GMTrex's PFS [Standard] Echoes of the Everwar Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Trexler

"Wise ones indeed," Sekhmanu agrees with relish. "I have finished my preparations. Lay before me the items!"

Once the wand, staff, and sword are arrayed before her, she begins a slow building chant in an ancient tongue. THis continues for several minutes.

Sekhmanu's chant abruptly ends as the sphinx recoils with a flurry of her wings. Even as she withdraws, an eldritch mist seeps from the items laid before her. "What trick is this?" the sphinx demands, "These artifacts carry faithless spirits within... godless creatures who should have journeyed to the Boneyard long ago!" No sooner has she spoken these words than the pillars of mist coalesce into translucent images of three young women garbed in the raiment of Osirian concubines. Each one bears a distinctive ring upon her hand which glows with an angry red radiance.

The spirits look around in confusion at first, then notice the Pathfinders. They stare at the adventurers with rapt attention, as if expecting questions or even orders.

Omrax observes the objects release their female spirits.

What trickery is this indeed! Sir Sareth, Master Skybeck...if they can lead us to our foes, so much the better.
Otherwise, they are distracting us from our goals.

"Excuse me, lasses. Dae Ahh hae the distinct pleasure o' meetin Akila, Kamilah, and Meskhenet the Wise? If so, Ahh can only say what an honor it is tae meet yae. Lemmae introduce maeself. Ahh'm Skybek Odeon at yer service. Ahh assure yae that Ahh didnae quite realize that Ahh was gettin mixed up with faithless spirits. Ahh can only assure yae that Ahh approach life with great faith in mae God, maeself, and mae friends. Ahh really didnae expect ana shenanigans. Will yae forgive us for oor mistakes? We're just tryin tae find the owner o' these items.

Skybek tries to ease tensions before any misunderstandings bring about ill will.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

The apparitions reply in eerie unison, a chorus of long-dead voices. "We are Akila, Kamilah, and Meskhenet, the Concubines of Zuberi. We bear you no ill will."

It may be helpful to you to review your conversation with Balentiir.

My humble apologee madams. We likewise wish no ill will, just answers to questions of bodies stolen and for what end?
If you are the rightful owners of these items and if these will help provide rest for your spirits, then by all means as our good Master Skybek states, please forgive our error and intrusion and accept your items.

Omrax will try to auto-assist on Skybek's comments, unless he has his foot too far in his mouth to make any attempt

Probably my mis-interpreting the connection. If these are Zuberi's concubines and Zuberi is our suspected for distubing their graves and stealing their bodies, Omrax assumed they were in league with him and his endeavors

"We have come here tae ask Sekhmanu questions regarding the wereaboots o' the corpses that were stolen that we can put them tae rest and everlasting peace. The fact that we got tae answer some riddles was an extra treat, but Ahh see that the real bonus was tae meet yae three delights. Can any o' yae fine folk help us tae set things right? Dae yae recognize these items? At the moment the biggest riddle seems tae be where is Khalfani Zuberi and what has he done wid yer corpses?"

Again, the spirits reply in unison. "We do. Our remains lie not far from here, in the tombs to the south. We three can guide you there. If you vow to help us."

Quinn contemplates the option. "On the one hand, we have a sphinx guardian of this place who is likely to aid us. On the other, the former residents of the bodies we're in search of also seem to be able to aid us. I'm goin'a figure we need to choose which one to accept aid from."

He keeps an eye on the sphinx for her reaction to these events.

"A favor for a favor seems to be the theme... What is it you would ask of us?"

The chorus responds. "Zuberi must die by our hand for us to find rest. We will help you destroy him if you agree to let us possess your bodies and act through you when you face him. You must perform a simple ritual while holding one of our items. Akila knows the ways. The possession will work only once for each of us. A connection still exists between our spirits and our bodies. We are torn between two places and can only exist here and help you for a short time. You will not lose control during this possession. We will only be able to aid you more directly."

Sekhmanu regards the whole interaction with guarded suspicion.

