Ith's Pallid Plague (PFS) (Inactive)

Game Master ithuriel

“How many will be at this ‘celebration’, and how will they be garbed?” Aldred demands. Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 just in case we need a roll.

In response to the question about the map he says simply, "Yes."

When Aldred gets specific about those who would be there he looks away and mumbles, "I don't know. Anyone who's still living I guess. Twelve? Fifteen? Sorry we didn't get together to plan our outfits for you."

An Intimidate check to force someone to act friendly lasts anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes. You are good for purposes of this scene.

So-
If you have everything you want to know how are you dealing with this guy and what's next?

"Approximately what time this evening were you all planning to gather there?"

Other than that, I have all the information I think I need from him. Sekhemre was clearly entertaining keeping him tied-up, and forcibly curing him, but I know that several others were planning a more permanent solution, which Sekhemre will be able to do nothing stop. To be fair, killing him is probably the optimal solution.

After dealing with him, well, since the gathering does not take place until the evening, and this is the morning, I guess we should go looking for emissaries of the fey, to pass on the cure, and then head out to the gathering place to deal with the cultists.

Thoughts?

I agree with Sek. Let's do what we can before the evening meeting."

I think Sek is on the money here. First stop is the Fae emissary, then we head out to handle the cultists.

Fog sides with Sek on this, particularly the tie up and cure part. "Let him see how futile his efforts have been, before the consortium takes care of him once and for all." Fog says, as he puts the map and scroll somewhere safe.

Kayluss promised this man a swift trip to his goddess but is more than willing to go back on his threat. Either way a trip to the fey seems like the best plan for now.

"A fine idea Sekhemre," says Aldred.

So we keep the guy tied up, feed him the cure, then go see the fey with the cure? Sounds like a plan.

Wadi

The plague ridden beggar mumbles, "Sunset" and with that the Pathfinders have what they need to put an end to this plot on Falcon's Hollow. With hours to kill they decide to find Syntira first and deliver Laurel's serum.

Laurel's rough map to the place where she occasionally meets to trade with the faeries of the valley leads you deep into thick overgrowth hugging ancient trees still shrouded in mist at mid morning. Following the stream eventually leads you to the rocky outcropping overgrown with moss where you are supposed to cut away from the stream. Birds sing from the canopy and here and there beams of sunlight break through creating pools of green light among the fresh spring growth. The narrow path is barely noticeable as such, but it does finally open into the clearing where an enormous old tree has fallen and is in the process of being reclaimed by the forest. Mushrooms sprout along the length of the trunk and it matches her description of the clearing perfectly...

I jacked up my Internet connection messing around with something yesterday. I can read and post through my phone, but it is a bit slower for me. I hope to have this fixed today or tomorrow.

Sekhemre is very glad that they have an experienced woodsman like Kayluss around to lead them to the meeting place - he is convinced he would have gotten lost at least once :-)

Once in the clearing, Sekhemre will announce his presence by calling out in Elven:

"We are emissaries from the Pathfinder Society, invited here by Queen Syntira to assist against the Palepox. We have a cure, and seek to pass it along to the Fey of the forest."

He will then calmly lean against a tree, waiting for a response.

Aldred, still not feeling entirely well, trails near the back of the group, the walk through the forest making him stop at times to gasp for breath. He keeps his cloak wrapped firmly around him with the cowl of the hood pulled low, and keeps his distance from his companions, not wishing to re-infect anyone.

A few seconds after Sekhemre calls out in the grove, one of the mushrooms begins to quiver and rises from the far side of fallen tree until it reveals a tiny wizened brown face wearing it like a cap. The little one regards you curiously, blinks and scrambles up the trunk taking a stance with fists on his hips. More than more toadstools begin quivering along the trunk as heads poke up just enough to observe. As far as the one standing proud, all in all he's about as tall as a squirrel standing on it's hind legs and his voice is hypnotic even at its high pitch.

"I'd like to know one little thing,
how found you this our sacred ring?
Is it true I heard you well
the sickness pale you can dispel!?
Then you must share some toadstool wine,
to mark with us this joyous time!"

From the canopy of the trees above several tiny winged forms descend gently on fluttering wings bearing thimble sized acorns hollowed out and filled with faerie wine.

Perception checks

You'll have to forgive my pained couplets there, lol. No poet skills. Internet restored, yay!

Perception 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

DC 10 Something is crashing through the forest running toward the grove you are in.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Aldred stares in wonder at the singing mushrooms and the descending faeries, then whirls to look about as he hears something crashing through the trees.

Perception:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Sekhemre gives the Fey creature a polite bow.

"The Herbalist in the human settlement of Falcon's Hollow let us know that we could find a contact here; it was she that designed the cure, (with our assistance), and we do indeed come bearing a decent-sized load of it."

