[PFS] PbP Gameday 3 - Master of the Fallen Fortress (Inactive)

Game Master Luke_Parry

You are in Absalom, the mighty City at the Center of the World, and you’ve always longed to explore one of the countless ruins of failed conquerors that litter the plains outside the city’s walls.

You’ve heard rumors that one of the sealed siege castles has been laid open by a minor earthquake. Word on the street is that no one has yet entered the tower, which folks are calling the “Fallen Fortress.” What better way to start a life of excitement and adventure than by exploring its long-abandoned, dusty halls and perhaps claiming its ancient treasures?

Even better, you have managed to acquire a patron - a crusty old scholar by the name of Drandle Dreng, who has hired you to explore the tower, and offered to pay good coin for any items of historical or religious interest that you manage to recover.

Dreng nods in satisfaction when the last of the party straggles in.

"Excellent. You are finally all here. Now, as I was saying, I would like you to explore the ruined siege tower known as the 'Fallen Fortress', which was recently cracked open by a minor earthquake. I would be willing to pay good coin for any items of historical of religious significance; feel free to keep anything else, as I am sure that the previous owners will be long dead by now. Try to keep a record of what you encounter, as well. I like to collect adventuring stories; it reminds me of my younger days..."

He sighs, and looks at his claw-like hands, and white beard, through rheumy eyes.

"However, those days are now long-gone; it is time for others to take the lead in the story-making. Now, be off with you! It is time to create your own..."

Feel free to post an introduction, before I advance :-)

A black bird, wearing hide armor, sits in the corner of the Captain's office listening to the mission at hand. Over his hide armor is a cloak, much like the desert nomads wear to protect themselves from the heat. His feathers are clean and proper. There is a short shot and club on his hip, within easy reach should any trouble arise.

He cocks his head to the side, in thought of all the questions that roll around in his head, Captain, what potential threats exist? Are their any known hazards other than the usual animal predators and occasional bandits? How long is this expedition going to take, for I may need to purchase extra rations?, he asks in a slight raspy voice.

Drandle Dreng shrugs.

"As to what is in the tower, I do not know - that is why you are going there. The Cairnlands themselves are known to harbor the occasional scavenger, both intelligent and animalistic, but they are usually fairly safe..."

He then raises an eyebrow, and smiles faintly.

"I see someone is still a little unfamiliar with the local geography. No matter. The Cairnlands are the territory on the landward side of Absalom - so I imagine it will take only a couple of hours by foot to reach the tower; additional rations will probably not be required."

Into the office walks a Kellid. At a distance he would be an imposing figure; 6’ 5” in scale mail, wearing a spangenhelm with a full face mask and carrying a great sword. This close, in the confines of an office, you notice the grime in the nooks and crannies of his armor and the smell; the odor of sweat, liquor, vomit and urine. When he removes his helm his long black greasy stringy hair clings around his face to his three day shadow.

His most disconcerting feature is his eyes; both grey, the left eye normal in every way. The right eye; floats and twitches sporadically, the iris grey, but in the shape of a mountain and the pupil the silhouette of a great sword. It is not an evil eye; it is the eye of his Deity: Gorum . He nods and smiles showing missing teeth,

Da, adventure is pol'za … er… good, earn the beer money. I am Wulfgar, Tserkovnik of the Gorum. We will have a time of good, see some fighting maybe, good time for all goers.

The tall stringy beanpole of a man puffs at a stray lock of his ice-blonde hair and grins. His traveling clothes, though homespun, are handsome and brightly embroidered up his long frame. "Yeeees," he says in the long drawn vowels of an Ulfen raised speaking Skald, "This could be fun. Friends, I am Sindre Oddrson. I have a little arcane power with ice and...frostflowers. Do we need anything before we go?"

A muscular half-orc nods in understanding. Unlike others of his kind, he is a few inches under six feet in height, more compact but also more agile.

He bears the arms and armor of Tien.

Politely, he responds to the man, despite the crusty and rude send-off. "Rest assured that we will complete this task to your satisfaction," he nods.

