[PFS] DM AM's Crypt of the Everflame

Game Master overfiend_87

Adeah glances casually at the figure.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

"I will watch our back while you two investigate that dark form"

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Belina detects evil as she approaches.

You detect nothing with your detect evil, however as you approch you notice that the dark form is a dead humanoid body.

Having a good look it appears to have been bitten by a snake of somekind. Much of it's clothing has been rotten away and difficult to tell who or where he came from.

With a good, up close look you notice althrough much of his items have been scattered and removed by savengers or fallen into teh lake and washed away, he still has his masterwork short sword and a coin pouch with 87 gp inside. The coins look newly minted from the capital city of Tamran. They bear the likeness of Forest Marshal Gavirk, nominal leader of Nirmathas.

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16.

Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18.

Amenhotep frowns.

"This man is not from around these parts - his clothes mark him as someone from a big city, not a small farming community like Kessen. Also, his body has been here for months. I wonder what brought such a person out to the middle of nowhere?"

Gathering up the man's weapon and coins, Amenhotep recites a brief prayer for the man's departed soul, and continues on his way.

Knowledge (local) : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 Heal: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

She crouches beside the body, getting a closer look. "Dunno. You're right, though, he's too fancy to be from that back-- lovely town we just came from." She straightens and adjusts her musket on her shoulder. "Well, let's keep moving. 'Fore I eat him." She elbows Amenhotep and grins.

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"In that case, remind me never to accompany you on a walk through a cemetery," Amenhotep quips dryly.

"Moving on! Please!"

Ellenar takes a look around, seeing if there might be something we missed.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 Apparently not.

"Anyone wish to use this man's weapon? He has no use for it."

Knowledge: Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 "This man looks to be of more noble descent. He deserves a burial, and one I cannot provide. But perhaps I can do one thing."

Knowledge: Local for funeral music: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Perform: Strings with MW Violin: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 = 24

A doleful tune plays for the departed man as Ellenar brings her violin out, the sad music not something she normally plays in the temples of Shelyn.

"And this weapon is too big....."

Belina references a well known children story.

"We should bury him before we continue. It is the least we can do."

"Yeah, great. You and Moral Support here have fun with that. Meanwhile, the rest of us're gonna go get that flame thingy."

"I concur. Digging a grave would take quite some time (Does anyone actually have a shovel?). The body is also quite old - either his spirit has passed on to the Boneyard already, or he has become a ghost. Either way, it will not make a lot of difference..."

Belina begins to look around for improvised digging implements.

"I guess the cooperate part of the Pathfinder credo is a little oversold."

Traflet shrugs, That depends on whether you think of it as our job to bury this man. If so, then yes, they're being uncooperative, but otherwise then they have every right to move on. Personally, I say we put it to a vote to save time over arguing.

Loving the roleplay. There's no real timing on this adventure so you can take the time to bury him if your character wants to.

"Okay, fine," Adeah says in mock exasperation. Truth be told, the little paladin had a point; the Society wouldn't be happy if Adeah gained a reputation for doing her own thing. She extends one arm, fist closed, thumb pointing down. "I vote nay. We've got a job to do, and this ain't it. "

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Tenzin finds a flat spot in the ground nearby. After performing a few short Tai-Chi like moves he stomps the ground in front of him opening a small chasm in the earth... big enough for the body.

"We may now bury him without taking time to dig the hole. It is not proper to leave him out. The way we treat our dead is what separates us from the beasts."

Yes I realize that this is not really something that can be done, but the Treacherous Earth ability creates difficult terrain by upset the earth in the adjacent square. I took some creative licence.

Ellenar jumps a little at the sudden hole in the ground, the rumble causing her fingers to slip and sound a sour note.

"Well that works out. We have the means, so let us proceed." Ellenar assists with laying the man to rest in the soil, trying not to disturb the man's sleep.

After he is layed, she assists throwing dirt over him, hoping that his soul find peace.

As a grave marker, Ellenar places the man's sword in the dirt, the light of the sun catching on the hilt.

"We've done all we can for this one. We should move on. And may he rest in peace." Ellenar presents her colors for him, then turns and waits for the rest of the party.

Belina finishes the burial, then continues.

Yes I realize that this is not really something that can be done, but the Treacherous Earth ability creates difficult terrain by upset the earth in the adjacent square. I took some creative licence.

I like it, it's pretty creative and I have no objection to using the ability this way.

You manage to find a camp nearby that he possibly game from. However, this place appears to be abandoned and long since left alone.

You're pretty close to the camp.

"Looks like we will find no further clues here. We should continue on with our main objective..."

"Yeah, let's do that," Adeah says dryly.

"Onwards and upwards it is then." Ellenar takes her position in the middle of the troupe, banner still at the ready.

