Shifty PFS Group Bravo (Inactive)

Game Master Nik B.

"A malevolent creature roams the forests, slaying the peaceful dwellers therein. We have not yet managed to locate it, but believe it is some sort of great cat"

"Well, if it sets itself upon us, we will not be so peaceful towards it, otherwise, we will be peaceful as we move through the forest,"Aran says as he squeezes the handle of his morning star.

"Do ye have any other information about this beast? Have you seen it and does it work alone? Does it attack by ambush?", Grogson ask, intent on garnering as much knowledge of this new foe as possible

Anyone feel inclined to throw down the odd Diplo roll?

"Good creature of the forest, if you could assist us with identifying the threat, mayhaps we can assist in putting down the malevolent force should we come across it"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

What a little ray of sunshine :)

They seem rather taken with the honeyed words and open up.

"Recently we felt its presence, and it almost felt as though it was moving us into a trap. If you see it, kill it. Here, some gifts" he hands Amris a masterwork long spear and eight berries "Those are goodberries and will last four days. We wish you luck in your travel"

The Centaurs move off as swiftly as they arrived.

***

Around six miles later, nearing sunset...

The sound of running water echoes ahead, and several muted beams of light pierce the thick forest canopy. Soon the dense forest opens, revealing a river that blocks the way forward. A large felled tree trunk offers a way over the swift moving river.

With the exception of the rushing sound of the water, an eerie silence pervades the area, as does the fresh smell of death.

MAP

Thinking ahead, does someone wish to draw up a watchlist?

"I don't mind taking first watch, but maybe first you might tell me a bit of this relic we carry and what it is we are trading for in return? Also, do we have any idea of what we are expected to oppose us? For that matter, do any of you know about the area between Absalom and our destination? I am far better suited for areas of research or tomb delving than the open road or forest path."

Please attach this diplomacy roll to my previous conversation. All this Charisma does matter ;)

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Likewise mine: Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Pozuket shakes his head at the plane-touched. "Unfortunately, I don't know a great deal about the area, aside from what's on the map. What I am aware of is that..." Insert result of Bardic Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

"I don't like this place, though. It's too quiet. Libraries are supposed to be this quiet. Forests aren't."

He gestures with a word pop and four teal-colored balls pop of light appear in sequence pop with very quiet "pops", rotating pop around his head.

Raoul nods in agreement with Pozuket. "Yes, this forest is unnaturally quiet. Perhaps there is magic afoot."

Raoul then holds his hands up in front of him, palms facing forward and spends his time casting Detect Magic in all directions.

"Also, I can take any watch."

Since I am not preparing any new spells, and I haven't used any of my spells thus far, do I still need to spend 8 hours preparing my spells for the next day?

"I am not sure of anything else, but I would prefer to either be first or last watch. We have seven of us, should be easy for those of us that cast spells to get our rest," he says with a grin.

Pokuket knows this part of the river is probably a fairly reasonable spot to cross, as there is already a decent log to take advantage of.

He knows that after a half dozen more miles you will hit the beginning of the ascent into the pass, and should reach there in time to camp for the night - assuming this river doesn't turn out to be a challenge...

Raoul finds no magic.

The sound of the river, and the fresh stench of death are the only real disturbances to an otherwise tranquil scene.

Survival for defensible sight selection to bivouac 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Engineering for building field expedient defenses 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

"I will take the last shift, but we should do this in pairs. First we need to find shelter."

Where's that stink coming from anyway?

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Jivo will look around the immediate area and not finding anything will turn back to the task at hand.

I dont care which watch I'm on but we have a ways to go before we camp. First we need to cross this log. I'll lead the way.

Keeping an eye out for slick spots, Jivs will cross the log.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

The source of the smell is eventually found to be a deer carcass, it has been clawed and gutted - parts of it devoured.

Jivokun makes it look easy as he crosses the river then props on the far side... nothing stirs.

Grogson thinks there might be better sites on the far side.

Allowing for others to suggest actions/concerns :)

Pozuket uneasily eyes the crossing. "I don't think I'm going to make it across there with my backpack on," he says, motioning to the pack on his back which is almost as tall as he is. "Can someone carry it across for me? I've also got rope, if anyone wants to use it to help them cross."

