GM Jhaeman's "To Scale the Dragon" (Inactive)

Game Master Jhaeman

PFS1 # 0-16, Subtier 5-6

Maps & Handouts


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Pathfinder! Two weeks ago, you received a message from Osprey, a mysterious and reclusive member of the Pathfinder Society.

The message said: “A grim shadow creeps over Absalom, one that threatens all of us. We know not its source or even its purpose, and need answers to secrets only known to the dead. Your task is one of great importance and urgency. You must retrieve the bones of the ancient mystic Amao from his cairn and bring them to me in the Grand Lodge so our seers can contact his spirit. We need to contact him before these dark forces track his spirit down in the worlds beyond and devour him. Take extra care on this mission, for the Aspis Consortium also dearly desires these bones and their secrets. Amao’s bones rest in a cairn atop a mountain. Go to Cania’s Drop, a small waystation high in the Fog Peaks along the border of Southern Galt. There, you will meet with an ex-Pathfinder named Rysam Aklon who will provide you with equipment and directions to Amao’s cairn. Other members of your team will be waiting or will arrive soon after you do. You shall hear from me again once you complete your mission, but for now may the gods speed you on your way.”

After purchasing the necessary supplies and receiving letters from contacts with the society you made the arduous journey that Osprey asked of you, braving the blistering cold winds of the Fog Peaks highlands, a wild expanse of rock and glaciers that creates a craggy border between southern Galt and northern Taldor.

Before you lies your destination, Cania’s Drop, a mountain waystation run by exiles and recluses. A wisp of chimney smoke comes from the small cabin, while outside are rows of sleeping sled dogs curled up together in the deep snow

It’s now sunset, but as you approach it looks like your fellow Pathfinders have arrived at about the same time

Scarab Sages

Male CG Kitsune (in vulpine form) from the Forest of Spirits in Tian Xia | Swashbuckler 1 / Investigator 9 | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 2 | Init +8 | HP 94/94 | ‘Serang' Familiar HP 47/47 | Normal: Panache 7/7 | Inspiration 10/10 | Extend Potion 6/6 | AC 28 (30 vs. Traps), T 18 FF 21| CMB +16 (with Rapier), CMD 22 (24 Disarm) | F: +10, R: +18 (+20 vs. traps), W: +12 (+14 vs. illusions) | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Perc +24 (+28 vs. traps), Dipl +19 | Low-light vision | Speed 30 | Active cond.: none

Andor stands in the room and looks around.

He looks like a human in his twenties with auburn hear and green eyes. His features seem Chelaxian but also have something else mixed in.

He is very thin and looks quite weak but agile.

He wears light mithral armor, has a rapier at his hip that is attached to his wrist with a very fine chain and wears loose clothing under the cold weather gear.

Under his clothing sometimes the holy symbol of Chaldira Zuzaristan is visible.

"Hello everybody, I am Andor." he says with a stern look on his face.

”Well, it seems as if this is one of these urgent missions! I think that it is always reasonable to inform the party of the respective skills. I think that I know quite a lot about alchemy, knowledge of this world and the world beyond it and that I can fight well with my Rapier. That’s it actually!“

He looks at the cabin.

”Let us see what our contact Rysam Aklon has prepared for us so that we get to the remains of this mysterious ancient mystic Amao from his cairn that is obviously also very important to the Aspis snakes!“

Grand Lodge

Male Nagaji Nagaji Bloodrager 6 | HP: 26/52+12 tmp | AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMD: 21 | F: +9, R: +5, W: +4/+9* | Init: +3 | Perc: +8, SM: +0 | Active conditions: Bloodrage, enlarged

"Top of a mountain? Better prepare for cold..."

Kaa will use 8 gp for cold weather gear and 2 Prestige for wand of endure elements before making the journey.

Finally arriving at his destination, the nagaji breathes a sigh of relief. "Hello. I have arrived to assist with the expedition. I expected it to be cold, but wow! It is really cold! Anyway, my name is Kaa, and I am ready to go when you are."

Liberty's Edge

Male CG Half-Orc Unchained Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6.1 | AC 21 (T 13/FF 19) | CMB +11 CMD 24 (FF 22)+2 CMB/CMD Sunder | HP 65/65 | Init +3 | Fort +7 Ref +4 Will +2 | Perception +5 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30' | Orc Ferocity 1/1 | Rage 12/16 | Draw Weapon as Free Action during Surprise | +2 STR & Ignore 2 Hardness to break object+Smasher: Ignore 6 Hardness | Damage Reduction (3/-), (6/lethal) | Extreme Cold Endurance(Cold Resistance: 1)| Active Conditions:

Yaiho is a tall and very muscular half-orc that has two extra long tusk protruding from his lower jaw. He is wearing a fancy looking agile breastplate and carries a large maul with him.

He nods at those that will be joining him and smiles at them when he introduces himself. "Yaiho is Yaiho. Yaiho break things. Monsters, weapons, armors, doors. If need broken, Yaiho breaks."

