GM Endless Forms' PFS 07-12 The Twisted Circle (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

Necress eventually tired of discussing things with the priestess, who did not seem particularly helpful.

"Did you know Amenira? An outsider here? What can you tell me of her?" Necress asks before departing.

Aside from that, it seemed time to meet up with the others.

"Did you know Amenira? An outsider here? What can you tell me of her?"

"I really did not know her well; she did not frequent the temple." the high priestess responds before going back into the temple.

---

The party rejoins and heads to the house of the weaver. Three sets of orange robes hang from the clothesline outside of this simple cottage. Two of them are sized for adults, while the other one is sized for a child. The orange flag on this house’s message box is raised. Orange curtains cover all of the windows.

Jiro moves up to knock on the door to see if the weaver is home. "Hello. We are here about Amenira! Is anyone home?" he asks, tossing the apple core into the garden.

Is there a significance to the color orange we would be aware of?

Tin juts his chin in the general direction of the clothesline.

"Either they got a halfling workin' for them, or they've got a little one runnin' around..."

Tin scowls a bit as Jiro's apple is lobbed into the garden, transforming from discarded meal into illegal litter.

"It's fertilizer!" remarks Jiro to Tin as he notices the scowl.

Orange references: "The well-kept wooden building is painted in festive shades of orange and is the only painted structure you have seen in the town so far", "The road leads to a wide gate, which bears a prominent sign with orange-painted letters"

Cade will take a look at the message box if there's no answer after a minute or so.

"We should make a point of finding out the significance of Orange in their religion."

Are there red slashes as well?

Old Iron starts to walk on ahead, realizes the others are standing around, then spins back around. He growls and throws his hands in the air.

"What're we all standing around for? They probably will just apologize a bunch or something. Ain't gonna get real mad or anything."

Old Iron mutters something under his breath.

"'Course they won't. Might get to fight something then...."

Necress rejoins the others, having discovered little at the temple.

"This tree religion," she shares, "Is quite bizarre. They claim a blessing of protection over the town, but I sensed no magic in the tree. It's a cult, one that does not share its blessings beyond its own circle."

"It's fertilizer!" remarks Jiro to Tin as he notices the scowl.

Tin doesn't let his scowl fade.

"Yea, so's that excuse..."

He crosses his arms and waits impatiently for the resident of the weaver's home to respond (or not) to Jiro's knocking.

No red slashes but orange does seem to be a favorite color around here.

The door is not answered immediately and you can hear the spinning wheel at work inside. After a moment it stops and someone comes to the door. Kato the weaver is a middle-aged woman with frizzled brown hair. When she opens the door you can see the front room is dark and mostly occupied by a loom and spinning wheel, with a few dolls similar to the ones you've seen before strewn about. "Oh hello. You must be the new people in town, the visitors. Do you need something mended or made? If you're on a tight schedule before you leave again, it might cost extra."

What color is she wearing?

"Hello. Yes, we're visitors. Actually, could you tell us more about these dolls? Are you the makers of these toys?"

Old Iron's wide and cracked mouth shifts in a chewing motion as he tries to get a read on the situation. He unabashedly cranes his head forward, trying to get a view of the room.

Necress looks around the room.

Why is she working in the dark?

She turns to the woman.

"These dolls are very curious," Necress states. "What can you tell us of them?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

She is wearing orange of course.

"Oh no, I don't make them. I'm just a weaver and maker of fabrics. Amenira makes the toys in town, but no one has seen her for some time. She does back to Alkenstar occasionally though." She shrugs at Necress. "They are dolls. They have been very popular with the children since Amenira moved to town."

"If Amenira is the toymaker, why do you have so many of them here?"

Cade also asks, "Orange seems to be a popular color. We noticed that all the clothing outside is also orange. Does it hold any significance?"

Do we have any of the other toys with us? Perhaps we should break one open just to see if there's something odd inside... like orange thread :P

Tin scowls at the toys, his impatient starting to show. He decides the weaver will bear some of his ire.

