PFS 5-16 Destiny of the Sands Part 3: Sanctum of the Sages (Inactive)

Game Master TheBobJones

Due to his racial heritage, Pooka is not used to being terrified. The moment comes and passes quickly though, as he forces his fear to take a back seat to the necessity of the situation.

"I don't know what it is about these winds, but I suddenly worry there is more to it markings and warnings on the entryway."

Pooka reaches into his saddlebags, grabbing out a couple of balls of wax. He lumps two of them up, sticking them in Luna's overly acute ears to dull the sound. She should still be able to hear him, even if muffled, but his peace of mind increases just a little to combat his growing paranoia.

Once Luna's hearing has been dulled, Pooka sticks a couple of wax balls in his own ears.

Well done again, GM. Hyper paranoia FTW. :)

Going round by round, those actions would like take 2 rounds to complete. Pooka will inspect the piles of bodies next, but don't want to make any assumptions about what might happen before then.

Oops. I realized I never applied the Oil of Greater Magic Weapon and that it has a duration in hours. Will do that before going in the room too.

Korasu walks into the room with slow paced steps, his blade drawn from its scabbard glinting dangerously. He cautiously regards the floor ahead, searching for traps (Assuming others haven't blundered in ahead of him)

Move into the room, searching for traps assuming someone else hasn't moved in before him. If so, he'll ready an attack

Perception, if needed: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18 +2 if magical traps

Seeing that his comrades have started investigating the room, Amarok moves in surely with his bow held ready. Noticing where his companions focuses are in vatious locations around the toom, he decides it is best to investigate the broken furniture to look for any clues.

perception: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 2 = 30

Warpac will enter but just stand guard. If anyone asks for help (i.e. needs an aid roll), he will join them.

Things are starting to turn around! Perhaps rather than rushing in and poking things as I usually do, I should play the part of helper. See what happens.

Just a reminder that Perception is a move action

As they all enter the room and begin to investigate, they can hear the sound of echoing footsteps and voices approaching. They know their time is limited ....

Xull notices that the ruby shards are quite special. More than just an ordinary ruby.

Pooka and Luna begin to plug their ears with wax. Pooka did you add in a modifier for the earplugs to your rolls?

Korasu, oil applied, begins to search for more traps, but thankfully doesn't find any.

Amarok doesn't notice anything untoward with the furniture.

Botting Toorin, he will cast Detect Magic

Besides the Ruby Shards a pair of bracers on the table glow with magical light.

Round 2 - everyone up

I want this to move quickly so if you want to post multiple actions, like I look at x, y, then z please do and throw some rolls in a spoiler. I understand some actions may need a GM ruling .

Korasu continues with the "just because you're paranoid doesn't mean there isn't a horrible ancient cursed trap out to get you" line of thought and examines for traps on the table, before (helping?) gathering up the ruby shards.

"Brave bird, picking up those shards," smiles Xûll noticing the trepidation the other Pathfinders have about magical items in this place, "Given it all, probably best if we avoid those bracers until someone has determined that they are benign."

Round 2

Xûll wanders over to inspect the stairs to see if he can figure out what caused the cave-in. Knoweldge (engineering), probably, but maybe perception will help.

Perception, early bird: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 2 = 26

Round 3

"Maybe someone has been around here recently..." Xûll thinks, suddenly inspired to look for tracks.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

If you want more actions, GM, just let me know.

Nope! Totally forgot. Apologies...

Recap: Round 1 - Draw and apply wax to Luna

Round 2 - Draw and apply wax to Pooka

Round 3 - Move to and inspect pile of dead bodies with that awful roll above, 4 for non hearing perception, -1 for hearing based perception.

Nothing forthcoming from the furniture and detriyus of the room, Amarok moves to the table and examines the nearest corpse dressed in finery.

perception, e.b: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 2 = 23

round 3

Amarok then looks for a potential cause of death.

heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Korasu looks at the table for traps but doesn't see any. and didn't roll either :(

Xull can determine that the wall collapsed and that caused the cave in. He doesn't see anything structurally that would have caused the wall to collapse though. He also doesn't see any sign of tracks.

