GM Fuzzfoot's #8-02: Ward Asunder (Std) - GameDay 6 (Inactive)

Game Master PJP

I think the nagaji is up. If he stays there I will close as much as possible but will ready a fire bolt if he runs by. Henrikuaxian could close and ready to wand him if he runs past. Scruffy and Barid might have issues getting close fast.

"I will blast him if he comes this way."

Since he is fascinated, he is not going anywhere at the moment.

Any threat to him will break the enchantment, as will Bull appearing anywhere near him. However, I think I would say this only would happen if you get within 30'. So you could approach carefully and then charge him.

Also, since Session 2 starts Oct 6, we probably need to wrap this up in case characters have another scenario. Given that, I don't mind telling you that a magic missile is capable of finishing this (4 hp remain....) You still have a number of rooms to search, and one more encounter...

Whendel advances back east along the front walk of the temple. He then prepares to blast with a firebolt the ninja coming around the should that happen.

Please bot Henrikuaxian to move to be able to see the ninja and ready to shot with magic missile wand should the ninja start to move.
Everybody advance this round with readies to shot or something should the ninja appear. then the following round, Korez throw/dimension door or whatever it is called Bull to right next to the guy. In order, it would be Bull's turn and he can attack. If the ninja runs, Henri shots him, All other readied actions he triggers go off. Hopefully we kill him before he gets away.

Let's do that!

Thundering Bull gets as close as the others tell him to and readies to swing his axe as accurately as he can.
________

Good plan, Whendel!

Korez prepares to teleport Thundering Bull into position when everyone is ready.

Feel free to bot me as needed to finish in time.

I moved Henrikuaxian to where I think he can see the nagaji if that is okay.

Kelumur nods as he reads the play the pathfinders intend to run. He himself takes through the archway nearest to him, attempting to block the Nagaji's path if he chooses to escape through the rooms.

Move and Ready to throw dagger should he step towards his left (i.e. any of the red squares)

Kelumur is not committed to any games for Oct 6, but by all means feel free to bot if necessary.

Sorry guys! Things are better now, though, so I should be back on point. Thanks for botting me!

Communicating in fun little head nods and slow movements, Henrikuaxian prepares to help bring the last foe down. He raises his wand, and prepares to fire if necessary.

Good plans all around, however Bull finished the job anyway. The last opponent is dead. And as far as exploration, I think between all of you, you have actually discovered everything in each room.

Surrounded by fierce whirling winds, an athletic woman of living stone appears atop the head of the massive serpentine statue. In a booming telepathic voice, she declares, “For over a thousand years I’ve stood vigil over the procession that leads up to this temple. I was watching you while you walked the Pilgrim’s Path. Everything you faced along the way was a test of your abilities and your character. But the test is not over — answer my questions and face my judgment!”

"And who are you to judge us? We try to be respectful but we are not religious pilgrims."

Kelumur moves around the ruins to retrieve some of his belongings. At the same time, he listens intently to the voice, silently waiting to see what comes of it next.

"Wow, that was amazing! What a fantastical appearance! Are you the overseer of this temple?"
Whendel stares up in wonder.
"No, we are not really are not pilgrams. We are more like historians or knowleadge seekers. We are here to explore and learn about this temple."
Whendel then pauses and says, "Why do you test visitors to your temple."

I may have left you too big an opening there. You may or may not realize this, but you have been judged for the entire scenario. Remember, your oni mask, Tanbaru, was a guardian of this place, and had a partner...

By the way, what did you all do with the eggs? Are you just going to ignore and leave them? The way you split up and checked out the rooms, it was hard to keep track of all the options, but I know this one got discussed but nothing after.

"I watched you try to not disturb the birds, make the delicious rice, and clear the rocks from the path. You sounded the gong, and attempted to sign the guest book properly, although in that you failed. And you say you are not pilgrims? But you have not yet proven to me that you are worthy."

“Who are you and why are you here?”

