GM Valen's PFS #3-13 (Second Table 2025)

Game Master Lysle

Having traversed the new portal in the Maze of the Open Road, it is time to convene around the massive hearth fire in the center of the fledgling Port Valen lodge.

One of the first around the fire is a large orc, he moves somehow soft for his size, but the size of his arms do speak to his big strength. He is carrying plenty of different knives, from throwing ones, daggers and similar, the longest blade that he has is a menacing looking kukri. Tharpe throws a log into the fire looking for the others.

A Tien-Dan male moves near the fire. He bows to the orc as he sits. Clad in a red outfit with golden dragons stitched throughout and wearing a silver dragon symbol set onto a small mirror around his neck.

"I am Ving Tran. It pleases me to be with you on this journey." he says as he rummages around his left sleeve for a minute, and brings out a Teak flute inlayed with dragon carvings and starts to play a quiet yet peacefull tune from a far off land.

A man in fine, but dated attire sits in the shadows cast by the flickering firelight. His skin is ashen, like the dead. He sits in silence, barely breathing as if in a meditative state.

A Dwarven lady holds court at a table. She has a puppet on her hand, and is performing. "All hail to Banjo, who is the god of puppetry!"

Here is a link

"Heya!" says a small but muscular kobold from somewhere about the vicinity of your knees. Standing at his elbow is a scorpion twice his size, as large as a mastiff. It is a thing of brown and gold, its deadly stinger a whorl of jeweled colors.

"I'm Rannarix and this is Mister Snappers." The scorpion almost seems to sigh at this.

"For your, uh, what was it?" He looks at the scorpion, who looks impassively back at him.

"Tactical information, that was the phrase." continues the kobold "I like the sound of that. Anyway, for your tactical information, I specialize in holds and grabs. So does Mister Snappers."

"They got anything to eat in here?" He begins rummanging around the lodge for snacks.

"They got anything to eat in here?" He begins rummanging around the lodge for snacks.

Almost as if in response to the kobold's question, a black and white, husky dog enters the room and lays down by the fire. The dog who wears a harness featuring the Pathfinder Society's symbol. Accompanying the dog is a slender dromaar standing about six-and-a-half feet tall, sporting black hair tied back into a ponytail and a beard braided to three points. The pair is Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen and his faithful dog, Mahki. They are accompanied by Rahaksenwe, a human woman and one of Mahwek people dominate northeastern Arcadiam and a gnome Pathfinder named Lirall, who works with Torrsen as a scribe, greeter, assistant, and if necessary an interpreter for Torrsen.

"Welcome to the far side of the map!" declares Torrsen. "I don’t know what I was expecting to find here, but it sure wasn’t the hospitality that the locals have shown us. I mean, just look at this new lodge! It’s like we never left home!"

“Speaking of leaving home, we’ve worked alongside Rahaksenwe here and other Port Valen leaders to link this lodge to the Maze of the Open Road." Torrsen gives an appreciative glance toward the Mahwek woman, then continues. "They helped us set up the portal so that future Pathfinders won’t need to cross monster-infested waters to get here like we had to. That help wasn’t free, though.”

Rahaksenwe nods and explains, “The portal could not have been completed without the blessing of Viltydus, the fey guardian who guides travelers through the Forest of Trials. Viltydus has a keen eye for heroic potential, and their one condition for building and maintaining the portal is that Pathfinder agents must assist them regularly to foster greatness in this region. That’s why you’re here: to hold up your end of that bargain.”

Torrsen jumps back in. “So, wash up, get what you need from the quartermaster, and follow the footpath just outside the town gate right to the stump at the edge of the forest. Viltydus will meet you there—somehow, they can always sense when Pathfinders are on the way! Any questions?”

Rannarix and Mister Snappers look blankly at Torrsen, then at each other. After a moment, the scorpion nudges the kobold with a claw. Rannarix raises his hand and waves it like a schoolboy.

"Um... Where is here, exactly? Over the ocean? Which one? And, uh, what's 'the Forest of Trials'? But I got your heroic potential right here, boss!" he says, thumping his diminutive chest.

"Also...snacks?"

"Foster greatness? What does it exactly means? " says the Orc welcoming the others

Rannarix and Mister Snappers look blankly at Torrsen, then at each other. After a moment, the scorpion nudges the kobold with a claw. Rannarix raises his hand and waves it like a schoolboy.

