GM Ladile's TL;DR: A Pathfinder Society Campaign

Game Master Lady Ladile

"Hmmm... Let me see what I can do about the light in here..."

He casts a spell, and the head of his mace now glows as bright as a torch that's the color of late afternoon sun.

Casts light.

Pointing his mace toward the door, he says, "To the necropolis!"

"What would be wrong with that?" Zithembe asks Tupp, the slightest smile of amusement on his jade lips.

"Oatmeal raisin." Tupp replies seriously, eyes still glued to the point he last saw Hepsubia, "If creatures of the night try to lure you away from the light, they always use oatmeal raisin cookies... I read it in a book once." He screes up his face. "I hate oatmeal raisin. Oh, and they'll probably try to eat you... That's bad too."

"Its because they look like the kind with little hunks of chocolate," Sylvak interjects, "you think you're getting a buttery cookie full of chocolate and then instead it's dense, chewy oatmeal and raisins. I like raisins but not when you're expecting chocolate..."

"Also, we should wait in the hall--maybe move a little ways towards where Hep went--we only stopped the haunt temporarily and it would be less than ideal to have it become active again while we're all in here..."

"Back home it was always apples," Ylva chimes in. She looks to J and wonders where she'd go after this.

"Tyri, I think we should listen to Sylvak," she quietly suggests.

Zithembe quietly drifts out of the ruined class room and onward with the others towards where Hepsubia went.

Just low light vision

Hepsubia, seeing the three corpses and not wanting to push her luck, comes back quickly

Hey folks, there are three bodies on the floor by that way. Be prepared, in case they move.

Oatmeal raisin... such cleansing fiber. The little one will understand one day.

Frowning, Kiango moves to his usual position in the group. "Deeper into the anthill we must go. I am ready."

Ylva unsheathes her new greatsword and balances it on her shoulder.

"If they do rise up, they will soon fall back down."

Ready to go? Do you want me to go ahead again?

Theodric nods at Ylva's assessment. "They sure will! I have a... spell... that works pretty well to put undead back in their grave!"

”Why don’t we let Zithembe go first,” Sylvak offers, ”maybe he’ll be able to hear the spirits before they cause us any trouble...”

"It is possible," the shabti concedes. "And I can see without light."

Zithembe draws his kunai from his belt and heads into the dark, approaching the corpses with caution.

"Um, I don't really know yet..." J admits to Ylva while they anxiously await Hepsubia's return. "I won't lie, it's a really tempting idea. What do you think?"

When the conversation turns to spirits with cookies, your young charge makes a face. "No, nothing like that. It's just more of a...a feeling really. Kind of how your body wakes you up in the middle of the night when you need to visit the privy." Then, she grins slightly. "I guess I'm the weird one then - I actually like oatmeal raisin cookies! But I can see what Sylvak means; it's no fun to be surprised with one thing when you're expecting something else."

Once Hepsubia returns with her report, you all quickly decide to get moving again, with Zithembe leading the way and Theodric shedding more light on the subject for the folks further back. Grishan frowns as everyone slowly makes their way into the corridor, staring down at what everyone can now see are indeed three composing corpses. As best as you can tell, all three are, or were, human males.

"I thought the Pathfinders would've...cleaned up what bodies the rescuers missed," the spirit remarks. "I wonder who they were?"

A quick search of the bodies turns up a surprising array of items, however. All told you find three suits of leather armor, three short swords, three Oils of Magic Weapon, two Potions of Cure Light Wounds, a scroll of Remove Disease, a wand of Lesser Restoration (6 charges), and a wand of Protection from Evil (18 charges), a collection of excavation tools and sundry items, and 105 gp. Each of the magic items are marked with the Glyph of the Open Road.

"Hey wait...wasn't that the glyph on the door of the shed outside?" J asks. "So were these people more Pathfinders?"

"That or thieves," Grishan shrugs.

Heal (Take 10): 10 + 5 = 15

"They have lain here for two months or so," Zithembe informs the others. "Death due to supernatural causes or poison as they have no injuries."

J shivers once more. "Thieves or not, they didn't deserve to die here in this lonely place..." her voice trails off and her eyes seem to flit quickly to Grishan and then away again.

"No...I guess they didn't," Grishan agrees, his tone subdued. "But if there's no marks on them then that means...um...whatever's waiting below might've got them. You guys should be really careful when we start moving forward again, okay???"

