GM Frost's A Level 1-5 Adventure of PFS (2E) Escapades

Game Master Frozen Frost

Olegaro hums along to the song and, with a grin, tries his best to respond when Hanu includes him in the dance!

Chuckling at the end of the song, Olegaro will crouch down to give Darb a belly run and reply "Of course, I'd be happy to help!"

Darb rises up from his comfortable position and barks at Hanu and Zepth to sing with them, even running around the group as he shares his delight for the performance.

Showing their interest in helping, Kupyn tells them what she needs. "Yes, just a few ingredients where I will them into my family's cauldron." she winks. "I would like you to get carrots and celery from Farmer Greetle’s farm, found in the southwest part of the village; a bag of deep root potatoes grown by the dwarves at the foot of the Hollow Hills, a bit west of the village, and a bundle of scallions from the brownies who tend
them in the grove just north of the village."

"Bring Darb with you so that he can show you the way. Get back with the ingredients and bring them over to my house over there," she points to her home within the village, the colorful one among the houses. Have questions before I send you off?"

Moist opens up his cookbook and begins to pen the ingredients. Not the song itself, just the ingredients.

Does everybody know they're contributing these things, or do we have to... talk them into it? I've never borrowed anything from brownies. I imagine they don't make it easy.

...carrots and celery from Farmer Greetle’s farm, found in the southwest part of the village; a bag of deep root potatoes grown by the dwarves at the foot of the Hollow Hills, a bit west of the village, and a bundle of scallions from the brownies who tend
them in the grove just north of the village...

The Tengu looks around.
Is anyone writing this down?

Moist looks up from his cookbook and holds his pen up for Ōtani, subtly answering his question.

Is anyone writing this down?

"I am making it part of my esoterica." says Rybar who's still trying to commit the tune to memory.

Does everybody know they're contributing these things, or do we have to... talk them into it? I've never borrowed anything from brownies. I imagine they don't make it easy.

"Yes, of course they do." Kupyn then stops as if reminded of something. "Actually I have been doing the getting of these ingredients for years, though this year is a bit complicated for me, that's why I would like to hire you, young people." she says embarrassingly.

"You see, that farmer of the celery and carrots, that tingy old git tried to charge me for vegetables the last time. Don’t know why; always gave them to me free before! If I set foot on his farm again and see his smug face, I don’t know that I could control my temper! Can you blame me?"

"As for the potatoes, I give their head miner, Jaget Steim, a tincture to help with aching joints every month. Only this month... well, my own joints were aching and I didn’t make enough for more than one person. If you could help Jaget out somehow, it’d go a long way toward making things right.” she shares them with an awkward smile.

"Now you mention brownies. You know what? I caught those brownies knotting my hound Darb’s hair as a joke... I may have lost my temper with them and knocked over their hut. It’ll go better if someone else asked. Might be good to bring Darb with you, though. Those brownies love him. I hope you can make it up with them for me. Hihi!”

"If you have no more questions, I will leave you be and prepare the cauldron so it would be ready when you get back." she tells them. "And you pup, behave and lead them the way so they won't get lost in our small village. Off you go!" she gives instructions to Darb before she waves goodbye to everyone and leaves them.

Everyone begins with one hero point each, and for those with glyphs, this is your chance to distribute them in the Discussion thread.

So where are you going first?

"I am making it part of my esoterica." says Rybar who's still trying to commit the tune to memory.

And who are you? Just kidding. I can make this PC inactive.

"There you have it. Thank you for your candor. At least, we'll be better prepared. I've no questions for you. If the others don't, it's best we get going then."

Otani shrugs.
Celery and carrots from Farmer tingy old git ?

Olegaro will take a few seconds to wipe the shock from his face and regain his composure after Kupyn's admission.

Then he will turn to Ōtani and agree
"Yes, the farm sounds like as good a place to start as any, Ōtani. Seems like we have some work ahead of us."

Darb barks happily when he hears celery and carrots. He then leads the group to Greetle Farm.

As they approach they can see that from the new paint and fine wooden carvings of the farmers’ god Erastil lining the gate, it’s evident the farmer has been doing well. Bunwol Greetle, an elderly human, sits on the front porch with his grandchildren, shelling peas and singing about rock stew. Far from unfriendly, when Farmer Greetle sees people approaching, a smile breaks over his face.

“Hail and well met, strangers! What can I do for you on this fine day?”

Moist grimaces when the altercation with the brownies is described. He leans down and pets Darb as a way to begin forming a bond with the pup.

