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

Game Master Mike Tuholski

What will this assembly be for? Tyraneus turns to look at the man as he stops on the dirt trail.

Yes the Lighthouse may be a good first stop.

Pai nods. The Assembly at the lighthouse seemed the best place to begin their investigation of whatever happened here with Adler's wife.

Roland nods and heads out towards the lighthouse with the others.

"Maybe zhere is somezhing at zhe lighthouse we can bring back news to zhe assembly"

Kilian shades his eyes to block the setting sun and gazes out to sea, looking for fishing boats returning. "I thought he said the villagers who weren't at sea were hiding at the lighthouse."

"The assembly will be at the lighthouse. It should be starting soon. Come, I'll lead the way."

As darkness descends on Blackcove, previously unseen villagers scurry from wrecked cottages toward the lighthouse, some slowly picking their way over the slippery rocks and rising tide, while others ferry to the structure.

The dark clouds of the storm bring a premature evening, and as the sun sets over the rising western waters, nervous glances usher the last of the villagers into the safety of the lighthouse, and all ascend the rusty iron stairs to the haven above.

Tightly packed into the cramped quarters of the lighthouse are all of the villagers who remain in Blackcove. Numbering less than forty, the bedraggled assembly exudes anxiety and dismay. Their kinship is obvious, and most display the same waxy and weathered skin, thinning hair that recedes sharply to either side of a pronounced widow’s peak, and disarmingly dark purple eyes. Phlegmatic coughs echo throughout the damp, crowded room and it seems as if the community members’ constitutions have grown weak because of degeneration following too many years of isolation.

When you arrive, a hush falls over the room; the only sounds are a wet, labored breathing, the increasingly hard rain, and the pounding surf below. With a nervous laugh, one of them breaks the silence: [b]“Well, it looks like Adler found help, and here’s hoping they’ll be our salvation. I suppose we should tell them about our troubles.”[b]

The one who spoke introduces himself as Gervus Barhandin, the lighthouse keeper. A strangely hunched man with a lopsided gait, Gervus carries the distinctive look of the villagers of Blackcove: his skin is pallid and waxy, his dark, thin hair recedes into a sharp widow’s peak, and his brow furrows deeply, showing only the faintest wisps of eyebrows. The man might have been uniquely handsome once, with a wide, toothy grin and large eyes, but the harsh environment has taken its toll.

Diplomacy checks to speak with them.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28

Pai smiles at the speaker. "Nice to meet you, Gervus. I'm Pai and we've been sent to help with all your problems. Hopefully, we can find out why these creatures are being all stirred up now and figure a way to stop them. But we need to know what you know. Even if it doesn't seem important, it might have some meaning."

Kilian keeps quiet and listens while the more diplomatic folks do the talking.

Gervus explains, "Well, there have been attacks by strange licentious beasts from the debts of the sea. All those who remain in the village fear their lives and have congealed themselves here, as you can see."

You get the idea that Gervus is not quite as smart as he likes to think himself and his misappropriation of large words is just one of his quirks.

A woman, introducing herself as Lira the village pastor, continues, "It seems the attacks are originating from the nearby island of Nal-Kashel. There was a local gillman named Gerlach who started exploring the island some time ago but he never said what he witnessed there. Everyone here was wary about his explorations. Dangerous creatures lurk in the ancient ruins there and old secrets are better left alone."

Gervus interrupts, "Of course, some say he died exploiting the island."

Lira agrees, "Exploring, yes. He may have. No one has seen him since the attacks started weeks ago when he disappeared. But he was a gillman, born with the sea's gifts and is a talented sorcerer and alchemist."

One of the villagers cuts in, "He told me the wedding rock on Nal-Kashel was responsible for some 'sickness'! It's not that, just that children conceived on the honeymoon night are blessed by the sea, not sick!"

Gervus takes the conversation back from the others. "Yes, Gerlach said he was 'setting things right with his people'. Maybe he meant the sickness, or what some of us call a blessing, for those blessed by the sea must eventually return to the waves in their time."

Lira nods in agreement and the room is quiet for a moment. "The island ruins are dangerous and full of dark magic," she says finally, "but if you are able to stop the attacks, the town can reward you for your effort."

We find zhe source of zhese attacks and zhen stop them. Roland says without hesitation, trying to reassure the worried townsfolk.

Yes Roland. There shall yet be another dawn on this island. We should head to these ruins in all haste.

