# 9-16: Fallen Family, Broken Name, with GM Pendrak, Table 2 (Inactive)

Game Master Z...D...

Who is Zeverit? The ring/snake/thing?

Yeah, I goofed up, the raktavarna's name is Zeverit, but he should have been saying Arvok in that dialogue.

Hello GM, do we have a map for this encounter?

Sorry about that, map is now up.

If Woodthorne can aid in knowledge (planes) he will.

Unfortunately you can't use aid another on Knowledge checks.

The merchant seems distracted by Reginald's hex, but not enough to stop him from shrugging off Xiao's spell.

"The witch knowsss too much, Arvok. He'll hurt usss, you mussst protect us." the ring-serpent says. The merchant draws his longsword and takes a defensive stance, shooting looks at the surrounding Pathfinders.

"I don't want any trouble," Arvok says, his voice sort of distant, "But come any closer and I'll give you some!"

Dana, Regis, Woodthorne, and Orst may act.

Woodthorne casts Protection from Evil and walks up to Arvok and tries to affect him with it.

Dana tries to disarm Arvok, provokes AoO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

”Please calm down! We only want to help you!“ Dana exclaims.

Regis circles around the caravans, flanking Arvok from behind.

"Try to fight it. We will all try to help you overcome this evil." he says from behind the man.

Oops! Can Arvok make a Will 15 saving throw to see if the Evil Eye affects him for one round or several? Sorry I forgot to include that, but it is relevant because Reginald didn't cackle.

Oops! Didn't roll touch attack.

Protection v Evil: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Woodthorne casts his spell and moves forward, trying to lay hands on Arvok, but the merchant dodges, and brings his sword down on the oracle in a powerful two-handed blow that slices into his chest, sending a spurt of blood flying into the air.

Then Dana steps up, dodges another sword swing, and catches Arvok's sword arm by the wrist in her hand, twisting hard. He drops the blade.

Woodthorne takes 13 points of damage. Orst may act.

Orst steps forward quickly and kicks the fallen blade behind himself.
He then proceeds to throw a right hook at Arvok.
If able take the AO, Orst does not have improved unarmed strike.
punch at Arvok: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28; dmg non lethal: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
crit confirm: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13; crit dmg: 1d3 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Add +2 to that crit for flanking, i did not see that until after posting.
"We only want to talk about your serpent ring thing you have. Stop this foolishness or there is more where that came from."

Arvok doesn't have Combat Reflexes, since he used his AoO on Dana, and now he doesn't have a sword either since she disarmed him.

Orst's right hook connects with Arvok's jaw, knocking the man off-balance, though he seems like a tough customer, and stays standing, ready to fight.

The raktavarna glares at Woodthorne. "You don't want to do that ssspell. In fact, it would be better if you helped Arvok and I. No need for bloodshed. Just ressstrain anyone trying to harm usss."

The serpentine rakshasa's words seem to be ensorcelled in some way, and Woodthorne begins to feel compelled to do as the creature says.

Woodthorne needs to succeed on a Will save DC 15 or be affected by suggestion.

Reginald and Xiao may act.

Wouldn't the raktavarna provoke an AoO by using a SLA?

"Wizard! I'm a wizard, not a witch, you silly sneaky snake!" cries Reginald in frustration. "Why does everyone keep getting that wrong?"

Spellcraft DC 18: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

He then turns his attention back to Arvok and begins chanting while closing one eye, sticking out his tongue, and holding up him thumb to Arvok as if measuring him for size.

Reginald begins casting Reduce Person on Arvok.

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

I meant to have him defensive cast but I forgot to make the roll.

He gets it off no problem, but Woodthorne makes the save. Xiao is still up.

I also forgot to roll a save against reduce person. Botting Xiao as well.

Arvok gives a strange cry that gets higher pitched by measures, as he suddenly shrinks until he stands only about three feet tall. He clutches for his longsword as Xiao sends a ball of acid flying over his head to land hissing and sizzling in the grass nearby.

Arvok provokes an attack of opportunity from Dana, Woodthorne, Orst, and Regis, as he goes for his sword. Woodthorne can use his AoO to deliver the protection from evil spell if he so desires.

After the attacks of opportunity, Woodthorne, Dana, Regis, and Orst may act.

