[PFS2, Outpost04] 1-03 Escaping the Grave (GM Watery Soup) (Inactive)

Game Master Watery Soup

Almost at the same time as Oieron, Elanna taps Grimm on the shoulder to interrupt his music before it is too late before directing him after Elien. You'll be able to put your soul into it when we are back and I'll be happy to listen. But for now, let's move.

Turning to Kei, she answers: "That may be a good idea with living enemies, but I'm not sure the undeads notice plants. They don't seem to attack the trees even if they move with the wind. Maybe keep your spells in case we encounter other type of creatures."

Letting the Investigator take the lead, she waits for everyone to proceed and takes the rear, covering the groups' tracks after her.

stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 +2 if Elien is successful

Climbing up took more effort than Nubie expected it to be. Once he makes it it he stops and pants for a few moments as the others discuss what to do. Finally recovering his breath the kobold decides to take a look at what the others are doing and notices the undead patrol.

"That many deads. Nubie the Terrifying can take them but it not fair. They outnumbered." He says trying to sound brave. He gulps as his hand goes to his light mace before noticing Elien try to make a distraction. He immediately tries to find cover and hide.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Elien proceeds to draw upon some of his alchemical ingredients, a bit of twine and a flammable fuse so he can light one of his crossbow bolts on fire. He then lines up a shot towards a particularly distant area, counting on the height of the hillside to give him the maximum possible range.

Oooh, shiny fire! We can roast any brains we find on the fire!

The undead are drawn to the smoke and fire.

+2 to Stealth for everyone!

---

Elien: critical success
Grimm: failure
Oiyeron: success
Kei: failure
Elanna: critical success
Nubie: critical success

Elien, Elanna, and Nubie are able to keep Grimm and Kei from stumbling along the way, and the group passes by the undead with no delay.

---

Obstacle #3: Heavy, prickly undergrowth and tall grasses have grown over the road.

Optional: One PC may attempt a Nature or Survival check to identify areas where the undergrowth isn’t as thick.

Required: Each PC must attempt either a DC 15 melee attack roll with a slashing weapon to slice through, or a DC 14 Acrobatics check to weave through. They may also Hustle around, as detailed in the first Obstacle.

"This no problem! Just like looking at rocks. Nubie can also see in dark!" Nubie says to Kei as he leads the other thinking his skill in mining would allow him look for a path through the undergrowth.

Nature(Untrained): 1d20 ⇒ 20

He lets Kei go as the kobold makes his way through the undergrowth.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Kei looks impressed as Nubie deftly navigates the undergrowth.

"Wow, he's truly terrifying" He mumbles to his familiar, kept inside a satchel. "Seems like not only he might be a good fighter, his knowledge of nature seems to be spot on!"

I'll attempt a Nature check as well, just in case; although I'm sure Nubie scored more than enough!
Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

He has absolutely no idea of Nubie's original train of thought.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Elanna follows Nubie's progression as he crosses the brambles and commits the way to memory.

Once everyone has made their choice, she checks on last time no one is following the group. Turning around, she nimbly steps into the brambles and crosses the overgrown thicket.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 2 = 24

Once she's through, she approaches the small kobold and squats beside him: "Hey Nubie, that was very clever of you to find this path into the brambles. But maybe next time we could discuss it quickly together before you go running into danger. Someone like Kei or Grimm could have had another idea on how to cross."

Earlier...

"It depends on the strength of the necromancer and how much power they invested into the undead. Anywhere from minutes, to days, to forever." Oiyeron answers from beside Grimm. He turns at the sound of a drumbeat and sees the conjured instrument in Grimm's hands. Oiyeron sticks his hand out to block the tapping and whispers urgently."You need to control your magic, friend, before it gets us killed."

Almost at the same time as Oieron, Elanna taps Grimm on the shoulder to interrupt his music before it is too late before directing him after Elien. You'll be able to put your soul into it when we are back and I'll be happy to listen. But for now, let's move.

"Uh - right. Apologies... Grimm looks somewhat sheepish and dispels the drum.

