[PFS2] 2-02 Mountain of Sea and Sky (GM Watery Soup) (Inactive)

Game Master Watery Soup

The Pathfinder Society is attempting to expand its presence beyond the Inner Sea throughout all of Golarion, including the continent of Tian Xia. While there is already a well-established lodge in Goka, the Lantern Lodge, the Society has correctly ascertained that this isn’t remotely adequate to serve the needs of an entire continent. To start, the Society is looking to establish another lodge on the easternmost region of Tian Xia — Minkai — to complement the Gokan lodge’s westernmost location.

A dwarf in old armor carrying two axes enters the room.

"I wonder where they're sending us now?" He scans the room for fellow Pathfinders.

Chiwu, wearing a Lingshenese military armor, is already sitting in a chair, waiting for their briefing.

They sniff, "Minkai, I believe." Chiwu had accompanied their brother from Lingshen all the way over the Path of Aganhei and landed eventually into Absalom. Now, they were back on Tian Xia, though several hundred kilometers away from their native Xiwu.

Another dwarf, this one younger, arrives. He carries a hefty warhammer and wears a heavily runned shield.

"Khaul Irontoes, at yer service."

"Just wonderful! I'll be sure to gather enough herbs for my concoctions!" An elf donned with studded leather joins the company of pathfinders. The sound of bottles clanking can be heard in his backpack as he moves around and introduces himself. "The name's Erevan. A pleasure to be working with you all."

A lanky, coppery and gold scaled kobold shuffles into the room. He is dressed in simple clothing with a circlet resembling dragon spikes around his head. While he might be tall, he hunches over rather than drawing up to his full height. Other than a simple dagger, he doesn't seem to have much in the way of weapons or armor. "The Dragon has arrived! But please call me Rhaegal."

He spots the younger dwarf. "Khaul-y! It is wonderful to see you again! Though, I wish we were going back to the north to see how the linnorms have been growing up!" He looks around again. "Now, where is Jinlong? He told me to meet him here."

"Greetin's to yar, little dragon." rumbles Khaul.

"Lookin to be expandin yer hoard in the east eh? For meself, I'm hopin these sights be enough to get me shield talking again. She'd gone silent on me. "

The runes on Khaul's shield seem to shimmer or possibly rearrange themselves. But not when you look directly at them. Silence reins.

Harsk and Erevan, please sign into Discussion.

---

Each of the Society agents carries a letter from Fola Barun.

Pathfinder,

I hope this letter finds you well. I’ve been working on possibilities on expanding the Pathfinder presence in Minkai, and I believe I have found an excellent location for a brand-new Pathfinder lodge. I have recently learned that a small island just off the coast of Sakakabe Province called Kayajima is potentially located on a favorable convergence of dormant ley lines. We have reason to believe that if we could restore the island’s power, it would be of great use in protecting any lodge we would establish. Not only that, but the island’s diplomatic location in relation to Minkai, Xidao, and the Forest of Spirits would be a great boon to expanding Society presence in the region. I’ve secured approval from Sakakabe’s provincial government for this mission, so you should encounter no difficulties in that regard.

I have spoken to my protege, Kukuha Mukai, and have requested her to meet you in Sakakabe proper to travel to Kayajima to see whether it would be a fitting location for a lodge. She’s somewhat an expert in the field of ley lines, so she’s the perfect person to oversee this endeavor. Kukuha will be your point of contact for this mission.

I’ve chartered a voyage from a former Pathfinder, Masuhei Okonase, who retired from the Pathfinder Society to become an oyster fisher. He still helps out the Society from time to time, and he’s a great asset to have in Sakakabe. He knows the waters around Sakakabe well and will be ready to transport you to Kayajima when you arrive.

Best of luck to you,

—Venture-Captain Fola Barun

Sakakabe bustles on this clear, humid summer morning. The constant buzz of conversation and commerce echoes over the concentric terraces leading up the hillside from the town’s port. Wagons clatter their way across cobbled streets, their wares bound for export on waiting cargo ships. Oyster boats are returning to port from the north, their nets filled with the morning’s catch. The air smells of brine and seaweed. Fishers and merchants alike clatter across the pier, with shouted orders and affirmations traded from vessel to cart to street.

