PFS PbP Gameday 3 #3–25: Storming the Diamond Gate (3-7)

Game Master slin2678

knowledge planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Know: Planes 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Know: Planes 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Know: Religion 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Kiklit readies himself to pass through the curtain, making sure the amulet he stole from the Aspis guard he is impersonating is displayed prominently.

Morrolan rolled high enough to identify both the scorpion and sphinx.

Jakarno and Skipper rolled high enough to only identify the scorpion.

Everyone but Morrolan rolled high enough to identify the jackal woman as Lamashtu.

The sphinx represents Areshkagal and her symbol is emblazoned on her forehead. The scorpion represents Aldinach with her symbol etched into her massive pincers. Lamashtu, mother to both of the feuding demon lords, has her demonic rune carved into her pregnant abdomen as intricate scars and gaping wounds.

I'll provide 24 hours for RP/discussion or until everyone states they are ready to proceed.

Also, I think this was missed as we went straight from oasis into the Sphinx but it provides useful information. Everyone give me a perception roll to recall something you noticed in front of the Sphinx entrance.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Ready to proceed

Perc: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Ready to procede as well..

Ready as well, but I don't do perception checks...

I will assume Roary and Navaeh will take the front melee line. I can help support with spells and bow.
Ready to go as well.

Edit: Ha! just noticed your deity. I'm an inquisitor of Ragathiel. I think that is the first time I've been in a scenario with a fellow.

Yeah... I don't know if you could consider Neveah a "fellow" (yeah I spelled it wrong when I created the profile). He hates being a Paladin, hates having to follows the will of Ragathiel, as an outsider Neveah lacks freewill, and he really hates that "mortals" can do what ever they like. He really just want to be a baker (he really likes making cakes). Problem is since he is distantly related to Ragathiel the Empereal lord has taken special interest in his life and forced Neveah to become a holy warrior.

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Kiklit nods to the others to signify his readiness. He then readies to begin sneaking when the party passes through the curtain.

Stealth when entering the next room.
1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27

I'm still not able to edit the map. Can someone please remove Gabriel's icon and also shift the blue box over to reveal the next room?

You part the curtain and see a great three-ringed iron portal (think Stargate or the rotating puzzle locks from Skyrim if you've played it) standing in a position of prominence on a raised dais at the front of the chamber, as though venerated by the rows of statues on the other side of the curtain. A series of runes runs along the circumference of each of the portal's rings, creating three distinct bands of writing. A large, sparkling crimson gemstone is embedded at the portal's apex, the only marking on the portal's exterior frame. In front of the portal, a strange podium with a circular depression covered with several small, square raised areas offers an alien interface. A metallic smell and the cling of static electricity permeate the noticeably dry air here.

Everyone give me a perception check as you move past the curtain.

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

"Curious"
Logain states as he enters the room.
perception take 10: 10 + 8 = 18
He casts detect magic to determine if there is anything special about the machinery.
spellcraft take 10: 10 + 13 = 23
know arcana take 10: 10 + 9 = 19

Logain, the three-ring portal and podium glow with magic. Upon further concentration, you detect a faint evocation aura. Unfortunately, you cannot ascertain the nature of it's abilities.

"Careful there. I detect evocation magic. It could be trapped."

No immediate threats appearing, Kiklit casts a spell and joins his own knowledge to that of Logain.

Cast Detect Magic and Spellcraft 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21
Knowledge: Arcana 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

It would appear this is the portal of which we seek to secure the use for our organization. However, I don't think we can call the location cleared. surely there will be more guardians about.

Same thing with Jakarno. You can identify a faint evocation aura on the gate but cannot tell the specific reason behind it.

Logain and Morrolan do not notice anything significant in their searches either.

What do you want to do?

Logain throws a little rock through the portal to see if it does anything.

Nothing happens. The rock bounces off the wall in the back.

"Right anyone else want to have a go at it? I'm not sure it is safe. But perhaps someone could send a live animal through it?"

Roary waits impatiently while the smart folk figure it out..

Fine! lets get this over with! Nevaeh impatiently pushes past Logain and walks through the portal.

Sorry for my slowness. Paizo was down all day for me yesterday.

If still relevant after Neveah's action

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Spellcraft, w Detect Magic: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Kn Arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

"-oh dear," Skipper says as their new friend moves for the portal.

Hmm... Well our instructions were to activate but very specifically not go through the portal. Though no idea how we can make sure it is active without trying. So it might be necessary anyway.
Anyone know what that script around the portal says?
But I think we should finish securing the area before experimenting.
.
If none of us know the language(s) Morrolan will cast comprehend languages to read around the portal.
.
Morrolan moves over to the side to look beyond the portal.

Logain understands the runes on the three rings. Each ring has three names on it in Abyssal; Lamashtu, Areshkagal, and Aldinach.

Nothing happens with Naveah walks through the portal, only staring at the eastern wall.

Map updated to remove Gabriel's icon.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure this isn't the portal we're looking for. The paladin says sarcastically from the other side of the arch.

"I am guessing we have to order the rings. Lamashtu in the top. And the impure blooded one at the bottom."

does Logain know which is which from the riddle on the curtain?

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Perhaps the illustration on the curtain we passed through provides the key?" Kiklit says.

Maybe we should just go find the ones that use the portal and make them tell us how to work it.

Ok. Since I'm taking over as the new GM, let me lay out the way I run games. I'm merely the judge of this game. I adjudicate rules and role-play NPCs but I won't drive your actions or propel the story forward unless you're really stuck.

