GM Erich's PFS2e #2-02 Mountain Of Sea And Sky (3-6) (Inactive)

Game Master Thereus, Silver Crusader

Marigold gasps with delight at their appearance. ”See? I told you!”

She waves enthusiastically at them. ”Hi! Marigold Longfoot, lovable rogue! We’re with the Pathfinder Society, helping to bring balance to the…stuff! Pleased to meetcha!”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

The kodama exchange furtive glances with each other. With a strange mixing of voices to convey a single message amongst them they reply in common. "How do you bring balance?"

Try another Diplomacy check (and potential aids from anyone)...

”So there’s this nature priest lady who saw the island’s out of whack, and she’s sending us to these…whatchacall…gates, and putting stuff there. Like this tree!”

She points to the tree, and gives Ulfgar a thumbs-up.

”And it made the rocks light up! And then you guys, those guys” She points at the stones.

”Showed up. So yeah, like that!”, she beams.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

Tandang helps Marigold by collecting some fruits and leaves to offer to the nature spirit.
Nature to Aid: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

"This is not much, but I hope you accept our offer."

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 aid nature

A large number of the kodama step forward, filling the clearing in semicircular arcs around the menhir circle. With the same chorus of alternating voices they intone "You seem like good creatures. Why did you plant the tree here though? The island is large."

One more Diplomacy check should do it (potential aids from anyone again)...

Elsha is very fascinated by the spirits gathered around them, even moreso than the rainbow tree.

To aid in Marigold's negotiation with them he takes a different angle than Nature, which is familiar to them. He shows them a map of Absalom, and asks them if they know of kindred spirits guarding the trees in parks there.

Aid (Society): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Czav is silent during the whole discussion. It seems rather obvious from his facial expressions that he doesn't understand how Marigold manages to convince the creatures.

”Well sure, and it’s a beautiful island by the way”, Marigold replies, ”but these gates are in special spots, and the stuff we put there are like keys, so we have to use the keys at the gates. I mean, you wouldn’t try to open a door by using a key on the shrub in front of the house, would you?”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

The kodama chorus repeats "Then this is a door..." in increasing levels of realization, before concluding "...and we must protect it."

One of the kodama waddles forward and places a short rope of braided straw at Marigold's feet. "For the keymaster..." it bows and is mimicked by a few trailing kodama behind.

Several other kodama gather around the freshly planted rainbow cedar sapling before one weaves another rope of braided straw around the sapling’s trunk, marking it as their ward. The sapling takes a shimmering glow, and all the kodama in the clearing rattle at once for several seconds and then vanish instantly. The rainbow cedar retains its magical sparkle after they leave.

-------------------------------

With the ritual foci placed, it is time to return to Kukha. She stands before the main gate of the once-proud fortress. Dusk is beginning to fall on Kayajima, lighting the clearing in a sunset glow.

"I sense you have done as asked. Very good. It is time to complete the ritual, then, before it gets too late. Hurry, stand here for safety."

Feel free to make any common sense preparations knowing that rituals sometimes go awry...

The spires and walls of Kayajima Fortress cast long shadows across the expanse as Kukuha dons a ceremonial cap and sash and stands at the center of the clearing, eyes closed.

A low rumble sounds, and the earth shakes. From the northeast, tendrils of golden energy ripple through the air like gusts of wind. From the southeast, waves of azure light flow across the ground, like the ocean crashing against the shore. And from the northwest, lines of verdant energy snake like roots through the earth. The energy trails dance toward Kukuha, gathering in larger and more vibrant swaths and forming a dome around her.

Suddenly, a loud droning hum emits from the statue at the wall. The etchings in the statue glow as it begins to rise with the sound of grinding stone. A massive construct stands fully upright, bathing the clearing in cobalt light as energy flows through the etchings covering its body. Its glowing eyes fix on Kukuha, crackling with power.

New picture and map

"Well, that should not have happened." She performs a brief series of gestures with a feather fan before sinking to her knees and thrusting her talons into the earth. Almost instantly, each of you are surrounding with a faint blue glow.

