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The crusader moves forward, and Atronia attempts to hit him, but misses. He then swings back at her, attempting to punch her with an armored fist. He succeeds, smacking her upside the head, all the while continuing wioth his distorted expression of silent horror!
Round 1
Iovari, Humbert, Makon
Round 2
Grubglub, Atonia [-6], Enrique
Crusader
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The gruesome tallow creature's waxy visage was animated by a crude alien intelligence, and given the semblance of man. Humbert takes a moment to compose a description of the macabre creature in his mind.
"....What is this mockery of a human face?"
What horrible irony....
"True. It is a waxen image of a man given the barest semblance of life as a golem. Certain spells will act strangely about it, however, as with a tallow candle, fire might be of some use against it. BUT BE CAREFUL OF THE OTHER EXHIBITS! We're not here to burn the place down!"
Iovarl and Humbert inform the others what they believe the foe they are facing is and offer some bit of advice on tactics.
Makon seems to ignore their advice and moves forth to do what he does best and hits the wax golem squarely int he chest knocking off a large piece of wax, but not stopping the foe...
Atronia has recovered enough to continue her attacks if she so desires while the green twins see an opening...
Round 2
Grubglub, Atronia [-6], Enrique
Crusader [-13]
Iovari, Humbert, Makon
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GrubGlub, now that he is sure he is not attacking a deluded person, steps in and tries to trip the creature. His spindly form wraps around the constructs legs, trying to kick out the knees and bring the creature to the ground.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Stabbing at this thing with my rapier probably won't do too well... taking off large chunks, or crushing it, must be the way to win this. Or fire, if the tall one knows what he's saying.
As he advances, Enrique draws a large stone-and-metal weapon, its head similar to an axe but with a flat back also fitting for use to bludgeon. He swings the weapon at the golem, hoping to remove vital chunks of wax.
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After a loud crack and a ripple of arcane energy, silence falls across the museum as the construct guards freeze in place and haunted relics drop to the ground. Nigel’s voice rings out, magically projected throughout the museum: “We’ve disabled the magical security measures. Since we haven’t found the thieves yet, they must be hiding in my third-story study. Please subdue them; they have much to answer for!”
Nigel Aldain’s announcement echoes through a museum littered with shattered clockwork and toppled exhibits. There’s no question that the Pathfinders have quelled the building’s defenses, and perhaps the peaceful silence will set whoever hides on the third floor at ease.
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Makon is startled by the projected voice. He watches the wax Golem drop to the floor with regret. I guess I don't get to melt your stupid face off after all... When Nigel's booming voice is through with it's message Makon says, I wish he'd stop doing that! *grunt* It's bad for the nerves ya know? Makon looks around and then looks to the others..Which way to the third floor?
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Atronia cuts her song short when she hears the voice and sees the golem suddenly stop fighting. "I'll admit that's... disconcerting," she replies to Makon's comment. Atronia walks a little in the room, looking all around her in search of the stairs and glancing at the strange exhibits all around the room. It doesn't take long for her to find what she's looking for. "I'd say it's that way," she says, pointing to the stairs on her left. "Still, before we go, does anyone have some healing to spare?"
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Makon nods back at the girl and says, Well we should be off! you heard the lady, the stairs are through that room. Makon points to what looks to be a trophy room. He hefts his axe and heads in to the room headless of who follows. However, he eyes the giant stuffed alligator closely as he approaches...half expecting it to spring to life.
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Nigel Aldain’s announcement echoes through a museum littered with shattered clockwork and toppled exhibits. There’s no question that the Pathfinders have quelled the building’s defenses, and perhaps the peaceful silence will set whoever hides on the third floor at ease.
"I question whether or not we've quelled the building's defenses."
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As they are all walking towards the stairs Iovarl digs in his pack and produces a wand that looks like it's never been used.
"You can use this healing wand if you like, Atronia. I admit that i don't have the ability to use it, but having one handy is never a bad idea if you can get one. Please keep hold of it for now in case it is needed. he says with a smile.
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GrubGlub picks himself up off the floor as Nigels voice once again peels through the halls. He sees Iovarl hand Atronia a want, and claps one webbed hand to his forehead in dismay.
"My dear, I offer you my apologies for not considering this earlier! Here, I have one of those as well, use it as you need to."
He hands her another wand of CLW, then turns to his companions. "Upstairs then??"
