PFS2e 5-09 Equal Exchanges - Skymetal Hoard (Inactive)

Game Master Nomadical

Mindartis winces as Tao treats his wounds from the battle earlier. He immediately feels better and thanks Tao. Mialee then brushes her head against Tao's arms as a sign of thanks for healing her companion.

With his wounds healed, he goes back to scouting and surveying the area. "Again, we humbly ask thee, Spirits, to let us pass."

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

Marigold gives a nod of satisfaction that the coast is clear, and joins Mindartis on his trap hunt.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28

As Tao starts to look into the scratches that the team have acquired, Khaul directs a scathing look at his shield.

"Yeh looking a bit banged up Myrsa. Would yer like meh tah straighten yer out, or shall I save me strength?"

The shield just glowers, though exactly how a shield can be said to glower is unclear, certainly however she manages, without a face, to give the impression of glowering.

"Alright then. It's not that I enjoy banging on you with a hammer. I just want yer to be lookin yer best. Wouldn't want anyone to say I wasn't looking after yer. It is only a scratch after-all."

Rather than taking out his portable anvil, the dwarf sits to enjoy the forest, leaving a small offering for any local spirits as he does so.

"I'm wonderin about burying those zombies, or whether we should just let the jungle be reclaimin them. Me feelin is the jungle wants them back, and will do a quicker job if they be above ground." he notes out loud to both the party and any local spirits who might want to voice an opinion on the matter.

"I am be wondering though, how they came to be here. Zombies are not what I was bein expecting in this paradise."

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Perception (E): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

With the injured sorted, Tao scans the area for further pit traps.

”Paradise, it seems, matches it’s beautiful with it’s deadly. No time to relax, unfortunately, until after we secure the Dragon’s hoard”

Lokaloka keeps her eyes peeled for traps.

Perc: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

Imelia continues searching.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

As to how and why there are so many zombies, you put your heads together and discuss what you know.

While these are clearly the animated bodies of dead beings, the weird tendril thing is not something associated with any sort of undead zombie variant you've heard of. Taking a minute to examine one of the re-dead-ed creatures reveals that it has features related to the akata’s that Arong told you about. Perhaps these akatas use dead bodies to spawn in, though it’s unclear at this time.

After resting and healing up, you move further into the jungle. You spot several more net traps scattered along what little there is of a trail. While easily avoiding them, Lokaloka is the first to notice a glint in one triggered heavy net trap almost completely hidden by the foliage. It contains a heavily decomposed body that seems to have perished in a writhing pose, its tattered clothes providing little hint to its origins. Nothing of worth remains on the corpse except for a pair of lesser mirror goggles still strapped to its head.

Shortly thereafter, the curtain of jungle foliage parts, revealing an incline. Verdant underbrush flanks the long, mucky dirt path leading upward, one made more from the runoff of water meandering downhill than by any actual foot traffic. Further up, the crumbling stone structures emerge from among the trees. These spaces could’ve conceivably provided shelter or hosted functions amongst worshippers at one point, but the years of lingering have reduced them to little more than sources of shade against the beating sun. Finally, the far edge of this raised area culminates in an impressive open-air temple.

Topped by a statue sculpted in honor of Valashinaz, the temple’s roof has remained intact in defiance of time and the elements. The walls have similarly lasted, along with stone columns carved in the dragon's likeness. These take myriad poses and expressions, only the finer details of which have been lost to erosion. Moss covers nearly every surface of the temple, and tufts of grass or weeds peep out between cracks in the floor. The stone steps leading from the outside into the main chamber appear darkened with the post-morning dew. The signature jungle smell now mixes with an almost musty, metallic scent.

On a raised dais, with steps leading up to it from each cardinal direction, waits a veritable bounty of skymetal— noqual, jars of djezet, even chunks of siccatite—immaculate and untouched by time in contrast to the aged surroundings. The light seeping in from the temple’s various entrances reflects off the metals. Each glint bounces off one of many rounded chunks of noqual scattered in bunches throughout the temple’s interior, some laid out on the floor and some precariously stuck upright against the walls.

Tao gazes up the four sets of steps that lead to the top of the dais, and the hoard, squinting as the reflected lights shine brightly into her sensitive eyes…

GM, what is the distance from the dais down a single lane of steps (the four of which I assume to be equidistant of path length)?

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Khaul surveys the scene before him with interest.
"Quite the sight. I'm thinkin those steps maybe slippery." he murmurs. "How good are yer all at tellin one type of skymetal from another?"

survival: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

His gaze continues over the area. "Should we be deactivitin th' runes now.. or do we need ta get closer before sayin th words?"

Occultism(T): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

No survival

Waiting for Aleksandr to attempt the Occultism check as it could be important. Anyone want to Aid Another or Guidance Khaul to get him the Survival one? 

Khaul ponders aloud whether it's time to say the words. Those with some magical training might be able to advise him....

”Tell us what you see, friend” seeing the pensive look on the dwarf’s face, Tao infuses a subtle magic to push his inspiration just over the edge…

◆) Guidance @ Khaul
◆) Guidance @ Aleksandr

The magic leapfrogs and lends the dhampir a hand as well…

"Them cocoons... They be infused with skymetal itself. I be thikin we could be pluckin one or two of them. It be not disturbin the hoard itself even. But then we were also warned to take care of the wildlife, and I be thinkin that which emerges from the cocoons be part of that wildlife."

