GM ZD Starcrossed Voyages (Inactive)

Game Master Z...D...

ye olde place holder

Mirian Raas has put out a call to fellow Pathfinders who are eager for the kind of adventure the Society was founded for: an exhilarating expedition into unknown.

The PCs meet Raas in the port of Vidrian’s capital city of Anthusis,
which is located along the coast of the Mwangi Jungle.

Along with the PCs, Mirian Raas has also requested the aid of the Horizon Hunters for the expedition. The Horizon Hunters’ leader, Calisro Benarry, eager to once again sail the seas, has excitedly accepted Mirian’s call and brought along a reliable group of her own to join the expedition. Calisro has chartered two ships from the Pathfinder Society in addition to her own Glorious Payoff, including the Grinning Pixie, a Pathfinder Society ship formerly captained by Calisro before she was finally forced to follow the terms of a contract and turn it over to its new legal captain, Eras the Needle. The third ship, the Sea Sparkle, is the smallest of the three.

As soon as the PCs make it to Anthusis, they’re corralled onto the Grinning Pixie, to meet up with Raas, her adopted brother Jekka (male iruxi explorer), and some of the Horizon Hunters. Mirian Raas amicably greets everyone as they board the ship. A spark of excitement glimmers in her eyes as she calls for the ship crew and Pathfinders to gather around her for a briefing.

“Welcome, explorers! As I’m sure you read in the bulletins, we’ve been tasked with travelling to the iruxi island-city of Ekkeshikaar on behalf of the nation of Vidrian, that we may help negotiate the renewal of the alliance between the two nations. The Vidric Council’s provided us with a map based on ancient sea charts to help us get there, and we’ll be compensated for our efforts!

[b]“We’ll need to stay sharp, though—this route hasn’t been traveled in centuries, and we have no idea what might be out there. With the help of the Horizon Hunters and my brother Jekka,” she lays her hand on the shoulder of the iruxi next to her, “I have no doubts this will be a successful expedition!”

At this point the floor is open for questions.

There are also checks to be made for recall knowledges. Since there are chances for critical failures, I will ask before I roll for you. So the first is nature and the second is society. If you wish for me to do the secret checks. Post your modifiers in OOC text.

Nature, +7

"Sounds easy enough, well other than the diplomacy. I am not known for my diplomatic prowess. Anything in the records that might give a hint of what we are traveling though?"

My nature is a +6, and my Society is also a +6.

The dark-skinned half-elf inspects the elements of the room as he adjusts his fine clothing. Natesh gives a polite nod to the pair as he ponders the mission for a moment.

"If I might offer an inquiry, is there any record of the age of this city? How does will this exploration aid with the creation of an alliance?"

Nature +5, Society +8

"Aye, and what can you tell us about the history of this alliance? Has it been a standing alliance that must be renewed or has this alliance been broken for some time? It would be good to know what tensions might be present among the two nations"

Society +7

Khunbish the elven druid enters on silent feet, just as silently as the cougar that follows him at his side. Khunbish is tall as most elves are, but unlike most, rather than being slight of build, he is rather brawny. His long black hair falls down his back, and is dressed quite simply, as one who spends most of his time outdoors then in cities. Although ageless in appearance as most elves, you can tell from his eyes that he has seen the passing of many years. He looks at the rest of the short-lived humanoids, not with disdain, but certainly with some distance.

"I'm Khunbish." Gesturing to the cougar who has taken to lounging at this feet, he adds, "And this is Irves."

Otherwise, he appears he does not have any questions.

Nature +12, Expert

Mirin shakes her head at Griss' questions, "We simply don’t know. There hasn’t been much contact with the lands this far south in a long time. Traveling the seas, there could be pirates, sea monsters… Overland? Other than jungle predators, your guess is as good as mine.”

"The area was renamed and recognized as a new nation in 4717 AR.
It is currently 4720 AR. I doubt there are any hostilities among the two. From what I have been briefed, they have just lost contact with one another after the Cheliax drove Iruxi soldiers away from the colonies. The Vidrian hope to re secure trade routes. Right now, they need all the help they can get. They have to deal with pirates to the west and north, to an undead army from the east. With us leading the expedition, should scare some pirates off the route and make it a bit safer for both side."

Nature results
Sea routes into southern Garund have been little used in the last century, and the advent of the Eye of Abendego changed many of Garundi ocean currents from their previous patterns.

