03-01 The Frostfur Captives OUTPOST 2018 (Inactive)

Game Master Emmjay

Go ahead and dot and delete your post for now. I am still waiting on getting the scenario added to my downloads, then we will begin!

Don't forget to click on the Maps and Handouts at the top of the page or in my GM information.

SLIDE 4 - Image of Ambrus Valsin

“Close the door,” Ambrus Valsin murmurs as the team gathers in his office. “Let me start by saying, this mission is not for dissemination among other members of the Society.” The chamberlain of the Grand Lodge gives everyone a serious look in turn before continuing. “This mission is not an investigation, just a simple, straightforward assignment, but that makes it no less important.”

“I need you to book passage to the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, and cross over into Irrisen. You’re to head north and rendezvous with another team who have captured some—” Valsin pauses for a heartbeat before continuing. “—persons of interest. We have reason to believe that these individuals have information on the Shadow Lodge cells that are refusing to reconcile with the Society under Grandmaster Torch’s leadership.” Valsin’s expression becomes particularly grim at that point. “If these rogue cells are outright refusing amnesty, then they represent a clear threat to all of us. I need you to take charge of these captives and get them out of Irrisen safely and quietly. Once you’re clear of Irrisen, a larger extraction team will take custody of them and bring them in for questioning. Of course, we will cover the expense of your travel in full, and provide maps to lead you to the meeting point in Irrisen. Because of the nature of the mission and Irrisen itself, you’ll be meeting the other team in the field, away from what passes for civilization up there. The team you’ll be getting the prisoners from will show you the best route out of Irrisen, and the castellan of Trollheim has agreed to grant you passage through his lands. You are responsible for avoiding unexpected trouble between the handoff and Trollheim.”

Valsin gestures for the team to depart, but pauses, staring at his fireplace for a moment before adding, “Wait. You need to know this. Your prisoners will be goblins. The Shadow Lodge separatists made extensive use of the sadistic creatures as soldiers and servants, and as much as you may want to throttle them, please remember that we need them alive.” Then with a final nod for luck, the venture-captain dismisses the group.

Hullric is an average height human that wears a mask that covers his face. He is wearing well made armor and carries a wooden shield. The only weapons viewable on him are a dagger and a sling. Though he looks to have a wand strapped to his belt. Hanging from his neck is a wooden amulet with a lantern carved design that is not painted or embellished in anyway.

Hullric listens to the Chamberlain and says nothing. After listening to the final words, he nods and leaves the room with the others.

He then greets everyone, "Well met everyone. I am called Hullric. It seems we have an interesting mission on hand. Protect some goblins. Hope they will be cooperative and not make it more difficult for us."

Akhila is a thinly built samsaran with a very rich blue shade to his skin. He is dressed in simple explorer's clothes, wearing only a cloak and no other noticeable equipment, other than a small pouch and two wands (secured in his belt) and a tattered leather book under one arm.

He smiles profusely at everyone as he enters and also listens patiently to the Venture Captain's briefing.

knowledge local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"We must be careful when dealing with the goblins. They can be unpredictable and cruel. Keep fire away from them, they love to play. We'll need to watch over any provisions they give us for them, too, or we will find out they glutton unerringly."

"Pardon me for not introducing myself properly. My name is Akhila, I am a student of magic. Of all kinds."

Standing in what appears to be the darkest part of the room is a man cloaked in shadows. Actually, on a second look, it looks like he's cloaked in clothes that are so singed and covered in soot that they've turned black. leaned against his shoulder is a balckened staff with singed fabric wrapped around the top. Fumbling around in his blackened clothes he pulls out a small white roll of paper that almost gleams against the background of black. Pulling the hood of his cloak back far enough to expose the lower half of his face, he brings the paper to his lips and holds his fingers in front of his face for a second before moving his head slightly to look at the venture captain and asking in a low voice, "Wait, I should ask if this is okay in here first."

Assuming he gets permission: Zailus brings his hands up to the white paper roll and snaps his fingers s couple of times, giving off a few sparks that light up his face for a brief moment. After the third or fourth snap his face is illuminated by a small flmae extending form the tip of his thumb. He brings it to his paper and lights it. The thing slowly begins to smoke.

