[PFS] 8-08: Tyranny of the Winds Part II (Inactive)

Game Master Blake's Tiger

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Theophilus provided all of you with endure elements (heat as opposed to cold) except for Cel, who cast it on herself.

Marked point is in the anticipated direction. The timing suggests that she is either moving at a leisurely pace or doing other things that take time because if she was hurrying, she'd be further ahead.

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Thornberry follows through the winding passages and thinks to ask something of the merchant This woman is a friend who has been behaving erratically...tell me did she seem normal? Not frantic or stressed? I really do hope we get a chance to speak with her!

At the crossroads, the gnome looks and recommends the higher path Knowledge is power! From the higher path we may be able to actually see Jamila and have a good idea of whether or not we are going to be able to intercept her. We have the protection from elements, so I see no reason not to!

Back with Shirana...

"You're friends with a thieving bandit?" the merchant asks in Common, looking back and forth between Thornberry and Brutus, then she chuckles. "Maybe my Taldane is not as good as I think. But, no, she looked unconcerned as much as I could tell in passing."

Yep, I spread around the endures

Earlier
I heard that the merchants around here knew the safe ways around. We might not be able to go the safe way, but are there any dangers we shouldn't walk right into?

"Scraps was trying to indicate something important. I think we need to go uphill and observe the valley from above to make sense of it all."

<Scraps is cute! Pet it!>

"Is that what you're trying to tell us, Scraps? Let's go uphill."

Yes, I cast Endure Elements on myself.

Earlier...

"I would avoid all of the dangers," she answers Theophilus.

Presently...

You band makes their way upward along a narrow path, reaching the top of the canyon. The winds pick up without warning, pushing in every direction and at some points blustering hard enough to make the narrow ledge a deadly peril.

The hair on the backs of your necks raise. Thornberry drops to the ground instinctively. Cel, Igor, and Theophilus happen to be looking in just the right direction to notice the dust devils change direction, and they too drop to the ground just before a powerful gust of wind roars across the top of the canyon and knocks Brutus, Keelee, and poor Scraps tumbling toward the edge of the canyon and a perilous fall.

I need a Reflex (DC 15) with a +4 bonus save from Brutus, Keelee, and Scraps (his wings don't save him here, but maybe later if he fails). If any of you want to use a re-roll on the check in the spoiler, feel free to look in there to see what you rolled.

<Whee! The wind is blowing, woo! Fall off the cliff, it's fun!>

"Gale force wind! Fall prone!" Corona calls out to her allies, but it's too late for some. She immediately reaches for her rope.

<Bah, that's no fun! Sprout some wings like cute little Scraps!>

Reflex: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 4 = 11
Using Reroll w/+1 star Reflex: 1d20 + 6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 4 + 1 = 13

Being caught off guard, the wind Keelee is goes tumbling towards the edge of the canyon. She tries desperately to catch herself drawing upon her swashbuckler luck and daring she puts extra effort into it.

climb check to catch self w/+d6 darring-do: 1d20 + 5 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 5 + (4) = 26

This action presumes people fall down and need to be rescued. If a rescue is not needed then obviously this is unneeded

Thornberry can't really do anything to help at the moment, but then realizes that maybe he actually does.

The little gnomes pale skin has burst into a parade of green. This may be a perilous situation for some of the team members, but the sheer excitement is enough to bring the dour and depressed gnome out of his shell.

He drops some rope and sets up right above where Keelee and Brutus and Scraps were in trouble "Use me as an achor to go down and save them!

He runs over to the side of the cliff and casts Tree shape and takes the form of a mighty oak tree and sets his roots deep into the cliffside.

Reflex: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 4 = 29

After being caught by surprise by the sudden gale force wind, Brutus is swept off his feet. His quick reflexes allow him to right himself quickly, grabs Thornberry’s rope, and turns to reach for Keelee.

Save your Panache, Keelee, the trap mechanics allow only one way to avoid being blown off of the cliff.

Thornberry, I can't find any means other than the unsanctioned (Ultimate Wilderness) Leshy domain for getting Tree Shape at first level. Please advise.

