[PFS2] GM Nefreet's Bounty Bonanza! (Inactive)

Game Master Nefreet

A younger dwarf sitting at the front of the table nods approvingly at Trig's fashion, as he, too, appears to be wearing an outfit of stitched-together sackcloth.

But the elderly dwarf furrows his brow, "Kupyn sencha? Rrrr where's mah tincture?"

He rolls and massages a wrist, as if to accentuate the point.

There are several possibilities to handle this "task". ONE character can:

• Use healer’s tools to mix a tincture with a DC 16 Crafting check—multiple PCs can Aid using Crafting, Nature or Medicine.
• Use healer’s tools to treat his symptoms with a DC 15 Medicine check.
• Use healing magic or a healing item to give him some relief (although this will only count as a success, and not have the chance for a crit success).

If the initial PC fails, another PC may then attempt a different check, but with a -2 penalty.

Trig opens his mouth, then closes it, then opens it again, "Well, see there was a small issue there. But I'm sure we can help. Could you describe your symptoms? Maybe there is an herb or something I can find to alleviate the pain."

He listens then goes off wandering around looking for something to catch his eye.

Nature (T) Aid Crafting: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Nature (T) Aid Crafting Hero Point Re-Roll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

If the feat Natural Medicine applies to his roll, then he aids.

The Tengu looks at the scene doubtfully. Here to take some potatoes they are making tincture. All in all he's for no help in this 'task'.

The druid for his part tries to help anyway with his knowledge of the plants to get the right tincture.

Nature, Aid crafting: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

As far as I can tell none of us actually have healer's tools. If it's still possible to attempt the tincture:

Mutaq takes the herbs gathered by Trig and Quetzhal and does his best to kludge together a passable tincture despite his lack of proper equipment.

DC 16 Crafting: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

O.O

Since you'll be 1st Level for a few months, may as well have someone buy tools, and then you can just sell them back as part of your 1st Level Rebuild.

"Acht," the old miner breathes a sigh of relief. "Much better. Thank yee! Say 'hullo' t'ol Kupyn. Hope ta see ya o'er Winter Week!"

They give you a hefty bag of potatoes, and also four flasks of ore solvent (Lesser Acid Flasks) used for special mining operations (which, ironically, I think nobody is actually proficient with).

"Made t'much uhdis an' it'll spoil if'naint used soon. Hope ya cun finda use fer it!"

Where next?

You're right, we could buy 1x healer's tools, 1x repair kit, 1x climbing kit. So we have all the gear to go adventuring...

By the way I'm proficient with all martial weapons and Mutaq as well. But I'm not proficient with mining operations. That's Dran'Thil's skill.

Thank you, thank you.

The Tengu is happy to have gotten the potatoes. So they have at least something to eat.

Then we can go for the carrots and celery for the vegetables soup.

I'm happy I haven't met the dwarf in a vocal game...

Oh dang, I didn't even think of non-proficiency when it came to those splash weapons. Probably shouldn't have bought so many. Ah well, good to know NOW and not after being level 2. Trig will be 'rebuilding' after the scenario, aka selling back those bombs he bought. He will purchase healer's tools too, which should probably have done before now anyway.

"Well thank you very much. I'm glad my incredible knowledge of herbs came to some use. That way I didn't need to waste magic, which as you know, is a terrible thing."

As they head out he hums the song again, "Where too next? Was it uh... carrots and celerity or something?"

Maybe carrots with celerity... smiles the Tengu.

... smiles the Tengu.

As a devout lover of Tengu who has used the same Kenku avatar on these Forums since my first post, I love poking fun when I'm at a table about their lack of lips or facial expressions ^_^

From the new paint and fine wooden carvings of the farmers’ god Erastil lining the gate, it’s evident that farmer Bunwol Greetle has been doing well.

An elderly human man sits on the front porch with (presumably) his grandchildren, shelling peas and singing about rock stew. Far from unfriendly, when he sees you approaching, a smile breaks over his face.

“Hail and well met, strangers! You must be here for Winter Week! What can I do for you on this fine day?”

"Greetings!" Mutaq calls back. "You guess correctly! We have been sent by Madam Baro to collect carrots and celery for the rock stew. I don't suppose you have any of those?"

