GM Hawthwile's What the Helms Hide (Inactive)

Game Master Hawthwile

"As ready as any junior Pathfinder is to meet the leadership of the society. Which is to say, not at all!"

Genryl gives a grin at the reactions of his colleagues. "Well, I'm excited to see the leadership of the society. It speaks to the importance of what is being done here. Also might be a good idea to calm down. Nervousness can ruin an impression. Alright let's practice some deep breathing. In..... Out...."

"Excellent!" Shaine pulls open the door to reveal a large library well-worn with age. Shelves packed with tomes and scrolls line the walls, and several statues have apparently been placed here for safekeeping as they huddle together in one corner. Several display cases - some empty, some full - create hints of hallways and paths within the space.

Two masked figures stand in the center of the room. One wears a helm resembling flowing water that seems to ripple and shift with their movements, while the other's mask resembles a steel whorl with three eyeholes. Both figures nod, but say nothing as the Pathfinders enter the room.

"Alright then, " Shaine continues, clapping his hands excitedly, "go ahead and unlock Eylysia's final message!"

What do you do?

When in doubt, stall. Khabash clears his throat and removes his notes from a belt pouch. "Master Shaine, members of the Decemvirate. What started as a simple question of history soon turned into something more. Not entirely unexpected, of course. As Pathfinders, we often, ah, encounter situations where even the ancient past is still very much with us. Before we do what you ask, I have a question for you, and also for them. Why was Eylysia allowed to live, after what she supposedly tried to do?" While waiting for the answer, the alchemist peers around the room, looking particularly at the statues for anything familiar from the recent travels.

"Indeed! It's as though the past never really leaves us, isn't it?" Shaine answers delightedly. "As for your questions about Eylysia, well, we're hoping your discoveries will help shed some light on that." His brow suddenly furrows in worry, and he leans in closer to the junior Pathfinders. "You, uh, did find those clues she left behind, didn't you?"

What do you do?

Aha! I have it! Score one for stalling! With more confidence in his voice, Khabash replies, "Yes, of course. Our first task was to obtain a 'speaking artifact' from the Jeggare Museum. We learned it was likely the base for this horse totem, which may be present here. At least, we have indications that Helven Leroung took it away, perhaps to Absalom.

"Next, we journeyed to the Rising Spire in search of a story. It is recorded on these tablets here, of a dwarf named Jorgar Ironbellows. Jorgar slew his father for his inheritance, and was in turn slain by his son for the same reason. The moral is to avoid selfishness and put the interests of your fellow dwarves ahead of your own. When I touched the tablets I had a vision, which I believe was of Eylysia herself. In the vision she lamented that the tale was not heeded in the Grand Lodge, and asked me to sing it the next time I was there.

"Finally, we recovered Autumn's Cowl from a grove in the Arthfell Forest. We also found a note from Eylysia, about hoods illuminating truth while masks shelter deceit. I believe that if we can find the base for the totem, the combination of it, the Cowl, and the story will provide the answers we seek."

"Oh, excellent!" Shaine claps his hands delightedly as Khabash continues. "I will admit I was curious about this statue you wrote back about as well, so I started poking around our earlier collections of Shoanti artifacts and found a few that might be of interest." The Master of Scrolls gestures towards the middle of the room, where several statues and totems of differing sizes sit expectantly.

"Now do hurry! I know, I know, 'it's all in the past', but the suspense is killing me!" The elf is almost vibrating with excitement now. The two members of the Decemvirate continue to watch, their faces inscrutable beneath their masks.

What do you do?

Khabash glances at the others before walking over to the middle of the room, examining the cache of items for something that looks like the horse totem would sit on it. His hands shake slightly, though there is no obvious reason why. Deep breaths. Exit is over there, if I have to make a run for it.

Khabash takes only a few seconds to spot a totem base carved to resemble a horse with a small indentation on its back. He also notices a familiar-looking crate nearby that has been opened. Inside sits the rider totem the Pathfinders discovered in Korsova at the Jeggare museum. "Oh yes, that arrived earlier today," Shaine explains hurriedly.

What do you do?

Spar follows Khabash. He nods at the masked Decemvirs.

"This a ritual? We put the rider on the horse and sing the song and something should happen?" he asks Khabash and the others.

