GM Endless Forms' PFS From Shore to Sea (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

Hello everyone! This thread is open for dotting and character introductions.

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A tall, muscular Andoran in a breastplate and carrying a guisarme nods in greeting to the others. "Pai! Good to see you again. I'm hoping this one is a little warmer than that outpost in the Tapestry."

Dot

Pai waves enthusiastically! "Kilian, it's been a long time! Ah yes, that was a wild ride through the tapestry, wasn't it? Have you had any fun adventures recently? I've been on a nice little break. It was nice to recharge, but I'm ready for something new!"

Kilian grins. "Got to put a slave ship out of business and rescue a Pathfinder. It was touch and go there, though. And the one slaver in Absalom--he had an Andoren carpet in his shop, just so he could wipe his feet on it. I hope Major Madris managed to get that away from him."

"Every slaver taken out is a step in the right direction, Kilian! Good job. That sounds fun."

Standing silently off to the side, you see a tall, dark human man with a dark weathered cloak and a longbow and quiver on his back. He has a habit of observing conversations, studying the comments made as if unaccustomed to civilized gatherings. If he speaks at all, he speaks with a thick Varisian accent.

"Greetings. I hope Zhis is zhe right place. "

@Roland: don't forget to post in the Discussion thread! Thanks!

"Greetings, Pathfinders!" your familiar halfling Venture-Captain says as he bounds into the room. "Well, I've got a simple assignment for you. An agent by the name of Adler Vanderholt recent took some leave to return to his hometown of Blackcove along the isolated coast of western Cheliax’s Hellmouth Gulf. Apparently he was to wed his bride when he got back home but something went wrong during the ceremony. His note is sparse but he simply mentions a monstrosity from the sea and requests Society help immediately."

"So I'm sending you four to Blackcove to investigate the matter. Vanderholt should be expecting you and will be able to fill you in on the details when you arrive."

"A monstrosity from Hellmouth's Gulf...that doesn't sound like a huge surprise, does it?" Pai giggled nervously at her attempt at humor.

Roland, replies with a slight chuckle at Pai's humor.

You did say zhe Blackcove, correct? Or is zhis Blackros? Zhet family seems have zhese problems with zheir weddings. We will check it out. I hope zhis is zhe rescue mission and not zhe recovery mission. Nevertheless, I am always honored to help zhe fellow agent in need."

Kilian also smiles at the gnome, then turns more serious as he looks back at Trotter. "We're not going to have any trouble getting there, are we? That's close to Pezzack, and the Asmodeans have that place sewed up pretty tight."

From what I have heard Bloodcove itself is a monstrosity.....Never been there myself though. says a man from the corner sitting at a neat table. A holy symbol of Sarenrae hangs loosly from his neck. He raps his fingers lightly on a tome before him as small trickles of fire arc across is knuckles.

Greetings I am Tyraneus.

Roland nods to the holy man.

"Well met. I am Roland. Zhe area near Sandpoint in Varisia is where I started. Zhere have been a few years since i have been back. I have not visited zhis Bloodcove but zhe description is not sounding good."

Kilian also bows in greeting. "Tyraneus and Roland. I'm Kilian fan-Vaylen. I was on a mission in Cassomir with one of your coreligionists, Tyraneus--dwarf, Baern Bellindorn. Handy in a fight. Oh, and I think Captain Trotter said Blackcove, not Bloodcove."

"Great to have you along, Kilian. Blackcove indeed it was.
Zhank you for zhe correction. My common is not too good yet. "

Doh' So many Coves :)

Well met Kilian. Yes. One of my..... acquaintances' was sent on a mission out there. I believe his name was Brewslee Haiiya. He is a difficult one to forget. A real touchy feely kind of man if you ever catch him conscious

Not just that--like you said, Blakros, Blackcove--too easy to mix them up.

"In case it becomes important--and I'm sure it will--I've got a curing wand you can use to patch me up. Oh, and I'm pretty good at knocking people down. Not so much good at range, though."

"Zhat works well. I am better at range, but can step into zhe fray if needed. " the ranger pats the Greatsword sheathed on his back.

If any Lnowledge checks are applicable to the man or to the area,I'll just roll a d20 and we can add whatever modifier applies.

Knowledge 1d20 ⇒ 11

You did say zhe Blackcove, correct? Or is zhis Blackros? Zhet family seems have zhese problems with zheir weddings. We will check it out. I hope zhis is zhe rescue mission and not zhe recovery mission. Nevertheless, I am always honored to help zhe fellow agent in need."

"Yes, it is Blackcove this time, not Blakros."

