Phil's PFS Game (Inactive)

Game Master electricjokecascade

An amusing series of mishaps both deadly and enlightening that our Pathfinder Society members shall stumble through.


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Sovereign Court

Tiefling, Wizard (Conjurer) 1 | HP: 7/7 | AC: 12 (16 with Armor Cast) (12 (16) Tch, 10 (14) Fl) | CMD: 12 (16) | F: 1, R: 2, W: 3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +1, SM: +2 | Active conditions: Generally a bad, bad man

Being a paragon of inductive and deductive reasoning (Int 18), and a master of shadows (Darkness Racial Spell-like Ability) Mexus supposes that the way that minimal amounts of light play through the North tower's doorway indicate that there is a small cooking fire that has likely burned down to embers. Mexus couples this with the obvious observation that there is virtually no vegetation in the vicinity of the towers. So, unless the goblins had the forethought to bring wood with them, they're likely using peat as a fuel source for the fire. However, burning peat produces approximately eight times as much smoke as an equal amount of wood, which Mexus knows first hand from his apprenticeship with Master Barnebus "The Wanderer" Akrin, who once conducted three years of research in Ice Spire on the summoning of denizens from the Para-Elemental Plane of Ice. Thus, Mexus deduces that if their are internal floors within the tower, the first floor would have to be substantially higher than ten feet, or the smoke from the peat fire would quickly fill the lower level and force the goblins out. When this is coupled with his perception of small cracks in the tower's outer structure, where mortar has been worn away by years of cold hard wind and seasonal freezing and thawing, Mexus has worked out that it's unlikely that either turn-pike or corkscrew stair designs have been employed for an entry level with such a high ceiling, as their structural integrity would wear down as the weather took its toll on the outer structure that they're attached to. So, the only obvious means of gaining access to a higher floor would be a ladder, which Mexus has read is a common feature of Irrisenian architecture in military installations. However, Mexus also assumes that if his deductions are incorrect, that Honus has sufficient wit to ignore his suggestion and not try to remove the goblin's staircase.


Honus bursts into the second tower and finds its interior to be much akin to that of the first; a peat fire burns in a makeshift hearth, while bones, rags, and desiccated planking litters the ice cold floor. A fifty foot tall ladder extends up to the distant trapdoor, a small square of evening sky stark against the dark stone ceiling.

Blade in one hand, he begins to climb.

Fahim rushes in behind him, the goblins tripping and yelling in excitement right behind, and before the alchemist can stop them, they too begin to swarm up the ladder, screaming death threats to the Icetooth goblins and kicking and yanking at each other as each tries to be the next behind Kella.

Suddenly a face appears in the trapdoor space above them, cunning and cruel and furious. An ornate headdress of bird skulls and bones crowns its wicked visage, and its grin only widens as it pulls free a bottle, draws the cork with its teeth, and hurls the bottle down straight at Honus' head.

Alchemist Fire Attack (Ranged Touch): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 to hit the target’s touch AC.
Acid Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1 and 1 splash damage to anyone in the adjacent squares. Ref DC 15 to save for half of splash damage. DM ruling that all goblins on ladder take 1 splash damage, Fahim can save below for half.

Fahim's Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The bottle smashes against Honus' shoulder, and a thick, pitchy substance spills down his side, immediately catching fire and searing his ribs. Below, the goblins shriek in panic and delight as gobbets of flame sear their upturned faces, and even Fahim is caught by a few falling motes of agonizing liquid fire as he stands at the base of the ladder.

The goblin shaman lets out a delighted shriek. "Burn! Burn, longshanks! We eats you for dinner!" Then her head retracts from view.

Outside, the two goblins appear once more at the crenelations, giving Mexus and Zaiharahel the chance they've been waiting for.

Zai and Mexus can use their held actions, then the goblins fire their bows. Honus and the goblins are halfway up the ladder.

Sovereign Court

Tiefling, Wizard (Conjurer) 1 | HP: 7/7 | AC: 12 (16 with Armor Cast) (12 (16) Tch, 10 (14) Fl) | CMD: 12 (16) | F: 1, R: 2, W: 3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +1, SM: +2 | Active conditions: Generally a bad, bad man

Mexus rattles off the scroll he bought in Absalom, as he tries to force the goblins to slumber again.

DC 15 Will Save on all goblins (up to 4 HD) within 30' of the ones Mexus can see atop the tower. Failure causes the creatures to sleep for 10 rounds.


Will Save, DC 15: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14
Will Save, DC 15: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14
Will Save, Shaman, DC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

With a groan, the three goblins collapse limply to the ground. Almost immediately, their snores can be heard.

Liberty's Edge

Male Elf Rogue 1 | HP: 8/8 | AC: 16 (14 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Active conditions: none

Zaiharahel decides to fire his arrow at this point wildly off target.

Silver Crusade

Human Fighter (Tactician) 1 | HP: 10/11 | AC: 18 (12 T, 16 F), CMD: 16 | F: 3, R: 2, W: 0 | Percep +0 | Conditions: none | Tall and strong, sober-faced, white and gold linens, chain shirt, longsword, heavy wooden shield

Honus awkwardly swats at his side... while holding a longsword... and clinging to a ladder... 25 feet in the air. He snarls and continues to climb.

