[PFS Gameday V] #7-00: Sky Key Solution (Inactive)

Game Master Dinuci

Syndra pulls out a sheet of paper and starts to document the anatomy of the compsognathi, and Lizardman. She is careful and detailed in her drawings, making clean notes in the margins. She notes similarities and differences from the same creatures in her time.

"There, that should just about do it. This should be exactly what the society needs to help them with their research."

She looks to the rest of the group "Oh, I'm sorry, I was just so interested I couldn't resist, I hope that you don't mind that I took the lead on this."

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

"Lets have a look around the rest of this place, it looks like some type of Zoological Gardens. (map title gave it away) Maybe there is something here that will further aid the society"

Syndra puts the notes away and encourages her party to continue the exploration.

"Let's not forget to stay on our toes for more of those creatures. Will someone take point?"

Syndra does quite a good job of taking notes on the creatures and it will greatly help the society.

You have passed the check! Please say where you'll go next.

I think we should explore one direction first...so we know it is clear and no threats will come at us from behind. Let's go down this hall first.... Doran says as he points to the hall to the west.

I will take point...

just clarifying i mean the one on the left....also im on my phone atm so xant move token....power went out...good thing for mobile internet....

Syndra uses one of her spells on the tiny dino but the creature quickly darts aside, right into Doran's sword. He cuts the creature down.

COMBAT OVER!

You get closer to the bodies of the slain enemies and inspect them. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to collect notes on these men and creatures.

I will need a Craft (painting), Handle Animal, Heal, Knowledge (nature), Profession (clerk, farmer, scribe, shepherd, or stable master), or Survival check. You may only make a single check as a group, since you would only make notes in one particular way.
Looking at the different skills I think knowledge nature might be best with Syndra's high knowledge skills.

Figures. The one time craft(painting) is needed and I'm not using my illusionist that uses art and magic as his preferred medium :(

"OK, let's go. Let's hope we don't provoke some strange time paradox because of killing those creatures..."

The one on the left is ok for me.

I would allow aid another, meaning double-checking what she writes and mentioning some additional information. But yeah, it's a bit subjective, so I'm OK with your call.

Falshin offers to aid in any way he can while the elf takes down the notes. He has no direct input into which direction to go, but does offer to walk point as well. "I will join Doran in the lead. I have good eyes and ears, and can deal with any non-magical traps or locks we come across."

Syndra takes up a position in the middle of the party, hoping that there is a rear guard in case of attack.

Do you want us to move our icons? How would you like us to push our progression around the map?

"I will also send Hoa to sniff out any other creatures, and return to me if there is danger ahead"

Leaping out from the previous passageway is another small compsognathus seeming to react to Sandra's motions. She points down the hallway and the creature takes off sniffing for other creatures, but staying in the shadows.

Steal for Hoa: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

"Lead on my friends, I will let you know if Hoa senses any danger."

I've had some contact with the higher ups and everyone may make a single check, if you want to aid another you may.
As for exploring the map, you indicate where you want to go (including marching order) and what precautions you take (perception, detect magic, etc). I will reveal the portions on the map that are without encounters or special things. Normally in a game with less time pressure I wouldn't reveal the amounts of map I do now, but seeing how the maps are laid out and the amount of days we have this might be better. If you don't make a check appropriate to the situation, for example a statue holds a magic item and you walk straight past it, then I will make a spoiler with a DC and skill check for you to roll.

Doran takes the left corridor and the rest of the party follows. You slowly make your way through the empty corridors and explore to your satisfaction. The wall carvings and skillfully carved shelves give the place a nice feel.

After taking several corridors and poking around several rooms you come in a large room with a well in the middle of it. After inspecting the well you conclude that it is indeed a well and are ready to continue. All of the eastern paths leading away from the spaces you have visited are covered in steam, clouding the vision. It seems, seeing the entrances, that there is some sort of cavern past the mists.

