[CORE] GM Chadius 's 7-12: Twisted Circle (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

Venture-Captain Roderus sits at his desk in the lodge beneath the popular Winding Road Inn in Katapesh. Maps cover every wall of his workspace, and precarious stacks of journals and papers nearly reach to the ceiling. The venture-captain glances up from his work. "Welcome, Pathfinders. I hope your journey here was not too arduous. I have a fascinating assignment for you."

He plucks a single sheet of paper from the middle of pile on his desk.
"This is a letter from the Osiriani investigator Amenira, who works with the Temple of the All-Seeing Eye. Mercy, the town she mentions in her reports, wasn’t even on our map until now. It’s a small settlement out in the Mana Wastes. Magic is unpredictable out in the Wastes, and it sometimes coalesces into deadly storms. People in Alkenstar reported seeing one of these magical disturbances heading in the direction of Mercy, but the town weathered the fearsome storm without so much as a scratch."

He gives you some time to read the letter. When you finish and put the note down, he venture-captain clears his throat. "One of my contacts at the temple received this missive from her four months ago, and he hasn’t heard anything from her since. I’m sending you to Mercy to figure out why. If she’s still there, ask her why she hasn’t contacted anyone in months and help her finish her investigation; if she isn’t, find out what happened to her. While you are there, see how much of the mystery of Mercy you can unravel. Several of the clergy within the temple are intensely curious about why the mana storm didn’t level the town, and so am I. I will gladly provide you with additional pay for the information that you retrieve. I’ve booked a ship to the city of Alkenstar, which is a few days’ journey from Mercy itself. The ship departs in three hours. If you have any questions, ask them now. You’ll have time to purchase supplies when you arrive."

Lannior tilts his chair back and puts his feet up on Roderus's desk as he reads the letter. Sitting back up straight, when the Venture Captain speaks, Lannior doesn't like the sound of the creepy town. He takes solace in a couple familiar faces Pau and and the lovely Prisim.

When Roderus asks if there are any questions. Lannior asks, What type of priest's is he referring to here?

"I've heard it's an extremely local religion, Roberi or something like that. Only people in Mercy town worship him." He shrugs. "Sounds like that town has its own customs you'll need to get used to."

Durin shifts his war hammer to a more comfortable position.
"I am assuming we are not openly welcome there? I've heard our missions sometimes require a bit more discretion. What's the climate like? I've not been to that part of the world before."
I hope it isn't too hot, I would hate to travel without my chainmail.

"Sorry I'm so late" says an elven woman who walks in and drops her dark blue pack flecked with white stars on the floor. "Human gear is just so cumbersome and heavy" In truth the pack looks no heavier than ten pounds but it is obvious the elven woman's thin form is not used to carrying heavy loads

She looks round at her companions and introduces her self I am Nerisial a devotee of Desna and a member of the pathfinder society. I sing encouraging songs and keep all sorts of useful lore in my head"

knowledge religion: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
knowledge geography: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

"For example the temple of the all seeing eye is the most prominent temple of Nethys in Garund if not Golarion. And master Dwarf we are travelling in Garund towards the mana wastesso it is going to be hot but that mana storms that lay waste to that region are probably a bigger concern than the heat"

The nearing middle aged Pathfinder in the corner nodded as he read the letter. He wore no armor, and didn't carry much in the line of weapons. The human did have quite a few potion bottles clinking at his belt line, however.

"Do we have any friends out there in Mercy of the Wastes in general? If trouble arises, anywhere to seek succor? Other than Amenira, of course."

