Tundran's Tide of.. Series (Inactive)

Game Master heavydisking

"Let's go into the right." Mini-Min snarls.

Like the walking testament to insecurity says, we should go the right way.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 I can make the UMD checks if needed, but I figure Bitter Plum will probably oblige
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

yes...healing would be great

"Thank you, a little healing would be great... I've got some nasty tooth marks here"

Bitter Plum healed you for 8 with the scrolls we found in this post. :)

Bitter Plum totters along, tsking at the tapestries. "It's good to get out and travel, of course, but becoming an animal hybrid seems like taking it a bit far. What do they even drink? Maybe they just go for those mushroom rituals instead. In any case, it doesn't look good. Let's go!" she agrees.

She trundles off toward the next opening in the hedges, katana at the ready.

---

I added a big arrow indicating where we're going next - does that look right?

yes, and she was at -3 when you did so, leaving her with 5 hp

"Thank you for the healing... much appreciated."

Looks good. I will be on vacation from Friday to Monday, but feel free to have Min blow stuff up good. And growl.

yes, and she was at -3 when you did so, leaving her with 5 hp

"Thank you for the healing... much appreciated."

Ah! Okay, that makes sense. Sorry, I misunderstood. I'll use another of the scrolls.

Bitter Plum fishes one of the misguided hunter's scrolls out of a pocket, unfurling it and offering a clawed hand to Merisiel. "This shouldn't take a moment, dear." She casts from the scroll and the elf's bite marks quickly close over and fade.

Scroll of Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Six hammocks hang suspended from the thorns here, crisscrossing along the thorny walls. Two oaks provide shade and shelter from wind and rain. A few clothes hang from the thorny walls. The hammocks and clothes seem simply made. Near one of the tree trunks is a large, sturdy chest. Near the other is a smaller chest, whose open lid reveals several scrolls and tomes. Gaps in the walls allow exit to the northwest, north, and northeast.

Have a look around here then we'll move on to the final encounter!

Merisiel looks around, checks the large chest for traps, and locks.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17+1 for traps

disable traps (or lock) if nec: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10+1 vs traps

disable lock if traps was nec above: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"So by my reading and deciphering of this here lunar equation Grrr I believe if we don't stop this all of Wispl will be Hyrmp transformed like those of us who have succumbed to this cursed Grrr lycanthropy."

Garren takes some detailed notes on the lunar calendar, the banners and the tapestries. I think the Venture-Captain would want some of this information

Looking at Garren like he has three heads, Itami moves up to the calendar, banners, and such. He unceremoniously pulls them from their places and rolls them up. Handing them to the gunslinger, he adds, "They won't need this anymore."

He then helps Merisiel search through the chests, but learns the hard way that literally sniffing for traps isn't very effective.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Min casts detect magic and scans the items, setting aside the magical items.

Last post before weekend vacation!

Bitter Plum shrugs as Itami yanks the tapestries off the wall. "I suppose he's right, you know," she says half-heartedly to the note-taking Garren.

She then stands near Merisiel, hand in her pocket clutching the last healing scroll, just in case. She nervously turns her head jerkily as she watches her check the chest.

Sorry for the delay. I've been sick all weekend.

The books and scrolls are almanacs, starcharts, and philosophical treatises, mostly written in Druidic. The larger chest is locked with a good lock, but Merisiel is able to locate the key to the lock hidden within the smaller chest.

It was DC 19 Perception, but I will just assume someone could get her an Aid Another.

The large chest contains a birch wand and a patterned leaf. Min begins an examination.

Having cleaned out the useful items, the Pathfinder approach their final destination: the Megaliths. This wide area on the east side of Briar Henge has a roughly circular shape. Four tall, thin spires of ancient stone thrust up from the ground at irregular intervals like malformed teeth. To the west, two thicker stones are capped with a third horizontal stone, forming a crude gateway. A thick piece of charred bark is suspended in this gateway by a web of crackling energy. The crackling energy pulses outward from the bark into the dolmen stones, and from there into the ground. These megaliths predate the construction of the thorn walls and hold a special connection to Gozreh. Four standing stones (menhirs) stand near the three stones forming the gateway (dolmen stones). The megaliths resonate with Gozreh’s blessing, which improves lightning effects in this area.

Any creature adjacent to a megalith deals an additional 1 point of damage with any spell or effect causing electricity damage.

