GM Trex's PFS [Core] 03-21 Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Trexler

The elf's eyes shrink to gimlet. SM: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14

Werner gauges the gnome's reaction...
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Garrick already has the Gnome on his "I don't like him list"
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

1d20 ⇒ 10

While the others discuss the statue and its ritual with the gnome, Keyawnah puts the finishing touches on the map of the garden's original layout, now that the overgrowth has been cleared. Like the atrium on the other side of the temple, the beds here were arranged in a spiral around three stone fountains.

Do I know enough of the PROPER worship to conclude that open honesty is something they venerate? It greatly affects how Kayanor handles this.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Dulcinea shrugs her mouth to one side. Something is off about this gnome, but she can't quite pin it down.

Sensing Motives, for fun and/or profit: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

@ Kayanor: No, as honesty isn't an important aspect of the faith per se. More contemplative, inner peace. You do know that proper worship includes never allowing Korada's spiral to be obscured. The others have learned enough by now as well to know this too.

Sacred rite, you say? Droghedor says, hefting his waraxee over his shoulder. Sacred, like keeping Korada's spiral clear, as no one has done in this garden for ages? You mean like that? He gives the gnome a steely glare. Definitely seeing a disconnect there. Wouldn't you say?

Under his breath he mutters, Gonna enjoy teaching this smug one a lesson.

Werner starts picking up on what Droghedor is saying. He watches the gnome intently, curious to see what he'll say next.

Kayanor starts looking at his cohorts, wondering if the time to openly question what's going on is drawing near. He lifts his right eyebrow (as opposed to his frequently raised left.)

Bluff to pass message: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

"I don't like your tone, friend," Gastidem replies. "And I'm going to inform Dakang that you're not very good guests." The gnome hurriedly scuttles away, giving Droghedor's axe-arm a wide berth.

Where to next? You have not visited the crypt and there is a standing offer to attend one of the daily chapel gatherings.

I'd rather explore something without a crowd before attending a service (which I also think we should do.)

You do that, junior, Droghedor says, watching the gnome retreat.

Yeah, crypt first. Droghedor will remind everyone that the party is doomed, delving into a tomb, by the way. :-)

"I have a bad feeling about that gnome. I think. But I just can't place vhat."

Werner is excited by the prospect of finishing the mission with amazing speed and efficiency at the crypts, but also feels the Venture-Captain would want them to observe and document a chapel gathering.

"That gnome does not know the freedom of the Drunken Hero. Something Dark holds his mind. The prudent course of action would be to complete our mission as quickly as possible." Garrick whips out a keg spigot and had his mug filled in a flash of an eye. He does a sort of salute with the mug and guns the beer down. May the Freedom of Cayden bless you all. Garrick then belches loudly.

Following the gnome back inside, the party turns left in the direction of the crypt, opening a door onto a long hallway.

Most of the everburning lanterns hanging in this hall are dark, but the dimness does not diminish the grandeur of this corridor. Along the righthand wall stand several statues, each depicting an angel or other good outsider. Some are depicted in dramatic poses befitting a holy warrior. Others have heads bowed in eternal contemplation and hands cupping glass spheres. The lefthand wall bears a large set of double doors, but these doors are boarded up. Smaller doors stand at opposite ends of the hall. A few bits of stone and other debris litter the floor and a musty odor hangs in the air.

Dulcinea begins meandering down the hall. She hums to herself as she taps her sheathed rapier.

"This crypt appears no worse than a typical one."

Dulcinea soon curses herself for speaking too soon, as a gigantic angelic statue cracks and falls atop her.

Attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 HIT Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 2) = 7

Werner rushes to aid Dulcinea, calling upon Cayden Cailean to close her wounds.
Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Converting a prepared Comprehend Languages to heal her

With Duclinea's bruises healed, the party is free to continue to the crypt's door at the end of the hallway and opens it with ease.

The vaulted mausoleum holds six large sarcophagi, each bearing the carved image of an aasimar dressed in ornate robes and holding glass spheres in one hand and a bell, a book, or a lotus flower in the other. Innumerable runes crowd the top edges and sides of each sarcophagus. A solid wooden door stands near another door that has been boarded shut.

Five skeletons, one well armored, rattle from their long sleep to see who has disturbed them!

Led by their champion, the skeletons form ranks and ready to defend their territory!

