A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 3–7.
Following a successful mission into the mist-shrouded and shifting Gloomspires, the Pathfinder Society sent another team to explore the tomb of the legendary pirate Sevenfingers. Unfortunately, this team never returned. The spires have momentarily halted, allowing a new team to brave the tomb’s many dangers, hopefully rescuing their allies in the process.
This scenario is a sequel to Pathfinder Society Scenario #6–06: "Hall of the Flesh Eaters".
Having ventured past the Hall of the Flesh Eaters, the group of Pathfinders have discovered only one of the remaining Pathfinders from the team before them they where sent in to look for. Jaohd Ilzinian, the leader and a Taldan paladin of Shelyn, deprived of his memory and weapons, his powers expended joins you as you explore further into the maze.
INIT:
[spoiler=Init Rolls]
[dice=Bennybeck]1d20+3[/dice]
[dice=Bernard]1d20+6[/dice] +4 with no Grit
[dice=Ellismus]1d20+2[/dice]
[dice=Omar]1d20++4[/dice]
[dice=Thorill]1d20+2[/dice]
...
[dice=]1d20+[/dice]
[dice=]1d20+[/dice]
[/spoiler
Being from Osirion, and eventually ending up in Lamasara, Thuvia,
I am not much of an expert on Varisian politics, so I am afraid I cannot be of much help. Maybe one of my comrades has more information.
While the room has no windows, it has long hanging curtains throughout for looks. She rises, floating over to one of the curtains and points at it, "My funerary urn lies behind here. I would ask you to take it with you to the surface, and sprinkle my ashes upon the sea. That is my only request."
Moving the curtain aside, you do indeed see an urn sitting upon a small alcove in the stone wall. Perhaps a part of her does know that she is dead?
M Halfling Rogue 3 AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 15(+4 armor, +3 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 size) hp 23 (3d8+3) Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +3; +2 vs. fear Percpetion +9
M Halfling Rogue 3 AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 15(+4 armor, +3 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 size) hp 23 (3d8+3) Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +3; +2 vs. fear Percpetion +9
Male Halfelf - Skald 8 - AC21/T13/F16/CMD14 |HP 40/59 | Fort:+9;Ref:+6;Will+7 |Percept.+6 | Init.+4 | { heroism , rage} (7/23 song used) { +8/8 hp , 3xmirrors, fly }
Omar nods to the spirit at the end of her request.
Indeed we would be glad to disperse your remains in the manner you request. Were there any others? I mean, did you have any family or friends? Where are they? Did they end in a similar manner?
I am not sure we were able to extract the correct info to proceed...he will keep her talking for a bit more to see if she recalls anything else of use.
At this moment, Bernard interrupts the conversation:
"C'mon, guys, nobody will ask her about the other members of Jaohd's expedition?", the halfling clearly doesn't want to talk with the ghost.
"And we already found Benarry's folding boat, ok. But we still have to find the Orb of Stars and report what happened with the Pathfinders sent to here. Maybe she can aid us with some useful information."
M Halfling Rogue 3 AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 15(+4 armor, +3 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 size) hp 23 (3d8+3) Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +3; +2 vs. fear Percpetion +9
You are right Bernarnd. Lady, do you know anything about another group of explorers, adventurers who came here not too long ago? Benny asks.
"C'mon, guys, nobody will ask her about the other members of Jaohd's expedition?", the halfling clearly doesn't want to talk with the ghost.
Bennybeck Wabbittracks wrote:
You are right Bernarnd. Lady, do you know anything about another group of explorers, adventurers who came here not too long ago? Benny asks.
"Ah, but of course. How rude of me. I had assumed that,... Jaohd had already told you of this. Why yes! Charming guests. They passed through here a short time ago, but have not returned. Well, not besides Jaohd and his other friend. They insisted on slaying a spook that seems to have taken up residence here in the brothel. A pair really, an ancient spirit and his undying bride. They visit me from time to time. I believe they said they where finders of the path, whaever that means? I'm sure Jaohd can explain his little,. . . cult. But yes, they dwell that way,” she points to the corridor leading north, out of this room, “Careful, dear, I think they might just gobble up someone as tasty as you.”
