GM Z..D.. Scions of the Sky Key Standard parts 2 and 3 (Inactive)

Game Master Z...D...

Knowledge (Engineering): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

"This building is an infirmary. The writing next to the dragons are dates, but they use a different numbering system that I'm used to. They do seem to be closer intervals at the later dates."

Disable Device: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

"The metal pieces are spare parts to a trap, and the statue is one of a gargoyle."

After acknowledging Sabni's insight, Saphera moves up next to Favian and begins inspecting the door.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Oleander throws the toy again, trying to keep the creature away from the rest of the group and avoid any accidents. Wolfie seems to take umbrage at her paying attention to another animal and sits pointedly with his back to her.

After tracking down the toy once more the basilisk decides to lay down and chew on it for a while leaving the party alone.

A huge block of intricately sculpted stone dominates the center of this vast temple chamber. To the east, a flight of stairs leads up to a walkway, which connects to the stone block’s surface. Six pillars lie around the edges of the room, each decorated with carved patterns of scales and dragon heads. Several large paintings of dragons adorn the floor.

The ceiling rises to a uniform height of 25 feet here. The centerpiece of the temple is a huge block of stone, the top of which is connected to a stairway by a walkway with a curiously round cross-section.

The kobolds have added some details of their own to make the interior cozier. The kobolds did not dare to deface the center piece, however, and it still looks almost as good as new.

New Hazards added to the slide

You hear one of the kobolds plea with the statue“There they are!” and the Golden Guardian turns to regard the PCs. It roars in anger: “You should not have come here!” and starts moving menacingly toward the PCs as the kobolds stare in awe.

Combat: Round 1
Bold May Act
Favian
Sabni
Oleander
Saphera
GM

Whoever is carrying the talisman, now would be the time to break it like we are supposed to.

Favian moves to the front of the group, ready to ward off any attacks.

Total defense. AC=31, Touch=23.

I'm happy to be carrying it unless anyone else wants to.

Oleander fumbles around and breaks the talisman.

"Oh great golem we have come looking for a lost companion..."

diplomacy(aid): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

Saphera says a small prayer to Ragathiel and then releases a small protective force effect on herself.

(Standard action) Cast shield of faith on herself, (Move action) Study target on the golden guardian.

Standard Action
Sabni readies an action to Glitterdust the enemy should it attack.

Saphera, save you Shield of Faith

Oleander breaks open the talisman reveals a piece of metal with an ancient symbol engraved on it. Upon seeing it, the Golden Guardian immediately calms down and utters, “Welcome, friends of Ashkurhall.”

End of combat

A group of kobolds start getting rowdy and shouting at the PC. A mix of common and draconic. A kobold steps forward and starts yelling accusations at the PCs in common.

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

Only one PC may answer. You can either use Diplomacy, Intimidate or Bluff. If you speak back in Draconic you get a +2 circumstanc

Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 2 = 22

The kobolds look to the gaurdian and back to the PCs “You attacked kobolds a few weeks ago just outside these ruins, didn’t you?”

"We rescued some of our people that your people had captured." agrees Oleander. Putting a different spin on it.

"We did not seek to extract any vengeance, just recover our own people."

"We rescued some of our people that your people had captured." agrees Oleander. Putting a different spin on it.

"We did not seek to extract any vengeance, just recover our own people."

Need a roll. To me that sounds like a diplomacy check.

dip(aid?): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

"We didn't come here to do harm. Our people wish to coexist peacefully in this area, if such a thing exists. Mind you that our people are not weak and an act of war would prove to be devisating, no douth on both sides. That being said, we are hear looking for one of our own. A wayward human male named Nieford Sharrowsmith came here and we have been sent to retrieve this man. Have you seen him?"

Diplomacy (Aid): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Your answer does not appease the rowdy group of kobolds..

"The idiot human who collapsed the corridor was a friend of yours, wasn’t he?” The leader inquires at the mention of this man.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 2 = 22

"It would seem possible. However there are other humans about too, and they are always doing stupid things. We would like to see the collapse and take is body back if indeed it was him.. If it was him, then he has surely paid for his foolishness." notes Oleander.

"I am of the same mind as Oleander. I would first like to verify if this man you mentioned is the one in which we seek."

"As a sign of good will, we found these parts of an old trap. And I think I can fix the statue at the gate if you would like so it can help protect you in the future. offers Oleander.

The majority of the kobolds calm down after being scolded by Favian. But the leader stands firm and ask yet another question.

“How did you get past Stinkeye? Did you murder him?”

"We threw a toy and walked past. Is he a pet of yours?"

"The basilisk seemed remarkably friendly. He wanted to play fetch. We didn't hurt him at all, if you go back there you'll find him safe and sound."

Oleander,give me a handle animal check.

handle animal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 (extra +4 if for Wolfie)

The orange skinned Kobold appears to be thinking, "Stinkeye does like to play fetch. But how did you get by him with out turning to stone."

