[PFS] Core First Steps In Service to Lore (Inactive)

Game Master Merisal The Risen

Tatiana looks for any hole on the ground where they could dispose of the acid in the jar.

If there is none she waits for her comrades actions.

Likewise, Jasper does nothing for now, although he tenses in case things don't go well with soothing the snake.

Etixxis efforts do little to calm the snake resulting in a stand off . Maybe some of Thagomiser s treats may make more amenableor at least allow someone of a more dexterous to grab the key while the snake is distracted.

thinking sleight of hand in place of acrobatics for a 'tumble' check dc5 to grab the key avoiding the aoo the GM only knows^^

Tatiana sees a crack in the floor to pour the acid or maybe the basket Etixxi is so interested in.

As far as the acid jar is concerned you have deafeated the trap by recognising it as acid. So however you choose to deal with it. You have a brass key for either the stone or the copper banded chest. (It doesn't fit the Door ) the rune inscribed key in the basket goes with the rune inscribed lock I am at a game day tomorrow so my next post will be Monday

Being careful not to spill Acid on his hands, Skilgannon gingerly takes the jar of Acid and pours it down the crack in the floor, leaning forwards as to avoid splashing it on his feet. With that done, he tips the key on the shelf before collecting it.

"One key here, though I don't know which chest it is for. Do you need help with the snake?"

"Maybe three or more of us could use something with a bit of reach."
"Like swords or walking sticks, or staves, or something?"
"Then lift the stone out carefully while avoiding snake bites."
"That's all I can think of for now."

Soryan nods "If Etixxis wasn't able to speak to it as a friend, it's unlikely that I would either. I've got both sword and club, but nothing longer."

"They could be an illusion. Possibly."
(I should've thought of that possibility earlier)

Having said that, Dúrland will cast Detect Magic on the basket and concentrate to see if he tell if the snakes are an illusion or not.
Rather just sticking his hand in the basket to find out the hard way

"Well, I have my own spear here. And Skilgannon's got a longer weapon too. You know, I may be able to fascinate the thing with a song."

GM, I'm not too great with mind-affecting things. Could this even work on a snake? And, assuming that it does, I'm hoping that a person very carefully reaching into the basket would merely allow it a new saving throw, rather than simply cancelling the effect. If we have a shot, I'm willing to try. It would be a will save with a DC of 13.

I could be quick if I get out of my armor.

Says Tatiana about the snake.

"Its not like the snake is getting out of the basket, or rats are getting into it, I'm assuming it gets fed by the Master." Etixxi says, "Both Thagomizer and I are vegans, but does anyone have some sort of jerky or meat or something to feed this thing?"

Soryan shrugs "I left all my rations on my camel"

"I think snakes like their food VERY fresh."
"Like still warm kind of fresh."

know nature Etixxi: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
know nature Soryan: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

In terms of snakes in the game Soryan and Etixxi know very little Durland knows even less Some snakes like their prey live others will scavenge and eat eggs which this is noone in the party knows

Jasper has heard that some people can charm snakes with their music

Tatiana meanwhile takes off some armour and wonders whether she could wedge some between the key and the snake long enough to grab the key.

Two minutes have passed since you had the door shut on you

will come back to detect magic none on the snake basket some on all three chests

Tatiana tries to get the key.

Acrobatic: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Jasper will begin a performance, trying to temporarily distract the snake.

As above, DC 13 will save.

snake will save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

The snake seems oblivious to Tatianas deft grab apparently enthralled by Jaspers soothing words

Durland has determined that there is faint transmutation magic on the key Tatiana now holds which matches the the aura on the red lacquered chest. There is also an illusion aura on the copper banded chest and a little bit of everything on the steel chest. (not sure of how else to describe a universal aura)

Durland has cast some mighty magic to enable him to reach into the copper bound chest. Unfortunately he can find nothing inside.

Dúrland pulls his hand out of the (illusion) chest.
"That phoney chest is a time-waster."
"However, the key Tatiana has should work here … "
and points to a spot on the red lacquered chest.

will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Soryan chuckles "So it is, lets make haste with what's left."

"I hope that key also opens the door to get out too."
Dúrland points out reasonably

will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

SKilgannon shakes his head, unable to see whatever the others had yt not willing to waste their time by arguing over it. Seeing they had a key to match the Red lacquered chest and h had one that did not match the door, the Gladiator kneels at the steel chest and runs his fingers over it, checking for traps on the outside.

"I will try the key from the acid jar in this one then." he informs the others as he opens the lock.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Will DC8: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Oh! I see it clearly now. This chest is an illusion ! How clever. Well done Dúrland to have find this trick.

Says Tatiana who asks Did we open all the boxes ? If I remember correctly we must find a map.

The runes on the key from the basket match those surrounding the keyhole of the red lacquered chest. The key radiates a faint aura of transmutation. When this key is placed within the keyhole of the red lacquered chest, the chest opens without the key needing to be turned.

The red lacquered chest holds a key forged into the end of a exquisitely jeweled scepter. The key is suitable for a door not a chest

Skilgannon sees no trap on the steel chest and tries the key from the acid jar. Alas it breaks in the lock and crumbles to dust

Perception DC16: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
appraise DC15: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8

Seeing nothing of importance, Tatiana asks Is something magical here ? pointing the new key.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

"How interesting, a key on the end of a scepter, how deep does this rabbit hole go?"

