PFS PbP GameDay IV: PFS 06-06 - The Hall of the Flesh Eaters (Inactive)

Game Master FiddlersGreen

Seems like this could be very lucrative, and we may find some other useful items not needed by the society.

"Yes, well, the usual Society policies concerning items and treasure recovered in the course of your mission will apply, so you will certainly find this venture profitable if you perform your mission well."

“I’ll be in the general area studying another section of the ruins, so you don’t have to worry about me constantly looking over your shoulder. The window of opportunity is too short for me to work on just one project.”

"Now before you start thinking that I'm a nasty uncaring Venture-Captain who's sending you on a risky mission with little or no support, the reefs in this area do mean that it will be very risky to keep the Pixie here after the three days are up. There's no point in me waiting for you only to be marooned here with you. And I am lendin you a valuable magic item to help you. (This would be her folding boat.) I will also be providing the mining and digging equipment you will need for this mission, and you will each have access to some of my stores to help you along."

When you go to her quartermaster to collect the boat and tools, you will also be able to request up to 50gp in items. You can choose consumables, but anything not used by the end of the mission needs to be returned.

She waits to see if you have any further questions.

For The Gloomspires Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (20) + 9 + (6) = 35
For Sevenfingers Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 9 + (3) = 14

"The Hall of the Flesh Eaters," Aldur muses. "That sounds positively placid. Now, regarding the Gloomspires, it's said there are often foreboding and disconcerting feelings in the area. Are these lessened during the solstice? If not, perhaps we should prepare alchemical solutions to alleviate possible ailments?"

The Venture-Captain shrugs.

"When was the last time you had a steak? We're all flesh-eaters here, unless you've taken vegetarian vows. Cats are meat-eaters too. Who knows? You may find a hall of fluffy cats."

It is hard to tell from her tone whether or not she is being serious.

"As for the feelings you experience, well, that would be something to document whilst you are exploring, wouldn't it? I do know that the spires stop shifting during the Soltice, but anything beyond that would be the purpose of this expedition to investigate. Remember to take good notes. I will want to compare my own observations with yours'."

It's entirely up to you how you want to spend that 50gp line of credit from her.

Zykon stops by the quartermaster and picks up the following items:

Line of Credit:
2 flasks Holy Water

Personal Funds(If the following are available)
5 lbs. MEAT (3gp) Mmuu muh muh muh meeeatttt MEAT!
2 vials ink (16gp)
5 ink pens (5sp)
1 traveling spellbook(10gp)
10 sheets of paper (4gp)
1 chunk of charcoal (free from cook fire)
10 pcs chalk (1 sp)
1 chalkboard (1gp)

It would seem he's taking the idea of good notes to heart. "Anything I'm forgetting?"

Aldur examines the wealth of writing materials Gibbs has purchased. "A man after my own heart. Tell me, have you ever considered a position as a scrivener for the Dark Archive? The attentive and studious are appreciated there."

Can I purchase ingredients for making alchemical items, or just the finished items? Also, during our trip out here, I would like to have been using my whetstone to sharpen the edges of our arrows and bladed weapons.

"No." It's a rather blunt and monosyllabic response, but clearly in response to Aldur's question.

"Edge saved my life."

BoomAhg seems somewhat dazed as he sits looking at the captain waiting. Suddenly he says Might as well get some rest until we get there, can someone show me a bunk?

Can I purchase ingredients for making alchemical items, or just the finished items? Also, during our trip out here, I would like to have been using my whetstone to sharpen the edges of our arrows and bladed weapons.

Whetstone specifically works only on blades, so unless you are using some very unusual arrows, I'd say no to the arrows. I completely recommend using them on any blades you guys have though. And you can purchase ingredients.

Zykon, Boomahg and Aldur, you guys can also use a 50gp line of credit each - each individual gets to borrow 50gp of items. Also waiting for Titus and Ramen.

Line of credit is being spent on two flasks of Holy Water

Well Captain, that is very genrous of you. I will take a look at what your quartermaster has to offer.

With that, I take quick inventory of my kit, making sure that my rmor is well serviced and sealed with a fresh coat of olive oil. Heading down to the quartermaster, I grin at the knowledge of making a purchase not out of my own pocket.

I look at the sailor that works the supply room and draw a bulls eye lantern, 3 pints of oil, and a length of silk rope.

