[PFS/DMK/YSK] 6-19 Test of Tar Kuata (Inactive)

Game Master Kludde

While waiting in the room, Bones looks to see if there are any books on the shelf's related to the Jeweled Sages that may have visited there long ago.

Bones inspects the rooms, but finds only obscure religious treatises. After about half an hour, Aotsep returns to the group and says You are ready.

Tell me, what have you gleamed about mortal knowledge?

Since none of you made the K(rel) check, basically your only option is to Bluff. I'm taking the first roll that doesn't say 'aid'.

Cacumatus tries to back up his comrades as they attempt to convince the monk of their wisdom.

Aid (Bluff): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Was there a Knowledge (religion) roll? I didn't roll it, I think.

Ouroboreia, in turn, studies the book with an open mind, trying to digest its contents and see past mere words.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Bones did make a region check for a 14

Bones helps bluff as best he can.
buff aid: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11

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The holy text is a complicated and subtle piece of prose, that draws a parallel between creation and and self-perfection. The implication is that knowledge is a divine tool to spin order out of chaos.

Aotsep is most pleased that the adventurers have uncovered this, and adds mental prowess to create, yes, and physical might to control.

He leads the party to a room. This is the hall of the inward Gaze. Physical might is often mistaken for brute force, but that strength without control accomplishes little.

Aeotsep takes a wooden board from the pile and outstretches his arm, holding the board in front of his face. With a swift movement, he releases the plank and strikes it in mid-air, breaking the board into two symmetrical halves.

Show me what you are capable of

To break the plank, I need a dex check followed by a strength check

Also, are you all aware of your faction's missions?

"I'm glad we found out this truth, though it is one I have lived by and for for many years. Tell me, Aotsep, have you considered accessing a superior degree of knowledge? I belong to an order of scholars devoted to such an ideal, the guardians of many secrets of the past - the Scarab Sages. The masters of our order all bear a potent artifact call a Sage Jewel that allows to store and access knowledge lost to ages. We are looking for someone righteous enough to use one of those artifacts to do good, but stalwart enough mentally to bear the burden of ages past. To be honest with you, Aotsep, I can't think of someone better suited than you. What do you think?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

After a potentially long discussion with the candidate, Ouroboreia lends herself to the task at hand, though she has no illusion about her forthcoming failure.
Dexterity: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Strength: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10

Bones raise an eyebrow at how slick Ouroboreia is with attempting to gather information about the Scarab Sages from the monk.

dexterity: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Strength: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Attempting the board breaking challenge the cleric's toss is poor, but the blow much better hopefully redeeming test.

Holman picks up a board and tosses it in the air, deftly striking it. However, he realizes his small size is a distinct disadvantage as his hand merely pushes the board a bit before it clatters to the floor.

Dexterity: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Strength: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (5) - 1 = 4

Grimaldus knew he had the strength - but his work with the heavier weapons had limited his quickness training. Still, he tried the test, since he had been of no use in the knowledge tests before...
Dex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Str: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
I seemed the trip had taken a greater toll on him than he knew. It was obvious he needed to do a bit more training and a bit less adventuring...

Dex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Str: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

Cacumattus makes an attempt as well, and nails the midpoint of the board but... no idea if 12 is enough

So... close, some of you :-S

Takahiro
Dex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
STR: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Boards fly everywhere, be it from poor timing or insufficient force, but none of the adventurers manage break the plank. Cacumattus comes closest: with a well-timed hit he manages to splinter the plank, but not enough to break it. An empathic looks of disappointment comes over Aotsep.

----

Aeotsep puts away the wooden boards and takes a quarterstaff and a blindfold from the weapon racks. You should all close your eyes and be silent. As he walks around the adventurers, he says pay attention to the sound of my footsteps and the aroma of incense in my robes.

Consciousness is achieved through the sum of senses, and relying on only one of them creates a false perception of the world.

One of you step forward and demonstrate what you have learned.

Each of you may try (more than one). To take part, make a perception check, followed by either a dex (to avoid) or str (to parry) check. Let me know if you have blindfight/ sense/sight or some such.

