GM EDDV's Ire of the Storm

Game Master eddv

"They'll kill us all if they get the chance," Antal shouts to Shen over the background noise.

Not wasting a moment, Arisira steps carefully around the wooden hut and looks further into the encampment.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

location updated on map. I am assuming we are breaking Initiative. If not, I will move Arisira back to account for the 20 feet she can move a round while stealthed

"I won't kill children, but their warriors didn't let anyone live at the fort." Vera stands ready to see the warriors. She absently picks up the club while waiting.

yeah we have dropped out of rounds

There is magic present, after focusing some more, the club is magical, as is the palm sized medallion. The chief's cloak was magical as well.

The medallion, however has no particular magical purpose but it does radiate abjuration magic faintly.

As Arisira peers over the village she witnesses the last of the evacuation efforts taking place among the non-combatants abandoning their dozen or so huts.

There is much weeping and lamenting and the name Daruthek can be heard spit among them for those of you who understand draconic.

In the back of this chamber is a pen with a trio of shocker lizards being kept as pets.

Spellcraft Cloak : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Spellcraft Club : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Shen sees the magical auras of the cloak and knows it adds resistance. The club is beyond her capabilities.

”Would you mind if I took the cloak?!“ Shen asks.

Now that the combat is over, Antal has a chance to see the effect of their actions on the young lizardfolk. He shakes lizard blood from his sword, still watching the scene.

he nods at Shen’s question, thinking of other things.

”This feels like an echo of the past somehow,” he says.

He sheathes his sword and begins to follow Arisira. He tries to be quiet.

Remember the past. Even monsters have families, but does that make them less than monsters? I know they killed her. What else can I do but follow this path...

Arisira continues to move forward, keeping in the shadows and out of sight as much as possible. She looks for movement of warriors, or other signs that the Lizardfolk are mounting a counter attack instead of fleeing.

If there is no evidence of an attack, she will search the remaining buildings. If there is evidence of an attack she will try to position herself so that she can cast Silent Image between the party and the oncoming forces- to hide the party.

The village itself has been left barren - if a counter-attack is being planned it must be from a more defensive position than this series of thatched huts.

Taking the time to investigate the huts, you look and find a small trove of treasures over the course of the next 10 or so minutes.

A small batch of scrolls, 1,923 gold in gold pieces, 2,340 gold worth of silver pieces, , three potions of barkskin (1st level), a scroll of haste, a scroll of air walk, and an amulet of natural armor +1.

You find evidence that this tribe operated much like well....a tribe of humanoids would. This seemed to mostly be set up as a place for elders and children to live while the bulk of their activity likely took place inside the temple.

8 / DC 16
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

—
3 / DC 16

Spellcraft : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

—

Read magic on scrolls

—
1 / DC 18
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

”I was able to identify all magic items! There are very powerful scrolls ... especially the haste scroll. Who wants to have which potions?!“ Shen asks.

Open all spoilers.

I will take the air walk scroll

Shouldn't Barkskin be CL3?

I think it probably should be but the module specifically calls it out as CL 1 for some odd reason

"I wouldn't mind one of the healing potions, but I don't need much more than that! It seems like this is just an outer camp- the rest of the Lizardfolk must still be somewhere."

She looks over to her fellow halfling. "Looks like you are going to get your chance for more revenge. I vote we keep moving. No sense waiting around for the lizardfolk to find us first."

”Each of us should take a healing potion. Arisira, do you want to take the scroll of haste? You can use it, right?“ Shen asks.

The lizardfok here eem to have abandond the temple but we should probably explore inside before we strike out further...

I think I am right that we havent explored the temple itself, is there an entrnace?

There are several entrances - the big double doors you ran past chasing the lizardfolk sentrys and there are several nearly wide open walls.

It allows you to peer into the open hallways of the marble structure at the center of which sits a raised pool.

There are images of storms and floods built into the stones all over mosaics of the familiar old man and beautiful wild woman flowing together

A large, raised basin of green rock sits in the center of the temple’s plaza. A thick brownish liquid quivers just beyond the fountain’s raised lip. A large stone door blocks entry farther north, its surface covered with two circular indentations. Halls extend east and west.

"I will take two potions of cure light wounds, and the amulet if that is all right with everyone."

"I wonder what's in that liquid is." she casts detect magic in that direction.

