Feral's Kirin and Kraken (Inactive)

Game Master Feral

Gameplay dot.

Dotting!

why dot when you can describe!

Noisy the dwarf is just that...

You will hear him long before you see him as he does not appear to have any kind of 'inside voice', usually speaking at high volume at all times, as if always trying to project as far as possible.

Aside from that, however, he seems a cheerful, outgoing, and friendly sort.

He appears a well-seasoned adventurer. The well worn drum hanging from his hip, and the shiny metallic double barrels of an exotic firearm poking up over one shoulder, are the items on his person of the most immediate note.

An elf with a unique-looking blade of black has now arrived for the mission briefing. I thought the Society forgot about me. Needing a rescue will probably do that. I hope my lack of recent action doesn't dull my senses.

Agreed! But I was about to start a meeting so I didn't have time for a description a couple hours ago.

A halfling wearing fancy clothes that might be more appropriate for a ship captain leans against the back wall balancing a dagger on its tip on his index finger. When the dwarf comes barreling into the room, the halfling's knife starts to falter and he quickly drops it into his palm to prevent it clattering to the ground. "Forgot about you? Ah, so they're sending a team of rejects this time then? Seems fitting. I'm Bart, by the way. You can call me Black Bart, that's what my brothers used to say. But I've taken the name as my own now and am feared all the more for it, at least that's the idea."

Fendahl, appears to be a half-elf with a hint of wild in his appearance, especially his silvery hair and sideburns. His dragon hide armor has bits of horn and covered with markings from the far East.

Closeby, there is a lioness that follows Fendahl closely, watching for commands or an occasional treat from his companion.

Fendahl bows in recognition of the other agents.

"Fendahl here. It is my honor to serve with you."

Seeing his friend Maldoc, he approaches and bows deeply.

In elven
"Hail and well met Master Maldoc ."

Fendahl, its good to see that time continues to favor you. Maldoc returns the greeting and also gives a respectful bow of the head. I hope this mission is less harrowing than the last one I had.

"Kirrah!" Noisy calls loudly to the lioness at Fendahl's side. "Good to see you again!" He doesn't go quite so far as to try petting her, however.

"Oh, and you brought this one with you again, did you?" He adds, before giving Fendahl a big grin.

"Long way from the desert heat of Osirion, to be sure!"

It looks like we're going with four.

Venture Captain Amara Li patiently waits in a private room of the Gilded Lotus teahouse in Hisuikirasu, the capital of Kwanlai. Beside her sits a tengu woman wearing a rich green-and-gold kimono and an elaborate beaded headpiece, her possessions and feathers immaculate. Her regal appearance is overshadowed only by the sheathed katana at her side and the stern look of an experienced warrior upon her face. Amara Li speaks once everyone has arrived and had an opportunity to enjoy tea.

“Some time has passed since I have been able to enjoy the company of distinguished Pathfinders such as you. Nearly two years ago, I expanded the Society’s operations in Tian Xia with the assistance of honored friends, and from there the Society has unearthed many discoveries once lost to this age. It is because of this matter that I would introduce you to my companion.” Shemotions to the tengu woman beside her. “This is Shiyo Takarak, a samurai of the Way of the Kirin, a noble organization we have worked with often and are sure to work with much more in the future. Shiyo has made a request of the Society, and it is our duty to oblige.”

Amara once again returns to her tea, as Shiyo begins to speak with a smooth and melodious voice. “Just north beyond the borders of fair Kwanlai lies the monstrous nation of Wanshou, a swamp-filled wasteland ruled by a vile elder kraken named Zhanagorr. Twice has he tried to expand his territories into Kwanlai alone!” She stares into her tea and regains her calm. “In the time of Lung Wa, our agents operated out of Shen-Shu, a once-grand structure now buried beneath a muddy swamp in Wanshou. Our records indicate a vault deep within contained the flute of the fallen emperor, Wise Zijao’s seal, and the second Shu coronation crown. The flute is your priority, but retrieve the other two relics if you can.”

The samurai reaches into her kimono and produces a scroll tube and a small purse, which she places on the table. “My agents report a mysterious wizard known only as Lord Rybos has begun excavating the Sunken Valley where Shen-Shu lies, most likely to unearth whatever riches were lost when Zhanagorr’s storms swallowed the region. I am told that Zhanagorr has eyes everywhere, so I suggest you avoid any settlements along your journey and travel through the swamps. I am providing you with maps to help guide you through Wanshou undetected” the tengu’s clawed hand slides the items forward— “and with coin so you might procure any supplies you need for your travels. I trust you will represent both your Society and the Way of the Kirin in a way that would make our patrons proud."

