[PFS] [Outpost II 2019] - #10-12 Breath of the Dragonskull - GM zebeev's Table B (Inactive)

Game Master zebeev

Ah, so it is. My bad. So no readying of an action necessary, Ai's initiative will not change, as the spell would be cast on the start of Ai's R3 turn.

Wolverine A, DC 17 Will Apology Re-Roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 - fail

The wolverine attempts to shake off a haze that comes over it, but ultimately succumbs and falls unconscious.

COMBAT: Round 3 (those in bold may act)
Battlemap!

Cork

ENEMY: Wolverine A (asleep until round 21)

Ai, Ankird, Domrilin, Oded (delayed)

ENEMY: Wolverine B

Ai, Ankird and Oded are up for Round 3!

He and Centimere keep moving away from the wolverines.

Ai looks at the sleepy wolverine for a second, then joins the group far away. "I don't suppose anyone has a way to wake it? If the fire moves, it could be in hot water."

Oded holds position.

The second wolverine bounds through the blazing heat towards its sleeping mate. (Full-Round: Run)

Everyone is up!

"Ai, I think it will be ok. The fire will wake it up. Wild animals have a way of surviving." Cork shuffles along, trying to stay out of the way of the flames and to let the wolverines pass.

Continuing to move "up" on the map. I can't access the map at the moment.

Can we "Escape" North or do we have to go around the way the Wolverines came?

Oded will cast Create Water (current range is 30"). I can create 4 gallons per round. I will fill one square per round as a sort of Fire break, although a weak one.

I posted 4 rounds of casting, in order.

The awake wolverine nudges the sleeping one, and paws at it roughly with one of its claws. The sleeping wolverine gets up, shakes off the haze, then looks to the two paths.

The confused wolverines take the path of least resistance, and head to the south in due haste, away from the flaming woods, and the party.

Combat over!

Once the wolverines pass, Dragbog emerges from the brush, patting out a stray ember on his musty tunic. "Whew, that close! Fires much worse than before!" He rejoins the party, then points to the north. "Through the flames, we get past this part, and we be close to Dragbog's village. We go now, yes?"

We'll say you move on from the area out of way of potential harm from the fiery hazards of the tactical map. Any preparations to be made before the last stretch to Dragonskull village?

No preparation for him.

Only preparation I can think of would be to douse ourselves with water to help stave off the heat.

"Yes." Cork addresses the goblin. "Nothing's going to get better by us standing here."

"Let us move on" domrilin grabs his hammer so it is in hand incase he needs it.

Once everyone has mustered, you head out on the last stretch of the Finadar Forest that lies between you and the Dragonskulls' village.

Day 3
You use the banner of restful nights again, and you awake to find that despite the area being choked with smoke and ash, your lungs feel as if they've spent the night in a plush inn in the middle of the Petal District of Absalom.

You break camp, and make the arduous trek through piles of ash and smoldering embers towards the Dragonskulls' village.

Your capricious companion Dragbog leads the way, chittering to himself when he's not taking the time to point out hazards along the way. In the relative calm in this stretch of the forest, above the snapping and hissing of the distant fires, you hear his raspy goblin voice singing a quiet song.

"Stoke the ember, build the flame
-- take its food to keep it tame!
Chop the earth and cut the roots
-- from the ashes grow green shoots!"

He looks back, and sees a few puzzled faces in the crowd. "Song is for remember. You might want to make song about that so you don’t forget."

Everyone can make a DC 12 Sense Motive check to glean some sort of information from Dragbog's goblinsong.

In addition, everyone can make me a DC 23 Perception or Survival check whilst in this area.

Sense Motive vs. DC=12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Perception vs. DC=23: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Oded realizes that each verse of Dragbog's song actually gives useful tips about controlling fires and navigating burns, which grants him a +2 circumstance bonus on skill checks and saving throws for the next few hours. Anyone else who makes their DC 12 Sense Motive check can either add the +2 to dice roller formulae for any other skill check or saving throw, or I'll make sure to double check the results for future checks.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

"Dragbog, that's a good idea. Back when I was still sailing ships we'd do the same thing. Make up some songs to remember all the things we needed to do. The sea is unforgiving at times. If you forget to tie down the right rigging before a storm hits... well, it's not good." Cork continues to trek through the ash.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

"Your song sounds good, but have you considered a limerick? "

"I once knew a goblin so big,
That it burned up trees down to the twig,
Then it ate all the shoots,
right down to the roots,
And it didn't leave even a sprig!"

It's fairly clear that she doesn't get the song, and she looks away from the goblin and into the forest nearby.

Dragbog stops, then looks at Cork. "Yes! Goblinsong best way to pass down information from old to young. Dragbog learned all the songs of the beforefolk, so he can give to all the nowfolk! Whole tribe get smarter!"

