[PFS] GM Brew's The Confirmation 05-08 (Inactive)

Game Master Wicked Brew

Hmmm, say Isador....since its on ly a cloak and our fine fellow here seems more interested in you than me....despite standing right in front of him...how about you be a a proper gentlemen and offer it back to him before he has a parabolic embolism or something

She looks at Havelockk like he's insane for even thinking about parting with potentially profitable booty but doubts that he can see her in the shadows she is lurking in.

Isador straightens his shoulders and gently pulls the cloak back revealing his arms and torso. He uses his hands to smooth out the cloak before stepping forward.

As he approaches the Gillman, he inclines his head slightly and smiles. He is careful to not let his feet touch any part of the water and he shifts slightly to his left to ensure that Kat’s position is completely out of view if the Gillman is to look at him.

Well Met friend. As my traveling companion indicated, we were chased into the cave by a Minotaur that seems intent on spilling our blood. In fact, if it were not for the good fortune of us finding this cave, I am sure that we would all be in the presence of our god.

Isador looks at the miniature city on the stalagmite for a moment to see if he recognizes anything.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
geography : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

He then looks back to the Gillman and smiles again.

A marvelous city.. is that where you are from? Please forgive me if I am being to forward but I enjoy seeing such works of art.

i cautiously take a few steps back from the aquatic humanoid, to give myself enough room to observe, orientate, and act decisively if the situation requires while being a bit cautious to not step on any of the creep crawly things in the cave

i wonder if now is the time to insert some music from a Few Dollars More, A fist Full of Dollars, or the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Izzy, It's a robe we found in a pit just back there. Caoilte hikes a thumb over his shoulder. It ain't your wedding dress.

Coailte looks around the room for a second, at the model city, the torches, the money in the pool, then at the Gillman. Beginning to appear both annoyed and suspicious, he says OK, does any of this make sense to anyone? We were sent up here to learn why Gillmen were so far from home, like it's news. What we find is one Gillman, who ain't bugging nobody in a place that looks like it's been here a minute or two. Near as I can tell we've done what we were asked to do and the answer is we got a Gillman, one....praying. I'm thinking maybe we leave this fella alone, find the Halfling, save her from old Ox Head and see what the heck she sent us up here for.

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Caoilte, don't forget, it is suspected there is a link with the full moon. It seems to me if there is any truth to that suspicion, we may need to stay in here all night and observe before we can make the decision to leave and call the mission finished.

The gillman gently shifts his attention to Isador upon his approach. He rises. switching his attention back and forth between the two men, before settling on Isador. As Isador speaks, the pilgrim appears to be listening patiently paying particular attention to Isador's mouth as he speaks. When Isador finishes speaking, teh gillman nods once and offers ISador a polite smile.

My apologies. My god has blessed me with many things, but the gift of sound is not one of them. If I understand you, I am sorry to learn of your troubles. These parts can be dangerous, but beware, this sacred place is not as safe as it appears. The gillman glances to his left and right, in the direction of the caverns that branch in those directions. His eyes once again settle on the folded robe being carried by Isador, he then looks pointedly at the rogue.

You know doubt will want to pay homage to your Aroden, the...lost god of humanity now that you have discovered this place. Have no fear, though I do not follow your god, I hold no ill will to those who do and will take no offense if you wish to peaceably observe here.

He closes his eyes and nods to Isador once, then prepares to return to his kneeling posture to continue is paryers.

As for the miniature city, the party does not observe anything other than what is detailed in its initial description.

Despite the gillman's admission of deafness Kat does not take chances and continues to move silently in the pools of shadows that paint the cavern. She moves quickly and steps partway into each branch using all of her senses to see if she can hear, smell or feel anything that would indicate that something over than damp cave lay ahead; of course she also keeps her eyes open as well. All the while keeping a weather eye on the gillman and her companions.

While she lightly scouts the passage mouths the red tries to remember anything she can about Aroden and what any connection to caves or lunar cycles he may have. I am presuming Aroden is male since he was referred to as 'god'.

Isador gently shrugs his shoulders and then turns back towards the cavern entrance. He quietly walks past the party and takes a position near the place where they entered.

Once he reaches the cavern entrance, He turns around and patiently awaits while he watches the rest of the party.

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Eloriand moves to a more central position in the party, I think we should explore the areas to the right and left. We were sent here to gather as complete a story as we can and we can't do that unless we explore this entire area.

As Eloriand moves to the center of the group, Isador waves his hand to encourage him to come closer to his position.

_
After speaking his piece, Eloriand moves next to Isador.

Isador lowers his voice and whispers to Eloraind as he approaches.

I agree that we need to scout the rest of the caverns and gather information but I do not think we need to discuss our intentions in front of the person we were sent to investigate. I know that he claims to be deaf, and he probably is, but I would prefer to keep our conversations private.

