Qwerty's PFS #01-43 Pallid Plague Low Tier (Inactive)

Game Master qwerty1971

Dot in and introduce yourselves.

Dot. Will have a post up later. Watching my toddler son alone today, so... I will see what I can do as far as gettin a post in soon.

Dotting in.
A dashing and daring warrior sits in the tavern section of whatever lodge he happens to find himself in this day awaiting orders for his next paycheck. He has a thin blade at his side, a gleaming chain shirt over his chest and a fine mug of Gnomish Honey Ale in his hands. At present his is telling anyone who will listen the virtues of Gnomish Honey Ale over Dwarven stout ale.

Dotting in.
A tall half-elven woman sits at the bar, enjoying a tankard of ale. She listens intently to the goings-on around her. Striking in appearance, if not classically beautiful, her skin has been kissed by her years in the desert. Those who take the time to look carefully might notice an unusual rustling in her hair from time to time.

Currently, she is listening to a boorish male warrior extol the virtues of one type of ale over another. Clearly he has never been confronted with the real thirst of a desert nomad, who would be grateful for whatever ale sits in front of her. She listens with a combination of curiosity and thinly-veiled disdain.

A halfling wearing scale mail limps into the bar. A morningstar and a sling hang from his belt. A wolfhound, who has a brown and grey mottled pelt, follows slightly behind and to his right. As he reaches the bar stool, the halfling motions towards the wolfhound, and the wolfhound lays his snout on the stool. In what is clearly a well-practiced maneuver, the halfling uses the wolfhound as a ramp to make it up onto the bar stool. After the wolfhound removes his snout, the halfling calls for the bartended: "Bartender, I've just arrived from Qadira, and I'm dry as a bone! Got something to wet my whistle with?"

Wesley is telling another personal story of defeating a bone priest in a dungeon when he notices a female half elf and a Halfling barbarian. Surmising they must be part of the summons for his next mission he looks over his soon to be compatriots and thinks to himself...hmmm. I was told we would have a front line barbarian...looks like we have 1/2 of a front line barbarian...and as for the female half elf...eh, I've seen better...at least the canine seems ferocious... and Wesley continues telling his story to other patrons in the bar.

Orwynn Duskscale
Dotting in also(toddler also grr)

Upon standing it is easy to see the Nagaji warrior is heavily muscled, about his neck you can easily see a Iomedae holy symbol dangling on his armor as he moves to the bar to order another, stonger beverage and listen to the human talk of his previous glories. Approaching the half-elf woman "Would you like another beverage my lady? This human is quite entertaining, if lacking a bit of modesty and humility. Where is it you hail from?"

Sorry took so long. My son kept me busy last night lol. And work has been rather busy for a Sunday morning.

A large man of Ulfen and Taldan ancestry waltzes into the tavern area, laden with weapons and with a wolf trailing at his side. He joins the others are the bar and orders a dark ale... the wolf eyes the other wearily, his eyes laid back. Alek looks down at his companion and nudges him with a knee. "Relax, Cinder. Sit." The wolf obliges with his master's command, however, continues to eye the nearby wolfhound.

Alek listens as the others talk, taking gauge of their capabilities and personalities while he does. When an opening presents itself he interjects. "So you must be the others I am to join on this mission?"

Sekhmet turns to the Nagaji, assessing him carefully (Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13), and responds, "Good sir, the ability of these hedge warriors to make grand exploits out of their smallest misadventures never ceases to amaze. As for your offer of libations, another ale would be more than welcome!" She polishes off the last of her tankard, and slides the empty vessel towards the barkeep.

After some time in the tavern, you are all summoned to Venture-Captain Brackett as he stands in the opulent Grand Cathedral of Aroden in Almas, the intricate stained glass window onto Andoran’s bustling capital speckling his thin, hawk-nosed face with colored light and he presents you all with orders...

“The Society has been granted a unique opportunity, and I hope you are up to the task. Last week I received a missive from the nymph queen Syntira of Darkmoon Wood to the north. It seems a deadly plague afflicts the fey of the Wood and they are desperate to find its source and a cure. While we would not normally waste our time and resources on this sort of endeavor, this particular situation presents us several potential boons we can not pass up.

