GM Erich's PFS #6-07 Valley of Veiled Flame (5-9) for NostalgiaCon (Inactive)

Game Master Thereus, Silver Crusader

Indranna tries to smile reassuredly.

Aid Another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

You can count on use...and the society as well. We'll see what we can do to remedy your dilemma..

diplo aid: 1d29 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"The Way of the Sleeping Sword says: do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire."

diplo, aid another: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15

Looks like you are the face of the party, Zzorn.

Shaking his head in disbelief at your offer, he muses. "Thank you for the oath of discretion. I am sure you are confident in your abilities and are surely brave enough for coming here at all, but you would need a hundred of you to besiege her in Fury’s Hold and reach our friends."

After a brief uneasy silence, he slowly continues, gathering a measure of confidence with every word.

“We oreads, are a peaceful race. Though Tygora’s rule is harsh, many of the people here have found it somewhat of a give-and-take. Tygora gives the people complete invisibility from the surrounding settlements in exchange for completing any demands she may have requested. I have some sway, but I stand alone in quiet defiance. I can maybe rally some - but not enough - of my kin. But perhaps you can convince them. There are some natural places in town to start the "fires of discontent". The taverns? Or perhaps the craftsmen who have been forced to supply her forces?"

"Thank you for the advice. We'll get going as soon as we secure lodgings. By the way, is there even such a place in a town that purposefully hides itself from the world?"

"What use does this tyrant put her armies to? Whom would she conquer, when she hides herself away?" Sleeping Sword shakes his head sadly.

"A warlord who hides her strength plans to strike."

"If I may, what about the surrounding settlements do you fear that you need her protection?"

"Aye, the Fifth Facet Tavern has rooms for the rare traveler, out the back door here." He gestures behind him.

His directions will lead you to location B on the map

With a deep inhale, he addresses the monk. "That is what I fear the most. You see, the volcanoes’ rifts and Tygora’s ever-hotter ambitions caused many oreads to give birth to ifrit children. She has been quick to take these youths under her wing, giving them both secret instruction and special privileges to secure their ruthless loyalty. We oreads have voiced some resistance to this two-tiered society, yet this has only invited crackdowns and new restrictions. Tygora, I fear, is preparing to conquer her neighbors using this army of ifrit champions, and all she needs is the continued — albeit coerced — cooperation of us subjects."

Turning to the priest, he admits. "This land and its inhabitants are harsh. When the Zhonar and Zhobl volcanoes erupted, most of our buildings collapsed, leaving the town devastated. We were weakened and we feared others that might take advantage of that until we rebuilt our strength. Tygora afforded us that opportunity by granting our wish of ultimate solitude."

"Ohhh. I see. So we should assume that any ifrit we see could be one of your children. Yeah. Double carefulness then. Maybe we could act like we think they're the coolest, and earn their trust? Then we could find out what Tygora's telling them and be able to refute anything that's not true. Or at least know how to get them to see other perspectives, like yours. We gotta be careful about it so we don't get in trouble, but we've trained for this sort of thing." Pai's trying so hard to be thoughtful and useful right now. Honestly, she does better as a bodyguard-type-person with a permission-to-blast-threats-to-death type of mojo. But she does relish a challenge, and so relish this she does. Mmm! Relish! Now I want pickles...

Zzorn nods at Pai's idea. "Perhaps the teachings of Kurgess will come in handy here... if they are young, and hot-tempered, perhaps they will agree to a sport challenge instead of a fight, if it comes to that... yes..." adds Zzorn, already thinking about how many push-ups and what kind of distance in a foot race would be deemed impressive by young folks.

That is indeed a...tricky position to be in. To have your children conscripted into such a life...

Indranna agrees to help.

"Very well then, I will do what I can to rally my inner circle if you can spot others in town that can help us with the rebellion. You may find willing souls at the Tavern."

--------------------------------------------

The Fifth Facet Tavern is a square, two-story, stone tavern that sits on the main roadway of Crystalcrag. The smell of charred timber and cooked food waft gently out of multiple windows hewn into the building’s facade.

As you enter, many of the oreads watch surreptitiously while others do so with open curiosity. The barkeep smiles politely and waves you over to have a drink on the house. "A drink for new faces in town." (first in Terran, then Common)

"Ifrit born to oreads... how strange a circumstance."

sense motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

At the tavern, Sleeping Sword accepts the barkeep's hospitality and takes a small beer.

"It is an interesting fact, indeed. One additional worldly feather of knowledge added to our cap!" answers Zzorn, ordering a scotch.

One beer... one scotch... we're one away from a very particular and entertaining hat trick! :)

SM: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
"We must free Glaheri." Catushlara says softly to the others. "She is needed to lead the other geniekin once Tygora is dealt with." she says before taking a sip of from her cup of cold water.