Amara Li looks up from her tea before adding, “Remember Pathfinders, you are heading deep into unfriendly territory. I suggest you use discretion while making preparations.”

These wastelands, can you tell us about what may dwell there? Also, will the elements be a concern?

"Much of Wanshou is now under varying amounts of water, whether its submerged coastline, sodden swamps, or fields subjected to consistently heavy rainfall. The moisture allows the country to continue producing the immense amounts of rice that feed the region", Shiko explains. "It will be warm and damp but not dangerously so."

You can make a geography check to learn more.

Noisy steps forward to introduce himself to Amara and Shiyo more formally during the tea before the meeting gets underway.

"The Marquis de Noisy, at your service!" He says, with a slight bow. The gesture only partially hides his mischievous grin as he uses the title, clearly not overly invested in the nobility of it all.

Always on the lookout for noble types... so he will do what he can do being properly diplomatic, and talk up the awsomeness of Lady Gloriana!

Once the briefing begins, he listens with interest.

"Kraken rulers?" he exclaims, fascinated. "And here the usual run-of-the-mill two-legged despots are usually bad enough." he chuckles somberly.

His interest quickly wanes, as the area they are traveling into is described.

"Swamps and Hilde don't get along too well." He mutters, one hand going to his musket. "Its the dampness. Takes the boom out of the kaboom, if you will."

He goes over to examine the map, studying it thoughtfully. (Will take a 10 on the Knowledge (geography) for a 20)

How long a journey does it appear to be?

"So," Bart drawls, stepping quickly to the front of the group to be better heard over his taller companions, "we're looking for a flute, a seal, and a crown in an old vault which has been taken over by who-knows-what. Well, I'm sure we'll find a way to locate them and, if the dwarf doesn't pop my eardrums along the way, come back safely."

Noisy knows that the elder kraken Zhanagorr's magics not only flooded the country; they also heaped colossal amounts of silt and sediment into valleys and lowlands, burying once-prosperous settlements beneath many feet of earth.

Over the decades, much of the sediment caused by the storms has compacted and settled in such a way that one can excavate it easily with only moderate risk of cave-ins. The absorbent soil tends to retain much of its water, yet long-term excavations often flood over time. Anyone exploring such a site should be prepared for the possibility of underwater exploration.

The trip looks to be one week+.

Noisy grumbles good-naturedly about the possibility of underwater exploration. "Wouldn't be Pathfindering if we went somewhere comfortable, I suppose." He chuckles.

"What about other treasures we find in this ruin?" He asks. "We have the three notable items of interest you've already mentioned, what about others? This isn't some kind of holy shrine or burial site, is it?" His voice goes somber at the last, clearly respectful of such things.

"Are your Tien swamps like the Mwangi ones? Full of disease-ridden insects and leeches and the like?"

Not sure about underwater exploration... or swamp traversal. =) Hopefully we'll have some time to pick up a few necessities!

Fendahl nods to Noisy's comment about the swamps being undesired terrain.

He scratches Kirrah's ears while replying to the loud dwarf.

Aye Master Noisy, the water is not my favorite, nor kirrah's as you will likely recall. But we will survive.

Fendahl considers the selection of spells will likely need to account for the underwater travel.

I can manage well enough in or on the water if needed, at least for short stretches. The insects and disease I can do little to remedy. Once we arrive, we may have to re-assess and change tactics.

Bart shrugs. "I've got a couple scrolls that'll put a bubble of air around something. Doesn't last long though. If we might be underwater for longer, I'll pick up a few other things just in case."

Bart will pick up a potion of water breathing just in case.

Maldoc will also purchase one of the potions.

Can anyone cast Freedom of Movement or do you think we'll be OK without it? I might pick up a scroll of that also.

Fendahl can prep a FoM and water breathing to share.
He can also shapechange, so he is fine as a crocodile if need be for longer term.

Master Flaxseed, I have likewise adjusted my daily spells to account for our potential encounter with watery depths.
I can also call a variety of creatures to help us as needed, although cats are my preference.
Does anyone have a way to help locate these items if they are lost in water or sediment?

Noisy will buy enough food for the trip out and back as well as a tent and the local supply of insect repellent!

Alas, do not get access to 4th level spells (and FoM) until next level. Though Prestige to burn, so guess a scroll isn't out of the question!

