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Previously...
"Attempted Murder"
"Well, yes, two crows is not quite enough for a murder," Nbu T'ka agrees, "But we cannot for sure *squawk* say that they were actually try..." the tengu catches himself when he realizes Janira is chuckling, "Oh... ha, ha, ha."
Bluff: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11

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Acting purely on instinct and reacting to Janira's shouted order, Luthor finds himself heading towards the cave. Only when he's at the entrance does his brain catch up with the rest of his body.
"I know Janira said to enter the cave, but can we really leave her to deal with such a huge and fearsome creature on her own? After our past troubles i'm starting to think we all work better when we work together."
He pauses at the cave entrance to see what the others think.

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I need to remind myself that writing up a reasonable post can't be done in 20 minutes on my tablet. My apologies
Shuo's attempt to rouse Lissa from her only partly works. While it gets her thinking about something different, she's still somewhat frustrated and depressed by her performance. However, the minotaur's appearance and Janira's order are more then enough to shock Lissa out of her ennui. With widening eyes, she registers the yell, and bolts for the cave, grabbing Janira's bag as she passes it.
"I know Janira said to enter the cave, but can we really leave her to deal with such a huge and fearsome creature on her own? After our past troubles i'm starting to think we all work better when we work together."
And that gets Lissa thinking.
Knowledge(nature): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 I'm fairly certain that Minotaurs are monstrous humanoids, which are in Knowledge:Nature ...But not with that roll.
"Okay, I have some string, and if my memory's correct, Nella still has some Alchemist's Fire, right? Can someone here jury rig a trap in the trees with that? Set the trigger around our neck level, which Janira can run under easily, and is well below eye level for that beast. My instincts say we can't go toe-to-toe with a minotaur, so I'm not willing to do that, but if we can make it lose Janira, then we can escape hopefully." Then realizing that she has Janira's bag, she peeks in to see if there are any more Alchemist's Fire in there.

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"Master Luthor, Janira has issued our orders- she wouldn't have if she was in direct danger. She's a Pathfinder, and though the minotaur is fearsome, I have no doubt she'll outsmart it. She trusts us to complete the mission; we must find out what the gillmen are up to. We are strong enough to begin without her!"
Kajar scouts the periphery as he speaks, beckoning the others toward the cave entrance.
Perception to recognize minotaur shenanigans: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
"Master Lissa, a trap is a great idea. It will at least warn us of intruders as we descend. I've rigged some simple snares, I might be able to help. Does Janira have a map of the cave in her pack?"
Kajar has no trap-making skills per se, would a Survival check suffice, given his background?

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SLIGHTLY EARLIER
Perception (Untrained): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Though Nella catches Nbu's words, she's unfamiliar with the tengu as a people and so the implication of her companion's sudden increased fluffiness is lost on her. "I try," she grins. "We're all soon-to-be Pathfinders, right? Even though basic cooperation is the bare minimum of what's expected, it seems to me that these missions would be made that much easier if you can be friends with your fellow companions, not just coworkers, right?"
PRESENT
"I think Kajar and Lissa are right...if Janira thought that we could handle the minotaur, then she would've encouraged us like she did with the spiders earlier instead of telling us to run," Nella gasps as she skids to a stop with the others. "Setting up a trap here near the entrance can't hurt, though. Even if Janira loses the minotaur, there's always the chance that something else might try following her back here! Although...wouldn't these gillmen be likely to trip the trap too? Unless there's another way into these caves that we don't know about."

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Luthor thinks on what the party says. though not for too long.
"OK Kajar, i think you could be right. Janira is a Pathfinder and we are only initiates. She's got us this far so i think it's fair to trust her judgement and follow her instructions."
I really must try to learn trust in my group's skills and judgement. We are a team now.
Luthor heads in to the cave with the rest of the group as they briefly discuss placing a trap at the entrance of the cave.
"Although the idea of setting a trap sounds tempting, not knowing what we face ahead could potentially cause our cunning plan to backfire." Luthor pauses briefly before explaining his concerns.
"If we come across any problems in here and need to leave in a hurry we could end up becoming victims of our own trap! Unless..." he digs out some official Pathfinder papers from his pack and waves a symbol at his friends. "...maybe we could mark our trap with the Glyph of the Open Road in twigs or something."

