Markas Songsteel |
Not until Markas joined the society had he started learning more about dungeons, so the fighter tries to remember anything he can with his limited knowledge that may be of some use to the group.
Know Dungeon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
But the fighter's limited knowledge proves to be just that...limited. Instead the fighter focuses on his next option, just bashing the creature's head in. With his warhammer in hand, Markas closes the distance between him and the creature and swings.
Power Attack
Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 1 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6
Henrick Bulwark |
I am not sure of the mechanics here, so I am assuming I can just attack, but let me know if I need to break a grapple or something.
Henrick struggles to breath, and twists his urgrosh to cut the hideous creature.
Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
KN, Dungeon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Victoria Hennessee |
Victoria will try another arc of electricity.
Arc, range touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 damage : 1d6 ⇒ 1 nope
"All those tentacles flailing around are throwing off my aim. Hold still you creep. "
Nazza |
It looks like the creature didn't hit Henrick's (flat-footed) AC, so it doesn't get a free grab attempt. You would have to move up to attack it in melee (just a 5-foot step), against cover since it's around a corner. I don't think urgroshes have reach(?), so I moved you on the map, if that's okay!
Nazza's eyes flare with anger as the creature's tentacles reach out to attack her, but they can't get through her armor. "Bad decision," she snarls, the anger in her eyes glowing into arcane fire. She moves forward, drawing her greatsword and slashing at the creature with a roar.
Mwk Greatsword, Bloodrage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 2) + 7 = 11
EndlessForms |
Nazza is right. If the attack doesn't hit it doesn't get the grab attempt so you are not grappled. If you were grappled, you could try to break free with a CMB or Escape Artist check or you could attack with a -2 penalty but you can't use two-handed weapons when you are grappled.
Markas, Henrick, and Nazza easily take care of the aberration!
Out of combat!
The papers on the desk chronicle the personal exploits of Selmius Foster. Most of Foster’s more infamous adventures appear here in varying amounts of detail, but it is evident there is another investigation he had been pursuing before he died: the lost records of a Society agent named Eylysia.
Two notes are of particular interest:
Henrick Bulwark |
"A mystery, it seems, we have found within this mysterious place. Who'd be up for investigating a mausoleum? "
Is the desk dusty or clean? Does this appear to be old writings, or something more current?
Saitama |
"Good show, my beefy buddies!", smiles Saitama as they beat the baddy down.
Looking through the stuff, much of it goes over his head outside of the poignant urgency. "Is this... poor Adolphus! May you be stronger in the next life!", performing Iroran rites of passing.
"It feels wrong to desecrate the dead, I mean, what has that poor man ever done to us, other than die and leave us with a mystery in our laps?"
Nazza |
Nazza's eyes return to their normal, non-glowing red, and she leans against the wall for a moment while lowering her bloodied sword to the ground. After a couple of tired breaths, she wipes off her sword on the warped creature's corpse and stows her sword.
"Mausoleum sounds just fine to me. Good work in that fight, everyone--glad to see we got by without a scratch!" Nazza looks down the rough corridors branching off of the hidden study. "Should we explore the rest of these caves? What was that creepy thing doing down here anyway?"
EndlessForms |
Very dusty desk. Very old writing. Selmius Foster was one of the founding members so this stuff has been here a while.
So we'll start with the stonemason Arkath's mausoleum first, since that's what you've agreed on so far:
1d4 ⇒ 3
Details left by Selmius Foster indicate the location of Arkath’s burial site: a plot of land in Eastgate operated by the church of Abadar. A fence surrounds the necropolis grounds, and although members of the faith and city guards routinely patrol the property, it is still legal to enter the grounds to respect the departed. However, while the gates into the necropolis are left open to those paying their respects, the doors of the mausoleums are sealed with sturdy stone slabs.
Henrick Bulwark |
"Hmmph. I don't really relish the idea of just breaking into a sealed tomb. But I don't have another option. Anyone else have an idea?"
Henrick examines the stonework around the mausoleum, in case there is a hidden entrance or loose stonework.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Victoria Hennessee |
"I agree, Henrick. Let's try not to disturb the fallen. But we will defend ourselves if he dead do not keep their end if the deal...mainly staying dead!. "
EndlessForms |
You could ask a priest for permission to enter. Or you could just sneak in and try to break in. Really up to you.
Nazza |
"Well, we could just ask. That's worked for me before!" Nazza suggests. "I'm sure one of you could convince a priest to let us take a peek. And if not, well..." Nazza smirks and cracks her knuckles. "I'll try a little flexing of my own. But that might get us thrown out too early, so let's try being nice first."
Nazza approaches one of the patrolling priests of Abadar and gets their attention. "Hey there! Listen, we're from the Pathfinder Society. My friends here have something to ask you," Nazza says, gesturing at her (hopefully) more diplomatic companions.
Saitama |
"The same, mighty Henrick. Let's look for someone to grant us entry to this place of the dead!"