Khabash nods absently. "I *think* so, but I don't know how the Cowl is involved. Maybe it just has to be here?"

Zornesk stands and watches.

I wonder how the Cowl fits in

"Hunh. Let's say the cowl just needs to be here. It would makes since that the cowl wearer should do the doing, right? Good detective work Khabash."

Eranahu will place the rider on the horse very reverently.

"What was the song you heard Khabash? Let's sing it."

"Maybe the cowl must be raised, like in Eylysia's message?" Spar adds, scratching his head with a sound like shifting rocks.

"Oh, yes. That's right.". Eranahu quickly lifts the hood at Salpa's suggestion.

Waiting to see if the matter is taken out of our hands.

Eranahu places the rider totem on the carved-horse base where it fits snuggly, then raises the hood of the autumn cowl over his head to cover his face. Shaine and the two members of the Decemvirate watch - Shaine with interest on his face, the other two unreadable beneath their masks - but say nothing. The young Pathfinders wait for something to happen, but nothing changes.

What do you do?

"Well, nothing to it but to do it." Clearing his throat, MacDermot steps forward. "I hope I can get the melody right." He begins to croon the dwarven song in a deep rumbling voice.

Perform Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Smiling at the croaking, in a pleasing way, MacDermot, Eranahu joins in as well.

Perform: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

As he 'sings' his face turns a slight shade of red as he can't seem to harmonize with Mac's deep voice. Eranahu's may even crack once or twice as he tries to mimic the sound.

MacDermot's voice echoes off the walls of the library, mixing with Eranahu's spirited (if somewhat tone-deaf) accompaniment. The sounds changes as the bard continues, the echoes becoming muffled as if the stone walls were becoming padded. The Pathfinders look up at their surroundings, watching as the research library blurs and relics on the shelves seem to age in reverse. Items and furniture shuffle rapidly about the room until finally the movement comes to a halt.

The room now stands arrayed much differently than it was just a few moments before, and strange swirling clouds of blurred space wend throughout the area. At the center of the library stands a gnome woman with faded teal hair. "There you are!" she exclaims. "About time you got here!"

As the Pathfinders look at each other, they realize that their companions have changed - and so have they...

Each of you is now inhabiting one of Eylysia's companions, granting you a different appearance and extra abilities in addition to your own. Select one of the companions on this slide and place your token next to theirs. Only one player per companion, so first come first served.

What do you do?

Hey, MacDermott can punch now!

Probably the same gnome that Khabash saw in his vision. Is there anyone else in the room?

Genryl looks about the new room and pauses for a moment, blinking as he realizes that something is off... were gnomes ever that tall. And good grief those humans, elves and half-elves are positively towering above everyone! It takes the man a moment to realize he's the on who is smaller, as he tugs at the odd clothes and realizes he recognizes no one in the room. He quickly finds a mirror in the mess of a belt pouch on his belt and then gives a bark of laughter as he sees a gnome staring back at him. Readjusting the eyebrows, he mentally tests his divine connection to Halcamora and is relived to find that it still is there. In a higher, squeakier and much faster paced voice, Genryl comments, "Sorry I got distracted there, Why were you waiting for us again?"

"I'm expecting Veldrid any minute," Eylysia continues as the Pathfinders come to terms with their altered appearances. "We need to confront her with what we know and convince her to turn on the others. Once their deeds are revealed, they'll have no choice but to resign."

The large double doors to the library swing open as she speaks, admitting three figures wearing Decemvirate helms: one eyeless and triple-flanged, another topped with stag antlers, and the third a crystal-studded black domino mask.

Eylysia blanches, but quickly covers up her shock with a smile. "So... I take it you aren't willing to play nice?"

"It is the Decemvirate's will that your investigations cease," declares the antler-helmed figure in the strangely-neutral voice produced by the helms. The figure behind the eyeless helm nods, and the domino-masked figure hesitates before also nodding.

"I wonder whether your other colleagues would agree." Eylysia draws herself up to her full forty-two inches of height. "I doubt they'll agree with your perspective once they know what I know."

The figure in the eyeless mask draws their sword. "Then you understand why we cannot let you live."

