After 10 minutes' respite and snack break, the Iolite Squad is ready to move on if the rest of the Pathfinders are.
Rough stairs rise to the west, and a wide passage leads east. Thick webs cling to the walls and ceiling. A loud scrape and thud alerts the Squad to the presence of something beyond the east passage. “Wait here,” says the Sergeant, who signals her squad to stay on their guard as they press forward. One of them shouts a curse as a sharp twang echoes through the ruins—part of the ceiling above, concealed by webbing, suddenly collapses. The hobgoblins rush forward, dodging the cascade of boulders that fall and block the passage.
As the dust settles, the hobgoblins’ faint battle cries mix with a hideous chattering noise—something is attacking the squad beyond the collapsed passage. Digging them out will likely take enough time and effort that it'll be too late to help with the fight--but the rest of the Pathfinders have more immediate concerns anyway.
The cave-in (outlined in white) is impassible without taking some time to work. I've put translucent tokens for the hobgoblins and their enemies to show that you have an idea of where they are. I'm leaving the icons showing where the exploration tasks happened on the map for now, but if you need to move that direction and they're in your way feel free to move or delete them.
m CN half-drow Monk 4 | HP 56/56 | AC 23 | F +10 R +12 W+10 | Perc +8 | Low-Light & Darkvision | Stealth +13 | Speed 35' | HeroP 2/3
There's something in my genes that makes me hate spiders, even though I can't even put my finger on what it is. He says this while taking a few steps towards a narrower place. Let's not let them surround us! It is clear from his springy posture that he is ready to hit (any enemy in range).
A spider nearly the size of a horse comes scurrying down the larger of the side passages. Moving around to the back of the party, it bites at Mialee.
◆ Stride, ◆ Stride, ◆ Strike Mialee Fangs:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 for piercing damage:2d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 1) + 5 = 11 and a Fort save.
Kiatlyn, Mindartis, and Voron's turns.
Initiative.
Zizarc (56/56)
Yellow Elderly Giant Tarantula
Kaitlyn (68/68)
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (17/39, Fort save)
Voron (30/30)
Green Web Lurker
Blue Elderly Giant Tarantula
Purple Web Lurker
Red Elderly Giant Tarantula
CG Woodland Elf Ranger 6 | Animal Companion | HP 78/78| AC 24| F +12 R +14 W +13 | Perc +13 | Stealth +12 | speed 35 ft. | Active Conditions: none | ◆ | ◆◆ | ◆◆◆ | ◇ ◈ | ↺ |
Mialee Fort Save:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Mindartis moves back to get a better view of the yellow spider and sets it as his prey. He then moves back and commands Mialee to attack their prey before retreating to where he is.
The Pathfinders were correct. Fire does also work--though no more or less than anything else.
That's a hit.
One of the spider-like humanoids moves up to Zizarc, who immediately punches it. It makes some angry sounds that might be words, then spits a gob of webbing at him. He dodges it, and it sticks to the wall.
Zizarc's readied flurry hits, then misses.
◆ Stride, ◆ Stride, ◆ Strike Web:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
The next spider moves into the cavern, where Kaitlyn tears at it. Its wounds ooze some kind of dark purple gunk that probably isn't technically blood.
Kaitlyn's readied flurry hits, then crits.
◆ Stride, ◆ Stride, ◆ Strike Fangs:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Seeing how good everybody is at punching the next spidery humanoid darts out of sight before scurrying towards the party down the narrower passage. It spits webbing at Voron. The webbing covers his feet and binds him to the floor.
◆ Stride, ◆ Stride, ◆ Strike Web:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27. A creature hit by the web lurker’s web attack is immobilized and stuck to the nearest surface until it succeeds at DC 20 check to Escape.
The final spider scuttles forward. Not enough room for it to get up and bite, it kicks out instead and clips Zizarc.
◆ Stride, ◆ Stride, ◆ Strike Zizarc/Kaitlyn:1d2 ⇒ 1Leg:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23 for bludgeoning damage:1d10 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Zizarc's turn.
Initiative.
Zizarc (42/56)
Yellow Elderly Giant Tarantula (-23)
Kaitlyn (68/68)
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (17/39)
Voron (30/30, shield, immobilized Escape DC 20)
Green Web Lurker (-3)
Blue Elderly Giant Tarantula (-31, 1d4 persistent bleed)
Purple Web Lurker
Red Elderly Giant Tarantula
m CN half-drow Monk 4 | HP 56/56 | AC 23 | F +10 R +12 W+10 | Perc +8 | Low-Light & Darkvision | Stealth +13 | Speed 35' | HeroP 2/3
GM:
Very strange! It's like I didn't move anywhere on the map, although I described it. Hmm... I planned to block them in a narrower passage. If you don't mind, then let's consider that the action instead of the movement I spent to get into a fighting stance?