"Um... Where is here, exactly? Over the ocean? Which one? And, uh, what's 'the Forest of Trials'? But I got your heroic potential right here, boss!" he says, thumping his diminutive chest.

"Also...snacks?"

Born deaf, Torrsen struggles somewhat to understand the kobold's words. However, lipreading can be difficult with a creature that does not have lips.

Fortunately, the Pathfinder Lirall is able to translate, using sign-language. Torrsen nods and then again gestures towards the map.

The gnome smiles, then explains, "You are in Arcadia, a continent located 4,000 miles west of Avistan and Garund. Those who don't arrive by the Maze of the Open Road tend to arrive via the long and dangerous sea journey over the Arcadian Ocean. About one year ago, the Pathfinder Society set sail for Arcadia in search of the fabled realm of glory known as Valenhall. The expedition landed at here at Port Valen, a small town which the Pathfinders soon learned was quite far from Valenhall. Once here, the Pathfinders searched for land suitable for constructing a new Pathfinder Society lodge while they interacted with prominent local figures and aided in the resolution of some of their troubles."

"The Forest of Trials is, as the name suggests, a forest. It is located here on Arcadia and appears to have some connection to the First World." Torrsen adds as Lirall steps out of the room. "It is beleived to be a step on the journey to Valenhall, though it also harbors monsters who come from the forest to attack Port Valen."

When Torrsen finishes speaking, Lirall returns to the room with a loaf of warm bread and a tankard of ale, which she offers to the party.

A PC who succeeds at a Society check or a Port Valen Lore or Valenhall Lore check to Recall Knowledge knows more about the northern region of Arcadia. These checks are rolled secretly. Those who wish to attempt them should include the appropriate modifier in their next post.

"Foster greatness? What does it exactly means? " says the Orc welcoming the others

Rahaksenwe replies, “Viltydus will provide details once you meet with them. They care deeply about legendary exploits, so your tasks won’t be chopping wood or other mundane work. I doubt you’d have made it this far if you didn’t have the skills to handle whatever Viltydus needs,though.”

Any additional questions?

Society modifier is +7

Rannarix tears into the bread greedily, but Mister Snappers avoids it.

Pathfinder Society and standard Society are both T; +9.

Ving stops playing as the meeting starts to commence, placing his flute into his right sleeve. He then fiddles around a minute and produces a writing kit and starts taking notes.

When asked if the group has any further questions, he quietly and respectfully clears his throat and askes..."What time of "Monsters" are coming forth from the Forest to attack the town? Does these attacks have any semblance of being coordinated attacks or just random in nature?"

Note: Ving chooses the highest level Heal potion, I believe moderate, that is available to a 5th Level character. I had a hard time finding the list. Perhaps a link could be provided?

"What time of "Monsters" are coming forth from the Forest to attack the town? Does these attacks have any semblance of being coordinated attacks or just random in nature?"

"If only the attacks were so predictable," Rahaksenwe laments. A pale of grief overcomes her face for a moment as a flash of memories return to the forefront of her mind.

"Bandits and monsters do roam the woods," Torrsen interjects, "But the forest itself isn’t a sinister place. We will remain vigilant as you tend to the tasks provided by Viltydus. Should a considerable danger arrive here in Port Valen, we will be certain to send for you."

Ramona Stonesplitter recalls nothing more about Port Valen.

Ving Tran, however, knows that Valenhall is a legendary warrior’s paradise glorified in Ulfen fables, able to be found only by those beckoned to it by a mythical call. Scholars disagree as to whether it’s a real place or an aspirational metaphor, a mystery the Pathfinder Society hopes to solve. Last year, a Pathfinder expedition crossed the ocean to the seaside Arcadian town of Port Valen, a waystation on the path to Valenhall, and established a new lodge in the former feasting hall of King Sveinn Blood-Eagle—where this meeting is taking place.

Note: Ving chooses the highest level Heal potion, I believe moderate, that is available to a 5th Level character. I had a hard time finding the list. Perhaps a link could be provided?

Thank you. I forgot to remind PCs at both tables to choose their Pathfinder Provisions.

Rannarix tears into the bread greedily, but Mister Snappers avoids it.

Lirall leaves for a moment and returns with some additional bread, a few pieces of dried meat for Mister Snappers, and a host of provisions.

