[PFS]DM Elanmorin Phantom Phenomena (Inactive)

Game Master Rogar Valertis

Please dot here and then erase your first post. Thank you

You are standing just outside Dunhob, a small village with two rows of thatched roof buildings. You were sent here by one Dr. Quolorum, a longstanding ally of the Pathfinder Society who asked to interview the locals and investigate a tavern that is supposedly haunted.
As you arrived a crowd quickly gathered around you. As things stand they stare your way and mutter darkly, but thus far none moved to greet or approach you and they backtracked every time you tried to ask questions or talk with them.

After several minutes one of their number comes closer. It's a crotchety old woman carrying a number of horseshoes. As she comes nearer she starts lobbing them at you.

Attack roll (Old woman vs Harsk): 1d20 ⇒ 11 -> Damage roll: 1 = 1 Attack is ranged touch and damage is NL

The first one flies well above Harsk's head...

Note you are not in combat unless you want to start it

Harsk frowns...do dey t'ink me a ghost?

"W'et ye be doin' lass? Eh be flesh and bone like ye, Eh be no ghost..."

He picks up the horseshoe...

"Ye want this back?"

Attack roll (Old Woman vs Harsk): 1d20 ⇒ 7 -> Damage: 1 = 1 Attack is ranged touch and damage is NL

The woman misses again but she doesn't stop throwing her horseshoes while the rest of the crowd stays silent as if some great battle between good and evil is being fought...

Attack roll (Old Woman vs Harsk): 1d20 ⇒ 2 -> Damage: 1 = 1 Attack is ranged touch and damage is NL

Attack roll (Old Woman vs Harsk): 1d20 ⇒ 1 -> Damage: 1 = 1 Attack is ranged touch and damage is NL

Attack roll (Old Woman vs Harsk): 1d20 ⇒ 3 -> Damage: 1 = 1 Attack is ranged touch and damage is NL

Attack roll (Old Woman vs Harsk): 1d20 ⇒ 10 -> Damage: 1 = 1 Attack is ranged touch and damage is NL

Attack roll (Old Woman vs Harsk): 1d20 ⇒ 7 -> Damage: 1 = 1 Attack is ranged touch and damage is NL

Attack roll (Old Woman vs Harsk): 1d20 ⇒ 18 -> Damage: 1 = 1 Attack is ranged touch and damage is NL

One thing is clear: the woman has terrible aim. It takes her almost half a minute and a lot of iron horseshoes but in the end she manages to hit the dwarf. Once she does she yells, “I cast you out, evil spirits!”
Besides the hurt from the horseshoe, Harsk doesn't feel any different though...

You may all attempt a diplomacy check to convince the woman to stop exorcising you via iron horseshoe...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"Milady, whyever do you think this one is evil? As a cleric of Sarenrae I can assure you he is NOT."

Diplomacy (aid): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

With a giggle on her lips, "Kyra is right my dear. He is here to help. Indeed, we all are."

HA HA HA. Throw another one! There's a gold piece for you if you get it hanging around his crossbow!

Diplomacy aid: 1d20 ⇒ 19 Defusing the situation through humor. Yeah, that's it...

Once it's clear Harsk can touch the iron horseshoe and Kyra and the others start to explain themselves the woman relents:"Very well then. It seems you might not really be possessed but merely ugly... and everyone knows iron can do little to improve looks, unfortunately. My name is Maricella Weath, Dunhob's Elder. What is that you want with our village, strangers?"

You can ask her a few questions if you like

The handouts are locked from viewing. I assume that is where we look to see why we are here?"

Feiya keeps toward the back of the group, creating some distance between herself and the village elder. She can't resist letting out a small giggle as the woman continues to throw her horseshoes at Harsk, although she opts to keep her mouth shut once the ordeal is over.

With Daji, her fox, skulking behind her and numerous bones and other fetishes hanging off her tattered clothing, she feels she won't be much use in convincing the woman that the group are not actually evil. At least not yet.

Hakon smirks at the old woman's antics and conclusions about Harsk.

"I don't know. Sometimes it can."

"We're here to learn about--and maybe help you with--your haunted tavern."

@Kyra: Sorry for that. Solved now

The woman eyes Hakon suspiciously as he mentions the tavern:"If you mean the Lucky Lantern and you absolutely need to know a woman named Lady Illirigarde performed a private reading for poor Veny, and it killed him. She said her harrow cards touched the mind of a dreaming evil. She left all her magic instruments behind and promised to return when she learned how to drive out the spirits. But she never did. A few years back an adventurer named Wulfer went into the tavern and never came out. That place is haunted all right, but its name is still the Lucky Lantern. Anything else?”

"Would you mind if we took a look? We have experience in dealing with this sort of thing."

