GM Baerlie |
Hamshanks ignored all pretense of pleasantries as he pounded into the meeting room in the Grand Lodge in Absalom. "Never time to do it right, is there? Gorum see us through this, then." He grunted loudly and leveled his glare at the entire room.
"Ever been to Qadira? Religion is almost a fad down there, with new cults springing up like weeds and getting crushed just as quickly. It has been that way for centuries. But some make a mark — on Qadira or in the Chronicles. Three centuries ago, the archdevil Moloch, preaching surrender to the desert heat, suddenly became the rage. Qadirans walked into the desert just to die just as if the heat was their paradise. The most devout sought out the hidden Citadel of Flame, where a fearsome bull-headed idol of Moloch judged them and sent the worthy to Malebolge, the sixth layer of Hell. No surprise that Sarenrae’s priests launched a mighty crusade to demolish the citadel. After two weeks, a great sandstorm swallowed the expedition — and, it seemed, the citadel and its idol. Nothing more was heard from either. Until ten days ago, that is. Sandstorms regularly scour the Qadiran highlands, and this time they emptied an entire valley of dunes. Poking out of that valley, visible only to those soaring above — such as a flying Pathfinder wizard — was the lofty spire of a fortress: the Citadel of Flame, presumably. Hopefully we are the first to learn about its reappearance and we need to act fast. The Decemvirate doesn’t expect any trouble, so they’re sending you. But I do expect trouble — who knows what’s infesting that citadel? Get in there fast and find that idol — it could be the key to the entire cult. It’s likely statue-sized, maybe as big as me, and should have a bull’s head on it. And for Gorum’s sake be careful."
Hamshanks waits and looks at you. Waiting for questions.
Blong Arddan |
A large half-orc stands waiting for the speach to finish. He has a glaive in one hand, using it to lean on. Soft whispers can be heard from around him. Once the speech is finished he slams the butt of his glaive on the ground.
"SHUT UP"
The whispering immediately dies down. He scratches his head with the point of his glaive, causing some hairs to wildly fly through the room, deep in thought. His eyes suddenly widen as he thinks of a way to solve his predicament.
"Who's Gorum?"
No no no that's not right. Ask another question.
"No. Forget that. Do we need special clothing? Maybe other special killing stuff?"
To help make his case he casts prestidigitation and shows miniature illusion weapons of all kinds.
"Maybe special magic thingies?"
Ausk the Unbeliever |
A disturbing, white-haired gnome crouches in one corner, watching carefully and clutching an ax nearly as large as he is. "Heh heh heh. Once dead, it rises again. Like so many of us. And as so many will. But what was dead can be killed again, and like any god or devil, this cult too shall fall before the ravages of time and the Destroyer." He leers and stands, toddling over to the group with his ax on his shoulder.
"I am Ausk, called the Unbeliever by your kind," he says, throwing the second phrase to Blong. "It shall be a pleasure to tear this temple apart for the Society!"
Seeing the looks, he adds softly, "I speak metaphorically, of course. My metaphor was drawn from...bees."
Turning back to the Venture-Captain, he inquires, "And what shall we do with any cultists? Devils? Innocents before the flames?"
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
A young elf stands quietly in the conference room, the quality and wear on his gear speaks of experience that his demeanor contradicts. He listens carefully as Hamshanks explains their expedition and as the Half Orc and Gnome ask their questions. After a few minutes Edllen, standing up straight, placing a hand on his hip and taking as a heroic posture as possible, speaks up.
As thou doest know Master Hanshanks mine kin doest battle the Demon lord Treerazer in the Fierani Forest, twould be my privilege, nay my honor to participate on yon quest.
He looks around, giving a slight to the Half-Orc and Gnome, he says
Praytell, Forgive me, I am Eldlen, Twas raised in the Fierani and of late worked with yon pathfinders. I possess some minor skill with forestry, traps and wizardry, tis my pleasure to meet you
then waits a little to see if anyone else was showing up, eventually asking
Master Hanshanks doest thou have transportation prepared or shalt we acquire a vessel of our own choosing?
Blong Arddan |
Blong extends his meaty palm towards the gnome.
