[DM Elanmorin's] Vengeance at Sundered Crag (Inactive)

Game Master Rogar Valertis

The recovery of Jormurdun is at hand! All that stands between the Pathfinder's Society and the forgotten Sky Citadel is the small matter of an army of demons and their lowly mortal servants... but a third party is trying to beat the Pathfinders and stole their glory: the traitorous dwarf Thurl, once a venture-captain now turned traitor and the demon-worshiping criminal, Tancred Desimire.
While your friends and allies risk their lives on the field of battle the Master of Blades Marcus Farabellus has given you a different mission: head north into the worldwound's region known as the Wolfcrags where Jormurdun is located and where both Thurl and Desmire were last seen. Capture those criminals and bring them to justice, then secure Jormurdun so the Society’s can explore it at its leisure once it has won the battle at hand.

Those selected for the game dot here please

Rocky is a short stout Oread that is a mix of brown and greys but looks shiny. As if someone created a statue of poop and shined it. Looks aside he is unusual for his race in that he actually thinks and acts quickly.

A 7-foot tall human in a suit of Hellknight Plate armor with a diaphanous cloak covered in elven runes steps into the room. He carries a 5 foot long adamantine greatsword over his shoulder, a heavy flail on his belt, and a masterwork darkwood composite shortbow. The greatsword has a bluish-white glow and occasionally sparks with magical energy. Although young, he has the serious look of an experienced and battle-hardened warrior.

"Greetings, fellow Pathfinders. I am Grimaldus, a Knight of the Order of the Gate. Sounds like we have ourselves a little locate and secure mission. Looking forward to working with you."

A three foot tall grippli apparently made of solidified air and wearing deep blue dragonhide armour floats alongside an enormous dinosaur in full military parade armour bedecked with Taldan heraldry.

Gweetings fwiends, my name is Miguel de Saavedra, Baron of Zimar and anointed Knight of Oparra. It is a pweasure to be travelling with such august personages in this most tewwible of places. No doubt we shall prewail under my sound leadership. Now, pwease gather round while I explain to you all how not to get eaten by a stalking demon.

Miguel has the season 8 sovereign court faction boon "Spymaster". He can train up to seven other people in the use of a skill and give them a bonus equal to half the number of goals he has completed and halving the ACP. I have 8 goals so provide a +4 bonus. I tend to default to Perception unless we are being sent to a wedding or on an infiltration mission or some such. If anyone thinks we should apply it to a different skill shout out now. Also, I apologise for the atrocious accent, I assure you it is much worse in person. Also, if anyone wants me to prep any spells in particular let me know before we get properly started.

Seated in the Army of Exploration command tent, Master of Swords Marcus Farabellus looks up from a pile of reports. He squints, indicates a few chairs, and launches immediately into his brief.“We have little time. I’ll be as quick and clear as I can. Tancred Desimire and that traitorous dwarf, Thurl, are on their way to Jormurdun as we speak.”
By now, every Society member knows about Thurl’s betrayal in Nerosyan. His alliance with that disgraced Chelaxian noble isn’t surprising. But the confirmation that they are grabbing for the Society’s prize charges the air with tension. “I knew something was wrong when our spies told us the villains weren’t leading their troops, but it took time to learn the truth. Those worms are using this battle as cover.”
The Master of Blades points to one of the maps on the table. “The enemy’s forces are lined up here, blocking our advance. We’re making a direct assault to dislodge them, but we don’t have time to wait. I need you to go after them. Our forces have punched a hole in their line, giving you the opening you’ll need to slip through, track them down, and stop them.”
Farabellus fixes each agent with a hard stare. “In the case of Thurl, that means permanently. He has destroyed countless lives and has put even more at grave risk. Don’t waste any energy trying to bring him back alive—not that he’ll likely give you the chance. Desimire is more of a problem. The Society doesn’t need him back alive, either, but Paracountess Dralneen personally requested that we turn him over to Cheliax for trial. She has a personal stake in this. You may recall the mess surrounding her disappearance last year including Tancred’s involvement. Take him alive, if you can. If not, bring back his body, but make sure his head and jaw are intact.”
He steps back from the desk and takes a deep breath. “So, that’s it. Catch up to these treasonous villains and don’t let them get a foothold in Jormurdun. They’ve got a head start so they might take you right to the Sky Citadel’s entrance. That’ll at least save us the work of searching for it, but they must not be allowed to hold that site. And one more thing. If you do manage to get inside, try not to break anything. High King Borogrim is allowing the Society to explore the Citadel first, but we must turn it over in good condition.”
The Master of Blades leans on the table again. “This mission is critical. Those two must not get their hands on any of Jormurdun’s treasures. The loss of historical knowledge is nothing compared to the damage they could do if those relics fell into the hands of those controlling the Worldwound. The quartermasters can outfit you with supplies once you’ve gotten yourselves together. I’ll have escorts take you through the battle lines. If you’ve got any questions, ask now. Otherwise, get going.”