Farther down, a beaming, older Minkaian man waves his burly, tanned arms from beside a rickety boat. “Ahoy there! Always good to see fellow Pathfinders in these parts. Name’s Masuhei Okonase, former Pathfinder agent and current oyster fisher extraordinaire! Good old Fola reached out and asked me to lend a hand, and I’m always happy to help out where I can."

You can make introductions, if you haven't already.

“So, Fola tells me that you’re headed out to Kayajima to scout some ground for a new Pathfinder lodge? That’s quite exciting! We don’t get much Pathfinder activity in the area, and I’d love to see the Society have a more permanent presence here. Might even inspire me to pick up the old wayfinder again, ha!"

"“I’m ready to take you to Kayajima when you’re ready. If you need to pick up anything before we head out, the markets should have everything you could need. Just let me know when you’re ready to set sail.”

Questions?

At this point, each of you can choose to Gather Information (Diplomacy, unless you have a feat that instructs otherwise), or you can Recall Knowledge with a Society check, or both. Both checks are secret, so please post your modifier if you'd like to attempt.

Also, at this point, you can slot your boons, if you have any, and prepared spellcasters and alchemists can set their daily items. Everyone starts with 1 Hero Point - does anyone have others to give?

Another kobold arrives, this one with golden scales. Looking around at the gathered Pathfinders, he proclaims, "Greetings Pathfinders! I am Jinlong Dragonkin! I am named after the famed Pathfinder Adventurer Rhaegal Dragonkin!" Turning, he sees Rhaegal and runs to greet him. "Rhaegal! It's you! So we are tasked with keeping the smoothscales safe again?"

"Oh yes. I need to make a few purchases and minor upgrades on my gear. I hope you all won't mind."

Purchases: armor potency +1, numbning tonic (lesser) formula

Will prepare 2 batches of elixir of life (lesser) and a batch of numbning tonic.

The elf mumbles to himself as he prepares his daily alchemical concoctions. He then hands each of the party members an elixir of life and 2 vials of numbning tonic to Khaul. "Here. Might come in handy when trouble arises."

Recall Knowledge: Society +11

Turning, he sees Rhaegal and runs to greet him. "Rhaegal! It's you! So we are tasked with keeping the smoothscales safe again?"

Rhaegal nods. "Of course. It is our duty as dragons to watch over the other races in our area. And we can explore the dragons of the east, which seem different than those in the Inner Sea. I hear they eat more fish."

The Dragon bows to Masuhei. "It is good to meet a friend of the Society. I am Rhaegal, also called the Dragon. I am a defender of Jadirahx." He says it as if Masuhei should be well aware of the name.

"Thank you for helping us get to Kayajima. Do you know of any dragons in the area?"

Diplomacy +10. Slotting Doom Averted and Cryptid Scholar

Diplomacy +7

Jinlong turns to Rhaegal, his eyes alight. "I read a chronicle where you babysat some baby linnorms? I read that you even mentioned me?"

Turning back to Masuhei. "I am called Jinlong. Although Rhaegal and I bear the same name, I am named after him! I hope to one day become as famous as he is!"

If the hero worship wasn't obvious enough, it should be by now! :)

Khaul sighs. He hopes the two dragonkin will be less bother than their baby relatives he was recently dragon-sitting. But.. he is not sure.

"Me skin be no softa that yours." he says slowly.

"And I me more than capable of lookin after meself, and those around me. I be hopin that for once we might have a peaceful time on a Society mission. If them ley-lines be aligned right, then surely I'll be able to spend some o' me time fixin some runes to Myrsa here, rather than whackin heads."

Society +7

"Aye Khaul, I'm used to whackin heads...especially with fey..ahh

Society +7

I have a campaign coin I'm going to use for a reroll

"I am Jing Chiwu, bugler for the calvaries of Lingshen," they say as they pat down a long haired horse. "This is Ban Baio, my loyal steadfast mount."

my diplomacy is +10

Diplomacy +8 (w/ the level bump if it matters)

"Do you know of any dragons in the area?"

