Master of Fallen Fortress (Inactive)

Game Master Just a Mort

The party has been on the road for what seems like months. Today is just another day of life on the road. The sun has set and the day’s travels done, a warm campfire is set up as everyone sits around the campfire and shares a communal dinner of stewed pork and beans by the caravan cook Molthar. Something however, is missing. Usually a bard from the Pathfinder Society, who has joined your caravan trip would be entertaining all of you during dinner with song and dance. Today, his presence is easily noticeable. ”Hey, where’s our songbird?” A caravan guard name Ted asks. ”Dunno, he said he was going off to the cliff to witness the sunset, said it might give him inspiration for his latest song.” A trader replies. ”N’va known him to miss a meal, those spoony bards being what they are.” Another caravan guard jeers. Just then, the guard on duty, a human named Aasif, comes running back. ”I heard someone cry for help in the distance, I think it might have been Balanar. But it was dark and I didn’t dare to go into the darkness alone.”

”That is not good. We need to send out a search party immediately. He might have run into trouble. Any of you are willing to search for him in the dark?”Shiela Whitefeather asks the entire caravan.

Einar, his glaive at his feet, sits on a log upwind from the fire, dragging a piece of cornbread through his bowl of pork and beans sopping up the last of broth. Looking up as Ted begins asking questions about Balanar. 'He's right, Balanar doesn't miss a meal, and Molthar out did herself or is it himself? tonight. Oh well, more for the rest of us.' Shrugging his shoulders at his own thoughts and then smirking at the comment from the other bard he stuffs the cornbread into his fang filled mouth.

Seeing the movement from the corner of his eye, Einar begins to reach for his glaive as Aasif calls out about someone crying from the darkness. 'Humans need to learn young not to be afraid of the dark, or they never learn to deal with it.'

Hearing Shiela ask for volunteers Einar sets his bowl aside and finishes reaching for his glaive. 'Work needs doing, may as well get it done, won't get any sleep with people banging around in the dark anyway.' Looking around as he stands up, he calls out to Shiela smiling a toothy grin. "I have no fear of zee Nachtzeit, Wo ist der Mister Viskers? Er ist gut in der Dunkelheit." Einar pauses for a moment waiting for an answer, then realizing, he repeats himself. "Vair is zee Mister Viskers? He is also good in zee darkness."

"I'll help search for Balanar. I've been told my night vision is excellent. Besides, I can't leave a fellow musician in the lurch." Cadence, a tall striking and lean red head, puts away her violin. Although her singing voice was excellent, she hadn't wanted to steal Balanar's thunder these past couple of weeks, so she had accompanied his performances on her violin. It would have been nice to accompany the cute bard in other ways as well, but she'd seen the looks Balanar had given Pietro, one of the caravan's drivers, and given him up for a lost cause.

Grabbing her guisarme, she stands next to Einar and his ratfolk friend, Mr. Whiskers. She carries the pole arm with assurance, far stronger than she looks, especially when she sings. "Which way do we want to go? Is either of you any good at tracking?"

His ears twitch at mention of the missing bard. Hearing Einar call out his name, he reaches down and gently lifts his small white rodent up and puts it in the pocket of his vest.

Looking towards the woman with the fiddle, he says "I am no expert, but perhaps I could help? It will be difficult to make out colors, but other than that the dark presents no obstacles to me!"

The party makes their way to the cliff that Balanar was last seen. The sun has long set and the moon is coming up. By the looks of it, it'll be a full moon tonight. They find a discarded flute, which Cadence recognises as Balanar's. The vegetation is scuffed, as if a struggle has taken place and there are drag marks on the ground.

Survival checks?

Survival, take 10: 10 + 5 = 15

Mr. Whiskers goes over to where there are signs of a scuffle and starts investigating. He slowly follows the tracks, pointing them out as he notices them.

Following the trail:

The party travels across the moonlit plains. The party can see a dark tower-like shape in the distance in the direction of the drag marks, its exterior eerily lit by glowing green patches. Yet more importantly, they notice 3 emaciated, hungry looking wild dogs glaring at them, with their teeth barred, ahead.

Earlier...

Crummock frowns when he hears that Balenar has (probably) gotten himself in trouble.

"Och, crivens, a wee bairn such as that shouldn'a be wanderin' around by hisself after dark. There be some nasty beasties out there!"

