The Walking Dead of Golarion, by GM Fiendish

Game Master Fiendish Zen

Lenneth's jaw drops as she recognizes the voice of the village's former leader, then promptly snaps shut again. "Of course..." she laughs in a low voice. "The Cult is everywhere."

With emotions running high, she was all but certain that they'd not be able to talk Flynn or Melo out of accepting the 'invitation'. "Yes, we all go together," she responds simply.

Flynn simply seethes at the gall of the man.

Without a word he strides back to his mount, snatches up his lance and mounts up.

It didn't matter how injured he was, how tired, how much loss they had suffered - that man had to die.

He urges Skyfall on beside Melo;

Let's go kill that bastard. For Cyn.

"Lets go, then"

Valex picks up his sword from where he had dropped it in panic, polishing it off on his sleeve.

Melo sprints forward with the rest of the group nothing will stop them, he will get a good kill today for Cyn.

Lilith: your quick search finds nothing aside from a fading necromantic aura. You'd need more time investigating to find anything beyond that.

As you approach the edge of the forest, even through the driving rain making visibility poor, you can see just beyond the treeline there is a line of zombies waiting for you, and no sign of the humans you were expecting.

They have clearly seen you judging from the renewed groaning and moaning, yet something is stopping them from moving forward towards you, and they remain a few feet inside the edge of the forest, slavering and groaning for your flesh.

There is something holding them back. Maybe a trap. Remember the pit trap that caught us earlier. Lilith warns quietly.

What is the distance from us to the tree line and how far back into the trees are the undead?

She tries to spot any traps and what might be holding the undead back. Her eleven eyes are sharp and let her peer more deeply into the foliage that most.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32

Come out and face us you coward! Flynn shouts into the trees

Feldus nods in agreement. "I think our...friend is the one holding the walkers back."

He sniffs the air, hoping to pick out the general direction of their human 'friend'.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 Scent.

Although Lenneth was more sure now than ever that at least the man was a cultist, she'd also seen enough strange things since the Harvest to have her doubts that the Cult was responsible for each and every one of them. Maybe this was something different, maybe not. But if he had control over the groaners then it couldn't be good either way.

"What's your game?" she calls out towards the trees. "Another cultist infiltrator? Or are you just a rogue necromancer, out for revenge?"

What do you hope to gain by this, g*ddamned fool? If you kill us all, everyone who is left to oppose you, so what? You rule over a planet-sized graveyard. That ain't long term thinking, genius.

Either way, you ain't going to be around to see it. Flynn shouts into the trees.

Melo can hardly hold in his need to fight but stands back at the groups words. "Show yourself! I should have hunted you down in the village! I wont let you get away again." He shouts out towards the undead. Then turns back to the group "Where is he?! Spot him and hes mine."

Percpetion: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19 To see him or hear ?

About 30 ft between the party and the treeline, the zombies are 10-15 ft back from the edge of the forest

>>> Map <<<

Feldus sniffs, yup there's definitely some humans nearby, deeper in to the forest.

The man's voice responds to Flynn's shout with derisive laughter.

Cowards? Ha! You seek to make me feel bad about surviving? Or just better about yourself for having not done *quite* as many bad things to live this long?

The wind howls, making the cold rain lash at your faces.

Cult? Yup that's right, chuck your weapons down and bugger off and we'll let you live, otherwise we'll unleash the dead upon you!

Despite your best efforts, he's too far away from the edge of the forest, and there's too many dark areas, zombies and trees in the way to see his position.

Speaking quietly so that only those near can hear Lilith says The undead, they are tied to trees or steaked down. I see ropes securing them but cannot tell to what.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Feldus shakes his head slightly. "Why would they be tied down? Never heard of anyone doin' that before." He looks to the others. "Careful here. Something else is goin' on. Still, if'n I can get close enough, I kin turn one of them against the others."

If he was a Cult member, then he should have killed me on sight right?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Lilith's observation that the groaners are actually secured in place only solidifies Lenneth's judgement of the man's demeanor as they trade barbs back and forth. "He's a damned liar, probably taking what I said about being a Cultist and running with it," she hisses to the others. "Quick thinking on his part, though. He might just be bluffing, hoping to avoid another fight with us."

He'll be g*ddamned lucky... Flynn encourages Skyfall up and forward, flying low - but out of reach of the dead - keeping an eye out for the one talking.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

To clarify, I'm not going far from the group, but then equally I'm hoping if we can hear this guy clearly he can't be too far from us either.

"If you think he's a liar, he's still dangerous. Flyn take him look for him find us away around the undead." He says clawing at the ground.

Flynn: If you fly above the tree canopy then you won't see anything, if you fly below then you'll be winding your way between the trees and possibly even in reach of the Z's. If that's the way you want to go all good, but please make a fly check.

Well I definitely don't want to get isolated among the zombies. Can I pick at them with the ten foot reach of my lance? How many zombies are there here?

Reckon it's a bloody stand off. We can't get to him without going through them and if he was controlling them he would have set them on us when we were fighting that thing to make sure we were finished off.