For the sake of immersion, I'd love to use the 'alternate' tokens for this encounter. If this is too distracting for you as a player, feel free to swap out your alternate token for your regular one. Your characters still recognize each other as both who you actually are and which of Eylysia's companions you are inhabiting at the moment.

Memory
Round 1! Bold may act!
Khabash (+5)
Blue
Zornesk (+5)
Eranahu (+5)
Genryl (+5)
Green
Eylysia
MacDermot (+5)
Red
Spar (+5)

Environmental Effects:
- Blue misty streams give concealment (20% miss chance) to creatures within or on opposite sides
- Sera's presence grants all PC's a +1 morale bonus to saving throws and 5 temporary hitpoints

What do you do?

Unclear on what is happening but concerned about the person who's drawn a sword and threatened him, Khabash drinks a shield extract and advances cautiously through one of the mist streams.

Hah! I love it Khabash!

The figure in the horned helm slips a bow from his shoulder and stalks through the mist, watching MacDurmot with an uncomfortable amount of attention.

Memory
Round 1! Bold may act!
Khabash (+5)
Blue
Zornesk (+5)
Eranahu (+5)
Genryl (+5)
Green
Eylysia
MacDermot (+5)
Red
Spar (+5)

Environmental Effects:
- Blue misty streams give concealment (20% miss chance) to creatures within or on opposite sides
- Sera's presence grants all PC's a +1 morale bonus to saving throws and 5 temporary hitpoints

What do you do?

Agh! Don't know how to change my profile pic. lol

Eranahu will likewise slip a bow off of his, her?, shoulder. Looking down at his (her) body, he is at first very uncomfortable with his newfound sexiness. He then notices the holy symbol to Desna.

At least Erastil and Desna get along. This is fine. Weird, but fine.

He then moves up to the podium(?) to shield Eylysia and ready an action to fire off a shot at any aggressors.

readied shot: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 171d8 ⇒ 7

miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 92

Go to "My Organized Play," find your character, and click the Edit button.

Genryl furrows his brows and then pulls out a small thing of 'wine' though this proves to be a Tian rice wine and not a true grape wine. He sighs mentally and instead focuses on helping the melee combatants out instead. He slides next to Salpa-Barbarian and starts to incant a spell, drawing magic through the wine and infusing it with power.

Full round to cast Enlarge Person... assuming his half-elf-ness allows for it.

Zornesk stays by the podium and readies an attack.

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Protect her!"

For those readying ranged attacks, please be sure to have a clear trigger for your action (such as an enemy within X ft, an enemy casting a spell, etc.) so we're all on the same page as to when they happen.

Also, Spar merely looks like a half-elf - but he is still very much an outsider and not a valid target for the spell. @Genryl, do you want to change your actions or switch who you plan to target with the spell?

As Eranahu and Zornesk move into defensive positions and call out orders, another voice rises above them.

"You who would deny the will of the Decemvirate, flee while you can! The mightiest of the Pathfinder Society will show their enemies no mercy!"

The strangely-neutral words seem to bolster the other helmed figures as the one in the domino mask advances on the junior agents.

Memory
Round 1! Bold may act!
Khabash (+5)
Blue
Zornesk (+5)
Eranahu (+5)
Genryl (+5)
Green
Eylysia
MacDermot (+5)
Red
Spar (+5)

Environmental Effects:
- Blue misty streams give concealment (20% miss chance) to creatures within or on opposite sides
- Sera's Khabash's presence grants all PC's a +1 morale bonus to saving throws and 5 temporary hitpoints

What do you do?

Continuing to sing the dwarven song, MacDermot moves to advance when he hears Zornesk's command. Nodding, he instead steps back to close ranks.

Inspire Courage is up.

Beneath the cacophony, the last helmed figure moves in next to Khabash, a rapier held ready in their hand.

Spar merely looks like a half-elf - but he is still very much an outsider and not a valid target for the spell enlarge person. @Genryl, do you want to change your actions or switch who you plan to target with the spell?

Memory
Round 2! Bold may act!
Spar (+5)
Khabash (+5)
Blue
Zornesk (+5)
Eranahu (+5)
Genryl (+5)
Green
Eylysia
MacDermot (+5)
Red

Environmental Effects:
- Blue misty streams give concealment (20% miss chance) to creatures within or on opposite sides
- Sera's Khabash's presence grants all PC's a +1 morale bonus to saving throws and 5 temporary hitpoints
- Inspire Courage +1

What do you do?