"So what's the deal with all the children? Are these bramble-toys too thorny that their hands are getting cut?"

He points towards the weaver.

"Look, we're all getting impatient. And I know you gotta get something off your chest, so why don't you spill the beans before they get burnt on the fire?"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 5 + (3) = 20

Old Iron straightens his back, taking his full height. He takes a deep breath and flexes his crossed arms, subtly accentuating his size.

"Give it up, lady. We ain't got the time to deal with all this."

Intimidate Assist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

"Sorry for my compatriots brusqueness, they see trouble around every corner." Jiro says sheepishly and he bows his head in forgiveness at Tin and Tyr's harsh words. "We are just looking for Amenira or any signs as to where she might be."

Necress tries to read the woman's reaction to the words of her companions, but it's difficult for her to tell what's going on with all the different people talking.

sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

The woman is frightened by the commotion and her husband stands up at the affront on his wife. "Now listen here! Are you blaming us for her disappearance, is that what this is? We were all suspicious of Amenira when she showed up. The sheriff told us that he would keep an eye on her and that we should go about our lives. I’m ashamed to say I disobeyed him and started following Amenira. I saw her wandering off after curfew, and the sheriff caught me skulking in the bushes like a bandit. I should have trusted the sheriff. Sure, she breaks curfew, but she keeps to herself, roaming the Wastes for Robori knows what reason. But that doesn't mean we did anything to her or wished her any harm! The children like her toys. And orange is just the color of the town, I suppose because it's the color of Robori. Now if you've got any more accusations you can turn around and walk out. And if you've got business, I think you'll have to look elsewhere!"

With the influx of a "confession" spewing from the husband, Tin trains his eyes on the man like a hawk watching a fieldmouse.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (14) + 6 + (2) = 22

"A'ight, don't get all shook up. But look here, I gots to ask you one last thing."

Tin looks at the man seriously.

"If it ain't you, it's someone whose feathers our girl ruffled up real good. You give us a lead, we ain't botherin' you ever again."

Not sure if he's helpful for 10 mins from the Intimidate and a Diplomacy would be needed. If it's furthering the Intimidate chain, the following is +3 higher. Tin's not the "good cop" but rather the "bad cop" for these kinds of lines of questioning.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (9) + 3 + (3) = 15

Old Iron smiles and throws his hand in the air like a misbehaving child that was just caught.

"No harm meant, Mr. and Mrs.. We're just concerned about our friend, and you gotta admit, your town is full of pretty boring mother--uh...'melon-farmers.'"

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

The man shakes his head and Kato speaks back up. "I'm sorry. We really don't know what happened to her."

Tin is certainly that they are genuine in not knowing anything about Amenira but nonetheless don't seem happy about you coming into the home and look worried.

Jiro puts his hands at his side and bows deeply. "Sorry for the intrusion. We are just worried about Amenira's sudden disappearance." the man says as his upper body is nearly perpendicular with the floor.

---

As the group leaves, Jiro suggests that they head back to the place where they are staying. "Let us take the night to figure out what to do." he recommends.

"We should leave," Necress says as things begin to escalate.

"I don't think they know anything else that can help us."

diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Did anyone cast detect magic on the toys at all? Seems odd that the children are the ones injured.

"Well, I've got nothing. Maybe we should do some background checking on the Sheriff?"

After wandering about town for most of the day, it is getting late and you wouldn't want to be caught out after curfew so at Jiro's suggestion you start heading back to your lodgings.

However, screeches soon fill the air, accompanied by the sound of thousands of wings crashing through leaves and branches, and the occasional thud of something hitting the ground from a great height. The people of Mercy are still out in the square, now slinging rocks into the trees to frighten away the mass of bats attacking the town.

A swirling collection of shadows appears along the wall of the carriage house. As the people in the square cry out in surprise, the shadows collect themselves into distinct forms. A figure wearing a large cape flees from a small child who lurches forward with an unnatural gait.

There are four lit torches on the wall outside the guesthouse that can be detached as a move action if you need them.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 10 + (1) = 16
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 6 + (1) = 15

Tin's attention is immediately attracted to the small child lunging at the caped figure.

