GM Zoomba's Trapping the Hag's Claw [High Tier] (Inactive)

Game Master Zoomba

Drak focuses on the portal area, trying to make sense of why the plan seems to have gone so awry so fast. His knowledge of spellcraft falls short from fully explaining it even with Kreighton Shaine's teachings. You don't feel transported and the containment field should have prevented that from even being possible - but the portal to Zarta's dreamscape wouldn't just shut on its own. Someone would have to intentionally close it.

But while his occult knowledge is drawing a blank, Drak thinks of some of the stories he's heard over the years. In fact, starting all the way back with a different Pathfinder school master Aslynn has never deigned or perhaps 'risked' to put it differently to directly engage with Pathfinders. Agents have only reported meeting her face to face once, and that was in a planar neutral ground enforced by an immensely dangerous dragon. Instead her M.O. in all the tales you've heard of her with the Pathfinders and others is that she stays aloof and assured and lets her agents - willing or otherwise - bring her chosen spoils to her. Aslynn's presence and behavior here is odd - its not matching what you know of her or how she would behave.

While Drak is trying to make his quick analyses, the surrounded dream steps out of its flank again. Seeing Astrid's formidable defenses, this time it keeps near Teja and strikes out twice at her. As its first touch chills the rogue it whispers in her mind <Your strikes are menaingless. Even if you kill us, your dreams will still be haunted. By us, by our kin, and by what She will soon do to you>

Strike: 1d20 + 22 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 22 - 1 = 41 for Void damage: 4d8 + 2 ⇒ (5, 1, 6, 2) + 2 = 16
Strike: 1d20 + 22 - 1 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 22 - 1 - 4 = 20 for Void damage: 4d8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 8, 6, 1) + 2 = 18
Teja I need a DC 27 Fort save (curse, emotion, enchantment, fear, mental, occult)

Initiative
Inspire Courage up (1 round)

Aslynn 13 damage
Fortiva 59/116 HP, fatigued
Teja 56/88 HP, need Fort save
Blue dream 90 damage, enfeebled 1, flat-footed, -10 speed
Patrick 46/64 HP, frightened 1
Drak, shielded
Red Dream 85 damage, -3(status) Perception and Will
Astrid
Jakoby 107/125 HP, frightened 1, fatigued

Red needs to make a DC 20 will save to lose frightened 1

"Don't you run away from me!"

Astrid moves into position and strikes.

shield boss vs red, flat footed, IC: 1d20 + 21 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 21 + 1 = 39
damage, bludgeoning, ghost touch: 2d6 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5, 5) + 7 + 1 = 18

shield boss vs red, Flat footed, IC: 1d20 + 21 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (14) + 21 + 1 - 5 = 31
damage, bludgeoning, ghost touch: 2d6 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2, 6) + 7 + 1 = 16

◆ stride, ◆ strike, ◆ strike

fort, IC: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 1 = 18 Fail but not critical

Teja trembles at the touch of the corrupted dream.

"Witch-Thief, or Thief-Witch?"

Jakoby studies her prey - Aslynn or "Aslynn" standing before her - having noted earlier the unexpected interaction (fizzle?) of cold iron - in an attempt to pierce the veil of any illusions before her, like finally coming to one's senses after a particularly potent strain of bruorsivi mash weed.

◆) Hunt Prey vs Aslynn
◆) Seek vs Aslyn
◆) Command Ro
⚕) No longer Frightened, but Fatigued

Seek w/ Perception (Master) w/ Frightened (-1) w/ Goggles (+1 visual) w/ Hunt Prey (+2) @ +18-1+1+2 or +20
Will Hero Point a Failure / Critical Failure!

Ro observes his master drawing the attention of the strongest prey here, and so on his own flies over instinctively to slash at the back of her neck!

Jaw (piercing, magic) w/ Inspire (+1/+1) vs Fake Aslynn (Flanked w/ Jakoby): 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 17 + 1 = 342d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 2) + 6 + 1 = 15

D'oh! Keep frogetting about that Dread rune!
R Will: 1d20 + 16 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 16 - 3 = 30

Astrid pursues her foe and bashes out twice. The first blow sends the dream reeling. The second finally slays it! It falls to the s=desert sands and begins dissolving into a purplish-black mist.