Later...

As the small green reptile vanishes like a flash into the undergrowth, Grimm's eyebrows rise. Turning to Oiyeron, "I really was not expecting that...I never know kobolds had such a knowledge of the grasslands. Our druid could learn much from him, it seems."

He looks down at his heavy armour and cumbersome array of weaponry; a delicate and dextrous path through the undergrowth seems both unlikely and, less fun than the alternative. "It's not a scythe, but...". He unlimbers his fauchard, and checks carfully that Elanna behind him is safely clear of his backswing, "This should be fun!"

fauchard as an agricultural implement: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Contrary to some people's expectations, Grimm does not immediately lumber into the brambles and get entangled and badly scratched. He does however leave a broad swathe of mown grass and brambles behind him, easily visible for anyone following them to see.

Looking back at Elanna's rearguard position Grimm spots this. "The undead can't track, right?" he offers, hopefully.

"Yeah...that undergrowth looks a little too thick to my liking," Elien states, "Our drummer friend here probably has the right of it." The investigator draws his blade and moves to follow in the Grimm's wake, slashing at any remaining vines or briars that might otherwise snag him.

Melee attack with shortsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"Whew! How invigorating!" he calls out to his companions, "There's nothing like a hike up a steep hillside...followed by a stealthy escape from an undead army...and then some safari-style exercise to get the blood pumping. I do hope all this effort isn't wasted in seeing us to Goldenflame in record time. But at least any of the Tyrant's spies will have a harder time spotting us among all this vegetation! Can anyone see our Terrifying friend up ahead? I daresay I lost sight of him already..."

Oiyeron follows Grimm's path mowed through the brush. He draws his dagger to slash away any bits that try to tangle up his coat.

Melee Attack w/Dagger: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

The wizard has some difficulty slashing at a few patches of undergrowth as he wades through it

"This no problem! Just like looking at rocks. Nubie can also see in dark!" Nubie says to Kei as he leads the other thinking his skill in mining would allow him look for a path through the undergrowth.

Nubie the Pathfinder finds a path. I will add +2 to everyone's rolls unless it was obvious they added it.

---

Nubie: Acrobatics 23 (success)
Kei: Acrobatics 15 (success)
Elanna: Acrobatics 24 (critical success)
Grimm: Attack 20 (success)
Elien: Attack 24 (success)
Oiyeron: Attack 15 (success)

---

Nubie's path leads the Pathfinders straight through, without delay.

Goldenflame was formerly an idyllic town that blossomed with the establishment of the Goldenflame College. Established and sponsored by the church of Iomedae, Goldenflame was a place where students could study how to best do good in the world while staying far away from the infamously dangerous parts of Lastwall.

The Pathfinders arrive at the town at exactly 11:00 am.

Apart from the slight breeze, the town is still and quiet. The buildings here seem mostly intact, with only a few signs of disuse: cracked gutters, dry and decaying flower beds, weeds growing against flaking walls. A crumbling fountain stands in the middle of the plaza, dry as a dusty bone.

See Slide 3. The map is kind of large, so I've made PC icons into circles and everything else into rectangular icons to help differentiate.

A lone horse lurks near the fountain in the center of the square.

To be clear, we are not in combat (yet), so describe what your characters are doing. If combat breaks out, your initiative roll will be based on what you're doing at the moment.

Kei wanders around the area, trying to keep as close as possible to his companions.

"This place is almost beautiful... almost. If it wasn't because of the backstory of this nation and the fact we're in enemy territory, I wouldn't mind staying here for a while". He said to his little friend in the satchel.

His gaze deviated towards what he thought looked like a horse. He turned towards Elanna, smiling.

"Look at that! Isn't it cute? Nature finds a way to prevail even in dark environments like this one. I wonder if the Whispering Tyrant has a soft spot for animals..."

Kei has lowered his guard a little. I'll still roll Nature to see if I can learn more about the horse, if it's wounded or scared or anything else.

Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

"Dancing horsey?" Nubie looks to the others as he points to the horse. Having drawn his companions' notice to the horse Nubie put it out of his mind and moves one of the buildings to peer through one of its windows.
Nubie will investigate building 3 by peering through the window.

Entering Goldenflame and seeing that the town has been abandoned to the advancing undead, Grimm bends down to pick up a handfull of dirt. He looks at the others as he grinds it into his palms, improving his grip. "Eyes on, everyone - this is no longer a theoretical research project, Mr Elien. The eyes of the dead may be watching..."

He hefts his polearm , and advances forward to stand point whilst the kobold peers into the nearby building. His eyes sweep the town square, alert for trouble.

Exploration action = scout, +1 init to all

...Kei's gaze deviated towards what he thought looked like a horse...."Look at that! Isn't it cute? Nature finds a way to prevail even in dark environments like this one. I wonder if the Whispering Tyrant has a soft spot for animals..."

"I highly doubt it," Elien interjects, "We're all animals, Kei. And, if history is correct, Tar-Baphon has no soft spot for anyone or anything. In fact, people are just a higher order of animal, because we can exercise rational thought. But, perhaps more concerning, all animals can become undead. Not just people. And that horse isn't moving quite right. The only conclusion I can draw is it's either wounded or an animated unliving thing now. Given no one seems to be in town, I lay odds it's the latter."

"Eyes on, everyone - this is no longer a theoretical research project, Mr Elien. The eyes of the dead may be watching..."

"Indeed, Mister Grimm. I believe you're quite right." Elien draws his blade and keeps it in hand. "Everyone make sure to proceed with caution. Keep your eyes and wits about you. We can start looking around, but stay together until we know what we're dealing with..." The investigator moves along with Nubie and Grimm, putting his own skills of observation to work.

Exploration activity - Search

GM:

"We're all animals, Kei. And, if history is correct, Tar-Baphon has no soft spot for anyone or anything."

Oiyeron nods gravely in agreement. "The Tyrant spares nothing."

"...that horse isn't moving quite right. The only conclusion I can draw is it's either wounded or an animated unliving thing now. Given no one seems to be in town, I lay odds it's the latter."

Oiyeron sticks with the group for safety, but is keeping an eye on the horse, trying to see what he can determine about it.

Lore:Undead: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Exploration Activity as they wander the town: Detect Magic

I forgot to mention Nubie is holding his hand crossbow, loaded and ready to fire.

Nubie looks inside the nearest building. Empty weapon cases and crates are scattered throughout this bare-bones building. Dust outlines the faint shadows of swords and shields removed from their resting places. This is the Armory. You'll need 10 minutes to Search it.

Kei looks at the horse, but before he can move, realizes that there's nothing natural about this horse at all. It's very, very, unnatural - as it turns, Kei realizes that half of its face has rotted away. The horse snorts and lets out a rasping whinny from a rotting gash in its throat. Zombie shamblers clad in tattered clothing move into action, emerging from behind walls and dead hedges, their moans breaking the silence.

Art on Slide 3.

---

Round 1! The bolded may act.

Nubie
Kei
Oiyeron
Red Zombie
Green Zombie
Purple Zombie
Elien
Elanna
Grimm
Zombie Horse

Kei gasps as he witnesses the horrifying truth behind the creature that not long ago filled him with awe and hope.

"You're right Grimm, he truly spares no one, how horrible!"

As the zombies emerge, Kei firmly grasps his spear, a mixture of fear, anger and sadness swirling inside him.

"I wish we could do more for you than this, but we shall put you to rest. I'm so sorry, I know nothing of this is your fault" He says to the shambling undead.

Kei moves towards the closest building, peeking through the corner, and keeping his back against the wall.
I use an action to Stride towards B4, I use my second action to take cover.

He, then, attempts to recall any useful knowledge. He remembers the smell of dusty tomes and the echoing sound of pages turning from religious books in the libraries of the Pathfinder Society; he remembers the starless nights seating under a big tree in the Forest of Spirits, talking to his beloved about the terrible things that roam the dark and consume the flesh of the living, as told by the priests.

Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

My last action will be recall knowledge.

"Zombies." Oiyeron announces. "They are slow, but dangerous. Slice the flesh off of them or use positive energy magic to best destroy them. Nothing mind or consciousness-affecting will work, they have no minds to trick, or damage, or render unconscious. Poison will not affect them either."

Oiyeron draws a complex pattern in the air, then extends his hands to the sides. A shimmering aura spreads from the sigil as it fades. The aura to extends to five feet surrounding the Wizard. Oiyeron moves over next to Nubie and Grimm, the shimmering aura following him.

"If you stay within my Ward, it will be harder for them to hit you." Oiyeron instructs. Then he speaks an incantation and a magical shield appears, floating close beside him.

Actions:
1A: Focus Spell: Protective Ward (+1 Status Bonus to AC)
1A: Stride
1A: Cast Shield
Forgot to specify earlier, but Oiyeron cast Mage Armor this morning before they set out. He will do so every day unless I say otherwise

Nubie turns toward the sound of moaning. AT the sight of the horse he winces. "Yeesh. Ugly horse!"he says as he shoots with his hand crossbow, reloads and shoots again.

Ranged: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Ranged: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Kei, Recall Knowledge is a secret check, so I'll be rerolling yours.

---

Kei moves up and takes cover.

Oiyeron raises a ward and a shield magically.

Nubie takes two shots with his crossbow, the second one hitting.

The zombies shamble at full speed toward their prey.

Round 1! The bolded may act.

Nubie
Kei
Oiyeron
Red Zombie
Green Zombie
Purple Zombie
Elien
Elanna
Grimm
Zombie Horse

Whoops, you're right! I didn't see the Secret tag on the action, sorry!

"Okay, thanks Oiyeron. Let's cut them down."

Elanna draws her shortsword and takes her place right besides Grimm. Raising her blade, she slashes into the shambling undead in front of her.

Interact to draw her blade, Stride and Strike the purple zombie

Short sword strike: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18, damage (slashing): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Grimm readies his polearm as the situation turns physical. With a practiced step, he sidesteps to the right to offer some protection to Oiyeron and Nubie, still remaining within the protective aura eminating from the Mage. His fauchard swings once at the rotting cadaver assaulting Elanna, followed by an overhead chop at the one coming around the side of the armoury.

fauchard on purple, deadly: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 261d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 81d8 ⇒ 2
fauchard on green, sweep, deadly: 1d20 + 6 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 - 5 + 1 = 181d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Assuming the attack on green is a crit, the damage from the 1d8+3 is doubled but the additional 1d8 damage from the 'deadly' trait does not. Step, Attack, Attack. And no singing yet...

"Quite right!" Elien acknowledges Oiyeron's warnings. "Blades out! Let's form a line!" He then studies the stances of his companions and the approaching gait of the zombies, before making his calculated move. Stepping up to anchor their defense between Elanna and Grimm, he slashes hard at the nearest undead monstrosity once it comes into reach.

Elien Devises A Stratagem, Strides, and then Strikes at the purple zombie.

Strategic Strike: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3 plus Precision Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Elanna moves up and cuts deep into the zombie. It's even slashing easier than live flesh.

Grimm slices through Purple completely and continues on to the other zombie. Much like Elanna noticed, the blade cuts through the zombie flesh quite readily.

Elien, unfortunately, Purple is down. You can revise your last two actions, if you'd like (the roll will be a natural 6, though).

Round 1! The bolded may act.

Nubie
Kei
Oiyeron
Red Zombie
Green Zombie (-16 hp)
Purple Zombie (-37 hp)
Elien (2 actions)
Elanna
Grimm
Zombie Horse

A request - if you (all) could, please put the type of damage that you're dealing into the dice expression, e.g., [di ce=Slashing]1d8[/di ce]. As you will soon notice, resistances and weaknesses are pretty common, and unfortunately, I don't know a lot of the weapons' damage types off the top of my head.

Will do the damage expressions :) However, I don't see anyone bolded in the turn list. Is it only Elien with 2 actions for now?

