NotEspi's Evergreens (Standard) (Inactive)

Game Master NotEspi

Ssresrandu tries to pull the bottle out of the rack, but it doesn't seem to budge. He applies some strength, and manages to pull the bottle halfway out, but it slips out of his hands and slowly retracts back into the rack. A loud click can be heard, and the entire rack slides back and to the side (into the wall), revealing a chamber beyond. Heryn only manages to let out a quiet and long "Wha..." with her dropped jaw.

There is a source of light in the room beyond, illuminating a small table with what seems like a large stack of documents next to it, and on the table itself.

Ssesandru gives a low growl. "Ssseemsss there isss more to thisss than wasss made apparent." The nagaji unsheathes his weapon and peers into the new opening, swaying back and forth as he waits for the others to cross or climb out of the pit before proceeding.

Cypher puts her other hand to her face and sighs loudly.

Of course. No way he could have just wanted us to pick up a package. That'd be way to damn easy. Aresha give me strength...

"I'll give it a try. I could use a hand. They are lovely rocks but they hurt when you land wrong. I'm find just a scratch really." She starts to climb and reaches up for help when she can.

Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

Eadric helps Mori pull Helme out of the fissure and laughs "Yea, I think most rocks are like that." After reassuring Cypher that he is perfectly fine, Eadric makes his way to the secret entrance "Woah! So... Do you think that, like, that is what Dreng is after?" He points at the stacks of papers "Not the wine?" He wanders in as his fellow pathfinders start to gather round.

"It's hard to say with Master Dreng, really," Mori replies to Eadric as they turn their attention toward the secret office. "But leave it to a Pathfinder to approach a stack of papers with a sword drawn." He chuckles with a grin of amusement.

Biltri glides silently into the office. "I take it nobody told you this was here," he says to Heryn.

"I approach the unknown with a sssword. We are now entering the unknown." Ssesrandu listens down the passage.
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

"It ssseemsss we are ssstill alone." The nagaji begins to advance towards the desk and light, sensing no danger that requires waiting for the others. As he enters the chamber he calls back. "Watch your ssstep. The quake hasss done more damage."

Raman waits in the doorway to the mysterious chamber, "Need me to check for traps in there?"

"Perhapsss if there are trapsss, they will be on the table."

I haven't... no..." is everything Heryn is able to muster. She is clearly amazed by the situation.

Helme manages to climb out of the fissure without further issues. The rocks in it can be used as steps. Sharp, dangerous steps, but steps anyway.

Ssresrandu and Biltri enter the room beyond the wall. As they do so, they can hear multiple creatures squeaking in one of the tunnels to the side. The sound gets more intense and turns into screeching and hundreds of wings flapping, heading in your direction. An amount of bats, too many to count, emerge from the eastern tunnel. They descend towards Biltri and Ssresrandu immediately.

Turn 1 - Go if bolded

Helme
Eadric
Ssresrandu
Mori
Bats
Raman
Biltri
Cypher

Mori concentrates at telekinetically launches a loose stone into the swarm of bats.

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 1 - 4 = 7
Bludgeoning: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Ssesrandu ducks back out of the room and around the corner to try to avoid the bats.

Eadric searches through his pack and retrieves a flask of alchemist's fire "Where are they?" He tries to look through the crowd of pathfinders for the source of the cacophony.

I'm not sure where the bats are, they don't seem to be on the map.
Move action to retrieve the flask, and another to move.

Helme pulls out her wand of Burning hands and moves toward the squeaking sound.

Move action to pull out the wand, and move to, well, move.

Mori hurls a stone at the mass of leathery wings in the room. One of the bats falls to the ground, but that doesn't seem to change the drive for blood of others. They descent towards Biltri and collectively attempt to take a bite.

Biting, Gnashing: 1d6 ⇒ 2

They find out very quickly that Biltri is not very edible.

Turn 1 and 2 - everyone can go.

Raman retrieves his own flask of acid, then readies to throw. "Give 'em a good scorching, Helme. If they still feel hungry, I'll discourage them."

Ready to throw flask of acid for when Raman has a clear shot.

Eadric prepares to join in on the bombardment of the bats "Wait for me!" and starts running straight for them.

Before Eadric runs forward, Cypher reaches into their own bag and pulls out a flask of acid.

Here, take this! I can't do anything from back here!

Two move actions to pass Eadric the acid flask from Cypher's bag.

Ssesrandu prepares to rush back into the bats if they begin closing.

Ready action to move to the front to soak up hits if they bats move towards us.

Please be incorporeal Biltri. I don't want to catch you on fire." She activates the wand, and a cone of fire flies out of the end of it.

Fire: 3d4 ⇒ (4, 1, 4) = 9
DC 11 Reflex

@Mori I need you to roll a reflex here. Biltri still takes only half-damage, so the wand didn't scorch him to "death". You may reduce that damage from 4 to 2 with a reflex of 11+, however.

Helme activates the wand, and lets out a cone of flames at the bats. A better part of the swarm falls to the ground, smoke raising from their carcasses.