Sekhemre will gravely, and with due gratitude, accept a dose of the faerie wine, cradling it carefully between thumb and forefinger.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19.

Hearing something crashing through the forest, he frowns.

"Were you expecting company?"

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Fog leaves his weapons sheathed, so as not to alarm the Fey, and respectfully accepts the wine. As he takes a drink, he looks at Sek, "Company, how could they know we were coming?"

The disturbance in the forest increases in volume as whatever is out there approaches. The toadstool faeries vanish without a word while the winged ones dart back into the canopy. A teen boy bounds over a boulder into the clearing. No, you realize in mid leap, not a boy exactly. From the waist down he is covered in thick matted fur and his inverted legs end in cloven hooves. The beginnings of horns curl poke through the curly mop of dark hair hanging wild around his face. The boy is nude and has been scratched by trees and vines running through the woods at such a pace.

He lands in a crouch then slowly rises to his hooves as he notices you all in the gorove. "Mortals? What are you doing here!?" His tone is somewhere between angry and panicked.

Kn Nature DC 11
Sekhemre has Kn Nature +10 so it is automatic

Sense Motive DC 15

Initial attitude here is Unfriendly.
DC 24 to improve that to Indifferent, 29 for Friendly.
Work together to improve that through IC and rolls.
A persuasive appeal is worth +2 circumstance (only once towards the effort).

sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Fog lowers the cup from his lips, before drinking any of the wine.

Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 ⇒ 1

"Hold up boy, what are you doing crashing around the woods, disturbing the peace?"

Know, nature: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Aldred is momentarily distracted by the fey boy crashing through the woods, but has the presence of mind to remember some old folk tales of the fey, tales no doubt with at least a grain of truth to them … as well as noticing the way that the small faeries were watching Sek and Fog. “Nobody drink the wine,” he murmurs quietly. “It’s never wise to accept food or drink from a faerie …”

He shrinks back when the boy speaks, worried that the faint traces of pox upon his neck and arms might be noticed and panic the lad further. He waits to see if Alie or one of the others will say something (perhaps in a gentler tone than Fog’s) and how he might assist.

He will Aid Another on Diplomacy with Alie or whoever wants to take the primary roll when the time comes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10. Work out what to say later.

Alie echoes the words that Sek has delivered earlier. "We are emissaries from the Pathfinder Society, invited here by Queen Syntira to assist against the Palepox. We have a cure, and seek to pass it along to the Fey of the forest."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Nice roll.

From the background, Aldred nods. “She speaks the truth,” he addresses the goat-legged boy. My roll above barely scrapes through, giving you another +2. One more assist should lift us to Friendly.

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5. Heh. Nope, nothing seems wrong to Sekhemre ;-)

Sekhemre pauses with the wine inches from his lips, as he recalls what he remembers about the tricks of the fey.

"Actually, it would be incredibly rude of me to enjoy the hospitality of my host before he has supped himself... Fog, I would recommend that you put that acorn down, as well..."

When the Fey-boy arrives, Sekhemre thankfully (and carefully) sets aside the acorn, and turns to address him.

"We mean you no harm. We are emissaries from the Pathfinder Society, invited here by Queen Syntira to assist with ridding you of the Palepox. Fortunately, with the assistance of the Herbalist in Falcon's Hollow, we were able to manufacture a cure, and we have brought it with us to pass on to her representatives, in the hopes that they can replicate it, and distribute it to those amongst the Fey who need it..."

Diplomacy Assist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22.

"You've brought a cure?! Stars above give it to me! I... I went to meet this little dryad this morning for a tumble, but her tree has lost its leaves, she's covered in sores... She isn't going to make it much longer!"

"The little ones can take the rest to the Queen. Swear it Tinnyshins! On ethe gates! No tricks!"

Your original ambassador pokes his head up chastened, "I will deliver the cure to Queen Syntira. This I swear by the gates to the first world, may they forever deny me entry should I break my word."

The boy nods, "This is best. It is too dangerous for you now to approach the Court. Too many are ready for vengeance. After they see the cure, perhaps things will change..."

Alie looks around at the rest of the group. "This sounds like our only course of action, guys. Anyone have a better idea?"

Wadi shrugs, "Well, if they have betrayal in their hearts, then it will be their funeral. I suggest we go along with their wishes, for now."

"Aye, we can do no more than give the cure to them, and hope it gets into the right hands. We can make more I presume?"

Fog grins at the boy's indiscretions.

Sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 Do they seem to be telling the truth? Wouldn't want to give it to any Fey Cult Members, if such exist...

“Who can blame his haste when a young dryad is involved?” murmurs Aldred. Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Sekhemre nods.

"Very well. I agree, it sounds as if traveling to the Queen's Court could be hazardous to our health, so as long as the cure reaches her, and its source is acknowledged, I do not mind. By all means, have a dose yourself, as well."

