[PFS] Tide of Twilight (Inactive)

Game Master StephNyan

With a thump, Venture-Captain Brackett sets a rounded granite stone on his desk. The stone is polished smooth and veined with shallow carvings reminiscent of constellations.

"This is a lorestone, from the depths of the Verduran Forest. It’s rumored to hold all of the secrets of the druids of that ancient wood. Just over two years ago, a group of Pathfinders recovered this stone for us. We’re not much closer to cracking its secrets than we were on the day those agents put it into our hands, but we have gleaned one interesting bit of knowledge."

"The lorestone tells of a lengthy ritual using an artifact called the Atavistic Splinter, a piece of charred bark touched by Gozreh himself. The ritual transforms humanoids into bestial creatures with preternatural resilience. We could use something with this kind of power for the upcoming Ruby Phoenix Tournament in Goka, so we need you to recover the Atavistic Splinter for us."

"We believe the artifact is near the gnome town of Wispil, deep in the Verduran Forest. A Pathfinder operative there—a gnome herbalist named Falbin—was investigating increased lycanthrope activity south of Wispil. Falbin discovered that a sinister cabal of druids in a compound called Briar Henge is using the Atavistic Splinter to perform the ritual, probably to drive out the local loggers, but he couldn’t recover the Atavistic Splinter from the druids by himself."

"Go to Wispil and contact Falbin there. He will provide you with directions to Briar Henge and recent intelligence regarding the situation around Wispil. Then use this information to infiltrate Briar Henge and acquire the Atavistic Splinter."

This is the time for questions, Knowledge (History/Nature) rolls, and introductions :)

A small halfling stands from his chair after the Venture Captain finishes his monologue. A large, silver/grey colored dog, sturdy and muscular, lays on the floor at the halfling's feet. Her big blue eyes look up at her heavily armored master as he stands up, though her eyes are the only thing to move. She lets out a heavy sigh, and closes her eyes again.

So you think the increased lycanthrope activity, wolves I assume, has something to do with the Atavistic Splinter? That is a dangerous path to tread. The lure of power often conceals the sacrifices that must be made to obtain it. Or perhaps I am assuming too much already... Is there anything else we should know about what we might face? I am guessing if there is a chance we will face lycanthropes, we should see about getting silvered weapons.

The halfing stands in his banded mail armor, moving surprisingly well for such a small creature that is so heavily armored. His long lance leans against the wall near his canine mount, a banner with the crossed sword and manacle crest of his faction, Liberty's Edge, hanging near the handle.

He turns to his new companions, Well met, I am Pooka Bladespinner. Though I am small in stature, do not underestimate the power of the charge, he says with a smile on his face, dropping his hand down to scratch the neck of his dog. This here is Luna, my trusty steed. You'll not find a companion so loyal as her.

He looks back up to the group, My skill is obviously with the lance and blade, what strengths do you bring to the hunt? Ah! Sun! I almost didn't recognize you there. I heard you were chasing pirates in Riddleport after our foray with the apes. I see the docks haven't left you any worse for the wear. Good to see you my old friend.

A gnome munching on an apple answers his question first.
"I'm Lizzy Tamar, bard and collector of adventure stories. This assignment sounds more exciting than the last one, where it was a mission of sabotage."

Kn. History: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Kn. Nature: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Sun, having been sitting in a chair while the Venture-Captain speaks, nods slowly as he listens about the druids, the stone and the woods. Once the Venture-Captain finishes, Sun takes his time to formulate his thoughts.

Druids, a magic stone I've never heard of, more traveling to far away places, and possible evil beasties. I'm getting too old for this...

Sun's ears perk up when he needs his name being spoken by Pooka.

"Ah Pooka, good to see you again my friend. Yes, the pirates were troublesome but I have learned I am not as young as i wished I was. Trying to go toe-to-toe with those young whelps just isn't how I remembered it. Good idea with silvered weapons, if they are lycanthrope it wouldn't hurt." Sun says to Pooka, bowing his bald head slightly to the halfling as he speaks. "Good to meet you Lizzy, My name is Sun as you may have heard from Pooka there. I am a druid, though hopefully not in the same category as the ones we are going after. My talents are more with the healing and lightning aspect of nature. See when I was a young man...well that is a story for another time" Sun says to Lizzy, also bowing his bald head slightly to her.

knowledge geography: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Turning his attention to the Venture-Captain, Sun asks a few questions. "Thank-you for the information Venture-Captain Brackett. I am sorta of familiar with the Verduran Forest, but I could use a quick refresher. Where is it at exactly? How many days travel and is it an easy ride or should I bring extra padding? All the jostling of long rides are turning to be more painful that pleasant anymore."

