GM Boldr's PFS 6-18 High-Tier (4-5) From Under Ice (Inactive)

Game Master MisterSlanky

Skødir narrows his eyes at Haltani.

She keeps talking about the Ulfen that way, no wonder she thinks they all want to punch her.

"We have our traditions, too. And no, my powers found me years ago."

10 diplo: 10 + 1 = 11

Hmm, GM, may we aid each other's diplomacy checks?

When he asks about the necklace she takes it off for him to examine, handing it over gently by its chain. "It is an ice diamond from the mines of Hope Lost, just east of Dalun. A gift from long ago. Some are white, and some are light blue much like this one. I rather prefer the unique color."

Untir gingerly takes over the necklace and studies it with undisguised awe. Despite his ulterior motives for asking, he cannot but acknowledge the sheet beauty of the gem, and is stunned into silence for a few seconds. "It... it indeed is stunning." He carefull returns the necklace to Haltani, and adds with a warn smile. "It must have special significance for you." He pauses briefly, as if he is pondering. "Would you know how I might acquire a gemstone like this? I have been away from home for too long, and I have not met my ... mother for many moons. It would be most suitable gift for her when I return. Unique in the tribe, she has blue eyes, and this ice diamond would set them off perfectly."

---
This takes place at a different time.
In the morning, Untir takes care to find a time when Haltani's attention is elsewhere before he approaches Rose and Amhranai separately and asks rather curiously. "You are quite well-travelled and knowledgeable. Our guide showed me a gem known as an ice diamond. Have you heard of it?"

Rose, Amhranai, if you like, you can make the knowledge check (local or geography) in this post. You can also choose whether to tell Untir the truth or not. :)

In response to Haltani:
"Many places I have been. Though travelling through the decades can make you feel like a stranger in familiar lands. When everyone you met on your last visit is no longer... It is why I find solace in nature, and the loyal and timeless friendship of Crann." Amhranai then goes into details about some of her favorite flora and scenes of nature from around the Inner Sea.
Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

-----------------------------------

For Untir
Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

"It's from where she said it's from. The mine about 70 miles from Dalun."

Haltani does not seem satisfied with Skødir's answer and quickly finds other places to be than around the Ulfen. There's a certain air of coldness between them, and Skødir does not seem to have made her feel more at ease.

Untir can quickly discern that although Haltani seems to be friendly, she becomes distinctly uncomfortable when asked about the diamond's significance. She quickly answers, "It was a gift" and pivots quickly. "A gift for your mother sounds like a lovely idea. There are a number of jewelers in Dalun that may be able to assist you. In fact, since these diamonds are a popular item only found locally, they may be suitable for your trade needs too, no?" After the conversation ends Untir can see Haltani looking off into the distance deep in thought.

Haltani continues her conversation later with Amhranai, listening intently to her story, although she seems to lose interest roughly half way through. Amhranai may be good at providing details, but not at storytelling it appears. The Valkari woman does though seem interested in Crann, "We do not see plants like this around here. Though we have some pines, this is...certainly unique." She bristles a bit at Amhranai's brevity at Untir though, and adds to the response, "They are substantially more durable than your diamonds, and the locals often use them in magical charms." She smiles at Untir with her response.

The boat makes good time, and the party good conversation for three days. On the third day, a bend in the river and several large rocks cause white-water rapids across most of the water's breadth; only a narrow channel with a swift current flows without obstruction near the southern bank. Tall trees grow on either shore, casting shadows with their large overhanging branches.

Haltani stands and moves to the back of the boat where she takes the rudder from rose. "Okay now Untir, do what I've been teaching you these three days. On my word, I need you pull in the sail. The rest of you move to the other side of the boat to counter balance my turn. On my word!"

If the party could please make assist checks (untrained is fine) for Profession(Sailor).
Moving minis in the map to reflect the request. If you do not wish to participate in said request, please move yourself wherever!

Skødir follows instructions as best as he can.

assist (untrained): 1d20 ⇒ 20

+2 to Untir's roll

"C'mon Crann, you heard the lady! You know you don't swim well!"

Profession (Sailor) assist-Untrained: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Crann rustles his way over to the correct side of the boat.

