Rocky the Oread |
Since it matters now, Rocky will choose the +2 to Att, AC, Ref option of Blessing of Fervor this turn. AC 40 vs the AOO dropping to 36 vs regular attacks.
Rocky tests that matching of power theory by swimming up to Moukadeem and punching him in the hopes stunning him.
unarmed strike DC 19 Fort vs Stun: 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 16 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 30
blugoning/magic/cold iron/silver/holy dmg: 1d10 + 12 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 1 + 2 = 19
holy dmg: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9
GM supervillan |
Moukadeem stabs at Rocky as the oread swims in...
AoO vs Rocky: 1d20 + 18 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 18 + 2 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 29damage: 2d6 + 9 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (1, 3) + 9 + 12 + 1 = 26
He fails to stop the agile monk, and Rocky knocks out the genie!
We are not technically out of combat yet, since Korai is still in danger of drowning.
The Magnificant Paicho of Quain |
So the Madrid is out!
Thanks to Gratus, Paicho jerks back to consciousness, only to feel the piercing of the madrid's trident once more. Somehow still alive after another deadly blow. Rocky stuns the madrid, giving Paicho the chance swim away. Stopping behind Korai he casts a cure spell on him.
Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (8, 2) + 8 = 18
Move to move; Standard to cast Cure Moderate
Wembly Templeton |
Wembly will summon forth yet another of the crocodiles to attack the stunned Marid.
Bravo! Way to go Rocky!
bite: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 + 2 = 29 for
bite: 1d8 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 10
tail: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 16 for
tail: 1d12 + 2 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 2 + 2 = 11
Korai Shardwing |
Does the KO end the spell that raised the water?
Korai awakes in a panic feeling for the wound that knocked him out. He looks about, notes that the Marid no longer appears to be a threat, then slowly moves along the floor to the exit.
Gratus Leogil |
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This will be a good time to mention that Gratus has no healing spells left.
Though if someone is in danger of dying from drowning, Gratus will slap his necklace on that person....
GM supervillan |
Paicho needs a concentration check to cast a spell underwater. I waived the check for Gratus last round because his necklace surrounds him with a thin layer of breathable air.
concentration, paicho: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
Paicho just manages to cast a healing spell without getting his beak full of water! It is enough to wake Korai.
Out of combat!
The summoned crocodile makes short work of the unconscious marid. Whilst the water, and the babbling illusion, remain in place they present little danger now. You can wait the spells out, or Gratus has a dispel still remaining, or Gratus can slowly recover the various items of interest into the ante-chamber where you left Zahra (since he is not at any risk of drowning).
The pathfinders recover the runecarved lamp, as well as the three chests that were found in the alcove.
The first chest is filled to the brim with ancient Qadiran trade bars; the second chest holds a vast array of official documents (mostly badly water-damaged), platinum trade bars, and a large platinum disk bearing the ancient seal of Koor; and the third chest holds a series of trade bar molds and top plates, emblazoned with emblems no longer used anywhere in the Inner Sea region.
Moukadeem’s lamp is now simply a mundane iron lamp, albeit one covered in intricate arcane runes. While the Pathfinder Society likely has interest in it from a historical standpoint, making it more valuable to the organisation than to a collector, those of you knowledgable about the price of things determine that it has a resale value of 20 gp on the open market as a curiosity.
What do you do with Zahra and/or the naga?
Rocky the Oread |
Rocky will tie Zahra up before we wake her.
I've played this before in Core. Though in my play-through Moukadeem didn't live long enough to flood the room. I leave plot choices up to anyone who hasn't played this before.
The Magnificant Paicho of Quain |
I'm for reviving and talking to Zahra; and using Restoration on her and the naga both; if needed. Zahra is after all a Pathfinder.
Gratus Leogil |
It takes some time but Gratus is able to retrieve most of the items leaving his companions to tend to Zahra and the Naga.
He was glad for for his necklace but the movement was begining to get to him as he move his limbs into a tedious motion.....He reolsved to get himself some other item to help him in swimming......
Wembly Templeton |
Wembly calls off the croc once the marid is done
"wow. That was totally intense. Now what? ."
Korai Shardwing |
Korai sits in the entryway coughing up water for a while before he sits down with Zahra. "So... what do you think... compulsion, seduction, torture, or treason?"
