[PFS CORE] Solstice Scar B Session 2 (Inactive)

Game Master Blake's Tiger

The saurian predator rips the kobolds throat out with a swipe of his talons. The white scaled kobold falls onto the ice, red blood spilling across the slick ice.

Creslin's ray of ice strikes a tree branch.

The remaining kobolds flee for their lives.

Attack of Opportunity provoked from Mannak and Mavin.

Attack of Opportunity (glaive, Power Attack): 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 4 - 1 = 20
Damage (cold iron, slashing, Power Attack): 1d10 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 3 = 11

Mavin--literally--cuts the legs out from under the kobold as he turns to flee.

The dryad turns, looking to at your band enigmatically an fully unconcerned by the velociraptor as it runs past, pounces upon, and murders the last fleeing kobold.

"Thank you for slaying the kobolds," the dryad says, her voice carrying across the frozen lake and scream and seeming to come from the nearest tree to you. "My name is Enzial, protector of these trees.

"Normally, I do not mind the kobolds depredations, but they have come in unsustainable numbers since the white dragons of the mountain hatched their clutches of wyrmlings."

Philoneus ignored the sounds of Mr. Tiggles feasting out of sight and focused on the Dryad.

He spoke to her in Sylvan. "You're welcome. The kobolds are expanding their territory to accommodate the dragon's children?"

"The white dragons send them down from the mountains to hunt for meat," the dryad explains. "However, since their clutches hatched, the demand for meat exceeds what the valley can provide."

"We would be happy to see the dragons eliminated and balance restored. Where can we find their lair?"

"There are two entrances into their lairs," Enzial answers. "There is the large entrance at the base of the mountains and a smaller, hidden cave higher on the mountain side. I could lead you to either one.

"If you intend to slay the dragons, you might consider speaking with Vallahk and Quiselle. They are the stewards of the entire region. They hardly ever agree on anything and will be hard to convince to work with you, but if you could convince them, they would be powerful allies."

You can proceed to the large entrance, the small entrance, or do the diplomatic mission.

Mavin looks to the large entrance. "My comrades are more partial to combat than conversation. The large entrance seems a fine choice to me."

Hao raises a hand, "Wait, what matter is it to us the state of affairs of this valley? Our deal is with the Twinhorns and their sacred weapon. Am I missing something?"

Sorry about that, kind of forgot about this over the weekend.

Drin scratches his chin.

I have a bit of talent in negotiation. Having some more allies seems to me an obvious approach if we are dealing with dragons.

Mannak sheathes his greatsword. "Drin is right. We do not know the strength of what we might face. The more allies we have, the greater our chances of succeeding."

"Very well. Follow me," Enzial instructs.

The dryad leads you to a nearby cluster of birch trees so densely grown that it seems a sparrow could not fly between the trunks. As she approaches, however, the trees leap aside to create a short path into the copse. As you follow her into the trees, every few steps the trees seem to blur past you as though you had traveled miles in but a moment. Soon you are surrounded by trees to the front and the back.

Ultimately, after what is only a short walk, the trees give way to a large, open courtyard within a great ring of birches. In the center stands a tall and knotted oak with vibrant, green leaves. Its imperial bearing is somewhat lost by the jaunty lean that the trunk displays.

A crowd of fey creatures--pixies, dryads, satyrs, grigs, awakened animals and others--surround the massive roots at the base where two regal looking fey preside.

A fey resembling a blue-skinned male elf with white hair and wings made of leaves is in heated debate with a perfectly serene looking fey woman with skin like sanded beech wood and eyes like green crystal.

"Vallahk and Quiselle," Enzial whispers as she leads you forward and through the crowd of fey.

". . . if we lose, there will be no one left to protect the forest," the queen says.

The winged fey turns his eyes toward you, giving you the sense of what it is like to be a mouse staring into the eyes of a hawk. "It seems we have new guests," the king says.

"So we do," Quiselle says pleasantly. "Welcome to our grove, strangers. Please tell us what brings you to our court."

Mechanically, you have 12 opportunities--2 each--to make your argument and roll a skill (it does not need to be a social skill, be creative, as long as it applies to the argument that you are making). Don't forget that you do have an Aid Token available with boosted Knowledge on it.

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

A sudden gust of wind rushes through the area, riming the trees and rocks with frost that resembles faces of the region’s fey monarchs. “Your Society has requested our aid, and we have agreed to support your endeavors. Carry our token, call upon us in your time of need, and ensure the dragons prey upon this region no more.” With that, the icy faces melt away, and each of you find a tiny crown of pine needles nearby.

