GM Cody Season of Ghosts

Game Master Codanous

If the bad guy is still standing, she will release another bolt of electricity at him

Zap!: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 = 25
Bzzt!: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Yuranosuke steps forward to help finish the fight.

◆ Step

His shuan ji whirls towards the disgusting monster.

◆ Strike

Strike at Buso (Bonus Damage from Gravity Weapon): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 = 161d6 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 11

Then he spins it back, aiming for its bloated stomach.

"This will relieve your indigestion!"

◆ Strike

Strike at Buso (Bonus Damage from Shuan Ji's Forceful trait): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 = 271d6 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 12

”this is what happens when you come to where you aren’t wanted!”

Ayane hurls one more rock towards the buso and lets out a loud Whoop! When the rock hits him!

attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11

Kwan is emboldened by Ayane's encouraging whoop, and he redoubles his efforts to bring down this creature. "Willowshore is no place for you!"

◆ Raise Shield
◆ Strike
◆ Strike

Strike: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 = 10
Slashing Dmg: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9

Strike: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 - 5 = 12
Slashing Dmg: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

Xu Jiang lashes the Buso with vitalic energy, Fortitude save: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 - 2 = 14

He groans as bruises appear over his body in whip like lines. He takes another drink of his alcohol as Shandari lets rip another crackling bolt of electricity, it shocks his body, convulsing. When the convulsing quickly ends, he stands there smoking a little, the jug falls from his hand breaking and spilling on the ground and the Buso falls over backwards. Eyes blank.

Combat over! Wow only 1 damage taken for the heroes, Idk if I rolled poorly or y'all were just on absolute fire!

Yuranosuke sighs.

"Even though it sickened him, even on the threshold of death, he continued drinking. What a miserable creature."

He relaxes and plants his shuan ji upon the ground like a walking stick and turns to Xu Jiang.

"Come, you stand the best chance of lighting the Lantern, I think."

He begins making his way onto the bridge, motioning for the others to follow.

The fight almost completely forgotten, she claps her hands excitedly
"Oh oh! Yes, we should light the fire! Make it all nice and bright. Scare the ghosties and spooks away!"

Examining the area, you collect up the items from the fallen creatures, 4 tiny shortswords, more resembling long toothpicks than actual weapons.

Gurglegut had his kukri, in his pocket were 3 old, weathered, copper pieces.

Searching his makeshift throne, and gathered items, you find a silver scepter set with semi-precious stones worth 20gp, and a deck of cards but upon closer inspection, The deck contains thick parchment cards, each roughly half the size of a playing card. In precise, no-nonsense script, each card simply states the name of a cantrip, color-coded based on its school. This is a full Cantrip Deck

in addition, you guys also earn 1 reputation point with Northridge and Southbank factions for reopening the bridge, not that anyone knows that yet though

Kwan scans the other for other enemies, keeping a firm grip on his katana. "Be careful. There could be more of these creatures nearby."

Despite his concern, he makes his way onto the bridge towards the Eternal Lantern, keeping a careful eye for danger.

Willowshore Lore: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Ayane looks at the coins, ” wait a stinkin minute, Xu Jiang are there any coins in the lantern? Cuz I think these might be the lantern coins that if I’m remembering the lore right we’re blessed to keep the lantern lit. And I don’t think these have any magic left in them.” she holds her small hand out towards the group with the 3 old copper coins there.

Society: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Wu Jiang examines the coins and sighs. "You're right, Xio. They were blessed, but they're now just coins. I... don't know what that means for Willowshore, but I am worried. I think we should head to the church of Pharasma for some answers."

Stepping up to the foot of the bridge, you see The Eternal Lantern is an immobile magical item located on the southern side of Dawnstep Bridge. This stone lantern is a 5-foot-tall stone lamp carved from silver-laced granite from the Gossamer Mountains. Its interior contains a cold iron cage with a lotus-shaped pedestal on which three glowing copper coins once sat. It’s said that the light from this lamp protects Willowshore from all manners of evil.

there are more Esoteric shrines though, known only to few.

Roll another recall knowledge religion, reveal all spoilers less than or equal to your roll

Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Yuranosuke looks to Xu Jiang for an explanation.

I can't recommend Ketephys' shrine until my character actually knows what we need to do. And technically wouldn't I be aware of Tsukiyo's shrine too? I'm technically a Syncretist! :P

Sure, if someone else is able to reveal what needs to be done, you can reveal you know where the Ketaphys and the Tsukiyo's shrine is

sorry if its a little confusing, someone has to make and reveal the first lore check to prompt the second checks

Bardic Lore: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Ayane beings to hum a little song while looking to Xu Jiang for more information.

