[PFS] GM Lithrac's Evergreen Trilogy (Inactive)

Game Master Cyril Corbaz

will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Gridger starts fuming with frustration assert how helpless he is!

HOPEFUL will save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Yakari is way too bored to play this game and lets the other analyze the room.

"Hey, Hikari, don't you sense anything?"

will save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

"Look, there's a secret door!" Without explaining further, Hikari attempts to open it, but it resists his attempts. "There must be some way to open this." He searches around the alcove until his hand brushes against the nameplate in the alcove, sliding it to one side revealing a small chalkboard and a piece of chalk.

He ponders briefly, then exclaims, "Ah yes, friend Gridger. The password." Picking up the chalk, Hikari writes down Fimbrik' password, Wiffle.

Yakari smiles eventually.

"That's the Hikari I know!" declares the young man, hitting one of his fist into his other open hand.

That were the dice rolls we were looking for!

Aye, you've had a rather unlucky streak there!

As soon as the password is inscribed upon the chalkboard, the wall behind it dissolves and turns to be an illusion. wandering further, you cross a large cave that doesn't seem to be very natural. Perhaps magic was used to carve through rock here? The cavern is dark, but a brilliant white light can be seen at its northern end. You find yourselves walking into a repository of (very dusty) knowledge. Several desks are arranged along the northern and eastern edges of this small stone alcove. Whereas the stonework leading to this chamber is rough, the walls in the alcove are polished. A single gem rests among the neatly filed papers on the desk, emitting a soft luminescence that brightens the small room.

The paperwork on the desk appears to be a massive collection of archives, most of it written in old Azlanti, or even a dialect based off that language. This is a trove, a prieceless treasure for the Society, which should be reported at once.

"Does anybody understand what any of these say?" Gridger starts ruffling through to see if he can spot anything else.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Hikari glances through the notes as Gridger ruffles through them but they make no more sense to him either. He does not seem particularly bothered, however. Satisfied that the party's investigations have largely reached the end, he says to Gridger, "I trust the scholars back at the Grand Lodge would be able to make sense of these. Whether it was Venture-Captain Dreng's intention or not, I do believe the wild-goose chase he sent us on has led us to the discovery of Eylysia's hidden reports."

Instead, he steps back from the desk and simply looks up towards the heavens, uttering a silent prayer of thanks. "Dear Goddess of the Sun, thank you for illuminating our way."

Knowing that you've now reached your goal and only have to report your findings to the Grand Lodge, you spend a few minutes gathering the documents before leaving. As you exit the secret passage, a clamor of dread echoes through the Shrine of the Failed, as Sir Reinhart must have met an untimely demise. Yet a danger arises for you, very real and tangible. Three men are expecting you in the main hall, weapons drawn. You immediately recognize the bronze badges they're wearing - Aspis Consortium! This rival organization is known to be ready to do anything to stop the Pathfinder agents it encounters.

"We'll take what you found on your dead bodies, Pathfinders." The way he spits the last word make it sound like an insult. Violence appears to be inevitable.

Ambush at the Shrine of the Failed! - round 1
1. Gridger
2. S, A
3. Haldoc
4. T
5. Yakari, Hikari
Gridger is up!

So disadvantaged when I can't draw and move :(, two move actions to draw two daggers.

Gridger readies himself and draws his weapons. In his grumpy state, he groans a little.

One of the Aspis agents (orange) steps forward and shoots an arrow at Gridger. The missile is very precise and catches Gridger off-guard. Fortunately, the wound is only superficial.
Longbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 251d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

A cunning Aspis wielding a sword (red) takes a step forward, ready to strike.

Ambush at the Shrine of the Failed! - round 1
1. Gridger (3)
2. S (r), A
3. Haldoc
4. T
5. Yakari, Hikari

Sorry, I'm usually quicker but I had to go thru the worst day of my life yesterday. I might be spotty for a bit.

Haldoc, being quick on his feet, moves to engage the cunning sword-wielding Aspis!

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14 for Damage: 2d4 + 10 ⇒ (1, 3) + 10 = 14

Truly sorry to hear that. I hope things will improve from now on!

Haldoc is too hasty to engage his foe, and his massive blade only meets thin air. At that very moment, the swordsman's blade strikes back, but its wielder loses his balance as he avoided Haldoc's blade, and his own strike misses.
Ready action - Longsword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 51d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The Aspis agent at the back weaves a spell to bless his companions.

