The Moar Core Tour (Inactive)

Game Master BretI

Iovo goes over to the indicated tiles and looks them over. “Wonder what the pattern is to operate this...”

Hearing her sister’s question, she says “He told us, the grey ones manipulated these tiles to cause the room to pivot. That explains the weird shape of the entrance area.” Looking to Garif, she adds “Any insights you may have about how a stone room rotates would be appreciated.”

So is this skill check of some sort, puzzle, something else?

Garif stands and walks over to Iovo, keeping Nico close by his side as he moves. "He did say that didn't he?" the dwarf says as he approaches the tiles and studies them. "My people sometimes make use of pivoting stone walls and such to conceal passages, perhaps this is something similar."

Perception, Stonecunning: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 2 = 29 Well, that oughta tell us something.

Garif easily locates the hidden switch beneath a false panel in the back of the room. When pulled, the ground begins to shake, and the door back out into the sewers seals off as the whole chamber rotates! After 90 degrees of rotation, a new hallway appears in the doorway!

I'll move us on when I get home tonight.

Iovo gives an excited yip as the room starts moving. She rushes over to where she can watch the wall as the room rotates.

“So do you think it resets after a while?”

Garif studies the mechanism a bit, then responds to Iovo, "Um, maybe?"

Rees nods at Iovo's suggestion that he take the bracers, then accepts the arrows and studies the bow thoughtfully. It's almost as nice as the one I had back home...

I wonder if they'll let me back in.

Of course they will! How could they not? Rules are there for the good of the community. So if I break a rule, but for the good of the community... they have to let me return, don't they? I'll just answer a few questions from the Elders, and they'll let me—and Miri—back in.

He reaches down and touches the bow, feeling the power in the crafted wood. Rees' bow isn't masterwork, so he'd like that as well.

That should be fine. Damiar and I already have Masterwork bows.

You think you could easily reverse the rotation using the same switch.

Iovo is the first to spot the small scrap of paper a short distance down the newly-opened tunnel. Damiar spots another not much further on. Make me survival checks, please.

"Oh look! Someone is leaving a trail for us!" Iovo whispers into her spell as she points to the scrap of paper she sees.

She slowly advances, checking for more scraps of paper or any signs of danger. When she gets to the scrap she saw, she does pause long enough to pick it up and look it over.

Survival? I've been wondering about that all adventure...: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16

Phinellippa looks disappointed that there is just a hidden switch and not a complicated puzzle.

Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 3

She is then too distracted to observe her surroundings as she goes.

Iovo spots another scrap of paper a little ways forward, and thinks about the diary the group found earlier. She is finding it easy to spot the papers, now, and leads the party forward, following the trail.

The cavern ceiling vaults a full 40 feet above you, as you trudge quietly through a landscape littered with stalagmites and stalactites. The darkness is thick around you, but for what light you create, until you come upon a chamber lit by a dull, flickering light. Salt deposits line the cavern ahead and several side passages branch east and west and run rich with blue crystals before ending at cave-ins. Eight smoldering torches illuminate a small tunnel ahead—beyond all is pitch black, though the sound of running water echoes out from the darkness. You can make me another Survival check in this room, please.

Rees spots a nearly full page of paper tucked under a rock near the torch-lit tunnel (handout #2, added to the slides). The handwriting matches the journal you found earlier.

Survival: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

Iovo seems to have become distracted by the sounds of water and the torchlight.

Not sure if the note about a Survival check was specific to Iovo, so here's one just in case:
Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

"Normally I'd be quite happy to be underground in a tunnel, but I can't say I have any love for this place," Garif opines, looking in all directions at once for whatever unpleasant surprise this place has to offer next. "Oh, good job, Rees, another note!" he exclaims, reading over his friend's shoulder. "Hmm, my instinct seems to be on target - betrayal, vermin, terror, and a fetid pool to top it all off. Does anyone hear anything bubbling from the room beyond?"

Iovo tries to focus her senses, listening for a bubbling noise and trying to figure out where the sound might be coming from.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

More accustomed to caverns than his allies, Garif finds signs of battle in this chamber. A trail of dried blood leads to several discarded, rusted daggers, as well as several mite corpses. It seems apparent from the evidence that the mite coup described in the note failed. Iovo listens carefully, and though she is not able to hear any bubbling she does hear the lapping of ripples against cavern rocks.

