Hedgeknight's Godsmouth Heresy (Inactive)

Game Master hedgeknight

As Thorin suits up in his new armor, Alanthian checks the weapons and breast plates for distinguishing marks.

Thorin shakes his head a bit and responds to Cole's comment, ignoring the question.

"Thanks. It's time I take back my station."

Thorin moves up behind Caitlin, and when she's done with her investigation he asks her, "well, what's the verdict? forward?"

As she reaches the destroyed skeletons she bends to curiously examine and search them and, upon noticing the quality of the weapons, sings a little cantrip to determine if they, or anything else nearby, exibit a magical aura.

While her spell is active she continues her search into the corridor ahead of her. Perception:1d20+7

Catila doesn't notice any magical aura coming from the skeletal warriors or their gear, but...her sharp eyes spy a rune on the wall at the end of the corridor, past the final two alcoves where the undead came from.

DC 20 Knowledge (Arcana) check:

DC 20 Perception check:

Alanthian searches the weapons and armor but finds no distinguishing marks on them.

Thorin steps forward and inspects the creatures, trying to see what armor he can salvage for himself, and picking up one of the longswords. He looks around at his companions thoughtfully, "if nobody minds, I feel a little...undergeared for this excursion."Hedge, if you can figure out how much armor these pieces I salvage can give me Ill amend my sheet with it.

The half-plate effectively gives Thorin an AC 20 with his Dex bonus of +2 - much improved!! And once you examine and heft the longsword for awhile, you realize while not magical, it is of masterwork quality, which gives you a +1 bonus on attack rolls.

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Cole stays back near Lady Saorise, "Is it safe to continue onwards?"

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Brankh inspects the rune and shrugs his ignorance.
Brankh looks at the wound on Alanthian's back.How are you faring? Are you well enough to continue?

Alanthian nods at Brankh, "Yes, let us continue."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Perception 1d20+3

Cole stays back near Lady Saorise, "Is it safe to continue onwards?"

"I detect no further evil in this area," Saoirse says confidently. She peers closely at the rune but can't really figure it out. Neither can Alanthian or Thorin, Brankh or Cole. But the longer Catila inspects it, the clearer things become to her.

"It's the rune for Wrath...and it is thought to be associated with Evocation magic. Hmmm. And what's more...the wall on which is in inscribed looks to be something of a door. Alanthian, can you check it out with me?"

The pair examine the wall closely, and it is Alanthian who finds the opening mechanism...only because he's taller. It is a small thumb section of depressed stone about five feet overhead. Finding no traps and with an eager nod from Catila, he presses the stone and the door opens toward you.

Catila Perception and Knowledge checks:
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 261d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Saoirse Perception check:
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Alanthian Perception check:
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Thorin Perception check:
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

The door opens and you see the back of a statue that is part of a much larger chamber, although you really can't see to much from where you are standing. The statue is made of white marble and there is only about a foot of clearance between the back of the statue and the doorway. From the back it is difficult to tell what the statue depicts, but you can see that it has long, wild hair and is wielding a ranseur.

Actions?
Updated Map

Current Stats:
Alanthian Darlok – HP 10/7; AC 16; Init +6
Brankh – HP 9; AC 15; Init +1
Dr. Catila Eyesquint: HP – 8; AC 18; Init: +3
Cole Keegan - HP 11; AC 17; Init +2
Saoirse Palelight – HP 11; AC 17; Init +2
Thorin – HP 11/11; AC 12; Init +0

See discussion thread for current XP update.

Alanthian creeps along the wall into the room trying to detect any threat.

Stealth:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Perception:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Alanthian moves as quietly as possible, sucking in his stomach to move around the statue. Alanthian's eyes only:

The rogue disappears from view somewhere in the chamber beyond...
Does Alanthian have a light source?

I am not using one but I have a (3)sun rods and lantern if I need them. I was using the light from my companion behind me.

Cole fidgets impatiently as he sees the rogue disappear from view...I hope he doesn't get over his head...

I am not using one but I have a (3)sun rods and lantern if I need them. I was using the light from my companion behind me.

You'll definitely need a light source, because once you walk out into the chamber it's as dark as a...dungeon. :) Regardless of which light source you use, this is what you see:

Alanthian's eyes only:

Alanthian can't supress his smile as he looks around the cavernous chamber. "Just like in the stories. Only now it's my story."
He slowly turns in a complete circle, taking in the details of the cavern before giving a low chirp as a signal to his companions.

Brankh sticks his head through the opening to look for the thief.

"Psst!" he whispers, "Stay close, damn it! Come back here and tell us what you saw."

If Alanthian signals that the coast is clear, Brankh will join him in the chamber.

