GM Elberion's Gallows of Madness (PFS) (Inactive)

Game Master Dennis Muldoon

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

As the wave of negative energy snuffs out the last spark of life in one of the goblins you see it give one last convulsion. As the goblin convulses verathis eats a small green light that appears in front of him.

Upon the death of the goblin I activate my trait soul drinker to get temporary hit points equal to its hit dice.

Verathis then steps forward and snaps his fingers with an eerie ring as of a crystal bell under water radiates from him. This ring becomes a base cacophony to the bugbears skull pounding his vision, hearing, and focus like a hammer.

Ear-Piercing Scream: 1d6 ⇒ 1+Daze (DC 15 will halves the damage and negates the Daze.)

As Verathis steps forward Ink crawls out of his neck and down his chest.

will save, scream: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

The bugbear chuckles cruelly as it shrugs off the spell.

Save vs Neg Energy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Carson feel the full effect of the vile energy course through his body but continues on. Pulling out his cold iron dagger to fill his empty hand he moves up to take on the last goblin.

Shortsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

The spell seems to have thrown off his aim.

please keep your hit points in your header up to date, Carson.

Carson's sword swing passes over the goblin's head.

still waiting for actions from Johnny and Harada. Will save also needed from Harada.

Opps, sorry to keep you waiting.

will save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Harada winces in pain as the negative energy flows over him.

In retaliation Harada drops his light hammer and charges the blue goblinnoid.

taiaha: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

The bugbear is starting to look badly injured.

bugbear -16 HP; goblin -5 HP

Now just waiting for Johnny's action.

Shoot the bugbear hit: 7 + 1d20 ⇒ 7 + (2) = 9
dmg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 +2 strength composite longbow, nonmagical

The goblin swings at Carson.
goblin attack: 1d20 ⇒ 8
But he misses.

The bugbear tries to step away from all of you, and then casts a spell.

He could not get out of all range with a 5 ft step, so the centipede gets an AoO. To keep things moving, I'm going to roll that AoO for you, Grel.

centipede bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

You all feel a weight descend on your hearts.
DC 13 will save from all PCs or take -1 on attacks and some saving throws; also applies to familiars, summons, and other allies.

Nixa's will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Nixa moves forward and bashes it with her shield.
attack: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 - 1 = 8
Then she again swings her sword at the bugbear.
attack: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 1 = 16
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

The bugbear is clearly about to fall over.

Party is up! Finish them, guys!

will save, +2 for Charm or Compulsion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Grel carefully wheels around the bug bear to come on the other side of the summoned centipede once more. He winds up for, what he hopes, is the final attack.

mw ci warhammer, hatred, flank: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Centipede attempts another poisonous bite.

will, centipede: 1d20 ⇒ 14

centipede bite, flank: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 2 = 23
damage: 1d6 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

The bugbear falls down dead, the holy symbol of Lamashtu around his neck breaking loose during the fall.

The remaining goblin shrieks and runs away.

Nixa turns to you. "Thank you for rescuing me. I am Nixa Volsetti. I was only able to break free because of your invasion of the goblin camp. That bugbear was going to use some sort of purple goop he described as 'demon bile' to turn me against the town, even to make me hurt them. I don't understand how it would have worked, but he seemed to believe that it would. If you don't mind, I need you to help me find and rescue my cousin Nolaria. She and I were taken prisoner together."

Well met, Nixa. We rescued Nolaria, we now have been on the trail to rescue you. We defeated Gellion in Saringhollow. He was made mad by the demon bile. Any cold iron will dissolve it immediately should you encounter it again. Grel slings his shield and warhammer as he's talking to Nixa.

EDITED. Thanks for the guidance. It's been a long campaign.

Grel, at least by the text of the adventure, you rescued Nolaria already, in part 1. Nixia doesn't know about this because she's been kept prisoner.

Grel, at least by the text of the adventure, you rescued Nolaria already, in part 1. Nixia doesn't know about this because she's been kept prisoner.

thanks. edited my post.

"We can escort you back to town if you'd like." Verathis offers. "But first we should see if this bugbear had any texts describing what he was doing. If this was but one part in a greater plan I would hate to be caught unaware."

Verathis then searches the bugbears body for anything useful including the aforementioned texts.

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Harada comments "Lets give the area a quick look over before heading back, who knows how many more goblins may be lurking around."

You look around carefully, but find only junk that was the gear of goblinoids and half-spoiled foodstuffs. Apparently any surviving goblins fled as soon as their leader died.

