Bangy crafts a fine necklace despite his slow pace, making up for it with the colorful tales he tells.
Rose fumbles with her charms, perhaps not her cup of tea at the moment.
Shayla teams up with Meadow on a shared adventure, nudging her partner to help “fix” the story.
Horul crafts talismans for the festival with ease.
Arfsnarf fashions a cage-like necklace for his rock, using that same rock to justify his choices during missions.
Meadow spins another tale, one that Shayla, this time, isn’t part of.
Tsimaan inspects the charms they crafted after listening to some of their tales. She then exchanges them for four talismans of the party’s choice: either a peachwood talisman or an escape fulu.
"This one works against undead, while this one aids you in escaping," she explains, even offering to affix the talismans for them.
Choose four talismans in any combination of the two offered.
Once the Pathfinders have finished helping with the preparations, a town-wide meal opens the festival.`Once all the preparations are complete, Mayor Deyahi calls the town together for a massive communal feast. Children’s laughter as they run around cuts through the happy chatter of adults. Huge pots of food are available: patties of dried meat and berries; meat stew; a succotash of corn, beans, and squash; and finally, a berry pudding for dessert.
Following the dinner, Deyahi suggests the Pathfinders rest for an hour.
During this time, you can redo any daily preparations to take advantage of what you may have learned about the Fire Watch. This does not allow you to renew any expended spell slots or daily abilities, but you may change any unused prepared spells.
Afterward, Deyahi leads them and a procession of townsfolk on a 20-minute walk down an escarpment to the fire site. Niishan was initially located here, where the founders camped when they first arrived in the area, though later moved to a better location a mile away when it outgrew the area.
After a short walk along a well-maintained path, Mayor Deyahi brings the procession to a halt in a clearing. Six small earth lodges stand here, the original site of Niishan when it was just a few families and not a prosperous small town. These homes remain in good condition despite the passage of many years.
In the center of the clearing, a towering pile of dead, dry brush stands in a stone circle. As the sun sinks below the horizon, it paints the sky a fiery red. A moment later, a real fire flares on the torch Deyahi is carrying. She calls out in a strong voice that carries through the suddenly quiet crowd:
“This marks the start of our Festival of Fire. We recognize the turning of the seasons, and we give thanks to the spirits for Niishan’s prosperity. We honor our four founders by following the traditions they set forth. We honor those who have given the most to Niishan in the last year. This year, that is the Pathfinder Society, who have restored the star gun Hatahasi to us. This year, we honor their traditions too, agreeing the Fire Watch could be more than four agents if the Society sent more to us. Just as they helped us prepare and we got to know each other better, we bring both Niishan and the Pathfinder Society together in the spirit of cooperation!”
With those words, she plunges her torch into the pile of brush, and it roars into flame, casting light across the clearing.
Mekobin then throws the ceremonial fuel they have collected onto the fire. Following the fire lighting, the townsfolk leave, and the Pathfinders’ Fire Watch begins.
Tall grasses about 5 feet high and shrubs create difficult terrain in most of the area (in any green square on the map). Creatures in those areas have concealment. The clearing that includes the fire site and the paths leading away from it (brown areas on the map) are packed dirt, making them normal terrain that does not offer any concealment. Six earth lodges from the original village remain in good condition. You can enter them through doorways that face inward toward the fire, though the lodges are completely empty (their furnishings were removed long ago). The walls are made of dry clay over an inner shell of grass.
You are here on the Map.Kindly arrange yourselves on the Map for the Fire Watch within the fire's bright light.
F Half-elf | Ranger 6 | ◆◇↺ | HP 74/74| AC 24 | F +11 R +14 W +13 | Perception +13 Low light vision | Hero 1/3 | Focus 1/1 | speed 35 |Prey=Wanikkawi| conditions: cat's eye elixir
"Hmmm...The fire is great but we could use a bit more light. Just in case."
Meadow activates her wayfinder, causing it to glow with a warm light. She then digs in her backpack and retrieves a hooded lantern. She lights the lantern and hangs it from the rafters of the southern hut.
"There. That should help a bit. Keep your eyes open Silence. We're standing vigil." She returns to the fire and waits.
I've placed a template for the bright light portion of Meadow's lantern but not for her wayfinder. The lantern should provide dim light for an additional 30 feet.
About two hours after the sun sets, stars sparkle across Desna’s dark canvas above, their magnificence barely dimmed by the light of the ceremonial fire. The sounds of nature fill the air alongside the crackling and occasional pop of the fire—the buzz of insects, the occasional cry of a hunting owl—until they all suddenly fall silent.
