EndlessForms |
You are en route to the Blakros Museum with Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine.
Please PM me or put in a spoiler a personal secret about your character.
Thorgrim the Bold Strider |
Quarr |
Nikomedes Diogenes |
Niko sits in his carriage en route to the Blakros. His eyes are closed and his forefingers are steepled on the bridge of his nose. He ignores any outside stimuli as if he is meditating.....
Maximo Interresante |
"Hellooooo!" A strong voice calls from just outside Nicodemes carriage when it stops for a moment in the busy streets. Riding in another carriage beside him is an older Taldan nobleman, a broad smile displaying perfect white teeth in a weathered, but still very handsome, face.
"Pardon me!" He calls before a reply is possible. "Would you have any Grey Absalom?" He asks, holding up a bottle. "You see, I have a fine vintage of Alkenstar Icewine, a freshly baked baguette, and an excellent wedge of Taldan fontina, but it could do with a robust spread. Don't you agree?"
Latheas Dartan |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Latheas is hot on the heels of Kreighton Shaine as they leave the Grand Lodge. Latheas has barely acknowledged the man, but follows along nonetheless after his summons.
He looks to the Pathfinderw who follow as well, fleeting nods of greeting and recognition in a city he knows well. (If Quarr or Thorgrim at there, they are given a brief nod of recognition.)
I'm getting piddlespotting sick of this shit. Follow here. Go there. Do this. Don't eat that. Don't put that hole into that bag. No, you can't go higher in the tower. No, you probably won't ever become a VC. F+%& it all. F%$% this. I should go off on my own.
Latheas is in a foul mood that has nothing to do with anything.
GM EF, sekrit and char sheet to come.
Quarr |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Quarr is sitting in the back of the carriage as he takes stock of the assortment of chemicals on his vest. The little gnome pays little mind to anything else around him as he makes sure that he has everything.
I always hate this part. I seem to always forget something..... something useful.
The green haired gnome picks up a small red vial with a curious look.
Hmmmm. Seems I forgot to label this one somehow.
Forgetting he is with company he quickly removes the small cork on the vial and a resounding boom erupts through the entire carriage with a bright flash. Small tendrils of smoke waft out from the small windows. As the smoke clears Quarr sits wide-eyed staring back at everyone. Black soot covers the majority of his face as his hair now stands on end.
Though he sees everyone yelling at him he is unable to hear anything but a ringing sound as he pats his ears with thick hands.
EndlessForms |
Kreighton Shaine tries to ignore the blast coming from the trailing carriage and speeds his pace. Most consider Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine a peculiar figure within the Pathfinder Society. However, ever since the death of Aram Zey, Shaine’s demeanor and eccentricities have been subdued as he threw himself into a seemingly fruitless investigation of the Aspis Consortium agents that attacked Skyreach and murdered the Society’s Master of Spells. Kreighton has enlisted the help of several Pathfinders to follow up on a handful of leads relating to Zey’s death. To drive home the importance of this investigation, Kreighton has personally escorted you through Absalom from the Grand Lodge to the grim spires of the Blakros Museum. Once there, Shaine holds out a folded missive before reaching the doors.
"This is a letter of writ indicating that you operate under the direct order of the Decemvirate. It does not compel assistance, but anyone within Absalom will think long and hard before refuse to cooperate. I have reason to believe that an artifact—a magical lantern—played a pivotal role in stealing Aram Zey’s soul after his murder. The curator of the Blakros Museum, Nigel Aldain, informed me that the building once housed such a relic. However, Nigel claims the lantern is now missing from the collection. He has agreed to open the museum’s doors to the Pathfinder Society and cooperate with this investigation."
Shaine quietly looks over each person assembled with a weary stare and turned-down lips. "Search the museum for clues regarding the lantern. If there is a connection between this relic’s disappearance and Zey’s murder, continue to follow any leads you find until you have exhausted all possible avenues of research, then report back with your findings. Precious days have passed since I began my investigation, and every additional day gives the culprit more time to hide; research rarely happens quickly, yet I cannot remind you enough that time is of the essence. The soul of someone I consider a dear friend hangs in the balance." Kreighton takes in a deep breath then exhales slowly, trying to regain his composure. "I wish you luck, Pathfinders. Do you have any questions before I depart?"