A young gnome has been listening to everyone with wide eyes.

"Hmm, I don't know much about the lyko-what-have-yous, but I will bring fun and frothy beverages to the party! Oh, and maybe a few guests, when I give the call. My name is Leepo, by the way. Some say I get into too much trouble, but I think it is just the right amount, so far... This is my first adventure, and I am SO excited!"

An obvious alchemist who looks like a mad scientist speaks up.

"Ah! Lycanthropes! I have always wanted to study them. So many interesting possibilities."

Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

A tall elven woman stands in the corner, listening to the conversation.

"I am Oleander Anwamane, a skilled guide, tracker and archer."

She looks over the group. "I know a little of the area..."

knowledge(geography): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

"It sounds like I should acquire some silvered weapons myself before we head off"

Venture-captain Brackett takes in Pooka's questions. He then listens quietly to the others before he replies: "There's reason to believe the increased lycanthrope activity is tied to the Atavistic Splinter, yes. The ritual involving the Atavistic Splinter takes several weeks. But as it will take almost two weeks to get to Wispil from here, you’d better hurry on your way. If these druids finish the ritual, they might take the Atavistic Splinter away to some better-hidden location."

"The Atavistic Splinter looks like a sheet piece of charred bark about two feet long, ten inches wide, and an inch thick. The ritual the druids perform robs men of their wits, but imbues them with physical power. That’s really all we know about the ritual. Despite their bestial appearance, these animal-men aren't lycanthropes. Falbin will know more."

Pooka pulls out a notebook from his pack and jots down a few things.

-Venture Captain Brackett
-Sinister druid cabal, lycanthrop activity
-Atavistic Splinter, causes men to become beasts, but not lycanthrops
-Get Silvered weapons.
-Falbin, gnome herbalist, pathfinder, knows details

Tasks:
Retrieve Atavistic Splinter, approx. 2 feet by 10 inches by 1 inch.

Well unless my new companions here have more questions, then I believe you might be right captain, we should be off to Wispil as soon as possible. I have a few stops I need to make before we leave.

When the party is ready to leave, Pooka hefts his lance and walks out the door. As he crosses the threshold, he lets out a sharp wistle. Luna, Hup!. The dog jumps to her feet and obediently trots behind the diminutive halfling.

Pooka will make the necessary connections in the society to acquire a farmstead, and stop by an armory/alchemist shop to have his heavy flail alchemically silvered. He will also purchase a potion of cure light wounds, and tie a ribbon around it that says, "In case of emergency, pour down my throat."

"I am ready whenever all of you are. Oh yes, I believe I forgot to mention, my name is Ludvick von Rhoshtein."

THE GNOME AND THE HUNTERS

Wispil is a bustling town built on a small scale—although humans and elves walk the streets, most buildings are built to accommodate the gnomes who live and work in Wispil. The scent of fresh-cut lumber wafts through the town. Falbin’s home is not difficult to find. It is situated on the south edge of the town, with a large garden spreading out behind it. Most of the garden is obscured by high growth, but the sound of a violent argument carries into the street. Although it is not yet dark, firelight glimmers from within the garden walls.

When you arrive at the house you see three women. They're all clad in black, and each hold two silver short swords. An unconsciousness gnome lies next to a scarecrow, and several of the plants are on fire.

"We got company!" one of the women yells, notifying the others.

Initiative order - round 1:
Ludwick
Hunter (Blue)
Beads
Oleander
Sun
Leepo
Hunter (Pink)
Hunter (Green)
Pooka

Ludwick's up.

There's a map below my name. I work with Ditzie, which works as follows:
- Move your character on the map
- Hit the Enter key on your keyboard, which generates a new map
- Copy the new url, and place it in your post

Always use the last map provided by the people who posted before you, unless I state that I've updated the map below my name.

{url=Twilight]http://beta.ditzie.com/69264/5431b0a45b1a1[/url]

drinks mutagen, then ends turn

Ludwick, you copy and paste the link like this: {url= link]description[/url] The opening { is an [.
Cute...us small ones are smaller in picture too.

