✦ Talmandor's Bounty: Burning Supply Ship (area N) * ˚ ✦
Mauro casts False Life and Talath casts Resist Energy on himself. Crispin casts Haste, Asher casts Gravity Bow, and Becky begins to inspire her companions!
Mauro and his skeletal servant hastily board the docked vessel. The occultist flanks the green faceless stalker, cutting deep into its fleshy skin. The blue faceless stalker dodges the undead's claw!
The pink sailor swings her scimitar out at the green faceless stalker, but her attack is far too wide!
The yellow faceless stalker slam into the purple sailor, grabbing the sailor! You see the sailor's face become gaunt as if his constitution has been drained.
Talath casts Fly on himself and floats to the boat, hovering right above the planked floor!
The teal sailor swings his scimitar blindly, his face twisted in fear.
The blue faceless stalker and the red faceless stalker attack the orange sailor and the teal sailor respectively.
In a gallant attempt, the purple sailor swings at the yellow faceless stalker, but the creature jumps out of the way!
Round 1
(False Life +12 HP)
(Magic Circle Against Evil, Resist Energy Fire, Fly)
(7 damage, badly injured, 1 Con damage, Grappled)
(3 damage)
(15 damage, injured)
(Gravity Bow)
(4 damage, 1 Con damage, Grappled)
Party-wide buffs: Bless, Haste, Bardic Performance
Bold may act!
Crispin nods his thanks to Talath and flies up to where he can get a clear shot with a Scorching Ray at the Blue Stalker.
He angles his shot so the Ray doesn't add to the fire.
Asher surveys the situation and takes a quick step to the far side of the dock to let him see the stalkers on the ship more clearly.
OK ole Deadeye, steady my hand.
Becky scurries up the gangplank, still shouting instructions and encouragement about how to best fight the monsters, before engaging one of the invaders . Unfortunately, she loses her balance some walking across the hold covering and misses badly with her stab attempt.
for
✦ Talmandor's Bounty: Burning Supply Ship (area N) * ˚ ✦
Crispin attempts to scorch the blue faceless stalker but his angle is wrong and he contributes to the ship's fire instead.
The green faceless stalker slashes the pink sailor with its longsword!
Asher aims his bow, firing two shots at blue. Both arrows hit their mark and the blue faceless stalker crumples to the wooden planks! The third arrow narrowly hits the red faceless stalker. It seems to land in a critical area because rivulets of pinkish-red ooze travel down from the wound.
Becky continues to inspire her allies, swinging her rapier at the red faceless stalker. However, the red faceless stalker dodges out of the way at the last moment!
The orange sailor moves to flank the red faceless stalker and swings his scimitar! The red faceless stalker dodges his attack as well!
an elf with long white hair climbs out of the ship's cargo hold! He coughs from the smoke and looks around.
The ship continues to burn but doesn't seem to grow.
Round 2
(False Life +12 HP)
(5 damage)
(Magic Circle Against Evil, Resist Energy Fire, Fly)
(35 damage, dead)
(20 damage, injured)
(7 damage, badly injured, 1 Con damage, Grappled)
(3 damage)
(15 damage, injured)
(Gravity Bow)
(4 damage, 1 Con damage, Grappled)
Party-wide buffs: Bless, Haste, Bardic Performance
Bold may act!
Heat waves proceed the mirage-like sudden appearance of the strange-looking elf. His long white hair blows wildly about his narrow head and around his pointed ears. Dressed as if just returning from a Nobility held gala, the elf's icy blue eyes survey the deck of the burning ship.
Smiling as he views the heroic deeds of some of the locals, the elf turns his attention to the flames not too far from his position.
Reaching into his battered pack, strapped over his left shoulder, he pulls forth a wand.
Pointing at nothing the white-haired elf says something in elven.
The smartly attired elf then smiles at those continuing the good fight.
He does Step 5' away from the flames.
Mauro's skeleton turns it's hatred of the living on the nearest faceless stalker...
+6 bab +2 str +2 naturalist +1 haste
+2 str +3 occultist
Meanwhile, wordlessly, Mauro unleashes his own wrath as well..