Amarok examines the corpse and doesn't find anything particularly telling on them, nor can he tell the cause of death as these bodies are far older then any body they found.

Pooka and Luna, consumed with putting wax in their ears, start a very poor search of the area covering a lot of ground the other Pathfinders already covered.

So I have Warpac & Toorin - Round 2; Korasu - Round 3; Xull & Amarok - Round 4; Pooka/Luna Round 5. Also no wishy-washy shenanigans here (Looking at you Korasu!). Be blold my brave adventures. You are Pathfinders.

Korasu, being the bold, somewhat foolhardy avian he is, starts to gather up the shards to sweep into his backpack.

Sorry, used to you rolling the perception checks ;)

Toorin takes in the room's decorations and architecture and then approaches the seated corpses, studying them as well. He is looking for clues as to when these fellows lived, thinking they might be some of the "scholar revolutionaries" from the Second Age.

First roll is for the architecture.
Knowledge (History), Investigator bonus, early bird bonus, Obelisk Bonus: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + (2) + 2 + 2 = 18

Second roll is for the corpses.
Knowledge (History), Investigator bonus, early bird bonus, Obelisk Bonus: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 + (5) + 2 + 2 = 20

Toorin seems to have taken over the mantle of "He who as bad luck."

As he looks at things, he mentions, "It would be good to know where that breeze is coming from. Maybe light a torch and see which way the wind blows the smoke."

As they all enter the room and begin to investigate, they can hear the sound of echoing footsteps and voices approaching. They know their time is limited ....

Do we know which direction the steps are coming from? perhaps I could set up a road-block.

Warpac will cast an eye towards the rubble on the stairs to see if there is anything he can use or of interest.

Knowledge Engineering + early bird: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 2 = 18
Perception + early bird: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12

Toorin looks over the corpses, but other than 'ancient' he cannot place the clothes to a time period.

Warpac hears noise approaching from the north, and he finds rocks of varying sizes covering the stairs.

Korasu tentatively reaches out a hand and begins to gather the Ruby Shards into his backpack.

Round 4- Korasu, Toorin, Warpac, Xull, & Amarok

Pooka hold off for a moment please.

Hearing the incoming footsteps and voices, Amarok moves to the entrance of the final chamber, looking out over the chasm and the obelisk. Keeping his bow trained should there be a hostile threat he calls out softly to his companions.

"I shall act as rearguard. I will warn you of any incoming approach."

Perception (If needed): 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 11 + 2 = 23

Are the stairs clear enough to move through, or, if not, can they be cleared before the folks from the north arrive? Warpac will clear them if that is a viable strategy. Otherwise he has 4 bags of caltrops that might come in handy.

Toorin draws his sword and intones quietly with the sword held in both hands. It glows golden for a moment. He then holds the sword ready to attack. "These are probably the band of scavengers Torch warned us about."

Cast Magic Weapon on the longsword. Duration 2 minutes.

Are you talking about the stairs to the east? By Xull? Those are blocked off. The 'sounds' are from the north.

Amarok and Toorin ready for combat while Warpac looks to strengthen their defensive position.

UP next: Xull, Warpac, and Korasu

Since Warpac can't clear the stairs in time, he will start throwing caltrops in the entrance.

"Amarok, be a good chap and back into the room will you?" As he says this he dumps out a bag of caltrops next to him, pulls out another bag an motions with the bag to where Amarok is currently standing.

That big red star shape I put on the tactical map is a square filled with caltrops. Once Amarok moves back I will place more. Note: I misspoke when I said I had 4 bags. I only have two. Mistook weight for quantity on my spreadsheet. I need to buy more!

"Nothing like a good shove when someone is standing in a field of caltrops! Anyone happen to know the grease spell? Doubles the fun, you know."

Warpac we are in Rounds, so I will rule that you can move to the area, and draw as a move action; then scatter as a standard/move. So you get just the one-5ft square area.

Xûll's tagline went back to 4th level after last fight (because I copied it back out of my stat block, which was out of date. Hope this doesn't cause any issues. Anyway, it's alright now.

