GM Kyshkumen |
It's been nearly a month since Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng, a decrepit yet well-respected Pathfinder, instructed you to meet him dockside in Absalom. On arrival, Dreng herded you on to a Korvosa-bound merchant vessel and gave you a series of quick, stern instructions. "One of my good friends, a merchant in the Varisian outcast's haven known as Kaer Maga, sent me a very strange letter, which I need you to investigate. The merchant-his name is is Horis Collgardie-tells me that the residents of Kaer Maga are very upset about the Society's plan to build a lodge in their city and even further upset that the agents we sent are making trouble, stirring up the delicate balance of power that exists in the so-called City of Strangers. The trouble is, not the Decemvirate or any venture-captain I can find gave the okay to build a lodge there. We know it would be folly to do so-at least right now-and so this idea that Collgardie has that the Society is there and doing just that is worrisome. In a few weeks time, you'll be in Korvosa. From there, book passage on a river ship for Harse, then travel overland to the road's end at the cliffs below Kaer Maga-the so-called Twisted Door. There you must pay the Duskwardens to escort you through the Halflight Path to reach Kaer Maga. Once inside the city, find Collgardie and find out what he's talking about. If there are Pathfinders in the city founding a lodge, tell them I order them to stop at once. If this is some kind of ruse, get to the bottom of it and do what you can to keep our Society's good name in Kaer Maga-we may not be completely welcome there, but neither are we unwelcome. Let's keep it that way. Any questions?"
Ferabras |
As he steps aboard the ship, Ferabras looks around a bit nervously, for a couple of reasons. Not only is he a very new, inexperienced member of the Pathfinder Society, but he knows to keep an eye out for any who might judge him on his appearance and attack him. He looks as much demon as human, and that has caused trouble many times in his life. Though he’s built much like a normal man, his crimson skin is criss-crossed with dark scars and strange, slender horns protrude from the top of his head. He keeps his sinuous, barbed tail tucked self-consciously close to his back, and his hands seem to move constantly, as he balls them into fists to hide his long, black claws, then opens them again for fear that he looks threatening standing there with his fists clenched. He wears unusual armor made of small iron shapes sewn onto a cloth backing, a shield hangs at his shoulder and a brightly polished longsword rides his left hip. Ferabras’ small, yellow-orbed eyes look out on a world that considers him evil from the moment he appears, and he’s determined to prove them wrong.
”We’re to travel all the way to Kaer Maga?” he asks, ”Never been that far, but I’ll gladly take on this assignment.” He considers a moment, then asks, ”Can you tell us anything more about this Collgardie? Or anything more about Kaer Maga we should know? Why don’t they want Pathfinders there?” He stops his flow of questions, not wanting to pester his Venture-Captain, but then another thought occurs to him, ”What if we find Pathfinders setting up a lodge, and they don’t stop when we order them to?”
After a brief pause, he recalls himself and looks around at his fellow Pathfinders, saying, ”Sorry, I didn’t introduce myself, I’m Ferabras.”
Pillango |
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Silently a red haired, tightly clothed waif appears next to you. Demure and shy she says nothing yet keeps looking around in anticipation.
Bram Stonefist |
A stout dwarf with a finely trimmed beard joins the others aboard ship. He is as stout as any dwarf, and definitely tall for his people. He carries a finely-made waraxe, a sharp contrast to the dented and scratched suit of scale plates he wears for armor.
He eyes the others with a degree of suspicion, particularly Ferabras.
"Me name's Bram. I'm pretty new to the society meself. Just finished a job in Absalom. Might be nice to get out an see tha' world. Folks say I must have a bit a gnome blood in me, what with the wanderlust an' all."
"This Kaer Maga sounds like a right nice place, up in tha' mountains..."
Bram will "retrain" his equipment, swapping his standard waraxe for a masterwork cold iron version (360 GP).