"Ah," he lets out a deep sigh. "Yeah. Well. Honest truth is. Was beginning to feel like Kupyn was taking advantage of my generosity. I already donate substantially to the upkeep of Scallion’s Wrap. Always hire the downtrodden and pay them honest wages. But I overheard her grumbling about Winter Week, and.. It hurt my feelings. One of my favorite memories was finding that lucky rock in my stew. I was just a lad of six at the time, and could never have imagined the fortune that would be bestowed upon me. So when Kupyn came 'round and asked for my crops, I told her I'd charge her the same as everyone else."

There are a few possibilities to handle this "task". ONE character can:

• Try to convince him (Diplomacy DC 16) that Kupyn really does care about the spirit of Winter Week.
• Try to lift his spirits (Performance DC 13) while singing "Rock Stew for Me, Rock Stew for You"
• Simply pay 1 silver for the bushel (although this will only count as a success, and not have the chance for a crit success).

If the initial PC fails, another PC may then attempt a different check, but with a -2 penalty.

(this portion gets lost a bit in PbP; when I played it virtually, one person was particularly musical about it)

I was imaging the Tengu smiling. Perhaps with a feat? :)

After smiling, the Tengu may also... sing of course. He first of all of course spares his entry into the stage from behind a curtain. He casts some electric arcs upon some pumpkets to create an ambiance. Then he arrives on the scene. Jumping on the barrels around him, he grabs a carrot to use it as a microphone: Rock Stew for Me, Rock Stew for you. Holding the carrot to the public: All with me! :Rock Stew for Me, Rock Stew for you.

[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOaOzNhDRPA[/url]
For the rythm and the specials effects

Performance:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

The grandchildren gather around Chupko and really get into this new variation of the song.

"We will, we will, eat rock stew! Eat rock stew!"

And farmer Greetle's eyes tear up watching his progeny getting into the spirit.

"You're right. It'd be poor form of me to ruin the week for everyone else. I'll go grab that bushel for you." He and a couple farm hands soon return with the promised carrots and celery. "I look forward to hearing you sing at the festival!"

With two successes under your belt, all that remains is the scallions from the brownie grove!

As you approach the grove, a multitude of twinkling lights begin dancing about in the shadows beneath the ancient trees. Giggles and whispers fill the air, but you see nothing. Upon reaching the center of the grove, where scallions, garlic, onions, and chives grow in thick clumps amid the dark soil, the whispering stops and the twinkling lights fade.

Several diminutive fey wearing leaves and flowers emerge from their hiding places from within the wood. One, taller than the rest, wearing a crown of woven scallions and holding a purple onion flower (several times her height) like a scepter, steps forward. “I am Nelia Starsister, the Grove’s Grand Garlicia and Alliumic Empress. Who are you to set foot in our domain?”

The Tengu is glad that his stage performance was appreciated. But then he's a bit surprised with a bit of terror learning there is also a festival during which he should perhaps sign again....

But it remains still the scallions. Once they arrive where they are supposed to get the onions and they get approached by Nelia Starsister, the Tengu feels good to say:

And I am Chupko, the Singer's Grand Garlic and mediumnic Emperor. On vacations presently.

The druid stays more... stoic.

My name's Quetzhal. We are sent by Kupyn to get some scallions for the cauldron. As my companion said we are also on vacations. So if we could bring back this to Kupyn we could then get our room's key and have a rest.

Multiple brownies "Oooooh" and "Ahhhhh" at Chupko's declaration.

"Sir Chupinkton, the Beakiest Black! You must hold court with us!" Nelia exclaims, to which all of the other brownies cheer. But when Quetzhal mentions Kupyn, they let out diminutive "Booooo"s in response.

"That huffiest of giants! She knocked down our CASTLE!" to which the brownies furiously zip around a trio of logs that appear to have been dislodged from a carpet of moss on the forest floor. "Now we cannot hold our Seeliest of Courts!"

Because their attention span is short, any PC can:

• Attempt a DC 16 Diplomacy check to convince the brownies that Kupyn meant no harm.
• Attempt to repair the brownies’ "castle" by hoisting the logs into place with a DC 15 Athletics check.

