GM Michael's Falcons Hollow Chronicles

Game Master Dread

The Guard turns abruptly and heads into town, leaving the last guard at the gate with the farmers...They start asking questions of the group since the loggers are all ill and their family members are as well.

A sudden thought strikes Thal as people start mentioning the ill. "Is Jarlene among those who have fallen ill?"

The Guard glanced at Thallin and said No...

Jarlene ill 20%: 1d100 ⇒ 67

Straug heads straight for the well and peers down, if he sees anything suspicious he strips down for yet another trip down the well, keeping only his throwing axe to pry off the net and bring it back up.

'Where is that blasted herbalist!?' He says loudly to anyone gathered around.

Straug, knowing what to look for indeed see's the tell tale bag of fungus floating just below the water line.

Then you can see the guard returning with Laurel, who is pushing her glasses back up on her nose as she approaches. What have we here? she says looking at the lumberjacks laying in the back of the wagons and back to you guys, her eyes going to Cathoris.

Blackscour Taint. Straug found bags of blackscour fungus tied in the wells of camps two and three. I assume the other wells also. My family - Cathoris starting with matter-of-fact coldness choaks up when it comes to this fact. Uncertainty and fear well up in his eyes. You have to help, he adds weakly. Please.

Blackscour Taint. I havent heard anything about that in years. My mother told me about it. Its a fungal infection of the body. It only comes from ingestion. I dont know the cure. Maybe My mother did though. She had a book that was passed down from her mother. I have it at the shop. Come with me. ...Is there a bag of that fungus in this well too? she says as an afterthought.

Falwkyn gestures over at Straug as he prepares to climb down for yet another of the poisonous nettings. "Yes. Our expert is getting ready to go down for it it, even now."

Alexander turns to the group.

Please excuse me for a moment, I must check up on a couple of people. I won't be long. Get out specialist tied up and ready to drop down.

Alex then runs off to check on his half sister.

Alexander excused himself and headed to see his Kitani and Kimi. and was relieved to find them ok. after telling them to not drink the well water unless its been strained and boiled he returns to the group to see Straug being pulled out of the well after retrieving the third netted package of fungus. Laurel had stood watching. Once its out she asks the group to leave the wagons here with the guards, whove sent for Payday and follow her to her shop so she can get the information on a cure for them.

% have disease 10%: 1d100 ⇒ 70

"Yeah, I'd like to check in on somebody too," Thal says and starts off to see Jarlene.

Kronk moves to help Straug with the ropes. The cook was visibly worried about the disease surrounding them, and despite not having a direct family to care about, he felt pain for each different person they found in the ill.

Cathoris goes with Laurel to her shop. I’ll help in anyway that I can.

Thallin stops by to see Jalene and she is relieved to see him. after making sure all is well and hearing the talk that a few people are sick Thallin heads to Laurels with everyone else.

The group goes into The shop and She hurriedly pulls out a book and starts paging through it for the possible antidote. She explains that her Grandmother was personal friends with Ulzmilla the Witch of The Darkwood and gained much of her knowledge from The Witch, who was reputed to be a much more than just a mere witch.

She finds the page and begins reading aloud the information of the deisease and how it infects the body, the mold growing in your belly. It starts eating away at your digestive tract and respiratory system which causes losses in hand and eye coordination, nimbleness and the health and fitness of the individual causing the person to lapse into a coma while they waste away. Only inhaling the fumes put off by the burning of an aromatic. I have most of the ingredients except a few. I need Elderwood Moss, about a pound of it, which Ive never heard of before...but the notes say it only grows on The Eldest Oak in the forest. Then I need about 20 Pickled roots called Rattails That Ulzmilla keeps in her care. The notes say, She treats them with a specific potion. Finally I need 7 Ironbloom Mushrooms. These grow in and around Dwarven Forges, feeding off Iron shavings. Theres an Old Dwarven Monastery in the far reaches of the forest called Droskars Crag that may hold them.

It says death occurs within 7-10 days of infection unless the person is already weakened by some other illness.. So time is of the essence.