Jaokoby sizes up Aslynn as she and the hag face one another. The fiend is clutching the Draught tight in her clawed hand...but her fingers ensnaring it don't quite grip it right and seem to have odd joints. As she throws her head back to cackle there seems to be a strange 'fuzziness' about her horns, and the sound of her laughter lags just a second behind her mouth. And as Ro races to strike at her Jakoby can faintly see her companion arrive through the hag for a brief moment.

...that's not Aslynn! There's some sort of illusion magic about it!

'Aslynn' yells as she's set on by the eagle and takes a Step closer to where the portal was. Glancing down once more as if hoping it will open again for her, she cries "I hoped you're done with your pet bird. Swift death is his wyrd!"

Strike v Ro: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (18) + 22 = 40 for Void: 4d8 + 2 ⇒ (8, 3, 4, 4) + 2 = 21
Strike v Ro: 1d20 + 22 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 22 - 4 = 28 for Void: 4d8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 7, 4, 8) + 2 = 22

Initiative
Inspire Courage up (1 round)

'Aslynn' 23 damage
Fortiva 59/116 HP, fatigued
Teja 56/88 HP, fatigued
Blue dream 90 damage, enfeebled 1, flat-footed, -10 speed
Patrick 46/64 HP, frightened 1
Drak, shielded
Red Dream
Astrid
Jakoby 107/125 HP, fatigued, Ro 43/85 HP, need Fort save

"Outfoxed, pathfinders!" Jakoby remarks "She's sent a dupe. And we probably should have seen that coming..."

Then it dawns on her. She looks to the portal "Pathfinders - the foxy Witch-Thief may already be on the other side!"

Fortitude vs Exhaustion (DC 28) I think: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21

Ro feels his vitality drained from him, like a week straight of unsuccessful hunting, leaving him thin, frail, spent. He 'reaches out' to his master's bond, hoping to 'share' some of her will to carry on!

"Ha! It figures. She's probably too afraid to face us."

Literally tired of the fight she is engaged in, Fortiva thrusts her blade into the dream one more time before moving towards the others and patching up her wounds.

◆ Strike
Shortsword: 1d20 + 20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 20 + 1 = 39 for 2d6 + 5 + 1 + 1d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 1) + 5 + 1 + (3) + (4) = 15 Piercing, fire, and cold
Crap damage - maybe 15?
But d10 persistent fire, slowed 1 unless it makes Fort dc24 (forgot that last time, heh), and flat-footed.
◇ Debilitating Strike: Enfeebled 1 for another round

◆ Stride

◆ Battle Medicine
Expert, Assurance -> 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 3) + 10 = 19 healing

Oh, and thanks for using the Nimble Dodge. I think waiting for first iterative makes sense going forward (so rare for first swing to miss), good idea!
↺ Nimble Dodge on first iterative swing or Opportune Backstab, whichever comes first

Blue Fort: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37
Well, at least that wasn't on another Strike

Fortiva lands another blow on the remaining dream before retreating to patch herself up. The nightmare stills stands and stares at her as she moves but it looking pretty ragged.

Initiative
Inspire Courage up (1 round)

'Aslynn' 23 damage
Fortiva 78/116 HP, fatigued
Teja 56/88 HP, fatigued
Blue dream 105 damage, enfeebled 1, flat-footed, -10 speed, persistent fire 1d10
Patrick 46/64 HP, frightened 1
Drak, shielded
Red Dream
Astrid
Jakoby 107/125 HP, fatigued, Ro 43/85 HP, fatigued

Her energy lagging, Teja hurries over to the last of the dreams, trying a daring gambit to finish it off.

strike: 1d20 + 18 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 18 + 1 = 25
damage: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 3) + 2 = 9
deadly: 1d8 ⇒ 4

* stride
* stride
* strike

If I'd known you were coming to me, I would have stayed put and simply raised shield. The downside to pbf.

"Stríðsvinur, I wish that were true" Jakoby remarks to Astrid's comment "But I think Foxy Witch-Thief instead thinks little of us, simply hedging her bet with this" she points to Fake Aslynn with her katana "In any case friend, that makes us the lítilmagni!"

Teja races across the sands and just manages to land a blow on the dream. Who retaliates in turn landing two hard blows on the Kellid woman.