Who are the real monsters here? Would they have even attacked us had we approached them peacefully? Don't be ridiculous! They're goblins and the exact reason they have perched here is to prey on passersby. But still, why the signal fire? I hope it's more goblins and not something... bigger.

Putting out the signal fire is priority once Honus reaches the top.


We've looped back to the top, with Honus having declared his action. Mexus, Zai, and Fahim are up.

Honus scrambles to the top of the ladder, and climbs out onto the tower top. He immediately sees the three slumbering goblins, the shaman's headdress has slipped free.

The signal fire is a stone bowl filled with burning pitch. A stone lid lies next to it. Honus neatly slips the lid back on, and the curling finger of thickening black smoke is immediately cut off.

Sovereign Court

Tiefling, Wizard (Conjurer) 1 | HP: 7/7 | AC: 12 (16 with Armor Cast) (12 (16) Tch, 10 (14) Fl) | CMD: 12 (16) | F: 1, R: 2, W: 3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +1, SM: +2 | Active conditions: Generally a bad, bad man

Mexus grabs his loaded crossbow on the ground next to him as he kneels down to throw his pack over his right shoulder. As he begins jogging with a pronounced limp toward the southern tower, Mexus carefully passes his crossbow to his tail, while he pulls his pack over his left shoulder. By the time he's covered about half the remaining distance to the tower, his gear is all back in place, and he reclaims his crossbow from his tail.

It's as cold as a gelugon's caress out here! A sharp stick to the leg and you forget about that for a few minutes, but a lapse in the action and the cold comes roaring back ... on the up side, it seems to be dulling the ache in my leg. I hope Honus throws the one that shot me over the wall. He deserves to wake up a second from death. On second thought, I hope Honus makes sure he doesn't have anything breakable on him before he throws him over the wall. It sure would be nice if he had a healing potion or the like on him.

Liberty's Edge

Male Elf Rogue 1 | HP: 8/8 | AC: 16 (14 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Active conditions: none

Zaiharahel moves up next to Mexus, keeping an eye out, scanning the field, checking behind them and further up the pass to look for any forces that may be coming due to the smoke. ...I wonder if we should get up in one of the towers to have higher ground if they have reinforcements... Or maybe we should just keep moving."

Silver Crusade

Human Fighter (Tactician) 1 | HP: 10/11 | AC: 18 (12 T, 16 F), CMD: 16 | F: 3, R: 2, W: 0 | Percep +0 | Conditions: none | Tall and strong, sober-faced, white and gold linens, chain shirt, longsword, heavy wooden shield

Honus turns away from the fire bowl and looks over the three goblins. He strengthens his grip on the sword's hilt, the leather creaking under the pressure of his fingers. He takes one menacing step toward their shaman, but leaves it planted there. The tightness across his face relaxes and he lets his sword point dip several inches.

There is no sense in killing these creatures. They are likely no different than the Frostfur clan, acting on impulse rather than reason. They don't know any different and may be incapable of change, but that's no reason to murder them while they sleep.

Honus jerks his eyes to the ladder as he notices Kella clambering onto the roof deck. He holds up the flat of his blade toward her, his off hand palm pushed out, then places an index finger before his lips. As the others appear from behind Kella, he motions to them as well, whispering commands while slowly backing toward the enemy.

"Sh-sh-shhhh. Do not wake them! Kella and I will collect their weapons -- without waking them -- while the rest of you get rope to tie them up. Go on, Frostfurs. Get rope, and the fat longshanks, and hurry back."

He pats at the air to indicate they should go back down the ladder.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Sovereign Court

Tiefling, Wizard (Conjurer) 1 | HP: 7/7 | AC: 12 (16 with Armor Cast) (12 (16) Tch, 10 (14) Fl) | CMD: 12 (16) | F: 1, R: 2, W: 3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +1, SM: +2 | Active conditions: Generally a bad, bad man

Mexus glances to Zahariel and replies, ”If it was later in the day it might make sense to take the towers and camp here, but we still have good road ahead of us and we need to cover as much ground as quickly as possible. Once we dispatch these goblins, we need to keep moving. … None of them are flailing over the edge yet; he must be putting them to the blade.”


The goblins are on the verge of spilling out onto the tower top alongside Honus when he urges them to be quiet and get rope. Kella eyes the fallen Icetooth goblins, and for once complies without complaint.

"Go gets ropesy for the longshanks!" She kicks Ankleknocker in the face. "Hurry! Go now, Kella commands!"

The other goblins grumble but begin descending the long ladder, and Kella hops out and strides up to the shaman.

"Maybe she has ropesy?" Kella begins patting her down and rolling her over, taking care not to jostle her.

This is when the alchemist's fire reveals its treacherous nature. The few splashes that had caught Honus had continued to fitfully smolder, and suddenly the flames blaze forth once more.