Religion, Initial Roll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Religion, Secondary Roll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

"In order to properly bless the lantern, we must carry these coins to the town's shrines and plead with their deities to bless them."

"You all know of the prominent shrines of Abadar, Daikatsu, Kofusachi and Pharasma. But Sheylyn, Qi Zhong, Ketephys, Nalinivati, Shizuru and Tsukiyo also all have shrines in Willowshore. These I know. I believe there are others."

Bardic Lore for Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

"Oh! and Desna has a shrine here too! I know where that one is!"

I'll mark on the map with markers to show where each shrine is as a reminder. Very much a free flow adventure, of walk around and explore. I can post reminders of current quests though too.

Current Quests
o Visit Matsuki Estate in Southbank and Check on Hai-er Ha's husband
o Visit Granny Hu in Northridge and check on Hai-er Ha's daughter
o Find Ugly Cute Shrine Statue
o Visit shrines and Bless coins to restore Lantern
o Visit individual homes/families to recover heirloom items

Shrine Deity Reminder info on Slide 5

Religion check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Religion check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Kwan was not familiar of the specific details of the coins in the Eternal Lantern, nor does he know where many shrines are. "Receiving Shizuru's blessing would be apt. The townspeople will need to focus on their duty to fight back these invaders!

@GM Cody, as a champion of Shizuru, safe to assume that Kwan knows where the Shizuru shrine is, if one is in town??

Yes,

Thanks for adding the shrines on the map. And the quest log. Both are very helpful!

Kwan weighs their options as they are being pulled in multiple directions. "My house is just down a few buildings down the road. I stashed away a couple of potions. They could be useful. After that, I think we should consult with Old Matsuki. He will likely know more about the situation in town."

Kwan shrugs to indicate that he is open to other ideas. "I need to clean my blade and offer a prayer of thanks to Shizuru. Let me know what you decide."

If given the time, Kwan will Refocus.

"And I must seek the guidance of Pharasma," says Jiang. "But more immediately, I want to know whether the priestess Elizeth is alright. So with Shiziru and Pharasma, we have two places we must stop. We also have other things we must accomplish."

"We are very near both the church of Pharasma and my own home. I would like to stop there first. Shiziru's temple is on the other bank and at the far end of town, so we can work our way in that direction, if you like. There are several other shrines near Shizuru's, so we can visit them when we arrive. Also, while we are here in Southbank, we should seek out the Matsuki Estate check on Hai-er Ha's husband."

I suggest we start with Pharasma's cathedral (W10) (because it is the closest), head to the Matsuki Estate (W6), then make our way back here, cross over into Northshore and head for Shiziru's shrine.

"we are also close to my families home, W8and maybe we can stop by there as well on our way back across the bank."

"Very well," agrees Jiang. "Let's go."

And we do that! Y'know, as a GM, it drives me nuts when players all talk about what they should do, but nobody actual says "we go and do that" so I have to guess when their debate is over. So... we go and do that.

Lol yeah, I usually try to wait for 2 players minimum that form of a consensus, more is better but I try to move things along fairly. I'm out of town on a business trip so I haven't been able to check the games as much

Spending 10 minutes to recoup after the fight, and gather up any loot and stage the dead bodies out of the way in a pile, you follow the road up to the Milling House district, but this area is pretty abandoned, the water, wind and even animal driven mills are all stationary at the moment.

Ayane ducks in her nearby house, grabbing some of her stashed supplies but doesn't see any sign of her family but also no signs of struggle or that anyone was hurt here thankfully.

It isn't long before you guys are following the road up to the Pharasman Cathedral.

1d20: 1d20 ⇒ 16

The fog persists, limiting vision to 100 feet, but as you start up the farm land pathway toward the Cathedral its hard to really see too far off the roads. Anything could be lurking in the nearby farm lands. While there are all sorts of sounds in the fog, and mysterious shapes seemingly sprinting just out of view, you make the trip without hassle.

As you arrive you see the Cathedral appears to be damaged, like monsters attacked it though it doesn't look completely sacked. One of the main door hangs ajar and broken like it was smashed in or repeatedly battered at in an attempt to get in but was left mangled.

"I hope the people are okay. I really liked that building. It was nice and quiet. Like when we go fishing" she says with a sad tone in her voice

Like Ayane, Kwan grabs a few belongings from his house just south of the bridge.

As the party walks the path to the Lady of Souls, Kwan keeps a keen eye on their surroundings. "Stay close. Maybe our numbers will scare away anything that hides in the mist."

Kwan leads the group into the main cathedral building, wary of what he will find.

Just a reminder that both Kwan's and Jiang's houses are nearby and we'll want to stop there at some point.

Xu Jiang is horrified less by the sacrilege and more by the danger to his patron. "Lady Elizeth!" he starts to plunge ahead, but then remembers her lessons in patience and with an effort of will slows himself to allow his companions to catch up.

