The Horn of Aroden

[Maximillian Arcos]

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

"Would you happen to know if he is alone on this quest? Does he have any other friends or associates who might have information leading us to his current location?"

[Vrald Sehir]

Vrald nods at the mans words.

"Well.. bandits are everywhere. What are some of the other nasty creatures in the area that we should be on the lookout for?" asks Vrald.

"My thanks for your hospitality." he adds with a bow.

[Zuriel Heihachi]

If Lander has a two day head start, we should leave soon, and we'll probably need mounts to close the distance. Thank you for your information.

Can't make that DC either--ready to go hunt down this spoiled brat! :-)

[GM Baerlie]

"I'm afraid he's alone. He does not have much friends, that's the prize you pay for being a Lord. Werewolves live in the woods, also giant ants, kobolds and axe beaks. You see, even for a grown-up warrior it's not easy to survive." Marek answers and ushers you out of his house. "Excuse me, I have to get back to work. Several tasks are waiting to be finished."

After learning from Marek that Lander left Silverhall in pursuit of the bandits, you take the southwestern road out of town in the hope of picking up Lander’s trail.

Perception DC15:

You see a handkerchief tied to a tree. It bears the crest of House Lebeda — a white swan on a blue background with a rising sun in the background.

Survival DC18:

After traveling along the road for about 50 miles, Lander left the main road to follow a deer trail—more on a hunch than based on any evidence that it would lead to the bandits. Worried that he might get lost, Lander tied a handkerchief to a tree near the point where the deer trail intersects the road to mark his path.

[Jagged Stone]

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

As Scissors returns to Jagged's outstretched arm, he gestures to a deer trail off the main road.

"Lan'duh went down that deer trail. Look, he left a scarf..."

Jagged walks up to the scarf, considers untying it, but opts to leave it just in case it's not Lander's.

Taking a few steps down the deer trail, he gestures.

"Follow Jagged Stone!"

[Taliesin Staccato]

"I see the handkerchief," Taliesin says...but where is the trail?!"[/b] the bard says as she stumbles through undergrowth.

"Still...it does look like he came this way! Let's keep going!" she adds cheerily.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

[Vrald Sehir]

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

"Good eyes you have there" notes the knight in training.

He turns his horse down the trail and then pauses.

"While I should ride in the front, maybe someone with keener eyes to follow Lander would be better."

[GM Baerlie]

The deer trail winds past a large pond fed by a spring. Reeds and sedges grow around the pond, and piping birds are audible over the gurgling of running water. The pond drains from a stream flowing southwards. A section of grasses has been cleared away near the north edge of the pond, revealing a small fire pit caked with ashes.

The reeds around the pond act as difficult terrain and provide concealment to creatures within them. The pond varies in depth, being approximately 2 feet deep in its shallow reaches and 5 feet deep at its deepest point. Treat the shallower sections of the pond as a shallow bog, and treat the deeper sections as a deep bog

GM Screen:

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Perception DC11:

You hear somebody moving in the reed on the other side of the pond.

Perception DC18:

A second guy hides in the reed close to the fire place.

Perception DC27:

A third man hides stealthily in the reed east of the fireplace.

[Zuriel Heihachi]

Vrald Sehir wrote:

"Good eyes you have there" notes the knight in training.

He turns his horse down the trail and then pauses.

"While I should ride in the front, maybe someone with keener eyes to follow Lander would be better."

At least the boy had enough sense to leave a trail--maybe his heart isn't in this fully. I'll join you. Zuriel says, transferring some life force into his shawl before moving to the front.

Transfer 10 HP into Shawl of Lifekeeping, then use a charge of Infernal Healing to replenish. Then, when we approach the pond:

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

There, in the reeds, and there, by the fire place. Can you hear them? We are being watched... the half-elf whispers a warning to the others.

[Taliesin Staccato]

Taliesin nods soberly.

"I do see two of them...I hope there aren't more. Or at least I hope they aren't hostile. Maybe I should go talk to them."

The bard takes a couple of steps forward, then with a voice full of theatrical projection, says "Greetings, fellow travelers! A winding road, and a handkerchief, has led us here in search of a wayward swordsman of the Aldori school. Might you have seen this errant youth?"

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28

[Jagged Stone]

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Jagged hesitates as he sees the hiding men.

"Jagged Stone sees them, too. Maybe they are hiding like scared anee'muls?"

He smiles as Taliesin takes charge and hails them.

[Maximillian Arcos]

Maximillian stands ready for trouble while Taliesin tries to hail the apparently hidden people nearby.

[Vrald Sehir]

perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
"Where?" asks the knight, who advances on the fireplace.

"You there, show yourselves."

