GM Otha's Evergreen Trilogy I (Inactive)

Game Master Otha

Material-wise have 3 days of rations, 1 waterskin, couple pieces of loose paper, Pen and Ink, and cantrip for dancing lights memorized and light in spellbook. Oh and some Caltrops just in case. Lastly, 2 empty vials that I figured to use in my experiments making inks but they have not been used yet if we need them

Prefer to keep my distance if anyone/thing is charging me

Also, figure to take some bread and cheese for lunch on the march

Will do checks when my question is answered and can post accordingly

"Excellent! You'll tend out wounds, Grey? You'll light the way then, Cerryl?" she confirms.

Lovissa calls over the waitress to purchase some food for the road (buying 1 extra day of rations).

"I'll use my wand to heal your wounds if it comes to it... Was a Pathfinder that gave it to me in the first place... " Grey states, torn between hoarding his resources versus how much more difficult the mission could be with Lovissa dead. His eyes linger on that embossed belt for a moment.

I'm happy to share the wand joy! But beware, it is a wand of infernal healing... ominous dread

Rykaar double checks his large backpack, "I've got rope and rations for 5 days. I however do need writing materials; a journal, ink and pen would be much appreciated. I can help with wounds and bleeding."

I do not have darkvision despite being a half-orc, so have the light cantrip. Also I got the 'PFS new character boon' and selected the wand of cure light wounds, however was not sure how to represent that on character sheet.

Kn. Geography - untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Kn. History - untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 9

Geography untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 11

"I-I just need rations," Todd claimed. He began counting out his gold, wondering how much he'll need. "H-how long will we be gone?"

Todd will buy as many rations as Janira says will probably be necessary.

Janira nods her head. "We'll probably be gone a couple of days, so I'd say a couple of days of rations should be sufficient as we can forage along the way...but then again, maybe three might be wiser in case we run into delays...if more is needed, we'll be closer to Diobel and can resupply there on the way back to Absalom..."

Janira also passes out writing supplies to those who need 'em...

"Are there any more questions before we head out? You'll have a chance to purchase any supplies you lack as we're leaving the city..."

is it possible to take ten if untrained?

From my understanding, you have to roll for untrained skill checks...

I'll also add that these particular Knowledge checks just provide general information and are not necessarily essential for your journey...

"Delays? Expectin' trouble on the Kortos Mounts or Cairnlands?" Grey asks as he re-packs his bag, leaving room for a few purchases on the way out of town.

Buying rations and a Lucerne Hammer on the way out of town.

Janira turns to Grey. "I don't expect delays, but as Pathfinders we must always be ready for anything. While we will be somewhat near the Kortos Mounts, we won't actually travel within their domain. We might encounter undead within the Cairnlands, or perhaps a predator or two in the forests near the caves...but hopefully that will not be the case..."

Looking at the whole party, she says, "Are we ready to set off? We still need to stop as some of you may need supplies and daylight is burning now. If you have any further questions, you may ask me along the way..."

If you wish to purchase any additional supplies before the journey, list them as Grey has done above (if you have not already mentioned them)...you may still ask questions to Janira if you have any...will probably post the start of the journey this evening...

Knowledge (Geography) untrained: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

well that was underwhelming guess the earlier post stands as only important one

Good to go.

Rykaar on the way will ask Janira and the rest of the group specific tactical questions, he is after all an Oracle of Battle, so wants to understand how best to position himself, who has ranged weapons, etc.

He will start by sharing, "My preference is to engage adversaries directly, upfront and face to face. Oathmaker's Kiss is my weapon of choice, but rely on my trusted longspear to keep larger creatures at bay. I have no ranged weapons, but have been trained in their use should we find any, or if you have a spare crossbow...

We can move some of the tactical planning to discussion if that is prefer

Grey hands over to Rykaar two of his four javelins. "Here. I like the up close blade-work too, but I'm get'in somethin' with some reach just 'n case."

"As for avoidin' fights. I'm paid by the job, not by the ear. So if you all can talk or sneak our way around a fight; good"

"I am trained in bow, blade and spell, but prefer to face my enemies up-close in glorious combat!"