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Champion, skeletons
2. Keyawnah, Kayanor, Droghedor, Dulcinea, Garrick, Werner

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

"Blast!" Kayanor composes himself and quickly changes tactics.

"Behold! Bask in the glory of combat! Make music of our foes! Snapping bones - the strings! Shattered skulls the drums! Victory and honor!"

Kayanor begins a bardic oration to inspire us towards victory!

Allies receive a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

Oh no! Droghedor groans (in no small part cos his player forgot to say he was using a wand for mage armor before we came in, LOL). We're doomed! His lamentations do not prevent him from moving forward quickly, drawing his weapon along the way, and attacking the armored one.

attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13
If Kayanor identifies the skeletons/mentions the DR, warhammer B dmg: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8
If not, dwarven waraxe S dmg: 1d10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12

EDIT: not that it likely matters. Ah, low level...

Garrick rushes forward eager to give the undead the Freedom they deserve. He draws his cold iron falchion and takes a swing (power attack) at the champion.

attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
if he hits:
damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 6 = 12
confirming:
attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
if he hits:
damage: 2d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 4) + 6 = 14
He wants to ID the baddies:
religion: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Droghedor is the first through the door and engages the skeletons quickly. Three of them seize the opportunity to strike a foe coming within reach (readied actions). A longblade and a sharp claw rip through the wizard's thin defenses.

Champion @ Droghedor: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 HIT Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Green @ Droghedor: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 HIT Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Blue @ Droghedor: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 MISS

Garrick comes to his comrade's aid and joins the melee. The champion again lashes out at a passing foe, while the final pair of skeletons strike with their own bony hands.

Champion @ Garrick (AoO): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 MISS
Red @ Garrick: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 MISS
Yellow @ Garrick: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 MISS

Fortunately, the Caydenite's armor holds and he's able to retaliate with a vicious swipe that shatters the champion from head to toe.

Both Kayanor and Garrick identify the remaining skeletons as normal skeletons, undead best affected by bludgeoning weapons.

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Kayanor
2. Skeletons
3. Droghedor (7/18 hp), Garrick, Keyawnah, Dulcinea, Werner

on mobile, so I can't update Werner's position.

Werner moves behind Droghedor and Garrick, then calls upon his deity, channelling positive energy.

Channel Positive Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 5
DC 13 Will for half.

Did Garrick include the bardic bonuses to hit and damage?

Kayanor focuses his gaze on an arrow as he draws it, knowing it's the wrong tool for the job. Nevertheless, he lets it fly, hoping to hit a flat bone.

Targeting blue, yes precise shot

ATK: 1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 22 for DMG: 1d8 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

Dulcinea runs into the center of the room, drawing her hammer.

She swings at whichever skeleton has already been hit

Light Hammer: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

4d20 ⇒ (15, 3, 17, 13) = 48

Werner's sloshed holy energy takes to the undead like acid to skin, dissolving one of its unlife force entirely and severely hampering the others. Kayanor and Dulcinea knock down two that remain standing, leaving one lonely skeleton to defend its crypt!

Keyawnah to finish it off!

Round I -- bold may act!
1. Kayanor
2. Skeleton
3. Droghedor (7/18 hp), Garrick, Keyawnah, Dulcinea, Werner

Keyawnah hesitates!

The skeleton slashes again at Garrick and can't quite get through his armor!

Claw @ Garrick: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Claw @ Garrick: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Round II -- bold may act!
1. Kayanor
2. Skeleton
3. Droghedor (7/18 hp), Garrick, Keyawnah, Dulcinea, Werner

The elf nods at the last skeleton, not out of a need to communicate, but to feel closure for the poor sod whose body ended ignominiously.

His oration ends, the other agents will finish it.

The elf turns his attention around looking for people coming to check the noise (or to uncover additional threats)

Perception 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Perception 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Werner moves around, drawing his greatsword as he goes. With an overhand chop he swings!
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
... and misses. So it goes.

See?!? Droghdor says, indicating his wounds. I TOLD YOU!
Delay until after Dulcinea goes, hoping she gives him room to attack.

Garrick continues freeing the skelies:

power attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
if he hits:
damage: 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (3, 1) + 7 = 11

Garrick helps the last of the skeletons bite its own dust, and the crypt returns to its chill quiet. Out of initiative!

