George Demonspawn |
dot
Kynrac |
One of the attendees is a well-dressed, clean elf with blond hair and timeless blue eyes. By his looks, you can tell that he likes everything to be neat and spotless, just like his enamelled mithral breastplate bearing the open palm of Irori. His gestures are precise and never made in vain. Yet one thing contrasts with the elf's shiny appearance: his hands, up to the elbows, are severely burnt, to the point that it'll probably never heal. Those burn marks are in the open, a reminder of the vicissitudes of his past.
Addressing his companions, the elf displays a no-nonsense attitude, even adding a touch of humilty as he bows to the other attendees. He's obviously an experienced socialite, adapting to his environment rapidly. "I am Kynrac Chronarion, librarian of the Scrolls and apprentice of Master Shaine. Well met."
My PFS Lavode De'Morcaine |
Lavode enters to wait with the rest of you. Obviously a half-elf and not a terribly athletic person. Messy, but clean. He seems to be a rather likable easygoing fellow.
Well met folks. Anyone know what the situation is likely to be? I'm ready to let forces work for us, but I hope it's not as taxing as the last couple of missions I've been sent on. {sigh} But it probably will be.
Boswick Bumbleberry |
Outside, on the grounds of Heidmarch Manor, three lonesome travelers arrive. The lead rider sits tall in the saddle of heavy war horse. His full plate armor is neatly shined and a purple cloak flaps in the breeze, his shield is emblazoned with a long sword bathed in light.
The other two men come into view. There riding horses look small in comparison to the first man’s steed. The first of these men is a young half-elf, he dismounts quickly and gracefully. Bounding forward he takes the reins from first man steadying the large mount, as the heavily armored man himself more slowly dismounts. He claps the young half-elf on the shoulder and turns toward the Pathfinder lodge. The third man remains mounted, his mount is heavily laden with gear and man; in this case a man with a bushy blond beard and long flowing blond hair, his facial features do not lie, he’s clearly of Ulfenkin. After carefully studying the grounds he too dismounts, placing a hand on his back, he takes a big stretch. The young half-elf leads the two horses toward the stables, just as the door opens to the manor.
The armored man steps inside, he’s tall, blond, and well built. His face reveals a young man, but his piercing blue eyes suggest experiences beyond his years. He wears a sly small smile and his stride portrays both confidence and humility. He quickly looks around the room taking in each face. He then bows deeply.
“Pathfinders, I am Boswick Bumbleberry and I am at your service.”
G.M.E.W. |
Thank you for coming, The Venture Captain says as she enters the room. Though obviously very busy with the duties of running a lodge, Sheila Heidmarch is a model of grace under pressure. Brushing a loose bit of hair from her face she looks over the party, You look well qualified for the task at hand, and I’m relieved a team such as yours was available so far from the Society’s heart in Absalom. How familiar are you with the ruins of ancient Thassilon? Well, you’re going to be getting a lot more familiar with one of the most strategically important sites in the entirety of Varisia—the Storval Stairs.
This stairway—carved by giants and scaled appropriately for creatures of their size—provides the easiest means of climbing the Storval Rise west of the Iron Peaks. Thus, it also provides the swiftest means of getting supplies and personnel to and from the ruins of Xin-Shalast and other sites of interest on the Storval Plateau. We had a supply caravan go missing a week ago; its last reported location was near the stairs, and rumors I’ve been hearing from as far away as Riddleport indicate this isn’t the only similar situation in recent months. Some reports claim a tribe of hill giants have claimed the Storval Stairs as their territory and are demanding exorbitant tariffs to pass in either direction. Apparently they’re led by the self-proclaimed King of the Storval Stairs, who doesn’t like the idea of anyone traveling through his kingdom without paying their due.
A knock sounds on the door, and a messenger sticks her head in shyly. In her hand she holds a leather scroll case embroidered with traditional Varisian bead-work. A message for you, Lady Heidmarch. From your cousin Guaril in Riddleport. Sheila accepts the missive, tips the courier, and turns back to the matter at hand, shaking her head.
I’ve told that greasy charlatan to stop calling me family…
The venture-captain draws the scroll from the case and quickly reads it, raising one eyebrow inquisitively. Well, this is fortuitous. It seems ‘Cousin’ Karela is also interested in your mission, and wants to ensure your success in a timely fashion. No doubt he has some ulterior motives that don’t align with our own... Then again, we’re likely to use his influence among the Varisian people to populate the supply caravans to and from the Storval Plateau, so perhaps his motivation is not so different after all.