Even though the Gillman does not seem to be hiding anything I am not sure that we should trust him.

I think we should gather back in the hallway where we saw the glyphs and discuss our plans. How long do you think we have until the full moon?

What do you think?

I nod to the gillman and then cautiously make my way over to Isador and Eloriand before speaking in a hushed whisper

I wonder if he knows where the caverns to the right and left go to? IF we ask it might show our hand, otherwise I say lets just take the cavern to the right and se where it goes and then we can swing back and check out the one on the left side as required.

As she moves from one passage mouth to the other she stopped at the group just long enough to add her own whisper, You could always ask how many others have found this place, before moving on to the other side.

I agree with Havelockk Caoilte says after moving over. Going back just leads to discussion of a decision we have no information for. A random choice now is better than an uninformed decision later especially if there really is a problem here. Best to move faster and not give what ever is out there more time to prepare.

Isdaor looks towards Caoilte upon hearing his response and sighs deeply. He takes a moment to choose his words before responding.

I know that you and Havelockk are men of action and you would both prefer to keep exploring the caves without any discussion but you also just stated that you wanted to leave the caves and go search for Janira.

My suggestion to meet and discuss our options was based on, what appeared to me, a choice to continue exploring, wait here for moon to rise *he nods towards Eloriand* or leave the caves entirely to seek out Janira.

I was hoping that we could come to an informed consensus before everyone just took their own path

I also did not want to keep having an open discussion in front of the party we were sent to investigate. When growing up, my father owned a trade shop in the Coins district and he always cautioned me to not give away your information to the client for free. Let them keep guessing about the strength of your offer and what other information you know; I was just attempting to apply that guidance here.

That being said, I am not the leader but just another voice in the party. What are we to do?

Sounds like the party is settling on exploring the caves further. The map is orientated where north is the top of the map. There is a cavern to the east and to the west. Decide which cavern you wish to explore and move your tokens on the map to set a marching order in front of the cavern you wish to explore.

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Eloriand will follow the majority concensus when it has been reached. He will also add the following, Before we approach either entrance, I would like the opportunity to check for tracks leading in to and out of the passages.

Survival - Tracking - East: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 (+2 more if human tracks)
Survival - Tracking - West: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20(+2 more if human tracks)

Edit: those die rolls being exactly the same are a little suspect ....

Good idea Eloriand. Caoilte turns to Isador. I was basically thinking out loud. A lot ain't right here. But Havelockk has the right of it. If we're going forward then let's do so decisively. Our friend here tells us there is danger, if we give it time to prepare a welcome it just might.

Kat hopes they allow her to finish her initial scouting and Eloriand to see if he can discern any tracks before deciding completely on which way to go.

Once both of them report their findings and a course is set she intends to take up the scout's position if possible, trying to remain outside of Havelockk's light.

I am not sure if it means anything but the Gillman looked towards the left cavern first, perhaps he thought it held the most danger.

I will take rear guard once Kat and Eloriand complete their scouting tasks.

Isador readies his shortbow as he waits for Kat and Eloriand to return.

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Eloriand, with sword drawn and with stealth (in case there are hidden adversaries), will make his way first to the west entrance and then to the east entrance. Once at each entrance and the situation with tracks has been determined he will do a quick search for any traps.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 (+2 more if humans are involved)

_

Eloriand scouts both passages and can detects no signs of traps at the entrance of either passage. There appears to be too much traffic and random markings near each entrance to make out any discernible tracks.

Kat makes preparations to scout ahead, which way does she scout?

Refers to her initial post waaaaaay back when right after the conversation with the gillman

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When Eloriand gets back to the core group ... There is a lot of foot traffic at the mouth of each entrance. So much that nothing quantifiable can be determined.

Kat eventually returns to the group with a quiet shake of her head to indicate that she also was unable to determine anything worthwhile. She then points to the East passage to verify if that is where they were going.

Once their course is set she resumes the position of forward scout, far enough ahead that she is not in their light but close enough that she can call a quiet warning if need be.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 +9 against traps (for a total of 16 against traps)

Our amphibiious friend looked over to the West, his left. I think that passage may provide us the most insight.

{i] I pause a moment before going on, looking at each of my acquaintances [/i]

I know our hearts tell us to perhaps go back and look after our Halfling friend she did make a very conscious decision. If we go back and look for her , we may very well not only place success of this mission at risk, but place in vain, Janira's actions...or Sharanrae forbid, her sacrifice.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Alright "Pathfinders".....lets head out to the Eastern Passage there. Kat, I think you got the lead in scouting ahead and I Caoilte you get the honor to hold the line if something takes exception to out investigative walk. Izzy and El..I guess you guys got the flank and rear and I guess I am about a half step behind Caoilte so I can give the gift of magic....or the sword.