Gathering his things, Crummock follows the others along the trail, gratified that the party won't be telegraphing their position with a light source.

When the party arrives at the tower, and he sees the dogs, Crummock smiles.

"Ah, Cappelthwaite! Ye shouldn't attack us..."

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24.

The dogs lose their hostile expression and come to Crummock with their tails wagging, barking enthusiastically. They start begging him for treats.

Sorry this is so long, both Crummock and GM Mort ninja’d my post so I kept changing it.
before they leave
Einar stands, glaive in hand, and steps over near Shiela, looking around. ’Now where is Miister Whiskers! Ah, the fiddle player will be joining us, it’s good that she does not fear. I hope her ability matches her willingness. She does seem to handle her weapon well.’ Joining Mister Whiskers as he tucks the white rodent in his pocket and twitches his ears; Einar watches as the beautiful red head moves beside them. He looks from his glaive to her guisarme nodding, ” Das ist ein schöner Hecht, pardon, zat iz a fine looking polearm.” Then looking toward his traveling companion, ”You shall be much help whiskered one. Shall ve begin za search, ya?’ He turns as the leather clad attractive man joins them, ’He may be the most influential looking man I’ve ever seen.’ He nods to Crummock ”Welcome Crummock-i-Phail, it is good to have ein Vierer, four is lucky, ya.”

after they leave
Stepping forward Einar takes the point, moving toward the cliffs; the party quickly finds the flute, drag marks and scuffed vegetation on the well-lit night.
survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 just for fun
Following the well-lit trail Einar points out the reptilian footprints and the drag marks. ”somezing with zee claws had dragged our Musiker off.” Following the path to the dark tower-like shape Einar notices the dogs, dropping the tip of his polearm he waits to see how the animals respond to the handsome man.

now
Seeing the dogs respond positively to Crummock, Einar begins to look more closely, looking to see if and where the path leads into the structure.
perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

As party approaches, they realise that the tower seems to be surrounded by a shimmery violet curtain.

No doors or windows mar the otherwise smooth expanse of the tower’s walls. The tower is quatrefoil in plan; its eastern wing has largely collapsed, exposing the interior floors to the open air. Only the topmost level seems whole, though its eastern portion hangs precariously over the mountain of rubble left by the collapse. At ground level, the rubble frames a gaping hole in the side of the building that provides access to the tower’s darkened interior.

’No window or doors, only a shimmery violet curtain. Well, at least the destruction has opened the interior to us, our Balanar is here, we shall find him.’ Einar carefully looks around picking up a strand of blonde hair, he raises it to eye level so the others could see. ”Ve have found zee place where zay have taken him. Shall we enter za dilapidated tŵr?”

Einer, glaive in hand, enters into the first floor of the destroyed building, looking for their lost bard.
perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

The northern wing of the tower seems to have escaped the worst effects of the collapse, but rubble still litters the floor and everything is covered in a thick layer of stone dust. Thick cobwebs cloak the ceiling and hang down the walls like gossamer tapestries. A single archway stands open in the southwest wall.

Einar notices an itsy bitsy spider hanging from the wall. The spider notices him, too.

Cadence init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Spider init: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Mr Whiskers init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Einar init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Crummock init: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 = 7

Cadence, Spider, Einar, Crummock, Mr Whiskers

Earlier...

Crummock grins.

"Ye're good dogs."

He then pats around in his pockets to dig out some treats.

In the tower...

Crummock tightens his grip on his shield and starknife.

"I said there'd be beasties!"

Earlier

The dogs eat the treats Crummock produces and lick him over from head to toe, gamboling around him like happy puppies. When he enters the tower, the dogs give a mournful whine, but make no move to follow.

So do we get to keep the dogs since they were on the outside of the tower? If Crummock is that good with them he could train them to guard and eventually we all could get a full nights sleep.

You were supposed to bring Balanar back before the caravan moved off the next day! Move your lazy @rses, no naps for joo!

I meant in the future...after we left the tower. We could at least leave them with the caravan when we depart.

More rolls on Crummocks part to domesticate the dawgs, DC 16. Then guard trick, DC 20. You'll still need to wake up occasionally, because dogs will know something is there, raise the alarm, but can't tell you what is wrong. Assuming the dawgs are around when you guys come out.

Cadence moves forward thirty feet and starts her rage song, while waving the cute little flag on her guisarme, so that everyone can see it.