Strike: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 31 for Void: 4d8 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (5, 1, 6, 3) + 2 - 1 = 16
Strike: 1d20 + 22 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 22 - 4 = 35 for Void: 4d8 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (8, 1, 3, 1) + 2 - 1 = 14
Strike: 1d20 + 22 - 8 ⇒ (2) + 22 - 8 = 16 for Void: 4d8 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (2, 6, 2, 2) + 2 - 1 = 13

Fire: 1d10 ⇒ 5
Flat check to end?: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Initiative

'Aslynn' 23 damage
Fortiva 78/116 HP, fatigued
Teja 26/88 HP, fatigued
Blue dream 109 damage, enfeebled 1, -10 speed, persistent fire 1d10
Patrick 46/64 HP, frightened 1
Drak
Astrid
Jakoby 107/125 HP, fatigued, Ro 43/85 HP, fatigued

◆) Fly
◆) Strike

At his master's call, Ro flies just above the closed portal (0 feet elevation but airborne) and takes a swiping peck at Fake Aslynn - probably unaware of the dimensional risk he is taking!

Jaw (piercing, magic) w/ Inspire (+1/+1) vs Fake Aslynn (Flanked w/ Jakoby): 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 17 + 1 = 362d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + 6 + 1 = 13

Ripping a chunk with a SCREEEEEEE!!!!!

I had a feeling there was something odd about Aslynn. I must not allow my emotions to sway my logic.

He movers to the edge of where the portal was, his intention to examine it for clues but, before doing that, he dispassionly Electric Arcs both 'Aslynn' and the remaining Dream as he walks between them.

ea: 4d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 4, 4, 1) + 4 = 15 basic ref DC 26

◆) Command Ro
◆◆) Strike x2

With a trained double slice, our smoky hero, flanked by her own bird, tries to dispatch the imposter with deadly strokes!

Cold Iron Ghost Touch Katana (2h, slashing, deadly d8) w/ Courage (+1/+1) vs Fake Aslynn (Flanked w/ Ro): 1d20 + 18 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 18 + 1 = 232d10 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8, 4) + 6 + 1 = 191d8 ⇒ 4
Cold Iron Ghost Touch Katana (2h, slashing, deadly d8) w/ Courage (+1/+1) w/ Flurry MAP (-3) vs Fake Aslynn (Flanked w/ Ro): 1d20 + 18 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (13) + 18 + 1 - 3 = 292d10 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7, 5) + 6 + 1 = 191d8 ⇒ 5

"Whether travelling frontways through our plan, or backwards, you will not be joining your master for the second stage of this journey!" breathing heavy and under cold sweat, Jakoby grits her teeth.

"Ol' Deadeye - which way flows the arrow?"

This may help a bit, I hope.

◆ Bon Mot the Fake Aslynn

Bon Mot(Diplomacy) Fake Aslynn against Will DC: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23

◆◆ Cast Daze at Fake Aslynn with Will DC 26 Basic Save
Daze Mental damage 4th level Cantrip: 4 + 1d6 ⇒ 4 + (4) = 8

Astrid turns her attention to the most wounded enemy. "Your turn, you ugly bastard. Draugakrossari wants to have a word with you." She quickly closes the distance and strikes with Ghostcrusher.

shield boss vs blue, flat footed, ghost touch, CA/IC: 1d20 + 21 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 21 + 1 = 29
damage, bludgeoning, ghost touch, CA/IC: 2d6 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (6, 6) + 7 + 1 = 20

shield boss vs blue, flat footed, ghost touch, CA/IC: 1d20 + 21 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 21 + 1 - 5 = 35
damage, bludgeoning, ghost touch, CA/IC: 2d6 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1, 6) + 7 + 1 = 15

◆◆ Sudden charge, ◆ strike

If blue dies on the first attack she will use her final action to instead move to engage the fake Aslynn

'Aslynn' Reflex: 1d20 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 20 + 2 = 32
Dream Reflex: 1d20 + 20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 20 + 1 = 26
'Aslynn' Will: 1d20 + 16 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 16 + 1 = 31

Patrick and Drak unleash spells at the remaining foes, but both 'Aslynn' and the dream resist most of the assault. As Drak's bon mot falls flat 'Aslynn' retorts "That's how you try to hurt with words? You be far better off sticking with swords"

The Ulfen women also strike out, but in a more 'brute force' way. Jakoby's frist strike is dodged but her second lands a solid blow on 'Aslynn'. The 'hag' looks surprised and glares back at the ranger even as Astrid finishes off the second dream and moves in to join the pile-on. The dream went down after the first Strike

Not liking being surrounded, Aslynn Steps away from Astrid and the bird and lashes out at Jakoby, cackling "You slew my dreams, that blue wall hurts my eyes. So just die!"

