Jhalan |
The Keleshite is in his late twenties, wearing loose clothing typical of Qadiran origin and a metallic armor covering his chest. A turban covers his head, revealing his piercing blue eyes, aquiline nose and well-tended short beard. His face has already known too many hardships, as his many scars testify. He is quite muscular and has the strong hands of one who has worked since the earliest days of his childhood. A tall, shafted weapon called a fauchard rests next to him, the blade bearing many engravings and arabesque dedicated to the Dawnflower.
When one of his companions shows up, he extends his hand and introduces himself. "Well met, I am Jhalan Aajav, blade of the Dawnflower and righter of wrongdoings. I understand we are to work together on this mission."
Cornelius Bunbury |
"Rare I get to meet with another fellow Sarenite! Well met!", chirps a halfling in fine, silvery breastplate. "Cornelius Bunbury, Hand of Life of the Dawnflower. She has blessed me with some of her soothing power to keep up the good fight when things aren't looking good."
Jaysin Deckert |
The brooding elf with the black blade receives a note for a messenger. Oh, I've been called to a different mission. My apologies. Good luck. Please remove Maldoc from the thread when you can.
A few moments later, a human that wears something between a smirk and a scowl on his face strolls in. He carries a bow and quiver and has donned a fine shirt of mithral chain. So, I'm here to replace that elf that just left. Hopefully you people won't end up getting me killed over whatever it is that they have us doing now.
Milo Flamecursed |
A small gnome, with bright orange hair and smelling of soot and chemicals, skulks nearby and takes up a position almost out of sight in a shaded area. It quickly becomes frightfully easy to overlook him as he does his best to blend in to his surroundings and avoid notice.
His eyes dart about constantly, a nervous habit as if used to getting jumped at any moment.
His equipment seems well worn and well used, patched in numerous places and with numerous burn marks and small holes burned through in random places.
He seems reluctant to say anything at first, other than a quickly muttered "Milo" for a name, by way of introduction.
Jaysin Deckert |
What? Speak up! Don't be sulking around like that! You'll make me nervous. Gotta wonder if I can trust that guy. Looks like the type that'll wander off somewhere and do something to get us all killed.
Artian Shirinez |
The aasimar clad in heavy armor and looking slightly sad as Jaysin talks about letting him die.
My name is Artian and I'll do my best to avoid such fate then he picks a jewel from his pockets, needing to search it as if it wasn't in the same place if was left. But sometimes that's not enough. he adds for himself.
Jhalan |
The smelly Keleshite beams a large smile and extends his hand at the halfling. "Well met indeed, Cornelius! I'm so glad to meet a fellow devout of the Dawnflower. What a nice change from the miscreants I usually hand out with! Where do you hail from, blessed Qadira?"
_Lem |
"Hello, hello, hello" says another halfling joining the crowd.
He wears a flash cloak and has a flute at the ready.
"I'm Lem, and I'm Here To Help (mt)"
The flute jumps to his mouth and he plays a quick jaunty tune.
Cornelius Bunbury |
"Varisia, actually. My family's caravan traveled throughout the fabled country; even picked up a few tricks from some Shoanti tribes we traded with. But the Dawnflower's calling could not go unheeded and Ollysta Zandrian's call for the devout to join the Society and use the opportunities to spread good was the perfect call to take care of my innate wanderlust while serving the Soothing Flame." Cornelius then asks Jhalan, and everyone else, the following question. "What brought you to the Society?"
Jhalan |
The Keleshite scratches his beard for a second, before replying. "A fair question - you know, I was born a slave and remained one until Andoren Twilight Talons rescued us. My mentor was part of them, and also a member of the Society. After many years spent together and his early demise, I chose the same path as his to continue his work. The Society knows that working for Andoran - now the Liberty's Edge is what really motivates me, so they usually call me for matters that involve slavery."
Jaysin Deckert |
Jaysin simply sighs as everyone seems to be making their introductions. Figuring he should at least do the same he speaks in a slightly more pleasant voice. Forgive my manner. I am Jaysin Deckert and I have been called here, as you have, for this important new mission. Now if the principal of the meeting would just arrive...
Cornelius Bunbury |
"Well met Milo, Jaysin, and Lem. We are all in this next mission together, so a bit of friendliness before the mission makes things easier."
