Male Dwarf Fighter (Two-Weapon Warrior) 7/Rogue 1 HP 75/75; AC 23; TCH 14; FF 19; F +9; R +8; W +4; CMB+10; CMD 24; Speed 20FT; Init +3; Perception +8;
Elliot, not used to yelling around or being yelled at, grabs the chain Carlyle pointed at and pulls at three.
322 (Pregen) Female Elf Oracle 7 Init +2; Perception +2/+1*; AC (18) 12, touch 12, ff 10 (16); CMD: 19; hp 23/59; Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +10/+9*, +2 vs. enchantments; Speed 30 ft.
Spells:
1st: 0/7; 2nd 0/7; 3rd 0/5
Wand:
Cure Moderate Wounds 0
Special Abilities:
Gift of Madness 6/7; Interstellar Void 0/1; Trumpet of Spirit Speaking 1/1; Cloak of Darkness 4/7 hours; Wings of Darkness - 6/7 min.
Ezren is positioned next to the chain indicated by Carlyle, holding it and responds him, "I never swam in life!", the Wizard looks at him with an expression of "it will not work" on his face.
(not raging) AC 22 T 15 FF 19 (uncanny dodge) l Current HP 52/53| F +12 (+2 vs poison) R +6 W +4 (+2 vs mind affecting) | Init +2 | Perc +10 Rage 13/13
Old Iron stands next to the chain Carlyle indicated.
It sounds like folks are pulling chains with Carlyle's countdown, every chain but #2.
Everyone but Ezren grabs a chain and gives it a tug as granite slabs pivot and water begins roaring into the room.
The two open tunnels through which you stepped in swiftly close shut as well, massive granite slabs sealing you into the room.
The chute seemingly marked #3 causes the heaviest pour while #8 is barely funneling in water at a quarter of the rate.
As the water reaches 30ft, all the granite slabs pivot and close, leaving you all wading in the water and scrambling to the ledge that marks the bottom of the stairs. As you ascend to this height, you spot tiny holes in the walls all about the chamber as the water splashes against the walls. This seems to be some sort of triggering mechanism as the door at this level shudders and begins to lower.
Elliot and Old Iron step up and lead the way beyond.
Crudely carved stonework expands into a dank circular chamber. Twin torches on both the eastern and western ends of the cavern illuminate a large stone slab that resides in the northern portion of the chamber.
Littering the area around the slab are all manner of strange offerings, ranging from chipped skulls, ancient coins, strange pearls, crude tools, and broken pieces of art. Among all the treasures on the makeshift altar, the largest item appears to be an open tome of the most immaculate bone-white shade. From the tome comes an earshattering hymn — a chorus which sings the most beautiful of melodies.
The song is so loud now, you'd need a DC15 Perception check to make out what someone else shouts. If you have +5, you can "take 10" on this.
Standing in front of the open tome is a humanoid male, however instead of having legs, he appears to possess eightwrithing tentacles reminiscent of an octopus.
Pierre can't figure out what the song says. He waves at the creature and whispers, forgetting that it is useless in these condition, "Should I try a diplomatic approach, friends?"
Male Dwarf Fighter (Two-Weapon Warrior) 7/Rogue 1 HP 75/75; AC 23; TCH 14; FF 19; F +9; R +8; W +4; CMB+10; CMD 24; Speed 20FT; Init +3; Perception +8;
"Huh, look at this guy! No legs but tentacles." Perception:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Female Aasimar Gunslinger 5/inquisitor 5 | AC: 23/15/17 (resist a/c/e 5) | HP: 79/79 | Fort +12*, Ref +13* (+4 vs ally spells), Will +11* (*+2 vs evil descriptor) | CMB +7, CMD 23 | Init +14 | Perc +16 (darkvision) | Ammo: 31+29 | Bane: 10/10 | Full attack w/in 30 ft: +12/+12/+7 touch (1d12+15/x4 <1 or 1-2>)
Adeah treads water until the ledge is reachable. Then she scrambles up, hoping the powder in her musket didn't get wet and lose its potency.
"Why is this thing so loud?" she asks no one in particular. She goes toward the man-creature and the book. I'm guessing this is what we've been looking for.
If the creature doesn't stop her, she'll try and close the book.
322 (Pregen) Female Elf Oracle 7 Init +2; Perception +2/+1*; AC (18) 12, touch 12, ff 10 (16); CMD: 19; hp 23/59; Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +10/+9*, +2 vs. enchantments; Speed 30 ft.
