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Before depart, Tûrak makes some purchases at the market.
"Nice. Now we are officially without the Wardstone's protection and in the company of a sort of half-demon", Tûrak doesn't seem very comfortable with that situation.
During the 10-days travel, though he had kept a safe distance from Valais, Tûrak identifies himself with her in some way, after all, he was submitted to bizarre experiences of a crazy alchemist before. But it seems like she suffered a bit more than him.
"I can go with you", Tûrak told to Rilas. The half-orc wouldn't be a great scout as the ranger, but he can do a good job too.
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Cleric (Theologian) Spells Prepared (CL 7th; concentration +11)
. . 4th—blessing of fervor[APG] (DC 18), freedom of movement, wall of fire[D]
. . 3rd—create food and water, dispel magic, fireball[D] (DC 17), greater stunning barrier[ACG] (DC 17)
. . 2nd—burning hands[D] (DC 15), consecrate, lesser restoration (2), sound burst (DC 16)
. . 1st—ant haul[APG] (DC 15), bless, burning hands[D] (DC 15), deathwatch, endure elements, protection from evil
. . 0 (at will)—detect magic, read magic, spark[APG] (DC 14), stabilize
. . D Domain spell; Domain Fire
Diri will do the best she can to not delay the travel, but it becomes pretty apparent that she moves slowly.
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You do not so much stop as come up upon something. In this case, what looks to be a group of people guarding some sort of building being excavated. From what you can tell, it looks like an old cathedral, somehow buried by the Worldwound's shifting nature.
The cliff before you rises up some 20ft, and it looks as though the portion of the cathedral that has already been unearthed rises another 10ft above that. A single woman stands guard atop the cathedral, her longbow drawn and a few arrows in hand, ready to defend the place.
On the ground around the base of the cathedral, you can see six humanoids. Three working with shovels, while the other three are either taking a break of keeping watch. The figure atop the cathedral notices you with ease, knocking an arrow, and alerts the others, but they allow you to get closer before calling out to you to identify yourselves and your business.
Knowing that her appearance will likely cause them to attack, wears a hooded cloak, and stays at the rear of the party, allowing you to talk. It seems that in their haste, they manages to hit a vein of some of the Worldwound's corrupted magma vents, it has begun to leak out, forming small rivers. You can also see the festering holes it comes from, leaking some sort of dark smoke, you probably wish to avoid getting too close to them.
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"Diri Lizzenbettolze. Of the Whisper," Diri calls out to the archer, pointing to the symbol on her shield, as she makes a few quick geometric calculations in her head.
If she's trying to ambush anyone, her position is thoughtfully optimized.
"To what end are you overseeing an large-scale excavation operation in the improbable geography of the Worldwound?" Diri asks, logistically interested, and honestly impressed.
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Seeing the figure atop the tower with the bow, Rilas considers drawing his own but decides it best to hold for now. He sizes up the distance and location of all the workers in case it comes to combat. "And my name is Rilas of the Pathfinder Society. We do not intend to start agressions, but will defend ourselves if need be. We are just out here exploring as well as looking for a lost scout named Shyael."
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The figure a top the cathedral barks back, in a clearly female voice, "I'll be leadin' the interrogation! Who are you and what are you doing here?"
As she does, the other figures drop what looks like shovels from this distance, and draw some sort of knife like weapon, preparing themselves if you attack.
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"Probability suggests our goals are similar considering the effort you are putting into searching this inhospitable clime," Diri adds. "We have no desire to discard our lives in an assault on a superior force with optimal positioning."
Diri points to the area around her, to emphasize our state of non-aggressiveness.
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"We aren't out numbered." he mumbles under his breath, just loud enough for party to here.
"Yes friends we don't want any conflict here. We just want to fix the wrong doings of others"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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I am Albert Gam, member of the Pathfinder Society, send by the Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lanterbury to help one of our comrade, Valais here, cursed by a traitor in our rank years ago to find a solution. He also asks us to look for any buildings able to be used as a fortified place for the crusaders and also to look for a scout named Shyael who doesn't give news to her superiors for weeks.
We come in peace and with good intentions.
Adds Albert to his comrades plea.
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Tûrak stands silent while let his friends talk, he isn't good with words. The half-orc only tries to drink an extract of heightened awareness, without drawing attention.
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I was going to say just give me a bluff or stealth check to pass it off as drinking from a canteen, but that's fine. From this distance, it's hard to really make out too many details.
Albert's response seems to put the woman atop the building at ease, as she beckons you to approach, "Come closer, so I can see you better. If you are what you say, surely you have some proof."
You do notice as you begin to move closer, that the six other individuals still seem on guard, as if unsure about you. They do not attack, but it's clear they trust you less than the hooded archer. You also suspect that she does not speak for them, but it's unclear just what sort of arrangement they have. All the time, Valais remains behind the party, only speaking when required, and only then saying the least amount she can, as she does her best to remain unnoticed and forgettable.