You journey back to Saringallow, where Nixia almost flies in her anxiety to greet her cousin, Nolaria. The mayor calls you into her office, where she congratulates you on a job well done. She also allows you to copy another of the tomes you were sent here for, because it was located while you were gone.

----------BEGINNING OF PART 3----------

You've received a request from the mayor of Saringallow to meet in her office about a matter of town business. You have a little time before the meeting to conduct any shopping or other business around town beforehand if you'd like.

Grel kicks around town following anyone else that would tolerate his company.

Verathis wanders around with Grel stopping only at Pricknettle’s Poultices to shop.

We have everyone in now, so off we go. Feel free to add any in-town scenes via flashback.

Although it’s covered in a layer of files and paperwork that indicate its official nature, this office is also eminently comfortable, with its plush carpet, velvet-lined oaken furniture, and ornate serving carts bearing colorful fruit and fine drinks. The soothing smell of sage and apple blossoms floats on a warm breeze wafting through the large, open picture window.

At the center of the room, behind a solid and polished wooden desk, sits Mayor Sandra Trinelli, her long fingers folded together in thought. Her face is solemn as she surveys her visitors. “Thank you for your quick attention to my request,” she begins, motioning to the oversized chairs in front of her. “As you can imagine, it involves a delicate task that promises results of great significance to our beleaguered population. Let me explain.

“The history of this town, I’m afraid, is written in blood. More than a century ago, the family that founded Saringallow committed heinous crimes against the hard-working folks who toiled on their behalf. When all was said and done, these nobles—the Sarinis—kidnapped and murdered many local children. They were hanged for their crimes, but the bodies of the youths were never found, and our families still suffer those tragic memories today. After all of these years, they’ve never had closure, and our town has never been the same.

“However, not long ago, while I was searching the town archives, I discovered a few old letters that seem to indicate that these evil nobles kept records of their victims and diabolical rituals. Finding these documents would go a long way toward healing the deep wounds the
Sarinis inflicted on our poor people.

“Unfortunately, the evidence is presumably stored in the Sarinis old, walled estate, which is located some distance from Saringallow proper. Around here, superstitions regarding the Sarini family still run deep, and the good men and women of our town watch— bless their hearts—are reluctant to help. There’s no proof, however, that any of the rumors about the Sarini Estate are real, so I’d like to hire you help me solve this matter. Please, if you will, bring me any records of these terrible crimes that exist. Once you do, I believe our town will finally begin to heal. I trust that you are capable, and I hope that a reward of 100 gp will be enough to persuade you to help.”

Any questions for the mayor?

Was there ever any speculation as to the motives of the Sarinis? Dark Magic or demon worship? Grel rubs his dusty beard.

"Rumors were flying all over town of diabolism, dark rituals, and blood sacrifice. Who knows what their goal was in all of it?"

Thank you, Mayor. How far is this estate? Is there anything remarkable about the terrain or the estate itself?

“The estate is a large place, with two main stories and a basement, or so the old stories go, but we don’t have a map of the place in our archives. Given what horrors happened there, the townsfolk have always given the place a wide berth—no one here is greedy enough to covet the murder-tainted valuables that hated family might have owned. Some things are more important than gold, you know. The Sarinis and everything tied to them are a blot on our existence.

“The estate is located about 10 miles from town, down a road almost no one travels except for foolhardy youths trying to prove themselves. Given its isolation, I would not be surprised if there weren’t a few dangers in or around the place. You’d do well to arm yourselves sufficiently before heading out.”

Is there any chance of interviewing these foolhardy youths?

"Oh, I don't think I could name any specific youths. You could try asking around town."

Harada gives a big thumbs up to the mayor "You can count on us!"

earlier:
A young woman walks into town, a letter held in her hand. She looks back and forth between the letter and people who she sees, perhaps trying to recongnize people described in the letter. The people who she seems most interested in are those who seem to fit less within a small town.

now: "Are the rumors more of undead creatures or demonic beings?"

After pondering briefly Harada follows up "Maybe a weird question, maybe not so weird after everything we've seen, but have any sightings regarding the mansion involve the color purple recently?"

Grel nods at Harada's question and reassuringly pats his cold iron warhammer.

"Are the rumors more of undead creatures or demonic beings?"

“This tragedy has had several generations to generate rumors, but they’re all nonsense, as far as I’m concerned. Some say the estate is haunted by the spirits of those murdered there; others say the estate has collapsed under its own weight, and still others believe diabolic powers still lurk within and plot against us. Given what the town suffered, can you blame them for projecting their fears into that hated place?”

