GM Endless Forms' PFS 04-24 Glories of the Past Part II: The Price of Friendship (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

Luisila *sighs* as she throws back her head, briefly shaking it from side to side as she gazes at the ceiling.

She then looks levelly at Ploog, lifts her right hand palm up and makes an impatient let’s have it gesture.

"Lemme guess, you had a group of gladiators drop out and you need us to fill in?"

Ploog grins wickedly. "Why, it seems you've been in this situation before? Well, yes, I'd like you to participate in our next event against the reigning champion Vroth the Crusher. I will add that the winners are allowed to claim the losers' possessions, of which Vroth is known to have a considerable collection. Sound like a deal? Can you be ready in two hours?"

Brachus sighs

"Us against him? We as a group against one opponent?"

Going to assume we will accept and have a bit of time to ask around about this guy we're about to face in combat
Diplomacy (gather information on Vroth): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Unamused but unsurprised, Luisila’s look of distaste is fleeting as it quickly changes to one of resignation.

Probably best to just get on with it …

The priestess forces a tight smile onto her face and with a more professional air asks their host, “Lord Ploog, what are the rules regarding self-buffing magic before the contest begins? I participated in an event in the River Kingdoms where we were permitted to pre-cast buffs provided they lasted more than an hour.”

“Is the ‘Crusher’ a humanoid? What kind of possessions does he have?”

“Is the fight to the death or are the parties allowed to yield? What is the policy on collateral damage to the crowd in the event of a stray spell or missile entering their midst?”

“What kind of terrain will we be fighting on? Is flight permitted?” Luisila gives Linnea a wry glance. "Oh and I suppose our troupe needs a name?"

A serious look crosses Varg's face.

Back to the gladiator ring...could be worse.

Time to send more to the mud. I am still not happy with your forked tongue, Ploog. I do not forget.

Linnea shakes her head slowly as Ploog explains his terms. She's not disagreeing to participate, she's just exasperated with Ploog. "Alright, I suppose we don't have any choice in the matter."

As Luisila engages Ploog about the particulars of the match, Linnea walks over to Varg. "Hey, you and Luisila were with Desmond with that business in the River Kingdoms, right? What is gladiatorial combat like? I never managed to see an arena match, let alone fight in one.'

In my experience it is a bloody melee fight to the death in a stone circle. But, the one Lu, Des and me fought in had some crazy rules that she just asked 'bout. We buff the melee folks like me if we can and have at it.

“Lord Ploog, what are the rules regarding self-buffing magic before the contest begins? I participated in an event in the River Kingdoms where we were permitted to pre-cast buffs provided they lasted more than an hour.”

"No rules. He uses what he's got and you use what you've got. As long as it makes for a show, I don't give a f$#+."

“Is the ‘Crusher’ a humanoid? What kind of possessions does he have?”

"Crusher's a great big brute-a giant with two hears. He favors the flail as his weapon of choice and he likes to train animals in his spare time. I'm sure he's got some ready for you."

“Is the fight to the death or are the parties allowed to yield? What is the policy on collateral damage to the crowd in the event of a stray spell or missile entering their midst?”

"To the death-or at least knocked out. The bloodier the better is what the crowds go for around here. The crowds know the risk; that's part of what they pay for, they like it."

“What kind of terrain will we be fighting on? Is flight permitted?” Luisila gives Linnea a wry glance. "Oh and I suppose our troupe needs a name?"

"Just a regular dirt floor arena. This ain't nothing fancy, girl. Don't you have names already? What do you need another name for? But if you feel like you need another name, go for it."

---

Lol, there are no rules in this at all. You're not in the River Kingdoms any more.

Ok, then...sounds like home.

"This ain't nothing fancy, girl ..."

Flattery will get you nowhere, Lord Ploog …

Luisila *shrugs* “Let’s do it then. Just don’t lose the keys to Gulros’s manacles in the meantime, will you Ploogie?”

It’s so difficult to take someone with a goblin’s name seriously.

“Screwing us over once is cute. If you do it again, we might take it personally, OK?”

♝♝♝♝♝

Ten minutes from the start of the contest, Luisila removes her backpack.

Five minutes before the bout is scheduled to begin, the priestess *casts* Protection from Energy (Fire) and Freedom of Movement on Varg. One minute from showtime she *casts* Bless. Ten seconds from the outbreak of hostilities she *casts* Prayer and Copycats.

Quivrel nods and begins digging through his things, muttering to himself. "Sounds like an Ettin." he says. "Nasty. Two heads means they can fight with a weapon in both hands."

Knowledge: Local 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Use Wand of Mage Armor and cast Shield before entering the ring.

Is there a reason why we are pre-fight buffing instead of casting spells (like prayer) during the combat? Not complaining, just wondering

"Do we want to send Varg out for a one on one battle vs Crusher? If so..I can try to make him last longer by casting Shield other on him. If we can stay close enough together that is."

