[PFS] GM Lithrac's The Frostfur Captives (#3-01) (Inactive)

Game Master Cyril Corbaz

You now leave Irrisen behind and cross into the easternmost region of the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, a barren and well defended land called Hagreach. You should expect no more trouble as the castellan has given his blessing for them to escort their captives to the extraction team. The map indicates a Blackraven way station along the trackless route to Trollheim where you may rest and recuperate before the last leg of their journey. The woods open to a clearing where a large, grass-covered mound, like a small oblong hill, dominates the area. A stout wooden door is set directly into the side of the mound, while a thin trail of smoke rises from the very top. Immediately to the south is a wooden horse stable, all of its doors closed.

As you arrive nearby this longhouse, four men come to meet you on the rime-covered path. Four proud ulfens with braided hair and solid builds. One of them, obviously of higher station, addresses you thusly:

"Hail, Pathfinders! I am Enrik Ironjaw, commander of this outpost. The castellan has advised me of your impending arrival and intent. Tradition dictates that we should offer you hospitality-a hot meal and a good drink, if you so wish. Surely you must be weary after all this journey in this witch-haunted land? What's more, I'd like to hear your tales, since I bear great admiration for your organization. What say you?"

Castien attempts to determine the truthfulness of the man's demeanor and statements.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

"...and wh-what of our g-g-goblin ch-charges?" Castien asks the lead ulfen.

Xoricon shrugs at the exchange over the crystal. "That's not the kind of souvenir I'd keep, but by all means. Mary, you still seem a bit hurt," he notes.

"We have a storage room where you can leave them under guard. I'll be happy to assign one of my men to look after them."

Cha-Ka will study the man briefly, and then also attempt to sense his motive.

Move action for favored enemy on him.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 = 16

Ardisen smiles at the man, offering a small bow, his stomach rumbling at the thought of a hot meal.

"Your hospitality would be most welcome, especially any relief from the bitter chill of these lands. If it's all the same to you I will take my food with the Frostfurs, they have come to view me as their 'boss' and I suspect that if I leave them without guidance they may cause mischief or manage to hurt themselves."

Returning his attention to the goblins, the enchanters issues a command he knows they'll be glad off.

"Stick close Frostfurs, it's dinner time."

Aspex nods. "A warm place to sit and hot food would be welcome."

Quick question. What time of day is it (it was daytime when we fought the doll but I wasn't clear on what time of day)?

"My tale of a near-death experience is going to be interesting. However, I will tell it later, as I still need time to recover from my wound."

Castien, not comfortable in social situations where he might be required to talk in front of large crowds, volunteers to assist Ardisen in his guard duties.

Aspex: It was the end of the afternoon at the dollhouse, now the moon has risen. It's still early in the night.

At Ardisen's evocation of food coming, the goblins jump with joy: "Boss be too kind! Food! Rejoice, frostfurs!"

Enrik nods at Ardisen. "Very well, I'll have diner sent to you so that you can still dine hot and well while keeping these under strict guard. Follow me."

He and his men escort you to the longhouse, offering to settle the frostfurs at the back of the building, in a vast storeroom that can accomodate all of them, plus Castien and Ardisen. The rest of the Pathfinders are brought in the mess hall, where a large wooden table stands. A chaplain prepares a modest feast of roasted turkey, stewed potatoes and spiced wine, then serves it to you. Enrik sits with you and starts eating, soon raising his horn to the Pathfinder Society. "Hail the explorers, for they uncover what was seemingly forever lost."

"Ideally, they do not destroy it nor unleash great evil during the uncovering!" agrees the bard with a cheeky expression, lifting his wine.

Before splitting up, Cha-Ka leaves a signal whistle with Castien and Ardisen. In slightly hushed tones, he says, "If something happens and trouble shows up, you can blow this, and we should hopefully be able to hear it and come to your aid. If we run into trouble...well...hopefully we'll just be able to yell loudly enough since I only brought one."

At dinner.

Cha-Ka happily munches on the tasty food, but when it comes to the wine, he sniffs it, blinks at the somewhat unpleasant odor, and then begins looking to see if there's water he can drink instead.

If they're also serving water, he'll toast with that. If not, he'll toast with a turkey leg. Because that's clearly just as socially acceptable, right? ;-)

Somewhat cannibalistic, eh? The Frostfurs would approve. ;)

Somewhat cannibalistic, eh? The Frostfurs would approve. ;)

Hmmm, now that you mention it, what would a Tengu eat? Do they eat similar foods to their bird ancestors? Or has their diet become closer to that of the other humanoid races? Although actually a quick google search says crows are omnivores, so maybe either way they'd eat about the same stuff?

