GM Z..D.. Core Scions of the Sky Key part 2 and 3 (Inactive)

Game Master Z...D...

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

"Look, those columns seem rather weak. Might be possible to push them over."
GM, to clarify, are you referring to the 6 pillars in the map?

As the golden creature leaps down from above, Celebdan takes a step forward, glaring intently at it, trying to detect an evil aura it might have. He calls out, "Gold? Could this be the Golden Guardian? Who has the talisman?"

I'm referring to this post. I'm assuming Doodle has it since she responded?

He then starts singing a tune to stir up courage in his teammates.

5-foot step, move action detect evil, standard start bardic song inspire courage

Inspire Courage: +1 attack, +1 damage, +1 will save vs fear

Good memory, Celeb. I'll present it next round and see what happens.

Yes celebdan. Those are the pillars you can topple. The rules for them and the hazard on the walkway are next to the map on the slide.

Will pulls out a flask of alchemist's fire, and throws it at the large monster.

Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4 (plus again next round)

Bryzaglo steps forward drawing his blade while saying a quick prayer and strikes at the golden creature.

Lay Hands On: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 17
Damage: 2d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 + 1 = 10

The monterous beast does not seem to notice any of the damage. But continues to fly over head. Lashing at Will with a claw. He then pulls a 180 before crashing into the wall. Then he takes off into the higher into the air. He is now 20 feet in the air
claw vs will: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
fly check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Round 1
Guardian
Doodle
Celebdan
Will
Bryzaglo-9

Will pulls out his crossbow and tries to hit the flying target.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Plus alchemist fire still burning.
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Will is not proving to be very effective.

Doodle pulls out the talisman and presents it at the guardian. "Look, here is the talisman. Does that mean we are friends now," she asks hopefully.

Doodle breaks open the talisman, revealing a strange looking metal device with ancient runes on it.

The Golden Guardian immediately calms down and lands a few feet from the PCs. “Welcome, friends of Ashkurhall.”

A group of kobolds appear above the PCs on the landing. A older kobold with a staff shuffles up front and pointing a finger at the group.\

“What is this? You put a curse on our Golden God with
that trinket!”

Will need a bluff, diplomacy or intimidate check along with dialogue to get passed this part. You may use other skills if you can explain it. Speaking Draconic might help.

Doodle does speak draconic to the tribe of kobolds. Or the three total images of Doodle do so in unison.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21 plus bonuses from Draconic language.

"We've been sent on a secret mission to recover the items and knowledge that the guardian protects. It will be helpful for our group to protect those items."

He hisses back at the Doodles. Recover? More like steal.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32 Unfortuantely, no Draconic.

"Please..." Celebdan holds out his hands in a placating manner. "We really do come in peace. We are searching for a lost member of our society and his trail leads here. And we've found signs of him being here. Sharrowsmith? "

“That idiot human who collapsed the corridor? He was a friend of yours, wasn’t he?” He then realizes something, “How did you get past Stinkeye? Did you murder him?”

"Stinkeye? Who's that?" Celebdan asks rather confused. He quickly turns back the topic to Sharrowsmith. "The human? He was here? I am sure he didn't mean it. Is he unharmed?"

As the others talk Bryzaglo heals himself.

Wand of CureLight : 1d8 ⇒ 7
Wand of CureLight : 1d8 ⇒ 8

Linguistics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Will watches, not really understanding much of what is said, but he picks up on the word 'Stinkeye' and says, "Stinkeye? Was that your pet? He is all safe back there alone with his onesome... a very handsome lizard, too."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

The speaker of the group shake his head. No stinkeye is pet. And human died in collapse.

Celebdan, need another check if you are talking to him

diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

"Stinkeye is the lizard? Yes, he is completely unharmed. We did not approach him nor disturbed him in anyway." Hoping that they are appeased, Celebdan quickly turns back to his topic of interest. "The human died in the collapse? Could you show us the cave-in?"

The older kobold calms down once he hears that is pet is ok. You do not seem to be a threat as we once thought. I must check on stinkeye and get him back into his room. THe kobold moves past the PCs and out the door, the others follow behind him.

The guardian takes flight and lands back on top of its perch. It waves for the PCs to follow.

This mural represents the dwarves that once called this place home.
Only those who were meant to have the talisman would be able to understand this. He looks down to the PCs. Come prove yourselves.

the next part is going to be the deciphering of a mural. I am going to give you the description and the associated skill checks to use in a spoiler. If you do not have the skill you can use either bluff or perform oratory to make something up. However, that route gets harder the more you do it.