Spells:
1st: 0/7; 2nd 0/7; 3rd 0/5
Wand:
Cure Moderate Wounds 0
Special Abilities:
Gift of Madness 6/7; Interstellar Void 0/1; Trumpet of Spirit Speaking 1/1; Cloak of Darkness 4/7 hours; Wings of Darkness - 6/7 min.
Perception:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
"Interesting, my friends! I believe we find our two fates: the thing that contracted those thugs that ambushed us, and The Celestial Song. And I don't think he wants to give it to us".
Ezren is paying attention in everything around, waiting the right time to act.
(not raging) AC 22 T 15 FF 19 (uncanny dodge) l Current HP 52/53| F +12 (+2 vs poison) R +6 W +4 (+2 vs mind affecting) | Init +2 | Perc +10 Rage 13/13
Old Iron has a +10 perception, so he just takes 10
Old Iron ignores his companions and calls out to the mysterious tentacled man.
Pierre shouts at the octopus-man, bowing slowly "Greetings! We are also curious about this strange book! Could you figure out what it was already?" As the cleric speaks, he begins to glow a little from appeasing light.
The cecaelia in the room continues to stand before the open tome blasting the celestial harmonies. He eyes Adeah suspiciously as she steps forward and turns his head to listen in on Ezren and Old Iron as they open their mouths to shout. It shakes its head, but seems to understand Adeah and Old Iron's intentions as its expression starts to shift from bliss at the song to anger as it steps forward to intercede, lowering its spear defensively.
However, there is something captivating about Pierre's words (perhaps better because it has not heard his allies challenges) that causes the creature to pause. It lowers its spear ever slightly, keeping a wary eye trained on Old Iron and Adeah.
It begins to speak, loudly, in response to Pierre's inquiry.
"It is... the Celestial Song, a magnificent tome. Call off your friends, stow your weapons, and perhaps I'll allow you to stay to bask in its radiance!"
DM Note: If you rolled a 29 or lower diplomacy check there, it would have attacked. :)
Female Aasimar Gunslinger 5/inquisitor 5 | AC: 23/15/17 (resist a/c/e 5) | HP: 79/79 | Fort +12*, Ref +13* (+4 vs ally spells), Will +11* (*+2 vs evil descriptor) | CMB +7, CMD 23 | Init +14 | Perc +16 (darkvision) | Ammo: 31+29 | Bane: 10/10 | Full attack w/in 30 ft: +12/+12/+7 touch (1d12+15/x4 <1 or 1-2>)
Nice, Pierre!
Nine hells am I stashing my weapon, Adeah thinks as the creature lowers (but does not drop) his spear. She leans her musket against her shoulder in a nonthreatening gesture, but keeps it in hand nonetheless. "That's great; I can almost hear myself being excited about it. Think you could ask him to shut it off so we can talk?"
(not raging) AC 22 T 15 FF 19 (uncanny dodge) l Current HP 52/53| F +12 (+2 vs poison) R +6 W +4 (+2 vs mind affecting) | Init +2 | Perc +10 Rage 13/13
Old Iron sighs and hooks his lucerne hammer into a strap on his back.
(not raging) AC 22 T 15 FF 19 (uncanny dodge) l Current HP 52/53| F +12 (+2 vs poison) R +6 W +4 (+2 vs mind affecting) | Init +2 | Perc +10 Rage 13/13
Old Iron frowns and shakes his head.
"I know that! He hasn't said he's giving us the book, though. And it doesn't look like he wants to give it up."
Master of Ribbons 4 HP: 36/36 | AC 18 | T 13 | FF 15 | Fort +5 | Ref +6 | Will +2 | CMD 19 | Initiative +6 | Perception +5 | Climb +6 | Swim +7 | Kn.(D/L) +4
Resources:
CLW Wand - 50 charges
Carlyle moves into the room with the rest, but is having trouble hearing...
Perception:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
He sees the rest of the party stowing their weapons but the cephalopod keeps his spear leveled at the group, so Carlyle only stows a single dagger, keeping the other in plain sight.
"WHY AREN'T WE TAKING BACK THE STOLEN BOOK?!" he bellows.
The octo-man seems to nod approvingly as weapons are stashed, continuing to point at Carlyle with his spear as if to suggest your acquiescense is incomplete, while at the same time gesturing you away from the tome.
He makes a partial attempt to listen to your conversation and shakes his head as he appears to pick out bits that relate to your interest in obtaining the book, once again shaking his spear.
"This book is Na-Kraka's! Back away and let me finish the ritual."
He thumps his chest as he claims ownership of the book.
As he almost turns back to the tome, still keeping a wary eye on you all, he appears to decide to add one last bit, briefly, before he continues basking in the thunderous chorus.