He goes through her clothing for weapons, valuables, and clues, then inspects her for signs of torture.
"Lets make sure she's well bound, and see if she's able to shed some light on this situation. If she's still blathering on about Moukadeem, it may be worth a Restoration or Break Enchantment spell. If she truly went rogue... well... we'll take things from there."
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
"As for the Naga, we should inform her that the corruption has been dealt with. If we can cure her mind, then perhaps she would be able to guard the remains against any chance of reanimation if she wishes to continue her task. Otherwise, I see no reason to lay blame on her for the corruption of Moukadeem. Her lost eggs will be pain enough for her... If we can cure her state of mind at least we can return one of them intact."
Looking over Zahra he shrugs. He checks her bindings, then produces a potion of Cure Light Wounds. "Shall I wake her?"
GM supervillan |
You recover Zahra's scorpion whip. She wears a chain shirt and a ring that radiate magic, as does the whip. You make use of your collective spellcraft to determine the properties of these items. (Whip +1, Chain Shirt +2, Ring of Sustenance.)
There is also a journal on Zahra's person. It has survived the flooding, and is written in Aquan.
Zahra has not been tortured. The only evident wounds are the ones delivered by Wembly's bear and Rocky, and Rocky hasn't done any permanent damage. The bear might leave some scars.
Since two of you have already at least hinted you'd like to wake Zahra, we'll go with that. Especially because we can't break ties, with Rocky having played this in Core.
It takes 10hp of healing to restore Zahra to consciousness. You can decide collectively where that comes from - wands, potions, or Paicho.
You bind Zahra before healing her. Zahra opens her eyes and takes in her surroundings...
"Moukadeem!? Moukadeem, where are you my love?" She notices that she is surrounded. "What have you done?! What. HAVE. YOU. DONE?!"
Zahra screams accusations at you. You restrain her, whilst Gratus uses the scroll of Restoration that you found at the base camp. This seems to calm Zahra.
"Uh? Where am I? The Furnace, right? I found him! I found Moukadeem, my ancestor. You... DID YOU KILL HIM?! No...nonononononono..."
The spell seemed to help, but Zahra isn't cured yet.
You still haven't used Korai's two scrolls of Restoration.
What next?
Korai Shardwing |
1 charge of infernal healing?
Korai takes a quick look over the notes.
Linguistics: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
"Hmm... Aquan... hidden messages in the mosaics... we can take notes and check those at our leisure once everyone is secured."
Waking Zahra, and seeing her response he speaks to hear in a slow and measured tone, clearly dodging the question but attempting see what sort of control the Marid had over her, and calm her.
"Moukadeem attacked us, and clearly had no care for your well-being. Upon you being subdued, he continued to flood the room and submerged you in the waters. In fact he laughed at your plight when he thought you had died. The Pathfinder Society sought your safe return, and we represent them. Please work with us and we'll ensure you are cared for."
Sense Motive to sense for compulsions: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Diplomacy to improve attitude: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
Looks like Gratus has a Break Enchantment prepared, see if that helps?
The Magnificant Paicho of Quain |
Paicho lets Korai do most of the talking and also tries to sense the undine's motivations.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (7) + 18 = 25
It's true Rocky here carried you out when Moukadeem left you to die.
Auto-aid to Diplomacy in case that helps.
GM supervillan |
"Lies!" snaps Zahra. "I freed Moukadeem! He granted me his power, he is my ancestor and my lover, he would never hurt me! NEVER!"
No magical compulsions are apparent, but Paicho believes Zahra remains in the grip of madness.
Rocky the Oread |
Just want to check, The only magic items we have found during the whole adventure are the carpets and the basic gear Zahara had? No potions, scrolls, or wands? I agree Gratus's Break Enchantment is worth a shot.
"You nearly drowned. And that was his doing. You freed him and he didn't need you anymore. You are supposed to be the expert on his kind. What are they known for, Lies and deception or loyalty and gratitude?
We saved your life. Be grateful or not I don't care. You are coming with us to give your report to Osretia Cassomiran. Or has your misplaced love made you forget that you are a Pathfinder?"
aid diplo: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (14) - 2 = 12
The Magnificant Paicho of Quain |
We did find scrolls in her camp, including a scroll of Resestoration.
