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Arrus shakes his head to Lydia's question and then looks around. "I'm not even sure I know any of you."
"Don't think we've met, I'm Lydia" she responds, and then nods approvingly at Astrid's involvement in stealing the airship.
The crimson-clad rogue doesn't doesn't react to Urwal's hiding spot being pointed out, not wanting anyone to know that she failed to observe him in the first place.
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A slightly disgruntled Urwal drops to where the other leaders are standing. He doesn't say anything, yet... but it's clear he's peeved that you spotted him before he got to drop into the middle of the briefing...
The humming and crackling of electricity echoes off the walls of the vaulted stone cavern, hidden far below the Pathfinder Society’s Grand Lodge. At the cavern’s center, a sturdy wooden ship hovers just above the rocky ground. The ship lacks oars or sails, but a pair of draconic wings sprouts from its port and starboard sides, matching its menacing figurehead. At the ship’s aft, a trio of metal towers dance with blue lightning.
Two figures stand beneath the ship; a robed, gray-skinned woman with white hair and a halo of floating stones, and an armored, pale-skinned man with brown hair and a full beard. The woman, Master of Spells Sorrina Westyr, speaks first, gesturing toward the ship. "This is the Gale’s Claw. A fascinating vessel with an equally fascinating history. You’ll have the chance to experience her capabilities firsthand shortly. We wouldn’t dispatch this ship casually, but today’s mission is vital, and time is of the essence."
Sorrina presents an oversized compass. The jagged shard of metal that serves as its needle spins erratically. "This wayfinder will serve as your guide. Its needle is a warshard, one of the pieces of armor that fell from the sky when Gorum died. The warshard’s magical potential is significant, and it could prove disastrous in the wrong hands, so be sure not to lose it."
Eando Kline acknowledges you as part of a group that recovered one of the Society’s few warshards, making this possible.
"Kreighton Shaine and I enchanted this wayfinder to use a small warshard as a needle to locate other warshards. Kreighton was supposed to be here today, but he seems to have wandered off. You know how he is." Sorrina sighs and shakes her head, but a slight smile graces her lips. "We were able to locate and retrieve a few non-magical fragments of armor, but then the wayfinder hit upon a far more consequential piece, and its needle started spinning, just like you see now. I eventually figured out the reason: the warshard’s in a different part of reality entirely, outside of the Universe. It’s in the Netherworld." Her expression darkens. "The Netherworld is dangerous enough at the best of times, but it’s not just anywhere in the Netherworld. It’s in the region tied to the Gravelands."
"Best case scenario, it’s gone unnoticed in a remote location, and retrieving it will only require getting past the perils that wander the umbral landscape. But we can’t count on a best-case scenario. If we can detect its magic all the way from the Universe, it’s much more likely that someone else has found it, too. It might be in the clutches of an undead servant of the Whispering Tyrant, in the treasure hoard of an umbral dragon, or any number of other possibilities. Worst case, whoever has it has already started to claim its divine power. And that’s a risk we simply can’t overlook."
Sorrina adds, "But thanks to Urwal here, we have some additional tools at our disposal."
Urwal muses, "Well tended, a garden’s fruits surprise even the bees. And when watered by the nectar of the gods, who knows what wonders may bear fruit?" Reaching into a leather pouch at his waist, he withdraws a handful of glowing silver berries. "A taste of this fruit is a taste of the divine, at least for a time. Once tasted, their power should last for a turning or two of the sun, then fade forever."
Eando Kline clears his throat, "What Urwal means to say is, these fruits can grant whoever eats them significant power for a day or two. We don’t have many of them, but this mission is dangerous enough to warrant their use. So the plan is this: take a few hours to get ready, then we’ll meet back here on the deck of the Gale’s Claw. You’ll each eat one of these silver berries. I’ll take the helm of the Gale’s Claw and sail us into the Netherworld. Once we’re there, the wayfinder will point the way. I’ll mind the ship and sail us to the destination, then we’ll land, and you’ll go in and confront whatever’s guarding the warshard. Once you’re done, you’ll get back on the ship, and we’ll sail on home. Any questions?"
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RK 2 (Occultism/Religion/Lore)
RK 1 (Soc/Lore)
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"I know about the Netherworld! The Netherworld is wreathed in perpetual shadow. In general, people and creatures that are native to the Netherworld can see clearly in the dark, and they often have shadow-related abilities that are rarely seen in the Universe. Undead are more common in the Netherworld as well, thanks to the Netherworld’s proximity to the Void, the source of the void energy that fuels undead.. Outside of major settlements, the Netherworld’s most powerful denizens include the servitors of the sadistic god Zon-Kuthon, as well as nomadic groups of shadow giants. While Zon-Kuthon’s servitors are ruthless and cruel, shadow giants can occasionally be convinced to treat with those powerful enough to earn their respect."
