Lil"Eschie Pallid Plague PFS

Game Master Escharid Blackrose

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The Society has contacted you for an urgent mission.

You have to report as quickly as possible to Venture Captain Bracket, in the opulent Grand Cathedral of Aroden in Almas, who will give you all the information he knows.

This is your chance to shine!

Ling Chang, a large battle clad Tienen man, is wearing a breastplate and carries a foreign looking curved blade (though very similar to a scimitar) and bow (Composite Daikyu). His helmet looks like it belongs with a suit of plate armor instead of a breast plate. He takes a seat as far away as possible from the other pathfinders. At the moment his helmet is off, but his hair shows signs of recent wear, being disheveled and mashed down. He looks tienish with the typical almond shaped eyes and dark hair.

A Sylph woman, whose curly hair and grayish skin is covered by cloak, strolls around the Cathedral waiting Bracket begin his briefing. Her shadow seems inexplicably larger and inconsistent with her thin body shape.

A humanoid construct strides smoothly into the cathedral and looks around. They see two armed adventurers and head over, ”Greetings, I am Rusty Metals. Fear not, I am not actually rusting. It is merely the common name that fit me best. I believe we may have all been summoned here by the Society for a common purpose. If not, I apologize for interrupting your worship.”

Rusty stands about 5’10” with reddish hair and yellow eyes. Their skin is an unnatural pale color and devoid of common markings, freckles or blemishes. They have several light weapons and a studded leather vest.

Next to them is a young dog sitting very patiently, waiting to see if these are allies, enemies or BEST FRIENDS FOREVER.

The door to the cathedral creaks open again and a small figure peeks inside. Long, trailing leaves hang down like strands of hair around a small, bark-colored face that's been carved and shaped into the likeness of a young female gnome. The creature's eyes are two black dots rather than proper eyes but the arching eyebrows and little smiling mouth give it a cheerful expression.

"Ooh...this is where I'm meant to be, right?" the creature, clearly a leshy, asks in an unmistakably feminine, whistley voice. She pushes the door open further and ambles into the room; now that you can get a better look you see that her body consists of vines, twisted and formed into a humanoid shape. Even the suit of leather armor that she wears is wrapped in vines, rose vines from the look of it.

"Hello! Hello tall armored person and sylph person and metal person - ooh and a puppy! I'm Willow Grove, from Willow Grove. I got a note saying that this is where I needed to be, so here I am."

She pauses for a moment, as though thinking, and then nods and offers a small, viney hand. "Almost forgot, people usually like to shake hands, right?"

A man reminiscent of Ling Chian and Navatsiyk, in so far as he has Tien features and gray skin (though his skin tone is looks more like he is unwell) joins the group. You may call me... Poindexter, a nickname I picked up from the Swords for spending a bit more time learning and a bit less fighting.

As he speaks some may notice longer, more pointed teeth along with a general discomfort being in a religious sanctuary.

As you might have guessed I am a dhampir. As such I ask that you use the potions and wand I have with me should I become wounded. The more common methods of healing would end my existence instead. I'm pursuing methods to change that, but it will take a few more missions before I have the resources to follow through.

Ling stares at Willow when she moves to shake his hand and most definitely does not offer his.

Venture-Captain Brackett walks toward you in the opulent Grand Cathedral of Aroden in Almas, the intricate stained glass window onto Andoran’s bustling capital speckling his thin, hawk-nosed face with colored light.

I've been told six agents were called for this mission. I see only five of you so far, I hope the last one won't be too late.

He gives a brief, humorless chuckle, as he greets you one by one.
the gods know I've been late to missions meetings myself in my youth, glad to see some things never change in the Society. While we wait for our last agent, what can you say about yourself? Is this one of your fist mission? Where have you gone for the Society and what kind of challenges did you meet so far?

Just so the characters can interact a little more and introduce themselves to the Venture Captain

"And my name is Navatsiyk, pleasure to meet you." Navatsiyk says smiling wryly to new friends "Originally I'm from Nidal. My last mission was to Diobel, where we exposed shady smuggling operation, before that I was in Razmir." she becomes very serious when recalling her previous missions

This will be my second mission as a full agent. I helped rescue a member of the society from one of the many fortresses outside of the city before being invited to join a group for a confirmation trial.

Rusty chimes in, ”My name is Rusty Metals. Bu…”

Oh crap, I already said my icebreaker. I’ll be an idiot if I say it again! He asked about our missions, right? Say something about that. Be cool, you got this.