GM supervillan |
Just want to check, The only magic items we have found during the whole adventure are the carpets and the basic gear Zahara had? No potions, scrolls, or wands? I agree Gratus's Break Enchantment is worth a shot.
At the base camp you found (and took with you) scrolls of Restoration, Arcane Eye, and Locate Creature. You've just used the scroll of Restoration. Aside from that, just the magic carpets. The ornate armour at the base camp is also magical, but nobody examined it with Detect Magic or Spellcraft. You can collect it on the way home, and it'll be on the chronicle sheet.
"Cassomiran? Yes, yes, the Venture Captain. What about her? I'm a Pathfinder yes. Now TAKE ME BACK TO MOUKADEEM this instant! He won't stand for you restraining me. Get me out of these manacles!"
It's clear that Zahra recognises the name Cassomiran, but she does not seem willing to believe that Moukadeem betrayed her.
I'll move us along here: Gratus casts his Break Enchantment spell, but it does nothing to change Zahra's mood. Clearly she is not under any compulsion, but her mind is damaged.
Up to you whether you want to try another Restoration spell using one of Korai's scrolls.
Rocky the Oread |
So she was heavily damaged in at least 2 mental stats and we fully healed one but not the other? Or did the author just make up what Restoration will do in this case?
GM supervillan |
So she was heavily damaged in at least 2 mental stats and we fully healed one but not the other? Or did the author just make up what Restoration will do in this case?
Neither. The scenario is using the insanity rules from the Gamemastery Guide.
To summarise those rules: Restoration helps an insanity sufferer by making their 1/week Will save easier. If the DC of the Will save is reduced to zero, the insanity is immediately cured. Each casting of Restoration reduces the DC by the caster level of the spell, so the effect of multiple castings is cumulative.
Gratus Leogil |
Yes Use the Break Enchantment. I'll provide Infernal healing from my armor since It's once a day usage.....
I can help with the Restoration if needed to cast.....
Intimidate 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
"Woman! We have being tasked to bring you back and if I need to drag you back there, I will! Once there can we resolve Moukadeem's problems here...." Gratus Thunders.
Wembly Templeton |
I have Nothing To Help Convince Her. She Seems To Be A Couple Sandwiches Shy Of A Picnic if You Ask Me
SM: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
not sure why his text is capitalized...but hey
The Magnificant Paicho of Quain |
Sounds like we could try additional restorations that will lower the DC of her chance to recover; probably the same with the naga. We have 2 available and they won't auto cure it. So...
We could use them on Zhara for a cumulative reduction of 15 to the DC...that gives her a pretty good chance to save. Or we could use them on the naga to reduce by 10; hope that works and haul Zhara back to where there are resources to get her better.
Had I not been nearly killed I was hoping we could have recaptured the Madrid in his lamp, then we might have been able to extract wish magic. But alas.
I vote we try to help the naga...and take Zhara back with us.
GM supervillan |
Korai, you have the Restoration scrolls so it's really up to you if you want to use them on Zahra, Alfashti the naga, or neither. Gratus can activate the scrolls with no chance of failure.
The Magnificant Paicho of Quain |
Fair point -- how about we haul her back and jointly pay for a heal to be cast, that's sure to work. I think that's like 330gp apiece. Korai can decide if he wants to spend the resources on the naga.
GM supervillan |
Gratus could also prepare Restoration spells on the way back to Katheer. The spell requires 100gp of diamond dust, and you can split that cost between you.
Wembly Templeton |
I like that second option. Hit her with a personal restoration each day traveling back. Maybe won't need heal. Have option once back to obtain if still needed .
Gratus Leogil |
I'm fine with either option though if Zahara has Society resources to fall back on then, using it on the Naga might be better. Converting might be better. Asmodeous could do with more souls. :)
GM supervillan |
So it seems like there's a consensus as to how to deal with Zahra: you'll remove her from Koor and Gratus will cast Restoration(s) on her before you get back to the Society - I think we just need to hear from Korai whether he wants to do anything with his scrolls, and if not, what's your choice regarding the naga?
Korai Shardwing |
Since we're bringing Zahra back either way, I'll go with having Gratus cast resto all the way home. Regarding the Naga, I'd like to try at least 1 scroll first just in case there is a good reason not to bring them home with us.