Travel to the Storval Stairs and confirm what happened to our supply wagons. While you’re there, take care of this so-called king
and ensure he and his giant followers don’t present a problem for us in the future. Thenhold the location until a larger contingent of Pathfinders arrives to set up a more permanent way station there. It’s nearly a five hundred mile journey, but our ‘cousin’ has seen to it that won’t be a problem for you—he included a scroll here to teleport you to a location another ‘relative’ of his divined as the current location of the supply caravan. He says it was expensive but a good investment, and that you’re worth it.
Sheila holds the scroll out for the taking, the sketch of the location one should use as its destination visible in its uncurling corner.
Best of luck, Pathfinders.
My PFS Lavode De'Morcaine |
Fascinating Captain. Is there anything else you can tell us about the location? For example, will we be arriving in the mountains above the freeze line into perpetual winter? What was the biggest threat before these giants moved into the area? Are there known to be any other potential allies or opponents in the area? Any history or rumors about this 'King of the Storval Stairs' floating around?
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A few skill checks if needed/useful.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
knowledge arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
knowledge dungeoneering: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
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I have a normal horse. Are any of the rest of you planning to bring a mount?
G.M.E.W. |
The Storval Stairs were created millennia ago by the empire of Thassilon and many ruins surround the stairs themselves. The entirety of the stairs are below any freeze line and you will most likely not have to deal with any environmental dangers. They have been a trouble spot for years and have a reputation for sheltering harpies and trolls. Since the giants moved in, they seem to have driven off most other monsters. Some Magnimarian merchants are said to have negotiated a deal with the Shoanti Hawk Clan to guard a caravan through the stairs. Rumor has it the missing Pathfinder expedition had a Hawk Clan escort.
The 'King of the Storval Stairsas' is said to be a brute of a hill giant, and many claim even his own people fear him. He is said to follow one of the giant gods and sacrificeprisoners or slaves at a holy site on the Storval Plateau if they don’t pay his tariffs.
Alie Saechel |
"Giants should be susceptible to Enchantment magic. I can help with that aspect. If harpies are about, can anyone cast Spells to a silence their voices? I also have a bit of fire, if we meet any trolls," the tiny gnome in the corner added as the group began their discussions.
Kynrac |
Before leaving, Kynrac takes an hour to ask around, using his Magnimarian sczarni network of informants.
Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38
Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 = 15 The extra +2 comes from the Student of Scrolls boon.
"I'm glad they're sending us there, I would hate to see them use underseasoned agents for such a task." Kynrac says sourly, lost for a moment in his thoughts. Snapping out of it, he shares whatever information he has gathered with his companions.
George Demonspawn |
George will move to find a mount and contact his source for rare herbs and tonics to begin his poison preparation for the mission.
I will meet you at the gates. George informs his motley team.
G.M.E.W. |
Kynrac contacts some of his fellow sczarni and finds a man who recently traveled the Stairs his caravan was able to negotiate a tribute to the giant but it was so steep that the man was never paid for his troubles. Beats getting smashed by rocks and clubs! That's what happened to the other caravan. Could have use the coin though, was planning on moving my family out of Riddleport finally. Another season I guess... Oh yeah the giant. Well I don't know much bout gods outside of Desna, Abadar, and Calistria, but one of the other guys said that the King had a holy symbol of Minderhal, some giant god of creation and destruction. He must be a priest of something cause I saw his use the symbol to cast a spell and heal a big gash on his leg. Oh! that reminds me if you really are going go try and put an end to that monster be very careful of his b*%@#. Some deranged Kellid witch she's taken the King as a lover! Don't rightly know how or why, can't say I even what to know, but I hear they sacrifice prisoners and slaves to that god of the giants. Yup much better off not getting payed. the man finishes with a shiver.
Boswick Bumbleberry |
Boswick listens patiently to all that is said and searches his memory for any knowledge of the God Minderhal.
Know Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Boswick Bumbleberry |
Boswick then turns his attention to another matter and addresses the Venture Captain. "Mi lady, since we'll be teleporting to the Stair, we will likely not have need of our mounts; can I trouble you to leave Valor in your charge."
