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

Game Master MauveAvengr

Elneth slowly opens the door and sneaks in and.... nothing happens. The door remains ajar. Dirt, leaves, and other pieces of nature are scattered throughout the room. Just how a druid would like it, possibly. The fire place looks empty as though there hasn't been a fire in it for a day or two.

The only thing that stands out are the two pieces of paper on the table. Elneth goes to pick them up. One is a cryptic note (added on slides). One is a map.

EDIT: Next to the pieces of paper lies a strange token. A very finely crafted sickle lays on the table as well.

Nightkit watches Elneth's back in case of threats. You do realise that disarming traps is my department she comments. Buuuut ... just let us know when it's clear to enter

She sounds a bit impatient to get in there.

Noticing the impatient tone in NightKit's voice, Lili places a reassuring hand on her lower back and gives her a smile and nod of understanding...and just leaves her hand there.

Lili then goes back to eyeballing that nicely made sickle and debating with herself about whether or not it would be okay to take the dead man's sickle. I mean, I am possibly going to avenge his death and stuff, she reasons.

"Sure, I think it is safe, come in!" Elneth picks the cryptic note and reads it in one way, then turns it down, then again up and down once more "Does anyone understand this? Something about darkness and ivy, and things going earth once and again... and there are this marks as if he was counting something"
Any check we can try to interpret further the note?

Noticing Lili eyes at it, Elneth invites her to take the sickle "Take it, the druid is not going to need it anymore, and maybe we will need it in this mission. As well as this..." noticing the small token, Elneth picks it up and analyzes it "Anyone knows what this token might be for?"

Lili's eyes light up at the suggestion of taking the sickle. She immediately starts checking out the finely made weapon though she doesn't have detect magic, so she can't check if it's magically enhanced, though she can do appraise to see if it's masterwork.

Appraise: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

"This is a fine weapon," Lili says, smiling. Then, her face looking more serious, adds, "If I can use it to avenge his death, I will," and with that, she sheaths her own sickle and keeps this one out and at the ready.

The sickle is of masterwork quality. The token is in the shape of a wheel of cheese.

Markus looks at the paperwork, attempting to decipher any clues from it.

Int: 1d20 ⇒ 9
Wisdom: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

and comes up with no bright ideas on either, he instead watches the others work, and thinks about things. Lili, I think that's an excellent idea!

Int: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20.

"Hey - I think that the note is a transcript of a conversation that Elm had with the speak with plants spell; doesn't the number of X's on the map match the number of times that the word "whisperwort" is underlined in the note...? I'm not sure what the significance of that is, though..."

Wis: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12.

Cay waits patiently for someone else to explain to him what is going on.

Wis: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19

Lili looks at the map, but quickly scrunches up her face in a look of confusion. "There's not really any sort of pattern I can see there," she says.

It's so weird that we need to succeed at a check to not see a pattern, but I assume maybe that indicates something random and natural rather than intentional?

Between Lili and Cayden, you can ope the last spoiler

intelligence: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
know nat: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
know geo: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

No idea on the token Nightkit says, after examining all the clues. But yeah, I concur with Cay .. Whisperwort I've also heard of, it's a term for a species of red peat moss. I wonder if the X's mark the location of Whisperwort .. although it's curious that the gaps seems to be in a spiral. I wonder if we need to go to the center of the spiral

She nods towards Lili. Yes ... let's go there

Suddenly, Lili's eyes open wider and she blurts out, "Not the X's, but the not-X's!!" Then she shakes her head realizing that probably wasn't very clear, "Let me start again. If you look at the X's, there's no pattern, but the spaces in between the X's creates a spiral that seems like it comes from..." and she traces with her finger to one of the outlying farms and says, "here!"

She smiles in delight as she feels quite confident that she helped solve a mystery.

"Oh! Wow! Look at that!" Elneth follows Lili's finger in between the X's forming a spiral "Smart my friend! Shall we check it out?"

Assuming the group decides to check the farm in the center of the spiral, Elneth walks with the others commenting happily "Why would Elm want to talk with the red peat moss? It is a bit strange... and why would he be attacked? Let's be careful"

As NightKit quickly voices the opinion that they should go to the spot Lili identified and then Elneth praises her for being smart, Lili is just beaming. As the group moves from the druid's hut, it's all the Tiefling gal can do to keep herself from skipping with joy.

Markus looks at the map the girls pointed out, and doesn't get it. Okay, we're going? Sounds like a plan!

He follows along behind the exuberant three, wondering how they came up with the solution.

"Who can explain the motivations of a druid. But yes, let's go see what's at the heart of this pattern."

