[PFS] GM Derek W's The Wardstone Patrol #5-02 (Inactive)

Game Master Derek Weil

To the man the saved: "Glad you turned out to not be a demon. Sorry about your friends... My explodinators can't tell the difference between friend and foe."

At the Fort:

Johann begins looking around at the bodies of demons, and the damage done to the fort, seeing if there is anything to be learned from what he sees.

Knowledge(engineering), Knowledge(planes): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 111d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Sir Morgan speaks, confirming what Johann's eyes are already telling him.

"As you can probably tell, the demons attacked last night. Look, I think I'd better take you to the commander."

He leads you over to the gates. At the closed drawbridge, Sir Morgan calls up to its defenders, and a moment later a soldier peers over a battlement and quietly stares at the party.

Detect evil is up! I think you guys are fine, but if anyone should ping, please declare it!

Johann is CN.

Johann is really Good at heart; Naurin just knows it. :)

PFS rules, no one can actually BE an evil alignment, therefore no one should ping. Malfeas just dances on the line between neutral and that other alignment ;)

But your gear and familiars CAN be evil. Didn't think it applied, but i was a vood spot for me to stall. We'll move on ASAP.

Gunther is a good-hearted man, just a bit of Ulfen viking blood in him. Which is why he tends to want to get in fights with his twohander.

The paladin atop the wall gives the all-clear signal. The garrison then lowers the drawbridge and raises a heavy portcullis studded with cold iron spikes, after which a handful of soldiers lead the group through a narrow zigzag tunnel to the central courtyard. The fort’s central building sits squat in its center, an impressive, monolithic edifice with few openings. A number of young stable boys come out from a side building to care for your mounts, quartering them in the stables until the party returns.

With the mounts taken care of, you are led into the central building to meet the Commander,
a charismatic young nobleman with pale skin and black hair who is dressed in a mud spattered uniform that hasn’t been changed since the last battle. Standing at the bottom of a tall, amphitheater-like chamber carved into the bedrock the fort is built upon, she worriedly regards the fort’s wardstone, a massive menhir 30 feet high that pulses slowly with dull purple light and emits a low buzzing sound. She introduces herself as Manaria Wardroxan.

“The demons attacked in the dead of night, a mixed group of dretches and schirs led by a terrifying brimorak, a creature of horn, claw, and fire. The wardstone had been buzzing like it is now, and it didn’t seem to stop them. They captured a scout patrol alive and staked them out on the ground in front of the fort. There they tortured them close enough for us to hear. I am ashamed to say that we deliberated on whether we had the strength to retaliate, but as
the screaming and begging continued, I sent our cavalry to put at end to the suffering.”

She sighs heavily before continuing, “Of course it was a trap. A group of schirs wielding halberds met our cavalry and wasted no time in dragging them from their horses. The dretches then overwhelmed them with sheer numbers, clubbing them into submission. They slaughtered the horses and dragged off the soldiers while we looked on helplessly from behind the fort’s wall. I sent out another party after that, but most of the demons had already withdrawn with our captured men. Would you be willing and daring enough to attempt a rescue?"

Walter listens with a frown appearing on his face.
He mutters a phrase to Abadar.

When did the first attack occur? How many days ago?
And have these beings attempted to scale the walls in order to enter the city?

sense motive: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 1 = 25

diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Naurin listens with an intense sadness and anger that meld into a terrible determination. Without consulting the rest of the group, she steps forward and announces, "I am willing to attempt a rescue, and will do so."

A hint of wisdom returns after some moments and she thinks about the odds and the number than have fallen before her, rescue parties likely with both more force and experience than she or the group. "Well, at least I just promised to 'attempt' a rescue, and the vow will not be broken if I fail."

"Can you lend us any aid or advice, to succeed where previous attempts have failed?"

"And is there anything that can be done about this wardstone? Something we should look for. Buzzing makes me think of insects - and, from scare stories in the orphanage - demons."