Brutus drops flat onto the ground just in time to avoid being picked up by the wind. Scraps simply deflates, providing no resistance to the wind. Keelee is not so fortunate. She rises off of the ground in the tremendous gale and is tossed over the edge where she disappears from sight.

The swashbuckler lands painfully on a stone outcropping, which likely saved her life.

5 points of Bludgeoning damage to Keelee. Climb check at DC 5 to climb up Thornberry's rope against the canyon wall.

As the winds diminish enough to stand, Thornberry hurries over to the edge of the canyon to see a bruised Keelee laying on the flat of the outcropping. He pulls out a vine rope and tosses it over the side.

The whipping winds die down and quickly coalesce into numerous small gaseous shapes. They appear as birds, flying humanoids, and amorphous clouds, totaling a dozen in all.

A larger elemental descends until it almost touches the ground. The creature has a humanlike head and torso, but its lower body forms a bilious cloud from which wispy tendrils emerge in all directions. “Well, well—land creatures,” it says in a masculine voice. “Foolish or brave—or perhaps knowing we seek you. Yes, yes. You are the prophets, are you not?”

Oh woops, I forgot that wasn't sanctioned yet

Thornberry looks the whipping windy people over and is taken aback by the accusation that he is a prophet.

Oh seet Ainsi people, it is kind of you to think we are your long awaited prophets, but sadly we are but members of the Pathfinder Society. But we come here on a mission to go to your ancient city and learn of its wonders. A rival scholar is going there ahead of us and .....*gasp* I hear she is a Janni friendly towards the Goanron Triumvirate. Who knows what they will do - but we promise we just want to see the glorious history of that place illuminated and to hear of its tales.

Surely you can help us catch up to her right? before she and those....earth elementals do The Lost Prince know what.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Theophilus looks aghast at the druid, and mutters Thornberry, when someone asks you if you're a prophet, you say yes!

Once Kaylee is back up, Corona draws her Wand of Cure Light Wounds.

CLW: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (2, 8) + 2 = 12
<Ooo! Look at those bruises, so fresh! Can you feel the injuries restore themselves? Oh, stupid wand. Use your hands, already!>

"There we are."

Knowledge(Planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Corona tries to identify the wispy creatures as they approach.

"My friend here is correct. Someone has stolen valuable artifacts and has fled to the Underdunes. Her name is Jamilia, and she looks like..." Corona gives a physical description, with it filling in details as necessary.

Diplomacy(Aid): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Picking her bruised self up, Keelee dust herself off calling to the others ”I’m still alive, luckily a big rock broke my fall.”. With that she easily climbs the rope dropped to her by Thornberry.

climb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Once back up on the trail and injures healed, Keelee nods her thanks to Thornberry and Corona.

Looking at the new comers, the swashbuckler eyes the air creatures with some suspicion that they are responsible for her impromptu unsuccessful flying lesson.

(Corona, Keelee has a wand of CLW which the charges used can be count against if you would like.)

Corona uses Keelee's wand, as requested.

The air elemental nods his head. "Oh, don't be so modest. We are very eager for you to complete the proving. I am Iyaseet, and I was sent here to escort the prophets."

He listens to Cel as she describes Jamilia. "Oh, yes. Such a woman came through our camp. She spoke for a long time with our leader, Aridiea. She departed shortly before Aridiea ordered us to this very spot, where we would find our prophets!"

The air elemental gets very zealous when mentioning the prophets (i.e. you).

"Only Aridiea knows where she was bound. She rightly fears the power of the prophets, while we respect it! My leader can tell you where this Jamila has gone, provided that you are the ones we seek. Will you prove yourselves to us?” Iyasset asks earnestly and with a great deal of hope in his eyes.

Brutus eyes the elemental with growing ire, ”So ARE you responsible for nearly knocking my companion off this cliff?”

"No!" Iyasset looks aghast at the suggestion. "We merely rode the winds."

"Let's see...at the very least, we must speak with your leader." Corona checks the party. "Anything information your chief has about Jamilia will be useful. Please, lead the way."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Corona calls upon her past memories and tries to put the most diplomatic front she can.

