[PFS] DM PatheticWretch presents Emerald Spire (The Tower Ruins, Table 1) (Inactive)

Game Master PatheticWretch

Standing in a wide clearing within the Echo Wood, the Emerald Spire is the ruin of a large Azlanti tower that appears to be made of green glass harder than stone. The upper portions of the tower were destroyed long ago, leaving broken, halfmelted glass blocks lying jumbled around the tower’s perimeter and the ground nearby. The site is well known to locals from both Fort Inevitable and Thornkeep, and many travelers passing through the Crusader Road area make the trek into the forest to look on the ruins—from a safe distance. The Spire’s ruins are known to be infested with dangerous monsters, and the surroundings attract an unhealthy number of bandits, raiders, and hungry predators.

As travelers emerge from the Echo Wood underbrush, they find themselves staring up at a ruined keep guarding a broken central tower, all made of smooth, green glass. It’s obvious that a grand battle took place here many years ago, and the clearing around the ruin lies barren, with sickly weeds struggling to rise from the magic-blasted earth. Melted chunks of twisted glass pepper the ground, lending a green hue to the clearing’s light. Despite the damage, however, the glass of the keep itself seems to have avoided the ravages of time, with those pieces that survived the initial cataclysm unmarred by pitting or cracking, clean of moss and other clinging debris. At the top of a steep dirt path winding up through the rubble, a doorway opens onto darkness, its entrance seeming to steal light into its inky depths.

.

.

.

Dot

... --- ...

An odd human who can best be described as a 60's hippie, steps forward. He offers each of the other adventurers a flower and a hug. (Totally up to you if you want to accept either. I won't overplay this aspect of my character's persona if it gets in the way.)

"Hey, Pathfinders! It's really groovy to meet you all. I'm going on this adventure to save up enough money to go to herbalist school. Cuz, you know, herbs are totally cooool."

His voice drifts off dreamily as he thinks about herbs. (Eventually, he'll take profession herbalist in keeping with his character concept as a healer and non-combatant.)

An elf wearing flowing robes and walking with a staff accepts the flower and hug with a chuckle. Long, dyed hair and extremely fair skin make Evariel's gender difficult to determine at first glance. "How quaint. You picked these on the way here, didn't you? I had always heard humans were the emotional ones."

Pure coincidence that my one "gender-undecided" character is in the same game as another, heh.

Grummosh declines the hug but takes the flower before feeding it to a tiny lizard crawling over his shoulders. Grummosh much like his name is not what you would call pretty, but his features are distinguished and he has the look of a grizzled veteran. He wears an almost worn-out suit of scale with a massive axe strapped to his back, a fur pelt of a wolf adorns his shoulders. "Yes, they are. Though Gorebash appreciates the snack." The lizard nods his head in agreement.

"Well now your a friendly one" he booms in responses to the hug
"So you know a thing or two about herbs? I have this roasted pig stew I been working on, I can't seem to balance the flavor of the fungus I use to baste the pork. It is always a tad bitter...you know any herbs that could help?" Stonetree's excitement is evident as he launches into the discussion of food, and looks to the inspiring herbalist expectantl

The words of Venture-Captain Holgarin Smine were baffling. Sure, the assembled Pathfinders had heard of the Emerald Spire before, but like most people from this region never considered the possibility of exploring it. But recently, two wizards from Thornkeep apparently did just that.

"Two weeks ago, he explains, "two wizards of the Goldenfire Order went into the fortress, but never came out again. Lady Iliara Starcloak, the leader of this order, is seriously concerned about her two missing members. A concern, should we provide aid, that we can obviously leverage to our advantage. I don't have to tell your that the Goldenfire Order can be a powerful ally. I want you to do as the wizards did and explore the fortress, on the premise of a rescue mission. Of course, anything else you might find noteworthy to report is of value as well. You would be the first to emerge from the fortress since time unknown."

Now, just a few days later, the Pathfinders find themselves assembled at the base of the tower.

The stone staircase that led up to the tower’s door is now nothing more than a rubble-strewn cliff. On the tower’s south side, a dirt path winds up the steep embankment to a pitch-black doorway.

Go ahead and introduce yourselves. You are on the path looking up at the fortress. Please make sure you have a light source!

"I am Grummosh, shaman. I am trained in magic to aid others." The half orc says before the tiny lizard on his shoulder nudges him. "And this is Gorebash."

Dragos has Darkvision

Strolling up the path with the rest of the group is a pale skinned human that seems to not receive much sun, with Aquamarine eyes and jet black hair with a shock white streak running through it. He wears the suit of Ustalavic nobility, though noticeably out of fashion and very battered. A large scythe is strapped to his back, the blade at the bottom, he wears a constant smile, tryinn to put people at ease yet it can often come across as creepy with his complexion.