And because the Brownies hold Chupko in awe, all PCs get a +2 circumstance bonus to their check.

Trig stands back and doesn't talk. He definitely doesn't try to deal with these little buggers. Being fey-ish himself, he knows damn well that you avoid them if you can.

Also, he has crap bonuses for those two skills. If forced into the role though, he will try to smooth talk them.

Mutaq steps forward and bows gallantly. "I am Sir Mutaq, and I offer my deepest condolences for the destruction of your wondrous castle. I would be glad to restore it to its former glory. It would be a true tragedy indeed if the world was denied the legendary seelieness of your Court."

He strides over the logs and attempts to reconstruct their previous arrangement.

DC 15 Athletics: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 2 = 25

"Yaaaay!!" Nelia and the other brownies all cheer in unison as their "castle" is "rebuilt". "We haven't had royalty here in a long time! Or ever! You'll always be welcome if you want to vacation here!"

And then they immediately get down to business. "Item number one on today's agenda: the dandelions are getting too tall! Who thinks that they should be shorter?" Passionate arguing ensues.

With their attention fully locked in, you can easily grab the requisite scallions and depart.

With ingredients in hand, you head back to town.

Kupyn’s cottage is brightly colored, with a thatched roof and tall chimney merrily puffing smoke into the brisk air. Yet as you get close, the house begins to rumble and quake! The front door swings open violently, and numerous tiny cobblestones spill out, each with an open mouth and sharp, gleaming teeth!

Chupko: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Mutaq: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Quetzhal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Trig: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

???: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Meanwhile, Kupyn's cauldron continues to boil over its edges.

A Swarm of Cobbles, Round 1

Mutaq ()
Quetzhal ()
Trig ()
Chupko ()
??? ()

Cauldron ()

Party is up!

"OH MY GOD STOP SINGING ROCK SOUP THEY HAVE COME ALIVE AND ARE GOING TO EAT US ALL!!!!"

Recall Knowledge - Society and Crafting +1, Arcana or Occultism +4, Nature or Religion +7: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Remaining 2 actions pending results of Recall Knowledge because what the heck are those things ahhhh!!!

Sorry for the delay. It's Occultism, and that fails.

The druid doesn't know what it is but it shouldn't be kind. That's why he summons the help of the nature.

Tempest surge: 1d12 ⇒ 9

Reflex DC 17. On a failure, the target also is clumsy 2 for 1 round and takes 1 persistent electricity damage.

Then he raises his shield (+2 AC).

Reflex: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17 Bzzt!

Quetzhal's lightning seems effective enough!

A Swarm of Cobbles, Round 1

Mutaq ()
Quetzhal ()
Trig (2 actions left)
Chupko ()
??? (-4)

Cauldron ()

Bold may act!

Trig frowns and fires a blast of ice at the critters, "Good on you Quetz, we might have to figure out how to fight them the old fashioned way. Blast it and see what works!"

Ray of Frost: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 for Cold: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6 (crit doubles damage and slows speeds by 10 for 1 round)

Cold seems to work, too!

A Swarm of Cobbles, Round 1

Mutaq ()
Quetzhal ()
Trig ()
Chupko ()
??? (-10)

Cauldron ()

Bold may act!

Mutaq raises his eyebrows at the swarm of ravenous stones. "Not sure why I didn't expect our vacation to turn out like this. Good job with the blasting, but let's see if I can come up with a more precise method of attack."

Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 2
DC 16 Occultism to Recall Knowledge: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

He stands still for a moment, pondering deeply. "Nope, I got nothing."

Without a viable plan for the moment, Mutaq simply draws his cane sword and raises his dueling cape.

The Tengu draws his rapier and casts a spell as it seems to work.

Electric arc (upon the ??? only): 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Reflex DC 16

Reflex: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19 Bzzt!

As Chupko's lightning blasts into them, the cobblestones begin leaping over each other, one by one, swarming in the Tengu's direction!

"RoCkth.. ToO fFfoR.. YOU!"