Please note your choice provisions in your next post. Any other questions? If not, then I will move us to the next encounter in the next 24 hours or so.

Lesser Healing Potion

Society +7, lesser healing potion

Tharpe gets some ale and portion of bread, then he stuffs his face trying to recall something about the place

"What do we know of Viltydus?"

Tharpe gets some ale and portion of bread, then he stuffs his face trying to recall something about the place

Tharpe recalls that, west of Port Valen, grows the Forest of Trials. It is the next natural barrier in the path of those who pursue the call to Valenhall. The forest is treacherous, populated by monsters and masked from divinations. The crossroads guardian Viltydus has lived there since before Port Valen’s founding. This fey has a primal purpose to guide great heroes through the wood toward Valenhall, a mission they pursue with compassion and zeal. They’ve been known to offer guidance to those who don’t seek Valenhall but who nevertheless deserve favor. He is also able to confirm what Ving Tran may share about Valenhall and Port Valen's history.

"What do we know of Viltydus?"

"As a crossroads guardian, Viltydus is a being created by the fundamental primal forces of the world to complete dangerous tasks and quests when no other option seems available. They arise in the form best suited to fulfill the need that brought it into existence. They have an innate understanding of who they are speaking with, allowing them to know who may best aid them in their quest." Thorrsen explains. "Viltydus has lived in the Forest of Trials since before Port Valen’s founding. The need that appears to have brough them into purpose is that of guiding potential heroes through the wood toward Valenhall."

Ving shares all that he remembers with the group so that everyone is informed and prepared as best they can.

Talking around a large hunk of bread, Rannarix sputters out "So whad'rewewaitingfor? Es go!"

Moderate Oil of Unlife

With the party ready to depart, you travel to the site of the crossroad guardian. Only a short distance beyond Port Valen’s borders toward the forest, you come across a massive stump eight feet in diameter sitting at the edge of the wood. All the surrounding plants and earth seem to direct their focus toward it.

A lithe Mahwek individual stands atop a giant stump, their average height magnified by an awesome presence of personality. Their fingers, lips, ears, eyebrows, and nostrils are richly adorned with dozens of rings, each one made of a different material and etched with varying pictograms and sigils. They speak with a voice like wind in the canopy. “The portal already beckons souls destined for greatness! Welcome, Pathfinders, to the Forest of Trials, a noteworthy juncture in your travels across this vast, beautiful world.”

“Each of you is known to me,” says the individual, who exudes the affection of a proud teacher. “Ramona Stonesplitter, though you have a tendency to dissemble and hide the truth, you demonstrated your truth value as you slipped from the mandibles of a giant orchid mantis and, with the aid of Banjo, encouraged your allies to victory over the insects that had been incited by the Red Rain.”

The fey next addresses the rest of the party, magically speaking in a variety of languages.

“I, Viltydus, am pleased to be within your collective company and to be able to make use of your assistance.”The fey gives a respectful nod. “Now, I believe you may have some questions for me?”

Impressive!

Tharpe nods politely

"It is an honor to meet you. I would like to know what are we tasked to do, as the previous information mentioned finding you and helping in whatever you will ask of us."

Ving bows deeply and says. "If it would not be a violation to the rules of the trial, would it be possible to get a general description of the Forest inhabitants that we may have trouble with? It would be prudent that we not offend any that may be friendly by assuming that all we may encounter will not be so. Acting overly aggressive towards them without cause could prove problematic to all involved."

Diplomacy (?): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

"It is an honor to meet you. I would like to know what are we tasked to do, as the previous information mentioned finding you and helping in whatever you will ask of us."

"The honor is mine," Viltydus acknowledges with a bow. "My trade is in adventure and heroism, so naturally I must know how to recognize the significance of those whose paths I cross.”

"As for what you are being asked to do," The fey declares, "You are here to help others striving to answer the call of Valenhall and to aid still others in the recovery from their efforts to reach it. You are a diverse group gathered to work and so, it works out, there are a diversity of tasks for you complete."

Ving bows deeply and says. "If it would not be a violation to the rules of the trial, would it be possible to get a general description of the Forest inhabitants that we may have trouble with? It would be prudent that we not offend any that may be friendly by assuming that all we may encounter will not be so. Acting overly aggressive towards them without cause could prove problematic to all involved."

"You are wise to avoid conflict, when possible." Viltydus agrees. "The Forest of Trials is dark. And Bandits and monsters do roam the woods. But the forest itself is not a sinister place."