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The recent past...
"...it seems to me that these missions would be made that much easier if you can be friends with your fellow companions, not just coworkers, right?"
"Quite right, *squawk* Nella," Nbu T'ka agrees, puffing up to his fullest extent, "I am glad that we are *squawk* friends." The implication of friendship, as opposed to anything more intimate, is lost on Nbu T'ka. Friendship is definitely a step up from where he was, in his estimation.
The present...
"Very well, you all make *squawk* compelling arguments," Nbu'Tka acquiesces at last, "Let us complete our Confirmation and hope Janira knows something we do not about how to outrun a minotaur. When you have done with your trap - something I know little about - let us go into these caves and see what we can find."

GM_PapaSteve |

The sound of Janira’s singing quickly fades as she runs off into the undergrowth, appearing to put some distance between her and the gigantic beast. The sound of a frustrated roar can be heard shortly after, and the faintest hint of exuberance from a tiny, high pitched voice giving the reluctant pathfinders some confidence that Janira is faring well so far.
The pathfinders find themselves congregating in front of a 5 foot wide cave entrance which opens up into a slightly broader tunnel about 20 feet in. They discuss a trap at the entrance, and after several minutes, under the guidance of Kajar again, manage to create a respectable warning device that should alert them if anyone else tries to enter the cave, at least as long as they remain within earshot of the entrance. Craft (traps) would be the necessary skill here, and generally takes several minutes at least.
Stalactites hang from the ceiling of this damp, dimly lit cave. A bluish-green moss grows abundantly in this damp environment, which provides an eerie luminescent light. Moisture seems to cling to every surface, and hang in the very air around them, lending to a somewhat slippery pathway. A musty smell surrounds them, but does not overwhelm them as they begin to traverse the beginnings of the cave entrance, and the scene is set perfectly with the tranquil sounds of a stream trickling off in the distance. Were their hearts not still racing from the sight and flight from the minotaur, it would be a remarkably relaxing moment.
Lissa picks through Janira’s pack finding several items which seem useful.
- potion of barkskin
- potion of feather step
- potion of vanish
- scroll of entangle
- scroll of gust of wind
- scroll of identify
- scroll of mage armor (CL 6)
- scroll of obscuring mist
- wand of burning hands (CL 3rd, 4 charges)
- wand of cure light wounds (CL 3rd, 8 charges)
- acid
- holy water
- smokestick
- tanglefoot bag
- thunderstone
Shuo, Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
The narrow tunnel twists and turns for several hundred feet before slowly opening to an even wider passage. Along the passageway the group spots the occasional petroglyph on the wall depicting various marine animals and spiral shapes. The cave drawings seem to increase in frequency as they move deeper under the earth, highlighted by the bluish green light from the moss.
A large hole spans the cave’s width and stretches ten feet down the path. At the bottom of the pit, approximately 20 feet down, lies a small bundle of cloth. Both Kajar and Shuo estimate that the pit is approximately 10 foot across, and goes from wall to wall in the cave, meaning they must find a way to get over the 20 foot drop to the bottom in order to go deeper into the cave. The ceiling above them has been consistent throughout their walk, staying about 10 foot high. More stalactites drip the collecting moisture onto the ground, creating the slightly squishy, somewhat slippery floor of the cave. As they look at each other trying to figure out what to do, each of them knows in the back of their mind that any running, jumping, or other feats of acrobatics will be slightly more challenging here. Read: All acrobatics DCs increase by 2, in case you just want to try to run and jump over the pit.
Ok! Party is up. Let me know how you want to tackle this. Sorry for the huge post again, I wanted to make sure I got you to a place where you could do something. There is a lot of info to give you if I want to paint the picture right!

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Shuo thinks for a moment.
"We could climb down and then up again, but I do not know what might be hiding down there."
"Another solution would be to tie a rope around one of us and then jump to the other side... this way if the jumper fails, he would no fall. Once we have one of us on the other side, it will be easier for everyone to cross."

GM_PapaSteve |

"... but I do not know what might be hiding down there."
The dim light from the moss that covers the cavern walls is enough for you to see that the only thing at the bottom is the crumpled... something made of fabric at the bottom. Nothing alive. As far as you can tell anyways.