Rocky nods as his allies introduce themselves.

"I am Rocky. I fight when talking fails. I'm good with mechanical things. I am an Oread, Not an ugly dwarf."

A moderate sense motive tells you he means he isn't an ugly version of a dwarf and not an opinion on dwarven looks in general.

After Farabellus finishes speaking:

"Kill traitor dwarf Thurl. Capture traitor Desimire. What is Desimire? And will we need any gear for entering or exploring the Sky Citadel?"

"I know the Desimires," says the tall Taldan knight in blue armor. "I will see that justice is done."

In addition to being really good and protecting one squishy person (arcanists and wizards, stand next to me), I can grant teamwork feats. If we have the time, a 10-minute drill session will teach the feat for 15 minutes. If not, I can grant it for 8 rounds as a swift action. The feats I can grant are Paired Opportunist (+4 to hit with Attacks of Opportunity) and my favorite, Broken Wing Gambit (I show a weakness and when the enemy attacks, you all get attacks of opportunity against the attacker.)

In addition, if I challenge an opponent, you gain +4 to hit that opponent.

One of my best abilities is that I can grant anyone adjacent to me a +5 untyped bonus to AC by sacrificing an attack of opportunity.

"This world has endured the ugliness of Thurl's evil long enough", says a hulking half-orc in a deep timbre. "Desmire is little better but if our allies require him returned alive, I will see it done", he adds with subtle growl that exposes his thick tusks.

"Brutus Ironheart. I'm known as The Mountain in certain circles", he offers the others gathered agents.

Brutus is a tall powerfully built half-orc with olive skin and short coarse dark hair. He's dressed in a loose-fitting roughspun sleeveless tunic and leather breeches. His bare arms are massive with corded muscle and covered in elaborate runic tattoos. A wayfinder hangs midway down his bulging pectorals alongside a worn wooden holy symbol of Shelyn. He carries no weapons except a brace of short iron throwing knives.

Miguel carefully examines the map that has been laid out.

Can you tell us more about this Joooor-muun-dun he asks.

Chabon looks around at all of the impressive warriors, an appreciative look on his face. "Glad to have so much muscle along on this mission. I'll do my best to counter the arcane machinations of Desimire. I brought his brother to justice, so to speak, several years ago when he tampered with the Hao Jin Tapestry.

Master Farabellus, I take it then that it would be preferable for Lady Dralneen if Desimire were presented to her as a squirrel rather than a feebleminded fool?”

Rocky waits through the speeches.

"Yes but what is Desimires? Human? Dwarf?"

Sir Miguel de Saavedra you asked about spells. Rocky benefits from Greater Magic Fang. And if Chabon has Mage Armor as a spell it is more dependable during travels then a wand. I imagine nearly all of us will like haste and general attack bonuses.

Grim nods to the other Pathfinders, and says to Sir Miguel, "I met some of your kind only once before - the Krihirik tribe in the Kaava Lands. They were very grateful for my assistance in ridding them of some trouble!"

To Rocky, he says, "And I also earned the recognition of a large group of oread geniekin. Again - I am honored to meet you."