Knowledge Nature Spider: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Knowledge Arcana Tower: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Everyone can flip the Knowledge Arcana spoiler, as I'm now singing it.

♫ A bard we're seeking
(In darkness creeping)
Hoping to find him whole

With a bit of a mind flip
You'll see we're in a time slip
And nothing will ever be the same... ♫

Raging Song: +2 to strength, +2 to con, -1 to AC and +2 to will. You can decide round by round whether you accept.

Flag: +1 to hit and damage

Earlier with the tracks

Nodding his head as Einar talks about the reptile tracks, he asks "Any idea what sort of creatures they might be?"

Looking at the shimmering violet curtain of power

Kn: Arcana, take 10: 10 + 7 = 17

Mr. Whiskers suddenly stops when he sees the tower. He looks at the tower with awe. "Most very interesting! The tower, it seems to have become misplaced in time. We best be quick, no telling how long it will last!"

With that, he scampers towards the tower, eager to see what awaits.

Current time

"How messy! If only we had time to clear away all these disgusting webs!"

Spider moves before me, so I get to wait. I will not be accepting the song.

The spider is tone deaf and climbs down the wall, then attempts to spit a glob of web at Einar.

web(touch): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

An entangled creature can escape with a successful Escape Artist check or burst the web with a Strength check. Both are standard actions with a DC 12. Attempts to burst a web by those caught in it take a –4 penalty, so DC 16 for Einar.

Being entangled impedes movement, but does not entirely prevent it unless the bonds are anchored to an immobile object or tethered by an opposing force. An entangled creature moves at half speed, cannot run or charge, and takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls and a –4 penalty to Dexterity. An entangled character who attempts to cast a spell must make a concentration check (DC 15 + spell level) or lose the spell.

Seeing Einar suddenly rush forward and get covered in a sticky glob of webbing, Mr. Whiskers runs up behind him.

Seeing the spider, he cries out a warning "Watch out, it has poison too!"

Double move. I think that my position should give me cover from the archway. Mort, if you disagree, I still had 10' movement. Adjust me so that I have cover but am not in the way of someone going through the archway.

Not bothering too much, really. I bet you guys can murderhobo it in fairly good time ;)

Does only Mr. Whiskers make the knowledge roll? I got a 22.

Sorry, you can look at Mr Whisker's spoiler as well, my bad missing it out. I need to get attuned to more people in game, heh.

earlier
Einar looks at Mr. whiskers and shrugs his shoulders, ”Zee creature vould be some kind of reptile, but I do not know vaat type.”

Now
Einar, seeing the spider prepares to stab it with his glaive, while the creature spits a glob of web, Cadence begins singing her impromptu song of arachnids and Mr. Whiskers calls out that it may be poisonous; all at almost the exact same time. ’Poison, well it is a spider… but yuck I didn’t know they could spit…What a lovely song, and the strength it provides, she should sing more often.’ Relying on the words of the song to wash over him Einar begins to rage. But the sensation is different ,the demonic presence isn’t there; just a clean pure beautiful rage. Heaving his shoulders Einar attempts to burst the webbing of the ‘itsy bitsy spider’ as he roars ”Verdammte Spinne, I vill not be stopped!”

As Einar bursts from the webbing he turns his head briefly and smiles at the singer, nodding to recognize her assistance. Then, holding his position, he returns his attention to the spider.

Using Cadence’s rage, str + 5. HP 20, AC 18, will +2, standard action burst web. 5 ft step back jamming the doorway.
burts web: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

"Gwyliwch rhag y pry cop!"

Crummock hustles forward.

Double forward.

Mr. Whiskers looks at Crummock, asking "What language is that?" Then he realizes what is happening and decides will need to ask the question again after things calm down.

Scurrying through the archway, he pauses just past where Crummock is and casts a spell causing a small gob of acid to arc across the room.

Ranged Touch Attack, Acid Splash: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

The glob of acid sears one of the spiders legs.

Cadence does not have a clear charge lane, but she can still reach the spider with her reach weapon this turn, and leave open a charge lane for Einar if he wishes one. She continues her rage song, and attempts to strike the spider with her pole arm, but the spider is too small and mobile.

Guisarme, Flag, Rage Song: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 8

"Stay still, foul spider, so I can hit you!"

Since the spider is in range of my polearm, if it spits or comes closer, it may provoke an attack of opportunity.

