GM Bold Strider |
Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
The bear easily resists Falco's charms and the sudden release of the horse means that Kalkamedes now tries to charge headlong into the black bear's berry patch.
CMB @ Titian-14+2CMD: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
The man breaks free and moves headlong into the maw of the black bear as it runs over to the man and tries to take him down with its teeth.
Black Bear Bite: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Initiative:
1st: Falco; Titian; Jonah; Pandoor
2nd: Black Bear; Kalkamedes @ 13 damage
Pandoor Flaxseed |
Pandoor rushes to where the bear stands and displays a cone of bubbles and colors.
Color spray DC 16
Falco Flaxseed |
Note: We still have a rope tied around Kalkamedes so could everyone aid to hold him back or something? I know it's probably not likely but getting than Kalkamedes getting devoured....
Just in case:
Str or CMB aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
---
Falco curses and tries to frighten the bear again.
Let's keep trying this wand. This seems the best situation to use it. I'm not sure when else it will even be feasible, especially in a few levels.
wand of cause fear: DC 11 Will save or be very afraid!
GM Bold Strider |
Will Saves - DCs 16/11: 2d20 ⇒ (7, 20) = 27
@Falco: I gave you the bump of +2 to Titian's CMD for the help holding him back. Even with +6 for all three helping, he still would have broke free.
The black bear looks a bit woozy from the blast of rainbows summoned into his face but doesn't seem afraid.
Initiative:
1st: Falco; Titian; Jonah; Pandoor
2nd: Black Bear; Kalkamedes @ 13 damage
Titian Flaxseed |
Titian grits his teeth and draws his weapon in preparation of attacking the poor, beautiful animal of nature. "Any other ideas before I attack this poor creature?" Titian asks, weighing the protection of the party's charge over the life of an animal. Sword, do you have any ideas?" He says over his shoulder, feeling slightly foolish.
Map isn't showing up for me, not sure if there is one.
If there is no better choice, power attack Yogi: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 1 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 3 = 14
GM Bold Strider |
Titian moves forward and cuts into the bear with his sword as the creature lays stunned on the ground. The rainbow blast seems to have knocked it unconscious as it doesn't react when you give it a second's reprieve.
Kalkamedes quickly takes off through the glade at his full pace, unworried and unhindered by his injuries.
"Don't forget to heal Kalkamedes, half-pints!" yells the sword.
Jonah quickly catches him with his Longstrider and heals the man with his wand of Cure Light Wounds.
Three charges from the wand.
As you wander through the woods, you find the remnants of a bandit attack. A burned cart can be found smoldering as you come across a three-way intersection that Kalkamedes has chosen to follow for a bit. It seems that the bandits have left the area due to the late hour, however. Perhaps, your slow, methodical nature has a benefit.
After about another hour of following Kalkamedes, you find the trail leads to a large valley. The light of the sinking moon washing the sub-alpine valley ahead in silvery light. A squat, stone bunker crafted of dark rock sits nestled among the low trees, its domed roof barely peeking out from above the leafy canopy. As a cloud passes over the moon, the entire structure seems to fade from view, leaving a momentary void before the moon's light again illuminates it. Only a single entryway mars the smooth, windowless facade of the lone building.
The ex-Pathfinder moves quickly to the entrance and opens the bunker. Leading you to a ten-foot wide stone archway, its keystone inscribed with a seven-pointed star wreathed in ancient markings, offers ingress into an unlit corridor built of cut stone blocks. Weathered script snakes its way up and down each side of the entrance.
Paw prints of dried mud left by resident animals show regular ingress and egress.
Falco Flaxseed |
Linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Falco thinks back to the rudimentary lessons on ancient Thassilonian, sounding the words out under his breath before translating them aloud, ""Enter the Black Edifice, locus of the Thrallkeepers, servants of the Runelord of Sloth."
"Seems he wants to go in. Let's try to be more careful and keep him on a tighter leash. Who knows what waits within?"
GM Bold Strider |
"Keep him on a tighter leash? Pff... Besides that horse, you've been trailing after the lasso end the entire time." the sword says in a haughty tone as they follow Kalkamedes into the next room.
Steep stairs descend into this room, whose only other entrance is sealed by a massive set of iron double doors that block passage to the east and rest upon a dais of glistening black stone. To the west stands a statue of an elderly, robed man carved from the same dark stone, and in his hand he brandishes a slender golden wand that points toward the door. Ancient script winds around the statue's round base, and dried leaves, dirt, and small animal bones are scattered about the room.
