Male|Paladin 8|hp 74/74|AC:26(28) T:12(14) FF:25(27)|CMB+13,CMD24|Fort+12, Ref+9,Will+12|Init:+1, Perc:+0| conditions:none |7 of 9 layhands used|deflection bonus of +3 Human Paladin 8
"I will look around for maps."
perception aid:1d20 ⇒ 16
"Do you think we could persuade the librarian to help?"
diplomacy:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28"Could you show us any records or maps that talk about hobgoblin lairs in the hills around here. What did he call them?" "The Aspodell Mountains."
Human Oracle (Wood) 5| HP 39/39| AC 17 (19) T 12 FF 15 (17)| Fo +3 Re +4 Wi +5| Init +2| Percep +4| Lvl 2 5/5, Lvl 1 7/7, Orison at will
"Thank you, Bearjaw." Woodthorne says as they leave the buther's shop. Just before going out the door, he adds. "Maybe one day we'll live in a world where bravery like yours will no longer be needed."
Diplomacy1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Woodthorne does his part to aid the search.
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Dana and Woodthorne conduct the majority of the successful research in the archives, though both Orst, the Reginald/Cassomir tag-team, and the librarian are all helpful in fetching and gathering the books, maps, and scrolls for them as well. With the information here learned put together with what Bearjaw told them, the Pathfinders are able to determine that the hobgoblin base must have been due east of Umok, in the foothills of the Aspodell Mountains.
After resting the night at the Badger's Den, the Pathfinder set out, heading east. After walking for most of the day, they begin to approach the area where they suspect the old hobgoblin base to be located, but now it is a matter of trying to find a trail or path to the base itself, it such a one exists.
For this part it is Knowledge (geography), Knowledge (nature), Perception, Profession (guide), or Survival to locate the trail. You can also choose to make a Fortitude save instead, representing your character working extra hard to try to locate the trail (even if you aren't particularly skilled).
Though they were initially concerned that they might struggle to locate a 20 year old trail, it seems that it is still in use, and the Pathfinders finds it quickly with everyone helping out (except Regis who gets lost in the woods for a bit). But the path to the base proves a difficult climb. The hobgoblins seem to have chosen the route to deter pursuit and the terrain seems strangely modified, with sudden drop-offs and no smooth trails.
For the ascent to the base, you can use Acrobatics (to jump from rock to rock or balance on a precipice), Climb, Knowledge (nature) (to notice areas deliberately altered to hide the path), or Perception (to spot a safe route).
Woodthorne manages to locate the best possible path up to the hideout. Dana finds a way to leap from rock to rock, making her way to the top, and with a lowered rope the ascent is made without any injury. In fact, despite a decent hike and climb, the Pathfinders are in pretty good shape both in terms of spirits and fatigue, when the reach the entrance to a cave that most likely is the lair they seek. This would not have likely been the case had they gotten lost, or had trouble with the climb.
The trail ends at a large boulder in front of a tunnel leading deeper inside. The cave is dark, the walls are stone, and the ceilings are 10 feet high.
Perception DC 15:
Though there are no hobgoblin tracks apparent at the entrance, the trail shows signs of passage by a large reptilian creature within the last hour.
You guys were perfect in all parts of the skills challenge. You have a chance here to cast any buffs or do anything else before entering the cave, through the power of retroactive continuity. At any rate I'll keep us moving though.
Entering the cave, the Pathfinders move down a long tunnel. The passage eventually turns south, serving as the only entrance and exit for a wide chamber that spirals down to a stone table 10 feet below. Bones and refuse litter the floor, and debris is gathered into a nest alongside the table.
Yellow eyes briefly flicker from the nest. Then, suddenly, a large reptile leaps out, gray-scaled and at least six feet in length. It has a dragon’s head filled with sharp teeth, and two arms ending in grasping claws. A cloud of greenish vapor wafts from its gaping maw.