"Greetings my lovelies! I am Dragomir Gaspair-Dukain of Tarantio and Dukain's Funerary services. Should ye be needing a fine coffin I would be happy to provide, mourners cost extras. You are welcome to call me Dragos"

Sat on his shoulders with their tail wrapped around the Undertaker's neck is a small Draconian creature lazily watching you all. It doesn't speak much but oft times whispers to Dragos in the language of dragons.

Obviously awkward, he turns down the hug and is about to turn down the flower when the Drake holds out a claw for it, holding it tight.

"Ah yes, this is my esteemed business partner, Tarantio. Don't mind him too much!"

Knowledge History if appropriate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Flower as 30' of darkvision. I also have a Wayfinder and the ability to cast the Light spell. This could be useful if we need light with us, and also want to toss a lit pebble down a hallway or something.

"So you know a thing or two about herbs? I have this roasted pig stew I been working on, I can't seem to balance the flavor of the fungus I use to baste the pork. It is always a tad bitter...you know any herbs that could help?"

Flower's eyes take on a faraway stare as though seeing various food comibanations. His response rambles a little bit as he struggles to stay focused on the topic of fixing a slightly bitter dish: "You can really ramp up the flavor of your dishes by pairing foods with their complementary, umami-rich ingredients. The savory, mouth-filling taste known as umami occurs naturally in some foods, such as tomatoes. It also occurs when you pair certain complimentary ingredients--totally amplifying their savoriness! You can try roasting the fungus before adding it to the stew. The heat cuts some of the bitterness. Also, salt not only brings out the flavors and aromas of other ingredients in a dish, it reduces bitterness."

"You know, friend, I like you! I pledge to do my best to keep you alive. Peacefully, of course! And, if the worst should happen, I'll totally make sure your remains are handled according to your religious preferences."

”Fellow adventurers! I am so happy to acquaint you all!” Chortles bows low, swishing his colorful hat and winking golden eye at the gathered party. He stands and adeptly switches the incoming hug to a handshake with one hand and taking the flower with the other. He adds the flower to the flair of his hat.
”This will be the greatest accomplishment of our time! The secrets of this tower will spew on us happiness and fame forever. Our names will mingle with the stars in their glory and our triumphs will be told through out the ages!” Chortles pauses for effect, waiting for the applause he is sure will come.

Low light vision + torches + dancing lights for a light source

Okay, now that everyone is introduced, any special considerations in approaching the tower? Or are you just walking up? Also, I still can't copy/paste tokens for some reason. I can copy/paste text, but pasting tokens keeps giving me the same token over and over. So please place your tokens and let me know if you have any special plans for approach.

Dragos turns to the man full of flair with a chuckle and eyes him up and down as if measuring him against something... Or for something, before quickly shaking his head as he recalls just why he finds himself here right now. Staring up at the grand tower ahead he looks back at Chortles.

"Know any jokes?"

No specific precautions here, if everyone starts to act 'professional' Dragos will keep and ear out for odd sounds. On my phone right now, but will copy the tokens over shortly

From his lounging spot upon Dragos' shoulders, a rather small Purple scaled Drake looks at the gathered agents and seems to roll its eyes, though it doesn't make any attempt at understanding or communicating. Taking the offered flower, The Drake spends a moment trying to tuck it behind its ear before giving up and sticking it in their fanged Maw, so that it hangs out. Eyeing the reptile crawling on the Shaman, the creature sighs.

"ഇത് തികച്ചും യാദൃശ്ചികമായി, തുടർന്ന് അത്" Evariel agrees with the drake.

Evariel has low-light vision, but he'll probably have to rely on Flower's light spell. No special tactics for going in.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Grummosh raises an eyebrow at Dragos. "Your companion seems ill."

Stonetree scrambles frantically for his notebook in attempt to transcribe the avalanche of information provided by Flower. "Thank you, thank you " Stonetree mutters to Flower before hearing Chortles introduction

"I swear every time you speak you come closer to sounding like a badger with his unknowns in a noose" Stonetree loudly chids Chortle in familiar tone

Wayfinder and the ability to cast the Light spell

The Pathfinders do not take precautions to conceal their approach as they get to know each other, with Stonetree and Flower exchanging cooking tips and the familiars chatting away.

As they walk up the steep path to the tower, the group suddenly hears the call of alarm. Looking up, they see a small, green-skinned humanoid and some sort of dog.

Round 1 (bold may act)

Dragos
Stonetree
Evarial
Chortles
Flower
Baddies
Grummosh

All but Grummosh are up. I moved everyone back a bit on the trail. If you are not on the map yet, please place your token, but at least behind the closest PC.

"Oh, look at that. Our adventure's begun already." With a gesture, Evariel tugs magically at the small creature's mind, testing its defenses. These minor spells, even the lesser races sometimes resist them.