Ambush at the Shrine of the Failed! - round 2
1. Yakari, Hikari, Gridger (3)
2. S (bless), A (bless)
3. Haldoc
4. T (bless)

Yakari moves forward, followed by Grand Aigle.

He waits before coming to contact to focus on his training.

Martial flexibility to gain "Improved Dirty trick".

Move and attack! Target red.

dagger, range: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Hikari moves forward together wth his team mates, calling upon Shizuru's divine favor on himself.

casting Divine Favour.

As Yakari and Hikari ready themselves for battle with spell and technique, Gridger strikes! However, his dagger is easily dodged by the expert swordsman. He slashes at Haldoc with his longsword, favoring a good offense over a turtled defense. His tactics prove to be fruitful, for Haldoc leaves the exchange of blows with torn muscles in his right leg.
Longsword, Bless: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 231d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

His archer companion shoots an arrow at Gridger. The missile flies straight at him, and pierces the half-orc's neck, inflicting a great deal of pain.
Longbow, PBS, Bless: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 191d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Ambush at the Shrine of the Failed! - round 2
1. Yakari, Hikari, Gridger (10)
2. S (bless), A (bless)
3. Haldoc (7)
4. T (bless)

Now injured, Haldoc erupts with rage and tries to dismember the enemy!

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14 for Damage: 2d4 + 12 ⇒ (3, 1) + 12 = 16

Once again, the swordsman parries Haldoc's blow, though this time not effortlessly. The Aspis priest draws his morningstar and wades into melee, striking Haldoc.
Morningstar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 171d8 ⇒ 8
The blow seems unassuming at first -especially coming from such an inexperienced combatant- but it catches Haldoc unaware and crushes his skull in a loud crack. Yet the half-elf still stands, although barely!

Ambush at the Shrine of the Failed! - round 3
1. Yakari, Hikari, Gridger (10)
2. S (bless), A (bless)
3. Haldoc (15)
4. T (bless)

Hikari steps up behind Haldoc and sheathes his katana. He calls upon Shizuru's blessed light to heal his companion.

5-foot step behind Haldoc, move action to sheathe weapon so as to free one hand, standard action to cast CLW.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 on Haldoc. Noooo! Sigh.

Gridger, if you hang on one more round, Hikari will get his wand of CLW out for you.

Haldoc does manage to withstand the blow only due to the rage engulfing his body.

After the hit and the heal I'm at 4 HP, the temps are gone.

range,dagger: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 221d4 ⇒ 4
Attacking orange, is there penalties as character is next to Haldoc? and move to escape

No penalties from where you were with an attack on orange.
As Hikari attempts to do some damage control on the furious half-elf, Gridger throws another dagger, and this time finds a weak spot in the archer's armor.

Ambush at the Shrine of the Failed! - round 3
1. Yakari, Hikari, Gridger (10)
2. S (bless), A (bless, 4)
3. Haldoc (15)
4. T (bless)

Yakari and Grand Aigle move to face the red-clad man and they try a little trick of theirs. Yakari plants his fingers shaped in a V into the man's eyes, while Grand Aigle distracts him.

Basically trying a Dirty Tactic to blind him, Grand Aigle is making an aid another check.

Grand Aigle's aid to Yakari's trick, flank: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 2 = 14 Success!

Yakari's trick, flank, dirty fighting, aid, improved dirty tactics: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 4 + 2 + 2 = 13 oh, come on! -_-'

Yakari gets a +4 instead of the regular +2 from Improved Dirty Trick thanks to flanking and Dirty Fighting.

So basically Grand Aigle made a turn greater than 180° by sacrificing 10 feet of movement, right? That's a DC 20 Fly check.
Fly DC 20: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Grand Aigle attempts a perilious flying maneuver, but the winds inside the shrine are scarce, and he doesn't manage it, and thus is unable to provide flanking for his two-legged companion. The latter, perhaps cross to see the majestic roc fail, misses his dirty trick too.

