GM Otha’s Mysteries Under Moonlight Campaign

Game Master Otha

I’ll bot Greyveil either this evening or tomorrow morning if he’s not posted by then…we’re almost at the end of this scenario, fellas…

Thanks. Was traeling and had very poor internet that I could not connect to.

Ushi’s spell finishes off the Soul Eater in satisfying fashion…it drops with a whimper…

Immediately thereafter, Ordellia manifests fully. She channels positive energy to fully heal you and Davorge, and to heal Luvyire as well as she can. Once Ordellia has finished with her treatments, Luvyire speaks.

She also heals your negative levels…

Luvyire’s wings shimmer in the light of the waxing moon as he speaks, heedless of the blood drenching his white robes, “Thank you for your assistance, heroes. I’d definitely have been slain if not for your help. I heard bits and pieces of your investigation from here while I rested, and I believe I have the answers you seek. You see, I am a servitor of the True Spark, Ashava. Along with two of my dearest friends, I watched over the Glade of the Silver Spark just outside your City of Monuments, longer than the Arvensoar has stretched toward Magnimar’s sky. Two weeks ago, our home was attacked by a malevolent will-o’-wisp called Tulvhatha. She and her servants called upon dark powers to corrupt the glade, and they tore my friends apart,” Luvyire stops, tears welling in his eyes…

After a pause, he shakes them free and continues. “I knew they were after the Soul Spark. It is a relic, a magical effigy that serves as a beacon for souls. Once the Soul Spark draws in wandering spirits, it is a simple matter for Ashava’s servants to guide them to the great River where they can find peace. I knew I couldn’t protect it alone, so I fled to Magnimar to seek aid. But my injuries slowed my flight, and the cultists tracked me down. They meant to kill me, and they nearly succeeded.”

Luvyire continues, stopping briefly to gesture to Ordellia. “If Ordellia had not come to my aid, I would have met my end at their hands. I am the one left to defend the Soul Spark, but I cannot defend it without help.”

”Of course,” Ordellia interjects. “By Desna’s grace, we shall all do our part to quell the evil that lingers in the Mushfens.”

Hope fills Luvyire’s eyes. “That’s excellent! Together, I just know we can,” Luvyire’s excitement is cut short as he winces in pain, fresh blood oozing from his wounds. “I... it might be better if you go without me. But remember, heroes. Though alone you might dance, the True Spark is forever your audience. I believe I can give you a blessing in Ashava’s name, should you choose to accept it.”

If the you accept, Luvyire asks you to take his hand one at a time, and a full moon appears on the top of your dominant hand. If you press a finger to this marking, you are gifted with a vision from Ashava herself, who shows you dancing in Magnimar under the light of the next full moon, slowly transforming from their usual appearance to that of a werewolf with silvery fur the color of moonlight.

PCs who accept the gift receive the Celestial Lycanthropy boon on their Chronicle sheets.

Once each willing Pathfinder has received Luvyire’s gift, he nods. “Then it’s settled,” Luvyire finishes solemnly. “By the light of the next full moon, you shall hunt.”

Later that week, Mayor Grobaras sends you ribbons acknowledging your service to Magnimar, along with a commemorative certificate that claims that he hired you in the first place. The slight infuriates Theodorus, who scours the city for critical information you may have missed in hopes of regaining favor in the mayor’s eyes…

===========================================

Congratulations! You have successfully completed Pathfinder Society Scenario #10-05: Mysteries Under Moonlight, Part 1: Testament of Souls! Each of you receive 1 XP!

PRIMARY SUCCESS CONDITIONS: If the PCs rescue Luvyire from the cultists, they fulfill their primary objective and earn 1 Prestige Point. Each PC earns the Grobaras’s Gloryhounding boon on her Chronicle sheet. SUCCESS!

SECONDARY SUCCESS CONDITIONS: If the PCs sanctify all three monuments (the Cenotaph, the Founder’s Flame, and the Mistress of Angels) and prevent Davorge from dying, they each earn 1 additional Prestige Point. Each PC earns the Monument’s Blessing boon on her Chronicle sheet. SUCCESS!

is is fair to look at the Celestial Lycanthropy boon before accepting it?

