GM Ladile & the Pathfinder Society Present: The Night March of Kalkamedes (Table B) (Inactive)

Game Master Lady Ladile

"The lever most likely lowers the cage, yet there may be hidden protections," Jyrrar restrains Kalkamedes even tighter, "Make sure there are no hidden traps first."

"Aye, my guess is that it goes down."

Corbett walks to the edge to peer down into the inky darkness, then up at the macabre design of the contraption. "... just a question of whether it's a nice slow ride, or an instant drop."

Upon closer inspection, it looks as if up to four creatures or individuals of medium size can fit comfortably inside the cage. With Fenrir and everyone else giving the area a good, long look, the group concludes that there are no traps on the cage, within the cage, or on the nearby lever and there are no magical auras to be seen, either. Kalkamedes struggles in Jyrrar's tight grip, trying to enter the cage.
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What do you guys wish to do? :)

"I mean, we could always try pulling the lever without stepping in first. See what it does, and all that.", Ash suggests, observing the ominous cage.

Jyrrar shakes his head at Kridash's suggestion. "If the cage simply descends then we have no way to raise the cage back up here. We will simply need to risk it. I can wait here with Kalkamedes while the rest of you descend and make sure the bottom is safe."

Looks like we need to make two trips. I say Fenrir, Kridash, Kronas (and Luna), and Corbett go first.

"Yeah, I'm sure it's perfectly safe!" Kronas says cheerfully as he inspects the great big scary demon's head, then jumps right in, "But I think you should wait here, Luna. Anything could be down-" Luna shakes her head vigorously, "Nah uh, you left me behind last time, mister! Just as things started getting interesting too." Before Kronas can object, Luna has already hopped into the cage beside him, "No way am I going to miss all the fun again." Kronas frowns, "Okay, but don't tell mum."

I have no problem jumping in first. That's exactly why my characters tend to have terrible wisdom scores. :)

"Fair enough. But I'd actually prefer if Kalkamedes went in with the first batch with someone who can restrain him wherever it leads to. Better than him attempting to enter a cage above such a pit when there's no cage present."

Corbett lets out a short breath, then offers a hand towards the rope binding Kalkamedes. "Ehhh, I'm sure I can handle our drowsy friend. I'll go down first with 'im... but I need two others with us who'll be ready for any danger-like contraptions or baddies down below."

Jyrrar waves off Corbett's offer to take over restraining the sleepwalker, "I will accompany you on the first trip down so you can focus on scouting the area. I am perfectly capable of seeing in the dark as well."

Corbett blinks at the Jyrrar's mention of his darkvision. Blast these human eyes.

"Aye, good call."

Fenrir Enters the cage as well sitting in the corner on her haunches waiting for the remaining group to decide on who will be going.

"For those that are staying above I will relay back all that i see through Winterhawk and let you know when its safe to come down."

Winterhawk stays ever vigilante over the room and watching and look about the area for anything or anyone out of the ordinary in the vanishing building.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"Thank you Fenrir I will tell all what you are seeing."

"Very well, then.", the half-orc responds, and steps inside the contraption.

"All aboard the cage of death - destination... Unknown, but spooky."

"I don't think we should leave you alone up here, Winterhawk. I'll stay here with you until we are certain how this works."

Katswiri will inspect the mechanism, curious to see if she can puzzle out how it functions.

Knowledge: Engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Although the cage was presumably designed to hold only people, and four of them at that, the group is able to circumvent this by having Kronas and Luna hop up on Fenrir's back yet again. The eidolon pads into the cage with the gnomes in tow, followed by Corbett, Jyrrar, and Kalkamedes. Winterhawk, Kridash, and Katswiri stay behind and Katswiri gives the lever mechanism a quick look. It's a simple device, a single lever with two positions. Currently, the lever is positioned in the upper position.

Once the group is ready, Katswiri reaches out and pulls the lever into the lower position. The cage closes its 'mouth' and descends down the shaft. To the surprise of everyone inside the cage, the ride is actually quite smooth and you marvel at just how well the entire mechanism has held up over the millennia since it was built. The cage descends down...down...down...for nearly 200 feet, before finally coming to a gentle stop at the bottom. As the cage door opens, you can see a small tunnel stretching away to the south and another lever identical to the one at the top positioned along the eastern wall.
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Map updated!