Profession (Sailor) assist-Untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

untrained assist: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Lenora hurries to the other side of the boat in an effort to be helpful, but finds herself tripping a bit, and nearly landing face first onto the edge of their... raft? Either way, she doubted that was particularly helpful! "Sorry, sorry!" she sputters, trying to get to her feet without getting in anyone else's way.

Untir gulps silently, nervous but excited. He grasps the ropes attached to the sail, ready to pull on her mark. He knows his frame is small and his strength is lacking, but Haltani has also taught him that it is not the absolute strength that matters, but the timing and precision that matters. He smiles encouragingly Haltani.

prof(sailor), untrained: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

With the help of the crew Haltani take the boat hard into the corner, just avoiding the rapids. As she does so, the crew sees a bundle of rocks fall from a tree in the foliage at the side of the river which pulls a rope taut from shore to rapids. A large triangular net rises from the calm in the water waiting to entrap the small craft. The Pathfinder's spectacular showing as the crew of the boat though give Haltani just the time she needs to bring the boat to a hard stop in front of the net, avoiding it's entangling grasp. The boat bobs and dips in the river, very close to the rapids, but seems under control and unharmed.

From the pines at the side of the river two clearly Ulfen men stand from their hiding spots. Their weapons are not drawn, "You travel through Whiterook territory, prepare to be boarded and inspected." The guard says in a half bored voice.

The other adds, "Who travels the river towards Irsisen, and for what reason?"

"I am Lenora Glass, a hospitaler of Sarenrae," Lenora announces herself. "We intend no ill will to you and yours." She pauses, looking at their raft, perhaps a bit skeptically. "Um, I'm not sure it's a good idea to come aboard carelessly." Although the woman doesn't think they'll attack, she keeps a hand near her scimitar's hilt all the same. Better safe than sorry after all.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 Ouch, that roll. ;A;

Having said her piece, she looks to the others and Haltani, unsure of what direction this is going to go in... And wonders if this is going to cause trouble with Skødir. Well, I guess it's a bit like an adventure - things like this did happen, anyways, right...?

Skødir does not like the idea of having strangers go through his stuff. The occasional city guard or customs agent is a tolerable discomfort, but this? Especially after they tried to pull that net s~~%, because if net s*!! is anything, it's trickery. Skødir hates trickery. Nets too.

Give the southerners some time to talk it out...no need to shout....yet.

"Thank you for the advice! We will make sure we are very prepared to be boarded and inspected when we reach our destination!
Now if you could just remove this net, we'll be on our way!"
Amhranai says, oblivious of the shakedown they're trying to pull.

"Gentlemen there's no need for this. We are merely traveling to Naldak's Point er Peak, something like that, to do some trading. See we even have a pack mule. He's kind of grumpy, and really stinky. You don't want to come on this boat trust me. I don't know what he's been eating but pew." She keeps her hand on her weapon, but does not draw it out.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Untir turns on his brightest smile and addresses the two guards. "Yes, we are simple traders. I think we have a letter of trade somewhere. Ah there it is, if you need to look at it. But I am sure you are just doing your job."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 Hmm...

*does an interpretive dance to explain their mission*

*SWOOSH*RUSTLE*RUSTLE*WAVE*RUSTLE*SWOOSH*

Skødir sighs internally before standing up.

I hate guards.

In Ulfen
"And what are you going to do if we say 'no'?" asks Skødir, thumbing the pommel of his bastard sword.

intimidate: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

We are all social mavens. It's true.

The two guards eye the boat suspiciously. "Traders you say? Letter of trade, for Irrisen?" says the first guard.

The other responds in turn, "Naldak's Point is deep in Irrisen. I'm afraid if you want to continue along you'll let us on your boat and we will take it to Whiterook where Halvor will want to have a word with you." He glowers a bit, clearly unhappy that he suddenly has some work to do.

The first responds to Skødir, "We have no qualms with you brother. Certainly you can understand the dangers of wanting to go deep into the heart of the beast. But if you insist on saying, 'no', I'm afraid our instructions are to board your boat by force. That's not worth a trip to Irrisen is it?"

I'm not your brother, scrub.

