[PFS] GM Lithrac's Tide of Twilight (#3-05) (Inactive)

Game Master Cyril Corbaz

In a lack of a response and so as not to hold things up, I'm going to assume that Cha-Ka can get up on whatever is around the fountain. If not, just assume he charged and move him appropriately.

Cha-Ka rushes towards the last remaining beast man, drawing and swinging his sword.

To Hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Ardisen grits his teeth, desperately fighting the feral urges invading his mind and clawing his primal instincts to the surface. He pushes past his companions, snarling at them as he does so.

"Don't kill them you idiots, they're just loggers under the influence of the ritual!"

Once he's closer, the enchanter weaves his hands, pulls a handful of sand from a pouch at his side and mutters several arcane words before extending a hand towards the remaining logger.

Ardisen will cast Sleep so it affects only the remaining logger. The Will save is DC 16 (it's dropped slightly due to my Int loss)

Ardisen's snarl helps Marodais snap out of the growing bloodlust he has been experiencing. Didn't I decide to heed the Chelaxian more? Now's the time! Taking a few steps, he tries to reorganize his mind as good as possible, then joins the southernmost logger. Within seconds, his expert hands try to stabilize the dying curse victim.

heal check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Oh, I was rereading, and unless there's something I'm missing, Tenaka's crit, wasn't. Bows only crit on a 20, unless it's keen or something along those lines...

I missed your question Cha-Ka. Yes, you need to use the stairs or count the square where you go up the fountain platfort as difficult terrain.

Cha-Ka moves towards the fountain at the center of the camp square, climbs the platform to gain a vantage point on his opponent, but his strike is hasty and misses its mark.

Ardisen starts casting a spell. Since sleep is 1 round casting time, it'll take effect right before your next turn.

Marodais reaches the dying logger, but is it too late?
Rolling Tenaka's last d8 from the crit to determin how much damage he dealt to him. 1d8 ⇒ 3 +14 = 17 damage.
Stabilize, round 2: 1d20 - 12 ⇒ (4) - 12 = -8
Fortunately, the Osirian priest manages to stop the hemorrage and save the man's life in the nick of time!

The last logger attempts to lash and bite the tengu. One of his claws manages to pierce through Cha-Ka's armor, inflicting a minor wound. 2 damage
Bite: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 3 - 1 = 171d4 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 - 1 = 3
Claw: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 - 1 = 131d3 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 - 1 = 2
Claw: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 - 1 = 211d3 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 - 1 = 2

Will: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
... and moments later, the last logger falls asleep due to Ardisen's magic.

End combat. If Marodais wants to stabilize the northern logger, he can do that in time, well before he dies.

With all three loggers knocked out, the Pathfinders are able to catch their breath.

What are you going to do with the three men-beasts? They seem to be unable to communicate in any meaningful way because of the curse. However, the difference with Aridsen, Aiva and Marodais is that they were cursed for much longer and lost their mind some time ago, their instincts eventually taking over their free will.

The Chelaxian enchanter scratches at the fur gradually covering his body, annoyed at himself for his outburst.

"Sorry about my about. This 'condition' is clouding my mind. I suggest we tie them up and bed down, but it might be an idea to post a watch incase there are any further afflicted individuals out there."

Trying to tidy his appearance as best a possible, Ardisen moves around the area looking for anything of interest that may assist them, especially rope.

Marodais indeed takes the time to stabilize also the other logger, making strange grunting noises, sometimes even snapping his growing teeth at some insect, without even realizing it.

"We could leave these people with loose bindings when we leave, so that they may liberate themselves in time, but not soon enough to trouble us again? Falbin said that stopping the ritual is going to reverse the curse - I certainly hope so! - and these people do not deserve to die any more than one of us. I assume that in the huts we will find enough rope to secure them for the time being ... plus, probably, some other things the wouldn't mind giving us in order to complete this mission. None of their belongings are of any help to them if they remain in this state, anyway..."

Marodais pulls furiously at a tuft of fair until he realizes that it is now part of him for the time being and not going to come off easily.

I think we saved all three of them? I stabilized the southern one during combat, the northern one out of combat, and the eastern one was only asleep anyway?

Sorry, I misread that.

Those searching the cabins can make a Perception check.

Marodais: You're correct, you didn't kill any of the three loggers.

Marodais contributes to checking the huts for usable items ... one of the items might just be a powerful curse-breaking scroll. Or some nice bone to bite on. For some reason that would be really good right now.
Blinking deliberately, the cleric once again banishes the bestial thoughts, silently praying to Lord Anubis for guidance in finding what he needs - cursebreakers, not bones. Although bones would also be nice.