Elise looks up at the group after they consult the map. "That's... that's Bertinard's house. You need to go there! There's enough evidence to raise serious concern. I'll go muster my guards and set up a perimeter."

"Of course," Lili responds, "we'll head there immediately!"

She then leans in towards NightKit and Elneth and quietly asks, "Wait, does this mean Bertinard is the bad guy or are we saving him?"

Well ... we have to go where the clues take us ... and it wouldn't be the first time that the villain of the story turned out to be a good guy in disguise - at least that's the way it seemed to go in those trashy copper dreadfuls I read as a kid

"I never liked this Bertinard" Elneth nods and starts moving to the new location "But the Pathfinder masters have taught me to ask first before using the axe. I suppose this should be a good moment to put that training into test"

The Pathfinders can stop by one of the X's on the way or follow the X's in it's spiral pattern to Bertinard's house. Let me know if anyone wants to do this.

The Pathfinders slowly make their way to Bertinard's house while Elise attempts to set up a perimeter. They pass a few pumpkin patches along the way. Other farms growing corn, carrots, cabbages, and the like also dot the path. The sun starts to set as the group walks along. Slowly the stars come out - it's a lovely fall evening.

Eventually, the Pathfinders arrive at Bertinard's home and knock on his door. Bertinard is engaging in extended evening prayers after the day's events. He answers the door in his night robes. "Welcome. You're the Pathfinders. Did you find what happened to Elm? Why are you here so late - I was just about to sleep.". He motions for the Pathfinders to come in. "Please come in though."

Added slides in case you want to look inside his home."

Nightkit would want to look at the closest X she passes.

Nightkit looks at the map. Without knowing what they're looking for, it would be hard to find the exact location. But Nightkit knows she needs to look for red peat moss. Heading towards one of the X's on the map, she spots some red peat moss right where the X on the map is.

She will collect a sample - just in case it proves useful

Elneth helps Nightkit collect the sample during their trip.

Once at Bertinard's home the woman nods in response to the man "Indeed, we have found Elm was mapping the area, doing some kind of ritual out of red peat moss"

"For some strange reason, his path finished here" Elneth points to the red peat moss sample "Do you know what is this?"

Lili is completely confused as to whether or not he's the villain, so she is trying to read his body language to see if he seems guilty.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19

Markus will wait patiently as the others talk to Bertinard about their concerns. Knowing he's not the most useful in the areas of talking, the Dwarf looks around the outside for clues!

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Ganzer listens, but keeps a watch out the door (or front window, whatever is available).

Bertinard is genuinely shocked. "Elm was doing what? I didn't know him well but that doesn't sound like him.". He motions the group to come in to the house. "Come in. We should talk about what you found. It's cold and dark outside. I have a fire lit. Will bring you tea if you want some."

Moved your tokens on the map but please place yourselves if you want to be somewhere else.

Entering the house, Markus raises his hand, A cup of tea would be most pleasant, thank you. He looks around the inside of the house awkwardly, as if uncertain of what exactly to say in the meantime.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
"Tea? Sure, who has ever had bad experiences with tea before?" Elneth cleans her boots outside with some good hits on the ground, then goes inside energetically and takes sit leaving her greataxe leaning on the table or a wall.

"Have you always lived here Bertinard?" the half-elf looks around trying to get an idea of the type of life the man does "Any family?"

Remembering the trashy plots in some of those copper dreadfuls, Nightkit declines tea.

"Oh wait, tea? Yes, I'd love some tea, please. With sugar?" and she smiles happily to herself until she notices NightKit decline tea, and then she starts to have second thoughts, but doesn't know how to gracefully get out of this now awkwardly social interaction.

Ganzer declines the tea, more concerned about moving on with the q & a. He looks around the house for any clues or insight into the man they are now visiting (and not noticing much, it seems).

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Bertinard brings tea out to the group. As he does, there is a sudden crash. Two small gourd like creatures smash through two of the windows. A large creature with a pumpkin head climbs through the front door.

The pumpkin man runs in and unleashes a fiery blast. Everyone needs to make a DC 12 Reflex save or take 9 fire damage. On a success, take 4 damage.

One of the gourds flies in and attempts to slam its body against Nightkit. But she is too agile and easily dodges the attack.

==========

Round 1

Jack-o'-Lantern
Gourd 1

Lili
Ganzer
Markus
Nightkit
Cayden
Elneth
Bertinard (-4 HP)

Gourd 2

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

Everyone is up!

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

"Kitty!" Lili cries out, seeing the gourd fiend coming at her beloved friend. Even as her shriek is leaving her throat, her claws extend and the demonic nature of the sweet gal manifests.