I'm ready for the next section.

Yea I think we all are.

Belina holds the flame reverently.

Leaving the Gray Lake behind it takes you three hours to reach the valley that contains the Crypt of the Everflame. The trail leads ever deeper into the Fangwood, through a twisting maze of trees and confusing ravines. As it tops a small rise, a broad valley spreads out before it, the opposite side of which looks like a writhing serpent. Yet between the two lies a steep hill sloping down into the valley. A cold rain starts to fall, making the ground slick and treacherous.

This part of the Fangwood is particularly dense, making it a thorn-covered maze of bushes, treacherous roots, and uneven rocks. The map you all have points to this place, known as the Serpend Gorge, marking the crypt at the bottom. Getting down there, however, will be difficult.

It takes you half an hour if you go at normal speed, but it takes a full hour if you go slowly, however you'll gain a +2 to acrobatics and need to make three rolls. If you fail DC 10 you will need to make a Reflex roll and I'll let you know the result.

Morosely eyeing the slope, Amenhotep sighs, and, after removing his armor and shield, carefully takes his time trudging down the slope.

'Take 10' = Acrobatics 13 (with the +2 bonus).

Ellenar does the same, removing her armor and storing it for the trip down.

Take 10 as well = Acrobatics 13 (with +2 bonus)

Taking her time, Adeah easily slides through the rocks and trees.

Acrobatics (taking 10): 10 + 9 + 2 = 21

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Traflet leaps quickly down the hill after the group. Taking 10 on Acrobatics will give him 12.

Belina easily navigates any problems, being naturally nimble.
Taking 10 with armor easily gets her past 10

It seems I am now the one holding us up

Taking 10 on Acrobatics, gives me a 17

Tenzin calmly and deftly makes his way through the rough terrain, all the while meditating on the implications of a rough path this early in a journey.

As you slip down the bottom you find yourselves stable and none of you slipped or hurt yourselves terribly. You see the Entrance to the Crypt which is fashioned by an archway of stone into the side of a small hill at the bottom of this valley. Moss has overgrown many of the details, but one is still very clear. The keystone of the arch is carved with a flame symbol with a stylized rune in the middle. Beyond the archway is a darkened tunnel with a doorway slightly ajar, however, what first catches your eye is outside where a pair of horses and a trio of ponies lie slaughtered next to the archway, each corpse still tied to a post set into the ground nearby. A swarm of flies hangs lazily in the air above them

There are still saddblebags that remain on the dead beasts. They appear to be empty from where you are.

Oooo, scarey!

Edit: Picture of the Scene

Belina reflexively detects for evil as the party approaches.

Take 10 perception = 15

"We need to see if anything survived and render aid!!"

Detect evil as we approach

Traflet shakes his head in dismay, [b]Poor things, I hope we can avoid their fate.[/ooc]

"I doubt that this is part of the test... I think something is very wrong here..."

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26.

"Hang on a moment... It looks like there is a skeleton trapped under one of the horses!"

Amenhotep takes the time to re-don his armor, before cautiously approaching the bodies for a closer look.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 "Bones?" Ellenar dons her armor as well, moving to help Amen with the corpse of the beast.

"Keep your guard up, this could be a trap."

You'll need a strength check to move the horse up and get a better look.

Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7.

Amenhotep attempts to shift the horse, but it slips from his grasp.

Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18.

Putting his shoulder under its ribs, he attempts to heave it out of the way.

As you put your shoulder into it to move the creature aside you find a entire skeleton there. It doesn't take anyone with any great skill to point out that this is a ancient skeleton.

Amenhotep's movement of the horse he manages to find one of the saddle bags is actually still full. You manage to find 2 days' worth of rations, a pair of large comfortable pillows, a quiver with 10 blunt arrows (as normal arrows, but only deal nonleathal damage) and 2 pints of lamp oil.

Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16.

Amenhotep looks thoughtful.

"These horses were slain about two days ago... and they killed by blades and claws. Given the presence of this ancient skeleton, it does not take a genius to guess that the undead may be involved.."

He collects the contents of the saddlebags, then gestures towards the entrance.

"I fear that we will only find more death within... these horses would not have come to the area by themselves, after all..."

Clutching his weapon tightly, Amenhotep moves cautiously towards the entrance, to take a look inside.

"We should be weary then, for it appears danger will be just around the corner."

Getting her halbert ready in case of danger, Ellenar moves slowly to the entrance to the cave, cautious for anything that might be a danger to her or her party.

Perception at Cave Entrance: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

This map will be difficult to try and place on here, but I'll try my best. First, the doors.

The archway has a large pair of wooden doors that appear to be very heavy.