The massive iron doors seem to contain neither trap nor lock, instead relying upon their sheer mass to deter trespassers.
An inscription on the black stone dais appears in Thassilonian when you enter the room.
Kalkamedes walks onto the dais towards the double doors and his body mass seems to shrink as his muscles wither under their own skin. He repeatedly attempts to walk through the closed doors, providing no assistance.
Falco Flaxseed |
Linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Falco scowls at the sword. "Why don't you hold the rope back then, smart-ass?" the halfling finally snaps at the weapon. "I have a feeling that wouldn't work too well and we'd be left with naught but frayed ends!"
Falco stomps down into the chamber and tries to calm himself by practicing his rusty Thassilonian again. He reads off, "Those that would dare believe they are strong enough to oppose us shall learn that their strength is their weakness and our weaknesses are our very strengths."
"Hmph! So then, it seems our weakness is what's needed here," he says pointedly to the sword. The wizard approaches and tries to open the way.
Str: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14
Pandoor Flaxseed |
"Master, let me help you!!" Pandoor rushes forward to help the wizard, bumping in Titian's shoulder.
Strength, aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4
Pandoor Flaxseed |
"Any help maybe?" squeeks Pandoor towards Titian and Jonah.
Pandoor Flaxseed |
"Well how unfortunate!"
The halfling stops aiding as it seems useless. He thinks about it a little while then his face lights up.
"I have an idea! Maybe there's some trick behind all of that!" And he looks at the door, wrinkling his eyes.
Casting detect magic and focusing on the door.
Jonah Flaxseed |
"Let me try, let me try! For once I could beat you at a game of sheer strength!" says the halfling playfully, flexing his nonexistant muscles before trying again.
Strength: 1d20 ⇒ 15
Strength: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Strength: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Falco Flaxseed |
Falco continues trying to push the door open with Jonah's help, ignoring the playful nature of his companion.
Str: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6
Str: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14
Str: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Pandoor Flaxseed |
"Oh! The wand is magical!" Pandoor jumps joyfully towards the statue and takes the wand.
Pandoor Flaxseed |
"Haha who wants free enfeeblement?" says Pandoor, pointing the wand dangerously in the halflings' direction.
Falco Flaxseed |
Falco sighs. "If I'm understanding this riddle correctly, I am the best candidate. Hit me with it."
Str dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Failing the save on purpose, that puts me to 3 Str.
After being hit with the beam, Falco gives all of his gear to Titian except his spell-component pouch and his pet frog and then tries again.
Str: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (7) - 4 = 3
Str: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (2) - 4 = -2
Str: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (6) - 4 = 2
Str: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (11) - 4 = 7
Str: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (12) - 4 = 8
GM Bold Strider |
Kalkamedes keeps running his head into the door over and over, clearly it will leave a mark in the morning.
The sword pipes up, having deduced what Falco has. "Ye bloody halflings. Use the wand on yourselves and help him open the door!"
You need people to help aid you in opening the door, likely with Enfeeblements all around.
Pandoor Flaxseed |
Pandoor uses the wand on himself and tries to help
Str dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 5 currently at 3
Strength check: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (10) - 4 = 6
Strength check: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (16) - 4 = 12
Strength check: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (17) - 4 = 13
Strength check: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (10) - 4 = 6
Strength check: 1d20 - 4 ⇒ (19) - 4 = 15
GM Bold Strider |
After expending 10 charges of the wand, nearly depleting it entirely (6 charges remaining), the halfling pair of Falco and Pandoor open the door.
1 round per blast and you made the DC on your 5th use.
As you step off the dais into the next area, you quickly find your strength returns to normal, much to the dismay of most of the party, but Titian feels much better about being the strongest again.
Kalkamedes quickly strides forwards as the sword on Titian's back commends Falco and Pandoor. "Those two halflings are the obvious leaders. I should be carried by them, not you Mr. Weakling." it mocks.
Suspended by thick chains, a massive metal cage shaped like a demon's head hangs over a dark shaft with no bottom in sight in the next room. The cage's door-by all appearances a menacing maw, filled with incisor-like fangs-hangs open to the west. There, a narrow bridge spans the short distance between the ledge and the cage. A small console on the north edge of the bridge bears a single lever.
Kalkamedes moves into the hanging cage and seems to wait patiently.
