Anthys |
Should we investigate the physical Wall of Names itself, or ask around for Hollis Thorne? Have any of you heard that name, either as a person or as some feature? Is there a Hollis street or neighborhood?
Vindlér Far-seer |
Knowledge History (untrained): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 additional +2 if Hollis is a dwarf
"Not totally sure of the name myself, but I'm thinkin' we may want t' check the Wall. Seems like we heard a bit about Fimbrik adding names t' the Wall before. Might be a good plan to check there next.
Qioté Windrider |
"It appears no one has lived here for sometime, so I see no reason not to rest and look around. Feel free, Alan. Watch out fro more beetles, though!"
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
GM Fez |
The house is fairly quick to go through. You discover a basement where older editions of the paper are neatly stacked until about 2 years ago, where it appears they became too thick to be easily pulled through the mail slot. Free of dust and clearly labelled are two potions on the windowsill in the meeting room, one potion of Cure Moderate Wounds and one potion of Lesser Restoration.
As the sun starts arcing higher in the sky your group arrives at the Wall of Names on the grounds of the Grand Lodge. 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 and provide 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 wall's construction, and most entries also contain a sentence or two summarizing the either the agent's greatest accomplishments or how she died.
You quickly find the names Doulgonlir Caskmail, Hollis 'Evil Grin' Thorne, and Karina Clamp as well as their inscriptions See Handouts 3&4.
Qioté Windrider |
Qioté looks at the names on the wall, but nothing makes much sense to him.
Anthys |
There does seem to be some sort of code hidden here, but I can't make any sense of it yet. The names didn't mean anything to Drandle Dreng, but might he be able to point us to a scholar in the Society? Or perhaps Janira or Heryn? Storytellers and barkeepers both tend to pick up useful information. Dreng did say we should ask for help if we need it.
The other option is to check the crypt.
Anthys will examine the inscriptions closely - perhaps he might be able to figure out that a prior name was obliterated, or the inscriptions are illusory, or something else is at work.
Perception, taking 20: 20 + 2 = 22
Vindlér Far-seer |
Vindlér stares at the wall for a long while, a look of consternation in his deep, dark eyes. He quietly tugs at his beard as he reads the inscriptions several times over, then finally straightens up and clears his throat.
"You might be right, Anthys. I haven't any idea what we were meant to find from these names, but perhaps some more experienced agents would be able to enlighten us. I didn't get to talk to that Janira, but if ya think she might know a thing or two, it could be worth our time to check in with her. Should we head back to the Wisp or did she say she'd be someplace else?"
As a final resort, Vindlér begins prodding at the Wall with his hands and pressing his ear up against it, wondering if there might be some kind of secret compartment or other such feature hidden in the stone. He summoned all of his Dwarven upbringing to the attempt to find any clues.
Perception, taking 20+Stonecunning: 20 + 8 + 2 = 30
Alan Wolfpack |
Alan struggled with the inscriptions. "Failed to maintain the sixteen poses? Lived a long life of silence and serenity? Aren't these supposed to be Pathfinders who died in the course of duty? These don't seem very impressive."
He tries to compare these particular inscriptions with the others.
Do these stand out in terms of tone or deed? Trying to identify a pattern here.
"Perhaps it is wise to consult with someone more experience."
GM Fez |
All of the stonework is solid and there is nothing to indicate tampering. Based on the note found under the Wisp the names and deeds of these 'Pathfinders' is demonstrably false, but the entries into the Wall of Names is legitimate.
Being on the grounds of the Grand Lodge, and remembering what Janira said earlier, it is not difficult to track the Halfling down. Asking her about the inscriptions causes her to hum to herself in thought. She snaps her fingers as inspiration strikes, "Aspirants! All of the inscriptions have to deal with failed Aspirants for the Test of the Starstone. Sixteen poses was Oggo...Silence and Serenity...the Muted God...and Screaming Fear was...Simpar? No, no, no...Zimpar!"
She looks impressed with you, "Sounds like your investigation is interesting if you're digging into the failed Aspirants. They have their own temple dedicated to them on God's Way. Is there anything else you guys need help with?"
Where to next?
Qioté Windrider |
"Know anyone we can ask about respectfully opening a crypt?"
GM Fez |
"The best thing to do would be to bring incense for the departed." 5 gp worth should do.
