PbP GameDay 2: PFS GM Brew's Master of the Fallen Fortress (1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master Wicked Brew

Eloriand, good call...lets take a look about and then I think we should pres on if are no worse for wear and tear...plus we could al use hopefully, some fresh air..

Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

This whole adventure is begining to remind me of a ancient Magus names Elric who had a similar fate in a arcane tower such as this....I only hope that this tower stays in this world and does does shift through time or other realms of reality

Hey folks, I don’t need anything out of the chest but if nobody will stake a claim on the studded leather, I’ll take it. By which I mean, I think somebody should take it but if you don’t I will. Caoilite looks around the room for anything to scratch the drying blood off his armor. Ok, I’m just going to say this to get it out in the open. I don’t owe the Balenar fella anything, nor does he owe me, but Eloriand makes a fair point. Balenar or not, a fellow member appears to be in dire straits. Some suggested resting and that’s probably not a bad idea, but I know if it was my a$$ on the rack I’d like the rescue to pick up the pace. I say we push on.

The party examines the equipment found in the big trog's chest and deduce that it may belong to the missing Pathfidner, Balenar Foresend. The party memebrs thoroughly search the room and find nothing else of value other than a door just to the north of the chamber. Thorough as always, the scouts check and double check the door and find no traps and that it is unlocked. One of the scouts can make out some shuffling noises beyond the door, like chains rattling and scraping against stone.

Kat breaks off from the party and examines the far northern door. She finds nothing unusual about the door and notices that it appears unlocked. There are no unusual sounds coming from beyond that door.

The red conveys her findings of both doors then takes up the rear guard position, ready to use sharp senses and bow as needed for whatever direction they go through.

Sounds like something is on the other side of the door. I can open the door and Caoilte, Havelock and Eloriand can rush in to surprise what is inside. I can follow close behind while the archers take advantage of distance if their attack is needed. If this is a plan that is good for everyone then let us act quickly. If it is Balenar, he may need our help. If it isn't, then I hope we can dispatch it quickly. Tarek places his hand on the handle of the door and waits for the group to give the nod that they are ready

Tarek speaks in a slightly hushed tone If it is Balenar, he may not look quite himself if he has been through any type of torture. Just be cautious before attacking the first thing you see. Tarek attempts to give a brief description of what Balenar looks like before opening the door

Since Tarek has not been efficient in the attack department, he can use a standard action to open the door and save his other action to heal, move or attack if needed. This will allow the others to move and attack if needed or archers to fire off an arrow if they see a hostile target, before anyone enters.

If the door swings in, then Tarek will pull the door towards himself and stand to the side in front of it. If the door swings out into the other room, then Tarek will push the door open and step to the side while remaining in the room they are currently in, until the rest of the party has time to act.

If the daylight spell is still active on Caoilte's shield then it should not have a problem illuminating anything that is in the room

Eloriand Looks at Caoilte with sword drawn and says, After you big guy.

Tarek, agreed. Open the door, keep your shield up and step to the side. I’ll stand to the side and count ti five to let the archers get a volley off. Then I’ll move into the room. To the archers, Caoilte turns and says what do you guys think? Sound like a plan.
Caoilte shrugs his armor higher up onto his shoulders, tightens his grip on his shield, and hefts his axe ready for Tarek to move.
If a fracas breaks out I’ll attck.
attack, battle axe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Odds on another round of boneheads?

The party formulates a plan to move into the next room. Tarek finds the door opens inward and is unlocked. He flings the door open, allowing Caoilte and Eloriand to charge in weapons drawn. The last remnants of the daylight spell linger on Caoilte's shield which emits enough light to completely illuminate the previously darkened room.

No foes jump to engage the party. Caoilte, Tarek and Eloriand lower their weapons once they are assured no attack is imminent. Their eyes drift to the corner of the room where a man lies with apparent wounds one would receive after being beaten repeatedly. The man is bound by shackles and is alive. He looks up to the invading party and involuntary recoils, clearly expecting another thrashing. When no beating is forthcoming, he blinks his eyes at the new light and examines the party. Tarek recognizes this man as Balenar Foresend.