After pondering briefly Harada follows up "Maybe a weird question, maybe not so weird after everything we've seen, but have any sightings regarding the mansion involve the color purple recently?"

"Hm. That's a good question, given recent events. I haven't heard any such rumors myself, so far."

Meiri looks to the others. They know much more than she does what has been happening recently, so she hopes they ask any relevant questions.

Before the meeting.

Carson jumps at the chance to go and visit the mayor. He still has feeling for her but she does not seem to notice him other than as a means of keeping her beloved town safe.

When the invite comes to join her for a meeting all kinds of thougths run through his head but they are quickly dampered when he realizes that this is not a private invitation. Oh well, any time spent with her will be worth it.

When he arrives at the mayors office he spots the newcomer and wonders where she came from. Sliding up to her he before the meeting starts he asks, "Hello, my name is Carson. Were you invited to this meeting also?"

At the meeting he listen to the mayor and hangs on her every word. He agrees to head out to the manor and find the things that she has requested. Maybe this brave act will get her to notice him and begin to return his affection.

"The Venture Captain sent me here to join a team of Pathfinders, and while I was looking for my team, a note from the mayor arrived, saying I would find my team here."

Carson leans in a little close and whispers "Well you seem to have found the team of Pathfinders. The dwarf there is Grel. He is our leader. Mostly because we just do what he says and it has worked for us so far. The big guy with the extraordinary number of hammers is Harada. Yes his self given nickname is Hammer. The creepy looking elf is Verathis. If you see a foot long scorpion running around don't kill it. It belongs to him and it really kind of cute."

Leader? I'm not sure about that. I was just trying to get to the goblins first. And you let these short legs beat you. Grel lets a grin come across his lisp, an unusual sight for a typically-gruff character.

But nice to meet you all the same, lassie. Are you carrying any cold iron? You would do well to carry a dagger at least.

Verathis shoots a withering look at Carson before resuming his usual pleasant smile.

He then asks,"As it was only a bit past a century ago would anyone in town have been around during that time or met the Sarinis?"

"Oh, no I don't think so. Not many of you long-lived folks around here, and a century is a long time." After a moment's reflection, she nervously looks around and speaks again. "Did you say foot long scorpion running around?"

At hearing his introduction Ink pulls himself off of Verathis and crawls around to his shoulders behind his neck. Ink then waves his left claw at Meiri as if to say hello.

Seeing the scorpion the mayor gasps, then quickly says “We have quite a bit of information available about the time period in question in the
town hall’s archives. I suggest that you start there. Find my assistant, Lupia Marietti. She’s a kind woman and will help you with whatever you need.” Her eyes never leave Ink as she speaks.

Any other questions for the mayor? I'll move you to the archive later today, unless you'd rather go somewhere else first.

I'm good to go to archive.

Meiri smiles at the cute little scorpion. "I'm Meiri pronounced May'-ree and my job is to know stuff about everything," she introduces herself to the others.

When you arrive in the archives, you find the mayor's assistant, Lupia Marietti, sorting through some papers. She looks up and smiles as she says ”Hello there! The mayor warned me you might be coming here in search of information. I know these archives pretty well; why don’t you tell me what you’re looking for, and I can help you find it?”

Since the module includes it, there's a picture of Lupia Marietti in the MAPS & HANDOUTS deck.

"Thank you. I am looking for information on the Sarinis family, information on the area around there estate, And anything you have on demons. Accounts of demon sightings by locals around the time of the Sarinis family would be particularly helpful."

"Hm, let's take these one at a time so I can be thorough in my search. [b]"Hm, let's take these one at a time so I can be thorough in my search. Let me search for information on the Sarini familiy...Hm, looks like I have records relating to three Sarini family members. Here you go, in alphabetical order:"

linguistics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Curious here about the poisoning. They tend not to be accidental. Do we know any other circumstances of this death?

linguistics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

And what can you tell us about his Luca. To adopt a ward from war would indicate some sort of prisoner, would it not? Do you know Luca's origins?

[dice=linguistics]d20+1

Curious here about the poisoning. They tend not to be accidental. Do we know any other circumstances of this death?

[dice=linguistics]d20+1

And what can you tell us about his Luca. To adopt a ward from war would indicate some sort of prisoner, would it not? Do you know Luca's origins?

"I'm afraid I don't have any information beyond what you see here."

Disable Device: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Carson looks over the depolyment letter. Carefully reading the details of the units operations.

"That special engineering unit seems to have focused on building traps. We are going to have to be careful moving through any structures we come across."