Sylvak weaves together a spell to identify the items on the corpses and tentatively starts gathering them up. ”Can items be haunted,” he asks, ”I’m sure some of this would be helpful while we’re here...”

cast detect magic, do I need to make rolls to know which things are which?

In this case no, since I already named off what's there I won't ask for Spellcraft rolls. However, that does prompt me to ask a question over in Discussion!

"Well, I once heard of a haunted painting... The ghost tried to possess a poor little baby so it could be reborn, and there was a river of some sort of goo that fed on negative emotions..." Tupp says as he watches Sylvak gather the pilfered items, "I mean, it was all sorted out in the end thanks to some lighthearted singing, but it was scary to read about. So yeah, I think items can be haunted." Even as he says that, the young halfling reaches over and takes one of the wands, feeling the power resonate withing. With a quick glance at the fallen thieves, Tupp holds up the wand and asks. "Anyone want a tap... just in case?"

with 18 charges, it might not hurt to use a few charges if something supernatural is nearby.

Kiango looks at the Halfling, very impressed with his instincts. Nodding sagely, he responds "Tupp speaks wisely, I shall partake." He takes a knee before Tupp and waits to be anointed by the wand. He then adds the scroll and other wand to his possessions.

Once the spells have been cast, he urges the party forward so as not to waste the blessing Tupp has bestowed upon them.
________
Thanks to my archetype, I can use the wand too! I can also spontaneously cast it if needed. Tupp, since you like to hit things, I am happy to take the wand if you wish.

"Yes, Tupp," Zithembe says, "If I am to continue to lead the way."

"Uh, sure... help yourselves..." Sylvak says with a frown as Tupp and Kiango begin yanking things out of his hands. He hands Ylva a potion and a weapon oil, pointing out which is which, and then drops the rest of the flasks in his bag.

When Tupp offers to use the wand he answers, "well, I had planned on doing that myself but I guess if you want to use it go ahead..."

I'll take a charge, yes.

I guess that can't harm. I guess there's no spell to protect you from everything, but then, where would be the fun?

Once the newly-found wand has been used to protect everyone who wishes it, including J, Hepsubia creeps as far down the hallway as Theodric's light will project. She travels only a short distance before she sees that the hallway opens up into what seems to be a large chamber, filled with rubble and debris. To her surprise, she also sees a small figure sitting cross-legged on the floor in the center of the room...
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Assumed that Hepsubia would probably continue to scout a short ways but not any farther than the reach of Theodric's light. But if Zithembe's still going first no matter what then we'll just say that he sees the above sight instead of Hepsubia (just to save time with possible retconning).

It's a wash with Hepsubia's low-light vision. The light allows her to see as far as Zithembe can see with dark vision, if she's scouting ahead.

With the main group, Zithembe holds up his hand. "There is someone in the next chamber," he tells the others quietly.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Bow in hands, Hepsubia was ready for trouble.

And maybe asking for troubles.

She stays in range for shooting the cross legged humanoid if needed

Sure you can have the wand Kiango, I was just excited I'd be able to use a wand other than CLW for a change. :)

"Oh yes, I do want to use it, thank you..." Tupp chirps cheerfully as he taps everyone with the wand, blissfully unaware of any sarcasm, "I always wanted to try my hand at mag-" He goes silent, however, as the scouts report life up ahead. Perhaps it's a survivor? But that means they've been trapped down here all alone for months... He quickly makes his way over to the others, trying to be as quiet as possible, but somehow managing to cause more noise than if he just walked normally. "Where are they? Do they look hurt?" He whispers to Zithembe as Hepsubia melts into the shadows.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Ready to jump in when everyone else is. :)

Into the darkness we go... Kiango gently stows his quarterstaff and keeps both wands tightly in hand. Is this how Jatembe and the Warriors felt as they approached potential danger?

I wish they would give us a little notice before missions... my cure spell may be of some use but if everything down here is ghosts and undead most of my magic is going to be useless... this spear was really just meant to discourage things from charging at me but I suppose I could try to stab something if I have no other options...

Sylvak quietly continues on near the middle of the formation, gripping his longspear a bit tighter than usual.

"A small person, sitting in the center of the room," he answers Tupp.

Zithembe sheathes his kunai and slowly enters the room, approaching the sitting figure.

