PFS Gameday V: GM Hmm's 3-04 Kortos Envoy (Inactive)

Game Master Hmm

“Three?! As hunters, my tribe uses every part of a kill. You wrecked the hides!” Her tail swishes back and forth. “How could you be so wasteful? I would have understood if you wished to keep the dragonhide for yourselves. To the hunter, the spoils. But when you knew that I had always wanted some dragonhide, choosing to just chop it up and throw it over a cliff seems callous and arrogant!”

She takes deep breaths, trying to calm herself. “You’ve helped my people greatly, ridding them of multiple menaces, and for that I thank you. But I will NEVER understand how you two-leggers can take all that you’re given for granted.” With that, she stomps off to her tent.

"Okay, I forgot all about that, I'm not going to lie. I wonder if Yrthak armor could work in a pinch? This cold could keep it preserved until we get back from our final task," Pai whispered to the boys.

Magnus hears the words of he centaur, and realized what a wasteful act he had done. True, he had just thrown the drakes heads over the side, as a signal to others that they were not welcome there anymore,but perhaps this act was more one of rage than of civilization.

He would have to mediate on this tonight.

Talias comes up to you all, bearing hot mugs of some kind of root tea. It's a little bitter, but he has honey to sweeten it, and he presses it into your hands.

"Don't feel too bad, lads. Nashota is a proud girl. It hurt her pride that she had to be rescued by the Pathfinder Society and all their money. She figures the only reason you're here is that tournament, and she wants to know... Will she be fighting for a cause she believes in? She wants to know what kind of people you are, deep inside. It's clear you're all bonny fighters, but what do you value?"

He smiles wryly. "I traveled with you for a while. Felt the gentleness of your paladin's healing touch. I know that you're good people, just rich and maybe not as aware of what it's like when you have to scrap for every advantage. You'll soon show her your mettle, I'm sure of it."

Looking around, seeing no responses, Talias swishes his tail. "Oh come on, lads! Give me SOMETHING to work with here. You can't all be a load of gloomy guts." Then he brightens. "I know! Here's a joke for all of you. How do Pathfinders navigate in the Kortos Mounts?"

He looks at you, expectantly.

"Sorry, I've been a bit distracted. I do love a good joke. Tell me, I don't know how Pathfinders navigate in the Kortos Mountains. Tell me!"

"I think we use our survival training and ou Wayfinders, to be honest."

"Nay." Talias grins. "You find the centaur of the valley, and work your way from there!" He laughs uproariously at his own joke. "Get some rest, lads, we'll see you on the morn."

___

The morning dawns cool and misty, the sunrise lighting the snow around the camp with rosy and glistening streaks of color. Nashota has clearly had time to calm down, and appears tired but in better spirits. It's clear that she spent a good part of last night on watch herself. She nods to all of you, and asks, “Ready for the last task, then?" She pulls out the map after her tribe brings out another hearty breakfast for you: hot oatcakes, still faintly smoky from the fires in which they baked, and lots of dried fruit. "I'm not sure of his exact location. He and his band are constantly moving. But he was last seen to the west of here, and he has a rather distinctive mount for these parts... An axebeak. It didn't snow last night, so chances are if you can find axebeak tracks, you can find him."

"Urso was one of the brigands Absalom hired to collect centaur skins. I killed his horse the first time we first met in battle, and he's had it out for me ever since. Of course, after that he hired on with Otheron's sellswords, but the damn fool didn't stop his attacks after the truce. As far as I can tell he's got around half a dozen bandits still working for him. Also, I'd appreciate it if you could keep an eye out for my lance. He stole it from my tent in a raid three weeks ago, and I'd like it back."

Is there anything you want to do before you go?

Once the group starts on the trip, Pai renews her Mage Armor and her False Life.

False Life 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

"We shall recover your lance. I look forward to the prospect of battle."

"It shall be my pleasure to recover your lance, and to punish this bandit." At the description of the next target, Magnus is seething.

"Rides an axebeak, does he? Well, We shall make sure this bird terrorizes your people no more." 'Remember to ask Grigorii what an axebeak is...'

Magnus is able to recharge all seven of his meditation crystals overnight. He also tweaks his spells, slightly.

You climb up a steep trail and out of the valley that contains Cangarit Camp. Sheltered, by steep flanks, fog yet lingers within, giving the valley the appearance of a portal into another, ethereal place.

The team sets out in search of axebeak tracks on the trails, but like Magnus, many of you find it difficult because you have no idea what axebeak tracks look like.

