[Gameday XIII] GM Tarondor's #3-08: Foundation's Price

Game Master Tarondor

Purrlock steps up and attempts to get an angle on the Bosun.

Devise: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Unsure, he takes a swipe at him anyway (Hits AC 17 since Red is OG)

Slashing, Precision: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10

He moves up and sets up a flank with Hallow.

◆ Stride
◇ Devise
◆ Strike
◆ Stride

Endra's arrow takes the Bosun through the throat. He staggers back, clutching at his neck as blood wells out of his mouth. Then he collapses, dead. An instant later, Alanossë's arrows kill the last deckhand and the fight is over. The terrified captives stare at you, frozen in fear.

"Fear not! We are not here to harm you!" Purrlock calls...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Endra exhales. She had her next arrow nocked and ready to go. She places it back in the quiver, slings the bow over her back and looks around at the captives.

We are here to release you from this vessel. You shouldn't stay here, as we'll sabotage the ship as well.

She waits to see how quickly they'll act.

After she'd suggest they set fire to the ship.

Looking to the prisoners, the Elf bows. ”As we said before, we are not here to harm you, we will set you free…but can you tell us where we might find Captain Taldrun?”

Alanossë then whispers to, ”We were sent to slay Captain Taldrun; hadn’t we best make sure he be dead before we set the ship afire?”

Frightened but hopeful, the captives quickly agree, provided you can take them away from a sinking ship in the middle of the harbor.

"The captain is likely in his quarters, up in the sterncastle, says one. "He stays up there most days and nights when he's not on deck."

"There are more prisoners!" says the halfling. "In the aft hold. We're just a work detail."

"Aye," says a third, "and what's more there's a pretty package down in steerage, with the symbol of the Andoren navy. I'll bet it's stolen booty."

Endra points at the door to the South and looks at the halfing, seeing if he confirms this is the aft hold.

Assuming he nods or otherwise confirms, she approaches and opens that door.

Purrlock has a hammer in hand as he follows Endra.

The halfling shakes his head. "Other way. That's forward. Stern's back there."

The open door reveals a small cabin, possibly the bosun's.

She stops to search the cabin for any notable notes or effects (perhaps a captain's jouranl/log?), and the next door (to the East) for traps.

Perc +9

Deerslicer pulls out the lesser healing potion that some kind Pathfinder ally gave him when he set out on this mission and holds it out to his bear. "Here, Gracie, you drink d'is. It make da hurt go way." Gracie happily guzzles.

Healing: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (8, 5) + 5 = 18
She's back up to full

Deerslicer then holds his gun as he and the bear follow along with Endra.

Alanossë follows Endra, covering her as she checks out the door..

The forward cabin reveals little of interest, and Endra leads the way back aft towards the cargo compartment. Opening it carefully, you are almost overcome by the stench of unwashed bodies. Six humans of various ethnicities, lie chained, clearly exhausted from recent overwork. A Garundi woman stands up when she sees you, tiredly eyeing you and waiting to see what you'll do.

STATUS

Purrlock -
Alanossë - 30/39 hp
Endra - 42/50 hp
Deerslicer - 54/58 hp
...Gracie -
Hallow - 21/28 hp

Endra smiles at the Garundi woman, holds up her empty hands to show no implement of violence, and attempts to greet them in three of the more commonly used languages that she knows (common, elven, varisian).

How would you like to be rid of this ship? And free?

The Garundi woman smiles tiredly, speaking. "Thank the gods. We would be very grateful if you could get us off this stinking ship. I must warn you, we have been cruelly used. I do not think we can be much help to you. Your pardon, lady, but there are more of us. The Bosun led a work party forward after exhausting us. And there is a dwarf...he was taken to the captain's cabin two days ago."

We've come across one work group already, but we'll keep an eye out for more. I guess we're headed to the captain's cabin next...

She gestures back towards the doorway.

We can see you safely off the ship first, if you like.

"Please!" You ferry the two groups together and to the waiting boat, then head to the sterncastle to confront Captain Tadrun.

Deerslicer pulls out his thieves' tools and begins picking the locks on their chains so the prisoners can get out of the horrible room.

+9 Thievery

Once everyone is freed up, he follows up with Endra, his loaded gun at the ready, to confront the Bosun.

