Matt's Crypt of the Everflame (Inactive)

Game Master into the aether

Kevin slowly reaches over and grabs his scythe, wringing it with both hands. He doesn't intend to start a fight, but he's not expecting diplomacy to work.

He stands silently, waiting for combat to break out.

Kevin slowly reaches over and grabs his scythe, wringing it with both hands. He doesn't intend to start a fight, but he's not expecting diplomacy to work.

He stands silently, waiting for combat to break out.

Kevin slowly reaches over and grabs his scythe, wringing it with both hands. He doesn't intend to start a fight, but he's not expecting diplomacy to work.

He stands silently, waiting for combat to break out.

Map updated so those with darkvision and low-light can see what they would see.

Everyone in camp seems to be on edge after the half elf whispers something about “company,” the magical bird babbles some nonsense, and the half orc silently wrings his scythe thrice. After watching and waiting for what feels like hours but is really only about 10 minutes, whatever might have been out there seems to have disappeared...or has it? You find yourselves unsure.

What would everyone like to do?

As Angoldir stands, Qadar glides silently down to his customary shoulder perch. The aged elf's eyes continue to scan the surrounding woods even as his mind races, trying to recall any useful information he might have heard about this forest and the creatures that call it home.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (18) + 10 + (4) = 32
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 10 + (1) = 28
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 10 + (4) = 21

A stray thought catches his attention, and he whispers to the rest of the party. "Remember how those orcs were illusionary? Perhaps we have not left the notice of whatever created them." Gazing pointedly at Ja'ali and Jack, he continues, "Can you detect any magic nearby? Something could avoid notice from one spellcaster, but if we scry together..." His eyebrow goes up inquiringly as his voice trails off, a predatory smile curling the corners of his mouth.

Stealth to whisper: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Seething that he lost sight of the thing in the woods, Qadar looks about grumpily. "अगर आपको किसी बेवकूफ की तरह जंगल में अंधेरे से उड़ने की ज़रूरत है तो मुझे बताएं", he quietly quips, knowing that only Angoldir can understand him.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Stealth to whisper: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28

Bhenqai will draw his longsword and be on his guard to fight if need be.

"Bah! All this waitin' around, patiently awaiting the end? Nay, that do no be for me"

Stumpwater stands up, and address the woods around the party in a bellow.

"If ye do be friend, come forward and be welcome in the firelight. If ye do no be friend, stop being a ninnycoward and come or we will come to you!"

If Detect Magics do not detect anything, Stumpwater lights a torch from his pack and begins a circuit of the camp, checking shadows as he circles.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Damn. The old man is braver than the party of adventurers.

Kevin nods approvingly at Jack and looks to his team.

"I have no lust for bloodshed tonight, however I will not stand by any longer."

Kevin starts searching for the source of the sound taking 20 on his perception of the surrounding area for a 27.

The old man’s patience reaches its limit and he bellows into the darkness. Upon receiving no reply to his challenge, he lights a torch and goes stomping off into the surrounding woods. The half orc grows tired of sitting around and gets up to have a look around as well.

Jack’s position when s%@@ goes down: 1d8 ⇒ 8

SURPRISE ROUND! THE BOLD MAY ACT!

Stumpwater Jack (aware of Red and Yellow)
Angoldir (aware of Red and Yellow)
-----------------
B
R
-----------------
Ja'ali (aware of none)
-----------------
Y
-----------------
Kevin (aware of Red and Yellow)

Notes: Jack has torchlight; campfire light shown.

Angoldir sighs and shakes his head. "Neu gallem wneud hynny," he says to Ja'ali, then turns his attention to the creature barely visible to his elven senses. He closes his eyes briefly, then opens them as he concentrates on finding any traces of magic in the area around the creature, as well as what the creature might be.

Knowledge (nature) (?): 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 10 + (4) = 15

Angoldir casts detect magic as a SLA towards the yellow creature.

"No magic here - just hungry wolves. Try not to let them trip you!" Angoldir calls out to the rest of the party. Qadar trills a battlecry and a flash of magic surrounds the bird briefly.

Qadar casts guidance on Angoldir.

While confident in his abilities, Stumpwater decides it is best to not be caught in the open by 2 wolves, and double moves to relative safety in the midst of his compatriots.

"I suppose we look a bit foolish now, don't we." Kevin says, lamenting the last 10 minutes spent on edge.