She has imbued each of you with a protection that grants a +2 circumstance bonus to AC and 10 temporary Hit Points until the end of the encounter.

Before you can react, Aojimitsu the dragon summons what strength and courage he has to leap up and over the treeline and with a terrifying roar unleashes a breath of highly pressurized water at the guardian that cracks the guardian’s armor.

"Good luck! Don’t get et!" He exclaims with a laugh before disappearing again toward the sea.

Round 1 - Bold can act
Aojimitsu
Elsha
Purple Guardian Statue
Czav
Graeyson
Tandang
Marigold
Ulfgar

The wall is 15 feet tall. There are small handholds and footholds on the south side of each of the rounded towers (DC 20 Athletics to Climb). There is also a 15 foot wide tunnel through the main gate that is currently open (white dotted lines).

Elsha isn't sure that his last bomb will damage the creature, so instead he moves to get a good look and tries to remember important things about constructs, and perhaps this one.

◆ Stride◆ Stride
◆ Recall knowledge (whichever applies: Arcana +13, Nature +9, Occultism +11, Religion +9)

@Elsha While it is clearly a stony construct of some type (with its requisite immunities), you are unsure of this unique creature's weaknesses or resistances, although hardness is likely.

Elsha forms a simple barrier for the statue's advance as he tries to probe it for some obvious weakness. It advances with purpose, the blue sigils on its frame pulsing with every heaving step and fills the tunnel under the fortress wall. With a clean sweep of its massive arm it tries to wipe the alchemist away before a tight pulse of fire shoots from its eyes and just misses the barbarian as the flames fade around the magical aura that surrounds him.

purple fist (bludgeoning) vs Elsha: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 392d12 + 6 ⇒ (10, 2) + 6 = 18
purple eye beam (fire) vs Czav: 1d20 + 14 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 14 - 5 = 224d6 + 10 ⇒ (4, 6, 4, 5) + 10 = 29

Round 1 - Bold can act - all have +2 circumstance bonus to AC and 10 temporary Hit Points
Aojimitsu
Elsha -36 damage
Purple Guardian Statue
Czav
Graeyson
Tandang
Marigold
Ulfgar

Marigold waves at the departing dragon. ”Thanks Aoji!”

Then she turns toward the statue, and nocks an arrow. ”I’ll try to slow it down!”, she shouts.

As she draws it, green tendrils sprout from the head. She lets it fly.

Eldritch Shot (Tanglefoot)

Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29
Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4P
-10 Speed for 2 rounds, immobilized on crit, Escape DC 22

Elsha grunts in sheer pain and whimpers medic!

He would have had at least one dagger out waiting for trouble while the ritual was being cast

The ranger will move up and as he does so will mark the biggy guy as his favored foe

Ulfgar rolls his eyes as though this were just what he expected, spits to the side, then marches into battle, focusing on the statue and giving his allies a little room in case the thing has the ability to affect a wide are.

◆ Stride◆ Stride
◆ Hunt Prey

Czav charges the creature and attacks it fiercely.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Czav first attack is extremely inaccurate...

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Slashing damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

But his second attack is much more precise and hits the creature (I assume) but his blow lacks power.

Tandang rushes behind Elsha and does some quick patching of the wounds.
DC 15 Battle Medicine: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Healing: 2d8 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 HP to Elsha (wow, seriously, dice?!)

He then draws out from his stock a lesser healing potion to give it to the alchemist.

◆ Stride
◆ Battle Medicine
◆ Interact to draw lesser healing potion

Czav is able to scrape his weapon against the creature, but its stony exterior proves too daunting. Tandang attempts to heal the unlucky alchemist, but the bandages were wet. Marigold's arrow doesn't penetrate, but the tendrils at least do their trick. The two rangers reposition and focus their attention solely on the statue's movements.

Two of the adult Kayajima griffons screech triumphantly as they rise over the forest ridge and divebomb the guardian’s eyes in a one‑two combination, causing the guardian’s eyes to flicker erratically and causing its head to tilt strangely to the side for a moment. The griffons retreat after the attack, screeching again as they fly off into the darkening skies.