Alanthian can't supress his smile as he looks around the cavernous chamber. "Just like in the stories. Only now it's my story."

He slowly turns in a complete circle, taking in the details of the cavern before giving a low chirp as a signal to his companions.

I'll post a map once everyone is out in the chamber.

Cole will follow Brankh into the chamber once the all clear is given, muttering underneath his breath all the while.

Cole will follow Brankh into the chamber once the all clear is given, muttering underneath his breath all the while.

Assuming Alanthian gives the okay...

Brankh's eyes only:

One priest follows the other as Cole also exits the crypt, but his passage into the grand chamber is not without peril. As Cole squeezes past the statue, he touches it and immediately a powerful jolt of electricity runs all through his body!

Cole's eyes only:

Cole yelps in pain but makes it to the side of his friends in the grand chamber. Cole may also read Alanthian's spoiler above.

Actions?

Current Stats:
Alanthian Darlok – HP 10/7; AC 16; Init +6
Brankh – HP 9; AC 15; Init +1
Dr. Catila Eyesquint: HP – 8; AC 18; Init: +3
Cole Keegan - HP 11/7; AC 17; Init +2
Saoirse Palelight – HP 11; AC 17; Init +2
Thorin – HP 11/11; AC 12; Init +0

Brankh whispers a stern warning to those who would follow. "Stop!. Be wary. This statue will zap you if you touch it!"
...then he looks up and.......
Light of Heaven! What is this place!? he whispers. Turning to the statue that zapped Cole he looks it over. What is it?
Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Brankh recognizes the statue as one of the seven Runelords of ancient Thassilon...but for the life of him, he can't quite put his finger on the name. The statue is a very good depiction of a beautiful woman with wild hair, holding a ranseur.

Brankh speaks in a whisper....which seems to come out clearly through his expressive manner and intonation.

"Dr. its ...who the hell is it? A Runelord...the lady with the wild hair...who is she again?....look, you can all try to fit into here - but you'll get zapped if you're not really careful. And you heard Cole yelping. I'm sure it hurts. It looks like there are other ways in here, but I do not like the idea of us splitting up. I was a fool to just follow that rogue into this room - without asking you first Doctor - or even without offering my prayers for a blessing. I am sorry. If you all decide to come through - at least give me your hands first, so that I may hold them as I pray for your protection. Cole, does the Warrior Maiden have any blessings to bestow?"

If someone decides to brave the zapping statue entrance, Brankh will pray for Resistance to give them +1 on the next saving throw.

Alanthian shakes his head at his companions, "Sorry about that, I figured we all learned our lessons about statues when the Doctor touched the last one."
Alanthian turns around again, looking at the room with his mouth open.

Thorin grabs Brankhs hands and tries his best to squeeze around the statue without touching it.

"Tight fit there"

Alanthian begins to sketch the chamber as best he can.

Cole looks around the chamber, and when he hears Brankh’s exclamation, he nods grimly. ”So, this whole place is a Thassilonian ruin. Wonderful. At least I can see why Svilennius Tripe is interested in this place.”

He shakes his head at Brankh’s question, ”I did not pray for that orison this morning.”

Catila's song is also giving a +1 Reflex vs traps...

Taking a moment to examine the statue's and then grabbing the offered hands the halfling detecive moves past the statue and into the impressive room.

Escape Artist:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 Think that's right with the bonus'?
Electricity Damage:2d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7
Reflex for half:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

But despite her caution Catila stumbles on a loose piece of rock as she passes the statue and insticintively her hand reaches out to steady herself. At the last instant though she realizes she is about to touch the statue and is able to lunge forward thus making her touch but a glancing one. Still though she yelps out in pain from the sting.

HP: 5/8
Not sure what the Knowledge check is for the statue but here's a roll anyway. Knowlwdge(?):1d20 ⇒ 18

Group Post 12: Welcome to the Grand Cathedral

Three of your companions are through, albeit not unscathed. As Cole tires to get the hair on his head to lay down, Thorin tries to squeeze past the statue, aided by Brankh. But the cavalier is a big man and his stomach rubs against the statue...but nothing happens! He grunts, patting the statue and moves on past.
"Hurry now! Seems to have lost its charge!" He says and Catila and Saoirse hurriedly squeeze through without any further harm.

And now everyone gets a look at what Alanthian saw first:

You walk out onto a wide ledge that encircles a cavernous chamber. The ceiling vaults to a height of fifty feet above the ledge, forming an architectural wonder unsupported by any visible columns or buttresses. Twenty feet above the ledge, a wide stone bridge with an elaborately carved railing arches over the chamber from north to south, joining two sets of massive bronze doors at either end. The central portion of the chamber is reached by eight staircases ten feet down where an inlaid spiral symbol is recessed into the floor. On the ledge stand bronze doors to the east and west. Eight larger-than-life statues stand upon the ledge as well, evenly spaced around the room's circumference - seven carved from white stone, and the eighth carved from black stone.