Sense Motive DC 20: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Pai graciously accepts the beer, though she typically prefers ridiculously fancy fruity drinks.

"We must free Glaheri." Catushlara says softly to the others. "She is needed to lead the other geniekin once Tygora is dealt with." she says before taking a sip of from her cup of cold water.

"Huh. You think so? Well, it couldn't hurt. --Wait! Didn't he say that Tygora just arrived a year ago? So surely the ifrit children wouldn't be grown enough to be indoctrinated, right? Eurdan talked like things have been like this for long enough for at least some of the children to have grown into young adults. I'm so confused." Pai furrows her brow as she takes a sip of the beer, rolls it around in her mouth, and swallows. Oh! I gotta remember to tip well. It was so nice to offer us free drinks! --But seriously, what's the *real* timeline here?

My mistake for the confusion, Tygora appeared centuries ago, the feud with Glaheri was a year ago.

"What brings you here, then? " The bartender asks as he serves, but you notice more than a few patrons take an interest in the answer.

"Looking for some lost friends." Indranna says carefully, sipping the free beer. Nodding at the bartender, she continues "This place would make a nice caravan stop on a trade route."

Zzorn stands, putting his right leg up on a stool before taking a long drink, and pulling out his Wayfinder, holding it up high. "You may have seen one of these compasses before. We are Pathfinders, and we have heard that some of our friends have been taken captive by your current ruler, Tygora. We're not here to make anyone's life difficult, but we would appreciate any advice or information about her which could help us rescue our fellow Pathfinders from her castle. Ah, and a round of drinks to everyone, barkeep!"

Diplomacy, Take 10, Taldan Courtier Boon to gain info about nobles or government officials: 10 + 13 + 1 = 24 --> additional +2 from Diamond Inlay Wayfinder for those in the crowd who are either merchants or aristocrats allied with the Pathfinders; -2 if they oppose Pathfinders

"Ah, and I am Delgur. So you are related to the other Pathfinders. Then you know just how dire the situation is." With that several of the other oreads draws their stools closer, some excited, others citing their grievances as cautionary tales.

Although few here are truly prepared for attack on Fury’s Hold or to oppose the fire outsider’s regime in sum, ultimately the bartender speaks for them all when he announces. "Well, if you wish to stand against Tygora, we oreads will stand beside you. The time has come for her downfall, be what it may -- for us."

After the celebratory round, most of the oreads depart to spread the word of the upcoming assault to friends and family.

Delgur remains to discuss next actions. He offers you rooms in the inn to plan from and notes a few other locations around town to potentially convert a few more allies.

------------------------------------------

He mentions two locations to try: Valsog’s Smithy and Armory (location C) and the Everlasting Fire Alchemy Shoppe (location D) on the expanded map. Where would you like to go first?

i vote alchemy...

It did not take much to ignite the fires of rebellion in these people of stone. Perhaps that is why they were able to birth children of fire.

Sleeping Sword bows, then drains his cup.

"Uh, which venue is closer to us?" he asks. Looks like the forge? I don't really mind where we go first though.

Pai drains her pint of beer, causing a couple of raised eyebrows. For one so slight and small she holds her liquor remarkably well. (Side benefit of a CON-based class.)

"Looks like Valsog’s Smithy and Armory is closer, but I'm super keen to poke into the Alchemy Shoppe. I wonder what kind of stuff they have? OOO! Shopping trip! Souvenirs! Yahoo! --What? We gotta stimulate the economy while we're here." Pai giggles at herself and drops a gold piece for her tip.

To the Everlasting Fire alchemy shop!

This wood-and-stone structure sits on a busy street corner, red and orange paint brightening its exterior. A sign depicting colorful vials and a beaker hangs above the door.

Nearing the establishment, you realize it is actually just the storefront for a collection of structures dedicated to transforming the Zho Mountains’ many minerals and hardy plants into a wide variety of alchemical remedies, tools, and weapons.

The compound’s foundations and lower walls are stone; the upper half of the walls is made of wood and has numerous small windows and chimneys to vent fumes before they reach dangerous concentrations. A small garden full of rare herbs extends behind the building.

As you round the corner to the entrance, the smell of turpentine besets your noses. You can see a clearly a distressed oread, backed into a corner. "Not like this!" He shouts.

Two ifrits stand next to a stack of discarded metal containers -- and when they notice you, growl out "This is not your business, travelers. Keep moving! Queen's business!!"

New Map! Feel free to rearrange yourself in the white portion (the bottom two rows) of it if you wish.

"Let us make our way to the alchemy shop." states as she finishes her drink. "It would take longer to prepare elixirs and potions so we should give them longer to prepare."

"Uh, you look like simple criminals to me" Sleeping Sword tells the two ifrits. "Not honourable soldiers. So perhaps this is our business."

