"Master Heidmarch, do you have any drawings of a sinspawn so that we may have a better idea of what we're looking for?"
"Mistress Heidmarch, this information is very useful. Thank you for your efforts in researching it for us. If the shards only help locate its opposite do we have a plan for finding the other shards after we retrieve the shard of Sloth? Or are you saying that once we find two of the shards we'll be able to use both of them together to locate the next one?"
"Each shard has 2 opposites, matched to the arcane schools. It directs to one while the other directs to it, in order. So for example, the Shard of Pride is leading you to the Shard of Greed. The shard of Greed will lead you to the Shard of Lust. Meanwhile, if someone had the Shard of Sloth it would lead to you who hold the Shard of Pride. This is due to the arcane relationship s between the schools of magic. Pride (illusion) has opposities of Sloth (conjuration) and Greed (transmutation). Greed has Pride and Lust (enchantment) as opposites thus Sloth leads to Pride leads to Greed leads to Lust and so forth."
"Ah, the arcane schools of magic. Never had much time for them. Real power comes from the gods of earth and the sky and from within one's self," Fulmen says gesturing with his arms for emphasis. He then adds in a low tone, "So it seems we need to be alert to other parties seeking the shards and we continue our own search."
"We'll be careful..." Braelex yawns and stretches, looking around at the others impatiently.
Some thought suddenly furrows her brow. "Sheila. Assuming we do locate another shard... in the likely scenario that we don't have an appropriate neutralizing ioun stone on hand, is there a way to safely transport a shard without being exposed to its negative influence?"
"Find a way to not be in possession of it? Give it to your horse?" She quips, semi-serious.
"Hmmm, a horse," Braelex deadpans. "So obvious, I'm ashamed I did not think of that..."
"Master Heidmarch, do you have any drawings of a sinspawn so that we may have a better idea of what we're looking for?"
"Hmm, yes ... I think I may have a book around here somewhere." The Pathfinder finds a book on a shelf nearby and thumbs through it.
"Here we go," he states as he flips open a book and spins it so Fulmen can see it, tapping the image on the page.
Aidon looks at Fulmen, "Didn't we already see one of these things looked up in a cage, I think we filled it full of crossbow bolts if I remember correctly, I don't think we hit it in the head though, we could go get that and bring it back," Aidon shudders, "and when I say we, I mean one of you, cutting off heads is outside of my job duties..."
Aidon smiles at Sheila, "If we place the shard in a bag are we still considered in possession of it? What about an extra dimensional space like a bag of holding?"
"Amiculus could carry it as well, and if I set him home while carrying it it would be safe until I call him again."
If I could get 40 gold from each of you I will purchase the cracked stone. These shards seem to be quite useful. Having the cracked stone could mitigate the curse well enough to allow us to use it once we find it. I think it's a good investment. and the cracked stone is a reasonable investment on its own.
Aidon smiles at Sheila, "If we place the shard in a bag are we still considered in possession of it? What about an extra dimensional space like a bag of holding?"
"I can't say with certainty, Aidon. Part of being a Pathfinder is being the first to document discoveries. Although I would say you could likely extrapolate the effects of another shard using the shard you currently possess. Perhaps some experimentation is in order?" Sheila smiles slightly.
"Let's do some experimentation before we buy a stone. We have a shard and could remove the stone from it in a controlled environment here at the mansion. Let's just make sure to take some precautions by making sure no one can escape with the cursed shard." Fulmen lists several scenarios.
In each scenario does the "receiver" feel any different? Does the original possessor (Braelex?) still feel the effects?
Put the shard in the haversack without Fulmen touching it. Then if I carry it around do I feel the effects? Try passing the pack around to see if it shifts with the wearer.
Put the shard in a lead box without touching it directly.
Use a summoned being.
In each scenario does the "receiver" feel any different? Does the original possessor (Braelex?) still feel the effects?
Put the shard in the haversack without Fulmen touching it. Then if I carry it around do I feel the effects? Try passing the pack around to see if it shifts with the wearer.
Put the shard in a lead box without touching it directly.
Use a summoned being.
With careful experimentation (and a rope tied around the shard), you determine that the "effects" of the curse and the shard transfer to the new owner as soon as the shard is passed, even inside a backpack, but not inside the haversack, nor does anyone notice when a summoned creature, like Amiculus, carries it. Once it's inside the haversack, the owner does lose the effects of the shard and ioun stone.
