GM Valen |
You have each been handed a copy of map and a missive by Kreighton Shane.
"Remmy" Shri Colo |
Remmy, a small black ratfolk with incredibly thick glasses that make his eyes look 4 times to large for his head, sniffs at the missive.
S-s-smells like him. The little ratfolk stutters out.
And j-j-just when I was going to try a n-new soufflé recipe to. He opines.
He smiles at his new comrades.
My name is ShriColo in my native tongue. But most everyone j-j-just calls me R-remmy. Some kind of human j-j-joke I think.
Facing you, you can see that he has all sorts of baubles and trophies hanging from his neck and robe, as well as vials filled with spices and herbs.
I'll be happy to c-c-cook for everyone on this t-trip. It's what I d-d-do. He smiles, showing off his very large pointy buck teeth.
Let me k-k-know if you have any r-r-requests... o-o-otherwise, we should p-p-probably get going s-soon.
Madam Wan |
A tiny, spindly woman the color of deep shadows examines the map thoughtfully. She wears a cuirass of boiled leather, dyed deep gray to match the robes of rough silk underneath it. The only spots of color on her are the jeweled heads of two pins holding her long black hair in place.
"Wànlíngdān, or just Wan if you prefer," she says in response to Remmy's introduction. The first version has the distinctive tones of the Tian language.
"I've never been to Korvosa. Have any of you?"
GM Valen |
As the Pathfinders contemplate their arrival in at the museum mentioned in the Shane's missive, they may wish to research the City of Korvosa, the Shoanti, and Montlarion Jeggare before arriving at the museum.
You have learned that Fort Korvosa was constructed by Chelish marines under the command of Field Marshal Jakthion Korvosa. Once completed, it served as a defensive position from which settlers and explorers would enter Varisia. Korvosa has since become a major cosmopolitan city. Imps, otyughs, and shrew flies pose concerns for unsuspecting visitors.
A result greater than 15, provides the information beneath the following spoiler:
A result greater than 20, provides the information beneath the following spoiler:
"Remmy" Shri Colo |
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
I-I-I've never been myself. Remmy says.
But I have s-s-studied the region in a bit in my s-s-search for rare s-s-spices from the region.... you see, Fort Korvosa was...
He begins to rattle facts and information off as he goes. Feel free to look under all the spoilers.You notice as he rattles off the information that he doesn't stutter even once, and it sounds more like he's reading from a book than actually having a discussion.
Garrick Preston |
A young human wearing plate armor that is almost too big introduces himself, "Umm...hello. Ah, I'm Garrick! It's nice to meet you."
The fresh-faced Pathfinder is obviously impressed with Remmy's knowledge of the area. "I'm glad you studied so much, Remmy. I think the closest I've been is the Fangwood--is that very near Korvosa?"
He smiles politely and tries to make a half-bow toward Madame Wan, though the maneuver is made wobbly by the weight of the long katana strapped to his back, and he is blushing as he straightens up and regains his balance.
You can just hear him whisper to himself, "I know she's from Tian Xia, Shirota! I'm doing my best!" before he hides the comment in a poorly-disguised fake coughing fit.
Enora Elberion |
A halfling woman in deep blue robes barely looks up from the book she is reading, "Now that is intriguing. I have read about the Jeggare family, there are still members in the Society today."
Then she puts down her book, "Apologies, really, this is just a series of very intriguing conjectures. Charmed to meet you all," She smiles, "My soubriquet is Enora."
"Remmy" Shri Colo |
Remmy smiles.
P-p-pleasure to meet you both. I hope goat is alright for t-t-tonight's dinner? I've got all the f-f-fixings for some delicious goat curry, or i can f-f-fix something p-plainer if you p-p-prefer.
Balin Fireforge |
Balin moves into the room. He wears armor and carries a large axe on his back.
A boat!? ah dunnae kinn abit 'at Ah didne hae a guid experience th' lest time Ah was oan a boat!"
Knowledge local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
He rubs his beard and turns to the party.
