[OutPost] GM Dennis - PFS #6-19 Test of Tar Kuata - CORE (Inactive)

Game Master Dennis Muldoon

"I'm already pretty strong but yes tests make sense."

sense motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Rogar waits patiently. But at the mention of a test he looks around.

"Cayden Cailean tests us by seeing how much we can drink. What does Irori test? Some of them seem to know a lot."

Electra quickly sits down and prepares mentally, cataloging her spells and abilities.

D'lack and Arkhenethys may attempt to recall the meaning of the passage on the page by making a DC 18 Knowledge (history or religion) check. Anyone (including those two if they fail that knowledge check) may also make a more difficult Bluff check to feign the knowledge.

Rogar will look around at some of the books. If there are any on fighting styles or battle history he will actually start reading them. He may have to sound out some of the words.

If asked about the meaning of some religious passage he just provides a blank look or possibly the simplest interpretation. No bluff check here.

Knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Chip likewise doesn't quite understand the meaning of such passages, and stays quiet.

Huh, the post with the flavor for those Knowledge/Bluff checks seems to have been eaten. Here it is again:

Aeotsep returns to the room after about half an hour, smiling as he enters. "Apologies for the delay, friends. Just setting a few things up. Ah," he gestures to the open book, "I see you found a way to entertain yourselves. Tell me, what did you think?"

Akhenethys has already made a knowledge check. D'lack may attempt the same. Anyone else may attempt a Bluff check to feign knowledge of the passage, if you'd like.

Anwar floats over from the window. The old place hasn't changed much. Was this a test? It was, wasn't it? I bet I failed it, again.

He sighs a little.

Anwar cannot make the relevant knowledge check and has no intention of trying to bluff his way past the issue.

Same as Anwar, Chip is not only not willing to bluff his way past, he is not good at it either.

"Very good, Akhenethys, I'm glad to see you have taken it upon yourself to learn when the opportunity presents itself." He seems genuinely pleased that you have internalized the passage that the book lies open to, one that elaborates on complex and subtle metaphors that compare stages of self-perfection to the creation of the world, implying that mortal knowledge is a spark of divinity that spins order out of chaos.

If anyone else wanted to make a check, either D'lack making a Knowledge check or someone else bluffing, you still may do so.

"Now, if you'll follow me, your next trial awaits." Aeotsep leads you into the Hall of the Inward Gaze, which currently contains several broad reed mats, racks holding wooden weapons, and a pile of small wooden boards. ”Physical might is often mistaken for brute force.” he says, picking up one of the boards. ”Remember, though, that strength without control accomplishes little.” With this he releases the board in front of himself and, in a flash, his hand lashes out, striking the board and splitting it into two symmetrical halves. He gestures to the stack of boards, indicating that you should attempt to duplicate his feat.

Please make me a Dexterity check followed by a Strength check. If you have the Improved Unarmed Strike feat you get a +5 bonus on both checks.

Chip steps up and tries it. "Hiyah!"

Dexterity Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Strength Check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Anwar steps up as well.

Kiyah!

Dex check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Str check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

Know. (history): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 2 = 30

D'lack, always interested about history seems quite happy to discuss what he learned in the book!

A very interesting history you got there! Quite different from Old Mage Jatembe, but still.

After his quick discussion with Aeotsep he follows him.

I'm no warrior, but I can try! says D'lack

Dexterity: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Strength: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

His first try is true to his word!

Aeotsep seems particularly impressed with D'lack's insight into the text.

To be clear, everyone should attempt the trial with the boards (and all future trials). There's no penalty for failure, and Aeotsep will be unhappy with you if are unwilling to try.

Still no intention of faking an understanding of the text. But Rogar will try the boards.

"I remember these tests."

dex check: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 5 = 17
str check: 1d2 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 5 = 12

Rogar eyes the wood suspiciously, Surprised that he is not picking bits of wood out of his beard.

"I suppose I will try my best!"

Dex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Str: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

"Well, I'm a scholar - what do you expect, really?"