The swordsman strikes Halodc again, surprised not to see the might half-elf go down after the staggering blows he's endured so far, but Haldoc offers a stark resistance and parries the blow!
Longsword, Bless: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 91d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

The archer decides to shoot at Haldoc, deciding that he's decidedly the biggest threat. However, the mighty rager proves too intimidating for the archer, whose arrow flies far and wide.
Longbow, PBS, Bless, shoot in melee: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 8 - 4 = 101d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Ambush at the Shrine of the Failed! - round 3
1. Yakari, Hikari, Gridger (10)
2. S (bless), A (bless, 4)
3. Haldoc (13)
4. T (bless)

Haldoc continues to fight! Going for red.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 for Damage: 2d4 + 12 ⇒ (1, 1) + 12 = 14

Haldoc's mighty blow barely misses the swordsman, while his priestly accomplice attempts to crush Haldoc's skull with his morningstar. Guided by his divinity's hand, the spiked ball breaks a few ribs, and Haldoc collapses.
Morningstar, Bless: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 141d8 ⇒ 7

The rage ends, Haldoc is at -5 and bleeding.

Ambush at the Shrine of the Failed! - round 4
1. Yakari, Hikari, Gridger (10)
2. S (bless), A (bless, 4)
3. Haldoc (20 dmg, -5, bleeding)
4. T (bless)

"Haldoc!!!"
I'm practically useless at the moment :( just drawing the two more daggers as two move actions.

Were you intending to throw the dagger or melee? If the first, you can draw one with a move action and throw with a standard action. Oh, and with Haldoc down, Hikari will focus the healing on him.

Hikari pulls out his wand and use it to heal Haldoc. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to bring him back to consciousness.

wand of clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Haldoc dreams of things that once happened on another world and time but ended too soon. He wonders if it was real...

-1 HP now, but stable.

Rogues start with 0bab can't move and draw :( and I'm out of line of sight

Yakari shakes his head. "Haldoc!"

Forgetting any tricks and tactics, he focuses on his training once again and just punches with all his strength the red-clap guy before him, joined by Grand Aigle.

Move to get "Power Attack"

Pain paysan, flank, PA: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 - 1 = 21 for B: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10

Grand Aigle's Bite, flank: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 = 11 for B,P,S: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

If you want to have the flanking bonus with Yakari, you need to have Grand Aigle move (and normally, attack) before Yakari strikes (or ready an attack and have the roc move first). Luckily, you don't need the flanking bonus to hit with Yakari this time.

The young man is the first to break the Aspis swordsman's expert defense. His punch rises high, catching the Aspis unaware and breaking his jaw in a thousand bone shards. Yet the man remains able to fight, and now has decided on who his next victim should be.

Hikari attempts to knit the wounds of his brawny companion, but only manages to staunch the bleeding.

The swordsman retaliates against Yakari, aiming a slash at the boy's chest, but the shoanti brawler proves too elusive for him.
Longsword, bless: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 101d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The archer changes his tactics, seeing who the healer of the Pathfinders is. Circling around the main melee, he gets a clear line of fire at Hikari, and looses a well-aimed arrow. The Tien didn't expect this, and takes the arrow... in the knee.
Longbow, PBS, bless, shoot in melee: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 231d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Skipping Haldoc since he's stable.

The Aspis priest, surprised by the massive blow his sword-wielding companion took, takes a step back and casts a curative spell to close the swordsman's wounds.
Curative Spell - totally not CLW!: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Ambush at the Shrine of the Failed! - round 5
1. Yakari, Hikari (8), Gridger (10)
2. Swordsman (bless, 7), Archer (bless, 4)
3. Haldoc (20 dmg, -1, stable)
4. Touched (bless)

Hikari grits his teeth in pain as the arrow pierces his knee and emerges from the other side. With his wand in hand, he lays another charge of healing on Haldoc, knowing he can do more damage in combat, bringing him back to consciousness.

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Then, despite the accurate shot from the archer, Hikari moves forward, hoping to draw his fire as he knows he is the best armored.

Ok, I think we need a bit of strategising to get through this. I'm hoping that Yakari and Grand Aigle can take out the swordsman with their attacks, and either one move forward to the healer, hopefully allowing Haldoc to get up from prone. The most dangerous is the archer, and Hikari hopes to draw his fire from the rest of the party. Gridger, if you move up to me, say beside the E1 label, I can heal you the next round, and you can also range attack the archer without any penalties. What do you guys think?

