GMTrex's PFS [Standard] 02-14 The Chasm of Screams (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Trexler

Linslo, still pulling rubble out of his hair and clothing, lends a hand to the search.

survival assist: 1d20 ⇒ 14

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

Nym knows he's not much help at finding tracks, but opts to kick dirt around in a way that's... Helpful?
Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Rule #15

Markolf, by virtue of literally tripping over some ice-encrusted tracks, calls upon the assistance of his colleagues to identify a set of tracks leading farther up the mountain.

Markolf also knows quite a bit about the Chasm of Screams, by virtue of having a weathered journal on the topic thrown at him by the irritable Thighbite: the journal, its pages faded, barely legible, and apparently written by a sergeant of an Eagle Knight company, recounts harrowing tales of icy winters, disease, and starvation. The last few pages tell of soldiers haunted by terrible dreams that led them to a place called the 'Chasm of Screams.' Over the next few months, those drawn to the Chasm went mad, broke from the company, and began systematically hunting and eating their former comrades.

Rule 15 applies to career adventuring parties. I completely and happily blame Venture Captain Osprey for not reading our dossiers.

"Get on with it!"

As the tracks lead on, its clear where the Chasm of Screams gets its name. Even from a distance, the strange and horrid, screaming echoes unnervingly through the mountains, drowning the silence and driving away living creatures, leaving the snowy hillside lifeless. Along the baseline of the mountain’s face where its roots wedge into its neighboring peak, a gaping chasm opens from which the howling emanates. Here, its wretched wail belches forth in frigid, almost gale-force blasts.

Camped around the cavern entrance, armed and ready for the Pathfinders' approach, is a quintet of Kellid warriors not intent on a parley!

Senzo and Nym react quickly enough to act before they charge...

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Senzo, Nym
2. Warriors
3. Thighbite, Linslo
4. Priests
5. Hack, Markolf

"OI!"

The dwarf enters a strange stance reminiscent of a dragon's crouch dashes forward, moving slightly to the side so as to stay out of the way. He attacks with a mighty flying side kick aimed squarely at the kellid with the turquoise bandanna. He twists the kick at the last second to make it a stunning blow. 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 2 = 22 for DMG: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 (Fort DC 18 or be stunned for 1 round.)

The dwarf then focuses his energy to improve his defense (Ki Point to dodge. AC 24)

Fort: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Senzo's flying blade kick finds the Kellid woman's throat! Though barely harmed, she drops her club in surprise!

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Senzo, Nym
2. Warriors
3. Thighbite, Linslo
4. Priests (teal@7dmg, stunned)
5. Hack, Markolf

Nym points with his staff and utters a trigger word. A small bead of fire flies from it, only to explode in firey madness among the Kellids!

Fireball, DC 20 Reflex: 10d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 5, 5, 4, 6, 5, 1, 1, 2) = 36

Reflex: 5d20 ⇒ (20, 4, 4, 3, 12) = 43

The snow-pack is banished by the burst of fire, revealing the woodland dirt and rock beneath in a circular scorch pattern. The women on either end duck most of the blast; the three in the middle are not so lucky. Probably need a save from Senzo too.

The blast does little, if anything, to deter the Kellids from charging, screaming in their guttural tongue.

Charge @ Hack: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 12 + 2 = 30 HIT Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 5 + (1, 2) = 12
Charge @ Hack: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 2 = 22 HIT Damage: 1d8 + 5 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + 5 + (6, 1) = 17
Charge @ Thighbite: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 2 = 18 MISS

Two brutal swordstrikes throw Hack off balance; Thighbite is quicker on his toes.

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Senzo, Nym
2. Warriors (Brown@36dmg, Black@36dmg, Grey@36dmg); Priests (Teal@25dmg, stunned; Blue@18dmg)
3. Thighbite, Linslo, Hack, Markolf

CURRENT AC: 27

Hack is knocked back a step, then a second, by the two quick blows. He growls in defiance, steps back up, and delivers better than he got, with a ringing battlecry of LUCRIDIOUUUUUUUS!!!

Attacks on black until he falls, then brown

Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
Damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 <--THREAT!!
Damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 <--THREAT!!!!
Damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Confirm #1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Damage: 2d10 + 18 ⇒ (9, 10) + 18 = 37

Confirm #2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Damage: 2d10 + 18 ⇒ (7, 2) + 18 = 27

Daddy loves his improved crit w/axe...