Now...let's all just take a breath. What is this person accused of? Surely a beating in the streets isn't due...is it? Therin says as he holds up his hands.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

"Fellow flame brothers... I owe a debt to this oread, from a last week purchase I haven't paid to him yet... I understand the Queen's business takes priority, but I wouldn't want the Queen accused of... trying to cover my debt... that would be a dishonor to me and to the Queen, as some in town would then accuse us of being cheap! argh... if this is about this man owing some money to the Queen, this ONE time, allow me to make retribution to the Queen on this oread's behalf. It's my fault he doesn't have the money yet..."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Hopefully we can prevent bloodshed... any assists would be welcome!

Ooooo! Good one! Zzorn for the win! --I hope. Geez these guys look like they want trouble more than anything. Pai gives the ifrits puppy eyes and pleads: "Please let do our business first. Please?" Ooo! Bonus! My hair almost looks like fire! Maybe they'll like it! She reaches up to ruffle it so the bright orange locks tousle like tongues of flame.

Diplomacy Aid Zzorn: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Catushlara keeps her hands close and in view to show she is not threatening in support of Zzorn. Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Confused that you are still talking, the two ifrit pause and share a stunned look, before one snaps back at you.

"NO! We burn this place down to show the Queen's MIGHT!"

Your attempt at a parley was enough to give you all a surprise round. One action each.

Surprise Round - Bold can act <one action>
Pai
Therin
Red
Orange
Blue
Catushlara
Indranna
Sleeping Sword
Zzorn

Zzorn moves between the ifrits and the building, drawing a 'walking stick' as he goes. i.e. his sword, but due to disguise self effect, looks like a stick...

"Now you two young lads listen to experience: the Queen will be mad if she finds out you made her look desperate for gold!"

Move action

"Well if you're going to be unreasonable, we have to stoop you." Indranna says and casts Acid Arrow at the closer ifrit.

Touch Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 Damage: 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5

If Indranna hits the ifrit the acid lasts 2 rounds.

Zzorn winces as Indranna launches acid at the misbehaving young lads, "Now, now, Madame, there's no need for violence! these lads may need a good slap on the buttocks, but bloodshed is not called for!"

Ohhhh, this is gonna be trouble! Pai bemoans as she activates her Enveloping Winds ability, just in case. Tiny arcs of white lightening begin flickering around her, and her short-cropped hair sticks straight out with static electricity (hence the short haircut).

She now gets a 25% miss chance on all ranged weapon attacks.

Honestly, it's not like she thinks these ifrits are gonna shoot arrows at her or anything, but she doesn't think it's smart to be the one to *start* a fight with the ifrits before gathering a supportive base, so... But too late for that, though, *Intranna*! Eh, oh well. It was heading there anyway. Geez, these guys are donkey holes! Thinking ahead to what her next move should be, she realizes coordination would be wise. "Are we being loud or quiet?"

Sleeping Sword steps forwards. The old monk focuses inwards.

Feel the Hunger. It connects you, binds you to their inner fire. There is only the Hunger.

"The sword is a killing tool" the old man says, his half-closed eyes on the two ifrit thugs.

5' step and use True Strike ki power.

Fire will not work much here. Best to put up some defense. Catushlara thinks to herself as she casts Shield of Faith on herself in preparation for battle.

Therin moves up to try to lure the one ifrit away from any destruction.

readying an attack after moving up...going for non lethal...only attacking if he tries to attack or set fire to the place.

readied: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 4 = 171d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

It works better if you use the edge of the blade...oh...I see. Carry on... a voice is heard coming from the sword Therin wields.

Multiple spells and effects swirl as Indranna blasts the nearest ifrit and Zzorn and Therin move quickly into position. The smell of turpentine is overwhelming here.

Hearing the challenges, several curious oreads gravitate toward the shop to witness the conflict.

Round 1 - Bold can act
Pai <enveloping winds>
Therin <readied attack>
Red
Orange -5 damage
Blue
Catushlara <shield of faith>
Indranna
Sleeping Sword <true strike>
Zzorn

Taking a deep breath, Pai begins talking in a rush, desperate to avoid bloodshed. "Okay! Listen. How about we all take a time out to get our emotions under control, and we can all talk about this like civilized people. Please?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

As soon as the words leave her mouth, she just *knows* it wasn't good enough, and there's gonna be fighting, and she's gonna end up killing people or helping do that, and then she's gonna feel guilty and have to do some real soul-searching about all this. Her face screws up with anxiety as she whimpers inside.

That's her turn. You should've seen Pai trying to talk the bad guys into using words instead of violence in Carrion Hill. She failed every time, but still kept trying because she wanted so badly to not be a murder hobo.

@Pai Walk softly and carry a big elemental blast, amirite?