"Blong. I like your axe by the way."
Eldlen starts telling about his background and his skills. Blong turns around from the gnome and looks him dead in the eyes. A small moment later a farting sound comes from behind Eldlen. Ghost sound
Blong grins as Eldlen 'makes a fool of himself'.
I hate arrogance
"I normally walk everywhere."
He states after he manages to suppress a laugh.
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Eldlen, very confused looks around behind himself, as Blong explains that he normally walks everywhere Eldlen is even more confused and quietly says
knowledge, geography: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 wow thats terrible
I was led to believe Absalom tis an Island but if thou knows a path to walk so beist it.
not wanting to miss any Half-Orc social formalities, that he is not familiar with Eldlen, looks at Blong's extended hand and with a little confusion says
A pleasure to meetest thou Sir Ausk and Sir Blong and, I like your meaty palm, also,
then looking at Ausk, shrugging, he says
Oletan täydentää joku tällä tavalla on puoli-örkki asia, koska ei ole koskaan kuullut sitä ennen
I'm using Finnish for Gnomish, I hope that's ok
Ausk the Unbeliever |
Ausk clasps the half-orc's hand in his own, squeezing it hard, as though he's trying to put on a show of his massive strength. "My ax shall be pleased to make your acquaintance as well, I have no doubt, should you ever achieve the enlightenment of rebirth!" The gnome's grin is absolutely feral.
When Eldlen "farts," the gnome doesn't bother hiding his snicker. His eyebrows raise in surprise when he's addressed in Gnomish, and he snorts, saying to the elf, "Se ei ole kohteliaisuus, typerys. Mutta ei hätää. Kuolema poistaa kaikki nöyryytykset."
Turning away, back towards the Venture-Captain, he adds over his shoulder, "Puhu vanhan kielen paljon, enää. En ole kuullut sitä vuosiin." He then listens attentively for the next speaker.
"Don't speak the old tongue much, anymore. Haven't heard it in years."
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Eldlen surprised, and even more confused, by the Gnomes statements answers
Typerys? että on outoa minä olen rikkonut sinua? muutenkin Kasvoin lähellä kylän Omesta, puhuin kieli enemmän kuin minä yhteistä, joka ilmeisesti olin opettanut arkaainen versio.
Eldlen then joins his new friend and listens attentively for the next speaker
Blong Arddan |
Walking through the sea might prove a problem... And the language is fine by me :)
Blong looks at his hand as Eldlen compliments it and shrugs. A moment later the whispers around him start again, giving off an eerie sound. The elf and gnome start talking in Finnish Gnomish and Blong looks a tad confused.
"What's wrong with common?"
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Eldlen turns and explains to the burly half-orc
Oh, my apologies kind sir, twas explaining to yon gnome that Gnomish is a second language unto myself, and mine knowledge of common is bookish and archaic, whilest I grew up speaking the elvish tounge my practical experience with the common tounge hast been limited unto mine tasks with yonder pathfinders
Blong Arddan |
Oke! I wrote him a PM earlier today also. I play in several games with him and I think he missed the link in the recruitment thread :S
He frowns angrily at Eldlen.
"Wha? Don't understand half a what ya saying."
GM Baerlie |
I like international games, maybe we should add a third language? :)
Ich warte noch ob sich der letzte Spieler bis morgen Mittag meldet. Wenn er nicht erscheint, suche ich Ersatz.
I'm going to wait until tomorrow lunchtime (in Central Europe) for the last player to join. If he doesn't show up, I'll look for a replacement.
GM Baerlie |
"You might need clothes for hot weather, and maybe something to endure the elements. It is very hot in the desert of Qadira. Maybe some blessed weapons to kill any devils which might lurk in the fortress are necessary. Feel free to send the devils back to where they came from, but try to keep the cultists alive. Maybe they know more about what happened in the past days and why this fortress was suddenly revealed by a sand storm. I organized a transport to Sedeq, the slaveand
spice-capital of Qadira. From there it's just a few hours walk to the canyon where you find the entrance to the fortress." Hamshanks says and looks a bit shocked when he hears the farting sound.