Casting daze, DC 14 Will or take no actions this turn.

Chortles' Axe springs to his hand. He strums a power chord, "Let me tell you a tale of a doomed clan of eunuchs who lost their civilization by making a tree of stone."

Bardic Performance - Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects; +1 competence bonus to attack and weapon damage

Dragos turns to chortles with a bemused look on his face, but shakes his head to focus on the task at hand. Moving forwards, the druid pulls a sling from his pocket and sets it spinning, unable to launch a stone at present.

Move action forwards then a second move action to draw sling. God i despise +0BAB

Rolling their eyes at the unprepared nature of the agents, his business partner included, Tarantio darts forwards, leaping on the Parody of a dog and sinking its fangs into their flesh.

bite, inspire: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12 for damage: 1d3 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 + 1 = 3

"Thanks for all this Flower" Stonetree said gesturing to his notebook."But I think I am needed up front" Stonetree boomed before lumbering forward

Move and move

-Move Action: Flower moves up so that he's closer to the enemy, but not in the way of any melee combatants. He wants to be close enough to the nearest enemy to use Misfortune, if needed.

-Standard Action: Cast Guidance on Dragos.

-Free Action: Naively, the oracle asks the party, "What is that creature? Does anyone know why it seems so angry? Maybe we can make friends with it?"

@Chortles: If you start to run low on your rounds of bardic performance, please keep in mind that my banner provides similar bonuses to the party. Sadly, our respective bonuses do not stack.

The goblin stands there mute, thanks to Evariel's spell. Whether anything else heard its alarm, or hears the dog barking, is another matter.

Chortles begins some inspiring oratory while they rush forward, but none are able to reach the dog except for Tarantio. The dog bites at the tiny creature as it nears, they miss each other, and then the dog bites again, but also misses again. Is there something that keeps this tiny creature from provoking an AoO? It missed, but just curious.

Round 1 (bold may act)

Dragos
Stonetree
Evarial
Chortles
Flower
Baddies
Grummosh

Everyone is up!

unarmed strike: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 1 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

Stonetree approaches the dog like thing and simple kicks it.

"Don't think this thing will want to be friends now..." Stonetree yells to Flower

Stonetree and Tarantio should add another +1 to attack and damage because of my flag. Chortles pointed out in the discussion thread that some of our bonuses do stack. :)

Sings, "The great family of TreeStones rested their now cold and beloved elder father in the ground next to his life's companion. Never had a man and a sheep looked so content..."

you'll have to thank Sethran for the bonuses, lol

Continuing Bardic Performance - Inspire Courage: +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects; +1 competence bonus to attack and weapon damage

Grummosh will draw his crossbow and fire at the goblin, seeing as the party is already aided.
Inspire, Flag: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Nothing prevents Tarantio taking AoO sadly, glad they missed ^^. They also cannot 5' step into spaces so they will always provoke doing so :(

Dragos winces as the foe's 'Dog'snaps at his business partner but breathes a sigh of relief as it fails to draw blood. Seeing Stonetrees' fearsome kick Dragos steps forwards and loads his sling, launching a stone at the Dog.

If the dog is killed, attack the goblin, I have not accounted for cover

Sling, Flag, Inspire: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 6

Tarantio hisses at the large rodent dog as it tries to bite the smaller drake. With a snarl it bites at the dogs ankles as Stonetree kicks.

bite: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 17 for damage: 1d3 - 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 + 1 + 1 = 4

Well that was surprisingly useful, Evariel thinks. Shame that spell will only work once. "I think making friends with it is already out," he says to Flower. "We didn't notice it until it had already sounded the alarm." Pointing his staff like a weapon, he fires a ray of shimmering light at the goblin's eyes. That's about as close as I've come to evocation magic. "At least, I assume that's what it was doing."

Blinding Ray (touch): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7 (minus any cover bonuses that might apply)
Rays used: 1/7

Stonetree approaches the hideous dog-like creature and with a powerful kick, fractures some of its necessary bones, dropping it in one swift blow.

Chortles inspires the group with deprecating comments about Stonetree...ones that seem highly likely. ;P

Grummosh fires his crossbow at the dazed goblin, but misses widely. Dragos likewise misses. Tarantio, seeing the dog fall, bites the dazed goblin.

Evariel tries to blind the dazed creature, which seems to be stirring again, but misses.

Flower gets distracted by some of nature's most amazing creations on the side of the trail...some cryptobiotic soil covered in lichens and mosses that must not be stepped on by his companions. "Don't bust the crust!" Putting Flower on Delay to keep things moving, can act twice.

The goblin snaps out of Evarial's spell, and apparently a second goblin and its mount heard the alarm...they come barreling through the dark portal of the tower with a warcry.

