GM Baerlie |
The Blakros Museum rises into the night sky, its single black spire severing the full moon in twain. The black iron gates surrounding the exhibition hall grind in protest against the wind. Beyond, the museum’s large oaken doors stand wide open, a silver-gray mist belching forth from the cavernous darkness within. You wonder how you ended up here, standing at the precipice of unknown terrors, and instantly Venture-Captain Adril Hestram’s wide looming face is conjured into your minds’ eye. His booming words ring out from memory as clearly as he spoke them only one hour ago:
“The Blakros Museum is cursed. Some darkness has descended upon the place and those who enter are blasted with evil and left raving through its halls, more beast than men. The curator, Nigel Aldain, is an old associate of the Society, though he chose to leave our organization some years back after a disagreement.” Adril looked sheepish then, as if remembering some distasteful incident from his youth.
“Nigel has long denied the Society access to the Blakros Museum’s considerable collection of relics and scrolls, using his extensive contacts to nab several excellent finds right out from under us... he always had a nose for the hunt. Whatever is past between Nigel and the Society, he needs our help now. Perhaps if we can come to his aid, he may think on rejoining the Pathfinder Society, or at least offering to share his discoveries with us. Apparently the trouble at Blakros Museum began this morning, shortly after a wayward Pathfinder named Lugizar Trantos returned to Absalom after months spent in the Mwangi Expanse. Supposedly, instead of coming straight to the Lodge to report in, he went to Blakros, sold his finds to Nigel, and then disappeared with a hefty sum of gold. The few who glimpsed Lugizar claimed he was much changed by his time in the Mwangi... gaunt, his eyes yellowed and unfocused, a strange rasping cough that seemed to wrack his now wasted frame. Whatever he brought back with him, we believe it is the cause of the Blakros Museum’s ills. Root it out.”
Lugizar Trantos spent the better part of a year in the Mwangi. At first he wrote letters to his brother and wife, but after a few months these stopped coming and most gave him up for dead.
His letters spoke of a lucrative find at one point, three idols of dark wood carved in the shape of bearded monkeys.
The last of his letters evidenced an unhinged mind, and was covered in strange sketches of monkey paws. He described dark eyes glaring out from the mists. Shortly after his return to Absalom, the monkeys and apes in the Absalom Menagerie attacked their keepers during a feeding and fled the grounds into greater Absalom.
Much of the Mwangi’s darkest interior is ruled by a demon lord named Angazhan, who is described in an ancient text as a thing of primordial darkness, a foulbreathed demon who grunts prophecies of blood to apes
and madmen. The jungle is his beating heart.
The Gorilla King’s dread city was founded hundreds of years past by cultists who bowed to Angazhan. It is said they captured the souls of monkeys in the wood-grains of strange idols called Tik Taan. The monkeys’ tormented spirits became the slaves and playthings of Angazhan, who murdered their playful whims and replaced them with a deep-seated hate and wild madness. These Tik Taan are rumored to shred the sanity of anyone who spends too long in their presence.
The cultists who created the Tik Taan were hunted by a brave tribe of the Mwangi called the Jambala Jaeg. The Jambala Jaeg created ritual knives, crafted out of bone handles and obsidian blades, to slay the demons inside the Tik Taan. Legends speak of the deadly mists of the Tik Taan, ill humors that invade men’s hearts by seeping into their mouths. Anyone wearing a scarf or other protection against the airborne menace is immune to its effects.
Pooka Bladespinner |
Pooka stares at the billowing smoke which lends to the eerie feeling hanging in the air, standing at the entrance to the museum.
Chain shirt comfortably draped over his shoulders and exquisitely crafted lance casually held at his side, Pooka sits tall, for a halfling, on top of his majestic canine companion. The dog looks every bit 100+ pounds of coiled muscle, with a sleek silver colored coat. Black leather tack and harness hold a simple riding saddle, with some saddle bags holding the majority of the pair's gear. A small flag bearing the Andoran faction symbol hangs near the handle of the fine lance and flaps softly in the breeze.
The hackles on the back of the dog's neck raise up, her ears flatten, and tail droops just slightly as her lips curl and a soft, low growl rumbles from her throat.
Easy Luna, Easy Pooka pats her side and scratches behind her ear.
He turns to his companions, To be honest, I don't know anything about the area, and I've never heard of the history between the society and the curator of this museum. If any of you has any knowledge to share before we go in, it would be mighty helpful.
By the way, I don't believe we had the chance to make proper acquaintance. Pooka Bladespinner is my name, and my loyal steed here is Luna.
Zac Freelan |
Isidion, nice to see you again as Zac walks in
Will check my skills in a minute to see if I have any of those knowledge skills. nope, religion and dungeoneering
Sun Desin |
Sun looks up at the gloomy and ominous tower rising to the sky, adjusting his backpack and scratching an itch on his bald head.
"Well met everybody. My name is Sun Desin. Unfortunately the only real knowledge I can contribute of this place is that it looks like I am out of my element."
Insidion |
A ferocious, possibly mentally unhinged tiefling with wild, bestial eyes takes a moment to acknowledge Zac.
