GM PaleDim's Glories of the Past (Inactive)

Game Master PaleDim

Juis moves cautiously where the orc said to stand while he takes a quick glance to see if he notices a trap door or something.

Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7

Juis does not notice anything unusual about the ground they were directed to stand on.

Tabar wants to stick to the plan.

bluff : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

“Hey Mr Poog! We're looking for the bastard that wronged you. The guy with the Bulette. Oh, and if you can give us a lead, we can make sure that your target gets whats coming to him. The way we see it, you should like some mercs like us doing a job that you would want done anyway! So do you know where he is!?!!“ he says looking at Marianna with a sly smile.

Inira scans the crowd, maybe something will catch her eye.

Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30

Ploog looks at the ratfolk a little suspiciously. And why would you want to do that? What do you expect back in return from me? And besides that, why would you wrong one of your own?

Bluff, free Inspi: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 4 + (5) = 22

Lets say he put our bosses in unwanted troubles, and our bosses don't take lightly being put in troubles by an underling, so they send us to make a point. A final point. And for us? Nothing personal. Just following orders, and getting paid for it.

Lebraerio's voice is chillier, harder and edgier than usual.

Ploog's eyes narrow as he focuses in on Lebraerio.

That doesn't sound like bosses of the Pathfinder Society I'm familiar with... If anything, I would expect you to want to recover whatever Kline himself was after. As for me, the only thing that matters is what he cost me with his antics. Do you have information with which you can find him?

sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Tabar is clearly losing patience now.

"No, we do not know how to find him and that is the reason why we are here! I mean really, why else would we want to be here! So let us stop rat$hi**ing and start to negotiate! You surely know someone that knows someone that knows where Kline went to and how he got to this location! So help us and you will have a story to tell that you found the guy and gave him what he deserves!" Tabar says.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Sense motive, Alertness, Free Inspi: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 2 + (4) = 15

Lebraerio isn't certain of Ploog's feeling, even if he tries to read his attitude

Nylthe has a great deal of confusion as to Ploog's intentions, but thankfully Aconite is able to sniff out his concerns.

"Nylthe. He suspects that we are Kline's allies."
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Nylthe rolls her eyes in exasperation. "Of course that rampaging jackass Kline has left a mess for us to tidy. What has he cost you?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16

Juis continues to listen to both sides, hoping his companions can convince Ploog to be cooperative.

Ploog maintains his casual demeanor, as if the outburst had never even occurs. He smiles warmly at Nylthe and replies.

He cost me a healthy, prize bulette. A new one would have to be retrieved from the Cinderlands... and Kline is long gone.

Tabar is confused.

“Well, we want to know how Kline got to where he went! Passage! So what exactly do you want so you connect us to someone that might have information on how he traveled to his destination?!“

Diplomacy : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

The orc smiles. Now that I can help with. I have many... friends in this town. I can introduce you to such a guide, and I believe he may have very well been Kline's guide. But before I do, I would like you to actually find me a healthy bulette, within one day. You seem like a capable bunch. What do you say?

Tabar looks at the others and shrugs.4

"I mean a bullette ... how hard can it be? I am in!" the ratfolg says.

"A healthy bulette, won't be easy but we'll try."

sense motive : 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

SM: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 7 + (5) = 31

Tell us everything, or the deal is off..

Ploog laughs heartily, as if amused by Leb's demand.

I have stated the terms of the deal. If you bring me my healthy replacement creature within one day, I will introduce you to a very capable guide. I'm happy to wait for the next capable group of Pathfinders to happen by, but this is the last time I'll ask you. Deal?

Tabar shrugs.

”No discrimination… majority counts! Balance is important! So we have two yes! What about you Marianna, Lebrario, Nylthe and Inira?“

"Bullette, that's a pretty tall order. I am not sure my arrows will help capture the thing, but I think it is worth a try. So I am a yes."

"I have no objections," Marianna says after a moment.

Ploog turns on his heal and walks back to the other side of his desk.

Good! A bit of free advice: the best place to find bulettes is at least several miles south of Urglin. You would be well advised to bring some means of capturing the beast alive and transporting it back. Only one merchant in Urglin has a cage large enough to contain a fully grown bulette, and even a heavy wagon is not sturdy enough to cart an unconscious adult back to the city. I suppose you could lash two wagons together... he trails off in thought. Yes, that would work. Urglin sells few horses, but several merchants deal in oxen and yaks.

