[PFS] GM Rinaldo's Echoes of the Everwar (Inactive)

Game Master The Great Rinaldo!

Garmit rushes up next to the princess as the skeleton that didn't fall under her sway is struck numerous times by Herrick's arrows. "So, I...ah, guess that one's not much use to us now, or can you do something cool with bone dust?"

Assuming we may be out of combat but double moved on the map just in case.

Noting the lack of "correct" response from the lead skeleton, Herrick fires a warning shot ... and another ... and another ... leaving the skeleton a broken pile of bones and gear.

Yeah, 130 damage in one round pretty much ends this combat. ;-)

Where did you want to go next? I've marked several notable locations on your overhead map.

Was thinking 4 skellitons has been spotted. No?

It appears I accidentally reported four, thinking you were in the high tier. At 7-8, there are only two. My mistake!

No problem.

Xen adorns her new skeletal bodyguard with a crimson sash and orders it to guard her. Thank you all for this detour. I am ready to continue.

"So he gets a sash?" Garmit watches on as Xen adorns her new toy. "As long as you don't give him a kiss on his cheekbone!"

The tengu then looks around to the rest of the group. "So, perhaps to the barn, next...and then swing around past the cows? Although, I can smell them from here and know just about as much about them as I care to know."

Garmit can help out with regular stealthy scouting if/when its needed if Lin's invisibility runs out. Take 10 on Stealth (for +34) and Perception, or take 20 on door, chests or other suspicion items/areas, time permitting.

"My uncle used to tell the time by his cow." chirps in Rhuul.

"One day the cow sat on his hat." the dwarf continues sadly.

Rhuul copiously looks around the group to see if any are wearing hats before cautiously peering at the barn with a worried expression on his face.

"He said it was time for a new hat."

Of course, when a cow sits on your hat it is time for a new hat. But what time of day was...

Xichi ponders a moment, then laughs.

Oh, I see. What time is it? Time for a new hat!

You are quite mirthful, Rhuul.

There needs to be a Dad Joke Bard equivalent to the Dashing Swordsman prestige class. Rhuul would ruuuule!

Herrick merely gathers some of the bone dust from the destroyed skeleton and finds a small pouch to contain it. He stashes it and a few chips of bone away before moving wordlessly toward the motte gate.

As he approaches the bridge he crouches down, and carefully looks over the ground for signs of anyone coming or going.

Take 10 for 25 Tracking

Then he moves closer to the bridge and looks for more traps along with Garmit.

Take 10 for 34 Pereption

If it's clear he motions for the others to move up and he himself goes past.

He repeats this at the gate itself.

Garmit suggested checking the barn, but Herrick seems to be headed to the motte gate. Are we splitting up, or do you want to negotiate? :)

Garmit will be happy to go along with the group if we're heading to the motte gate, unless others also have an interest in checking out the barn first. He wouldn't want to split up the party.

Rhuul doesn't care one way or the other

"To the castle! The timing is right even. You see I try to sleep in a castle every couple of weeks." he says, with an evil glimmer in his eye. Those in the know may be ducking for cover already...

"It's my fort night."

I'd vote we check the barn first, but Rule #1 is Don't Split The Party.

Kai's invisibility went off when he attacked the orc. And with 1 minute left on his fly before fighting the skeletons, I think we can reasonably mark that off as well. So Garmit, take it away. Stealth is not Kai's strong suit.

Kai chuckles at Rhuul's little joke. "Well, I hope your uncle wasn't wearing the hat at the time." Pausing briefly, he adds on. "Otherwise, it would likely have been time for a new cow, too."

Calling out softly to Herrick, he suggests, "Let's take a look at the barn. I saw a number of dead cattle when I flew overhead. Let's make sure no nasty surprises behind us."

He looks across the field. "I would be interested to examine the craters later, though."

Kai votes barn, then after that craters to the south, before crossing the motte gate.

Halting his forward movements, Herrick moves back to the group, nods to indicate his understanding and then heads toward the barn, his bow at the ready.

As he nears the barn he crouches again, quietly looking over the grounds and the structure for tracks and signs of danger.

Same as before, taking 10 for 25 tracking and 34 perception. Also he will detect magic and detect evil alignment.

After a brief discussion, the group heads toward the barn and pasture.