You might have knowledge regarding the history of the Blakros Museum.
Quarr |
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Quarr's face jerks up and turns grim at the thought of Aram Zey's murder once again. That is until he realizes that they are at the Blakro's Museum of Horrors and begins to babble quite quickly and excitedly on all of the facts he knows.
The Blakros Museum catalogues every relic that passes through its doors in great detail for both historical significance and value. If the lantern ever entered the museum, there would be a record of it.
The Blakros Museum has changed hands several times and seen a number of conflicts within its walls. If something were stolen from the museum, it is possible that it disappeared during one of those struggles.
The museum’s curator Nigel Aldain is a former member of the Pathfinder Society, and he held his old colleagues in contempt for several years afterward. While it shows good faith that Nigel is cooperating with the investigation, it is not outside of the realm of possibility that he might have had a hand—directly or indirectly—with the lantern’s disappearance.
As Quarr gets over excited a small pair of malformed bat-like wings twitch out from under his cloak as they stretch out.
The little gnome instantly quits talking and turns a shade of red as he attempts to stuff them back in and out of sight. Seeing people lookat him he quickly tries to explain.
A mutagen seems to have had an ill effect on me while I was under the influence of the Ruby Sage I am afraid.
His head perks up. I have been working on a cure though! He says as he grabs his back and jerks it to the ground. The sound of small glass breaking is heard within. He tears open the sack and begins rummaging as a few bombs haphazardly roll out near the feet of everyone. The gnomes entire upper half seems to be consumed within the sack as he digs about.
Latheas Dartan |
The dumb look on Latheas' face is testament to his internal stubborness that he never spent much time studying history, nor taken even the most cursorary interest in his local surroundings. He knows little of the history of the Blackros Museum with the exception that many of the Blackros women where known for a singlular quality: their hotness. As a young man, Latheas had an eye for such things.
Piddlespotting Aram Zey. Maybe he wouldn't have died if he had just shared some spells with us? Or maybe his loss wouldn't be so great if he shared what he knew with others instead of being some pedantic prick?
Latheas eyes Shaine up and down.
Another VC, another prick.
He listens to Quarr's explanation, taking it in and responding with a nod. His eyes travel to the other Pathfinders to see if they have anything to add.
Nikomedes Diogenes |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Hellooooo!" A strong voice calls......."Pardon me!" He calls before a reply is possible. "Would you have any Grey Absalom?"
At first, Niko ignores the voice outside, but within seconds he recognizes the familiar accent of a fellow countryman. Sighing at the interupption, he opens his eyes and peers out the window of the carriage. As he listens to Maximo's request, he regards the man with a blank stare.
"I'm afraid I do not." He responds, then begins digging through the myriad of pouches and flasks hanging from his person. Opening a waxed canvas satchel he removes a small, folded paper envelope, leans out the window, and tosses it into the window of Max's carriage. "Vudrani curry powder. I consider it far superior." He says, then taps the front wall of the carriage with his walking stick to signal the driver to proceed.
Once arrived at the destination, Niko steps out if his carriage. As he surveys the other agents who will accompany him on the upcoming missiom, a slight twitch of his left eye is all the betrays his recognition of Maximo.
Turning his full attention on Shaine, Niko listens to the man, watching him intently.
KN: history: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
KN: local: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
When Shaine mentions Zey, Niko's face betrays no emotion. He begins to speak, but as Quarr speak up, Niko shuts his mouth and then regards the gnome with a questioning look as if he misjudged the man.
Addressing Shaine, Niko says. "I assume from our presence here, that your days of investigation have yielded little to no information, hence our presense here at the museum. Other than this lamp, do you have any additional information we might find useful?"
Maximo Interresante |
"Many thanks, my friend!" Maximo calls after Nicodemes' carriage. Settling back in his seat he looks at the small envelope. Sniffing the contents, he wonders aloud.