Absolutely:
Celestial Lycanthropy: You have received a blessing from the azata Luvyire that has imbued you with a spark of celestial energy, which will transform you into a celestial werewolf when the time is right. You can check the box that precedes this boon to gain a portion of that power, gaining resistance 5 to acid, cold, and electricity for 1 hour. This boon will provide additional benefits in a future scenario.

OK. Cool. Greyveil will accept. To explain my caution just this past weekend I played a Ravenloft mod where we found a pendant with werewolf tooth on it. You can change into a werewolf with it but if you choose do so you become chaotic evil and loose that character at the end of that scenario.

MYSTERY UNDER MOONLIGHT PART 2: THE HOWLING DANCE

The adventure begins in the dining hall of the Heidmarch Manor, where Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch has invited you an over for a noontime lunch to discuss business.

Sunlight streams through the dining hall’s windowpanes, illuminating the numerous dishes of food set on the table. Among the selection is a salad of fiddleheads, wild mushrooms, and herbs, a tray of grilled mackerel dressed with fen pepper, a plate of stuffed cabbage leaves, a bowl of maize porridge, and a tray of cheeses, nuts, and plums. A blue-skinned man with solid black eyes, pointed ears, and butterfly wings stands nearby; you all recognise him as Luvyire, the Celestial you rescued in your previous mission. He casts a curious gaze at the display while Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch strides forward with a warm smile.

“Thank you for joining us for luncheon, Pathfinders.” She gestures to the array on the table with a proud gleam in her eyes. “I thought we might chat over some quality Varisian cuisine. Please take a seat and help yourself to whatever you like, though I do recommend trying the mackerel—it’s freshly caught this morning.”

Settling into her seat, Venture-Captain Heidmarch pours herself a small glass of chilled white wine and reclines. “You already know several areas of the city were recently disrupted by necromantic activity. Your investigation traced the attacks to a will-o’-wisp named Tulvhatha, who has taken control of a holy site of Ashava known as the Glade of Silver Sparks. From what we’ve already seen in the city, along with Luvyire’s account of what occurred at the glade, it’s clear this creature wields power that surpasses most others of her kind.”

She flicks her gaze toward the blue-skinned man and inclines her head toward him. “Luvyire here has already offered Ashava’s blessing to transform you, the ones who saved his life, into holy emissaries of the True Spark—something which can only be accomplished by the light of the full moon.”

Luvyire adds, “And I thank you all for accepting my goddess’s blessing...”

The venture-captain pauses to sip her wine and idly runs a finger across the rim of the empty plate before her. “Tonight will be the full moon, and with it the chance to seek out the will-o’-wisp Tulvhatha and end her destruction.”

Luvyire perks up from the assortment of food and glances longingly to the window before looking back. “I’m sorry I won’t be able to join you, Pathfinders. After recently being on the receiving end of Tulvhatha’s wrath, I fear I’m still too weak to make the journey. May Ashava watch over you and keep you safe.”

“I’m glad you’re finally seeing reason, Luvyire,” says the venture-captain. “You’ve already helped enough, and Magnimar is safer for it. As for you, Pathfinders, given the unique nature of the blessing Luvyire has bestowed upon you, you will need to exercise discretion. Your transformation will draw unnecessary alarm if witnessed by civilians. With this in mind, please be sure to be at the Mushfens by sunset. Take the time to prepare yourself for this evening however you need. Luvyire and I are here if you need our assistance. Remember, you have only this one night to discover the Glade of Silver Sparks and destroy Tulvhatha. Be quick, but be careful—you go against a formable foe.”

You have until moonrise to enter the Mushfens and can prepare for the journey in the hours beforehand. Luvyire and the venture-captain will answer any questions you may have.

You may ask other questions but below are a few possible questions you might ask that are pre-answered:

Before you depart, Luvyire approaches you. "I hope you will allow me to teach you a sacred Ashavan dance before you leave, my friends; you can use it to help soothe any restless spirits you may encounter..."

Waki nods and bows with respect to the Venture-Captain.

Honored to be here we are. The blessing helpful for this cause may be. Nevertheless, succeed we must. Away from citizens only use it we shall."

He pauses thinking about the mission briefing details.

Tulvhatha history always been wrath filled has it? Or some reason for the change was there?

Patchouli is not good at dancing at all, but is willing to learn the dance as a expression of good faith.

With their questions answered, Levin polishes off the rest of his meal and joins Luvyire. "I'd be honored, love. I just hope the spirits can keep up with me!"