GM Kyshkumen |
Drendle listens to all of Ferabras' questions before answering them one at a time. "The only things I can tell you about Collgardie are that he is an old acquaintance and you shouldn't have any trouble finding him if you ask around. As far as advice for your time in the City of Strangers, I would have to say keep your head down and be smart. The balance of power in that city is fragile-upset it and your're likely to die. Don't go stomping about the place like it was a pharaoh's tomb. Be cautious, be careful, and be courteous-even if the locals make fun of you for doing so. Oh and the locals are likely not what you expect-you'll see when you get there." He takes a moment to ponder Ferabras last question. "If they refuse to follow orders I guess that would make them rogue agents. Try to bring them in but if you need to use force then do what needs to be done."
Miyako_Okori |
"All understood!" a young human woman says with a mischievous grin on her face.
"I'm Miyako by the way. Nice to meet all of you!"
Miyako scratches her head frantically, messing up her hair. "Itches... blah..."
With a few quick strokes of her fingers Miyako's dark brown hair is back in place. Miyako's hair is shoulder length and her eyes are an even darker brown than her hair. She has two earrings in the shape of large rings, both of which are made of bronze. Miyako's beige and yellow outfit doesn't hide the armor she wears under her cloth shirt and further consists of a skirt, jacket, and boots.
Findlefarb |
Clad in a teal suit, deep orange leather bandolier, with a stark-white shirt and shiny black boots, a gnome joins the group as the final member. With strikingly golden eyes and shockingly orange hair, he carefully attends to the white chicken he carries as he bows. "Greetings to you all, my fellow compatriots and Pathfinders! Call me Findlefarb. I am most joyous to make your acquaintance!"
Listening closely to Drendle, Findlefarb strokes his beard and adds, "Well, that makes for an interesting conundrum. I suppose that means that we will need a cover story, hmm? If we waltz about saying we're Pathfinders looking for Pathfinders, that's likely to attract undue attention, no?"
Miyako_Okori |
"What's your chicken's name?" Miyako asks Findlefarb while lowering herself to look the chicken in its eyes.
"Tok tok?" she asks the chicken. "Tokky tok-a-tok?"
Findlefarb |
The chicken stares back at Miyako, and makes a light whistling cluck.
"Here!" Findlefarb helpfully adds. "Why don't the two of you get to know each other?"
Findlefarb thrusts the chicken into Miyako's arms and steps back.
Swap: Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
The gnome, now chickenless, holds a lovely well-crafted rapier--although perhaps too large for himself. "My, Miyako, the balance on this is lovely! Wherever did you get such a fine blade?"
With an angelic grin, he offers Miyako's rapier back to her.
GM Kyshkumen |
The trip up to the Twisted door is uneventful save for the occasional antics from Findlefarb. As the Pathfinders arrive at the door early in the morning and are greeted by the site of a small group of pilgrims and merchants prepping for the journey. Several armed men and women seem to be moving through the group talking or giving pointers. One of these men sees the party approach and walks over to greet the adventures. "Greeting travelers and welcome to the Twisted door. My name is Gary and I am one of the Dusk Wardens on duty today. If you wish to secure passage we have a group that is just about ready to head out."
Ferabras |
Ferabras bows graciously, his good manners somehow obscuring his fearsome appearance for a moment. "Thank you, Sir Gary," he says in a surprisingly pleasant tone, "your welcome is most appreciated. We do need to travel to Kaer Maga, and would appreciate your taking us there. I believe we're ready to travel immediately."
GM Kyshkumen |
Gary nods, "you look like you can handle yourselves if you need to, I'm going to put you in the back. Just keep a cool head and you shouldn't have any problems on Halflight path as along as you are with the Dusk Wardens."
From the moment the sun rose this morning and the dizzying Twisted Door opened at the bottom of the Storval Rise, you, your companions, and a handful of traveling merchants have trudged slowly up the myriad stairs, tunnels, cliffside paths, and underground ruins that make up the famous Halflight Path. On either side of you march several gruff-looking men and women wearing brown-and-gray uniforms, the right breast bearing a badge with their symbol: a golden arch on a midnight blue background. These are the Duskwardens, and it’s their duty to see you safely up the Path to Kaer Maga, hours and hours of climbing above you.
Fidlefarb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Miyako: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Bram: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Pillango: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
After around four hours of rough hiking through the Halflight path Bram notices the sound of digging from behind some all masonry wall up ahead. Before he even has a chance to open his mouth the masonry gives way a over a dozen small green creatures come pouring out. The Dusk Wardens around the party rush forward to protect the merchants and pilgrims as the large headed creatures wreak havoc among them gnashing their wide mouths full of sharp teeth. As if that wasn't enough the ceiling starts to collapse around the Pathfinders as more of the creatures drop in and surround the party.
