PBP Game Day 7: 9-03 On the Border of War

Game Master SwampTing

Those of you who notice the sounds begin running... but you do not run far enough...

Those of you still looking at the tower see a man being hung from the tower. As you look, he is cut down and allowed to drop to the floor... and copies of the noose around his neck fly out to wrap around the necks of some of you, lifting you off the ground and choking the life out of you!

Neko, Tofu, Dailung and Antonella, each of you needs to make a fort save.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
"I shouldn't have drank those mushrooms!"
I shouldn't have drank those mushrooms!

"Ugh ... When this is over Fade, I am introducing you to Irori's V:II diet."

"I'll have you know, beer and pretzels are my best friends and I still don't hit eleven stone!" the slender half breed jokes.

Know Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

As he looks over Antonella's shoulder and sees the man fall to his death by hanging over the tower walls, his face pales and he shudders, having no idea what is happening. "Oh damn! They just hung that poor guy!"

"I assure you this it quite real, bro... *GAGH!*"

Fort: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24

Antonella digs deep to calm her mind.

Is this a trap or creature?

Kn (religion): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Kn (arcana): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Kn (rest): 1d20 ⇒ 13

"This one does not like the looks of this... Some sort of haunt, this one thinks?"

fort save roll: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 = 22

"Blrblrblrb!"
Knowledge Relgion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Dailung I will roll for you to keep things moving.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Antonella, Neko and Tofu brace themselves for the spectral nooses and manage to hold their breaths long enough before they are dropped harmlessly (for now) to the ground. Dailung however is caught off guard and loses consciousness as she is throttled.

Antonella realizes that you have triggered a haunt.

Antonella, Neko and Tofu need to make another fort save each.
Dailung is at 0hp and is suffocating. She still needs to make another fort save.
Pathfinders can take 1 round of actions to react to this development.

Tooth reverts to his Tengu form Raven's Flight lasts 1 round only.

"Cut her down!" he caws, as he draws his bow and shoots at the rope, hoping that it is real enough to be cut by his arrows.

Quick Draw bow and full attack vs rope throttling Dailung.

bow vs rope: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
bow vs rope, iterative: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

I don't think I've got anything that can help you against Suffocation, and this looks like the Suffocation spell-effect. I've got a vermin focus that helps me a bit, but there's no way to lend that to you. :(

Fort: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33

Antonella observes Tooth's actions and considers her own.

GM, how do you rule healing effects/spells versus suffocation? I have seen some GMs allow healing spells bringing the victim's hit points above zero to hold off the effect of suffocation - effectively allowing another fort save before progressing to the next stage of suffocation.

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
#Nope. Burning my 3 star GM reroll.
3 Star GM Refill: 1d20 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 3 = 16
Before Tofu drops unconscious, he turns to his companion and mumbles the words of his Healing Hex.

Needing Tofu alive to commit to the plans of their patrons, Ikarus will...

fort save roll: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 1 = 24

The Nekomancer gasps as he is nearly throttled by the haunt.

He quickly casts guidance on himself in anticipation of needing more fort saves.

"This one thinks we are in some trouble!"

I can misfortune one of you for a reroll of a fort save. First person who wants to use it can go ahead and use it.

I think I will need to consider Dailung no longer part of this game. Posting once or twice a week does not work for a pbp game, especially in a convention.

Neko and Antonella continue to fend off the suffocation, but Tofu chokes and falls to his knees as the spectral noose tightens around his neck!

One more fort save from Antonella, Neko and Tofu each.
Tofu is at 0hp and is suffocating.
Pathfinders can take 1 round of actions again.

This section bears blocks of granite displaying a crude etching of a deer hanged from a noose.

As you get close, Antonella, Tofu, Fade and Claw begin to hear sounds of boots hitting against the wall, for some reason...

Seeing his friends all caught in nooses, Fade does his best to look for a solution instead of panicking, despite being on the verge of doing just that...

"You said this thing was a haunt?! Don't they usually have some special way to put 'em to rest? Maybe the boots sound on the wall has something to do with it?"