I don't know if it is considered bad style to cast guidance on oneself for such skill checks, or if it is possible at all. I'll let our GM decide if the bonus is factored in or not, I'm perfectly happy even if not ;)

perception check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
perhaps with +1 from guidance

I'm fine with counting guidance for skill checks provided that: a) the action takes less than a minute to perform (guidance remains usable for that long after casting it); b) that the check is 'active' and not passive. For instance, I wouldn't allow guidance on a knowledge check - either you know or you don't. Similarly, when Perception is used actively (such as searching a place), there's no trouble in using that spell. 26 it is, then!

Marodais starts searching the wooden logger cabins around the square, and comes back a few minutes later with a few interesting findings: a pay box containing 55 gp and an accounting ledger that he found hidden in an office. The incriminating ledger contains obvious accounting inaccuracies and notes regarding payments made to an unnamed criminal enterprise. The dwarf also found all manners of logger material: ropes, saws, leather harnesses, and so on.

Marodais will contribute in getting the loggers tied off, taking special care with the sleeping one.

Regarding his findings, he states: "Although they haven't deserved the curse, the loggers are not completely innocent, it seems. Here is their ledger - already at first glance I found inconsistencies and bribe money for criminal organizations. I also found a few gold pieces, probably the spoils from their criminal endeavours. I am unsure of the law of these lands. Were we in Osirion, the money would have to be confiscated and a trial would decide on the loggers and their possessions. Or, if they are as mindless as they seem, they might be unable to retain property by gnaw - I mean law. It is all very confusing."

The dwarf hopes that his confusion is entirely caused by the curse dulling his mind... Surely this is a simple case?

"Perhaps Falbin can advise us after our return to Wispil. Or does anybody here have knowledge about the local law?"

If the area around the fountain was difficult terrain, then Cha-Ka would have needed to charge (and taken a slightly different route) to reach the logger and therefore would have taken 5 damage in total.

While Marodais searches the area for rope and other useful items, Cha-Ka looks around the camp for tracks, attempting to discover if there might be other transformed men lurking nearby.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

When he returns, he helps tie the men up. "Perhaps in addition to restraining them we should lock them in one of the cabins, if we can? I would imagine that if we leave the key with them, this will hold them while they're still cursed, but they'll be able to use the key to free themselves once they've returned to men."

When he sees the ledger, he shakes his head. "Learning the law requires far too much book learning for me." Cha-Ka's tone of voice makes it clear that he finds the idea of sitting around reading dusty old books less than appealing. "Do you think we should make a copy of it? Or should we just take it with us to present to Falbin?"

Wand of Cure light Wounds
CLW on Waylander: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
CLW on Cha-Ka: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

With the loggers down for the count he would go around and ensure they were all tied up before attending to the wounds of Waylander. Once more grabbing the wand he would use it first on Waylander and then turn his attention to Cha-Ka and use it on the Tengu. With everyone back stable and either fully healed or out for the count he would do a quick survey of the area, looking for anything that might have been missed or possible tracks of other loggers.

Once done with that he would turn his attention to what the Tengu and the Dwarf were discussing and gave a mere shrug. "Take it with us, we don't have the time to ponder on the books and see where and who is doing what..." With that said he pointed to Ardisen with a sly grin on his lips. "And I am sure Ardisen agrees with that before he really loses his composure and decides we are all scum and deserve to be put in our place..."

I was actually planning on having Cha-Ka healed up later, but now's fine, I guess. Although he would have insisted that you use his wand rather than yours to heal him. So make sure not to subtract that charge from your wand.

Thanks for providing the ability to use the wand though. :-)

Ardisen smiles, not his typical charming smile, but a more predatory smile.

"If we take their ill gotten gains and use it for the benefit of the Pathfinder Society I'm sure they'll learn a valuable lesson. They have their lives, that's good enough."

"It is the law in Osirion, but that does not mean it necessarily extends out here. I agree with Marodais that Falbin should be consulted once the missions is over. Until then though, we should probably see if there is anything we can use for our mission. If not, it remains here until the law can come along."

"Let's t-t-take what we c-c-can, and p-pass by here after w-we b-break the c-c-curse."

With that, Castien waits at the edge of the logging encampment for the others to finish their deliberations, so that they may continue their trek.

According to Tenaka's tracking expertise, all other loggers have suffered the same fate as the three you've fought here, but chose to leave the camp to wander the woods. Many trails leave the logging camp, but none in the direction you're intent on following.