Ardisen makes himself as comfortable as possible in the storage room, enjoying the respite from the bitter chill of this venture. He watches the Frostfurs stuffing their giant heads with the rations he has already passes amoungst them, chuckling at how ridiculous this whole situation is.

This is not exactly how I anticipated the road to power looking.

Nevertheless, the Chelaxian could not help but admit that in his brief time as an active field agent he'd already furthered his arcane studies rapidly. He congratulated himself on his successes so far before turning to Castien, hoping to make some small talk to pass the time.

"Thankyou for staying with us Castien. How are you finding your time in the Pathfinder Society so far?"

Aspex returns the toast and displays an un-ladylike appetite after days on the road. "Though it is difficult to lose goblins. They sprout like weeds given the slightest opportunity. Thank you for the meal, commander."

I think ravens eat meat. I don't know if they're predators but I'm pretty sure they'll eat carrion.

Castien nods in response to Ardisen's thanks, then answers, "Educational and p-p-productive. Y-you?"

Ardisen smiles in response to his fellow Pathfinders query.

"It's certainly been eventful, rewarding too. I must admit, I never expected the Society would have us herding goblins. Still, who am I to question the will of the Decemvirate. Not too much longer and we'll be back in Absalom."

Not wanting to push conversation from the elf, the enchanter leans his head back against the wall and allows his mind to drift while the goblins are otherwise entertained.

As everyone is enjoying their plentiful meal, Cha-Ka suddenly raises his raven head, senses sharp.

Moreover, everyone at the table can make a Sense Motive check.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Xoricon enjoys his mead and the company. "Aspex, you've been spending too much time with goblins, by the look of your appetite," he says in his Taldan drawl, flicking an eyebrow this way and that, "Why, we're a tribe. The Dollkillers. 'Ware our blades, dolls and poppets of Golarion!"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 If this is against the guy who initially greeted us, I get an additional +1 for favored enemy

Also, Cha-Ka will definitely say something to his party about what he heard, but what exactly/how he does it is going to depend on the outcome of the sense motive check.

Cha-Ka's head snaps up as he hears something from the roof. A bad feeling starts to creep into his bones as the feathers on the back of his neck stand up. Well, I'm glad I gave Castien and Ardisen that whistle. Although I wish Ardisen were here. He'd probably know how to handle this subtly.

Cha-Ka turns away from Enrik and the chaplain to face the party member sitting next to him. We didn't really specify a sitting arrangement, so I'm just going to roll to see who I'm next to. Feel free to overrule this though.

1= Aspex, 2= Mary, 3=Xoricon
1d3 ⇒ 2

Cha-Ka places his arm around Mary's shoulders and leans in close to whisper in her ear.

Assuming Mary then shakes her head, Cha-Ka will say the following.

Pulling back slightly in order to be able to look Mary in the eyes, Cha-Ka continues to talk, still in a hushed tone. "Are you sure you're ok, Mary? You almost died earlier today. That can be a lot to take in. Maybe you should go rest until you fully regain your health?" Cha-Ka removes his hand from Mary's shoulders and turns slightly so he can flick his eyes from her to the back of the room where the storage house is.

He then turns to Aspex and Xoricon. "Aspex, you seem to be a woman of learning, and Xori, you've probably traveled a lot. Tell me, have either of your studied the texts of the Azlanti or Thassilonians? Or perhaps some ancient Osiriani?"

Cha-Ka sighs inwardly. Note to self: In the future, establish a code word or gesture for 'be alert' or 'danger' or something.

I'm guessing all of this is going to require a bluff check?
Bluff: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0 Aaaaannndd about as I expected; that went horribly. >_<

Waiting to see what I get from my sense motive check

Regardless of how successful it may or may not be, that was a very entertaining post Cha-Ka.

I'm glad you think so, Ardisen. Although it would have perhaps been more entertaining if I had rolled not-Mary, as my plan for them would have been to pretend to poorly hit on them. :-P

Xoricon chuckles at the avian. "My dear feathered friend, I've been to many a place, but primarily, to recite soliloquies and juggle objects. Whatever are you mentioning Osirion for? Are we to head there next?"

You get the same information as Cha-Ka, Mary. Sorry, didn't see your post!

Smelling that something is afoot, Enrik suddenly stands and addresses an icy gaze. "Ah, I see you have heard my men - nevermind, you shall perish alongside the frostfurs. Freyr Darkwine is no king, and it is not for him to erase a weregild of a thousand years to convenience the Pathfinders. Kill us all if you must, but you'll not drag us before his justice. Those goblins will die like the monsters they are!" With those words, he and the chaplain draws their weapons.

