GM supervillan's 5-10 Where Mammoths Dare Not Tread (Inactive)

Game Master supervillan

please dot and delete when invited

Before the Pathfinder Society’s Master of Swords, Marcos Farabellus, a large map of northern Avistan lies spread across the table. A notched and battered longsword weighs the map down on one side, preventing it from furling closed, while its sheathe does the same on the other side. Farabellus has placed all manner of objects upon the map, each indicating a different landmark or Pathfinder Society resource. Aram Zey, the Master of Spells, frowns as Farabellus places another piece down upon the map.

“This is the lost Sky Citadel Jormurdun, in the very northwestern extreme of what is now the Worldwound,” Farabellus explains, pointing towards a dwarven-minted gold coin, “And this red stone is Nerosyan, Mendev’s capital city. As you can see, any expedition launched from Nerosyan has to cross the entire demon-infested Worldwound to reach the Sky Citadel. With the failure of the wardstones and increased demonic attacks along the border, such a journey would be suicide. It makes more strategic sense to enter the Worldwound from the west—from the Tusk Mountains, home of the Mammoth Lords. It’s a shorter distance and there’d be a whole lot fewer demon armies along the way.”

“Though that may be true, we have no allies or holdings in the Realm of the Mammoth Lords,” Aram Zey interrupts, pushing over a miniature marble elephant, much to Farabellus’ clear annoyance. “However, though we do not intend to forsake our allies in Mendev, the Master of Swords makes a valid point. The Decemvirate has therefore authorised a small reconnaissance mission to the Realm of the Mammoth Lords. We are sending you to scout along the eastern border of the Worldwound, find and secure a suitable location that we could use as a staging ground for our expedition, and ensure the cooperation of the local barbarian tribes.”

You may already know something of the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, its people and culture:

"I'm not familiar with the local culture, but I will do my best."

The other gnome in the briefing listens intently to the mission.

Know. Local 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (2) + 18 = 20

”Oooo, there all kinds of large animals there like mammoths and aurochs and there are Kellid nomads that hunt them! The nomads don’t really trust easily as there are invading orcs, witches, and demons from the worldwound. Try not to use magic around them….especially cold magic.”

"Sorry, I don't know much about the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, either!" Thoriel shivers a little at the sound of their next meeting. "...beyond the fact that it sounds a bit chilly. Time to raid the winter closet and grab some furs for the trip?"

"Keep our magic under wraps? That's...heh, that's going to be a little tricky," Nina remarks as she gazes around at her allies, with a pointed look towards her own eidolon. "But all we can do is do our best. Could be worse, we could be a bunch of priests on a covert mission to Rahadoum!"

"I've never been that far north and I don't really know anything about the place either," she goes on to admit. "Do you have any tips or things to keep in mind, besides what Pai already mentioned?"

“It may be warm around Tolguth, the settlement we're going to drop you nearby" Master Farabellus says "but beyond that lies cold and unforgiving tundra. We call it the Realm of the Mammoth Lords for a reason—think giant animals with lots of insulation. Furs or magical protection that you don't need to display to the locals would be wise. And that close to the Worldwound, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some evidence of demonic influence, as well.”

Master Zey adds “I suggest that you visit Tolguth. If you can befriend the barbarians there, they should be able to tell you of a few possible locations for our staging ground. I intend to send a number of gifts and trade goods with you to smooth negotiations. Of course, this does require that one of you can at least understand Hallit.” The Master of Spells looks at you expectantly.

"If none of you are Hallit speakers, I've persuaded Master Zey to loan you a Tongues potion" Master Farabellus grins at the sardonic wizard.

Zey rolls his eyes. "It would be best if that potion is not your only means of communicating. If you are ready to depart, the trade goods are here. Nothing too bulky to transport."

Zey places an intricately carved, palm-sized ceramic disk on the table. "Once you find a suitable location, simply snap this disc,” he instructs. “It will form a temporary beacon that I can use to create a waypoint for the Hao Jin Tapestry. With the waypoint, we can easily move agents and supplies to the new base camp, but it takes time to set up; don’t think of this as an emergency evacuation device.”