Elien, unfortunately, Purple is down. You can revise your last two actions, if you'd like (the roll will be a natural 6, though).

Same action. He had enough movement to Stride to either zombie. I was just worried about provoking if I tried to slip past the first one. But since it's down, he's got a clear path to the green zombie. So, same actions, same attack. Different zombie. His blade does piercing damage, but it's versatile, so it can also do slashing damage. Elien is using it for a slash.

Elien slashes the zombie and cuts it down.

The zombie horse moves up to Elien and bites at it with its jaws.

Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Slashing: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

It misses wildly, and as it opens its maw, Elien (and anyone else nearby) notices something metallic lodged in the horse's mouth. If it weren't moving, someone could take a few minutes to dig it out ...

Round 1! The bolded may act.

Nubie
Kei
Oiyeron
Red Zombie
Green Zombie (-27 hp)
Purple Zombie (-37 hp)
Elien
Elanna
Grimm
Zombie Horse

Oiyeron closes his eyes briefly and focuses, the shimmering field expands to twice its size, now extending to a 10 foot radius around him.

He opens his eyes and glances around, quickly locating a large shard of glass from a broken window. He points to it, speaking an incantation, and the shard begins to levitate. Oiyeron flicks his hand towards the undead horse and the shard of glass streaks forward at a deadly speed.

Spell Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Slashing: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

1A: Extend Spell
2A: Telekinetic Projectile (which probably missed)

"Here goes nothing..." Kei gulped saliva as he readied one of his javelins and peeked through the corner of the building, took aim towards the undead horse, and prayed it hit its target.

Javelin (P): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 171d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

I used one Interact action to get my Javelin ready, and one to use a Ranged Strike

Nubie reloads his then shoots his Hand Crossbow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2. Seeing he is now somewhat close enough to see into the horse's mouth the kobold draws his rapier in preparation to getting close and personal.

"Horsie eat something bad. Bad horsie! You no eat everything! Even Nubie knows that!" he shouts at the horse.

Oiyeron sends a shard of broken glass flying through the air. It breaks another window on the far side of the courtyard.

Kei throws a javelin at the horse, lodging in its ribcage.

Nubie fires a bolt, which lodges in the horse's head. A large chunk falls off. Crit!

The remaining zombie walks up to Elanna.

Round 2! The bolded may act.

Nubie
Kei
Oiyeron
Red Zombie
Green Zombie (-27 hp)
Purple Zombie (-37 hp)
Elien
Elanna
Grimm
Zombie Horse (-9 hp)

Elanna waits for the lone zombie to come up to her and unleashed a barrage of stabs and strikes, trying to overwhelm its defenses.

"This is truly disgusting! And the smell!", she almosts gags as the combined smell of the zombie eventually reaches her.

Stikes 3 times on the red zombie.

Strike one: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18, damage(slashing): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Strike two: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 7 - 4 = 7, damage(slashing): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10,

Strike three: 1d20 + 7 - 8 ⇒ (19) + 7 - 8 = 18, damage(slashing): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5.

"Arise! Arise! For Lastwall!", the familiar clarion call of the Knights of Ozem, rings out loud and clear across the now-deserted market square of Goldenflame. It's inspiring, but arguably not too bright to be calling attention to the melee in this way...

With Elanna on one flank and Elian on the other, Grimm roars at the oncoming undead. His mailed fists lift his fauchard high in the air in challenge, before sweeping it left then right in a spinning arc of steel.

A1: Inspire Courage, A2: Strike Horse, A3: Strike Zombie

slashing, horse, insp courage: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 = 171d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12
slashing, zombie, insp courage, sweep: 1d20 + 6 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 5 + 1 = 91d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12

Inspire CourageArea 60-foot emanation Duration 1 round You inspire your allies with words or tunes of encouragement. You and all allies in the area gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear effects.

Hearing Grimm recite the battle cry of those who once stood watch over these lands, Elien feels a rush of righteous anger to punish the undead attacking them. But even with his blood running hot, the investigator keeps his head and looks for the best opening before lashing out at the horse's legs. "Cut them down!" he shouts.