”Those are cocoons?”, asks Marigold in disbelief. ”So do they hatch metal butterflies?”

Occultism with guidance: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 12 + 1 = 14

Noqual, it whatever form is a rare and valuable material indeed. Perhaps we should bring back a sample for the Society.

Aleksandr moves to retrieve one of the chunks.

Aleksandr moves to retrieve some noqual as Khaul ponders the ethics of harvesting rare minerals from the cocoons.

Within moments of entering the temple, though, the shadows of hunched figures loom from the north and west. A pair of large blue-skinned akatas prowls onto the temple grounds with several decomposing humanoids dressed in tattered traveling clothes of differing styles shambling along at their rear. From the north, a gigantic jungle slug slides forward looking for whatever scraps the akatas might leave in their wake. These creatures eerily emit no sound, but with a thump of its tentacles against the ground, the largest of the akatas suddenly rushes forward—signaling the others to do the same.

Round 1
Defending the Hoard
Conditions: None
BOLD May Act

Marigold

Blue

Khaul
Mindartis
Tao
Lokaloka

Slug
Green
Red

Aleksandr

Purple
Orange
Green

The scenario contradicts itself multiple times as to where exactly this occurs. One part says you are inside a temple with 30 foot ceilings, but the map clearly shows you being outside atop a pyramid with no entrances depicted. So we’ll use the map they said to use. Each main level of the pyramid is 5 feet elevation, so you are currently 20 feet above the ground. Stairs are difficult terrain when ascending, but not when descending.

”Guys? They don’t look friendly!”, Marigold warns.

She takes out her bow, and draws the empty string. An arrow appears, but instead of an axe blade, the head is long and needle-sharp. She looses it at the nearest akata.

Interact, Cast telekinetic projectile at Blue (Surprise Attack [off-guard], Magical Trickster)

Attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33
Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 6, 4, 3) = 21P +Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

Marigold reacts with preternatural speed and catches the akata off-guard. By dint of that, her magical arrow punctures the creature deeply, though it does seem to resist the pointy stick some.

Crit, but Resistance to Piercing.

Having just been shot by the lady with the streaming red hair, the akata closes in on its prey. It lumbers up the steps of the temple before lashing out with its tendril.

Tentacle vine: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27

I’ll assume that Marigold uses Nimble Dodge, since that would be just enough to negate the Hit.

Tentacle vine, agile: 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 17 - 4 = 16

Marigold dodges out of the way and then easily avoids the second swing of the long icky tentacle.

Round 1
Defending the Hoard
Conditions: None
BOLD May Act

Marigold

Blue (-43, bloodied, AC <= 25, Resist Piercing 5)

Khaul
Mindartis
Tao
Lokaloka

Slug
Green
Red

Aleksandr

Purple
Orange
Green

The scenario contradicts itself multiple times as to where exactly this occurs. One part says you are inside a temple with 30 foot ceilings, but the map clearly shows you being outside atop a pyramid with no entrances depicted. So we’ll use the map they said to use. Each main level of the pyramid is 5 feet elevation, so you are currently 20 feet above the ground. Stairs are difficult terrain when ascending, but not when descending.

Our hero's eyes whiten with iridescent glow - refracting into different colors depending upon who is looking and from what vantage point - and once again, a swirl of friendly apparitions join the ensemble - including the "brother" (more of a "great great cousin") from earlier whom she asks the same question "This monocular azata - how can we defend against it?"

◆) Whispers of Weakness (vs Purple)
~) Curse of Ancestral Meddling: Clumsy 1 (Tao AC 22)
◆◆) Ghostly Carrier
↺) Flash of Grandeur

Receiving her answer, next a duo of ghostly children come to stand beside the oracle and ask of her "Which of them do you need the favor for?" and Tao, handing them what seems to be a glowing object of some kind, answers "No sure yet..."

"Right lass, time to get to work." says Khaul.
He adjusts Myrsa, so she can 'get a better view', and steps up to the tentacled horror before him.

Raising his warhammer he cries out "TRUDD" as he brings it smashing down on the creature.

strike: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (1) + 16 = 17
B damage(magic): 2d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7, 3) + 4 + 2 = 16

But he slips on the step as he moves down to it, and the hammer flies well wide of the mark.

* raise shield
* step
* strike

Tao asks her little but very older brother about the akata. He informs her that like the zombies they encountered earlier, it too has that strange vulnerability to salt water, but no others, and that its size makes it less able to react quickly. Reflex save is lowest.

Poor Khaul slips on the slick stone. I hesitate to imagine what Myrsa is thinking about her Bearer right about then.

Round 1
Defending the Hoard
Conditions: None
BOLD May Act

Marigold

Blue (-43, AC <= 25, Resist Piercing 5

Khaul
Mindartis
Tao
Lokaloka

Slug
Green
Red

Aleksandr

Purple
Orange
Green

The scenario contradicts itself multiple times as to where exactly this occurs. One part says you are inside a temple with 30 foot ceilings, but the map clearly shows you being outside atop a pyramid with no entrances depicted. So we’ll use the map they said to use. Each main level of the pyramid is 5 feet elevation, so you are currently 20 feet above the ground. Stairs are difficult terrain when ascending, but not when descending.

