Male Half-orc Eldritch Guardian/Mutation Warrior Fighter 5 (HP: 49/49 | AC: 23 21/11/22 20 | F+10 R+5 W+5* (+1 vs. fear/mind-affecting)| Init +1 | Percep +9 SM +3)
Grax tries to help Doran follow the trail, pointing out any markings that he notices. He puts his finger to his lips to shush Javon as the bird begins to make whatever inane comment that came to his mind.
Doran and Grax are able to follow the trail easy enough. A few hours into the trek, you find a considerable pile of loose chunks of quartz near one of the trail markers that seems "out of place". Magic can be detected underneath it.
Human (ulfen) Inquisitor (green faith marshal, sanctified slayer) 6| AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 54/54 | F +9 R +7 W +9 | CMD 21 (22 v disarm)| Init +5 | Perc +11 (+13) | Spells (-, 5/5, 4/4) | Bane (6/6)
"You are a skilled tracker, Doran. We are glad to be traveling with others who know their way in the wild."
Looks like we're not short of Survival skill here. Janus Tracks at +10 too :)
Doran lifts several of the quartz chunks away to reveal the remains of a halfling sized creature still clad in masterwork chain with armor spikes. A magical greatsword lies to next to the body as well as a wayfinder. A conspicuous piece of remarkably preserved parchment is folder under the closed lid.
The handwritten note reads...:
“Hail our noble comrade, Braethin. May your blade taste battle once more in this life or another.”
Elf Rogue 6 Initative +9 AC: 19 Touch:14 Flatfooted 16 Fort +4 Reflex +14 Will +6 Perception +13
Morait's eyes widen when he reads the note.
"Well, we know what happened to one of our targets, any idea what got him?" Morait doesn't have heal, does anyone else?
Human (ulfen) Inquisitor (green faith marshal, sanctified slayer) 6| AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 54/54 | F +9 R +7 W +9 | CMD 21 (22 v disarm)| Init +5 | Perc +11 (+13) | Spells (-, 5/5, 4/4) | Bane (6/6)
"A fallen Pathfinder? Perhaps one of Westyr's party. That note may be written in her hand. Mark Braethin's grave. They have made their Journey."
Male Half-orc Eldritch Guardian/Mutation Warrior Fighter 5 (HP: 49/49 | AC: 23 21/11/22 20 | F+10 R+5 W+5* (+1 vs. fear/mind-affecting)| Init +1 | Percep +9 SM +3)
"Should we bring his body back? Or maybe leave it here until we are ready to depart. A sad end for an honored warrior, but it at least means we're on the right track." Grax tries to help Doran inspect the body for signs of wounds on the body.
Heal, aid:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17 Also, any idea how long ago he died?
male human slayer 6, HP 64/64, AC 22, T14, FF 20, F +8, R +8, W +6, Init. +4, Perc. +12(+15 traps)
Aye...taking his remains back would be what I would want, if at all possible. There might even be someone to inherit his sword... Doran says as he makes sure the body is covered after their examination.
Human (ulfen) Inquisitor (green faith marshal, sanctified slayer) 6| AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 54/54 | F +9 R +7 W +9 | CMD 21 (22 v disarm)| Init +5 | Perc +11 (+13) | Spells (-, 5/5, 4/4) | Bane (6/6)
"We must return by this route in order to open the portal home. Let us recover the remains upon our return" Janus affirms.
With what you can ascertain from the bare remains of the halfling, it is likely he died upon arrival from harsh combat upon the Pathfinders' arrival decades ago. You can cover his remains again and return later.
----------------------------
At ease with finding the regular arcane marks now, your trail through the mineral jungle twists and turns to follow the undulating landscape for another hour, finally climbing above a saline river that winds through a field of tiny green prisms below. Facedown in front of a large boulder is a human-sized body covered in fine, glassy filaments.
Though few scavengers here care for flesh, they made off with any of his gear that incorporated significant amounts of metal or gemstones long ago. All that remains are scraps of his torn explorer’s outfit, several bent inkpens, two days’ rations (now withered and inedible), and a leather-bound journal that bears an arcane mark on the front that matches one of those that you have been following.
Examining the Journal:
The journal contains numerous entries beginning in 4701 ar and ending in 4703. His last several entries describe the group’s journey through the Vault, the fight with xorns in which Braethin died, and an attack by flying, screeching fiends that doused the area in darkness—an assault that separated their group. The journal’s last entry reads:
11 Pharast, 4703
I at first shared Sorrina’s excitement while exploring this “Vault,” which she believes is deep below Golarion’s surface in the legendary realm called Orv. The caverns are full of glittering wonders, but among those crystals hide countless creatures that resent our intrusion and attack with the slightest provocation.
