[OPVI] PF2e B12 - Somewhere Below (P7) (Inactive)

Game Master UncleFroggy

"Um. Can we be the Dino Toys?" Bitty asks, looking at Bea and Egg.

Nice ditty!

mlem!

"Oh! Nice song!" Galvaka as she follows the lyrics. She mulls over and mutters to herself as she chants

"We won't show wolves any fear,
because we are well equipped with gear.
We resist the all their bite,
As we train them to better fight.
We be Wolf Chew Toys and take some scar,
But with wolf and dino allies we will go far!"

Galvaka enjoys the bit to her self as she sings it aloud. "I might agree with allies though, a bit too long and maybe remove 'Chew'."

Looking toward the powerfully built man, Galvaka questions, "If you are without fail, does that mean you are the reigning champions if you succeeded right? You must be real good at racing, especially if you aren't leaving a trail!"

Ami is busy scribbling the lyrics down.

The members of Bluetongue’s Brawlers like the names suggested and try to join in the impromptu singing. One of them says “Oh! I know what a dinosaur is!” in response to Bitty’s suggestion. Overall the warmth of their camaraderie make up the the muttered snide comments and coldness of the other team.

The starting area cleared for the Balgirdtrek in Kalsgard is bustling with activity. Merchants and traders hoping to support the race have set up stalls and carts to sell supplies and equipment to the teams. As the two sleighs pull up to the starting area they are greeted by cheers and applause from the crowd. As each team disembarks from the sleigh, they are introduced to the crowd by the drivers of the sleighs.

You can hear the drivers calling out the names of the teams from the sleigh ahead of you: Fangs of the Remorhaz, Two Houses and Wyrding Wayfinders. Each team is greeted with applause from the crowd.

Then they open the door to your sleigh and the Bluetongue's Brawlers are announced followed by Without Trace or Fail. Once again each team is greeted will applause.

The driver looks down at the paper and then worriedly looks at your team. “It isn’t written down here, quick what is your team name?”

Corabee looks at the others in the team. "'Tiny Dinos'?" he suggests.

Ashun nods, "I like it." and waits for the others responses.

The driver doesn’t wait. Turning to the crowd, he shouts “The final team to compete, let’s hear it for the Tiny Dinos!”

He then gestures for your team to get out.

The crowd response is a mixture of applause and confused conversation. Seems there aren’t a lot of dinosaurs in this area. You can hear and see the Bluetongue’s Brawlers cheering enthusiastically which does get more of the crowd to react. All except one of the other teams is supportive.

The members of Without Pass or Fail give two soft claps and stop. This could be counted as a win since they aren’t actively heckling or booing your team.

One of the race officials starts talking from a platform, announcing how pleased they are that the race will begin soon and giving a brief outline. There is a brief break during which everyone is encouraged to visit the various vendors.

Other race officials start circulating among the teams. Each team is given a race pack containing:
* three minor healing potions,
* a single climbing kit,
* vouchers for lodging in Frostgarten,
* flint and steel,
* a signal whistle, and
* a list of supplies they should procure before the race begins.

The list of supplies is the same as the one that Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen already gave you.

The supplies on the list are mostly optional, but the officials say it would be wise to have at least the first three items before the race begins.

Since this is your first time competing they also tell you the rules of the race.
* You must complete the course within four days. If you're any later than that, the officials will send out parties to retrieve you and you'll be officially disqualified.
* Please do your best to avoid getting lost out there.
* Don't do anything to injure your competitors, though this should of course go without saying.
* Don't try to bypass any of the checkpoints, they are there not only for the trials, but to make sure that you and your team are well enough to continue on.
* You're welcome to advance as far as you can in a day, but the officials don't want anyone traveling after dark. If you find yourself at a checkpoint near sunset, they may ask you to stay.

You are told that you have a few hours to buy any last minute supplies and prepare for the race. They then walk you over to an area with poles marking areas for each team. You are told which one your team will be starting from.

The official wishes you good luck and hurries off.

You can do any last minute preparations. Those of you who are not field commissioned can claim your school item. Everyone can try to Gather Information which is normally a Diplomacy check.

