Qwerty's PFS Gallows of Madness- What Lurks in the Woods (closed recruitment) (Inactive)

Game Master nightdeath

"I will never turn down any sort of healing to help out those that are less fortunate. I agree with your assessment and do not believe Nolaria would knowingly endanger her friends, but I will admit that she often overestimates her abilities. As far as the timing, I am not so sure of the others and when they were last seen."

"The graveyard again... I see a pattern theeeeereeee..." comments Wolfgang trying to be funny.

do you all have any more questions for the priest? if not then where to next?

The Speaker remembers late that they have a second task to look into as they heal the villager's injuries with energy from their charged wand. Smiling as the soothing magic does it's work, the Speaker addresses the servant of Erastil.

heal on the villager's wounds - what caused them: 1d20 ⇒ 11

"Please, Master Idris. How did these injuries come around? We have heard of rumours of large insects in the area."

As they consider their options, Eris says "I wonder if we have enough information now to investigate the cemetery. All of these folks have been saying pretty much the same thing. I worry we are squandering a chance to save them if they are in danger," she says.

"I wasn't too sure but you convinced me Eris! Let's go to the cemetry!" Wolfgang obnoxiously chimes in.

Just to clarify: that's the character being who he is. I don't have any strong preferences on the matter, we can go on questioning people as far as I'm concerned

"The cemetery is fine with me." says Deldri speaking up.

You all converse as to the next course of action and it seems the graeyard garners the most votes. You all follow the road that leads to the town graveyard on the west end of town.

Hundreds of small grave markers stand between a few large mausoleums in this graveyard. Crows leer from the gravestones, scattering when other creatures draw near, only to resettle some distance away. Once inside the graveyard area you begin to look for clues...

new map posted, arrange yourselves as you see fit

No answers on the wounds?

The Speaker thanks the Priest for their time and follows the Pathfinder agents from the chapel and towards their destiny in the Graveyard. Eyeing the foreboding place warily, the Sarenrite steps in with a measure of calm.

"I have never seen the need to bury one's dead when the Flames are much more cleansing. Each faith has their own beliefs of course." the muse idly as they take a look around.

survival: 1d20 ⇒ 19

After some time, the Speaker seems to follow a path and then indicates a Mausoleum.

"It would seem the apprentices met here." they conclude.

apologies- i must have overlooked that.

The bard noticed the villagers in the temple had normal injuries, a broken leg most likely from a fall as the man looked to be a stonemason and the other injury was from a farmer who sliced open his leg tending cattle.

it does not specifically say so I added flair

Survival check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Perception check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"Indeed..." comments Wolfgang agreeing with the Speaker. After briefly looking around he adds:"Strangely enough every bird but one is avoiding that mausoleum right there... In my book this kind of odd behaviour is rarely meaningless. Generally the meaning is unpleasant, mind you"

Deldri looks around.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

"Maybe there's undead in it. That's why the birds are leaving it alone?"

Didn't one of the masters say that the apprentice had a pet bird. I can not remember which one, but I do remember one saying it.

since Wolfgang hit the perception DC and passed that information to the others, anyone with Arcana can attempt the Arcana check

know aracana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

I believe that might be a spellcasters familiar. Must be the reason why the other birds are staying away from it.

No arcana here yet.

"That appears to be the place we need to investigate," Eris says. "These apprentices seem to be playing a game they cannot excel at. I hope they have not met an untimely end."

Sam munches on one of the pastries he bought as they walk around the graveyard. "Don't know why kids would want to play in a graveyard. Not what I did for fun when I was young. Guess they probably need saving though. Off we go I suppose." He wipes the crumbs away on his shirt and readjusts his spiffy new hat. "Best try to be quiet though, nothing good ever lurks in a graveyard." The grippli quietly makes his way towards the mausoleum.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

If the mausoleum is open, Sam will step just inside and look around.

it's cool, just didn't want to assume he wasn't answering and make something of it ^^

Nodding at the assessment by their fellow agents, the Speaker of the Oasis smiles and makes their way to the mausoleum. Holding out their arm, they pull out crumbs from their rations and offer it to the watching Raven.