Lovissa also prefers to engage enemies in melee, but is likely to use one of her abilities or spells before entering combat, so middle-front is good for her. She's got a ranged weapon and can use it, but would rather swing her sword.

"I-I'm just planning on flanking. Everything." Todd says as he touches his rapier.

Going to get 3 days worth of rations and 2 vials of acid. I'm not near my sheet but I'm sure Todd has enough gold. I'll say something later if he doesn't.

Really not comfortable with weapons though have my crossbow and quarterstaff if things get really dicey. Otherwise, will probably stay in the back throwing force missiles for the most part. Though still debating what should be priority targets currently thinking Mage, Wounded, Ranged, Highest Threat.

Wondering if I was supposed to get any items/boons for first character and first play through, and kind of want to get some rope and oil but unsure if the weight would be worthwhile.

As the party is walking through Absalom to purchase any last minute necessities, Janira stops for a moment to address the party to answer Rykaar's query...

"Good question; while this is more of a exploratory outing, we will be in the wilderness where conflicts may occur...

Reach weapons are prudent...but be aware that there are some large creatures in this area, though rarely seen, that use the longer weapons as well..."

@Cerryl: For each of you whom are first time players of PFS, if the character you're running in this adventure has a PFS ID# that ends in -1, then you will get a boon at the end of the adventure. As for rope, as long as at least one character has it, you should be good...

Geography(untrained): 1d20 + 113 ⇒ (2) + 113 = 115
History (untrained): 1d20 + 115 ⇒ (16) + 115 = 131

Janira nods, smiling at Rei. "You all will make good Pathfinders as you ask such good questions...

We seem to be well prepped for our journey now. Be ready to explore, cooperate, and report! Our journey will soon begin in earnest..."

Rei, your intelligence modifier is + 1. That would make your Geography check a 3 which is short of the 10 required to view the first Geography spoiler. Your History check would be a much higher 17, but since untrained Knowledge checks max out at 10, that's not enough to reveal the first History spoiler which is DC15. However, these particular knowledge checks are not really essential and you can find out most of them by asking Janira questions, which you did...

"Onward, then! To adventure!" Lovissa exclaims enthusiastically.

After you buy more supplies, Janira leads the party towards the wilderness trails. The first phase of your Confirmation takes your party through Absalom, leads across the Cairnlands, along a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel, and through the wilderness surrounding the Kortos Mountains. This portion of the journey through the City at the Center of the World is swift and without incident, and the long trek across the Cairnlands provides a great opportunity for Janira to discuss Master Shaine’s class on the history of Absalom…

Janira also points out areas of interest from time to time, clearly enjoying herself. As they come into view of the more majestic portion of the Kortos Mountains, she says, ”There in the distance is Arazlant Mox, the highest peak on the island…’twas the home of the great amethyst-colored wyrm Maejerex Steeleye, who survived 500 years before being slain in 4592 AR as she was beginning to unify the minotaur and harpy tribes in the area…”

And when you leave the trail that leads towards Diobel and head through the forest towards the caves, she points out to the barely visible buildings of the town on the coast, saying ”That way lays Diobel…it is mainly a fishing village, and has developed an oyster- and pearl-gathering industry, which supplies pearls to the Arcanamirium, Absalom's premiere school of magic.”

"4592? Them dragonslayers might be still kickin'. Know who kill'd her?" Grey asks as watches the trees for any bandits or such. 'If it was humans, there might be some spoiled descendants living off the spoils. Easy picking'

Lovissa is thrilled to be out of the city. She takes a deep breath and smiles. "Ahhh... Exhilarating!"

History to answer Grey's questions: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

She watches for danger as we travel, keeping a ready hand on the pommel of her longsword.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Todd didn't have anything to say, but listened intently to his companions talking. Nodding at the right moments as Janira dolled out knowledge, giving curt yes or no when applicable, and generally kept an eye out for any danger as they went along.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Thinking about the amount of rations Janira recommended and looking at the forest around them

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Assuming shadows under the trees giving the bonus +3 from my familiar if not would be +8

Think I will let Lyasa scout around a little and maybe catch some dinner before we reach the caves.

