Shifty PFS Group Bravo (Inactive)

Game Master Nik B.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Greetings smith, you come highly recommended and had we the time we would gladly peruse your wares. Regretably we find ourselves in need of information more than steel. Tell me, what do you know of the whereabouts of Lander Lebeda? We are aware he spends much time here at your shop, and was last seen in your company...

she looks stern but remains polite, acting the detective not the accuser.

Ashara sighs to herself as Starlene bluntly asks for the boy's whereabouts:"Subtle..."

"Yes, good man, we were sent here to find out where Lander is and to make sure he's still safe. His mother worries a great deal about him"

Aryn will give herself another touch of guidance before entering the smithy.

Diplomacy, guidance: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 = 27

"Greetings, sir. My name's Aryn Seavon. We wish to speak to Lander, and would appreciate your cooperation. We're concerned about his safety, and would like to make sure he's alright. Is he present here, or do you know where else he is at this moment?"

Seeing the others step forward to question the smith, Tovar will hold his tongue for the time being. However, he will look over the goods offered for sale.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

The man looks a little disappointed that this isn't a horde of cashed up potential customers...

“I last saw Lander two days ago. He was headed out of town on the southwestern road. Over the past month or so, he’s been trying to put his training to good use—slaying monstrous vermin in the outskirts of town, that sort of thing. With the recent attacks by bandits, Lander was convinced that he could stop them himself and live up to Baron Aldori’s legacy.”

He continues wiping the soot and ash from his hands and the sweat from his brow and making himself presentable - in case you do have coin to spend.

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

"Thanks for this information," Aryn replies to the smith, not seeing a single reason why the man would share false information.

"Just out of curiosity... Does Lander often talk about Baron Aldori, and wanting to live up to his legacy?"

Starlene turns and speaks quietly to the party, out of earshot of the smith.

His information matches the behaviour pattern of our quarry, out to make a name for himself and prove his worth, escalating from training to vermin extermination then an attempt at full-fledged 'hero-ing'. It sounds right. Unless anyone has anything else to ask I think we should be away as quickly as we can, if he has entered the wilderness to find bandits then every hour we leave makes the tracking that much more difficult...

The smithy rubs his chin and ponders "“Before Baron Aldori founded his school of combat, he bet his fortune to a bandit lord that he could defeat the bandit in single combat. He failed and spent years in exile before returning and defeating the bandit in seconds. It was this battle that established his reputation as a master swordsman. Lander’s always been fascinated by tales of Aldori’s deeds, and attempts to duplicate them whenever possible. ”

Final questions or off to the Southwestern road?

Ashara nods at the swordsmith's words:"Be as it may... do you think Lander is ready to face these outlaws? Or is it possible he's in danger?"

He now looks a little more thoughtful “Although Lander has improved quite a bit in the months I’ve been teaching him, he is still likely no match for any bandits. Though it’s unlikely he’d even find them—he doesn’t have much of a head on his shoulders for the wilderness, and is far more likely lost somewhere. If he’s lucky, he’s lost out in the countryside somewhere, playing the hero. If he’s unlucky, he’s encountered some of the nastier critters that live in the back country. I’m worried for his safety.”

Well thank you for the information, you've been most helpful. If you've nothing further then we should be on our way

Brusquely Starlene moves to leave, then hesitates at the doorway

Your wares are magnificent, had I the coin I would be glad to commission a piece. Perhaps I will return when my gold pouch is fuller and we can come to an arrangement.

With a tight smile she moves out of the shop.

Outside, when the rest of the party appear
Well I've some skill at tracking and wilderness survival, but I'm not an expert by any stretch. If no-one else volunteers I will lead , otherwise I am happy to defer to another.

Ashara's frown deepens as she realizes locating the young noble might be more difficult than anticipated:"I fear we must hurry then. Lady Sarrona won't be happy to hear about her son's demise"

Survival check AND Perception check.

Survival check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Perception check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

"Thanks for your time, sir."

Aryn follows the others outside, and nods her head. "Agreed. Let's be on our way, before something happens to the boy."

Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Oh dear >.<

There's nothing wrong with trying to emulate your heroes. Although I agree. I don't think his mother would appreciate his being beaten in battle by a bandit lord.

Survival(Untrained): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Perception(Untrained): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

You take the south western road out of town in the hope of picking up Lander’s trail. After traveling along the road for about 50 miles, and starting to wonder if the effort is futile, Ashara notices a handkerchief to a tree near the point where the deer trail intersects the road.

Moving up to inspect it reveals that it bears the crest of House Lebeda—a white swan on a blue background with a rising sun in the background...

Hmm, well spotted Ashara. IT seems we have a breadcrumb trail to follow. I suggest caution from this point now we're leaving the more well-traveled areas

If there is no dissent Starlene will lead off down the trail, axe in hand.

Map up above!

The deer trail winds past a large pond fed by a spring. Reeds and sedges grow around the pond, and piping birds are audible over the gurgling of running water. The pond drains from a stream flowing southwards. A section of grasses has been cleared away near the north edge of the pond, revealing a small fire pit caked with ashes.

Three men are busy grabbing for their weapons as you come into view...

Init:
Aryn
STRANGERS
Tovar
Ashara
Starlene

The reeds around the pond act as difficult terrain and provide concealment to creatures within them. The pond seems reasonably shallow where the man is, but looks like it could be quite deep

Aryn casts shield of faith on herself, then moves forward while drawing her greatsword. She holds her weapon low, hoping to show the men she doesn't ]want to use it.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"I won't attack you if you don't attack me!" Aryn announces to the men.

"My name's Aryn Seavon. I and my companions are here in search of a young man. Have you seen anyone else near this place?"

Ashara considers the men and speaks:"We come in peace but should you choose violence, know we shall not refrain from answering in kind!"

Just a speech, waiting my turn for actions, I'll try to get near enough to cast Cause Fear"

Starlene calmly pulls her axe from its place on her back, holding it low to the ground, unthreatening but ready at a moment's notice.

She'll move to cover Aryn and Ashara, ready to strike if any of the men charge the party.

"We've a bunch of young men waiting for you Aryn!" the apparent leader with a filthy moustache jeers as he readies his weapon in the long grasses.

His comrades instead try answer with arrows...
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 201d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Her faith preventing one striking her!

R1
Tovar
Ashara
Starlene
R2
Aryn
STRANGERS

Starlene snarls and runs at the leader.

Double move, pesky 20 ft movement! Have updated map

Tovar draws his hammer and moves up with Aryn.

R1
Tovar - moves..
Ashara
Starlene - moves...
R2
Aryn
STRANGERS

Ashara moves near Tovar and mumbles a blessing on him:"May your hand be strong and your aim true!"

Move and cast guidance on Tovar

"It indeed seems you're waiting," Aryn replies as she ignores the arrows fired at her.

Aryn double moves toward the guy that addressed her. "Guess I'll have to bring the fight to you then?"

The leader calls again to his friends, egging the one across the river to keep firing arrows at the party, and an arrow answers the call - shooting for Tovar! 1d20 ⇒ 2 - It only manages to find a home in the grasses.

The leader seems to distract and act tough at the incoming women - brandishing his mace suggestively and leering over his greasy moustache some more - blowing kisses - it seems that it is a signal as the otherbandit lurches from the river, drops his bow and steps in behind Aryn with his sword. 1d20 ⇒ 4 but being no stranger to this sort of shenanigans she avoids the blow.

The moustachioed one, however, steps in with malice, and takes his shot at Aryn...

Flank/Sneak
Attack 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 = 22
Damage 1d8 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + (1) + 2 = 4
/facepalm

"Just gentle for now, pretty, don't wanna spoil your looks" he remarks as the mace hits.

R2
Aryn - moves...
STRANGERS - attack
Tovar
Ashara
Starlene

Now now boys, I'm getting jealous you're paying all your attention to the pretty ones...

She frowns, studying the man in front of her, he was favoring his leg slightly, maybe some cramp from crouching too long...

