Search Posts
I know this is an old topic, but I'm still trying to find something that will work for me. Can't afford therapy, or medication - living paycheck to paycheck. A prescription means not enough food for my kids. Been playing in PbP games, because can't find local,game, and it's been good, but hasn't been fun for the past few months. Can't explain why, except that NOTHING is fun. The question for me - is it better for my kids to have a clinically depressed dad, or no dad?
Sorry. Needed to choose my phrasing a little better. Feelin' fine.
Just a note for folks playing with Desmond, Maaarv or whatever other characters of mine that are out there... I'm ending things a little sooner than I had originally expected. Life is just getting to be too much of a burden. The past two and a half years that I've participated in PFS have been fun. I've really had a lot of fun. I wish I was a better person that didn't feel the need to commit an act of such finality, but that's what it is. So long, and thanks for all the good times.
"I didn't hear nothin'" Desmond continues his search of the room.
Ugh, I've been having computer/internet problems all day. I tried posting about 6 times, but it wouldn't take. Sorry for putzing out, but everyone that had started to turn bestial has their condition returned completely to normal - no more ability damage or bonus. Beromir, Graxzos, Waki and Wilm Chronicle Sheet You guys were great. I apologize - I've done a better job of running a PbP. It just ended up being a much busier month than what I was expecting. Thank you all for playing.
Beromir's swing just barely misses the Druid. Graxzos loads and fires.
The shot hits, though it's mostly a graze. However, it's enough to kill the Druid. With the Druids dead, the energy surrounding the atavistic splinter dissipates. You are able to handle it safely to return it to the Venture Captain.
Sam magically stays safe from the druid's attack. He tries to claw and bite the injured blue druid, but to no avail. However, Wilm rides in on Max, and with a single swing of his ax, is able to kill the druid outright, leaving only the blue druid standing.
Beromir's greataxe does it's job and seriously wounds the blue cultist, but he stays standing. The two remaining druids both begin to suddenly grow, becoming larger. They then attack their closest foes.
The blue druid's efforts are futile, but the other one connects and hits Sam on the noggin.
Wilm misses with his ax, but Max is able to put the badly burned druid out of his misery. Graxzos rushes in and fires recklessly, but the shot hits causing a small, but noticable wound in the blue druid.
One of the druids, the red one, hears the sorcer's cry. He's able to keep his head about him and cast shillelagh on his quarterstaff.
The yellow druid falls dead from Sam's flames, the red one looks badly burned, but is still standing. Initiatives:
The open air structure of Briar Henge allows for Beromir to use the wand of eagle eye to get a view of the last remaining room. This wide area on the east side of Briar Henge has a roughly circular shape. Four tall, thin spires of ancient stone thrust up from the ground at irregular intervals like malformed teeth. To the west, two thicker stones are capped with a third horizontal stone, forming a crude gateway. A thick piece of charred bark is suspended in this gateway by a web of crackling energy. The crackling energy pulses outward from the bark into the dolmen stones, and from there into the ground. Four half-elf druids circle each of the thin columns, seemingly entranced in their ritual. They carry simple quarterstaffs.
As you step through the false canopy, you are faced with what seems to be a hedge maze. Taking a left, you come across what appears to be a makeshift barracks. Six hammocks hang suspended from the thorns here, crisscrossing along the thorny walls. Two oaks provide shade and shelter from wind and rain. A few clothes hang from the thorny walls. The hammocks and clothes seem simply made. Near one of the tree trunks is a large, sturdy chest. Near the other is a smaller chest, whose open lid reveals several scrolls and tomes. Gaps in the walls allow exit to the northwest, north, and northeast. You spot a chest that is unlocked and find a birch wand of eagle eye with 12 charges remaining and a patterned leaf that acts as a scroll of grove of respite. You also find a room with a large table, that seems to be strangely empty. This open space is roughly oblong, with three gaps in the thorny walls to the south, west, and north. To the east is a rough wooden table with a leather satchel lying atop it. The table is surrounded by six cut logs planed flat and turned endwise to serve as stools. Two stiff linen banners hang on stands placed along northwest and southwest walls, carefully placed a few inches away from the thorns to prevent tearing. As you enter this room, you can hear the soft sounds of chanting coming from elsewhere in the bramble. Heading North, you come across another empty room. This long, wide area is partially roofed by a sheet of woven bark. Under the bark sheet rest several casks, boxes, and simple pieces of furniture. Gourds dangle from the thorny walls as though hung on hooks. Three breaks in the bramble walls lead west, south, and east. DC 18 Perception:
You find hidden in one of the gourds, a large leaf folded around a dozen goodberries. From your explorations, you've determined where the chanting is coming from. You have two choices - enter the room from the north or the south.
