GM Mauve's PFS 1e 8-06 Reaping What We Sow (Inactive)

Game Master MauveAvengr

So I've glossed over these rules for riding-about-town at carriage speeds in the past, but:
Satsuki has a STR score of 16 and is a bipedal Large creature. This puts her light carry load at 228 or less-- which should be fine for Yuzu, who's pretty waifish under her armor, aside from her buff arms. With 2 riders, it's highly unlikely that she's going to be under 228, putting her in the Medium range of "up to 359." That seems reasonable for two people-- both wizard-types-- but will reduce Satsuki's speed in exchange for adding Garaleth or Tess.

That seems fair to me, although real-life horse riders will tell you that riding double is a bad idea. Yuzu has a vow to treat her horse well... but she's also sworn to defend the common folk.

Satsuki will go with Garaleth as a compromise: presumably he and Tessara are likely to be about as heavy, but she can at least spare Satsuki the panic of having a blunderbuss go off right behind her.

Yuzu gently keeps Tessara at bay with the end of her quarterstaff.

"Of shot gun you may be quite proud, but for my mount, it's very loud," she states.

Not that Garaleth is likely to be much quieter... but at least his noise will be spread out over time.

Oh, I got ninja'd! Several times! That's what I get for not hitting 'Preview,' I guess.

Yuzu looks back when they're halfway there... and sees Tessara, who has managed to get her way around her staff without her noticing.

She shrugs; too late to change course.

Nereus frowns slightly as some of this comrades ride off.

"Spreading panic about deadly plants, seems hardly a good idea." He says, absently.

After walking all the way out here, he is loath to turn around and walk all the way back again, so instead studies the papers Gareleth found. "Which one of these sites is closest?" He asks, not familiar with the area.

Nereus looks at the map. The X's are too imprecise to yield helpful information on their own. But since Nereus knows he needs to look for red peat moss, the plant is easy to find if he searches for it.

Ya, but is it nearby, or a hike? I think I'm confused. Is there moss right here to examine?

There is no defined distance but I don't think any of the X's are too far away.

Let me know if this is correct. Yuzu and Tessara are riding back to town. Gareleth (and maybe Andrelis) is running back. Nereus, Licia, and (maybe) Andrelis are investigating the red peat moss?

Nereus has no desire to run back to town, with no further information to justify it. Seems more like a 'cry wolf' situation... but since its a wolf that's doing it... that's ok!

So ya, lets find some moss! Cause in Pathinder, plants are never bad... right? .... Right?!

Andrelis watches his brother go haring off after the Samurai, before putting his hand to his head. They will be fine, and if we're to split up, let us split up evenly. Shall we investigate the moss?

Andrelis says to the two remaining by the Druid's hut.

Gareleth's very impulsive, you'll have to forgive him. Now, what's the map say? the elf still hasn't put up his rapier, and seems inclined to keep it that way. Thinking about it, he sort of looks funny, this bedecked well-dressed elf standing in a pumpkin patch, just seems the height of oddity.

"Plants!" Gareleth calls out as he's running, "Can you believe we're fighting plants, Andy?" he says, still assuming his "brother" is behind him. "What a great story this will make!" he says with a laugh and chuckle, still completely unaware that with the horse far ahead of him and the rest of his companions far behind him, he now looks like a madman running through the woods having a conversation with no one.

Elise decides to stay with Licia, Nereus, and Andrelis. Andrelis holds up the map so everyone can see. A few X's mark red peat moss, the closest one being only on the other side of the farm.

Andrelis, Nereus, or Licia can do DC 10 Knowledge (geography) or a DC 16 Wisdom to decipher the map.

"Hmmm. Very interesting. I think I figured it out. Do you see what I see?"

Elise rolled high enough but will let the three of you roll to figure it out.

===============

Yuzu and Tessara speed back to the village with Garelth running behind. They arrive to see Armeline and a group of other villagers in a heated debate. Armeline gestures with an acknowledging nod and an extended hand.

Knowledge (geography) untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Nereus studies the map, but is not entirely used to two dimensional cartography. Still, the lack of depth, does make things on the surface far simpler.

Staring at the map, it slowly dawns on Nereus. He traces a line through the X's. A pattern forms in his mind. There is a definite spiral pattern radiating outward from one of the farms east of the village center.

"Oh no. That's not good at all. We need to go warn him."

"Him who?" He asks.

"These lines definitely follow a snail shell pattern... see..." He traces the lines for the others. "The question is which way is it spiraling?"

"And do we try to find where it started, or where it's headed?" He doesn't seem enthused about more walking in either direction, though the puzzle piques his interest.

What's wrong? I'm terrible at maps. the elf opines, waiting for either Elise or Nereus to explain further.

Wait, there's a pattern to the X's? So they aren't naturally occurring? Should we get the others and investigate? Andrelis looks to the town over his shoulder, nervously.

"That's Bertinard's house. We must hurry and warn him.". Elise starts walking in that direction. "You can go get your friends or come with me. But this is ominous - I need to go now."

Yuzu and Tessara speed back to the village with Garelth running behind. They arrive to see Armeline and a group of other villagers in a heated debate. Armeline gestures with an acknowledging nod and an extended hand.