They're unlocked, but it requires a DC 15 Strength Check to open them. I'll get back to attempting to find a way to extract this map as, unlike other images, you can't just copy it.

Pulling out a crowbar, Amenhotep attempts to open the doors.

Strength 'Take 10' (with +2 from crowbar) = 16.

Belina has her bow ready to cover the cleric.

As the heavy doors swing open, the faint light from outside reveals a long chamber with risen platforms on either side. A faded painting of Kassen is on the far wall. The room appears to be the site of a gruesome battle, with two bodies piled in the center and a number of skeletons scattered around. An echoing wail can be heard somewhere in the distance, beyond this foul chamber.

The many different skeletons are littered throughout the chamber. Some near the two bodies and others in different areas of the area.

MAP

Traflet peeks around behind Amenhotep and through the door,
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Amenhotep cautiously moves forward into the room.

Move, and then total defense, as I fully expect some of those skeltons to animate ;-)

Ellenar follows behind Amen, her halbert ready.

Prepared action to charge anything that comes at us, staying a little behind for the run-up.

Tenzin will move up to behind the cleric, trying to leave a line open for Ellenar to charge.

Welcome to the discussion fellow pathfinders!

Also, make sure to note down this info for my use at the end of the adventure:

1.) Player Name/Nickname
2.) Character Name
3.) PFS ID
4.) Faction
5.) Day Job + Roll
6.) Email Address (in spoilers if needed, this is just for Boons).

Checking in.

Name: Nathan, aka SodiumTelluride
Character: Adeah Silversong
PFS #: 89635-1
Faction: Liberty's Edge
Day Job (Survival, with Hunter's Lodge vanity): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Email (do we really get boons out of this?): antumbralhalo@yahoo.com

Name: Ryan, aka Dragonflyer1243
Character: Traflet Shorttrunk
PFS ID: 157892-2
Faction: Liberty's Edge
Day Job: None

Information sent as a PM.

Name/Nickname: David, aka SinBlade06
Character: Ellenar Bannerhand
PFS#: 19598-4
Faction: Silver Crusade
Day Job (Perform: Strings with MW Violin): 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 2 = 9 (I need this thing tuned...)

Email will be sent as a PM, if that's alright with you, GM.

EDIT: Sorry! I had my PFS ID wrong. I have it correct now!

1.) Player Name/Nickname = Greg Meyer
2.) Character Name = Belina Bojan
3.) PFS ID = 44914-3
4.) Faction = Silver Crusade
5.) Day Job = None
6.) Email Address (PM soon).

Got the gameplay thread up: http://paizo.com/campaigns/PFSDMAMsCryptOfTheEverflame/gameplay#1

I'm trying to tie it to PFS as I go also when I mean boons, I mean those granted by the chronicles. I just copied that off someone else on here. Plus it means I can send you a scan of the chronicle to make sure your characters are legal.

So I've got a question for everyone. I ask this for every campaign I join, and I love the variety of answers.

If your character had a voice actor, what/who would they sound like?

Ellenar would sound like Gabrielle Anwar in the pilot episode of Burn Notice with her thick Irish accent. That, or Merida from Disney's Brave.

DM, what does the narrator of our story sound like!?

Player: Richard Harris
Character: Tenzin the Calm Hearted
PFS ID: 76532-13
Faction: Grand Lodge
Day Job: None
email: daggetb13@yahoo.com

So I've got a question for everyone. I ask this for every campaign I join, and I love the variety of answers.

If your character had a voice actor, what/who would they sound like?

You know, I've never really given this much thought. But if I had to pick one, I'd probably say Buffy-era Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Belina would sound like a young Emma Watson from hp1

I cannot believe I didn't think the name "Crypt of the Everflame" would actually involve a crypt and a funeral procession! I am SO not dressed for this!!

few things. Could Amenhotep of Wati get a image for mapping and could you all put in details like Ellenar and Adeah have.

Done :-)

@DM Aron

Allright I will go ahead and bring this up now, because it is going to come up at some point.

As a flowing monk, Tenzin has the Redirection ability.

Now this allows him to use the reposition ability.

which states " If you do not have the Improved Reposition feat or a similar ability, attempting to reposition a foe provokes an attack of opportunity from the target of your maneuver."

So the question that I am posing is do you consider the REDIRECTION monk ability to be SIMILAR to the IMPROVED REPOSITION feat.

Relevant lines from each:
"The monk gains a +2 bonus on the reposition or trip combat maneuver check"
"you receive a +2 bonus on checks made to reposition a foe"

For those curious as to why Ellenar doesn't have a horse yet, consider the following:

Standard Bearer

A Standard Bearer loses the Mount feature in place of getting the Banner feature earlier. In exchange, the Banner ability progresses further than a normal Cavalier, and curtain abilities involving charging are replaced with stronger Banner abilities.

