Solstice Scar (B) - subtier 3-4 Core (Inactive)

Game Master Cwethan

How nice of them :P

Double checked Chock's Intimidate/Diplomacy...

The Kobolds aren't ready to surrender yet, still all fired up from their leader's speech.

Casting aside her unwieldy lance, she snatches a flask from her belt and tosses it at the sorcerer, spattering his companions with the freezing fluid.

Liquid Ice: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Cold Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

The crossbowmen all frantically reload and open fire at the threatening human, their bolts punching through Chock's armor!

Crossbow (PBS): 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 23
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Crossbow (PBS): 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 21
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 = 21
Piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 4

EDIT: Confusion for blue
Confused: 1d100 ⇒ 39 Babbles incoherently

Except for the kobold still befuddled by the Dryad's wiles that is...

The ice is difficult terrain, the trees are difficult terrain and grant partial cover.
Bless (+1), Inspire Courage (+1/+1)
Bold may go!
Daereon -6, Mage armor
Leena
Chock -12
Khellek -1
Lannior
Apollyanna -1, Entangled, Guidance
Kobold Knight -1
Kobold Snipers (unloaded)

"FINE! BE THAT WAY!" Leena shouts, the burst of sound shockingly loud in the kobold archers ears.: 1d8 ⇒ 7 DC14 Fort on the stun

Forts: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 181d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 91d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

The kobolds cower before the sudden sonic assault, one of their crossbows clattering to the ground as its owner reels.

The ice is difficult terrain, the trees are difficult terrain and grant partial cover.
Bless (+1), Inspire Courage (+1/+1)
Bold may go!
Daereon -6, Mage armor
Leena
Chock -12
Khellek -1
Lannior
Apollyanna -1, Entangled, Guidance
Kobold Knight -1
Kobold Snipers (Red -7; Blue -7, Stunned; Green -7)(unloaded)

And there was me thinking it has mis-corrected 'doggedly cowardice'.

Laziness maybe, cowardice never. Double move.

He begins to chant and move his arms around and he releases two eldritch bolts in the form of longswords that strike unerringly at the kobold leader who splashed him with frost/

2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 4) + 2 = 10 damage

Hooray, max damage. I think that is the first time that I have done that in a PbP game!

Doggedly cowardice... as in the kobolds... ahh well. I'm obviously channeling a different character at the moment :-)

Khellek continues to offer words of wisdom. "Against smaller targets it is often better to attack even lower than you are expecting. As their height can prove deceptive."
Continues inspire
He aims at the kobold in a purple robe.
attack,inspire,bless,cover: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 20
damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"See, just like that!"

Lannior finally steps from the trees and fires an arrow at the reddish kobold.

Darkwood Composite Longbow + PBS + IC + Bless v Red: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 17
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 7

Daereon's bolts spin the knight round with their force, but she retains her footing. Khellek's bolt thuds into the relatively insensate kobold, while Lannior's arrow produces a far more obvious result as his target sprawls across the ice.

The now unarmed knight refuses to surrender against her foes and slams her shield vainly against Apollyanna before withdrawing, while the remaining crossbowman returns fire against Lannior. You think.

Shield Bash: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7
Bludgeoning: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 10
Piercing: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The ice is difficult terrain, the trees are difficult terrain and grant partial cover.
Bless (+1), Inspire Courage (+1/+1)
Bold may go!
Daereon -6, Mage armor
Leena
Chock -12, May go twice
Khellek -1
Lannior
Apollyanna -1, Entangled, Guidance, AoO vs. the knight
Kobold Knight -11
Kobold Snipers (Blue -9, disarmed; Green -7, unloaded)

Khellek keeps up the inspiring words. "While kobolds claim descent from dragons you have little to fear from them. Their attitude may be as aggressive but they have none of the strength or magical abilities."

He looks a little worried as he fumbles around for another crossbow bolt though and puts it in backward before eventually placing it the right way around.