With the help of other pathfinder groups also moving through the museum your group dispatches any remaining pesky defenses. The wax golem falls under the weight of Makons brawn and the keen insight of Humberts knowledge as fire and axe render it harmless. Orders ring out from the mass message spell cast by the Pathfinder raid leader to each of you to press on.
Continuing your search of the museum you take the ornate stairs up to the third floor. The mahogany walls and domed, plaster ceiling both show signs of heavy damage. Most of the luxurious furniture and the crystal chandelier are intact. The contents of cabinets and bookcases lie strewn about the floor. A small wooden panel near the door hangs open, revealing an arcane sigil covered in scorch marks.
A Kellid woman dressed in furs with intricate scars all over her body steps forward. She holds a hand up and says, “Stay back. We are members of the Twinhorn following, and we have only come to retrieve what was stolen from us.”
A towering figure steps forward; his translucent red form is that of a man clad in heavy armor and wielding twin warhammers. “Medda, they must be in league with the thieves; they should die for crossing us.” The man’s voice sounds hollow and unnaturally loud, and as he speaks, the chandelier glows with a dull light.
The woman, Medda, puts a hand on the figure’s arm and says, “Maybe we should give them a chance to explain themselves, Anok.”
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Makon's breathing quickens as the big red armored man accuses him of stealing. His knuckles tighten so hard around his axe handle..splinters from the wooden haft begin to work their way in to his palms. The other one wants to talk Makon...only talk Makon...forget the big red one and his filthy insulting mouth! Don't say anything, let those better with words speak first! No time for threats Makon! Don't say arrr! Makon can taste the warm metallic feeling of his own blood, wash around in his mouth as, he bites his tongue in stupendous effort of self control.
His stare though...is one of pure death at the Towering Red figure. Makon pushes past Iovarl and Humbert however, in order to position himself better should combat break out...Just in case. A hopeful grin reveals itself as he slides in position, at the end of a table near Iovarl.
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Iovarl re-applies the Mage Armour spells he previously applied to himself and Grubglub while it's quiet.
Iovarl steps to the side of Makon. Seeing the half-orcs anger rising he places a hand on the big guys shoulder to keep him calm and reassure Medda and Anok that violence isn't the groups intent.
"I am Iovarl Volarin. Me and my allies are here on a mission for the Pathfinder Society. Who are these thieves you refer to, and what did they steal from you? If our tasks align maybe we can help each other." he says while trying his past to calm the situation.
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Atronia moves forward a little to get out of the stairs and get a better look at the apparent intruders. She's particularly struck by the appearance of the aggressive man named Anok. She nods as Iovarl speaks. "Yes, tell us how it is you have been wronged and by whom. We seek justice. Perhaps we can bring it for you."
Aided by Atronia, Iovarl succeeds at a hard diplomatic effort and sees the Kellid female shift from a guarded stance to a more friendlier tone- albeit she still seems wary of you all...
Medda responds, “These Blakros people stole our most precious heirloom.” Medda retrieves a bundle of bloody bandages, then unwraps it to reveal a dagger hilt with only the fragment of a black blade. “It belonged to Ivvora, a champion of Vildeis who vanquished the great black evil from our land over 900 years ago. We kept it safe until the Blakros agents stole it three months ago.”
Anok responds in his deep, booming and hollow voice, “They came into our camp asking about Ivvora. Medda gave them shelter and told Ivvora’s story, but we would not part with the hilt. The next morning the hilt and the Blakros agents were gone. We tracked it here, to this building.”
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Medda responds, “These Blakros people stole our most precious heirloom.” Medda retrieves a bundle of bloody bandages, then unwraps it to reveal a dagger hilt with only the fragment of a black blade. “It belonged to Ivvora, a champion of Vildeis who vanquished the great black evil from our land over 900 years ago....”
Yes, yes, go on. Go on.
Anok responds in his deep, booming and hollow voice, “They came into our camp asking about Ivvora. Medda gave them shelter and told Ivvora’s story, but we would not part with the hilt. The next morning the hilt and the Blakros agents were gone. We tracked it here, to this building.”
"And how did you track this fabulous artifact here exactly? I mean your camp wasn't here on the island was it? Your people come from the north."
Any specific knowledge check to have heard of the item in question?
Looking at Humbert Medda replies, “It is bound to me.” She grasps the hilt tightly, then her eyes begin to glow with a brilliant white light as her scars begin to seep thin rivulets of blood. “Does that answer your question?”