After a few processor cycles, or whatever this unit uses to think, they speak again, ”I uh… have done some training and an extensive mission audit, but this is my first field mission. I am fully vetted to do what is necessary though.”

In heavily accented Tieneze (if that is how you say it), Ling adds his 2 cents worth.

"I am Ling Chang. I have been an agent for 18 months. In the last few months I have helped investigate some problems in Mendev and then helped solve a Chellish related problem in a small town."

He pauses a little before the more difficult words, like 'investigate' as he struggles with the western language, but he does manage to make understandable sentences.

The dog, so far mostly ignored, looks at Rusty with almost a whine. The android gives a slightly perceptible nod and the pup dashes over to Willow.

Skidding to a stop before her, the young canine holds up a paw for the offered handshake.

Rusty adds a quick comment, "This is Cece, she helped me out when I first... became me. I have been told many times that she is a good girl."

Just a few minutes after Venture-Captain Brackett walked toward you a muscular half-orc wearing a breastplate enters the Grand Cathedral. She has a finely crafted composite longbow over her shoulder and a greatsword at her hip. Her skin tone is light green, she has brown hair and clear blue eyes. When she recognizes the VC (and that he's already talking to a group of five Pathfinders) she murmurs: "Of course I'm late. Well, better arrive a litte late than never - that's what they say, right?"

She walks over to the group and introduces herself:

"I'm Nabla, Nabla Ulich. I was summoned here. Sorry for being late, we had some bad weather while sailing here from Absalom."

Those things happen, Nabla. Happened to me too back in the day. Once, my ship sank, so I arrived at the Lodge nearly three weeks too late, but I was excused, of course. I'm Venture Captain Brackett, and here are your teamates:

He points at each of the agents in turn
Lets see if I remember your names well.. Ling Chang, Rusty Metals, Pointdexter, Willow, and... Navatzik? I'm sorry, I'm sure I mispronounce your name, my apologies.

So, let's give you the facts. The Society has been granted a unique opportunity, and I hope you are up to the task. Last week I received a missive from the nymph queen Syntira of Darkmoon Wood to the
north. It seems a deadly plague afflicts the fey of the Wood and they are desperate to find its source and a cure. While we would not normally waste our time and resources on this sort of endeavor, this particular situation presents us several potential boons we can not pass up. So this mission requires muscles, brains and a swift tongue.

You see, Syntira has long attempted to improve relations between
her fey subjects and the human inhabitants of nearby Falcon’s Hollow. Sadly, the Lumber Consortium agents who run the town are not open to a diplomatic solution, and tensions remain high. The Society stands to learn much from the fey, both about their magical nature and the elusive First World, and we could certainly benefit from a powerful ally in Darkmoon Vale. Do whatever you can to get the bottom of this plague and find a solution. We must show Syntira that the Pathfinder Society deserves her trust.The Queen suspect that the Lumber Consortium is linked to that deadly disease, if you can find out the truth it would be good.

The reason I'm not sure the Consortium is behind this plague is that they we believe the strange disease may originate from a cursed relic known as Isandrea’s Basin rumored hidden deep within Darkmoon Wood. If this theory proves accurate, I want you to obtain the basin and bring it to me for study. I imagine an external force harnessed the artifact’s power and guards it heavily—so be prepared.

According to the Nymph-Queen informations, one Lumber Consortium logging camp in particular was involved in several conflicts with the forest’s resident fey over the last year, and both Syntira and I believe that starting your investigation at this cutyard will prove most productive. I will provide you a map to this location, of course. Once you have located and identified the disease, seek Syntira herself and aid her in any way possible.

Finally, stock up on provisions here in Almas before heading up-river, as you may find Falcon’s Hollow too small and provincial for
many of your needs. Don’t dally too long, however, because the disease is quickly spreading, and we want to stop it before it gets out of hand.

The very first thing Ling will do once shopping commences is to grab a couple antiplague.

Rusty stands motionless for most of the briefing, then speaks, "How much travel time to get to Darkmoon Wood? And any known dangers in the woods other than the cursed relic, the fey and the consortium? And will we be able to hunt or forage on the way?"

After the question and answer session they supply a bit more information, "I have apparently been blessed with some magical ability, which is odd considering my nature. At least odd to me. Anyway, I can create water, detect magic, read magical writing and stop a living creature from bleeding out. And yes, I am a living creature if that is a question you had. I also have a wand provided by the society to help heal wounds."

Rusty has very little cash reserves (a lot is floating on race bets), but does have five trail rations already.