Brachus, I believe it is for action economy. If we're pre-buffed, then we don't need to waste rounds buffing ourselves up and can get right to the stabby-stabby, slashy-slashy, choppy-choppy and whippy-whippy.

GM - are we using Performance Fighting rules?

Linnea nods her head at Varg's statements. She follows the group and readies herself for a fight.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"Ettin, sure. Whatever you say Quivrel."

No Performance Fighting in this scenario. Although if you feel like making Performance checks along the way I might take that into account if the numbers are close. . .

Ploog wastes no time publicizing and preparing the arena, ensuring a packed house for the show of the week.

Ploog stands before his throne and triumphantly salutes the crowd, which roars its approval. “People of Urglin, no doubt even now you have heard of the mighty Bulette Band, the brave pinkskins who walked into the wilderness and dragged back a mighty landshark. Today we shall see if their fame endures or if it will splatter to a gruesome end from the weapons of the reigning champion, victor of forty fights.” As he makes his announcements, he walks down one of the sets of stairs, descending about halfway to the arena’s floor. The massive double doors begin to creak open as he waves toward them. “Let us welcome the champion of the Bloodworks, Vroth the Crusher!” The spectators rise to their feet as one and begin banging on the bleachers and support beams with approval, causing parts of the crudely built arena to groan with strain. With a broad grin, Ploog makes a chopping motion with his hand and exclaims, “Let’s see some blood!”

Today Vroth the Crusher is joined by two of his pets: large, ravenous wolves.

Initiative:

1. Jakarno and Luisila
2. Vroth and his wolves
3. Brachus, Shan, Varg, and Linnea

Jakarno and Luisila are up!

"Big doggies. Let's keep one out of the fight." Quivrel says, casting a spell, resulting in a crackling, searing wall of flame that rises out of the ground and encircling the Wolf to the West.

Cast Major Image, conjuring a wall of flame around the Western Wolf. DC 22 will disbelieves.

Round #1: Bless 11/70 ; Prayer 1/7 ; Copycat #2 1/7 currently up => Allies +2 to hit, +1 damage; Enemies -1 to the same.

Luisila closes her eyes and bows her head. With her palms held upwards, the priestess brings her wrists together and raises her hands high above her head, while mouthing an urgent silent prayer.

Calistria, how do I love Thee? Let me count the ways …

As her lips stop moving, she brings both hands down to her sides rapidly, forming a double ‘bicep crunch’ with her fists clenched.

As she does so, a pillar of burning light descends from Elysium to envelop the ‘Crusher.’

DC 15 Reflex Save If evil take: 5d4 ⇒ (2, 3, 2, 2, 3) = 12 damage, whether the save is made or not.

Save = Dazzled; Fail = Blind for: 1d4 ⇒ 2 rounds.

Blinded
Dazzled

(I forgot to mention; the pillars don't exist. It says the arena is free from obstructions. Mostly because the high tier has trampling aurochs.

Jakarno puts a ring of fire around one of the wolves, to the delight of the crowd.

Ref: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Luisila creates a burst of holy power over the ettin, blinding him with her power.

---

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

The wolf, commanded by Vroth, snaps at the fire and sees through it. It then charges Linnea!

bite: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 2 = 13
damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

The second wolf charges Varg!

bite: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 = 29
damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

---

Vroth steps back and draws a potion, waiting for the blindness to wear off.

3d8 + 5 ⇒ (1, 7, 6) + 5 = 19

Initiative:

1. Jakarno and Luisila
2. Vroth and his wolves
3. Brachus, Shan, Varg, and Linnea

V: blind for 1 rounds
W1:
W2:

You guys are up!

Brachus seeing 2 wolves standing in front of our group waves a hand around in the air and then holds it next to his ear, goading the audience on.

Then he places both hands in front of his mouth mimicing shouting and cast a massive burst of sound so that it only target's both wolves and no party members.

(casting sound burst)
Sonic damage for both wolves: 1d8 ⇒ 5 DC 17 Fort save or stunned for 1 round

The wolves engaged with his companions for the moment, Quivrel turns his attention to the Ettin. He pulls a miniature shovel from his belt pouch and mutters arcane words. The ground beneath the Ettin's feet crumbles away into a pit thirty feet deep lined with spikes appears.

Cast Spiked Pit beneath the Ettin. DC 20 Ref. 3d6 falling damage, 2d6 piercing from the spikes

Round 1, Rage 4/15, Prayer, Blessed, Furious Focus Power Att

Varg flies into a rage and attacks Wolf 2.