Artian Shirinez |
I agree, more friendliness and less talking about gods. Answers Artian, showing is unease for having to work with people so centered in a fait.
I work in whatever our Captains decide, but working against slavery is right for me. I need somecing different than being attacked in Absalom just for neing a Pathfinder. He continues, trying to find another matter to talk about.
Cornelius Bunbury |
"Terrible mess that was; I helped stave off those villainous Aspis during the attack a few months ago. I kept my comrades alive, but there were others that could not be saved.", Cornelius going a bit quiet.
_Lem |
"And yet the society came through it fine!"
Smiles Lem.
"As I am sure we will come through this next expedition. I wonder what it is they are going to ask us to do? Azlanti ruins maybe? Or a trip to the Mwaggi?"
GM Tyranius |
The summons was sudden and unexpected. One moment news was traveling around Absalom of the strange crystalline ship that appeared in Absalom’s harbor, defying the Harbor Guard’s defenses and attempts at interdiction, and the next instant a young Pathfinder, acting as courier, brought Venture-Captain Adril Hestram. The meeting occurred in the streets outside the Grand Lodge even as Hestram was coming. The facts of the matter were that a strange, seemingly derelict ship had indeed appeared in the harbor, it appeared to be of ancient Azlanti make, and the Pathfinders wanted the first crack at it. A clandestine meeting was set up at Harbormaster’s Grange with Hestram and the First Harbormaster.
Upon arrival, Goodman Hugen of House Candren, a Grand Councilman and First Harbormaster, looks up from his cluttered. He quickly shoos away his secretary and walks around his desk to point out his window towards an ominously shaped vessel floating far out in the harbor.
“Thank you for bringing them Adril. The vessel first appeared at second watch. No one saw it enter the harbor and there was no warning of its approach through the Flotsam Graveyard. One instant the harbor was clear and the next instant it was there. According to the few eye witnesses we could find, it seemingly just faded into existence there in the water. Our gillmen and Wave Rider scouts reconnoitered it initially and reported there to be no signs of life on its decks and that it was seemingly constructed of a single piece of seamless, opaque white crystal. The Harbor Guard and Wave Riders
immediately set up a cordone around the vessel to contain any threat it represented and the First Guard and Starwatch were placed on alert.
“When no threat appeared imminent we sent a Harbor Guard boarding party. They reported the top decks to be completely deserted and all access to the ship’s interior to be blocked off by a single sealed portal. Indecipherable glyphs are incised all throughout the ship’s hull but there is actual writing on the bow. We took copies from the bow to the city’s sages, and the script was identified as Azlanti. It translates as King Xeros, which we believe to be the ship’s name. Old travelers’ tales tell of a ghost ship that wanders the Great Beyond; it is sometimes referred to as the King Xeros of Old Azlant, a magical vessel launched by the Azlanti shortly before Earthfall. We think this may be the very same vessel here in our own harbor.
“This is where you Pathfinders come in. We believe the ship to be the self-same King Xeros and an artifact of the ancient Azlanti. We need to get inside the ship and find out what secrets it holds and if any danger exists. Since it’s old Azlanti, we figure it’s all kinds of magic and mysteries six ways to Oathday. The sages want a crack at it, but we think it’ll take more than just brains to get into it as it might be trapped or guarded. You Pathfinders are known for your ability to deal with this kind of prehistoric stuff and handle yourselves in a tight spot, so that’s why I’m turning to you. The last thing I need is a dozen dead scholars and some monstrosity from beyond time unleashed on the city. I need you to get on board that ship, find a way inside, do a bit of poking around, and figure out if this is something I should be worried about or if it just happens to be the discovery of the millennium. Your lodge has graciously extended the offer of your services if you’re agreeable, and you will of course have the opportunity to investigate and report on this phenomenon in your chronicles. I haven’t got a lot of time here, so I need your answer relatively quickly before this mystery turns into a fullblown crisis.”
_Lem |
"Wow, a genuine ghost ship in our harbour during the day. This is exciting !" grins Lem.
He looks around the rest of the team..."Anyone know anything about it?"
Takes ten on knowledge checks, Arcana or Nobility for 25; any others is a 15
"How exciting. Lets go right away. I want to see this crystal ship. I think I'll make up a song about it."