@Ludwick: also, you switched the link and the word you wanted to appear. If you make your link like below, except with another ] at the end, it'll work :)

[url=http://beta.ditzie.com/69264/5431b0a45b1a1]Twilight[/url

@Beads: I always do that, unless the squares are too small. Never noticed it? :P

Ludwick drinks his mutagen, which enhances his strength.

One of the women double moves up to Ludwick.

Initiative order - round 1:
Ludwick
Hunter (Blue)
Beads
Oleander
Sun
Leepo
Hunter (Pink)
Hunter (Green)
Pooka

Those in bold are up, in any order. The map below my name's been updated.

Lizzy quickly steps 5ft back and looks at the assailant.

"Hold it!"
Daze DC15

Map

Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

The (blue) woman is dazed by Beads' spell.

Map updated!

Sun, lost in his thoughts about the countryside and the druids, comes to attention once Beads says hold it. Taking quick stock of his surroundings, he then moves to the rear of the group, giving Pooka room to charge ahead. While moving, he pulls out his sling and launches a rock once he is safely behind the group.

Aiming at the green coded enemy
Sling attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Sling damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Edit: I do not get point blank

Map updated

I didn't explicitly state that my eidolon was around, so I am assuming it was not...

Leepo uses her ability to summon an eagle to attack the nearest hunter (blue). I used a yellow start to represent the eagle.

The eagle attacks.

Claw Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Claw Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Claw Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Claw Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Beak Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Beak Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Oleander draws her bow, and snaps off a couple of quick shots at the Druid in Green.

attack with rapid shot: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
second attack with rapid shot: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Sun and Oleander both attack one of the hunters, but both of them miss their target.

@Leepo: How did you summon the eagle during your own turn? I can't find anything in your profile that speeds the spell up, and it's usually a full-round action to summon. Meaning the monster you summon appears at the start of your next turn, when a full round's passed.

Is there a specific picture I could use for your eidolon? There wasn't an eidolon in your introduction post, so I did indeed assume you were holding it back for now. If that wasn't your intention, you may retcon and have your eidolon start in the square to your right.

@Leepo: How did you summon the eagle during your own turn? I can't find anything in your profile that speeds the spell up, and it's usually a full-round action to summon. Meaning the monster you summon appears at the start of your next turn, when a full round's passed.

Sorry - perhaps I read it wrong. It is a spell-like ability, which I read were a standard action here. But this is the first time I have really played a summoner, so I can easily be wrong.

Is there a specific picture I could use for your eidolon? There wasn't an eidolon in your introduction post, so I did indeed assume you were holding it back for now. If that wasn't your intention, you may retcon and have your eidolon start in the square to your right.

It is true, I have not yet introduced him. But I think you can use this for an icon.

In any case, if the eagle cannot attack this round, I will still do the summoning and place him at the same location.

StephNyan wrote:

@Leepo: How did you summon the eagle during your own turn? I can't find anything in your profile that speeds the spell up, and it's usually a full-round action to summon. Meaning the monster you summon appears at the start of your next turn, when a full round's passed.

Sorry - perhaps I read it wrong. It is a spell-like ability, which I read were a standard action here. But this is the first time I have really played a summoner, so I can easily be wrong.

StephNyan wrote:

Is there a specific picture I could use for your eidolon? There wasn't an eidolon in your introduction post, so I did indeed assume you were holding it back for now. If that wasn't your intention, you may retcon and have your eidolon start in the square to your right.

It is true, I have not yet introduced him. But I think you can use this for an icon.

In any case, if the eagle cannot attack this round, I will still do the summoning and place him at the same location.

Just a reminder that you can not use your summon monster ability while your eidolon is out

I'm looking at the class' abilities now, and see it's indeed a standard action. I thought it was still a full-round action for summoners to cast summon spells. My bad!

As you want to keep your summon action, I'm still going to leave the eidolon away. Like Nohwear wrote: a summoner can only use that ability when his eidolon isn't out.

While Sun and Oleander both miss their target, Leepo summons an eagle that immediately attacks the target that's dazed by Beads' spell.

Damage of confirmed claw: 1d4 ⇒ 3

The eagle attacks the hunter with both its talons and its beak, and inflicts major damage.

Silver short sword, +2 charge: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

The pink hunter charges the eagle, and swings one of her swords at it. She misses horribly.