Bee spends a bit of time chatting with the spectators, officials, and some of the friendlier of their competitors. "So what types of dangers are there along the trail? Besides the weather, of course. Wild animals? Territorial beasts? ravines or other terrain?"

Diplomacy gather information: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Bee runs into Baltus of the Bluetongue's Brawlers as they are looking over a flagon at one of the stalls. They joke that the two teams should join together and he would carry Bee on his shoulders.

After Baltus buys the flagon, he tells Bee that the first trial will involve tree climbing to recover an egg. He also tells Bee about some of the significant terrain on the first leg of the race.

“Definately the weather is the greatest risk, storms can come in and temperatures can change quickly. The trail should be clear of any dangerous wildlife. Be wary nonetheless. With the trail cut to accommodate the new route, there may be a few more animals on the trek than usual.”

Bee gets a +1 circumstance bonus to checks made for overland travel between Kalsgard and the first Checkpoint and a +1 circumstance bonus on checks made to complete the first trial.

So we're not going with Wolf Chew Toys?

Ami also attempts to 'Gather Information', but she's not too good at that.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Ami hears an amusing story about a former team of lycanthropes that almost won the Balgirdtrek many years ago, but miscalculated the phases of the moon. They had to be rescued after stumbling through the forest in the middle of the night without any torches.

She also overhears two members of Two Houses, Steen and Unn, discussing the best places for them to stay once they reach Frostgarten. They way they are talking, they must be married.

"Tiny Dinos! Yay!" Bitty claps for the new name.

Galvaka acquires a healing potion to have that ready for the journey. She also acquires more drawing supplies in addition to some other odds and ends.

She goes to talk to various merchants to try to learn more about the race. She works on a good song for the team name. She hums and sings as she bounds about and asks questions about the frigid region.

Gather Information
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

not that it matters much with that result, but could I roll Herbalism Lore (+9) instead of Diplomacy (+1)?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
The witch walks around a bit, getting frequently distracted by the new sights. First time he has been in this kind of climate.
Spending more time exploring the area than actually questioning the locals, the few he does manage to get hold of doesn't have much to share.

Galvaka’s singing attracts the attention of two members of the Varki team Fangs of Remorhaz, Marbin and Ylva. They suggest that he adjust the hat a little, pointing out the earmuffs built into the brim. They then go over a few other things it is always important to check on gear before going out. They both wish him the best of luck, newcomers have to stick together!

Talking with the Varki pair, Galvaka learns some of the terrain to expect in the first leg of the race.

Galvaka gains a +1 circumstance bonus to checks made for overland travel between Kalsgard and the first checkpoint.

Ashun, please only one roll per check unless you use a Hero Point.
If you want me to consider using a different skill, give me a reason why that is reasonable or example of how you think it would apply. Also include what the skill bonus would be for that skill.
Unfortunately, there is no time to try to find and gain entrance to a library before the race.

Ashun literally bumps into Hjeldr at one of the food merchants, nearly causing him to drop the package of berries he was inspecting. Looking down at Ashun, the Ulfen admonishes him to watch where he is going. Evidently he does forgive him and recommends that when camping at night, it is best to store one's food in a shallow hole beneath their bedroll, as storing it anywhere else is sure to attract animals that will steal it away.

As Ashun is wandering back towards the race starting area, they encounter Runa of the Fangs of the Remorhaz. They offer to trade some of their rations for some of the herbs Ashun has, and wishes him luck on the course ahead.
Runa is agender. Can’t see a way to reword the above to make it more obvious, but in talking with them Ashun would have learned this.

No penalty or bonus on checks.

I understand, I wanted to use herbalism but wasn't sure if there was any time. I'm sorry

The changeling bows apologizing to Hjeldr and thanks him for the tip about the food.

When he meets Runa, he gives them a polite but excited smile and gives them some of his cuttings and leaves in a vial. And unless they insist, Ashun won't take the rations. Just nods and wishes them good luck.
Ashun'll give them one of his two Serene Mutagen (Lesser)

Back to starting area, he waves to his colleagues
"Sorry for the delay, I got lost in thought with the scenery."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

"Hello, we're the Tiny Dinos team. Can you tell us more about this amazing event?"