"Curry? What in Shelyn's name am I supposed to do with..."
BOOOOM!!
***
Arriving at the Blakros Museum, Maximo exits his carriage in a cloud of smoke, smelling much like a Casmaron aloo gobi. "A bumpy carriage ride is not the appropriate place for alchemical experimentation!" He chides Quarr.
Dressed in fine mithril armor and a military uniform of Taldor style, Maximo looks quite dashing. Or would have about a decade ago when the cut of his coat was still in fashion.
Looking over his companions, Maximo does a double-take at Nicomedes. "You have a familiar face. Have we met before? Ah! Where are my manners! I..." He drops into a well-executed bow that somehow includes all gathered, "..am Baron Maximo Interresante."
***
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Knowledge History: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Maximo strokes his fine beard as Kreighton Shaine explains the task at hand. Of course, he's heard of Blakros Museum, though apparently Quarr is an expert on the place, and so he offers little more then a sagely nod of agreement with the gnome's history lesson.
"Finding this lantern should be no challenge. I mean, really, what could go wrong in a stuffy old building full of antiquities?"
Obviously, Maximo has not heard the tales of previous incidents at the infamous Blakros Museum...
Latheas Dartan |
"Finding this lantern should be no challenge. I mean, really, what could go wrong in a stuffy old building full of antiquities?"
Latheas sidles up along side Maximo as the crosstalk continues.
"I don't know you, but I like you. Name's Latheas. Are you new to the Society? I don't think I've seen you before. Seems like there are lots of new faces every week," Latheas whispers. "Never seen any of these others. Must be a high kill rate on the recent missions that they are letting so many others in."
Maximo Interresante |
"Well met, master Latheas." Maximo replies in greeting, his smile changing to a thoughtful press of lips. "New to the Society? No no my friend, I have quite a long history with them. Several, in fact!"
At the mention of a high death rate among Pathfinders, Maximo scoffs. "By the grace of Shelyn, I will do my best to see that no one dies on my watch. Though that does remind me of one of the many times I nearly met my own end. Years ago an evil cult of Thespians had taken up residence in Magnimar..."
Maximo recounts a wild tale of adventure involving evil cultists, sea creatures, a seductive priestess, and a terrible monster lurking in the sewers. Even stranger are some of the companions he claims to have traveled with - a snake-headed woman, a living statue, and a woebegone rock.
Latheas Dartan |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Latheas snorts.
"Alligators in the sewers, huh?" Latheas shakes his head, disbelieving. "Yeah. That sounds about right. Can you answer a question for me? Do you even like Aram Zey? I mean, I'm sure going to try to find him, but he was always such a jackass. Not sure that I miss him all that much."
Latheas checks his bow, Thrum, for it's bend, eying the bowstring carefully.
"That's a story alright...but you didn't tell me your name..."
EndlessForms |
"I assume from our presence here, that your days of investigation have yielded little to no information, hence our presense here at the museum. Other than this lamp, do you have any additional information we might find useful?"
Shaine gets distracted by a butterfly for a moment and you aren't sure that he heard Niko's question until he suddenly snaps out of his daydream to answer, "No, not really. After Aram's death, several specialists and I conducted a multitude of divinations at the site of his murder. While many results were inconclusive, we did discern that a female Aspis agent bearing a magical lantern absconded with a vital piece of ARam Zey-we speculate that is was his soul, preventing him from being resurrected. Beyond this, we know little. I inquired with Nigel regarding magical lanterns, and he volunteered information about the museum's former possession."
Shaine clears his throat and looks to the dark doors of the museum. "Well, if that is all, I wish you the best of luck."
The museum is closed to the public for the investigation, leaving the entrance hall uneasily quiet. The curator Nigel Aldain waits anxiously in the middle of the foyer with his hands clasped behind his back, pacing across the tile floor in the shadow of a looming bronze statue. He offers a practiced smile. “Such a pleasure to see my former comrades-in-arms on this somber day. I mourn the passing of a—ah—charismatic man such as the Master of Spells. An exceedingly tragic loss, that.”