Seeing the fighter brings back vivid memories of the minotaur they fought together, and ending the minotaur's life with a vicious bite to the throat.
Listen to me, and you will kill much more...revel in it!
No...there is another path...one where you control your own destiny...
Insidion shakes his head as if to clear his thoughts.
"I am interested in this cursed museum that leaves those who enter more beast than men. Let's just say it hits close to home, and I would discover its secrets," he adds. He takes a moment to share what he knows of Lugizar Trantos and the idols he found. First three gather information snippets above.
gather information: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Thanks for running the show, Baerlie!
Pooka Bladespinner |
Pooka listens intently as the teifling explains the information regarding the pathfinder who brought the idols back.
It seems fairly obvious that some foul magic or hex has been brought back, whether its source is with the idols and trinkets sold to this museum, or if Lugizar has brought this hex with him. I have ever so faint memories of scary stories told when I was younger about the strange JuJu magic they use in the Mwangi area of the world. Strengthen your resolve, clear your minds and guard your hearts friends, I would venture a guess that when we enter in, we may just become our own worst enemies...
Pooka removes a torch from his saddlebags and lights it. Dog and rider pace back and forth in front of the party, mentally preparing themselves to enter the foreboding building.
Pooka is prepared to enter the building when the party is ready to move forward, don't let my eagerness stop anyone from asking any questions! And echoing Insidion's thoughts, thank you Baerlie!
Aramil Sionadel |
Sorry for being late to the party. Busy day.
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Aramil stands at the back of the group, silently surveying the situation before him. When he finally speaks, he mutters "I think the halfling may have a point. That said, I wouldn't trust that mist."
As he finishes, he pulls a scarf from his pack and ties it around his mouth and nose, then nods, indicating he is also ready to enter.
Pooka Bladespinner |
Pooka nods as Aramil acknowledges him, and notices the scarf.
That seems like a prudent idea...
He also pulls cloth from his saddlebags, covering his face as well as Luna's.
Sun Desin |
"Well lets get this over with I suppose" Sun says with a shrug. He pulls out a dull looking scimitar and straps on his worn looking wooden shield, finally checking to make sure his sling and bullets are within easy reach on he belt.
"Keep your eyes open for anything that seems out of place. If he brought back some magic from the Mwangi, shouldn't be too hard to find...I hope" Sun waits with a patient look on his face for the others to lead the way in.
Ford A. Benett |
"I would not put stock in such thoughts." came the hefty baritone from the left. Aldenharn had been remaining silent for much of this as he studied the entry way, following along quietly. "Dwarves have a saying; 'If you are cursed, you have likely brought it upon yourself.' I doubt any curse has been brought back from the Mwangi, but something has clearly been brought back. Then again, the jungles are vicious; I've heard of plenty good men going mad from wandering it's endless swamps. And Torag knows what else lurks in those trees and waters..."
Aramil Sionadel |
Aramil will follow Zac's lead, tugging the scarf around his face tight as he enters. However, as he enters, he steps off to the side and tries to disappear.
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Eh, that might work...
Pooka Bladespinner |
Pooka nudges Luna forward and they carefully enter the building, weapon at the ready. Upon entering the doorway, Pooka scans the room, walls and ceiling, peering down the hallway as far as the light from his torch will allow him too.
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
This mist, or smoke, or whatever evil it is, seems thick... His thoughts trail off before saying quietly to his companions,
I don't see much, but be on your guard ladies, something foul hides in the dark here, I can sense it...
GM Baerlie |
Pooka sees that tendrils of silver-gray mist flow out the front archway into the courtyard. They seem to effortlessly pierce the flesh and gently caress the bone in a cold embrace.
Pooka opens the door to the Museum and enters. The grand entranceway’s vaulted ceiling is supported by six great pillars of hewn black stone. Braziers mounted on the pillars cast white radiance from balls of continual light. The light glimmers eerily in the silvery haze that fills the atrium, giving the impression of something alien watching from the glowing fog.
Before you left Absalom, Adril gave you a map of the museum pointing out, that Nigel Aldain is most likely in the offices. he marked the spot on the map, link to the map is above the campain Tabs
Everybody who entered the building without clothes or a scarf covering his or her mouth: please make a DC 12 Will save.
Sun Desin |
Sun enters in the building last, forgetting to cover his mouth while his eyes scan the area inside.
Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Once inside, Sun stays near the back.
"It looks like someone left the lights on for us at least. Think we should try going straight to where Nigel is supposed to be?" Sun says in a low voice to keep it from echoing.
Insidion |
will save: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (7) - 2 = 5
perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
"Something...does not...feel right," Insidion stammers.
GM Baerlie |
I hope you like strength and dexterity, actually not so bad for a barbarian :)
While steadying the tiefling Aldenharn can see that Insidio's appearance changes. His arms grow muscles and his face changes to a monkey-like shape. Fur grows in his face and on his arms. The curse changes only the look, not the mind. Insidion is still the same person, with monkey behavior.
