DM Stephen |
As careful as he can be Anton alters the rune...there is a monment of pause and concern but nothing happens. Just as you were taught, the trick worked!
You carefully check again for traps and find nothing else. You open it...inside is a small chamber. There are several items...
More to follow later, going into a meeting :]
DM Stephen |
The panel actually opens like a drawer. You find two scrolls in a sealed scroll tube.
You also find a golden circlet.
Finally you find a bronze rod.
The scrolls are Restoration (the 1000gp variety) and Divination
The Circlet is a Circlet of Persuasion.
The Bronze Rod is a Rod of metamagic extend, Lesser.
It looks like there might have been some papers in here at one time but all that is left is some dust and pieces...
I will post some initial items about what you discover from the temple and the notes, just let me know if you plan to do anything else in the temple while I put this together.
Aedalis and Tragershen come to the conclusion that some rubbings of some wall sections will be useful and you go about figuring out how to get your hands on some additional paper.
Niɱ |
Mending might work on the dust/pieces. :)
Scrolls to Mihai... circlet to Mihai (seeing as he is the only one with a charisma above 10 :P
That leaves the rod... which spells can best benefit from it?
Once Nim is satisfied that the temple is indeed safe, he suggests that the group could split into smaller groups to get things accomplished. One group to begin work on the lighthouse. Another to search some of the remaining wrecks. A third could continue to work in the temple.
Between us and the other castaways, we should be able to get all of that done in relative safety...
Tragershen |
I think any of us casters can make great use of that rod. Tragershen could use it for Mage Armor and Azlanti Luck at least.
Tragershen spends time pondering over his readings, travels and various jobs of the past to try and determine a new source of paper or similar product to make sketches and rubbings.
He has any profession skill at +2 and alchemy at +8. Is there something he can do with driftwood, native plants, animal skins, etc.? Anything left of the cannibals' village that can be converted, perhaps with the use of presdigitation?
DM Stephen |
In order to work on the lighthouse, you need someone with knowledge engineering.
Just let me know the split of the three groups.
The first day in the temple researching goes well. Tragershen suggests searching the wrecks for a suitable source of paper. Another idea is animal skins. The last being the remaining paper you have and what little you have found in the cannibal camp.
Looking over the notes and the wall drawings you find out several initial interesting facts:
1. Ieana's real name is Yarzoth.
2. The notes are in an almost rambling code and will be difficult at best to decipher. Will require a linguistics check. Yarzoth seemed to be concerned about the notes being found by such lesser races as yourselves and being discovered.
3. The temple itself and the rubbings are a significant find in themselves.
4. You think another 2-3 days will get you what you need out of the temple, the rest will just be a painful exercise in trying to decipher her notes.
5. Last you see a name re-occurring in several sections...Saventh-Yhi.
Saventh-Yhi is one of the most sought-after lost cities of Garund, for legends speak that it was built by the Azlanti. Such a discovery could revolutionize what is known about this ancient empire, and that information alone, properly transcribed and recorded, could be worth thousands. Yet hard evidence about the location of Saventh-Yhi could well be priceless.
Mihai Soarta |
Mihai takes the scrolls and circlet with some reverence, unsure of how long they had been here and what their history was. When able he assists Tragershen and Aedalis in their investigation of the temple's writings.
Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Linguistics (Aid Another): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Anton Green |
Aid Another (Linguistics): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Anton glances over the notes to see if he has anything to add, but he can't make heads or tails of them. Instead, he volunteers to search the remaining shipwrecks, including the boat at the bottom of the bay near the temple. "You know me. I love exploring new places and finding all their secrets!" He winks but it's true. "Aerys, would you like to come?"
AFAIK, Tragershen is the only one with Knowledge (engineering).
Niɱ |
Nim overhears the others mentioning the name Saventh-Yhe over and over again. Who, or what, is this Saventh-Yhe you keep mentioning?
Maybe a knowledge (history) check too Alex? :)
Niɱ |
Rough list off the top of my (sleep deprived) head:
Lighthouse: Nim, Trag, Sasha, Pezock(?)
