[PFS] 2-23: Shadow's Last Stand—Part I: At Shadow's Door by GM Upaynao (Inactive)

Game Master Upaynao

The Hornet's Nest, the ship the Society sent out with you aboard is, much like it's namesake, abuzz with nervous activity. Summoned to the captain's quarters, which double as a meeting room, you expect to be briefed by Venture Captain Bracket of the Almas lodge.

Introductions for all! Game will start in earnest on Tuesday the 20th.

Ship's made Stonegrin uneasy...was no good place for a propper Dwarf. Having spent much of his time atop wretching Stonegrin, a bald Dwarf with dark black hair, looked somewhat retched when he appeared for the meet and clearly wan't interested in doing much talking...

A large, Ulfen man, who fares slightly better than the dwarf, enters the captain's quarters with a somewhat unsure smile on his face.

"I'd expect being briefed by the Venture-Captain of the Almas lodge in the Almas Lodge... I wonder why we're here instead. Oh, where are my manners... The name's Rogar. Some add "the Relentless", but usually because they've had to face me and Ivar here."

He reaches down to stroke the head of the dog at his side.

The dog at Rogar's side is clearly just as uncomfortable as Stonegrin, and it whimpers slightly.

An light-blue skinned redhead approaches the group of Pathfinders. You remember her as one of the louder sailors from the night before. Her breath reeked of booze, and she started a brawl or two about which sails to prepare before the captain told her off. Thank the gods she seems to have sobered up.

Then you notice her wayfinder.

"Ah, nothin's better than the smell of the sea." She inhales deeply. "The name's Aquavius. I used to, uh... sail. After a pint or two I guess I got a little confused. Oh well, the captain put me in my place."

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

"Almas Lodge? Oh yeah, makes sense. Why are we holding a meeting out here? At least the scenery's nice."

A spry gnome bounces back and forth from leg to leg, his fiery red mess of hair and facial hair standing out against his colorful attire, accentuated by a bright blue ascot tied around his neck. A well worn deck of cards are in his hands and he nervously, but skillfully shuffles them as they await.

Lamenting to Aquavius, Rogar and the others assembled.

I am Krolmnite Quissabom, good to make your acquaintances. Indeed Almas would have been much preferred to a sailing ship.

Disagreeing with the blue-skinned sailor, I always say little good comes from water, other than perhaps making some lovely mud. I can't wait to put my feet down on good 'ol solid earth.

Placing his cards on the table, he begins flipping them around in an intricate shuffle, that seems to move with the rocking of the boat.

The only good thing about this trip is I perfected this! That and these sailors aren't very good at cards; and have a decent amount of coin among them, or at least they did. Sailing for the Society must pay pretty well. It has for me. A wide smile crosses his face.

My dear Aquavius, I don't think I've had a chance to play some cards with you yet; or maybe roll some dice. I bet we would have a great time!

"Hmpf, you've been avoiding me all this time, too!" Aquavius laughs. "Krom my boy, you think you've got what it takes? I'm game!" Aquavaius immediately throws down.

1d20 ⇒ 9 That's an 11 Wis or Cha check.

"Hmpf. Maybe the captain knocked me a little too hard last night. You gettin' lucky!"

Definitely intrigued and most likely intimidated by the undine sailor, Krolmnite replies.

Avoid, no, no, you always seemed to busy...more diligent than most of the rest of the crew.

Not wanting to show up his fellow pathfinder or maybe just being enamored a bit. Krolmnite holds back in the game.

Wis check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Look there I won, but it was oh so close. Lucky indeed. Always better to be lucky than good, I always say.

Then feeling guilty by beating such a lovely lady, Care for another hand while we wait?

Hoping perhaps his luck is not as good the next time.

"Hmpf. Matching those cards up...good idea. I'll make sure to keep up!" Aquavius enjoys the game of chance.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

"Now we're talking! The sea's with me today."

cards: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Ah...great hand! You got me.

Pushing a couple gold back across the table to Aquavius. He almost seems as excited about losing, as winning. The thrill of the game perhaps.

No sign of the Venture Captain yet; how about one more hand?

cards: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Smiling greedily as he eyes the new hand.

"One more hand, indeed. Reminds me of the old days..." Aquavius enjoys the game. "Win or lose, you gotta have some fun. How do you shuffle like that, anyway? Almost mesmerizing."

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

"C'mon, c'mon... I'm callin' your bluff. Read it and weep!"

Rogar cracks a toothy grin as Krolmnite breaks out the cards.

"Ah, games of chance. One of the favorite vices of soldiers everywhere... Deal me in!"

Cards: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Constantin has managed to work his way through the crew, always ready with a quip, or a bit of (slightly forced) wordplay, but there's certainly a reserve to him.