◈ Stride
◈ Stride
◈ Pummeling Assault

Bludgeoning, DC 17 Basic Reflex: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7

A Swarm of Cobbles, Round 2

Mutaq ()
Quetzhal ()
Trig ()
Chupko (Reflex)
??? (-12)

Cauldron ()

Party is up!

Reflex:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

He steps to be outside of the swarm, feints and strikes.

Deception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Assuming a success. So panache!

Rapier: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 VS FF

Damage, Precise strike: 1d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 2 = 7

Well you pummels but you does it without panache! What about his one: Rock with me, rock for me!

The druid casts Magic fang and slashes the swarm.

Claws, Magic fang: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 1 = 14

Damage: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 = 6

Rock or not rock, it doesn't matter.

Trig moves to where the swarming stones came from, hoping to see if the body of the person paying them is inside the cabin or close enough to heal. If not, he turns and blasts at it again with ice.

"The creepy stone song is not helping things!"

Ray of Frost: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 for Cold: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8 (crit doubles damage and slows speeds by 10 for 1 round)

Mutaq tries again to work out a better approach for dealing with the cobblestones, despite his limited information about their nature.

Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 13

He isn't able to think of anything too clever, but he does spot a cluster of stones which makes a somewhat easier target than flailing at the swarm as a whole. He steps forward and delivers a pair of stabs.

Stratagem roll of 13 + 7 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Assuming it's immune to precision damage, if not add 1d6 ⇒ 3.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 4 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Bonus Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Deception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Assuming a success. So panache!

Unfortunately... Feint has the "Mental" trait, and swarms are "immune to mental effects that target only a specific number of creatures" =/

Chupko, Quetzhal and Trig each miss their mark, smashing a couple of the stones but making no headway against the group as a whole.

Mutaq's first strike connects! But it doesn't seem like his piercing weapon is effective at all. His second strike, likewise, deals significantly less damage than he was expecting. It then swarms over him.

"RoCkth.. ToO fFfoR.. MEE!"

◈ Step
◈◈ Grasping Bites

Athletics vs Fort DC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Knocked Prone and 1d6 ⇒ 2 bludgeoning damage

After that, the cauldron bubbles over its brim, supplying new cobblestones to the swarm! (healing 10 hp)

A Swarm of Cobbles, Round 3

Mutaq (-2; prone)
Quetzhal ()
Trig ()
Chupko (-3)
??? (-7)

Cauldron ()

Party is up!

After the cauldron bubbles over, the brownies from the glen come to aid you!

"Hey, we realized you weren't there to vote on the dandelion issue, and we need a tie-break... OH NO! Not again! Quick! We'll help you turn it off!"

They effectively give you the Crit Success knowledge from THIS post, and lower the DCs by 2.

Trig moves over to the cauldron, ”I’ll get the cauldron shut off, you all beat it down!”

Move, 2x checks

Arcana (T): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Arcana (T): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Trig ices down the cauldron significantly!

A Swarm of Cobbles, Round 3

Mutaq (-2; prone)
Quetzhal ()
Trig ()
Chupko (-3)
??? (-7)

Cauldron (2/3 successes)

Bold may act!

Oh with such a good feint I should be able to feint all of them :)

Well I've perhaps to consider to take the sorcerer archetype at lvl 2, or maybe another weapon's type...

Ah you take it like this? You'll see which one will laugh in the end.

He moves towards the cauldron and tricks it.

Thievery:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Again:

Thievery:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

The druid tries to hit the rocks again.

Claws, magic fang:1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

Damage:2d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 6) + 2 = 10

And again after casting a spell to aid himself

Claws, magic fang, guidance:1d20 + 5 + 1 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 - 4 + 1 = 9

Damage:2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 2 = 4

Mutaq lets out a cry of alarm as he goes down under a wave of aggressive stones. He fights his way to his feet in time to hear the brownies' information, prompting him to grab a small, weighted club from his belt. Mutaq then attempts to knock some of the cobblestones away with this better-suited weapon.

Sap: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Chupko finds the off switch, and the cauldron cools down to a simmer.

The lizardfolk is finding it difficult to hunt rocks.

And Mutaq delivers a solid blow, breaking some of the stones! Since he is still standing amongst what remains, they begin to devour him.

