[Gameday X] GM Mauve's #9-2 A Case of Missing Persons

[GM Mauve]

"Do something for me, and I'll tell you all you want and more about that wagon. I'll give you this for free: it left town two days ago.". Lofton looks around, and if you agree, he continues. "I will need to tell you a pretty far-fetched story that is all true first."

"Back in 4708, I needed to lay low for a little while after things had gone sour here in town. A buddy of mine knew of a woodcutter's shack in the Verduran Forest, so I quickly escaped. I snuck into the woods and looked for the shed, but that rat must have given me bad directions and I got lost. After about a day, I come across a beautiful clearing with flute music playing in the distance. Before I knew what's what, these horned guys with goat legs grabbed me and knocked me out! I woke up in silver chains with faeries all around me who kept me as their prisoner for months. They'd force me to play their stupid faerie games and make me tell them all about the 'mortal world,' as they called it. But I'm just one guy and eventually I ran out of stories. They would have killed me for sure, but this old guy shows up named Lofton. He talks real nice to the faeries in their language, and then he tells me that he's going to argue for my release in a faerie thing called a moot!"

The man in front of you continues, "This guy was quite the talker, and believe it or not, after hours and hours of arguing, he was able to convince them to let me go! It wasn't meant to last, though, because faeries rarely keep their promises in the way you think they will. The head faerie touches us both with a silver wand as we were leaving, knocking us both out. When we wake up, we realize that he's switched our bodies: I'm in Lofton's wrinkly skin, and he's in mine. The fey kept their promise in a way, only in a small way they didn't, and as far as I know, he's still there. So you see, I'm not really Lofton. I'm a guy named Venza; Venza the Nick, they used to call me. Geeze, I haven't said that name in a long time. I swear on Desna's light that this is all the honest truth!"

Venza the Nick waits for the Pathfinders response. "I need you to travel into the Verduran and retrieve the real Lofton, and bring him back to this office."

If you agree, he gives you a detailed directions on how to find the glade of the fey, claiming its a 5 hour walk from Woodsedge.

"If you bring back the real Lofton, I promise to reveal all I know about the kidnap victims, who is leading them, and where they are going."

[Jangafzaar Kargar]

sense motive : 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Jang gasps after hearing this tale.

“That is … that is incredible. But we cannot just allow you to roam free with the body of a venture captain! And we need to understand why you are telling all of this now?!? And we have to ensure that you keep your promise! Therefore, I have to apologize but I would like to arrest you!“ Jang says with a sad face.

Diplomacy : 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29

“I hope you understand!“

[Ashwell]

”Lets not be so hasty, Kargar. I’ve read hundreds of articles about the Fey and they strange tricks they play in their woods. I don’t see any harm that woukd come from us going to investigate his claims.”

[Dexter and Salazar]

Dexter pulls on the cleric's tunic, "Uh buddy, hate to tell you but I doubt you have the authority to make an arrest here. That said, it is quite a crazy story. What evidence can you provide to the validity of this story or perhaps are you willing to come with us to the glade?"

[Zzorn]

Zzorn observes the mannerisms of this 'Venza', especially as he goes over the directions to the location of the real Lofton. After all, the man claimed frustration at the lack of proper directions the first time he went there and got lost...

Sense Motive, Take 10: 10 + 12 = 22

[Patros Therinor]

Fey are mt to be trifled with lightly...

[Jangafzaar Kargar]

Dexter and Salazar wrote:

Dexter pulls on the cleric's tunic, "Uh buddy, hate to tell you but I doubt you have the authority to make an arrest here. That said, it is quite a crazy story. What evidence can you provide to the validity of this story or perhaps are you willing to come with us to the glade?"

Jang thinks a moment as he clearly respects Dexter.

"In the name of Erastil I have every authority to make this arrest I believe." he says and rubs his beard.

"Mr. Lofton, are you accompanying us willingly please? If your story is true and my companions are eager to investigate the fey then you will be needed anyway. Hmmm .... where would we keep you safe if we are gone and are hunting fey? Very confusing!" the not so smart dwarf says rubbing his head.

[Jacques Montheuil]

After this, i suggest that we go to the market to take horses and a hireling to takes care of them. We could also buy scroll of lesser restauration, we will not sleep tonight. says Jacques already thinking ahead.

[GM Mauve]

Petulengro did give you elixir of truth which may help here.

"You have no authority to arrest me. It's a fools game to play that game. I can simply call the Gray Gardeners over, have them arrest you, and the rest is history."

Venza grabs his belly and touches the bags under his eyes. "This body is old and flabby. I want my own body back." Jang does get a sense he wants his old body back, but there may be another reason... if pressed, he continues. "Okay, okay, okay. I got this body in trouble. The Gray Gardeners are probably after me now. I plan to leave Galt as soon as you return with the real Lofton. I was planning on packing up my things and lie low for a while."