Pai makes one last appeal but watches helplessly as the two try to cast flames from their hands toward the soaked walls. Therin strikes out at the ifrit but one manages to step back and let forth a potent burst of flame that singes both the cleric and sets the building ablaze.

The oread rushes in... "No! My shop!" and tries ineffectively to cover the flames with his cloak. He flips open a nearby barrel-head to reveal mounds of sand inside. "Help me!"

concentration check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
concentration check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
burning hands damage: 5d4 ⇒ (1, 3, 1, 4, 3) = 12 DC 17 reflex for half
fire spreads (squares, direction): 1d2 ⇒ 11d8 ⇒ 1

Round 1/2 - Bold can act
Catushlara <shield of faith>
Indranna
Sleeping Sword<true strike>
Zzorn
----------------------
Pai <enveloping winds>
Therin -12 damage <need reflex save>
Red
Orange -5 damage
Blue
Fire Spreads

In addition to dealing with the two ifrit, the fire will spread every round. You can extinguish a square that is on fire by applying at least 10 gallons of water to the area or succeeding at a Survival check or Reflex save as a standard action while adjacent to the square. Other useful spells may do even more. You can enter the blue and brown tent squares as they are cluttered but open-air.

Indranna moves 4 squares to the right and attempts to put out the nearest square of fire.

Reflex Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Pai was indeed a murder hobo in Carrion Hill...

Therin tries to subdue the ifrit in front of him with his blade again, still not used to using a sword.

attack, NL: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 5 - 4 = 191d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 1 = 9

Deal with the fire...I'll occupy this one...

reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Well struck Therin! Perhaps one of your friends can benefit from a bit of assistance?

Gamin will cast guidance on anyone trying to snuff the flames...a question though...since he can cast Guidance at will, does that count as me casting the spell, and not letting me attack? havent used him before this...and unfamiliar with the intelligent weapon thing...

"It is good to hear you again, Gamin" says the old monk. "Let us rebuff these ruffians.'

Sleeping Sword sways from side to side, disguising his advance and the sweeping kick he aims at the closest thug:

punishing kick, true strike, flurry: 1d20 + 8 + 20 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 20 = 29damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 On a hit, Orange must pass a DC16 Fort save or be knocked prone; Sleeping Sword also spends a swift action to Stagger Orange with Gentle Rest Domain Strike (no save, staggered 1 round, does not trigger if no hit).

unarmed strike, flurry: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Both strikes causing non-lethal damage.

ETA: oh well, nat 1 means no domain strike happens.

"WAIT! Your sword talks?! What-the-fudge-that's-so cool!" Pai exclaims as she flies above Indranna to try to put out the flames. She's *so relieved* about Therin's suggestion to focus on the fire. She can *totally* do that, and it'll count as *teamwork*. Yes. Good. Alright. I'm not shirking and I'm not killing. "Ack! Cough! Cough!" The smoke begins to get in her face, setting up a coughing fit as she tries to wave it away from her.

Reflex: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Water Blast doesn't put out flames unless you use the Quenching Infusion, which Pai doesn't have. Pity; the RP of accidentally blasting a hole in the roof while putting out the fire would've been amusing.

"WHY YOU LITTLE...!!!" yells Zzorn at the fiery lads. The fatherly rage takes over, and his well-shaven face grows a 5 O'clock shadow immediately...

The warrior then lowers his shoulder down behind his shield and attempts to tackle the red-shoed lad!

Free: Rage, Standard: Breaker Rush (Improved Bull Rush), Free: if Breaker Rush is successful, Breaker Momentum (Improved Overrun); 5-ft step to the west if Bull Rush successful (if Overrun successful, the 5-ft step becomes a move action as Zzorn moves additional squares west through his target's square)

Breaker Rush, Improved Bull Rush, Nonlethal: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (2) + 14 - 4 = 12 vs. CMD
GM 4-star re-roll: 1d20 + 14 - 4 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 14 - 4 + 4 = 30 vs. CMD
Success: nonlethal bludgeoning dmg: 10 = 10 + Breaker Momentum (see below)

Trying to take advantage of his stunned inexperience, he then tries to jump and stomp the lad into the stony ground with his foot! (making sure to avoid the jaw and temple area)

Breaker Momentum, Improved Overrun, Nonlethal: 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 14 - 4 = 18 vs. CMD
Success: bludgeoning dmg, IC: 10 = 10 and Zzorn moves through its square (target may not chose to avoid Zzorn)
Success Exceeds CMD by 5 or more: see 'Success' above and target is also prone

However the lad is taller and stronger than Zzorn expected, and seemingly blocks Zzorn from running him over!

I have moved Zzorn and red 5-ft to the west assuming the bull rush worked but the overrun did not.

Seeing her chance, Catushlara moves next to Therin and attacks Orange.
attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10