Hoa scouts the map but detects no sense of life. However inside the caverns the little animal notices a lot of snakes. The snakes seem pretty docile towards Hoa, but everyone knows that a startled animal can react very aggressive.

There will be no combat for the snakes. You will have to do some research inside the cavern but I don't want to push the story along too fast. I will tell you how the research will progress in the morning.

Turning to the party. "My familiar Hoa has scouted through the mist. Although I cannot tell exactly what she found, I could sense both apprehension and excitement from her. I ddid not sense danger, but almost that of hunger. It must be some source of creature that Hoa tends to like to eat. Perhaps rats, snakes, lizards, or something of the sort."

As Hoa returns to Syndra "Obviously no harm was done to her, so I assume that the creatures are docile, but small creatures can always be startled into hostility"... ...I really hope that they're not snakes, I hate snakes..."

Syndra shivers with a memory memories of a time falling into a snake put over a century ago floods back to her mind and the terror that she felt being scared and alone.

Jimmy shrugs and enters the circular room.

"Jimmy will just go this way!" he declares.

Let's see if something happens.

Syndra pulls out a sheet of paper and starts to document the anatomy of the compsognathi, and Lizardman. She is careful and detailed in her drawings, making clean notes in the margins. She notes similarities and differences from the same creatures in her time.

"There, that should just about do it. This should be exactly what the society needs to help them with their research."

Roscoe takes a look at Syndra's notes. "Be sure to note that this angle is clear from bone for striking the creatures heart. This looks like the creatures lungs. Striking here should wind it," says the halfling rather dryly, using the point of his blade to direct his comments.

Weary of large open spaces, Roscoe moves into the circular room, keeping to the wall and trying to remain inconspicuous while observing Jimmy and the rest of the room.

stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

The large room with the well in it has nothing special and walking a second time through the room reveals nothing new. You decide to go to the east into the misty caverns.

Clouds of steam rise from this balmy chamber’s countless pools. Small, rocky islands abound, separated by cloudy, mineralladen waters. Each island supports a stone plinth carved with minute glyphs and elaborate pictograms. Sliding across the floors and floating in the pools, thousands of snakes of various species and sizes slither throughout the chamber and bask in its tropical heat.

The plinths look worthy to document but getting to them past the snakes poses a challenge. Jumping from plinth to plinth is a possibility, another is moving through the water whilst trying to soothe the animals.
A acrobatics, handle animal, wild empathy or stealth check can get you past the snakes safely. Or you could of course surprise me with something clever!

The plinths look mightily complex. You think you will need several skills to decipher what's written on it.
You need to pass at least three of the following skill checks to successfully document one: Appraise, knowledge history, knowledge nature, knowledge religion, linguistics or perception.
You may attempt all the skill checks but may only use each skill once, if you are able to speak draconic the checks are easier.

Syndra stares at the snakes for a moment. yes, it had to be snakes. She closes her eyes for a moment to gather her courage and decides to take a risk. After all what's a long lifespan if you don't do something crazy every century or so. She hops from plinth to plinth using acrobatics as to not disturb the snakes... "Here goes nothing.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

She studies a plinth writing down her notes neatly on pieces of paper. I always find new things to study fascinating she thinks to herself. Her knowledge to draconic helps her in her recordings, making the tasks slightly easier. "My friends, I think that I understand most of what these say, but I would always appreciate your input on these notes if you wish to add something to them. Lets work quickly though, I am not very fond of snakes."

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Syndra barely made the jump and with her heart still racing she starts deciphering the plinth, thinking in common but soon discovering that the language used is very like the modern day draconic language. She can decipher what is mentioned and written on the first plinth. The plinth gives insight into the serpentfolk society.

First plinth deciphered. Up to the next one!