Yuzu pulls Satsuki relatively close.

"We have news, a concerning matter; but before that, what cause is for this chatter?"

"The pattern is quite natural in nature." Nereus replies, showing the map to Andrelis. "You see it often among shellfish, and snails, beneath the sea."

"As for the others, they chose to run off with no reason, we must assist the constable now." Nereus shakes his head slightly.

He goes after Elise.

Andrelis looks in the direction Yuzu, Tessara, and Gareleth went in, then throws up his hands and follows Elise and Nereus.Fine, fine, the elf says, following the sea elf and the constable, Come on Licia, how bad can this be?

The elf still has his rapier in hand, as if expecting the pumpkins at the patch to jump out and attack him....

Continuing to rush after the horse and continuing his conversation with the absent Andrelis, Gareleth calls out, "Keep up the pace, Andy! Nearly there! Oh! Watch out, looks like Satsuke might have left a present."

Andrelis, Nereus, and Licia (are you still with us Licia?) follow Elise to Bertinard's place to warn him.

=============

Back at Rosehaven

"No no no! They had to have done it. Look at them. They arrived here just in time for the murder?" one of the villagers screams.

Armeline stands her ground. "There's not a chance they could have done it. I don't exactly trust them, but I know them well enough. They would never kill another in cold blood."

Another constable is there to try to calm the people. "I'll have proof of their innocence soon enough.". She turns to Yuzu and Tessara - and the now arriving Gareleth. "Come with me."

She escorts the three of you to the Silver Flute Inn. "I'm placing you three under house arrest for the night. While I don't believe you murdered Elm, you are still on my suspect list. I'm leaving a contingent of guards here to make sure you don't leave. But I'll pay for your room and food for the night.". She turns to talk to Ivy while four guards come in to the Inn.

"What was the name of your boat? I'll see if I can talk with them about your arrival.". She heads to walk out the door. "Please don't leave. We'll let you out in the morning if we can prove your innocence. Or if you are guilty... well lets hope you aren't."

Uh oh... lynch mob time!

Who is placing us under house arrest? Armeline?! ... humm... I am confused if this is the case.

"Uh... we ran here to report a dead farmer over there, with pumpkin vines tied up all around him... but I'm guessing you guys know this already? what's going on? if you guys need help figuring out this murder we have some information that might help, just recently uncovered close to that poor deceased farmer..."

No. One of the constables put you under house arrest until morning. She is going to go to your boat to try to find someone to vouch for you. Until then you aren't innocent, but not guilty either.

The constable does look up at Tessara before she leaves the inn. "What is this information?"

"Constable Tivareau took us to the druid's home and we found him dead there. She can attest to that. The druid died from a combination of puncture wounds from a creature with a wide maw, severe bruises, and burn wounds. We estimate that Elm probably died between 8 and 16 hours ago. In his house, we found notes he had been taking on a strange plant that has been growing around town: whisperwort, also known as red peat moss... this map here shows locations where that red moss was spotted... here, take a look at these locations Constable: should we fail at finding the source of this blight and reversing its effect, you'll now at least know where to instigate a controlled burn of these fields. Early theory is that this whisperwort may be connected with his death, but we're still investigating. We wanted to share these preliminary findings with you ASAP before continuing our investigation... if you'll allow us, that is. You could come along with us if we're under suspicion; I don't think the rest of our Pathfinder team would be opposed. Our usual directive is to cooperate with the local authorities."

The constable looks at you and strokes her chin. "Sounds interesting. I do know a little bit of the Pathfinders. Armeline has complained about them for years. But she seems to like you guys."

Make a Diplomacy check. Others can aid. Since Armeline is on your side, the DC is a little bit easier.

Diplomacy lol: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (15) - 2 = 13

"Armeline has complained about Pathfinders hey? what was the nature of the complaints? Mind you, I don't blame her. Big organizations are always hard to deal with. I'm less interested in politics than I am with hunting and shooting to be honest. I join missions to protect scholars in the field and to learn about magic."

"Yes, my logical friend speaks truly and eloquently," Gareleth adds.

Diplomacy to Aid Another: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (14) - 2 = 12

He then adds, "By the way, has anyone seen a well-dressed Elf wandering around? I think my brother got lost on the way here."

Big money, no whammies, big money, no whammies...

The Only Positive Diplomacy in the Bunch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

With Gary's help, that's a 20! If Tess was Aiding, that's 22!

"We are here to help, I assure you;
To set right past wrongs, I implore you.
A second murder, in addition to Elm's,
Weighs heavily upon our helms.
We rode from far upon my mare;
Please, let us see what happened there.
And do be cautious; do not be alone.
Isolated, one is most prone.
Vegetation's our suspicion
Given the bodies' leafy condition.
Beware of any wriggling vine,
And hopefully we will all be fine."

Big money, no whammies, big money, no whammies...

Wow... dating yourself there! =) Or did they revive that show?

I was a tiny child when that show was big! In my 20's now ;D

What show is that??