Mak'da peers into the temple interior, alert for more lurking lizardfolk warriors or worse.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

She mutters a simple spell for detecting magic as well, just to be sure.

As Vera approaches the fountain a gurgling booming voice full of power and bubbles booms from the fountain as a form of a tall elder man takes shape at her presence FOOLISH MORTALS YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE OF THE HOME OF THE GREAT SPIRIT OF THE TEMPLE! WHAT BRINGS YOU INTO MY HOME

"Great Spirit! Do you have a name by which we can address your magnificence? We come seeking the companion of Argril! He was carried off by the lizardfolk and we think into this temple!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

YOU SEEK ANSWERS?? GIVE THE GREAT SPIRIT OF THE TEMPLE OF THE SKY AN OFFERING AND ANSWERS YOU SHALL HAVE!!

"I'm a representative of the god Cayden Caillean. I have an offering of rum for you. Would that suffice?" She pulls out her flask and offers it to him.

Shen stays in the back but starts casting detect magic to see if this is just a ruse.

kn Arcana or Spellcraft : 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Mak'da peers into the room to see if something other than the man in the fountain may be behind this display.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

She is also nit entirely convinced by shouty people lurking in ancient temples and is as suspiciosu as Shen.

Will to disbelieve if appropriate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
An extra +4 if this is an effect from a plant or fey

"Looks like you are going to get your chance for more revenge. I vote we keep moving. No sense waiting around for the lizardfolk to find us first."

Antal looks regretful. "It's not all I care about. It's hard to not hate these things, but then I am reminded of true courage when you sing. Killing is not really courage, I know."

He follows, and listens to the booming voice. What is this? Truly a god, or only trickery?

Antal stays at the ready.

This does appear to be some sort of display of conjuration magic to Shen. as such there is nothing to disbelieve - this is in fact a big column of water shaped like Gozreh

Hmm...is that HIGH QUALITY BOOZE? TOP SHELF STUFF? IF SO YES PLEASE SHARE. I WILL TELL YOU WHAT I KNOW OF THIS ONES MASTER!

Mak'da spots within the fountain a pair of small watery looking creatures putting on a show by controlling the water, the smaller one throwing its voice to pretend to be this spirit.

Shen starts giggling.

”At least they appreciate a good drink! They must be nice people!“

Mak'da nudges her companions and tries to subtly point out the little creatures. Of course we will share our rum with you oh great Water Spirit

She gives Mak'da a small nod to show she sees the two small creatures. "Is it just you alone water spirit?" Vera pulls out two mugs.

"We're happy to share. Tell us what you know."

Arisira smiles at her companions, and then continues.

"You wont regret it! Mighty fine rum it is. Best be coming to get it though, before ole Vera here drinks it all herself. A mighty fine drinker she is. Best in the land, so the stories go."

The water spirit lifts the mug and tries to secret it behind the fountain, but now that you know to look you see the little creature seize the mug and drink from it greedily.

Slurping sounds come from the spirit AH YES....YES...THIS IS VERY GOOD. THAT MAN - THE HUMAN IS HERE HELD CAPTIVE. TREATED WITH ODD RESPECT. HE IS BEING KEPT IN A CELL TO THE NORTH AND WEST OF HERE. THE LIZARDS ARE VERY BUSY DOWN BELOW. MIGHT NOT EVEN NOTICE YOU LIBERATING HIM

Argil spits water at Shen and then projects telepathically That sounds like my master! Let's go quick!

Just a moment little one, lets make sure we are prepared before we go rushing into more danger

With that Mak'da mutters a quick spell and removes a wand from her belt. She activates it and offers it around to anyone else who can activate it.

Mak'da casts shillelagh on her staff and activates a wand of longstrider. Its a personal spell so if you have it on your list or can UMD it you are welcome to make use of it as well.

Antal notices Mak'da drawing a wand. What is she going to do with that now?

"I wouldn't mind, if you are offering!"

The halfling takes the wand and looks it over for a few seconds. She gives it a couple of waves, and then tries to mimic the gestures used by Mak'da just a few moments ago.

UMD, DC 20: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

With that, a slight magic washes over Arisira, as she feels the magic settle into her legs!

"I feel like I could run all day! Time to explore a temple, huh? I bet there have NEVER been pathfinders here before. We could be the very first!"

