PFS: Emerald Spire: Level 3--Splinterden (CORE) (Inactive)

Game Master R D

Play here.

Checking in. :)

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"And thus, the thrice-vaunted vector of pure Entropy/ Did plummet from the Maelstrom like a fluttering dovelet/ Alighting in Elysium among the droplets of pure ambrosia, and the twilight reeds did bend......No, no, that doesn't scan. Bother! It's far too difficult to come up with poetry whilst on a horse."

Cëanel vaults from his mount a bit awkwardly. "There, there, um, Chestnut, or whatever your name is, O celestial steed, hang on a bit while while we fearless heroes reconvene." He pats the horse's muzzle, and it obliges with a whicker. As usual, he has a Mount and Mage Armor, typical of the 'fearless' wizarding types.

Kay has money. Submit scroll requests!

Kay has money. Submit scroll requests!

Kay, if I bought a Scroll of Bull's Strength, would you be willing to cast it on me when the time is right? (I'll let you know when.)

Wouldnt hurt to have one or two Lesser Restoration scrolls. :/

will do, Flynn! I was thinking you'd benefit from that!

are you still ability drained, Desh?

Dot. Will level and proper post here shortly.

Desh is no longer str damaged.

Rawr!

Huzzah! Any requests for bard spell wands? Going to put some points into UMD when I get a chance, but for now... this is what we get! :)

Desh frowns up at the elf's poem, then barks a laugh as he dismounts.

"Chestnut, huh?" He yanks on the tether to the mule he's been leading during their return trip, a shaggy, surly thing that seems to have taken a serious dislike to its half-orc owner. "I'm gonna name this one večera if he don't quit nippin' at me." He gives the beast a wolfish grin, "Means 'dinner'."

The half-orc seems to have grown a few more weapons—now looking more and more like a walking arsenal—as well as a fancy new cloak and similarly fancy wooden shield on his back.

"So, we been in two levels of this place." He looks at the smarter group members (pretty much everyone), "What do ya think it is?"

Take your time; continue leveling up your characters. We'll begin when everyone is ready.

Let's get started soon. Is everyone just about ready? Your characters have plenty of in-game time to level up, train, and purchase items after the last adventure. So, feel free to kit yourselves out.

I have a wee emergency and won't be able to post until later today.

No problem. Take your time. Hope all's well.

Kohi is ready!

No scrolls of Lesser Restoration, Koh?

Spellcraft (Gust of Wind): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Spellcraft (Ray of Enfeeb): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Spellcraft (Web): 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 2 = 27

Kay doesn't learn Gust of Wind, but gets a few more spells. I'll adjust the sheet accordingly. -50 gp for writing RoE and Web in the spellbook.

OK. The entrance is as described above: Broad stone stairs open into a small, irregularly shaped chamber lit by oil lamps. To the east, a short flight of steps leads up to a sturdy door set in the middle of a wall and flanked by arrow slits. To the north, a wide gate of iron bars blocks an archway leading to a larger chamber filled with the eerie green glow of the Emerald Spire. Feel free to move/arrange yourselves on the map.

Kay is on a steed and will take up two squares, fyi.

With a shrug at the mounted elf, Desh drops the tether to the mule and proceeds forward … cautious as ever. He moves to the gates first, checking for traps before testing to see if they’ll easily open.

Let’s see about this gate, first.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9; +1 vs traps. <— sigh
Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Bad Guy Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Bad Guy Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Desh Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 1 Sorry, Desh. :-( I tried to give you another one...

Following your standard operating procedure from previous levels, Desh leads the way, looking for traps. As he moves forward and messes with the gate, a voice says: "Hey! You're not one of us! What are you doing here?!?" (I know you stealthed into the room, but between the lamps, the light of the spire, and you messing with the gate/bars, you're in plain sight.)

Crossbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20, Damage: 1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + (4) = 12
Crossbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25, Crit?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Sorry, Desh!!! :-(
Damage: 2d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 7) + (5) = 17

Desh Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Desh Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12, DEX damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

The half-orc drops unconscious. Unless he decides to use orc ferocity.

The party is up! The enemy is clearly behind the arrow slits.

