Kronas Kronglic |
"So he married a Princess!" Kronas laughs "By the documents we found, I was sure he came to some sticky end." He shakes his head in disbelief "Well, thank you again Janira! You have been a veritable font of knowledge. I would love to stay and listen to some more of your stories, but I fear that duty calls. Farewell again, Janira." He then goes back to the main group to relay information and to join in planning their next move.
Katswiri |
"That does make sense with the notes he left." Katswiri murmurs thoughtfully. "Thank you Janira, that was very enlightening! I always love learning more about the past. We should get these records back to the Grand Lodge and begin our investigation." Katswiri bows slightly and waves goodbye before returning to the rest of the group.
"Before we leave, I wish to view the portents of our future. I have found in my times that the patterns of the birds in the sky and the taste of the wind blowing through the air often give great insight into endeavors of importance. I will have to step out in the rain for a few minutes to examine the elements properly, you may wish to remain inside where it is less....damp." She shrugs off her backpack and hands it to Xander. "Xander, will you hold my things? I would not like the papers we found to be exposed to the elements any more than necessary." Assuming he assents, she steps out in the rain, and begins to scan the sky for the ever present seagulls that fill the sky of the typical port city.
Katswiri will use her Natural Divination ability, studying the patterns of the birds in the sky to get a +10 to a skill check at some point later today.
GM kuey |
On the way to the Grand Lodge, you detour past the corner where you met Venture Captain Dreng earlier but he is no longer in sight. You thus make you back to the Grand Lodge in the dreary rain.
Back at sprawling grounds of the Lodge, you easily find Dreng in his usual place, in front of the fireplace in the sitting room. He has pulled an easy chair and his lounging back with his bare feet practically inches from the roaring fire. The room, though, is uncharacteristically deserted. Dreng is facing the fireplace and does not seem to have notice you entering.
Not very certain if you wish to meet Dreng first or visit the Wall of Names directly. So a minor detour to meet Dreng in case you have anything to ask.
Xander Draft |
sorry for absence, con plague infected me. the bad part is as much as getting sick sucks, I always have to much fun to dissuade me from going to the next one :(
Xander easily holds Katswiri's acknowledging her reasoning behind it. "Reminds me of my youth when i had to carry a huge rock on my back in order to give the older members of my order a chance to beat me in the physical exercises."
Xander waits for the others to speak first, as while he reasonably smart he is confident the others will be able to take all the pieces and put them together in the blink of an eye.
Lincoln Reynolds |
Link clears his throat as he notices Dreng by the fireplace.
" Ehem ... Howdy there Cap'. We got that 'package' for ya. In findin' it we ran across a few other goodies of interest. Seems like you may have suspected somethin' seein' as you sent all of us after a simple bottle. Katswiri here has some notes to show you."
He walks into the room to confront Dreng about the party's discovery.
Katswiri |
"The bottle you sent us to retrieve was on a catch to open a secret room beneath the Wisp! We searched it, and uncovered a number of papers that appear to have belonged to Selmius Foster." Katswiri begins to unpack the documents retrieved from the room. "These documents need to be sent to the archives and examined, and I will take them there shortly, but we seem to have uncovered something of a mystery. I was hoping that perhaps it would be possible to examine some of Selmius' and Eylysia's old reports to the society? It could prove to be quite illuminating. Is that something that it would be possible for me to do, or are the records restricted?"
GM kuey |
Dreng starts when Link calls out, as he had been dozing by the fire. He quickly turns around though, all composed. As he listened to your account, his grin grows wider and wider. He takes over the notes from Katswiri and flips through them, scanning across the notes speedily. "Fantastic! Fantastic! I suspected Selmius and his disciple had been hiding something in the tavern, but what a find! Have been going through all of Heryn's local vintagae wine, but of course, it would have been the one from the year of the Society's founding! I'll send agents to the tavern immediately to secure the site. Well, if I can find someone not caught up in watching the antics of that Sir Reinhart."
He pauses to read the two notes from Selmius and Adolphus in more detail, pondering. He then returns them to you. More solemnly, he says, "Yes, it has long been rumoured that Eylysia had not submitted the bulk of her findings, but we generally take it that they have been lost to history. If what Selmius claims is true, then it would be a significant find for the Society." Pausing here, apparently for dramatic effect, he then continues, "But, I'm going to leave the investigations in your hands. It is important that Pathfinders respect the finds and claims of their colleagues, which is why the Society had never confronted Eylysia about the possibly missing reports. This exciting mystery is yours to pursue. I'll get the rest of Selmius and Adolphus' notes to the archives for research. I would suggest that you start your investigations right away. Much as old reports can be fascinating reads, the two notes left behind have sufficient leads for you to get started."