Seeing the purple kobold without anyone next to it, he takes another shot
attack,inspire,cover: 1d20 + 4 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 - 4 = 17
damage,inspire: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"That team over there, they have a cleric.." he mentions, gesturing for them to come over and provide some healing.

I'm going to suggest we use the aid token and pass it on. It is boosted for offence so if you want to use it for allied offence vs the knight that would also be a really good use.

Sorry for not posting yesterday GM; Chock's Diplomacy and Initimidate are an effective -1 IIRC, which is why it was more an action than a check, I wasn't expecting anything to come out of it, it's just the character, he's deadly but not trigger happy =)

"Pointy ends hurt, here.. have a taste!" and he shoots at the unmounted rider, before moving around his allies.

Attack +PBS +Inspire -DA; Damage +PBS +Inspire +DA: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 221d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 11
________________________

Chock tries to climb the rock in from of him to get a better vantage point.
Climb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 Is 20 enough to climb on top of the rock? If not, he can't shoot and is left standing just south of the rock.

He then shoots at any remaining kobolds in front of him. Leader and blue are inside PBS range.

Attack +PBS +Inspire -DA; Damage +PBS +Inspire +DA: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 1 + 1 - 1 = 291d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 12

Chock's arrows make swift work of two of the kobolds, though the last of them ducks under Khellek's bolt.

The ice is difficult terrain, the trees are difficult terrain and grant partial cover.
Bless (+1), Inspire Courage (+1/+1)
Bold may go!
Daereon -6, Mage armor
Leena
Chock -12
Khellek -1
Lannior
Apollyanna -1, Entangled, Guidance
Kobold Snipers (Green -7, unloaded)

Apollyanna drops her sword and tries to grab the fleeing kobold.

"Ouch! That's my shin!"

unimproved grapple (entangled, guidance, bless, inspired: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 12

Unfortunately grapple checks are a standard action, not an in-place-of-an-attack, so you can't take them as an AoO

We'll hold on to the weapon, and make it a trip attempt.

The kobold manages to slide out of the way of Apollyanna's strike moments before Chock's arrow drops her to the ice.

The ice is difficult terrain, the trees are difficult terrain and grant partial cover.
Bless (+1), Inspire Courage (+1/+1)
Bold may go!
Daereon -6, Mage armor
Leena
Chock -12
Khellek -1
Lannior
Apollyanna -1, Entangled, Guidance
Kobold Snipers (Green -7, unloaded)

Leena maneuvers around the trees to reach Chock with her channeled energy.

Channel Energy to Heal, excluding kobolds: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

The sorcerer enters into another trance and begins arcane movements and chanting attempting to daze the remaining kobold
DC 12 Will

The kobold throws off Daereon's enchantment

Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

The ice is difficult terrain, the trees are difficult terrain and grant partial cover.
Bless (+1), Inspire Courage (+1/+1)
Bold may go!
Daereon Mage armor
Leena
Chock -6
Khellek
Lannior
Apollyanna Entangled, Guidance
Kobold Snipers (Green -7, unloaded)

Str check v entanglement: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Lannior takes aim on the greenish kobold.

Darkwood Composite Longbow + PBS + IC + Bless v green: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 18
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 9

The kobold drops to the ice, and given enough time, Apollyanna is able to chip her way free of the Slurk's slime.

As she does so, the dryad steps gracefully out from within the tree, and practically glides as she approaches. In a voice that carries a strong accent of whispering winds and bubbling brooks she greets you all, Thank you. My name is Enzial. Your intervention is most welcome, I'm sure that our disagreement would surely have devolved into a fight. These kobolds have been getting bolder recently. The white dragons up in the mountains have hatched a new clutch of wyrmlings. This has spurred the kobolds who serve them to hunt a staggering number of local animals for meat. We do not normally mind their hunting, but their recent over-predation threatens to wipe out several prey species in the area entirely!

Why have you come to our lands?

The sorcerer will cast detect magic to see if there are any magical items with the kobolds.

Why have you come to our lands?