When she has a moment later, Naurin consults her Pathfinder Chronicles chapbooks on creatures of the planes. Dretches, of course, they have encountered - if only a few weakened, mutated ones - but the others were strange to her experience.
Knowledge (Planes) - dretches: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 2 = 11
Knowledge (Planes) - schirs: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 2 = 29
Knowledge (Planes) - brimorak: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 2 = 22

knowledge(planes) for the three types of demons: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 7 + 1 = 271d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 171d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 1 = 14

Johann asks to examine the wardstone. If he gets permission:

Knowledge(engineering or Arcana): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19 +1 more if engineering.

"The first attack? The one we're dealing with took place just last night. They have not attempted to scale the walls yet, though. Let me tell you what I know about the situation. I sent out a dozen men, three of whom were killed. The rest were captured alive, but whether they all remain so is beyond me. Our lookout reported seeing the chained cavalrymen heading westward into the Worldwound a mile north of here, surrounded by a small group of guards — no more than a half dozen strong. Still, six demons could present a formidable challenge. I am happy to provide you with equipment and supplies for your task."

Among the available supplies are 2 potions of cure moderate wounds, 3 potions of shield of faith (CL 6th), 10 flasks of holy water, and any simple or martial weapon from the Pathfinder
RPG Core Rulebook.

With that, Manaria leaves you to consider the your choice.

Dretch: the weakest of demons. Resists damage except from cold iron or holy (good) sources. Immune to electricity and poison, resistant to acid, cold and fire damage.

Schir: a medium-sized goat-headed creature. Favors polearms, which it bites and imbues with poison. Resists damage except from cold iron or holy (good) sources. Immune to disease, electricity and poison, resistant to acid, cold and fire damage. Resistant to spells.

Brimorak: A small goat-headed creature. Resists damage except from cold iron or holy (good) sources. Immune to electricity and fire, resistant to acid and cold damage. Resistant to spells. Can shoot a line of boiling blood from its mouth.

Johann relates what he recalls about the demons to his comrades.

"My explodinators will be all but useless! We'll need many Holy water bottles. Err.. when you said provide... did you mean you'd give us them for the greater cause?"

”We are here to aid you against the demons, and if you know where 6 of them are, we should end them before they reinforce. Do we know anything of the area? If we could catch them in the open, I could send a few back to their pits before they close, improving the odds.” remarks Malfeas with an air of confidence.

Sir Illivan, silent up to this point, now offers his opinion:

"This is clearly a fool’s errand, an ill-conceived endeavor dreamt up by an inexperienced
commander wracked with guilt. The cavalrymen are surely already beyond their help, and most likely have already been killed for food or sport. Why should we waste our strength in a futile mission such as this?"

Walter listens gravely as the proposal is explained.

He shakes his head in the negative.

Unfortunately, we were given an explicit mission.
To find out what has happened here, assist if we can,
and report back.

I am afraid that going out there on a small percentage venture is unwise and dereliction of our duty!

Walter stares at everyone involved in the conversation.

You will be better served reinforcing your wall defenses while we return to base with this news.
They will be able to send an actual reinforcement that will better serve you!

"I think we should at least try -- if it were you, captured, tortured, fearful, wouldn't you want someone to at least try? My skill at holy water bombs will serve well, and we can use more caution than we showed at the river."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

The idea of a heroic rescue has caught Johann's whimsy.

Naurin is torn, since their first assignment was to obey the greater experience of Sir Ilivan, but Johann is persuasive (as if she didn't already commit herself). Just the mere thought of going back on her word causes foul bile to rise in the back of her throat, threatening to cause her to retch. (Though she feels she is going to be in for a rough time, no matter what.)

Naurin puts a firm hand on Johann's shoulder, seemingly as a gesture of agreement and approval, but also to steady herself. After swallowing forcefully, she seconds Johann's arguement: "I, again, will attempt the rescue. The captives could have been us, and they deserve rescue." "They may yet be us," Naurin thinks grimly.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
While her words are earnest, they are not very forceful, probably because she still seems a little sick and swaying. But, hopefully they added something to Johann's words.