Elien Devises A Stratagem, and then Strikes twice at the undead horse.

Strategic Strike w/ inspiration bonus: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 = 15
Damage (slashing) w/ inspiration bonus: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 plus Precision Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Strike #2 w/ inspiration bonus: 1d20 + 5 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 - 5 = 14
Damage (slashing) w/ inspiration bonus: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Elanna dices the zombie into small chunks, and it falls.

Redirecting both of Grimm's attacks to the horse.

Grimm lands a slash, and Elien lands two, breaking down Anthe sinews and draining it of all unlife.

Out of combat!

---

Normally, I allow you characters to sort out healing on their own after a fight, but ... nobody is injured. Flawless victory!

Anyone trained in Thievery may attempt a Thievery check to remove the metal object from the horse's throat. Otherwise, it will take 10 minutes to behead the horse and force it out.

Your tasks now are to search the village. I'll be tracking time, and in addition to these tasks (every task takes 10 min), there may be others that open up.

The time is 11:10 am. The bolded may act.
Elanna
Elien
Grimm
Kei
Nubie
Oiyeron

Remaining tasks:
Search the bodies with Medicine or Perception
Search the bodies with Society
Cut the metal object out of the zombie horse's throat (unless someone succeeded a Thievery check, above)
Search the fountain
Search building A2
Search the armory
Search building A5
Search building A6
Search building A7

Is it possible to recover the javelin I lunged into the horse?

Kei got out of cover and approached the group, a quick glance revealed no one seemed to be injuried, he sighed in relief.

"Seems no one is hurt. If you're feeling unwell I'll see what I can do to patch you up, got it?"

He knelt down and observed the metal object.

"Hard to say what it is without removing it. Someone willing to give this a try? I'll go search the fountain in the meanwhile"

I'll search the fountain

"Hard to say what it is without removing it. Someone willing to give this a try? I'll go search the fountain in the meanwhile"

"Sure, I'll give it a try..." Elien offers, "I don't mind getting my hands a bit messy, if necessary. I wonder who this horse belonged to...?"

Thievery check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 (+1 if related to my active investigation to locate any of the missing Pathfinders)

The investigator then suggests that he'll look over the felled zombies to see if he can make sense of who the victims were.

Society check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 (+1 if related to my active investigation to locate any of the missing Pathfinders)

Elanna thanks Kei and adds : "Can you do magical healing as well? Not that we need it now, but that can by useful on the battlefield. We had a little time to discuss healing before you arrived and Elien and Oiyeron are trained in Medecine as well. My dad also taught me a few tricks and in case of emergency, I have a few healing potions in my bag."

She takes out two minor healing potions out of her bag and offers one to Kei and one to Oiyeron: "Come to think of it, it's better if we split them. If any one of us is in dire need, it will be easier to help them."

Elanna kicks the zombie at her feet to moves it out of the way and walks towards the doubly-dead horse and kneels next to Elien with reluctance

"Eeerk! If it doesn't work, I can try that as well, but I'm pretty sure that was not part of the job description when I signed into the Society." , she says as she waits for Elien to try to extract the shiny item from the throat of the dead horse.

Thievery if Elien fails: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

She then raises up and moves towards the larger building to the south and goes to search it.

Perception to search Building A2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 I'm not sure if that perception check is secret or not

"Eeerk! If it doesn't work, I can try that as well, but I'm pretty sure that was not part of the job description when I signed into the Society."

"While your hands are infinitely more dainty than mine and could likely succeed far more easily, Elanna..." Elien quips, "...I thought I'd save you from the disgusting task as any true gentleman would for a lady such as yourself. My only regret is I'll probably need to wash my hands afterward. I hope that fountain isn't fully dry yet. Maybe Kei can let us know?" He looks after the departing druid and calls out, "Let me know if there's any water over there. I'm going to be feeling a little unclean after this..."