+6 bab +5 str +1 enhancement +1 haste +2 naturalist +1 bless +2 flank
7 str* 1.5 +2 Champion spirit +1 enhancement
+6 bab +5 str +1 enhancement +1 haste +2 naturalist +1 bless +2 flank -5 iterative
7 str* 1.5 +2 Champion spirit +1 enhancement
+6 bab +5 str +1 enhancement +1 haste +2 naturalist +1 bless +2 flank
7 str* 1.5 +2 Champion spirit +1 enhancement
✦ Talmandor's Bounty: Burning Supply Ship (area N) * ˚ ✦
Mauro and his skeleton cut down the red faceless stalker and the green faceless stalker, saving the sailors! The yellow faceless stalker looks injured.
An unfamiliar face appears on the ship's deck and pulls out a narrow box. Inside the velvet-lined box is a wand, which the elf operates.
The teal sailor runs to grab a bucket to fill it with seawater!
The purple sailor, who is grappled, tries to wriggle out of the faceless stalker's grip!
Round 2
(False Life +12 HP)
(5 damage)
(23 damage, injured)
(Magic Circle Against Evil, Resist Energy Fire, Fly)
(35 damage, dead)
(42 damage, dead)
(7 damage, badly injured, 1 Con damage, Grappled)
(3 damage)
(43 damage, dead)
(Gravity Bow)
(4 damage, 1 Con damage)
Party-wide buffs: Bless, Haste, Bardic Performance
Bold may act!
Talath calls upon the power of Desna to heal the wounded.
Becky briefly considers taking the fight to the last faceless stalker standing, but she doesn't want to get herself caught between the monster and the potentially spreading fire. (Plus, there's this rumor going around that Becky couldn't fight her way out of a wet paper sack.) Instead, she looks around for buckets or empty barrels that might be used to scoop water from the ocean to be dumped onto the flames to quench them.
Becky briefly considers taking the fight to the last faceless stalker standing, but she doesn't want to get herself caught between the monster and the potentially spreading fire. (Plus, there's this rumor going around that Becky couldn't fight her way out of a wet paper sack.) Instead, she looks around for buckets or empty barrels that might be used to scoop water from the ocean to be dumped onto the flames to quench them.
[dice=Becky Beys Perception Check]1d20+10
Asher looks over for more enemies and sees that Mauro and the newcomer have things well in hand. He decides that the ship fire is more pressing.
He looks around as he dashes to the gangplank and onto the ship, looking for the largest vessel he can find to hustle water with.
Enjoying the ability to fly and making a note to acquire the spell himself Crispin flies over to get a clear shot at the Yellow Stalker.
.
✦ Talmandor's Bounty: Burning Supply Ship (area N) * ˚ ✦
Talath channels, healing Crispin and the sailors to full health. Crispin unleashes a sonic blast at the remaining faceless stalker, finishing it off!
Asher and Becky both find a bucket and move to fill them up.
with the party's help, the sailors manage to extinguish the flames aboard the Argent Cornucopia.
"I've got to find my mom and make sure she's all right!" Becky tells the others. "Ramona thought she might be in the Government Building, so that's where I'm heading!"
And just like that, Becky's down the gangplank and running along the dock headed back toward the center of the settlement.
✦ Talmandor's Bounty: Accusations! (area O) * ˚ ✦
Becky leads the group in a hurry back towards the palisade walls. However, as you approach, you see a gathering group of colonists arguing!
Riotous voices rise from two groups of colonists that are standing on opposite sides of the street. Each group brandishes weapons and shouts violently at the other, demanding surrender. The tension in the air is palpable, and it looks like this altercation could devolve into a fight at any moment.
You see nine colonists total facing off against one another. One group is headed by Harcourt Carrolby, the wealthy noble with aspirations to open a horse ranch, and Luetin Calewick, the acting blacksmith for Talmandor's Bounty. Harcourt Carrollby is accompanied by two colonial soldiers and a farmer, leads the first group. Luetin Calewick, who is joined by a carpenter, a farmer, a tanner, and a weaver, leads the second group.
