Strat moves over to the window & peers outside. Onlookers seemed to have noticed the broken window, but look away when the man enters their view. Most move on abou their business, but a few are 'not paying' any attention.
sense motive DC 15
Spoiler:
While not quite easy to read a few of the neighbors keep looking at the warehouse and then down the street, then back to the warehouse. they appear to be waiting for somebody.
Aram and Zaryn tie up the guards who soon wake up. Wake up is a relative term, the seem quite disheveled (dazed) for almost a minute after waking up, but they do come to and seem to realize their situation while Ignatious and Barlor are still experimenting with the lamp.
Ignatious
Spoiler:
You are subject to cold dangers and take nonlethal:1d6 ⇒ 5 cold damage. I am not sure how celestial resistance applies to environmental damage, but it will only matter if your HP drops below that number. Unlikely with the three bursts that happened, but something to keep track of. This damage will continue to happen until the 'curse' is lifted.
Spellcraft DC 16
Spoiler:
Ignatious seems to be affected by a necromancy spell when the light of the lantern hits him.
Spellcraft DC 20
Spoiler:
Ignatious seems to be affected by a transmutation spell when the light of the lantern hits him.
Studying the lamp with detect magic and three rounds of study: spellcraft DC 20
Spoiler:
the lamp has a faint illusion, faint necromancy and moderate transmutation auras.
make this check twice. Though Maps was unaffected, the magic was still being used by Bengeirr.
Barlor 'Like a sip...?' lol! :)
Spoiler:
This is your faction mission correct? Or where you looking for other information?
The ship is a one-level longship with benches for rowers and a single mast. A lantern of similar size and shape as the one Bengeirr was holding, hangs from its prow. Maps takes his time searching the ship.
Spoiler:
Seven bodies lie wrapped in sail cloth in the bottom of the ship. Though they are Ulfen they seem more like the guards you found at the Greydog Manor, than those of Bengeirr's men. Under a bench towards the back of the boat is a bag of gold coins.
{HP21/21 | AC 18 FF17 T11 CMD 16 | F/R/W 5/3/8} Male
Strat turns to the others. "Hmmm, I don't like this. I think we're going to get some visitors soon. We may want to hurry this up unless someone wants to do some explainin'."
Male HP 10/10, Init +5, AC: 12, T: 12, FF: 10 F: +3, R: +3, W: +3 Perception -1 <Darkvision 60ft>, CMD: 10, Male Half-Orc Sorcerer 1
Ascending the stairs, Aram notices something wrong with Ignatious.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
"Good heavens Ignatious! There's something wrong with you! I detect necromacy magic and a transmutation effect when ever the light of that lantern hits you!"
Male HP 10/10, Init +5, AC: 12, T: 12, FF: 10 F: +3, R: +3, W: +3 Perception -1 <Darkvision 60ft>, CMD: 10, Male Half-Orc Sorcerer 1
Ignatious the Seeker of Flame wrote:
"Really. Interesting. Likely some ambeint aura from the lamp. I feel just fine.".
Although he felt hostile around Ignatious(though he really couldn't tell where the anger came from), he felt concern and touched the slivery skin on Ignatious' arm.
"Really? You feel cold," says Aram turning to the lamp. "Just a minute Barlor, let me examine that lamp with a spell,"
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
I've leveled up this character since we began, and it kind of sucks, I startd putting things into Spellcraft, resisting Cold, and the like because I have dealt with a lot of scenario's similar to this, and I can't use any of those updates yet, ha ha ha.
"I think we should take "Ben" and the Lantern back with us to the Skelg's manor, see if we can still rescue the other man from that tapestry, and find out what is going on. My celestial fortitude is not absolute, . . . yet, and I am not certain just how much longer Skelg can hold out. If there is anything here taken from Skelg's mansion, we should grab what we can, and sort it out there," looking at "Ben" with a bit of reassurence, "honestly".
"Once our allies are returned from their search, we can hear what they have found, but we should make haste from there."
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
Well, . . . I would normally presume these mortals are all here to see my radiance and hear the truth of the sacred fire, but I doubt that is going to work. :)
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
I'll just step outside for a moment and draw their attenting, hoping I can divert them from becoming a mob.
"Good people of Absalom, there is nothing here to see. We are Pathfindrs, here to capture a group of thieves and return them for questioning. Nothing more. Please step aside and let us pass so that we can be on our way. We have a dying friend that needs our assistance with something these men have taken, and after that, we will let the authorities, under the guidance of The Loving Flame handle the rest"
Diplomacy:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Also, obviously not mentioning that the authrities I mean are the Society, not the city guards, and the item is the Lantern, not some medicine.
The crowd is appeased when the glowing man, accompanied by the Watch, carry out the thieves. Little more than curiosity slow the group and they soon are on the road back to Graydog Manor. A small proprietor of colorful beakers, jars, & clay pots catches the eye of Aram. Soon after the group is back at Skelg's manor.
Greeted with enthusiasm over their success, "What is the plan now?" he asks.
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
"Someone mentioned before, I believe, that shining the lantern on that tapestry opened a gateway. Perhaps we should try that. Lets drop these prisoners with Skelg's men and give it a try. Perhaps we can still save the man".
