Forgotten God (table 2) (Inactive)

Game Master Whack-a-Rogue

The Unfailing Pillar describes in dramatic fashion every battle he fought in the Kaer Maga arena and even a couple fought in more exotic locales. In particular, while recounting his bout against the stone giant champion of Jorgenfist he draws out every detail, painting a vivid picture of the punishing blows and broken bones. A few more stories and even more drinks later, Skaar is in good (if a bit louder) spirits.

"I'd say my thirst's been quenched for now", the big orc says happily. "How 'bout we see more of the city? Maybe we could visit that library?"

Miet and Riddler also seem to be in excellent spirits, although Syl remains her usual silent self. "Of course! Let's find you some lodging first, though, as your quiet friend won't be able to come with us, I'm afraid."

What sort of place would you like? A quiet inn? A guest room at the Arcanimirium? A dry patch of ground under a bridge? ;-)

Someplace rowdy. Skaar might want to start a bar fight if things don't go well in the library. =P

Raging Swan Press has a rather nice supplement on barroom brawls, actually. We'll see if I get a chance to use it. ;-)

Your friends recommend "The Maiden's Flask." It's a single-story timber building with a gray thatched roof. They have a large communal sleeping area, although you can rent a private room for a small upcharge. The common room only has a few people present, but the innkeeper explains that it fills up most evenings. "Gets pretty rowdy, oftentimes." From what you can see from people's plates, the food is simple but good.

5sp per night, or 1gp for a private room

Sweet!

"This'll do", Skaar grunts in satisfaction. "Syl, I need you to wait here for a bit. You'll be okay here."

Syl nods and immediately finds a dark secluded corner where she can hide.
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OFF TO SCRIVENBOUGH
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Riddler leads you down a maze of alleys for quite some time, finally stopping at an apparent dead-end. After making sure he isn't being observed, he touches bricks in a complicated pattern. There's a pause, and then the wall opens up to reveal a small doorway. "Welcome to Scrivenbough."

Upon entering, you're greeted with the sight of more books and scrolls than you've ever seen in one location at one time. Shelves covered floor-to-ceiling fill this massive room, and you'd estimate there's at least a million manuscripts locked away here. However, you quickly realize that there's no discernible filing system. Instead, robed and hooded figures silently patrol the aisles. "Those are the Riddlers. They'll help you find whatever you're looking for," whispers your friend.

It's basically a combination of these two places
Ireland's Largest Library
A used bookstore in my hometown

Wow, that library is awesome.

Skaar stares up in disbelief at the literal walls of literature, impressed by scale of it all.

"They're Riddler too?" he asks. "So Riddlers are the keepers of this place and I'm guessin' those tats are part of your station. Is there any reason why you can't help me? I don't mind meetin' new people but I've gotten used to the Riddler I was just sharin' drinks with."

"I'll do my best, but there's a chance one of the others will have what you need. If that ends up being the case, I won't be able to help you. Sharing secrets in that way is forbidden, I'm afraid. Still, I can at least get you pointed in the right direction. What information are you looking for?"

Skaar's heavy brow furrows as he tries to make sense of the complex system.

"I need information on the gods and divinity in general. I need to learn about gods that have fallen, how they fell, and what happened after their loss."

2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6 interesting....

"That's a rather broad and complex topic, I'm afraid. See that wing?" Riddler gestures toward a massive collection of shelves. "It'll be over there. If you give me more to work with, I can narrow it down. A specific deity, perhaps?"

"Uh, let's start with Aroden and work our way back", he suggests after recalling what he'd been told earlier.

Riddler takes a deep breath. "Well, you're certainly not wasting any time. I can show you where you'll find some general history, but if you're interested in the BIG question, you'll have to ask Riddler." He points at one of the hooded librarians. "I'm afraid that answer is his alone."

Where do you want to start? Shelves or librarian? Also, how much time do you want to spend in Scrivenbough?

"Thanks, I'll start with him."

