[ACO] PFS2e 04-01 - Intro: Year of Boundless Wonder (P7) (Inactive)

Game Master UncleFroggy

Please dot (add a post) in here and then delete your post to add yourself to this campaign.

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4) Please note that on the following days, my posting can get unpredictable:
Tuesday/Thursdays - all day, as they are the 2 busiest days of my work week

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6) Let's have some fun and tell a great story together! After all, that's what we are here for.

Your adventure begins in the Vaults of the Grand Lodge in Absalom.

Grand Archivist Zarta Dralneen asked Rain in Cloudy Day to assemble a group of Pathfinders in a vault filled with newly acquired treasures.

"Hi all! I'm Rain In Cloudy Day. I'm a new Pathfinder agent here in the Grand Lodge. I'm a special assistant to Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin."

Rain in Cloudy Day has a bright green body and a purple mushroom “cap” atop his head, and he wears a white scarf and brown vest emblazoned with the Glyph of the Open Road. Grand Archivist Zarta Dralneen has long dark hair and black nail polish and is wearing a vibrant blue dress. Both greet the group of Pathfinders in a vault filled with newly acquired treasures, which Rain calls the “Vault of Boundless Wonder!”—a phrase he exclaims while excitedly waving his hands.

Go ahead and introduce yourselves

A Casmar man strides into the vault. His towering frame is partly covered by an elaborate breastplate but his arms are bristling with lean muscle and elaborate tattoos depicting a swirl of fire and lightning. The tattoos bear strong resemblance to the glittering metal of the blade draped across his back.

"Grand Archivist." the man says with a short bow before turning to the other agent, "That is a mouthful. Nice to meet you all the same. My name is Shutek Niel."

As he speaks a smirk grows across his face but his eyes stay serious, a swirl of orange and blues dancing across his iris.

Yuan Wu removes the conical straw hat from his head, revealing the face of a Tian-Shu man. He is garbed in a simple breastplate, a buckler strapped to one arm, while a whip dangles from his belt. Tattoos of various abstract shapes adorn his lean muscular figure.

His naturally stern look transforms as soon as he smiles as each of you in turn, clearly pleased to make new acquaintances. He nods his head slightly, and introduces himself. "My name is Yuan Wu, from the eastern lands you would know of as Tian Xia. Specifically the nation of Quain, although it might be unfamiliar to you."

A slightly distracted looking gnome wanders into the room. They are pale skinned and carry a flute tucked into their belt.

Looking around they appear somewhat surprised to find themselves in the based. "Uh... hello? I'm.. I'm Slipp." they say to the talking mushroom.

They peer around the room with interest for a moment "Well.. this might be interesting after all."

The gnome peers at Shutek and then at Yuan in turn. "Hi... I'm Slip." they repeat.

"Sarenrae bless you with her light and may you be enlightened" says Orion as he enters the room. He's a mature-looking elf dressed in leather armor. He sports a shield on his back, and a scimitar on his belt. A silver holy symbol of the Dawn flower hangs around his neck.

"I am Orion Oneiros, how may I be of help here?"

A tall elven woman dressed in black and white robes walks in. Her elaborate hairstyle and haughty air clearly marked her as someone who thinks is important.
Ignoring her comrades she directly adresses the Grand Archivist.
Greetings Lady Zarta, as you certainly know, I'm Eldryon Spearheaven. May the blessing of Nethys be upon you. What is the mission of the upmost importance that you need to personally give to me?

On her back a strange weapon looking like between an elaborate leaf and a spear and at her side a large book.

Slipp turns to look at Orion. Taking our their flute they say "Well.. singing or playing another instrument would be good." They start to play
perform: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

The gnome squints over their flute at the arrival of Eldryon, but mouth being full, say nothing.

"That is a beautiful song. I'm sorry I cannot join you in that. I'm neither trained nor talented in music. But do go on, I love the way you're playing." He grins happily, obviously enjoying Slipp's music.

Shutek lets out a small laugh as Slipp begins to play the flute.

"A pleasure. The relaxed manner of these briefings is a delight but like Orion I stand on the side of appreciating rather than making music." he adds.