Alchemist Fire, rnd 2: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Just as quickly as it blazes up, so does it blaze back out, and this time it is truly quenched.

Kella is quick to seize the moment.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Honus Perception, -2 due to being on fire: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11

"No ropesey," says Kella glumly, turning to Honus and shrugging comically. "You'd on fire," she points out helpfully.

We're effectively out of combat.

Silver Crusade

Human Fighter (Tactician) 1 | HP: 10/11 | AC: 18 (12 T, 16 F), CMD: 16 | F: 3, R: 2, W: 0 | Percep +0 | Conditions: none | Tall and strong, sober-faced, white and gold linens, chain shirt, longsword, heavy wooden shield

Honus winces and groans and clutches at his side. He removes a vial from his belt, a cool blue liquid with flecks of silver, pops out the stopper and looks at it. He sighs and returns it to his belt without drinking.

Maybe one of these goblins has a healing potion on them so I don't have to drink from my own stock.

He moves up to the shaman first and empties her pockets and pouches, then does the same with the other two.


Indeed, the shaman carries on her a potion of cool blue liquid with flecks of silver init, and a second potion of fiery red liquid that looks as thick as molasses. A wooden symbol of Zagonrel hangs around her neck.

The other two goblins however bare only their weapons and leather armor.

Silver Crusade

Human Fighter (Tactician) 1 | HP: 10/11 | AC: 18 (12 T, 16 F), CMD: 16 | F: 3, R: 2, W: 0 | Percep +0 | Conditions: none | Tall and strong, sober-faced, white and gold linens, chain shirt, longsword, heavy wooden shield

At first opportunity, Honus will hand the red potion to Fahim and ask, "What do you make of this?"

Honus holds the blue potion up at eye level and swirls it. He removes the cap and gives a sniff before deciding it is in fact the same as the ones on his belt, and then drinks it down. ...Unless a Perception check gives him pause, at which point he will wait for Fahim to help identify the liquid.

All items, except armor, are moved away from the captives, including the wooden symbol.

This could be magically charged. Best to play it safe when dealing with a shaman.

Knowledge, religion (max DC10) - Zagonrel: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Knowledge, religion (confirm crit): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Honus does not cause his head to explode from thinking too hard.


CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Zarongel:
Zarongel is a barghest demigod that is numbered among the four Goblin Hero-Gods that are believed to have created the goblin race. Some goblin tribes hold him in greater reverence than the other hero-gods or even Lamashtu.

Sovereign Court

Tiefling, Wizard (Conjurer) 1 | HP: 7/7 | AC: 12 (16 with Armor Cast) (12 (16) Tch, 10 (14) Fl) | CMD: 12 (16) | F: 1, R: 2, W: 3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +1, SM: +2 | Active conditions: Generally a bad, bad man

Mexus jogs over to the entrance of the southern tower. He keeps a wary eye on the gobos as they climb down the ladder on their way to “the fat longshanks.” Not hearing any sounds of combat, Mexus calls up to Honus, ”If they’re not dead yet, make them that way fast. They won’t stay asleep much longer …”

The Exchange

Male Human Alchemist 1 | HP: 10/10 | AC: 17 (15 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Fort: 3 Ref: 7 Will: 1 | Active conditions: Mutagen; No Armor

Ankleknocker, and the other two goblins, are able to get halfway down the ladder before they stop at the ascending Fahim. He is red cheeked and sweaty, and large puffs of warm breath mist in the air as he exhales. He takes a moment to rest halfway up the ladder as the goblins relay Honus' request.

"Yes.... *wheeze* Rope.... *wheeze* Good idea."

Fahim finishes climbing out to the top of the tower and helps tie up the sleeping goblins. He then looks at the potions Honus gave to him.

"So, which one do we talk to first?"

Silver Crusade

Human Fighter (Tactician) 1 | HP: 10/11 | AC: 18 (12 T, 16 F), CMD: 16 | F: 3, R: 2, W: 0 | Percep +0 | Conditions: none | Tall and strong, sober-faced, white and gold linens, chain shirt, longsword, heavy wooden shield

To clarify, Honus only handed Fahim the red potion. He drank the other.

"Can you identify it?"

Fahim wrote:
"So, which one do we talk to first?"

"I would imagine that the shaman has more wits than the others, so questioning one that might be prone to slip ups seems the better choice. How about that one?"

Honus nods toward the one with his mouth gaping open and a large bubble of snot expanding and contracting with each breath.

Sovereign Court

Tiefling, Wizard (Conjurer) 1 | HP: 7/7 | AC: 12 (16 with Armor Cast) (12 (16) Tch, 10 (14) Fl) | CMD: 12 (16) | F: 1, R: 2, W: 3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +1, SM: +2 | Active conditions: Generally a bad, bad man

Mexus takes up a defensive position at the base of the southern tower with his crossbow drawn and ready. With no obvious signs of danger presenting themselves, he takes a careful look at the interior of the tower, looking for any signs that more than five goblins made camp here. And with the idea that part of a larger goblin force is out hunting or on patrol in mind, he starts keeping a very close eye on the northern tower ...

