GM Bret's Outpost I: The Flesh Collector (Inactive)

Game Master BretI

"And where is this 'quiet area' that has seen no disturbances?"

We don't have map labels... so don't know an M3 from a G4 =)

Chaul holds up the particular part of the manuscript.
"This was in our library for many, many years. It was recently stolen. Could any of your people have been convinced to fetch it and recover it believing it had been stolen from you?" asks Chaul.

Turning to the others he adds
"Would the Hallow effect have stopped a domination? I don't know much about such things." then he shakes his head "But if it was a monk following orders, then they would not themselves have been dominated. Which means it still points to our prime mover being the entity that stole it."

Sorry about the labels! I was looking at the scenario while writing it instead of the maps you have. I've added labels now!

"The quiet area is on the first floor of the library, in the northeast corner. You will hear when you get there."

About now, Johann's elemental melts away.

Looking to Chaul, he replies "It was part of a manuscript that Priestess Isa acquired on her most recent trip. I find it hard to believe she stole it, could someone else have falsely sold it to her?"

"Given that this Isa he mentioned only just returned from Andoran with documents, it seems likely she was the one that stole the manuscript." Strang offers, to Chaul's question. "Likely dominated the entire time."

"Though why the hallow would be an obstacle, that seems less clear." He adds, thoughtfully. "It certainly should not be any hindrance to such compulsions. Perhaps it was less a barrier to the theft, then it was to divining the manuscript's location in the first place?"

"Let's bring him to show us the way and perhaps clear us with the other monks. Better to avoid any further misunderstandings..." Grim suggests.

"The spell that's stopping the compulsion will not last long." Strang warns. "Once it expires, he could very well return to being an unreasonable puppet."

Actually, not sure if it worked due to getting a 2nd save, or due to halting the compulsion for a bit.

"I would suggest for your own safety that we tie you up, Master. We will return when we have handled the force that was imprisoning you in your own mind." says Chaul.

To the others he reminds them "But the area it was moved into was also protected from divination. I wonder if when it moved between rooms it was somehow detected?"

The effect was still active, but control suppressed by the Detect Evil.

Protection from evil or a similar spell can prevent you from exercising control or using the telepathic link while the subject is so warded, but such an effect does not automatically dispel it.

The Master hesitates only a moment, then declares “Bind me securely! I do not want to cause any more harm to my Monastery or those who serve it. Once you have a way to end this control, then you can release me!”

“Please do not harm those here. We are about the preservation of knowledge.”

"Before we go... the Statue that looks like one of us... how long have you had it, and where did it come from?" asks Chaul.

“About a week. Priestess Isa carved it shortly after she returned. ”

"I think this priestess is the one we must speak with next then.I wonder how she knew about us? We all were in the library, it would seem that not all of it is warded against scrying."

He looks around the team. "I agree, we must protect our minds against the dominion of this entity. I too can ask the Dawnflower to protect a single person, but only for a few minutes."

"I have protection on me, it will last for another 10 minutes or so. We must hurry."

“She is likely meditating in the temple.” the Master says, nodding towards the east.

Temple (M5)

Strang seems mostly indifferent as to where they head next, though the idea of the library intrigues him, so would lean that way.

"I think we should meet with the priestess first. See if she is the mover and shaker, or a mere tool of the power that stands hidden here." suggests Chaul.

Have you decided which way the group is going, or are you still discussing it?

"I concur with visiting the temple and Issa. My instincts tell me she is merely a pawn, but I prefer removing all other pieces on the board." Grim will take point and lead the group, unless there is a strong argument made to visit the library first.

Chaul, Grimaldus say B5. Dr. Strang is indifferent. Johann says just decide quick. I didn't see Lurgh say which he wanted. Going to B5.

While Lurgh binds and gags the old master, Chaul casts Detect Magic and Grimaldus starts concentrating on any chaotic influences ahead of him.

M5 Temple

The thick wooden doors to the temple are locked. Fortunately, the key you took off the Master fits the lock. Without further fanfare, you open the doors and look in.

