GM Batpony PFS evergreen (Inactive)

Game Master Batpony

Flyn lets out a low whistle and carefully helps gather up the papers. "We should get these back to the Grand Lodge and Venture-Captain Dreng."

Flyn then takes some quick notes and sketches of the chamber...and then draws his bow...

Seeing that his companions have the situation well in hand, Kramac will hang out in the back and keep an eye out on the passage they came down.

Artus moves next to Kramak and continues to keep a watchful eye.

"What a find!" The Maiden's eyes open wide as she starts scooping up pages into her pack. "The Venture Captain will be intrigued by the find." She eyes the jewel. "And so will I..."

This certainly beats swiping pocket change off of peasants, eh?

"Let us make haste before someone discovers us."

Sounds good Maiden. I'd prefer to make haste out of here so we can be gone before that poor fellow finishes plunging to his death. While we have good reasons to be hear, I'd prefer to not explain to guards why we were skulking around the temple while everyone was gone. If you folks are sure that you're found everything of note, lets head out

Kramac gives one last look around the cave before heading out, mainly succeeding in looking at his feet.

perc: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

So time to head back with our find

Walking with Kramak looking for any trouble just in case.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

After Flyn assists Charis with collecting all the papers, he will draw his bow and follow after Kramac and Artus...

I agree with maiden. Lets get going. Its a little to quiet. Rhinshin's hand shift slightly to a dagger.

"Have we got everything? Take that gem too."

Once everything is gathered up, Kiboko and Mvumbu make for the exit. Kiboko has his hooked lance in hand.

The better to make a quick get-away, Kiboko casts longstrider on himself.

Flyn hears Kiboko, and stops himself before leaving. He grabs the gem, and heads back out...as the rest of the party seems to sense trouble, Flyn also looks for signs of mischief...

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

All seems almost too good, as you are unhindered throughout your time at the cavern. Simultaneously, as you walk out of the secret door, a group of folk catch you walking out. The group consist of a swordsman, an archer, and a cleric. They look very mean spirited. "There they are! They found something! Get it!" The swordsman shouts.

At this time, I've assumed everyone's weapons are not drawn, including enemy.

Combat Round 1
Conditions:

Flyn
Swordsman R
Maiden, Rhinshin, Karmac
Archer B Cleric G
Artus, Kiboko

Flyn quickly dashes 'bout 20 feet NW behind a pillar for cover from their archer...and draws his bow to be ready for the next round...

Similarly, the swordsman dashes into battle, drawing his sword as he moves behind one of the pillars.

Combat Round 1
Conditions:

Flyn
Swordsman R (Ready)
Maiden, Rhinshin, Karmac
Archer B Cleric G
Artus, Kiboko

The Maiden runs behind a pillar and a thick cloud of gray fog erupts.

"I've raised some cover. They will have to approach through the middle!"

On the West Side, the cloud reads in blue, The fog is an illusion.

I'm casting Silent Image. The purple boxes are illusory walls, with a gap in the middle. Will Save DC 14 to realize it's an illusion after they interact with it. If they realize it's an illusion and tell their teammates, they teammate gets a +4 bonus.

Kramac advances to the middle of the room, and prepares to engage their foes when they make their way to the other side of the room.

The remaining two enemies also start to make their way towards you, following their leader it seems. The cleric touches the archer with some sort of magic.
If you can see through the illusion

Chadius- If I interpreted the spell correctly, I don't think allies are auto-succeed in disbelieving the spell? Seems to me, the rest of folks need to make a will save if the interact with the wall. Let me know if i'm wrong.

Combat Round 1/2
Conditions:

Flyn
Swordsman R (Ready)
Maiden, Rhinshin (delayed) , Karmac
Archer B (Ready) Cleric G
Artus, Kiboko

I move alongside Kramac and draw my elven blade and ready for action.

Since the Maiden gave us a tell, I think we get to make Will saves at +4 and I think we can make them now. I'll proceed on that basis, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Will save vs illusion: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 4 = 13

Nope, it's all damnable wizardry!