[GM Baerlie]

As Vrald advances forward you see an arrow flying towards the fighter, but the arrow goes wide and lands in the reed.
Longbow: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
so much for the surprise round

"Yes, we have seen him. And you will see him too in a few moments!" one of the bandits shout.

GM Screen:

Initiative Claire: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Initiative Vrald: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Initiative Maximillian: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10
Initiative Taliesin: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Initiative Jagged Stone: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Initiative Zuriel: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Brigand blue: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Brigand red: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Brigand green: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Round 1
Claire
Taliesin
------------
Brigand blue
------------
Jagged Stone
------------
Brigand green
Brigand red
------------
Zuriel
Vrald
Maximillian

[Taliesin Staccato]

"Treachery!" Taliesin calls out. "Pathfinders, it's time to kick butt and take names!"

The bard unfurls her banner of the Pathfinder Society, which is attached to her longspear, and it flutters in the breeze.

Inspire Courage + flagbearer = +2/+2 ATTACK/DMG! PLEASE DON'T FORGET AND SHOW IT IN YOUR ROLLS SO I CAN SEE IT!

[Claire Lee-O'Blivyus]

Perception: 1d20 + 17 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 17 + (3) = 35

Claire keeps here eyes peeled for danger...

Claire hastily throws together a quick cocktail, and doesn't forget her sprig of mint. She imbibes an extract of Shield and moves toward her friend Vrald to lend support.

Sorry for being so limited. I had to travel for work, and got back the night before we took the kids to Disney. It's been extremely hectic!

[Jagged Stone]

So Baerlie can get all the brigands posted, I'll post Jag's actions now, as I don't think the blue brigand will change them much.

"Get that one Siz'ahs!"

Jagged gestures towards the brigand on the other side of the stream (attack command; green) while rushing ahead, drawing his scythe and bringing it up hard at brigand chin.

No flagbearer or inspire for Scissors.
Scissors charge vs green: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 2 = 19 for 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Including +2 from inspire/flag below.
Jagged charge vs red: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 2 + 2 = 19 for 2d4 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1) + 9 + 2 = 14

Jagged Status:

Jagged Stone:
HP: 35/35; AC: 16 (T11/FF15)
F: +6, R: +3, W: +7
+4 vs. fey and plant-targeted effects, +2 racial bonus vs. altitude fatigue and sickness, +1 trait bonus vs. mind-affecting not already suffering from
Spells Cast Today:
2nd: barkskin [ ] binding earth (DC 15) [ ] lesser restoration [ ]
1st: feather step [ ] longstrider [ ] produce flame [ ] stone shield [ ]

[ooc]Scissors:
HP: 22/22; AC: 22 (T15/FF17)
F: +4, R: +9, W: +2

[Zuriel Heihachi]

Jagged Stone, why aren't you giving the bonuses to your companion? As far as I know, Flagbearer and IC work on all allies.

[GM Baerlie]

The brigand in the reed waits for commands while part of the group acts. Claire drinks an extract while Taliesin unfurls a banner of the Pathfinder Society. Scissors charges the brigand in green shorts while Stone charges the one in the water. Both attacks hit.

"Oh, Pathfinders looking for a child. Haha! Attack them now! I want them tied together, for Aldona!" a tall, thin, ruddy-faced man shouts. red

The brigands attack, but all attacks miss.
blue mace vs. Vrald: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
red mace vs. Stone: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
green mace vs. Scissors: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11 if Scissors is flying and not reachable with the mace he would shoot an arrow for +3

Round 1 & 2
Inspire Courage + flagbearer = +2/+2 ATTACK/DMG!
Claire
Taliesin
Jagged Stone
------------
Brigand blue
Brigand green -4HP
Wicent red -14HP
------------
Zuriel
Vrald
Maximillian

[Maximillian Arcos]

With his cold iron greatsword drawn, Maximillian advances on the nearest brigand.

Double move.

[Zuriel Heihachi]

Zuriel advances swiftly, swinging his blade in a deadly arc at the nearest brigand (Blue) but keeping his blood magic at the edges of his mind for now.

attack, power attack, inspire, flag, Destined Strike: 1d20 + 9 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 - 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 20

Power attack, flag, inspire: 1d10 + 6 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 6 + 1 + 1 = 19

[Taliesin Staccato]

"Looks like we found our child! Actually, three of them!" Taliesin quips in response to the brigand's taunt. She uses the joke as part of a spell, hoping one of the brigands will laugh along with her.

hideous laughter targeting red in the water, DC 16 Will save

[Vrald Sehir]

Vrald strikes the bandit in blue next to him.