Knowledge (arcana) DC 17:
Tatzlwyrms are thought to be primeval relatives of true dragons, having branched off the line millennia ago and evolved in a way that sets them notably apart. Undersized compared to their larger cousins, tatzlwyrms are nonetheless ferocious in their own right. And while tatzlwyrms are hardly impressive specimens when put beside their notorious relatives, most other reptiles can’t compare to them mentally. They understand Draconic, though other languages are beyond most tatzlwyrms’ limited comprehension. Nevertheless, tatzlwyrms are deeply cunning, building complex lairs and rudimentary traps.
Tatzlwyrms are quite rare, and only a few particularly curious and lucky adventurers can claim to have seen a living specimen. Reports do agree on some basic features, however. About the size of a full-grown human, tatzlwyrms have only two limbs and no wings, and possess a weak poisonous breath similar to the breath weapons of their true dragon relatives. An adult tatzlwyrm is 6 to 8 feet long, including its winding, organless tail, and it weighs between 400 and 500 pounds. A tatzlwyrm’s scales give the creature limited camouflage, ranging through various shades of green, brown, and gray.
Like true dragons, tatzlwyrms are strict carnivores. They spend most of their time hiding, waiting to attack any prey that ventures too near. They consume their food slowly in the dark security and seclusion of their lairs. Tatzlwyrms have a remarkable knack for ambush and camouflage.
As dragons, they can see in the dark and are immune to paralysis and sleep.
Knowledge (arcana) DC 22:
Tatzylwyrms have pounce, rake, and their breath contains a poisonous vapor. While grappling, instead of making a bite or rake attack, a tatzlwyrm can breathe poison into its victim’s face. A tatzlwyrm must begin its turn grappling to use this ability—it can’t begin a grapple and use its poison gasp in the same turn.
At the cave's entrance, Reginald puts on his mage armor. If it is dark, he'll also use light so he can see. Casovir lets the group know there might be trouble.
"Ooo! Do you know how rare it is to see a tatzlwyrm in the flesh?" Reginald asks excitedly as the reptile reveals itself. "They're not full dragons, but they share many common traits such as the ability to see in the dark and an immunity to magical sleep effects. Oh, and a breath weapon - poisonous if I remember correctly! They intelligent enough that they even speak!" He beams, quite proud of himself.
Reginald will ready an action to give the tatzlwyrm the Evil Eye to reduce its saving throws if it gets within 30 ft of him. Not sure how the depth of the lair will work into that.
Neither Regis's entreaties nor Xiao's magic seem to have any effect on the creature, which nimbly scrambles forward, climbing the walls with exceptional ease, until it nearly closes with the Pathfinders, making its way to the upper level.
Daze only works on humanoids.
It hisses something that almost sounds like words.
Draconic:
"EATTTT YOUUUU!"
Despite Reginald giving it the evil eye, the tatzylwyrm resists Dana's efforts at enchantment as well.
GM Rolls:
Tatzylwyrm, Will save vs. evil eye:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 Tatzylwyrm, Will save vs. hideous laughter:1d20 + 5 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 4 - 2 = 24
Summary:
Round One Regis (diplomacy), Xiao (daze), Tatzylwyrm (double moved), Reginald (evil eye), Dana (hideous laughter), Woodthorne (up), Orst (up)
Round Two Regis (up), Xiao (up), Tatzylwyrm (not yet up), Reginald (not yet up), Dana (not yet up), Woodthorne (not yet up), Orst (not yet up)
Orst steps forward and also takes up a defensive stance. The tatzylwyrm scoots forward and snaps its jaw up at Woodthorne. Despite his divine protections, the draconic beast still manages to bite him hard in the leg. However, those same divine protections do manage to somehow deflect the creature from getting a grip on Woodthorne's leg and he remains thankfully ungrappled, though he has a nasty wound on his thigh.
