GM Ietsuna's For Honor's Echo (Inactive)

Game Master Ietsuna

As a group you have been contacted by one Remaio Alcasti the decendant of a disgraced Taldan general named Countess Honaria Alcasti. He seeks to gather the evidence to have his family name cleared and his nobility restored. Prior to setting out on the first leg of the journey you receive a letter from Remaio.

Slide 2 of the maps has the handout.

Remaio was good to his word and indeed there is a boat ready to carry you up-stream toward this grove. The journy flies by and you soon arrive at your destination.

As the boat glides to a stop among the sweet-smelling blackwood trees on the river’s edge, a gnome woman with twigs braided into her hair waves to the boat’s pilot. A small bear waits patiently at her heel, while a red-bearded dwarf glowers over her shoulder.

Cassiopia Minksalais a small woman, with graceful limbs and elegant hands. She has a lightly tanned skin and very long hair in the colour of honey usually braided and pinned behind her head. Her most defining feature are her eyes, one is crystal blue, the other amber.

The dark haired human was relatively quiet on the trip. She wore a long white robe draped across her lithe frame. ”Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Yulau,” she says by way of introduction.

”Perchance those are our guides waiting on us,” she asked hopefully.

"Alright mates? Name's Lee, but most folks just call me 'Lucky.' Either name will do. I'm here to help you all not get killed. Not that I can foresee much danger from a talking tree, of all things. I doubt that'll be the end of the affair though, eh mates? Just the start, is more like it."

The gruff, armoured halfling has been an affable and amiable travelling companion.

I was thinking about bringing a dedicated healer, but thought, my war priest is only 1 exp away from 2. So here he is

Zarek stays silent for most of the boat ride over. He exchanges pleasantries with the others, but does not divulge much information.

He gets off the boat and strides right over to the guides. "Good day. You must be from the Wildwood Lodge. I am Zarek. Let us get to the task at hand, would not want to keep you from more important task."

"Well, look here!" the half-orc says heartily. "Careful-- I'm a hugger!" The brutish humanoid has a smashed-in nose and a scalp shaved bald. He wears armor of overlapping iron plates, and proudly displays a holy symbol of Sarenrae on his chest. A large axe is strapped to his back, as well as a much smaller bow and quiver of arrows. He offers a hug to each ally in turn, squeezing them around the shoulders. "Name's Gorrig, Black Gorrig if we're being formal. Put me between you and your problems!"

He smiles at Lucky. "Never know with these Society missions, eh? This is my first, but have I ever heard stories!"

* * * * *

"We're from the Pathfinder Society." First time I've ever said that. "Are you the one we're supposed to meet with?"

The gnome raises a hand in greeting which the dwarf just stands and watches you on the boat.

"Careful there, mate!" says Lucky to Gorrig, with a grin.

"I've done a couple of jobs for the Society, mostly just errands. Got into an ugly scrap with a group of ragamuffins in Absalom a while back. But you and me Gorrig, I think we've both been in a few of those, right? Hey, is that Sarenrae's symbol? You Silver Crusade, by any chance?"

Like Gorrig's, Lucky's nose has obviously been broken, and more than once. There are numerous visible scars on his face.

"Liberty's Edge, actually," he corrects gently. "Demon-hunting is noble and necessary, but some of us need to champion the people. Not everyone who's evil has horns, or shambles around after death."

"Oh, I quite agree mate." Lucky winks and gives the Liberty's Edge secret handshake / fistbump.

"I met Ollysta Zadrian in person though. Impressive woman. A Sarenite like you, mate. That's why I was wondering.... Anyway, it's good to have you hear Gorrig."

Bowing courtely the amber minx smiles to the gnome and the dwarf.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. We highly appreciate your aid in this endeavor. I am Cassiopia Minksala, and this are our companions. Pray tell us your name and tell us a bit of this wonderful area."
Diplo: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Cassiopia has the following racial trait:
Silver Tongued
Humans with this trait gain a +2 bonus on Diplomacy and Bluff checks. In addition, when they use Diplomacy to shift a creature’s attitude, they can shift up to three steps up rather than just two.

I assume that you intend to disembark and meet the pair on the shore Cassiopia?

of course

Also disembarking. Gorrig's intended social contribution is Intimidate, so Cassiopia is welcome to handle the diplomatting.

Lucky is your wingman. He'll typically aim to aid in a social encounter, via Intimidate or Diplomacy (has a better bonus in intimidate, although being Small sometimes it's a wash.)

Lucky also hops off the boat, and makes a slight bow towards the gnome and dwarf.

"Aye. If you're our guides, we're your Pathfinders. We'll be happy to help you with this talking tree of yours, if you'd like to lead the way. I'm Lee. Or 'Lucky', if you prefer."

aid another, diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Not that it looks like that roll will matter, they're gonna love Cass :)

The lanky dwarf spent a good deal of the boat ride talking enthusiastically about politics, natural philosophy, and (most excitedly) alchemical theorems. Anyone with a keen eye can spot that his beard is fake. If asked about it, he quips, "Mishap in tha lab, friend. Turns out alchemist's fire is explosive! Who knew?"

