GM Yogadragon's Solstice Scar C (Inactive)

Game Master yogadragon

"Take us to your leader."

Daniel sighs as his group jumps to the random request of a fey. Ain't smart to just trust them. They ain't evil but they ain't friends, best to avoid em in my mind.

He turns and gives a toothy grin, "sure, any help would be much appreciated."

Looking at his allies his brow furrows a bit, "how do you think more dragons are made? Grown out of mud? They breed just like most everything else."

Enzial waits for the groups decision, interjecting periodically.

The half-orc is correct- the dragons breed like any others. They have been sending their kobolds out more and more to hunt to feed their brood.

Once the decision has been made, she tells you to follow her. She walks directly towards the thickest part of the nearby forest. As she approaches, the trees part, revealing a path hidden in the grove. As you begin watching, the scenery begins to blur, as if you feel you are traveling several miles with each step. After a few dozen feet, you emerge in a secluded grotto. In the center you see a pair of fey. As you approach, you hear the sounds of them arguing. It sounds like they are discussing the possibility of going to war with the dragons. As you approach, Enzial introduces you.

My King, My Queen. These outsiders saved me from a roving pack of Kobolds. They seek to invade the Dragon's lair, and wish to speak with you about aiding each other for our mutual benefit.

You see before you two quite impressive looking Fey. The first introduces himself as Vallahk. Birdlike wings covered with pine needles instead of feathers extend from the back of this regal, elf-like humanoid. He is perched on an oak, gazing down at the party. As you approached he seemed to be advocating for going to war against the dragons.

The second introduces herself as Quiselle. This elf-like woman wears a dress of pine needles and crown of geraniums. After greeting the party, she begins to sit down. For a moment, you fear she will fall to the ground, as there is no chair there, but at the last moemnt the oak’s branches twist and bend, creating a throne. She was expressing worries about what would happen should they lose the war and be wiped out - there would be no one left to guard the forest.

You guys know the deal - Same as with the Twinhorn elders, you each get two checks to convince them to help you.

Vallahk needs intimidate, survival, profession (hunter or trapper), perception or stealth.

Quiselle needs Diplomacy, Handle Animal, or Heal, knowledge (nature) or Perform (any)

Gah - forgot to change the alias on the above post and its too late to edit. Have no fear, it is a legit post - carry on. Pay no mind to the man behind the curtain.

Dortlin hops off Rambi and walks up to them both.

To Vallahk

"Hello king. We are here to stop an ancient evil but it sounds like a smaller evil is related. Dragons are not known for settling for what they have and Kobolds are not known for forward planning. As the number of kobolds increase you will soon be king of nothing but ash and kobold poop. We are going to do what we can to stop it but any help you can offer, Information about the surroundings, Food, etc would be appreciated."

survival: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

And to Quiselle

"And hello queen. I heard you mention the lack of forest guardians. If we succeed you and your people should have no trouble clearing your territory of any stray kobolds. I think you know the trees and paths far better then they do. And I suspect you can even call the animals for help."

kn nature: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Taking a deep breath Daniel steps up to Vallahk. As he begins to make his plea he notices something in the corner of his vision. Focusing in on it he comments and points it out, "well well well, I see we have some sneaky fey hiding nearby. If I can notice something as well hidden as that, it'll be easy for us to take out those kobolds and dragons. You have no reason not to aid us in this endeavor, we will easily succeed."

Perception + Forest: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 15 + 2 = 27

He turns towards the lady fey, "ma'am, simply put let's consider how you train an animal. It requires a soft touch with rewards and care... but sometimes you have to take control and exert your authority. Dragons are no different. They need to be shown who is in charge or they'll end up thinking they rule this roost. Stand with us and help us heel their encroachment on this forest."

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Crios bows deeply, unsure what the proper etiquette is when dealing with fey royals. After the bow he calmly address the duo. Perhaps a bit too much so.

"Good King Vallahk and Good Queen Quiselle, my name is Crios, and it is my great pleasure to meet you, though it is unfortunate that it is under such circumstances as these."

He then makes an effort to show how the group might approach to lair, using stealth to get in close to the dragon before it could bring its might to bear. "Even should the dragon detect us, we have faced similar problems in the past and proven victorious. I hold out hope that our planning and skill will bring us another victory. Your help would almost assure it."

Vallahk Aid other=stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Quiselle Aid other=diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Dicebot fail! I hope the rest of you seal the deal.

Teric smiles at the royals and approaches. He bows deeply. "King and Queen, my name is Teric Cain. Our Pathfinders come to offer our aid to you and request your assistance against the evil kobolds and ice dragon."