Elanna gives a throaty laugh that fails to mask her unease : "Oh, be my guest. I'm very confidant in your abilities. It's just... I didn't really thought these undeads would make me so queasy. I mean it's all good in books and all... When they talked about it at the Academy. Or when we saw them on the road... But from up close.... this is horrible. They, they were people before that. And now look at them."

She spits on the ground to try to get rid of the foul taste in her mouth and looks up at Elien then at Oiyeron as she remembers what he shared about his family.

"Sorry Oiyeron, I should not talk like that... you don't know where your family is and I'm just complaining about fighting zombies..."

Go ahead and make open checks for anything available in this round. I may label some activities secret in subsequent rounds (I don't have the scenario in front of me right now).

"Sorry Oiyeron, I should not talk like that... you don't know where your family is and I'm just complaining about fighting zombies..."

Elien looks over at Oiyeron as Elanna apologizes for creating any possible anxieties over the wizard's missing family members. He tries to give a reassuring smile despite the grim task at hand.

"Yes...well..." he circles back to Elanna's professed discomfort with the undead, "Be thankful for the smell at least. It aids in identifying them before they latch onto you. And that makes it all the easier to put them down again. Honestly, it's the ones you don't smell...shadows, ghosts, spectres, and vampires...that should truly worry you. They're far more dangerous...and cunning. Ustalav's history is full of such legends or tales. And the Whispering Tyrant was known to command them all...not just these...footsoldiers, I suppose."

"Nevertheless, you're right. They were people before. It's best to just think of them as they were and not as they are now. If we had time to bury them or set a funeral pyre, it would be nice. But I fear we need to make haste before any more patrols identify us here. In the meantime, let's see if they left any clues behind that could make our job easier."

Leaving Elien and Elanna to the ruined cadaver of the dead horse, Grimm keeps pace with the druid as he heads to the fountain. "We did well there Kei, for our first contact with the undead of Goldenflame. There will be others... but a good start."

As Kei starts a careful search, and with the others busying themselves with quick but careful scans of the falled and of their abandoned buildings, Grimm climbs the dias around the fountain and watches for a minute, alert for other dangers. He wipes zombie viscera from his blade with a brief look of satisfaction.

Grimm does not have a long attention span. He swiftly bores of playing lookout, and instead turns out to the other buildings to hunt for survivors, or records, or well anything to grab his attention. He heads south to the large building by the enclosure to the south.

Arriving at the entrance, he calls inside with a loud and cheery "Halloooo!" He waits. "Anyone home?"

Search Building 6 for 10 minutes. Exploration action: Scout, +1 Init for all
perc: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

"Arise! Arise! For Lastwall!", the familiar clarion call of the Knights of Ozem, rings out loud and clear across the now-deserted market square of Goldenflame.

As Grimm called out, the shimmering field surrounding the party flickered. A flash of memories flooded Oiyeron's mind and he almost lost his concentration on sustaining the spell. As he paused to focus and take a breath, steadying himself and pushing the images aside, the remaining zombies were quickly dispatched.

Oiyeron released the Protection spell with a hiss of breath expelled through clenched teeth. He started to take a step, but stumbled. The Wizard caught himself on the side of the nearby building and leaned there for a moment as everyone discussed the enemies they'd just defeated.

Hearing his name, Oiyeron looked up to see Elanna and Elien looking back at him in concern. He nodded and waved his hand to indicate he was ok, and they returned to their discussion.

"In the meantime, let's see if they left any clues behind that could make our job easier."

"Let me know if you come across something you are not able to identify." The Wizard says, his right hand rubbing at his temple. His left hand twitches as he absently twists the jeweled ring. "I need a moment to refocus."

Oiyeron moves to the courtyard Fountain and sits on the edge of it, wanting to be a bit further way from the zombie corpses. He takes a deep breath and as he lets it out, begins the familiar routine of rebuilding the Arcane connection he will need to draw upon in order to create the Protective Ward again.

-

Oiyeron spends 10 minutes regaining his Focus Point. Other tasks related to magical skills can be done during the refocus time, (book specifically gives the example of a Wizard Identifying a Magic Item) so magic related things can be brought to him to look at and the time spent examining them will overlap with the Refocus.