Can any other supplies be purchased at the fort? More antitoxin, or a potion?

Malfeas looks at Walter wish shock apparent on his face. ”I know you are a beancounter, and the lives of a few shouldn’t make people risk the lives of the many, but you said it yourself. We’re here to assist if we can. Well, WE CAN. By us going, it means there will be more men here to defend in case the demons attack, AND if we head out, it may lure some more away and allow these men a brief respite. I never thought I’d see the day Walter Vizard was afraid of a fight. Naurin, Johann, lets go be the heroes we’re supposed to be.” Good speech. he thinks to himself, And if things DO go south, you can easily outrun the gnome and gimpy and “report” on the failed attempt.

Gunther pulls out his twohander and starts smearing his cold iron weapon blanch on it.
"I'm not one to abandon folk like that," he comments to Walter. "And it might be a fool's errand, but I'm just the fool to go for it."

"Hey Malfeas, do you have any spare cold iron arrows? I should have gottten some, but forgot. But only if you can spare them, you're the best shot we have."

Malfeas nods as Gunther agrees to assist in the rescue attempt, ”I bought 2 quivers, but lost a few arrows in the earlier fight, do you think 5 of them will be enough for you? Not sure how fast you can let them fly.”

"Five should be more than enough," Gunther replies. "I'm not that good with a bow, so I might not even use that many. But its good to have options, eh?"

Dimitra was silent during the discussion, she now speaks up

"I completely agree with Walter. If some cavalry men could not beat those demons, why should we be able to? These men have experience fighting those filthy creatures and they could not beat them. And you think that we, who where severely pressed against those vermleks can do anything?"

nicely done Malfeas!

Walter raises an eyebrow as Malfeas scolds him.

I would like it known that I officially oppose this plan of action.
But, seeing as the majority wish to venture forth, I too will--of course--join the fray!

He looks at each of you with his most pleasant facial expression.

By Abadar, you know that I am more than willing to assist these people.
I am only trying to be the voice of sanity! But if a fight you want,
Walter lifts his trusty longspear high over his head.
Then--by Abadar--it will be done!

I think it's awesome that Walter still has that longspear that the centaurs gave him. Remember how he was all "Well, I guess I'll take it if no one else needs it..."

"I'm sure they have Cold Iron weapons and ammunition here that we could acquire. I'll be getting a large amount of Holy water, of course."

Walter does love his longspear...
although he did get a cold iron falchion for such occasions...
lol!

After making their decision, Sir Illivan grumbles a bit. "It still sounds like a fool's errand, but I suppose I can't let some novices like you get killed. I'll come along too. But we really need to move quickly. The longer we wait, the colder the trail will become."

This part is not optional, he will follow you if you try to leave without him.

After making your preparations, Sir Morgan gives you a small map that marks a shallow ford across the West Sellen River where you can cross with their mounts.

As the party approaches the crossing, they remain on the alert for any signs of the captives.

Survival: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Naurin spends too much time thinking about whether her impetuousness may cost the whole group their lives--or worse.

Before the team leaves, Johann hands out small vials to Naurin and Gunther. "This contains the magical essence of the spell known as Expeditious Retreat. I imagine you've heard of it. And this will shield you, Gunther. Both only last for a few minutes, though."

Taking 10 on Survival and Knowledge(planes): 10 + 5 = 1510 + 7 + 1 = 18

Johann points out the tracks, and recognizes the demons in question. "Beware the Brimorak! The dretches are probably easy to kill, but the goat-headed fire demons are harder."