"I hear the familiars of Wizards and the like are rather intelligent. Maybe they can assist us." they explain.

If ignored by the raven, the Speaker will shrug and follo the others into the Mausoleum, their natural vision easily piercing any gloom.

As the group begins to look around Sammakko moves closer to the mausoleum with Speak following behind and as the grippli gets to the mausoleum entrance he points at two large ants the size of ponies that come from the left of the building and attack...

Sammakko would have detected them so no surprise round for them, just regular initiative

1st RND
Wolfgang, Deldri, Speaker, Eris, Manaria
Ants
Sammakko

Even though Sammakko saw the ants first he is awestruck by their presence and is slow to react...

"Look! Big ants! I was actually expecting zombies but they will do for target practice I guess!" exclaims Wolfgang before taking aim and shooting his crossbow at the bluish ant.

Attack roll: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 -> Damage roll: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

But in his haste he manages to miss the target entirely.

Glad for Sam's warning of the oncoming creatures, the Speaker draws their well-fashioned Scimitar and holds it ready to their side, their stance imitating that of a dancers. With a deep breath she studies the movements of the ants and prepares herself to strike when they are in reach. With a flourish, the Speaker runs their hand across the blade and gives it an enchanted edge.

Draw Scimitar, 5' step closer and then ready a melee attack if the Ant's come into reach. Swift for arcane strike

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 for magic, cold iron: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

Can't move right now if someone would be so kind?

Manaria moves into flanking with the bard, and swings her staff cautiously.

Move, using combat expertise -1 att/+1 ac

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Wolfgang shoots wide while Speaker and Manaria both miss their marks as they flank the blue ant...

Deldri and Eris are up

Deldri casts bless to aid the party.

"This should help against these bugs!"

Eris draws her rapier and it rings from its scabbard.

"Chew on this!" she yells as she thrusts it toward one of the over-sized insects.

Rapier (bless): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 121d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Deldri summons up his divine energy and casts a spell that sends out divine luck to his companions in their combat endeavors...

however the bless does not assist Eris in hitting her target...

The giant ants make their moves with one charging at the tasty little green fellow ... Charge vs Sammakko: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10 MISS

illiciting an AoO from Speaker

and the other attacks 1d2 ⇒ 2 Speaker

ATK vs Speaker: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 MISS

1st RND
Sammakko
2nd RND
Wolfgang, Deldri, Speaker, Eris, Manaria
Ants
Sammakko

party is up, remember your BLESS

As the creature darts past them, the Speaker is quick to react with their Iron blade.

AoO, bless: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 1 = 18 for damage, cold iron, magic: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

The Speaker then starts to move in a writhing Dance, their hips flowing as their Scimitar comes alive, with a whispered prayer their blade lights up again.

Move for battledance inspire courage, swift for arcane strike, attack blue

Attack, flank, bless, dance: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 14 for damage, cold iron, magic: 1d6 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 9

Manaria continues to fight cautiously and swings at the ant in front of her.

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Speaker takes advantage of the opening created by the ants charge and hits the foe but does not bring it down, but her second attack misses its target...

Manaria hits the ant to her front and wounds it...

Red -6; Blue -6

Sammakko, Wolfgang, Deldri and Eris are up

can someone move me to the ants please I'm on my phone. I have just a 15' move thanks

done, moved you 15ft closer

The small grippli easily dodges the ant's mandibles, and tries to deliver a pair of webbed kicks in return. "Mmm I love ants, they go great with a little honey when you fry them up. But they're not suppsoed to be so big and fight back!"

Kick: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 81d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Flurry: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 = 171d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

@Qwerty - thanks!

Wolfgang stands his ground quickly recharges his heavy crossbow and shoots at the blue ant!