Again, in Ulfen
"How far away is your camp? Who is this Halvor? We were told Naldak's point is on the border."

The first guard responds in Skald as well, "Whiterook, vår landsby er øst for her, og Halvor er vår kampleder. Du reiser gjennom hans territorium, og vår jobb er å sikre at reisende snakker med ham. Absolutt kan du få tid til å snakke med en eldre. Når det gjelder din plassering, er du på grensen, denne elven er den. Nord er Irrisen, sør er vårt rike. Jeg vet ikke hvor dette Naldaks Punkt er, men det er absolutt nord for elva og kontrollert av de ... hekse."

The guards are both beginning to look a little nervous when the second speaks in common again, "We do not wish this to turn into anything, please just let us look at your goods and meet with our battle leader Halvor."

more skald

"I have no love for the witches, but if we abandon those who live under their rule we are just as bad as they are. How far away is this village?"

Lenora listens quietly at the foreign language, a hand on her hilt, but when the guards become nervous, pointedly announcing they don't want to fight... Well. "Will this Halvor keep us from our task? Or take from us? So long as he is unlike to do us harm, I have no qualms with meeting him," the paladin points out. "It is clear that these men, at least, do not want to fight us. They are caught between duty and danger." She looks over at Haltani and the others and shrugs. "We are not yet in the territory of the needlessly vicious."

"Skodir I'll let you decide for me whether allowing these men on board is a wise decision. I have no love of fighting just for fighting's sake." she leaves her hand on her rapier, and waits to see what will happen.

The guard speaks again in Skald, "Not far, we should be there by afternoon." He is clearly more comfortable about what is going on.

Let me know if it's a fight, or if you're willing to let them board.

Untir turns to Skodir, turning serious briefly. In a voice that carries only to the ears of his party, Untir shares, "I have no wish for unnecessary battle either, especially on an unstable vessel as this. I believe we have little to hide, for now."

If given an opportunity to team huddle, whispering
"These men like Irrisen less than I do. They won't mind taking the supplies for Naldak's Point, and we need these supplies for the mission. Besides...if their camp is far away..."

"I don't want to fight if we don't need to. Let's allow them on board, and travel to their village. I assume it's in the direction we are heading anyway." Rose whispers to the group. She's ready just in case but willing to wait and see.

"Yes, if it comes to combat, we can deal with it then," Lenora adds. "I don't think they'll try, but I imagine we'll work it out then. What's that saying, um..." She pauses, trying to remember something Mattias had often said. "Oh! We'll burn that bridge when we get to it!"

Skødir looks at Rose and Lenora dumbfoundedly.

Yes. Let's take three women to a camp filled with dozens of rowdy men who have been away from their lives for months on end. Nothing unsavory will happen.

"These men WILL steal these supplies, then your trade mission is off. I'd rather fight them here rather than at their camp, where's there's going to be more of them."

Skødir will draw his swords, "Let's get this over quickly."

Untir visibly frowns as Skodir draws his weapon. With a deep sigh, he replies in a gruff voice, "Alright then. Let's do this."

Lenora blinks, a bit surprised. She'd been hoping to see what this civilization might be like, but, well... If this is the way things were gonna turn out... Mattias had always said to just roll with it, right?

"I really must apologize," she says to the strangers. "But it looks like we unfortunately don't have the time to go with you today." She draws her scimitar and points towards their trap. "Would you mind getting out of our way?"

Please refer Slide 2 for the current map.

From shore the burly men seem taken aback by Skodir's deceleration. The fumble for their weapons as the burliest speaks again in common, "So be it cousin, if this is what you wish."

Haltani too steps back, clearly surprised by what has transpired.

The entire party may go as my pathetic excuses for rolls make me last.
There is a five foot gap of water between the boat and shore.
To be clear, no one, with the sole exception of Skodir, has actually drawn weapons at this point. Even if stated in your narrative, you will need to take a move action to do so.

Rose attempts to acrobatics across the five feet with a diving roll. She attempts to pull her weapon out at the end of the roll with a flourish. Not much to say. Just get this business over with.

Acrobatics with Panache: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 9 + (2) = 13
Using Panace. Not sure it's enough.