"Nerisiel's right." Roderus tips his hat. "The Mana Wastes are dangerous, particularly the farther you stray from pockets of civilization. The war between Geb and Nex millennia ago devastated the land, physically and metaphysically, and the scars linger to this day. Expect areas where magic doesn’t work or becomes unpredictable. Clouds of poison and storms of terrible power erupt spontaneously. There are mutated creatures, undead horror, and monstrous scavengers, among other things. Use your best judgment, be ready for danger, and don’t go wandering off into the Wastes more than absolutely necessary. "

"As for contacts, Amenira's your best bet. The town of Mercy isn't hostile, but they don't like outsiders messing up their routine. Mercy it’s a small town roughly twenty miles south of Alkenstar. Ask around when you arrive in Alkenstar, and I’m certain you’ll find someone who knows more about it than I do."

Creat's eyes grow wide as he reads the line: 'My illness has been growing steadily worse' He drops the letter as if it were a giant centipede.

"Um, so she was sick with what exactly? Was that what the ointment was for? And why not break into the apothecary's shop for ointment instead of a weaver's?" He pauses for a moment as if remembering something. "Oh yeah, right, hello. Creatus Lorum. Friends call me Creat."

"You know Nerisial, I've got a fine ride if you find yourself in need of one." He says slyly.

And then promptly invests in hot-weather wear.

"Thank you Creatus Lorum but I prefer to travel by my own means." She reads the letter. "So Mercy has some protection against the mana storms! This is worth investigating. Not so sure about the dispute between the carpenters and blacksmiths. But we are to find Amenira and ask why she has not returned or kept in touch. I do hope she hasn't gone native. Anything else we should know about?

"That's all I can think of. Off you go now."

The ship travels down the coast of the Obari Ocean, tacks northwest up the Elemion River, then sails south down the Ustradi River, finally stopping at the city of Alkenstar. It docks slightly short of a five-hundred-foot-tall waterfall in the middle of the city, where southbound ships painstakingly ride a winding elevator to the river above. Nearby, carriages wait to lead passengers into the smog-covered city.

While in the town of Alkenstar, you may wish to find out about the small town of Mercy.

Knowledge(Local) or Diplomacy check

Diplomacy (Aid): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6
Not one for subtlety, Durin asked about their final destination upon arriving at Alkenstar
"Anybody here every hear of a place called Mercy?"

Pau tried to help as well, and his boisterous actually played well with the tough crew in that neck of the woods.

Aid another diplomacy 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19

Nerisiel will ask for information on Mercy with Pau and Durins assistance

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 = 25

And will share what she has found with the rest of the group

Vampires! she shudders "We may need some holy water and some garlic[b]

[b]"Yes definitely lots of garlic not sure about the holy water though"

On the way to Alkenstar, Lannior attempts to get better acquainted with Nerisiel; a fellow elf and follower of Desna. It isn't long before he asks her opinion of humans wondering if she shares his overall distrust and dislike of Golarion's dominate race. Although he adds Pau's okay for a human, but I'm not sure about this Creat guy.

-----
Upon hearing Nerisiel report, he wonders. Did anyone say when they last saw Amenira in Alkenstar? Has it been more than a month. Adding this town sounds bizarre, are we better off going in disguise as traders or just go as ourselves.

Nerisiel will ask for information on Mercy with Pau and Durins assistance

And will share what she has found with the rest of the group

Vampires! she shudders "We may need some holy water and some garlic."

"Yes definitely lots of garlic not sure about the holy water though"

knowledge (local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

"No worries we have Brother Durin of the Lady Mysteries here to see us past the undead." Creat says and claps the dwarf solidly on the back a bit too much familiarity. "Still...."

Creat buys a sack of garlic cloves and for the portion of the trip that takes them close to their destination eats them religiously. Along the way he shares any number of amusing anecdotes, riddles, and obviously tall tales, from beside his talkative mule, Tapper.

"So the longest night of my life--it felt like six months in fact--I and three others where nurserysitting this old kook, Kalkamedes...."

So he buys one hot-weather outfit complete with Lawrence of Arabia white keffiyeh, and two orders of all garlicky trail rations.