Jyrrar motions to the lever whilst keeping a firm hand upon Kalkamedes. "This looks safe. We should bring the rest of our friends down now."

As the group descends deeper into the catacomb nearing half way down Fenrir falters slightly and her body shutters slightly enough for Kronas and Luna to feel. The vitality seems to have been sucked from her body her stone form seems to weaken slightly and the gnomes find they are able to leave hand impressions in Fenrir's lupine body.

As the group sets down in the room below Fenrir walks out with the Gnomish twins on her back and lays down asking "If you wouldn't mind hoping off wee ones I need a moment. Being so far from Winterhawk takes its toll on me."

"Winterhawk we have set down. All seems clear but as you can feel we are a great distance below you."

Until summoner and Eidolon are within 100 feet of each other Fenrir's HP and Max HP are effectivily cut in half.

Winterhawk falters and drops to a knee grabbing his chest and saying "They are dropping quite a way down. I can feel Fenrir's life force pulling harder to stay on this plane. We need to join up with them soon. Fenrir says it looks clear so far and there is another lever allowing the cage to return it seems."

A bit of Flavor Winterhawk suffers no penalties, aside from an aching heart, when Fenrir is more than 100 feet away.

As the cage slowly descends, the Kronglic siblings are fairly enjoying their ride, amazed at the smoothness of the contraption and the depth of the shaft. However, when they find that they are leaving hand impressions in Fenrir's body, they become most distressed, there giggles turning to concerned murmurings. By the time they're at the bottom, Luna has tears in her eyes and is beside herself with worry for her new best friend. Once out of the cage, the gnomish pair hop off Fenrir as quickly as possible and Kronas runs for the lever while Luna contemplates giving Fenrir a hug, "Oh, Fenrir, we didn't hurt you did we?" Too afraid that she might leave a face print in her lupine pal, Luna just kneels beside her and very gently strokes her head, "Winterhawk will be here soon, won't he Kronas?" Kronas pushes the lever and nods, "Real soon! Hold on Fenrir..."

"There are no need for tears Luna all will be fine. Neither of you have caused any harm to me. It is just harder for me to stay anchored to this realm when the proverbial Anchor as it were is so far away. Once we return to one another's side all will be well." Fenrir speaks in shallow breaths but not labored as if she is pushing the words from mouth rather than speaking normally.

"I just wont be as effective in battle until he is closer and able to restore some of my vitality."

Healing spells will be ineffective until Winterhawk gets closer sadly. Hopefully no surprises until then ;)

In spite of Fenrir's reassurances, her weakened state clearly has the two Kronglic siblings quite distressed and Luna gently sits next to the eidolon to comfort her while Kronas hurriedly pulls the nearby lever to send the demonic cage back up to the top of the shaft for the others. After a few moments and a bit of telepathic back-and-forth between Winterhawk and Fenrir, the eidolon gives the nod again to Kronas for him to pull the lever back down. The elevator mechanism whirs to life once more as it ferries the rest of the group down to be reunited with their friends. As the elevator bearing Winterhawk grows closer, Fenrir begins to feel her normal strength returning to her. Soon, everyone finds themselves together once more at the bottom of the shaft. All is quiet from the southern passage.

Ash's face has a barely noticable smile on it when the two reunite. "I must say, that is some loyalty - physically weakening when you are at a distance from your bond."

He extends his hand towards the passageway - "Shall we?", and starts slowly walking down the hall.

Luna slowly nods when Fenrir tries to reassure her, but she doesn't seem convinced and keeps a watchful eye on her friend while she waits for the others to get down. However, once Winterhawk arrives and Fenrir feels better, and more solid again, Luna cheers and throws her arms around the wolf in a big hug, "I'm soo glad you're not squishy anymore!"

Kronas also cheers once Fenrir is better, and he beams at both her and Winterhawk, "Wow, that was scary! I had no idea that could happen if you two lost sight of each other. I mean, you're literally inseparable friends..." He bounces over and joins in the hug, "That's soo awesome!"

When the group-hug is finally over, Kronas skips over to follow Kridash, "Coming!" He says with a big smile.

With the two reunited again Winterhawk approaches Fenrir crouching down on his haunches he rubs the side of her jaw with one hand while pulling a wand from his side and casts a spell. Fenrir glows a sickening red color briefly and her body begins to pop back and become more ridgid again.