BoomAhg makes his way down to the quartermaster after a nap. Don't suppose I can grab a tanglefoot bag from ya.

BoomAhg makes his way down to the quartermaster after a nap. Don't suppose I can grab a tanglefoot bag from ya.

"I don't suppose there'll be much chance of us getting that back, but the captain's prepared to write off some of our stock as expenses for this expedition, so yea, ya can request a tanglefoot bag," the quartermaster replies dourly.

Aldur looks over the stores with the quartermaster. ”In addition to my companions’ gear, can we obtain a boarding ladder, a crowbar and a few alchemical items?”

Re: The whetstone: I’ve seen other players and GMs who allow the sharpening of arrows, so I thought I’d ask. No problem to nix it, though! And yeah, in prep, sharpen everyone’s blades for a +1 damage.

Aldur’s purchases:
Crowbar 2GP
Folding Ladder 5GP
2 doses of Vermin Repellant 10GP
Alchemical Grease 5GP
Ingredients for 2 doses of Soothe Syrup 25GP

Rolls for crafting Sooth Syrup (DC 15)
Craft:Alchemy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Craft:Alchemy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Edit: Nuts. Okay, so I've got one additional dose of Soothe Syrup.

It's not me nixing it. The item description says bladed weapons only. Otherwise I would be using it for arrows. XD

I think this will be our team. Can't even remember that Kitsune's name, and Ramen has not posted since he first dotted in. I'll PM him, and if he still does not show we will do this as a 4-man run.

"Well, yes, our captain stocks all of those things. Let me get them for you."

Raman will also get two vials of Holy Water for the 50 gp.

Plus the following:
A monk's kit (8gp)
2 Alchemist's Fire (40gp)
10 paper Sheets (4gp)
ink (8 gp)
ink pen (1 sp)
rope 50ft (1gp)
saw (4cp)

Sorry, I'm in a Hotel with spotty internet connetion. I have to reload the page a hundred times to get a campaign loaded or a post to the paizo Server :/

Ramen Noodles Raman, thanks for signing in despite the difficulties. When you get access to a more stable connection, could you update your profile with your character info as well? Cheers. =)

By the time you have finished making your purchases, the Grinning Pixie has already dropped anchor, indicating that you have arrived at your destination. You arrive above deck to an alien sight.

Although the swirling chaos of the Eye of Abendego currently lies only a hundred miles away to the east, the violent storms it constantly hurls across the seas seem to have forgotten this eerily quiet place. Dozens of nearly identical monolithic columns rise before you from the waters, their ominous outlines stretching down into the mist. At first glance, the clean, rectangular design of the Gloomspires seems rather plain. However, the walls of the spires shift and quiver in your peripheral vision, and the long shadows that they cast seem to flicker and move in unnatural directions. Strange sounds and unidentifiable scents tease the senses, and you find yourselves gripped by intermittent bouts of agoraphobia.

You cast off from the Grinning Pixie at roughly the same time as Venture-Captain Benarry, though her own boat is rowed in a different direction. It takes you several hours to find the spire you are looking for, but the sight of it is unmistakable - few enough ships dare brave the Gloomspires that the sight of one is rare enough, let alone one that is lies wrecked at the base of a spire.

It takes you nearly another two hours to climb the narrow, winding steps to the summit of the great stone column containing Sevenfingers’s tomb. When you at last reach the top of the spire, you find yourself at a small clearing surrounded by a thick and utterly silent veil of tropical trees, hanging vines, and thick undergrowth, all shrouded in fog, which strikes you as odd since climbing the steps that circled the spire should have placed you at the edge of a clearing rather than in the middle...

Map is linked. You're at the bottom, so you'll need to scroll down to see where you are initially. The mist is preventing you from seeing too far into the distance.

Two ostensible paths stretch out before you, one to the North-East, and the other to the North-West.

Two paths before us it seems. I am not sure if one matters over the other, or if there is another even.

Looking up, my eyes strain to see anything.

My guess is I am in the front....so what will it be?

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

BoomAhg mumbles something then tries to express his concern,Something seems amiss here, have you not noticed these stairs are taking longer to move up as we go on...

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

"Solstice effect?" The tengu will take a moment to document this carefully before stowing his writing gear. "I'm good towards the not-in-melee" direction."

With this mist swirling about, glad I paid for the underwater version of a crossbow. Normal crossbow lines would get soaked in conditions like this.