He steps off the boat with surprising agility--especially considering the backpack towering over his back to an absurd degree.

He waves at the gnome and strides forward. "Hullo, missy! Name's Borador. Pleasure." He offers his hand; the fingertips have been stained yellow and have a faint odor of sulfur and other acrid compounds.

So sorry it took me so long to post. I meant to post when I woke up this morning, but I woke up late and had to hurry to class.

Yulau moves forward with the group to speak with the greeting party. She waits to add a comment here or there once Cassiopeia begins. ”I am Yulau. Honored to make your acquaintance. We ask your permission to meet with the speaking tree.”

Aid another diplomacy 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Oh right. Not sure if more than two people can aid another on a Diplo check, but if so...

Diplomacy (aid Cassiopia): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

The gnome speaks as you all disembark the boat. Greetings. My name is Trajet and this here she indicates the dwarf is Polgrim and the small furry one is Firepaw.

After a brief pause she turns, speaking over her shoulder, If you will follow me I will lead you to the area you seek.

With that she begins to walk. and Polgrim and Firepaw bring up the rear to make sure no-one gets lost.

Map will go up as soon as this post is posted.

"So you're familiar with this tree we're looking for, eh?" Gorrig asks the gnome to pass the time as they travel. "What can you tell us about it?"

Trajet looks at you with a pinched expression. Perhaps it would be best if you all just left the forest. Polgrim gives her a stern look but nothing more is said and you continue your trek through the forest.

After a moment Polgrim moves up to Gorrig The tree was given the gift of speech by one of my ancestors so it could explain the damage that the
Taldane nobles at the time were doing to the forest. Since then, it’s become an advisor and judge for the local druids.

Sense Motive 1d20 ⇒ 8

”Don’t worry. We won’t be here long. Just a few questions, and we will depart your forest.”

"Leave the forest, Trajet? You've taken our employer's gold to guide us through it. If you don't wish for visitors, perhaps rethink your choices when it comes to what you do for work, eh? We don't wish you or your lands any harm. But we do expect you to deal honourably with us."

Or there'll be consequences. Lucky looks over his shoulder at the bear, frowning.

I can't hit the sense motive DC.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

"Huh. Gotta say, I've never seen a talking tree before. Is it, like... smart? Does it have feelings and such? Guess so, if people go to it for advice."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Borador seems unperturbed by the gnome's abrasiveness. While he doesn't respond to her words, he does nod a quick agreement with Lucky's statement before turning to Polgrim. "Aye, a talkin' tree is a sight, I bet." At Gorrig's question Borador scratches his nose; a thin layer of yellowish crust comes off with it, bringing a slight odor of chemicals. "I would assume by the fact that it ken speak, it's like as not tae be intelligent, but it isn'ae like livin' plants is my area of expertise. More like defoliatin'," he says with a snorting chuckle before realizing who his audience is, and clamping his mouth shut with an awkward cough.

sense motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

"As the others have stated" Zarek says sternly, "Once we have spoke to the tree we will depart and not a moment earlier."

The two druids continue to guide you along in silence. So you to talk amongst yourselves.

A rain-fed stream rushes between the trees, back towards the Sellen River. The canopy above is thick enough to cast the area into green twilight and provide home to the dozens of birds chattering above. The path breaks away from the stream to the southeast, leading past a small clearing that holds several weathered tombstones.

Borador raises one thick eyebrow at the tombstones. "Dinnae think ta find lairs out here. Who's buried there?" He scans the tombstones for anything interesting, though he doubts he'll see anything of note from this distance, and he doesn't ask to stop. They have a date with a tree, after all. And soonest begun is soonest done, as Ma would say, he thinks to himself. The thought makes him scowl, and he becomes reticent.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Borador moves to look at the small cemetery. Three headstones sit there, although Borador cannot decipher them.

Lucky peeks at the tombstones.

perception, take 10: 10 + 5 = 15

"Druid graves, by the looks of it Borador. I could only read one of the stones, but it says 'Aurenia, speaker of the forest.'" the halfling whispers reverently.

Perc: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

"What do you suppose the chances are," Gorrig says respectfully, "that the reason they're here is the same reason the tree was enchanted?"

After a brief pause at the graves you continue your trek to the sage tree.

A massive old blackwood tree stands at the side of the trail. Sheets of moss cling to its bark, covering it entirely except for a jagged crack that suggests a mouth.

As you arrive Trajet approaches the tree and bows to it reverentially before speaking. I seek you permission to punish there intruders into our forest. They come and shame the Wildwood Lodge with their bribes and treat you, our sacred tree, as a mere servant.