"Hey!"

He begins taking steps in that direction.

Ack on the rolls. Is the child by itself?

perception assist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

I'm not sure who has the biggest bonus to Perception, but Cade will try to assist. Is the large caped figure recognizable?

Necress casts light on her shield as she tries, in vain, to see what is going on.

perception (deaf): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

As the shadows continue to flap about, the lone figure you thought was a child wanders into the square—the doll you found under the bed earlier. She calls out a single word: “Murder.” A sound like a sheet whipping through gale wind fills the air, followed by a renewed screeching of bats.

Initiative:

1. Cade
2. Bats
3. Jiro, Tyr, Necress, Jasmine, and Tin

Cade is up!

Note that bat swarms are diminutive so weapons won't be much use, hence my comment earlier about the torches.

Back from the con now! Sorry for being absent D:

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Free action to talk out-of-turn

Old Iron cracks his neck to each side as he sees the bat swarms form around the party.

"Well it's about damn time we got some action, even if it's some swarms."

"I'll grab some torches. Someone take a look and see if there's a bag of grain or something. Captain Wisslo used to always harp about the dangers of storing flour near open flames. I think it's time to put that to the test."

Cade will double/triple move to the nearest torch. I'm just not sure what square that is.

@Cade: moved you up to the building. There are lit torches in sconces along the outside of the building.

Many of the villagers have run back inside at the sight and sound of the strange doll, which is now ducking back inside the door of the guesthouse. The bats close in on you!

Jasmine, Tyr, Honor, and Jiro:
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Necress:
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Tin:
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

For everyone:
DC 11 Fort save against distraction (move action only on your turn)
You also continue to take one point of bleed on your turn. The bleeding can be stopped by a DC 10 Heal check or the application of a cure spell or some other healing magic. (Remember casting requires concentration checks while bleeding.)

Initiative:

1. Cade
2. Bats
3. Jiro, Tyr, Necress, Jasmine, and Tin

You guys are up!

Fort DC11: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Tin bleeds 1, down to 50/53hp.

Do the bats seem to be making a beeline for us? aka - are they a normal swarm of hungry bats and we could run inside for cover, or do they almost seem "directed" at us by some unknown power?

Tin falls back from the bats circling him (move action).

"We betta' spread out - you know, make it harder for these flying rats to get their cheese..."

The investigator somehow manages to get a flask into his hand (swift; using tiefling tail) before he hurls it at the bats that seemed to prefer his blood.

Targeting red swarm, upper left corner since that won't splash any friendly targets.

Alchemist fire (thrown, touch): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 for 1d6 ⇒ 5

(Tin has 3 alchemist fires, 2 remain)

Tin glares at the various buildings about, searching for someone who might be watching them.

"Hey! You! Light some torches and we can help defend this town!"

Fort Save vs Distraction (DC 11): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

"Damn bats."

Old Iron steps out of the swarm, drawing one of his own flasks.

"Focus 'em down!"

He tosses his flask at the same spot as Tin.

Alkali Flask: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Action summary: five foot step out of swarm, move action to draw flask, standard action to throw

Necress exits one of the swarms, and just barely keeps it together. Nearly distracted by the assault, she just barely has the wherewithal to draw a flask from her bandolier and throw it poorly.

save vs. distraction: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

acid flask: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 61d6 ⇒ 1Snake eyes!
miss direction: 1d8 ⇒ 1

The bats seemed to be flying about wildly before but suddenly found a distinct interest in you, as if directed or commanded to attack.

Tin scorches a few of the bats and starts yelling at the villages, all of whom are quickly ducking inside. Clearly they want nothing to do with these unnatural happenings.

Meanwhile Tyr hits the same group of bats and kills a few more. Necress' aim is a bit off but luckily it doesn't hit anyone and even manages to kill a couple bats in the process.

