Extinction Curse- The Show Must Go On!

[Zero Prime]

Castiel Lyonesse, disgraced physician & duelist AC: 20 | HP: 41 | Current: 17 | Class DC: 19 Fortitude: +8 | Reflex: +11 | Will: +9 | Perception: +9 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Castiel's brow furrowed, he spoke softly, "I've lurked in more than a few abandoned barn in my day, however, we've no reason to believe anyone is returning, the damage has been done. Let's get the Miller's to somewhere safe, yea?" He looked from the emaciated family, holding each other closely, the father holding the sheriff's hat. "Once they're safe, we go to the Hermitage and put an end to those," he pointed to the interior of the barn where the Lindell brother's flayed skins lay in festering piles, "abominations and the one's who control them."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Giggles shakes his head unhappily. "I'm afraid we know who was behind them. She made some pretty serious - and deadly - mistakes, but she can be redeemed..." he says quietly, hoping he's right as the party escorts the miller family back into town...

[JWallyR]

Vorgrok grimaces at what evidence remains of the Lindell brothers, and his expression only darkens as the hat reveals the presence (but not the condition) of the sheriff.

He nods, giving a wordless "Hmmm." to Giggles' suggestion that Nemia be asked a few more pointed questions.

[Farmerbink]

Their immediate mission accomplished, the unlikely heroes return to Abberton with no small relief for rescuing the miller's family. Pleased to be home, the stoic villagers begin the process of repairing their damaged home.

Moving on to the circus grounds, the heroes are disappointed to find that Nemmia has left. "Shortly after you all set off to check out that barn, she said she was going to catch up and help. Seemed genuine," the Professor adds with an unhappy look. "We weren't in a position to make her stay, anyway." Optimistically, he adds, "Perhaps we won't see her again?"

Finally, after returning to town once more, you deliver the Sheriff's belongings to her office. The same man who helped recover Jellico's body a few hours earlier is poring over a few documents when you arrive. "Gods, you're having a rough day, eh?" he quips, noting the visible bruises and bandages. "Wait, you got beat up by a plant?" he stammers. "Oh, the little elementals make more sense- except... for being here. Those kinds of things don't just appear outa nowhere!" He wonders for several moments worriedly over the implications, but finally is cajoled into discussing the task at hand.

"Oh yeah, Jae told us where he was headed- some hermitage up on the coast. I've never heard of the place before but he said he knew the fella that run it? 'Course he also said he'd be back yesterday, but I figured he just decided to stay on another night. He ain't been in a while, but used to go... well, sorta regular. Pretty long walk."

Spoiler: OOC

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Just a reminder, you should be level 3. Please post updated stat blocks in the OOC when you're able.

Also, before the next chapter officially starts, I'm going to do a rundown of the eschewed loot, and have it delivered from the sheriff's office as compensation for rescuing the Millers and your other various exploits. Unless there's something else noteworthy you want to address, or I'm forgetting something, the next post (from me) will be setting the scene at the Hermitage.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Giggles looks unhappy as the little deputy comments on their rough day, muttering to himself but not saying anything out loud. He looks like he still feels a bit betrayed by the disappearance of Nemia but is committed to finding the hermitage and sheriff, one way or another...

[Gwynfrid]

Keshkaru nods. "I understand... Nemmia was the one who called these elementals in there somehow. Her departure is a concern. I hope we won't come to regret the peaceful agreement we struck with her..."

Spoiler

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Ready to move on.

[JWallyR]

Vorgrok sports a distinctly sour expression at Nemia's unexpected absence... and her failure to turn up over the course of the day's events.

Keshkaru nods. "I understand... Nemmia was the one who called these elementals in there somehow. Her departure is a concern. I hope we won't come to regret the peaceful agreement we struck with her..."

"Hmmph. Indeed." grumps the dwarf.

