Sior's PFS Destiny of the Sands Part I : A Bitter Bargain (High-tier) (Inactive)

Game Master Sior

Torch's grin broadens and a raspy chuckle escapes his throat. "Ah, yes. How is Amenopheus these days? I think the desert heat has finally gotten to his turban'd head. He seems to have overlooked the fact that he owed me several favors before I ever asked for his help, but I don’t mind extending a discount to repeat customers."

With a snap of his fingers, one of this half-orc bodyguards brings forward a folded piece of paper. Torch looks over it musingly. "Let’s see what’s on today’s schedule. Yes, all of this will do. Consider this my price—all of these tasks completed to my satisfaction in return for what I know of the sages’ jewels. Do we have a deal?"

He hands the page back to his bodyguard who in turn gives it to the party.
Torch's demands

Ouroboreia sighs, looks at her companions, then back at Torch. "Very well, we have a deal. Will you remain here? Is there a timeframe to... clean your laundry?"

Invisibility is a school spell for me, so I can take care of #2 without trouble, barring unexpected business (which will probably happen of course).

Torch looks about the room at its features and accoutrements. "It is not so nice as I am used to, but this place serves me well while I am here. Yes, you will find me here. I had hoped you would be able to finish these four simple tasks today, but if you feel you absolutely can't handle it that quickly and need more time I guess I can wait until tomorrow."

Ryster peers over the list, grumbling. "Fine! Which one will do first?"

"Well then chaps, let get to work, shall we? Best place to start is at the top, wot? Now, I will need time to prepare spells, but it would seem that stealth, deception, and diplomacy are the order of the day. I've a number of spells that could be of use here. Let me know how I may be of use. My own skills lend themselves well to aiding others."

Invisibility is also in my spellbook. That might actually cover our first two missions nicely.

I meant I have it memorized and ready. We should all exit, find the well, I'll cast invisibility and head back inside, then you go unharmed through the customs. Sounds like a plan?

Goodness me, this game moves fast...

When the group is finally allowed past the gates of Eto, Mikhaere walks backwards, glaring right back at the guard. Just before the guard turns around, the tengu shoots him an obscene gesture and pokes his tongue out at him before hurrying to lose himself in the crowds. "Shoulda dropped a water bomb on him," he mutters bitterly. "That ass needed a good cooling off."

Of course, it seemed that Mik's day was not going to get any better. After all, their next meeting was with the one, the only, Grand-effin-master Torch. The tengu's eye twitches in extreme irritation as Torch talks to the group, and he appears to be muttering obscenities under his breath in his native tongue. He doesn't bother to hide his contempt one bit, scowling at Torch as the others get down to business.

"This reminds me of that one time you sent me all around Sedeq," Mikhaere spits at his loathed enemy. "No doubt this is all part of some botched plan of yours once again..." Grumble, grumble, grumble. More Tengu swear words. Mikhaere sort of hopes Torch can understand him.

Mikhaere looks at the laundry list only to start figuring out ways in which he can subtly get back at Torch through them. He doesn't care which task the party goes for otherwise.

Also, as far as sneaking goes, Mik has a +10 to Stealth!

Elena prepares to go with the party after having asked to see the "Laundry" list. We all go for the well first right?

On her way out Elena lingers near some people and ask about the local sights trying to steer the conversations towards the well.

Diplomacy (gather information): 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 2 = 22 Using enhanced diplomacy

If possible Elena also asks around about;
-the pillars of the sun; the sinomakthi school
-madam zelekhati; the dancing dunes
-the hunderd finger gang
although I'm perfectly fine with asking/rolling for that later

Roland follows along with the others. Once outside, in his thick accent he offers...

"To do any favors for zhat man, still rubs me zhe wrong way. But if we must, let us finish zhe tasks quickly. Any of zhem is as good as zhe other to start."

I see one vote for doing the well first and one for going down the list.

When Elena catches up with the rest of the group she briefs them on what she found out;

"Madame Zelekhati recently began hiring more workers at the Dancing Dunes, though she sends away most who don’t have at least some elven blood. Also, most merchants recommend avoiding Beggar’s Alley, which is home to a gang of pickpockets known as the Hundredfingers.