The Pathfinders procure the services of a local merchant and set out.

One of you may take lead on charting a course to track it with a Survival check. Others may aid. Separately from that...

You might already know about a bulette’s behavior and the best way to track one.

Any may make a Knowledge (arcana) or Survival check, opening all spoilers with a DC at or below your roll.

Survival: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 = 7
Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Aconite fills Nylthe in telepathically and she relays her companion's learning. "The best way to track them is through the wake of their burrows. Once we find one of those Shark Holes, Aconite should be able to track down the creature itself by its scent."

Tabar knows only little about bullettes but he gives you his basic information.

kn arcana please open spoiler that is applicable : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

~

survival to aid tracking DC 10 : 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

know arcana: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (18) + 9 + (4) = 31
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

If there is anything to know about bulettes, you know it by now, as Leb drones on the subject nearly endlessly.
You think you could even teach a bullette a few things about itself.
Open all above spoilers

But the investigator proves he is no slouch outdoors either, following barely seen tracks, taking the beast trajectory as an enigma to resolve.

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
Survival (Aid): 1d20 ⇒ 16

Juis nods when Lebraerio confirms some of the knowledge he knows about bulettes.

He then provides some aid while tracking for the creature.

Marianna and Irina still have a chance to help with the survival roll (all knowledge is open). Current results is 18 (assuming Juis leads and Nylthe aids). I'm giving opportunity there because the your time to locate does decrease (so less hazards) for every X over the minimum DC.

In that case...

Knowledge (arcana) untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Survival untrained: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

If I lead, and Juis/Nylthe/Inira helps, we're at 21+2+2+2=27

I cannot help but auto-aid in this situation, and I give +3 to aid another. So with Lebraerio's roll, that's a 30.

If I lead, and Juis/Nylthe/Inira helps, we're at 21+2+2+2=27

yes, that's right.

The part sets out in earnest. Leb has a pretty good idea of routing to find one in the shortest time and leads the group out into the Cinderlands, the merchant guiding the large wagon just shortly behind them.

[u]The first hour![/u]

Very soon after, the wind picks up violently whipping up dust all around you. Soon, you are enveloped in an actual dust storm that reduces your visibility to several yards in front of you. You can't even look up and see the sky. Just dust, everywhere.

The Pathfinders trudge forward cautiously, cloak hoods drawn over their heads. Luckily, it doesn't become overly violent a greater dust-storm, and so in the end they simply have more sand in their boots.

[u]The second hour![/u]

You are relieved to exit the dust storm and breath more freely... until you start to see the clouds gather overhead. Bolts of lightning begin to strike at various points in the distance... and then some points not-so-distant.

The obvious fear is getting struck directly, but then something interesting happens. A bolt of lightning snakes down from the sky several yards in front of Leb. Licks of blue flame begin to dance up out of the ground nearby where it hit. In a handful of seconds the flames have encircled you and close in, tracking some unseen substance that seems to permeate the air here methane.

For a brief, intense, and painful moment, the blaze of blue flame washes over the party.

Fire damage: 8d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 2, 1, 6, 1, 3, 4) = 23

Everybody give me a DC25 reflex save for half. I presume you will then do some healing as well. The Cinderlands are indeed brutal.

reflex : 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

”Arghhh .. “ the ratfolk cries out.

After some while he heals himself via his companions.

CLW : 4d8 + 4 ⇒ (5, 7, 7, 4) + 4 = 27

Ref DC 25: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Leb was very close to dodge the sudden fire burst

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25; Wow...

Somehow, either through pure luck or divine intervention, Juis is able to avoid some of the damage caused by the exploding methane.

He then takes out his wand and starts healing people, "That was terrifying."

Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (6, 4) + 2 = 12

Everyone go ahead and roll your own healing and I will deduct the charges from my wand afterward.

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Marianna's first instinct is to hunker down behind her shield, and try to ride the burst of fire. However, Even with her shield in the way, the flames still licked around her usual protection, and the fire burns her just as it does the others.

"It's named the Cinderlands for a reason, I suppose...," she mutters as Juis magicially tends to her wounds with the wand.

CLW: 4d8 + 4 ⇒ (8, 4, 3, 3) + 4 = 22

”Let us continue searching!!“

survival aid : 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Tabar, it's the other way, actually..I guess. That fire storm must have banged me more than I thought

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Juis CLw wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Juis CLw wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Juis CLw wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Juis CLw wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Thanks, my friend.