Kilian also smiles at the gnome, then turns more serious as he looks back at Trotter. "We're not going to have any trouble getting there, are we? That's close to Pezzack, and the Asmodeans have that place sewed up pretty tight."

"No, I don't think you should have any problems getting there. What you encounter once you are there, I can not say."

---

Ships and sailors avoid Hellmouth Gulf for good reason. Sharp rocks jut from the waves all along its inhospitable coastline, like the gaping maw of some foul beast. A rough road runs the length of the coast, providing a safer choice for those averse to traveling across the sea.

A coastal road follows the rugged coastline atop these cliffs; some stretches are hundreds of feet tall, and only occasionally do breaks in the cliff wall expose entrances to small coves and inlets. Dark sand and jagged rocks cover the coast’s small, spare beaches, and the incoming tide carries with it a sulfurous grime.

A low fog hangs along the shore, refusing to release its grip in the pervasive gloom of an overcast morning. The surf crashes against nearby cliffs, and the cold wind carries a spray of fine mist. But then a cry of distress rings out over the briny current! Shouts of pain echo as a fisherman in an old rowboat wields a single broken oar against an enormous crab. The man struggles to reach the rocks and the safety of a small inlet nearby.

From the road, you can vaguely discern the rowboat some 60 feet away through the morning fog, which is now beginning to lift.

There is a 30' stretch of sandy beach leading down to the water from where you stand. There is no map for this encounter.

The fisherman tosses a rope towards the shore. You can use a Strength check as a standard action to pull the boat closer.

Initiative:

1. Kilian
2. Crab
3. Pai, Tyraneus, and Roland

Kilian is up!

Kilian runs forward and grabs the rope, trying to pull the boat in.

STR check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Slippery line, I guess.

Kilian can't get a grip on the line and as you watch the man in the boat try to battle the crab off with his oar, three more emerge from the water to assault Kilian!

claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
grab if hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
grab if hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

claw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
grab if hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Initiative:

1. Kilian
2. Crab
3. Pai, Tyraneus, and Roland

You guys are up!

The Andoren's armor and agility preserve him from the attacks.

Pai casts Haste on her friends.

Everyone remember your Haste bonuses to attack, the extra attack, AC, Reflex saves, etc.

Tyraneus pulls within the energy in himself. Just as Master taught me.

A small globe of fire begins to swirl next to the man's rowboat. The fire hovers on the crab attacking him.

Cast Flaming Sphere DC 16 Reflex save to negate damage

damage: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 2) = 8

Roland steps over and hastily fires a volley of arrows...at the closest crab

"Zhese will need zhe lemon butter, if zhey do not eat us first."

assuming within 30' and using improved precise shot.

Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 1 - 2 + 1 = 21
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7

Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 1 - 2 + 1 = 21
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 1 - 2 + 1 = 21
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11

Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 - 2 + 1 = 11
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

Waiting to see how many crabs are left up and active before going.

Ref: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

The crab near the boat moves away from the flames! Roland takes down one of the crabs but his last arrow only sinks into the sand.

Initiative:

1. Kilian
2. Crabs (one by the boat, two on the shore)
3. Pai, Tyraneus, and Roland

Kilian is up!

The Andoren steps away from the attacking crabs through the gap left by Roland's arrows, then unleashes a devastating series of attacks on the remaining pair.

Guisarme PA, incl. leaping attack and haste: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 28
Hasted guisarme PA, incl. leaping attack and haste: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 23
Iterative guisarme PA, if necessary,incl. leaping attack and haste: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 21

Damage on first attack, incl. leaping attack: 2d4 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (1, 3) + 14 + 1 = 19
Damage on second attack, incl. leaping attack: 2d4 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1) + 14 + 1 = 18
Damage on third attack, incl. leaping attack: 2d4 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2) + 14 + 1 = 21

Kilian quickly finishes off the two crabs on the shore. Unfortunately, the man in the boat is still battling the crab out at sea, calling desperately for help as the crab snaps onto his arm, the oar in his other hand proving less than effective against the giant sea creature!

Initiative:

1. Kilian
2. Crabs (one in the boat)
3. Pai, Tyraneus, and Roland

You guys are up!

"Hold on zhere! We are on zhe way!"

He fires at the pesky crab...with improved precision to avoid the man.

Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 18
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 26
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11

Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 25
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11

Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 - 2 = 17
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9

Kilian takes up the rope again and gets a better grip than the first time before pulling.

STR check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Pai delays, hoping the boys can finish off crab without her wasting another spell.

Tyraneus quickly calls for a missile of pure force energy to the palm of his hand. The missile arcs through the mist to slam into the crab.