He turns to the Queen and smiles. "Lovely Queen Quiselle, your kingdom is magnificent. We were glad to come to the aid of Enzial. We hear the kobolds have been ravaging the area, threatening your people. We also have a feud with the kobolds, especially with their dragon overlord. Perhaps our people can work together to defeat these evils."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

He then smirks at the King. "Our warriors are masters of spell and blades. We would be honored to have fey warriors join us and show us their prowess. I'm sure you and your battle masters can show us how to fight the Kobolds and drive them back!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Sorry, running late tonight, so nothing fancy

For Vallahk Stealth: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (20) + 22 = 42

For Quiselle Know Nature: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 9 + (2) = 14

Listening to his friends earnest efforts to sway the king and queen Anduris contemplates what to say. As often in the past as he is thinking his hands search through his many pocketed vestment to find his familiar pipe and favorite pipe weed. With expert deftness he lights the pipe as an afterthought. He then steps forward to ask them for their assistance the best he can.
"Now ya see here King Vallahk what me friends be say'en is we can solve this problem ya be hav'en here 'cause noth'en much gets past us." Anduris makes a show of moving his eyebrows up and down.He arches them high then low and narrows his gaze in a mannor to show off how keen and perceptive this experienced dwarf is.
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33 +2 for any mysterious stonework laying about
"An Milady Quiselle. Look'en 'pon you makes me heart ring like the strike of a hammer tah steel. Any help ya could provide would be forever remembered. Ya can bet on that as much as dirt makes ya dirty."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

The Fey listen intently to your words. They are stoic and give little away through word or deed while you speak. After everyone has said their peace, Vallahk and Quiselle retreat a bit farther in the grove and can be heard whispering between themselves.

After a few moments the two return to the group. Quiselle has a sly smile on her face, and simply responds Your proposal intrigues us. We shall consider giving you our blessing when your need is greatest.
Enzial, please lead them back to where you brought them from.

After speaking, both of the fey fade into the dense forest and do not respond to further inquiry. Enzial leads you back through the forest, depositing you where you left from.

Now Pathfinders, I can guide you to the Kobold's lair. I know of two entrances - the front, which is guarded, or a back entrance. It is less guarded, but the way is treacherous, up steep switchbacks with howling winds and sharp falls. The decision is yours.

Daniel thinks back to the last couple fights, "well we ain't had much trouble with anything so far but it's not a bad idea to try the back route first. Take out the head o' the serpent and the rest will flee, prolly. I'm up for whatever."

Officially my vote would be try the back way first.

"How long does it take to travel through these steep switchbacks?"

Dortlin is concerned for Rambi but if it is less then 80 minutes of travel time Spider Climb will solve the problem.

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

A sudden gust of wind rushes through the area, riming the trees and rocks with frost that resembles faces of the region’s fey monarchs. “Your Society has requested our aid, and we have agreed to support your endeavors. Carry our token, call upon us in your time of need, and ensure the dragons prey upon this region no more.” With that, the icy faces melt away, and each of you find a tiny crown of pine needles nearby.

Table GMs, the Fey Allies condition on page 18 is in effect.

Crios nods in agreement with Daniel. "Considering everything we can do to avoid falls and traps, perhaps the back way is the best. My only concern is if the winds are truly howling, and we face enemies there, it may effect your arrows Daniel. Are you prepared for that?"

I vote along with Daniel and Dortlin(assuming spider climb is an option).

Daniel shrugs, "can't shoot a bow while climbing anyway, plus I'm more worried about getting knocked off a cliff than the winds effecting my arrows. And with a bit o' luck going the back way we can sneak up on em."

Enzial looks Rambi up and down. He seems... surprisingly lithe for a rhinoceros. None of the trails are so narrow that he won't be able to pass, as long as you go slow during the more treacherous parts.
I think, for you lot, the biggest concern of the back way will be the biting cold.

It sounds like the majority want to go the back route, so I'm going to need fort saves from all of you, unless you take some sort of other precautions against the cold. The Twinhorns have provided everyone cold weather gear that needed it, providing a +5 on the save.

Also, each of you now posess a crown from the Fey. As a free action, you may don the crown and gain either DR 4 or Cold Resistance 8 for one encounter. The Fey are a generous lot, and would not allow the animals foolish enough to serve mortals suffer undue risk, so BC and Rambi also have a crown.

Would the following boon apply in this situation? If so, would it also cover B.C. or just Daniel?

Definitely applies to you - I don't believe that animal companions get the benefits from boons such as that.

Daniel wraps B.C. up tight in furs, carrying him close to conserve body heat when able. Following the fey up the tricky hidden route he recalls a long ago ritual that seems to be keeping him warm. He whispers a word of thanks to the Snowmask Clan.

