[PFS2] GM Bigrin's 1-04 Bandits of Immenwood (Inactive)

Game Master bigrin42

Please got in here

Welcome to Absalom. City of Enchantment, excitement, and the finest merchandise on the Isle of Kortos! heh, heh, heh. It also happens to be the headquarters of the Pathfinder Society, where you are staying while in town. The nice thing is that the rooms are free to all Society members. The bad thing is that Venture Captains like to have freelance Pathfinders rousted out of their beds at ungodly hours to assign them missions. That happened to you this morning.

You are awoken early in the morning by an urgent summons from Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin. As you arrive you are shown directly into his private office, where he and the Grand Lodge’s head archivist, Zarta Dralneen, are examining a list of items.

Ambrus Valsin seems deep in thought, a common appearance for the stoic Steward of Absalom’s Grand Lodge.

“Most of you know Zarta Dralneen, I assume?” Valsin begins, nodding to the woman. “She’s recently accepted an appointment as head archivist of the Grand Lodge, so you’ll understand her interest in this assignment shortly.”

The venture-captain gestures to a map of Absalom and then the Isle of Kortos hanging on the wall behind his desk. “You’re heading to Otari, along the southern coast between here and Diobel. One of our transport vessels, a barque called Durvin’s Query, foundered just outside the harbor there a few days ago. It was laden with the artifacts collected from a site in the Mwangi Expanse. The Pathfinders returning on the ship collected the most valuable cargo but were forced to leave the rest. They made their way to Otari and sent word of their misfortunes to the Grand Lodge. Based on their report, I need you to go, pick up the material immediately, and bring it back safely to the Grand Lodge.”

Zarta Dralneen smoothly takes up the narrative. “Of course, it’s not quite as simple as that,” she smiles. “The team aboard Durvin’s Query encountered a sequence of extremely… unusual events as they returned home. Bad luck plagued them the entire trip, and they ran into more than the usual number of oceanic hazards. I suspect that something they picked up in the Expanse was the source of their extreme bad luck, and I’m eager to find out just what it is.”

Valsin slides a weather-stained list across his desk. “As you may know, salvage belongs to the finder, and so we couldn’t just leave the items in the shipwreck for anyone to find. I’ve already contacted an old friend in Otari, a former Pathfinder by the name of Khoumrock Blackthane, to be your advance agent. Khoumrock’s team has gone to the wreck site to collect everything that was left behind—here’s the list. By the time you arrive in Otari, he’ll have it fully packed for you. You’ll be sailing there for speed, but given the experience the previous team had at sea, we feel the safest method of transport back is overland, through the Immenwood and along the High Coast Road.”

Valsin’s face turns grim. “Now, I know this might sound like a less-than-glamorous assignment, playing caravan guard for a couple of days, but it’s important. That material came from an important site, and the string of bad luck the original team had means there’s something in there that isn’t what it seems. Be on your guard, and make sure nothing goes missing on the way back. Any questions?”

Ava does her best to hide a yawn during Valsin’s big spiel. The slightly stocky gnome’s colorful clothes and reddish-orange hair are disheveled from being rudely awoken, and she rubs some sleep from her big, green eyes.

”Glitz and glamor is nice, but every great adventurer’s story has to start somewhere. We’ll get the artifacts back safely, and find out the source of this series of unfortunate events. Right after breakfast, of course. And maybe a nap. Or three.”

A dwarf pipes up from the corner? "did their cat die? You always need to have a cat on a ship!" she looks over at Dahros, "you look like a man that appreciates a good boat cat, I bet they lost theirs." She stands and stretches, "did the ship experience any issues before they retrieved the artifacts? And are there any known threats in the Immenwood?"

Dahros is surprised to see Zarta in person, having only heard rumors of who she is and how important she was supposed to be. He assumed her presence meant that this mission likely was more important than what they were being led to believe.

Turning to Thellira he shrugs, "No offense, but I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. A cat? They didn't mention any cat? Were you even paying attention?"

"Just one question. We're to be expecting bad luck, aren't we? It seems like we're going to be bringing back cursed or unlucky items?"

"Well, no. It was only after the artifacts were loaded aboard. It may be that one or more of the artifacts has some residual power that is attracting natural forces but cursed seems a bit strong. Or the team may have done something to anger Gozreh directly. Or it could have been nothing more than coincidence — an extended string of coincidences, all related to the wind and waves, occurring to the same team on their way back from excavating an abandoned Gozren temple.