If everything goes well, you should reach the location in approximatively four days. Travel has been paid on the Silverleaf, a small boat that will carry you. You have a few hours-three, in fact- before it set sails. I hope Desna will smile on your travels. It would have been quicker to do a meeting directly in Falcon's Hollow, the town nearest the Darkwood, but things are always tense with the Consortium, which rules the town, and Pathfinders agents are eyed with suspicion, spied often, bullied sometimes. Better be safe, even if it's slow. Foraging, hunting, fishing while you're on the boat, eveything is possible. Falcon's Hollow might be a small town, but there are probably a few taverns there. Cutting trees all day make a man mighty thirsty, ad hungry too.

Answering to Rusty
Well, ain't a cursed relic and tensions between the Consortium and the feys dangerous enough for you? I've heard about druids, hags, werewolves, and of course regular bears, boars, wolves... I hope you won't meet too many dangers, this disease seems bad enough, even if it seems to target mostly feys. I understand that you are a living creature, but I guess a disease can't bother you too much, am I right? As far as I know, there are unfortunatly no priest able to cure diseases magically in Falcon's Hollow, so if you have the skills of an healer, they might be useful.

Poindexter will stop by the Scarab Sages and trade on what little favor he's gained so far to acquire a backup wand before buying an antiplague as well.

2 prestige for a wand of Inflict Light Wounds and 50 gp for an antiplague

I suppose I'm as ready as I'm going to be.

Ling is already anxious to get out of the crowded room so he too is ready to move on. Never did like briefings.

Those things happen, Nabla. Happened to me too back in the day. Once, my ship sank, so I arrived at the Lodge nearly three weeks too late, but I was excused, of course. I'm Venture Captain Brackett, and here are your teamates:

He points at each of the agents in turn
Lets see if I remember your names well.. Ling Chang, Rusty Metals, Pointdexter, Willow, and... Navatzik? I'm sorry, I'm sure I mispronounce your name, my apologies.

"It's pronounced like 'Nava-tsi-ykh', but I'm ready to leave after making necessary purchases." she smiles with confidence

Potion of CLW and (50 gp) antiplague (50 gp)

"Ok, facts: Nymph Queen Syntira of Darkmoon Wood, a deadly plague affects feyof the wood , we need to find its source and a cure. The nearby Falcon’s Hollow is run by the Lumber Consortium, tensions remain high. Need to find out the truth of the origin of the plague. Maybe a cursed relic known as Isandrea’s Basin, rumored hidden deep within Darkmoon Wood, is responsible? If yes, bring it here. Possibility of an external force that harnessed the artifact’s power and guards it heavily. We should start at cutyard (see map). Once we have located and identified the disease, seek Syntira herself and aid her."

Ling nods at the summary.

Back! If someone still want to buy something do it now

Traveling by boat seems slow, but at least its safe. After four days, you finally reach your destination.

You enter the Darkmoon wood, and march toward the lumber camp, deeper in the woods. Two hours later, in the beginning of the afternoon, you reach your destination.

The light in Darkmoon Wood is dim under the thick forest canopy, and an eerie mist blankets the damp forest floor. A humble cutyard fills this man-made clearing.
Thick darkwood stumps cover the ground and the scent of sawdust lingers
in the air. Two rows of tents line a central path strewn with abandoned axes, saws, chains, and coils of rope.
Over the unnatural silence of the forest, sounds of terrified screaming
and ripping canvas carry from the far side of the camp.

A few men are lying on the soggy ground, at least four, probably more. Two wolves seems to be the cause of the carnage

please place your characters on the map in the link, at least 10 squares from the closest foe

Who acts?
Ling Chang& Poindexter (20); Rusty (17); Nabla (11); Wolves (10); Nava&Willow (5)

Access to map is by request only.

Access to map is by request only.

I saw the note in discussion and I can see the map, but the map is in 'request edit access' mode so I can't do anything with it.

Ling Chang wrote:

Access to map is by request only.

I saw the note in discussion and I can see the map, but the map is in 'request edit access' mode so I can't do anything with it.

same for me, request sent

Now that the map is right, thanks to Rusty, lets' get back to ringside.. err, to the fight. Chang and Poindexter are the first to move and act, then Rusty and Nabla

Ling bolts right up the middle of the pathway, taking a swipe as he passes a wolf, knowing an opponent when he sees one. At least one this obvious.