Oh, Arvok isn't shrunk yet. The spell takes 1 round to cast (like sleep), but I'll be happy if he keeps that saving throw for when the time comes.

Also, if his sword isn't being held when the spell goes off, it won't shrink with him - meaning it'll still do a d8 of damage, but he'll take penalties for a mis-sized weapon.

Dana now attacks with her scimitar to deliver a non-lethal blow.

"The light of the Dawnflower will protect you from harm!" she shouts.

AoO:

Scimitar, Dervish Dance feat for Dex to hit, Blade of mercy trait for non-lethal damage w/o -4 to hit : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Scimitar, Dervish Dance feat for Dex to damage, Blade of mercy trait for non-lethal +1 to damage : 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Free action: If that was a hit then using ‘Enforcer’ feat to Intimidate/Demoralize as a free action to give the opponent the ‘shaken’ condition for as many rounds as the opponent received non-lethal damage.

Intimidate vs. DC 10 + the target’s Hit Dice + the target’s Wisdom modifier : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Normal action:

Scimitar, Dervish Dance feat for Dex to hit, Blade of mercy trait for non-lethal damage w/o -4 to hit : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Scimitar, Dervish Dance feat for Dex to damage, Blade of mercy trait for non-lethal +1 to damage : 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Free action: If that was a hit then using ‘Enforcer’ feat to Intimidate/Demoralize as a free action to give the opponent the ‘shaken’ condition for as many rounds as the opponent received non-lethal damage.

Intimidate vs. DC 10 + the target’s Hit Dice + the target’s Wisdom modifier : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Woodthorne will, indeed use the Protection v Evil for his AoO.

Prot v Evil: AoO, touch attack
to hit 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Regis swings with the flat of his axe.

AoC
NonLethal with Battleaxe: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 4 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

"We will free this man demon!" says Regis, flowing with confidence.

NonLethal with Battleaxe: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 7 - 4 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Orst not having a sword out can't seem to take advantage of the moment.
Frustrated, he draws his sword and swings at Arvok, but using the flat of the blade.

two handed sword swing: 1d20 + 9 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 4 = 20; dmg non lethal: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

"This is silly. We can talk about this."

Orst is flanking so he would get +2 to his to hit roll also

Dana catches the merchant across the jaw with the hilt of her blade, and nearly knocks him unconscious. He seems staggered, lilting back and forth, about to pass out, as Woodthorne gently touches him across the shoulder.

Where Arvok's eyes had been cloudy and confused, suddenly they become bright with clarity, though whatever he may be thinking, he is too badly injured to do anything about it. At any rate, the serpent-like raktavarna drops from his arms to the ground at his feet, and lets out a hiss of disgust.

"Ah, well. I sssuppossse I'll have to find another servant," says the tiny outsider, "I do wish you'd have killed him at leassst, though I'd have preferred to do it my way. I like to get them to kill themselvesss, you sssee."

I would assume that Regis, Dana, and Orst turn their attacks to the raktavarna now. Dana would miss, but both Regis and Orst would hit, so I'm going to proceed as if they attack him with lethal damage.

Regis and Orst bring their blades down on the evil creature, and both hurt it, though it seems to be resisting some of the damage.

Woodthorne still has his action for round 2.

Woodthorne tries to smash to little bastard.

Quarterstaff:
to hit 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Damage 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

"Before we send you back to whatever dark, foul place you came from, answer for us this. What can you tell us about the Irricas' family and about the locket we just found? It pointed us at you. Talk evil serpent!" "You might redeem yourself of some of the evil you unleashed if you give us your knowledge of these things."

just flavor. i don't think it possible to use diplomacy as you strike at someone with a sword. But Orst will try at least in speech if not in action.

Xiao smiles at Orst words.
"And the world will forget you!"

Woodthorne smacks the creature, but his blow doesn't seem to overcome the thing's strange resistances. Nonetheless the raktavarna seems to realize its situation at this point.

"Ah, the show nearsss itsss end. It wasss a good run. I may be forgotten here, but I'm sure to come back as a more powerful rakssshasssa next time, especccially after my masssterpieccce, the girl Althea, that poor, sweet, lovestruck thing. And it wasn't long after she killed herself that those nasssty little goblinsss came and finissshed off the ressst of her mourning family, all except the one child who essscaped."