Society results
When Cheliax established its colony of Sargava, now overthrown and replaced by the nation of Vidrian, it redirected all trade in the region northward. Chelaxian troops drove off iruxi traders during the early years of colonization, seeing the iruxi as monsters, and the iruxi ceased sending trade vessels into Sargavan waters.

With that said, everyone gains there 1 hero point. If any of you have GM Glyphs, please hand out additional hero points as you see fit. And please choose your free consumable item from you schools.

Joining the meeting late, a middle-aged elf, clad in studded leather armor, climbs on deck grumbling. Carrying a brandy snifter in one hand and a bag of books in the other, he eyes the group warily. "Damn ship. Was having trouble with my cabin door. Had to repair it myself. Clearly not designed by the fair folk. In any event, thanks for waiti..." When he realizes the briefing has already begun, he rolls his eyes and sips his brandy before introducing himself at the first break.

"I'm Dr. Lazarus. You may simply call me Doctor. I'm a renowned forensics professor at the University in Osirion. You may have heard of me." After getting blank stares, he continues, "Well, no matter. While somewhat skilled at healing..." he pats his healer's toolkit on his bandolier, "... I joined the Pathfinders to hone my investigative skills. That's how I make my living, you see. Relying on my books, uncovering clues, solving mysteries."

When he sees the group eyeing his elven curve blade sheathed over his back, with several hammers strapped at his waist, the well-built scholar adds, "I can handle myself in battle if needed."

He nods respectfully to the other elf in the party. Whereas Khunbish looks at the others without distain, Lazarus probably does show a little distain as he eyes the group, but he tries not to make it obvious. He takes another sip of brandy as he listens to the briefing.

Khunbish barely seem to notice the arrival of the other elf. Instead, he disappears briefly to get ready for the journey. When the team regathers, he holds out two potions. (2x lesser healing potion, which he gets as L5 option under the Generalist school)

"The stores were able to supply me with these two healing potions. However, in combat, I am often in animal form and can't access these. Some of you should hold onto these instead."

(Yeah, being in animal form means he can't access the potions, so might as well someone else hold onto them.)

"Battle is what I specialize in." Griss smiles.

The human is an Ulfen man in his mid-to-late thirties. Wearing a breastplate, the rest of his dress seems mostly Ulfen in style with some conspicuous Talden accents.

"For those that missed it, my name is Griss Thisslethorn, former Ulfen Guard, and returning Pathfinder after a bit of an absence. I'm a melee specialist with some skill in woodcraft and intimidation."

Seelah stands ready as the others go about gathering their supplies. A tall woman in half plate and a longsword and shield strapped across her shoulders.

"I'm looking forward to helping here. It seems a worthwhile venture for all parties involved. And with my shield and sword Iomadae will guide us on the right track."

If no one else accepts the potions from Khunbish, the Doctor sets his brandy down on a railing and takes the vials. "You can trust me to administer these to you if needed." He adds the two Lesser Healing potions to his bandolier.

I have 1 GM Glyph and will be giving a Hero Point to Dr. Thurston. For my Pathfinder Training I will get a scroll of resist energy.

I'll also be picking up some gear prior to this, holy water, healing potions, and doing some things to get a +1 returning light hammer

Natesh gives a brief glance at Khunbish and the Doctor and forces a smiles on his face after a quick breath. "I'm looking forward to doing what I'm able to reform these bonds. I am Natesh Dawnseeker, advocate for those whose voices don't carry far. My specialty is the control of magic, especially those that reveal that which may be hidden or obscured. I admit that based on my previous experiences, combat is not a strong talent compared to the rest of you, but I will claim that I have improved since past endeavours and will be able to stand my ground."

Addressing Lazarus specifically Natesh declares, "Doctor, I'm familiar with the University in Osirion. While I had not partaken the study of forensics myself, I can asset to the talent that the school fosters. Having one of their staff in among us is certain it be a boon."

Azu, sensing he is one of the least experienced among the group, gladly accepts the potion from Khunbish,

"Thank you. Hopefully I will have no need of it, but who can say."[b] The olive skinned dark-haired man pets the dromeosaur at his side.

[b]"As for myself, I am ranger, and this is my companion Ako." Azu brandishes a sword and light mace as if to let everyone know his schtick. The rangers resheaths the weapons and remains quiet.