Restraining and leaving the three beastmen in a locked cabin proves both easy and swift. The deed done, you're considering staying for the night at the encampment, since the sun is about to set.

Do you want to rest in the logging camp or in the forest? A third possibility might be forced march through the night to reach Briar's Henge as fast as possible.

"I feel strangely invigorated by this affliction ... I think I could go on - if you're up for it. I only expended one of my spells, so there is no immediate need to replenish my energies. And Lord Anubis will forgive me if I, in this situation, forego my usual prayers. What is your stance? Would you prefer to rest, dear colleagues?"

"I would be fine with continuing. My concern is that we will either arrive tired and be unable to stop the ritual or that we'll end up needing to rest anyway in some place less safe than here."

As he speaks, and as long as no one objects Cha-Ka grabs one of the bows taken from the ruffians earlier, some arrows, and one potion. He then takes another potion, and studies it carefully, occasionally looking at Waylander. He roots around in his bag for a while but eventually determines that he's not going to find what he's looking for. He then walks over to Tenaka. "Sadly, I do not think I could jury-rig a hat with a straw for Waylander. So perhaps you should hold on to this." He offers the second potion of cure light wounds that he pulled out.

Then turning to Marodai, he offers his wand of cure light wounds. "I also think this would be more useful if you carried it to use on any comrades who get injured for now."

"Falbin did mention that the ritual would take two more days to complete. If we rest tonight we still have one more day before the ritual will be completed. I believe that it is going to be wise to rest for tonight, and start out early in the morning. The woods are going to be dangerous at night, and some of us are going to be in a disadvantage if they can not see in the dark. There would be plenty of opportunities for an ambush."

Marodais agrees with his colleagues' reasoning. As soon as possible, he then takes some time to pray to Lord Anubis, replacing some of his prepared spells and preparing new ones.

The Pathfinders then choose to rest within the empty wooden cabins of the loggers' camp. The night is without any trouble, except for those afflicted by the curse, who start feeling its effects more strongly.

People who were already affected by the curse take 2 additional points of Intelligence and Charisma damage, turning slowly into beasts. Those who had made the first save can roll it again, but the Fortitude save is DC 14 this time.

Spellcasters can memorize their spells.

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Cha-Ka wakes up in the morning feeling refreshed. He quickly begins packing his things and prepares to head out.

Ardisen will take the same spell list.

The enchanters sleep is not a pleasant one, hounded by nightmares of losing his humanity and slipping further into the bestial mindset that is gradually seeping through his mind. Ardisens mood is improved no better when he awakes to find the hair that has sprouted growing thicker and his form become more animalistic. Thankfully, the wizards faculties remain, despite being dulled by the transformation. With some difficulty he manages to focus enough to study his spellbook and revise his expended magics.

Repulsed by his shifting form, Ardisen takes a few minutes to fashion a blanket from the cabin into a makeshift cloak to replace the one damaged in the fire, hoping to hide his twisted appearance. Once he is satisfied he's done the best he can, he rejoins the other.

"I suggest we push on. Our condition is getting worse."

As he gathers his remaining things, he glares at those not demonstrating any signs of the transformation, jealous of their resilience and frustrated at his own weakness.

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Castien, too, awakes refreshed, but his restful appearance is quickly shaken by the exaggerated, bestial features of his comrades. Sparing no time for pleasantries, he readies himself for the day's journey.

goodberry: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5

Regarding Cha-Ka and his antics a smile touched his lips when the potion was offered. Taking the potion and putting it away he regarded the Tengu for a brief moment before nodding. "It's the thought that counts and I am sure that when the time is needed the potion will be put to good use..." With that done he would cast goodberries for some additional rations

When the party would setup for the night he would only take a 4hr meditation before slowly and silently leaving the party and taking a spot in the wilderness but close to the party and then return at the sign of dawn, considering there wasn't much sleep he needed. WHen everyone was getting ready he donned the cloak and pulled the hood over his head once more. Gearing up was followed by eating a goodberry and giving one to Waylander as well. With that done he would offer a goodberry to some of the other party members should they have the desire or need for it. His eyes lingered on his companions for a moment and the frown hidden under his cloak was barely visible as he nodded in agreement with Ardisen. "Yes, time is of the essence, we need to pick up the pace to ensure neither of you fall victim to it..."

Suin Ko, please roll your save in your next post. Moving on.

Your journey is uneventuful for the reminder of this cold morning, until you reach a new obstacle in your path: a deep, placid river interrupts the path to Briar Henge. A few large logs have been placed across the river, providing a crude bridge to access the other side. Sunlight dapples the surface of the murky water, the result of branches crisscrossing the river high overhead.

