[Outpost II 2019] GM Blazej The Solstice Scar D [STANDARD] (Inactive)

Game Master Zynete

The spiritualist cries out against the troll to instill some fear in the beast.

This fire will drive you in hell and will burn every parts of your miserable corps. Your spirit is already died, your corps will follow now.

Intimidate, demoralize: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

And Dhavak arrives to slam the troll.

Slam, power from despair: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 2 = 17

Damage, power from despair: 1d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 2 = 9

Miserable Strike: if hit, the troll has to succeed at a Will saving throw (DC 13) or take -2 on attack and damage for 1 round.

Seeing his previous two attacks miss, Bellius seems to slow down as he methodically draws an arrow from his quiver. Don't let the chaos of battle distract you,[i] memories of his archery master flow through his mind, [i]take your time and line up a shot. Don't rush, count to yourself if you need.

The Taldan stops moving, and begins to quietly mouth, "One ... two ... three" as he draws his bow. He lets the arrow fly, aiming for the center of mass of the troll.

Attack, longbow, ST, IC, PBS: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 21
Damage (P), ST, IC, PBS: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 1 + 1 = 10

Totally missed that Inspire Courage had ended. My apologies! Attack roll would be 20, and damage would be 9 (P) without it.

Ken’ichi: The dice are probably just warming up, saving the good rolls for later.

Dhavak will provoke from that movement

Troll Claw vs Dhavak AoO, Shaken: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 - 2 = 7
Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The troll has little chance of connecting the flailing against Dhavak and blows from both the phantom and Bellius connect in rapid succession to bring the troll down. The creature's wounds are still mending but, with torch so near, the conclusion of the battle is clear.

- Round 4 -
Moss Troll (40 damage)
Bellius
Ifzari
Dhavak
Benu

- Round 5 -
Logan (1 damage)
Bahen (3 damage)
Ken’ichi (0 damage)

Battle end assuming fire is set to troll

The sound of clapping beats from behind you as Grimpkin ambles forward. "Congratulations. You have all proven your talent and capability. As a fey of my word, I shall grant your promised boon." He waves his hands and one of the nearby trees reshapes as he pulls fully formed wooden mugs from them. Hanging each person a mug he gives them a generous tap with his own and they fill to the brim with a delightfully scented drinks.

With all the willing PCs with filled mugs in their hands he raises his own in a toast. "To your bravery, skill as well as your success in defeating the Darkblight!" With that he takes a strong drink from his own mug, encouraging all others to do so as well.

Refreshed after his drink he coyly asks, "Now upon the question. You earned your boon for yourselves and I have yet another challenge awaiting. While I might find some other band and test their skills as well, I would be willing to give you the opportunity to test you speed in addition to your might. Do so and I would find your entire organization worthy and give them aid in the coming battle. Does this interest you?

Ken'ichi bows in thanks to Gimpkin for the drink and consumes it without hesitation. The aroma and flavor reminds him of his favorite tea, which he has not been able to have for sometime.

On hearing of the other challenge, the young tengu replies, "I would be most appreciative of your help in our endeavor, and so would be willing to take another trial to receive it. I would want to make sure that we are in full health before doing so, though. A test is only as good as the stakes in it, and we would currently be at a disadvantage."

A drink?! A drink is the reward for delaying our quest? Benu is disgusted and is about to throw his mug on the ground. He stops and ponders for a second. He mumbles a short prayer(Detect Magic) and looks at the drink again. He begrudgingly drinks it.

Does anyone need more healing? Don't forget I healed everyone for 4.

Lol... I completely missed that. :p

The dwarf had no problem with the reward and eagerly accepted the drink."Cheers to beers!" After slamming it, he wiped his beard clean. "Oh, right. If I go down in battle, can one of you magic types use my wand on me? I'm a little sore still from the fight, but I'm still good to go. I'd just rather not bleed out."

He looked everyone over and then kneeled down onto the ground to start stretching out his calves. "Like I said, I'm not exactly the quickest, but I have the endurance. If the group wants to speed, I'd be willing to give it a shot."

Well, they earned something. It could be poison. But the spiritualist doesn't think so. She looked at the guy when she takes the mug to her mouth. Without any sign, she drinks.

