[PFS] Season 0 run, mixed with Dragon's Demand

Game Master Irish202

At Tereze's words, Locke stands fidgeting their fingers, pondering, at which eventually the gloves are taken off and folded into the backpack.

After the gloves, the mask and hood come off with a slightly embarrassed sigh.

What the others will see.

Oh missed one response.

Tereze grins at Melisande.
Hmmm... you are devoted to your work. I bet ze boys will have a few suggestions on how we can settle the score.
She flashes an even bigger smile at Kegan.

"So you are sure she is in absolutely no danger?"

Kegan looks at Melisande and Tereze with disbelief.

When Locke removes her mask, Kegan smiles and nods. "Nice look."

Then he switches back to the topic at hand.

"The dragon liked having minions. I really think it unlikely they didn't have other tricks for any captives in its lair."

"Guess we will find out when we get there."

Greetings Locke. It is an honor and a pleasure to see your face.

Melisande surveys the room and begins looting corpses.

I'll take 10 on Spellcraft for a total of 29 (CL 7th) unless that doesn't make it. Identify is also my first level bloodline spell, so will go with a 39 if the 29 is insufficient, just let me know.

"Hey Melisande."

"You would have to look at Tereze for it, she convinced me to.
And it somehow feels, liberating, pleasant even."

Sorry, Spellcraft to identify is 15 + CL, not twice CL, so I can get up to CL 14 on a take 10 and CL 24 with Identify.

Once he is convinced, he heads over to Azmur and says "I believe there is still a damsel to be rescued? Your wife."

Then she nods to Azmur and says solemnly.

Your help good sir was most timely. Besides helping to release your wife how can we zank you properly?

As they turn to address the druid, all they see is a dust cloud of swift movement coming from the hallway at the north side of the chamber. A lone bird's feather floats lazily to the ground, as the sounds of hurried flapping noises can be heard echoing off the walls in the direction of the stairs to the monastery basement.

"Rima...she was not with him...I must find her!" He turns and runs out of the room to the north.

(E.g. the druid left the room the moment the dragon fell, wildshaped into a bird at end of initiative, and hot-tailed it to the basement aftewards)

Will proceed tomorrow with group decision on next course of action.

Testudo is somewhat confused, but keeps to himself.

"I will take her chain shirt for the time being, if nobody minds.
I will get all of my own armor and clothing patched up in town, hopefully."

I say just grab anything zat looks valuable and let us follow ze bird down to ze dragon’s lair!

She starts moving after him trying to seei how he gets there.

Testudo will tie up anything currently unclaimed to Roshi's saddle before riding along.

I will hold onto this staff for the moment at least, though I suspect we will want to sell it later.

Melisande follows the group after the druid.

Locke almost forgets, and picks up Pentosh' formula book for later study.

Anything nice in her book i may not have yet?

As soon as at least one of the others starts to follow the bird, Kegan joins them.

“Hope he doesn’t fly straight into a trap...”

Locke almost forgets, and picks up Pentosh' formula book for later study.

Locke searches for Pentosh's formula book...but does not find it on her body.

My dearest apologies, the adventure does not list the formula book nor its contents in the her stat block. Perhaps it is elsewhere?

I will hold onto this staff for the moment at least, though I suspect we will want to sell it later.

If the staff is low on charges, would you say you are short-staffed?

Melisande follows the group after the druid.

To shorten things a bit, it is quite clear the druid is heading for the dragon's lair through the monastery basement. If the group recalls, they needed a levitate spell to turtle-ferry across a pit. Additionally, the path split into a fork; both fork options leading ultimately to the tunnel the dragon's lair. One fork lead through a chamber with a cloudy glass container that had something within that attempted mental intrusions; while the other fork had little mini islands strewn about a water filled room. Which route does the group wish to take?

Kegan would prefer the path through the water filled room with isles.

I think either way, we are relying on Tereze to have spells available. I think she is getting pretty low on spells at this point, and I've not gotten too much into that level of utility spells yet. We'd need Protection from Evil for the cloudy glass container room or Levitate for the water room. The glass room would probably be faster, assuming the thing trying to influence us is evil.