"Oh, I'd be spoiling the fun if I told you how many are waiting for you inside. But I'll tell you what, there's more than just the Druids waiting for you..."
Searching around the perimeter of Briar Henge, you notice that the brambles that make up the 'walls' of the fortress could be penetrated, but Beromir deduces that trying to push through would result in some nasty injuries. Beromir does spot a place in the wall that seems to be thinner, and while it would certainly scratch up whoever made their way through, it wouldn't be as severe. The easiest way to enter is the doorway that was previously guarded by the atomie and her dog. It is a false front of brambles - able to be opened without causing injury.
Beromir's aim is true and hits the atomie, injuring the diminutive creature greatly. Suddenly, her laughing stops. "Ow, you guys play for keeps! This, this is getting to be too much for me. And Scruffy! Your wolf nearly killed him!" The atomie flies down and lands on the prone dog, gingerly looking over the wound. "Well, he's still alive. Looks like you guys one this game," the atomie takes to the air again. "So, what do you say we call this a draw? Scruffy and I will go tend to our wounds elsewhere and you can join the druids inside. They've got that atavistic splinter thing and just about done with the little ceremony." With that, she and the dog get ready to depart, unless you want to try and stop her.
Mas, Wilm's trusty mount, takes a nasty bite out of the dog and manages to trip it! From a few feet behind the dog, some high-pitched giggling is heard. Suddenly, the atomie pops back into view and points at Beromir, chanting some words.
The dog remains prone on the ground and the atomie is flying and visible.
The small fey creature spots Sam trying to be sneaky, but Waki gets away. As the others make ready for a fight, she orders her dog, "Sic 'em!" before turning invisible. The dog moves forward menacingly. Initiatives:
Knowledge (Nature) 11: The creature that disappeared is an atomie. DR/cold iron.
Continuing along the trail, you enter an eerily quiet wood. The stillness in the air seems almost unnatural. The trail leads through to a parting of the trees to what looks to be a fortress of shrubbery. Briar Henge is a bristling fortress. The compound is roughly circular and approximately 100 feet across. The walls are made of tangled thorn bushes twelve feet high, although the compound does not appear to have a roof. The only break in the prickly wall is a gap five feet wide and eight feet high. Hanging ivy covers this doorway and blocks the view of the interior of the compound. You can see, standing at what looks to be the entrance, a dog and a small winged creature, hovering in the air. They spot your group, but make no move.
"Killing lycanthropes brings in the coin," the woman snaps back at Beromir in druidic. "Woman's gotta eat, right?" Suddenly, she looks down into the river. "Where's my croc? What happened to Jumblegrin?" this time in common. She looks around at the pathfinders. "JUMBLEGRIN!" She stands, not paying the pathfinders any mind. "There's a mess of druids that took over Briar Henge - if that's what you mean. Can't miss it, just up the trail a bit..." "Now, if you ain't gonna kill me, I need to find my Jumblegrin..." With that she takes off down river, seeking after her beloved animal companion. In her haste, she has dropped a case of scrolls containing 4 scrolls of cure light wounds.
As Beromir heals the elf, she wakes up with a start. "What? You mangy dog-men! I'll get you!" Still convinced that you're lycanthropes, the elven woman thrashes around on the ground, not wanting to be held down.
The pistol shot rings out, echoing off the trees in the forest. Graxzos's aim is true, and wounds the croc further. Luckily for the reptile, the shot is not as bad as it could have been. Waki's efforts prove to be fruitless, as he is unable to concentrate enough in the midst of battle to disarm the trap.
The crocodile, though bleeding profusely, is still alive. However, it's natural survival instincts kick in and it submerges into the water, attempting to swim away.
The elf's bleeding seems to be naturally being staunched. Though she's still unconcious, her injuries are holding steady.
Beromir rushes to the elf's side. She has lost a significant amount of blood.
Kelsier's javelin flies true and strikes the elven woman squarely in the chest, impaling her body clear through. The elf collapses from the strike and the blood loss. Meanwhile, Sam takes aim at the crocodile in the water, hitting it with two magic missiles and severely injuring the reptile. Wilm's stone simple bounces off the croc's tough hide.
While crossing the logs, Beromir spots a trap. Though, before he can make a move to disable it a female elf springs out of the trees.
Initiatives:
Suddenly, a female elf steps out of the woods on the north side of the river and fires an arrow at Sam.
But the arrow flies wide! And a crocodile appears in the river!
As the stalwart halfling feels himself succumbing to the strange ritual, the group decides to press forward. Graxzos' words push the pathfinders forward. With every step, they can see the influence of the strange ritual in the slightly warped nature surrounding them. A deep, placid river interrupts the path to Briar Henge. A few large logs have been placed across the river, providing a crude bridge to access the other side. Sunlight dapples the surface of the murky water, the result of branches crisscrossing the river high overhead.