A thirty-foot-diameter, softly glowing circle of runes shimmers on the floor. What appears to be a single flickering flame burns with no apparent source of fuel in the middle of the room.
The bare stone floor of this room overlooks a stair that descends to the south.
tag. [/ooc]
The trip back to the Crow is simple and quick. Brikbrak awaits with a group of mites to guide you back through their level and several of them cheer you on as you head down the stairs into the ancient Thasilonian ruin.
The only difference in this room are the pair of nupperibo just standing at the south end of the room ... watching you, but otherwise not moving or acting.
A pillar stands at either end of this wide room. The northern pillar is carved with the image of a beautiful woman wielding a ranseur. The southern pillar depicts seven robed men and women, their features eroded with the years. Each of them holds one segment of a seven-pointed star. Strange runes are carved into the floor.
The smell of the sea is strong here.
This chamber is bare save for a statue depicting a regal looking woman wielding a ranseur—she stands in a battle ready pose, with the tip of the ranseur aimed at the northern entrance to the room.
This oddly shaped room retains some of the trappings of its former glory. Remarkably well-preserved tapestries hang at the back of alcoves.
We seem to have an escort, or at least a welcome waiting for us. Are you guys friendly? Relan asks the creatures.
Aidon sighs at the two nupperibo, and make a shooing motion, "Go away stupid devils, or I'll get the hose again," Aidon looks to Relen and squints, "You look like Relan, but you don't seem to remember much, did your parents drop you on your head as a child? I bet that's it huh?" He pats Relan on the back, "It happens to the best of us," Aidon looks at the nupperibo and says, "Evil devil spawns from hell, meet Relan, Relan, meet the evil devil spawns from Hell." Aidon smiles, "Careful, they bite!"
"They are mostly mindless though, they are most likely following the orders of the accuser devil we fought earlier, we should just kill them."
Unless the devils quickly convince him that they are friendly Relan obliges Aidon and moves quickly into the room on the right side and slices at the devil.
Fulmen eyes the room intently while addressing the group, "I mentioned this room to Master Hiedmarch and he speculated that this room could be an elaborate trap or a door... Perhaps we should come back after exploring the Crow further?" Fulmen takes mental note of the runes marking the floor in case they see similar runes elsewhere. Map shows an opening on the other side of the room. Can we see it?
"Are they guarding something? We've been through this room a couple of times and they haven't moved as far as I can tell."
Do the runes match those in the Elemental Flame room? "I would venture to guess that each one of those figures holding a shard is a Runelord." Could it be a form of languge? Can I make a linguistics check to see if I can read the runes on the floor and pillars?
Can we hear the waves crashing on the other side of the door?
The map shows the path continues to the south. Do we see what's down that way?
Fulmen looks behind the tapestries after examining them for anything Heidmarch might be interested in. Is that a column in the middle of the room and door on the west side?
Also, we need to grab the head of the sinspawn. I have a grappling hook and rope if the cage is out of reach. Perhaps we can pull it down or climb up to it?
"Destroy the creatures. Beware invisible imps and other devils."
Vuloo draws his crossbow and fires.
As we return to the Crow, Braelex will ready ten crossbow bolts with a vial of silver weapon blanch.
When Relan and Vuloo attack the devils, Braelex holds her action and watches to see what happens.
Having been on the wrong end of these creatures before, Relan stalks forward swinging in a wide circle to the west and thrusts his ranseur into the western nupperibo, taking its head clean off. The second one turns and stares at the fighter but takes no action other than to gape open-mouthed at Relan even as Vuloo's bolt bounces off his hide.
Fulmen moves forward to inspect the pillars visually.
The sound of water gently lapping on stone is faintly audible through the door. Not so much waves crashing, though.
Looking at the tapestries closer, both depict a mountain with a woman's face carved into the peak above an immense bridge that crosses the ocean below, while at the mountain's base rises a strange city. Again you note the tapestries are immaculate, not a thread out of place.
A single stone pillar stands in the middle of the room, the image of a seven-pointed star with a hole in the center carved into its north face. A brass portcullis stands to the west, barring entry into a hallway leading beyond. You see a couple more nupperibo on the other side of the portcullis down the hall. They spy you and move to the south out of view.
