Saving Cap'n Crunch's page

The redcaps bring Pyotr's new ally to the ground, but even that doesn't muster up the meager amount of force necessary to scatter it. The prone Lord roars and delivers a counterattack. "I've not lived through the Eight Great Fey Wars to be scorned by a pair of century-old whelps! When your essence is unwound from those shabby bodies and siphoned back into the First World, take a few years to wash your crummy boots!"

The illusion isn't so strong, but it proves how terrifying Pyotr might be without his biological need to breathe.

◆ Sustain
◆ Illusory Strike vs. Tolged: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 1 - 2 = 17
Nonlethal Mental Slashing: 1d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7
◆ Illusory Strike vs. Tolged: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 - 2 = 11
Nonlethal Mental Slashing: 1d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

◆◆ Telekinetic Projectile vs. Jacob: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 1 = 30
Slashing: 3d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 5, 4) + 4 + 1 = 16

Looks like we have 5 locked in at the moment, 6 if Avonathalanthalasa joins us.

I've got the Rugged Mentor boon, which will up the level bump's save bonus to +2.

Benacu has seen Zoey work her magic before, but this time is taking a while. His apprehension at the prospect of getting shot wins over. The kalo tries to lightly pull her back if she's amenable. "We'll case the rest of the joint before coming back, if we do."

Uaine plans to do as suggested, but not first thing. Instead she goes to squander any points she won with Cygar. If she can find Mayor Uptal, the tiefling strides over and removes her mask. It's instantly obvious why it was there; her head looks more like a green-skinned brain, complete with most normal facial features. "Properly scout out your 'Harvest Ritual' and inform those actually risking their necks accordingly next time. On the off chance it deserves to continue, that is."

Probably unfair, considering he did mention a risk of death. But with several townsfolk likely scared witless, Uaine takes her leave.

Kazikli stands in appreciation of the great power now being thrown every which way, just to change the place's appearance. He's happy Voth has a flair for the dramatic, at least. The half-orc gladly waits as long as is allowed for a turn telling a story.

"I may have made my home in the Mwangi, but the Shackles will forever be the land of my birth. It was there that the Society could have received a telling blow, were it not for the actions of several agents. We weren't there on an assignment, but were transporting the spoils of another one through that area. Some unsavory folk, as I should have expected, had other plans for our cargo..."

His tale is about equal parts riveting and boring, but could have been much worse in the hands of a less skilled orator. Come morning, he thanks his teammates for their good work together, then promptly heads back to the Grand Lodge.

---

While more studying of combat, magical theory, or history could be deemed in order after such a big mission, the few people who see Kazikli notice he has confined himself to his Lodge quarters. He doesn't do much more than fiddle with several identical copies of his golden wolf mask. It could be important, considering the many diverse methods a Pathfinder might attain power, but it certainly doesn't look like it.

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Kazikli finds his legs entirely stuck in the morass of plant life. He doesn't make any move to break out. Fortunately, the half-orc's hands are free enough to direct the mephit and strike out at the approaching fey.

◆◆ Produce Air vs. Green: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 Damage: 2d4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 + 2 = 10 plus 2d4 persistent bludgeoning on a crit
◆ Sustain Summon

◆ Fly
◆ Mephit Claw vs. Yellow: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Kazikli doesn't waste more than a few seconds picking himself up after the quickling falls. He waves off the mephit, which immediately disperses. "That could have gone...significantly worse. Many thanks, Marcus. And to everyone, seeing the quick work we made of these ones."

Ah well. I can't wait to land a crit with Produce Flame Air instead and deal persistent bludgeoning damage!

Fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Kazikli visibly writhes at the impact, but doesn't buckle or aid the quickling in withdrawing her weapon. With one hand, he directs his mephit into a better position. To further distract his assailant, he bellows in her face. "Savor this. Only a downhill tumble lies ahead!"

◆ Demoralize: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

◆ Sustain
Mephit: ◆ Step
◆ Claw vs. Yellow: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 = 30 Slashing: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7

Speaking Auran, Kazikli directs his summoned ally to keep one of the creatures on its toes or, more preferably, on the ground. As longs as it's slowed down, the other can be focused on and dispatched quickly.

◆ Sustain
Mephit: ◆◆ Gust of Wind, DC 17 Fortitude vs. Green

He himself moves to blast the one being very slowly surrounded.

