GM Bold Strider's PFS 01-48 The Devil We Know, Part IV (Subtier 3-4) (Inactive)

Game Master rpblue

ouch! and i thought PFS scenarios aren't 'hard' enough...

Ev reels around falling deeper into distress as the minutes tick by. The spell, it should have.... why can't i see! .

Somewhat calmed by his companions presence and kind words. Ev latches onto Mariels arm. He reaches out and calls Sorril to him. You'll have to be my eyes little friend, and you, leaning on mariel my support...

Ev already a study in contradictions, between his weird looks and warm presence, is even more of a confusing mess now.

Can we find a cure for this? is it part of the scenario, or just hard?

I don't think the situation is hopeless. If I read the Guide to PFS correctly, we should be able to find someone to Remove blindness in any city (even with less than 5,000 people), costing 150g. Could someone confirm this?

That's my understanding as well. Bevek has plenty of gold to cover the costs. I figure Bevek would know the location of the nearest temple of Serenrae, and would be able to connect with a suitable cleric.

"I know a healer who can help us out. We can stop there first before we hit the warehouse. It's not too far out of the way. Don't worry about the cost. That armor may be more useful on one of us than the gold we would get for its sale. "

Bevek looks over Mariel's shoulder as she examines the holy symbol.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

"Who exactly are we dealing with here?"

Conlaoch is happy to pitch in as well. Could have been any one of us!

Mariel supports Ev on her arm and guides him as best as she can. "Do you hear that, Ev? Bevek will get us to someone in no time. You'll be just fine, don't worry."

"By the way, does anyone know where this warehouse is, or should we ask around while we're on our way to the temple?"

"I don't have much, but I'm glad to offer what I have toward Ev's recover," Raevin says softly.

"I would be honored to assist in removing your blindness Ev, even with such a base means as providing money."

"The note implies we should start at the naval shipyards. Someone there will be able to tell us."

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Ev stumbles along, a grateful look in his eyes. t-thank you. Yes, a cleric, please bring back the light... My books...

thanks for the offer of sharing the cost guys and gal!

A temple to cast Remove Blindness is easy enough, but it costs either Prestige or Gold. You can pay with future gold earned from the scenario (as I don't mark anything until the Chronicle), so what is the numbers we are looking at for the Chronicle? Like how much for each person?

I think we're dividing the gold 6 ways? Or Bevek is covering the whole thing?

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I vote to split it 6 ways (or as many ways as we have volunteers) rather than make any one foot the bill. 150 six ways is only 25 gold. Of course, this means more to some low level characters than others, so if someone just can't afford it, I think it is fine to bow out and we split it fewer ways.

I am fine with six ways.

I can afford it

The group easily spots the cooper's warehouse at the shipyards.

Any preparation before entering to find the trap door?

I'll chip in my part for the cure blindness.

When they're on their way to the warehouse, Mariel takes a look at their group and gives Bevek an accusing look. "Bevek, you're still hurt from the fight with the half-orcs! Why didn't you say something? Do you have some way of healing yourself? If not, I have the two potions from that woman we, er... fought. I should have them in my backpack, somewhere here." Mariel starts rummaging through her backpack, in case Bevek takes her up on the offer.

The relief and appreciation is obvious on Evaldane's face after their visit to the Clerics. Thank you, friends. That was a scary moment, a life without the sun, the sky, my books... Now how about this slave ring!

Ev is good to go.

no preparations to make here

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Conlaoch is comfortable that he is ready.

To get Bevek to full, I would recommend saving one potion in case of emergency, but using the other as a free to expend resource makes good sense. If that isn't enough to get him full, Conloach has a CLW wand that can be used (but he can't use it...) In fact, if someone can use it, Conlaoch will give it to them for the duration of the scenario, so they don't have to look for him in a battle to get it!

I am good to go for the trapdoor.

Bevek has a CLW wand, and can use it or Conlaoch's on anyone who needs it, either now or in the future.

Bevek smiles and gives a brief chuckle at Mariel's concern.

"This? This is nothing. You're talking to a guy who went head to head with the Zyphus cult and won. Idiots. I mean, if you venerate a god of accidental death, how is that not going to end badly for you? Anyway, a few knocks from a doomsday slaver moron aren't anything to worry about."

He does graciously accept the offer of one of the healing potions.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Good enough. I'm not going to worry about that last point.

It takes a surprisingly long time for Mariel to find the potion in her backback, but she finally produces it for Bevek. She laughs at his joke about the Zyphus cult, but tries to go back to a stern face. "Well, be that as it may. If you don't take care of yourself when you're hurt, you'll be the moron one day. I'll have none of that. Here, drink up."

I don't have my own wand yet, but will gladly accept Conlaoch's in case of emergency. No further preparation, I'm ready to go.

The group busts into the warehouse, but finds that it seems to be empty at the moment. A few stacks of wooden crates line the walls and corners, but the area seems devoid of life beyond the rats.

The group searches around for the trapdoor, when Amon notices that a crate in the rear corner looks askew. Conloach and Mariel grab the offending pallet and slide it to the side to reveal the promised trapdoor.

With a small prayer to Serenrae, the group quietly opens the trap door to reveal a 30' ladder leading down into a torch-lit room. Conlaoch takes the lead with Bevek and Amon closely behind them.

A smell, not unlike wet dog, fills this room. The corners are occupied by dirty straw pallets covered by wrinkled, mildew-encrusted blankets. A single dilapidated table and four cracked and uneven chairs surround it. The floor is covered in a thin layer of dust and mud and footprints clearly cross the room from the trap door in the ceiling to a set of wooden double doors in the west wall.

As Conlaoch hits the bottom of the ladder, a man leaps up from his chair, yelling in an unintelligible language to the party as two dire rats also leap to their feet.