Round 4

Xûll's wafinder continues to light his way, so he figures an everburning torch will help them to see the approaching feet. He draws it out of his backpack (move action) steps to the side a little and hurls it towards the bridge (attack action?).

Ranged attack vs AC 5 (targeting the square), 3rd range increment: 1d20 + 6 - 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 6 = 7

It looks for a moment as though the torch won't land where he intended, but it rolls to a stop just before it goes over the edge (marked with an 8-tipped orange star, normal and dim light also marked).

Korasu continues to gather as many of the shards as possible.

Amarok steps back out of the doorway to the table at Warpac's request.

"I am wondering if it might not be Ionacu, we should be prepared for this to be a meeting of merchants, not simply brawn." he offers as the others set up their defensive strategies.

He then aids Korasu in collecting he shards.

Move to table, Standard to interact with shards? Token not moved, anywhere near the table is fine ^^

From the north it is not the merchant Ionacu that appears, but in strides a very tall Ulfen man, woman, and three companions flanking them. They are all heavily armed and dressed in various discarded Ulfen layers.

The man, obviously the leader, places his hand upon his greatsword, but does not draw it. He addresses the woman next to him.

"Хо Сигне. Воры рифлением через наше сокровище. Будьте готовы!"

He then turns to the companions, "You there. Who are you and what are you doing holding the treasure that rightly belongs to Yjalk? Put it down NOW! All of it!"

If you are going to try and play nice, make sure to include a roll Diplomacy to Influence Attitude, and indicate Primary or Aid.

"Your treasure?" scoffs Xûll, "You look very young for an Ancient Osirion."

"We are here to gather the possessions of the lost and dead Pathfinders here," Xûll indicates the corpses in the far room, "And to gather information relating to the Jeweled Sages at the behest of a Jeweled Sage himself. What claim can you offer that beats that? Even so, we are not here to loot the place but find another of our benefactor's number. If you can give us the location of a Jeweled Sage, we may consider leaving anything not of significance for you..." Especially some of the cursed items! Xûll adds mentally.

Diplomacy aid (at +14, Korasu should do main): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 -- Woo! Get the bad rolls out of the way with an auto-aid.

Pooka begins to open his mouth, puffing out his chest, but realizes Xull is taking the diplomatic route.

Eh, I'll intimidate them when I put my lance through one of their eye sockets. he shrugs.

"My Momma always taught me to try to understand others first before you make yourself understood. So let's hear what you got. What are you doing here, and what makes you think you have claim to what we have found?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Pooka smiles, following exactly in Xull's diplomatic footsteps.

Warpac we are in Rounds, so I will rule that you can move to the area, and draw as a move action; then scatter as a standard/move. So you get just the one-5ft square area.

That's what I figured too. I also figured I'd have to wait for Amarok to move in order to get the other square I want to cover. Now that he has...

Warpac will sidle up a bit (5' step northeast), pull out another bag of caltrops, and ready an action to dump them in the square next to the other ones should they start to advance. May I move his icon or do I need to wait for a new round?

Korasu keeps a grip on his blade one-handed, thouogh he keeps his other open as he gestures to them in a friendly manner. "Ah, friend Ulfen. We are seekers of knowledge and recover long lost secrets of the past. We were unaware of your claim to this place, however we have done a significant share of defusing the many perils this place has contained. Several of those have claimed the lives of those of our order."

His beak is split as he gives them an approximation of a grin. "Now, perhaps we can find some means to settle this matter?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

Oh yeah, move action...

Xûll keeps his nodachi drawn, but not raised as he saunters over to protect the entrance to their little alcove. He moves a little in front of Warpac, whispering, "Keeping Pooka's charge lane open..." as he passes.

If all of this talking is taking at least one round, Toorin will do as follows:

Toorin peeks around the corner, sees opponents with weapons in their hands, and draws back. He concentrates on his prepared spells and takes mental steps to replace his spell for expeditious excavation with his bonded spell, burning disarm.

Ok so it is not overtly aggressive, but the fact that Warpac spread caltrops around the area definitely caused some negative modifiers.

Korasu honeyed words do little to calm the large northman, but he does remove his hand from his greatsword.

