GM Kyshkumen's PFS The Godsmouth Heresy (Inactive)

Game Master Kyshkumen

The aura is strong and seems to be arcane lock on all three seals.

"Vincent, how often can you do that? Not knowing how deep these crypts go, we should strive to conserve resources."

Well I just put it out there since Garedon had a really high spellcraft.

Vyk and Vincent move into the crypt. Vyk looking for any signs of disturbance and Vincent using disrupt undead. Vyk does not see any signs of disturbance and as Vincent is hitting the first two corpses with holy energy he notices they do not have any heads. Vyk then hears the sound of bone scraping on stone and sees two skulls with 8 insect legs attached to them come scurrying out of the dark corners of the alcoves. Looking down the hallway Vincent sees two more.

Tuich: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Garedon: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Miko: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Vyk: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Vincent: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Adelaide: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Skullthing: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Tuich
Vyk
Adelaide
Miko
Garedon
Vincent
Skullthingy

These things are about the size of a human skull so they are considered tiny. Bold is up.

Oh, you mean some of these things. :o) [ADVISORY: Adult Language.] Who has the flamethrower?

A little "Eep!" escapes from Tuich when she spies the walking skulls. She quickly pulls three pebbles from her pocket {FA; see Discussion thread) and waves her other hand over them. "మేజిక్ స్టోన్!" she says, and the stones briefly glow with blue light. (SA, casting Magic Stone) She then grabs her sling and prepares to load it.(MA)

Are there supposed to be coordinates on the map? No problem if not, but I'm not seeing them if so.

The identification of the spell might also be a knowledge roll, as in "Identify a spell effect that is in place - Arcana - 20 + spell level", so that would be a different way.

Garedon fires a magic missile at the skull near Vincent.
It seems the most likely to be visible by Garedon.
MM: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
I think I have a defective wand.

Vyk lets out a shriek that is a bit higher pitched than his usual baritone. He wills arcane energy into his rapier. AP 2/4 left. He then tried to cast a spell, but the horror of the beast before him dried his mouth and naught but a whimper escaped.

Cast Defensively DC 15: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

He recovered partially and tried to hit the skull beast with his rapier.

Rapier: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"Why are you a head?! Why?! Why?!"

But his harried technique left a bit to be desired.

Spiders...

Miko runs ahead of Vyk and Vincent, jumping past the bony legs of the creatures in the alcove, trying to disrupt one of the skull spiders before it can close in.

Acrobatics to avoid AoO: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9 I don't think that's even necessary, though

Disrupt, RTA: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 121d6 ⇒ 1

I'm a sexy, shoe-wearing god of very-patiently-disrupting-one-skeleton-bone-at-a-time

"Tuich, this Disrupt Undead orison that I learned from the temple of Gorum does not expend any sort of significant effort, like a Light spell. In fact, I- WHAT IS THAT THING? Vincent grabs his sword is both hands and brings it crashing down on the skull spider thing next to him.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 Power Attack
Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (3, 6) + 7 = 16 slashing.

No acrobatics needed as the creatures are tiny and need to occupy the same space as you to be in melee range. Also the legs do not appear to be boney they are more living insect looking.

Vyk is startled and misses his target. Miko is unable to hit a spider as well as she sends a ray of disrupting energy down the hall. Garedon's missile smacks the skull of the spider next to Vincent causing the skull the crack. Vincent follows up with a skull splitting strike from his great sword, revealing it's gooey spider innards.

Tuich
Vyk
Adelaide
Miko
Garedon
Vincent
Skullthingy

Bold is still up.

Adelaide scowls at the clattering and shrieking emanating from the corridor. "Shhh! This place is sacred- don't be disturbing things for no reason!"

The sounds of battle are familiar, however, and she runs in, falcata flashing. "What in the name of the Dawnflower is that?!"

She rushes forward, anticipating territorial attacks from the ones farther in the chamber.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

One of the creatures attempts to climb up Vyk's leg. While the other two swarm Adelaide.