Frowning, Iovo says “No bubbles, but I am hearing the sound of waves against rock.” She points in the direction of the sound.

“I do hope we get there before it is too late!”

I assume it is in the direction of the tunnel with lit torches?

Yeah, that's correct. Let me know how you want to approach, please, and/or put your marching order on the map.

“Looks wide enough for us to have two side by side. Wish it wasn’t totally dark ahead!”

Taking a look at the mad painter’s map, she notes “Probably about half way on the map. Difficult to be sure!”

Iovo gets into second rank so she can still see if there is a trap ahead.

I have arranged people in an order, please adjust as needed!
If Mage Armor needs to be renewed, tell me and I will mark off the charges.

That's as good an order as any for a somewhat squishy group.

Garif stays close to Nico as the party moves down the tunnel towards whatever bubbling, fetid dangers lie ahead. He taps a few of his sling stones with a wand, just in case, and gives Nico a bit of magical aid.

Use wand of magic stone, and cast guidance on Nico just before we enter the chamber ahead.

My heroism on Shiera is likely still up, so...

Damiar casts heroism on Nico. "Who's a good kitty?"

She waits to sing for whatever is on the other side of the door.

Awesome! Thanks, Damiar!

Nico gives a Damiar a look askance, his one raised eyebrow somehow conveying that he is below such considerations while simultaneously posing the question 'Is it not obvious to all who the best kitty is?'

CLW Wand (Self): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Having largely mended the remainder of her own wounds, Shieara grips her longspear tightly and gives a resigned look towards the darkened passage ahead.

"Hope someone's got a light," she murmurs softly. "Otherwise Ah'm as likely t' stick one'a you as Ah would be a foe!"

She debates on whether she should call upon Cayden's divine favor before proceeding forward but then decides against it.

Could be nasty critters ahead or it could just be nothing. Hate to use my blessings up for nothing.

Sounds like you're ready to move forward. I'll launch the next thing when I get home this evening.

"Hope someone's got a light," she murmurs softly. "Otherwise Ah'm as likely t' stick one'a you as Ah would be a foe!"

Iovo activates her wayfinder to provide illumination.

Damiar also activates Dancing Lights, to illuminate the way ahead.

A large pool fills most of this chamber, its green waters bathing the high ceilings in an eerie green light. The pool is open to the cavern on the south and east sides, but borders the cavern walls to the north and west. On the north side of the cavern, a small alcove sits above the water line, inside of which rests a small stone table. Dozens of corpses float serenely on the surface of the pool.

Hundreds of prisoners, both human and mite, fill the caverns to the west of the pool. A line of prisoners, herded by injured derros and mites, marches from the western caverns into the pool. Each time a body dips beneath the water, the stone table in the alcove north of the pool flashes in a near-blinding green brilliance, filling the entire cavern with near-daylight brightness. Dozens of derros guard these prisoners, and they reach for weapons as you approach. Just as they prepare to overwhelm you, though, they are swarmed by a group of brave prisoners, as well as the remnants of the mutinous mitflits! While the most of the derros are occupied fighting off this fresh attack, a few break away and advance toward you!

They appear to be previously wounded, possibly from the mites’ previous insurrection. They also seem to have lost their signiture aklyses, bearing short swords instead.

Two of the derros charge forward, swords raised as they try to get the drop on the leading cleric. The third steps forward a few feet and casts a spell, causing a thunderous burst to erupt from the center of the party!

Red short sword vs. Shieara, charge: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Sneak attack: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Green short sword vs. Shieara, charge: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Sneak attack: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Sonic damage vs. everyone: 1d8 ⇒ 6
I need a DC 15 Fortitude save from everyone, please. Stunned for one round on failure.

-----

Intiative!

Fort save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The sounds rings in Phinellippa's ears. She grabs her hands to the sides of her head and can't focus enough to do anything.

Fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Iovo tries to cover her ears, but the sound overwhelms her!

Good luck on the AoO, Shieara! Sounds like the charge happened before the spell.

Fort (DC 15; Heroism): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 = 18

Shieara grimaces with pain but manages to shake off the painful ringing in her ears. "Grrah! Stupid little twerps!"

With the creatures up too close for her to make use of her longspear she allows it to drop to the ground and instead pulls out, of all things, a rapier.