Immediately Lokaloka starts to play her pipes.

Performance, Wind Instruments(Virtuosic), Maestro's Instrument: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32

Probably a Crit, 4 rds CA

She scoops up some rocks and hurls them at the ugly thing trying to climb the pyramid.

TKP, CA: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 1 = 19 for Bludgeoning, CA: 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6, 1, 4) + 1 = 17 Critical Hit: Double Damage

◇ Lingering Composition
◆ Courageous Anthem
◆◆ TKP (probably a miss)

Mindartis sets Blue as their prey. The elf then commands Mialee to assist Khaul via flank. The bird flies up and goes around the Blue monster and slashes it with her claws. Mindartis backs off a bit to get a better aim at their foes.

Claw: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 1 = 28
Slashing+Precision: 2d4 + 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3, 2) + (6) + 3 + 1 = 15

◈Hunt Prey, ◈Command Animal, ◈Stride

"See, look how Mindartis does it. Khaul, pay attention. See how he manages to keep his balance. And Mialee, such grace!" instructs Myrsa.

"Neither of them have fifteen pounds of metal on their arm tipping their balance off. Or distracting them with chatter." grumbles Khaul.

Lokaloka begins playing the pickle pipes and everyone is truly inspired. She flings some rocks, and the akata ducks from her feeble attempt.
3 Rounds. Not a crit, sorry. Marigold is level 8, so the DC for the highest level target of the spell is 24.

Mindartis sends Mialee around the back of the akata, and the bird accomplishes his task with such grace as to inspire Myrsa. As Mindartis watches, he notes that Mialee’s claws have trouble penetrating the creature’s hide. Khaul and Myrsa trade barbs like any old married couple would in the heat of combat in a jungle full of undead abominations.

The slug inches forward leaving a slimy trail in its wake, but it’s stymied by the buildings and has to take the long way around.

One of the zombies begins moving up the temple stairs. It swings at Khaul, but the champion’s armor defects it.

Fist vs Khaul: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
Damage, B: 3d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 3, 6) + 4 = 18

Round 1
Defending the Hoard
Conditions: Courageous Anthem
BOLD May Act

Marigold [ooc]

Blue (-53, 19 < AC <= 25, Resist Piercing 5, Resist Slashing 5

Khaul
Mindartis
Tao
Lokaloka

Slug
Red

Aleksandr

Purple
Orange
Green

The scenario contradicts itself multiple times as to where exactly this occurs. One part says you are inside a temple with 30 foot ceilings, but the map clearly shows you being outside atop a pyramid with no entrances depicted. So we’ll use the map they said to use. Each main level of the pyramid is 5 feet elevation, so you are currently 20 feet above the ground. Stairs are difficult terrain when ascending, but not when descending.

Imelia and Aleksandr launch attacks at the zombie climbing the stairs.

All at red

◇ Extend Boost Occultism (DC 22): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 3 rounds
◆ Boost Eidolon

◆◆ Act Together
Aleksandr ◆◆ Cast a Spell (Vitality Lash)
Vitality: 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 6, 2, 2) + 1 = 15 DC 22 basic Fortitude

Imelia ◆ Strike (Range 30, Propulsive)
Attack: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 15 + 1 = 29
Vitality: 2d4 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 1 + 4 = 10
1d6 persistent vitality on a hit

Fort DC 22: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21

When Aleksandr’s lash strikes the akata, its skin suddenly hardens into a bark-like material at the point of impact, which while it does reduce the damage, the akata clearly had no other defense against it. Imelia follows up and the summoner/eidolon team take down the nearest threat.

The two zombies shuffle forward and stumble up the stairs which stymie their advance. 3-action moves for both.

The remaining akata makes no noise when its partner dies and simply moves inexorably up the steps, It stops as soon as it can reach Imelia.

Tentacle vs Imelia: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (1) + 17 = 18

The tentacle flops uselessly against the eidolon’s defenses.

Round 2
Defending the Hoard
Conditions: Courageous Anthem
BOLD May Act

Marigold

Blue (-53, 19 < AC <= 25, Resist Piercing 5, Resist Slashing 5, Reaction)

Khaul
Mindartis
Tao
Lokaloka

Slug
Red

Aleksandr

Purple
Orange
Green

Yes, the stray ooc next to Marigold was a typo. Sorry for the confusion.

Marigold nocks an arrow from her quiver. The tip changes to an axe head as she draws, and aims it at the zombie in front of her.

”Catch!”, she says sprightly.

Eldritch Shot: Telekinetic Projectile at Orange

Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 17 + 1 = 19
Damage: 2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 + 1 = 8P +TP: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 4, 5, 1) = 14S

Hero Point that

Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 17 + 1 = 26

”That one” Tao sends her cousins to engage the approaching tentacled monster - they touch it from either side, penetrating it’s soul, sharing with it visions of violent acts committed by other inhabitants of this world and the next - sending it reeling from the overload!