With mention of the cold climate, "Yaiho raise in cold mountain. Go run in snow naked for fun. Cold don't bother Yaiho."

Grand Lodge

Male Nagaji Nagaji Bloodrager 6 | HP: 26/52+12 tmp | AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMD: 21 | F: +9, R: +5, W: +4/+9* | Init: +3 | Perc: +8, SM: +0 | Active conditions: Bloodrage, enlarged

Kaa gives Yaiho a sideways glance. "For fun?" The thought of running naked in cold weather holds no interest for the reptilian humanoid. "And let's be careful who we call snakes, shall we?"

Unconsciously, the nagiji seems to flex his muscles and puff out his chest a bit whenever Yaiho comes near.

Grand Lodge

Male Human (Azlanti) Bard (Duettist) 7 | HP 52/52 | AC 18, T 11, FF 17 CMD 14 | Fort +6, Ref +8, Will +7 | Init +4(5)* | Perc +10 | SM +18* | Spells Remaining: level 1 4/5 level 2 4/4 level 3 2/2 | Bardic Performance Rounds 22/23

Constantin strides into the cabin, bearing a neatly furled flag in one hand. He's a young man, standing a few inches too tall to look healthy with his slight frame. His strong widow's peak, prominent eyebrows, and intensely violet gaze make his heritage plain to all who would see it, and the soft robes he wears beneath his heavy winter furs do nothing to spoil the look.

He greets his new allies with a grave nod, and an encouraging pronouncement,
"I'm sure the work we do this day will earn
a place of honor in the Chronicles.
The bones of lost Amao shall be made safe.
Oh -
Constantin the Azlant is my name."

Any knowledge skills we should attempt?

Liberty's Edge

Female Aasimar Cleric (Evangelist) 6 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 21 | Res: Acid, Cold, Elec 5 | T: 15 | FF: 17 | CMD: 21| Fort: +6 | Ref: +7| Will: +8 | Init: +5 | Perc: +5 | Sense Motive: +6 | Perf: 15/17 | Reroll Used: Y

A young blonde-haired woman, her hair flowing over her shoulders and light blue cloak, joins the group. Around her neck she wears a simple but elegantly gold-trimmed wooden symbol of a screeching hawk and on her back is strapped a bow and a quiver of arrows. Her eyes twinkle like diamonds in the sunlight and the shadow that the setting sun casts behind her bears wide angelic wings that don't physically exist on her body.

As if her appearance wasn't breathtaking enough, when she opens her mouth to speak it sounds is as if a finely tuned harp was being strung with every word. "Greetings all, the name's Pethwen. It is a true pleasure to meet you. This does indeed sound like a worthy hunt!"

Pethwen will also pick up a Wand of Endure Elements for 2PP before heading out.

Scarab Sages

Male CG Kitsune (in vulpine form) from the Forest of Spirits in Tian Xia | Swashbuckler 1 / Investigator 9 | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 2 | Init +8 | HP 94/94 | ‘Serang' Familiar HP 47/47 | Normal: Panache 7/7 | Inspiration 10/10 | Extend Potion 6/6 | AC 28 (30 vs. Traps), T 18 FF 21| CMB +16 (with Rapier), CMD 22 (24 Disarm) | F: +10, R: +18 (+20 vs. traps), W: +12 (+14 vs. illusions) | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Perc +24 (+28 vs. traps), Dipl +19 | Low-light vision | Speed 30 | Active cond.: none

Andor looks at Yaiho, Constantin and Pethwen and nods.

"I'm Andor." are his only words.

His eyes linger a little longer than expected on Pethwen.

"I think I have heard about you. Didn't you win this brutal hunt in the wilderness in Sargava? Some kind of Chalice?" he asks in a nonchalant manner.

Liberty's Edge

Female Aasimar Cleric (Evangelist) 6 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 21 | Res: Acid, Cold, Elec 5 | T: 15 | FF: 17 | CMD: 21| Fort: +6 | Ref: +7| Will: +8 | Init: +5 | Perc: +5 | Sense Motive: +6 | Perf: 15/17 | Reroll Used: Y

Pethwen laughs warmly at Andor's mention of the Chalice, a sound like the tinkling notes of a flute. "Why yes, what an exhilirating race that was. Brutal and fatal for some, but victorious for the Bold Lunar Striders as me and my fellow racers were called. A fine hunt indeed!"

Grand Lodge

Male Nagaji Nagaji Bloodrager 6 | HP: 26/52+12 tmp | AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMD: 21 | F: +9, R: +5, W: +4/+9* | Init: +3 | Perc: +8, SM: +0 | Active conditions: Bloodrage, enlarged

"Did you say Azlant?" I thought they were all long dead?


Before making the journey to this remote outpost, you remember one of your allies in the Society discreetly slipping you a letter.

These are Faction missions. They are purely optional and completing them doesn’t carry any rewards—but they can add a little something extra to the session.