"Yes we are inseperable you might say. Although its not specific to sight of one another it is really our physical locations that are the cause of this predicament. Which is easily remedied with a simple spell or casting from my wand."

Smiling at Kronas Winterhawk stands back up and waits for fenrir.

Fenrir begins to feel her strength returning from the wand Winterhawk tapped her with. She embraces the hugs of the Kronglic siblings and the stretches her body out a bit.

"Indeed Luna you need not worry over me as long as Winterhawk and eye stay close together my hold on this plane will stay as long as he maintains the link. The Sigil mirrored on our brows is one part our our link."

Standing back up on all fours Fenrir leans in close to Luna and whispers "Let me tell you a secret. I can never really die while on this plane; I would just return back to my home plane should I become mortally wounded. Then Winterhawk can bring me back after I rest in the Astral plane."

Mentally projecting to Winterhawk, Fenrir says "I cannot bare to see their faces should they find out what happens to me if you were the one to fall dear friend." Winterhawks only reply is a nervous chuckle and a nod in agreement he wont let the wolf out of the bag.

Jyrrar is quiet as he watches the happy reunion, a small smile on his face, yet he keeps a firm grip on the sleepwalker Kalkamedes. He is willing to allow the scouts to get situated before proceeding down the tunnel.

Corbett tries to let his eyes adjust to the dark, but he too awaits the party's eyes and ears to scout ahead.

Once the group is ready, Fenrir and Kronas take the lead and move ahead as they scout for traps and other dangers. As it turns out, the small southern tunnel runs only 15 or 20 feet before opening up into a large cavern. Palm-sized shards of jagged steel jut from halfway up the walls of this large cavern, bathing the cavern with a dark green light. A set of natural rock columns support the chamber’s ceiling, which rises to a height of twenty feet. A small tunnel leads to the northeast, back the way you came, and several rounded alcoves branch off from the main cavern. Not sensing anything terribly amiss, Fenrir communicates to Winterhawk that the rest of the group can follow behind them.

Immediately upon reaching this large cavern, Kalkamedes begins pulling and straining at his leash as he tries to make his way towards the southwestern alcove. Meanwhile, from your position you can see into the alcove directly to the south. This circular alcove buds off from the larger cavern to the north. An elaborate set of concentric circles inscribed in dull metal of different colors occupies much of the space within the room. Within the circle sits a gnome dressed in threadbare clothes and sporting an unkempt mane of fuschia-colored hair. Upon seeing you, he cries out.

"H-hey! You there! Oh thank goodness, I thought I'd never see another living face again! Please, you've got to help me get out of here!"

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

"Wait." Katswiri holds up her hand. "Those circles may be decoration, or part of some trap or elaborate warding scheme. Be careful." Katswiri raises her hands to her mouth and calls out to the gnome. "Who are you, and what are you doing here?" She will slowly move forward, stopping well clear of the circles to examine them more closely.

Any sort of perception, knowledge or spellcraft to look at those?

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

While Jyrrar was not a genius by any stretch of the imagination, he could tell this place was not naturally formed...plus the appearance of the circles appeared to be a warding circle of some kind -- and Kalkamedes was soon to join the strange gnome in its captivity.

"No, my friend. You shall not join that one in captivity..." he murmurs as he struggles against the sleepwalker's wishes.

Grapple: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Kronas jumps up and down, waving at the gnome in the circles, "Hello!" He hurries up beside Katswiri, I knew we were here to rescue someone! I just knew it! As eager as he is to greet the man, he does take Katswiri's advice and stands clear of the circles, "I think that's why we're here... To get you out, I mean. So what can you tell us about your situation? How did you stuck here? Oh, oh, do you know our friend Kalkamedes?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

"I've been stuck here for years and years, positively a lifetime," the gnome calls, plaintively. "I'm Koth'Vaul and I was trapped here centuries ago by a group known as the Thrallkeepers," he explains. "They bound me here in their Black Edifice to power their magics with my fey essence! And even though they're long dead their binding spells keep me trapped here, keep me young!"

While Katswiri inches closer, intent on identifying the strange runes, the little gnome reaches out a hand, imploringly. "All I want is to be free of this place, so I can taste the fresh air again. And maybe once I'm free of their foul magics the power of time will catch up with me at long last and I'll be able to leave this shell as well and return to the First World where I came from so long ago."

