Gallows of Madness: What Lurks in the Woods (2) (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

Dot in here.

dot

El dotterino

Is this the place? I heard you needed a healer...

Dot.

Do you want to make another alias for my vigilante persona?

Dot.

Still waiting on one more to check in. But we can go ahead and get started.

Early in the morning you receive a discreet call for help from the Mayor of Saringallow, Sandra Trinelli. She wishes to meet with you in her office on the ground floor of the Saringallow Town Hall.

Golden beams of light stream into this comfortable-but-official room’s picture window, illuminating a cluttered wooden desk and an empty chair pushed haphazardly to the side. Between the window and the desk strides Mayor Sandra Trinelli, who, brow furrowed, has clearly worn a pacer’s path into the plush red carpet. Noticing her visitors, she sighs in determined resignation and steps behind her desk, leaning over it gravely.

“I’m glad you’ve arrived,” she says, a measure of relief creeping into her strained voice. “Our town is dealing with its share of troubles right now, and this unknown menace beyond our walls has me the most worried.”

She takes a deep breath as if composing herself, and sits carefully in her chair, assuming a self-assured posture that seems to come to her much more naturally.

“Specifically, we may have a goblin problem,” the mayor continues. “I’ve recently received reports of goblins lurking in the woods outside of town. There have been no attacks yet—only minor damage to fences and some stolen sheep, I’m told—but we can’t afford to let our guard down. Given how we suffered during the Goblinblood Wars, we can’t assume that these scattered sightings are meaningless when they might very well mean that a major warband is about to descend on our heads.

“Even worse, it seems that these goblins are covered in some unholy manner of filth—even more so than normal! If word about that gets out, well, folks might start to panic. We are a superstitious lot here in Saringallow, as I’m sure you know.

“In short, we need to move quickly and deal with these goblins before they become a larger threat. Sending members of the town guard out into the woods, though, could leave us open to attack. I’m sure you see my dilemma.

“This is where I’d like you to intercede, my friends. Find out where the goblins are coming from and who—if anyone—is leading them, then take out the threat. I can offer you a bounty of 5 gold pieces for each goblin you kill, 10 gold pieces for each goblin dog, and an additional bonus of 100 gold pieces if you bring me proof that you’ve destroyed their camp or otherwise dealt with whatever additional threat they pose.

“Most of the sightings have originated from the area northwest of town, particularly near the homesteaders out by Clover Stream. That’s probably a good place to start your investigation. Aside from that, I’m afraid I don’t have much else to tell you. Unless you have any specific questions?”

Zeldana smiles, her grin missing quite a few teeth, clearly smiling at the prospect of a big payday.

"Yes I believe we can help... What can you tell us about the homesteaders, how long have they been there? Any troublemakers we should watch out for?"

Zeldana looks as one would expect a Varisian fortune teller would.

dot. thanks for the invite

A well dressed Kitsune in fox humanoid form appears. He has a backpack, a lute and wears a rapier on his belt.

"Yes an information you can provide would be appreciated."

A flamboyant halfling stands dressed in purple and gold, his head coming to about waist-height on most of the others. Visible weapons are the small sword at his belt and a bow on his back. "Wonderful, wonderful. Not to worry, my dear, all too happy to help. Goblins are my specialty, see if they aren't! And might I add, you're looking lovely today. If only all my missions came from such ravishing good looks!"

Why do you mention this unholy filth? What was reported, exactly?

What can you tell us about the homesteaders, how long have they been there? Any troublemakers we should watch out for?"

The Mayor shakes her head. "No..no troublemakers. The homesteads just belong to the local farmers.

Why do you mention this unholy filth? What was reported, exactly?

"Hard to tell. The goblins were reported to be more filthy than your ordinary goblin. Seemed odd at the time. maybe it is nothing. Maybe it is something."

“At most, folks have seen two or three at a time, but in a few cases they were also riding goblin dogs. I don’t know if that was the same two or three each time, or if there’s a larger group nearby.”

A wispy thing human with a short ponytail pulled back in his shaggy blond hair, leans heavily on the wooden desk listening to everyone. He wears clean but simple clothes and a rapier on his hip. A couple missing buttons reveal a thin chain shirt beneath his shirt. He has the look of someone who really could have used a couple more hours sleep after last nights drinks.

By Cayden, goblins are no problem, unholy filth that's another thing, glad to have you holy men about, we need more of your kind here for sure. My dear Sandra, I think you have the right group for the job. Now what do you all say, should we head down to the tavern on our way out of town to liquefy our courage?

A cloaked hulking figure, its face obscured both by an featureless obsidian mask and an arching hood, wielding a scythe, tapped the end of the scythe's handle against the floor.

"No. It'll only dull our reflexes," it said flatly at the blond man.

The mask faced the mayor, "You prefer the ears or the entire head of the goblin?"

