GM Endless Forms' PFS 05-10 Where Mammoths Dare Not Tread (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

Dora will join in the audience and follow the same rituals and customs she observes of others. She stride forward at Chjara's side.

"Great Lords of the Mammoths. We are honored to have this audience with you and your brave warriors. Your bravery and great deeds are know far beyond Tolguth. We seek your assistance as honorable Chjara says. By working together, Kellids and and other brave peoples of the south can help defeat the menace from the land beyond the hrungara. The mammoths do not willingly travel farther to the east due to their aversion to the Worldwound. Together, we can defeat the demons and close the hole that threatens us all. We offer to trade, but we know that your honor, bravery and skill are worth much more than tradegoods. Let it be but a start to the chance to expel your enemies and expand your lands to the east . "

diplomacy aid : 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20 to assist Chjara

"They talk too much." Giovanni steps forward and looks at the three Mammoth Lords. "Our people want a home from which they can fight the demons and explore. They will send many warriors to hold this home and kill demons. We do not want to fight against your people, we want to fight the demons." He takes the time to pull his back-up chain off of the decorative hooks and barbs used to stow it on his armor. Giovanni executes a couple of large swinging arcs, slowly, and then three in a row at full speed. He holds the chain up, showing it to the lords, and then throws it down on the ground at their feet. "Take my weapon as proof that it is not you I wish to fight. Use it against our common enemies that we may be good neighbors."

Diplomacy (yeah, right!): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Faldoc will merely observe the proceedings, being mindful of his companion, Boomer. Maybe they like dogs.

Grimnir speaks up unceremoniously, his gruff tone hardly showing friendship.. "I am Grimnir Foehammer, Swordthane to the Lord in Iron and carrier of the Word of War.. I am no great speaker like my fellow companions here, but what I lack in words I more than make up for on the field of battle.. For this I bath in the Blessings of my Lord.. The Lord in Iron smiles upon those seeking battle and bloodshed.. Join us in ridding the world of these foul demons and in doing so you will earn the favor of my Lord.."

Dwarf Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 16

The three elders think in silence for some time as they consider your words. Traros then relents and speaks.

“You wish to explore hrungara, where even the mammoths dare not go? You are either very brave or very foolish, foreigners,” Traros begins, “But no matter how reckless or insane, any enemy of the Worldwound is of value to Tolguth.”

He smiles broadly before continuing, “We know of a few locations that may serve as a campground for you; Vanna has used them in the past. The first is a small cave network among the lower reaches of the Tusk Mountains. The caves would provide shelter against the weather and the height provides a good view of the surroundings. The second is an isolated hot spring, located among the foothills at the base of the Tusk Mountains, much like the springs that heat Tolguth. The third is an abandoned town, built by foreigners generations ago. Vanna can tell you more about each, but before you set out, I have one warning.

“The Red Winter tribe still ekes out an existence on the Thunder Steppes and foothills of the Tusk Mountains. They lay claim to those lands and have often challenged Vanna and her raiders, thankfully without resorting to violence. I doubt they would be as accommodating to foreigners.”

Vanna gives you directions to these three sites, helping you update your maps as needed. She then offers to answer any questions to the best of her knowledge.

"Can you tell me who the foreigners were?"

Should have noted i was assiting Chjara's roll btw..

And did this town have a name that we may recognize from the past? Faldoc speaks up with sudden curiosity.

Sorry to not write anything I was away from my computer, playing IRL

Amaze by his comrades speach, Ragnar stay silent.

Ragnar came out of his silence and said

Greeting Elders, I'm Ragnar Gurnison, son of the Lord in Iron.
How could we speak peacefully with this tribe ? Do they like gifts or shows of martial prowess ? I prefer fighting demons and cultists than proud kellish's tribe

"Can you tell me who the foreigners were?"

"The ones who built the abandoned town? Ancestors forgotten to history, I imagine. It was likely founded to house farmers, merchants, and tradesmen required to support the construction and fortifications of the wardstones."

