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

Game Master Irish202

The next morning you find Bassy the adventurer waiting for you.

"Hey!" Bassy greets you, jumping off her chair and walking up to you.

"I've been thinking... You're members of the Pathfinder Society, aren't you? I know this fellow who owns various kinds of birds. He's trained some for small errands. What about sending your Society a note about what's going on here? I highly doubt Aeteperax, or whatever its name is, will notice a random leaving Belhaim."

"You can go visit the Crypt of Tula to find out if the bones are still there. Aeteperax will be watching you head into Dragonfen and will probably not allow you to come out and head back into Belhaim, but if you stay inside the Crypt and tell the Society to contact you there... Maybe the Society can help you bring down the dragon?"

Nice!!!!

Zat is a very cleaver idea zere Bassy. Ze Society is always looking for cleaver people like zat. Have you ever considered joining yourself?

"I'm pleased. Onward!"

Bassy grins. "I actually have, Tereze. Maybe you can put a good word in for me later? I've heard you have factions, though? Not sure which one I should join. What's yours like? I'm not strong enough to aid you on your current quest, though... Sorry about that..."

@Tereze: Want to try to recruit Bassy into the Dark Archive, for your faction journal card? You brought her joining the Society up first so you get first dibs on trying to recruit her! ;)

You follow Bassy to said fellow's house, and explain that you need to borrow one of his birds. You write a letter which explains the recent events, attach it to the bird, and send the bird off to Venture-Captain Adril Hestram. Once the bird safely disappears beyond the horizon without being shot down by a fireball, you feel pretty sure it'll arrive at its destination.

Before you head off to the Crypt of Tula Bassy has one more thing to say to you. "A thousand years ago Lady Tula herself gave my grandmother a brass key, and she added a rather strange request as she did: 'Keep this key safe until the need for
dragonslayers rises again.'"

The gnome historian reaches into her pocket and pulls out a brass key, which she hands over to Tereze. "This key will open the crypt of Tula Belhaim, but please be careful. It's been centuries since anyone
has entered the tomb, and there are doubtless guardians and traps within to keep all but righteous and true dragonslayers away."

"Oh, your wanting to join the awesomely named Darkive?" Ery spins on a heel to wrap his lithe fingers around Bassy's hand.
Diplomancy: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25
"Tereze and I know it well."

Of course she will try together her to join the Dark Archive. I mean where else would a gnome go but a place to gather and study strange magical devices!!!

Yes, of course I can put ina good word. And do not feel bad about not being able to help us. Even ze mightiest of Pathfinders started unable to tackle some challenges. We learn and grow, and as we do we can tackle harder missions. Even now zer are some missions zat zis group would not be considered for. Our skill set is just not a match for some zings. But do not worry, slaying Dragons and exploring tombs is exactly what we we are good at.

As for ze faction, as my companion said, You should seriously consider ze Dark Archive. It is a group zat safely traps away mysterious magical items and studies zem for ze good of all. Someone as bright as yourself could go far looking into ze history and use of zose artifacts or even discovering how zey were used or can be safely contained.

Fiona follows the others, visibly relieved that no dragon-fighting was to be soon. "Bringing in whatever reinforcements we can from the Society is a safe bet, probably the best we could make at the moment," she comments.

After Tereze and Eryzule try to convince Bassy to join their faction in the Society, Fiona comments while Bassy's attention is elsewhere, "Tereze, I wouldn't expect you to be part of the Dark Archive. You've never seemed like a person who'd join any organization that had the word 'dark' as part of its name."

Urbar remains silent through the conversation, not wanting to admit that they might actually need help with a dragon.

That last fight was already fairly close... That wasn't even a real dragon...

At one point he just seems to be staring off into the distance, pondering what he has to do to be able to tackle all of this.

Locke wasn't judgemental about people's beliefs, but Fiona had a point.

"I'll admit that, like Fiona, you two don't strike me as affiliated with a faction, lead by a devil worshiper."

Locke leans slightly to Fiona.
"That mint you gave me worked well. My mixtures with honey were sweet, but the mint you gave me made a refreshing taste and clearer tone of voice."