Sorry for not rolling for this already. I saw the GM Spoiler and had assumed you had already rolled for us as a secret check. Also, I was sick yesterday and as a consequence missed a lot.

Lief and Oluf of Two Houses exchange pleasantries with Bitty. They recommend Bitty take time to enjoy the scenery. They even tell Bitty about some of the notable features she can expect to see along the trip to the first checkpoint.

Bitty gains a +1 circumstance bonus to checks made for overland travel between Kalsgard and the first checkpoint.

I have a game tonight, so I will let everyone just discuss what to do. I will give you a highlight of the race mechanics now though.

Weather: Each day there will be a weather effect. Today’s weather is clear, so no effect.

Overland Travel: While traveling between checkpoints, you should make use of your skills to aid you on your trek. Each of you should choose a skill appropriate to your method of travel for the day. Relevant skills might be Athletics, Nature, and Survival, but if you have a different skill that you think would apply go ahead and check with me.

Checkpoints: There are multiple checkpoints along the route. At each of those is a skill challenge and the skills used will depend on the challenge. For most of them, you only need one person in the group to succeed.

When only one person is required to attempt the trial, others can make their own attempts or Aid someone’s attempt. You are not allowed to both attempt the check and Aid someone.

Once the group has successfully completed the checkpoint trial, they are examined by the race official for serious injuries.

Campsite: There is a campsite at each checkpoint. You may camp there for the night or try to push on through to the next checkpoint. Remember that the weather gets nasty at night.

When you stay at a campsite, you have an opportunity to talk to the other teams and race officials. That would be an opportunity to find out more about the next section of the race.

nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Galvaka happily speaks with Marbin and Ylva as she adjusts her hat like they suggest. She offers any knowledge she has built up scavenging to cobble together makeshift tools. "Hopefully neither of need to put anything together, and I don't think there are going to be good scrapyards out this far, but thank you for the help! I'll be looking for you as we are coming up on the finish!"

On the trail itself, Galvaka's talent at navigating cities is at odds with the wilderness, even if she has a better tolerance for the weather. "It is so hard to sneak around if there aren't alleys to duck down."

One thing Galvaka does know is scouting via Scouting Lore. Could Galvaka use Scouting Lore during the overland travel tries to locate the worst of the obstacles out there. Finding and hopefully helping to avoid the worst snowdrifts or ice as able.

Yes, I will allow Scouting Lore. Since it isn’t specific to the terrain, it will be the same DC as Survival.

Retcon:
Sam's purchases - 3 Minor Healing potions, Winter clothing, +1 rune
Major apologies for the delay - I was preparing for a trip last week. Checked in on the 13th and was shocked to learn that I don't have a visa. Turns out my travel agent forgot to process it, which meant I needed to abort (and clean up the mess - getting hotel refunds, etc).

Skills - none of the above (I can be the backup if needed though). However, Sam has Acrobatics and the charisma skills at +8

Gather Info: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Nobody really minds the quiet, mousy woman as she wends her way around the crowd getting information. While everyone is frantically making preparations, she goes about her own business. Finally, as the race is about to start, she suddenly shows up at the Tiny Dinos starting point.

"Ummm.. hi... am I in the right place?" she asks. "Sorry I disappeared but I thought I'd do some shopping myself. Are we ready to go? Are we all going to be in a Bitisururu Blue Adventure story?" she asks the last question with a bit of a mischievous look in her eyes.

Purchases are fine. You could pick any of those up at the stalls here at the start of the race.

Sam sees Jori leading Sigurd and Sigrun through a series of stretches. They invite Sam to join them, explains that they should do them in the morning to loosen up after a night in the cold.

While joining them in the stretches, Sam hears what they expect some of the terrain to be like for this first stretch of the race. The Bluetongue’s Brawlers have a very gung-ho attitude, planning to just charge through any difficulties they might encounter.

Sam gains a +1 circumstance bonus to checks made for overland travel between Kalsgard and the first checkpoint.