Wrecks: Anton, Mihai, Aerys, Ishirou
Temple: Corb, Aedalis, Jask, Gelik
Tragershen |
Knowledge History 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Knowledge Engineering 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Linguistics 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
When it comes to restoring the lighthouse, Tragershen contributes heavily. Though he lacks the sheer brawn of the others, he works hard and consistently. Also, he offers advice on how to use mechanical advantage to their benefit and helps organize the overall construction and the order of construction to give them the easiest path.
Because he lacks the stamina of some of the others, he is forced to take more breaks. During those times, he still is active: mind rather than body. He scribbles notes on the coding, allowing the others an easier time understanding what was written.
DM Stephen |
Lighthouse: It doesn't take long for Tragershen to figure out that he can make the lighthouse work with about a weeks worth of work except for one critical item. The light reflector is missing. When he discusses it with the group Gelik speaks up...
Hmmm, I believe Grolik has it. The Cannibals gave it to him as a tribute, I remember him mentioning the shiny bronze dish they gave to him along with a bunch of other stuff they had.
Saventh-Yhi: The name doesn't mean anything to any of you, but it could be a name or a place. You think it is a place though, somewhere of import in ancient times.
Temple: Aedalis has his hands full tying the drawings and notes together. Are you doing anything with the altar of blood?
Wrecks: Getting out to them will require the boat you found. The four of you spend the day moving it to a better part of the island where you can get to the remaining wrecks wihtout circumnavigating the island.
Anton Green |
Although challenging in its own way, and satisfying in a sense, porting the skiff doesn't require any decisions that Anton would call "interesting". No moral quandries, and no intellectual rewards. So, he listens with interest to the others' reports. "I don't know about how to destroy evil altars, aside from hitting them really hard over and over. But I have an idea about what to offer Grolik in exchange for the reflector: acceptance." He waves a hand like brushing a cobweb away. "I know, I know, hear me out."
"You wouldn't have to like him. You would just have to not threaten him. We can offer to teach him how to be dignified and welcoming to visitors, so that he can get respect without force or the threat of force. About the customs and histories of the different cultures that are likely to land here. I think it's possible that he could be a good host, keeping the lighthouse lit so that ships could avoid the reefs, and keeping any future castaways from descending into savagery. But for that he would have to be civilized first."
Tragershen |
"I agree that it may work to accept him. However, I am concerned about what other secrets lie in the peaks and valleys of the Red Mountain. I think perhaps an expedition there may be in order, despite Grollik's bluster."
"I would be particularly interested if there is something, or someone, up there that is responsible for Grollik's unusual disposition and awareness."
DM Stephen |
If you remember from a conversation Gelik had with him early on he stated that he gained consciousness from the "tidal stone". Post here.
RMD
Tragershen |
Thank you for the refresher.
"I imagine if we approach the mountain, he would meet us to steer us off, which would give us a chance to talk to him. Perhaps we should bring Gelik with us, since he's already had a chance to engage him in civil discourse."
Mihai Soarta |
Mihai sighs before making a last statement on the matter "No... the devil is a beast and you betray yourself thinking it anything but that. Anton, you would teach it how easiest to attract new prey, and the skills it would need to deceive them as it has deceived you. If you walk this path... you will do it without me at your side." voice even and without overt malice as he speaks, then turning to Nim and Aedalis to hear their position.
Niɱ |
Nim glances up at Mihai, his voice mirroring the cleric's fatigue with regards to the subject of the red mountain devil as he responds, It seems we will never be free of the devil. It is turning into the bane of our existence here on the island.
Nim inhales deeply before continuing, Apparently we must interact with the creature one more time before we can attempt to lure passage away from this island. We need the reflector to complete the lighthouse repairs.
It is my desire and intention that we make contact for the sole purpose of procuring the missing reflector. I am not interested in becoming friends with it. Becoming its mentor, teacher, advocate or anything else for that matter. We get the reflector and return. Nothing more...