I'd like a marching order, and to know how you're going to cross the river.

I propose (single-file): Cha-Ka, Suin Ko, Marodais, Tenaka & Waylander, Ardisen, Aiva, Castien. As far as how to cross...how difficult do the logs look to balance on? I wouldn't want anyone to fall into eel-infested waters or anything...

Cha-Ka glares at the river, looking at it with a great deal of distrust. He pokes the logs suspiciously.

River is now his favored enemy. :-P

Cha-Ka starts to remove his armor, preparing to cross. All the while staring at the river as though he expects it to attack him.

Cha-Ka will go in whatever order you want.

As a dwarf from a desert nation, Marodais distrusts the running water. He suggests moving over one by one, preferably with a rope, if anybody has thought of bringing one, attached to the person going across, with the other people securing the other end of the rope in case the person should fall.

He also offers the guidance of Lord Anubis for everybody that wishes it ... Lord Anubis is the guide of the dead across the rivers of the underworld. Therefore, he is also the guide of mortals crossing the rivers of the mortal world.

He then follows Cha-Ka's example to take off his armor to give him just a little extra freedom of movement.

Suin Ko woke up early in the morning, before dawn. The Tiefling packed his things up and left the safety of the cabin, moving into the camp. He wandered around until he found a spot where he could more easily watch the approaching dawn. Taking a stance he drew his scimitar before starting to begin his dervish dance, praying to Sarenrae for guidance going forward.

When everyone started waking up and moving about he followed after them, drawing his hood back over his head as he silently moved after them.

After coming towards this new obstacle in their way, frowning at the 'bridge' that laid before them. "I will gladly take his guidance, thank you friend." Suin Ko goes to kneel before the dwarf, bowing his head respectfully to him.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Aiva spent the night twitching and turning, jumping awake at the slightest noise, and having strange, uncomfortable dreams. She was exceedingly grateful for the sunrise, despite her embarrassment at her ever changing figure. The river was certainly a problem, the logs looked slippy and suspect, and for some reason she did not fancy a swim in the dark swirling waters. Aiva isn't so interested in Anubis's blessings, but she thinks the dwarf has the right idea, then frowns.
"I don't have any rope, but that sounds like a good idea to me if anybody else does?"

Castien silently pulls out a 50-foot length of silk rope from his pack and offers it to whomever wishes to cross the river first.

"I'll stay behind to bestow Lord Anubis' guidance always on the one who crosses next ... if that is acceptable to all of you."

Having grown impatient, Ardisen takes that rope and ties it round his waist while moving over to Marodais.

"I have no idea who this Anubis you worship is, but I'll take whatever blessing you can offer if it means I don't drown!"

Once he is satisfied all that can be done has been, the enchanter drops to all fours and begins to crawl across the log, digging his new claws into the bark of the wood to further support himself and prevent him slipping.

What can of check you looking for? Would the claws and/or crawling offer any benefit.

"Once someone gets across, perhaps it would make more sense for them to keep the rope with them to help with crossing the logs? If we still want to tie rope around someone's waist, we can use mine." Cha-Ka pulls out his own rope as he packs up his armor.

After Ardisen (hopefully) successfully crosses, Cha-Ka will go.

The Tengu warily eyes the water once again before agreeing to also receive Anubis' blessing. Any little bit helps.

After Cha-Ka and Marodais have removed their burdening armors, Ardisen cannot wait any longer, ties the rope around his waist and crawls on the log. The makeshift wooden bridge appears to be solid, and Ardisen has absolutely no trouble crossing the log.

Swinging Axe trap vs. Ardisen: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 112d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 4) + 4 = 9

Suddenly, a large blade sweeps past the hardy Chelaxian, missing his head by an inch... Luckily the enchanter was crouching and avoided the trap completely! At the same moment, a she-elf springs forth from the thick undergrowth of the northern side of the river and lets loose an arrow on Ardisen. Simultaneously, a crocodile comes out of the water and attempts to bite the naked tengu.

