GM NotEspi's "To Scale the Dragon" (Standard 5-9) [OutPost] (Inactive)

Game Master NotEspi

Odo throws a little shade by shouting out, "Hey! You really Aspis Consortium?" A bolo whizzes over his head. "Yeah, I guess that checks out."

"For the Sun and Fury! Now, MUSH!" Odo gives off his battle cry and tries to urge the dogs onward.

Swift action for the battle cry - +1 morale bonus to hit for everyone in party.
Mushing for more speed.
handle animal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Raimdol holds on tightly to the large avian companion as they hurriedly speed through the snow, his fingers whitening as his grip tightens.

Spotting obstacles ahead, he shouts to the others, "Watch out for those logs in the snow! They could trip the sleds!"

Having completed his civic duty, Raimdol mentally reviews his list of available spells and settles on one in short order. He then swiftly casts a spell at the sled to his right (green). Millions of glittery particles burst forth in the center of the dog team!

Cast Glitterdust between the 2nd and 3rd dog pairs. 10' burst. Should get all dogs. DC 19 Will save for each or be blinded for 5 rounds.

Alright. Bot time, folks. If you want to have this done on Saturday, it is necessary, I'm afraid. I'll delay Malachite and Raman as well and do all actions of the opposition so that you can go ahead with the next round.

Raimdol screams at Odo and Yarricki to warn them about logs in the way. Once he is done, he turns to the sled to his right and conjures a cloud of particles to blind the poor dogs that pull the thing. The dogs start whimpering immediately and quickly stop. Not the sled, however. The rider tries to stay in control, but the sled flips over. The harness keeps pulling the dogs behind the contraption. The riders, however, are strapped in and are being scraped against the sharp ice as the heavily-loaded vehicle keeps moving. It will stop, eventually, you are sure. The crew of the yellow sled immediately remove their straps as a response.

Yarricki looks at Thunder and points to the musher on the sled to her left to indicate the axebeak's next target. Immediately afterwards, she takes Raimdol's advice and turns her sled to the right to avoid the logs. Thunder understands the command and charges his mark. With a mighty girrafe-like blow, he slams into the rider with full force. The man is thrown into the snow on the opposite side of the sled, into the cold snow. With the dogs out of control, the sled briefly zig-zags before hitting a large rock by the side and flips over. This throws the ranger off and he ends up sharing his fate in the snow with his musher.

Seeing the carnage, the remaining sled decides it's not worth it, stops the pursuit and flees.

Well, that was easy. With a little enhancement, but still.

Out of combat

With the Aspis ambush endured and the body secure, you continue to move via the familiar route back to the waystation.

Mushers, I will need 4 Handle Animal rolls from you before we carry on. Witty dialogue optional, but preferred.

"The message looks interesting. I have no idea how to decypher it, though. But perhaps it will reveal who may be a spy at the waystation." Odo suggests to Yarricki.

Meanwhile, he sets to keeping the dog sled moving safely.
handle animal 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
handle animal 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
handle animal 3: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
handle animal 4: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Where are most of those rolls when I'm in combat, eh?

Raimdol takes the message and attempts to decipher it, using his sharpened skills of linguistics.

"I'm sure they made this difficult to break the code, but we'll give it a shot. I can always cast a spell on it after I rest if need be." offers the mage.

Linguistics check:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

You carry on towards the waystation. Both mushers handle the journey well, but have a few problems back at the 'Tail', where you are slowed down by rocks.

What is interesting, however, is that an unusually dark smoke is rising from the waystation. This, combined with the sounds of wardrums in the distance around you, leaves knots in your throats. Your suspicions are only confirmed when you arrive back to Cania's Drop to find the waystation under siege and its roof is burning. Its brave men rush out. Their clothes aflame, they drop and roll in the snow only to meet with the vicious fangs and claws of waiting beastmen.

Those who survive the initial attack stand and fight against the simian brutes. A few taer notice as you arrive, and immediately roar in your direction, as if taunting you. One of the taer seems somewhat different ( red outline ). They wear warpaint and seem a bit bulkier than the others.

We are using the map from the shrine (Maw) for this one. Consider the ruins the waystation and a few buildings around it. Your starting location and the taer tokens are already edited to reflect the new situation.

Fire: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 5) = 13

Turn 1 - go if bolded

Status: -
Waystation: -13

Malachite
Raimdol
Odo
Taer
Raman
Yarricki

Are squares still 15' each? If so, I moved Malachite for his double move.

Seeing the taer assault the small outpost, Malachite moves into action running, as fast as his rocky form allows, towards the invaders.

"Quickly! To the aid of the villagers!" shouts Raimdol as he advances on the enemy.

