GM Cwethan's Test of TarKuata (Outpost) (Inactive)

Game Master Cwethan

Diverse Training Boon; 1/scenario untrained check at +6 (history): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

The implication of the metaphors of the passage seems to be that the mortal knowledge can be viewed as a spark of divinity itself - in that it too is used to spin order from chaos.

Kelumur is uncertain at what would happen, but waits patiently as he withdraws his shield, keeping a keen eye on potential dangers that could arise.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 +2 to hidden objects, or +3 to traps.

Eirwen incants the somatic components of the Detect Magic spell and looks around.

He approaches Kali leafing through the pages of Irori's holy text.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
"Unfortunately, I know next to nothing of religion. But even less of history, which is strange because I witnessed a lot of it. What about you, Madame Altzairu, are you religious?"

Knowledge (Religion) Check DRR: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Rhiannon takes a look at the book as well, but remains on alert.

After spending a half an hour looking at that page, Eirwen and Rhiannon are left crosseyed, and probably hopeful that Skivven's interpretation was based on something actually in the book.

Aeotsep finally returns. Please forgive my absence. Tell me, how did you use this time?

Religion: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Kitani waits Rhianoon to take book and read it

Lowering his shield, the half-orc bluntly replies "I stood waiting. On the look out."

Rhiannon graces Aeotsep with a warm smile. "Your absence was not overlong at all, a few of us had a look at the open book here, though I must confess I could make no sense of it myself. Still, the premise seems quite fascinating. Could you perhaps offer us some insight?"

Diplomacy Check DRR: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29

All truth, as Rhiannon is interested in self-perfection and the religious philosophy of world creation.

I used time reading this book while wait for you

"I haz learndtz thatt morrtaaal knowlaaydge can be viewd az a zparkk of divninnitty 'n thatt izzcanbe youzz'd tazzpin aur'dherr'zfromm chayyyossz"

Before Aeotsep returns:

"What about you, Madame Altzairu, are you religious?"

Kali's reply to that consists of a dubious look and crossing her arms - muscular, blackened, and crisscrossed in painfully-spiked chains - before returning to studying the text.

Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Skivven's read makes sense to Kali as well. Or well, she's pretty sure that's what it's trying to say. Whether or not she thinks that view makes sense is really more up to her. Assuming that she expresses something approximating Skivven's take as well...

Aeotsep takes a moment to parse Skivven's particular manner of expressing himself, but then smiles, clearly impressed by Skivven, Kali and Kitani's scholarship. Well interpreted. There are many students who look no more deeply than the metaphors themselves, and do not think of the implications of that way of viewing self-perfection.
He bows shallowly but respectfully to Kali, I had heard much of Kuthonite discipline and fortitude, but it pleases me to learn that your training has helped you to recognize and comprehend the importance of an individual's path.

Many gods have ascended from lesser beings, whether angel or demon, whether the blood of gods ran through their veins, or if naught but mortal skill proclaimed their mastery.
The world is built by those with the skill and wisdom to so choose, just as their lives are shaped by that same skill and wisdom.

He allows his explanation to settle in silence as he leads you to the Hall of the Inward Gaze, which currently contains several broad reed mats, racks holding wooden weapons, and a pile of small wooden boards. He takes up one of these boards and holds it outstretched before his face.
Brute force and physical might are often conflated, but the energy that a brute brings to bear is too often spread at random into the world around them. True might requires control.

With a swift movement he releases the plank and strikes it in mid-air, breaking the board into two symmetrical halves.

With a gesture towards the remaining pile of boards he asks, Would you care to display your might?

This will require a Dexterity check followed by a Strength check. If you have the Improved Unarmed Strike feat, you get a +5 bonus on both of these checks. Additionally, Aeotsep's encouragement carries a real and practical weight. Kitani, Skivven, and Kali get a +2 competence bonus on both checks for this Trial.

Skivven has an agile amulet of mighty fists, if that can be used in lieu of Improved Unarmed Strike please let me know. Also, let me know if the agile enchantment can allow Skivven to use Dexterity instead of Strength on the second check as it is used for damage instead of Strength

Skivven bows slightly to salute the dojo master and takes position at the center. Focusing his inner self, he closes his eyes and repeats the Vudrani mantra he invented earlier while clasping both claws over his agile amulet of mighty fists piously.

Bluff to appear like zen-like martial artist guru of Vudrani origins, bluff to lie: 1d20 + 10 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 10 = 38

If the shenanigans with bluff and amulet of mighty fists are allowed:
Dexterity Check, faking Improved Unarmed Strike with Bluff and Amulet of Mighty Fists: 1d20 + 4 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 5 + 2 = 28
Strength Check, faking Improved Unarmed Strike with Bluff and Amulet of Mighty Fists and using Dex instead of Strength, including Aeotsep's encouragements: 1d20 + 4 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 5 + 2 = 12

If the shenanigans with bluff and amulet of mighty fists are NOT allowed:
Dexterity Check, including Aeotsep's encouragements: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 2 = 7
Strength Check, including Aeotsep's encouragements: 1d20 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) - 3 + 2 = 12

I'm okay with Agile substituting Dex for Strength in this check, but not allowing the amulet to simulate IUS. (Also, the +5 wouldn't have saved that roll)

Skivven strikes the board dead center, sending the lightweight board flying back to skid along the floor.