@Tereze: "Recruitment requires a Diplomacy or Knowledge (arcana) check with a DC equal to 15 plus your character level."

I just checked your profile and see you've got +11 on Diplomacy. So by taking 10 you automatically succeed in recruiting Bassy to the Dark Archive! :)

Bassy nods while listening to Tereze, clearly interested in what she has to say about the Dark Archive. "It indeed sounds like a faction I'd like to join."

"Yes, I've decided! I will join the Dark Archive!" Bassy declares.

@Ery: I could simply say you recruit her together, one making the check and the other providing an aid roll, but you can only check one box per scenario / sanctioned module. You already checked the box for recovering a named text in this sanctioned part of the module.

Though it's something to keep in mind for the future: you and Tereze can work together to recruit another person to the Dark Archive, and then both of you can check a box! ;)

Bassy then describes how to reach the Crypt of Tula, and you head out. It takes you about an hour to reach the Crypt.

Even hundreds of years after the dragon's fall, its bones are an awe-inspiring sight. The skeleton has partially sunk into the bog, but enough remains that it still appears to be draped over a low, earthen mound. On the side of the mound is a stone door with a single, rough key hole.

You've pretty much got your confirmation right here; the dead dragon hasn't risen. Though you wouldn't have joined the Pathfinder Society if you weren't curious about the contents of ancient sites...

There's a new map, and it's very big. Therefor your pictures are very tiny.

Gwen stares in awe at the size of the dragon skeleton. "Thank the Goddess that we didn't have to face this thing. I was lucky with that drake, something this size... I don't even know what I could do to even scratch a scale."

They find the door and she smiles. "A hidden door with a secret key hidden beneath the body of a dead dragon? I'm in!"

Yeah I assumed that could happen. >.> Also a stat whore to get those check marks. I didn't mean to steal Tereze's thunder...But Ill totally take a supportive check mark!

"A dungeon Delve? Truelly? I do not recall a sincere delve. Oh, wait...the sewers count?" He ponders, staying in Gwen's proxy.

As The rest of the group questions her about her faction Tereze looks around.
I guess I should explain... some of you know parts of zis story already.
As a young girl, I grew up around magic in the wagons. My father and 'Nanna were both magicians. Zey used magic to help others of ze people.
As a child I loved magic objects, and to be honest I still do.
Ze reason I am currently restricted from going home is due to zat love. I zought I could do what zey did, so I snuck in and took a dangerous magic book from my fathers work wagon and tried to use what was in it.
Ze magic went horrably wrong, and many were hurt. And I was almost taken by a horrible creature. My 'Nanna sacrificed her life to keep my soul safe. In zat she was partially successful. My soul is still mine, but most of you have see ze zing that follows me. It is always zere whispering in my ear, seeking my death and my soul. I zink in some way it is linked to my power, for both came after my brush with what I now know to be ze River of Souls. I strive to do good with ze power, but I really do not know what will happen if die. Ze zing might get free, it may disappear or my companion may gets its hooks in my soul and drag me off somewhere.

As for ze leaders competing with Devils, I am cursed with something worse zen a devil, so how can I say zey are wrong? I have to believe zat even ze power of devils can be used for good, if not I am damned and nothing I do will ever change zat.

@Locke: "I'm glad you found my herbs to your liking. I still feel that sometimes I'm not pulling my weight around here, so brewing potions and performing some magics are the least I could do..." her voice trails off.

@Tereze: "Of course I don't doubt your choices Tereze, but in your place I would try to avoid any demon as much as I could, or at least try to destroy it. You're so brave for trying to harness their immense power instead of letting it go to waste, all the while keeping your ideals."

Urbar nods in response to Tereze.
"We all have our demons, be they real or not."
He says as he stares off into the distance.

Walking around a bit as everyone is talking he lays his hands on the bones, feeling how old they are. He follows by making a round around the skeleton, taking everything in.

Perception to see anything out of the ordinary: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Locke nods in correspondence with Fiona's comment.

"Sorry to hear of such, let's put it mildly, bad fortune.
I can agree, though, with turning doubtful assets towards the greater good, dishing a taste of their own medicine."