After taking a slow puffs of his tabacco, Zailus listens to the briefing. When it finishes, he steps forward into the room, stubbing out his tabacco and pulling his hood off completely. Finally getting a good ook at his face it becomes clear the has some Keleshite blood, sporting the almond eyes, but with hair the color of burnished bronze. Adn in the better light his outer leayer of clothing reveals its self to be a very dark peices of leather stiched together. On one larger piece of leather in the center is the only piece of color in his outfit, a multi-colored songbird.

Zailu turns his head to look at everyone in the room, revealing a red flame-shaped scar on his neck. He extends a hand to everyone in turn and introduces himself. "I'm Zailus el-Isi, feel free to call me Zailus. It's a pleasure to make your acquatiance and I look forward to working with you!"

He turns to the Venture-Captain Valsin. "We are heading to Irrisen, huh? I guess I might want to trade that warm weather outfit I jsut bought for something that can keep me warm."

When Akhila mentions keeping fire away from the goblins, Zailus looks at his clothes and everything he is carrying that obviously has seen the lick of fire and looks back at the arcanist, a glint of humor in his eyes, "Well that's going to be a bit difficult..."

A Tian woman stands unnaturally still and quiet in a corner, arms resting at her sides, listening to the briefing. Her posture looks rather rigid. Her dark hair is tied back in a long ponytail. Her toned arms and legs make the fabric of her monk's robes drape in such a way that it reveals her strong build, despite it being loose enough to allow for plenty of freedom of movement.

As she listens, she nods slightly at every new piece of information Valsin gives them. She never takes her eyes off him, intent on not missing any piece of information. When he is done talking, she nods briskly. "Whatever the Grand Lodge needs. I'll make sure it is done to your satisfaction."

She bows to the assembled team. "My name is Kalak." She also listens carefully as everyone introduces themselves and talks of the coming mission. When Zailus mentions cold-weather outfits, she nods. "I'll need one of those too. I'm not used to cold weather. Do we have some time to get supplies?" she asks, turning to Valsin once again.

When Zailus speaks out about fire, Kalak scowls for a second. "Just make sure not to let them get their hands on any source of fire."

[b]"Don't delay any more than necessary, but yes you have time to purchase any supplies you think you may need.

Akhila nods to Kalak. "Yes, that seems most reasonable. I hear the weather in Irrisen is quite indescribable to the average adventurer. I will also see if the lodge can provide me with a wand to handle the extreme cold, should we encounter it."

Akhila will pick up a cold weather outfit as well. Spending 2 prestige for a wand of endure elements.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

A tall fellow had arrived to the briefing a little late, but in time to catch the Venture-Captain's brief...he listened while in the back corner of the room, hood still drawn over his head, longbow slung over his shoulder...

After the brief is over, the tall one nods appreciatively, as the Venture-Captain was short and to the point, just as he prefers...he steps forward, pulling the hood of his cloak back to reveal a face with Orcish features and a thoroughly bald head...

"I am Grynt."

After eying his fellow Pathfinders, and listening to Akhila give her background on Goblins, Grynt smiles thinking, Speaking Goblinoid might come in handy for this mission...

He steps forward and adds, "I know a little of this place our mission will take us...

"We will be crossing a disputed border between the warring factions of Irrisen and the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. We won't to avoid the border as much as possible before crossing. The Iceflow River will give us a bit of trouble in crossing, as we want to avoid attracting attention from the Ulfen they will not be happy with Goblins in their lands..."

Hullric chuckles and makes a joke, "So our mission is to go retrieve the goblin princesses and protect them from the roaming barbarians that might deflower them."

"If barbarians are desperate enough to deflower the goblins, best let them. Nothing is worse than a raging barbarian."

Zailus gives a chuckle. "Except maybe a unsatisfied raging barbarian. And I am not going to try protecting the honor of a goblin, even if they are a princess. But hopefully the barbarians won't be finding them anyways!"

Grynt hides a frown at such talk...if anyone, goblins included, are put in his charge, he'll not stand by and let them be hurt, deflowering or otherwise...he can think of a couple of goblins he likes moreso than most humans...

