GM Chadius presents: Mysteries Under Moonlight (Standard Bravo) (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

Thanks Hanlin, for remembering Aura of Courage! Anyone within 10 feet of Serge gets +4 morale bonus on this save if it's fear-based. Looks like that is Hanlin, Noke, and Ginko. Serge himself is immune to all fear effects. Rolling save anyway, adjust my subsequent rolls appropriately if shaken.

Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Serge endures the swipe of the claws, ribbons of blood dripping down his legs. "Gah. Stand strong, friends. We will put this creature down."

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Fast on his feet thanks to Noke, he approaches the globe, but doesn't notice anything weird about it. Standing within 10 feet of the creature, he holds his greatsword out and taunts it.

Reading the block, I confused two different attacks. The ability she has causes slashing damage, has a higher Reflex Save DC, and roots you to the ground rather than scares you. But the attack is fear based. Since I screwed up, I'll rule in your favor. We'll use the listed DC and the lower damage with no secondary effects. You still need to save and you get the +4 bonus from Aura of Courage, though.

Anyone who gets within 25 feet of the central globe, please make a DC 20 Perception check.

Gitano vs Concealment, under 51 is a miss: 1d100 ⇒ 58
Gitano appears next to Tulvatha with his rapier nicking off a part of her jaw. "Ack! Where did you come from?"

Hanlin tries to back Gitano up with a spiritual weapon, but it fizzles and is dispelled immediately when it swings at Tulvatha. Failed to beat SR.

Round 2 - Resist Electricity 20, Haste
Tulvatha (12 damage)
Serge (14 damage, readied)
Gitano (Barkskin, 7 damage)
Ginko (9 HP False Life) (Needs DC 16 Will Save)
Hanlin (Shield of Faith +3)
Noke (See Invis, 14 HP False Life) (Needs DC 16 Will Save)

Current Map

I'll bot Ginko once Noke moves. It's much easier to bot someone when they play a pacifist.

"It's warded against magic, be warned fellows!" He tightens the grip on his longsword since it looks like he'll be needing it.

Will save: 1d20 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 6 = 12

Using 'Lessons of Chaldira' trait to reroll failed saving throw -> Will save: 1d20 + 4 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 6 = 20

Noke moves forward.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

[ooc]Swift action: - Reckoning: The invoker adds an insight bonus on damage rolls from attacks made with spells and natural attacks, gaining 1 point of damage per die rolled. At 8th level, the invoker gains a +4 bonus to confirm critical hits threatened with spells and natural attacks. At 16th level, the critical threat range of the invoker’s spells and natural attacks doubles, as if from Improved Critical. [/dice]

Noke sends a lightning bolt on the Tulvatha.

Lightning bolt, damage +1 per die, CL check for SR: 6d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 2, 2, 5, 2, 3) + 6 = 231d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Oh! Time for me to show up.

Ginko runs behind Serge and casts Cure Light Wounds.

CLW: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

"Stand tall, Serge. We'll finish this off soon. Already, I hear the sounds of the spirits calling to us..."

Perception: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (9) + 26 = 35

"Oh, that's bad. We just stepped into a haunted area. Focused on the globe. That's not good."

"Haunted?" Hanlin looks around.

K Religion: WTF is up with Haunted?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Noke lets a lightning bolt fly, but it fizzles as it reaches Tulvatha. Failed to beat SR.

Tulvatha appears and tries to shock Gitano before turning invisible again.
Invisible Touch Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Electric: 2d8 ⇒ (3, 2) = 5
Gitano is protected against electric attacks and ignores its effect.

Meanwhile, you all hear moaning and the wailing of souls from the central globe. A haunt manifests in front of you, and the souls of the fallen bite, claw and try to infest you.

Make a DC 16 Will Save. If you fail, you take negative energy damage and are shaken for 1 round. If you succeed you take half damage. It doesn't explicitly say it's a fear effect, but I say it is given the theme of the attack.