As long as it takes to get some information or a solid lead. Five or six hours today would be a good start.

You approach the indicated Riddler and ask to know of Aroden's death. The man nods silently and leads you to a secluded chamber. Once he's sure you're alone, he whispers, "The secret we are about to share is not for others to know. Inside this building, nothing is sacred. Outside these walls, some things must remain hidden. If you still wish to read what I know, do not resist me." You then realize that this chamber is moments away from releasing stored magical energy in your direction.

What do you do?

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Skaar remains suspicious but doesn't resist the hooded keeper of knowledge.

Relaxing your mental defenses, you allow the magic to slip unopposed into your mind. Immediately, you feel a compulsion to keep the knowledge you're about to learn hidden from everyone. (geas: reveal nothing about the information given to you in this chamber)

Satisfied, the Riddler turns his back to you and carefully removes his robe. Intricate tattoos cover every inch of the man's body - all in the same language you glimpsed on your friend's hands. Unfortunately, while you've seen the language before, the meaning is lost to you.

Visual representation
And no, the Riddler doesn't look like Runelord Krune - but the tattoos are very similar. ;-)

Skaar growls instinctively as the enchantment takes hold. He wasn’t opposed to keeping the knowledge secret but the idea of shackles on his mind felt irredeemably hostile.

The elaborate runes were a mystery but the greater mystery and the knowledge this ‘Riddler’ guarded held his interest. ”So what happens now? Are the answers I’m lookin’ for written on your hide?”

The man simply nods. He's either unable or unwilling to tell you anything. Whatever secrets his skin holds will have to be "divined" through your own efforts.

Puzzled, Skaar stares at the elaborate script in hopes that the answers will reveal themselves.

After a minute he speaks his wishes aloud. "Where does a god's power go when he falls?"

The Riddler silently turned to face you and flexed his right bicep. The words tattooed there moved as he did this. You also notice he isn't looking at you, instead staring at a row of shelves about halfway down the previously-indicated 'fallen deity' section.

Here goes nothing.

Hoping to glimpse the meaning of the text on the Riddler's bicep, Skaar mutters a charm to reorder the symbols before his very eyes.

Inspired Spell for whatever is the Spheres version of Comprehend Languages.

That would be Logos from the Divination Sphere. It's a [sense] talent that allows you to understand all spoken and written languages for 1hr/level. It's essentially tongues + comprehend languages.

As you watch, the symbols rearrange themselves, and their meaning becomes clear. You realize that the script is Azlanti and tells the story of Aroden's death. The area of the Riddler's bicep reads:

Aroden's death, as with that of all deities, left a void in the Pantheon. To compensate, the divine herald Iomedae was allowed to ascend to godhood and given a large amount of The Last Azlanti's portfolio. The portions that she did not claim were split up and absorbed into those of the other deities. For example, large amounts of the Knowledge domain were taken by Nethys, Norgorber, and Abraxas. With nobody to grant them magic, Aroden's clergy were left powerless, and many fell away to unbelief. Others turned to the worship of a new deity, but the most faithful of his servants continue to worship him - even though there is no longer anyone to hear their prayers.

Reading about what had become of Aroden's worshipers after his fall hits Skaar with a wave of uncharacteristic melancholy. Had his own followers suffered a similar fate, lost as their prayers went unheard.

"Show me more. Other fallen gods. Orc gods maybe..."

At your request, the Riddler reclothes himself and leads you to a shelf filled with scrolls. He hands you one and leaves you alone. Reading what's given, you see it's a list of every deity that has either died or lost his/her divine powers. In all, there are 44. You're not surprised to see that well over half of them are Demon Lords murdered by Noticula. Beside each name is a code indicating where more information can be found (although you'll, of course, need assistance learning the layout). Curiously, your name isn't listed. The fact that Scrivenbough apparently holds the secret behind Aroden's death (although you have yet to read it) but makes no mention of you is more than a little disturbing.