"Surrender and I may yet show mercy."
power attack, flag, inspire: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 2 + 2 = 19
damage, cold iron, flag, inspire: 1d8 + 7 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 4 + 2 = 16

[Jagged Stone]

AC15 is a hit vs Jagged Stone, as he charged and his AC dropped to AC14, so he'll need a damage roll for red's mace.

@Zuriel: Zoned out, also have a necromancer whose minions don't get morale bonuses and forgot the bird isn't as dumb as a skeleton. :)

Jagged vs red
Jagged scythe: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 2 = 28 for 2d4 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 9 + 2 = 16

Scissors vs green
Scissors bite: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 2 = 28 for 1d6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 2 = 6
Scissors claw: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 2 = 16 for 1d4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 2 = 4
Scissors claw: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 = 12 for 1d4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 2 = 7

Jagged Status:

Jagged Stone:
HP: 35/35; AC: 16 (T11/FF15)
F: +6, R: +3, W: +7
+4 vs. fey and plant-targeted effects, +2 racial bonus vs. altitude fatigue and sickness, +1 trait bonus vs. mind-affecting not already suffering from
Spells Cast Today:
2nd: barkskin [ ] binding earth (DC 15) [ ] lesser restoration [ ]
1st: feather step [ ] longstrider [ ] produce flame [ ] stone shield [ ]

[ooc]Scissors:
HP: 22/22; AC: 22 (T15/FF17)
F: +4, R: +9, W: +2

[Claire Lee-O'Blivyus]

Claire charges the one square closest to the blue brigand. She feels exceptionally inspired by the words of Tallesin.

Rapier Attack vs Blue Brigand: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

Rapier Damage vs Blue Brigand: 1d4 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

[GM Baerlie]

Maximillian moves closer to the foes while Zuriel attacks the closest bandit with his blade. With that mighty blow the first bandit falls. Taliesin casts a spell at the taunting brigand who suddenly starts to laugh like crazy. Vrald steps up to the laughing man and almost chops off his head. Scissors cuts more wounds into the remaining bandit's skin.
sorry, had to change Vrald's action, blue was already down; and red is also down, but I can't get Jagged across the water and hit green with 20 ft. of movement, Jagged do you want to do another action?

Will DC16: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Mace damag red vs. Jagged: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

"Wait, don't kill me!" the remaining bandit shouts while covering his face with his hands to protect it from the razor sharp claws.

Round 2 & 3
Inspire Courage + flagbearer = +2/+2 ATTACK/DMG!
Claire
Taliesin
Jagged Stone
------------
Brigand blue defeated
Brigand green -14HP
Wicent red defeated
------------
Zuriel
Vrald
Maximillian

[Zuriel Heihachi]

Very well--throw down your weapons and take us to the boy and we'll accept your surrender. Zuriel stands by, awaiting his response.

Diplomacy, if needed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

It seems I once again find myself in a position to negotiate with bandits.

Delay to hear the guy's response.

[Taliesin Staccato]

Taliesin points her spear at the remaining brigand.

"Drop...your...sword!" she orders with steely resolve.

"That sounds familiar...where did I read that?"

intimidate: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

[Maximillian Arcos]

Maximillian waits for the man's response before taking further action.

Delaying for now.

[Vrald Sehir]

Seeing the offer of surrender has been accepted, Vrald will kneel and check the bandits for signs of life, providing what first aid he can.

heal: 1d20 ⇒ 7

[GM Baerlie]

combat over

The bandit drops his weapon and raises his arms. "We brought the weak lordling to Aldona, the mistress of the moon." the man answers.

Vrald checks the other two guys for signs of life and both of them are still alive, but badly woundes. They also show scars on their upper arms.

DC 15 Appraise, Perception or Craft weapons:

The bandit's weapons bear a maker’s mark of an eagle clutching a pair of tongs.

[Zuriel Heihachi]

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Your weapons bear Marek's mark--how did you acquire them? Zuriel asks, lowering his blade.

[Vrald Sehir]

Vrald gestures to the bandits. "Can someone stop them bleeding out?"
he does his best to stabilize them.
perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
But doesn't notice anything until Zuriel speaks up.

"The Eagle and Tongs..."

He looks hard at the survivor "These are no trivial weapon, but the work of a master. There is a story to each, and you are part of it. I suggest you stay talking. And while you are doing that, who is Aldona and where does one find her?"

He points to the mens arms, and then at the arms of the captives. "What manner of scars are these?"

[Maximillian Arcos]

Heal: First aid on 1st dying enemy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Heal: First aid on 2nd dying enemy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Heal: Second attempt at first aid on 2nd dying enemy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

While the others interrogate the conscious bandit, Maximillian manages to prevent the first outlaw from bleeding out, but has problems stopping the bleeding of the other one.

[Vrald Sehir]

heal: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Vrald watches what Max does and applies the same techniques to the second bandit, stopping him from dying - just yet.