Electra nods at those words and shrugs.
"It is the same with magic."
dex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Str: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6
Her gloved hand just bounces away from the wood and she tries again.
dex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Str: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
Her second try is much better and she nods at Aeotsep. " It is no shame to fail, but a shame to give up after just one try."

Seeing Electra trying a second time, D'lack do the same.

Dexterity: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Stregth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

But like the first, he fails but he continues to try.

Dexterity: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Stregth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Dexterity: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Stregth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Dexterity: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Stregth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Until he reaches almost perfection after several attempts!

Chip and Rogar are able to connect on their first attempts, but neither is able to break the board. Akhenethys, Electra, D’lack, and Anwar are unable to time their blow to connect well. Aeotsep watches in amusement as some of you continue to practice, disappointed that none of you could accomplish the feat on your first try, but impressed with your tenacity.

”Well, don’t worry about it. I’m sure you’ll have more success in your next trial.” Aeotsep puts away the wooden boards and takes a quarterstaff and a blindfold from the weapon racks. ”Please, friends, close your eyes and be silent for a moment. Listen for the sounds of my footsteps,” he says, walking around you, ”smell the aroma of incense in my robes. Consciousness is achieved through the sum of sense. Relying on only one creates a false sense of the world. Now, open your eyes. May I have a volunteer to demonstrate what you have learned?”

He leads the first volunteer to the center of the circle, then blindfolds them. ”Use your senses, as we have practiced, to parry or dodge my staff.”

Each of you will have a turn in the circle. Please make a Perception check to determine the moment and direction from which the monk strikes, followed by a Dexterity check to dodge the blow or a Strength check to parry it. A PC with the Blind-fight feat, blindsense, or blindsight gains a +5 bonus on these checks.

Anwar floats into the middle of the circle, got to focus, dont want to screw this up...again...

He listens intently, breathing deeply, trying to sense the moment to act

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30

Before moving to block the strike

Dexterity: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

D'lack approches, hoping that his success with the wood board will help him.

He bows to Aeotsep and after being blinded says I'm ready

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Dexterity: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Electra bows and sends her familiar to wait outside.
"He would aid me and that would be against the spirit of the contest!"
Perc: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Dex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
She feels the blow but her weak body is unable to parry the blow.
With a smile she nods at Anwar and D´Lack.
"You made us proud!"

"I have no spells that would aid me in this, but, supposing I did, would it be allowable to cast them? Just curious -- after all, Irori does, if I'm not misunderstanding the tenets, regard magic as a tool one can use for self-improvement."

The bearded man accepts the blindfold and does his best. He hears the blow coming, but is too slow to get out of the way.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Dex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Chip bows, accepts the blindfold, and tries to heighten his senses.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

I've got this! "Kyah!"

Rogar actually offers a rare smile.

Perception: 1d20 + 18 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 18 + 5 = 32
parry with str: 1d20 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 5 = 13

While Rogar is clearly aware of the location of his opponent at all times he does not do well at parrying the blow.

My combination of no skills and bad rolls is making Rogar look like a horrible monk.

Unused to being without her familiar, Electra is unable to sense the blow before it arrives. Everyone else anticipates Aeotsep's taps, and Rogar, Chip, D'lack, and Anwar are able to either deflect or dodge the strike. Well done, 4 out of 6.

The fourth trial takes place by the waterfall to the west of the village, and the walk through the Down Valley attracts the attention of curious bystanders. Under the assumption that Aeotsep is about to test a group of aspirants, several dozen people take a brief break from their work to observe the trial. A trail ascends 40 feet to a mountain ledge, where a series of wooden posts overlooks the waterfall’s plunge pool. When you arrive, Aeotsep hops atop one of the posts and gestures to the rest of the posts with a smile. ”Join me, each of you on a post. All you must do for this trial is to maintain your position on your post for one hour’s time.”

Each of you, please make me the following sequence of checks, in this order:

"Not sure how standing on a pole makes us worthy of having the sky key but okay."

acrobatics#1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
will save #1: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
acrobatics#2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
will save #2: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
acrobatics#3: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

"This is likely to be very amusing to anyone watching me..."