He doesn't play cards.

Krolmnite's excitement builds as Rogar joins the game as well.

Well would you look at that! He exclaims as Aquavius excellent hand surpasses his own good cards, as well as Rogar's.

Luck be a lady! Well this? He asks as he shows off his shuffling once more.

Well practice! I play a lot of cards. He slows it down showing the steps as he goes.

Handing the deck off to Aquavius, Try it it's really quite easy.

Never one to back down from a challenge, Aquavius shuffles the cards back and forth.

Dex Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

However she's having a lot of difficulty putting them together. "Eh, I think you're used to these cards more than I."

"Rogar, sit down. Maybe Mr Tall Dark and Quiet there will join us and we can play on teams." She chuckles in Constantin's direction.

Apologies for the strong language, and for the behavior of the VC.

Storming into the cabin, looking (as he usually does) like he's seconds away from a stroke is the Society's second-least favorite venture-captain: Venture-captain Dennel Hamshanks. Obese, foul-mouthed and perpetually angry, he walks over to the head of the table, displeasure oozing out of him. "Oh what the f!~+ing s%*& f+!+. I ask for veteran agents and this is what those f$*&ing clowns in the Ten send me?" he barks, spittle flying into his grey, unkempt beard as another agent files in, looking cowed and sneaking glances at the rest of you. "Well f!~&. No time to ask for anyone else so whatever. Maybe you've heard the rumors — which, unfortunately, underestimate the danger. Last night, that f*%#ing idiot Brackett threw a f~!#ing heck of a party, to celebrate the return of a team of Pathfinders up near Falcon's Hollow from a successful diplomatic mission with the region's Fey. Fillian over there claims that all the sparkling light made the Cathedral’s windows a stunning sight. NICE TO SEE YOU HAD YOUR EYES ON THE BALL FILLIAN" he comments with venomous sarcasm before continuing. "Anyway everyone was having a f+&@ing grand time until the trouble started. At the stroke of midnight, a dozen guests f%@~ing drew their f$%*ing swords and methodically massacred the other drunken fools. A moment later the lights went out and Fillian, who was courageously admiring the windows from the dome’s walkway f*@!ing bravely ran upward, to the belfry. Says he hid there until daylight and then crawled out to my ship here. Also says he heard many others flee underground, followed by screams of agony."

Taking a moment to take out a bottle from a nearby cabinet, he pours himself a glass then continues:

“Also according to him, shortly before dawn, several bands of what looked to be hulking, cloaked hobgoblins left the Cathedral, taking off in different directions into the city. Not only do we need to f~~%ing retake our f%~~ing lodge and rescue any survivors, but whatever those monsters plan to do in Almas, it’s got something to do with the Cathedral. Even you have to understand how that might look for the f$!+ing Society if something bad were to happen to the city at large, centered on our local headquarters. Noone is that f+*#ing dumb. I think" he adds with a dirty look towards Fillian, who is really starting to look like he would rather be anywhere but here.

"I told them! I told them it was a bad idea to have Andoran not-f~#~ing-nobles schmooze constantly with f#$%ing agents. And that parties were a waste; and who the f~@$ needs those weak leaders they breed around here? We can just get into the ruins and places we want without their f$&+ing permission."

Shaking, the venture-captain takes a swig of the captain's liquor before continuing: “You can probably guess who’s behind this — the f@*@ing Shadow Lodge, source of endless trouble this past year. We need that Lodge back, and we need f+%&ing Brackett alive. Time is not on our side here, and I fear it may already be too late for whatever those things that left the Cathedral to do. According to Fillian’s little f@~#ing story, the best way in is the belfry. So; your job is to get in there, kick the Shadow Lodge's ass out, and keep Brackett alive. And put a stop to whatever ongoing plot you manage to uncover."

Draining his cup, he pours himself a refill before finishing: “Good luck. You’ll f**+ing need it.”

Fillian seems to make himself available for questions. Venture-Captain Hamshanks... Less so.

The scenario does not give any knowledge table for you to roll on, but should you want to, knowledge local and religion can be rolled and I'll provide you with some information.

As Aquavius poorly shuffles Krolmnite's cards, she pretends the sudden outburst of the Venture-Captain threw off her concentration. It's his fault she shuffled poorly.

Bluff: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Knowledge(Religion): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
"Someone's gonna have to tell me about Almas. BAH! I don't even remember the layout of the town. But major religions they worship..."

Looking up from the card game, Rogar weathers the Venture-Captain's foul-mouthed tirade with the dispassionate calm of an old soldier. Once the VC is done, he turns to Fillian.

"So, you know the current lay of the land at the lodge, eh? What makes you say that the belfry is the best point of entry?"