Back to full HP

Mortimer the Merchant looks on and winces as the party comes out of the fires and tends to their wounds. He looks very sympathetic, but not at all helpful (he is paid to be out in this danger, after all).

If Irina wants to include some healing as well, it can be posted later but still apply before hour 3. Otherwise, keeping us moving along.

[u]The third hour![/u]

As they move on the thunderstorm thankfully dies down. The unpleasant odor of the flammable gases is evident for some time as they trudge on. Some are constantly on-edge anticipating a repeat of the horrific experience.

Almost as if taunting you, the Cinderlands have nothing to offer for roughly an hour. The calm before the emberstorm...

[u]The fourth hour![/u]

The winds begin to pick up again, but this time there are no clouds overhead. You do a double take as you think you see bright orange and red flower petals being carried aloft in the windstorm. Then you realize it... looking more closely these are sizable hot embers and they're being carried directly at you!

Embers from the nearby volcanos! the Merchant yells out to the Pathfinders ahead of him.

One of you may make a Knowledge (nature) or Survival check to predict the path of the storm and avoid the worst of it. Others may aid the same type of check.

survival : 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

”I officially hate this place … the only good thing about this place is that it does not discriminate!!“

Earlier Bookkeeping
Nylthe's Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Aconite's Reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
CLW Charges: 6d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 1, 1, 6, 8, 1) + 6 = 24
CLW Charges: 6d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 5, 2, 4, 3, 5) + 6 = 26
***

Nylthe attempts to lend Juis her help by describing the oncoming horizon while Aconite trusts to his own instincts.

Nature Aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Know Nature, free inspi: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (18) + 7 + (1) = 26

Trajectory analysis..92.7%-Scattering effect probabilities 90%-Theorised Force on impact 95%-Boost to survival chances +60%-Analysis complete until more data

It seemed that Lebraerio was freezed by fear, but you realise his eyes were darting to and fro the flying embers, then he gives the team precise instructions about where to take shelter from the incoming storm

Trust me. We can't avoid being hurt, but that should optimise our survival probabilities.

Reflex Save fomr like 12 days ago: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
CLW Wand usage: 4d8 + 4 ⇒ (6, 3, 2, 8) + 4 = 23

"I have been in some inhospitable places before, but this here takes the cake!"

Keeping the hood of her cape covering her head, she continues to trudge on.
Survival Aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Nature: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Juis puts his wand away as he observes the storm and tries to direct the group safely through it.

Must remember to buy another Wand of Healing. Down to 1 charge left.

In this situation, Marianna just shuts up and lets Juis' and Lebraerio's expertise lead the group toward whatever lee in the storm they can find for the party.

I'm assuming all the healing above covered everyone's wounds so far.

Led by Lebraerio and Juis' careful calculations, a path is discovered that will let the emberstorm blow right by the party. To top it off, you get an extraordinary view of the storm as you pass by it safely. In the end, the next hour passes uneventfully and no time is lost.

[u]The fifth hour![/u]

After the emberstorm passes by, the way is clear for the next hour.

[u]The sixth hour![/u]

Followed by a mild dust storm, which is not enough to delay the party. With cloaks and hoods drawn, and a little more dust in your boots, you continue on.

[u]The seventh hour![/u]

One of the distinct features of the landscape that you've noticed quite a lot are the cinder cones-small volcanic hills. From time to time globs of half-cooled molten basalt and trapped volcanic gases often fly from them and land in random spots, leaving steaming pock-marks.

When it crashed down amidst your march the party was confused at first about what had even happened. As your flesh once again feels distinct burning and stinging pains, you quickly realize what has happened.

piercing damage, fire damage: 3d6 + 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 6) + (5, 4, 4) = 24
Reflex DC 20 to halve the total damage.

reflex: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

CLW: 4d8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1, 1, 8) + 4 = 17

Inira offers her wand to anyone else who may need some pain relief (Juis).

Ref save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Oh no, not again..

Lebraerio suffers the fulf impact of the burning and piercing rocks, and says with grim humor while patching himself

At least the wounds are already cauterized..who needs some healing?

CLW wand, 3 charges): 3d8 + 3 ⇒ (6, 8, 8) + 3 = 25

Totally forgot I had my own CLW wand too, 43 charges left now