Janira shoos you on your way and you soon find yourselves in front of a necropolis surrounded by a high fence. You can't help but to notice that this is in the better part of town and that guards patrol fairly often. The particular caretaker for the necropolis today is a very somber woman in the dark robes of Pharasman clergy. Her most distinguishing characteristic is the streak of white hair shooting from her temple amidst her thick, dark hair. She stares quietly as you approach her.
Anthys |
Anthys remarks quietly to Vindler, I think the halfling is the most persuasive speaker among us, but rather than leave things to chance might you offer him Abadar's blessing as I have seen you do before?
Vindlér Far-seer |
"It would be my pleasure, Vindlér responds. He subtly shifts behind Qioté and places a hand on the halfling's back. "Abadar guide you in your pursuit of justice and civility," he whispers as they move along toward the woman. A soft glow emanates from his hand.
Casting guidance. +1 to your skill checks. Could also work for attack rolls, but let's avoid that for now, shall we? ;)
Vindlér Far-seer |
Oh yeah. That would have been smart. Forgot about that one because I'm already planning on changing my domain to the Tactics inquisition after we finish this scenario. Seems like it would sync well with the whole teamwork feat experiment.
Qioté Windrider |
Qioté stops to pick up incense before they go, and then waves to the woman.
"Hello, miss. We are looking for the tomb of a fellow Pathfinder, years passed now, a stonecutter named Arkath. It seems, to be blunt, that he left us a key to a mystery, and we would like to pay our respects and take a look. We have brought some incense as well, to help restock your supply for the holy ceremonies to honor our fallen brothers and sisters. Could you please help us?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 1 = 18
GM Fez |
Sorry to leave you guys hanging like that. I'm back and we should be chugging right along.
The woman gives everyone a brief smile, and though it is small it sends light into her eyes. She nods shallowly and says, "I see. Welcome to this necropolis, guarded by my Lady of Fate. My name is Hadriana and I would be more than pleased to assist you however I can. Let us walk through Pharasma's domain."
Hadriana guides your group through the headstones and crypts before stopping before a particular mausoleum. Written large across in bold font, ARKATH, STONE MASON, stands out. She quietly opens the door to the mausoleum before ushering you inside. Waiting by the threshold she speaks softly once more, "All I ask during your search is that you remain respectful of the departed. Do this and I will offer what other assistance I can."
The mausoleum is filled with cobwebs and as light enters the chamber you see small vermin scurry away. A sarcophagus lies in the center of this chamber, looking undisturbed since Arkath was entombed within.
Vindlér Far-seer |
Vindlér enters the tomb, giving a low bow to the priestess as he does so. Our thanks, Lady Hadriana. We shall be mindful of the dead and their domains. After all, if one cannot even be so civil as to respect the departed, then what civility can remain in the world? As for assistance, I do have a question. This man, Arkath: is there any record of special requests made by him or his family in the construction of his tomb? Anything that stands out from the usual makings of a mausoleum?" As he asks his question, Vindlér's eyes scan the structure, looking for any unusual stonework again that might conceal hidden passages or the like.
Perception+Stonecunning: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 2 = 16
GM Fez |
Hadriana gives a slight shake of her head, "No, the only request made was that his remains be guarded. He gave a rather large donation to the church and the local constabulary to ensure that his remains were not defiled or disturbed in any way."
The structure seems sound, nothing that might conceal passages or hidden cubbies.
Qioté Windrider |
Qioté looks around, somberly and respectfully, but still curious.
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
"Is there a way to open this sarcophagus without disturbing his remains?"
GM Fez |
Hadriana pauses in thought. After you a point where you don't expect a response she speaks up, "Allow me to pray to my Lady, then we shall open the sarcophagus." She makes the Spiral of Pharasma over her heart and speaks quietly, almost to herself.
Hadriana assists you in opening the sarcophagus and gently leans the heavy stone lid against the side. Within the sarcophagus are the old bones of Arkath, wearing the tattered remains of clothing from long ago. "Please be careful with the remains, lest my Lady's wrath be incurred.
Qioté Windrider |
"Amen."
Qioté looks over the contents without touching, mumbling a prayer as he does so.