Backpack only weighs 37 pounds... But Poz only weighs 42 without it. I'm not crossing that while heavily encumbered!

Amris looks the tree over. "Why don't we anchor the rope at both ends of the crossing, allowing for the back packs to be slid across and act as a hand rail to assist in the crossing of the log? We can also individually anchor each of us off incase there is a slip, so we can fish them out."

Amris looks over the deer carcass carefully trying to find any trace of the beast that attacked it. "I am no woodsman by any chance, but this makes we wary."

Searching for clues of the attack Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

General scan of the area Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Nothing obvious stands out to any of the observers, and with a little wrangling, a rope bridge is established allowing for safe passage to the far side.

After another half dozen miles of trekking through the woods the sun begins to fall and the ground begins to ascend into the passes, you begin to establish a campsite under Grogsons appraisal.

Campsite

Any area development?

Picket list? Double staggered, double, or single?

"With seven of us, we need to establish one hour watch shifts with double manning. I will take the first and last shifts with one of you magical types on each. I need fellas as rested as possible and I am built for this type of work."

Technically still 6, the 7th never posted in... :(

Sunset ~ 18:00.
Double staggered, all pers get ~8hrs sleep.

18:00-20:00 Raoul Pozuket
20:00-22:00 Pozuket Aranan
22:00-00:00 Aranan Grogson
00:00-02:00 Grogson Amris
02:00-04:00 Amris Jivokun
04:00-06:00 Jivokun Raoul

Close enough?

Impressed with the dwarf's ability to schedule; Jivs smiled and began starting a fire.

Sounds good to me Slagtoes.

Please switch Aranan out of the the 4 hour block he has and switch him with Jivokun, so he can get 8 in a row

Works for me. I can take a middle-of-the-night shift if anyone else needs. I didn't use up any spell slots today. I'm definitely OOCly puzzled at the river crossing which had a map, yet no encounter, but since it didn't use any spells, I'm good.

Around the campfire that night, the inquisitive gnome plys Master Rees with questions about the artifact the gillmen have supposedly found, starting with: "What is it? Or at least, what is it supposed to be?"

I'm definitely OOCly puzzled at the river crossing which had a map, yet no encounter, but since it didn't use any spells, I'm good.

Or was there? :p

Around the campfire that night, the inquisitive gnome plys Master Rees with questions about the artifact the gillmen have supposedly found, starting with: "What is it? Or at least, what is it supposed to be?"

Nester settled the group around the campfire as you prepare your meal and begin your preparations for sleep.

"Ancient Azlant, the pinnacle of human civilization, lies shattered and abandoned to history, but her mysterious past and enigmatic artifacts cause modern scholars to scour Golarion for remnants of her forgotten magic. Devastated during Earthfall, the rare Azlanti ruins that remain today are thoroughly looted, carefully guarded, or lost to the ocean’s depths entirely." He sips his tea and ponders a moment.

"One of Azlant’s few surviving ruins within the Inner Sea region rests on the Isle of Erran within the city of Escadar. What makes these ruins unique is the presence of the Low Azlanti, a strange but handsome people with striking Azlanti features who dwell amid Escadar’s populace. However, these well-formed men and women possess something the ancient Azlanti did not—gills. Long rumored to be the descendants of ancient Azlant, these gillmen ply the waters near the sites of their supposed ancestors, venerating their glorious past".

"The gillmen of Escadar maintain a comfortable existence retrieving sunken artifacts from the Inner Sea’s depths, which they often trade or sell to land-dwellers, including the Pathfinder Society.

"A month ago, a gillman emissary approached the Decemvirate offering a trade. He explained that an underwater search off the coast of the Isle of Erran had unearthed a valuable relic the Society would likely want, but that the Low Azlanti embassy wanted a piece from the Grand Lodge’s vault in exchange; the Society’s goal of unearthing new discoveries far outweighed the price of losing an item that they had already studied so the deal was struck".

He doesn't seem to know much more, and can only speculate at best.