I provide only general information or descriptions (boxed text) unless you tell me you're doing something. And since I don't know you or your character's personalities that well, it helps to be specific on how your character would approach a situation (i.e. I carefully examine the object, first by checking for traps (Perception roll), then by feeling for hidden buttons, etc.). So if you feel like you're missing information, it might be because no one has looked in the right place yet.

To answer Logain's question, I realized I missed giving you what you saw at the entrance of the sphinx (thanks for reminding me!). For those that rolled perception over 15 noticed that the two statues flanking the front entrance bear a rune on their chests, who you now know represent Areshkagal. Hidden in the sand beneath the statues' ankles, each of the demonic effigies crushes a scorpion under her left foot. On the scorpion's back rests another rune, of which you now know represents Aldinach, demon lord of sand, scorpions, and thirst.

That's info probably important in solving this puzzle.

Based on what we have seen previously, let's try this. Morrolan tries to move the rings such that Lamashtu is on top, Areshkagal is in the middle, and Aldinach is at the bottom.

ah good to know.

"Ok let's put the scorpion or Aldinach at the bottom and the sphinx or Areskagal in the middle. Lamashtu's mark should be up top." Logain says and fiddles with the machinery to make it so.

Morrolan goes to try and move the rings but they won't budge. Logain steps up to the podium, examining the strange markings and notice that there are indentations and raise areas that match the amulets you found earlier.

I know Jakarno is wearing an amulet. Do you use his or is someone else carrying one?

When he is informed of the indentations, Kiklit steps up and attempts to use the amulet he is wearing to move the rings.

Morrolan has one, but has so far refused to wear it.

Roary will return for amulets if more are needed..

One is enough. Jakarno fiddles for a brief moment until the amulet snaps into place. After manipulating the controls so that the rings show Lamashtu, Areshkagal, and Aldinach from top to bottom, the gemstone atop of the portal glows bright red, initially so bright that you had to shield your eyes. The bright glow subsides to a softer brightness and you see a secret door revealed along the east wall, right in front of Naveah.

More strangely, perhaps, you hear a squeaky voice behind you that says, "Hello!"

Turning around, you see a bloated, blue-skinned toad sitting in the northwest corner of the room.

Jakarno, you can choose to leave the amulet in the podium or remove it.

knowledge planes: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 well that was a crap roll

I'm not the only one who heared that thing talk right?

"It is probably a familiar, or a creature who can change his shape at will. Tell us, what is your name. And why are you here. Perhaps you could give us information about this place and how to remove the Aspis here?"

No, I also heard it.
Jakarno, I believe you are up.

"Hello!" Skipper adds on much more cheerfully, waving to the toad.

Kn Planes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

"My friends and I are very happy to meet you! Could you tell us a little bit more about yourself and what you do here? I hope you didn't have to travel too far to get here, but if you did, I hope your journey was safe and pleasant. Would you like some food? Or water? Or a pamphlet?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

No, I also heard it.

Good. Nevaeh says unemotionally and he turns back to investigate the secret door.

"My friends and I are very happy to meet you!"

Speak for yourself Nevaeh says over his shoulder.

Kiklit leaves the amulet in place for the moment, not knowing yet if the secret door will disappear if he removes it. He narrows his eyes at the creature.

Knowledge: Arcana 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Knowledge: Planes 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14
Knowledge: Religion 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Knowledge: Nature 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16
Knowledge: Dungeoneering 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Speak for yourself Nevaeh says over his shoulder.

"Ah, but you haven't even given me your name," Skipper says, out of the corner of his mouth, with his bright smile and chipper tone not faltering. "So you're not really my 'friend', you're just a fellow who got up on the wrong side of the bed whom I happen to be working with today."

Jakarno, your knowledge nature identifies this creature as looking very much like a toad but you also know that most toads can't talk.

The toad looks at Naveah and says in what can be interpreted as an indignant tone, "I am no 'thing!' My name is Teenoch."

Looking at Skipper, it says, "You are a much more respectable person so I will converse with you. I am a representative of Areshkagal and, unfortunately, I must seek your assistance.

"First, I apologize for appearing so suddenly like this but I had to be sure you were not aligned with those vile humans who murdered Areshkagal's faithful and defiled her temple. These humans fell upon us weeks ago and slaughtered all within. I am the only one lucky enough to go undetected...and survive.

"What I ask is simple. Please help me gain revenge on these humans and allow me to return to my home through the Diamond Gate. In return, I will provide information on the trespassers of Areshkagal's profane grounds. What do you say?"

"So you're not really my 'friend', you're just a fellow who got up on the wrong side of the bed whom I happen to be working with today."

Neveah turns to look at the halfing. After a moment of though he gives the cleric a smile and respectful nod, Fair enough. I'm Nevaeh

He completely ignores the toad.

Skipper favors Neveah with a brief, bright smile and a nod in answer, then looks back to the toad-thing, with an uncertain frown.

"The humans you're talking about.... we're not friends of them either, but, well. No offense, but Areshkagal isn't known for dealing straightforwardly. How do we know you'll keep your end of the bargain?"

Also, Skipper isn't sure Sinashakti would be okay with him making bargains with a servant of Areshkagal at all. Though it's true you run into many odd fellow-travelers on the road, and you might journey with them for a mile or two without necessarily agreeing with them or liking them...

"One moment, please, Teenoch."

Skipper's voice drops to a whisper with the others, "Guys. Areshkagal's a demon. I'm not-- I'm not really happy about making a bargain with one of her servants. But dealing with the Aspis agents is something we were going to do anyway. I can cope with this for the sake of the mission and I think Sinashakti will forgive me, but what about everyone else? Is anyone not okay with this?"