The Quest for Perfection — Part one (PFS PBP 3-09)

Game Master Rickmeister

Theor nods to Horatius "I'll take a look" Theor spends some time looking about the camp checking for any trails that stand out.

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 +2 for humans

Not well versed at tracking, Leiff is happy to leave this task to Theor. He does take his time to look around the place. Carefully checking if the huts are not on the brink of collapse or inhabited by the local fauna. Anything that would tell the story of this place would also peak his interest.

He will not go to far from the encampment (let's say 60 ft tops) , and will keep half an eye on the others while exploring the place...

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Lyn looks over the camp excitedly, rushing around, peeking in any doors or windows she can find. Eyes wide, her mind racing, she seems to come alive at the appearance of something new on their journeys.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Thaurux offers some help in finding any tracks.
Aid Another Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
”At the height of the night, I will take a round of watch under the stars.”
The new path lies ahead beyond the dragon stars and it is known, that without the dark, we'd never see the stars.

Anything anyone does to ensure a good night's rest?
Remember the temperatures :)

"Let's stay close together in one of the buildings. Our collective body heat will aid in our survival. Ranger, are you able to direct in building a solid place to stay this evening?"

Horatius spends time collecting wood for a fire and stocking it in the cabin the party has chosen to sleep in. Once he feels there's enough for the night he spends a bit of time making a windbreak outside to help protect whomever is on watch from some of the elements.

I'm assuming the huts would have fire places/pits

"During the night if any of you find yourselves succumbing to the cold please wake me. I have a few scrolls that will protect you."

Horatius has a pair of Endure Elements scrolls he'll use if needed to prevent people from taking damage from the cold.

Survival to assist whomever our primary is to give a bonus to Fort saves: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Thaurux returns from the track survey and with some wood for Horatius’s pile. ”We found some large cats tracks about a day old.” He begins trying to secure the site for a night against the elements. Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

cold weather blanket if needed, but since there are large cat's and warnings about night hunters, Leiff will be "roughing it" and sleeping in his armor (go endurance). He's been wearing his winter outfit since the party left town. If the combo is enough (GM-poke!) to keep him warm read the next part, else ignore it

Leiff will assist the others with preparations, stacking wood, starting the fire, etc....

"Teams of two on guard then?

If possible, an uninterrupted rest would help my concentration for casting spells. Not for me alone i'm guessing... Got no preference for first or last watch though..."

Theor goes back with Thaurux and helps him to secure a shelter and start a warm fire.

Survival Assist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

He looks to the others "In my rush it seems I forgot to pick up any cold weather gear so any assistance in keeping warm would be appreciated." He smiles sheepishly before getting back to the shelter.

In is furs and leathers, Orri is quite comfortable. "I have a heavy blanket that should save you from winter's chill." If there is one thing an Ulfen wouldn't do, it's let a companion freeze.

Lyn excitedly looks inot her pack, but then remembers she only brought warm clothes for herself. She bundles up and then helps prepare the fire, after which she sits down to get warm.

"I'm lucky to have such big strong fellows to keep me warm! Say, Leiff I guess I ought to get a good night's rest too. I don't need to prepare my spells in advance like a wizard, but sleep is still important. But there were tracks, you say? How interesting. I would like to see a big mountain cat! My cousin Beldarina told me about them. Although, she did say they can be quite fierce...Anyway, I'll take a watch whenever you fellows think it's best!"

Who will take the watch, and when? Assuming 8 hours of sleep, there are four shifts: A, B, C and D.
Teams of two as Leiff suggested?

Horatius will take first watch

"I'll join you.", Orri says when he sees Horatius raise his hand for the first watch.

"That's what i thought Lyn, you don't seem the type to sitting still in a tower reading big old dusty books all day long..."

*chuckles*

After a bit of rummaging Leiff fishes his winter blanket out of the backpack and passes it to Theor...

"It isn't much but it should keep you warm tonight. Best have our spotter as rested as we can... no?

If it's ok for you lot, i'll take last watch with Lyn. Since we both can use our rest. Should the need arise for an extra pair of eyes and a swordarm, i can be up and about fast..."

*Leiff taps his armour*

"not much room on a long boat to tuck away your armour, so you learn to get some shut eye while wearing it..."

Horatius and Orri first watch, Leiff and Lyn last watch. Who is taking the middle ones? :)

Orri will take the first two. 4 hours is all any military man is entitled to anyhow, lol.

Thaurux will take a middle one.

Theor volunteers for the second middle shift.

First: Horatius and Orri
Second: Orri and..
Third: Theor and Thaurux
Last: Leiff and Lynthara

Perception DC 10 to wake up, I believe.
DC 0 to start with, and add +10 (creature making the check is asleep).

Map is updated: Brown are the "houses", white are the doors.
PARTY IS UP!

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Atk+Crushing Blow DC13 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 DMG 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Acro to avoid and poosible AoO 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Moving with rapid grace, Orri rushes headlong at the cat. Launching himself into the air comes down with a hard elbow on its skull.