“One Lumber Consortium logging camp in particular was involved in several conflicts with the forest’s resident fey over the last year, and both Syntira and I believe that starting your investigation at this cutyard will prove most productive. I will provide you a map to this location as it’s a good place to start your investigation. Once you have located and identified the disease, seek Syntira herself and aid her in any way possible. Stock up on provisions here in Almas before heading up-river, as you may find Falcon’s Hollow too small and provincial for many of your needs. Don’t dally too long, however, because the disease is quickly spreading, and we want to stop it before it gets out of hand.”

are we still missing one characters intro?

Wesley listens intently to the briefing and looks at his newfound companions...a woodsman with a pet wolf...a short stack barbarian with a pet hound... that could get interesting if a cat comes our way between the two canines... and a female with a bipedal lizard... so me and three others with pets... ok that is fine...
"What is this Isandrea's Basin you mentioned?" the dashing warrior asks to the Venture Captain...

I believe we are missing the ranger.

Alek absently scratches Cinderpaw's ears as he I stems to te briefing, but suddenly stops when he hears their destination. "Falcon's Hollow, you say?" Alek shakes his head and Cinderpaw senses his master's sudden trepidation. The wolf stands up, sniffing at the air. 'Of all the cities, towns, and ruins they could have sent me to... And I have to return there? At least I won't be alone if Kreed comes callin'"[/b] He glances at his companions. [i]'But will they be enough?'

For just a moment he ponders not mentioning anything, but only for a moment. Alek clears his throat and address the Venture-Captain. "M'lord, I believe I should warn you all... I was born and mostly raised in Falcon's Hollow. I didn't leave there on good terms with the Consortium when I left for Absalom. Thuldrin Kreed, the 'mayor' of Falcon's Hollow doesn't have much love for me. Just figure I should give you all a fair warning." He shrugs sheepishly. "Good news is that I have good relations with the Greenfire Druids. That might help us some."

The Venture Captain eyes Alek for a long second and then says,"That is fine, you can brief the team on what to expect there when you get there. And who the major players are for help and to avoid. We Pathfinders don't always see eye to eye with the happenings in Falcons Hollow."

"How absolutely droll; native son returns. Say, since you know the place, are there any good taverns, gambling halls, or other 'type' establishments there?"

"Disease and diplomacy... Well at least I can do the diplomacy part, as for diseases I am not so adept at dealing with them. Evil artifacts also, this wood seems a troubling place indeed."

Sekhmet observes quietly as orders are passed down, perking up slightly at the mention of an artifact. Once the group has settled down, she mutters in a stage whisper, "Should be no match for an explorer used to plumbing the depths of Pharoahs' tombs." And then, in a more conversational tone, "I'm not accustomed to adventuring in such...temperate...climes. What sort of supplies shall we stock up on?"

"What is this Isandrea's Basin you mentioned?"

Alek nods to Venture-Captain Brackett. "Of course." He turns towards the others to address their questions and concerns. "Indeed, Falcon's Hollow is not much more than a village turned logging town over the years. There's a tavern I think would be right up your alley, Wesley. It's called the Sitting Duck, you'd like it. For clothing, I would suggest picking up some warmer and sturdier clothing if we are to be hazarding The Woods. Your desert garb would likely snag and tear." He glances at her clothing. "I would make sure to purchase any potions and such that you think you'll need before we leave. You won't find any such things available in Falcon's Hollow."

I own the Towns of Inner Sea in which Falcon's Hollow is outlined and am currently running a campaign set in Darkmoon Vale. So if you need any references or have any questions that aren't covered in the scenario, just let me know! And no worries on meta-gaming, I won't allow any OOC knowledge affect the game. Granted, I don't think I know anything that would be OOC knowledge for this scenario...

"Undead and an evil artifact, at least this region is remote as to prevent the spreading of disease and evil, however we must make haste to prevent any further damage to the region." Looking to Alek. "Warmer clothing sounds like a good idea. How far is Falcon's Hollow from here?"

"Excellent suggestion, Alek. I shall acquire more suitable attire before our departure," Sekhmet responds. Her words carry a message of gratitude, but her tone remains condescending, as if to give the impression that she knew this all along.

"If there are no more questions, prepare yourselves for departure." and with that the Venture Captain leaves the room.

"Will do, Venture-Captain," says Billin as he exits the room and heads off for supplies.