Once you're all ready, Zey will teleport you. Any last preparations or questions?

[b]”I do have Tongues as a spell in my spellbook, but I don’t have it memorized today. Don’t suppose we can wait a day, so I can memorize it a couple times? If so, you could keep your nifty potion. I do need to buy some Endure Elements scrolls as well, if we have time to prepare….”[//]

The two Masters exchange glances. Zey folds his arms and huffs, and the exuberant Farabellus laughs. "Jormundun's not going anywhere. Make your preparations and be ready to depart at dawn."

You are allowed "ample time to make your preparations" so an overnight at the Grand Lodge is fine. Prepared casters may prepare!"

I think Quiella can probably afford a scroll of tongues. and perhaps some of endure elements as well.

"How long should we expect to be there?"

Master Farabellus shrugs. "It's a scouting mission. I doubt you'll be done in one day but I've no idea how far you'll have to range."

"I think I'll pick up a wand...and some other things," Nina nods after staring off into space for a few moments. "Definitely can't speak Hallit so Pai preparing some magic to help us out would be great. But also, maybe it wouldn't hurt to take the potion as a backup? If we don't need it we can give it back when the mission is done."

"Bah, fine!" Master Zey begrudgingly agrees to loan you the potion.
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The next morning, bright and early, you present yourselves for teleportation to the Realm of the Mammoth Lords.

The spell deposits you in a clearing; according to Aram Zey you should be three miles south of Tolguth. The Master of Spells has given you directions to the Kellid settlement. The clearing features a large, round boulder resting in the middle of bubbling hot spring—a relatively good landmark for Aram Zey’s teleport spells.

Despite the incessant heat, humidity, and buzzing of insects, navigating the jungles surrounding Tolguth is relatively easy thanks to the trampled foliage, fallen trees, and footprint-scarred game trails that cut through the dense plant growth. A grey, cloudless sky peers through the lush canopy as a stark reminder of the northern latitude.

Pai used her shiny new wand to make the temperatures more palatable for herself. ”We ar egging to have to deal with both heat and cold on this trip, eh? But more important matters first….I can cast Tongues twice. I’m pretty good at talking to people so I’ll cast once on myself. Who wants the other spell? It will last really close to two hours on each of us once cast.”

She casts Mage Armor once they step out of the teleport and casts False Life (1d10 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 temp HP) as well, both enhanced to last 22 hours with her extend rod.

After quickly using her own wand to make the climate more comfortable for herself and Inky, Nina's gaze slowly settles on the eidolon's head...and the glowing rune emblazoned on it.

"Cripes! I forgot!" she suddenly exclaims, slapping her own forehead. "I've got to cover up our runes! Maybe we can make them look like tattoos or something?"
______________

And now I wish I'd thought to buy a disguise kit!

You make your way through the jungle, following one of the wide paths, when just ahead a pair of screeching monsters burst through the tree-line. Resembling a cross between a vulture and a giant, they chitter and scream.

On the heels of the winged beasts is a huge dinosaur!

Combat round 1!

Thoriel
Nina + Inky
Dino
Pai
Quilla + Tùrin
Red feathers
Blue feathers

The bold may act!

The three monsters in the clearing do not appear to have noticed you - their attention is on each other.

Kn. Planes: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

Thoriel instantly recognises the winged beasts and shares what she knows with the rest of the group. "Those two screeching things are vrocks! They're a type of demon and revel in bloodshed! I don't know exactly what that big thing is but it looks more like a strange animal than a demon to me."
Please go ahead and read the Knowledge (planes) spoilers for the vrocks upto Thoriel's DC - revealing special attacks, immunities and resistances.

"Those things don't look to have seen us yet. If we're lucky maybe we can use the cover of the trees to get past them and let them stay and 'play with each other?" Thoriel quickly boosts herself with magical speed and prepares to follow her own advice. "Just don't get too close to them. They can stun with their screech upto 30 feet and if they dance and chant for about 30 seconds they can send a wave of electricity out to about 100 feet - sort of like the charge that I use on my sword, and you know that that doesn't tickle! Oh, and that big lizard thing doesn't look like it would be fun to tangle with either."