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"Let me..." Nbu T'ka walks over to the edge of the pit and waves his hands about.
"Mage hand," he chants, and attempts to lift the fabric up and out from where it is sitting.
If it is a magical object, the spell fails. If it weighs over 5 pounds, the spell fails. If we estimate that it weighs 5 pounds or less, it's not a bad 'detect magic'. Why that isn't on the spell list for occultists... I've got no idea.

GM_PapaSteve |

Nbu T'ka is quite sure that the fabric is minimal in weight, and the ghostly hand should have no problem picking it up, however the spectral fingers cannot seem to grasp, or even affect the fabric below.
Well played...

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"Don't worry about using your torches here, I'll give us some more light to see by," Nella whispers as they begin to head further into the caverns, touching the end of her quarterstaff which then begins to glow.
She'll refresh Light on her staff periodically.
"Climbing down and then climbing up again seems like the best bet, even though it would take longer," she comments. "There doesn't seem to be anything in Janira's pack that would be of much help with this and trying to jump the pit is just asking for a broken leg or worse."
As Nbu tries to lift the strange fabric thing from the bottom of the pit, she looks on with interest. "That's a handy bit of magic right there! Heh...handy," she chuckles.

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"It would be handy, but the mage hand can't pick it up," notes Nbu T'ka, oblivious to the joke, "I'd say that item is likely magical! It's probably worth going down and picking it up. We've got enough rope that at least three of us should be able to do it simultaneously, allowing some back up in case of something nasty down there. Those with ranged attacks can stay up top."
Finding his curiosity overwhelming his sense of caution, Nbu T'ka pulls his silk rope from his pack and begins looking for somewhere to tie it up.
The aim here will be to retrieve the item and worry about getting across later.

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The Sing-song echo from the halfling Pathfinder cements Lissa's opinion. "Or she could be fine. Let's go and do our job." She seals up Janira's bag and carries it along with her bag. That, however, slows the Varisian's pace (I was barely in my Light load before, so with Janira's bag, I'm at Medium), and the tunnel slows her pace further as she stares at the walls, both for the glyph and the glowing mosses.
Reaching the pit, Lissa tries to gauge the distance across the pit. "I think I can make that leap with a good running start."
"Why not make a pebble glow, and try to toss that down near the bundle, maybe then we can get a better look at it." Lissa adds to the conversation about the mysterious bundle. "If it's safe, then we can lower someone down to retrieve it."

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As Lissa mentions the her pebble idea Luthor remembers a minor spell he knows.
"If we wish to see what's down there I know a spell that could help"
Luthor says a brief melodic prayer asking the Dawnflower for her aid. In doing so he summons a small sun like sphere of flame that dances in the air in front of him. With a gesture the sphere splits into four torch size flames as he guiides them to the bottom of the pit.
"May the light of the Dawnflower illuminate the darkness!"
Dancing lights spell used to create four torch like flames in a 10ft radius. 110ft range. Can be moved 100ft a round for no action. No concentration requored. Lasts 1 minute.

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Kajar is quire amazed by his companions' magical aptitude.
"I'm glad you all tried first; where I'm from I'd have dived in head-first. I'll retrieve it, whatever it is. Can we tie off this rope? I can see in the dark, but keep the lights on if someone is coming with me, maybe one of you magicians can cast a trick to find out if this thing is indeed magical? I'll have my axes ready in case it's ensorcelled against us, or alive, or worse."
Kajar begins unpacking his rope, not sure if he sounded brave or foolish. "Or worse?" Kajar? What on Golarion could be worse than a living piece of cloth? Maybe a cloth robing an undead horror..."
Kajar shuddered at the thought, and continued to slack out his coil of silk rope.
Table Game tonight, I won't be back until 10-11 EST, consider Kajar armed and dangerous! Short sword in close quarters, orc double-axe if there's room to stretch out. Be back soon!