"And no, I will not follow you or show you the way, unfortunately. The fey are cruel as they are mischievous. They told me that as long as I sought my body through the trees, mortal eyes will never find it. So if I join, you wont find the real Lofton."

[Jangafzaar Kargar]

Jang sighs with desperation.

"I personally cannot arrest you. But maybe you want to tell us where exactly you will be!" the sad dwarf says.

[Zzorn]

"There good Sir, drink this. It is an Elixir of Truth. You can repeat what you told us, and if it is true, the potion will allow you to say it. Don't try to resist the magical brew: let it wash over you. If you resist, we will know. I shall probe your thoughts as well: relax and do not resist. If you prove to be honest, we will happily go and fetch your young body for you."

Elixir of Truth is Will DC 13 *if* he chooses to resist. Zzorn's detect thoughts is Will DC 17 *if* he chooses to resist.

[Patros Therinor]

Patros watches as the supposed bound fey drinks the elixir.sorry..wasn't getting notis for this game...boards been acting weird last while...again...or is it still...lol

[Dexter and Salazar]

Dexter nods and waits to see if the elixir of truth is taken willingly.

If he drinks it:

"Ah excellent. Now where did the wagon go and who is in it? Now before you resist answering, do not fear. We just need to hedge our bets in case you are gone when we return from the fey. You understand, right? It's IDIOTIC if we don't get the information now. But that doesn't mean we won't help you anyway."

[GM Mauve]

Venza drinks the elixir and repeats what he says. He seems genuine and doesn't resist it. "Faeries are strange creatures, so be wary.
But I wont tell you what you need to know until you bring back the real Lofton.".

He escorts you out, promises to hide somewhere safe. "Don't worry about me. I promise to keep my promises. I swear on my mother's life.". He looks worried, but eager to finally get some help.

-------------

Into the Verduran Forest

The five hour journey south through the forest to the fey's domain is uneventful. As you approach, the tree cover overhead begins to thin until the party is standing on the edge of a small glade under a cloudless sky with dew-soaked grass beneath their feet. It's slowly approaching evening as they arrive. The path you have been traveling on continues ahead of them, while another, equally ancient path cross the glade almost perfectly perpendicular to it.

Perception:

Ashwell: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Dexter: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
Salazar: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Jacques: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Jang: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Patros: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Zzorn: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Ashwell and Zzorn hear the movement of small feet in the brush to the forest to the northwest. Suddenly, two winged fey creatures step out of the woods. With membranous wings, these creatures have bright red eyes and tongues that resemble proboscis. They move around the Pathfinders, baring teeth and looking threatening.

Knowledge (nature) to ID these creatures

But before anyone can act, a small half-mouse, half-lizard walks out after these fey. She chides the mischievous fey, "Please behave and greet our guests in a friendly manner.". The other fey reluctantly comply with inelegant curtsies.

Will Save:

Ashwell: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Dexter: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Salazar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Jacques: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Jang: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27
Patros: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Zzorn: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Ashwell, Dexter, Salazar, and Patros all immediately friendly towards the creature in front of them. However, Jacques, Jang, and Zzorn feel like their emotions are being played with... like she is forcing them to be nice against their will.

"My name is Fiffernetter."

She waits to see the response of the new 'guests' to see if they attack or threaten her.

[GM Mauve]

Also, map has been updated. @Jacques, can you please upload a token.

[Zzorn]

"Dear Fiffernetter - which is by the way, a magnificent name! - we are utterly pleased to meet you! such civilized and friendly manners you have, dear friend. Can we sit, relax, make some tea and have a bit of food while we discuss the reason of our visit here?"

Diplomacy, Take 10: 10 + 13 = 23

[GM Mauve]

With delight, she continues!

"Welcome to our realm, gentle mortals! We creatures of the First World are known as the Northern Verduran Collective, and like you humans of the great nation of Galtan, we have thrown off oppressive shackles of our overlords and now watch over this forest and its inhabitants. We work hard and have no need of kings or queens, for we govern ourselves through peace and harmony!"

She takes a deep curtsy and looks around, seemingly expecting an applause. "Tea would be excellent! I do enjoy how you humans brew it."

"So what brings you to our fine forest?"

Do you bring up the names Lofton or Venza?

[GM Mauve]

Also, here is Fiffernetter.

[Zzorn]

"We need the help of Lofton. The Venza you sent back with his skin cannot help us. Would you consider sending back Lofton to his real body in exchange of a service perhaps?"

Diplomacy, Take 10: 10 + 13 = 23

[Jangafzaar Kargar]

Jang listens and waits.