Pandoor Flaxseed |
Pandoor yells in joy: "Of course, Master Falco is the leader!" He hops happily in the cage, following Kalkhamedes
Jonah Flaxseed |
Jonah blinks as he considers the fact that being physically weak has for once allowed them to move further in their mission.
"Shall we try to use that cage? Everyone in, I'm pulling that level!"
... and he will!
GM Bold Strider |
Although it looks foreboding, the Thrallkeepers' lift mechanism is quite safe. It still functions well, even millennia later, hinting at a level of engineering now lost to the continent. The lever in the console presently sits in the middle of three positions. Jonah pulls the lever downward after the other three halflings join him in the cage with Kalkamedes. The demon head's mouth closes and the cage begins to move downward.
Descending 200', the cage reach the bottom and a similar demon head is there. Once the cage's floor grate locks into place, the mouth/door of the elevator opens.
Palm-sized shards of jagged steel jut from halfway up the walls of this large cavern, bathing the cavern with a dark green light. A set of natural rock columns support the chamber's ceiling, which rises to a height of twenty feet. A small tunnel leads to the northeast, and several rounded alcoves branch off from the main cavern.
From directly in front of you, you see a circle of runes etched into the ground and inside sits a small gnome with pink hair. He immediately hops to his feet and yells at you. "Hey! You've found me! My name is Koth'Vaul and I've been trapped here for centuries by the Thrallkeepers! You should let me out!"
Falco Flaxseed |
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
For that last set, I'm guessing we need a 20 in both arcana and planes and not just one or the other.
Falco creeps forward cautiously with the others. "How have you stayed alive all that time? And who exactly captured you and put you here?"
GM Bold Strider |
I think so? From the way it is worded, that would make sense as I have seen "or" checks in scenarios.
"I am a gnome and there is preservation magic laced into the circle, lad!" he says cheerfully as Titian seems to offer his aid. "You need to scrape away part of the runes binding my form here."
"The Thrallkeepers captured me and placed me here! They thought I would be perfect bait for one of their horrendous summonses!"
Pandoor Flaxseed |
"Yes, indeed cousins! We should free him!" he steps forward and and when he notices the color of the gnome's hair he says "Oh, and you were blessed with a beautiful color! And you didn't suffer from the bleaching after a long time imprisoned down here! How wonderful!"
Falco Flaxseed |
"But if it does that could be tragic, right?" Falco shakes his head. "I don't know enough about bindings like this to predict the outcome if we free you. We should probably get a more skillful magician involved, like Master of Spells Aram Zey. How did Kalkamedes know that you were down here? Did you message him in some way? Seems more like mind control to me and a dangerous form at that. You could have killed him."
GM Bold Strider |
The gnome looks at the man and seems to react in surprise. "Ah, this man must be a direct descendant of Johanis!" Koth'Vaul remarks as the man wanders off towards the left and around a corner.
"He traveled with us a few centuries ago and is the spitting image of the man. When me and my sister were captured, Johanis escaped from the Thrallkeepers and we never saw him again, but he swore to rescue us."
"I am certain that this descendant is answering the call of his ancestors." Koth'Vaul surmises.
Falco Flaxseed |
Falco holds tight on the rope and motions for the others to tighten the leash before Kalkamedes can get out of sight. "Let's see what he's heading for first." Falco directs everyone to follow the pajama-d Pathfinder slowly.
GM Bold Strider |
"Where are you going!" yells the gnome as you walk towards the other alcove. "What's over there?! Is it my sister? I haven't seen her in ages."
"If she's over there, then release me so I can aid her!" he bellows. As you keep Kalkamedes on a leash, the man clearly wants to walk towards her. "Johanis's love for Sulianna must be what draws him to her."
As you peer around the corner, you see a fallen elven-warrior woman collapsed in a similar binding circle.
Titian Flaxseed |
Titian starts to move toward the gnome and the circle, but when Falco mentions following Kalkamedes, Titian remembers his primary mission and duty. Nodding, he follows after Kalkamedes, keeping an eye out for any sisters.
Lookin' for sisters!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Pandoor Flaxseed |
"Oh... I never thought of that this way! You're a genius Jonah!" shouts Pandoor. He then kneels near the edge of the circle and tries to remember what he learnt about these... but seems way too distracted by the turn of events to focus.
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Falco Flaxseed |
Falco furrows his brow in confusion. "Jonah, call on the powers of your goddess to heal her from afar. We need to corroborate that gnome's story."