Andor, Kaa, and Constantin:
The letter reads: “Oh Excellent Friend to the Ruby Prince, Our seers have uncovered an ancient rite that requires a rare unguent brewed from reagents and tinctures extracted from a legendary worm-like beast. This creature has a spine that glows like molten gold, and is known to dwell high atop the grim spires of the Fog Peaks. We desperately need more information on these legendary beasts, and in particular strongly desire biological samples of this creature’s gullet. Bring us a workable sample and our gratitude will know no bounds.
In Unfathomable Gratitude,
Amenopheus, The Sapphire Sage”

Yaiho, Pethwen, and Pai:
The letter reads: “Redeemer of Sovereignty,
I pray you respond to this message with utmost urgency. We’ve received information concerning a bounty placed on the head of Rysam Aklon, an old friend of mine currently living in self-exile at the Cania’s Drop waystation in southern Galt. We are not sure who placed the bounty, and desperately seek solid evidence before we can proceed. We are certain that Cania’s Drop has one among them who spies for whoever holds the bounty on Rysam. Find him before it’s too late.
Yours in Earnest,
Captain Colson Maldris”


As you’re introducing yourselves to each other, a burly man with a shock of wild curly black hair and strong features that jut through his scraggly beard emerges from the cabin and shouts: “You must be the Pathfinders! It’s about time! I’m Rysam Aklon.” The wind starts to pick up, but his voice manages to cut through it. "I understand you want to get the cairn? Won't be easy. You'll have to follow a snaking trail up a mountain pass--the locals call the trail 'The Dragon' on account of how dangerous it is! Not to mention, the pass goes through lands overrun with primitive beastmen who don't take kindly to intruders. Rysam looks you over sceptically. "Well, I'll help you as much as I can. I've got some supplies for you: dogsleds, a couple of days' rations each, some furs to help you keep warm, and some heavy picks. I can also give you a map of the trail. Better stay the night in the cabin and leave at first light." He motions to the outpost behind him.

Liberty's Edge

Female CG Gnome Kineticist 9 | HP 13/129 | NL dmg: 27 | AC 23*+2, T 17*, FF 17+2 | CMB +6, CMD 20 | Fort +16, Ref +14, Will +6* | Init +7 | Perception +15, Sense Motive +2 | Speed 20ft | Burn: 3/9 | | IB: 0/1 | Active conditions: T-shirt re-roll used, Env. Winds (25% miss chance), Water Shroud

Earlier, during introductions:

An antsy gnome constantly shifts her weight from one foot to the other. "Okay, my turn! I'm Pai! I blast things with electricity. ... That's pretty much it. But I can be really intimidating! And sneaky! And stuff. Brrrrr! Man, it's brisk out here! --Oh! And by the way, you should all know that on my last mission I had a very important task. I had to decide who had the best butt. Turns out, it was Yaiho! 'Cause he totally kicked butt on some nasty demons! See, I was the only short one, and all the tall folks kept getting in front of me, so all I could see were butts. So, yeah. Fun stuff. ... Hi, Yaiho!" Pai's chattering trails off, as she suddenly becomes self-conscious of the fact that she is sharing way too much useless information. Maybe I should mention that I tend to babble when I'm nervous...

And now back to the present:

As soon as Rysam finishes speaking, Pai pipes up: "Great! Thanks a ton! So tell me, are they called beastmen because they are men who act like beasts, or are they something else entirely?" Her eyes sparkle with curiosity.

Scarab Sages

Male CG Kitsune (in vulpine form) from the Forest of Spirits in Tian Xia | Swashbuckler 1 / Investigator 9 | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 2 | Init +8 | HP 94/94 | ‘Serang' Familiar HP 47/47 | Normal: Panache 7/7 | Inspiration 10/10 | Extend Potion 6/6 | AC 28 (30 vs. Traps), T 18 FF 21| CMB +16 (with Rapier), CMD 22 (24 Disarm) | F: +10, R: +18 (+20 vs. traps), W: +12 (+14 vs. illusions) | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Perc +24 (+28 vs. traps), Dipl +19 | Low-light vision | Speed 30 | Active cond.: none

Andor looks at Pai with a sly smile!

He listens to Rysam and claps him on the shoulder.

"Rysam, good that you are here to support us! Is there anything else you know about our target or the dangers that await us?"

He then turns to Pai with a curious look on his face.

"Pai.. Pai ... wait a minute! I have heard about you! You had your first mission with my sister Setare a couple of years ago in Taldor, right?"


Rysam can't help but smile at Pai. "Well, I don't think they're men, exactly. They're covered in fur, for one thing. Maybe more like apes? It's hard to say. Just keep your distance if at all possible. There's entire tribes of them up there, and they're brutal foes."

In response to Andor's question, Rysam shrugs. "I'm not sure what to tell you. Ascending the Dragon isn't easy--it's cold, the air's thin, and the pass is dangerous whether you're going up or down. Hopefully a couple of you are good with animals--the dogsleds will speed your journey, if you know how to mush." He rubs his chin. "In fact, I happen to have some scrolls to calm or charm animals. I could let you have them for a discount."