"I have a keen eye for these things, and can always spot a good item"

**

Sunset ~ 18:00.
Double staggered, all pers get ~8hrs sleep.
18:00-20:00 Raoul Pozuket
20:00-22:00 Pozuket Jivokun
22:00-00:00 Jivokun Grogson
00:00-02:00 Grogson Amris
02:00-04:00 Amris Aranan
04:00-06:00 Aranan Raoul

**

MAP

R1
Raoul
Pozuket
Amris
BEAST
Grogson
Jivokun
Aranan (Sleeping)

Poor Aranan... missing another fight. (Or at least the start of one.)

Letting the dice determine how groggy Poz is (Raw Wisdom): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16

Pozuket's eyes snap open as Amris shouts. Spotting a something in the firelight, he leaps to his feet and calls out, "Awake! Awake! Lives are at stake!"

You know the drill. +1 attack/damage, except for Raoul's first round, since this happens after his turn.

"Dammit!", is all Grogson curses as he rushes to aid the bard.

On my turn, move to Armis' side and Attack. 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
dmg 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Raoul awakes and draws his wand. He waves it in the direction of the dark shape and a bright burst of arcane energy shoots from the wand.

Magic Missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Amris attacks defensively while activating his luck ability.

AC:21, MW Rapier -2/1d6+2

Attack Cat MW Rapier: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"get off of me you foul beast!"

The volume of yelling and shouting is sufficient to awaken Aranan...

Raoul sits up in his sleeping bag, firing off Magical bolt that hits home. The creature tries mauling Amris 1d20 ⇒ 151d20 ⇒ 131d20 ⇒ 17 but his defensive posturing prevents injury.

Grogson steps in, and with a heavy hit, the creature is felled.

The confusion dies down as the party confers and establishes what just happened, but the discussion is interrupted by the sound of hooves.

A Centaur bursts into the forest clearing. Seeing the dead creature he lets out a haughty laugh, as though impressed with your achievement.

"I am too late, and now you have claimed the victory and removed a threat to the forest! Here, some fine pelts to swap for the corpse?"

"What was the foul creature that beset upon us Centaur, and might we know your name?"

Aran snores lightly. Wow that fight was made light of very, very quickly.

The Cenatur continues, "I am Urdel Thunderhoof, I am not sure what that thing was... too smart for a normal hunting cat. I assume you are heading to the high passes, they often freeze and suffer harsh weather, these pelts could be of use..." he holds the collection alluringly hoping to convince you a trade is worthwhile.

"Thank you Urdel. I for one did not prepare for freezing weather. Your warning and trade are welcome."

Wiping the blood from his blade, Grogson says,"I see no reason why we should not make such a trade. This beast has harassed your people longer than it has mine. Maybe you will be able to save others from its kin."

Jivo sat staring from where he had sat up just in time to watch the others cut the big cat down. With the others up and talking to the centaurs...they were awfully close... he saw no reason to intrude and promptly laid back down to get some much needed rest.

The Centaur seems thrilled about the trade and wishes you a great journey.

**

Once the party settles back in for the night there are no further disturbances. The next days’ travel is marked by a slow upward climb into the foothills and by evening the group has made into the mountain pass.

There is a slow but steady wind that continually bites as it blows across the rocks lightly powdered with snow and frost, and you know after the sun goes down that it will get very crisp. As the day draws to a close the party spies a covered wagon, half-buried in the snow.

Being careful and deliberate, you investigate the wagon; it is large to hold five people and although the wagon in no longer road worthy it would produce enough spare firewood to allow for a fire throughout the night. Nearby, three frozen corpses are also located; although the bodies have little of value – you suppose their lack of proper equipment was the cause of their demise – killed by cold as they sat around a small woodstove, which although would have provided warmth, was clearly not suited to the task on its own.

Same watch order?
Anyone have cold weather gear?
Survival checks might also be appropriate :)

Zoom!

Bardic Knowledge (Nature), to identify the beast: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Survival: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
All I have for cold weather is a bedroll and Prestidigitation, which can warm a pound of "stuff". So I can make sure everyone's clothes are warmed up before they put them on, but that's not going to be enough to keep from freezing.