Eventually Pai finds some interesting looking claw marks that lead westward, and points the way. Following this trail brings you to the picked clean skeleton of a mule poking out of snow. The skeleton still wears its rotting and rusty bit and bridle. Traveling for several more hours, you find other discarded things... Old bits of cloth, dirty containers, and old campsites that have clearly been abandoned for months.

You continue to travel, following the claw-like tracks until...

...you hear the sounds of a small group of people, talking and tramping quietly in the snow as they do their daily tasks.

[SLIDE EIGHT]

In the distance, you see some igloos and a cave. Some of the igloos rest on land, others on an ice-covered lake. The ones on land huddle around the smoldering remains of a campfire. The ice looks to be thick, but there is a section to the west where it has been broken with a pick axe, and liquid water seeps out.

I have not placed your minis on this map yet, but you'll be coming in from the Southeast.

How do you proceed?

Tink will whisper to the party as they approach. Careful now, he's not alone, at least 2 in the trees

Grigorii knows a lot about axebeaks, but not what their trail might look like, "We're lucky the gnome stopped to look more closely at those flowers."

At the sight of the camp, "We should march right in and make our demands. They seem like reasonable people."

At sight of the camp, as a precaution, Magnus charges his sword with the power of Abadar, since if it doesn't work, he can always do it again later.

"Yes, I think we should. We are peaceful people, and they should understand that."

Without another thought, he starts walking forward. However, if he sees an axebeak, his peaceful thought will change...

When the axebeak is spotted by Magnus

"Urso! You villain! I call you out to single combat! My name is Sir Magnus Landros, of the Pathfinder Society, and I act in the name of the Kortos centaurs that you have preyed upon"

Just out of curiosity, is Magnus calling out the axebeak or the Ulfen man next to him?

The man, of course. The axebeak is just a beast, in the control of the man.

Vendel will begin sneaking around behind some of the other men, burrowing when necessary.

Stealth: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (12) + 21 = 33

Can never be too careful, I think I'll go act as insurance, if you know what I mean.

Pai casts Fly on herself and uses the first round of her Invisibility Field power, not knowing what to expect from the standoff.

Tink sees Magnus go forward and shakes his head. Then Magnus calls out Urso in single combat so Tink'll stand back and see what happens.

I can referee if you need

I'll start pre-buffing AC boosts if given the opportunity.

Magnus challenges. Vendel burrows. Pai flies, invisibly. Urso fast mounts his axe beak...

Ride: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23

...and calls out, "Empty your hands, dogs!"

I'm just going to assume here that you all don't disarm... Which throws us into initiative.

Team Urso wins initiative! Urso charges Magnus with his lance.

Lance, Spirited Charge: 1d20 + 17 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 17 + 2 = 32
Damage: 3d8 + 12 ⇒ (6, 1, 6) + 12 = 25

Axebeak bite: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

But the bird misses!

Then the scouts shoot!

Red Short Bow: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 4 = 12
Blue Short Bow: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 8 - 4 = 21
They both miss!

Green and Yellow climb trees and shoot.

Green, Fast Climb: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (6) + 10 - 5 = 11
Green Short Bow: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 8 - 4 = 6
Green fails the fast climb and so can't shoot. (He would have missed anyway... Apparently failing to climb really threw off his confidence.) He gives up and finishes with a normal climb.

Yellow, Fast Climb: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 5 = 15
Yellow Short Bow: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 4 = 19
Miss!

Yellow and Green are flat footed this turn.

It is now team Pathfinder's turn.

ORDER: Urso+Rokka, Scouts, Vendel, Grigorii, Masafusa, Tink Tink, Pai, Magnus

The whole team is up!

Magnus will step up to Urso, yelling, "You have no honor, you foul bandit!" That final word from the Paladin's mouth seems like the worst possible curse he could utter, that he is one who preys on civilization. Once again, he is overcome in holy fervor, bringing down the wrath if the Protector of Trade upon the bandits body.

token not moved, 5 ft step up to Urso.

PA, Smite, Holy, Keen, +3 adamantine: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (15) + 22 = 37
confirm: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (14) + 22 = 36
Damage: 4d4 + 29 + 29 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 4, 1) + 29 + 29 + (3, 3) = 71

His Taldan steel cuts deep, as he swings again, hoping to end this fight quickly. If the bandit drops, he will finish his attacks against the bird. If he is not evil, or the bird isn't, remove he final 2d6 and the +6 to hit, and +11 damage.

attack 2: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29 more damage: 2d4 + 29 + 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) + 29 + (2, 1) = 38

Still the Paladin of Abadar swings, hatred of brigandry in his eyes.
final attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
confirm: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
non-crit: 2d4 + 29 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) + 29 + (3, 2) = 37

Vendel double moves and tries to hide in the trees.