Further, they now have to decide if they choose to pass a second test or to go.

If you are quick, it's possible. I'm not so quick and Dhavak neither.

Bellius wears a look of grim satisfaction on his clean-shaven face as the troll falls, removing his fingers from the next arrow that he was ready to draw. He accepts the cup from satyr with some trepidation, but drinks it nonetheless, feeling magical energy course through his body.

He turns to face the group after Grimpfkin's offer of a second test, "If it's anything like this test, we'll be lucky to escape with our hides," the archer says darkly. He hesitates before adding, "Still, I think we should try this second test, if there's a chance to help the whole expedition. A personal risk here could give everyone a decisive advantage in the battles to come."

The group has about half a minute to tend to their remaining minor wounds.

Grimpfkin nods approvingly as he ambles about. "I knew you would be up to the challenge. And I wouldn't worry about any more your ability to take a hit. I feel we more than measured that here and now. All you need to do is," he states as he leaps onto a mossy rock, "catch my drink."

He flings the contents of the fizzing ale into the air with one toss high into the air. As it begins to descend the form of the air twists and twirls as it reshapes into the form of a bird taking flight into the woods leaving behind a faintly sparkling trail.

The fey watches this with a bit of surprise, but nothing but approval, on his face. He then turns to anyone left and exclaims, "What are you waiting for? Catch it, and you proven your organization worthy of the prize. Just no flying or teleporting, it's supposed to be a challenge."

He gives a wave as he continues to stand on the rock as the chase begins.

==

Moving through the forest The glittering trail leads across a 15 foot wide ravine that cuts through the forest. The ravine has several old logs set across it, and a slowly flowing creek runs along the bottom about ten feet down. At the bottom Grimpkin sits resting his feet within the water as he enjoys a drink. He gives a toast as he watches you study the crossing.

Make any checks you want to cross this ravine. If you have a unique idea give it and I'll let you know if I feel it works. Particular solutions could make the challenge easier for others in the group as well.

For this task you can easily tell is viable to balance on the logs, use nature based skills to identify the most stables logs, swing across the creek, use a grappling hook on a tree across the way, or other tactics you find reasonable

Cross the Ravine
Bellius
Ifzari
Dhavak
Benu
Logan
Bahen
Ken’ichi

Logan stared at the ledge and took some practice strides along the way, measuring something out as he did so. He found a loose rock near the edge and threw it across to roughly measure how far away it was. As the rock barely landed on the other side based on the effort that he used, he let out a small laugh. "There is no way I am making that jump, even all stretched out."

He sifted through his bag and produced his rope. "I'd say that we could tie this off somewhere, but we'd have to cut part of it off and leave it behind after crossing, so I'm a frayed knot." Getting the pun out of his system, he looked around to try and find if any logs were sturdier than others.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Idea: I could summoned Dhavak on the other side of the ravine. Then the phantom could attach a rope on the other side to allow us to cross.

The spiritualist observes the nature around to find something to help.

Knowledge nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Ken'ichi searches for a quick, but safe, route over the ravine.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

**OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT**

Even though much of the forest withers from some evil curse, eager faces flow from tree to tree as the friendly, whispering spirits encourage their would-be saviors onward.

Table GMs, the Helpful Spirits effect is in play.

A chase. Well, it could be worse. At least that bird won't claw our heads off ... probably. Bellius looks at the ravine, sizing up the distance he has to cross, then quickly removes a rope from his pack. He ties one end of the rope on a convenient tree, then takes a running start and leaps across the ravine.

Long jump 15': Acrobatics (take 10): 10 + 8 = 18

He quickly ties off the second end, leaving a rope about waist high for any members of the group who might have trouble crossing to use. As the rest of the group is cross, he crosses the ravine again, untying the rope and returning to the far side once the last member has crossed.

Seeing that none of his allies have started vomiting blood after a drink, he'll drink as well.

-----

Bahen will not have his shield with him during this chase, not wanting to be weighted down. Seeing the ravine, he trusts his fleet feet to get him safely to the other side.

Acrobatics, +4 for having high move speed: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 4 = 26

"Why don't we tie a rope off and climb down the ravine and use Bellius' rope to climb back up the other side?