The pasture in the northwest corner of the bailey is filled with the corpses of a variety of cattle. The stench is unbearable and the field is coated in swarms of flies and other insects.

Inside the barn isn’t much better—there are two dozen slaughtered horses there and it looks like someone tried to set fire to the barn but it sputtered out before it could catch the hay. The bodies of two stable hands, both human teenage boys, are just inside the doors to the barn which face east into the bailey.The animals and the stable hands appear to have died by sword strikes.

The entire area requires a DC 15 Fortitude save vs nausea; however, since you took care of the skeletons, there is no encounter here, so you can just wait it out.

Returning to the main road, you head to the gate. A sturdy wooden platform runs up from the base of the bailey’s road at a 45 degree angle to the motte gate above. The platform is crossed with thick boards at even intervals to provide a kind of step for climbing up. The motte gate is blasted open, both of its doors lying on the motte’s hillside nearby. The motte’s drawbridge is down.

Herrick notices something odd about the gate, and points it out to Garmit. They agree that the whole tower is about to collapse, most likely due to damage and wear rather than intention. Garmit quickly shores things up, and you move on. Once again, Garmit laughs at the DC 20 Disable Device check ... ;-)

Crossing the bridge, you face a large, three-story timber tower rising from the center of the motte. It ends at a pointed roof above, ringed by wooden crenelations. A gaping hole in the motte appears to have collapsed the outside wall of the southeast corner of the tower exposing several rooms across all three floors. The steep front stairs that lead up to the timber tower’s door are covered in blood stains and the front door of the tower has been smashed in from the outside. A thin tendril of smokes wisps its way skyward from the tower’s chimney.

The tower’s first floor is 6 feet off the ground with a crawl space beneath that’s walled off by the tower’s construction. From outside, Herrick does not detect any magical or evil auras, but depending on the material and thickness of doors and walls, that doesn't preclude anything being there.

Investigating the barn knocked about 3 minutes off of your spell durations. Xen, are your images still up? If anyone else has any buffs up that are still in effect, or are casting new ones, let me know.

Tactical map is updated.

It's about time to renew Xichi's Shield and Reduce Person wand buffs, and in addition he casts Long Arm on himself.

Wand of Shield 46/50 charges
Wand of Reduce Person, 46/50 charges
Spells 1:6/8 2:7/7 3:6/6 4:4/4

Shield and Reduce person off of a wand only last 1 minute per use, have you been renewing them every minute when they wear off? That will use up charges fast, as you've been here 10-15 minutes already. Also remember that Enlarge Person is a 1 round cast, if it comes up during combat.

Yup, good point, GM. The wands were purchased many levels ago and I figured I should go ahead and use them up. I'll mark off 15 uses up to now and do my best to track usage for the rest of the adventure. If you care to make a guesstimate at the end I'll gladly accept that.

I think Kai would still have on his mutagen, barksin, longstrider and heroism, as per his stat line. Those are 10min/lvl, which he activated when we entered the compound. But more coming up...

Kai examines the tower in thought. "Well, whatever caused all this is likely inside."

He pulls out yet another extract and downs it, and almost immediately, his skin starts coating itself with a resinous substance.

Pulling out a wand, he activates it on himself, heightening his senses. He then does the same with his healing wand, closing up his minor wounds. Then finally, he gulps down another extract, and an invisible shield of force appears surrounding him.
UMD wand of HA: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
UMD wand of CLW: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25 wand of clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Heightened awareness, dismiss when enter combat for +4 to initiative. Extract of shield.

Inviting Garmit to examine the door for traps, he gestures to the tower. "Shall we?"

Buffs as per stat line. Currently only 10min/lvl buffs active(Heroism, heightened awareness, see invis) so he has 75-80 mins left on them. Detect magic and Detect alignment are concentration duration spells and are of unlimited use. If we want to take the time for a take 20 to inspect for traps, we can, but otherwise just taking 10 gives Herrick a 34 for that. Garmit will still need to disarm any we find, and thankfully he is very good at that.

Herrick looks over the tower as Kai mentions having Garmit check for traps. After looking over the tower, if he finds it safe, he nods to Garmit and makes a gesture for the others to move through, making sure to stay out of the groups way.

Pending any detection of traps, locks or both, in which case Garmit will step up and take 10 on the Disable...