[Zero Prime]

Castiel Lyonesse, disgraced physician & duelist AC: 20 | HP: 41 | Current: 41 | Class DC: 19 Fortitude: +8 | Reflex: +11 | Will: +9 | Perception: +9 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Frowned, he was unfamiliar with the specifics of Nemmia's involvement in the situation, however, the Miller's painted a bleak picture, the halfling blamed the people of Abberton for a great number of things that were, wildly, out of their control. If the Hermitage had convinced her of these follies, perhaps, then, there was hope at redemption, rehabilitation. With what the Professor had said about his Honor, Mayor Abber travelling to the Hermitage, that was pure, good natured, folly, and as like to get the man killed. That, in and of itself, seemed imminently more pressing than the recover of this Nemmia woman. "We can lay blame about Nemmia's circumstances once this nasty business is concluded, if we allow the right honorable Mayor Aber to walk his naive ass into danger, while we contemplate our next action, we are as culpable as the Hermitage and those within." Drawing his flask, he took a swig of the whiskey, letting the burn settle in his throat, and his chest, he looked to his companions. "Let's see to our wounds, sharpen our wits, and resolve our spirits, there seems work that still needs doing."

[Farmerbink]

On your way out of town, to the West, you're interrupted by a call from the same Halfling you spoke to manning the jail. "Oy, hey there! Glad I caught ya..." the small fellow sputters- it immediately becomes apparent that he's been running to catch you. "I talked with a few of the other townsfolk, and we wanted to offer you what help we could." He seems a bit embarrassed to be the one apparently chosen to make the delivery, but regardless draws a decently-hefty pack off his shoulder and lets it clunk to the ground.

"Kind of a hodgepodge of things. Mostly minor trinkets we've kept around for a rainy day, you know? I... hope it's useful, but I don't make any promises, yeah? Didn't have time to really inspect anything the townsfolk offered up. it's all labeled, and most everyone here is honest folk, as I hope you've discovered. Anyway, ahh..." He looks to the ground, clearly trying to control his emotions. "Save Mister Abber, yeah? He's good people. Not that we ever had serious problems before, but he was always eager to step in even for the little stuff. He's- Just help him. Please."

As he loses the metaphorical fight, the small fellow scampers away. The sound of his footsteps doesn't quite drown out the little man's worried sobs.

Spoiler: OOC

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The pack contains, in no particular order:
67 gp, 140 sp
Lesser Bravo's brew
everburning torch
owlbear claw
holly bush feather token
potency crystal
scroll of unseasonable squall
lesser antidote
dancing scarf
crying angel pendant
oil of mending
onyx dog wondrous figurine
brooch of shielding
bracelet of dashing

Other than the generally worrisome cause for the trip, your trek towards the Hermitage is pleasant enough. Though no one would accuse the farmlands and eventually wilderness around Abberton of being lush, it's likewise far from the barren wasteland Nemmia's ravings might have led you to believe. A fair bit of tall grass and other scrub threatens to overtake the road at some points, and more than a few times you find yourself relying on years worth of rutted mud to guide you onward.

The night passes cooly, but without incident.

The next day, you quickly find the climate growing breezier and taste the vague tang of salt air still some time before midday. Soon enough, the track leads downward, into a narrow gully that turns into a fairly precarious ledge, about 50 feet above the crashing breakers of the inner see below. The strong sea wind beats against the face of the cliff, both above and below, but thankfully you're high enough to avoid spray slickening the rocks. It's unnerving, but a relatively simple matter to approach the squat buildings carved from the stony wall ahead.

As the path approaches the entrance to the Hermitage of Blessed Lightning, it widens dramatically. Two "buildings" hug close to the wall. The first is a broad stone face, blackened by what appear to be countless intense spot fires. Oddly, the other is a large shed made of weathered wood- completely devoid of any scarring or charring.

A pair of huge (mechanically medium) green tusked toads lay on the wide stone surface near the blackened structure. They glare balefully as you approach. You note, grossly, that the ground around the frogs glistens with some sort of slimy residue.

Spoiler: ugly toad

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[DarkOne-Rob]

Giggles smiles warmly at the young halfling, trying to look encouraging and friendly. "We will do our best and bring her back if we can," he says as he accepts several of the items.