What matter of darkness could have all of these people in this state of fear?

Tyraneus moves to the door as he looks out at the dark clouds above. Sarenrae's light will illuminate all again soon enough.

The storm is only worsening and just as the meeting seems to be concluding and the townsfolk are reassured that help has come at last, lightning flashes and a shocked cry rings out. The assembly gazes nervously toard the stairwell leading down where seawater creeps steadily upward, approaching the stain that marks the highest tides. The lower story begins to flood. Someone claims they saw a giant tentacle out on the water.

We are entering into initiative in a way since things will be happening each round. The villagers are starting to panic. You can use the round making a Diplomacy or Intimidate check to calm them down.

"Stay calm, everyone. We are here to help. This is what we specialize in!"

Diplomacy 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26

The crowd seems to calm a bit but the water continues to rise! The entire structure shakes violently from some blow outside and sways slightly, to many screams and shouts!

DC 15 Ref or fall prone. You can take a round's worth of actions if you want.

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Tyraneus slams to the floor knocking his head onto the floor he is momentarily dazed. Seeing stars he shakily stands back up holding onto the edge of a nearby table. It will be alright everyone. This is why we are here.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Kilian easily keeps his footing on the shifting floor, then pushes his way through the crowd towards the stairwell.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Reflex 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

"Remember, this is the safest spot here, in this lighthouse. It is built to sustain through awful weather like this."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32

Roland reflex: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13 as he falls prone.

If he is able, he will try to stand. At the first sign of any creature, Roland will call a divine blessing into his longbow.

"Yes, zhis place should be safe. Remain calm or it only makes zhings worse!"

The water continues to rise and reaches the landing of the stairwell before stopping. Suddenly a giant tentacle bursts out of the stairwell as two more invade through the east and west windows!

Casting spells now requires a concentration check (DC 15 + spell level)

Because of your Diplomacy checks the crowd will stay as calm as possible but if you don't control them they may start panicking and getting in your way.

3d20 ⇒ (13, 17, 14) = 44

The three tentacles grab ahold of three different villagers!

You can attack the tentacles or help the villagers break free or calm them down or really any other creative solution you have at this point. It's a bit of a free-form combat situation since you can't directly attack the body of the enormous creature.

"The rest of you, Attack those tentacles! I'll keep everyone calm and together here' Pai calls out to the others.

She again reassures the townsfolk. "Everyone push the door together so the tentacle can't get through there! My friends will man the windows and teach those tentacles a thing or two!"

Diplomacy 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (2) + 17 = 19

Tyraneus begins to weave a spell Spiritual Weapon

Concentration DC 17: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Though the waters and tentacles flinging everywhere cause him to quickly lose his concentration. Damn........ Sarenrae guide my hand. We could use you light this day.

Roland will fire a trio of arrows at the tentacles., taking care not to hit villagers.

improved percise shot.

Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 17
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 1 = 13

Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 15
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 = 8

Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 - 2 = 9
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 = 8

Kilian attempts to sunder the tentacle coming from the stairwell, his blade spinning through the air.

Sunder attempt, incl. improved sunder: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18
Iterative sunder attempt, incl. improved sunder: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Sunder damage on first attempt, if applicable: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (4, 3) + 8 = 15
Sunder damage on second attempt, if applicable: 2d4 + 8 ⇒ (4, 1) + 8 = 13

Tyraneus is too distracted to pull his spell off and Roland's arrows only clatter against the wall as the tentacles flail about madly. Kilian likewise finds that the tentacles are very tough and is unable to cut through the one in the stairwell.

Pai finds that in this panic the crowd is harder to control. They begin to run about wildly!

Hm. It says that the crowd makes a trip attack against everyone if you can't control them but doesn't give a modifier anywhere in the text. Even the "Crowd" section of the CRB doesn't give anything like this, so I'm going to assume their modifier is 0.

trip on Kilian: 1d20 ⇒ 7
trip on Roland: 1d20 ⇒ 13
trip on Tyraneus: 1d20 ⇒ 9
trip on Pai: 1d20 ⇒ 2

The three tentacles pulls the villagers from the lighthouse and their screams are lost to the wind, waves, and thunder outside. Three fresh tentacles leap through the two windows and the staircase!

3d20 ⇒ (10, 8, 16) = 34

The two tentacles in the windows latch onto two more villagers, while the third shooting up from the staircase goes after Pai:

grapple: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

Kilian goes for brute force with his next pair of attacks.