Grim has no questions and is ready to set off as soon as possible.

Grim is good with Perception bonus. I have a potion of Bull's Strength so don't need that. Haste is always a winner. Anything that might ward mental attacks would be good %-D

Before we start: you can buy supplies at camp, let me know if that's the case and then please note your purchases in discussion so I might have an easier time with your CS later on. You can ask questions as well

VC Marcus Farabellus considers Rocky's questions:"I was sure everyone knew about those 2 by now... anyway, yes Thurl is a dwarf while Desmire is a human, one who enjoys consorting with demons, so you'll need to be extremely careful when dealing with him. The same goes for the thrice damned traitor Thurl, obviously"

Farabellus turns towards Miguel:"I cannot tell you much, I'm afraid. Jormurdun is one of the ten ancient Sky Citadels built by the newly-emergent dwarves at the end of their Quest for Sky. It is located in the Wolfcrags, a largely uninhabited range of hills in the northwest of the Worldwound's Frostmire region. And we know that, like other Sky Citadels, Jormurdun is located almost entirely underground. Aside from that the citadel is a mystery, one you'll help to crack though"

And then the Master of Blades answers Chabon's as well:"Zarta requested you take him alive, if at all possible. The way you bring him back does not concern me in the least. I trust my agents. Otherwise I would not assign them to active duty. Turn Desmire into a squirrel, a toad or a bloody centipede... I don't care. Bring him back and I'm sure Zarta will reverse whatever spell you put on him. If he proves too difficult to be taken alive and you find yourselves forced to put him out of his misery, just avoid smashing his head or disintegrating him. We can interrogate the dead, but only if they can still speak"

Brutus wouldn't mind a mage armor. =)

"How will we be reaching the Sky Citadel?" the Mountain adds.

Miguel has made all of his purchases and is ready to roll. By default he casts extended longstrider and extended greater magic fang on Panza and ant haul on himself. He has a wand of mage armour he uses as a backup for himself and Panza which he is happy to share around if someone can activate it.

"How far are we from the Wolfcrags? Is this a day's journey or a week's?"

Chabon is ready. He will cast mage armor on Brutus, Rocky and himself once they've left the camp.

"And what is the weather like?"

Rocky has no special travel preparations beyond making sure he moves slow enough that the party can keep up.

"Well..." - as he answers Brutus' question the Master of Swords sounds rather annoyed - "“We don’t know the exact location of Jormurdun. However, information gathered by other Pathfinders points to an area in the Wolfcrags, but we’ll have to do a lot of scouting to pinpoint the spot. We’d be searching for it now if we weren’t battling a horde of demons and murderers.”

"Ah, yes, the Wolfcrags... they are the eastern foothills of the Tusk Mountains, and are largely contained within the northwestern Frostmire region of the Worldwound. Their name comes from the inordinately large numbers of dire wolves that haunted its twisting valleys before the opening of the portal to the Abyss in 4606 AR. Of course those wolves have long since perished and have risen as undead monstrosities, so be careful out there. As for the weather, I won't lie to you it will be a nightmare, and that's if you are lucky. Expect cold winds, frequents downpours and even snow. But also keep an eye out for planar disturbances... our scouts reported cases of supernatural precipitations such as frozen eyeballs falling from the sky..."

"Lovely. Eye-hail. This is what happens when chaos is allowed to run its course. Let's get this show on the road, ladies!" A life spent in the military shows through in Grim's speech and mannerisms...

Sounds like a wand of Endure Elements is called for. Anyone have one already?

"I prefer the term 'oracular precipitation' - yes, let us hasten to depart. The lead Thurl and Desimire have on us only grows wider by the moment."

sorry, no wand of endure elements

To speed things up, Rocky will buy a wand of Endure Elements fo3 2PP.

Once you complete your purchases the Master of Swords’ troops guide your party across the battlefield, staying clear of the main battle sites. You witness minor skirmishes, but apparently most of the fighting has moved on to other areas. After an hour of travel, the squad points out the direction Tancred Desimire and Thurl were last seen heading, then departs to join in the final assault on the demonic army. You are left alone, a raging battle of colossal proportions behind you and a savage and dangerous mountain range right in front of you...