GM, I think you moved the blue enemy token for the swordsman instead of the archer. Also could you describe the swordsman and archer please? Arms and armour in particular..

Kiboko casts Magic Fang on Mvumbu and switches her Animal Focus to Tiger (+2 DEX). Kiboko also activates his own Animal Focus (also choosing Tiger). Mvumbu's AC is now 21, Kiboko's is 18.

Kiboko moves across towards Kramac, hooked lance at the ready. Mvumbu is set to defend the Maiden.

Flyn moves 5' north and fires an arrow at the opposing Archer...

Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Arrow Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Don't disagree with the +4 to save there. The enemies are all in the right positions. The swordsman moved pretty early in the round.

The swordsman is a human, carrying a long sword and wooden shield. He dons medium armor.

The archer is an elf, wearing green garbs, much like an ranger, with a chain shirt under it. He holds only his long bow.

The cleric wears studded armor and carries no weapons currently.

If Maintains concentration, I will attempt to interact with the wall, then advance to the edge of the illusion if successful.

If she drops concentration, I'm charging the archer

Pony, how do you run silent image? My home game GM, and lots of GMs I see talking on the internet say you have to take at least a standard action to meaningfully interact with the illusion to get a save? Dependign what you say, I may change my actions slightly given my failed will save above. I guess the real question is what type of action is the minimum needed to interact with the illusion?

Also, I moved Kramac to two spots on the map, depending what action Maiden takes. Feel free to remove whichever one is not appropriate
if I don't get to it first.

I'm a reasonable guy. In this case, since your ally put the illusion before you, I'd probably say the first glance (no action)You can make a save. But further to that, if you walk up to the wall and touch it part of your move action, I'd say it was meaningful. At least part of a move action I guess.

Rhinshin moves to the new wall and tries to remember if the wall was there in the first place.

will save: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 4 = 12

did not notice this wall when I got here.

If Maintains concentration, I will attempt to interact with the wall, then advance to the edge of the illusion if successful.

** spoiler omitted **

If she drops concentration, I'm charging the archer

** spoiler omitted **

Pony, how do you run silent image? My home game GM, and lots of GMs I see talking on the internet say you have to take at least a standard action to meaningfully interact with the illusion to get a save? Dependign what you say, I may change my actions slightly given my failed will save above. I guess the real question is what type of action is the minimum needed to interact with the illusion?

Also, I moved Kramac to two spots on the map, depending what action Maiden takes. Feel free to remove whichever one is not appropriate
if I don't get to it first.

Ok, based on Batpony's ruling I'm going to update my first action:

If the wall is still up, I'll make my initial save, fail it, then spend a move action to attempt another one

Flyn and the Archer come into line of each other and both fire shots at each other. Their archery sklls match as they both strike each other.

The swordsman moves through the gap in the wall and engages Maiden. Unfortunate for him though, as he swings his sword he notes the size of the group and gets a little bit scared.

atk: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
dmg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Combat Round 2
Conditions:

Flyn -3
Swordsman R
Maiden, Rhinshin , Karmac
Archer B -5 Cleric G
Artus, Kiboko

Rhinshin moves in and attacks blue

attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

confirm critical: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Kramac sees the swordsman's attention distracted by Rinshin, and he takes the opportunity to walk out of the wall and strike at his undefended back, while keeping a wary eye on the archer behind him.

attack roll: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 - 1 = 17
damage roll: 1d4 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (6) = 13

Kramac advances and attacks, using Combat Expertise. AC is now 22.

Charis watches her allies walk up to the wall, inspect it, then try to run around it. Maybe the sign wasn't obvious enough... Her thoughts are disrupted when the swordsman runs past the fog, swinging madly. A quick step to the left- no, right, thanks Abbadar- avoids the broadside of the blade.

With a sweep of her hands, the Maiden causes the fog cloud to move and shift- removing the This wall is an illusion sign. Now there are many ways to approach the swordsman while the archer is forced to readjust.

She steps aside and draws her whip. "Quickly, take cover so the archer has to close in."

Ok. I saw my mistake, sorry! Swordsman is Blue, Archer is Red.