Kitani goes to the center of the dojo making a quick recession on entering, once in middle she returns to greet the teacher and begins to focus as he had seen in the books.
dex check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Str check: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7

Dexterity check, badassery: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Strength check, badassery: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Kali seems visibly disheartened at being expected to perform these novice's tricks, and her heart isn't in it at first - but she soon catches herself, and puts her all into the second part. Her all is a great deal.

Eirwen chuckles. "Well, breaking planks with my bare hands? Not going to happen, but nothing prevents me from trying."

Dexterity check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Strength check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

Eirwen clumsily touches the board's surface.

sorry master i though that i need train more my muscles, but im an erudite that use brain vs strength

Would Weapon finesse be able to replace Str with a Dex check?

Kelumur lines up to imitate the motion, but seems to be unable to fluidly work his body to create the appropriate movements. He grunts, and steps away after the short embarrassment.

Dex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Str?: 1d20 ⇒ 2 +6 if weapon finesse would allow Str to be replaced with Dex.

Okay, with that rolls probably nothing matters...

Rhiannon nods at Aeotsep's words of wisdom, then speaks a prayer to Ragathiel before dropping the board and aiming a hard strike at it, trying to replicate the monk's demonstration as best she can.

Dexterity Check DRR: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Strength Check DRR: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Can I cast Guidance (spoken as her prayer to Ragathiel above) on myself prior to the first Dexterity check? Obviously won't be able to do the same for the Strength check immediately thereafter. The roll modifiers above reflect this, if you deem it possible to do so. If not, subtract 1 from the Dexterity check.

Though Kali's board flies entirely across the room, none of you are able to muster the combination of power and precision required for the task.

Aeotsep watches carefully, and spends some time correcting form, but it is clear that while he's happy to continue in your instruction in this and future tasks, this display did not impress him.

Let us attempt something new. He puts away the wooden boards and takes a quarterstaff and a blindfold from the weapon racks.

Close your eyes. Concentrate on your breathing, but be as quiet as you are able.

He circles your group as he explains himself, Eyes are the doorway through which humanoids most experience the world, but relying too heavily on them creates an unbalanced perception of the world. Listen to my footsteps. Smell the incense that clings to my robes. Let that paint a picture in your mind. Then examine that picture. If it is correct, what else should you hear, smell, feel?
Your senses can deceive you if you do not wield them with a reasoned mind.

Open your eyes. He holds out the blindfold and staff, Will one of you demonstrate what you have learned?

Skivven steps forward and bows to the master.

Good. Put on the blindfold, and take up the staff. I will attempt to strike you.

Preventing this will take a Perception check followed by a Strength or Dexterity check (+5 to both if you have Blind-Fight, Blindsense, or some other similar sensory ability).

Uncanny dodge: cannot be caught flat-footed, nor does she lose her Dex bonus to AC if the attacker is invisible.

The ratfolk Pathfinder agent puts on the blindfold ceremoniously.

After bowing to the master again, Skivven's ears move back and forth, and his whiskers capt any minute air movements around him...

Perception, Danger Sense: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 15 + 2 = 31
Dexterity, Uncanny Dodge: 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 5 = 16

Thwack!
Skivven's staff neatly intercepts Aeotsep's.

Excellent.

Would any of the rest of you care to display your own mastery? Same rolls

Kitani tried to understand the words of the master and realize the test as well as she can.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Dex check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

+5 to the following rolls if Evasion and/or Combat Reflexes count:
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Strength check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Kelumur finds himself playing the same game, attempting to impress the monk for the sake of the Pathfinder Society.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Dexterity: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Rhiannon steps up as well, again speaking a prayer to Ragathiel before taking a deep breath, trying to use her senses to identify where the monk is moving, and when he strikes. She whips out the staff to intercept his anticipated blow, but stumbles as her armor throws off her balance badly! The paladin gives Aeotsep a sheepish smile as she rises to her feet. "My apologies, perhaps the long day of travel has dulled my reflexes."

Perception Check DRR: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Dexterity Check DRR: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Again casting Guidance if possible to boost the Dexterity check roll above by +1 - as I realized that Rhiannon can choose when to use the orison's effect, so long as it occurs within one minute of casting. And... nevermind! Fumbled that DEX check anyway... Oops! :)

Eirwen watches the test repeated time and time, and finally decides that he could probably try himself.

