GMG's PBP: Silverhex Chronicles (Inactive)

Game Master Magabeus

"Glad that's over with," Palomia says with a sigh of relief as the guards seem to come to their senses. "All's well that ends well, eh? Oh and Relas, next time wait before charging off and let me shield you! You almost got yourself sent away," she scolds.

A bit later, back at the inn, she decides to take her turn with examining the gaudy brackets they'd found on the 'priest'.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

"Ugh...I just can't figure out the enchantment on these ugly things!" she fumes. "I'll try again later, maybe."
______

The next day Palomia accompanies the others to the cemetery in Gralton, frowning when they come to the front gates and find them ajar.

"Probably some careless caretaker forgot to lock them," she offers as The Foreigner comes stalking up to them. "Hey! Take this," she says as she thrusts the Invisibility potion into his hands. "Something tells me you can probably put it to better use than Relas can."

"Yeah, not having workable thumbs makes using those a little awkward," Relas agrees. He looks around the cemetery with interest.

"I'm ready to go!"

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
______

Relas did indeed need some healing, so much obliged!

The Foreigner tucks the potion of invisibility into a pocket of his leathers, its loosened fastenings exposing the horrid scars on his chest. "My thanks, Ms. Palomia."

He looks to the eidolon. "Relas looks hale and hearty. It is good."

Just inside the cemetery you see a layout of the place, stating where all the different families are buried. You approach the Tullivor Mausoleum and notice a human form slumped over a small marble pedestal!

The Foreigner approaches the pedestal and person slumped over it with caution.

Is this person dead or alive? Unconscious or injured maybe?

If there is no movement or reaction, the Foreigner will examine the figure and the pedestal.

Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Palomia sucks in her breath with a sharp hiss as they spot the body slumped over the pedestal. She quickly draws her longspear as The Foreigner cautiously approaches the still form.

"If someone stabbed them or knocked them over the head then they could still be skulking around," she whispers as she looks around nervously.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Lyn approaches with caution and intrigue all the same. "Is he injured? Let me have a look."

Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Sayra stays nervously nearby, her snout tucked into the side of Lyn's robes.

Ash hangs back, supposing the body was either a trap or an undead. No reason to risk harm to himself to explore either of those options.

He is rather dead, the body is slumped over the pedestal.

do you take the body down?

Hanlin frowns as he leads Sunny inside the graveyard "Can you guys tell what happened to him? Maybe pull him down and check the other side?"

Hanlin looks around to see if there's anything they missed, calling forth for the ability to see magic. Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

He lets go of Sunny's rope as he does "Sunny be a darling and protect me if something tries to whack me!" He then busies himself scanning the area for magic and checking dark corners for lingerers.

Krieger observes the gnome with approval. The druid is thorough, even if his snail is a little obstinate.

Krieger reaches up to lower the body to the ground. He makes way for the others to examine the body.

Straightening up, he takes a closer look at the pedestal and then at the exterior of the mausoleum, scanning the graveyard for signs of danger.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

"Wait!" Lyn holds her arm out to stop the Foreigner. She investigates to see if the body looks like if it was carefully placed or if it was actually slain there. Is there dried blood? "What if it's a trap, Foreigner?"

Perception traps: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

When it seems that the body isn't likely to get back up again, Palomia edges closer to the pedestal as the Foreigner and the others busy themselves examining the corpse and checking for magical auras.

"Wonder what they were doing in here in the first place?" she muses aloud as she focuses her attention specifically on the pedestal, curious if there might be any clues to be found.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Hanlin discovers that the pedestal radiates magic, but it is impossible to further determine what kind it is unless the body is removed.

Lyn thinks the body has been placed on the pedestal after he died and sees that his hands are tied with rope. Blood smears his noble's outfit. She does not detect any traps. Krieger carefully places the body on the ground in front of the bust and then straightens. As soon as he does that a voice speaks from the bust "When the last sun falls upon this spot, receive my thanks"

You see uncover a belt buckle resembling a badger. The deceased’s facial features also somewhat resemble the bust’s. The victim was killed with a short sword and also bears scratches on his face.

I have also updated the map

"This altar is definitely magical. Maybe you could take a look at it Lyn and glean a bit more than I."

Hanlin leans over (not much considering he's less than three feet tall) and takes a look at the corpse with everyone else. Survival: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Hanlin looks up at the others, tracing his fingers across the claw marks "These are from a hawk! Strange for a man to be attacked by a hawk..." He begins to look around the area some more "Ahh, look here, a couple of people were here too." As he points at some foot shaped dents in the soft grass.