Finally, something has the Hundredfingers gang spooked. The normally ubiquitous thieves have been avoiding the bazaar for a few days."

I'll have to agree it will most likely go much faster...not better per say, maybe with some people dying..but faster. So let's not split up the party....not just yet anyways ;)

I also meant to start with the well, sorry that I haven't been clearer. Of course we need to stay together, beware the bad horror movie splitting complex!

Ouroboreia emits her own opinion with a shy voice. "Maybe we could start with the well? I could turn invisible to enter the city unseen, the artifact in my haversack. What do you think?"

"Sounds like a decent enough plan, let's go try it if your idea - which seems sound in theory will hold up to the rigors of being put into practice."

Well it is!

Heading back outside the city, you see the same custom's agent. He glares at you from a distance as you pass. With the clue in the note, you are able to find your way to the well easily, spying the ruins of some ancient building from some distance off.

Upon your arrival you see the well is dry and can see the narrow bottom some 30 feet below you. The inside of the well seems to have a growth of wild grasses leading down into the depths. You cannot see any sign of the mentioned relics from here.

Ouroboreia stands motionless for a moment, pondering the situation. Reading Torch's note again, she realizes they are after a magic rod, so she casts a mere cantrip to empower her sight with detection of magical auras. Casting detect magic, then guidance.

She then proceeds to search for the relics, hoping to spot an arcane aura.

Perception, with guidance: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 1 = 14

Elena looks for signs of trouble before suggesting to the rest of the party to send someone down on a rope.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 17 + 1 = 30 Using guidance

Ryster looks around like everyone else, cursing the whole time. "Blasted o' fool that Torch is, sent us on a fool's errand!"

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Mikhaere inspects the grasses curiously. It's not often plants would grow away from the sun, after all.

Ouroboreia peers down the hole but sees no auras of any sort below. As Elena joins her, she notices there is a very slight amount of water in the bottom and it seems to be fed from some unknown source beneath you. Perhaps a passage?

Mikhaere checks the grass but recalls that in desert climes, plants often grow in the shade to avoid the harsh direct heat of the sun.

"Hmm." Plants were quite fascinating indeed. Ah, the many glorious forms they took and adaptations they developed! ... Well, at least he's fairly sure it's not a poisonous or likely-to-strangle-someone strand of desert grass.

Taking a spoon from his backpack--the only piece of cutlery he has, and one that he's never actually used for the purpose of eating--Mikhaere concentrates on the latent electrical forces in the metal, one clawed hand hovering above it. With a spark and crackle like miniaturised lightning, the spoon starts glowing with a bright blue-white light. Casting light on the spoon!

He then pulls out his silken rope and hands it to the others to take care of. "Just don't drop me, okay?" He then takes the glowing spoon in beak and starts to make his way down to the bottom of the well.

Take 10 on Climb for 12, which should be an auto success on a rope.

Mikhaere descends into the well, gasping as a foot slips on the grass within though he is able to hold firm to the rope. Beyond that, he makes it to the bottom without incident. Sure enough, there is a narrow cavern leading off to the side into darkness.

I'm out on errands right now, will get the map posted when I get home.

Roland will take hold of the rope for the Tengu and brace himself to hold the weight.

"Take care down zhere, Mikhaere. Call if you need zhe help."

Well Map

Mikhaere glances down the tunnel, using his electrified spoon to provide some extra light into the darkness. "Some kinda cavern off down this way," he calls up to the Pathfinders up at the top of the well. "But watch your step--that grass makes it kinda slippery."

Before doing anything else, the tengu draws out a mangrove-root wand and allows the greenish energy to permeate his body. (Casting longstrider.) He then slowly and silently moves forward without waiting for the others, wanting to get at least a glimpse of what was ahead, but he won't go too far in case of lurking danger.

Take 10 on Perception for 24, and on Stealth for 20.
Mikhaere has low-light vision and carrion scent (scent but only for injured/dead things), if that affects what he can detect. I won't go further than 20 feet away from the well entrance.

