The axe cuts into the zombie which drops onto the floor. The ghoul continues its assault on Zaryn. It realizes too late that it just can't get through the shining wards around the inquisitor.
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
ROUND 4, (after Zaryn)
If it's ok with Zaryn, I'd suggest that he Ready an Action to attack, then on my turn right afterwards, I'll 5ft step up (for Flanking), his Readied Action goes off and he attacks, then I will finish my action, (attack as well).
I'll 5ft Step up one square, and attept to slash the Ghoul.
In a highly coordinated effort the pathfinders surround the ghoul wearing the funery mask. Falchion, dagger, scimitar and hammer cut into the undead and end its unnatural life. The creature slowly drops to the floor, but not before a gasp of exposition escapes his frozen lips.
This is Haldyr Bjornsson, father of Bengeirr. In typical Ulfen farewells this ship was intended to be his casket in a burial at see. Obviously, he did not get any rest in death. If you read the whole thread, or if it happened at a table over a couple of hours, the pieces might fall better together. :).
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
Here the story I've gotten:
We where "hired" by the Society to help a local friend, Skelg the Ripper, who had been afflicted with some sort of cold-curse. Skelg was previously a Pathfinder, but when he returned at some point from "the North", he had a great deal of wealth. He left the PFS, set up shop and basically lived a comfortable life, with no one questioning the wealth. It seems he robbed the funeral ship of Haldyr Bjornson, taking the trasure, (and making an enemy of his son), and I guess the lantern, which turned out to be magically linked to the ship. When his son came for a long overdue vengence, he retook the lantern and used it to curse Skelg, (as well as it somehow being able to open a portal to the ship, or maybe something on it). Having retaken the lantern, and opened the ship, are now here, possibly trapped, and needing to locate one of Skelg's men, perhaps find/stop some sort of magic item linked to the lantern and/or cold-curse, and possibly find out more along the way.
Thats about right. Skelg returned recently with the wealth. Two if the zombies are dressed a little differently from the other two. They are in the colors of Skelg. It doesnt take long to find out which corpse is the one your looking for.
how long does magic stone last? Prot evil & inquisitor abilitie? What now?
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
Assuming nothing really happens for a moment, I'll perform a small religious ceremony over the bodies, then start to move the two that seem to be Skelg's men back towards the portal. While doing that, I'll Channel Energy a few times to heal.
Human Pistolero Gunslinger 6 / Alchemist 2 | HP 64/64 | AC 25 [F 17 T 19] | CMD 28 | F+11 R+16 W+6 | Init +10| Perc +11/+16 | Grit 2/4
Maps gives a slight nod of thanks to Ignatious for his healing magic. "It appears we arrived too late to help Skelg's man. Still need to help Skelg though." Retreiving his guisarme, he begins to search the ship.
Maps gives a slight nod of thanks to Ignatious for his healing magic. "It appears we arrived too late to help Skelg's man. Still need to help Skelg though." Retreiving his guisarme, he begins to search the ship.
The funery mask is made of silver and gold, but nothing more is found in the ship's hold. A ladders leads up to the foredeck.
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
I'll take the lead up, (unless someone else wants to). Cleaning off my weapon before sheathing it, I'll cast Bless (+1 Attacks and Savs vs Fear) and start to head that way, weary to take the mask for risk of either renewing the curse that Skelg originally caused when he robbed the dead man or the possibility that it is a cursed (evil) object, tainted with undeath.
The ladder leads to the deck of the ship. The soft glow of sunlight again penetrates into this ice cave, and several braziers burn near the walls. A beautiful woman stands next to a simple chair, facing the trapdoor. Other furniture in the chamber suggest this is her private quarters. The woman looks Zaryn over as though judging a draft animal and asks, "Have you come to work the oars? I am in need of more rowers."
Z, I, A, F, B, M, S is the fungible order. Z & I in the room is where I am reading the description.
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
"There is always a pretty lady involved." he mutters to the party.
"So, you created those things below? We are here on behalf of a friend, and just seek to end The Ripper's cold curse. We don't want a fight, lady. . . ?", he pauses, hoping she will introduce herself, and possibly even be inclined to answer the riddle behind the curse, even if she does it James Bond villian-style. "Besides," he again mutters to the party jokingly, "already have a Lady in my ife "cracking the whip"".
She pauses for a moment before answering. Whether it is from a(holiday) delay in speaking or her trying to decide if you are worth the time is difficult to determine. Finally she speaks The Ripper? Do you mean Skelg? Cold curse,"she says almost to herself.* She waves at the ice around her, "So he is cursed as well?"
sense motive DC 15:
*Natalya's eyes momentarily light up at the mention of Skelg, but quickly darken when the curse is mentioned.
sense motive DC 20:
the mention of the 'things' below is something carefully avoided in her answer.
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
Sense Motive:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
"Indeed, we are attempting to help Skelg. I was just saying that there is always a beautiful woman involved, and that does explain why Skelg returned with fortune, but stopped being a pathfinder. Maybe he lost", pausing a moment as he looks at the woman to indicate he is talking about her, "what he really wanted.".