◆ Stride
◆ Elemental Toss vs. Yellow: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 = 30 Bludgeoning: 2d8 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5, 3) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 15

Kazikli turns one hand to enact a rushed patch-up job on his fellow Pathfinder, while the other is raised high to twist his blast of wind over Lydia's head. "You'll be fine, now tear it down for that. I trust you to count coup over a plant."

◆◆ 2-Action 1st-Level Heal: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
◆ Elemental Toss vs. Green: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 Bludgeoning: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 = 6

Kazikli also returns to Common, nodding to the chameleon for his courtesy. "You could. But the Thorned Monarch doesn't deal in rewards. I won't claim to know exactly what comes of that. Most likely, you'd gain the privilege of being left alone, or becoming lieutenants. Not that such a 'good solution' would last long. Your usefulness would expire, or your existence becomes a threat, however unlikely, and you are consumed."

"Such a powerful being with sinister motives can't be trusted. Our strength rivals it, but it is diffuse, and won't be twisted into bad ends for your people."

Deception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Same as Frogger on scenarios played and familiarity. I'll give my glyph point to Lydia, as I think she's the last level 3 without an extra.

Kazikli it is! Not yet capable on the frontline due to retraining, but who knows if that'll stop him. Until then, he's reasonably skilled and highly supportive.

Paizo Handle: Saving Cap'n Crunch
Character Name: Kazikli
PFS / Character Number / Faction: 150618-2006 / Verdant Wheel
Character Ancestry / Background / Class / Level: Human (half-orc) / Savior of Air (legacy) / Sorcerer (elemental) / 3
Downtime Skill / Task Level / Task DC / Die Result / Outcome: Performance (level 1, DC 15: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

I also have one hero point to dole out when the time is right.

Loam, still off-guard, winces in sympathy as Vulpina is hit. "I suppose we couldn't expect every goblin to be sensible."

"Dirwy! Ond byddai'n haws petaech chi'n rhoi'r gorau i symud."

Chewface lapses back into his own language as he flicks more fire at the thing in annoyance. "Wonder if they're all alive in there?"

◆◆ Produce Flame: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 1 = 20 Damage: 2d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 + 1 = 10
◆ Shield

"Been a while since I've seen a troll. Fortunately that meeting didn't amount to a fight. I have yet to hear from the good Lady Vulpina what she said to him, but he left sweating icicles."

Pyotr's illusion has been torn asunder, he's tired of being repeatedly knocked over. But he's safe for the moment, and Astrid is in greater need. "Hold fast there, shield maiden! In what strange land could some bit of elemental matter pull one over on you?"

◆ Stand
◆◆ 3rd-Level Soothe for Astrid: 3d10 + 12 ⇒ (8, 10, 7) + 12 = 37

"So what of this're we torching?" Chewface asks the most important goblin question. He injects a bit of logic right after and looks more sour for it. "She probably can't use it in a pinch, and maybe we could sell some."

Another bout of menial labor amid unpleasant conditions stands in your way. You make it through a good portion of the work when Martin's instincts prove unfortunately right.

Two halflings, each accompanied by hulking wolves, burst from the underbrush! One is yelling at a third canine a short ways behind him. But it simply sits there to watch the imminent carnage. Undeterred, they rush towards you with staves and jaws at the ready.

Round One:

Zourn
Marigold
Cecic
Martin
Halflings
Wolves
Clinker

"I am Pyotr. It's been quite some time since I remembered my surname, and it wouldn't do to give you a pseudonym. This here is Boru," Pyotr adds, indicating his dog. "You'd think he'd realize the importance of the occasion and introduce himself, but no. Adamant refusal all the way."

"In my off hours I like to collect stories. The hobby lends itself well to the Society, but doesn't just restrict me to musty libraries! Such wonder can just as often be found in chaotic taverns and the houses of common masons."

"Last year I was sent to the city of Xin-Edasseril. Until not long before, it had been perfectly preserved for millennia, even down to its inhabitants. We had some success in our mission (the details of which are secret, of course), but the locals didn't appreciate our presence. Their distrust of foreign magic meant I couldn't even explain myself! I don't think our organization will be allowed back anytime soon." 1-12 The Burden of Envy

Indeed! It's been a long and rewarding trip.

Edit: I nearly forgot, but it's spellbook time! I'll try to have a list of what I'm stealing copying in this post before the edit window closes. Tenibri, feel free to do the same, I have a good few 1st-level spells.

I'll pick it up if it's on Paizo! I've already run it before; shouldn't take long to prep again.

My apologies, Olexbu actually has 16 XP and 22.16 GP. I forgot about the scenario I ran last week and applied to him.