Varhn, go ahead and post your intro. I'll just retcon it it

Zarta Dralneen watches the conversation with amusement, but clears her throat to remind Rain of his current mission.

"The Archives get more exciting every day," Rain states then adds, "And who better to manage the excitement than Zarta! Oh, have you all met Grand Archivist Zarta Dralneen?" Rain prompts you to introduce yourselves. Zarta smiles and thanks you for coming. Rain and Zarta then lead the group to a table covered in interesting objects.

Rain in Cloudy Day waves exuberantly to indicate the piles of treasure in the vaulted chamber. "Just look at all these magic items! And enchanted weapons! And a skull that always looks at me funny! Big magic books about even bigger magic books! Well, I'm not sure about that last one. I haven't read them. Cataloging all this treasure is bound to be exciting! It sure beats sorting the mail."

Zarta leads the group through the vaults. She runs her fingertips along the table, lifts a strange hourglass, and inspects it with dubious curiosity. "Exciting, yes, and possibly quite dangerous."

Rain frowns. "Well, yes, but… at least we're in the safety of the Lodge? Can't be that bad! You said these items are harmless." He picks up a skull from the table. Its eyes glow with pink fire, and it speaks, "Unhand me, you hideous rotten mushroom! Harmless?! How dare you!" Rain replaces the skull and covers it with a cloth, muffling the voice.

"Well… mostly harmless?"

Zarta fails to stifle a grin. She tilts the hourglass this way and that, shrugs, and sets it back on the table. "Yes, mostly harmless. We believe these items present no major threat to us, and we've secured those we believe to be cursed. The true danger comes from an old enemy of the Pathfinder Society, the night hag Aslynn. She nearly claimed these treasures for herself before they were entrusted to us. We don't know why she needs the items, or which ones are most central to her wicked plans. I'm off to a meeting to discuss the situation with Eliza, Ambrus, and the faction leaders. You'll stay here with Rain and continue cataloging these objects. We need to learn where the items come from and understand what they do. Then we can decide what to do with them. Any questions?"

"Well, yes, I have a few dozen questions and possibly more when I look at the items. I have some knowledge on books but it won't compare to artifacts and relics...is there a process or guide for cataloging?" Shutek says, brow furrowing with worry over not being able to accomplish the task to the level it needs.

"Perhaps Rain in Cloudy Day has all this handled but I wanted to check." he smiles and nods at the mushroom-man.

"Venture-Captain Zarta, you mentioned Aslynn the night hag. What can you tell us about her?"

Yuan Wu's eyes practically start gleaming when he sees the spread of relics laid out, that he is only half listening to Rain, Zarta or the rest of the team. He wanders towards the relics and, rather uncautiously, lifts them off the table one by one to examine them.

Esoteric Lore, +7: "a special lore skill that can be used to Recall Knowledge regarding haunts, curses, and creatures of any type"

Slipp pales (even more than normal) at the mention of books. Especially Big Books. Even worse big books about other books. "It's as bad as a library!" they complain.

However the skull does interest them. They walk over to it and put their flute in the skulls mouth. "If you can talk... you can play. Give it a go."

The message to those who claim no musical ability may be a little blunt, but then so is Slipp.

This being his first mission for the society, Vahrn looks in silence at the exchange of pleaseantries between the other pathfinders, trying to figure out the names being given and their role in the pathfinder society.

The name Aslynn seemed to ring a bell, but he's not quite sure yet...

Pahtfinder Society Lore +7

That's great! Cataloging and examining magical objects and books is a mission worth my time. Thank you for choosing me. says Eldryon.

Is there a priority in cataloging these items? What if we find something more dangerous or more precious than anticipated?
About his Aslynn, can you tell us more about her? If she was looking for this treasure, some of them could be linked directly to her and an hint in where to look.

Zarta looks startled at Orion's question. "Venture-Captain?!" she asks, with a smile, "Oh no, I'm just an archivist. As for Aslynn, we had problems with her last year about relics being stolen. She's been an enemy of the Society for a long time now. Oh my, I must really be going or the real Venture-Captain, Ambrus Valsin, will have my head! Rain! You're in charge!"