He hums to himself.
"The Lay of Xeros!"
Jaysin Deckert |
A ship? I was brought all this way for a ship?
Know History: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Well, now that you mention it...
Milo Flamecursed |
"Another carked boat?" Milo mutters, clearly not pleased about that bit of information.
"They put down for someone what grannied Azlant." He adds, with a resigned sigh. "Didn't preach it for crackin' a bloody ark."
Knowledge: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 2 = 26
(+0 Dungeoneering, Local, Nature, Planes, Religion)
(+3 Arcana)
"To it then." He says with a scowl.
Jhalan |
Jhalan thinks for a moment, trying to remember a useful fact about Absalom's harbor.
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
"Do we have any more details on the gate or the glyphs? Did some of them react to the gillmen's presence?"
GM Tyranius |
Milo and Jaysin recall a bit about the vessel through some old history books that they read many years ago.
In the final days of ancient Azlant, a few powerful mystics and seers may have gained some inkling of the coming Earthfall, though if so they failed to grasp the true magnitude of the imminent disaster. Nevertheless, in those days many strange and mysterious endeavors were undertaken in the dweomer-shrouded halls and planes-spanning observatories empowered by occult and little-understood energies. Planar travel was a wellknown if not overly common practice then, yet nothing of the advancements and experiments done in this field could match the christening of the King Xeros.
The King Xeros was an ether ship, a strange vessel grown from mystical crystal designed to pierce the enigmatic veil of the Ethereal Plane and plumb its inscrutable gray depths. Its mission was shrouded in mystery, and its passengers and cargo a closely guarded secret. When the ship was launched and slowly faded from its home waters into the ether, its mystery became legend and soon sank into distant myth, for upon leaving on its maiden voyage the King Xeros was never seen by the Azlanti again. Shortly thereafter Earthfall erased Azlant from the face of Golarion and the King Xeros of Old Azlant became just an obscure bards’ tale carried on by those steeped in ancient Azlanti lore.
Despite its disappearance from known Golarion history, the King Xeros was not erased entirely from the annals of time, for it continued to roam the Ethereal Plane on its endless mission. Reports began to trickle into planar cities and Material backwaters of a crystal ghost ship that plied the gray mists, appearing unexpectedly and disappearing just as suddenly. Boarding parties never found any trace of the original crew and many vanished altogether as the ether ship made a sudden disappearance. Many an Ethereal treasure hunter sought the King Xeros and the fabled riches or eldritch secrets it was said to carry, but only the occasional report from some itinerant traveler told of sightings of the lost ship as it slipped through the Deep Ethereal.
Did some of them react to the gillmen's presence?
As far as I can tell the Ship has remained quiet. There is no living being on board the deck. I figure you have about an hour before you are to meet the Harbor Guard on the docks for transport to the ship. Hugen says. I don't think I can keep the lid on this much past that. Gather what you need and use discretion and please don't advertise that you are heading out to the ship.
_Lem |
"Discretion is my middle name..." lies Lem, in a reassuring manner.
"What a story this will be. And just think, if the ship returns to the ethereal plane while we are aboard, we may yet sight other worlds entirely!"
This distressing eventuality seems to excite rather than concern the exuberant halfling.
"What are we waiting for?"
Jaysin Deckert |
I'd prefer to stay on this plane, thank you very much. Lets get started before it does decide to disappear.
Artian Shirinez |
You're waiting for me to do some preparatives, and for whoever needs it says Artian moments before start filling his blood reservoir, casting a Magic Vestment in his armor and cure the self-inflicted damage.
Lesser restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 3
For me we can start now, and finnish before it dissapears again
Milo Flamecursed |
Milo mutters a few sullen curses under his breath and makes ready with the rest.
Spend the wait time filling in some of his empty spell slots.
Will cast mage armor and false life (Temp hp: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14) once we meet up with the Harbor Guard to transport to the ship
What's the weather like? (I ask because of Milo's light sensitivity)
GM Tyranius |
It is a bit overcast but otherwise decent weather.
