GM ZD #5-10: Where Mammoths Dare Not Tread [Outpost II] (Inactive)

Game Master Z...D...

Gameplay dot

Before the Pathfinder Society’s Master of Swords, Marcos Farabellus, a large map of northern Avistan lies spread across the table. A notched and battered longsword weighs the map down on one side, preventing it from furling closed, while its sheathe does the same on the other side. Farabellus has placed all manner of objects upon the map, each indicating a different landmark or Pathfinder Society resource. Aram Zey, the Master of Spells, frowns as Farabellus places another piece down upon the map.

“This is the lost Sky Citadel Jormurdun, in the very northwestern extreme of what is now the Worldwound,” Farabellus explains, pointing towards a dwarven-minted gold coin, “And this red stone is Nerosyan, Mendev’s capital city. As you can see, any expedition launched from Nerosyan has to cross the entire demon-infested Worldwound to reach the Sky Citadel. With the recent failure of the wardstones and increased demonic attacks along the border, such a journey would be suicide. It makes more strategic sense to enter the Worldwound from the west—from the Tusk Mountains, home of the Mammoth Lords. It’s a shorter distance and there’d be a whole lot fewer demon armies along the way.”

“Though that may be true, we have no allies or holdings in the Realm of the Mammoth Lords,” Aram Zey interrupts, pushing over a miniature marble elephant, much to Farabellus’ clear annoyance. “However, though we do not intend to forsake our allies in Mendev, the Master of Swords makes a valid point. The Decemvirate has therefore authorized a small reconnaissance mission to the Realm of the Mammoth Lords. We are sending you to scout along the eastern border of the Worldwound, find and secure a suitable location that we could use as a staging ground for our expedition, and ensure the cooperation of the local barbarian tribes.”

Knowledge (geography) or Knowledge (local)
The PCs may already know about the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, its people, and their culture.

Feel free to ask the Master's any questions

Kai stands of typical height with most Tian-Shus, with typical dark brown eyes, and silky black hair that he cuts short and leaves largely ungroomed. What differentiates him though is his build - while most Tians are lean and lithe, Kai is well-built and muscular, clearly visible through the breastplate he is wearing. He holds a longspear comfortably in one hand, and is also equipped with a morningstar and some javelins. Across his chest is a bandolier where some vials of liquid are stored.

I never really tried this, but are we allowed to tap ourselves with heightened awareness before attempting such checks?
knowledge(local), expanded inspiration: 1d20 + 9 + 1d8 ⇒ (12) + 9 + (3) = 24

He stands to one side of the table, deeply focused as he studies the map, connecting with what he knows. "The Kellid barbarian tribes would rightly be extremely cautious of outsiders such as us, what with raiding orcs from Belkzen to the south, servants of Irrisen’s Witch Queen pushing the borders from the west, unscrupulous traders from Tian Xia crossing the Crown of the World from the north, and, of course, invading demonic forces from the Worldwound to the east. What could we offer to the tribes to sway them to our side? Alliance against the demons? Or any of their enemies?"

"I did not introduce myself. My name is Malek. At your service!" said a tall man with a bow on his back.

Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

is countenance is striking. He stands tall, a hand over six feet. His armor is meticulously cleaned to a shine. Across his back rests a shield of mithral, plated with the symbol of The Inheritor. A silver hood is pulled over his head, but it does little to obscure his features. The man's eyes are white - entirely white - lacking in iris and pupil. He speaks few words but they are kind in choice and strong in timbre. At his side is a magnificent longsword with a hilt of electrum and steel. Words in the celestial tongue run down the length of the scabbard, reading "Daybringer."

"Greetings brothers. I am Jorciel the Just, Paladin of the Inheritor." His voice is warm, and while it's a touch otherworldly, you get the impression that he genuinely has an interest in others (not just in smashing evil.) "Sir Lin Kai speaks wisely." He awaits an answer while shaking the hand of Sir Malek Huk.

If you are willing to use a spell on it, sure. I do not see why not.

Zey answers Lin Kai, Very good question indeed. I will be providing you with trade good or gifts to offer the Kellids." With that he hands you an inventory.

"If you wish to assist in supplying the trade goods, we would appreciate it" You may trade away your items as well. They are suitable gifts as long as they are at least worth 750gp or more.

"Yeah, we might be able to pool some cash to add to the gifts. Anything if it helps get us into Jormurdun." Torean grunts. "I'm Torean Spellbane, a Five Kingdoms dwarf, who will take on the entire north to get us into the Sky Citadel. My family's been searching for the Sky Citadels for generations."

"You said you want us to scout a suitable location for the expedition. What kind of location? And is any of the Mammoth Lords expecting us?"

