Pirate Rob's Tide of Morning [PFS] (Inactive)

Game Master Pirate Rob

Gameplay goes here, feel free to dot.

Ledot!

Back in Absalom, the Venture-Captains claimed it would be a nice walk in the woods, a pleasant change of pace from the bustle of the city.
...

The air grew still as Hamshanks rolled into a meeting room deep inside the Pathfinder Lodge in Absalom, his jowls flowing and his enormous axe clanking against his thigh. The man’s black eyes scanned the room. “You lot?” Hamshanks spat.

“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."

Hamshanks continues without taking a breath or giving you an opportunity to respond.

"Our contact learned that Hemzel acquired a lorestone from somewhere in the Verduran Forest. Heard of such a thing?”

Hamshanks paused almost expectantly for a half a moment before continuing.

“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.”

Feel free to introduce your character, talk with each other, ask questions of the venture captain, roll knowledge history or geography

Edric rubbed his beard thoughtfully as the venture captain spoke of their mission. He didn't care much for having to deal with disgruntled druids on their own home turf and he sure didn't believe it would be as easy as planting some trees for the old man. However, the speak of a band of gnomes caught Edric's notice.

"These gnomes you spoke of, do you know how many there are?"

As he spoke, his mind drifted back to their destination, the Verduran forest....

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

Present tense, present tense!

The burly orc with a sword-and-sunburst carved into his right cheek raises an eyebrow. Are we truly going there to study? If it is true, then it will prevail... provided we treat him and his forest justly.

Turning his head, the orc studies the human who spoke. A good question, but does he intend to fight them?

Almost all of the old scenario briefings are written as flash backs.

Hamshanks responds to Edric's question:
"A group, a gaggle? I dunno, what do you call a group of gnomes?"

He pauses for a moment before his eyes light up.
"I know! A lawn. A lawn of Gnomes"

Hamshanks chortles at his own joke despite having failed to answer the question in any meaningful way.

---
The Verduran Forest is one of the largest woodlands in Avistan, and straddles the borders between Andoran, Taldor, and Galt. Despite standing within the boundaries of these powerful nations, the druids of the forest maintain a high level of autonomy within it, especially in Taldor.

In the Andoren part of the forest, druids and fey are in a constant friction with loggers and woodsmen, and the two sides frequently come to blows. Logging is a major industry of Andoran, which is comfortable allowing the wholesale logging of forests.

In spite of herself, Alia giggles just a bit at Hamshank's jest.

He's so loud, and completely insensitive to others feelings. Very demanding... Why do I like him? She chuckles to herself, shaking her head in disbelief.

She looks around the chamber at her fellow agents, sighing. What dictum of The Pathfinders Society states that you cannot work with others that you have already broken bread with? Her thoughts go back to that funny elven ranger Shayla, who was like a sister to her, or the other ranger that she knew, Sevin, a tiefling who scared her at first, but proved to be a capable and true. And always back to Sir Pizzmic, he of the beautiful purple regalia, a jest in his heart and an eye to her safety. He was the father she always wished she had had. Even if he was a little short!

The ranger, Edric, seems very competent, and maybe a little irritated that Hamshanks has not answered his question. Always follow the ranger!

The half-orc warpriest, Mrachni, looks quite fierce, but they all do, don't they? And a warpriest of Iomedae, no less. I can learn a lot from him, I think.

And a cavalier, as well! What Tobi lacks in size, he clearly makes up for in ability and experience. Like Sir Pizzmic remarked to her once, Its not about girth, its about worth.

Alia flashes what she hopes is a business-like grin to her fellow group members. I am ready.

While Edric's face may have remained neutral in its expression his gaze spoke volumes, his displeasure with Hamshanks' response evident. "A gaggle of lawn gnomes you say? A dreaded thought indeed.". The ranger frowned despite himself, obviously this venture-captain cared little for details and only in results.

Tobi stares, wide-eyed, at the Venture Captain as he briefs the assembled group marveling at the man's intensity. Oh I'm from there! he thinks at the mention of the Verduran forest.

Leaning in to scratch behind his wolf companion's ear, he whispers, "Did ya hear that, Tug? We're goin' home for this one!"

A loud guffaw escapes him at Hamshanks's joke. A lawn of gnomes... Hilarious!