It dawns on Pozuket that it wasn't an animal, but rather a magical beast, a Krenshar!

'The krenshar is a strange creature that resembles a large but earless hunting cat, save that it can retract the fur and skin on its face to reveal the glistening skull and musculature underneath. Combined with its strange, keening wail, this horrifying display is enough to paralyze prey and send formidable opponents running.

Krenshar's retractable skin allows it to dine on carrion with a lower risk of picking up disease-carrying vermin, much like a vulture's bare head and neck. When the creature finishes eating, restoring the facial skin to its normal position scrapes off gore and clinging bugs. The ability to retract their skin is demonstrated in other contexts as well—male krenshars bare their skulls at rivals as a challenge over mates, females use this ability to ward off undesired suitors, and hunting adults use it to scare prey into ambushes'.

Guess that a dwarven waraxe isn't a natural predator in the Krenshar's territory,lol. I am going to kick this VC's ass at the after action review for not sending down a proper packing list for this deployment, hahaha. Same watch, yes. Survival

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 Endurance/Fort to save v. NL DMG 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Grogson smiles from behind his woolly beard as he gathers all the necessities to keep his party safe and fed at this winter camp. "Nothing like a life spent in the mountains, boys."

"It is quite ridiculously cold to be so close to the ocean. Less than a days travel, and my toes could be warm in the sands of the beach. Let's bundle as many of us up with the furs we traded and take advantage of the shelter and some fire."

Despite this complaint, Amris look quite comfortable regardless of the chill. (Celestial Resistance - Cold Resistance 5)

Aran bundles up as tightly as he can with any of the furs that are left over and climbs into the cart to hide from the cold.

1d20 ⇒ 6

"It is quite ridiculously cold to be so close to the ocean."

That's what I thought about Scotland

Anyone doing anything with the bodies?

Typical behead and cover with snow.

"Aranan, can ye tell anything about them stiffs?"

Chop and bury works

'Tenderly seeing to the dignity of the dead', Grogson determines that their clothing could probably be salvaged for further cold weather outfits (three).

Aran looks over the bodies before they are cleaned, cut, and buried.

1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Grogsons first mistake was assuming the desk jockey giving the assignments out had any idea of what equipment he should take. Never trust the desk pilots.

Aranan is fairly convinced the poor fellows simply froze to death some time ago, the bodies reasonably preserved in the cool climes... it strikes him as potentially troubling and an indication of what might be in store for the evening.

Through the night, the harsh weather really turns on a show, and the wee hours prove particularly harsh before the sun arises to chase away the frost and begin thawing you all out. It was remarkably unpleasant. Raoul found it particularly horrid and much effort is spent warming up come breakfast.

Glad to be away from the frosty heights, your days travel sees you descending to the swamps, but as the pass winds around a large mountain, you spot a light glinting from a ledge some 50 feet above your current location, perhaps a reflection?

Is the damage lethal, or non-lethal?

Raoul shivers as he prepares himself for the day. "Blasted cold, I shall be quite relieved when we are done with this harsh weather."

Upon reaching the swamp and lower elevations...

"Well, this is better than cold, though I don't care too much for the smell of swamps."

Once the light is spotted...

"Hmm, it could be someone, or something, lying in wait for a band of adventurers such as ourselves. We should be cautions." Raoul places his hands in front of him with the palms together, granting himself a use of his Diviner's Fortune as he attempts to discern what this glinting light may mean.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 = 27

6 uses of Diviner's Fortune left.

Ever the curious, Amris attempts the climb up to the ledge and check out the reflection.

Climb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Well, it looked easier. That was a warm up. I have Rope, Grappling Hook, Pitons, etc.

Can I try again with my climbing gear, or do i just fall down, and go boom!

Pozuket spends his entire watch trying to make his teeth chatter in some form of rhythm. Sadly for him, they wouldn't cooperate, and he goes back to sleep grumpy as well as cold.

As for the shiny thing... "That object, whatever it may be, is too high up for any magic or supplies of mine or to reach it usefully. Unless someone would care to try hurling a pot tied to a rope up there, in hopes of pulling it down."

How I can't wait until I can Inspire Competence...