Where's a menhir savant when you need one?

Peering into the darkness, Theo whispers, "A small person? Should I bring the light closer so we can all see? I mean.. they will have seen our light by now."

"Sh-should we not help," Ylva asks from her position beside J, guarding her and Grishan. "They may be in pain, or dying, or...."

"It looks quite calm," Zithembe says. "And in this place, dying is probably the least likely state."

As Zithembe steps into the room and the rest of the group carefully moves up behind him, the figure sitting on the floor glances over its shoulder - revealing the face of girl of maybe 12 or 13 winters with long blonde hair. She slowly climbs to her feet and turns to face Zithembe - but it isn't him that she addresses.

"I’ve been waiting for you a long time, Junia. Waiting for you to come back. Why did you leave me? Won’t you come back to me? Then we can all be friends again," she speaks, her tone plaintive. "You too, Grishan...we can all be together again. It's been ever so lonely since you left and since Father stopped coming to see me..."

From her position behind the rest of you, J stands with a look of horror and grief on her face. "Oh...oh Cassiel..." she moans, "I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry, please forgive me....please forgive me..." she whimpers over and over.

"Cassiel! We...we didn't mean to leave you," Grishan stammers, looking equally grief-stricken and fearful of the child spirit. "I promise! But we're here, here to help! Please...please listen to us," he begs. He shoots the rest of you a pleading look. "Cassiel, she was with us that day, the day the three of us came down here to explore. But when the earthquake struck it collapsed the exit and we were trapped, with no food or water!"

You wouldn't have thought it possible for a phantom to shiver, but shiver he does. "She was the first to die...and she was so scared and angry..."

Ylva shoots a worried look at J after Grishan's plea and warning.

"How much anger and hate must a child harbor to linger on so? Tyri, are you sure we can help her?"

"Cassiel," Zithembe addresses the place as much as the ghost, "We would like to help you. Can you tell us how you would wish for us to help you? Can you guide us to where you are?"

Diplomacy, Spiritual Parlay: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 1 = 21

As though finally 'seeing' Zithembe for the first time, Cassiel turns her gaze to the shabti. "Help?" she asks curiously, cocking her head to one side. "I don't need any help. I just want to know why Junia's been away so long, why she and Grishan left me. Did I do something wrong?"

Cassiel's lower lip trembles. "It's not fair...it's not fair that I've had to be alone so for long! Why did Junia get to live and not the rest of us? Grishan, why did you leave with her when you could've stayed here with me???"

"Cassiel, I'm sorry...I don't know why, I don't know," J continues to whisper, rooted where she stands and too traumatized to respond to Ylva's worried inquiries. "It was the ring...but I swear I didn't know what it did, I swear!"
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Hoping to see a little more RP from folks here *but* I will say that Zithembe got off to a good start with his check, lest anyone worry otherwise~

"Hrrrmmm... Fairness in death is a rare thing. She is feeling punished and I fear anger will follow..." Kiango whispers to everyone nearby. "The ring saved J. We are sorry you perished and understand the pain in your heart. Release the pain, the anger, and be free little spirit."

Kiango shifts uneasily as the conversation with the spirit continues.

Hepsubia kneels near the little ghost

You haven't done anything wrong, sweetie. Most, if not all, your companions, died years ago. There were good people among you, there were some less good people perhaps too, but no one had done anything to die that day. It was..an accident. It happened, that's all. And it's not fair, it's cruel, to be robbed of your life, especially for so young people. And no one can give you back your life. Not us, not anyone we know. But all you can do now, is to make peace with Junia and Grisham, who didn't choose to survive-or not-and to left this place.It is another accident. Junia had a magical ring, as I understood, and it kept her alive until she was saved. Today, you can put down your burden. By allowing Junia her own life, you can be sure you will be remembered: she will speak of your name, of who you were. You will live again, in her memory. But if you insist she stays there, that she never goes back ...Surely you don't want to keep her as a prisoner in this sad place? If you have to part with Julia, wouldn't it be better if you part as cherished friends?

Diplomacy : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Sylvak quietly summons four small blue-green auroras which drift away from him to cast light throughout the chamber. cast dancing lights

well, that should help us see if there are any remains in here... should I try to join in speaking with the ghost? no, this is Zithembe's area of expertise and he seems to have things in hand...

