World's Most Interesting Confirmation (003) [PFS CORE 5-08] (Inactive)

Game Master Great Green God

Ironshanks gives a grumble as Yangrit claims the first watch, that grumble turns to a full on groan as Duncan promises a morning revele. "Torag save me if I hear singin' before I get outta my bedroll Duncan!"

He kindly asks Yangrit in Dwarven if she would help him remove his armor so he can get some real sleep for once. "I hate to go on watch without me armor, but I can't be fallin' asleep in it again tonight!"

"I'll take middle watch. I enjoy the deep night."

"Hey! Noisy people! I'm taking the first watch. You can fight over who gets the others."

"Watches! Good thinking! The food was so good I almost forgot."

Next day.

As the party presses northward the forest grows deeper and deeper. The air is thick and humid and it makes the space beneath the branches and leaves feel claustrophobic. As canopy overhead thickens, Janira looks to her wayfinder to point the way. Satisfied she comes to walk next to Liv.

"Hey there kiddo. Everything okay?" she says in her compassionate camp councilor voice.

There's noise like "BOING". It seems to echo through the forest canopy shaking leaves down to the forest floor. It's followed by another noise, the sound of a cannonball rocketing through the foliage. The sound seems to be coming from all around when suddenly--

blood-red bite v Ironshanks (charge v flat-footed): 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 2 = 13 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

rusty bite v Yangris (charge v flat-footed): 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 = 11 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

verdigris bite v Telos (charge v flat-footed): 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 + 2 = 22 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

The three things slam into the party from all sides. The first thought to go through Telos' mind is: 'Giant ambush spider!' Dull gray-brown, banded carapaces one might expect to see on an armadillo if armadillos came in a 50-pound size with too many thin, stick-like legs, hair like a wire brush, and blunt heads with frilled with intricately-feathered mouth parts. One clangs off of Ironshank's armored chest bending those bits. Yangris deftly avoids another of the creatures but the last one crashes into Telos digging its fangs into his shoulder.

Giant Bug-Things - Each character may make one knowledge (nature) check. Open all the spoilers that apply.

knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

"OH, CRAP! They're some kinda monstrous bugs! Stay calm guys!" Janira says in near panic. "We can do this! --I hope."

Even though she sounds scared her words seem to help clear everyone else's mind focusing them on the fight ahead.

Inspire courage An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

Janira steps back, and pulls the whip off her belt.

"Hold really still Telos! I'll try and snap it off you!"

Telos, I need a Fort save v disease (DC 11).

Round 1! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Janira
__ Yangrit
__ Liv
__ Duncan
__ Tusk
__ Bugs?!
__ Ironshanks
__ Telos -3 hp

Map updated; don't forget Janira's inspire courage effect.

Liv is surprised by the spiders, but not terribly so.

She does feel her spirits begrudgingly lifted by Janira. This was so unsettling, feeling these positive feelings.

She conjures a large slapping hand and blasts it at one of the spiders, the rusty one.

Telekinetic Fist, Ranged Touch + Point Blank Shot and Inspire Courage, - shooting into combat penalties: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 31d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

There, that power, the power to create. That was the real thing. That slapping fist...it made her feel alive.

Fort save v disease (DC 11): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Telos feels the sudden, sharp pain in his shoulder before he knows what hit him.

He blinks in disbelief as some sort of disease begins to take hold and affect his clarity...

"What the crap was that!" Ironshanks hollers in annoyance as an overgrown flea looking thing bounces off his chest plate. "If them things are fleas then we best get outta here before the dog they rode in on shows up!"

Duncan racks his brain to remember what he was told about the things that live on Kortos in his childhood.

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Apparently he was told nothing about anything that lived on Kortos. Since he didn't recall anything, he decides to join in the battle by pulling out his shortbow and nocking an arrow. He cannot move, so he fires an arrow at the closest critter which happens to be next to Janira.

Short Bow: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 1 = 141d6 ⇒ 1

He has PBS and Precise

Tusk bellows, "Whatever they are, they seem to like sucking blood."

He then shuffles forward to within range of the verdigris hairy hopper (which I assume is a giant tick) and takes a double swipe at it.

To hit axe, power attack, TWF, inspired: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Damage, inspired, sharpened: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

To hit off hand axe, power attack, TWF, inspired: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Damage, inspired, sharpened: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Crit to off hand hit axe, power attack, TWF, inspired: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Damage, inspired, sharpened: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Knowledge (nature) untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Yangrit jumps a bit with surprise, and is immediately humiliated by her response. Desperately hoping that no one noticed, she hardens her features and launches a powerful blow at the rusty giant bug (whatever it is) that tried to attack her.