Once Mikhaere has made sure the way is safe, Ouroboreia takes out her own rope, makes knots on it and uses it to go down.

Take 10, result 8 for a DC 5

Elena will cast guidance on herself before she goes down into the pit using the easier to use knotted rope.

Take 10 for a 14, with a DC of 5

When she sets foot on the floor she takes a look around as she tries to determine if there are any lingering magical auras.

(casting detect magic, using guidance and with darkvision)

Perception: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 17 + 1 = 27

Roland will also climb down when his turn arrives.

Take 10 for a 14, with a DC of 5.

After a scan of the cavern beyond, Mikhaere sneaks on back to the rest of the group. He leans up against the wall of the well as he silently judges the way the various Pathfinders climb down the rope. "'s'like some kinda man-made structure in there," he explains to the others, "some kind of big pool, and a crumbling statue. I couldn't see anything dangerous--but that doesn't mean nothing's there."

Sighing, Ryster wraps his musket and ammo into a waterproof bag and then climbs down the rope. Once in the next chamber, he removes his musket loads it.

T10 for 12

Guilford fusses with his belongings for a moment, then climbs carefully down the rope.

Take 10 for a ... 10!

Everyone makes it down the rope with ease. In the light from Mikhaere's spoon, you do indeed see a vast chamber before you. A dark pool can be seen within, water slowly spilling out of its cracked basin. The trickle of water flows west through a short tunnel of rough-hewn stone and pools at the bottom of the well which you just descended. A ruin of a statue lays in the southwest corner. Beyond that, the light is unable to penetrate the darkness, and indeed seems to shy away from it.

Elena is able to pick up a faint divine aura encasing the whole room, possibly why the light does not penetrate the darkness as well as it ought.

How do you proceed into the room?

Ouroboreia stays at the back, and uses one of her wands to erect a protective barrier around her body, then puts another wand back in her hidden sheath. Then she stands ready.

Casting mage armor, 46 charges left, then replacing it with her wand of magic missile in the wrist sheath. Then casting guidance.

Elena takes out her shield and equips it, while hanging her heavy mace within easy reach. See keeps concentrating on her ability to detect magic for as long as she can, trying to pick up hints of what is to come as she moves forward.

We have a lvl 4 wizard,another lvl 4 wizard, a lvl 3 druid, a lvl 3 ranger, a lvl 3 gunslinger/lvl 1 alchemist and my lvl 1 cleric/lvl 4 inquisitor..right? I'm not really made to tank, but I think I'm still better at it then the wizards ;) So..Me and the gunslinger? in front, ranger and druid behind us and the 2 wizards bring up the rear? Maybe switch the druid and the gunslinger?

Mik's by no means a frontliner and prefers to summon things in combat or use magic, but it looks like almost all of us are "stand in the back" types... sooo I guess he'll suck it up. :P

Once everyone's down in the well and have prepared themselves appropriately, Mikhaere unhooks the heavy wooden shield strapped to his backpack and affixes it to his arm. He then sneaks ahead towards the statue, although keeping his eyes peeled for danger.

Stealth T10 for 18/Perception T10 for 24.

Fine with any order. If Roland needs to frontline, he can. Or we can rotate.

"Seeing in zhis darkness will be difficult"

Roland tries to activate his wayfinder light.

Ryster is fine wherever.

Ryster looks around the room, then examines the pool.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Roland brings out his wayfinder and activates it, finding that its light also does not seem to penetrate the darkness as well as he would have thought it would.

As Ryster and Mikhaere enter the room, they suddenly notice some movement in the shadows as two very large forms unfurl from their hiding spots. With a menacing hiss, they move to strike.

Initiative
Ouroboreia
Elena
Roland
Serpents (Knowledge Arcana to identify)
Guilford
Ryster
Mikhaere

Ouroboreia, Elena, and Roland are up

Guilford scans the beasts, hoping to remember something useful.

Know Arcana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Roland does not like the look of the large snakes coming from the shadows. He will step for a clear line and shoot a pair of arrows for effect at the NE snake.

"Not sure what zhese are, but zhey do not seem zhe friendly sort."