Ifzari: IF you have the ability to summon Dhavak in a short time, that could help, but given this is requiring haste, if you need to spend minute to execute a plan it would be slow to fit into this race. If Dhavak is able to cross the obstacle itself in some way quickly, then it could certainly be use ability to help get others across.

Logan and Ken'ichi are able to confirm the safety of a few of the logs.
But only after confirming several would be ill suited for travel. Ifzari finds a secure path and make way over it.

Both Bahen and Bellius make flying leaps that take them clear across the gap.

With rope from the top of the cliff Benu is able to make the crossing himself.

"Following in the stead of your dwarven companion, you should relax," Grimpkin comments, "you appear to be at the end of your rope."

Benu: The drop into the ravine isn't worrisome enough to require rope, but you could make the climb up the other side easier with the aid of allies with rope. You could make a Strength check or Dexterity check at a lower DC to use the rope to get you across the river and up the ravine cliff quickly.

Cross the Ravine
Bellius
Ifzari
Dhavak
Benu
Logan
Bahen
Ken’ichi

=

As you push forward the trail ends at a tall cliff that splits the forest, and the glittering trail leads up the rock face. Several thick vines descend from above, but each vine bears several long thorns. At the top stands Grimpkin looking over the edge. "I must say, your band is certainly is reasonable equipped for this challenge. Years ago I challenged a band to a race and the mounted knight in the group was very unhappy to see me set the trail up a cliff side. But I suppose this is less a time for stories and more one for climbing cliffs."

Among other tactics, you can just climb the cliff face or you check the vines using perception to only grab where there aren't thorns.

Climb the Cliff
Bellius
Ifzari & Dhavak
Benu
Logan
Bahen
Ken’ichi

Making sure that his equipment is in place, Ken'ichi tries his luck at climbing the cliff itself, hoping to avoid the thorny vines.

Climb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Well that doesn't bode well.

After not feeling too confident with the long jump, Logan glanced at the cliff wall and Ken'ichi not making much progress before taking one for the team and clambering up using the vines. "I'll drop my rope down the side for an easier climb for the rest of you. If nothing else, you can just tie it to yourselves and we pull you up."

Dwarf Climb: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Avoid Thorns: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

As Ifzari isn't able of intense physical activity, she agrees and takes the rope Logan dropped down and ties it to herself.

Dhavak goes back in her consciousness.

Cross the ravine Dex: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Benu takes a good look at the vines and points out the thorny places.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Bahen looks for the best ways to try to climb.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Perception (taking 10): 10 + 4 = 14
Climb (taking 10): 10 + 6 = 16

Continuing on the trail left by the "bird," Bellius attempts to free solo climb up the path along the cliff face, avoiding the thorny vines unless he is unable to find another route.

Even with the rope Benu had a rough time up the side in one swift action, it tok a few moments longer but he was soon up the cliff and the party was able to continue.

Ken'ichi luck continues to wane with the other successes of the party they are able to give him a hand and speed his ascent. Logan's quick climb gave Ifzari a quick path up and Benu, Bellius, and Bahen were able to climb the hostile vines quickly.

"You are bit faster that this bit. I suppose that means of your enemies on cliff sides you would have the decisive advantage. As it stands though I think you are likely to face off more plant life, ..." Grimpkin contimplates as the party makes the climb. "Ah, I have a wonderful idea to offer far more relevant test. I'll see you in a minute." While you move forward he gives you a wave as he takes a big drink from his mug.

===

The trail zigzags through a large thicket that winds about like a primal hedge maze. Some of the plants seem to move on their own, reaching towards warmth.

Grimpkin stands before the entrance taking a long appreciative examination of the mass of flora, acting in surprise as you approach. "Excellent timing. Now while these plants are far less murderous than the majority of the Darkblight, they shall stand for this leg of the path."

Among other options, you can use your various nature based skilled again to avoid the plant life or use your weapons to hack your way through the tangle. Looking for one check (or attack) for each person unless you are doing something more special.

The archer moves forward quickly, attempting to use his basic training at wilderness survival to avoid the plants.

Survival (taking 10): 10 + 4 = 14

Logan held his shield up defensively to push away some of the thicket as he attempted to navigate through the dense growth. "I suppose killing it with fire is an option, but that would take awhile."