"Solstice effect?"

On what world would a normal solstice produce such an effect?! XD

Whilst a decent survival check might yield some clues, you have no way of knowing which way leads to melee, and which does not. Or whether neither or both lead to combat.

So is someone going to pick a direction? The flesh-eaters are getting hungry... Well, they are always hungry, but that's besides the point. ;)

Zykon Gibbs wrote:

"Solstice effect?"

On what world would a normal solstice produce such an effect?! XD

Whilst a decent survival check might yield some clues, you have no way of knowing which way leads to melee, and which does not. Or whether neither or both lead to combat.

So is someone going to pick a direction? The flesh-eaters are getting hungry... Well, they are always hungry, but that's besides the point. ;)

There was something in the briefing about the solstice lining up 'just so' making everything 'okay' for a few days, which is why we have a time limit. Zykon's terse wordage is actually indicating that perhaps this is a lingering effect leading up to the 'okay' time. Apologies for not being more succinct. As far as the comment about melee, he'd prefer to NOT be in it, which was again, his terse wordage. And that's why he's bringing 5# of me me me me me me me me MEATTTTTT... as well.

FiddlersGreen wrote:

Zykon Gibbs wrote:

"Solstice effect?"

On what world would a normal solstice produce such an effect?! XD

Whilst a decent survival check might yield some clues, you have no way of knowing which way leads to melee, and which does not. Or whether neither or both lead to combat.

So is someone going to pick a direction? The flesh-eaters are getting hungry... Well, they are always hungry, but that's besides the point. ;)

There was something in the briefing about the solstice lining up 'just so' making everything 'okay' for a few days, which is why we have a time limit. Zykon's terse wordage is actually indicating that perhaps this is a lingering effect leading up to the 'okay' time. Apologies for not being more succinct. As far as the comment about melee, he'd prefer to NOT be in it, which was again, his terse wordage. And that's why he's bringing 5# of me me me me me me me me MEATTTTTT... as well.

Heh, I get ya now. Was just curious. I think if anything it was too succinct, although train-of-thought is a perfectly valid literary style. =)

Now someone pick a direction to go in already! I have monsters to feed! ;)

"Let's flip a coin, heads means we take the left path, tails and we take the right path."

in case the others agree
1 heads, 2 tails: 1d2 ⇒ 2

Lead on, I'll have your back. Makes sure to stay far enough back as not to get any blood on his clothing.

Aldur draws his rapier, and clicks his tongue. Warlock, his dog, heels alongside him, nearly pressing his body into Aldur's leg as he walks. He makes a slight bowing gesture to Raman and flourishes his rapier. "After you, sir.

And that's why he's bringing 5# of me me me me me me me me MEATTTTTT... as well.[/ooc]

Huh. Clever idea. Have to remember that.

"Right is right. That's what the coin said." Raman says and has a look along the right path.
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Follows in the rear of the grouping short bow at the ready.

You trudge through the foliage, following the path as best you can in the fog to arrive at another clearing. This clearing is shrouded in shadows thanks to the thick jungle canopy overhead. At the edge of your vision, you can barely make out a dozen makeshift beds of leaves and palm fronds surrounding a sickly campfire that barely manages to keep smoldering in the humid air. Due to the thick foliage and the smoldering campfire, the entire clearing contains only dim light even during the day. A few splintered bones and cloven skulls litter the clearing, and all show signs of being gnawed upon.

As you wander closer through the fog, you suddenly see a human...or humanoid...of some sort? His hair is dishevelled, his eyes completely bloodshot and his teeth are either naturally of have been filed to points. He is dressed in tattered hides and has a wickedly barbed club in his hand.

He sees you almost at the same time as you see him, and he lets out a loud cry as soon as he does. You hear similar cries coming from within the fog, and are able to make out more figures emerging from the fog.

Initiative:
Zykon: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Aldur: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Boomahg: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Titus: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Ray-Man: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Strange savages: 1d20 ⇒ 1

The strange savages are slow on the uptake, and you all get to go before them.

Round 1 order:
Zykon
Aldur
Boomahg
Titus
Ray-Man
Strange savages

Zykon slaps his crossbow down and flips a bolt into the run with practiced ease, lining up a shot on one of the savages -- but not letting fly quite yet.

They did their 'display', that's his subtle display. If any of them move towards the party, he'll let said bolt fly at the nearest savage not in combat...