This is the first official day for OUTPOST. Which means its time to start posting in earnest. But, since its the first official day I won't have the first major update until tonight. Especially since there are a lot of spoilers that still haven't been unlocked.

Zailus takes a look at Grynt's frown, and gives a laugh, "Not that I'm not going to protect them, either, Mr. Dark-and-Dour over there! But I'm not going to particularly care for the honor, or perceived honor of some goblins. If they want to go lie with a barbarian, I'm not going to stop them!"

The brown-haired man gives the half-orc a broad smile as if to say no harm intended, and stands up. He looks back to the venture-captain. "Well, if we're done here, there's a purchase I need to exchange post-haste! Just one last question, how much of a stiu[end are we getting for the boat?" Zailus gives a slight cough, and looks away before continuing in a smaller voice, "'Casue I've only got a few gold right now..."

picking up what money is offered, the Keleshite-looking man perks back up, "Thanks! Once I get something warmer to wear, I'll go book us a ship." He glances about at the group, "Let's say meet up in an hour and a half or so? That should be enough to get a few last minute things and pack whatever you need for the trip. Sound good? Okay, Caio!"

He grabs his pack and then nearly skips out the door, a list of thinbgs to do already forming in his head.

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Trading in the hot weather outfit for a cold weather one... and otherwise I should be ready to go!
Dang, I missed the timing on that!

Kalak winces as she listens to the others joking about the goblins' honor, but tries to hold her tongue, having no love for the creatures either. However, when Zailus adopts a more serious tone and insists on making what he just said seem fine, she can't help but to mumble, "At least care about the honor of the Society. They're our charges." As she says this, she directs her eyes anywhere but towards those who made the jokes, unable to look them in the eye. Her face shows an odd mix of indignation and timidity.

Grynt replies flatly to the Ifrit. "We're escorting prisoners, not running an escort service...they shan't lie with a barbarian while I'm on watch, willing or no..."

Turning to the Venture-Captain, he says, "By your leave, sir, I'll go check on booking passage..."

"Yes, by my hand, no harm shall come to our charges." Akhila says plainly.

Hullric chuckles at the little bit chaos he caused. Some getting the joke, some offended by it, and some unsure about it. He keeps his mouth shut while he watches from behind his mask and waits for the group to be ready to go.

The party’s journey from Absalom to northwest Irrisen is long but mostly uneventful. You arrive at the rendezvous location with the team sent to capture the goblins, led by Sverrir Lightfoot.

Lightfoot’s camp stands approximately 53 miles north of the Rimeflow River and 6 miles east of the Iceflow River. Her team consists of six Ulfen rangers and druids, including Ragna Lightfoot herself. When you arrive, Ragna’s team are already in the process of breaking down their shelters in preparation to move.

Lightfoot greets each of you with a hearty handshake and "Hello", briefly introduces you to the goblins "Here are our prisoners, don't let them out of your sight. They do at least march where you tell them to go.", and provides a map for getting to the hamlet of Harvest’s End, where she believes you’ll have the easiest time crossing the Rimeflow River. She also provides 4 days’ worth of rations for each member of the party as well as for each goblin prisoner. The goblins are essentially defenseless, and have no weapons or armor.

Any questions for Lightfoot?

Grynt nods and gives a curt bow to Lightfoot. "Thank you. Is there anything particular we should know about the prisoners? Any that might prove to be more troublesome than others?"

Hullric looks to see if the goblins are chained or tied together with a rope to keep them together.

After listening to Lightfoot's answer to Grynt, Kalak will ask in a low voice, "Are there some places we should avoid along the way to avoid unnecessary trouble?"

Zailus shivers slightly even in his warm jacket, pants and boots. Why did the shadow lodge have to set up in such a damnably cold place? Brrrrrrr.

Zailus gives the goblins a good looking over, before turning to Lightfoot, in a low whisper he asks her, "How guilible are they? Cause I might be able to get them to behave better if they are willing to believe me."