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Ken'ichi uses his knowledge of nature to avoid the deadly plants.

knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Old Bedlam is coming out as Benu gets more frustrated with this test. He begins cursing the plants under his breath as he looks for a clear path through the tangle.

Will Perception work?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Unfortunately the density of the plant life hampers both Bellius and Ken'ichi as they push forward. Vines reach out and slow their movement through the maze. Logan though has some keen insight into the workings of the maze and leads the way quickly through and out.

Benu: I could allow Perception but what are you looking for in the maze to get through quicker? Looking for patches of less dense plant life to push straight through?

Navigate the Maze
Bellius
Ifzari & Dhavak
Benu
Logan
Bahen
Ken’ichi

=

A ruined two-story building rises out of the forest, hugged by dense, thorny thickets on both sides. The front wall, ceiling, and floors have long since collapsed. Several support columns rise from the cellar, and the remains of a staircase up to the second floor look far too weak to support weight. The back door leads to clearer terrain, where the trail continues.

The fey stands waiting for you as he inspects one of the broken stones from the building. "Someone certainly found the forest appealing enough to settle here, certainly before the spread of the Darkblight throughout the wood. Their intrusion has left a lasting scar on this place, but I suppose we are kindred spirits to both have seen a home to fall to ruin."

"For now it is an obstacle and possibly the last in your way. Let us see how you contend with it."

Leaping between the sparse columns or climbing the columns would be the clearest way to navigate the floorless building. Otherwise creating a bridge or applied knowledge would be necessary to get through this quickly.

Get Through the Ruined Building
Bellius
Ifzari & Dhavak
Benu
Logan
Bahen
Ken’ichi

Test after test. Let's hope for sure feet here. "If it is the last, that will be welcome," Bellius says. He draws a deep breath and momentarily touches the Eye of Aroden on his cloak before attempting to traverse the building by leaping from column to column.

Acrobatics (taking 10): 10 + 8 = 18

Determined to see this test through to the end, Ken'ichi attempts to climb the columns to reach their goal.

Climb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

/sigh

"The key word there is 'possibly' probably." Logan followed after Bellius steps to help pull up any that needed help climbing up the column. "Team building exercise."

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Bahen will call upon the hellfire in his soul to burn his way in

Burning Hands: 2d4 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3

Then, Bahen will do his best to leap across the columns

Acrobatics, 40 foot move speed: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 4 = 26

With Dhavak now in her consciousness, Ifzari tries to find the better way in the plants.

Knowledge nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Then she tries leaping from column to column.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

As Bahen burns his way through the maze Grimpkin can't help but call out to him, "Oh what did those plants do to you? Aside from strangle the life from you I mean. Never mind, feel free to continue on."

Ifzari is able to pass by much of the plant life, identifying potions of non animate flora to bypass much of the maze.

=

Bellius, Logan and Bahen both are able to get across the columns with ease. Logan is able to give a bit of help to to Ifzari as the party begins making their way out of the ruins.

Rocks continue to crumble as Ken'ichi slides down and gets himself out of the cellar. "Who did you insult to be have your luck stripped from you? I would like to be keep far away from them."

Get Through the Ruined Building
Benu

If it is helpful and can be done quickly, Bellius can lower a rope down to help Benu up.

I could allow Perception but what are you looking for in the maze to get through quicker? Looking for patches of less dense plant life to push straight through?

That and maybe signs of where other things have passed through.

Benu tries to climb across the columns.

Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Bellius: It would certainly help.

Benu has a rough time getting though the building but with the effort of the entire party the group is through and find the Grimpkin again, reclining against a tree stump that the ale bird has rested upon.

"Congratulations are in order. You had some hardship on the run, but overall I feel your dedication commendable." Hitting his mug onto the stump he recalls the bird returns to the form of ale and fills his mug once more. "I'll see about finding some of your brethren in these woods and giving them some of my boons. You have earned that reward for them."

He gives a wave as he saunters back into the wood. With that the quiet that had overtaken the spirits slowly lifts as their wariness and trepidation are calmed.

=

As you approach within a final charge into the lair of the heart of the blight you see a dozen of the hundreds waiting there, tending to wounds and looking deeper into the woods.

