[PFS2, GDXIV] 6-01: Year of Immortal Influence, Introduction (Inactive)

Game Master Blake's Tiger

Perian lobs a ball of fire at the cultist.

spark: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 1 = 24 for fire: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Pretty sure that's a hit, so I'll Dismiss the Vindicator's Mark

spirit/holy: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 2) = 8

He fires another spark.

spark: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 1 - 5 = 10 for fire: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Perian throws a luminous spark into the cultist's chest. After it explodes in a flash of white light, the robed man falls to the ground. His eyes are open, staring at the ground, and unblinking.

The sylph tries to strike down one of the other foes, but the trajectory is too wide.

A Rite Most Foul! Round 3. Bold may act.

Battle Map

Environment: Furniture is difficult terrain.

Murder by Proxy Ritual: Counteract DC ?? (posted here in case anyone has Dispel Magic available to them)

+1 status bonus to attack and damage and saves vs. fear

Bramble Spine (Bless 25 ft radius: +1 status bonus to attack)
Perian
Sanja (-34 hp) (shield)
Maneki
Cultist (dead)
Goupour Dune
J’ndar
Red Solid (-14 hp; bloodied) (Arcana DC 14)
Red Dash (-14 hp; bloodied) (Arcana DC 14)
Giant Rat (-7 hp; bloodied) (Nature DC 13; AC <=17, >5)
Blue Demon (Religion DC 16) (murder by proxy focus - do not kill)

Maneki attacks the ROUS again

Flashing Spark; 1st Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Flashing Spark; 1st Attack Damage, Slashing: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 Critical Hit: Double Damage
Flashing Spark; 2nd Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Flashing Spark; 2nd Attack Damage, Slashing: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 Critical Hit: Double Damage

She then takes a step back to avoid tempting fate, before switching to another stance, raising herself up onto her tippy toes with her arms acting like wings.

◆ Flurry
◆ Step
◆ Crane Stance (+1 AC)

Bramblespine unleashes another electric arc.

red demons: 3d4 ⇒ (4, 2, 4) = 10
basic reflex DC 18

and stares down the rat.
Will DC 19 vs Evil Eye.

Continue Anthem.

Needle Darts (vs Red - dash): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 1 = 28

Damage: 3d4 + 1 + 3d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4, 1) + 1 + (2, 3, 1) + 1 = 16 and 1 persistent bleed

Missed Anthem on my electric arc damage

Electric arc red and red dotted again dmg: 3d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1, 3) + 1 = 8 dc 18

A few moments later, the homunculi are piles of clay on the floor, and the rat lies belly-up and rigid after electrocution. The demon bound in the ritual circle continues to writhe and moan as the magic seems able to sustain itself once set in motion. You will need to find a way to stop the ritual's effect beyond slaying the caster.

Erasing the ritual circle will work, but it will take time and physical effort (Arcana, Nature, Occultism, or Religion + 10 minutes)

A quick riffling through the cultist's belongings yields an ornate dagger with a hilt shaped like a locust--the extended wings are the crossguard--and a scroll. Quickly passing the scroll around, both J'ndar, Bramblespine, and Goupour recognize the magic instilled within it as dispel magic (2nd Rank).

Highwire joins in the work to eradicate the ritual circle, presumably with others.

Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Maybe I should have also added that successfully countering with dispel magic will stop the ritual instantly.

Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Nature, HP, Vestments: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 1 = 12

Maneki realizes that she's way out of her depth here...

Bramblespine will use the dispel magic scroll.

Counteract: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Maybe I should have also added that successfully countering with dispel magic will stop the ritual instantly.

I didn’t take that spell, I’m sure someone would have used it already. arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Bramblespine reads the incantation from the scroll. The power in the scroll unravels the ritual's diabolical machinery. The runic circle disintegrates even as the other Pathfinders begin scrubbing at key points, and the demon trapped in the center stops writhing, blinks a few times, and then explodes in grayscale confetti.

With the interloper slain and the ritual interrupted, you rush back down to the bailey to see how things stand.

