Tora no Senaka - The Back of the Tiger (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

The lock seems simple enough, but the stone is made of stone and will require srious damage.

Nodding, Daeron recovers a scroll from his haversack as he studies the door. "It appears to be a relatively simple lock and there's no magic on the door that I can detect. Let me try this scroll on the lock and we'll see what happens." Unfurling the scroll, he reads aloud from the scroll and, as he finishes reading, the scroll disintegrates into ash with a flash of bluish light.

Try a CL3 scroll of Knock to open the lock.

Caster level check to open lock: 1d20 + 10 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 3 = 33 Edit: I'd say that does the trick. :P

The lock clicks open.

Nodding in satisfaction, Daeron grins and says, "That seems to have done the trick. I'll let someone more physically imposing take the lead from here."

Pavel pushes the door open, listening closely for any movement.
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Akulayok waits for Théoden and Garand, then enters.

Perception:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

Stealth1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25

Théoden moves in behind Pavel as soon as the gruff warrior himself enters, looking around at the new environment.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Smiling in satisfaction, Daeron follows his half-kin friend into the open doorway. Keeping a wary eye around him, he whispers to Manulani, "Stay close and stay quiet. We don't know what to expect."

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Giving a chance for Garand to post his action.

Garand?

You open the stone door carefully. It slides and grinds the sheet of ice under, opening to reveal a vast cylindrical chamber, reaching up to the ice above.

Dimly lit by daylight from small cracks crisscrossing the ceiling, the bottom of the room is filled with hundreds of bones, all marked with a curious rune like a frostrimed, three-fingered skeletal hand.

To your left, dozens of skulls have been piled into a crude altar. Painted along the icy
walls of the pit are Erutaki pictograms, scattered among many more of the strange runes.

Above the altar is a crude drawing of a woman with long black hair, on each side of which what looks like Erutaki poems are inscribed.

To your right, you hear soft chanting coming from a wide ledge about 40 feet above you. A long ladder allows access to the ledge.

Tunuaq's small head appears above the ledge, staring at you calmly: "I knew you'd find this place eventually... Come! Come!"

Gazing around the room in mounting horror, Daeron suppresses his growing disgust and let's his analytical mind take over. So many dead. How could this many have gone missing without alerting the Erutaki? Studying the runes and the writing, he tries to make some sense of the situation.

Knowledge(???): 1d20 ⇒ 16 +16 arcana/planes, +12 religion, +10 history to determine what the runes and poems might refer to.

Hearing the soft chanting, Daeron turns to the sound, watching as Tunuaq appears. Baring his teeth in an angry snarl, Daeron asks, "You did all this? Why? What kind of monster are you?

Pavel surveys the room, looking for any accomplices the shaman may have.
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

"Wh'What's that say, next to the drawing and the skulls?", he says quietly to Akulayok.

Bones and skulls of animals... Mostly. Sorry!

"Tunuaq, why you up there? Come down here and we talk. Something not right with you."

Perception:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27/Sense Motive1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Akulayok says quietly to Pavel, "Crazy talk. Poem. Some talk of breathe and some strange name...Kat...Kat..tee...ana...Ama...tot..soo. He writing crazy on wall."

Tunuaq looks at Akulayok with true hatred in Erutaki, he speaks to the slayer, his old voice sounding stronger as it echoes off the cavern walls.

In rough common he adds: "And NO! I'm not coming down. I don't trust you!"

"Fine, I'm cuh'coming up.", Pavel says, starting to climb the ladder.

Akulayok gives the old Erutaki a grim look, "Tunuaq, maybe I leave, maybe I stay. One of them say your soul stink of evil. He smells it on you. Your spirit rotting with hate. If you break dragon eggs, you better talk. I'll not leave you to murder our people. You tell why you do such a thing. Let tribe decide justice. Maybe the spirits can save you."

He'll try and keep the guy talking while Pavel climbs. He seems to want to set us up while we're climbing. Best not all go at once.