Untir finds himself standing at the back, clearly uncomfortable about not having an avenue to get his feet on solid ground. Disregarding that for now, he pulls out a wand from his belt and activates it, laying a blessing on his teammate.

activate wand of bless: +1 attack, +1 save vs fear

Having had the lesson beaten into her occasionally thick skull repeatedly - You're not to ever lead the charge! Support the others! - Lenora frowns a bit at the new development and then sighs. She puts the scimitar away and pulls out her crossbow to load it, carefully slipping the bolt into place and pulling on the lever.

"You can always surrender," she points out. "We don't actually want to fight you, but we will to keep to our task. If you'd just surrender, we could just be on our way and you can be on yours, right?" She wasn't entirely sure that was how things worked, but it was worth a try, right? One of the many things she'd learned from Mattias and the others was that one should never be too eager for bloodshed. Enemies could have families, too. A mother, a wife, a daughter, a son. Pets. Others that depend on them - but the world was a wild place.

But there was no reason not to at least try to be reasonable. There was no need to kill these poor souls - they were just doing their jobs, after all. Their jobs just seemed... contrary to what her own party was attempting. Were they themselves also contrary? Lenora considered her new foes.

Not 100% sure on rules re: pre-loaded crossbows, but I figured that it's bad to have them pre-loaded for long periods of time IRL and if the thing went off accidentally on a small, filled to capacity raft, bad things might happen. Soooo, Lenora probably wouldn't have had it loaded ahead of time. That said, is there a ruling on pre-loaded crossbows for the first round of combat?

Move action: draw crossbow, standard action: load crossbow. At will:
detect evil

acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 Should meet DC10 for jumping 5' with no running start.

Skødir leaps from the boat onto the shore, using the extra momentum to close the gap with one of the guards. When he swings his bastard sword, it almost looks like two swings, the second surrounded in some sort of golden glow.

Guiding spirit
Bsword: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 1 = 20
Bsword: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 = 13

dmg: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Rose, reacting quickly to Skødir's declaration, leaps across the gap, drawing her rapier as she rolls out of her landing onto her feet. The foliage rustles a little as she makes her landing but does little to break the growing tension in the air. The guard before her sneers, clearly seething with the rage of betrayal.

Lenora draws her crossbow and loads it. Her words thrown at the guards seem to bounce off their growing anger.

Untir draws his wand and shouts its command word. A golden aura fills the air as a blessing is laid upon the party.

Skødir also leaps onto shore, his boots landing in the muddy shore with a splat. He swing his sword, which connects heartily with the surprised guard. The bastard sword cuts deep, severely wounding the man.

Amhranai and Crann are still up.

Part of this will depend on the vegetation around the enemy

Amhranai draws a weapon and yells to Crann, "Stand over there and DEFEND! Stay by him Haltani!"

Crann lumbers to Haltani and shields her from any potential attacks.

Amhranai raises her arms slowly above her head while chanting the Druidic incantation. As her arms rise, so does the undergrowth along the shoreline, grasping and reaching towards the two guards.

Both of the rough men roar in rage at the grasping leaves and vines, "You dare tread on our goodwill" screams one. The other follows, "Cousin, may your blood feed the soil today."

The blue guard swats aside the rising vines and steps gently into the safer terrain between Skødir and the wall of weeds. He draws forth a Javelin and roars in rage. Although unwieldly, he lands his strike truee into Skødir's side.

The red Ulfen stands among the weeds and begins batting them as he wades out of the area. His muscles seem to tense as his clear rage fills the air. While he moves, he draws forth a mighty longspear where safely outside the reeds he strikes across them at Rose; fortunately for her, his tip does not land true.

All can act.
Rose, you can take an AoO for my provoking movement as well as your normal action.

Rose slashes out at the Ulfen dressed in red as he steps by hitting him hard for such a small weapon. Then she ducks out of the way of his spear thrust, and steps up next to him. She attacks him again.

Seeing as her only clear shot was to the guard Skødir was engaged with - Rose was decidedly between her and other other guard - Lenora tried to aim and pull the trigger. It, uh... Didn't go so well. Grimacing, she loaded another bolt into her crossbow.

