GM Valen's PFS Quests - The Silverhex Chronicles (Standard) PbP (TABLE 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

A halfling is wandering about the village as well, seeming out of place, asking nosey questions.

Diplomacy (gather information): 1d20 ⇒ 1

He's not having any luck, but when he notices you all he lights up a bit. "Hey you don't look like you all are from around here either. Did Ulisha send you as well? Mind if I join you? I'm making no progress with these locals myself..."

Bressa briefly bristles at the approach of this newcomer. What trickery is this? A scam? A distraction? She quickly scans the crowd around them for potential thug-buddies. Not finding any obvious threats does nothing to comfort her. Smoothly placing her slight form between Teke and the party, she somehow looks both at ease and dangerously coiled. "Hold it right there, buddy. You lift that wayfinder off a corpse? We're not about to let you bed down near us just because you sport a trinket and toss around fancy names." Lifting her head slightly in challenge, "Who are you and why are you here?"

Sorry, Bressa is slightly paranoid. :)

"Now, now. One, carrying our own identifier, seeks aid and comfort. Is it not our place to offer aid to our own when they come asking? Or have the laws that govern our order been flung aside?" Omero stands every bit of his imposing six and half feet and looks down on Bressa as he places a hand on her shoulder. "I would find myself very disappointed if one where to so disregard the tenants of our founding." Omero looks as if he stands ready to personally stand against everyone within this group should they decide the latter is their course of action.

Haha, new party members are never supposed to be easy to introduce

"Oh, my name's Teke, with the society, like you I'm guessing. Ulisha sent me some notes about some items to acquire for her. You know her? Unfortunately the letters were late in arriving while I was stuck in the jungle, so I missed the planned rendezvous, and just arrived here yesterday directly." Teke shrugs, hoping a little more information will smooth things over.

"Here, take a look at my letters from Ulisha..." Teke produces his letters, which are identical to the others the party received.

Bressa cringes a bit at Omero's reminder their tenants, but stands firm. It is not until hearing Teke's explanation and seeing the letters that she relaxes. "Just needed to be sure," she offers in place of an apology, her attention focused again on the small town around them.

"I wonder if that is the priest mentioned in the journal" She says to no one in particular. Then she looks again at the statue. Is he /she holding a staff like the one mentioned in the journal? Is anyone on the stage right now?

The statue is holding a staff like the one mentioned in the journal. No one is presently on the stage.

"I do not know of what journal you speak, but if you seek a priest, then you have come to the right place, " a local woman interjects, matter-of-factly upon hearing the human's remark. "For within the half hour, Folloch, a priest of great Razmir, will appear on that very stage. It is Folloch who has given our lives meaning and shown us the joys of servitude and obedience."

"This priest has come into town and garnered a level of support that has only ever been seen through magic."

"I have heard of bards learning to read a person's voice and intent through studying speeches and speech patterns. I'm working on replicating this skill but I have not yet mastered it, but I know enough to know these folks are not acting normal."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

"Mind control?" She spits on the ground. "That has got to be the lowest trick in the book. Making someone do what they don't want to do without even knowing that they oughtn't want to do the thing that they're doin." She pauses a second, repeating that in her head to see if it made sense. Giving up, she spits again. "Delance, will ear plugs work? I'll stuff half a candle in my ear if I've got to."

"Do we know if such forms of coercion are illegal in this part of the world? If so I will bring the full weight of the law down upon him."

Bressa rolls her eyes at Omero's words and then tries to hush him like a doting mother. "Shhhh.... you want to keep your voice down. If the villagers are under some kind of mind control, the priest could turn them all against us. Fighting a mob is hard enough, but I'm sure you couldn't bring yourself to harm any of them. They are innocent pawns. You won't cut them down. You won't run away. All you could bring yourself to do would be to stand there and let them lynch you." She smiles and punches him in the arm. "I can see it now. Here, let me show you how to tie a good noose. I'll even lend you the rope from my pack." She giggles at her own joke. "You are a good man, Omero, but sometimes I think you might even be dumber than me. And that's saying something" She goes on in a whisper, standing on her tiptoes and pulling the side of his head down toward her. "Don't worry though. I doubt it is legal anywhere and when you go to take him down, we'll all be right there with you."