You are free of course to do as you wish, but please keep in mind that if you attempt to befriend this beast, and things go badly, you cannot assume that I, or any of the others of like mind, will intercede on your behalf. A risk such as this, when it goes against the will of some of us, is entirely your own.
Nim looks at Tragershen and nods. We should all go to get the reflector... after that let each make his own decision... and live or die by the consequences.
DM Stephen |
You make your way over to the the Red Mountain. It's not really a mountain so to speak, just an impressively steep hill. You see a worn path up the side of it that seems to wind around the back side but you can just make out the trail picking up higher up on the "mountain" as a series of switchbacks .
You follow it up and as you near the top you spot the creature you are looking for, flying about 100 feet above you. It lands at the top of the hill...and waits for you to finish it's climb.
When you arrive at the top, you see a well worn block of stone stained darklly. Grolik stands at the edge, with it's back to you.
Barren of vegetation, the jagged rise of rust-red stones juts from the earth like an immense scar, providing a vertiginous view of the surrounding blue of the seemingly endless ocean.
Tragershen |
Ignoring the apparent anger from Grolik, Tragershen speaks. "Yes, Grolik. We came here to speak to you. Some time ago, the humans brought you something that we need. It is our best chance to be away from this island and leave you to your domain."
Corbius Jank |
Corbius nods at Nims words. I care little for deals with the creature. Let us ask for the reflector or take it I care not which. I will not however sit down for afternoon tea with it.!
Corbius follows the groups decision his hand never far from his sword.
As they wander the trail Corbius draws his sword. Larissa what do you think of this creature? Have the pathfinders ever seen something like it before? Should we trust it?
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Caring little for the creatures moodiness. The reflector for the lighthouse is what we seek. It looks like a large bronze shield. Do you possess it?
Larissia Landor aka DM Stephen |
On the trail up...
Well, most Chupa's are little more than cunning animals. This one is definitely different.
It wouldn't hurt to know if the creature is evil and if it speaks the truth. Mihai as a cleric, I assume, has access to both types of magic. There are cases of varient creatures becoming more powerful and possibly more intelligent than the rest of their species.
If the creature has something we want, perhaps we should just deal with it and be done with it.
Mihai Soarta |
On the trail:
Mihai weighs carefully "I have a sight that can be called to give a taste of a creature's essence... but it is but that... a taste and no more... I prefer to trust the truth of ones actions... needless to say I do not generally call upon the Walker to gift me with that dweamor"
With the Devil:
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26
Mihai notes the misdirection of the creatures anger with pensive reflection... but keeps a taciturn and silent resolve.
Red Mountain Devil |
Grolik thinks for a moment, Yesss, I have the thing you want. I have been thinking forrr a long time these past few days.
Thingssss have changed since you have come herrre, you have changed them.
I will give you the thing you seek, but I also want something back.......I want you to take me with you...off this island. I want to see what else is out therrre...this island no longerrr...satisfies me. I don't want to be left herrre...alone...
The creature for the first time seems...vulnerable...
Before you can reply it blurts out, I have otherrr things they have given me as well. Golden metals and colored rocks the Cannibals seemed to think important...and glowing things, I think what you called things of magic.
I carrre nothing for any of them. Take me with you and I will give it all to you, including yourrr ssshiny ssshield.
Niɱ |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Nim raises an eyebrow at the devil's proposal. Assuming we would even agree to such a deal, I doubt that many passing ships are going to willingly take on a passenger such as yourself. Doubly so given the island's reputation. And that is presuming that any ships even come when we light the signal...
Nim gestures at Grolik's wings. If leaving this island is what you truly seek, why haven't you just flown yourself to the mainland?
As he awaits the devil's response, and the others to have their say, Nim strokes the stubble on his chin as he ponders... I imagine we could fashion a cage for him. Pass ourselves off as a Pathfinder expedition gone wrong. Which isn't all that untrue... and make his capture and return our original purpose. Nim eyes up the devil. I wonder if he would agree to the cage? Once he is in, it serves us either way...