Thornberry smirks at Brutus Would you judge a tree for turning brown friend? Air elementals who dont ride the wind may as well be dead! Of course, proud Ainsi we will do as you ask of us.

sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Keelee can't tell if they were being deceptive, so she takes them at their word "We accept you gracious invitation to meet with Aridiea. As for being prophets I can not say, what is it that you expect of these prophets you seek?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

And uh... how specific were the prophecies regarding us? As prophets?

Brutus raises his chin, attempting to look as prophet-like as he knows how, "So uhh... what must we do to prove we are... who we say we are?"

“The art of prophecy has faded away over the years, but what is known is still known. A new clash of the khamsin storms draws near, and the Goanron and Ainsi watch for a sign of blessing. We have not known what exactly to expect, but the time is right and you are here," Iyasset answers Theophilus.

He turns to Brutus, eyes full of zeal as he answers, “Sacred ground lies near here, known as the Sandflow Source. Those who pass through must show a mastery of the elements and an appreciation of our people. If you meet the challenges within, you will prove yourselves to all who may not see your true value. Only then may I bring you to our leader.”

The air elemental pauses and waits for any more comments before continuing, "If you are ready, we should set out for the Sandflow Source immediately."

"I was once a skilled soothsayer, in a previous lifetime." Corona speaks. "It will take time and training before I fully embrace my power again. I would be honored to learn about your art of prophecy." Corona bows.

"I am ready to travel to the Sandflow Source. Lead the way."

Keelee chuckles, "Don't tell me what happens to those who don't pass the test, I think I can guess." The swashbuckler follows along.

"Not to worry Mathter, if anyone can thurvive the thacred Thandflow Thourthe and thhow mathtery of the elementth it'th uth." Igor sprays. "Um, towel?"

Scraps shakes. (Shudders? Something.)

Thornberry not only assents to the flowery speech of Corono but literally accents it with a flowery smell via gnome magic and then hurries along to the Sandflow Source

Slides are up.

Please add your Initiative and Perception modifiers to Slide 2.

Iyasset's Attitude: Helpful

"If you fail, then you are not the prophets," Iyasset answers Keelee despite her sarcasm. "We will not bring you to Aridiea. Nothing sinister."

The elemental leads you through a dizzying maze of trenches, dunes, and escarpments. The path he takes you is well off of the road and the map provided by Balentiir. The stark desert and bright sun would be hard to bear if it was not for the protective enchantments that you applied earlier.

Eventually, you enter into a box canyon. The sand before the cliff swirls and flows like a river. The path of the flowing ground dives into a cave at the base of the cliff, roaring like a waterfall.

“From the Sandflow Source many of us came, and to the Source we periodically return,” says the elemental. “If you pass through this holy site, you too will be welcomed into our tribe, and you too shall earn the secrets you seek. To complete the first trial, you must get inside and make your way to solid ground.”

Iyasset leads you to the bank of the sand river. "Your test begins here." He then flies into the cave.

The sand river is a moderately strong current (and made of sand). It pours over a 10 ft drop into the bottom of the cave where it slowly swirls in a lazy whirlpool. The sunlight reveals solid ground 30 ft away from the sand waterfall (See Slide 3).

Corona can always act in the surprise round, although she is Flat-Footed until she acts.

"Understood. We will prove ourselves to be the prophets you seek." She allows her senses (and the constantly babbling voice in her head) towards the box canyon.

Knowledge(Planes) + Guidance: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 17
"Heehee! This flowing sand is a feature of the Elemental Plane of Earth!" It giggles through Corona. She regains her composure. "Can we... swim across this?" Corona tests the surface of the sandflow, passing her hand and seeing how strong it is. "I do have a rope. Maybe we can secure it and slowly climb down."

Having trouble editing the sheet but Brutus has +2 Initiative and +4 Perception if someone could add me.

Also unable to edit the sheet at the moment, but +6 to both

I've updated both of your Init and Perception bonuses.

Brutus studies the flowing sand and nods at Cel, "I have a rope, pitons, and a grappling hook if we need it."

I'm having a little trouble understanding what we're looking at. If climbing is a viable path I have a climber's kit in addition to the gear mentioned above.