Constantin raises a prominent eyebrow in response to Hamshanks's rant, but otherwise tries not to react.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Fillion, these hulking hobgoblin hoplites, could you tell to which warband they belonged? Is there anything in the cathedral's catacombs the Society is already aware of?

"Uh... Hobgoblins are organised by warbands? In any case, I couldn't say for sure. I also don't know anything about the catacombs; I thought they had been walled off when the Society bought the building."

The intro blurb mentions down below but it is never referenced in the scenario itself. Early season mishap I guess. Or it got cut out.

Constantin and Aquavius are both somewhat familiar with old Arodeni places of worship. The temples were built so that the cleric lived within the temple or church, perhaps needing only go out for sustenance. The cathedral should have a proportionally bigger area dedicated to sleeping quarters or food preparation/consumption.

Hamshanks tips his cup towards Fillian. "If f*$~ing di%&*^*s here can make his f!#!ing way out of the belfry unnoticed you shouldn't have any trouble getting into the belfry."

Ah, thanks for the heads up. Nothing worse than a PBP spending forever on a random red herring.

Dreading trying to have a circumspect conversation with Hamshanks, Constantin tries to get a relatively unobserved moment, Are there any concerns that Fillian may be subservient to or solicitous of our shadowy simulacra? If so the belfry may be a brutal battle instead of a beneficial bypass.

Woops, forgot to check in for the link to the game will get the character set up for it briefly.

The diminutive bright green and red frog man dressed in slimy natural garb and fishing gear seemed most comfortable staying on the drier parts of the ship but he listened intently to the ramblings of the captain.

Glenn playsa couple hands of cards but after it is clear the cards are marked by his slime, the frog excuses himself to prevent ruining the others' fun.

Are we expecting to run into any sort of trouble from the cathedral itself, kero? Shadow Lodge agents are one things but dangerously decrepit buildings are another altogether kribbbbit.

A beautiful gnome with deep purple eyes and autumn orange hair joins the others and watches them play cards. She is very tall for a gnome and her dark eyes and bright teeth are a startling contrast to her tawny skin. She seems to constantly smile, watching everything with rapt attention. "This is so fascinating! I've never been one for cards, but watching is just exciting!" She suddenly remembers her manners when folks introduce themselves. "My name is Trixalana, but you can just call me Trix. It's easier to say for most folks. Especially those that are not very well versed in the Sylvan language."

"Oh my..." She flinches when the Venture-Captain barges in and goes on his long tirade. "I'm not much for the layout of the city, but I know a little about religions."

Know: Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Rogar shrugs.

"I'm not much of a climber, but if the belfry is the best way in, I say we take that route."

As the Venture Captain begins his tirade, Krolmnite gathers up his cards hastily, a look of shame on his face, as if child caught doing something he shouldn't. He listens on to the details and then the questions that follow.

Nodding intently when Rogar speaks of the lay of the lodge and concerns over climbing, adding in:

Fillian was it difficult to climb down from there? How would it be to get back up.

Then scratching Ivar between the ears, And how we going to get faithful Ivar up there?

"Well, if Fillian's not lying. Which I don't think he is, we can get some rope and lift Ivar up." Aquavius shrugs. "Or tie a plank of wood and put the dog on there."

"Glen. Trix. Welcome to the fun club." She winks.

Speaking of which, I should have bought some rope.

Venture-captain Hamshanks' face goes incredulous at Constantin's discrete question, before erupting in a guffaw. F#~$ing guy there is so f*##ing stupid, he couldn't betray a washboard!" Indeed, if anything, perhaps this treatment by a senior venture-officer will change Fillian's allegiance.

Fillian, blushing furiously with embarrassment, answer the other agents as best he can. "Well... I guess you should take care around the bell. It isn't moored or anything like that; so if you're planning on sneaking in, it could interfere with your plans. It wasn't really bad going down, but that's always the easy part. You'll have to climb onto the main dome, which is about on the same level as the front two front towers; I'd say about 40 feet all told. Then, you need to climb another ten feet to get to the grate I broke out from to get on in. The climbing on that part should be easier; the other grates make great handholds and they are sturdy."

Trix smiles at Fillian. "Worry not, Fillian. If you had not escaped the massacre to report the incident, then the Society would have no clue what had occurred or who may be to blame. You did right by escaping to report back to your superiors."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

Well this definitely sounds like a tricky, but I bet we can do it.
A look of serious concern on the little gnomes face.

Times a-wasting we better get to it.

Fillian's dejected mood improves slightly, knowing that at least one of his fellows does not hold him responsible for the events that unfolded. And it is without tarring further that you make your way to what used to be Aroden's cathedral in Almas. Finally, you get there, in part due to the early hour which facilitates your egress. Even from down where you are, you can spot the bell tower atop the main dome.

