Kitajo Uchihide |
Kitajo looks about. Having never been in a brothel he casts through his memory of his studies to see if he can identify this type of room.
Kn History: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
He draws a blank.
Nectanebo the Vulture |
Knowledge (History) to recognize art: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
"Ah, this would be a shrine of sorts to Lady Kaviiri, the pirate Sevenfingers's lover. You might say she lost his head over him...because in the end, she did."
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Perform (Sing): 1d20 ⇒ 4
Perform (Instrument): 1d20 ⇒ 19
Assuming you buy my approach to those last three rolls:
Nectanebo's music appreciation classes were decades ago, but the tune rings a bell, so to speak.
"I don't suppose anyone here has any talent with music? This piece is much better when played by a larger band."
Marduk Zhro'hysh |
"No." answers Marduk to the elf, very serious.
Night Hunter |
"I don't know anything about playing an instrument, but I can probably keep time" If there's no drum, he'll just use his hands on the table to provide percussion to Necto's playing.
perform instrument, drum: 1d20 ⇒ 13
DM Beckett |
Nectanebo recognized the tune and indeed speaks true, it is indeed best played with more participants. Night Hunter joins in, and makes a good effort, but finds it difficult to keep up, skipping beats here and adding an extra pace there, threatening to throw it all off.
The initial rolls where simply to identify the tune. Having done so, you may each attempt to join in if they wish, with another Perform (Musical Instrument or Sing only) Check.
Nectanebo the Vulture |
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
"Oh. Interesting...these are Celedons. Some of you may perhaps have seen these before without realizing it. They're made to guard temples and holy people. I'm a little concerned about their eyes. They're not supposed to be hollowed out like that, charming as it makes them look. It actually wouldn't affect their senses, but it would warp the magic that animates them. Be careful. They normally don't do anything unless their charge is threatened. Normally."
Knowledge (Religion) #2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Perform (Sing): 1d20 ⇒ 1
Nectanebo opens his mouth to sing, but all that comes out is a groan of horror, as if he was suddenly struck by some frightful thought. He pauses, considering, but then shrugs it off. Maybe he'd pay more attention to his instincts if somebody voiced similar feelings (i.e. aided his Knowledge [Religion] check)....
Kitajo Uchihide |
Kitajo approaches Nectanebo and they have a whispered conversation of a theological nature.
Kn Religion Assist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Nectanebo the Vulture |
"You can feel that too? Friends, I don't think we're alone in here...."
Risa Whitby |
Know religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Know religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
"You're right, there is something amiss here, we're being watched. And why do I have the feeling those are going to come to life?" Risa says, as she slowly backs away into a corner.
Henrikuaxian |
The music strikes the gnome deeply, seeming to move something within him; he stops, and opens his mouth, and begins to sing. A very surprising, gentle alto comes forth, harmonizing with the ghostly quartet, and keeping rhythm with Night Hunter's drums.
Perform(sing): 1d20 ⇒ 20
Marduk Zhro'hysh |
Marduk sits in a corner, acting as a child. "Marduk no wants to play." she says, sulking.
Night Hunter |
"Come play with us, Marduk... I'm sorry I interrupted your dance before, I had no idea that participating would end the haunts." Night Hunter says while drumming eagerly if not expertly.
DM Beckett |
Henrikuaxian, once re recognizes the tune manages to pull off an amazing little show, and as he begins to hum along, suddenly the floating instruments move over and begin to join him, all keeping perfect pace, the words of an ancient song about lovers separated by war provide your minds, their longing almost felt.
Suddenly a ghostly woman appears, clapping after the performance ends and smiles at you. "I am so pleased that such a motly crew, likely from all corners of the Empire and beyond would know that song. Such refined tastes."
The floating instruments begin to move again, returning to their proper places throughout the room as she moves over to take a seat, inviting you to join her. "I am Lady Kaviiri, and I welcome to my home, dear guests. Is there something I can do for you? Perhaps answer a few of your questions? Or even educate you on the gossip and local events? And perhaps you might be willing to do me a small favor as well."
Marduk Zhro'hysh |
Marduk stands up and nods.
"Yas. It woud be a pleasure to do a favor. Wat do ya need?" she says, trying to act the best she can in front of the ghostly lady.
Night Hunter |
Night Hunter lofts a questioning brow at the suggestion they do a favor... but before he can open his mouth, Marduk voices their willingness to do so. He listens, curious, for her response.
DM Beckett |
While the room has no windows, it has long hanging curtains throughout for looks. She rises, floating over to one of the curtains and points at it, "My funerary urn lies behind here. I would ask you to take it with you to the surface, and sprinkle my ashes upon the sea. That is my only request."