GA Att: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 14 + 2 = 30
GA Dam: 1d12 + 7 + 5 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 5 + 6 + 1 = 30

With Prayer up, the wolves (but not the ettin until it moves within 40' of Luisila) take a -1 penalty to their Saves (allies get +1)

Round #2: Bless 12/70 ; Prayer 2/7 ; Copycat #2 2/7 => +2 to hit, +1 damage, -1 for enemies

Hmm … Varg versus Warg. I know who my gold pieces are on!

“Hey, Woofies! Two legs good, four legs bad!”

Luisila reaches out to Cleaver converting her Dispel Magic spell into Cure Serious Wounds.

Cure Serious Wounds: 3d8 + 7 ⇒ (2, 3, 2) + 7 = 14

Linnea is just able to lean out of the way of the wolf's bite. She draws out her whip and replies to Luisila, "That is the law!" She then shouts to rest of the party, "Are we not men - and women!?"

The shout produces courageous inspiration in the party.

Inspire courage. 8/11 rounds remaining. +1 morale bonus to saving throws vs. fear. +1 competence bonus on attack and damage rolls.

1 Fort: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 - 1 = 16
2 Fort: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 1 = 18
Ref: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
5d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 3, 3, 6) = 21

Brachus hits the wolves with a save of sound!

Jakarno creates a pit beneath the blind Ettin and the two-headed beast falls in!

Varg slices into the nearby wolf!

Linnea inspires her companions!

Initiative:

1. Jakarno and Luisila
2. Vroth and his wolves
3. Brachus, Shan, Varg, and Linnea

V: 21 dmg, blind for 1 round
W1: 5 dmg, stunned 1 round
W2: 35 dmg

Shan is up!

Luisila smiles at Linnea.

I think Desmond said his parents worshipped Gozreh, the Wind and Waves … but Lin is our Thunder Child!

@GM Endless I think Shan said he would be AFK thru Wednesday. Is it reasonable to suggest he would spend his turn making a Full Attack unarmed lethal flurry of blows against Dire Wolf 2, so we don’t slow the game too much?

Having not played a monk before I am not sure of the to hit and damage though. Assuming no ki points used and no elemental fist use, I think a Monk 6 gets a to hit triple flurry (+4/+4/-1) (plus Shan’s strength) +4 (plus inspired, blessed, prayer) +3 for damage = 1d8+4 (strength) +2 (inspired+prayer)

That would be:

[dice=Flurry #1} 1d20+11 [/dice} ; [dice=dmg} 1d8+6 [/dice}
[dice=Flurry #2} 1d20+11 [/dice} ; [dice=dmg} 1d8+6 [/dice}
[dice=Flurry #3} 1d20+6 [/dice} ; [dice=dmg} 1d8+6 [/dice}

I’ll leave it with you if you want to wait or not …

@Shan, my apologies if I have miscalculated something or got the time you said you would be away incorrect.

Yes, he's out for now. I just moved him forward in my RotR game too. I was going to do that last night but forgot.

Flurry #1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
dmg: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Flurry #2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
dmg: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Flurry #3: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
dmg: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

With a single punch Shan takes down the second wolf, only to turn his attention to the next one, hitting it two more times!

---

The wolf stands stunned!

climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Vroth tries to blindly climb out of the pit only to cut himself on the spikes in the process!

Initiative:

1. Jakarno and Luisila
2. Vroth and his wolves
3. Brachus, Shan, Varg, and Linnea

V: 26 dmg
W1: 29 dmg

You guys are up!

Round 2, Rage 5/15, Prayer, Blessed, Furious Focus Power Att, Inspired

Varg takes the opportunity to try and finish off the remaining wolf.

GA Att: 1d20 + 14 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 14 + 3 = 22
GA Dam: 1d12 + 7 + 5 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 5 + 6 + 2 = 22

"What's the plan?...surround the pit and wait for the spell to end...then slash/hack/stomp away at Ploog?"

Varg finishes off the wolf!

Initiative:

1. Jakarno and Luisila
2. Vroth
3. Brachus, Shan, Varg, and Linnea

V: 26 dmg

Brachus, Shan, Linnea, Jakarno, and Luisila are up!

As Varg kills off the last wolf, Linnea grins at her comrades. "Alright! We got us an ettin in a pit. Let's go watch it struggle!"

She runs across the arena to where the pit has been conjured, but stops short of the actual edge of the pit, not wanting to be too careless.

-2 to AC and Touch for running.

Can we reach it with melee attacks, due to its height?

Round #3 Bless 13/70 ; Prayer 3/7 ; Copycat #2 3/7 => +2 to hit, +1 damage, -1 for enemies

“I say we all move together to within about 10’ of the pit. Cleaver, Shan and Lin can take up flanking positions if they like. Next turn, the ettin either gets out of the pit or Quivrel dismisses the spell, our melee fighters 5’ step and go to town.”

