PFS2 Q20 - The Dacilane Academy's Show Must Go On

Game Master cmlobue

The Dacilane Academy often calls upon the Pathfinder Society to get them out of trouble, or to aid their students. Considering that many Pathfinders enroll their children in the academy, the relationship is one of mutual benefit. It’s therefore no surprise when the academy calls upon the Pathfinders to help make sure nothing terrible happens during the play that the students will be performing at a nearby theater, the Muse of the Rose. Recently, performances there have seen unfortunate accidents. No one has been seriously injured, but the performances were all ultimately ruined. It's up to the PCs to ensure that the Dacilane Academy's performance doesn't suffer the same fate, even if the have to prevent disasters backstage during the show itself.

"Acorn!"

Having gotten lost - or rather, in his meanderings, remained so as a more perpetual state - our tiny hero spots the seed to a mighty tree - what's it doing out this far? - the reader may ask, and yet, the thought not-crosses the whimsical mind of the brown sprite, who, built it seems to resemble, or mock, the male form, in miniature: but sporting inverted cloven hooves for feet, a backspiral horns protruding from his head, with ugly, mothen wings sprouted from his shoulders.

Walking along with steps proportional to his full one feet of height, and leaving a gentle trail of ash in his wake...

A goblin woman in faded robes approaches. "Ah.. what's going on here.. oh no.. students. Can we eat them?" she says. The toad on her head croaks.

A halfling man wearing an apron and a chef's hat perks up at the goblin's words. "Oh dear no. We can't eat children. If you're hungry I baked some fresh muffins this morning." He takes off his backpack and begins rifling through its contents, pulling out item after item until he finally locates a package wrapped in wax paper. He unwraps several muffins and offers one each pathfinder in attendance.

A tiny gingerbread man hops off of Welby's shoulder and places his hands on his hips in dismay as he surveys the mess that was once a neatly packed backpack. He glares accusingly at the halfling and begins to repack the backpack.

“Ah, Pathfinders! I take it you’re the ones I’ve been told will help me out?” A slender man in his 20s dressed in the blues of an Eagle Knight approaches them with a smile. “J Dacilane, at your service. My academy teaches the children of many Pathfinder agents, and so we call upon the Society from time to time to help with certain matters. This is no different.” He sighs. “We might as well continue this discussion on the way. I’m worried for the students, so I don’t want to dally too much.”

J leads the way off the grounds of the Grand Lodge and into the streets of the Foreign Quarter. As he walks, he continues his explanation. “The Academy has been trying to put on this play for the last few weeks, and we have only barely made it happen due to the accidents. Nothing too threatening, yet, but ever since we started performing at the Muse of the Rose, it’s been nothing but problems.” Chuckling nervously, he continues, “At first, it was just missed cues or forgetting small lines, but during our last performance, one of our actors got hurt during the fight scene in the third act. Their dueling partner slipped on the floor, which had become covered in grease.” He shakes his head. “We had to take precautions after that so no one would be seriously hurt. What I need you to do is investigate the theater, then figure out the best way to make the show go on. Do you have any questions?”

"J Dacilane, we meet again." The Chilexian woman enters fashionably late as usual. Some of the candles flicker as she passes by. "What are the children up to this week?" She nods along with the tale. "Hmm, seems like someone is pulling rather cruel pranks. Let's put an end to that."

She looks to the other Pathfinders. "I am Issil Telfae, pleased to meet you all. I am an investigator by nature, my employee will be here soon to do more of the heavy lifting."

A short mousy woman peers around the corner. Her attire is unremarkable, almost as if she wants you to not notice her.

"Ummm... am I in the right place? I was told to come here by the Society" She pulls out a slightly crumpled missive and studies it.

Maruta scoots around, his ashen wake leaving a faint sooty trail, and hands out acorns to Nyak Nyak, Manny the Gingerbread Man, and Issil Telfae, affixing them to an article of clothing.

3 Hero Points for 3 GM Glyphs, if allowed

"Oh.. a theatre!" Nyak Nyak pulls her thin fingers through her hair. "Maybe I could entertain with some of my singing!" Nyak Nyak cackles.

"So do you have any suspicions about who's behind this? Rivals? Blackmailers? Slimes?"

Have 2 glyphs.

"Where are the children practicing?" Issil ponders.

I have 2 glphys to give as Hero Points. I think that means we all start off with 2.