Adelaide AoO: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Vyk AoO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Adelaide manages to slice one of the skulls open with her falcata causing it to ooze a greenish like ickor. Vyk shrieks again and the terror of it touching him causes him to miss. The spider on Vyk's leg and the remaining one on Adelaide both attempt to bite their victims.

Adelaide: 1d20 ⇒ 13

Vyk: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Adelaide's thick clothing and Vyk's wild thrashing manage to save them for now.

Tuich
Vyk
Adelaide
Miko
Garedon
Vincent
Skullthingys

Bold is up, and only two spidery things left.

Tuich takes a five foot step to stand next to Garedon as she loads and spins up her sling, letting fly a magicked pebble at the un-thing next to Vincent.

Sling (Magic Stone): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
(additional if undead): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

I lurv that spell. 2d6+2 from a silly little pebble -- even if only against undead -- is pure awesomeness. :o)

Erm... does that leave me a Move Action for a reload?

Vincent, on his turn, moves towards whatever spider skull thing is still left and attacks it with another large swing of his greatsword.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Damage: 2d6 + 7 ⇒ (4, 5) + 7 = 16

Vincent goes last before the enemies, so they might all be down before his turn. If not, he finishes off the closest one.

Tuich's pebble knocks the spider off Vyk's leg and sends it clattering down the hall. Vincent then rushes forward and kills the last one by Adelaide with a solid strike from this sword.

End of combat.

Now that the creepy critters are dead Vyk notices a strange symbol that looks similar to the symbol on Kurse's robes yet oddly different.

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 2 + 2 = 16
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 + 2 = 14

With the combat over, Garedon replaces his wand of shield in his wrist sheath and then retrieves two volumes from his pack.

"Hmm. The spiders remind me of a group of decapod, non-true "crabs" - "eremetic crustaceans", I believe they are known as, in the common vernacular - which, lacking a hard shell of their own, protect themselves with, typically, the abandoned shell of a gastropod... Ah yes, here it is, "skull spiders". Indeed, not undead, but simply another arthropod using the resources of its environment."

"Hmm. It appears that this symbol is a symbol of Pharasma, but strangely and subtly different than the ones used by the current practice of the faith. I wonder if it is a distortion of the symbol (for innocuous, mendacious, or malevolent reasons), an earlier version of the symbol (potentially, it may even be one of greater verisimilitude), or something else entirely."

Her sword seems to move on its own as it connects with a crab, and two friends manage to end the remaining crustaceans before she can think to react again. "Ah... Good work, team."

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Adelaide opens her mouth to point out the symbol's significance, but shuts it as Garedon manages to elaborate quite well, choosing instead to nod at an appropriate time.

The spiders gave us a good scare, but as Garedon was quickly to point out - in his long-winded ways - they weren't the undead we feared. We hadn't encountered any of the animated dead up to this point, though everybody seemed certain we were to encounter them. Little did we know what horrors lay ahead of us...
--Miko Teppen, personal journal

Traditions change over time, will these not just be the old versions of their symbols? Didn't you guys tell me about the older version of the writings of Aroden you found in that cave?

"Okay, not undead... but still creepy," Tuich mutters as she looks at the two pebbles remaining in her hand.

"I think the situation is a bit different for Aroden, seeing as he's dead. That's why no one is particularly well versed in his lore anymore." Vincent shrugs and pokes one of the skull spider remains with the tip of his sword, cringing a bit at the mess, but still finding them fascinating in a very creepy way.

Vyk clears his throat forcefully and attempts to rein in his fear.

"Well, that was -- bracing. Thank you, Tuich."

He then uses prestidigitation to clean the mess off of himself.

"So, uh, let's look around a bit, shall we?"

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

"You scream like a girl," Tuich teases quietly as she moves past Vyk, a grin on her face.

"Yes, but a manly girl. Now start looking."

Vincent will also look around the room. I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for. Loot, what the room is used for, hidden doors, traps...

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Nothing else in this room. In case it is not clear on the map there are a set of double doors to the north.

"I guess this room's a bust. Let's check the double doors."

Perception (for traps, etc.): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

"I'd like to talk with you about that disruption thing later, maybe you can teach me?" Tuich says to Vincent as she moves towards the doors to examine them.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14 Checking for traps and such.