Starlene swings her weapon two-handed at the man's hip.

Move action to study target
2h orc double axe: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 = 21
slashing: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12

On the boss, or his flunky?

I had originally intended the flunky, however I just realised a 5 ft step doesn't provoke, so as long as the square immediately east of Starlene isn't difficult terrain (it looks *mostly* sand!) she'll step that way and swing at the boss :)

Noted

Starlene steps in and gives a love tap of her own - immediately changing the moustache-mans' demeanour.

R2
Aryn - moves...
STRANGERS - attack
Tovar
Ashara
Starlene - hits

R3
Aryn

Free action - activate Agile Feet - ignore all penalties for difficult terrain.

Then Tovar will charge the man with the bow.

Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Tovar is surprised to find the water is almost waist deep. His blow, however, is right on the money!

Tovar is in 'shallow bog' terrain.

"ENOUGH!" yells Ashara pointing her finger towards the man who seems to lead this bunch of bandits...

move inside 30' and cast cause fear also Tovar you had guidance on

Just to be clear cause fear on the leader DC 15 will save

With a sigh Aryn shakes her head. "I'm not pretty when I'm mad, you know..."

Aryn's silver hair looks like it catches a breeze, and slowly begins to move more violently as if she's standing in a storm. Her hair's color fades away away, leaving it white. The blue of Aryn's irises also fades to white, and Aryn lets out a violent scream at the leader. "Hyaaa!!"

2H Greatsword, Bloodrage, Destined Strike, Power attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 - 1 = 13 Damage, Bloodrage, Power Attack: 2d6 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 9 + 3 = 19

With great force but sloppy accuracy, Aryn swings her greatsword at the leader. After her attack, she takes a 5-foot step to end up north of his ally.

Entered bloodrage. Please use the bloodrage spoiler in Aryn's stat bar for her current stats.

Will 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Aryn has been a little less than lucky in getting a blade to stick, but Ashara has a better outcome.

The leader withdraws from combat and jumps into the waterhole - immediately swimming for safety. His fellows all see him flee and a general rout is underway!

R3
Aryn - Swings!
STRANGERS - Flee! (all Withdraw)
Tovar
Ashara
Starlene -
R4
Aryn

They don't need swim checks?

Swim: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Aryn sighs, and goes after the cowards. "Stop running!"

The dark blue isDeep Bog - 4x move, or swim speed

Sadly, despite Aryns cry of frustration these chaps are making for the woods - following the leader - who is under a magical compulsion to flee... but for how long?

for 1d4 rounds... want me to roll?

I'll go on and roll then.. XD

Cause fear length: 1d4 ⇒ 3

/facepalm, thats going to be a lot of running :p

Tovar Ash, and Starlene all have actions - got missile weapons handy? The guy on the FAR side is way easier to hit at present.

Starlene holds on to her axe with one hand and grabs a chakram from her belt, still staring at the back of the boss' head she sends the bladed circle flying in his direction.

chakram: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9

Sadly the throw is too short and the metal circle skips off the water, landing on the far side of the river.

Tovar? Ash?

@Ashara, I used the Guidance in my last attack. I guess I should have called it out, but I didn't forget about it.

Tovar will activate Agile Feet for another round, and move to cut off the bandits' retreat.

Ashara draws her crossbow and shoots the nearest thug:"Stop there you scum! You have got some explaining to do!"

Attack roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
EDamage roll: 1d10 ⇒ 6

OK general consensus time:
These guys are going to play follow-the-leader and keep running away for another couple of rounds at least, because he's stuck under the spell effect until then. In fairness, as they are scattered and on the run, the odds are they would just keep withdrawing into the distance - they have no real reason to come back.

If we play it out round by round (which we can) you will end up spread out like browns cows as you catch and fight, and half the party jogs to keep up.

Alternately if your plan is just to grab one of these guys, I reckon Tovars superior mobility would allow us to hand wave one of the flunkies into captivity....

So round by round, or you get a free captive and we roll forward?

My motives are purely to check which is more enjoyable for you guys :)