Jiraku has three questions. Each time, the PCs must select one of four approaches and attempt the associated check (one check only for the group, so decide together who will do it and how). If you want to try a sense motive, you might get a little more insight into each approach.
For this question, you can::
- Bluff: Lie about the Pathfinder Society’s goals to make them seem more honorable.
- Diplomacy: Tell about the Pathfinder Society in an honest but positive tone.
- Knowledge (geography or local): Tell about the people and traditions of the Inner Sea region.
- Perform (oratory): Describe Pathfinders and their past successes in a dynamic manner.

"These eggs are from a particularly strong serpent. They can be raised and trained to become powerful companions."

Tbh we haven't had time to discuss it but assuming we went back to the eggs after the fight...

"Snakes have no real affinity with the moon. But they could prove useful. We leaned that snakes can form attachments to areas and become guardians around here. But who would raise them?"

To the mystery lady:

"We are Pathfinders. A group of explorers devoted to finding rare items and information. We learn what we can and if we find something that is dangerous we put it in a mighty vault we have constructed and guard it. We also often trade favors with allies which is what brought us here. One of our allies is an oni named Tanbaru that has begun redeeming himself for some of his past misdeeds. He used to dwell here and asked us to come here and investigate what remains of this temple, As most of it was taken and placed in a magical tapestry."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

Barid has the Silver Tongued trait. "when they use Diplomacy to shift a creature's attitude, they can shift up to three steps up rather than just two"

"Korez, could you heal me with this." "The burns still smart."
He hands Korez his wand of CLW.
Assuming it is okay...
CLW charge: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
That is almost full.

Whendel whispers to Korez, "Does Tanbaru have anything to say about this spirit person and what are these worthiness tests all about?"

Henrikuaxian bobs his head in agreement with Barid's words. "He speaks the truth, m'lady. The Pathfinders are really an incredible group, learning and exploring so much. I left home to be with them, because of all the peoples in the world nobody has more or better new experiences than the Pathfinder Society. We always try to do good, help people in need, and learn everything we can."

Aiding Barid's diplomacy check
Diplomacy Aid Another: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Thundering Bull does his best to follow the conversation, but all her can manage to contribute is a vigorous nodding of his head in support of Barid's words.

Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Yes, I recalled the eggs found then fight occurred, so at that time don't think concluded but left the eggs where it is.

Kelumur listens closely before deciding his next move.

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

"That is exactly my reason for coming: to explore and learn." "And you have such a wonderful temple here." "Other than the snake man attacking us, I have enjoyed coming here."

diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Kelemur starts to get a sense of the right way to go here, but just can't quite get it. Suddenly, Barid bursts out with answer. The others try to chime in, but once the first answer is given, the creature seems to ignore the rest.

He contemplates the response, and nods.

“This is no place for an oni! What were you thinking when you brought that creature here?”

If you have the Tanbaru’s Respect boon, you gain a +2 bonus on your check and may attempt the Knowledge checks untrained.
Bluff: Claim that Tanbaru never revealed that he was an oni.
Diplomacy: Explain that what happened to Tanbaru was beyond his control.
Knowledge (planes): Point out that a spirit oni is not as evil or corrupt as other types of oni.
Knowledge (religion): Point out that as a neutral deity, Yamatsumi has no particular bias against oni.

Korez happily helps Whendel with his wand.

He watches the woman, trying to figure out what her ultimate intent is.

sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"Tanbaru, can you help us explain why you led us here? Do you recognize this woman or these tests?" he whispers to the oni.

Barid's +14 to Diplomacy is probably our best bet on all of these.

Korez senses that either bluffing here, or spouting religious information, will likely cause anger. As he said, diplomacy is probably the best course of action.

Tanbaru remembers. "It is my mate, Jiraku. Why or why is she treating me like a stranger?" He is whimpering pitifully.