"Well who shall be in charge of this little expedition...if no one volunteers I will gladly take the mantle of leadership...although I must confess Alek may be better suited since he knows the area and I will defer to him if that is in the best interest of the mission. What say you all?...Billin...Billin...it seems he left early."

Alek eyes Sekhmet for a moment after the Venture-Captain departs, as if to say something to the smug woman; however, he then turns with a whistle to his wolf and walks away to go acquire the items he believes that will prove beneficial in their mission. "Let us return here once we have completed our errands." The hunter calls back over his shoulder just before walking out the door.

His first stop is an alchemist shop where he picks out several alchemical weapons, indicating a few vials each of alchemist fire and acid vials. Next he requests a few vials of antiplague. His final stop is at a weaponsmith to acquire some weapons better suited for his return to home. He barters with the smith to sell his old battleaxe in exchange for a cold iron axe and a quiver of cold iron arrows. He thanks the smith with a nod and begins heading back towards the lodge.

Moved shopping list to the more appropriate Discussion Tab

I seemed to have missed those last two posts... We can always cover that upon our return. Alek would have no problem taking lead in this instance.

"Sorry for being late." you see a half-elf standing in the doorstep stuffed inside a dark light armor "My name is Vailis. Alistar got suddenly ill and asked me to come in behalf of him. I made preparations as fast as I could. I listened something about a disease and an evil artifact. I guess you can bring me up to date as we travel to the afflicted region."

Vailis seems ready and willing to depart.

The group spends time purchasing needed gear, then meet up for departure. Alek guides them to their destination. The team spends time in witty banter (mostly provided by Wesley to the disdain of others). As they approach their target area they see that the light in Darkmoon Wood is dim under the thick forest canopy, and an eerie mist blankets the damp forest floor. A humble cutyard fills this man-made clearing. Thick darkwood stumps cover the ground and the scent of sawdust lingers
in the air. Two rows of tents line a central path strewn with abandoned axes, saws, chains, and coils of rope. Over the unnatural silence of the forest, sounds of terrified screaming and ripping canvas carry from the far side of the camp.

If Alek wants to roll untrained K(Local) +2, throughout the adventure just let me know when and what you are trying to determine.

Please place yourselves on the map where the red 'X' is located and state your initial actions.

The team spends time in witty banter (mostly provided by Wesley to the disdain of others).

Assuredly so. Moved myself.

Sounds good, Qwerty!

Alek looks at the abandoned cutyard with a suspicious eye as they make their approach. Upon hearing the screams he immediately straps his shield to his arm and draws his newly acquired battleaxe. Cinderpaw sniffs the air, his fur raised and ears laid back against his head. "We must move quickly, but carefully."

Billin nods in reply to Alek's instruction. He unsheathes his new longsword and scratches Remue behind the ears. "We're ready."

If that dog token is for Remue, I think it might be simpler to just use my token as long as I'm mounted and only use the dog token if I'm dismounted for some reason.

Vailis reloads his crossbow and says "You are right, we must approach the shouts and discover what is going on, better sooner than later."

He draws his enlarge person wand and casts the spell within over Alek.
"Given what we have talked during the travel I am sure you are the one who will best benefit of this."
+2 Str, -2 Dex, +2 Con, -1 size AC and -1 size attack, +1 step on weapon damage (2d6 instead of 1d8 for battleaxe), you have now natural reach; 1 min

As the human starts growing in size, Vailis starts moving towards the source of the shouts, trying to be stealthy and perceptive.
Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

[Ooc]@Billin- that is fine about the dog marker.[/ooc ]

Orwynn steps forward with his greatsword out ready, looking side to side listening and whispers...
perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
"Be ready for whatever comes."

LMAO! @perception roll

The party sees two wolf like creatures attacking lumberjacks. There are two dead lumberjacks visible, signs of mauling visible on their torso. The smell of disease fills your nostrils. As the party advances and one of the members grows in size, the wolf like creatures turn their attentions towards the party, ignoring the scared lumberjacks...but are slow to let go of lumberjack limbs...allowing the party to act in the first round of combat

This is my first pbp, anything I need to know that is run differently? Also as far as combat goes do I wait for Vailis and Alek to act before I go just like a regular game? thanks!

Orwynn, it's pretty much similar to tabletop in most instances; however, combat is a different animal in PbP. How it's handled is really up to that specific GM. I'm guessing based off the way qwerty worded his post that he is looking for us to post in the initiative order. I could be wrong though.