Fidlefarb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Miyako: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Bram: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Pillango: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Creature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
*Creature: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Bram: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Fidlefarb: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Getting the drop on the adventures the green monsters advance while one starts to cast a spell. One of them is even able to take a swing at Bram with it's sword.
Green vs FF: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Catching the dwarf off guard the goblin leaves a nasty slash on Bram's arm.
::::::::::::::::Surprise round:::::::::::::::::::
Goblins
Goblin
Miyako
Fidlefarb
Bram
Pillango
Farabras
Bold may make a single attack or move action, you may also make a 5 foot step. The map is linked at the top of the thread.
Bram Stonefist |
Nearly surrounded, Bram lays into a goblin yellow border with his waraxe!
MWK Cold Iron Waraxe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Damage?: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
GM Kyshkumen |
Bram's axe only finds air as these little pests are constantly in motion.
The three surrounding Bram attack
blue: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
green: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
orange: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
One of them manages to leave a cut on Bram's leg. The other two attack Fidlefarb and Farabras.
Fidlefarb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Farabras: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Neither of the attacks are sucessful. The one in the back finishes it's spell and Bram, Fidlefarb, Pillango and Miyako suddenly find their eye lids getting very heavy. The urge to lay down and rest is very strong. DC 12 Will save or you fall asleep. After the spell it takes a shot at Farabras with it's crossbow.
Farabras: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 - 4 = 3
The bolt only manages to hit the cave wall.
::::::::::::::::Round 1:::::::::::::::::::
Goblins
Goblin
Miyako
Fidlefarb
Bram
Pillango
Farabras
Bold is up, don't forget your will save if you need to make one. Pillango gets a +1 vs this effect.
Ferabras |
Seeing how nimbly the little beasts dodged Bram's axe, Ferabras goes for accuracy over power, knowing a touch from his greatsword will likely spell the end for a goblin. He swings at the one threatening Findlefarb (yellow).
MWK Cold Iron Greatsword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Greatsword damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 2) + 6 = 10
Miyako_Okori |
Earlier:
Miyako places the chicken on her head and starts dancing. Or at least it's supposed to look like dancing, as she's basically just jumping in circles with one leg while holding her arms wide.
"I bought the rapier from a homeless man, after accidentally burning his house, Miyako replies cheerfully to Findlefarb's question. "Don't ask, long story. He needed the money though."
She stops dancing and returns Findlefarb his chicken while taking her rapier back. "Thank you. I feel like we've really bonded now."
Present:
Will: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11
"Good night," Miyako says with a deep yawn. She then drops to the ground and starts snoring.
Findlefarb |
What about my chicken? Will that suck up half a HD? There are still no stats for chickens, I'm using a young dodo.
Chicken Will save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3
Will save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Findlefarb and his chicken fall asleep as well.
Miyako_Okori |
"How late is it?!" Miyako yells as she wakes up. "Oh no, I'll be too late!"
It takes Miyako several seconds to realize she's on the ground, in a cave with goblins and her new comrades. She gives Bram a shove to wake him up. "Wake up! You have goblins to kill!"
Miyako then carefully tries to get back on her feet, provoking an attack from the goblin next to her.
Bram Stonefist |
Beam roars and tries to stand. Yes, provoking from all 3. If he makes it, he swings at the yellow marked goblin.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Damage?: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
-Posted with Wayfinder
GM Kyshkumen |
AoO: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
AoO: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Try as they might Bram is able to stand unharmed. His axe swings and sinks deep into a goblin's head. The foul little thing collapses to the cavern floor.
One of the goblin's eyes goes wide as he sees his target helpless before him. Licking his lips he strikes a killing blow.
Coupe de grace: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7 The chicken needs to make a DC 7 fort save or it's dead.
The other two goblins continue attacking Bram.
Blue: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Green: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Seeing death all around they causes them to swing wildly and they fail to leave a mark on Bram.
