chapter 2 - a meal to die for

The party has only seconds to act before being swarmed!   (1 round)

Initiative

Bee swarm 17

Grimgar 6

Large swarm of tiny bees? Or swarm of big bees you can kill with an axe?

Herger grabs a torch out of his pack and lights it (or I suppose this could be a first action after initiative?)

Initiative

Mon Jun 05 2023 16:31:29 GMT-0600 (Mountain Daylight Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 6 to total : 18, + 6, TOTAL: 24

If it’s a big swarm of tiny bees, “Hand me one of those and light another.” Grim laments not carrying torches. Never needed one with dark vision.

whit10 wrote:Herger grabs a torch out of his pack and lights it (or I suppose this could be a first action after initiative?)

Initiative

Mon Jun 05 2023 16:31:29 GMT-0600 (Mountain Daylight Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 6 to total : 18, + 6, TOTAL: 24

sure, the torch is fine.  I gave you 1 round, so you get 3 actions.

draw a torch
light it
3?


Herger can make a "recall knowledge" check, with his Nature skill.  I think Josh is on the right track here, let's see if Herger understand why


@Alan - here are the pf2e swarm rules

Swarm
Source Bestiary pg. 347
A swarm is a mass or cloud of creatures that functions as one monster. Its size entry gives the size of the entire mass, though for most swarms the individual creatures that make up that mass are Tiny. A swarm can occupy the same space as other creatures, and must do so in order to use its damaging action. A swarm typically has weakness to effects that deal damage over an area (like area spells and splash weapons). Swarms are immune to the grappled, prone, and restrained conditions.


this is a Large sized swarm made up of many tiny bees.

recall knowledge with Nature

Mon Jun 05 2023 17:03:25 GMT-0600 (Mountain Daylight Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 4 to total : 20, + 4, TOTAL: 24

Holy crap! Nice time for a 20!

whit10 wrote:recall knowledge with Nature

Mon Jun 05 2023 17:03:25 GMT-0600 (Mountain Daylight Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 4 to total : 20, + 4, TOTAL: 24

Holy crap!  Nice time for a 20!

indeed!


Herger remembers his aunt Helga pacifying bee hives around his house to collect their honey. Smoke, more than the fire or heat, was what drove them away without harming them (or the honey).

lol... I was just thinking along the same lines! We even had the same name for his aunt.

will that be an attack of some sort then?

whit10 wrote:lol... I was just thinking along the same lines!  We even had the same name for his aunt.

will that be an attack of some sort then?

I don't think it needs to be an attack.  Herger uses the torch on some of the fallen branches and tall grass nearby.  The smoke dissipates the swarm without a fight.  


Herger earns the party 80xp!  


350\1000

sounds good

Grim relies on his plot armor and receives the gifted vittles. “Thank you ma’am.”

navyik wrote:Grim relies on his plot armor and receives the gifted vittles. “Thank you ma’am.”

Now that would be wicked! If only she was the villain and just poisoned the whole party, lol


Almora is quite distressed, "That poor little man. He always loved my turnip porridge and asked for a bigger bowl whenever he came through town. I just know people will blame me for his death. Then where will I work? What will I do with myself? I just can't imagine it was food poisoning... i have never seen someone get that sick so quickly. (She adds in a whisoer) It MUST be foul play. But who and why? I cooked all the food tonight. Phinnick plated it up and Trin served it. I assume you already searched the kitchen? Feel free to have a look around here for any clues that might help you figure out how your friend died."

Grim gives a shifty look to the group. His eyes roll with exasperation. “Ma’am, it was not your cooking.”  He takes another bite as punctuation. “Mmm, sweet but light…”

“You may still be under scrutiny until we solve the case, course. The porridge was poisoned.”

Herger speaks up... rather casually

"What do you know about Phinnick and Trin?"

Almora cries out in alarm, "POISON?!? oh dear me..." After collecting herself, "Trin works four nights per week at the Feedmill. She and her brother Marney live on a small farm on the southwest side of town. Poor dear, that soil turned sour a few years back and they can barely grow turnips anymore. And Phinnick..." she pauses in thought, "I don't actually know where he lives, now that I think about it. Hmmm, isn't that strange? Poor little fellow, he gets abused by just about everyone at the Feedmill, especially when they get their drinks in them. Somehow a mug always seems to fly his way when the farmers brawl. I saw him run out the back of the kitchen when the fight started tonight. Last week that bully Hallod even threw Phinnick at farmer Eallom!"

“Hmmm…” Grim’s eyes roll a bit more wildly than usual but the rest of his demeanor is calm. “Did you happen to see anyone else leave during the brawl?”

"Oh hun, I wasn't paying that much attention. I only noticed poor little Phinnick because I heard him 'squeak' on his way out the back."

Collectively, the party recalls seeing Sir Kent stumble out the front door and Hallod tackle one of the farmers out of the Feedmill and, of course, Delma ran out calling for the sheriff.


Anything else you want to do here? If not, where to next?