She asks again for proof of your claim, that you where sent by Venture Captain Jorsal, and your Wayfinders serve well enough in this regard.
She seems to lighten up a little once she is convinced of something, and tells you she too, is interested in finding suitable fortifications this far out, hoping that it will be a first step in taking back what the Abyss has claimed. She further explains that the Sarkorians believe this place to be some sort of holy shrine. "They where not able to unearth it and defend it at the same time, so the asked the Pathfinder Society for aid." She removes her hood, revealing slightly pointed ears, "The Society sent me. My name is Shyael, a devotee and scout of Eristal. Both the followers of the Sarkorian god Laktharis", she motions to the workers below her, "and the Society agreed, that if we could secure this site, they for their faith and we for an outpost and stronghold, it would benefit everyone. Perhaps, . . . as experts, ancient ruins are your speciality. Would you be willing to explore what lies beneath, once we make it to the doors?"
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"Would you be willing to explore what lies beneath, once we make it to the doors?"
"I think that's why we're here", the half-orc says for the first time in this encounter. "By the way, I'm Tûrak", he nods to her.
The alchemist turns to Valais, "so, do you feel something coming from inside this place that connect you to what you dreamed?", he asked curiously.
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"An exploratory excavation would be well within the capabilities of our team," Diri agrees. "Is there a high-probability duration of the length of the concurrent excavation project and moreover would additional manpower or logistic assistance be either necessary or preferable?"
Diri scans the nearby area for anything resembling a campsite where these people would be staying during the excavation.
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"Yes. A strange folk, with an even stranger religion. I'll admit, I don't know much about them or their faith, but their priest call themselves "God-Callers". They are not very open to outsiders, though, so I can't really tell you much more than that, though I do not sense any dark intentions."
"And as far as your aid, I appreciate it. I'll keep watch here, once the way is found."
Shortly after that, one of the diggers yells out in excitement, claiming he has found a door. The others go to help digging there, and soon they have it clear enough to open it. However, before doing so, they approach you, speaking a broken form of Taldan (Common). "This place. . . Sacred. Outsiders not permitted. You join our faith?"
You believe that they wish you to be initiated into their faith before they will allow you to enter what they consider a shrine of their people's ancient faith, but, it's possible that you may be able to negotiate, if no one is interested, that is.
Both Valais and Shyael look on, curious, but not concerned. It seems that neither of them where expecting this, and have no advice or suggestions for you.
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While she will not likely abandon her beliefs in free thought and unfettered ability to share knowledge, Diri will be very interested in learning if the God-Callers believe the same. If that involves playing along, she is not above it.
"Unfortunately I know an infinitesimally small amount about your belief system and practices and appreciation of humanoid ingenuity and the reasonable discussion of ideas and advancement ergo I would be most appreciative of any effort you could consider to elucidate myself or my companions on matters of theological import and the nature of Laktharsis," Diri replies, eagerly grabbing a jounal and inkpen.
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"I to have a faith that I firmly believe in and hope we can find some similarity here"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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The tengu takes a strong look at the Sarkorians. "There are some that think the frequent breaking of the barriors between this world and the next is what turned Sarkoria into the worldwound. I wonder if this "godcalling" is what they mean?" The fire wizard looks to the outsider burning next to her. "However, such beings are not always dangerous. Please tell me more."
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Albert smiles at the elf when she scans them with her inate power.
Thank you for taking care of these refugees Lady Shyael. Your help is quite welcome. I've heard stories about your heart and soul and I'm happy to see them true.
Be reassured that Jorsal is happy with your work but he feared about your safety. Now we will be able to tell him that you're safe.
To the follower of Laktaris Albert asks What god is Laktaris ? I've heard some rumor, but nothing serious. I'm quite interested about him. Can you tell me more ?
he asks to support Diri's question
As for letting us enter in your sacred place, let me says just that. We - are - expert - in - doing - this.
This ancient temple could be filled with demons, traps or undead. We are professionnals used to explore that type of place, abandonned for millenia. Let us free it for you, you will thank us later.
Says Albert to help Rilas convinces the cultist to enter.
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The Sarkorians refuse to divulge much information about their faith to those that are to willing to join before hand, but you are not entirely certain just how much they themselves actually know of what they worship. They attempt to explain that "Laktharis was born from the fertility goddess of the sacred heartwood tree, and that his power over nature provided prosperity to Sarkorians in ancient times. The god caller insists that Laktharis can fight against the taint of the Abyss and restore the natural world, but that he rewards only loyal and obedient servants with such a great blessing."
However, Shyael does step I on your behalf, explaining that you are worthy of their trust, and it would be in everyone's best interest if you journeyed below first, "We know not what traps or dangers may lay down there, after all" and also suggests that their still small faith might need every evangelist they have in the coming days.
They agree to allow you to explore first, on your word that you will not disrupt anything sacred, nor steal or conceal anything. Afterwards, they stand aside, allowing you to enter.
