[PFS]GM Dennis - The Confirmation (Inactive)

Game Master Dennis Muldoon

Don't forget you got a CL 3 wand of cure light wounds from Janira.

With the rope strung across in an ingenious manner to allow climbing on both sides (first time I've seen that particular rope configuration), the whole party is able to slowly make their way across.

Upon examination, the bundle of cloth reveals itself to be a finely made blue cloak with an unusual embroidery pattern in fine silver thread.

Just around the next bend in the cave you find a long, 3-foot-wide wooden plank that rests against the cave’s wall. It looks like you could easily use it to pass back across the pit, were you to come back this way.

The tunnels continue on, leading deeper beneath the Kortos Mounts until they eventually open into a large cavern. The walls in this chamber are covered in what must have once been beautifully carved reliefs and inscriptions. Time has not treated them well, however, as they seem to have weathered heavily, their features dulled and softened to the point that it is hard to distinguish what each once depicted. A wide tunnel exits the cavern on its far side, and blue-burning torches line the passageway’s walls.

Please make knowledge (history or religion), linguistics, appraise, or perception checks to decipher these carvings. One check per PC. You get a cumulative +2 bonus if you speak Aquan or Azlanti.

"It certainly wasn't good!" Luralyn grimaces at Reshu. "It's fine. I'm fine. And I wounded my own pride, Niocholu, no need to look so sheepish! Wasn't the only thing I wounded."
The tall man aims a sullen kick at the wooden plank, which clatters against the cavern floor. "Hmph."

He runs his fingers through his hair, then shakes his head back and forth. Breath slips slowly from pursed lips.

"Alright! Much better!" His smile returns, and he continues further into the blue fungus-lit gloom.

---

"What're all these?" Luralyn bends over to inspect a weathered wall. "Old as hell, so whatever it is they show, it's probably fascinating! I didn't realize we were in for a history lesson!" He glances back at the line of blue troches. "Like a museum or something, almost. Fancy lights and everything."
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13, slightly better than my Knowledge (history)—but I do have it!

Quasar idly wonders aloud, "What do you suppose they soak these in to get that color?"

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

She also has a good look at the carvings.

Niochulu looks at the carvings.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

"Rock is hard to do in of the cuttink. Would take long time to do, no?" The barbarian ponders aloud, "It seem to Niochulu that if creature spendink time makink so much cut of rock, then creature not havink time to do much else. Not seem good use of time to Niochulu."

As the last of his companions climbs out of the pit Reshu examines the finely made cloak. "Oh. This looks finely made indeed. Allow me to examine it more closely. Ragdya give me insight."

Reshu casts detect magic, and focuses on the cloak.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Reshu's eyes narrow, and he casts a suspicious glance at R.J. "Hmmmph. Apparently Ragdya doesn't want me to know the secrets of this cloak just yet. Perhaps he shall reveal them to me later."

Reshu enters the large cavern, and excitedly begins examining the carvings. "Perhaps friend Niocholu they were carved by many hands so as to finish quicker. I wonder what they were meant to depict?"

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Reshu's eyes narrow, and he casts a suspicious glance at R.J. "Hmmmph. Apparently Ragdya doesn't want me to know the secrets of this cloak just yet. Perhaps he shall reveal them to me later."

R.J. points at Reshu, and laughs uproariously. Falling backwards he continues to cackle at Reshu's ignorance while floating belly up.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Fareth has little patience for old carvings as she keeps her eyes peeled for danger.

The meaning of the carvings elude you. Anything else you want to do here? Ready to move on through the torch-lit passageway?

Quasar eventually just gives an appreciative nod to some quality chiseling and moves along.

Luralyn has trouble peeling his eyes away from the carvings, but he's able to quiet his interest enough to follow the others. "Maybe there's more through there!"

Niochulu shrugs and follows the others.

The soft light of the surrounding fungus mixes with the flickering glow of the nearby torches to reveal a grand chamber. A large pool of water along the chamber’s southern edge reflects the blue and green radiance to illuminate the massive stalactites that cling to the ceiling overhead. Two other tunnels branch off from this area, leading to the east and west.

Rising up from the pool is a column of rock with steeply sloped sides and a flat top, as if someone had sawn off the top of a massive stalagmite. A miniature city carved from this same stone occupies nearly the entire surface. Tiny trinkets such as ancient coins, polished semiprecious stones, and ornately braided loops of string are scattered throughout the diorama, and pale cave frogs clamber atop it. The smooth cavern floor is covered in gravel and pebbles along the edge of the pool, and several foot-long centipedes prowl among the gravel in their
search for prey.

Kneeling in the water facing away from you is lone man (picture in the slide deck). He makes no indication that he noticed your arrival.

Wow. Luralyn looks around, wide eyed. The light cast by water's sinuous reflection, the amazing monument, and the clear signs of reverence fill him with wonder.