The dirt road toward Mercy winds through rocky, tree-lined hills. Sporadic
clearings occur where large sections of trees have been destroyed or damaged.
Some are only missing a few branches, while others have been split almost in
half vertically or chopped down to a short stump. The exposed wood is black
and perfectly smooth. One such clearing reveals the opening of a narrow cave
in the hillside. The trail splits, leading both into the cave and off to the
north.

perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 and perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

"Huh? It's like the Sisters of Sarenrae have been dusting the desert. Note the lack of debris--and cover. Uh oh, I think I see the real maid and her mop. There's a gnoll and a hyena on the cliff to the southeast."

Know Nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

A gnoll, hum, where there is one there's always more, they breed as much as humans. Probably a lookout or patrol. Well spotted Creat.

Lannior searches until he also spots the gnoll.

Turning his attention to the burnt tree, he walks over and touch the black sheen. The black sheen on the wood here is burnt sap. Whatever fried it I don't want to see in person.

A gnoll, hum, where there is one there's always more, they breed as much as humans....

"Hey! I resemble that remark."

Creat spots the Gnoll as she lies in wait outside a cave. She sneers and barks in your direction. Its right arm covered in tree branches, holds onto the
cuff of a hyena. It scowls at you and readies its bow. The hyena leaps ahead,
ready to fight.

The gnoll fires an arrow at Lannior, scoring a solid hit. She laughs before preparing another arrow.
Arrow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Round 1

Gnoll
Pau
Creat
Lannior (3 damage)
Durin
Nerisiel

Looking at Creat with a very serious look on his face, It's okay, it's not your fault that your kind are a scourge on the land.

Sorry, didn't notice we had kicked off

Prisim had been overly quiet, quite unlike her, for most of the trip. It seems that the little gnome may be highly susceptible to sea sickness and is only just now starting to get her land-legs back again.

"Oh my!"

Oh! There you are Prisim. I had thought you changed alts or something.

Round 1

Gnoll
Pau
Creat
Lannior (3 damage)
Durin
Nerisiel
Prisim

Lannior fires back at the offending gnoll, although it looks like a challenging shot up hill and into some cover.

Composite Longbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Round 1 Brace
Durn moves forward to gain partial? cover from the cliff side and braces his spear against the on coming Hyena ...

Prisim hurries up behind the sturdy Durin.

"I'll get him when he comes closer..."
ranged touch readied acid splash: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
damage: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

First hostile looking creature within range

Nerisial takes out her bow and begins to sing in elven.

You find it strangely inspiring kicking off Inspire courage

Pau tries to climb the ledge to get to the arrow shooting gnoll. "I'm coming to thrash you, gnoll. "

Climb 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Creat takes cover in some boulders and readies his bow.

Pau is unable to get his footing on the cliffside, and ponders his next action (you spent 1 move action to climb. Your standard action?)

The hyena runs full speed towards Durin, and Prisim quickly conjures a ball of acid to hurl. Prisim's aim seems slightly off, but Nerisiel's song of valor inspires her and she corrects her aim. The acid burns the hyena just as Durin skewers the creature with his spear.

After Lannior's arrow goes astray, Creat decides to not waste ammunition and draws his shortbow, seeking cover.

The Gnoll laughs and sends an arrow at Pau, who seems the most eager to reach her.
Longbow: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Luckily, Pau is close enough to the cliff that it works as cover and the arrow misses.

Round 1
Pau (standard action only)

Round 2

Gnoll
Pau
Creat
Lannior (3 damage)
Durin
Nerisiel (Inspiring Courage! +1, 1 round)
Prisim

Party is up. Pau you have an extra standard action.

Round 2 Running AC 15; Inspired
Durin runs up the path and around the corner closing fast on the Gnoll ...

Lannior moves forward, notches his bow and takes another shot at the Gnoll.

Composite Longbow+Inspire: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

But he trips on a rock just as he let's loose, stubs his toes and fires just missing Prisim. Look'out, ooh, ooh my toe.

Pau's standard action is again attempt to scale the wall.

