GM Chadius 1-10: Tarnbreaker's Trail (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

While Mira keeps scanning the caribou for a bell, Yohann tips off Purrlock. Purrlock calmly approaches the caribou, who watch him for a moment before losing interest. He quickly picks off a bell.

Savan's so stealthy he is able to lead the herd around a bit to a spot closer to the rest of the team. He picks off another bell.

Savan's Critical Success reduces the DCs to locate and secure a bell by 2.

With two bells in hand, you realize why they didn't ring loudly. There's a lot of fur stuffed inside.

Dahila approaches you. "Looks like you got 2 of them. 2 more to go. Or you can call it for the day."

To spot a bell, one PC must find a bell by making a DC 10 Perception check. The bells are unexpectedly quiet, so you suffer a -2 Circumstance penalty when looking for them.

Once you spot a bell, make a DC 14 Stealth or DC 13 Nature check. If you failed to spot the bell, you suffer a -1 circumstance penalty on the next check as you have to spot the bell as you approach.

Each PC can choose to get a bell OR make an Aid check to assist someone. Purrlock and Savan have already acted, so they cannot participate.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

sigh :)

Perception: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 - 2 = 17

Katniss spots a caribou moving through the snow with a small bell hanging from its neck.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

She moves sneakily with each step placed with careful control as she closes the distance. With a quick, precise motion, she reaches forward and snatches the bell free from its strap.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Katniss closely inspects the bell, and she notices it’s been filled with fur. She studies its texture and color and realizes that the fur matches Gruen's Bear Fur Cloak.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 2 = 15
Elara managed to spot one caribou with a bell with her keen eyes

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
She approaches slowly to the caribou to get the bell, keeping low with soft steps.

Katniss and Elara have no trouble collecting the last two bells.

"Let me see 'em." Dahila collects the bells. "Yup, good job, you get full credit. I'd better put these back on the caribou and get the next team ready. Good job."

You return to the checkpoint and help set up camp. By the time you finish, most of the teams are returning. Jori of the Bluetongue's Brawlers has a few bruises on her arm. Apparently she blundered onto the field, scared the caribou and triggered a stampede...

You can speak to the officials and make a Diplomacy check to learn more about overland travel and details of the next trial.

You can speak to any of the teams and make a Diplomacy check to improve their opinion of you.

DC 18 Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Yohann wonders why the bells aren't so easy to hear. He picks one up and gives it a shake, then peers inside. Instead of the expected rattle, he finds the interior packed with fur that is enough to muffle the sound entirely.

"This fur’s familiar… It looks just like the bear fur on Gruen’s cloak." He frowns thoughtfully. "Which team was he with again?"

Purrlock again goes to schmooze with race officials.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Katniss, exhausted from the day's activities, slips into her tent and settles down to rest.

argh and I keep forgetting my Lead bonus... though I think it's not going make a difference yet...

If someone has healing or even a potion, I bet you can go follow up with the hurt member of the Brawlers. Maybe Medicine in the place of Diplomacy.

Savan returns to see how the Two Houses team fared with the caribou. He brings a warm drink to offer them. "Steen, Unn, how did you all fare today? This one was harder than I expected."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Purrlock is able to talk to another official about the race routes. "Tomorrow you're getting to the Whitegold River crossing. Good luck, every year someone falls into the drink and nearly freezes."

The entire group gets a +1 Circumstance bonus on checks to reach the next checkpoint tomorrow.

Savan visits the Two Houses team. Unn is already lying on a cot, exhausted. "Those caribou kept running away from me, I had to practically chase them down to get a bell."

Steen chuckles. "It's all those chemicals you use, honey. You probably smell like poison."

Unn grunts. "It's only poisonous if the concentration is too high."

Steen laughs and turns to Savan. "Sorry, we go through this all the time. I'm not a thief, I'm a lockbreaker. She's not into poisoning, she's an apothecary. We have to be specific about our titles or people get the wrong impression." He sighs. "Good to see you didn't get trampled, Savan. If you ever need some help from us, feel free to ask. Although at this rate, I think we'll be asking you for help!"

Savan feels the Two Houses team have become quite Friendly thanks to his efforts.

A caribou carcass lays on the ground, kissed frozen by the air. Something tore it apart, but what?

If you want to examine the body, make a Nature or Medicine check.

If you want to look for animal prints or clues, make a Survival check.

Yohann scans the ground and nearby undergrowth, searching for any footprints or disturbed terrain that might lead him to whoever left the caribou’s carcass behind.
Survival (T) to Track: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Yohann notices large bear prints in the snow, moving away from the checkpoint and into the wilderness beyond. It may be a good idea to keep note of it.