"Always pack extra weapons," she remarks with a grim smile as she stabs at Red.

Attack vs. Red (Rapier; Heroism): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Crit!?: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Shieara, you have combat reflexes. That allows you to take an AoO even when flat footed. You get to use your longspear for the AoO.

Ah yes, I keep forgetting that.

AoO vs. Red (Heroism): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

AoO vs. Green (Heroism): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Shieara manages to catch the red derro with her spear as it approaches, though the green one ducks beneath the spear point. Her quick followup with her rapier also lands, adding to the creature's wounds.

Red is injured, but still up. Damiar, Rees, Garif, and Nico may act, if they aren't stunned.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Damiar says, "Don't forget your heroism, Shiera!" Then she waves to the prisoners. "Hey all, I am going to sing, and would appreciate it if you turned my music into your own version of sonic damage against these oppressors!" Damiar's raucous alto echoes all through these caverns, resonating and carrying a message of hope to the prisoners.

♫ Where have all the free men gone
And where are all the gods?
Before me I see prisoners rise to fight against the odds
We don't need a white knight upon a fiery steed
When here we break our chains
And take the risks we need

I need some heroes
I'm holding out for some heroes 'til the morning light
You gotta be sure
And you gotta be soon
And you gotta be larger than life!
Larger than life
I need some heroes
I'm holding out for you heroes 'til the end of the night ♫

Inspire Courage +1

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

Also, I'm under a huge writing crunch this weekend, so botting my next turn.

Long Bow + I.C.+PBS: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 29
Magic + Piercing Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 7

Garif pays no mind to the loud burst of sound, focused as he is on loading a magic stone and slinging it at the derro who cast the noisy spell! As he slings, he points at the closer derros and says, "Nico, attack!"

Load sling, shoot at blue.

Fort, DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Sling attack, magic stone, cover, inspire: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 - 4 + 1 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 1 = 4

Fort DC 15, Heroism, Guidance: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 19

Nico startles at the loud sound, but keeps his focus on the two-legs in front of him, attacking fiercely!

Full attack on red, if red goes down will 5-foot to green and keep attacking.

Bite, Heroism, Inspire: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9

Claw: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

Claw: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 20
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4

Garif connects with a magic stone, while Nico shreds the nearest derro, leaving it unconscious and bleeding on the cavern floor! The first strike missed, second damaged it, and third strike took it down.

Rees may act, if he is not stunned.

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Rees blinks in confusion as the anti-community-like sound assails his delicate elven ears.

Seeing Iovo drop her bow and waver at the sound burst, the green-clad derro steps forward (5 ft step) and tries to take advantage of the opening before the condition wears off (stunned ends at blue's turn).

Green short sword vs. Iovo flat-footed: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Sneak attack: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Even with the opening, however, they are unable to connect. The blue one, meanwhile, steps forward to try and fend off the vicious cat that just downed their friend.

Blue short sword vs. Nico: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Crit?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

-----

Intiative!

Iovo draws her rapier and calls to Shieara “Flank with me!” as she steps next to the wall. She then waits.

Move to draw, 5’ step, readied action when I get flank

Garif sends a mote of light at the blue derro, and it bursts into a bright flash in front of the creature's eyes! He then slips a magic stone from his pouch and drops it into his sling.

Cast flare on blue, DC 14 Fort save. Load sling.

Nico keeps up his attacks on any derro nearby!

Full attack on blue. As before, if blue goes down, 5-foot and finish attacks on green.

Bite, Heroism, Inspire: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

Claw: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 13
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

Claw: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 25
Damage: 1d4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6

"Right!"

Shieara is quick to step behind Green, placing it squarely between herself and the waiting Iovo. "Nice blade y'got there," she adds with a grin to the elf as she attempts to skewer the derro.

Attack vs. Green (Rapier; Flank, Heroism, IC): 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

Blue Fort save vs. flare: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

The blue derro shakes off Garif's spell, but can't similarly ignore Nico's pointy bits, which leave him bloodied and completely unprepared for Damiar's arrow, which passes right over Nico's back and sends the derro sprawling backwards where he lands in a bloody, unmoving heap (blue is down). Meanwhile, Shieara and Iovo expertly move into position and time their attacks to keep green as off-balance as possible. The tough derro fights on, but is in very bad shape.

Rees and Phinellippa may act.