"That is an excellent question, Enzial! I'm Leena Deftfoot, and we are from the Pathfinder Society." Not sure if dryad culture involves handshakes, Leena makes polite little bow. "We're helping some new friends seek out a dragon lair to restore their holy relic in the fight against evil! It sounds like you might know where we're headed, if there are dragons in the mountains. We like to explore, report, and cooperate, so if you need help against the kobolds we are really good allies!"

Daereon doesn't find any enchanted goods, though the snipers do have a flask of alchemist's fire a piece.

I would be happy to assist you in defending my woods; I know where their lair lies, and I know of the small passageways into it that only the kobolds use.

More help, however, is reserved to the stewards of this land to offer. Vallahk and Quiselle are difficult to convince of anything, but if your words live up to your blades, they could offer considerable aid.

Three directions to choose between: Straight through the front door of the lair, up the winding switchbacks to the hidden kobold tunnels, or off to speak to the Fey Court. First option with two votes gets it!

Alchemist fire. he says. It might come in handy as we are in a place of ice, snow and chill He grabs one flask.

"I think the more aid we have the better our chances." opins the scholar. "What more can you tell us of Vallahk and Quiselle?"

I don't disagree Khellek, but I feel like the idea of taking them by surprise through the hidden entrance. Lannior offers.

If we are going into the lair of a kobold, or their den, we need to expect that we will run into traps he states.

"Ooooo. Fairies! We should go see the fey folk! Pleeeeease."

Enzial leads you all into a nearby cluster of birch trees packed together so densely that it seems not even a sparrow could fly through them!
As she approaches, the trees seem to leap aside, clearing a short path. Each step seems to carry you farther than you expect, the scenery blurring in your peripheral vision.

After walking what you hope was only a few dozen feet, you arrive in a clearing surrounded by a living palisade of birch trees. At the center stands a lopsided oak tree with green leaves, and two regal fey sit atop the roots while holding court before several dozen other First World beings like dryads, pixies, satyrs, and awakened animals.

They all turn quiet as you enter and turn to study you, as you similarly turn your attention to the two on the tree.

On the left, perched on the oak as he looks down on you all is a regal elf-like humanoid with birdlike wings covered with pine needles instead of feathers extending from his back. To the right, sitting on the oak’s branches which have twisted and bent to create a throne for her, is an elf-like woman wears a dress of pine needles and crown of geraniums.

Enzial curtsies to them and speaks. Your evergreen highnesses, these are the warriors of whom I had sent word via the tree whispers. Turning to you all, she begins the introduction. This is King Vallahk and Queen Quiselle, protectors of the Tusk Mountain forests-

King Vallahk cuts in before Enzial can continue, in a voice of howling wind. He is constantly on the move in quick and powerful actions, flapping his wings, hopping from branch to branch. Enzial says that you are going directly after the dragons and their kobolds, and seek an alliance with us for this. I know some in our court wants to have an all-out-war. Well, I have been watching the kobolds hunting to feed the dragons, and their tenacity to bring down their prey is admirable. Nature is red in tooth and claw. Let it take its course. Survival of the fittest.

Queen Quiselle sighs at this. A face accustomed to carefee joy and happiness is now creased with worry. When she speaks with the sounds of gentle dew drops falling at dawn. Forgive the bluntness of my companion. We have lives alongside with the kobolds for countless aeons, if not peacefully, at least with gruding mutual understanding. It is true that recently they have encroached more and more into our territories, and we have put up resistance to delay them. But a direct confrontation? That would lead to countless deaths and unnecessary destruction of the gentle trees and animals. And if we lose and upset the dragons, no one will remain to protect the forest. Nature ebbs and flows. The kobolds will retreat again, like the winter thaw.

Enzial looks troubled by what her lieges have said, but remains silent. Convincing the fey is up to you.

The default methods of convincing the pair are listed below. As usual, particularly persuasive strategies can earn up to a +4 bonus on a check. Also, if you have a creative way to use your other skills and/or abilities, go ahead and try it.

Though the fey are immortal, their patience for mortal squabbling is finite. You just have two rounds for this, and I'll take it round by round.