No other surprises jump out to assault the Pathfinders, and they are able to take their rubbings of the elaborately carved sarcophagi in relative peace. The whole process takes about two hours with everyone working together.

What now, Pathfinders?

Dulcinea blows skeleton dust off of her hammer before returning it to her belt.

"Well isn't that interesting? Undead within the crypts of a temple dedicated to a good god? That is certainly not normal."

"That was... unexpected. Though I'm quickly beginning to expect that which I should not. Have we learned all we can? Have we done as the VC asked? I'd like to confront the people here and soon, but while peaceful I'd like to learn as much as possible."

"Ve should document the crypt as best ve can. I believe that was our orders," Werner takes out some of the supplies provided, including paper and chalk. He hands some over to Garrick. "Friend Garrick, let's take some rubbings quickly. It is as the Lucky Drunk vills it. Afterwards, drinks are on me."

He then goes about take rubbings and documenting his findings, looking over the place.
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

No other surprises jump out to assault the Pathfinders, and they are able to take their rubbings of the elaborately carved sarcophagi in relative peace. The whole process takes about two hours with everyone working together.

Rubbings are done, but:

Werner notices that the central sarcophagus lists slightly to one side, revealing a narrow crack at its base. In a shallow hollow beneath the stone slab, he can make out a battered set of brass scales.

What now, Pathfinders?

"Is it safe? Seems like we have a clue. Can we get in there and check out those scales?"

We should pay a visit to this Dakang fellow. He's clearly led these people to their doom and we should address that.

Also, I'd like to track down that gnome and give him a piece of my axe, Droghedor says to no one in particular. Er, mind. I meant mind.

Werner will cast Detect Magic and study the scales a bit further.
Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

After his careful study, he'll nod to Droghedor. "I agree. We must speak with this Dakang. There is too much that is wrong."

Lastly, he'll the energy of his god, Cayden Cailean, to heal his allies.
Channel Positive Energy: 1d6 ⇒ 4

That odd gnome needs to tell us what he knows. Garrick says with a scowl . Raising the dead is beyond the pale!

Werner detects no magic on the scales, and has no knowledge of why they would be here. You'd need detect faction mission instead.

A voice in the distance near the library can be heard calling Miriya to the next worship service, starting in a few minutes.

Damn, I never remember to prepare that spell!

Werner leaves the scales be, then looks to the group. "Quick now, let's observe the vorship service. I suspect ve'll see Dakang there even."

Dulcinea nods, then begins humming to herself again.

"Just make sure you don't swear your soul to any demon gods and I think we'll be fine."

"Agreed. Let's do this."

The chapel finds the whole of the temple's inhabitants gathering for the ceremony. A high-vaulted stone ceiling crowns a set of stained-glass windows that overlook the newly tidied garden. An empty stone fountain sits in one corner; a stone balcony stands 15 feet above the floor in the opposite corner. Three women with angelic features carry spears and stand along the western wall; each of the temple's other inhabitants has laid out a prayer mat for hirself (Gastidem moves his away from the Pathfinders with a set of shifty glances) in soft, hushed silence. Zhuang motions to each of the Pathfinders to lay out a prayer mat for themselves as well.

Once everyone is seated, an obese human man steps confidently to the podium on the high balcony. Draped in layers of cloth trimmed with small bells that jingle lightly as he moves, the man’s bald head is surrounded by a thin fringe of gray hair, but the lower half of his face is wrapped in a white silk scarf stitched with a line of unusual double-arrow symbols. He begins his sermon is a slow, rumbling tone, describing Korada's holy city of Vantian, the City of Open Windows, whose sacred residents are eternally engaged in prayer and maintenance of the city: "...it is this assiduous, industrious character of Vantian's citizens that Korada's followers must strive for -- the endless toil and struggle to live up to the ideals of the faith, as can be found in the continual effort to maintain his holy city... Now, let us assume the symbols of celestial silence and contemplation."

In total silence, the worshipers take small vials of ink and brushes from a case near the front and paint the double-arrow symbol over each other's eyes and mouths; then several approach to do the same for the Pathfinders.

Garrick takes a quick look around
Preception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

He also thinks about what we knows of Religion
religion: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Planes: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Kayanor doesn't move to pray, but rather simply whispers, "I think something's rotten in Taldor..."