Boswick Bumbleberry |
"I don't recall much about Minderhal, but what I do remember is he is an evil god for Giantkind. There's seems very little to redeem this so called King and his witch concubine, I therefore vow to see them vanquished."
My PFS Lavode De'Morcaine |
DM, is it a Teleport or Greater Teleport scroll? If it is just Teleport, I should probably need some help from the captain to at least scry the area. But that still has a higher mishap chance than I like. Am I allowed to use a folio re-roll on a teleport mishap role?
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I can use the scroll, but it would need to be CL 15 just to get all 6 of us there. So I think Bos is correct and we won't be taking our mounts. {sigh} I do so hate slogging through the mud and brambles.
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I can't immediately think of anything I should purchase for this scenario. Though if any of you have suggestions, I will certainly consider them.
Alie Saechel |
"I believe Im ready, if the remainder of you are."
DM, I'm going to purchase two more Fly scrolls, just to be safe for 750 gp.
Kynrac |
"I believe I'm ready to go." confirms the elf. "However, before we teleport, I believe I shall ward myself against dangers. The last two times we teleported into action, we were ambushed upon arrival. Never again."
Kynrac has become increasingly paranoid about teleporting directly on the field of battle.
- longstrider with his wand (UMD +19 so no chance of failure on DC 20 for wands), lasts 1 hour.
- blood money and stoneskin on himself, Lavode and Alie. Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 1) = 5 and 3 strength damage. Each of us gains DR 10/Adamantine for 100 minutes.
- Then using one charge of infernal healing on the wand to heal, and casting lesser restoration once. Strength damage healed: 1d4 ⇒ 2. 1 Strength damage remaining.
- Casting shield of faith on himself (only +2 AC since I already have a +1 ring), [/b]Boswick and George[/b]. +3 deflection AC for both (unless they have rings of protection).
- Casting invisibility with his wand (once again DC 20 UMD is automatic with +19)
- Activating the time flicker revelation (one minute for now, will stop it if there's no attack within the first minute of our presence at the Storval Stairs, otherwise I'll maintain it as long as the combat lasts)
- Lastly, not a cast but a statement: Kynrac's spring-loaded wrist sheaths contain a wand of gaseous form on one side, a scroll of breath of life on the other.
Short version: Lavode and Alie gain DR 10/adamantine for 100 minutes (100 points stoneskin); Boswick and George gain +3 deflection AC.
My PFS Lavode De'Morcaine |
I will of course, wait for Ajax to arrive and George to return.
.
I've been told you can't use a scroll in a spring sheath. Is that incorrect or has it been changed?
I also have a few preparations to make before we head out.
Though not as extensive as Kynrac's preparations, Lavode does make use of his powers.
Mage Armor on Alie and Lavode, +4 armor bonus for 10 hours (I believe everyone else has that or better already).
Magic Circle vs Evil 100 minutes.
Cast vanish on myself (only 5 rounds) immediately before reading the scroll.
Lavode has his Breath of Life scroll in his left hand.
When everyone indicates they are ready, Alright everyone stand close and put a hand on my shoulder. Preferably not the hand holding the poisoned blade George. Everyone set?
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Teraz nie som tu som tam!
Boswick Bumbleberry |
"Thank you Kynrac"
Boswick is especially impressed with Kynrac's level of preparedness.
Boswick's companions join the group; vanities there for carrying stuff and flavor only his squire Carrick and his porter Tholl.
They all link arms with the rest of the group ready for teleport.
Alie Saechel |
Alie currently: AC 19. Stone skin DR 10/Adamantine for 100 minutes.
These are preparations true experienced Pathfinders make. Try not to look stupid, Alie thinks, making mental notes of how to prepare for the future. She does copy the others and cast Vanish as she grabs the arm of others, ready to be whisked away via Teleport.
Vanish spell cast. First 1st level spell casting of the day.
George Demonspawn |
I don't use a blade... yet. Though I have been eyeing this Elven Curve Blade in the shop... George puts his claw on the man's shoulder.
George holds his mutagen in his other hand and Mr. Chips, George's monkey familiar, peeks his head out of George's cloak, before disappearing back inside.
G.M.E.W. |
POP!
Five hundred feet from the foot of the Storval Stairs lie the remains of what appears to be a number of small caravans, now scattered over a large area. Most of the wagons are overturned, and the corpses of livestock, humans, and even a few hill giants litter the area. The smell of rotting flesh permeates the air, and a haze of flies surrounds the carcasses on the ground. A pile of broken wagons burns in the center of the wreckage, sending a plume of thick, black smoke into the afternoon air, visible for miles.