Table GMs, the Fey Allies condition on page 31 is in effect.

Not seeing anyone else really step forward to address the court.

Greetings your majesties. We are currently on our way to search the old lair of Grathatonhakis for any trace of what happened to the paladin Ivvora. On our way there we came across a group of kobolds harassing a member of your court. Based on the increased activity we are assuming there are still some dragons present in the caves on the mountain and we are seeking additional aid to drive out any creatures inside the caves before we are able to explore them.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Welp guess this wasn't needed though might as well leave it in place.

Yes. Enough other tables beat you to the negotiations. We will be starting the next--and final--section today, so I will forgo trying to get you to do one of the other kobold encounters within the time limit.

Yes. Enough other tables beat you to the negotiations. We will be starting the next--and final--section today, so I will forgo trying to get you to do one of the other kobold encounters within the time limit.

Sounds good! Sorry for being slow on the uptake there ^_^

*****OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT******

The kobolds continue to mount a frustrating defense, luring Pathfinders into cramped and trap-filled tunnels and unleashing captive monsters on unsuspecting agents. Even so, the kobolds are losing ground with each battle. As another skirmish echoes from elsewhere in the caverns, a tremendous roar reverberates through the cave complex, rattling stalactites and causing snowdrifts to slide down the outside slopes. As the sound dissipates, the voice of a massive creature booms from deep within the kobolds’ warren.

“Long ago my ancestor Grathatonhakis ruled here, and a meager dwarf challenged his might only to become his trophy. Both were fools, and both are now dead. I am neither, and your paltry attacks shall not change that. Fall back, kobolds of the Shiverscale tribe! Let these intruders die in sight of the last fool to challenge Horralydax, the master of the Tusk Mountains. Rally to me, my children. Today we dine on adventurers!”

The kobolds kowtow to the booming voice, scramble to their feet, and begin retreating deeper into the caves. For once they aren’t covering their tracks, so the way to the dragon’s lair is clear.

Table GMs, please move to the encounter in area N on pg. 40 swiftly. Remember that the Fey Allies condition on pg. 31 is in effect.

Fey Allies: As a free action on its turn, a creature can use its benefit to gain either damage reduction equal to half the table’s APL (minimum 1) or cold resistance equal to the table’s APL until the end of that encounter. Each PC and companion creature can select a different benefit.

Enzial leads you away from the fey court, an accord having been reached, and guides you to the secret entrance on the side of the mountain. There she leaves to return to her tree.

Many of your fellow Pathfinders have made their way into the caves with the fey allies and slain or driven away the kobolds. Finally, you reach a cave where none of your fellows have passed and find four kobolds and a single white hatchling guarding a pile of treasure.

A narrow cavern to the east opens into a larger cave. A gently sloping ramp descends counter clockwise to an elaborately carved column of ice. A vast pile of gold, jewels, furs, and immense bones lie piled around the column.

The hatchling takes to the air and flies towards the tunnel, only to rise upward at the last minute and disappear above the mouth of the cave.

Combat! Round 1. Bold may act.
Dragon
Mannak
Philoneus
Jing
Creslin
Kobolds x 4
Mavin
Drin

"Spread out my allies!" Hao yells and rushes into the cavern

double move and draw my scythe.

Hmm that isn't good...Anyone got a way to bring that little one back to earth?

While stating this Creslin makes a quick gesture at Mannak casting Enlarge Person, and after that takes a few moments to retrieve his crossbow.

"If nothing else, we can try shooting it down."

Drin casts Mage Armor on himself and takes out his crossbow.

Both he and his raven familiar take cold resistance from the allies

Taking DR. I'm assuming the Enlarge Person will take effect next round?

Mannak braces himself as he awaits the approach of the hatchling, only to find out it had other plans. "Someone take it out of the air." He rushes forward, greatsword in hand to take a swing at the kobold.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Damage: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 3 = 10

Crit. Confirm: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Crit: 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2, 5) + 3 = 10

Both taking DR

Philoneus hustled forward as fast as his armor-clad legs would let him. He double moved, Mr. Tiggles following after him. Hearing Mannak's words, the Halfling pulled out his sling.

Double move forward, Mr. Tiggles follows.

Correct, Mannak. You are enlarged starting Round 2.