Y-y-you. You are not troglodytes! Desna smiles. Please, release me. Release me. I have been taken captive by these devil lizards. My name is Balenar Foresend and I am a member in good standing in the Pathfinder Society. I can... He blinks again, his eyes adjusting further to the new light...Tarek? Is that you? You came for me! The man laughs as well as he is able given his condition, ending the unexpected fit in a serious of coughs. I...I knew I had a good read on you. You came looking for me. I had held out hope that you would after I did not turn up at our meeting place. And you brought an army. I must admit you are more resourceful than I could have imagined.

The man sits up and holds out his shackled hands. Any chance you can have one of your mercenaries help me with this?

Quietly the red moves in closer to inspect the shackles, getting a read before attempting to undo them. We are not mercs, but from the Society like yourself.

Isador watches the Balenar for a moment with a slight look of sympathy mingled with disgust.

Thank Desna you are still alive. Tarek, how bad are his injuries?

Tarek looks to the red who is taking off the shackles Kat, don't be in such a rush to remove that last shackle until Balenar decides to share the truth as to why he is here. Apparently he did not get what he was looking for and the lizards wanted to know what it was and I think it is wise for us to know as well.

Tarek examines the battered body of Balenar and looks him in the eye You are a fool! You asked for help in coming to this tower only to go ahead without me? If it was not for the society sending more people, I may have perished had I gone in alone. You had little concern for my safety and were soley focused on obtaining something within this tower. Part of me wonders if you had a hand in causing this calamity to begin with.

Tarek moves in a little closer, anger flashing in his eyes. What was it Balenar? What was worth my life and you risking your own?

Balenar rubs his wrist as Kat removes the first shackle as easily as if she had the key. He absorbs Tarek's words, but does not flinch. When Tarek is done, he nods and speaks I had no intention of risking your life Tarek. I arrived here a bit earlier than planned so I decided to do some scouting so as to find the best way in here. I noticed that the crumbled tower wall could serve as a good hand holds to climb the tower. I snuk up to the tower and climbed to the second floor, just to get a look. That's when it hit me. the stench! I never experienced anything like it before. It was all I could do to jump off the wall and into the landing before I fell to my death, my head was spinning from the attack on my nose and stomach. That's when they fell upon me. I had no chance really. Miracle I am alive. They were either saving me for ransom, or for food, or for another dire purpose entirely.

As for what was worth the risk? Why the discovery of course! He turns to Kat. If you truly are Pathfinders, then you know what is involved. We risk our lives to discover what was lost, to reclaim the knowledge that was once our ancestors. That, my dear Tarek, is why we joined the Society. And, if I read you right, I think you understand. Balenar nods once to Tarek and looks to Kat to see if she undoes the other shackle. Isador notices no trace of deceit in Balenar's words.

Peering in I listen to the conversation....relieved that we are not assaulting another wave of "stinkers"...but scanning aslo for that blu lizard whom i want to make a nice pair of caligae out of.

I stiffen at the term of mercanaries, and just as I am about to rip into the stranger verbally, Kat's wod seem to be the teaspoon of honey compared to the ton of rock salt I was preparing to drop on the prisoner.

Looking over my shoulder I respond to him.... oh and Balenar...or whatever your name is...1st...You are welcome, though don't recall a word of thanks from you. Podex.....Pathfinders we may all be...but where I come from thanks goes a long way...we have been bit...burned...electorcuted...spider gut splattered...and trog "stinker" sick for your dumb cack brained ideas...were you in Cheliax ranks....you'd be praying that a scrourging would be all you be getting at this point..no don't say a single thing you cack for brains....you better start showing some discipline....follow directions from hear on out...or by Aroden....you might end up finding out first hand what happened to Aroden....and by gods....I wont let you be doing that to my comrades.....so stop the fracking idealism on the "era of discorvery"....pull your head out of your podex.....

My fist is clench and I can feel the arcan power well up in my fist.....my eyes glare at him...what a total tool he is.....had he been in a proper contiburnium....he would be eating alone....I walk out of the room.....controlling my anger...raw and vicious it is.

