DM Kludde |
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Basalte |
Earthly dot
DM Kludde |
Sarkoris is a long way off from Absalom. When we last met our heroes - in the presence of the noble Blakros, no less - the Worldwound was already a worry, but one that was far in the distance. Out here, the demon threat is part of everyday life.
Gundrun is a ramshackle village built on the remains of a once proud clanhold, yet it’s among the few proper settlements that eke out a living in what was once Sarkoris. From the rough yet sturdy buildings, a Mwangi man bedecked in polished, nearly golden plate armor emblazoned with the holy symbol of Iomedae steps onto the dirt road and approaches with a friendly wave. It’s Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury.
“Pathfinders, it’s good to see you again. Walk with me, if you will,” Jorsal requests as he turns toward a crude wooden structure. The he gives a quick signal to a standing guard and opens the door, motioning inwards. “Though the Pathfinder Society doesn’t have an official lodge here in Gundrun, the locals have allowed us to use part of Clefthorn Lodge as a war room to discuss upcoming missions and objectives. Please take a seat.” As the room begins to fill, he closes the door behind him and makes his way to a small desk, where a large parchment map supports a host of red and blue figurines.
“During the First Mendevian Crusade, an Iomedaean cleric named Ghalcor and his assistants built a once-secret weapon to combat the encroaching demonic threat; however, the fighting ended before he could put it to use. I say ‘once-secret’ because the demons heard about the weapon and attacked the tower when combat resumed years later. It seems Ghalcor was caught off-guard. He and his team died in the assault, but not before they triggered special safeguards to keep anyone from capturing the weapon—demon, crusader, or otherwise. Since the weapon was never used, no one knows quite what it does or even how it works. What we do know is that we’ve spotted demons scouting the site as if they intend to break in soon. I trust you understand how that could be worrisome.”
He picks up several of the blue figurines and moves them from Gundrun to a site labeled ‘Ghalcor’s Tower.’ “Queen Galfrey has sent some of her forces to hold the area around Ghalcor’s Tower, but she needs specialists to find a way in. You,” he says with pride, “are those specialists. Travel north to the tower, enter it, handle any hostiles, and find out how the weapon works; you may also be called on to arm and even activate it, if circumstances demand. A brigade of Nerosyan’s crusaders is already on-site awaiting your arrival, and the esteemed Ollysta Zadrian is due to arrive soon with a small contingent to reinforce their position. She may have more details once you arrive.
“Make haste, and may the Inheritor guide your actions.”
Putting in the first post for gameplay, because I'll have less time on monday morning. Feel free to already start asking questions, and to roll K(Religion) or K(History). official start is on monday...
Basalte |
A massive, yet not towering mass of stone and earth walks into the lounge where the Venture-Captain has the Pathfinders waiting - an uncommon sight indeed! Its body seems made of granite, and while it appears to be chipped in many places, the whole of it appears invulnerable, unbreakable, formidable. A beard of orange and red crystal even make it look like a dwarf of sorts.
The creature - for lack of a better word yet - is wearing a finely crafted, solid-looking breastplate armor, adorned with veils and shades not unlike those worn in northern Garund among the desert folk. Numerous weapons are his arsenal, ranging from sharp falchions in various metals to a massive spiked hammer. The no-nonsense attitude the creature has makes him look as if he was ready to enter the Worldwound itself, among the first lines of warriors.
"Name's Basalte. I'm Pahmet, from Osirion, but also Oread. Earth folk." he simply rumbles, is voice as low as the deep echoing voice of the earth. "No questions."
Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Elena Rasputin |
Elena repeats: "Travel north to the tower, enter it, handle any hostiles, and find out how the weapon works..then wait for the esteemed Ollysta Zadrian for more details ..what can possibly go wrong?"
DM Kludde |
Ghalcor was
decorated cleric of Iomedae during the First and Second Mendevian Crusades but died
in one of the opening skirmishes of the latter war. Ghalcor handpicked exemplary crusaders with sterling reputations for a secret project, and later studies showed that they heavily researched the nature of the planes and philosophical texts about morality before departing to construct their tower fortress. Ghalcor had a reputation as one who respected scholars of any background.
I've put up a map, and linked it up top. Please take the time to upload your icon and enter your initiative line. Let me know if your encounter difficulties.
Ruprecht Antillious |
Aw heck, I put my initial post into the discussion thread by mistake. I got a 28 on my Knowledge History roll, though!