I didn't see any more questions for Amara or Shiyo. Are you guys ready to get started?

I think Noisy had a couple up there. Otherwise, I'll do my two purchases and hope its enough.

“The Way may eventually reclaim the riches from the vault, but Lord Rybos’s presence in the region makes a large-scale expedition and excavation difficult. If you wrest control of Shen-Shu from the wizard, you may claim whatever relics you find within the vault as compensation. But remember, the flute is vital above all else. We will be watching”, Shiyo explains.

"The swamp can be punishing. The heat and water makes for unforgiving terrain to unprepared travellers."

Hmm... hadn't considered heat issues... ok, add some endure elements to the shopping list =)

Very well Master Shiyo, we will take precautions against the heat. You honor us by your advice.
'Even the largest of dragons takes refuge in shady caves to avoid anger of sun.'

He bows to the fellow samurai and is ready.

swapped in another endure elements, to cover Kirrah and himself

Before Noisy purchases anything unnecessary, Bart holds up a wand of endure elements that still has its new packaging on it. "Despite my reputation, I do share."

We've got 50 charges of endure elements, which should be more than enough to cover everyone, even if we're out there for a while.

Heh... I was surprised there were none of any of my chronicles to date. But that works! Thanks!

Perfect. Unless anyone can think of something other than the Endure Elements, Water Breathing and Freedom of Movement, lets go.

I need a fortitude save or survival check from everyone. If anyone is super good at survival they can do theirs at -2 to help everyone else out.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 (+2 if spell/spell-like/poison)

Fendahl and Kirrah will have endure elements each day

Fendahl will try to help in navigating the wilds, knowing swamps are not his specialty.
survival: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

Fendahl fortitude: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
Kirrah fortitude: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Fort: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 Plus any benefits for the Endure Elements we have on wand.

Bart will give himself and anyone else who needs it endure elements during the travel if the weather is hot/muggy/inhospitable in any way.

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Bart's clothes are quickly soaked through from the wet environment and the sweat poring down his head and back. With his short legs he is having a particularly hard time with the mud, but is quite capable of leaping from log to log (or other structure) when such things are available.

Noisy will happily accept some relief from the heat!

He also bought 30 doses of insect repellent =) I expect it will all get used.

Will use his Triple Time bardic masterpiece hourly, throughout our travel days (except on the last), to up everyone's movement rates... if only to speed up the trip! =)

Endure elements will help but you need it for the full 8 days of travel. Insect repellent would help too but you'd need enough to cover you for the entire time.

30 insect repellents isn't enough?
Bought a tent too, to keep 'em out at night! =)

Sounds like Fendahl and Kirrah are supplying their own [i]endure elements, which means Bart is covering himself, Noisy, and Maldoc. Three charges a day for 8 days means 24 charges. Fine with me, I bought it for a reason!

30 insect repellents isn't enough?

Bought a tent too, to keep 'em out at night! =)

They last four hours each and the trip is eight days.

I read a 'week+' as 7 days, didn't pay attention the + sign... Ooops

Still, a tent should cover the 8 hours of rest time, the rest would cover the other hours, for one person at least. Though I'd be all out for the trip home... 8(
Don't suppose there's a time of day when the insects aren't as bad... requiring 24 hour coverage seems a bit much

Does increasing everyone's movement speed by 10 the entire time cut a day off the trip at least? =)

Did we need more than one Fort save or is one enough for the trip?

No, one check is enough.

Despite being moderately well-prepared, the dampness of the swamp takes it toll on the party in the days that pass. Midway through the eighth day the party arrives at the Sunken Stronghold of Shen-Shu.

A lone dock leads to the west side of the once-elaborate balcony of Shen-Shu, whose algae-covered walls and moldering rooftop rise only a short distance above the stagnant waters of the mucky swamp. The covered balcony rises two feet above the waterline and connects to the dock via a wooden staircase accessible through an opening in the railing.

The party arrives with the following afflictions:

Bart: 1d4 ⇒ 4 con damage and 1 cha damage
Fendahl: 1d2 ⇒ 2 con damage and 1 cha damage
Kirrah: None
Maldoc: 1 con damage and 1 cha damage
Noisy: 1d2 ⇒ 1 con damage and 1 cha damage

Since Fendahl has a lesser restoration prepped every day, could he apply it to the ability damage each day, or is this a mechanic that the damage is applied once we arrive? (I am assuming that none of the damage is recovered during resting etc...or that it was already factored in.)