"While I was not among the Pathfinders who entered the tapestry I have been told that Tanbaru was pressured into committing evil acts by the conquers who inhabited the temple. When he was discovered by the Pathfinders they convinced him to give up his evil ways. I'll be honest, He was a guardian of this temple and mentioned that the part that was left behind may contain items of value. After all like any large group we must find funding somewhere and the help we offer others rarely comes with a tangible cost. But on reflection I think he may have just wanted to visit an old home and see this place again."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Get it Barid!

Kelumur keeps his weapons low in attempt show a more favourable behaviour. However, unsure what to make out still of the thunderous voice that echoes the ruins, he continues to clasp on to his weapons. Kelumur calmly, but forcefully speaks his mind.

"If this Oni has done wrong speak, but if I recall, since our journey to this place, he done no ill. And continue to behave in a hospitable manner. We seek no discourse, only answers."

Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Barid manages to earn a +4 on the next check, not that you all really need it...

“I have failed my ward. Look at the desecrated altar! Tell me why I shouldn’t just let the fire and ash of Yamatsumi cleanse this place?” When Jiraku speaks these words, the earth trembles, and fiery flashes are visible at the summit of the mountain looming over the temple. Droplets of lava begin to seep and bead at the seams between the temple’s stone blocks.
Options are:
Craft (sculpture or stonemasonry) or Knowledge (engineering): Give a realistic estimate on how easily the temple can be restored.
Diplomacy: Promise to find people who can repair the temple.
Intimidate or Knowledge (planes): Warn Jiraku about turning into an oni.
Knowledge (religion): Talk about rituals that restore the altar’s connection to Yamatsumi.

I'm confused. Is this place actually near a volcano that is about to erupt? Is she actually expecting a bunch of workers to scale the cliff, risk the hostile lizardmen and fix this place up just so it looks nice before it is covered in magma? I see from the options that the temple and volcano are connected but we never learned that did we?

sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Korez can't tell what she wants this time- the imminent eruption is too distracting.

Something tells me we will want to get a good Sense Motive this round and that Diplomacy is a trap this time. Just a metagame guess though.

There were quite a few spoilers that you never were able to open, so unless you have someone in the party with good knowledge skills, I expect you do miss out on some stuff. In this case, though, I think the volcano is referring to the one inside the temple that she is at the top of (which has been desecrated by those monks to instead now appear to be a giant snake). Also, you may have missed it, but this is a temple to Yamatsumi, the god of mountains, volcanoes, and winter. I think you failed to ask the right questions at the beginning, and probably missed all of the clues along the way.

"You asked us who we are and why we are here. We answered you. Please return the favor. Who are you? And why are you here?"

sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Whendel not always the most observant tries to read between the volcano rumblings.

"Snakes and mountain, what is the connection?"

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Kelumur tries to discern the situation again, but much like the rest is unable to grasp the voices feelings.

Jiraku waits for an answer but not patiently.

Kelumur nudges Barid.

Barid has no clue who she is. No one told him and he lacks the knowledge to know on his own. And she isn't telling us. His instincts are to tell her to leave this dump and find a better place to guard but she seems to be attached. I'm open to suggestions. I can't roll diplomacy if Barid has no clue what to say.

I think offering to have people come repair the temple (Diplomacy) or warning her about turning into an Oni are our best bets (Planes). Reminding her of her duty to guard this place and the consequences of abandoning her post might be a good route to go.

"Ash doesn't clean anything. I suppose we could clean the place up a bit. Get some people out here to do repairs. Maybe set up a runoff around here for the lava? I don't know much about how to build things."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 14 + 2 + 4 = 38

Not bad for a guess, Barid.

"Is there anything you would like us to do to help make your temple more 'open for business' to the pilgram traveler's. The book did not have any names for almost 300 years. We as pathfinders like to help preserve places like this and make them usable again."

diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

I will sut up now.

Lol - well, as it is, the aid's don't matter. In fact, you would have had to probably pee on the floor to screw this last encounter up...

