PbP Game Day IV: Sfounder's Song of the Sea Witch (Inactive)

Game Master Chris Marsh

Of course I speak Azlanti! Us Taldan's know that we have to honor our ancestors

Haakon: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Isabella: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Quinn: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Talieson: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Ulfric: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

Isabella recognizes that each of the closed doors contains a number written in Azlanti. She's not sure WHY, but Haakon and Quinn point out that 30' above in this room are a series of small holes in the wall. Some quick dwarven math shows them to all be EXACTLY 30' up.

Communication is hard in this room, as this close the choir is REALLY loud.

Translated for Isabella

Tunnel Water Height
1 5 ft.
2 20 ft.
3 12 ft.
6 4 ft.
7 6 ft.
8 3 ft.

DO YOU THINK THAT OPENING THE DOOR WOULD RELEASE WATER AND THAT WE HAVE TO GET THE WATER TO THAT 30 FEET MARK? Isabella shouts.

Haakon shouts over the sound of the choir, which is only a little above his normal booming speaking voice.

"I LIKE YOUR REASONING ISABELLA. MAYBE THOSE CHAINS ARE ATTACHED WHATEVER IS PLUGGING THE HOLE AND KEEPING THE WATER BACK"

I AM NOT A GREAT SWIMMER. I THINK I WOULD PREFER TO WATCH FROM THAT PLATFORM OVER THERE

Isabella starts tying knots into her rope and then attaches a grappling hook. She throws the grappling hook on the platform where the stairs start.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

And tries it to see if it is fastened securely.

WHO WILL DO THE HONORS DOWN HERE?

Isabella feels pretty secure.

Tell me what door and who is pulling. The doors are heavy, and it's a DC 7 STR check. You can take 10, so I don't think anyone is in particular trouble with pulling it. Given that the party has figured out what's going on here, I'll ask for a swim check too (or a climb check in Isabella's case unless they let you climb first.)

Ulfric has a hard time seeing much of anything in this tall cavern, distracted as he is by the loud choir music, but unable to decipher anything from it, seeing how his own tastes lie in story and not song. He strains to hear the upraised voices of his two comrades before shouting back his own reply.

"I AM HINDERED BY THIS ARMOUR AND NOT A GREAT SWIMMER, MY TALENTS ARE NOT AS A SEA RAIDER. THOUGH I AM CONFIDENT AT CLIMBING UPTO THERE. I WOULD SUGGEST WHOEVER IS CONFIDENT AT SWIMMING SHOULD PULL THE CHAINS OUT AFTER THE REST OF US CLIMB UP?"

assuming this is agreed upon, climb check up the rope: Climb: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

"I also climb better than I swim," Taliesin smiles. "This music is fascinating!" she observes as she listens intently. "I could listen to this all day!"

climb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

Anyone with a positive swim modifier want to do the honors?

To sum up:

Taliesin, Ulfric, and Isabella are up top.

Haakon and Quinn are as of yet unaccounted for. (Quinn's swim score isn't very good, but Haakon's is +8.)

I CAN'T HEAR YOU TALIESIN WITH THAT CHANTING! SPEAK UP!

;-) I suppose we do 6, 7 and then 2? for 4+6+20=30. We will leave the rope hanging down to assist the swimmer.

"SORRY!"

"I WILL COMPLETE THE TASK. JUST TELL ME WHICH CHAINS TO PULL."

Haakon waits for directions as the others climb the rope.

"It's up to you, Haakon!" Quinn clasps him on the shoulder, then nimbly ascends the rope.

climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

I can assume that the 40min enlargment + barkskin from the first encounter have lapsed, right?

I'll assume Isabella shouts the combination mentioned OOC above. As soon as the first door-chain is pulled, the doors to the two open tunnels slam shut. The door gives way a bit and water begins racing in. Haakon rushes over to the second while he can still run. By the time he finishes that one he's beginning to wade. After the third he needs to swim:

Swim: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 He then pulls on the last one. Now all he needs to do is stay afloat the turbulent water long enough. Swim: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

The party pulls him up with Quinn just ahead. The water finally fills to just 30'. The door behind everyone gives a massive CLICK...