Acrobatics 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Will 1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Acrobatics 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Will 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Acrobatics 3: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Looking at the posts Electra just sighs.
"I was a sickly child and adepted through my childhood and books were my only friends. Still I will face the trials!"
Acro: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Acro: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Acro: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Down in the pool Mirage is coiled up watching events with dispationate interest.

Meanwhile on the cliff above Anwar flies over to one of the posts and hovers over the top of it.

Fly: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

After a few minutes he looks around at everyone balancing, Oh, I suppose this isn't quite what you meant is it? and he drops down.

He takes a few minutes to unbuckle his armour and then flies onto one of the posts where he tries to mimic Aetsep's pose.

Acro 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Will: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Acro 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Will: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Acro 3: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Will: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Acrobatics #1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Acrobatics #2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Acrobatics #3: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

D'lack is not a patient man, nor use to stand on a lone post. So he falls with some regularity.

Chip gulps. One hour is a long time.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Fort Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Fort Save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Akhenethys, D'lack, and Electra fall within the frist few minutes of the trial when a nearby flock of water-fowl suddenly take to the air. They are swept up in the current and launched off the waterfall, splashing into the plunge pool below, where some helpful onlookers aid them to shore.
Akhenethys nonlethal damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1
D'lack nonlethal damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Electra nonlethal damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Twenty minutes later, Anwar follows, startled by an loud frog.
Anwar nonlethal damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

When about two-thirds of the hour has elapsed, Chip suffers the same fate when he is distracted by Zipper rooting around the shoreline.
Chip nonlethal damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

When the hour is up, only Rogar remains with Aeotsep.

"Ah, I see one of you has mastered patience and control, at least. The rest of you, valiant effort, though I think perhaps your concentration could use some practice. No matter. Follow me, please."

As Aeotsep leads you back into the monastery and out a back door to a hidden trail through the mountain, he tells you a story of Tar Kuata’s past. “Many years after he began to teach students in these mountains, Narmek Tar Kuata challenged the air spirits for mastery of the winds. They attempted to tear him from the peak, but he struck the mountain and caused a great pillar of stone to rise high into the sky. Acknowledging Narmek Tar Kuata’s superiority, the air spirits granted him the respect he had earned, and have served the monastery ever since. The spire, as we call it, still stands as a reminder of our alliance with these spirits, and our founder’s remains reside in a reliquary at its top. Climbing the spire is much like walking the same path that led Narmek Tar Kuata to enlightenment, and sometimes one of the monastery’s students—including one in recent memory—attains a level of mastery and wisdom that could have rivaled the founder’s.”

Aeotsep steps out from the covered path and into daylight, where a impossibly tall stone pillar rises from the mountainside. “Climbing to the top symbolizes the metaphysical ascent that Narmek Tar Kuata realized. This climb is your next trial.”

To overcome this trial, you must scale the spire in a single attempt. Everyone, please make three Climb checks.

Anwar wont take any damage, when he falls off he simply resumes flying.

I suppose using Spider Climb would be cheating hmm? Or Bull's strength?

After getting out of the water he asks someone to use his wand on him to heal his wounds as his pride can't.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

D'lack looks at the peak What I'm doing here? These monk are nuts!

D'lack start to try climbing hoping for the best.

Climb #1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Climb #2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Climb #3: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

But to his own surprise he made it perfectly!

Anwar clambers back into his armour before heading off with the group to the next challenge. He looks upwards, and then over to Aeotsep, I suppose flying up doesn't count does it?

He looks over to Mirage, But maybe I have another way...

He whistles for Mirage and then clambers onto her back. With a few experimental taps and whistles he pushes her to climb up the pillar, carrying him with her.

Handle animal to direct Mirage: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 4 = 21
Mirage has a +19 climb and can take 10 automatically as she has a climb speed

I would think spider climb is fine, climb speeds don't allow you to automatically scale surfaces, they just give you +8 and allow you to take 10

Will wait for Anwar's result as Zipper also has a climb speed and can take 10 for 25.

"Why wind creatures think making big stone prove mastery over air?"

Rogar shrugs, Pulls out his climbers kit, and starts climbing.

climb check #1: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 = 13

climb check #2: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 = 18

climb check #3: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 2 = 21

Will wait for Anwar's result as Zipper also has a climb speed and can take 10 for 25.

