GD 7 Solstice scar C CORE (Tier 3-4) (Inactive)

Game Master nightdeath

Round 3:

Tere drops the javelin as he closes with the nearest zombie, bringing his sword around in a slashing arc that shears into the undead.

Curve blade to zombie: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Slashing damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

The dinosaur, who by this time is covered in gore, starts attacking zombies.
First purple, then blue

talon w/ IC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 S/P: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8
talon w/ IC: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 S/P: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6
bite w/ IC: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 S/P/B: 1d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

Alaric moves up, and if a zombie has survived Shredder's carnage, he slashes at it with his scimitar.

+1 scimitar, IC: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 1 = 12 slashing, magic, IC: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

Argenta sends another magical bolt tearing into the injured Zombie but it still stands.

Shredder spins so quickly that talons and fangs flash past the zombies in an instant and even though Alaric and Tere reaches in time to lend their aid, it is obvious the plucky little dinosaur shows indeed that it is Shredder.

Well Done Combat over.
Dino OP.

With the temporary lull in fighting, a nearby Kellid warrior shouldering a bloodied spear limps towards you.

"I am Kel, let me extend my thanks on behalf of the Twinhorn tribe for your aid. If you could be so kind to help us further, do speak with our leaders." as he gives you directions on how to get there...................however

"Kel! Get over here! These creatures keep coming! We might need to send someone towards the portal and see if we can hold them there or close it!!" Kel looks grave as he quickly finishes his directions and with a swift salute heads over to support his fellow tribesman.

Find Elders?
or
Take out the undead.

"We can talk to the elders later--let's finish the undead." Tere scoops up his dropped javelin and resheathes it.

"Undead do seem like a more immediate thing to take care off..we'll talk later"

Argenta jobs up to the rest of the group, panting heavily. She is unused to such exertion. Yes, lets deal with these undead, the elders can probably wait.

She reactivates her shield wand on the way given it only lasts a minute

Alaric turns to Shredder, ”Though we have been working on talking more, we are really warriors, are we not?”

To Argenta, he asks, ”Would you mind using this wand of mage armor on Shredder and myself? I may go all Dino on the attackers, if my meager talking skills are not needed. ”

He will then cast longstrider from his wand on himself, as well as casting the spell barkskin.

Argenta happily activates any wands she is handed.

"talking to humansss is unimportant. I agree we ssshould repell the undeadsss. Clossse this portal at the ssource."

"Yeah, Bert, these guys are kinda awesome. Let's go slaughter some more!" Urktar scoops up his bow and joins the party.

With their decision made, our valiant pathfinders intercept Kel to learn more about the portal. With the directions given by a grateful Kelid, the party make their way towards their next destination.

Somehow among the party, a few starts feeling that this all seems rather familiar...upon coming the clearing.

The clearing on the riverbank features a circle of standing stones with a large stone altar at its center. A shadowy tear floats above the altar, so dark that what little light shines from the stars seems to become trapped inside. Eight large tendrils of inky darkness coil around the menhirs as if keeping the stones in a stranglehold. Other tendrils lick out from the shadowy rift as if tasting the air.

"Let's get moving... bound to be undead or worse around here. I'll stay in my more communicative form for a bit." says Alaric. "Heel, Shredder!"

Alaric and Shredder move up, with Alaric pulling out a wand of magic fang, ready to tap Shredder if he sees anything hostile.

Varanog floats behind shredder and Urktar, and follows the towards the portal... energy crackling on his fingers and his rod held close.

Having discovered his might as an archer, Urktar will move forward with his bow in hand.

Tere advances beside Alaric and Shredder, sword in hand.

My apolgies. Couldn't' get on with the way the site is. Wasn't sure if my last post went through either.

Round 1
Tere
Crawling Hand
Argenta
Skeleton
Alaric and Shredder
Urktar
Varanog
Thran

Bold is up.
TO Identify;
Knowledge (Religon) Crawling Hand
Knowledge (Religion) Skeleton.
You have 2 full rounds to prebuff before entering combat.

