[PFS] Masks of the Living God (Tier 2-4) (Inactive)

Game Master Sersi

Cygar Anravis, an eccentric but mostly harmless Pathfinder, is currently living in Kassen, a small town on the northern edge of Nirmathas, and he has send for aid from the Society. When you arrive, you find him waiting in front of a dock made for large river barges.

Good! Good! You're here. My apologies, but there is not time for pleasantries. It is no secret that the Cult of Razmir has been spreading across Lake Encarthan like a sickness and now it is expanding into Tamran, capital of Nirmathas. Razmir’s masked priests feed the poor and protect the weak from criminals, but there are rumours of extorting money from local businesses, and bribing the local militia to look the other way while they conduct more nefarious operations. With enough gold, their reach might extend into the government of Nirmathas itself, turning a fledgling democracy into a theocracy under the heel of Razmir.

I made contact with a friend in Tamran named Reginar who could help. Reginar knows the city well and has been keeping an eye on masked followers of Razmir. I would like for you to explore what is happening in Tamran, and report what you find back to the Society.

Cygar explains that he has booked passage for you to Tamran on The Black Mist, a river barge run by a man named Captain Walren. The barge is heading straight for Tamran with a shipment of ingots from Skelt, and Cygar promises that it will make the journey swift and easy.

Captain Walren is rather easy to spot: the only Dwarf I know who willingly spends his life at sea. Find Reginar as soon as you reach Tamran. He will be an invaluable aid. I'm sorry I cannot see you there myself, but I will be in contact soon. And with that the strange Pathfinder pulls up his hood and departs, leaving you to wait for the arrival of The Black Mist...

Feel free to roleplay introductions while waiting for the barge to arrive. Or you can simply dot the gameplay thread for now. We will properly start on Monday to give everyone time to finish up character sheets.

Dotting. Wanted to write an into post but my daughter is very intent on playing Lego...

Lilt frowns slightly, keeping his own masked face fairly well hidden underneath his hood. "I've never been fond of Razmir. It seems like he has tried to style himself as a false god, and I find that to be an abomination... nevertheless, I will put my personal feelings aside for this. Perhaps there is something going on, perhaps it is nothing. I just pray Nethys gives me strength in this."

Like most natives of Tian Xia, Kiyoshi is a relatively short man, with a reasonably slight frame. In Tian Xia, his natural white hair denotes 'greatness', but overseas it just makes him further stand out in a crowd. Despite only being twenty four, Kiyoshis deep brown eyes suggest he has seen far more than many his age. Being ethnicly of Tian-Shu descent, the priests skin in slightly darker than other Tians, however most of his flesh is concealed beneath his robes and armour. While he is armed, the weighted mace at his side and his shouldered shield seem not to have seen any use. A small, silver wagon wheel with spokes made of the five elements (water, earth, metal, fire, and wood) hangs from the foreigners neck, a symbol of his devotion to Qi Zhong. Hanging from the healers belt is a shining wayfinder, emblazoned with the emblem of a silver dragon. A small mulberry ioun stone circles his head, and humbly hidden in the folds of his clerics robes are commendations and medals from both the Mendevian crusades and the House of Thrune.

Kiyoshi approaches his fellow Pathfinders and offers them a bow, with his fist placed in the palm of his other hand.

"Greeting friends. My name is Kiyoshi Wakahisa, humble servant of Qi Zhong. The Silver Crusade has seen fit to send me to join your effort and I am honored at the chance."

The priest acknowledges Cygars information with a nod.

"Helping the less fortunate and protecting the innocent is a noble pursuit, but if these priests are hiding behind such altruism, something must be done. I will aid however I can."

Kiyoshi ceases speaking for the moment, allowing his peers the time to introduce themselves and get acquainted.

"Greeting friends. My name is Kiyoshi Wakahisa, humble servant of Qi Zhong. The Silver Crusade has seen fit to send me to join your effort and I am honored at the chance."