If you have Hunt Prey or a similar ability, you can use this to keep track of a bear of immense size.

Large bear prints might confirm what attacked the caribou. With this discovery, he marks the bear as his Prey. After finishing his inspection, he returns to the others and shares what he found.

"Bear tracks in the snow leading from this checkpoint straight into the wilderness," he warns as he points into the direction of the track. "Stay sharp. If it’s still nearby, we could be next."

Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Savan looks down at the Caribou corpse. "Wouldn't a bear drag the kill off to eat it?" He glances up at the Power Rangers.

Purrlock bends down to study the carcass.

Medicine: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Savan looks down at the Caribou corpse. "Wouldn't a bear drag the kill off to eat it?" He glances up at the Power Rangers.

"That might be true. We might be dealing more than a bear, possibly?" Yohann responds, now with uncertainty on what he just tracked.

Mira crouches low near the carcass, brushing frost from the torn hide. Her eyes flick to the bear tracks Yohann found, then back to the ragged wounds.

"These prints are big… too big to ignore. But Savan’s right—why leave the kill behind? A bear drags its prey. This feels wrong. Something else is at play." as she analyzes the carcass and determine if the wounds match a bear—or something else.

Nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Purrlock and Mira conclude the caribou was slaughtered by large claw marks, coming from an animal of immense size and strength. Yohann notes the large bear prints, but it is truly a mystery.

That's all the information you can get off of here. I'll fast forward a bit to tomorrow morning.

The snow died down overnight, but fog fills the area instead. "Wakey wakey! The Whitegold River awaits! Look at all this fog- it's calling for you!" Dahila sticks her head into your tent and wakes you up. "Tied for first place and you're still asleep? Fangs of the Rhemoraz are nipping at your heels, they woke ME up to see if they could leave!"

As you emerge from the tents, you can see the other team is dismantling their tent and packing up to move again.

Time to travel for another day. Pick a skill that will help you traverse the landscape for the rest of the day. Relevant skills might be Athletics, Nature, and Survival, but if you can explain other skills I’ll allow it. Thanks to Purrlock you all get a +1 Circumstance bonus to this check.

Feeling well rested, Katniss lets her agility take over. She moves through the woods, tumbling over fallen logs and weaving between scattered rocks, each landing balanced and controlled as she flows effortlessly across the terrain.

Acrobatics to Tumble and Balance, Purrlock's Lead: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 = 17

Purrlock heads up into the trees again...

Acrobatics(E), Lead: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 1 = 15

Yohann urges Kabayo onward, staying firmly in the saddle as they press toward their next destination.
Athletics: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 = 27

Elara relies on her experience navigating wild terrain—reading the land, judging safe footing and keeping the team oriented despite the fog. She starts forward at a steady, confident pace, leading the way toward the Whitegold River.

Survival : 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 = 21

Mira braces herself against the fog‑laden air, relying on raw strength and endurance.
She pushes forward through the uneven terrain—hauling herself over slick rocks, steadying her footing against rushing water, and driving each step with determination.

Athletics: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13

Nature: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 1 = 17

Savan moves through the wilderness, trying to navigate a smooth path through the hills and trees.

The Power Ranges have no trouble pushing through the foggy tundra and make exceptional progress.

Steam and spray from the Whitegold River hangs in the air as the checkpoint draws near. The wet air carries a cold sting. The snow on the trees drips, plopping heavily to the ground and the snow and frost seem to be clinging only in shadowed nooks and slick patches, despite the frigid air. Race officials prepare fish caught from the banks of the river near the camp. South of the campsite, another official stands near the riverbank. Several long poles lean against a mossy rock. Across the river, the course stretches away from the river and through the thinning trees into the snow-dusted hills beyond.

Dahlia waves you over and gives all of you a once over, like a mother doe taking care of her calves. ”Are ya’ll okay? Make sure you stick to the path we made and you take a rest at the checkpoints each night.” She sweeps her gaze over all of you, trying to gauge your reaction. ”A patrol was attacked last night. No one died, but they were pretty injured. Clearly an attack by some kind of beast.”

”Okay, take a deep breath and let’s talk about the race. This is the Whitegold river. Balgrid chased the linnorm across it. He wasn’t dumb enough to try to swim through the freezing river, of course. He cut down a tree and used it like a pole vault. He just leapt across the river in one shot and continued the chase.”

”The Whitegold river is about 15 feet deep, flows from North to South. Your goal is to cross it. I’d suggest against swimming, since you need to grab the edge of the other bank- it’s frozen over and we are close to the edge of a cascade. ” She shrugs. ”That hasn’t stopped other teams before!” She laughs and looks to the sky, waiting for its response.