Sheesh. Yah, the dice were out to get me on that one. :(

I'm not clear from your description, where did the attacks come from? The north or the east?

And I will, in fact, have Desh use Ferocity ... and I'll choose his actions based on your answer to the above.

The attacks came from the arrow slits to the east (to the right of your position next to the bars).

Surprise registers on Desh's face as two bolts thunk into his side, burying themselves deep and sending him staggering a few steps. In a show of resilience any orc would be proud of, the scout keeps his feet and lurches back across the room .... where he collapses in a heap on the stairs.

"Ambush," he chokes out as his eyes roll back in his head. Only his labored breathing indicates he's still alive at all.

Using my Ferocity-borne move action to GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE! O.o
(map updated)

And he's now at -2 hp.

Flyn quickly pokes his head around the corner to see if he can spot Desh's attackers, then ducks back.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

"Move back! Let's patch him up." he says, shoving Garret back up the stairs.

"Look, I know people tend to hate the spell, but I can raise a cloud of mist," says Cëanel. "It will spoil their arrow shots and give us some time."

Garrett is happily watching Desh from around the corner when he suddenly grunts in pain. The halfling frowns until he spots the two bolts protruding from his side! Before Garrett can say anything, he is pushed backward by his newfound friend, Flyn!

"Whoa! Desh, that was amazing! Desh?" He then notices their half-orc scout is unconscious. "Kohi! Do your healing thing, dear!" When talk turns towards tactics, the bard hmmmmms. "I think that might be an excellent idea, Ceanel! I can even utilize some of my illusion spells to assist. We need to make it across without being turned into pincushions..."

As Desh goes down under a hail of crossbow bolts, Kohi puts a hand to her mouth. Her other one goes to her waist and fishes out her holy symbol, which she raises to let forth a burst of healing power.

Channel: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5

"If you need more than that emergency dose and there's time, I'd be glad to use your wand. As for strategy, I don't have a great many insights beyond shutting those bows down somehow."

We've got wands of CLW, if you want to save your channel. He's the only one hurt, after all.

"Good idea, Kae... Let's get Desh patched up, and then we can try that."

"On your mark, then. My trusty steed and I can run to near the door and cast."

Nice! Glad to see everyone getting really flavorful posts in. I'm going to give you all circumstance bonuses for such a strong start to the module.

1d20 ⇒ 6
1d20 ⇒ 3
1d20 ⇒ 20
1d20 ⇒ 20

A couple of you notice a secret door! (Desh didn't notice it before because both he and I rolled 1's for his perception check.) You wonder if this door might provide alternate access to your ambushers.

(On phone, will update map later today to show door.)

Desh gasps as the healing brings him back to consciousness, and he begins growling out an unbroken string of orcish that anyone could guess was not complimentary of their hidden attackers.

Wand of CLW, 5 charges: 5d8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 5, 6) + 5 = 24

After taking a few moments to have Kohi put his wand to good use, he picks his longspear back up and nods to the team’s success at finding the hidden door—where he had been such an abysmal failure a few painful moments ago.

I say we hold until we can see the door (it may be the best route ... it may not).

[dice=Wand of CLW, 5 charges]5d8 + 5

Do you want to take 5 rounds? It gives them 5 rounds for shenanigans...

Somebody opens the secret door. Weapon racks and wooden wardrobes line the walls of this room. The dummies in the center of the room wear suits of armor. Masks hang on the wall near the door; each consists of a brass nosepiece with cheek guards, from which a veil of red silk hangs.

(Map updated.)

Reconsidering response given your description. Update coming.
I'll take the first charge from that wand, and will take healing we I can get it as we sneak forward.

As Desh considers the new room, he whispers to to the crew. "Lie to'em. Tell'em we're sorry and we're leavin." Then he hands Kohinoor his wand, "Heal me as we move forward."

Then, after the first charge from the wand, Desh stalks forward, watching carefully for traps ... either of the mechanical or ambush types.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10; +1 vs traps
Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Also, any indicator from the armor, weapons, or veils what or who these guys are?
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Kohi shakes her head as she peers into the secret door. "By the Dawn, this place gets stranger and stranger. Knights in armor living below goblins and undead?"