I am going to post out of initiative order for now, until we clarify. My actions at this point aren't terribly dependent on the rest of the party.
Sekhmet closes with the wolves, staying behind the fighters (10' behind) and watching for additional threats from within the tentlines. She looks for signs of any other wolves that might be accompanying this group, concerned that wolves might be travelling in a larger pack. As she closes, she casts Mage Armor on herself, encasing herself in a thin layer of armour (+4 to AC for one hour).
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 to check for other wolves.

Vailis moves 15 feet and then casts a summon monster I spell-like ability as far as he can. A portal to another dimension appears, and within a flying celestial eagle emerges continuing his flight until it is close to the enemy, performing a turn then to attack the right one from the back with a smite evil bite.

Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Bludgeoing/Slashing/Piercing damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

you can post your actions when you can. most of the time they will be done in order. Like Sehkmets post, it does not interfere with anyone elses. If in melee and she posts early and attacks a target, but you post later and are first in the initiative order and you defeat that target, i would slip her attack to another target or adjust her post.Just to keep the flow going.

Wesley moves forward 30 feet and prepares for combat. "Tally ho friends! Let us vanquish them!"

I forgot saying the smite deals +1 extra damage if the wolf, by any chance, is evil.
Also, for the summoner special feature, casting was just a standard action and duration 2 minutes.
I guess it is flying 5 feet over the floor.

Charging into melee with one of the wolves with a powerful swing of his greatsword.
melee (power attack -1, charge +2, -2AC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Billin spurs Remue on, and he runs full tilt up next to the nagaji. Remue's leap at the creature misses, but Billin manages to connect with his longsword.

Remue is charging. I'm not sure if Billin should get the charging bonuses/penalties, so I'll let you handle them if you think they apply.

Ride check to guide with knees: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Remue's bite, attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Remue's bite, damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
If bite hits, automatic trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

longsword attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 longsword damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Billin and Orwynn charge at one of the wolves and notice the hulking animals seem to be affected by some plague and their eyes are dead of life as if they are zombies. Their body seems stuffed like rag dolls with bright red, orange, and yellow flowers.

COMBAT ORDER
Vailis- casted Summon Monster/ attacked wolf
Creatures letting go of limbs
Alek can act
Orwynn- charged
Wesley- moved forward
Billin- charged
Sehkmet-casted Mage Armor

Alek charges forward at the sight of the wolves, his heavy footfalls echoing oddly in the misty cutyard. "Cinder, come!" Alek's battleaxe cuts through the air while Cinderpaw follows behind him, filling the air with his howl!

Charge Attack: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 3 + 2 + 2 = 21 +2 Charge, +2 Flank w/ Eagle
Damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 1) + 5 = 10

Alek and Cinder charge off to attack the second wolf.

COMBAT ORDER
Vailis- is up
Creatures letting go of limbs
Alek- charged
Orwynn- charged
Wesley- moved forward
Billin- charged
Sehkmet-casted Mage Armor

Vailis moves forward 30 feet and releases the charged bolt in his crossbow to the left dog.
light crossbow mwk-no Precise shot (PS) (cover): 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 4 = 19
piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 4

The eagle releases a full attack of bite and talons on the flanked dog.
Talon+smite evil+flank: 1d20 + 3 + 0 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 0 + 2 = 15
Slashing/
Piercing damage+smite evil: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Talon+smite evil+flank: 1d20 + 3 + 0 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 0 + 2 = 23
Slashing/
Piercing damage+smite evil: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Bite+smite evil+flank: 1d20 + 3 + 0 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 0 + 2 = 11
Bludgeoing/Slashing/
Piercing damage+smite evil: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

confirm crossbow crit?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
piercing: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Vailis shoots a bolt at the wolf on the left and hits it squarely in the shoulder while his summoned eagle finishes off what Alek started.
the other wolf lunges...

COMBAT ORDER
Vailis- attacked
Creatures- one dead/one attacked
Alek- is up
Orwynn- charged
Wesley- moved forward
Billin- charged
Sehkmet-casted Mage Armor

Alek steps over to the second wolf, his next size giving him the ability to attack the creature from a safe distance! "Cinder, stay!" He orders his wolf companion as his axe cuts through the air once again!

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 So close!
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10