[PFS] GM Lithrac's Evergreen Trilogy (Inactive)

Game Master Cyril Corbaz

Gridger looks at the gnome and back to his party. "Hmmm, that was odd. He clearly knows of our presences, and what's with the newspapers? He clearly must be a prisoner in his own house!"
Frustrated at the inaction, Gridger picks the lock to see if it would provoke the Gnome to meet them.

Take 10, 18 on disable device

Haldoc tries to see if he can tell what newspapers the gnome is reading and what he is reading about.

Hikari almost reaches out to stop Gridger, but after a quick glance again at the "gnome" still reading the newspapers, Hikari nods at Gridger to proceed. Turning to Haldoc, he says, "Whatever that is, I do not think that it is a real person. Something is clearly wrong here." To the rest of the party, he warns, "Be on your guard." Saying that, he draws his katana and stands ready next to Gridger.

The door opens with ease once Gridger's fingers have worked their magic. A large sofa sits awkwardly near the entrance of the room, facing toward the center. Sets of chairs and tables are arranged throughout, and statues of grandiose gnomes occupy the corners of the room. A set of stairs at the northern edge of the chamber leads to an unused basement filled with stacked newspapers. A second set of stairs leads up to an unfinished second floor.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"It seems that no one has been here for years. How very odd. Should we take a look upstairs? Why would a man leave his home unfinished. And what was that illusion?

"Good eye, Gridger. I believe you're right. That he left his home unfinished suggests that he has already abandoned this place. And yes, let us go find out what that "thing" was." Hikari steps cautiously through the doorway into the main hall, peering to see if any traps might have been left behind, before proceeding carefully to the room the "gnome" is in. D4

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Gridger and Hikari indeed see that a magical circle remains under the sofa in front of them and might be triggered the moment one of them enters the room.

Careful to avoid the circle that was found, Haldoc will check out the the door toward the back of the house.

Perception for room D2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

From what the trap spotters can tell, there's no way to enter the room from the door without springing the trap.

Rogues can disable magic traps, is this one of those cases?

Yes, it's exactly for cases like that. You're welcome to roll your Disable Device (don't forget to add -2 if you don't have thieves' tools, or +2 if you have masterwork thieves' tools. You can't take 20, since failing the check by 5 or more will trigger the trap.

Gridger carefully examines the trap and attempts to disable it. Just to be sure, he removes his armor and back pack ensure maximum mobility.
disable device, thieves tools: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Nice roll, Gridger! :)

The half-orc's finger are truly magical. Within a few seconds, he is able to erase a few key runes of the summoning circle, thus disabling it! Gridger and his companions are soon able to enter Fimbrik's house freely and start their search. It soon becomes obvious that the gnome reading his newspaper in his office is only an illusion, and that similar ones with different behaviors roam the illusionist's house.

At first, you find little but arcane tomes onto nature of illusion, research papers and treatises. The room to the northeast, however, contains a neatly written note, lying on a desk. On the note is written down an unassuming name, but the fact that it isn't connected to his other notes make you think it might be important. Furthermore, you don't find anything else despite a very thorough search.

Hollis “Evil Grin” Thorne, Deceased 4331 AR

Moreover, you find a long-forgotten potion of cure moderate wounds and potion of lesser restoration, which both sit on the northwest windowsill.

Where to next? You have two other leads.

Gridger shakes his head,"Well, this was a disappointing search, none the less we must move, our trail has not yet died. Shall we move to seek Adolphus?"

Yeah, I guess that's good. Though I'd like to see if this name is on that Wall thing first. For simplicity, I'd second the notion on Adolphus.

"I believe this clue is important. 'Hollis Thorne.' That is one of the three names mentioned in Adolphus' note we found. It was one of the names he saw Eylysia add to the Wall of Names. I would also suggest we visit the wall to find what clues we may on this 'Hollis Thorne'." Hikari scans through the note again, and continues, "I do not believe Adolphus is still in Absalom. The note mentions that he would be leaving for Quantium and not likely to return. We could return to the Grand Lodge to ask around. Or perhaps back to the tavern."

Yakari scratches his head and eventually shrugs.

"Let's rather investigate the wall of names Adolphus speaks about and find this Hollis Thorne."