Climb 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Ill hold off to see if that gets me up the wall or not before declaring my next round action.

Nerisial double moves to get in position to shoot at the gnoll maintaining her song

Pau climbs up the wall as Durin and Nerisiel close in. Lannior's shot goes wide. Is that human messing with his aim?

Round 2

Gnoll
Pau
Creat
Lannior (3 damage)
Durin
Nerisiel (Inspiring Courage! +1, 2 round)
Prisim

Running as fast as she can, Prisim heads up the road past the dead hyena. However by the time she can see the gnoll she is too out of breath to cast a spell at it.

Feeling inspired, Pau charges at the Gnoll.

Inspired charging attack 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 11

Damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

shortbow v gnoll (I'm assuming she's got cover, if she's also got Pau at this point I'll reconsider taking the shot): 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 3 - 4 = 18 damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Prisim notices she is lightly covered in pine needles. It must have happened when she threw acid at that hyena. Nerisiel notes Prisim smells like pine trees.

Everyone advances. Pau scrambles up the cliff and leaps at the gnoll with a flying kick, smashing the nearby rocks.

Creat considers taking a shot, but with the cave entrance and Pau blocking the way he decides it's not worth it.

The Gnoll, for her part, drops the bow. She draws her spear and tries to bash Pau with her bark-covered arm. Pau notices her green spittle.

Slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
If that hits, make a Fort Save DC 13 vs disease
Does that AC 19 include Mage Armor?

Round 2
Creat (You said you would reconsider if Pau was in the way)

Round 3
Gnoll
Pau (Did you get hit @AC 16 after charging?)
Creat
Lannior (3 damage)
Durin
Nerisiel (Inspiring Courage! +1, 3 round)
Prisim

"Damn old guy moves fast!"

Creat double moves up the road.

Piney Prisim paces the path. After twenty of them she lets fly with another glob of acid.

ranged touch through cover and into melee: 1d20 + 4 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 - 4 - 4 = 6
acid damage in unlikely event of hit: 1d3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"There is a lovely piney scent you get if you follow that path.." mentions Prisim out loud.

Round 3 Inspired
Durin moves up against the Gnoll ...
Spear: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 + 1 = 18 for Piercing: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Yeah it hits me. I don't have mage armor active now, so my AC is 15.

Fort save 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

He monks swings away at the gnoll, swinging both fists.

Inspired Attack 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8
Damage 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

Inspired Attack 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9
Damage 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5

Lannior continues to move up the path, stopping to fire another shot.

Composite Longbow w/ Precise Shoot+Inspire: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

considers a joke before realising humour doesn't travel that well and thinks about pine needles in Garund instead
know nature: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
know geography: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
"There are no pine trees- MANA WASTES" and she begins to incorparate mana wastes as part of inspiration

may well atop singing to cast hideous laughter when within 30 feet of gnoll but she wont risk a shot into melee

Creat scrambles up the hill.
Lannior's arrow fails to penetrate the Gnoll's armor.
Prisim's acid is nowhere close to the Gnoll as another shower of pine needs erupts around her.
Pau feels the arm slam against him and notices some green fluid on his wounds. He shakes it off but fails to land any blows against it.
Durin reaches the Gnoll and thrusts through with his spear. Unfortunately he sees the wound close almost immediately. This Gnoll has DR.

Round 3
Gnoll
Pau (5 damage)
Creat
Lannior (3 damage)
Durin
Nerisiel (Inspiring Courage! +1, 3 round)
Prisim

Nerisiel and Creat are up for Round 3.

oops forgot to include the double move bit as part of my post going the long way round with 20 foot move speed

I can't seem to move stuff on the map. Is it possible to run up the path toward the fight/nearby rocks?

Never mind that first bit. I needed to update Firefox.

"Oh..." says Prisim.

"Careful with magic everyone. At least here it appears the effects are not immediately lethal."

hopefully

Creat, you can get into melee with the Gnoll from here.