Adjusting his spectacles, Nigel motions for you to follow him deeper into the museum. “When I heard about the relic that may have snatched Master Zey’s spirit from the ether, I suspected it could have originated from the personal holdings of the museum’s first owner—a mad old wizard who saw fit to vanish without a trace centuries ago.” Nigel escorts you from the foyer of the Absalom Gallery, through a pair of double doors, and into a grand display of historical relics from Taldor and Osirion. “The building’s purchase included a sizeable collection, much of which we have kept locked up under tight security due to its unusual and often dangerous nature.”
Rather than proceed to another room, Nigel stops before a bare stone wall, and with a deft touch of several mosaic tiles, he opens a concealed door leading into a freight elevator operated by a series of chains and pulleys. Gesturing toward it, he offers words of cold comfort. “The Collection Esoterica contains several unusual objects of little historical import, but curious magical properties. Only I and select members of the Blakros family even know about this collection. To have an item go missing seems… well, rather unthinkable, wouldn’t you say?”
Nigel operates the lift, which is a slow mechanism that takes several minutes to make its descent to a subbasement. During this time, Nigel entertains any questions you may have concerning the museum and the theft.
Nikomedes Diogenes |
Nikomedes stares at Nigel for a few long moments, then asks. "Earlier Quart mentioned the museum's archive catalogues. Did the museum ever catalog the items in the Esoterica Collestion. And if you do, have you had time to cross check the collection inventory against the archive?"
Latheas Dartan |
“ “The Collection Esoterica contains several unusual objects of little historical import, but curious magical properties. Only I and select members of the Blakros family even know about this collection. To have an item go missing seems… well, rather unthinkable, wouldn’t you say?”
Latheas snorts, finding his backbone only *after* Shaine has left.
"Seems to me that you're suggesting that the Blackros family might have connections to the Aspis Consortium. Is that a possibility, Nigel?" Latheas asks, managing no delicacy nor tact in his direct question into Nigel's employers.
Quarr |
Quarr's eyes grow wide with excitement.
What other wonders do you have down here?!
Quarr lays down on the grated elevator and peer down in a vain attempt to see anything.
Maximo Interresante |
Earlier...
"That's a story alright...but you didn't tell me your name..."
"Did I not?!" Maximo's eyes go wide as saucer cups at the thought of a social faux pas. "Where are my manners! I..." He drops into a well-executed bow that somehow includes all gathered, "..am Baron Maximo Interresante."
Now...
So concerned with social graces, Maximo is quite distracted during the meeting with Nigel, though the mention of a scandal grabs his attention.
"Yes... how would the Aspis Consortium even know about this secret collection?"
Nikomedes Diogenes |
As the lift descends, Niko inexplicably hears a song in his head and begins humming softly to himself as he waits for the lift to stop.
Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl from Lamasara goes walking and
When she bah..bah..bah..bah..bum..bah..bum..bum...
Latheas Dartan |
"..am Baron Maximo Interresante."
"You're a Baron? What the piddlespot are you doing in the Society? Don't you have better things to do?" Latheas asks, only mostly questioning the veracity of the Baron's baronness (so to speak).
Thorgrim the Bold Strider |
Thorgrim stands silently on the lift as the rest prattle on over titles. Doubt they will let me break stuff in here... he thinks dourly.
He appears to be a walking arsenal as you see a piston maul in his hands and a brace of tridents strapped to his back.
Thorgrim is an Ulfen Guard prestige class, so whenever he rages, he will be giving buffs out to people on the fly.
EndlessForms |
Nikomedes stares at Nigel for a few long moments, then asks. "Earlier Quart mentioned the museum's archive catalogues. Did the museum ever catalog the items in the Esoterica Collestion. And if you do, have you had time to cross check the collection inventory against the archive?"