Basic Will w/ Ancestral Touch w/ Anthem (+1) vs Purple Azata (mental + fright 1/2 on F/CF): 5d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 3, 3, 4, 1) + 1 = 15

◆) Ancestral Touch via Ghostly Carrier vs Purple
◆) Step
◆) Strike vs Purple (w/ +2 from Whispers of Weakness)
~) Warding Statuette (no valid target)
~) Curse of Ancestral Meddling: Clumsy 1 (Tao AC 22)
↺) Flash of Grandeur

Striking Bladed Scarf w/ Warding Statuette (S, 2h, disarm, finesse, reach, sweep, trip) w/ Whispers (+2) w/ Anthem (+1) vs Purple (Frightened?): 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 14 + 2 = 362d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 + 1 = 10

With a quick leap, she whirls her blades and cuts a wide gash in it’s physical form, then twists her scarf back into her own orbit.

Surrounded by zombies. Khaul was in the dwarven champion equivalent of heaven!
"Mebe I should have been a priest. Oh wait a moment.."

However tempting channeling the power of Trudd into the group of large zombies is, the dwarf knows his job, and its to stand firm and not let the big lunkies past him.

Raising Myrsa he checks "Got a good enough view from up there?" before slamming his hammer into the yellow zombie. Twice.

strike,CA: 1d20 + 18 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 18 + 1 = 31
damage: 2d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 5) + 6 + 1 = 18
strike,CA,MAP: 1d20 + 18 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 18 + 1 = 38
damage: 2d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 1) + 6 + 1 = 13

"Neither of them have fifteen pounds of metal on their arm tipping their balance off. Or distracting them with chatter." grumbles Khaul.

"Hang on, are you saying I'm overweight?" grumbles the shield.

Mindartis transfers their focus to set Green as their prey. He sends Mialee to attack the creature and Mindartis sends an arrow towards it as well.

Mialee Claw: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 1 = 27
Slashing+Precision: 2d4 + 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1, 2) + (2) + 3 + 1 = 9

Longbow Volley: 1d20 + 15 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 15 + 1 - 2 = 23
Piercing+Precision: 2d8 + 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5, 3) + (3) + 1 + 1 = 13

◈Hunt Prey, ◈Command Animal, ◈Strike

Lokaloka starts chanting in a nasty sounding language. She points to a spot behind Purple and a zombie suddenly climbs out of the ground.

Brutus is a Zombie Brute. Large AC 15, 70/70

"Brutus, you punch!"

Brutus Fist vs Purple, CA: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 1 = 13 for Bludgeoning, CA: 1d12 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 = 8 plus Improved Push 5'

Brutus Fist vs Purple, CA, MAP: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13 for Bludgeoning, CA: 1d12 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 1 = 15 plus Improved Push 5'

◆◆◆ Summon Undead (R3)
-Brutus-
◆◆ Whiff x2

Marigold can keep the Hero Point. 19 hits a zombie, and the rerolled 26 would not be a Crit.

Marigold pumps a shot into Orange as Tao continues communing with the spirits of her ancestors.

Will DC 25: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
The akata starts as the spirits become visible and it begins to shiver in fear at what it sees. Tao’s scarf catches it across the throat tearing a deep and bloody gash.

Meanwhile, Khaul steps into some deep doo-doo with his comment about Myrsa’s weight. He redeems himself by smashing the zombie to a pulp.

Mialee slashes away at the next zombie in the line. Benefiting from Khaul and Myrsas’ positioning, the bird tears a gaping hole into its torso. Crit due to Off Guard from Khaul. The ranger then plants an arrow into the same zombie and notes no resistance to the shot.

Lokaloka summons a brute from the jungle floor who seems to still be adjusting to being reawakened.

The slug moves inexorably forward.

The zombie has a target, albeit one with a “hefty” shield for cover. But it doesn’t care and attacks Khaul.

Fist: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

Tendril, agile: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 12 - 4 = 22

Tendril, agile: 1d20 + 12 - 8 ⇒ (8) + 12 - 8 = 12

Three strikes and he’s out (of actions) without a single scratch upon the champion nor his lovely shield.

Round 2
Defending the Hoard
Conditions: Courageous Anthem
BOLD May Act

Marigold
Khaul
Mindartis
Tao
Lokaloka

Slug
Red

Aleksandr

Purple (-35, Frightened 1, 19 < AC <= 25, Resist Piercing 5, Resist Slashing 5, Reaction)
Orange
Green (-33, AC <= 19, weakness Slashing)

Wow, my dice are cold :(

"Never let it be said I never say nice things." adds in Myrsa, perhaps aware that her wider group of allies might be thinking the worse of her. "That was well dodged. And a good put down on the zombie as well. Best way to look after your team mates is to ensure nobody can hit them."

I'll wait one more day for Aleksandr to post, otherwise I will bot him tomorrow morning USA Eastern time. 

For some reason I was not getting the notification that there were new posts on the campaign page.

While Imelia steps up to the large aberration, Aleksandr uses his vampiric connections to spread a feeling of dread over the attackers.

◆◆ Act Together
Imelia ◆ Step
Aleksander ◆◆ Cast a Spell (Fear Rank 3) targets all enemies
Will DC 22

Critical Success The target is unaffected.
Success The target is frightened 1.
Failure The target is frightened 2.
Critical Failure The target is frightened 3 and fleeing for 1 round.

Imelia then uses a scream to disrupt her target.