He then charges at the southern wolf, rages, and swings at it with lethal force, hoping to end the skirmish quickly

charging attack: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 2 = 272d4 + 12 ⇒ (1, 1) + 12 = 14

@ Jack, it's the surprise round so single move only. @Kevin bold in initiative shows who's turn it is (not yours yet).

Angoldir determines there’s no magic in the woods, only starving wolves. Jack decides he’d rather be nearer the other Pathfinders and starts heading back that way.

The starving wolves reveal themselves as they come bounding out of the edge of the woods and attack the pathfinders!

blue vs Jack AC16: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 2 = 14
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
trip vs CMD12: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26

red vs Kevin AC17: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 2 = 17
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
trip vs CMD19: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 = 24

yellow vs Angoldir AC18: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 = 11
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
trip vs CMD12: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11

Jack and Angoldir are able to avoid the wolves' attacks, but Kevin is bitten and knocked prone!

@Kevin you can keep your rolls from before if you want, LMK

SURPRISE ROUND -> ROUND 01! THE BOLD MAY ACT!

Stumpwater Jack
Angoldir
-----------------
B
R
-----------------
Ja'ali (aware of none)
-----------------
Y
-----------------
Kevin (9/13 HP, tripped)
-----------------
Notes: Jack has torchlight; campfire light shown.

As he dodges the wolf’s attack, Angoldir grimaces in pain. Now’s not the time for this wedi'u gadael knee to give out on me! he thinks.

Aloud, he calls, “To me!” with a tinge of fear coloring his thin voice. If we work together, we can keep each other safe!”. He steps away from the wolf in front of him, pulls out his bow, and sends an arrow flying towards his opponent.

Angoldir takes a 5 ft step diagonally towards the fire, uses his move action to pull out his bow, and his standard to fire an arrow at the yellow wolf.

Longbow: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 = 21
Damage: 1d8 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

Kevin, lying on the ground and assesses his options. Favoring a quick end to the fight he decides to stand up, provoking an attack of opportunity, then rages and attacks, keeping the same rolls.

Jack 5 foot steps diagonally, putting a little space between himself and the wolf, and launches a storm burst at the wolf.

VS Touch AC: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Nonlethal: 1d6 ⇒ 1

If the attack hits, the wolf takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls for 1 round.

@Kevin your turn was still the surprise round so only 1 action. I’m going to assume you attacked from prone, which would still hit.

Kevin, enraged after being knocked down by a scrawny mangy wolf, lashes out with his scythe, tearing the beast open. It collapses to the ground in a pool of blood.

His voice quivering slightly as the danger of the situation sinks in, Angoldir deftly steps away from the wolf that tried to bite him, pulls out a bow, and looses an arrow. It strikes home, but without much force.

Jack steps back and calls on the power of Gozreh to bring a storm down upon the wolf who just attacked him.

Seeing one of his packmates go down to Kevin’s scythe, wolf near Angoldir makes a wide berth around the half orc as he uses pack tactics, closing in on Jack from the rear. The other wolf attacks Jack again.
red vs Jack AC16: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 2 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
blue vs Jack AC16: 1d20 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 - 2 + 2 = 8
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

ROUND 01! THE BOLD MAY ACT!

Stumpwater Jack (6/9 HP)
Angoldir
-----------------
B
R
-----------------
Ja'ali
-----------------
Y (unmoving)
-----------------
Kevin (9/13 HP, tripped)
-----------------
Notes: Jack has torchlight; campfire light shown.

Stunned by the sudden blues of movement, Ja’ali finally comes to his senses. Move to flank, Bhenqai. The genie nods and complies. Ja’ali then shoots at the wolf directly across from him, then reloads.

Crossbow vs Blue: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 121d8 ⇒ 7

Bhenqai moves to assist the cleric enough movement to not provoke and slams at the wolf wildly.

Slam w/Flank & Power Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 101d8 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Ja'ali takes a shot with his crossbow but is unable to connect. Bhenqai moves to attack but also is unsuccessful.

ROUND 01->02! THE BOLD MAY ACT!

Stumpwater Jack (6/9 HP)
Angoldir
-----------------
B
R
-----------------
Ja'ali
-----------------
Y (unmoving)
-----------------
Kevin (9/13 HP, tripped)
-----------------
Notes: Jack has torchlight; campfire light shown.

