GM Bold Strider's PFS 03-08 Among the Gods (Inactive)

Game Master rpblue

Baern shakes his head as the group sets off again. Quite possibly the eldest one here. Well, maybe after Shu...

Fort: 1d20 ⇒ 10

After a time, the thin air gets to Baern as well. The climb becomes more tedious and he grows more hopeful for reaching the summit soon.

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With the peak in sight Gob casts mage armor on himself hoping the day doesn't bring any spikes his way. He'd had enough spikes yesterday to get him through at least the year. As the trail narrows the half-orc took up his usual position toward the back of the group. "About how much father is it Hustavan?"

Bevek will take the lead. He keeps a watchful eye out for anything out of place, since they ran into traps earlier on the trail.

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

It appears that the altitude is finally catching up to him.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Brewslee crawls to the top as his breathing becomes more labored. He sits down on the ground in a heap as he finishes an entire flask. His cheeks and nose soon grow a rosy red glow. The man stumbles around his belt as he clumsily produces a wand and taps it at his body multiple times until the spell finally completes.

I will also use a Mage armor wand. Take 20 on UMD

"Show these youngins the spry capabilities of their elders?"

Damned fool! I'll show you my capabilities!" Shu turns a little purple and stumbles towards Hustavan a few steps. "Just.. after.. catch.. breath."

Once the party is ready to move on, Shu takes the lead, keeping his eyes out for more traps and ambushes. "Mu, stay close."

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Mu takes the climb beneath Shu. "That - monkey - no - help - at - all", each move wracked with effort.

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

@Brewslee: I don't think you can Take 20 on UMD since you will burn out your wand for 24 hours if you roll a 1. Take 20 is reserved for actions without consequences. Unless, I'm misreading it. Thoughts?

Can't full update now, so I will just repropose/rephrase the question. What is your marching order?

2 cents from a GM, I agree with GM Strider. Taking 20 is allowed if there are no penalties for failure and it is assumed that you fail many times before getting it right. Thereby you'd burn out your wand. T10 would be allowed for a UMD, or you could hand it to someone who can cast it (like a wizard).

The worst of the climb seeming to be over, Baern sluggishly gets into his armour and offers to lead the group with Shu (so second in line), though he is certain Hustavan will press himself to the front no matter what.

Good enough with the first two decided. Mostly checking if Bevek is within 10' of the front for traps.

Shu moves forward, keeping his eye out for traps and ambushes when he spots a few sticks that seem out of place. Upon closer inspection, it seems that someone has taken a significant amount of time to rig a landslide trap on this particular path up the mountain.

As if on cue, Shu's monkey starts beating on Shu's head and pointing up the trail.

"More traps!?" Shu shouts. Sitting down on a rock, he calls back to Bevek. "I let you handle them!"

Malachite shares the discovery of Varisian journals, which he can't read, with the rest of the group. Hopefully they can make some heads or tails of the books.

Later, he is fatigued from the climb, and takes up the rear spot behind the others, looking back from time to time to make sure no one is creeping up behind.

Ah yea. that makes sense. Thanks.

UMD: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
UMD: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
UMD: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
UMD: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
UMD: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
UMD: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Brewslee continually slams the wand into his skin as it finally takes hold.

Noticing that everyone is gone Brewslee takes up the rear as he tries to catch up.

Perception check, Malachite.

Bevek moves up to the front of the line at Shu's call.

Looks like someone tried to rig a landslide. Let's see if we can shore that up.

Disable Device: 1d20 + 11 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 11 - 1 = 28

Mal Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Gob feels comfortable in the middle of the group. Spikes are more likely to find those around him first. "Why do you keep looking over your shoulder Malachite? Do you see something?"

Bevek deftly handles this trap and the group approaches an arc of tall, flat-topped columns surrounds what appears to be a cyclopean altar in this natural hollow. Centuries of exposure have not been kind to this once-regal structure, and spider-webbed cracks run the lengths of the bleached marble columns, their coroneted tops reduced to piles of crumbled and broken stone surrounding their bases. The altar, while still massive, has fallen into such disrepair that the deity or person it once honored is no longer easily distinguishable in the carvings on its surface. Behind the altar, a raised tier of earth stands twenty feet off the ground, a steep path up to the summit rising from there. The smell of rotten flesh fills the air.

Hustavan smells the air and acts a bit weird before seeking shelter behind one of the cracked pillars. "You should seek cover immediately." he whispers loudly at the group.

know rel: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Baern draws his blade and shield as he tucks behind a pillar. Looking at the iconography, a revelation hits him.

"This shrine is built to the Dawnflower herself! Ha! It's hidden beneath these markings to not arouse suspicions."