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6


Kella glances from Honus' extended finger to the snoring Icetooth goblin, and eagerly leaps forward and kicks the goblin hard right in the face.

"Wake up!" she yells, and kicks it again. "Longshanks want to have a talksy-talk with you!"

The goblin does indeed awake, and with a confused curse, as it blinks and shakes its head from side to side in vehement denial of being constrained. Finally it spits at Kella, who dances aside, and then looks up at Fahim and Honus.

"Let me go! I cut you into twisty ribbons! I feed you to the wargs! Let me go now, so I can cuts your throat!"

The Exchange

Male Human Alchemist 1 | HP: 10/10 | AC: 17 (15 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Fort: 3 Ref: 7 Will: 1 | Active conditions: Mutagen; No Armor
Ornery Goblin wrote:
"Let me go! I cut you into twisty ribbons! I feed you to the wargs! Let me go now, so I can cuts your throat!"

Friendly little bastard, isn't he? Well, as my trade mistress used to say, no better negotiation than a hostile one. First, we try some honey.

"A tempting offer, but I think I'll have to pass. How about this for a counter offer. You tell us what we want to know, and we we will just leave you tied up, alive, downstairs."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 to befriend the goblin.

And now for some vinegar.

"Otherwise, we'll have no choice but to, how did you put it, 'cut you into twisty ribbons.'"

Intimidation: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (18) - 1 = 17 to scare the goblin.

Fahim ends by giving the goblin a smile from his seemingly never ending supply of smiles. Whether the goblin thinks it is a friendly smile, or sinister one, is up to him.


The goblin blinks and then turns to desperately to gaze at the parapet edge, as if hurling himself over its edge might be preferable to dealing with Fahim's smile.

Finally he sags. "No twisty ribbons. Me talk. What you wanna know?"

The Exchange

Male Human Alchemist 1 | HP: 10/10 | AC: 17 (15 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Fort: 3 Ref: 7 Will: 1 | Active conditions: Mutagen; No Armor

"Why did you attack us, and who are the Icetooth goblins working with?

Fahim gestures to the group to ask any questions they want to ask as well.

Silver Crusade

Human Fighter (Tactician) 1 | HP: 10/11 | AC: 18 (12 T, 16 F), CMD: 16 | F: 3, R: 2, W: 0 | Percep +0 | Conditions: none | Tall and strong, sober-faced, white and gold linens, chain shirt, longsword, heavy wooden shield

"Who is the signal fire for?"

Liberty's Edge

Male Elf Rogue 1 | HP: 8/8 | AC: 16 (14 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Active conditions: none

Zaiharahel takes up a defensive position at the base of the tower with Mexus. "...Wonder how many more of them there are?" He nods into the mountains as he keeps an eye out for hidden dangers.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"...Incidentally, don't count on me for anything. Literally anything. They picked me up from a farm not far south. I've never done anything that is even remotely close to adventuring, as evidenced by my complete lack of skill. The only thing I have going for me is my intellect, which I feel slipping swiftly away." Also, still, f*~* this insanity.

Liberty's Edge

Male Elf Rogue 1 | HP: 8/8 | AC: 16 (14 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Active conditions: none

...As Zaiharahel stands around, his lack of attention gets the best of him, and he f@&*s it and searches the tower. "...I'm going to look around."

search(Perception): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 Ring the bells from the heavens, a roll that wasn't worse than the last!


The goblin looks, if anything, confused. "Why we attack you? You walk into our trap." It's as if he's been asked to explain why ice is cold. "Longshanks enter our pass. We kill longshanks and take what we want? Because we want your stuff and to eat you?"

He then turns to Honus. "Signal fire? Oh - you means big smoke. Big smoke is warn some longshanks town about trouble. If trouble comes, we Icetooth light big smoke, and then we get to kills what we kills and keeps what we keeps, and longshanks town leaves us all alone and knows there is trouble coming its way."

He pauses, as if thinking through what he just said, unsure of its veracity, and then nods and grins, obviously pleased with himself.

Zaiharahel begins to search through the trash that litters the base of the tower floor, but finds it hard to do a very thorough job. The goblins clearly have poor hygiene, and it would take more determination than Zaiharahel is willing to exert to truly search the tower floor thoroughly. As is, he finds little of interest, and plenty to recoil from.

Sovereign Court

Tiefling, Wizard (Conjurer) 1 | HP: 7/7 | AC: 12 (16 with Armor Cast) (12 (16) Tch, 10 (14) Fl) | CMD: 12 (16) | F: 1, R: 2, W: 3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +1, SM: +2 | Active conditions: Generally a bad, bad man

Mexus looks over at Zahariel as he halfheartedly searches the tower floor.

Maybe if it was a bit cleaner ...

After a moment, Mexus mutters a quick incantation and exerts a minor effort of will, as he calls into being a ring of white motes of light on the floor maybe five feet across. As he continues to concentrate, a flickering bluish portal forms within the ring, and a slight breeze begins to fill the bottom floor of the tower, as the portal begins to suck dirt, dust, and detritus into it. After about a minute of concentration the five foot area is clean, and Mexus concentrates to move the portal five feet over.