"I am Yjalk. This is Signe." he motions to the woman next to him. " And these are my companions Ornors, Bork, and Yesvin. We seek a powerful weapon hidden in these ruins—one I believe will aid me in battle against a linnorm. We shall not leave until we have found it. What have you found? Empty your packs, I wish to see what you have stolen from us."

He motions with his hands and Ornors, Bork, and Yesvin move forward, searching through the rubble and approaching the three corpses arranges so neatly around the table.

Could we get a sense motive?

Toorin holds up the gem of brightness and says, "We seek gems, not weapons. We've found no conventional weapons of any exceptional qualities. Do you know that this site is called 'Seeker's Folly'? Know you anything of the history of this place and why it is called that?"

Toorin You always get offscren rolls do. You believe he is telling the truth.

"Signe might know, but what do I care. You can call this place your Mom's Teats for all I care.

"So you claim to have found no weapons?" he spits on the ground.

"Он лжет. Посмотрите на оружие на них"

Ornors, Bork, and Yesvin begin moving towards you, hands on their still sheathed weapon.

Xûll is thankful for the earlier casting of comprehend languages (which lasts 10 minutes / level, and I assume is still active).

"We do not lie," Xûll insists, before yelling, "And you can back off and stop right there!"

The bloodrager has to struggle hard not to allow his inner well of anger from boiling over, "This place, as we have established is more our claim than yours. Our dead litter its floors and our patron is a member of a group who carries on the traditions of the Ancient Osirion pharaoh's who founded this place. All you have is a thirst for the blood of a linnorm."

At this, a casual smile creeps upon Xûll's face, "I wouldn't mind killing a linnorm myself. Tell you what, if we can't find this weapon of yours, my weapon is pretty mighty. I'll happily help you slay that creature. You can even keep its treasure, I'm happy for a share of the glory. What say you?"

By the way... GM, we didn't actually find a weapon of any kind, did we? Certainly nothing capable of slaying a linnorm, right? I can't remember finding one, but I may have forgotten.

"Now, what exactly is this weapon supposed to look like?" asks the tattooed Shoanti, "Mayhaps we came across it but did not realize."

If the two goons continue to close, Xûll will enter rage and make this whole negotiation a lot easier... if you catch my drift.

As soon as the started moving forward, as I mentioned, Warpac steps forward and dumps the caltrops, then says, "Keep your distance, boys. You can't win this fight. Tell us about this weapon you seek. Does it look like a magic stone of alarm. You can have one of those if you would like!"

diplomacy aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6

Everyone you found a sword that is magical and the bolts, so yes you did.

Yeah, but we left them behind:

"Best to leave those 'magical' items for now gentlemen. You just never know."

There were no dissenting opinions.

This may sound very murder-hobo-ish of me, but I think I would just as soon get in a fight here... I am ok with saying we stashed the magic items. To Xull's discussion thread comment, It doesn't matter to me if we have been lying to them or just aren't going to give them the item.

Pooka bristles from inside the room, and begins eyeing his charge and the corner he will take to hit the hallway on a dead run. He grips his lance, getting the distinct feeling that a fight is about to break out.

"There is nothing here that says this place belongs to you. We were here first, and have laid rightful claim to everything we have found. Justify it however you like, but we did not steal anything from you. Should you care to disagree, I would be happy to introduce you to my powerful weapon. Then once we kill you, maybe we will just go and kill your linnorm and take it's treasure as well."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Reading the flow of his allies' inner rages, Amarok stops collecting the shards and spins on his feet, keeping his bow held low so as to not arouse suspicion from the Ulfen warriors, he keeps an eye out for the perfect target between Warpac and Xull, awaiting the inevitable clash between the two forces.

Hmm, these friends of mine are a mystery, they woo like politicians, laugh like boozers yet fight like banshees. he muses.

Warpac is getting tired of the threats.

"Let me see if I'm getting this right. If we have the weapon and we don't give you the weapon, you beat us up and take it. If we don't have the weapon and we don't give you the weapon, then you beat us up out of general principle. Why? Because you want it and you think we have it. Well, then. What we have here is a simple case of bullying. I don't like bullies and I rather like fighting bullies. Even if I did have it I wouldn't give it to you. Under general principles of course. I could be out-voted here..."