GM supervillan |
You wrangle Zahra, still securely bound, onto one of the flying carpets that you know the command word for. Wembly recalls Whiskers and together you fly back over the river of lava.
Returning to the still-unconscious naga, Gratus uses one of Korai's scrolls, and then applies healing magic to wake her. (It takes 12hp of healing, again you guys can decide where from)...
"Oh. Hello again finderss of pathss. Don't you think you've been a little rude? Ssso violent. Ah. What happened here? What have I... Sssss! Intruderss!!!"
Suddenly, Alfashti spits at Gratus! But because you are wary and the naga is still tightly bound up, the spray of powerful venom goes astray.
The rest of you immediately restrain and/or knock out the naga once more. I'm not going to run through a whole combat round - one hit will put her under and she's still bound.
It's clear that the Restoration spell had some effect, but as with Zahra was not enough to fully cure Alfashti.
Try the second scroll? Leave Alfashti unconscious but freed from bindings? Kill her? Or something else entirely?
Gratus Leogil |
"By the hells." Gratus exclaims.
"We should just bring them back to report and have our superiors heal them both."
Gratus has items that can provide healing, once per day effect but it should be enough.
Korai Shardwing |
Is there anything preventing us for camping here for the night and having Gratus cast restoration in the morning? I'd say let's bring Alfashti back too, but taking her away from her ward doesn't seem like a great idea. For now, I'll say use the last scroll on Alfashti, see how it works, then drag the Naga home too if it fails.
The Magnificant Paicho of Quain |
Great idea Korai -- let's just camp out at Zahra's tent for a few days, and tend to these wounded minds. We can spend time doing some further documenting for the society of a historic site for the society.
GM supervillan |
Whilst Gratus can prepare Restoration, I did not spot diamond dust on anyone's inventory, so we'll proceed as follows: Korai's second scroll will be used on Alfashti, then you will take Zahra back to Katheer via a trade caravan where you pick up the requisite material. If any of you do have diamond dust, or the means to acquire it, Korai can save his second scroll.
.
.
.
.
A second casting of Restoration upon Alfashti has the desired effect. "What have I done? Oh, poor Bourondour! Oh my children! I have killed them all! What a madnesss overtook me. I have failed in my duty." Alfashti weeps.
"It iss her doing! The undine! She released Moukadeem, and the marid'ss madnesss overwhelmed both Bourondour and I. We blamed each other, wrongly, and we fought. I... I have killed my love. What hass happened to the genie?"
"They killed him!" answers Zahra. "All my work undone! You think your lover is lost? Moukadeem was my lover and my ancestor! I have lost my love, my self, my past! So much knowledge, so much potential all gone!"
"Ssss! Your ssuffering is sself-infilcted, arrogant fool! Please, pathfinders, release me. I musst leave this place. There is nothing here that needs a guardian now, and I am not worthy of the title. I was too young to take on the responsibility, and too young to be a parent. Bourondour also. We, too, are guilty of hubrisss..."
I'm going to give you time to interact with Alfashti here.
The Magnificant Paicho of Quain |
It is unfortunate and may you learn to forgive yourself; redemption is possible while you still breath. And the egg that lives may provide a glimpse of that. Paicho adds to what Rocky has stated.
Paicho is in favor of releasing her and giving her back the surviving egg.
GM supervillan |
"You... you ssaved an egg? Thankyou! One of my children survivess. I am blessed. But... I am not fit to be a parent. Please, take my egg to a ssafe place. It is nearly ready to hatch. Keep it warm. Take my child to someone with more wisdom and more humility than I have. When the child matures, it will find its own path. I must go. This place is filled with naught but grief."
Korai Shardwing |
Korai shrugs. "Well, most parents I know couldn't fight off insanity caused by sleep debt, much less that from a insane entrapped genie. While I'm more than happy to do my part in keeping the egg safe I do think you shouldn't sell yourself short. I've seen several Pathfinders turn their blades on an ally after succumbing to a vicious spell and I've never thought less of them for it (says the lvl 8 adventurer with a +3 will save), no more than I think less of someone who is too slow to dodge an expertly thrust blade."
He motions for Paicho to bring forth the egg.