We lost Braethin to the xorns, and only Nissira and I managed to escape the screeching fiends that fell upon us from the highest stalactites. She has elected to stay near our trail in the hope of finding Grave Treader and Master Sorrina, and as the one Sorrina entrusted to carry the special wayfinder, it is my duty to return to Absalom and seek assistance.
Taskar’s claws dig into my shoulders, so I shall report my other observations later. The scaly bastard does seem to have a sixth sense for danger.
Human (ulfen) Inquisitor (green faith marshal, sanctified slayer) 6| AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 54/54 | F +9 R +7 W +9 | CMD 21 (22 v disarm)| Init +5 | Perc +11 (+13) | Spells (-, 5/5, 4/4) | Bane (6/6)
Janus peruses the journal.
"We hope that if we encounter these fiends we are prepared for magical darkness.
This is another member of Westyr's party then. A mage. No sign of this 'Taskar' - a familiar most likely. Perhaps it survives."
Javon lands on the side of the crystal wall, reading the journal over Janus' shoulder. His head bobs and sways as he reads, agreeing with Janus. "Yes, Yes. Taskar does sound like familiar. This might have been Setik. Oh...they got separated, but the writer was carrying the wayfinder. I'm surprised Sorrina wasn't carrying it. Xorn! Braethin was killed by xorn! And then some sort of screeching fiends. We should be careful."
As you contemplate your next move, Javon's feathers rustle and Doran's head cocks to the ridge above you. A chunk of crystal moves slightly as if it is alive, and watching you! New Map - but you can only see the large red one at the moment.
This hilly outcropping has steep sides and uneven terrain. Following the counterclockwise path (white arrow) to the hill’s summit is not considered difficult terrain, but ascending the side requires a Climb check. The sharp crystals might damage you though.
Round 1 - Bold can act Morait Claudia Janus Javon Doran Janus Too Grax
Yellow
Pink
Orange
Yaiho
Red
Javon feels something in the air currents on his feathers and he looks up the ridge. The bird suddenly squawks. "Gerald! Up above us on the ridge! Some sort of crystal monster! Time for your special juice!"
The bird flies into a niche and tries to conceal itself.
For most purposes Javon is a non-combatant. He just hides until the danger is gone.
Male Half-orc Eldritch Guardian/Mutation Warrior Fighter 5 (HP: 49/49 | AC: 23 21/11/22 20 | F+10 R+5 W+5* (+1 vs. fear/mind-affecting)| Init +1 | Percep +9 SM +3)
Grax jerks his head upward to spot the crystal creature creeping towards them. "I see it." As Javon suggested, he pulls out a vial and drinks it. Drawing his greatsword, his muscles seem to bulge and sharpen. his eyes get a flat look to them and the half-orc snarls at the creature.
Drinking Strength Mutagen. +4 to Str, -2 to Int, +2 Natural Armor.
male human slayer 6, HP 64/64, AC 22, T14, FF 20, F +8, R +8, W +6, Init. +4, Perc. +12(+15 traps)
I don't think running up there as a good idea...let's have him...or what ever else is up there with him come down to us... Doran says as he gets out his bow. He stabs his sword into the ground so he can grab it if needed.
Human (ulfen) Inquisitor (green faith marshal, sanctified slayer) 6| AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 54/54 | F +9 R +7 W +9 | CMD 21 (22 v disarm)| Init +5 | Perc +11 (+13) | Spells (-, 5/5, 4/4) | Bane (6/6)
"We concur, Doran. This is hostile terrain, Morait, but if parley is possible then attempt it by all means."
Janus drops their crocodilian counterpart to the ground, and draws their flail. They cast a protective spell, in case peaceful communication proves impossible.
Janus Too is small sized but weighs only 12 pounds - because it moves slowly Janus tends to carry it under their arm. Actions: free to drop familiar, move to draw weapon, standard to cast Shield of Faith on self.
"We do not intend violence towards you, but will defend ourselves if attacked" Janus states plainly, addressing the crystal creature.
Grippli Magus 8 | HP 56/56 | AC 25, T 17, FF 20 | F: +7 R: +7, W: +7 | Perc +1 | Init +9
GM, Claudia has a climb speed (20 ft). Do you still need a climb check from her, and does this in any way lessen or negate the possibility of getting hurt while climbing?
@Claudia Having a climb speed you are allowed to take 10 on the climb check even in combat, so given this situation (and your +12 bonus) you won't need to make the check and are skilled enough to avoid the damage even.
Also, you can figure out what exactly they are.
DC 21 Knowledge Planes:
These are variant Crysmals, neutral earth elemental outsiders that can spray shards of crystals a short distance. For every 5 you beat the DC, feel free to ask more questions.