For this encounter (not each round), each of you get a free aid another attempt that you can use on top of your usual influence checks.

Vallahk: 0/?
Influence Skills: Intimidate, Perception, Profession (hunter or trapper), Stealth, Survival.

Quiselle: 0/?
Influence Skills: Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Heal, Knowledge (nature), Perform (any).

Khellek clears his throat and turns his attention to the Queen.

"Mighty Queen Quiselle!" he starts. "Your people know their way around the wilderness like no others. They are of it in a way that we mortals don't really understand, and neither can the kobolds. We have a common foe. Let us put our knowledge of the woodlands together and join forces in defeating these upright dogs that befoul the area and run rampant over nature. "

He pauses "Will the stag lie down quietly and bare his throat to the wolf? No! He lowers his antlers and charges. The wise wolf will not confront such a beast, but will pounce upon a fleeing dear from behind. Let us together lower our antlers!"

Take ten on know(nature) for 22

Lannior addresses King Vallahk with a bow, Exalted One, I am Lannior of Kyonin forest. Ever watchful, that is what I was taught as a young elf. Never let evil get even the small foothold in your lands, because it spreads like a plaque, bent on destruction and if your not watchful it happens right before your eyes. I too have seen the signs of the kobold encroachment, and this is while the dragons are young, this problem only grows with each passing day. You are in the right the threat should be stopped now!

Lannior further points of a few of the things he observed in the woods regarding kobolds.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

With a deep and respectful bow the half elf begins Great Queen Quiselle, I do understand your conundrum. However, with the kobolds encroaching upon your territory it is very likely that they will hunt these precious animals and fey folk into non existence. Being able to keep them from doing that will do much to preserve nature and the people of the First World who have just as much right to exist here as anyone else.
Diplomacy 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"Woooooow. Do you like chipmunks the way I do?"

handle animal v Queen Quiselle: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Quiselle nods sadly at the words of Khellek and Daereon, You are correct that stags have antlers for a reason, but against a dangerous predator, do they not better protect their young by staying close to them, antlers at the ready? Though we must surely prepare our defenses, I am not convinced that an aggressive posture will do more than increase the bloodshed to come. Apollyanna's comment elicits a slow blink, but after considering her words, Quiselle flutters her fingers and a chipmunk scurries over to Apollyanna. She turns back to Daereon and asks, Will that keep her happily occupied while we speak?

Meanwhile Vallahk is clearly unimpressed. You bow and scrape, and speak soft words to Quiselle, but I am no fool. You are not here to "preserve nature." You are panderers, and if this elf is your guide? He gives Lannior a withering look, You will die in the traps of better hunters.

Quiselle 2/?
Vallahk 0/?

Chock and Leena may go!

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***
@Table GMs: The Fey Allies condition on page 31 is in effect.

In the interest of pushing forward, Chock and Leena may still go, everyone else can go, and up to two of you can post twice!

It might be better, if to keep her distracted, the butterfly would fly away he says with a smile.

Lannior address the king, Your majesty, you know good and well that survival of the fittest works both ways. If you don't take action while you are the fittest, then you well it could become unpleasant.

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Vallahk's mouth stretches into a too-wide smile. There may be something of a hunter in you after all. Still, what makes you think that you're the fittest?

Quiselle 2/?
Vallahk 1/?

Chock & Leena have two posts
Daereon, Apollyanna, and Khellek have one post
There are two unclaimed extra posts!

Khellek continues to try and impress the queen with his knowledge of nature.

"Of course most of my knowledge comes from books, but I think the study of the natural world is an area that has been sadly declining in modern times - at least in the big cities. Still, without grain to feed the people, and herbs to see to their cures - the mightiest city would soon fall."