Omero's eyes light up at Bressa's words and take on a hard glint. If you were to listen closely you can almost hear the wooden haft of his halberd groan as Omero's grip tightens on the weapon.

"Just smile and feel lucky we get a chance to observe the great priest."

Delance goes wide-eyed as if he is in a trance.

"Yeah I suppose keep quiet and maybe they won't cast whatever sorcery over us as well..."

You try to blend in with the townsfolk when, near the hour of noon, you notice that they stop their various activities and quickly form a crowd at the base of the stage.

Once noon arrives, a man adorned in priestly robes and wearing a distinct mask emerges from a nearby house and, accompanied by a pair of guards, quickly makes his way to the stage. The crowd parts before him, their awe and reverence for the man who, you assume, must certainly be Folloch, is evident. Flanked by the two guards, themselves wearing metal masks, Folloch moves forward on the stage towards the throng of townsfolk.

After uttering a few instructions on the values of obedience, Folloch stops—having obviously noticed you all among the crowd.

“Ah! My dearest children,” Folloch says to the enthralled crowd, “it appears some stray lambs have wandered into our flock! Surely Razmir can uncloud the minds of these wayward souls.”

With a flourish, Folloch produces a rod within his hand and extending it toward the crowd, he utters a strange word—all the while grinning malevolently.

“P-people of Al-Allenstead!” Folloch stammers to the mass of congregants before him. “S-seize these n-newcomers! Protect me!” he cries as he flees the stage.

Instantly, the villagers that have gathered at the base of the stage turn against you, attempting to grab at you and trying to hold you back. While you quickly discern that these unarmed townsfolk are no challenge to you in combat, you realize that their sheer numbers can prevent you from chasing down the priest. Your only hope of catching Folloch is to escape the crowd and head him off.

Escaping the crowd is a skill challenge. You each have three rounds of actions in which to succeed at a set number of skill checks. Describe what effort your PC is using to try and escape the crowd and roll a correspondence skill check. For instance, if your PC is attempting to jump past approaching villagers, then roll an Acrobatics check. PCs may also try and use magic devices or spells in an effort to escape. Bonuses may be awarded to rolls for methods are particularly effective, clever, or creative. Each skill check represents one round of action, and a PC cannot use the same skill more than twice.

A Map of the town square is now available on the Slides, but ONLY to provide a visual and possibly provide ideas. The area is crowded with people. However, the party is not in combat and tactical movement does not apply.

Holy crap, I was just kidding about the villagers being turned against us!

Bressa's eyes go wide when her jest comes to life. She turns a worried face toward the paladin. "Protect me! I cannot have that many people groping at me at the same time. You know what a crowd like that would do?!" The panic rising up in her throat is so unfamiliar, she barely keeps it under control. Hoping that she at least sound rational, "We cannot fight them all. We must give them the slip before we can run down Folloch. Stay together!"

Wrapping her fingers around her long spear, she slips a little toward her normal self. She swings it in wide circles trying to intimidate the crowd and keep them at bay.

intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Once it is clear the party is moving in a given direction, she follows quickly, trying to twist and tumble away from hands that get too close to her.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Finally, if anyone gets hold of her, she simply tries to slip away.

escape artist: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Damm! She's a gonner! :P

Teke springs into action when the crown turns on them.

First he takes advantage of his small size to try and stay covertly under everyone's attention.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Feeling a little unnoticed he rolls and tumbles away from the throng of chaos.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

If he's comfortable away he hides under one of the vegetable carts or behind a tent.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

Two successes. Teke's third action would be a success, but unfortunately a PC cannot use the same skill twice. You may keep the 13 result for the roll, but must use another skill.

Skyllik was lurking in the rear of the party, shrouded in a cloak to hide his exotic appearance from the townspeople. Now that they are in danger, he throws back his hood and hisses at the humans. He brandishes his club, eyes flicking from one target to another, and then sees the the priest is getting away. Focusing on the nearest villager, he sizes them up as a foe, sniffs in disgust, and then attempts to push through like a snake weaving through the grass.

Using studied target and attempting an overrun combat maneuver.

CMB: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 14

Relax. This crowd will bring us no harm." Omero's hand lifts off of Bressa's shoulder as he speaks. He grips his halberd tight as the crowd turns on them.

