GM Endless Forms' PFS 07-17 Thralls of the Shattered God (Inactive)

Game Master Mike Tuholski

"I wonder if that spiked creature is a depiction of Laktharis. We should keep careful note of the details. It is very common for temples like this to have defenses that can be bypassed with knowledge of their rituals."

Korai takes out his notebook and sketches a crude copy of the wall, and notes the activities in detail. He then puts his notebook away, draws his gun, carefully conceals it, and prepares to move forward.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25 to conceal pepperbox in plain sight.

"We should maintain vigilance... there are likely more surprises around."

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29 to search for traps

Seeing the intention of Korai to move foward, Popol says to him.

"Korai, i understand that you are eager ro explore that place as I am, but wait that my magic eye surveys all he can before we continue."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Wow, thanks for the heals Manyki! Quillen does have a wand, so I'm also happy to tackle his heals, or split them.

Quillen nods at Manyki's administrations.

"Merci!"

Quillen frowns at the sight of the spikey fruit, the throat slitting and the implications of demon spawning fruit.

"Ze demons... ze tree... blashphemy."

He spits, and grips his rapier tighter.

"Let us zee what evils lurk ahead, and zey will be dealt with in zwift order."

He eyes the ever-so-polite Valais for a moment with some suspicion, gauging how she reacts to the imagery, wondering if she has dreamt of such trees or such fruit.

Fully healed, he's ready to proceed, eyes open for traps alongside Korai.

He'll just be taking 10 for 20 on Perception checks (which sadly, probably isn't enough).

Purple spiked creature:

"In your vision, Valais, you have seen the tree."

Valais whispers, "Yes, I have seen it. But I don't yet know what it means. I'm seeing. . . memories that are not my own." She then goes quiet though, not willing to elaborate on this last part.

Luckily Korai has a keen eye and stops anyone from moving down the hall just yet; he notes that the fleshy patches on the floor and walls are the result of the Abyssal energies running rampant in this temple and passing over it would cause immense pain and sickness. It can be removed with Disable Device or by expending a 3rd-level or higher spell with the good descriptor. You can also do slashing or piercing damage to it but I would not recommend that except as a last resort, as it will spray you with nastiness that may or may not burn you.

"Whoa... hold on a moment." Korai points out the flesh patches and holds up his Discerning Wayfinder (Detect Magic) and inspects them further. "These patches contain some potent energies that could make exploration rather painful. Unfortunately I'm not well versed in handling magical traps, but it seems as though potent magics could force them back. It may be possible to bypass them though... Rufus, do you think this is something you could handle?"

Is this a magical trap or just a physical conduit to magical nastiness? I can't disable magical traps, but I do have +11 to disable device if I can use it. I think Rufus's is a bit better, so I can aid him. If Quillen and I aid Rufus, we give a +4 to his existing +14, letting him take 10 for 29. Although if this is a magical trap it's a moot point anyways.

"Quillen it is my duty to keep us all in perfect shape to fight the next battle. No thanks are needed" says manyki in a solemn tone before adding with a foxy grin"but thanks are much appreciated"

On hearing Korais warning Manyki holds up his blackened handpaw "I am no longer skilled with treasure finders tools nor am I quite yet as potent a priest as to be sure of clearing our path. But I can call on the power of Iomadae to purge the evil ones from this place and maybe make our passage easier" His blackened paw clasps the miniture iron sword round his neck as he finishes speaking

know planes: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

looks back at Val

Is she still talking in BOOMordinarywhisper or was her last comment intentionally just one voice

plane, +1 for demon: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (15) + 20 = 35
"This purple spiked creature is a kalavakus demon. Hearing the story of the destroyer of Yath have help me.

with that high, can I know more?

Popol still concentrates for his arcane eye.

I have a spell memorised that will counter this trap. But it is in last resort., he says, not very preocupied by the present.

You can also do slashing or piercing damage to it but I would not recommend that except as a last resort, as it will spray you with nastiness that may or may not burn you.[/ooc]

Piercing, as in with arrows or must it be melee? How far back could I be in order to try it, assuming we have no other course of action?

"If nothing else, I've got my...erm..." the Tengu says as he pulls out a blunderbuss with the words 'lockpick kit' crudely inscribed on the side. "Other lockpick kit. Considering we are looking to clear and preserve this place though, I would much prefer to leave things as close to intact as possible."

