Shifty PFS Group Bravo (Inactive)

Game Master Nik B.

I vote capture one and hand wave.

Seconded?

Handwave seconded!

The two flap across the pool of water as Tovar runs to intercept the other runner. Unfortunately he can't be in three places at once, but he does his best to lock on to the last runner and charges in for a crash tackle - which ends in a punch up in the grass as he and the bandit wrestle and fight.

Though the party soon catches up and helps restrain the bruised and bloodied bandit and subdue him, the leader and his flunky just keep running into the distance, pumping their legs for dear life.

Terse words are exchanged, but the beaten captive does his best at defiance - "I serve Aldona, the mistress of the moon, she leads us and these lands are HERS! None may pass!" He thrusts forth his upper arm that seems to bear some rough and ragged scars "With the next full moon, the power of our gang will multiply, and all of Silverhall will be our prey!"

General actions, and/or discussion time

Aryn's appearance changes back to normal when she realizes the men will just keep on running. Fatigued, she exits the water.

When Tovar manages to capture one of the men, Aryn walks over. Her breathing's unsteady, and she takes a moment to calm down.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"Listen, we just want to find someone. That's the only reason we're here," Aryn explains as calm as she can.

"Have you seen a young man pass? He was carrying a sword, and probably trying to act like a hero."

"Yeah the weak Lordling was taken, Aldona has him now, he'll be first up when the full moon comes"

Starlene retrieves her chakram and slots it back on her belt.

A build up of bandits under a new leader who's promising them victory, not a good sign

muses Starlene.

Also this mention of the full moon and power multiplying, anyone else thinking lycanthrope?

leaving the interrogation of the bandit to the others who undoubtedly had more social acumen than her, Starlene recalls the bandits appeared to be looking for something in the reeds, she picks up where they left off and starts combing through them whilst the others talked.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Starlene doesn't find much, just the mans general equipment scattered about where it was dropped in the fracas.

Longbow
Longsword
Studded Leather armour

This doesn't sound good. I doubt Dame Lebeda will look favorably on the Pathfinders if we let her son get turned into a werewolf. We should probably try to find their main camp. Although I suggest a bit of caution until we figure out what we're dealing with.

"Indeed!" mutters Ashara "Having sir Labeda turned into a moonchanger under our watch would be a disaster... on many many levels..."[b] then she turns towards the captured bandit[b]"Where does this Aldona lair? We need to have words with her!"

I'll take it that your question was an aid another to the diplomacy check already on the table from Aryn - as you guys sound like you are generally being pretty reasonable

Realising quickly that this day doesn't necessarily have to end tragically for him, the man decides to be cooperative and points the direction of the camp out - he quickly draws a map in the mud that gives you a good idea of where to go.

Map up

The bandits’ camp is about 3 miles away from the watering hole.

A half-dozen tents form a semi-circle around a large fire pit in this clearing on a hillside. The smell of roasting meat wafts through the air, and a plume of smoke rises from the fire. Two men sit fireside, quietly roasting their dinner.

Several large barrels sit beside the opening of the largest of the tents.

It's night and I assume you took enough time to check around before racing in - when you have decided on your plan, you can align your icons along the edge - you can come in from different directions, same direction, whatever. If you are coming in quiet you will require Stealth checks

Shifty you are a good GM for keeping things moving!

Starlene waits patiently at the edge of the camp for her companions, whispering to them

We should maintain stealth as long as possible so we can get the drop on them, we don't know how many of them there are and we may be outnumbered. I suggest getting as close as possible and taking out the two by the fire as quickly as we can, then moving tent to tent as fast as possible.

If there is no dissent she moves to the NW and begins to sneak up to the camp, using the trees then the tents themselves as cover, moving till she is within striking distance of one of the guards and waiting till she can see another of the party ready to assault the other guard..

stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Ashara nods to Starlene. "Go on then... but make sure not to get caught!" she wisphers

Thanks Starlene, I'm a fan of keeping games alive and moving - avoids them fizzing out :)

All good on the planning so far, I'll allow the others to chime in and then work out how it all plays out on the ground. Long day at work, so update in about 10 hours and post up the general outcomes.

Stealth: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (6) - 3 = 3

Aryn circles the camp the other way around, greatsword drawn. She's not very good in the whole stealth thing though.

Ashara places herself near Aryn:"Please keep quiet and wait for Starlene to finish the recon mission"

1d20 - 4 ⇒ (20) - 4 = 16

Not being especially stealthy himself, Tovar follows Aryn and Ashara around to the NE side of the camp.