Wait, WtH just happened???? Can I get a Sense Motive and Perception check please?
Ellismus looks at Jaohd as she says this, frowning heavily. "What other friend is she speaking of, Jaohd? if you're a member of the Pathfinder Society, you're failing your duty to Cooperate and Report, Sir! although you seem to have the Explore part down pat!!!"
M Halfling Rogue 3 AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 15(+4 armor, +3 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 size) hp 23 (3d8+3) Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +3; +2 vs. fear Percpetion +9
For the briefest moment, you catch Lady Kaviiri look towards Jaohd Ilzinian as she answers, as if looking to him for approval. And then, you hear a whispered conversation, only briefly between the two, as if she where using magic to have a second conversation with the paladin, who, for his part, simply stands back and watches the scene. You also catch her say “Bad manners, my old friend. It’s good to see you after all this time, but you’ve taken a huge risk. There are bound to be consequences. . . But I need to be free. My time here is done.”, whispered to Jaohd, who only nods slightly.
Jaohd looks at you innocently, raising his empty hands, and replies, "My friends. I have no idea what this Lady Kaviiri is talking about, and she is obviously mad. I do not remember her, or what lies beyond, though I suspect I might have already travelled this way before I lost my party. I swear to you I do not know what happened to the rest of my friends."
Another Sense Motive DC 16:
He is lying. Furthermore, he seems rather good at it for a paladin, or even one that may have recently fallen. . .
M Halfling Rogue 3 AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 15(+4 armor, +3 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 size) hp 23 (3d8+3) Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +3; +2 vs. fear Percpetion +9
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 SM
Hey Mr. Holy Knight, why don't you tell the rest of the group what you and spectre lady are talking about? What are you trying to free her from? insists the rogue.
Male NG Human (Taldan) Alchemist (Grenadier) 8 - Init +4; Senses: Arcane Sight, See Invisibility, Trapfinding, Darkvision 60 ft., Perception +17, AC 36/ touch 17/ ff 29 CMD 21; hp 67/67+DR 5/- (abl.bar35pts); F+13, R+18, W+9; Speed 60 ft., Fly 90 ft.; Bombs 12/15; Enhance Potion 2/7; Wings 5/8 Active Buffs: Dex Mutagen, arcane sight, reduced person, shield, Aram Zey's focus, resist acid 20, cat's grace, darkvision, see invisibility, ablative barrier, endure elements, heroism, HA, BoF/Haste, Gr.Invis.; antitoxin/antiplague
"What is this huge risk she speaks of, Jaohd?" says Ellismus, casually quaffing an extract as if taking a shot of liquor. [Bomber's Eye boost activated!]
M Halfling Rogue 3 AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 15(+4 armor, +3 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 size) hp 23 (3d8+3) Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +3; +2 vs. fear Percpetion +9
If that is who you say you are. How do we know a spirit didn't enter the paladin's body and is wearing it like a mask? says the Halfling.
"You broke my heart, fellow. I was liking you...", Bernard says to Jaohd, as he points his crossbow to him. "Explain what is happening here, or suffer the consequences for your lies."
"What is this huge risk she speaks of, Jaohd?" says Ellismus, casually quaffing an extract as if taking a shot of liquor. [Bomber's Eye boost activated!]
Bennybeck Wabbittracks wrote:
Hey Mr. Holy Knight, why don't you tell the rest of the group what you and spectre lady are talking about? What are you trying to free her from? insists the rogue.
Jaohd looks upon the rest of you with concern, refusing to draw his weapon "Clearly the spirit is mad! Please, Pathfinders, I implore you. I can feel it in my gut, knowing without knowing, that we are so close to the other team, and some of them might yet still live."
Sorry, Last two days I've gotten home really late. I wanted to do more for this game tonight, but was not able to. On one hand, we are so close to the end, and on the other I didn't want to get stuck in the middle of the finale when work is ramping up.