Stealth: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (6) + 21 = 27

Grigorii begins singing, hoping to inspire a mighty rage in the fervent paladin, then casts dimension door on himself and Masu and Tink if willing.

additional +2 to allies that flank creatures I threaten

Atk Spirit(mount): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Dmg: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Optional: Inspired Rage
+4 Str/Con, +3 morale Will, -1 AC
20% conceal v reach, ranged attacks
4 fast healing
DR 1/-
Spirit Slam +12 (1d4+4) negative energy

Does the axebeak have a saddle? Pai is looking to cast Persistent Grease on the saddle if so. 2 DC 17 Reflex saves, if so. If not, let me know and I'll reconsider.

Since they were kind of in a surprise clearing/trees, I'm assuming I did not pre-buff

Tink will take Grigorii's magical mystery tour. Pull a wand of Mage Armor (swift) and cast it on himself.

AC 33

The fox takes a magic half-orc ride, then gazes up at the tree (Green, -3 Damage, -3 Will, +4 damage on first hit against him) before decorating the tree for the holidays.

Glitterdust, Green and Red, DC 18 Will Save

Urso may be honorless, but he and the bird aren't evil. Magnus still crits and kills the honorless bandit anyway.

Vendel hides in the trees. Grigorii rages and then d-doors, taking Masafusa and Tink with him. Tink casts mage armor on himself and Masa decorates for the holidays.

Red Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Green Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Both rogues are sparkly but to their great surprise they both save!

Pai considers casting persistent grease on the axe beak's saddle, but by that time Urso has already fallen.

Pai, you may cast another spell retroactively if you like!

The spooked scouts, having eyed all the spells that just dropped and seeing the swift kill of their boss, drop the bows and arrows and scream, "We surrender! Don't kill us!"

What now, my heroes?

"It is better to lose honorably and live to fight again. We accept your surrender. Where are the arms you have taken from the centaur people?"

If not response is forthcoming, Grigorii enters an igloo to look for the stolen items.

"Uh, Grigori. See that lance he was using against Magnus? I bet that's what we are here after," Pai calls out, still invisible.

Masa nods at the villains and begins padding around the camp, further decorating two trees (Glitterdust) and looking for hidden loot.

"Perhaps a quick meal before we travel back?"

"Ah, well. Thank you, Pai." Grigorii says looking around for the gnome's invisible form, "We should still clear out this camp and that cave."

Pai casts Detect Magic as she zooms around the area. She keeps looking over her shoulder at the axebeak. I wonder if he is friendly?. She lands approximately 15' from the creature and makes sure Callie is safely tucked away in her robes before dropping her Invisibility. She stares at the axebeak, considering approaching it.

"We shall accept your surrender, lay down your arms" Magnus states as the scouts surrender. He lays hands upon himself, and then picks up the lance. The bird he forgives, for having to follow an evil master was not its choice.

LoH, greater mercy: 8d8 ⇒ (4, 3, 7, 5, 8, 6, 2, 3) = 38

"Bird, down!" he commands.
handle animal: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Rokka the axebeak nudges her dead master before calling with a mournful "Squraaaawk!" She shies away from anyone who tries to approach her, but the paladin's calming touch keeps her from fleeing into the wilds.

Urso’s scouts fall all over themselves to show you where things are. Green confirms, “Yeah the gnome’s right. That lance, covered in centaur fetishes? Urso took it from the centaur princess.”

In addition you find:

• A potion of barkskin;
  
• A potion of cure serious wounds;
  
• A +1 mithril shirt
  
• A nifty darkwood composite bow
  
• Cloaks of resistance
  
• +1 swords
  
• 4 Potions of feather fall
  
• 4 Potions of pass without trace

The scouts admit that they’ve been tired of harassing the centaurs. “There’s no more money in it, and it’s rotten work. If we promise to leave the mounts, will you just let us go home?”

What do you do next?

