PFS 2-15 Shades of Ice, Part I (Inactive)

Game Master WhtKnt

Cascabelle, tip the iron bound, oak box on its side. It should provide you with adequate cover. Ready yourself, I’m going to move over there to get a better shot. Thallin points southeast along the burned and broken wall. I’ll try and stay within fifteen feet of you and the box to help protect the box.

With his eyes glued on the thug leader, Thallin moves five foot to the southeast then five foot east along the burnt wall. Concerned the man had another axe, Thallin didn’t want to provoke the man's attention.

Satisfied with his new position Thallin examined the man in front of him. He seemed to be confused and disoriented. Although Kyrin’s powerful swing had missed its mark, it had been enough to divert the man’s attention.

Thallin readied his powerful bow. Taking extra time to make sure his arrow wouldn’t strike the mighty paladin. Not wanting to give his target enough time to recover Thallin quickly took the shot.

(MW) mighty composite longbow w/ PS, PB, and Banner:: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 Precision damage (ff):: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Kyrin charges forward, but his momentum throws off his swing, and he misses his intended target. The thug, for his part, does nothing, standing dumbfounded at the effect of Cascabelle's spell. Ing moves to flank Taalaako's foe, but it's attacks prove ineffective, the thug easily evading the bite and tail slap. Bentuk hurls a dart at the thugs that had been harassing Cascabelle, but this, too misses the target.

Thug number 1 whoofs as Thallin's arrow strikes home. The man staggers heavily, but manages to remain standing. Then, Cascabelle splashes acid onto his face and upper body and he falls to the ground whimpering and holding his head. Thug 2, having retreated to the safety of the rear flank, takes a moment to draw a potion from his belt pouch and down it.

Tal takes advantage of the flanked enemy to hopefully finish him off.

Chicken saber 1: 1d20 + 3 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 17 (+2 flanking, -2 TWF, +1 banner)
Damage 1: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5 plus Sneak 1: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Chicken saber 2: 1d20 + 3 + 2 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 - 2 + 1 = 7
Damage 2: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7 plus Sneak2: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Of course, the one that might hit is a 1 on the damage. LOL

I'm unfamiliar with your archetypes, but would you not get sneak attack? e: Resolved!

If that doesn't drop #3:

Bentuk pulls his well-worn yellowwood spear from its sling and lunges at the Ulfen occupying Taalaako.

Spear (banner) vs #3: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Spear damage (banner): 1d8 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 + 1 = 7

Ing, meanwhile, tries to bite and slam into the nearest thug.

Bite (flanking, banner): 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 16
Bite damage (banner): 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 1 = 9
Trip attempt (flanking, banner): 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 23
If it has to move to get to the closest opponent, it won't get this attack and probably won't get flanking:
Tail slap (flanking, banner): 1d20 - 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) - 2 + 2 + 1 = 15
Tail slap damage (banner): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

The two of them will not attack unconscious opponents, so if they can't reach any targets they'll just sit there and look pretty.

Kyrin, now steady from his charge, attacks thug1 again (this time applying the banner bonus...), and then side steps around him (5' step).

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Taalaako slashes twice at the thug, the first attack sending the man spiraling to the ground, gasping for breath and trying to staunch the flow of blood. The leader rants in anger and steps free of the grease, moving to engage Ing. He lashes out with his axe, but misses the eidolon. The thug that Taalaako downed also breaks out a potion and drinks it down, and his wounds begin to close. Drawing an AoO from Taalaako. Taalaako slashes with a chicken saber, and the man hits the ground, bleeding profusely.

Kyrin boldly thrusts his weapon into Thug 1 as the man kneels helpless on the ground. The victim falls forward unmoving with blood pouring from his midsection.

Ing attacks the leader in return for his troubles, but the man's defenses prove too great for the eidolon.

Leader Reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Thug Leader vs. Ing: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Taalaako AoO: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 26
Taalaako confirm: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 22
Taalaako damage: 2d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3, 3) + 6 + 2 = 14

After taking a moment to size up the situation, Thallin moved twenty foot directly north. He watched closely, as the leader of the rag tag group, tried to go head to head with the yellow serpent. Satisfied, the man had bitten off more than he could chew, Thallin turned his attention to the last remaining thug.

Clear of any obstacles, Thallin narrowed his eyes focusing on the last thug. With a deep breath he drew back the mighty bow, then paused, just long enough to judge the distance.

Everything around Thallin began to slow down. The sharp ringing of combat, turned into an echo of sound that fade into nothingness. The directives, being shouted, became a blurred symphony of background noise. In that moment only his target had become clear, and only his target mattered.

With a mighty thrum, Thallin’s bow released its payload of death. The cold iron arrow moved through the battle field, with only a single purpose. To end the life of the man before it.