Just before you head out, though, he quickly asks, "Oh yes, could I have my wine?"
So where first? There are 3 possible leads for now.
Kronas Kronglic |
Kronas grimaces at the mention of the bottle "Oh! Umm, did somebody else pick that up? When the door opened, I sort of forgot about the bottle." he says with a nervous giggle.
I think we had a couple of votes for checking out the wall of names first, and I'm certainly down with that... though I'm not entirely clear on where that is.
Adnan Brumbie |
the wall of names sounds good to me
-Posted with Wayfinder
GM kuey |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
On to the Wall of Names it is.
You head out of the building and to the Wall of Names. Created in 4330 AR, the monument is a curving wall of black glass that stands atop a small hill at the western edge of the lodge’s grounds. Trees surround the hill, providing ample shade and privacy for those visiting the wall to remember fallen comrades. Carved into the wall are the name and date of death of every Pathfinder killed in the course of duty since the Society was formed, and most entries also include a sentence or two summarizing either the agent’s greatest accomplishments or how she died.
Baron Rysalius Starnon, Deceased 4715 AR. Died heroically to protect his fellow Pathfinder from a tentacled horror.
Admiral "Dent" Zhebugbug. Deceased 4712 AR. Lost with his companions Ksenia and BaddaDing in the bowels of the Blakros Museum.
By the way, there’s an actual Wall of Names Facebook page, where you can leave an eulogy for any of your characters that fall along the way. :)
The group of you take some time to scour through the names, and eventually you find the three names mentioned in Adolphus’ note scattered about the wall, supposedly of bogus Pathfinders. (see maps and handouts for their names and eulogies) Strangely, certain phrases were underlined.
Xander Draft |
knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
"Guys these are the portfolio's of the three failed aspirants I don't think the pattern is a coincidence, thoughts anyone?
Kronas Kronglic |
Hehe, I didn't know that about the facebook group :)
Know. Local: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
"Failed aspirants... By jingo, you're right!" Kronas exclaims. Hr then starts pacing, apparently deep in thought.
If they have profiles, does that mean people still worship them? Would Kronas know if they have any temples or something in Absalom?
GM kuey |
So where to next? There are 2 other possible leads from Selmius and Adolphus' notes.
Katswiri |
Knowledge: History: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
"Hm. Fascinating. All tied to failed aspirants who tried to take the test of the starstone, all three marked as dead in consecutive years. Curious..." Katswiri will take notes, copying the relevant sections of the wall. "Perhaps more will be made clear if we find Fimbrik, or at least more information about him. I think we should visit the Arcanimirium next. The tomb seems like the most likely clue to involve danger, and I would like to be as prepared as possible before investigating that."
Kronas Kronglic |
Know. Local: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 Doh! (assuming 15 DC)
Bother! There must be something more to this, if I can just get my head in gear... ooh, butterfly!
Kronas stops pacing and admires a passing insect while Katswiri takes her notes. "That sounds quite reasonable Katswiri. I haven't always been a fan of reasonable, but there's a first time for everything... although, I seem to remember those notes had the location of Fimbrik's home in them. Perhaps we could just drop by on the way to the Arcanimirium, just in case?"
Katswiri |
"That seems like a good idea Kronas. Perhaps Fimbrik is still alive, or maybe we will find something left in his dwelling. It seems worth investigating on the way to the Arcanimirium, at least. Shall we go?"
Kronas Kronglic |
Kronas nods enthusiastically, eager to continue the investigation.
I'm ready when everyone else is :)
GM kuey |
For the 2nd knowledge check in response to Kronas' question about the worship of the failed aspirants, anyone can make if it they're trained, not just Kronas. Just in case there's any misunderstanding as I didn't see anyone else roll for it.
Onto Fimbrik.
The party heads to the Wise Quarter, where the Arcanamirium is located. It is not only the largest and oldest school in Absalom, but it is quite possibly the most prestigious arcane academy in the entire Inner Sea region of Golarion. Within the sprawling grounds are also the dwellings of a number of wizards, mages and sorcerers of respectable standing within the academy. In Foster's notes is recorded the address of Fimbrik the Wizard, and although that would have been almost four hundred years ago, speaking with representatives of the Arcanamirium confirms Fimbrik’s address. However, everyone indicates having not heard from the gnome in several years.
You arrive at the stated address - an impressive stone dwelling reminiscent of what one might expect from an eccentric wizard’s home. A brick step leads to Fimbrik’s front entrance. Numerous stacks of newspapers are piled around the door and crammed into a thin slot at its base. Each rounded corner of the building has a large glass window (the blue curved lines) of which, as you approach, appears to be unshuttered and the curtains drawn open. see maps and handouts
Xander Draft |
Xander follows the group as they approach the house.