"Yes, Absalom is an island. But you will get enough excercise once you are in Sedeq. The vessel departs tomorrow morning, if you need some equipment, you have enough time to do some shopping. Any further questions?"
Aryn Seavon |
The door opens and a young human-looking woman with silver hair enters the room.
"Pardon, I was held up by some unkind strangers." The woman points at the greatsword and earth breaker on her back. "I had to force my way through."
"My name's Aryn," she introduces herself, brushing some hair out of her face. "Could you please give me a quick summary of what's been discussed so far?"
After the details of the mission have been repeated Aryn nods. "I see. I've natural resistance against heat, but I'll purchase a hot weather outfit anyway."
"Considering we'll be working together, it's probably useful to know I'm a front line fighter. Though I do often prefer to solve things diplomatically, I don't shy away from violence when it's necessary."
I'll purchase a hot weather outfit for 8 gp.
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Eldlen watching and listening as the fourth member of their party introduces herself, he nods respectfully and says
Tis a pleasure to meet you lady Aryn, I am Eldlen and these fine gentleman are Blong and Ausk
Eldlen moves away slightly from Blong, hoping his language was understandable, and then continues
Tis my preference also to resolve situations amicably when the opportunity arises
again looking at Blong to make sure there was not an immediate threat, continuing.
I shalt also purchase a "hot weather outfit", pray tell doest anyone believe that we may need a wand to cure our wounds? I mightest be able to acquire one, before we depart tomorrow.
with you permission GM Baerlie, Eldlen will use two prestige points for a CLW wand
Blong Arddan |
Blong will trade in his explorers outfit for a hot weather outfit.
Blong responds to the answers to the questions as follows.
"Kill nasties and chain the people. Sounds bothersome but I think we'll manage."
Aryn barges in after the introduction.
"Oi. Me Blong."
He extends his meaty palm as introduction.
"I like to cut things up too. Can talk with people also, scaring more fun though."
Eldlen adds what he would like to purchase and Blong seems to think for a bit.
"No money. I do cast healing spells though. Only not too much every day."
The whispers around his seem to louden and Blong listens intently.
"I also bring a shovel, rope to tie up prisoners and a battering ram to enter the building."
Aryn Seavon |
"Nice to meet you, Eldlen," Aryn replies, giving him a nod as well. "I believe everyone should always try to have some kind of healing available, and buying such a wand is a smart move. I also possess one, by the way."
Aryn shakes the hand Blong offers. Past experiences with half-orcs taught Aryn that many half-orcs judge others based on their strength. Thus Aryn applies some strength to the hand shake. Not so much that it's like she wants to pull Blong's hand off, but enough to show that she's obviously no weakling. "You look like a strong fellow, Blong. I feel like I can rely on you when things need to be cut up."
After letting go of Blong's hand Aryn waves at Ausk. "Hello, master gnome."
GM Baerlie |
Sorry, store-game-madness-delay. A CLW wand is fine, Eldlen!
As soon as you did your shopping tour and are ready to depart you board the ship to Qadira. Once you reach Qadira you move on to Sedeq, the slave and spice-capital of Qadira. From there you take a path into the desert. The path descends through a maze of cliffs, opening into a slot canyon of smooth red stone surrounded by towering hoodoos. At the far side, two hoodoos carved into enormous bull-headed men leer down on the canyon, while those nearby look like stylized flames. To either side, the canyon walls rise steeply in a series of rough ledges to the clifftops above. Brass doors on a massive wall of baked gray mud can be seen through an arch at the far side of the canyon.
Map updated, H are the hoodoos
Blong Arddan |
Can't see the map :( Have sent a request to see it.
"Good I have water spell. Saves us a lot of problems."
He looks really unimpressed by the big desert and hoodoos. He casts detect magic to inspect the canyon and also takes a good look without magic.
"Looks pretty dry to me."
Anyone standing near Blong will hear frantic whispering around him.
Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Eldlen, standing near Blong, is slightly disturbed as he hears frantic whispering, Steeling himself, Eldlen also looks carefully into the canyon looking toward the doors and then at the hoodoos.
perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
GM Baerlie is there any knowledge check that may help with information about the hoodoos?