Well, not a LOT of experience, but we are troubleshooters.

Oloch nods along with Kyra, Anything else haunted around here? Or is the Lantern just unlucky?

"Eh t'ink we'll risk it...I d'unt bleeve dere be antyt'ing we kin't handle...

W'ere be dis tavern?"

"What sort of things have happened at the tavern to call it haunted," Hakon asks. "Besides the one death and the one disappearance."

The woman focuses on Hakon and answers his question:"Isn't that enough? The place isn't right though, even shadows move unnaturally there and dreams turn into nightmares for those sleeping near the place. And sometimes they aren't even asleep!" the elder screetches, sounding a bit crazy with her arms flailing in the air and her eyes almost popping out of her orbits.

She continues in a nononsense tone:“There are many fell spirits living near here, but our wards keep us safe. Still, we often get strange headaches or can’t sleep at night. But meddling folks like Lady Illirigarde often meet a bad end. That’s why we keep our noses out of it.” then she points at a rundown building on the edge of town:"That's the Lucky Lantern. I've warned you but if you wish to be foolish and risk your immortal souls for nothing I can't stop you, just don't come back as vengeful spirits to haunt us"

An ornate lantern hangs from a post in front of this derelict building. The doors and windows of the tavern are all boarded shut. Dozens of horseshoes are nailed to the front door.

Breaking through a boarded door or window requires a successful DC 15 Strength check, otherwise you can explore the tavern's surroundings

Strength check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

"Allow me."

Kyra walks up to the front door and grabs a board. She grunts and heaves and slowly, oh so slowly, the board comes loose.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

"What a quaint custom," Hakon says with a smirk as they approach the iron-bound tavern. "They seem to think they're keeping something trapped inside."

Oloch chuckles at Maricella's final words. I've got better people to haunt if I come back.

Feiya examines the horseshoes, curiously. Nodding along with Hakon's observation she tries to keep out of Kyra's way until the front door is clear.
"I don't think these are actually doing anything, so whatever resides within these walls must be doing so by choice."

Harsk loads and draws his crossbow, then enters, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious, as quietly as he can...

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Azora draws her blade and follows suit.

I just noticed everyone's names and icons. Am I supposed to be playing a pregen? If so, I will switch to Lem (that's the bard, correct?)

@Azora: rules say you can play a normal lvl 1 character instead of a pregen now. Though I asked everyone to stick with pregens becuase PFS Quests are not really threatening and playing a pregen levels the field a bit making the experience more fun

MAPS added

Not really concerned with the townspeople's superstitions Kyra breaks down the boards nailed into the main door to the "Lucky Tavern" and opens a passage for her friends.

The musty common room is coated with thick layers of dust. Dozens of black candles, animal skulls, and occult idols are arranged as decorations through the room. One table near the center of the room is decorated with human skulls and a crystal ball. A spread of harrow cards lies face down on the table and two chairs are pulled up to it. One chair sits empty and the other holds a skeletal corpse. As everyone enters, the candles all spontaneously light and a robed figure appears in the empty chair at the harrow table. Heavy robes hide the figure’s features, but you notice it has clawed hands and hooved feet.

As you approach the figure's tentacled mouth wriggles beneath its cowl in order to greet you...

“Welcome, travelers. Have you come to seek the wisdom of my harrow reading? These are strange times and those without guidance risk great peril. Stand before my table and learn your fate.”

What do you do?

Harsk shakes his head, moves up against the wall, and has his crossbow ready to fire...

"You look too much like a demon for me to trust, or perhaps undead. And from what I know this place is dangerous and haunted! "

Kyra wastes no time and flares some positive energy to harm undead, more to test the thing than to do any real damage.

Channel Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4, DC 12 for half.

"I, Hakon, am brave enough to learn my fate," the skald says as he approaches the table. He pauses, with his hand on the chair, ready to brush aside the skeleton when Kyra raises her holy symbol.

Oloch looks at Hakon in surprise.

I guess he is as stupid as his hair. <3

Go ahead, Hakon. I'll make it quick if it eats your soul. Wouldn't want you to linger.

There's something unnerving about the creature sitting at the harrow table, but Feiya can't quite place her fears.
She stands back, curious at the possibility of learning her fate, but not brave enough to put her own soul on the line first.

He nods to Oloch in appreciation.

Kyra's channel doesn't seem to hurt the apparition. The rest of you wait for Hakon the Brave to get his fate read from the creature from beyond...

It places nine cards onto the table in a square and flips three cards at a time to perform the reading. First it flips the left column (the past), then it flips the middle column (the present), and finally it flips the right column (the future)...

As it speaks these last words the apparition lingers for a moment, then disappears from sight... but at the same time the six skulls on the table animate and attack you!

Hey Hakon, your soul's safe!