Any questions?
"Yes, do we know exactly what the shards look like, or how we're going to be able to identify them when we find them? Do they have magical aurae?"
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"Warshards are essentially bits of Gorum's armor that fell to Golarion on the night he died. Pathfinder agents present in the mountains of Minkai on that dreadful night managed to collect the first set of shards." Sorrina shows you the warshard embedded in a wayfinder.
"In a manner of speaking, the warshard has caused some unusual phenomena in areas where they have fallen. It caused an ooze to become animated, giving it some form of sentience. It caused a planar incursion of sorts, drawing in extra planar creatures, as well as driving nearby creatures mad for no reason. (). I wouldn't exactly call it an aura, but unnatural things happen when one is around." Sorrina continues.
"Now then, to aid in your journey, I have one of the following for you." Eando Kline says.
"One must also consume one of these berries to have a chance where you're going." Urwal murmurs, handing each of you a berry.
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After boarding the Gale’s Claw, you have a chance to check out the ship. Important features include the giant Stasian coils at the aft and a set of 10 shadow cannons mounted around the deck. When you come within 10' of a shadow cannon, the cannon reacts strongly to your mythic power, flaring up with an aura of shadowy magic. You have time to take a closer look at both of these features to get a sense of how they might be able to use them if trouble arises on your journey. You can access the lower decks which contain a storage area, a kitchen, a bathroom, and more than enough beds for everyone on the journey.
Access to the lower decks is from the 15' pagoda in the middle of the hull
As you explore, Eando mounts the special wayfinder with the warshard to the bow and performs a final check of the ship’s steering mechanisms.
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Once everything is ready, Eando activates the transwarp dr---... I mean interplanar portal function.
Crackling arcs of electricity dance through the coils at the rear of the Gale’s Claw, surging in ethereal blue waves. Eando’s voice rises above the din, "Brace yourselves!" The air tingles and hums, carrying with it a sharp smell of metal and flame, before falling suddenly still. At the ship’s bow, the draconic figurehead opens its mouth wide. It exhales, filling the sky ahead with a cloud of frigid and inky darkness. The airship tumbles ahead into the sightless cloud in a motion that feels more like plummeting to the ground than any sort of controlled flight.
Moments later, the ship stabilizes. The impenetrable void gives way to a sea of deep-blue fog. Images flash in the fog of people and places both familiar and unknowable. At the helm, Eando frowns, "Stay sharp. We’re not to the Netherworld just yet."
* Radius of all light from light sources and the areas of light spells are halved.
* Penumbra’s power affects the area within a mile of her castle, enhancing shadow magic while impeding light magic for the rest of the encounters you face in this adventure.
* Spells with the shadow trait gain a +1 circumstance bonus to their spell DC or spell attack roll with that spell.
* Spells with a Light trait need to succeed at a DC 6 flat check or the spell or activation is disrupted.
Access to the lower decks is not possible due to interference from this unusual dimension. The entrance is locked behind a solid barrier of blue fog.
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Astrid pulls out a mug and pours herself some ale. She steels herself before quickly drinking her elixir of darkvision. She promptly washes out the foul taste with a swig of ale.
"Ugh! That was awful. Almost makes me nostalgic for one of your worst, Quin. Remind me about that the next time I complain about one of your brews."
The shield maiden makes her way to the bridge, occasionally sipping on her ale, careful not to over indulge on this trip. She examines a spot on the bow and runs her hand along the wood. She smiles as she finds and reads her signature that she carved there all those months ago.
"I still think we should have named her Aslynn's Lament. Or maybe Hag's Nightmare."
She carefully double checks the equipment she purchased for this mission then turns to watch the landscape pass by.
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You've only been traveling in this "transitional plane" when you catch the attention of some unsavory creatures...
Something amorphous appears beside each of you and attacks!
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COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 1
Tactical Map
Special Conditions:
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Those with ** may go
**Arrus Lionus - AC 33 176/176
Green
Red
Pink
White
Rex - AC 31 164/164
Astrid Gertasdottir - AC 34 (36 w/shield) 176/176 (AC 36; Shield - H13, 104/104; Resist - 4Pi, 1Co/El/Vo)
Lydia - AC 30 (32 Nimble Dodge) 129/129
Yellow
Quinoline Silicate - AC 30 (32 w/shield) 140/140 (Shield - H10, 80/80)
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"Ugh! That was awful. Almost makes me nostalgic for one of your worst, Quin. Remind me about that the next time I complain about one of your brews."