The menhirs are 12 feet tall and about 3 feet in diameter. The dolmen stones are 10 feet wide and 10 feet tall. The archway is currently blocked by the waves of energy radiating outward from the Atavistic Splinter.

The dolmen stones fill their squares almost completely, and creatures can not squeeze into squares occupied by dolmen stones as they can into squares containing menhirs.

Four druids chant and circle the stones as a part of their enigmatic ritual.

Go ahead and place yourselves on the map- you can approach from whichever direction you wish.

"Pincer movement. Hit them from both sides. Sounds like a plan?" Itami asks, ready to stop this uncivilized mess. Leave it to a bunch of druids to think it their divine duty to end society. At least the Shades of the Uskwood know their place and even contribute to the workings of their country.
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If we go from both sides, then we won't get stuck in that hallway. What do you guys think? It may not work if we don't have at least two people willing to stand in front.

"I can go the other way, but would prefer if someone a bit stronger and healthier went in front."

Abdul uses a charge from his wand of shield and takes his position in front of Merisiel.

Bitter Plum nods at Itami’s suggestion. “Sounds good to me. I’ll help you lead up the geriatric arm,” she jokes with a jocular elbow jab at the old man and a beak-smirk.

She keeps her katana drawn and ready in front of her, expecting close quarters and the possibility of more invisible fey. She tries to catch Abdul’s eyes from across the way, nodding to indicate she’s ready.

---

I’ll take the lead on the other side with my katana drawn.

Theophilus creeps up alongside Abdul and Merisiel.

"ooo i like this plan." Garren follow into line behind Bitter Plum pistol drawn with a Cold Iron loaded.

Garren, feel free to switch positions with me if you like. Positioning isn't as important for me as it probably is for you!

Spellcraft, DC 18: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 2 = 16
Spellcraft, DC 22: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 2 = 22

"The other thing is a mystery to GROWL me. But the leaf is some sort of druidic magic, a SNARL scroll of grove of respite."

He moves up behind Abdul.

Am I still tiny?

"Thank you Itami don't mind if I do." Garren takes a quick step to fall in line behind Bitter Plum. "Do not worry, I wont singe your feathers." Garren whispers to Bitter Plum

@Min: no I guess you would have returned to normal by now unfortunately.

The party gets set and springs the trap, attacking the prancing druids with a classic pincer move.

They are distracted by their ritual and you guys did a good job of sneaking and scouting around in here. Go ahead and give me your surprise round actions. If they survive the initial onslaught I will roll initiative for the first round because they can do some damage back.

The party is up!

Merisiel steps past Theo and ABdul and tries to drop the nearest prancing druid... She hisses very softly between her teeth as she strikes.

to hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
dmg if hits: 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (5) = 8

Assuming Abdul moves out of his space during the surprise round...
Theophilus peeks around the hedge and flings a fistful of thorns into the closest druid.

Telekinetic Blast: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 = 16
Piercing: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

ITamo begins casting his typical spell, swirls of blue coalesce around him, punctuated by the occasional bark.

Bitter Plum moves toward the nearest druid, sword raised, then slashes down at them with a practiced technique.

---

Move and attack.

Cold Iron Katana: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Remember you only get a single action during a surprise round, so it's move or attack.

Abdul moves closer to the battle.

Min suddenly grows to full size, eliciting a satisfied growl of contentment. He moves up and eyes the damnable druids while snarling bestially!

Garren takes aim at the Druid in front of Bitter Plum, Pulls the trigger...
Masterwork Pistol, PBS, -shooting into Melee: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 - 4 = 11
Cold Iron Slug, PBS: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Quickly Reloading with a Cold Iron Paper Cartidge.
"Gah!! Did I hit it?"

Yes as Abdul said, only one move or standard action each.

Minmaximus init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Garren init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Theophilus init: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Itami init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Abdul init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Bitter Plum init: 1d20 ⇒ 15
Merisiel init: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

druids init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Itami quickly weaves an air of sleep around the dancing druids.

Your best placement AFAICT will catch all of 1, 2, and 3 (as they are now labelled) in the effect.

Bitter Plum moves and prepares to attack next turn.

Merisiel does the same.

Garren cruelly shoots druid 4, leaving a slug deep in the man's shoulder and finally alerting the dancers to their imminent situation!

Abdul maneuvers into position.

Theo follows along behind.

Minmaximus gets ready for a full-sized feast!