A few moments later, a voice calls from the darkness. “Abandon this watch. You’re not from here, and so we offer you the same deal as we did the last time strangers came to this place and lit a fire. Let us have our way, and in return, we will let you live!”
"It could have been as before, but there are six of you. Nonetheless, which one will take our deal this time?” another calls out.
DC 23 Perception check to Sense Motive:
You can tell the first voice is being sincere about the spirits having made this deal before, though it does not intend to honor the agreement.
DC 23 Perception check to detect the general direction of those speaking:
The first one comes from south, while the second voice is from east.
Sense Motive (Perception, Expert) vs DC 23:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18 Seek (Perception, Expert) vs DC 23:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Bangy looks South, squinting into the darkness "Let us live?" he calls out in that direction "We are here to celebrate and protect. What is with the uneccesary hostility!? Where is the crime?!"
Bangy looks East "What deal? I didn't here about any deal. Why don't you come out and quit this cryptic remark nonsense and talk with us? I'm certain we can work it out"
His precious life threatened, our ysoki hero Squats low, ready to protect against wanton and arbitrary violence...
check to detect the general direction of those speaking (DC 23 Perception):1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Arfsnarf squints in the directions indicated by Bangy, but he can't quite make out the hidden figures. He really hopes that they comply and come out into the open soon.
⬤ CEREMONIAL FIRE! Round 1 ⬤ Terrain Feature(s): Tall grasses (5 ft) and shrubs in green squares are difficult terrain and grant concealment. The fire site clearing and brown paths are packed dirt, normal terrain with no concealment. Six intact earth lodges face inward toward the fire; they’re empty, with walls of dry clay over a grass shell.
Map Link:ENCOUNTER MAP
➤ BOLD NAMES CAN ACT; STRIKETHROUGH MEANS ELIMINATED.
➤ Bangy Piper(AC 24)(76/76 HP) | LLV
➤ Shayla Quickfingers(AC 25)(92/92 HP)
➤ Arfsnarf Ah'sneeze's(AC 25)(78/78 HP) | DV Black Hollow(- HP) | Slowed 1; Hidden (DC 11) | DV
Rose Goldenoak (AC 24)(75/75 HP) | DV Red Furious Little Man(- HP) | Hidden (DC 11) | DV Blue Furious Little Man(- HP) | Hidden (DC 11) | DV
Meadow (AC 24)(74/74 HP) | LLV
⠀⠀⠀Silence (AC 23)(52/52 HP) | LLV
Horul (AC 23)(63/63 HP) | DV White Hollow(- HP) | Slowed 1; Hidden (DC 11) | DV
Tall grasses (5 ft) and shrubs in green squares are difficult terrain and grant concealment. DC 5 Flat check:1d20 ⇒ 15 vs Concealed Black
Bangy easily trips Black.
Black Hollow slowly stands up and runs toward them!
The firewatch light burns brightly, and the minty scent of the fuel burning affects the approaching hollow. The savory herb reportedly drives away hostile spirits, making it a uniquely useful fuel for the ceremonial bonfire. Burning prairie mint causes the ceremonial fire’s light to increase any spirits’ weaknesses by 1 point or reduce their resistances by 1 point in Events 1–3. The same fire gives the Pathfinders a sense of unity to protect it. See Spring Renewal Benefit.
⬤ CEREMONIAL FIRE! Round 1 ⬤ Terrain Feature(s): Tall grasses (5 ft) and shrubs in green squares are difficult terrain and grant concealment. The fire site clearing and brown paths are packed dirt, normal terrain with no concealment. Six intact earth lodges face inward toward the fire; they’re empty, with walls of dry clay over a grass shell.
Map Link:ENCOUNTER MAP
➤ BOLD NAMES CAN ACT; STRIKETHROUGH MEANS ELIMINATED.
Bangy Piper (AC 24+2 w Nimble Dodge)(76/76 HP) | LLV
Arfsnarf Ah'sneeze's (AC 25)(78/78 HP) | DV Black Hollow(- HP) | Slowed 1 | DV
➤ Shayla Quickfingers(AC 25)(92/92 HP)
➤ Rose Goldenoak(AC 24)(75/75 HP) | DV Red Furious Little Man(- HP) | Hidden (DC 11) | DV Blue Furious Little Man(- HP) | Concealed (DC 5) | DV
Meadow (AC 24)(74/74 HP) | LLV
⠀⠀⠀Silence (AC 23)(52/52 HP) | LLV
Horul (AC 23)(63/63 HP) | DV White Hollow(- HP) | Slowed 1; Concealed (DC 5) | DV
The savory herb reportedly drives away hostile spirits, making it a uniquely useful fuel for the ceremonial bonfire. Burning prairie mint causes the ceremonial fire’s light to increase any spirits’ weaknesses by 1 point or reduce their resistances by 1 point in Events 1–3.