Can I be marked as inactive on this thread? I've already read the scenario, of course, but I figure I shouldn't stick around for more forbidden knowledge.

I'll throw my hat in the ring with Olexbu here. He is a 2nd-level hobgoblin wizard/barbarian.

I've been into PF2 since the playtest, and consistently on the PbP boards for about 3 years (plus some static posting for a bit prior I'm quite un-proud of).

"Not yet. But maybe when we find some humans, I have a trick that'll let us see through it just fine."

Keemul switches to his massive katana, holding it one-handed as he stuffs any visible books into his backpack. "Any of these could be a scholar's fantasy and I can carry most of them. No time to sort."

No Saving Finale this time, sorry, I need my move action to revive you. Figure I'll be burning through those, priority given to failed distraction saves.

Relatively whole and hale, Draklor steels himself for a foolish maneuver with a prayer to Irori. He then runs right through the swarm. Pulling out a rod, he tries to keep Ijo on the right side of the Boneyard.

Drawing my Lesser Reach Rod during the move.

Reach Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (5, 3) + 7 = 15

No objections here!

I mentioned wanting to use Saving Finale if anyone failed a distraction save, so does Zranashta get a reroll?

Draklor does his best to keep allies in the fight, but can't help scampering a little further away.

Cast Cure Moderate Wounds on Zranashta, reactivate Inspire Courage, 5' step.

CMW: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (6, 1) + 7 = 14

Yaegren gladly helps out with any impromptu funeral proceedings he's allowed to, still a bit angry over the disrespect for the dead. "Nobody deserves fates like this. Hope it teaches Nex and Katapesh to shell out some coin for bridge security."

Exactly where he needs to be, Yaegren starts swinging wildly.

◈ Strike
◈ Strike
◈ Strike

Warhammer vs. Red FF: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Warhammer vs. Red FF: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 5 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Warhammer vs. Red FF: 1d20 + 6 - 10 ⇒ (17) + 6 - 10 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

A dwarf in a ratty cloak reaches the meeting place. It is only then that he acknowledges what is probably devil-melting heat, and casts it off to reveal much nicer artisan's garb. He also nods to all present. Having overheard some of the conversation, he holds a wide selection of bottles before Merisiel.

"Yaegren's the name, good to meet you," he says. "I'm no good at picking presents. 'Specially for something as big as this. So you can choose a wedding gift! Any of the drinks I can brew, all with their own special kicks."

Pick a potion, any potion! One that's in my formula book, that is.

Keemul gladly participates in all festivities. He also eyes any fancy Tien weapons he can get his hands on, and will bring at least one when he is reluctantly forced back to Avistan. With the help of his main man in Tymon, the gnome soon has a new katana of ridiculous size forged to wield in battle. All the more fitting of a Ruby Pheonix participant and savior of Tien artifacts!

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

So accomplished and fit is Keemul that he knows other ways of reading one's mood. He's seem plenty of foes ready to run back to the arena's locked doors immediately after he, their more skilled opponent, makes a move.

Deception to Pass Secret Message: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

He tries to pass covertly on this information with gestures. No one looks likely to attack with words or weapons, but the knowledge could spare them failure in trying it.

Draklor scurries around the table, as his golden cover is about to move. He then launches into a droning monologue.

"I might not know of these constructs, but even the Master would condone their destruction. They are no masterworks. So at worst, their masters will be encouraged to improve. Have at them!"

Moving, then Inspire Courage +2, for a total of +3 to relevant rolls.

Ditto for a PbP! I have a pretty fresh character I'd like to play with.

Told myself I'd stop making new ones years ago, but that's okay. Maybe if I stopped getting more ideas and fun character options!

Hookie, remember your weapon is now +1 striking.

Hamve clears out, glad to have gotten lucky. From a safer distance, he reintroduces the leopard to its ball toy.

Flaming Sphere vs. Yellow, DC 19: 3d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 6, 3) + 2 = 13

He considers trying to reason with the lion after getting over the fact that it spoke. But it doesn't sound very receptive to words.

Hamve heads to the middle of the camp and swings his fireball in a wide arc. His other hand curls towards Dr. Ripfang with a burst of more benign, if unethical, flame. "Free those goblins at all costs!"

With a Stride, there's just enough range to hit Yellow with Flaming Sphere. Then I'll hit Ripfang with Diabolic Edict; +1 to rolls related to freeing goblins (which can include killing cats).

Flaming Sphere: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 4) = 6

Oh boy, this should be interesting! Also, loving the summon work.