Silver short sword: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

The green hunter moves toward Ludwick, and swings a sword at him. Her aim's just as bad as her colleague's.

Initiative order - round 1:
Ludwick
Hunter (Blue) -10HP & Dazed
Beads
Oleander
Sun
Leepo
Hunter (Pink) -2AC (Due to charge)
Hunter (Green)
Pooka

Pooka's up, and the map below my name's updated.

Ludwick can't go yet, you'll soon see why :P

Map updated!

Pooka wheels Luna around at the sudden flurry of action. Two weeks of travel, its about time something exciting happened! Luna, Yip!

Pooka guides his canine mount around the shed and positions himself behind Ludwick, thrusting his lance just to Ludwick's left at the Blue assailant in front of him.

Attack, Lance (reach): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 for Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

What is this about?! Falbin, are you alright? He shouts over the sudden commotion to the diminutive figure at the other end of the garden.

Pooka wheels Luna around, guides her around the shed, and attacks from his new position. The lance misses the hunter Pooka aimed for.

There's no reaction from Falbin, who appears to have lost consciousness.

The fire in Falbin's garden spreads at an alarming rate.

Initiative order - round 2:
Ludwick
Hunter (Blue) -10HP & Dazed
Beads
Oleander
Sun
Leepo
Hunter (Pink) -2AC (Due to charge)
Hunter (Green)
Pooka

Ludwick's up, and the map's updated with the fire (red circles).

I attack blue hunter.

attack,morning star: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 for damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

"Anyone good at putting out a lot of fire quickly?"

Ludwick misses the blue hunter with his morning star. the blue hunter is dazed, but the condition wears off by the time the other party members are up.

"I'm not," the green hunter replies to Ludwick's question, "but you won't have to worry about it for much longer..."

Initiative order - round 2:
Ludwick
Hunter (Blue) -10HP
Beads
Oleander
Sun
Leepo
Hunter (Pink) -2AC (Due to charge)
Hunter (Green)
Pooka

Those in bold are up.

Lizzy takes moves back a bit so she can see the other hunter. (green)

"Stop you!", with an accusing finger.
Daze

Map

Oleander continues to shoot, annoyed that her initial shots were off target. She shifts aim to the blue raider.

If she drops him on the first arrow, she will change target to the green for the second arrow, otherwise stay on blue. All bonuses assume these are human (+2 to hit and damage from Favoured enemy)

rapidshot1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 <=forgot MW bow last round
rapidshot2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 <=forgot MW bow last round
crit confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

damage1: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
damage2: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
crit damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (1, 3) + 10 = 14

Leepo shoots her crossbow as the eagle continues its assault.

If the blue is down, eagle will turn on pink, but otherwise stay with blue. Leepo shoots at pink either way.

Eagle Attack Claw: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Eagle Attack Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Eagle Attack Claw: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Eagle Attack Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Eagle Attack Beak : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Eagle Attack Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Crossbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Bolt Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Map!

Sun, seeing that his comrades look to have everything in order, quickly calculates how long the gnome has to live before the fire spreads to him.

"The fire is spreading too quickly, I need to get to the gnome before the fire does. Keep these guys busy, I'll make a dash to Falbin!" Sun says to his allies before quickly moving away.

I'll assume the vegetation is not difficult terrain and default to that action for now unless told otherwise and take my chances with the fire (more dramatic!), but just in case I have two option at the ready!

@Oleander: They're indeed humans.

@Sun: I'm not treating the garden as difficult terrain.

Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Oleander's first arrows takes out the blue hunter. Beads successfully dazes the green hunter, who then receives a headshot from Oleander and drops to the ground.

Leepo's eagle hits the pink hunter with a talon, and Leepo's bolt also hits its mark.

The pink hunter takes a 5-foot step away from the eagle, drops her sword, and draws her longbow. She aims at Ludwick, and releases an arrow.

Longbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14 Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

The arrow misses Ludwick.

Initiative order - round 2:
Ludwick
Beads
Oleander
Sun
Leepo
Hunter (Pink) -7HP
Pooka

Pooka's up. The map's updated.

Pooka watches his capable companions drop the two hunters threatening Ludwick and sees the path in front of him open up to the apparently unconscious gnome.

The way is clear for me Sun! I'll get to Falbin, we need to get this fire out! Luna, Yip!