"We micht coopon imps, otyughs, an' shrew flies"
He turns to Remmy "Goat hmmm i've hud goat but aam partial tae pig myself."
Taariik |
Taarik is a massive Solar Ifrit. His hair is blazing and burning so that he is almost warm his surroundings.
He has a greatsword and a bardiche on his back, a longsword at his side and a heavy shield in his hand.
He wears a fullplate that looks like it has been recently oiled.
Resting on top of his chest, an amulet showing the holy symbol of Irori is visible.
Taarik is standing as if in a medidative stance.
Taarik's eyes turn red when he sees you and he walks forward.
"Team, it is an honor to walk the road to perfection with you. I was sent to aid you and it seems that I arrived in time." Taarik says in a crackling voice.
GM Valen |
The gangs' all here! Let's begin!
Following the directive of the Master of Scrolls, you arrive in the City of Korvosa, the largest city found in the wilderness area known as Varisia, and the seat of one of three city-states that claim independent authority over their individual holdings in the region. Moving through the city, you make your way to the Heights district where the striking marble edifices of the Jeggare Museum rise above the surrounding terrain.
Upon arrival, atop the grand stone stairway that leads to the museum's prominent grand entryway, you are greeted by a red-haired man sporting spectacles and well-kept beard.
Picture available in Slides.
“Welcome to my museum Pathfinders! I am Mercival Jeggare, the head curator.” declares the portly man adorned in a frock coat and ruffled blouse. The scholarly figure gestures toward a grand entryway dotted with displays of weapons, artwork, and fossilized remains. “Come in, come in! Always a pleasure to host members of the Society. I assume this is in regards to the missive I received from Mr. Shane?”
Garrick Preston |
"Er, yes! Master Shane did send us. Did he mention to you that we were looking for a "speaking artifact"? Our notes at the Grand Lodge suggest that one of your ancestors, Montlarion Jeggare, might have had possession of it--or at least seen it." Garrick shift from side to side, peering around Jeggare to peak inside the museum.
GM Valen |
"A 'speaking artifact', yes? Yes, quite intriguing. Just what that may be, however, I am unsure." Mercival ponders for a few moments, then suggests, "Adding an enchanted mouth could make an artifact speak, I suppose. But, I am aware of no such artifact within my family's collection. I'm afraid. Have you any other description?"
Noting Garrick peeking inside, the curator adds quickly, "Come in! Come in! I'd be quite pleased to show you around, if you'd like."
Taariik |
Taarik scratches his flaming hair.
”There was also a hint that this involves a false rider. And shonati. I don’t know more. But you seem very wise and knowledgeable. Any help is great. Yes, great! Thanks!“
Diplomacy : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
GM Valen |
"A 'rider' may suggest someone mounted or else a proviso or alteration of some prior statement or decree.” the curator suggests.
"As for Shoanti artifacts, why you would be pressed to find a more extensive collection, I would think."
“Most of the exhibits displayed here were collected by my family and ancestors." Mercival continues as he begins to walk, then gestures for you to follow. "Of particular note is the esteemed Montlarion Jeggare. Presently, some personal effects of his are undergoing restoration for public debut. Antiques from Korvosa’s founding, vestiges of conquered Shoanti tribes, and ancient rune-etched artifacts account for the bulk of the collection. In recent years, the collection’s expanded to include treasures from other all over Golarion. Why just this morning, we procured several Tian antiquities.”
GM Valen |
Balin looks around. "Great lets look at the Tian items"
"I'd be happy to show you both the recently acquired Tian items and those in our Shoanti collection." replies Mercival. "The Tian items undergoing restoration. We'll be passing by the Shoanti gallery on our way the restoration room, should you wish to split up and view both simultaneously."
Taariik |
”We stay together! Always!“ Taarik says.
Enora Elberion |
Enora smiles up at the warrior, "Absolutely!" then she turns apologetically to Mercival, "It is one of the Master of Blades' first lessons. Very apropos, in the largest regard..."