As for Ai's limerick, the goblin looks confused. "Big... goblin? Hobgoblin?"

Cork gleans a bit of information about bushwacking and forest fires from the goblin's song, and Ai hears something as she looks into the forest – a fire-hoarsened cry, weak, but just audible enough to pinpoint the direction of it. Looking in that direction, through the smoke-filled air, she sees a flame-shrouded bower (a shelter of natural materials, like a lean-to or purgola) with an elf inside.

You must either navigate or clear a path through the burning trees and brush to reach the druid, succeeding at either a DC 18 Acrobatics check or a DC 14 Strength check. (Small creatures gain a +2 circumstance bonus on the Acrobatics check.)

Oded tries to clear a path to the druid...

Strength Check vs. DC=14[/dice: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

I didn't realize Ai's skills would be so well-suited to this scenario.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Ai wastes no time ducking through the underbrush and avoiding the worst of the flames. Before long, she's at the bower. "Hi, I'm Ai! You don't have a moment to hear the glorious word of Picoperi, so let's blaze a trail out of here!"

Does Centimere need to make the roll if he is going to use acrobatics?

The little halfling will try to use his strength to help clear a path
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 aide

Ai weaves through the brush, avoiding the flames and comes to the weakened elven druid's hovel. The structure is precariously drooping above him; extricating him will require a keen mind or deft hands.

Ai and those that follow her path can make a DC 16 Knowledge (engineering) or Survival check. Alternately, if you've an appropriate Profession (carpenter, miller, miner, woodcutter) or situationally-appropriate spell of at least 1st level, that will also work.

Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Cork tries to make his way through the brush to the bower but can't seem to move the branches out of the way.

Survival 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Domrilin tries to break through some of the brush.

Strength: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Then he runs over to try and help the druid.

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

I assume that is enough lol

Domrilin bushwacks a path to the druid's hovel, and gets the elf out of there before it comes crashing down on top of his head.

Once back to the main trail and out of the immediate danger, the elven druid speaks in a weakened, smoke-scarred rasp of a voice. "My eternal gratitude to you... kind strangers." He manages to smile, before continuing. He takes a drag from a waterskin, then manages to clear his hoarse throat. "My name is Cenenviel, protector of these woods. Some protection I turned out to be."

He stands tall, despite being slightly weakened from smoke inhalation, and casts endure elements on up to four of you, and provides each of you with a goodberry.

"I hope that will aid you in your travels, I'm afraid I have to see where my faithful companion has ran off to. I told her to flee the burning forest, and my hope is that she made it out safe with her mate. Did you happen to see a wolverine, by chance in your travels here?"

"Uh, yeeeeessss." Ai looks a bit sheepish. "As a matter of fact we did. They were running, so we got out of the way. I sort of had to sleep one of them to get clear. Anyways, thank you for the snack and the spells. We're the Path-Fire Society, and we're here to help! Explore, put out fires, cooperate!"

The druid shows concern when Ai mentions the conflict, but relieved when she reveals that their lives were spared. "I cannot thank you enough for saving them, despite their wild nature. I'm afraid given the dangers of the fires, their savage spirits must have got the better of them."

The druid fiddles with a small clasp on his cloak. "Here. If you are accompanying Dragbog here to his village, take this along with you - it is a snapleaf. If one of you finds yourself in a high vantage point, it should be of some use to you."

The druid grabs his staff and prepares to follow the trail back to the wolverines. ".. be careful at the goblin village; if you weren't aware, it is now overrun with strange fire elementals that appear to have bonded with the dragon skeletons littering the valley. Stay safe, friends."

With that, you can now continue to the Dragonskulls' village.

Dragbog leads you a vantage point that looks down into the valley where the goblin village resides. Once there, you see that the rocks and scorched ruins spill down a stony valley studded with the scorched stumps of small trees. In the centre of a small dell at the southern end of the valley juts a 3-foot tall granite monolith, graven with fiery runes. Flames arc from it intermittently, and there appear to be three flaming dragonskulls that mottle about like marionettes of stalking beasts.

Given this bit of recon, and Cenenviel's indication that they are elementals and not undead as previously thought, you can make a Knowledge (planes) check with a +5 bonus to recall any such knowledge of these things.

Knowledge(Planes): 1d20 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 5 = 23

Special defenses, resistances/immunities, special attacks. In that order, as applicable, please.

Oded shares any information he may recall with the group.

Knowledge(planes): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

"Well this is a proper squall.' Cork says with a wry grin. He nudges Dragbog. "How'd you let your village get to be like this? It doesn't look very hospitable, even for goblins." Cork winks at his allies to let them know that he's just teasing their diminutive guide.