Lilt nods in Kiyoshi's direction. "A fellow holy man, hm? Your god, Qi Zhong, also revers magic to an extent, am I correct? Nethys shares this in common." He ponders for a moment with his head cocked. "Yes, I think that I will stick by you for the time being. There may be much that I can learn through the powers of observation."

Darius is tall and lean, carrying himself with an easy grace. He wears a short sword on each hip, the type favored in the gladatorial arenas. He has an open, honest expression, and seems ready to smile.

"Priests of the Living God may be causing trouble, eh? We've seen their like in Taldor from time to time, but fortunately they haven't gained much traction in my homeland. Well, if they are up to mischief, we'll rout those Razmiran rascals, and no mistake!"

A tiefling stands at the back of meeting room listening intently to the mission requirment.Tall and broad shouldered Farg is rather imposing, his massive tusks and oddly shaped horns as well as the dark sheen of fur that covers his face and body indicate his orcish and fiendish heritage. The man moves with the swagger of one who fears little to notihing and is rather blunt with his observations.

Surely you wouldn't be sending us this far just to observe? What is at stake for the society here?

Lilt gives Farg a small smile, that was for the most part concealed by his hood. Regarding the large figure with a degree of respect he says, "As Pathfinders, we may not always get the most exciting jobs. Sometimes we must simply, observe, report, and cooperate. This seems like one of those jobs."

Kiyoshi nods in agreement with Lilt.

"If nothing else, I'm sure there will be people there who could benefit from our help."

Farg eyes Lilt sceptically and replies with no uncertainty.

As a Pathfinder it never hurts to ask questions... but surely you knew that already...

After nearly an hour of waiting outside on the dock, a vessel finally approaches. The Black Mist is a rectangular, small-sailed barge, 60 feet long and 20 feet wide and has a cabin occupying the back third of the main deck.

As the barge is guided into the dock, a heavily scarred Kellid man expertly throws a rope lassoing a dock post and allowing him to pull the barge the rest of the way in. Meanwhile, a stout dwarf leaves the wheel behind to come greet his new passengers.

I assume you are my fare? I am Captain Walren, that man is my first mate Ewan. Pardon him for not being the most talkative, his common tongue leaves a great deal to be desired, but he is loyal and capable nonetheless! And this is the Black Mist. She has served me well over the years, and I don't intend on that stopping today. Cabin in the back has plenty of cots for everyone and there is a small stove and plenty of provisions. I certainly do not mind passengers, but I ask you to... help out should anything unexpected happen.

Granted, I do not expect too much trouble, but the journey will take about a week and anything could happen during that time. Now! Load up quickly, we have a schedule to keep.

Also, if everyone could double check the discussion thread post and correct any errors found on their character sheets before we set off, that would be wonderful. :)

Lilt intently watches the man's lips as he speaks -as he is unable to hear anything- and gives a small frown at the mention of potential humanoid enemies. He responds, somewhat louder than it takes for everyone to hear him. [b]"Then hopefully it will be a pleasant trip. If not, then I have a few spells that can enchant the mind, hopefully warding off our foes. Though I am curious, what

Darius turns to face Lilt.

"Glad to hear it, friend. I'm afraid the aracne arts are beyond my ken. But if it comes to a fight with pirates or bandits, you can usually rely on my blades here."

He pats the hilts of his swords with this.

"Of course, I've some skill at sneaking around and picking locks too."

Those skills are sure to come in handy on a boat... Farg grumbles as he gets inside. The Tiefling for the moment doesn't seem to deem it worth his time to expand on his skills but you get the sense that he must be good at everything as that's what his cockiness would suggest.

Kiyoshi extends the captain a tradtional Tien bow, before rising with a smile.

"It is an honor to meet you Captain, and thank you for assisting with our travels. My name is Kiyoshi Wakahisa and I'm sure my associates and I will do whatever we can to help."