When Kronas asks about Kalkamedes, Koth'Vaul turns to regard the struggling man, his eyes growing wide. "Him? Why..." the gnome stares at the straining man for a moment and then his eyes widen in recognition. "...Johanis! No...not Johanis, but...but the very likeness, just the same!" he exclaims. "Johanis was my friend, a human adventurer that me and my sister traveled with long, long ago, before I was imprisoned here," Koth'Vaul quickly explains. "When the Thrallkeepers came for us, he was the only one to escape - but he swore that he'd find us and rescue us or send trusted allies to do it." He stares at Kalkamedes, fascinated. "He must be the descendant of the friend I had so long ago, surely here to answer his ancestor's call ten generations later!"

Kalkamedes is actually trying to head for the southerwestern alcove instead of towards the gnome :)

Kronas gasps, "Oh, oh, I travel with my sister too!" He says excitedly as Luna leans out from behind her brother and waves shyly, "Hello..." She says in a small voice while glancing all around the circle, "Umm, where is your sister?" Kronas' eyes go wide, "Oh no... If your friend Johanis was the only one to escape..." He nervously grabs hold of Luna's hand and protectively squishes up beside her as the pair wait anxiously to hear what became of the trapped gnome's sister.

Know. Local: 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 5 = 26

Winterhawk looks over the whole room in wonder and intrigue. Though he is doing his best to stay put and not venture to close. Calling out to the entrapped gnome he asks. "Might these Thrallkeepers, or their ancestors, still be about or some machinations they left behind in this place?"

"These runes..." Katswiri furrows her brow in concentration. "This is a complex spell. My research may not be enough, but my vision should allow me to see its function. Please, keep Kalkamedes back, and a close watch for danger, as the visions will impede my ability to respond." Katswiri's eyes glaze over, as a flood of information enters her mind regarding the warding pattern, only to widen as the purpose immediately becomes clear. "These runes, they function as a dimensional lock, designed to prevent teleportation magics."

Focused Trance Rounds: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Spellcraft, Focused Trance: 1d20 + 20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 20 + 8 = 29

Corbett looks over the arcane runes and symbols, scrunching his nose at it all. "Locking dimensions... Winterhawk, would this affect you and Fenrir's bond, perchance?"

Kridash seems baffled when the Koth'Vaul tells his tale.

"Wow! That must be...", he considers his next words, but fails to find a proper combination of impact and polish: "How have you not gone completely bonkers yet?"

He raises an eyebrow - "If you haven't, that is. The crazy ones never actually realise they are crazy."

"My sister, Sulianna..." the gnome wipes away a tear. "Adopted sister, but my blood just the same as if we'd come out of the womb together! I haven't seen her in so long, they took her away to the south...please, if you free me, I can find her again or find what became of her!"

Koth'Vaul shivers at the mention of the Thrallkeepers, wrapping his arms tightly around himself. "I don't know, it's possible...they were very powerful but they've been silent for so very long. It really is a wonder that I haven't lost my mind since they quit visiting this place," he nods to Kridash. As far as Kridash is concerned, Koth'Vaul's tale is truly one of extraordinary circumstance and great sorrow!

Kronas nods and rushes forward, "Oh, oh, of course we'll free you! We need to find your sis-" He skids to a halt just before the circle, eyes narrowed in suspicion, "Wait a minute... How are you still so healthy looking? Why, if I were stuck here all alone and with nothing to do for even a year, I'd start..." Looking left and right, Kronas leans forward, and with a hand beside his mouth, whispers, "Bleaching." He shudders, even thinking about such a terrible thing happening, the loss of enthusiasm, the fading of colours, and then literally dying of boredom.

"Well Corbett That would be a yes and a no." Winterhawk thinks for a moment. "Firstly, I would be utterly trapped within the area. Secondly Fenrir technically would be trapped save for this." Pointing to the glowing rune hovering across his brow. "Should I wish it Fenrir could be released and the Dimensional lock would not hold as per the magics of our connection she can easily break free." Winterhawk's eyes go wide once he realizes what the gnome is saying.

