[PFS] Deussu's #37 The Beggar's Pearl (Inactive)

Game Master Deussu

Despite the language barrier and Torvic's unimpressive translation, the mite is obviously frightened by the two humans shaking it. It replies in fast paced speech.

"It says they came back for me, to take me back to their nest."[b] Torvic explains. [b]"But I know the route back to the Gallery anyway. This mite might just lead us to more mites, and we don't want that, even as pitiful as they are."

The dwarf seems quite indifferent about the fate of his attacker. One might suspect the dwarf fell victim to the giant ant instead of the meager mites.

Torvic has the appropriate knowledge skill (Nature), and knows about mites. They are a fey creature, and suck big time in terms of combat prowess.

Edgar knowing they won't get anything else of this creature leaves the cave to tell Lort, "You should dispatch this creature, so we might get on our way."

He also says to Lort, "I am sorry for not listening to you before. We, I should have listened to you for it was the wisest decision. For us and the creature."

"Then there is no point dawdling further. Leave the mite bound, and let us be on our way. Feel free to knock it out if you wish, but I do not think they presents danger to us any longer either way."

Heading outside for a bit of fresh air, he sees Edgar and Lort a silent and short exchange of words. All this adventuring has made me paranoid, jumping at shadows.

Feeling Zatoma follow him out, he looks at it and nods in acknowledgement before looking up into the cloudy sky.

Lort smiles at Edgar. He pats amiably on the shoulder, "I'll not dirty my blade further. Gunari has made the thing his problem." Lort's grin grows further.

"I'm happy to see we're leaving, though. Let's get to this Gallery!"

Lort stands and makes to leave, waiting only for Torvic to lead the way.

Gunari sheaths his rapier, and carefully puts the healing wand back into its wrist sheath.
"Torvic, would you please tell this thing that if I ever see it again, I shall not be so... lenient. Its life is forfeit to me, so it had better not do anything to betray us."

Gunari carefully unties the mite, making sure that its dagger is close to it. He turns away from the mite, pauses, and says, "Oh, and arming itself would be considered a betrayal, don't you think, Lort?"

Lort begins walking, hoping it is in the direction of the Gallery of Wonders. "If you want to kill the thing, just do it. The creature is beyond contemptible and clearly evil, so I'm sure Cayden won't mind. The time when I cared enough to end its pitiful existence for you is long past."

By the by, I totally feel for the prisoner situation. It's hard to play good sometimes. Simple half-orcs find it easier. What say we move this on and find the Gallery?

Agreed :)

Edgar says to Torvic and the group, "If we are done here let us continue on towards the Gallery. I'd rather be underground then out in the open when night falls. There's no telling how many more of these things are out looking for Torvic."

Then he walks off following Lort hoping his companion has picked the right path.

Torvic says a few words in undercommon, and the mite dashes away, never to be seen again.

The dwarf then stands up, tidies himself a bit and looks for his equipment. "Right, well, I won't be needing them on the walk I guess." he ponders by himself. He's set and ready to continue, looking at the group first. "You seem quite a party to be traveling here. Sure you're not just here to whack monsters?" Torvic asks mockingly.

Will update further soon...

Moving on is good for me. Should have known talking to a mite was useless ;)

"Friend Torvic, is there something wrong? You appear to be looking for something."

In an effort to help things along, Lort comes back to help the dwarf look for his things.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Unfortunately, his mind isn't really on the task. The sooner we're on the road, the better.

Thadd has no idea what the dwarf is looking for but he offers his eyes to search for anything out of the ordinary.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Ozren merely shakes his head at the creatures ramblings then exits the cave following the party. As they move on, he begins to pour water, seemingly out of thin air, casually from one hand to the other as he walks toward their next destination.

During their journey towards the Gallery, Khalos watches Ozren casually handle the water, and will eventually say "You make it seem so easy Ozren. I myself don't have much talent for continuous manipulation of the elements nor evoke their essence of power. I am pleased to see that my human heritage still has beings well versed in the magical arts, divine or arcane."

Ozren jumps a little at Khalos' words. When he realizes someone noticing his actions, he claps his hand together lightly, discharging the water into drops. Thank you Khalos, but I would not consider myself versed in magic really. I...I just was brought to the world thus way though fir what purpose I cannot guess. It is my hope that the Grand Lodge will help me in this...in exchange for my aid on missions such as these. I certainly could not call upon a being such as your...companion. You must weild remarkable power to tame such a being.

"Oh it's nothing." Torvic shrugs. "Just my camping equipment, but I reckon I don't need them there."

So the team eventually starts marching, Torvic acting as guide. After hours of treking through the harsh mountain terrain they arrive to a rather mossy crevasse with a long, narrow ledge of worked stone. Next to the ledge is a 20-foot drop down.

The ledge's smooth cavern wall has multiple carved images of a regal-looking, crown-wearing dwarf kneeling before another in an artisan's apron. The path seems to end to another piece of wall with different markings.