As he moves forward, he mutters a spell and pulls out a spell component, finishing with a flourish of his arm in a sweeping motion in the direction of two of the enemy.

Move action to move forward 30'. Standard action to cast Sleep on the two enemy in the front (green and blue). DC 17 Will save.

"I do not believe they could have beat us down the mountain. I suspect the Aspis Consortium may have had a hand in coordinating this assault! Onward, friends!"

Considering the distance, Odo resolves that he will soon be buying magic boots to increase his speed, but in the meantime, he breaks into as fast a run as he can manage (which, considering his armor is medium, is actually not a bad speed). The line he strikes drifts a bit toward the center as he tries put himself in a good position to affect more of his companions with his battle cry (as they catch up).

Full round action to run forward

The taer immediately charge the party, attmempting to tear them to pieces.

Red vs Odo (23): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 2 = 261d6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13
Blue vs Odo (23): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 101d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Purple vs Odo (23): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 151d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Green vs Malachite (22): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 141d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Yellow vs Raimdol(18): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 = 251d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Fire: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 6) = 14

Odo dodges most of the blows, but the taer with warpaint manages to land a hit as it roars in anger at the halfling. Malachite sees the hit coming and dodges to the side, but Raimdol gets slashed with the beast's claws.

Turn 1+2 - go if bolded

Status: -
Waystation: -27

Malachite
Raimdol (-5)
Odo (-13)
Taer
Raman
Yarricki

Yarricki calls Thunder to her side and climbs into the saddle.

I assume we are still fatigued?

Still fatigued, yet. Only fixed by resting or *cough* lay on hands with mercy *cough*

I thought high altitude fatigue was cured by getting to a lower atmosphere? That's why I haven't suggested laying on hands.

Odo suddenly realizes his eagerness for getting into battle may have left his companions too far in the rear. But he determines to do the best he can in holding these taer in place.

Hit hard by the painted taer, Odo strikes back at him.
+1 scimitar 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

And then slashes again.
+1 scimitar 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 crit threat
confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
base damage 2: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
if confirmed, additional damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 +2 fire damage

Odo then takes a step back and to the side to keep his feet moving and reduce the chances of being easily flanked. As he does so, he takes a swift action to lay on hands on himself for 4d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 3, 1) = 12 hp of healing.

Malachite tries to drop the taer that has matched up with him quickly so he can aid Odo who is quite outnumbered. His feet and hands move quickly, throwing a flurry of blows.

flurry 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
flurry 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
flurry 3: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Flurry 2, dmg, if hit, bleed: 1d8 + 2 + 1d4 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (2) = 8
Flurry 3, dmg if hit, bleed: 1d8 + 2 + 1d4 ⇒ (6) + 2 + (3) = 11

Green, Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Blue, Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Blue falls asleep mid-charge and parks its face into the snow.

Follow up soon

I would like to finish this one today, so some bots are necessary, it seems.

@Odo - yes, but technically this entire scenario is happening in high-altitude environments. Waystation included.

Raman charges the taer attacking Raimdol...

1d20 + 8 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 2 - 2 = 131d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

... with not-so-stellar results, but better than nothing. The beast's fur cushions the blow.

In the meantime, Raimdol takes a step back and, with a few quick gestures and chants, greases the ice underneath the attacker's feet.

Reflex vs 18: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

This causes teh attacking taer to slip and fall to the ground, leaving it at Raman's (and probably Malachite's) mercy.

Meanwhile, closer to the waystation, Odo manages to get a few good slices on the war-painted taer. Clearly, the creature does not like it, and lets out a cry that could cause avalanches.

Malachite is also scucessful, and takes down one of the beasts in a one-on-one fight - the symian's body collapses to the floor and colours the white snow with bloodstains.

As you fight the taer, fire continues to ravage the waystation's roof.

Fire: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 1) = 6

Odo's challengers let loose an onslaught of claw and bite attacks.

Red Slam vs Odo vs 23: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 141d6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 = 8
Red Slam vs Odo vs 23: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 221d6 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 = 8
Red Bite vs Odo vs 23: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 141d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8
Purple Slam vs Odo vs 23: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 71d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Purple Slam vs Odo vs 23: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 141d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Purple Bite vs Odo vs 23: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 161d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

But the halfling remains adamant - and untouched.

The prone taer attempts to stand up from the greased ice...

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

... and manages to do so. This opens up an opportunity at a hit from Raman, however.

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 231d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

But he somehow misses the strike. Must be the snow in his eyes.

Turn 2+3 - go if bolded

Status: -
Waystation: -33

Malachite
Raimdol (-5)
Odo (-1)
Taer

@Odo - yes, but technically this entire scenario is happening in high-altitude environments. Waystation included.

Ah, I didn't realize that - I was thinking we hadn't needed high altitude saves high right away.