M Halfling Rogue 3 AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 15(+4 armor, +3 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 size) hp 23 (3d8+3) Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +3; +2 vs. fear Percpetion +9
She talks as if she knows you holy knight. I say blast him. says the Halfling.
M Halfling Rogue 3 AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 15(+4 armor, +3 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 size) hp 23 (3d8+3) Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +3; +2 vs. fear Percpetion +9
Don't feel bad, we have been testing for the last 3 weeks at school. One more to go and then more End of Course tests. Poor kids
Male NG Human (Taldan) Alchemist (Grenadier) 8 - Init +4; Senses: Arcane Sight, See Invisibility, Trapfinding, Darkvision 60 ft., Perception +17, AC 36/ touch 17/ ff 29 CMD 21; hp 67/67+DR 5/- (abl.bar35pts); F+13, R+18, W+9; Speed 60 ft., Fly 90 ft.; Bombs 12/15; Enhance Potion 2/7; Wings 5/8 Active Buffs: Dex Mutagen, arcane sight, reduced person, shield, Aram Zey's focus, resist acid 20, cat's grace, darkvision, see invisibility, ablative barrier, endure elements, heroism, HA, BoF/Haste, Gr.Invis.; antitoxin/antiplague
DM Beckett: real life takes precedence, so don't worry. With that said, when we resume, please feel free to drop more hints about this. PbP doesn't translate innuendo and veiled sense motive NPC intentions very well. If you tell us: here's the deal, choice A or B and we roll initiative, I wouldn't hold it against you at this point, as we've been in this scenario for a very long time now. Our party is clearly not optimized for these interactions and the lack of a cleric makes things even worse with the undead we've seen so far.
DM Beckett: real life takes precedence, so don't worry. With that said, when we resume, please feel free to drop more hints about this. PbP doesn't translate innuendo and veiled sense motive NPC intentions very well. If you tell us: here's the deal, choice A or B and we roll initiative, I wouldn't hold it against you at this point, as we've been in this scenario for a very long time now. Our party is clearly not optimized for these interactions and the lack of a cleric makes things even worse with the undead we've seen so far.
It's honestly not that. There is something else going on, and the scenario is much trying to keep something a secret, so it's very difficult to see through it. You guys are doing just fine. :)
Omar Posada wrote:
. . .confused over whether to trust the paladin or the ghost woman or neither.
This is very much the point the scenario is going for. :P
----------
Omar Posada wrote:
Omar waits for a response. . .
I apologize. I am the only person left for my entire medical team getting ready to deploy. I have had very little time to get online for the last few weeks. What response are you waiting on?
In response to "What is she talking about", "What is going on here, Jaohd", and "Omar, Ready that wand", Jaohd throws up his arms innocently and said "Clearly the spirit is mad! Please, Pathfinders, I implore you. I can feel it in my gut, knowing without knowing, that we are so close to the other team, and some of them might yet still live."
Now what? Attack him? Try the wand? Try to find out if his "gut" is right? All three would be,. . . interesting.
Suddenly, as the wand activates, Lady Kaviiri, the incorporeal spirit becomes partially solid. At first she looks concerned, but, as she is partially able to, for the first time in some 300 years touch things, to feel things with her fingers, she smiles, and a single tear of joy rolls down her check. Jaohd looks skeptical. Unsure of what just happened, but as it does not seem to be causing anyone any pain or harm, isn't certain what just happened.
Partially expected to have been attacked, Jaohd mutters, again only speaking in the Celestial tongue, "Whilst she might be mad, I don't believe she is a threat. I'm not certain what you just did. My friends need your help. Our help. Can we not move on, so that if any still live, we might have a chance to save them?"
M Halfling Rogue 3 AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 15(+4 armor, +3 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 size) hp 23 (3d8+3) Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +3; +2 vs. fear Percpetion +9
Nope. Uh uh, not until you tell us the truth you deceitful thing you states the Halfling.
Male Halfelf - Skald 8 - AC21/T13/F16/CMD14 |HP 40/59 | Fort:+9;Ref:+6;Will+7 |Percept.+6 | Init.+4 | { heroism , rage} (7/23 song used) { +8/8 hp , 3xmirrors, fly }
oops= cross-posted with Benny[
Omar marvels at the effect of the wand, before snapping his attention back to the paladin.