Two hulking hill giants, who are rummaging through the remains of the caravans,are startled by your sudden appearance.
Alie: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Boswick: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
George: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Kynrac: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Lavode: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Bad Guys: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12
ROUND 1
Sorted Initiative: Bold it sup
Alie: 14
George: 15
Kynrac: 12
Boswick: 12
Bad Guys: 12
Lavode: 6
Alie Saechel |
Alie blasts the two giants with a Fireball, trying to show the others that she knew her way around a spell as well.
Damage 8d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 6, 3, 5, 4, 1, 3) = 32
Reflex DC 21 for half.
George Demonspawn |
George sees the giants getting bathed in flame and just decides to set up a defensive perimeter around the bevy of casters.
Claw: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Mr. Chips pops out and squeaks loudly at the giants. He tries to throw a walnut at the giants, but it falls pitifully short.
Kynrac |
Kynrac blesses his companions with unbridled fervor, then moves forward.
Casting blessing of fervor on all my allies (including myself):
Don't forget to pick one of the following bonuses each turn!
- Increase its speed by 30 feet.
- Stand up as a swift action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
- Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus.
- Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
- Cast a single spell of 2nd level or lower as if it were an enlarged, extended, silent, or still spell.
Kynrac picks the +2 AC/Ref/attack rolls. AC is now 30, and he's still invisible.
Boswick Bumbleberry |
"Carrick, Tholl get back!" Boswick yells to his charges.
He moves forward just past George, drawling his longsword as he goes. Bos move diagonal forward to his right 5', then forward 15'; draw +1 Shocking Adamantine longsword
"Come forth to your doom, vile hill dwellers."
Positioning himself for battle. Ready an attack
Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 222d8 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 7) + (6) + 8 = 27
Boswick Bumbleberry |
Bos chooses the + 2 to attack, AC, and reflex. Is not factored in role above
George Demonspawn |
Nope!
George will take the +2 the same as everyone else.
Boswick Bumbleberry |
lol, good point. Alas no. That's what's called an over zealous Paladin rushing into battle and learning a valuable lesson.
Bos current AC is 28, hopefully that will help.
G.M.E.W. |
Reflex 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 Red 32
Reflex 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 Blue 16
The two giants charge forward clubs held high. As Alie's fire washes over them. One seems to avoid some of the damage but the other is covered in blistering burns. As the descend onto the party the make straight for the waiting Paladin bringing the tree limbs they are using as weapons down on the waiting knight.
Red: Club with Charge & Power attack
Attack: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 2 - 2 = 21
Damage: 2d8 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (3, 2) + 10 + 6 = 21
Blue: Club with Charge & Power attack
Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 10 - 2 = 17
Damage: 2d8 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (5, 3) + 10 + 6 = 24
Bos easily knocks aside one of the clubs with his shield and then steps to the side to miss the second.
ROUND 1
Sorted Initiative: Bold is up
Alie: 14
George: 15
Kynrac: 12
Boswick: 12
Bad Guys: 12
Lavode: 6
Once Lavode posts Alie, George, Kynrac, and Boswick are free to kick off Round 2
My PFS Lavode De'Morcaine |
Svetlo vás! Lavode lights up the 2 brutes with a cloud of blinding sparkles.
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Persistant Glitterdust, shown on map, Will save DC=20, persistant means they have to make second save if the first succeeds. Opinions are unclear if on succeeding rounds they need to make 2 saves or just 1. About 60% seem of the opinion that they only need 1 save on succeeding rounds.
Lavode is now visible since he cast an attack spell.
He then looks around to make sure nothing is creeping up on us from another direction.
Alie Saechel |
]Alie will select the +2 to AC and Reflex saves. Currently making her AC 21.
The little gnome utters a magical phrase or two, and the slightly less burned giant's club become slippery with a greasy substance.
Cast Grease. Reflex DC 18 or lose his club.
2 first level spells used. 1 third level spell used.
Kynrac |
Kynrac retrieves a wand in his haversack, then casts a spell from it, cursing one of the ogres.
Casting ill omen on the Red one. On his next d20 roll, he has to roll two d20 and pick the lesser roll. No save. That makes me turn visible.
Don't forget to pick one of the following bonuses each turn!
- Increase its speed by 30 feet.