I checked the placement (sorry I couldn't draw something on the map) and I was able to cast it to hit everyone and still miss Senzo. Barely.

Nym considers Senzo's safety and decides the odds need to be better in his favour. He pulls out a small piece of iron from a pouch at his waste, makes a few grand gestures, and shouts, "HOLD!"
Hold Person on BLUE. DC 22 Will save.

The eruption of combat drives Thighbite into a furious rage. His sword glows red as he swings at enemy in front of him.

Attacks on grey, switch to brown if necessary
Overcomes Magic, Cold Iron / Silver, Adamantine
+2 Furious Courageous Greatsword, Power Attack: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38
Damage: 1d10 + 23 ⇒ (4) + 23 = 27 + Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 4

+2 Furious Courageous Greatsword, Power Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27
Damage: 1d10 + 23 ⇒ (6) + 23 = 29 + Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Confirm Attack 1: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (19) + 18 = 37
Crit Damage: 1d10 + 25 ⇒ (3) + 25 = 28

Current AC: 22. +27 Rage HP

Linslo begins to tell the tail of an odd couple of Pathfinders, Begus the Wise and Rathan the Sneakthief. It's a tail known to all pathfinders. +2 inspire courage

5 ft. step behind Nym

Hack and Thighbite live up to their names with a truly terrible display of savagery. Limbs are shorn clean from the body with their blades, and the furious Kellids are felled in a matter of seconds. The snow bleeds a ruddy pink beneath their lifeless bodies.

Linslo shakily begins a tale behind them in the hopes that such entertainment will deter them from turning on him next.

Will: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Nym finds his magic is foiled by the Kellid woman's stout fury.

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Senzo, Nym
2. Warriors; Priests (Teal@25dmg, stunned; Blue@18dmg)
3. Thighbite, Linslo, Hack, Markolf

As a Swift Action, Markolf spends a 3rd level spell slot to recover 3 pts of his Arcane Reservoir.

He shouts to Senzo, "Move closer to me, and you can reach them both!"

"Like, within 40ft away from me. Max."

"Just go right there," he points. X marks the spot

Markolf begins casting Enlarge Person it will be Powerfully Changed, for a +4 Size bonus to strength total, and will last 8 minutes.

"But But.... they'll be dead by then!"

Senzo follows the directions, but not before giving the priestess something to remember him by. He turns and throws a wicked backwards kick at her gut before moving in.

ATK: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25 DMG: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

THE most underrated kick ever!!!

The kick elicits little more than a grunt to awaken the priestess from her stupor. The pair converge on Senzo, stepping immediately to the attack rather than seek superior tactical position. The first blow from the club cracks the dwarf's skull -- and such is the force that his skull, in turn, cracks the club.

Club @ Senzo: 1d20 + 15 - 3 ⇒ (16) + 15 - 3 = 28 HIT Damage: 2d6 + 7 + 9 ⇒ (4, 6) + 7 + 9 = 26
Club @ Senzo: 1d20 + 10 - 3 ⇒ (9) + 10 - 3 = 16 MISS

Club @ Senzo: 1d20 + 15 - 3 ⇒ (3) + 15 - 3 = 15 MISS
Club @ Senzo: 1d20 + 10 - 3 ⇒ (13) + 10 - 3 = 20 MISS

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Senzo (62/88 hp), Nym
2. Warriors; Priests (Teal@36dmg; Blue@18dmg)
3. Thighbite, Linslo, Hack, Markolf

Nym shakes his head angrily at the priestess' stubbornness. So he points his staff and fires another bead of flame that explodes over them!

Fireball DC 20 Reflex save: 10d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 3, 6, 3, 5, 1, 5, 5, 4) = 39

Thighbite looks up and makes a beeline for the nearest priestess.

Charge dark blue

Overcomes Magic, Cold Iron / Silver, Adamantine
+2 Furious Courageous Greatsword, Power Attack, Inspire Competence, Charge, Witch Hunter: 1d20 + 18 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 18 + 2 + 2 = 40
Damage: 1d10 + 23 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 23 + 2 + 3 = 36 + Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Confirm: 1d20 + 18 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 18 + 2 + 2 = 34
Crit damage: 1d10 + 23 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 23 + 2 + 3 = 32

Assuming a priestess has some flavor of spell casting, subtract 3 damage if not

Current AC: 20. Rage round 2. +27 rage HP.