Perception to find a priest: 1d20 ⇒ 6
Assuming he finds one, Saitama makes his case. "Good sir! We seek entry into the mausoleum of Mr. Arkath. There is something of vital importance to us of the Pathfindering Society,", the paladin holding up his wayfinder, "and I plomise that we shall treat the remains with the upmost respectitude! You have it on my word as an enlightening champion of the Best of the Baldies, Irori!"
Diplomacy to ask for permission: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Good timing on that ninja post Nazza :P
Nazza |
If only my last post, which you ninja'd, had dovetailed as nicely. I have no one to blame but myself. EDIT: And Cosmo.
Nazza |
Nazza smiles and jerks her thumb at Saitama as she says, "What he said. He's beefy, but gentle. Won't mess anything up."
Diplomacy Assist: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Victoria Hennessee |
"Yes, please show us the honor of Abadar and let us enter. . "
Diplomacy assist : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
EndlessForms |
You find a young man in priest's robes who introduces himself as Kefilwe. After hearing your plea, he carefully considers his words before answering in a slow and deliberate voice. "Hmmm. . . I see. . . yes, the Pathfinders have been through here doing research before. Yes, I think we can allow you to go into the mausoleum if you wish."
As he leads the way, he adds, "When you are done, it would be appreciated if you were to offer restitution to the church of Abadar for your trespass today."
The interior of Arkath’s sarcophagus is empty save for the stonemason’s long-dead skeleton. When you inspect the corpse discover a small silver coin inside the skeleton’s mouth.
This apparently simple coin, usually styled to resemble ancient currency, hides intricate gold and platinum wires within. This matrix, carefully modeled after fragmentary Azlanti coins, causes the Pathfinder’s coin to rise an inch into the air and slowly spin in place if placed atop a wayfinder. In addition, when levitating above a wayfinder, the coin can be given a message of 25 words or fewer. This message repeats in the speaker’s voice the next time the coin is floated above a wayfinder. Only one message may be stored at a time, and once it is triggered, the message is expended and a new one may be recorded.
Nazza |
Nazza narrows her eyes at the skeleton, her sharp canines just poking out over her lips as she scowls at it, looking it over. "Who knows what that info-hoarding gnome could have left here. Could be a trap. Can anyone tell if it's magical?" Nazza asks, continuing to check the skeleton and the interior of the mausoleum for traps or other trickery.
Taking 20 on Perception for 24 if there's time. Otherwise:
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Henrick Bulwark |
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
"Check out this here coin. Might that be a clue?"
I don't have detect magic, so I am not sure if the spellcraft roll did me any good or not...
EndlessForms |
Unfortunately you need detect magic and Spellcraft to ID items. Without Spellcraft, detect magic can only be used to identify the school of magic which can give you a clue but is not usually terribly helpful. Without detect magic, Spellcraft is mostly used to identify what other people are casting.
Nazza |
"If someone wants to grab the coin," Nazza says, drawing her morningstar and holding it out above the skeleton, "I'll get ready to do some smashing if it tries to bite ya."
Okay, I have two suggestions:
1) We take the coin back to the Wounded Wisp to see if one of our NPC friends there, Janira for instance, could identify this for us.
2) Failing that, we stop by the local hedge mage's shop and everyone pitches in 10 gold to pick up a potion of identify, which should allow any character with the spellcraft skill to try to figure out what it does.
Henrick Bulwark |
I think #2 is my preference - I don't mind contributing, but I am not sure we want to announce to others what we are doing just yet.
Henrick pulls out the coin, and checks around to see if anything else seems amiss. Then he pulls out 10 gold to give to the priest that let them trespass in contribution to their cause. (and hopefully to grease the wheels in case we need to come back in)
"Unless someone sees anything else, let's find someone who can explain this coin to us."
Saitama |
"Ruh roh, we need someone who is mighty in magic!". Saitama ponders something for a moment. "I think it would be wiser to go to a Pathfinder we can trust if mystery is at hand!"
Seeing Henrick pull out some coins, Saitama does the same, offering 10 gold crowns as well.
Victoria Hennessee |
"I am fine with either plan. As long as we are discrete and can ensure we have the correct item. "
EndlessForms |
Removing the coin has no effect as the corpse seems very dead and not at all undead.
Kefilwe the priest checks on you as you leave the mausoleum. "Was your visit successful then? Do you wish to make a donation to the Church of Abadar?"
Henrick Bulwark |
Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Oblivious to what may be appropriate, Henrick takes the coins Saitama offered, as well as 10 of his own, and hands the priest 20 gold.
"I hope this helps cover the trouble we may have caused. Thank you for your time and assistance."
EndlessForms |
"Much appreciated, much appreciated!" Kefilwe nods at Henrick. "Thank you for visiting."
So is the plan to go back to the Wounded Wisp and ask Janira's or someone else's advice?
They did put all those NPCs with different skill sets there for a reason....
Nazza |
Yup, I think that's the plan!