While the portal is cleaning the floors, Mexus looks about what's left behind.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

I hope no one in Elysium is is picnicking in the field that all this gobo crap is going to ...


Mexus begins the slow process of cleaning the base of the tower. What is left behind that he can see are immaculate spars of wood, shards of stone, the smooth flagstones that cover the floor, crude iron utensils, and freshly laundered goblin sleeping sacks and pillows. Nothing of immediate value appears to be apparent.

The Exchange

Male Human Alchemist 1 | HP: 10/10 | AC: 17 (15 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Fort: 3 Ref: 7 Will: 1 | Active conditions: Mutagen; No Armor

"Is anyone supposed to come from that longshanks town when you light the big smoke? Have you ever lit it before now? How far away is the town from here?"

How much do I trust the information he is telling me? We'll take him downstairs once we're done and ask the same questions of the other two in separate.


The goblin frowns again, processing, then shakes his head. "First time we light big smoke! Nobody come before." He pauses as if trying to remember. "Longshanks city far away! Very far! More than I can see!

He looks from Honus to Fahim, hoping his answers are pleasing. "Let me go free now? I no kill anybody. I behave. I promise!"

You know that the smoke signal, due to Honus' intervention, never became robust. A thin trail had begun to arise, but it was cut off before it could truly darken and make itself visible in the evening sky.

Silver Crusade

Human Fighter (Tactician) 1 | HP: 10/11 | AC: 18 (12 T, 16 F), CMD: 16 | F: 3, R: 2, W: 0 | Percep +0 | Conditions: none | Tall and strong, sober-faced, white and gold linens, chain shirt, longsword, heavy wooden shield

After hearing the reason for the signal fire, Honus loses interest in the goblin. He wanders to the battlements and looks at the other tower. After seeing what damage was caused by Fahim's bomb, and trying to make out what remains, Honus circles the tower and studies the ridges on either side of them. He takes in what can be seen both above and also below in the valley before them.

Quote:
"Longshanks city far away! Very far! More than I can see!"

He steps back to Fahim's side and rests a hand upon the hilt of his sheathed sword.

"I can't think of anything else to ask him. We should check out both towers before letting them go."

Feel free to roll any applicable skill checks for me. All my skills are listed in my character profile.

Liberty's Edge

Male Elf Rogue 1 | HP: 8/8 | AC: 16 (14 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Active conditions: none

Zaiharahel shuffles back outside to stand next to Mexus. "...Yeah, I don't know what I expected a bunch of goblins to have other than dirt and shivs made from animal bone. Or maybe human bone. I don't know one from the other. It might have been wood. I didn't care enough to inspect it closely. In either case, nothing of value in there." Beat. "...Nothing that we'd value in there."


A thorough search of the tower's base, aided by Mexus' exhaustive casting of Prestidigitation finally turns up a few items of value. A slender vial of crimson liquid with gold shimmering motes floating within it is found hidden in the toe of a discarded boot, while two tanglefoot bags are found behind a loose brick in the wall.

The Frostfur goblins argue vociferously for killing the Icetooth goblins and cooking them for dinner, but finally desist in their impassioned pleading when it becomes clear the longshanks intend to leave the three captives behind alive.

Sighing and shaking their heads over the foolishness of their new bosses, they trudge after the group as the leave the towers, and press further into the evening.

Honus Survival check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Strangely - and perhaps not unpleasantly - the temperature begins to rise perhaps an hour later as the darkness starts to fall. Honus eyes the skies, however, and realizes what this presages: a terrible snowstorm is about to hit. As the winds begin to pick up, blasting small flurries of snow and ice across the barren land, he realizes with a sinking heart that there is precious little time left in which to put up their tents.

Honus Survival check: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 = 11
Fahim Survival aid check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Mexus Survival aid check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Zai Survival aid check: 1d20 ⇒ 19

Led by Honus, the group tries to erect their tents in the lee of a rocky hill, but the goblins enthusiastic help and the cruel winds prevent them from putting the tent up as quickly as needed. Casting a desperate eye at the now nightmarish sky, Honus tries one last time before the storm breaks.

Honus Survival check: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 4 = 12
Fahim Survival aid check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Mexus Survival aid check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Zai Survival aid check: 1d20 ⇒ 16

The goblins laugh and mock the group for trying so hard and comically failing, going so far as to pantomime their efforts with slapstick humor. The first flurries whip across the sky, and the temperature suddenly plummets.

With numb hands, grimly determined to erect a shelter no matter how long it takes, fighting the elusive guy lines and the flapping fabric, chasing supplies as they are blow across the snowy ground, and endlessly putting the tent back up as it's flattened by the wind, the group continues to try and build their camp.

Honus Survival check: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 4 = 20
Fahim Survival aid check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Mexus Survival aid check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Zai Survival aid check: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Finally everybody collapses into the two tents, six inches of snow having already fallen. Bumping into each other, shivering and shuddering, the group begins the awkward process of preparing for a long and freezing night.