And what do we roll to determine the purpose of the masks? I mean, they look like some kind of breathing filter, but I'd like to be sure if we can.

Desh nods at Kohi's observation as he moves forward.

Craft Alchemy. Something inside the masks is dripping into the cloth where your nose and mouth would go. (Yum...)

Flyndal fumbles with his wand, trying to coax the healing energies from it. "Bah! Infernal things..."

UMD: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Garrett follows along with his companions, gleeful that Desh is back up on his feet. He examines the masks closely, but has no clue about the strange liquid dripping into the cloth. "Anyone interested in trying one of those on?"

Let's call this round 1. You have some-unknown-number-of rounds before stuff happens.

Desh leads the team into the strange secret room, muttering back to Kohinoor. "Keep the heals coming."

Wand of CLW, 1 charge: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

At the door, he checks it for traps before quietly trying to peek through.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13; +1 vs traps
Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

No traps in here.

And after quietly peeking through, what does Desh see?

A hallway. You can go left or right.

Kay mimes sneaking up behind the arrow shooters and slitting their throats, then shrugs and grins. He slides off his faithful pony.

Desh takes a moment to close the secret door through which they came, making sure none of the ambushers were coming from that direction.

Then, after another hit from his wand,
CLW, 1 charge: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

he steps into the hallway and sneaks to the left, seeking and listening for the ambushers.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17; +1 vs traps
Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

the goal is to see if they still think we're out there without walking into their midst blindly (again).

Flyndal waves the wand fruitlessly. "It's no good – I can't make it work," he whispers.

UMD: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Is nobody else trying to heal Desh?

PFS #:
Day Job:
Are you buying land?

PFS #: 121383-7 (Desh Greyskin; Ben Jolly; Grand Lodge)
Day Job: Profession (Trapper): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Are you buying land? D2

PFS #: 125008-6
Day Job: Profession(Merchant): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Buying Land: Yes - D2

PFS #: PFS#: 13693-10
Day Job: Perform: Oratory: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Are you buying land: Yes! C1

Which path are you guys going for the lands purchases? Is there any specific path that rewards better than another?

Each plot gives different benefits (as outlined on that Land Rush doc).

I'm pretty much making a b-line to G (for the Initiative bonus), picking up all Prestige-awarding plots along the way.

Gotcha! That's what it seemed like to me the direction you guys were going. I just wasn't sure if that was the case. Thanks, Desh!

Personally, because it makes sense for Garrett, I'm going to work my way towards E, then work my way up towards G. I never knew about this cool little thing with the Emerald Spire boons, it's pretty cool.

Lastly, Garrett is ready to go unless anyone has any requests on wands!

Flyn's player and I were chatting offline yesterday, and he's likely shooting for a more "mercantile" approach given his Exchange faction. So he might be looking for plots that boost his income or Day Job rolls and stuff. He wasn't decided, though.

Desh is just a scout and wilds-guy, though, so just owning some land and building up a training facility for other scouts is pretty much his goal at this point.

As for wands ... I have no clue. We'd be smart to have a few of the "survive" scrolls (like Lesser Resto I mentioned in the gameplay thread), but I don't know how critical those will be for this run.

Sorry to be of no help.

GM Engleaktig, I bought a mule to carry all Desh's extra gear (to keep his encumbrance light). My understanding is that mules can come with us into dungeons.

Will Desh's mule be able to accompany us to carry stuff? I figure it's better than constantly making my group-mates carry stuff. Now all they have to do is hold the leash.

Yes, the mule can go. Is it a "regular" mule? Is it "tricked out" in any way?

It's just a regular ole, 8g mule. As a rogue, I'm not even sure how I would go about getting it "tricked out".

I'm just bringing it for carrying capacity stuff.

It's just a regular ole, 8g mule... I'm not even sure how I would go about getting it "tricked out".

Put spinners on it!

My purchases:

Heavy Darkwood Shield

Potion of CMW

Potion 2x scrolls of Bull’s Strength

Everburning Torch

2x vials of Alchemist’s Fire

That's a good point, do you want us to list our sells/purchases between the adventures? I've got it on a tracking sheet, but could easily copy/pasta it here if you want it on our Chronicles.