Spoiler: Loot

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None of the magic items are "must have" for Giggles. I can see him using the Feather Token, Dancing Scarf, Oil of Mending, Wondrous Figurine, or Brooch of Shielding, though. Of these, the Dancing Scarf is probably the most immediately likely, as I could imagine a circumstance where I had him dance pretty readily. Can the dog from the Wondrous Figurine be used as an ally in combat too? If it could help guard Giggles on the back line it would be welcome.

The little gnome sleeps fairly soundly, after his exciting day of being attacked and rescuing so many of the townsfolk. His snoring might be distracting for a little, but a gentle nudge silences it readily enough that (hopefully) none of his companions are too upset with it.

"What disgusting looking creatures!" he exclaims as he sees the walrus-toads. "Can we try to keep them away? I'd rather not see them up close, if it's all the same to everyone else..."

[stack]

Thwap will claim the bracelt of dashing if available.

In sight of the frogs, "Let me approach and see if they are hostile." Unless stopped, he strolls up the path, ready to withdraw quickly if necessary. (not in initiative, so no readied action)

[Gwynfrid]

Keshkaru looks at the large toads cautiously. "I have never seen any such animals of that size, and those tusks?"

She begins to cast a simple spell.

"Esprit du vent
Éveille mes sens
Donne-moi céans
La connaissance."

Spoiler

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She'll cast Guidance, then do a Nature check to Recall Knowledge (secret check). Her total bonus is then +10.

[JWallyR]

Vorgrok eyes the creatures suspiciously, readying his heavy sledge and keeping pace with Thwap as the latter approaches to gauge their response.

[Zero Prime]

Castiel Lyonesse, disgraced physician & duelist AC: 20 | HP: 41 | Current: 41 | Class DC: 19 Fortitude: +8 | Reflex: +11 | Will: +9 | Perception: +9 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Castiel eyed the precipitous drop, and the odd looking cave toads that were blocking their path, "I'd be cautious, they look territorial. Their excretions are likely them, marking territory, yea?" As he spoke, he drew his hand crossbow, pulling back the arm and loading a bolt, he then looked to his stout dwarven companion and the goblin, ready to support his companions.

[Farmerbink]

Castiel's warning proves almost prophetic as both toads turn from staring mostly blankly at the ocean to plant their heavy gazes on Thwap. Fortunately, for the little Goblin, they're as sluggish as they look. Both leap forward to attack the Monk, but he trivially avoids them. In so doing, he discovers that the slimy stone floor is surprisingly difficult to navigate- presumably for the grease sloughing off of the toads

Map updated

Spoiler: OOC

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the "attacks" are flavor. You guys won init.

@Keshkaru, you know that "Slurks" are indeed territorial, and exude an odd combination of grease that makes the ground hard to walk on and sticky slime that can entangle. It makes "staying in the saddle" much easier for a person trying to ride one, but you'd have to be pretty desperate (or misguided) to attempt it.

[stack]

Thwap steps in towards the left-most frog-thing, the slime making his accustomed sway more authentic than usual. He lurches forward into a headbutt before throwing a kick while reeling back.

Spoiler

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1. stumbling stance
2. Step to V25 (acrobatics if needed (1d20+9)[12]
3. flurry of blows
[roll]1d20+9/roll] for (1d8+2)[10] (+1 if flat-footed)
[roll]1d20+5/roll] for (1d8+2)[6] (+1 if flat-footed)

[stack]

(1d20+9)[25]
(1d20+5)[6]

[Gwynfrid]

"This slime they leave on the ground is sticky, but I don't think it's too dangerous", Keshkaru says with her usual calm. She steps forward, and invokes the natural spirits' help to call lightning on the attackers.

"S'il faut en découdre
Avec des gardiens,
Esprit de la foudre,
Frappe ces amphibiens."

Spoiler

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Keshkaru
#1 Stride to Y27
#2-3 Cast Electric Arc, basic Refl DC 19, (2d4+4)[8] electricity damage on both toads.

