This is a report of the notable archaeological items discovered in the lost colony of Taldor—estimated to have been established shortly after the founding of Corentyn in 1520 ar—uncovered by the Athenaeum in Kharijite.
Item 1: Ancient broken Taldan clay pots.
Item 2: A ruined building manufactured in ancient Taldan style.
Item 3: Four Taldan statues depicting the founders of the colony.
Item 4: Two golden lion statues.
Item 5: A large statue of the god Abadar.
PLAYER HANDOUT #2: OPENED LETTER:
PLAYER HANDOUT #3: INTERROGATION REPORT:
Inmate: P66742—Niara Cremden
Identification: Female human
Occupation: Maintenance at Aspis headquarters
Plaintiff: Ianareth Alazario
Charge: Unlawful communication of inside trade information discussed between the plaintiff and the inmate’s employer
Information: Successful interrogation—inmate admitted having overheard the plaintiff state that Aspis agent Kitio Aspenthi would be performing covert operations in Aspenthar for the foreseeable future at the organization’s behest. Inmate acknowledged being in violation of her employment contract by sharing this information with parties other than registered Aspis agents and collaborative contractors (i.e. the plaintiff).
PLAYER HANDOUT #4: INTERROGATION REPORT:
Inmate: P66759—Raleri Zetryl
Identification: Female human
Occupation: Ship laborer (suspected Pathfinder agent)
Plaintiff: Ianareth Alazario
Charge: Willful disruption of a lawful exchange organized by the plaintiff between her affiliated organization (i.e. Aspis Consortium) and a contracted third party (i.e. Order of the Rack)
Information: Unsuccessful interrogation—inmate expired before confession could be obtained. Original exchange between the interested parties (i.e. transfer of one Bell of Obedience from the Aspis Consortium to the Order of the Rack) resolved normally.
PLAYER HANDOUT #5: GENEALOGICAL RECORDS:
Last documented Davian figurehead: Lannavia Davian, Duchess of the southern Hellcoast and matriarch of her House
Lineage: One male heir, Hekerius Davian
Following the Battle of a Hundred Kings in 4639 AR. House Davian suffered almost complete annihilation at the hands of their empowered rivals, House Thrune. Davian properties were seized and redistributed among Thrune loyalists, family histories were destroyed in Clarity Pyres, and all potential heirs to Davian lands were executed.
Historian’s Note: Evidence suggests that Hekerius Davian was adopted into House Dralneen, a minor noble house loyal to Thrune, in the event that hereditary claim to the southern Hellcoast were ever disputed. If my sources are accurate, the late Hekerius Dralneen and Hekerius Davian are one and the same, meaning that Hekerius’s only legitimate child— Paracountess Zarta Dralneen—is the last remaining heir to the Davian title and estate.
As Oggil examines the water and Nithrun the arcane writings, Samildanach takes a step away from the stairs and looks at the plant-life lying beneath the odd mists that pervade the room.
Looking around he jabs at it with the butt of his trident, trying to discern life from the plant.
"I despise this place, it gives me the creeps friends."
Nithrun will save 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5. Fascinated for1d4 ⇒ 4
Nithrun's closer examination of the runes causes them to flare and capture his attention as they burn and flicker with Infernal Hellfire.
That hellfire animates a single statue which though cracked with age still possesess the needed energy to come to life!!!
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
"As the tinder is burns when touched by a fire, so should you try to use that rod.." suggests Oggil as he races toward the statue.
Once there he only has time to deliver one quick blow to the thing.
Turning as the lights flare to see their halfling companion staring blankly at the writings upon the ground. Cursing, he calls to Magni for aid before moving forwards, dropping his Trident at his feet and pulling forth the strange rod.
Round 2
Magni Stonebow
Samildanach The Dread
Oggil Redhand
Nithrun - Fascinated 2/4
SERPENT EFFIGY AC 14 HP 20
Bold is up
Magni's spell would have caught any other foe but for this one. It avoids the most of it unfortunately as its eyes glow, it shows that it doesn't feel hindered in the least as the glow manifests itself as a searing beam of fire!!!!
Based on init order 1d4 ⇒ 1
Magni I burn You!! Ranged Touch 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 232d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9
Any hint on the rod at all? I still had a standard action last round
If the Rod is reacting:
Samildanach steps forwards and holds up the control rod to the attacking construct, hoping that there was something in this ancient tools construction to aid here.