So much joy … better not ruin it with my sorrow.

sense motive on the fey : 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

[Patros Therinor]

Ooh...tea would be nice right about now...too bad I don't have any Mwangi coffee with me...that stuff is good...puts a pep in your step for sure...auto aid diplomacy

[Ashwell]

Aid diplomacy 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Ash joins the others, asking for the real Lofton to be returned.

[Dexter and Salazar]

Dexter smiles at the adorable creature, "Oh wonderful, a friend! We were worried we would face all sorts of dangers, but it seems totally fine here now. Yup. No dangers, just friends."

He looks around for some herbs to add to the tea.

[GM Mauve]

At the mention of Lofton and Venza, her face momentarily darkens. "I'm sorry, but that human was gifted to the Collective and he has chosen to stay. And he's not really in a state to travel regardless."

One of the other fey pipes up, remarking "We couldn't let anyone that entertaining leave our company anyway."

Listening in to the Pathfinder's arguments, she nods, "I'm delighted to hear your polite words, but I am unable to hand him over."

This fey seems to be very pleasant to be around and wants everyone to be friends.

After a moment, she does pipe up with something. "Well, there is one thing.... we are willing to trade him if you take care of a... uh... little troll problem.". She looks around and approaches, whispering, "A troll moved into the forest several months ago. Despite my best efforts, he refuses to leave. In fact, he's actively attacking nearby creatures and is beginning to do great harm to the overall feeling of love and happiness everywhere. If you convince the troll to move, we can talk about trading this 'Lofton'."

[Jangafzaar Kargar]

Jang smiles momentarily.

"This is a great offer! I really think that you have built a great community! I just hope it stays like this ... well ... with the troll gone it will surely stay like this. So I say yes! We take care of the troll!" the dwarf says slightly excited.

[Dexter and Salazar]

Dexter very quickly agrees with the friendly fey, "Oh yes, that sounds like something we can do. After all, we are problem solvers and killing things that threaten an entire ecosystem is right up my ally! Well, I don't do the killing, but I do facilitate it. Would you like to read my pamphlet about sustainability?"

[Patros Therinor]

We can do our fair share of negotiations...but in case there is a...shall we say breakdown in talks, can we use more...less diplomatic methods? Just want to know in advance...so as not to upset the balance of the area...it is a delicate act maintaining balance. Perhaps when we come back, I can tell you about my time on a mission in Heaven itself...

[Ashwell]

With the group decided, Ash starts ticking off a mental list of abilities and tricks that would be useful in a combat versus a troll.

[GM Mauve]

Oops, got the subtier wrong. Instead of two calpinas....

The two fey mysteriously turn in to three angry, fey who look like small, wrinkled old men with oversized hands and feet and huge bat-like ears and patchy beards. They wield oversized scythes and red cap. But they are relatively friendly, given their demeanor.

Dexter gives Fiffernetter a pamphlet and she eagerly reads it over. "Thank you very much! As long as the troll is gone from the forest, we will be happy!" she smiles at the Pathfinders. She tells you the directions to get to the troll and waves you off.

DC 29 Perception:

You spot another one of those angry looking fey with a red cap following you.

------

The group approaches a clearing where Fiffernetter claims the troll is. They see a cloud of smoke ahead as they get closer. It doesn't look like fire smoke, but instead it seems to be coming from a natural fissure ahead.

Updated a new map. Feel free to place yourselves in the yellow square. And please roll a Perception check as you approach. No sign of the troll...

[Zzorn]

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

[Dexter and Salazar]

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Dexter whispers to his allies, "Don't look, but there is one of those redcap dudes following us. Maybe to check out if we do the job, maybe for some other reason. We want to talk to them?"

If they don't, he continues along and looks for the troll. He pulls out a wand (magic fang).

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

[GM Mauve]

Dexter notices this redcap is a little more deranged than the ones hanging around Fiffernetter. He sees Dexter notice him before running off.

Approaching the steam vent, the troll is now in view. He's eating a deer and doesn't notice you right away. But then he looks up and spots you!

Initiative:

Ashwell: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Dexter & Sal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Jacques: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Jang: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Patros: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Zzorn: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Troll: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

-----

[u]Round 1[/u]

Patros

Troll

Jacques
Dexter
Salazar
Ashwell
Zzorn
Jang

Patros is up!

[Patros Therinor]

]i don't see a map...can Patros make it to him this round? will roll an attack if so...and a parry/riposte as well..because of course he's gonna hit back...

Patros darts to the troll and lashes out with his blade. He readies to fend off the beast's return attack.

attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 201d8 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 6 = 19
p/r: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 231d10 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 201d8 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 6 = 13

[GM Mauve]

Map is here. I usually put new slides at the end of the presentation. Should I add them to the front instead?

@Patros, you are also quite far away. You'll likely have to move twice this round.