Fade searches to see is there is anything special about the wall...

perception: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (1) + 25 = 26 If perception is a reasonable roll to find something, and it would count, I will use my re-roll for it. If there is no chance for it to work, I won't waste it.
perception+gm star: 1d20 + 25 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 25 + 1 = 32 Not much better, but since he shouldn't be able to take 10 I will have to hope this is enough.

Did the feet on the wall sound we heard come from somewhere specific? It seemed like an obvious clue to something.

"Is Death Magic?" shouts Tooth to the others. "Me got Death Ward scroll, you think that help someone?"

Tooth concentrates for a moment and joins his consciousness with Claw's insectoid awareness, to see if anything has changed nearby. Tooth then clicks and clucks in the strange code-speak he uses to communicate with the divine mantis, and Claw takes to the air again.

move action to draw scroll just in case, swift action to activate Improved Empathic Link, move action to push Claw (take 10 as not threatened or endangered himself).

Claw buzzes over the ruins, looking for anything new or different from his previous flyover. Using Improved Empathic Link, Tooth sees what Claw sees.

perception, Tooth, Wasp Focus[/dice: 1d20 + 17 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 17 + 6 = 28

Fort: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29

Antonella draws her wand of CLW and readies to tap Tofu with it once he has tried to stave off the haunt's effects this round.

Tofu, if you want to use my reroll and the GM is OK with that, please feel free to do so.

Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Fortune Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
If GM Is willing to let me use that reroll offered: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 = 20

I just had a difficult exam today. From now on I do have a lot more time!

Alright, if [b]Dailung is going to be posting regularly again, then she can continue with the party.

Slight ret-con. I re-read how suffocation works. Only Dailung is at 0 hp and needs 2 more fort saves.

Antonella, Neko and Tofu shake off the spectral nooses and immediately begin breathing more easily. Only Dailung remains gasping for air and fighting for her life!

I need 2 fort saves from Dailung. The other pathfinders can try to help her with her saves with magic or abilities.

fort-with charmed life: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 4 = 30
Keeping concious, also thanks to her dazzling personality, she seeks a way to escape this noose.
Would change into a fox give her a chance to do so?

Well thank goodness for the first fort save, we get our rerolls back :D

Dailuing changing into a fox will not help you, but the successful fort save will be enough. You are at 0hp.

Those who used their rerolls on the second save get their rerolls back.

Dailung manages to shake off the spectral noose as well. As she gasps to recover her breath, you notice that there are remains of a body in a mangled jeweled surcoat at the base of the tower, partially pinned by the collapsing masonry. The surcoat matches the spectral form that you saw in the haunt.

Pathfinder what do you wish to do? Where do you wish to investigate next?

Know Engine: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

"Is everyone alright?" Tofu asks, having shaken off the spectral noose. He checks up on Dailung to help out with her injuries. He draws two wands from his bag. "This one will make you feel a bit weird for a minute, but when it's done you will feel much better."
d everyone alright? This one will make you feel a bit weird for a minute, but when it's done you will feel much better.
Wand of Infernal Healing. Fast Heal 1 for 1 minute, for a total of 10hp.
"This one is a bit more soothing, but is less effective."
This one is a bit more soothing, but is less effective.
Wand of Cure Light Wounds.
Cure Light Wounds 3 Charges and Infernal Healing 3 Minutes: 3d8 + 3 + 30 ⇒ (2, 2, 1) + 3 + 30 = 38
Cure Light Wounds 3 Charges: 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2, 8) + 3 = 15
Marking off 6 charges of Cure Light Wounds and 3 charges of Infernal Healing to patch up Dailung to a total of 53 hp.

Sleight of Hand DC22(Can't fail): 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (17) + 24 = 41

Manipulating the stone via his control of aether, Fade deftly recovers the body without incident.

"Hey, look." he offers, gesturing to the body. "A surcoat as well as a signet ring with a hart on it. You know, hart as in the deer."

As Dailung is gasping for air, Fade realizes he should probably say something supportive instead of prattle on about the loot... err... precious archaeological find they just recovered.

"Glad you didn't die." he says with a crooked smile.

"Him dead noble, hmm? Should be buried, not good to leave dead unburied. Tend to result in them getting up again."

Tooth looks to his companions for agreement (and for shovels). He pushes Claw to either dig a hole with his large, ripping claws, or to grab fallen stones to help fashion a rudimentary cairn. Push -> Work trick.

