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

Game Master chadius

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Elara stiffens the moment Purrlock cries out. She rises partway from her seat, eyes fixed on the dark line of trees where the shape vanished.

“I saw movement,” she says quietly, voice steady but alert.

Elara’s breath stills as the realization clicks into place. Her ears angle forward, eyes narrowing as memory overlays the fleeting silhouette she just saw. “…That’s it,” she says quietly, certainty settling into her voice.

She turns to Savan and the others. “The gait. The size. The way it moved through the trees.” She gestures toward the dark treeline. “It’s the same bear—the one that tore apart the caribou back at the crossing."

Dahila sits up with alarm. "It's a bear?" She motions to some of the officials, who quickly pick up their tools and weapons before heading off in the direction Elara pointed out.

"We'll try to keep an eye out for it. I want our racers to get some rest. Tomorrow is the last day."

You wake up, peek out the tent and see thick fog blanketing the region. Dahila is yelling at the other tents to wake them up when she sees you emerge. "Good, one less team I need to poke. We weren't able to find the bear, but we did see its tracks - massive. Be careful out there on the way to the next checkpoint."

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. You get a +1 Circumstance bonus thanks to Purrlock's diplomacy.

Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Savan decides to forgo making anything to simply try to follow the lines of the hills and game trails.

Purrlock takes to the trees again.

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

Yohann continues onward astride Kabayo, keeping a steady pace as they travel ahead.
Athletics: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 = 19

Elara steps forward, senses sharp toward the final leg. Reading the ground, the wind, and whatever signs that bear—or anything else—left behind.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

​Mira follows the team moving forward the fog.
Survival: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 24

Katniss's Survival: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 = 27

The team quickly blasts through the fog, pushing their way to the checkpoint. The Fangs of the Rhemoraz are busy setting up their tent when the team arrives.

Beyond the camp, a large sheet of exposed ice is marked by race banners. In the middle of the ice, a delicate ribbon lies partially frozen in the sheet.

”Story time. Balgrid lost a bunch of gear overnight, due to ferocious winds. The next morning he discovered a scroll half-frozen in the water. He took a piece of ice and focused it against the sun. The rays pierced the lake’s surface and he was able to reach in and get his scroll. I wonder if it was magical or a letter from his momma.”

”Your mission is to go across this frozen pond and get the ribbon in the middle without damaging it. Hint: smashing the ice or using fire spells will probably ruin the ribbon and end your challenge. You need to maintain your balance while walking across the ice, so you don’t fall in. Feel free to try as many times as you want, as long as you don’t damage the ribbon and you don’t fall in too many times.”

The straightforward method is to make an Athletics check to walk across the ice, and then Thievery or Nature check to free the ribbon. Creative solutions will also be allowed.

Katniss steps onto the surface of the frozen pond, moving slowly and keeping her balance low and steady.

Athletics: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 - 1 = 4
HP: Athletics: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 1 = 15

At the center, she kneels and attempts to carefully lift the partially frozen ribbon.

Thievery: 1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 - 1 = 15

Katniss almost faceplants into the ice, but she maintains her balance and reaches the ribbon, slowly pulling it out.

"Well, that's one point for you." Dahlia observes the ribbon for any damage. "There are other ribbons in the ice, if anyone else wants to try..."

Oops, I made a typo. You can use Athletics or Acrobatics to walk across the ice.

Purrlock makes his way onto the ice. His claws digging in (or trying to) to the frozen surface.

Acrobatics(E), Lead: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 1 = 24

Getting to a ribbon, he then tries to remove one.

Thievery: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Pursue a Lead and the -1 cancel each other out.
The Acrobatics check should be 23 if there's a -1 for uneven terrain (again, the pursue a lead and the penalty cancel each other)

Purrlock returns with another ribbon intact.

Dahila looks at the rest of the team. "If you're sitting this one out, tell me. Otherwise there are plenty more ribbons for the taking."

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 9 - 1 = 12
Thievery: 1d20 + 9 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 - 1 = 11

Savan tries to move out onto the ice, but he finds it much more slippery than he originally thought. His attempt to cut the ice with his underdeveloped claws is equally frustrating.

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Yohann follows their example, sliding carefully across the ice, and then tries to retrieve another ribbon from beneath the frozen surface.

Thievery: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Athletics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Thievery: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Mira steadies herself at the pond’s edge, lowering her stance. With careful, powerful strides she pushes across the slick ice. Each step lands firm, she maintains her balance until she reaches the ribbon, crouching low to claim it.