"I suppose the threats that one may encounter vary as much as heroes do." The fey ponders aloud. "From natural predators, like big cats, to gangs of humanoids, such as skulks or bugbears, to some combination thereof, including were-creatures. And, one would do well to note that I am far from the only fey known to venture the woods."

"If you are ready to begin your tasks, then simply return to the beginning." Viltydus urges. "Go to the feasting hall and I will meet you there."

What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?

"I believe that Banjo would say it is time to go to the feasting hall."

Tharpe nods

"Let's go then" says the orc

Rannarix started moving as soon as the words "feasting hall" were mentioned.

He looks sidelong at Mister Snappers. "Envoy of the Monkey King? That's dumb. He'd send a monkey, right? Don't look at me that way. I told you I'm not going to call you that dumb name. Your name is Mister Snappers."

If a scorpion could sigh, this one would be doing so. It scuttles along after its master in what might be described as resignation.

By the time the party returns to the feasting hall, the lodge is packed with layfolk, eagerly distributing and enjoying ales and meads. The floor near the hearth fire has been cleared to provide an impromptu stage, with Viltydus standing at its center.

Viltydus’s eyes flash with genuine joy and playful mischief.
“We consume food and drink for our bodies, we consume books and studies for our minds, but we consume tales and stories for our souls. Stories allow us to share our common love of life and remind us why we press on even when our bodies and minds beg us to turn back. Pathfinders gather stories from across the whole world, farther than the sight of a humble villager or even an Arcadian fey. Therefore, I task you to share your most exciting tales with us so that we may for a moment share in your greatest achievements!”

Completing the Task: The storytelling session takes place across three rounds of storytelling. During each round, one PC is the primary storyteller, and they must attempt an appropriate skill checkto tell a compelling story and earn Story Points for the group. The PCs always have the option of using Performance or Deception for this primary check, and each variation on this task allows other specific skills depending on the type of story requested. DCs are reduce for Lore skills.

Before they attempt the primary storytelling check, the player should briefly roleplay telling a story or, at least, describe the type of story they are telling and the ways they are making it interesting. Players may be rewarded for especially compelling stories or for
roleplaying. In addition, before the primary storyteller attempts their check, other PCs can attempt to Aid by succeeding at a DC 18 check using Deception, Performance, or any of the allowed checks for this particular variation of the task.

"If you would indulge us, please begin with a thought-provoking story laden with profundity!" Viltydus requests. [b]"Inspire to inspire those gathered here with stories from beyond the town’s shores and instill among them a thirst for heroism. After all, the more folks who aspire to greatness, the more souls that I can someday guide to Valenhall.[/ooc]

For the first round of stories, a PC may use Diplomacy, Society, or any Lore about an intellectual topic such as academia, art, or warfare. PCs who have gained, at some point, 1 or more Infamy and describe their growth beyond their past misdeeds or who share complex or difficult backstories gain a +2 circumstance bonus to their checks.

Rannarix is certainly capable of making a good Diplomacy check and telling a good (if somewhat childlike) story. But if anyone else (Ramona?) would like to have a go, be my guest.

Aleksandr contemplates for a moment, and begins...

"Please allow me to introduce myself. My name, is Aleksandr Ostenoff, once famed thespian of Caliphas, I gave it all away for love, a love even grander than the stage and the applause of the audience. For... her"

Aleksandr motions in the air, where a ripple appears like a drop falling into the ocean. The skin on the back of his hand darkens in places until the likeness of a rose of pure black forms on his skin.

As his hand glows with a soft magic, a slender hand, similarly glowing, and with a matching "tattoo" emerges from the portal, gripping at the air.

Aleksandr catches the hand, which stops immediately and pulls a woman through the small window. She glows with the vibrance of life, but is as ephemeral as a spirit. He form gradually takes on a bit more substance, yet not fully.

"Her name is Imelia Eisenhardt. She was perhaps one more famous than I. More talented, more radiant, most beautiful. She caught the eye of many an admirer, some who would stop at nothing to have her."

"With that spark..."

Aleksandr snapped his fingers weaving a bit of magic into the hall. Unlit candles or torches in the room sprang to life with fire.

Aleksandr cast the Illuminate cantrip.