(MW) mighty composite longbow w/PB and Banner:: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Would Bentuk's attack hit against the leader? He (Bentuk) would have been able to move, drawing his spear as he went, and attack, I think. Didn't really indicate that in my post though.

Tal will charge the leader, hoping to take him down for good!

Charging chicken saber: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 2 = 24
Crit chance!: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 = 19
Damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 6) + 6 = 15

Tal's chicken saber cleaves right into his chest!

Happy fourth, everyone!

Cascabelle crosses the field, carefully stepping around the bodies of her fallen enemies. When she's in sight, she will attempt to Daze the Thug leader, if he's still standing, or if not, the remaining Thug in the back.

Happy Independence Day!

Kyrin moves to attack the leader (or Thug3 if the leader is down by the time he gets there).

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Damage: 1d9 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Kyrin, did you mean to roll a 1d9?

Bentuk moves around Cascabelle and, his back against the broken wall, jabs at the leader.

Think that's squeezing, so Bentuk's normal AC is now 12.

Spear (squeezing, banner): 1d20 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) - 4 + 1 = 0
Spear damage (banner): 1d8 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 + 1 = 7

Round 4: Movement (move action) and attack (standard action). Grease lasts 17 rounds.

Ing lunges for the leader again, viselike jaws prepared to clamp shut on the man's leg and tail ready to sweep under him.

Bite (banner): 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 13
Trip attempt (banner): 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
Bite damage (banner): 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3
Tail slap (banner): 1d20 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) - 2 + 1 = 6
Tail slap damage (banner): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Round 4: Full attack action (full-round action).

Haha, no should've been a d8... not that it matters now since I missed so badly :p

My error, Thugs 1 and 3 are down, not 1 and 2. All attacks aimed at Thug 3 have been redirected to Thug 2.

Thallin looses another arrow, but the shaft fails to find it's target. Cascabelle launches another spell, this time at the thug leader, and the man reels suddenly in confusion. Thug 2 moves forward to flank the leader. Taalaako steps up and sinks his saber into the leader's chest. The man howls in pain and clenches his teeth, but remains standing. He shakes his head to clear his senses.

Kyrin moves forward and swings at the leader, but misses. Bentuk also steps into the melee and thrusts at the leader, but misses. Ing tries again to attack the leader, but finds it's attacks futile.

Thallin and Cascabelle are up.

Thug Leader Will: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

Once Thallin has acted Cascabelle will cast Cause Fear at the Thug Leader, hopefully provoking a lot of AoOs.

"Boo."

Thallin moved five foot northeast, then fifteen foot north. Avoiding the grease he then moved five foot east. Confident his shot should be unhindered, he lowered his aim on the leader of the rag tag group. He carefully drew back his bow, and waited for an opening.

Thallin timed his shot carefully, as the thug leader moved in and out of combat. The pathfinders were doing a fine job, whittling the him down to size. It didn’t take long before the man looked overwhelmed, giving Thallin the opening he desired. With a distant thrum, the mighty bow sang out sending another deadly arrow into combat.

(MW) mighty composite longbow w/ PS, PB, and Banner:: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Thallin's arrow flies true this time, catching the thug leader in his mid-back, about where his kidney would be. The man arches his back as the shaft sinks in and he cries out in pain.

Thug 2 spots an opening and lashes out at Thaalaako, again with a glancing blow. Thaalaako takes 2 points of damage.

Cascabelle cackles with glee and casts another spell, shouting, "Boo!" A panicked look comes over the man's face and he shouts, "Aieeeee! Run away! Retreat!"

Thug 2 vs. Thaalaako: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage (axe): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Leader Will: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

Thaalaako, Kyrin, and Bentuk are up.

Tal will try to finish off the leader with two chicken sabers (if the first hit takes him down, the second attack will be on Thug 2)

Chicken saber 1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Damage 1: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Chicken saber 2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Damage 2: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

The leader somehow dodges Tal's first swing, but his second connects, slicing right into the leader's shoulder!

Kyrin attacks the bad guy that is directly in front of him!

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Taalaako connects with the leader, though only barely (his AC was 19 before the frightened effect). Still, it is enough to send the man to the ground, bleeding heavily. In the next instant, Kyrin steps forward and cuts deeply into Thug 2, dropping him as well.

Combat is over!

Thallin looks around making note that all of his companions, although worse for ware, are still alive. “Is everyone OK?”

"He called me a hag," said Cascabelle, petulantly daubing up blood from her wounds with her coat, which was disgusting before the combat. "I realize I'm not a looker, but a hag? Just because I'm old and missing a few teeth."

Cascabelle walked over to him at kicked a little dirt in his direction. "But he got what he deserved, sneaking up on a defenseless old woman. I'm a widow, I'll have you all know."