The half-drow doesn't even pay attention to the scratch and continues to slash at the giant spider with outstretched fingers.
Zizarc cuts into the spider, and more of that foul goo splatters everywhere.
The 22 hits and bloodies it. The 20 also hits, others miss.
The greenish humanoid hisses at the palest spider, which turns around and begins flicking spiny hairs. The spikes fly towards Zizarc and Kaitlyn, but also the darker spider.
With several spines protruding from its wounds, that spider isn't looking so good.
Hair Barrage (which is a real thing tarantulas can do!) in a 15-foot cone. DC 19 basic Reflex against piercing damage:3d8 ⇒ (1, 7, 4) = 12 Blue Reflex:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Kaitlyn, Mindartis, and Voron's turns.
Initiative.
Zizarc (42/56, DC 19 basic Ref vs 12 piercing)
Yellow Elderly Giant Tarantula (-23)
Kaitlyn (68/68, DC 19 basic Ref vs 12 piercing)
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (17/39)
Voron (30/30, shield, immobilized Escape DC 20)
Green Web Lurker (-3)
Blue Elderly Giant Tarantula (-55, bloodied, 1d4 persistent bleed)
Purple Web Lurker
Red Elderly Giant Tarantula
m CN half-drow Monk 4 | HP 56/56 | AC 23 | F +10 R +12 W+10 | Perc +8 | Low-Light & Darkvision | Stealth +13 | Speed 35' | HeroP 2/3
Ref:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Zizarc dodges with ease (although no one knows how many years of grueling and deadly training have been left behind for it to look so easy now).
Kat cuts into the spidery creature, but it just manages to twist away to avoid her second strike.
28 hits. 18 and 15 are misses.
The other one sprays some webbing over Zizarc, binding him to the floor. It scurries over and tries the same thing on Mindartis, but it's moving too quickly and misses.
◆ Strike Web:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24, ◆ Stride, ◆ Strike Web:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16. Hits and immobilizes Zizarc, but not Mindartis.
The injured one tries to capture Kat in webbing, but she's too quick for it. It begins to step back away from her.
◆ Strike Web:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15, ◆ Strike Web:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9, ◆ Step
The giant tarantula with red spines turns, and begins flicking those spines into the gathered Pathfinders.
◆ Step, ◆◆ Hair Barrage hits Zizarc, Kaitlyn, and Voron for piercing damage:3d8 ⇒ (8, 3, 5) = 16 with a DC 19 basic Reflex save.
Zizarc's turn.
Initiative.
Zizarc (42/56, immobilized Escape DC 20, DC 19 basic Ref vs 16 piercing)
Yellow Elderly Giant Tarantula (-46, bloodied)
Kaitlyn (62/68, DC 19 basic Ref vs 16 piercing)
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (17/39)
Voron (30/30, shield, immobilized Escape DC 20, DC 19 basic Ref vs 16 piercing)
Green Web Lurker (-3)
Purple Web Lurker (-16)
Red Elderly Giant Tarantula
LG Female Half-Elf | Field Medic | Monk Lvl 5 | Medic Dedication | Crossbow Bolts: 21/21 | HP 68/68 | AC 23 | F/R/W: 11/13/12 | Perc +12 Lowlight | 35 feet | Class DC 17 | Focus Points: 2/2 | Acrobatics(E): +13, Medicine(E): +12, Stealth/Crafting(E): +11, Nature/Survival: +10, Athletics/Lore (PFS, Warfare): +9, | Exploration Activity: Avoid Notice | Hero Points: 1/3 | ◆◇↺ |
Kat's Actions:
DC 19 Reflex:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Kat manages to avoid the worst of the damage, though she grimaces as the hairs prick her. She steps Southwest and unleashes a pair of slashes at the huge spider that has gotten close.
Zizarc isn't able to land a solid blow.
Those are all failures, but only the natural 1 is critical.
The pale spider moves up to bite at Zizarc.
◆ Stride, ◆ Strike Fangs:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29 for piercing damage:2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8 and make a Fortitude save, ◆ Strike Zizarc/Kaitlyn/:1d6 ⇒ 1Leg:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Kaitlyn manage sto land one solite hi atak creature.
16 hits. Tiger Claw Damage (Slashing):2d8 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 2 = 7.
Mindartis,
Initiative.