Straug's ears perk up at the mention of the Dwarven Monastery. He's heard about it many times but it was deeper in the forest than he cared to venture alone on his 'long walks'. Having a reason to go there with some steady friends at his back sounds much better. He thinks back to his family and how he was found as a baby, hoping to find answers to his past of some kind in addition to the needed ingredients.

'Looks like we have our work cut out for us lads, anyone know the area and can plot us out a good route? I guess we should take some time to stock up on supplies and head out as soon as possible, those infected need us. This is bigger than the gold we were earning from PayDay now.'

Knowledge-Local to determine a good route: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Falkwyn almost smirks when he hears Laurel say her grandmother was a witch, then admonishes himself when he realizes she's entirely serious, and that everyone else was taking her words as truth. He nods along as the herbalist recites then list of ingredients she needs, making a mental note of each, hoping that at least one of them will have some idea of where any of them are...

"You know, I think I remember my father telling me something about the Eldest Oak when I was younger...but that may have been just one of his stories he told when he was drinking..."

Knowledge - Geography: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Knowledge - Nature: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

If it helps in any way, Falkwyn has +7 to his Survival checks...

The half-elf sighs and nods at Straug's advice. "Aye. This isn't about the money anymore."

Cathoris listens intently. Eldermoss, pickled roots, and ironbloom mushrooms. Will that be enough for everyone? He asks with concern, thinking about the camps, his family, and now the entire village. He moves on before receiving and answer.We’ll find them, Laurel. Do you happen to know where Ulzmilla the Witch lives?

I wonder if I know of there Eldest oak is. He thinks about his ventures into the woods .

Know(Nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Know(Geography): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

I agree, Straug. We should get moving as soon as we can, he says with conviction.

Between Straug and Cathoris The group has a working knowledge of where the the three locations are See Map of area. You can plan a route before exiting the building. The biggest obstacle is the river running through the Darkwood. Its about 300' feet across and easily 15' to 20' feet deep except up near the Elder Tree then it could be walked across. Remember the time of travel is on the left hand side. And I meant Droskar's Crucible. Straug Knows Droskar is a Dwarven God. Droskar

Laurel says Yes. and she describes where Ulzmilla's Cottage is. She says, I will attend those I can and do what I can to help them. I cannot guarantee how successful Ill be, but Ill do my best. Ill also put the word out not to drink the water til we can cleanse it.

The half-elf moves closer to Laurel, so they can all speak, hopefully without being overheard by the other residents. He nods at Cathoris, "Agreed. We need to get moving. But which location first?"

Falkwyn sighs and runs the fingers of his right-hand through his hair, "I honestly don't know that any of the paths are outright best to start off. The Dwarven Monastery will take us past Werewolf and Kobald territories. Ulzmilla's will do likewise, unless we go to the Elder Oak first, but that will run us back up past the Fey."

He pauses, then says, "If it were just me by myself, I'd head back to Camp Three, since we know at least part of the way is...was...clear of Fey. We just came back that way. And I think we can cross the river on foot near the Elder Tree. Then cross over to Ulzmilla's and then finally, the Monastery. But that's just off the top of my head...what do you all say?"

Cathoris thinks to himself for a few second, hand on his chin. I agree. I don’t think that there is a better way. I am concerned, though, about getting back to town, but I don’t I have any good solutions at the moment.

Is Falcon’s Hollow down river from the Dwarven Monastary?

its a longer journey by river, albeit a bit safer. you can see its location on the map

Though Straug is anxious to get to the monastery he recognizes what Falkwyn says as good sense. He eyes the group slowly.

'About to get messy lads, I'm glad we had that little warm up first now I know youve all got a good head about your shoulders'. He looks over at Kronk and says with a smile, 'Well except for you boy-o youre mad but you swing a good stick so I'll fight just out of hammer range of you anytime.'.