Spar sees an enemy come within range, and though his form is that of a limber half-elf, he still moves with his normal ponderousness. He stalks up to the rapier-wielding figure, drawing his scimitar as he walks. It drips acid as he strikes at the foe.

Move, free action to draw weapon as part of a move, swift for elemental infusion.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 and acid: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Dang, should have known that Spar was not going to be valid target... Genryl will switch to using his growth domain ability instead.

Genryl, realizing that the basis of Spar is still an outsider and not humanoid, he instead flicks a bit of the rice 'wine' onto the Oread and draws out his spear. He then uses the clear wine in his hands to anoint himself and call for the favor of Halcamora on to her follower and his spear.

Switching to using his growth domain ability and casting divine favor instead. Spar's attack was probably a 1d8 there.

No worries - this is certainly not a common occurrence in Society play.

Spar damage, Idina, Inspire Courage: 1d8 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 12

Spar lumbers forward and deals a devastating cut with his scimitar! The helmed figure grunts in pain, but remains standing.

Memory
Round 2! Bold may act!
Spar (+5)
Khabash (+5)
Blue
Zornesk (+5)
Eranahu (+5)
Genryl (+5)
Green
Eylysia
MacDermot (+5)
Red (-13)

Environmental Effects:
- Blue misty streams give concealment (20% miss chance) to creatures within or on opposite sides
- Sera's Khabash's presence grants all PC's a +1 morale bonus to saving throws and 5 temporary hitpoints
- Inspire Courage +1

What do you do?

Khabash takes a short step back, shaking his hair out of his eyes impatiently as he draws his crossbow and shoots at Red. The bolt goes over the decemvir's head, though.

Light crossbow attack, incl. PBS & IC: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 11

The clatter of the bolt striking the far wall is muffled, much like the sound of footsteps as the horned figure advances into the strange blue mist. They pull an arrow from their quiver in an easy, practiced motion and loose it at MacDermot...

Blue Longbow, Studied Target, Inspire Courage vs MacDermot AC 19: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 10
Miss chance, 1 = Miss: 1d5 ⇒ 4
Piercing damage, ST, IC: 1d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

...but the grippli/dwarf ducks the missile easily.

Memory
Round 2! Bold may act!
Spar (+5)
Khabash (+5)
Blue
Zornesk (+5)
Eranahu (+5)
Genryl (+5)
Green
Eylysia
MacDermot (+5)
Red (-13)

Environmental Effects:
- Blue misty streams give concealment (20% miss chance) to creatures within or on opposite sides
- Sera's Khabash's presence grants all PC's a +1 morale bonus to saving throws and 5 temporary hitpoints
- Inspire Courage +1

What do you do?

Genryl passes behind Spar and tosses a small amount of the rice based alcohol on the man as he goes, keeping him enlarged and then takes up a position in the mist, but at a good point to spear one of the men in masks.

'*grumble*’ Poke (Mwk Longspear), Inspire, Divine Favor: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 21
Piercing Damage, divine, inspire: 1d8 + 3 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 + 1 = 13
Concealment? 1-20 = miss: 1d100 ⇒ 24

@Genryl, looks like that's 25 ft of movement from your previous position and your movement speed is 20 ft. The block with the green dot on it is a pillar of some kind, so you can't attack Red directly through it, and I can't find any other position within 20 ft that can reach Red. Do you want to double-move to that position this round, or do something else? I've made a copy of your token at your previous position for ease of reference - feel free to delete it when you've made a decision.

Dangit, he does only have 20... crum, yup he'll just have to double move this turn but I'll move him into a position that has flanking at least.

Zornesk moves through the mist to try and gain flanking on the enemy.

double move

Moved my character back in front of Eylysia. I stated that was my intention last round, and moved my pawn, but it didn't seem to stick.

I can't believe we are attacking the decemvirate! I hope this is just a dream sequence and only our dream selves get slaughtered.

Eranahu will try to draw a bead on the antlered figure through the mist and loose an arrow.

longbow: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 4 = 231d8 ⇒ 1

+4 move action bull's eye shot

miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 59

No worries Eranahu.