The goblin in the back advances on the group and lets a burst of flame from it's hands
Burning hands: 1d4 ⇒ 1 Everyone but Bram takes 1 damage.
::::::::::::::::Round 1:::::::::::::::::::
Goblins
Goblin
Miyako
Fidlefarb
Bram
Pillango
Farabras
Group is up and Fidlefarb is awake from the fire damage.
Bram Stonefist |
Bram steadies his nerves not yet...must stay in control... and swings hard at the next goblin (green).
Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 - 1 = 18
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 3 = 8
Ferabras |
Ferabras looks down at the flames rushing over his skin, then looks up at the goblin spell-caster and smiles with a mouthful of long, fierce teeth. "I don't think so, little monster," he says, then swings his sword at the goblin closest to him, but the little critter ducks under the massive blade. He dips his sinuous tail into his belt pouch and pulls out a wand, then drops it on Findlefarb's prone form, saying, "Now that you're awake, can you use that? It'll heal our injuries!"
He then turns his attention back to the goblin and attempts to bite the top of its head.
Fire Resistance 5, so no damage from spell. Swift action to draw wand of CLW with tail, full attack including bite as secondary attack.
MWK Cold Iron Greatsword: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Greatsword damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 6 = 11
Bite attack, secondary: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 6 - 5 = 11
Bite damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Findlefarb |
Chicken fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Save successful, but the chicken is still in negatives. No, I don't plan on using healing magic on the chicken.
Fire damage: Findlefarb at 9/10, chicken at -4/4.
Groggily, Findlefarb mumbles, "No, mother, I turned the oven off, I swear!" before fully waking. He shakes his head, rolls to his feet, and grabs Ferabras' wand. He takes a sniff and observes, "Something smells delicious... Oh no!!" He looks down at the slowly smoldering body of his fowl companion.
Brandinshing the healing wand in an aggressive posture, he growls, "You cretins! You're supposed to pluck the chicken before cooking!"
Pick up wand and stand. Two move equivalents? AoO from red goblin?
Ferabras |
I would totally support using a charge from the wand to heal your chicken, just so we could say we did., Also, I tried to drop the wand on you so you wouldn't have to pick it up, if that's allowable rules-wise.
GM Kyshkumen |
I consider it a swift action to grab an unattended object within reach.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Findlefarb |
So it's a swift to grab and a move to stand. Still an AoO. I don't think anyone's significantly hurt yet, so I'll finish with a standard to Inspire Courage. +1 attack and damage, everyone!
Miyako_Okori |
Miyako draws her rapier and tries to poke the goblin next to her with it.
Rapier: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
In her haste to get rid of the creature she weakly pokes the air instead.
GM Kyshkumen |
Bram's axe takes out another goblin while Ferabras and Miyako both fail to hit anything. Finblefarb inspires his allies to preform better and finish these goblins off. Pillango will move into a flanking position with Miyako and strike the goblin with her katana.
melee vs blue: 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 1 + 1 + 2 = 24
confirm: 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 1 + 2 = 12
damage: 1d8 + 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + (5) + 1 + 1 = 14
Her katana silently slips through the goblins heart and she withdraws the blade as the goblin slumps over.
One of the remaining goblins reaches down to pick up the roasted chicken provoking an attack from Ferabras.
AoO: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 1 = 10
Ferabras' blade again fails to find it's target as the goblin flees off into the tunnels holding the roasted chicken over it's head triumphantly.
The goblin leader narrows it's eyes at Findlefarb clearly annoyed at his performance. She tries to stop him with a crossbow bolt.
Ranged: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
::::::::::::::::Round 2:::::::::::::::::::
Goblins
Goblin
Miyako
Fidlefarb
Bram
Pillango
Ferabras
Group is up, don't forget the +1 to hit and +1 to weapon damage.
Ferabras |
Ferabras steps toward the goblin who roasted Findlefarb's chicken, saying, "A poor trade, your friend gets an undercooked chicken and you die."
MWK Cold Iron Greatsword, Inspired: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 1 = 18
Greatsword damage, Inspired: 2d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 6) + 6 + 1 = 17
Ferabras |
"Is everyone all right?" Ferabras calls out. "It looks like we've been cut off from the others. Maybe there's another way out of here." He looks around, studying their surroundings.