"That's the problem with these Society-provided brews. They're mass-produced, assembly-line style, bottled by the hundreds. Cold brew is the way to go. It's more labor-intensive, but produces a smoother flavor profile ..."
Quinoline launches into an extended discussion of kinetic dissolution rates and thermodynamic equilibria, not noticing that Astrid's rate of alcohol consumption increases proportionally to the number of multisyllabic words.
She's deep into a discussion about the Arrhenius Equation when the party is attacked. She doesn't even notice the creatures approaching until Astrid draws her sword(s).
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You recognize it from an obscure text that Green is a Deep Manifestation of a Nightmare. Not many texts talk about it (actually there's no description in the scenario text so I'm free-wheeling a bit here) but it seems to like making mental and/or emotion based attacks.
Arrus marks Green as prey. He manages to recall some information about it before shooting it with his crossbow at point-blank range. The bolt pins its leg to the deck and sets it on fire.
Red's limb forms into a claw and it slashes it across Quinoline.
Suddenly, another creature pops into view as it unleashes despair on everyone on the deck. The manifestations of nightmare don't appear to be affected.
You hear a shout from Eando Kline. "PATHFINDERS! Use the ship's cannons!! YOU CAN FIRE THOSE!!"
White's limb manifests as a large club and it tries to clobber Arrus.
for
The limb then tries to close onto the ranger.
It tries to hit him again.
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Green morphs a limb into a point and it tries to poke Astrid with it.
for
for
for
Pink's limb morphs into a claw and it tries to slash Lydia.
for
for
for
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COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 1
Tactical Map
Before your Turn:
DC 31 Will vs Wave of Despair: Arrus, Rex, Astrid, Lydia, Quinoline
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Those with ** may go
Arrus Lionus - AC 33 150/176 (Green Prey)
Green (-80; 1d10 Persistent Fire; Immobilized)
Red
Blue (SHIELD UP)
Pink
White
**Rex - AC 31 164/164
**Astrid Gertasdottir - AC 34 (36 w/shield) 176/176 (AC 36; Shield - H13, 104/104; Resist - 4Pi, 1Co/El/Vo)
**Lydia - AC 30 (32 Nimble Dodge) 129/129 ** Reaction used
Yellow
Quinoline Silicate - AC 30 (32 w/shield) 140/140 (Shield - H10, 80/80)
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CONDITIONS AND EFFECTS REFERENCE
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* Radius of all light from light sources and the areas of light spells are halved.
* Penumbra’s power affects the area within a mile of her castle, enhancing shadow magic while impeding light magic for the rest of the encounters you face in this adventure.
* Spells with the shadow trait gain a +1 circumstance bonus to their spell DC or spell attack roll with that spell.
* Spells with a Light trait need to succeed at a DC 6 flat check or the spell or activation is disrupted.
CS: Unaffected
S: Can't use reactions, must attempt another save at the start of its turn. (F: Slowed 1 for that turn as it sobs uncontrollably)
F: As Success, but 1 minute
CF: As Failure, Slowed 1 for 1 minute
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Astrid frowns as an unfamiliar emotion washes over her. She glares at the creature that caused it. "Whatever you did to me, I don't like it. Looks like I need to introduce you to Stormsóknarmaður." She turns to the creature in front of her. "Get out of my way."
She gives the greenish creature a mighty shove before raising her shield and lashing out with her sword.
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Lydia tries to contain her emotions but feels a wave of despair rush over her. She then takes her two swords and tries to slice the foe in front of Astrid.
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Effect: You apply one of the following debilitations, which lasts until the end of your next turn. When the creature is affected by a new debilitation, any previous one it was affected by ends.
- Debilitation The target takes a –10-foot status penalty to its Speeds.
- Debilitation The target becomes enfeebled 1.
- Debilitation The target can’t use reactions.
- Debilitation The target can’t flank or contribute to allies’ flanking.
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Rex feels he's not wanted and fades from view. However, Yellow and Green both take advantage of the opening and lash out at him.
↺ for
↺ for
Yellow connects but Green whiffs badly.
Arrus and Quinoline feel sad for some reason...
Astrid and Lydia both feel an unfamiliar emotion. Astrid manages to shove Green away before trying to strike at it. Unfortunately, her emotions get the best of her and she doesn't connect.