"I hate it when people blame druids and their animal friends for things.. but I'm starting to lean that way. But maybe not! These wounds were from a short sword right? Well Druids don't use short swords typically!" Man that was close.

Standing before the pedestal, the Foreigner ponders the strange message.

"A reference to sunset, maybe. Looks like the poor fellow arrived too early or too late. Unless this was the thanks he received."

The Foreigner's brow furrows in concentration as he studies the crime scene. He looks over the body's wounds and the rich clothing the man was wearing. He peers at the buckle shaped like a badger.

Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

"Very keen observations, druid. Attacked simultaneously by a sword and a hawk. Companions, perhaps? And at least one other, unless some of the tracks belonged to the deceased. If the wounds appear fresh, the killers may still be nearby."

The Foreigner scans the surrounding area, including the sky. He also glances at the exteriors of the mausoleums, looking for any sigils bearing the image of a badger.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

What time of day is it now?

Lyn nods at Hanlin's request, then stares forward at the pedestal. "Magical, you say? Let me have a look at that."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

"Nope," she says in defeat. "The magic is blurry. It's there, but I can't quite place it. I've heard of hawk familiars and it may be as The Foreigner says - a companion told to attack the victim while his master did. See, Sayra, sometimes even familiars can get violent, you know." The purple fox sits proudly on its hind legs as if to dismiss the remark.

You might want to speak the sentence that the bust spoke out loud. The sun will set in about fifteen minutes.

In case the others missed it, the Foreigner repeats the message he heard the magical pedestal utter, "When the last sun falls upon this spot, receive my thanks."

He looks around. "What do you think?"

"Slightly pitchy, but with some work you could be a fine fight promoter I bet!"

and now think what that fourth word could also be with slightly different pronunciation...

"Wonder if the altar meant SUN, as in up in the sky, or SON, as in my baby boy... Maybe this dead man was the man's last SON? Or?" Hanlin scratches his head as Sunny begins licking the moss around the base of some gravestones, sending up a slight burning smell.

"A play on words...sounds about right for whoever enchanted this thing in the first place," Palomia nods grimly as she attempts to study the magical aura on the pedestal.

Spellcraft (Pedestal): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

"So some sort of 'revenge' scheme? That note mentioned a feud, so maybe that's at least partly what this is all about."

Spellcraft 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Ash also takes a closer look at the pedestal after casting detect magic.

"Good thinking, Hanlin. I was little weirded out by that slug of yours, but I guess I was wrong," Lyn says, adding a signature awkward wink. "What about if this is a riddle? Maybe we should try moving the bust?" Lyn sees if she can lift it.

Sunny looks up with a maw full of moss and lichen, one eye stalk receding as the other extends.

Bloop?

Then bends back down for more snacks.

Ashwell determines that the bust has a magic mouth cast on it that speaks "When the last sun falls upon this spot, receive my thanks." if somebody stands in front of it.

Looking to where the sun is slowly setting you notice a alabaster mausoleum. It is obvious that the last rays of the suns will hit the 10 foot spire on its roof before they can reach the bust. You remember that this tomb is the tomb of the Sarvio family, staunch rivals of the Tullivors

You also have not checked the Tullivor mausoleum yet

"Hey guys...? Maybe we should look around a little more," Relas suggests. "This body seems like it's kinda fresh so whoever did this can't be too far off - they might even be in one of these mausoleums! Let's pick one and go see - how about the one right here in front of us?"
______

Relas votes to check out the Tullivor mausoleum but he's not picky if we want to do Sarvio first ;)

"That voice is a magic mouth spell. Obviously it's a clue, so to the masoleum is the best idea."

The Foreigner is impressed by the undine. "Excellent analysis, Ashwell. We should check out the mausoleums of both the Tullivor and the Sarvio houses. Based on your conclusions, I urge that we time our investigation of the Sarvio mausoleum to the position of the sun."

The Foreigner would like to investigate both, but time the examination of the Sarvio mausoleum to precisely at the proper position of the sun.

"Alright then, guess we've got a plan," Palomia nods. "Good deal; it's better than waiting around out here with this guy," she adds, jerking her thumb at the body.

Sun moves at the speed of plot ;-)

You move to the Tullivor mausoleum. The mausoleum is a 15-by-10-foot structure constructed of superior masonry. The baroque marble tomb clamors for attention like a gaudy flag waving for a once noble house. Its most audacious feature is a sculpted badger that looms, gargoyle-like, above the door. The sole entry, an iron door, is decorated not only with the Tullivor name and crest, but also with an elaborate arcane rune.