Fendahl is sweating profusely from the heat and other afflictions. Kirrah seems to take no notice.

The heat usually does not bother me, but this humidity is taking its toll.

lesser restore: 1d4 ⇒ 3 vs CON DMG

It's more of the latter. If you'd like to cure the ability damage now you can.

Phew! I think that brings Bart's hp down from 78 to 56. I should really carry lesser restoration potions or scrolls but I usually forget about that.

"Fendahl, my good chap," Bart says smoothly as he breathes heavily, struggling to keep up. Clearly the journey is taking its toll on the halfling. "Do you have any more of that magic? I'm afraid I'm quite worn out after all this and not in much shape to fight, should there be anything nasty in there. If not, I will just try to be more careful than usual I suppose."

Fendahl bows to the halfling.

Master Flaxseed, I have none prepared, but I usually carry on a scroll for just such emergencies.

The halfelf digs into his haversack and pulls out a few scroll tubes. Unfortunately, he comes to the conclusion that he must not have replaced that particular scroll.

"Alas, I am under prepared. I did not check before we left and now I have none. I can prep more tomorrow, but for today I cannot.

If anyone else has a scroll or pearl-2, he could use that for the recipient

Noisy comes through the swamp a hot mess. Days upon days of constantly lathering on insect repellent has left his beard and hair a greasy matted mess.

Even his usual cheerful nature has been beaten down by the trip.

Still, he does what he can to help once they close on their destination.

"Gimme a sec." Noisy says, as he starts digging around in his pack for something way down at the bottom.

"Know I have one in here somewhere... Ah, here it is!" He triumphantly pulls out a wand.

"See if this won't do the trick... Haven't had a great deal of luck with this thing." He adds going up to Bart and waving it around

UMD: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Lesser Restoration (con) on Bart: 1d4 ⇒ 4

"Ha! That should do it!" He exclaims, when it seems to work better than he expected.

heh, usually always end up rolling minimum with this thing =)

He then takes a moment to make sure his musket barrels are all clear and have fresh bullets loaded in them.

Will also cast False Life (Temp HP's: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19) and Heroism (extended via rod), and hit the party with Triple Time, once they are ready to enter the temple.

+10' movement speed for everyone, for the next hour

So per the map and description, this appears to be some sort of building and we are entering the top floor/balcony since the rest is underwater?

No point flying like the eagle here. The way of the turtle seems to be our path.

Kirrah starts getting skittish around the water. Never been her favorite.

Fendahl moves to the balcony, drawing his katana and looks to the doors.

Master Flaxseed, Master Tisbane. Are either of you wanting to check or open the door? Depending what we find on this floor, I may take another form if we go into the depths. Best to handle this floor now while we have our full faculties.

"Ah, thanks Noisy!" Bart says as he stands up a bit straighter and gains some more color in his cheeks. Fantastic! I like teams who are willing to share resources when it's needed. Ran across someone earlier this year who refused to get a wand of clw for his fighter because he wasn't in charge of healing and expected the healing classes to provide it for him. Not the best attitude in PFS....

Bart hops up and starts looking around for the best exit, checking to make sure nothing is going to harm them when they enter.

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (13) + 21 = 34

So per the map and description, this appears to be some sort of building and we are entering the top floor/balcony since the rest is underwater?

Correct.

Bart's careful examination of the doorway reveals no traps or other hidden dangers. Once it's deemed safe, Fendahl opens the door.

A wide stairway at the center of the room descends deeper into the stronghold and is surrounded by a fine wooden railing. Mold crawls along the walls from the doors on each corner of the room, yet a large ceiling mural of a vibrantly colored sky remains untouched by decay.

Perceptions: 4d20 ⇒ (16, 6, 2, 11) = 35

The party is greeted by an angry growl from a trio of boggards and a brawny tian-dtang dressed in a sodden loincloth and armed with a wicked trident.

Initiative: 6d20 ⇒ (20, 19, 17, 5, 18, 20) = 99

Bart, Fendahl, and Maldoc are up.

Bart sucks in a quick breath and says, "Well, here we go. Right behind then? Good." He rushes into the room, just able to make it with his increased speed. Along the way he slips two daggers into his hand and stabs with the silvery one.

+1 mithral dagger: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (8) + 16 = 24
damage with sneak: 1d3 + 2 + 5d8 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (4, 5, 5, 3, 8) = 28