It slithers towards Orst, trying to bite him in the ankle, apparently out of spite.

The raktavarna is essentially taking a 5-foot step, but it still provokes an attack of opportunity from Orst because it has to enter the paladin's square.

Orst gets an attack of opportunity on the raktavarna. If he doesn't finish it off, he will take 1 piercing damage, needs to make a DC 13 Fortitude save or also take 1 Wisdom damage. Then Reginald, Xiao, Dana, Regis, Orst, and Woodthorne may act.

Dana now attacks with her scimitar to deliver a non-lethal blow.

Scimitar, Dervish Dance feat for Dex to hit, Blade of mercy trait for non-lethal damage w/o -4 to hit : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Scimitar, Dervish Dance feat for Dex to damage, Blade of mercy trait for non-lethal +1 to damage : 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Free action: If that was a hit then using ‘Enforcer’ feat to Intimidate/Demoralize as a free action to give the opponent the ‘shaken’ condition for as many rounds as the opponent received non-lethal damage.

Intimidate vs. DC 10 + the target’s Hit Dice + the target’s Wisdom modifier : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Orst slams down on the creature with his blade.

two handed strike: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18; dmg: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

If the creature bites him:
fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

As the serpent-like outsider tries to bite Orst's ankle, he finally ends the raktavarna's sorry existence with his sword. As it dies, it morphs and changes, until all that remains is a small, strange, warped piece of metal, halfway between a ring and an outstretched serpent.

The threat is over, but there remains a badly beaten and bewildered merchant to be dealt with. Arvok is conscious, but just barely. The other merchants are eyeing the scene with some interest, but they all have the look of men who don't want to "get involved".

"What...what happened?" says Arvok the merchant.

Dana sheathes her sword and raises her arms.

"Dear Arvok, please excuse our use of force! You are not aware of it but you were under the control of a malevolent being! Are you ok? What can you remember?" Dana asks.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

The merchant seems to have his memories slowly coming back to him.

"I... I think that I was charmed somehow by this ring... or this creature, whatever it may be. Thank you for being merciful, and I'm sorry for what has happened here. You can take the remains of the thing, if you need it for anything."

Then he turns and scrambles around in his pack, producing an iron bar about 12 inches long, and a sack that sounds like it is full of coins.

"Here, take this as my thanks as well. A traveler's any-tool could be useful to adventurers such as yourselves, could it not? Any everyone loves gold."

There are 450 gold pieces in the bag.

When the group return's to Delara Adnen's home, the anxious merchant greets them warmly, and is happy to hear of their success. Then Dana produces the locket. Hesistantly, Delara speaks, "Althea? Are you there?"

As Dana holds the locket aloft, the tiny image of Althea Irrica appears, projected above the locket's face as before.

"Greetings, my friends," says the hologram, "What have you learned? Did you bring my engagement ring so I can be at rest, and be with my fiance once more?"

Dana is a little excited but nonetheless starts speaking.

"I am sorry to inform you that the ring we found was a disguised Rakshasa that can charm and kill its wearer. Are ... are you sure this was your engagement ring? Do you still know how you died? Was it because of the ring?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

"Please, we would like to make sure no one else is hurt!"
DiploAid: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

We did as you bid and are here to hear your tale.

Diplomacy1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 aid

"I wonder if we can still help the lady stuck in the pendant? Do we just wave it over the ring, do you suppose?"

Orst takes the pendant and waves it over the ring pieces.

"Please forgive our rough treatment." "Please allow us to help with your wounds."

diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

"So you think this rakshasa killed me? Hmm, that doesn't seem right. I don't remember the last few hours before I died though. And before that it was terrible sorrow, after hearing of the death of my betrothed. I do seem to remember a voice... whispering? Whispering things to me, ever since my fiance gave me the ring. Oh, I'm so confused."

You suspect that telling her the truth about her death might be enough to grant her rest. The rakshasa told you what happened. Alternatively, if you want to lie about it for some reason, or play dumb, I'll need Bluff, not Diplomacy.

Woodthorne will sorrowfully tell her the truth. "Althea, the ring your beloved gave you held a powerful creature that affected your mind. It was the source of the whispers. It tricked you... made you end your own life."