The swordsman is immediately surrounded by Kramac and Rhinshin in a short amount of time, combined, they do enough damage to strike him down unconscious.

Will archer: 1d20 ⇒ 14

The archer sees before his eyes the shifting illusion. For a moment, his eyes deceive him, but he comes to a realization the wall wasn't there all along! He continues to shoot through, this time at Kramac whom he has a clear sight on. Fortunately, the vision is still somewhat clouded by the illusion.

longbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 61d8 ⇒ 7

The cleric, seeing no other means but a fight, moves towards the wall. Her ally shouts "The wall isn't real!" And surely enough, she sees right through the illusion. She decides to go down fighting and unleashes negative energy.

will: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 4 = 29
N energy dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 1Everyone, DC10 Will for half.
Archer will: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Combat Round 2

Flyn -4, Maiden -1, Rhinshin -1 , Kramac -1
Archer R -6 Cleric G
Artus, Kiboko

Kramac will 5-foot step south of the cleric and ready an action to attack when one of his intrepid companions gives him a flank.

Rhinshin double moves around the wall to get in the face of the archer.
Double Move

I don't think I can give a flank whilst I still think the wall is real, but I can get to the archer.

Kiboko changes Mvumbu's animal focus to Stag (+5' move speed) and his own to Bull (+2STR). This is one swift action

With a mighty bellow, answered by Mvumbu, Kiboko moves to engage the enemy archer.

"MOOOOOAAAAAARRRRRGGHHHHH!!!!!!!"

Rage!

raging lance strike!: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 8 - 1 = 10
damage, hooked lance, rage, power attack: 1d8 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 3 = 20

Mvumbu is ordered to attack.

"MOOOAAAARRRGGHHH!"

Answering Kiboko, she seeks out the enemy and tries to bite the archer!

chomp!: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

meh, I got higher numbers on the d8 damage dice than the d20 attack dice! Also these numbers for Mvumbu are both one too high, I applied Bull focus when I should not have because I had to use Stag to get to melee.

Does a successful will save vs the negative channel have any effect? We all take one damage regardless I think?

In the center of her mind, a single gold coin rests upon stone. Half scarred, half shining. A wave of death approaches, trying to destroy the stone and send the coin tumbling.
Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

The stone stands. And with it, the Maiden receives her guidance.

The illusion has stumped her allies, so she stops concentrating. The walls crumble and the dust disintegrates instantly. She darts forward and wraps her whip around the archer's leg, trying to trip him.

Trip, Archaeologist’s Luck vs Archer's CMD: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

She is certain the whip has found purchase, and she tugs tightly...

Yeah you take 1 dmg regardless of Will save. I didn't know the results of it C.Energy until after the roll, but I also didn't remove the will save part because I wanted to keep the mechanics up there for newbies.

Flyn will move NE to get an angle on the Cleric. Flyn tries to disbelieve the wall...

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

If that fails, Flyn will await to see if Charis drops the wall...if so he'll fire at the Cleric...

Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 forgot to subtract 4, should be 14

Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

ETA: Sorry, had that move ready to go on my phone and lost internet access...just got it back and posted and things have changed somewhat (wall gone)...

Move to flank green.

Elven Curved Blade: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12

Damage: 1d10 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9 No sneak attack due to Brevado's Blade

Intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 To demoralize

Artus, Intimidate is a standard action. So you can't attack and intimidate. But if you're not back for next actions, I'll use the intimidate as your next action.

The battle gets more intense as the groups start to collide head on. Kramac moves around and gets ready to attack, while Rhinshin just super moves. Kiboko and Mvumbu head on strong but their blows were a little too slow to a point they were avoided.

Flyn, with his worthy bow, fires another dead shot, this time at the Cleric, right in the knee. Artus moves around to assist Kramac, and swings his curved blade, but it just misses. But as the cleric dodges, he dodges right into Kramac's weapon which knocks him right unconscious.

The Archer, having lost his footing, get's up and takes a five foot step back, ready to fire an arrow in retaliation.