As befitting a lvl 10-11 game you may possibly have several ways to deal with this chase. The simplest option is to try tracking Tancred and Thurl overland. Then there's the other, riskier options. You don’t know Jormurdun’s location well enough to teleport there, and flying has its own risks in the demon tainted Worldwound. Aside from risk, tracking from the air would be difficult at best. Whatever you choose to do, tracking Thurl and Tancred will require rolls of Survival.
Then there's scrying: those of you who have played PFS Scenario #2–08: The Sarkorian Prophecy, and/or PFS Scenario #4–09: The Blakros Matrimony let me know. Having played and completed PFS Scenarios 5–09: The Traitor’s Lodge and #5–14: Day of the Demon might also come in handy as well. Alsop note that travelling through the Wolfcrags has its own dangers besides the ones posed by Thurl and Tancred Desmire

I don't think we have the resources for an extended chase scene via air. Rocky has not played any of the listed scenarios.

"Sir Miguel de Saavedra I think we will depend heavily on your skills here. I will help scout if you tell me where to look."

Rocky will keep an eye out for signs of a trail.

aid survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Brutus grunts in agreement with the oread and does his best to help.

Aid?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"I am not built for flying...I think Rocky and I are better suited on the ground!" Grim also aids in tracking their prey and avoiding any natural obstacles...
Aid Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Just as a note for everyone, I have both played and run this before (I am burning a GM star for replay). I last ran it yesterday so it is obviously very fresh in my mind. As such I will happily make checks that are called for or engage in RP banter but I wont take part in any decision making about what we should do.

At the mention of the dangerous weather in the briefing Miguel scowls, this all sounds perrrfectly tewwible, a most uncivil place to trawwel threww but I have faith in the stoutness of my companions to endure any hardship. If we encounter tewwible weather then perhaps I can prepare some spells to deal with it but not until tomowwow.

As they set off the little grippli flies up and settles himself into the elaborate military saddle on Panza. He sweeps off a blanket and tucks it away revealing Panza's elaborate armour, decked with the symbols of Taldan nobility and military medals.

He eagerly starts pointing out the various adornments and their importance to anyone who will listen, and this of course is my House Cwest, two frogs wampant on a field of azure with crossed lances, I am very pwoud of it, the Master of Ceremonies in Oparra said he had never seen anything quite like it for a newly ennobled House.

Heading through the lines Miguel and Panza happily take a lead, keeping a close eye on the distant battles. As they reach the site the two were last seen he leans down from the saddle and starts scanning the ground.

Looking over to Rocky he smiles, of course you will depend on my skills, but not just here, I am of course a master huntsman as befits a twue Noble of Mighty Taldor.

Miguel takes 10 on survival for 33, 35 if it involves not getting lost due to his wayfinder, plus any bonuses from assists.

While not an expert, Chabon has learned enough in his career to at least attempt to assist the noble Grippli.

aid check: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Grimaldus is indeed interested in the military medals and honors. He listens attentively as Miguel explains what each one means, honestly appreciating the feats rewarded. "I have been in the military my entire life, Sir Miguel - your feats are truly noteworthy. It is good that we are working together on this quest! And it seems Sir Terramore and your mobility and speed are perfectly complemented by Brutus, Rocky, and my strength and armor. Together we are a truly intimidating martial force! And that doesn't even consider the magical skills and powers of Chabon...I'm almost looking forward to catching up with Tancred and Thurl!"

Miguel positively beams at Grimaldus as he seems to be so very interested, it is perhaps a novel experience for him.

Indeed fwiend Grimaldus, indeed, I shall spear these wuffians on the end of my lance! he says waving the thing about rather dangerously and making it very clear he hasn't the foggiest idea what to do with it.

Before you departed Marcus Farabellus outfitted each of you with food and water rations for a 6-day journey. While the army’s supplies weren’t endless, especially out here in the Worldwound, he didn’t want you foraging unless strictly necessary. Farabellus also gave Miguel a rough map of the Frostmire, which may help you if you lose your quarry’s trail.