Althea looks sad for a moment upon hearing of the true cause of her death, but then she smiles at the Pathfinders and speaks, "Thank you for telling me. It is hard to swallow, but it can't take away the happy memories I have of my betrothed."

At this, the image slowly drains away upward, as if her spirit is traveling onward to other realms. With Althea laid to rest, the locket pops open easily. Inside, hidden behind the portrait, is what appears to be just a portion of the erinyes true name.

Delara says that she has a message for the Pathfinders that came while they were gone. She hands over a letter.

See the handout in the Slides.

Delara allows the group to stay in her manor for the night, before bidding them a fond adieu in the morning. The Pathfinders set out for Umok. A few days later, they arrive.

Again, you can retcon any resupply between leaving Valten and arriving in Umok.

The Pathfinders arrive in Umok without incident, despite the occasional signs of goblinoid activity en route. Approaching the town, it becomes clear that Umok looks oddly proportioned. The buildings are squat, and the streets look too narrow. The walls rise barely 6 feet high and appear too low for an effective defense. Bright colors abound throughout the town, adorning both the architecture and Umok's citizens, giving the impression that a fleet of chromatic dragons must have battled in the skies above, raining multicolored scales down upon the city. Wild and domesticated animals wander the streets, seeming perfectly at home amid the bustle of the town.

The party attracts attention as they enter the city of Umok, with animals taking up defensive postures and gnomes gawking at the travelers and whispering to their neighbors. Before the Pathfinders make it more than a few yards into the city, a female gnome confidently approaches.

Armored and accompanied by an apparently tame badger, the fierce looking gnome eyes your group intently. Finally a smile cracks her face. "Welcome to Umok strangers! My name is Trigi Neppo, peacekeeper and goblin-watcher. Might I ask your business in town?"

Knowledge (local) untrained: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Hah!

As the party approaches the settlement, Reginald loudly whispers to the group, "These gnomes often fight with goblins. Everyone try not to look green or have too big of a head!"

Upon being questioned by Trigi, Reginald sweeps off his hat. "We were hoping to make use of your wonderful archives," he says with a smile. "Or anyone who might have spoken with Eagle Knights back in the day." He then gestures for another party member to take over the conversation.

Diplomacy to Aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Dana steps forward and bows as she is accustomed to.

”Dear Trigi Neppo, I am Dana, and it is a pleasure to meet you! We are Pathfinders and have heard of this city and would like to investigate a lead which is connected to the goblin wars! We would very much appreciate any help of yours or scholars in your city!“ she says calmly.

Diplomacy : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"Do you have an archive here in your town? We think goblin war veterans might have useful information too. Do you know any we should talk to?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Earlier on the way into town, Orst finds the oldest looking gnome and asks a few questions. "Excuse me, wise one, but could you spare a traveler time for a few questions?"
diplomacy to gather info: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

"As my companions have said, we're here do so some research. While here, I also hope to enjoy your fair town."
Diplomacy1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

"I have it on good authority the animals are magically compelled to help protect the city." Orst tells the others once he gets a moment alone with them.

"The archives, eh? Very well, first things first. You guys look like you've traveled a long ways, and you need some hot food and a cold drink. Follow me!"

The gnome leads you to a tavern, a building that is surprisingly sized for Medium humanoids rather than Small. The sign names it "The Badger's Den," and it turns out to be a cheery place, where gnomes scurry to and fro to help their mostly human and elvish patrons, visitors to the town or some of the few non-gnomes that live in Umok. It is notable that the building has no fireplace, but rather there seems to be a large heatstone of some sort sitting in the center of the room on a pedestal. A massive dire badger lies curled sleeping at the base of the pedestal.

Once inside and seated, and once the group has been served a generous helping of bread, butter, honey, and fruit, and been given the opportunity to order a meal and drinks, Trigi begins to answer questions.

"So you want to see the Archives? Questions about the Goblinblood War? Hmm, well I'm sure you'll find some information in the Archives, but honestly I'd recommend going and seeing Bastojo Qualimger, or "Bearjaw" as they call him, first. He was a scout in the wars, though he doesn't talk about it much. He runs a butcher's shop just down the street, calls it the Beartrap."