You've seen these two butt heads before. You think you need to mediate or else this situation will escalate.
"Hold! We don't know what's going on here and further violence will only make the situation worse. It appears this colony has enemies and problems appearing from nowhere all the time. You need to work together or whatever or whomever is plaguing this area will continue to tear your community apart and kill your relatives, friends, and eventually you. Whatever those faceless things were they had replaced real people. Where are those people? We will need everyone working together to save us all."
Mauro and his skeleton loom threateningly behind Talath, offering an unspoken threat of deadly violence to back up his diplomacy...
-1 cha
With a self-satisfied expression on his elven face, Cirok waves to those that recently dispatched the Faceless Stalkers.
Ahoy? Certainly appreciate the response...
The white haired elf stops speaking, as the attention was already spoken for by colonists' confrontation conference.
That may be problematic.
Cirok seems on the verge of stepping in to discussed the situation, but the elf holds back.
Asher moves to stand next to Mauro and brandishes his bow.
We can't let ourselves be divided. We'll figure out a way to root our the rest of the infiltrators. But let's not do their work for them.
Asher whispers to Talath.
Anything your god can do to aid us in detecting these buggers?
Asher moves to stand next to Mauro and brandishes his bow.
We can't let ourselves be divided. We'll figure out a way to root our the rest of the infiltrators. But let's not do their work for them.
[dice=Aid Another (Diplomacy)]1d20
Asher whispers to Talath.
Anything your god can do to aid us in detecting these buggers?
Talath nods slightly to Asher but doesn't speak, waiting to see how the colonists react to his efforts at stopping a violent confrontation.
Becky looks put out by this latest hurdle to finding her mother quickly. "All the faceless stalkers we've fought have dropped their guises before attacking," she points out. "Maybe a few are still maintaining their masquerade for some reason...but maybe not! Harcourt! Luetin! You've had your differences in the past, remember? The dispute about the house? Well, unless one or both of you had already been replaced way back then, if you can recall the decision and what was said then, chances are you're both exactly who you appear to be--a couple of knuckleheaded men having a pissing contest "
Becky tries to talk tough to the men, but the shrillness in her tone comes off as super-annoying.
Nodding as he ascertains the stand-offs meaning and members, the white haired elf strides easily to the side of the ship, jumps down to the docks, and continues to walk to the group without missing a step.
Smiling, nodding, even grasping and shaking hands, as the elf glides from person to person, Cirok ends his dance next to the young screaming woman.
Hello. Hi there. How are you this most pleasant, although quite active morning? My what weather we are having. Is that your blood?
The pale elf continues to smiles. He bows holding aloft his wide-brimmed hat out wide.
Cirok Brokencrown, at your service.
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✦ Talmandor's Bounty: Accusations! (area O) * ˚ ✦
There are multiple conversations going on between the two groups as you approach.
"Harcourt Carrolby is a bloody coward! There's no way he'd be here fighting - so I know you're a fake!" From under his helm, you can see Luetin's face and neck are red with anger.
Harcourt sneers, "And Leutin's such a blundering idiot he leaves his door wide open! I bet his son is one of them too!"
One of the colonial soldiers standing next to Harcourt speaks up, "Leutin's too busy to fix my armor. Sounds like a scam to me!"
The carpenter waves her hammer threateningly at the soldier, "Oh, shut your trap! You tried to pay me with a rabbit pelt instead of money, you fraud!"
"Leave my son out of this!" Leutin bellows, "I hope you creatures have tongues because I'm going to enjoy cutting out yours!"
Becky's threats land on deaf ears. Mauro, Asher, Talath, and Crispin attempt to break into the argument, but it's not until the two groups look like they're about to exchange blows, that Cirok gracefully steps in. He grabs several hands, initiating warm handshakes and clapping the highly agitated colonists on the back.
The two groups stop mid-argument to stare open-mouthed at Cirok as he makes his way to each individual. Both groups seem utterly perplexed by the sudden turn of events. Cirok comments on the trustworthiness of a man being based on the grip of their handshake, defusing the situation. His logic seems to appeal to both the noble-born Harcourt and the manly Leutin.