Kelsier, sending good thoughts your way. And I am a praying man - I hope you don't mind if I include you and your family. I lost my dad about 2 1/2 years ago - it's not easy. I wish you the best. I just rolled your fort save for you pre-emptively. I hope that's alright. I rolled a 19, so if you don't let me use it on you, I'll just have it apply to a a sneak attack by a rogue/magus that also applies shocking grasp, or something. ;-)
As the final beastman bleeds out, you quickly search the bodies only to find that they are only equipped with chain shirts and ragged, soiled trousers. A search of the buildings finds that they are all empty. A few books seem to have survived ransacking, but they don't hold anything interesting. As the light of day begins to fade, you decide to hold up in what seems to have been the town's constabulary. The next morning, you arise from a fitful night of sleep. Though Beromir seems fine as ever, the rest of you are once again assaulted by the influence of the strange ritual. Sam and Graxzos both worsen, growing more beast-like.
If you Fail that Save:
So, it turns out Falbin didn't know what he was talking about. You are in danger of being affected by the strange ritual. You have succumbed to the ritual and grow more bestial. You gain the following properties:
2 claw attacks (1d3 damage for medium creatures, 1d2 for small) 1 bite attack (1d4 damage for medium, 1d3 for small) +2 bonus to Constitution -2 Damage to Intelligence -2 Damage to Charisma At the start of each day, a bestial creature takes an additional 2 points of Int and Cha damage to a minimum of 2. A bestial creature whose Int or Cha reaches 2 cannot remove the template except with a break enchantment spell, and all ability damage becomes permanent. Such a character is removed from play in the Pathfinder Society Organized Play campaign at the conclusion of the scenario.
Sam's spear finds its mark and the red beastman falls down, gushing blood. Meanwhile, the rest of the party cannot seem to hit the remaining wily creature. It dodges all of their attempts to bring it down. With a feral scream, the remaining beastman lashes out at Kelsier with both claws and a nasty bite.
With all the wailing and gnashing of teeth and claws, Kelsier only takes one slash, drawing some blood.
The beastly figures make their move. The one south of the party comes around the corner of the house and rushes as fast as he can at the party. However, Wilm charges on his wolf and sticks the beast man with a devastating blow, killing it out-right. The other (green) beastman scrambles through the small row of shrubbery, swiping a claw at Kelsier.
However, the fighter easily dodges the attack. The third (red) beast emerges from the shadows and makes a bee-line for Beromir. Graxzos fires a shot and his aim is true, but the beast still stands.
Kelsier moves up and chucks a javelin, but it misses. Beromir rushes forward, as do Waki and Graxzos. The tengu readies to slice into the first of the beast men to get close, and Graxzos plans to put a bullet in one.
Rolls:
Kelsier, Waki, Sam, and Beromir notice strange movements throughout the seemingly abandoned village. Suddenly, three bestial men appear and move in to attack!
"Well...I mean, when I sent the first report to Brackett, I did think that we were dealing with standard werewolves. Sorry..." Falbin gives you a fond wave as you travel on the path to Briar Henge. After most of a day's journey, the path runs through a small collection of buildings deep in the forest. This place appears to be a successful lumber camp — nearly a small village — but seems abandoned. A few open doors bang softly in the wind, hanging askew on their hinges.
Failed the Save?: So, it turns out Falbin didn't know what he was talking about. You are in danger of being affected by the strange ritual. You have succumbed to the ritual and grow more bestial. You gain the following properties:
2 claw attacks (1d3 damage for medium creatures, 1d2 for small)
At the start of each day, a bestial creature takes an additional 2 points of Int and Cha damage to a minimum of 2. A bestial creature whose Int or Cha reaches 2 cannot remove the template except with a break enchantment spell, and all ability damage becomes permanent. Such a character is removed from play in the Pathfinder Society Organized Play campaign at the conclusion of the scenario.
Falbin shakes his head slowly. "It's two days by foot. With all the craziness going on, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone that's got enough horses to spare for all of you." To Graxzos, "Well, they'll still hurt, won't they? But no, I don't think yer silver would be of any special use against those that have been turned by this ritual." He answers Sam, "And no, I don’t think you'll have to worry about being changed. Only people that have been in the area for a prolonged period of time seem affected. If you go to Briar Henge quickly, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.”