You may trade away your items as well. They are suitable gifts as long as they are at least worth 750gp or more.

Can it be a cumulative sum of lesser goods (several 1st-2nd-level potions, for example), or must it be one thing worth 750+? Funny thing is, everything I've got is either worth too little or a bit too much.

A statuesque human nun leans glowering over the map - actually, it takes a moment to be sure she IS human: She wears more cumbersome barbed chains than she does cloth, and in spite of her distinctively Chelaxian features, her skin is literally black, as though she's been thoroughly marinated in ash.

"Given their common foe in the Worldwound, one would think that the Mendevians would at least have tried coordinating with them before now."

It says as long as the gift i worth 750gp or more. So sure, I am okay with it being multiple items.

Farabellus answers this question. “The Realm of the Mammoth Lords is a dangerous place, especially that close to the Worldwound. Therefore, any staging ground has to be secure and defensible. Ease of access and availability of local resources is a secondary concern, since we can move a limited number of supplies through the Hao Jin Tapestry.”

Zey sighs, "No, they have no way of knowing to expect you"

"Do any of us speak their language?" I very well might. I apparently forgot to add my languages and my character sheet is at home.

Ack. I fell asleep mid post. :( I will start over after work)
Kn geography: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

"Do any of us speak their language?" I very well might. I apparently forgot to add my languages and my character sheet is at home.

"Unfortunately, I do not speak Hallit. If none of us do, then let me purchase a potion of tongues. That would come in useful."

"See Farabellus, this is why we need personnel records." Zey says while pulling a flask from a chest. "To make sure we send the right people with the right skills." He hands it over to Lin. "This is the only one I have on me. But, it contains the magic of the spell you need."

He hands you a single potion of tongues free of charge

But you may want to find other means.

Torean nods. "Perhaps we should by a scroll of Tongues and a few of Comprehend Languages. Nothing like not being able to understand each other to start to a fight."

Wiem Weems stands tall like the humans, though his grippli frame makes it a physical impossibility. A small circle of vines with four onyx blades sticking out of it circles his head with the flip of his wrist.

"I am Wiem Weems Finyik," he peeps, "And this is SeeOne" he pats the brightly colored roc with the riding saddle. "I don't suppose they have use for one of the these?" He pulls something from his bag. I will purchase something unique from a chronicle before we leave if that is OK. "I found it slaying Aspis.

The Pathfinders helped save his father and the other elders from the Aspis once. "Come to think of it that involved dwarves tied to Jormundan and some a 'sky key'." "I would be honored to pay the favor forward to these Mammoth Lords. And hope it works as well for them as it has for my tribe."

It is not on m list, but I will purchase a scroll of tongues if we can find one. Apologies for the slow posting, four games starting all on the same day is a bit much.

"Ah, thank you. This would come in useful. Let me hold on to it. I have means to extend its usage," Kai says as he stows the potion on his bandolier.

Kai has L2 alchemical allocation extract, allowing his to drink the potion of tongues, get its effects, then spit it back allowing someone else to use it (if you don't mind his spit). Or to save for future use.

Go ahead and make purchases that you feel that you need. We are moving on to the next section.

Aram Zey’s directions are accurate, and finding the route to Tolguth is an easy matter. Despite the incessant heat, humidity, and buzzing of insects, navigating the jungles surrounding Tolguth is relatively easy thanks to the trampled foliage, fallen trees, and footprint scarred game trails that cut through the dense plant growth. A gray, cloudless sky peers through the lush canopy as a stark reminder of the northern latitude.

A mile and half out of Tolguth, as the PCs make their way down yet another one of the jungle’s many wide paths, a giant vulture like creature charges out of the jungle ahead of them, chattering loudly. A massive dinosaur follows just seconds later, obviously angry.

Bold May go
Jorciel
Malek
GM
Lin
GM
Torean
kali
Wiem Weems

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Know. nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

"Maybe is somebody else here because this dinosaur has spear embedded into his hide."

Malek starts shooting arrows in the dino.

+3 composite longbow-rapid shot: 1d20 + 16 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 16 - 2 = 26
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

+3 composite longbow-rapid shot: 1d20 + 16 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 16 - 2 = 19
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

+3 composite longbow-rapid shot: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 - 2 = 12
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Can't fail the Perception

Jorciel draws Daybringer as he moves in! Double move.

"What? What is that?"
Per: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Kn (nature): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Kn (planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Bold May go
Jorciel
Malek
Dino
Lin
Vrocks
Torean
kali
Wiem Weems

Jorciel would have been moved adjacent to the dinosaur if grappled.