"Cursed thing! Halfling, snap out of it!"
[spoiler=If the rod is dormant] With a curse, the ex-pirate drops the control rod at his feet and snatches up his Trident. Stepping forwards he thrusts the wicked point into the golem's cracks
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
Did Oggil's blow miss last round?
Oggil steps to the side, allowing him to set up a flank.
5' step and hopes Sam moves next round
He then unleashes a flurry of blows on the statue.
flurry, PA:1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 - 1 = 20 <- also a stunning strike.Fort DC15.
flurry, PA:1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 - 1 = 16 And spends a point of Ki ki strike,PA:1d20 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 7 - 1 = 12 Or should that be 'wastes a point of ki'?
damage1(magic):1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 + (6) = 12 <- extra d6 is fire
damage2(magic):1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 + (3) = 11 <- extra d6 is fire
damage3(magic):1d8 + 3 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 + (3) = 13 <- extra d6 is fire
The rod reacts but needs to be activated for use.
Yes Ogil the intial hit misses.
Oggil ended combat anyway. Did you take note of entangle btw? Not that it makes a difference.
There's still one more undiscovered area, A10
Oggil's pummeling blows take its effect though he notes that the fire from his fists does nothing towards the statue.
With a well aimed thrust from Samildanach's trident, the effigy eyes dims and then all movement from it ceases as its functions deactivates.
Samildanach shrugs, placing the Rod back in his backpack before looking around the room, trying to make certain they are not going to be set upon again. With everything fairly calm, the Half-orc follows Magni into the secret chamber they discovered.
"Well well, what do we have here then?" he asks no-one in particular as he approaches the large slab in the centre.
Eerie green lights burn all along the walls of this laboratory. A staircase ascends to the east, and a collapsed one lies to the west. A stained-glass window looms over an operating slab where the remains of a humanoid creature lie chained to the stone. Several tablets and other strange items lie atop the various tables.
Lying atop the table is an ornate Large +1 bastard sword after a brief study of the weapon.
DC 25 Linguistics check or can read
Jistkan:
You learn that the tablets contain information about both infusing constructs with fiendish energy and the war with Ancient Osirion. One tablet details Jistkan plans to arm constructs with manufactured weapons designed to combat their div enemies.
Samildanach steps out of the secret chamber to speak with Nithrun and Oggil, his Trident still drawn despite the apparent silence of the place. Noting the Halfling had snapped out of his trance he grunts softly.
"Well, I think we found evidence the Chels are lying." he says matter of factly "However, I say think as I can't read the nonsense written on it. There is an overly big sword in there too. I guess we bring the stuff back to Zefiro to look at?"
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
"As a mother predates her daughter, so does this ruin does seem to ... predate Taldor." agrees Oggil.
Magni casts detect magic before answering:"The sword is. Now let's get out of here and back where we come from. I don't want to say here a minute more than absolutely needed" proclaims the permanently angry dwarf.
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
"As the shifting sands reveal that hidden, so too is there true knowledge and history hidden here. Albeit beneath a veneer of Cheliax gilding. This appears to be a genuine Jiskan ruin that has been repurposed.."
"Err, what he said." Samildanach says as non-plussed as ever with Oggil's odd talking, maybe he would take some time on the way back to puzzle out the Dwarf, though it was just as likely to drive him mad than enlighten him.
Placing the odd tablets inside his pack alongside the strange rod, the Half-orc indicates he is ready.
"I agree with Magni for once, this place is not good for our health. Now we just have to tell our higher ups that the Chels are lying without them coming down on us..."
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
"Then let us make our exit. And perhaps take those fallen soliders and archaeologists with us and give them a good and proper burial. I would hate for their unquiet spirits to have to haunt this place and cause problems for future explorers. "
He pauses. "Though as a pendulum returns ever to its resting state, it may be their spirits were already spoken for by the powers of Cheliax."
The dwarf tries to suppress a shudder at what that might mean, but the thoughts of spending an eternity in hell is obviously not an attractive one.
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
Your return to Corentyn aboard another Chelish frigate in the evening is uneventful.
Perception DC 20:
An avian silhouette passing in front of the moon before flapping off in the direction of the museum.