Move and atk cat with Crushing Blow. I rolled for damage,but couldn't remember if you do so when using Stunning Fist

Orri, I regret to have to retcon your action, but
(1) you are inside a "house", to shelter from the wind.
(2) Perception 17 is not enough so far, as Leiff has not yet had a turn.
(3) You also need to consider getting up (as a move action) since you were sleeping.
---
Be sure to look at the map everyone. Only Leiff and Lynthara were awake.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Whew! :)

Horatiuses eyes snap open in response to the bards calls of alarm which convey the urgency of the threat if not its nature. Rising he grabs his sword from its resting place nearby and begins moving to see what aid he can provide.

Move action to stand from prone, Std to pickup his sword, 5' step to get a move on.

Orri while I hate to mess with such a nice attack, you probably need to stand, 5' step near the door and then move action to open it. Waking up is hard to do as the song (almost) says :)

As far as I'm concerned, the doors are out of their hinges, so you can just count it as difficult terrain.
And Horatius, you can pick up the sword during your getting up if you want, so you have a normal move action left.

Sounds good. I was a bit overzealous posting anyway so I'll wait for Leiff to go before tacking on a move action.

Lyn's really gotta be careful what she wisehs for!

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
On his turn, Thaurux raises to the alarm to grab his weapon and rushes to the rescue.

got the veteran of battle trait, so i can draw my sword as a free action if i can act during the surprise round... i gather from standing up while the cat attacks that conditions are met.

Instinctively Leiff drew his sword while getting up, watching the situation unfold before him. The course is clear, he holds back for a split second while arcane energy courses through his sword.

swift action: arcane strike

perform oratory: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
oh golly, there might be avalanches... ;-)

Breathing in deep he feels the stinging of the cold night air, which gives him extra motivation to let the air flow out with all the strength his voice can muster...

"Alarm!, we're under attack. Gorum grant us strength!"

wanted to charge, stupid rock.... move one square up and attack . it could be a 5 foot adjust or move action if you will and an attack action.

Leiff moves over to the dragging leopard, trying to dissuade him from his course by application of steel.

attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
arcane strike calculated in the damage

next bit under reservation of review by the gm

The blow lands, the stored arcane energy assists in piercing the skin leaving a nasty gash in the sword's wake.

Leiff moves with the blow coming to halt in a ready position, he locks eyes with the beast letting him know that if he continues dragging more will follow...

Std action for round 1

Horatius rushes out of the small cabin, slowed slightly by the crumpled door. Once outside the cold air is a sudden shock but he has no time to consider it as his eyes fall on the great cat, it's muzzle colored red with blood, attempting to drag his companion away. Catching a glimpse of Leiff hemming it in from the south he moves to try and cut it off from easy escape to the north.

Theor, assuming you'll get up, pick up your weapon and move to the door.
Lynthara, don't forget to make a CON check on your turn.
Round 2

The cat growls ferociously as Leiff tries to stand between it and its meal, and hisses as the blade connects to his skin and leaves a magical burnmark.
It focusses its anger at the male that creates too much noise. It misses with its bite, but the claws leave rake marks on the armor the man wears. Leiff keeps focussed, and stops the cat before it manages to grab him!

---
Bite vs Leiff AC14: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Claw vs Leiff AC14: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Claw vs Leiff AC14: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Grab attempt vs Leiff CMD 13: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
1 claw and 1 claw: 1d3 + 1 + 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (2) + 1 = 6

!!! Don't forget to move your icons on the map guys. You should all be able to move them, please do so in order for everyone to plan their actions.

CON check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Lyn's mind drifts, and she sees a brilliant light appear. She doesn't move closer to the light yet, instead her mind swirls with images of her large family.

Round 1

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Theor hears Leiff sound the alarm and awakes abruptly, gathering his weapon and moving toward the door. He moves outside to help the others.

Round 2 (Assuming nothing major changes)

Theor moves to attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Still being half asleep though he misses the big cat entirely.

query! Did Leiff take 3 or 6 damage, i see one hit connect but damage from two claws? Will probably be possibly very importantish next round ;-)

Round two.

Bruised and bleeding but not beaten, Leiff notices his companions approaching the beast from all sides like wolfs on a prey. The road to Lyn is still open(ish), so Leiff takes a sidestep to position himself in between her and the Leopard, keeping his gaze and sword locked firmly on the threat.

Five foot adjust, or move action depending. Leiff is now occupying same square as the unconcious Lyn. Should my tinkering on the map be unclear.

A safe distance from his claws and his colleagues in arms on the move, Leiff feels bolstered. Inspired by the moment, a verse from a poem comes to mind, appropriate to project such sentiment onto his companions.

perform oratory: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"The Valkyries go weaving with drawn swords,
Hildr and Hjörþrimul, Sangríðr and Svipul.
Spears will shatter shields will splinter,
Swords will gnaw like wolves through armor...."

that should do the trick...
Standard action to start my bardic performance (round 1 / 7 )
An inspire courage for all, though Orri might be a fringy (oh gm!)
+1 to attack and damage rolls and + 1 morale bonus on saves vs charm and fear effects.