Nigel thinks for a moment, his cheeks blushing slightly. "It is one of the largest collections of occult ephemera in the entire Inner Sea region. Most of the objects are just curiosities with no real magical properties. A handful of them are more than what they appear, though defy simple categorization. They are… elusive in nature, hard to precisely divine the power they hold. A handful of objects came from the personal collection of Ralzeros the Overwatched himself. As such, no complete catalog has ever been finished, although it has been attempted. I'm afraid that's not the answer you were probably hoping for. Doing any research in the Esoterica Collection is a time-consuming affair."
"Seems to me that you're suggesting that the Blackros family might have connections to the Aspis Consortium. Is that a possibility, Nigel?" Latheas asks, managing no delicacy nor tact in his direct question into Nigel's employers.
Nigel furrows his brow in frustration. “I suppose that was a joke? No? Heavens, have you been living under a rock? There have been several unfortunate altercations here due to the value of the possessions I curate but that does not mean we are involved with the Consortium! Surely you know we have always been very close with the Society. The most recent involved a regretful encounter with Numeria’s Technic League that I would much rather not discuss in detail. Though I am grateful for your organization’s assistance there.” Nigel scoffs. “The locals always said this place was cursed. Wouldn’t listen, though,” he concludes wryly. “I swore off jumping at superstitions the same day I turned in my wayfinder but that doesn't mean I would turn to the Consortium.”
EndlessForms |
The freight elevator comes to a stop in a musty basement with walls of pitch-black stone. Beyond the lift’s sliding doors lies a cluttered archive stacked floor to ceiling with wooden crates, chests of documents, and other containers. The walls contain shelves that are cut into the stone walls, laden with bizarre trinkets and relics from across the world. “Here we are,” Nigel proclaims, stepping off the elevator. “The oddities and archives belonging to the Collection Esoterica. I ask that you not disturb any of the relics in the crates, but you are free to peruse any documents. If you find anything, come let me know. Otherwise, I’ll be working on more pressing matters upstairs.”
Complexity: This represents how complex the library is, and it is the DC for any Research checks.
Knowledge Bonus: Many libraries grant a bonus on certain Knowledge checks. While researching there, add this bonus on any Knowledge skill checks made as Research checks.
Knowledge Points (kp): These act as the library’s hit point total. As you reduce the library’s kp, you will uncover more of its secrets. Once the kp reaches 0, you have learned all that collection has to offer during this adventure.
Primary Researcher: One PC must act as the primary researcher, and it is her skill check that determines if the group succeeds or fail at researching during that 8-hour period.
A high Intelligence score, multiple ranks in Knowledge skills (or other writing-related skills), or Skill Focus in one of those skills all make for an excellent primary researcher.
Secondary Researcher: Up to two PCs can use the aid another action to assist the primary researcher.
Attempting a Research check requires 8 hours of uninterrupted work, and any spells or other tools you use to augment their Research checks must last at least 8 hours; the GM might make an exception for particularly clever use of spells and abilities.
Read quickly, and don’t let the trail go cold!
This archive contains historical relics not currently on display in the museum proper. Some of the artifacts are damaged but the vast majority have not yet been properly categorized or recorded by the current museum administration.
Here in the Collection Esoterica you can use Knowledge (arcana), Knowledge (history), Linguistics, or Perception. The library/collection itself offers a +3 Knowledge Bonus. If you are the primary researcher, please note your Int modifier, the number of skill ranks, and whether you have Skill Focus to make things easier for me. There will be more research areas later if this collection doesn't suit your fancy.
Thorgrim the Bold Strider |
Thorgrim sees the various detectives, gentlemen and tinkerers that were assigned to be his wards and the stout Ulfen man decides that book learning is more their purview.
"I will keep an eye out while you handle the documents." Thorgrim decides as he stands guard at the door.
His eyes wander around the room, looking for anything that might interest him as he expects a dull mission ahead of him.
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Nikomedes Diogenes |
Niko pauses, glancing at Max and Quarr, then as if he can't contain himself, begins sifting through the collection. "Sorry if I'm being forward, it's just this is my field of interest, so to speak." Niko says as way of an apology.
Linguistics: 1d20 + 15 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 15 + 3 + (1) = 25
Int Mod: +4
Ranks: 8
No Skill Focus
Free Inspiration
Can you only make a single check per person
Latheas Dartan |
Latheas groans.