"You want say some prayers? This not good death. Blood god not pleased. Maybe reason for restless spirits."

does Baron Tooth recognise the heraldry? know.nobility: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22 It's Hartsfall Keep of course, but does he know anything more?

Bowing deeply to Deep Tofu, Dailung smiles again and replies.
"That was an altogether unpleasent experience. You have my thanks!"
Looking at Fade she chuckles and replies."So am I, trust me, so am I. But you found something important."
Looking at the ruins she points ahead. "Well we can´t investigate from the outside, let us enter!"
With that Dailung moves forward toward the courtyard, looking left and right for any surprises!
Perc: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Fade helps Claw set the rocks of the cairn or dig the grave, using his telekinetic powers to easily handle the heavy lifting.

"You want say some prayers? This not good death. Blood god not pleased. Maybe reason for restless spirits."

He thinks back to when he was growing up on the streets and someone passed on.

With head held high and a deadly serious tone, he pronounces, "Over the streets and past the bums, look out heaven, here he comes."

You safely recover the surcoat and signet ring, thereby obtaining valuable relics for the society. You also give the body a proper burial, though you do not know whether this will have any effect on the haunt.

Pathfinders gain 2 discovery points.

Turning your attention to the courtyard, you see what was once an impressive courtyard, but it is now overrun with vegetation. A variety of plants cover most of the keep’s southern half. The array of colors, odors, and textures makes for a striking yet haphazard display.

Where to next?

May I substitute Profession Gardener for Profession Herbalist? They are relatively similar.
Profession: Herbalist: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

Know Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
If anyone can Aid Ikarus we can get the Knowledge Nature possibly.

"This one thinks this one has a friend who can help."

As the nekomancer says this, a feline head pokes out from his pack and begins purring to him.

Bloodline familiar, Sage archetype, has speak with master. I will cast guidance on my cat.

knowledge nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

"According to this one's clever feline friend, these plants originate from Taldor, meaning that a notable occupant of Hartsfall Keep had an enthusiasm for such plants. The society would be interested in knowing this."

"Oh? Me take some cuttings later. Comrades in Taldor interested, me think. We go inside now?

I'm good with checking out the inside of the tower next - Tooth readies his bardiche.

Dailung nods at this. "Well Taldor is quite often the height of fashion. And also, it means that the owner had some interest in gardening, too."
Moving over to the pools? Dailung tries to find if there is still something to learn from them.
Perc: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Tofu follows Tooth, keeping his weapon at the ready.

Fade enhances everyone with the message spell and as he said he would do before, disappears from view(TK Invisibility). He telekinetically lifts a small piece of rubble and whispers to the group, "Just stay behind this rock. I'll let you know if it's safe ahead and keep it moving forward. If it stops, you stop. If it drops, something happened to me."

He keeps his eyes and ears alert for danger and quickly takes point.

Fade will keep 20' between himself and the group just in case. If allowed, taking 10 on perception for a 35(37 for sound) to move through the ruins. Only doing detailed searching at doors, intersections or transitions, and at midway through long sections, or when we come to a room. If taking 10 isn't allowed, feel free to roll for me when appropriate so as not to delay the game.

The cat's observation gains you another discovery point.

Fade leads the way into the tower. As you pass by, you begin to notice that red stone wraps around the interior side of the keeps walls, while thicker gray walls reinforce the exterior’s perimeter. Deep fissures in the ground reveal slabs of white marble with strange, intricately carved patterns hidden underneath the keep’s foundation.

Entering the tower itself, Fade finds stone rubble and remnants of broken furniture littering the main tower’s grassy floor. Scattered patches of tile peek out from under the weeds, giving only a vague glimpse of how the foundation once appeared. Along the walls, cracked open rooms expose their empty innards for all to see.

On the eastern wall, a stairway leads down below, partially concealed by collapsed chunks of the tower. The rubble appears exceedingly heavy and and will require a significant feat of strength to move it. However, there is enough space for Medium-sized or smaller PCs to squeeze through without moving the debris. There is a slender, slightly cracked wand of wood lying on the third step down.

Pathfinders there are 2 remaining areas of interest. There is the old storeroom at ground level, and there is the passage leading downwards.