"Um, really! Uh, please just surrender?" Admittedly, she didn't think they had much reason too, but she'd certainly have been intimidated if a giant wall of growth had just appeared behind her.

Standard: Attack, Move: Reload.

After being stabbed, Skødir almost smiles.

Maybe these whelps have some fight in them after all...EXCELLENT!

"And may your blood drown worms!"

Free action rage, TWF
bastard sword: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 12
spirit surge, adding to attack if it fails: 1d6 ⇒ 4Hoping that makes a difference
dmg: 1d10 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 2 = 18
gladius: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 11
dmg: 1d6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10

Figuring that Skodir would have little difficulty with his guard, Untir turns his attention to Rose's target. He pulls out a small chain from his pouch, and start chanting. The chain fades as nebulous spirits arise from within him. They dives into the ground beneath the (red) and out burst found a large chain with entangles around his legs, threatening to trip him to the ground.

5-foot step, cast barbed chains: trip attempt and if succeed, DC15 will save or shaken 1d4 rounds

trip vs red, bless: 1d20 + 2 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 4 + 1 = 26

Rose strikes successfully at the guard before her, drawing a thin line of blood as he moves into position. The hit is solid, but she was hoping for better. Her second strike nearly connects with the hulking man, but instead goes just under his exposed armpit, "Little one, don't make me squash you like the bug you are," he spits as he grinds his teeth in anger.

As he finishes his statement Lenora's bolt flies past his head, and again he grunts, "You'll be next I suppose. We were told alive, but I can make an exception."

Across the vines, Skødir too struggles with his target. The hulking man looks far more agile than he appears. Skødir's blade seems to connect air, but at the last moment lands deep into the guard's chest. With a grunt his eyes grow wide, before he falls to the ground. He lands with a sickening crack at Skødir's boots.

Untir's chain flies out at the legs of the remaining guard. Taken completely by surprise he falls over during the assault. He does not seem fazes though as he looks at Untir angrilly.

Amhranai is in delay.

The guard stands to his full height before moving again, leaving himself open for Rose's counter. He again reaches out with his longspear; this time it lands squarely in Rose's shoulder, digging into her flesh. "Bleed little one, he sneers as he removes his blood-soaked weapon from her body.

Amaranai is in delay (you can take two actions if you post before my next post).
Rose may make an AoO as he stands up as well as her standard actions.
Everybody else is up.

To clarify, Rose gets an AoO when he stands up?

Untir moves out of the boat, worried about tipping it over. He gestures at the remaining guard. The wispy spirits arise from the ground and start flitting around him, tugging at his items, flying in front of his face, howling in his ears.

Misfortune hex, will DC15: for 1 round roll twice for d20s and take worse result

Lenora swaps targets, switching to the guard on the far side of Rose. Now that Skødir's target is down, she concentrates on the remaining one, aiming before pulling the trigger. Now that the guard's taken a step back, she's got something of a clearer shot - it's not so reckless now. Once the bolt leaves her crossbow, she begins loading in the next one.

"Leave her be, you cretin!" Now that any attempts at negotiation have gone done - and rather bloodily at that - she's sticking looking after her own. Or well - what the church would've considered hers anyways, seeing as they're traveling and adventuring together.

She does, however, spare a thought for the two poor guards, thinking to at least keep them from bleeding out before leaving them to their fates after they sorted the weird boat trap.

Standard: attack, Move: reload

To clarify, Rose gets an AoO when he stands up?

Correct - edited for clarity.

Oh crap, don't forget whetsone extra damage, folks

Skødir looks at the vines, then back at his feet, then back at the vines, then back at his feet, then at his sword, then back at the vines, then at his mule, and then back at the vines again.

Pass.

Skødir points his bastard sword, still dripping with blood, at the other guard/soldier/highwayman/whatever.

intimidoot to demoralize: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"YOU'RE NEXT? I...guess?"

AOO
Rose slashes out with her rapier as the guard stands.
Rapier: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1 +1 for the whetstone if the GM will allow it

Regular Action
I'm going to spend a Panache point to invoke the deed Dodging Panache. Which gives me a +3 to my AC for a total of 22.

"What do you mean told to take us alive? She steps in and attacks again. "I'll whittle you down drop by drop if I have to."

Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1