Initiative:

1. Cade
2. Bats
3. Jiro, Tyr, Necress, Jasmine, and Tin

red: 10 dmg
grn: 2 dmg

Jiro, Jasmine, and Cade are up!

fort: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Jasmine is disoriented as the bats bite at her exposed arms and flesh. She moves out of the way and does her best to get her bearings.

Does it look like there's any impromptu explosives in the area? Bags of flour/grain?

Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Jiro retreats from the bats, hoping that they lose interest in him as he has no way to combat them immediately. He starts rifling through his pack looking for something to damage them.

-Posted with Wayfinder

@Cade: just the torches, which would at least work against them unlike regular weapons.

Jasmine and Jiro retreat as far as they can as the bats swarm about!

Tin:
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Tyr:
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Jiro, Honor, and Jasmine:
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

And DC 11 Fort save against distraction (move action only on your turn). You also continue to take one point of bleed on your turn. The bleeding can be stopped by a DC 10 Heal check or the application of a cure spell or some other healing magic.

Initiative:

1. Cade
2. Bats
3. Jiro, Tyr, Necress, Jasmine, and Tin

red: 10 dmg
grn: 2 dmg

You guys are up!

@GMEF: Tin hit for 6 last round, and Old Iron hit for 2. If the swarm is vulnerable to fire/AoE, doesn't this mean it's taken 9+3=12 damage? Or is it healing (vampiric?)/less vulnerable?

Fort DC11: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Tin takes 3, bleeds 1, down to 46/53hp.

One again, Tin's tail, normally hidden under his Absalomian jacket, presses another vial into his waiting hand (swift).

"Yea, you bats like that?"

He moves through the swarm with a scowl until he takes up a new position some distance away from the others.

Alchemist fire (thrown, touch): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 for 1d6 ⇒ 2

"And damn, I mean why didn't our vee-sees have the foresight to assign us no damned fire mage this outin'?"

(Tin had 3 alchemist fires, 1 remains .. luckily he has 3 flasks of acid and 3 of Ice-T as well)

Necress, at least temporarily free from the swarms, draws another flask of acid from her bandolier. She waits until her companions are out of the area of effect, then throws the flask.

delay until everyone is out of a swarm, then throw. Also, if any look more dispersed than others, I'll target that swarm. I continue to bleed.

acid flask, ranged touch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 211d6 ⇒ 3

miss direction, if needed: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Fort Save vs Distraction: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Old Iron shrugs off the swarm's piddling distraction, years of battle and a rugged constitution having hardened his fortitude.

"Damn right, Tin. There's never a mage around when ya need one."

Old Iron draws his last splash weapon and tosses it. Target is Red

Attack with Alkali Flask: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Scatter Die: 1d8 ⇒ 1

"Damn, forgot to buy more alchemist's fires. Gonna have to fix that."

Jiro feels blood continue to pour down his legs as him and Honor hold their ground far from the swarms. Finding what he was looking for, Jiro lobs an acid flask at the bluish swarm, trying to also hit green.

Acid Flask @ Blue-TAC: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 7 - 4 = 6

Unluckily, the flask goes wide and misses the creatures flying in the night sky. "Damn!" he says, before covering his mouth, knowing about the town's unwritten rules.

Torch in hand, Cade rushes to immolate the nearest bat swarm.

Melee Torch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Anyone have any better ideas other than using whatever splash weapons we have?

@Tin: Your post from last round shows the damage as 5 unless I'm missing something. So that's 7 damage from Tin and 3 from Tyr for a total of 10 on the red swarm.

Tin's next flask is enough to kill off the remaining few bats in the group nearest him. Red is gone!

Necress waits until Jasmine backs away but then tosses another flask, as does Tyr although his aim is not quite as good. Jiro likewise misses and Cade rushes across with torch in hand to start swatting at the bats. The one nearest Cade is gone but you can amend your action to move closer to the others if you want.

Initiative:

1. Cade
2. Bats
3. Jiro, Tyr, Necress, Jasmine, and Tin

grn: 6 dmg
blu: 2 dmg

Jasmine is up!

GMEF: Weird. Maybe my old failing eyes thought that little bottom right part of the '6' was filled in. My bad on the misread!