What do you wish to do?

The nekomancer continues to feed his familiar with guidance as the other clever cat of the duo observers his surroundings.

knowledge engineering: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 = 20
knowledge history: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 1 = 24

"This one believes the exposed marble floors bear symbols found in ancient cyclops temples. The society would be interested in knowing this."

"Perhaps we should check the storeroom before heading down the stairs?"

Cast detect magic on the wand, and the stairway in general.

"Me agree. Check store first."

GM, Claw has Narrow Frame feat and is basically a giant stick insect - can he get through the rubble on the stairs? If not, I'll put him to Work moving the rocks. With Ant Focus his STR becomes 26.

Tooth/Claw medium and small sized creatures need to squeeze. A feat that allows a large creature to squeeze without penalty will not be enough.

The cat's knowledge gains the group more valuable information for the Society. One more discovery point to Gryffindor the Pathfinders.

Within the northwestern tower’s shattered interior, you find that a thick slab of rock blocks the entranceway into what appears to be a still-intact part of the store room. The skeletal remains of a humanoid figure are trapped beneath it.

There is no room to squeeze and the rock and rubble will need to be moved or some other magic employed to gain access to the room. There is only enough room for 1 large and 1 medium/small creature or 3 medium/small creatures to try to remove the obstacle.

Pathfinders a strength check will be required to gain entry to the storeroom. If Claw makes the check, there is only room for 1 more character to help. How do you wish to proceed?

"Tooth and Claw lift!"

The giant insect folds itself up and crawls alongs the walls until it can reach out and lift the rubble away, whilst the Baron himself assists.

Claw's STR mod is +13 and Tooth's is +5, both using Ant Focus. If possible I'll take 10, with Tooth aiding Claw, for a result of 25. As usual, Tooth is taking 10 on Handle Animal to Push Claw (to use the Work trick).

Also, does Claw's superior reach allow anyone else to help? If we've failed, Tooth will let Fade flex his psychic muscles!

Also, does Claw's superior reach allow anyone else to help? If we've failed, Tooth will let Fade flex his psychic muscles!

Not necessary. You lifted it.

Tooth and Claw clear the debris out of the way, allowing you to enter the storeroom. Nestled in the corner of the tower, this small room remains surprisingly intact. A colorful mosaic decorates the far wall with a tattered tapestry crumpled at its base beside three iron chests. The chests contain preserved books and a collection of old coins, which the Society will reimburse you well for.

All that remains now is to go down the blocked stairs. If Claw wants to go down, I will need another STR check to clear that passageway.

know.nobility, guidance: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 1 = 15 meh.

"Me think that important. Oooh, shiny coins! Shiny!" The Baron gets distracted...

When everyone has had a chance to examine the treasure trove, Tooth and Claw again turn to clearing the way.

As before, with Ant Focus and working together we get to a STR check result of 25.

Know History: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
"Blrblrblrblrbl!"

Tofu begins to mumble, but the trident begins to sing!
"This tapestry likely belonged to the keep's last owners and identifies the family as a branch of Brevic nobility, House Garess. The Society will want to know this!"

The familiars continue to prove their worth as the octopus discerns useful information. Another discovery point.

Tooth and Claw meanwhile clear the stairway so that Claw can descend.

The cat-mage detects magic from the wand on the floor.

You descend into a cellar. Rows of tiered casks fill the cellar. Faded frescos adorn the smooth walls, depicting white-robed figures supplicating themselves to red dragons flying above their heads. Strange writing is painted along the ceiling in decorative runic script. Hallways branch off to the north, south, and west, while stairs to the east lead back up to the keep’s upper level.

Pathfinders make what checks you want, then decide whether you want to go North, South or West.

"You are very wise. We are almost done here. Only the passage is missing. "
With that Dailung carefully moves forward, ready to engage enemys.perc: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

Perception: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (8) + 25 = 33
Linguistics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 So close, yet so far...

Crios notices a glint of something metallic under a row of casks. He catches Dailung's eyes as they are drawn to it as well.

With a flick of his wrist he slides the copper eagle figurine out from its hiding place.

"Looks like we may have found Sylvanna's long lost token. If we play our cards right, this could really soften her up."