"Ok. Does anyone know about those things? How should we attack?"

I don't know about these things but I wonder if my lance would hurt them if Centimere and I were to charge them he says.

Oded knows them to be neutral small outsiders (with the elemental, extraplanar, and fire descriptors) who are immune to fire damage, and have a tendency to burn things it attacks.

Dragbog's shoulders slump slightly from Cork's gentle ribbing. "Dragbog didn't expect things to get out of hand! At first, stone makes fire, so we make party in celebration! Then the fires got bigger. Then bigger. Too much for even Dragonskull tribe. Dragbog knew we have problem then."

The goblin sighs, then points to the rock once more. "Dragbog think if you break stone, that be end of the fires."

With nothing left but the task of pacifying the source of the flames, you gear up to head into the valley, making any preparations needed.

You might recall you were given some equipment during the course of the scenario, perhaps it could be of some use. In any regard, if you've any buffs or prep to do before the inevitable clash, do so now, and we'll set a marching order into the valley.

Again, Oded shares what he has learned with the group.

So. we each have Endure Elements cast on us, as well as a goodberry. One of us has a Snapleaf. We also have a Wand of Gust of Wind with 8 charages. Before we left the party was given: six potions of resist energy (fire) and 2 weeks of trail rations.

Don't forget about the banner. Given that we already have Endure Elements, it's not super helpful, but it's there.

[ooc[ Okay [/ooc]

"Perhaps we should drink the Resist Fire potions before we proceed. Does anyone know how long they will last?"

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19 Do I know how long resist fire will last?

Cork opens one of the vials that contain the resist fire potion. As soon as he removes the lid small wisps of smoke curl up out of the container and a strong scent of sulfur fills the air. Despite the strong odor he sniffs at it. "Whew! This isn't going to be pleasant to drink. I'm trying to remember if I know anything about this particular type of magic."

"It does not matter to me how long it lasts only that it does its job, we will know when it stops working when those elementals start burning us with there fiery fingers.

@Cork: with that successful check, you know it will last 10 minutes.

We'll assume everyone drinks a potion of resist energy (fire) (unless you wish to decline), and trudge on to the mouth of the valley.

COMBAT: Round 1 (those in bold may act)
Battlemap!

Ai, Ankird

ENEMY B, ENEMY C (delayed from top initiative)

Cork

ENEMY A

Domrilin, Oded

Ai and Ankird are first up!

He will drink one of the potions. Is there one for Centimere?

Ai moves up, staring at the elemental closest to her. She claps her hand over her mouth to keep laughter from pouring out, sending it to the elemental instead.

Move up, Stare at the elemental, allowing it to be hit by mind-affecting stuff, and cast Hideous Laughter (DC 17, 50% chance to ignore each round).

Ankird: There were only enough potions for the PCs, unfortunately.

Dragonskull C, DC 17 Will: 1d20 ⇒ 12- fail

Ai stares at the chattering skull, and it begins to twitch, jerking around in a seemingly random set of movements. A moment later, it drops to the ashen floor of the valley, motionless save for the odd twitch.

Ankird is up!

The halfling spurs Centimere forward, charging, to attack the elemental in front of them
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
2d6 + 3 ⇒ (1, 1) + 3 = 5

Ankird charges Dragonskull A, dealing 5 damage!

Its companion retaliates, and charges the halfling cavalier.

Dragonskull B > Ankird (incurs an attack of opportunity)
Melee, bite: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 - miss
Dragonskull B finds the pointy end of a lance and attempts to bite it.

Dragonskull C, 50% ignore mind-affecting effect (fails on 1-50): 1d100 ⇒ 7 - fail

Dragonskull C does nothing more than twitch on the soot covered ground.

COMBAT: Round 1 (those in bold may act)
Battlemap!

Ai, Ankird

ENEMY B, ENEMY C (hideous laughter)

Cork

ENEMY A (-5)

Domrilin, Oded

Cork is up!

Will Knowledge(planes) tell me about these things?

Knowledge(planes): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Cork takes a few steps forward then holds his right hand up at his side. He says a few arcane words of magic and a compact ball of snow and ice forms in his hand. He hurls it with magical force at one of the dragonskulls.

snowball@A: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Ranged touch
damage: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 2) = 12 cold damage

@Cork: Oded recalled a few things with a check of their own:

You've got a result that's at least 10 over the DC, so that would reveal two additional items from the following list; Knowledge Checks

Cork cools off one of the elementals with a snowball, turning it into naught but a pile of dragon bones. (Dragonskull A is 'dead')

Domrilin and Oded are up!

Do I take an attack of opportunity or is one made at me?

Oded moves forward and casts Sanctuary (Will DC=14) on himself.