Spring Renewal Benefit (to PCs) :
For 24 hours, anytime they restore Hit Points to one or more allies, those allies gain an additional +1 Hit Point (+2 for levels 7–8).
Shayla activates Light on her Wayfinder and throws hatchet that effectively cuts part of the Black Hollows head than she anticipates. Crit, 20 S damage + S Weakness 10+1
Rose shoots with gun that blasts parts of its limbs. Crit, 26+4 B/P damage She tries to scare Black Hollow, but the enemy just stares at her with blank eyes. Mindless, immune to mental The second shot gets past the enemy's ear.
Red Furious Little Man closes in through the tall grasses and shoots Meadow.
Shortbow Attack:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24 Damage:1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 piercing
Blue Furious Little Man goes through the dirt path and shoots Rose twice.
Shortbow Attack:1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26 Damage:1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 piercing
⬤ CEREMONIAL FIRE! Round 1 ⬤ Terrain Feature(s): Tall grasses (5 ft) and shrubs in green squares are difficult terrain and grant concealment. The fire site clearing and brown paths are packed dirt, normal terrain with no concealment. Six intact earth lodges face inward toward the fire; they’re empty, with walls of dry clay over a grass shell.
Map Link:ENCOUNTER MAP
➤ BOLD NAMES CAN ACT; STRIKETHROUGH MEANS ELIMINATED.
Bangy Piper (AC 24+2 w Nimble Dodge)(76/76 HP) | LLV
Arfsnarf Ah'sneeze's (AC 25)(78/78 HP) | DV Black Hollow(-61 HP) | Slowed 1 | DV
Shayla Quickfingers (AC 25+2 w Nimble Dodge)(92/92 HP)
Rose Goldenoak (AC 24)(65/75 HP) | DV Red Furious Little Man(- HP) | Concealed (DC 5) | DV Blue Furious Little Man(- HP) | Concealed (DC 5) | DV
➤ Meadow(AC 24)(70/74 HP) | LLV
➤ ⠀⠀⠀Silence(AC 23)(52/52 HP) | LLV
➤ Horul(AC 23)(63/63 HP) | DV White Hollow(- HP) | Slowed 1; Concealed (DC 5) | DV
The savory herb reportedly drives away hostile spirits, making it a uniquely useful fuel for the ceremonial bonfire. Burning prairie mint causes the ceremonial fire’s light to increase any spirits’ weaknesses by 1 point or reduce their resistances by 1 point in Events 1–3.
Spring Renewal Benefit (to PCs) :
For 24 hours, anytime they restore Hit Points to one or more allies, those allies gain an additional +1 Hit Point (+2 for levels 7–8).
Meadow could have hit her target if not for the tall grasses. She easily hides from enemies' sight. Meanwhile, Silence flies above them.
GM Screen:
Stealth to Hide:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
Horul moves and gives Black a jolt.
DC 21 basic Reflex save:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 vs EA (Fail, 11 E damage)
White Hollow closes in on them, slowly.
⬤ CEREMONIAL FIRE! Round 2 ⬤ Terrain Feature(s): Tall grasses (5 ft) and shrubs in green squares are difficult terrain and grant concealment. The fire site clearing and brown paths are packed dirt, normal terrain with no concealment. Six intact earth lodges face inward toward the fire; they’re empty, with walls of dry clay over a grass shell.
Map Link:ENCOUNTER MAP
➤ BOLD NAMES CAN ACT; STRIKETHROUGH MEANS ELIMINATED.
➤ Bangy Piper(AC 24)(76/76 HP) | LLV
➤ Arfsnarf Ah'sneeze's(AC 25)(78/78 HP) | DV Black Hollow(-72 HP) | Slowed 1 | DV
Shayla Quickfingers (AC 25+2 w Nimble Dodge)(92/92 HP)
Rose Goldenoak (AC 24)(65/75 HP) | DV Red Furious Little Man(- HP) | Concealed (DC 5) | DV Blue Furious Little Man(- HP) | Concealed (DC 5) | DV
Meadow (AC 24)(70/74 HP) | Hidden | LLV
⠀⠀⠀Silence (AC 23)(52/52 HP) | LLV; 20 ft above ground
Horul (AC 23)(63/63 HP) | DV White Hollow(- HP) | Slowed 1 | DV
The savory herb reportedly drives away hostile spirits, making it a uniquely useful fuel for the ceremonial bonfire. Burning prairie mint causes the ceremonial fire’s light to increase any spirits’ weaknesses by 1 point or reduce their resistances by 1 point in Events 1–3.