Acrobatics T: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Nature T: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Elara steps lightly onto the ice, testing her balance with each careful step. But the ice is tricky, and she feels it shifting slightly beneath her boots.

Purrlock covers his eyes as he watches his fellow feline wobble on the ice...

Thievery: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Mira steadies herself at the pond’s edge, lowering her stance. With careful, powerful strides she pushes across the slick ice. Each step lands firm, she maintains her balance until she reaches the ribbon, crouching low to claim it.
Athletics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Use Hero point for Mira

With skill and determination, Yohann and Mira are able to pull the ribbons out with ease. Elara slips and thuds onto the ice flow, forming a crack. She is still determined and makes it across. Despite the setback, she simply yanks the ribbon out as if it wasn't frozen.

"I think that's a new record?" Dahila compares some of her notes as Elara returns. "Maybe faceplanting is the secret. Oh well, we'll count that for double."

With your team's duty complete, it's time to return to the checkpoint. But something seemed so... odd about the snow.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Purrlock notices that the snow is white...

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 lol

Savan nods to Purrlock. That's some white snow.

Let's Go Go Power Rangers

Perception E: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

Elara's sharp eyes catch the broken shovel handle in the snow. She kneels briefly by the broken shovel handle, her keen eyes taking in the markings. Her jaw tightens as she recognizes the Storval family crest—she’s seen it on Gruen’s cloak before.

She straightens and whispers to the team, keeping her voice low.
“Look at this… See the Storval family symbol on the handle? It’s the same one on Gruen’s cloak. Someone from Without Trace or Fail was here."

"They fail to leave it without a trace then..." Yohann says with a pun intended.

"Hey! If you're done, I got to reset these ribbons." Dahila eventually wanders your way. "The other teams need a chance to catch up to you. Head back to the checkpoint, we'll make the final push soon."

You have 1 more opportunity to talk to the Officials or the other teams.

“Look at this… See the Storval family symbol on the handle? It’s the same one on Gruen’s cloak. Someone from Without Trace or Fail was here."

Savan pulls out the hunting knife they found at the beginning. "Perhaps it's time to visit with the Without Trace or Fail team. Who's coming?"

Yohann raises his hand. "It's time for them to show how to follow and maintain order." he says.

Purrlock heads back to the officials tent to get some info.

Diplomacy, Lead: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8

Sadly, he gets rebuffed this time...

Katniss carefully assesses the situation, weighing the risks with a calm, practiced eye. After a moment, she falls in step behind Savan, choosing to back him as they move to confront Without Trace or Fail. "Count me in", he says to the catfolk.

Savan leads some of the Rangers to the Without Trace or Fail tents. He tosses down the hunting dagger at their feet. "I think it's time we had a little chat. I'll give you a chance to explain yourselves before we decide what to do with this evidence."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Hero Point: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Ostog Oakfeller, a powerfully built man in his early fifties, stands up and growls. "Hey! No fair trying intruding-" but then he sees the shovel handle. "What is this?"

He peers at it and sees the family crest. "Who stole our shovel?" He mumbles. Savan persists and reveals a hunting knife. "And our- our knives? Are you- are you asserting we did something suspicious? Feels more like someone is setting us up. Probably the Varki..."

Savan's Diplomatic actions have nudged them a little, but they are still Unfriendly. Another good roll like that may influence them further.

Or you can take the evidence and present them to the officials.

Intimidation to Coerce: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

"Stole? Be careful with your choice of words." Yohann fixes them with an intimidating stare. "Tell us the truth, or we take this to the officials, and be disqualified. And if someone set you up, now would be the best time to say what you know." he says.

"We must play a fair game here, according to its rules." he adds.

"Of-of course it's a fair game!" Ostog growls as the other Without Trace or Fail teammates start to gather behind him. "How am I supposed to know where these tools came from, anyway? Maybe someone stole our equipment to make us look bad!"

Yohann has the team in an Indifferent mood, where they are carefully considering what they will say. Maybe 2 more nudges like Yohann and Savan will get them to open up some more.

Purrlock is arguing with race officials and is not in the tent so he's sitting this one out

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Savan stares at Ostog for a long moment. "Come on, Ostog, would you rather have everyone think you're a cheater? You'd never run the race again. What's this all about?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Mira steps forward, voice steady but sharp:
"Excuses won’t clear suspicion, Ostog. Show proof—or risk losing trust."

