[ACO] PF2e - Q19: The Elsewhere Feast (P2)

Game Master UncleFroggy

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

1) I am based in Southeast Asia (UTC +8) so my posting hours may be unusual (especially for those in North America). I usually update at least one or twice per day. Just to keep the game moving, please post at least once every day and at least once during the weekend.

2) Please keep all posts and communication in all channels limited to a PG-13 level and be both positive and inclusive.

3) Please label all three of your actions. Even if you think what you are doing is obvious.

4) If I am unavailable for longer than 24 hours, I will let you know in the Discussion Tab. Out of respect for your fellow players and myself, I ask that you do the same. Real life happens, and real life will always take priority over the game, but out of fairness for your fellow players, please let us know if you will be unavailable for an extended period of time.

5) 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

6) Please complete the Macros and the Slides linked at the top of the page.

7) Questions, concerns? Feel free to share them in the Discussion tab.

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

A seaweed leshy arrives on the scene, who requires levelling

A male centaur enters into the room. His human features and handsome and strong. His horse half is white. He wears studded armor and has weapons in easily accessible places. He had a satchel close to his chest. As he clomps into the room he smiles I am Delphy he says.

"May I present Sir Calvyn of the noble house of Sunglass. Champion of the Spark in the Dust, Scourge of the Bandu Hills!" a young Mwangi boy steps forward.

"Savior of the Bandu Hills, Savior, Robett!" a Mwangi man with almost-glowing red hair follows.

"Well that's a little debatable," the boy replies.

"We routed and burned through that cult of Mestama!"

"You say cult, I say that was just some old ladies." The boy shrugs, "Plus, those fires spread out."

"Old ladies make up the majority of Mestama cultists! And its against our religion to put out fires."

"Your religion, great-uncle, I follow Pharasma."

Sir Calvyn Sunglass is knight in service of the deity Lubaiko, wearing full plate. Robett is his great-nephew and his squire (and hireling).

Prince Ali, fabolous he Ali Ababwa

A gnome wearing a colorful garb dances her way to her next destination. "Another mission, another adventure!" she exclaims happily and continues to dance until she meets the other Pathfinders.

"Greetings, I am Sybille and it is a pleasure to meet you! The stars tell me that we will be success on the mission ahead of us!" she tells them with certainty in her words.

"May I present Sir Calvyn of the noble house of Sunglass. Champion of the Spark in the Dust, Scourge of the Bandu Hills!" a young Mwangi boy steps forward.

"Savior of the Bandu Hills, Savior, Robett!" a Mwangi man with almost-glowing red hair follows.

"Well that's a little debatable," the boy replies.

"We routed and burned through that cult of Mestama!"

"You say cult, I say that was just some old ladies." The boy shrugs, "Plus, those fires spread out."

"Old ladies make up the majority of Mestama cultists! And its against our religion to put out fires."

"Your religion, great-uncle, I follow Pharasma."

Sir Calvyn Sunglass is knight in service of the deity Lubaiko, wearing full plate. Robett is his great-nephew and his squire (and hireling).

Too bad Buford Oxcatcher's lvl 5... I was kinda looking forward to Foghorn Leghorn again :)

A proud-looking elf, wearing plain clothes and carrying a pair of poles or staves on his back enters the scene. He introduces himself: "Well hello there. I am Toavandil Hanustar. I have been asked to bring my knowledge of advanced elvish technology to help in the mission. I am sure nothing that it cannot handle comes along."

He glances at Konbu, and continues: "Clearly I am not the only expert in this area of knowledge. Marvelous."

A dwarf with a brown-red beard wearing a studded leather armor and carrying a shield behind his back enters at his turn. Of course, a clan dagger is hanging at his belt but this is the only weapon you can see.

Hello, my name's Benkost. My specificity is to dominate the elements, fire most specifically.

You receive a missive to meet Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen's trusted right hand, Lirall, on an urgent matter in the Land of the Linnorm Kings. Rather than the Iceferry Lodge in the north, you'll be meeting Lirall at an inn in Jol.