A stout halfling arrives at the meeting spot, wearing armor made of interwoven metal cables. It is clear that this little guy isn't just for show; the weapons he has at his disposal are unusual: a huge two-pronged fork and a frying pan, a Y-shaped staff, and a long wooden pole. He even has a steel shield stowed behind him.

"Basag Bungo, at your service." The halfling gives them a courteous bow, not asking any questions to the headmaster so far.

Yes, two hero points for everyone.

J is momentarily taken aback at the mention of slimes, but tells Nyak nyak, “We do have a few small clues: we found glittery powder around those who have forgotten their lines, and one of the students swore they heard a high-pitched giggle before one of the accidents happened.”

J chuckles at Issil. “The play is ‘The Songbird and the Raven.’ It’s all the rage in Ravounel, or so I’ve heard. It’s your standard star-crossed lovers fare — young paramours divided by family and by station. The students love it. We’ve toned down some of the romance, especially since our lead Morgan isn’t comfortable with the kissing scene at the end of the play. I understand they’ve worked out that there will be a hug instead. We have some very considerate and adaptable students.”

"I feel my Grandmother has spoken of this play. There are many scenes that can be edited or reinterpreted. I've witnessed a few more... intense versions of the The Songbird and the Raven that would not be suitable for children."

"Well then. Maybe we can ask around and get some clues. I'll let my employee do most of the legwork."

"Yes, I agree. We should look at the theatre and ask around for clues." Basag agrees to Issil. "We can ask the students on what happened to them."

"Hmm...I don't suppose any of the players did anything to invite bad luck did they? Like mention the name of "The Taldor Play" or accidentally wish someone good luck? Maybe they accidentally insulted a chimney sweep, or ate radishes with a spoon? They could have spilled some oregano." Some of the diminutive cook's superstitions seem like he made them up on the spot.

"Might be other envious students. I know how the young 'uns work!" Nyak Nyak says.

J adds, “In the lobby, artwork had been vandalized. That doesn't seem to be directed at our students. Since it’s an active theater, we’ve had to clean them, but we left the most recent vandalism alone, so you can investigate.”

"Alright, I'll pass these notes along to my associate." Issil pretends to write some notes down. "I'll call her here so she can perform the investigation." She bows to take her leave.

...around the corner...
...no one's looking...

Pull out the red ribbons!
Kick off those heels!
Smudge the white ash!

And the Carnelian Signet makes her grand entrance!

"Shall we take a look at the lobby artwork then? My employer updated me on the situation." The woman approaches with a controlled trot, small sparks bursting with each step.

"I'm the Carnelian Signet. Issil Telfae is my employer. She's paying me to do the dirty work for her."

Marita recognizes the strange ashen lady - he has seen her before!

As the party musters to leave, He quietly approaches to get a closer look at the artwork!

Avoid Notice

"Let us go, then," J says as the Pathfinders depart for the theater, "Please do not damage the theater, the props, or hurt the actors." The last item is said with a laugh, as he doesn’t expect you to do anything harmful to students who also happen to be the children of their peers. "In case anything gets out of hand," he continues as he gives each of the Pathfinders a small pin with the crest of Dacilane Academy. "We have performed a ritual to make the theater a safe space, and these will ensure that you needn't worry about hurting anyone, even if you bring your considerable talents to bear. Please put them on."

As long as you wear the pin, all damage you do, mundane or magical, within the theater is nonlethal. Does anyone have questions or refuse to don their pin?

"Such a beautiful pin!" She attaches it to the small chain around her neck. "I'd be honored to wear it."

Our tiny sprite hero brandishes the pin like a tower shield.

Indeed, it is.

Nyak Nyak dons the pin. "No further questions!" the goblin says.

The Pathinders are asked to investigate different areas in the theater to find clues and learn more about the nature of the pranksters.

Each PC has time to make a total of 6 checks divided among the following areas as they see fit, though the DC increases by 1 for a given PC for each time they have succeeded in earning Investigation Points for that specific check.

Normally I would let everyone roll all six checks at once if they wanted, but you may trigger some events as you go, so please, one check per person per area at the start. I will let you know when an area can be searched freely.

Lobby: Society (T): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
The Carnelian Signet peers closely at the graffiti. Does she recognize the work of one of the artists?

Balcony: Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
As she steps onto the balcony, she puts a hand to an ear. "Someone's enjoying themselves. I hope I didn't interrupt!"

Stage: Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
A Chelaxian ballroom? Doesn't smell like brimstone, so it's a vast improvement. What else is going on in here? She begins scanning the area like a hawk.