Attack roll: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 -> Damage roll: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Edit

Critical confirmation check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 -> Damage roll: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Eris watches for an opening in the nearest oversized insect's defense, and seeing one, thrusts her rapier into a weak spot.

Rapier: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 241d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
CRIT?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 231d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 14 dmg on crit

many thanks for the patience, recovering from a CON and caught a bug while there it seems

Sammakko misses with his counter attack but a bolt flies into the fray and hits the blue ant dealing solid damage...and the blue ant roars out in pain and anger before finding its gaping maw pierced with a rapier and it falls down to the ground un-moving...

ATK vs Sammakko: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 MISS!

2nd RND
Sammakko
3rd RND
Wolfgang, Deldri, Speaker, Eris, Manaria
Ants (Red -6)
Sammakko

party is up, remember your BLESS

CON bugs are the most resilient. Feel better!

Eris yanks her rapier from the giant ant's abdomen and spins toward the second ant. Finding a similar opening, she again thrusts at the weak spot with her rapier.

Rapier (flank, bless): 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 241d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Keeping the rhythm of their dance going, the Speaker effortlessly switches their focus from the felled Ant to the remaining one. With a muttered prayer, their blades glows with the Dawnfire's light and they strike down on the Carapace.

Scimitar, Dance, Bless: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 2 + 1 = 9 for damage, cold iron, magic: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

Unfortunately, they find a particularly tough part of the Ant's hide and their blade rebounds from the Ant with a thud.

"Well done Eris, it would seem your eye is much better than mine! By the Dawnflower these creatures are tough!"

Sammakko unleashes a pair of tiny fists at the ant, hoping to connect where his feet missed.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 131d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Flurry: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 171d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Deldri moves up to strike the ant but his swing goes wide.

Melee light hammer: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Take this!

Manaria steps up in the last space adjacent to the creature and swings.

attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

still using combat expertise, AC 17

calling it

Eris manages to strike the red ant with her rapier which allows the rest of the group to surround the creature and it does not take long for the group to hack the ant to pieces.

COMBAT OVER

After you all defeat the fiendish ants, the large raven swoops down to land on a nearby gravestone and begins cawing wildly.

intel check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Manaria looks around the area but is unable to find anything of importance on her own.

"Yellow foot?" Eris responds inquisitively. "Is this your master?" she asks the raven.

As they search, she also finds the three gravestones covered with bile.

"Can anyone make anything of this?" she asks.

intelligence: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Intelligence: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

After theier combined efforts take down the oversized ants, Sam moves to one of the still twitching legs and breaks it off. Just as he's about to take a bite, the raven starts its squawking "What the.... did that bird just talk?" He looks down at his feet, noting their yellow tinge. "Is it talking about me? I would call it more of a green foot but I guess it is a bit yellow in the right light."

He also notices the goo that Eris points out "I don't know what that is but probably best not to touch it. Doesn't look very appetizing afterall."

Deldri looks around and at the raven.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

linguistics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

"Look weird bile over there! What did the bird say?

intel: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

per: 1d20 ⇒ 1

The Speaker looks to the bird oddly before holding out their hand with crumbs for the Raven, attempting to coax them over. "The Raven is urging us to get 'Yellow-Foot' though I am not sure what that is at present." the Speaker replies to Deldri.

"Bile? I do hope it is not from these Ants? It covers just gravestones?"

The Sarenrite then chants a small prayer and the area washes in a soft glow.

Detect Magic

Wolfgang just stays silent considering the raven with a curious look...

Intelligence check: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Perception check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

The group looks over the items and determine, with enough time, which they have, that the items found are a wand of Bless Weapon (10 charges), an elixir of hiding and an elixir of vision. Deldri takes the time to examine the bile found and tells the rest he thinks the bile is Demon's Bile (allowing you all to read the last spoiler above)

where to now?

"If anyone has positive energy to heal this blighted area, it may be worth using," Eris says.

Eris looks back at the squawking familiar.

"Is Yellow Foot your master? Can you lead us to your master?" she asks.