GM Baerlie |
Sorry, forgot to make it visible to everyone. Should be fixed now.
Eldlen and Blong does not see anything unusual. The hoodoos are tall red sandstone pillars. Blong feels some magic coming from the north and the south end of the canyon.
I think knowledge religion would fit best.
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
knowledge, religion: 1d20 ⇒ 10
survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
knowledge, planes: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Eldlen points down into the valley at the faint scorch marks, looking to the team members he says
I believest Fire elementals hast created yon scorch marks, doest anyone have a plan that mightiest assist us?
Blong Arddan |
"Douse em in water? Stab em? Dunno really."
Blong replies with a shrug.
"Did see soms magic at the north and south of the canyon by the way."
He waves in the general directions of the spots he noticed earlier.
Will try to cast guidance on all of you before we start the battle if it cannot be avoided.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Aryn Seavon |
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Aryn also scans the area with detect magic. She then cast guidance on herself, followed by resistance.
Slowly, Aryn moves south to sneak a peek at what's creating the magical aura behind the hoodoo. While moving Aryn takes her greatsword from her back.
As she peeks around the hoodoo, Aryn readies an attack in case something decides to attack her.
Blong Arddan |
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
if not interfered with or attacked
Eldlen goes through the arch at the far side of the canyon to the brass doors on the wall of baked mud. After carefully looking at the door for traps he attempts to open the doors, if they are locked he will try and pick the lock.
take 20 on perception and if no traps 20 on disable device,
Aryn Seavon |
I'm not missing, Blong. Just blending in with the colors. I'll give myself a colored border.
GM Baerlie |
Aryn knows that those creatures are Fire Elementals, but smaller than usual. The are imune to fire, but vulnerable to cold. Whenever they hit a foe they cause the skin of their opponent to burn and catch fire. They usually attack with their fiery arms.
Seeing the party crossing the canyon and Aryn approaching one of the fire elementals the decide to attack. Aryn's surprise attack threatens the fiery creature, but does not damage it.
Ini FE1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Ini FE2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Ini Aryn: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Ini Ausk: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15
Ini Blong: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
Ini Eldlen: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Round 1
Ausk
Blong
Fire Elemental red
Fire Elemental orange
Eldlen
Aryn
Blong Arddan |
"What'd ya think sneaking up on them?!"
Blong moves in behind Aryn and thrusts the blade of his sword into the fire elemental.
Atk roll: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Dmg roll: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Have reach on my weapon, the reason I stay behind Aryn. ^^ You did indeed blend in very well by the way... :S
Ausk the Unbeliever |
Thanks for your patience, all. I'm back! Ausk will buy a hot weather outfit before heading out.
The little gnome weathers the long trip to Qadira mostly in silence (except for one colorful moment in a Sedeq souk that involves a goat, a eunuch, and something Ausk calls "the doctrine of Emergent Annihilation." Fortunately, the others manage to talk him down...
In the desert, Ausk remains quiet as the others evaluate the situation. When he sees the fire elementals attack, however, he gives a howl of glee that turns to rage as he realizes that he doesn't have a straight line to charge in. With a snarl, he dashes up around the opposite side of the hoodoo from Aryn and swings his ax at the fiery creature.
"HEEEEYYYYYAAAAAHHHEEEEEYYYYAAAAHOOOOOOO!"
Attack vs. flatfooted with guidance: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 3 + 1 = 24
Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Crit Confirm?: 1d20 + 3 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 + 2 = 10 Bonus +2 from Bestial Wrath trait
Bonus Damage: 2d10 + 6 ⇒ (2, 9) + 6 = 17
GM Baerlie |
]ooc]Welcome back, Ausk :)[/ooc]
Blong and Ausk attack the fire elemental in the southern area of the canyon. Both hit and they are able to defeat the first of the creatures. Unfortunately Ausk is too close to the creature and burns his arms. Fire Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2 DC 11 Reflex save or catch fire
The other fire elemental reacts fast and approaches you through the canyon. Double move
Round 1
Ausk
Blong
Fire Elemental red defeated
Fire Elemental orange
Eldlen
Aryn
Aryn Seavon |
Aryn turns around to see the other elemental has moved up to her. A wry smile appears on Aryn's face.