In my opinion, the trade off is worth it, even for these long open walks.

It's certainly worth it at levels 5 and up. Your banner is better and you don't lose any progression on your mount.

@DM Aron

Allright I will go ahead and bring this up now, because it is going to come up at some point.

As a flowing monk, Tenzin has the Redirection ability.

Now this allows him to use the reposition ability.

which states " If you do not have the Improved Reposition feat or a similar ability, attempting to reposition a foe provokes an attack of opportunity from the target of your maneuver."

So the question that I am posing is do you consider the REDIRECTION monk ability to be SIMILAR to the IMPROVED REPOSITION feat.

Relevant lines from each:
"The monk gains a +2 bonus on the reposition or trip combat maneuver check"
"you receive a +2 bonus on checks made to reposition a foe"

I consider the monk ability to be similar to the feat, much like how monks flurry of blows is considered them having the TWF feat.

spectacular... no provoking for me then!

Also an fyi to the party:

Tenzin has-
Stoic Dignity You and allies (in 10') gain +1 trait / morale bonus vs. mind-affecting effects.

Can anyone tell me the number of times I can use Lion's Call in a day? I saw no limit on the description, so could someone else give it a look and give me their opinion?

The link is in my profile and right here.

Who we waiting on? GM or someone else?

GM I think.

And as for your Lion's Call question, I don't see a daily limit either so I guess it's just as many times as you're willing to spend a standard action to buff your allies-- an unlimited (but shorter) bless. Good at lower levels, probably not worth your turn at higher ones.

*nudge nudge* Hello?

I think we can skip to the next morning.

Sorry, I've been dealing with a few personal issues as well as work the past few days. Don't worry, I'm still here and I need this cert just as much as all of you so I won't be dissappearing on you ;)

any word from our DM?

Just a heads up, I'll be out of town this weekend so feel free to bot me as needed if we continue playing.

No, haven't heard anything from the GM.

He did say he was having personal issues. I wish him the best.

If this does fail, should we advertise we're looking for another GM? Or just wait? And if we do look for a new GM, how long should we wait?

Sorry I'm having PC issues atm. I'll see if I can fix it up tonight and if now I'll re-download the pdf on my parent's laptop and then continue there.

Hi there, sorry about the late posting, but I've been without a computer but now...IT'S ALIVE!!!

And I've named him Patchwork :D

Cute. Glad to have you back!

I'm gonna have to drop out. Adeah is needed in a different scenario, and it'll be way too long before we're finished.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! Damn....well, it happens. Good luck with the other scenario!

GM! Can she still get credit for most of the crap that happened?

I'll look over the ruling, but you usually have to do atleast 3 encounters. Encounters, don't necessarily mean combat, but also things that involve skills like skidding down the hill.

well this is a module not a scenario, so the 3 encounter rule doesnt apply.

*nudge*

The last post was nearly a week ago.

Ready to go.

Sorry I've been unable to post for a few days. Due to work the only time I could see my BF was to go straight there from work and the following day I ended up being worn out and feeling ill.

I do apologies for holding you up.

No worries, friend of friends!

I'm not gonna give the command until everyone is in place and ready.

If anyone else has a plan, speak now or forever hold your dice! :P

Just a heads up, I'm going out of town tomorrow morning, and internet access will likely be sketchy at best, so feel free to bot me if I'm holding things up.

I know this is last minute, but I'm going on a short vacation over the weekend and into the beginning of August.

I'm going to be gone from 1st-5th roughly. I won't have very much internet access so I won't be able to post, but I will be able to keep up.

This all coincides with my birthday being on the 4th.

GM, can you GMPC me? I'll try and charge in when I get the opportunity, and use Lion's Call on every other turn. If we're close to finishing, what a birthday present, yeah?

Thanks for the fun! I'll see you all soon!

We seem inactive. Any suggestions?

Message the GM until he gives us our chronicles. TO THE PRIVATE MESSAGES!!!

Kidding! :P But really, this is the last fight, right? We've managed to get all the way through, so wouldn't it make sense for us to be able to go from here to the finish if GM is busy?

Looking at the profile he's been posting in other campaigns, so hopefully he will return if we message him.

@Ellenar: Actually, we are, at best, half-way through - at the very least, there is another entire 'flip-mat' worth of dungeon to go :-/

Honestly, I have been assuming that this game is dead.

Nah it's not the last combat. As it's a moduel there is a WHOLE OTHER LEVEL below, urgh.

I regret having you at 1st actually as many of these beings are erally nasty.

It does seem as though we have most of the people back though, so should we try to continue?