Didn't she drop that club?

Hack, eager for more blood, charges the light blue priestess to his left, trusting Senzo to choose the best target(s) and get to where he needs to go to maximize his effectiveness.

CHAAAARRRRGGGGE!!: 1d20 + 16 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 16 + 2 + 2 = 22
Damage: 1d10 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 2 = 14

Current AC: 23

Senzo is embiggened. I think this will push two of the other nearby characters out depending on which direction he chooses to enlarge.

Markolf draws a wand of magic missile and fires at one of the priestesseseses (whichever appears more damaged to him).

MM: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

With a terrible kiai, Senzo uses his size to his advantage going after the woman he struck previously:

Downward elbow to the top of the head: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 1 = 19 for DMG if hit: 2d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6, 1) + 6 + 2 = 15
which turns into:
Downward Hammer fist to the top of the head: 1d20 + 11 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 1 = 23 for DMG if hit: 2d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 4) + 4 + 2 = 12
and slides into:
right rising knee to the face: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 16 for DMG if hit: 2d6 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 6) + 4 + 2 = 16
and slides into:

Are you including the +4 size bonus to Str for Senzo?

Are you including the +4 size bonus to Str for Senzo?

I am now!

Didn't she drop that club?

Yes sir, she did. She only gets one attack then, which is no change.

Reflex: 2d20 ⇒ (7, 3) = 10

The amazons are not long for this world. Thighbite bring steel to Senzo's fistfight, just moments after Nym offers a roaster and Markolf a pinprick. Senzo's bony knee slams into one Kellid's jaw with the force (and size) of a tree trunk... she should be dead, but she knows better.

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Senzo (62/88 hp), Nym
2. Warriors; Priests (Teal@131dmg; Blue@86dmg)
3. Thighbite, Linslo, Hack, Markolf

Linslo continues to tell is tale, slides over to get a better shot and let's his sling do the talking (are these things evil?)
rapid shot, large target +1, clustered shot
bullet to dark blue: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27
damage: 1d3 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
bullet to dark blue: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28
damage: 1d3 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
bullet to dark blue: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
damage: 1d3 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

IF evil: holy damage for each shot!
holy damage for shot 1: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12
holy damage for shot 2: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7
holy damage for shot 3: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5

Linslo's trio of bullets pound into the foe, leaving thimble-sized holes in her already-terrible visage. Both women SHOULD be dead, but their unquenchable fervor for their goddess keeps their hearts from stopping outright.

Tactical even in their death-throes, the pair moves to flank the smallest of their adversaries: the rabid gnome, Thighbite.

Club @ Thighbite: 1d20 + 15 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 15 - 3 = 32 THREAT Confirm: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 not confirmed Damage: 2d6 + 7 + 9 ⇒ (5, 3) + 7 + 9 = 24
Club @ Thighbite: 1d20 + 10 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 3 = 17 MISS

Club @ Thighbite: 1d20 + 15 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 15 - 3 + 2 = 22 HIT Damage: 2d6 + 7 + 9 ⇒ (3, 6) + 7 + 9 = 25
Club @ Thighbite: 1d20 + 10 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 3 + 2 = 19 MISS

The strain of wielding her weapon with such force is too much for one, and she falls lifeless to the snowdrift on the spot.

The other stands alone.

Round II -- bold may act!
1. Senzo (62/88 hp), Nym
2. Warriors; Priests (Teal@132dmg)
3. Thighbite (91/140*hp), Linslo, Hack, Markolf

FYI, Thighbite can't be flanked - Improved Uncanny Dodge - doesn't matter here though because he charged

Thighbite turns and ends this.

Overcomes Magic, Cold Iron / Silver, Adamantine
+2 Furious Courageous Greatsword, Power Attack, Inspire Courage, Witch Hunter: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 18 + 2 = 37
Damage: 1d10 + 23 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 23 + 2 + 3 = 37 + Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 5

+2 Furious Courageous Greatsword, Power Attack, Inspire Courage, Witch Hunter: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 13 + 2 = 33
Damage: 1d10 + 23 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 23 + 2 + 3 = 37 + Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Confirm Attack 1: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 18 + 2 = 37
Crit damage: 1d10 + 23 + 2 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 23 + 2 + 3 + 2 = 32

Confirm Attack 2: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 2 = 16
Nope

Current AC: 22. Rage Round: 3. HP: 93/140 (27 rage) (dr 1/-)

Thighbite bifurcates the last Kellid through helmet, skull, and spine with a succinct precision.