Backstage, the Carnelian Signet remembers her time during >Dacilane Academy’s Delightful Disaster< and is glad to return. "Greetings, children! How are you since I came here last time?"

Marita follows the pink warrior to the mez - walking just beneath her feet, and looks around.

Nature (Trained): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Nyak Nyak heads to the balcony.
Nyak Nyak hears the giggling. "Who's that?" Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Absalom lore: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Welby saunters through the lobby, quietly clicking his tongue in dismay at the vandalized artwork.

Lobby and Mezzanine

Maruta recognizes that the graffiti is magical in nature, the result, perhaps, of a spell similar to prestidigitation. Neither the Carnelian Signet nor Welby can't figure out anything unusual about it.

1 success, more to learn with each skill.

Stage

The Carnelian Signet spots that the stage’s trap door is shaking as if barely holding back something that’s trying to get out. She hears cries in the breathy language of sussuran.

There is a fight here, but the Pathfinders can choose when it takes place and start with a full round of actions due to this critical success. Trap door is A3 - you'll return later.

Backstage

Waiting until the balcony encounter is resolved.

Balcony

>Slide 4<

The Carnelian Signet cannot place the laughter, but Nyak Nyak can tell that it is coming from the last box on the right. A number of small creatures are there, vandalizing the box. There also seems to be one tied up in a corner.

The enemies with star icons (red and blue) seem stronger than the similar ones in circles (yellow and green.

They look up as you reach the railing of the balcony on the other side.

You can reach the vandalized box by opening the door behind you, crossing the hall, and opening the door to the box being vandalized. A DC 20 Athletics check allows you to clear the 20-foot gap, or you could make two DC 10 Leaps instead. There is also a chandelier above the box seats that can be used to swing across the gap with a DC 20 Acrobatics check to do so. It is 15 feet to the ground, but the DC to Grab an Edge is 10 because of the well-designed railings.

The two stronger-looking creatures draw swords and point to the Pathfinders, jeering in a language unfamiliar to most.

Round 1 - bolded may go

Red
Blue
Basag Bungo
Carnelian Signet
Orange
Sam
Maruta
Welby
Nyak Nyak
Yellow
Green

Nature or Fey Lore to Recall knowledge. There are two types of enemies, so checking everything would require two actions.

The Carnelian Signet bursts into flames as she sees the box. "Darlings, save the vandalism for the villains! Or I'll have to punish you!"

She decides to take a daring leap across the balcony to get to the vandalized box. "I'll keep the little ones busy."

Athletics (T): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

A puff of smoke bursts from her feet as she vaults across. Once she lands, the flames begin to orbit her to a radius of 10 feet around her.

"Last chance to surrender, unless you want a spanking!"

◇ Quick-Tempered
◇ RAGE. 6 Temp HP. Issil is Concealed against ranged attacks.
◆◆ Long Jump to the vandalized box
◆ Activate Kinetic Aura

A large man, swarthy of skin, wearing an odd cuirass of woven leaves and bearing a shield and a staff with tattoos down his shoulder and leg comes running up, Sorry! I am so late!

Putting a hand on Samantha's shoulder, The Decemvirate recalls you Samantha. I will handle this.

Please roll Initiative for me and I will fill the Slides and Sign-in sheet! I am level 1, do I get the bump?

EDIT: I will slot in where Sam was. If I get the Mentoring bump, I will try to add it to the notation. If not, no worries, I may just be a little squishy for a frontliner.

"Villains!" Basag repeats what The Carnelian Signet says, or what he hears more important for the situation, while running the hallway toward where the enemies are.

"Curse you, ruinous creatures!" he adds while he continues to raise his shield. "They are here!"

◆ Stride
◆ Stride
◆ Raise a Steel Shield (+2 to AC)

The Carnelian Signet leaps onto the other balcony and fills the air with mystical fire.

Basag runs toward the fray.

A cloud of tiny creatures holding what looks like medical instruments flies over the Signet and begins pinching her in many unpleasant ways.

Bludgeoning Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8
Bludgeoning Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10
DC 20 basic Reflex save vs. each

Round 1 - bolded may go

Red
Blue
Basag Bungo
Carnelian Signet (2 Reflex saves)
Orange
Ho'okepa
Maruta
Welby
Nyak Nyak
Yellow
Green

You can reach the vandalized box by opening the door behind you, crossing the hall, and opening the door to the box being vandalized. A DC 20 Athletics check allows you to clear the 20-foot gap, or you could make two DC 10 Leaps instead. There is also a chandelier above the box seats that can be used to swing across the gap with a DC 20 Acrobatics check to do so. It is 15 feet to the ground, but the DC to Grab an Edge is 10 because of the well-designed railings.