She lets the silence hang, daring the team to respond.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

"Fine!" Ostog grumbles. "Yes, we... altered some of the events... And we were sloppy." He looks to his teammates. "We have brought great shame to our team."

Ostog hangs his head low as Mira's demand cuts through his bravado. "We... must apologize."

Anyone wants to speak, go ahead. The Without Trace or Fail team is now Friendly. I'll move us on tomorrow.

"What I want to know is why you are doing this." Yohann tells Ostog with a commanding voice now that they have them at their mercy.

Purrlock runs into the tent. "What's this I just hearrrd?! You cheated?!"

Signe taps Ostog's shoulder to help bear some of his shame. "The Balgridtrek must be some kind of tourist attraction to you. Just a curiosity to tick off your bucket list. Well, to us it means everything. Our history. Our pride. Balgrid's feats inspire all of Iceferry to keep going, to keep fighting."

"And now Varki and... you get to hop in and dominate. I've heard from the officials it's a dead even race between you two. Knowing the Bluetongues their fortitude is the only reason they're still alive, never mind racing. Axebringer's too drunk and she lost her edge helping those squires. The Two Houses team don't even care about the race, this is basically their anniversary vacation. So we have to hold the tradition, no matter what it takes."

She scans the knife and the handle and grimaces. "You have more than enough to disqualify us. Doesn't matter in the long run, you're bound to win anyway."

Upholding law and order, including the rules of the game, Yohann calmly voices his stance on the matter.

"I believe in abiding by rules, and because of that, I cannot ignore your team’s cheating. You may be right that the Pathfinder Society takes part in your tradition partly out of curiosity, much like a tourist attraction as you said, but I believe it is more than that. When the game is finished, we can report what we have witnessed and, hopefully, offer ways the Society can help preserve and uphold your tradition."

He finishes, his expression firm but measured.

Savan nods in sympathy with Signe. He tries to offer a different perspective. "I can understand the frustration. Outsiders swooping in to steal the glory. And no, we will never know what it means to you."

He continues in a soft purring tone. "But we have learned some about Balgrid. And we have seen how you live here. And we have felt welcome. If that is the legacy, if your children see outsiders know and respect Balgrid, and if the Balgridtrek becomes the example of your people to the world, is that really so bad?"

"But cheating fully robs it of any meaning. No respect for the Balgridtrek and no respect for your people."

"Well, we at your mercy now, tradition or not." Ostog seems defeated. "Do what you must. But please, give us some time. We must... ruminate on what we did."

At this point the other teams are breaking down their tents. Dahila calls out to you. "Hey, it's the final stretch to the finish line. I know you've fallen in love with the snow but my butt has been freezing for the last four days. The sooner you get to the finish line the sooner we can eat warm food. Go!"

By the time you are ready to go, a pervasive fog covers most of the region.

Time for your final trip. 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. DC is 15.

Purrlock takes to the trees again.

Acrobatics, Lead: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 1 = 24

As the fog thickens, Katniss focuses on closely watching the ground for tracks, listening for movement, and feeling changes in wind and terrain. If something feels off, she stops and reassesses instead of pushing forward.

By moving patiently and trusting her strong sense of perception, Katniss crosses the foggy terrain without losing her way.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Yohann and Kabayo keep pushing through the snow as they travel to their last spot, the finish line.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Elara adjusts her cloak tighter against the creeping chill as the fog rolls in.

Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Savan tries to navigate the path, but gets turned around in the fog.

Mira pulls her scarf tighter against the biting chill, following their lead.

Athletics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

So much fog, but it will be over soon. At least Frostgarten will be warmer than this tundra. A soft bed made of feathers and wool instead of ice and snow. A shattered sled instead of a… wait, what?

A broken sled lies in the snow at the edge of the path beside an old bridge. Fresh blood marks are clearly visible against the white snow as large, crimson swaths. Equipment is scattered across the snow and onto the frozen surface of the lake. Gruen Storval's bear fur coat is strewn and twisted among the wreckage. What has the Without Trace or Fail team gotten into now?

As you approach the wreckage, you see two potions. Both are marked as "Minor Healing Potion" with Ostog's signature on it.

I've placed all of you on the >Map<. Yohann is about 15 feet away from the sled.

"Fresh blood." Yohann states the obvious and carefully draws weapon, sensing that something bad happened. He lets Kabayo bring him close to the broken sled and examines it.

"Let's see what really happened here..." he says.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14