GM Kyshkumen's PFS 1-51: The City of Strangers Part II (Inactive)

Game Master Kyshkumen

"Well, it's not how I'm used to traveling..." Ferabras responds uncertainly, then submits to having the hood placed on his head.

Bram grumbles, but allows himself to be blindfolded.

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The black bags are placed over your head and not only does everything go dark but the world goes silent as well. You are loaded into a cart and taken on a bumpy ride for what seems like hours. You are eventually unloaded from a wagon and guided to your destination where the bags are removed.

This richly appointed residence has lavish carpets and exotic potted plants. A few well dressed slaves wave fans to keep the room cool. On the opposite end of the room is a back lit screen, the vague silhouette behind it speaks in a raspy voice. "You've asked for me and now you have me. What do you wish to know?"

Ferabras studies his surroundings a bit, and wonders just what sort of business Drakar is in to have outfitted such a posh place. "Well," he says in response to the question, "we're Pathfinders. Our Venture-Captain got a letter from a man named Horis Collgardie saying that someone was setting up a Pathfinder lodge here, but the Society wasn't trying to do that, and didn't want to do that. So we were sent to figure out who was behind it all. But when we got here, Collgardie was dead, and we got jumped by Ardoc's men. We spent a bunch of time trying to find him..."

He trails off and decides to cut to the chase, "Basically ,we want to know who's behind this Shadow Lodge. We're to stop them, one way or another. Can you tell us that?"

The voice behind the screen chuckles, "I am glad you cut yourself short as I already know all about you Ferabras. I also know about this Shadow Lodge you speak of, but I don't give out that kind of information for free. All I ask is a favor from the four of you in exchange for this information. So Pathfinders, do we have a deal?"

"Well, just like the ride we got to come here, I don't imagine we have much choice. we'll do this task you have for us, in order to fulfill our duty to the Society. "

"Excellent, I plan to call in the favor before you leave Kaer Maga, but let us get to what you came for first. Let me start out by explaining that this Shadow Lodge is in fact a real threat to your Soceity, despite the fact that many do not believe it exists. Second they are planning to use Kaer Maga as a staging grounds for a war against the Pathfinders. I know where one of their leaders is at this very moment. He is at the Naderi Theater in Bis, where he's been training and collecting his goblin minions. You may deal with this threat how ever you wish, but please try not to die Pathfinders. I like cashing in on favors that are owed me."

I've updated the Kaer Maga map to show some of the places you have been as well as where the theater is located.

"Right, let's get going, Pathfinders," Ferabras says, then hesitates before turning back to Dakar. "Um, we don't know where we are, can we get a ride to Bis, or somewhere nearby? And what's this Shadow Lodge leader's name? I'd hate to accuse the wrong person."

"You'll be looking for a Wymund Pratt, and you'll be leaving the same way you came." As if an unseen signal was given the gruff man with the hoods steps forward.

Rolling his eyes and shrugging, Ferabras mutters, "Of course we will..."

During the entire conversation Miyako just smiles and observes. When it's time to leave again she quickly takes the black hood from the man who's about to pull it over her head.

"You almost ripped my earrings out earlier. So I'll do it myself."

And so Miyako carefully places the black hood over her head.

Beam stands stone- faced. He hates to owe an unnamed favor, but is grateful to be allowed to leave with the sought for intelligence.

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The trip back is exactly the same. The hoods cut off all sight and sound and it's another long bumpy wagon ride. When the wagon finally comes to a stop and the hoods are removed the party finds themselves on the same street in the down market they were taken from. With their final goal set for them the group heads for the Naderi Theater in the Bis quarter.

As they cut through one of the alleys leading to the theater they notice a goblin attempting to hide behind some barrels ahead.

Miyako
Goblin
Ferabras
Bram
Lem

Bold is up. Combat map has been updated, if it seems to big zoom out. We made it through the loooong RP section so thanks for hanging in there Bram.

Miyako moves forward, and takes her loaded crossbow from her back.

"You guys go ahead, I'll shoot it in a sec!"

I was going to have the chicken goblin come back for this encounter and explain to the other goblins how tasty the bawk bawk was, oh well.

A woman come rushing out from around the corner and fires off a ray of energy from the palm of her hand. Looks like it's aimed for Ferabras.

Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Strength drain: 1d6 ⇒ 1 for 1 round

Excited cheer come from various places around the alley as more goblins appear. They rush out and attack the party with swords and bows.

Melee vs Miyako: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Ranged vs Bram: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Ranged vs Ferabras: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Lem inspires the group with a lively tune on his flute.
Inspire courage +1 to attack and +1 to weapon damage.

Miyako
Goblin
Ferabras
Bram
Lem

Bold is up.

"Ouch!" Ferabras cries out as the arrow and magical ray hit him. "You'll regret that!" Drawing his blade, he hurries forward and slices at the goblin attacking Miyako, positioning himself where the other goblins will have to get past him to get at the quirky cleric.

Move action to move up and draw sword, attack blue goblin.

MWK Cold Iron Greatsword, weaker, inspired: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 16
Greatsword damage, weaker, inspired: 2d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 + 1 = 11

Status: 17/20 hp, -1 Str

Bram flies into a rage and races forward!

If the blue goblin stands, he move behind Ferabras and attack it. If it falls, he will step over its body to attack the red one.

He swings his axe madly at a nearby foe!

Dwarven Waraxe, Raging, Inspired: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 = 15
Damage?: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Regular HP 12/15. Raging HP 14/17.

No worries on the Diplomatic session GM! Not Bram's forte, obviously, but I didn't really dump charisma and I plan to throw a few ranks in there every few levels.

Ferabras and Bram both take out a goblin in a single blow. The woman is starting to look a bit nervous as only one goblin remains.

Miyako
Goblin
Ferabras
Bram
Lem

Miyako is up again.

"The Return of the Chicken Goblin." It would've been epic, haha!

Miyako repositions herself, and shoots the bolt on her crossbow at the remaining goblin.

Bolt, Inspired: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 14 Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Miyako's bolt glances off the goblin's armor causing it to yelp but inflicting no damage. The woman waves her hands and a wave of dread comes over Bram before falling back. DC 15 will save or feared. The remaining goblin Steps back as well and fires another arrow at Ferabras.

ranged: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

The shot goes wide completely missing Ferabras. Lem follows closely behind his friend continuing his inspiring flute solo.

Miyako
Goblin
Ferabras
Bram
Lem

Bold is up.

Though slightly distracted by Lem's crazed tune, Ferabras strides past the goblin archer and strikes hard at the woman with his blade.

MWK Cold Iron Greatsword, PA, inspired: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 15
Greatsword damage, PA, inspired: 2d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 5) + 6 + 3 = 17

Bram senses a feeling of dread creeping into his mind...

Will: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 2 = 22

But he shakes it off and goes for the goblin!

Raging Inspired Waraxe: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Damage?: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

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Bram's waraxe takes another goblin life and Feraba's greatsword finishes of the woman.

End of combat.

Beam comes out of his rage and his shoulders sag a bit. He takes a few deep breaths and speaks.

"Well, that lot didn't put up too much of a fight. Still, mebbe we ought to heal up before gettin to this Theater."

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Miyako reloads her crossbow as she speaks.

Yes, we should. Who isn't able to heal himself? I'll do it if you can't.

Ferabras taps himself with his new healing wand and says, "I'm ready to go to the theater. I wonder what those folks wanted?"

Before they leave, he quickly searches the bodies of their fallen foes.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Ferabras finds the following on the woman.

Potion
Scrolls (2)
Scroll
Scrolls (2)
light crossbow with 10 bolts
quarter staff

The goblins just have leather armor, short swords and short bows.

Bram hands off his wand to Miyako for a quick heal.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

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"Can anyone read these scrolls?" Ferabras asks, looking at Miyako and Lem, "they might come in handy."

"I can try," Miyako replies, and takes the scrolls from Ferabras when done healing Bram.

She studies the scrolls while making several affirmative sounds: "Aha... yes... I see... uhu..."

Miyako then casts guidance on herself, detect magic on the scrolls, and tries to actually decipher what's written.

Spellcraft, guidance: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 14

Lem takes a look at the scrolls and shakes his head. "I know nothing about arcane writings."

Pregen Lem does not have read magic or spellcraft. If everyone is healed up we can head to the theater?

Front row seats to the show! Let's go!

I'm ready to proceed!

Yeah, let's kick some Shadow Lodge can!