Bite vs. Cha-Ka (FF): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 151d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Bow vs. Ardisen (FF): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 161d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Ardisen feels the sudden sting of an arrow, only to find out that the one now protruding from his shoulder is a silver one. 7 damage

Cha-Ka's exposed feathers aren't much protection from the crocodile's mighty jaws, and the river beast is able to take a good bite off the bird. 5 damage

Initiative - Suprise round
J (croc)
(Castien)
T (elf)
Cha-Ka (5 dmg) - not surprised!
(Suin Ko)
Tenaka & Waylander - not surprised!
(Ardisen) (7 dmg)
(Aiva)
(Marodais)
Those who aren't surprised can do a partial action only (standard or move, not both). Those who are surprised (with their name between brackets) cannot act.
Cha-Ka, Tenaka & Waylander can act!
Map is up

Cha-Ka still has pants on and is therefore not naked. :-P

"We are not your enemy! Our cursed companions still have their wits about them, and none of us are lycanthropes!" Cha-Ka calls out to the elven woman, hoping to avoid this battle. Looking at the large reptile menacing him, a nagging voice in the back of his head worries that this is one of the druids they have come to stop, making this battle unavoidable.

In case this is true, he steps backwards slightly and focuses on the crocodile. He silently curses the river encouraging him to remove his armor and therefore his main line of defense.

5-ft step backwards. Move action to make croc favored enemy.

Tenaka attack
attack: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 = 14
damage: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

In one swift glance he picks the nearest target and grabs his bow and then unleashes an arrow at the crocodile, hoping his aim would be true. At the same time Waylander moves in proximity of the crocodile to prepare for his attacks the next round.

Tenaka's arrow bounces off the crocodile's thick skin. The beast reacts immediately and proceeds to biting the still-unaware Suin Ko, only to find the tiefling's leathery armor in its way.

Bite: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 111d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Initiative - round 1
J (croc)
Castien
T (elf)
Cha-Ka (5 dmg)
Suin Ko
Tenaka & Waylander
Ardisen (7 dmg)
Aiva
Marodais
Castien can act!

Castien moves to a more advantageous position - not wishing to fire through his comrades - and fires an arrow at the crocodile.

Move action: As indicated on map
Standard action: Fire arrow at croc
Attack (Composite Longbow (+2 Str), Point Blank Shot): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 16
Damage (Composite Longbow (+2 Str), Point Blank Shot): 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8

Castien's arrow bounces off the crocodile's skin!

The elven woman moves forward and shoots another arrow at the poor Ardisen, and shafts him another time. 3 damage

The unconscious wizard now lies unconscious on the logs, fortunately not falling in the river below.

Bow, PB Shot, vs FF: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 141d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

Initiative - round 1
J (croc)
Castien
T (elf)
>Cha-Ka (5 dmg)
>Suin Ko
>Tenaka & Waylander
>Ardisen (11 dmg, unconscious)
>Aiva
>Marodais
Everyone except Castien can act!
Ardisen must make a stabilization check unless someone heals him or stabilizes him with a Heal DC 15 check.

Sighing, Cha-Ka moves towards the crocodile again, drawing his sword as he goes. Clenching his jaw slightly, he swings at the beast, fully expecting this to result in him joining Ardisen in dream land shortly.

To Hit: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10
Damage: 1d10 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9
I find it vaguely amusing that there's a one character difference between my to hit rolls and my damage ones.

Wouldn't Ardisen count as being prone as he's crawling, so get +4 AC vs ranged plus +1 natural AC making his FF AC 15?

I'm sorry, I seem to have misplaced the log somehow...

Marodais calls to the others, especially towards Tenaka: "Please cover me.. keep her busy! I'm going after the Cheliaxian!"

He then crawls onto the log in order to get close to Ardisen, and gets the wand of Cure Light Wounds out that Cha-Ka entrusted to him.

Ardisen: He absolutely would! Retconning to having you still conscious and able to act.

Marodais: No worries about the log. Now that everyone has seen it, it won't be necessary anymore. Also, since Ardisen is conscious again, you may change your action if you wish to.

Flinching as another arrow shoots past his head, Ardisen crawls forward groaning in agony at the wound already inflicted.

Rolling onto his back, the enchanter weaves his arms and hands in a swift ritual of protection. As he completes his wards he snarls in anger.

"Someone stop this damned elf before she puts another arrow in me!"

Cast Mage Armour on Ardisen, so his he's AC 20 vs ranged.

Thanks Lithrac, I only twigged to it as I was reading through.

Tenaka, Longbow attack (point blank shot)
attack, Comp bow +2: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 = 25
Damage, Comp bow +2: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

Waylander's Attacks
attack, Bite: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage, bite: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

attack, claw1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage, claw1: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

attack, claw2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage, claw2: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Drawing another arrow from his quiver and putting it on the string before letting it go. At the same time Waylander made it's attack's against the foul creature as well in hopes of puncturing the croc's thick skin