He halts his slow advance when he notices the figure. "Um..." Grey eyes flit between the others, and the man's face is created with uncertainy. "Should we, um. Is that... That's a gilman, right? If this is his cave, we probably ought to introduce ourselves."
I hope someone else feels up to it...

"Were told gillman is threat, yes?" Niochulu asks with uncertainty.

”Not necessarily. We just need to find out what they’re doing.”

"What they doink? Gillman seem to be kneelink in water.". Niochulu notes. "Mission complete, Niochulu think. First Pathfinder mission seem too easy, yes?"

Reshu looks up from the carvings, and realizes he's alone in the room. "Well I guess I'll just have to study these another time." Strolling into the next room, Reshu stops to admire the replica city before noticing the figure kneeling in the water. "Oh! Hey is that one of the fishmen? What's he doing over there?"

Reshu bounds across the room excitedly, and squats down in front of the Gillman. "Hello fishman! I'm Reshu. What is this place? Why are you kneeling in the water? I'm sorry for all the questions. This place is just terribly fascinating!"

It's not until the ripples from Reshu's approach reach him that the man seems to react to the approaching shaman. He stands and turns, regarding the entourage before him coolly and without responding. You may make a diplomacy check to improve his attitude toward you, if you'd like.

Quasar steps up and waves. "That's a pretty neat model. Did you set all that up yourself?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 6

And on the off chance there's anything further to be gleaned about the stalactite/table from either knowledge: dungeoneering or profession (miner)-
I know a thing or two about tunnel stuff?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Niochulu considers the responses of the gillman. Could he be a threat?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

The Northman remains unsure, but decides to try to help the others with their diplomatic approach.

Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

"Gillman, are you threat?" he asks inartfully.

The gillman silently gazes at Reshu, his arms folded.

Reshu subtly positions himself between the Gillman and Niocholu while trying to get a read on the Gillman's intentions. " My friends and I have come to learn about this cave. Does it hold special meaning to you? It really is an amazing place. We would be grateful if you would be willing to share anything you might know about it."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Apparently Reshu is charismatic, but oblivious to what the other person is thinking.

Sense Motive, shifted: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7

Perception, shifted: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 1 = 26

Fareth nudges Reshu and points to the cloak that the group found in the pit, then to the gillman's cloak neatly folded cloak by the edge of the pool, bearing the same embroidery.

"Hello, does this perhaps belong to you, or to someone you know?"

Diplomacy to aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

The Gillman nods, and breaks his silence. "I believe that belongs to one of my people. If you'll allow, I'd like to return it to them."

Assuming you give it to him:

"Please forgive my silence earlier. I was simply surprised to find anyone else here. My name is Uori."

Turning to Reshu, he responds to some of the shaman's questions.

”The waters of this place are holy to my people, and many of us make pilgrimages here. It was once a place holy to humanity as well, particularly the god Aroden, though his influence has clearly faded, as evidenced by the carvings in the last room. They're so faded that only a few of them are even decipherable now, as you no doubt saw. I believe they were once used, perhaps along with this tiny city, in rituals of that faith, though I know nothing of them."

Once he says this, dawning realization comes to both Reshu and Quasar; if this place was once a temple of Aroden, then those carvings must be an early version of History and Future of Humanity, the primary holy text of that faith. In that context, the section Reshu examined must have been the parable of Aroden the shepherd (description below, and in the maps deck). Likewise, Quasar, thinking back on the section she studied, now recognizes it as a parable about a soldier.

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Reshu spins towards the miniature city as a look of realization dawns on his face. "If this place was dedicated to Aroden, and the carvings are parables from his holy text, then this carving must be of Absalom! Perhaps we can appease the spirits of this cave."

After studying the miniature Absalom for a moment Reshu turns to Fareth. "I am a poor shepherd, but you seem very skilled at guiding your friend Drilla. With Ragdya's aid perhaps you could shoo these pesky frogs from atop Absalom." Placing his hand on Fareth's shoulder Reshu casts guidance once more as he is sadly untrained in Handle Animal.

Quasar gives a bit of a curtsy now that we're doing proper introductions. "Well, nice to meet you. I'm Quasar, and I assume if you're just here for religious purposes, you wouldn't mind us poking our heads around to see what else is in here?"

Assuming he doesn't object, she starts heading back to have a closer look at the other carvings, now that they all have a handle on the context, planning to just take 20 examining the other two, but turns at the last moment to add, "Oh, and do you happen to know why there's an enraged minotaur stomping around outside, or why this place is more popular on full moons?"

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Just no luck this scenario! D:

Now that the tension has dissipated, Luralyn wades into the pool and kneels by the diorama. He regards the intricate carvings with wide grey eyes, a delighted grin plastered on his face.