Magnus looks at the scouts, and considers their words. "We can agree to that, save that you will come with us for you to offer your apologies, and penance, to the centaurs. You have done them a great wrong, and they have the right to their justice. I will give a good word for you, assuming that you have shown us all of your late master's treasure troves, and swear by whatever god you serve that you shall never do banditry again."

sense motive for their response: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Pai produces a slightly too ripe apple taken from the meeting briefing and holds it out to the oh so tall creature. "She's a nice beaky. She want an apple?". Pai offers the fruit to the axebeak. If it nips at her, she will back off and give it a wide berth.

Rokka snaps the apple out of Pai's hands, and then studies the gnome warily.

The bandits look at Magnus with disbelief. "You want us to face that crazed Centaur Princess? She's terrifying!" Red shudders. "She'll roast us over a spit alive, and laugh while she does it!"

Yellow nods. "If those meddling Pathfinders hadn't come through here, it would have been great. We were earning good money in the old days, and were the toast of several of the Consortium houses in Absalom!" Then he stares at you all, suddenly putting two and two together. "Er... no offense."

Green's eyes widen. "Yeah, those Pathfinders are GREAT. We all LOVE them!"

Does anyone want to do a diplomacy or intimidate check to move them along?

"Consortium? As in Aspis Consortium. You people really should have thought about a better path for your lives.

"Now, let's get going. Really, you would rather come with us, peacefully, than any other option. I promise you will be safe with us, and that you will face a fair trial."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (7) + 20 = 27

After finishing his search of the area, Grigorii returns to stand beside Magnus, flashing a wide grin that emphasizes his tusks.

"You will cooperate completely with my friend here, now will you not?" Grigorii pauses to make sure his meaning is clear, "I would be very angry to learn that you went back on your word, yes?"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 21 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 21 + 2 + 2 = 38

"As long as you cooperate, I will keep that feisty lass from making a dressed goose of you. If you do not, I will gladly turn the spit myself and sing a cheerful song as I do."

Pai would have normally attempted to assist her mates with their attempts to calm down the situation, but she didn't know which way to go. One was being menacing, the other was being friendly. She decided to watch to see how things played out.

Magnus looks over to Grigorii with more than a little respect. While he doesn't agree with his tactics, he believes that it will be effective. He's heard of the 'good cop, bad cop' routine, and is gladdened that he gets to play the 'Good Guy' today, even though his armor is currently splattered with the remains of the late leader of these men.

He then looks to the axebeak, and wonders... 'Can I ride this thing? That would be pretty awesome, actually!'

He then remembers, that with his heavy armor and minimal training, he isn't actually a very good rider.

The former bandits eyes widen, and they start shaking. "Alright, alright! We'll go with you peacefully. Just don't roast us!"

You and your prisoners make your way through the passes, hustled along by Grigorii's marching songs. Then soon enough, you see Cangarit camp. Nashota gallops up to you. "What news do you have for me?"

"You enemy lies dead upon the battlefield, and your lance has been recovered. We have taken his cohorts prisoner, to stand trial." Magnus says, presenting the lance to Nashota.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (3) + 20 = 23

"And the axebeak seems really nice, too. Maybe she could relocate close to your tribe. I think you all would be a much better influence on her than leaving her all by herself with the bandits," Pai whispered to Nashota. "Having an axebeak as a fried might be even cooler than having a boring old piece of dragon hide armor!"

Aid another Diplomacy 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (19) + 19 = 38

Urso fell in not-so-honorable combat, and we found a bunch of stuff we believe belongs to you and your people. Oh and these guys were with Urso, but they surrendered.

Knowing his friend prefers cleanliness to his own godly mess, Grigorii casts prestidigitation to polish his armor and weapon before the group departs.

"Now that your lands have been cleared of those troubling you, will you return with us to join the Ruby Phoenix Tournament?"

Nashota holds her spear aloft, and calls out to her people. “These brave heroes have recovered our lost warriors, armed us, and vanquished our enemies! Now, as they have fought for us, I will proudly go fight for them in the Ruby Phoenix Tournament!”

The centaurs cheer and Talias claps you all on the back. "Come back anytime, lads. You know we'll make you the centaur of attention!"

Greatly impressed by your courage and skill, she prepares to leave for Diobel immediately, secure in knowing that the largest threats to her people have been eliminated.

Your mission? A success! You not only achieved your objective, but won the friendship of the Cangarit tribe!

-- THE END --

___

Grigorii, you lucky half-orc! You earned another boon!

Thank you all for playing with me, and for being my 60th PFS table.

It has been a tradition in my games for me to invite everyone to add their own DVD-style easter egg to gameplay while the closing credits roll.

So, show us your characters in action, and have fun!

Your Chronicles