Then, Itami's spell completes!

druid 1 will save vs enchantment: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
druid 2 will save vs enchantment: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
druid 3 will save vs enchantment: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

And two of the druids fall to the ground in blissful slumber.

Round 1:
Itami
Bitter Plum
Merisiel
druid 1 asleep
druid 2
druid 3 asleep
druid 4 -5 HP
Garren
Abdul
Theophilus
Minmaximus

Itami, Bitter Plum, and Merisel are up!

Merisiel tumbles to avoid an aoo, and attacks from flank.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 I can hope they're still flatfooted and can't take aoos

to hit: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 2 = 24
dmg if hits: 1d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (1) = 4

to confirm crit: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9
extra dmg if crits: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

gah.. pathetic... lol

"Even in this wretched state, the might of civilization is still enough to keep you mangy heathens in line!"
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I have no desire to clutter up the choke point or to move closer in the first place. Standard action will complete the spell, then Itami's turn is complete.

While the nearby druid reels from being shot, Bitter Plum takes the opportunity to arc a slash at them with her katana in one smooth motion.

---

Oops! Sorry about the last turn, I forgot it was the suprise round when I wrote my post.

Cold Iron Katana: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Critical hit confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

@Merisiel- druid #1 which you are flanking is already asleep. druid 2 is not and you could easily reach them to attack instead. Would you rather hit 2 instead?

Merisiel tumbles into the fray and pops up behind a druid, delivering a nick which just misses a major artery.

Itami looks on, satisfied, as the druids succumb to his spell.

Bitter Plum's katana slices across druid 4's chest, dowsing all the blood to the surface. The druid slumps to the ground, even more asleep than her friends.

Druids 1 and 3 snooze away. Druid 2 starts gesticulating wildly and his staff seems to grow thicker and knobbier.

Trigger AoO from Merisiel if you are next to him instead.

Itami
Bitter Plum
Merisiel
druid 1 asleep
druid 2 -4 HP? shillelagh
druid 3 asleep
druid 4 dead
Garren
Abdul
Theophilus
Minmaximus

The party is up!

I would usually call this fight right here, but since it's the finale I will let you guys play it out however you want. CdG the sleepers, etc. heh

Next post from me should be the final wrap-up I expect.

Abdul moves past the sleeping druid and strikes at the remaining one, full of his bloodrage.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 = 13
Damage: 2d4 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 6 + 3 = 12

Since this is the end, might as well use my folio reroll.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 30

Confrim: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 = 15
Extra Damage: 2d4 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (3, 1) + 6 + 3 = 13

Bitter Plum makes a face of discomfort as the druid’s blood sprays across her, but she remains focused on the task at hand. She makes a flourish with her blade to shake the blood off, then moves up to the nearest sleeping druid. She quietly delivers a prayer of, “May you find peace among the stars,” before bringing her sword down to pierce the druid’s chest.

---

Cold Iron Katana vs 3, helpless bonus: 1d20 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Actually, I'd like to do something else with my turn. I'll make a new post soon!

sure, Merisiel would go for an awake one, not a sleeping one.

Bitter Plum makes a face of discomfort as the druid’s blood sprays across her, but she remains focused on the task at hand. She makes a flourish with her blade to shake the blood off, then moves up to the nearest sleeping druid. She levels her blade at the druid’s neck, but hesitates.

If any of her fellow Pathfinders approach, she holds one bloodstained claw up to her beak, extending a talon in a “Shhhh” gesture. Keeping her voice quiet she says, “It is not my place to wake or kill this dreamer. While they are in Desna’s realm, they are under my protection - understand? We have dispatched enough of them, we will take the Splinter and drive them off - we need not kill anymore.”

---

Move action to get to the sleeping druid #3.

If the waking druid still lives, TOPPLING MAGIC MISSILE!

Force damage: 3d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1, 1) + 3 + 1 = 10 and CMD: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Following mother hens influence Garren steps forward drawing his Cold Iron Cutlass in his off hand and levels his gun at the other sleeping druid. Waiting for the word form the rest of the crew.

Whispering further "No need for senseless blood shed." as he passes Bitter Plum

As the last remaining druid falls under the onslaught, the long shadows inside Briar Henge turn to dusky twilight. Quickly, the adventurers wrench the Atavistic Splinter from the web of energy between the dolmen stones, taking a blast of electric shock in the process.

