Xathel's page

If you want an unassailable source for knowing Thassilonian, take the Thassilonian Delver legacy background. It explicitly grants knowledge of the language, but requires that you have played a minimum number of scenarios from (IIRC) Season 4 of 1st edition PFS.

(My Thassilonian Delver PC also wanted to learn Azlanti, which has similarly confusing access requiremehts. Until I'm told otherwise, I'm going to assume that the World Traveler [High Seas] boon to get access to Azlanti, and Multilingual to learn it, is sufficient.)

For my more bookish characters, I will frequently buy a journal with starting cash to represent the fact that they write about their adventures (as well as other subjects). But I've never bothered tracking how much space they fill over time, because there are no rules for that, and no real need for any. It's not a spellbook, which has specific rules about page counts, and it's not a consumable in the same way that ammunition or scrolls are, so "I have at least one of these" is sufficient for my needs. It's just flavor.

OK, I got it this time. It got caught in my spam filter, just not where I looked for it the first time (but I know how to avoid it next time now). All good here!

Thanks for running. It was fun!

I don't see my chronicle in my inbox or spam.

During the brief respite, Xathel moves up to the middle of the bridge so that he can better keep watch for new threats. He also pulls out his backup quiver to refill his supply of arrows. "I should have bought many more than I did. I had ample space and coin," he chides himself quietly.

Upon spotting the new group of Aspis, he moves closer to get a clearer shot at the one in front, then aims carefully and shoots.

◆ Stride, ◆ Devise a Stratagem (Recall Knowledge as part of the same action), ◆ Strike vs. #1
Devise a Stategem: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Society (Recall Knowledge): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Shortbow +1, with DAS: 12 + 11 = 23, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Strategic strike adds precision: 1d6 ⇒ 6
On crit, add Deadly: 1d10 ⇒ 7

Botted.

Botting for Alseil and Goldirex

Goldirex moves up and engages the Aspis leader, while Alseil finally moves within spell range.

Primary Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24, Damage: Bludgeoning: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 3) + 4 = 12
Secondary Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 11 - 4 = 24, Damage: Fire: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 5) + 4 = 12

Goldirox ◆ Stride, ◆ Strike, ◆ Act Together (Strike, Alseil Stride).

Xathel aims carefully then fires again at the Aspis still standing next to Chance.

◆ Devise a Strategem, ◆ Strike vs. #2
Devise a Stategem: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Shortbow +1, with DAS: 20 + 11 = 31, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Strategic strike adds precision: 1d6 ⇒ 5
On crit, add Deadly: 1d10 ⇒ 6

He then moves closer to get a better sight line on the leader.

◆ Stride

"Damn, too late," Xathel curses to himself when he sees the Aspis leader poison their allies' daggers. He aims carefully at the worse injured of the enemy agents.

◆ Devise a Stratagem (Recall Knowledge as part of the same action) vs. #2, ◆ Strike
Devise a Stategem: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Society: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

◆ Strike vs. #2
Shortbow +1, with DAS: 19 + 11 = 30, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Strategic strike adds precision: 1d6 ⇒ 5
On crit, add Deadly: 1d10 ⇒ 6

He then fires a second shot.

◆ Strike vs. #2 if still up, otherwise at the leader (#1).
Shortbow +1, MAP: 1d20 + 9 - 5 ⇒ (4) + 9 - 5 = 8, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Do any of us receive any new Hero Points before this battle?

"Remember to focus fire as much as you can. The fewer enemies, the fewer attacks we take," Xathel says to his companions, before moving forward to get a clear shot at the leader.

◆ Stride, ◆ Devise a Stratagem (Recall Knowledge as part of the same action), ◆ Strike vs. #1
Devise a Stategem: 1d20 ⇒ 16
Society: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 (on crit, Xathel and allies get +1 on next attack vs. target)
Shortbow +1, with DAS: 16 + 11 = 27, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Strategic strike adds precision: 1d6 ⇒ 4
On crit, add Deadly: 1d10 ⇒ 6

Crafting to repair: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28 *Finally!*

When Xathel realizes that he's still not solving the problem, he stops moving altogether for a long moment as he studies the pillar closely. When he finally moves again, it's sudden and efficient, and proves far more effective than his earlier efforts.