"Books? Why did it hafta be books? If I wanted to study books, I'd be having piddlespotting tea with Dringly Drangle," Latheas gripes, making himself comfortable.
Latheas shakes his head.
"Would one of you bring me a stack of something? I'll begin researching..."
1d20 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 3 = 32 Know (Arcana)
4 int + 5 ranks + 3 class skill.
Latheas begins to research, griping all the while.
Maximo Interresante |
As Nikomedes and Latheas dive into the large task of sifting through the archive, one eagerly and the other begrudging, Maximo stands for a moment near Thorgrim. "Yes. Good. Have at it young man." He encourages Nikomedes. "I will... supervise."
Picking up a random note nearby, he frowns and offers an aside to Thorgrim. "Someone should organize this mess. Perhaps an system arranged alphabetically, or by associated numbers... Is that a Tian symbol over there? Well that complicates things immensely. Well then, I suppose it would have to be a number system. With decimals."
With an abundance of curiosities cluttering up the archive, Maximo cannot contain his own for long and soon enough is rifling through papers and documents, and peering closely at artifacts and relics that he knows he shouldn't touch, but cannot resist inspecting out of curiosity's sake.
Linguistics - Aid Nikomedes as a Secondary Researcher: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Int +1, 6 ranks in linguistics, class skill
Nikomedes Diogenes |
As Niko pores over the collection, he glances over his shoulder, then does a quick double take as he sees Latheas efficiently combing through the esoteric arcana.
That one must have escaped my notice. I assumed he was a thick-headed, foul-mouthed dullard.....as the Society is alarmingly becoming staffed by these days....
Maximo Interresante |
Year of the Risen Rune - Proud but Discouraged (Taldor): The people of Varisia stubbornly resisted Lady Gloriana Morilla's efforts to found a new aristocracy. In that time, you have learned to rely on your fellow nobles and sympathizers. Increase the bonus of any aid another action you receive from any member of the Taldor faction by 2.
Nikomedes Diogenes |
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After about twenty minutes of paging through the documents, Niko sighs and a runs a hand over his face. "The state of these records is simply deplorable! It's as if Mr. Aldain hired a squad of school children to inventory the collection."
Holding up a paper in one hand, he points to a parchment with the other. "Look here. The shorthand used is neigh unfathomable. Here, I see "IS", which I would take to mean Isger, but it appears to be detailing some trinket from Irrisen!" Setting the paper down, he picks up the parchment. "And here, this entry is marked "AS", but it appears to be detailing something pertaining to ancient Azlant!"
Shaking his head, he continues. "Consistency, there is not a single whit of consistency among these records. Aside from the shorthand, part of this appears to use enumerative classification, while others hierarchical classification with a little faceted categorization thrown in to muddle it further."
Frowning, his face grows stern. "It is no wonder Aldain seemed embarrassed to let us in here. I'm beginning to wonder if he weren't thrown out of the Society, rather than retiring. It would come as no surprise to me if, after this sloppy collection comes to light, that the man is sacked! That kind of man usually washes up in some bureaucratic wing of paper manglers, infuriating the general populace with its plodding, glacial work ethic, or curating some gnomish museum consisting of found objects and refuse!"
Glancing at Quarr, he stops his rant and says. "No offense meant, Mister Quart. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule."
Quarr |
As Nikomedes, Latheas and Maximo begin researching and digging through the enormous pile of text. They soon see a set of disheveled green hair and a pair of green eyes slowly creep up and over the books as it quickly falls back down.
This happens multiple times over as Quarr leaps up in a vain attempt to grab a book from the large table to help, though it is really all about his curiosity.
After around the seventh leap Quar is able to grab ahold of one of the volumes, though not before be brings an entire stack tumbling down all around him with a loud crash.
Standing up he clears his throat as he grabs the book he was leaping for with small pudgy fingers. Hmmph, Yes, yes this is the one....
Moving off to a corner he begins to read and jot down anything of importance in his notebook.