"Yes, well, I suppose I should have known Leutin was real. He's just as stupid as ever." Harcourt sniffs disdainfully.
"A firm handshake, indeed! Hah hah hah," Leutin twists the tip of his thick mustache, placated by the suggestion that he has a manly handshake.
✦ Talmandor's Bounty: Rescue Ramona (area P) * ˚ ✦
the group races onward towards the Government Building , led by a desperate Becky. You hadn't heard it before because of the screaming, but the alarm bells are ringing throughout Talmandor's Bounty. You hear people screaming, "The Government House is on fire! Gods save us!"
Entering through the palisades, you see another trail of smoke rising into the sky. The Government House is indeed ablaze. The dry wooden structure is the ideal kindling for a fire left unattended. A few colonists stand gobsmacked in horror as Talmandor Bounty's symbol of strength burns.
Carver Hastings, the Pathfinder who recruited you to investigate several historical sites, runs to you. "I'm so glad you're here! Quick! Ramona ran inside the Government House and hasn't come out!" He's panting from running, leaning forward on his knees to catch his breath.
Becky gives an appraising glance at the honey-tongued elf. "Good job," she comments. "You were aboard the Argent Cornucopia, correct? Are you a member of its crew or a new settler come to join us in Talmandor's Bounty?" Sticking out a small hand, sweaty from battle and worry, the teenager wearing a mithral shirt and wielding a rapier adds, "I'm Becky Beys, and I'm looking for my mother, Perrell, who's the colony's historian and chronicler. Care to help?"
Cirok smiles, as the fuss is down to a light simmer. Allowing nature to take control of the situation, the pale elf turns his blue eyes to the screaming human female.
That was exciting. So, what is this about your mother missing?
Cirok nods in gratitude to Becky's comment. The elf then continues
Well met, Becky Beys. Cirok Brokencrown, Pathfinder actually.
He winks.
He then stretches out an arm encompassing the scene before them.
I would be delighted! Care to catch me up on current events?
"Well...," Becky begins, taking a deep breath. "It appears that these faceless stalkers have been infiltrating the colony for a while, and are likely responsible for the disappearance of the first wave of settlers. We've all been investigating that matter since we arrived on the island, making educated guesses on what occurred here. After tonight, I think we have a pretty good idea...."
"Anyways, we'd just got back to the village after investigating an old Azlanti tower and besting the sea hag oracle and her minions who dwelt there. Carver Hastings--you probably have heard of him, he's a Pathfinder--had invited our party--along with Ramona Avandth, the colony's governor--to a dinner party both to celebrate our victory and to provide as many details about the tower as we could. En route to the party, we were surrounded by a bunch of colonists...only they were really faceless stalkers still in disguise! They attacked us while other stalkers assaulted other folks elsewhere in the village. And tried to burn the supply ship to the waterline! At some point I realized my mother might be in danger, though I don't think she'd been replaced--I hadn't noticed any unusual behavior from her since we got back. I hope she's OK; Carver, too! We can check on him after we've found my mom."
✦ Talmandor's Bounty: Rescue Ramona (area P) * ˚ ✦
the group races onward towards the Government Building , led by a desperate Becky. You hadn't heard it before because of the screaming, but the alarm bells are ringing throughout Talmandor's Bounty. You hear people screaming, "The Government House is on fire! Gods save us!"
Entering through the palisades, you see another trail of smoke rising into the sky. The Government House is indeed ablaze. The dry wooden structure is the ideal kindling for a fire left unattended. A few colonists stand gobsmacked in horror as Talmandor Bounty's symbol of strength burns.
Carver Hastings, the Pathfinder who recruited you to investigate several historical sites, runs to you. "I'm so glad you're here! Quick! Ramona ran inside the Government House and hasn't come out!" He's panting from running, leaning forward on his knees to catch his breath.
Talath has little time to speak so he simply tells the others, "I'll go."