You can tell that Valais is very uneasy, both wanting to know the secrets buried here, bound to her just as the Abyssal flesh that taints her body, but also fearful of what she will find. To her credit, though, she hides it well from the others.
An earthen tunnel leads to an elaborate door, shaped like an open mouth baring jagged fangs. The surface of the door is smooth except for six dials, each surrounded by spiked runes.
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"hey guys all of these runes seem to be in abyssal but don't really mean anything"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"An old temple to an unfamiliar god may be very dangerous, especially with the Abyss so close. I suggest we prepare for our journey with any magic we have and take it slow." He says a silent prayer to Erastil and casts several spells on himself and his trusty wolf. He offers to use one of his wands on the others as well, "Speed is always an advantage."
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Savage relizes Razor sensing danger and activates his totem transformation, gaining scaly skin. he then cast speak with animal to see what the issue is.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"Hey guys the animals say the door is alive. Not undead but physically living"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Ariana pulls out her weapon just in case. She studies the runes on the door.
"I don't read Abyssal, but there seems to be sets of matching runes for the different dials. None repeat and there are only two of each of them in a sort of a pattern. It goes bottom left, bottom right, middle right, middle left, top left, top right. Does anyone else see this?"
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"I do not recognize what these runes mean either and I also see no pattern. Perhaps the lock is magical?" Aikio eyes seem to burn after a few seconds of a cantation. detect magic
"I can apply some fire from a distance, to see how the door reacts, but I am a little stymied."
She casts another spell and seems yo burst into flame. The flames coalesce after a moment shimmering occasionally as a protective barrier around her. (mage armor)
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As soon as Diri begins casting, it's almost like the door itself morphs, or rather, the closest thing you can compare the sight to is as if a sheet had been laid upon it, with the picture of a door placed upon it, and it is pulled aside, although it's slightly more fluid than solid. It goes directly for Diri, scaring the crap out of everyone as it does. It slams into her hard, disrupting her spell, and then manages to pull her in, like she is stuck to it's outer layer.
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ROUND 1
Rilas ()
Winston ()
Savage ()
Razor ()
Diri (-16, automatically grappled)
Albert ()
Aikio (mid Detect Magic)
Ariana ()
The Door??? ()
Huhhhhhhhh? What that? Looks bad, should probably go bite it.
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Before entering in the complex, Albert will have casts comprehend languages, deathwatch, false life, see invisibility, mage armor (wand) and Light on his belt and draws his wand of cure light wounds.
A what ? asks Albert.
Seeing his comrades beginning to smite the creature, Albert move back and asks Did you need help ? Being quicker or better ?
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There seems to be much less threat that is first seems, as Rilas outright kills it with his arrows before it can further act. It falls lifeless to the ground, releasing Diri from it's adhesive touch. With it dead, the way is clear, (there was no door), leading you to an intersection. Turning the corner either way leads you into darkness.
Murals on either side of this long hallway feature ragged looking humans bowing before a powerfully built humanoid male with horns protruding from his head, arms, and down his spine. Patches of red flesh with pustules cover most of the mural, obscuring a line of spiky script.
The murals depict a large tree on a hill with a single piece of spiny purple fruit. The next one shows the fruit grown and unraveled into a creature, roughly man-sized and shaped but with elephantine feet and spikes growing out of its body. The third panel shows humans groveling before the spiked creature, which slits the throat of a man at the base of the tree using his long, sharp claws. The fourth panel shows the spiked creature touching the tree and creating an abundance of fruit bearing plants. You begin to wonder if this is indeed a temple to Laktharis. Odd patches of flesh obscure the first mural, almost as if they are beginning to grow from the very wall like some sort of mold. They pulsate, and seem to be covered in pustules the reek of rot and necrosis. There are words on the mural
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Well done comrades ! says Albert seeing the "door" falling.
If needed he helps the one hurt but the door creature.
Are you ok Valais ?
After her short response, Albert says No worries, but know that you can talk to me if you need to.
Albert looks at the murals but is unable to decipher the rest of the phrase.
I read " Servants shall..." something. But the rest is covert by these strange fleshy thing. Can somone get rid of if ? he asks.
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Rilas leans kneels down and inspects the Mimic, "I've heard of these but never encountered one before. This is quite fascinating. But not so tough as I had imagined, they die just like everything else."
After the encounter with the mimic, Rilas is hesitant to touch the fleshy walls at all in case they are surrounded by them. He does spot a trap ahead however. "Be careful there is some sort of magical spiked trap ahead, but I don't think it's here to kill...perhaps a test of faith?"
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After that escapade, Diri will nod to Rilas, tap herself with a wand of infernal healing (and again 1 minute later).
"Your immediate response was both appreciated and highly efficient," Diri thanks the ranger.
Diri will cast detect magic to help pinpoint the trap Rilas is referring to.
If it can be pinpointed:
Or