Perception to Aid another: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
I will have to look up the skill ranks and all of that when i get home as I am currently on my work PC
Thorgrim the Bold Strider |
Thorgrim looks disinterestedly at Maximo. "I will pass on organizing such things. These items are of no consequence and the Bold Striders need no books nor parchments to seize their goals. Sheer boldness is always the answer." the tall Ulfen man replies.
The man sees the tiny gnome leaping for a book and he extends his piston maul in a single hand, pushing the tome from the table into the waiting arms of Quarr. "If you need assistance, you need only ask, small one."
Latheas Dartan |
Latheas looks up with blurry eyes to study Quarr.
"Is he one of us?" Latheas asks, looking at Maximo, then to Nikomedes. "Or is he one of the museum microtrolls?" Latheas reaches over to pull his stack of books away from the handsy gnome.
"Does it have a name? Anyone? Any vouchers for him? Or is he one of yours?"
Nikomedes Diogenes |
At Latheas' question, Niko answers without looking up from the papyrus scroll he is perusing. "Hmmmm? Yes, uh, Quart. His name is Quart."
Returning to his train of thought, Niko shuffles through a stack of papers on his worktable. "Does anyone have any papyri pertaining to Ancient Osiriani funeral rites? Specifically burial goods or shabti?" He calls out to the party, once again without looking up from his research.
Latheas Dartan |
"Quart, huh?" Lathaeas says, looking at the unclaimed Quarr.
Sounds like a mixture of quick and fart. Let's hope he didn't earn that name.
Latheas tries to ignore the pretentious droning and concentrate on his own research.
Quarr |
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As everyone discusses Quarr they begin to hear a small whistle from behind the large tome. Peering over the edge it seems that Quarr has fallen asleep and begins to drool on the pages. His bat-like wings twitch as if he is dreaming about flying.
Hearing Latheas call his name the little gnome jumps to his feet.
Hrmmph. This one didn't have anything important. Just a bunch of boring lineages and such. Quarr says as he shuts the book and drops it to the floor.
Any of you find anything useful in this mess? He says as he peers about and grabs another tome. His eyes grow wide and sparkle with fascination. The spine reads about Mythological beasts.
Cracking it open he flips through the pages and lands on one about 'Microtrolls'.
This one is absolutely fascinating.
This one should keep me awake. I bet no one noticed anyways.
Quarr's Perception skill earlier is actually +19 and not +12. It is broken down as follows.
+9 Ranks
+3 class skill
+2 Racial
+5 competence
EndlessForms |
A single check represents eight hours of work and because of the aiding limitation this unfortunately means there might be times when some of you won't have much to do. Feel free to keep up the RP though!
Speaking of which, I have to say that after several boring PFS games with low amounts of RP I was feeling pretty discouraged with my PFS PbP experience but you guys have restored my faith!
1d12 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Niko, Maximo, and Latheas get to work sorting through the archive. Thorgrim keeps watch, which isn't too bad of a job for him, although leaving Quarr with too much free time seems a dangerous risk.
There don't seem to be any microtrolls in this place but Thorgrim's stoic bodyguarding fails to detect one major threat hiding in this place and suddenly the warrior is nearly thrown back as something invisible hits him!
slam: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 6) + 4 = 15
slam: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 1) + 4 = 10
is: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Thorgrim: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Quarr: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Niko: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Arnold: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Maximo: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Latheas: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Initiative:
1. Quarr, Latheas, Niko, Thorgrim, Arnold, and Maximo
2. Invisos!
You guys are up! Map is linked at the top.
Latheas Dartan |
Round 1, Init 22
Latheas snorts at Thorgrim's antics, though he still doesn't know the man's name.
"Quit f!@#ing around, n00b," Latheas chaps...before realizing that Thorgrim might actually be hurt and not dicking around like a n00b. Standing, he draws his bow. He chants a few well-known arcane words, sending a sparkly cascade around Thorgrim.
Glitterdust (Will DC 16), centered near the center of the pentagram, should get 3 of the potential attacker's squares.