Honus Fortitude check for hour spent in storm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Mexus Fortitude check for hour spent in storm: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Fahim Fortitude check for hour spent in storm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Zai Fortitude check for hour spent in storm: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Kella Fortitude check for hour spent in storm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Ankleknocker Fortitude check for hour spent in storm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Dunghurler Fortitude check for hour spent in storm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Corpselicker Fortitude check for hour spent in storm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Mexus Cold damage for hour spent in storm: 1d6 - 5 ⇒ (5) - 5 = 0
Fahim Cold damage check for hour spent in storm: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Zai Cold damage check for hour spent in storm: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Kella Cold damage check for hour spent in storm: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Ankleknocker Cold damage check for hour spent in storm: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Dunghurler Cold damage check for hour spent in storm: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Corpselicker Cold damage check for hour spent in storm: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Everybody but Honus and Mexus feel the terrible bight of the cold, and the goblins put up a keening wail as they demand more food, more warmth, more everything, and do their best to wiggle into sleeping bags and steal the group's furs and clothing in which to bundle themselves up.

All but Kella, who goes suspiciously quiet. The first person to check finds her lying face down on the floor of the tent, unmoving, her green skin terribly pale, her pulse sluggish, her eyes closed.

Sovereign Court

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Tiefling, Wizard (Conjurer) 1 | HP: 7/7 | AC: 12 (16 with Armor Cast) (12 (16) Tch, 10 (14) Fl) | CMD: 12 (16) | F: 1, R: 2, W: 3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +1, SM: +2 | Active conditions: Generally a bad, bad man

Mexus is obviously less than thrilled at the terrible turn of the weather, but he doesn't complain aloud. Instead, he simply ceases speaking altogether, aside from answering questions posed to him with incredibly curt and minimally useful responses. He seems to ignore the goblins altogether, not reacting to anything that they do, say, suffer, or enjoy.
With Mexus again taking the first watch, he leaves party's tent at regular intervals to make the briefest of patrols to ensure that dire bears or the like haven't wondered into the camp and eaten the goblins. His 'patrols' are short, rarely lasting more than two minutes. However, when he checks the goblin's tent to ensure that the goblins haven't attempted an escape, he finds Kella in her torpid, pallid state.
Mexus glares at the goblins, as he's obviously in a foul mood, and barks, "You fools! Kella is the only thing keeping you alive. If she dies, we will tie the rest of you to a tree and leave you for the cold and the wolves. Move back so that I can call upon the dark powers to restore her life!"

Bluff (as Mexus has presented an substantially false suggestion as to the party's likely course of action): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Once the other goblins shuffle back to the far end of the tent so that he can cast a spell without concern that they'll do something disruptive or larcenous, he turns her face up, and his tail pulls a metal flask with the symbol of Asmodeus etched into the stopper, from his spell component pouch. As he opens the top, he frowns to find that the water in the pint flask has partially frozen. He tips it back and forth, feeling some liquid still sloshing about beneath an icy crust. So, Mexus concentrates for a moment and mutters a brief incantation to open a small, fist-sized portal to the elemental plane of fire in the air before him. He holds the flask towards the portal entrance as small tongues of flame irregularly lick out of the portal and caress the metal flask. After a minute or so, the flask is warmed enough to have melted the frosty crust within, and Mexus closes the portal. He then proceeds to anoint Kella's forehead, chest, and stomach with a small amount of the water, each time, drawing the symbol of Asmodeus on her. He then chants, "Hoch pong 'Iw 'Iw, chaq vor neH rIQ pong joH Hurgh HoS!"

Translation from Infernal:
"As blood calls to blood, may your wounds be healed by the powers of the dark lords!"
The words sound harsh, and discordant, evoking feelings of despair and sorrow with their very tone. If Kella is conscious, she feels a palpable evil spread through her body, starting at the place where Mexus drew the symbols of Asmodeus on her, and spreading through her body, and leaking into her very soul.
Kella gains Fast Healing 1 for 10 rounds.
And then Mexus waits in silence to see the results of his dark labors.

The Exchange

Male Human Alchemist 1 | HP: 10/10 | AC: 17 (15 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Fort: 3 Ref: 7 Will: 1 | Active conditions: Mutagen; No Armor

Fahim checks both potions they have found to see what they are.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Identifying Potions:

Identifying Potions: In addition to the standard methods of identification, PCs can sample from each container they find to attempt to determine the nature of the liquid inside with a Perception check. The DC of this check is equal to 15 + the spell level of the potion (although this DC might be higher for rare or unusual potions).


The first appears to be a vial of alchemist's fire. The second to be a potion of bull's strength.

Liberty's Edge

Male Elf Rogue 1 | HP: 8/8 | AC: 16 (14 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Active conditions: none

Zaiharahel shivers uncontrollably as the cold saps the life from his body, and can only dream of cruel gods that laugh maniacally at the shitty f*#!ing dicerolls that consistently bring him pain.