“Thanks, Shieara!” Iovo replies as she yanks the blade back. “My instructor kept telling me to guide the blade rather than forcing it. Still haven’t gotten the hang of that!”

Then she yells at the derro they are fighting “Die already! You’re getting in the way of our rescue attempt!”

Phinellippa uses her wand once again!

pew!: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Phinellippa's bolt strikes the derro between the eyes and they crumple to the floor! Out of combat.

The last of the derros are overwhelmed by the mutinous mites and prisoners just as Phinellippa fells the last of your foes. The leader of the mites makes a crude symbol with his hands in the vague shape of a bird, which Shieara recognizes as a symbol used by older members of her faction, those still rooted in Andoran. The mites then flee deeper underground leaving you alone in the chamber with the remaining prisoners, captured guards, and kidnapped Cassomir citizens.

On the corpse of one of the derros, you find two letters. One lays out plans for further abductions and raids in Cassomir. The other details how the cult was supplied by smugglers, who were in turn funded by the Aspis Consortium through the agent Kafar.

The remaining prisoners stand around, almost in a daze, as dozens of corpses of prisoners, guards, kidnapped citizens, and mites float listlessly in the pool. On a table along the north wall, a candle burns in a small shrine to Groetus.

I should clarify, there's nothing left in here you need to do, other than guide the rescued captives back to the surface. I just wanted you to have a chance to react as you wish to the situation before you.

Iovo reads over the letters, then remarks “I hope with this information we can prevent further abductions.”

Looking to Shieara, she asks “Is there anything we can do for the dead here? It doesn’t appear safe to enter the pool.”

She then starts gently guiding the survivors back towards the surface.

”Wow, we sure do run into a lot of bad people in our work,“ Garif observes, ”and they work for bad people in turn. At least we seem to have rescued some of their victims. And we haven’t died, though we’ve come close.“ As he says this last, he lays a protective hand on Nico’s head, then gives the cat a vigorous scratch between the ears. Nico lets out a deep, rumbling purr, then considers his dignity and quiets down, adopting a tolerant expression - but not moving away from Garif’s affectionate touch.

Garif considers the bubbling pool full of corpses and turns away sadly, helping Iovo guide the survivors away from this awful place.

Hello everyone!

We are a long-term CORE party making our way through PFS Season 5. We are looking for a replacement core campaign character to join our group on our adventures. The group is fun and role-play oriented.

Most of the group is fourth level with 10xp.

We have been trading off the GM duties but there is no requirement that the person coming in GM if they don’t want to. What do we want? Someone who roleplays and has good chemistry with our team. We’ll also need someone who will fulfill group needs with a cast that rotates a bit as different people step up to GM.

Currently, our members are:

Damiar Apastron -- Mischievous Elven Bard Archer, twin to Iovo
Iovo Apastron -- Mischievous Elven Rogue / Wizard, twin to Damiar
Phinellippa Diotrice -- Inquisitive Gnome Wizard Illusionist with her familiar, The Amazing CoCo
Kleines Johann -- Strong and Stalwart Human Paladin of Irori
Rees Kovu -- Somewhat Paranoid Elven Ranger
Garif Stonetoe -- Well grounded Dwarven Druid with his black panther, Nico

If you think that might be you, post a bit below in character and tell us about yourself! We won’t necessarily be taking the first person to post, as there are a lot of factors we want to balance here.

Thanks for applying!

Application

Name:
OPF #:

Who are you and what do you bring to the party?

What have been your most memorable adventures with your character so far?

We’re playing (mostly) through Season 5. Please check our future itinerary and make sure your character can play with us!

Hello GM Bret!

I have an Elven Wizard level 5 that I could bring.

Name: Shen Hawaa
OPF #: 314670-6

Who are you and what do you bring to the party?

Shen is a strong woman that hides her insecurity through an arrogant and aloof attitude. Although she is not a follower of Calistria, Shen’s personality is partially shaped by her two mothers that were Calistrian clerics. Shen wants nothing more and nothing less than the freedom to live as she pleases without bothering her environment. She is against the way of the wicked, but does not necessarily distaste amoral behavior as long as nobody is hurt. Most importantly, she values the individual’s right to satisfaction, in whatever form that takes. She accepts that one’s actions have consequences, and knows that life is not fair, nor is it good or evil. It simply is, and she is determined to seize every moment together with companions and if her insecurity is overcome she would also like to to give others the opportunity to experience the fruits that life has to offer.