Others' actions?

Theoden looks at each of the Erutaki in turn, realizing this might get ugly quick, and immediately bursts out in laughter. "Oh that Akulayok! He's a kidder!" He gives the ranged warrior a playful, light punch on the shoulder. "C'mon now: 'Soul stink of evil', and 'spirit rotting with hate' are just big, funny jokes, Tunuaq; don't take such so seriously," he says, smiling, waving off the harsh words dismissively as if they're really nothing, hoping to defuse the situation. "Now, if you... no wait, I mean if we - meaning all of us - are to speak peacefully, we need to get together and talk this out, hm? I give you my word, Tunuaq, no harm will come to you as long as you have no interest in causing harm to us. How does that sound?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36

Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29 So presumably I can identify a few of the bones as being human and the majority as animal?

Also, did my knowledge roll from before tell me anything about the meaning behind the symbols and poems (recognizable symbolism, etc)?

Daeron looks up at the Erutaki shaman and shakes his head as he denounces the group yet again. He calls us a danger when he is the one in this hidden repository of bones and writings. How does he know who the Amatatsu are anyway? Is this a threat against Ameiko? Starting to speak, he clamps his mouth shut as Theoden begins his diplomacy. Schooling his anger, he maintains a passive expression as he watches Tunuaq's reaction. Still mistrustful of the shaman, he prepares to begin casting if he makes a hostile move. In Erutaki with a lilting accent picked up from his native Elven, Daeron translates for Theoden and then says, "I too will agree not to harm you if you will return the favor. Would you care to explain the significance of these poem's to us? And perhaps, why there are so many bones in a carefully hidden cave?"

Evaluating the distance as he waits for a response, Daeron mutters to the group in Varisian, "I believe I can teleport all of us up and behind Tunuaq if we so wish. I just am loath to do so without knowing what else is up there."

Diplomacy Aid Another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

If he starts acting hostile, and he's still in sight, I'll hit him with an Aqueous Orb. Otherwise, I think I have enough distance to do teleport all of us up. SQRT(20^2 + 40^2) = ~44.72 or 45 feet. 9 increments of 5' per person means I can take 6 people up 40 feet and over about 20 feet with some spare to make sure we're not too close. Let me know if this looks off DW.

Tunuaq turns to Theoden, ignoring Daeron's words in Erutaki: "You seem like a decent man. Don't you see what your arrival has done to our fragile community? Sure, you've slain a dragon! But you're destroying Iqaluit's very soul! Nothing will ever be the same if you stay for too long. You must see this."

As Pavel starts to climb: "No, there is no need, I'll come down." and he makes for the ladder, but waits to see if Pavel will get off the ladder, or keep climbing.

Pavel looks over his shoulder to the others and at their signal he descends back down.

Tunuaq climbs down the ladder and turns to Akulayok and with a cold distant voice says: "It's best if you leave with the caravan Akulayok. Your heart no longer is Erutaki."

"What you have up there, Tunuaq? Angry Face, climb up there and take a look," he looks at Pavel and nods his head towards the ladder,"We going to search this place. Why you have this secret place Tunuaq? What you do in here?"

"Y-Yeah, fine.", Angry Face responds, eyeing all those assembled. "Let's kuh'keep it civil, though, eh?"
Pavel gets back on the ladder, seeing as he's got little to contribute to the negotiations.

Eyes widening in sudden alarm, Daeron glances again at the bones to confirm his recollection is correct. Now certain, Daeron considers how to broach the subject before deciding that being tactful wasn't really called for. "Have a care, friends. I have reason to believe these bones are marked with devotions to a demon lord. I'm surprised you accuse Akulayok of not having a heart devoted to the Erutaki when you seem ready to throw your own heart Sithhug's feet. Then again, perhaps there's a rational reason for the Erutaki shaman to be in a cave filled with devotions to a demon lord of blizzards and frozen dead. I'm having a hard time coming up with such a rationalization, so would you care to elaborate on your own, Tunuaq?"