This huge temple encloses a peaceful, echoing space. A faint aroma of old incense lingers here. Polished blue flagstones decorate the floor. Where the walls meet, the corners curve gently so that nothing jars the eyes. At the temple’s center, a round wooden pillar rises out of the floor, stretching up to support the roof ninety feet above. Bizarrely, the pillar bristles with a motley collection of lumber, as if someone were building some horrific mockery of a tree. Joists, beams, a door, and a ship’s figurehead—an angel holding twin scythes—all hang off the pillar like branches. Thousands of scrolls and books hang from every surface as if they were leaves.

Between the door and the pillar sit four monks, two male and two female. They are facing each other and appear to be deep in meditation. They bear dirty robes, necklaces of braided hair (intermingled strands from their brothers and sisters), and shaven heads. All four look malnourished.

Please place yourselves on the map. I assume everyone can see into the temple area.

Chaul and Grim I assume you are looking straight into the room. If you want to do a scan, please describe it.

Grim takes a step into the temple and scans each of the four monks, looking for signs of chaos. Next, he will follow the wooden post up to the ceiling, wondering if there might be some artifact of chaos that he can detect. His greatsword is held in front of him, ready to attack or defend.

"Isa. We are here to speak with you about your recent trip... and acquisition."

"Wait a moment, there is an enchantment ahead of us."

He stops to scan the area, trying to identify the details. "Dr... you may be better at this than me."
spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 or arana, same bonus

None of the four respond in any way as you call out to them.

"These people don't seem like too much of a threat. I don't think Isa is among them, none of these folks look like princesses."

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

"Over there... a holy item, a phylactery of faithfulness. Very good if we are going to be doing anything dubious.."

He looks at the meditating priests, trying to see if any have an aura that might indicate they are being dominated.

"If they are clear of the domination - which they may be if the master is under the influence, then maybe we should try the library. What they are doing to those books is...unusual."

"Priestess." Strang corrects, at Johann's comment. "Not Princess."

"And there is no limit to how many folks a competent practitioner can influence at once." He cautions Chaul. "Not knowing the source, we can not say for certain."

Thursdays are my busy evening, so I didn't get a chance to respond. It didn't really matter since I didn't have a strong opinion either way.

"It would be disrespectful to interrupt their meditation... though perhaps one of you more capable with the healing arts should look them over. A master of meditation could slow down their breathing to the point of looking near death. But maybe we should check to see if they are actually meditating and not simply unresponsive."

Chaul cautiously and respectful approaches, trying to assess the state of the meditative group.
heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

"Not a good sign. Their minds have been drained. I can restore them with time, and a lot of gems. But for now... we will learn nothing from them." sighs Chaul.

"Hmm, what could have done this to them?"

He looks around curiously, and up at the tall tree-like structure. "I am concerned that the source of this damage to their minds could be lurking somewhere we can't see it... in the 'tree' possibly. This is a very strange thing. It's like someone wanted to build a tree using whatever wooden parts they could find..."

Knowledge (engineering): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

"I am better at protecting against physical threats - or destroying them. Mind or spirit control makes my skin itch..."

The Hellknight will try to locate the chaotic presence, turning one way and another...
"I detected a chaotic presence, but did not see anything. Be on your guard, for spirits may be present..." he says to his comrades.

Strang frowns at the sight, unsure what to make of it, but curious nonetheless.

"If this entity we search for can take over the bodies of others, in ways beyond simple compulsions..." He says, cautiously. "Then the damage to their minds would be immaterial. Merely a convenient way to keep them docile until it needs to drive."

Wow, that would be mean... if this thing can magic jar too, then its wisdom would replace theirs, and they'd be perfectly good hosts, that drop unconscious when not in use =)

He will take a moment to call up a simple divination as well, to observe what the others are looking at.

Will cast detect magic as well.

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 19 + 2 = 26
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 2 = 27
Heal: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25

"Interesting." He mutters.

Any sign of more parts of the Manuscript amongst all those bits tacked to the 'tree'?

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

The group can make out several scrolls, manuscripts, notes and other paper products but none of the ones in the lower section of the 'tree' match the document you want.