"Well this doesnt look good" Xander points to the signs of a prolonged absence with the stacks of newspaper.
{b]"Knock first or check out the surroundings first?"[/b] Xander asks his attention more toward scanning the area around the party as the fact that the place looks deserted yet everything looks open and inviting is making him suspicous.
Adnan Brumbie |
Adnan goes up to each window and tries to look inside, hopping up and down if necessary.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Katswiri |
Katswiri gives a nod to Talia, and stays back away from the windows while her companions look inside.
Kronas Kronglic |
Kronas, taking Adnans lead, scampers off to the nearest window with a big grin "I've always wanted to see inside a wizards home." and sticks his face right up to the glass.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Window on the right, unless Adnan wants that one :)
GM kuey |
Ok, Adnan will go clockwise and Kronas anticlockwise then.
Adnan makes his way to the left, and manages to peer through the window by standing on his tiptoes. He sees a massive room occupied by a bed, a dresser and a desk. A set of double doors leads out of the room, presumably to the living room. The room is otherwise empty.
At the same time, Kronas makes his way to the right. He looks through the window into what appears to be a study, containing a round table surrounded by chairs, and the walls replete with tome-laden bookshelves. In the room is an elderly gnome garbed in noble attire with a dapper rounded hat on his head and a cane tipped with a brilliant glowing gem in his hand. He appears to be perusing his book collection, with his back facing the window, and does not appear to have noticed Kronas.
maps updated
Kronas Kronglic |
Kronas gasps and runs back to the main group at the front door "He's here! He's here!" he says excitedly "A fellow Gnome. It must be Fimbrik!" He pauses and looks expectantly at the others "What do we do? Do we just knock on the door?"
Adnan Brumbie |
clockwise is what I was going to say when I saw the question. :)
Adnan continues circling the house looking in windows.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Katswiri |
"He's really here, after all this time. To think of the things he must have seen..." Katswiri's voice trails off in thought. "That seems sensible, Kronas. We are here to talk to him after all."
Katswiri will gesture at the door and pause for a few moments in concentration, as she casts Detect Magic on the door and surroundings. Unless she finds something dangerous or disturbing from this, she will then step forward and knock on the door.
GM kuey |
Adnan reaches the northwestern window, and sees pretty much the same thing, albeit from another angle.
Katswiri does not detect any magical aura on the door nor the immediate area outside the house. As she steps towards the door, she notices that the lock is rusty. She knocks on the door several times, but there is no response from within the house, no matter how loudly or how many times she knocks.
Kronas Kronglic |
"Well that's rude!" Kronas says indignantly. He runs back to the window and, resisting the urge to pull faces through the glass, decides to create a little noise.
Using ghost sound to create a sound of heavy footsteps skipping from the Gnomes desk towards the window.
If the gnome turns around, Kronas waves and points to the front door.
Katswiri |
"Hm." Katswiri finishes pounding on the door, and follows Kronas over to the window. She peers through the glass at Fimbrik and looks around at Kronas to see if Fimbrik responds.
Xander Draft |
Xander waits by the door, as the others are doing so.
"Well Talia if our companions continue to be unsuccessful in getting Fimbriks attention you might have to pick the lock."
GM kuey |
When Kronas and Katwiri reaches the window, Kronas still sees Fimbrik perusing his book collections. Interestingly, he does not react at all to the sounds of heavy footsteps. Technically you don't have line of effect for the spell to take effect inside the room, but I'll take it you do it on the window or something. :)
For Kronas and Katswiri
Around this time, Adnan circles round to the northeastern window.
Katswiri |
Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Katswiri knocks on the window and frowns. Then she smiles and gestures at her ears. "Perhaps he is deaf. I know that I have more than once been in a situation like this with visitors." She gestures, and light blossoms on the outer edge of the window, high enough to shine down on Fimbrik and hopefully catch his attention. If he doesn't look up, Katswiri will detect magic on the room through the window to see if there is some magical effect that is making it difficult to contact him.
GM kuey |
With the slightly overcast sky and the incessant rain, the glow of Katswiri's light is painfully obvious. However, Fimbrik the gnome still does not react.
Katswiri, sorry you can't detect magic through the closed window. The magic emanates from you so would be stopped by the window as there is no line of effect. However, you may make another will save. Kronas, you can make two.