Zailus then stalks over to the goblins and stops in front of them. He pulls out a rolled paper with some tobacco loaded in it and lights it with his fingers. Silently glowering at the smaller creatures he smokes his cigarette in silence. Then he patiently smoothers the thing out and draws his longsword. In a deep growl he starts to talk at the goblins as his sword bursts into flames. "Alright, I want to get this straight. I'm a small demigod of fire and I will not tolerate any misbehavior! Me and our group will make sure that you are kept safe, protected, and well-fed, but only if you behave! So no rough housing, running off or snaking into the food supplies, or you will burn! DO I MAKE MY SELF CLEAR?"

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I hope this isn't something too stupid to be doing, but Zailus will take 10 on the bluff check for this for an 18

Grynt nods and gives a curt bow to Lightfoot. "Thank you. Is there anything particular we should know about the prisoners? Any that might prove to be more troublesome than others?"

"I wouldn't give them any weapons, small and dumb as they are they might get delusions of grandeur and try to escape."

After listening to Lightfoot's answer to Grynt, Kalak will ask in a low voice, "Are there some places we should avoid along the way to avoid unnecessary trouble?"

"The map I gave you will have the best route I can think of to avoid as much trouble as necessary."

Zailus shivers slightly even in his warm jacket, pants and boots. Why did the shadow lodge have to set up in such a damnably cold place? Brrrrrrr.

Zailus gives the goblins a good looking over, before turning to Lightfoot, in a low whisper he asks her, "How guilible are they? Cause I might be able to get them to behave better if they are willing to believe me."

Zailus then stalks over to the goblins and stops in front of them. He pulls out a rolled paper with some tobacco loaded in it and lights it with his fingers. Silently glowering at the smaller creatures he smokes his cigarette in silence. Then he patiently smoothers the thing out and draws his longsword. In a deep growl he starts to talk at the goblins as his sword bursts into flames. "Alright, I want to get this straight. I'm a small demigod of fire and I will not tolerate any misbehavior! Me and our group will make sure that you are kept safe, protected, and well-fed, but only if you behave! So no rough housing, running off or snaking into the food supplies, or you will burn! DO I MAKE MY SELF CLEAR?"

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I hope this isn't something too stupid to be doing, but Zailus will take 10 on the bluff check for this for an 18

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

"They believe you..."

Lightfoot looks at you all "Hurry up and head out, good luck."

The map that Ragna Lightfoot provided you takes you past two ancient stone watchtowers set in a low mountain pass.

A narrow southern pass winds its way through steep, icy hills, the frigid wind periodically dusting all in its path with a layer of snow. Two ancient stone watchtowers stand on either side of the path between two nearly vertical bluffs rising thirty feet to either side, just as Lightfoot’s map indicated they would. The eighty-foot-wide path narrows to a mere twenty-five feet in width between the two fifty-foot towers.

Looking around, everyone but Hullric notices that snow has been knocked off the battlements, specifically on the sections facing the path.

Put your icons on the map SLIDE 5 in the red box. Once everyone has done so we will continue on. The GREY goblins are your prisoneers, feel free to move them where you want in the chain/location.

Zailus gives a smile as the goblins start to cower at his mighty demigodhood. He stops talking in the Voice and sheathes his flaming sword.

Deciding not to stay too imposing, he squats down, looking each in the eye. "Alright now that that is settled, it's time for introductions! I'm Zailus, and you are?" He spends the next minute or so getting to know the group better, trying to get names and a few defining features from the small creatures.

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Diplomacy, take 10: 10 + 8 = 18
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AS the group approaches the towers, Zailus calls for the goblins to stop, by name. He looks at the rest of the party. "I don't like the looks of those towers, can we skirt around them? Or could we try getting our charges to stay quite and sneak around instead?"

The four prisoners are so scared of you that they are unable to answer.

No red box on the map.

Hullric stops and wonders why, but seeing as the others have noticed something, he goes with it. "This is a defensive pass. If it was easy to get around, I don't think they would've built a tower here. As for sneaking past, I wouldn't bet on it."

Scroll up, LARGE map

Grynt walks up to the goblins and speaks in their tongue...

"Gyr nuc tabanik...basink gyr patunus fyn..."