** spoiler omitted **

Tunuaq turns to Theoden, ignoring Daeron's words in Erutaki: "You seem like a decent man. Don't you see what your arrival has done to our fragile community? Sure, you've slain a dragon! But you're destroying Iqaluit's very soul! Nothing will ever be the same if you stay for too long. You must see this."

Curious as to what the Erutaki means, "Okay, okay, now hold on a moment. What do you mean by 'destroying Iqaluit's very soul'? How are we accomplishing such, exactly? And remind me again of who or what this Iqaluit is."

Akulayok grunts, "You talking with demons, Tunuaq?"

Tunuaq, now on the defensive, blurts out in Common: "Strangers bring new ways! They look shiny to the young, but they are nothing but illusions, moving Erutaki away from the traditions that have kept them alive in the dangerous North."

He singles out Daeron: "As for my worship, I worship the powers that need be feared on the High Ice. By making offerings, I am securing the village's people!"

CB:

"The powers that must be feared, is it? And is it that fear that lead to sacrifice of so many beings?" Daeron gestures around him, mouth twisting in distaste at the scattered bones. "I see a variety of animal bones, but a few merit more investigation. If your cause is so righteous, why must you hide it behind closed doors from the rest of the village? If this is truly the price that must be paid to live here, would your companions wish to pay it if they could see it? Akulayok certainly seemed to object when you recommended sacrificing one of us. No doubt the others might as well. Should we show them this place and let them judge your actions for themselves?" Daeron seems genuinely inquisitive as he asks his final question, though there's a slightly mocking edge to voice.

As he continues, Daeron's voice drops its mocking edge and becomes increasingly pleading."I'm not sure I buy your rationalizations, Tunuaq. Demons are capricious at best and they delight in misery. What could you possibly offer such a being of evil that would stave off it's desire for wanton destruction? I think there are more then animal bones here and I think you've made more promises to this being of pure evil. But it's not so late that you can't turn away from the darkness. You could face your fear and spit defiantly in its eye! Secure your village's future that way rather then being consumed in the madness of demons!"

I've said all I can on this. Evil has been done here, that much is clear, but this is a matter for the Erutaki to decide.

Tunuaq turns to Daeron, sneering: "You know nothing of the Erutaki life! And the greatest mysteries of faith are the affairs of the initiated. One whose heart is not touched by faith can never understand it!" He crosses his arms and shuts his face. Indicating clearly that he's done talking.

Sorry for the delay. Things are busy.

Frowning up at the shaman, Daeron considers the situation for a moment and then whispers quietly to Theoden and Akulayok, "If he won't budge, we need to show this place to the Sonavut. A shaman devoted to demons while maintaining the support of the village seems far fetched to me. We should wait and see what Pavel has seen first though."

Daeron returns his gaze to the Erutaki shaman, crossing his arms and keeping a cautious eye on him as he waits for Pavel's return.

Pavel descends shortly.
"Not too much of in-interest... except these."
The ranger holds up a fancy bag and shakes out fragments of hard silver eggshell.
"Souvenirs, huh?"

Theoden nods to the wizard as he awaits Pavel's return.

As Pavel returns and proceeds to dump out his findings, Theoden can only shake his head sadly. "My, my. You know, Tunuaq, worshipping demons, lying to your people, and killing dragon young is just not good, I have to admit. Now my question is: How were you able to destroy these dragon eggs and one grown dragon all by yourself? To accomplish such tells me that you would be privy to a great deal of power." He looks at the shaman through narrowed eyes, wondering. "Anyway, I believe it is only proper you stand trial before your people, allowing them to decide your fate. C'mon, Tunuaq, time to go." He steps aside, allowing him to lead on.

Akulayok watches the eggs shell fragments drop out of the bag. He grimaces at Tunuaq, "Many hunters died because of angry dragon. Sonavut will hear of this. We take you before Sonavut. Will you come or do we take you?"