Slightly perplexed, Draklor tries his best to let his calm face bleed into his actual thoughts. "Wouldn't do to cause a stir right out of the gate! Five measures on 19 Red."

GM, would you mind putting a link to the slides in your header or the campaign description?

Draklor does as instructed, despite not being very good at relaxing. He inquires as much as he is allowed during the ritual. "Why does the Idiot represent mental strength? Isn't there a Book card? I don't remember causing deaths, is this liable to account for some chain of events stemmed from something tiny? Everyone would register for that if so, and I don't hear tell of that, so...sobering."

A short and slightly pudgy kitsune enters the room. He wears the simple grey clothes of a martial artist, while exhibiting nothing of the build. He doesn't seem to carry any weapons unless they are stored far from reach in a bulging backpack. A banner is draped over his shoulder, one side bearing the Glyph of the Open Road, while the other has the Master's Rebus superimposed over a pawprint.

"Hello, all! Name's Draklor, preacher of Irori and always here to help. Looks like a big social gathering in here." Contempt looks like an emotion alien to Draklor's face, but it's definitely there when looking at Torch and possibly Karela.

Thanks for the invite! I have to level up to 7, but that won't take long. Even less time if I end up taking an evangelist level.

As is his custom, Makras steps forward with courage nihilism courage. Doran hears the steps quicken just before the dwarf sees their owners, as if they would have planned am ambush had they been given more warning. Makras sees several people clad in intentionally torn armor. Each has the distinctive pustules, progressed past Vanick's but not quite so far as the dead Fulch's.

"Let the decay take you! Only it can see the truth," one shouts hoarsely, probably getting closer to speaking the dwarf's language than any member of the team. The sharpened gardening tools give the wrong impression, though.

Round One:
Torku
Vulpina
Friends
Doran
Korum
Makras
Dana

"Expert in forensics that I am, I've learned it's best to know the context behind injuries," Zapp says, with a frown and pursed lips. "Any chance you could elaborate on what happened here? Because I haven't heard of any organization by the name 'Set of Stairs,' but they sound more like a rival of yours than some object with malice aforethought."

Intimidate, Veiled Threat: 1d20 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (12) + (2) + 8 = 22

Valrar doesn't look very surprised when he remains stuck in the Abyss. He sighs. "I figured this might happen. Well, I suppose it was what I wanted, in a karmic, roundabout way. I get to protect Pathfinders and kill demons in droves. And no one I like will be here when I go off the deep end and into a rampage, courtesy of boredom.

"What's important is that everyone's safe. I think I lost sight of that, at least a bit, somewhere along the way. Why didn't you try steering me onto the right path, you semi-sentient blob of gas?" Valrar pokes his blood-caked blade in the Ambassador's direction. He chuckles, looking surprisingly mirthful. "No, I'm just messing with you. You tried a lot harder than I noticed. Always pushing for 'cessation of submission to unstable forces with the potential for multiverse-wide threat,' right? Well, I think this incident proves you failed massively! But that's on me. Sorry, I think you're stuck down here too."

The man goes back to looking doleful after a second. With his hat, he's also changing his form rapidly, as if to distract himself or cope with the enormity of this situation. "You guys should go. You're not done yet. Neither am I, but I'll probably be here for a while. Maybe the longer-lived ones here will see me again. And if the damned Abyss doesn't interfere, we can exchange messages! I'll understand it that peters off or never happens, considering."

With that, Valrar sits down on the floor of the Rasping Rifts. He jams his weapon in the ground. He waits for his companions to respond, but it doesn't look like he'll move from this position for a while. A few weeks or months of contemplation and testing, and then he'll start up his plans - slaughtering demons wholesale, for all the good it'll do, when sinful dead souls like he might've ended up as just keep coming down to the Abyss.

I feel comfortable against a full attack so long as I can get one in first. Chances I can crit and stagger him are good, barring whatever shenanigans he has in store. My playing it safe will be bad for Rogar though, as he's locked into fighting.

Valrar stays where he is, a bit out of Koth'Vaul's reach. He glares at the demon and pushes words straight at his mind.

"I'll flay your corpse and hang it at the highest point in these Rifts. You're just a distillation of some awful dead mortal, can't match the real thing."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 23 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 23 + 2 - 4 = 36

I'll try bringing down a Meteor Strike. I think I can catch both Koth'Vaul and the cultists if I target between them, so no one has a penalty to the saves.

All right, Grumzuk's Chronicle is up and I've reported the game. Thanks again! I'll close this thread within a few days.