"Hmm, their form and pace of movement would suggest that they were not 'creepy' - which implies moving slowly and carefully in order to avoid detection. Therefore, I would suggest that they were 'scuttling', which implies hurriedly and better captures their crab-like nature."

Garedon approaches the double doors, too, inspecting and listening.
Not really Aiding Another, just doing his own thing. :P
Perception: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 2 = 29

You find no traps and hear nothing on the other side.

Tuich hangs her head in mock frustration. "Garedon, your picture's in the dictionary next to 'literal-minded,' isn't it."

Miko giggles. Garedon, before you correct her, we know that's not actually true. My dictionaries are always unillustrated.

"And yet, paradoxically, they are so illuminating." Garedon responds, with what may be, in some obscure interpretation, a joke.

Shall we see what's on the side of these doors, then?

Miko prefers to hang in the back - for all her squishiness - and is content to let someone else move through first.

Vyk opens the double doors.

The ceiling of this cavernous chamber vaults to a height of sixty feet, forming an architectural wonder unsupported by any visible columns of buttresses. Forty feet overhead, a wide stone bridge with an elaborately carved railing arches over the chamber from north to south, joining two sets of massive bronze doors at either end. The central portion of the chamber contains an inlaid spiral symbol and is recessed into the floor, with eight staircases leading up to a wide ledge that encircles the room ten feet above. On this ledge stand bronze doors to the east and west. Eight larger-than-life statues stand upon the ledge as well, evenly spaced around the room's circumference-seven carved from white stone, and the eighth carved from black stone.

Seven carved from white stone, an eight from black stone. Seven sins, seven virtues, seven runelords. Seven followers, perhaps, and a leader? I wonder who they are?

K(History): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Miko looks around at the statues, but stays distant from the black one for now.

Just to be clear the group is on a walk way 30 feet above the area with the statues.

Miko starts pointing out who the statues represent. "That tall one with the gems set in his forehead weilding a flaming glaive is Karzoug, Runelord of Greed. The beautiful woman with the wild hair holding a ranseur is Alaznist, Runelord of Wrath. The attractive nude woman wielding a two-headed guisarme is Sorshen, Runelord of Lust. That short smiling man holding a longspear is Krune, Runelord of Sloth. The fat one with the gross skin wielding the scythe is Zutha, Runelord of Gluttony. That bearded man in the extravagant clothes holding a lucerne hammer is Xanderghul, Runelord of Pride. Then the curvy woman holding a mirror and a halberd is Belimarius, Runelord of Envy. I'm am unsure of the eighth statue"

Sorry I borrowed you Miko just seemed the best way to relay all that in one go.

The black statue is threefold in form, portraying a tall woman with three faces looking in three different directions. One side has a kind face and cradles a baby in its arms, while a second side displays a more stern expression and holds an hourglass. The third face has a crazed look; its hands are empty, but thronless roses twine up both arms.

K(rel): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

And that, down there... honestly, I have no clue.

Fancy seeing those wizards in a sanctuary, hm?

I think 'borrowing', or having the characters just say "Garedon relays the information about the ...", are both good ways to handle it.

Garedon scans the room for magic. "Presumably, the spiral symbol is that of Pharasma..."

K (Arcana): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 2 = 16
K (History): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 2 = 17
K (Local): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 = 30
K (Planes): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 2 = 25
K (Religion): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 2 = 27
Already had them all in, so leaving to preserve the order.

Garedon delays considerably over Sorshen, the runelord of lust. "I am experiencing an odd sensation when viewing this statue: the blood flow appears to have increased to the surface of my face, my heart beat has, perhaps correspondingly, increased, and there is a tingling sensation in my extremities... I believe I have, quite inexplicably, some connection to this woman's depiction."
One of my characters, an oracle of life, uses her avatar. Why, what were you thinking? :P

"The black stone statue is an archaic, trifold representation of the three aspects of the goddess Pharasma, that of the midwife, the reaper and the prophet, respectively."

