Omar Posada |
A half-elf garbed in new adventuring gear, some still bearing the price tags from the market, or fresh oil on his weapons, stands waiting for his first briefing.
"I am Omar Posada, Skald and Society initiate reporting.
I was sent by VC Hugo to this as my first mission.
He said I would receive further instructions here."
He leans his naginata in the corner and inspects his lute while waiting for others to arrive.
Archimedicus |
Greetings I am Archimedicus. Says a large man wearing all black and carrying nothing but a shield emblazoned with a dark skull
This is Tyranius. I have either this guy or a brand new Cavalier. This character has a wand of CLW available though.
Shaoshu |
I'm going to swap from the witch as I had an in-person request to bring that particular concept to an in-person gameday happening later in May. :)
I have Shaoshu, whom I haven't played since a PbP in June 2014 I'll grab for this romp. On another note, I've never played nor run Fallen Fortress, so it's all new to me.
Shaoshu sat, waiting anxiously for his first meeting with "Drengle Dreng", known as a "venture captain" of the "Society" he was so interested in joining.
He looked about the tavern and was impressed by its splendor and luxury.
"Nice place."
Shaoshu looked as if he hailed from Tian-Xa in the distant east. He also looked like he needed a bath, his face was still smeared with dirt and his threadbare garments suggested a level of poverty unusual for an adventurer.
The only thing of real value on his person was a brace of several daggers he wore, each one with a hilt resembling an animal head - a rat, an ox, a tiger and a rabbit. Despite their craftsmanship, these were dirtied as well, showing signs of frequent and lengthy use to accompany their obvious neglect.
A closer look revealed that the man wasn't entirely Tien. His eyes were dark, lacking a definable sclera. His ears were pink and far too rounded, almost rat-like.
"When's Big Boss getting here?"
Elris the Hawk Eye |
Elris sat at a table, sipping on a hot beverage while keeping his eyes somewhat lowered. His clothes seemed somewhat haggard from travel, and the Elf himself seemed a bit tired.
"It is a nice place, but I prefer tea over ale. As for Dreng, he'll be here once he deems it the proper time, I would assume. Nice to meet all of you by the way, I'm Elris."
Sitting down the elf seemed tall, but when he go out of his seat, suspicions were proven true. The elf's clothes were of a forest motif with greens and browns being the dominant color schemes, and at his side was a dark colored well made bow. On his belt hung a dull gray morning star that seemed to have never been used.
GM Shifty |
You are in Absalom, the mighty City at the Center of the World,
Like all the great Pathfinders before you, you have just spent many hard weeks training at the Grand Lodge and based on the fables, outrageous tales, and 'fishing stories' bandied around about the Absaloms surrounds you’ve always longed to explore one of the countless ruins of failed conquerors that litter the plains outside the city’s walls to see if any of those legends were true.
You’ve all heard rumours that one of the sealed siege castles has been laid open by a minor earthquake. Word on the street is that no one has yet entered the tower, which folks are calling the “Fallen Fortress.” What better way to start a life of excitement and adventure than by exploring its long-abandoned, dusty halls and perhaps claiming its ancient treasures? Surely this is the reason you were called away to meet with Drandle Dreng.
After a long wait, and falling hopes, Dreng finally arrives.
"One of your fellow Pathfinders, Balenar Forsend, a young and spiring bard decided to set out and build a legend around himself - wishing to be known for dash and derring do. He too heard about the tower and decided to go and get first bragging rights for exploring it. Now you will be exploring it to find what remains of him. Questions?"
Omar Posada |
What? He went by himself? What an....um nothing. Omar blurts out before he regains his composure.
How far from the city is this tower fortress?
Elris the Hawk Eye |
I wonder if I'll see my dwarven friend's farm from there. Maybe keep tabs on it since he's out investigating some sort of green fortress of sorts....
"Sir Dreng, I know this may be a foolish question, but why would a veteran Pathfinder want to have bragging rights to an unknown entity that may have some beasts in it? I would assume that having a group would be best, especially if any accidents happen."
GM Shifty |
"Veteran is subjective, the fellow might have more adventures under his belt than any of you individually, but certainly not collectively. Likewise, we have many fine minstrels in the Society, and while they are almost invariably known for their charm, the same can't be said for their wisdom. New lore and bold tales are the meat and drink of the tale tellers of Absalom, and each of them tries carving out their own name and reputation. You are quite right that safety exists in numbers, but then tales of safety do not your tip jar fill"
He looks to the others for further questions.
GM Shifty |
The ruined siege castle now being called the Fallen Fortress rises out of the churned earth of the Cairnlands. No doors or windows mar the otherwise smooth expanse of the tower’s walls.
The tower is quatrefoil in plan; its eastern wing has largely collapsed, exposing the interior floors to the open air. Only the topmost level seems whole, though its eastern portion hangs precariously over the mountain of rubble left by the collapse.
At ground level, the rubble frames a gaping hole in the side of the building that provides access to the tower’s darkened interior.
Watching the tower a while, you see a couple of large feral looking dogs picking around the base...
Do you have a general marching order before I dump you on a map? :)
Archimedicus |
Before we head to the tower I would like to purchase 2 alchemists fire, 2 acid flasks and a oil of magic weapon. Total 110 gp
I will take the front
Archimedicus moves forward to investigate the tower a little closer
Omar Posada |
Omar in the middle is fine.
Omar moves up with the others, eager to see this historical fortress of interest.
"Hopefully he is still alive. I am not ready for my first mission to be a body recovery."
Shaoshu |
Front-middle is fine for Shaoshu, but he'll go anywhere he is told without objecting.
Shaoshu points at the dogs.
"Bosses! There were many such dogs like that that fought over scraps with Shaoshu in the alleys of Tian-Xa. They do not look friend."