'I like the route Falkwyn plotted out, any of us need some supplies before we head out?'

its a longer journey by river, albeit a bit safer. you can see its location on the map

I see it. What direction is the water flowing? I’m just considering if we could float back from the monastery and save some time. Not that we have a boat.

the main river is down river from the monastery, but Falcons Hollow is upriver from that branch

"I'm good. Ready to leave whenever you all are." Falkwyn answers, checking his equipment.

when three more people post they are ready or they leave Laurels shop. Illa dvance game. I have not seen anything from Alexander, Thallin or Kronk to insure they made it back in.

I am ready too, guys. Sorry for the delay... I should have gone easier on the fried cheese yesterday night. - said the cook, tapping his belly.

Finally back and free from the curse of the Paizo cookies! My apologies.

Straug is ready for action.

Alexander sighs with relief, despite his original intentions, his half family had starting growing on him, kinda like a fungus. At any length, after eating the cookies made for him and his sister, and after giving them the warning of not drinking the well water for a while. He lets them know he may be gone a while.

Once back, he greets the others.

Apologies, I was held up a bit by the lure of fresh cookies.

---

If possible our route should take a circuit so that it ends close to falcon's hallow. The less amount of time spent walking the better. To a point where our safety may be a lesser concern. If we lose an arm or leg, but make it back a day sooner, that may be countless lives saved. He says looking at the map.

Other than that note, I'm ready

The group turned to leave Laurels and opened the door to go outside, and was greeted by 6 dangerous looking cultists and a woman dressed in priestly attire.

a slight pause and you remembered the Gardeners words about a plan to kill Laurel. Obviously you have interrupted that plan.

Initiative Tracker: Bold May Go
23-Alexander
18-Thallin
16-Cultists
15-Falkwyn
11-Priestess
7-Kronk
7-Cathoris
5-Straug

Alexander glances around, eyes darting quickly from each figure to the next before stopping on the woman.

Well, we really should be going.. He says before drawing his crossbow in a flash and firing a shot towards the priestess.

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

landing a glancing blow on her before stepping to the side so the others can more easily come to their aid. Hopefully.

Alexander is shocked to see a group of thugs assaulting Laurels here...in Falcons Hollow. He snaps off a crossbow bolt at their apparent leader and it grazes her side.

Thallin Takes a step forward, pulling out his sturdy Tea Kettle and takes up a defensive stance to the right of the door. Last thing he wanted to do was get picked off by being surrounded by these thugs. going full defense

The Killers swarmed forward, three coming at Thallin, three coming at Alexander.

Thallin was struck twice, one across his chest, the other a stab to the side, both serious wounds and he fell to the ground, blood pooling up around him. Hes at -5. has 6rds to stabilize

Alexander was stabbed once in the thigh.

attack vs Thallin AC 18: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 211d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
attack vs Thallin AC 18: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 161d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
attack vs Thallin AC 18: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 201d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
attack vs Alexander AC 18: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 221d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
attack vs Alexander AC 18: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 151d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
attack vs Alexander AC 18: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 91d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
confirm crit vs Thallin AC 18: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 101d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
confirm crit vs Alexander AC 18: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 81d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Initiative Tracker: Bold May Go
23-Alexander
18-Thallin
16-Cultists
15-Falkwyn
11-Priestess
7-Kronk
7-Cathoris
5-Straug

"Nine Hells! Thal!" Drawing his bow while still in the doorway, Falkwyn fires a shot at one of the cultists attacking his fallen friend, hoping to draw their attention rather than giving them time to finish Thallin off.

Ranged Attack, Bow: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 1 = 21
Bow attack, Point Blank Range

Arrow Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Attacking the cultist directly in "front" of Falkwyn. Hopefully Thal being down means the three cultists are not currently in melee, and removes the penalty for firing into melee. If this is not the case, add on a -4 penalty for Falkwyn's shot

Falkwyn stepped pulled up his bow and shot a Cultist in the ribs

The Priestess came forward and sent a dark prayer to a darker Power and a Burst of foul energy burst forward cast bane DC 14 Kronk and Alexander looked at the surrounding foes and felt they were outgunned and out classed.