Please Change your stats:
Mist-Tainted Template
Aramil Sionadel |
Aramil continues to hide as he watches the team turn into bestial ape-men and thinks to himself "Yeah, sure, they didn't bring anything back from Mwangi with them. Wonder how much stock the dwarf puts in curses now."
Insidion |
Insidion initially fights against the transformation, but quickly gives in.
Yes, this is what I want. You are little more than an animal...kill everything you see...show no mercy...
no... a weak voice replies in his mind.
Insidion begins to stalk back and forth. He eyes the group ferociously; it appears he will not be attacking them, but he is certainly looking for something to kill.
Pooka Bladespinner |
Pooka, overhearing the commotion behind him as the tiefling coughs, has a chill run down his spine at his words, and the dwarf's words quickly after. That can't be good... He cinches the scarf around his face a little tighter, and double checks the cloth muzzle tied around the dog's face.
To the Tiefling he says, The fighter you are is stronger than the beast this mist would turn you into, warrior. Steel your resolve!
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 This check is an attempt to "calm the beast", if it is even possible, and make sure he still fights on our side.
Cayden Cailean give me strength, I do not want to have to run my new companion through if he is not himself...
Cover your faces, all of you! The air itself conspires against us... He stops short upon seeing the armored fighter physically change as well. This is either going to be a really short night, or a really long one...
Insidion |
Like a beast, Insidion snarls at Pooka, but does not attack.
I've put brackets on my temporary stats in my header.
Sun Desin |
Seeing his companions nearest to him change in both shape and personality, Sun quickly scrambles away. Reaching next to where Aramil stands, Sun digs through his backpack to find something to use as a ward against the cloying mist. Ripping a small corner off of his bedroll, he wraps it around his head to cover up his mouth.
Placing the backpack back on his back Sun says "I don't think my normal druidic charms will work here, but if they start to attack I can try to calm them."
Aramil Sionadel |
After it becomes apparent they aren't going to attack the party, Aramil thinks "Okay, here we go." as he steps out and calls "Insidion. Insidion! You want to fight? You want to Kill? This way then. Follow me."
And with that, he leads Insidion to the first door on their left.
Ford A. Benett |
Aldenharn blinks, surprised at the transformation. "The air... something must be in the air. But if that's the case, then why have we not changed?" He followed after Aramil, occasionally looking back to keep an eye on his allies.
The dwarf resiliently pushed the notion of it being a curse out of his mind; there was no such thing! Magic, like his body, was a tool, and to think it could have some ulterior will would be the same as saying his hammer didn't like heat!
Insidion |
Aramil has said exactly what Insidion wants to hear. Instinctively, he follows the rogue's instructions toward the first door on the left.
perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Pooka Bladespinner |
Pooka moves in behind the theif and the tiefling to get a better look in the room. Every sense is on high alert, dog and rider are prepared to react should something go bump in the gloom...
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
lol... who is gonna step in the room first?
Aramil Sionadel |
Aramil will move in behind the ape-men and and wait in the shadows to see what , if anything, jumps out.
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Pooka Bladespinner |
Following the lead of his three much larger companions, Pooka enters the room, lance lowered and ready. He whispers loudly, Be on your guard
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
GM Baerlie |
You enter the West Exhibit Hall. The mists here congeal into a thick and silvery fog that cools the lungs. A giant warrior looms from the haze, his arms crossed at his chest, his helm solemn and still. Beyond lie sarcophagi of varied designs, and a few glass cases wherein withered dead are held upright by rods and string, grim exhibits of long-dead citizens whose fallen empires were erased an age past.
Pooka and Aramil have the feeling that they are beeing watched.
Insidion |
Little registers in Insidion's mind except 'attack.' He nods and moves forward as silently as he can.
stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
I don't see the warrior on the map, but I'll move toward him with Zac.
Sun Desin |
Getting closer to the door, almost bumping into the stealthy rogue in the process, Sun pokes his head in to get a brief look inside before ducking back out.
"I don't like the look of that big guy standing there," Sun whispers to himself, steeling his nerves for the worst and giving a quick nervous flick with his scimitar held at his side.
Pooka Bladespinner |
Likely just a statue... Doesn't make it any less creepy
Pooka guides Luna to the side just a bit to line up a run at the "statue" just in case there was more than what it seemed. Everythings seems alive in here. Its like a child's nightmare come to life...
Zac Freelan |
Little registers in Insidion's mind except 'attack.' He nods and moves forward as silently as he can.
you forgot your plus 5 stealth form template, so really you have a 26. Unless you already factored that in.
stealth: 4 + 5 - 4 + 1d20 ⇒ 4 + 5 - 4 + (17) = 22 dex mod of 4, +5 template, -4 armor penalty.Pooka Bladespinner |
Luna shifts slightly side to side as Pooka fidgets nervously in the saddle.
What is going on in here? Who goes there? He swings his torch over his head in an attempt to cast light into the shadowy mist to see better...
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Sun Desin |
Sun enters the room, staying close to Pooka scimitar held at the ready and shield up. His eyes dart around trying to help see through the mist.
perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 Yup, pretty sure I don't even see my feet