Kei pulls his javelin out of the horse and searches the fountain.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

He finds a lot of water.

---

Elien pulls the metallic object out of the horse's mouth. It is a wayfinder, engraved with the initials "C.M." The wayfinder represents 2 Treasure Bundles.

He searches the zombies, discovering a type of fine clothing was very popular among minor nobles in Taldor.

---

Elanna makes her way to building A2. Dust-covered pews stand in silent rows in this small chapel, and shelves line the walls, filled with documents. Facsimiles of candles occupy the candelabras here—mounds of congealed wax and burned wicks. A small corpse—charred, broken, and its features mostly burned away—rests against the pew. The corpse is covered in a layer of fine ash and scraps of charred fabric that seem to be all that remains of the clothing it once wore. Around its neck is a soot-covered chain bearing an ankh.

She uncovers a wayfinder that rolled under one of the pews. The wayfinder is engraved with "G.P."

New tasks unlocked - the body in the chapel can be examined with Arcana; Medicine or Perception; or Religion. Additionally, the shelves can be examined to categorize the documents.

---

Grimm goes to A6. Outside the building, a painted sign reading “The
Flaming Wheel” and decorated with a flaming chariot wheel hangs from one chain, swaying gently in the wind.

A broken circular table and door, part of a makeshift barricade, rest near the entrance of this modest tavern. Other similar tables and accompanying chairs are scattered throughout the area. Long-dried blood smears decorate the floor and walls. The bar is haphazardly covered in tankards—signs of the final celebration of life.

A corpse has been heavily damaged by zombie teeth. A broken piece of plate armor lies nearby, bearing iconography of a flame and the hilt of a sword.

New tasks: Investigate the body with Medicine or Perception; Religion; or Society.

In one of the rooms, Grimm finds a purse containing 10 sp. This counts as 1 Treasure Bundle.

---

Oiyeron refocuses.

The time is 11:10 am. The bolded may act.
Elanna
Elien
Grimm
Kei
Nubie
Oiyeron

Remaining tasks (bolded available to Nubie):
Search the bodies with Medicine or Perception
Search the bodies with Society
Cut the metal object out of the zombie horse's throat
Search the fountain (A1)
Search the chapel (A2)
-Identify the body with Arcana
-Identify the body with Medicine or Perception
-Identify the body with Religion
-Categorize the documents
Search the armory (A3)
Search building A4
Search building A5
Search The Golden Wheel (A6)
-Identify the body with Medicine or Perception
-Identify the body with Religion
-Identify the body with Society
Search building A7

"Ha! Bad horsie go boom! Nubie do good!" Nubie shouts in joy as the horse is defeated feeling pretty good about himself.

With all hostiles now gone Nubie decides to Search the armory for anything interesting. Shiny!

Nubie heads to the armory. Empty weapon cases and crates are scattered throughout this bare-bones building. Dust outlines the faint shadows of swords and shields removed from their resting places.

Nothing of value can be found inside the armory, but nearby is a nonfunctioning cart with broken axles that looks like it could be repaired.

New task unlocked: Repair the cart (DC 15 Crafting check)

The time is 11:20 am. The bolded may act.
Elanna
Elien
Grimm
Kei
Nubie
Oiyeron

Remaining tasks:

Search the bodies by the fountain with Medicine or Perception
Search the bodies with Society
Cut the metal object out of the zombie horse's throat
Search the fountain (A1)
Search the chapel (A2)
-Identify the body in the chapel with Arcana
-Identify the body in the chapel with Medicine or Perception
-Identify the body in the chapel with Religion
-Categorize the documents
Search the armory (A3)
-Repair the cart (DC 15 Crafting)
Search building A4
Search building A5
Search The Golden Wheel (A6)
-Identify the body in the Golden Wheel with Medicine or Perception
-Identify the body in the Golden Wheel with Religion
-Identify the body in the Golden Wheel with Society
Search building A7