Spoiler: Stats

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Keshkaru
Female Iruxi Druid (animal order), Level 3, HP 35/35, Speed 25
Medium humanoid (Frilled Lizardfolk), Animal Wrangler
AC 18 (shield down), Fort +7, Refl +5, Will +11, Perception +11
Abilities Str 16, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 14
Senses: Baseline
Attack, Claw +8 (1d4+3 slashing, agile)
Attack, Tail +8 (1d6+3 bludgeoning, sweep)
Attack, Sling +5 (1d6+1 bludgeoning, propulsive)
Athletics +8, Diplomacy +7, Intimidation +9, Nature +9, Performance +7
Focus Points: 1/1
Conditions: None

Ozkrak
Female Raptor (dromaesaur) Animal Companion, Level 3, HP 30/30, Speed 50
Small Animal
AC 18, Fort +7, Refl +8, Will +6, Perception +6
Ability bonuses Str +2, Dex +3, Con +2, Int -4, Wis +1, Cha 0
Senses: Low-light vision, scent (imprecise, 30 feet)
Attack, Jaw +8 (1d8+2 piercing, finesse)
Attack, Talon +8 (1d6+2 slashing, agile, finesse)
Acrobatics +8, Athletics +7, Stealth +8
Conditions: None

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Gigglespit's Status, Round 1

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Gigglespit Baderiggo Humbleback
Chaotic Good Gnome Bard, Level 3, HP 36/36, Speed 25 ft.
Small Humanoid (Fey Touched Gnome), Circus Born
AC 19, Fort 7, Ref 10, Will 7, Perception 7
Abilities Str 8, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 18
Light Mace (+8 to hit, 1d4 damage, Agile, Shove, Finesse)
Conditions: Inspire Courage (Allies +1 attack, damage, and vs. Fear)
Prone
0/3 - 1st Level Spells
0/2 - 2nd Level Spells

"Here they come! Be brave, friends!" cries Giggles as a burst of frost shoots out from his outstretched hand at the nearest of the toad-like monsters.

All PCs apply the benefits of Inspire Courage to your rolls!

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Cast Inspire Courage and Ray of Frost. Ray of Frost: (1d20+9)[27] vs AC, (2d4+4)[7] cold damage.

Critical Success The target takes double damage and takes a –10-foot status penalty to its Speeds for 1 round.
Success The target takes normal damage.

[Zero Prime]

Castiel Lyonesse, disgraced physician & duelist AC: 20 | HP: 41 | Current: 41 | Class DC: 19 Fortitude: +8 | Reflex: +11 | Will: +9 | Perception: +9 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Castiel moved carefully, skirting the edge of the slime, wary of it's nature, he swung towards the east, closer to the blackened stone structure. He slipped his rapier out, resting comfortably in his hand, as he took aim, and inspired his companions words fired a bolt from his oft ignored hand crossbow.

Spoiler: Out of Character Actions

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OOC:
Action 1: Stride from W31 to T24
Action 2: Interact to draw my Rapier (Hand Crossbow initially drawn)
Action 3: Attack with Hand Crossbow vs S1, +9 to hit, additional +1 from Inspire Courage; (1d20+10)[30] vs AC; for (1d6)[2].

[JWallyR]

Vorgrok "Hmmph"s dismissively at residue on the floor, but he gives the steep drop-off a wide berth, circling toward the creature furthest from the edge, in an effort to bring his sledge to bear!

Spoiler: Actions

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Action: Stride to something like U25. If one can Charge through difficult terrain in pf2, do that as required. Vorgrock is a Rock Runner, in case that helps.
Action: Attack! (1d20+10)[16] for (1d12+4)[8] damage
Action: Attack! (1d20+5)[6] for (1d12+4)[13] damage

Spoiler: Stats

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Vorgrok Giantforge
Level 3 Neutral Neutral Dwarf Barbarian. Speed 20 ft, Medium Humanoid (Rock Dwarf), Rigger
AC 19, Fort 9, Reflex 6, Will 9, Perception 9
Rock Dwarf Heritage- +2 vs shove/trip/prone effects, half forced movement over 10 ft
Dwarven Darkvision
Abilities Str 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8
HP 55/55

Conditions:
Clumsy 1 (-1 to Dex-based DCs/checks) while wielding Large weapon
Inspire Courage: +1 atk/dmg/saves vs fear

[Farmerbink]

In a sudden flurry of violence, both of the slimy toads are reduced to little more than quivering piles of flesh. Territorial and aggressive, yes. Durable in the face of so much magic and might? Not so much.