The spider moves forward(5ft) and tries to take a bite out of Cadence.

bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

It sinks its venomous fangs into Cadence's calf.

Dmg: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Cadence Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Cadence feels poison being pumped into her bloodstream, but fights off the effects.

'Brave girl, she has drawn the spider out, I hope she is ok.' Seeing the spider move forward and bite his companion, Einar uses the pure beautiful rage, "Die verdammte Spinne!" screaming at the arachnid, Einar thrust at it with his glaive but he buries the tip in to the gravel on the dilapidated towers floor, growling at himself softly. "Unglaublich, stinkend unglaublich ein Fehler zu töten und ich vermisse."

Using Cadence’s rage, str + 5. HP 20, AC 18, will +2,full attack: glaive
attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 for damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Stepping back into the corner, Mr. Whiskers lets fly with another glob of acid. He has a harder time now that it has closed in on Cadence, but at least no one is directly in his way.

Ranged Touch Attack, Acid Splash, into melee, flagbearer: 1d20 + 2 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 2 - 4 + 1 = 12
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

5' step then cast Acid Splash.

The spider, as if warned by some instinct, ducks at the last moment and the glob of acid arcs over its head, splattering on the floor harmlessly behind it.

Crummock moves around to a flanking position with Einar, and stabs at the over-sized arachnid.

Cold Iron Starknife: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 12, for 1d4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10 damage.

The starknife does not penetrate its overly hard chitinous exoskeleton.

Cadence takes a step back, then swings an overhead chop at the spider, slicing a large gash in its back, yellow ichor pouring out.

Guisarme, flag, rage song, flanking: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 23

dmg: 2d4 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 11

The spider, enraged, takes a bite of the fiery redhead that has been causing it so much pain.

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Cadence easily sidesteps.

Crummock adjusts his position forward, and takes a swing.

Cold Iron Starknife: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11, for 1d4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9 damage.

Mein Gott im Himmel! This is annoying ;-)

'It appears she can dish it out as well as she can take it, good it missed her this time.' Seeing Cadence slash the spider and then it lunge at her again, he ducks instinctively as Crummock swings at the dancing spider. Einar, feeling gloriously alive as he hums along with the Skalds song, jerks his glaive from the rock and gravel, thrusting it at the spider again.

Using Cadence’s rage, str + 5. HP 20, AC 18, will +2,full attack: glaive, flank
attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19 for damage: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"mien Gott I'm Himmel" indeed, I mean "tatsächlich'

Crummocks little knife is unable to get any purchase on its hard exterior, but Einar neatly skewers the spider on his glaive. It thrashes in agony for a moment, then remains still.

The party finds in a small cocoon hangs in the webs, there lies the remains of an unfortunate human that fell into the spider’s clutches. The desiccated carcass has on it a potion of red liquid.

The tower’s west wing find it mostly choked with rubble, but a door in the eastern wall is still accessible. Opening the door leads to a stone spiral staircase that runs through the center of the tower.

spider stabilize: 1d20 - 8 ⇒ (3) - 8 = -5

Mr Whiskers, you asked ;)

'Twitch was that a twitch?' Drawing his glaive from the giant spider, Einar steps up beside Cadence, spinning his glaive so its blade is down, he turns and asks her; "Liebchen, are you vell, vat can we do to be of assistenz?" While he does so he plunges the eighteen inch blade through the creatures carapace into its center mass, twisting and shifting the blade to make sure he mutilates what's left of the creatures insides.

Drawing his weapon from the dead arachnid, wiping the gore on its furry legs, he looks at Mister Whiskers and Crummock and asks "Haben wir etwas Interessantes gefunden?" Stopping he shakes his head as he readies his glaive, "Pardon, have we found anything of, how do I say, interan... interest?"

Edit: I believe that's what is known in German as Gnadenstoß. Or should I say coup de grace?

Crummock nods in satisfaction when the spider goes down.

"Och, good job! Ye did good against yon pesky beastie! Now, if this be the guard dog, do you ken what sort o' other beasties be in here...?"

He then cautiously manoeuvres his way up the staircase.

The stairways ascends to the tower above. The party sees a door on the west, or can continue following the stairways up above.

The party hears voices coming from the door to the left.”This is so boring, Bert. Why do we have to what…watch for intruders?” Another voice replies, ”I hate guard duty, Bort. At least we get to look forward to a good stew for supper tonight.”

A little module altering, or you wouldn't even be able to understand them ;)