GM_PapaSteve |

The extra light in the tunnel from Luthor's spell reveals...
A crumpled... something cloth. It is a dark color, and seems to be rather plain looking. It looks too bunched to be a person, or have a person in it or under it. Or anything even small sized for that matter. Yes, you are sure that something would have to be at least very tiny to hide under it, if indeed there was something hidden underneath. The lack of movement so far has not helped to confirm or deny this nagging hypothesis.
Perhaps a blanket? Maybe a blanket for something smaller, because it certainly wouldn't fit on the bed of any of the adventurers here. Yes, it definitely looks... blanket-ish. Or at least not a pair of breeches or a blouse. Definitely fabric, plain, not pantaloons. Maybe a blanket, maybe not a blanket.
It does not appear to have more material than what the mage hand spell should have been able to lift, but the spectral hand just doesn't seem to bother really with trying to grasp it.
Kajar realizes with everyone else that there doesn't appear to be anything fixed in the tunnel to tie a rope to. Nbu T'ka and Kajar look at each other, both holding their ropes, wondering what they could secure one end of the rope with.

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"Hmm...even though you'd think that we would've alerted anything that might be down there with all this noise and light, let's try something else to be sure before we start trying to climb down." Raising her staff, Nella peers around the cavern floor until she finds a couple of small pebbles. She stoops to pick them up and then flings them into the pit, scattering them.
Assuming nothing happens in response to this...
"Okay, good." She looks around with the others, realizing that there's nowhere good to tie off a rope. "Maybe some of us could hold onto the rope while the others climb down? But wait...then how would we climb up the other side? These walls are awfully wet and slippery," she observes as she places her hand on the wall.

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"Wait a second... I have an idea."
With that, Lissa puts Janira's bag on the ground, and unshoulders her own bag. After digging into that for a brief moment, she comes out with a skein of String and a fishhook. With a quick knot, Lissa attaches the fishhook and then slowly dangles it down the hole, trying to effectively 'fish' the bundle from the pit. "If fishers can pull up heavy fish like this and you think the bundle is that light, then maybe I can pull it up."
No idea what roll you'd want for this.

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Kajar slaps his forehead with an open palm, his toothy grin widening.
"Master Lissa, you are very clever! I'd never have thought to fish without water!I wonder what it is..."
Kajar contemplates the expanse. '"Master Shuo, getting in the pit will be easy, but as Master Nella points out, getting out is the trick- there is nothing to tie our ropes to," he says.
If it's any help, I'd be happy to shoulder the extra pack, so you can keep yourself at a comfortable pace," he offers quietly, trying not to break Lissa's concentration.
Kajar waits intently for Lissa to fish the cloth out of the pit and wonders if it might be a clue towards the gillmen's activity, an item useful in crossing the expanse, or is simply a red herring.

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"Thats a brilliant idea Lissa!" exclaims Luthor I'd never have thought of fishing for a pieces of cloth!
As Lissa concentrates on her task a thought he cant help but think of fishing in a washing tub where clothes are soaking.
"What kind of bait would be best to use to catch a cloth fish I wonder. How difficult would it be to catch a sock fish?" he chuckles to himself at the thought.

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Nbu T'ka looks around curiously. "Gillmen can't fly *squawk*. If this is a favorite destination for gillmen, surely they don't have to leap or climb over this pit *squawk* every time. Maybe they don't even go this way. Maybe we missed a passage *squawk* or a ladder. Let's look around for an alternative to jumping while Lissa fishes for cloth."
The tengu the proceeds to check around for secret passages, ladders or even gillmen prints: any clue as to how they usually cross the pit.

GM_PapaSteve |

Points for creativity!
Deep in the forests Janira sits in deep cover behind several huge leaves, in a small ditch. About 50 yards off the giant minotar sniffs and roars his frustration at having lost his quarry. Suddenly, inexplicably, Janira giggles in delight, much the same way she did whenever she would compliment her recruits on a job well done.
where did that come from?
The minotar heard the squeak and crashes in her direction. Once again, the chase is on.
I just couldn't picture Janira not praising you for your ingenuity, so there you go. Involuntary praise, and an unsolicited update :)
Lissa flops the hook down at the cloth and after only a few tries, manages to snag it and pull it up. The companions unfurl a simple but well crafted cloak.
-Posted with Wayfinder

GM_PapaSteve |

I have read this scenario more times than I care, because I want to make sure I don't miss anything, and yet, I missed something. Please roll a knowledge dungeoneering or survival check to learn a bit about the pit. Also, a 10 foot long jump with a running start is a DC 10 acrobatics check, with the +2 for the slippery surface. The wall doesn't appear impossible to climb, should you find yourself in the bottom of the pit.
Nbu T'ka looks around with an eye to the details, trying to find what they may have missed. While he doesn't find a ladder or plank, he does finally notice the footprints that do not belong to anyone in the group. The footprints are spaced in such a way to look like a normal walking pace. It is hard to tell exactly in the swirl of everyone's footprints together, but they simply disappear as they approach the edge of the pit.
Sorry if that isn't clear enough, trying to rush a post before I go to work. I will clarify later this morning.