Blunderbuss also does bludgeoning/piercing in a cone.

Quillen crosses his arms and scowls at the fleshy floor.

"Oh ho! Korai has ze keen eye!"

Quillen is willing to aid Rufus, or to tackle it himself if Rufus wishes to avoid the danger.

if we are doomed, it will be their fault. thinks Popol.

Popol drops his concentration for a second, he waves his hands. using magic circle against evil to disarm the trap.

"That should help to purify this place. ", he says focusing again at his magic eye.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Well, pending the result of my detect magic. If the trigger is magical then yeah, we'll have to go with magic circle against evil. If mundane methods can disarm it than Rufus has the best shot with Quillen and I aiding.

Sorry for the delay: yes, it is a magical trap.

@Manyki: just one voice on the last comment.

Korai studies the magic and it seems like a pain strike effect has worked its way into the fleshy substance. Popol comes forward though and purges the hall of the dangerous stuff. Cleared by Popol's spell.

With a better look at the picture of the spiked creature, Popol is able to recall more about Kalavakus demons: Known to some as “horned demons,” the kalavakus demons are hulking, muscled beasts. They work as slavers on the Abyss, sometimes as harem keepers or captains of the guard for a more powerful demon, and at other times as mercenaries who sell their captured victims for profit to anyone with the funds to pay. Like many demons, good-aligned weapons are needed to harm them effectively, electricity and poison have no effect on them, and they can resist damage from cold, acid, fire, and some spells. They are skilled at enslaving souls.

How about Popol's arcane eye? I'd like to wait to see how much it can uncover before moving much farther in.

How about Popol's arcane eye? I'd like to wait to see how much it can uncover before moving much farther in.

Sorry, I forgot to respond to that:

A black marble statue stands at the intersection. It is a hulking humanoid with elephantine feet and large razor-sharp horns covering its body. Spiky script carved into the plinth compounds the sinister nature of the figure.

The hallway continues both ways, with doors set at the corners and the hallways continuing further into the complex and wrap around a central chamber which must open from the doors in the back. I revealed as much of the hallway as you'd be able to see with the eye.

As she gazes at the statue, Valais winces slightly and raises a hand to the demonic half of her face. “This must be MY GRAND COUNTENANCE. Here’s our proof that we are in the right place. I was thinking that we should TURN LEFT.” Valais’s eyes widen slightly as she continues, “No, we should not turn left. YOU WILL TURN LEFT. What I’m trying to say is that we should look around carefully before proceeding TO THE LEFT, WORMS.” Valais raises her voice, “Before proceeding in whichever direction you choose. The demons have never been this insistent before. We must be close to our destination.”

Popol comes close to the statue and cast a spell to understand what is written. (spell-like ability comprend language)

sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 19

"Hum, I don't like the idea to follow what demons are saying."respond Popol " What will happen if we follow them? I would propose that we fight this influence you have and goes right. But in the same time, this script is warning us to follow their masters. They could be less danger if we follow this. The fruit only works when a soul is giving."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Korai raises his eyebrows and just motions everyone to the right passage.

"Quillen, would you mind giving me some help in making sure there are no more surprises ahead of us? I prefer to be fully aware of our surroundings before marching into danger."

Perception to search for traps: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

If you are OK with it, rather than repeatedly roll sleight of hand to conceal my gun every time I pull out my notebook, would it be OK if I say that as I'm scouting I'm always concealing it and I'll roll sleight of hand along with initiative when combat starts to see if its effective?

sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Manyki examines the writing and ponders. "One of these days I am going to remember to pick up a couple of scrolls of comprehend languages and possibly tongues as well." He looks at the venture captain "Would it help your thinking any to cast protection from evil on you Val?"

@Korai: that's fine with me.

Valais shakes her head. "No, no, I'll be fine. It's strange though; I can finally hear what other people have said about me. It’s another sign we are on the right track. Besides, this gives me a chance to learn what I sound like most of the time. YOU WILL HEAR AND OBEY. I’d heard from others that that demon spoke with an inflated sense of self-importance, but it’s fascinating to observe it myself. YOU WILL REGRET YOUR IMPUDENCE WHEN YOU COWER AT MY FEET."