Cathedral Map

Actions?

Current Stats:
Alanthian Darlok – HP 10/7; AC 16; Init +6
Brankh – HP 9; AC 15; Init +1
Dr. Catila Eyesquint: HP – 8; AC 18; Init: +3
Cole Keegan - HP 11/7; AC 17; Init +2
Saoirse Palelight – HP 11; AC 17; Init +2
Thorin – HP 11/11; AC 12; Init +0

Not sure what the Knowledge check is for the statue but here's a roll anyway. Knowlwdge(?):1d20

Like Brankh, you recognize it as one of the Runelords, but you can't seem to remember which one.

Dr. Catila Eyesquint wrote:

Not sure what the Knowledge check is for the statue but here's a roll anyway. Knowlwdge(?):1d20

Like Brankh, you recognize it as one of the Runelords, but you can't seem to remember which one.

Ok, just as a reminder though, that was a roll without any mods added to it. Would a few more points have made any difference?

In awe and wonder at this amazing architectural accomplishment, Catila begins to carefully wander around, examining each statue as she comes to it. Based on their entry, she will in particular be looking for further secret doors. She'll be very carefull not to touch any of the statues though.

Feel free to make any further rolls necessary DM

Ok, just as a reminder though, that was a roll without any mods added to it. Would a few more points have made any difference?

In awe and wonder at this amazing architectural accomplishment, Catila begins to carefully wander around, examining each statue as she comes to it. Based on their entry, she will in particular be looking for further secret doors. She'll be very carefull not to touch any of the statues though.

Feel free to make any further rolls necessary DM

Yes, two points would have made a big difference! In the future, please add all mods. Cool? How many mod pts would she have?

As Catila walks around the room, she spies what looks to be the outline of a door behind each statue. Although there is hardly any way to get to the door because the statue is in the way. But then she notices something else quite interesting: there are grooves on the floor at the base of the statues. Perhaps the statues...will slide?
Perception check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Runelords! My master Nehruha used to talk about them....ramble on about the history of Varisia. I wish I had paid more attention. Would that he were here to see this! There were supposed to be seven. Here we have 7 white Lords. One black! So, where should we start? Do you need any healing Cole?

Brankh looks at each of the statues. Who were these people?

Perhaps we should organize ourselves a little here? If we spread about the room without a thought, one of us might be vulnerable to attack from some fiend or another.

Perhaps Alanthian can take his notes while Catila holds the light and examines the wonders of the room - starting with the 8 statues on the ledge. The rest of us can fan around in a circle and keep watch. Are there any sconces on the walls? Brankh could install some torches and light them to illuminate the whole room. I think it is time for some refreshment. Brankh takes a swig of water and refuels with some rations. Always on the lookout - of course. Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Cole waves off the offer of healing, "Thanks, Brankh, but I'll be fine. Save it for those less hardy than me."

He walks over to Catila, "Maybe I could go with you, just in case. Besides you need me close to keep your pebble glowing."

Brankh, plenty of sconces along the walls...and I love the way you think man!

So, it appears that my Paizo account was borked for the whole weekend and I didn't see any of the updates on my wishlist. So, let me apologize for my lack of response while I catch up.

Saoirse squeezes her way through the opening of the statue and looks about the room with her eyes wide, taking in the features of the opulent area with a mixture of awe and shock. Her hands grip her sword and shield tighter as she steps away from the rest of the group for the moment, the shadows of her torch playing tricks on her eyes as she peers down into the pit with her torch hanging over the edge.

Saoirse's thoughts turn towards her childhood as she remembers her father and mother frightening her with tales of what the Runelords did to bad children who didn't listen. She hadn't thought back to those times in years, and she turns away from the pit to look back towards the group.

"I'm afraid my knowledge of the Runelords is limited to childhood tales, I can head over to the eastern door and keep watch over there while the Doctor does her investigations."

Brankh starts by lighting a torch at the opposite end from the statue Catila is looking at. Once Catila moves on to the next statue, Brankh will install a torch there. So there will be torches at opposite ends of the room.

"Thorin, will you descend with me to install torches at the lower level as well? I would prefer to stay together, but I think we will all benefit from a fully lit room right now, don't you think?"

Cole can stand by Catila. Alanthian will let us know what he does. Saoirse is watching one of the doors....she can provide cover over the whole room with her bow, too. Interesting place, eh?.

Once Thorin and Brankh install torches and/or other lighting around the cathedral, it is easy to see the inlaid spiral symbol recessed into the floor below the stairs.
Pharasma

It is a symbol you recognize almost immediately - the holy symbol of Pharasma.