Once the door is given the all clear, Garmit nods back to the group, ruffles his feathers and then gently opens the door...

Take 10 on Stealth for +34 and quietly move through the door.

Mirror Image is 1 min/level so I am pretty sure it’s gone. Not quite ready to renew it yet.

Everyone checks their spells and prepares to go in. The door seems safe, so you open and look inside.

Arrow slits line the west and east walls of the entrance, and a portcullis lies ruined on the floor. Part of the east wall has collapsed, spilling rubble into the nearby crater. The room is littered with rubble and the floors are stained with blood at periodic intervals.

A door to the west opens into a room lined with empty weapon racks and armor shelves. Several broken bits of armor and weapons as well as a dozen or so broken crates litter the floor. A set of stairs lead up.

Through the armory, another door opens into a small guard room. Three arrow slits provide good cover on the entrance. This room is empty except for two orc corpses stripped of any weapons or gear.

To the north, the main hall contains a large table made of an enormous tree cut in half lengthwise and laid down on the floor. It’s framed by two long wooden benches along the side and two stylish wooden chairs at each end. A fireplace stands against the north wall and two sets of stairs frame the fireplace and rise up to the second floor. There are a dozen or so corpses here, most of which are seated at the table, and all of which are missing their heads. Atop the fireplace is draped a large flag of Cheliax.

Suddenly, one of the dessicated headless corpses at the table rises.

Everyone gets a surprise round action. If it actually lasts that long, I'll then roll initiative. :-O The skeleton looks much like the ones from the cornfield, despite having some fleshy bits still attached.

Xichi fires off an electric ray.

Elemental Ray, Reduce Person, vs Touch: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 = 16 Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 electricity

ER 7/8

Garmit rushes into the room, trying to get into position to move in and strike at the skeleton should it manage to survive the initial onslaught from the rest of the party.

Kai holds up his spear but glances over to Princess Xen. "You want to take this one, too?" But he watches the skeleton closely, ready to smash into it.

I shall try. Xen first stares and then channels to control undead. DC 20 will

Rhuul waves his flag.

"I heard story of a horseman who had a similar ailment.." quips the dwarf.

"He always wanted to race. But could never get ahead."

Inspire and flagbearer are both active. +5 to hit and damage for those who want it.

Will Save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19 Upon attempting to capture the new undead, Xen realizes that it would exceed her Hit Die limit for controlled undead.
Xen stares at the skeleton and attempts to exert her will over it, and for a moment believes she has succeeded. However, she feels herself losing control over the first one, and has to decide between the two. She chooses to release the one that isn't standing right next to her.

Rhuul, as always, tells a completely inappropriate joke, and somehow it helps his companions.

Xichikitte fires off a ray of electricity, which mildly scorches the bones of the skeleton. Kai jabs his spear at it, and while he hits, the sharp point of his spear appears not to be as effective as it might be against a more fleshy undead.

Herrick still has a surprise round action remaining, then he, Xen, and Rhuul have round 1 actions.

"You know, he was probably wanting a hair cut, and asked the barber for 'A little off the top'." continues Rhuul as he cautiously advances and pokes at the figure with his lance.

attack: 1d20 + 10 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 5 = 29
damage: 1d10 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 5 = 9

Tried a few times this weekend but Paizo wasn't working for me. Only was able to get on recently and I had a lot of updating to do.

Herrick takes out another blunt arrow, letting the magical bane to undeath encircle the shaft. With a quick pull of his bow string he releases the arrow...

blunt arrow+heroism+pbs-da+bane+CS+flag bearer: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 1 - 2 + 2 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 2 + 1 - 2 + 2 + 1 + 5 = 40
magic,blunt damage+flag bearer: 1d8 + 9 + 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 9 + (1, 6) + 5 = 22

...which slams into the center mass of the rising bag of bones with a solid *CRUNCH!*

If someone hits before Xen goes again add 4 damage from her painful stare AND 2 bleed IF this undead can be subject to bleed.

Xen continues her stare fired her cross bow, and then uses intimidating stare as a swift action.

X-bow: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 301d8 + 1 + 3d6 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 1 + (4, 1, 1) + 4 = 18

Confirm?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 251d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Intimidate: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28

If Xen hits the undead then it gets -2 to attacks, will saves, SR and to the DC of any spell saves.