Round 2 - Bold can act - all have +2 circumstance bonus to AC and 10 temporary Hit Points
Griffons
Elsha -34 damage
Purple Guardian Statue <-10 speed>
Czav
Graeyson <hunt prey purple>
Tandang
Marigold
Ulfgar <hunt prey purple>

Elsha backs quite a ways away and draws his sling.

Yup. D-definitely don't think my last bomb works against this one.

◆ Stride◆ Stride◆ Interact: draw sling

@GM: Remember that Elsha has 10 extra hit points (the temporary ones).

Czav prepares for the assault that should soon come.

@Czav, I was keeping track, but I should list them in your status instead.

Elsha repositions with new weapon in hand. The guardian struggles against the eldritch loops and lashes out wildly with powered fist and eye.

purple escape vs tanglefoot: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18
purple fist (bludgeoning) vs Czav: 1d20 + 19 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 19 - 5 = 162d12 + 6 ⇒ (11, 3) + 6 = 20
purple eye beam (fire) vs Tandang: 1d20 + 12 - 10 ⇒ (4) + 12 - 10 = 64d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 1, 4, 1) + 8 = 18

Round 2 - Bold can act - all have +2 circumstance bonus to AC
Griffons
Elsha -24 damage
Purple Guardian Statue <-10 speed>
Czav <10 temp hp>
Graeyson <hunt prey purple, 10 temp hp>
Tandang <10 temp hp>
Marigold <10 temp hp>
Ulfgar <hunt prey purple, 10 temp hp>

Ulfgar nods in approval as the animated statue flails wildly. Sometimes it was good to make friends along the way.

He steps ◆ up to the statue, forming a wall with Czav to keep it within the tunnel.

Then, he gets to work.

◆ Quickdraw
Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Slashing: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (8, 7) + 3 = 18

◆ Quickdraw
+1 Striking Clan Dagger(MAP): 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 - 2 = 25
Piercing: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 3 = 10

Marigold reaches for another arrow, but sees the others closing in to pin it in the tunnel, screening her view. She pats Elsha on the back with a “Go get ‘em!”, and heads for the tower.

Stride, Climb x2

Athletics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Athletics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Just so I am clear, do we have to move up on the wall to get into melee combat with the statue thingy?

Just so I am clear, do we have to move up on the wall to get into melee combat with the statue thingy?

Nope, it’s in a tunnel going through the wall

He magically removes some rock from the fort to bludgeon at the statue before he raises his shield. "Oy, come back here! Get this potion!" he calls Elsha when he retreats.

◆◆ Cast a Spell, Scatter Scree (2nd) Spell DC 20 basic Reflex save vs 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 = 8 bludgeoning damage
◆ Raise a Wooden Shield (+2 to AC)

The ground in the area becomes difficult terrain for the 1-minute duration. A creature can Interact to clear a square of this scree. As white squares on Map.

Czav waits for Graeson to tumble through the statue (I play my round to avoid blocking the adventure, but it happens after Graeson's turn in case I have flanking) and attacks it (the statue) relentlessly.

First Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Second Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Third Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Unless it has a ridiculous AC, these are 3 beautiful misses.

The gigantic creature is hard to attack and Czav fails at even scratching the statue.

Czav sadly cannot connect but Graeyson and Ulfar do. Tandang's scree does not seem to harm the creature. Its formidable stone exterior deflects much of the impact of the blades that strike it. Marigold makes it to the top of the wall.

A small contingent of kodama flood out from nearby trees and use their primal magic to summon grasping roots from the earth that coil around the guardian’s legs and pin it to its spot within the tunnel.

Round 3 - Bold can act - all have +2 circumstance bonus to AC
Kodama -11 damage <immobilized>
Elsha -24 damage
Purple Guardian Statue <-10 speed>
Czav <10 temp hp>
Graeyson <hunt prey purple, gravity weapon, 10 temp hp>
Tandang <10 temp hp>
Marigold <10 temp hp>
Ulfgar <hunt prey purple, 10 temp hp>

Y-yes, right. Elsha responds wearily when Tandang calls out to him.

He trudges forward in hopes to try a simple shot with his sling.