Spend 1 arcane point to enter Spell Dance. Base movement upto 60'. Move around the edge of the treeline and then through to the trees to current spot on the map.

Delaying Nina and Inky

The gigantic reptile roars in anger, and bites down on one of the vrocks...

dino bite: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37damage: 4d6 + 22 ⇒ (3, 4, 6, 6) + 22 = 41
grab?: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (2) + 32 = 34

Blue-feathers is grabbed by the dinosaur's tooth-filled maw - black ichor sprays everywhere as the fiend screeches.

Combat round 1

Thoriel, spelldance
Dino, grappled
Nina + Inky
Pai
Quilla + Tùrin
Red feathers
Blue feathers, -31hp, grappled

The bold may act!

Pai casts Overland Flight on herself, waiting to see how the Dino does against the demons.

Perception (DC 10): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

"Ooh, that dinosaur's got some spears stuck in it," Nina quickly points out to the others. "Someone's been hunting it...or maybe got it riled up to chase those demons? No wonder it's not happy!"

Noting Thoriel's movements, Nina gives Inky a nudge with her heels. "Come on Inky, let's get into the treeline before they spot us. I'm rooting for the dinosaur but I don't want to tangle with it *or* the demons if we don't have to!"

"Yeah...yeah, I'm with you on this one," Inky nods, giving the raging creatures a very wary eye. The eidolon skirts the edge of the forest, following Thoriel's lead, before moving into the cover provided by the forest.
______________

Inky will double-move to their current map position; Nina has her lance out but otherwise isn't taking any actions this round.

Before leaving, Quiella purchases a wand of endure elements (with 2PP) and a potion of tongues (from a wizard; 750gp I believe?).

Upon arrival in the clearing, she uses the wand on herself and Turin (and anyone else that needs it.

"I'll take your tongues spell Pai." Quiella answers.

--

Quiella, perception: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Quiella spurs Turin forward and into the treeline for cover.

Sorry for the delay. She has life link up on Thoriel, Turin, Inky, and Nina. Please stay out of danger Pai!

Pai lifts herself off the ground with a spell, whilst the rest of the group enter the trees.

The grappled vrock lets out an unholy screech!

dino fort: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

The dinosaur reels, shaking its head from side to side and releasing its prey.

Quiella and Tùrin attempt a DC21 Fort save or be Stunned.

A cloud of vile viridian mist erupts from the injured demon, and in an instant the dinosaur is covered in ugly, green vines.

damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3

The second demon circles on vulture-like wings, then closes and slashes at the dinosaur...

claw: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 13 - 3 = 28damage: 2d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (1, 5) + 5 + 6 = 17

Combat round 2

Thoriel, spelldance
Dino, -20hp, stunned, vines (10)
Nina + Inky
Pai
Quiella + Tùrin saves needed
Red feathers
Blue feathers, -31hp [screeched, vined (3)]

The bold may act!

Quiella, fortitude vs stunned: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23

Quiella resists the screech of the Vrock

Turin, fortitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 noooooo

...but Turin is momentarily stunned.

for how long?

Unable to move, Quiella casts shield of faith on Túrin

"Nnnnn...I don't know, I don't like the thought of letting those demons win," Nina hisses as she watches the dinosaur be stunned by the screeching. "At least the dino is, uh, more or less natural, I think."

She nudges Inky with her heels.

"Come on, let's get right up to the treeline and get ready," she whispers as she grasps her metamagic rod and conjures barkskin spell for the eidolon.
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Casting an extended Barkskin on Inky~

"Nina, you are out of your mind..." the eidolon grumbles but does as instructed, edging right up to the treeline in preparation for a charge or some manner of attack.

Pai knew that she didn’t have much to actually damage one of those demons, and was actually pulling for the dinosaur to win. She flew 20’ higher and 20’ to the left, getting in position to support the squad once they decided to attack.

Thoriel tries to get Quiella's attention and points across the clearing, quietly speaking to the gnome.

Barring any change to the status quo, Thoriel will delay for now.

Thoriel points out the kellids across the path. I've added them to the map. Pai hasn't seen them yet, but the rest of you are aware.