Moving the curtain aside, you do indeed see an urn sitting upon a small alcove in the stone wall. Perhaps a part of her does know that she is dead?
Kitajo Uchihide |
I see no reason not to grant this request. What do you all think?
Night Hunter |
"I agree... an easy enough request to honor."
Marduk Zhro'hysh |
Marduk nods. "Is dat everything we need todo?" she asks.
DM Beckett |
"Yes, that is all. A simple task for you, but one beyond my power."
Ill post more when Im off work, but can I have everyone give me a Sense Motive and a Perception check, and also the rolls for attempting to navigate through another section, perhaps the last section of the maze. Dun dun dun.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Risa Whitby |
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Risa studies the ghost, asking, "Who are you, and how did you come to die here? Also, what Empire were you referring too?"
Risa then glances at her shining wayfinder (detects evil).
Night Hunter |
sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Kitajo Uchihide |
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
And for navigation
Survival Assist: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10
Nectanebo the Vulture |
Judgment:
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Navigation:
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Knowledge (Dungeoneering), for myself: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
DM Beckett |
Everyone else, keep your rolls for now.
Risa studies the ghost, asking, "Who are you, and how did you come to die here? Also, what Empire were you referring too?" (detects evil).
"My beloved and I had a falling out because of my flirtatious nature and his inability to truly love anyone but himself. In a jealous wrath, he ordered one of his crew to behead me. But, . . . what do you mean by what empire. The Empire, of course. Taldor. Certainly you have heard of Taldor, the greatest and best hope for mankind is this dark world, even if this Even-Tongued upstart has not been dealt with yet."
Will: 1d20 ⇒ 3 <ha ha ha!>
Henrikuaxian |
Judgment
SM: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Navigation
Know(Dungeoneering) for myself: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Know(Arcana): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Know(Planes): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Marduk Zhro'hysh |
Marduk shrugs and prepares herself to navigate into the maze once again.
Survival: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Night Hunter |
aid survival dc 10, missed this roll earlier: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
DM Beckett |
Risa noticed something with her last question, so I'm sort of rewinding things a little bit to see if she reacts or tells the party. I'll keep those other rolls though for when it's time.
Nectanebo the Vulture |
Nectanebo takes a leap.
"Sooo," He addresses Lady Kaviiri casually. "Seen Sevenfingers around lately?"
DM Beckett |
Suddenly the ghost's spectral face grows angry, although she doe snot attack, as she replies "No! I hope his twisted soul rots in the lowest Hell." Almost directly afterwards, she returns to her normal, cordial self.
Risa Whitby |
Risa shows no signs of anything amiss, but rather does ask the ghost another question: "We are looking for a team of Pathfinders, adventurers like ourselves, who went missing here, might you know where they are?"
Then, once they've moved on, she will inform the others in hushed tones, taking care not to alarm Jaohd; "Jaohd the paladin detects as evil, the way I understand it, something is possessing him, or otherwise exerting control over him."
DM Beckett |
DO you want to wait until you move on, or tell them all right now as things seem to be coming to a head?
DM Beckett |
Ok, I'm not sure why Risa is not answering, so I'm going to leave it a bit more up to the table. She has some pertinent information she might share as things seem to be coming to a head. Would the group like to set it aside for now and learn more or try to deal with it right now? My intent earlier was to rewind a little bit for what Risa noticed. It's perfectly fine is she wants to wait a bit, I'm just trying to check as I think different groups might (should) be operating on slightly different timelines.
Kitajo Uchihide |
I am fine with rewinding a bit DM Beckett. Do kids these days even understand rewinding?
Night Hunter |
rewinding is fine with me... maybe try a pm? perhaps thread isn't updating for her. perhaps lost internet or had computer failure? or some emergency came up?
Risa Whitby |
Sorry; really busy week, and we're working on the electrical wiring in our house. Yes, I want to tell them as soon as possible.
DM Beckett |
No worries. I'll update shortly. Been pretty stupid busy myself. We are beginning to gear up for a pre-deployment exercise and then deploying not too long after we get back, and I'm literally the only person there to do everything. Two people out on paternity leave, one is in a mandatory class, and one not allowed to work with us. arg.
DM Beckett |
Ok, I'm rewinding a bit so that everyone is on the same page for what is going on. When you entered this chamber, you first saw floating instruments playing an old tune, though one you recognized. Playing along, and doing so well, you pleased the spirit of an old prostitute and performer, who then invited you to sit and converse.
While doing so, <and this is sort of where we are right now still>, some of you overheard a very quick side conversation between the ghost and Joahd. . .