Strike: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29 for Void: 4d8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 8, 2, 3) + 2 = 16
Strike: 1d20 + 22 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 22 - 4 = 24 for Void: 4d8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 3, 1, 2) + 2 = 9

Initiative

'Aslynn' 69 damage
Fortiva 78/116 HP, fatigued
Teja 26/88 HP, fatigued
Blue dream 111 damage, enfeebled 1, -10 speed, persistent fire 1d10
Patrick 46/64 HP, frightened 1
Drak
Astrid
Jakoby 91/125 HP, fatigued, Ro 43/85 HP, fatigued

Ro watches as Jakoby signals for them to practice their sweeping move!

◆◆) Flyby Attack (through a Flank w/ Jakoby)

Claw (piercing, magic) w/ Inspire (+1/+1) vs Fake Aslynn (Flanked w/ Jakoby): 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 17 + 1 = 262d4 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 2) + 6 + 1 = 11

SCREEEEEEE!!!!!

◆) Command Ro
◆◆) Strike x2

Cold Iron Ghost Touch Katana (2h, slashing, deadly d8) w/ Courage (+1/+1) vs Fake Aslynn: 1d20 + 18 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 18 + 1 = 292d10 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (10, 1) + 6 + 1 = 181d8 ⇒ 3
Cold Iron Ghost Touch Katana (2h, slashing, deadly d8) w/ Courage (+1/+1) w/ Flurry MAP (-3) vs Fake Aslynn: 1d20 + 18 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (7) + 18 + 1 - 3 = 232d10 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7, 10) + 6 + 1 = 241d8 ⇒ 6

With a swift double slash, Jakoby stands firm, creating an opening for her 3 flankmates to leverage the terrain and vanquish the dream.

"Should we take her alive?" she asks!

Astrid looks at her mug of ale in dismay before dropping it in disgust. "Blast it to hells! All that moving made me spill most of it. Looks like you're the only one left to pay for that 'Aslynn'." Astonishingly, the shield maiden manages to clearly pronounce the quotes surrounding the hag's name as she moves into position.

intimidation, demoralize vs 'Aslynn': 1d20 + 21 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 21 + 2 = 31

quick draw shortsword vs Aslynn, flat footed: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (4) + 22 = 26
damage, slashing, cold iron: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 6) + 8 = 18

◇ drop mug, ◆ stride, ◆ demoralize, ◆ quick draw Hagsneiðari

Astrid gets that +2 to intimidate from intimidating prowess. Also don't forget her lesser dread rune if 'Aslynn' makes it through the round.

Since what don't know what she is, I don't know that we can "take her alive."

◆ Hoping this is close to over, Drak will start to Inspire Defense

You and all allies in the area gain a +1 status bonus to AC and saving throws, as well as resistance equal to half the spell's level to physical damage. In summary +1 status bonus to AC and Saves and Resistance 2 to physical damage

◆ Bon Mot "Aslynn" again, because there isn't an immunity period

Diplomacy to Bon Mot: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (6) + 20 = 26

I am sure that is another fail

◆ Cast Shield since the Shield circumstance bonus will stack with the Inspire Defense status bonus, making his AC 28

Realising that her enthusiasm had got the best of her, Teja spends a moment to patch up her wounds.

A quick look around shows that Fortovia also looked the worse for wear. Quickly she approaches the elf, applying an expert bandage to cover the void-burns.

battle medicine(expert),assurance, healing Teja: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (7, 5) + 10 = 22
battle medicine(expert),assurance, healing Fortovia: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 1) + 10 = 17

Drak's words don't throw 'Aslynn' off that Bon Mot is a failure, yes but Astrid's seem to shake her. Frightened, a quartet of strikes slam into 'Aslynn'.

Cut to ribbons, she slumps to the sands. Parts of the 'hag' begin idssolving into sludge - just like the slain animate dreams - as she mutters "Whyever the portal shut doesn't matter: she'll kick your butts" and collapses dead.