Your Harbor Guard sloop makes its way slowly and cautiously out toward the mysterious visitor. As the sloop draws nearer, details of the vessel become clear. It only superficially resembles a ship, with a symbol-covered hull of quartz glowing with a rosy tint in the wan light of evening. A tall aft castle of strangely faceted crystal rises from its stern sprouting from its sides giant, winglike sails of the same crystal that hang parallel to the water. It bears a split bow, between which rises a gigantic black spike towering over 60 feet into the air. It is the only portion of the ship that does not seem to made of the same opaque crystal. The main deck is uneven, broken into several subdecks. From a distance, one can make out the faint lines of decks and compartments through the crystal hull, but these these fade quickly upon closer inspection.
Arrayed around the vessel at a distance of perhaps a quarter mile is a ring of other Harbor Guard vessels, from sloops to cutters to dinghies; they seem to have turned out everything that could float in order to contain this potential menace. Within this cordone of vessels can be seen the forms of hippocampus-mounted Wave Riders patrolling closer in and even under the derelict hulk. A single accomodation ladder hangs over the port side just abaft of the fore deck, a shallowdraft barge moored at its foot, a sign that at least one patrol of the Harbor Guard still remains on board keeping watch over the upper decks of the mystery ship.
The lapping of water against the ship’s hull is drowned out by the sounds of sudden screams from the ship’s main deck, and flaring bursts from fiery explosions suddenly illuminate its superstructure. The Harbor Guards already aboard appear to have come under attack and cries of pain echo over the waters of the harbor from high above.
_Lem |
"Quick, row faster!" calls out Lem, all too aware that his own stature will make any contribution to rowing a meager one.
"We're coming to help!" he calls out.
He takes out his sling, looking for a target.
How far away are we? If close, he'll also start inspire courage for +2 to hit and damage.
Milo Flamecursed |
Overcast is ok!
As they approach the ship, Milo moves to the bow of the ship, and stands there, a flame suddenly springing to life in one hand. (Produce Flame)
He glares at the incoming crystalline ship as if daring it to give him a reason to blow it up.
As they come up alongside, and the screams and sounds of attack are heard, he scowls.
"Flashin' a right proper barney up top!" He cries, looking back towards the harbor guards guiding the ship, joining Lem in encouraging them to move it faster... though one suspects it might be more out of a wish to join the fight, then help the guards.
Is there a map? How far out are we?
GM Tyranius |
You are next to the vessel but the deck is roughly 30 feet above you.
Lem isn't able to see any targets though he does see flash after flash of fire as it tears across the deck high above. The crew rows as fast as they can as they bring the sloop next to the crystalline ship.
_Lem |
Lem plays a jaunty tune to help inspire the team while he waits his turn to climb aboard.
GM Tyranius |
Correct. Just giving a moment to prep what you need.
Jaysin Deckert |
Terrific. Trouble already. Lets go find it, shall we? Just don't get anyone killed. Jaysin will follow whoever leads the way up the ladder, going second.
GM Tyranius |
One by one the group clears the ladder of the enormous ship and finds a sight unlike any other. 11 guardsmen remain alive on board, though they are currently fighting for their lives as four of the guardsmen lie on the deck, burned to a crisp. It looks as if something has burned the majority of the skin from their bodies as they lie smoldering and melted to the crystalline deck.
Further up on the abaft deck huddle eight of the 11 remaining guardsman as they try to avoid blasts of fire from a pair of self targeting fire projectors that look to be crystal nodes situated all along the edge of the ship's decks to repel boarders. As of right now only two seem to have activated. The fire projectors are situated on 3 foot tall plinths and look to be able to rotate 360 degrees and elevate and declinate their rays as they fire at teh prone guards.
In the center of the upper deck is a defensive construct that looks to have also been awakened and looks to be composed of crystal that looks the same as that of the ship. Completely flat and featureless on one side. Three of the guardsman look to be attempting to hold the construct back but ultimately the crystalline creature looks to have the upper hand.
Jhalan: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Cornelius: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Jaysin: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Milo: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Lem: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Artian: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21Roll twice and pick best
Artian: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Guards: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3
Defensive Construct: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4
Fire Projector: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1
Map is posted above and each square is 10 feet.
Round 1
Jaysin
Jhalan
Milo
Artian
Lem
Cornelius
-----------------------------------
Defensive Construct
(Guards)
Fire Projectors
-----------------------------------
Milo Flamecursed |
Knowledge (arcana) on Defensive Construct: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23
Knowledge (arcana) on Fire Projectors: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34
Milo sees the situation before him, and smiles wickedly.