The mural depicts a dwarf in a cave gazing up and shielding her eyes with a hand.

The mural depicts a fireball with long, trailing streaks descending from the sky.

The mural depicts two dwarves locked in battle. One of them has long, braided hair while the other is bald.

What's the DC? And I don't have history or religion, so can I bluff on 1 and use the right skill on others? With these rolls, it may not matter...

Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Im going to wait for Celeb to start trying to hit those numbers as I'm not trained in any of those knowledges, lol.

Fascinated, Celebdan draws near to examine the murals closely.

1st: knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
2nd: knowledge(history): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
3rd: knowledge(local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Yeah, completely forgot to post the DC it is 15 for all checks. So celebdan can look through them all. Will post the next series of checks tomorrow morning.

Celebdan points excitedly at the first mural. "Look! This depicts the ancient dwarven migration to the surface known as the Quest for Sky. According to legend, Torag gave the dwarves a prophecy that prompted them to leave their original homes in the Darklands realm of Nar-Voth."

Going to the second, he explains, "This mural depicts a historical event called the Rain of Stars. Before recorded history, a fireball fell from the heavens and crashed into the land now called Numeria. Modern scholars believe the fireball was a vessel of some sort."

Finally getting to the third, he shares "The bald dwarf in the mural is a duergar. According to legend, an outcast god turned their heads bald and their skin ashen gray. They are infamous slavers who believe that the surface dwarves are traitors of their race and that other creatures are fit only for service and torment."

The mural depicts four complex symbols arranged on the four points of a compass rose slanted slightly to the right.

The mural depicts rolling hills with dark gray, rocky soil, punctuated with veins of gold. A vine covered in lavender flowers crushes a giant lizard like a constricting serpent.

The mural depicts a map with many rooms, some crude, others skillfully carved and rich in detail.

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

"The symbol on the south point of the compass rose looks just like the symbol from inside the dwarves talisman."

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Knowledge, nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Will looks around, but doesn't really see anything that stands out.

"That's a good eye you've got there, Doodle. Hmm, is it pointing us to the south, you think?"

Celebdan moves to examine the rest of the murals.
2nd: knowledge(nature), bardic knowledge: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
3rd: knowledge(engineering), bardic knowledge: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

"Hmm, I can't quite decipher the second, but this third one... Amazing. This map represents a stylized version of Ashkurhall, the dwarven settlement we're in now. It is quite accurate in showing how the parts that were built later are architecturally more impressive."

The mural depicts a dwarf with his eyes cast to the ground and his hand held against his chest.

The mural depicts a demonlike creature with horns and wings.

The mural depicts a humanoid with bulbous eyes and bowed legs.
Everyone can get this one The creature is a grippli, a member of the same race of humanoids from whom the Pathfinders gained the dwarven talisman.

The mural depicts a dwarf whose weapons and armor are made of wood and stone rather than metal. His skin bears numerous simple tattoos, and several bright feathers adorn his beard.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Looking over the murals Bryzaglo is amazed my the craftsmanship but can not understand what any of them represent. The half-orc stands ready while listening to the others translate what the murals mean.

1st: heal: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10
2nd: knowledge(nature), bardic knowledge: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
3rd: knowledge(local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Celebdan points to the last mural. "I recognise this. The dwarf in is a Taralu. These jungle dwarves practice a version of ancestor worship alongside the worship of totems based on local creatures, particularly dragons and wyverns. These dwarves have a small but notable presence within the city of Kibwe."

Heal 1d20 ⇒ 15
Sense motive 1d20 ⇒ 14

"Look at the first part over there...the dwarf has lost a bunch of weight. He's come down with something, probably terminal from what I can tell."

Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Knowledge, Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Knowledge, Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

"You all knew those things, but don't recognize the gargoyles in the middle one? Look here... this monstrous humanoid is best known for looking like a statue. They live forever, and over time, their appearance changes to match the surrounding architecture."

Will takes a minute to look around the place.

The Golden Guardian nods approvingly. “You truly are the worthy bearers of the talisman, so I shall tell you a story that Sigrin of Ashkurhall, the founder of this place, once told me.