Ouroboreia closes her eyes, focusing her thoughts on the void and trying to dodge.
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Dexterity: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Holman closes his eyes as well, hoping to bring some semblance of redemption in the eyes of the monk. Unfortunately, his reactions are entirely too slow.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Dexterity: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Man...can't catch a break

Takahiro participates in the activity.

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Str 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Cacumattus also participates,

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Dex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

and though he is easily able to follow the monk's location by sound and the movement of the air, he dodges the wrong way, resulting in an uncomfortable collision.

Bones gives it a try as well, but first he cast guidance upon himself.

perception: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 1 = 27
Str check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

While may be able to track the monk he fails to block any attack.

Ourboreia and Takahiro show their enlightenment by dodging the blows of the monk, despite being unable to see him. Cacumattus, Bones and Holman are grateful for the fact that the monk doesn't hit very hard - only their pride is bruised as the monk's staff hits them.

Finally, Grimaldus takes the floor, and the huge, lumbering fighter proves to be surprisingly nimble.

Grimaldus is out, so:
Perc: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Dex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

You have done well. I see that you have potential.

For the fourth trial, Aotsep walks the party through the village to the Down Valley. Curious bystanders look on, whispering something about a trial and taking a break from their activities to look on.

A trail ascends forty feet to a mountain ledge, where a series of wooden posts overlooks the waterfall’s plunge pool.

Aeotsep hops atop one of the posts Follow my lead and stand on one of these posts. The next test is simple: you are to remain standing there for a full hour.

Every twenty minutes, you need to roll an acrobatics check. Between checks, roll a will save to prevent the next check from getting harder. In other words, roll: Acro, Will, Acro, Will, Acro.

Takahiro strips his armour

Acro 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Will 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Acro 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Will 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Acro 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

I don't suppose the Will save is vs. fear?

Finally, Holman is in his element...

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

or vs. illusion >.>

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Bones looks upon the task as dubious, but give it a try anyway. First he removes his breastplate and heavy shield, then while standing he prays for guidance from Pharasma every minute or so.

removing armor changes acrobatics from -2 to +1

Acrobatics: : 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 + 1 = 12
will:: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10

Acrobatics: : 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 + 1 = 22
will:: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 1 = 25

Acrobatics: : 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8
will:: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 1 = 21

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Takahiro manages to stay on the full hour by sheer force of will. Using his great mental composure, he manages to stave off fatigue and remain standing. Holman, on the other hand, stays up with ease, never running into any form of trouble. Cacumattus and Ouroboreia fare less well, and both lose their balance after as little as ten minutes, dropping into the water pond below. Bones lasts longer: he feels his legs getting weary after half an hour, grinds his teeth, but eventually loses his balance and plunges down.

Damage, NL, Cacumattus: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Damage, NL, Ouroboreia: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Damage, NL, Cacumattus: 1d6 ⇒ 6

I'll let Grimaldus roll for himself

Takahiro packs up his armour for now, until it looks like he might need it again.
His sword stays with him though, as does his bow.

Grim will also remove his arms and armor for this test, as they will only weigh him down!

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The fighter continues to fail all of the test put before him!!

Bones grumbles under his breath as he re-dons his armor.

Though Grimaldus plunges into the pool as well (NL: 1d6 ⇒ 4), the master of tests seems pleased anyway.

Leading the party back to the monastery, and onto a hidden trail, Aotsep starts recanting the history of the monastery:

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.”

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.”

All it takes is a single climb check

Climb 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Takahiro goes for it.

Damage, NL, Cacumattus: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Damage, NL, Ouroboreia: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Damage, NL, Cacumattus: 1d6 ⇒ 6

I assume one of those was meant to be Cones, rather than Cacumattus taking damage twice?

Cacumattus suppresses a groan at this next challenge, but gives it a shot.

Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

His arms cannot even get purchase on the pillar at all, however.

Bones works to climb the pillar, casting guidance upon himself first.

climb: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 1 = 11

Ouroboreia attempts to climb without the aid of magic, for she senses that the trial itself is important, not the goal.