"Perhaps, Miko Teppen, the depictions of the runelords have something to do with their final resting place? 'Resting', indeed, may not even be a euphemism, when used to describe their current condition - although my views, as with the 'death' of Aroden - do not necessarily reflect the consensus opinion of the scholarly."

Upon seeing the majestic cavern, Tuich just says, "Whoaaaaaa..." and stares, transfixed, as Miko and Garedon share their extensive knowledge.

So, the Runelords - men and women aspiring to huge power - in the company of someone who actually made it to huge power. Interesting. Whatever did happen to the runelords, anyway? You mean to say they're not buried?

Miko is hesitant to walk over the walkway - who knows what horrors may swoop down on her or her friends this time - so she has a look around for anything ready to pounce.

Perc: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

"Our little Garedon's all growed up," Vyk jokes to Vincent.

He stands in front of Miko and then tries to detect for magic on the nearest statue, the Runelord of Greed.

Detect Magic is a 60 foot cone. Wasn't aware it extended that far until I just checked for it now. 3 Rounds.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Bah! Bah! I say.

Detect Magic and Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

"There is no need for consternation, Vyk Tyr: someday, with extensive training and practice, you will, I have some confidence, approximate my capabilities."
Still Eh, but better than Vyk's. ;-)

The statue of greed does have a aura of evocation and Garedon identifies a shocking grasp spell.

"Pretty sure the statues are hot -- as in trapped with magic. No one touch them unless they know of a way to disarm them. I'm probably the most agile here, so I'll run across the bridge. And hopefully I won't be blown up by a fireball or fall into a bottomless pit."

Vyk undoes a rope from his backpack and ties one end to himself and then hands the other end to Adelaide and Vincent.

Unless someone wants to stop me, I'll be running across. GM, please feel free to describe what happens if no one interrupts.

"I only know regular traps, but maybe this will help."

Tuich makes a sweeping motion and then a palms-outward push as she declares "ఫెయిత్ షీల్డ్" before touching Vyk. Shield of Faith, +2 Deflection bonus to AC for 2 minutes.

She then speaks "ఆశా ఫ గైడెన్స్" with a different gesture before touching him again. Guidance, +1 Competence bonus to a single attack/skill/save check within the next minute.

"There, now you have Ashava's guidance and protection. But go quickly, she doesn't share her grace at my behest for long."

After sending the unseen servant across the bridge first, Garedon says a few strong words, makes a gesture and taps Vyk Tyr on the shoulder, conferring magical Resistance, then waves him on after the invisible force.
Resistance bonus, so it stacks.

I gasped in horror as Vyk made a run for it on that bridge. I hesitated in stopping him, and that was enough for the moment to be gone. Imagine the sight, the tiefling magus, tethered on a rope, running over that dim-lit bridge, drawing huge shadows and surrounded by the ominous statues below him. Like a creature from some other plane. He was halfway there before I could react, and the only thing I could do was grab my wand and run after him.
--Miko's journal

Miko will trail Vyk, wand of Cure in hand, by about 25-30 feet, so as to be right upon him should something go wrong.

Vyk runs to the other side of the bridge and stops in front of a set of double doors.

Vyk turns to Miko.

"Aww, worried about me? That's adorable," Vyk said. "But seriously the whole point of that was to reduce risk. We're a team. You don't have anything to prove. We respect you."

He then called out to the rest of the party.

"Alright, looks like we're not blowing up. But let's keep it one at a time and grasp the rope as you walk over, just in case."

Moving one at a time and grasping the rope everyone makes it across.

For some reason this thread wasn't showing up as having new posts. Catching up real fast...

"They all have polearms. I guess wizard staves weren't in fashion back then," Vincent notes as he crosses, glancing at each of the statues.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Vincent didn't recognize the Pharasma statue at first, but nods as it's explained by Garedon. "Clearly this means they're dead and in Pharasma's presence, right? Why else include all eight statues together?"

Yeah, it probably just means that this was a burial place for esteemed citizens of Xin or something... but Vincent wouldn't guess that.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 Vincent examines the new set of doors for traps, scanning them with Detect Magic as well. If he doesn't find anything he opens the doors. (once we're all by the doors, of course)