“But dark times soon followed, for their cousins from the underworld fell upon the dwarven citadel. Caught unprepared, the dwarves knew they could not hold off against the siege. The king ordered all but his most trusted guards to leave, and stayed behind to buy his people timed to escape. Before Sigrin and her three siblings left to lead the dwarves to safety, the king gave each of them a piece of the Sky Key, and kept one for himself. The dwarves traveled far and wide, but the dangerous journey across the unknown land caused rifts in their clan. One by one, the king’s children went their separate ways, each taking a piece of the key and a part of the clan. Sigrin’s dwarves made their way to this continent, and though they found it quite inhospitable, they pressed on. After much searching, they found gold and started building this place. Their prosperity grew with each passing decade.”

Grinning, the Guardian continues, “That’s when I entered the picture. We didn’t get along at first, but I came to realize they were decent people, who appreciated stone and gold as much as I did.

“Their luck did not last, however. A sickness came over the dwarves, and the survivors were too few in number to continue their lineage. Rather than slowly die out here, they chose to leave. However, they wanted someone to watch over this place. They chose me. Sigrin went to her grippli allies and gave them her piece of the key. Where the dwarves were going, they couldn’t hold onto their memories and traditions. I think Sigrin made up a monstrous story about me—I probably deserved it,” the Guardian says with a grin, “but the story was to protect this place and the piece of the key.”
The Guardian stares at the last mural for a long time. “The dwarves left to join their cousins who lived in the jungle to the east. They never came back.”

As the golden guardian stops speaking a the doors pushed open and the group of kobolds run in. One of them shouts to the guardian, “More intruders! They attacked us!”

Round 1
Everyone can act.
Opponents will not show up untill the top of round two.

please take note of the hazard for the walkway you guys are on. It is off to the side of the map

Doodle casts Mirror Image and 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 more images of the gnome appear suddenly.

"Now we are all guardians of the key. To arms, gents! "

Will finds a spot to hide near the entrance. He will accept buffs if anyone is giving them, but he really has nothing else to buff.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Bryzaglo draws a wand and his great curved blade. Then touches the blade with the magical stick.

Wand of Bless Weapon: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 Not sure if I need the roll but here it is.

His sword glow with a faint golden light. He then moves to the entrance to the room.

Celebdan starts humming a song, a lullaby by the sounds of it, timing to drop a spell on the intruders as soon as they enter the room.

Start casting sleep, casting time 1 round, which should activate as soon as they enter. DC15.

Round 2
Celebdan
Doodle
Will
Blue-6 damage/shaken
Hyena-4 damage/shaken
Red-5 damage/shake
Bryzglo

Three figure enter the main chamber. All three have suffered some sort of wounds and are a little shook up.

Celebdan's sleep-inducing spell comes into effect, while he quickly changes his tune into a rousing song to inspire courage among his party, as he moves forward in case Bryzaglo needs support.

Sleep DC15, as per yellow circle on map. Move action to move at half speed, standard action activate inspire courage.

---
Inspire Courage: +1 attack, +1 damage, +1 save vs fear

The multiple Doodles take a double move toward the three thugs.

Would someone move me 40' toward them, please?

Will stays hidden waiting until they come further in. Readied action for sneak attack if the opportunity presents itself.

will saves: 3d20 ⇒ (5, 7, 11) = 23

All three of the opponents drop from the bards sleep spell.

Well that was fast, the spell had just enough umph to get all four of them. You have five rounds of actions before the next wave come.
So do what you like within five rounds of actions.

Who are they? Humans?

Will takes out his silk rope and starts tying them up, one at a time. "Here, let's move them out of the way too."

Bryzaglo will help the ranger tie up the enemies and move them.

Yes both of them were humans, plus the hyena. I'll post the next wave of combat later this evening.

Meant to post the other day, but things got kind of hectic on my end.

Another Person can be seen walking into the chamber.

Fast forwarding to round 7
Round 7
Celebdan
Doodle
Will
GM
Purple
Bryzglo
Yellow-5 damage/shaken

Ipad is acting wonky today, so I can't get to the map. So, I'll just...

Upon seeing the first baddie walk into the room, Doodle summons a portion of her magic and casts a Magic Missile spell.

Damage 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 1) + 2 = 6

Sorry in case I'm misunderstanding the map. I only see yellow and purple on the left side. Is there a "GM" as well? And I also see 3 other tokens on the right.

Yes yellow and purple and an unseen threat. Unseen threat will go on GM. The three on the right are the ones you tied up and dragged off.