For most of the party, the creatures guarding the portal are familiar and the way they stand guard in their positions seems right somehow.....

Still working from my phone, and unable to see the map.

Knowing from previous experience that his blade is less effective against skeletons, Tere rushes the crawling hand, sword high.

Cutting cuticles: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

I double-moved Tere up. He has several rounds before he gets there, unless the undead move forward.

i am told posting is fixed... looks like Hilary posted on FB that the special resumes on Friday

are we back? could it be?
"O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!"
Urktar reporting for duty...

Checking, one..two, check, check

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

The air fills with the sound of Kellid battle cries as dozens of Twinhorn warriors join the fight! Table GMs, the Twinhorn Allies effect on page 7 is in play.

I'm seeing new posts, so yay! Hoping that the schedule will be shifted to compensate for the boards being down for so long.

I am GMing a low level game this session (NOT part of special), and so I received the GM emails: they were talking about shifting the schedule a bit to accommodate the delays...

Alaric waits for the GM to post...

Round 2
Tere
Crawling Hand
Argenta
Skeleton
Alaric and Shredder
Urktar
Varanog
Thran

Bold is up.
To Identify;
Knowledge (Religon) Crawling Hand
Knowledge (Religion) Skeleton.
You have 2 full rounds to prebuff before entering combat.
Light settings is Dim light upon entering forested area.
Darkness in clearing. Marked out in red border.

With Tere rushing in, he suddenly notices the light getting Dimmer and his initial target seems to be provoking him with hand signals in the fading light.

The portal as the party figures out, weeps darkness and its corruption seems to have affected the surroundings...

Urktar moves forward, bow in hand.
double-move. As a half-orc, he has darkvision 60'

Tere continues to advance. Double move.

Alaric casts magic fang on Shredder, from his wand, as he moves up. He tells Shredder to stay with him.

Varanog double moves forward, intently staring at the enemies.

Argenta rushs down the stone steps into the edge of the woodland. I cannot see if the dark, can anyone do anything about tat, maybe light the place up a bit?

Double move

During the 2 rounds to prebuff Thran will cast resistance on himself

Hearing Argenta call for light Thran casts dancing lights and send the 4 globes of light forward into the darkness as he moves forward

No clue if it will do anything, but it's the only light I can produce

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

Programming Note: Thank you for your patience, everyone. After much discussion, we have decided that the best way to recover from the system downtime is to fast forwarding through the opening part of the special (since that is the repeat from versions A and B). As such, we will be moving directly into part 4, now. GMs, I will share the updated schedule with you later today.

Together with the Twinhorns, the assembled Pathfinders manage to fight off the undead attacking the camp and make their way to the ritual site. As Medda and Anok join the group of Pathfinders around the stone circle, she assists them with the binding ritual. Medda thrusts Ivvora’s hilt into the portal, calling on Vildeis for aid. The shadow rift shrinks and closes, releasing a massive shock wave that knocks the Pathfinders, the Twinhorn warriors, and Medda to the ground. A field of dark, rippling energy remains, suspended above the stone altar. As Medda reaches out to pick up Ivvora’s hilt—the already broken blade now spider-webbed with new cracks—a supernatural silence descends. Only the telepathic rage of some unseen menace cuts through the quiet. “You dare to shut me out?” it rages. “I see you, but I do not see her. Where is the dwarf woman, Ivvora, who fought me so long ago? Has her mortal body failed at last? Has the realm of the living at last lost its protector? Know this: when the long shadows reach out again, I will grasp them and claw my way back into your world to see your flesh devoured by my children.”

Sound returns to the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, and Medda cautiously stands. “It seems that Eshimka still lives and has even left this foul scar on our world,” she declares. “If we are to believe its promises, the fiend will attack on the next winter solstice. If we are to survive, we must be ready. Nearly a millennium ago, Ivvora held the key to defeating Eshimka. By following her legends and discovering her fate, we may harness the same holy power that banished this fiend—and together end the beast entirely. When we set out, it would be the privilege of this following to have the Pathfinders at our side. But that is a trial for another day. Tonight, at last, we rest.”