In order to successfully track Thurl and Desmire you'd need 3 DC15 survival checks. Given Miguel's modifiers, rolling them would be a moot point and thanks to endure elements you don't suffer too much from the weather BUT, because the first part of your chase covers 3 days you spend 3x6=18 charges of your wand of EE.

Thanks to your magical defenses and the supplies you were provided with by the Master of Blades the first 3 days of your hunt prove fruitful despite the blizzards and harsh weather plaguing your advance.

A couple of hours past the fourth day's dawn the trail you are following passes through a narrow valley.

The cold ground crunches beneath your feet and silent bursts of lightning—exploding in anything but natural colors—illuminate the gray clouds. Occasionally, sunlight shines through an opening above, providing light, but little warmth. A chill wind blows from the north, carrying tiny, white snowflakes that irritate the eyes. Sometimes, small red specks cover you and your gear, suggesting that the flakes are not always made of water. A ragged howl echoes in the distance, evidence of where the Wolfcrags get their name.

All of you but Sir Terramore notice how the site presents some unusual features, chief among them a 2-foot mound of earth right in the center of the valley where you can see bloodstains among the rocks. You are quite sure the mound is a geyser, which could prove dangerous for the unaware. Not far form the geyser you can also spy a cave's entrance.

"Mound of earth and bloodstains. Possibly an underground predator. We should investigate the cave but be weary of attacks."

Rocky will spend a ki point to cast Barkskin on himself. And I think Chabon mentioned a daily Mage Armor.

Once everyone has made any preparations Rocky will lead the way towards the cave.

Can we tell from here how fresh the bloodstains are? And where on the map is the cave?
perception if needed: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35

"Let me tell you about a maneuver I learned in Garund," says Sir Terramor.

Terramor spends ten minutes training everyone who's interested to use the PAIRED OPPORTUNIST teamwork feat just before we go in.

Miguel peers ahead at the strange mound.

Perception if relevant: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (9) + 26 = 35
Survival if relevant: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (18) + 23 = 41
Knowledge geography if relevant: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

At the sounds of the wolves howling Panza perks up, sniffing the wind for the scent of lesser predators who would challenge his supremacy.

Calm boy he says, patting his huge flank. Lets not get ahead of ourselves he says placing a simple blessing on him.

Casting extended barkskin on Panza

As you prepare yourselves to approach the narrow valley's center a low rumble followed by a powerful "hiss" suddenly breaks the silence and the geyser erupts, yet, judging by the cool winds whipping your faces this seems not to be your usual kind of geyser. As espected from the unnatural environment of the Worldwound it seems to leak cold instead of warmth!

You don't get much time to ponder on this though. As the geyser finishes unleashing its power 4 hugely shaped wolves appear on the opposite side of the valley, they eyes burning with an unnaturally crimson hue!

Knowledge(religion) to identify the wolves)

Round 01 - Bold may act

Grimaldus

Wolf (blue)
Wolf (green)
Wolf (black)
Wolf (yellow)

Chabon
Terramor
Panza
Brutus
Miguel
Rocky

In order to make things run faster, when you finish a round please start the new one if it's your turn to act

Chabon has played The Sarkorian Prophecy.
Thanks to Rocky for EE wand! Since multiple days have passed, just want to be clear that at the start of each traveling day I cast mage armor on myself, Rocky and Brutus. It's good for 11 hours. Going to post my action in anticipation of going after wolves.

Chabon Round 1
"What manner of strange wolves are these?"
Kn(religion): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

Chabon casts communal protection from energy (cold) rapidly touching everyone still nearby.
120 pts of cold damage can be absorbed

Just a note, Panza goes on my initiative as I am riding him. He does have combat reflexes and 10' reach

Taken aback by the geyser and wolves combo that just broke the silence reigning on the valley the pathfinders have to cross, Grimaldus stands, uncharacteristically undecided about what to do.

The wolves don't seem to share his dismay and advance towards the group snarling wildly.