◆ Imelia Strike
Attack (flanking): 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 15 + 1 = 24
Sonic: 2d6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (3, 5) + 3 + 4 = 15

Forgot that Brutus only has 1 action, though it doesn't matter at this stage since it probably missed

Yes, Brutus missed with his one and only action.

Aleksandr casts a wide web of fear across the foes,
Slug Will Save DC 22: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
Red Will Save DC 22: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Purple Will Save DC 22, F1: 1d20 + 13 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 13 - 1 = 30
Green Will Save DC 22: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

The simple slug is terrified and turns tail to find something else easier to feed upon.

Imelia screams in the face of the purple-tinted akata and catches it off guard as she does, though it hardens its skin as the other one did and blunts some of the sonic effects.

The “shrewd” akata moves up the steps hoping to capitalize on the zombies’ positioning while also getting out of the flank. It then slings a tentacle at Khaul …
Tentacle vs Khaul, F1, Reach 10: 1d20 + 17 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 17 - 1 = 35
Damage, B, Pack Attack: 2d10 + 4 + 1d10 ⇒ (3, 9) + 4 + (3) = 19

Trip: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 15 - 2 = 25

Khaul blocks with Myrsa. The akata quickly wraps a tentacle around the lovely shield and pulls the champion off balance. The dwarf lands ungracefully in a heap with Myrsa atop him. Pleased with how well that went, the akata shakes off the fear it felt before.

Meanwhile, the zombie in the green camo adventurer’s garb just had a meal drop onto the ground right in front of him. He goes for the feed…

Tendril vs Khaul OG, F1: 1d20 + 12 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 1 = 28
Damage, B: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 2) + 4 = 11

Blood Drain, Bleed damage (not persistant): 2d4 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6

Fist, MAP, vs Khaul OG, F1: 1d20 + 14 - 5 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 14 - 5 - 1 = 16
Damage, B: 3d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 6, 4) + 4 = 19

It latches on to the prone dwarf and begins to suck his blood, drain-ing his very essence away. It’s so distracted by the joy of feeding that it misses with its fist attack and withdraws its feeding tendril.

Round 3
Defending the Hoard
Conditions: Courageous Anthem
BOLD May Act

Marigold
Khaul (-30, Prone, Drained 1)
Mindartis
Tao
Lokaloka

Slug (F3, Fleeing)
Red (F1)

Aleksandr

Purple (-45, 19 < AC <= 25, Resist Piercing 5, Resist Slashing 5, Reaction)
Green (-33, AC <= 19, weakness Slashing)

Assuming that Khaul uses his own shield block for himself so I reduced the tentacle damage by 13. Do Myrsa or Tao use their reaction vs the Zombie’s feeding tendril that hit the off-guard and unshielded Khaul?

The akatas are literally called “shrewd busoborn akatas,” hence my use of tactics even though they have a -4 INT.

I’m going to remove the slug from the combat. It’s just a big, slow bag of hp, and a simple animal so frightened as to flee would not then return to a fight like that.

"Ooff shudders Myrsa as a new dent appears in her otherwise fine form.

"Get up you lazy dwarf. This is no time for laying down on the job!"

A veritable whirlwind of bladed scarves, Tao lashes out at the zombies across the way, carving two gashes in their shambling bodies.

Basic Will w/ Ancestral Touch w/ Anthem (+1) vs Purple Azata (mental + fright 1/2 on F/CF): 5d4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 4, 2, 2, 4) + 1 = 17

↺) Flash of Grandeur vs Khaul (Since final opportunity to use reaction before her turn starts)
◆) Ancestral Touch vs Purple (Focus pool spent)
◆◆) Strike x2 vs Green then Red
~) Warding Statuette (Khaul +1 status to AC if Strike vs Green hits)
~) Curse of Ancestral Meddling: Clumsy 1 (Tao AC 22)
↺) Flash of Grandeur

Striking Bladed Scarf w/ Warding Statuette (S, 2h, disarm, finesse, reach, sweep, trip) w/ Anthem (+1/+1) vs Green: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 14 + 1 = 252d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 + 1 = 11
Striking Bladed Scarf w/ Warding Statuette (S, 2h, disarm, finesse, reach, sweep, trip) w/ Anthem (+1/+1) w/ MAP (-5) w/ Sweep (+1) vs Red: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 14 + 1 - 5 + 1 = 202d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 6) + 4 + 1 = 13

The “twins” she summoned earlier keep their spiritual grips on the adjacent azata.

Marigold grimaces at the zombie feeding on Khaul. ”Ugh, rancid!”

She fires another axe-headed arrow at it.

Eldritch Shot (Telekinetic Projectile) at Green

Attack: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 17 + 1 = 38
Damage: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 1) + 2 = 9P +TP: 5d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 3, 4, 1) = 18S

If the zombie is off-guard while feeding, add Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

Ooo! Deadly: 1d10 ⇒ 5

Totally forgot that summoned zombies had one action so this is an unintentional but seemingly good opportunity

"Brutus, yous move 20'"

"Duh?" Brutus moves where Lokaloka tells him to.

"BRUTUS GO BOOM!" Lokaloka screams.