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"Gillmen can't fly *squawk*. If this is a favorite destination for gillmen, surely they don't have to leap or climb over this pit *squawk* every time. Maybe they don't even go this way. Maybe we missed a passage *squawk* or a ladder. Let's look around for an alternative to jumping while Lissa fishes for cloth."
"You are very wise honored friend! I will assist you with your task."
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

GM_PapaSteve |

Shuo's sharp eyes pick out a shape amongst the footprints around the pit. It seems as though a plank was placed here not very long ago, but has since been removed.
The edges of the pit are rounded, which would make simply grabbing onto the ledge very difficult. The walls are not sheer though, lending to the thought that climbing would not be impossible. In fact, Kajar is rather confident he could manage such a climb.
Survival, Kajar, take 10: 10 + 6 = 16
Survival, Shuo, take 10: 10 + 5 = 15
Both Kajar and Shuo look up at each other, nearly simultaneously as they inspect the pit, coming to the same conclusion.
"This is an old pit trap!" exclaims Shuo,
"And only about a year old!" confirms Kajar.

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As Lissa manages to successfully fish the cloak out of the pit, Nella gives her an encouraging pat on the back. "Good job, Lissa! I'm with Luthor, I wouldn't have thought of that either!"
While Kajar, Shuo, and Nbu T'ka examine the pit, she looks at the cloak curiously. "Odd, this looks like it's in awfully nice condition for being down in that pit. Did someone else come through here recently?"
She jumps as both human and half-orc let out triumphant cries from behind her and she spins around in response to their words. "An old pit trap? If nothing else that confirms that there's got to be something down here that someone thought worth protecting!"
Nella doesn't have Detect Magic loaded today, alas. Anyone else care to examine the cloak?

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"Perhaps someone is already inside the cave," suggests Nbu T'ka, "And has *squawk* taken the plank with them farther inside the cave."
Thinking he may very well be onto something here, Nbu T'ka decides to take his armor off. With a few practice flaps of his feathered arms, he gets a running start and attempts to leap the pit. Someone has to be bold... I just wish it wasn't me.
Acrobatics (jump), DC 12: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
"*Squawk!*" he cries, and with a single flap of his arms, clears the former pit trap. Once over the other side, Nbu T'ka has a look around for the phantom plank.
Perception (low light vision): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Edit: Cyrus'd by Nella... by 3 seconds! Don't forget, we have a scroll of identify handy if we want to check the cloak out. We'll need someone who can detect magic to handle that, though!

GM_PapaSteve |

The Tengu screws up his courage, hoping to impress the others, and maybe just one in particular. His feet squish on the slippery floor, but his footing is sure as he leaps gracefully through the air, coming to a short, sliding stop on the other side.
Once across he looks around, disappearing around a corner shortly after the pit. Sure enough, just as Nbu T'ka suspects, he finds a wooden plank leaning against a wall.
Well done! You are past this part. (assuming Nbu T'ka brings the plank back for you to all walk across) I will move you along later today.

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Nbu T'ka proudly places the plank over the pit, puffing his feathers up a little more than usual.
"Here you are, Nella," he begins proudly, before quickly catching himself, "And Shuo-san and Luthor and Lissa and Kajar." Phew. I don't think anyone noticed.
Bluff: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9

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Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Am I wrong or Nbu T'ka-san feels something about Nella-san... Shuo spends a couple of minutes thinking about the implications of his discovery...
"Well done wise friend! Wise and brave!"
I should be the one to risk myself... this is not correct.