Rysam has 2 scrolls of calm animals and 4 scrolls of charm animals that he will sell for 20 gp each.

Scarab Sages

Male CG Kitsune (in vulpine form) from the Forest of Spirits in Tian Xia | Swashbuckler 1 / Investigator 9 | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 2 | Init +8 | HP 94/94 | ‘Serang' Familiar HP 47/47 | Normal: Panache 7/7 | Inspiration 10/10 | Extend Potion 6/6 | AC 28 (30 vs. Traps), T 18 FF 21| CMB +16 (with Rapier), CMD 22 (24 Disarm) | F: +10, R: +18 (+20 vs. traps), W: +12 (+14 vs. illusions) | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Perc +24 (+28 vs. traps), Dipl +19 | Low-light vision | Speed 30 | Active cond.: none

Andor prepares an extract of Endure Elements and drinks it.

"Okay, I should be okay in the cold now so I hope one of you can handle animals! I definitely cannot!" he says with a raised eyebrow.

Liberty's Edge

Male CG Half-Orc Unchained Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6.1 | AC 21 (T 13/FF 19) | CMB +11 CMD 24 (FF 22)+2 CMB/CMD Sunder | HP 65/65 | Init +3 | Fort +7 Ref +4 Will +2 | Perception +5 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30' | Orc Ferocity 1/1 | Rage 12/16 | Draw Weapon as Free Action during Surprise | +2 STR & Ignore 2 Hardness to break object+Smasher: Ignore 6 Hardness | Damage Reduction (3/-), (6/lethal) | Extreme Cold Endurance(Cold Resistance: 1)| Active Conditions:

Yaiho in a deep breath of the cold mountain air, "Ah.. like Yaiho's home. Not as cold though."

Liberty's Edge

Female CG Gnome Kineticist 9 | HP 13/129 | NL dmg: 27 | AC 23*+2, T 17*, FF 17+2 | CMB +6, CMD 20 | Fort +16, Ref +14, Will +6* | Init +7 | Perception +15, Sense Motive +2 | Speed 20ft | Burn: 3/9 | | IB: 0/1 | Active conditions: T-shirt re-roll used, Env. Winds (25% miss chance), Water Shroud
Andor wrote:
"Pai.. Pai ... wait a minute! I have heard about you! You had your first mission with my sister Setare a couple of years ago in Taldor, right?"

Pai's eyes brighten immediately. "Ohmygosh! Setare! You're her brother?! Wow! How is she? Gosh, it's been so long!"

Rysam wrote:
"Hopefully a couple of you are good with animals--the dogsleds will speed your journey, if you know how to mush." He rubs his chin. "In fact, I happen to have some scrolls to calm or charm animals. I could let you have them for a discount."

"Nope. Not me. But if anyone can use those scrolls, I'd be happy to chip in to buy one or two."

Scarab Sages

Male CG Kitsune (in vulpine form) from the Forest of Spirits in Tian Xia | Swashbuckler 1 / Investigator 9 | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 2 | Init +8 | HP 94/94 | ‘Serang' Familiar HP 47/47 | Normal: Panache 7/7 | Inspiration 10/10 | Extend Potion 6/6 | AC 28 (30 vs. Traps), T 18 FF 21| CMB +16 (with Rapier), CMD 22 (24 Disarm) | F: +10, R: +18 (+20 vs. traps), W: +12 (+14 vs. illusions) | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Perc +24 (+28 vs. traps), Dipl +19 | Low-light vision | Speed 30 | Active cond.: none

Andor nods. "Yeah I take the scrolls. I assume we share the cost."

Pai Shecks wrote:
Andor wrote:
"Pai.. Pai ... wait a minute! I have heard about you! You had your first mission with my sister Setare a couple of years ago in Taldor, right?"

Pai's eyes brighten immediately. "Ohmygosh! Setare! You're her brother?! Wow! How is she? Gosh, it's been so long!"

Andor rubs his chin and he looks quite jealous.

"Well yeah. We Katsu siblings catch up once in a while. Only heard good things about you. No idea where she is at the moment to be honest. Her being a Paladin and Monk and whatever just doesn't really fit into my kind of business. So you and Yaiho had lots of butt kicking to do?" he asks.

Grand Lodge

Male Human (Azlanti) Bard (Duettist) 7 | HP 52/52 | AC 18, T 11, FF 17 CMD 14 | Fort +6, Ref +8, Will +7 | Init +4(5)* | Perc +10 | SM +18* | Spells Remaining: level 1 4/5 level 2 4/4 level 3 2/2 | Bardic Performance Rounds 22/23

"Although th' Azlanti empires are no more,
Our blood still flows across all Avistan.
Fear not, their cruelties I do not esteem."