"LIES and treachery, O Tree of Trees! This gnome, Trajet, took gold from our employer in payment for her services as guide in this forest! She made a contract with one Remaio Alcasti, descendent of the General Countess Honaria Alcasti, who seeks the truth of his ancestor's deeds here and hopes that you remember her. We come to ask you to share your stories, and we paid an honest price to be escorted, we are not intruders. If there is shame here, it is Trajet's!"

Lucky's eyes flash with anger, and there is a faint smell of brimstone.

Gorrig furls his heavy brow. "A servant? You lying little-- we mean nothing of the sort." He approaches the tree. "We come here in good faith to ask questions, like my friend says." He indicates Lucky. "If this one were so intent on punishing us, she's had ample opportunity on the journey here."

Borador gives a nonchalant snort and crosses his arms. "Don't this jes' figure," he says. "Bloody druids cannae see anythin' beyond the trees."

He turns to the tree. "The paladin is right. We jes' wanna ask some questions on behalf of our employer. Ye got no fear o' us makin' a servant o' ye. Not like any of us could or would coerce such information. Truth be told, I dinnae know how one'd go 'bout bendin' a tree to 'is will."

Borador tries to keep his profile relaxed, but takes a few steps back as discretely as possible.

Let me know if you need a dice roll for that.

Trajet has had enough and rushes Gorrig (the closest).

sickle: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 Damage: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -1

The sickle scrapes down Gorrig's breastplate and does no damage.

Combat Round 1 - Bold May Act

Cassiopia
Firepaw (delay until master)
Yulau
Zarek
Polgrim
Lucky
Trajet
Borador
Gorrig

"How dare you attack us in cold blood."

Zarek pulls his sword from the back and offers a blessing to the Lucky.

"May your strikes land true."

Inspiring word: Lucky gets +2 to attack rolls

Yulau takes a 5’ step to Just south of Cass. She then targets the aggressive Gnome with a magic missile.

Damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Would someone move me on the map, please? Thanks.

Cassiopia quickly weaves a cantrip.
Daze on Trajet. Dc 14
"Please, we come in peace!"

Yulau, I think it was the dwarf, Trajet, that attacked us first. Not the gnome, Polgrim.

I believe Trajet is the Gnome, and Polgrim the Dwarf.

Yulau's missile slams into Trajet.

Trajet Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Trajet shakes off Cassiopia's spell.

Polgrim steps over to Yalau and jabs at her with his spear.

Two wrongs do not make a right. You need not attack her

Spear: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Combat Round 1 - Bold May Act

Cassiopia
Firepaw (delay until master)
Yulau
Zarek
Polgrim
Lucky
Trajet (-4)
Borador
Gorrig

"IF YA SIDE WITH A BANDIT, YA GONNA BE TREATED AS A BANDIT!"

Lucky draws his polearm, but stands his ground and aims a sharp kick at the midriff of the dwarf, Polgrim. As he does so, the smell of brimstone becomes stronger, and Lucky's blow is accompanied by a burst of sulphurous flame.

improved unarmed strike vs Polgrim, inspiring word, bloodrage: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 + 2 = 17nonlethal damage: 1d2 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

"THAT'S Y'ONLY WARNING! STAND DOWN!"

move action to draw weapon, free to rage, swift for hellfire strike

Lucky's strike hits the dwarf and he flinches back as the flames scorch him.

Trajet swings her sickle once again at the Gorrig this time.

sickle: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18 Damage: 1d4 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

The sickle hits, but with the blunt back edge as it twists in Trajet's hand.

Combat Round 1/2 - Bold May Act

Cassiopia
Yulau
Zarek
Polgrim (-6, -5NL)
Firepaw
Lucky
Trajet (-4)
Borador
Gorrig (-1NL)

Zarek moves around the dwarf, keeping away from the AOO, and swings his sword.

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 91d10 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Yulau casts Daze on the Gnome, giving her one last time to stop the attacks. ”Stop your attacks now, and let us complete you mission. We will be gone after that!”

DC 14 Will to Resist.

Gorrig draws his axe. "ENOUGH!" he roars, though whether he means the gnome or his allies isn't immediately clear. "You do not decide we are treacherous just because we aren't wanted! Lay down your weapon!"

Intimidate (demoralize): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Just as a reminder (I always forget this as a GM), the DC is 10 + enemy HD + enemy Wisdom modifier. Enemy is shaken for 1 round, or 2 rounds if I beat it by 5.

Zarek misses with his swing.

Will Vs Yulau: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Trajet is dazed from Yulau's spell and both she and Polgrim are shaken by the furor in Gorrig's voice.

Polgrim lays down his spear. I yield. Please do not hurt my friend.

Combat Round 1/2 - Bold May Act

Cassiopia
Yulau
Zarek
Polgrim (-6, -5NL, Shaken 1 round) Has Surrendered
Firepaw
Lucky
Trajet (-4, Dazed 1 round, Shaken 1 round)
Borador
Gorrig (-1NL)

Cassiopia nods to Polgrim.
"We won´t. We came is pilgrims not as defilers. We apologize for all the blood. But please understand, we will defend ourselfes."
Diplo: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13