Nina and Inky close in, as do Quiella and Tùrin - although the paladin's mount comes off worse when the vrock screeches. Both gnomish knights bolster their mounts with protective spells.

The two demons tear into the dinosaur.

red claw: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (8) + 13 - 3 = 18damage: 2d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (5, 4) + 5 + 6 = 20
red claw: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (3) + 13 - 3 = 13damage: 2d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (5, 6) + 5 + 6 = 22
red bite: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (3) + 13 - 3 = 13damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 6 = 13
red talon: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (4) + 13 - 3 = 14damage: 1d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 6 = 14
red talon: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (5) + 13 - 3 = 15damage: 1d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 6 = 15

blue claw: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (15) + 13 - 3 = 25damage: 2d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (5, 4) + 5 + 6 = 20
blue claw: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (20) + 13 - 3 = 30damage: 2d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (1, 4) + 5 + 6 = 16
blue bite: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (6) + 13 - 3 = 16damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 6 = 18
blue talon: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (19) + 13 - 3 = 29damage: 1d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 6 = 13
blue talon: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (16) + 13 - 3 = 26damage: 1d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 = 17

vines: 1d4 ⇒ 1

confirm? blue claw: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (7) + 13 - 3 = 17damage: 2d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (6, 1) + 5 + 6 = 18

Red-feathers fails to penetrate the tyrant lizard's thick hide, but blue-feathers tears into the dinosaur's flesh with relish. The demons screech terrible war-cries.

The dinosaur (and Tùrin) recover from the shock of the demonic cacophony - but is it too late for Rex?

Combat round 3

Thoriel, spelldance
Dino, -86hp, vines (9)
Nina + Inky, barkskin (I)
Pai, overland flight (20')
Quiella + Tùrin, shield of faith (T)
Red feathers
Blue feathers, -31hp [screeched, vined (2)]

The bold may act!

Thoriel waits until anyone in the party can communicate with the Kellids and understand what is going on and whether they should get involved.

Delay until after dino has acted, bringing Thoriel into the block with the rest of the party.

The tyrannosaur fights back!

bite: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (11) + 22 = 33damage: 4d6 + 22 ⇒ (1, 3, 1, 1) + 22 = 28
grab?: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (19) + 32 = 51

It bites down on blue-feathers and holds fast!

Combat round 3

Dino, -86hp, vines (9), grappled
Thoriel, spelldance
Nina + Inky, barkskin (I)
Pai, overland flight (20')
Quiella + Tùrin, shield of faith (T)
Red feathers
Blue feathers, -49hp, grappled [screeched, vined (2)]

The bold may act!

Quiella nods to Thoeiel and makes her way across to the Kellids. "Hail! I am Quiella, a Pathfinder. For what reason do you watch this battle? How can my friends and I said you?"

"C'mon Inky, let's go!" Nina hisses, nudging Inky with her heels as the signal, her lance at the ready. The eidolon grumbles something unintelligible and probably inappropriate as she charges at Blue Feathers!

"Leroyyyy Jenkinsssss For the light of Sarenrae!"

Charge vs. Blue Feathers (+1 Adamantine Lance; Arcane Strike, PA, Spirited Charge): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
Damage: 3d6 + 33 ⇒ (1, 6, 6) + 33 = 46

"Nina, I hope you know what you're doing!" Inky growls as they now find themselves out in the open and uncomfortably close to two demons and an angry dinosaur. She readies herself to protect her rider as best as she can.

Quiella crosses the path to greet the kellid warriors. They look furious!

"Teneg khariin khün! Ta bidnii bair suuriig ögööch! Odoo araatan amitad bidnii orshikhuig medej baina!" the leader hisses through clenched teeth.

Nina and Inky meanwhile, enter the fray. They take to the air, and Nina impales the grappled vrock with her lance.

In the trees, one of the kellids points at the attacking gnome and nods to her leader.

Combat round 3

Dino, -86hp, vines (9), grappled
Thoriel, spelldance
Nina + Inky, barkskin (I)
Pai, overland flight (20')
Quiella + Tùrin, shield of faith (T)
Red feathers
Blue feathers, -85hp, grappled [screeched, vined (2)]

The bold may act!