Gah. Kai is rather gimped if he hadn't the chance to buff up. However, he would have drunk false life at the start the day since it last 9h, if the GM is ok with that.
false life: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

knowledge(nature: 1d20 + 13 + 1d8 ⇒ (12) + 13 + (6) = 31
knowledge(planes: 1d20 + 15 + 1d8 ⇒ (11) + 15 + (1) = 27
Kai wants to know all defences first, then special attacks, then any other special abilities.

Kai quickly gulps down one of his vials and he doubles in size. With his longspear in hand, he quickly moves up, hoping that he is in time to help but keeps his eye on the vrocks.
standard: drink extract of enlarge person, move, swift: studied combat on blue.

Kai has combat reflexes and can make 2 AoOs. Also, he now has a reach of 15ft. Will preroll below.

Um, Jorciel would not have likely boldly marched forth against a huge dinosaur.... No need to rewind, but HELP!

Lin, that is fine. I expect you dailey buffs to be up.

Blue flies up and over the party and screeches. Lin and Jorciel, will need a DC 21 fort save or you are stunned for 1 round. Yes this includes the Dino too.

It does not seem to affect the Dino.

Bold May go
Torean
kali
Wiem Weems
Jorciel
Malek
Dino
Lin
Vrocks

Malek continues shooting arrows but now in yellow Vrock.

+3 composite longbow-rapid shot- deadly aim:: 1d20 + 16 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 16 - 2 - 3 = 26
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 = 17

+3 composite longbow-rapid shot- deadly aim::: 1d20 + 16 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 16 - 2 - 3 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 = 17

+3 composite longbow-rapid shot- deadly aim::: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 2 - 3 = 12
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 = 17

Lin forgot you knowledge results.

The T-rex only has swallow whole for special attack and powerful bite for special ability.

For the Vrock. Your result got you. Dr 10/good and SR 20. Resist acid 10, cold 10, fire 10.

Malek unleashes more arrows, this time at the demon. He has a hard time getting by it's natural defenses.

Bold May go
Torean
kali
Wiem Weems
Jorciel
Malek
Dino
Lin
Vrocks

Torean yells at the sight of Jorciel being grabbed in the dinosaur's mouth. He casts a spell to call on the might of Torag, then stomps his boots down. The boots activate and the dwarf's motions become inhumanly quick. He rushes forward faster than any dwarf could otherwise.

Cast Divine Favor. Activate Boots of Speed as a free action and move forward.

Swallow Whole doesn't sound good, Jorciel!

FORT: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Jorciel gives an extremely short, but potent prayer to Ioemedae. Cast Liberating Command
Escape: 1d20 - 4 + 12 ⇒ (20) - 4 + 12 = 28

The paladin SHOULD drop, but I don't know what kind of damage will be incurred.

He then relaxes a bit and focuses on the power of his Divine Bond, preparing to engage the dinosaur Divine Bond, Animal Bane

Fort is not a good save so will activate 4-leaf clover.
fort, four-leaf clover: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 = 21 Whew!

The screeches pulses through Kai and he instinctively activates his four-leaf clover, resisting the mind-numbing effect.

Was I, in fact, allowed to use my barkskin power preemptively? If not, I start off with that. Otherwise:

Kali advances with what seems like startling speed for all the chains weighing her down and digging into her, and focuses her dire will into a red-hot jet of energy from each fist!

scorching ray Qigong Power #1 vs tyrannosaurus: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
damage: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 6, 6) = 21

scorching ray Qigong Power #2 vs tyrannosaurus: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
damage: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 6, 5) = 18

I also spend 1 more Ki to gain a further +4 armor class for this round.

Wiem Weems' throat stretches to white and he lets out a series of peeps. CeeWon responds by climbing in altitude above the nearest vroc. The roc avoids the vrocks reach. The grippli casts a spell and crackling energy fills his mouth. It looks like he then spits electricity at the demon!

. Move: ride to get 10 ft over the vrock (assuming 10 ft reach to avoid AoO). Standard: casts shocking grasp delivered via stretchy tongue.
touch: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25, (+3 if carrying/wearing metal?) Zzzaap: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 2, 3, 3) = 15

Unfortunately, escape artist is a skill check and does not auto succeed on a 20. And 28 is not enough to escape it.

Kali sends two scorching rays at the dino, and hits with both on the broad side. Yes kali, your barkskin is up

Wiem, need a CL check to get by SR

Bold May go
Wiem Weems- Need CL check for shocking grasp
Malek
Dino
Lin
Vrocks
Torean
kali
Jorciel

Malek continues shooting arrows in yellow Vrock.