"Do not try to deceive Na-Kraka, punishment will be severe!"
I'm going to go with some Sense Motives to hopefully make this a bit smoother via PbP since we're in the diplomatic path, at least for the moment. Make 1 roll and pop all spoilers.
Sense Motive DC10:
You get the sense that Na-Kraka was "this close" to simply murdering you all to prevent you from interrupting whatever ritual is transpiring here with the book.
Sense Motive DC15:
Na-Kraka doesn't strike you as particularly evil, but he doesn't seem particularly good either. He seems to believe he is getting something out of whatever ritual is transpiring with the book.
Sense Motive DC20:
Na-Kraka appears to be stalling for time with you to some degree, presumably he expects to gain some power upon completion of the ritual?
Pierre's managed to somehow convince him not to engage you all, but you suspect you're not prying the tome from him without offering him something in return.
Technically, Pierre's already hit the DC30 Diplomacy check to prevent him from engaging in combat and potentially achieve an alternative outcome, yet Na-Kraka requires some form of "respectable tribute" to turn over the tome. Based on the slowly increasing volume, you'd have to believe the celestial ritual is almost complete.
(not raging) AC 22 T 15 FF 19 (uncanny dodge) l Current HP 52/53| F +12 (+2 vs poison) R +6 W +4 (+2 vs mind affecting) | Init +2 | Perc +10 Rage 13/13
Still taking 10 to hear over noise
Sense Motive:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Old Iron finds he has trouble focusing with this overbearing noise pounding him from all sides. He assumes battle is going to break out shortly regardless, but he simply stands with his arms folded, trusting he would be able to respond to any attack well enough.
Pierre shakes his head. I really don't wanna fight this person, and I guess he doesn't wanna fight either! What to do, oh gracious Iomedae?
Pierre shouts once again. "We don't wanna fight you! But we need this magnificent tome! Thousand of lives depend on it! Why are you interested in it yourself?"
Female Aasimar Gunslinger 5/inquisitor 5 | AC: 23/15/17 (resist a/c/e 5) | HP: 79/79 | Fort +12*, Ref +13* (+4 vs ally spells), Will +11* (*+2 vs evil descriptor) | CMB +7, CMD 23 | Init +14 | Perc +16 (darkvision) | Ammo: 31+29 | Bane: 10/10 | Full attack w/in 30 ft: +12/+12/+7 touch (1d12+15/x4 <1 or 1-2>)
Sense Motive:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
"He's stalling," she tells the others. "I'm guessing this ritual is almost complete, and I'm guessing he's got something to gain from it." Adeah holds out her empty handed in an imploring gesture. "Look, we can give you something in return. Just please hand over the book!"
@Ezren: Sure, nothing in the scenario about it, but I'm good for a check here.
DC20 Knowledge Religion or Arcana:
You remember something about the Celestial Song giving whomever completes the ritual some sort of 'sway' over others.
DC25 Knowledge Religion or Arcana:
You're not sure that Na-Kraka would actually get that much power from the book. You suspect in reality that it is meant for angelic beings and good worshippers, so Na-Kraka is likely to be able to use it to obtain any real power or advantage in the world.
Na-Kraka keeps his grip on his spear as he watches Carlyle warily. He continues to listen to Pierre and Adeah's pleas. He almost hesitates at Pierre's words.
"Thousands... of... lives? How?"
The eight-armed (legged?) creature continues to eye Ezren's magicks with an almost hungry look.
Pierre:
No further Diplomacy checks are required here. Your amazing ability to talk others into things gives you some additional insight here (although you really should bump your Sense Motive so it's crunch supported!). You get the sense that further Diplomacy is not needed here - you've adjusted Na-Kraka's attitude. His body language suggests he's receptive to listening to you over the angelic chorus and he *could* be convinced to part with the book - he just needs some form of more useful tribute in return and a good reason to accept it.
Ezren looks to his fellows with a doubt expression stamped in his face: "what is going on here? Why this 'thing' is looking at me?"
He notices that Na-Kraka would kill someone who approach the book, and starts to worry about Carlyle's safety. "If nobody do anything in the next seconds, I'll have to do this by my way, before it attacks Carlyle".
Male Dwarf Fighter (Two-Weapon Warrior) 7/Rogue 1 HP 75/75; AC 23; TCH 14; FF 19; F +9; R +8; W +4; CMB+10; CMD 24; Speed 20FT; Init +3; Perception +8;
Elliot has no idea what to do and what happens. "What are we going to do now!??"