"Disperse! Return to your homes and businesses!" Omero gives a hard look to the crowd as he shouts his orders to them. His stance is firm and he looks unflappable as he expects the crowd to bend to his own will.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Omero strides forth through the crowd. As he pursues their quarry he shouts after the fleeing priest. "Pray that you do not need me! Pray that you have done no wrong! The Law has come and I am here for you!"
Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Omero makes a valiant attempt to above the grasping mass of humanity as he moves through them but is just not as adept at as many of his fellows. The crowd is able to tug and pull as him despite his wishes for the them to not molest his advance.
Acrobatics: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (3) - 3 = 0

Two successes. Teke's third action would be a success, but unfortunately a PC cannot use the same skill twice. You may keep the 13 result for the roll, but must use another skill.

Oops. Disregard the above. PCs CAN use same skill twice. Three successes for Teke. One for Omero.

Skyllik continues to try to push his way through the villagers.

CMB with studied target: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 = 11

If he manages to get free from them, or after the others disperse the crowd, he will try to track the priest.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Failsnek.

*Sigh* A series of bad rolls. Unfortunately, even if Delance were to get all successes, it would not be enough.

Despite your efforts to escape, the crowd is just too overwhelming. Though you are eventually able to escape and follow after Folloch, the fiend has undoubtedly had some time to prepare swiftly for the imminent battle. Folloch's trail leads to the stables, which are located next to a wall started by a past mayor but never actually finished.

Map revealed on Slides.

As you approach, you see Folloch and two of his guards, adorned in metal masks, hastily filling a carriage with chests and luggage—almost certainly what remains of Allentown’s wealth. An empty vial lies at Folloch's feet. Within one hand, Folloch holds a scroll. Within the other, he holds tightly to the jeweled rod he carried on the stage.

Combat Round One Begins

PCs in bold may act

Omero
Skyllik
Folloch
Bressa
Guards x2
Delance
Teke

Omero stalks forth with his halberd in a ready position. He prepares to clobber any of them to come with in range.

Readied Attack: Halberd, Power Attack, Furious Focus: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Readied Damage: P/S, Power Attack: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Skyllik casts Shillelagh on his club, and stalks forward slowly, ducking behind a bush at his earliest opportunity.

Is the bush-looking area on the map cover or concealment, or just some grass?

Bush is difficult terrain and provides partial cover.

As he sees you arrive, Folloch levels the scepter at you once again. However, when it again fails to activate, he draws a flask and begins to open it so to imbibe it's contents.

Combat Round One Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Omero
Skyllik
Folloch
Bressa
Guards x2
Delance
Teke

Bressa advances a little and fires her crossbow.
crossbow vs green: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
piercing: 1d8 ⇒ 4

I don't think she's ever hit anything with that dang crossbow, LOL

The two guards take up defensive positions to protect their charge, the priest Folloch. Drawing their bows, they each fire at the approaching outsiders.

Blue, Ranged (longbow) v. Bressa: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Damage (P): 1d8 ⇒ 8

Green, Ranged (longbow) v. Omero: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage (P): 1d8 ⇒ 8

One (blue) places a shot squarely at the brawler's chest, while the shot of the other (green) bounces off the armor of the paladin.

Combat Round One Cont'd/Round Two Begins

PCs in bold may act

Delance
Teke
Round Two
Omero
Skyllik
Folloch
Bressa -8 HP
Guards x2

Delance double moves.

Skyllik pushes through the brush and closes with a guard, swinging the massive club.

attack, two-handed: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 = 15
damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (6, 3) + 7 = 16

Omero charges forth bringing his halberd into position to smash it into the side of the guard.

(Charging Blue)
Attack: Halberd, Charge, Power Attack, Furious Focus: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Damage: P/S, Power Attack: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

The nagaji fells one if the guards (green) with a single blow.

The paladin near does the same to the other (blue).

Combat Round One Cont'd/Round Two Begins

PCs in bold may act

Delance
Teke
Round Two
Omero
Skyllik
Folloch
Bressa -8 HP
Guard blue -12 HP

Teke moves for a shot in between his allies past the fallen guards, and fires a shot at the remaining foe.