Kat raises an eyebrow at Havelockk's rant and murmurs something quietly in elvish before looking for the "go-ahead" general consensus to finish releasing the shackles.

She frowns a bit before continuing in common, Second floor? Would that be the floor with the flaming boneheads and bats, or was that the third floor?

The red rocks back on her heels and looks up at the ceiling, I guess the flamers were the third floor. Ground, or first, floor was the rabid dogs and giant spider. Second was the first group of trogs and that little sparky-monster. Third was the flaming boners and the secret room full of bats and their fertilizer.... Fourth so far has been the second round of trogs, the missing agent and whatever is behind door number three that is just North of the make-shift barracks.

Sound right?

Caoilte tosses the leather armor to Balenar. Here's some of your sh*t. Get it on and get prepared to move.

Tarek stands up and begins to walk away Kat, You may do as you wish with that last shackle. We all need to get out of here and it may be best if he is able to move freely.

Tarek then turns back to Balenar Yes, the reason why I was seeking to join the society was for the glory, discovery and notoriety of doing great deeds. I would never sacrifice another for my personal gain.

Tarek continues to walk out of the room and back to the chamber with the firepit. He speaks to the group as he passes them I believe there was a healing potion in the box. I suggest returning it to Balenar and allow him to heal his wounds.

The red undoes the last shackle and gives the room another look-over to see if they missed something before taking the rear guard position.

Eloriand thinks to himself, that was the best thing I've hear Havelockk say since I met him.

Grinning to himself, Eloriand prepares to move out with the others.

you can all look up podex and cack if you like...its Latin

Adjusting my kit, I take one look back at the thankless prisoner....

Caolite...you are too kind to give him back what I hope is his armor....sure hope he can use that fancy dueling needle of his....or at least be a decent meat shield for us....and hopefully avoid you getting your new armor any more tarnished .....though it does look rather distinct with a veteran look to it now..if we can get the stink off it...Oh and Bailey..or Balenar or whatver your real name is....if Tarek can't divinely fix you...you better earn that potion you are about to consume...and if you die...we all split your kit and I sure as hell and by Aroden ain't carrying your sorry slackers butt back to a temple and paying for you to get rezzed....

My ears burn I am so ticked off...I walk past my friends and wait close to the door...ready to see what comes next.. and finding that counting to 10 or 100 does not seem to place me in any better of a mood

Isador quietly watches the interaction between Balenar and the rest of the party. After the conversation dies down and everyone seems to return to their own actions he walks over and extends a hand to the broken man.

Here, let me help you up. You will need to get ready to move out soon.

He hands him the healing potion that was found earlier.

Drink this, it should get you back on your feet in a few moments.

Do you need any assistance getting back into your armor?

Isador leans in and whispers to him.

I have made plenty of mistakes myself. The trick is to not repeat them.

He flashes Balenar a brief smile before turning to rejoin the company.

Come Pathfinder, our job is not complete. It’s time to earn your keep

bad cop=Havelockk...good cop=Izzy...LOL..

Balenar blanches at the caustic rebuke from Havelock. He hangs his head as Kat unfastens his second shackle. The man sits before the batter clearly battered and bruised from various beatings at the claws of the troglodytes. He looks up at Isador and eagerly accepts his hand to get on his feet. Balenar quaffs the potion, which immediately takes effect and betters his condition. He turns to Havelock I am eternally grateful that you all are here warrior, I apologize if I did not seem thankful. My time here...it has been rather difficult. He turns to Isador You are right fellow agent, let us continue what I had hoped to start. Let us see what secrets this tower holds and report our findings together. Explore, cooperate, report. Let us be to it then,

Two options, explore the northern door or proceed up to the next level.

I say we make sure this floor is completely 'cleaned' before heading up...

Yeah, I think Kat’s right. Let’s make sure there isn’t anything waiting to jump on us before turning our backs. Caoilte turns to Balenor The rest of your stuff should be in the other room unless one of the others grabbed it. One of the things we were told was to keep an eye out for you. We agreed, don’t make it hard on us and we won’t make it hard on you.

Yup, lets get going and lets get get this floor cleared of any nasty surprises that could come back to haunt us.....And you are very welcome Balenar...any bets what is behind the door? Stinkers...flamming undead..bats..bugs..or something completely different?.