Society of the classical serpentfolk fluff:
Serpentfolk of the past apparently have a high level of intelligence and magical aptitude, unlike most of the modern day serpentfolk. The modern day serpentfolk are degenerate barbarians, a select few have what came close to this level of intelligence. Serpentfolk give birth to broods of a dozen live young, who are then sheltered and protected until they become adults at age 50. The classical serpentfolk culture was a magocracy that spanned nations who used their powers of domination and disguise to infiltrate and rule.

That was a close one... I made the first jump, but I'm not sure that would be a wise thing to do again

"Well, that was a close one... While sitting here surrounded by snakes, and god i hate them, it came to me that snakes are deaf, but don't like vibrations, or fire... Perhaps we could scare them away by one of these two methods to make travel between the plinths easier?

We could use torches...either that or alchemist's fire...but that might be a bit drastic.

Doran shrugs off his pack and gets out a handful of torches and prepares to light them.

Any other ideas?

Syndra tries stomping on the ground to scare the snakes away. Some of the snakes on the ground move away from her but the ones in the water are not bothered by the vibrations at all.

Doran lights a torch and waves it at the snakes crawling close to him. Some slither off into the water, some don't respond at all and some hiss at the fire.

Had to google those two facts! You learn something new every day ^^
Pasting the proven skills again to be sure no one misses them:
A acrobatics, handle animal, wild empathy or stealth check can get you past the snakes safely. Acrobatics is jumping, the rest is swimming.

Syndra, still looking terrified of snakes focuses for a moment, pulls out a small bit of wool from a pouch and starts to speak in arcane. "Ma käsin held äikest Maybe this will work She commands a small blast of thunder over one of the pools hoping that the vibrations scare the snakes in the water so that it is clear.

Syndra casts Ghost Sound right above the water hoping that the sound will create vibrations int he water to scare the snakes away

Syndra tries to make the sound thunder but only manages a weak one.
Your level doesn't allow you to make that much noise, only of around 8 humans. 16 humans is a lions roar.
This results in the same effect as before, some of the snakes move away while others stay where they are.

Well you can't blame a guy for trying to find another way through!

Syndra is not sure that trying to make a flying leap across the pools is the best idea after barely making it the last time. Maybe I can calmly sneak through the water easier than jumping. Being a diviner, Syndra closes her eyes to take a brief glimpse into the future (Prescience). She is unsure that this is going to work, but she slowly, stealthily moves through the water to the next island.

Prescience: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Due to the roll of prescience, I will take the higher of the rolls for my Stealth check if you please
Assuming that she makes it to the next island

Syndra studies the second Plinth again recording and documenting her finds. "This is all quite interesting. Is there more that I should add onto these documents? I'm sure that the society will be quite excited with our finds!"

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

I just realized that my gold was causing encumbrance. I turned it off and reposted my stat block. This accounts for the increase to my sex skill checks, and max movement

Hehe... Sex skills ;P And no I can't blame you, I would've done the same. But it doesn't feel, based on the information I found, quite right to scare every snake away by the methods used.

Syndra makes her way to the second plinth by stealth. She slowly and quietly makes her way to next small island in the mist. She starts documenting the second plinth learning all kinds of new things about the biology of the serpentfolk and the creatures they use as work horses, creatures like giant amoebas, tentamorts and voidworms.

Next update will be tomorrow, to give the other the chance to respond.

Well, she is an elf after all, she must have a ton of sex skills... Damn autocorrect. DEX skills

Well, if we only need 1-2 people to make it their, I can just stealth as well instead of trying to come up with a more creative solution that would make it clear for the rest of the party.

As the group ponders different solutions, Roscoe gives a slight shrug and starts making his way through the snakes with precise placement.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Roscoe jumps to one of the small rock islands with easy and tries to decipher one of the plinths.

Will need 3 of the above mentioned skills rolls, the more the better.

"Maybe I can help you Syndra to cross the snakes. It is said that music shootes the beast..." says Verhaal and starts to gently sing what looks like a lullaby.