“Well, thanks for the rescue and the snack.” Grim stands to excuse himself. “Please, for the Sheriff’s sanity, don’t discuss these unfortunate events with others. He doesn’t need a posse forming on its own to accuse somebody without a complete and thorough investigation. If anything else comes to mind please reach out to the Sheriff.”

As an afterthought, “Would you happen to know of a good place to harvest wild fungi? My medical stocks were inadequate to save poor Bort. I’d like to be better prepared for the future.”

It’s more sophistry than a lie, but here’s a roll:
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +1" :

15 + 1 = 16

Almora wrinkles her nose, "Shrooms for medicine? I only know of shrooms for eating, not that the folks around here go for much of anything that isn't a turnip. There are usually some little brown buttons that can be found growing under oak, elm and ash trees."



Where to now?

I don't think we searched the kitchen... that should probably be next

Off to the kitchen!

Perception rolls please

Perception for Grim
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +5" :

11 + 5 = 16

Wed Jun 07 2023 07:49:09 GMT-0600 (Mountain Daylight Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 6 to total : 4, + 6, TOTAL: 10

ick

Jace Perception

Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +5" :

3 + 5 = 8


Zontreaux Perception

Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +4" :

5 + 4 = 9


You both should just roll Perception checks twice to account for the other party members, just to keep the math working better.





Other areas that are searchable at the Feedmill:  the cellar and the grounds between the kitchen's back door and the stables.

Detect magic.

Then search the cellar.
Rolling "1d20 +5" 3 times

1: 6 + 5 = 11
2: 6 + 5 = 11
3: 8 + 5 = 13

Josh can roll his own perception.

Detect magic here.

Search the grounds
Rolling "1d20 +5" 3 times

1: 11 + 5 = 16
2: 11 + 5 = 16
3: 10 + 5 = 15

Detect magic spam again.

Search the stable?
Rolling "1d20 +5" 3 times

1: 8 + 5 = 13
2: 2 + 5 = 7
3: 11 + 5 = 16

3 perception checks

Wed Jun 07 2023 09:49:47 GMT-0600 (Mountain Daylight Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 6 to total : 8, + 6, TOTAL: 14

Wed Jun 07 2023 09:49:46 GMT-0600 (Mountain Daylight Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 6 to total : 13, + 6, TOTAL: 19

Wed Jun 07 2023 09:49:45 GMT-0600 (Mountain Daylight Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 6 to total : 11, + 6, TOTAL: 17

  ok, now I am confused.... why are you both rolling 3 Perception checks?

1 for your character
1 for Jace or Zon

1 for the cellar and 1 for the yard?

I think Alan rolled for both NPCs and himself, 2 times (cellar and yard)



Anyways.....  




The party earns 30xp for finding the vial
380/1000


About this time, Sheriff Rolth approaches with Bort's ledger in hand.  "I can't really make heads or tails of this....."  
You sense he is also fishing for an update on your progress.


Knowledge Society or other appropriate skill you want to suggest for looking through Bort's books.  Jace has Society +7 if someone wants to roll for him.

oops, sorry. I am doing more training stuff today, I just didn't read it accurately.

Roll for Jace

Wed Jun 07 2023 11:51:34 GMT-0600 (Mountain Daylight Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 7 to total : 15, + 7, TOTAL: 22

Jace spends a few hours reading through Bort's log books.  In the meantime, the remaining heroes join Tamli and the teamsters around the caravan.

"Murder is always an offense against the gods.... we will find his killer."

“Indeed, we’re following some leads, friends. Damerich, the god of The Weighted Swing commands me to pursue Justice. But Temperance requires due process. This will take some time, so we appreciate your vigilance in maintaining the caravan. You knew Bort better than I, but he took me on when I was at my worst.” Grim raises his mug. “To Bort, The Redeemer of my weary and wasted life! May we all find meaning in how he treated us!”

The teamsters all drink to Grimgar's toast. They set up a watch on the wagons for the night.

Jace returns a few hours later to report his findings:

The books are large and filled to the brim with
details about his travels and transactions over many
years. Jace uncovers that Bort visited Etran’s Folly at least 22 times in the past
decade, and about five years ago the merchant started
making deliveries labeled “reagents” to someone
referred to only as “H,” receiving rather large sums
of gold in exchange. These deliveries are numbered,
starting with 1 and ending with delivery number 14,
which occurred the day the caravan arrived in town.

Jace's research earns the party another 30xp

410\1000



just as an FYI, it is getting late into the night. Bort died at dinner, followed by the interrogation of the farmers, then venturing out to the orchard, then searching the kitchen, cellar and yard, then it took Jace a few hours with the books.

Is there anything else you want to do tonight or just go to sleep at the Feedmill until dawn?

It seems too obvious that "H" could be the first or last initial of a name (although it shouldn't be discounted)... was there an occupation in town or a building that started with that letter?

Sleep should be fine, we can discuss ideas as we are getting ready to crash

“Which wagon had these ‘reagents’ in it?”

Using survival, could we find where the wagon stopped in different parts of town?