Jiraku says, “So few visitors have come and shown such respect for local traditions. I had forsaken my love and duty for this place, but perhaps there is hope for me yet.”

The scenario is now over, and you have succeeded, although there is one more decision to make. Before I get to that, though, I will try to fill in some of the blanks you missed, just so you don't walk away confused! (Also, you could go back and open all of the spoilers you missed).

"You may finish exploring the temple, now, as long as you continue to show proper respect. For those of you who do not know, this temple is dedicated to Yamatsumi. He is the Mountain Lord, a mighty but inscrutable god whose faith has spread from Minkai to many countries in Tian Xia. It is he who makes volcanoes rain fire upon living things, but from the ashes, new life grows. It is his frozen breath that brings the winter, but when the ice thaws, rivers flow wild again. That is Yamatsumi!”

"I am Jiraku, a dosojin kami. For centuries, me, and my mate, Tanbaru, watched over the winding Pilgrim’s Path, guiding the devout and testing the impious. I managed the lower portion of the trail, along which pilgrims stopped to pray, rest, and cook meals at shrines dedicated to Yamatsumi. Tanbaru guarded the higher half of the trail, a notoriously arduous hike up a narrow path along the face of a nearly vertical cliff."

When Hao Jin found the temple, she thought it abandoned and, given its cultural significance, decided to add it to her collection. As the temple comprised several buildings constructed across multiple levels in uneven terrain, Hao Jin was unable to transport the entire complex. So the practical, perhaps callous sorceress excised just the front portion of the temple, and unknown to her, took Tanbaru with it, severing the guardian spirits’ sacred ward in half. The massive hole in the mountainside also made the Pilgrim’s Path impassable for all but the most fearless climbers.

The centuries that have passed since Tanbaru was suddenly spirited away have not been gentle to Jiraku, either. Because of the damage the Pilgrim’s Path sustained when Hao Jin transported the temple half, pilgrims gradually stopped traveling to the site. Unknown to Jiraku, an evil cult of nagaji (which you battled) has inhabited the temple remains for centuries. What’s worse, when Tanbaru returned to the Material Plane, Jiraku could sense on some subconscious level that her former mate had transformed into an oni. As a result, Jiraku had reached the point where she questioned her own dedication to her damaged ward and was teetering on the brink of turning into an oni also - which she would have done if the last encounter proceeded to combat.

"Now, the question that remains is what to do with Tanbaru. Should you honor his wish to remain here, or will you take him back with you? It is your decision."

"Tanburu is an ally not a slave. If he wishes to stay and Jiraku doesn't object then he should stay. Though maybe he can tell us the name of some locals who might be willing to repair this place."

I agree. Leave Tanbaru if Jiraku and Tanbaru are okay with that action.

"Tanbaru seems pleased to see his mate, I expect he will desire to stay. And I am happy to let him."

Korez removes the oni from his head. "Go to Jiraku! Be together once again!"

"Crocodile whisperer right. Slave bad, ally good. Slave obey, ally choose. What does mask want?"

Henrikuaxian bobs his head rapidly in agreement. "Hear, hear!"

Jiraku places Tanbaru on her face, smiles, and says, “I’m sad about what happened to you, Tanbaru, but I need you to remind me why I must never abandon my duty.”

THE END

Good game, everyone. I hope you had fun. I will try to get chronicles out tonight!

Kelumur is Liberty's Edge so I think we can guess his choice re enslaving the oni.

After a moment's worry with the earth shaking, Kelumur gives Barid if a good pat on the back to show some appreciation for talking out of possible conflict.

"No being deserves to be a slave." He mentions with a hint of anger in his voice. "Indeed, I will fight for your right to choose your path, even if it means to be against my brethren here."

Kelumur looks around to see if anyone is going to hold the oni hostage.

Thanks for the game GM!

Where did the concept of slavery come into the picture? Rest assured, Tanbaru wants to stay, but wasn't sure his old mate would accept him. All is good for both of them now...