PA on staircase tentacle: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
PA damage: 2d4 + 14 ⇒ (1, 4) + 14 = 19

Iterative PA on staircase tentacle: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Escape Artist 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

"Help, it's got me!"

Seeing that this is going to be more difficult Tyraneus snaps his wrist allowing a wand to spring forth. He points the wand at the tentacle holding Pai as he releases the spell contained within.

The end of the wand glows with a bright white glow as a small ball shoots from the end and slams into the tentacle.

Wand of Magic Missile

damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Wait and see what Kilian's chop did to that tentacle before you do that, Tyraneus.

Roland will take shots at the tentacles holding Pai...

"Hold on!

Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 13
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9
Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 21
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12
Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 - 2 = 14
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

I am assuming not an evil-outsider, otherwise add +4 to all of the above rolls

Kilian slices the tentacle holding Pai in two! Tyraneus hits one of them with a magic missile and Roland tries to hit one with a set of arrows, but all arrows miss. The tentacles pull two more villagers out into the storm!

Three new tentacles burst forth into the lighthouse!

3d20 ⇒ (15, 1, 7) = 23

This time the villagers duck away from one of the tentacles but unfortunately the one in the staircase grabs an old woman around the ankle! The third tentacle wraps itself around Tyrnaeus' shoulder!

Go!

The Andoren slices again at the new arrival, trying to free the old woman. "Pai! Got any magic for this? I don't know how much longer I can keep attacking before one of these things grabs me!"

PA on new staircase tentacle: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Iterative PA on new staircase tentacle: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Iterative PA damage, if applicable: 2d4 + 14 ⇒ (4, 1) + 14 = 19

Roland will keep shooting, even though the arrows seem to bounce off.

He is looking for a shot at the body, if he can see it. Otherwise, improved precise shooting at Tyrnaeus' grappler.

Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 13
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 = 14
Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 19
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11
Roland +1 Ad darkwood comp bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 - 2 = 22
for dmg: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9

If the tentacle holding Tyraneous is stopped, Pai will cast Grease on one of the grappled villagers. If not, she will cast Grease on Ty.

"I don't know of anything that's too helpful against these things!"

Kilian slices the tentacle holding the old woman and Roland takes down the one going for Tyraneus!

Pai can change her action if she wants. Tyraneus can still take an action too.

Pai will again try to calm what's left of the villagers.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21

Tyranius lets loose another missile at the tentacle from his wand.

damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Pai tries to calm the villagers and Tyraneus shoots a missile at the tentacle as it withdraws through the window....

There are a tense few seconds while everyone waits for more tentacles to appear, but the chaos seems to have subsided for the moment.

The storm abruptly ceases and the water retreats as quickly as it came, leaving the villagers stunned and fewer in number.

Is everyone alright? Does anyone require healing?

Tyraneus rushes around the survivors as he checks on them.

Looking to the man from earlier.

Is that the same creature you spoke of?

Kilian leans on his bloody guisarme, panting. "What--in the Nine Hells--was that thing? I don't ever want to see anything like it asea, that's certain."

"We don't have time to waste, we have to figure out exactly what that thing was, and how we could deal with it!"

"Zhat is correct. Zhe tentacles were difficult enough to hit. Zhe body will be even more difficult...if we can ever see it . "

The villagers all cower, afraid to look outside or even think of exiting the lighthouse. Your friend Gervus speaks up, "I don't think any of us have seen such a monstrosity before. Something terrible has been woken up, and I'm certain the source is on the island of Nal-Kashel! That's where it all began."

"Please, you must go there and stop whatever is happening!" Lira adds in.

A broad-shouldered man speaks up, "If my boat survived, I am unafraid of traveling the waves and leading them there."

Lira nods. "Thank you, Estian. You are very brave."

Estian adds, "It is late now. We can leave at dawn. I expect everyone to be ready down at the docks before dawn breaks. It's a choppy 2 hour trip to the island."

"We will leave at dawn. All of you should stay in here, for safety purposes. We will return as fast as possible!"

"Yes, we will go in zhe morning as you describe. "

Roland gathers up his gear and looks for a place to spend the night.

Kilian nods, wiping the blade of his guisarme clean with a soft cloth after rinsing it. "Sounds like the right thing to do. Thanks, Estian."

