GM Baerlie |
The Blakros Museum rises into the night sky, its single black spire severing the full moon in twain. The black iron gates surrounding the exhibition hall grind in protest against the wind. Beyond, the museum’s large oaken doors stand wide open, a silver-gray mist belching forth from the cavernous darkness within. You wonder how you ended up here, standing at the precipice of unknown terrors, and instantly Venture-Captain Adril Hestram’s wide looming face is conjured into your minds’ eye. His booming words ring out from memory as clearly as he spoke them only one hour ago:
“The Blakros Museum is cursed. Some darkness has descended upon the place and those who enter are blasted with evil and left raving through its halls, more beast than men. The curator, Nigel Aldain, is an old associate of the Society, though he chose to leave our organization some years back after a disagreement.” Adril looked sheepish then, as if remembering some distasteful incident from his youth.
“Nigel has long denied the Society access to the Blakros Museum’s considerable collection of relics and scrolls, using his extensive contacts to nab several excellent finds right out from under us... he always had a nose for the hunt. Whatever is past between Nigel and the Society, he needs our help now. Perhaps if we can come to his aid, he may think on rejoining the Pathfinder Society, or at least offering to share his discoveries with us. Apparently the trouble at Blakros Museum began this morning, shortly after a wayward Pathfinder named Lugizar Trantos returned to Absalom after months spent in the Mwangi Expanse. Supposedly, instead of coming straight to the Lodge to report in, he went to Blakros, sold his finds to Nigel, and then disappeared with a hefty sum of gold. The few who glimpsed Lugizar claimed he was much changed by his time in the Mwangi... gaunt, his eyes yellowed and unfocused, a strange rasping cough that seemed to wrack his now wasted frame. Whatever he brought back with him, we believe it is the cause of the Blakros Museum’s ills. Root it out.”
Lugizar Trantos spent the better part of a year in the Mwangi. At first he wrote letters to his brother and wife, but after a few months these stopped coming and most gave him up for dead.
His letters spoke of a lucrative find at one point, three idols of dark wood carved in the shape of bearded monkeys.
The last of his letters evidenced an unhinged mind, and was covered in strange sketches of monkey paws. He described dark eyes glaring out from the mists. Shortly after his return to Absalom, the monkeys and apes in the Absalom Menagerie attacked their keepers during a feeding and fled the grounds into greater Absalom.
Much of the Mwangi’s darkest interior is ruled by a demon lord named Angazhan, who is described in an ancient text as a thing of primordial darkness, a foulbreathed demon who grunts prophecies of blood to apes
and madmen. The jungle is his beating heart.
The Gorilla King’s dread city was founded hundreds of years past by cultists who bowed to Angazhan. It is said they captured the souls of monkeys in the wood-grains of strange idols called Tik Taan. The monkeys’ tormented spirits became the slaves and playthings of Angazhan, who murdered their playful whims and replaced them with a deep-seated hate and wild madness. These Tik Taan are rumored to shred the sanity of anyone who spends too long in their presence.
The cultists who created the Tik Taan were hunted by a brave tribe of the Mwangi called the Jambala Jaeg. The Jambala Jaeg created ritual knives, crafted out of bone handles and obsidian blades, to slay the demons inside the Tik Taan. Legends speak of the deadly mists of the Tik Taan, ill humors that invade men’s hearts by seeping into their mouths. Anyone wearing a scarf or other protection against the airborne menace is immune to its effects.
Verhaal |
Just rolling to see what I know, I'll rp it later
Knowledge(local): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Knowledge(history): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Sherrinford Hope |
I get to add my Inspiration on both checks for free as I have ranks in them.
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (7) + (3) + 11 = 21
Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (18) + (2) + 10 = 30
Sherrinford stands staring up at the Blakros museum with reverent respect. Since hearing they were attending to such a unique incident the normally quiet investigator had something of a spring in his step. Pulling himself from his thoughts, the Taldan shares his extensive familiarity with the situation with his fellow Pathfinders.
"It would be remiss for me not to enlighten you all about what we're walking into here. Lugizar was more than changed by his experiences in the Mwangi, he was evidently unhinged. It's not overly surprising, it's entirely likely the monkey idols he was rumoured to have found were Tik Taan."
Sherrinford pauses for a moment as if finished, before realising that most of the other agents don't likely possess his knowledge of the idols. With a sigh, he continues.