”So instead I suggest one of these poles.” She gestures to a collection of 15 foot poles. ”Each of you can use one to vault across the river. All of you need to try.” Dahlia takes a step back. ”You’re halfway there, keep going’.”

Each of you will have to attempt to cross the Whitegold River. You'll have to cross the 15 foot gap here. The map shows a tree but the tree isn't there. This is a very common Pathfinder 2e map.

- With a pole, you can make an Acrobatics or Athletics check to vault it.
- You can try to swim. Make several Athletics + Fortitude checks. Your goal is to swim 20 feet. You’ll also need a Reflex Save to catch the edge.

Jumping and Swimming are the most common ways to get across the river. If you have other less conventional solutions go for it.

>Whitegold River Crossing<

Savan listens to the explanation of how Balgrid crossed the river. "Well, that not what I would have expected, but it sounds like you've got it all set up." He slings his rifle across his body and then grabs a pole to try the vault over the river.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Elara watches Savan test the pole, eyes tracking his footing and the angle of the vault. She takes a steady breath and steps up to the river’s edge, fog drifting over the dark, fast-moving water. She plants the pole firmly into the snow-packed bank, testing it once with her weight.

“Alright… now,” she murmurs as she tries to vault over the river.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Mira grips one of the long poles, fog curling around her boots as she steps to the river’s edge. She plants the pole firmly into the frozen bank, as she channels her strength into the vault. With a sharp exhale, she drives upward, the pole bending under her weight before springing her across the rushing water.

"Go..go power rangers ..."she calls out with a grin,

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Yohann swings down from Kabayo’s saddle and joins the others, gripping at one of the poles to vault himself cleanly over the river.
Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Once safely across, he lets out a sharp whistle, signaling Kabayo to follow. The horse prances uncertainly at first, stamping and circling as if gauging the distance, before backing up to gain momentum. With a sudden burst of speed, Kabayo charges forward and launches himself across the 20-foot gap.
Athletics to Long Jump: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

"Good boy!" Yohann says, patting the horse’s neck and running his fingers through Kabayo’s mane before swinging back astride.

Purrlock runs for the edge and jumps...

Acrobatics(E), Lead: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 1 = 18

Katniss grabs a pole and vaults through Whitegold River.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

"We'll escort your horse across the bridge-" Dahila stops talking as Kabayo leaps across the river. "Or that..."

The rest of the team uses the poles to vault across the river. Mira calls upon an ancient power and feels particularly energized, clearing the river and some extra distance. "I... think that's a new record?" Dahila mumbles. "Very impressive. We'll give you some bonus credit."

You return to the camp to see the officials are building and maintaining a large campfire in the center to keep everything relatively warm. They also have a series of benches built. "We'll be hosting a meal in the evening." One of the officials speaks. "Rest up until then."

You can speak to the officials and make a Diplomacy check to learn more about overland travel and details of the next trial.

You can speak to any of the teams and make a Diplomacy check to improve their opinion of you.

After a day spent pushing her body through relentless acrobatics, Katniss slips into her tent and rests as she waits for dinner.

Savan goes to check on the competition, Fangs of the Rhemoraz. He waves in greeting as he approaches. "I'm Savan. I hear you're faring quite well. How did you go with the river? We got a bit of luck with it, but hopefully no one fell in."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Purrlock again heads over to the officials tent to schmooze. This time he brings a bottle of fine brandy to share...

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Purrlock turns to Savan, a bit annoyed, "Why is it we arrre the ones learrrning the trrail while these rrrangerrrs just sleep afterrr the event? Don't they know that advance planning is parrrt of everry competition??"

Good thing for Yohann, he has allies who can handle the talking. His imposing presence might intimidate the officials, so he leaves the negotiations to the sweet-talkers. Instead, he keeps watch over the area, standing guard rather than disappearing into a tent to sleep and wait for dinner, unlike some of the others.

He smirks when he sees Katniss going back again inside the tent after the competition.

Purrlock turns to Savan, a bit annoyed, "Why is it we arrre the ones learrrning the trrail while these rrrangerrrs just sleep afterrr the event? Don't they know that advance planning is parrrt of everry competition??"

"We should enroll them in classes to teach them how to speak to people. I've heard of someone in Absalom teaching people how to break bread with others. She calls herself a 'breadmaster' or something like that."

One of the Varki greets Savan. "We were able to cross without trouble. Ylva and Marbin wanted to swim but Olin bribed them with fish stew if they stuck to the heart of the challenge." They chuckle. "My apologies for not introducing myself. I am Runa. I hope the contest hasn't been too much for you. It looks like we are doing well, much better than the locals..." They sigh. "It feels like resentment is inevitable. The Bluetongue's Brawlers don't seem to care they are in dead last, but I do wonder about Without Trace or Fail. They've done nothing but scowl at us since we joined."