Omrax shares the suspicion and would be very reluctant to allow himself to be possessed.

"Would you need to possess three of us or all simultaneously? I would not agree unless you also agree to pass further scrutiny. What does Zuberi scheme to accomplish? ."

"Ahh'm nae opposed tae this idea, lasses, but Ahh've got the same questions as mae gud friend Omrax. Why did Zuberi steal awa yer bodies? What evil scheme is he tryin tae accomplish?"

"Zuberi cares nothing for our physical remains. He only desires our rings. They will help him revoke the curse which leaves him aged and infirm. Soon he will restore his youth and reclaim his power."

"Should you choose to help, three alone would be our vessels, but all would share in common cause."

Mrachni watches the conversation unfold, sharing the others' deep superstition and resistance to the idea.

"I don't like it either my friend, but if Omrax senses no evil, then I'll do what I can to see this, and them, put to peaceful rest."

Do it.

Why do I get the feeling our sphinx friend will not like us if we accept this offer? ponders Quinn.

"I don't like the thought of lettin' anyone else in here, but if that's what the group wants... I'd honestly wonder more about how the sphinx will react to this. We come to parley, play some riddling game, then suddenly, 'Oh, no, thanks anyway, see ya.'"

Omrax will flat out ask the Sphinx after scanning the spirits for evil mojo.

"You have much greater knowledge of these crypts and possibly the history and maybe this Zuberi. We did not anticipate this course of events. What are your observations and recommendations on the proposal? Or do you have no stake or responsibility in this matter?."

Sekhmanu replies cautiously, regarding the Pathfinders with suspicion as well. "I know not of this Zuberi, or of his curse. Who you choose to ally yourself with, or for what cause, is beyond the wisdom and gifts Pharasma grants me."

The trio of concubines, in which Omrax senses no evil, interjects. "You must decide. His curse will be lifted soon, and our spirits condemned to this plane."

One vote for yes. Others?

Mrachni ponders whether such an action would help realize the goals of the Pathfinder Society, as well as whether it might infringe upon his deity's tenets. Oh hey, a good excuse to use one of the first boons Mrachni ever got!

EXCELLENT use of that boon!

great idea. Not sure it works for paladin hood but definitely helps.

I'm inclined to support this plan of the three concubines. I suspect it will work out in the end. I don't think we are doing anything evil and probably doing a lot of good. Hopefully we won't suffer any terrible side effects as result. I'm curious to hear what that boon tells us.

great idea. Not sure it works for paladin hood but definitely helps.

Yeah, that was more flavor text, though if the DM feels inclined to share that information... ;)

It appears we shall assist you spirits. I sense no malice and we must stop Zuberi. If three of my companions are not willing to accept the spirits, I will. But quickly, as we cannot lose any more time on the matter.

Omrax waits for their reaction and further instruction. He meditates to Iomedae while waiting.

• I will have faith in the Inheritor. I will channel her
strength through my body. I will shine in her legion,
and I will not tarnish her glory through base actions.

• I will guard the honor of my fellows, both in thought
and deed, and I will have faith in them.

This is the first time I've seen that boon used! Well chosen, Mrachni!

Upon consideration, Mrachni finds the the Society's practice of making alliances with those it can to accomplish its mission weighs most in this circumstance. Positive! (Doesn't exactly contribute to a secondary success condition, but makes it considerably easier.

The chorus concurs with Omrax. "We agree. For each of the chosen three, take up our instrument to begin the ritual. Akila the Sorceress shall grant powerful magicks, Kamilah the Warrior great courage, and Meshkenet the Wise wards against death magick. Make your choices."

Who's taking the wand, who the falchion, and who the staff?

Quinn is stepping back from the selection. "Think I'll keep my role of Quinn Kouniashi without an understudy this time."

"I shall carry Meshkenet!"

Mrachni turns his dark eyes upon Omrax. "If it takes control of me," he rumbles, "and I betray the Swordmistress... you must do what is necessary."

Returning his gaze items upon the ground, he reaches out and silently lifts the falchion, securing it to his back and steeling himself for what is to come.