Benny asks a valid question, albeit Jaohd, you are right. We will need answers and soon. Then let us proceed to seek those who are lost before it is too late.
Omar will head in the indicated direction towards the missing couple/party.
Did we want to go ahead and press on, or try to do more here? OOC, you have gotten all the real information here, so unless someone wants to try to force Jaohd or Lady Kaviiri to do something, (try magic, combat, etc. . .). The truth shall be revealed one way or another shortly. :P
I just don't want to stall out here or have people feel like things are futile. Your party DOES have some means that might work here and now, if you want to attempt them.
So, for a little bit of a hint, at a glance at character sheets, (and not including combat means):
Bennybeck - doesn't really have anything
Bernard - has a few items that might help
Ellismus - a Boon that might help
Omar - doesn't really have anything
Thorill - doesn't really have anything
M Halfling Rogue 3 AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 15(+4 armor, +3 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 size) hp 23 (3d8+3) Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +3; +2 vs. fear Percpetion +9
If he is possessed though maybe it would break the hold?
Once again, it takes the party about an hour to navigate the last of the long mazes between areas, but finally you reach your last destination.
Three wall-mounted flaming stone braziers illuminate this unfurnished chamber. Lying on the floor in the middle of the chamber are three mangled humanoid bodies—two male humans and a female elf. Gouges and long scratch marks mar all of the walls of this stone room, as well as several areas on the floor and ceiling. A heavy black curtain cordons off the far southwest corner of the chamber.
Heal DC10:
Even from a distance you can tell that the Pathfinders were killed by a combination of claw and bite attacks, as well as lacerations from a longsword.
The bodies’ mangled condition and the amount of blood on the floor make the square containing the bodies is difficult terrain. A closer look reveals that the bodies are covered with spices and seasonings (doused with wine and fish oil and covered with coriander, shaved nutmeg, molasses, and sugar).
There are two ghostly figures in the room, malignant cloud of shadows boils in the air, their skeletal maws eerily babbling as the creature’s claws manifest from the darkness, and as you begin to filter in, they seem to notice you, but say nothing. In fact, they don't seem to make any noise whatsoever, even calling out a warning to the other, letting out a cry of anger, or the common moan of anguish common to undead.
Perception #1 DC 15:
You hear something move behind the large black curtain, (the small blacked-out area to the bottom left of the new map).
---
Know Religion DC 13:
The two Undead are known as Allips, a type of Incorporeal Undead cursed to rob victims of their sanity. Very curious, as Allips are known for permanently babbling some insane muttering, able to afflict madness on all that hear it, and yet these are utterly silent. . .
Know Religion DC 18:
While Allips are exceptionally dangerous foes, they can not actually kill their victims, something that scholars believe might actually feed their anger and madness to keep them bound to Unlife when other spirits have a chance to move on or complete their unfinished business, Allips are robbed of that. They can, however, steal and feed off of sanity with but a touch, which might render their target unconscious, perhaps permanently.
Know Religion DC 23:
Allips themselves are resistant to priestly energies, but not by much. or are they exceptionally tough foes, neither notably weak or strong against anything save for a priest's channeled might.
---
Perception #2 or Spellcraft DC 20:
There is something strange about the small area ion the north eastern area of this room, where the two undead spirits sit. It takes you a moment to realize it, but when it dawns on you, a sudden sense of dread comes with the revelation. No sound comes from that small 2x3 area where the ghostly shadow-skeletons hover. A trap, likely purposefully blocking their normal sonic effects until they step out of it and it suddenly hits the entire room for full effect.
Because there is a lot going on here, I wanted to give everyone a chance to react real fast prior to rolling initiative. I've updated the map, creating a new slide for just this room.
Omar shouts quickly to the rest of the group that he hears sounds behind the curtain to the left, that the two shadow-skeletons are incorporeal Allips, with nasty touch and constant insane babble attack, and that is seems they stand in an area of magical silence.