As you gather around the table, a chipper gnome with brilliant blue-violet hair greets everyone. "Thank you for coming. As you were told, this is an urgent matter, so urgent that Venture-Captain Bjersig couldn't even be here, so I'll just cut to the chase. The Voll family is a powerful merchant family in Karlsgard. They did a huge favor for the Pathfinder Society and now they are calling in their marker. It seems several family members are missing." She pauses before continuing, "Some of the family local to here, that is, to Jol, have asked Bjersig—I mean, Venture-Captain Bjersig—to help find what happened to their family members That would be..."

She thumbs through a sheaf of notes before locating the information she needs. "Ah yes, Edvik Voll and his wife Rane. We've agreed to send a team to the Grungir Forest, their last known location, to look for Edvik's brother, his wife, and their three adult children. Their homestead is the last known location where anyone saw them, most recently three days ago. Investigate and see what you can discover. If you locate them, aid them if needed. If they are sadly no longer with us, please return their remains for proper rights. And be incredibly careful. These were experienced herbalists who've made the trek to the forest's edge time and again. If something happened to them, the threat is likely still there. Complete the mission and come home safely."

She sighs, clearly not accustomed to giving the briefings herself, and then smiles again. "Any questions? I haven't been to the forest's edge myself, but I'll answer whatever I can."

The dwarf strokes his beard. Well well well. We have to pay attention to stay on the trail otherwise you will be lost and eaten by hunting beasts. That's not a good end.

Sir Calvyn looks askance at Benkost saying he dominates fire. That was anathema to Lubaiko.

"Hmm, I know that the Koll family is respected all along the cities and towns on the path of Aganhei, but do they have any enemies? Any other recent disappearances in the area?"

On the way Konbu introduces themselves with a rather strong Tian accent and a bow, as per custom.

Honorable Pathfinders. I am the humble Konbu. Seaweed leshy and Thaumaturge. Tell me. Have you ever heard of the Great Old Ones?

To Toavandil they respond. Which area of knowledge Toavandil-san?

At the briefing, he sits, listens, and takes notes.

Are there oni in the forest? Erm .... evil spirits, as opposed to kami?

"Well, use of what nature provides, of course, friend." Toavandil answers Konbu.

"The place sounds rather pleasant. Apart from the minor inconvenience of possibly getting kidnapped or killed. Although herbalism isn't the most effective art against villains, so the threat may be quite minor", he states confidently.

Since he doesn't know anything about what is going on, he is going to make sure that he has gotten his school item, potion of healing.

Since he doesn't know anything about what is going on, he is going to make sure that he has gotten his school item, potion of healing.

School Items (or Provisions in the Remaster) do not apply to quests. Scenarios only

[B] We will be cautious and working together, we should be fine! ]/b] the centaur states

Can the two small characters ride him? It might help our ability to move together?

I think there is a feat you have to get to allow this.

As the centaur is led away, another dwarf with bald pate and red beard growing wild joins the meeting. He carries a hefty axe and wears armor of tightly woven chain links.

"What did I miss?"

We have to go and find some disappeared ones in a forest.

"Ah! Forest! Those who stray from sight of the tree line of the forest tend to lose their way and wander into hungry predators. The stars tell me that..." she trails off. "I heard that the Voll family was one of the first to follow the Path of Aganhei north to Turvik and points beyond. They are well-liked in cities where they have a presence. I hope they are just lost and still alive."

"Let's find them!"

You proceed to the family house at Lirall's instructions. However, there is nothing at the family house except the trail leading towards the forest. It's clear no one has been here in the time frame since the disappearances. There are no clues within, so eventually you follow the trail to the forest. As you enter the forest, you realize something is different...

Well well well, a change of plane. That explains the disappearances.

"The First World, a primal domain. Someone will be in charge of this place it bends to their will."

Ranginori's gift might help me here...

Wind begins to swirl around the dwarf.

Channel Elements

"We changed planes?" Sir Calvyn sputters in disbelief, "Robett, why didn't you notice the change in planar activity? Important part of being a Pathfinder!"

"I imagine our quarry's lost then. Hard to find things in the first world, is my understanding."