◈◈ Grasping Bites
◈ Pummeling Assault

Athletics vs Fort DC: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Knocked Prone, restrained, and 1d6 ⇒ 2 bludgeoning damage

Bludgeoning, DC 17 Basic Reflex: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6

A Swarm of Cobbles, Round 4

Mutaq (-4; Reflex; prone, restrained)
Quetzhal ()
Trig ()
Chupko (-3)
Cobbleswarm (-12)

Cauldron (disabled)

Party is up!

Trig moves back into range, in case his allies need healing. He looks at the scene on the ground, "Ah, there we go. Hold them down for us and we'll blast away. Good work Mutaq." He fires some ice at the rocks.

Ray of Frost: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 for Cold: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 (crit doubles damage and slows speeds by 10 for 1 round)

DC 17 Reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

More muffled yelling emanates from beneath the pile of cobblestones as Mutaq struggles to free himself.

Acrobatics to Escape: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Assuming that succeeds....

Mutaq manages to wriggle free and surges to his feet, stepping out of the swarm as he shakes the last clinging stones off.

Mutaq escapes! Err.. Stops "holding" them in place, resulting in Trig missing his shot.

A Swarm of Cobbles, Round 4

Mutaq (-7)
Quetzhal ()
Trig ()
Chupko (-3)
Cobbleswarm (-12)

Cauldron (disabled)

Bold may act!

The Tengu sheathes his rapier and casts a spell upon the stones.

Electric arc: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Reflex DC 16

Hey stay quiet so I can destroy you!

He steps to get the flank position with Mutaq and strikes.

Claw, Magic fang: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 = 25

Damage:2d6 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 = 7

Claw, Magic fang: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 - 4 = 6

Damage:2d6 + 2 ⇒ (1, 2) + 2 = 5

Reflex: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21 Bzzt!

As far as I can tell, Swarms can be flanked, so that first claw attack crits. And even with Resistance 6 to Slashing, that kills it.

Chupko magnetizes the rocks with electricity, causing them to stick in a clump long enough for Quetzhal to tear them apart!

Combat Over!!

Mutaq (-7)
Quetzhal ()
Trig ()
Chupko (-3)

Upon returning to her cottage with meat for the stew, Kupyn is initially shocked at the mess, but thanks you profusely for taking care of the threat (and not having to break her cauldron!). With all of the ingredients collected, Winter Week begins with a generous helping of hearty, lucky stew for everyone!

1d8 ⇒ 3

And it is Quetzhal that finds the lucky rock in the bottom of his bowl!

Bounty Completed ^_^

Commencing B-06: The Road from Otari

The metropolis of Absalom, otherwise known as the City at the Center of the World, sits at the south end of the Isle of Kortos, and is by far its best known location throughout the Inner Sea. But many people also live and work in numerous towns and hamlets dotting the less populous regions of the island. One of these is Otari, a fishing village of about 1,200 people located roughly 75 miles west of Absalom, and it’s where you find yourselves resting en route to the metropolis for more promising work.

As you prepare for the remaining three days of your journey you notice a scroll that has been posted in one of the many common areas in town, including the very inn that you spent the night in:

INTREPID TRAVELERS WANTED!

Please inquire at Gallentine Deliveries for an urgent package that must set out for Absalom posthaste. Reasonable terms, payment upon delivery.

—Oloria Gallentine

Mutaq: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 = 14

The town is small, so it’s easy enough to find Gallentine Deliveries, and a boyish half-elf at the front desk sends a trained rat up a clear glass tube to alert Oloria to your presence. When she appears she appraises you up and down before nodding at the boy and ushering you in to her upstairs office.

Speaking quickly, she explains, "An aristocrat from Absalom, Kulrin Hulfheen, was here in Otari last week for some sport fishing. He netted a large, rare trevally and arranged to have it mounted and shipped back to his manor in Absalom. Normally, that wouldn't be a problem, but we just received an urgent missive from Master Hulfheen informing us that he wants the trophy shipment expedited in time for a social gathering he's hosting. I want to secure my operation for future business with his estate, so I am willing to pay couriers the exorbitant sum of sixteen gold pieces if you can get the prized fish to him in three days. But you need to leave right away!"