"ಪಿಂಕ್ ಚರ್ಮ! ಅವುಗಳನ್ನು ಕೊಲ್ಲಲು!"

Both goblins draw short bows and fire at Stonetree, to devastating effect.

One strikes him on the right side of his chest, piercing deeply. 19 dmg between the two!

The goblin dog tries to take a bite out of Tarantio, but snaps at the air.

Round 2 (bold may act)
INSPIRE COURAGE +1/+1
BANNER +1/+1

Dragos
Stonetree (-19)
Evarial
Chortles
Flower
Baddies 1 (-4)
Baddie 2
Baddie dog
Grummosh

Everyone is up!

Grummosh reloads and fires at the closest goblin again.

Buffs: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Seeing the Arrows hammer home, Dragos winces before springing into action. A nifty flick of his free hand sends a long willow wand into it, brimming with energy. Standing behind Stonetree the Druid activates the wand with a word and sends forth healing magic into the brawler's wounds.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Score! Stonetree is now on 10/20 ^^

With a snarl as it gives in to its basic instincts, Tarantio lunges for the newest foe and bites at its throat.

Bite, Inspire, flag: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12 for damage: 1d3 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) - 1 + 2 = 4

Flower moves closer to his companions and readies to use misfortune if a goblin should strike true.

"Can't we all just get along?" he pleads with the goblins.

Martial flexibility: Dedicated Adversary - Goblin

Stonetree with the extra energy provided by the healing of some of his gaping wounds closes the gap on the goblin.

Evariel wrinkles his nose when the goblin dog-- followed shortly by Stonetree-- goes down, as if witnessing someone defecate in his presence. "Well it looks like the time for all that is definitely gone. See if you can keep the others alive while they do the... vulgar part." Evariel gestures at the newcomer as he continues up the path.

Casting daze on the new goblin, DC 14 Will or take no actions this turn.

Flower, remind me how you want to use Misfortune. Are you wanting to use it every time a goblin first attacks? I'd like to accommodate that ability but had forgotten about it.

As the arrows hit home, Chortles breaks from his inspiring comedy to mend the fallen.

"The gods shine on you today, big man."

cure light wounds on stone tree: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Grummosh reloads and fires at the nearest goblin, but his bolt sails just over the goblin's head.

Dragos, seeing Stonetree's life-threatening wounds, heals him with his wand. Chortles also adds to the healing and Stonetree feels like new. Chortles, I don't see you on the map and am not sure if you could reach him, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. I am unable to clear my old cache in copy/paste and can't copy your icon for some reason. Please place yourself on the map.

Tarantio tries to bite the goblin dog, and despite Flower's hex, only earns a vicious bite in return. AoO for 5 dmg, dog passed will save on misfortune.

Flower prepares to shame the goblins into peace, though they don't respond well. Flower, could you let me know how you would like to use your Misfortune ability? Is it the first time a target attacks? Can you use it multiple times per round?

Stonetree reviews the best way to fight these small, fast creatures and advances. Stonetree, on the map you have passed the goblin dog...that is the SECOND goblin dog that came from the tower, not the dead one. Normally you would have to stop in front of it, but it already used its AoO on Tarantio. If you want to stop in front of it, go ahead and do so on the map, or you can be next to the goblins, though they are flanking you.

Avariel tries to daze the new goblin as she had the last, but this time it doesn't work.

The goblins both try to bite the newly-invigorated Stonetree. One steps back and attacks the brawler with its horsechopper. The other, without a melee weapon, fires another shot from its bow. AoO from Stonetree.

The goblin dog, eager to get Tarantio away, bites and drops the tiny creature. 7 hp dmg

Round 3 (bold may act)
INSPIRE COURAGE +1/+1
BANNER +1/+1

Dragos (Tarantio has lost 12 hp)
Stonetree
Evarial
Chortles
Flower
Baddies 1 (-4)
Baddie 2
Baddie dog
Grummosh

Everyone is up!

Grummosh moves and draws his axe.

Evariel frowns. "Looks like the new one is a bit sturdier. I'll stay on the first one for now."

I've lost track of which goblin is which-- could you color-border them maybe? Targeting the first one, which I dazed earlier.
Blinding Ray (touch): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 2 = 13
If that hits, target is blinded for 1 round (no save). If it has 2+ HD, it's dazzled for 1 round instead.

AoO
unarmed strike: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 11

Stonetree quickly lashes out and punishes the goblin for using a bow in such tight quarters with an overhand right across the creatures jaw. Stonetree than creates a bit of space and launches a downward kick at the goblins knee, followed immediately by a left hand heymaker.

flurry: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 221d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 15
damage: 1d6 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 101d6 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 14

Wow. Since Stonetree comes before me in initiative, if that drops the goblin I'll target the other one.