Lydia feels the same way and she manages to strike Pink with one sword while missing with the other.
Yellow steps forward and slashes at
for
for
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COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 1
Tactical Map
Before your Turn:
DC 31 Will vs Wave of Despair: Arrus, Quinoline
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Those with ** may go
-2-
**Arrus Lionus - AC 33 150/176 (Green Prey) ** no reactions
Green (-80; 22 < AC <= 32; 1d10 Persistent Fire; Immobilized)
Red (22 < AC <= 32)
Blue (SHIELD UP)
Pink (-19; 22 < AC <= 32)
White (22 < AC <= 32)
Rex - AC 31 143/164 (Invisible; Slowed 1) ** no reactions
Astrid Gertasdottir - AC 34 (36 w/shield) 176/176 (Shield - H13, 104/104; Resist - 4Pi, 1Co/El/Vo; Slowed 1) ** no reactions
Lydia - AC 30 (32 Nimble Dodge) 129/129 (Slowed 1) ** no reactions
Yellow (22 < AC <= 32)
-1-
**Quinoline Silicate - AC 30 (32 w/shield) 140/140 (Shield - H10, 80/80) ** no reactions
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CONDITIONS AND EFFECTS REFERENCE
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* Radius of all light from light sources and the areas of light spells are halved.
* Penumbra’s power affects the area within a mile of her castle, enhancing shadow magic while impeding light magic for the rest of the encounters you face in this adventure.
* Spells with the shadow trait gain a +1 circumstance bonus to their spell DC or spell attack roll with that spell.
* Spells with a Light trait need to succeed at a DC 6 flat check or the spell or activation is disrupted.
CS: Unaffected
S: Can't use reactions, must attempt another save at the start of its turn. (F: Slowed 1 for that turn as it sobs uncontrollably)
F: As Success, but 1 minute
CF: As Failure, Automatically Slowed 1 for 1 minute
Succeeded 1st check: Arrus, Quinoline
Failed 1st check: Rex, Astrid, Lydia
Slowed 1; No reactions (1 minute): Rex, Astrid, Lydia
Slowed 1 (current round): TBD
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"I regret nothing! YOLO!"
---
Quinoline walks over to the closest cannon and discharges it.
Quinoline raises her shield and considers her options against White.
It's too close. She crafts a bottled lightning and throws it at Green instead.
probably vs cover
plus 11 splash electricity plus off-guard plus DC 31 Fortitude save vs dazzled (1 round)
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Arrus sobs uncontrollably for a few seconds. He then gets his tears under control and jumps into action. Arrus makes for one of the cannons and shoots Green. The shot hits it right in the leg and pins it to the deck. ().
Quinoline, who manages to keep her emotions under control, finishes it off with a sparking bottle of zap juice.
Red moves to flank Quinoline and strikes at her.
for
for
White tries to Grab hold of Quinoline.
Failing that, it tries to clobber her anyway.
for its limb closes on Quinoline, trying to hold on.
It then shoots some sort of Nightmare Vision at Arrus.
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Blue stares balefully at Astrid and attempts to blast confusing thoughts into her mind. Astrid feels a really bad migraine coming on and she's got so many conflicting thoughts in her head.
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COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 1
Tactical Map
Before your Turn:
DC 28 Will vs 12 Mental: Lydia
DC 31 Will vs Confusion: Astrid
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Those with ** may go
Arrus Lionus - AC 33 150/176 (Green Prey) ** no reactions
Red (AC 27)
Blue (SHIELD UP)
Pink (-19; AC 27)
White (AC 27)
**Rex - AC 31 143/164 (Invisible; Slowed 1) ** no reactions
**Astrid Gertasdottir - AC 34 (36 w/shield) 176/176 (Shield - H13, 104/104; Resist - 4Pi, 1Co/El/Vo; Slowed 1) ** no reactions
**Lydia - AC 30 (32 Nimble Dodge) 84/129 (Slowed 1; Grabbed; Immobilized; OG) ** no reactions
Yellow (AC 27)
Quinoline Silicate - AC 30 (32 w/shield) 67/140 (Shield - H10, 80/80) ** no reactions
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CONDITIONS AND EFFECTS REFERENCE
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* Radius of all light from light sources and the areas of light spells are halved.
* Penumbra’s power affects the area within a mile of her castle, enhancing shadow magic while impeding light magic for the rest of the encounters you face in this adventure.
* Spells with the shadow trait gain a +1 circumstance bonus to their spell DC or spell attack roll with that spell.