He draws forth one of his scrolls, reads it, and a bubble of air appears around his head.Air Bubble
Mauro's less enthusiastic than Talath - all his martial skills won't protect him from a burning building falling on his head - but he's not willing to let the aquatic elf show him up, so he grits his teeth and heads into Government House...
As he does so, he shouts at the gobsmacked colonists
Becky doesn't hesitate to enter the burning building. After all, two of her favorite people in the entire colony are likely inside and in need of rescuing.
Cirok stops talking, glances quickly around, and follows the others into the building...
Asher tells Huntress to join him and scurries in after his friends.
✦ Talmandor's Bounty: Rescue Ramona (area P) * ˚ ✦
The young bard and the new arrival exchange introductions as the group barrels toward the burning Government building. Talath casts Air Bubble on himself to protect himself from the smoke. Mauro yells at the gobsmacked colonists, causing one to jump into action. Asher, his animal companion, and Crispin bring up the rear.
•´¯`•»
You can feel the heat on your face and body as you into the burning building. Colonists are in various states inside this building. Perhaps they ran inside thinking they'd be safe... At the podium, you see Ramona, laying prone on the small stage. Eliza, one of the two original colonists you saved, is bent down over her.
"Help! Help! Up here!"
Carver races up to the second floor, yelling behind him: "help Ramona and the others!"
Rayland Arkley, files in behind you, calling "Eliza? Eliza?!"
As soon as you're all inside, the double doors shut behind you! The two colonists standing behind the doors quiver, their skin melting into the grotesque forms of faceless stalkers!
a vial of Alchemist Fire falls from the second floor and ignites the floor next to Mauro! The occultist and Talath both take fire damage! However, Talath seems to resist all the damage.
Round 1
(2 damage, on fire Reflex DC15)
(Magic Circle Against Evil, Resist Energy Fire, Fly, Air Bubble)
(Gravity Bow)
Party-wide Buffs: Bless, Haste: 1 round
Bold may act!
6 rank +3 trained +1 wis +2 racial +3 Skill Focus
To be clear, you mean theoretical "Friendly", mr. yellow smiley, face on the second floor tossed the vial of alchemists fire?
vs dc 15
+2 Occultist +3 Dex+2 Resistance
Becky jumps when the doors are slammed shut behind her and the others. For an instant, perhaps, fear registers on her face, but that emotion is quickly replaced by determination tinged with anger. Becky exhorts her friends again to excel in the coming battle against this latest bunch of faceless stalkers. Moving resolutely toward Ramona and Eliza, the teen growls, "Get away from her!"
Cirok enters the burning building with the others. The elf's blue eyes scanning for dangers other than the obvious fire.
Watching the Alchemist Fire splashing down amongst them, the rogue's blue eyes narrow.
That canary dressed turd is not a friend!
EDIT: And I'm on fire... [/ooc]
✦ Talmandor's Bounty: Rescue Ramona (area P) * ˚ ✦
another vial of Alchemist's Fire falls from the second floor! The glass vial breaks on Asher's shoulder and the ranger catches fire, taking 3 fire damage! The skeletal servant, Mauro. Talath, Crispin, and Huntress, who is next to Asher also get splashed taking 1 damage each!
A crossbow bolt flies through the air, targeted at Mauro!
It misses, thunking into the wooden floor. Looking up, you spot Carver holding the weapon, except it's not the Pathfinder you arrived at Talmandor's Bounty with. In his place, wearing all of his unique armor and gear, you see a faceless stalker! "You couldn't help but meddle in my master's plans. Now you'll burn with your precious town!"
Round 1
(2 damage) (Skelly 1 damage)
(Magic Circle Against Evil, Resist Energy Fire, Fly, Air Bubble)
(3 damage, on fire, Gravity Bow) (Huntress 1 damage)
(1 damage)
Party-wide Buffs: Bless, Haste: 1 round
Bold may act!
Cirok's icy blue eyes travel the reverse path of the 2nd Alchemist fire as it splashes down!
It looks like Harold and His Purple Crayon is another Faceless Stalkers!
The tensed up rogue seems ready to spring into action....in a bit though because the dice gods giveth and the dice gods taketh away!