Kiyoshis smile fades slightly at Fargs grumbled comment, before he turns back to Darius.

"Do not take his comment to heart. I have no doubt your skills will be invaluable."

With that, the priest clambers into the boat.

After 3 days traveling along Tourondel River, the barge enters Lake Encarthan. The captain keeps the Black Mist to within about a mile of shore, avoiding sandbars and rock outcroppings along the way. Steady rain plagues this journey, but fortunately the waters remain mostly calm and they do not endanger the barge.

On the 4th day of travel, you hear the Captain blow a horn, Quickly! Quickly! We are under attack! Leaving the cabin you are able to see Ewan's body thrown like a rag doll past you. Do something! I'll take care of Ewan, the dwarf shouts from the wheel.

The main deck of the barge has been infiltrated by four Aquatic Ghouls. The Lacedons appear as starved human-like creatures with sharp teeth and tightly stretched pallid flesh.

Bold is free to act
Darius
Farg
Jasmine
Lacedon 3
Lacedon 4
Caleb
Kiyoshi
Lacedon 2
Lacedon 1
Lilt

Earlier

Darius doesn't seem too upset by Farg's comment, and nods graciously when the friendly cleric Kiyoshi offers his words of support.

"Thanks, friend. I may not need to scout ahead aboard ship, but I assume much of our quest will be on land".

With an attack underway, Darius leaps ahead, hoping for a lucky strike.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 1 + (2, 2) = 11

I forget if sneak works on undead. And I'm on my phone now and can't move my token. Can someone put me in front of #4?

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Darius's blade sinks deeply into the ghoul, but it does not go down.

Darius
Farg
Jasmine
Lacedon 3
Lacedon 4
Caleb
Kiyoshi
Lacedon 2
Lacedon 1
Lilt

earlier intro

Greetings everyone at the docks Caleb bows, cape billowing in the sea-side breeze. "I'm Caleb Gance, a pleasure we share together, this meeting!" the young, well dressed bravo says by way of introduction.

Now...it doesn't appear I'm up yet so just speaking

"Whats going on, are we under attack? Caleb yells.

Sorry, busy weekend at work

Jasmine listens to the details of the mission. Her short blonde hair tucked behind her ears. She sharpens her daggers as she listens. Sounds easy enough

She is tending to her crossbow when all hell breaks loose. She lowers her bow at one of the enemy and let's it fly.

crossbow at #1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Jasmine's bolt misses its mark.

Darius
Farg
Jasmine
Lacedon 3
Lacedon 4
Caleb
Kiyoshi
Lacedon 2
Lacedon 1
Lilt

Just in preparation for my turn, here is my Knowledge (religion) check for the creatures to determine any strengths, weaknesses or special abilities.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Farg lunges forward his Longspear gripped tightly in both hands. He knows in situations like this it's better to be lucky than good and thus the Tiefling lands a telling blow.

Attack PA1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 Damage 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Confirmation 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 Damage 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Farg will be threatening an AoO from Ghoul movement. Move, Standard action Attack and swift action activate Archaeologist luck for +2 to attacks Dmg and saves. AoO just in case... Attack PA1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 Damage 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

How fast would you say the ship is moving every round?

Farg's attack kills the ghoul instantly.

One of the lacedons steps in and attacks Darius:
5' step, full attack
bite: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
claw: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
claw: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The razor sharp claws and teeth try desperately to hack and rend, but the rogue easily dodges.

The next lacedon also tries to attack Darius:
Full attack
bite: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
claw: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
claw: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

And his attacks prove equally ineffective. Yay!

The Black Mist is currently traveling at roughly 60ft per round.

Turn Order:
Darius
Farg
Jasmine
Lacedon 3
Lacedon 4
Caleb
Kiyoshi
Lacedon 2
Lacedon 1
Lilt

Kiyoshi moves up behind Darius, muttering a prayer to his god as his grasps his holy symbol.