Oloch ponders a moment:

Might want to get a helmet though!

Round 01 - Bold may act

Lem
Hakon

Beheaded (green)
Beheaded (yellow)
Beheaded (blue)
Beheaded (red)

Harsk
Kyra

Flaming skull (purple)
Flaming skull (orange)

Feiya
Oloch

Hakon curses in Skald and forceful knocks the chair backwards as he stands and draws his axes. He begins to chant a blood-pumping Linnorn battle hymn.

Raging Song: +2 STR & CON, +1 Will, -1 AC if you accept the benefit

Lem begins to sing a song of battle and glory to fill his allies heart's with bravery.

Starting a bard song to Inspire Courage. +1 on rolls to: Hit/Damage & Saves vs fear

Using Lem, but still going to post with Azora.

@Scuttlebutt & Azora: I'd like to see your PCs stats in your header, it would make my work easier, thank you

Lem and Hakon inspire their friends with their songs. The flying skulls are not amused...

Purple vs Kyra: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 -> Damage roll: 1d2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (3) = 4

Red vs Hakon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 -> Damage roll: 1d2 ⇒ 2

Yellow vs Hakon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 -> Damage roll: 1d2 ⇒ 2

Blue vs Hakon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 -> Damage roll: 1d2 ⇒ 2

Orange vs Lem: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 -> Damage roll: 1d2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (3) = 4

Green vs Harsk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 -> Damage roll: 1d2 ⇒ 1

For all his boldness Hakon receives a couple of painful bites from the flying skulls.

DC16 Knowledge (religion) to identify them, they are tiny, you get an AoO against them as long as you have a weapon ready in hand as they attack you

Round 01 - Bold may act

Lem
Hakon -4hp

Beheaded (green)
Beheaded (yellow)
Beheaded (blue)
Beheaded (red)

Harsk
Kyra

Flaming skull (purple)
Flaming skull (orange)

Feiya
Oloch

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Hakon swings at the first red skull to fly at him.

Handaxe: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
S: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

kn religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Kyra accepts the rage and strikes out at purple skull

To hit: 1d20 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 19
Slashing Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 7

AC is 13 while enraged.

Harsk moves 5' to the west and fires his crossbow at the green beheaded...

Crossbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 10

Between them Kyra and Harsk easily destroy one attacking skull each.

Hakon, was that an AoO? If you had your axe in hand you destroyed another skull

The remaining flaming skull attacks Lem again!

Orange vs Lem: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 -> Damage roll: 1d2 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (3) = 5

But misses again.

Round 01 - Bold may act

Lem
Hakon -4hp

Beheaded (yellow)
Beheaded (blue)

Harsk
Kyra

Flaming skull (orange)

Feiya
Oloch

You can also start round 2

What do you even cut off if they're just a head.

Greatsword @ Yellow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 20
Slashing: 2d6 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 15

Ha! The top of the head, that'll do it!

Feiya quickly steps forward, her knarled staff in hand. She raises it over her head gracefully, then strikes out at the orange flaming skull.
Quarterstaff: 1d20 ⇒ 15
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

(Moving into the space to the north of Lem.)

Oloch cuts down another skeletal head, while Feiya hits the flaming skull menacing Lem but can't destroy it outright.

Round 02 - Bold may act

Lem
Hakon -4hp

Beheaded (blue)

Harsk
Kyra

Flaming skull (orange) -3hp

Feiya
Oloch

Yes, that was an AoO.

Hakon continues his throaty song and strikes at the floating skull in front of him with his twin axes.

Handaxe 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
S 1: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Handaxe 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
S 2: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Lem takes a step back and draws his short sword. Ah...first level action economy.

"Gah, get him off me!"

Knowing discretion to be the better part of valor Lem retreats and arms himself ready to come back into the fight when it's on more favorable terms.
Hakon hits the flying skull with his handaxe but the nefarious creature keeps coming at him!

Attack roll (blue vs Hakon): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 -> Damage roll: 1d2 ⇒ 2

Fortunately this time its skeletal jaws can't find the skald's flesh.

Round 02 - Bold may act

Lem
Hakon -4hp

Beheaded (blue) -3hp

Harsk
Kyra

Flaming skull (orange) -3hp

Feiya
Oloch

Harsk loads his crossbow, moves 5' to the east and fires his crossbow at the orange creature...

Crossbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 1

"Keep up the good work, pathfinders. These things look like they need a loooong rest courtesy of the Dawnflower!"

To Hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Slashing Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Kyra smacks blue, still accepting the rage.

Kyra and Harsk finish off the last skulls leaving you alone inside the dilapidated tavern. On the harrow table, surrounded
by a faint glow you can see the harrow deck the strange creature used to read Hakon's fate...

what do you do?