Torvic points at the end of the ledge. "I remember this is the place, but, ugh, I haven't the faintest where the actual entrance is. This place just seems ... vaguely familiar." The dwarf shakes his head in disbelief. "I'm truly sorry I can't help you more as I am, but surely you pathfinders are able to tackle with what I cannot."

Lort inspects the carvings at the end of the path before moving on to those on the wall. He can't read any of the Dwarven, nor comprehend what any if the pictograms might mean.

"Well," Lort's voice echoes loudly throughout the crevasse, "No point in rushing this. Let's all search for some kind of secret entrance."

Suggest the PC with the highest perception takes 20 and we all take 10 to aid another. Thaddeus, I think you win with a +8.

Without waiting for the mental nudge, Zatoma will slither on ahead from the rear of the party towards the ledge and peer into the bottom of the crevasse.

"Same strategy?"

Take 20 Perception from Zatoma will be 33. He will do a mental nudge to Khalos if he finds anything.

"Of course, it hasn't failed us yet. Take a careful look around will, if you please."

Khalos will cast Mage Armor and Resistance onto Zatoma as he passes by. Then addressing Lort, "Yes, it's one common feature that I find most intriguing in Dwarven architecture. High quality but not always what you expect.. Right Edgar?"

Edgar looks at the carved images and any Dwarven writing that there might be. He will also look for anything unusual within the stone. Being a Dwarf he should be able to help.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Gunari takes a sip from his tankard... Got to keep the mi d strong,don't you know, and helps the others look, taking 10 to aid.

Lort definitely sees some dwarven runes, which tell absotelutely nothing to the half-orc.

Meanwhile Zatoma delves the fungus-infested, moss-covered bottom of the crevasse. The keen eye of the eidolon easily spots a battered chest under the overgrown moss. After deducting it to be untrapped, it is opened to reveals two sets of stonecarvers' tools and three 10-lb. silver ingots.

Mark down the items found.

Edgar takes a quick glance and spots the obvious secret door, in addition to five runes that seem to be slightly loose, as if one could press them. The runes read "found", "kings", "glory", "art", and "support". The context merely praises the glory of dwarven art and craftmanship.

With Gunari's help, Edgar spots a small slot for a gem in the bas-relief's dwarven king's crown.

"Well, it is just a guess... but if the text is praising the glory of dwarven art, I would guess that these are the clues as to which runes to press. Now, I would also guess that we should put the pearl in the slot for a gem in the king's crown?"

With that, Gunari stands back, looking self-satisfied.

Ozren stop his movement as they come upon the suspected door, he tilts his head and observes the the carvings and listens to Gunari piece together a plan. I believe your words ring true Gunari, let us see if we can delve the depths of this place.

I don't believe Khalos is holding the pearl, but to whoever is, feel free to insert it when you can.

Khalos shares Zatoma's discovery with the rest of the group, "Guys, Zatoma found some stonecarver tools and silver bars. Unfortunately I am not strong enough to carry such load... Any volunteers?"

Better do a quick check before any mishaps.

Khalos casts Detect Magic on the secret door and runes, and will concentrate until he determines there is nothing new to learn.

Lort helps Khalos lift the tools. "What do you want with these anyway? Not like we'll be carving any runes any time soon. Do they perhaps belong to Torvic?"

Lort then hefts the silver ingots, "I'd be happy to keep these, though!"

Walking over to where Edgar is contemplating the Dwarven runs, Lort taps him on the shoulder, "My friend, it's time to try the key out on that door. It is, after all, the whole reason we are here."

Edgar who seems to have been lost in meditation comes back to reality, "Sorry, you are right."

He walks over to the statue puts the pearl into the empty slot.

Edgar also studies the runes and the door to see if he can help figure out how to open it.

"Torvic, is there anything else you can tell us? Do these runes mean anything to you?"

"Glory and art! Isn't it obvious?

Ozren sees what other have seen as well; lots of dwarven runes, and five runes appear to be pressable.

Khalos doesn't detect any magic auras from the secret door or the runes.

Edgar put the pearl into the slot which it fits. A faint click sound is heard, but nothing happens beside it.

Torvic still looks rather befuddled and observes the pathfinders as they examine and search the walls. He turns to Edgar. "I-I'm sorry. My memory's still a blur. But... I can read dwarven runes. Can't you?"

"I think we're suppose to press them in a specific order, but I'd rather let the dwarves decide the order that befits their heritage. Edgard, perhaps a dwarven hand pressing them would be safer just in case? I don't think Torvic is in a position for another shock...."

Khalos will cast Resistance onto Edgar when he approaches the runes.

"I'll admit that my education fails me when it comes to reading Dwarven runes. A fascinating and beautiful script, however! What say you Torvic..can you help us here?"