Azu will take the anti-plague/toxin potions for his school

When the half-elf addresses him so glowingly, the Doctor almost beams. "Well met, my dear boy. Natesh, is it? Yes, yes. Well met, indeed. It shall be a pleasure working with one like yourself who values the institution of higher learning."

Thanks for the Hero Point, Natesh. Very kind. Dr. Lazarus will choose a Lesser Comprehension Elixir as his free consumable.

The first 3 days of travel the oceans are smooth and uneventful.

As the sun is finally beginning to set on the fourth day at sea, the Grinning Pixie is jolted suddenly. The ocean’s currents become inexplicably tempestuous, and the ship is pulled wildly off course at an accelerated speed. The helmsman of the Pixie shouts to the crew, “Hold on!” as the vessel speeds away from the convoy. The alarmed calls from the Glorious Payoff and the Sea Sparkle fade, and soon the other ships disappear entirely from sight.

An agonized scream pierces the sound of rushing water, and frantic shouts from the crew emanate from the opposite side of the ship. Devious cackling echoes over the chaos, and the lookout in the crow’s nest bellows, “Ready yourselves! Devils from the sea!”

A PC can help the helmsman stabilize the ship with a Athletics or Sailing Lore check. One other PC may aide.

At this point, please place your tokens where you would like to be on the ship. If you are assisting the helmsman, you will be on the rear part of the ship

Up on deck, Dr. Lazarus is studying a book on the Iruxi people, when he's rudely interrupted by the tempest. "Oh dear lord, what is it now?" Hearing the the eerie cackling echoes and shouts from the crow's nest about sea devils, Lazarus draws his elven curve blade and Pursues a Lead to make whatever creatures are out there the subject of an investigation.

As soon as Azu hears the attackers, he immediately designates the creatures making the sound as his Prey. Azu then looks at the barbarian and figures Griss is going to take the helm, so Azu finds Garak and stand next to him.

"I have fought side by side with a champion before...and I intend to do it again" Azu lets a grin creep across his face. Azu draws both his weapons and casts gravity Weapon

Investigator is pursing a lead, is there a minute between when we see the creatures and when they attack? If so, Azu will cast Gravity Weapon before they board they board the ship. It lasts 1 minute, so he doesn't have to cut it too close.

I can get an athletics of +14 if I change into an animal, say an ape, which is I think the highest we can get in this party. But want to see if GM would allow a gorilla to helping to stabilise the ship?

Since you got the warning. If you are not assisting with steering the ship, I am okay with a round of prebuffing

Khunbish, I mean, as long as you keep sense of yourself, okay. No one is going to stop a gorilla..

With a brief moment of concentration, the form of the elven druid morphs into that of a ape, that of a gorilla for those familiar with the fauna of lowland tropical forests.

The druid-in-beast-form lumbers over to the helm and with his massive hands grabs the helms and attempts to hold it sturdy.

athletics, animal form: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

Natesh does his best to hold himself against the mast as he strives to keep himself upright against the rushing waves. "I hope we can finish this fight quickly, I think if I let me guard down that the ocean will finish me fast than whatever devils are attacking." Natesh confirms his mage armor is already in place and draws his axe to hand as he looks around for the source of the incoming laughter.

Using his prodigious strength, Griss helps the gorilla and helmsman stabilize the ship.

"Bah, Natesh a little water won't hurt you. Just make sure it doesn't become a lot of water."

Athletics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
I don't want to crit fail and hurt us, so hero point time.
Athletics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Lol, Griss lives in extremes. :)

Seelah draws her longsword and raises her shield as the druid and barbarian assist with holding the ship on course

"By Iomadae's light we will make it through this! Prepare yourselves for what comes!"

Khunbish and Griss manage to stabilize and level the ship out. However, they are not out of the woods yet, as a patrol of 4 sea devils make way for the ship.

Khunbish may act

I moved Azu next to Seelah per my prior post.

Unfortunately, in animal form, Khunbish can't do anything useful against ranged targets, nor can Irves (his cougar). Will delay until after green.

Both Red and Green spend their entire turns getting onto the boat.

Khunbish, Seelah and Dr Lazarus to act

Even without a command from his master, Irves seems to know what Khunbish needs him to do. It immediately closes in on the sea creature in between them,

Stride. Mature animal companion so can take 1 action even without Command Animal.