[Patros Therinor]

ok...will double move and use trhe parry/riposte of it can make it to me...moved my tokem...sorry for the hassle...

[GM Mauve]

No worries! I'll move the current map to the front of the slides.

Patros moves closer to the troll, dashing up through the forest. The troll, instead of approaching the swashbuckler, stops eating the deer, pulls out a small vial of liquid, and downs it.

-----

[u]Round 1[/u]

Patros

Troll

Jacques
Dexter
Salazar
Ashwell
Zzorn
Jang

Everyone is up!

[GM Mauve]

Oh, any of the forested/bushy tiles are counted as difficult terrain.

[Dexter and Salazar]

Daxter activates his wand and moves forward, motioning Salazar to move up to defend Patros.

Standard to use wand of Magic Fang on Salazar, Move 20 ft, can't fail DC 10 Handle Animal.

[Salazar the Boar]

Salazar trots confidently into battle, currently watching for threats to this odd human in front of him.

Double Move

[Zzorn]

Zzorn moves down to the other side of the fire pit, hoping the troll will move to Patros and preparing for an eventual charge from a flanking position. While drawing his sword, he slams his armored chest with his left fist a few times to get his blood pumping: the time to talk was over.

Double move; drawing falchion as he goes; activating Armored Vigor as a Swift Action

[Jangafzaar Kargar]

Jang orders Magas to attack the troll and moves forward to then use his sacred summons ability to summon a hound archon.

Magas: double move.

Jang: Single move. Standard action summon. Converting Hallucinogenic Smoke.

As Jang understands the language of all the creatures that he summons, he shouts to the archon to attack the troll.

The archon then moves forward.

Double move.

[Patros Therinor]

Hello, ugly...your presence is no longer welcome in the forest....leave now..either by your own choice...or otherwise, if you catch my meaning... Patros says as he moves up and readies for combat. He waits for the troll to come into range.

readied attack: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 231d8 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 6 = 18
p/r: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 261d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 311d8 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 6 = 15

single move and readied attack

riposte crit?: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 332d8 + 12 ⇒ (1, 4) + 12 = 17

[Zzorn]

"Patros! let it come to you!!" shouts Zzorn as he sees the swashbuckler disappear into the bushes towards the troll that is towering above the shrubbery.

You do know they have reach right? your readied attack and riposte won't work... unless he's extra stupid and decides to bump bellies with Patros'.... lol

[Ashwell]

Ash moves to the immediate right of the Dwarven warrior (if someone would be kind enough to move me on the map, please) and then fires a volley of magic Missiles at the troll.

Magic missile damage 4d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2, 1, 3) + 4 = 12

[Jacques Montheuil]

That troll is weird... an alchemist? And he was eating a deer... Our fey friends doesn't tell all the truth. Oh well.

Jacques double moves while drawing what it seems to be a sledge hammer. He takes a stance after this. Complicated name style feat

[GM Mauve]

Thank you for reminding me about reach! Almost forgot about that...

Dexter touches his wand on his companion. The boar's glows with magical energy as he rushes forward.

Zzorn follows suit, following both Patros and Salazar, hoping to eventually gain a flank.

Jang calls upon Erastil to summon a hound archon. Both it and his familiar move closer to the troll.

Patros readies an attack if the troll approaches, but doesn't realize it has reach.

Ashwell moves closer in and focuses on the troll. Four arcane missiles fly towards the troll! Direct hit as the troll recoils.

Then Jacques moves forward, drawing his weapon as he goes.

The troll calls out speaking in a deep gravelly voice while rushing up towards Patros. His eyes start glowing red and foam starts forming around his mouth.

Giant:

"For the glory of Urxehl!" - Feel free to roll a Religion check on the name Urxehl.

GM Screen:

Claw: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

The troll slashes out with his claws at Patros, but is unprepared for the agile human.

-----

[u]Round 2 [/u]

Patros

Troll (-7 hp)

Jacques
Dexter
Salazar
Ashwell
Zzorn
Jang

Everyone is up!

[Patros Therinor]

My turn, ugly![ Patros says as he steps forward and lashes out with two quick strike. He then lowers his blade to fend off an attack.

attack1: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 271d8 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 6 = 17
attack2: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 281d8 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 6 = 13
p/r: 1d20 + 14 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 14 - 2 = 141d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 181d8 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 6 = 15
apparently i take a =2 penalty on the parry...dont think it applies to the riposte, but if it does, adjust for that please...

crit?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 262d8 + 12 ⇒ (4, 1) + 12 = 17

4/5 panache left

[Jacques Montheuil]

"Patros! Leave some for us! " says jacques as he moves with his heavy armor.

[Patros Therinor]

I guarantee nothing! Ha!

[Ashwell]

Ash keeps up his magic missile assault on the troll.

Damage 4d4 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2, 4, 2) + 4 = 14