Mvumbu and Rhisin get an AoO

Combat Round 3/4

Flyn -4, Maiden -1, Rhinshin -1 , Kramac -1
Archer R -6
Artus, Kiboko

AOO: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Artus' intimidate is a free action from Bravado's Blade I think, from his Rake archetype. He has to hit with a sneak attack and forgo some damage. Kiboko also gets an AoO with his reach weapon.

Kiboko tries to impale the archer!

hooked lance vs archer!: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 1 = 9 vs prone AC?
hooked lance damage, power attack, rage, whetstone, Bull focus: 1d8 + 10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 3 + 1 = 21

Mvumbu chomps on the archer.

chomp!: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 + 1 = 14 vs prone AC?
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Edited: forgot Magic Fang!

Yes vs Touch! And it looks like we're done here!

Rhinshin and Kiboko try to attack the enemy as he picks himself up from the ground, but the elf is agile enough to dodge out of their way. Mvumbu's chomp picks out the archers other knee and with the immense pain he feels. He is unable to cope anymore and falls.

A thorough search of the bodies finds you some useful gear and equipment. Not going to list them out as it is end of scenario and you'd have no use for it. But it'll all be reflected inside the chronicle. On top of that, you find on each of them a little token, some sort of insignia, which has the words "Aspis Consortium".

The crowds that have gathered at the Starstone Catherdal has started to disband, and from the looks of their faces, they seem horrified. From what you gathered, Sir Reinhart’s attempt to vault the chasm on horseback, which ended with a fall into oblivion.

You report your findings to Dreng, and he congratulations you on your success of the mission, and promises you that you will receive further assignment soon.

A couple days later, you receive note.

Pathfinder, Your recent investigations and recovery of agent Eylysia’s papers have already yielded results. Under my direction, a team of scholars has tracked down the long-retired Society ciphers the gnome used and translated many of her entries. Although many of these records present valuable leads, one is especially timely and exciting.

Several months ago, the Pathfinder Society recovered an incomplete relic called the Sky Key. Its missing components disappeared millennia ago, carried by dwarven refugees to the far corners of Avistan and beyond, and the Society has struggled to follow these faint trails to piece the potent device back together. It appears Eylysia may have found one of the pieces centuries ago! She writes of a visit to Tar Kuata in Osirion, where she not only met with the Iroran devotees there, but also the curious order of dwarven monks known as the Ouat. According to her journals, some of the resident dwarves’ ancestors arrived long ago from the distant north bearing a broken treasure of wire and steel. Based on additional context and several magical divinations, I have reason to believe Eylysia—and you—may have found one of the lost pieces of the Sky Key!

I have contacted Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir in Sothis to prepare for an expedition. You have already demonstrated your resourcefulness by uncovering this information; when I assemble a team to travel to Tar Kuata, I hope you will consider joining the expedition.

Highest regards,
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin

THis builds up to a different series of adventures we will not be running, just FYI

The Maiden begins to pilfer what she can from her attackers. "Whomever this Aspis Consortium is, they messed with the wrong thieves. Good job, everyone. Let us make haste to Captain Dreng."

Hearing Sir Reinhart's demise, she does all she can to hide a chuckle. "As powerful as mortals can be, we are but a droplet in the realm of the divine. If they wanted him as a god, they would have allowed it."

She nods to her fellow Pathfinders. "We shall meet again, fellow Pathfinders. This I can foresee. For now, though, it's best you do not mention your association with me."

Several days of pilfering, sneaking in, and making her living, she receives a letter. "The Sky Key...intriguing. What a steal that could be, haha."

Thanks for the game, GM Batpony!

Flyn nods at the Maiden's words, as he digs out the arrowhead, lodged not too deep, in his outer thigh...Just a flesh wound...

He then looks over their fallen foes as well. As he gets to the Elf, he ponders...Pretty good shot, but you were on the wrong side...

"Aspis Consortium? Kramac, didn't you mention having to deal with them prior to our Confirmation?

Once we report back to Captain Dreng, how 'bout a drink over at The Wounded Wisp? I'll buy the first round..."