"Do we care about this man? If he is not part of the cult, if he is a minimal threat on his own - bugger'im. Le him wander off and die on his own."

Valex sounds uncharacteristically short and bitter.

Aye, I think you're right Valex. Much as it would please me to see Melo get his claws into him, reckon it's better than he deserves.

"I still don't like it though...why's he even still here and where'd he find the groaners to wrangle? Someone had to secure them to those trees," Lenneth whispers. "Don't get me wrong, if we're going to fight then I'd definitely rather it be on our terms instead of his, but if we leave him out here to his own devices we're taking a risk. That's all."

She glances back over at Lilith. "Do you think you can figure anything else out about the circle while we're here?"

I'd like the time to study it properly Lenneth. If we are not going into the woods I'll do that now. Makes sense to defend the hill and let me study based on what is not happening down there. So lets either advance, very carefully because I feel that is what they want us to do, or head back up the hill. I'd like to make sure that particular set of stones is never re-enchanted to do whatever it was doing.

"We can't let this mad man move around freely! He's a danger to everyone he could lead a horde of undead on us. He's clearly got it out for us." He spits out with bared teeth, the energy flowing off him he just needs to let his anger out on something. "Show yourself! I'm not messing about!" He shouts out into the forest, clearly getting riled up.

Feldus glares at the druid. "Look, no one wants that scumbag dead more than I do! Remember he was the one to wanted to eat me?" He hisses quietly. "But there is a good way to take care of him, and a BAD way! Charging into his trap is the BAD way! Now let's use our brains here and try finding a way to get around him!"

So what shall we do here guys? On the one hand, this man from the village is proving to be an annoyance at the moment but if he is not dealt with could become a real thorn in our side. On the other hand, we can’t get to him without going through these zombies which is definitely not smart given our condition.

Even if he is not part of the Way he is clearly resourceful to have lived even this long without drawing attention to himself and the woman and new born baby who I think went with him.

For now, I say we allow Lillith and Melo more time to study the circle and try to keep him at bay should be release the zombies. After all is said and done I’m sure Melo and I can track him. His time will come

I think that is a good plan, Flynn.

As you discuss leaving, three arrows come whizzing through the foliage, two smack in to the ground and the other thunks in to Melo's chest doing: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 piercing damage.

Nice shot Grim! calls out the familiar voice as loud hoots and whistles come from several voices within the depths of the trees.

Oh sorry, did we interrupt your conversation?

This is followed by loud laughter.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Trying to determine exactly where that arrow came from

Also, how far are we from the village?

The bow-wielders would need to be just behind the line of Z's in order to have visibility of you to fire, you *think* you can see one of them behind the line of Z's, crouched behind a tree.

You are 4 hours walk east of the village

Melo cries out as the arrow strikes him, the anger in him builds as he claws at the ground as the laughter rings out. He stands his ground, not willing to step down. "Flyn better find away around, I'm not standing down. I won't let these mad men stay here to terrorise the others."

hp- 36/43

"Grim? Who the hell...wait..." Lenneth's eyes widen as something dawns on her. "The ones from the village who just wandered off the morning after our fight..."

Though not normally prone to violence beyond what she had to do to keep herself alive, something about the smug laughter from the trees infuriates the witch. "Someone better give me a good reason to not see how many of them I can cook in one shot and they'd better do it fast," she snarls as her fingertips spark with electricity.

Technically I'm good with that plan Flynn but it looks like they're going to just start taking potshots at us as long as we're out in the open.

So what shall we do here guys? On the one hand, this man from the village is proving to be an annoyance at the moment but if he is not dealt with could become a real thorn in our side. On the other hand, we can’t get to him without going through these zombies which is definitely not smart given our condition.

Even if he is not part of the Way he is clearly resourceful to have lived even this long without drawing attention to himself and the woman and new born baby who I think went with him.

For now, I say we allow Lillith and Melo more time to study the circle and try to keep him at bay should be release the zombies. After all is said and done I’m sure Melo and I can track him. His time will come

Its not smart to engage these guys now. They are goading us to do so. It serves their purpose, not ours. Now someone convince Melo of that/ :). We are weakened and down a party member. We do not need to fight a battle on the enemy's terms. And there might me more to do on top of the hill and some of that could be time critical.

Lilith: While I agree with you taking on these guys is not a good idea here, I also think we don't have a choice here. All we need to do here is just buy Lilith and Melo some time to finish investigating the circle here, then deal with these guys.

Feldus utters a vile oath under his breath. "ohhh...now their fate is sealed!" He pulls at Melo's shoulder and motions towards Lilith. "Help her check that circle. The rest of us will hold off these...traitors!" He then turns to Valex and motions for the elf to follow him. "Save your spells fer the moment Lenneth. I can throw a wrench into their plans here!"

Feldus plans on sneaking close to the zombies and using his Command Undead to take control of one of the zombies.

Ok this is a tricky spot. Theoretically if we retreat back to the village they could harry us the whole way and we have no idea of their numbers. We can’t stay here because they will just pick us off with ranged attacks.