"It's likely that the mist coming from the museum is as a result of the Tik Taan. If you believe the legends that mist can drive men to madness. I suggest you all cover your mouths with scarves or something similar, just incase the legends are true."
Heeding his own advice, Sherrinford wraps some of his spare scholars outfit around his mouth and nose.
Vrald Sehir |
Vrald Sheir, knight of Taldor stands stoic in front of the old museum.
"Bahh, children are scared of the Dark. A knight will stand firm against fear and foe."
Still, he wonders about the tales he has heard about the place.
Diplomacy(GI): 1d20 ⇒ 16
But it was nothing that Sherringford Hope hadn't already said.
Vrald purchases a scarf to wrap around his face.
"I feel like I should be in the desert, not in Absalom. Let us go in search of these Tik Taan."
The knight is the first to mount the steps, waiting impatiently for the other pathfinders to fall into line behind his armoured form.
Kristen Mensbane |
Kristen stands in front of the building, looking quizzically at it. "This place seems... off." she says to no one in particular.
Casting detect magic to see if there are any magical auras on the outside of the building.
She will also pull out a scroll of mage armor and cast it on herself. AC updated.
Jaegar Alvar Tarnshiav |
Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Jaegar awkwardly, and ineffectively, clears his throat. As he begins to speak, a slight phlegm gurgle breaks before his tenor voice becomes audible.
”…corroborate the story of my new friend Sherrinford. I also heard of Lugizar’s loose letters and Absalom’s ambling apes. Thank you for the guidance on the Tik Taan.”
Jaegar pulls the front collar of his cloak up to the bridge of his nose. His purple eyes dance on his milk-white skin like two amethysts sliding across hard-packed snow. He draws his bow, nocks an arrow, and searches for signs of danger.
Jaegar casts Sift in the 10’ area around the door from the base of the steps.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Sherrinford Hope |
Sherrinford nods at Jaeger.
"The Tik Taan are quite fascinating. For all intents they are wooden idols containing the captured and tortured spirits of monkies, apparently the playthings of a demon lord named Angazhan. He holds significant influence in the Mwangi Expanse. It's no wonder Lugizars mind snapped."
The investigator advances forward alongside the other agents, his eyes scanning the entrance for anything else note worthy.
Verhaal |
"I heard about that Angazhan too. Maybe we can free those trapped monkey spirits and help them too."
Verhaal wraps a rag around his mouth and nose and walks towards the museum entrance.
Vrald Sehir |
"Right" says the knight, doing his best to stay in the front of the group and he opens the museum doors.
"Go into the muesum. Find the wooden monkeys. Find these ritual knives. Apply knives to monkeys. Don't get go crazy. Oh and don't breathe while we do it. Those are the mission parameters?"
Vrald Sehir |
I'm assuming the quote from Sherrinford is intended to share all the information he has from the knowledge-history check without retyping it all. If not, scratch the commend about the knives
Gilfroy Fezziwig PFS |
Silent as mist himself, the very slight gnome in simple robes gazes at the museum with its billowing smoke. Breaking his own silence, he says, "When I heard we were being sent to retrieve Mwangi artifacts, I feared a long trip south, with oppressive heat and swarms of disgusting crawly things. But it's just another misty museum, probably filled with horrible undead and some crackpot who thinks that they are going to be the one who can make some pact with a hideously evil and powerful creature, and get the better end of the shaft. They never learn, mostly because people like us show up to stick it to them."
With a flick of his wrist, a smooth wand appears in his hand. He chants a word and the wand lays a thick barrier of magic around his skin. Cast mage armour from the wand; duration 1 hour.
Gilfroy Fezziwig PFS |
"It will be nice to not have team members more evil and vile than the deluded saps we'll be fighting."
Seeing others covering their mouths, Gilfroy lifts his scarf and covers his face, securing it tightly.
Sherrinford Hope |
in all honesty I forgot the knives, but assume they were covered.
-Posted with Wayfinder
GM Baerlie |
Kristen and Jaegar see that tendrils of silver-gray mist flow out the front archway into the courtyard. They seem to effortlessly pierce the flesh and gently caress the bone in a cold embrace.
Vrald opens the door to the museum. The grand entranceway’s vaulted ceiling is supported by six great pillars of hewn black stone. Braziers mounted on the pillars cast white radiance from balls of continual light. The light glimmers eerily in the silvery haze that fills the atrium, giving the impression of something alien watching from the glowing fog.