The Exchange

Male Human Alchemist 1 | HP: 10/10 | AC: 17 (15 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Fort: 3 Ref: 7 Will: 1 | Active conditions: Mutagen; No Armor

Fahim checks the potions before the group begins setting up watches, and reports that they are Alchemist Fire and a Potion of Bull Strength. Fahim keeps the Alchemist Fire potion and passes the Bull Strength potion to Honus. He also drinks his extract of Cure Light Wounds before going to sleep while Mexus takes the first watch.

After healing, Fahim settles into the cramped, cold tent to get some rest before it is his turn to take watch. It seems like Fahim will never fall asleep between the sound of the complaining goblins and the deathly chill permeating everything, but exhaustion wins out and sleep eventually comes.

Fahim pulls her body closer to his, her warmth a pleasing contrast to the chill air of the desert night. Their bodies fit together perfectly like the jeweled silverware of his palace, and she knows contentment in his firm embrace. Though he cannot see her face, he can hear the sorrow in her words as she speaks.

"I wish this night would never end. Here, in your arms, I know peace. I know love. I know passion. Away from you I only see cold, lonely nights in my future."

Fahim knows this prediction to be true. He pulls her into a tighter embrace to make the most of the fleeting moments she has left with him, a Sultan of the Padisha Empire. Even though he knows they are lies, he goes to whisper sweet promises to her.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 to hear Mexus cast his spell

Mexus wrote:
"Hoch pong 'Iw 'Iw, chaq vor neH rIQ pong joH Hurgh HoS!"

... What did I just say?

Fahim's eyes snap open as his slumbering mind catches up with what his ears have heard. The bitter chill invades his waking mind and reminds him that he is not in a Sultan's pavillion in the Qadiran desert, but in a cramped makeshift tent in the middle of a frozen forest. The only respite from this brutal cold is the warmth of Honus' body, which Fahim has unconsciously started spooning after they both fell asleep. Fahim noisily disengages from Honus, clearly startled from hearing Mexus' spell and from the unexpected embrace in which he awoke.

Fahim quickly throws on enough furs to not instantly die from going outside, and then runs to the goblin tent to see what caused Mexus to cast his spell. He bursts into the tent clutching a bomb in his hand and looking around for signs of danger. He then sees Kella laying on the ground, with arcane marks on her body.

"Mexus, what are you doing?"

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 to know what spell was cast.

Sovereign Court

Tiefling, Wizard (Conjurer) 1 | HP: 7/7 | AC: 12 (16 with Armor Cast) (12 (16) Tch, 10 (14) Fl) | CMD: 12 (16) | F: 1, R: 2, W: 3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +1, SM: +2 | Active conditions: Generally a bad, bad man

Mexus looks to Fahim over his shoulder, and replies matter-of-factly, "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm saving her life."

Silver Crusade

Human Fighter (Tactician) 1 | HP: 10/11 | AC: 18 (12 T, 16 F), CMD: 16 | F: 3, R: 2, W: 0 | Percep +0 | Conditions: none | Tall and strong, sober-faced, white and gold linens, chain shirt, longsword, heavy wooden shield

Honus mumbles a few words and stirs. Suddenly, eyes wide, he launches into a seated position while still wrapped in blankets, yanks an arm free and grabs for his sword.

"Hgrm. Whrr. What?! What's going on?"

He stumbles out of the their tent wildly searching for the others outside. Not seeing immediate danger, he slides the steel back by his side and rubs away the frost from under his nose. He lets out a wide yawn and clears his throat.

"What's all the commotion over there?"

He bobs his head and pokes around Fahim, peering into the goblins' tent.

"Is Mexus in there? What's he doing? Is that Kella?"

He pushes against Fahim and squeezes his head inside for a clear view.

"What happened? Is she going to be okay? Is it too late?! I have a healing potion!"


Kella opens her eyes, and for a moment they burn crimson in the darkness of the tent. The other three goblins are crowded at the very back, piled ontop of each other, staring with horror and wonder at Mexus.

Kella sits up, her crimson eyes slowly fading back to normal, and then gazes at Mexus with admiration and hunger. "You follow dark lord Asmodeus? I hear his voice, calling in my head! He sounds so good and tasty, me want to hear more."

She climbs to her knees, still shaking, but clearly growing stronger by the second. "Tell Kella more! Kella want to learn dark magics! Kella want to be powerful shaman!"

The Exchange

Male Human Alchemist 1 | HP: 10/10 | AC: 17 (15 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Fort: 3 Ref: 7 Will: 1 | Active conditions: Mutagen; No Armor

Something is not right here. Those words were . . . sinister. And I do not like the symbols he has drawn on her. It looks like he anointed her in some holy ritual. And if Mexus is a priest, then Zaiharahel is an expert marksman.

Fahim frowns at Mexus and his terse response. His scowl is interrupted momentarily as Honus works his way in to the very cramped tent. Once Honus settles in, Fahim gets ready to confront Mexus and ask him what he has cast. However, before he can...