Realizing that many of his companions are still too far away to benefit, Odo still shouts out his battle cry with the hope that at least a couple of his band will be inspired by it. "For the Sun and Fury!" He stands his ground and redoubles his efforts to take down the painted warrior.

+1 scimitar 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 crit threat
confirm: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
damage 1: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (1, 3) + 6 = 10 +2 fire damage

+1 scimitar 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 oh, you just wait until I get a permanently keen scimitar
damage 2: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

If you'd started rolling the hour you arrive, I am pretty sure all of you would be fatigued by the time you departed for the Maw. Besides, you were resting here overnight.

Also, Raman's AoO -did- hit. Hello there, morning posts!

Odo shows some fancy swordsmanship as he delivers further strikes at the taer warchief, scorching some of the fur in the process. You could swear you saw smoke coming out of the creature's ears.

Turn 2+3 - go if bolded

Status: -
Waystation: -33

Malachite
Raimdol (-5)
Odo (-1) - piercy-slashy
Taer

Hustling around the greasy goo, Malachite stops adjacent to the taer who is caught in the slippery stuff. He gives a straight-arm punch to the beast-like humanoid, putting as much power behind the blow as he can muster.

Mal unarmed vs Yellow, PA: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 - 1 = 17
Dmg, PA, bleed: 1d8 + 4 + 1d4 ⇒ (4) + 4 + (2) = 10

Malachite 4
Scenario: 0

Malachite walks over and drops the beast again with a solid punch. It's not attempting to get on its feet this time, as the grease underneath starts getting a crimson hue.

Turn 2+3 - go if bolded

Status: -
Waystation: -33

Malachite - Malachite SMASH!
Raimdol (-5)
Odo (-1) - piercy-slashy
Taer

Raman
Yarricki

I'll give you folks a few hours to run your actions, and then I'll bot again. Let's say 6 hours? I know timezones are a thing, but you should be all awake by then. In any case, I am planning on ending this one today. The way I see, it there is no way you fail now unless you decide to just run away for some reason or commit mass suicide or something of the sort. I'll get the report sheets ready after I get from work and send them over so you are not locked in a game. I am leaving for two weeks, starting tomorrow, so it pretty much has to be done.

Raimdol takes a measured step back and hurls a spell at the two taer in front of him.

5' Step back. Standard action to cast Glitterdust on two taer in front of him and Malachite. DC 19 Will save.

Yarricki and Thunder rush to help Odo

Thunder bites: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 - 1 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 9 - 1 = 12

Yarricki’s lance: 1d20 + 8 - 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 - 1 + 1 - 1 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 5 + 3 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 3 + 1 - 1 = 13

@Raimdol - the taer next to you and Malachite are both unconscious and dying. I took the liberty of changing the target to purple and red.

Will, Purple: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Will, Red: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Raimdol tosses a spell at the symians next to Odo, and they both start blinking rapidly and cover their eyes, blinded by the effect.

Yarricki charges the taer with warpaint, and finishes it off. Only one Taer remaining.

Raman, Unarmed Strike vs flatfooted: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 231d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Raman moves up to Odo, and slams his fist into the last remaining taer. The creature is hurt and blinded, and the Pathfinders dispose of the attacker with ease soon afterwards.

With the last taer being blinded and some 9 HP left, you finish it off with a few slashes/bites/punches/magic missiles. And that's our adventure completed, folks! I would like to apologise for taking so long, but we managed to finish before me leaving. I ended up not having time to make the sheets yesterday, but given that it is friday, I will get them done today while packing and give you a link. Closing post coming soon.

Thanks for running the game!

After defeating the rest of the attackers, the inhabitants of the waystation put out the fire on the roof with a concerted effort. Rysam thanks you for your help in defending (possibly having a hunch of you being the reason why they were attacked to begin with), and the people invite you to stay with them for a few days until they rebuild what was destroyed.

A sort of backup security, if you wish.

If you share the information found in the deciphered scrol, Rysam immediately orders Krysher. Krysher surrenders willingly and mockingly remarks that once the Galt authorities have taken him into custody it’ll be a small matter of time and money to secure his freedom.

A few days after fighting off the taer attacking the waystation, you find Osprey waiting for you, comfortably hanging out in front of the
fire watching the logs spit and crackle in the dull orange glow. He thanks you for your services to the Society and says you indeed prevented a terrible fate by keeping the bones from the hands of those who would seek to steal the mystic’s prophetic truths. Then he graciously bids you farewell and, without warning, transforms into a
long-winged hawk with mysterious dark markings about its eyes. Winging into to the ice-blue sky he soars off towards Absalom leaving the Pathfinders standing in the cold, with thousands of miles between where they stand and the City at the Center of the World.