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2. Heh. Sense Motive is not my strong suit...

The toadstool faeries hop and climb over the log swarming all of you, hands reaching high for the flasks. One by one they each take a flask and begin marching off into the woods while singing in the high pitched tongue of the first world. The winged ones flit around above the parade of flask bearers and the procession vanishes into the forest.

The boy takes a flask as well and nods gravely, "I will remember this and Quene Syntira will know what you have done. I am called Wylen. What are your names?"

On hearing your names he leaps nimbly onto the boulder where he entered the clearing and waves, "Fare you well then mortals. May the Darkwoods bless you." The goat boy crouches and leaps out into the forest where he breaks into a run. In moments you find yourselves alone in the clearing with nothing but the rustling of leaves in the wind.

What time is it? In other words, roughly how long do we have until our next 'appointment'?

"Well, that was certainly... interesting."

Sekhemre flexes his fingers, and grins eagerly.

"Perhaps we should now focus on ending the depredations of this cult?"

"I agree, Sek. Let's cleanse this cult once and for all," Alie nods.

"I agree, we need to end this cult once and for all! Hopefully before it gets too dark." Wadi nods at Alie, while eying the forest mistrustfully.

Let's say the beggar encounter was 10am.
2.5 hour hike to the grove.
You could be back in Falcon's Hollow by 3pm. And it should be about 1 hour to hike out to the place where they are planning their last supper at sunset (sometime between 7 and 8). You have time to eat, relax, bathe whatever- and head out. Give a little description of how you want to deal with the downtime and we'll move on to the final showdown...

Aldred leans against a tree and coughs. “Give me a moment to rest before we head out again,” he says. “Perhaps we can plan how to approach tonight’s last supper? We’ll be outnumbered after all.”

Fog smiles broadly at the Fey as they disperse, obviously pleased with himself.

"What say we find some place to get a decent meal, and possibly some ale, while we plan the next step?"

Sekhemre gives a wicked grin.

"I propose to sneak in, drink some elixirs, and then firebomb their little gathering, before rushing in to mop-up any survivors with my blade. However, a hearty meal back in town first certainly sounds like a great idea to me."

"If we could sneak close to the gathering, I might be able to put a few of them to sleep, allowing you to firebomb the rest," Alie says, thinking about the upcoming gathering.

Some hot food and a little rest sounds like a great idea to me as well. As far as sneaking in close I'm not sure how well that would work with Fog and me in the mix.

Kayluss will see about buying a couple flasks of Alchemist fire, no reason Sek should be having all the fun.

*Pokes the thread hopefully*

Raises yet another mug of ale to his companions...

The late lunch is a welcome reprieve from the constant trekking through the forest. A healthy wedge of some local stinky cheese, a thin stew, and a dense whole meal loaf of bread is all The Sitting Duck has to offer at such an early hour, but it beat the hell out of trail rations.

When you arrived you more or less had the tavern to yourselves, but soon enough word spreads that you have returned. A pack of kids rush in and breathless and shyly hang back whispering among themselves briefly before a girl, maybe twelve of thirteen by the look of her stomps over. "That was soo cool! The bomb was like BOOOOOMMM!!! and you blasted that guy to bits! Where'd you learn to make bombs like that!" A scruffy redheaded boy stands beside her nodding soberly wide eyed. The runt of the group hangs back appraising you with a bright gaze that seems to betray an intelligence beyond his years. He quietly asks, "How many are going to die? Someone left a bundle of those flowers at Mikra's dad's butcher shop."

I'm terrible. I haven't abandoned us. I've just been having a block getting back to introducing the next scene. I don't know what that was about. This post is maybe a bit lackluster, but we're moving again. I'm ready to jump on to the final scene, but I'll need to know generally what you guys are planning so I can set the scene appropriately. If you decide to go stealthy, give me stealth rolls and how far ahead the stealthier party members want to scout ahead.

Sekhemre enjoys the fresh, albeit simple, fare immensely.

When the children gather, and begin pestering them with questions, he gives a bittersweet smile.

"I have traveled for many years, and picked-up bits and pieces from all over the place. However, the best place to learn how to make bombs like that is probably Absalom. There are always a few people like me there, and they usually manage to not blow themselves up whilst they are tinkering."

When the 'intelligent runt' poses his question, Sekhemre will look him straight in the eye, and reply:

"Gods willing, no-one will die. We managed to stop the spread of the plague vector before too many people were exposed, and thanks to the Herbalist, we now have something that can help cure the Palepox."

For those of us that are moderately stealthy, I am in favor of sneaking up (Say, 40' ahead of the others?), downing some buffs (Mutagen, Elixir of Shield, Elixir of Enlarge Person), and then fire-bombing the gathering, before sweeping in to mop-up survivors.

Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21.