Just to be clear, your two clues are the Wall of Names at the Grand Lodge, and a mausoleum the stonemason Arkath was interested about. You don't have a clue on Adolphus's whereabouts.

Created in 4330 ar, the Wall of Names resides on the grounds of the Grand Lodge in Absalom. The monument is a curving wall of black glass that stands atop a small hill at the western edge of the lodge’s grounds. Trees surround the hill, providing ample shade and privacy for those visiting the wall to remember fallen comrades. Carved into the wall are the name and date of death of every Pathfinder killed in the course of duty since the wall’s construction, and most entries also include a sentence or two summarizing either the agent’s greatest accomplishments or how she died.

Bodham the Bleaker
Went to visit Pharasma and overstayed his welcome, 4714.

Rellen Horatio Marn
Delved into unspoken horrors and faced a gruesome death from a Visitant from beyond the stars, 4714 AR.

Jax the Wanderer
Took a bath in hot lava because athletics wasn't his forte, 4714 AR.

Baron Rysalius Starnon
Died heroically to protect his fellow Pathfinder from a tentacled horror, 4715 AR.

As expected, the three names mentioned in the note are also present on the wall.

Doulgonlir Caskmail
Respectfully resigned after losing a friend. Lost to a life among the fish and bountiful sea, 4332 AR

Hollis “Evil Grin” Thorne
Sought to brave the Path of Aganhei. Spoiled rations and wastefulness ended that dream, 4331 AR.

Karina Clamp
Fought up all but one step of the Storval Stairs. Blade shattered at an inopportune moment, 4330 AR

Hmph. So how does this help us? Haldoc scratches his head after reading the Wall.

"Hmm, it seems that of the three names that Eylysia added to the wall, 2 of them are distractors. It would seem the epitaph to this supposed Hollis Thorne is a clue of some kind, although I am afraid I do not know of what." Hikari ponders further, and adds, "There is one last clue - the mausoleum where Arkath the stonemason is interred. Things might make sense after that. If not, we might have to ask Janira or Aram for help. They would be more familiar with Pathfinder matters."

What's odd, some of the words are italicized, is there significant to this? Though I shall second the notion that we might need help to advance this case further."

Is there a relevant knowledge check here?

It's listed at the bottom of my post - it's a DC 15 Knowledge (local), and taking 10 is allowed if you want.

My mistake! Didn't notice it. Will take 10, 18knowledge local

"Ah, it just occurred to my memory, these italics do hold meaning! They refer to failed aspirants for those who attempt the Test of Starstone. Maybe there is a connection to this Starstone with our current case, a visit to Starstone cathedral might be in order."

Moving on with your last clue, then.

"Welcome, faithfuls. I am Kefilwe, devout of Abadar and guardian of these grounds. How may I help you?"

The Arkath Mausoleum is of interest. Do you know anything about those interred? Has anyone visited recently? Haldoc seems to prefer a direct approach.

Kefilwe nods quietly and answers with an even tone. "Few people ever visit this place, and the Arkath mausoleum hasn't been visited for a while now. I understand this Arkath was a stonemason in his life, but I hardly know more. What is your business with the mausoleum, if I may inquire? Perhaps I could help."

Gridger prefers not to do the talking as he is known to be socially awkward, but he does whisper to his allies. "Maybe we should say we're sent by Eylysia?" And he also makes the effort to look around for any thing out of place or of interest.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Hikari whispers back to Gridger, "Apologies my friend but I see no reason to deceive this servant of Abadar. We are on legitimate business." That said, he steps forward to Kefilwe, displaying his holy symbol of Shizuru openly. "Greetings, priest Kefilwe. I am Hikari Hayashi, a humble servant of the goddess Shizuru. She might not be well-known in this part of the world, but where I come from, the lands of Minkai, she is the goddess of the sun and of honor. I greet a fellow servant of the gods, and give thanks to your work in bringing civilization to wilderness, a goal that Shizuru similarly shares. We are here on sanctioned Pathfinder Society business, seeking to uncover the secrets which earlier pathfinders had inadvertently brought to their graves. Much as it abhors me to do so, I seek your kind assistance to allow us to enter Arkath's mausoleum and attempt to unearth what might have been hidden.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 Sigh, that didn't work so well.