"Butter on bacon." He mutters.
He pulls a small metal rod off his pelt, and holds out the hand with the fire still flickering brightly in it.
He begins uttering arcane words in draconic and the fire grows brighter, and starts to change its color, before it arcs across the intervening space to explode in a huge ball of elemental energy, encasing constructs and guards alike.
Draw lesser selective metamagic rod. Then use it to cast intensified fireball, converting it (using Versatile Evocation) to an appropriate element based on the knowledge checks above. (I suspect the things tossing fire will be protected against it... so cold perhaps or electricity?)
Drew the 20' radius template on the map. Should get all three of the construct-things but his primary targets are the Projectors in the back pinning the guards down.
He will use the rod to select out up to six creatures (aka guards and any party members that make it that far before Milo goes), so the guards are in for a bit of a surprise, but should be fine.
10d6 + 13 ⇒ (2, 4, 4, 3, 3, 2, 5, 6, 1, 2) + 13 = 45 [InsertElementHere] damage (DC 21 reflex for half)
(add another 1d6 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18 damage if I can just keep it fire)
Jhalan |
Jhalan darts forward and observes the Defensive Construct thoroughly, anticipating a confrontation with the oversized glorified object.
Move, then another move action to Study the Defensive Construct.
"Guards, fall back! You're no match for these, let us handle them. Fall back in order."
_Lem |
"Wow" says Lem.
"Fire breathing crystal. That's not something you see every day."
The flute goes into his mouth, and suddenly an inspiring tune crosses the deck, making everyone feel just a little bit...more martial.
Inspire courage +2 to hit and damage, and vs fear Would affect guardsmen too.
Jaysin Deckert |
And I hope to not see it afterwards! This is ridiculous. Jaysin decides that he better use his adamantine arrows for this job and fires a round at the defender! Manyshot, Deadly Aim, Precise Shot, and Rapid Shot. Too far out for PBS.
Bow: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19 for Arrow: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16 and Manyshot: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
Bow: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25 for Arrow: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Bow: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16 for Arrow: 1d8 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Someone tell those people to get out of my line of sight or I'll take them out of it myself!
GM Tyranius |
Milo quickly observes the deck of the ship and its occupants. From what he is able to discern is that the defensive construct, though it may look crystalline it's shell is actually softer than actual crystal. More similar to a clay golem.
Milo also recognizes the fire projectors. He knows that they each can fire a powerful ray of fire and that their shell is extremely hard metal. While they are immune to fire he also believes they might be quite susceptible to cold based damage.
Jaysin sends four arrows flying into the defensive construct. Only one of the arrows is able to find its mark as it chips away a small amount of the crystal. It doesn't look to have done as much damage as it should have. DR
Jhalan studies the construct intently, warning the guards to fall back, while Milo sends a a cold beam down the center of the ship. The bead explodes into a flurry of ice as it explodes. Large shards of ice jut out in every direction, narrowly missing each of the guards but severely damaging the pair of fire projectors. The iceball seems to have no effect on the defensive construct whatsoever. Immune
Somehow Fire projectors have a reflex save Red: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Somehow Fire projectors have a reflex save Green: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
The pair of fire projectors freeze in place as they shut down for good. The flames subside and the guards breath a small sigh of relief. Good job. Those things were vicious!
Lem tries to inspire those around him with a rousing tune from his flute.
Round 1
Jaysin
Jhalan
Milo
Artian
Lem
Cornelius
-----------------------------------
Defensive Construct (-9)
(Guards)
-----------------------------------
Jaysin Deckert |
So the adamantine didn't do anything against the DR. Worth a shot (or four).
GM Tyranius |
The adamantine did help but it needs to be adamantine and bludgeoning to bypass this DR
GM Tyranius |
Artian and Cornelius are up.
Artian Shirinez |
Sorry for the delay, weekends are difficult for me
Artian casts a blessing of fervor to reinforce his team against the golem and moves toward it trusting in being well protected due the shield of faith he had cast before going up, and the blessing he had just cast.
Put yourselves at our back! he shouts to the guards, we`ll contain that creature as you fall back
This turn Artian uses the Blessing of fervor to have more +2 to reflex and AC