Several days later...

Celebration and preparation have filled the last two days. The Twinhorns are both relieved to have thwarted the villain Eshimka and resolved to help the following’s spiritual leader, Medda, retrace the paladin Ivvora’s millennium-old steps. After hours of considering and retelling ancient stories preserved by oral tradition, Medda gathers the Pathfinders. “The holy warrior Ivvora came to us in pursuit of Eshimka, whom she vanquished and banished with the Twinhorns’ help. However, she would not rest for long, and she insisted on seeking out other evils in the area. At that time, the most fearsome threat was Grathatonhakis, an immense white dragon that lurked in the Tusk Mountains and would strike our camps. Ivvora learned what she could, left her dagger with us, and departed to slay the dragon. She never returned, and neither did the dragon. Exactly what transpired is unclear from our legends.” Medda cradles the fragile remnants of Ivvora’s dagger. “This blade kept Eshimka at bay for so many generations, and now it is ready to fall apart. Ivvora held the key to defeating Eshimka, and by learning her fate or communing with her spirit where she fell, we might harness the same power. Then we shall not just reseal the shadow fiend but destroy it once and for all! From our tales we have learned where the wyrm Grathatonhakis laired. Let us set out together to learn what happened—and who might have taken the caves since.”

The trek is long and cold, taking the group first across the tundra and then into shadow of the frigid Tusk Mountains. As the trail winds around a frozen lake, the snap of a snare echoes over the ice, and a Pathfinder is whipped into air by a cleverly laid trap. Medda scowls and announces, “Pathfinders, we have kobolds. Keep within earshot and spread out. They aren’t just a threat; they may also be our best better to finding the dead dragon’s lair.”

This begins part 4. GMs, please proceed to area K. Once you have finished, areas L and M are open.

"Everyone, keep alert. If you see a trap or snare, tell me and I'll try to deal with it."

"Kobolds? Bah! Where's Grathonk--Grabthat--where's the dragon? What's that, Bert? Yeah, okay, maybe we should look for its kids--they might be more our speed." Urktar mutters quietly at his greatsword. "You're such a killjoy..."

With mention of Kobolds argenta slids out her wand of shield and activates it. Can't be too caareful

”Um, guys, we do have a kobold with us.” says Alaric, trying to use the diplomatic training had been receiving at the Grand Lodge. ”I mean, he’s been pretty ok. Shredder has t tried to eat him, not even once. Are these going to be a different kind of kobold?”

"We must be wary and respectful... for though the chromatic dragons are powerful overlords... they are nothing compared to the might and faith in the Umbral dragon. We must show these kobolds the errors of their ways!"

Varanog is happy to assist in looking for traps as they proceed, amused at the cleverness of the simple yet effective Ankle-Loop trap.

Alaric uses his longstrider wand on himself, to make himself more fleet of foot. He then gets his wand of magic fang ready to tap on Shredder should he see kobolds (other then Varanog)

You and the many other Pathfinders on this expedition disperse and begin exploring the raw frozen terrains of the Tusk Mountains. Soon, you descend a gentle slope toward a frozen lake to the west with the mountains rising to the north and east.

Through the trees, you hear and observe a very hostile exchange. A bunch of kobolds, one dressed a bit fancier than the rest. With the trees blocking your view, it becomes difficult to identify the kobolds and what they carry, but you are almost curtained that they are armed with weapons. Across them, a humanoid that looks like a representation of a coniferous tree. A lot of shouting can be heard with strong gestations to suggest a strong and growing dislike of one another.

They both exchange angry words, though each side only knows a small number of words in the other’s language, relying instead on inflection and gestures to express their growing dislike of one another. Specifically, the dryad insists the kobolds must leave forever, and the kobolds are threatening to chop up the dryad and turn her into stew.

For the moment, it seems that both parties are unaware of your approach. From afar, and with the the ice looking to be relatively save to travel over, at least for this moment.