Claudia races up the hill, dodging the sharp crystals easily. About halfway up the ground becomes noticeably softer as if it tries to grasp at her legs white box. She leaps free and makes it to the ridge, finding herself surrounded by smaller versions of the large crysmal.
Janus tries to diffuse the situation but hears no reply. Grax prepares for battle as Morait and Doran draw their bows. The smaller crysmals converge on the lone grippli, but she proves too quick.
The arrows launch from below and one crysmal suffers, although the arrow is not optimized to pierce its hard plating completely.
Yaiho tries to tackle the dangerous climb but cannot make headway against the sharp crystals. Instantly, the largest crysmal disappears from reality, reappearing below to lash out at the barbarian.
Dwarf Caiman (magical beast) familiar (figment) 6 | current AC 18 T 11 FF 18 | HP 13/13 | F +7 R +2 W +5 | CMD 15 | Init +0 | Perc +9 lowlight vision
In a burst of heretofore unseen speed, the small chequered crocodile with the unfeasibly long neck sprints across the dirt to outflank the large crysmal...
Janus Too has 10' reach. It used Sprint and took a double move staying at least 10' away from the crysmal, but if the creature has reach then Janus Too provokes.
Janus Too should be providing flank to both Janus and Yaiho.
Human (ulfen) Inquisitor (green faith marshal, sanctified slayer) 6| AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 54/54 | F +9 R +7 W +9 | CMD 21 (22 v disarm)| Init +5 | Perc +11 (+13) | Spells (-, 5/5, 4/4) | Bane (6/6)
Janus' heavy double flail spins, the chains creating an ominous whistling sound.
Janus steps forwards as their counterpart outflanks. The flail strikes out...
dire flail, 2 hands, outflank, vessel between:1d20 + 9 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 4 + 1 = 16magic bludgeoning damage:1d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12precision damage:3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 5) = 10 on a hit, trigger Studied Target for a further +2 damage as an immediate action.
Precision Damage is 2d6 of Sneak Attack and 1d6 Precise Strike teamwork feat (with Solo Tactics).
Male Half-orc Eldritch Guardian/Mutation Warrior Fighter 5 (HP: 49/49 | AC: 23 21/11/22 20 | F+10 R+5 W+5* (+1 vs. fear/mind-affecting)| Init +1 | Percep +9 SM +3)
Grax turns and sees the crystalline creature having come down to attack them. He growls and races towards the creature, trying to surround it with the others.
Human (ulfen) Inquisitor (green faith marshal, sanctified slayer) 6| AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 54/54 | F +9 R +7 W +9 | CMD 21 (22 v disarm)| Init +5 | Perc +11 (+13) | Spells (-, 5/5, 4/4) | Bane (6/6)
Botting Claudia per her request in Discussion.
Claudiabot, swarmed by the smaller foes, tests their defences with her little sword...
Thank you, Janus. Strangely, the larger one does not have reach as written in the module, so no AOO.
Claudia pokes out at the crysmal before stepping back and covering them with flame. They seem wholly unaffected by the blast.
Working with their companion, Janus strikes at the larger one, just glancing off its exterior facets. The remaining Pathfinders reposition, with the rogue's arrow just erring wide.
Two of the crysmals snap their stingers at Claudia, but she parkours off the boulder to avoid them. The remaining crysmal blinks out of existence, suddenly reappearing in front of Morait to block his advance.
Yaiho crashes down on his foe, cleaving off huge chunks of crystal with each blow. It responds by backing off and ejecting a spray of razor-sharp crystals at three of you, tearing into your bodies.
shard spray, piercing and slashing:4d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 3, 5) = 17DC 17 reflex for half from Yaiho, Doran, and Janus
Human (ulfen) Inquisitor (green faith marshal, sanctified slayer) 6| AC 20 T 13 FF 17 | HP 54/54 | F +9 R +7 W +9 | CMD 21 (22 v disarm)| Init +5 | Perc +11 (+13) | Spells (-, 5/5, 4/4) | Bane (6/6)
Janus' twin flails whirl and crash into the crysmal...
male human slayer 6, HP 64/64, AC 22, T14, FF 20, F +8, R +8, W +6, Init. +4, Perc. +12(+15 traps)
would itbve possible for Doran to take a 5 ft step to get flanking with Grax? unsure about the map...hence my question..if not no big deal..will just hammer at it...just want to add the 2d6 each hit for my sneak...if it's allowed,can you move my token and i'll roll to include the flank and sneak, if not remove it...ty!
The Taldan curses loudly as thew crystal shards cut into his arms and face.
reflex:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
I'm going to break you into a million pieces and sell you as trinkets in the market in Absolom... he says as he brings his sword down with a grunt of exertion.