That's a good point, do you want us to list our sells/purchases between the adventures? I've got it on a tracking sheet, but could easily copy/pasta it here if you want it on our Chronicles.

I put mine down so it's easier to track if I find discrepancies on my sheets, later.

Your tracking sheet is fine. Once you print out your chronciles, you're welcome to track your purchases there, in addition.

Who hasn't checked in or updated? I don't wanna jump in before people are really ready.

Looks like Kohinoor still needs to level up. Summary stats still show level 2.

Sorry for lack of posting this weekend. A couple of things came up IRL.

Please bot me as needed. We're in the process of having a death in the family, and I'm pretty much unfocused. I'll let you know when I'm back.

My sympathies, Kohi. We'll deal with stuff here.

So sorry to hear about that. :( Best wishes to you and your family.

Very sorry to hear that Kohi, you have my condolences. Take all the time you need.

*nods*

I think I'm going to start gearing Garrett towards Summoning. I'm trying to find some other good feats for a Core Bard, but coming up short. I figure he can pop out some summons while maintaining bardic performances and disarm/tripping... If I can ever get a good line of sight that is... lol.

What are your thoughts?

Thank you for bearing with me. I'm back-ish, but will be travelling across the United States this coming week. Feel free to continue botting me if I'm holding anything up.

I think we all slowed down a step. It's been bust lately for me, too. :-)

Kay and Garrett both know all there is to know about gibbering mouthers. They don't have any explicit weaknesses.

So, they know about the DR 5/bludgeoning? Nudge, nudge, guys...

:-) They totally know about the DR!

I'll let you guys know on my next turn.... Stupid gibbering mouthers... CR 5 my left foot! 6 attacks w/ grab, blinding ability, AND confusion...

I'll be backpacking from Aug 2-6, so bot the wizard! Said wizard has many summon scrolls left!

And I thought Kay mentioned bludgeoning in thar...

Thank you for your patience over the last week or two. I should be back to regular posting, for now at least.

No worries. :-)

Hey! Welcome back, Kohi. We've done our best not to get you kilt. :D

Thanks! I noticed I was blinded, but I think I've recovered?

Yes, the blindness from the acid spittle is only temporary.

Heads-up: I'm going out of town tomorrow, and will be out-of-pocket a lot over the next week. I will try to post when I can, but I don't want to slow down the action. Feel free to bot me as necessary.

I'm out starting friday evening, too .. should be back in the saddle fully next thursday.

Have fun, guys!

I'm back--and whoa, everyone left again? I rolled well on Intimidate against a bear with the Young template, made all my Survival checks...

A bear??

A small bear. It was going for our backpacks when we stepped away from them for a snack.

Dang!

Folks, I have to do a little bit of travel this week. I expect to be able to continue to post, but if there's a day or two when I seem slow or unresponsive, please bear with me. I might be stuck somewhere. :-)

And I should be back in the saddle tomorrow. Thanks for bearing with me over the small vacation.

My apologies, but I have just been informed about the need to do some further unexpected travel for the next couple of weeks. I expect to be able to post once or twice a day as usual. However, there may be a day or two when I'm unable to post at all. Sorry about the inconvenience. Please bear with me.

No problem! We all seem to be rather patient types.

This has been a very rough module for me, due to a lot of changes in my personal life. I'm currently traveling back across the country (Maine was a toxic situation for me), so I'll continue to be spotty. If I haven't been here enough to actually get credit, I totally understand.

You're good, Kohinoor. :-) I hope, at least, we've been able to provide a fun distraction from time to time.

Glad to hear that you're leaving a bad situation. I'm inclined to give you a chronicle sheet, if you want one. :-D

Sorry to hear that, Koh. We got your back.

Indeed! We shall endeavor to deal with these ambushing miscreants together!

Agreed. Stuff comes up, and Kohi has definitely been a contributor. Post as you can, but at the same time don't let our game become another burden.

Hope things are getting better for you. Keep your chin up! You're still standing, and I consider that a win. :)