Vuloo will search the room, looking for any traps. He also studies the flame, trying to discern the purpose.
Vuloo looks down the stairs and listens for any sign of what is at the bottom.
Vuloo will cease firing on the nupperibo and will wait for any reaction. If there is no reaction he will search the room.
Vuloo searches the room.
Vuloo searches the room.
Vuloo will search behind the tapestries.
Aidon and Amiculus searche as well
Aidon - Perception -
Amiculus- Perception -
Aidon - Perception -
Amiculus- Perception -
Aidon - Perception -
Amiculus- Perception -
Aidon - Perception -
Amiculus- Perception -
Aidon - Perception -
Amiculus- Perception -
"Can our summoner tell us about the summoned fire elemental?" Braelex gives Aidon a sidelong glance.
***
Other than track Relan with its head, the second nupperibo does not act
As you study the circle intently, the flames leap to life and transform into two vaguely humanoid shaped fire creatures that begin to move around the room. They do not cross the edge of the circle.
The pillars both radiate magic
Hidden in the hollow of one of the tapestries' rods, you find a magic wand.
As soon as the first of you step into the room, the statue begins to turn, sputter, and smoke.
Vuloo will quickly retreat from the room with the sputtering statue, arming his crossbow as he backs out.
"Andel, come take a look at these pillars. They appear to depict something important."
"Andel, come take a look at this tapestry. Do you think it's something Master Hiedmarch might be interested in?" Regardless of Andel's answer if the tapestry will fit in the Haversack Fulmen will take it.
"Hey, there's a magic wand in here!"
Fulmen will assist our summorer in his spellcraft check.
Relan steps back, ready to defend himself and the others, but not wanting to be close if the thing explodes.
Uncaring if the devils are defending themselves or not, Relan works to vanquish them from the material plane. He moves to within 10' of the other and tries to cut it down.
Braelex elbows Aidon to break his daydreaming spell.
* * *
"What kind of wand?" Braelex arches a brow, glancing at Andel.
* * *
Braelex retreats with Vuloo and similarly readies her crossbow.
With nary a flinch, Relan steps forward and smoothly cuts down the second devil with a vicious backswing sending the two parts of the devil's body flying in different directions.
The tapestries will fit in the haversack.
;
It's a wand of lesser restoration with 17 charges.
;
As the devil falls Relan comments Well, that was less than satisfying. But I am glad there are fewer devils in our world. What next? He looks to the group.
Spellcraft -
"Oh, wow, interesting...very interesting...hmmm..." Aidon wanders around repeating the above until someone, (I'm looking at you Braelex) gets irritated enough to smack him, then he says, "Oh, jeez, yeah sorry, wow I am not good with having people around who care about what I think" He shrugs, a little sheepishly, "So this looks like an enlarged, and very powerful circle against Law, this flame looks like it used to be some sort of a portal, it looks like it's either on the fritz, or just weakened, I am not sure if we can do anything to repower it, I am sure there is nothing terrible waiting on the other side to kill us all...and when say I am sure there is nothing, I am lying, there could be something really bad through there, I am not sure if we should fix it or not"
"Oh....oh my, this looks bad...we should move"
Aidon will back down the hallway quickly
Fulmens holds action until it's determined whether the automaton is hostile, but will hold back near Relan and the rest of the group.
After a few seconds, a small globe of fire floats from the eyes of the statue, lazily moving down the length of its weapon before it detonates in a fiery explosion. A wave of heart blows your hair back, but you're just out of range of any harmful effect. The statue turns back to its original position.
Moving immediately after the fireball clears, Braelex runs to the statue and looks for a way to disable it.
Vuloo will attempt to aid Braelex in her search.
"I will take the wand, unless there are any objections."
Braelex runs in as the statue slowly rotates back and in short order is able to find and disarm the somewhat defective fireball trap before it fully resets. She notes that the trap used to be quicker and more powerful at one time, but as with most things, the arcane energies have decayed over the intervening millenia.
If we can scoot around the circle without entering it to get to the other side I think we should.
You will have to enter the circle to cross the room
Perhaps a distraction? Relan moves the far side of the circle, standing close it, and readies to move back should an elemental move to attack him.
With the trap disabled, Braelex will help search the rest of the room, in case there are further dangers.