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 211d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I assumed that the Inspire Courage works with a monk's unarmed strike, as it is considered a light weapon. If not, the damage would be one less.

Yep, inspire works with a monk's unarmed attacks--your hands are deadly weapons.

Yangrit hauls back with a clenched fist and then asserts herself hitting the thing square on its blunt head. The impact is terrific and Yangris pulls her hand back wondering which of them was hurt worse in the exchange. The thing doesn't seem phased at all! In fact it presses the attack clamping its mouth-parts onto the woman's arm! Yangrit can tell that punching and kicking this thing will be difficult at best. The thing's carapace resists bludgeoning damage!

Duncan's arrow strikes, but ricochets harmlessly off the one that landed on Telos. Likewise Duncan can tell that piercing weapons aren't the way to go either.

An invisible blast of force whips by Ironshanks's head like a brick, but doesn't seem to hit anything.

The creature that landed on him continues to bash its head into his chest like some alien woodpecker trying to get past his tough bark. BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

Tusk, cleaves the one attacking Telos in twain. No problem!

blood-red bite v Ironshanks: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

rusty-orange bite v Yangris: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Yangris Fort save vs disease DC 11.

Round Almost 2ish! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Ironshanks
__ Telos -3 hp
__ Janira
__ Yangrit -4 hp
__ Liv
__ Duncan
__ Tusk
__ Bugs?! (rusty-orange -1 hp, verdigris down-really really down.)

Map updated; don't forget Janira's inspire courage effect.

The flea that had latched onto Telos falls away harmlessly after Tusk cleaves it. He then refocuses and scans the crowd of activity still battling the remaining flees.

Everybody's in the way...

He runs along the fallen tree trunk until he can see the other side, with Yangrit seemingly engaged in direct melee with one of the fleas.

20', move action

He raises up his left hand as it begins to crackle with electric energy, and aims it at the flea she's fighting.

Elemental ray, ranged vs touch AC, inspired, into melee, at rusty orange flea: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 - 4 = 8

His aim is too cautious as he tries to avoid hitting teammates and it arcs far wide of the flea.

Ironshanks watches as Yangrit seems to be having some difficulties with the giant flea. He draws out his war axe and gives the brown flea a taste of Dwarven steel. "Lemme help ya out there, my Grandpap wouldn't forgive me if I didn't help a Lady that came down with fleas." But he catches nothing but air.

2H MW Waraxe, Power Attack, Inspire: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 1 + 1 = 91d10 + 4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 3 + 1 = 14

My AC is only 20 until I take out my shield next round.

The big bug's constant crashing into him cause Ironshanks's blow to go astray same as Telos's ray.

Yangris I need a Fort save vs disease (DC 11).

Round 2! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Ironshanks
__ Telos -3 hp
__ Janira
__ Yangrit -4 hp
__ Liv
__ Duncan
__ Tusk
__ Bugs?! (rusty-orange -1 hp, verdigris down-really really down.)

Map updated; don't forget Janira's inspire courage effect.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Grunting in frustration and pain, Yangrit tries to reach her dagger, but the bug has clamped onto her right arm. Instead, she tries to pummel it repeatedly with her left hand and knee.

Flurry of Blows 1/2: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 31d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
Flurry of Blows 2/2: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 = 51d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

One down and two to go.

Tusk marches up to the bug hiding in the foliage and takes a two handed grip on his double axe and takes a heavy swing.

To hit ax, 2 hd, power attack, inspired: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Crit ax, 2 hd, power attack, inspired: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 46

"Lookin' Like a nice meal for tonight!"

Duncan drops the shortbow as it is ineffective and moves. He then draws out an alchemist's fire, but cannot throw it (due to not having a +1 BAB) in this round.

Janira jumps up onto the downed log, balances along it and cracks her whip at the nearest bug's legs, but with so many legs it's hard to get read on which ones are supporting it at any given time.

whip (trip, inspired): 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9

Inspire courage An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

Tusk cuts down another bug with axe.

The last bug ducks and weaves looking for an opening to get another bite through on Yangrit. That's one badass flea!

Round 2! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Ironshanks
__ Telos -3 hp
__ Janira
__ Yangrit -4 hp
__ Liv
__ Duncan
__ Tusk
__ Bugs?! (rusty-orange -1 hp, blood-red and verdigris down--really really down.)

Map updated; don't forget Janira's inspire courage effect.

Liv unleashed a frustrated sigh. She once more formed a fist out of force and smashes it into the bug.

Telekinetic Fist, ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 - 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 - 4 + 1 + 1 = 71d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Liv's blast misses the mark.