Enora pauses to admire a vase, "How startling?!" before following on.
GM Valen |
The curator leads you past a variety of exhibits, before stopping in an expansive exhibition hall. "This room is the largest gallery containing Shoanti artifacts." he notes.
Skylights illuminate the gallery. Exhibits displayed within decorative alcoves include several wooden totems and tools. More wood-carved pieces rest within a raised exhibition area to the north.
A massive glass-walled case dominates the center of the gallery and holds three bound volumes of the Pathfinder Chronicles. To the south, a table bears two metal chests as another holds two carved reliefs.
Suddenly, a resounding “crack!” and cascade of wood dust heralds the fall of an enormous glass skylight before it shatters upon the marbled floor.
Map of Gallery now revealed on Slides. Please place your token in the dotted, green starting area. Also, for each PC, please roll Initiative.
Garrick Preston |
"Oh my! No time to admire the artifacts!"
Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
"Remmy" Shri Colo |
Init: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Remmy squeeks in fear and dives behind Garrick, sticking his head out, his glasses tilted on his head.
WHAT'S T-T-T-THAT!?
Taariik |
"Beware!" Taarik shouts.
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
GM Valen |
Random placement of Enora and Taarik tokens: 2d8 ⇒ (7, 6) = 13
Even as shards of glass skitter across the stone floor, a torrent of buzzing insects flood into the gallery.
"Shrew flies!" Mercival cries out in horror. Yet, the curator regains his composure quickly, barking to the Pathfinders, "They will devour whatever they can. Protect the artifacts, I beg of you, whilst I go and retrieve a means to deal with these ravagers!"
The curator rushes towards the entry way even as the flying horde approaches.
Blue swarm, Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Red swarm, Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Yellow swarm, Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
[spoiler=Knowledge (DC 12+)]These are indeed swarms of shrew flies! These insects are drawn to items as food.
Devour (Ex): The swarm causes damage to unattended objects in its space each round as though they were creatures It even damages inedible objects.
With a result of 17+, you also know the information under the following spoiler:
[Voracious (Ex): The swarms attacks deal double damage to creatures with the plant subtype and to objects made of paper, wood, or other plant materials.
With a result of 22+, you may request additional information.
COMBAT ROUND ONE
PCs in bold may act
Remi
Blue swarm
Madam Wan
Enora
Taarik
Balin
Garrick
Red swarm
Yellow swarm
"Remmy" Shri Colo |
Sorry guys, started my new job this week and my access has been reduced.
Knowlege: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Those things eat objects! We have to kill them, quickly! Remmy cries.
He leaps forward and pulls off his backpack, shaking out.... last night's leftovers? The curry SPLAT'S onto the ground and the bones of the goat start to shake and tumble in place for a moment before forming up into the skeleton of a goat! A curry covered skeleton goat!
Go on! Be a distraction!
Remmy waves the thing as it moves over to one of the swarms and bleats before attacking it.
Knowlege: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Bite: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Our curry goat has 4 health, but DR 5 versus bludgeoning, so it might stick around for a moment and distract.
GM Valen |
The skeleton snaps at the swarm, but it does not have any beginner's luck.
The mass of insects, which now envelops much of the gallery like a thick, greenish-black cloud, begins to twist and writhe. A group of shrew flies form something akin to a tendril, extending from the cloud before breaking off. This smaller, newly-formed swarm of shrew flies towards one of the artifacts, a wooden chest.
Plant material artifacts now indicated on map in green.
Damage, voracious: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4
The shrew flies cover the ornate carvings lining the exterior of the chest.
COMBAT ROUND ONE CONT'D
PCs in bold may act
Remmy
Blue swarm
Madam Wan
Enora
Taarik
Balin
Garrick
Red swarm
Yellow swarm
Garrick Preston |
Garrick moves over and grabs the nearest carved object, trying to heft it over his shoulder.
Are the Pathfinder Chronicles marked on the map?
GM Valen |
Garrick moves over and grabs the nearest carved object, trying to heft it over his shoulder.