Isador listens to the options presented before speaking.

I agree that we should clear each floor before we continue to the next. While it does not guarantee our safety, it wise to remove any threats that might have an opportunity to attack our rear or flank.

Balenar, I noticed that you had a bow but its craftsmanship paled with respect to your blade. Are you a skilled fencer or did you just like to carry quality steel to represent your status? Are you well enough to wield your steel in combat or would you prefer to stand between Eloriand and me and use your bow?

He nods towards the half-elf when references his name.

I will take up a defensive position at the back of the party; Caoilte, let’s get moving.

I agree we should move on from these rooms. If nothing more, we can be out of this stench. I noticed the number of bunks in the other room and the number of lizard's we killed. I think we may have dispatched them all. We shall proceed with caution none the less but just be prepared that we may encounter a new kind of threat. Those skeletons were created by some other power and they dispatched the lizards quite effectively. We may encounter more undead if they were left here to eternally guard the contents of this tower

Tarek then turns to Balenar and addresses him once more Forgive my hostile reaction. I am relieved that you live but your actions have caused me to doubt your motives. I came to this land to join the society because of the stories told to me by my father. I was told how the society works together to achieve their goals despite the differences of the individuals. Let us work together and learn what secrets this tower may hold.

Tarek extends his hand to Balenar Let us act with honor and put aside our differences

What information did you gather before coming to the tower? Do you know anything about those who created it? Tarek describes the temple they found and the banner with the guild markings to Balenar

Tarek will not say who the temple was devoted to but describe what they encountered. He will attempt to determine any change in Balenar's expression as these details are revealed to determine if he know may know more. The GM can make any roll for Tarek to determine what he may learn

Agreed, clear this level first ...

Eloriand, with his sword still drawn, moves up near Caoilte.

Balenar offers Tarek a small smile and accepts his hand, nodding. Agreed good Tarek. Let us all work together and ferret out the mysteries of this place. I confess that my knowledge of this structure is far from complete. I can tell you that it is an ancient structure likely enhanced by some sort of magic. The place has been sealed off since the creators met their fate some eons ago. The shrine you describe Tarek sounds like one dedicated to Nethys, the god of magic. That only heightens my suspicion that the creators of this place were practitioners of some sort. With regards to the reptile men, I an fairly confident they were not the creators nor original dwellers of this place. I suspect they seized upon a crack in the foundation and invaded the tower from their typical subterranean origins. They are following some sort of leader here, though I have yet to see the creature.

Balenar turns to Isador Thank you for returning my gear. As you might surmise a Pathfinder agent is only as good as his gear most times. I am capable with all my weapons, but a master of none to be fair. Regardless, I am grateful for my rescue and lend whatever strength I have my rescuing armada! Balenar bows deeply, wincing in pain as he does so, but offers a wider smile, taking a position at the rear of the party.

The group forms up in front of the northern door. After a thorough examination, the party determines the door is free of traps and unlocked; no unusual noises emanate from the room beyond.

Isador looks the group over and slowly shakes his head.

We sure make a motley crew..

well, based on the fact that nothing has already rushed out of the adjoining room I assume it is empty. Havelockk, would you be so kind as to open the door?

If anything is lurking on the other side, it will be in for a rude surprise; a special delivery courtesy of the trio of pain.

That would be Caolite, Tarek and You, Havelockk... just in case you were wondering.

oh... you almost made the group Eloriand; were just painful to watch.

He grins slightly as he readies his bow.

Kat remains in the rear guard position and nocks an arrow, ready to draw at a moments notice.

Oh why thank you Izzy...I am happy to be on the top three most dangerous list and I would honored to pen this door and shuffle us all in..

With a grin on my face, I step up to the door and using my free hand, with my blade in my other hand I open the door allowing for us to enter...I wait for Caoilte, and Tarek and then take my position as the third man in the stack of four doing our room clearing drill.

sorry, but I just had an image of a cream pie flying through the open door and hitting Havelockk in the face

it would not surprise me..lol..