Warpac looks around to see if any of the others disagree. Hi axe is making its usual unpredictable route around his body as he gets agitated.

Unless I misjudged the group I'm betting I'm not out-voted. Diplomacy is all well and good but some things just stick in your craw. And trying to push a dwarf around is usually a losing proposition.

Xûll allows his fury to overtake him and steps back a little as his arms elongate. "My short friend has it right," Xûll nods, "Leave now, and I'll consider helping you against the linnorm. Otherwise, let's find out who is more worthy to be fighting one."

Not sure that I can ready an action, but if one of these guys steps within Xûll's (new) reach, he'll strike them with his nodachi.

Judging by speeches and wanting to ready an action, this is going to a fight. Since there is no surprise, no readied actions.

Up next: Toorin, Pooka/Luna, Warpac, Amarok

Xull my dice continue to hate you. Please let me know if you want me to use the spoilered result for your turn or not.

I'll roll fresh, in case I change my action. Only use it if you're waiting for me and I'm not posting (i.e. that can be my bot action).

What are the weapons they carry? Do any of them have reach?

Warpac will use a swift action to cast Bull Strength on himself, take a move action to get out of the way around the corner, and announce

"Come and get it boys"

I know I give up my attack by doing this, but I have to make sure all that bad luck stays away. Too bad that was a hard corner.

"C'mon Luna! Charge!" Pooka implores.

The massive hound lets loose several snarling barks, spittle and froth flying from her jowls. Her rear legs bend and coil for a split second before rocketing forward on the worked stone.

Now that he is beginning to truly get the feel for the turning charge, Pooka stands in his stirrups. At the perfect moment, he shifts all of his weight to his left foot, pulling on Luna's reins hard to help her change direction without losing her massive momentum. As they straighten out, he leans back to his right foot, which helps the dog regain her balance, not slowing them in the least as the thunder towards the opening.

Now that they are moving in a straight line towards the unsuspecting red henchman, Pooka lowers his lance tip as dog and rider rocket through the gap between his companions, using the weight of their unfortunate target and the tip of his lance to halt their incredible momentum, stopping just shy of the scattered caltrops.

Power Attack, wheeling charge vs red henchman: 1d20 + 7 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 4 = 23 for Damage, +1 cold iron, power attack, charging: 3d6 + 30 ⇒ (3, 3, 2) + 30 = 38

Toorin fingers the gem, considering trying to use it to blind the enemies, but can't see a way to do this without risking his friends' eyesight, so he plucks an extract from his belt and drinks it down. A few glints of light scatter around him and fade, like fireflies in the Kyonin forest. Activates Shield for 1 minute.

Xûll runs the whole encounter over in his head as he makes ready to carve into these guys. "I think we just talked ourselves into a fight," he mutters to Warpac as the dwarven priest makes a tactical retreat, "But the guys were asking for it! Right?"

Oh man, why did I open my spoiler above? Totally should have taken the GM up on his offer to keep the rolls. :-P

As noted, Yjalk carries a greatsword, Signe is only armed with a dagger, and the henchmen carry longswords and crossbows.

Warpac steps backs and asks for Desna's blessing. There is a moment where he is unsure if she will answer his prayer or not. Relief spreads across the dwarf's face as he can feel his muscles expanding and rippling across his arms and back.

Pooka bouncing on the back of Luna, rounds a corner and skewers one of the Vikings through the heart. The man dies instantly, slumping to the floor.

Toorin downs a vial of some alchemical brew, hoping it will save him from what is to come.

Up next: Amarok

Seeing combat joined, Amarok sighs slightly before nocking an arrow to his bow. Sighting down the viking directly in front of Xull he lets fire two shots into the man. Taking great care with the first shot. perfect strike

longbow, flurry, cover, point blank deadly aim: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 - 4 = 13 or

longbow, flurry, cover, point blank, deadly aim: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 - 4 = 22

damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10

shot 2

longbow, flurry, point blank, deadly aim: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 - 4 = 12 for damage: 1d8 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 1 = 12