As much as I want to help the druid and wife, we're getting pretty low on resources. If there is a real threat there, even with the Dragon taken out, we are ill-equipped to go up against it. It's possible that we should not pursue hastily, but should instead rest and go in the morning.

Kegan frowns, then says “Likely too late by then.”

It depends on how long has it been. If you look back, I cast Pro Evil on all of us right before this fight. GM if we hurry can we make it through the possession room in the 7 min duration of the spell? If not we need to do the water

For Resources I’m out of 1st and low on 3rd level spells but still have 5 second level spells so I could do a levitation again to get us across, but if there is another fight today, I’m not going to be very helpful.

Quick follow ze bird downstairs! Roshi hurry up to me. I may not have many blessings left, but I can still make you float.

It depends on how long has it been. If you look back, I cast Pro Evil on all of us right before this fight. GM if we hurry can we make it through the possession room in the 7 min duration of the spell? If not we need to do the water

Sorry with delay, working weekend. Here is how I perceive the time line of things: 1.5 min combat, 3 min lootz/identify/discussion, 1 min to basement, 1 min turtle-pit-ferry, 1 min travel. I would say there would be about a 50-50 chance of you just barely making it as the spell expires, but I would flip the coin to see after you make the decision. The water route would be safer but slower, it would add about another 3-4 minutes of travel time turtle ferrying across the water. First two people to agree on the route takes it.

Good with either route.

Lets run through and try to go faster. If we all run through together, hopefully there's only a single person that has to make the save. with a 50% chance of it not even being effective.

Could we hold up something to hide behind, as we move?

Faster route sounds fine to me. I'm getting low, but not out, with about a third of my spell slots remaining.

Spell Chance (High is good): 1d100 ⇒ 37
Will Save (Testudo): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 = 23
Will Save (Kegan): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 GM assuming Charmed Life used to get +4 to DC 19 save

The spell will wear off prior to going through the orb chamber with the mental intrusions, but the individual's targeted will get through before anyone fails their saving throws. Will have additional post up later this evening after work.

Will have additional post up later this evening after work.

The group rushes down stairs to the basement of the monastery, re-treading familiar territory to return back to the dragon's lair. An opportune levitate spell, plus a floating turtle ferry with some ropes, yet again provides easy transport across the pit behind the secret door near the basement stairs. A quick jog down some turning hallways once again leads through the chamber with the two glass orbs. The tingling sensation of the protection from evil spell fading can be felt, but Testudo and Kegan are able to stave off the oppressive presence in the room long enough for the group to pass through the room fast enough.

Passing through the pool chamber and down the long stretch of tunnel takes some time; as the group advances further down the tunnel they can hear the sound of flapping bird wings echoing off the walls. Not too long after the tunnel mouth opens up to the mossy chamber of the dragon's den, where the group spots a swallow perched on a outcropping of rock. The bird peers from its spot towards the northern side of the chamber, where an undulating tear in the fabric of reality made of pulsing black energy seethes in the air 15 feet off the ground; the blackness punctuated with motes of piercing starlight.

The bird turns alertly back in the group's direction as they approach, cocking its head to the side briefly before very pointedly lifting one of its claws to point towards a path that skirts a pond on the east side of the chamber. It then looks back briefly at the undulating tear before alighting in the air to land on Tereze's shoulder.

The 'tear' mentioned is in area G5 on the map. The pond mentioned is area G7. The sizing of the squares on the map is difficult to fit, so the map currently is for information purposes only at the moment. What would the group like to do?

Frowning as he sees the hole, Kegan says "Looks like we will have to deal with the mirror soon. I do not like the look of that." He gestures towards the pulsing black energy.

Looking towards the swallow, he asks "Anything else of note you've found here?"

I assume this is similar to the window upstairs, where when I looked into the void, something was looking back into me?

Another one of these tears. Fascinating. Dangerous, but fascinating. Everyone stay away from it and DON'T LOOK INTO IT for now until we understand it better.

Melisande casts Detect Magic and moves into the room, scanning for any other auras or any sign of a control position, similar to what we saw with the other portal.

Tereze, I don't suppose you have another spell to protect my mind from evil influences?