Constantin takes the news that their transport lies in the paws of slobbering beasts with visible dismay.
"As to the hounds, I have no expertise
But if they're trained, I'll take the reins at need."

Constantin's an Azlanti throwback (from Inner Sea Races) - it gives him no extra abilities whatsoever :-)
He can Handle Animal untrained pretty well, but can't use either scroll.

Can we make any sort of early Knowledge rolls about the "legendary worm-like beast" that Amenopheus warned us about?
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 1 = 22 if so

Liberty's Edge

Male CG Half-Orc Unchained Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6.1 | AC 21 (T 13/FF 19) | CMB +11 CMD 24 (FF 22)+2 CMB/CMD Sunder | HP 65/65 | Init +3 | Fort +7 Ref +4 Will +2 | Perception +5 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30' | Orc Ferocity 1/1 | Rage 12/16 | Draw Weapon as Free Action during Surprise | +2 STR & Ignore 2 Hardness to break object+Smasher: Ignore 6 Hardness | Damage Reduction (3/-), (6/lethal) | Extreme Cold Endurance(Cold Resistance: 1)| Active Conditions:

Smiling at the mention of Pai and Yaiho's latest adventure he proudly proclaims, "Yaiho kick butt of demon woman. She try to seduce Yaiho but Yaiho to smart for demon woman. Not kill friends for demon woman."

It was a nasty succubus fight that took up all 12 rounds of Rage + a few rounds fatigued to defeat her and her summoned demon.


Rysam says ”Well, you’ve got a big day tomorrow. Might as well get out of the cold for tonight!” He leads you into the waystation. There’s about a half-dozen staff and travellers inside. It’s perhaps more people than you might expect for such a remote destination, but waystations like Cania’s Drop are dotted throughout the Fog Peaks and serve as places of self-imposed solitude for some and legally-imposed punishments for others.

Constantin:
From the description, you’d guess the letter is referring to a remorhaz. Remorhazes dwell in extensive warrens carved into the hearts of glaciers. Unlike most arctic beasts, they are particularly feared for the terrible fires that burn within their bodies. They are surprisingly intelligent. Remorhazes sometimes eat their prey whole, and treasure can get lodged within their bodies.

Excellent role-playing—keep it up! When you’re ready to turn in for the night, just let me know.

If people are interested in the scrolls, I need to know who is spending how much.

Liberty's Edge

Female Aasimar Cleric (Evangelist) 6 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 21 | Res: Acid, Cold, Elec 5 | T: 15 | FF: 17 | CMD: 21| Fort: +6 | Ref: +7| Will: +8 | Init: +5 | Perc: +5 | Sense Motive: +6 | Perf: 15/17 | Reroll Used: Y

At the mention of the cold weather and the animals, Pethwen pipes up. "No, don't worry about the calm animals scrolls, thank you. I can cast that particular spell. Could anyone use the Charm Animals, though? If you can I'm happy to chip in for the cost." She looks around to the group.

Pethwen can cast Calm Animals as a domain spell. Charm animals not on her spell list, however.

Liberty's Edge

Female CG Gnome Kineticist 9 | HP 13/129 | NL dmg: 27 | AC 23*+2, T 17*, FF 17+2 | CMB +6, CMD 20 | Fort +16, Ref +14, Will +6* | Init +7 | Perception +15, Sense Motive +2 | Speed 20ft | Burn: 3/9 | | IB: 0/1 | Active conditions: T-shirt re-roll used, Env. Winds (25% miss chance), Water Shroud

How many times can you cast it? It only lasts 1 min/level, so perhaps having some scrolls as backup wouldn't be a terrible idea. Pai will happily chip in 20 gp for whichever scroll.

Liberty's Edge

Female Aasimar Cleric (Evangelist) 6 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 21 | Res: Acid, Cold, Elec 5 | T: 15 | FF: 17 | CMD: 21| Fort: +6 | Ref: +7| Will: +8 | Init: +5 | Perc: +5 | Sense Motive: +6 | Perf: 15/17 | Reroll Used: Y

Once/day. I think the calm only needs to be made once to soothe the beasts so that they can then be charmed. But, yes may as well get all the spells. One each for 20gp sounds fair unless anyone doesn't want to get one. Who is going to cast the Charm Animals, though or will we need a Spellcraft check?

Liberty's Edge

Male CG Half-Orc Unchained Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6.1 | AC 21 (T 13/FF 19) | CMB +11 CMD 24 (FF 22)+2 CMB/CMD Sunder | HP 65/65 | Init +3 | Fort +7 Ref +4 Will +2 | Perception +5 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30' | Orc Ferocity 1/1 | Rage 12/16 | Draw Weapon as Free Action during Surprise | +2 STR & Ignore 2 Hardness to break object+Smasher: Ignore 6 Hardness | Damage Reduction (3/-), (6/lethal) | Extreme Cold Endurance(Cold Resistance: 1)| Active Conditions:

Yaiho will chip in 20gp for whatever scroll too.