On the stage, Lady Embersplitter dabs at her eyes with a handkerchief. The crowd nervously watches her, in stark difference to the merriment from just hours earlier. She gives a final and theatrical sniff before making her address.

"Guests, it is with my great sorrow that I must announce one of our fellows has died." She pauses as a gasp works through the crowd. "However, in their memory and to support the cause of the Knights of Lastwall, we will continue with our planned evening. If you wish to give an additional donation in their memory, please find me."

"It’s the Pathfinders’ fault!" comes a call from the crowd. The woman who was looking for you steps forward, making notes on a wax tablet. "Events with Pathfinder Society agents in attendance end in tragedy. Either they leave, or we all face grave danger!"

Panic ripples through the crowd. Nuar Spiritskin is the first to boil over. He pushes toward the gatehouse and its exit, declaring, "I didn’t come here to die!"

The rush of bodies toward the gatehouse turns into a stampede, capturing all in its path.

The Stampede can be Disabled (2-action activity) with Diplomacy, Intimidation, or Society. Or some spells that may assist in various ways.

Round 1. Panic at the Disco! Bold may act.

Bramble Spine
Perian
Sanja (-34 hp)
Maneki
Goupour Dune
J’ndar

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

J'ndar attempts to calm the crowd by appealing to their better natures.

Religion (Dagger): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Perian points at the dagger's hilt: "This murder was committed by cultists of Deskari! Look at the weapon."

The crowd surges around the sprite, not heeding the little knight.

"No, stop, stop!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

J'ndar appeals to the better natures of the panicked socialites and manages to stop them from crushing each other in their dash for the door. They calm down enough to listen to reason as Ulthun takes control of the stage from Lady Embersplitter.

"Honored guests," Ulthun says with worry evident on his face, "I apologize that this evening has not gone as planned. We planned this dinner to be in a well-decorated planar palace. This is a secure place, where we can catch our breath, enjoy our meal, and come together as a community. While we dine, I will make arrangements for everyone to be escorted back to their homes this evening."

As the crowd begins to shuffle toward where the knights guide them, Ulthun adds, "Due to the quick action of the Pathfinders in attendance, we were able to save the attendee we thought had died. Please express gratitude to them this evening."

You can react to the scene, but I'll save the final act for after the website comes back.

Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

"Events with Pathfinder Society agents in attendance end in tragedy."

Well, they're not wrong, Highwire thinks.

They are shocked by Perian's reveal. "Good job figuring that out!"

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

They direct everyone else toward Embersplitter's pleased expression. "What do you think that's about?"

I'll use a level 2 burning hands when the stampeded gets near me to kill off some of the creatures before they trample everything over dmg: 4d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 3, 3) = 14 and I only have level 2 spell slots left.

Fortunately, the hazard has been disabled, and Goupour does not set the people attending the event of fire.

I'll give you guys 10 minutes before you have to sit down for dinner.

Highwire realizes they're hurt. Severely. "Hey, Maneki, any chance of a healing?"

Maneki heads to Sanja with her healer's kit.

Medicine(E), DC 20: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Medicine(E), DC 20, HP, Vestments: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 11 + 1 = 24

Healing: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 3) + 10 = 19

She notices the look on Hesla's face and wonders what that's all about.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

Bramblespine makes sure to refocus but is ready for dinner.

Fortunately, the hazard has been disabled, and Goupour does not set the people attending the event of fire.

My bad I was tired and read it as a stampeded of animals not people, good thing my burning hands didn't go off.

Guests are ushered through a portal opened next to the central fountain. Entering the dining hall feels like descending into hell. Illusory flames rise between platforms and the entire area feels oppressively hot. Placards around the hall explain that this is a recreation of Vigil after the radiant fire destroyed the city. Additional donation boxes are spaced around the hall.

You find that you have been assigned to the chef's table. The final touches to the meal are prepared here, and the food you receive will be the choicest and freshest. "A reward for your quick thinking and valor, " Ulthun explains to you. "I hope you will enjoy!"