Eadric and Raman both lob their flasks at the swarm, but fail to hit them directly. Some of the contents of the vials end up on the winged rodents, however, and while not having the full effect of the flasks, it has a partial one. Multiple critters fall to the floor thrashing and throwing the settled dust in the air. Some of them on fire, some of them with liquid burning through their skin chemically.

Turn 2+3

Helme - burning hands
Eadric - lobbing alch. fire
Ssresrandu - ready action
Mori - turn 3
Bats
Raman - lobbing acid
Biltri - turn 2
Cypher - handouts

Biltri tries to dodge out of the way of the flames as they come for the swarm of bats.

Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

He tries to draw the swarm away from him flesh and blood companions and back toward the desk. "Come on! Come 'n git me, ya flyin' rats!"

The bats seems to be moving away from Biltri and take a bite from the nearest creature, but his shouting seems to turn them around and they swarm the phantom again. Once more, biting him is harder than originally anticipated by the mindless beasts. Meanwhile, in the cellar-proper, Heryn is slowly retreating towards the stairs in terror.

Turn 3 - everyone can go.

Ssesrandu continues to be ready to charge the bats if they tire of Biltri and come for the party.

Cypher waits as well, knowing that this is not the kind of fight they are suited for.

Mori steps forward as he removes a vial of acid from his belt. He shakes it and then throws it through the tunnel at the swarm of bats.

Vial of Acid, Ranged Touch, Range Penalty: 1d20 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 1 - 4 = 4
Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Miss Direction: 1d8 ⇒ 8 1 point of splash damage to swarm.

"Egads!"

Eadric runs up, squeezing past Helme and Raman "And here's one from Cypher!" and hurls Cypher's flask of acid.

Atk. Acid Flask: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Dmg. Acid: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Helme moves up and steps to the side. I hope I miss him this time. She activates the wand again.

Burning hands: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 4) = 11

But looking at the map, I think Biltri is safe.

The swarm is hit with several flasks and spells, and most of the bats fall to the ground, wings flapping for a short while, then suddenly stopping. The remainder of the swarm flies around for a moment, and then retreats into one of the caves leading to the hidden room.

Now that you have time to examine the room properly, you notice a few additional details - A sturdy silver chain jutting from the ceiling ends in a glowing orb that radiates yellow light across the rectangular room. A simple desk of polished wood, stacked with documents and scattered notes, shelters a pair of wooden chests against the south wall.

Now that you have some time and privacy, you quickly scour the documents for anything useful. Most of the documents seem like logs or inventory books, and many of the actual bound documents seem to be encrypted with a cypher. There are two pages that stand out, however. Not encrypted, and not with a log pattern. They seem to be simply letters to whoever finds this stash of information:

Foster's Findings
Adolphus' Addendum

Cypher shakes their head.

Explore, report, cooperate. It's the founding principle of the society... no one should ever keep knowledge from the rest of us.

They get to the part about the tomb and groan.

More undead? All i ask is to deal with normal, breathing creatures!

They shudder and tap the wand on their hip.

Least this time I can be of use when that happens.

Biltri and Mori share a silent exchange. After a moment's concentration, Biltri fades from view completely. The living dwarf then goes to examine the desk. "Interesting."

"Ssseems we have more work to do. Where ssshall we ssstart."

Eadric tip toes his way through the many tiny balls of smoking fur on the ground, frankly a little surprised that the notes survived the Pathfinder onslaught of fire and acid. He spends some time staring at the notes "So, like, you all want to check this out? He scratches his head and says "If we are, we should totally check out the tomb first. Those places are most creepy when it gets dark!"

"I know a thing or two about tombs. I'll keep an eye out for traps."

"I suppose," says Mori. "I doubt that there's much to worry about in a graveyard in Absalom... usually. I would start with the fellow who might be alive and able to have a discussion with us, but the cemetery is fine."

The tomb it is then. Anyone know how to get there?" Helme takes a look at the glowing stone.

"Gee, I don't know..." Eadric starts shuffling through some of the papers "It must be in here somewhere..." When everyone is finished with them, Eadric stuffs the whole lot in his pack.

Cypher flips their hair and smiles at the rest of the group.

No worries about that, i'll be able to find somebody who knows where the tomb is. I guarantee it.

If needed as we go...
diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (8) + 17 = 25

It's more about me catching a cold and resting for the better part of the day rather than you needing a check to find the tomb in question. Update post soon.

On your way out, Heryn apologises for the inconvenience and reassures you she is planning on having a long discussion about the status of her cellar with Dreng.

The other pathfinders in the room give you a complimentory nod as you leave, having no idea what just happened underneath their feet.

Soon after leaving the Wounded Wisp, Cypher chats up a scholarly looking fellow to ask about Arkath, with the results being more than satisfactory. The man explains that Arkath was a very talented stonemason that purchased a plot of land on one of the more prominent cemeteries in the Eastgate quarter. It is likely to be guarded as well, and is dedicated to Abadar. Within the hour, you are near the front gate to the cemetery, and are greeted with a ward on duty. The Thuvian introduces himself:

"May you find success in this life. My name is Kefilwe - How can I help you at this hour?"