From teh outside as you arrive to meet with Zefiro, the museum appears dark and empty except for several muffled voices audible in the building’s east wing.
Double doors open into a hall filled with bookshelves, display cases, and two large tables piled with manuscripts. Several oil lamps keep the darkness at bay even at night. A rolling ladder stands at the east end of the library. Two staircases near the doors rise to the balconies on both sides of the hall. The railed balconies run across the length of the hall with a third one rising even higher to the east. There, a pair of doors leads into a second-story office.
A woman with dark, flowing hair speaks from the highest balcony. “How nice of you to deliver yourselves to me. I was just about to come find you! I strongly advise that you turn yourself in for questioning—though I must admit that part of me hopes you won’t, since our friends to the east are sure to hammer the truth out of the traitor Zefiro anyway.”
Place yourself at the doors. Arrows to guide you. :P
Color Coded my NPCs. Green is speaking.
Despite his keen senses Magni doesn't notice anything unusual as the ship starts docking into Corentyn's port.
When the woman adresses the party Magni just scoffs:"Well here we are then. Why don't you come down here and question us? I'm sure I will love to give you a piece of my mind..." says the angry dwarf getting ready for the inevitable confrontation.
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
perception:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
"As the owl might say. Who are you?" asks Oggil.
"We are just returned from a venture sponsored by house Thune. As you would not bother a crocodile, so do I recommend you do not cross them. Or us."
If he gets a chance, Oggil will advance into the room to be adjacent to one of the figures.
Spotting nothing too out of the ordinary as they enter the harbour or the streets beyond on the way to the Museum. Samildanach frowns as they are greeted by an armed response rather than the fussy curator they were expecting. Rolling his eyes, he knew there was seldom point in reasoning with them now he growls softly.
"Aye it is as my Companions say, we have taken part in a sanctioned dig and will not be put off by mere bandits trying to waylay us."
The woman tuts.
"I see you need to know this before I begin the inevitable task of having you all thrown behind bars." she pauses as she points a dainty finger at all of you.
"I am Hellknight signifer Iluvia Thorn and my investigations of Zefiro Balinger has found him guilty of treason due to his willful disregard of his civic duty to destroy the noncompliant (i.e. genuine and true) historical documents that no longer conform to Cheliax’s state-approved, revisionist history. By the power of the law invested in me, I organized his arrest and transfer to a facility in Ostenso, and my team are now busily tearing through the museum’s collections searching for any more of Zefiro’s heretical histories."
"You on the other hand," she smirks.
"Are all accomplices and as such I shall be having you all surrender peacefully else you shall face the consequences."
Knowledge (Local) or (nobility) DC 10:
You know based on her attire, her affiliation is likely with the
Hellknight Order of the Rack.
You know that what she speaks in regards to the law is true. Also for rest excluding Oggil, the raven you see perched on her shoulder is the same one you noticed back in Part 1.
Take note that squares currently are DT as it is still crowded. They also provide cover.
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
local:1d20 ⇒ 17
"And yet we follow the law of the land in seeking the knowledge."
He advances slowly into the room and approaches the Hellknight, talking as he goes
"You are a knight of the Rack, yes? So you know about following instructions? The question at the moment as I see it is whose instructions are more valid?"
"I don't care if you are an hellknight or the damned queen of this blasted country itself! What are you waiting for? Come down and arrest us! Or are you scared you and the other weaklings following you won't be up to the task?" shouts Magni in a fit of rage
Smiling softly but without a hint of warmth at Nithrun's attempted diplomacy, Samildanach is not at all surprised at Magni's next outburst it was never going to be a different way, but at least history will show the dwarves started it. Stepping forward slowly, through the crowds he shakes his head.
"Sorry but I do not think we are the 'come quietly' type." he growls, with no sign of being sorry. "Now, we will be on our way. Good day"
Round 1
SIGNIFER ILUVIA THORN
Oggil Redhand
The Help x2
Nithrun
Magni Stonebow
Samildanach The Dread
Bold is up.
Iluvia seems to do nothing though her hired help springs into action. In her eyes, the light of devotion shines. She won't be going down without a fight.
Roll roll roll 1d20 ⇒ 17
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
Taking advantage of his quick reactions being faster than the slow guards, Oggil quickly moves up toward the leader of the group, but can't quite manage to get a blow in on her.