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GrubGlub comes to the fore and greets the invaders with a bow. "I can see your points.. they are valid and no one likes a thief. However, there are proper channels that must be worked through. Please, are you willing to cease hostilities if we help you work through our protocols to retrieve your stolen items? We can provide the necessary introductions that will expedite your complaints and help you."
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Seeing that it might be better to cease hostilities rather than trash the museum more...Makon loosens the grip on his axe and interjects.. Yeah listen to Grubglub! there's a way you do things when you're in a city Makon says with some personal regret and frustration. Ya can't just go tearing up a place cause you lost something even if someone else did steal it..Hey, why don't you let us find this black hilt dagger thing for you? Maybe our bosses will be O.K. with it as long as you promise not to wreck the place more huh?
Listening to the group speak on the merits of working with them to resolve their stolen property issue Medda nods her head in agreement and the two Kellids begin to gather their gear.
Speaking to the two Kellids may provide some insight as to who they are or what they can do and you can make the appropriate knowledge checks.
The translucent Kellid warrior, Anok, is an ectoplasmic being, is a manifested phantom. [Medium outsider(phantom)] His weapons and armor are translucent as well, so probably not something you could sunder or disarm.
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
For what your scan tell you, Medda is a spiritualist. She’s part of this “new and edgy” type of spellcaster that use the mind for casting. They need to be calm to be able to cast most of their spells. As you can deduct, she is linked to the ectoplasmic being called Anok.
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
These Kellids appear to be smaller than your typical Kellid brute. They seem quite agile, and their darting eyes appear to be looking for weaknesses in your defenses.
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
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Atronia listens to everyone's comments, glad nobody decided to fight over this. "I know nothing of this artefact or of the people you speak of, but Enrique's suggestion seems great, don't you think? And if you're willing to tell us this story... I always love a good story and to learn about new things."
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Some cosmic aberration beyond most mortal's ken.
A sort of 'extra-large' medium.
Primitive (possibly noble) savages stunted for their kind. I could make a sociological study of them and their relation, if any, to modern homo sapiens. They probably indulge in all sorts of barbaric and superstitious activities that may be of interest to the scientific community. Perhaps I could entice them to stay with the promise of proper religion or the secret of fire or some trinkets or beads.
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Makon motions Atronia near him and whispers, If it's true the Blackroses stole these Kellid's artifact thingy..then we best not report to the elf Nigel and instead seek guidance from Sveralk of Asleifar or Venture Captain Valsin....because, I don't have the first clue where to start looking! Makon starts to walk away and says , although when we were first briefed that, Nigel character made a big deal out of the study being impossible to get to..if I were to hide something.. Makon Waves his hand probably just a fancy..I should stick to what I know Makon holds up his axe to display. Should we go ask our superiors for more guidance?
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Anok says, "When the metal men attacked us, Ivvora’s spirit called through the hilt to her allies’ armaments. She protects us, even now." when the destruction is mentioned.
Medda says, "We asked that Nigel man for the hilt back, but he said that he does not honor 'seller's remorse'.
"Given that our people's survival depends on the hilt, we could not wait for any more deceptions. We need to..."
She is interrupted the chandelier in the room crashing to the ground. In its wake stands a vile looking creature!
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Anok immediate reacts, slamming his fists into the creature! "ABOMINATION!" he yells. His first blow appears to do no harm to the rubbery looking creature, but his second does seem to affect it!
Round 1
Enrique, Iovari, Makon, Humbert
Creature
Medda
Grubglub, Atronia
Round 2
Anok
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"That horrid thing is a Lemure, a type of Devil." says Iovarl. He then shares some things he knows about it.
Time to call on celestial aid to help us defeat this.
Iovarl moves around the edge of the room and grasps the symbol of Iomadae around his neck. He uses some of his arcane power to call for aid from one of the good aligned planes.
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision Perception +9
DEFENSE
AC 14, touch 13, flat-footed 12 (+2 Dex, +1 natural, +1 size)
hp [7] [1d8+3]
Fort [+5], Ref +4, Will +2
SR 5
Celestial – Resist cold 5, acid 5, electricity 5
OFFENSE
Speed 10ft., fly 80 ft. (average)
Melee 2 talons [+3] [1d4+2], bite [+3] [1d4+2]
Special Attacks smite evil
STATISTICS
Str [14], Dex 15, Con [16], Int 2, Wis 15, Cha 7
Base Atk +0; CMB [+1]; CMD [13]
Feats Weapon Finesse
Skills Fly +8, Perception +10; Racial Modifiers +8 Perception
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Smite evil 1/day as a swift action (adds CHA bonus (+0) to attack rolls and damage bonus equal to HD (+1) against evil foes; smite persists until target is dead or the celestial creature rests).