Might as well roll just in case...

Climb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Climb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Climb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Aeotsep looks on in amusement as you climb onto the backs of various animals. "Come now, friends. While it is admirable, the bond you have with your animals, this trial is a test of your own abilties."

Please make climb checks with your PCs, not your animals. Buffing via spells and abilities is fine.

"If I may consider my spells to be among my abilities..."

Akhenethys uses his arcane bond ring to cast Spider climb and climbs up easily. With spider climb, I don't need to make checks to climb vertical surfaces.

After hearing the words that the test is of your abilities, Electra quickly casts fly and effortlessly reaches the top of the trial!

Anwar sighs a little, Very well he says as he once again clambers out of his armour and attempts the ascent.

Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

When he falls off he simply resumes flying and flies up to the top to join Mirage where he puts his armour back on.

Rogar watches his magic inclined friends pass him by as he (hopefully) climbs up with his pitons and ropes.

Some more climb checks for Rogar, since his only failure was by less than five:
Rogar climb, climbers kit: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 = 13
Rogar climb, climbers kit: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 = 12
Rogar climb, climbers kit: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 = 24

Seeing Electra fly to the top, Aeotsep sighs and shakes his head a little. He's much happier, however, when D'lack, Rogar, and Akhenethys climb to the top. Anwar attempts the climb, quickly falling and flying himself to the top. Chip, however, has no such ability. When he loses his grip on the wall, gravity takes over and he begins to plummet....for a moment. Before he falls more than 10ft he's gripped by strong, invisible hands and flown up to safety at the top of the spire!

When you reach the top of the pillar, you find Itephta hovering above the spire, accompanied by a slender Garundi woman carrying a long spear, her dark hair woven into a braid. Aeotsep joins them a few moments later, carrying a large bag on his back. “This is your last test, Pathfinders—one I personally requested and insisted on observing,” Itephta says without taking his eyes off the wooden case in his hands. The young monk opens the lid, gracefully plucks a wand from inside, and hands the empty box to Aeotsep. Itephta points the wand at the spire, and in a matter of seconds, the narrow summit expands into a broad platform,
like an unfolding mushroom. “Irori teaches that inner peace and knowledge are key, but one must be able to defend his values in trial by arms,” he explains as the Garundi woman alights on the platform. “I ask that you spar with the monastery’s champion, Aramaya. Please make it an honorable fight, for the great Tar Kuata watches us today.”

Aeotsep’s idea of an honorable fight prohibits dealing lethal damage, and he opens his bag to reveal an array of wooden weapons—including any weapon type you use except firearms. These function as normal weapons of their type, except that they deal nonlethal damage (without penalty). He looks at D’lack, Rogar, and Akhenethys, and says ”I’ve got something special for those of you that made the climb.” He opens a side pocket of the bag and offers the three of you masterwork versions of the nonlethal weapons. He also pulls out one lesser merciful metamagic rod and offers it to you (you’ll have to decide who’s going to take that, as there’s only the one).

Let me know what weapons you’re taking. The basic rule is, defeat Aramaya using nonlethal force. Any lethal damage will immediately end the fight. This means that your animals will have to sit out, unless you have some specific way of making their attacks nonlethal (there’s no nonlethal trick that I’m aware of). Magic is allowed, as long as it does not do nonlethal damage.

------

Initiative:

D'lack has almost only damage dealing spells. He would gladly take the rod.

Core weapons only right? If yes then Rogar will take a kama and stow it.

"Thanks. This test makes sense at least."

Rogar decides to keep Aramaya's attention.

He will spend a swift action and a ki point to increase his AC by 4.
(AC 23 now)

He will then move around to Aramaya's side avoiding an aoo and try to grab her.

improved grapple vs flatfooted: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

If that succeeds Rogar's CMD to escape is currently 35.

Anwar sighs and takes out a small club. He flies forward to provide Rogar with a flank and tries to help out the next person to attack her.

Anwar tries to aid the next attack

Aid, flank: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 = 17

Would you accept a push for the perform trick to allow an AC to aid or use a combat manoeuvre?