Final Sacrifice, Fire Damage, DC 22 Reflex, 20' Burst w/in 120 feet, CA: 6d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 4, 6, 3, 5, 6) + 1 = 30

Should get both Purple and Red but miss Imelia and Tao (though they might feel it)

◆ Sustain Summon Undead
◆◆ Final Sacrifice

Mindartis now sets their sights on the huge Purple creature. He commands Mialee to support him and he shoots an arrow towards Purple.

Longbow (Volley): 1d20 + 15 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 15 + 1 - 2 = 27
Piercing+Precision: 2d8 + 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7, 7) + (2) + 1 = 17

◈Hunt Prey, ◈Command Animal (Support), ◈Strike

Myrsa chides her Bearer just as Tao reacts to the akata’s attack.
Purple Reflex Save vs Revealing Light DC 25, F1: 1d20 + 12 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 12 - 1 = 15

Tao reduces the damage even further and the akata is dazzled, likely for the rest of its life! Khaul’s damage corrected.

Purple Will Save DC 25, F1: 1d20 + 13 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 13 - 1 = 14

Tao touches the akata and the ancestors rip through its mind light a hot knife through butter! It falls lifeless to the ground with a look of agony on its heretofore unemotional face.

Tao then slashes the two zombies, and as she does so the little statuette attached to her scarf flashes with a pleasant, warm light, protecting Khaul just a little bit more.

Marigold follows up with a devastating arrow that severs the zombie’s head and sends it bouncing down the temple stairs.

There’s a slight moment of quiet before Brutus shuffles past the akata’s dead body as if he had lost his way. The silence ends as he “goes boom” in a big way, catching the zombie full on with a fiery rain of zombie bits.

Red Reflex Save DC 22, F1: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 - 1 = 17

Round 3
Defending the Hoard
Conditions: Courageous Anthem
BOLD May Act

Marigold
Khaul (-25, Prone, Drained 1, +1 AC from statuette)
Mindartis
Tao
Lokaloka

Slug (F3, Fleeing)
Red (-45, Bloodied, F1, AC <= 19, weakness Slashing)

Aleksandr

Purple
Green

Tao didn’t specify which of the 2 attacks on Khaul she reacted to. I went with the akata as that was the first one and the more dangerous of the foes. Damage was reduced to 0 between the shield and Tao’s reaction, so 1 damage taken.

I’m going to remove the slug from the combat. It’s just a big, slow bag of hp, and a simple animal so frightened as to flee would not then return to a fight like that.

Gah! Ninja'd. Purple is down, I'll redirect to Red as the only standing enemy, and that will end it.

Mindartis puts an arrow right between the last zombie’s eyes. The zombie falls and tumbles down the stairs until the arrow sticking out of its head gets caught on a root and halts its descent.

A hush falls over the jungle except for the squishing sound of the fleeing slug.

COMBAT OVER

Marigold
Khaul (-25, Prone, Drained 1)
Myrsa (-13)
Mindartis
Tao
Lokaloka
Aleksandr

Since I failed to do this earlier, I’d like to give a Hero Point to Khaul and Myrsa for their fun RP.

Khaul staggers to his feet. "Ahh, me thanks to all of yer. Even you Myrsa. Yer did yer job well. Good lass."

He looks around, appearing perhaps disappointed that there are no more foes left to fight. "Well, that be over quicker than Ay were expectin. Now, what do yer think. Do we say th' charm up here, or at the hoard itself?"

His dwarven eyes drift to the valuable cocoons again, but this time he resists saying anything.

"If yer thinking we be having a minute, Myrsa here might do with a bit of straightenin. She took a right hammin back then."

With quick repair and assurance I should be able to get Myrsa back to tip-top shape in a minute. Quick question about hp, does the 25 I am down include the reduction in max hp due to drained (ie 25 down from 115 is 90) or is it 25 below my current max (115-7=108 current max, -25 to 83)

Welcome to Tian Xia!

Please post your token to the boxes on slides 2 and 3. The slides for this session are also linked at the top of the page and in my GM header.

Please fill in slide 2 with your stats and default exploration activity, and please let us know here if you have any glyphs.

Please get signed in on RPG Chronicles so I can be sure of the CP and sub-tier.

As per the Organized Play Foundation Community Standards, each player must decide if they will allow their characters to be damaged by friendly fire (usually via splash damage). In keeping with the “Explore, Report, Cooperate” motto of the Pathfinder Society, engaging in non-consensual character-versus-character conflict is prohibited. While accidental friendly fire happens due to missed attack rolls or other factors, players must obtain the consent of other players before deliberately including fellow PCs in damaging effects. This rule does not apply in situations where a character is not acting of their own free will, such as if they’re being mind-controlled by an NPC and forced to attack a fellow Pathfinder.

You may select a consumable item from the Pathfinder Provisions list. These used to be the school items you get prior to starting an adventure.

I am currently in the US for the next few months so my posting hours will be standard for those in North America. I usually update at least one or twice per day. Just to keep the game moving, please post at least once every day and at least once during the weekend.

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Let's have some fun and tell a great story together! After all, that's what we're here for.

☑) Slides 2 and 3 completed
☑) Rpg Chronicles filled out
☑) Consent to friendly fire (when tactical) freely given
☑) Will take 2x Moderate Healing Potions (7th) as Provisions
☑) Vow to keep it PG-13 / positive / inclusive
☑) Vow to label my actions using ◆◇↺ for GM's ease of run
☑) Commitment to post Daily plus once per Weekend minimum
☑) No questions / concerns at this time

But I will provide a "GM Meta" for Tao if I get a chance later today...