That discovery done, he looks for what would cause the insane hanger-on to suggest taking cover.
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

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Mu soldier-dives over a goddess's head dragging Shu along with him. Hustavan may be the most annoying person he's ever met, but Mu knows a pansie always knows when trouble is coming. He slides out a wand and waves it over himself.

UMD Mage Armor: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Gob also does as instructed by seeking cover.

Know Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Malachite doesn't see or notice anything, but if the wise master says seek cover, then he will seek cover.

Brewslee stumbles towards a rock outcropping as he trips over a small raised rock falling right on his chest.

He slowly raises a hand as he rolls to the small rock for coverage.It'sh okay I am conscioush and on the ground for once.

Bevek draws his bow, and seeks cover like the rest of the party. He scans the area for any sign of trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

"Wha..?" Shu looks around for trouble as Mu drags him to cover. Watching his old friend activate his wand, he chuckles. "You still trying to figure out mag... oh." His mirth vanishes like a ninja when Mu is successful.

Hearing a thud, he looks around for Brewslee. Finding him in his usual state, but unusually conscious, he grabs Mu's wand and moves quickly over to the monk. "Here, I protect you with Mu's armor."

Use Mu's wand to cast Mage Armor on Brewslee.

I'd take a dose of that too, if it's available.

@Baern: Did you change your actions? Could have sworn I read on Saturday something else... Wisely changed, however.

As soon as the Pathfinders and Hustavan take cover, three undead shamble into the subtle shrine. They sniff the air and mutter to each other. "Smells like food."

"I smells it too... Food been here."

Know (religion): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Bevek whispers to his companions:

Those are ghasts. They can paralyze their prey, and they transmit a disease which can turn you into one of them. They also give off a horrendous stench. Best to deal with them from a distance.

Bevek then takes aim with his shortbow at the nearest ghast.

He will hold until the group formulates a plan.

I don't believe so. If I did, it was to elaborate what I was doing, or reword something to make it clearer.

Know: 1d20 + 9 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 5 = 25

Baern nods to Bevek, but whispers back, "Aye, but I am more effective up close."

With that, he casts a spell on his weapon (Weapon of awe) and steps out from behind the pillar to engage the foe.

First round actions:
Charge nearest one after activating Judgment of Purity.
Fort against aura: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 = 24
Charge: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 2 = 11 Heh heh, whoops.
1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

There is not a sufficient area to have all of you group and plan. Whichever group acts first, gets the surprise round. That is group 1. Baern will obviously charge and fail on his first full action. ;-)

Group 1: Baern/Bevek; Group 2: Mu/Shu/Brewslee; Group 3: Gob/Malachite

Each group is about 30' from the ghasts, behind pillars and such. The monks and Gob see Baern step out from behind the pillars and cast a spell, making his weapon glow.

Initiative:
Gob: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Bevek: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Brewslee: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Shu: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Mu: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Malachite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Baern: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Ghasts: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Baern charges the nearest ghast and swings his scimitar is a huge downward arc. The unaware ghast has no idea what is going on and doesn't dodge it. Luckily (or unluckily), Baern is terrible at gauging depth and the blade slams into the rocky ground.

Initiative:
1st: Baern; Shu; Brewslee; Gob
2nd: Ghasts (#1; #2; #3)
3rd: Bevek; Mu; Malachite

Know Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Malachite has some knowledge of the undead, including ghasts. He can verify the words of Baern. He watches earnestly as the group starts combating the smelly, hungry corpses.

I took the liberty of updating the map, just need the GM to place the tokens.

Before the stinking dead can react, Shu gestures and summons a ball of flame to his hand, then steps forward and hurls it at any unengaged deaders.

Produce Flame Touch + PBS: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Fire Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5

Brewslee stumbles towards the undead as he clumsily draws his temple sword. The young drunken man stumbles around the creature before he is able to finally get a good swing in.

Provoke AoO through movement
Mobility adds +4 to AC making it 21 25 against AoO from movement
Panther Style- retaliate against an AoO with a free unarmed strike
Panther Claw- free action instead of swift action and up to 4 retaliatory attacks.
Panther Parry- Retaliatory attacks are resolved before AoO. If retaliatory attack deals damage opponent takes a -2 penalty on attack and damage rolls to AoO.

AoO Panther Style reaction strike: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Temple sword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Shu launches a blast of fire at one of the ghasts, cindering it into ash, while Brewslee stumbles around one of the unaware undead unable to draw an attack. Clearly too drunk to see that he has the drop on them. He savagely slices one of the ghasts.

Ghasts haven't acted yet and are FF, thus you would have never provoked.

The remaining two ghasts leap on Brewslee and Baern, however they are pitiful.