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

As they approach the farmer's porch, Moist gives the grandchildren a friendly smile.

I wonder if they've seen an upright frog before?

He then looks up at Farmer Greetle and responds.

Yes, well met! What a wondeful brood of grandchildren you have. We are visitors to your lovely town and happen to be helping Kupyn with... let me check my notes... stone soup? Despite the name it seems we need celery and carrots. We're told you ought to have those. I also imagine you're familiar with this tradition and were probably waiting for Kupyn to come make this request.

Request (Diplomacy): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

I almost forgot. As you go for the ingredients, only one PC can attempt a check at each location, though other PCs can Aid them. If the PC fails this check, a different PC can attempt a different solution, though they receive a –2 circumstance penalty on their attempt.

"Ha! That old woman!" he grudges as if his 'hate' has just easily washed the compliment Moist tells him. "The last time she asked for carrots and celery, I overheard her grumbling about Winter Week, reasoning she is tired of doing it every year and blah blah blah. Where is her holiday spirit to that? It hurts my feelings, you know because is my favorite holiday, to be honest. One of my favorite memories was finding the lucky rock in my stew when he was only six. " he recalls.

We can keep Moist's skill check if you want. You might want to improve the result with Aid.

Rybar comes to Moist's aid, and adds "The way I see it sir, it's your culture and your tradition. Whatever her outlook may be, should not disturb your enjoyment of or participation in such a wonderful event. What say you?"

Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Hero Point
Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Bunwol considers Rybar's words. "I think you're right, I should not be bothered by that." he says while nodding. "Alright then. Maybe she was just tired that time, I should have asked her."

He leaves the group to get something. When he gets back, he is carrying the carrots and celery they need. "Here you go, the carrots and celery. And it's for free!" he shares the vegetables happily, he then hums to the tune of Rock Stew for Me, Rock Stew For You (you recognize the tune similar to the one sang by Kupyn just awhile ago).

"I will see you there when the rock stew he ready, with my family, of course!" he says to Moist, emphasizing the 'rock stew' part.

Success in getting the carrots and celery. Where to go next?

"I would like you to get carrots and celery from Farmer Greetle’s farm, found in the southwest part of the village; a bag of deep root potatoes grown by the dwarves at the foot of the Hollow Hills, a bit west of the village, and a bundle of scallions from the brownies who tend them in the grove just north of the village."

As they leave the farm, Olegaro will say
"That was delicately handled by you both! Kupyn really has gotten people annoyed hasn't she." and will sigh

Then he will continue "Oh well, shall we try the dwarves next? It sounds like they are closest to here."

The group heads to the mines to collect the potatoes.

A small mining compound sits just at the foot of the Hollow Hills. Several dwarves sit outside eating lunch. Hanging above the entrance is the sign

“Steim Mine: Our Roots Run Deep.”

At the head of the table sits a venerable dwarf with a flowing white beard spilling over his mining leathers. “Hello there. Here for ore or potatoes? If it’s the former, you’re in luck. If it’s the latter, there might be a problem.”

"Hello... yeah, we were actually here for the potatoes. Might I ask what could the problem be?" says Zepth intrigued at the dwarf's words.

”A problem, friend, there might be!”

"Well, I set aside the crop of potatoes I have for Kupyn, but she’s yet to pick them up." he shrugs. "No extra for you, sorry."

"Ah we're actually picking the potatoes up for Kupyn! She sent us to gather the extra ingredients for the rock stew. And sent her hound Darb here along to keep us company."

"Oh, is that so? Have you brought the joint pain tincture she promised?" The dwarf extends her hand to receive what he needs.

Kupyn hasn't given you one for the dwarf.

Sorry, she didn't send a tincture - I think she was out of ingredients. However, if it is joint pain we might be able to assist you ourselves. I'll just consult with my colleagues..."

and then will step away.

Once huddled he will say "I have healer's tools and a bit of medicine so could potentially help. But I am still a bit hit or miss. I could help someone else make a tincture too. Any preference?"

-----------
medicine(T) +4 and healer's tools

"My teacher in nature skills once told me that I'm trained, but minimally at it. I wouldn't rely on me unless it was an absolute necessity."

Trained in Nature, but Rybar has a +3 total

Moist gulps audibly and fidgets with his fingers when the dwarf asks about a tincture. He looks around at the group to see who can do it until Olegaro speaking up gives him a feeling of relief.

It's clear this frog can be high-strung.

Hanu shapes the fruit by touching the ground, whereupon a small saproling springs into life and bears a single ”Banana of Mending, for to assist with what ails you” smiling, he hands the delectable to the dwarf.