Laurel looks out at the enemies and at Thallin and grabs up a satchel from behind her counter.

will save Alexander: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
will save Falkwyn: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
will save Cathoris: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
will save Straug: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
will save Kronk: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
will save Laurel: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Alexander and Kronk receive a -1 on attacks and -1 on saves vs fear effects for 2 minutes.

Initiative Tracker: Bold May Go
23-Alexander
18-Thallin
16-Cultists
15-Falkwyn
11-Priestess
7-Kronk
7-Cathoris
5-Straug
3-Laurel

laurels initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

I cant believe I'm saying this but I think im still at 11/12 I cant find any record of further healing after Cathoris bandaging me up.

Also just a friendly reminder, though I made my save I think I should have gotten an additional +2 from Dwarven defense? Just verifying. OK lets see what trouble Straug can get into this round!

Before Straug even knows whats happened he sees Thallin hit the ground after being attacked through the doorway. 'Blast it lad, we're gonna need to beef you up a bit! Hold on we're coming for you!'

Straug charges through the doorway drawing his Greataxe intending to cut down the blighters next to Thallin and cut his way to the caster in the back. He yells while charging.

'TO ARMS TO ARMS!! WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!! CUT THEM DOWN!!'

Move next to Thallin
Draw Greataxe
Greataxe attack cultist directly across from Straug

Greataxe attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Greataxe damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Kronk is shaken to his core, but tries to keep it together. Assuming his usually exotic style, he advances with his sledgehammer and tries to attack one of the enemies.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 - 1 = 23
Damage: 3d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 2, 6) + 6 = 15

The cook is clearly under the effects of the enemy spell, but yet does his best to help. Still a little hurt from before, all he can do is hope for the best.

I am not sure if I was ever healed either - I think we rest, didn't we? I don't know if I recovered, otherwise I'm at 6/8 HP right now

Likewise, as a half elf I get +2 vs enchantment effects, not that it would have mattered.

even as he feels the magic take effect, he growls at the priestess and the enemies around him.

Cathoris moves immediately to Thallin’s aid. He casts his healing spell, steps forward, and touches his fallen comrade.

Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Come on, Thal.

Kronk moves out despite the feelings he has of being overwhelmed and smashes his sledge into the chest of the killer with Alexanders bolt in his side, crushing his sternum.

Cathoris moves into the doorway and kneels his hand turning white as he calls mutters some arcane phrase. He touches Thallins gut wound. Thallin gasped taking in a deep breath as the positive energy floods into his system. The majority of his knife wounds heel, leaving just some pink skin and a few bruises. He opened up his eyes and looked around at the battle around him.

Just then Straug moved up next to him and slammed his axe into the shoulder of another of the killers, one of the ones who'd stabbed him, and the axe snapped the collar bone and burst the assassins heart.

Thallin swung his tea kettle which lay on the ground near him aiming for the shin of the killer and caught him sharp on the leg the cultist said damn as he felt the sharp rap

attack by Thallin: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 3 - 4 = 191d6 ⇒ 1

Initiative Tracker: Bold May Go
23-Alexander
18-Thallin
16-Cultists
15-Falkwyn
11-Priestess
7-Kronk
7-Cathoris
5-Straug
3-Laurel

Wait! You rolled a nat 20 for me! I'm going to roll to confirm the crit :=)

Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 3 - 4 = 101d6 ⇒ 4

Ah well. Good to be back at least

Alexander grunts, and draws his dagger, slashing at the man who hit cut him while keeping his buckler moving to block other strikes.
attack,CE: 1d20 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 - 1 = 13

damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 AC is 19.

Alexander let the crossbow fall and pulled a dagger going into a defensive posture with his buckler out. He took a half hearted swipe at one of the killers and missed as the thug danced away from the blade.

The Cultist closest to Thallin, shifted towards the front as he slashed back downward at the annoyance at his feet. Thallin batted the blade aside with his tea kettle

The Thugs near alexander shifted towards the doorway and attacked Straug, Kronk and Alex.