Drawing his daggers, Shaoshu takes a few steps forward, at first mistakenly thinging he is going to spar them for discarded food, but then realizing they are actually just an obstacle between his allies and the tower.
GM Shifty |
init, Archimedicus: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
init, Elris: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
init, Omar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
init, Shaoshu: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
init, ENEMY: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
The party presses forward to the waiting tower, the dogs await their arrival...
R1
Archimedicus
Elris
ENEMY
Omar
Shoushu
Elris the Hawk Eye |
"Agreed, those dogs don't seem keen on letting us near. I guess it's time for my version of talking things through.
The tall elf moves, gets his bow at the ready, nocks an arrow, and lets it fly towards the yellow dog!
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Archimedicus |
Archimedicus moves his way up onto the rubble. Seeing the dogs he grasps his shield by the edge and hurls it right at the orange dog.
Throw Shield: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
GM Shifty |
The shield bangs squarely into the dog that looks rather stunned by the shot, it turns and runs at Archimedicus but as it arrives at him it collapses out cold.
The other two dogs rush Archi as he stands out front...
Red
Attack 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 2 = 24
Damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Convert? 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 2 = 19
The first dog manages to catch Archi's leg and begin to draw blood.
Yellow
Attack 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 2 = 18
The other gets in close but can only catch his clothing.
R1
Omar
Shou
R2
Archi
Elris
Shaoshu |
Hmm, Shaoshu's sheet was messed up. Fixed it.
Shaoshu rushes up, hoping to sink his knife into the dog before the dog sinks its teeth into him or his friends.
Dagger (charging): 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 2 = 23 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Dagger (charging) crit confirm: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 2 = 16 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Elris the Hawk Eye |
This'll be for round 2, as I'm about to go to bed, and most people seem to post while I'm asleep, haha.
Elris moves to a position as to where he can get a better shot, and lets loose another arrow!
Point Blank Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7
GM Shifty |
The combat ends in a flurry of steel and feathery death.
Silence, other than the normal sounds of the Cairnlands, once again descends.
Ahead of you the tower awaits. A brief peruse past the opening reveals that the northern wing of the tower seems to have escaped the worst effects of the collapse, but rubble still litters the floor and everything is covered in a thick layer of stone dust.
Thick cobwebs cloak the ceiling and hang down the walls like gossamer tapestries. A single archway stands open in the southwest wall.
Omar Posada |
Is anyone hurt? Archimedicus, is that dog blood or yours?"
Omar looks around and spots the cobwebs and points.
"We best get you patched up before we continue and tangle with those. Is anyone skilled at tracking? It might be helpful to see if our missing friend went into either of the towers and start there first."
So how are we set for healing. Looks like two of us can cast CLW. Omar is brand new, so no CLW wand or potions. He can help others if needed.
Archimedicus |
Archimedicus hands his wand to Omar. Thank you. The dogs seemed to have gotten ahold of my arm.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Archimedicus grabs his shield and looks it over. Shall we head in?
Elris the Hawk Eye |
Let's get things sorted out in this place before any other thrill seekers try to steal our glory....
Elris keeps his bow at the ready as he starts to scout out the tower.
Omar Posada |
Omar moves up with Elris and peers into the northern room, looking for signs of movement.
"Let's see if our missing Pathfinder is in here."
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
GM Shifty |
The party pushes forward, Omar spots somethng dark and chitinous out of the corner of his eye hiding in the webs and darkness, alerting his comrades!
Archi 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Elris 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Sha 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
init, Archimedicus: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
init, Elris: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
init, Omar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
init, Shaoshu: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
init, ENEMY: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Surprise
Omar
Shaoshu
R1
Omar
Elris
Archi
Shao
SPIDER
Omar Posada |
Omar calls out the spider and readies to attack if it moves within his 10' reach.
that is one big spider! Watch it's fangs and webs. Neither will do any of us any good.
naginata : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5 for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Elris the Hawk Eye |
Elris will move into the room with his bow at the ready and shoot at the spider!
Point Plank Shot: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4
Foul thing! We need through to move on!
GM Shifty |
Shao's dagger hits and the spider twitches aggressively.
Omar readies for an approach.
The arrow flies into the darkness but fails fto find purchase, Elris missed the mark this time.
Omar pushes forward to stab the creature - which he does.
Surprise
Omar -Rdy
Shaoshu - throw
R1
Omar - move/stab
Elris -shot
Archi
Shao
SPIDER
Archimedicus |
Archimedicus rushes into the webbed room and throws his shield once again.
Shield: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
The shield clangs off of the back wall as it falls into the webs below.
Shaoshu |
Round 1, Init 12
Shaoshu quickly replaces his thrown dagger with another, stepping forward a few feet and throwing it at the spider again.
Dagger, thrown (-2 for 1 range increment): 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 2 = 20 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Crit Confirm: Dagger, thrown: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 - 2 = 10 for 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
GM Shifty |
Shao hurls the dagger into the melee, and the melee ends!
A small cocoon hangs in the webs, holding the remains of an unfortunate dog. The desiccated carcass is still wearing its leather collar, which is studded with lapis lazuli stones and has a silver tag reading “Kita.” You estimate collar is worth 50 gp.
Investigating the tower’s west wing you find it mostly choked with rubble, but a door in the eastern wall is still accessible. The door leads to a stone spiral staircase that runs through the center of the tower. Unfortunately, the stairway is also blocked with fallen rubble. It seems that if you wish to explore the tower’s upper levels, you will have to go back outside and attempt to climb the tower’s exterior walls.
Omar Posada |
Omar looks at the collapsed stairs.
"No going this way. I have a coil of rope but no hook. I have climbed some cliffs and stark trees back home.
This tower looks a bit more of a challenge.