As he enters, Jing sees the dog-sized white dragon clinging to the side of the cave just over the mouth (15 ft up). He also runs past a white kobold that is a little too slow on the draw with his spear. Mannak joins him and cuts down the little warrior with apparent effortlessness. The kobold emerging from behind the rocks skids to a stop and slings a stone at Jing, grazing his scalp. A third draws a spear as it rushes from the far pile of stones to the nearer pile. And a fourth lobs a stone at Mannak. The cold stone hits him in the neck, but it seems to have lost most of its force getting there (DR).

From its perch above the cave mouth, the little white dragon releases a frigid wash of air and ice over Mannak and Philoneus.

Combat! Round 2. Bold may act.
Dragon (....)
Mavin
Mannak (-5 hp [only -2 hp if succeed Reflex DC 14], enlarged)
Philoneus (-5 hp [only -2 hp if succeed Reflex DC 14])
Jing (-1 hp)
Creslin
Kobolds x 3
Drin (mage armor)

Hao maneuvers around the kobold and attempts to make a careful slice with his scythe, but his swing goes wild.

Mwk Scythe-combat expertise: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 1 = 7
Scythe: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 = 9

AC is currently 19. Taking the cold resistance.

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 Philoneus does not make his save.

Philoneus grief his teeth to stop then from shivering in the cold of the dragon's breath. His hand went to his own red dragonscale armor before grinning. "Perhaps it's time to update my armor! Mr. Tiggles, attack that Kobold!"

Handle Tiggles: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Raising his hand, Philoneus incanted a spell of fire, Produce Flames, and his hand lit like a torch. Taking careful aim at the Dragon above, he let loose a small fireball.

Produce Flames ranged touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Fire damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Mr. Tiggles ran forward at his master's command, pouncing on the scaled creature with as much might as he felt like.

Talon attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

While wyrmlings are much more agile than their grown counterparts, the little dragon still cannot dodge the flame produced by the gnome. It squirms and screeches in pain as its scales blister and darken. It hisses at Philoneus. The velociraptor scratches through the kobold's armor.

Combat! Round 2. Bold may act.
Dragon (-9 hp) (....)
Mavin
Mannak (-5 hp [only -2 hp if succeed Reflex DC 14], enlarged)
Philoneus (-5 hp)
Jing (-1 hp)
Creslin
Kobolds x 3
Drin (mage armor)

Creslin moves forward to the edge of the cave entrance before turning back and casting Enlarge Person on Mavin.

Would cast on Jing but out of LOS so will go with Mavin, and taking the CR for this fight since I really hope I wouldn't be on the front lines at any point.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Mannak stares at the dragon, unable to reach it. He turns around to where Jing is running and follows him, flanking (?) a kobold in the process. He roars as he takes another swing of his greatsword.

Greatsword, flank?: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 = 25

Damage: 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 4, 2) + 4 = 14

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 = 14

Crit Damage: 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 1, 6) + 4 = 16

Mavin runs underneath the dragon and tries to use her natural height and reach weapon to take a swipe at the dragonling, leaping into the air for extra height.

Move to space, standard attack. Adding Acrobatics for vertical jump, if needed.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Attack (glaive, Power Attack): 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 - 1 = 13
Damage (cold iron, slashing, Power Attack): 1d20 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 3 = 8

+15 feet is within reach weapon range, so I'll take your first d20 as your attack and the second as your confirm, which doesn't confirm.

The ogre-sized Mannak swings at the kobold. The power of the strike flings two halves of the white scaled warrior into the cave wall. Mavin emerges into the cave and swings at the wyrmling--too quick to avoid--and draws blood.

Combat! Round 2. Bold may act.
Kobolds x 2
Dragon (-17 hp) (....)
Mavin (enlarging)
Mannak (-5 hp, enlarged)
Philoneus (-5 hp)
Jing (-1 hp)
Creslin
Drin (mage armor)

Drin moves to get sight of the dragon and fires his crossbow at it.

Attack: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Drin's bolt clatters off of the cave wall, and a sling stone clatters off of Jing's armor. A rock smacks Mavin in the arm.

The warrior woman enlarges into the dragon's space, so the wyrmling defends itself with tooth and claw. Its frigid teeth sink through Mavin's armor, but it cannot find an opening with its claws as it clings to the cave wall. It pushes itself off of the wall as Mavin continues to grow, fleeing into the tunnel.

Mavin, Tiggles, and Philoneus get AOO against the dragon (because I just couldn't find a path).