Friendly fire is okay, but don’t push it! ;-)

I’ll take two moderate healing potions as well

Slides done
RPG Chronicles done
Tactical friendly fire is okay if it is not likely to take me out.
Two moderate healing potions for provisions.

All done.
Friendly fire ok as long as she's not dying or in danger of such.
Moderate Healing Potion as provision
Test Driving Champion Dedication.

Marigold, how's Eldritch Archer working for you? I was planning to get it for another PC but I wasn't sure if spending 3 actions for an all-or-nothing bow shot was worth it...

4 glyphs, btw... and that initial blurb looks somewhat familiar... ;)

☑) Will take 2x Moderate Healing Potions (7th) as Provisions

Given the mission briefing, make that a Rank Four Scroll of Dispel Magic!

All done.

Friendly fire ok as long as she's not dying or in danger of such.
Moderate Healing Potion as provision
Test Driving Champion Dedication.

Marigold, how's Eldritch Archer working for you? I was planning to get it for another PC but I wasn't sure if spending 3 actions for an all-or-nothing bow shot was worth it...

4 glyphs, btw... and that initial blurb looks somewhat familiar... ;)

So far so good. The increased range for cantrips helps.

I thought it was cool that the author, Ianara Natividad, named the boat Saranggola. I wondered if it meant something and was pleasantly surprised to see that it translates to "kite" in Tagalog.

So I added the greeting, and for the 5 of you who I presume don't speak Tagalog, ”Magandang umaga" means "Good morning." No, I didn't have to look that one up, I use it quite often in my travels.

Still waiting for Mindartis Nightbreeze, though it is still the weekend.

We're solidly high tier, and no level 5's so no level bumps or mentor boons needed.

And of course, I forgot something. Other than UncleFroggy's 4 glyphs, are there any others?

I thought it was cool that the author, Ianara Natividad, named the boat Saranggola. I wondered if it meant something and was pleasantly surprised to see that it translates to "kite" in Tagalog.

So I added the greeting, and for the 5 of you who I presume don't speak Tagalog, ”Magandang umaga" means "Good morning." No, I didn't have to look that one up, I use it quite often in my travels.

Not 5. 4. Mindartis is also from my part of the world. :)

3 glyphs here

1 glyph + 1 campaign coin

Moderate oil of unlife for provisions positions conspicuously for easy retrieval should he fall.

Glyph free in 2ed sorry.

oops. I forgot dwarves are traditionally not to friendly to gobbos... and orcs for that matter... :)

No worries. The new age of friendly goblins takes an old dwarf a bit of getting used to. It's fun to RP his difficulties, matching ancient prejudices against his own firmly held beliefs as a redeemer.

GM,
You have 3 (!) characters with attack-interrupting reactions. How, when it comes up, would you like us to handle / post those during Encounter Mode?

I mean, you're all experienced PBP players. If you think you are likely to be in a situation that would trigger a reaction that you have, I'd appreciate a spoiler with trigger conditions as specific as you can make them to the tactical layout at the time. Conversely, if you absolutely would not use your reaction for whatever reason, please state so. Or if want to cede the call to me to make on your behalf, that's an option too. Ultimately, the more info I have about what you might or might not do means I can run the combat out with the least number of ret-cons.

Dutiful Retaliation ↺:
Trigger An enemy within 15 feet of you hits you with a Strike and deals damage to you.
Requirements Your eidolon is within 15 feet of you. Your eidolon instinctively flashes with ectoplasmic energy, allowing them to strike back against an enemy who dares to harm you. Your eidolon makes a melee unarmed Strike against the triggering enemy, even if that enemy isn't within your eidolon's reach.

If my reaction is available and the trigger and requirements are met, I would use it.

Imelia would typically use her sonic attack +15 for 2d6+3 sonic damage plus 1d6 persistent vitality to undead. I'll try to remember to add it to my turns, but it is here just in case.

I have a spoiler about my reactions but to put it here:

Reactions: ↺
Will use either Glimpse of redemption or shield block on first party member damaged each round (block on me, glimpse if party member is within 15').

I also have a martyrs shield, which has its own reaction and will shield block automatically once each round if an ally next to me is hit.

Easiest way to work it out is:
1. If any ally next to me is hit, then Myrsa will shield block (hardness 13)
2. The first time any ally within 15' of me is hit I will use Glimpse of Redemption (reduce damage by 9, and enemy is enfeebled 2). The rules are unclear about whether I can use this at the same time Myrsa is using a shield block, so to keep things simple, I'll not use this if Myrsa is doing a shield block, or if one of the other champions has used their reaction to mitigate the damage.
3. If I am damaged and still have a reaction left, I'll use my own shield block (again, hardness 13).

Nimble Dodge over here! :-)

Lokaloka just took Champion. Apart from the aura, she doesn't have any of the standard abilities yet (i.e. no Glimpse/Retributive/Liberating).