2d6 points of electricity damage (DC 13 Reflex save for half). Negligible for all intents and purposes.

Now able to survey the scene, they realize they have succeeded in cancelling the ritual mere moments before it would take full effect! The more monstrous among them find themselves restored back to their normal condition when bathed in the cool moonlight.

Lose the bestial template and all ability damage is healed.

They strip the druids of their meager possessions presumably and proceed back towards Wispil. When they pass the lumber camp, they see a few bedraggled loggers who hail them as heroes for reversing the curse.

Back in Almas, Venture-Captain Brackett accepts the Atavistic Splinter with a promise that the Pathfinder Society will put the artifact to good use in the upcoming Ruby Phoenix Tournament in Goka. He is particularly impressed with the starcharts and assorted writings. "We may be able to learn much about the Verduran druids. Perhaps enough that we can neutralize them permanently. I will see to it all these documents are examined immediately."

SCENARIO COMPLETE. Great job!

Thanks for playing everyone. I had a great time with both of these scenarios. I appreciate how each of you post with such speed and quality. Really, it's made this very easy for me.

I will work on reporting and chronicles. I expect to have them by tomorrow assuming nothing strange comes up.

Thank you so much for running for us. I love your posting as well. Made me feel as if i was there. lol

Min stretches upright, revelling in his newly recovered intelligence. He stares hard at the sleeping druids, and if Bitter Plum looks away, murders them where they sleep with any arcane means at his disposal. If BP keeps a watchful eye, he sighs and mutters curses at them, vowing to return later to burn them alive...

With the druids stopped and their ritual interrupted, Bitter Plum wakes the two living druids with a rough shake, standing over them with her sword drawn. She gives them a grandmotherly lecture about behaving themselves and not trying to turn entire populations into degenerating werebeasts against their will, emphasizing her point by gesturing with the sharp point of her still-bloody sword. Stripped of their weapons, and with the Atavistic Splinter secure, Bitter Plum allows the druids to flee with their lives to let their allies know the consequences of their foul deeds.

---

After the debriefing of the successful mission, she approaches Itami again. "That sleep spell of yours is pretty potent!" she praises. "I don't suppose you're secretly a follower of Desna, are you?" she asks with a glint in her eyes. "What do you say we go celebrate with a few drinks?"

---

Thanks so much for running this for us! It's always nice to get to play the multi-part scenarios together.

Itami shudders visibly as the bestial aspects of his transformation revert to his typical self. That was... horrific.

As Bitter Plum praises his efforts, he puffs up a little bit with pride. "Many thanks, I am-" when she continues on with her inquiry of his faith, he recoils as if she just slapped him. Color draining from his face, he stammers on. "Oh no, no, you know some things just work out, eh?" Was that merely coincidence? Certainly the church never learned of my deeds? This is worse than the transformation. What do I do now...?

"Ehrm, yes, celebration! More of that fine stuff you showed me last time. What was it called again?" he asks, trying to change the subject and regain his composure.
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Oh lord, I spit coffee onto my computer XD Perfect post Bitter Plum! I can't remember if I have told you anything of his backstory, but that was spectacular.

Itami shudders visibly as the bestial aspects of his transformation revert to his typical self. That was... horrific.

As Bitter Plum praises his efforts, he puffs up a little bit with pride. "Many thanks, I am-" when she continues on with her inquiry of his faith, he recoils as if she just slapped him. Color draining from his face, he stammers on. "Oh no, no, you know some things just work out, eh?" Was that merely coincidence? Certainly the church never learned of my deeds? This is worse than the transformation. What do I do now...?

"Ehrm, yes, celebration! More of that fine stuff you showed me last time. What was it called again?" he asks, trying to change the subject and regain his composure.
________
Oh lord, I spit coffee onto my computer XD Perfect post Bitter Plum! I can't remember if I have told you anything of his backstory, but that was spectacular.

"Soju!" Bitter Plum answers enthusiastically. "I'm so glad you've taken a liking to it. It's very popular back in Tian Xia, but these Avistani don't usually go for it. Anyway, shall we? More time to complain about youngsters?"

---

I did take a look at your profile. The description of Itami's "true" self tells me enough, along with the adventures I've played set in his home region, but feel free to send me some more backstory if you'd like. :)

Merisiel shrugs as BP sends the surviving druids off into the wilderness. Just as well... I don't fancy killing the helpless... or seeing folks interred. she shudders at the thought of imprisonment.