And it is in fact a lullaby. I cast it every round in front of Sybdra, to affect the serpents that could bite her, for a -5 to perception

Unfortunately Falshin doesn't really have anything to contribute to moving away the snakes right now. Basic Telekinesis doesn't do much until later on when I can get Telekinetic Haul.

Falshin sneaks around the water, moving every so carefully not to disturb the mass of snakes... Once near one of the plinths, he spends several minutes examining every detail and sketches down what he finds in his journal!

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

In preparation for tomorrow's post, in the case that there is another plinth that needs to be explored, if not, you can discount this part of my post

Seeing that slowly creeping through the water seemed to work better than a hail mary jump, Syndra moves through the next pond to examine another plinth.
Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
When she reaches the next islandassuming that she does "I find this information so interesting. We should take note of what this says and prepare ourselves for what may lay ahead" She studies the next plinth:

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Linguistics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Appraise: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Syndra continues to make detailed notes on her findings, continuing to consult with her companions. Taking careful notes of their observations and findings, and compiling a large volume of work.

If the above part has been discounted then please proceed with the next part either way

She thinks about what she has learned "I should share my knowledge of the creatures mentioned on these plinths in case we run across them in other parts of this fortress."

She recalls what she knows about Amoebas and Tentamorts:
Knowledge Dungeon: 0d1 ⇒ (-) = 0

And she thinks about what she recalls learning about void worms:
Knowledge Planar: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

She shares this with her companions.. "Does anyone have anything to add? There is a lot I still have yet to learn about dungeons. It can never help to be too prepared."

A strong surge of Pathfinders have overtaken the Zoological Gardens. In doing so, they have found their way to the Slave Pens!

The Zoological Gardens are now claimed, the Slave Pens are now discovered. This is reflected in the updated map.

I will note the information on the creatures when you encounter them. You will not see a lot of them since this is a lower tier.

Verhaal softly starts to sing to the snakes inside the cavern, calming them. Syndra makes her way to the third plinth, joined by Falshin. Together they finish the notes on the plinth in no time at all. Having finished you think this will be enough information for the society.

The last plinth depicted the ritual importance of the hot springs you are in. Apparently it is possible to transform a small vial of the water into a potion of cure light wounds with a small rite. The potion retains its healing properties for roughly half an hour. It is also said on the plinth that the healing properties only work a single time per day.

You create the potions and head on. You discover a pathway leading up and start climbing it, Falshin manages to grab a few nice sized rocks while climbing. After a climb of about a 100 feet, which takes you a few minutes, you come into a new area. Claustrophobic cells line the walls here, many crowded with three or four miserable-looking humans. The halls converge on a hewn-stone chamber lit with braziers and choked with herb-scented smoke.

Potion count: 6/6 - 23min remaining

As you crest the top of the stairs leading up you see two creatures standing with their backs to you at the end of one of the hallways. They don't seem to notice you over all the noise the captives are making. Syndra immediately recognizes the creatures as Troglodytes. She knows that Troglodytes are humanoid reptilian creatures who stink. Their stench is so strong it is sickening. The Troglodytes aid the Serpentfolk in training and breaking mammalian servants. These troglodytes handle the disgusting work of cleaning, tending, and disciplining the captives.

Surprise round:
- Roscoe
- Falshin
- Syndra
- Jimmy
- Doran
- Verhaal

Everyone may act in the surprise round.
I'll roll initiative after this round. Remember, only a single standard or move action!

Syndra quietly moves down the hallway pulling what looks like colored sand from one of her pouches.

Token moved, if anyone needs to move their token for them, let me know

Doran raises his sword and rushes forward to bear the brunt of the attack.

Come, fiends, and taste my steel!

on phone...can you move me one spacd past your character Syndra...gotta be meatshield...lol. Thanks!

Falshin follows directly behind the others and stops next to Syndra. "Stand ready friends, we will make quick work out of these creatures."