Text for the shield in question:

Martyr Shield

Flash of Grandeur and Revealing Light
[↺, 15-aura]
Imperious divine light flashes out from you to surround your foe. The ally gains resistance to all damage against the triggering damage equal to 2 + your level. Until the end of your next turn, the attacker is affected by revealing light.

A wave of magical light washes over the area. You choose the appearance of the light, such as colorful, heatless flames or sparkling motes. A creature affected by revealing light is dazzled. If the creature was invisible, it becomes concealed instead. If the creature was already concealed for any other reason, it is no longer concealed.

Unless specified differently on my turn (ex. Saving the reaction for a particular enemy, etc), Tao will always use Flash to aid the first ally / enemy who triggers it, further injuring them from subsequent attacks (dazzled). If she does use her shield cantrip, I will specify the conditions of its use in my post.

Thank you everyone for posting those here. It will make it a lot easier to find them versus digging through character profiles.

btw, it's a practice even today, that people do what the PCs are doing. Lots of older houses have a dead tree that nobody is willing to cut down because "someone" is living underneath it...

Flash of Grandeur and Revealing Light

[↺, 15-aura]
Imperious divine light flashes out from you to surround your foe. The ally gains resistance to all damage against the triggering damage equal to 2 + your level. Until the end of your next turn, the attacker is affected by revealing light.

A wave of magical light washes over the area. You choose the appearance of the light, such as colorful, heatless flames or sparkling motes. A creature affected by revealing light is dazzled. If the creature was invisible, it becomes concealed instead. If the creature was already concealed for any other reason, it is no longer concealed.

Unless specified differently on my turn (ex. Saving the reaction for a particular enemy, etc), Tao will always use Flash to aid the first ally / enemy who triggers it, further inuring them from subsequent attacks (dazzled). If she does use her shield cantrip, I will specify the conditions of its use in my post.

If Khaul uses his own Shield Block for himself, unless we are down to one enemy, Tao will save her reaction for another party member, as a general rule.

=)

Sounds good. I should be more directly in the heart of battle than an Oracle.

Hero Point!

GM,
Going to guess the RKs for the 3 types of monster.

Slug? Nature and Arcana
Azatas? Religion and Occultism
Decomposers? Society and Religion

How did I do?

GM,

Going to guess the RKs for the 3 types of monster.

Slug? Nature and Arcana
Azatas? Religion and Occultism
Decomposers? Society and Religion

How did I do?

Slug? Nature and Arcana -- It's just an animal.

Azatas? Religion and Occultism -- Aberrations

Decomposers?Zombie Adventurers Society and Religion
Sure, you could do Society to see if you can tell what culture they were from before becoming zombies. But I don't have that info, and I don't think it would provide any useful info if I did.

Why am I marked as [ooc]?

Probably a format typo

Aleksandr and Imelia attacked the red zombie. I would have assumed the akata were not undead.

Gah. I missed that. My fault. You're right, the akata's are not Undead. I'm sorry. You okay with moving forward as is?

sure

Be advised, Brutus has a self-destruct mechanism if things go bad... :)

@Mindartis, please sign into the RPG Chronicles before we get to the end, which is approaching.

Oh, would this be an instance where Lokaloka could give me a boost?

Oh, would this be an instance where Lokaloka could give me a boost?

If she did, that would be her action for the round. There are 6 of you, and you need 6 Chase Points to advance. Failing to advance means the akatas catch up to you and get to munch on everyone. Om-nom-nom...

Ok then, I’ll eat the HP

Do you mean Follow the Expert?

Tao is an Expert in Athletics, if that helps.

Lokaloka doesn't like the sound of being a victim of Om-nom-nom...

Do you mean Follow the Expert?

Tao is an Expert in Athletics, if that helps.

Follow the Expert does not apply. The very first sentence says: "Choose an ally attempting a recurring skill check while exploring,..."

This isn't Exploration Mode, it's a Chase. GM Core says "Chases are a special type of encounter." Thus, you cannot Follow the Expert during a Chase.

FYI, I'm at GenCon this weekend, starting tomorrow. I'll try to keep posting every day, but it may slow down a bit until Monday. Sorry.

@Mindartis, you still need to sign into RPG Chronicles, please.

Have fun at your Con - we not going anywhere.

=)

Annnd we're back. Sorry for the delay. GenCon was a blast, got to play the PF2 Special and play some SF2 with my adult son. But now back to the chase!

Hey Khaul, it'd be interesting to form a party where everyone has a 'Myrsa' We'd probably end up driving the GM bonkers though :)

That would be a sight to see. And hear.

My first thought was "Challenge Accepted," but then I realized that I signed up to run the Special in GameDay. So I'll have to take a GM break after this one so that I'm not running 2 tables at once. Unlike some others here (cough, cough), I can't even bi-task, much less multitask.

When you say "everyone has a 'Myrsa'" do you literally mean everyone has the intelligent shield, or just a companion (familiar, eidolon, hireling, etc) that they interact with extensively?

Myrsa is one of the rewards from 04-03 (Linnorm's Legacy). Khaul played it... I might run it (or play it)... So it was more of a silly idea to have all members of the party with an intelligent shield of the same kind! :)

Which tier are you running for the special?

Don't know yet, they haven't said. I asked for any tier other than 7-8. I think I could do it, but not at the speed of a Special, and I don't want to shortchange my players.