Right, I’ll go first. If someone would be so kind as to turn the handle. Caoilte holds up his shield and axe. Hands are a bit full. Caoilte advances, peering over his shield, axe head at shoulder height.

Eloriand whispers, I'll get the door since I have a hand free. Ready, 1 ... 2 ... 3 ... Eloriand opens the door.

alright....into the breach we go...

I wait for Caoilte to breach the door....waiting for a second to enter....weapons poised to strike...I go in as the 3 man.....unless...nobody follows Caoilte..in which case I then follow....

Eloriand opens the door allowing Caoilte and Havelock to enter the room. Cracks in the walls and ceiling of this chamber have allowed rainwater to collect here, flooding the room and giving rise to a profusion of mold and fungus along the walls and ceiling. The party sees the largest frog they ever laid eyes on sitting in the center of the room near one of the various puddles in the chamber.

The enormous frog seems to narrow its eye at Caoilte. The amphibian opens its mouth, its intentions clearly aggressive.

Initiative

• Eloriand
• Tarek
• Kat
• Havelock
• Isador
• Frog
• Caoilte

Tarek readies his hammer and prepares for battle I am prepared as I can be. Open the door when you are ready and I will follow close behind

Kat can't help but call out Go be a doorstop for us Caoilte before attempting to shoot through her comrades with hitting only the frog.

Great, Frog pee and spit on my armor Caoilte closes the distance for an attack.

attack, battle axe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Did not see the GM post when I made that last post

What is all the... As Tarek enters the room he sees the huge frog in the middle of the room and his jaw drops That is one huge frog! I am sure that would make a great pet for you Eloriand, but you may have an issue getting it to fit in you pocket.

Tarek enters the room and follows along the right side of the wall. Not wanting to get to close to the creature, he attempts to strike the creature from a distance

Watch out Caoilte. I think that frog is eyeing up those juicy bits embedded in your armor

Could always use it as a mount....

Isador moves into the room to get a better view. Upon seeing the frog, he smiles slightly and his stomach lets out a soft rumble letting him know it has been a while since he ate anything.

I was about to say that I was hungry enough to eat a horse but this is much better... I get first call on the right leg…

Is pretty sure she's glad to be behind Izzy and his hunger-affected aim...

Awesome...Frog Legs for dinner.....OK....time to take Kermit here to the butcher!!

my eyes narrow as I enter the breach...I raise my hand.....and reciting lessons learned ..I pull from my arcane abilities and fire off my second magical missile....directing the unerring bolt right at one of the creatures big bulbed eyes......

Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

The party explodes into action upon seeing the threatening amphibian. Kat fires an arrow into the creature's bulbous belly locking home with a sickening thud. Havelock summons his arcane stuff and launches a blue white missile, which slams into the frog filling the room with the sizzling smell of burnt frog. The thing feebly attempts to defend itself, attempting to flick its enormous tongue at Caoilte, but only managing to shower the armored warrior with frog spit, the tongue missing its mark completely. Clearly annoyed, Caoilte steps up and cleaves the 6 foot long frog in two with his axe.

Eloriand can only watch as yet another natural animal is butchered, clearly saddened that the party had to defend itself so and angered at the trogs for forcing so many animals to do their sinister bidding.

The party searches the room and finds a beautiful carved jade statute of a winged angelic creature. Tarek holds the statute and examines it. The object is very well made and is certainly worth considerable coin. However, Tarek recognizes the statute as he has seen a number of them at churches devoted to Qi Zhong. The object was made at some point by one devoted to his patron.

A thorough search of the rest of the floor yields nothing of interest.

Well done everyone. It is good to know I am surrounded by such proficient warriors for my skills had no measurable influence on the outcome of our last few battles.

Tarek examines the recently discovered statue This is an unusual find!

Tarek holds the statue at different angles as he examines the sculpture more closely I would not expect to see Qi Zhong's influence so far from the Tian Xia regions. I wonder if his connection to magic offered him a place of distinction by the creators of this tower?

You know... if we find the mother of all spiders after climbing all these stairs... I will not be happy.

The she-elf is ready to head up but will remain in the rear guard position, letting Izzy and Eloriand to take point.