You wake up early the next morning and climb into Estian's boat. He proves quite adept at navigating and soon the island materializes ahead as imposing cliffs lift weed-choked ruins far above the frothing sea. Miraculously, the broken tops of several towers orbit the island in slow, lazy ellipses, some plunging into the ocean before emerging aloft again. A huge blanket of floating jellyfish lurk just below the gray waters as Estian croaks a rough sea shanty under his breath. He sniffs the salty air and nods toward the jellyfish bloom, his wide mouth breaking into a toothy grin. "That's a bad place to be right now, surely, I'd say!"

As you approach the island closer, you may notice a sudden change:

Sense Motove 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 (+2 if he is a current or former Pathfinder)

Roland peers over the edge of the boat at the jellyfish then back to the captain, without saying anything.

He will try to peer into the depths for any type of movement.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Tyraneus stares off into the island.The sooner we finish this the sooner we can head back home.

Kilian is likewise focused on the island, and on the jellyfish swarm.

Sense Motive (untrained): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Estian suddenly stops his singing and rowing, staring at the island. Before your eyes, he suddenly undergoes a rapid and horrifying transformation from a normal-looking human into a croaking fish-man! He croaks something in an unintelligible garble and attempts to rock the boat and pitch you overboard into the jellyfish bloom!

You can use a standard action to brace yourself, which will give you a +3 bonus on saves to avoid falling overboard. Standing up gives a -2 penalty on saves to avoid falling overboard. Or you can take any other action you might wish.

Initiative:

1. Tyraneus, Roland, Kilian, and Pai
2. Estian

You guys are up!

Hello everyone! Before we start, please post the following:

PFS #
Day Job roll
Perception
Initiative

I think everyone said they were ready to go so we will get started shortly after everyone checks in!

67750-1

Profession (marine) check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Perception: +1
Initiative: +2

12445-5
Day Job-None
Perception +10
Initiative +6

PFS # 95737-1
Day Job Craft tattoo: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Perception +6
Initiative +6

Purchases I wish to make:

Scroll of Delay Poison 150 gp
Scroll of Hold Person 150 gp
Scroll of Make Whole 150 gp
Scroll of Remove Paralysis 150 gp
Scroll of Lesser restoration 150 gp
Scroll of Remove Curse 375 gp
Scroll of Remove Disease 375 gp
Scroll of Remove Deafness/Blindness 375 gp
Scroll of Speak with Dead 375 gp
Handy Haversack 2000 gp
Wrist Sheath x2 2 gp

Total 4252 gp

We're just waiting on one more to check in but hopefully they'll do soon and we can get started tomorrow.

I have a few things to buy before we get going in earnest; just have to figure out how much gold I have on hand.

PFS # 9884-6
Day Job roll wood cutter: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Perception +10
Initiative +6

Purchases: Touch of the Sea (50gp), air crystal (50),
2 extra quivers of cold iron arrows and 1 regular (5).

Kilian buys a ring of protection +1 (2000).

Heading to Florida for the weekend. So my posting will be in the late evening until Tuesday

I'm going to be on vacation for the next couple of weeks, and for at least part of that time will be in a part of the country with inconsistent cell service. Fortunately (?), I'm not in a position to do much at the moment, so I won't hold you back.

Guys, apparently after my last game, I hit a wrong button on Pai's XP's. Could I get someone to look at her Scenarios competed spoiler, and tell me how many xp she should have based on the scenarios? She hasn't missed an xp, so she will have full do from every module and scenario she played.

Thanks for the assistance. I know some of you guys are pros at this. And I want to be sure I'm right.

1 XP 4-11The Disappeared
1 XP *Scenario 33: Voice in the Void
1 XP *Scenario 3-19--The Icebound Outpost
3 XP *Second level of Thornkeep
3 XP *Third level of Thornkeep.
1 XP *The Sanos Abduction
1 XP *4-23 Rivalry's End
1 XP *Ex: Day of the Demon
1 XP *City of Strangers: Part 1
3 XP *Thornkeep: the Dark Menagerie.
3 XP *Thornkeep: Sanctum of a Lost Age.
1 XP *4-16 Fabric of Reality
---
20 XP or level 7.2 (1 XP away from level 8)

After this module, you should have 23 XP or level 8.2 (1 XP away from level 9).

Hope that helps and makes sense!

EF, I knew you'd be able to figure that out in two seconds. You are truly a PFS sensei!