Straug blocked the blade with the haft of his axe. Kronk got clised on his arm, and Alex avoided the attack dodging and twisting

attack Thallin while prone: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 71d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
attack Straug: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 101d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
attack Kronk: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 191d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
attack Alex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 51d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Initiative Tracker: Bold May Go
23-Alexander
18-Thallin
16-Cultists
15-Falkwyn
11-Priestess
7-Kronk
7-Cathoris
5-Straug
3-Laurel

"Hold fast! Work together! We can do this!" the half-elf calls out to his companions, seeing the group's peril. Grim-faced, Falkwyn recognizes the threat of the spellcaster and notches an arrow, aiming it directly at her. However, rather than firing immediately, the woodsman holds his shot, waiting on any sign that the malevolent priestess is about to calling on dark magic against them again.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Arrow Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

Basically Falkwyn is readying his attack with a "trigger" of firing the moment the priestess starts casting, hoping to disrupt any spell she tries...and hopeully damaging her as well...

Falkwyn readied his bow and then he saw her bign to touch the symbol to her God around her neck and intone a prayer and he loosed an arrow at her, which was deflected off her armor. She finished her spell a wave of terror struck Kronk, who glared at the priestess but still felt a little intrepidation.

Kronk save dc 14: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18

Kronk is Shaken for 1R.

Alexander and Kronk receive a -1 on attacks and -1 on saves vs fear effects for 1 minute 9R.

Initiative Tracker: Bold May Go
23-Alexander
18-Thallin
16-Cultists
15-Falkwyn
11-Priestess
7-Kronk
7-Cathoris
5-Straug
3-Laurel

Kronk coughed blood, recognizing he was very much hurt. Yet, he wasn't beaten yet. It was pain, and fear, but the cook again flipped on his heels and let his belly weight push the sledge against the enemy in front of him with absurd violence.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 - 1 = 23
Damage: 3d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 6, 4) + 6 = 21

You... You're next! - he barely found courage to yell the bravado to the spellcaster.

Cathoris looks at the murderous cultists in front of him, anger filling inside him. He quick casts guidance and touches Straug. Strike true, Straug! He then pulls out the sickle, feeling it’s balance in his hands, eager to take a strike.

Straug eyes his opponent across from him hefting his axe for another strike. He feels a nudge and a rush of energy move through him as Cathoris casts.

'Lets hope your god likes Dwarves!' He says with a wild eyed grin as he swings his greataxe at the cultist opposite him.

Greataxe attack with guidance

Greataxe attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6
Greataxe damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Straug isnt going out like this....HERO POINT!!

Greataxe attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 1 = 18
Greataxe damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Even Shaken, Kronk slams the killer with the sledge, taking ohis arm off from the force of the blow. Blood spurt over Kronk and Sraug as the body spins with the blow and falls to the ground.

Cathoris asked for guidance for Straug.

Straug, brought the axe up over his head and towards the opponent, and he started to slip but gripped the axe tighter and pulled forth extra effort to connect, crushing the foe to the ground.

Laurel moved up behind Cathoris hand inside her satchel...

Alexander and Kronk receive a -1 on attacks and -1 on saves vs fear effects for 1 minute 8R.

Initiative Tracker: Bold May Go
23-Alexander
18-Thallin
16-Cultists
15-Falkwyn
11-Priestess
7-Kronk
7-Cathoris
5-Straug
3-Laurel

From his prone position, Thal doubts he'll be much of a threat to the cultist before him, But if I can distract him enough for the Dwarf to get a hit in, he thinks, and swings with his traveling kettle, not to harm his foe, but to make them overcompensate defensively to leave Straug an opening.

Aid Another to Straug's Attack: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 3 - 4 = 16

+2 to your attack, Straug!

with less enemies focusing on him, Alex goes more offensive, though still keeping his strikes cautious. He drops his dagger and shield and draws the long blade on his back, brining it out in a swift downward slash.

attack,CE,bane: 1d20 + 1 - 1 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 - 1 - 1 = 14
damage: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

But misses as the man dodges by a hairs breadth. AC is now 18