Pooka snaps the reins and slaps his heels into the haunches of his muscular canine mount. Dog and rider rocket forward just under the right arm of Ludwick as they make a beeline to the slumping gnome.

Ride check to dismount as a free action, DC20: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

As soon as he arrives he swings his left foot over, sitting sideways on his saddle for the last few bounds, dropping to the ground as he pulls Luna's reins up to stop her short.

Falbin! Wake up, your garden is on fire! We need to get you out of here!

Map Updated

**Edit** Fixed my ride check bonus, should be +8, not +10

Pooka's fast to realize this is a good chance to get to Falbin, but when he arrives next to Falbin he also realizes the gnome's not going to stand up. Falbin hasn't just fainted, but is unconscious due to a loss of blood. The good news is Falbin looks like he's stabilized.

Using a real die for the fire rolls from now on. (I like this better than looking at a huuuge list of generated rolls.)

The fire continues to spread. It closes the gap through which Sun planned to pass in order to reach Falbin.

Initiative order - round 3:
Ludwick
Beads
Oleander
Sun
Leepo
Hunter (Pink) -7HP
Pooka

Ludwick's up, and the map's updated.

map

attack, morningstar: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

I move forward and attack the last enemy

Ludwick takes down the last hunter. Now all that's left is to get Falbin to safety.

Initiative order - round 3:
Ludwick
Beads
Oleander
Sun
Leepo
Pooka

We'll continue with the normal turn progression, because the fire will continue to spread.

Everyone in bold is up, and the map below my name's updated.

Lizzy heads up as fast as she can to help dragging Falbin away.

Map

Oleander runs up the edge of the garden, drawing her sword.

"If fire blocks them in, I'll cut a hole in the shed."

Map

Luna, Sit!

Pooka, down on the ground already and standing next to the gnome, bends down quickly and hoists him up over his shoulder. With Luna already in a sitting position, the leap into the saddle should be an easy one.

Ride check to mount as a free action, DC20: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Unfortunately, the awkward load on his shoulder prevents him from maintaining his balance, and he wobbles a bit in the saddle when the dog stands back up.

Move action to pick up Falbin, Move action to mount since I didn't make the ride check. Carrying Falbin on my shoulder likely puts me into medium encumbrance, if that matters. We are mounted now, so we move at the mount speed anyways.

Sun! He is not dead, but seriously hurt. Stay away from the fire, we will come to you! Everyone else, get that fire out!! Pooka says with great urgency. Dog and rider regain their balance as Pooka gets ready to spur his faithful steed forward.

**EDIT** Map Updated

Leepo looks for a source of water, as she has no other way to try to put out a fire. She looks inside the home.

I'll inform you the fence around the part of the garden Falbin and Pooka are in is just 2 feet high.

I only see a (functional) map update from Pooka. Leepo, could you also update the map when moving?

Could Beads and Oleander place a new map update? I'd rather not change your positions myself, considering you may catch on fire in some places.

"Hey, wasn't the gate of the fence open? Maybe there's something there we can use."

Lizzy moves to the gate and opens it.

With the barrels on te map, maybe there's water.

Map

Map after Oleander move

After arriving at the low wall, Oleander realises the smoke had confused her and it wouldn't stop Pooka getting Fabin to safety.

You didn't use my map did you.

Map revised

This is a garden! There must be a water source somewhere nearby!

I know it is not yet my turn, but how does one put out a fire?

Map revised

OK - I am by what I think is a window to peer in.

I'll just move Sun out of harm's way.

@Ludwick: Same way you do it in real life, or with magic. Though there's really just no way you can put out all of this fire. The objective really is to just save Falbin. Until you've done this, the fire continues to spread and possibly make saving Falbin harder.

While some of the party members move to save Falbin, others move to get water. The only thing Leepo sees inside the house is a lot of wooden furniture.

Meanwhile, the fire continues to spread.

Initiative order - round 4:
Ludwick
Beads
Oleander
Sun
Leepo
Pooka

The map's updated. You're all up again.

Is the back fence something that could be reasonably damaged by my morningstar? If so, do ,I need to roll to hit the fence?

I think we are making this far to difficult...

With Falbin slung over his shoulder and now comfortably sitting in his saddle, Pooka spurs Luna forward, out of the garden and away from the house.

Giddup girl.

EDIT: Oops, Map Updated