Seeing Goldirox succeed where the others have not, Xathel pauses and murmurs, "Hmm...clearly I have been thinking too much of Yuelral, and not enough of Torag. Forgive me, Forgelord."

Crafting to Repair: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Another 4! If I had any Hero Points left, I'd spend one.

He resumes his task, but still can't seem to make any progress.

Xathel moves to another pillar, pulls his repair kit out of his sleeve, and sets to work.

Craft (T) to Repair: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

This is a stunning start. C'mon, Alseil, show us how it's done!

Xathel is a careful archaeologist at heart, but has acquired too profound a dislike of duergar and Droskar to make any objection to Scratch's attempt to explode the altar. "It may require priestly magic, and a great deal of time, to properly purify that abomination," he says, sharing the dwarf's disappointment.

The elf handles the draugr's personal symbol of Droskar warily, unwilling to touch it with bare skin, though that caution seems to stem more from moral disgust than from fear of any harm. After wrapping it tightly in a bit of cloth, he places it inside his magic sleeves. He then pulls out a spare quiver to refill the much-lightened one he's been using.

As Looni tends to his wounds, Xathel politely thanks the goblin in his own language.

Once the last duergar falls, Xathel moves closer to examine the bodies, looking for any useful gear, interesting cultural artifacts, and clues about their purpose here.

"Toil for toil's sake is a miserable way to live," the elf muses as he performs his inspection. "I will never understand the appeal of Droskar's cult. They stain the honor of all dwarves."

He will submit to healing (or treat himself) after a minute or two of searching.

Xathel usually remains pretty cool during combat, but fighting yet another band of duergar beneath the Pallid Peak is stirring up some more visible emotions in the elf scholar. "Joyless Droskaran filth," he mutters darkly in Undercommon as he lines up a better shot on the closest foe.

◆ Devise a Stategem: 1d20 ⇒ 18
Recall Knowledge as part of the same action: Society: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

◆ Strike vs. #3: Shortbow +1, with DAS: 18 + 11 = 29, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Strategic strike adds precision: 1d6 ⇒ 2
On crit, add Deadly: 1d10 ⇒ 7

◆ Stride

He then resumes circling the fight.

Xathel moves further into the room to get a clearer shot at the duergar, and to get out of easy grenade formation. He aims at the duergar engaged with Chance.

◆ Stride
◆ Devise a Stategem: 1d20 ⇒ 2 vs. #3.

he decides there's something not quite right about his angle, so he shoots at the other duergar (#2) instead.

◆ Shortbow +1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Xathel scowls when he hears the speech in Undercommon, clearing understanding it and suspecting what lies ahead. He moves into the room, studies the obvious leader, and shoots at them.

◆ Stride, ◆ Devise a Stratagem (Recall Knowledge as part of the same action), ◆ Strike vs. #1
Devise a Stategem: 1d20 ⇒ 17
Society (Recall Knowledge): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
Shortbow +1, with Devise a Stratagem: 17 + 11 = 28, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Strategic strike adds precision: 1d6 ⇒ 4
On crit, add Deadly: 1d10 ⇒ 2

I can't move my token while doing this on my phone, so please move me to the space NW of Looni.

Just a reminder that I will be at an in-person con tomorrow through Sunday. I will check in if and when I have time, but can't guarantee anything. Feel free to bot Xathel for skill checks, shooting from a safe distance, and patching folks up afterward. Because I'll be away for a while, I will abstain from voting on where to go next.

With the retcon, Xathel would keep the potion for at least a moment longer, but I'll mark off an arrow.

"It seems you're not ready to meet Magrim yet, Scratch. Good," Xathel says to the dwarf as he puts his bow away to help tend the wounded.