Yes, thanks GM Batpony, great game!

Water laps steadily at the pier as sailors, laborers, and merchants rush busily around Absalom’s port. The venture-captain’s summons called for a meeting aboard the Sixwing Drake, a sleek sailing ship. The Drake’s captain, a Varisian woman and fellow Pathfinder named Zarah Zendrani, stands at the helm of her vessel. “It’s not like Valsin to be late,” she mutters, furrowing her brow. As if on cue, a tall and meticulously groomed man pushes his way through the crowd and up the gangplank, cursing audibly. “Whoever supervises this mess of a port needs to be dumped in the sea!” he grumbles.

The tall man looks around at those gathered before him. “Just the group I requested. Perfect. I’m Venture Captain Ambrus Valsin, and I took great care in selecting just the right Pathfinders for this assignment.” Valsin reaches into his belt pouch and withdraws a small, folded paper before continuing. “A few days ago, I received a curious note from a rather unexpected source. It’s not every day that I get a request from an agent of the Aspis Consortium.”

Captain Zendrani’s eyes widen, and Valsin smiles knowingly. “But Magali Delroya does not appear to be your typical Aspis agent. As you surely know, the Aspis Consortium pursues a variety of activities across the Inner Sea that the Pathfinder Society finds abhorrent. It seems that Delroya has been working with them for some time, but can no longer stomach the snakes herself. She wants to stop a shipment of an experimental drug from leaving Diobel later this week. It’s bound for a number of locations across the Inner Sea region. According to Delroya, she can’t ask the local authorities for help, because the Aspis Consortium has already struck a deal with a faction of the Kortos Consortium, a powerful merchant collective. Her hands are tied, so she’s come to us for help. In this note, she outlines three different tasks that would help to disrupt the Aspis long enough for her to move the shipment to a secure location, out of the clutches of the consortium. Once you accomplish two of these tasks, she’s willing to meet with you, but not before."

Glad to be back on another mission, and even more pleased to be working with his previous companions once again, Flyn ponders a moment over the Venture Captain's words...

"Sir, we've had a recent run-in with the Aspis Consortium...rivals to the Society and without honor...knowing that, can we trust this agent?

And what about the Kortos Consortium...not familiar with them...are they and the Aspis allies?"

The sea's gentle breeze flows around the Maiden as she sits on the Sixwing Drake. Disguised as a salty sailor, she swabs water off of the deck until she notices Venture Captain Valsin pushing through the crowd.

She can't help but raise an eyebrow. "Aspis? I've heard they made a mess of the Shrine of the Fallen a few weeks ago. Tried to fight some Pathfinders and failed miserably." She grins, betraying her guise momentarily. "Did she go into more detail about the tasks? I need to buy some stuff before we travel to Diobel."

Purchasing Scroll of Comprehend Languages (25), Scroll of Grease (25), Masterwork Cold Iron Dagger (304), Masterwork Silver Light Mace (325) and selling my old light mace (2.5) This will cost 676.5 gold total.

Flyn cocks his head at the salty sailor...

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

...and then grins back...

Purchased antitoxin, antiplague, meditation tea for 130 gp total

Kiboko and Mvumbu made their way up the gangplank and on to the Sixwing Drake, looking for familiar faces.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
perception, Mvumbu: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

"Flyn, Kiboko is pleased to see you again. Do you think we are in for a sea voyage?"

Mvumbu nuzzles Kiboko, and moos at one sailor in particular whose scent is oddly familiar...

"Ndivyo Mvumbu? Kwa nini kuwa baharia wasiwasi wewe? Kiboko ni uhakika kuna chakula cha kutosha kwa ajili ya wewe katika meli hiyo, usiwe na wasiwasi kuhusu mabaharia."

When VC Valsin arrives...

"Ah, the sailor is also a pathfinder! Mvumbu is most wise!

Captain Valsin, Kiboko knows that snakes are never to be trusted! This agent Delroya no doubt intends to steal the shipment for herself. Why should we pathfinders help a snake?"

No additional purchases just yet.