- Stand up as a swift action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
- Make one extra attack as part of a full attack action, using its highest base attack bonus.
- Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
- Cast a single spell of 2nd level or lower as if it were an enlarged, extended, silent, or still spell.
It doesn't stack with haste! Pick a different or better bonus than those provided with haste.
Keeping the +2 to AC/Ref/attack.
Boswick Bumbleberry |
Bos chooses Gain a +2 bonus on attack rolls and a +2 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves - AC 28
Boswick mutters something to himself "Don't be so stupid"
Then takes a step forward toward the giants. A five foot step, move diagonally to Bos's left in between the giants
He then attempts to unleash a vicious attack on the Giant on his right.
Full round attack w/ power attack on Red
1st attack: 1d20 + 12 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 2 - 2 = 31
damage 1st attack: 1d8 + 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (6) + (5) + 4 + 4 = 19
2nd attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 2 - 2 = 21
damage 2nd attack: 1d8 + 1d6 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (5) + (1) + 4 + 4 = 14
Boswick Bumbleberry |
Boswick's first attack seems particularly effective.
Chance to confirm a critical. Bos has a boon from 6-00 called Foes of the Forge Father. It grants +2 to confirm crits against humanoids with giant, goblin, or orc substypes; additional deals extra damage = to weapons crit hit modifier (so +2).
confirm crit: 1d20 + 12 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 2 - 2 + 2 = 32
crit damage: 1d8 + 4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 4 + 2 = 14
G.M.E.W. |
As the wave glitter washes over the giants the scream in suprise and desperately try and cover their eyes. Their efforts are for naught and it is obvious, as they stumble about awkwardly, that they can no longer see the party.
Red Will 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 saved
Red Will 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 fail - Blinded
Blue Will 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17 fail - Blinded
Blue Will 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Unless there is a message board post somewhere it looks like they have to save twice each round. Sucks to be them.
Alie completes her spell just as the giants regain their focus. One of the giants clubs takes on a glistening sheen and slips out of the griants grip as he raises it to resume the attack.
Blue Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 fail - Disarmed
Fishing out a wand Kynrac points it at the more severely burnt giant and the ferocious look on it's face is replaced by one of worry and doubt.
Seeing an opportunity Bos steps up and lashes out at the now blinded and cursed giant, landing a two strikes, one of which cuts deeply into the giants leg all the way down to the bone.
Red -79 Blinded Cursed
Blue -16 Blinded Disarmed
ROUND 2
Sorted Initiative: Bold is up
Alie: 14
George: 15
Kynrac: 12
Boswick: 12
Bad Guys: 12
Lavode: 6
George Demonspawn |
George moves around the blinded giants, deciding that this fight is essentially won. He decides to not apply any poison to his claw and just slashes at the giant.
Claw @ Blue Giant: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 11 + 2 = 31
Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
G.M.E.W. |
Howling in pain and anger the giants lash out at the party. The one covered in red burns smashes blindly at the knight that nearly cut his leg off with it giant club.
Greatclub w/ Power Attack, Ill Owmen, and 50% miss chance
Attack 1: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 14 - 2 = 17
Attack 1: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 14 - 2 = 30
Low Misses: 1d100 ⇒ 90
Damage: 2d8 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (6, 6) + 10 + 6 = 28
Attack 2: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 - 2 = 18
Low Misses: 1d100 ⇒ 26 miss
Damage: 2d8 + 10 + 6 ⇒ (7, 5) + 10 + 6 = 28
The disarmed giant pounds at the ground where the alchemist slashed at him.
2 Slams w/ Power Attach and 50% miss chance
Attack 1: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 13 - 2 = 17
Low Misses: 1d100 ⇒ 79
Damage: 1d8 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 4 = 15
Attack 2: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 13 - 2 = 23
Low Misses: 1d100 ⇒ 41 Miss
Damage: 2d8 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1) + 7 + 4 = 13
Both fail to connect with anything other than dirt before trying to rub the glitter out of their eyes.
Red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Red: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Blue: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Blue: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Red -79 Blinded
Blue -26 Blinded Disarmed
ROUND 2
Sorted Initiative: Bold is up
Alie: 14
George: 15
Kynrac: 12
Boswick: 12
Bad Guys: 12
Lavode: 6
Kynrac |
Kynrac waves his wand in the direction of the less wounded of the two.
Ill omen again.