Noticing the attack through a blindfold seems straightforward. It is deflecting the blow that the druid is unsure about.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Dexterity: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Will cast Guidance for +1 here as well, if allowed.

**Whoosh** **Crack** **Thwack** **Tink** **Whiff**

Kali and Kelumur's athleticism and craftiness carry them through the trial with aplomb, but though Eirwen, Rhiannon, and Kitani are able to track Aeotsep's presence, their reflexes are not quite honed enough to prevent Aeotsep from gently resting the butt of his staff against their temples (or in Rhiannon's case, tapping the side of her helmet).

Still, when you take the blindfolds off, he's smiling. You may not have all trained to fulfill the goals of our order, but your minds are at work, and it is the mind that leads the way.

Let's go for a walk.

Aeotsep leads you all out of the monastery and off past the village to a waterfall not far from town.

Along the way you attract a few dozen onlookers, clearly curious about Aeotsep's latest crop of aspirants.

A trail ascends up a mountain ledge where a series of wooden posts overlooks the waterfall's plunge pool; without a pause, Aeotsep hops atop one of the posts and instructs you all to do the same.

One hour.
Your body may tire, but if your will is resolute, you will be able to keep to your center.

Go ahead and give me an Acrobatics check for the first 20 minutes

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13
F%+$it, not this time, FOLIO REROLL!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 0.0

I'll let YOU explain this one, DM.

Kali clearly isn't taking Aeotsep's requests with any real severity. Despite her lack of focus, standing on a post for a mere 20 minutes is no hardship for a devotee of the Midnight Lord, and she's able to narrowly keep her balance.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

The half orc demonstrates his flexibility and nimbleness as he tracks down the rugged path.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

Rhiannon takes a deep breath and then removes her armor, which would make it nearly impossible to hop onto the post. She asks for Aetsop's help in removing the more difficult pieces, until she stands in the padded garments she wears beneath the heavy steel.

Time to Remove Armor: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 minutes (1/2 this time if Aetsop or anyone else assists)

Though not particularly agile, the paladin hops up on the post and does her best to ascend the rugged mountain path.

Acrobatics Skill Check DRR: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Despite removing her armor to make things easier, Rhiannon is unable to keep her balance, and slips, falling into the plunge pool below.

Nonlethal: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Luckily, the water's deep enough that the fall is unpleasant rather than mortal.

Rhiannon is abashed as she struggles out of the water, wincing at the bruises she's taken and talking to herself. "Well, I suppose I needed a bath after the traveling we've done today. Rather colder than I would liked, and I'm afraid I'm not doing very well with these tests. Ragathiel, give me strength and the wisdom to endure." Taking a deep breath as she wrings the cold water from her long, dark hair, she looks for a way to rejoin the others, giving them a smile and an embarrassed nod when she reaches them. "Again, forgive my lapse, Aeotsep. I am afraid I am not making a good impression on you. I hope to change that soon, if Ragathiel sees fit to aid his servant in these trials."

Would be nice to have the dice roll well for me at some point during these trials... :p

Skivven nods approvingly at Rhiannon in appreciation of her perseverance, his tail weaving back and forth to help him maintain balance.

Kitani was sad because these trials werent her strong point
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Eirwen had no problems with concentration, but keeping balance proved difficult anyway.

Acrobatics: 1d20 ⇒ 7 +1 if casting Guidance on himself will have any effect

Guidance won't work since the test represents 20 minutes of balancing, and guidance can only last for a minute

Nonlethal: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Eirwen joins Rhiannon for a nice cool dip, but Kitani is able to keep her feet.

After twenty minutes of balancing in the same position, you're starting to feel the fatigue, but Aeotsep shows no sign of calling things off early.

If you're still standing please take a Fortitude or Will save (your choice) followed by an Acrobatics check

Kitani was tired, her concept of enjoy are the laboratories and the libraries and not the rough work of the gym but she just resigned herself and didn´t do much ridiculous.
ts will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
acrobatics check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Will save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Again, letting you explain this one.

Kelumur feels wary, but attempts to keep his balance amongst all things.

fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
acro: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

Will Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

Eirwen gets out of the water and shakes his head. "I just hope that in the end all those tests would turn out to be about how much we stand up after falling, not about us being infallible."

If by that time Rihannon is in the water too, he will offer her his hand, even though he knows she is much stronger than he is.

Jeez Kali, at least you're consistent?

Kitani is unable to maintain what is for her a difficult position any longer. Though Kali and Skivven have excellent balance, the slight shifts they have to undertake while water rushes past them eventually prove too much. Skivven, unused to enforced stillness, eventually slips, while Kali, still smarting from being treated like a novice, clearly doesn't give her all.

Kelumur is weary, but still keeps his post.

One more Fortitude/Will followed by an Acrobatics check to finish out the hour Kelumur!

He maintains focus a little better this time around but is still wary. But the half orc still holds balance somewhat.

fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
acrobatics: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24