Hopefully if there is anything she sees I can determine if it is a threat unlike when I felt that spike of fear when Todd was looking at her in the Inn.

follows along not quite paying attention enough to the voices rather keeping an eye out and listening for any approaching hostiles not liking the idea of being caught unawares.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

thank you still trying to make sense of how to roll

Janira laughs heartily in agreement with Lovissa; she clearly loves the wilderness as much as the Ulfen woman. In answer to Grey's question, she replies, "Alas, it is much debated as history tells us not...it only records that the great wyrm was slain by a band of adventurers..."

As the party progresses deeper into the forest, the trees towering overhead begin to shield most of what remains of the day’s sun and the vegetation beneath grows denser. Janira pauses a moment and pulls out an intricate silver compass emblazoned with the Pathfinder Society logo: the Glyph of the Open Road. “I received this wayfinder when I successfully completed my Confirmation. Should we be successful on our journey, you will get your own as well.” She flips open the device and holds it in front of her; the initials J. L. are engraved into the inside of the device’s lid. After studying the compass inside for a moment, she remarks, “We’re on the right path. We need to keep heading northwest past those large rocks up ahead.”

Suddenly, a large tree falls nearby, rustling some creatures best left undisturbed…three hideous, dog-sized insect-like creatures leap about in the nearby area on long, gangly legs. The sharp, jagged edges of their jaws greedily clatter for blood…yours…

Janira yells, "Giant fleas!  Prepare for battle!"

The halfling begins her bardic performance to inspire courage in her comrades.  "Let us remember the sacrifice of the fabled Yasmin bint Faroud, favored of the Ten..."

(each party member will add +1 for all attack and damage rolls during this combat)

Combat Map (slide 2)

COMBAT!  If your character's name below is in bold font, post your first round actions; you don't have to wait till the person above you posts.

Janira
Rei Ulskadi
Lovissa
Todd
Grey
Rykaar
Giant Fleas
Cerryl

Lovissa draws her blade and holds it high in the air. "Time to forge my own legend!" she exclaims bravely.

Lovissa uses a move action to draw her sword, and a standard action to use her legacy weapon ability (expending one point of mental focus) to make her longsword a +1 longsword for 1 minute.

Grey grins at the sight of these creatures hungry for blood, drawing his short sword he steps to the northwest and readies to down the first creature to approach.

"I don'know what you are, but I bet you'll bleed!"

Five foot step towards the middle one, move action to draw a sword, standard action to attack the first one in reach.

Not sure how to do this and know I cant act yet but wanted to do a roll or two for information

First Lyasa was sent hunting/scouting before the fleas appeared though will leave to Otha if she is close enough to do anything or not

Intelligence: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Knowledge (nature) untrained: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

attempting to determine if Ray of Frost will do bonus damage or if another type of spell would work better for me

and sadness for the rolls again

seeing the Fleas attacking figuring they undoubted are blood suckers most troublesome at the moment, just as Janira calls out, she casts Magic missile and draws her blade with a grin.

Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Todd will move forward and draw his rapier. Unfortunately, he is not experienced enough to do both in one action. He tries to position himself so that the fleas would have to come towards him before they could get to Cerryl Grey, whom Todd remembered wanted to stay out of melee at all costs...

Todd moves two squares to the right as his move, then draws his rapier as his standard action.

GM Rykaar has War Sight which means he rolls twice for initiative and chooses roll. I will add another initiative roll here.

Initiative 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Rykaar was enjoying the trek through the woods, the cool breeze in his hair and the smells and sounds of the outdoors. Suddenly Janira shouts to prepare for battle and Rykaar grins in anticipation.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

He readies the longspear he uses as a walking stick and follows Grey northwest hoping to attack one of the creatures as it engages. Potential AoO as ticks move forward

I've recolored the fleas to better identify them

Rei acts quickly, firing a magic missile that slams into the midsection of the flea to west of her (gray)...it noticeably staggers the flea and Rei smiles as she draws her sword...

Grey, Rykaar, Lovissa, and Todd all draw their weapons and prepare for the oncoming fleas...Grey and Lovissa boldly yelling out to their foes as they do so...