Combat! Round 3. Bold may act.
Kobolds x 2
Dragon (-17 hp) (...)
Mavin (-4 hp, enlarged)
Mannak (-5 hp, enlarged)
Philoneus (-5 hp)
Jing (-1 hp)
Creslin
Drin (mage armor)

Just curious so the dragon is above Phioneus and Creslin? Is it close enough that I couldn't load and fire my crossbow without triggering AoO or is it still 15+ ft. above us?

Oh, I forgot to remove that. The cave is 10 ft tall, so it is adjacent to you--assuming it survives the rain of AOOs against it.

Philoneus

AoO Produce Flame touch: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Fire Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Mr. Tiggles

AoO Talon: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Just curious cause wasn't planning on using these but if you have natural weapons you can make unarmed attacks without prompting AoOs correct?

Correct.

The raptor's swipe at the passing dragon hatchling scrapes across white scales ineffectually. However, Philoneus' flaming hand strikes the wyrmling, which causes a wide patch of scales to darken and crack. The dragon's body falls from the air, sliding to a stop in front of Creslin. There it wheezes weakly as its life force begins to slowly fade due to its injuries.

He moves forward to a kobold and tries to take another careful swipe.

Mwk Scythe - Combat Expertise: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 1 = 10
Dmg: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (3, 1) + 6 = 10

AC is 19

Attack of Opportunity (glaive, Power Attack, enlarged): 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 1 + 1 - 1 = 8
Damage (cold iron, slashing, enlarged, Power Attack): 2d8 + 4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6, 4) + 4 + 3 + 1 = 18

Now giant-sized, Mavin flies into a rage uses her extended reach to press her attack.

Free action rage and 5-foot step to space if necessary, standard attack.

Attack (glaive, Power Attack, enlarged, rage): 1d20 + 4 - 1 + 1 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 - 1 + 1 - 1 + 2 = 16
Damage (cold iron, slashing, enlarged, Power Attack, rage): 2d8 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (8, 7) + 4 + 3 + 1 + 3 = 26

*****OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT*****

With the dragons defeated and their kobolds fleeing, the Pathfinders assemble in the deep cave. With her phantom Anok in tow, Medda approaches the frozen column and brushes away the outer layer of frost. Frozen within the column is a dwarven woman in steel armor, her body torn as if by immense claws. With her hand pressed against the ice, Medda pleads. “Ivvora, I have found you. Now what? Vildeis said to find you and that you would help me, but how can we help you in this state?”

“You look to me when you should look to the evil that stalks our homeland. It is not I who needs help,” declares a voice that is both sweet as music and powerful as a thunderstorm. The frost melts away from the column, revealing dozens of clear facets that dribble melt water as if from open wounds. The image of a wounded angelic figure reflects in each facet, simultaneously warming the chamber and judging all that the angel sees. “As you can see, I serve Vildeis more directly than before.” The images look to Anok. “I see you took your oath seriously, Anok. I was wrong to have doubted your conviction. How are our people?”

The red phantom’s hue turns rosier as he looks to Medda and responds, “You would be proud.”

With a nod, the angel addresses everyone at once. “Then why do you seek me?”

“Eshimka has returned,” Medda announces. “We fought off the horror once, but it shall return at the next solstice.”

The angel’s eyes flare with righteous fire. “Then you will need a weapon to defeat it, as I had. Vildeis granted me the blade that I gave your people, but only after I thought I had given everything to vanquish my greatest foe. Even now I can sense evil has returned to that land, far to the south in a forest where the Whispering Tyrant’s legions once ruled. Show our patron Vildeis the same dedication that I did, and I shall ask that she equip you in the same way.” With that, the angelic images fade from the melting column.

Medda addresses the gathered Pathfinders. “I believe I know the forests Ivvora mentioned. You have already done so much, Pathfinders, but I invite you to help more. After I give Ivvora the burial she deserves, I will set forth with all who are able and willing for the Fangwood.”

This is the end of Part B of The Solstice Scar. Stay tuned for Part C, coming soon to a table near you! Thank you everyone for playing, and especially to table GMs (and our intrepid backup GMs!) for all your hard work.

Great job, GM! Thanks for the game!

It was a lot of fun, sorry I had to duck in and out so often. Thanks for running!

Huzzah! Thanks for running this. Kinda eager to know what happens next. Thanks everyone.

Thanks for running this Blake enjoyed it and want to thank the group for keeping it moving at a good clip. I wouldn't be against doing part C with this group whenever that happens.