And did this town have a name that we may recognize from the past? Faldoc speaks up with sudden curiosity.

How could we speak peacefully with this tribe ? Do they like gifts or shows of martial prowess ? I prefer fighting demons and cultists than proud kellish's tribe

“I have seen them fight once—wild beasts, all of them, some fighting with their bare hands alone, tearing demons apart. Even with all of their individual strength though, they are a small and shrinking tribe, struggling to survive along the Thunder Steppes. They were once a proud tribe, roaming the Ginji Mesa until something drove them east and broke their spirit.”

"I can not say how they will react to you. If you show them respect they might be willing to talk to you. I don't think they will attack on sight unless you are an obvious threat-they usually reserve such violence for demons and beasts."

"Well friends, I know much about warm cities and little of cold hinterlands. Which do you favor exploring first? The city, I am sure, would have the blessings of Lord Abadar, but of course with your superior understanding of the terrain and tactics I would value your input." she says to her fellow Pathfinders. She pauses thoughtfully for a moment. "The hot springs do sound like they might be lovely to soak in."

Sure, the springs sounds like a good place to start if you'd like, Chjara. I see no issue with that line.

I will prefer to help the Red Winter tribe first. It could be a good investment to have these people on our side.

"I am fine visiting in any order, for different reasons. The lost city probably has the most of interest to the Society, with potential artifacts... Like the Wardstones. The tribes could be convinced to become valuable allies and staging base in the war with the demon hords. "

"I care not which order we look into these places.. Roll a dice if you all cannot choose.."

"It seems that whichever we pick we will contend with the Red Winter tribe, if they lay claim to the entire foothills. So far it seems like the city is the favored choice, unless Giovanni has a contrary thought."

"Doesn't matter. We'll need to evaluate the full set of locations in order to know we are recommending the best spot. Is there a route which minimizes the travel distance? If so, let's start with the closest."

Dora nods in agreement with Chjara and Giovanni.

"Sounds like we have a decision then. Speaking of distance, do we need to provision ourselves or are these two destinations within a day's ride or walk from here? From their description, it does not sounds likely we will encounter any pubs where we can purchase fish'n'chips along the way."

"We're in the wilds missy.. I can hunt n forage for us enough to eat.. Buy some rations just in case, but I shouldn't have any trouble providin for the group out here.."

He can take 10 and provide more than enough food and water for the group.. He can also predict the weather if you wanna know that lol..

They are all equidistant for simplicity's sake but they still lie 45 miles east of Tolguth and thus with a base speed of 20 it will take about 4 days. As long as you have cold weather gear or similar protection, you should be fine as the weather is fairly mild currently. Each of the sites is within one day's travel from the other two once you reach the general locale.

So it sounds like the consensus is to visit the abandoned town first:

Twelve dilapidated, wooden buildings huddle around what once was a crossroad. The structures creak in protest as the wind howls through their empty window frames.

Taking 10 on Surv gives him a 28.. If you want me to roll i can though

Surv: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30

"The well here could provide fresh water with little repair and the buildings are surprisingly still in good condition and will only need little maintenance to be fixed.. There's something strange going on here too.. It's like the people here just disappeared.. The tables are still set for dinner and there's no sign of looting or even animals living here.. Be on your gaurd.."

Casting Percieve Cues and See Invis

I do not see a map, EF. Is there one?

"Supose we should look around" Take 20 on a search for a 42 Perc..

Upon being warned about something not looking right, Giovanni readies his chain, and tries to keep himself prepared. As the search goes on, though, that gets harder to do.

With Grimnir warning Ragnar took his cold iron Greatsword and go near Chjara then casted a spell. Magic Circle Against Evil

Is this usual ? asked Ragnar.