"I can't read them myself, but how about we check the parchments that came with the pearl to see if there's a clue on them somewhere? Some mention of these five words (or any synonyms for these five words) would be handy." Lort scratches his head, "Or I could just start pressing them and see what happens..."

Lort pesters either Torvic or Edgar to read the parchments, whichever of the two seems to be paying the most attention. ;-)

Oh right, we haven't shown the scrolls to Torvic yet... Good catch Lort.

"Parchments?" Torvic asks, surprised. He snatches the parchments into his hands and starts to read them hastily. At a quick glance the dwarf shakes his head and gives the papers back. "I recognize this to be my hand writing for sure. I have a feeling, a distant memory that the answer lies in here, but I just can't see it." Others can see how Torvic's eyes droop and wander about, clear signs of extreme fatigue.

Simply put; Torvic's perception check is done at -1 so he can't succeed even with a take 20.

Edgar knows that dwarves a notorious for their stone craftsmanship and that this must be the door to the Gallery. He takes the parchments from Torvic, clearly seeing his dwarven kin is to exhausted to help and proceeds to take 20 to see if he can decipher any pattern that will successfully open this door. If he is right the correct pattern will open the door and the wrong one will surely kill them.

Gunari, watching Edgar puzzle over the paper, considers pouring himself another drink. He things better of it, but starts to look a little agitated.

'The answer is right in front of them. Why can they not see it?'

"'Support Kings Glory Found in Art' maybe?" suggests Khalos.
"Just point out which runes to press, Zatoma would be happy to take any trap in your place, Edgar"

I hope this is alright with you Zatoma, but we cannot waste anymore time. Our escort is getting more tired by the minute.

Heh, it should not be a problem. I am a magical being after all. Although another spell of Resistance would go a long way.

Edgar you're up. Pick which sequence you think would work best, and let us know if you wanna go on ahead or Zatoma. Unless Gunari decides to test dwarven pride of course. :)

Let's wait for the GM... he mentioned a perception check to notice something on the parchment. Edgar's taking 20, so hopefully it'll be enough!

I must have misread that. But OK :)

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Ozren continues to observe their surroundings as the party attempts to decipher the runes. He tilts his head as he examines the entryway.

I think the GM already made Ozren's perception check. If not, we will also take 20 if allowed for the roll.

After a careful read of the parchments Edgar notices a sentence that contains all the word hilighted on the wall.

The glory of kings is found in the art they support.

Confident, Edgar proceeds to press the loose runes in the order of glory, kings, found, art, support. The walls shake and rumble, as the secret door at the end of the crevasse slowly starts to slide, revealing a dark tunnel behind it.

Khalos will let Zatoma and the others lead the way with dark vision, and will light a torch to hold in his left hand before following in the rear of the party.

As Torvic passes by Khalos holds him on one shoulder gently to ask "Are you sure you're up to this? You look exhausted and there could be dangers ahead that we will risk to go through. If you want to back out, just let us know, OK?" before letting go.

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Lort confidently strolls into the darkness, his greatsword at the ready.

"Well, it's about time!" Lort's voice booms throughout the tunnel, "Let's see this glorious artwork, then."

As Khalos suggests, darkvision first... though Lort isn't exactly a sneaky advance party. Looks like we don't have any stealth ability anyway. ;-)

Zatoma has good sneak ranks altho he's more focused on Perception. I believe we don't need to sneak since we've got decent frontliners and I can feel ur need to charge in lol. He doesn't have sneak attack anyway, so he's primarily a lookout for now :p

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Oh, hey, you've taken darkvision for your eidolon, too. Great stuff. Feel free to sneak in with Zatoma first. Lort is itching, but his player is more prudent than that. ;-) It's probably not a big deal, though, if Thaddeus and I go first. I can lead you by the hand, Thadd, if you can't see. Again, though, with the noise Lort makes, we may as well light a torch.

Gunari takes the front line next to Lort, ready to move forward. 'What strange things will we find in these halls? What adventures? Oh, the stories we'll be able to tell while sitting around the tavern!'

"Glory be, we are in! Yes, friend Torvic, if you need to rest up, we can probably do ok without you. Up to you!"

Ozren's eyes grow wide as the secret door is finally opened. He cautiously steps in, following the party near the torchbearers.

I have never seen something like this. Have you come across many of these places Khalos?

Khalos responds to Ozren's question with a smile and a distant look on his face as he recalled, "Nothing like this, a dwarven gallery dedicated to their craftsmanship. But I did enter a temple where the mists tried to turn us into monkeys. It looked nice for a temple but I didn't really like it because lost all my spells for a while in there... hahaha"

"A very fine observation Khalos, dwarven stone work is unmatched. I don't believe this gallery will try and turn us into monkeys, but if it does I hope it makes me bigger."

Edgar lets out a huge laugh as he steps forward into the tunnel.

"Let us go my friends and figure out what it is that has Torvic so upset."