◆ Stride
◆ Stride
◆ Interact: reload sling

The guardian aims its eye beams at the grasping roots that immobilize it, searing through the tendrils until it is free again. The kodama rattle loudly and scatter into the woods.

With a thundering punch the guardian announces its return to Ulfgar.

purple fist (bludgeoning) vs Ulfgar: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 382d12 + 6 ⇒ (7, 8) + 6 = 21

Everyone is up

Round 3/4 - Bold can act - all have +2 circumstance bonus to AC
Purple Guardian Statue -11 damage <-10 speed>
Czav <10 temp hp>
Graeyson <hunt prey purple, gravity weapon, 10 temp hp>
Tandang <10 temp hp>
Marigold <10 temp hp>
Ulfgar -32 damage <hunt prey purple>
-------------------
Elsha -24 damage

Marigold runs along the top of the wall, and drops down behind the statue.

”Woo hoo!…OOF!”

She picks herself up, and shakes her head to clear it. Noticing the others, she waves from behind the statue.

Stride, Leap (Cat Fall cancels 10’ of falling), Stand

"OOF" Ulfgar says for a completely different reason as he is pounded by the statue.

He grits his teeth at the pain and goes to work.

◆ Twin Strike - if both hit, combine damage before applying resistances and weaknesses.

Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Slashing: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (8, 7) + 3 = 18

+1 Striking Clan Dagger (MAP): 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 - 2 = 28
Piercing: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9

◆ Clan Dagger Strike
+1 Striking Clan Dagger (MAP): 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 10 - 4 = 18
Piercing: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3) + 3 = 8

◆Twin Parry - AC goes to 23

Reminder: Ulfgar is flanking with Marigold

"Let me help you drink this." Tandang opens the potion and pours it into Elsha's mouth.
Healing: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 7) + 5 = 19 HP for Elsha

He then draws out another lesser healing potion and moves behind Ulfgar. "Do you want me make you Large? That would make the fight even for both of you."

◆ Interact to activate the potion
◆ Interact to draw potion
◆ Stride

The ranger attempts another twin take down
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 +1 striking club
1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 4 = 25 +1 striking dagger
2d4 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 + 4 = 10 slashing
1d8 ⇒ 4 Precicon

and then attempts another dagger slash
1d20 + 11 - 8 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 8 = 20
2d4 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2) + 2 + 4 = 9

Czav continues his relentless attacks, hoping to attract the creatures attention in the process as he hates when the enemies don't retaliate.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Slashing damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

He only manages to hit the creature once, but he hits with great power.

Elsha gulps down the healing potion from Tandang eagerly.

Th-thanks! He exhales and focuses his attention on the construct.

◆ Strike sling attack, B damage: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 311d6 ⇒ 2
◆ Interact: reload
◆ Strike sling attack, B damage: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 5 = 201d6 ⇒ 4

Czav and Graeyson continue to have trouble getting through the armored defenses. Tandang helps out the alchemist. Marigold lands and stands. Ulfgar is able to find the pin that binds the constructs armor and it snaps from his dagger strike, leaving a shifting ridge in the plates that can now be targeted by all in the future (which Elsha does with two expert stones). Sensing its new weakness, the guardian lashes out with a pair of mis-swings at the dwarf, then targets the slinger with an errant eye beam.

purple fist (bludgeoning) vs Ulfgar: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 202d12 + 6 ⇒ (8, 5) + 6 = 19
purple fist (bludgeoning) vs Ulfgar: 1d20 + 19 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 19 - 5 = 192d12 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 = 12
purple eye beam (fire) vs Elsha: 1d20 + 12 - 10 ⇒ (4) + 12 - 10 = 64d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 4, 4, 4) + 8 = 22

Round 4/5 - Bold can act - all have +2 circumstance bonus to AC
Purple Guardian Statue -39 damage <-10 speed>
Graeyson <hunt prey purple, gravity weapon, 10 temp hp>
Tandang <10 temp hp>
Marigold <10 temp hp>
Czav <10 temp hp>
Ulfgar -32 damage <hunt prey purple>
-------------------
Elsha -5 damage

The reticent alchemist gets a glint in his eye.