◆) Fresh Produce

The dwarf gives Hanu a curious look. "Banana of mending? Never heard of it. Would this really help?" he takes a good look first at the produce before taking it from Hanu. He then peels it open and eats it up. Sooner, he feels that his joints are no more aching.

"Woah! I feel relieved! No more pain. That banana is awesome! Do you have more?" the dwarf asks him excitedly. "Ah! Where are my manners? I forgot to introduce myself. Jaget's name. But I think you know it already. And before I forgot," he whistles and other dwarves give them a bag of potatoes. "We look forward to seeing you at the Winter Week Feast." Jaget tells them. He then pulls out something and gives it to Hanu, two flasks with sickly green liquid inside them. "Ore solvents. These are made from the distilled essence of deep root potatoes and used for special mining operations. Hehe. I am giving it as a gift in return for that banana."

Ore solvents work as lesser acid flasks.

Success in getting those potatoes. Going for the bundles scallions...

---

Off they go to where the brownies are for the scallions.

As they approach the grove, a multitude of twinkling lights begin dancing about in the shadows beneath the ancient trees. Giggles and whispers fill the air, but you see nothing. Upon reaching the center of the grove, where scallions, garlic, onions, and chives grow in thick clumps amid the dark soil, the whispering stops and the twinkling lights fade.

Several diminutive fey wearing leaves and flowers emerge from their hiding places from within the wood. One, taller than the rest, wearing a crown of woven scallions and holding a purple onion flower (several times her height) like a scepter, steps forward. “I am Nelia Starsister, the Grove’s Grand Garlicia and Alliumic Empress. Who are you to set foot in our domain?”

”The domain of the Wood is the shared home of all sentient creatures” walking up with his cane, petting Darb ”Hanu, I am called, friend of this domain, too”

Rybar steps forward and says "I am Rybar Ganon, my companions are I are here to humbly request your majesty for some scallions for Winter Week. We are trying to celebrate this with you and help in the making of the Rock Stew."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

The Tengu just stands by looking a bit useless at Kupyn's. The Samurai does offer to cut off his offending appendages if that would be helpful....

Otani smiles at the Brownies thankful that his cravings for dessert were a thing of the past....

What a wonderful environment to celebrate your crucial involvement in producing such a stew!

Diplomacy(T): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Moist conjures a few simple dancing lights to try to match the pattern he saw in the grove before they approached.

Maybe this is their language.

And I am Moist. Both in name and in quality. Do you have scallions to spare?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Olegaro nods from the back "And I am called Olegaro, pleased to meet you.' and does his best not to get in the way.

Nelia silently observes each and every one of them until she finds Darb among the group. "Lord Darbington the Golden!" she exclaims in awe, while the other brownies behind her murmurs "Sir Darbious the Glorious!". "It looks to me that Kupyn has summoned you here." she tells them while she approaches the pup and hugs the same.

"Yes we have scallions. Is Kupyn still mad at us?" she then turns to Otani. "Well, thank you. But it would be more beautiful if our castle is not knocked out." she shrugs and presents their 'castle' of several logs put together as a crude fort. You succeed at Diplomacy but you can help her repair their castle with DC 15 Athletics.

"In a Tree, perhaps, should you hang your new castle?"

Athletics (Trained) w/ Climber's Tail (+2): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13
Hero Point!
Athletics (Trained) w/ Climber's Tail (+2): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 5 + 2 = 14

Hanu attempts to use loose branches and foliage to "hang" the castle, but his skill proves overpassed by his ambition...

"Well, I think that is a nice idea!" Nelia tells the Vanara in delight. But it seems that it is better that their castle be on the ground when she sees Hanu's repair.

"Hmm, I think let's keep it that way. Kupyn knocked it over from the last time, if you don't mind to know. We love Sir Darbius the Glorious so much and we just wanted to make his golden hair look more noble. So we tied it with full braids and ribbons. When Kupyn came, we thought she was amused, but no! She knocked over our castle."

"Anyway, it looks like you are good people and I will just be giving the scallions because of you and Lord Darbius here, not her." she then calls on the brownies and brings the bundles of scallions, giving them to the group. "We will still attend the Winter Week feast, don't you worry. We don't want our Sir Darbius to be upset about our non-attendance."

"Thank you Nelia for the scallions, and also for introducing us properly to LORD Darbius the Glorious!"

Rybar counts to make sure we've at least five scallions.