Once we're able to do some shopping, Levin will buy a mithral dagger as well as a couple of wands.

Greyveil grazes at the food table tasting most of the fare.

I have faced these wisps before. I recall they are usually invisible and can fly quite fast. Plus, I seem to recall they are immune to most magic. Is this correct? If so spells like glitterdust would be very valuable. Alas I cannot produce such an effect.

Finding a setting of Kalistocrat-friendly fare, Ushi takes his time enjoying the repast gratefully.

"This affair has brought us in contact with a great deal of information yet unchronicled. We are fortunate to be able to counter such malignance at the same time. Not all of our endeavors have been so lucky."

Tulvhatha history always been wrath filled has it? Or some reason for the change was there?

Luyvire answers Waki’s query. ”I know not of her history, just of her recency; she ruthlessly attacked our glade; I was the only azata to survive her assault. Even so, she found out I had managed to escape, even though sorely wounded, and she had me hunted down. If not for Ordellia and Davorge, I would not have lived long enough to be rescued by you; if not for you Pathfinders, none of us would’ve survived. So to answer your question, Tulvatha has been malevolent for as long as I have known her…”

I have faced these wisps before. I recall they are usually invisible and can fly quite fast. Plus, I seem to recall they are immune to most magic. Is this correct? If so spells like glitterdust would be very valuable. Alas I cannot produce such an effect.

Luyvire nods. ”You are correct on both counts; she can turn invisible at will and is indeed immune to magic. A most formidable opponent…”

After answering your questions, Luyvire proceeds to teach you the sacred Ashavan dance..,

Lady Heidmarch clears her throat. ”You have a few hours before you depart; you had best spend that time preparing, if you have no further questions…”

Any further preparations other than Levin’s purchase?

Waki nods In acknowledging the VC comments

”Thank you very well. “

No purchases

You arrive at the Mushfens at twilight. Moonlight streams through the forest’s thick canopy of dark branches. The chirps and gurgles of nocturnal critters echo in a soft, steady hum, interrupted only by the occasional snapping of a twig or low hoot of an owl. In the distance, fireflies flicker in the shadows. The scent of wet moss and dirt clings to the misty air. Several damp paths branch off, each leading deeper into the swampy woods…

As the full moon’s light washes over you, each of you slowly transform into celestial werewolves. Your nose grows into a snout, you sprout fur, your teeth become more prominent, particularly your canines, hands and feet become claw like. You see a stream of faint, shimmering motes of light gleaming upon one of the paths plunging deeper into the Mushfens.

Unless otherwise stated, all areas in the Mushfens are considered to be in dim light.

After this change, you become aware of the full blessing of Asahava…

Please read this below to see how you can control your new shape-change abilities:

Patchouli will shift into the hybrid form. It's the time for book-wielding werewolf lady!
Will adjust profile header later...

"Ccoool!" Levin says appreciatively, his speech slurred by the unaccustomed teeth and long snout. He spends several seconds transforming into each new shape and back to his normal form. Next to the others, even his wolf form seems more like a pup than a fearsome beast.

He resists the sudden and powerful urge to howl at the moon.

before departing Greyveil will try to bolster his fortitude by first casting Heightened Awareness and then preying for the dead for 10 minutes to gain the Cenotaph blessing.

knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 15

DC 15 so +1 fort for 24 hours.

He also purchases the 10 charge wand of Lesser Restoration and the one shot Talisman of Life's Breath.

When the curse comes upon him Greyveil chooses hybrid form and also casts a few more buffs (Barksin and False Life)

Temp hp: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Shifting slightly at the sudden layer of fur under his cloth and armor, Ushi nods his readiness, eyes focused on the shimmering breadcrumb trail ahead.

Waki Huro watches as his teammates transform into furry versions of themselves

”Hope not permanent this curse becomes.“

He looks around to ensure no city folk are watching and proceeds with the hybrid form as well

You follow the trail which Ashava has revealed (the twinkling light path) which leads you to the east, into an area of swampy ground. The swampy ground and trees both prove difficult terrain. The large web in the southwest of the
map makes you think it belongs to a particularly giant spider; alas, it does not seem present at the moment. The cocoons contain the corpses of large animals, such as raccoons, deer, and even an alligator...
 
A sharp breeze cuts through the night, rustling loudly through the trees and brambles. Shadowy figures emerge from  the undergrowth...
 