Air blast: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Blud Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

The halfling's blast misses it's mark.

Seeing his enthralled guards failing, Folloch quaffs the potion in his hand and then, suddenly, disappears from view!

Location on map is last visible location of Folloch

Combat Round Two Cont'd

PCs in bold may act

Omero
Skyllik
Folloch (unseen)
Bressa -8 HP
Guard -12 HP
Delance
Teke

After staggering back from the blow, the slight brawler looks down at the arrow sticking out of her chest. "Shazbot!" She drinks a healing potion and moves to cut off any escape (hopefully).

Healing Potion: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

The remaining guard steps back and tries to put down the paladin before taking another blow.

Blue, Ranged (longbow) v. Omero: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Damage (P): 1d8 ⇒ 2

However, his injury is too great and his shot goes wide.

Combat Round Two Cont'd/Round Three Begins

PCs in bold may act

Delance
Teke
Round Three
Omero
Skyllik
Folloch
Bressa
Guard -12 HP

Delance takes a big wild sweeping swing at the enemy.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 61d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

I'd forgotten about Skyllik's crocodile, but he doesn't have scent unfortunately.

Skyllik steps forward, into the location Folloch was a moment ago, if he can. If he runs into Folloch, he'll drop his club and try to grapple. If not, he'll keep moving and walk around, looking for Folloch. "You're almost dead. Don't try to make further trouble," he hisses at the remaining guard as he stalks. Skyllik's motion follows the blue arrows. Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Skyllik whistles for his crocodile, who comes rushing to help search for the vanished man. Chompy uses Sprint to increase speed to 30ft for 1 round. He'll follow the red arrow path, looking for the invisible Folloch. Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Omero steps forward, turns his halberd on its side, and aims to knock the guard out.

Attack: Halberd, Power Attack, Furious Focus: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: P/S, Power Attack: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Teke moves up to where everyone is looking around, if he doesn't bump into an invisible foe he looks for any clues about his passing.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Omero obliterates the remaining guard.

Suddenly, a greasy film covers the ground beneath the feet of Delance, Omero, and Teke as Folloch's form comes into view near the wall.

Reflex, Delance (DC 13): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Reflex, Omero (DC 13: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Reflex, Teke (DC 13): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Omero slips and falls to the ground.

Grease affected area indicated with yellow line on map.

Seeing only one outsider on the ground, he begins to head around Bressa towards the edge of the wall.

Combat Round Three Cont'd/Round Four Begins

All PCs may act

Folloch
Bressa
Delance
Teke
Omero (prone)
Skyllik

Delance moves and attacks swing hard at the knees of this caster.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

"Rarw"

Delance moves and attacks swing hard at the knees of this caster.

"Rarw"

Walking within the grease-affected square requires a successful Acrobatics check (DC 10).

Delance, Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

The skald gracefully exists the slippery grease and strikes a powerful blow against the priest.

Combat Round Three Cont'd/Round Four Begins

PCs in bold may act

Bressa
Delance
Teke
Omero (prone)
Skyllik
Folloch -10 HP

Teke steps out of the grease.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

He moves up and throws another blast of concussive air at the priest.

Physical Blast: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Bludg Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Teke sighs as his successful tumble steals his ability to hit... Since he's an aerokineticist it's an epic sigh...

dangit, I should have said she pulled out her longspear earlier. LOL hindsight

"Slow down, pretty boy. You're not getting away so easy."
Bressa steps up and grapples the dude.

grapple: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

The "dude is grappled.

Combat Round Three Cont'd/Round Four Begins

PCs in bold may act

Bressa (grappled)
Delance
Teke
Omero (prone)
Skyllik
Folloch -10 HP (grappled)

Having seen this one snake away too many times, Teke wastes no time slapping him with a puff of kinetic blade.

1 burn to use kinetic blade

Kinetic Blade (phys): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Bludg Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Awwww, I didn't get back in time to say grapple == 'jump on his back and pull his hood over his head'. No mechanical difference, but way more fun to picture in my head. :)

The friendly crocodilian, a little worn out after its previous dash, waddles up next to Omero and nudges his hand with its snout.

Skyllik moves up closer to the melee and sizes up Folloch with a hunter's eye.

Studied target on Folloch.