Helme gives Cypher a look that says go ahead. This is their area of expertise. I'll let them take the lead.

After witnessing Helme's charms on the scholar, and experiencing some of them first hand, Eadric just grins and steps back behind the charismatic sorcerer.

Doh! Obviously I meant Cypher's charms.

Cypher flips their fan out, waiving away the musty heat which also has the side effect of letting their hair flow back a bit.

Hello Kefilwe... My name is Cypher, and I was hoping you might be willing to help me and my comrades.

The pour on the kitten eyes and continue.

Kefilwe, I'm here to visit the tomb of Arkath, perhaps spend some time praying by his side if I can.

They wave behind them at the team.

These are my compatriots, who are here to pay respects to the master stone mason as well. Would you be ever so kind as to lead us to his tomb? Or if you can't leave your post, point us in the right direction?

They bat their eyes and move VERY close to the guard, fluttering their eye lashes as they step closer, the fan and a breath of space the only thing separating them from touching.

Won't you pleeeease help me? I would be eeeever so greatful to you Kefilwe...

The emphasis they put on each syllable of his name is practically dripping.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32

Mori just raises an eyebrow and humphs.

19 bonus at level 1? What in the name of all that is holy is happening here? Well done! Trying to keep it PG though, so...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

The man seems aback by Cypher's advances, and one can see a slight blush in his cheeks as she does her thing. He steps back to regain some composure (and some personal space), hesitating for a moment as he measures Cypher with his eyes. He looks at the other agents, as if they were not there just a second ago, and seems to have a sudden realisation.

"Ahem - that's very nice of you. I must admit I almost felt like a teenager for a moment, but I am a dedicated man...", he raises his hand to show his wedding band, and points towards it with his other hand's index finger.

"Unfortunately.", he sighs looking at the sorcerer one more time, and continues after a short moment: "Follow me."

He starts moving towards the northern part of the cemetery, and passes a large statue of what seems to be an archon with a lyre. It seems to have seen better times, but even now it is a beautiful piece of art.

"Arkath's work, as you might know. Or not. Very talented individual, indeed.", he stops to admire the statue for a moment, and continues walking and speaks out. "I am curious though - why are you here? Nobody except his ancestors visit the place for years, and suddenly 6 strangers appear, only two of them being dwarves. I assure you the truth can be very liberating, and I consider myself a reasonable man."

"Oh I totally agree, Bro! You'll hear no lies from me..." Eadric says nothing else, but he does inspect the statue with interest.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

And I shift people's regard of me 3 stages instead of two! Cypher may be a terrible fighter, but what they do, they do well! I plan on making that 19 look like child's play as I go up in level to. Just wait until I get my sovereign court boon and can't roll below a 10! :) I applaud your effort to keep things PG, Cypher is definitely a PG-13 character.

Cypher grins at the guard, and when the ring is motioned to winks and says Perhaps, after our business is concluded, you could introduce me to the lucky soul... Aresha says to... enhance the bonds of love, not break them.

Cypher gives a soft giggle and winks at their friends as the guard leads them to the statue.

At the question, Cypher smiles sweetly.

"Speak no word that is not true" is a wisdom I like to hold. We are here to pay our respects, and I am a very devout person, so I will be praying.

They place the fan against their chin as if in thought.

But, I must confess, while I appreciate the Master's craft, we do have an ulterior motive for our visit. He was contemporary of one of our predecessors. Much to our chagrin, some of her writings and knowledge have become lost to time. In our research, we discovered her friendship with the master, as well as writings that indicate that she may have frequently conversed or written to him... we are hoping, perhaps foolishly, that his resting place might lend us clues to the lost knowledge of our predecessor.

They shrug and give a sheepish grin.

It may be a fools errand, but better some chance than no chance... Worst comes to worst, we pay some respects to a Master who, clearly by that statue, deserves the praise, and a afternoon is spent in fine company....

They grin at him again with a sly seductive smile.

And, perhaps a evening with new friends and their bonded loves...

diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24

Eadric observes the statue with interest. If there was no moss at the base of the statue, one could swear it was put here yesterday. The archon holds the lyre in one hand, the other is aimed towards the Starstone Cathedral, along with her gaze. Several coins shimmer in a pool at the base of the creature's feet, and her clothing and hair almost seems like they are dancing in the breeze.

Kefilwe observes the rest of the party, for a change: "Does she do this to you too? I admire your resolve. Abadar must be testing me with such temptation."

He kneels at the base of the statue, ushers a quiet prayer, touches the water in the pool with his right hand and leaves it in for a while.

He stands up soon afterwards, after having considered your request. "Very well - I will allow you to examine his body. But if you do anything to defile him, I will be waiting to deliver justice, though I would not enjoy it."

He taps the heavy mace resting on his thigh, and points towards Arkath's Tomb. "This way, please."