Male HP 10/10, Init +5, AC: 12, T: 12, FF: 10 F: +3, R: +3, W: +3 Perception -1 <Darkvision 60ft>, CMD: 10, Male Half-Orc Sorcerer 1
Maps wrote:
Could be Skelg got his fortune through it. If so, could be some left.
Somehow Aram could hear Maps think 'fortune', and it set him aflame. Wealth, this strange craving for it, where did it come from? But he was too lost in the moment to care.
"Yes! Yes, yes, yes! Let's go! Right now!" said Aram excitedly.
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
Heading to the tapestry, "I'll go in first. [/i]The Flame[/i] shall envelope and protect her own, and I do not fear whatever evils might be held within. Please, light the Lantern and let us see.", Ignatous says, but not as an accusation, more as an offer if no one else wishs to take the lead.
The light shines on the tapestry & a cold blue light appears behind the threads. One by one the threads start to fall away. Soon a nimbus of blue surrounds a circle if white..
Skelg's man wentthrough & came back. He got lost on the second trip. More to come :)
Cold weather gear, if you already have it is easily retrieved and worn before entering. Tyros gathers 1d4 ⇒ 1 human-sized more sets.
As you step through the portal, you find yourself in a strange ice-cave. Sunlight filters through the walls & ceiling, and three braziers give some warmth to this otherwise chilly space. Directly ahead of you, a tunnel leads through the ice, sloping steeply downward. Behind you, a shimmering portal hangs on what appears to be the main mast of a ship embedded in the ice. Following the mast downward, you can barely make out the blurry outline of a ship's deck through the ice down below.
the lantern holds maybe an hour & a half's worth of oil.
Male HP 10/10, Init +5, AC: 12, T: 12, FF: 10 F: +3, R: +3, W: +3 Perception -1 <Darkvision 60ft>, CMD: 10, Male Half-Orc Sorcerer 1
Aram's original eagerness has faded once he feels the chill of the cave. He's tired and has used up his more powerful spells. He steps aside to let Zaryn pass by him. He has to resist the urge to just lay down and take a nap. Seeing Fisbin and Igantious go down the tunnel, Aram yawns and follows them.
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
Noticing Aram suddenly appear tired, "Come, brother. Fight off whatever foul magic this place holds. I understand your mortal, but allow the inner fires to warm you, just as that demon-bear lying deep inside your soul, so is there, other things, deeper strengths that you may summon and wear proudly as a fine armor. Fight on, brother.", laying a hand on his shoulder with a sincere, and hopefully inspiring grin.
Male HP 10/10, Init +5, AC: 12, T: 12, FF: 10 F: +3, R: +3, W: +3 Perception -1 <Darkvision 60ft>, CMD: 10, Male Half-Orc Sorcerer 1
The 'demon-bear' comment stung Aram, even though it was true.
"I'm afraid to call upon the power in me. It's something evil, and I'm afraid that you and the others would harm me if I let it out of control. In paticular, you, with the aura of your goddess almost palpable, I'm afraid she'll strike me down," Aram looks ashamed as he admits that last part.
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
Continuing to walk with the half-Orc, "That is doubtful. She seeks only that all learn the ways of hope and salvation, and you hold an even greater power in your mortal soul, once you find it. That it what you need to to bring forth, and learn to flex it's might in you, my friend. And perhaps the bear-soul is not evil. I did not sense any in it, just a natural power, perhaps bitter at being restrained. Time will tell if it is an ally or not. I understand that your shattered soul walks not in two worlds, that of man and Orc, but three, that pathways of magic. It seems to me that you can fight youurself along the way, or learn that all three can work together, for good even, and allow you to attain a state of inner balance. She tells me you are meant for greater things, and that now, you are like a new blade freshly forged, but unused. One that will be tempered in a fire or battle. It shall be painful, but if you can find that inner strength, you will become the sword rather than struggling to hold it at each turn."
Male HP 10/10, Init +5, AC: 12, T: 12, FF: 10 F: +3, R: +3, W: +3 Perception -1 <Darkvision 60ft>, CMD: 10, Male Half-Orc Sorcerer 1
Aram is relieved to here Ignatious' words.
"My foster-father was concerned where my powers came from, and told me to repress whatever's inside me, to push it down until it hurts," Aram sighs, shaking his head.
"Your goddess knows of me? I didn't think any of the gods would think me worthy of notice," Aram smiles. "I am curious about her, perhaps you could tell me more about her after this business with Skelg is completed?"
Sorry if Igantious and I are loading this section with words, but I love role-playing, and I was planning to have Aram convert to one of the mainstream gods eventually.
marching order: Zaryn, Maps, Ignatious, Arem, Fizban, Barlor (handle animal to get Ing through the gate?) and Strat Spineshank. Sound about right?
The name "Tirfyr" echoes down the icy passage but no answer comes to Ignatious' call. The sloped tunnel is slippery, but after a long curve it suddenly opens into another cave at the rear deck of a ship. More braziers keep the worst of the cold at bay, but a wall of solide ice blocks access to the fordeck. A large drum stands on the deck, and behind it is a trapdoor leading into the hold.