"There are always rumors of mythical beasts, but if they were ever here at all, they went away with the ley lines."

"I hear that the island is haunted by ghosts of ancient soldiers who fell while defending the island and that their vengeful spirits roam the forest on the island."

Rhaegal looks questioningly at Jinlong. "Really? I've only heard of more natural beasts on the island. I've heard they are hardy and ferocious, a mighty challenge. Most people don’t bother testing the wildlife of Kayajima, and those who do try to take advantage of the free land end up retreating back to Sakakabe and licking their wounds after encounters with powerful beasts."

"That's what I've heard as well," Chiwu says, jerking their thumb at Rhaegal. They will remember to not trust the word of Jinlong in the future, who seems intent to sabotage their work for the Society.

Why do I get the feeling that I crit-failed the Gather Info check? :)

Jinlong looks crestfallen. "Perhaps you can teach me to gather information more accurately, Rhaegal?"

Rhaegal snorts in a bit of amusement. "Chiwu, Jinlong is still learning his path on the way to dragonhood. This experience will help him."

He turns back to the kobold. "I have learned that smoothskins are not like dragons. They do not always grow wiser and more powerful with years. An elder human or elf may not always have the knowledge you need and in fact may believe something wrong or foolish instead, and will tell you it with forthright belief." He shrugs at Jinlong indicating he himself doesn't understand why that is.

"Interesting. I've only heard that the stone walls that outline the streets are etched with the images of ancient warriors. But almost all are already hidden by modern architecture. Might be good to have a peek while we're at it.

You can argue about the various rumors you've heard on the boat ride.

The Pathfinders board the Auspicious Pearl, and Masuhei sets sail at once. The seas off the coast of Sakakabe are calm. The Auspicious Pearl smoothly cuts the gentle waves. Apart from the occasional squawk of a seabird, the only sounds are the wind and water against the vessel. The voyage takes a couple hours and is peaceful.

Kayajima is visible from the mainland in good weather, though its verdant forest and single tall mountain come into sharper contrast as the Auspicious Pearl nears the island. Masuhei docks at a rock pier in the southeast and bids the Pathfinders farewell. He informs them that he’ll be back to pick them up that night and merrily invites them to join him for a drink and some oyster soup when they return to Sakakabe.

Up the rocky pier and farther inland, a path winds into a stretch of cedar trees. The forest is tranquil, and the path, although partially overgrown with ground foliage, remains clear beneath the dense canopy. The ground is packed dirt and pine needles. An occasional rustle of leaves or flapping of wings break the silence. The air smells of rich earth and peat.

This first stretch of forest is relatively easy to navigate, and no Survival checks are required as long as they stick to the path. As they travel, they might spot small birds flitting through the air, rabbits scurrying to burrows, and other mundane wildlife eking out an existence in the forest.

Please describe what your characters are doing as they walk through the woods, i.e., their Exploration Activities. Also, describe the order and formation in which the group is traveling. You can describe it here, and/or fill out Slide 2 on the slides.

"Well, I don't know about ghosts, but The stone walls that outline Sakakabe’s streets are etched with reliefs of ancient warriors. However, they are now almost entirely hidden by modern architecture. Maybe they tie into the ghost stories you heard?" muses Khaul.

As the group makes ready to travel inland, the relief of Khaul being off the boat and into the forest is palitable.

"Not that I have anything against the sea, but a Forest... that is more my type of place." he admits.

The dwarf is more than happy to take the lead for the pathfinder team. Ever vigilant, he keeps his heavily runed shield on his arm at all times. Every now and then those close can hear him mumbling almost as if to himself. But anyone getting close can overhear what sounds like a one sided conversation.

"Come on now Myrsa. You wanted to be out in the world again. Stop sulking and play nicely."