Spoiler: OOC

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Fun story. They have 15 ac. SO that was 3 crits, a basic reflex spell, and another hit.

The wind and waves continue to be the loudest forces present. From this close, you can clearly see some of the artistry of the Hermitage. The double doors of the grand structure, apparently carved into the face of the cliff, boasts an impressive mural of Gozreh and the God of nature's diverse persona. On the left face, A wizened old man reaches down from a whirlwind, carrying lightning in his fists. On the right, a young goddess rises from a whirlpool in the sea, her form shrouded in a long wreath of seaweed-green hair.

As you look around the ledge, you're left with only a pair of obvious choices. Do you investigate the wooden shack or the stone temple?

[DarkOne-Rob]

Giggles wrinkles his nose in disgust at the two dead creature before walking in the direction of the wooden shack. "Come on, let's go before those things start to attract flies!" he says as he walks that way to lead the party with his overly enthusiastic nature.

[stack]

"A strange turn-around; normally toads would be pleased to attract flies." Thwap observes in a comically philosophical manner.

[Zero Prime]

Castiel Lyonesse, disgraced physician & duelist AC: 20 | HP: 41 | Current: 41 | Class DC: 19 Fortitude: +8 | Reflex: +11 | Will: +9 | Perception: +9 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Castiel holstered his hand crossbow, and contemplated the situation before speaking up. "We've got luck in spades, mostly bad though." He shrugged, "Maybe that'll change," he looked towards the shed, "maybe we check the shed and find the sheriff, yea?" He drew his rapier, wrapping his cloak around his offhand in his dueling style, watchin the large doors for any guards who may have been roused by the brief combat with the toads.

[Gwynfrid]

A few moves of her semi-transparent eyelids is the only noticeable (and that, only barely) sign of appreciation from Keshkaru of Twap's humor as she follows the group towards the shack's entrance.

[Farmerbink]

The shed opens without difficulty. As you open the doors, a small flock of seagulls and a pair of grand broad-winged pelicans spring from their roosts in the overhead rafters, noisily squawking as they flee the strange sights and smells of your party entering the shed.

Fortunately, after you recover your composure and investigate, you find that nothing else was inside the shed lying in ambush. Several crates lie about, mostly empty. A few hold broad brooms and scythes- no doubt used primarily to keep the entry of the hermitage clean and safe to travel. In addition, a small 4-wheeled cart rests near the back wall. It's got handles instead of a yoke, strongly suggesting that the hermits provide their own muscle when the time comes to seek supplies in Abberton. Recalling the narrow ledge prior, you're forced to acknowledge that they must be more capable than you might originally have expected.

Spoiler: DM screen:

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Spoiler: Don't be that guy ;-)

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(1d20+6)[11]
(1d20+6)[10]
(1d20+6)[8]

[stack]

Thwap enters cautiously, keeping his eyes open for anything unusual.

Spoiler

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seek exploration activity, I guess?

[Farmerbink]

Thwap doesn't find anything else noteworthy. It appears by all measures to be a fairly nondescript storage shed.

[Zero Prime]

Castiel Lyonesse, disgraced physician & duelist AC: 20 | HP: 41 | Current: 41 | Class DC: 19 Fortitude: +8 | Reflex: +11 | Will: +9 | Perception: +9 Active Effects: None. Conditions: None. Castiel surveyed the room, seemingly satisfied. "Don't look like they're keeping prisoners here then, eh? So main doors?" He inquired of his companions, "Though if someone with some knowledge of wards and such could let us know if ol'Gozreh is goin' to reach down and blast us fer touching his Hermitage, that'd be appreciated." As he spoke, Castiel turned and strode from the wooden shed, his attention focused on the large, engraved double doors that led deeper into the side of the cliff itself. As he moved forward, hesitantly, while waiting on his companions, he drew his rapier, holding it loosely in his right hand, his weight balanced on the balls of his feet, ready to spring in any direction at the first sign of danger.