Seeing the arcane rune Hanlin weaves his grubby gnome fingers into a spell to detect for magical auras. Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 "This doesn't look good. Someone else best take a look."

Hanlin steps back and out of the way, and keeps Sunny behind him. "Just eat some of that moss over there, nothing to see up there you nosebag!" He shoos away the curious slug.

Yep, magical trap

"Well, I certainly am not going to trigger that trap. If one of you can't do it, pick up the corpse and toss it into the door and let's see what happens."

The Foreigner ponders the undine's words for a moment.

"The symbol of the badger on the Tullivor mausoleum gate also adorn's the man's belt. That should be his final resting place."

The team has no one skilled in the disabling of such traps, so another approach is necessary. We should minimize the risk to the party.

"Please step back a safe distance from the mausoleum's entrance."

The Foreigner squats down and gently hoists the body over his shoulder and stands up, carrying him to the mausoleum's entry.

Sliding the corpse down to his feet and propping him up against himself, the Foreigner places his own hand over that of the dead man, using it to try to open the gate.

Lyn pulls Sayra a good distance back from the trapped door, then ducks behind the small fox. Don't look at me like that. I dropped something.

Palomia likewise pulls Relas away from the door. "Come on, you don't want either of us to get blown to bits, do you? I mean not that that's what will happen, Ashwell's idea is a good one and our friend of many talents knows what he's doing, I'm sure!"

The Foreigner reminds the witch, "Linria Korudorn, you still have my healing wand, if this experiment fails."

Fortitude Foreigner: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7 You take full damage, the fortitude save was for secondary effect

The arcane mark flares up and a tremendous cacophony of sound bursts from the door when the foreigner puts the hand of the dead man on the latch. Luckily his companions were far enough back. The shine of the arcane mark is dull with its energy spend. The foreigner tests the door, but it is locked.

Ears ringing, the Foreigner lets the body of the man from House Tullivor slip to the ground and backs away.

He accepts a tap on shoulder from the wand he'd asked Lyn to carry.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

"The entrance to the mausoleum is locked," he rasps. "And trapped."

Eyes blinking, he adds, "You casters may be able to discern whether or not the trap's still active."

"The body appears to belong to House Tullivor. The killer likely belongs to its rival, House Sarvio."

The Foreigner looks skyward, squinting at the setting sun.

"The sun moves into position. Let us examine the other mausoleum."

Ash uses Detect Magic and tries to determine if the magical trap was still active as well as if there was a trap on the other door.

Hanlin looks at the doorway and shrugs his shoulders "Sorry, we don't have locks out in the swamp so I don't carry any keys..." He looks to the others for their input.

"Ooh..." Palomia winces as the magical ward goes off. "That looked nasty! Thanks for taking one for the team," she says as she gives the Foreigner a slap on the back.

"As for the door...well, if it's locked and there's no key and no one can spring a lock, then I guess the only other option is to try and break it down or force it open," she shrugs. "I'd probably not be much help with that but maybe Relas could."

The Foreigner responds to Palomia's suggestion by grasping the bars of the gate, squatting low, and strains with all his might to pry the bars open or burst it from its hinges.

"Relas, your aid would be appreciated," the Foreigner utters through clenched teeth.

Strength Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

"You got it!"

Having no hands to help pull or lift with, Relas simply throws his shoulder/flank against the gate and hopes that his weight will do the rest.

Strength Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

The door does not budge. Ashwell detects that there is a lingering aura on the door, which is as expected. After the Foreigner and Relas has tried some more they decide that they lack the strength to open the door by force and you move out to the Sarvio mausoleum.

This alabaster tomb evokes a past age of Galtan architecture, including a ten-foot spire atop a broad dome. Its awnings teem with sculpted white raptors. An iron gate bears the motto, “Last to Fall.”

One perception check for:

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Linria notices movement behind the mausoleum and nudges The Foreigner, whispering to him. "There's someone - a woman - behind the mausoleum. She's with her horse, and she's looking right at us!" She tilts her head to look up at the roof. "Strangely, one of the white hawks on the roof is moving slightly. Is it also watching us to alert someone of our entry?"

Unable to force entry into the Tullivor mausoleum, the Foreigner turns his gaze upon the Sarvio mausoleum.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

"I see them too, Linria Korudorn. The dead man's attackers, you think?"

"The woman is trying to remain hidden. We should call her out."

The Foreigner looks to Ash, Hanlin, Lyn, and Palomia. "Any other ideas?"