As Sylvak's dancing lights drift gently through the chamber, Cassiel watches them with a look of wonder.

"How pretty..." she marvels. "It's like...like the fireflies we used to chase. Only blue and green instead of yellow."

She smiles...a sweet, innocent smile. "Remember, Junia? We'd stay out as late as we could get away with and chase fireflies and Grishan would sit in the trees and read until it got too dark to see."

"Y-yes...and we'd laugh and talk about everything under the sun, just the three of us," J nods, uttering a small sound somewhere between a laugh and a sob.

"Junia, I...I've missed you and Grishan so much, so so much," Cassiel continues, a small ghostly tear trickling down her cheek. "But...you're so much taller now. You look like a real lady and...and that means time is moving on, doesn't it? You've grown up, but I'll always be thirteen."

The little spirit looks away, eyes roaming over the bare room that had been her physical and spiritual tomb for so long. "We said we'd be friends forever...but your new friends are right. I can't make you stay with me...and it wouldn't be fair even if I could. Where you go, I can't follow. And where I go...you can't follow either. Not yet."

Cassiel glides across the cold stone floor to stand in front of Junia. "Live a good life, okay Junia? Just...don't forget me..."

Kneeling down, J puts her arms around the spirit that had once been her friend as best as she can. "Oh Cassiel, no. I could never forget you," she sobs. Grishan steps up to the two, woman and child-spirit, putting his arms around the two of them. "And I won't either! Don't worry Cassiel, I'll take care of Junia as long as she needs me. I promise."

Seemingly satisfied, a genuine, joyful smile creeps across Cassiel's face...and she slowly fades away. As she does, the air seems to grow less heavy and the sense of sorrow and anger that had permeated the remnants of the Tri-Towers Yard dissipates. All is silent for a moment and then you hear a faint whisper...

"Everyone...thank you..."

"Cassiel," Zithembe asks tentatively, "You miss your father. If you show us where you lie, we can take you to a place where he can more easily visit with you. Junia and Grishan, too. Can you help us to find you?"

Ninja GM :)

"It is good that at least one spirit has been freed to rest," the shabti says after Cassiel has faded away.

"It is," Ylva agrees, her voice soft and lilting more than usual, "it is a good thing. Would that all troubled souls could be laid to rest."

"Spectacular. Something I have not yet seen. Spirit work you do is powerful Zithembe," Kiango says, nodding his head, deep in thought. "J, you need time, yes? Take it to heal. Much has happened in short time."

"The spirits are powerful," Zithembe says. "The work is sometimes important."

He moves around the chamber, carefully and respectfully, searching.

As Cassiel fades from sight, Theodric dabs at his eyes with a silk handkerchief.

"That was so touching..." *sniff* "...and it's very dusty in here."

Turning toward J, he says, "You are a very good friend."

Sylvak remains quiet but seems to be in a slightly better mood.

hmm... maybe this Zithembe’s dealings with the spirits are more benevolent than I feared...

It takes J some time to collect herself and calm her emotions while Zithembe and the rest of you stand watch and examine the chamber in which you find yourselves. Aside from dust and crumbled masonry there's little to discover and it occurs to you that if this is where Cassiel and Grishan perished then their bodies and any others were likely removed and laid to rest seven years ago when J was rescued. But apparently Cassiel and many of the other spirits had needed more than simple burial to be appeased.

Eventually, J manages to dry her eyes and shakily climbs back to her feet. "Th-thank you...and I'm sorry. When I saw her face, I just...I just couldn't face her," she explains, voice still watery. "That ring, we...Cassiel and I played rock-paper-scissors for it when we found it. And I won. That's why I'm alive. Just the sheer luck of the draw. She was right. It didn't seem fair."

"But...I know it wasn't my fault, either," J continues, taking in a deep breath and slowly exhaling. "All of you helped me see that just as much as you helped Cassiel to see it. If you hadn't been here with me, who knows what she would have done?"

Grishan nods, speaking for the first time since Cassiel had turned to face the group. "J's right. There was a lot of anger held inside Cassiel. It was dangerous. It probably killed those men out there in the hallway. But she's gone now and so are the other spirits that were stuck here. I'd bet that even our old classroom is safe now!"

"That would be a boon outcome, if so," Zithembe says. "Junia--or Grishan--is there more that you feel that you need to do here?"