"Of course Brankh." Thorin walk around the chamber with Brankh and helps light all the necessary light sources, Keeping his eyes out for trouble, from above and below.

Five torches around the room should do the trick. Now let's check out the statues. Brankh will stand guard with the spear...looking around for anything unusual. Look up. What's on the ceiling?

Five torches around the room should do the trick. Now let's check out the statues. Brankh will stand guard with the spear...looking around for anything unusual. Look up. What's on the ceiling?

Nothing unusual - no patterns or any designs; just a vaulted ceiling with no visible supports.

Didn't include the mods HK cuz I wasn't sure which ones were appropriate...?

Pointing out to Alanthain and Cole how the statues move Catila says "Well, lets finish searching the whole room and then we can decide which, if any, of these statues to move, yes?"

Alanthian looks up from his drawings at Catila, "Ok, just let me add some things to my sketches. This place is spectacular isn't it?"

Didn't include the mods HK cuz I wasn't sure which ones were appropriate...?

One successful DC 20 Knowledge (History) check will give you the names of all the statues...

Alanthian looks up from his drawings at Catila, "Ok, just let me add some things to my sketches. This place is spectacular isn't it?"

The statues are very detailed depictions of the following, starting with the one you came in on and moving clockwise around the chamber:

- a beautiful woman with wild hair, holding a ranseur
- a voluptuous, nude woman wielding a two-headed guisarme
- a short, smiling man holding a longspear
- an obese man with rotting flesh, wielding a scythe
- a handsome, bearded man in extravagant clothes, wielding a lucerne hammer
- an imperious, heavyset woman holding a mirror and a halberd
- a tall woman with three faces looking in three different directions. One side has a kind face and cradles a baby in her arms, while a second side displays a more stern expression and holds an hourglass. The third face has a crazed look; its hands are empty, but thornless roses twine up both arms. Unlike the others, this statue is carved from dark diorite.
- a tall man with gems set in his forehead, wielding a flaming glaive

Seven runelords (white marble) and the threefold statue (black diorite).

So...anyone interested in touching another statue? :D Or perhaps checking for more traps and such like?

Alanthian notices the same thing Catila noticed about the statues:
But then she notices something else quite interesting: there are grooves on the floor at the base of the statues. Perhaps the statues...will slide?

Cole notices the grooves in the floor next to each statue. He stares around him at the other statues, although their historical significance escapes him, he realizes they are key to the mystery of this chamber.

"I think the statues are actually doors that lead to separate areas, linked to who the statue represents. We just took a back door route, if you will."

He points to the north door, "Since the other doors probably lead back to the entry chamber, I suggest we head north." He pauses, "Unless we can figure out how to move the statues, that is."

He looks at Catila, "Do you think magic is required here?"

Is the North door easily accessible from here? I though it was 20 ft above at the end of the overhead bridge.

Maybe all you do is just push on a statue to activate it...but I don't want to get zapped like you did earlier, Cole. And what do these runelords represent anyway? It is hard to see.

The one having a bad hair day - is she crazy - wrathful?
The voluptuous one - does she represent sexuality - lust maybe?
The smiling man - so smug - proud or contented? - I don't know.
The fat one - the glutton
The rich man - haughty and proud
The b+@&~ with the mirror - Vainglorious
The tall man with gems - greedy

If the smiling man were sloth we would have the Seven Deadly Sins! I didn't pay attention in Sunday school....but they loved to teach me those - I was guilty of all of them!

And the black statue. One face is life - the baby. The other - death - the hourglass. The third....can't say.

Do the marks beneath the statues show that the statues turn? Which way did they move in the past?

Alanthian inspects the statues for a way to move them and how to posibly remove any traps.

Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14+1 for traps
Disable Device:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Alanthian inspects the statues for a way to move them and how to posibly remove any traps.

Perception:1d20+5+1 for traps
Disable Device:1d20+10

You already pretty much know they are trapped, but with Catila's +1 bonus, you figure out a way to disable the traps! Holy moley!

Kudos also to Cole for figuring out the link to the doors and to Brankh for pegging almost all of the statues! 50 xp to all three characters! Woot!

With confidence, Alanthian smiles and says, "I figured out how to disable the traps, albeit temporarily, but it should give us enough time for us to slide them out of the way. Good work, Brankh! I think all we have to do is simple push them and they will move. But after I disable them, of course. Where do you want to start?"

Well, the next one in clockwise order from Crazy Hair is the Busty Babe. Let's say we try to move her first?

Cole grins at the half-orc "Yeah, I am sure that is the ONLY reason you want to start with her, right?"

He laughs quietly to himself, then adds "That sounds like a good plan to me."