Herrick lands a blunt arrow solidly into the skeleton's sternum; with a little assistance from Xen and Rhuul, the skeleton drops.

The skeleton is wearing a +1 chain shirt.

As you look around the room, you find nothing else of particular interest, but the more perceptive among you think you hear shuffling footprints from above.

There are two stairways up from this room, and another in the armory. Which way do you want to go, and who is taking the lead?

Unless we are planning on going the diplomatic route with whatever is up there, Garmit is happy to take the lead, using stealth and perception as he moves up the stairs. No particular preference re: which set of stairs but perhaps the ones at the bottom? We fought the skeleton more towards the north of the room so perhaps whatever is up there might expect us to come that way and we can retain some surprise if we come the other? Either way, not really that worried which stair we take based on what little we know, though.

With the latest skeleton dealt with, Garmit notices the sound of footsteps from the room above. Trying not to make any more noise than what what was needed to deal with the undead, he signals to the stairs in the south-east corner and readies to head up to the next level.

Herrick falls in behinds Garmit and motions for the others to do the same. He points and nods, agreeing with Garmit's silent suggestion for taking the southern stairs.

stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

He stays back about 10 feet so as not to disturb Garmit's stealthy movement.

With an exaggerated sigh at the need for stealth, Rhuul shuts up. For a moment.

"I always thought druids would be good at being stealthy. Their armour is made of hide..."

Xichi brings up the rear, trying to figure out Rhuul's joke.

Kai is torn before bellowing out in laughter or stabbing Rhuul with his spear. He finally elects for neither...

Garmit makes his way up the stairs, with Herrick a bit behin, while the rest hold still.

Peeking his head around the corner of the stairs, he sees a typical kitchen with three tables for food prep, shelves, and a large fireplace. The smell is coming from three large cauldrons sitting over an open fire in the fireplace, boiling and covered in a white froth and containing what appear to be human heads. An orc stands at the cauldrons, stirring and tasting their contents. He seems to be humming ...

Picture of the orc. Despite the ferocious appearance (it was the closest I could find), this fellow is calmly stirring his cauldron and humming to himself. He has not noticed Garmit.

I've added the 2nd floor map. I moved Garmit's token onto it, at the bend in the stairs. The Orc chef is in the middle of the kitchen.

Herrick smiles wide and turns to face Rhuul, shaking his head with mirth. He waggles one finger, as if to say "You really got me with that one." but not a sound escapes his lips.

He will stay with the tengu, shooting only if Garmit attacks.

Back. Glad to be posting from a computer again. :) Undead in general have high hit dice/challenge rating which will tend to limit how many Xen can control. So I think she should use the undead she has a a consumable with the idea of when its gone she can likely grab more. Thoughts?

Xen creeps up to just manage to keep the tengu in her line of sight in case she needs to trigger her trick.

I like using undead as a consumable, as opposed to the other way around. Lather this one, and when it seems done, rinse and repeat.

That's all that undeads are good for! :)

Anyone has any sneaky thing to take on the orc? All Kai can do is charge right in. :)

Waiting to let Garmit decide how to respond to what he sees, since technically he hasn't had a chance to tell anyone else yet.

Thinking that a pleasant chat with anyone who cooks human heads for a job is probably not going to happen, Garmit instead silently points to his eyes, then into the kitchen and then raises a single digit, signalling that he's seen the solitary orc. With a raised hand he then signals the group to wait a few seconds while he takes a deep breath and focuses himself on his sword.

Enter Tiger Trance

The tengu then signals the group to move up with him as he tries to get in position to pounce on the orc.

Move quietly as far towards the orc before he is seen. Move to position on map. If he gets that far without been seen then he'll charge in and attack as a surprise round action, otherwise I assume we go straight into INIT?

Rhuul mimes hitting something with the flat of his blade, hopefully reminding Garmit that living things tell more tales than dead ones.

Garmit shrugs and points to his thin blade which doesn't really have that much of a flat side to speak of and then points to the healing wand up his sleeve, perhaps suggesting that if we really want to talk to this guy we could try bringing him back to life if he hasn't completely bled out.

Xen moves up in order to keep Garmit in her view. Her body guard follows.