Damage if you fail: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 6, 6) = 18

Round 3 - Resist Electricity 20, Haste, Make a DC 16 Will Save
Tulvatha (12 damage, Invisible)
Serge (2 damage, readied) (Needs DC 16 Will Save)
Gitano (Barkskin, 7 damage) (Needs DC 16 Will Save)
Ginko (9 HP False Life) (Needs DC 16 Will Save)
Hanlin (Shield of Faith +3) (Needs DC 16 Will Save)
Noke (See Invis, 14 HP False Life) (Needs DC 16 Will Save)

Current Map

Will Save vs Fear Effect, Bless: DC16: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 1 = 20

Hanlin stands fast against the wailing souls. They scratch and claw at him but he knows. He sees his father, the look of doubt on the man's face. He's seen it so many times. Not this time Father. I can do this.

He reaches his palm out towards the orb. The souls reach back. "Iomedae! Calm the fallen, the corrupted, and the evil! We will cleanse this place!"

With that a surge of holy light surrounds his hand and channels into the orb! Not once.. but twice!

Dropping spear of purity for cure mod wounds vs the Haunt. Then using quickened channel against the haunt. I'm not 100% sure how channeling positive energy works vs the haunt vs healing allies. Is it separate or do I get to heal AND damage the haunt from the positive energy?

Cure Mod Wounds vs Haunt: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (6, 5) + 7 = 18
Quickened Channel vs Haunt: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 5, 1) = 10

Will DC16: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
The souls of the fallen bite and claw Gitano, trying to infest him and leaving him shaken. "Ouch! This haunt gives me the Jimmy-legs!"

Again, he swiftly calls upon Lady Luck.
Buff: Archaeologist's Luck + Fate's Favored trait = +2 luck bonus to attacks, damage, saves and skill checks. 2/10 Luck remaining.

Flanking Tulvatha with Hanlin, the Varisian thrusts his blade at the creature.
+1 adamantine rapier, haste, AL&FF, flank, shaken; Damage: 1d20 + 11 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 2 - 2 = 251d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

If an opponent makes a melee attack against Gitano, he will attempt an opportune parry and riposte...

Hanlin, you have to choose between healing the living and damaging the undead. I'll count this as "damaging the undead."

Hanlin pours positive energy into the Glade of Silver Sparks itself. He can feel some of the spirits calming down, but not enough to end the threat.

Now that Tulvatha can tell where he is, she evades his rapier.

Reminder that Tulvatha is currently invisible. You don't have to guess her square if you took the Blessing of Ashava, but you do need to make a 50% concealment roll.

Didn't Noke use some sort of 'glitterdust' type thing earlier?

Here

Noke casts glitterdust on the invisible being!

DC 18

Stardust lasts until round 4, you are correct Hanlin.

Will Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Tulvatha groans as sparkles fall into her eyes. "Gah! Damn you and your magic!"

Will Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Serge manages to avoid some of the damage. "Tulvatha! May Ragathiel strike you down!" He marches forward and strikes, white flames licking the end of his greatsword.

Greatsword, Smite Evil, Haste, PA: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 - 2 = 302d6 + 14 ⇒ (4, 4) + 14 = 22
Crit?: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 - 2 = 292d6 + 14 ⇒ (1, 3) + 14 = 18
Add 4 damage to reach roll if Tulvatha is an outsider with the evil subtype

Unable to see, Tulvatha only hears a single word: REVENGE

Serge feels Ragathiel's might surge through him. With a single stroke, he splits Tulvatha in half. Her skull-like shape disintegrates immediately, but the star-pattern in her eyes linger for a moment before disappearing. Without someone to focus it, the malevolent fog dissipates harmlessly. The tormented souls may finally go to rest. A joyful mass of howls erupt somewhere within the forest.

Combat Over with a well-timed crit. Ragathiel celebrates Canada Day, I guess..

It is simple enough to follow the moonlit path to leave the forest. The blessing of Ashava fades away. The celestial werewolves feel the blessing fade as the moon sets and the sun rises. When the image of the moon on your palm fades, you are back to your normal self. The sun peeks over the horizon by the time you return to Magnimar and report to the Heidmarch manor.