Yaiho yawns, "Yaiho imagine long day tomorrow. Yaiho get to rest early."

Grand Lodge

Male Nagaji Nagaji Bloodrager 6 | HP: 26/52+12 tmp | AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMD: 21 | F: +9, R: +5, W: +4/+9* | Init: +3 | Perc: +8, SM: +0 | Active conditions: Bloodrage, enlarged

Sorry - work was rough last few days, catching up!

"I am not unfamiliar with animals, and have trained a few in my time. Really, it is all about making eye contact and seeing into their souls to understand what they feel, fear, and desire. Much like humans..."

Kaa is a bit of a charmer - don't say snake! -, and has Handle Animal +7. Can't cast the spells, though. I will gladly contribute whatever remaining coin is needed, though. But if we take all 6 scrolls, that is only 20gp. Anyone who doesn't want to chip in 20, just shout out and I will cover your share. If we don't want the 4 charm ones because we can't cast them, I am ok with that too.

Scarab Sages

Male CG Kitsune (in vulpine form) from the Forest of Spirits in Tian Xia | Swashbuckler 1 / Investigator 9 | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 2 | Init +8 | HP 94/94 | ‘Serang' Familiar HP 47/47 | Normal: Panache 7/7 | Inspiration 10/10 | Extend Potion 6/6 | AC 28 (30 vs. Traps), T 18 FF 21| CMB +16 (with Rapier), CMD 22 (24 Disarm) | F: +10, R: +18 (+20 vs. traps), W: +12 (+14 vs. illusions) | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Perc +24 (+28 vs. traps), Dipl +19 | Low-light vision | Speed 30 | Active cond.: none

Andor nods to Kaa.

“Very good! I am ready to go!“


You spend the night in the waystation. It's snug, but warm, with a roaring fire. The other people in the station keep to themselves. The wind howls outside while you sleep. Eventually the first weak rays of sunlight begin to peak through the darkness. Rysam wakes you up. "I've put some porridge on. Best eat and get going--unless you've got some experience, I wouldn't suggest staying out on that mountain when it starts to get dark any longer than you have to."

The group has some decisions to make before proceeding--please see the Discussion thread.


The life of a Pathfinder is one of ever-changing adventure. One month you might be on the heaving decks of a pirate ship in the Shackles, while another may find you exploring the deepest dungeons of ancient Thassilon. Now you find yourself whizzing along a plain of ice and snow on a sled, pulled along by a team of well-trained dogs. Wrapped in the thick furs that Rysam gave you, the crisp, cold air doesn't even bother you--if anything, it's a surprisingly peaceful experience.

After just a few hours' travel, you reach the base of the treacherous pass the locals refer to as The Dragon. Winding its way up the slopes of a mountain, the 8-mile long trail promises to be an altogether different experience than what you've encountered so far.

The journey from the waystation to the base of the trail is 12 miles, and with an average speed of 5 miles per hour, you get there in the mid-morning. The scenario doesn't ask for checks against cold weather, so assume it's a relatively sunny, warmish day even here in the mountains.

Scarab Sages

Male CG Kitsune (in vulpine form) from the Forest of Spirits in Tian Xia | Swashbuckler 1 / Investigator 9 | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 2 | Init +8 | HP 94/94 | ‘Serang' Familiar HP 47/47 | Normal: Panache 7/7 | Inspiration 10/10 | Extend Potion 6/6 | AC 28 (30 vs. Traps), T 18 FF 21| CMB +16 (with Rapier), CMD 22 (24 Disarm) | F: +10, R: +18 (+20 vs. traps), W: +12 (+14 vs. illusions) | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Perc +24 (+28 vs. traps), Dipl +19 | Low-light vision | Speed 30 | Active cond.: none

Andor is at peace.

”Wow! I wouldn’t have imagined it to be so beautiful up here!“

Liberty's Edge

Female Aasimar Cleric (Evangelist) 6 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 21 | Res: Acid, Cold, Elec 5 | T: 15 | FF: 17 | CMD: 21| Fort: +6 | Ref: +7| Will: +8 | Init: +5 | Perc: +5 | Sense Motive: +6 | Perf: 15/17 | Reroll Used: Y

Pethwen's long white hair glistens as if made of pure silver as they sled over the snow in the sun. The young cleric's smile is one of pure join as the wind rushes over her face. The shadow cast behind her, shows angelic wings and looks as if it flying behind her. "Oh Pai, isn't this something? I almost wish we could travel like this all the time."


You begin ascending the Dragon. The first part, marked on the map that Rysam gave you as "The Tail", is rocky but mostly flat. You're able to take your time and get through it without difficulty. THe next part, "The Haunches", has a steep incline--going up is slow but not dangerous. Coming back down on the other hand might be tricky indeed! The next part, "The Spine", is packed with boulders partially submerged in ice and snow--if you're not careful, it'd be easy to accidentally smash your dogsled right into one.