@Fiona

"Mot pulling your own weight? You're treating our wounds when we need it, there's value in that. Plus, i was the last to join the troupe, which is usually the one who has to prove something.
You might be worrying too much."

"Locke is spot on, Fiona. Your deeply valued."

For once, I have to say, the Elf speaks ze truth, Fiona. You are an important part of zis group and I would very much miss you if you were not here.

As they stand outside the crypt Tereze reaches out and links her life force with, Ulfa, Ery, Fiona and Gwen.
Zere, I zink I have most of you protected. Are we ready to try the key?

"The tea shrub stands ready!"
Ery says, placing a thumb to his chest.
"Open her up and let's do this. Anyone want to bet on undead being in here..?"

"If there are, i've got a present for them."

Locke softly taps the belt with components for bombs.

"Besides, if it's walking bones, Urbar's wolf might be in her element."

It could be traps.

"I hope it's not more undead. Of all the creatures in the world that one could face off against, we fight more undead than anything else I know of!"

The moment you approach the door is the very moment a horrid mass of eyes, mouths, and formless flesh crawls out of one side of the dead dragon's skull. Its eyes stare in all directions, its countless maws yammering ceaselessly.

Round 1:
Gwendallyn
Locke
Urbar & Ulfa
Fiona
Creature
Tereze
Eryzule

Fiona smiles faintly at the compliment, relieved although she does not seem to believe it completely, "Thanks, I appreciate your warm words. I'll do my best to continue to be useful to our endeavors."

She follows the others to the door, reacting quicker than usual when the creature appears. She begins to cast a spell, turning her arms in arcane gestures.

Cast Enlarge Person on Gwen.

Zat is not undead, and I do not know it is an improvement!!

Gwen shakes her head at Fiona and looks as if she's about to pull the younger woman in for some tough love when the strange... thing suddenly appears. "I just had to open my mouth. Um, what is that?!" Suddenly she finds herself growing to massive proportions at Fiona's behest and she grins. "Not that it matters!"

Grapple: 1d20 + 18 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 18 - 2 = 34

Actions: Swift - Snapping Turtle Style (+1 Shield AC). Move - Martial Flexibility to gain Dodge (+1 Dodge bonus AC). Standard - Grapple the... thing w/ Combat Expertise (+2 Dodge bonus AC).

Effective AC of 19

Martial Flexibility - 10/10

Did we rest before coming out here?

"What the...that's a certain 9 out of 10 on the ugly scale."

Rt, firebomb: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15BOOM: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 4) + 5 = 13

Urbar draws a sword, takes a step closer to the creature and brings down the sword with two hands.
"Ulfa, get away!"

Atk: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Dmg: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Fiona's fast to react and starts casting enlarge person on Gwendallyn.

@Gwen: You're not large yet. Casting enlarge person is a full-round action that'll complete at the start of Fiona's turn. And yes, you slept at the inn before Bassy gave you the key and headed over here.

Gwendallyn 5-foot steps up to the creature while shifting into the snapping turtle style. She improves her defenses with her martial flexibility and grapples the strange creature.

Locke throws a bomb that blasts parts of the creature into tiny bits, but the creature keeps moving.

Urbar command Ulfa to move away, meanwhile drawing his sword and cutting into the creature.

Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

The creature bites Gwendallyn once with each of its mouths. The damage it inflicts isn't very impressive though, compared to the amount of attacks.

At the start of Tereze's turn:
Some of the bite marks on Gwendallyn's body disappear, while Tereze suddenly gains bite marks on her arm.

@Gwen: And now you may grow large! ;)

Round 1:
~
Tereze 29/34HP
Eryzule

Round 2:
Gwendallyn 33/37HP (Grappled)
Locke
Urbar & Ulfa
Fiona
Creature -25HP (Grappled)
Tereze 29/34HP
Eryzule

"Egh...How abborent..."
Ery says with a contorted face.

He flings magic missile at it.
MM: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (3, 4) + 2 = 9

Fiona attempts to put the creature to sleep. Standing protected by the now-enlarged Gwen, she whispers a few words and gestures towards the creature.
Slumber hex, DC 16 vs. Will.

Desna preserve us from the servant of madness that comes against us.
Make us strong and fearless in our fight.