Korai tries to scout ahead to the right but immediately whirling blades appear out of thin air and start slicing at the tengu:

force damage: 8d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 5, 4, 5, 6, 5, 3) = 35
DC 19 Ref to negate

"If I might make a suggestion, we may want to stick close together as we advance. That way if we encounter one of these creatures that can control us, you can pre-empt it with your protection from evil. Popol is always quick on the draw... in fact quicker on the draw than even I am... and can probably tell you right away if a communal protection from evil is needed. Opening a fight against such foes with planning and cooperation can easily reduce what might have been a deadly struggle to something as simple as standard pest removal."

Reflex: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

As he finishes the sentence he does a quick hop back as the blades of force nearly engulf him. A sheepish grin crosses his face. "Bad Korai!" he says, mock slapping himself across the shoulder. "And this is a lesson about what happens when you split your focus too much. My apologies, but I'm just fine. No harm, no foul right?"

Evasion!

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

"I wonder if the trap once sprung is inert or if additional work is required to keep things safe."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Why don't you step in there again and find out? It's how you found that trap the first time! Jaysin simply shakes his head. Please, be more careful and try not to get us all killed. Especially me.

Jaysin then looks at Valais and sighs. So, you hear yourself now? I hope it makes sense to you! Let's get this over with, but carefully!

I wonder if he is.. . "Wait a minute, Valais... Could your body contains a second personnality? This voice seem awfuly like lack our kalackvactus."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Quillen has no chance of making the sense motive, and being the demonslayer he is, he would likely fail in such a way he suspects great evil is at work.

"Qu'est-ce que c'est?"

Quillen whips out his rapier once again as Valais channels the demonic voice. He narrows his eyes suspiciously as she struggles with the voice urging them to go left.

"Eh, if zere is a powerful demon to ze left, us making haste zat way only hastens it'z demize..."

Quillen takes a couple steps towards Valais.

"Mademoiselle, perhaps it iz bezt if you wait here while monsieur Korai and moi investigate a touch further, no?"

The halfling gives a nod to the others.

If the long circular hallway is clear, would it make sense to stealth and listen to each door? Unheard of in PFS... scouting!

Korai, feeling a tad embarassed from his last misstep, nods and follows Quillen as quietly as possible.

If possible take 10 on stealth for 32, if not possible, my stealth bonus is 22 and feel free to roll on my behalf. Will roll perception at each door

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Additionally, Korai takes a bit of extra time to examine the area leading into and around the alcove at the eastern end of the hallway.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Popol just dabbles with his hands.

Manyki awaits the scouts reports

I wonder if he is.. . "Wait a minute, Valais... Could your body contains a second personnality? This voice seem awfuly like lack our kalackvactus."

Valais shrugs. "Well, my body is really several bodies now so I guess I could have several personalities as well."

---
Korai cautiously leads the way forward again but the trap doesn't go off a second time. Meanwhile Quillen tries his hand at scouting too and notices that the other way around the hallway (to the left) is also trapped! It too is a magical trap.

To the right (south), however, the way is now clear and Korai and Quillen listen at the first door but hear nothing. The corridor is clear until they get to the back of the complex where there is a double door and a small alcoved area. Crafted of iron and bone, the massive door blocks your way inward. A mural of human and animal bones on the walls depicts humans and woodland creatures in a forest. On the left side of the door, humans kneel before a massive tree. Between them is a thumbsized hole. On the right side of the door, a man slits his own throat, blood pooling on the trunk of the tree. In the carving of the bloody pool is another thumb-sized hole.

As you approach the door, Valais says, “We’re so close now. We need to find a way to open this door. TOUCH THIS DOOR AND I WILL TEAR YOU TO PIECES.”

Luckily Quillen is able to spot yet another trap on this door. This one, however, is mechanical. When the latch is pulled, a blade swings down and chops off the hand holding the handle.

The back door of the northern-most room is not trapped and nothing is heard inside.

"Good catch Quillen... the magical trap we can most likely avoid by taking the other route around. I assume that the top doors connect and we'll be able to fully explore the temple without having to deal with that trap. We should just make sure to procure appropriate means of dispelling the trap before we declare the ruins safe for occupation. As for this one..."

Korai takes a careful look over the door trap and mural.