He holds up his Pharasmin spiral on high and approaches the ruined cathedral with his fellows, scanning for any sign of the priestess or other people.

RE Kwan's house, we would have walked past it on our way from the bridge to the Lady of Souls. So I assume we stopped there. If not, we'll do that on the way to Old Matsuki's.

my bad, y'all could have swung by your houses if they were on your way to the cathedral, or we can RP that bit on the way back, since things are kicking off here.

Entering the Cathedral you find it much like you remember, while the outside was battered, it looks like whatever spiritual protection Pharasma provides protected the interior. Little is out of place inside though there is no sign of Lady Elizeth. As you all start to looking around and examine the interior for any sign of the Pharasman Priestess you hear a loud scream cut through the quiet searching coming from the graveyard out behind the Cathedral.

Running outside as a group you are greeted by a terrifying sight as hundreds of ravens with glowing red eyes circle and dive at Lady Elizeth in the graveyard. Two ravens stand out as a little bigger, their glows red with a faint red smoke or mist coming off them as well that are eying you evilly as you burst onto the scene.

Encounter Map
Round 1 - Birds!
Shandari ☘️ -
Raven 2 -
Yuranosuke ☘️ -
Kwan ☘️ -
Raven 1 -
Raven Swarm -
Lady Elizeth -
Xu Jiang ☘️ -
Ayane ☘️ -

"Tsukiyo's shrine is with Shizuru's so we can seek his blessing there as well, and I know Ketephys' shrine is at my home in the Silvermist Lodge. But yes, seeking one of the town's spiritual leaders would be a good place to start," Yuranosuke adds as he follows after the group.

When they arrive at the cathedral and hear Lady Elizeth's distress, Yuranosuke bolts to the scene and readies their shuan ji again.

Waiting for my turn.

"Those birdies do not look friendly, bad birdies!" she rushes ahead, static already crackling around her as she readies to zap if they get within range

Zap!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Bzzzt: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

There is one of the single larger Ravens that were near enough for you to target Shandari. We'll say you zapped one of those

Shandari, taking in her surroundings fires off an electrical blast at one of the nearby Ravens, frying the bird. It falls in heap behind you all, red mist escaping from its beak and eyes.

Lady Elizeth is crouched down trying to protect herself as the Flock of Birds readies itself to descend on her as a pillar of feathery destruction

Encounter Map
Round 1 - Birds!
Shandari ☘️ -
Yuranosuke ☘️ -
Kwan ☘️ -
Raven 1 -
Raven Swarm -
Lady Elizeth -
Xu Jiang ☘️ -
Ayane ☘️ -

Seeing Elizeth being harried by the raven swarm, Kwan rushes down the stairs to protect her. Despite running as fast as he can, Kwan doesn't quite reach Elizeth. "We're here, Elizeth. Stand behind me."

◆ Stride
◆ Stride
◆ Stride

Yuranosuke, seeing another large raven left after Shandari zaps the other one, bolts towards it.

◆ Stride

He narrows his eyes at the malevolent bird.

◆ Hunt Prey

And tries to skewer it with his Shuan Ji.

◆ Strike

Shuan Ji: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 181d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Kwan pushes onward, recognizing that the Crow Swarm is surely the greaster threat.

Yuranosuke notices another large raven emitting red smoke or mist and strides over, slicing it with his Shaun Ji. It cries out, cawwing, in a too human-like voice, "f-f-oo-d, Eyesssss"

It then flies into his space to harry him and try to poke his eyes out.

Beak to the eyes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Beak to the eyes: 1d20 + 9 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 9 - 5 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

The Raven Swarm swirls, a mass of black feathers and red smoke and a malevolent energy as it swings around and descends upon Lady Elizeth, hundreds of ethereal voices.

"Eyyeess. . . Eat. . No. . Lady. . GONE. .DIE. . nice. . Graves . .Evermore. . Return"

Swarming Beaks + Blind fort DC20: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Lady Elizeth fort save vs Swarming Beaks: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
blind: 1d4 ⇒ 4

The Ravens peck viciously tearing at Lady Elizeth's eyes.

Encounter Map
Round 1 / 2 - Birds!
Shandari ☘️ -
Yuranosuke ☘️ - 5 damage
Kwan ☘️ -
Raven 1 - 8 damage
Raven Swarm -
Lady Elizeth - 8 damage, Blind 4 rounds
Xu Jiang ☘️ -
Ayane ☘️ -

Ayane moves up to the balcony edge and casts a spell, throwing a loose stone towards the swarm of ravens.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12

Its not nice to eat people eyes! you nasty birds!"

