"I would have hoped that the bolt would have finished it." notes Doctor Gnoeth with an audible gulp. "Very well, perhaps there is some other solution."
Devise a Stratagem:1d20 ⇒ 7
None presenting itself at the moment, the doctor reaches for another bolt and reloads his crossbow. He then watches the creature with curiosity wondering how long it would take the beast to bring down the half-orc and the witch.
Nature to Identify:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 Weaknesses, please? Or special defenses? Special attacks?
Seeing the approaching bear, Dr. Gnoeth considers his options.
Devise a Stratagem:1d20 ⇒ 20
Nice!
Carefully and calculatedly, the doctor draws his crossbow, adjusts for windspeed, compensates for the reflection of light off of the ice, and then releases a bolt in the direction of the bear's head.
Devise a Stratagem + Int modifier 20+4=24=crit success!
Damage (crossbow)(P) + precision from Strategic Strike:1d8 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + (6) = 7 14 points of piercing damage
"So many weapons? And just to--what colorful word did he use, oh yes-- "poop"? I must concede that I had never considered the act of defecating to be such a potential hazard." muses Dr. Gnoeth. "I suggest you keep a tight grip on them. You certainly want your blade to slip from you hand while you are--*ahem*--exposed."
"I have no intention of walking out on the ice," he continues, "But, if you must do your "business", then I suppose that cave is as good a place as you are going to find out here in the wilderness. Should, at least, shield your bits and pieces from the breeze."
Realizing that the party was tasked with getting to know the other competitors, Dr. Gnoeth approaches Two Houses. "I have heard that you two are a couple, yes? How did you meet, I am sure it is a fascinating story."
Diplomacy to Make an Impression:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Did I miss who got the last two Hero Points? It does not look like anyone used one since they were awarded, so I would suggest going them to whoever didn't get them last time.
The doctor is surprisingly alert following a night of drinking.
"This game trail is likely to provide a reasonable route, I would think," he suggests. "If this is how well I do after some drink I wonder how sharp I would now have been if I had had that second drink!"
"An invitation for libations?" Dr. Gnoeth asks, as the offer from the Bluetongue's Brawlers finally registers with him.
"And such substantial portions." he says as he takes a seat and is handed a flagon of ale.
"I hardly see how intoxication prepares one for a race," he mutters to himself, trying to analyze the situation. As he does so, he takes a sip of the ale, allowing it to warm his tired body. "But, I am willing to do a little experimentation, I suppose!" He punctuates his conclusion by taking a much larger swallow.
Scratch and Dr. Gnoeth appear to be the only two that have used Hero Points so far, so I would nominate those two (even, though one is me.)
Also, I have a Hero Point due to a glyph that I don't believe I have yet handed out. So, while the two seem to be handling themselves just fine, we could give one to either Clarence or Joran.
"A bear, really?!" remarks Dr. Gnoeth. "We should be on the watch for it, I suggest."
As Joran's indicates the presence of paw pints, the doctor pays close attention.
Designating the bear as lead for Pursue a Lead. You don’t need to know the identity, purpose, or nature of the subject, but you do need to be aware of its existence. For instance, finding a footprint is enough to investigate the creature that left it, and seeing a hasty sketch of an item or location can be enough to start your investigation of that subject.
With his confidence partly renewed by obtaining a bell, Dr. Gnoeth decides to once again try his luck with the Wryding Wayfinders. Approaching them, he says, "Quite the race, we're having? Wouldn't you say?"
"Not sure that we would be doing as well without a bit of Pathfinder training under our belts, but then, I suspect, you already know something about that. What drew you to this adventure?"
"I think the key to approaching is to let the caribou sniff you--catch your scent--as you move slowly and out in the open. Then move your head as if on alert, from side to side, up and down. Appear as a fellow herbavore rather than as.a potential predator." Doctor Groeth explains. "Please, allow me to demonstrate." Nature, w/penalty:1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 1 = 18
Dr. Groeth treks his way through the wild, noting the genus and species of several plant varieties as he goes.
Nature w/bonus:1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 1 = 16
Dr. Edfrid Gnoeth, I'll assume you spoke to the Wryding Wayfinders after meeting Dahila.
Makes sense.
"Plotting a suitable route is certainly a sensible course of action." notes the doctor. "Unfortunately, it appears that I was not able to get much helpful information on my own--at least, not yet."
"While I, suppose, I am generally more at home in the city, I have read a bit about the wilderness," he offers. "For instance, would you like to know the scientific name for that particular species of fir tree?" +7 Nature, if it might be helpful
"We will be the new champions of this race! The rest of you might as well give up now!"
"Be careful with your words. They are likely to get upset with us. You are just going to antagonize them," cautions Dr. Gnoeth, a bit concerned now that he realizes that he is a participant in the race.
The doctor is fine with Diplomacy, but does not speak Skald.
When an opportunity arises, he will try and approach the Wryding Wayfinders.
"Greetings to you. I am Doctor Edfrid Gnoeth from Absalom. My colleagues and I are Pathfinders and happen to be in this race as, it appears, you are as well. Is this your first time? Given your choice in names, I thought, perhaps, that you may be Pathfinders as well?"
Diplomacy to Make an Impression:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
"I'm sorry, did you say that there is going to be a race?" asks a man, a recent arrival with disheveled hair dressed. "That does sound exciting! I look forward to seeing it!"
The man's adventurer's clothing looks hastily adorned and is shivering the cold. Spotting an unattended mug, he absent-mindedly picks it up and begins to drink.
"Oh, why this is chocolate!" he declares, "what a pleasant surprise."
"Ah, but where are my manners?" he continues, as if suddenly realizing that the are additional Pathfinders in the room. "My name is Gnoeth--Doctor Edfrid Gnoeth, if you wish to be more precise. The Society has sent me, well, all of us really, I suppose."
The man shivers a bit more, then asks, "Is there someplace that oe could purchase winter clothing?"
This PC has not played Q3. Marching order posted looks fine to me. As far as names, the "imaginative" and quite detailed Dr. Gnoeth would likely suggest, "The Pathfinders".