"I will come..." says Tunuaq, raising his head defiantly. "but you should know that she ordered me to break those eggs!"

Pavel raises an eyebrow.
Sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"Uhh.. wh'what?"

"Sonavut told you to break the eggs?" Akulayok studies Tunuaq closely when he answers.

Sense Motive1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

Watching as Pavel descends the ladder, Daeron is filled with a sense of foreboding at the expression on the ranger's face. As he pours the shell fragments from the bag, Daeron frowns and looks to Tunuaq as their suspicions are confirmed. That was cold blooded. He seems so calm for someone who's lies were just revealed. Waiting wordlessly as the rest of the group takes things in hands, Daeron gasps in shock at Tunuaq's claim.

Sense Motive(UT) with Alertness: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Watching the man intently, he tries to gauge if this is just another ruse to throw them off. Still numb from surprise, Daeron finally manages to ask, "Why would she want that? It's obvious that the dragon would retaliate. What good does it her to sic a dragon on her own people?"

Tunuaq is telling the truth and genuinely under Sonavut's thumb, as he shivers in the slightest when he pronounces her name. He looks relieved to be finally free of this burden.

"I asked her the same question, but she said it had to be done..."

Akulayok frowns. He looks at the others, "Let us go see Sonavut. This must be brought before the tribe."

We'll take Tunuaq to see the Chieftan and see what he wants to do.

Surprised to find himself believing Tunuaq, Daeron reluctantly admits that the man wasn't lying. This is troubling. We've sensed no deception from Sonuvat before. Why would she want the dragon angry? And why is he so fearful of her? Still lost in thought, Daeron distractedly nods his agreement but whispers to the rest of the group, "We must warn the rest of the caravan to be cautious. They're unguarded and we may have been watched. They might be in danger. I can send Manulani ahead to warn them when we're out of this cave."

Turning to Tunuaq, Daeron eyes the shaman warily and asks, "Will you come with us peacefully? And why does Sonavut frighten you so badly?"

Sounds good to me. Is there anything we haven't searched through, DW? If so, Daeron will rifle around in things to make sure we're not missing anything.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

The description of the altar's prayer. Akulayok said something about it, but Tunuaq then stole the show.

Tunuaq eyes the floor as he says: "I will follow you, but please don't let Sonavut know I told you!"

Nodding his assent, Daeron casts another glance at the the wall as he prepares to turn to leave. Perking up suddenly, Daeron studies the writing on the wall excitedly for a moment and then turns to Tunuaq, "I think we can avoid mentioning that to Sonavut. However it would be helpful if we knew more about this writing. I can read it and I have a few theories, but I want to know. Did you write this, or did someone else?" After Tunuaq answers, Daeron translates the poems from Erutaki to Varisian for the benefit of Pavel, Theoden and Garand.

Musing aloud after having read the poems, Daeron muses aloud, "'She flies who flies; This queen flies away from you'... this seems like two meanings of flies. One as in literally flying in the sky and the other being to flee. 'She is not of the earth; She is of the sky'... this also seems allegorical to me. Perhaps that this she is symbolized by something that flies? Perplexing." Growing more animated as he mulls over the meaning of the passage, Daeron studies the other poem for a moment before beginning again, "Someone close to this woman seems to have written this, but who is this woman?" Daeron raises an eyebrow at his companions, plainly curious if they know more than he does.

Ready to move on when we're done musing. :)

Tunuaq blushes, a rare sight, and says, with some anger in his voice: "You can read?! Pffft! Yes, I wrote it..."

Daeron arches an eyebrow at Tunuaq's blush and replies in Erutaki, dryly, "Yes I can read and speak the language. It's an interesting tongue, though I still prefer my native Elven." Turning away from the man, mind turning over the possibilities raised by his response, Daeron asks his companions, "Have you anything else you'd like to do here? Or should we move on?"