Xathel's Medicine (T) on Chance: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Yikes, gonna use a Hero Point on that!
Xathel's Medicine (T) on Chance: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Success (DC 15) heals: 2d8 ⇒ (3, 7) = 10

Botting Looni to autoheal Alseil: 2d8 ⇒ (8, 5) = 13

I think now would be a good time for people to use those free lesser healing potions, unless we wait another hour to use Medicine again. Xathel is unhurt, so if we press on after this first round of healing, he will offer his potion to whoever is worst off after medicine plus their own potion.

After tending Chance, Xathel turns his attention to the Droskar altar, to determine if the glowing symbol is merely a light source or something more worrisome.

He has the detect magic cantrip, but no feats to aid with identifying magic. (I'm still figuring out those rules, TBH.) He has Arcana +12, Occultism +10, and Nature/Religion +8.

Xathel is about to draw another arrow when the demon mauls Scratch, leaving the dwarf lying in a pool of his own blood. The elf reaches into his sleeve, pulls out a vial, and quickly crouches to pour its contents into Scratch's mouth. As the healing potion takes effect, he says in Dwarven, "Today is not the day you meet Magrim, Steeltoe." He then draws and looses an arrow at the demon, without his usual careful aim.

Lesser Healing Potion: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 1) + 5 = 13 (This is Xathel's free potion from the last visit to base camp.)

Shortbow +1: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1 whee...

◆ Intercat (draw potion from sleeves of storage, ◆ Interact (feed potion to Scratch, ◆ Strike (at W2)

OK, I'm a little confused. The last demon's token is next to Chance, not Scratch, but it just took down Scratch?

Xathel curses softly in Sylvan when Goldirox vanishes and Alseil collapses. He agrees wholehearted--if quietly--with Scratch's assessment, so aims and looses an arrow at the demon responsible.

◆ Devise a Stratagem (Recall Knowledge as part of the same action), ◆ Strike, both at H1.
Religion (Recall Knowledge, -2 retry): 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 2 = 21
Shortbow +1, with Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Strategic strike adds precision: 1d6 ⇒ 3
On crit, add Deadly: 1d10 ⇒ 2

◆ Strike at H1 if still up, or at W2 if not.
Shortbow +1, MAP: 1d20 + 9 - 5 ⇒ (9) + 9 - 5 = 13, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Looks like a miss, either way.

Would administering a potion to someone be 1 Interact action, or more? (Not counting any actions needed to retrieve it, move next to the person, etc.)

Looni can probably do a lot more for Alseil than Xathel can, but I was wondering.

Is it two interact actions to grab something from a backpack or more?

According to this page on Nethys, it looks like it's one Interact action to take off the backpack, then a second Interact to retrieve something from the backpack.

(One more reason for me to love sleeves of storage, despite the price tag! BTW, if Chance doesn't have a healing potion stowed somewhere convenient, Xathel might pull out his new free one to offer him. Sounds like he needs it!)

Xathel mumurs a brief prayer in Elven to Ketephys, god of hunters, as he aims past Chance at the closest demon. He then takes a moment to study the now-glowing altar.

◆ Devise a Stratagem (Recall Knowledge as part of the same action), ◆ Strike, all against W3.
Religion (Recall Knowledge), -2 retry: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 - 2 = 9
Shortbow +1, with Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Strategic strike adds precision: 1d6 ⇒ 4
On crit, add Deadly: 1d10 ⇒ 9

◆ Recall Knowledge re: altar.
Dwarven Lore: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Unfortunately, Xathel hasn't studied Abyssal.

Xathel studies the closest fiend, then looses an arrow at his target. He then takes a moment to look at the other fiends to see if he recognizes them.

◆ Devise a Stratagem (Recall Knowledge as part of the same action), ◆ Strike, all vs. H1
Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24 (on crit, Xathel and allies get +1 on next attack vs. H1)
Shortbow +1, with Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Strategic strike adds precision: 1d6 ⇒ 4

◆ Recall Knowledge vs. W's
Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

One vote for the Temple Way.

Given the sacrilege we've already seen there, and Xathel's previous experiences at the Peak, he'd guess that we're likely to encounter duergar, undead, and/or haunts along the Temple Way.