Meanwhile Panza prepares to receive them and Chabon studies the unholy creratures, unfortunately without much luck.

Round 01 - Bold may act

Wolf (blue)
Wolf (green)
Wolf (black)
Wolf (yellow)

Chabon
Terramor
Panza
Brutus
Miguel
Rocky
Grimaldus

Have the wolves not done anything?

Miguel and Panza wait for Chabon to ward them against the cold and then advance, avoiding the geyser. Miguel calms his mind and begins a strange croaking singing, calling on the ancient dreams of his people, from the time before time, when giant beasts roamed the jungles of his homeland in vast herds. As he completes his spell a massive dinosaur appears and strikes at the lone wolf.

Panza double moves forward. Miguel cannot fail the ride check to direct with knees or direct him in battle. Miguel takes a move action to activate saurian transformation giving him +2 natural armour for 1 minute and then casts summon natures ally 4 as a standard action to summon a young ankylosaurus. Miguel cannot fail the vigorous motion concentration check.

Tail slam, power attack: 1d20 + 15 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 15 - 2 = 18
Damage, pa: 2d6 + 12 + 6 ⇒ (3, 4) + 12 + 6 = 25

ROOOOAAAAAARRRRRRR!

protection from energy (cold) goes off as Chabon rushes around to touch everyone. 120 cold dmg to absorb

Sir Terramore was going to spend 10 minutes giving everyone the paired opportunist feat, was there enough time to do this before the wolves appeared?

@Miguel: Seems like the map updates I made didn't stick for some reson (I blame my newly installed windows 10... it's killing me!). Let's say the wolves stood their ground and wasted their turn then. And no, you didn't have enough time to give everyone paired opportunist.

Sir miguel advances riding Panza into battle and at the same time he summons another dinosaur near one of the wolves. Unfortunately it misses the unholy creature with its tail.

Round 01 - Bold may act

Wolf (blue)
Wolf (green)
Wolf (black)
Wolf (yellow)

Chabon
Terramor
Panza
Brutus
Miguel
Rocky
Grimaldus

I'm back!

Grim moves forward and fires an arrow at the nearest wolf, knowing it was a long shot with his bow but knowing it wouldn't hurt to fire early and often! (Firing at the black wolf)

Ranged attack beyond normal range: 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 13 - 2 = 27
Compound damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

"Sir Miguel! Don't get ahead of the convergence in the rock wall! Make the enemy come to us, squeeze together and restrict their movement!" Grim yells.

Since they didn't move they are just out of Rocky's reach on a charge. Pity.

As a swift action Rocky will activate Dragon Style. He will then move forward drawing his wand of Shield and attempt to activate it.

umd DC 20: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

Chabon has acted

Fear not Sir Gwimaldus, they are but a few fewlish wolves, we shall deal with then pwesently!

Brutus and Terramor need to act. Anyone wants to bot Brutus until he returns? Also, my windows 10 crushed and I'm now left with a back-up portable PC without access to my pdfs. I hope to get it back in a couple of days but until that happens I won't be able to progress things much beyond fighting although I'm not sure I can find the stats of these particular wolves on line. Once again, sorry for the inconvenience

Brutus seems very melee focused so I presume he would double move closer to the wolves. Speed 40.

With mage armour active Brutus looks to be AC26. I would suggest a single move to get him next to Grimaldus, drawing his divine favour wand on the move and then activating it. I have moved him forward a single move. If you want him to double move instead he has another 40'

Sir Terramor also looks to be melee orientated with a focus on getting adjacent to allies so he can bodyguard them. His stat block has a horse animal companion but there is no companion token on the map so I don't know if he is using it. If he isn't about I would double move to get in front of Grimaldus and Brutus (if that is where he ends up) so he can bodyguard them.

The alternative of course is just to delay Terramor as we don't have any botting instructions and I don't see anything from him saying he isn't available.

Its worth noting for everyone that Terramor has the banner ability giving allies within 60' a +3 morale bonus on fear saves and a +2 morale bonus on charge attacks