Cascabelle is less cross and more happy at the opportunity to pretend to be cross. When her heart's into it, she can play-act with the best of them, but this time her heart's not in it. Having finished her speech, she turns on a dime.

"Oh well. Time to search the bodies. I'll start with the ugly one."

Take 10 to search the body of the thug leader. He's dead, right? Not simply knocked out?

Taalaako could use some healing, he's at 4/9 currently.

Tal is a bit hunched over, but alive. "Those men were a handful. We should question one of them if possible. We need to find out why they hate Pathfinders so much..."

When she hears Thallin's question, Cascabelle volunteers an answer.

"Could maybe do with a spot of magickal healing, if anyone's got it. Don't do healing myself, really. Fear and poison is more my speed, but they don't do much for axe wounds."

3/7 here. It was a tough combat.

I think Casabelle has the right idea. I watched one of those idiots drink some sort of potion, after I shot him. They may have more. Thallin turns over a body and helps in the searching process.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Actually, all of them are unconscious and bleeding, but none are dead as yet.

A search of the bodies reveals that each of the thugs wears a chain shirt and carries a heavy wooden shield and three throwing axes. One of them has a bright blue liquid in a crystal flask in his belt pouch. The thug leader wears chainmail and carries a heavy steel shield and three throwing axes. In a belt pouch at his waist, he has a dull blue potion in a crystal flask. Between the four of them, they have the sum of 395 gp.

Kyrin will attempt to stabilize the thug leader. [b]"This one would likely have the most information.

Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Whoops! Forgot this little tidbit...

The leader has two notes on his person. The first one reads:

"For the sum of 50 gold crowns, you and your mercenaries are to watch Rognvald Skagni's residence on the edge of town for two months. Ignore looters or petty thieves--instead watch for Pathfinders, and if you see any, kill them. Any in your crew who can prove to me they dealt the killing blow on those murderous demons earns a 100 gold crown bonus.

Hjort Fastaxe"

The other, in a different handwriting, reads:

"Do as Hjort instructed, but do one more thing for me: Capture at least one Pathfinder, preferably an expedition leader. Bring him or her to me separately, and I will reward you an extra 100 gold crowns.

Runa White"

The thug leader continues to bleed out, as do his mercenaries.

Knowledge(local) on Hjort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Knowledge(local) on Runa: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Do I know anything about either of these people?

Taalaako searches his memory for any information on Hjort or Runa, but comes up empty-handed.

PCs may attempt either Knowledge (local) checks or Diplomacy (gather information) checks, with each check taking 1d6 hours. Are any of you Ulfen?

Looks like we have two different miscellaneous potions. Thallin slides the dark blue potions over to Taalaako, then slides the light blue potion over to Casabelle. He then stands quietly, waiting for the experiment to begin.

Tal looks sideways at Thallin (literally turns his head completely sideways, looking even more birdlike than normal). "I have no way of telling what these are, my friend. Madame Cascabelle, do you recognize these concoctions?"

Thallin nudges the dark blue potion with his boot a few times then looks up at Taalaako. Its blue, I’m pretty sure that means it heals you.

Thallin then turns to the rest of the group. It seems we will need to ask around and see if we can find out who this Hjort Fastaxe or Runa White is.

Thallin quickly considers his adventuring companions. It seems Kyrin and I look more like we come from this area. Although I have lived her most my life, I ‘m not familiar with these people’s customs. I could try and ask around to see if anyone knows anything, but I’m not sure how comfortable the locals will be talking to me.

Gather information on Hjort or Runa Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

"Blue heals you, eh? We'll see about that."

While the group is busy interrogating the thug leader, Cascabelle takes 10 to identify the unknown potions. (+5, for 15 total.)

Does frightened reduce AC? Not that I'm complaining . . .

Kyrin is Ulfen I think.

Bentuk kneels down next to Kyrin and also attempts to staunch the bleeding.

Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Characters who are shaken take a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. Characters who are frightened are shaken, and in addition they flee from the source of their fear as quickly as they can.

Bah! Read the wrong stat block. There are three potions (the leader had two), all the same shade of bright blue.

Cascabelle studies the three potions, and soon comes to the conclusion that the liquid is a potion of cure light wounds.

The rate of blood flow from the leader increases with Bentuk's "aid."

"Healing potions, sure enough. But don't drink everything that's blue, Thallin. I once downed a whole bottle of Blue Curaçao that way. I was blind for three days!"

Cascabelle is getting going spinning this yarn into something when she notices that the thug leader seems to be dying.

"Ugh. I suppose we'd better stop him from bleeding to death. Hag, indeed."

Heal: 1d20 ⇒ 19

"Well, then, if no one objects, I could use one of those potions. I'm feeling quite woozy at the moment..."

Tal downs a potion. CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Back to full HP!