He looks at his companions and says "Okay, the song mentioned carrots, celery, potatoes and scallion rings. These things, we now have. But, it also mentioned salt, pepper, a cauldron and mutton. Kupyn didn't mention anything about these, and we didn't ask. Let's head back and ask?"

Otani nods in agreement with Rybar. The Tengu crunching on a spare carrot.
(crunch)...salt, pepper....(crunch), a cauldron, (crunch) and mutton. That (crunch) does sound deli (crunch) ous.

Oh, it seems a misunderstanding. We will try to explain to Kupyn how you treat Dar... I mean Lord Darbius the Glorious appropriately!

Moist dismisses his dancing lights and turns to return to Kupyn with the group.

"Well, so far, so good..." comments Zepth impressed at Hanu's versatility on retrieving the last 2 ingredients.

After Nelia describes what happened, Olegaro will look upset
"You shouldn't be stuck with a broken castle like that. I can't reach as high as Hanu, but I could do some repairs where it is."

and then set to mending the castle in place.

Once done, he will join the group in returning to Kupyn.

Athletics (T): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Olegaro, only one PC can roll the skill so I took Rybar's result. The rest are for RP purposes only.

Olegaro tries to fix the castle and has done better repairs than Hanu did. The brownies are very happy with the result. "Wow! Thank you so much! Our castle is back!" the brownies exclaim in chorus.

-----

As they get close to Kupyn’s cottage after completing their errands, they can see that Kupyn’s cottage is brightly colored, with a thatched roof and tall chimney merrily puffing smoke into the brisk air. Yet as they get close, the house begins to rumble and quake. The front door spills open. Numerous tiny cobblestones pour out — no ordinary rocks. They all have open mouths with gleaming sharp teeth!

Rolling initiatives...

❖❖❖❖❖❖ KUPYN'S COTTAGE Round 1 ❖❖❖❖❖❖

ENCOUNTER MAP
Other Notes: ☘️ - Hero Points

❖❖❖CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN ACT!❖❖❖
➤ Olegaro (☘️ 1/3) (AC 17, 19 w Steel Shield (20/20 HP)) (19/19 HP, 1 temp HP)
Cobbleswarm (- HP)
Rybar (☘️ 0/3) (AC 17) (17/17 HP, 1 temp HP)
Otani Yoshitsugu (☘️ 1/3) (AC 18, 19 w Shield) (15/15 HP, 1 temp HP)
Moist Definitely (☘️ 2/3) (AC 15, 16 w Shield) (12/12 HP, 1 temp HP)
Zepth (☘️ 2/3) (AC 17, 18 w Shield) (18/18 HP, 1 temp HP)
Hanu, Friend of the Wood (☘️ 1/3) (AC 17, 18 w Shield) (18/18 HP, 1 temp HP)
Bubbling Cauldron (Blue) (0/4 disabled, see below) (- HP)

──────────
CONDITIONS & EFFECTS REFERENCE
──────────

"Cobblestones? What weirdness is this?

and Olegaro will move up to attack the swarm

Power attack melee to hit: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 with his flail for 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 1) + 4 = 11 bludgeoning damage

______________

◆ Stride
◆ ◆ Power attack

Olegaro goes head-on with the swarm, successfully breaking some cobble mites of the swarm into smaller mundane pieces. Takes 11 B damage

The swarm surrounds Olegaro and makes a pummeling assault upon him, twice! Two DC 17 basic Reflex saves vs 2d4 + 2d4 ⇒ (3, 4) + (3, 4) = 14 bludgeoning damage

❖❖❖❖❖❖ KUPYN'S COTTAGE Round 1 ❖❖❖❖❖❖

ENCOUNTER MAP
Other Notes: ☘️ - Hero Points

❖❖❖CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN ACT!❖❖❖
Olegaro (☘️ 1/3) (AC 17, 19 w Steel Shield (20/20 HP)) (19/19 HP, 1 temp HP) | two DC 17 basic Reflex saves vs 7+7 bludgeoning damage
Cobbleswarm (-11 HP)
➤ Rybar (☘️ 0/3) (AC 17) (17/17 HP, 1 temp HP)
➤ Otani Yoshitsugu (☘️ 1/3) (AC 18, 19 w Shield) (15/15 HP, 1 temp HP)
➤ Moist Definitely (☘️ 2/3) (AC 15, 16 w Shield) (12/12 HP, 1 temp HP)
➤ Zepth (☘️ 2/3) (AC 17, 18 w Shield) (18/18 HP, 1 temp HP)
➤ Hanu, Friend of the Wood (☘️ 1/3) (AC 17, 18 w Shield) (18/18 HP, 1 temp HP)
Bubbling Cauldron (Blue) (0/4 disabled, see below) (- HP)

──────────
CONDITIONS & EFFECTS REFERENCE
──────────

Reflex saves against the swarm

DC 17 reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
DC 17 reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Taking 3+7=10 damage.
Olegaro is fine to take splash damage too

Rybar examines the toothy cobblesones at range, and tries to figure out what their weaknesses are. He then draws his hatchet, and carefully approaches Olegaro from the back.