Almost in perfect synchronisation, Khunish, in his gorilla form, closes in onto the same creature (red), flanking it with Irves. Once he arrives, the massive fists start flying!

ape fist L3, vs flatfooted: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33 bludgeoning dmg: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (6, 2) + 5 = 13

ape fist L3, vs flatfooted: 1d20 + 14 - 5 ⇒ (9) + 14 - 5 = 18 bludgeoning dmg: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 3) + 5 = 13

Stride, Strike, Strike

Seeing Khunbish and his animal companion swiftly fall on the monster to her right, Seelah moves to the left and attacks the other monster that has made it onboard.

attack 1: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19
damage 1: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 5) + 4 = 16

attack 2: 1d20 + 14 - 5 ⇒ (7) + 14 - 5 = 16
damage 2: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 2) + 4 = 13

"Quickly my friends, dispatch this evil before we are overwhelmed!"

stride, strike, strike

Watching the creatures board the ship, Lazarus plots the best way through their defenses. At the same time, he attempts to recall what he knows of the sea monsters.

Devise a Stratagem w/ Known Weakness: 1d20 ⇒ 16
This roll is used for the subsequent attack roll.
With Known Weakness, this also provides a free Recall Knowledge check. I believe the GM rolls: Nature @ +7 or Arcana @ +9.

Dr. Lazarus quickly shares with the group any details he remembers and then moves into a flanking position with Seelah to attack the green beast near the front of the ship.

Elven Curve Blade 1 (w/ Stratagem): (16) + 10 = 26 vs. flatfoot
Damage + Strategic Strike: 1d8 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + (6) + 2 = 14

Elven Curve Blade 2: 1d20 + 8 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 5 = 18 vs. flatfoot
Damage + Forceful: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9

Since Azu's plan is to be near the champion, Lazarus points out an opening to give the ranger an advantage on this green creature.
Green is flat-foot to Azu's first attack. Good luck, Azu!

Free Action since Pursuing a Lead: Devise Stratagem (incl Known Weakness/Shared Stratagem), Actions: Stride (30'), Strike, Strike

Khunbish easily takes out the first see devil with two slams from him ape fist.

Seelah moves in and lands a quick hard blow on green.

Dr Lazarus calls out what he knows about sea devils. These creatures are akin to sharks. They can communicate telepathically with them. When they have the ability to do bleed damage to creatures they catch flat footed or critically injure.

You also point out a weakness about them granting a +1 circumstance bonus to the next attack roll.

The Dr then moves up fells the green sea devil.

The remaining sea devils board the ship.

Griss, Azu and Natesh may act. Dr, you have one action remaining. The second strike wasn't needed.

Dr, you have one action remaining. The second strike wasn't needed.

After teaming up with Seelah to slay the green sea demon, the Doctor decides it prudent to move to the center of the ship so he's in position to give medical aid to any allies. Thanks GM. Stride 20'

As a reminder to the PCs, due to Known Weakness, all allies receive a +1 circumstance bonus to their next attack roll vs the sea creatures.

With the ship stabilized, Griss draws his weapon and moves to engage closest Sea Devil.

As a reminder to the PCs, due to Known Weakness, all allies receive a +1 circumstance bonus to their next attack roll vs the sea creatures.

As an FYI, Known Weakness only works agains the creature you made the Recall against. In this case it was the green sea devil, which is now defeated. So we won't get any bonuses against the others.

"You say that Seelah, but before I even had a take a step many are already cut down." Saying that Natesh does give a bit of a nervous look toward the one before him. "Not that I have any other better plan, he concedes as he throws a magical hammer into the nearest devil. With a flash the hammer is back in hand and Natesh calls out an incantation drawing upon the storm and arcing electricity through the devil.

Thrown weapon attack at Yellow
Thrown +1 returning light hammer: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Casting Electric Arc targeting Yellow (and Blue if they are within 30 feet of me)
Electric Arc 2; Electricity Damage, Basic Reflex Save DC 18: 2d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 2) + 3 = 6

Azu spots his prey and moves to engage. Calling on Ako to support him.

Twin Takedown 1 (Longsword) vs Flat footed: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 Damage wGravity Weapon: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Twin Takedown 2 (light pick) vs Flat footed: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Griss makes his way to the action.