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19
Kn(Arcana): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33

I... I zink, I can manage zat.

Cast Protection from Evil on Melisande with a second level spell slot.

Zere, no be careful, I do not zink we are in any shape to fight that evil tree again.

Then she carefully creaps forward in the direction of the path the bird pointed to, trying to be quiet as she goes.
Stealth: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (18) - 2 = 16

Kegan hesitates, unsure who to follow. Sounds like they are concerned about someone being mind controlled again. If that is the case, I would probably be more of a hinderance to Melisande than an asset.

Looking between the two, he makes up his mind and tries to quietly follow Tereze about 20' behind her.
Stealth, untrained: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

Melisande turns back to look at the group, gesturing for quiet, pointing toward the ledge to the north and miming the wings of a grioth.

@GM Can you place the tear on the map so I can be sure of where I am going?

Figuring he is one of the people making too much noise, Kegan stops where he is.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

Getting the gist of some of her gestures, he watches where the tear is expecting something to come flying out.

Feel free to put me on the map somewhere behind Tereze

@GM Can you place the tear on the map so I can be sure of where I am going?

Done!

Then she carefully creeps forward in the direction of the path the bird pointed to, trying to be quiet as she goes.

As she advances, Tereze gets a better vantage on the pool on the east side of the chamber. The water in the pool appears to be deep enough that a huge-sized dragon would be able to submerge itself completely. There is a small walking path that starts from the ledge behind the writhing tear on the north part of the chamber, continues along the eastern edge of the pond at a gentle decline, then debauches in a chamber that opens up to the southeast on the other side of the pond out of sight. The bird urgently tugs a loose strand of Tereze's hair in that general direction.

Getting the gist of some of her gestures, he watches where the tear is expecting something to come flying out.

As he gazes in the general direction of the roiling black mass hovering above the ground, the swashbuckler sees otherworldly...things...moving in and out of indirect sight beyond the tear. He almost swears a tentacle-laden mass of some kind pauses and orients on him; but after blinking the sight is gone, a trick of the wan light filtering in from holes in the cavern ceiling above perhaps.

Grumbling, Kegan decides perhaps it might be best not to look into the darkness. Don't want to lose my mind to the madness in there.

He switches to watching the area around the tear for signs of creatures that have come out of it.

Moving up to Tereze and Kegan, Melisande gestures for them to come closer to listen and whispers tersely Noises on the ledge to the north sound like Grioths. We can make noise to draw them out, but we'd have to fight them. I can't see what needs to happen with that tear from this far away, but I don't want to attract attention from it and any guardian while also tryign to fight grioths on my own. She considers for a moment. Make sure the druid's wife is ok and deal with the tear and grioths after? There's also a ledge up there that might be the sleeping place for the dragon and probably where his hoard is.

Locke follows the others, silently hopefully.
Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Likewise, she keeps her eyes away from the direction of creepy things.

Tereze tries to go around the pool as quietly as possible looking for the druid's wife.

Kegan hesitates, realizing stealth isn't his general modus operandi. With a shrug, he decides to try following Tereze. Worst case, I make noise and combat comes to me!

Stealth, untrained: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Advancing stealthily around the chamber the group passes a 40-foot domed alcove containing a massive nest filled with leaves, grasses, and evergreen boughs. Not hearing any commotion of grioths being alerted to their presence, the Pathfinders continue around the periphery of the pond. The small footpath debauches in 20-foot high chamber that contains four alcoves. Chests that seem to be bursting with treasures and books fill three of these alcoves, while the fourth houses a large pile of pelts and furs. Reclining on this pile is a fair-skinned female human with black hair who appears to be incredibly pregnant; judging at least in her final month if one had to guess. Azmur launches his bird-self off of Tereze's shoulders, darts through air towards her, and transforms mid-flight to land in the pile of furs beside her with a bounce. At first the woman appears caught off-guard and tenses briefly, but that swiftly changes into a quiet giggle of delight as Azmur kisses her tenderly.

"Dearest! What about the dr-" she whispers before the druid interrupts her with another bout of smooching. They both surface from the furs after a brief almost-but-not-quite-censored exchange of affection.