Out of combat!

Ahead, the Chasm screams.

Senzo checks them for anything interesting, "I got a bump on my head. Hurts."

The warriors are each carrying +1 longswords and wearing +1 studded leather. The priests carry a potion each, as well as +2 leather armor and magical cloaks.

"What do these potions do Nym? I hope one can help me with this bump."

Linslo will assist with wanding the group. roll what ya need :-)

Nym utters a quick cantrip and scans over the potions. Spellcraft, Take 10 for 30

As soon as everyone's healed, Markolf starts rushing ahead,

"Let's go. You won't be embiggened for long."

Markolf can top off anyone willing to submit to Infernal Healing

Senzo doesn't care. Healing is healing.

I could use some too--infrernal or otherwise :-)

Couldn't ya just re-bigulate him? <--snarky Simpsons reference

For approximately 36 seconds after the combat ends, Thighbite seems uncharacteristically calm (and sane). During this time, he retrieves his hated healing stick, hands it to the halfling (him being the least untrustworthy wizard), turns, shuts his eyes, grits his teeth, and waits for it be over.

Waiting on potion ids to roll, just in case, but regardless some wand seems likely.

The potions are potions of cure moderate wounds!

Approaching the cavern mouth gives each adventurer a tingling sense of dread, though this is nothing to deter such experienced Pathfinders. The Maw soon slopes steeply downward... and the walls, ceiling, and floor are all covered in a slick layer of ice.

In a few spots, exposed stone reveals weathered, primitive pictographs carved into the rock. Linslo is able to employ his knowledge of narrative structure to make the most sense of them, involving some ritualistic tests of faith and strength, ancestral lines, and some cultural histories of the uncivilized folk that once dwelled here.

Acrobatics checks from all involved!

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Nym has feather fall, if necessary

Anyone taking a potion? If no one else does:
Thighbite downs one of the potions and heals up.

Cure Mod: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 7) + 3 = 14

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

HP: 66 -> 109. 5 charges used.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Uh...

Senzo quaffs the other potion so that the Mad Magic-user Markolf can save the charges CMW: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3) + 3 = 8.

Senzo T10s for 23 on traversing giving a belly laugh as he does.

"This wasn't on the pamphlet."
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Harnac pulls out his own wand for Linslo to use on him.

down 29 hp...8 charges should heal 28, right? 2 chgs/7 hp?

Looking at the icy path down, and Senzo scampering down like an oversized hairy squirrel, Hack glances at his armor, then down at the ice again. Ahh...is there...um, any alternative here? Don't think I'll be makin' this climb down in me armor--or even NOT in me armor.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Hackrobatics: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (10) - 2 = 8

The dwarf ponders aloud about his armor to his unarmored dwarf friend.. . and slips where he stands. Thighbite and Markolf likewise turn the tunnel into a slide -- as does Nym, but he has magical defenses prepared. Senzo and Linslo peck their way down the chute after their friends.

At the bottom, the unlucky trio slams into the an icewall. Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5 DC 20 Reflex for half.

The tunnel leading from the chasm maw ends at a shallow pit before making a sharp bend upward. Hundreds of bones line the bottom of the pit. Gathered together again, it is only a moment of calm before a distant howling can be heard. The noise grows with the speed of a quickling, until it becomes an unbearable scream -- and a sudden blast of hurricane-force winds. Shards of bone and ice form a cyclone within the enclosed space dealing 1d6 ⇒ 3 piercing damage, DC 20 Reflex for half.

Then, just as suddenly, it's gone.

The passage continues beyond, turning quickly into a steep climb. A short distance further on, the passage slopes up radically, exposing a wide fault in the rock that creates a natural overhang that blocks some of the passageway. The tunnel appears to continue up, around, and over the crag. A dash of snow falls from high above.

Reflex for fall: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Reflex for cyclone: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Kn: Nature: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33
Kn: Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23

Markolf taps himself with his wand of Infernal Healing.

"This place kind of sucks."