“Your bravery and good work should be a shining example to the Pathfinder Society, my friends. Thank you.” The yamah takes in a shaking breath as he blinks back the tears forming in his eyes. “You have secured the Glade of Silver Sparks as a beacon of hope and peace for the lost once more. For that you have my eternal gratitude, as well, I am sure, of Ashava herself. I will try to help rebuild the site to itself former state. Perhaps in time, other devotees of my lady will find their way to the glade and take up the mantle of my fallen companions. Until then I will do what I can, alone.” He sighs and offers a sad smile. “May Ashava’s grace carry you through many serene days, Pathfinders.”

Noke remained still when the skull shattered and then tried to understand the magic that had allowed it to manifest ... the Dark Archives want to learn to be able to contain!

* * *

Noke just smiles when they are praised..

"I am just glad we were able to banish the evil. And we were really brave in battle! Super important for Chaldira."

With a rousing cheer Hanlin nudges Serge with the flat of his blade at a masterful stroke "Serge my man! What a swing Sir, WHAT A SWING!" With a smile and a handshake, Hanlin congratulates the party on a victorious battle.

"Great work team, great work. The fog is lifting and the voices are silenced. It looks like we've succeeded here. Let's double check we haven't missed anything important before we head back."

After some searching around Hanlin takes a discarded stone and carves his holy symbol into it, along with his initials, placing it near the shrine as an offering. "A remembrance that the Gods can and did work together for a noble goal. May Iomedae and Ashava continue to in the future."

-----------------------

Hanlin is happy to receive any well wishes and thanks, doing his best to accept the gratitude with humility but also the proper reverance it deserves. He passes on the story of his token left at the altar so it won't be viewed as a sign of disrespect. "I hope you find help in keeping your shrine quickly. We heard cheers echo through the wood once the evil was vanquished. The wolves of the area should make good neighbors once more."

As far as Faction Goals... did we accomplish the first here? If not then Hanlin will organize an event for the second:

Defeat a divine spellcaster whose patron is an evil deity and whose CR is at least equal to your character level.

Forgo your Downtime and succeed at a Diplomacy, Knowledge (local), or Perform (oratory) check with a DC equal 15 + your character level to organize a charity event. Alternatively, donate resources worth 100 gp per character level to charity. Taking 10 completes this DC

"Serge, I think you might have saved my life, brother. My luck had almost run out," Gitano flashes a Sczarni grin. "Almost."

"Well done, team. We should consider future ventures."

The Varisian turns to the yamah. "This adventure will make an amazing tale to tell everyone from here to the ends of the world!" As long as someone offers me a pint of dark, dry stout or a wee dram of whisky. And a coin or two for the performance. Or a pretty lass's smile.

Then a thought occurs to him. "Is there any way we might help you restore the glade to its former glory faster?"

"Whew." Serge's breathing slows as the battle comes to an end. "I dare say it, but perhaps my poor luck has finally come to end?" He laughs. "Glad to have been able to help when it mattered most."

Back in Magnimar, Serge is relieved to finally be out of the strange coat of fur that he'd worn for the past few hours. His armor pulls against his body though, and he finds his speed back to what it was: slow. Regardless, the paladin cling-clangs with his big full plate all the way back to Heidmarch Manor. "I would gladly travel with all of you again. And I now know what it might feel like to become a wolf." He laughs, but then his face turns solemn. "Since we are in Magnimar, I would like to pay my cousin's grave a visit outside the Temple of Iomedae. Feel free to join me. If not, I hope to see you again for future Society work."

The Mushfens return to normal over the next few days. Luvyire returns to his glade and mourns his fallen allies. Then he rebuilds and resumes his dances. He invites Gitano and Hanlin to aid him, even if they are novices.

Cybelle and Mairisse are deeply thankful for the Pathfinder Society’s help. They continue to patrol the Mushfens, but they send missives to the Heidmarch Manor, asking for more information and assistance from the agents.

Those who travel around the Mushfens hear tales of a thriving band of wolves. Those with connections know Windcaller has grown confident in her leadership and continues the band in the Riverfang’s name. The real Riverfang.

Serge spends some time with an old friend at the local Temple. For one night at least, his mind is calm.

And what of the rest of you?
Thanks for playing, everyone. Feel free to RP your epilogue while you review the chronicle sheets.

Hanlin nods in agreement and heads off with Serge "So tell me of your cousin my friend. Was he a devoted of my warrioress?" He asks, always curious why others have joined his ranks, since he was born into it.