Attacking Gourd 1 since she's protecting NightKit.

Claw 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 231d4 + 5 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + (4) = 11
Claw 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 61d4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

If by chance the first attack would drop the gourd, she'll 5 ft up and take the second attack on the Jack O'Lantern.

Reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16.

Not appreciating the way that he just got singed, Cay draws his morningstar as he strides forward, then tries to crush the jack-o-lantern.

MW Cold Iron Morningstar: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20, for 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 damage.

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Markus, slightly singed by the attack of the jack-o-lantern, growls under his breath, What the nine hells is this? and steps forward, punching the larger creature with his fist.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Nightkit acrobatically dodges the attack and most of the fire blast (hp 4/8). She then tumbles past the gourd in order to provide a flanking bonus to Lili while drawing her short sword.

It's pumpkin carving time - and I'm SKILLED in it she exclaims. Had enough practice lately

acrobatics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

know(nat): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Lili steps up to the flying gourd and with a swift swipe of her claws, its carved up and crashes to the ground.

Cayden moves up to the pumpkin man. With his morningstar, he smashes down on it. Markus glides up and with a quick punch, the jack-o'-lantern crumbles in a heap. Moved Markus up on the slides.

Both the Jack-o'lantern and Gourd 1 are dead. So if Nightkit wants to redo her turn, let me know.

==========

Round 1

Jack-o'-Lantern
Gourd 1

Lili (-4 HP)
Ganzer
Markus (-4 HP)
Nightkit (-4 HP)
Cayden (-4 HP)
Elneth (-4 HP)
Bertinard (-4 HP)

Gourd 2

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

Ganzer is up!

Nightkit also has heard legends of such plant creatures such as the jack-o'-lantern. She knows that in a few moments, there will be a fiery explosion.

Everyone OUT she yells diving out the window. It's going to EXPLODE

((With BAB 0 - I don't think she can move, draw weapon, and attack in the same found - so she'll maximise safety))

Ref DC 12: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Elneth barely finds time to pick up her axe to protect herself from the explosion.

HP 19/23

She moves forward towards the remaining gourd, readying her axe then bringing it down with all her strength "You critter, don't burn my friends clothing!"
mwk greataxe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Slashing damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

K. nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
"What is this?!!"

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Ganzer grunts in pain as the shout to run reaches his ears. He runs for the door, casting a curative spell on himself.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Nightkit knows these are gourds are Possessed Gourds. AC 14 HP 5, immune to fire, polymorph, and undead traits.

Ganzer stands right in the blast of fire, burns scorching his body. Elneth is lucky and dodges out of the fire, but still feels the burn.

The remaining gourd attempts to slam in to Elneth. Its tiny so must move into Elneth's square provoking an AOO

And it can't seem to hit the ranger no matter what it does.

Suddenly, the jack-o'-lantern's body explodes in a fiery burst. Elneth, Markus, Cayden, and Lili must make a DC 12 reflex save or be take Fire Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6 and be stunned for 1 round. Save means half damage and no stunned.

==========

Round 2

Jack-o'-Lantern
Gourd 1

Lili (-4 HP)
Ganzer (-2 HP)
Markus (-4 HP)
Nightkit (-4 HP)
Cayden (-4 HP)
Elneth (-4 HP)
Bertinard (-4 HP)

Gourd 2

Everyone is up. Elneth gets AOO against gourd. Elneth, Markus, Cayden, and Lili must make a DC 12 reflex save.

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Markus closes the distance on the ground threatening Elneth, Get over here you little twerp.. and grabs it in his hands.

improved grapple: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

He holds it up for Elneth to punish with her axe.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Lili turns her head towards the window where NightKit has just disappeared and just as the warning dawns on the sorceress, the Jack O'Lantern erupts in a fiery blast. Fortunately, her reflexes kick in and she shields herself from the worst of it.

I'm going to hold off on her taking her turns this round until after Elneth goes as I suspect her AoO might just finish off the remaining gourd.

"Didn't you all hear? Get outta the house!"

Ganzer turns back to the inside, though, and shoots his heavy crossbow at the gourd.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 I will assume that this is a miss.

Reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18.

Gritting his teeth as he gets singed again...

MW Cold Iron Morningstar: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26, for 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 damage.
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22, for 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 *ADDITIONAL* damage.

...Cay comprehensively splatters the remaining gourd.

With the threat eliminated, Lili rushes forward calling out, "Running! Fire! Boom!" grabbing Elneth by the hand and moves hopefully with her out the side door of the cabin.