"This may be a bypass mechanism for the trap. The mural has some of the same indications as the previous statue. The man cutting his own throat is likely a reference to script that Popol translated... 'The righteous will fall on their own swords to protect their honor.' If I recall correctly, the next line said 'Only the humble will be left, serving their masters and living long lives.' On the left side of this door there are kneeling humans, likely the humble that are... heh heh... 'left.' I wonder if recreating this scene would allow passage." Korai uses his Discerning Wayfinder to see if there are any magical wards that control this alter, and then inspects the holes carefully Taking 20 on perception for 32 if able to see if they appear to be keyholes of some sort. "My personal recommendation is to clear the other rooms before proceeding through this altar. I do not like to leave potential foes at my back when knowingly walking into danger. Additionally I would not at all be surprised to find keys to this door. In fact I would not be at all surprised to find items that fit into those two holes that represent the words 'righteous' and 'humble' if the preceding scripts are in fact clues. Besides..." He drops to a hushed tone and continues in Elven for a moment before switching back to Taldan.

"...our mission is twofold. Aid Valais and fully explore this temple and make sure that it is habitable and defensible for use in coming conflicts. First door appears clear, so starting there may be a good idea."

spell craft : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Manyki studies the area carefully with furrowed snout " No don't tell me Popol I need to get better practiced at this for when we don't have such an esteemed wizard with us"

Manyki squints at the passage another couple of times before finally admitting "No I don't get it tell me what I missed Popol"

I marked the SW and N unexplored rooms as "nothing heard", although there could still be things inside we just did not hear.

Quillen nods at Korai's suggestion.

"Oui, ze tengu has ze right idea!"

Quillen pivots on his heal and marches back down the hallway (towards the SW room, the first we passed).

Not speaking Elven, as he marches ahead, he quietly considers Valais's latest demonic outburst.

"Perhaps Mademoiselle Valais can wait in ze foyer while we explore ze rooms? Ze demonic struggle zeems to be reaching a crescendo?"

Spot for Valais to wait marked on map? We may want to converse about how to handle Valais if she gives into demonic impulses while we more privately explore this first room (aka, we should probably non-lethal vs lethal and ensure all the characters agree on this; particularly Quillen or any other demon-hunters!)

Mental note: Don't forget the +1 bonus vs demons.

When out of earshot of Valais, Korai approaches Quillen, then beckons for the rest of the party to come over. He begins to speak quietly and quickly.

"I certainly agree with your assessment of Valais. We may need to make sure we can... neutralize her if need be. She is a pathfinder, a coworker, and an asset, so we must be certain that whatever we are forced to do maintains her life and dignity in the face of the society. If the demon appears to take control, I think Manyki may be our first line of defense. Communal protection from evil will give her the mental fortitude needed to resist control if its possible, and will give us the protection we need to fend off both her and whatever triggered her reaction. Failing that, Rufus or Popol should use one of the scrolls of calm emotions that I procured earlier. Failing that... well, you've seen how I manage myself in combat. Quillen, engage her nonlethally and I'll move in to flank. I should be able to subdue her with as little lasting damage as possible. Jaysin should be able to pick off any additional foes should the worst happen in the heat of combat."

I can forgo sneak attack to sicken her, and use the rogue's debilitating injury to slow her. Additionally if we're already engaged in combat and she goes rogue I can include her in a dazzling display to frighten her and the rest of our foes so we have more room to work

With his spell read magic active, Popol will take his time to identify the trap. if he can't take 10, he will roll.

Popol can take 10.

Valais does not like the idea of being left alone, not only because of the traps but because she feels more secure with you around when there seems to be such a strong demonic presence.

Korai supposes that the 'keys' to the large door are in the other rooms so the party decides to start with the southwestern door. Can't edit map atm but I'll uncover the room in a bit.

The walls of the chamber are smooth black marble; a fist-sized black stone set in a niche in the eastern wall seems to absorb light. A small crystal shard glows with an eerie purple light at the apex of the angled ceiling. Shades of faint movement skitter across the far wall.

As each of you enters the room, a shadow double of you appears on the other end of the room. This duplicates are almost feral in their aggression but none have done any real damage yet. However, when Valais sees her “shadow self,” she rushes forward to attack....

Also, is Rufus still with us? We haven't heard from him in a week and that is not acceptable. To receive full credit for the scenario, I insist that you actually participate in the whole scenario, not just combats.

What is this? Jaysin seems a bit shaken upon seeing "himself" in such a state. After seeing Valais run after her own visage he yells, What is she doing? Stop her!