Roland Darkwood bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 23 for dmg: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12
Roland Darkwood bow, PB, Rapid: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 1 - 2 = 22 for dmg: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

Apply miss chance for lighting if appropriate

1d100 ⇒ 22
1d100 ⇒ 5

Roland's first arrow strikes the creature, but the second hits a portion of the wall which he could have sworn was a snake. It's so hard to tell in the dim light. Why must the light sources be so inefficient here?

Guilford, I'll let you know what you recall during the serpents' turn, which is right before your's. You'll get three questions, so I'll just list everything there is to know.

Elena and Ouroboreia

Elena moves forward, proudly displaying her unholy symbol of Dispater.

The darkness seems to get just a little bit deeper, the temperature seems to drop just a tiny bit so that a chill runs down your back as you feel a tingling sensation move down your spine.

(Using variant channel - rulership, using selective channel to exclude all party members, choosing to not include myself. I can only get the bottom snake in it's effect.

Negative energy damage: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 6) = 13 It's always half damage (so that would be 6), Will save DC 21 or be dazed for 1 round)

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24

Ouroboreia ponders for a second on the creature's abilities.

I'd like to know (in order):
1) if it has DR
2) elemental resistances/immunities
3) special attacks
4) SR or not?

Then she takes a pinch of silver dust and a piece of flint in order to cast a spell to bring light to this area, as well as blind those strange creatures. "Begone, spawns of darkness! Let the sovereign sun of Osirion reign supreme in this court of shadows!"

Casting Burst of Radiance on the northern creature. Ref DC 17 - failure means the creature is blinded for 1d4 ⇒ 4 rounds, success that it is dazzled for the same amount of time. Note that if this creature is evil, it takes 4d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 4, 3) = 14 untyped damage, no save. Then, as a free action, Ouroboreia will reveal what she has recalled about their abilities.

Elena moves forward, sending divine energy through the dark to the creature in the south. 1d20 ⇒ 14 It seems to be taken aback and does not act!

Ouroboreia summons a bright burst of light at the other creature, illuminating it just enough for everyone to realize that the snakes do indeed have two heads, one at either end of their body! 1d20 ⇒ 19 In that instant, Ouroboreia is able to identify the beasty. She calls out saying that it is an Amphisbaena, that it does not have DR, it resists cold, it can poison you with its bite, and does not resist spells.

The serpent to the south does nothing.

Ouroboreia
Elena
Roland
Serpents (12 pts to North, 6 pts to south)
Guilford
Ryster
Mikhaere

Party up!

Elena seeing the power provided by the Archdevil she worships will effect the serpents presents is boldly in front on her again.

A burst of negative energy sends a cold sensation flowing over your skin again.

(Channeling negative energy again, excluding all party members, not effecting myself, both snakes are in burst now)

Negative energy damage for both snakes: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 2) = 9 It's always half damage (so that would be 4), Will save DC 21 or be dazed for 1 round)

"Quickly take them down, before they manage to poison any of us."

"Also, you may wish to note that they can each split themselves into two beasts."

With that, Guilford steps to a place where he has a clear line of sight to the farther creature, yet remains behind Elena and Mikhaere.

He takes out his crossbow as he goes, and fits a bolt to the string.

Ouroboreia focuses on the northern creature, her void eyes revealing its weaknesses. "Focus the northern one!"

Reveal weakness on the northern beast. -2 on her saves and AC for one round, no save.

Can't see map atm.

Ryster tries to maneuver himself to get a clear shot and to ne within thirty feet of the northern snake-thing. He takes aim and fires his musket at the creature.

RTA: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Damage: 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Add +1 to those rolls if within PBS range.

He then quickly reloads.

Cast produce flame and hurl it at the north snake.
Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Mikhaere curses at the sudden appearance of snakes from the darkness. He reaches out to the desert's heat, drawing it into his clawed left hand until a roiling ball of heat and flame forms there, and then lobs it at the northern amphisbaena.

FTR, Ryster, there is but a single square between you and the northern amphisbaena. You can shoot from there or take a step back or further if you like, but it will incur cover penalties.