Over drinks, Xathel shares an ancient, mostly forgotten Dwarven riddle or two with Scratch.

Riddle Lore (U, Keen Recollection): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

*****

No purchases for Xathel.

Xathel looks a bit dubious about the prospect of engaging in underwater combat, even with the water breathing potions, but remains stoic and determined about completing the task at hand.

Before entering the water, the elf stows his bow, quiver, and detective's tools in his sleeves of storage to keep them safe and dry, and activates his wayfinder's light spell. At the bottom of the guide rope, he draws his shortsword, and looks around.

Dwarven Lore: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Xathel looks disappointed, but unsurprised, to see that all the deities' symbols except for Droskar's have been damaged. "Even blessed Eritrice has no patience with the likes of these cursed duergar and their lord," he mutters to himself.

As he has many times before during this expedition, the elf stops to make brief notes in his journal in neat, small script. He has also drawn a rough map of their path, and sketched some of the more interesting features worth reporting. However, he spends far less time rendering these defaced doors then he did the nearly pristine sister statues.

(Eritrice is a lion-headed empyreal lord whose likeness Xathel carries on his person. The others may see him meditate over the wooden image during his daily preparations.)

Fortification: Xathel will take a lesser healing potion (level 3).

Yay, Hero Point! Investigator used his best weapon: his brain!

In favor of Jernashall.

"I'm afraid that the dwarves who lived on and around this mountain were forced to abandon their cities when the volcano erupted centuries ago," Xathel begins. "The outside world has only recently rediscovered the settlements here. Many dangers, such as those Scratch mentioned, and worse, need to be cleared before the cities will be safe for habitation again. Our organization, the Pathfinder Society, can help with that, and we can bring news of this place to other dwarves within the Five Kings Mountains, and beyond. I would advise not sending any beacon, at least not until the cities and the roads to them are secure once again."

Dwarven Lore (U, Keen Recollection): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Society (E): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Xathel, you only get to choose one skill to roll on. It doesn’t really matter for this, but when there are multiple skills given for a spoiler please assume you can only roll for one of the given options.

Apologies. Noted for future reference.

And hey, nice, their question lines up very nicely with Xathel's own internal debate. I have a live game tonight, but will try to post after.

Religion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Dwarven Lore: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26 (Keen Recollection)

"I see. Yes, nothing is more sacred to the Watchful Mother than the family and the home, and ensuring their safety," Xathel says thoughtfully, as new ideas occur to him. "Were you given other powers, beside speech and recalling messages, to help you perform this noble purpose?"

Xathel is debating how much to tell the constructs about what brought the Pathfinders here. How do you tell someone--who may or may not be programmed with contingencies against threats to their home--that the people they were built to serve are all gone? This whole mountain would likely be a bit traumatic for any living Folgrit worshiper, after all. OTOH, other dwarves will certainly be drawn here in time, once the region is made safe again, so the sisters will have opportunities to serve their purpose again.

"Oh, I certainly do. Far more than we can spare the time for right this moment, so I'm debating which are most critical," Xathel replies to Scratch, with as much of a smile as the aloof elf ever gives. "But those two head my list: Who made you, and when? And to add another: What is this beacon you mentioned?"

"I am Xathel, a historian," the elf says politely in Dwarven, before switching back to Common. "We are explorers, who seek to learn more about the cities you represent."

FYI, since we're on the subject, I will be at an in-person con the weekend of October 7-9. I have a couple time slots that are free at the moment, so I may still be able to do some posting by phone while I'm there, but I can't 100% guarantee it.

I vote move on, assuming Looni's player checks in to let us know he has enough magical healing to heal up to his own satisfaction without needing to wait longer.

Xathel offers both his healing potions to Looni, who looks quite severely hurt, before he joins Caitlin in searching the room.

I have no idea what Looni has left for gear or spell slots, but am willing to expend my own free consumables on keeping our main healer healthy.
Minor Healing Potion: 1d8 ⇒ 5
Minor Healing Potion: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Perception +10; all of his Recall Knowledge skills are at least +8.