Navigating this area is difficult. Entering a square of ice, such as that of the frozen creek or lake, takes 2 squares of movement, and the DC for Acrobatics checks increases by 5. Areas on the map occupied by trees count as difficult terrain and grant partial cover.

Knowledge (Arcana) to identify frog creature
Knowledge (Nature) to identify Kobolds
Knowledge (Nature) to identify Tree creature.

Map Updated.
Currently Kobolds do not notice you.
Sneak or charge in?
Ignore or Interfere?
BTW: The Twinhorn Allies grant you 2d8 bonus damage on your next successful attack!
All your spells are refreshed as it's a new day.
Alaric saves a charge of Magic Fang and longstrider from your wands.

Argenta has none of those skills.

Let us deal with these kobolds while they are unawar she hisses, and then looks over to Varanog. Unless you think they can be reasoned with?

kn:nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

"kobolds are very reasssonable creaturess. We must try to save them. But should they refuse to listen to reasson... do what you must."

Varanog will happily sit atop his floating disk, head held high and his twin dragon head rod in hand.

anyone object to me rolling in to talk?

"Can anybody make my Steps more Feathery, or some such? Slipping and sliding really slows down my charging...Y'know for when--I mean if talkin' don't work." Urktar keeps his bow in hand--he trusts talkin' only so much. And he resumes muttering angrily at his greatsword. "I know, I know, but these fools think they can reason with the beasts. That's what we get when the Society sends one along on the mission..."

totally fine goin' diplo, just being true to Urktar's impulses...

I thought kobolds were humanoids, so would kn:local?

kn:nature on tree girl: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 Out of the park!

Alaric has a better feeling about the tree lady than he does the kobolds. He also does understand Sylvan, so can probably understand her. Yappy kobold-speak is something that is outside of his ken.

He will start moving forward, off the river and on to the path.

He does not draw any weapons, but assuming we are talking, he says, "शुभ दिन, सबै। कुन समस्या लाग्न सक्छ?"

The appearance of Alaric is enough to have the Kobolds draw their weapons and snarl as the human as they being cursing in their tongue.

However, the sight of Varanog upon his floating disk and rod in hands gives them pause.

The Dryad looks at Alaric

The leader is obviously a Kobold of high status and is known as a Monster Wrangler. It is likely that he has tamed a beast and that beast is his mount.
The other Kobolds are skilled with their bows.
The frog beast is a slurk and has an ability to spit slime that hardens and hinders its foe's movement. It's also likely the Monster Wrangler's mount.

Kobolds are currently unsure of the party.

Argenta speaks Draconic (but not Sylvan). Calling out to the Kobolds she says, We are here as the servants to this most Exalted Kobold, I strongly recommend that you heed his words and obey his commands lest he smite you with his terrible draconic powers

Bluff or Intimidate, your call, the modifier is the same: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Alaric replies to the dryad. "हामी निश्चित हुन सक्छौ, तर कुन अपराधले तिमीलाई दिएको छ। हामी सामान्यतया चाहानुहुन्छ हत्याराको लागि होईन, यद्यपि यदि कारण हो भने, हामी पनि ब्लेड खाली गर्न होइनौं।"

Varanog floats forward and raises his dual-dragon head rod as he shouts at the Kobolds (ignoring the dryad)

"Vëllezër, më dëgjoni dhe kujdesuni për fjalët e mia, vijnë me një paralajmërim për ju të gjithë, dragon Umbral Shadrixis më dërgon si emisarin e tij. shtëpia e armëve të dashura të Shadrixis, bashkohuni me ne, largohuni nga perënditë e rreme! "

intimidate, take 10, bonus vs kobolds, Argenta's Aid: 10 + 10 + 2 + 2 = 24

Urktar may not undertand the words, but he certainly recognizes the fine art of Intimidation when he sees it. He offers up his most fearsome tusked grin, as if he were pondering what the kobold might taste like. He offers an observation in his own native tongue. "U gorzborz häzmyzg nåäzvårr ånr anrvöhznyz dazdyzgÿz urrgvöhzruv gyz gorzbaazgorzbyzhzræmb dazyzurzär"