Shields up!

Raising my shield up, I crouch into the first position with my arm cocked back, blade parallel to the ground, in a classic Vinacian grip.

We need to hold this ground, it provides the best defensive postion.

Waiting for my opportunity to strike, I grin as I hear the release and "twang" of the crossbow bolt speeding past our position.

Titus, are you readying an action to attack? If yes, please roll your attack so I can determine whether or not you hit when your turn comes.

Round 1 order:
Zykon (Action declared)
Aldur
Boomahg
Titus (action declared)
Ray-Man
Strange savages

Waiting for Aldur, Boom and "Rayman".

Also, important to note that Zykon's action is readied upon hostile action. No bolts have been loosed... yet.

Shortbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 61d6 ⇒ 2 Let's an arrow fly.

With those teeth are these the damned flesh eaters everyone keeps talking about?

Raman raises his fists to strike the first creature which gets close enough to be hit.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

"This site is really disturbing. Stay away, dwarven flesh is poisonous for you! Especially if it hits your head!"

Aldur hisses to Warlock. "Flee!" The dog isn't trained to attack the undead, and Aldur wants him out of harm's way. He raises his rapier, preparing the skewer the first creature that moves into threat range.

Handle Animal as a move action. Handle Animal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 Vs. DC 10

Ready an Attack as a standard action, including a five foot step north (partially concealed by the bushes?). Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Correct was readying an attack, my bad for not making that clear.

Readied Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 using power attack feat. ]

readied attack damage if I hit: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

As my hips rotate back along with my blade behind my shield, my body recocks itself and I lash out again, muscle memory taking over faster than I can think.

2nd round LS attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

2nd round LS damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

my apologies for posting above on the readied attack as Havelock and not Titus. I was in a hurry to post before the stewardness shut the aircraft door. Pays to check and double check :)

Zykon raises his crossbow, ready to fire as Aldur tells his pet to hide and readies to strike. (The bushes are difficult terrain, so you can't 5ft step in there.

Boom fires an arrow at what he thinks is one of the savages, then hears a thunk of wood and realises he shot a tree. Titus also readies to strike, as does Noodles.

One of the savages looks at you, then gives out an inhuman shriek, as rivulets of fresh blood start to pour from his bloodshot eyes. The shriek seems to send his fellows into a strange sort of trance, and they surge forward, crashing through the bushes and screaming and baying for blood! Three of them go for Noodles and 2 of them go for Titus.

Before they reach, Zykon fires, but his shot goes wide. Aldur, Ramen and Titus also take their swings, though only Aldur and Ramen hit.

Attacks on Rayman
attack roll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
attack roll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 damage roll: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
attack roll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Attacks on Titus
attack roll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
attack roll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Although they are carrying clubs, the savages feverishly lean in towards their targets and attempt to take bites out of their flesh! One of them manages to latch on to Ramen's arm, and practically squeals in delight as he bites a good chunk out and munches noisily.

Round 2 order:
Zykon
Aldur
Boomahg
Titus
Ray-Man
Strange savages

The savage closest to Aldur takes 8 damage in total, Ramen takes 6 points of damage. You guys are up again.

BoomAhg moves back 2 spaces behind Gibbs. Looking readily for a decent target but holds off shooting.

The tengu reloads quickly as he adjusts his footing and position

Free Action: Reload, Move Action 5' to clear square 'up' from his position

Targeting savage beyond nearest one to Aldur: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 231d8 ⇒ 6

"Watch your flank, Raman!" Aldur attempts to run through the savage and give both of them some breathing room. "I do hope our alchemist friend deigns to lend his assistance at some point in the near future!"

Attack the savage adjacent to Aldur for standard action Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

BoomAhg moves back 2 spaces behind where Gibbs was . Looking readily for a decent target but holds off shooting. Finally he sees an opening and fires off another arrow.

Target Top right

Shortbow Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 did not add negs for cover/melee
Damage if Hit: 1d6 ⇒ 6

I could help a lot more if they weren't so close to our comrades!

Waiting for Titus and Raymond now.

I'll be out of town tomorrrow and may not have decent internet, just in case I pre rolled under spoiler for next round

Gritting my teeth, I swing once again.

LS attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

My blade swipes from over the top of the brass lined rim of my shield, moving right to hollow where the neck connects to body.

LS damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6