The husky voice of the tallest figure calls out, “Halt where you are, monsters! I knew there was darkness inside you, Pathfinders,” the man continues, his gaze a steely fire of determination and fury. “Does the rest of the Pathfinder Society even know what foul beasts walk among them, or do they know and harbor you nonetheless? Maybe it’s even worse than that, hmm? Perhaps this paltry cabal of you represents the true face of the entire organization. Be assured that I shall find out. But for now, I see the truth of your malignant nature, and the ruse ends here—along with your lives!”
 
The speaker is familiar to you; it is none other than Inspector Theodorus Ichonvarde. He is obviously still bitter over losing favor with the mayor due to your 'interference' in his investigation of the monuments' corruption...

Moonlight Path

An Old Friend

"You see only what you want to see, Inspector. You misjudge this situation as you misjudged the character of the citizens you badgered ineffectively. Begone from here and wallow in your ignorance." Ushi responds with a chill to match the heat behind Theodorus' words.

I guess I didn't specify, but Levin is also in hybrid form.

Oh, this will not do. Levin purses his lips and whistles a long, somber note. He steps forward slowly, careful to appear nonthreatening, continuing the tune into a slow funeral dirge. Are the motes of light pulsing to the sombre tune, or is it just a trick of the shadows?

Using the Fascinate bardic performance. Each enemy receives a Will save (DC 17 for being flat-footed) or be fascinated.

While he does so, he gestures to his allies. Get into position.

Bluff (pass secret message), DC 15: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

The enemies can make a DC 27 Sense Motive check (-4 if they are fascinated) to understand this message as well.

Greyveil's dragonfly wings unfold from his back and he lifts into the air.

Unsure if we get a full round action or not here. Almost seems a surprise round.

"I see that you're not up to date with the newest combat transformation magic." says the aphorite, "A Pathfinder killed a glabrezu when he's ascending into demon-lord-hood in six seconds, with the help of Monstrous Physique. We're just trying to be more effective at combat situation. Only those who are out of touch of reality can't see the obvious limitation of human body compared to stronger beings."

My -4, first turn killed Koth'Vaul with 505 damage at lv12, without any buff from teammates

"And we do have skinwalkers among our ranks. We're above racial discrimination, after all."

Levin, before I start initiative, which two are you targeting? If I’m reading right, at your level, you can attempt to fascinate two people and all 4 are within range. Please correct me if I’m wrong…

Not really a surprise round, just gives you a chance, a practically nonexistent one, to talk Theodorus down…and no one’s really flat-footed here as they tracked you down and have swords drawn…once I hear from Levin, we’ll get this party started…

Ugh. I read through the Fascinate ability three times looking for a target limit (I've never used it before or frankly seen anyone else use it), but you're right I see it now. Will target Theodorus and the red one next to him.

1 round of bardic performance used so far.

Once Theodorus threatens our lives Greyveil will be throwing a bomb at the two thugs not with him as part of the turn he sprouts wings and lifts off, if that is acceptable. He does not take well to having his life threatened.

Range Touch, frost bomb: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 194d6 + 6 ⇒ (3, 5, 6, 5) + 6 = 25 Fort Save DC 18 or Staggered for the one hit. DC 18 reflex to the adjacent one for 10 damage. save for half.

Sorry, a storm took out my internet last night just as I was poised to hit submit…

Will: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Theodorus and the guard withstand Levin’s spell…but it dies buy time first Greyveil to take to the air and his companions to answer Theodorus…

”Bold words and foul spells will not avail you! We are made of sterner stuff! Prepare to die!” Theodorus cries out.

@Greyveil: Initiative would’ve started just after Levin’s spell was cast; it allows you to take flight but not attack. I will count that attack as part of your first round full action AND you may either move again or make into a full attack if you wish…

Greyveil tosses a bomb at the two guards to the south…

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

…and it greatly damages, but does not stagger, blue and yellow is unable to avoid the bomb’s splash…

COMBAT! Round 1 - The bold may post!

Greyveil (you still have one action)
Ushi
Theodorus
Waki
Patchouli
Levin
Guards (blue -25, yellow -10)

Moonlight Path

Seeing Greyveil handling the left, Ushi casts a burst of radiance at the raving inspector and his ally on the right.