Feel free to insert any questions or roleplay with Trigi during your time at the Badger's Den, but I'll go ahead and keep us moving.

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After a delightful dinner, the group says farewell to Trigi for now, though she recommends they come back later if they want to stay the night in town. They make their way to the butcher's shop known at the Beartrap, an unevenly split two story building whose ground level is distinctly taller than the floor above.

Inside the butcher shop, a beefy gnome with a massive green beard tucked into an apron wipes down a long, bloodied table. He turns around, saying "Ahh, strangers, how can old Bearjaw help you?"

This next part is a skills challenge, if you will, consisting of four sections, starting with the discussion with Bearjaw here at the Beartrap. The better your success with Bearjaw, and at the Archives, and on the other two parts will determine how difficult things are for you at the end of this quest.

For each challenge, you can either attempt a skill check or use a class ability (such as bardic performance or casting a spell). After each of you has contributed, we will use the highest check result, and treat any check with a result of 10 or higher as though the that person had used the aid another action. If anyone casts a spell or uses an ability that is appropriate to the task at hand, it will grant a bonus of +2 to the highest check result. For spells or other class abilities that seem particularly appropriate to the task, this bonus might increase to +4.

Bearjaw seems cordial, but you've heard he doesn't easily talk about the war. For talking to Bearjaw, the skill checks you can use are Diplomacy, Bluff, or Sense Motive.

Dana bows and comes forward.

"Dear Bearjaw, we hope you had a wonderful day! We were sent ny Trigi as we have heard about your experience in the Goblinblood War. We seek information about eagle knights activity or magic items that were lost during those times. We are going to check the archives as well but thought you might know something as well."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Regis steps up beside Dana.

"I know it can be rough to talk about. We wouldn't ask if it were not important."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Xiao Hua adds in.
"It is said, the highest form of learning is to learn from other´s peoples experience. Your memories and deeds can help dozens of younger people, so please do us the honor to learn from you."
Diplo: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"Awak!" says Casovir as he gets distracted by another raven flying nearby.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

"Oh yes - firsthand experience can be the most important!" says Reginald, a scrap of parchment and inkpen at the ready.

With those rolls mine is not needed, but here goes.

Woodthorne looks around the shop for any signs of Bearjaw's prior life.
Sense Motive1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"Aye, I fought in the Goblinblood Wars. That's where I got the name, Bearjaw. I was a scout, fought alongside the Eagle Knights. Fought in a lot of skirmishes, and a few big battles. It were a terrible war. We were out-numbered 3-to-1 or worse in the best case, though they were goblins for the most part. The Chitterwood seemed full of them in those days."

Bearjaw sighs, and looks distant for a moment before continuing.

"You know, I was the one that found the survivors of that caravan raid that happened not far from here during the wars. Hobgoblins slaughtered most of a family that was bringing a betrothed suitor home for their daughter to wed. Them hobgoblin raiders weren't like the main bunch, and that's why the convoy didn't make it. See, them hobgoblins didn't attack from the woods like all the rest. This group, they came down out of the hills and hit that convoy hard and fast. They came from the Aspodell Mountains."

He seems to come out of his reverie, reaches for a rag, and begins wiping down the table in front of him.

"Ah, I hope that helps you. Anyways, I'm busy and I think I've had enough war talk for the day," say the gnome, dismissively.

With this useful piece of information in hand, and not wanting to press the veteran soldier, the Pathfinders say their goodbyes to Bearjaw and proceed to the town archives. A friendly gnome clerk greets, them, and after their explain themselves she allows them to peruse the archives at their leisure. It is a cosy room, well-lit by magic.

The archives contain Eagle Knight maps and documents recovered at the end of the Goblinblood Wars, listing out a number of raids, their general locations, and estimates of when the raids occurred.

In the Archive, you may use Knowledge (geography), Linguistics, Perception, or Profession (cartographer) to determine the probable location of the raid.

"Thank you very much Bearjaw for these information!"

* * *

At the library Dana tries to look for the relevant texts.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Regis gives a bow to Bearjaw as he exits the Butchery.

***

At the library, most everything looks like gibberish to Regis (even though he can read everything just fine). He does a follow through on items the others have gone through.

Aid Another(Perception): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5