With Armeline vouching for the Pathfinders, Yuzu, Tessara, and Gareleth manage to talk their way out of the Inn. The constable apologizes profusely. "You say there is another murder on the horizon? Go and stop it!"

This group has zero idea where the others have gone! How do the two groups find each other?

It was a game show called Press Your Luck... and it looks like it got a recent revival, actually?? Contestants pressed a button to stop a randomly-rotating panel, in hopes that it would land on prize money and not the titular Whammy. Whammies were weird brown furry creatures that would drop your prize down to $0 and usually some props would fall from the ceiling onto you IIRC.

"I believe I misunderstood;
There is no other in this neighborhood?
Then please do heed my warning dire;
If a plant moves, toss it into the fire!
We shall meet our friends on the way;
Armeline, can you signal us with a ray?
A whistling arrow, a firework?
Anything to make my ears perk."

What show is that??

Ya... Press Your Luck. But that was back in the 80's... Yuzu has to be underestimating their age by like a decade =)

This group has zero idea where the others have gone! How do the two groups find each other?

Follow the screams when we get attacked?

Go back to Elm's location and call for the others? failing that, Survival to track their steps.

Perception to find footprint / Survival aid: 1d20 ⇒ 16

No word from Licia yet. Will go ahead and bot her for now.

Tessara, Yuzu, and Gareleth (and Satsuki!) wander back to Elm's farm in search of tracks....

While Nereus, Andrelis, Licia, and Elise find their way to Bertinard's place. The sun has just set and darkness is starting to spread.
The trees take on an eerie feel as the Pathfinders walk up to his house.Map is on the slides.

And older man, who the Pathfinders met earlier, answers the door. Bertinard has been engaging in extended prayers after the days activities. He answers the door in just his robes. "Boy, you startled me. I'm not used to visitors this late. Please do come in though - and wipe your feet!"

"So, umm, could I maybe borrow a horse so I can keep up with them?" Gareleth asks before they head off to Elm's farm.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15

The entire way back to Elm's farm, Gareleth was looking for and calling after Andrelis as Gareleth is still certain he was right behind him as they ran back to town.

Reaching the farm, Gareleth begins looking for tracks...particularly Andrelis'.

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5

Gareleth manages to find a horse to keep up with Satsuki. There are no signs of Andrelis or the others when he gets back to the farm... but Gareleth doesn't seem to be looking for their footprints.

Nereus takes a few minutes to walk around the perimeter, to see if there is any sign of the strange moss, or other strange plantlife... not that he's that familiar with land side plants.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Yuzu clears her throat.

Untrained Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 10

She is significantly more likely to find Andy tracks than Garaleth, at least.

Andrelis will walk into the old man's house, making sure to wipe his feet. Sir, there appears to be some sort of disturbance; the druid, Elm, is dead.

Andrelis will stay on his feet, watching the old man for any sign of distress in that statement.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14

Bertinard was the one that told you Elm was dead and had asked you to investigate his farm.

Oooops! sorry let me take that back...

Andrelis enters the home, wiping his feet before entering, We found something when we were investigating Elm's house, and there was a map which showed a spiral of spots which came back to here, any idea why?

"Hmmm, I'm not seeing any tracks at all," Gareleth says, looking around at the ground while his horse just starts munching on some grass. "Guess we'll have to try other means of tracking them, eh, Paco?" he says, patting the horse gently on the shoulders and using a name that is most likely not actually the horse's name. And with that, Gareleth mutters some arcane words and begins staring intently for short spans in different directions.

Gareleth is using detect magic in hopes that one of the other party members has something magical and that they're in range of the spell. This will at least give a general direction to go.

Due to the farm's soft soil, Yuzu can easily tell the direction that the other Pathfinders took. She isn't exactly sure what is that way, but the three start following the tracks.

=============

At Bertinard's

Bertinard invites Andrelis, Nereus, Licia, and Elise in. "Spiral of spots? What do you mean? Do you have this map with you?"

Out from the garden, Elise spots a normal looking pumpkin that suddenly sprouts up to significant size. It's a giant (medium) sized pumpkin with a carved face! It spits a glob of fire at Elise. The constable starts panicking and flees inside. Two small (tiny) gourds appear and laugh.

===============

Round 1

Gareleth
Licia
Nereus

Jack-o-Lantern
Gourd 1
Gourd 2

Elise (-10 HP)

DC 11 Knowledge (nature) to ID Jack-o-Lantern or DC 10 to ID Gourds.

Garelth, Licia, and Nereus are up! May end up botting Licia but they said they may be able to post for combats.

The other Pathfinders are riding fast and will arrive before you know it!

I assume Gareleth needs to spend this turn riding Paco forward to get into combat range? And since it would be the horse's movement, can he cast acid splash or ray of frost at the end of that movement?

@GM: can you please clarify location of Tess/Yuzu? thanks!

We’re “riding fast and will arrive before you know it,” presumably following the tracks. c:

Oops, I meant Andrelis instead of Gareleth. Sorry!

Tessara, Yuzu, and Gareleth will be there in 2 rounds.

Andrelis, Licia, and Nereus are up!

Easy mistake. They look just alike ;=)
Thanks for clarifying!