Bite @ Baern-21 AC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Claw @ Baern-21 AC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Claw @ Baern-21 AC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Bite @ Brewslee-21 AC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Claw @ Brewslee-21 AC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Claw @ Brewslee-21 AC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Considering they have 24 HP left between them, I'm going to move on, unless there are objections.

---

Antios’s Crown is a sprawling network of cyclopean statues, towering obelisks, opulent shrines, and mausoleums large enough the house the dead of entire cities. A layer of snow coats nearly every horizontal surface, and the decorative fountains and pools spread throughout the peak’s many plazas are all frozen solid. From this altitude, the view over the Tandak Plains to the west and south extends nearly two hundred miles.

Perception:
Gob: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Bevek: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Brewslee: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Shu: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Mu: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Malachite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Baern: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

The vast maze of memorials and burial sites present you with the problem of locating the mausoleum believed to hold the late Lord Tulwin’s remains and the Azlanti scepter. You face no specific challenges as they search the many looted, ruined, or magically barred tombs and structures that litter the nearly mile-square summit of the mountain, however you have no idea where to even being looking.

Status:
Baern-Fatigued; Shu-Fatigued; Brewslee-Fatigued; Gob-Fatigued; Bevek-Fatigued; Mu-Fatigued; Malachite-Fatigued

"Rlest heah foh now", Mu barely manages to get out before he flops down, tired from the climb and the undead bashing.

I think we can afford 8 hours?

" To what end? We all be fatigued and will remain to be so, I would reckon, until we descend this damnable mountain." Baern seems to have more to say but can't seem to get enough breath to say it. The dwarf plops down where he stands, trying to regain himself for the continuation. "But aye, maybe a quick sit down..."

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Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 15

After attempting to catch his breath and failing Gob starts to look at the various tombs around him. "Keep an eye out for a tomb marked with a winged boar crest. That should be the one we were sent here to find."

Baern looks about. Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

"I don't think any of these are tombs... More like... pillars?"

Is this a permanent fatigue condition due to altitude? or recoverable after 8 hr rest?

Not recoverable until you descend the mountain.

Gob and Baern look around for the tomb with the winged boar crest, however they large amount of land and tombs to cover is overwhelming.

2d4 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

The sun is beginning to set, however it is heading into afternoon.

Do you keep looking? Employ other methods?

Malachite tries to use the little he understands of religion to identify any of the obelisks, steles, or other markers that might have significance to their quest.

Mal Know Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

But that obviously doesn't gain them much...

Hustavan....... HUshtaven... Brewslee begins to talk loudly right in Mu's ear. He grabs the old main's shoulder.HUSTAVAN!

spinning him around he sees that it is in fact Mu through blurred eyes. Sheepishly he looks at the frail one. Shorry I thought you were Hushtavan.... the wrinkles

Brewslee the wanders off amid the tombs looking for Hustavan. HUSTAVAN.... Where ish the winged boar... it looksh like the winged thing that tried to have itsh way with Gob. Show ush the winged boar Huashtavan.

Brewslee glances around in his tirade as he wanders about. His vision focuses and wanders here and there.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

"Fah! That was a mantiCORE, not a mantiBOAR." Shu grumbles at the drunkard.

As someone who's played this before I'm abstaining from this part (though in truth I don't remember what the trick is).

Trick? There's a trick? I ran it before but have long since forgotten it. I barely remember the map, haha.

Actually, I don't even know if there is a trick. We probably just forgot something.

Or not hitting a Perception DC.

Baern shuffles around trying to detect magic on the plinths.

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Gob looks around at his fellow pathfinders as they try different methods. "Do none of you remember the briefing where we were told to look for the crest with the winged boar? If it helps you can think really hard and try and recall what the Venture Captain told us." Gob goes back to looking for the family crest with a winged boar.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 12

It is a ridiculously high Perception check. I was debating on how to make this part interesting, but there's nothing to work with. I'm just going to roll 1d4 to see how many time blocks it takes you to find it.

# of Time Blocks: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Time Spent Searching: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 1, 3) = 7

It gets dark when 1d7 ⇒ 2 Bevek stumbles upon a mausoleum that is rather plain. It is tucked between two grand buildings and seems to bear the faded mark of the winged boar. The blackened door seems odd as Bevek uses his sleeve to wipe away the grime. It gleams back gold. The doors don't seem to be locked or barred.

High Perception, thats what I was concluding too after going back to re-read mission Tulwin
Hoped for a Nat20, if that even helps: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Mu knocks on the golden door, more hoping it would just open rather than being answered, "Herllo! Herrllooooh?!".

Use Magic Device: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Malachite smiles knowing that the wise masters would never let him down, this was obviously just a test of his perceptive abilities -- abilities he clearly needs to improve.

He advances towards the golden door, temple sword in hand, ready for anything.