Will need to gather his weapon and stand up. He'll also be fatigued.

Had what you were thinking in mind!

dagger, range, orange target: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 141d4 ⇒ 4

Had what you were thinking in mind! Move and attack

dagger, range, orange target: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 151d4 ⇒ 4

Hikari takes his time to put Haldoc back on his feet, and the mighty warrior regains consciousness. Gridger throws a dagger at the archer, but the latter easily dodges the blade.

Ambush at the Shrine of the Failed! - round 5
1. Yakari, Hikari (8), Gridger (10)
2. Swordsman (bless, 7), Archer (bless, 4)
3. Haldoc (12)
4. Touched (bless)

Yakari, proud to have broken the swordsman's jaw and relieved to have dodged his blows for now, doesn't stop at this and aims for his guts! Grand Aigle bites and slashes the man, hoping to bring him down.

Pain pour le prochain! flank, PA: 1d20 + 4 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 - 1 = 13 for B: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8

GA's Talon, flank: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5 for P,S: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
GA's Talon, flank: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5 for P,S: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
GA's Bite, flank: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 = 20 for B,P,S: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Grand Aigle brings the first real ray of hope - the expert swordsman finally drops unconscious, victim of the roc's deadly beak!

The archer shoots Hikari, hoping to bring him down in turn. However, luck is on the Tien's side: the archer doesn't aim knock his arrow properly, and only manages to hurt his fingers without shooting an actual arrow! Too much stress for the poor Aspis agent, it seems.
Longbow, PBS, Bless: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 91d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Feeling that their ambush is turning sour, the archer retreats to the entrance.

Ambush at the Shrine of the Failed! - round 5
1. Yakari, Hikari (8), Gridger (10)
2. Swordsman (bless, 12, unconscious), Archer (bless, 4)
3. Haldoc (12, prone)
4. Touched (bless)

Haldoc will retrieve his weapon and stand up. He'll then move to threaten the closest enemy! Using my standard to do so.

The Aspis priest seems a bit taken aback by the turn of events, and isn't sure how to react. In doubt, he trusts his inner nature: heal his companions and get them back on their feet. You feel a faint wave of positive energy washing over some of you, as the Aspis agents' wounds start to close. Luckily, Gridger's wounds also close in the same manner!

Channel Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 2 Gridger is affected, but Hikari and Haldoc aren't.

Ambush at the Shrine of the Failed! - round 6
1. Yakari, Hikari (8), Gridger (8)
2. Swordsman (bless, 10, prone), Archer (bless, 2)
3. Haldoc (12, prone)
4. Touched (bless)

Hikari turns to Gridger beside him and taps him with his wand, bringing him back to full health!

wand of clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 woohoo!

He then moves forward, positioning himself to limit the movement of the archer.

I believe he wouldn't provoke AOO as the swordsman is prone, and the archer is not holding a melee weapon.

Just so you know: being prone doesn't prevent from making AoOs. The swordsman won't make one, however, because he dropped his weapon when he went unconscious and hasn't picked it up yet.

So, basically, Yakari sees that the swordsman becomes conscious again? If that's right:

Yakari kicks the swordsman hard.

"Go back to sleep, dude!"

Pied plat, flank, prone, PA: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 4 + 2 - 1 = 28 for B: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8

If he's unconscious, Yakari steps on the swordsman's corpse.

Seeing his master deal with the prone man, Grand Aigle flies forward to hit the yellow-clad man.

GA's Talon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 for P,S: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
GA's Talon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 for P,S: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
GA's Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

GA's Talon CONFIRM?: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12 for P,S: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Absolutely right! Except about the "corpse" part: unconscious doesn't mean dead, but you can stand on him if you so wish.

Yakari kicks the swordsman in the ribs, and a sinister sound can be heard throughout the Shrine of the Failed. Meanwhile, Grand Aigle hassles the archer and manages to graze him.

Ambush at the Shrine of the Failed! - round 6
1. Yakari, Hikari (8), Gridger
2. Swordsman (bless, 18, unconscious, bleeding), Archer (bless, 6)
3. Haldoc (12)
4. Touched (bless)

Haldoc will attack the Aspis near him, giving flanking to the rogue!