B.C. Fort vs. Cold + Furs: 1d20 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 5 = 33

I have cold resist 5 as a racial trait. Would I still need to make saves? If so I will definitely wear cold weather gear.

Fort save+cold weather gear: 1d20 + 10 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 5 = 27

Teric has cold resist 10

Teric laughs when the biting cold is mentioned. "It would have to be a very bitter cold indeed to affect me." You notice that despite the chilly air, he still wears a loose Varasian shirt, half-open in the front.

The investigator pulls an extract from his pack an sips down its contents.
Endure Elements

Presumably B. C. gets a crown as well. Not sure why it isn't listed in my gear but I have a wand of Endure Elements with 42 charges left. I'll mark off 5? charges. (And add it to my profile.)

"This isn't the first time I have faced bitter cold. This should help."

Dortlin uses his wand of Endure Elements on everyone who needs it.

Fort save with cold weather gear: 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 5 = 21

@Dortlin, are you casting it on the rest of the party? Daniel, Crios, Teric and Kivuli are covered already via boons or cold resistance. BC looks quite hardy and you don't think he'll need it (ie, he already made the save...). So to cover the whole party, you'd just need 3 charges (yourself, Rambi, and Anduris).

Enzial leads you up the mountain. After hiking for several miles in the biting cold, ascending several hundred feet, you round one last switchback to find a stand of trees. A quick search easily reveals a hidden cave entrance behind the trees. Entering the Kobold's lair, you are all happy to be out of the wind.

New slide is up - please place yourselves inside the red box. Can you guys give me a marching order and general strategy for how you will go about exploring the caves? In the real world, this would be a dungeon crawl with you telling me exactly how to move - for this, just give me a general idea of your tactics and I'll resolve things from there.

3 charges it is. Dortlin is fine being at or near the front.

"We can go first unless someone else wants point, But first may Milani bless us."

As soon as we get the order sorted out and are ready to proceed Dortlin will use his lesser extend rod to cast Good Hope.

This spell instills powerful hope in the subjects. Each affected creature gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls. Duration 16 minutes.

Dortlin, how do you have access to Good Hope? It is not on the Druid or Ranger spell list. Is there a feat or a boon or something that I am missing that allows you to take it?

It's a special spell that Rangers get access to through worship of Milani. Near the bottom under Unique Spell Rules. Dortlin, you can skip B.C. from that spell which should get enough coverage for everyone else to have it.

Daniel and B.C. will take up rearguard. Daniel will also cast Resist Energy: Cold on himself and (using a pearl of power lvl 1) on B.C.

Correct on the source. And Dortlin is level 8 so can cover 6 PCs and 2 animal companions.

Kivuli has the trap spotter rogue ability(giving him an automatic perception check when within 10' of a trap) and a solid perception so I think he may want to be at the front, or at least close to it. Of course I am good with Dortlin taking the front rank to absorb/avoid any first strike damage. Crios will be in the third rank, or middle if that fits better, so he can help with attacks from front, back, or side with flight if necessary.

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

The kobolds continue to mount a frustrating defense, luring Pathfinders into cramped and trap-filled tunnels and unleashing captive monsters on unsuspecting agents. Even so, the kobolds are losing ground with each battle. As another skirmish echoes from elsewhere in the caverns, a tremendous roar reverberates through the cave complex, rattling stalactites and causing snowdrifts to slide down the outside slopes. As the sound dissipates, the voice of a massive creature booms from deep within the kobolds’ warren.

“Long ago my ancestor Grathatonhakis ruled here, and a meager dwarf challenged his might only to become his trophy. Both were fools, and both are now dead. I am neither, and your paltry attacks shall not change that. Fall back, kobolds of the Shiverscale tribe! Let these intruders die in sight of the last fool to challenge Horralydax, the master of the Tusk Mountains. Rally to me, my children. Today we dine on adventurers!”

The kobolds kowtow to the booming voice, scramble to their feet, and begin retreating deeper into the caves. For once they aren’t covering their tracks, so the way to the dragon’s lair is clear. Table GMs, please move to the encounter in area N swiftly.

As the booming voice echoes through the caves, the Kobolds break and flee before you. It is easy to follow their path, and after about 10 minute of chasing, you round the corner and are greeted with an open chamber, with a ceiling 30 feet high. There are some steep cliffs, about 5 feet high (requiring a DC 10 climb check and double move to move up or a DC10 acrobatics and double movement to go down). In the back of the chamber, you spy a dragon! He is flanked by a pair of kobolds riding the same ice newt mounts you saw before. Seeing the invaders, the dragon and kobolds waste no time attacking!

The blue area has been frozen over and is double movement.

Kivuli initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Teric initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Dortlin initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Daniel Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 + 2 in Forests
Crios initiative: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Andurius initiative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Dragon Init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Kobold Init: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Dragon Roll off: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Kivuli Roll off: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Kivuli is up!