Alanossë draws his bow and warily approaches the sterncastle…

Stealth +9

Carefully opening the door, Alanossë reveals a short passageway. There is a door to the right, a door to the left and a door straight ahead. Surely this last is the door to the captain's cabin. But what could lie waiting in the others?

Endra draws her bow as well, pointing the nocked arrow at the door on the left and looking to her team to see if they agree.

Purrlock stays close to Endra, hammer in hand...

The door is locked.

DC 18 Thievery check to pick the lock silently or a DC 18 Athletics check to noisily kick it in.

Alanossë will attempt to pick the lock…

Thievery: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

…and upon succeeding, he’ll quietly open the door with one hand with his bow in the other hand..

Stealth +9

The door opens quietly to reveal a once-luxurious cabin. The comfortable bed and expensive furnishing suggest this cabin was once intended for important passengers or dignitaries to travel in luxury.

However, now a red-haired dwarf with a braided beard is tied to a chair, one of his eyes bruised by recent injuries. He looks at you through his one open eye and assesses you. After a moment, he inclines his head to the left, indicating the cabin at the end of the hall. "Two" he breathes quietly.

Endra nods at the dwarf and skulks towards the door at the end of the all, alongside Alanossë (presuming that this door may be locked to).

Sneak, Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 Endra is a silent image :)

Trying the door, Endra finds it unlocked. Inside, is a finely appointed cabin which can only be the captain’s quarters. A silken bed made with military precision stands in the corner. On the solid oak table rests a detailed map of the Inner Sea detailing dozens of crisscrossing trade routes.

An imposing figure with tanned gray skin stands tall behind the map, contemplating his next move. The handle of a two-handed axe juts from
behind the desk, well within his reach. Next to him a, a hobgoblin sailor is taking notes.

Endra, that Stealth check is going to be your Initiative! Furthermore, it was so good I'm going to allow anyone with a better Stealth than Perception to use Stealth for this initiative!

Initiative Rolls
Endra: 10 + 20 = 30
Alanossë: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Deerslicer: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Hallow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Purrlock: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Captain Tadrun: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Iron Ring Pirate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Wow. You really have the favor of the dice fairy!

Initiative Bold may go now.
Endra - 42/50 hp
Deerslicer - 54/58 hp
Alanossë - 30/39 hp
Purrlock -
Hallow - 21/28 hp
Captain Tadrun (RED) -
Iron Ring Pirate (YELLOW) -

Hallow flicks some switches on their armor and runs forward, shield ready.

◆ Overdrive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
◆ Stride
◆ Raise Shield

Endra sprints to the back corner, opposite the captain...

◆ Stride

sets her feet...

◆ Stance: point-blank shot

and releases an arrow across the back of the room at the captain.

◆ Strike RED: +1 striking longbow attack, piercing damage, deadly damage IFF crit: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 222d8 ⇒ (4, 2) = 61d10 ⇒ 6
(magical, volley 30, range increment 100 feet, reload 0)

Alanossë will get into a PBS stance (◆) and fire twice (◆ ◆) at the captain…
To hit: Base+DEX, Magic
Damage: Base, PBS, STR

Magic Shortbow: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 1 = 22
Magic/Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

Magic Shortbow: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 1 - 5 = 20
Magic/Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

Purrlock runs into the room, takes a swipe at the pirate with the yellow tunic before stepping out of reach.

Light Hammer vs Yellow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 for Bludgeoning: 1d6 ⇒ 3

◆ Stride
◆ Whiff
◆ Step

Endra and Alanossë each put a single arrow into the Captain, injuring him slightly. Purrlock strikes at the deckhand as he rushes past, but the pirate blocks his blow.

Alanossë, the hobgoblins definitely have cover from you.

Initiative Bold may go now.
Endra - 42/50 hp
Deerslicer - 54/58 hp
Alanossë - 30/39 hp
Purrlock -
Hallow - 21/28 hp
Captain Tadrun (RED) - 12 damage
Iron Ring Pirate (YELLOW) -

Deerslicer, Go!

Thanks for noting that, GM; I’m too used to my 1e archers having improved precise shot…

Deerslicer darts in, moving past the pirate in the yellow tunic. May trigger reaction if it has one.