Force missile ability w/ intense spells and PBS

damage: 1d4 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 5

He the shifts the ball of flame back onto the crab once again.

DC 16 Reflex flaming sphere still

damage: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 2) = 13

Roland takes care of the crab as everyone else works together to pull the man closer to shore as he weakly works his oar in the water.

"Thank you! Thank you a hundred times! What fortune, eh?"

He studies you for a moment. "Huh! Speaking of fortune, you're Pathfinders aren't you? I bet you're here to see me anyways! I'm Adler Vanderholt, nice to meet you!"

"Adler? Yes, we are here to see you and help you with the monstrosities of the sea you discovered. Maybe we already did," Pai smiles at the man.

"Yes, well met. Zhis is most fortunate zhat zhe crabs did not eat you before we had zhis chance. Tell us about your plight...but first, are you in need of healing? Were zhere any others with you?"

"Kilian fan-Vaylen. These weren't that big a deal, though. Not worth hauling a group from Absalom over, so I'd guess the real problem's something more?"

"Oh no," the man shakes his head. "These things? Perfectly normal for these parts, being honest."

He pulls at his wet, ruined clothes as he wipes seawater from his many lacerations and licks his cracked sunburnt lips. "Yes, I sent for you to help Blackcove from something that has riled up the creatures of the deep-unnatural, shambling things! They come out of the waves and take people in the night! Why, they even stole my wife!"

He shakes his head, sending droplets of water every direction like a slow-moving dog coming out from a swim. "You see, Sara and I planned to elope while I was on break from Society duty. She insisted we follow tradition and row to the wedding rock. Well, everything's a little fuzzy to me about exactly how it happened but there were these creatures conjured by some sea witch on the island."

He unwraps a wet cloth and offers you a golden comb in the shape of a manta ray. "The villagers gave me this-and promise more if only you'll help. Sara was just a pretty fisherman's daughter, though I loved her so, but she didn't deserve this!"

"Now, Blackcove is hard to find from this road so I'm glad we crossed paths. The locals don't like strangers, you see. It's about 5 hours south. We can get there by late afternoon if we leave now."

Appraise: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Yes I believe we were here to assist you in your plight. That is a mighty nice comb they gave you. May I have a look?

Tyraneus grabs the comb as he gives it a quick look over before handing it back. This has Azlanti origins. You could get upwards of 400 gold from the right person.

"Ooo, that's very pretty, Adler. I'd love to get one of those from the villagers if we are able to help them. And you, of course. Hopefully we'll find Sara, too."

Adler shows you the way to town and, as predicted, it takes most of the afternoon to get there.

Hidden from the coastal road by overhanging cliffs, the battered homes and hovels of this ramshackle fishing village cling precariously to the coastline, tightly nestled among the rocky crags. The tall, worn, stone tower of a lighthouse perches on a natural jetty that intrudes rudely into the surf, breaking the waves at awkward angles. Old boats tug gently against several rough wooden piers as hard rain pelts the coastline.

Blackcove village map added.

Kilian looks over the village. "Quiet little place--good thing you came with us, because I wouldn't have spotted that last turn. Is it usually this deserted?"

Pai goes ahead and casts Mage Armor, which will last for seven hours. "Better safe than sorry, you know," she says with a giggle.

Roland will keep an eye out for any hostilities - whether from the town or the coastal waters, as they approach.

Zhis place looks peaceful enough. Much like zhe home of mine back in Sandpoint.
Although I spent more time in zhe woods hunting goblins than in zhe town.

"Many of the villagers will be out on the water right now and most of the rest have been huddling in the lighthouse praying to their gods."

The sky has been darkening for some time as you traveled through the afternoon and now as the sun gets lower in the sky a light rain begins to fall.

The lighthouse is an imposing structure resting on a jagged stretch of rock that juts out several hundred feet from shore. The crashing waves have worn away most of its paint, yet the lighthouse gleams a dirty bone white against the dark cliffs of the cove. Large windows punctuate the cardinal directions on the second floor, and the top story glows with a bright red light of obviously arcane origin.

"There will likely be an assembly soon, some time tonight." Adler explains.

"What happened here, anyway? All it looks is abandoned, right now."

"Everyone's afraid. Strange happenings, you know. It's always been a bit strange around here, to be honest. A bit more influence of the sea than is normal; of course, I didn't realize it until I started traveling more with the Society. No one here thinks much of it. But now. . . well, now is a whole different story. Something dark is coming, everyone knows it."

Kilian nods absently, looking off at something he alone can see. "The sea's dangerous at the best of times." He shakes his head and smiles. "Let's get to the lighthouse."