Pai continues to delay, not thinking any of her usual tricks would be helpful against the demons.

Noticing across the clearing that the Kellids seem to be less than pleased that some of her friends had gotten involved in the fight, Thoriel decides to try and hamper at least one of the demons. With a wave of her hand and a short arcane command, the magus causes a shower of glittering particles to shower down onto the head of the red-feathered vrock.

Cast Glitterdust to catch just Red feathers. WILL DC17.

Thoriel, it's plain that the kellid's ire is directed at Quiella.

Thoriel conjures motes of sparkling light...

vrock will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

...the lights stick to the demon, but it's wise to the attack and glares towards Thoriel's position.

Pai waits and watches.

Red-feathers disengages from the dinosaur whilst the great lizard's mouth is full of its fellow demon. But before it departs it releases a puff of spores. Yet more ugly, viney growths emerge from the dinosaur, slowly wrapping around it. Red-feathers flies straight for Nina and Inky, screeching a blood-curdling cry as it arrives.

spores: 1d8 ⇒ 5

dino Fort: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

Nina and Inky must attempt a DC21 Fort save or be Stunned for 1 round. (Although you're technically airborne, you don't need to be more than 10 feet up just now.)

The dinosaur keeps blue-feathers in its deadly jaws. The demon attempts to escape by killing its way out.

claw: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (11) + 13 - 3 = 21damage: 2d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (4, 6) + 5 + 6 = 21
claw: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 13 - 3 = 11damage: 2d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (6, 2) + 5 + 6 = 19
bite: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 13 - 3 = 20damage: 1d8 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 6 = 18
talon: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (19) + 13 - 3 = 29damage: 1d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 6 = 14
talon: 1d20 + 13 - 3 ⇒ (12) + 13 - 3 = 22damage: 1d6 + 5 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 6 = 14

blue vines: 1d4 ⇒ 3

The stubborn dinosaur holds on despite grievous wounds.

dino grapple: 1d20 + 32 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 32 + 5 = 52

Blue-feathers disappears down the dino's throat!

swallow whole: 4d6 + 22 ⇒ (2, 1, 3, 2) + 22 = 30

The towering reptile turns its greedy gaze upon Nina and Inky!

Combat round 4

Dino, -143hp, vines (8, 10)
Thoriel, spelldance
Nina + Inky, barkskin (I)
Pai, overland flight (20')
Quiella + Tùrin, shield of faith (T)
Red feathers [screeched, vined (3)
Blue feathers, -105hp, swallowed, grappled [screeched, vined (1)]

The bold may act!

Nina Fort (DC 21): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Inky Fort (DC 21): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Though Nina resists the screeching of Red Feathers, Inky isn't quite as lucky and finds herself stunned. She (presumably) falls to the ground and Nina finds herself forced to try and tuck & roll to leap off and keep her footing.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Inky Falling Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

She nervously eyes the hungry dinosaur off to her side but stands her ground and jabs at Red Feathers with her lance!

Attack vs. Red Feathers (+1 Adamantine Lance; Arcane Strike, PA): 1d20 + 13 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 13 - 2 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

With both the remaining vrock and the big reptile now taking an interest in her and her companions, Thoriel moves over to join Quiella and the Kellids. "Quiella, can you ask these guys to help us, now that we all seem to be on the lunch menu for at least one of these creatures?"

Concerned that her usual spell-enhanced attacks won't be much use against the resistant demon, the young elf instead continues to try and hamper the vrock instead, before it tries to rip Nina apart.

Cast Slow on red feathers. WILL DC18
Caster Level check vs. SR: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 2 = 21

Quiella offers the Kellid hunters a bow, saying

and then wheels around on Tùrin and charges the vrock, lance lowered, interposing herself between Nina and the dino.

Lance, charge, power attack: 1d20 + 16 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (4) + 16 + 2 - 3 = 19
piercing: 2d6 + 14 + 18 ⇒ (1, 3) + 14 + 18 = 36

Pai thought the glitter dust trick was very clever, so she tried to target red vrock with her own version of the spell.

DC 18 Will to resist.