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Sense Motive (Take 10): 10 + 7 = 17
Though she knew that it was inevitable that she'd catch the occasional eye of other men or women, she hadn't counted on it happening so soon, nor said person being of an entirely different species. Not that there was anything wrong with that, as Lady Shelyn's primary teachings was that love can come in a variety of forms. Still, the path that she and Nbu found themselves on did not lend itself easily to forming lasting bonds.
Hmm...you'd better tread carefully, Nel.
Rather than say anything now and make the situation awkward for everyone, she simply grins at the tengu and the others. "Should've known it'd take someone with feathers to show us how it's done. Good job, Nbu T'ka! Even without armor I'd have probably wound up flat on my face down in that pit," she offers as she waits her turn to cross the plank, allowing the more heavily armed and armored to go first.

GM_PapaSteve |

The awkward Tengu struts a little bit, proud of his accomplishment, and rightfully congratulated by his companions. He remains oblivious to the fact that he is not as subtle as he hopes. Safely across the old pit trap, the group continues down the tunnel.
Stalactites become monotonous on the ceiling, despite their natural beauty. The pathfinders find that the bluish light is not as bothersome as when they first entered the caves, becoming adjusted to it in their short time. The magical sources of light from Shuo and Nella help to wash out the colored tint somewhat, and make the petroglyphs along the walls much easier to see as they travel.
The tunnels continue on, leading deeper beneath the Kortos Mounts until they eventually open into a large cavern. What must have once been beautifully carved reliefs and inscriptions have since weathered heavily, their features dulled and softened to the point that it is hard to distinguish what each once depicted. A wide tunnel exits the cavern on its far side, and blue-burning torches line the passageway’s walls, giving a much more decidedly blue glow to the already marine colored dim light from the fungus.
A quick, cursory inspection makes it clear that these faded carvings are of a different style than the petroglyphs the pathfinder initiates found earlier in the cave.
Luthor, know: religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Shuo, know: religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Nella, know: religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Nbu T’ka, know: religion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
All three of you are able to recognize two of the twelve faded carvings as The Artist and The Farmer. These are two of the twelve guises of Aroden, and are part of Aroden’s holy text, History and Future of Humanity. Interestingly enough, Nbu T’ka, with his knowledge of the religious text as well as his extensive skill in linguistics, is able to pick out some inconsistencies with what you know of the holy text. Once he begins to point this out, all of you are able to being finding the minor inconsistencies. You believe this is most likely due to the age of the carvings, indicating that what you see here is likely from a previous version.
The Artist is depicted painting murals on the walls of impressive buildings, associated with Aroden having painted the city of Absalom with beautiful colors so that it might awe all who visited.
The Farmer is depicted plowing four lines in a field, retelling Aroden’s prophecy that humankind would prepare the rocky earth for planting and over generations wear the pebbles down into fertile soil.
As above, except the two of you manage to recognize a third carving as The Shepherd.
The Shepherd is depicted herding animals out of a crowded city to the pastures beyond, just as Aroden blessed leaders with the foresight to direct people to the tasks and places that best suit them.
As above, except you alone are able to recognize a fourth carving as The Thief.
The Thief is depicted stealing a gem from a shop while whispering a prayer, an allusion to a passage saying that larceny—though illegal—is a form of praise, for anything worth stealing is also worthy of praise for its craftsmanship.
I am going to give you folks an opportunity here to interact before I move you further on. You can see your current position on the tactical map. As soon as you let me know when you are ready to move to the next area I will move you on. I don’t have to coach you on RP and descriptiveness, you have all done amazing and make my work so much more fun. Keep it up!

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Nbu T'ka *clucks* excitedly along as he studies the carvings and reliefs in the large cavern. He makes a few passes around three of them in particular, "mmmmm" he notes, "aaaah" he continues.
"Well, this is most interesting!" he declares at last, "We have here what I am assuming are the twelve guises of Aroden. I have identified three: the artist, the farmer and the shepherd. What's more, the text here is very old and differs from what we know as the current version of the History and Future of Humanity, Aroden's holy book. This is most exciting! Perhaps we may even be able to correct the current text! Such a rare find, the Pathfinder Society will be pleased."
Nbu T'ka sits back a while, still *cluck*ing quietly to himself, to allow the humans to describe the significance of each of the carvings they have recognized.