Climb: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (14) - 2 = 12

Takahiro once again shows his monk's composure, and climbs up the spire, while Ouroboreia, Bones and Cacumattus struggle. Halfway through, Cacumattus falls down, plunging into the depth below. Before he hits the ground, however, an invisible force stops his, and drags his up to the platform on top of the spire. Not much later, the same happens to Bones and Ouroboreia, and they too are safely delivered to the top.

Grim grits his teeth and climbs with his armor on...for he doesn't want to leave it behind! Luckily, he has trained to overcome its burden.
Climb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Grimaldus is strong, and make it up quite far before fatigue overcomes him, and he loses his grip. Fortunately, the fighter is also rescued by the same invisible force, and soon joins the other adventurers on the top of the spire.

Once deposited on the top of the spire, Bones pays his respects to the founder who's remains are in the reliquary, then looks around at the view.

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Still waiting for Holman

The view up top is phenomenal, looking out over the entire valley.

Grim thanks the emperor-god, and his host, for the saving hand of fate that lifted him to the top. He then joins Bones in scanning the valley.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
No help here! What a pretty sight =)

Sorry for the delay...

Holman climbs nimbly to the top of the spire.

Climb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Once all adventurers are at the top of the pillar, they 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.”

You can get a wooden version of your weapon (except firearms), and Holman and Takahiro can even get a masterwork version, or can get a lesser merciful metamagic rod (1 in total max). You can use your own weapons as well, but the use of lethal force will end the competition.

Can you all decide on a weapon and put your icon on the map?

Assuming that he can get the various benefits he has with daggers, Holman will take a masterwork wooden dagger. Question, though: can he get sneak attack damage with it?

Ouroboreia kindly requests a lesser merciful metamagic rod, and readies herself by casting various wards.

Casting mage armor, shield, ironskin and heightened awareness on herself. She'll spend the HA when the fight start, so her initiative modifier will be +7 for that fight.

Takahiro raises an eyebrow at the request.

"So sorry. Not sure what honour in six against one, perhaps this humble servant of Shizuru have different view of honourable combat. The Empress of the heavens holds to the Katana, and extols the virtue of combat only as a vehicle for understanding struggle and the transient nature of life. If you insist though, that this sporting match go ahead, I will participate"

Takahiro takes both swords, though the one in his hand is his silvery blade - the Holy symbol of Shizuru.

DM, does the wooden version of a weapon deal normal amount of non-lethal without the -4 attack penalty? if so He will use a wooden warhammer, if not he will use his own weapon with the -4 no-lethal penalty."

Bones bows, "Since it is to be an an honorable fight, I will forgo the pre-casting of spells that would not normally be cast as a long duration."

Grimaldus took the oversized wooden training sword - he was very familiar with it after twelve years of wielding one just like it at the academy. He checked the haft to ensure it was wrapped in cloth or at least cross-hatched so his grip wouldn't slip at an inopportune time. Satisfied, he steps into the training ring, assumes his ready stance, and grins in anticipation of the dance.

The wooden weapons function as normal weapons that deal NL damage - without penalty.

Let me know what you choose.

The monk starts combat, and waves around her spear menacingly, making it seem dangerous even to come near. (Combat patrol - she now has a threatening range of 15 feet)

---
Grim
Takahiro
Bones
Ouroboreia
Holman
Cacumattus
---
Monk
---

Ouroboreia is the first to react, and weaves a spell to alter how space and time limit the mind's limits. Casting haste on the party.

AC 24

Takahiro advances, moving in defensively to strike with the wooden sword
He will move in base to base, beginning to crowd her

Defensive, Haste, PA
Attack 1d20 + 9 - 4 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 9 - 4 + 1 = 22
Damage 1d8 + 6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 6 = 16

With a wooden war hammer in hand, Bones shifts 5ft to the SW (unable to edit map from phone) and casts Fog Cloud on the center of the platform countering the monk's reach advantage.

fog cloud - The fog obscures all sight, including darkvision, beyond 5 feet. A creature within 5 feet has concealment (attacks have a 20% miss chance). Creatures farther away have total concealment (50% miss chance, and the attacker can't use sight to locate the target).

Also,
You can't make AoO aginst creature with Total concealment

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