Dang, 5' short of being able to burn a ki point and still get an attack. Instead double moves while they are still flat footed.
Round 1
Oggil Redhand
SIGNIFER ILUVIA THORN
The Help x2
Nithrun
Magni Stonebow
Samildanach The Dread Bold is up.
It seems that in Oggil's haste he may have missed the glint in Thorn's eyes as she seems to heave forth a mass of wriggly critters that heads straight for the Dwarf.
They go for the dwarf.
Damage 1d6 ⇒ 6
Fort Save VS Poison DC 11 or 1d2 ⇒ 2 Str damage
Distraction DC 11 Fort Save or be nausetated for one round.
Both helps aim their bows at Samildanach The Dread and lets loose!
Shoot from Yellow 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 51d8 ⇒ 6
Shoot from Blue 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 71d8 ⇒ 4
Ducking behind his shield as the arrows fly, Samildanach swears a curse against the dogs of the Hellknights. In response, he calls out in a strong voice, beseeching Gozreh to bless his comrades sword arms in the struggle ahead. Then he rushes up the stairs to confront one of the Hellknights.
Round 1
Oggil Redhand
SIGNIFER ILUVIA THORN
The Help x2
Nithrun
Magni Stonebow
Samildanach The Dread
Round 2
Oggil Redhand
SIGNIFER ILUVIA THORN
The Help x2
Nithrun
Magni Stonebow
Samildanach The Dread
Bold is up.
Magi's anger must have channled into his spell for the cackling fire elicts screams from its victims as it roars into life ! The burns soon give rise to the sweet scent of cooked flesh though hired help grimaces and still holds up.
Meanwhile the room feels as if an ocean current has swept over with a sudden coolness that permeates the room as everyone feels buoyed by Divine blessings.
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
fort vs poison:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 fort vs nausia:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 Did Oggil not get an AOO when she cast Vomit Swarm?
Oggil spends a moment being overwhelmed by the mass of spiders. Bletch.
On the off chance the nausia is poison related, Oggil makes that, and will make a single attack against her
Round 2
Oggil Redhand
SIGNIFER ILUVIA THORN
The Help x2
Nithrun
Magni Stonebow
Samildanach The Dread Bold is up.
No AOO. Readied action toCasted Defensively. See roll above when combat started.
Nithrun's words gives his allies Inspiration to do better!
Oggil finds himself easily brushing off spiders and attempts a single attack!
Noticed no attack roll so.....Fist her? 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 201d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 61d6 ⇒ 4
He lands a mighty blow on her ribs, likely breaking a rib if not outright brusing it.
Thorn grimaces as the blow lands but she her grim smirk shows as she watches the spiders do their work.
Damage 1d6 ⇒ 3
Fort save S Poison DC 11 or 1d2 ⇒ 1 Strength damage.
Distraction DC 11 Fort Save or be nausetated for one round.
She attempts to dig her sickle into Oggil.
Attack 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 41d6 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0
Blue shoots Magni 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 131d8 ⇒ 8
Confrim critical Blue shoots Magni 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 231d8 ⇒ 6
Yellow fights Dhane 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 71d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
The hired help stand and fling themselves into the flay.
With a roll of 10 I don't see how Magni could suffer a critical hit from blue. If somehow he hits Magni is down otherwise he sends a flame strike at the enemy who tried to shoot him
Bolstered by both his God's blessings and the inspiring speech of his halfling ally, Samildanach growls at the hired help in yellow before him and strikes with his Trident.
"Back to the pits of hell where you belong, Chelish Cur!"
Dwarven monk-8; HP 76/76; Re-roll@+3(+6 FJC) 1/1; Stunning Fist 8/8 (DC18); Ki 8/8; Wand CLW 38/50; AC 20(24 w/mage armor; Fort +10(+12 vs poison); Ref +10(evasion); Will +12;Extra +2 vs spells, +4 vs enchantments; Init +4; Perc +16
Fort?:1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12
Oggil flurries at the Signifer, trying to stun her with his first blow.
flurry:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 flurry:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 damage1:1d8 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 2 + (2) = 5 damage2:1d8 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 2 + (2) = 10
And then spends a point of Ki to hit her a third time.
attack:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 damage:1d8 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 2 + (3) = 10
