GM Trex's PFS [Standard] 00-23 Tide of Morning (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Trexler

The air grows still as Hamshanks rolls into a meeting room deep inside the Pathfinder Lodge in Cassomir, his jowls flowing and his enormous axe clanking against his thigh. The man’s black eyes scan the room. "You lot?" Hamshanks spits. "Well, maybe you’ll surprise me. Your boat leaves in an hour, so I’ll be brief. One of the Society’s contacts in Andoran sent us an interesting little nugget this morning. A druid named Hemzel swept into Augustana’s Civic Library last week, demanding his right of research. Our contact learned that Hemzel acquired a lorestone from somewhere in the Verduran Forest. Heard of such a thing?" Hamshanks pauses expectantly and spits again. "Of course not. Heard of druids, at least? And their crazy stone circles? Well thank Gorum for that. Lorestones are somehow connected to them -- supposedly they can bestow you with all of the knowledge of the druids. We’d like to know how, so we want that stone and you’re going to get it for us.

"Unfortunately, the Society is not a friend to Hemzel. He’s the self-declared protector of the Verduran Forest inside Andoran’s borders and some of our more eager explorers have angered him and his little band of gnomes. He’s sworn a blood feud with the Pathfinders.

“Break out your skills of persuasion and get me that lorestone. Do what you need to -- sweep the floors or plant some trees for the old man. Something nice -- let him know we’re there to study and not to slash and burn."

"Right. That's enough chit-chat. Do what you need to do and get to the Gozreh's Thunder down by the docks. The tide won't be waiting if you're late."

Please check in over in the Discussion thread as well. We'll start as soon as everyone arrives.

Dotting for now, will post an intro tomorrow morning.

An average half-elf lass with long, red hair and bright green eyes sits quietly in the corner. She looks alert, perhaps suspicious.

"Well, it wouldn't be the first time I have met someone with a chip against the society. I am not that good with people, but will certainly keep an eye out for trouble."

"Hmm. A druid? Any chance to get a peek into their secret society is worth it." The human closes his alchemical recipe book and stands up, ready for action. "Business is going well- so it's time for more exposure."

Inira looks over Kaye's shoulder, interested in what he is reading. Not understanding any of the symbols, though, she shrugs and begins checking her pack. "What's the weather like where we are headed? Do we need any special gear?"

A woman with tanned skin and striking orange hair stands with the others, dressed in light armor that reveals as much as it covers. The rest of her outfit does similar, hugging her form. At her waist are several daggers, with another strapped to each wrist. "Hm... I'm sure there's something we can do to convince him. After all, men basically all want the same thing-- even the ones who pretend otherwise," she adds, giving Kaye a wink.

"Total knowledge of the unknown? I do agree ma'am, but sometimes we're good at hiding it. And sometimes people are too distracted by fleeting pleasures."

Kaye may be a smart man, but it's clear his priorities are a bit different with most humans.

Lai puts her hands on her hips in mock offense. "I make my living off those 'fleeting pleasures,' thankyouverymuch. Or used to, anyway. And I was quite good at it."

I assume we're just waiting for the others at this point?

I assume we're just waiting.

"If there is demand and you can supply, you may as well take advantage of the situation." Kaye states. "The life of a Pathfinder is much more profitable, I bet."

Dot

"Much more," Lai agrees. "Although I wouldn't say no to some extra gold now and then. The Society pays handsomely, but you might say I have expensive hobbies." She gives Kaye an appraising look. "Once we've gotten that lorestone, I could show you just how good I was," she says, stepping closer. "Am."

Inira grins as she listens to the discussion. Being raised in a temple by devout monks, she has lead a more cloistered life, but she is also aware of the things Laiashi speaks of.

"Agressive. Mysterious. Respectful. You have a keen mind for a merchant." Kaye compliments Laiashi. "But, you also need to know your market." He nods and sits back down, flipping open his formula book.

Hamshanks glares at the conversation and storms off, muttering under his breath. "Gorum save us all..."