@ Henrikuaxian, Kitajo, Nectanebo, & Night Hunter: For the briefest moment, you catch Lady Kaviiri look towards Jaohd Ilzinian as she answers Risa, as if looking to him for approval. And then, you hear a whispered conversation, only briefly between the two, as if she where using magic to have a second conversation with the paladin, who, for his part, simply stands back and watches the scene. While speaking to Risa, you also catch her say “Bad manners, my old friend. It’s good to see you after all this time, but you’ve taken a huge risk. There are bound to be consequences. My time here, though is done. It is time.”, whispered to Jaohd, who only nods slightly.
And, at nearly the same time, Risa also sensed evil from them both.
Risa Whitby wrote:Risa studies the ghost, asking, "Who are you, and how did you come to die here? Also, what Empire were you referring too?" (detects evil)."My beloved and I had a falling out because of my flirtatious nature and his inability to truly love anyone but himself. In a jealous wrath, he ordered one of his crew to behead me. But, . . . what do you mean by what empire. The Empire, of course. Taldor. Certainly you have heard of Taldor, the greatest and best hope for mankind is this dark world, even if this Even-Tongued upstart has not been dealt with yet."
Risa shows no signs of anything amiss, but rather does ask the ghost another question: "We are looking for a team of Pathfinders, adventurers like ourselves, who went missing here, might you know where they are?"
"Why yes! Charming guests. They passed through here a short time ago, but have not returned.”, almost oblivious to anything else going on.
Suddenly Risa stops, turning to the rest of the party and says
"Jaohd the paladin detects as evil, the way I understand it, something is possessing him, or otherwise exerting control over him."
<I'm assuming through a whispered, message to the party that's not immediately obvious to Jaohd.>
And this is where we are right now. Everyone is still sitting around the table, Lady Kaviiri having just suddenly had an outburst about hoping Sevenfingers rots I hell, and than immediately becoming polite and calm, like it where nothing.
Kitajo Uchihide |
Kitajo will pay close attention to Jaohd. If Jaohd makes any moves in opposition to our party goals Kitajo plans to grab and restrain the paladin. Risa says he may be possessed so we should avoid hurting him if possible.
Night Hunter |
Nighthunter, grasping the gist of the story, as well as Risa's whispered message, turns to look at Jaohd surreptitiously... now cautious of him and whatever might be possessing him.
Kitajo Uchihide |
If Jaohd is being possessed or controlled or something do we have anything in party that could break that?
Marduk Zhro'hysh |
A solid blow to the head?
Risa Whitby |
I'd like to add Risa isn't sure he is possessed, but that's how I interpreted the information given to me. Perhaps we should ask the ghost, but I don't think Risa heard their conversation.
Nectanebo the Vulture |
Nectanebo looks between Jaohd and Lady Kaviiri.
"Do you two, ehr, know each other?"
He turns to Jaohd and repeats the question in Celestial.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
DM Beckett |
If Jaohd is being possessed or controlled or something do we have anything in party that could break that?
Yes. Because a lot of the point of this scenario is that it's a loo sort of a big mystery, I'm hesitant to say what specifically, (outside of your fists), but I will say that Henrikuaxian, (AND Marduk), is NOT wrong. However, because I don't want to seem like I'm lying to you, I will say that there is something else going on here that you are not aware of, (and really have no way to be) that might prevent even that from working. I can not really go into it very much without spoiling it, but things are actually going pretty good, all things considered. I will say that something was given early on that might, maybe, be of use.
"Do you two, ehr, know each other?"
The spirit answers with pleasure, "But of course. I met him and his team not long ago. They seemed pleasant and travelled past to "destroy the Unconquered Bride". Jaohd and another fellow return, but I had not seen them since. But, they had all been so friendly and charming. I feel bad that it's likely they all got eaten. . ."
He turns to Jaohd and repeats the question in Celestial.
It does not seem necessary, as Jaohd, while unable to speak anything but that Celestial tongue, can fully understand the Common Taldan language of the realm, and responds <in Celestial> "She is crazy. I may have passed through here before, but I don't know her. I don't remember her! You must believe me."
DM Beckett |
I just want to be clear. I'm not trying to be a jerk, withholding info so that no one really knows what to do. It's kind of designed this way, with a lot of uncertainty and wheels within wheels. I would say that a Paladin would not fall for attacking Jaohd (for nonlethal), nor for allowing him to continue with you until you find the missing Pathfinders. As far as you can tell, taking the urn to the surface and casting the ashes out over the sea will release her soul. She is, at least partially insane, locked in a time and place from long, long ago, but also partially aware she is dead and alone.