Perception (Aid DD10): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Chjara will look around too, apparently a bit bored by the lack of hustle and bustle here.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Dora will cast prot v evil on herself and rage on Rusty as they approach the buildings.
kn eng : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
"A interesting little town. It's as if the inhabitants just stepped away and would be coming back soon. I wonder what happened to them? Do not get too far apart. Rusty, do you sense anything? "

I do not see a map, EF. Is there one?

No map for this. You're just scouting the three locations out and then you will have to decide where the best place to set up camp is. Stuff may or may not happen along the way. . .

The party spends over an hour surveying the sight and although everyone keeps an eye out and feels like something suspicious is going on, nothing pops out and tries to kill you. Satisfied that the scouting here has been completed, the party readies to head to the next location, which will take about a day's travel.

Where to? The giant's camp or the natural spring?

Dora will use her pathfinder to check the town for evil. Assuming none found...

"Well, no hosts to greet us. I was so hoping to meet someone here. This seems it could make a very suitable forward base. Shall we continue on to the camp of the large warriors and see their situation?"

Chjara shrugs. "As you will Lady Asplora. Lead on."

Grimnir follows..

Dora mounts up on Rusty and heads to the next destination, the land of the giant warriors.

"Let's move then."

Right, let's go.

Ragnar followed his comrades.

Faldoc will have Boomer attempt to find anything of interest while looking around. If nothing is there, Faldoc and Boomer will join the others in heading off to the next area.

The party spends the next day heading towards the mountains where the giant's camp once stood.

Although nowhere near as high as the Tusk Mountains’ snowcapped peaks, the location provides a commanding view. The Thunder Steppes and Sarkorian Steppe are both visible to the east. To the west, a canyon of red rock forms an ugly scar across the grays, browns, and greens of the mountains.

If you make the DC 20 Survival check (or someone else can point it out to you):

Survivial: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33

"This place could serve as a small base for perhaps a few dozen, with there animals, but thats it.. Probably more of a outpost.. Giant tracks here as well.. I dunno what kind, but I can probably track them.."

Know Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Hmm, not familiar with them myself. Not many giants come walking onto the city streets.

It could be possible to meet these Giant and come to some agreement with them ? What do you think ? I'm don't know giant but I hope these creatures could side with the Society to fight demons.
Someone speak giant ? I do not

"I have a tongues scroll that Chjara could use.. You don't want me talking to them.. It's probably not even a good idea that I'm there for negotiations.. Most of them are to stupid to want anything but dinner.. I can track them and we can try, but don't be surprised if it goes bad.. Is this what yall want or shall we look at the last place?"

Why ? You don't like Giant Grimnir ?

"I know very little of giants myself, other than they are problematic marauders in my native Varisia. My vote would be to try the third location before negotiating."

"Thats right Ragnar.. Hate is a better word for what I have towards Giants.. They are ancestral enemies of dwarves so naturally I no love for them.."

In this case, I agree with you... and Chjara go for the third location !

"The spot is good for a look-out post, but not for a base of operations. I would leave trying to negotiate with the remnants of the giants until somebody cares enough to build and man such a watchtower."

Dora looks around

kn geography : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

"Wow, I never thought I would travel to see the Red Rune Cavern. It is famous and somehow connected to the WorldWound. " she shares what she knows of the geographic site.

"Lead on. We were better off with the other site as a base. If both are uninhibited, at least that was inhabitable . "

The party begins to descend from the (seemingly) abandoned giant camp, not satisfied that it would make a sufficient base for the Pathfinders.

Perc: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29

"It seems the Red Winter tribe has found us.. Be on your guard in case they become hostile.. There over there.." Grimnir attempts to point them out without being noticed.. No clue what to roll for that

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Where ? I don't see anything ? Said Ragnar before Grimnir point out the kellid tribe.

I will be vigilant. But not hostile. Thanks Grimnir.

Ragnar draw his greatsword but take it only with one hand.

Faldoc notices the tribe that the dwarf was kind enough to point out. The welcoming committee. Yes, I see them. Faldoc will command Boomer to guard the party.

"Shall I greet them?" She reaches for the potion of tongues.