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Jasper decides to cast detect magic and look at the scepter.

"Odd, there is nothing magical about this. And the magic on the lck is fading."

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

"Hold up, my elven ears heard something," her eyes dart around as she tries to find the source of the sound. "There! I don't think I can reach it, but if someone stands on Thagomizer and then gives me a boost?

I'm not sure if I understand. The key's, like on an alcove or something?

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 Nope!
appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14 ditto

Dúrland will then cast Detect Magic on the sceptre.

"I agree with Jasper, the sceptre itself isn't magical."

It doesn't make an awful lot of sense to me but by some magical pulley system which activates on opening the chest a wire with the key attached drops out of a previously featureless ceiling fifteen feet above you I was thinking more of a hidden crack than an alcove

One can always take artistic license with magic!

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Skilgannon curses as the key turns to dust but his ears twitch as he hears a noise above. Looking up at the Key he sighs deeply and looks dubiously at Thagomizer. Shrugging as he sees no alternative, the Gladiator takes a firm footing on the creature and offers Etixxi a hand.

Acrobatics to balance: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

'Skilgannon' tries to balance on Thagomiser and after a few abortive attempts decides to hold his spear by the butt end and try dislodge the key that way. Just as Etixxi begins to think summoning a bird is the only effective solution the key clatters to the floor

"That key was a bit awkward to get at."

I agree ! Which box did it open ? Have we found the map ?

Asks Tatiana a little bit lost with all the boxes and keys.

You have a golden key and a locked stone chest which Skilgannon could find no sign of a trap but Durland did detect magic of nearly every type. You also have a key to the door out of here but you do not have the map of the Sahar family vaults which was what you were sent to retrieve.

"I wonder if that sceptre is hollow?"
"If it is, it could hold a map."

Soryan responds "Good thinking!"

Soryan will start seeing if he can unscrew the scepter or if there's a key hole in it somewhere.

Very good thinking . Files away for use in another game

The sceptre is surprisingly solid

You still have a locked stone chest and a key that appears to fit the lock which is not jammed by the previous attempt to open it

Very good thinking . Files away for use in another game …

Thanks.

--------------------

Who wants to try the newfound key on the stone chest, then?

Jasper gathers his Taldan pride and strides over, takes the key, and tries it in the chest.

Jasper umlocks the chest and opens it with the rest of the party watching from the other side of the room. Their caution appears well justified as a cloud of pale blue beetles erupt from the chest in a ten foot radius and just as quickly disappear.

Jasper will save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 Jasper tries despearately to resist the spell but he is now covered in pale blue scarab beetle motifs.

Inside the lead lined chest there is a scroll case marked Sahar Burial Vaults and a wand

As you leave the room you are greeted by the servant who has been watching an egg timer. "Ah less than five minutes. You may keep the wand and scroll case but could you please return the keys before I show you out. I regret to say Master Amenopheus has found your visit rather tiring and has gone for a lie down. He gets fatigues very easily these days. He did say to pass on his congratulations to those who passed his little test. And only one of you came out bearing the mark of the scarab sages. A most strong minded group you must be"

To the temple of the shining star tomorrow

Dúrland casts Detect Magic after Jasper's mishap.

"Magic wand; don't know what kind, though."
"Luckily, the trap was harmless. Should wear off in a few minutes."

Jasper at first tries t swipe away the blue beetles. Once he realizes that he is under a spell, his face turns a bright shade of red.

On the way out he nods to Durland.

"Thanks, friend. I'm glad to hear I'm going to be stuck this way. Imagine what it would do to my career!"

Despite the flippant words, it's clear that Jasper is genuinely relieved and perhaps trying to cover up his previous embarrassment.

"Could've been worse. At least it was only a prank."

Soryan chuckles a bit at the blue beetles and makes ready to continue.

Arriving at the Temple of the Shining Star, the temple of Sarenrae in Absalom where you are immediately directed to Ollysta Zadrian. This paladin of Sarenrae is young in her years, but holds herself with the poise of a queen and warrior simultaneously. As she notices the your arrival, she strides forward, addressing the group in a strong voice.

“Thank the light of Sarenrae you have arrived! I knew Ambrus would come through for us in the Silver Crusade. I desperately need you to bring medicine to an orphanage and let me know if the headmistress, Gilga Baltwin, is deserving of our charity. Since our quest began, the needy have clamored for our aid, and I suspect some are abusing our generosity. It may sound cruel, but there are plenty of dishonest people out in the world eager for easy gold." She pauses a moment and looks at you and changes tack

“Do you know of the Silver Crusade? After discovering so many factions splintered the Society, a number of us banded together to proliferate the cause of charity and kindness using the Society’s resources. As it is said, ‘The Dawn brings new light’ and I’ve made it my life’s work to use our recent darkness to bring a new light to the world and to the Pathfinder Society. I apologize for straying off point."

She picks up a parcel from a nearby lectern (religious book stand) and asks you "Will you bring this parcel of medicine to Auntie Baltwin’s Home for Recovery in the Eastgate district?”"

Added a couple of images to the slides Sorry about the background to the paladin. She is obviously averse to standing in darkness! (I had to crop an image from another source she is not actually pictured in first steps)

"Sounds easy enough!"

"Then again, so did our first two 'easy' jobs!"

Jasper moves to accept the package.

"Of course, we would be delighted. A friend of mine was orphaned as a child, and I'd like to honor his memory by helping out others in the same plight."