Based on my understanding of the timeline, it is currently the year 4716. The carved dates by Eylysia were around 4330, i.e. almost 400 years ago? She could be alive though, if she's non-human.

Your chronology is accurate, Hikari. Do you have a reroll, perhaps? (Folio, shirt, etc.) If not:

The priest nods gravely, listening carefully to Hikari's explanations. "I sense no deception in your words, and I appreciate it. However, the Guardian of the First Vault doesn't allow his secrets to be freely accessed. For a modest fee proving your devotion, however, the clergy would be glad to help you. Twenty sails would qualify as a decent donation, I think."

"Are you a cleric of Asmodeus? I thought they usually wore redder outfits..." says Yakari, no pleased at all by the cleric's request. He will give his share for the twenty sails, however.

Gridger mumbles quietly to himself (inaudible to anyone else what he's saying) as forks out his share. "Maybe if we've done it my way we won't lose our money."

No, sorry. I do not have a reroll.

Hikari frowns as he hands over his share, and replies, somewhat harshly, "Proof of devotion lies not in the depth of a man's purse but the depth of dedication in his heart."

"Clearly you have much to learn about Abadarian precepts. I'll be happy to enlighten you - for free." he says with an amused tone, as he escorts you to Arkath's sarcophagus. "Feel free to do what you need to do, but I'll ask two things. First, show respect to the dead. Second, if you take anything from the tomb, please return it whenever you're done with it."

Haldor will help to open the lid if his more divine companions feel it is alright to do so. Haldoc has no issue doing so but he would respect the fact that others may not want to.

He promised to take any secrets he held to the grave. Hikari recalls what was written on Foster's note.

He had hoped that Arkath would have left the secret in his mausoleum or perhaps on his sarcophagus itself. However, after a detailed search of the place turns out nothing, Hikari is forced to consider that the clue might be inside the sarcophagus itself.

To disturb the rest of our ancestors, that would be a dishonor to them. But we have gotten nowhere, and this clue might be crucial... To those observing, Hikari is clearly agonizing over the decision.

At some point, he kneels facing the sarcophogus with his eyes closed and palms together in front of his chest. He utters soft prayer, "Forgive me, spirit of Arkath for disturbing your slumber. Forgive me, Shizuru, for what we are about to do. I humbly offer my apologies, and seek atonement for this act. He then prostrates himself briefly in front of the sarcophogus.

When Hikari gets up though, his face is resolute. "Come, strong Haldoc, please assist me with this," and they proceed to open the sarcophogus.

Reverentially withdrawing the silver coin, Hikari shows it to his teammates. "Does anyone recognise this? If not, perhaps Aram bin Kaleel might. If my recollections are not in error, I believe he runs a shop of curiosities. He might be able to identify this."

Right. Seems as good as any place to start. If that fails we can see if Janira or the like have an idea.

"I take no exception to that idea."

The Coins quarter is abuzz with activity in this grey-skied afternoon. Street merchants yell to let everyone know that their fish is the freshest in Absalom, or that their spices are the most savory to a noble palate. Yet many people appear to be hastening towards the Ascendant Court to witness Sir Reinhart of Kenabres attempt the Test of the Starstone. There is still a bit of time to reach the chasm surrounding the Starstone Cathedral, however.

It is then that you find yourselves in front of Kaleel's Curiosities, a colorful shop proposing all kinds of marvels from everywhere on Avistan and Garund. Silks from Katheer, a crusader's sword from far Mendev... the shop lives up to its reputation. Aram bin Kaleel welcomes you, becoming very friendly as he catches glimpse of Hikari. "My Shizurite friend! What brings you to my humble shop? I didn't expect to see you so soon."

Haldoc will take a position that he can keep an eye out for anything unusual while Hikari and the others do business.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Gridger stands alongside Haldoc as guard duty and will attempt also to perceive how the conversation is going.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
sense motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

"Dear friend Aram, greetings once again. You do indeed have a most amazing collection here. Hardly humble at all!" Hikari returns Aram's greetings warmly. He then introduces his companions, before continuing, this time in a lower voice, "Apologies for imposing on you, but we have come here now in need of help. Perhaps we could speak somewhere more private?"