"May Qi Zhong guide you friend."

Cast Guidance on Darius.

Caleb's face tightens, realizing the threat that a battle at sea can be.
He quickly unfurls a cape from his left forearm, letting it drape in front of him like a small shield.

Rapier in his right, he steadily makes his way towards the attackers. Once beside Farg he stops, content with his positioning. Smirking, the bravo looks at the tiefling, [b]"Excellent blow, justsmashing/b]" the exotic noble quips, still half grinning.

Move action for the wrapped cape, Standard to move in beside Farg.

^"Excellent blow, just smashing!"

eta internet went down before I could edit, bad timing.

I made a massive error earlier, apparently the attack rolls were not put in properly. Sorry Darius, you might take damage...

Ghoul 3
bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
claws: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
claws: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The ghoul's teeth and claws sink deep 11 damage.
Darius feels a little woozy from the attack... I need you to roll three different DC 13 Fort saves all prior to the casting of Guidance.

Ghoul 4
bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
claws: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
claws: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The second ghoul tries to attack Darius and fails to connect.

And back to the action...

The final lacedon charges Farg with its hideous jaw snapping:
bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
The ghoul's teeth tear into Farq 2 damage, and he starts to feel woozy as well...
I need two seperate DC 13 Fort saves please, Farg

Turn Order:
Darius
Farg
Jasmine
Lacedon 3
Lacedon 4
Caleb
Kiyoshi
Lacedon 2
Lacedon 1
Lilt the Bard

Ok, here goes...

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Lilt takes a look at this sudden situation with a look of surprise, five foot stepping to the right in order to get a better view at the lacedons. He quickly swears under his breath and casts murderous command on lacedon 3, strumming is lute gently with the other hand.

Perform String: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25 This is purely for show

He completes the spell and points at lacedon three. "No one touch that one! It will attack it's allies!"

I have the undead sorcerer bloodline, so if thing is corporeal and was once a humanoid (Two things I could figure out by looking at it) then it should work on them. The DC is 19 and I will misfortune it if it rolls above a 16 (before modifiers since I can't know those)

Assuming my AoO missed

Fort with luck1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Fort with luck1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Darius finds himself feeling a little woozy at the moment, but whatever it is, it has no real effect on him currently. DC 13 Heal check from anyone to identify/treat him. Probably best to resolve after combat as it would take several minutes.

Farg finds himself equally woozy, but again, whatever is causing that feeling is not affecting him at the moment. However, much more frightening is he suddenly finds himself completely unable to move...
1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
He remains frozen to the spot Paralysis for the next four rounds.

@Farg, unfortunately the AoO never happened as neither 5' step nor charging provokes.

Ghoul's Will Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 Failure!
The Lacedon turns its hungry gaze to one its former allies.
Since he is essentially now an ally, I will have him act in the first black with the heroes to save some time...

Ghoul 3 swings out with tooth and claw against Ghoul 4:
Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

One of the claws find home for 2 damage.

Turn Order:
Darius
Farg Paralyzed!
Jasmine
Lacedon 3 Betraying!
Lacedon 4
Caleb
Kiyoshi
Lacedon 2
Lacedon 1
Lilt the Bard

"Excellent work Bard, quite excellent!" Caleb exclaims, seeing the effect Lilt's strumming.

Darius slashes twice at the wounded ghoul right in front of him, leaving the recently 'enlisted' foe another target.

TWF: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
DMG?: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

TWF: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
DMG?: 1d6 ⇒ 6

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Don't forget the +1 to your first attack from Guidance making it a 14 which just barely hits :)

Darius's blades cut deep into both ghouls. The injured ghoul drops to the ground dying and the party's temporary "ally" cries out in pain.

Turn Order:
Darius
Farg
Jasmine
Lacedon 3 already acted
Lacedon 4
Caleb
Kiyoshi
Lacedon 2
Lacedon 1
Lilt the Bard

Jasmine reloads her crossbow and takes another shot at the enemy.