The kobolds seem to calm down and the leader speaks again."I am Naktok. Some may call me a leader, but I serve the humble dragon god."He says pointing in the general direction of the guardian."If you do not mind I must go and try to wrangle Stinkeye. The others must go and check on the traps"

Naktok takes his leave and the others follow, leaving you and the once statue alone.

The statue starts to speak, giving off a sound of crunching gravel." You do not look like the dwarves that left this place long ago. Please follow me."

The Guardian takes flight and back on top of the raised platform. Behind him is a large moral that takes up a significant space behind. "Only the true bearers of the dwarven talisman would know the meaning of this murals. Unless of course you stole it from the rightful owners"

Oleander, you may accompany the troop back to the first part to repair the dragon face trap. Doing so will take 5 minutes and a DC 20 craft traps or Disable Device check. However since it will take a while, you will not be able to participate in the Mural "encounter".

Mural "Encounter". I am going to post the box text and then the spoiler with appropriate skill checks. The spoiler will contain the true answer. All the DCs in this encounter are 20. If you do not have the required skill, you can use bluff or Perform Oratory to make up a story. However, the first time you go this route, the DC is 20. After that it goes up by 5 each time you use it. I will allow aides on knowledge check to "fact check" each other.

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

Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Sabni studies the mural but doesn't know what it is.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Saphera also looks perplexed about the mural.

Favian is not trained in either of those skills and thus cannot contribute.

Given that Oleander only has +3 in disable device, she would need to spend time to take-20 to do the repairs. She suspect splitting up the group with kobolds all around isn't a good idea either.

Oleander shakes her head at the offer.

"I hear that kobolds are very good with traps, I'd be embarrassed to try and fix it while watched by experts." she tries flattery.

history aid?(trained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 <- not an expert here, will aid if it is allowed.

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

Oleander wracks her head, trying to think what this might mean.
history: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
geography: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
"The rain of Stars! The curse of Numeria! Of course." exclaims Oleander.

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

Favian continues to watch as the others study the mural.

Favian is only trained in Knowledge (arcana), so nothing he can help with yet.

"A bald dwarf. Not something you see every day
dungeneering: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

"I've never seen one anyway."

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

"Me neither."

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Saphera admirers the Mural, but has little to add about its history.

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

Appraise: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14 - Jeez....

Sabni stares and studies.

Favian continues looking over the murals even though it didn't mean all that much to him.

Appraise: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Saphera points out that the symbol set on the south point of the compass rose is a stylized version of the symbol engraved on the piece of metal that the we found inside the dwarven talisman.

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.

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.
You all automatically suceed this check 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.

Was taking too long, to go one by one.

Survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

This just wasn't Favian's area of expertise in the least.

At the next mural, Oleander pauses
nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
geography: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
"This mural depicts the westernmost part of the Bandu Hills.[/]b" she indicates. "[b]That is near where we are I think."

And at the second she nods in appreciation.
survival: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
"This mural depicts a stylized version of Ashkurhall, the dwarven settlement whose ruins the PCs are exploring. The map quite accurately shows how the parts that were built later are architecturally more impressive."

heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
SM: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
The third she looks sadly at.
"See how the dwarf looks worried and has lost much weight. It is likely that the dwarf depicted has a terminal disease."

She heads to the forth.
nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
"And surely this is the golden guardian himself. The creature is a monstrous humanoid called a gargoyle. Gargoyles are best known for their ability to freeze in place to look like a statue. They are also ageless beings, and over time, their appearance changes to match the surrounding architecture."

At the last one she spends a bit longer. But can't quite figure it out.
geography: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Now the dice roller gives me 20s!

Just going to roll the one missed.
Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Sabni appears to be lost for words in this location. Clearly, this part of history isn't his specialty.

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Saphera nods with understanding as Oleander points out multiple characteristics about the mural. When she mentions Ashkurhall, Saphera confirms the rangers information with an understanding of the settlement that she poses.

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.
“Long ago, when Sigrin’s father ruled as king, the dwarves rose from the depths and built a citadel so mighty that even a titan would gaze upon it in awe. Centuries later, a shower of stars rained upon a land not far from the dwarven hold. The dwarves marched to investigate. They found many wonderful things, the greatest of which was the mysterious artifact they named the Sky Key.
“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 time 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 guardian finishes his tale, a kobold rushes in, out of breath and visibly shaken. He shouts to the guardian, "More intruders! They attacked us!" He then takes off to the far side of the temple, looking for more bolts for his crossbow.

You all have one round to prepare for the ambush.

Combat-Round 1
Bold May Act
Favian
Blue
Saphera
Red
Sabni
Green
Leopard
Oleander

Favian will first use his wand of shield during the preparation round.

During the first round of combat (since it looks like he goes first) he will attempt to cast Cat's Grace.

Spell Failure: 1d100 ⇒ 91 fail on 1-5

Favian also moves to the doorway, ready to defend the temple.

Oleander casts resist energy(fire), and readies her longbow.

Saphera casts shield and then moves into a defensive position near the door.