Floor is yours Pathfinders! A quick note: this is fairly dungeon-crawlesque. Once you get into the cathedral proper, I will give you access to the map where you should place a token as soon as you can. If you move around, move sensibly. Let me know if anything is unclear in the map layout.

Rogar takes a look around to find the easiest way up to the belfry.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 10

"Any of you lot see a good place to throw a grappling hook at?"

I'm going to buy a bard's kit for 41 gp.

Aquavius takes a look at the cathedral.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

She shrugs when Rogar asks about a good point. "I don't see anywhere yet. Let's keep lookin."

Krolmnite follows Rogar's lead, glad someone seems confident about accessing the building.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Spotting a promising access point...I bet we could go up there?

Glen puffs his chest a bit as he looks around for a place and nods at Krolmite. "There might do, kero"

The brightly colored frog man draws his gloves off his fingers preparing to climb...and to use his poisoned body.

That should suffice nicely. I would certainly appreciate it if someone could fasten a rope; I'm not much of a climber myself.

Using a regular rope to climb up to the top of the dome is a DC 5 Climb check. Without a rope, you are looking at a DC 10 Climb check, as the walls of the cathedral are festooned with potential handholds. The spot that has been identified is concealed from those inside, thus maintaining an element of stealth.

Constantine waits until a more... physically able party member has made their own ascent before climbing up their rope, but taking 10 on a climb check gets him a mighty 8 for once that happens.

Rogar secures a rope to the building with a grappling hook and straps Ivar to himself before climbing slowly and surely up to the belfry.

Taking 10 for a 10.

Once Rogar has secured the rope, Krolmnite carefully ascends to the dome. Even with the rope aiding his climb the little gnome struggles, but manages to make it to the top.

Wow, if you would have bet against me there, I wouldn't have blamed you.

Take 10, for a result of 6!

Taking 10 for a 9.

"Come on, folks. We've all climbed rigging before, right? Let's move!" Despite the claim, Aquavius seems to be an average climber.

Take 10 on my Climb check, for a result of 10.

Trixalana looks up at the rope before removing her buckler, slipping it into her backpack, and taking her time climbing up the rope. Once up top she glances down. "Well now, that was fun!"

As Glenn readies himself for the ascent, the rest of you get a chance to look around. The bell tower's multiple bells are protected by iron grates, however with Fillian's directions you should be able to figure out an easy way to get in.

Perception DC 5 to spot the hole!

"No point knocking down a fence if we can just go through there." Aquavius points at a hole. "Must be where Fillian escaped."

Rogar, would you care to serve as our valiant vanguard?

Rogar readies his axe and shield an approaches the entrance.

"Come, Ivar. There are troublemakers to deal with..."

The group enters the belfry one at a time through Fillian's hole. Inside nine large bells hang from a maze of wooden beams. Four smaller bells hang from a beam at the tower's top, with the others steadily increasing in size as you head on further towards the bottom. A patina of rust covers them giving them all a prematurely aged look.
A complex network of scaffolding frames the bells, with each suspended from wooden sliders attached to a system of ropes and pulleys along the tower walls; these beams connect to scaffolding along the perimeter of the belfry, allowing for access to the bells both above and bellow, as well well as the "floor" of this tower: a sturdy-looking wooden platform five feet below the bottom of the last bell, a ten-foot tall monstrosity that currently lies directly below you.

The platform you are accessing is directly "on top" of the last bell, meaning that if you had the ability to jump through the space where the largest bell stands, you would be jumping down 15 feet.

As a player I remember having trouble understanding the ;layout, so please feel free to ask for further clarifications.

Looking at the map, helps make this more easy to understand. So we are 15 feet above the 'floor' and the biggest bell occupies the space. So we need to get down 15 feet without ringing the bell.

So what are our options climb, drop? And what are the obvious risks of the choices?

Specifically, I would prefer to take falling damage and not risk ringing the bell, etc.

Any of that make sense?

I understand what you are saying. Climbing down is a fairly straightforwards affair, requiring only a DC 5 check. With that said, there is no readily obvious way you would ring the bell. I will take a perception check from everyone though; FURTHERMORE, I'm going to take the highest check and count everyone else that has above a ten as an assist on that highest check, because I like how it works mechanically and it works in this situation. Even more so because of the PbP format.

Where is the map? I must be missing the link for it.

Aquavius takes a look around the room. Bells. Pretty. Hard to carry. They would make a pretty penny on the market, though.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Assuming she finds nothing important she lowers her rope and proceeds to climb down.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Dreading even this fairly mild climb, Constantin is easily distracted from whatever dangers are lurking.

Though since even his take 10 will beat a DC of 5, feel free to have him climb down after his allies