Zarta’s raised eyebrow indicates what she thinks of the “coincidence” theory.

"Right then. I guess we're off to go retrieve some artifacts. Let's go folks." Dahros says, shooing everyone out the door.

Ava sees Zarta’s expression and raises both eyebrows, perhaps in an attempt to one-up her. But the contest ends abruptly as Dahros pushes her towards the door. ”Fine. Let’s grab some coffee and pastries on the way out.”

Thellira follows Dahros out, "what do you mean you don't know about boat cats? Haven't you ever been sailing?"

d'Log's ears perk up at the sound a treasures and cats

Pretty things get returned yes.

d'Log walks up to Thellira

d'Log wildly moves his arms around trying to mime a boat cat.

Boat cat? Is cat shape like boat or boat shape like cat? Cat I know hate water like goblins hate dog. I will not get on dog boat. Or err boat dog.

d'Log shrugs

Dahros sighs when d'Log starts miming and turns to Ava and says "It's not too late for you to ask to get reassigned."

Ava laughs. ”You kidding? You guys are the most interesting group I’ve been assigned to yet! This is gonna be fun.”

The gnome stuffs a pastry in her face. It’s not clear exactly where the pastry came from.

"Fun. Right. We'll see if you still think that once we are cursed with artifacts."

As he leads the way out the door, he asks "So. Have you heard of the Balgirdtrek? Did you know I'm a world champion?"

”Oh! What’s Balgirdtrek? Tell me, tell me!” Ava says excitedly.

"Wait wait wait. I am sorry. Yes we are pathfinders, and yes we will be successful in our assignments, but part of what makes us successful is called preparation" A snarky elf finally speaks up.

"You mentioned a series of unfortunate events, but have provided no detail. A good pathfinder knows what they are getting involved in before we depart. Please, if you would be so kind as to provide us any further details surrounding these events? What exactly happened to their vessel, and what can you anticipate would happen to us any different just because we are traveling on mainland?"

"Well, the ship ran aground and partially sunk. And I figure if you are traveling along a road instead of by ship, it would be very difficult for you to sink. Just be on your guard, and I'm sure you can deal with anything that comes up. You did go through two years of training for missions just like this, you know."

As you were leaving, Zarta calls out, "Rolo, Dahros, can you speka with me for a moment? She waits until you draw near and tells the others you will be along shortly.

*********************

d'Log knows that the Immenwood’s lumber helped to make Absalom a major power in its early years. The central forest area around Otari is dense and overgrown, with even the paths covered by an intertwined canopy of branches. The forest often shelters bandits and others who choose to hide from civilization.

d'Log also knows that Gozreh is the Wind and the Waves, a dualistic entity that embodies the peaceful breeze as well as nature’s fury. Gozren priests often use the natural environment as weapon or shield, and they summon aquatic monsters to do their bidding.

Nali and Thellira both know a little about their destination. Otari is a small port town situated where the road skirts the Immenwood. Situated about halfway between the bustling metropolis of Absalom and the outport of Diobel, it provides access to most modern luxuries without the hustle and bustle of life in Absalom.

***************

The strong winds that sent you quickly on your way to Otari were a boon for travel, but not so much for Ava's and d'Logs stomachs. Both became violently sea sick on the short voyage, d'Log so much so that even after you landed he still felt sick. Waiting on the dock was a dwarf named Khoumrock Blackthane, your contact here. He is a salty old sea dog with a red nose and creased face. His armor looks to be a combination of heavy armor and diving suit. His accent is somewhere between a south-Absalom brogue and a sailor's worldly clip.

"When Ambrus called me, I got a few friends an' went right out to the wreck. We gathered everythin' we could find. The storm already dashed the hulk again' the rocks and broken her open, but most o' the crates were washed ashore. I dove in to make sure she weren't leaking any cargo, but the waves were rough and things were movin' down that weren't just the water and fishies!" He frowns as he recalls the night's efforts.