"inspiration" for the poem --> http://www.odins-gift.com/pclass/darradarljodh.htm . It seemed fitting =)

On his second round.

Acro 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Stunning Fist1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 DMG1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Orri moves to assist as quickly as possible.

The bards song stirs his blood as Horatius rushes by and strikes at their attacker.

Attack w/PA: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 24
Damage w/PA: 2d6 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (2, 3) + 7 + 1 = 13

Confirm: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 5 + 1 - 1 = 21
Crit Damage w/PA: 2d6 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1, 2) + 7 + 1 = 11

Using the full momentum of his approach he brings his great sword down like a guillotine, hewing into the predatory cat before it can renew its attack on the helpless gnome.

Looked up something, and I couldn't have said you could pick up your weapons since this is PFS, not my own campaign.
This would mean most of you have one less move action in the second round, so I'll "fix" it by saying the cat got one more 'round' before you do your thing, okay?
--
Leiff, this doesn't mean you since you were already standing there.
Also yes, only one claw hit so 3 damage instead of 6. :)
You do however get an opportunity attack for moving (which misses), since you cannot take a 5FS into difficult terrain.
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
--
Lynthara, you stabilized.
--
Orri, don't forget to move your character, since you had no way to reach the cat with your attack.
--

Bite vs Leiff AC14: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Crit confirm AC14: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Claw vs Leiff AC14: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Claw vs Leiff AC14: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Grab attempt vs Leiff CMD 13: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
1 critical bite and 1 claw: 2d6 + 2 + 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3, 3) + 2 + (1) + 1 = 10
--

When everyone was running outside, they could hearthe bard starting to sing a song and feel his magical words take control of their weapon arms, making them feel lighter and more focussed on the task.
They however are all witnesses to the cat attacking the source of its anger, clawing and biting and tearing at the poor man's throat.
The magical sound did not stop however, as the big man tried very hard to maintain consciousness.
The cat did not live to see another dawn as a glaive, a sword, a wrapped-up fist and a greatsword all descended upon its back within seconds. It tried to dodge and get away, but it was for naught.

Combat is over!
Lynthara is at neg hitpoints, but stable.
Leiff is staggered at 0 hitpoints.

Call it adrenaline, but Leiff's body did not realize the full extent of it's wounds. With the rush of battle falling away, reality comes crashing in and Leiff collapses, losing consciousness. He is still breathing but heavily and at an irregular pace, the puddle of blood around him is slowly growing.

-3 hp unfortunatly, at least we form a nice pile!

CON check: 1d20 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 3 = 19

check to stabilize should one be required for next round.

When the leopard falls Horatius looks about quickly to see if it had any hunting companions. Not seeing any he lets draws out a a small piece of wood, seemingly no more than a small stick from a tree branch, and touches its tip to each of his fallen companions in turn. With each such contact a small rush of divine energy infuses them and their wounds begin to knit and mend.

CLWs on both

CLW Lyn: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW Lyn: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

CLW Leiff: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW Leiff: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

CLW Lyn: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Eventually their eyes flutter open and their breathing becomes regular and deep once again. The paladin helps them to sit up and lean back against the nearby rocks so their can gather themselves.

His companions healed up, Thaurux recovers what he can from the carcass, before disposing it a distance from the camp. He tosses the two large fangs to Lyn and Leiff. ”An additional souvenir.”
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Lyn sits up, still groggy from her wounds. she looks up at Horatius and gives him a weak smile.

"Thank you for bringing me back. I thought I was a goner. It was just like they say in the stories, your life flashing before your eyes..."

She nimbly catches the fang that Thaurux tosses her.

"A souvenir? Well, it certainly makes for a good conversation starter! 'Where'd you get that Lyn?' 'Oh, from the cat that almost ate me!' Anyway, thank you all for coming to my rescue!"

Horatius nods in acknowledgement of Lyntharas thanks.

"Of course. I am glad to see your wounds were not too grievous."

Once he's certain that Lynthara and Leiff are both well enough he rises and retrieves his sword. Taking out a rag he cleans the blade and sheathes it before tending to the fire and getting supplies set for breakfast.

Leiff takes a moment until the world seems to spin at it's proper pace again. And groans...

"Whoaaa...

... Those cats do mean business...

You ok there Lyn?... Sorry lass, but by the time i saw the beast, it was just about ready to pounce. The warnings of our guides were definatly on the mark..."

[b]"ah, something to lend credit to our tale... Excellent! Remind me we go test it's credibility at the first bar we come across!"

"Your clan will all want to hear of your encounter with such a beast, to be sure." Looking to the little one, he says [b]"Will you be able to walk, sprite?"[b]

Theor nods to Horatius on the well placed blow. Before Thaurux disposes of the remains Theor takes some time to look it over and guage whether the tracks they found likely belonged to this particular beast.

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Lyn gives Orri a wink and hops to her feet.

"Oh, I'll be fine Leiff and Orri. We gnomes are tougher than we look. Has to do with our magical blood!"