>Stride
>>Telekinetic projectile

Don't forget, I get a +1 to AC against my Hunted Prey from my Outwit Hunter's Edge!

Kwan raises his shield, moves closer to the swarm of ravens, and then stabs at them swarm. "Leave her alone!"

Then, he reaches a hand toward Elizeth and heals her with divine energy.

◆◆ Defensive Advance
◆ Lay on Hands Elizeth received 6 HP healing & +2 status bonus to AC

Strike: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Piercing/Holy Dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

She too tries to disperse the birds with electricity bursting from her

Zap!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

But in all the chaos she simply hits nothing

"Too many birds!" she cries in frustration

Some alternate orders here, depending on GM ruling on height and distance. If he can move to point "A" and reach Elizeth with a 30'-range 2-action heal spell, he will do so. If not, but he can move to point "B" and do so, he will. If neither of those allows him to reach Elizeth (or Kwan has mostly healed Elizeth), he will move to point "C" and do a 1-action heal on Yuranosuke. GM, please delete the A, B & C markers when my turn is resolved.

"You shall not blaspheme here in this holy place, unholy spirits!"

We'll say option C, the lay on hands will bring her to only 2 damage, until she ends up taking more, inevitably

Ayane moves up, taking stock of the evil Bird-Nado forming on top of Lady Elizeth and decides to launch a big rock, she knocks out not just one bird but two with it, hurting the swarm.

Kwan moves up next to the raven swarm, reaching his hand inside to provide healing relief for Lady Elizeth, though as he touches her, in her blindness she cries out still, unsure who is there.

Shandari tries again to zap some birds but can't find a stationary target to aim at.

Xu Jiang moves up to assist Yuranosuke in his fight with the abnormally large Raven that has a certain malevolent intelligence behind its glowing red animal eyes.

Hearing Xu Jiang, Lady Elizeth says, "Xu jiang, is that you, or more tricks? Please help! I'm exhausted, these crows haven't let up since last night,"

just need an action for Yuranosuke for round 2, then I'll do the birds then all y'all will be up again to finish out round 2 and start of round 3

Encounter Map
Round 2 - Birds!
Shandari ☘️ -
Yuranosuke ☘️ -
Kwan ☘️ -
Raven 1 - 8 damage
Raven Swarm - 10 damage
Lady Elizeth - 2 damage, Blind 4 rounds
Xu Jiang ☘️ -
Ayane ☘️ -

"It's me, my lady! Hold on! I'm coming!"

Kwan tries to reassure Elizeth. "Elizeth, it's me. Kwan. No tricks."

"Begone!" Yuranosuke barks as he tries to strike at the malevolent raven, or at least drive it away.

◆ Strike

Shuan Ji: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 141d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

◆ Strike

Shuan Ji (Backswing): 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 5 = 171d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

◆ Strike

Shuan Ji (Backswing): 1d20 + 7 - 10 ⇒ (2) + 7 - 10 = -11d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 2 = 10

my bad I forgot to move the raven into your space last time it attacked you, we'll just say you took a couple steps back rather than the last attack

Yuranosuke makes a dizzying array of attacks which prove too much for this elite malevolent possessed raven as he slices it in twain. Red mist escapes from the raven's body.

Meanwhile the Raven-nado shifts slightly to encompass Kwan in its beaky destruction.

Swarming Beaks DC 20 Reflex Save to avoid Blind: 1d8 ⇒ 7

The birds continue to peck and tear at Lady Elizeth, the haunting spirits growing angrier and more animated the more blood they draw.

"Eliiiizeth! Elizeth! ELIZETH!
Bones to break, blood to drink—
SHATTER HER! BLEED HER! SWALLOW HER WHOLE!"

"She prays! She prays! No one listens!"
No one hears! No one CARES!
Pharasma, Pharasma! HA-HA-HA-HA!"
"She left you! She LEFT YOU!"
"The Lady of Graves digs your hole!"

Encounter Map
Round 2 / 3 - Birds!
Shandari ☘️ -
Yuranosuke ☘️ -
Kwan ☘️ - 7 damage
Raven Swarm - 10 damage
Lady Elizeth - 9 damage, Blind 3 rounds
Xu Jiang ☘️ -
Ayane ☘️ -

"Do not listen to them!" Yuranosuke calls as he rushes to join the battle.

◆◆ Stride x2

He thrusts into the swirl of birds madly, hoping to drive them away.

◆ Strike

Shuan Ji: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 261d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

1. Stride.
2 & 3. Cast Divine Lance.

Divine Lance v. Birdnado: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 162d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4 spirit damage

"That's rather rude. Saying someone isn't listening when you don't even know them" she ponders as she moves to hopefully get a good shot at the Raven again

Zap!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Once again the chaos is not helping her aim at all!