"The sky opened up as soon as we started packin'. The horses were half-mad wit' the lightnin' and the wind. It took all o' night and part o' the morning to collect everythin', and we nearly lost the wagon to a big wave what came a-crashin' onto the shore from out of no'ere. The storm followed us all t'way back to town. So did summat else – as we got t'the town gate, we saw summat long and snakish breakin' the waves out in the harbor. I didn't get a good look, ‘cause the watchtower was struck by lightnin' just then and it blinded me for a tick. When I looked back, it were gone." Khoumrock looks to the ceiling in thought. "Apparently, we lost a fisherman out towards the docks right thenabouts. Coulda been an accident, but I knows better." Khoumrock shakes his head again. "Might be time for me to do a little divin' out thar, clean things out, ya know?"

"Well, the wagon's all packed and ready to go by t'stable. S'easy enough to drive, or you can hire a teamster, iff'n you'd prefer. Good luck. I'll be glad to see that wagon roll out o' town, truth be told."

Since the spoiler for previous post seems to be broken

d'Log nudge Dahros

he talks like the pirates.

Friend khoumrock, we would also be interested is a boat cat. Friend lady dawrf here said they good luck. They said teeothers before had bad luck.

d'Log uses his hands a measure scale

balance

Rolo looks at d'Log and buries his face in his hands, politely waiting for a response from the nonsensical question.

Nali nods along with the fellows description of the events, and when he gets to the point of the wagon being ready, she stops him.
"Wait? You are not coming along? Have you not wanted to experience even more of an adventure? If you are not coming, can you at least tell us more about the route we are taking?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Thellira strides down the gangplank, refreshed from the voyage. She laughed watching Ava and d'Log experience the wonders of being on the water. And she was overjoyed that d'Log had discovered a love for small animals he couldn't eat. "Now, now d'Log, the cats stay on the boats to keep the sailors safe. Isn't that right, sir?" The last is to Khoumrock whom she appraises thoughtfully. "Anything else we need to know? Has there been anyone lurking around? Anyone acting odd?"

fwiw, ship cats are one thing I'm not just making up for the fun of it :)

On the Ship

"Blargh!" Ava retches, hurling her lunch over the side of the gunwale. Her hair has turned as green as her cheeks. "I knew I shouldn't have had that fifth pastry! But it was so tasty, and I--blargh!"

***

On the Dock

The gnome is grateful to be back on dry land, her colors slowly beginning to return to normal. She wonders where she can get an ankle-octopus like the dwarf's. It seems very fashionable.

"Ready to roll when you lot are!"

I forgot to mention in the prevoous post that since d'Log critically failed his fort save, he is sickened 1 for the next 24 hours.

"Nah, I ain't comin' with ye. I got more business here in Otari. As fer the road back, it be thata way. Jest go out the eastern gate an' don't get off the road untils ye hit Absalom. Easy enough, right?"

"An' what is it about the boat-cat? Ye be daft, goblin?"

@Thellira - I got the reference, thank you

"I call driver's seat! This will be just like back in the circus days."

Thellira asks one more question before thanking Khoumrock and starting toward the gate, "I don't suppose the wagon's big enough for all of us, is it? How long a walk do you think we're facing? I wonder if the storms are going to follow us too."

She nudges Rolo as they walk down the street, "you know how to drive a wagon Circus Boy? Maybe we should hire a teamster like he suggested. Either way, it sounds like a long walk ahead of us."

"Well, two of us are small, so we can probably fit if we squeeze!" Ava says cheerfully. "Maybe Dahlos will let me sit on his lap?" She grins up at the fighter.

"Know how to drive a wagon? I mean I've seen it done. I've packed a wagon, I've ridden in a wagon... How hard can it be?" Rolo shrugs and looks around to make sure Dahros isn't in earshot. "Worst comes to worst Dahros can pull the thing along. He's essentially a mule with a warhammer anyways, right?"

Stepping out into the rainy day, you saw that the inn's stable master had the wagon hitched to a team of horses and ready to go. Dahros nearly stepped on a frog hopping along the porch. He scooted the little thing away with his boot, and noticed more of the things hopping nearby.

The stable master explained that the horses and wagon were ready to go, and that the horses belonged to the Pathfinder Society. "They're good beasts, steady and well trained. They should lead you straight to Absalom with minimal trouble. Just be sure to unharness them and picket them out when you stop for the night, and they'll serve you well."

All the time you spent looking over the wagon and the horses, smore frogs began appearing. First there was just a few visible. Then, small clumps of them. Within fifteen minutes, the ground outside the stables was covered. The horses, spooked by the carpet of frogs, reared and snorted, and the stable master held tight to their reins as the amphibian mass pulled together into a giant glob of bodies and attacked!