Savan finds the Fangs of the Rhemoraz are already Friendly. Another conversation like that may make them Helpful.

Purrlock finds a jittery official to share some brandy with.
"Ay yi yi! It's been a trek over the last few days! And the final day is tomorrow! Careful not to slip on the ice! Sometimes a thin sheet of snow covers them and you step on it and you slide all over into a tree!"

Purrlock shares his knowledge with the team. You get a +1 Circumstance Bonus to overland travel to the next event.

As the sun starts to set, the officials light up the central bonfire and it practically glows with flame. Dahila calls out all the teams to sit down. Bluetongue's Brawlers show up immediately to warm themselves up from a chilly river swim. Eventually the other teams arrive. All of you are able to find some seats.

"A big thanks to Olin from Fangs of the Rhemoraz for the fish stew." Dahila calls out as officials serve soup and pass it on to each of you. "Hopefully our reproduction is good enough." He nods in approval.

Dahila continues. "Tomorrow will end the Balgridtrek. One more event to deal with, a dash to the finish line, and then warmth." She exhales as Faegrim Axebringer raises a mug. "Not now, sis. Every hour's a drinking hour in your mind." Faegrim shrugs and drinks up.

"Usually after the River Crossing, I like to ask the teams what brings them here. Why haul your ass for four days? You could be hunting for food, or marking a shipping route, or just staying home and staying warm. What gets you up in the morning besides my lovely voice?"

Ostog stands up. "Without Trace or Fail has competed every year. We know the strength of practice. We practice a strict diet that helps us with mental strength and fortitude. One day a linnorm king will ask for our services, and we will be up to the task. Unlike some of you, we're not tourists looking for a thrill or outsiders trying to upend tradition." He glances at the Power Rangers and the Fangs of the Rhemoraz. "This is the peak of Ulfen strength."

Dahila manages not to roll her eyes. "Lovely. Thank you. Please, please be seated." She looks at your team. "Alright, how about you? What brings you out here?"

Purrlock sidles up to Savan and whispers...

"I think the rrrangerrs can handle this. I've got some prrreparrations to make for tomorrrow." Purrlock announces as he heads outside...

Mira glances at her companions—Purrlock chatting up to Savan, Yohann keeping watch, Katniss as usual tucked away in her tent.

"We’ve got strength, sure. But it’s not just about winning. We came here to prove that outsiders can honor Ulfen tradition without mocking it. Every step, every trial, we show respect. That’s why we're here." she says proudly...

Yohann stands straight and composed, pride evident in his disciplined bearing.

“I am Yohann of Arch,” he says evenly. “Hellknight in service to Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, sworn to the Order of the Nail.” He lifts his wayfinder briefly. “I am also a Pathfinder.”

“I am here by assignment,” Yohann continues. “To take part in this mission alongside you, and to test myself and my allies.”

His gaze sharpens. “The Order of the Nail exists to bring civilization where chaos reigns, to impose structure, discipline, and law upon the wild and the lawless. This mission allows me to observe different peoples and customs,” he concludes. “Knowledge is a tool, and order will be upheld.”

With her hands wrapped loosely around her bowl of soup, Katniss listens to Ostog without comment, her eyes fixed on the bonfire flames rather than the faces around her.

When Dahila asks her team, Katniss lifts her gaze and speaks bluntly, “Work…”

She pauses briefly then continues her answer. “I follow trails. This one’s longer and colder than most, but it pays and it tests what I can do. I think that’s enough reason to be here.”

Sigrun stands up next. "We're glad to have new competition this year! Neighbors from the Varki are killin' it! We Bluetongues have a lot to learn from you!" Runa blushes in embarrassment while Marbin begins flexing his arms.

"And we got these Power Rangers from Angel Grove or something? No wait, Chileax. No wait, from all over the world, yeah? We got to show them some Ulfen hospitality, eh?" The other Bluetongues cheer her on while the other teams clap in appreciation. Even the Without Trace or Fail team get the message.

Dahila breaks a small smile. "That's what I'm talking about. Win or lose, we're all in this together. Anyone else have something to say?"

Perc: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

"Wha- " Purrlock gasps, startled at what he just saw. "Savan, did you see that?! Overrr therrre! By the perrrimeterrr!"

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Savan looks to where Purrlock is pointing and squints. "Wait, what is that? An animal watching us?" He turns to the others. "Lions...I mean Rangers, can you tell what it is?"