As Qadar trills his battlecry again, Angoldir watches the wolf move to gang up on his companion. Well, two can play that game! he thinks as he drops his bow near the campfire. Striding over, he whips out his sword from its hiding place in his cane.

"Try again!" he calls to the genie as he waves his weapon threateningly in the wolf's face.

Sword Cane to Aid: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 = 25

ROUND 01->02! THE BOLD MAY ACT!

Stumpwater Jack (6/9 HP)
Angoldir
-----------------
B
R
-----------------
Ja'ali
-----------------
Y (unmoving)
-----------------
Kevin (9/13 HP, tripped, +4 attack vs blue wolf)
-----------------
Notes: Jack has torchlight; campfire light shown.

sorry I keep misunderstanding how this works, thank you for being patient with me.

Kevin stands up and runs to flank with the red wolf with Jack, careful to avoid provoking an attack from the wild animal.

No worries! Ah, I misread; Bhenqai has the Aid Another +4, yes. There's no (moving) wolf currently adjacent to you though, unfortunately. You could stand up, then move. LMK.

Jack's up

Jack takes a fivefoot step to the South West, and channels energy, aiming to harm the wolves. He, of course, selects out his allies.

Channel Negative Energy, Will DC 15 for 1/2: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Kevin stands back up and moves closer to the action. Jack steps aside and calls upon the power of his deity to harm the wolves.
red WILL DC15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 blue WILL DC15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
The wolves let out a yowl as they’re struck with negative energy. The wolf near Angoldir and Bhenqai deftly disengages and moves to attack Jack, flanking again with its partner.
acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
AOO against blue wolf from Bhenqai and Angoldir

red vs Jack AC16: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 2 = 24 damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
blue vs Jack AC16: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8 damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
red crit confirm?: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 2 = 21 damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Jack is knocked unconscious by a vicious bite!

ROUND 02->03! THE BOLD MAY ACT!

Stumpwater Jack (-2/9 HP, bleeding out: DC 12 CON check)
Angoldir
-----------------
B
R
-----------------
Ja'ali/Bhenqai (+4 to hit Blue)
-----------------
Y (unmoving)
-----------------
Kevin (9/13 HP)
-----------------
Notes: Jack has torchlight; campfire light shown.

"O na nad ydych yn ei wneud!" Angoldir says as the wolf tries to get away from him.

Sword Cane: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Damage: 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1

Apparently Angoldir heals the wolf by striking it. It's a miracle!

Angoldir nods to the genie, then murmers to Qadar, "कृपया उसके साथ रहो". Qadar nods and flits to Bhenqai's shoulder, where his familiar trill and flash of magic pierce the cold night air once again.

Qadar casts guidance on Bhenqai.

Angoldir smiles, then moves to stand next to the other wolf - across from Kevin - and says, "Shall we?" to his companion. He taps the wolf's leg with his weapon, trying to distract it and give Kevin an easier target.

Aid Another: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

And he do! Kevin has a +4 to hit the red wolf, plus an additional +2 from flanking!

Bhenqai punches at the distracted wolf as it tries to get away, hoping to fell the beast in one hit.

Slam w/Power Attack and Aid: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 171d8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Stumpwater Jack lies on the ground and gurgle for a bit.

Stabilization: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Angoldir whacks the fleeing wolf with his sword cane but it doesn’t appear to even notice. He then distracts the other wolf, creating an opening for Kevin to attack it more easily. The bird magically guides Bhenqai who then promptly bashes the fleeing wolf, and that wolf hits the dirt unmoving. The unconscious old man taking a dirt nap appears to stop bleeding.

ROUND 02->03! THE BOLD MAY ACT!

Stumpwater Jack (-2/9 HP)
Angoldir
-----------------
B (unmoving)
R
-----------------
Ja'ali/Bhenqai
-----------------
Y (unmoving)
-----------------
Kevin (9/13 HP)
-----------------
Notes: Jack has torchlight; campfire light shown.

I was confused on if I could go now, and then I finally understood that "the bold may act" was more than just flavor text.

In an attempt to end the fight quickly and attend to his comrade he swipes at the Red wolf.

power attack: 1d20 + 9 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 4 + 2 = 282d4 + 15 ⇒ (2, 1) + 15 = 18

Kevin jabs the point of his scythe into the last standing wolf and with that, the forest is quiet once more. The pounding of your heart in your chest is all that can be heard for the next few minutes as you catch your breath.