Falbin answers Graxzos, "Belladonnas are helpful with the treatment of lycanthropy. But, the druids out there at Briar's Henge ain't makin' regular old werewolves with that atavistic splinter." He then addresses Wilm's inquiries, "Well, Briar's Henge is about two days' travel south of here, so you’d best hurry if you want to catch the druids before the ritual ends. The trail is fairly good for the first day, and there’s a small logging camp you could rest at. The loggers there are no friends of the druids, so you’re likely to receive a warm welcome if you mention you’re working against Briar Henge. Briar Henge is another day further southeast along some narrow - but passable - trails.” Falbin walks around his garden, kicking dirt over some embers that are fighting against dying down. "See, the druids intend to transform everyone in the surrounding area into feral animal-men as a perverted way of returning them to ‘nature.’ The ritual is slow but powerful. The druids have been performing the ritual for weeks, and it seems to affect the area for miles around Briar Henge. Exactly how far out, I couldn’t say. I’ve done a lot of research, though, and I’ve learned two important points. First, the effects of the ritual are reversed only if the Atavistic Splinter is removed from Briar Henge before the entire ritual is complete—then all the affected animal-men would return to normal. Second, the ritual will end at sundown the day after tomorrow. That is, the ritual will only last two more days. As it takes almost two days to get to Briar Henge, you’d better get moving.”
"Would you mind checking the bags? One of 'em has it, but I can't tell. You humans all look the same..." You find a satchel of belladonna flowers in one of the dead men's bags. "That's it! Oh thank you!" He reaches out and clutches the satchel to his chest. Falbin then roots around in his garden and plucks up a single flower with large, pink petals. "I can't let any of the belladonnas go, but take this. It's a litheria blossom. I think you'll find it quite useful." Litheria Blossom: The litheria blossom is a rare but naturally occurring flower
with large, pink petals. The pollen of the litheria blossom bridges the gap between life and death, functioning like an elixir, though inhaled rather than imbibed. A creature that inhales the pollen gains the benefit of the death ward and deathwatch spells. Both effects last for 10 minutes. If plucked, the flower remains vibrant and alive until the pollen within the flower is inhaled, at which point the flower wilts and dies. The pollen remains potent only so long as it held within the flower or immediately thereafter. One round after the pollen is removed from the flower, both the pollen and the flower become nonmagical.
Though Wilm misses his charge at the thug, the man realizes he won't be able to outrun a wolf and immediately surrenders. "...place is gonna burn down anyway..." he mutters under his breath. Meanwhile the gnome continues to shout, "I'd like to save my garden, you silly dwarf!" Kelsier spots a heavy canvas tarp draped over a box next to the outhouse. He grabs it and rushes to the closest fire. With Wilm keeping guard over the thug, the rest of the pathinders are able to work together to save the farm. As the last embers are snuffed out, the gnome walks over and feebly kicks at the captured man. "You stupid fool! You stole my belladonna! Burn down my garden for nothin'! I ought to let these folks here put you out of your misery!" He takes a step away and greets the party. "Thank you for that. You must be the lot that Brackett said was comin'. You've all got the look of Pathfinders about you, you do. I'm Falbin." He holds up a hand in greeting. "See their silver blades? All this business with 'beast-men' has brought a scourge of lycanthrope hunters. These ones here were part of a group that stole my belladonna and then, obviously, tried to burn down my garden. Thanks for saving it." He wipes his hands of soot. "So, how can I help you?" The lycanthrope hunter sits still and grumbles under his breath. "Actually, I've got some rope. Would one of you mind tying that fella up?"
Wilm courageously gallops his wolf into the garden, landing a solid blow with his axe. His steed, however, is unable to bite into the ruffian. With a blast from his pistol, Graxzos fells the man. Meanwhile, Kelsier draws out a javelin and hurls it at the hunter near the house, the javelin finds a home in the man's chest, but he still stands! That is, until Sam conjures up a magic missile that puts the thug out of his misery. Seeing his two comrades easily killed by the arriving Pathfinders, the last of the brutish men drops his weapons and flees as quickly as possible.
The flames begin to spread! Flame rolls...:
The gnome, seeing the hunters leave, begins frantically shouting, "The fire! My crops!" He rushes forward with a shovel and begins trying to tamp out the fire closest to him.
As you draw closer to the house, you cannot help but notice that the flickering light that you had spotted is being produced by three fires that have been started in the garden. At the far end, a gnome is cowering beneath a statue. Three rough-looking men, each with two silvered short swords drawn, stop their yelling as you approach. "You think these fellas will protect you, Falbin?" Their demeanor suggests that hostilities are about to commence. Initiatives:
Wispil is a bustling town built on a small scale—although humans and elves walk the streets, most buildings are built to accommodate the gnomes who live and work in Wispil. The scent of fresh-cut lumber wafts through the town. Falbin’s home is not difficult to find. It is situated on the south edge of the town, with a large garden spreading out behind it. Most of the garden is obscured by high growth, but the sound of a violent argument carries into the street. Although it is not yet dark, firelight glimmers from within the garden walls.
|