Before you stands a run-down, wooden facade with the words "Naderi Theater" painted across the top in faded letters. The painting of a young, pretty woman soaked to the bone with water and carrying a tiny datter in one fist splashes across the front of the theater beneath the sign, though this mural is as faded as the lettering above. The ticket window is boarded up, the walls are covered in graffiti, and the doors are chained shut and have a sign that reads "Closed for renovation" nailed across them.

Ferabras studies the dilapidated structure they stand in front of, muttering, "Not much of a hideout. I wonder if the renovations will improve it any." He then glances at his companions and says, "I don't think any of us are going to pick the lock on that chain, so let's see if we can get it open another way. Care to lend a hand, Bram? Miyako, maybe you could give me a little blessing?"

He takes hold of the chain crossing the door and twists and pulls it with all his devil-born strength.

Str check with guidance from Miyako: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 = 20 Aid rolls are welcome!

Ferabras digs in and sets himself to attempt to pull the doors open with brute force. As he throws all his might into a hefty tug at the doors they fly open instantly, causing Ferabras to land on his rear end.

"Well, I'm stronger than I thought!" Ferabras jokes, standing up and dusting himself off. "I wonder if those chains were just for show. Anyway, shall we take a look inside, now that I've announced our arrival?"

He draws his sword and walks into the open door, scanning the surroundings for any threats.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

I guess its OK I didn't post sooner!

Bram follows right beside (or behind if no room) Ferabras, Axe in hand.

Inside is a small foyer with another set of double doors leading north, with stairs leading up to the east and west. Looking around Ferabras confirms his suspicions about the chains. They were merely their to discourage entry but did nothing to actually secure the doors.

"Well, this place must have been quite grand in its day," Ferabras says, looking around. "Let's get a better look at things. I bet these doors lead right into the theater itself. Shall we see who's home?"

He opens the double doors in front of them and moves into the main room of the theater.

GM roll: 1d3 ⇒ 3

The doors open to a man dressed in a chain shirt, with a raiper and short bow on his belt and back. He is surrounded by small insects while slowly clapping as the party enters, "Vadoma failed to kill you, I see. I'll have to take over." With that he draws his shortbow.

With a wave of his hands a cloud of golden glitter covers the party as they try their best to keep it out of their mouths and eyes. Everyone needs to make a DC 18 will save or they are blind this round. If you fail you get another save at the end of your turn.

Clapping man
Miyako
Bram
Lem
Bugs
Ferabras

Bold is up.

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Bram keeps the glitter out and moves ahead 30', readying his Axe to attack the first enemy who comes in reach.

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Will: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3

"Eek! My eyes, my eyes!" Miyako yells.

Miyako's afraid to move while she can't see, but does take her loaded crossbow from her back. She then casts resistance on herself...

Will, resistance (end of turn): 1d20 + 0 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 0 + 1 = 9

...but to no avail.

Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Lem keeps his vision clear and inspects the insects.

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

"Those are fire beetles, you can use their butts for torches. Though there is something off about these particular ones I can't quite put my finger on." Lem then begins to play his flute to inspire his new friends. +1 on attack rolls and +1 to weapon damage rolls.

The beetles take wing and fly around the room settling around Bram.
Double moves by the beetles and Bram gets his ready action.

Clapping man
Miyako
Bram
Lem
Bugs
Ferabras

Ferabras is up!

Ferabras says, "Thanks, Lem, good to know about their butts. I'll let you know how they die." He approaches the beetles and strikes powerfully at the nearest one.

Attack blue beetle.

MWK Cold Iron Greatsword, PA, Inspired: 1d20 + 7 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 - 1 + 1 = 20
Greatsword damage, PA, Inspired: 2d6 + 6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4, 3) + 6 + 3 + 1 = 17

Bram swings at the yellow beetle as it lands.

Waraxe, readied: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

The beetles go squish as they are easily dispatched by Bram and Ferabras. The man mumbles and make some gestures that Bram finds particularly amusing and finds himself resisting the urge to laugh. DC 16 will save or fall prone laughing.

Clapping man
Miyako
Bram
Lem
Bugs
Ferabras

A young elf enters the theater and takes a seat in the back row. She watches the battle unfold, an unimpressed look on her face, as if watching a mediocre play.

Evan Whitefield Checking in with my 1st level Investigator