Notable Fallen Deities
Arazni
Thron
The Peacock Spirit
Acavna
Amaznen
Aolar
Curchanus
Ihys

Skaar looks over the list, surprised and saddened by some of the names present. Some of the gods mentioned had been friends and lovers.

Do we have a general date for when Skaar died and became dormant?

During the Age of Enthronement. Aroden's death was unknown to you, and Tar Baphon may or may not have been around when you fell. That part's up to you.

Hmm. We’ll say Tar Baphon rose shortly before the Unfailing Pillar’s disappearance.

I ask because Skaar’s looking for gods that might have fallen around the same time as him in hopes of finding a link. Of course the fact that they show up in the history books and he doesn’t kind of invalidates that theory anyway. =P

Skaar smirks as the memory of his last night with Arazni fills his thoughts. Tar Baphon will pay someday but one problem at a time.

”Tell me about Aroden. How did it happen? Did Tar Baphon kill him too in retribution for destroying his mortal body?”

The Riddler leads you back to the secluded chamber and removes his robe. This time, you're able to read the script that covers his entire body. As you read it, you realize why the geas was necessary....

Skaar has no words for what he’s read. He reads and rereads the entire things several times.

He’s always known Aroden to be a bit stuffy as gods go but he’d literally broken fate – arguably the grandest chains in all of creation. Skaar struggled with a mix of awe and jealously that he hadn’t been the one to remake creation in such a way. And he’d done it to avert the greatest catastrophe the cosmos would ever see. The mysterious figure he’d seen when he was apart from time had warned that the Unfailing Pillar would face his own catastrophe in the days to come. Perhaps his was somehow tied to Aroden’s death or even… his possible rebirth.

”How many know the truth of this?” Skaar asks the disrobed Riddler. ”I need to know more about those that still worship Aroden and might seek his return.”

"To the best of my knowledge, I hold the only written record of these events. As such, few indeed know what you now do. Perhaps a hundred? All of whom received the same vow of silence that you did. You understand why, of course." He pauses in thought as he reclothes himself. "His worship has almost completely died out. After all, what's the point in worshiping someone dead? He has no power left to share with his priests. The largest remaining sect is known as the Harbingers of Fate. They're located in Absalom and have been attempting to trigger the prophecies in the Book of 1000 Whispers for centuries. To date, they've been completely unsuccessful and are gradually descending into madness. In my opinion, they won't be around for much longer."

Grateful for the lead, however small, Skaar commits the name to memory. Harbingers of Fate…

”Sounds like a bunch of nutters alright”, the big orc answers. ”You got any information in here on what it takes for a god to be reborn? Has it every really happened?”

"I known of gods falling. I know of mortals rising to divinity. But a reborn god? I don't believe I've ever heard of such a thing happening. To be honest, I wouldn't expect it to be possible, as there's always a power grab when a deity falls, and nobody would willingly give up their victory spoils."

”Makes sense”, Skaar replies.

”Do you have a copy of that book of prophecies the Harbingers of Fate are big on? I’m curious what prophecies are due to come true soon according to them.”

"Of course we have a copy. Scrivenbough contains just about all mortal knowledge. It's down this way." The Riddler leads you to an entirely different part of Scrivenbough and indicates a small book. "Is there anything else you require?"

What sort of things are you looking for? I didn't foresee your jumping on that particular bit of information, so I may need to wing it a little. ;-)

Skaar follows eagerly. ”I’m also gunna need to see whatever you can show me ‘bout Lamashtu worship in Katapesh.”

Anything that might be connected to Skaar’s return to power, Aroden’s rebirth, or general catastrophes that might stand out to Skaar. The Harbingers are a start but I’m kind of fishing for clues here.

The book prophesies many things, but the most important one seems to be how Cheliax will be the seat of Aroden's power. It will be the greatest nation the world has ever known and will unite all peoples under fairness and law. Of course, as the Riddler explains to you, that doesn't account for the existence of Absalom. Cheliax is an exceedingly-powerful nation, true, but Absalom is commonly regarded as the most important city in the world. In addition, as Cheliax was forced to ally itself with Asmodeus to avoid destruction via civil war, it's unlikely that the majority of Golarion would willingly follow its rule. Of course, it Absalom were ever destroyed, Cheliax would doubtless be the first nation to make a power grab.