Nature or Fey Lore to Recall knowledge. There are two types of enemies, so checking everything would require two actions.

Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Half damage on each. 4 + 6 = 10 damage. Removes my 6 Temp HP from Rage for a net of 4 damage.

"Spanking it is, then!" She grumbles as the baubles begin tugging away at her red ribbons.

Kepa raises his koa shield and advances to the nearest combatant, swinging his taiaha at it!

◆ Raise shield, ◆ Stride, ◆ Strike

Staff @ Green: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Damage, deific weapon: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

"Oh dear. It seems as though our friends need some immediate help. Hang on Manny!"

acrobatics DC20: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

The halfling grabs the chandelier and attempts to swing to his friend's aid. Unfortunately he is not as agile as he had hoped.

grab an edge, reflex save DC10: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Manny hops off of Welby's shoulder and stares at the halfling, his frosting mouth agape in disbelief. He shakes his head then moves to the door and opens it. He bows deeply and gestures, inviting the pathfinders to take the safer route through the hallway.

◆ Stride, ◆ interact

athletics-climb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Welby climbs back into the balcony, his face red with embarrassment. "Perhaps you're right Manny. The hallway is the more prudent route."

◆ swing on chandelier, ◆ command minion, ◆ climb back onto balcony

Kepa raises his koa shield and advances to the nearest combatant, swinging his taiaha at it!

◆ Raise shield, ◆ Stride, ◆ Strike

[dice=Staff @ Green]1d20+7
[dice=Damage, deific weapon]1d6+3

It doesn't look like you can simply stride to that spot, Kepa. Athletics, acrobatics or interacting with doors seem to be required.

You can reach the vandalized box by opening the door behind you, crossing the hall, and opening the door to the box being vandalized. A DC 20 Athletics check allows you to clear the 20-foot gap, or you could make two DC 10 Leaps instead. There is also a chandelier above the box seats that can be used to swing across the gap with a DC 20 Acrobatics check to do so. It is 15 feet to the ground, but the DC to Grab an Edge is 10 because of the well-designed railings.

My bad, I didn't realize that we were in a room! Will revise my Actions!

Revised Actions. ◆ Raise shield, ◆ Stride, ◆ Stride

Maruta takes flight.

Acrobatics (Trained) vs Dc 20: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Arriving just beneath a creature, he spews forth a gooey gob of gross boogers - directly above him onto the Green creature.

◆) Chandelier
◆◆) Camel Spit

Camel Spit (Acid and Dazzle) vs Green (AC): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 241d6 ⇒ 4 S @ Dazzled 1 round; CS @ Double damage and 1 Persistent Acid

Nyak Nyak moves towards the fray as well.

"Oh looks like we found the miscreants.." Nyak Nyak says.

◆ Stride
◆ Stride
◆ Evil Eye on Green - Will save DC20

Sorry, should have been more clear about what is going on with this map.

The Carnelian Signet ducks out of the way of many of the pinching creatures, but cannot evade all of them.

Ho'okepa crosses the hall to reach the box.

Maruta leaps into the box and spits acid at one of the enemies.

Welby dangles from the chandelier undahsingly.

Nyak Nyak rushes over and stares at one of the fey.

Will Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

It does not seem impressed.

The enemies flit up next to the Pathfinders and begin hacking.

They have reach 0, so you may take reactions if moving into your square allows that.

Yellow Shortsword vs. Ho'okepa: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Nonlethal Piercing Daage: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3

Yellow Shortsword vs. Ho'okepa: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 9 - 4 = 13
Nonlethal Piercing Damage: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

Green Shortsword vs. Maruta: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Nonlethal Piercing Damage: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4
Flat Check DC 5: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Green Shortsword vs. Maruta: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 4 = 20
Nonlethal Piercing Damage: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (3) - 2 = 1
Flat Check DC 5: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Green Shortsword vs. Maruta: 1d20 + 9 - 8 ⇒ (5) + 9 - 8 = 6
Nonlethal Piercing Damage: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4
Flat Check DC 5: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Red Shortsword vs. Nyak Nyak: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Nonlethal Piercing Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Red Shortsword vs. Nyak Nyak: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 11 - 4 = 21
Nonlethal Piercing Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Blue Shortsword vs. Carnelian Signet: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
Nonlethal Piercing Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Blue Shortsword vs. Carnelian Signet: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 4 = 13
Nonlethal Piercing Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

All of their swords seem to be props, but that does not mean they don't hurt.