Burst of Radiance Damage: 5d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 4, 2, 3) = 12
Blind/Dazzle Rounds: 1d4 ⇒ 3

DC17 as usual.

OK. He would throw two. But then each is at -2 to hit. so that 19 becomes a 17, hopefully against flat footed enemies.

Greyveil throws a second bomb making the target the one that was splashed.

Range Touch, frost bomb: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 214d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 3, 5, 4) + 6 = 23 23 points of damage and Fort Save DC 18 or Staggered for the one round. DC 18 reflex to the adjacent one for 10 damage. save for half.

Sorry again, but it was anniversary weekend…

Finishing Greyveil’s attack

Greyveil finishes his attack by tossing another bomb bomb at the two guards to the south…

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

…and it hammers both, leaving yellow staggered…

Ushi follows up with a burst of radiance at Theodorus and the other guard…

Fort: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

…while the guards succumbs to blindness, Theodorus withstands it but is dazzled, three rounds rounds and Theodorus takes damage (Theodorus is evil, the guards are not)…

An angry Theodorus rushes forward and swings his sword at Patchouli…

Sword: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
Confirm: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17
Damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

…and his blade strikes Patchouli’s shoulder…

COMBAT! Round 1 - The bold may post!

Greyveil
Ushi
Theodorus (-12)
Waki
Patchouli (-8)
Levin
Guards (red blind, blue -35, yellow -33/staggered)

Moonlight Path

Waki draws blades and 5’ steps to slash at Theodorus

” Your actions misguided are.“

spends 1 ki for extra attack

mw cold iron wakizashi, 2WF: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 - 2 = 19
for dmg: 1d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 2 = 9
+1 psy wakizashi, 2WF: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 12 - 2 = 21
for dmg: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10
Bite bite: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
for dmg: 1d3 + 3d6 ⇒ (2) + (1, 6, 4) = 13
Ki +1 psy wakizashi, 2WF: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 - 2 = 28
for dmg: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10
Ki confirm, 2WF: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 - 2 = 23
for dmg: 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 = 6

ignore the psy description as this was some weird boon in his blade that never materialized

BONK Theodorus: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16 Dmg: 3d6 + 10 ⇒ (1, 5, 6) + 10 = 22

Levin steps forward to bite at the nearest enemy while pulling his shortsword from its sheath.

No full attack since I didn't have a weapon out.

Bite vs yellow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Damage + Arcane Strike: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Trip vs yellow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Patchouli and Levin’s attacks miss their mark…

While Waki’s bite misses, his namesake blade does not; three times it slashes Theodorus, who grimaces in pain, not so confident now…

While they explore blind guard nervously strikes a defensive posture, the other two take swings at Levin…

Sword: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
Sword: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Sword: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
Confirm: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
Damage+Crit: 2d8 + 14 ⇒ (6, 4) + 14 = 24

…while blue’s attacks barely miss, yellow’s single attack cuts into Levin deeply, sorely wounding him…

COMBAT! Round 2 - The bold may post!

Greyveil
Ushi
Theodorus (-47)
Waki
Patchouli (-8)
Levin (-19)
Guards (red blind, blue -35, yellow -33/staggered)

Moonlight Path

"Throw down your weapons and you will not be harmed." Ushi offers, before speaking out a prayer across the battle.

Casting prayer to affect friend and foe alike. I assume there's no SR to deal with.

These aren't silver weapons the guards are using, are they?

No, that’s why I took off 5 from your damage; only one attack hit, a confirmed crit, and it inflicted 24 damage but you only have -19 listed. You are DR5/Silver, right?

Ok just making sure. Yes, from my shiny new werewolf hybrid form.

Watching Levin take a hit Greyveil decides to keep throwing bombs. excluding his ally of coursse. His initial bomb is thrown at teal.

Range Touch, frost bomb: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 234d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 6, 3, 5) + 6 = 26 26 points of damage and Fort Save DC 18 or Staggered for one round. DC 18 reflex to the adjacent one for 10 damage. save for half.

And at yellow second.

Range Touch, frost bomb: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 324d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 4, 4, 2) + 6 = 17 17 points of damage and Fort Save DC 18 or Staggered for one round. DC 18 reflex to the adjacent one for 10 damage. save for half.

Ohh...

Confirm, Touch: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 194d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 6, 3, 1) + 6 = 18 A total of 35 points of damage if 19 touch confirms.

4 of 12 bombs used.