Zizarc (26/56, immobilized Escape DC 20, DC 25 Fort vs venom)
Yellow Elderly Giant Tarantula (-46, bloodied)
Kaitlyn (54/68)
Mindartis (66/66)
>- Mialee (17/39)
Voron (30/30, shield, immobilized Escape DC 20, DC 19 basic Ref vs 16 piercing)
Green Web Lurker (-3)
Purple Web Lurker (-16)
Red Elderly Giant Tarantula (-
CG Woodland Elf Ranger 6 | Animal Companion | HP 78/78| AC 24| F +12 R +14 W +13 | Perc +13 | Stealth +12 | speed 35 ft. | Active Conditions: none | ◆ | ◆◆ | ◆◆◆ | ◇ ◈ | ↺ |
Mindartis drops his longbow and sets the green web lurker as their prey. With one quick motion, he grabs his shortsword and strikes at his prey. He then commands Mialee to attack as well.
The wounded spidery person dodges the flame, but the two giant spiders are hit.
The persony spider then quickly tries to snare Mindartis in its web as well. While he's able to avoid it for a few seconds, he soon finds himself bound to the floor in the sticky webbing. It then scurries away between the two spiders.
◆ Strike Web:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15, ◆ Strike Web (MAP):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23, ◆ Stride
The other one does similar, targeting Kaitlyn. It binds her in the web, before lashing out with its claws--though she evades the latter. It then moves back into the tunnel from which it came.
◆ Strike Web:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22 (a hit, since you're flanked), ◆ Strike Claws (Agile MAP):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18, ◆ Stride
The red spider bites at Zizarc, though he avoids it. It jabs at Mindartis with a leg, knocking him to the floor.
◆ Strike Fangs:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21, ◆ Strike Zizarc/Kaitlyn/Voron/Mindartis:1d4 ⇒ 4Leg (MAP):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 for bludgeoning damage:1d10 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6, ◆ Knockdown Athletics:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Zizarc's turn. Don't forget to save against the venom.
Initiative.
Zizarc (26/56, immobilized Escape DC 20, DC 25 Fort vs venom)
Yellow Elderly Giant Tarantula (-59, bloodied)
Kaitlyn (54/68, immobilized Escape DC 20)
Mindartis (60/66, immobilized Escape DC 20, Prone)
>- Mialee (17/39)
Voron (22/30, shield, immobilized Escape DC 20)
Green Web Lurker (-26, bloodied, Mindartis's Prey)
Purple Web Lurker (-16)
Red Elderly Giant Tarantula (-24)
m CN half-drow Monk 4 | HP 56/56 | AC 23 | F +10 R +12 W+10 | Perc +8 | Low-Light & Darkvision | Stealth +13 | Speed 35' | HeroP 2/3
Fort:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23Hero point! I saw three on slides, so 2 left Fort:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Feeling the poison begin to flow through his veins like fire, Zizarc remembers the worst tortures he was subjected to in Zirnakaynin and grins. No, drow could do much more painful things. Choosing a more wounded spider (yellow) with his gaze, the monk unleashes a hail of blows on it.
One of the spider-people pounces on Mindartis while he's bound and on the ground. Even with that advantage, it's not able to bite through his armor and its claws only scratch the floor.
◆ Stride, ◆ Strike Jaws:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19, ◆ Strike Claws (Agile Map):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
The other one makes a disappointed clicking sound at Kaitlyn's escape. It advances on her and binds her again. It also tries to claw at her, but this time she's prepared and... hops out of the way.
◆ Stride, ◆ Strike Web:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31 (crit! but that attack doesn't deal damage or have any extras on a crit...), ◆ Strike Claw (Agile MAP):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
The massive spider bites Zizarc. It jabs with its long front legs at Kaitlyn and Voron, but connects with neither.
◆ Strike Fangs:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25 for piercing damage:2d6 + 5 ⇒ (6, 5) + 5 = 16 and make a Fort save, ◆ Strike Leg:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18, ◆ Strike Leg:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
All PCs' turn.
Initiative.
Zizarc (32/56, immobilized Escape DC 20, Fort save against tarantula venom)
Kaitlyn (54/68, immobilized Escape DC 20)
Mindartis (60/66, immobilized Escape DC 20, Prone)
>- Mialee (17/39)
Voron (22/30, shield, immobilized Escape DC 20)
Green Web Lurker (-31, bloodied, Mindartis's Prey)
Purple Web Lurker (-18)
Red Elderly Giant Tarantula (-39, bloodied)
Tiger Claw Damage (Slashing):2d8 + 2 ⇒ (4, 3) + 2 = 9 Force:1d6 ⇒ 4Doubled to 26 if a 27 is a crit Tiger Claw Damage (Slashing):2d8 + 2 ⇒ (1, 5) + 2 = 8 Force:1d6 ⇒ 3Doubled to 22 if a 26 is a crit Add 1d4 Persistent bleed if the Web Lurker is still alive after all that
Combine the damage before applying Resistances/Weaknesses
Seeing the other web lurker attempt to strike at Mindartis, Kat concentrates and causes the web lurker to burst into flames.