Kella wrote:
""Tell Kella more! Kella want to learn dark magics! Kella want to be powerful shaman!"

Fahim's jaw drops in astonishment and disbelief.

"Mexus, you used the dark gifts of the infernal on our charges?!?! Are you mad?! What possessed you to learn such vile magics in the first place?"

Liberty's Edge

Male Elf Rogue 1 | HP: 8/8 | AC: 16 (14 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Active conditions: none

Zaiharahel's teeth chatter uncontrollably. Why the f+++ are they so loud? It's not my fault they can't sleep because it's so goddamn cold. Maybe they'll die, and I can have their blankets. Wouldn't that be swell? If anyone ever suggests coming back to this place, so help me, I will eat their f#%@ing soul. Zaiharahel grabs one of the blankets that were cast aside, and pulls out on top of himself.

Sovereign Court

Tiefling, Wizard (Conjurer) 1 | HP: 7/7 | AC: 12 (16 with Armor Cast) (12 (16) Tch, 10 (14) Fl) | CMD: 12 (16) | F: 1, R: 2, W: 3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +1, SM: +2 | Active conditions: Generally a bad, bad man

Mexus ignores Kella's words as he turns to face Fahim fully. Gesturing behind him to Kella, he replies, "See, she's fine now. I made sure she didn't die from freezing. So long as we keep an eye on them through the storm, we should all survive this ordeal relatively intact."

The Exchange

Male Human Alchemist 1 | HP: 10/10 | AC: 17 (15 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Fort: 3 Ref: 7 Will: 1 | Active conditions: Mutagen; No Armor

Fahim stares in stunned silence at Mexus' ambivalence in the face of Fahim's clear concern.

"You. Used. Infernal. Magic. You invoked the name of an evil god. How can you be so calm in the face of what is obviously forbidden dark arts!"

Sarenrae's tits, does the devil go farther than skin deep? Have I been traveling with a fiend, and not a friend?"

Fahim jabs his meaty finger toward Mexus', all the while a mixture of horror, rage, and dread swirl across his face like reagents in a flask.

"You won't brush this one off, Lord Navarion. If there's any man beneath the monster, then answer for your crimes to your friends. Assuming there's anything inside of you capable of friendship."

Fahim bites off his next insult to give Mexus a chance to respond. It is clear he is outraged, but also that he is trying to get it under control.

Silver Crusade

Human Fighter (Tactician) 1 | HP: 10/11 | AC: 18 (12 T, 16 F), CMD: 16 | F: 3, R: 2, W: 0 | Percep +0 | Conditions: none | Tall and strong, sober-faced, white and gold linens, chain shirt, longsword, heavy wooden shield

Honus watches in horror as Kella's eyes glow red through the darkness of the tent.

Asmodeus? Gifts of the infernal?! Is that what just happened? Mexus is a wizard, not a priest. But he doesn't deny his actions... And what's worse, he tries to justify it!

Honus throws all of his weight behind a look of utter contempt toward Mexus.

"Using dark prayers to save anothers life damns them for eternity. How dare you act so callous with the soul of another creature?"

It is true. Evil begets evil.

Sovereign Court

Tiefling, Wizard (Conjurer) 1 | HP: 7/7 | AC: 12 (16 with Armor Cast) (12 (16) Tch, 10 (14) Fl) | CMD: 12 (16) | F: 1, R: 2, W: 3 | Init: +2 | Perc: +1, SM: +2 | Active conditions: Generally a bad, bad man

Mexus raises a questioning eyebrow and then sighs. When he replies his tone and manner are that of a weary and jaded sophist that has had this debate a thousand times or more. "You both speak from a stance of absolute truth, and you both have adopted a mantle of moral outrage, yet I question on what you form the basis of your beliefs. If you want to have a reasonable discussion about what happened here, and why and how I saved Kella's life, I will be happy to do so. But I have no interest in verbally or physically engaging with closed-minded zealots about their mistaken, green, prime-centric view of the multi-verse, and what always seems to end up being an irrational hatred of demons, devils, and all those related to them. So, what is it going to be, gentlemen? Do you want to stow your anger and have a conversation, or would you rather finish this trip in stoic silence and seething hatred, and we can simply go our separate ways when we return to Trollheim?"

The Exchange

Male Human Alchemist 1 | HP: 10/10 | AC: 17 (15 Tch, 12 Fl) | CMD: 14 | Fort: 3 Ref: 7 Will: 1 | Active conditions: Mutagen; No Armor

Fahim bristles at being called "irrational," but does make a visible effort to control his anger.

He has bigger balls than Rovagug to tell Honus and I that we are reacting "irrationally" to his use of dark magics. Still, we must work with him for now, and I must know whether he is evil, amoral, or just insane. Once I know that, I'll know how many eyes to sleep open with at night.

He speaks to Mexus through clenched teeth, and there are no smiles for Mexus as he responds.

"Be my guest. Please explain why you invoked the name of an evil power, and why our dear ally Kella awoke with unholy crimson eyes. I'm all ears."

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