I need each musher to make two Handle Animal checks to Turn and avoid the boulders. You're not threatened or distracted at the moment, so you can Take 10 if you like.

Liberty's Edge

Female Aasimar Cleric (Evangelist) 6 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 21 | Res: Acid, Cold, Elec 5 | T: 15 | FF: 17 | CMD: 21| Fort: +6 | Ref: +7| Will: +8 | Init: +5 | Perc: +5 | Sense Motive: +6 | Perf: 15/17 | Reroll Used: Y

Given only one of the mushers has Handle Animal, I believe, can the rest of us make an untrained check in this instance or should we be making a STR check instead? Or something else?


You can make an untrained check (a Wisdom check).

Scarab Sages

Male CG Kitsune (in vulpine form) from the Forest of Spirits in Tian Xia | Swashbuckler 1 / Investigator 9 | Resistances: Elec. 3, Acid 3, Fire 2, Cold 2 | Init +8 | HP 94/94 | ‘Serang' Familiar HP 47/47 | Normal: Panache 7/7 | Inspiration 10/10 | Extend Potion 6/6 | AC 28 (30 vs. Traps), T 18 FF 21| CMB +16 (with Rapier), CMD 22 (24 Disarm) | F: +10, R: +18 (+20 vs. traps), W: +12 (+14 vs. illusions) | Boots of Speed 10/10 | Perc +24 (+28 vs. traps), Dipl +19 | Low-light vision | Speed 30 | Active cond.: none

handle animals is charisma based I believe.

Can those in the back aid? If yes:

handle animal aid : 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3


Yep, Charisma--sorry! Shows how often I play pet-related PCs :)
Unfortunately, no aiding with controlling the sleds.

Grand Lodge

Male Human (Azlanti) Bard (Duettist) 7 | HP 52/52 | AC 18, T 11, FF 17 CMD 14 | Fort +6, Ref +8, Will +7 | Init +4(5)* | Perc +10 | SM +18* | Spells Remaining: level 1 4/5 level 2 4/4 level 3 2/2 | Bardic Performance Rounds 22/23

Constantin holds on tight and tries not to throw the balance off of the sled while Petros makes himself more useful. Guidance for Kaa

Liberty's Edge

Male CG Half-Orc Unchained Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6.1 | AC 21 (T 13/FF 19) | CMB +11 CMD 24 (FF 22)+2 CMB/CMD Sunder | HP 65/65 | Init +3 | Fort +7 Ref +4 Will +2 | Perception +5 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30' | Orc Ferocity 1/1 | Rage 12/16 | Draw Weapon as Free Action during Surprise | +2 STR & Ignore 2 Hardness to break object+Smasher: Ignore 6 Hardness | Damage Reduction (3/-), (6/lethal) | Extreme Cold Endurance(Cold Resistance: 1)| Active Conditions:

"Nice doggos. Doggos follow Yaiho's orders."

Handle Animal: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 = 7

Liberty's Edge

Female CG Gnome Kineticist 9 | HP 13/129 | NL dmg: 27 | AC 23*+2, T 17*, FF 17+2 | CMB +6, CMD 20 | Fort +16, Ref +14, Will +6* | Init +7 | Perception +15, Sense Motive +2 | Speed 20ft | Burn: 3/9 | | IB: 0/1 | Active conditions: T-shirt re-roll used, Env. Winds (25% miss chance), Water Shroud
Pethwen wrote:
"Oh Pai, isn't this something? I almost wish we could travel like this all the time."

"Oh, isn't it though? I wish I could paint it right now! I'll just have to memorize scenes and get to it later."

As their sled approaches a tighter point in the trail, Pai stays as quiet and still as possible so Pethwen can manage the animals without distraction.

Liberty's Edge

Female Aasimar Cleric (Evangelist) 6 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 21 | Res: Acid, Cold, Elec 5 | T: 15 | FF: 17 | CMD: 21| Fort: +6 | Ref: +7| Will: +8 | Init: +5 | Perc: +5 | Sense Motive: +6 | Perf: 15/17 | Reroll Used: Y

Pethwen, clearly exhilirated by the chase across the ice, realises that the dogs need her direction. "Turn my furred friends...TURN!" Her voice rings out like the blast of a trumpet as she tries to ensure the sled doesn't connect with the boulders.

Handle Animal (untrained): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Grand Lodge

Male Nagaji Nagaji Bloodrager 6 | HP: 26/52+12 tmp | AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMD: 21 | F: +9, R: +5, W: +4/+9* | Init: +3 | Perc: +8, SM: +0 | Active conditions: Bloodrage, enlarged

Kaa shakes his head, watching the others. "Don't they train any Pathfinders to work with animals anymore?"

Mush, take 10: 10 + 7 = 17

How bad is this going to be for us?


Kaa manages to skilfully his sled around a boulder, but Yaiho and Pethwen don't react in time and crash their sleds right into one, sending themselves and their passengers flying off and tumbling through the icy field!