I-I'm starting to thing we can deal with this thing! Ulfgar, good job finding a weakness!

His sling whirs up again, make an audible whoosh in the air. Then the round metal bullet *FWHIPP*s out of it and...

◆ Interact: reload sling
◆ Strike: sling attack, B damage: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 311d6 ⇒ 6
◆ Interact: reload sling

impacts the weak spot!

”Alright!”, Marigold cheers. ”Now let’s see what else we can jimmy loose on this thing!”

She draws her short sword, and starts prodding for flaws in the statue.

Interact, Strike x2

Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17 (flanking)
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 3) + 4 = 9 +Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12P

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26 (flanking)
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8 +Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6P

Ulfgar grunts and nods, though whether at Elsha's praise or his own satisaction at seemingly making progress against the statue is difficult to tell.

In either case, he continues attacking and, though the specific strikes are different, the pattern stays the same.

◆ Twin Strike - if both hit, combine damage before applying resistances and weaknesses.

Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Slashing: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (8, 2) + 3 = 13

+1 Striking Clan Dagger (MAP): 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 10 - 2 = 21
Piercing: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1) + 3 = 8

◆ Clan Dagger Strike
+1 Striking Clan Dagger (MAP): 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 10 - 4 = 7
Piercing: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 4) + 3 = 10

◆Twin Parry - AC goes to 23

"Let's destroy this thing!"

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Slashing damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

As usual, only Czav's second attack is accurate.

Tandang activates the lesser healing potion he is holding for Ulfgar to drink.
Healing: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (4, 3) + 5 = 12 HP for Ulfgar.

He then cast a spell to Ulfgar to make him Large.

◆ Activate lesser healing potion
◆◆ Cast a Spell, Enlarge

Lather, rinse, repeat

The ranger tries to take advantage of the creature's difficulty and attacks again
Twin Take Down
Club 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 4 = 17

Dagger 1d20 + 11 - 8 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 8 = 9

The group continues to pummel the guardian, its disconnecting armor buckling with every blow. It spins to face the threat at its rear, then pivots again to blast the master slinger.

purple fist (bludgeoning) vs Marigold: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 202d12 + 6 ⇒ (7, 8) + 6 = 21
purple fist (bludgeoning) vs Marigold: 1d20 + 19 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 19 - 5 = 182d12 + 6 ⇒ (1, 11) + 6 = 18
purple eye beam (fire) vs Elsha: 1d20 + 12 - 10 ⇒ (18) + 12 - 10 = 204d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 6, 5, 5) + 8 = 25

Round 5/6 - Bold can act - all have +2 circumstance bonus to AC
Purple Guardian Statue -85 damage <-10 speed>
Czav <10 temp hp>
Graeyson <hunt prey purple, gravity weapon, 10 temp hp>
Tandang <10 temp hp>
Marigold <10 temp hp>
Ulfgar -20 damage <hunt prey purple, enlarged, clumsy 1>
-------------------
Elsha -5 damage

I d-don't know if I can do that again?

◆ Strike: sling attack, B damage: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 311d6 ⇒ 6 whoa, again with max damage.
◆ Interact: reload sling
◆ Strike: sling attack, B damage: 1d20 + 11 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 11 - 5 = 161d6 ⇒ 4

"This is the clumsiest enemy I've ever fight, it needs spectacles."

And Czav continues bashing the useless opponent.

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Slashing damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Czav is close to regret his words but a burst of pride allows him to connect with his last attack.

Ulfgar quirks a bushy eyebrow at Czav but, much like Graeyson, once he's in place, the dwarf ranger's actions are pretty set and monotonous, like a miner swinging a pick or a smith swinging a hammer.

◆ Twin Strike - if both hit, combine damage before applying resistances and weaknesses.

Dwarven Waraxe: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Slashing: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (5, 5) + 3 = 13

+1 Striking Clan Dagger (MAP): 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 2 = 26
Piercing: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 3 = 8

◆ Clan Dagger Strike
+1 Striking Clan Dagger (MAP): 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 10 - 4 = 10
Piercing: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 4) + 3 = 9

◆ Twin Parry - AC goes to 23.