DM Kludde |
Know. History 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28The elf in the corner remains silent. The only sounds he made was a slight tinkling of his numerous vials at his belt, bumping into each other. He also wielded an impressive looking spear kept at his side.
The few research notes that survived Ghalcor’s death were instrumental in developing other powerful works, such as the wardstones that kept the demons at bay until recently.
Basalte |
Basalte rumbles, hesitating to speak for ages. When he finally sets his mind on it, Ruprecht has already spoken.
I'll let Ruprecht share the information he knows, Basalte isn't much of a talker anyway.
Ruprecht Antillious |
Ruprecht recalled only a few things about the topic. "This Ghalcor was a decorated cleric of Iomedae during the Fist and Second Mendevian crusades. He perished sometime during the second one, however. He picked the best of the best for a secret project, researching the nature of the planes, and strange morality issues before they left to built their fortress. He was a fan of all types of scholars as well. His research also helped build the Wardstones as well."
DM Kludde |
“A good question. Jorsal says to Thekk If there is documentation about how the weapon works anywhere, it’s likely withiin the walls of the tower. I have faith that with a little ingenuity and skill, you will succeed.”
When the adventurers are ready to depart, Jorsal takes them outside and introduces them to a Kellid woman who wears a mask. She has asked to remain anonymous Jorsal explains so we will honour that request.. The woman conjures five horses, then starts something of a heated debate with Jorsal, repeatedly pointing at Shadow Lion's mount. As the argument comes to a crescendo, Jorsal finally passes some coin to the Kellid woman, who then proceeds to cast a speed-enhancing spell on Apples.
Good travels, my fellow Pathfinders, Jorsal wishes and good luck!
Ghalcor’s Tower looms over the surrounding wasteland on a plateau that plummets down to the defiled Sarkora River below. At a distance, the tower looks like nothing more than a large outcropping of weathered rock, though this is an illusion maintained by the towers safeguards to help it avoid attention; the mirage fades away at a distance of 100 feet to reveal an octagonal keep of smoothed stone with a central tower that soars more than 100 into the air. Surveying from the foundation to the top of the tower, there’s no obvious entrance; the structure appears sealed.
Several hundred crusaders have erected a palisade crowned with cold iron spikes around the tower. Dozens of tents fill the enclosed space. Nearest the tower stands a large command pavilion, where a dozen crusaders strategize over battle plans and maps.
As the adventurers approach, they are quickly stopped by a handful of crusaders State your business here! a tall crusaders shouts without a word of greeting. A clanking sound of a gauntleted hand on his shoulders stops him, and a female voice speaks Calm Hermann, this must be Jorsal's group. Ollysta Zadrian emerges from behind the tall crusader, not unimposing herself.
“Thank you for coming on such short notice, Pathfinders,” Ollysta states calmly. “I hope that Venture-Captain Jorsal explained the situation to you fully because the demonic scouts that we found surveying the tower, have sent for reinforcements. Our movements have not gone unnoticed, and we spotted a large contingent of demons and fiend-spawn moving this way. There are more numerous than we had anticipated, so we are relying on you to secure and prepare Ghalcor’s weapon. I intend to assist in the defense of the camp, and everyone is placing their faith in your success. Venture- Captain Jorsal chose each of you for a reason, and I am confident in his decision.” With that, she dons her helmet, walks out of the tent, and calls to her crusaders.
DM Kludde |
Brief question: do any of you carry wayfinders?
Basalte |
Oh, it's one of the things I always forget to get when I fill in my chronicle sheets. Basalte has the CS for the Confirmation which allows me to get one for 1pp. Is it possible to have a slight flashback and get one now please?
Shadow Lion |
"It's like Nerosyan all over again. We must hurry as these crusaders lives will be sacrificed to give us the time we need."
Shadow has a wayfinder. He also worships Abadar.
DM Kludde |
As the adventurers approach the tower of Galcor, their wayfinders emit a pulsing tone, and the compass needles spin with each beat Each pulse simultaneously sends minute motes of light dancing across the surface of the tower like ripples in a pond that emanate from the point closest to the way finder.
It seems there's a magical field here, in resonance with the magic of the wayfinders. The wayfinders could probably disrupt the field if the adventurers press on.
Ruprecht Antillious |
Spellcraft 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
K Arcana 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Ru couldn't help but peek at the others carrying their wayfinders. He noticed them acting quite strange as they proceeded. He described what he was able to figure out. "It seems there's a magical field here, in resonance with the magic of the wayfinders. The wayfinders could probably disrupt the field if we keep going. Maybe, these protections were to ensure the Pathfinders would be the only ones to enter."