"Everyone, this is my wife, Rima," Azmur says as he straightens his now-askew hat while she organizes her now messy hair. Rima gives the group a small wave, unable to curtsy or bow in her current level of pregnancy. The druid turns back to his wife and grasps both of her hands. "Dear, Aeteperax is no-more. These adventurers have accomplished what I never could have dreamed of, they killed the dragon!"

Rima appears speechless at first, then astonished, followed shortly by confusion. "That is...wonderful, dearest! If he is dead, why are you all whispering and sneaking around?"

"Err..." Azmur pauses for a moment and looks at the Pathfinders briefly. "...The grioths are still here. They defeated the dragon while he was up patrolling the monastery following the commotion they made yesterday." This comment causes Rima to look briefly alarmed, but she shrugs briefly before pulling out an incredibly shiny and sharp dagger seemingly out of nowhere.

"Well, I was going to use this to sneak-attack that bloody dragon, but a grioth will have to-" she starts to say before doubling over briefly and dropping the dagger to the floor as she clutches her abdomen. "OoOoh..." Rima begins deep breathing and starts to hobble back to the pile of furs. Azmur guides her with both arms as he gently sets her down, the druid looking back at the Pathfinders.

"Yes, that's well and good dear. We don't need you getting worked up and delivering the baby before we are ready. Let's leave such things to the adventurers, perhaps?" he says placatingly to his wife while making exaggerated gestures with his eyes back in the general direction of the previous chamber.

As the couple show their affection for each other, Kegan watches to make sure nothing is sneaking up on them. As the sounds settle, he turns to face them again, still scanning his surroundings for any signs of trouble.

"Rima, a pleasure to finally meet you." Kegan says with a bow and sweep of his hat. "I am Kegan."

He smiles as the woman gets ready to fight, then shows concern as she suddenly doubles over. I hope Azmur knows how to take care of her. Certainly nothing any of my training has prepared me for.

Taking the druid's hint, he says "Yes, still more dangers to face."

Turning towards the group, he asks "Are we going to be able to deal with the blackness if we haven't taken care of the mirror?" He looks towards Melisande as he asks this.

A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Rima. Perhaps we shall have some time to catch up. Melisande surveys the library with some interest. Dragon probably thought himself invincible and left open notes about how these gates were formed. I'll take a look. Feel free to enjoy your husband in the meanwhile, but do try not to go into labor. The noise would surely alert the grioths. With that, she begins perusing the library, looking for the details of the rituals used.

My apologies, I forgot to include the +2 mithril dagger that Rima "borrowed" from the hoard in the lootz list.

With that, she begins perusing the library, looking for the details of the rituals used.

Knowledge Arcana Melisande: 1d20 + 17 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 17 + 6 = 41

Tereze, I will need your help to close this rift with a Dispel Magic, but we will need to head back up to the Dark Window to do it. We can also possibly close that permanently, but that will take a bit more work, and it's possible the Society would like to keep it active for study.

She looks at everyone packing loot away in their bags. Shall we undertake to close it?

Locke looks sceptical.

"Keeping that thing open is a great risk. We escaped only due to a brave kobold's intervention."

“Close it! It is a danger to everyone in the area and I don’t think we have the means to safely handle it. Provided we don’t break it, Zarta will be able to figure out if there is any safe way to examine it.”

I am going to assume the group will come back for the 1,500 pounds worth of books later when finished with the adventure. For the sake of keeping things moving, the grioths will naturally disperse out of the monastery after the rift that brought them here is closed. I will assume the group exits sneakily past them back into the monastery proper as well. Is the group going straight to the Dark Window chamber, or are you going to rest first?

I'd prefer to rest first in case we draw some additional friends through the window in trying to close it.

I think we need to rest just to get the Protection from Evil spells renewed. We don’t want to be fighting the evil guys and our own people again.

Is there a kobold leader we need to clear or anything else? I was thinking there was one other still active.

If we go now I can protect 4 people with Pro evil and cast dispel magic once, and then I'm basically out for the day. So I would vote to rest.

When they get where they can talk.
I can help with zat, but can we rest first. Ze fight with the dragon has left me exhausted.

Later when the other are away.