"Well then... we should probably get a move on," he adds cheerfully.

Sorry about the delay, folks. Picked up a subbing job this morning and I couldn't get a signal from my room to post sooner.

In Absalom, the Venture-Captains claimed it would be a nice walk in the woods, a pleasant change of pace from the bustle of the city. Obviously they 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 in the Verduran Forest, the welcome sight of a puffing chimney—Hemzel’s home, according to the map—reveals itself atop a hill about 100 or so feet away.

What would you like to do?

Nearing Hemzel's home, Edric quickly turned his gaze downward, peering around for whatever trail appears to lead to the cottage itself. His mind raced with thoughts of lawn gnomish ambushes. He eyed the ground carefully, hoping to catch sight of any tracks the little buggers could have left behind.

Survival (Tracking) Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"Should we knock?" Tobi asks with a shrug.

Unless otherwise noted (and especially in the Verduran forest), Tobi is riding Tug if they are not in a settlement.

Motioning to the tracks he'd noticed, "Strange tracks. Light-footed and quick, like fey or something moving with magical speed."

Nodding at Tobi, Alia's hand begins to shimmer with a divine radiance for a brief moment, which is extinguished as she touches her hand to her forehead, and then attempts to make herself more presentable.

Yes, let's meet Hemzel, and see if we can't come to an agreement.

And I can get back to Absalom, and back to my cozy little apartment!

Alia activates Touch of Glory and uses it on herself.

Alia: +1 bonus to a single charisma-based ability check for up to one hour or until Alia elects to apply the bonus to a roll, which ever comes first

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Mrachni nods as he studies the chimney and the home to which it's attached. "It would be best, I think, to speak to him sooner than later... especially if these woods are often frequented by hostile men."

Let's go talk to him!

Tobi urges Tug to the top of the hill.

The gruff ranger shrugs, "Go and knock then. I think I'll wait outside, just in case." Edric was never much of a talker, he suspected he might even make the situation worse were he to try.

The orc shakes his head. "He could think you are hiding. Come; we stay together."

MAP is in my profile.

Smoke rises lazily from a chimney set atop a small, round wooden hut just over a steep hillside covered in thick vines and brambles.

Hemzel appears to have built his home on a steep hill and surrounded it with a thick barricade of vines to guard against unwelcome intruders.

The barricade is so dense as to be all but impassable, although it can be slashed open (Hardness 1, 15 hit points) or climbed (DC 10). Tiny (or smaller) creatures merely treat it as difficult terrain.

“Too late, too late for Hemzel!”
A high voicecackles from behind the hut.
“Gire, finish them!”

At which point a log at the edge of the barricade explodes letting loose a swarm of spiders.

Initiative:
Tobi
Mrachni
G
Edric
Alia
S

Tobi and Mrachni are up.

Mrachni moves quickly forward along the path, ignoring the spiders in favor of pursuing the voices behind the hut. He draws his sword as he goes. Double move.

Mrachni double moves without trouble. Nothing else of note is visible from your new location. The small tree like things around the outside are difficult terrain.

Initiative:
Tobi
G
Edric
Alia
S
Mrachni

Tobi is up.

Tobi squeezes Tug gently with his calfs and clucks twice. On cue, Tug quickly moves forward and Tobi guides him around the right side of the building opposite Mrachni.

Double move.

Tobi you do not see anybody here behind the hut, but in the distance, about 50 yards away, you think you see someone, or something... slipping away into the forest. They appeared to be moving quite quickly and you did not get a good look.

Tug does begin sniffing the air and barking. He thinks there's another creature nearby.

Initiative:

Edric
Alia
S
Mrachni
Tobi
G ?

Edric and Alia are up.

I'm not sure what's going on, in the woods, but until somebody says otherwise, it's showtime.

Alia moves quickly down the path to the front door of the hut, waiting at the entrance, ready to knock.

Alia moves N, NW, N, N, NW.

Notching an arrow in his readied bow, Edric quickly takes up a position beside of Alia, "Kick it in, I don't think the druid is in any position to greet visitors!"

Move beside of Alia would a double move as indicated by the map.

Edric and Alia move up to the door. The spiders proceed to swarm over them doing 1d6 ⇒ 3 damage.