+3 composite longbow, rapid shot- deadly aim:: 1d20 + 16 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 16 - 2 - 3 = 12
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 6 = 13

+3 composite longbow, rapid shot- deadly aim:: 1d20 + 16 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (13) + 16 - 2 - 3 = 24
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 6 = 18

+3 composite longbow, rapid shot- deadly aim:: 1d20 + 11 - 2 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 11 - 2 - 3 = 18
damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 6 = 14

Dang it. Annoying as I wouldn't have charged a huge dinosaur so brashly.

magus level: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 *ack*

ahem...from the top

Bold May go
Jorciel
Malek
GM
Lin
GM
Torean
kali
Wiem Weems

Malek starts shooting arrows in the dino.

+3 composite longbow-rapid shot: 1d20 + 16 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 16 - 2 = 34
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

crit confirm: 1d20 + 16 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 16 - 2 = 23
damage: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (8, 1) + 10 = 19

+3 composite longbow-rapid shot: 1d20 + 16 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 16 - 2 = 33
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

+3 composite longbow-rapid shot: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 - 2 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

"Well, a straight forward foe! The demon is mine!"

With sword held high, Jorciel shouts, "Foul demon, face the wrath of the Inheritor!" Smite evil, charge, power attack.

ATK: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 2 + 5 = 36 for DMG: 1d8 + 9 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 18 = 32

Malek strikes the dino thrice, piercing its hide.

Jorciel offers a challenge to the demon and lands a mighty blow to it.

Bold May go
Jorciel
Malek
Dino
Lin
Vrock
Torean
kali
Wiem Weems

Kai grabs a vial and gulps down its contents. His already muscular form seems to grow even more robust, his skin seemingly toughens. Wielding his longspear, he moves closer to support Jorciel. Trust a paladin to go charging at a demon before figuring out what is happening.

Standard: drink mutagen. Move. Swift action: study red dinosaur.

The vrock shifts away from the dino and the paladin and then lashes out at the holy warrior. None of the strikes land.

Bold May go
Jorciel
Malek
Dino
Lin
Vrock
Torean
kali
Wiem Weems

Once more, with feeling:

Kali advances with what seems like startling speed for all the chains weighing her down and digging into her, and focuses her dire will into a red-hot jet of energy from each fist!

May I keep my rolls from above?

Sure

"Altitude above demon," Wiem Weems commands CeeWon to fly up and draws the starknife from its sheath reverently. As he does so, the sounds of the jungle emanate from the blade: the jaguar's call, a monkey's howl, the peeping of frogs. The starknife begins to glow with a verdant green light.

As CeeWon nears the top of his climb, the magus casts a spell. Electricity forms in his fist, but he holds the energy.

Move: fly 50 forward and 30 feet up. Standard cast shocking grasp (holding the charge). Swift: arcane pool to enhance the starknife +1 and shocking (becoming a +2 weapon).

Torean casts a spell to grant him the divine might of Torag and rushes into the battlefield.

Casting Divine Favor and moving 20 feet.

"You've made a grave mistake demon. You'll not find mercy from me!"

Jorciel presses the advance, first with an overhead swing, and then an upward follow up

1d20 + 13 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 13 + 5 = 30 for DMG if hit: 1d8 + 9 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 9 = 22
1d20 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 5 = 28 for DMG if hit: 1d8 + 9 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 9 = 21

Malek continues to shoot arrows in the dino.

+3 composite longbow-rapid shot: 1d20 + 16 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 16 - 2 = 18
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

+3 composite longbow-rapid shot: 1d20 + 16 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 16 - 2 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

+3 composite longbow-rapid shot: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 11 - 2 = 12
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

While the others buff, Jorciel attacks the Vrock striking it twice.

Malek manages to sink his second arrow into the hide of the beast.

Bold May go
Jorciel
Malek
Dino
Lin
Vrock
Torean
kali
Wiem Weems

Kai was hoping that the dinosaur would have gone its way after the demon has stopped harassing it, but it seems not to be the case. He takes a brief moment to study how the dinosaur moves and attacks before stepping forward and jabbing it twice with his longspear.

Mutagen, Studied Target, Power Attack
+1 inspired longspearattack: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 2 + 4 - 2 = 30 dmg: 1d8 + 10 + 3 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 3 + 4 + 6 = 28
iterative: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 2 + 4 - 2 = 29 dmg: 1d8 + 10 + 3 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 3 + 4 + 6 = 27

The dino gives a roar of pain and drops to the ground.

Vrock fly check DC 20: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
The withdraws strait up out of the paladins reach.

Bold May go
Jorciel
Malek
Lin
Vrock
Torean
kali
Wiem Weems