"Thus we stand before you. Imelia with my life, hanging on the precipice of death with a phantasmal body and half-lit soul and I with her curse, sapping my of vitality and keeping me on the brink of undeath. Should that bond ever be sundered it would mean our doom."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 2 = 16 And every time my dice decide to try to ruin a good story.

Diplomacy (hero point): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 2 = 23

Ramona will attempt to help Aleksandr. She will use Prestidigitation to provide moody backgrounds and mist surrounding his storytelling tableau. She will cast Light to provide a spotlight on Aleksandr, and shadows where necessary.

Performance to aid: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Aleksandr's tale is met with a mixture of tears and applause.

The PCs have earned 1 Story Point. As Aids don't stack and as an additional +2 would not change the result, we will move to round 2.

"Nearly torn apart has, in many ways, brought you closer together." Viltydus observes. "Will one of the other Pathfinders among your party choose to share a story with us all." Locals within the hall, most from Port Valen, eagerly nod their heads in agreement with the fey's suggestion.

For the next round, another PC is encouraged to tell their story and make the primary check. The same PC may attempt the primary
storytelling check multiple times, but that PC takes a cumulative –2 penalty per prior attempt they’ve made at the primary check.

Viltydus makes a point of pondering for a moment.

"I sense among you that there are stories rich with action and physical prowess." The fey announces. "Tell us one of those, Brave Adventurers!"

The PCs have the option of using Performance or Deception for this primary check, but may instead attempt main skill checks using Acrobatics, Athletics, or any Lore about a physically demanding profession such as gladiatorial work, mining, or sailing. PCs can willingly take 2d6 bludgeoning damage to reenact their stories so dramatically that they gain a +2 circumstance bonus to their checks.

Rannarix claps and whoops as Aleksandr tells his tale

"Right," he says. "That's a good one. I ain't never fought no vampire, but I did fight a demon. Let me tell ya."

He gets up and springs off a tree trunk, landing on his knees with his hands wide out. "Let me tell ya about the time I was in Kyonin and we was attacked by demons!"

"So there I was. Creepy forest demons comin' at me..." he pauses and looks at Mister Snappers. "What?" he demands. The scorpion just stares at the kobold.

"Okay, okay. They was comin' at US. There was other Pathfinders there too. And Mister Snappers."

He looks at the scorpion. "Ya happy now?"

Rannarix takes a deep breath. "Now where was I? Oh, right, demons. Well, they was comin' at us and baby they was open for business! I grabbed one of 'em and bit it." He feigns biting something held in his grasp. "You know what I learned right then? Don't bite demons. It's a simple rule I now live by. They taste terrible!"

"Anyway.... they was leapin out'a the trees, like this!" He runs up a nearby tree and springs out, claws and jaws agape, imitating the threatening demons, and lands solidly in the dirt. It looks painful but the little kobold leaps up again smacks his palm into his hand. "But we smashed 'em."

"Turns out they wasn't the big demons. Turns out there were, whaddyacall, cannon fodder. So later, we meet this Tree Lady, and we talk to her and she talks back and we make nice, you know? So, there was demon bunnies and demon wolves, yadda yadda. Or maybe they were regular wolves, but those bunnies were bad news."

He looks at Mister Snappers for a moment before regaining the thread of his narrative. "Oh, right, right. So anyway, we chased this evil priestess lady and she runs right to this BIG demon. Now he was the real thing, and he starts off just killin' her right off the bat, and that's when we really threw down."

"So he's all 'I'm the biggest, baddest, evilest guy here,' the whaddyacall...monologue. Right. He's monologing. And I'm like BAM!"

Here Rannarix leaps straight forward towards his audience, looking very much like he's on the attack, landing just a foot or so away.

"BAM!" he repeats. "So I grab him. You shoulda seen the look on that guy's face when I put him in an arm bar and said 'Nuh, uh, Chuckles. You ain't goin' nowhere'."

He stops again and looks at Mister Snappers. "Who's telling this story, me or you? You wanna tell it? No? Then let me tell it."

The scorpion makes a little "get on with it" gesture with its pincer.

"Thank you," says Rannarix primly.

Then, with renewed enthusiasm. "So I got him like this and I'm twisting his arm and our paladin...was he a paladin? I think maybe... anyway, he's all like POW and there's fire and lighting and whatnot whizzing around all over the place, because you know, Pathfinders, and this demon is howling for me to let go. But I ain't lettin' go, right?"