"Hey, frog. Move. I'm trying to see what's— huh?" He looks towards Quasar. "Oh yeah, good question! We've heard gilmen come here on full moons. I guess..."

He grimaces, then quickly stands and bows to Uori. "Um, I apologize if we're disturbing your rites!"

"Oh, and do you happen to know why there's an enraged minotaur stomping around outside, or why this place is more popular on full moons?"

"A minotaur? No, I'm afraid I know little of such creatures. I appreciate the warning, though. I shall take pains to avoid it when I depart."

Quasar gives a bit of a curtsy now that we're doing proper introductions. "Well, nice to meet you. I'm Quasar, and I assume if you're just here for religious purposes, you wouldn't mind us poking our heads around to see what else is in here?"

"Oh yeah, good question! We've heard gilmen come here on full moons. I guess..."

He grimaces, then quickly stands and bows to Uori. "Um, I apologize if we're disturbing your rites!"

"It's quite alright. My people see the pure waters within this cave as a sacred sign; I have traveled here, as many before me, to listen to them. Feel free to explore or to perform whatever rites you would like in this holy place. Be wary, though, if you plan to explore deeper down these paths. Other creatures you find in these caves may not be so welcoming.”

Assuming he doesn't object, she starts heading back to have a closer look at the other carvings, now that they all have a handle on the context, planning to just take 20 examining the other two,

In this case, the perception/appraise check was used (with a penalty) in place of a knowledge check. It's measuring not just your ability to make out the carvings, but to recognize their connection to a famous holy text. In that context, I think this check, like knowledge checks in general, is not something you can repeat or take 20 on.

"Niocholu not learn much of religion where Nicohulu grow up. Will have to be doing the trust that this is all interestink." the northman notes after the initial exchanges with the gillman.

When the gillman mentions "other creatures" in the caves, Niochulu inquires, "Plannink to explore? Yes. And what creatures might one be findink in caves?"

Fareth shrugs and begins shooing some frogs around.

Handle Animal, guidance: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7

The frogs ribbit, ignoring her.

"Well, at least, I can try the other thing."

Freth pulls out a coin and casts light on it. She shines the light into the shadows of the city, and then, for good measure, the cave.

"HA!" Niochulu laughs. "Frogs ignorink you, Holder-of-Bright-Coin! Let Niochulu show you how to go about shoo-ink of frog."

The northman walks over to Reshu. "Please turn round." he says to the vanara. He then begins rifling through Janira's pack until he retrieves a vial of brownish liquid. "“Ah! Niochulu has found it! See, now, Niochulu be useful!"

Holding the acid in his hand and having limited experience with animals, Nicohulu tries to frighten the frogs into moving along. Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

"Ah!" Luralyn jumps back from the miniature city's leaping mass exodus. A smattering of frogs splat against his robe, and he begins dancing around in an attempt to dislodge them. "Hey! Get off!"

The frogs seem to ignore Fareth's attempts to influence them; they quickly scatter, however, at Niocholu's threats, frantically jumping away from him. When they do, an almost imperceptible wave emanates from the city, washing over the party and making you feel particularly helpful. Completing this ritual grants each of you a +2 insight bonus on a single check made to perform the aid another action in the next 24 hours.

Fareth, instead, focuses on bringing light to the city. The glow from her spell seems to grow, briefly filling the chamber and bringing a sense of protection to everyone inside. Completing this ritual grants each PC a +1 insight bonus to AC if she has taken damage since the start of her last turn.

I'll add a slide with these benefits to the maps deck, too.

-----

"I'm afraid I haven't explored the caves enough to know what lurks within. My people rarely travel further than this pool. I know that such deep places often contain dangerous creatures, however. Also, there is a foul smell wafting from the Western passage, and I fear it cannot mean anything good. If you plan to explore, then please take this" he says, holding out a wand. "It should offer you some protection." He offers you a wand of shield of faith.

"Niochulu is for the protection, but not thinkink nice stick is big enough to provide it." He says, holding out his hand as if to decline the offer. He won't do anything to hinder anyone else from accepting the wand.

He turns toward the other Pathfinders, "Gillman say west caves are stinkink. Follow nose, yes?"

"Ha! You are much better at shouting at frogs than you were with the snakes friend Niocholu! The spirits are pleased by your shouting as well. I can feel their blessing." Reshu briefly examines the wand. "I'm afraid I must also decline your kind offer friend Uori. Ragdya has not blessed me with the power to call upon this wands protection, and I would hate for you to be without it in a moment of need."

Turning to Niocholu, "A wise course of action friend! Let us rid these passages of their foul odor. Perhaps you could shoulder Janira's bag for a while? It is getting a bit heavy for me.

Reshu also has a strength of 7. While I was the first to go through the bag I had assumed someone else was carrying it; though it seems Niocholu at least thought I had it. It would probably have encumbered Reshu though if its not too heavy R.J. could have been carrying it.