Meanwhile, in the storeroom, two men suddenly appear out of nowhere, sword in hand, with the clear intent of slaying the frostfurs. "Stand aside, Pathfinders, you need not be involved in this."

Initiative - round 1
>>>Group 1 (Mary, Castien, Cha-Ka)
Blackraven Warriors (2)
Group 2 (Aspex, Xoricon, Ardisen)
Blackraven Chaplain
Enrik Ironjaw
Group 1 may act!
Blackraven Longhouse map

"We might want to regroup. Sadly, I'm rather slow in this armor." Cha-Ka edges towards the exit, drawing his curved blade and swinging it at Henrik. "I also wouldn't be surprised if the chaplain is a spell caster."

5ft step, M/E draw weapon, attack
To Hit: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 1 = 17
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13

"Err...by the by, anybody know what he's talking about? Weregild?"

Hey Lithrac, I was just wondering where the Frostfurs were in the initiative? Planning on getting them to retreat to the back of the room.

I'll assume they will delay to match their beloved boss's initiative. If you plan to have them retreat, you'll need a Diplomacy/Intimidate check as a full-round action.

"Blood money. A debt owed for the death of a family member." Aspex rummages around in her spellpouch as she answers Cha-Ka's question.

Mary steps forward 5' and tries to hit Henrick with her heavy mace.

Heavy Mace Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage if hit: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

I'm assuming that Castien wasn't standing with his bow at the ready, but if he was for whatever reason ("So, goblin friends, have you ever seen such a fine bow? Let me give you a demonstration..."), I'd like to get him a second shot with Rapid Shot...

Castien stands, grabbing his bow and firing at the intruders. "B-b-blast! Wh-where's that wh-whistle?!"

Move action: Stand, drawing bow
Standard action: Fire at one of the intruders
Attack (Composite Longbow (+2 Str), Point Blank Shot): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 = 27
Damage (Composite Longbow (+2 Str), Point Blank Shot): 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

Critical Confirm (Composite Longbow (+2 Str), Point Blank Shot): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 16
Critical Damage (Composite Longbow (+2 Str), Point Blank Shot): 2d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 7) + 4 + 2 = 17

You had no reason to have your bow at the ready, Castien, so your guess is good. Unfortunately, it isn't a critical hit.

Castien shoots a well-aimed arrow at one of the assailants, hurting him.

Mary rises to her feet and misses Enrik completely, while Cha-Ka is able to hit your host.

The two warriors attempt to slice at Castien and Ardisen with their axe.
Axe vs. Castien: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 221d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Axe vs. Ardisen, FF: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 161d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Initiative - round 1
Group 1 (Mary, Castien (5 dmg), Cha-Ka)
Blackraven Warriors (2)
>>>Group 2 (Aspex, Xoricon, Ardisen (4 dmg))
Blackraven Chaplain
Enrik Ironjaw
Group 2 may act!

Xoricon moves to flank Enrik between himself and Cha-Ka, then draws his longsword and strikes at the man in a two-handed thrust.
"A sudden change of heart, dear host? My blade shall extend our regrets."

Longsword: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
for: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

crit confirm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
aw.

Ardisen curses in infernal as the axe bites into his flesh, realising he was trapped between their attackers and the Frostfurs he was trying to protect. Unsure why they'd been betrayed, he cursed their hosts.

"Frostfurs, withdraw to the back of the room, but leave the elf room to withdraw too!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 14 + 2 = 25

Hoping that his charges remain loyal, the enchanter issues a plea to his fellow Pathfinder.

"Bring them down Castien, I can't make use of my magic in these close quarters!"

Standing defiantly between the Ulfen and the goblins, the Chelaxian hoped his fellow wizards aim was up to the task.

Aspex pulls a scroll out of her scroll case and begins chanting the words of power.

M/E to draw the scroll, Standard to activate it to cast Sleep. Looking at the map I think she can get both Enrik and the other guy but not Cha-Ka in a 10' burst if she targets the square just south of Enrik.

Xoricon, unless you have the Quick Draw feat, you have to use a move action to draw your weapon. You don't have +1 BAB yet, which would allow you to do it as part as a move action. Therefore you move (rising from your chair - you're not standing at the start of the action) and draw, but cannot slash at your target. Unless I'm overlooking something?

Aspex, we'll have to see about the area of effect when the spell goes off. You are aware that casting sleep is a 1 round action, hence it'll also take your standard action from next round, right?

Xoricon rises to his feet, drawing a blade to flank your host, while Aspex draws and starts casting a spell.