Female N, looks like a Tian-Taldane human (actually mostly human Ifrit) | Psychic 9 | Reroll 1/1 | Chaldira reroll 1/1| Rod Extend 2/3 | Rod Piercing 3/3 | HP 66/66 + temp hp 0/0 | AC 20 T 7 FF 20 | CMD 9 | F: +10, R: +4, W: +13 | Init: +1| Perc: +13, SM: +16, Dipl (Influence): +21, Bluff (Deceive): +13 | Focused Trance 0/3 | Expanded Awareness 3/3 | Phrenic Pool 6/7 | Spells: 1st 5/8 + 1/1 DT, 2nd 8/8, 3rd 8/8; 4th 5/6 | Darkvision 60ft | Speed 20ft | Active cond: heroism
Dana now walks forward and 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 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 Scimitar, Dervish Dance feat for Dex to damage, Blade of mercy trait for non-lethal +1 to damage :1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
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 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Male Human Fighter 1 | HP 13/13 | AC 25 (T 12, FF 24) | CMB +4 CMD 16 | F:+4 R:+2 W:+1 | Init +6 | Perc -1 | Speed 20ft | Active Conditions: None
"Have at you then." says Regis as he moves forward, shield up to block any incoming threats from the draconic beast, and slashes down with his enlarged battle axe.
Male|Paladin 8|hp 74/74|AC:26(28) T:12(14) FF:25(27)|CMB+13,CMD24|Fort+12, Ref+9,Will+12|Init:+1, Perc:+0| conditions:none |7 of 9 layhands used|deflection bonus of +3 Human Paladin 8
Orst will say a silent play to Iomadae to heal Woodthorne and then he lays a hand on the Oracle. healing energy:2d6 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5move action to do so.
As swift action, Orst will declare a smite evil on the monster.
Orst then moves through the fighter, Regis to get to the Tazlewhatsit, leaving himself open to a snake strike. move action
"Die, you cross between a snake and dragon!" "Sometimes you just have to step on the neck of evil and ram your sword down its throat."
The creature seems confused by Reginald's japes, and this opening allows Dana, Woodthorne, and Xiao all to land attacks. The creature seems shaken, but it is still standing for now. It bites Woodthorne once again, but once again it is unable to get a grip to grab him.
Female N, looks like a Tian-Taldane human (actually mostly human Ifrit) | Psychic 9 | Reroll 1/1 | Chaldira reroll 1/1| Rod Extend 2/3 | Rod Piercing 3/3 | HP 66/66 + temp hp 0/0 | AC 20 T 7 FF 20 | CMD 9 | F: +10, R: +4, W: +13 | Init: +1| Perc: +13, SM: +16, Dipl (Influence): +21, Bluff (Deceive): +13 | Focused Trance 0/3 | Expanded Awareness 3/3 | Phrenic Pool 6/7 | Spells: 1st 5/8 + 1/1 DT, 2nd 8/8, 3rd 8/8; 4th 5/6 | Darkvision 60ft | Speed 20ft | Active cond: heroism
Dana starts her battle dance ...
Move action to start battle dance: Only for Dana +2 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +2 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. Round 1/7.
Dana attacks with her wild movement and scimitar dance to deliver a non-lethal blow.
"The light will hopefully guide you after this fight!" she shouts.
MW Scimitar, Dervish Dance feat for Dex to hit, Blade of mercy trait for non-lethal damage w/o -4 to hit, battle dance :1d20 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 4 + 2 = 13
Damage Scimitar, Dervish Dance feat for Dex to damage, Blade of mercy trait for non-lethal +1 to damage, battle dance :1d6 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 12
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 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Male|Paladin 8|hp 74/74|AC:26(28) T:12(14) FF:25(27)|CMB+13,CMD24|Fort+12, Ref+9,Will+12|Init:+1, Perc:+0| conditions:none |7 of 9 layhands used|deflection bonus of +3 Human Paladin 8
Orst swings a powered blow with smite.
one handed bastard sword w pwr and smite and flank:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 dmg:1d10 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18 Subtract 2 from to hit attack and 4 from dmg if not evil.
Xiao peppers the tatzylwyrm with her magical artillery, and then mighty Regis brings down his massive battleaxe to finish off the dragon-cousin. The way is clear once more.
Searching the creature’s nest reveals a mace made entirely of cold iron with a pentagram inscribed on the head and tarnished silver wire loosely wrapped around the hilt, revealing an inscription in Infernal along the handle. It would seem that this mace is the mace you seek, and that the inscription contains another portion of the fury's true name.