"Careful! They're hopping mad!" Ava calls as the army of frogs assembles. She pops the kazoo around her neck into her mouth, playing a few notes of an inspiring tune. Then she casts a spell, using telekinesis to pick up a large rock on the ground and hurl it into the squirming mass.

{Free} Activate Lingering Performance
{A} Cast inspire courage.
{AA} Cast telekinetic projectile.

Performance DC 16: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 = 27
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

Inspire Courage: For the next 3 rounds, everybody gains a +1 status bonus on attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear.

Rolo launches toward the froglob and swings his longsword at the mass of bodies.

Longsword: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
S damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Visibly frustrate with his swing Rolo raises his shield to brace for an attack from the fiend.

"Well this clearly is not a good start. Ohh just stay on land they said. It will be fine they said." Nali mutters as she reloads her arms. She then mimics in Ava's footsteps launching a nearby stone at the frog thing.

{A} Focus: Tentacular Limbs
{AA} Cast Telekinetic Projectile

Atk: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 1 = 15
Dmg B: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8

Dahros hangs back with Rolo to talk with Zarta. He nods, "You got it, we'll take care of it as you say."

As they exit, Dahros throws his arm around Ava's shoulder and says "So, about the Balgirdtrek..." and begins to explain about a race known as the Balgirdtrek that takes place in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. He explains how his group is the first non-Ulfen group to win the race and that he said world records himself during the race. "So basically, if you listen to me, we'll be fine. Ignore everything the goblin says."

When the battle begins, Dahros rushes forward opposite of Rolo and shouts "Hold him there, Rolo!" He then swings the warhammer as hard as he can at "the beast". Flanking.

Warhammer, power attack, flanking, IC: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 1 = 28 Damage: 2d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8, 2) + 4 + 1 = 15

d'Log scurries up the wagon to get a better vantage
climb wagon: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 1 = 13

[B] don't kill the frogs. They look like they make a good bufo! We can use it to trade with pirate people![/I]

throw dart: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 1 - 1 = 19
dmg: 1d4 + 4 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 - 1 = 5

knowledge nature: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 1 = 13

A climb wagon
A throw
A knowledge

@d'Log - oh look, a frog swarm

Dahros stepped forward and did what Dahros does, which is hit things really hard. Several of the frogs in the swarm went splat, but there were still hundreds more. Ava and Nali both destroyed many more with rolling, tumbling rocks. The crushing blows did the job, and whatever had caused the frogs to gather in such numbers dissipated. The frogs dispersed, no longer the dangerous mass it was.

The stable master managed to calm the horses, and you were ready to go once more. The odd phenomena was over, and all was right as the rain that continued to fall on your heads.

Ava sticks her tongue out at the swath of smooshed amphibians. "Yuck! I'm not cleaning that up. Let's get a move on before we get attacked by a congress of salamanders."

She climbs onto the wagon and settles herself in Dahros's lap, having already imagined him agreeing to the arrangement in her mind.

Once the battle is done, he shakes the frog guts off his hammer and waits until everyone else is ready to go before climbing in last.

When Ava sits in his lap, the big man grins broadly and says "Say Ava, did I ever tell you how big of a fan of gnomes I am? Big fan."

Ava smiles up at Dahros and bats her eyelashes. "Are you, now? Do go on. Met a lot of gnomes in the Land of the Linnorm Kings, did you?"

"We have not even left yet, and have already been attacked by swarming d'log turds. This cant bode well for us at all."

Nali looks towards Dahros and about spits out her drink at his comment. She busts out laughing, before slapping him on the shoulder with her tentacle arm.

"Yes, please go on. Tell her all about it. I'd love to hear this."

During travel, assuming exploration mode, Nali will detect magic

d'Log sprints over to try to catch one of the frogs, he leaps off the cart hoping to grab at the critters but they dispersed to quickly.

rats, they would make for good bufo.

d'Log climbs into the wagon and wraps his tail around one of the railings. Then peers over to the gnome.

Lap gnome sing song? Sing how Dahros make frog pudding, then eat it!

d'Log keels over laughing falling over and off the wagon, only being held by his tail.