COMBAT OVER!!!
Fortiva 95/116 HP, fatigued
Teja 48/88 HP, fatigued
Patrick 46/64 HP
Jakoby 91/125 HP, fatigued, Ro 43/85 HP, fatigued

The Draught of Dreams falls from the hag dream's claw and spills onto the sand. But the portal to Zarta's dreamscape has vanished.

What do you do now? Also now that you're not in imminent danger you can try Arcana or Occultism checks on the area.

Teja eyes up the portal, wondering what, exactly, just happened.
"This is very unusuall.." she muses. "But I do recall reading that.."

occultism(expert): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
arcana(export): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18

And if we have time, will use first air, first on Patrick, then on herself and Fortiva, with continual recovery I can (eventually) get everyone back up.

Drak continue to try to figure out what is going on

occultism (Trained): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
Bardic Lore (Trained): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Almost forgot Kreighton's Cognitive Crossover

Religion (Trained): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Drak can also treat wounds with assurance, but only for 2d8 at a shot in parallel with Teja's efforts.

Jakoby prioritizes "Come here, boy"

Treat Wounds (Nature, Master, 10 minutes) w/ Natural Medicine (+2) vs DC 30 @ Ro: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 18 + 2 = 264d8 + 30 ⇒ (4, 6, 2, 5) + 30 = 47 @ Fail

"Hmm, those wounds look pretty deep - take this instead boy, and hold still"

Moderate Healing Potion (made w/ Naturalist) @ Ro: 3d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 5, 3) + 10 = 24
Wayfinder of Rescue to Heal (Rank One) @ Ro: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Ro @ 76/85

Needing three hands, our smoky hero balances her pipe in her mouth while she gets to work with her tincture and healing compass, soothing her bonded huntmate with tools beyond the herbalism that fails her today in this desert clime.

"Okay Pathfinders - What did we find out? How do we get to Zarta's Dreamscape?" chuckling with a heavy inhale "Or! As we yet have the Draught, lure the Witch-Thief a second time, this time weapons in hand?" exhaling a large plume of smoke "Who has the chalk?"

Astrid sheathes Hagsneiðari, picks up the Draught of Dreams and surveys the battlefield.

occultism: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Patrick kneels by where the Dreamscape Portal was, contemplating the problem.

arcana: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20
((Hero Point))
arcana: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31

There's enough time for one 10-minute patch-up session right now. If wanting more, we'll get to that in a moment:

Jakoby looks to Ro while Teja tends to Patrick and Drak can Treat the person of his choice. As they do, the party takes some minutes to scan the area. The dreamscape portal is indeed shut, but there are faint traces of magic in it's former location. Illusory magic, and with a tinge to it that recalls the spells and work of Aslynn you've encountered before.

Shortly you have company. The Waterfall arrives along with several Pathfinders and scholars who begin canvassing the scene. The Decimverate member begins Good. The first phase is complete. Now we should go to- As she notices the chalice in Astrid's hands she stops. Her expression and tone remain hidden behind her flowing mask but even its distortions reveal notes of concern as she asks The Draught is still here? What happened? Where is Aslynn?

Thank you Ms Teja Patrick says absently as he continues to study the situation, occasionally scratching metamagic symbols in the sand.

Does the reroll above make any difference?

It did not, and IRL given the other rolls/successes I'd've held you off from spending that Hero Point so take it back

10 minutes means healing for two...
2d8 + 10 ⇒ (1, 2) + 10 = 13
2d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 4) + 10 = 20
And then probably a moderate healing potion or two, since the dice were unkind to the first patient.

"If Aslynn was here, we did not see or detect her in any way. We originally thought she went through the portal and it was closed from the other side... now I'm not too sure. Needless to say, things did not go exactly to plan."

After a moment, she asks, "What did things look like from outside? Did you detect anything? And has there been any word from Zarta?"

Patrick continues scribbling in the sand before crossing out quite a bit of it. He sighs and starts again. This is turning into at least a three cup problem and no one brought tea.

It doesn't look like anyone healed Teja, so Drak will spend his time treating wounds on Teja with Assurance.

Healing for Teja: 2d8 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

Every little bit helps, I guess.

It seems like Aslynn was onto us from the beginning. I don't think she was ever really here. The plan has obviously gone pear shaped. The question is "Now What?"