DM Kludde |
It seems the pulses of light converge on a point at the northeast corner of the tower.
Ruprecht Antillious |
"The only way to find out is to go check this out," Ruorecht offers. He heads in that direction, looking for anything strange.
Perception 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
DM Kludde |
The light shines brighter and brighter as Ruprecht approaches the conversion point of the pulses. Illuminated by the light is a hidden, but unlocked door. Behind the door a curving corridor angles to the north before disappearing around a bend. The walls and floors bear gashes and holes, bearing testament to a terrible battle long ago, and a mass of corpses—some humanoid, some demonic, and all dead—litter the cold, tiled floor.
I'll put up a map when I get the chance - on the road now.
Basalte |
"Many died here." rumbles the oread, taking the lead. "I'll lead the way." His trusty adamantine falchion in hand, he moves forward with a cautious pace.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 with Darkvision
Ruprecht Antillious |
Ruorecht lets the rocky creature head forward first. If he wants to fall in some hidden pit, more power to him!
DM Kludde |
A hidden pit is not among the things in this corridor. Basalte does find a hidden pressure plate, that seems to be linked to some mechanism.
Ruprecht Antillious |
Ru waves the others back when warned of the pressure plates. he attempts to safely disable it.
Disable device 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
DM Kludde |
Without much difficulty, Ruprecht disarms the triggering device.
It turns out the pressure plate was not the only trap in the hallway. There's another trigger a bit further down
Basalte |
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Elena Rasputin |
Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26
"Watch out people, there seems to be another trigger a bit further down"
Elena will cast virtue and guidance on Ruprecht.
"Think you can disable another one?" She asks as she looks at Ruprecht
And just in case casting guidance and virtue on myself as well
Basalte |
As Elena announces the presence of another trap, Basalte remains wary of his surroundings and takes a few steps back to keep a safe distance with Ruprecht.
Ruprecht Antillious |
If the crew stays back, the elf will take acrack at the new trap.
Disable device 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 13 + 1 = 18
DM Kludde |
Ruprecht sits down to work on disabling the trap, but unfortunately for the crypt breaker, he applies too much pressure as he works on it. A click can be heard as the direct surrounding of the elf bursts into flame and light.
Damage: 9d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 3, 5, 2, 3, 6, 4, 3) = 31 DC 17 RFX for half
Shadow Lion |
Shadow stays back as his fellow Pathfinders find and disable the traps. He stays in his boars saddle as he is rather slow dressed in his full O yoroi armor. His well hiddend behind the armors face piece shaped like the face of a roaring lion. As the elf bursts in to flames disabling the second trap Shadow can only look on it shock. "By the golden key of Abadar I hope we still have a trap expert."
It hasn't come up yet but Shadow has a banner on his mount Apples. If you are in visual range it adds +2 vs Fear and +1 on charges.
Ruprecht Antillious |
Elena, I added the +1 to my disable check.
Reflex 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Ru pulls out his Cure Light Wounds wand, and asks if anyone in the party can use it on him.
CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Shadow Lion |
Not terribly familiar with the crypt breaker alchemist, but if you can make extracts you can use spell trigger items for spells on your extract list.
Ruprecht Antillious |
I can make extracts, so I can use the wand then? Excellently!
DM Kludde |
The corridor ends into a chamber on some sort. Flowing script of inlaid silver lines the polished walls of this octagonal chamber. A thick, iron door reinforced by four thick, horizontal bars of stone blocks the way to the westt. A niche in the north wall contains a glass octagonal prism clasped between a set of steel prongs. Liquid that glows with a blue-white radiance fills much of the prism’s interior. A stout lever is set into the wall next to the door.
Each of the four bars across the door has four dials, each numbered from zero to nine with an eleventh blank facet, and each bar also bears a unique inscription in Common and Celestial (See map).
Ruprecht Antillious |
"Hmmm, this is quite tricky. Any ideas on gaining entrance? Perhaps the number on the dial has to match the number of capital letters in each line? After that last firebomb, I don't really want to be guessing in this place."
Shadow Lion |
Shadow takes a look at the inscription. "It sounds like someone's heroic deeds. Perhaps someone may put them together with an honorable person from the past."
DM Kludde |
I'll need a K(History), K(Religion) or Intelligence check to make sense of the writings
Basalte |
"I have no idea, but Ghalcor was a faithful, yes? Maybe it has something to do with that."
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
DM Kludde |
Basalte recognises that the inscriptions refer to the acts of Iomedae, of which he recalls several (See handouts on map)