Best case would be Scouting Lore (+6 w/ the bonus)

I just hope this isn't like the last game Ami was in - only one d20 roll was above ten - I'll hold off on throwing in a Hero Point unless it becomes necessary

Ami just waits at the start area for the rest of the team to appear, still keeping to herself. But she does admit the lycanthrope story was funny.

Uh yeah, here. Erm ... I suppose the other tiny dinos will be here soon. As for the story, if this goes anything like my last mission - I hope not

She hangs her head as if remembering something depressing.

"Ummm.. hi... am I in the right place?" she asks.

"Yeah, this is the right place. Looks like we are about ready to get started too."

Looks like the Dex-based Swashbuckler is making strength checks for the group. Athletics +6

Ashun has both Nature and Survival at +8, everything else he'll aid.
Can I use Repeat a Spell with Guidance? With 6 party members, I can rotate between everyone every 10 minutes for the 1 hour cooldown per person.

"Are we all going to be in a Bitisururu Blue Adventure story?"

Ashun nods to Sam, "Indeed we are. How do you feel about being her companion for the next story?", just as mischievous he smiles to her.

He then gives Ami another tap on the shoulder to calm her
"Worry not, it will be okay. We are here to help each other."

((Spend Hero point on previous roll))
Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

I hope so. On my last mission I .... sorta botched everything. It would be really embarrassing to read about it later

The teams are asked to gather at the starting line, a thick-braided rope with wooden handholds at either end carved in the shape of a linnorm head. The officials wait until the Bluetongue’s Brawlers signals that all teams are ready before dropping the rope.

The various teams take off over the tundra. The Bluetongue’s Brawlers initially set a strong pace, but settle back after the Fangs of the Remorhaz start sprinting. All the other teams have a slower start but are setting a very consistent pace.

Skill DC is currently 13
Those of you who got a bonus from talking to the other teams, please remember to include it.

You get a few miles out when some of the straps of your backpacks start to give way. Looking at them, it looks like there is a problem with the cord holding it to the frame.

Need someone to succeed at a DC 16 Engineering Lore or Thievery check to fix the problem. Multiple people can attempt, only need one success.

You can Investigate the area with an appropriate Recall Knowledge. Crafting, Engineering Lore, Survival, something that would relate to the backpacks. Multiple people can attempt, only need one success.

Travel successes so far: Ami

"I wouldn't worry about messing up!" Galvaka cheerfully offers as she tries to keep moving through the frost. "Had a tutor that messed up a lot and learned a bit each time. I learn same way!"

Getting her hat right, Galvaka tries to get the lay of the initial tundra, watching the other teams, to try to find some early direction for the best way to keep up.

Scouting Lore plus Fangs bonus: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 1 = 20

As the packs start to strain, Galvaka pulls some spare leather and cloth scraps that she quickly keep them from falling apart.

Thievery to fix packs: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Athletics traveling, knowledge bonus: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14

Bee does his best to help people along the trail.

"Even with as cold as it is here, I'm working up a sweat. These clothes are pretty good."

Ashun, used to fixing Bea's cauldron-backpack, sees that Galvaka is already taking care of fixing them, so he gives a look around to try to find the source of the problem.

Crafting to investigate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Ami uses Survival to investigate
survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

As she works she says Yeah .. I suppose so ... but when one is working as a team ... the team is only as strong as it's weakest link ... and that weakest link was me

"Well, I'm just sorry. I don't get that," Galvaka ponders as she goes over all the packs as she fits patches and pins onto them. "I know all about chains and links. You need to if you are going to escape manacles. And I don't think teams aren't like chains. Chains you want a lot of the same link, which is boring, and you add more links to make it longer not stronger."

"Maybe this can be nice relaxing trip with cold winds and lots of running."

Crafting to Investigate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Oh? I'd like to see you do that. But yeah ... if there is a link in the chain that's not as strong as the others then that's where the chain is likely to break. Still, at least Dura was able to console me when she found me moping in the fountain. I should start on a letter to her.

Speaking of things breaking .... what caused this problem? Seems an odd coincidence to happen to all of us at the same time.