Yes, Grey you can pre-roll any readied attacks just as you did in the spoiler and they'll be good for that round...but since the fleas could not yet reach the area you threaten for round 1, it won't activate...

Cerryl, I'm assuming you're trying to get more information about the fleas...sadly that's a Knowledge (Nature) DC12 check and can't be reached untrained...however, as you see Rei's magic missile strike the gray flea, you assume your frost ray should work well...

All the fleas move towards the company, all thirsty for their blood...one a little less thirsty than the others now...

Janira moves back, but continues her oratory to embolden her companions. "...who gave her life distracting Zythrustianax, draconic scourge of the Society, so dozens of junior agents could survive..."

(+1 for all attack and damage rolls}

COMBAT! The bold may post! Cerryl with his Round 1 action while the rest can post their Round 2 actions

Janira
Rei Ulskadi
Lovissa
Todd
Grey
Rykaar
Giant Fleas (Gray -3)
Cerryl

Todd runs out towards one of the fleas, moving so that he was as behind it as he could get, and waves to his comrades. "H-here!" He calls out, preparing to stick his rapier in the flea's shank once he has a flanking partner.

Move 6 squares, ready an action to attack once someone is flanking with him on this flea.

Despite the obviously dangerous position it would put her in, Lovissa bravely heeds her new friend Todd's call to action. She wades right into the thick of battle, and swings her magically enhanced sword at the red tick that she and Todd are flanking.

"For glory!" she shouts. "For Todd!"
Hahaha. OMG I'm absurd.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 18 (extra mods included: strength enhancement, legacy weapon, inspire courage, flank)
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 10 (extra mods included: strength enhancement, legacy weapon, inspire courage)

As her blade cuts deeply into the tick's body Lovissa crows with victory!

Just an observation but think Rei forgot to add the damage bonus from the song on her spell.

While moving to the right to put the tree between the pair of fleas the rest of the party Cerryl grips the quarterstaff he was using as a walking stick.

Rei lets finish this one while the rest take on the other 2.

Force Missile: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Of course all this is assuming that flea wasn't hanging on by 1 hp

Rykaar seeing one of the ticks is flanked by Todd and Lovissa, and that in turn she is being flanked by two ticks, surges forward and attempts to skewer the one closest to him. the black tick

"May the Gods guide my steel!"

5ft. step and attack with longspear

Attack longspear: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8
Damage=Longspear+Strength+Inspiration: 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8

Wow... awesome die rolls :(

The red and black fleas strike at Todd and Lovissa as they boldly move into flanking position...

Red Flea AoO (Todd): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Black Flea AoO (Lovissa): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

...and the red flea's bite appears to get through Todd's defenses while Lovissa avoids the black flea's attack...

In return, the two Pathfinders brutally take down the flea, as Todd impales the creature with his rapier just as Lovissa slices it in two with her blade...

Cerryl, noting the effect of Rei's magic missile attack, sends a magical bolt of his own, this one of frost, and it literally freezes the injured flea dead in its tracks...

Rykaar steps up bravely and uses his longspear to keep the remaining flea at a distance, but alas the weapon glances off the flea, failing to penetrate...

COMBAT! The bold may post! (Grey and Rei are up; Todd make an Acrobatics check)

Janira
Rei Ulskadi
Lovissa
Todd
Grey
Rykaar
Giant Fleas (2 dead, 1 left)
Cerryl

Cerryl, the flea had more than 1 hp so wouldn't have mattered...and no Lovissa, you're not absurd, I'm loving it...Rykaar, been on that side of the dice roller, hopefully it'll even out in later encounters...

Taking the moment to savor the smell of ichor in the air, Grey joins the fray after his allies. Moving forward like a wolf on the hunt he works his way into a flanking position and lashes out with his short sword.

short sword to hit: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 2 = 18
short sword damage, whetstone: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Move 15 feet North-West and then 5 feet North-East, attack from flanking with Lovissa.

Just curious did Rei not get a Round 2 action since did not see her post and her name is not bold anymore.