Human Pistolero Gunslinger 6 / Alchemist 2 | HP 64/64 | AC 25 [F 17 T 19] | CMD 28 | F+11 R+16 W+6 | Init +10| Perc +11/+16 | Grit 2/4
Listening from below, Maps discreetly draws out the vial containing his mutagen and drinks it. As he places the flask away his features change slightly, his already thin features becoming gaunt and angular.
"His fortune was my late husband's. The ship was my dowry to the Ulfen warrior and remains rightfully mine. Skelg agreed and left me with the ship." She looks to the ice, "That was before the curse." She pauses then asks "Skelg too is caught in ice?"
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
"It seems more that the ice is caught in him, actually. He is hardy, but seeminly dying from the cold no matter how hot he is. By the way, we may have a way for you to leave."
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
"If you would help us to save Skelg and end the curse, I'm sure that the Pathfinder Society could help to return you to those lands. Can you tell us about your curse? The more we know, the more likely that we can help to shatter it's bonds."
She seems to consider this for while. You can tell by the way her eyes move over you and the party that she is weighing your worth. Finally she decides to speak. "I was heading home. The ship lurched as if we had hit ice, then it turned and began rowing south. The feeling of ice was not to far off, I discovered a large break attached to the hull. By the afternoon the sides were covered and by that evening--well the whole of the ship was covered in the iceberg." She pauses there, looking the party over as the druid and the dour looking man also enter her small refuge. "That was two days ago," she finishes.
Since the seeker of flame is doing the speaking, he shall roll the diplomacy, if any one else would like to speak up or even to aid please do so. :)
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
Diplomacy:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28 Let me double check, I may have a boon that will help me.
"We have a magical lantern that allowed us to travel from Skelg's home to this ship. Is it your ship, milady? Perhaps, perhaps, if we return, Skelg will be able to reopen the portal, allowing you to leave this place. Or if you can help us t break the curse, perhaps whatever is happening to your ship is somehow linked to Skelg's curse. I am not sure. I do know that Skelg does not seem to have much time left. I was cursed as well, though it seems to be a curse that only affects mortals."
At the mention of the lantern her eyes light up as they did with the mention of Skelg and of returning to Irrisan.
She looks closer at the Seeker of Flame and whispers some arcane sounds. "You are affected" she concludes. "Is it the same affliction as Skelg's? I can help you with this. Return the lantern you mentioned and I can help us all."
Natalya is asking three things: the lantern, a companion*, and to return to Irrisen. Your diplomacy roll determines how willing she is to concede on these. I need to know what you are offering.
*knowledge (nobility) DC 15:
Through the complex laws of the north, Skelg destroyed her husband and claimed much of her dowry. This makes him her lord and husband. She also met Skelg (who gave her her ship) and she has a fondness for him.
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
Well, I can't promise her either the Lantern or Skelg on the spot, though I could very likely work out a deal that might get her all three. Heck, I can probaby pay for her to return home. I'd like to help her, but I can't give her the Lantern (it's not mine) nor can I give her Skelg (yet, it's not my decision, but can talk to him for her).
No Know: Nobility. :(
"Well, milady, would you premit us to return through our portal, and talk to Skelg? He holds the lantern, and I swear it on my mother, the Redeeming Inferno, I shall return within minutes with an answer for you. No matter what the verdict, I will return and help you as I may. I too, am cursed, as you say". That would also be an awesome time to try for my Faction Mission :)
HP: 14/138 , Init +3, AC: 23, T: 12, FF: 21, CMD: 29, F: +18, R: +12, W: +18 <+2 vs Evil, Evasion, no Food/ Water, Native Outsider, Imune to Fog/Mist/Smoke and Evil Possesion or Mind-Control>Fly 30', Swim 30", Move 30', Perception +10 <Darkvision 60ft>, <Read/Understand all Languages, Ant Haul, Trail of Roses, Ride the Waves>, NG Male Aasimar Cleric 15, Sunflare: +15/+10/+5, 1d6+18+1d6 Acid (15/x2) S, 5,274-18, Roakar
Than that is what I (we?) will do.
Not trying to hog the spotlight here, guys. Feel free to jump in with ideas and what you want to do.
Making my was to the portal, I'll step through and walk calmly to Skelgs bed, asking to be left alone for a moment (from the servants). I'll explain what we hav found, the ship, the girl, how we found his man dead, and explain that she wants to see him, free her ship, and return to Isseren. She says she may be able to beak our curses. If he doesn't seem terrified of her, I'll try to encourage him to leave this lifestyle and return to adventuring as a Pathfinder, which seems to be better for his health.
Like I said, I fully intend to return to her either way.
Human Pistolero Gunslinger 6 / Alchemist 2 | HP 64/64 | AC 25 [F 17 T 19] | CMD 28 | F+11 R+16 W+6 | Init +10| Perc +11/+16 | Grit 2/4
Maps keeps a safe distance from the woman, and a hand on his firearm in case negotiations break down. He's not a talker, specializing in ending conversations rather than participating in them.
Barlor will follow, kicking around at Ing and thoroughly giving up on understanding what everyone's talking about.
"Figured we just needed the lantern. Dunno who this lady is. Somethin' unnatural, but nobody's bleedin'."