What have been your most memorable adventures with your character so far?

Shen has traveled and explored the Mwangi Expense in her time in the Society and learned a lot about friendship, trust, and forgiveness. Almost all her adventures were with three other female Pathfinders and the way they came together to save a village, defeat an evil cult and disrupt the Aspis' agenda made her more secure, softer and more engaging although her aloof nature is hard to overcome.

We’re playing (mostly) through Season 5. Please check our future itinerary and make sure your character can play with us!

I have not played any of these scenarios in CORE.

--

Thanks again for this recruitment and have a great week!

"Someone mention some good ole fashion gob stompin'? Count me in, Ironshanks Magee!" A Dwarf of impeccable iron casing steps foward, gloved hand at the ready.

Ironshanks is 12xp/5th level fighter. PFS # 202046-8 About as standard a Dwarven fighter as you can get. High AC and a shield, chopping off the limbs of any and all greenskins with his war axe along with biting insults from his 'Back in may day...' attitude.

I must admit though that GMing is only just started on my horizon, working on game #2 at the present, so that may not be a great idea any time soon. The goblin games are an easy transition in.

Most of Ironshank's adventures have been of him taking on lesser experienced agents (kids) and helping them survive the rigors of Society life. Usually being the gruff words of wisdom early on, while learning something about his 'kids' as they go along.

I'd have to rate Night March as the favorite scenario he's been a part of. Nothing says annoying like those obstacles to a heavily armored old Dwarf being forced to work past his bed time.

As far as the scenarios listed, Ironshanks hasn't played any and he's my only core character above 1xp so he's good there.

I was part of a CORE playthrough of season 5 that fell apart! I would love to join in. I am about to get my 12th XP but am happy to do slow track.

I checked your itinerary and have only played Glass River Rescue. I could skip that game or burn a replay with a pregen.

Name: caps
OPF #: 137974-11

Who are you and what do you bring to the party?
"Ēoswulf Gērmwynson, son of the chief. I work with the Pathfinder Society to see the world and make contacts for my clan's trade network. I bring a stout heart, a sturdy shield, a sharp blade, and a tongue smooth enough."
although as luck would have it he has failed more diplomacy checks than he has passed...

What have been your most memorable adventures with your character so far?
I enjoyed Glass River Rescue. The Stolen Heir, The Merchant's Wake, and The Wardstone Patrol each quite bit. Ēoswulf has had a bunch of chances to rub shoulders with interesting merchants. He's also finishing up Scions of the Sky Key right now, which is a great trilogy.

Two notes:
In the system Ēoswulf is no longer listed as CORE due to a reporting error
I won't typically be able to GM, though I won't rule it out, I can't generally be counted on for that. I GM all the time in F2F, but I have never been able to stay on top of it for long in PbP

First of all, thanks to all of you who are applying!

Just want to make it clear, there is no requirement that you GM any of the games. If you want to, you can. Willingness to GM will not be part of the selection criteria.

Also this will be very much a group decision. I am just the guy that updates the campaign. Several of us have switched in and out as GM and we will continue to do so.

@Caps / Ēoswulf
We have already played Glass River Rescue. It is Wardstone Patrol that we haven’t played yet. We would have to work around that, either of the solutions you suggested being reasonable.
Also, right now all of us are no longer marked as Core in the system. We are trying to determine if that can be fixed. All of our games here are with Core characters.

I said Glass River Rescue, but I meant Wardstone patrol.

As for getting marked wrong in the system, that is what happened to me and the other group I was playing through Season 5 with

Thanks for the comments GM Bret. Looking forward to your decision!

Have a great week everyone!

Thanks to all three of you who applied. It was great getting three such strong contenders! It was decided that Masee's Ironshanks Magee was the best over all fit for our rotating party needs. Shen and Eoswulf, thank you so much for applying, and best of luck in your future CORE endeavors!

Ironshanks, go ahead and dot / delete into gameplay!

Hmm

If you have another drop out please keep me in mind with my 5th level barbarian (in use right now).
Thank you

Thank you. We will keep all of you in mind if there is another drop.

Thanks a lot!

Have fun everybody! :-)

Thanks for the consideration.