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Ha! Wrong man for the job.
Kysh - I assume we came from the western edge of the map? Is there really a goblin on the southern bit of the map, or is that just a stray token? And is the big dark band running north to south a scary chasm?
Miyako_Okori |
"Return the chicken to us, you vile creature!" Miyako shouts, and moves after the goblin.
Double move.
GM Kyshkumen |
Bram and Miyako attempt to chase the goblin but lose it in a side tunnel with many different branches. As Pillango is removing rubble a hole breaks through from the other side. The hole is quickly blocked by a familiar face, it's Dusk Warden Gary. "Glad to see you're all right. When I saw the cave in I feared the worst. Give us a few minutes and we'll have you out of there." After a few minutes the Dusk Wardens have cleared enough rubble to allow you through. It looks like the Dusk Wardens had their hands full on the other side but there was only one casualty. Gary walks over to one of the dead goblins and nudges it with his boot, "Been a long while since I've seen one of these on the half light path." He looks around at the holes in the wall and ceiling. "We are going to have to shut the path down for a bit so we can plug up these holes, who know what kind of nasty things might make use of them if we leave them open. Of course our first priority is getting the group up top."
Ferabras |
Ferabras says, "Well, I'm glad they didn't do much harm. It helped that they weren't very well organized, and they seem to be very vulnerable to roast chicken."
He studies the holes in the wall and says, "Gary, if you mean to patch these now, I'd be glad to help. If not, I imagine we're all eager to get going."
I'll collect my wand from Findlefarb, now that things have settled down. If anyone needs to use it, feel free to roll for it and I'll account for the charges.
Ferabras |
Ferabras grins widely, though with his sharp, brownish-black teeth revealed, it's hard to tell if he's happy or about to bite someone. "It's true about goblins," he responds, "they're quite good at wrecking things. Everyone ready to get going?"
Miyako_Okori |
"Ready," Miyako says disappointedly, feeling sad she wasn't able to save the chicken.
"I failed him... He was my new friend, and i failed him..." Tears begin to well up in her eyes.
GM Kyshkumen |
That almost makes me feel bad about it.
The Dusk Wardens lead the party up the rest of the Half light path without any additional trouble. The remaining trip takes another four hours of walking and ends at a bunker like complex just outside the entrance to Kaer Maga. From here the party can see how enormous the city is. Every inch is covered in buildings: cliff side buildings, buildings built atop thin balconies around the interior of the walls themselves, and buildings crammed together on the floor of the ancient ruin. The only open space is the lake at the center of the city. Even at mid day the city is drowned in a permanent twilight as the massive walls around the city cast long shadows.
You have made it safely to the city, now it is up to you to find Collgardie. So make some Knowledge Local or Diplomacy checks.
Findlefarb |
"There there, Miyako," Findlefarb comforts. "It was a good chicken, and at least it died in its sleep, dreaming of hilly meadows, teeming with grubs!"
He speaks with Ferabras. "Remind me to give your wand back to you once we're done. I'm more than willing to use it on you should you need it. I have one, myself, as well."
"Speaking of which..." He pulls the bolt from his thigh and looks at it. "Awfully close to the knee, that came!" Fishing around in his pack for his own wand, he smiles as he pulls it forth. He brandishes the wand and with a twinkle in his eye touches it to his wound. He winces. Nothing happens. "Strange... I was promised a full warranty on this thing, it can't break on the first use... Oh!" He looks at the wand and realizes that he was just brandishing the bolt from earlier. "Well, that one's out of charges..." He tosses it over his shoulder and makes sure he's got the right wand before zapping himself with healing energy.
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
"Much better! Anyone else?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Wow! "You! You there! You're Collgardie, yes, aren't you?"
Findlefarb sets straight off to market with purpose. He finds his way to a particular stall with a healthy sniff of the air. "Ah, yes! You, sir, are just the man I wish to speak with! I'd like to buy a chicken. Oh! Yes, that one will do nicely. No, I'll just take the lively chap with me. Yes, a fine rooster! His comb does match my beard, yes. Clearly this is the chicken I'm looking for. I'm sure Collgardie buys all his chickens from you, you certainly have the best stock!"