Omrax nods silently and claps Mrachni on the shoulder.

Let us pray it doth not come to that. Make the Inheritor proud, my brother-in-arms.

Omrax turns to the dwarf.

Master Skybek, with Quinn and myself on guard, are you willing to wield the last item or shall I?

I did not want to assume Skybek would participate since he only posted out of character

"Aye, be my guest, Sir Omrax. The honor is all yours. Ahh dannae want whoever inhabits mae body tae dae anything with mae beard. Crimzor and Ahh will dae oor part withoot their help."

Skybek strokes his beard as he considers what it means to let one of the concubines aid him in the upcoming battle.

Omrax nods at the dwarf, turns to Mrachni and says.

We will need to meet our Lady together, Sir Mrachni.

Omrax takes up the staff(?) and joins the others for the rite.

Omrax takes up the wand of Akila, Mrachni Desert Raven, and Sareth the staff of Meshkenet the Wise. They feel strange, intense, old power flexing through them, as Skybek and Quinn see spirits intertwined with living flesh.

Here's what happens! Once in combat, you can as a standard action summon the spirits to battle and activate the following abilities:

Omrax: as an immediate action, you may harness Akila's magical abilities to immediately recall one spell of 3rd level or lower (lol) you just cast. As a side effect, this action grants you and all Pathfinders within 10 feet of you a +3 deflection bonus to AC and a +3 resistance bonus to saves for 5 rounds.

Mrachni: you and all other Pathfinders gain the benefits of greater heroism for 12 minutes, granting a +4 bonus on attacks, saves, and skill checks, immunity to fear effects, and 12 temporary hit points.

Sareth: you gain the benefits of death ward for 12 minutes. As a side effect, all Pathfinders within 10 feet of you gain fast healing 5 for 5 rounds.

The ritual complete, Sareth knows where to go. The Pathfinders bid adieu to Sekhmanu and make their way through ancient tombyards to a magnificent mausoleum dedicated to a familiar name: Zuberi himself.

Alabaster steps ascend an elevated platform under the shade of a solid stone roof supported by eight thick columns, each one carved in the likeness of a bearded Osirian councilor. Along the far wall, three sets of golden double-doors await, each inscribed with intricate hieroglyphs which declare this the final resting place of "Sahib ul-Makam al-Rafi Khalfani Zuberi."

The team faithfully executes their practice when it comes to doors and, finding it unlocked and (thankfully) untrapped and un-glyph'd, they proceed inside.

The sloped passageway descends ten feet before opening into a large 35-foot-square chamber. Four decorative clay urns stand beside each entrance along the north wall. To the west, an alabaster throne inlaid with gold, lapis lazuli, and carnelian stones sits upon a raised dais flanked by two bronze braziers. The throne overlooks a miniature model of buildings and structures in the center of the room, portraying the city of Sothis. To the south, two statues with the heads of jackals stand with stone glaives in their hands by a huge stone door engraved with the symbol of an all-seeing eye. Hieroglyphs also cover the entire eastern wall, reaching all the way to the chamber’s 20-foot ceiling. The images depict scenes of everyday life in ancient Osirion.

"Ahh'm impressed that yae knew whair tae gae, Sareth. Ahh tak it Zuberi must be near."

Skybek casts Longstrider on himself.

"Cayden Cailean grant me the ability tae use mae legs real fast if Ahh need tae, but the strength tae weild Crimzor such that that we tak this villain oot!"

"Once more into the dungeon. I cannot think of another group I'd rather do this with."

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 The cleric gives the room a look, hoping for clues as to what we'll find next...

Before moving on Sareth casts Air Walk and an extended Shield of Faith. ACs are now: 27/15/26.

When botting Sareth he will use his most powerful spells first, channel and heal second, and melee tertiary.

Sareth's thorough eye notes three secret doors hidden among the glyphs on the eastern wall. The northernmost door is covered in glyphs of youth and childhood, the middle door of prosperity and high achievement, and the southernmost of frailty and age.