The eagle calls on the power of it's celestial blood to smite the creature, then attacks in a swirl of claws and beak strikes.
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The crowd of guards, onlookers, and concerned citizens outside the Blakros Museum quiets as Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin approaches a woman clad in furs exiting the museum. "My Pathfinder agents tell me that you are Medda of the Twinhorn following, is that correct?"
"Yes, I speak for the following." Medda glares at Nigel Aldain, "I have come to reclaim what is rightfully ours. His agents stole our most sacred relic after we refused to sell it. We have traveled through dangerous lands to claim it back, and still he refused—"
"My agents claim they bought it," Nigel protests. "I’m not going to just give it to you because you stomp into my office demanding priceless artifacts."
Valsin interjects, "Nigel, let us listen to her story and decide how to proceed. Medda, tell us about this relic. Why is it so important to you?"
Medda takes a deep breath. "Over 900 years ago, a powerful warrior named Ivvora came into our camp. She spoke of an angel named Vildeis who guided her hunt for a great dark evil she called Eshimka. Several of our scouts had recently disappeared, later found ripped into pieces. The elders insisted that we help banish this evil and ensure the safety of our following. They laid a trap for the evil spirit, luring it to our sacred standing stones on the winter solstice. There, Ivvora and the great dark evil, Eshimka, fought a mighty battle that raged for hours. Just as the night was darkest, Ivvora dealt Eshimka a telling blow, digging her dagger deep into its flesh. The creature tried to escape, but it only snapped off the blade and then collapsed on the center stone. The elders finished their ritual and destroyed it completely.
"Ivvora rested with us for the winter before departing to eradicate more evil from the world, but not before leaving us the hilt of her weapon." Medda withdraws a bundle of bloody cloth from her bag, then unwraps it to reveal a small hilt with a bloody fragment of black metal. "She told us to bring the hilt back to the standing stones every year at the winter solstice to keep evil away. We’ve had to travel for so long to retrieve the hilt, I’m afraid we won’t make it back in time for the solstice. Please, let me leave now."
Ambrus Valsin contemplates Medda’s story for a moment, then nods, his brow furrowed. "Nigel, you should send for the Blakros agents who ‘obtained’ the hilt and hear what they have to say. Medda, I’m going to send as many Pathfinder agents as you deem necessary to travel with you and your following. I want to ensure we return this relic to its proper place." Nigel starts to protest, but Valsin cuts him off. "Nigel, you wanted my help; you are getting it. I’m helping you fix a mistake your agents made. As for your museum," Valsin takes a moment to survey the heavily damaged museum, "I’m told most of the damage was done by your own security, not Medda and her following.
"Pathfinders, prepare to head north to the Realm of the Mammoth Lords."
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Medda and Ambrus Valsin discuss long into the night how the Society might help the Twinhorn following. By the morning they have concluded that while teleportation magic might take the Kellids and Pathfinders as far as Lastwall, Medda insists that Ivvora’s hilt has lost some of its spiritual strength since being stolen. She believes the only way to restore its power is to walk the same path that Ivvora took into the Twinhorn’s land after the Shining Crusade—and that path leads straight through the Hold of Belkzen, an unforgiving land controlled by orcs!
Society mages gather to transport small groups at a time to Lastwall, and from there, the convoy of Kellids, Pathfinders, and supply wagons set off north. For all their brutal reputation, the orcs have become somewhat more welcoming of caravans at the urging of Grask Uldeth, one of the strongest orc chieftains and the ruler of the de facto capital Urgir. Those who stop at the Table of Ralock can purchase safe passage in the form of special tokens from tribal representatives. It remains to be seen whether the Pathfinders can secure enough.
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Satisfied that his words have helped to prevent more damage and bloodshed, GrubGlub springs back to the top of Makons pack.
He carefully listens as plans are made and settled upon, then quietly meditates in preparation for the journey. As the group awaits transport, he looks around at his companions. "I have never been so far north. Have any of you been there? What should we expect?"