Initiative:
Bevek: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Raevin: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Fingalad: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Conlaoch: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Mariel: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Eveladane: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Amon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Druid + Rats: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Initiative:
1st: Bevek; Raevin; Fingalad; Conlaoch; Eveladane; Amon
2nd: Druid; Rats (Red; Blue)
3rd: Mariel

Only three people can be in the area of the ladder at once as Medium humanoids take up two vertical 5' squares.

Amon scoots down the ladder as quickly as he can and drops the rest of the way down.

Accelerated Climb: 1d20 + 6 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 6 - 5 = 7
Acrobatics to negate 10 feet fall damage DC 15: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Moving into the room he quickly studies the druid's movements looking for an opening.

Conlaoch draws his nodachi as he rushes forward, jumping up onto the table, giving him higher ground and keeping at least two of the opponents occupied.

He takes a swing at the druid.

Attack, Power: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 1 = 26
Damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Confim Crit?: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Bevek quickly climbs to the bottom of the ladder and into the room. He moves toward one of the rats, drawing his sword as he moves.

I don't really understand where the ladder is. Please move me appropriately.

round 1 action:
Fingalad comes down the ladder behind Bevek. Seeing the close proximity of the room, he draws his rapier and moves to help Con.

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It is in the very corner of the room.

Conlaoch cuts down the druid in a single swing, nearly bisecting the man with his nodachi.

Bevek and Amon move into the room, though Bevek is arguably a bit more adept at it as Amon crashes to the floor.

Fall Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9

Fingalad moves into the room as well.

The Pathfinders easily deal with the remaining rats with ease.

To the east, lies a set of closed doors.

Conlaoch listens at the doors, then searches the druid quickly.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

"Well done Con." Fingalad offers him. A slap on the back, then joins his listening at the door. Perception, aid another: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

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Mariel carefully makes her way down the ladder, nearly losing her footing once and taking an awkward last step when she fails to notice that she has already reached the floor. Upon seeing the body sprawled on the floor, she draws a deep sigh. "What compels these men to fight to the death, for such a cause? The end of everything..?" With a heavy heart she joins Conlaoch at the double doors. "Let's just get this over with. This place gives me the chills."

UMD vs DC 20: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
UMD vs DC 20: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
UMD vs DC 20: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
UMD vs DC 20: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
UMD vs DC 20: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Amon looks about sheepishly as he rubs his sore arm that he fell on.

Damn it's broken He winces in pain

Grabbing his wand he taps it a few time against his broken arm but is not able to get the wand to work it's magic.

Holding it out he asks. Cn one of you give me a quick hand with this?

Current AC 7/16

Conlaoch doesn't shy away from Mariel's comments, but doesn't ignore them either.

"Yes, it is true that when I use my blade, it only has one purpose - to kill what I am attacking. I am not opposed to using other methods, but alas, it is what I know. I have seen too many friends fall at the hands of others when they have hesitated, and therefore I do not. I do try to never kill those not deserving of such an end - but for those that would just as easily kill me or my friends, or even innocent strangers, I do not fear that I am making the correct choice."

"Perhaps we should continue our discussion once we are out of danger?"

Sorry, Amon - can't use the wand myself either. But I think Mariel can....

I'll let Mariel have the honor this time. ;) Unless she RPs not noticing, then Fingalad will take the wand for you--you should get to make a roll either way.

Mariel puts a hand on Conloach's arm, as much to comfort him as to seek comfort herself. "I don't blame you, really I don't. I... I think you're making the right choice as well. And that's what makes it so sad, really. I can't understand how these people would be so far gone from reason of reality."

She notices Amon hurt, waving around his wand. Glad to be able to do something useful, she takes the wand from him. "Here, let me help you."

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Speaking of doomsday cults, it seems two of our foes have been rat using druids. seems quite distasteful for a group of people meant to love nature to want to destroy it... Oh well, on we go.

As Fingalad and Conlaoch move to investigate the door a giant scythe is released from a thin hole in the ceiling, catching both of the men in its path.

Wall Scythe @ Fingalad-13 FFAC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Wall Scythe @ Conlaoch-14 FFAC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

The blade mechanism is a bit rusty and as soon as it slams into Fingalad, the gears grind to a halt, stopping the blade before it catches Conlaoch.

Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

When you recover, you hear nothing on the other side of the door.

I'll burn a charge from my wand. CLW, 49/50 charges remaining: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"Shall we open it then?"

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"Thanks, man. Sorry you had to take the hit..."

Conloach opens the door to see what would be necessary to protect with such a trap.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Mariel utters a shrill squeek when the scythe comes down. She freezes in place, looking anxiously at the ceiling and afraid to move another step. Is it safe?" she asks in a small voice, cautiously eyeing the deadly blade handing in front of the door.

Interesting, I wonder what lies behind this door? Ev moves up behind the fighters wand at the ready.

"Traps! I should have known. The last cult I dealt with liked traps, too. Better let me go near the front."

Bevek follows close on the heels of Conlaoch. He will scan the new room for any other nasty surprises.

Find Traps: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

The double doors to the west open onto a long, steep staircase leading down to the next room. No traps are found.

"Down we go!"

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Conlaoch let's Bevak lead the way, sticking close to him to keep him out of trouble.

Fingalad follows behind Conlaoch and Bevak.

Raevin will follow along as well...

so the merry band wanders on, eveldane happily near the rear.

Mariel brings up the rear, walking next to Ev on tip-toe in fear of setting off another trap (despite the fact that four people are walking through the hall in front of her.)

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I went ahead and lined up everyone on the map.

Moving up to the next door, Bevek again looks it over for anything that might injure the group.

Find Traps: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Disable Device: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Bevek will then open the door and peek into the next room.