Meanwhile in the storage room, the frostfurs obey Ardisen's orders, but their response can be described as chaotic at best - they climb on the crates, tumble around between Castien's legs, one tries to cling at a rafter protruding from the ceiling - one even comes to hide within Ardisen's robes, reassured by his boss's presence!

Enrik steps out of the deadly trap set by Cha-Ka and Xoricon, swinging his axe at the murderous crow!
Battleaxe: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 61d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Fortunately, the blade misses Cha-Ka completely.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Failing to recognise what spell Aspex is casting, the chaplain addresses a prayer for Gorum, greatsword in hand. (a shame that it isn't considered as a holy symbols for gorumites!)

"Gorum, bevilja din rättvisa sökande tjänare skydd i strid."

Initiative - round 1
>>>Group 1 (Mary, Castien (5 dmg), Cha-Ka)
Blackraven Warriors (2)
Group 2 (Aspex, Xoricon, Ardisen (4 dmg))
Blackraven Chaplain
Enrik Ironjaw
Group 1 may act!

Mary moves 10' around Cha-Ka and swings her heavy mace yet again, but this time at the chaplin. "Speak common, not jibberish!"

Heavy Mace Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage if hit: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Castien takes a step back from the advancing warrior and fires two more shots.

Not an action: 5' step, as indicated on the map
Full-round action: Rapid shot to Blackraven warrior 2
Attack (Composite Longbow (+2 Str), Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot): 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 1 - 2 = 17
Damage (Composite Longbow (+2 Str), Point Blank Shot): 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 1 = 10

Attack (Composite Longbow (+2 Str), Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot): 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 1 - 2 = 22
Damage (Composite Longbow (+2 Str), Point Blank Shot): 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Cha-Ka seems briefly torn as to which foe to pursue: the enemy he had been studying, or the one appearing to cast lord only knows what kind of spell. Finally, he decides that Enrik wasn't that successful last time, and he didn't really feel like dealing with another enlarged druid spell caster or an invisible fey enemy or some other kind of thing. So he moves forward to try to interrupt the gibbering man.

To Hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 Why is it my best damage rolls always seem to come with horrible attack rolls? :-(

I also don't know if Linguistics would help at all with the Skald language, but if so, I have that.

Castien, you can't 5-ft step into difficult terrain (crates are). I moved you back to where you started. What's your action, then?

Mary bruises the chaplain, leaving him spitting blood and teeth. Cha-Ka attempts to hit her as well, but misses his mark.

About linguistics, I'd probably allow it if it was out-of-combat, but you don't have time to make out what he's saying now.

Hrm...well, assuming that he can't 5'-step into the goblin's square...

Castien steps to the side, activating his spring-loaded wrist sheath and tapping himself with it. A glowing blue nimbus surrounds him, briefly, as he readies himself for the unavoidable assault.

Not an action: 5' step as indicated on map
Swift action: Retrieve wand of mage armor from spring-loaded wrist sheath
Standard action: Activate wand of mage armor
Free action: Drop wand

Is this goblin gonna stop me 5ft stepping?

Ardisen: he makes your square difficult terrain, so you can leave the square unimpeded... but you'd be letting him face the warrior alone, of course. Should a good 'boss' do that? ;)

Castien's body glows with transluscent force energy, warded from blows.

The warriors each continue their onslaught on the providential saviors of the frostfurs.
Battleaxe vs. Castien: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 191d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Battleaxe vs. Ardisen: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 111d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Each of them takes a serious blow, but the Wardens of the Frostfurs are still standing!

Initiative - round 2
Group 1 (Mary, Castien (12 dmg), Cha-Ka)
Blackraven Warriors (2)
>>>Group 2 (Aspex, Xoricon, Ardisen (11 dmg))
Blackraven Chaplain
Enrik Ironjaw
Group 2 may act!

forgot that rising from the chair was a move action!

Xoricon slashes at Enrik.

Longsword: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
for: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Innefectually. The bard takes a 5' step away from his opponent, uncertain what will come next.

Badly wounded, his head spinning from his injuries, Ardisen steps back from the fray.

Despite the searing pain, the enchanter weaves his hands and hurls a handful of sand at the northern attacker, engulfing the Ulfen in a blast of colour. The Chelaxian doesn't even seem to notice that he's also engulfed the goblin trying to seek refuge behind him within the Color Spray.

DC 15 Will save from the northern Ulfen (and the goblin). Hope he fails it, or it's gonna be a world of hurt for me.

"Any tricks you have to bring these guys down Castien, now would be the time to use them!"

If I can, as a move action I'll blow the whistle. If that's a standard action he won't bother.

Heh - Castien's in the same boat as Ardisen...here's hoping things start going our way...