I will also need 2 fort saves from Edric/Alia. The first vs poison and the second vs distraction. Also if anybody has knowledge: dungeoneering and want to roll I'm happy to tell you more.

At this point all the vegetation begins to writhe and and wrap everybody except Tobi/Tom. Green line is the border of the effect.

Reflex Save DC 13. If you fail you take 1 point of damage and gain the entangled condition.

As soon as that happens a tiny creature with faerie wings appears to the south west of the house. Flying about 20 feet in the air, well out of range of the vines.

She sticks her tongue out at you and squeaks
"Bad things, many bad things await you if you don't flee. violence and grizzly gore. Even dismemberment."

She shutters at bit as she mentions dismemberment.

Initiative:

Mrachni
Tobi
Edric
Alia
Swarm
G-Faerie

Everybody is up.

I'll be out this evening GMing The Golden Serpent IRL. I'll see you all tomorrow.

Grimacing as the horde of tiny spiders bit at his flesh, Edric tried desperately to avoid the swarm of insects. The magical vines that sought to entangle him didn't help the matter any, either.

Fort Save vs poison: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Fort Save vs distraction: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Reflex Save vs Entangle 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Trying deftly to escape the gnashing fangs and devious vines, Edric snapped off a single arrow despite everything else, believing the taunting fey creature was likely cause of this predicament and her elimination might stop it.

Ranged Attack vs Fey Creature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Longbow Damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

If I successfully saved against the entanglement, I'll move to where I've shifted my character on the map. If I failed, then assume I stay put in the SW square from the door and take the bow shot anyway, and I'll return my character to that square as soon as the results are revealed.

New Reflex save to avoid being Entangled at the end of my round, if I beat the first save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Reflex: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17

Mrachni hurries through the tangled vines, peering into the cabin window. Single 20' move to current spot outside the window, still have a standard left - can Mrachni see anything inside?

Bright Goddess! Alia manages to gasp just before the swarm of spiders engulfs her and Edric. As they are swarmed, Alia hears Edric grunt, as he attempts to break away.

Always follow the ranger! Alia attempts to make a break for it, as well.

Fort Save vs Poison: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Fort Save vs Distraction: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Reflex Save vs Entanglement: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Unfortunately, the grasping foliage manages to catch the aasimar handily, and she is trapped within the vegetation, which cuts into her flesh. Again, she attempts to extricate herself from the cloying mass of vermin...

Escape Artist Check vs Grasping Vines (DC 13): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

but is held fast!

The Entangle Save DC is 13 and the 2 spider saves are DC 11

Edric manages to avoid the entangling vines and horrible spiders and gets a nice shot off against the fey who shrieks out in pain.

"OWWWWWWWWW"

Alia manages to get stuck in the entangle while spiders crawl all over her, doing horrible things. Alia you will take another 1 point of damage for attempting to escape from the brambly vines and failing.

The window is shuttered but contains no glass. If you wish to spend a move action opening it feel free to read the spoiler below.

Initiative:

Mrachni - Move Action Used.
Tobi
Swarm
G-Faerie
Alia
Edric

Toby/Tom & Mrachni are up.

Hrm... if it's shuttered, I think I'll keep moving. I don't have very good odds if I end my turn in the entangle.

Mrachni continues moving behind the house, pausing to catch his breath once he's free of the vines and brambles.

Tobi guides Tug back to the window they passed and draws his sling and a bullet. He launches his projectile at the tiny fey creature then quickly turns to see what is happening inside the hut.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Sling Damage: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Mrachni manages to get out of the Entangle while Tobi's sling shot goes wide.

Tobi: You see a shuttered window. It will take a move action to open.

The spider swarm continues to nibble on Alia, having found a tasty snack.
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3 DC 11 Fort saves vs Poison & Distraction.

The swarm does seem to be getting cut up a bit by all the vines at least.

The Faerie shouts at you a bit more while flying around in circles.

"Our glorious fey empire will be the most sparkly one in all the forest... uh... horrible... bloody... deadly!?! doom awaits you all.

She then turns invisible.

Initiative

Alia
Edric
Mrachni
Tobi
Swarm
G-Faerie

Everybody is up.