While the bug mindlessly snaps at the evasive Yangrit.

rusty-orange bite v Yangrit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Round 3! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Ironshanks
__ Telos -3 hp
__ Janira
__ Yangrit -4 hp
__ Liv
__ Duncan
__ Tusk
__ Bug?! (rusty-orange -1 hp, blood-red and verdigris down--really really down.)

Map updated; don't forget Janira's inspire courage effect.

Ironshanks being a bit older, moves a bit slower (unproven really), finally readies his large wooden shield on his arm. "There we go, time to kick some flea arse!" He looks around and sees the other two fleas have been hacked to death already by the orc. Getting shown up by an orc... can this day get any worse...

MW Waraxe, Power Attack, Inspire: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 1 + 1 = 91d10 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 9 It can apparently as his axe swing isn't even close and catches just some air. Ironshanks glances nervously at Yangrit Kill that thing else the orc makes us look inept!

Duncan does his best Dr. J imitation as he lobs an Alchemist's Fire in the air towards the big flea!

Alchemist's Fire: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 1 = 241d6 ⇒ 1

Critical Threat Confirmation: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 1 = 221d6 ⇒ 1

Dex + PBS. He has Precise Shot. Sorry for the splatter!

Silent scream of agony as the 1's show up on the die!

With a throaty snort of laughter, Tusk moves up and delivers another one-two with his trusty double ax.

To Hit Ax: 1d20 ⇒ 16
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

To Hit Ax: 1d20 ⇒ 1
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Scoring a hit on the burning hairy critter with one end but not the other.

There is a very concentrated explosion in the vicinity of the insect that singes everyone nearby just before Tusk's axe separates the bug's head from its body.

END COMBAT!
RESULTS
_________________
__ Ironshanks -1 hp
__ Telos -3 hp
__ Janira
__ Yangrit -5 hp
__ Liv
__ Duncan
__ Tusk

Ironshanks looks up with scorch marks in his beard, at first he seems a bit angry, but then, after a few breaths calms down "Nice shot there Duncan. If ya can't take the heat, stay outta the camp fire!" He chortles, holstering his axe and shield.

"Dang it!" shouts Janira. "The little compass-thingie on my wayfinder looks like it's been stuck. All the running around just now must have dislodged it. I knew I shouldn't have used it to ladle stew with last night. We're lost!"

Anyone want to try and pick up the trail before you miss your full moon rendezvous with the gillpeople?

"We're headed for mountains, right? Just keep running uphill, that's my advice."

He looks around for the most obvious hill or mountainy thing.

"That way, I think. Here, give me that thing."

Tusk bangs it on a rock, trying to work the needle lose.

survival aid: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Yea, well, I'm not sure exactly how he is helpful, but he manages.

Survival Aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Fuming at her ineptitude against a bug--just a bug!!!--Yangrit's face takes on a forbiddingly foul-tempered expression. All the damage she's taken from that big ol' bug isn't helping her look any better, either. And that stupid orc killed all three of the bugs, almost entirely by himself! AAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!

Then that stupid, stupid orc goes and tries to be the leader---NO! Yangrit looks around, wise enough to hold her tongue until she knows that what she says won't make her sound even more stupid than that stupid, stupid, stupid orc. Good thing too, because she can't even tell whether or not he's wrong. @#%$ INFURIATING!!

Suddenly she realizes that her emotions are spiraling out of control. Using the techniques she learned in her years in the monastery, she immediately draws her focus inward, finding her center. Meditating for a few minutes, she visibly calms, each tense muscle slowly relaxing one by one. Eventually even her scowl is gone, leaving her face calm and serene.

If anyone would be so kind as to spare a charge from a wand of Cure Light Wounds for Yangrit, that would be most appreciated. Otherwise, she'll drink one of her potions.

"I be pretty sure a Fireball be a right proper spell to use on them, but I dinnae hav' that one yet."

He shrugs his shoulders and starts to sing.

"(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)
(A-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh, a-weema-weh)

Hush my darling don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight
Hush my darling don't fear my darling
The lion sleeps tonight"

"Oh hey! You're hurt. We should take a look at these wounds Yangrit. I mean your face is so red they might be infected." Janira pulls out a wand with a bejeweled crest-shaped head, and intones the command words: "Moon Healing Escalation!"

With a lot of flourish she aims it at Yangrit.

wand of cure light wounds (CL 3): 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

"Everyone else okay?"

Again, Tusk snorts.

Tusk is oblivious to the dwarf's inner turmoil or he would surely rub it in.

"I swatted bugs when I was a kid. No big deal. Barely broke a sweat and I guess they were after more tasty blood than mine."

Though that brings back memories of what the orcs in his tribe did to the bugs and he grimaces. "Hey, you got any good marching songs? You know, like 'Goin' on a dwarf... elf..." after a long pause he finishes with ...dragon hunt'?"