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"Nbu T'ka your understanding of these carving seems to match my own teachings from the Temple of Sarenrae. It certainly would be amazing to find an ancient, and yet more accurate, version of Aroden's Holy writings."
Luthor ponders the meaning of a fifth carving that Nbu T'ka had not described.
"I think i recognize this carving as Aroden in the form of The Thief. It reminds me of a text i read a few years ago that suggested that even larceny can be seen as a form of praise. If something is seen as worth stealing, then it's craftsmanship is appreciated"
He smiles as he remembers how his teacher reacted to the books teachings.
"Let me say, the Head Priestess of Sarenrae did not agree with the idea that theft is a form of praise. I had to do many chores to make up for commenting on reading that one!"

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Going back a little bit...
"And... and... Gotcha!"Lissa 'reels' in the cloak with a grin, and furls it out to get a reasonable look at it before folding it up and putting it into Janira's pack shortly before Nbu T'ka jumps across.
Thank Desna that he did that, or I would have. Lissa thinks as the way across is opened alongside the tengu's minor faux pas. As they continue, Lissa gazes at the pictographs, again fascinated as the group advances. Upon reaching the cavern, however, other thoughts pass through her head, besides the archaeological find.
"Wait, everyone. If the plank was pulled up, then that means that whomever that was planning on being down here likely is here. Should we split up the supplies that Janira left us in case of hostilities?" She poses to the others.

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Going back a little bit...
"Well, not much I can make use of out of that pack, magic tricks aren't my thing. I've got my axes, if anyone else wants to take first pick, please. Though if Janira expects us to repay her, well, I'll pitch in whatever I can. We are in this together, right?"
Kajar follows the others into the large cavern, crouching and grinding his double-axe with his whetstone as he listens to the others decipher the petroglyphs.
As a boy, he had developed the knack for eavesdropping, a skill that had benefited him many times in his short life.
He hears the excited whispers of the more-scholarly-than-he, and is glad he has his axes. "This is important to us all, it sounds. I'd take the sweat of toil over the tallow smoke of a candle any day, though. Hey, hang on a moment!"
Satisfied with his axes' edge, Kajar trots over to Nbu, Luthor and Nella.
"Do any of you carry parchment? I have rose, black and indigo-hued chalk. You could make a rubbing of these petroglyphs and bring them back to the Lodge. Surely this would help in your research?"
Kajar holds a small oilcloth satchel out, his toothy grin a goofy, eager sentiment towards his companions' excitement.

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SLIGHTLY EARLIER
"Hum...aside from the healing wand, the only things in here that I could use would be the alchemical items or maybe some of the potions. The scrolls don't seem to contain any magics that I would be able to cast," Nella offers.
PRESENT
"Luthor and Nbu T'ka are right on target about those first two carvings, The Artist and The Farmer," she nods as they study the walls of the cavern. "And I'm glad they recognized a few more of them, too! So it's possible that the gillmen carved these? I suppose that makes sense, if they're supposed to be descended from the time of the Azlant Empire."
Turning to look at Kajar, her expression is suddenly pained. "No...no parchment," she sighs, clearly disappointed in herself. "That's a fantastic idea, but I didn't think to bring any. Hopefully someone else has something that we can use."

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"If no-one has any loose sheets of paper we could use my journal here."
Luthor digs through his pack until he finds a smallish book.
"I was going to use it to document our findings anyway."

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Loot distribution...
"Someone who is better at throwing than me," Nbu T'ka begins, despite his lucky success against the spider swarm, "Should *squawk* grab the holy water, thunderstone and tanglefoot bag. You never know when those items might *squawk* come in handy."
Nbu T'ka looks over the items, but sees nothing that suit his particular skills.
I may be wrong, but I don't think anyone can use that wand of burning hands! Such a shame.
Present...
Nbu T'ka considers also getting out his journal, but decides that enough Pathfinders are already doing that. Instead, he continues to inspect the eight carvings that they didn't identify, looking for some more clues.
The tengu *clucks* proudly a few times when Nella calls out to the group that he was right on target, but he doesn't fan out his feathers or cluck any louder than when Luthor also encouraged him.

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Shuo stops Luthor before he destroys his journal.
"Wait Luthor-san. I have lots of paper." Shuo takes his mapmaker's kit from his pack and gives them a couple of sheets of paper. "Sorry not to offer earlier, these are very good paper for mapmaking, I was just seeing if someone had another one."
Shuo looks at all the drawings.
Hum, I should study more when we come back. This is my área of knowledge... I should not let my companions disappointed.