Unfortunately, shortly after dinner begins, the mood is soured once more by that woman who was looking for you earlier. In the intervening time since she caused the panic, you learned that she is Fawlynd, a member of the Peacebuilder's Alliance.

She pushes back her chair loudly and stands. "The WatcherLord may not be bothered by the Pathfinder Society attending this event, but I am. Every event they appear at, something goes wrong. It’s simply not safe to have them in polite company!" she acridly declares. There is a buzz across the hall as dinner guests murmur in a mix of disapproval at the breach of decorum, shock, and, worringly, agreement.

Watcher-Lord Ulthun begins to stand. However, Lady Embersplitter quickly speaks up with a sly smile, "If they are indeed innocent, they can present their case to everyone present. I believe we all deserve answers for what happened tonight."

You must now present a defense of yourselves and the Society.
Each of you may make one argument. No penalty for critical failure beyond not generating a success.

Pathfinder Society Lore to explain how the Society could not be behind this attempted murder or why the Society would be opposed to such things as happened tonight.

Religion to explain the ritual's origins and purpose.

Diplomacy to point out that you helped Ulthun to defend the keep and saved Gnethe's life.

Other arguments can be made using justifiable skills at a harder DC (DC 20).

Presenting an objective piece of evidence can gain a +2 bonus to the check once per piece of evidence.

Bold may argue.

Bramble Spine
Perian
Sanja (-15 hp)
Maneki
Goupour Dune
J’ndar

"From what I saw of the ritual, it can't be good!"

Religion(T): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Maneki's argument is rather weak and falls on deaf ears...

PFS Lore: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

"Considering we've gone through quite a bit of work to disrupt the ritual that would have caused the murder... if we were behind it wouldn't we have not done that?"

Highwire Sanja hops up on the table, lifting the side of their shirt to show one of their still-bloody wounds. "This was from me fighting a bunch of demons and a cultist, and some weird other homoculus creature, that were conducting the ritual. You think I go around doing this to myself for fun? The training from the Pathfinders is specifically for us to stop things like this ... and that is why you see us constantly involved when they happened! There are dark forces in this world, and we are one of the bulwarks that stand to stop those forces. You claim you want to build peace, but what sort of peace would it be where you make apologies for evil and denounce those who stand against it!"

I'm hoping my wounds count as an "objective piece of evidence."

Pathfinder Lore w/ evidence: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 = 25

Highwire then points toward Perian. "Perian, show them the dagger!"

pathfinder society: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 Yes, every time we are there things go wrong. Things don't go wrong because we are there, we are there because things go wrong or because we are expecting trouble. There are plenty of places that we are were nothing goes wrong as it we hold celebration.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

J'ndar stands in front of the group, introducing each one of their allies, and provides a running commentary about how the Society can help and goes where the trouble already is.

"Yes, that ritual was fiendish! We found a dagger with the symbol of Deskari, a demon lord, on it!" Perian adds.

Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

The guests murmur and consider among themselves as Maneki attempts a defense. "Maybe it was a false flag," says one drunken socialite at the inopportune dimming of the general chatter. However, as the other Pathfinders make their cases, the murmurs shift from dubious grumblings to noises of assent and agreement. As the guests calm, Ulthun nods and says, "I believe that is enough gloominess for today. Let us have dessert!" He claps his hands and sits down. Lady Embersplitter's expression is notably pouty, and she says nothing more.

As the well-dressed caterers bring covered trays to the table, a buzzing fills the room. A nearby server lifts the lid on the plate he carries—releasing an insect into the room! The server screams in fright!

The socialites scream. This is really too much for them for one day.

One of the bugs leaps off its tray and dives for J'ndar. It's sharp proboscis drives into the android's shoulder. Then it beats its wings with a mad buzz, and a cloud of dry powder covers J'ndar and Sanja.

Another bug leaps from its tray and attempts to do the same to Maneki. The monk manages to dodge the proboscis, but the following cloud of dust covers her, Bramblespine, and Perian.