Kronas Kronglic |
Woops, didn't know about line of effect. I shall remember from now on though :)
Will Save 1: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
Will Save 2: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
"What are the chances he might be blind as well?" Kronas asks with a smile, even though he is clearly irritated at being ignored. A few seconds later a thought occurs to him and his face light up "Ah, What if that glowing stone is some sort of foul magic, paralysing the poor fellow? Why it must be our civic duty to break into his home and save him from the clutches of the dark arts... right?"
Without waiting for a reply he starts shouting at Talia and Xander "Have at it guys! We must gain ingress to this establishment. The owner may be in grave peril!"
Katswiri |
Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Detect magic penetrates barriers (up to a foot of stone or an inch of common metal, but is blocked by lead), so will generally go through most windows, walls or doors.
GM kuey |
Ah yes, that's true! Forgot about that!
Neither Kronas or Katswiri see anything strange about the behaviour of Fimbrik, but it is rather suspcious that he seems hard of hearing and possibly partially blind. As Kronas heads back towards the rest of the party, Katswiri calls on her divine power to see magical aura. Lo and behold, the figure of Fimbrik is glowing with a moderate magical aura.
Katswiri, retcon my earlier post at the front door.
When you cast detect magic at the door, you can detect faint magic from the other side and, strangely, an occasional moderate magical aura as well. However, as you have no line of sight, you can't identify the aura.
Xander Draft |
Xander hears Kronas shout and turns to Talia his draconic red eyes focused on her for a second as if looking for something in particular.
"Well Talia you heard the fellow, feel free to open the door."
Xander draws his massive greatsword and waits blade at the ready in case attackers are lurking nearby inside the building.
Katswiri |
Knowledge:Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Katswiri peers hard in concentration through the glass. "Hm, facinating..." She calls back to Kronas as he heads back toward the party. "There is something magical going on here. Fimbrik's enchanted somehow, and the aura is stronger than most I have encountered, but I do not recognize it. There could be many possible explanations for a wizard to be enchanted, however. Adnan, Kronas, have either of you seen such an aura before?"
Kronas Kronglic |
Kronas scuttles back to the window and stands beside Katswiri, slightly out of breath from all the running back and forth (he doesn't seem to simply walk anywhere). Looking up to his fellow initiate he says "I knew it! He must be under some sort of holding spell." his excitement growing "Let's see, I'm no expert on auras, but here goes nothing..." He then cracks his knuckles and prepares to cast his spell.
Casts detect magic. Know. Arcana: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
"Oooh, it is prettyful!" he continues watching the swirling colours, mesmerised by the powerful aura.
Katswiri |
"He could be, although he seems to be moving around a little bit to look at books. It could be a compulsion, or some enchantment to aid focus while researching, or he could be a construct made to look like Fimbrik searching his library for something. Either way, we should try to enter and see if he needs help."
Katswiri will return back to the group at the door. "Once the door is open, wait a moment for Kronas and I to check the area for magics. There is something magical beyond the door, which is unsurprising for a wizard's residence, and we don't know if it is dangerous."
Kronas Kronglic |
"Hmm..." Kronas tears his eyes away from the colourful display to see Katswiri already walking towards the others in front of the door, and sprints after her. He then gawks at the great sword in the Paladin's hand while Katswiri warns of magic Look at the size of that blade! Note to self, do not annoy Xander...
GM kuey |
Haven't heard from Talia so would bot her for this bit. Also, will move Adnan to the front entrance. I believe he would have circled round by now.
Talia whips out her thieves' tools, first checking that no one is looking. The house is quite set in from the main thoroughfare and the area is largely deserted. (Off to admire the gallant Sir Reinhart?) With a few quick twists, she deftly unlocks the door. Xander steps up, and pushes open the door, though not stepping in.
Through the wide front door, you see see a large sofa sitting awkwardly near the entrance, facing toward the center of the room. Sets of chairs and tables are arranged throughout, and statues of grandiose gnomes occupy the corners of the room. A set of stairs at the northern edge of the chamber leads downstairs, while a second set of stairs leads up. map updated
Without stepping in, Katswiri and Kronas clearly sees a faint magical aura radiating from the floor of the living room.
Katswiri |
Knowledge:Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Katswiri frowns in concentration at the room, hand outstretched. "There is a weak spell on the floor, but I do not recognize it. Kronas, is this something you recognize?"
Kronas Kronglic |
Know. Arcana: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Kronas joins in, casting his own spell by waving his hands in front of his face. Turning to look Katswiri in the eye, he shrugs "I'm not sure either... maybe it's electrified? If someone steps inside ZZZAAAAP!" he punctuates the sentence by shaking as if he has been struck by lightning. Looking around his feet he asks "What if we throw one of these old newspapers inside first?"
GM kuey |
The stack of newspapers land on the next to the sofa. And... that's about it. You do note though that no dust is stirred up when the newspaper lands.