"A drink sounds good. I could use a fine glass of wine"

"I think goblins first and taverns second would be a wiser course of action..."

Zeldana explains.

Either way's fine, just like to honor good Cayden when I can.

Sirrah says with a laugh.

Oh lovely Sandra, you said northwest of town? Fellows are you ready?

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

"I've no objection to heading out as quickly as possibly," the Daemon rasps. "We shouldn't take them lightly. Isger was nearly torn in half by these little creeps. They nearly overwhelmed Cheliax as well.

The journey through Saringallow’s outskirts is largely a pleasant one. The homesteads nearest to the city belong to farmers, who point you farther down the road as you inquire about recent goblin sightings. Eventually, the dirt roads give way to smaller, worn-down trails. Pastures thick with green grass and dotted with sheep and other livestock replace the rows of wheat and vegetables. Soon, you can faintly make out the sound of running water nearby.

A young shepherd bolts across one of the nearby fields, clearly terrified by something behind him. He shouts and gestures frantically toward whatever he’s fleeing. “I saw them!” he screams. “Goblins! They’re in the woods! They took our sheep! You have to do something!”

Which way? When did you see them, just now?

Zeldana smiles her toothy grin at the kid "We'll go take care of it, point the way though."

Huzzah! Where are these little blighters

Sirrah will start moving toward the woods in the direction the shepherd is pointing, straining to see the goblins or sheep among the trees.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

"On the road again, right Pathfinders?" Levin says wistfully as they set out,putting a hand to his chest. "Seems only-- oh, I knew I forgot something this morning!" He digs through his pack-- "Nope... Nope... Ah here it is"-- and pulls out a holy symbol of Desna. "Seems only yesterday I was just returning. Such is life, though, right?"

* * * * *

"Well that was easy. Lead on, my good man!"

-Posted with Wayfinder

Sirrah does indeed see the shepherd's sheep come braying and piling out of the woods all around the young shepherd.

The young man stutters with fright. "In....in...in the woods!" he frantically points behind him.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Zeldana calls out in surprise "Those are no sheep, the goblins are here!"

Upon the announcement that the goblins have arrived, Selkin will retrieve his wand of Bless and grant the party said blessing.

Whether I can do that now or on my first turn the action is the same.

The goblin's 'clever disguises' were no match for Zeldana's keen eyes, though their trap is already sprung. Selkin barely has enough time to get his wand from his side as the goblins throw the sheep skin away, brandishing deadly weapons forged from jagged pieces of junk.

With the goblins so close at hand the young Shepherd, Carlo Escoro screams and flees back in the direction of his home to cower.

@Selkin- You would have just enough time to draw the wand but not use a charge of it yet.

Round 1
Sirrah
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Goblins
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Round 1
Zeldana
Chankotu
Selkin
Levin
Jean

Ha, ha! I shall vanquish you with blade gob-lin!

Sirrah moves to the closest goblin while drawing his rapier, and attempting to puncture the little creature's lung.

Attack v. Red: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Sirrah dives in at the red goblin and manages to puncture the squirming creature's lung. As he gets closer he notices an odd substance on these goblins. From a short distance it lookslike mud caked on their skin but up close it is an almost foul-looking purple substance.

The goblins pounce on the party with shortswords drawn. The goblins cackle and glee as they are sure they will easily take care of this nuisance.

Red Shortsword vs Sirrah AC 19; Smite Good: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Green Shortsword vs Sirrah AC 19; Smite Good: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Yellow Shortsword vs Chankotu AC FF 15: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Purple Shortsword vs Levin AC FF 16: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Crit damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Blue Shortsword vs Selkin AC FF 17; Smite Good: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Sirrah parries the red goblins blade and finishes it off as he stabs it through the throat. The goblins inact their revenge as Levin takes a good cut across his chest and begins bleeding quite profusely.

Smites assigned
Red/Green-Sirrah
Blue-Selkin

Round 2
Sirrah
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Goblins
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Round 1
Zeldana
Chankotu
Selkin
Levin (10/17)
Jean

A rather orc-ish growl escapes from the Daemon's throat. He calmly walks forward, drawing his scythe as he does so. He swings forward at the same goblin that attempted to hit the half-elf.

Scythe attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 = 9

move: 15 or twenty if that hill counts as difficult terrain and draw scythe as part of the move
standard:attack with scythe on cyan goblin.
If cyan dies before my turn, I can get to pink in a move action, so I'd go to pink after.

Zeldana will step back to give Levin room as she draws and loads her crossbow.

How did I miss that? Levin wonders. Before he can react, however, a quick goblin deals him a nasty cut. Quick little bastards, he thinks between gritted teeth. He pulls his own shortsword from its sheath and casts a spell.

Casting daze at the purple goblin, DC 14 Will or take no actions next turn.