Are the Pathfinder Chronicles marked on the map?
They are not marked. However, they are within the glass case in the middle of the gallery.
Taariik |
Taarik retrieves a flask of alchemist fire and takes a small step.
He then throws the fire on the yellow swarm.
Fire, touch, range -4 : 1d20 + 0 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 0 - 4 = 16
Crit confirm, Fire, touch, range -4 : 1d20 + 0 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 0 - 4 = -3
Folio reroll @ 2 stars, Crit confirm, Fire, touch, range -4 : 1d20 + 0 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 0 - 4 = 16
Fire damage : 2d6 ⇒ (5, 6) = 11 +50% = 16 damage
GM Valen |
Can I cast Burning Hands without burning down the museum or damaging any artefacts?
Plant material artifacts within the spell effect would be subject to catching fire like any other unattended, flammable object.
GM Valen |
@ Taariik - Save your reroll. Swarms are not subject to critical hits.
Garrick Preston |
I think carefully aimed burning hands is still our best bet. Sorry, not much good against swarms!
GM Valen |
The well-placed flash of alchemical fire incinerates a throng of shrew flies, but the buzzing swarm (yellow) continues undeterred.
Another group of swarming insects (red) descend upon an ornately carved bowl.
Damage, voracious: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4
Under the insect onslaught, it slowly begins to resemble a sieve.
Still more shrew flies alight on wooden holy symbol, blackening it with their exoskeletons.
Damage, voracious: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6
COMBAT ROUND TWO BEGINS
PCs in bold may act
Remmy
Blue swarm
Madam Wan
Enora
Taarik
Balin
Garrick
Red swarm
Yellow swarm -7 HP
Bowl -1
"Remmy" Shri Colo |
Remmy cries out as the bugs begin to chow down on the artifacts.
T-two can Play at that game!
He runs up and leaps into the air, snapping at the insects with his sharp teeth, as the goat follows suit.
Claw: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Damage: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Goat: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
GM Valen |
Neither the ratfolk nor his undead companion are able to make a connection with the flitting bugs.
Many of the ravenous insects (blue swarm) continue their assault on the ornately-carved, wooden chest.
Damage, voracious: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 5) = 9
COMBAT ROUND TWO CONT'D
PCs in bold may act
Remmy
Blue swarm
Madam Wan
Enora
Taarik
Balin
Garrick
Red swarm
Yellow swarm -7 HP
Bowl -1
Chest -4
Garrick Preston |
Are these bugs small enough that they are immune to weapon damage?
GM Valen |
Are these bugs small enough that they are immune to weapon damage?
Yes. Individual shrew flies are size Fine. A swarm composed of Fine or Diminutive creatures is immune to all weapon damage.
On the other hand, the swarm takes half again as much damage (+50%) from spells or effects that affect an area, such as splash weapons and many evocation spells.
Enora's magical flames incinerate a large portion of the shrew flies that were devouring the wooden bowl (red swarm).
COMBAT ROUND TWO CONT'D
PCs in bold may act
Remmy
Blue swarm
Madam Wan
Enora
Taarik
Balin
Garrick
Red swarm -15 HP
Yellow swarm -7 HP
Bowl -1
Chest -4
Garrick Preston |
Garrik will move up and toss an alchemist fire at the red swarm, wooden totem tucked under his other arm.
Spirit Bonus, Seance Boon
alchemist fire: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 for fire: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10
If that misses, I'll use spirit surge on the attack roll
Spirit Surge: 1d6 ⇒ 6
GM Valen |
The medium's aim with the alchemical substance is somewhat off, but by allowing his connection with the occult to hold sway over his throw, he manages to catch the remaining insects devouring the bowl within the flames!
COMBAT ROUND TWO CONT'D
PCs in bold may act
Remmy
Blue swarm
Madam Wan
Enora
Taarik
Balin
Garrick
Red swarm -30 HP
Yellow swarm -7 HP
Bowl -1
Chest -4