Wagon gnome good luck, Singing wagon gnome, great luck! I read it once. IN A BOOK, WITH MY EYES!

while still upside down. Cold elfs s'posed to be smart. Goblins don't poop frogs. That dumb.

Dahros locks his hands around the back of his neck and stretches more than is necessary, accentuating his muscles in this arms and chest. "No, not the Linorm Kings. Been on a few missions with this other gnome, Skiddles. I like to call her Piddles because she pisses her pants when she get scared." he chuckles, waving the comment away. "Anyway, she has proved her mettle more than once and definitely showed me that gnomes can't be judged by their size. Like I said, big fan."

Once the frogs were dispersed, you all climbed on the wagon or walked beside it as you headed for the road out of town. The main road connecting Absalom and the closest city was well-travelled, and consisted of a 15-foot wide cobbled road, with the forest brush cleared back to 10 feet on either side. It made for nice travelling, or it would if the rain wasn't blowing sideways at you.

The blowing rain finally abated after a few hours, and the skies seemed to be clearing a bit. You have been in the Immenwood since shortly after you left Otari, and for those of you who grew up in cities and didn't got out in nature much, it seemed oppressive. Despite the clearing around the road, the trees rose high to either side, giving you only a small channel to see the sky above, even if it were clear. With the sound of the driving rain gone, you can hear shrieks off in the forest, accompanied by growls, barks, and other cries. It seems as if the denizens of the wild aren't happy with you and what you bring with you.

More to come this afternoon

Ava giggles as she takes in Dahros's muscles appreciatively. "Well, you don't have to worry about me pissing on you. I have excellent bladder control."

She looks at d'Log when he asks for a song. "Okay! Let's see---"

Ate that pudding made of frogs, uh-huh
Ate that pudding made of frogs, uh-huh
Ate that pudding made of frogs
Ripped a big fart on d'Log
Ate that pudding made of frogs, uh-huh

She leans back in satisfaction, resting her head on Dahros's chest. Her hair shifts in coloration to match the gleaming silver of the fighter's chain shirt.

***

As the journey continues, Ava tries to use Dahros's body to shelter her from the rain. She glances suspiciously at the woods. "Nature seems to be turning against us. Keep your eyes open, friends."

Ava will Investigate as her exploration activity.

Thellira walks alongside the wagon, enjoying the quiet while she can. Her meteor hammer swings ready at her side.

Swords 3 for potency crystal and minor healing potion.

They came out of the cloudy sky, winging over the treetops to burst into the narrow band of open air above you. Four birds of prey swooped out of the sky, banking right towards you. In the air above, Luna Ball let out a yowl of fear, the instinctive reaction of a small animal caught int he open when predators appear suddenly.

Finally! Thellira calls out to the others as she runs forward, "4 birds!" She swings her hammer through the air at the blue bird.

Reach weapon so will move as close as required if she can hit it. Or ready the attack if it's too high.

{AA} Double Move
{A} Attack

Meteor Hammer: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11   for Bludgeoning Dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Ava hops off of Dahros' lap at Thelira's call. She plays a few triumphant notes on her kazoo, ending with a particularly piercing note that threatens to overwhelm the closest bird's mind.

{Free} Lingering Performance
{A} Cast inspire courage.
{AA} Cast daze on yellow bird.

Peformance DC 16: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Inspire Courage: For the next 3 rounds, everybody gains a +1 status bonus on attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear.

Daze: The yellow bird takes 4 mental damage and must attempt a basic Will save (DC 17). If the target critically fails the save, it is also stunned 1.

Rolo steps up to the front of the wagon and lets loose an arrow from his shortbow at the nearest bird he can get a clear shot on.

Blue if unobscured by trees, else yellow.

Shortbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
P Dam: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

After his shot he pulls up his shield to brace for an attack.

The birds dove from the treetops, one of them attacking Luna Ball, and the others diving for the wagon, shredding the tarp covering the goods with their sharp claws. One of them (white) got in among the goods and began struggling to remove something.

All birds are on the wagon, except for the yellow one (30' up)

"Hey! Beaks off the merchandise!" Ava says indignantly as the birds swarm the goods. She takes cover behind the big chest and then magically flings the ceremonial dagger at one of the birds!

{A} Take Cover
{AA} Cast telekinetic projectile, targeting white bird or red one if white is already dead.

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 = 14