◆ Exploit Vulnerability Esoteric Lore: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
◆ draw hatchet
◆ stride

Swirling leaves and branches and logs gather as Hanu, Friend of the Wood, summons the power of the wind and the wood!

Wood Kinetic Blast, Ranged (30-ft, blunt): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 201d8 ⇒ 1

◆) Gather Elements
◇) Wood Kinetic Blast
◆◆) Aerial Boomerang

Aerial Boomerang (slashing) @ Basic Reflex (DC 17): 2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

At the Castle...

Smiling at Olegaro's quick repair of the Castle, Otani giv3s the stout Fighter a clap on the back.
Good thinking. I totally missed it.

At the cottage...

Seeing Kupyn’s cottage is brightly colored, with a thatched roof and tall chimney merrily puffing smoke into the brisk air, Otani muses
Seems his preferences mirror our Brownies...haha.

As the strange Rocks begins to purposefully pursue persons participating at his place, the Battle Oracle shouts
To Arms! To Arms!
Call to Arms Curse Minor!

The Tengu then responses by holding his Katana aloft, playing along the blade bright blue flames sprout!
◆ Weapon Surge Curse Moderate!

The Samurai then ◆ Strides straight at the rumbling, Tumbling, bumbling pounds of rocks!

Granting a quick salute to his rocky adversary, the Samurai Strikes!
◆ Melee(T) Katana, weapon surge, curse moderate: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 81d6 + 3 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (5) + 2 = 13 S Traits Uncommon Deadly d8 Two-Hand 1d10 Versatile P

Phone post, so I think everything is fine...lol.

That was a bit disappointing...
Hero Point!◆ Melee(T) Katana, weapon surge, curse moderate: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 121d6 + 3 + 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + (3) + 2 = 9 S Traits Uncommon Deadly d8 Two-Hand 1d10 Versatile P

....I see....

Olegaro manages to evade the swarm but not all.

Rybar analyses the swarm, draws weapon and closes in.

Hanu calls the woods and attacks swarm! Takes 1 B damage. he then assaults it with slashing air!
DC 17 basic Reflex save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 Crit Success, no damage

But the air goes sideways.

Otani braves his allies and surges his weapon with divine energy, but it looks like he is having a hard time hitting the swarm.

❖❖❖❖❖❖ KUPYN'S COTTAGE Round 1 ❖❖❖❖❖❖

ENCOUNTER MAP
Other Notes: ☘️ - Hero Points

❖❖❖CHARACTER IN ➤ BOLD TYPEFACE CAN ACT!❖❖❖
Olegaro (☘️ 1/3) (AC 17, 19 w Steel Shield (20/20 HP)) (10/19 HP)
Cobbleswarm (-12 HP)
Rybar (☘️ 0/3) (AC 17) (17/17 HP, 1 temp HP)
Otani Yoshitsugu (☘️ 0/3) (AC 18, 19 w Shield) (15/15 HP, 1 temp HP) | Moderate Curse (see below)
➤ Moist Definitely (☘️ 2/3) (AC 15, 16 w Shield) (12/12 HP, 1 temp HP)
➤ Zepth (☘️ 2/3) (AC 17, 18 w Shield) (18/18 HP, 1 temp HP)
Hanu, Friend of the Wood (☘️ 1/3) (AC 17, 18 w Shield) (18/18 HP, 1 temp HP)
Bubbling Cauldron (Blue) (0/4 disabled, see below) (- HP)

──────────
CONDITIONS & EFFECTS REFERENCE
──────────

Mostly confused at the whole situation, Zepth just focuses his magic into helping everyone do their best, taking a deep breath, tapping the floor with his shoes and breaking into dance and song.

◆◆ Musical Accompaniment
◇ Perform, Lingering Composition 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 + 1 = 15 Musical Accompaniment +1 status bonus, Virtuosic Performer +1 circumstance bonus
◆ Inspire Courage

Rock stew for me, rock stew for you!
It’s the soup that helps us in all that we do!

Rock stew for me, rock stew for you!
Have a Happy Winter Week, let’s eat some stew!