Once the group is led somewhere more quiet, Hikari explains, "We have been sent by Venture-Captain Dreng on a mission to uncover some long forgotten Pathfinder secrets, that has led us all over Absalom. Unfortunately, we have reached a point where we need some expertise, which I believe you might be able to offer."

Hikari continues to give a brief summary of the events thus far before pulling out a parchment where he had ascribed the three names and epitaphs from the Wall of Names.

Doulgonlir Caskmail

Respectfully resigned after losing a friend. Lost to a life among the fish and bountiful sea, 4332 AR

Hollis “Evil Grin” Thorne
Sought to brave the Path of Aganhei. Spoiled rations and wastefulness ended that dream, 4331 AR.

Karina Clamp
Fought up all but one step of the Storval Stairs. Blade shattered at an inopportune moment, 4330 AR

"Do you see any significance in these? We believe the epitaphs are clues, especially that of Hollis Thorne. Unfortunately, lacking a scholar in our team, we have been unable to make a connection."

Following which, Hikari pulls out the coin retrieved from Arkath's tomb. "We have also found this ancient coin, but again, have been unable to understand its significance. Again, I apologies for troubling you with this matter, and I appreciate whatever assistance you could provide to a fellow pathfinder."

Once you mention your request, Aram welcomes you into a private room to talk at your leisure. While he doesn't recognize the names, he is able to make the same assumption Gridger made concerning the Failed. "Perhaps a visit to the Shrine of the Failed, near the Starstone cathedral, would prove enlightening to you?"

His eyes, however, glitter with deep interest as he beholds the silver coin you found in Arkath's tomb. After casting a few minor divination spells, he's able to come up with an important clue. "This coin is a Pathfinder’s coin. If you place it above one of your Wayfinders, it should reveal a message. Do you have one here?"

... which reminds me I forgot to post the note you found at Fimbrik's house on the Handouts document. Here it is at last!

Gridger walks up, takes out his wayfinder and places the coin on it to reveal the secret message to the party. "Hmm, it's starting to come together all the pieces. Thank you for your help Aram. Pathfinders, I suggest we pay the shrine of the failed a visit.

At the centre of the Ascendant Court, the Starstone cathedral looms over the city. Next to it, the Shrine of the failed. As the party arrives, the place is completely empty, and it soon becomes clear why: Sir Reinhart has made it clear he will attempt the test of the Starstone. As the valiant— and utterly doomed—knight prepares to charge his steed across the chasm outside Starstone Cathedral, everybody has moved into position to look - giving the party free reign of the Shrine of the Failed.

Past the entry, a monumental chamber stretches eighty feet from end to end, with a ceiling suspended thirty feet from the floor by great pillars. Seven arched passages lead to humble rooms, each of which contains a polished stone altar dedicated to one of the failed aspirants who attempted the Test of the Starstone.

Each of the niches contains a small stone altar to one of the failed aspirants. Each altar stands upon a raised dais and bears a small brass nameplate identifying the aspirant and the would-be-god’s areas of interest.

There's Demuren, who would be the god of sacrifice, Gobru, who aspired to be the god of fish and bountiful sea, Mellag, acolyte of rot, Oggo of the sixteen poses, Plokkis of spoiled food and wastefulness, Silmor, of blades, and Spuchasta, who aspired to be the god of Hallucinatory incense and herbs. (E2a-g)

Hikari pauses and scans through the enormous chambers, first to just soak in the ironic grandeur of a shrine dedicated to failed god-aspirants. He then subsequently scans through the chamber again, this time though examining the nameplates of the aspirants. Elucidating aloud, more for his own clarity, he mutters "Hollis Thorne is the name left behind by Fimbrik... From the Wall of Names, Hollis' name was tagged to the epitaph about spoiled rations and wastefulness... And Plokkis is the aspirant of spoiled good and wastefulness..." Turning to his party, Hikari points to the alcove belonging to Plokkis, he speaks aloud, "I believe it is this is the one. Let's examine it."

The shrine appears to be very unassuming.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Gridger closely examined it but falls to see anything of significance. "Hmm, should we just blurt out the password?"

Bored by all the time spent wandering in Absalom, Yakari sighs.

"I dunno. Such failures! Why would they want to be gods? Gozreh alone suffices!"

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

You can also attempt the Will save if you interact with the shrine, by the way.