* * *

Dennel Hamshanks had claimed it would be a nice walk in the woods, a pleasant change of pace from the bustle of the city. Obviously he forgot about the brambles, boulders, and biting insects of the Verduran Forest, which turned the jouney into an arduous three-day scramble of detours, torn clothes, and near falls.

As the sun sets on the third day of travel, the welcome sight of a puffing chimney -- Hemzel’s home, according to the map -- reveals itself atop a hill. Smoke rises lazily from the chimney, which is set atop a small, round wooden hut just over a steep hillside covered in thick vines and brambles.

"Too late, too late for Hemzel!" a high voice cackles from behind the hut. "Gire, finish them!"

"Yes sir!" comes the equally high-pitched reply. Nearby, a rotting log explodes as if on cue, and hordes of spiders pour out of it in sheets!

Note on terrain: the steep sides of the hill (not the path leading to the hill) can be climbed with a DC 10 climb check. The sides of the path are only difficult terrain.

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Kaye, Laiashi, Stonegrin
2. Gire, Spiders
3. Inira

"Spiders? I hate spiders..."

"Fortune favors the bold!" Kaye quickly runs uphill, pulling out a short spear and hurls an alchemical firebomb at the swarm and smiles. "No collateral damage to worry about, either..."

Ranged Touch, Point Blank Shot: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Fire Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Miss Direction: 1d8 ⇒ 2
If that hit, Reflex Save DC 14 for half damage. If it missed, the bomb deals 4 damage. Swarms take an extra 50% damage from the bomb.

Coulda sworn I bought some alchemical fire on this character, but I guess not...

Lai draws two of her daggers, but hesitates. "I'm not sure there's anything I can do against things that small. But it looks like you've got a good solution there," she adds to Kaye.

Is it really just the four of us? Three, if Stonegrin stays silent?

Just four, as smaller tables generally move faster. I'll pull in an alternate if I don't hear from Stonegrin today.

Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Kaye's bomb smashes smack in the middle of the swarming spiders, which rush away from the flames. Still, hundreds of fried spiders coat the ground where the missile burst.

The multitude skitters toward the studious figure, tiny fangs hungry for human flesh! Provokes an AoO from Kaye.

Damage @ Kaye: 1d6 ⇒ 4 plus 2 Fort saves please

From somewhere to the side of the hut, the squeaky voice cries out. "Fire and death await within! Flee while you can! A gory, oh my yes gory, death shall be yours! A skinless death! Oh my."

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Kaye (13/17 hp), Laiashi
2. Gire, Spiders @ 4 dmg
3. Stonegrin, Inira

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

Can we move up the hill not on the path? Is it difficult terrain, or what?

Only with a DC10 Climb check. Otherwise impassable.

Stonegrin approaches the -spieder swarm and pulls out a flask of acid.

Attack1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 Damage 1d6 ⇒ 3

My charsheeet isn't updated yet but I'll have it done by the end of the day

AoO
As the spiders surround and envelop him, Kaye hurls another bomb.

Ranged Touch, Point Blank Shot: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12
Fire Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
Miss Direction: 1d8 ⇒ 4
Kaye's Reflex Save if he missed and blew himself up: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
If that hit, Reflex Save DC 14 for half damage. If it missed, the bomb deals 4 damage. Swarms take an extra 50% damage from the bomb. Thanks to his Precise Bombs discovery, Kaye can exclude squares (like his own square) from the blast.

Fort Save 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Fort Save 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

"If you're going to lie madam, lie with confidence- augh my mouth is full of spiders!"

Keenly interested to see who's directing the spiders, Lai jumps off the path and tries clambering up the side of the hill.

Climb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Not sure how far I can go on a double move or whether making the climb is its own move action, so putting myself at the top of the hill.

Inira attempts the climb up the hill as well.

Climb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Once at the top, she digs out an alchemist's fire and prepares to throw it back at the swarm.

Miss Direction: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Stonegrin's flask of acid bursts unceremoniously on the path to the hut; Kaye's bomb slips from his fingers when struck by a painful (and ill-timed) spider bite under his tongue. The explosive careens off the side of the hut a few feet away.

"Lie? Oh, um, no, very very bloody. Yes, guts everywhere. Pulsing spleen on the... oh dear, um, table. Gory death for you!"