Kivuli

Dragon

Dortlin
Andurius

Kobolds

Daniel
Crios
Teric

Note that Good hope adds to ability checks. That includes initiative.

That it does. I think the only thing that character changes is pushing Dortlin in front of the dragon, so go ahead and act now Dortlin.

Seeing all of the ice Dortlin will cast Resist Energy Cold on himself.

He will have Rambi move out a bit then Dortlin will try to identify the dragon.

kn arcana?: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 2 = 16 Defenses?

Before entering the caves, Kivuli would have used his False Life and Heightened Awareness.
False Life HP: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

The wayang quickly sips down an extract. Alchemical Allocation. Plan to drink flight next round.

Know, Arcana: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 9 + (1) + 2 = 16

The dragon roars at the group, You DARE ENTER MY LAIR!? You will DIE!

It beats its mighty wings and rushes towards Dortlin, biting the Human before wheeling around and ascending into the fog cloud and disappearing out of sight.

The dragon created the cloud before your arrival. [ooc]I didn't have the fog cloud on there earlier - I don't think it would drastically change anyone's actions, but if it would, feel free to adjust your actions Dortlin. Kivuli hasn't even seen it so it shouldn't affect his actions at all.

Neither of you are able to identify it, beyond that it is a dragon.

Bite: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (6, 2) + 10 = 18

Fly check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

The kobolds on their turn will guide their mounts into the fog cloud and disappear from sight as well. I'm going to go ahead and let everyone go to keep things moving - I have left tokens for them in their original positions in case Andurius wishes to do something to them. For the rest of you, all the foes are hidden in the fog cloud. I have left the kobold tokens in their eventual positions even though you can't see them because you might run in to them, but please try to act in a way assuming you don't see them until you actually move close enough.

Pathfinders are up!

Kivuli
Dortlin
Dragon

Andurius

Kobolds

Daniel
Crios
Teric

Just noticed Dortlin is still injured from the kobold fight. Any objections to me using 3 charges on my CLW wand to heal before we get here?

That is fine - I had noticed that as well and was going to mention it in my post in a subsequent edit.

I also need a DC 18 will save from dortlin and rambi, and anyone else the first time they see the dragon. Failure means you are shaken for shaken: 5d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 6, 4, 1) = 13 rounds.

With the sounds of combat and the snap of a dragon's jaw closing painfully on Dortlin, Daniel motions for B.C. to stay in the hallway until called.

Handle Animal DC 10: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Daniel moves into the room, seeing a massive cloud of fog and no enemies, he decides to keep scouting and try to get some spacing, remembering what happened with the drake's breath earlier. He darts along the back wall and hops down to the next level.

Double Move.

Acrobatics DC 10: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

With the sounds of combat and the snap of a dragon's jaw closing painfully on Dortlin, Daniel motions for B.C. to stay in the hallway until called.

[dice=Handle Animal DC 10]1d20+13

Daniel moves into the room, seeing a massive cloud of fog and no enemies, he decides to keep scouting and try to get some spacing, remembering what happened with the drake's breath earlier. He darts along the back wall and hops down to the next level.

Double Move.

[dice=Acrobatics DC 10]1d20+14

From his new vantage point, Daniel can see one of the kobold's outlines in the fog cloud and relay its location to the party if he wishes.

Teric pulls out a scroll and casts it. He begins floating upward and hugs the walls of the cavern. "Get out of this corridor, quickly!"

Draw scroll of Fly and cast it. 5 foot step upward.

Teric can't see anything in the chamber right now, but he has the ability to see through fog and mist (Water Sight).

Dortlin's will save: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13
Rambi's will save: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 = 23

Dortlin's will save folio reroll: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13

Don't forget the crown the fey gave us, just in case you want to use it. Free action to activate either DR4 or Cold Resist 8.

Will DC18 Save of Shaken: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 2 = 17

Crios is shaken to his core when the dragon roars its challenge! Despite this, he drops his shield wand to his hand and activates its magic.

"There is no choice, we must face the dragon and win." he says, trying to convince himself more than anyone else.

Swift action spring-loaded sheath, standard to activate magic, move to replace in sheath.

Daniel shouts out from the lower level as he points out the enemy, ”Kobold riding a critter right there on the edge of the fog!”

He activated his fey crown to gain DR. (Thanks Crios!)

Kivuli uncorks a potion and imbibed it. A moment later he spits it back in the flask. Flight He also calls upon the aide of the get to provide protection against the cold.

Will vs DC 18: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Waiting on Andurius round 1 and dortlin round 2.

Before the others run off Anduris gathers some of his most potent magic to again haste the party.