As they leave the mausoleum, Nazza nods to Henrick and Saitama. "Thanks for picking up the tab on that. I'll buy you both a drink later." She winks at them and playfully throws her arms around there shoulders--well, with the dwarf it doesn't require so much throwing as leaning. "Speaking of which, why don't we head back to the Wounded Wisp? I'm sure there will be at least a few Pathfinders who can help us out with this sort of thing. This is much better than my last mission; it's good to be in Absalom where we don't have to pull the whole 'We're not Pathfinders, really! Let us in!' thing, you know?"
Henrick Bulwark |
"Hah hah. I would tell you about my last mission, but it was a bit distasteful..." Henrick shivers as he says that.
"Lead the way, Nazza. We could use a drink and some advice!"
EndlessForms |
"Oh, of course!" Janira exclaims when you show her the coin. Aram bin Kaleel wanders over and smiles when he realizes what the object is. He sticks around to watch Janira perform the explanation. "Well it's a Pathfinder's Coin, don't you know? Here, watch this." Janira pulls out her own wayfinder and places the coin on top of it. Suddenly the coin emits a low gravely voice that you can guess once belonged to Arkath.
The path and chamber are complete, hidden behind the nameplate of the requested aspirant and guarded by the word you requested. Fimbrik will add more.
Henrick Bulwark |
"Thank you, Janira! Now that's a neat trick." Henrick chuckles to himself. "I'll be thinkin' to get me one of them wayfinders here soon."
Victoria Hennessee |
Victoria giggles in excitement as the coin speaks...
"Wow, Janira, that is the super best trick ever. I just love it! Who and/or where is Fimbrik?"
Henrick Bulwark |
"This Fimbrik is a gnome, and a wizard. I would hazard a guess he still breathes. Perhaps we should try to seek him out and see what he has to say? I think perhaps the mausoleum mentioned we can find, but I would like to know what the "secret word" is before we attempt to explore it."
EndlessForms |
You just visited the mausoleum; that's where you found the coin.
Foster's notes record Fimbrik's address, which is onthe campus of the Arcanamirium in Absalom's Wise Quarter. The home itself is an impresses stone dwelling reminiscent of what one might expect from an eccentric wizard's home.
A brick step leads to Fimbrik's front entrance, which is locked. Numerous stacks of newspapers-roughly 2 years' worth of monthly copies-are piled around the door and crammed into a thin slot at its base. Each rounded corner of the building has a large window.
Victoria Hennessee |
"Eww...it seems our gnome friend has not been home for awhile. And obviously did not have the opportunity to cancel the mail. I fear he is detained elsewhere. I am not sure if we could find clues within or from one of the neighbors?"
Victoria looks around the neighbors houses to see if anyone is outside or visible.
perc: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
EndlessForms |
There are plenty of people walking around the campus and some, when asked, will even admit to knowing Fimbrik. No one you ask has seen him for a few years though.
When Victoria looks about, she does think she sees movement in the house through one of the windows though.
Nazza |
"Could be that Fimbrik's not been here in a while," Nazza suggests, "but it could be that he's just a weirdo. These wizard types always are."
The half-orc approaches the front door and delivers a hefty series of knocks. "Fimbrik!" she calls out, "We'd like to speak with you!"
EndlessForms |
No one answers to Nazza's loud knocks or calls.
Looking closer for the source of the movement, you peer through the western window, which looks into the bedroom. You are certain that you can see Fimbrik peacefully sleeping in his bed with two muscle-bound men standing watch.
On the other side of the house, you see a study with a round table surrounded chairs, the walls replete with tome-laden bookshelves. Fimbrik peruses his book collection, walking up and down the room scanning the bookshelves.
Markas Songsteel |
"Well Nazza, I guess it's a good thing we aren't really equipped to sneak around very much. I'm sure they are well aware of our presence now" Markas says as he flashes a grin. "Personally, I'd rather them know. Wouldn't want to catch them off guard too much."
Upon seeing Fimbrik browsing the book collection, Markas turns to the group. "Did anyone else see him sleeping just a second ago? Something strange seems to be taking part here."
Victoria Hennessee |
"I agree. Either he is being held captive in his own home...which is horrible. Or he is intentionally ignoring us...which is...well, just rude!"
Victoria will cast mage armor on herself.
Saitama |
"Double Fimbriks? That unpossible!", Saitama confused. Upon Victoria's suggestion, he nods in agreement. "Yes, in either case, justice must be served, either upon those no-goodniks, or upon Fimbrik who needs a lesson in etiquittism!"
Saitama gets to the front door, ready to kick it down, before he thinks for a second. "Is anyone good with the not-so-legal-act-of-the-unlocking-of-the-locked?"
EndlessForms |
The front door is locked but the lock looks fairly simple and has rusted with age.
Henrick Bulwark |
"Well, I think there is something odd here that is worth us entering uninvited. Anyone handy with a lock?"
Nazza |
"Hm. Well, as you say, Saitama, picking locks is not going to earn us any favor with the Absalom guard," Nazza admits, crossing her arms in calculation. "But if he really is being held captive, then we've got to do something. And better us, while we're here now, right? Who wants to help me? I'll pay for the damages."
With that, Nazza sizes up the door and slams her body into it, hoping to liberate the unresponsive Fimbriks.
Strength check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16