The writhing mass of spiders bathes Kaye in its living carpet, inflicting further horror upon him.

Damage @ Kaye: 1d6 ⇒ 1 plus 2 more Fort saves

Round II -- bold may act!
1. Kaye (12/17 hp), Laiashi
2. Gire, Spiders @ 4 dmg
3. Stonegrin, Inira

Did the spider swarm take an extra 50% damage from my first bomb?

Fort Save 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Fort Save 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
+2 vs Poison

Ranged Touch, Point Blank Shot: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 = 11
Fire Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
Miss Direction: 1d8 ⇒ 1
Kaye's Reflex Save if he missed and blew himself up: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
If that hit, Reflex Save DC 14 for half damage. If it missed, the bomb deals 4 damage. Swarms take an extra 50% damage from the bomb.

Wow, happy these Fort Saves are OK, but these attack rolls are terrible.

Kaye hastily backs out of the swarm and pulls another bomb, only for it to slip out of his hands.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
"Blergh. These spiders are everywhere! And you are busy with trauma. What happened to Hemzel inside?"

Sense Motive 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Leave it be...and come out here...you are disgusted by it yourself. A kind soul is sometimes tempted. But as long as ye don't cross the line it's never too late...

Acid Flask 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 Damage 1d6 ⇒ 4

@Kaye: yes, but I did the math wrong. Only 3 damage to it currently. But!

Kaye sends another bomb sailing into the trees. Fortunately Stonegrin has him covered, and smashes an acid jar in just the right spot to finally disperse the spiders that remain. Kaye frantically shakes a few dozen out of his clothing.

Out of initiative! Sort of.

"Um, oh dear, yes, um, horrible things await you inside! Hemzel is no more, you see, dead as a doornail. You will be too!"

I'll take Diplomacy checks.

"I'm afraid we have to confirm that." Kaye pulls out his Wand of Cure Light Wounds to heal his wounds.

"Now then, Hemzel requested assistance from the Pathfinders and we are hear to hear his request. What have you seen? Where is Hemzel?...Where are you?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

"Please, my dear lady, calm down. Perhaps we can help, even if it is only to help Henzel find peace. Let us talk, and call off this attack!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6

Not looking good to talk our way out of this one...

"We don't want to fight, we only want to help," she says calmingly as she sheaths her daggers and circles the hut, looking for the source of the voice. "Are you the reason Hemzel is dead?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Diplomacy Aid 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (14) - 3 = 11

Roll for the above...Stonegrin did manage to be semi persuasive somehow

That will do.

"Oh, um, oh. Damn Cyflymder! Yes, yes I am. Well, we. He said Hemzel was going to lead the humans to destroy the fey! So we pounced and surprised him. Cyflymder and his brutes tore the druid apart. His poor wolf friend too! So much blood! So much blood..."

Ever cautious, the voice stays hidden, sounding closer, then further, then closer again.

Kaye shakes his head.

"Ugh. We need to search his home. Maybe he left a clue..." Kaye heals his wounds before heading into the house. "I know little of what Hemzel's intent, but we're not here to harm anyone. We are looking for the lorestone, though."

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Inira starts to go take a look inside, but backs off if the voice gets agitated.

"Lorestone? The smooth rock? Cyflymder took it with him after he killed that druid. Took it north to a druid circle, to destroy it, he said." The voice sounds a mite calmer now.

Inira approaches the door to the hut and spots a tiny, green-skinned fey creature lifeless on the stoop. A deep bite mark mars its tiny abdomen.

More pressing matters quickly grab the Pathfinders' attention, however. Both Kaye and Inira notice that the smoke coming from the hut is no longer limited to the chimney -- flames can be seen licking the windows from the inside. They burst in on a gruesome scene.

The heat is palpable inside the primitive, one-room hovel. Tinder from the fireplace is strewn about, sparking the fires that now climb the reed walls. The room itself is in shambles. An eviscerated human body sprawls across the floor, and a butchered wolf lies against the wall by the front door. Puddles of blood surround them. The man’s hands are tied to a rough wooden table, upon which sits an ornate--but empty--box and a blood-spattered manuscript.