 Both good thoughts!  

here is the map again for reference







Grimgar and Herger are discussing the investigation as they walk back to the Feedmill.  They can hear the drunken mutterings of Sir Lawren Kent as he sits slumped up against the outside wall of the tavern.  He is, once again, deep in his cups.  



He stumbles towards the party as you approach.  Kent looks at Grimgar with his eyes wide and bloodshot. “Talmore, my old friend. You have to help me. I think his minions have followed us here. I seen ’em. They’re coming!”

"and why do you think they have followed you? Did you see them?"

(now I see why the Investigator Class is useful in this game)

“Brother I was there with you and I am here with you now. We were spared for a purpose and not to fear. We light the path to guide our dead brethren home. If they come, we will face them together as we swore. ‘To the last man.’ Come keep a watch with us.”

Diplomacy to encourage.
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +1" :

18 + 1 = 19

Grim doesn’t believe that the minions are coming. But there’s always a chance. If it doesn’t happen then Grim will give witness to the mission that survivors are called. If it does happen, that IS the mission.

“Yes, I know,” Grim argues with no-one. “Well did YOU see THEM?” Still to nobody. “Well HE said he SAW them, so let’s just be careful.” Grim’s eyes roll dissonantly.

Sir Kent ignores Herger and his unsteady focus remains squarely on Grimgar\Talmore,  "But... but... how... did you survive?  I saw your body in the rubble.  It was... mangled."  Sir Kent looks about for the other people Talmore appears to be addressing, "You seem them too?   Please, my old friend... I am so sorry for leaving you when the dead assaulted Lastwall (he hangs his head in shame, encouraged to finally admit the truth by Grimgar).... I.... hid in the sewers until the hordes passed over me.... but now... now... they have FOUND me!  Please help me or they may find you too."  Sir Kent gestures towards one of the abandoned farmhouses outside of town.

“Dear brother, they are not hunting us. We are insignificant to them.” Grim gives a reassuring hand. “If they come, it will be for everyone.  But if they come we must protect the innocent. Same as always. ‘To the last man.’ This is your redemption: to save the living and seek the lost dead.”

“I am not Talmore, but you have been drinking and are not yourself. And I was THERE TOO. Do you imagine that you are the only survivor? The only one who regrets? The only one with shame?”

“I do not see the minions. I see our old friends who died. I serve Damerich and his guide.  I collect our fallen who have gotten lost and escort them to the afterlife.”

Grim becomes stern like a drill sergeant.

“You still have a report soldier. You will help me collect them. Straighten up! Stand at attention when I’m talking to you. Fall in and keep watch with us.”

Intimidate
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +3" :

8 + 3 = 11

I should get “advantage” because he’s drunk. ‍

I can definitely reduce his Will DC for the outstanding roleplaying

Sir Kent does his best to snap to attention. The bravado doesn't last long before you notice his lower lip quivering and his eyes tearing up. He collapses back into a drunken heap moments later, "Please Talmore!" he begs as he crawls on the muddy ground to position Grimgar in between the abandoned farmhouse and himself. Herger and Grimgar do sense that his fear is genuine.

Do you want to go to the abandoned farmhouse or go to bed letting Sir Kent pass out in the ditch?

No reason not to check the farm house... let's go

Herger and Grimgar lead Sir Kent to the dilapidated farmhouse.  





Please state your Exploration mode actions as you enter the house.


Jace will Detect Magic.

Zonteaux will Scout (+1 to all initiative)

Herger will Defend:

You move at half your travel speed with your shield raised. If combat breaks out, you gain the benefits of Raising a Shield before your first turn begins.

sword out as well

Defending

Zontreax "Scouts" with weapons in hand, his ready stance concealed within what appears to be a casual stroll.

 I think its safe to assume that if you take the "Defend" action you have both your primary weapon and shield in your hands.  It seems silly to imagine someone with only their shield out.  I know pf2e is taxing on action economy, so don't worry about starting combats.  The main exceptions that I can think of would a fight that breaks out from a social scene or some kind of unexpected ambush.  But I appreciate you noting it this time.



Grimgar and Herger carefully enter with weapons at the ready.   Jace scans the threads of magic.  Zontreaux scouts inside first, rapier in hand.  




Initiative!


Jace Perception
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +5" :

9 + 5 = 14


Ghost of Talmore
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +10" :

20 + 10 = 30  

welcome back Matt!







Initiative

Ghost of Talmore  30

Jace 14



don't forget you get +1 to initiative thanks to Zontreaux

Grimgar
Stat Block:
HP: 19
AC: 18 (20)
Fort: 6
Reflex: 4
Will: 7
Move: 20’
Initiative/Perception: +5

Grim’s initiative
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +6" :

5 + 6 = 11

Herger's Initiative:

Fri Jun 09 2023 08:13:33 GMT-0600 (Mountain Daylight Time)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 7 to total : 9, + 7, TOTAL: 16

Stats:
AC: 18
Fort: 7
Reflex: 7
Will: 4
HP: 18/20