[b]The changes may well be subtle enough to fool anyone not experienced. Still there may be tracks. I suggest we start looking.
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

"Ah! The First World! Our ancestors came from here!" Sybille exclaims, visibly excited about the new place they’ve suddenly entered. She dances around in place to feel the wind the place might be blowing to them. She briefly pauses to examine the area and continues on.

From up ahead the obvious sounds of a party. Leaves underfoot become paving stones. Columns begin to line the road, leading to steps formed by roots which ascend to two barriers of tightly woven vines covered in a riot of flowers. The doors open, revealing a feast underway.

At the head of a crescent-shaped trestle table sits the apparent host, who seems to be an androgynous elf until the antlers jutting from their head register as real rather than a headpiece. They are beautiful in an otherworldly, foreboding way, too perfect to be true, eliciting feelings of the uncanny valley. They regard the newcomers coolly as scattered performers of obvious fey nature dance and cavort, providing some sort of entertainment for those feasting. A pair of leshy guards move to intercept you.

However, the antlered one for whatever reason waves his guards off and orders them to escort you to the table.

"Clyetus, we thought that would last longer. We. Are. Bored. What more have you?"

Another individual with a blasé countenance, vaguely elven features, and bright green hair steps forward to speak to the host. "Well my Thane, these mortals happened upon your invitation. Near as my magic can tell, they seem to be something called Pathfinders." He gestures toward you. Suddenly the doors slam shut behind everyone, preventing exit.

"Just another mortal faction, Clyetus," the Thane says with a sigh. "Mortals, mortals, mortals. The ones from this era seem so much duller than those who attended our last feast. What are we to do with such boorish guests?"

"Perhaps we should ask them, my lord." At this suggestion the Thane nods, and they turn an intense and chilling stare upon their new guests. They make no attempt to hide the fact that all who arrive here are but entertainment in their ancient eyes.

"So then," they say, "who are you, and why do you deserve a table at our Elsewhere Feast?"

We are Benkost. And a dwarf always deserve a table at a feast, especially if the ale is good.

"Well, certainly. i am Toavandil Hanustar, and you correct in that we are Pathfinders. And why wouldn't we deserve a seat? We are the least boring faction there is. In fact we actively seek interesting things around the world", he tries to convince the team's worth.

Calvyn urges his squire forward. "May I present Sir Calvyn of the noble house of Sunglass. Champion of the Spark in the Dust..." He glances back at his great uncle, who glares at the boy, "Savior of the Bandu Hills!"

"Yes, I am Sir Calvyn, a servant of Lubaiko, and I, like my Pathfinder brethern, know many tales and have been on many an adventure. That is not unworthy of a fine meal, I would hope?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Well, shoot. If that is going to count for a mechanical part of the scenario, I'd like to hero point it.

Have you ever heard of the Great Old Ones? I could tell you tales of those beings that live in the Dark Tapestry

"A dance party?!" Her eyes twinkle with excitement as she watches the performers dance. Sybille, meanwhile, joins the fey in their celebration, delighted to have found a party. She momentarily forgets about the host, but soon realizes her misstep. Dancing back to the group, she introduces herself.

"I am Sybille, sybil of the cosmos. The stars tell me that... Strange." She pauses, sensing something amiss. Perhaps it’s simply that she hasn’t looked up at the stars on another plane—if they even have stars.

"What feast do we have here? What are you celebrating? Is Elsewhere a place here in the First World?" she asks too many questions that she forgot about their mission.

Lande, a bit of a individualist, decides to test this host.

"Why would we want a table at your feast? Just who are you?"

The antlered being waves a green-haired individual forward, who proclaims, "I am Clyetus. I have served the Thane longer than any. You stand in the Grand Feasthall of the Thane as guests of the Elsewhere Feast — enjoy it or else. The Thane’s will is law here, mortals, so be on your best behavior. The Thane is your host of this Elsewhere Feast and ruler of the Elsewoods. Everything here is under their control. Any kind of violence against the Thane or their guests will not be permitted."