Round 2 - bolded may go

Red
Blue
Basag Bungo
Carnelian Signet (-5 HP)
Orange
Ho'okepa (-3 HP)
Maruta (-5 HP)
Welby (grabbing an edge)
Nyak Nyak (-6 HP)
Yellow
Green (-4 HP, dazzled 1 round)

You can reach the vandalized box by opening the door behind you, crossing the hall, and opening the door to the box being vandalized. A DC 20 Athletics check allows you to clear the 20-foot gap, or you could make two DC 10 Leaps instead. There is also a chandelier above the box seats that can be used to swing across the gap with a DC 20 Acrobatics check to do so. It is 15 feet to the ground, but the DC to Grab an Edge is 10 because of the well-designed railings.

Nature or Fey Lore to Recall knowledge. There are two types of enemies, so checking everything would require two actions.

The Carnelian Signet draws her Silver Longsword, which bursts into flame as she draws it. She focuses on the Blue creature before ducking to the left.

Deception (E) to Feint vs Blue Will Save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Oh well, the critter isn't falling for it. She readies herself to bash it with her pommel. Hopefully the pin works.

Silver Longsword: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Nonlethal Silver Magical Slashing: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (7, 2) + 3 = 12
Nonlethal Rage (Fire): 4 = 4

Kepa will use his Retributive Strike to protect Maruta and take a swing at the gremlin thingie in his square, if I can!

As the creature on Maruta stabs at Maruta, there is a flash and it is almost like its hand plunges into water! Maruta has Resistance 3 to the attack!

In response, Kepa's taiaha flashes out to strike at the gremlin thingie!

Strike, deific weapon @ Green: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Were the doors still closed by the time I was able to act? If so, I wouldn't have been able to get in the room... and thus would not be able to take this Retributive Strike.

Door is open. Botting Basag Bungo.

Ho'okepa hits the green fey squarely as it moves. it drops to the ground, still breathing. 5 HP back to Maruta because it never would have had time to attack you.

The Carnelian Signet swipes at the blue creature, stinging it badly.

Basag Bungo takes aim at the red creature.

◆◆ Jinx: The target gets a DC 19 Will saving throw to resist this jinx. Success The target is unaffected and is temporarily immune for 24 hours. Failure The target is clumsy 1 for 1 minute. Critical Failure The target is clumsy 2 for 1 minute.

Will Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

◆ Strike
+1 Frying Pan Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 B damage
If Crit Hit: Damage is instead Fatal d8 Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 B damage x2 plus 1d8 ⇒ 3 additional B damage

The fey avoids the curse but not the cookware.

The swarm moves slightly and attacks, careless about whether they strike friend or foe.

Bludgeoning Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 5) = 6
Bludgeoning Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10
DC 20 basic Reflex save vs. each

Yellow Reflex: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Yellow Reflex: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Blue Reflex: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Blue Reflex: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

They should have been more careful, as the blue fey is out cold.

Round 2 - bolded may go

Red (-7 HP)
Blue
Basag Bungo
Carnelian Signet (-5 HP, 2 Reflex saves)
Orange
Ho'okepa (-3 HP, 2 Reflex saves)
Maruta (2 Reflex saves
Welby (grabbing an edge)
Nyak Nyak (-6 HP)
Yellow (-3 HP)
Green (-15 HP, unconscious)

I think the attack happens after the ally takes damage, because the trigger is an ally takes damage. Posting the verbage below.

Retributive Strike ↻ Trigger An enemy damages your ally, and both are in your champion’s aura.
Effect You protect your ally and strike your enemy. The ally gains resistance to all damage against the triggering damage equal to 2 + your level. If the enemy is within reach, make a melee Strike against it.

Reflex 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Reflex 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Hero Point for Reflex 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 Took 13 damage.

Ho'okepa raises his shield and swings twice at Yellow!

◆ Raise Shield, ◆ Strike, ◆ Strike

Staff, deific weapon @ Yellow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Staff, deific weapon, MAP @Yellow: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 5 = 7

Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 Success. 3 damage.
Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 Failure. 10 damage.

-18 HP total.

"Persistent, aren't they?" The Carnelian Signet mumbles as they reach for her teeth.