Defend exploration activity

Rhaegal enjoys the calm boat ride, at one point stretching his wings out at the bow of the ship to feel the air rushing around him. But he nods in agreement with Khaul when they step into the forest. "Agreed. I enjoyed the boat, but the forest feels more like home." He sniffs the air as they walk.

Exploration Activity: Search

"Wait, wasn't Kukuha Mukai supposed to meet us in Sakakabe?"
Reading back to the original note, it sounded like she was supposed to travel with us.

Also, Rhaegal casts a heightened Longstrider before setting out.

Chiwu, riding their mount Ban Biao, will scout out and willing to be ahead of the party, ready to turn back and get back with Ban Biao's swiftness.

Exploration Activity: Scout

"Forests here can hide many enemies. Spirits and tricksters. Tamashigo, and they don't often like outsiders. Be on your guard, this isn't your home, Khaul," They rumble.

"I grew up in the Forest laddie. Albeit a quite different forest. Ripped from the world it was - thought we knew it not. But still a forest none the less. An it be among the trees that I feel at home, not on the seas."

Harsk will scout ahead.

"Aye let me look around and see what beasties lie ahead!"

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

The dwarf moves around and glances for danger.

Jinlong follows, still feeling down about the rumor he shared. Trying to get past his disappointment, he ventures forward, trying to see what Harsk sees.

Perc to Scout/Search +11

Harsk, Scout doesn't stack, so I'm going to assign Chiwu to Scout, since he has the lower Perception modifier.

There is little warning when Harsk suddenly throws up a fist, alerted by his ranger senses to movement in the woods at the intersection. Three pig-like creatures have emerged from the woods, having seen the humanoids as a threat.

See Slide 3.

--Round 1
Harsk (60/60)
Red Pig (-0, Recall: Nature)
Yellow Pig (-0, Recall: Nature)
Blue Pig (-0, Recall: Nature)
Chiwu (40/40)
Khaul (85/85, shield 96/96, shield raised)
Erevan (56/56)
Rhaegal (66/66)

Sorry for the late post. Had to fix our internet connection at home.

Erevan is amazed by the variety of plant life in the region. He examines them as they trudge along making sure that his curiosity doesn't hinder the group's progress.

Search exploration activity

GM, I think you forgot someone in initiative! :)

Sorry!

--Round 1
Harsk (60/60)
Red Pig (-0, Recall: Nature)
Yellow Pig (-0, Recall: Nature)
Blue Pig (-0, Recall: Nature)
Chiwu (40/40)
Khaul (85/85, shield 96/96, shield raised)
Jinlong (43/43)
Erevan (56/56)
Rhaegal (66/66)

Harsk slowly reaches for some food his pack.

"Let me see if I can calm them down" he whispers to the group. He tosses the food ahead.

Nature: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Command them to back off?

I'm going to count that as an Interact to take out the rations, an Interact to throw, and an action to Command. The Command is unsuccessful because the pigs are hostile, but it was a good idea.

The pig creature closest to the food (Yellow) sniffs at it, clearly distracted. Although it had in mind to eat the humanoids, the food is quite appealing. It spends all of its actions sniffing the food. Whether it will continue doing so depends on what else happens.

Red and Blue are not so tempted, however, and they charge. Instead of charging at the strongest, though, they swerve to attack Jinlong (Red) and Erevan (Blue).

Red Tusk vs Jinlong, Charge: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 16 + 2 = 26
Piercing: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (3, 4) + 8 = 15 plus DC 21 Reflex vs prone

Blue Tusk vs Erevan, Charge: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 16 + 2 = 35
Piercing: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (3, 3) + 8 = 14 plus DC 21 Reflex vs prone

I'm going to wait for the Reflex saves before deciding what they do with their last action.

--Round 1
Red Pig (-0, Recall: Nature) 1 action remaining
Yellow Pig (-0, Recall: Nature)
Blue Pig (-0, Recall: Nature) 1 action remaining
Chiwu (40/40)
Khaul (85/85, shield 96/96, shield raised)
Jinlong (28/43, Reflex save)
Erevan (28/56, Reflex save)
Rhaegal (66/66)
--Round 2
Harsk (60/60)

Jinlong lets out a startled "Meeek!" and tries to get out of the way, only to be bowled over by the pig.

Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Khaul calls out "Myrsa! Stop sulking and do your job." as Jinglong is speared by a hefty tusk. There is a brief flash of light, allowing the red ping to consider the wiseness of its actions.

Use glimpse of redemption to reduce Jing's damage by 7 and make the ping enfeebled-2. Or it might decide that the dragonette is not really a threat to it and cancel its attack and not be enfeebled

Reflex: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Khaul, normally, characters don't get reactions until their first turn, especially when the party is surprised as it was in this case. However, seeing as your Exploration activity is Defend, I think this is a good case for an exception. I don't know if other GMs would rule the same way, though, so be prepared for heterogeneity.

Red, seeing Jinlong sprawled out on the ground, attempts to gore him again.

Tusk, MAP, enfeebled 2: 1d20 + 16 - 5 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 16 - 5 - 2 = 28 vs prone
Piercing, enfeebled 2: 2d8 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 8 - 2 = 8

Jinlong is stabbed in the chest, critically!

Erevan manages to stay on his feet, and Blue backs up, readying another charge.

--Round 1
Chiwu (40/40)
Khaul (85/85, shield 96/96, shield raised)
Jinlong (19/43, prone)
Erevan (28/56)
Rhaegal (66/66)
--Round 2
Harsk (60/60)
Red Pig (-0, Recall: Nature, enfeebled 2 for first two actions)
Yellow Pig (-0, Recall: Nature)
Blue Pig (-0, Recall: Nature)

Chiwu pulls out their lance, and begins singing songs of Lingshen's armies, and spurs Ban Biao to back off some so that they may run down some pigs in the future.

Interact to draw, Inspire Courage, and command Ban Biao to move out.

Inspire Courage is active, +1 to hit and damage

"Jinlong!" Rhaegal snarls at the oversized pig. "You are prey and a mighty dragon will hunt you as a tasty treat! I AM A DRAGON!"

The kobold stretches to his full height and then continues growing. His body grows and scales shift until he drops to all fours. The Dragon's jaw bares deadly teeth as he growls at the pig. The little kobold is going to do it!

As he continues to change, you suddenly notice Rhaegal's wings aren't seeming to grow to match his size and the ears seem to perk up too much. Do Dragon's even have ears? Where did those come from? And the snout seems to end in a moist set of nostrils.

He seems to stop growing well short of a massive dragon and what stands before you is more like a scaly dragon-wolf.

The dragon-wolf lunges forward, still eager to protect Jinlong. The deadly teeth goes for the meaty flank of the pig.

Attack (IC): 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 14 + 1 = 26
Damage (IC): 2d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6, 1) + 5 + 1 = 13

◆◆ Wild Shape
◆ Strike red

Thanks for that interpretation. I keep forgetting about no reactions when surprised.

Khaul looks on in horror as the pig assaults Jinglong. Stepping forward he brings Myrsa up and then slams his hammer into the side of the red pig.

"Pick on someone yer own size! I name you tonight's dinner."

strike,IC: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 15 + 1 = 28
damage (Blunt,magic),IC: 2d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 + 1 = 9

* stride
* raise shield
* strike

From his prone position, Jinlong glares at the pig that just gored him. Coughing out some blood, he snarls. "You just made the mistake of inciting dragons against you. Feel my wrath!" With that, Jinlong breathes a cone of fire at the pig.

Fire, DC 19 Reflex, IC: 2d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4, 2) + 1 + 1 = 8
Cooldown: 1d4 ⇒ 1

He casts Shield.

◆◆ Breath Weapon
◆ Shield

Harsk moves, grabs his axe with two hands and swings at the boar.

"Guess it's bacon!"

attack vs red: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

damage: 2d12 + 3 ⇒ (2, 7) + 3 = 12

Reflex Save for Jinlong's Breath is DC 20. I guess I forgot to include the bump