"I love feasts!" Sybille shows her charms to Clyetus. "Does being here already makes us invited? I can join those fey dancing, even teach them some of my dance moves."

Without asking permission, Sybille starts dancing, shaking her body like snake and moving her feet as fast as she can.
Performance to Perform: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

"Perhaps we could sing for our supper," Calvyn says, as joyfully as he can muster, "Robett, give me a bouncy C."

Calvyn starts singing.

Performance: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11 (extra +1 from Virtuosic Performer)

Poupidou, poupou pidou.

Performance: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

"Of course we shall behave in this splendid feast. And I presume anyone here wouldn't be so foolhardy as try to challenge us", Toavandil tries reassuring the host.

"It is a rather fine forest you have here, very original. I am kind of expert in many things wooden myself."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Konbu and Toavandil cause a ghost of a smile to appear on the Thane's lips but he appears bored with the rest.

"We are not impressed with you mortals, " the Thane says, "So what are you, really? We hope you're not like those mortals we got a few days ago..."

You notice that the Thane throws the royal "we" around quite often... :)

So they are here, right? I hope they are in good health, aren’t they?

I am just a humble seaweed leshy and an adventurer, your Thane-ship Konbu replies. They bows deeply to the Thane as they speak. My name is Konbu

"Ah but we are looking for some mortals! Not very interesting people, perhaps, but decent herbalists anyway", Toavandil says delighted from the possibility of succeeding in the mission so easily.

"'We' are Pathfinders on a mission!" Sybille says with pride.

"Pathfinders? What is a Pathfinder, Clyetus?" asks the Thane.

Clyetus speaks up. "Whatever a Pathfinder is my lord, they'll all be little more than weeping babes once some decades have passed. We might as well use them as scraps for the hounds." Suddenly, a large rabbit with dun-colored fur hops into view, and then walks on two legs into the center of the room to face the Thane.

"Oh grand Eternal One I know the world from whence these mortals come. The Pathfinders have done me a favor in the past. I owe them much, and your radiance has always demanded debts be paid. Treating them as scraps would leave my debt unfulfilled." The rabbit regards you with a sympathetic look.

Clyetus interjects, "Summer Storm, you forget yourself. This is your first Elsewhere Feast. Mortal debts hardly matter. In fact—" at that, the Thane's face darkens, and he raises a hand. Clyetus, sensing the Thane's displeasure, immediately ceases speaking.

"All debts matter," the terribly beautiful fey lord proclaims. "What do you propose, our newly awakened friend?" The Thane asks.

"A wager my Lord, a game."

"Oh, a new game! Excellent. What are the stakes?"

"Grant me time with the newcomers. If they prove entertaining enough, then you return them to their lands as they were before arriving, along with those they came to seek, the weight of years removed."

"And should they fail?" The Thane gives a harsh look. Summer Storm turns and looks upon the party wistfully "My name and my freedom. I only have both because of their Pathfinder Society."

The Thane ponders the request for a moment and nods. "Done! Have your conference."

The rabbit approaches you and introduces himself. "My name is Summer Storm. Your kind helped earn my freedom years ago from the Thorned Monarch, a fey lord defeated by the Pathfinder Society. I owe the Pathfinders and I can help you—I will help you. The Elsewhere Feast is under the complete control of the Thane, but we can escape. I have a plan. Some of the guests will aid us if you can win them over. Buy me time to get my preparations in place and be ready to run when I give the signal."

"I've been here for decades now, and I've seen the magic used on the invitations. I think I can mess with them just enough to create a way out. I need you to do what you can to distract everyone. Mingle. Entertain the Thane. Whatever it takes to keep focus off me. I wouldn't recommend starting a fight without their permission, though. They won't let that work. And I guess I could use some help finding inconspicuous places to do what I need to do. Oh! And if you want to bring anyone else back, be sure to find them ahead of time. Questions?"

Entertain, entertain, it's quick to say. How should we entertain them?

The dwarf thinks he's not the best entertainer but wait to know how he can do.

No idea. Maybe we leave that to the experts. I'm gonna see if I can find those we are looking for

He goes to talk to the leshy guards