Before you left Absalom, Adril gave you a map of the museum pointing out, that Nigel Aldain is most likely in the offices. he marked the spot on the map, link to the map is above the campain tabs
Verhaal |
Verhaal follows Wrald and draws her rapier, ready for any surprise.
"We should go directly to Aldain's offices, the sooner we see him the better"
OK, I'm just used to not look the spoilers if I didn't success and rp it with the people who did (I assumed you got that info from your Diplomacy test)
Vrald Sehir |
"To be fair, I think the halfling may have been demon ridden, or devil ridden, or something ridden, even if he was the one doing the physical riding." confesses Vrald to Gilfroy.
At the words of Verhall, Vrald nods. "First door on the left it is."
Vrald enters the room, making sure his scarf is secure around his face, and heads towards the corridor and the first door.
I moved Vrald on the map. Effectively it is a double move (40' due to his armour)
Kristen Mensbane |
Almost as an afterthough, Kristen also ties a bit of fabric from her cloak around her face, since she sees everyone else doing the same. She then follows Vrald, hoping he knows at least a little where he's going.
Sherrinford Hope |
Sherrinford draws his light crossbow and loads it, displaying clear distain at using the weapon. He slips his cane behind his backpack to hold it in place.
"First door on the left? Obvious choice."
With the crossbow in hand, the investigator moves forward and gives the door a quick examination to ensure nothing is out of place.
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
"The Tik Taan are twisted and deceitful creatures, there's no telling what they might have done to this place prior to our arrival."
Despite his warning, it is clear that Sherringford is enjoying himself more than he is willing to let on.
Jaegar Alvar Tarnshiav |
The rumor of the Tik Taan causes Jaegar to scour his mind for any facts about the creatures that might benefit his companions. While Sherrinford cautiously examines the door, he watches Vrald step into the mists. Hopefully he can remember crucial information about Tik Taan defenses or attacks, and can shout them to the daring Vrald…
Knowledge: Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 Constructs/Dragons/Magical Beasts
Knowledge: Dungeoneering: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 Aberrations/Oozes
Knowledge: Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 Animals/Fey/Monstrous Humanoids/Plants/Vermin
Knowledge: Planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 Outsiders
Knowledge: Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 Undead
Through swirling mist at his feet, shrouding cloak to his maw, his sweeping gaze finds Vrald boldly and blindly advancing on the corridor. Jaegar keeps his bow trained on potential threats from the 5 doorways to his left and front. Pressing his right shoulder against a column for stability, he peers expectantly in front of Vrald. He anticipates the footsteps of his companions shortly:
The light and effeminate steps of Kristen;
The slightly gender-confused steps of Verhaal;
The swift cadence and debonair approach of Gilfroy;
And most likely the erudite and examining steps of Sherrinford in the rear…
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
I don’t know how to move my character on the map. Please help! A single Move Action should place Jaegar adjacent to the bottom left column, with clear line of sight down the hallway. Thank you in advance…
Also, I accidentally posted as Benjamin Milarch (me) instead of my character. I deleted and re-posted... Oops!
GM Baerlie |
Everybody who entered the building without clothes or a scarf covering his or her mouth: please make a DC 12 Will save.
I put Jaegar at the Position.
Jaegar knows that a Tik Taan is a small animated object (hardness 5). It has an evil influence on creatures surrounding the Tik Taan Idol.
Vrald Sehir |
Vrald strikes forward, the mist swirld around his feet as he does so.
"Thanks Sherrinford." he says as he opens the door, looking through into the room beyond.
perception: 1d20 ⇒ 11
Jaegar Alvar Tarnshiav |
Jaegar relays above information directly to the group: His nasally voice pierces the mist with an irritating shrill. To the disappointment of the group, the cloak across his nose and mouth did not muffle Jaegar’s voice nearly as much as he anticipated.
"The Tik Taan are small constructs, and will be resistant to damage. They can exert an evil influence on their surroundings. Be careful, and be swift!”
GM Baerlie |
Vrald opens the door to the West Exhibit Hall. The mists here congeal into a thick and silvery fog that cools the lungs. A giant warrior looms from the haze, his arms crossed at his chest, his helm solemn and still. Beyond lie sarcophagi of varied designs, and a few glass cases wherein withered dead are held upright by rods and string, grim exhibits of long-dead citizens whose fallen empires were erased an age past.
Everything seems to be normal except the fog, but Vrald has the feeling that he's beeing watched.