Spring Renewal Benefit (to PCs) :
For 24 hours, anytime they restore Hit Points to one or more allies, those allies gain an additional +1 Hit Point (+2 for levels 7–8).
"Black Hollow" Bangy calls out "You are not as sneaky as you think you are - we can see you!" his almost-kind tone a distraction, Bangy races forward zigging and zagging and swooping under it's legs, twirls all the way around and gets a clean shank!
Bon Mot (Diplomacy, Expert) vs Black (Will DC):1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23 Feint (Stealth, Expert, Clandestine Cloak) vs Back (Will DC / Bon Mot?):1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35@ Black OG to All Allies 1 round
Dancing Spear of Striking (P, 2h; reach) w/ Sneak Attack (2d6) vs Black (Off-guard?):1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 204d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 5, 6) = 18
Bon Mot:
You launch an insightful quip at a foe, distracting them. Choose a foe within 30 feet and roll a Diplomacy check against the target's Will DC.
Critical Success: The target is distracted and takes a –3 status penalty to Perception and Will saves for 1 minute. The target can end the effect early with a retort to your Bon Mot. This can either be a single action that has the concentrate trait or an appropriate skill action to frame their retort. The GM determines which skill actions qualify, though they must take at least 1 action. Typically, the retort needs to use a linguistic Charisma-based skill action.
Success: As critical success, but the penalty is –2.
Critical Failure: Your quip is atrocious. You take the same penalty an enemy would take had you succeeded. This ends after 1 minute or if you issue another Bon Mot and succeed.
Scoundrel Racket:
When you successfully Feint, the target is off-guard against your melee attacks until the end of your next turn. On a critical success, the target is off-guard against all melee attacks until the end of your next turn, not just yours. If you Feint while wielding an agile or finesse melee weapon, you can Step immediately after the Feint as a free action.
Scout's Charge (◆◆):
[flourish]
You meander around unpredictably, and then ambush your opponents without warning. Choose one enemy. Stride, Feint against that opponent, and then make a Strike against it. For your Feint, you can attempt a Stealth check instead of the Deception check that's usually required, using the terrain around you to surprise your foe.
Whatever trick Bangy attempts before the Black Hollow, the creature only stares back with a hollow, unfeeling gaze. Immune to mental His zigzags and twirls fail to dazzle it, but his spear thrust cuts true, piercing straight into its body. 18 P damage
⬤ CEREMONIAL FIRE! Round 2 ⬤ Terrain Feature(s): Tall grasses (5 ft) and shrubs in green squares are difficult terrain and grant concealment. The fire site clearing and brown paths are packed dirt, normal terrain with no concealment. Six intact earth lodges face inward toward the fire; they’re empty, with walls of dry clay over a grass shell.
Map Link:ENCOUNTER MAP
➤ BOLD NAMES CAN ACT; STRIKETHROUGH MEANS ELIMINATED.
Bangy Piper (AC 24)(76/76 HP) | LLV
➤ Arfsnarf Ah'sneeze's(AC 25)(78/78 HP) | DV Black Hollow(-90 HP) | Slowed 1 | DV
Shayla Quickfingers (AC 25+2 w Nimble Dodge)(92/92 HP)
Rose Goldenoak (AC 24)(65/75 HP) | DV Red Furious Little Man(- HP) | Concealed (DC 5) | DV Blue Furious Little Man(- HP) | Concealed (DC 5) | DV
Meadow (AC 24)(70/74 HP) | Hidden | LLV
⠀⠀⠀Silence (AC 23)(52/52 HP) | LLV; 20 ft above ground
Horul (AC 23)(63/63 HP) | DV White Hollow(- HP) | Slowed 1 | DV
The savory herb reportedly drives away hostile spirits, making it a uniquely useful fuel for the ceremonial bonfire. Burning prairie mint causes the ceremonial fire’s light to increase any spirits’ weaknesses by 1 point or reduce their resistances by 1 point in Events 1–3.
Spring Renewal Benefit (to PCs) :
For 24 hours, anytime they restore Hit Points to one or more allies, those allies gain an additional +1 Hit Point (+2 for levels 7–8).