Also on my phone if someone could move my icon into the square next to Syndra? Much thanks.

Done and done

Verhaal takes the crossbow from her back, ready for the combat.

Because if we just climbed I assume I cannot have it in my hands.

Roscoe takes off with the rest of the crowd to meet the opposition head on.

Moved 5 spaces up.

Jimmy moves as far toward the troglodytes as he can.

I will assume you got it ready before you got into this hallway.

Syndra moves forward quietly, the moment being ruined by Doran who yells their arrival. Two heads whip around as everyone gets into place.

Surprise round:
- Syndra
- Verhaal
- Roscoe
- Jimmy
- Red Troglodyte
- Doran
- Falshin
- Green Troglodyte

Everyone may act in the surprise round.

*facepalm*....i blew that one....my bad....

Clarification. Is this a second surprise round or a full round?

Since we already had a surprise round, I'm going to assume that this is the top of the round...?

Round 1 ini 28

Syndra takes a split second to remember that Troglodytes have a thick stench around them. She takes a moment to look into the future (prescience) in order to ready herself against the stench. She moves forward eyes closed in concentration move action. As she does so, she sprinkles the sand in the air "Kutsun müstiline volitused jooksul kuni tulevad esile flash pimestav värvid." She speaks as she spreads her fingers towards the troglodytes. A flash of brilliant color comes forth from her hands. Standard action: Color Spray DC:16 Will Save

Prescience Roll: 1d20 ⇒ 6

The five foot square in front of me, the three in the next row, and the top two in the third row for a 15' cone

Verhaal shoots the crossbow to one of the troglodites.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 - 4 = 8
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Roscoe readies an action to charge a troglodyte when it comes into range and attack:

wakizashi: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 = 21
damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

This is the first round.

Syndra charges in, managing to resist the awful stench and casts colorspray on the two Troglodytes. The red one resists the spell whilst the green one drops to the ground. Verhaal tries to shoot the green Troglodyte but shoots the moment the creature drops to the ground. Roscoe readies an attack should one of the Troglodytes come into range.

Round 1:
- Syndra
- Verhaal
- Roscoe
- Jimmy
- Red Troglodyte
- Doran
- Falshin
- Green Troglodyte

In bold may act!

Will save red: 1d20 ⇒ 16
Will save green: 1d20 ⇒ 14

The high-flying Pathfinders have taken control of the Temple Plaza! In doing so, they have found out how to access the Temple itself!

The Temple Plaza is now claimed, the Temple Interior is now discovered. This will be reflected in the map momentarily.

Jimmy doubles moves up to the remaining troglodytes, his heavy flail ready for some smashing.

Jimmy moves forward and notices the awful smell the Troglodytes give off from up close now. He holds his breath and tries to ignore the stench as he gets into hitting range.

The Troglodyte swings his club, trying to hit Jimmy in his stomach. The creature hits and causes Jimmy to double over.

Round 1:
- Syndra
- Verhaal
- Roscoe
- Jimmy 2/10hp
- Red Troglodyte
- Doran
- Falshin
- Green Troglodyte Unconscious [5/5]

Round 2:
- Syndra
- Verhaal
- Roscoe
- Jimmy 2/10hp
- Red Troglodyte

In bold may act! Everyone in round 2 may also act, since the green troglodyte is unconscious.

Doran moves forward to close with the troglodyte.

he's just out of charge range...so no attack...just double move to engage.

Round 2 ini 28

Syndra reaches behind her and pulls out her light crossbow in her right hand. move action. She stands facing the red troglodyte "Ma nimetan edasi pall happe leida see blend alum" she speaks while cupping her free hand. She finishes speaking and holds a glowing green and yellow ball in her hand. She reaches out in the direction of the Lizardman, and the ball shoots from her hand hurtling towards the creature.Standard Action

"One unconscious, and one to go. Drop this one, and the fight is over!"

Ranged Touch Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 2