Johann begins guiding his pony with his knees, (Taking 10 on Ride for 11 for now, in combat I may have to roll it)and draws a vial of holy water in one hand, and an extract of Bomber's Eye in the other.

knowledge planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14....add +2 track

Before they leave, Malfeas offers up his wand of Mage Armor for one of the spellcasters to use, in case anyone besides him needs it, and then asks them to grant him the magical protection. AC: 21, FF: 19

Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26

Malfeas misses the tracks until there are pointed out, but once they are, put him on high alert. He repeatedly scans the surrounding area for their quarry as they continue down the path to imminent danger.

Derek: Not sure how much of a railroad the scenario has, but Malfeas has a composite Longbow, and would start taking pot shots if/when the foe is still 300-350ft away.

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Gunther finds the tracks of their quarry.
"I would say three demonic captors driving eight prisoners. They've headed due west."

He readies his bow as he moves along in the front of the group, seeking the traces and track of their quarry.

Am I corrent in thinking we are waiting on Derek to update the game and kill us all on this foolish endevour?

I think that was the plan. :)

Who me? *glances around innocently* I will bump us forward today. I am going to eliminate the optional encounter. It's really just stupid, IMO, and adds nothing valuable. Just a way to burn through resources. And at high level, it's just an advert for the Swarmbane Clasp. When I played this we thankfully missed out on the swarm with over 100 HP. Yeah...

Fair enough. Swarm with over 100 HP, seems like a mad bombers wet dream, and death to everyone else.

Well, to be fair, at your level it would have been two swarms with 30 HP each. Apparently "only" 90 HP on that high-tier swarm. Immune to fire, of course. You'd have to hit with every holy water they give you for max damage. Sorry if this rains on your parade Johann. I generally don't run optional encounters. Too much extra time, both live and in PBP.

As the party continues their journey, they pass through an area rich in some sort of airborne dust. Those with weaker constitutions begin to sneeze. Flavor only effect.

Soone after entering this thin cloudy area, the Pathfinders feel somehting creeping into their minds.

Sir Ilivan stops his horse and slides from his saddle. You notice him hesitate for a moment, as if listening to something.

Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Reminder, AC +4 from Mage Armor

"You guys seen our targets yet? All this sneezing should have alerted them that we are following. I expect an ambush any minute now." whispers Malfeas, as he nocks an arrow, ready to loose.

Will save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 (And even my +6 vs. charms and compulsions doesn't help, if it applies.)

You see Naurin shifting around uneasily in her saddle, occasionally giving a quick, nervous glance back or forward to you or another.

"They're questioning my decision, no doubt - and it was so much my decision. Sir Ilivan must hear it, too. He had the wisdom to know it was a bad decision. I'm going to get us all killed for the sanctity of my word, like my word should mean anything, or worse, bind my friends to their doom, if friends they still be."

Is that a poison? Sounds like one, but you don't say so. +2 to the save if it is.

Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 Looks like it doesn't matter.

kn(planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

"Did you fellows hear something? Sir Ilvan? What is it?"

Johann rides his pony forward to catch up with Sir Ilvan.

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

knowledge planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Walter--warily--watches with wrathful eyes as his companions begin to act...different.

He peers around him, as he casts a orison.

detect magic

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"Detect Magic? Hmm. Something is suspicious there, certainly."

Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

"Why is everyone stopping?" Gunther askes, looking behind as the group halts. He seems to be oblivious to what may be happening.

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Dimitra twists and turns in her saddle. She then turns to Malfeas

"Care to say that out loud?"

I said, this is probably an ambush, and to get ready to fight! responds Malfeas, loudly in Dimitra’s direction.

Johann draws two holy water bottles, looking around for any dangers.

Dimitra looks pointedly at Malfeas

"I wasn't talking about that! I meant the awful things you were saying behind my back!" if someone is looking surprised she quickly rounds on him/her "and don't think I did not hear you!"

Malfeas barks out a laugh, "If I was going to talk about you, it'd be to your face. I would have thought you'd know that by now.

"Something odd is happening. Might it have been an auditory glamour you heard, Dimitra? Someone might be trying to distract us."