At first glance, it looks as though a demon has walked through the office door. The sight of this armored humanoid, from his horned head to his cloven hooves, would cause a paladin to reflexively reach for it's weapon. His skin is tough and scaly and his eyes are black as night, void of any kind of pupils or irises. Perhaps the most unsettling feature is his smile, which reveals rows of razor-sharp teeth that have been stained red. He listens quietly with a strange, toothy smile on his face. When Drandle finishes, he stands up and says "Sure thing, old man. As long as I get to maul something, I think we have ourselves a deal."

Wulfgar giggling and nodding his head vigorously says

Da, Mauling and then Drrrinking, Pathfinders throw best parties, the time of good will be had by all. Is all ready or do we wait for others?

The large cleric looks around with his good left eye as his right eye spins and twitches

Drandle Dreng nods in satisfaction.

"As long as you keep that enthusiasm for whatever you encounter out there, rather than unleashing it within the bounds of the city walls, that should be fine. Now, go!"

Heading out of the city, the journey through the Cairnlands is uneventful, and after only a few hours, you arrive at your destination.

The ruined siege castle now being called the Fallen Fortress rises out of the churned earth of the Cairnlands. No doors or windows mar the otherwise smooth expanse of the tower’s walls. The tower is quatrefoil in plan; its eastern wing has largely collapsed, exposing the interior floors to the open air. Only the topmost level seems whole, though its eastern portion hangs precariously over the mountain of rubble left by the collapse. At ground level, the rubble frames a gaping hole in the side of the building that provides access to the tower’s darkened interior.

As you get closer, you hear frenzied barking rapidly closing in on your position, as three starving dogs run around the siege tower, and make a bee-line straight for the party!

Two of the dogs snap at Helm...

Bite: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 = 7, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 damage.
Bite: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 2 = 15, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage.

...but are unable to penetrate his armor.

The third attacks Ebonfeather....

Bite: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 = 11, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage.

...but only manages to get a mouth full of feathers.

Round 1: D, Sindre, Ebonfeather, Theadus, Helm, Wulfgar

Party is up.

Map (link at the top of the page) is also updated.

Wulfgar steps up beside Ebonfeather and unshouldering his great sword hacks at the nearest dog

what need for rations Ebonfeather, good eating is dog,

Greatsword attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 for damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 6 = 12

Wulfgar steps up beside Ebonfeather, and cleaves the nearest dog in two!

Theadus steps up to meet the other mongrel, drawing his own greatsword as he does so, and swings with a mighty roar.
Attack(Power Attack): 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 1 = 10
I'm gonna guess that misses.

In a smooth, practiced motion, Helm draws his katana from its scabbard.

Apparently more interested in form and ceremony, he swings his blade toward the dogs, apparently intending to warn them off.

Katana Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 for Katana damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Hey GM, do you want to do spoilered combat? Namely, Sindre can do his Cold Steel power to help another attacker, but I can see what people's successful or not so successful actions are so far, and so it gets metagamey. If it's in spoilers then I can't 'cheat'. Let me know what you think. Anyhow, he's closest to Ebon.

Sindre taps Ebon. "Strike and you'll do some frosty damage, Ebonfeather." Sindre takes a move action to pull out his alchemical ice.

@Sindre: I honestly do not mind either way :-)

Just waiting on Ebonfeather before I update.

Ok, thanks!

Ebonfeather, is happy his hide armor withstood the dogs bite. He nods at Sindre, as he draws his short sword. He takes a slash at the dog.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 91d6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (3) = 6

Sindre calls upon the power of her blood, and Ebonfeather's weapon becomes preternaturally cold.

Ebonfeather nods his thanks to Sindre, and takes a slash at one of the dogs... which shies away from his unnatural-appearing blade.

In a smooth, practiced motion, Helm draws his katana, and takes a swing at the dog adjacent to him, but at the last moment, it manages to dodge out of the way.

Theadus and swings at a dog with his greatsword, letting loose a mighty roar, which causes the dog to flinch at just the wrong moment, causing is blade to whistle past its head, missing by mere centimeters.

The dogs continue to attack Helm...

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 damage.
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 damage.

...and, incredibly, one manages to get a good grip on his left knee, whilst the other snaps ineffectively at his heels.

Round 2: D, Sindre, Ebonfeather, Theadus, Helm, Wulfgar

Party is up.