"Nice, this saves me the walk," she says, and swings her greatsword at the elemental.
Cold Iron Greatsword, Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 - 1 = 22 2H damage, PA: 2d6 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (5, 5) + 6 + 3 = 19
Blong Arddan |
"Hmmm... That sure as hell killed em."
Blong remarks as Aryn chops it to pieces.
"Shall we continue? Think we are done here."
He glances around to see if he missed something. If not he will continue through the pass.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
as Eldlen goes to recover his arrow he declares
well struck all, thine skills are magnificent!
Eldlen then goes through the arch at the far side of the canyon to the brass doors on the wall of baked mud. After carefully looking at the door for traps he attempts to open the doors, if they are locked he will try and pick the lock.
take 20 on perception and if no traps 20 on disable device,
Blong Arddan |
After inspecting the area Blong joins Eldlen at the gate.
"I have battering ram we could use instead of twiddling with locks."
He points his thumb at the pack on his back.
GM Baerlie |
Beyond the arch, the red stone hoodoos open up to a massive citadel. The stronghold appears to have two parts: the nearest is a squat, square fortress covered in decaying plaster and topped by an enormous minaret from which a thin plume of smoke escapes. The plaster walls are richly decorated with intricate geometric carvings of dancing flames, and smaller minarets rise from the corners. At the east end of that building, the valley floor drops suddenly and a windowless second structure perches on a plateau beyond, rising gracefully from the void in a tangle of minarets and spires. Even though centuries of sand have scoured away most of the gold leaf that once decorated the structure, the sunlight reflecting off the deep red stone of the citadel makes the entire structure glow like a massive bonfire. A delicate, red, enclosed bridge links the first fortress with the second one beyond.
In a small outcrop near the brass gate lie two mummified and perfectly preserved corpses. Between the two corpses, you find four oils, and four arrows in a good shape. No traps at the door.
DC 20 Strength check to open the doors
Eldlen Meirdrerel |
Eldlen, after nosing around a bit turns to the team and says
Yon door is clear of traps, twill need help opening it, pray thee hast thou seen anything like these before
pointing to the mummies, the four oils and four arrows. He then casts detect magic on the collection of items.
the two corpses,the four oils, and the four arrows
arcane knowledge about the items knowledge, arcane: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Blong Arddan |
Using the battering ram, it gives a +2 bonus on strength checks on doors.
Blong rummages through his pack, after putting down his weapon, and grabs his portable ram.
"Here we go!"
Blong says with a grin as he starts ramming the door. The first try results in the ram bouncing off the door. The second one hits its mark though.
"Whooohooo! That a boy!"
He exclaims as the door is forced open.
Strength check: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 = 8
Strength check: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 2 = 22
Ausk the Unbeliever |
Ausk stares at Eldlen when the elf admonishes him. "Ain't no bad behavior. Only in the destruction of the old, beautiful, and worthless can something new and glorious arise," he says, seriously, before adding cheerfully, "That's why you gotta die to live!"
When Blong pulls his ram out, Ausk eagerly jumps in next to him, throwing his weight behind the charge.
"HEEEEYYYYYYAAAAAAHHHH!"
Strength Check, Aid Another: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
It's hard to throw your weight behind something when that amounts to just under 40 pounds...
GM Baerlie |
Blong is able to open the doors. The interior is in surprisingly good shape, given its age, and most of the decorations are intact. The entry hall is clearly meant to impress visitors. Many rows of stout pillars, carved to resemble writhing flames, surround the center of the room where a spiral staircase, devoid of rails or walls, leads up. A large bonfire burns in the middle of the staircase, casting normal illumination throughout the room. The walls are covered with written prayers carved in gold filigree as well as stylized efreeti faces spaced every 5 feet. Massive obsidian benches line the walls, and a thick layer of desert sand covers the floor and stairs, especially near the entryway.
Inside the citadel it's incredibly hot.
The oils are oils of bless weapon and the arrows are +1 holy arrows
The corpses are not magic.