What would you like to do now?

Angoldir turns to the fallen priest. "By the grace of the lady of graves, let it not be your turn to face judgement this day," he softly murmers in prayer as he swiftly returns to the campfire and his belongings stored there. After fishing out a wand, he taps it as he walks back to Jack as if to verify the spell contained within. Seeming satisfied with the results, he taps the unconscious man and mutters an indecipherable word.

Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

FYI, investigators, unlike alchemists, have to use UMD with wands, they can’t do it automatically.

Kevin stops raging and starts breathing heavily leaning on the hilt of his upside down scythe for support. He pulls out a wand of cure light wounds and says

"Once your done fixin' him up...could you...perhaps..." The half-orc makes out through labored breath, gesturing towards the investigator.

Use Magic Device: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

As if realizing suddenly that he can’t actually use wands, Angoldir sighs heavily. He pulls out a flask and starts mixing various powders with water from his canteen. Qadar flies away briefly, then returns with a bit of moss held in his beak.

“धन्यवाद मित्र” Angoldir murmurs. He drops the moss the moss into the flask, stirs the mixture for a few seconds, then carefully transfers the solution to a new bottle while leaving the precipitate behind. He then takes the semiclear liquid (which almost seems to shine in the dark of the evening) to his fallen comrade and carefully pours it down his throat.

“There we go. Good thing you’re such a hearty fellow. Now, how do you feel?”

Can we use the same dice roll for this Cure Light Wounds?

Oh bother. Angoldir doesn't have Infusion yet. But I forgot you can try again on UMD checks, so there's still hope for Jack. Sigh. Sorry I'm such a mess right now.

Use Magic Device: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 + (6) = 22

Angoldir gently slaps his hand to his forehead. "Perkele!" he swears under his breath. He taps the still-unconscious man with the wand again. This time, more than just sparks appear as the spell is (actually) cast.

Yeah you can keep the same roll. I'm also OK with averages when not in combat. Go ahead and finish healing up.

After the encounter with the wolves, the rest of the night passes uneventfully. The next day, you continue their your through the Fangwood. Early in the day, their trail leads you to the shores of the Gray Lake, where you can refill your waterskins and stop for a quick rest.

The trees begin to thin, revealing a field of short, green grass that leads to the shores of a wide, calm lake reflecting the overcast sky above. A dense fog hangs over the center of the lake, obscuring the far side. Near the shore of the lake, a dark form lies next to the water.

For the purpose of healing, Jack has 5 channels left at the end of that day, and would use those in lieu of wand charges once conscious.

Still wary after the illusionary orcs yesterday, Angoldir catches Qadar's attention before pointing at the dark form at the lake's edge, then up at the sky, and finally holding his finger to his lips and making a questioning look. Qadar chirps affirmatively and takes to the skies.

Satisfied, the elf turns to his half-relative and the priest. "I know I'm probably over-reacting, but could either of you see if that is a magical effect?" he asks as he gestures towards the shape on the shore. He peers himself, trying to make out as many details as possible from this distance.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

”Aye, I can do that. Just have to get within 60 feet.”

If we’re within 60’ of the thing then I’ll just cast Detect Magic here, otherwise Bhenqai and Ja’ali will get within 60’ of it and cast the spell.

"My talents do lie in other directions, my elvish friend, but if our friend do determine that this be some poor soul, set upon by fiends, I do be able to assist, either in balm or burial."

If the summoner determines a lack of illusionary magic, and the elf's/bird's perception checks don't spy danger, Jack will cautiously approach, ready to render aid.

Angoldir gets an empathic sense of slight sorrow from his familiar. The party cautiously approaches the dark form near the shore, checking for magical auras, but none are detected. As you get closer you see (and smell) the badly-decayed corpse of some unfortunate humanoid.

Jack and Ja'ali are pretty sure it is the corpse of a human, dead a few months. Fairly large puncture bite marks cover his torso. Scavengers have avoided the corpse, which you suspect may be due to venom. A masterwork short sword lies near the body as well as a coin pouch with 87 gp inside. The coins look newly minted from the capital city of Tamran; they bear the likeness of Forest Marshal Gavirk, nominal leader of Nirmathas. You can tell this man was not from Kassen—his clothing is in poor condition from exposure, but it is obviously of a kind purchased in larger cities.

What would you like to do now?