"What is going on? What was that? You n00bs might want to get back and let real Pathfinders handle it, like Maximo here."
Nikomedes Diogenes |
Deep in study of the documents, Niko ignores the disturbance for a long as he can. "Could you quiet it down, please. I'm trying to work over here."
Spellcraft DC 12ish: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
When he hears Latheas begin casting, and recognizes the arcane syllables, Niko looks up sharply. "What is it?" Quickly assessing the situation, Niko's eyes widen for a split second as he realizes everyone is grouped around him. "Why in the Nine Hells is everyone huddled in this corner! There are no other work spaces in this forsaken archive! Spread out!"
Darting to the east, Niko draws a pistol along way.
RTA, PBS, Melee: 1d20 + 10 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 1 - 4 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Edit: I realize I forgot to move Niko before walking out the door. He was supposed to move 15' to the east.
Maximo Interresante |
"Gesun'tite." Maximo offers a traditional Hallit response meaning "health" to Thorgrim after mistaking the first attack for a sneeze.
"Shon'hite!" He offers "beauty" after mistaking the second for another.
He takes more notice when Latheas starts cursing and casting spells. "I beg your pardon, but..."
His words are cut short as Nikomedes rushes by with a drawn firearm, forcing Maximo to protect his drink from a tragic spilling. "..my word. Who knew that research could be so exciting!"
Rising from his chair, he grabs his helm from a side table of discarded books, sets it on his head at a jaunty angle, and unsheathes his greatsword.
Quarr |
This while group is out of their minds..... Quarr thinks as Thorgrim arcs backwards.
Remembering that Thorgrim would not touch the books before he wonders if the large man has some sort of an affliction against knowledge. Quarr holds up the book near Thorgrim as an experiment to see if it happens again. They are not that bad.
As Latheas covers the pentagram in glitter it takes Quarr but a moment t put two and two together as his mind begins to race in all manner of directions.
Grabbing a vial from his pouch Quarr drinks the contents as his eyes glaze over becoming milky white.
Drink a see invisibility extract
EndlessForms |
I think the thing on the right side of the room is a window or something. It's not the same color as the doors at least.
Latheas quickly realizes something more serious is going on and outlines two vaguely humanoid shapes standing before Thorgrim! Niko is quick to react and pulls his pistol to put a bullet in one of them. Drinking an extract to see invisible creatures, Quarr notes that the now-glitter-covered creatures are not the only invisible creatures moving in: there are two devilish-looking things moving in from behind a few crates on the far side of the pentagram.
Humanoid things:
Devils (for Quarr only-others when you can see them):
Immune to fire and poison; resistant to acid, cold, and spells.
Initiative:
1. Quarr, Latheas, Niko, Thorgrim, and Maximo
2. Invisos!
blue: 9 dmg
Thorgrim is up!
Nikomedes Diogenes |
KN: planes: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (14) + 10 + (4) = 28
"Stalkers. Invisible stalkers." Niko says as he peers over everyone.
"Naturally invisible creatures from the plane of Air. Fairly unremarkable aside from the typical elemental traits." Niko informs the party.
Thorgrim the Bold Strider |
Thorgrim hits the ground, but quickly scrambles back to his feet, grabs his piston maul and takes a swing at the glittered creature that just walloped him. "NOW THIS IS MY KIND OF LIBRARY!" he bellows as the mallet end comes swinging around for the beast.
Theatrical recovery from the attack. Thorgrim already had his piston maul out as he was on guard.
Rage. Designating Niko as my chosen ally. Whenever the Ulfen Guard is adjacent to his chosen ally, he can choose to take a –1 penalty to his AC to grant his ally a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
Furious Adamantine Piston Maul +1 - Rage/PA @ Blue: 1d20 + 15 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (1) + 15 + 4 - 3 = 17
Critical Miss.
Furious Adamantine Piston Maul +1 - Rage/PA @ Blue: 1d20 + 10 + 4 - 3 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 4 - 3 = 30
Damage - Rage/PA: 1d10 + 10 + 5 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 5 + 9 = 34
Stat block updated with proper AC and HP.