Stealth: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (17) - 4 = 13

Whilst her companions moved in to position, Starlene studies the resting bandits in front of her. Human night-vision dulled by the fire in front of them, they would be slow to react if surprised.

Seeing her companions are not quite as cat-like as she might have preferred, Starlene will use the opportunity from their likely enemy-alerting footsteps to blindside the bandit she has been studying the very second he appears to be alerted and either going for a sword or shouting for help.

5 ft step to close the distance (assuming tent pegs aren't difficult terrain ;)
2h double axe: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 1 = 24
slashing: 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14
If he goes down she'll use her remaining move action to study the other bandit

Appropriate

2d20 ⇒ (18, 3) = 21

Starlene moves through the darkness as the others fall into position on the Eastern side of the camp. The two guards on watch continue roasting their dinner over the fire, standing to turn the meat and resume a conversation in quiet tones...the occasional stifled laughter at some anecdote being shared. This is all the cover she needs to move into position behind the tent.

All is looking good until Aryn steps on a particularly dry fallen tree branch that gives a rather significant crack as her boot crushes it. One of the men notes it immediately and warns his friend - as they draw their swords there is a flash in the darkness as Starlene slides in and swings a meaty blow - striking a bandit who screams as though being murdered...

Surprise Round
Standard Action only.
Aryn
Ashara
Starlene (acted)
Tovar

In any order for the Surprise round, then will go to initiative

Tovar raises his holy symbol and mutters a few words.

Cast Bless. +1 to attack rolls and saving throws vs fear for everyone in the party.

Aryn lets go of her sword with one hand to cast shield of faith on herself again. She then places her free hand back on the greatsword.

OK now I'm feeling bad about attacking the bandit without at least giving them a chance to surrender, even though I know that would have lost us the element of surprise and made us outnumbered :s Think I should look at Starlene's alignment after this module is done, I hastily rejigged her as a slayer without paying too much attention to the fluff as I was doing it. Bad oversight >.<

Not really. In fairness these are bandits, not just wayward naughty people down on their luck trying to eke a living. You also have reason to believe they are (at least some of them) Werewolves, merrily plotting to turn Silverhall into Burger King come the next full moon.

OK that's reassuring, I won't call the alignment police just yet then ;p Thanks GM :)

Also, I laughed out loud in the office reading the 'Burger King' comment :p

Moments after Starlene makes her dramatic entrance, Tovar incants and chants - calling upon his deity,

Aryn likewise imbues herself with sorcerous energy.

Ashara holds her postion (Delay)

R1
Starlene
Enemy
Tovar
Aryn
Ashara

If the bandit she has already struck is still up then she'll keep fighting him, otherwise will switch to the other gent

In complete silence and with a well-practiced move, Starlene whirls the double-axe over her head, using the momentum to generate extra force as she uses both hands to bring it down on the nearest bandit's body.

2h double axe: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 = 19
slashing: 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14

Move action to study the nearest enemy, if not already studied

The man is still screaming, until Starlenes second blow silences him.

The other bandit steps in with his blade...
Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Crit? 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Damage 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
...landing it squarely!

A red furred wolf-woman wearing a suit of stained chainmail moves out of the tent, blade drawn - her large flesh rending teeth glinting in the firelight.
She moves quickly and gracefully...

Attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Crit? 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Starlene collapses.

R2
Tovar
Aryn
Ashara

R3
Starlene

As soon as Ashara notices what happened to Starlene she moves near the thugs and shots the nearest one with her crossbow!

Attack roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Damage roll: 1d10 ⇒ 6

Moving near next turn too so I can chennel energy to save Starlene

Tovar moves up and draws his hammer.

Aryn charges forward while activating her bloodrage again. As her eyes and hair turn white again, Aryn swings her greatsword at the thug in front of her.

2H Greatsword, Bloodrage, Destined Strike, Power attack, Charge: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 1 - 1 + 1 = 23 Damage, Bloodrage, Power Attack: 2d6 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (6, 6) + 9 + 3 = 24

Both shield of faith and the charge penalty have been applied to the bloodrage stat bar! :)

Yikes!

Asharas crossbow manages to add a new hole to a tent, but not a bandit.

There is a sickening thud as Aryns' sword strikes home, blood sprays in a series of ropy jets that add a certain patina to the side of the tent.

Starlene can make a stabilisation check

The Wolf-Woman charges in on Tovar as he runs towards her.

Attack 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 15
Damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Luckily she is unable to bring her salivating toothy maw into the fray as she arrives...luckily...but the blade gets bloodier! She appears fearless and frenzied!