Or you could have divided it up. Claim whatever bit of it you want to be sure you are carrying, and I'll assume the rest is being carried in a way such that it is not bumping anyone into encumberance.

Quasar Bhatt wrote:

Assuming he doesn't object, she starts heading back to have a closer look at the other carvings, now that they all have a handle on the context, planning to just take 20 examining the other two,

In this case, the perception/appraise check was used (with a penalty) in place of a knowledge check. It's measuring not just your ability to make out the carvings, but to recognize their connection to a famous holy text. In that context, I think this check, like knowledge checks in general, is not something you can repeat or take 20 on.

Weird but reasonable! Still taking a glance at the others barring any odd one mural-per-character restriction on that then...

Quasar nods as she returns from doubling back. "We have to check them both out anyway. Why not start with the more obviously dangerous?" She fidgets a bit more with her clothes, making sure her armor is at least on straight before proceeding.

Fareth can carry stuff! She has 17 Str, a masterwork backpack, and doesn't care about medium encumbrance since she wears medium armor. Load er up!

Fareth nods at Quasar. "As you say."

”Be safe, travelers” Uori bids you farewell as you depart to explore deeper into the cavern. The cave’s damp air becomes increasingly stale as you continue down through this tunnel, the stench of decay growing increasingly evident. The passage turns to the east and opens into a small cavern littered with bits of broken glass, rotting pieces of paper, and other unusable detritus. You turn the corner to find a dead end, the body of a humanoid creature lying face down toward the back of the cavern. Three more humanoids in various states of decay slowly shuffle around the room. As you enter their heads turn toward you in unison and they begin to shuffle in your direction!

It's dark in these caverns, but I'll assume Fareth casts light.

-----

INITIATIVE!

"Ragdya guide Luralyn's mighty fists!" Hearing the sound of something shambling towards his companions Reshu rushes forward to get a better look at the situation after granting Luralyn Ragdya's assistance. Standard action to cast guidance then I have a speed of 30 feet, and a climb speed of 20 feet. I want to move 5 feet diagonally into Niocholu's square, ten feet forward to where Fareth is, and then climb the wall as high as my move will permit. I'm not sure exactly how much movement is permitted when combining speeds though so just let me know how high I make it.

"Careful friends! These gillmen have become zombies!"

climb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

I'm not sure if there is an actual rule for that, but I tend to think of it proportionally. You are using half of your land speed to move along the ground, so I'll say you have half of your climb speed (10ft) available to climb up, which will get you up by the ceiling in this room.

A horrible gurgling noise erupts from the zombie's mouth as it steps forward and swings a rotting fist at Fareth, connecting with a sickening sound!

red slam vs. flat-footed Fareth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

----

INITIATIVE!

"If you give Niochulu path to No-Longer-Gillman, Niochulu will use shovel to hit it!" the northman says, raising his weapon of choice. "Then, will use shovel to bury it. Very useful shovel is, yes?"

Luralyn weaves between Drilla and Faretha then spins around to the zombie's flank, hair billowing around his head, to transfer his momentum into a knee to its rotting hip.
Unarmed strike: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Too far for me to use Acrobatics to avoid an AoO, so I provoke.

... How sleep deprived was I when I threw this character together that I didn't remember to take point blank shot and precise shot on someone who literally is built entirely around making ranged attacks into melee? Only way it makes sense is if I misread this ability and didn't realize it qualified as a ranged attack. Kicking myself so hard now.

Quasar takes a step forward, again gathering power pulling rocks from the walls to form into an extra large missile, hurling it towards the one zombie in sight, in the hopes of knocking it back to allow others through.
Earth Blast, into melee: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 - 4 = 13 (+4 if I can fix the worst mistake ever before my feats become relevant)
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 (+1 if I can fix the worst mistake ever before my feats become relevant)
Pushing Infusion: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10 (-2 if I can fix the worst mistake ever before my feats become relevant)

Too far for me to use Acrobatics to avoid an AoO, so I provoke.

It looks to me like you moved 25ft, and only through one threatened square (the other has cover from the corner), so I think you could try the acrobatics if you'd like.

I thought you moved half speed when using Acro to avoid AoO? Just in case:
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 vs. CMD
Good lord, my rolls this game!

You do, but I think you can limit your acrobatic movement to just the threatened squares, and in this case that's only one square so it would only cut 5ft off your movement. It's a moot point with that roll, though.

The zombie, showing surprising reaction time, takes a quick but ineffective swipe at the passing Luralyn before easily shaking off the monk's own ineffective attack.

slam: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

---

Quasar's hurled rock has more success, striking the zombie, though it doesn't do as much damage as she thinks it should, and it doesn't have the pushing effect she hoped it would.