#2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 211d8 ⇒ 2

Jasmine's bolt imbeds itself into the ghoul.

Turn Order:
Darius
Farg
Jasmine
Lacedon 3
Lacedon 4
Caleb
Kiyoshi
Lacedon 2
Lacedon 1
Lilt the Bard

Caleb's sharp eyes scan the ghouls for any weakness. trying to figure out if they're immune to Precision Damage.

Knowledge Religion, Max 10: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Caleb knows his shoes are tied? Lol

Caleb spins on his heels to deliver a powerful lunge with his rapier to the ghoul harassing the archeologist. "Don't you know it's bad form to attack an academic. Ghouls have no class!" Derlin mocks a sigh before plunging his instrument of death into rotting flesh!

Power Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Damage, Spending 1 Panache to double Precision bonus: 1d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 6 = 13

My Precision damage is 3

Feel free to roll for crit confirmation if you feel so inclined, but regardless of the added crit damage, the ghoul falls hard...

Turn Order:
Darius
Farg
Jasmine
Lacedon 3
Lacedon 4
Caleb
Kiyoshi
Lacedon 2
Lacedon 1
Lilt the Bard

Sadly my Imp Crit feature doesn't kick in til 5th level.

GM just to clear things up Farg is wielding a longspear thus threatening an area of 10 ft. Thus any movement including charging provokes an AoO

Damn it! I can't move... Farg curses as he stands around worthless and woozy but decides to make the best of it and skewer the remaining Ghoul.

Attack1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 Damage 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Lilting refrain kicks in to maintain luck. Activate arcane strike for +1 damage

Kiyoshi casts Guidance on Darius once again, continuing muttering his prayers to his god.

At this point, if Farg hasn't killed the last one, Lilt has seen the ghouls so five foot steps to the left, strums once more on the lute and casts command on the ghoul. "Approach, foul beast."

String: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19 Again, just for show. Still DC 19, though I'm not sure if it's going to try and acro over the PCs to get to me, since the wording of the spell says it will move quickly or directly to me, or around the PCs seeing as it can't do anything BUT move.

"Observe, report, cooperate!" Caleb chuckles offhandedly at nothing in particular, ready to skewer the next threat.

Regarding the AoO, you are right, it would have provoked, and because of the charging AC penalty, it would have hit.

So! Mild reconning, that means Jasmine's bolt would have finished off the injured Ghoul 2. So we can assume Caleb would have 5' stepped to use that attack on the remaining and injured #3. And his attack would have been enough to drop the last one.

Not that it matters now, but while paralyzed you can only make mental actions and your STR and DEX are treated as zero, so you would be unable to attack. But the enemies were all dead anyway :)

Within half a minute or so, Farg finds sensation returning to his limbs and he is back to his old self.

Captain Walren emerges from the cabin and helps kick the corpses off the deck back into the sea. Ewan should be fine, he is fairly hardy for a human, and it doesn't look like he caught any of their wretched plague. He looks at Farg and Darius, You two don't look as lucky however. But I'm no healer, so what do I know?

Returning to his wheel, he immediately sets to modifying the ship's course to avoid any more ghoul ambushes. I appreciate the help, but I would prefer not to have to do that again. We should arrive in Tamran in a couple of days, so rest up.

Witht that, Lilt nods at the Captain and goes off to meditate in his cabin, pondering the meaning of life and magic.

"Did that man say plague?" hearing a very troubling word, Caleb backs a few feet away from the stricken. From over there, he calls "I am sorry my good fellows, I mean no slight, but I'm going to have to echo our good captain; I am no healer." he says with a slight tone of apology.

Darius' face grows ashen.

"Plague? Don't let me die of the fever! Can't you help us Kiyoshi? At least until we get to Tamran? Maybe we can find some potions there. .."

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