“I still have Burning Disarm and Terrible Remorse to hit it with direct damage – and will likely use those. Oh I nearly forgot! I have another spell I can cast …”

Luisila advances 30’ behind her companions and lifts her head to Elysium with her eyes closed. She holds up her hands in the shape of a begging bowl.

Please, Mistress. I want some more. Casts Burst of Radiance into the pit.

DC 16 Reflex Save (with Prayer) If evil take: 5d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 2, 2, 1) = 12 damage, whether the save is made or not.
Save = Dazzled; Fail = Blind for: 1d4 ⇒ 2 rounds.

"Hey, Vroth the Ettin! One head good! Two heads bad!"

Blinded
Dazzled

Brachus runs after Linnea stopping right behind her.

Aye!

Varg hustles into a flanking position with Linnea over the pit.

@ GM Endless: Can I reach the Ettin with an Axe attack while he is in the pit?

No melee attacks while he's in the pit.

Linnea runs over to the pit!

Ref: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Luisila blasts him with another spell! He closes his eyes this time!

Brachus runs along behind Linnea.

presumably everyone else follows.

---

climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Vroth grits his teeth and climbs out of the pit, stabbing himself in the leg in the process.

Initiative:

1. Jakarno and Luisila
2. Vroth
3. Brachus, Shan, Varg, and Linnea

V: 39 dmg

You guys are up!

Round #4 Bless 14/70, Prayer 4/7, Copycat #2 4/7 ; allies +2 to hit, +1 damage, enemies -1 to same

Luisila calls “Yoo Hoo, Vroth! I’m the one who’s been casting all the burny spells. I’m right here!”

Luisila’s expression turns to one of sorrow. “I’m sorry if I hurt you … NOT! Do you ever feel that way?”

Luisila advances 15’ and *casts* Terrible Remorse

DC 18 (with Prayer) Will save.
Save = staggered for 1 round plus -2 to AC ; Fail = : 1d8 ⇒ 8 + ettin’s strength modifier dmg per round for 7 rounds or until it makes a Save.

Staggered

presumably everyone else follows.

I don’t think Shan has had his Round #2 turn, and he is up to his Round #3 actions.

I have simply double-moved him 70’ closer to the action for his Round #2 turn.

Please change if this is not OK, Shan or GM Endless.

Round 4, Rage 7/15, Prayer, Blessed, Furious Focus Power Att, Inspired

Varg, after double-moving in Round 3, he is in a flanking position with Linnea, and he attacks with his axe.

GA Att: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 14 + 3 + 2 = 22
GA Dam: 1d12 + 7 + 5 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 5 + 6 + 2 = 24

Brachus having not much better to do while waiting for Ploog to emerge from the pit will cast guidance on Linnea

I forgot in my last post to state that I am continuing the Inspire Courage.

Linnea swings her whip wide over her head and brings it down, aiming for Vroth's ankle, hoping to bring the ettin prone.

Improved Trip, Insp. Courage, Bless: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 27

"Vroth, I'm afraid that two heads are not better than one!"

Maintaining performance.

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Luisila casts a spell that makes Vroth rethink his many poor life choices.

Varg cuts into him while Linnea continues to inspire her allies; her trip attempt is unsuccessful, but it is no matter because Vroth promptly punches himself in the face and falls unconscious!

Out of combat!

Ploog reassesses his chances of squeezing any more favors out of you and decides to hand over Gulros as promised. Afraid you might later track him down and kill him, Ploog also ensures that no harm befalls you as you depart Urglin with your guide to Koldukar in tow.

Upon reuniting with the Pathfinders at the agreed rendezvous point, Venture-Captain Canayven Heidmarch listens to your report, courteously greets Gulros, and motions to several ponies with fully laden pack saddles behind him before explaining that he has secured enough supplies for an overland trip to Urgir and that you will be among the first Pathfinders ever to set foot in the Sky Citadel of Koldukar.

And that's it! Thanks everyone! Have fun in Part III with Tektite! I will get chronicles out right now.

I am ready to proceed forward whenever Tektite is. Thanks Endless!Filios is ready to go and signed up for some of your high level ones. Any notion on when you will be breaking one of those open?

Filios is ready to go and signed up for some of your high level ones. Any notion on when you will be breaking one of those open?

Ever since GameDay started up I've been pretty swamped with games. I'll start something up as soon as I can but I'm waiting for one or two more things to finish before I start anything new at the moment. In about four weeks I'm moving out of Bloomington and I'm hoping to have more free time this summer before the Hammer of Grad School comes down hard on me this fall.

I hear ya. Good luck!

Thanks for running Endless! And I look forward to more fun with Tektite!

Luisila wipes her brow with the back of her right hand. “Whew! Now that that’s over, this is normally when I'd suggest we all go out for a drink.”

The priestess pouts. “But sadly, I don’t drink honey mead anymore.”