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Vindlér Far-seer |
Vindlér similarly examines the tomb, making sure not to disturb the remains inside.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Vindlér Far-seer |
Confounded by the lack of clues provided by the mausoleum and it's resident, Vindlér pulls out the notes the group had collected from the Wounded Wisp and from Fimbrik's house, looking for some clue as to what they should be looking for. After reading and re-reading the notes a few times, he pauses as he looks over Fimbrik's letter, then gives the sarcophagus a sidelong glance and says aloud, as if speaking to the corpse, "Wiffle?"
Qioté Windrider |
"If only he could talk. Anyone have any methods of divination?"
GM Fez |
Hadriana keeps her eyes closed and stops humming, but she gives a small smile, "That is something beyond what I can do until I learn more of Pharasma's mysteries." She continues humming quietly after.
You can respectfully touch the body. You know, so long as you're not using the skull as a puppet or anything.
Anthys |
Anthys pauses a minute, says Pharasma, we humbly ask you to forgive this intrusion, and looks more closely, moving the corpse's hands and arms to look under them, and around the neck.
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
GM Fez |
As Anthys is gently moving the body to and fro the jaw of the skeleton falls open. Inside he sees a glint of silver. Picking it up it is a small coin with the symbol of the Open Road emblazoned on both sides. It is tucked away just as Hadriana finishes humming her song to Pharasma and she opens her eyes. In her irises you can faintly see Pharasma's spiral. "Let me know when everyone is ready to leave and done paying their respects."
Vindlér Far-seer |
Vindlér's eyes eyes suddenly darken as they follow the coin in Anthys's hand from the mouth of the corpse to his pocket. The black of his retinas expands out to fill his entire eye, but shining points of light begin to appear out of the darkness.
Cast Detect Magic, but I can't make the Spellcraft DC because I don't have it trained. Womp womp.
Vindlér Far-seer |
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Vindlér recognizes the magical auras emanating around the coin, and even around the priestess, but is unable to accurately identify the nature of the auras.
Vindlér Far-seer |
Perhaps that would be best, my friend. I'm having some trouble rolling well perceiving the truth of the magics within this coin. Before we go, though, Lady Hadriana, does this coin or any similar token bear any significance in Pharasma's teachings?
Qioté Windrider |
"Excellent idea! Me, I know little of such things... Thank you, priestess!"
Qioté starts to return everything (other than the coin) back to the way it was.
GM Fez |
Hadriana gives the small smile you've become familiar with, "It is always my pleasure to help pilgrims walking Pharasma's spiral. Take care of yourselves, there is no need to meet my Lady before your time is up."
You head back to the Grand Lodge coin in hand and find Janira reading through Pathfinder Chronicles Issue 44 on the main grounds under a tree. She perks up when she sees you again and asks how the investigation is going. Explaining your predicament she looks at the coin and smiles explaining it is a Pathfinder Coin see spoiler above. She pulls out her own Wayfinder and places the coin within. It begins to levitate and give several lazy rotations before a message is played.
"The path and chamber are complete, hidden behind the nameplate of the requested aspirant and guarded by the word you requested. Fimbrik will add more."
GM Fez |
Janira slowly puts away her Wayfinder and hands the Pathfinder Coin back to you. "That does seem to be the way the clues are pointing you, and with a new aspirant for the Test of the Starstone today there won't be anyone around to stop you from looking around. I would make sure you've followed every lead as thoroughly as you could before heading off though..."
Janira doesn't know just how much information you guys have gathered.
Vindlér Far-seer |
"Thank you once again for your help, Janira. We shall do our best to be thorough. So far our investigations have taken us to some...unexpected places, but I think this clue, and your assistance, is helping us near the end of our search. Though who knows, perhaps this particular mystery goes deeper than we suspected. In the meantime, Abadar be with you." Vindlér accepts the coin from Janira, stowing it in his pocket for the time being. He turns to Anthys, Alan, and Qioté, "to the Temple of the Aspirants then?"
GM Fez |
The trip to the Shrine of Failed Aspirants is quick and quiet as the city guard and the few caretakers have left to watch Sir Reinhart's attempt at the test of the Starstone. On the way there you hear that he is attempting to charge his steed across the chasm.
The antechamber is quiet as you arrive through the doors. This monumental chamber stretches eighty feet from end to end, with a ceiling suspended thirty feet from the floor by great pillars. Seven arched passages lead to humble rooms, each of which contains a polished stone altar dedicated to one of the failed aspirants who attempted the Test of the Starstone.