Another, smaller but still giant version of the bug is still trying to get its wings to work.

An Unexpected Course! Round 1. Bold may act.

Battle Map

Environment: Furniture is difficult terrain. Lava is greater difficult terrain.

Blue Circle
Red Circle
Maneki (Fortitude DC 19 vs. poison)
Goupour Dune
Bramble Spine (Fortitude DC 19 vs. poison)
J’ndar (-9 hp) (Fortitude DC 19 vs. poison)
Sanja (-15 hp) (Fortitude DC 19 vs. poison)
Perian (Fortitude DC 19 vs. poison)
Red Square

Fort: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19 Whew

Maneki manages to hold her breath and not inhale any of the whatever the bug was carrying.

With no time to pull her bow off her back, she drops into a combat stance, raising herself on her tippy toes with her arms outstretched like wings. She then batters the bug.

Crane Wing Attack (Agile, Finesse): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22 for Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Critical Hit: Double Damage
Crane Wing Attack, MAP: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 for Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Critical Hit: Double Damage

She then move and provides J'ndar with a flanking partner.

◆ Crane Stance (+1 AC)
◆ Flurry
◆ Stride

Fort vs Poison: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
p[oison damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Bramblespine withers under the poisonous assault and sends an electric arc between the two circles.

electric arc: 3d4 ⇒ (1, 4, 4) = 9
Basic Fort DC 18

End of Turn fort save vs poison?: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Technically, it is the beginning of the bug's turn that you make the subsequent save, but in this case it is effectively the same thing.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Poison: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"No, Gerie, not food!" Perain warns his faithful mount not to put anything icky into his mouth.

Slowed by the poison, Perian hunts prey on Maneki's target and fires off an flare at it.

Hunt Prey, Luminous Spark Strike

luminous spark: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 for fire: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

◆ J'ndar feels their gears grinding more slowly.

◆ J'ndar will begin a Courageous Anthem +1 Att/Dam and saves vs Fear

◆ Then, J'ndar will raise their shield

Fortitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Highwire looks around, resisting the poison. This is the weirdest dining room ever ...

They dart past Bramblepine toward the approaching bug and lets loose a rapid series of strikes.
◆ Stride
◆ Flurry of Blows
Strike 1 attack vs red circle w/ courageous anthem: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 1 = 19
Strike 2 damage (bludgeoning/magic) w/ courageous anthem: 2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6) + 2 + 1 = 14

Strike 2 attack vs red circle w/ courageous anthem & MAP: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 1 - 4 = 14
Strike 2 damage (bludgeoning/magic) w/ courageous anthem: 2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4, 6) + 2 + 1 = 13

They then twirl defensively, glittering purple sparkles drifting around them in a protective shield.

◆ Cast a Spell: shield

electric arc red and blue circle dmg: 3d4 ⇒ (1, 2, 2) = 5 dc 18

Maneki's first blow glances against the ghostly bug. The bugs try to flutter out of the way as Bramblespin summons lightning (success x 2). Perian's spark loses luster before it makes it to the bug.

J'ndar inspires you all and raises his defenses, which is probably a good idea as he is looking a bit sickly. Sanja hears a satisfying crunch with their first, but their second strike is repelled by the white exoskeleton.

Maybe they grew wise after Bramblespine's assault, but they manage to completely escape Goupour's electricity (critical success x 2).

The smaller, weaker looking bug finally takes flight and chases after Perian. It jabs its sharp proboscis into the sylph twice, leaving deep, bloody wounds.

The bug positioned between J'ndar and Maneki flutters away from the pain and slams itself into the shoony. The white dust falls off of it and into the shoony's face. Goupour does manage to evade the bug's sharp beak.

The other bug starts saying in a perfect mimickry of Perian's voice, "No, Gerie, not food! No, Gerie, not food!" This continues even as it stabs at Sanja's thigh. The gnome is too quick.

An Unexpected Course! Round 2. Bold may act.

Battle Map

Environment: Furniture is difficult terrain. Lava is greater difficult terrain.