"Ah, thank you Cascabelle." Bentuk steps back to let her work. He glances around the scene and notices the other thugs, and with a start busies himself with trying to staunch their bleeding.

Heal on #1: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Heal on #2: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Heal on #3: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Kyrin is an aasimar... but he is from the Land of the Linnorm Kings. In other words, I imagine him as part Ulfen. He at least LOOKS ulfen.. apart from the halo.

Kyrin will help make sure all the thugs are secure before any of them are made to be conscious.

Once that is done...

"I am from here, this land is my home. I know the customs of these people. I will see if I can find out who the people in these notes are." he says to the party.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
KnowNobs (if applicable): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Eh . . . why not . . .

Bentuk redoubles his efforts and even tears some cloth from the second thug's tunic for makeshift bandages.

He stands back up, hands covered in blood. "There is no need to use those potions on these three, but I think there is no harm at giving them one last chance at life." He glances at the thugs' leader. "We might let him rest awhile as well."

Understanding his and Ing's relative strangeness, Bentuk is fine staying here while Kyrin and Thallin go looking. Or if either of the two want, he can go along and aid on their checks.

When the Thug leader comes to, I'll try to intimidate him.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

"Oh, you're alive? Excellent."

Cascabelle's face darkens.

"A bit of advice: when you call an old woman a hag and try to kill her, as a rule, you had better succeed. You didn't. I was struck with an axe, my clothes are ruined, and I am very, very cross. Your friends are dead."

Cascabelle takes a beat to make sure this has sunk into the thug leader's head.

"I am not a hag; I am a sorceress. But I have I side of myself that I cannot always control."

Cascabelle lets her serpentine blood take over, and her teeth lengthen to visible fangs.

"You are a pawn in this game, however, and I do not usually bother with pawns. It would be very, very prudent if you told me what you know about this Runa White and Hjrot Fastaxe. If you are imprudent, I will be forced to teach you why your friends are frightened by Pathfinders."

Cascabelle spits on the ground.

"And trust me, my pet," said Cascabelle, "you don't want that."

Trollheim is a large city with high, secure walls and a sprawling, frozen network of small neighborhoods and districts, many of which contain their own defenses. Many of Trollheim’s market districts are unruly, smelly, industrious, and busy, while residential districts are generally neater, calmer, cleaner, and more secure from Irrisen invasion. It’s frowned upon to cause trouble in residential neighborhoods, and the wide streets therein are largely crime-free. Skagni’s burned out home is on the far western outskirts of one such outlying district.

The thugs are stabilized and the leader awakened, as Thallin and Kyrin move out to attempt to gather some information. Cascabelle intimidates the leader, who pleads for his very life.

"Please, Miss! I'm sorry! I don't know nuthin' about Runa or Hjort! We was contacted by messenger and told to watch the place for Pathfinders. Hjort wanted you dead, but Runa tol' us to keep one of you alive and bring you to her at some tavern. Tha's all I know! I swear!"

Kyrin and Thallin are gone for several hours, but each has a successful time of gathering information.

Kyrin time: 1d6 ⇒ 5 hours
Thallin time: 1d6 ⇒ 5 hours

"What is the tavern called?" Ing asks, raising his head up high over the man.

"The uh... horny... horn... horned! Yeah, tha's it! The Horned Helm, over in the market!"

Thallin’s hooded silhouette can been seen in the distance, as he slowly makes his way back to the group. Struggling agenst the cold, he finly makes it back to the burned down house. After a couple deep breaths, he gathers everyone together, to share what information he found. Thallin pulls his fur lined hood back, then talks to the group in a low voice. I had some success on the woman named Runa. I spoke to a local Chelish woman who recognized Runa’s last name. From what she says, this Runa is a spell caster of some kind, possibly a holy woman. She said, Runa had been cornered in one of the markets some time back, and used holy fire to dispatch her assailants. It would seem she doesn’t have a good relationship with the local riff raff. Thallin takes a minute to allow everyone to absorb the information, then speaks up one last time. I was able to get information on what we are dealing with, but nothing on their location. Hopfuly Kyrin will have better luck.

After finding the information he needed, Kyrin returns to the party, cloak flapping in the wind as he approaches. He listens to Thallin's tale before sharing his own.

"I learned something about Fastaxe. He believes that the Society destroyed his people, and his hatred for Pathfinders runs deep. He will be a dangerous foe. And yet..." the holy warrior trails off. "And yet, I wonder if there is truth to his tale..." he mutters.

Well it seems the Horned Helm Tavern, is the only reference we have. I think we should head there and scout it out. Thallin looks at the thugs lying on the ground. I also thinking we should strip these men, of their gear, before we let them leave. It will take them extra time to re-equip. Thallin looks to the rest of the group, for any addition opinions.