Natesh chucks a hammer at the yellow sea devil, and flies by and overboard. Luckily for him, the rune activates and it teleports back to him.

1d20 ⇒ 4
He then sends out an electric arc in the same direction. Zapping yellow.

Azu and Ako pull off a vicious maneuver and drops the target.

Khunbish, Seelah and Dr Lazaurus may act

Appreciating the group's efficiency, Lazarus nods with approval as the creatures drop, one by one. He studies the remaining creature looking for an opening.

Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 1 Roll is used for subsequent attack roll.

Not seeing a clear path to success from his current vantage point, he decides to move to the center of the ship to study the action. Once there, he takes his cape from his shoulder and wraps it around his left arm.

Actions: Devise, Stride (to make up for his extra stride last round which he didn't have), Interact (prepare Dueling Cape).

After one has fallen, without hesitation, Khunbish growls to Irves to go after the other. He closed in first, then again the fists go pounding.

vs yellow:

ape fist L3: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15 bludgeoning dmg: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (6, 2) + 5 = 13

Command, Stride, Strike

Irves circles around, flanking the last creature with his master, then leaps in with a viscous bite.

vs yellow, flat-footed: jaws: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19 piercing dmg: 2d6 + 3 + 1d4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 3 + (4) = 13

Seelah steps up and takes two swings at the last remaining sea monster

to hit: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18
damage1: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (7, 4) + 4 = 15

to hit 2: 1d20 + 14 - 5 ⇒ (20) + 14 - 5 = 29
damage 2: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (1, 7) + 4 = 12

The agents are able to fend off the sea devil attack. One of the sea devils carried a bag stuffed with stolen treasures such as small gemstones, loose coins, a set of expensive glass marbles. Altogether these items are worth 2 Treasure Bundles.

Khunbish, take another hero point.

The sun is starting to rise when the lookout in the ship’s crow’s nest calls down to the rest of the crew that they’ve sighted a small village on the distant coastal beach. The crew manages to direct the ship ashore in hopes that whoever lives in the village can lend the adventurers materials and grant them shelter while they work on repairs.

As the Grinning Pixie drifts onto the sand, a dozen figures approach, illuminated by the light of the rising sun.

As they come into view, you can easily see that they are Iruxi.

With the crew of the ship working on taking inventory, making repairs or keeping a look out in the birds nest, this leaves the PC's to initiate first contact with these villagers.

A sturdy looking specimen with approaches first, he calls out in a language that none of you understand.

At this point I am to remind you that Jekka is an Iruxi, luckily for you.

As the ship docks on the beach, Dr. Lazarus seems somewhat relieved. He says to no one in particular, "Compared to the time I was on my colleague's yacht, this experience was ... lacking." He packs up his books and his brandy, and he disembarks with the others.

Seeing the Iruxi approach, Dr. Lazarus looks around for Jekka. "Jekka my boy? Ahhh...there you are are. Excellent. Yes, would you be so kind as to explain to the good people of this island that we're here on behalf of the Vidric council to negotiate an alliance with the Vidrian people? An alliance that is sure to benefit both nations."

There is a brief respite as Natesh steps on the shore and he is able to take a stable step for the first time in several weeks. His relaxation ends though as he looks toward the approaching villagers.

Natesh wrings his hands a bit as he moves toward the meeting, he considers the various greetings he is has used in Absalom and Osirion, then thinks on the number of miles away he is right now.

After some debate Natesh decides to keep his hands low as he give a courtly bow toward the villagers. Directing to himself the wizard identifies himself. "Pathfinder Natesh Dawnseeker."

As an aside to his fellows Natesh admits, "I have magic that would let me understand if needed, but it would only aid understanding their words." He turns toward Jekka and asks as well for assistance. "The Doctor is correct, your aid in opening communication with them would be appreciated. I would at least wish to know more about who we speak with here."

At this point I am to remind you that Jekka is an Iruxi, luckily for you.

Wow, what a coincidence. :)

Khunbish, now back in his elven form, still stomps about somewhat restlessly, as if the essence of the gorilla has not fully left him. He steps back when the lizardfolk approach, reticent to engage, leaving the shorter-lived ones to do so.

Griss puts his weapon away, and then drifts back to side of the group.

"I hope you are getting them better than I am. I had enough issues just learning the languages I know."