Tobi opens the shuttered window, concerned about the intended recipient of this faerie trickery.

Fort Save vs Poison: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Fort Save vs Distraction: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Reflex Save vs Grasping Vines: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Alia gasps for breath, running and leaping free of the angry arachnids and viperous vegetation...

Alia moves E, E, NE, N

stopping to catch her breath against the side of the druid's domain. She lifts her voice to the sky, addressing the unseen creature.

There's no need for this violence! We, of Taldor, have always respected and supported your autonomy, and would seek to continue this relationship with you. But without the need for bloodshed!

Diplomacy Check: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 1 = 23

The +1 is for Touch of Glory.

Can't we all just get along?

Mrachni frowns at the yelling from the front, but seeing no one around back he moves to a back window and prepares to open it.

"Hello?" he calls, before taking hold of the window and trying to pull it open.

No response from calling out but peering in the window reveals:

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.

The windows are too small for a medium creature to fit through, but a small one could with a DC 15 Escape Artist check, or a tiny creature would be unimpeded.

The faerie responds to Alia's kind words.

"Err, yay! peace and love and purple sparkles for all. Way better than blood and guts. Can we be friends? Just try not to get eaten by spiders."

Initiative

Edric
Tobi Used Move Action
Swarm
G-Faerie
Alia
Mrachni

Edric/Tobi are up.

Moving quickly out of the radius of the entangling spell, Edric notches another arrow and waits to see if the fey creature's words are true. "Just say the word Alia...", the ranger obviously meaning his intent to be his notched arrow.

Move out of the entanglement and use my standard action to ranged a bow shot against the fey creature if Alia gives the word to fire (and if I can see the invisible wench!)

Readied Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Bow Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

"Oh no! Hemzel!" Tobi screams when he views the scene in the hut.

He gives Tug a light slap to the hind quarters to let him know he's on his own for now, and tries to scramble through the window.

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Edric manages to climb over the brambly barrier and get out of the entangled area before readying his bow.

Tobi tries to squeeze through the window to no success.

The spiderswarm climbs out of entangled area onto the roof of the cottage.

The Faerie, still invisible, shouts
"You can do it guys. Here I know. I can even help! Just tell big stupid head to quit pointing his bow at me, well not me any more."
before dismissing the entangle. The voice is clearly lilting around.

Initiative

Alia
Mrachni
Edric Ready to shoot the Faerie
Tobi
Swarm
G-Faerie

Everybody is up.

Mrachni's eyes go wide at the scene within the cabin. Growling in frustration at the size of the windows, he hurries back around the hut toward the front door. Double move (40') to current location.

Mrachni moves back around towards the front now that the entangle is down.

Initiative

Alia
Edric Ready to shoot the Faerie
Tobi
Swarm
G-Faerie
Mrachni

Alia, Edric & Tom/Tobi are up

Unable to successfully squeeze through the window, Tobi hurries back to the front door with Tug at his heels. Maybe I can break it down.

"I don't understand," he calls to the disembodied voice. "If you're willing to help us, why are you trying to kill Hemzel?"

Double move to not quite the front door. My canine friend's name is Tug not Tom, by the way. He used to tug at my pant legs all the time when he was a pup.

I don't think you can move that far with 15' movement...

Alia nods at the grim ranger to lower his weapon.

Again, addressing the unseen creature:

My name is Alia, and this gentleman's name is Edric. Our other companions are Mrachni, Tobi, and Tug. We're pleased to meet you and we're here to help, but we just arrived and we need to know what is going on. Where is Hemzel, the druid? And what is happening here?

Touching her somewhat worse-for-wear chemise, she carefully and slowly pulls out her Wand of Cure Light Wounds. I think those spiders took some nasty bites out of me. With your permission? I am just going to heal my wounds a little, so we can talk, and I won't bleed all over everything...

Alia will draw her Wand of Cure Light Wounds, activate it, and then touch it to her swarm-savaged flesh.

Wand of Cure Light Wounds (44 charges remaining): 1d8 ⇒ 1

Damn it, is this thing even on?

Who's Tom?

Oops! Tug! I meant Tug!

Easing his bow string back into it's resting position, Edric lowered his aim, grumbling his dislike but doing so nonetheless. "What's going on inside the house?".