Teja's Treating of Patrick: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (2, 5) + 10 = 17

10 minutes means healing for two...

Based on who the others Treated, looks like those two would be you and Jakboy. Which means as of the below bit we'll be looking at:

Waterfall listens to your report grimly. We were observing only from afar. We saw you engage with some creatures, and then Aslynn appeared and took the chalice. The chirper triggered the Ardis Scholars to activate the containment field as planned, after that it became more difficult to make out the details but we saw you interacting with Aslynn and then the portal close. Though it seems the night hag might have spotted us regardless. Or perhaps was just even more paranoid than we expected.

The masked figure approaches the portal area and crouches to examine it. Yes, I think Aslynn may have gone through before the Stasian field was even raised. Which would mean she may have evaded the trap's first step entirely. Waterfall stands up abruptly and begins moving briskly to the west, speaking as she walks Which would mean she has more strength to bear within Zarta's dreamscape than we thought. Come! We need to check on her!

After several minutes of hurrying across the dunes Waterfall brings you to an area also surrounded by the blue glow of a Stasian containment field. A pair of Scholars lower the field at Waterfall's direction and the eight of you move past it and open a door to a covered, single room structure sparsely furnished with a small cot upon which Zarta is soundly sleeping. The Waterfall approaches Zarta, gently nudging her before pausing and attempting to awaken her again, this time with more urgency. She isn’t awakening. She says after a moment, concern filling her voice. There must be something wrong.

The Waterfall turns. Aslynn must have somehow seized control over Zarta’s sleeping mind while she’s in the dreamscape. This is deeply troubling, and we’ll need to act quickly and decisively. I can send you into a shared dream with her: it should allow you and Zarta to communicate and interact with one another, and hopefully together you can find out how to rouse her awake. It will take me a short bit to acquire the necessary components for the spell. While I am doing that, I would suggest you gather as much information as you can regarding dreamscapes. They can be dangerous and unpredictable at the best of times. And Aslynn's presence in this one means it will not be the best of times.

You have about 20 Minutes before Waterfall will be ready to send you into Zarta's dreams to help her. In that time, you can each attempt up to two sets of checks to try and prepare. This could be researching the nature and 'rules' of dreamscapes, creating totems to help ground yourselves (for those who watched that play Inception too many time in Absalom), seeking notes and clues amongst Zarta's gear to indicate what you might face in her head, etc.

Provided example skills are the following, though if you have an alternate creative approach that would make sense describe what you want to do and how it applies and I'll let you know if it could work instead: Arcana, Crafting, Diplomacy, Dreamlands Lore, Hag Lore, Pathfinder Society Lore, Medicine, Nature, Occultism, Perception, or Society (Gather Information or Recall Knowledge)

Alternately, any of you could forgo one/both of your checks to Treat Wounds or perform another activity (still keeping in mind Continual Recovery would be needed to re-Treat party members so soon

Jakoby packs a double bowl while the briefing continues, offers some to Patrick ”Not quite tea...”

Perhaps he accepts, perhaps not. Afterwards "Twenty minutes, hmm..." she looks outside and whispers to Ro, who leaves for several minutes and returns with a special flower plucked from a cactus "That's the one, boy" pulling out a miniature mortar and pestle, our ulfen herbalist grinds the flower down, and laces it into another double bowl of bruorsivi oiled admixture - bright pinks, deep maroons, and of course bright greens clash in a kaleidoscope of floral remedy.

"This'll help with activating dormant parts of the amygdala during rapid eye movement slumber - "dream sleep" if you will - allowing for a greater acuity of sense within a foreign dreamscape - anyone want to try!?"

Perhaps someone accepts, perhaps not ”Let’s get this Witch-Thief, and rescue the Dreamer!” With an Illumination, the entrancing nuggets are set to blaze, and Gunda "Jakoby" Kolkind burns deeply, and visions begin to swirl for her, as Ro leans in to inhale the second hand smoke. Together, they fly through worlds yet-unseen, needing to be physically escorted to whatever contraption "Waterfall" will hook them up to...

Two Checks, 10-min each
Nature (Master) w/ Assurance: 25 = 25
Nature (Master): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24
Hero Point!
Nature (Master): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38
Trying to "ground herself"...