And here I was thinking an AC of 19 was fairly respectable for a level 1!

Status: hp -6/12, dying

stabilisation check DC 10: 1d20 + 2 - 6 ⇒ (8) + 2 - 6 = 4

New status: hp -7/12, dying

Aryn grins as the wolf woman moves to her new position. "Wide open..."

She charges at the wolf woman next, and swings her bloodied greatsword once more.

2H Greatsword, Bloodrage, Destined Strike, Power attack, Charge: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 - 1 + 1 = 19 Damage, Bloodrage, Power Attack: 2d6 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (2, 4) + 9 + 3 = 18

Help's coming soon, Starlene! ;)

Ashara moves near the fray and unleashes a weave of healing energy!

Channel energy: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Thanks to selective channelling Ashara excludes the werewolf from the wave

Recap

Surprise round
Starlene [Chops]
Tovar [casts]
Aryn [casts]
Ashara [delayed]

R1
Starlene [Starlene drops foe #1]
Enemy [Foe 2 strikes, wolf woman strikes - Starlene down]
Tovar [Moves in with hammer]
Aryn [Kills foe #2]
Ashara [Moves, shoots]

R2
Starlene [Bleeds a lot]
Enemy [Wolf woman engages Tovar]
Tovar Pending
Aryn [Charges she-wolf - blade goes wide! Just misses! (By 1)]
Ashara [Channels! - Starlene now stable]

R3
Starlene
Enemy...

Per above, let me know if anything is missing.
I have it that Tovar is pending an action.

Thanks Ashara :)

Status: -4/12, unconscious

Starlene is stable but unconscious, unable to take actions

Better than 'moment away from being a contribution to fertilisation' :)

Tovar takes a wild swing at the wolf-woman.

Warhammer: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Follow up with a 5 foot step to the north.

Hey that's all good! If Starlene survives this module then she'll be my first PFS character to ever level up! So this was probably the equivalent of breaking out a photo of her betrothed and staring wistfully at it around the campfire last night, talking about how she's going to get wed when the group gets back... ;p

Retcon - Tovars step would now bring Aryn into a flank - so the hit LANDS

Aryn, is that sword Silver at at all?

The wolf woman howls in anger, steps from between her assailants, and attacks Aryn!

Attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Damage 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Bite1d20 ⇒ 2

Wounding the aasimar...

R3
Starlene [stable]
Enemy [attacks]
Tovar
Aryn
Ashara

[b]You filthy monster! Back away from my companions and show us your true colors! FLEE THE PRESENCE OF THE JUST, YOU COWARD MONSTER!"[b] exclaims Ashara extending hands before her and calling down her heavenly power.

Cast Cause fear, DC15 1d4 ⇒ 3 turns duration if successful

Pending Will save - 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Enemy will be SHAKEN on Asharas turn.
Wont be in place for Tovar or Aryn this round though.

No, it's cold iron. I don't have a silver weapon.

Aryn clenches her teeth as she takes a hit from the enemy, but still swings her greatsword again.

2H Greatsword, Bloodrage, Power attack: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 1 = 14 Damage, Bloodrage, Power Attack: 2d6 + 9 + 3 ⇒ (4, 4) + 9 + 3 = 20

The pain from the wound causes Aryn's aim to be sloppy. She quickly takes a 5-foot step west.

"Tovar, come flank with me!"

Waiting for the others to post

Tovar steps up to the wolf-woman, keeping the opponent surrounded.

5 ft step to the west.

He hauls off and swings his hammer at the foe.

Warhammer: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 2 = 16 +2 for flank
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Tovars hammer misses, but his actions certainly contribute to the wall of offence.

R3
Starlene [stable]
Enemy [attacks]
Tovar [attacks]
Aryn [cast]
Ashara [attacked]

The wolf woman goes after Aryn with a lot of venom and anger...
Attack 1d20 ⇒ 8
Attack 1d20 ⇒ 7
...The Gods smile - the werewolf lands neither tooth or blade!

R4
Starlene [stable]
Enemy [attacks/SHAKEN]
Tovar
Aryn
Ashara

Well, that isn't working. Let's try this.

Aid Another: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 2 = 9

I guess that's not going to work either.

Lets see if Aryn and Ash can pull one out and slap the werewolf down :)

Starlene continues breathing, blissfully unaware of the battle still raging around her.

This is probably the first time she's had a nap in the daytime since she was a little half-orc at Slayer kindergarten ;)