Sindre strides as far east as he can with his spindly legs, holding the alchemical ice with one hand, and aims a freezing ray at the easternmost dog.

Ray o' Frost: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
for: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
DC14 Fort Save or the dog is also slowed for 1 round.

"Strike it down, Theadus," he says in his laconic Ulfen drawl.

Theadus takes a step to the side and attacks with a more tempered approach this time.
Attack (greatsword): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage (greatsword): 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 2) + 4 = 7
Attack (bite): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Damage (bite): 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Watching Theadus attack, wulfgar roars with laughter, his right eye seeming to come into focus with his left,

BWA HA HA you worrrship well, friend Theadus

Then stepping up beside the middle dog, roaring, he makes an attack of his own

Grrraarrgh

greatsword attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 for damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 4) + 6 = 15

wow what a wiff, guess he should have been paying better attention to his own job instead of admiring Thaedus :)

Sindre fires a bolt of ice into the dog, which yelps in pain.

Before it has a chance to do anything, however, Theadus steps up and caves in its side with his greatsword, and then lunges forward to tear its throat out with his teeth!

Wulfgar is amused by the spectacle of the blood-soaked tiefling, to the extent that his own swing goes wild, nearly decapitating Ebonfeather.

Round 2: D, Sindre, Ebonfeather, Theadus, Helm, Wulfgar

Just waiting on Ebonfeather and Helm.

Helm, focused on his forms, swings widely again.

katana atk: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
katana dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Caw, don't try to kill me?!

He takes another swing.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 111d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Ebonfeather, shaken by his near-decapitation, misses the dog.

Helm, focused on his forms, also finds that his swing goes wide.

The remaining dog continues to hassle Helm...

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5, for 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 damage.

...but this time, Helm is easily able to dodge out of the way of its clumsy lunge.

Round 3: D, Sindre, Ebonfeather, Theadus, Helm(-2), Wulfgar

Party is up :-)

Wulfgar smiles at Ebonfeather, his right eye floating

do not worrrrry little bird, too long it would take to pluck you, BWA HA HA

As Wulgar’s attention returns to killing the dog his right eye stops twitching and it's gaze refocuses on the task at hand, and he strikes at the dog

Greatsword attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 for damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 2) + 6 = 10

Edit: oops got carried away :)

Wulfgar returns his attention to the dog, delivering a horrific wound to the poor beast's flank, and causing it to drop to the ground, insensate.

Combat over.

Let me know what you wish to do next :-)

Wulfgar wipes the gore off his blade on one of the carcasses; he then turns to Ebonfeather, smiling, his right eye spinning clockwise he points with his sword toward the collapsed building and the gaping hole in the side of the building

I have idea; little bird rrrrun into black hole, strut about like Game Rrrrooster, rrrrun back out quick like, we will wait here to kill whatever gives chase to you

Wulfgar stares at Ebonfeather intently for a minute then burst into laughter

BWA HA HA … In jest I be… always fun to make little guy think that first he must go…see much fun to be had HA HA HA

Wulfgar wipes a tear from his left eye as his right eye continues to float and twitch

Ah…Ok, Seriously now, who first will go, who is sneaky one?

He looks at the rest of the party for a volunteer.

As he licks his teeth clean of dog meat, Theadus moves up to the hole and says in a hissing tone "Stealth is for the weaklings who don't know how to properly swing a weapon. I'll go first. Darkness has never been a problem for my kind."
Note: Theadus' opinions are not necessarily my own. I'm just having fun role playing.

When Theadus moves up to the gaping hole in the side of the tower, his Devilish senses allow him to pierce the darkness, and reveals unto him that the room beyond is choked with webs.

Let me know what you want to do :-)

"Mm, yes. It is only logical that our ...most nocturnal of companions leads the way," says a slender elf. "Ah. My most sincere apologies, my fellow Pathfinders. I am Aeloran Ellthorin. I was likewise contacted by Drengle Dreng for the current objective, re: this sunken citadel, this cavernous castle, this fallen fortress."