Happy to take ten twice more as Khellek goes on at length about poltices, animals and such

"Thank you very much for indulging Apollyanna, she's had such a rough time since I'm not very good at coordinating our team attacks!" Leena bows to Quiselle. "I'm not very versed in warfare, but I know from my lessons in history that there are times to hold back and times to strike forth. I think with the cooperation of our warriors, now is the best time to strike and prevent further suffering."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

"King Vallahk, my brother knows more of hunting than I, but he has shared some of his training. You say to let them have their hunt, that we are self-centered, and you are wise to see we have our own agenda. But letting such cunning predators run free can threaten your own hunt, as they sneak up upon your own party. Move against them while they are in the open rather than suffer a quiet ambush later!"

Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Actual reaction post to come, but for any posts before I snatch the time to write that, consider Quiselle swayed by Khellek and Leena's efforts

Quiselle is quite charmed by Leena, and especially Khellek, seeing in them kindred spirits who are also forced to violence against their own inclinations.

Leena's words to Vallahk do not fall on deaf ears either, a hungry light burning behind his eyes as she speaks of the Hunt.

Quiselle - Convinced!
Vallahk 2/?

Chock has two posts
Daereon and Apollyanna have one post
There is one unclaimed extra post!

"And do you like chipmunks too?"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

A narrow cavern to the east opens into a larger cave. A gently sloping ramp descends counter clockwise to an elaborately carved column of ice. A vast pile of gold, jewels, furs, and immense bones lie piled around the column.
@Table GMs: You have until April 17 to run encounter N on page 40.

Spurred no doubt by Apollyanna's query, the two monarchs whisper among themselves as they decide your fate.

Turning back to you, Quiselle gives you all a a sly smile, Your proposal intrigues us. We shall consider giving you our blessing when your need is greatest.
She then waves her hand, causing a rush of oak leaves to fall from the tree and whirl around you all. When the leaves clear, you and Enzial are back along the frozen lake’s bank.

Pushing on into the caves you can hear the screeches and clangor of battle as teams of agents clash with kobolds and their beasts among the heavily trapped approaches.

As another skirmish echoes from elsewhere in the caverns, a tremendous roar reverberates through the cave complex, rattling stalactites and causing snowdrifts to slide down the outside slopes. As the sound dissipates, the voice of a massive creature booms from deep within the kobolds’ warren. Long ago my ancestor Grathatonhakis ruled here, and a meager dwarf challenged his might only to become his trophy.

Both were fools, and both are now dead. I am neither, and your paltry attacks shall not change that. Fall back, kobolds of the Shiverscale tribe! Let these intruders die in sight of the last fool to challenge Horralydax, the master of the Tusk Mountains. Rally to me, my children. Today we dine on adventurers!

The kobolds kowtow to the booming voice, scramble to their feet, and begin retreating deeper into the caves. For once they aren’t covering their tracks, so the way to the dragon’s lair is clear!

A narrow cavern to the east opens into a larger cave. A gently sloping ramp descends counter clockwise to an elaborately carved column of ice. Near the top of that ramp, the stone is smooth and slick with ice, no doubt courtesy of the dragon that awaits you near a vast pile of gold, jewels, furs, and immense bones lying piled around the column.

Two kobolds stand as the dragon's attendants, lightly armored, but bearing wicked looking greatswords, and maddened grins.

Taking to the sky, the dragon swoops over towards you, blasting the group with a jet of frigid air.

Cold Damage: 4d4 ⇒ (1, 1, 2, 1) = 5 DC 16 Reflex Save for 1/2 Damage (This takes place before you can activate Resist Cold from your new Fey Allies.

Thanks to the aid of your Fey Allies, each of you may as a free action on your turn gain either DR 2/- or Resist Cold 4 for the duration of this battle. Please post your selection along with your actions for the first round
The area outlined in blue is difficult terrain
Bold may go!
Dragon 10' off the ground
Daereon -2/5
Lannior -2/5
Kobolds
Leena -2/5
Apollyanna -2/5
Chock -2/5
Khellek -2/5

Will select the cold resistance
DC 16 Reflex for half: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Take it down! Is but a young dragon and only beginning to realize it's power!

Lannior steps forward and fires an arrow at dragon.

move to 5' step; standard attack

Darkwood Composite Longbow + PBS: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 = 25
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 = 11