Red Mountain Devil |
Only because I can't fly that farrr. I can go frrrom one end of the island to the otherrr and back but that is about as farrr as my wings will take me.
Beforrre my...awakening I could barrrely fly, I would coast on my wings from height. My size and strrrength has made my rrrange farrrtherrr, but not enough to crrross that. he points to the ocean.
Most humans I have met arrre grrreedy forrr some of the shiny rrrocks or metals I will give you. Give them a small sharre of what I have, frrrom what Gelik has told me therre arrre many strrrange crreaturrres across the water, if you tell them I mean them no harrrm maybe they will they be okay...
Mihai Soarta |
Mihai rouses from his quiescence and ventures "Those on the mainland would not welcome you, they would come with spear and blade to end you. The cannibals here may have been cowed by you... they will not. The only place that you could survive is the wild... which would lead to a life no different than you spend here..." pondering venturing more, but managing to quell the desire and clamp shut his mouth again.
Tragershen |
"But he could find a home within the vastness of the Mwangi Expanse. With his speed and stealth, he would be a viable surviving predator therein."
How big is RMD? Medium, Large?
"Perhaps we could pass him off as a familiar?"
Finally, he adds "I am also concerned that the presence of the temple back there may color his potential most darkly. The further removed from the apparent source of his sentience, I am guessing the reduction in its influence."
Mihai Soarta |
Mihai addresses Tragershen and speaks in a level and low voice "By it's words it desires more than an empty island or jungle could offer... it wants... more."
Attempting Bluff to pass a secret messge to Tragershen: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Red Mountain Devil |
I don't fearr yourr kind...though I do rrrespect you. meaning the group here.
I can move with speed and stealth that not many crreaturrres can match. he says with some pride. Maybe I can join the people that the otherrr little one talked about...the Prrrathfinegerrrs? he says with quite a bit of trouble. He says therrre arrre many in that people that arrre differrrent?
DM Stephen |
"But he could find a home within the vastness of the Mwangi Expanse. With his speed and stealth, he would be a viable surviving predator therein."
How big is RMD? Medium, Large?
"Perhaps we could pass him off as a familiar?"
Finally, he adds "I am also concerned that the presence of the temple back there may color his potential most darkly. The further removed from the apparent source of his sentience, I am guessing the reduction in its influence."
There was a strong aura of transmutation on the Altar...it is having some effect on the island...and still does.
Niɱ |
If his words are to be believed... I suspect him to be seeking intelligent companionship, not just another place to hunt goats and monkeys. He is apparently exceptional for his species and the only one of his kind here...
By Nim's tone and words, some of you believe his stance to be softening somewhat in regards to Grolick...
Red Mountain Devil |
"If we are unable to arrange something, then were does that leave us?"
Seems like there are some words being said away from the meeting but you are still talking to him, please be sure to specify if you are saying this in front of him or to him.
You mean if the boat won't take me? If you tell me you will trrry, I believe you will succeed.
He turns his back to you once more, one of his claws clenches and unclenches...Keeping this metal shield frrrom you will gain me nothing otherrr than making us enemies...
My insides tell me to deny you...to kill you and take what I want, but this is not what I want.
I will give this to you eitherrr way. Considerrr it my gift to you.
When we firrst met I trrreated you like the otherrr humans I had met in the past. I have learrned you arrre not all like the Cannibals. The rrrest, the shiny things and the magic, I will give you if you agrrree to my barrrgain.
Anton Green |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Anton muses, "Actually... the Pathfinders might be a good idea. This was originally a Pathfinder-commissioned mission -- at least for some of us -- and I owe them a report anyway, since their agent... well... a black hooded king cobra snuck up on us." He holds up Larissia's wayfinder. "So I can introduce you."
The well-armed halfling clears his throat awkwardly. "But just so you know, off this island, it's best not to mention when you're refraining from killing someone. They could perceive it as a threat and decide to kill you first, but without letting you know their intent. It's generally good to refrain -- and it's polite to be discreet about it."