Infernal Detonations, Fire Damage; DC 21 Basic Reflex:1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Infernal Detonations:
Trigger: A creature within 30 feet of you targets you or an ally with an attack;
Effect: The creature takes fire damage equal to 1d6 + your level (basic Reflex save). The DC of the Reflex save is equal to your spell DC or
your class DC, whichever is higher.
◆ Battle Med Mialee
◆ Flurry
◆ Escape
↺ Infernal Detonations (boon from 01-11)
Kaitlyn badly hurts both web lurkers. They both appear to be hanging on by a thread. Voron cuts those threads.
Kat's attacks both hit. Green fails its Reflex save.
Voron's first attack against Green is a crit for nearly max damage, which is a bit of overkill. 42 damage is just shy of their HP maximum. The second hits drops Purple. The third attack misses.
Zizarc and Mindartis's turns.
Initiative.
Zizarc (32/56, immobilized Escape DC 20, Fort save against tarantula venom)
Kaitlyn (54/68)
Mindartis (60/66, immobilized Escape DC 20, Prone)
>- Mialee (25/39)
Voron (22/30, shield, immobilized Escape DC 20)
Red Elderly Giant Tarantula (-39, bloodied)
CG Woodland Elf Ranger 6 | Animal Companion | HP 78/78| AC 24| F +12 R +14 W +13 | Perc +13 | Stealth +12 | speed 35 ft. | Active Conditions: none | ◆ | ◆◆ | ◆◆◆ | ◇ ◈ | ↺ |
Oh yeah! Thanks for the reminder, Kat!
With limited movement, Mindartis was able to ward off the web lurker's attacks. Before pouncing on him though, he sees Kat send-off a fiery attack at the enemy. Knowing that they were once endowed with this power, he attempts to do the same on the giant spider attacking Kaitlyn.
Infernal Detonations reaction on the Tarantula's Strike attempt on Kaitlyn.
Infernal Detonations Fire Damage:1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7Reflex Save DC: 21
Reflex:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 That's a failure against the poison. Stage 1 deals poison damage:1d4 ⇒ 4
Zizarc starts to feel a little stiff, but still manages to hit the spider once and tear off one of its legs.
This can affect your defenses so I'll make this save for you--though if you'd like to use a re-roll feel free: Zizarc Fort:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28. A success! That ends the poisoning... for now.
The spider advances on Mindartis, still on the ground, a little wobbly on only seven legs--but that's still three more than most creatures!
It's still clearly affecting it, and it fails to connect. Badly.
◆ Stride, ◆ Strike Fangs:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14, ◆ Strike Fangs:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
All PCs' turns.
Initiative.
Zizarc (28/56, immobilized Escape DC 20)
Kaitlyn (54/68)
Mindartis (60/66, immobilized Escape DC 20, Prone)
>- Mialee (25/39)
Voron (22/30, shield, immobilized Escape DC 20)
Red Elderly Giant Tarantula (-54, bloodied)
Shortly after the battle, the PCs hear the Iolite Squad’s victorious shouts. It takes about an hour for the two groups working together to dig out the deadfall debris and free the hobgoblins. The Squad vanquished a giant tarantula; Ozaril has a vicious bite wound, but they otherwise fared well in the battle.
With a thorough search of the rest of the ruined dig site, the Iolite Squad discovers several objects in surprisingly good condition, from religious symbols and prayer beads to precious gems. They also find a low-grade cold iron breastplate.
With the abandoned dig site cleared of danger, the Iolite Squad can fully explore the site. They discover signs that this location was once a way station of sorts for dwarven travelers, but they also find the remains of ancient writings that suggest this was a hideout of some kind for an exiled religious sect. They lack the knowledge to piece together exactly when these dwarves used the site, or when it was built, but they are eager to continue their research once they reach Absalom. There is pride in Sergeant Drussem’s eyes as she sees her squad poring over their findings.
Over the next few days, the Pathfinders escort the Iolite Squad to Korvosa, where they board a ship to Absalom. There, they report their findings and the results of their joint training at the Grand Lodge. Sergeant Drussem thanks the Pathfinders for completing their field training and expresses hope that the two teams can work together in the future. Later, the Pathfinders receive a letter from Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch commending them for their successful diplomatic mission.
She apologizes for the unexpected danger--nothing like the web lurkers and their giant tarantula pets were there the last time the practice site was inspected. She also expresses uncertainty at what the future holds for the Society and the nation of Oprak, but is also confident that it is brighter thanks to the successful mission.
m CN half-drow Monk 4 | HP 56/56 | AC 23 | F +10 R +12 W+10 | Perc +8 | Low-Light & Darkvision | Stealth +13 | Speed 35' | HeroP 2/3
It's nice to see how those who have been considered monsters here for a long time (and deservedly by the way!) can become their own among this gang, which is called the Pathfinders. This half-drow is given to thinking about how dramatically life can change in a couple of moments.