* Spells with a Light trait need to succeed at a DC 6 flat check or the spell or activation is disrupted.
F: Frightened 1
CF: Frightened 2
CS: unaffected
S: Stunned 1 (babbling incoherently)
F: Confused (1 minute), new save end of each turn
CF: Confused (1 minute), no save
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Lydia will skirmish strike, taking a step towards red and striking the now ganged up foe.
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Effect: You apply one of the following debilitations, which lasts until the end of your next turn. When the creature is affected by a new debilitation, any previous one it was affected by ends.
- Debilitation The target takes a –10-foot status penalty to its Speeds.
- Debilitation The target becomes enfeebled 1.
- Debilitation The target can’t use reactions.
- Debilitation The target can’t flank or contribute to allies’ flanking.
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Astrid easily shrugs off the confusion. She then grabs Blue and puts it into a tight headlock, totally immobilizing the creature. ().
Rex drops an entire brass band on top of Blue, Pink and Yellow, though they manage to tough out the sonic onslaught.
Lydia breaks free of Pink. She moves towards Red and slices it.
Yellow moves towards Quinoline and attacks her.
for
for
The first limb misses while the second bounces off her shield.
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COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 2-3
Tactical Map
Before your Turn:
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Those with ** may go
-3-
**Arrus Lionus - AC 33 150/176 (Green Prey) ** no reactions
Red (-31; AC 27)
Blue (-11; Restrained; SHIELD UP)
Pink (-30; AC 27)
White (AC 27)
Rex - AC 31 143/164 (Invisible; Slowed 1) ** no reactions
Astrid Gertasdottir - AC 34 (36 w/shield) 176/176 (AC 36; Shield - H13, 104/104; Resist - 4Pi, 1Co/El/Vo; Slowed 1; Paragon's Guard) ** no reactions
Lydia - AC 30 (32 Nimble Dodge) 84/129 (Slowed 1) ** no reactions
Yellow (-11; AC 27)
-2-
**Quinoline Silicate - AC 31 (33 w/shield) 94/140 (AC 33; Shield - H10, 80/80) ** no reactions
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CONDITIONS AND EFFECTS REFERENCE
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* Radius of all light from light sources and the areas of light spells are halved.
* Penumbra’s power affects the area within a mile of her castle, enhancing shadow magic while impeding light magic for the rest of the encounters you face in this adventure.
* Spells with the shadow trait gain a +1 circumstance bonus to their spell DC or spell attack roll with that spell.
* Spells with a Light trait need to succeed at a DC 6 flat check or the spell or activation is disrupted.
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Arrus designates Red as prey and fires the cannon at it. He hits Red, causing grievous damage.
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COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 2-3
Tactical Map
Before your Turn:
DC 31 Will vs Wave of Despair (Slowed 1): Arrus, Quinoline
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Those with ** may go
-3-
Arrus Lionus - AC 33 150/176 (Red Prey) ** no reactions
Red (-95; AC 27)
Blue (-11; Restrained; SHIELD UP)
Pink (-30; AC 27)
White (AC 27)
Rex - AC 31 143/164 (Invisible; Slowed 1) ** no reactions
Astrid Gertasdottir - AC 34 (36 w/shield) 176/176 (AC 36; Shield - H13, 104/104; Resist - 4Pi, 1Co/El/Vo; Slowed 1; Paragon's Guard) ** no reactions
Lydia - AC 30 (32 Nimble Dodge) 84/129 (Slowed 1) ** no reactions
Yellow (-11; AC 27)
-2-
**Quinoline Silicate - AC 31 (33 w/shield) 94/140 (AC 33; Shield - H10, 80/80) ** no reactions
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CONDITIONS AND EFFECTS REFERENCE
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* Radius of all light from light sources and the areas of light spells are halved.
* Penumbra’s power affects the area within a mile of her castle, enhancing shadow magic while impeding light magic for the rest of the encounters you face in this adventure.
* Spells with the shadow trait gain a +1 circumstance bonus to their spell DC or spell attack roll with that spell.
* Spells with a Light trait need to succeed at a DC 6 flat check or the spell or activation is disrupted.
CS: Unaffected
S: Can't use reactions, must attempt another save at the start of its turn. (F: Slowed 1 for that turn as it sobs uncontrollably)
F: As Success, but 1 minute
CF: As Failure, Automatically Slowed 1 for 1 minute
Astrid Gertasdottir
Rextangalin Werzerial
Lydia by redeux
GM Tiger