"So he throws me pretty good. I'll give him that." And with this, Rannarix leaps back, striking the tree pretty hard. "I hit the wall and Mister Snappers was like, 'oh no you don't!' and he stings that demon right on the face!"

The little kobold gets up and dusts himself off. "And then we met some muckety-mucks and got prizes. The end."

Athletics: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 2 = 18
damage taken: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 6) = 8

Boo! Hero Point Reroll!

Athletics: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 14 + 2 = 29

"Quite the energetic tale!" Viltydus notes.

Does anyone wish to attempt an Aid before I resolve the attempt for this round?

Ramona will aid with the help of lighting, wind gusts, smoke, etc. using Prestidigitation.

Performance: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Tharpe decides to join and becomes Paladin in the tale, getting his arm twisted, but then throwing Rannarix far ...

Athletics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

enough

Tharpe decides to join and becomes Paladin in the tale, getting his arm twisted, but then throwing Rannarix far ...

enough

Unfortunately, the rules to Aid have been altered for this particular encounter. The DC is 18. Anyone else?

My apologies for the confusion, I was not sure what to use for Aid.

As the group begins it's production, Ving reaches into his sleeve, extracts his flute and begins to accompany the rest with various musical emphasis during the telling.

Performance (wind; Expert): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

My apologies for the confusion, I was not sure what to use for Aid.

As the group begins it's production, Ving reaches into his sleeve, extracts his flute and begins to accompany the rest with various musical emphasis during the telling.

A very successful Aid.

"A pair of moving tales--one with motion and the other emotion!" Viltydus proclaims. "Let us continue the momentum with stories of even greater dimension or, perhaps, different planes altogether! Tell us a story that heavily features magic and mystery!"

For the next round, another PC is encouraged to tell their story and make the primary check. The same PC may attempt the primary storytelling check multiple times, but that PC takes a cumulative –2 penalty per prior attempt they’ve made at the primary check.

The PCs have the option of using Performance or Deception for this primary check, but may instead attempt main skill checks using Arcana, Occultism, or any Lore about fortune-telling, games, or planes other than the Material Plane. PCs who share their own riddles or puzzles or who cast a spell of at least 1st-level to augment their storytelling gain a +2 circumstance bonus to their checks.

Ramona brings out Banjo, and begins to reenact the story of how Banjo the Clown ascended to godhood. Ramona will cast Phantasmal Minion to carry and animate the puppet. The Phantasmal Minion will be completely transparent.

"**The Divine Ascent of Banjo the Clown**"

"For in the end, Banjo the Clown didn’t escape the circus."
"He became the Ringmaster of Reality!"

Deception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Hero Point Deception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

"Well done, Pathfinders! To all of you! Well done!" Viltydus cheers as due the assembled locals. The fey produces a pair of goggles of night, which the crossroads guardian gifts to the party.

5 Story Points total.

"Your last two tales were most superb, but the first did pose some tough question about the morals of certain individuals." Viltydus notes. "Your mettle must be tested."

Their curiosity about the party piqued Viltydus imposes a minor challenge on your next task using their geas ability.
The DC of each PC’s next Will saving throw is increased by 2.

"Join me next at the shop owned by master smith Tonfer Bronzhelm." The fey conjures a cloud of mist, then seems to disappear.

It is not difficult to find Bronzhelm’s shop, as the smithy is revered Port Valen. The shop of the Ulfen master smith is renowned as the birthplace of most magic weapons and armor in Port Valen.

Spotting first a metal sign emblazoned with Bronzhelm’s mark—a winged helm perched on the handle of a morningstar—hanging above the entrance of the shop, you spot next the fey waiting for you underneath.

Viltydus cracks their knuckles. “Many dream of greatness, but a dream’s legs often buckle without a sturdy tool to support its weight. Any who brave the Forest of Trials must be well equipped, and such instruments of valor are forged here in the song of fire and steel. I task you to assist our esteemed smith with crafting a tool worthy of a hero, one you’d be honored to receive yourself in the coming years, were you to journey to Valenhall.”

"Allow me to introduce you to Tonfer Bronzhelm." The fey says as he opens the door to the shop and bids you follow. "He is presently working on a magical item fit to take to Valenhall. The item is still mostly unfinished, as Bronzhelm has been putting off the procedure for imbuing the item with magic."