The elven cleric's arrow pierces the strange mist and strikes the horned figure in the arm. They grunt and pull the projectile out, arrowhead red with blood.

"That's the spirit - but don't let your guard down!" Eylysia calls from the podium in the center of the room, her eyes bouncing between all three helmed figures in rapid succession before widening abruptly. "Oh no you don't!" she cries as a flash of light passes across the domino mask...

Spar Will, Khabash's Bonus: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 1 = 14

...and the giant Spar feels a moment of confusion before the gnome's counterspell weakens the effect and he throws it off entirely. The figure in the domino mask pulls out a scroll and reads from it, their oddly neutral voice filled with arcane power as the spell contained within the parchment flares to life around them. Dropping the now-blank scroll, the helmed figure steps closer into the misty stream.

Memory
Round 2! Bold may act!
Spar (+5)
Khabash (+5)
Blue (-1)
Zornesk (+5)
Eranahu (+5)
Genryl (+5)
Green
Eylysia
MacDermot (+5)
Red (-13)

Environmental Effects:
- Blue misty streams give concealment (20% miss chance) to creatures within or on opposite sides
- Sera's Khabash's presence grants all PC's a +1 morale bonus to saving throws and 5 temporary hitpoints
- Inspire Courage +1

What do you do?

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Leaving the spellcasting foes to his allies, MacDermot stomps the ground in a martial arts stance, grunting a deep kiai shout. The sound reverberates in the antlered Decemvirate, rattling their wits.

Ear-Piercing Scream Sonic Damage on Blue: 1d6 ⇒ 1 DC13 Fort vs daze.

Blue Fortitude vs DC 13: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

The arrow hangs loosely in the helmed figure's hand as the echoes of MacDermot's croak are slowly swallowed by the mist.

The figure in the triple-flanged helm looks around at all the people surrounding them and laughs, still with the strange forced neutrality. "You think you have me surrounded?" Shadows dance around the helm as the figure steps closer to Khabash. "You've only brought more cows to the slaughter, Eylysia!" In a rush, the shadows burst forth over the Pathfinders...

Negative Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Red Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Spar Will, Bonus: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 1 = 19
Khabash Will, Bonus: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 + 1 = 16
Zornesk Will, Bonus: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 1 = 18
Eranahu Will, Bonus: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 1 = 19
Genryl Will, Bonus: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11
MacDurmot Will, Bonus: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 1 = 24

...but Eylysia weaves a brilliant ward that dampens the worst of the effect. The triple-horned figure wavers on their feet, looking ready to collapse at any second.

Memory
Round 3! Bold may act!
Spar (+4)
Khabash (+4)
Blue (-2, Dazed 1/1)
Zornesk (+4)
Eranahu (+4)
Genryl (+4)
Green
Eylysia
MacDermot (+4)
Red (-14, Staggered)

Environmental Effects:
- Blue misty streams give concealment (20% miss chance) to creatures within or on opposite sides
- Sera's Khabash's presence grants all PC's a +1 morale bonus to saving throws and 5 temporary hitpoints
- Inspire Courage +1

What do you do?

Frustrated that he can't use his best attacks while in melee, Khabash retreats.

Withdraw.

Spar takes a wild swing at the enemy with his scimitar, still infused with acid.

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

And on the off-chance that's not a miss...

Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 and Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 1

D'oh! Sorry, I should have bolded more folks since Blue is dazed.

Khabash pulls back, distracting the enlarged Spar just enough for his scimitar to cut through the air next to the helmed figure. The person beneath the horned helm stands in a daze, unable to respond to the world around them.

Memory
Round 3! Bold may act!
Spar (+4)
Khabash (+4)
Blue (-2, Dazed 1/1)
Zornesk (+4)
Eranahu (+4)
Genryl (+4)
Green
Eylysia
MacDermot (+4)
Red (-14, Staggered)

Environmental Effects:
- Blue misty streams give concealment (20% miss chance) to creatures within or on opposite sides
- Sera's Khabash's presence grants all PC's a +1 morale bonus to saving throws and 5 temporary hitpoints
- Inspire Courage +1

What do you do?

Eranahu draws a bead on the dazed deer, blue, and sends another arrow his way, staying away from the messy melee.

longbow: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 4 = 271d8 ⇒ 3

misschance: 1d100 ⇒ 83