Blue Circle (-6 hp)
Red Circle (-18 hp)
+1 status bonus to attack and damage and saves vs. fear
Maneki
Perian (-25 hp) (Fortitude DC 19 vs. poison)
Bramble Spine (-5 hp)
--song--
J’ndar (-13 hp) (Fortitude DC 19 vs. poison)
Sanja (-15 hp) (shield)
Goupour Dune (-5 hp) (Fortitude DC 19 vs. poison)
Red Square

Recovering from the poison, Bramblespine takes a moment to stare down the blue circle before unleashing another electric arc, hoping they can't get out of the way this time.

Will DC 19 vs Evil Eye for Blue circle.

arc: 3d4 ⇒ (1, 1, 1) = 3
Basic ref DC 18 for circles.

Fort vs poison: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Continue Anthem

Cast Soothe on Perian: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Poison: 1d6 ⇒ 5

The poison in Perian's blood is making him pretty lethargic, "Why do the bugs keep buzzing around at bedtime?"

Slowed 2

He tries to patch up the wound in his leg.

Battle Medicine
Medicine (DC 15): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
healing: 2d8 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

Neki moves and flanks Red Circle before smacking it thrice with her wings.

Crane Wing Attack (Agile, Finesse), OG: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 for Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Crane Wing Attack, MAP, Agile, OG: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 for Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

If both strikes connect, combine the damage before applying weaknesses/resistances

Crane Wing Attack, MAP 2, Agile, OG: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15 for Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Critical Hit: Double Damage

◆ Stride
◆ Flurry
◆ Strike

fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Hero point fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 not a crit fail though poison dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 1
and electric arc blue and red circle again, dc 18 dmg: 3d4 ⇒ (1, 4, 3) = 8 electric

Highwire lets out a series of punches and kicks at the nearest of the bugs.

◆ Flurry of Blows
Unarmed strike 1 vs. flanked/off-guard red circle w/ anthem: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 = 22
Unarmed strike damage (bludgeoning, magic): 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 2 = 7

Unarmed strike 2 vs. flanked/off-guard red circle w/ anthem & MAP: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 1 - 4 = 10
Unarmed strike damage (bludgeoning, magic): 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 6) + 2 = 11

◆ Strike
Unarmed strike 3 vs. flanked/off-guard red circle w/ anthem & MAP: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 8 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 1 - 8 = 7
Unarmed strike damage (bludgeoning, magic): 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 3) + 2 = 11

Once done throwing hands, they bring up again a swirling shield of colorful glitter.

◆ Cast a Spell: shield

The bugs seem rather resistant to Bramblespine's efforts. Probably bad luck. J'ndar recovers from the poisonous dust. They continue to inspire their companions and send a soothing wave to Perian. This is fortuitous as the sprite suffers under the bug's poison. He tends to himself to keep up with his failing vigor.

Makeni finds the bug frustratingly agile. Goupour at least manages to wing the bugs with his electricity. Sanja gets one good blow in and then chases his bug about before warding himself.

One of the bugs nearly manages to pierce Goupour's clothes, but so far he is keeping its proboscis at bay. The other, large bug flutters around Maneki and stabs at her, driving its drinking straw into her. The smaller of the still oversized bugs presses its advantage against Perian. But fails miserably.

An Unexpected Course! Round 3. Bold may act.

Battle Map

Environment: Furniture is difficult terrain. Lava is greater difficult terrain.

Blue Circle (-11 hp)
Red Circle (-29 hp; bloodied)
+1 status bonus to attack and damage and saves vs. fear
Maneki (-16 hp)
Perian (-8 hp) (Fortitude DC 19 vs. poison)
Bramble Spine (-5 hp)
--song--
J’ndar (-13 hp)
Sanja (-15 hp) (shield)
Goupour Dune (-6 hp) (Fortitude DC 19 vs. poison)
Red Square

Bramblespine pauses their looks for a moment and tries to finish off the red circle with a barrage of force.

pew pew pew vs Red Circle: 3d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 3, 1) + 1 = 8