Attack, fatigued: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 = 9 for Damage: 2d4 + 9 ⇒ (2, 1) + 9 = 12

Yay! Back to full health, I move and attack, I provoke AoO on orange so I'll roll acrobatics. Is this right?
Gridger moves around the enemies with a show of acrobatic skill! And attempts to strike into the heart of his enemy!

acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 8 - 1 = 20

dagger,melee,flanking,sneak attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 201d4 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + (5) = 8

We were moving at the same time haldoc! Lol. I've seen what you've done but I've attack the Orange target, which is the archer I think?

Yes, you could tumble with Acrobatics to avoid any AoO, but it's actually useless in this case since you need a melee weapon in hand to perform said AoO. The archer (orange) only has a bow, so no AoO for him regardless. Don't mind Haldoc's attack, it will actually happen after yours (and the enemy archer if he survives your attack), he's just posting early.

Gridger, quite reluctant so far to engage the enemy fully, wades into melee this time, circling around the archer and stabbing him in the back! The deadly Aspis agent collapses, close to death. Haldoc attempts to press the advantage by slashing at the only remaining Aspis, but it seems that exertion and proximity to death have rendered him a far lesser combatant for now.

However, the Aspis priest becomes pale as he realizes he's now alone against four well-armed and skilled Pathfinders willing to stand and fight until the bitter end. The Aspis agent's resolve isn't as strong, so he turn tails and flees the Shrine of the Failed. Withdraw action.

End combat. Well done, Pathfinders! That was a close one, but you really managed to turn the tide and overcome your foes eventually!

After surviving the ambush, you are able to leave the Shrine of the Failed and deliver Eylysia’s cache to the Grand Lodge. The crowd gathered around the Starstone Cathedral has disbanded, and many of the locals are still horrified following Sir Reinhart’s attempt to vault the chasm on horseback, which ended with a fall into oblivion.

Back at the Grand Lodge, you find Drandle Dreng impressed by your results. "Well done, young ones! You not only showed skill, but resourcefulness and tenacity too. No doubt this cache of information will prove invaluable, even more since it comes from one of our long gone Pathfinder agents of yore! I'm also glad you were able to fight off the Aspis. You know they are our sworn enemies, and you're bound to encounter them again. As you've seen, they're very tenacious too, so they won't leave things at that. For now, go and rest, for example at the Wounded Wisp. I'll keep a very interested eye on your carreers."

About a week later, you receive a letter from Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin, telling you about the Society's progress on the archive you've unearthed. See Handouts.

This is the end of the scenario, which is concluded by a resounding success! Not only did you find Eylysia's records and reported them to the Grand Lodge, but your managed to excel in every part of the scenario, thus granting you a second prestige point. The chronicle sheets will be posted shortly. As for the first one, make sure you download it and print it, because they won't stay in the cloud forever. Our next scenario is "The Consortium Compact", also an evergreen scenario for which we'll have the pleasure of having two great players joining us. Of course, feel free to post between-game roleplay for now, while I'm getting ready to run the third part of this trilogy.

Gridger looks weary and tired post the pathfinders recent expedition. He orders himself a large larger and as he drinks it looks very lost in thought. Finally, he sighs, and turns to the party.

"Friends, I'm afraid I have to bid you farewell for now, I've come to realise with my poor performance that I'm not ready, body and mind.
I shall be making my move to do some soul searching, probably go to some cave and train with some monks. It has truly been an honour to have travelled among you."

He then turns to Hikari, and awkwardly imitates a bow.

"Thank you Hikari, I believe if it weren't for you and your magic wand, we would not be here today."

Gridger stays around for a while to finish his drink, but soon after, picks his stuff and walks briskly to do some soul searching.

"These are the finest cabbages in Avistan! Yes, yes, yes I am sure you saw some bigger and cheaper 'Halfling grown cabbages' off that hook nosed Chelaxian importer - but that man is nothing short of a bounder and a thief, he cuts his costs by using city bred halfling slaves that wouldn't know a proper farm if they were buried in it as fertiliser. Oh her? The big cat? We had a problem with really big rats. Shall I put you down for one crate of cabbages or two? Did you want to talk about some carrots?" The halfling farmer doesn't miss a beat as she hawks her wares whilst waiting on another assignment.

She is dressed smartly, though with plenty of rustic rural charm.
Beside her a mountain lion dozes in the sun.