[Jagged Stone]

14. That's a solid hit.

Jagged uses a dirty hand to staunch his bleeding, quickly grabbing his own wand while the others tend to the fallen men.

Wand charges: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (8, 6) + 2 = 16

[Taliesin Staccato]

Taliesin helps stabilize the dying thugs, though she turns away at the sight of blood. Once they are okay, she moves to the conscious bandit.

She looks him square in the eye. "I suggest you start talking. Why don't you start with...everything you know!" she says with steely, dramatic resolve.

intimidate: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28

[GM Baerlie]

Taliesin questions the man while Jagged, Maximillian and Vrald stabilize the knocked out men. Maximillian identifies the scars as having been inflicted by the teeth of a predatory animal, such as a wolf or dog.

"With the next full moon, the power of their gang will multiply, and all of Silverhall will be their prey." the man answers and proudly shows the scars. "We were bitten by Aldona and we will soon become like her." after a pause he adds "Aldona's camp is in the woods. Follow our trail and you will get there."

Survival DC14:

The bandit's tracks lead from the water hole into the woods.

[Claire Lee-O'Blivyus]

"That is a very suspicious description of lunar effects. I have the feeling we should go back to town for a minute..."

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 9 + (3) = 24 How far are we from a town likely to carry silver weapons?

She turns to her companions and asks, "Do any of you have silver weapons? If not, it may be prudent to get some silvered weapons in the nearest town. I would anticipate some werewolves in our immediate future.

[Zuriel Heihachi]

Zuriel Heihachi wrote:

Your weapons bear Marek's mark--how did you acquire them? Zuriel asks, lowering his blade.

GM Baerlie, any answer to this question?

[GM Baerlie]

"We received them from Aldona. I think she aquires them from a smith in town. Don't know his name." the man answers to Zuriel's question.

Claire knows that Silverhall is big enough to offer silver weapons.

[Taliesin Staccato]

survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

"I have some cold iron weapons...but not silver," Taliesin laments. "I do have my magic, though," she adds.

[Maximillian Arcos]

Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Maximillian takes a brief look around the area and reports, "I have found their trail. Most likely, I'll be able to find it once again if we make a trip back to Silverhall. I cannot currently afford silver weapons, but if the rest of you wish to return then we should move swiftly."

[Vrald Sehir]

Vrald points to a large mace strapped to his waist.

"I ran into a devil a couple of years ago, and since then I always carry silver with me. Why would we need that for animals though?"

Okay, Vrald has never met a lycan before, and has no relevant knowledge skills. Sure he may have heard of werewolves, but I'm going to play him a little simple on this one.

[Jagged Stone]

As silver is local not nature...

Jagged shrugs.

"Jagged Stone carries no silv'uh... that's a soft met'uhl, not as good as ir'un."

He nods at Maximillian's discovery of the trail.

"Good job. We don't need silv'uh right? We can just hit 'em harder?"

[GM Baerlie]

Once you are ready to face a werewolf you follow the path to the bandit's camp. The bandits’ camp is about 3 miles away from the watering hole and it is already dark when you reach the camp.

A half-dozen tents form a semi-circle around a large fire pit in this clearing on a hillside. The smell of roasting meat wafts through the air, and a plume of smoke rises from the fire. Several large barrels sit beside the opening of the largest of the tents.

In the camp you see two bandits sitting on tree trunks at the fire, a big dire wolf lies on the ground close to them.

Darkvision:

A third man stands near a group of trees to the nort west.

[Taliesin Staccato]

Taliesin peers into the darkness and whispers to her companions.

"I don't think this is going to go very well based on our last encounter. Should we try to resolve this without our blades, first? Or do we try to sneak in and find him?"

[Vrald Sehir]

"Plans?" asks Vrald, away from the camp site.

"We just go in and request they hand him over? I can not just leave these bandits raiding the wilderness."

[Maximillian Arcos]

"There is a third man standing in a group of trees to the northwest." Maximillian informs the others who don't possess darkvision. "Normally, I would advocate for Vrald's plan, but I don't want to potentially endanger the hostage. Does anyone have a way of disabling some or all of these men temporarily? Perhaps one of those sprays of color? That way we minimize the number of potential threats while we try to find Lander. Those bandits unaffected can be dealt Vrald, myself, or anyone else who feels comfortable doing so, while the rest search the camp."

[Taliesin Staccato]

"I have a few tricks that could disable at least some of them," Taliesin says pensively.

I could throw a glitterdust in the middle of those 3 we can see...if there are no objections, it's probably as good a plan as any.

Taliesin, seeing the others nod, starts casting her spell to erupt in the middle of the campfire.

Glitterdust, DC 17 Will