"WAIT! Do Not Speak His Name! The magics holding him might be linked to the saying of his name. I have a feeling this entrapped man is not who he says he is. His name for instance is very unusual by Gnome standards. Kronas or Luna you could vouch for this I would guess. The name shares its roots with the Abyssal Language and being a Polyglot I can tell you that this is true." Winterhawk looks at Kalkamedes and narrows his eyes "And if that wasn't the only thing off! Kalkamedes couldnt't be a tenth generational of Johanis that has been mentioned. The Thrallkeepers vanished along side the runelords thousands of years ago. Its impossible for a human to only have passed his lineage so closely with such a large spans of time between ancestor and present person."

Kn. Liguistics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Katswiri nods solemnly as Winterhawk speaks, slowly backing away from the gnome and raising her shield. "I was just thinking the very same things, Winterhawk. That is no Gnome. Be wary."

The half-orc smirks and comes closer to the cage. "Well, I wanted to bust you out-", he points his right index finger at the man inside, and squints his eyes above a half-smile "but now I just have questions. Perhaps you could address the concerns of my colleagues over here?"

Jyrrar moves in front of Kalkamedes physically blocking his progress towards the rune-covered alcove. "Yes. One of my concerns is why did you summon Kalkamedes here? For what purpose?"

"Wh...why, I didn't summon him here, he clearly came to find me," Koth'Vaul stammers. "And did I say tenth-generation descendant? I meant twentieth! All this time spent down here has clearly addled my poor brain somewhat," he explains. However, upon seeing the true doubt written on the faces of the group, his expression twists into a look of rage.

"Just like a bunch of puny mortals...always asking too many questions instead of doing as they're told," Koth'Vaul hisses, his eyes sparkling with a cunning malevolence. "Well, you know the saying - curiosity killed the cat. Illvaster! Come and dispose of these pitiful creatures!"

From the pool of water to the northwest, a great churning and rattling sound is heard as a large, black-scaled creature emerges from within. Following behind, what look like two tiny, grasping hands also skitter out of the pool!
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Round 1

Kridash
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Hands
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Kronas
Corbett
Jyrrar
Fenrir
Winterhawk
Katswiri
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Ilvaster

Active Conditions: None

Kridash is UP!

This time, Kridash doesn't wait around. He dashes for the big creature emerging from the pool, preferably to make it crawl back. With his bare knuckles.

"Raaah! Come bite me, you ugly bastard!"

Presented with the scaled Illvaster and his two handy sidekicks, Kridash springs into action - charging forth, he closes the distance and delivers a mighty punch to the creature's snout! Although it's a sound blow, he notices that it doesn't seem to have done quite as much damage as he would've expected.

Now presented with a juicy target, the two hands skitter towards the half-orc and leap to the attack...

These are diminutive creatures and thus must enter Kridash's square, provoking at least one AoO. Pending results of said AoO, the following happens...

Red Hand vs. Kridash (Claw): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Green Hand vs. Kridash (Claw): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Grab: 1d20 ⇒ 13

...and while Red misses quite handily, Green actually manages to score a small slide across Kridash's cheek! It scrabbles at his skin, attempting to take hold of him, but Kridash is able to shake the creature free.
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Round 1

Kridash (-2)
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Hands
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Kronas
Corbett
Jyrrar
Fenrir
Winterhawk
Katswiri
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Ilvaster (-6 NL)

Active Conditions: None

Kronas, Corbett, Jyrrar, Fenrir, Winterhawk, and Katswiri are UP!

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

A dragon!? Kronas looks at Illvaster and smiles, he may have missed out on saving a damsel before, but slaying a dragon is almost as good, I'm sure to be a knight after this! He thinks to himself as he starts casting his favourite spell, "We'll show you what puny mortals can do!" He says, to Koth'Vaul just as he finishes his final arcane rune, and speeds off after Kridash with remarkable speed for someone with his little legs, "Keep your hands off my friend!" Kronas cries, drawing his sword and charging forward.

Luna just blows a raspberry at the mean impostor, then runs behind a pillar to watch the action from relative safety, "Woooow!"
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Standard action to cast expeditious retreat, move action to hustle 50' while drawing sword. No buffs this round, I'm afraid, but next round I'll get both going. :)

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Jyrrar instinctively reacts, taking a step towards where Kridash is battling the scaly creature, but the presence of Kalkamedes next to him gives him pause. While I can assist in battle here, what of Kalkamedes? He decides to waste precious seconds to see how the sleepwalker reacts to the presence of the demonic foes.

"I see that creature wears a small band of some sort on its left horn! That could be a weak spot to strike!"

Delay for now, until Kalkamedes acts.