Galvaka is able to repair the packs quickly enough that you don’t lose any significant time. While she is working on fixing the packs, Ashun looks closely at the damaged packs and finds some thin flint shards placed between the frame and the cords. This caused the cords to fray and break as the packs were used. Sort of like a crude knife.

He collects up a few of the shards and makes sure that Galvaka knows to check and clear them out of the rest of the packs. He doesn’t think it would take someone long to pull this sort of prank.

TL/DR: Problem solved!

Another post will follow with progress made.

Ami success, Galvaka success, Corabee success
Waiting on travel checks from everyone else, DC 13.

Ashun looks closely at the damaged packs and finds some thin flint shards placed between the frame and the cords. This caused the cords to fray and break as the packs were used. Sort of like a crude knife.

Bee notices Ashun pulling out pieces of flint from the pack frames and frowns. "Gnomes know pranks. This isn't a good prank. No one smiles after a prank like this other than the one doing the pranking. Let's keep an eye out for anyone else on the trail having trouble with their equipment."

Nature E: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Bitty uses her new ability to chatter with burrowing creatures to ask directions of the local squirrels, rabbits and moles.

"Okay, so we need to keep hopping until we reach the next riverbank, then down the hill? Thank you!"

"Chirrrrp?"

What, I don't get to eat them?

Ami success, Galvaka success, Corabee success, Bitty Critical Success
Waiting on travel checks from everyone else, DC 13.

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
The changeling keeps his peepers peeled for old tracks behind the snow to keep himself and his friends on the right path.

long week, out of rp ideas for now. rolling for travel to keep game going

Scouting Lore: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Sam momentarily loses the way...

Galvaka scouts it the terrain ahead as Ami and Ashun uses their knowledge of the wilderness to optimize the path. At first Ami is tempted to try and race the Bluetongue’s Brawlers, but then she realizes that would just exhaust the group. Corabee helps everyone over the more difficult terrain.

Bitty finds a very helpful artic rabbit that warns the group of a drifted-over lake that could have been a problem. It was hidden under the snow.

With only a very minor loss of time to the backpacks, your group is doing well this first day.

The tundra gives way to artic pines as you come to the first checkpoint.

The tall pines ahead are heavy with snow, and the forest is quiet. Ahead, officials for the Balgirdtrek stand around a roaring fire. Several campsites have been cleared nearby as clerics stand ready to examine and treat any injured racers. Beyond the fire and campsites, in a small, raised clearing, is a tall, thin pole carved with the intertwining necks of a Tarn Linnorm. Atop the pole rests is a small platform, an oval shape resting within it.

The officials at the trial explain to each team that this trial hearkens back to Balgird's time in the wilderness. While searching for a Linnorm in the frozen reaches of the Saga Lands, Balgird Bluetongue survived by living off the land itself. In particular, Balgird was known to have scaled a great tree and retrieved the egg of a massive bird. He did this so swiftly and carefully that the tree did not bend, and the bird did not notice its egg go missing.

The tree stands twenty feet tall. The base of the tree is eight inches in diameter, tapering down to three inches in diameter at the top. The small platform holding the egg has a short lip along the edge to prevent the egg from being blown out of the tree by the wind or nudged out by an errant creature.

Only one of you is required to get the egg. The rules for this trial require you not damage or destroy either the egg or the tree in which it rests.

Multiple people can try. Only one must succeed. You can either attempt the check or Aid, not both. The most obvious skills would be Athletics to Climb or Acrobatics to Balance. The DC for those would both be 18.
A critical failure will set you back.

I also still have the +1 from the information at the start of the race, yes?

Bee looks up at the tree. "Well, I can give this a try. Unless one of you wants to try throwing me up there."

Acrobatics (+1 circumstance bonus): 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 1 = 15

"I bet Cath could get me up there. Maybe someone else can climb better?"

@Corabee if you mean this bonus from information gathering then yes it does apply. I think you were the only one that rolled high enough to get the bonus on both the travel and the trial.

Although he gives it a good try, Corabee isn’t able to make it to the top of the tree.

Bitty grabs out the rope and climbing kit and levers herself up the tree as she clambers towards the egg.

Athletics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24