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LOOT
"I'm okay at throwing, but I'd guess that Shuo or Luthor are much better with it. Besides, I've still got my alchemist's fire and it's probably a wise idea to not stick just one or two people carrying everything - you never know what might happen..."
PRESENT
"Thanks Shuo! I'd forgotten about my journal, but in my defense I don't normally draw in it like someone more artistically inclined might," Nella comments as Shuo hands out pieces of paper to everyone. She then sets to work attempting copy each of the carvings down, including the ones they weren't able to identify.
Craft: Painting (Untrained): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

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Nbu T'ka gracefully accepts the paper that Nella gives him. The tengu is too embarrassed at having not pulled out his own journal that he leaves it tucked in to the side pocket of his backpack. "Thank you, Nella. That is *squawk* most kind of you." Nbu T'ka takes to furiously scribbling down notes.

GM_PapaSteve |

The pathfinders all pull out journals and use the offered parchment paper to make sketches and drawings of the wall carvings. Nbu T’ka particularly laments that the other eight carvings are not legible, at least in their current state. But that is for the society to worry about.
Feeling confident in their sketches and cataloging work, the group packs on and begins to move south in the blue glow of the torches lining the walls. They pass through the corridor on the south wall that takes them out of the cavern they found the carvings in. The soft light of the surrounding fungus mixes with the flickering glow of the nearby torches to reveal a grand chamber. A large pool of water along the chamber’s southern edge reflects the blue and green radiance to illuminate the massive stalactites that cling to the ceiling overhead. Two other tunnels branch off from this area, leading to the east and west.
Rising up from the pool is a column of rock with steeply sloped sides and a flat top, as if someone had sawn off the top of a massive stalagmite. A miniature city carved from this same stone occupies nearly the entire surface. Tiny trinkets such as ancient coins, polished semiprecious stones, and ornately braided loops of string are scattered throughout the diorama, and pale cave frogs clamber atop it. The smooth cavern floor is covered in gravel and pebbles along the edge of the pool, and several foot-long centipedes prowl among the gravel in their search for prey.
Despite the natural beauty and serenity of the cavern, the pathfinder’s eyes are naturally drawn to a lone, cloaked figure, crouched at the edge of the pool, back turned to the group. The figure remains still, not reacting to the group’s entrance. You cannot quite tell what it is, other than it resembles a humanoid shape, crouched in the water.
Your move! If you have more questions about what you see, or something is unclear (and may affect what your actions are) please don’t hesitate to ask! I have updated your positions on the tactical. If there is something else you wanted to do in this room, feel free to note that with an OOC header.

GM_PapaSteve |

These centipedes are "fluff centipedes" or "IMG look at those deadly centipedes"?
yes, visual descriptive text. As far as you know ;)
-Posted with Wayfinder

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Nbu T'ka picks up one of the fluffy centipedes and flings it into his beak. There is a *crunch* followed by a ripe *pop* as the thing explodes inside his mouth. He looks up at Nella's expression. Why is she looking at me like that? Oh, I am being rude. Nbu T'ka offers the cleric some still-wriggling centipedes. "Would you like some? They are *crunch* delicious!"
All the while, Nbu T'ka fails notice that he has managed to spray Nella with bug juice.
Please excuse the "go nowhere" post. I'm holding off here a little because I know what happens and what to do. Y'know, running the same scenario "in the other room" and all.

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Shuo notices the shape and makes signals to his companions, then wispers.
"Looks like we have found the person who took the plank from the pit... He might be a friend... or not, so prepare yourselves for the worst."
He thinks for a moment then continues.
"Na ancient Tian proverb says that a 'hedgehog only lives if it rolls in to a ball before the badger bites'."
Saying this, he draws his bow and prepares an arrow in the case of any hostile action.
Can I ready an action before the combat?

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Lissa slowly creeps forward with the others, jotting down the details of this fascinating set of caves. "This is great! Master Shaine would love to hear about this gorgeous find!"
Then she looks upon the carving with amazement. "Wow....." Only after ogling the carving for a couple moments and taking a couple steps forward, does she spot the crouched figure. She retreats back the steps that she took. "So, Does anyone here speak Alzanti, or whatever tongue the gillmen use?" she asks hesitantly to the rest of the group. "I only know Taldane and Varisian."