Close inspection of the table uncovers a hidden compartment containing a journal written in Common, a wand, and a scroll.
Wand, detect magic and Spellcraft DC 18:
This is a wand of pass without trace (CL 3rd, 10 charges).
Scroll, detect magic and Spellcraft DC 18:
This is a scroll of fog cloud (CL 3rd).
The journal belonged to a hobgoblin commander called Malgrin. The journal details Malgrin’s strategies and victories. It describes his use of the foothills to lose pursuit and how he employed the druid medics under his service to conceal their tracks and modify the terrain for better camouflage.
The hobgoblin journal represents an insight into the opposition during the Goblinblood Wars. The journal details not only battles, but also Malgrin’s thoughts on the war’s direction and his concerns about new forces entering the field. He outlines new tactics to counter the new arrivals.
The table seems to have been used for maps and planning, allowing the unit to observe from the spiral.
Knowledge (history or local) DC 15:
You realize the unique historical significance of Malgrin’s tactical knowledge, and strongly believe that the journal may be of value to the Pathfnder Society.
The return to Umok is uneventful. When the group arrives back at the Badgers's Den to get some rest, they are greeted by Trigi Neppo.
"A letter for you guys arrived while you were on your quest! This was attached: a scroll of heroism. Somebody must like you! The messenger said it was urgent. Told me to tell you that someone else hunts the prize you're after."
See Slides for the letter.
With their next mission in hand, the group readies themselves for the final section of their adventure here in Isger. Trigi is able to identify the scroll and wand they found in the tatzylwyrm's lair, if the Pathfinders can't do it themselves, and she provides them with cheerful company that evening at the inn. Bearjaw joins the festivities, and is interested in hearing all about the old hobgoblin hideout.
The next day, the group sets out for the Chitterwood.
Again, let me know if you want to make any purchases before the final quest commences.
After days of travel on overgrown trails and hard sleeping in the wilds of the Chitterwood, a half-collapsed wall emerges from the trees winding around a long forgotten encampment. The Hellknight outpost was breached long ago, and decades of growth have begun to reclaim the interior courtyard. A few walls still stand, and undergrowth covers the ground in a dense carpet. A single building in the southeastern end seems to be whole, its entrance blocked with a crude piece of wood.
Perception or Survival DC 14:
You notice that in the shadow of a broken wall hang several huge spider webs; scattered among them are a few sizable humanoid bones as well as broken gear and rotting packs. A few strange tracks are also visible among the bushes near the webs. The packs, upon investigation, contain about 125 gp in mixed currencies, all told.
Survival DC 12 (if you noticed the tracks with the previous check, or they are pointed out to you):
The tracks seems to have been made by an ettercap.
Human Oracle (Wood) 5| HP 39/39| AC 17 (19) T 12 FF 15 (17)| Fo +3 Re +4 Wi +5| Init +2| Percep +4| Lvl 2 5/5, Lvl 1 7/7, Orison at will
Spellcraft:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 wand
Spellcraft:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 scroll
Woodthorne identifies the items for the group.
He takes the time to heal himself
Cure Moderate Wounds 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 8) + 4 = 15
Knowledge (history):1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Unfortunately, he does not see any significance in the hobgoblin's journal.
Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
After studying the tracks and seeing the webs, Woodthorne agrees with Orst, "Ettercaps. There are some ettercaps near. Be watchful."
Male CG Human Witch 5 | HP 27/27 | AC *16 T 12 FF *14 | CMB +0, CMD 12 | F: +3, R: +4, W: +4 | Init: +8 | Perc: +10, SM: +1 | Speed 30ft | Spells: 1st 3/5 2nd 1/4 3rd 2/2 | Active conditions: Mage Armor
Knowledge (history):1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Reginald is not quiet in regaling the rest of the group with theories of how valuable and important this journal might be as they make their way back to the village - occasionally reading passages out loud to make his point.
At the mention of ettercaps, Reginald hastily dons his mage armor once more.