Vrald Sehir |
Vrald holds his sword and shield ready. Peering into the gloom he looks at the warrior, hoping it is just a statue in the dim light.
Slowly he enters the room, checking the rest of the group is following up behind.
"I feel eyes upon me" he says through the scarf.
Jaegar Alvar Tarnshiav |
Jaegar moves to the southwestern point of the hallway, a step or two behind Vrald. He keeps his bow at the ready and casts Detect Magic . As he peers through the mists he attempts to find whatever is stalking his companions.
He hopes to share what he learns with the group. Assessing the figures ahead he calls out:
Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Knowledge Dungeon: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Verhaal |
Verhaal follows Vrald silently into the Hall, and looks around, looking for something strange.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Token moved
Gender-confused steps? XD
Kristen Mensbane |
Kristen follows the two in the front, moving to just outside the doorway. She peers into the mists and shivers. "I don't like this at all."
Gilfroy Fezziwig PFS |
Sorry I'm not at a computer to edit the map. Gilfroy should be up with Vrald. Please put him right behind Kristen.
Sensing that the room might not be empty, Gilfroy whispers, "Vrald, wait. Let Hubert scout out the room first. He's quieter than you are."
Gilfroy ducks around a corner, quietly casts a spell, and a vicious half-Orc with large fangs, pitch black clothing, and a wicked-looking kukri in each hand appears. Gilfroy moves up so he can see into the room and directs Hubert to stealthily move into the room. Hubert hugs the west wall and approaches the first statue...
Will save DC 18 to disbelieve the silent image.
Kristen Mensbane |
Done. And I love what you just did. Look on the Discussion thread for more detail.
Spellcraft to identify: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Kristen opens her mouth, almost saying But he's not real! but then stops herself, understanding what Gilfroy is going for. If there's someone in the mists of that room, THEY won't know it's not real! Brilliant!
Vrald Sehir |
"Hey Herbert. Long time no see. It's great to have another old companion around. Oh, yeah, quieter. Right."
Vrald steps forward 5' to allow the orc past and other others into the room as well.
Verhaal |
Verhaal moves, a bit impatiently, remaining as far as possible from the statues. As she moves, she sheathes the rapier and draws the crossbow.
Ouch, I make that mistake tons of times XD
Vrald Sehir |
Vrald advances further into the room, looking around the book shelves.
"This place and mist is starting to creep me out a little." he admits.
perception: 1d20 ⇒ 9
GM Baerlie |
Herbert makes his way ahead of Vrald, towards the centre of the room...
This is exactly what I wanted to hear (or read) ;)
As Herbert and Vrald advance further into the room they can see that suddenly some of the statues start to move.
Initiative Gilfroy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
Initiative Jaegar: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Initiative Kristen: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 19
Initiative Sherrinford: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Initiative Verhaal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Initiative Vrald: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Initiative Osirian Scarab Seer: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Initiative Proto-Kellid War Chief: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
Initiative Qadiran Warlord of Old: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10
Initiative Bronze Legionnaire: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18
Round 1
Vrald
Kristen
Bronze Legionnaire
Osirian Scarab Seer
Jaegar
Sherrinford
Verhaal
Quadirian Warlord
Gilfroy
War Chief
Vrald Sehir |
Vrald takes a 5' step to the left and readies his sword and shield.
readies to strike the first of the statues that gets in range
attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Kristen Mensbane |
Kristen takes a 5' step, then her hands weave an intricate pattern and a ball of force shoots from her fingertips.
magic missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 force damage to the zombie labeled B
I added the labels myself, just so that we can keep track easier. Hope that's okay.
GM Baerlie |
Vrald readies for an attack when the first creature comes closer to him. Kristen throws a magic missile at the bronze legionnaire which just started to move towards Herbert. Staggered, so only move action The osirian scarab seer also starts to move and attacks Herbert. His teeth bite only air, but the ghoul does not know why, he still thinks Herbert is a real half-orc.
Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Disbelieve DC 18 Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 Interaction during bite
Round 1
Vrald
Kristen
Bronze Legionnaire B
Osirian Scarab Seer C
Jaegar
Sherrinford
Verhaal
Quadirian Warlord A
Gilfroy
War Chief D
Verhaal |
Verhaal starts singing with a moving voice. The lyrics talk past achievements of the society and a sense of resolution fills the hearts of her comrades.
Inspire Courage: Allies get +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls
Moving a little to have everyone at 30'