◆ Stride
◆ Hunt Prey: Captain Tadrun
Society Recall Knowledge (free from Monster Hunter) w/ Outwit bonus: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 = 20
◆ Command Gracie: Stride, Strike
Gracie jaw attack vs. yellow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Gracie jaw damage (piercing): 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

He eyes up the captain, then whistles for Gracie to come in ... which she complies with, biting at the pirate in her way.

Yellow gets no reaction because he has no weapons drawn!

Captain Tadrun appears to be a powerfully-built but otherwise ordinary hobgoblin, which is to say, vicious and cruel.

Gracie rushes forward and bites the deckhand, mauling his shoulder. The hobgoblin screams in pain and surprise.

Tadrun seizes up his mighty greataxe and aims what would have been a devastating blow against Deerslicer, but the wily goblin dodges out of the way!

Meanwhile, his subordinate dives over the desk, draws his blade and chops into Hallow's tough hide, causing sap to ooze down the leshy's arm.

Tadrun 1. Hunt Prey vs. Deerslicer
Tadrun 2. Pick up Greataxe
Tadrun 3. Attack Deerslicer

Tadrun Greataxe v. Deerslicer: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 151d12 + 8 + 1d8 ⇒ (3) + 8 + (6) = 17

Pirate 1. Stride
Pirate 2. Draw Cutlass
Pirate 3. Attack Hallow

Pirate Cutlass v. Hallow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 271d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Initiative Bold may go now.
Endra - 42/50 hp
Deerslicer - 54/58 hp
Alanossë - 30/39 hp
Purrlock -
Hallow - 16/28 hp
Captain Tadrun (RED) - 12 damage
Iron Ring Pirate (YELLOW) - 10 damage.

Everyone, go!

↻ Shield Block, Steel Shield has Hardness 5 so Hallow takes no damage

Hallow starts swinging their warhammer at one of the pirates!

◆ Warhammer: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24, 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6
◆ Warhammer: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9, 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7
◆ Raise Shield

Alanossë will stride (◆), leap onto the bed (◆), and fire (◆) from elevation at the at the captain (red)…

To hit: Base+DEX, Magic
Damage: Base, PBS, STR

Magic Shortbow: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30
Magic/Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

It was described as a "table" earlier and then as a "desk". Is it open underneath, so that small creatures can move easily under it? Or do I have to move around it?

Deerslicer whistles, and Gracie advances ... either under the table or climbing over the desk, then begins clawing supportively at the hobgoblin captain.

◆ Command Animal Companion: Stride, Support
Once Gracie is in position, Deerslicer moves around to get a clear shot on the captain and swings his bladed long gun at him.

◆ Step
◆ Strike
+1 striking piercing wind melee attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
+1 striking piercing wind damage (slashing) w/ Support: 2d6 + 1 + 1d8 ⇒ (3, 3) + 1 + (1) = 8
If that happens to be a crit, then critical fusion trait means I get another +4 damage from the gun firing as I hit (I think before it goes off)

It's a table. Yeah, I'll allow a small creature to walk under it!

Endra frowns as the Iron Ring Pirate gets in the way of the captain.

No matter she mutters to herself before letting another arrow fly.

◆ Strike YELLOW: +1 striking longbow attack, piercing damage, deadly damage IFF crit: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 182d8 ⇒ (8, 3) = 111d10 ⇒ 10
(magical, volley 30, range increment 100 feet, reload 0)

Growling at herself for the aim, she quickly releases another.

◆ Strike YELLOW: +1 striking longbow attack, piercing damage, deadly damage IFF crit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 142d8 ⇒ (7, 4) = 111d10 ⇒ 2
(magical, volley 30, range increment 100 feet, reload 0)

◆ Strike YELLOW: +1 striking longbow attack, piercing damage, deadly damage IFF crit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 82d8 ⇒ (6, 6) = 121d10 ⇒ 3
(magical, volley 30, range increment 100 feet, reload 0)

Checks again to make sure those are d20s... -_-

Alanossë, altitude conveys no mechanical advantage in PF2e. But it does avoid the minor cover of your companions.

Hallow lands a solid blow against the Iron Ring Pirate, striking the foe's thigh with his warhammer. The pirate winces for a second, stumbling, and then Endra's arrow pierces his chest, killing him.

Alanossë leaps up onto the bed and fires an arrow the strikes the captain squarely in the shoulder. Deerslicer and Gracie the bear move in and harass the hobgoblin, slicing a bloody arc across his forearm!

