d6+2

Two hits!

The bear takes an unexpectedly fast barrage of weapon attacks and magical flames and quickly succumbs to its many wounds. But while a normal animal would whimper in pain, or try to run away, or perhaps even roar in defiance, in its last moments the bear gives an almost human sigh and seems almost relieved.

Its dead body collapses on top of Rhiann, a crushing weight of fur and bulk-- but even as she pushes against it and fights for air, the body begins to shrink. The body of the cursed bear shapeshifts into an incredibly old man, a look of contentment on his face as though death was a relief to him. Then the old man crumbles into a pile of dust, his final transformation complete.

The effect is not limited to the body. With the bear dead, the entire shrine becomes a more vibrant and peaceful place, as though this death had brought new life to it. The chipped and weathered stones seem to shine as though newly-polished, and the algae in the pool dissolves and vanishes. Indeed, the water is now more crystal-clear and refreshing-looking than you might have thought water could be. The edges of the pool glow softly with a faint golden light.

Combat over!

As the bear dies, Dare darts forward to pull the beast off Rhiann and gapes as it transforms, first as she struggles and then realizing he is getting lighter. Gaping at not just his but the area's transformation, she drops the now-man and offers Rhiann a hand if she needs help getting up.

"By the gods. You were right to say we shouldn't ignore this, Adela."

After a moment, she scans the now-glowing pool with magical senses.

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

But she cannot make sense of the works of the gods.

"That was... Yucky... And I told you something may try to eat your face!" even in jest she was still very relieved nothing of the sort a finally happened and they all were still, mostly, in one piece

"You okay Rihann? That looked like a very nasfy hit you took?"

Knowledge arcana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 Pffft!

Adela can't help but feel very pleased, she studies the pool of water and then blinks in surprise. "Drink from the water if you're hurt. It will heal you."

Looking around she smiles Erastil has lifted the curse on his shrine it seems. We should send word to the Temples in Restov. Hopefully a Priest will be sent to tend the shrine again."

She gathers the ashes of the fallen 'bear' and gives them a proper burial. Praying to Pharasma to send whoever he was on to his rest.

Rhian feels a wave of relief wash over her as the bear’s body goes slack, quickly shiftingto near panic as the creature’s massive bulk collapses on her, threatening to crush the air from her lungs. The abrupt beginning of the beasts’ transformation, coupled with Dare’s aid and her own efforts, manages to get her free, and she gratefully accepts the hand up, taking a moment longer to notice the transformation that has her friends captivated.

”I am now,” she replies to Yuki, rolling her shoulder and letting out a hiss of pain from the vicious clarmarks in her skin. ”Glad I didn’t have to take another one of those.”
Looking around as the shrine becomes what it clearly was at some time in it’s past she flashes the cleric a grin. “ You were definitely right about this place Adela!”

As she explains the change to the now crystal clear pool, the fighter’s eyes widen. Reaching into her pack, she takes out a tin cup, filling it with water, and taking a deep breath before drinking.

She makes a small sound of surprise as the cool, almost effervescent sensation fills her mouth and goes down her throat, her wounded flesh beginning to knit itself back together.

Erik whispers a half-remembered prayer to Erastil (for the successful completion of a hunt) from his childhood. He asks his friends "All right, what the hell was that?"

While awaiting answers, he searches the shrine (being careful of any potential traps):

Perception: 1d20 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 26
3 rank +3 trained +2 racial+1 wis

Could probably use some detect magic support in this search...

knowledge religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Thinking of her limited knowledge of Erastil Adela gives her theory. "All the gods have their own ways of punishing those who have offended them. Erastil is the god of family, farming, hunting and trade. So I think cursing someone with the shape of a wild animal would be how he shows his anger?"

She sighs, "As best as I can guess he was bound here in the form of the bear for displeasing Erastil in some way? As long as he was bound here the shrine was cursed. When we ended his suffering it ended Erastil's displeasure and the shrine was renewed."

Best guess from Adela. Who was good girl and paid attention in church. :)

"That would explain the...almost sigh of relief I heard come from him with his final breath " Rhiann says with a shrug.

It would also explain why as a follower of Erastil she felt so at ease her now that the shrine was restored.

"We should check out the cave, and make sure we map this spot."

...

Thinking of her limited knowledge of Erastil Adela gives her theory. "All the gods have their own ways of punishing those who have offended them. Erastil is the god of family, farming, hunting and trade. So I think cursing someone with the shape of a wild animal would be how he shows his anger?"