Wulfgar nods to Aeloran

I am Wulfgar, welcome to party Aeloran, we have dog if hungry

not to be out done by the Tiefling, Wulfgar casts light on his sword and follows Theadus into the darkness

Wulfgar will continue casting light on the sword when it runs out every ten minutes

Ebonfeather looks at the canine carnage, he sighs as he wonders if the dogs could have been saved but knows that the strong survive. He heads with the others into the web filled fort.

Well met Aeloran, my name is Ebonfeather as it has been pointed out. You have arrived just in time

Helm sheaths his katana and follows Theadus into the tower, though he is grateful for the light behind him.

Not even bothering to sheath his sword, Theadus marches into the gloom. He growls as light suddenly appears from nowhere, but otherwise does his best to ignore it.
If you could, just move onto the number 2.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Just to be clear: There are times when positioning can be very important, so I would appreciate it if people could, in addition to declaring actions, update their position on the map. It saves on awkward discussions later about how 'I wouldn't have been there' ;-)

Don't believe I am on the map quite yet ...

Roger that, GM!

Sindre takes a moment to cast Light, then casts Mage Armor.

"Aeloran. Welcome. I am Sindre." He smiles and nods, and ducks into the darkness.

@Aeloran: Easily remedied - all you had to do was copy-paste-resize your icon onto the map ;-)

As Theadus peers into the room, there is a sudden chittering noise, and a large spray of webbing shoots out to engulf the rabid tiefling.

Web (Touch): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15.

Theadus is now Entangled.

Round 1: Wulfgar, GS, Sindre, Aeloran, Helm, Ebonfeather, Theadus

Wulfgar is up.

Wulfgar’s eyes focus on Theadus and he touches him casting Strength surge as he moves toward the spider.

Come comrrrrade , I desire your sword song to hear

standard action to cast strength surge, 20 ft. move action to get closer to the spider

Chittering hungrily, the spider climbs around the walls of the chamber (avoiding Wulfgar), and drops down next to Theadus, attempting to bite him...

Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13, for 1d6 ⇒ 6 damage.

...however, it is unable to get through his thick hide.

Round 1: Wulfgar, GS, Sindre, Aeloran, Helm, Ebonfeather, Theadus

Party is up :-)

Theadus becomes enraged (bloodraging for this round) as the webbing sticks to him and constricts his movement. "You think this will hold me!?" he roars as every muscle in his body tenses up and flexes.
STR Check: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 1 = 17
Am I prone or am I still standing?

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 The thin elf studies the creature, trying to ascertain its nature.

Helm attempts to reach the spider and attack it, but it's tough to reach given its position in the doorway. Not even sure if I can reach the spider this round...

katana attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 katana dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Sindre pops off another ray of frost, trying not to hit Theadus. "Don't eat it, Wulfgar," he says matter-of-factly.

RoF: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17
for: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Yay for firing into melee! Spider has to do that Fort 14 or be slowed. Actually, if Theadus is prone, I wonder if I needed to do the -4. Anyhow, zammo.

know nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Ebonfeather, cocks his beak to the side, wondering how far this spider will go to get food.

Better the spider than me, caw, Ebonfeather replies to Sindre's sarcasm.

Ebonfeather, sheathes his sword, and grabs his sling and a bullet from his pouch.

move: sheathe sword; move: draw sling; free: grab ammo

Sindre throws a Ray of Frost at the spider, causing a line of frost to jet across its thorax.

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23.

Aeloran moves forward, and tries to work out what the spider is.

Helm tries to squeeze in, but to his annoyance, can't quite reach the spider. (If it is any consolation, that roll would have missed anyway.)

Ebonfeather sheathes his sword, and draws his sling, ready to fire a bullet at the spider.

Theadus becomes enraged, and with a mighty roar, bursts from of the webbing entangling him.

Round 2: Wulfgar, GS (-2), Sindre, Aeloran, Helm, Ebonfeather, Theadus

Wulfgar is up.

Wulfgar roars with laughter and steps behind the giant spider and attacks with his greatsword

flanking

bwa ha ha I Herrrre bugs taste chicken, I like dog better Ha Ha Ha

Greatsword attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9 for damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 2) + 6 = 11

well at least this time he didn't hit anyone else

RoF: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13
for: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Sindre fires off another shot over Theadus' shoulder.