As for Lamashtu worship in Katapesh, that information is found in an entirely-different section of Scrivenbough. The Mother of Monsters is mainly worshiped by Gnoll tribes outside the city, although there are a few human cults dedicated to her as well. These cults are known for abducting individuals and magically impregnating them with monstrous young in an attempt to create the perfect hybrid creature. The victims are always studied carefully from afar before the kidnapping, as the cults will only capture those who show something that sets them apart from the common people. What that 'spark' is has yet to be determined.

This ‘Absalom’ is unique. It exists as it does because Cheliax’s fate was unwritten. I might be able to learn more about the coming catastrophe there.

Satisfied with the knowledge he’s gained for now, Skaar grunts in approval and closes the last tome handing it back to the Riddler that was helping him.

”I think that’s enough for now. I’ve got a lot to think on. Thanks for all your help”, the big orc offers along with a meaty handshake.

The Riddler returns your handshake and escorts you to the exit. It's quite dark outside. You've clearly spent many hours in the library - more than you'd realized. Your companions have likely returned to their places of lodging.

Surprised at the late hour, Skaar returns to the Maiden's Flask.

Returning to the inn, you find Syl in the same dark corner you left he in. She stays quiet but is clearly glad that you're back. After a good meal, you head to bed. (unless you want to do any RP)

That night, your dreams are filled with Harrigan, masks, gnolls, books, and a growing sense of dread. Suddenly you see the key you won in the tournament. It's glowing, and you feel a sense of worthiness. Freedom's Bond has seen fit to unlock some of its secrets.

Your legendary item now grants you the following abilities:
1) Competence bonus equal to half your level on Disable Device checks and Escape Artist checks made to escape bindings, shackles, and other restraints

2) Your attacks against bindings, chains, and manacles bypass hardness up to half your level. This includes weapons with chains (such as flails, nunchaku, and spiked chains), a kyton’s armor and weapons, chains animated by animate objects, and so on

Skaar greets Syl with a smirk and a nod before retiring to think on what he'd learned and get some rest. Eventually sleep finds him but it's hardly restful. Troubled by unpleasant dreams, Skaar wakes with a start only to find the key dangling down his chest is glowing with power. As its unlocked power slowly fills his mind, the big orc's brow furrows in concentration. What other secrets do you hold?

Does it have legendary power?

Yes it does. It also has the "Dedicated Bond" ability.

What rolls can its legendary power be used on?

Saving throws and DEX-based skill checks

Gotcha.

Unless Freedom's Bond is going to start talking to him, I think Skaar's ready to move on to the next day. =P

In that case, let's advance the clock! :-)

The rest of the night passes without incident, and you're greeted by a hearty breakfast in the tavern's common room.

Skaar eats with gusto and the full belly does a great deal to shake the dark thoughts left with him after a night plagued with troubled dreams.

"I think we're done here for now", the big orc explains to Syl while folding another greasy slice of bacon into his maw. "I've been thinkin' 'bout where we'll head next."

"We could head to Absalom, people tell me it's the heart of Golarion these days. Or we could head to Katapesh and put your demons to bed. I don't know exactly what those bastards did to you but I've got a pretty good idea. We can go there, together, and make 'em pay so they can't hurt anyone ever again. If you're ready."

Syl looks at you with fire in her eyes - the most emotion you've ever seen from her. "Makethempaymakethempaymakethempay." With a *thunk* she suddenly buries a knife point-first into the table.

Skaar gives Syl a serious nod and puts his massive hand over hers in solidarity. "Katapesh it is. Now eat up, you're gunna need your strength."

Once we're done with breakfast, Skaar will track down Riddlers and/or Meit.