She sighs, "As best as I can guess he was bound here in the form of the bear for displeasing Erastil in some way? As long as he was bound here the shrine was cursed. When we ended his suffering it ended Erastil's displeasure and the shrine was renewed."

...

Erik thinks "So Erastil wrecked his own shrine by putting a cursed monster in it, as opposed to cursing this guy and casting him out in the wilderness... Not sure that I believe that.", but all he says is "The ways of the divine are mysterious, at least to me."

"I for one am glad the place is restored. I have my own theory, but likeErik said, I'm not really learner about all the gods and their ways. So it ended much better than it could have" she looks around a bit, her eyes lingering on the transformed human.

"Uhm... I MAY have left a few things out when we first met... And this little happenstance reminded me that perhaps I should reveal a few things" the elf girl seems a bit hesitant and also shy about what she was saying

"I for one am glad the place is restored. I have my own theory, but likeErik said, I'm not really learner about all the gods and their ways. So it ended much better than it could have" she looks around a bit, her eyes lingering on the transformed human.

"Uhm... I MAY have left a few things out when we first met... And this little happenstance reminded me that perhaps I should reveal a few things" the elf girl seems a bit hesitant and also shy about what she was saying

Erik focuses his attention on Yuki (Uses Studied target), as he takes a step away and puts his hand on his rapier...

Adela looks at Yuki curiously, but waits for what she is about to reveal?

Erik has the paranoia covered. :)

As she explains the change to the now crystal clear pool, the fighter’s eyes widen. Reaching into her pack, she takes out a tin cup, filling it with water, and taking a deep breath before drinking.

She makes a small sound of surprise as the cool, almost effervescent sensation fills her mouth and goes down her throat, her wounded flesh beginning to knit itself back together.

Cure light wounds, CL 5: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

The cool water tastes almost sweet on Rhiann's tongue. As it washes through her body it takes both the pain and the wounds with it. In only a few moments, the warrior woman is completely healed and revitalized.

While awaiting answers, he searches the shrine (being careful of any potential traps):

[dice=Perception] 1d20 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 1
3 rank +3 trained +2 racial+1 wis

Erik sees neither traps nor any explanation for how the strange bear-creature came to be here. Deepening the mystery even further, he also sees none of the normal signs of a bear having made its lair here-- no animal bones, no droppings. Indeed, with Rhiann's wounds now fully healed, the tracks left in the grass and the scratch marks on the pillars and rock face are the only evidence the creature was ever here at all.

To Adela's theory, Dare offers an alternative thought: "Maybe someone cursed him and the shrine. Shrine gets uncursed on his death."

Dare looks over the man, not so much looking for treasure (though if she finds some, great) but trying to identify tattoos or clothing that would indicate who he was and how he got here. Can I take 20? While I hope we'll explore the temple, I don't think we're in a hurry, especially while Yuki's talking.

When Yuki begins speaking, Dare frowns with concern. "What's going on, Yuki?"

The body of the cursed bear shapeshifts into an incredibly old man, a look of contentment on his face as though death was a relief to him. Then the old man crumbles into a pile of dust, his final transformation complete.

The body is no longer there, it Thanos-ed/Mother Gothel-ed into dust.

The elf girl looked really uncomfortable. Finally, slapping her cheeks, she takes a deep breath

"Okay, so this isn't the only way I look, or can look, but know that this is still me. Mother and father said even high end magic will reveal this form of me. So don't be scared. You see, we don't usually show others our other form, it's usually met with mobs etc. but seeing this here, it may be best you all know before some other event reveals me and I get into trouble" she makes sure most are out of weapon reach, years of stories has made her a bit paranoid about what she was about to do

Slowly she starts to shift, her ears and eyes all shifting into other positions, as a giant almost white fluffy tail sprouts from her rump, fur starts to cover her whole body,her legs making almost audible clicking and cracking sounds as she goes from plain bipedal to digitigrade legs.

Soon the Arctic Kitsune was revealed in her traditional form, bright green eyes looking back at her party

"Tadaa..." she pronounces sheepishly as she spreads her arms out

GM ST wrote:

The body of the cursed bear shapeshifts into an incredibly old man, a look of contentment on his face as though death was a relief to him. Then the old man crumbles into a pile of dust, his final transformation complete.

The body is no longer there, it Thanos-ed/Mother Gothel-ed into dust.

Sorry, remembered the death was relief line, somehow missed the following sentence. As Dare was touching him, she will then start brushing weird curse death ash off herself.

Dare watches, blinking in amazement.

"Oh. Okay. I mean, are... are you a weresomething? Or? Why would people mob you?"