Among them is Medda herself, along with her red hued phantom, as he tends to the wounded herself and accounts for various Pathfinder and Twinhorn teams. She takes notice of your arrival and after tending to a few others she comes to you with a request on her tongue.

"Something’s not right, Pathfinders. Only a fraction of our combined forces have made it here, and our scouts have found several groups mired by the terrain and beasts. However, there are just as many groups that are completely missing. If you have the strength to spare, please double back and find one or more of these teams. They may have run into more trouble than they can handle and need help."

Do you accept this mission?

Having made their way through the forest mostly unscathed, Ken'ichi breaths a sigh of relief. That feeling is quickly dispersed by the smell of the wounded. His thoughts fill with that of corpses and the dead, but he just as quickly suppresses the thoughts.

"If you have need of us," the samurai replies to Medda after hearing her request, bowing in respect to his elder, "Then how can we refuse?"

As the party approaches the larger group of Pathfinders, Bellius takes note of their low numbers. Looks like we were lucky.

After Medda's request, Bellius nods his head in agreement with Ken'ichi. "We are mostly whole, thanks to healing from Benu. And we have acquired the help of friendly spirits. We can search for the others."

Benu looks determined. "We can't just leave someone to die alone now can we?"

"I'm grateful for you dedication. One of the teams that has been reporting missing is a group of tengu warriors. See if you can locate them or aid another group that has been held back. Stay safe Pathfinders."

As the group heads backtracks there are a multitude of trails from the various creatures and travelers passing through the woods. The party will need to find the tracks and follow them to the Pathfinder group.

To find and follow the tracks quickly you will need to make a Knowledge (nature) or Survival check. Alternatively you can make a slightly harder Perception check.

Following the trail you find, you are beginning to find signs of some other creature that cross over their path and followed their trail after. Portions of the plant life have been burnt away by some caustic chemical and there are traces of some foul odor, like from a fetid swamp, along the trail as well. There are no prints left of the creature. In the place is a singular line that has been cleared across the ground.

With Craft (alchemy), Knowledge (dungeoneering) or Heal you can identify more about the properties of the toxin and be better able to make chance.

"I'm grateful for you dedication. One of the teams that has been reporting missing is a group of tengu warriors. See if you can locate them or aid another group that has been held back. Stay safe Pathfinders."

Ken'ichi tenses a little when he hears of the other tengu, but bows in agreement none-the-less.

As they make their way back into the forest, Ken'ichi does his best to look for the proper trail.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

It's been a while since Benu last went hunting...
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

...and he's a little rusty at picking up tracks.

Benu has been meaning to study about healing the sick, he is a cleric now...
Heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

...but maybe he's learned some things via osmosis.

Following the trail of damage the creature has dealt you are able to determine it is some sort of acid attack, but the damage can be seen even at a distance from the trail. From the trail itself the creature is an mastiff sized ooze, but the damage would indicate that, in addition to being able to inflict the acid with slams, it is capable of launching sickening acid blasts at a long range as well.

Eventually the trail leads into a cloaked tengu sitting near a tree holding one of his hands over a wound while another meekly attempts to raise a gun at your approach, but the bird doesn't even have the strength for that. It appears to be in no immediate threat of death, but he is near exhaustion and his communication is stunted and hard to draw out of him.

Ken'ichi lowers himself down to the wounded tengu cautiously. "We mean you no harm, friend. We are here to help. What happened to the creature that attacked you?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

On seeing the trail of acid through the woods, Bellius draws his bow, looking for signs of the direction that the ooze may have headed.

Survival (taking 10): 10 + 4 = 14

He continues through the woods, carefully studying the tengu who attempts to raise his gun (Studied Target +1) before deciding that the bird is not an immediate threat. He allows the other members of the group to deal with the injured Pathfinders, while he moves to the treeline and attempts to blend into the scenery (using the trees as a source of cover).

Stealth (taking 10): 10 + 8 = 18

While Ken'ichi and the other tengu are speaking, he carefully searches the surrounding area, attempting to locate any threats that might be approaching the party.

On the news that an ooze may be around, he switched to his bow since there was no good reason to get up close to one. After studying the wounded, he unstuck his healing wand from his back and held it out expectantly towards the more magical types. "Poke them for me. I can burn a couple of charges."