"You can be with us Valais, I don't see any problem."

Seeing Valais running he says"Calm down!"

-Posted with Wayfinder

Flashes of babysitting Lander Lebeda flash through Quillen's mind, accompanied by flashes of dozens of Pathfinders that rushed ahead before peers like Quillen, Korai or Rufus could scout ahead and disable any dangers.

Quillen smacks his forehead after Valais refuses to wait in the foyer and charges in to attack her shadowy double.

"Merde..."

He gives the others a look that seems to suggest I warned zis would 'appen!.

Quillen scans the room ahead of Valais's path, trying to ascertain if the demonically influenced Pathfinder is about to step into the fourth trap of the day.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Zhis one is going to get 'erzelf killed...

Is she actually swinging at the shadowy image and her weapons are going through it?

Do we think a calm emotions would help rein her in and prevent her from going into combats when she sees that could be considered "hostile"?

"it is written the bold screem, the meek resist. Maybe we should just not act."

for the scroll maybe, but i would a confirmation of our crow. It is money after all.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Is she actually swinging at the shadowy image and her weapons are going through it?

Do we think a calm emotions would help rein her in and prevent her from going into combats when she sees that could be considered "hostile"?

She hasn't attacked it yet, I was giving you guys a chance to react or stop her if you wanted. Calm emotions might do the trick if you want to try it.

"Valais, keep calm or you'll Ron straight into a... Blast it... Popol, the scroll... Go for it!"

Korai tries to move into position to block her path and reason with her.

"I know there is a pathfinder still in that head of yours... Whatever mind is in possession of our friend Valais, let go lest you get her killed!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19

"Calm your self Val you're a venture captain not some barbarian" calls Manyki as he attempts to physically hold her back

grapple attempt: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
not including -4 penalty on weapon attack rolls from blackened as not actually a weapon attack? It was a big dumb idea but didnt want to do nothing

At Korai's suggestion Popol is able to read his scroll quickly enough to calm Volais so that she backs away from her raging shadow form before actually attacking it. "Sorry," she mumbles and moves back to her position behind the group.

Studying the magic of the glowing orb in the wall, Popol determines that it actually functions like a dusty rose prism ioun stone but also has a continual flame spell inside of it which gives off the light in the room. Furthermore, there is a delicate aura of shadow conjuration worked into the stone. It would be tricky to maintain all of these auras while removing it from the wall, but doable to someone of the right skill. It also looks conveniently of a similar size and shape to the "keyholes" seen on the double doors to the west.

"So who want to take it?says Popol.Someone with a easy or who know magic, or use magic?

Korai inspects the orb closely and uses his discerning wayfinder to help identify the best way to remove it.

"Well, I suspect this is one of the two keys... the question is how to remove it without causing any problems. Hmmm... the bold scream and the meek survive. I wonder which of the two keys this is... and light and shadow on the same gemstone. Very interesting. No need to draw conclusions though until we recover the second one."

He then proceeds to mark some notes of the carvings and of the key itself into his journal while inspecting the stone.

Taking 20 on perception to carefully identify how it is anchored to the wall. Does this seem like something requiring magical finesse or will good old fashioned dexterity (and a high Disable Device score) do the trick? I'll assume Rufus is out of the picture, and aid Quillen if Disable Device seems practical.

Assuming we've ensured there are no traps, and this is the right course of action.

"Hallo, magic orb key?"

Quillen, smoke in his mouth, scrambles up to the wall and gets to work.

Disable (with aid): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 2 = 26

As leaps back to the floor and dusts himself off, he sizes up Valais yet again.

"Mademoiselle Valais, you must allow us un chance to investigate ze room before we wave you over. Your demon zide zeems much stronger in 'ere, zo it will be what is best for your safety... and ours..."

Quillen mutters under his breath.

"... and Popol's coinpurse."

Popol is gonna use in deteck magic and knowledge in arcana to give instructions.
arcana: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18
Dm roll!arcana: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32

Jaysin keeps an eye on everything despite the fact that he has none of the required skills to assist.

You have one of the most important skills to assist. Initiative of +8 and a boatload of arrows to anything that comes out if we screw this up...

That's for a future problem. I was relating to the current issue at hand. But, its nice to be needed and Jaysin definitely thinks he'll be needed.