Ready! Arisira will cast Dancing Lights if it is dark in the lower chambers

"Thank you water god for your information. Enjoy the rum." She nods that she's ready to head into the cave.

”I am ready and Vera ... great offering!“ Shen says with a sly smile.

Mak'da holds the wand out to Antal as well. Feel free, it will speed up your limbs

I believe you can activate wands as a ranger even before you get your first spell casting as you still have a spell list

You follow the instructions and go back towards where the cell is located.

A pair of lizardfolk sit there sleeping on bucket chairs and a dark skinned blond man sits in the cell, at first looking skeptical but then smiling as soon as he sees Argil.

He gives a grin and silently points at the key ring on the one lizard's belt.

"Thanks Shen. Always share the rum is my moto."

Vera gives Arisira a grin and waves for her to sneak the keys."

"I'll be right there to daze one if they wake up.

Mak'da takes a step back and gestures for Arisira to follow.

If you are doing this then you may want the blessing of the jungle she says as she mutters a quiet spell over her.

Casting guidance

We wont be far away to help you if anything goes wrong.

Antal accepts the wand gratefully from Mak'da and gives it a try. "I will admit, this is new to me. But Irori is beginning to speak to me, and perhaps the magic will work." He waves the wand and invokes the same words that Arisira used.

Having moved back towards where the cell is located, Antal crouches in the shadows but does not move forward with Arisira due to his armor. How does she feel safe in that flimsy armor?

He carefully sets down his shield and quietly draws a longbow in anticipation. Only if necessary. Maybe the party is right and I have become blood thirsty.

Arisira peers down the hallway to the sleeping guards. Taking a deep breath, she tiptoes into the corridor and up to the sleeping guard.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

She gently reaches in to grab the key from the lizardfolk.

SOH, Guidance: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 = 22

Arisira tiptoes over to the sleeping guard and skillfully lightens his load, removing his keys.

She takes a deep breath, looks at the guards and the prisoner, and then carefully inserts the key into the lock

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

It was fun while it lasted! Better than executing some lizardfolk while they sleep

Despite a mistep, Arisira is able to unlock the door and the two of you are able to escape the prison unmolested.

Once youre out of ear shot of the guard the man smiles.

Thank you for coming to get me. I though Gadd and Blackwell had left me for dead....you are Aspis right?

Arisira gives a quick look to the party before answering his question.

"Who else would be venturing around this jungle? We weren't given much in the way of details so you will have to fill us in. What's been going on out here?"

Bluff: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Vera shrugs and says nothing waiting to see what his answer to Arisira's question is.

Mak'da scowls slightly at the mans mention of the Aspis. Yes, what have you been doing here she snaps a little harshly.

The man gives a wry smile at Arisiras lies which quickly turns to a frown as Mak'da speaks Ah. So not one of Blackwells. Well then I guess we should introduce each other. he is interrupted by Argil hopping from Shens shoulder to tackle his master.

The two have a brief tender reunion Be Nice! These people saved you. Theyre good people too! Gadd and Blackwell tried to kill me when I asked them for help!

The man gives a smile Very well. I suppose I can trust you then....despite your hostility. I am Magdi. Magdi Kukoyi. Like you...I am a native to these lands. My folks were go betweens when people came south...she ended up marrying one - a storm kindler. Many of those people died but I have carried on their legacy - it was I who told the aspis about this temple - we were expecting an easy score. This temple once belonged to a heretical off shoot of the Storm Mindless and I expected it to be abandoned.

But these Lizardfolk moved in and - its so strange but theyve actually been succeeding at manipulating the storms! I think they use the same rituals we did ...but there is more to it. Something more primal and sinister. I uncovered all sorts of heretical prayers to Kelizandri and the inner circle of the lizards cult has been locked away in the inner sanctum which I was unable to penetrate. We went back to the camp to plan our next move when...well if you're here with Argil I am sure you saw.

"There isn't much left to the camp, though it is clear that Blackwell and his men turned tail and ran. Seems about their character, if your asking me. Now- what was this about an inner sanctum? How come you couldn't get in there, but the lizard folk could."

She takes a long look at the man.

We don't know anything about him... Who's to say he wouldn't have done the same thing the Lizardfolk are doing right now if he has been the first into the inner temple. I don't like this at all

"Lets talk in more detail about this inner sanctum and its heretical prayers..."