Selkin will continue with his plan and use the wand to cast Bless after taking a step back away from the goblins!

Chankotu stabs at the nearest goblin yellow

attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Spend a panache to Opportune Parry and Riposte, gained it back with the killing blow on red

As the goblin (red) drops, Sirrah races between the goblins.

La.da.da.da!

move in between yellow and green, moving through there threatened squares

Arriving at a flank with Chankotu, Sirrah attacks.

Rapier + Bless + Flank on yellow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 27
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Good day, good Chankotu, how's things over there?

Zeldana steps back and loads her crossbow. Chankotu attempts to stab the goblin in front of him but is overwhelmed by the sheer chaos and misses.

Selkin raises his wand high into the air and blesses the party. Levin stumbles back and tries to daze the purple goblin.

Purple Will save: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

The goblin sways as it blinks its eyes trying to get a bright light out of them.

The Midnight Daemon rushes the hill. He trips on a small stone imbedded in the ground and nearly falls into the blue clothed goblin.

@Sirrah- You can Parry twice but teh actual riposte action is an immediate action so you can only do one each turn.

The goblins stab at Sirrah as he moves between them.

Yellow vs Sirrah AC 19; flanking: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 = 6
Green vs Sirrah AC 19; flanking; smite: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 = 20

Sirrah is able to knock the blades out of his path, though barely. With a flurry of speed Sirrah steps in and stabs the yellow goblin through the leg. Drawing back he finishes the goblin off with another rapier thrust through the gut.

The goblins move to swarm Sirrah and the Midnight Daemon.

Purple vs Sirrah AC 19; flanking: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 2 = 9
Green vs Sirrah AC 19; flanking; smite: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 2 = 23
Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Blue vs the Midnight Daemon AC 15: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

The goblins shortswords bite into the young adventurers as they are pushed back against the tide.

Active Party Buffs
Bless

Smites assigned
Red/Green-Sirrah
Blue-Selkin

Round 3
Sirrah (12/17)
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Goblins
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Round 2
Zeldana
Chankotu
Selkin
Levin (10/17)
Jean (10/11)

A brief snort, perhaps a chuckle, escapes through the mask as the goblin's sword snips his skin. The Midnight Daemon tries to regain his footing and take out the goblin's neck in one swoop.

Scythe Attack on Blue: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 = 12

if this takes out blue, the Daemon will move to flank Purple.

@GM - thanks for straightening that out.
Panache spent 2, killing blow regains 1

Feeling the goblin blade, cut into him Sirrah realizes he needs to stride carefully. Whoa! There

Sirrah takes a step back and jabs his rapier at the goblin (green).

Rapier + Bless: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 1 = 23
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

And readies himself against the next attack.

With Sirrah around the back Zeldana steps up and takes the open shot at purple.

crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

Selkin drops one wand and draws another so that he can heal Sirrah!

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Readying himself, Levin steps forward and stabs at the closest goblin.

Shortsword vs teal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Zeldana steps back against the edge of the hill and fires a bolt into the purple goblin's shoulder. Selkin quickly swaps out wands and tends to Sirrah's immediate injuries.

Levin swings his shortsword in a low sweep and the agile goblin leaps over the blade and smacks Levin on his head and giggles. The laugh is cut short as the goblin hits the ground and drops to his knees underneath the Midnight Daemon's scythe, ultimately avoiding it.

Sirrah bolsters himself with the renewed strength and stabs pokes his rapier through the green goblins hand and into it's neck, spurting blood all over the grass.

Active Party Buffs
Bless

Smites assigned
Red/Green-Sirrah
Blue-Selkin

Round 3
Sirrah (16/17)
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Goblins (Purple -3)(green -4)
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Round 2
Zeldana
Chankotu
Selkin
Levin (10/17)
Jean (10/11)

Chantkotu is up. Otherwise I will bot in the morning.

Chakotu shifts around the hill to cut the goblins off and stabs his rapir at the green goblin.

Rapier: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Chakotu is able to catch the goblin off guard as he stabs it through the back. The goblin let's out a shrill cry as it fall to the dirt and slides down the hill below.

The remaining goblins leap at the Midnight Daemon and Levin with their shortswords.

Blue vs Midnight Daemon AC 15: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Purple vs Levin AC 19: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

The blades clatter harmlessly against the group's defenses causing the goblins to sneer in a renewed hatred as they spit in Levin's face.

Active Party Buffs
Bless

Smites assigned
Blue-Selkin

Round 4
Sirrah (16/17)
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Goblins (Purple -3)
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Round 3
Zeldana
Chankotu
Selkin
Levin (10/17)
Jean (10/11)

Levin wipes the spittle from his face with his buckler-strapped hand and tries to return the blow.

Shortsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Zeldana scrambles up the slope as she struggles to reload her crossbow properly.