- to hit scimitar: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
- damage scimitar, whetstone: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 1 = 12

Poindexter follows Ling Chang to the first wolf, bastard sword clearing the scabbard on the way.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

While Ling's scimitar misses, Poindexter's large blade doesn't.

It might surprise the dhampir fighter, but his strike doesn't kill the beast outright.

Then Poindexter realise the wolf isn't alive anymore, and it has strange flowers mixed to its rotting flesh

Rusty tilts their head at the new developments, but then acts quickly. A small glow emanates from their hand as it brushes against Cece.

Cast Magic Fang.

The android points at the nearest wolf and utters an emotionless word, "Alakh."

Free Action Handle Animal (Cece Attack) DC 10: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

And then they step up, drawing a pointy thin sword.

So far on their travels, the puppy has been happy and bouncing around. As they approach the camp, she becomes quiet. At the appearance of the wolves, her hackles raise and she releases a low growl.

As Rusty commands her to attack, the magic takes effect. Teeth growing longer and sharper, the canine moves up to nip at her older, much deader, cousin.

Move & Attack. She has the attack trait 2x so even being undead shouldn't dissuade her.

Bite + Magic Fang: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 for Magic/BPS: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Even with the powerful bite, the wolf stands on his ground, but barely

Maybe Nabla can deliver the killing blow?

Unfortunately, Nabla cannot get into a position to attack in melee this round...

The ranger ponders what she knows about wolves.

Knowledge: Nature t: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

She walks a bit forward, draws her bow and shoots an arrow at the wolf that's not in melee yet. (red)

To hit: BAB, Dex, MW
MW Longbow: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 24
Piercing: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

The arrow flies ans strikes the wolf, who moves straight toward the ranger. It closes the distance easily, but doesn't bite.
Meanwhile, the surrounded one bites back at Poindexter, and manages to hurt his leg, burying his teeth deep in the fighter's thigh 8 dmg

Bite: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Nava and Willow can act

Nava aims her crossbow at the closest wolf sending a sling bullet toward it. She loads then a new bullet to her weapon.

masterwork stonebow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
bludgeoning: 1d6 ⇒ 4

"Those aren't normal wolves... the one attacking me here should already be dead, by the look of the dirty wounds it carries!"

As both wolves are now in melee, the undine does her best, and aims carefully so she won't hurt one team mate by accident.

Her shot is very close, but the small bullet whizzes not far from her target's body, having no consequence in the fight

No precise shot so -4 to hit in melee, it just missed by 1 point.If Willow hasn't acted by tonight I'll bot her

Botting Willow

Sling, no Precise shot: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 4 = 21
dmg: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1

Sling, no Precise shot, Crit?: 1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 4 = 17
dmg: 1d3 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0 So 2 dmg

Willow manages to send a bullet from her sling, hitting precisely between the eyes the wolf attacking Nabla, but doing minimal damage

Round 2, back at Ling Chang and Poindexter

Ling shifts into a flank, hoping it will allow hit to score a hit this time.

- to hit scimitar, flank: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 = 20
- damage scimitar, whetstone: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11

Ling's powerful strike spells doom for the unalive wolf, but with an unexpected side effect...

The undead creature explodes under the scimitar, and gore splashes the unfortunate Pathfinders-and canine companion- who are close to it.

Slam (Ling): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
damg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Slam (Pointdexter): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
damg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Slam (CC the dog): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
damg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

But Pharasma might smile on you, as no one is seriously harmed in the foul blast. Ling Chang's armor will need some serious cleaning, that's all.

Poindexter, Rusty and Nabal may act, then the remaining wounded wolf if still (un)alive

Poindexter loops around so he can come in for a thrust against the wolf savaging Nabla.

Attack, flank: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 = 20
damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Cece shakes off the muck from the exploding wolf and then sees another enemy. She takes a step and snaps at it!

Bite + Magic Fang: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 for Magic/BPS: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

The second wolf is slashed and bitten by Poindexter and CC the dog, and once again the defeated creature explodes.

Slam Poin: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Slam Nabla: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Slam C.C: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Slam Nabla, Crit?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
dmg: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

This time, Pharasma must be busy elsewhere on Golarion, and Nabla and C.C are injured by the blast.

6 HP dmg for each, and both will need a Fortitude save, please

”Arf!”

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
+2 vs disease

"Ouch! Why did that... thing explode?"

Fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 That should do it.

Nabla draws a wand and uses one charge on herself.

CLW Nabla: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

"Ahh, that's better. Cece, come here!" She uses another charge on the puppy.

CLW C.C.: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Both are back at full HP.