Yaio and Constantin take 18 points of nonlethal damage, while Pethwen and Pai take 13 points.

GM Dice:

Severity of Crash (Red Sled): 1d4 ⇒ 4
Severity of Crash (Yellow Sled: 1d4 ⇒ 3
damage (Red Sled): 4d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 5, 3) = 18
damage (Yellow Sled: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 6) = 13


Although bruised and battered, the Pathfinders continue their journey through the boulder-strewn landscape.

I need one more set of Handle Animal checks from each of the mushers.

Liberty's Edge

Female Aasimar Cleric (Evangelist) 6 | HP: 39/39 | AC: 21 | Res: Acid, Cold, Elec 5 | T: 15 | FF: 17 | CMD: 21| Fort: +6 | Ref: +7| Will: +8 | Init: +5 | Perc: +5 | Sense Motive: +6 | Perf: 15/17 | Reroll Used: Y

"Are you alright back there, Pai? Sorry about the bumpy ride but this is harder than it first looked. I would have thought the dogs might haved avoided the rocks on their own, but I guess they need to be told that boulders are bad...speaking of which...TURN DOGGIES TURN!" There is still joy in Pethwen's voice as she laughs at the crazy fun of this ride.

Handle Animal (untrained): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

OOOFFF!

Grand Lodge

Male Nagaji Nagaji Bloodrager 6 | HP: 26/52+12 tmp | AC: 18 (11 Tch, 17 Fl) | CMD: 21 | F: +9, R: +5, W: +4/+9* | Init: +3 | Perc: +8, SM: +0 | Active conditions: Bloodrage, enlarged

I'll take 10 again, unless it seems to warrant more luck needed.

Mush, mush: 10 + 7 = 17

If the other sled crashes again, Kaa will pull up and offer the use of his wand to heal some o fthe injuries.

I have CLW wand with 42 charges, so let's not let anyone get too battered here...

Liberty's Edge

Male CG Half-Orc Unchained Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager) 6.1 | AC 21 (T 13/FF 19) | CMB +11 CMD 24 (FF 22)+2 CMB/CMD Sunder | HP 65/65 | Init +3 | Fort +7 Ref +4 Will +2 | Perception +5 | Darkvision 60' | Speed 30' | Orc Ferocity 1/1 | Rage 12/16 | Draw Weapon as Free Action during Surprise | +2 STR & Ignore 2 Hardness to break object+Smasher: Ignore 6 Hardness | Damage Reduction (3/-), (6/lethal) | Extreme Cold Endurance(Cold Resistance: 1)| Active Conditions:

Yaiho seems to handle the dogs slightly better this time but unsure if it would be enough to prevent another crash.

Handle Animal: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10

I have CLW wand as well with 37 charges left.

Liberty's Edge

Female CG Gnome Kineticist 9 | HP 13/129 | NL dmg: 27 | AC 23*+2, T 17*, FF 17+2 | CMB +6, CMD 20 | Fort +16, Ref +14, Will +6* | Init +7 | Perception +15, Sense Motive +2 | Speed 20ft | Burn: 3/9 | | IB: 0/1 | Active conditions: T-shirt re-roll used, Env. Winds (25% miss chance), Water Shroud

"OOOF! Ow! Wow, that... was almost fun! Hahaha!" Pai's eyes twinkle off and on as she tries to plaster on a happy face. Man, I GOTTA learn how to deal with animals. This is the second mission--I think?... Yeah, I think it's the second--where no one knew how to handle animals. Yeah, I should totally start training that in my spare time!


Kaa seems to have a good handle on how to control his dogsled. Yaiho is just starting to get the hang of it, but doesn't see a mostly-submerged boulder--the dogs race around it at the last second, but the sled careens into the slide of the rock and throws him and Constantin out of the cart again! Pethwen and Pai are both hurled out of the sled as her dogs jump a boulder, sending the sled lurching into the sky before bouncing back hard on the ground.

Yaiho and Constantin, you each take 8 points of nonlethal damage. Pethwen and Pai, you each take 14 points of nonlethal damage.

GM Dice:

Crash Severity (Red): 1d4 ⇒ 3
Crash Severity (Yellow): 1d4 ⇒ 4
Damage (Red): 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 3) = 8
Damage Yellow): 4d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 4, 3) = 14


Having made it through the "Spine" of the Dragon, the sleds enter the area on the map that Rysam has labelled the "Heart." A dangerously narrow bridge of solid ice spans a 15’-wide-ravine that splits the pass; a weathered chain, secured to large boulders at either end of the bridge, hangs suspended about three feet above its surface. Thirty feet below, a stream of icy water trickles through the ravine.

Some of you find yourselves out of breath--it could just be the excitement of the boulder field, but you are climbing ever-higher into the mountains.

A couple of obvious options to cross the bridge are to tie off to the chain and walk the sleds across the bridge (safer), or to build up enough momentum with the sleds to skate across (faster but more dangerous). You're always welcome to come up with something else, of course.

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