As the arrow whistles through the air to land with a wet thunk in Melo’s shoulder, Flynn realises their options are few. They are all weak and a drawn out fight here plays right into the enemy’s hands. Whatever they do, they will have to make it swift and decisive.

Lenneth, Lillith – I say blast ‘em! Punch a hole right through the middle of those zombies if you can. That arrow must have come from right behind the line of undead so if you open a hole Melo, Valex and I will charge right through it and give them the shock of their soon-to-be-finished lives.

Feldus, if you can take over one of those zombies all the better, sow discord in their ranks, turn their weapons on them.

Charging into an undead horde is a bad idea. No question. But unless anyone has a better alternative (which I am definitely willing to listen to) I think offence is the best defence.

Feldus sneaks towards one of the zombies, but as his power reaches out to twist its magic, it seems ti simply regard him oddly, before continuing to moan at him.

It made its will save

Now now, if you won't come in, we'll have to come out... can't have you investigating or special Cult circle can we now lads?

There are general murmurs of assent

Put your weapons down and go away, live, go find yourself another village to play hero in... last chance! shouts the man.

Valex's disinterest in the unseen conversationalist vanishes the instant the first arrow launches.

"Right behind you, Flynn" he says.

Flynn gives Valex a nod of gratitude. He had found friends here, true friends, people of substance that he could trust even with his life and come what may he was grateful for that at least.

Lillith, Lenneth – light them up. Valex, Melo, once we are in there things are going to be really bad, we’re all already hurt but we’ll give them Hell.

Flynn is going to wait until Lillith and Lenneth hit them with some spells. He is then going to charge that spot aiming particularly for any humans that are revealed or failing that just looking to smash the line of zombies

Readied charge: 1d20 + 12 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 2 - 2 = 20

Damage: 3d6 + 15 + 18 ⇒ (3, 5, 3) + 15 + 18 = 44

I will update my status later, I think Flynn is down about 20hp and 2 negative levels

So be it! Lilith intones as she raises her arms to the heavens in an arcane gesture. As she brings down her hands, fists clenched, Stones begin to fall from the sky, answering her call.

Stone Call: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6 She does her best to center the 40' radius spell so that the edge closed to them just barely catches the undead. The area is difficult terrain for 6 rounds.

Anger rolls off Melo as he sets his eyes on the trees in front of him. "Clear a hole for me and let's end this!" He snarls out.

I will charge, in all my recklessness if i see a gap open to get into the back lines

Valex will follow Melo.

Given the go-ahead, Lenneth smiles darkly as the small sparks dancing along her fingertips begin to increase in intensity. "Here's what we think of your 'last chance'!" she cries as she flings her hand towards the trees and sends a bolt of lightning streaking towards groaner and man alike.

Lightning Bolt: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 3, 1, 4) = 17

Lenneth will aim for where she thinks the most concentrated area of 'enemies' are.

Well that lighting bolt should help clear that path for Melo. :)

Very nice path :P I'll wait on an update to see if I can get in and decide on my targets.

Feldus approaches the line of zombies, his power reaching out and ensnaring ones attention.

The red boxed zombie is yours to command Feldus

Lenneth's lightning bolt sizzles in the air, burning tree bark and two unfortunate zombies in its path, there's also a clear shout full of swearwords from that general direction, but at this distance there's still no visibility of anyone apart from the undead.

Scant few charge lanes available Flynn, so parked you as close to Lenneth's 'path opener' as you could get

Flynn charges through the trees on Skyfall, his lance impaling one zombie and ripping its torso to pieces, sending body parts scattering to the four winds.

Whilst the rain of stones that respond to Lilith's magic are somewhat deflected by the overhead foliage, their sheet weight and numbers causes flesh to slough off many of the zombies you can see, and yet more swearwords come from the forest, this time from multiple voices. They certainly aren't laughing now.

Melo runs flat out towards the forest edge, with Valex hard on his heels in support.

You wanted to charge the gap rather than engage a zombie, and close to Flynn is the only gap there is (though you still can't see anyone apart from Zs at this exact moment). Also, no charging inside Lilith's stonecall circle due to difficult ground (as well as charge line visibility...)

You hear more frantic yelling and shouts of

The rope! The rope!

>>> Map <<<

Players up!

Valex is Ok without charging. He just wants to get though the gap as quickly as possible.

"THey are calling for rope! Beware! They may be trying to free the Graoners!"

Realizing that they are in for a fight Lilith begins to summon help.

Casting Summon Monster III

Knowing that hit and run tactics might be his best bet given how badly injured he still is, Flynn wheels Skyfall and charges the zombie north of him.

Charging to Q4. Lancing P2

Charge, FE: 1d20 + 10 + 2 + 2 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 2 + 2 - 2 - 2 = 21
Damage: 3d6 + 15 + 18 + 6 ⇒ (6, 1, 1) + 15 + 18 + 6 = 47

Pick them off, don't let them surround you!

Perception to locate humans: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29