What Brutus said. Where do we start on this map? At the base of the fall, where Iyasset is standing or at the top of the sandfall somewhere off the bottom of the map? What's the lighting like?

Igor graciously offers to have Scraps go down (or up) to scout, or to carry a rope, or light, or whatever.

Scraps having darkvision, flight, and no need to breathe, seems to be a good bet for plumbing the depths.

Scraps deflates a bit making a resigned squelching sound.

Keelee looks at the river of sand, not sure whether to swim or surf on it. Taking her changes she enters the flow of sand trusting her skill to carry her through.

swim: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Keelee mentally prepares herself and leaps into the sand river. She masters the current and allows it to take her to the waterfall. Her body makes an elegant arc through the air as the waterfall toss her out over the sand pool below, and she dives easily and safely into the animated earth.

Nobody except Iyasset--and now Keelee--is on the map.

You're in a 3-sided canyon. The ground before the cave in the central side of the canyon is a snaking, swirling river of sand. That river flows into the cave mouth at which point it enters the map. 10 ft in, it flows over a 10 ft drop into a pool of sand.

Once in the pool, it is calm (i.e. DC 10 to Swim around).

Lighting in first cave is Normal Light (plenty of indirect sunlight).

So we are standing off the south edge of the map and the interior of the cave is lit. Check.

"That'th the Mathter for you." Igor says and then jumps in. "Geronimo!"

acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Scraps shrugs dolefully and looks at the others.

Scraps can carry up to 28.5 pounds and still fly if anyone/thing small needs a ride. If really necessary Igor has an extract that can make him medium-sized allowing Scraps to carry 50 pounds. Either way he'd have to drop his pack first.

<Jump in, jump in! Jump in! Jump!>

"Jump, jump, JUMP!" With a quick bit of Guidance and a touch of Diviner's Fortune, she leaps into the sand pool.

Acrobatics, Guidance, Diviner's Fortune: 1d20 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 7

If anyone wants a +1 insight bonus, Corona can use it 5 more times before she jumps.

Igor manages to control his fall after he jumps into the sand, riding into the pool below with surprising grace. Corona runs toward the edge, trips, lands on top of the sand river, and is tossed over the edge to belly flop painfully into the sand pool.

Corona takes 1 Non-Lethal point of damage

Why did you jump like that? You almost tripped!

<Yaaaay your mouth is full of sand!>

A bruised rib... that could have been worse, you could have killed me-

<Oh, WHO CARES. I would just come back in your next body, anyway.>

Corona climbs onto the shore, coughing up dust, dirt and mud. "That was... embarrassing."

In the pool below, Keelee tries to swim ashore but get caught in one of the sand eddies and pulled under for a moment. Putting more effort into it she breaks the surface spitting the sand out of her mouth as she swims to the shore.

swim to shore: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
swim to shore: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Theophilus watches Igor's descent with some amusement, before following suit.
Acrobatics: 10 + 9 = 19

Activate martial flexibility for Distance Thrower
Using his climbing kit, grappling hook, and extra rope, Brutus winds up and throws the hook at the cliff face 80 feet away.
AC 5 to catch the cliff face? +2 for Dex bonus, +2 for base attack bonus, -6 for range, +2 for distance thrower
Throw: 1d20 ⇒ 18
The hook catches the cliff wall and Brutus jumps in the sand, pulling himself along with the rope.
Not sure if a climb check or acrobatic check is relevant here

Climb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Corona tries to swim to shore with all her might.

Swim: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Swim: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Alright, take 10 it is.

Still stuck on mobile so i cant mess with the map

Thornberry goes to the side of the cliff and makes the plunge.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Ride the Wind! he shouts mimicing the Ainsi.

Not that this is necessarily the case but in case it is, Google Slides actually works on most smart phones, if you download the app. Otherwise, it just lets you look at slides, and not do stuff.

swim (take 10): 10 + 2 = 12

swim (take 10): 10 + 2 = 12

And so on.

Demonstrating a series of strokes, Igor takes a lap around the pool

"This remindth me of one of my previouth mathterth--a wealthy man named Thcrooge Miktengu. He had thith vault you thee."