The ceiling is 90' above you and the trunk goes all the way up. With all of the 'branches' on it, you think it would be as easy to climb as a knotted rope.

DC 5 climb

Please remember to update your position on the map as you investigate new areas. I have moved a couple of you based on what you've done but would much prefer players move their own characters.

Staying with the rest of the group as they explore the temple area, Grim looks up the post from the side and back. "Maybe we could climb this to see what is higher up?" he suggests.

If the group is up for it - or at least volunteer him to try it - the fighter will actually sling his greatsword across his back in a specially constructed sling/scabbard, then begin climbing.
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

"No need." Strang says. He starts pacing around it, examining bits and pieces as he goes, gaining altitude all the while, his air walk spell more then sufficient to work his way up without having to clamber awkwardly up the makeshift limbs.

The doc can look.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

If you are looking, a Perception check would be appropriate. I will update more once I get home where I have good WiFi. Let me know if the Detect Magic is still active or something else that might change what you can sense.

What are others doing as the doctor climbs the air?

Already had a perception check. Or do you want more?
Here's 3: Perception: 3d20 ⇒ (13, 14, 15) = 42 (just add 14 to each as needed)
Edit: So 27, 28, 29

is a 60' range on detect magic, which would have already detected something if it were in the first 2/3rds ... so will take a moment, once he's 30' up, to scan the rest, but otherwise relying more on physical senses for now.

If there is something in the last 30' of tree, and its needed:
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 19 + 2 = 35
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36

Doh! I had missed that you had the check. Sorry! Will update later.

Johann uses Alchemical Allocation to gain the benefits of his Fly potion without using it up, and flies up alongside Grimaldus. Never thought I'd appreciate the company of a Hellknight so much, he muses to himself.

Sorry, I am going to do a slight retcon here. In rereading a section of the scenario, I am going to take a different interpretation than I originally had. I don’t think it will be too disruptive.

Begin retcon

End retcon.

Dr. Strang starts walking on air, while Johann chugs a couple of his brews and starts flying.

Since you now have potential targets to travel to, I will allow you both to say what you want to go for. Or you could both race for the top!

Still would like to hear if Grimaldus is climbing. Sounds like he will have plenty of company.

Chaul, seeing the state of the priests moves forward to examine the phylactery. "This may be helpful, and its current owner has no use for it. I will return it before we leave."

Chaul looks up the tree "This area did not look so tall from the outside..."

How high is the ceiling here?

The ceiling it ninety feet up. The trunk goes all the way to the top and looks like it might partially be supporting the ceiling.

When you take the phylactery and examine it, you notice it is missing the religious scripture that is normally part of the item.

"This has been purposefully damaged." notes Chaul.

"Another sign it may be of us to us. It is missing some scriptures.." he looks up at the tree.

"I hope they were not included in that."

Strang does not intend to disturb any of it, just noting the items of interest, and continuing up.

Johann looks at all the scrolls, trying to find if there is part of the fleshforge manuscript on the tree. He gives the shortbow a tug to see if it comes off, or if it is permanently attached.

Grim will wait, happily on solid ground, while the two magic users float upwards.

"Our protections will not last long. Unless you can see our foe up there, we should press on." calls out Chaul.

"Well we won't know if they're up here until we look!"

Chaul, Grimaldus and Lurgh stay on the ground as Johann flys and Dr. Strang walks up the dead trunk of the tree.

Johann goes up to the scroll and looks at it. He quickly determines it is the missing part of the Phylactery of Faithfulness which Chaul mentioned. Carefully tugging it, he is able to peel it off the tree.

He then zips up to where the bow is. Once again taking care, he is able to pull it off the tree.

Meanwhile Dr. Strang walks back and forth to 'climb' the air so he can get to the top of the tree. As he gets about to the level of the bow, he scans again for magic. He detects a magical scroll up within about 5' of the top.

He continues to climb.

Just as he gets near the top, he notices something strange. The smell of fresh pine trees.

Grimaldus On ground
Lurgh On ground
Dr. Strang 80' up
Unknown Entity
Johann 35' up
Chaul On ground

Dr. Strang can also give me a Knowledge: Religion check