Initiative Bold may go now.
Endra - 42/50 hp
Deerslicer - 54/58 hp
Alanossë - 30/39 hp
Purrlock -
Hallow - 16/28 hp
Captain Tadrun (RED) - 28 damage

Purrlock, go!

Anyone, give me orders for Purrlock!

Endra here. I've never played an investigator, but trying:

Purrlock considers the captain's movements and where a hammer might land nicely.

◆ Devise a strategem RED: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Ooh, he's leaving that side open...

The catfolk glides just in front of him and slams it into his torso.

◆ Step
◆ Strike: Light Hammer vs. RED, bludgeoning damage: 16 + 3 + 3 = 221d6 ⇒ 3

It says for attack stratagem you sub in INT vs. STR for the attack, so +0 => +3 aside from the proficiency bonus. Let me know if I did that wrong.

I should let Endra bot me then. His rolls are way better than mine! Thanks for the bot, btw.

Thanks for the bot, Endra.
Also worth noting is that Purrlock and Deerslicer now flank the Captain.

"You gutter scum!" yells the captain as he fights for his life. "You barnacle-sucking bilge rats! I'll carve the hide from your flesh!" He aims an absolutely devastating swing of his mighty axe at Deerslicer, but it is poorly aimed and the goblin ducks away. The axe swings round and slices Purrlock across the chest, cutting deep.

Tadrun then uses the desk for cover.

Tadrun greataxe v. Deerslicer: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 151d12 + 8 + 1d8 ⇒ (12) + 8 + (1) = 21
Tadrun greataxe v. Gracie: 1d20 + 12 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 12 - 5 + 1 = 221d12 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Initiative Bold may go now.
Endra - 42/50 hp
Deerslicer - 54/58 hp
Alanossë - 30/39 hp
Purrlock - 8/17 hp
Hallow - 16/28 hp
Captain Tadrun (RED) - 31 damage Taking cover

Everyone, go!

Purrlock, duck!

◆◆ Double shot (two ranged reload-0 strikes at -2, no MAP during)
Strike RED: +1 striking longbow attack, piercing damage, deadly damage IFF crit: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 13 - 2 = 162d8 ⇒ (8, 8) = 161d10 ⇒ 5
Strike RED: +1 striking longbow attack, piercing damage, deadly damage IFF crit: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 13 - 2 = 152d8 ⇒ (2, 4) = 61d10 ⇒ 8
(magical, volley 30, range increment 100 feet, reload 0)

Her aim is not the best, but the first arrow lodges particularly hard into the wood near the captain. He probably doesn't like the idea of how it would have felt, if it hit.

Blowing an errant strand of air out of her face she presses...

◆ Assisting shot
Strike RED: +1 striking longbow attack, piercing damage, deadly damage IFF crit: 1d20 + 13 - 10 ⇒ (15) + 13 - 10 = 182d8 ⇒ (1, 2) = 31d10 ⇒ 7

Alanossë will fire twice (◆ ◆) at the captain…

To hit: Base+DEX, Magic
Damage: Base, PBS, STR

Magic Shortbow: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 1 = 28
Magic/Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4
If Critical Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 2

Magic Shortbow: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 11 + 1 - 5 = 27
Magic/Piercing/Critical Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 1d10 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 + (8) = 12

Desperately, Purrlock games an angle against the captain.

Devise: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Disgusted, Purrlock steps back to get out of danger.

◆ Devise
◆◆ Step

Hallow steps over to where Purrlock was standing and swings.

◆ Step
◆ Warhammer, Flanking: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13, 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11
◆ Raise Shield
↺ Shield Block, if hit
Also, because of the previous shield block, Hallow should still be at 21/28

Endra puts three arrows into the far bulkhead, but none harm the snarling, slashing pirate, Captain Tadrun. Purrlock assesses the situation, sees he can't yet overcome the foe and displaces to the rear. Hallow swing mightily but without accuracy.

But Alanossë fires twice, striking Tadrun both times. The first in the thigh and the second time squarely in the chest!

Initiative - Bold may go now.
Endra - 42/50 hp
Deerslicer - 54/58 hp
Alanossë - 30/39 hp
Purrlock - 8/17 hp
Hallow - 21/28 hp
Captain Tadrun (RED) - 59 damage Taking cover

Anyone, give me orders for Deerslicer!