I hoist my furca up on my left shoulder while making sure that all my kit is secure and ready while recasting light on the top of my furca to better illuminate things....i look at each and my mind flashes back to a earlier time when I was younger when the cohort I was a part of scouted out in front of the Legion...some might call it traveling overwatch in some military text books...things were so calm...the rustling of trees and bushes to then erupt into a raging s@!~-storm...I close my eyes and forget the past...focusing on the present

Shall we? I Don't think the passage will personally invite us in.

Havelockk takes the reigns and formulates a plan of action. The party forms up, ready to delve into the eastern passage. Kat nods to Havelockk and disappears into the shadows. The party suspects, but cannot be certain, that Kat has entered the eastern passage as an advance scout.

Kat mouths Oh joy before slipping back the way she came to regroup silently with her companions.

Once she has their attention she quickly explains everything she saw, including the location of both the skeletons and the body.

Once we have a course of action I will return to the scout position and try to reexamine the room for traps. I would wait a few moments then follow just in case those things are smarter than they look.

Also, what we know of Aroden... does it include anything to do with necromancy?

She waits for the others to determine their course of action before returning to the forward scout position and making sure their path is clear.

hmmm good question...let me think if anything I was taught can be of use

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 + 3 = 17

Aroden had no known affiliation with necromancy.

Everyone ok with this fracas? Kat, was the body a body or a person?

Isador shakes his head upon hearing the reports of the skeletons.

I wonder if this is the danger the Gillmen warned us about or if there is something worse lurking ahead.

Anyone here ever fight this type of creature before? Is there any special tactic to use against them?

Isador then turns back to Havelockk.

What's the plan?

Kat sighs and speaks softly, still having not breached the circle of light Havelockk's furca casts, I know that the undead do not feel pain so landing a successful 'surprise' attack will not do extra damage, though a flanking position opposite of our heavy hitters will hopefully either cause them to keep their attention on Havelockk and Caoilte or divided at the very least.

Honestly I am more concerned about the body on the floor. I was not able to get close enough to determine if it was alive yet, but if they are that cannot bode well. However, there is a possibility that they are dead and in the process of being reanimated.

I do not have necromantic knowledge but I need to be aware of possible worst case scenarios; and taking down four bone-heads just to find out we get to deal with a meat sack when we figuratively have our pants down thinking they're not going to attack is on the list.

She casts a look back down the hall in the direction of the room, If you want, I can try and get close enough to determine if they are still breathing and possible extent of visible injuries.

Isador listens intently to Kat's report.

well, whatever is decided, we only have a few hours before the moon rise.

I suggest we use our time wisely.

Isador looks back to Havelockk

What's the plan?

Isador removes a small stick of chalk from one of his belt pouches and proceeds to make a small diamond shape mark on the cave wall near the passage entrance.

I think it's time we pushed forward. Keep one eye on what lies on the floor ther and make sure we check the ceiling to make that is not some beasts idea of bait for folks like us. We stay here much longer and I worry about becoming a target of opportunity. There is security with speed so while not rushing I am eager to be away from this spot.

I start cautiously moving forward, my hand in a modified grip around the boxwood grip of my gladius.

Caoilte signals for the group to huddle around. How about this? I bullrush into the room and try and take on the first two undead. Havelockk watches my back and takes one of them if my initial rush fails. One of you lighter armed types grabs the body and pulls him back to here. If you're armed with daggers and bows you aint doing much in there anyway, not against them bony fellas. Pauses for a second. I figure it gets tricky here. Them other two skeletons Looks to Kat How far were they from the other two? Back to the group Anyway, it gets tricky if we haven't flattened the first two. Or, if something strolls up from the far side of the cavern. Pauses. Sound like a plan? Sizes up Izzy and Kat Izzy, you might be a little more able to drag a fella and to be honest, I'd rather an elf with a longbow at my back if something rolls up that hall.

Isador looks towards Caoilte upon hearing his plan.

so.. just to be clear, the plan is for you and Havelockk to rush into the room and fight the 4 skeletons. While you are doing that, I am supposed to run up and drag the body / corpse back into the passageway where Kat is keeping watch with her longbow.

Eloriand will fight with his bow or do you want him to run into the room too?

if Havelockk has already started to move up the hallway, Isador will fall in-line behind him with his shortbow at the ready.

that works and I think Katbis right to be worried about the humanoid shape on the floor.
Let's take em out

I wait for Caoite to move. Once he makes contact with the first skeleton I cast a magic missile at the other. A sure bet of a spell and one that I feel confident in its timing and release. Knowing how critical this might be, I pull from my addition arcane energies to help add accuracy an lethality to my gladius

initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

magic missile: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

I pull one point from my Arcane Pool for use in follow on attacks with my Gladius

initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 1
attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Caoilte rushes into the room taking a overhand chop at the closest skeleton ensuring he leaves room for Havelockk to enter.