"That step" Bronzhelm adds, looking up from his forge,"always seems to go awry.”

"You are make your mark on the item alongside Tonfer’s so that a part of your identity may journey into glory with the item’s wielder." Viltydus informs you with a whisper.

"Crafting magical gear so close to a site of legend is tricky." Tonfer's voice booms over the roar of the forge's flames. "The forge fire takes on a life of its own, and sometimes spirits of grandeur inhabit the items and try to exert their own will. You should be ready to fend off such creatures as we collaborate to finish the item."

Grabbing a set of tongs, Tonfer withdraws a red-hot disc from the flames. "I'm crafting a warpriest's shield. I am thinking of calling it, 'The Holy Hand'."

Making their mark on the item requires the PCs to succeed at three simultaneous skill checks. One check must be Crafting. The other two must be two of the following: Occultism, Religion, or Lore (any deity). A different PC must attempt each of the three checks, and the remaining PCs can use any of the allowed skills to Aid the PC making the primary check with that skill. For Lore skills, the DC is reduced. Alternatively, the remaining PCs (those not attempting one of the primary checks to create the item) can use an exploration mode activity to be ready for battle, such as Avoid Notice, Defend, or Repeat a Spell.

Map now on Slides. Feel free to move your tokens as you wish.

What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?

Ving does not have Crafting, religion, or lore(deity) but has a Untrained Lore(Apsu) of +7 (assuming I added that correctly).

Ving thinks back on his training in the mysteries of the Occult and tries to help.....

Occultism (Primary; Trained): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

....and shares what he remembers of the teachings of Apsu....

Lore (Apsu) (Secondary; Untrained): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Ving then steps into the corner and attempts to Avoid Notice...

Avoid Notice (Stealth; Trained): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Hero Point the Lore, please.

Lore (Apsu) (Secondary; Untrained): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Ramona will have Banjo ready and Defend (shield up)

Ving does not have Crafting, religion, or lore(deity) but has a Untrained Lore(Apsu) of +7 (assuming I added that correctly).

Ving thinks back on his training in the mysteries of the Occult and tries to help.....

Each of the three checks must be attempted by a different PC. I will take the first one rolled, which is a success. I still need one PC to roll Crafting and another PC to roll an Occultism, Religion, or Lore (any deity) check to complete the ritual.

Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Tharpe stands to aid in creation process, but focusing on deities enforcing the shield, a bit of Torag's blessing, Gorums impenetrable armor and few other notes from minor deities

Rannarix looks curiously around. Despite his unrealized connection to the divine, he knows next to nothing about the supernatural. He shrugs at Mr. Snappers who shrugs back.

No one in the party is trained in crafting. Why oh why did they insist on a single mandatory skill for a challenge. I think my +2 may be the best Int of those who haven't rolled yet, but at this level I'm likely looking for a 20 on the die.

Aleksandr tries to do something with the shield...

Crafting: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 Nope, and not spending a hero point crit fishing. We'll just have to deal with the failure.

I just noticed I failed as well. I wrongly thought you added your level to the skill roll. My total modifier is +2 untrained.

2 successes

The forging process takes about 15 minutes. Just as Tonfer is putting on the finishing touches on the shield, its legendary potential supercharges the magic-instilling process. A surge of power conjures fiery monsters from the forge and gives life to Tonfer’s more mundane wares, which lash out in a show of force!

Suddenly Tonfer is joined by a trio over oversized rodents made of smoldering charcoal and elemental fire. Noxious fumes continually bellow from their flaming flesh forming clouds of fetid fumes. They are accompanied by a ghostly, skeletal figure rising up amid a whirling cyclone of cinders, tools, plates, utensils, and other loose objects.

As the fight breaks out, Tonfer Bronzhelm grips the item with all his strength throughout the battle, holding it in place to prevent it from breaking amidst the chaos.

OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD! - Round One Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Tharpe
Ving Tran
Creature (orange)
Creature (red)
Aleksandr (May act if he has something that let's him break ties on Initiative)
Rannarix
Creature (black)
Ramona
Creature (blue)

Creatures (blue, orange, and red) each have an aura of Fetid Fumes.

Fetid Fumes (aura, fire) 5 feet. A creature that enters the aura or begins its turn there must succeed at a DC 22 Fortitude save or become sickened 1. Everything within the aura, including the creature, is concealed by smoke.

Map on Slides