Seeing that his arrows don't have much effect on the skeletons, Xathel pulls a hatchet out of his sleeve, circles around to flank the champion threatening Alseil, and swings at it.

◆ Interact (draw weapon from sleeves of storage), ◆ Stride 30 ft. (staying out of #3's reach until last square), ◆ Strike vs. #4 (flat-footed from flanking)
Hatchet: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11, Damage (versatile S): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Xathel moves up behind his teammates to get a better look at the undead, and aims at one of the skeletons next to Caitlin (#3).

Stride (◆), Devise a Stratagem (◆; Recall Knowledge as part of the same action), Strike (◆)
Religion (Recall Knowledge): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Shortbow +1, with Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Strategic strike adds precision: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Hey, Xathel has Survey Wildlife, too! :) But he had other things to do with his first 10 minutes after the fight.

Xathel pulls out a bit of rope to bind the prisoner, but being far more perceptive than persuasive, he lets the others handle most of the questioning. Trusting that Looni can see to his own wounds, the elf begins treating Chance's injuries.

Looni's healing: 2d8 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6
I'm including this to speed things up, but I'm guessing Looni's player will probably want to do some magical healing, too.

Xathel's Medicine (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Spending a Hero Point so we don't have to wait an hour because of a bad roll.

Xathel's Medicine (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Success (DC 15) heals: 2d8 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7 for Chance.

Xathel moves up to get a clear shot at the wounded Aspis (#3). "Amateurs," he mutters scornfully.

Move (◆), Devise a Stratagem (◆), Recall Knowledge as part of the same action, and Strike (◆)
Society (Recall Knowledge, -2 retry): 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 2 = 17 (on crit, Xathel and allies gain +1 to next attack vs. target)
Shortbow +1, with Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Strategic strike adds precision: 1d6 ⇒ 4
On crit, add Deadly: 1d10 ⇒ 2

Xathel turns, sees Looni being ganged up on, and carefully aims before shooting at #1.

Xathel Devises a Stratagem (◆), Recalls Knowledge as part of the same action, and Strikes (◆)
Society (Recall Knowledge): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25 (if crits, he and allies get +1 on next attack vs. target)
Shortbow +1, with Devise a Stratagem: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20, Range 60 ft, Reload 0, Deadly d10
Piercing damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Strategic strike adds precision: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Again, no 3rd action, he'd just waste be wasting ammo.

Occultism: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

"An ooze's acid has scarred this stone as it passed through here," Xathel says, pointing out the monster's trail. "Watch where you step, in case there are more about. We should return to report our progress, and this new discovery."

-----

At the crossroads, Xathel looks disappointed at seeing the decayed state of the stairs. He looks around carefully, bow at the ready.

Xathel shakes his head slightly in some bemusement at Scratch's enthusiasm, but doesn't look away from his task. "If we can't fix this problem today, friend dwarf, I'd rather warn other teams away from it than obliterate any evidence of your distant kin's existence here. Too much has already been forgotten about these halls."

Xathel has +10 in both Crafting and Thievery, but has the superior tools for Thievery. He also has a spare set of normal thieves' tools, if anyone needs to borrow them. (It wasn't worth selling them back when he upgraded.) Do we need multiple successes for this challenge?

"Reporting and disabling any traps we find were part of our orders," Xathel replies to Scratch, with a nod. He turns to Alseil and says, "I'll work on propping up the floor, if you can work on reinforcing the subfloor." He starts pulling tools from his kit to get to work.

Thievery (disable): 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 1 = 24

Xathel gestures for the group to stop, and takes a closer look at the room from just outside the doorway. "These posts look suspicious, like they're meant to be knocked out of place easily. Which might drop the ceiling down, or pose some similar threat."

Perception vs. traps: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 1 = 19

I've moved Goldirox back so that Xathel can stand at the doorway, if that's OK?

Society (E): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Xathel takes copious notes while the group examines the records, and he shares what he knows of Tar Khadurrm's history.

I vote for Unsealed Way. I think that was the second choice last time?