Akhila turns to the goblin charges. "Do not fear, I will protect you. Stay close to me if something happens. The rest of these fine people will keep us all safe. I have a spell in this wand that will give you invisible armor. If you are good and listen to us, maybe I will cast it on you later.."

Akhila uses his wand to cast mage armor on himself.

Grynt draws his bow and moves slowly towards the towers, approaching off trail from the southwest, eyes peeled for traps and/or foes, using cover as he finds it...

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

We should probably have the goblins somewhere among us, don't you think? I probably wouldn't have them simply walking on one side of the path. I didn't move them, though, but if everyone agrees, there's a nice clear area right in the middle of the group.

Kalak stares at the towers for a moment. She puts her finger to her lips in a gesture that clearly signifies they should all keep quiet as she listens and watches carefully, attempting to find out if there is anyone guarding this pass.

Making a few rolls in case you need them.
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

The towers are 50 feet tall, with doors on the south side.

Start moving yourselves up to the towers, using Stealth and Perception as you see fit.

"Among us but still behind us. If they get caught in the front lines, they will be mowed down. Perhaps have them between the front liners and the backups."

That said, Hullric moves forward. Not confident on remaining stealthy though.

Stealth: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (10) - 3 = 7
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Zailus gives the goblins a sharp look, a fiery glint in his eyes. "Stay, and don't make a sound!"

He then draws his crossbow and slowly moves closer to the towers, his eyes constantly skimming the balustrades. He luckily lands his feet in the right spots in the snow drifts but the bright light reflecting off the snow nearly blinds the ifrit.

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Please be nice dice, I don't have great modifiers for this.
Stealth, w/ ACP: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
hmm not bad

I'll just use the rolls from yesterday night for this, if you don't mind.

Kalak decides to follow Grynt towards the south tower, worried about who might be hiding in there.

Sneaking forward, the group attempts to hide and not alert anyone who may be in/on the towers. Hullric, not being very stealthy, was easily spotted by several goblins in the towers. Alarms raised, a fight ensues...

SURPRISE ROUND
Zailus
Kalak
Grynt

ROUND 1========================================
Kalek Chei
BLUE
GREEN
GREY
BLACK
RED
Grynt
Akhila (Mage Armor)
Zailus
Hullric

It looks like one of you (if not more) have changed their icon from here and then on the google doc. If you have done that, let me know so I know who is what...

Do the goblins in the tower have either soft cover or partial concealment?

I don't, and won't, answer questions like that so you can metagame.

Sorry GM, wasn't trying to metagame, just couldn't tell how much of the goblins were visible...since I primarily fight with my bow I was trying to see if they were viable targets from here or if I should move up...no worries, I won't ask any questions like that from here on out...

Grynt moves 5' SE and fires at the southernmost goblin...

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

If I put them on the map you can see them and shoot/stab/slash at them. You will note that there are a total of 5 goblins in INIT order, but only 3 showing on the map. Which means that there are 2 you can't see.

So, if I understand well, those goblins are on the ground floor and fairly easy to reach?

Kalak grits her teeth and holds back a curse as she rushes forward to meet the enemy head on, drawing her two kamas. When she's almost at the towers, she thinks better of it and decides not to go into a closed space with the goblins and adopts a defensive posture.

Move during the surprise round, then move and total defense, bringing my AC up to 19 for this turn.

The goblins that are visible are on the top of the towers, where you would need to go INSIDE the towers to climb and get.

Zailus looks over at the rest of the group and qickly decides they are too far away for his fiery speeches to reach. He decides to take a shot with the crossbow in his hands at the goblin in blue.
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Ahh, sorry for not posting! I forgot Zailus had an action!
Crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

SURPRISE ROUND
Zailus
Kalak
Grynt

Zailus, with steady (and some lucky) aim from his crossbow manages to drop the BLUE goblin.

Kalak runs forward with no regard to her her own safety and almost reaches the towers.

Grynt attacks the RED goblin, dealing significant damage to it, and you see it drop.

ROUND 1========================================
Kalek Chei
GREEN
GREY
BLACK
Grynt
Akhila (Mage Armor)
Zailus
Hullric

ROUND 1, Kalek, go for it!