(not raging) AC 22 T 15 FF 19 (uncanny dodge) l Current HP 52/53| F +12 (+2 vs poison) R +6 W +4 (+2 vs mind affecting) | Init +2 | Perc +10 Rage 13/13
"Got me, Ezren. Maybe he wants something from you? Or maybe he thinks you look tasty?"
The room vibrates, almost as if thunder were rolling across it as the chorus appears to finally reach a climax. Golden shafts of light radiate from the tome basking the chamber as the octo-man raises up his arms and turns to bask in the radiant glow.
The roaring chorus finally stops as you all exercise your jaws and realize that you just might be able to hear once again.
Somehow, you all feel soothed, relaxed and calmed. If you were asked by someone how you felt just now, you'd pretty much say, "soothed" or "calmed".
Na-Kraka holds his arms up.
"Behold! The ritual is complete!"
He blinks and gestures at you all.
"Now, how shall we rebuild the empires of old together?"
When you all don't leap up to begin offering him assistance as subjects, he blinks again as the ritual hasn't had the effect he expected.
"Wait... you are not beholden to me? Hmmm..."
The infernal book within Carlyle's pack leaps again, struggling against its bindings, reminding you all that its reunion with the Celestial Song isn't one that can be postponed much longer...
Pierre surprises the man's interested look at Ezren's magic arts. He nods at his companion, making calming gestures.
Satisfied that his hears hurt no longer, he simply says on a very calm tone to the man.
"Would you be interested in magic scrolls that may help you? I think I saw that you were a savant that studies arcane art! Maybe Ezren here could exchange with you some arcane lore?"
Female Aasimar Gunslinger 5/inquisitor 5 | AC: 23/15/17 (resist a/c/e 5) | HP: 79/79 | Fort +12*, Ref +13* (+4 vs ally spells), Will +11* (*+2 vs evil descriptor) | CMB +7, CMD 23 | Init +14 | Perc +16 (darkvision) | Ammo: 31+29 | Bane: 10/10 | Full attack w/in 30 ft: +12/+12/+7 touch (1d12+15/x4 <1 or 1-2>)
"Guess not," Adeah says in response to his confusion. "Didn't quite work, huh?" She shifts her musket still resting on her shoulder, worried that she might need to use it after all.
Master of Ribbons 4 HP: 36/36 | AC 18 | T 13 | FF 15 | Fort +5 | Ref +6 | Will +2 | CMD 19 | Initiative +6 | Perception +5 | Climb +6 | Swim +7 | Kn.(D/L) +4
Resources:
CLW Wand - 50 charges
The book grows quiet as Carlyle flips the dagger into its sheath. "My good octopus-man. We can offer you the services of the Pathfinder Society and I'm sure that our Venture-Captain would greatly reward you if you are to hand over the tome now as it is too dangerous to remain in society at large." Carlyle says, trying to aid Pierre's diplomatic approach.
Na-Kraka's expressions softens as he converses with Pierre further, the old wise Pathfinder allying his concerns, redirecting his ambitions and goals, finally capping the proposed exchange for the book with Carlyle's offer of Pathfinder resources.
"Pathfinder Society? I've heard of them... they take... strange creatures among them, do they not?"
Na-Kraka gestures towards the Celestial Song.
"Take it. It didn't do what I hoped."
Carlyle sweeps in, quickly scooping up the tome while simultaneously drawing (quickdrawing?) its infernal sister. He presses the two books together carefully.
Much as Ollysta promised, the books shimmer with a magical light as they bind to one another. They take on a greyish, duller color as if both their magics are slightly supressed by their union.
Master of Ribbons 4 HP: 36/36 | AC 18 | T 13 | FF 15 | Fort +5 | Ref +6 | Will +2 | CMD 19 | Initiative +6 | Perception +5 | Climb +6 | Swim +7 | Kn.(D/L) +4
Resources:
CLW Wand - 50 charges
"I'm sure we can work something out." the Master of Ribbons says with a grin. Upon placing both of the books in his pack, Carlyle lives up to his moniker and showers the area in ribbons!
(not raging) AC 22 T 15 FF 19 (uncanny dodge) l Current HP 52/53| F +12 (+2 vs poison) R +6 W +4 (+2 vs mind affecting) | Init +2 | Perc +10 Rage 13/13
Old Iron looks disappointed at the pewceful resolution.
"Guess that's it, huh? Probably for the best. Still, I was kinda hoping to fight a devil army...."
I, the player, am totally fine with a nonviolent resolution, so take Old Iron's lamentations with a grain of salt. He just like a good fight.