Choose a secret door or the huge emblazoned door to the south.

Secret door, left to right.

"Aye, yae've got very keen eyes, Master Sareth. With nasties aboot, the secret approach is much better."

Skybek tightens his grip on Crimzor as he prepares to follow the others through the first secret door.

"Ahh hope a dannae meet the nightmares o' mae youth in here."

Omrax nods and joins the two priests to the side door.

I have always favored the direct approach to confronting evil, but the side passage will work as well.

"The worst evils are often found in the secret places," remarks Mrachni softly. His manner is subdued, as though he's still unsure about this consort with dead spirits.

Quinn checks for Magic on the secret doors before we explore.
FWIW, Quinn has the ability to pick locks and disable traps, just not magical ones like those damned glyphs we keep coming across...

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No worries Quinn. Omrax has become an expert at detecting the glyphs and rendering them inert...by setting them off .

Quinn checks for Magic on the secret doors before we explode.

Fixed that for you.

Quinn Kouniashi wrote: Quinn checks for Magic on the secret doors before we explode. Fixed that for you.

There's a difference? And Omrax, I think I set off two or three in our first bout in the courtyard.

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Childhood first, eh?

Quinn detects abjuration magic on the northernmost door (and the other two as well). The party then executes their procedure and, after finding it magically locked, eventually cracks their way through.

A 40-foot-long hallway extends down a narrow passage, ending at a stone door. The door’s surface bears a bas-relief of an Osirian nobleman holding a scepter of authority.

Quinn gives this a once-over as well, with Sarenrae's absentminded guidance. 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 13 + 1 = 21 Omrax follows suit and detects no evil. 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16 Mrachni sniffs the air, and smells naught but dust. 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 Omrax gives the door a try.

That's when the floor gives way and the door back outside slams shut. To make things worse, the room fills with a numbing mist as the team tumbles toward savage spikes some fifty feet down.

Everyone gets to make a Reflex save and a Fort save!

Ref: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

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Reflex Saving Throw: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Fortitude Saving Throw: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27 (add +2 versus Poison, Spells, or Spell Like Ability)

Will Skybek have time to dimensional hop to safety?

Reflex : 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
Fort : 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29

"What treachery is this?"

Omrax has boots of the cat...but vs spikes...not sure .

Will Skybek have time to dimensional hop to safety?

Not with that Reflex save!

Quinn and Omrax manage to cling to the hinges, the kitsune gulping down a fresh cloud of numbing vapor in the process.

Take 1d3 ⇒ 1 Wisdom damage. Roll again and take d3 wisdom damage on each failure, up to six times. DC is 15.

Meanwhile, Skybek plummets toward the spikes. Three nasty skewers pierce his arm and abdomen, exacting blood money as the price of choosing poorly.

Falling Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 2, 2, 2) = 16
Number of Spikes: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28 HIT Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27 HIT Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34 HIT Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

I'll roll for Mrachni and Sareth too.

Mrachni Reflex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Mrachni Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Sareth Reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Sareth Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Falling Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 2, 1, 3) = 13
Number of Spikes: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21 HIT Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34 HIT Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Falling Damage: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 3, 3, 5) = 16
Number of Spikes: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25 HIT Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33 HIT Damage: 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Mrachni and Sareth too find themselves spitted like fish a long way from their quicker comrades, although their minds remain intact.

Mrachni: 27 dmg
Quinn: 1 Wis dmg and counting
Sareth: 34 dmg
Skybek: 46 dmg

Plans to extricate yourselves and which door to try next?

"Crivenns!" Skybek swears and he pulls himself off of the spikes. "Who in the hells thought it was a good idea tae put these damn spikes here?! Dae they nae realize these are a hazard tae gud honest adventurers!"

Once the company removes themselves from spikes, Skybek repeatedly channels energy to try and heal the wounds of himself and his companions.

Channel Energy: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 1, 1, 4) = 15
Channel Energy: 5d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 6, 4, 3) = 21

"Toss the rope and get us oot o' here!"