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Laiashi
2. ???
3. Inira, Kaye, Stonegrin

Fire in the marked squares can be put out using the Survival skill, among other things.

"Oh gods. She wasn't kidding. Lai runs to the table to grab the manuscript before it gets licked by the flames.

Stonegrin stands outside, scouting out surroundings oblivious to the dangers of the fires.

Laiashi reaches out for the manuscript and bumps into something -- or someone! -- invisible in her way! You are stopped at that point and can make an attack if you wish.

She feels whatever it is slide past her, then shove her hard into the fire.

Bull Rush @ Laiashi: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 = 25
Fire Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Through the smoke, she can see what was once a man, now twisted with fey features. He pulls a lumberjack's axe, unbothered by the heat.

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Laiashi (5/10 hp)
2. Thaven
3. Inira, Kaye, Stonegrin

Fire in the marked squares can be put out using the Survival skill, among other things.

Kaye guesses that whatever this is, it isn't vulnerable to fire. "Sadly, my shock bombs are still prototypes. Time for the old standby."

Kaye runs in and hurls his short spear at at Thaven.
Shortspear, Point Blank Shot: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

She feels herself bump into something soft, alive, and invisible-- in her way, in the middle of a burning hut. Thinking only of her own survival, she flicks her wrist allowing the dagger in her left wrist sheath to spring to her waiting palm. Then she stabs forward.

Dagger: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Miss chance (high to hit): 1d100 ⇒ 77

Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
And if that hits... make a Fort save! DC 14 or take 1d2 ⇒ 1 Str damage.

Ooh! A poisoner rogue! I've never seen one of those before! Too bad that missed.

Laiashi feels her blade slide off metal armor. Moments later, Kaye watches in horror as his shortspear is rejected by the creature's body, like a buoyant stick from a still pond.

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Laiashi (5/10 hp)
2. Thaven
3. Inira, Kaye, Stonegrin

Stone grin rumbles into the room and swings his sansetsukon in a high arc.

Attack1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 Damage 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Fight defensively. Attack. AC is at 19

Inira, seeing flames by the door, wants to make sure that her friends don't get cut off from an exit. She grabs something close to try to smother the flames.

Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Inira quickly stamps out the embers sprinkling the floor near her, while Stonegrin (unsuccessfully) engages the fey. The fey's wicked axe shows its sharpness in the glint of the spreading fires...

Round II -- bold may act!
1. Laiashi (5/10 hp)
2. Thaven
3. Inira, Kaye, Stonegrin

"This place is coming down," Lai says as she bolts for the door. "Let that thing go down with it."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Laiashi flees the flames, unhappily burnt. Note: you do not have the manuscript with you. It is still inside. The twisted man inside silently swings his axe, shattering the chair next to Stonegrin.

Axe @ Stonegrin: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 MISS

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Laiashi (5/10 hp)
2. Thaven
3. Inira, Kaye, Stonegrin

We need that mauscript...I'll keep this guy busy! Stonegrin, a man accutomed to facing even greater evils, calls out. And brings his 3 section staff down with great force.

Attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Damage1d10 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Crit Confirm 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 Damage1d10 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Fight defensively. Attack. AC is at 19

Stonegrin feels satisfaction as a great wooden *crack* snaps through the room. The unseelie before him crumples, head caved in.

Out of combat!

Working together, the Pathfinders are able to put out the fire before it spreads further. In addition to the singed manuscript, the team discovers two potions and two scrolls hidden under the table on the far wall. Spellcraft checks and/or read magic.

The manuscript is not written in a language any Pathfinder has before seen, though bits and pieces of Taldane can be picked out. [ooc]Anyone speak Druidic? Otherwise I'll take Linguistics from those trained.

Kaye's eyebrows fiddle with excitement as he sees the manuscript. He takes out one of his potions and drinks it.

Drinking an extract of Comprehend Languages to understand Druidic.

"I don't understand the scrolls at all- I keep forgetting to learn at least a little about magic. But this is...the ancient language of druids. Maybe we can learn a thing or two about where the Lorestone was taken."