[ooc]Tereze casts bless and pulls out a Morningstar.

Locke walks past Tereze to get an unblocked view.

"Chew on this, ugly freak!"

Rt, firebomb: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18BOOM: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (6, 2) + 5 = 13

Urbar, should the creature not fall asleep, pulls out a second sword and cuts into the creature again.
"Anyone? Anyone know what this godawful creature is?"

Atk: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 2 = 20
Dmg: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"Does it matter?
It's trying to eat her, reason enough to ignore what it is, and to focus on destroying it instead."

One day I'm going to remember that, Steph... Ready to kick myself.

Gwen gasps as all the mouths suddenly start biting her all over her body, but then Tereze's healing powers take effect and many of her wounds heal over. She then attempts to force the strange thing down to the ground!

Maintain Grapple (Pin): 1d20 + 23 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 23 - 2 = 29

Effective AC (now, lol) is 19.

Urbar's attack should've done less damage due to the creature's DR, but it's my mistake for missing that last round. Therefor I'm leaving the damage as is.

While Gwendallyn pins the creature to the ground, Eryzule and Locke take it out with magic missiles and a bomb.

Urbar then disposes of the creature by cutting it into many many many tiny parts.

Combat's over!

You head over to the door and unlock it with Bassy's key. Inside is a 5-foot-deep alcove in which a 5-foot-wide shaft drops down into the ground, descending 30 feet.

Someone should check ze skull to see if anyzing else is in zere.

As she does this she picks up a rock and after muttering a bit under her breath causes it to glow and float in the air. Then she slowly floats it down the shaft watching it as it goes down for anything concerning.
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Cast Light and Mage hand

"Not I! My hands are far to delicate for that."
Ery says, motioning to Urbar.

Fiona slowly moves near the shaft's edge, peering down into the darkness, dimly lit by Tereze's stone.

Urbar takes a look inside the skull so they don't get surprised in the back before taking a look into the shaft.
"That's a deep one..."
He pulls out a rope and secures it to the skull, thinking it heavy enough to support a man's weight.
"Who's first? I need some help with Ulfa, she's not going down first."
He looks to Gwen, knowing she's fully capable of taking care of herself for a little while.
"After we make sure it's safe I'll get her down."

If anyone were to take a look inside the skull he or she would find it empty.

Looking down the shaft you see a stone floor, illuminated by the rock Tereze cast light upon.

"I can head down first." She glances at Ery. "Do it quickly before that one decides to be impulsive again." A toothy grin.

"Impuslive!?" Ery gasps. Ery readies to head down. Could I use Entangle as a creative use of automated ropes? 'Cause Id like to think I could use them as a way down.

(Suppresses soft laughing)

Ery, is that a hint at bondage tendencies?

Yes!

Then Tereze grabs a bunch of the back of Ery's robe.

I got him Gwen, you just worry about climbing down to ze floor.

She gives Ery a stern look.
And you stay up here and kill anyzing zat threatens her with your magic bolts!

The darkness makes Fiona uncomfortable and she steps away, moving back towards the group. She observes Eryzule and the others busying themselves with tying Gwen before they can lower her down, but feels drawn back to the pit.
She begins moving forward before she realizes she cannot control her body anymore. She begins pacing forward as if in a trance, oblivious to everything around her. The others pay little attention until she manages to emit a faint whimper, but continues to pace straight into the pit, falling face down, where she disappears from sight.
Something like this.

At the last moment Urbar turns around from Ulfa and sees Fiona plummet into the pit without a rope. He tries to grab for her but is too late.
"FIONA!"
He rushes to the edge of the pit to discover her hovering mid air.

What the...

After grabbing the rope he secures it to his waist, at the length to get to Fiona, and begins to descend down. He ties the end of the rope to her waist, being really careful not to wake her.
"Get me up, we can get her down safe. I think..."

Tereze let's go of Ery's robe and grabs on to Urbar's rope.
Oh... Gwen help me I do not zink I can pull him up alone!

Silently laughing at Ery being scolded, Locke's attention was briefly enough distracted to notice Fiona.

Like Urbar, the sudden jump into the pit has Locke calling Fiona in reaction, followed by grabbing onto the rope with the others.