With that, Zarta exits the Vault and closes the door. Rain gathers you around the table and hands each of you a card with what he needs you to do.

Surprise! It's skill check time. I know you are all shocked and amazed that there is a whole section specifically on skill checks and/or socialization. The listed skills are the obvious ones for each location, but creative solutions may be rewarded!

Also, you can use any Lore skill you have that seems to fit the needs of the area. When you post where you are going, please move your token to that location on the map

Shutek wanders over to the large pile of scrolls and looks them over with caution.

"Perhaps some of these will bear similarities to those I have seen before." he states casually.

Arcane & Occultism/Library & Academia Lore +5

Go ahead and roll the skill/lore checks openly. There's nothing secret about those :)

Sorry, still getting used to everything in 2e again.

Library Lore or Other: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

"Not a venture-captain!? But you look like one!" He smiles and bows as she takes her leave.

Orion walks over to the 7th table and begins looking through the scrolls.

Religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

esoteric lore: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Looking for curses
diverse lore: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 Looking for interesting relics

Slipp approaches the skull. "So... how about giving us a whistle then?" they ask, producing the flute.

"You look like a knowledgeable type. What were you doing hanging out with Aslynn? And if you are not harmless... what should we call you? Obviously not harmless.."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Yuan Wu, where are you searching?

Slipp heads over to the skull and starts a conversation. To her surprise, the skull responds, "Call me Zykyryz! No, it isn't my name, but it's shorter than 'all powerful wizard.' That's right, I can do magic! Just wait. Keep me close, and I'll prove it to you." Slipp also discerns that Zykyryz isn't undead. It's more likely that some supernatural aspect of her became trapped in this unusual vessel.

Orion and Shutek head over to the scrolls, looking for something interesting. They find a pair of scroll cases that appear to have been owned by twins. They both pull out identical Scrolls of Glitterdust!

Just for clarification. Recall Knowledge (RK) checks are secret checks which I usually roll behind a GM Screen. Most other skill checks may be rolled openly.

"So... Zykyryz... can you play the flute?" Slipp really is curious.

"And what more can you tell us about the other treasures in the room? Want to come with me and explore them a bit more?"

Lifting the skull, Slipp wanders over to the pile of misc stuff and props up Zykyryz on top of a nearby chest and chatters away to her as they search.

perc: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Slipp you only have one check. Sorry. If you like I can save that roll for the next time you search the Vault

Sorry didn’t realise the map was up. I’ll go with 3a since 2 doesn’t look like it contains any relics.

"Twin scrolls, perhaps it is a sign we should stay close for this mission." Shutek laughs as he holds his, wondering how the others are faring with their mundane task.

No worries, moving myself back to area 1

Vahrn moves over to the pile of scrolls and wands and starts sorting out whatever interesting trinket he finds.

Arcana Check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

** spoiler omitted **

esoteric lore: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Looking for curses
diverse lore: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 Looking for interesting relics

Sorry, please completely ignore this post and the one saying Yuan Wu's going over to 3a. I some how missed GM's post with the description of the area and totally misunderstood what's happening.

GM, would those checks involving Arcana, Religion, etc be Recall Knowledge checks? If so, I can use Diverse Lore of +5.

On hearing that the shelves are filled with dangerous poisons and cursed items, Yuan Wu's interest is immediately piqued. He wanders over to that section (Area 5) and rather excitedly, but also cautiously, start going through to find anything of interest.

Esoteric Lore (to find cursed items, if any): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
If not...
Athletics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

"That's a wonderful idea, let us stick together for this mission as you've suggested." he says to Shutek.

GM Tiger, do we roll a second set?

"That's a wonderful idea, let us stick together for this mission as you've suggested." he says to Shutek.

GM Tiger, do we roll a second set?

Not yet.

Eldryon, need a skill check from you to search the Vault. If you previously posted, the forums ate it.

Eldryon wanders over to the big treasure pile and digs through it, looking for something interesting.

Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Yuan Wu heads over to the assorted items and checks them out, looking for cursed items in general. However, he doesn't find any cursed item, but finds a fear gem instead.

Varhn joins Orion and Shutek in the scrolls area. He has a look and finds a nice wand instead. Looking at the runes on the sides show that this is a Wand of Heal.

Eldryon heads to the central treasure pile and has a look. He finds a nice looking brooch that turns out to be a brooch of shielding.

Rain looks on with satisfaction. He mentions to you all that he's going to go find some refreshments for you all. You pay him little mind and go on working. Immediately, you hear a scream coming from the Vault entrance.

"They're not real! They can't be real!" The panicked voice of Rain in Cloudy Day precedes his rapid footsteps as he races back into the vault. "I can't… I don't… help! Please, help! They're after me!" Rain collapses just inside the vault, clutching the sides of his head and whimpering in fear. A hideous snarl from just past the entryway causes Rain to go completely still.

You all hear a growl and those close to the Vault door see a large shadowy monster suddenly materialize close to Rain.

------------------
COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 1
Tactical Map
Active Conditions:
------------------
Those with ** may go

**Shutek Niel - AC 18, 18/18
**Eldryon Spearheaven - AC 18, 11/11
Yellow
Slipp - AC 17, 38/38
GM
Yuan Wu - AC 18 (19 w/shield), 18/18
Orion Oneiros - AC 15 (17 w/shield), 14/14
Vahrn Frostbeard - AC 16, 17/17

"Rain! We need to move quick but what is this thing?" Shutek says as he moves into action while pulling out his wishblade.

◆:Stride
◆:Stride
◆:Interact to Draw Weapon

Eldryon looks at the creature trying to find a weakness.

Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Known Weakness (RK): 1d20 ⇒ 2 +7 Arcana/Occultism/Society +4 Religion/Nature

Realizing she could hit the creature, she casts a spell.

Ray of Frost: 17 + 7 = 24
Damages, C: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

(◆) Devise a stratagem
(◇) Recall knowledge
(◆◆) Cast a Spell: Ray of Frost

Eldryon sends a snowball at Yellow and hits it in the chest.

Shutek moves closer and pulls his weapon.

Yellow pulls out a spear and moves closer. It hurls its spear at Shutek.

Spear vs Shutek AC 18: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

But misses. Slipp hears a growl near her as another shadowy creature charges at her and tries to punch her lights out.

Fist vs Slipp AC 17: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Slipp ducks. But seeing this, Zykyryz says, "That sounds about right. Thanks for using your head!" The skull pulses slightly and Slipp suddenly feels more heroic!!

------------------
COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 1
Tactical Map
Active Conditions:
------------------
Those with ** may go

Shutek Niel - AC 18, 18/18
Eldryon Spearheaven - AC 18, 11/11
Yellow
Red
**Slipp - AC 17, 38/38 (Heroism - +2 Perc/Attack/Saves/Skill Checks)
GM
Yuan Wu - AC 18 (19 w/shield), 18/18
Orion Oneiros - AC 15 (17 w/shield), 14/14
Vahrn Frostbeard - AC 16, 17/17

Slipp puts some distance between themselves and the Red shadow thing and sends a fireball at it.

Produce Flame vs Red: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Fire?: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 = 10

Slipp gets away and blasts Red between the eyes with a fireball. Red evaporates into shadow stuff.

Yuan hears a growl and sees a shadow creature with a white stripe charge at him and try to punch him out.

Fist vs Yuan AC 18: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Fist vs Yuan AC 18, MAP, Agile: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Bludgeoning: 1d4 ⇒ 3

A shadow creature garbed in Pink rushes Orion with a drawn spear.

Spear vs Orion AC 15: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

A third Shadow creature, this time with Blue in their head rushes Vahrn and tries to punch his lights out as well.