"Ha! I told you all we'd need to go through the portal. I just wish we'd been a bit more insistent on learning what and where the traps are. Why do we need to wait though? Can't we just use the fancy cup again right now?" Astrid holds out the Draught of Dreams.

Seeing that Teja is still quite injured, Astrid pulls out a scroll and uses it to soothe the scholar's wounds.

healing soothe 3 on Teja: 3d10 + 12 ⇒ (7, 3, 4) + 12 = 26

"That wasn't cheap but I guess you're worth it Teja. You're buying the drinks when this business is finished, though."

Assuming that Astrid's suggestion to leave immediately via the Draught of Dreams is shot down for one reason or another...

Soo...Amma Nanna sometimes told my sister and I stories about heroes travelling into dreamlands to gain knowledge and fight monsters. That was a long time ago though. Let's see what I remember..."

The shield maiden pulls out her writing set and begins brainstorming.

occultism: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

"That's about all I remember. Maybe Zarta has a list of her traps among her personal belongings." Astrid begins digging through the items in the room, making quite a mess in the process.

perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30 add +1 for goggles of night if appropriate

Drak will spend 1 of the 10 minute segments refocusing, so he will have a full focus point pool going into the Dreamscape.

The second ten minute segment researching the Dreamlands, using Occultism.

Occultism to research: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Kreighton's Cognitive Crossover (occultism, religion)

Religion to research: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Drak will spend 1 of the 10 minute segments refocusing, so he will have a full focus point pool going into the Dreamscape.

Maybe you can refocus and research at the same time by listening to and critiquing Astrid as she recounts Amma Nanni's tales of the dreamlands with occultism or even performance? Basically you would be collecting stories for future performances.

Hmmm, I have to insist that the healers would start at the low end of the hp track and worked our way up -> Patrick, Ro, Teja, Jakoby, and Fortiva.
I didn't notice that Teja doesn't have Ward Medic, but that would have made her the first of the two Fortiva treated. By my math, it just moves 6 points around:
Fortiva 102/116 HP
Teja 61/88 HP
Patrick 63/64 HP
Jakoby 111/125 HP
Ro 76/85 HP

Given a longer pause in the action, Fortiva retrieves her healing tools anew.
She almost pauses Astrid when she sees the scroll come out, but decides a little magical oomph might be just what they need. Better to focus on the task at hand. She puts the tools away and retrieves a potion instead.
Use a moderate healing potion on herself (two left):
3d8 + 10 ⇒ (3, 1, 1) + 10 = 15
Teja to 87, Fortiva to full, and Jakoby is welcome to one of Fortiva's other potions if he likes

Unsure where to start when it comes to a research project like this, Fortiva steps out of the structure and attempts to glean some information from the Waterfall, Narcela, or Revecka. But they are all too busy to give her any usable advice.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20

Partaking of Jakoby's "floral remedy," Fortiva finds herself back by Zarta's bedside. She looks the woman and her belongings over with a critical eye, and tries to ignore the occasional facial tick that the smoke seems to cause.
Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37

Sorry ma'am, I .... do not smoke Patrick says to Jacoby. I ... prefer my stimulants taken orally.

arcana(master): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 38

It turns out he has been researching dreamscapes extensively, as if he was preparing for just this eventuality. He is also impressed by Astrid's knowledge.

Maybe you can refocus and research at the same time by listening to and critiquing Astrid as she recounts Amma Nanni's tales of the dreamlands with occultism or even performance?

I had not given it much thought, so thanks to Astrid for the reminder. The Bard class states "You refill your focus pool during your daily preparations, and you can regain 1 Focus Point by spending 10 minutes using the Refocus activity to perform, write a new composition, or otherwise engage your muse." so Drak would like to engage his muse by using Bardic Lore to explore stories about the Dreamlands while he refocuses, even listening to Amma Nanni's tales of the dreamlands. While I could see Performance as a skill here, I really think Bardic Lore is most appropriate.

Bardic Lore to Research Dreamscapes while Refocusing: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

And if our most kind and benevolent GM determines Performance would be an acceptable skill for the research, the total would be 8 higher.

"Thank you all for your help." says the scholar, who is somewhat more used to providing assistance than she is to receiving it.

While resting, she thinks about what might be ahead in the dreamrealm.

occultism (has cognitive crossover with society: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36 +18 with society