Also, is Lyasa in the area may have her attack if Grey/Rei do not kill the last flea

The combat going on around him stirs Grey's blood and he adroitly steps up to the remaining flea, striking between the beast's eyes, cutting deeply into its head, dropping it without a sound...Grey has to wrench his sword slightly to remove it from the dead body...

Combat is over! Pathfinders victorious! Good job!

Janira cuts off her oratory as the last flea is slain. She exclaims, "Well done! Most excellent...I see I have little to fear being in your company. Are any of you hurt? If so I am fully capable of healing you..."

Good catch Cerryl, I screwed that up as Rei should've been bolded beforehand...and I'll always assume that Lyasa is in your general area so she could've attacked had Grey not dropped the last flea...

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

"T-thanks," Todd says to Lovissa as he wipes off and resheaths his blade. Looking at the flea, he looked at how close it had come to hitting him and relieved his brow of some sweat with his sleeve.

Janira shakes her head a bit as no one is hurt. "Amazing, first fight on our venture and not even one scratch...Todd, are you always so nimble? I thought for sure that flea had gotten a hold of you...

Again, congratulations on your first successful battle together. However, we can only catch our breath for a moment before we press on...dusk is almost upon us and we need to reach the cave by nightfall. I fear if we arrive too late, we may miss our chance with the gillmen..."

With spirits up after defeating the giant fleas, the group gathers themselves for the push to the caves. You continue to travel through the wilderness...however, you find the trails blocked by fallen objects and other visible paths too overgrown to be viable...

Janira, clearly worried about getting to the caves on time, sadly declares, "We must look for a way through or the gillmen may be gone before we arrive...spread out but stay within sight of each other and try to find a way through..."

Unlike Knowledge checks, Survival checks can be made normally even if untrained...

"I-I'm small," Todd replied, not really answering the question but scratching the back of his head, clearly not used to being praised. He glanced back at the flea, noting that it was nearly as large as he was. Being 'small' wasn't really the reason here, he reckoned. "I-I guess so."

Todd the Humble then attempts to make a survival check.

Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

But seems too used to city living to be of help here.

"No need to thank me, Todd! We are comrades! We will fight and triumph alongside one another!"

---

Lovissa helps look around.

Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

"Here!" Lovissa announces boldly. "I've found a way through!"

Janira smiles broadly. ”Great job, Lovissa! We should be able to make it in time now! Let us continue on…”

The party makes good time by taking Lovissa’s shortcut. Soon, the dense forest opens to a wide clearing at the base of a sheer cliff, clearly visible by the light of a full moon. Thick vines cover the surface of the cliff stretching 30 feet overhead. “Here! The cave entrance is behind those vines,” Janira says with a broad smile as she walks to the cliff’s face. She pulls back several layers of vegetation to reveal a narrow crack in the cliff’s surface. “This is where I saw the gillmen enter.”

As she motions toward the aperture, the surrounding woods come alive with the sound of small animals fleeing some unseen danger and a large creature crashing through the undergrowth. The halfling worriedly remarks, “Quick, take cover before whatever it is spots us!” As if she’d summoned the creature with her words, a massive horned monstrosity emerges from the trees.

Click to see Monstrosity

An eery quiet and sense of doom seemingly wraps around you as you first lay eyes on the beast. Standing eight feet tall on a pair of cloven hooves and wielding a tremendous axe, the bull-headed creature sniffs the air, as he tries to zero in on your scent…

Janira’s face goes pale as she whispers. ”A Minotaur…that be some ill luck. Be very still and perhaps we’ll get lucky…fighting is not an option; this foe is beyond all of us. We can only hope it loses our scent and goes away…”

Lovissa dives into the underbrush and tries her best to keep quiet.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Yeah, quiet's not really her thing...

Cerryl crouches down quickly into the undergrowth and looks at the vines and cave entrance

not sure if either of these rolls will be applicable but figure would roll them and go from there. (personally have a feeling we are going to be force quickly into the cave with no way out)

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Intelligence: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Attempting to determine if the cave opening is too small for the Minotaur to enter or if climbing the vines may get us out of the reach of the Minotaur.