"You are the parent of this egg, and if you still wish us to take it from here we'll do so. But now that's your decision to make with a clear mind."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17
"That being said, there is much of this site that could use documenting, and the corpse of the mad Marid lies within. Perhaps you could show up around? I'm sure the Pathfinder Society will wish to make sure it's historical value is preserved while ensuring that the Marid be held within until it's soul is judged by Pharasma."
Did we ever search the room where we fought Moukadeem? If not Korai will give it a once over after the water drains before leaving.
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
GM supervillan |
"I...I will share my knowledge with you, certainly. I owe you that much. And more.
My family guarded Moukadeem's prison for sseven centuries. Each generation passsed the responsibility down to the next. The Toragdan sect that governed the forge left when this region became embroiled in a great war ssix centuries ago; only we naga, and the Furnace Master, remained."
Alfashti shows you the mosaics that cover the walls, and is able to tell you the names of all of the people shown therein, and helps you to uncover the hidden code within (although once deciphered it still makes no sense, and you conclude it must refer to some long-passed historical event old faction mission). You record this information. When you enter Moukadeem's chamber and she sees the fallen marid, she hisses and spits venom at the corpse. "A thousand curses upon your soul, Drowned Emir!" Zahra, meanwhile, wails and sobs.
With Alfashti's help you find another secret door in Moukadeem's chamber, that conceals a narrow spiral stairway that leads back to the surface of Koor. You already removed the three chests and the lamp, there's nothing else save for a large masterwork trident in the dead hands of the genie.
"Keep my egg. Keep it ssafe. You have shown wisdom and resilience where I did not. You will find better parents. Goodbye, pathfinders."
Alfashti slithers up the staircase....
Until your sandship returns, you spend a couple of days documenting the Furnace and the surface of Koor. You keep a close eye on Zahra, who is evidently struggling to overcome her own madness.
The sandship diverts to a known caravan route and you are able to purchase some diamond dust so that Gratus can cast his Restoration spell upon Zahra. I'll split the cost between you all on the chronicles.
The spell brings Zahra fully to her senses.
"Aah! No! He tricked me! I am so sorry! What a fool I've been. Please, forgive me."
Zahra explains how the whole expedition came to its doom: "I have dedicated my life to the study of genie-kind, ever hoping to unlock my personal potential and achieve the marid power that flows through my veins. I spent many years searching the shattered ruins of Koor for the legendary Forbidden Furnace.
Eventually, I located the hidden vault and gained access to its innermost chambers. When I finally found Moukadeem’s lamp and opened it, I demanded of him a wish as compensation for freeing him: I asked for the full power of a genie. Moukadeem, deranged as he had become, saw his madness as the source of his true strength, as it kept him company in his time of lonely isolation. Thus, he granted me not his total mastery of water and wish-granting, but rather my own form of insanity. Beware of genies and their wish-craft!
Overcome by sudden madness, I fell in love with Moukadeem and swore to serve as his consort and partner, cutting off all contact with the outside world in favour of total immersion in the marid’s sadistic mind. I do not know how long I must have spent in that chamber.
Thankyou for freeing me, my fellow pathfinders. I swear I shall repay you somehow." See chronicle sheet!
Zahra returns to Katheer with you, and agrees to submit to any disciplinary action that the Decemvirate may see fit, given that her lust for power placed herself and others in unnecessary danger.
Venture Captain Cassomiran is happy to see Zahra returned alive and in one piece, and congratulates you on a job well done! Curing Zahra yourselves is what nets you your second Prestige Point!
Back at the lodge, representatives of the Silver Crusade and Liberty's Edge arrive to discuss who is best placed to become custodians of Alfashti's egg. Both have in mind locations of strategic interest that they believe would be appropriate homes. And whoever ends up with the egg, the newly hatched naga is going to be named Wembly!.
Please feel free to continue RP.
Wembly Templeton |
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"Well it is a sad ending but not a total loss. Redemption is always possible ."
Wembly beams in happiness at the naming of the egg
"While it may not be me personally, a Wembly will potentially be a guardian afterall."
Gratus Leogil |
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Gratus looks over the gnome.
"Guard that egg well and if you need help, send word." he says as he watches the naga leave.
"She'll be back to visit."