Fist vs Vahrn AC 16: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Fist vs Vahrn AC 16, MAP, Agile: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Bludgeoning: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7

------------------
COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 1-2
Tactical Map
Active Conditions:
------------------
Those with ** may go

-2-
**Shutek Niel - AC 18, 18/18
**Eldryon Spearheaven - AC 18, 11/11
Yellow
Slipp - AC 17, 38/38 (Heroism - +2 Perc/Attack/Saves/Skill Checks)
Blue
Pink
White

-1-
**Yuan Wu - AC 18 (19 w/shield), 15/18
**Orion Oneiros - AC 15 (17 w/shield), 14/14
**Vahrn Frostbeard - AC 16, 10/17

Shutek steps towards the shadow creature as his blade becomes covered in rime. "Frigid." he mutters.

Wishblade Strike: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Slashing Damage: 1d10 ⇒ 1
Frost Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

(◆) Step
(◆◆) Spellstrike: Ray of Frost

Eldryon looks at Shutek with a look of approval. good fighting skills.

She studies the closest enemy.

Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 ⇒ 1

But realizing she will not find an opening decides to draw her strange spear and move.

(◆) devise a stratagem
(◆) interact: draw a weapon
(◆) stride

Orion is shocked by the sudden appearance of shadow beings. He exclaims "Let me show you the way back to the shadow lands!" He then prays to Sarenrae for help, and directs his wrath at the pink-garbed shadow.

◆◆ casts Divine Lance (Good damage)
◆ casts Shield

spell attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
good damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Shutek places a ball of frost at the tip of his sword and swings at Yellow. He just misses the creature. Eldryon attempts to find the best angle on the same creature but can't find one. She draws her spear and moves closer. Orion attempts to show Pink back to the shadow lands but shoots his divine lance straight up instead.

Hey Aztryx, you should be in Shimmerford!

------------------
COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 1-2
Tactical Map
Active Conditions:
------------------
Those with ** may go

-2-
Shutek Niel - AC 18, 18/18
Eldryon Spearheaven - AC 18, 11/11
Yellow
Slipp - AC 17, 38/38 (Heroism - +2 Perc/Attack/Saves/Skill Checks)
Blue
Pink
White

-1-
**Yuan Wu - AC 18 (19 w/shield), 15/18
Orion Oneiros - AC 15 (17 w/shield), 14/14
**Vahrn Frostbeard - AC 16, 10/17

Yuan Wu grunts as the shadowy creature lands its blow, more in frustration that in pain.

He pulls out his whip from his belt, and with it now in clearer view, you can see it is no ordinary weapon, for across its handle and entire length is inscribed stylistic Tien characters in calligraphy. The runes glow faintly as he concentrates on the creature, digging through his pouch to find an esoterica that connects with the creature's nature.

Exploit Vulnerability: Esoteric Lore: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Gah, not a good start. "Critical Failure You couldn't remember the right object to use and become distracted while you rummage through your esoterica. You become flat-footed until the beginning of your next turn."

But the bizarreness of the creature is beyond him, and he is momentarily taken aback.

Regardless, he lifts his whips and sends it slashing at his foe.
whip: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 NL slashing dmg: 1d4 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7

(◆) Draw Whip
(◆) Exploit Vulnerability
(◆) Strike

Yuan attempts to check for the creature's weakness but gets distracted. His attack does hit White and seriously damages it.

------------------
COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 1-2
Tactical Map
Active Conditions:
------------------
Those with ** may go

-2-
Shutek Niel - AC 18, 18/18
Eldryon Spearheaven - AC 18, 11/11
Yellow
Slipp - AC 17, 38/38 (Heroism - +2 Perc/Attack/Saves/Skill Checks)
Blue
Pink
White (-7)

-1-
Yuan Wu - AC 18 (19 w/shield), 15/18 (FF)
Orion Oneiros - AC 15 (17 w/shield), 14/14
**Vahrn Frostbeard - AC 16, 10/17

Augh. Sorry about that. Should pay more attention to that.

Channeling his inner power, Vahrn lets a ray of frosted energy fly towards the creature in front of him, absorving part of that power onto himself as a protective layer.

◆◆Ray of Frost, amped: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 cold damage: 1d10 ⇒ 10
◇ Temp HP gained = 5
◆ Cast Shield

Focus Points: 1/2