Ironshanks gives Janira a quick look as she claims they are lost "Its no problem. We Ironshanks learn the ways of the woods and trail blazin' from a young age. Lemme give a look." He starts tromping around the wood trying to get a clear look at the sky for a direction.

Taking 10 on Survival for a 16, plus any aids and/or wayfinder help.

Liv gives a little shove to the red faced monk. Orcs die young anyway and walks towards the back of the group

Fully calm now, Yangrit is able to thank Janira without any of her usual gruffness or ire. She is even able to let Tusk's fumblingly offensive song attempt roll off her like water off a duck...mostly. There is a slight downward twitch at the corners of her mouth and an almost imperceptible furrowing of her brow, but all things considered, she manages to handle it remarkably well.

At Liv's comment, Yangrit is torn between the age-old dwarven contempt of elves, and victorious amusement at the accuracy of the elf's assessment of orcish weakness. The two cancel each other out, with the only noticeable sign of her thoughts and feelings on the matter being a simple grunt as she falls in line with the others to continue their trek.

It's late afternoon when Ironshanks moves the tapestry of foliage before him to one side revealing wide clearing at the base of a sheer cliff. The trail he discovered having led them true. Thick vines cover the surface of the cliff stretching 30 feet overhead. Janira races forward.

“Here! The cave entrance is behind those vines,” Janira says with a broad smile as she walks to the cliff’s face. She pulls back several layers of vegetation to reveal a narrow crack in the cliff’s surface. Sitting at the base of the crack amid some loose stones is a surprised looking squirrel.

“This is where I saw the gillwomen enter, last time I was here. Get your stuff together, you're going in.”

Why do you keep suggesting I dont have my stuff with me? Liv asks confusedly.

She sticks close to the Dwarf hoping her eyes will notice any signs of impending rocks falling.

Tusk barrels his way past the group and into the cave.

Telos eyes the fissure with skepticism.

"Have you been in here yet? Are we about to walk into a gill-trap?"

He pauses for a moment and concentrates on his longspear which has been doing duty as a walking stick. At first it seems nothing has changed until he gets closer to the cave's opening when it becomes apparent it now also serves as a lantern.

Cast Light

Duncan casts [i]Light[/i[] on his buckler. He then nocks an arrow to his shortbow and says, "I be ready to enter with ye."

Ironshanks squints a bit as the flood of magical light momentarily screws with his Dwarven darkvision "Eh now, warn some of us bafore ya do that!" He draws out his shield and axe as he makes his way inside.

"Unless ya wanna be sneaky types I suggest ya let me and my full plate lead the way." He clangs his way inside.

Tusk stops abruptly and waves the dwarf on ahead...

"By all means."

Tusk may be crude, but he's not stupid. At least in some matters.

Shaking her head slightly in bemusement at some folks' need for light, Yangrit stumps into the cave after Ironshanks.

The squirrel starts.

"Cheeble." it says. Then is vigorously rubs its face with its adorable little hand-like fore-paws.

"Right. Time for your confirmation to officially begin. Now get in there and see if you can figure out what the gillwomen are doing here, take good notes about your discoveries (it's part of the test after all), and I'll be waiting here for when you get back-" Janira is in the middle of pulling out a bottle of Dreng's Best when she stops suddenly and cocks her head.

The squirrel suddenly scampers away. Followed by a bunny, some chipmunks, a family of quail, a garter snake, and a fox, and a family of deer.

"-Do you hear something?"

A large creature is crashing through the undergrowth, from the opposite direction of the animals' flight. Whatever it is the party can feel it's mass and momentum in sound and the fear its coming provokes.

The halfling worriedly remarks, “Quick, take cover inside before whatever it is spots us!”

With both hands she shoves ineffectually on Ironshank's stomach trying to get the dwarven tank to move. She might as well be an ant trying to move a rubber tree plant.

The thing breaks cover! Man or beast it is hard to tell. Its face is a mixture of man and ox. The creature stands a good eight-feet tall, is well muscled, and walks mostly upright upon cloven hooves. Its shaggy, gray hair and pallid gray flesh are picked out with bone fetishes, swirling tribal tattoos, and red and white warpaint. It holds a huge axe in its great ham-sized fists. The man-beast takes in the air of the clearing with great snorting grunts through its muzzle, and looks about though crazed eyes. Those mad eyes focus upon the party.

Each character may make one knowledge (nature) check. Open all the spoilers that apply.

The cave entrance is but an oblong three-foot crack in the cliff face. Beyond it broadens out a little into an irregular tunnel that varies from 3-7 feet in width and on average about 7 feet tall.