There's a wide grin of delight on Quinns face as the ancient mechanism performs as expected. He makes a sweeping bow to Isabella.

Through the door? Marching order?

Haakon tries to squeeze some of the water from his beard and hair but quickly gives up to let it dry on the moves.

"A great hero will not be defeated by a little water!" he shouts. His laughter is mostly drowned out by the choir music.

Dimitra enters the room, sword in hand

Ulfric will follow Isabella through the door, patting Haakon's shoulder as he does so and presses on into the corridor. Depending on the light levels, he lights a torch and places it in his shield sconce.

Will recast Heightened Awareness, giving +2 on Knowledge checks and perception. I won't burn it for initiative. Last 30mins

Before they continue much further Haakon gets Ulfric's attention. He silently points to a small wound he re-opened while swimming, then points to his healing wand.

CLW wand: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

After one use Haakon smiles and puts his thumbs up, then slaps Ulfric on the back in thanks.

"I can lead the way if you wish"

The door opens:

Crudely carved stonework expands into a dank circular chamber. Twin torches on both the eastern and western ends of the cavern illuminate a large stone slab that resides in the northern portion of the chamber. Littering the area around the slab are all manner of strange offerings, ranging from chipped skulls, ancient coins, strange pearls, crude tools, and broken pieces of art. Among all the treasures on the makeshift altar, the largest item appears to be an open tome of the most immaculate bone-white shade. From the tome comes an ear-shattering hymn—a chorus which sings the most beautiful of melodies.

The song is SO loud in here that you need to make a DC 15 Perception to hear anything. Verbal component spells have a 10% failure.

Beyond is a man... sort of. A human looking man with the lower half of an octopus looks up at the door, seemingly surprised anyone would open it. He looks at you sternly, but does not attack... yet.

He looks expectantly. Map is updated in case you need it.

Isabella moves forward and (tries to) shut the open tome close

He doesn't attack you, but looks like he's about to. You've got a split second of quiet to explain yourself before he goes berserk.

Others can move themselves as they see fit (limited to a single move.)

"You are probably not aware, but that book can release untold evil upon Golarion, that is why I closed it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

this might be a good time to use my reroll with 2 GM stars

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 2 = 27

Now is an excellent time for that. IT's also an excellent time for others to replace moving with aids to Isabella's diplomacy...

"It's true...if we don't close this book, demons will escape from its twin tome. I have seen them!" Taliesin yells.

diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

"Indeed who benefits under the reign of demons but their own kind? In this all living beings have a common cause..."

DiplomaticAid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

The trio of Pathfinders hold him at bay for the moment. "I cannot simply take your word and let you run off! I demand something in tribute. What can you offer me?!"

When you look at the items on the table, you realize that it's going to be VERY difficult and/or expensive, to appease him.

Ulfric examines the offerings on his table and sighs in defeat, nothing he carried would be equal to the collection he was sure, but maybe his Winter Wolf pelt cloak. He decides to give it a try.

"My friend, that is a grand collection you have, my comrades have already explained the havoc this book would cause if left unchecked, meddling with its twin spawned a devil which slew the summoners. I have but one rarity to my name, the neighbouring country of my homeland, Irrisen, contains many weird and fierce beasts, none other than the sentient Winter Wolf"

He pulls the White fur cloak from his back and offers the creature a look.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Sadly, the paper-thin patience the creature had evaporates in an eye-blink. With a roar he raises his spear for combat. Don't beat yourselves up, the success conditions for peace were a long shot.

Haakon: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Isabella: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Quinn: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Talieson: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Ulfric: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14
Baddies: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

He jabs at Isabella twice:

Atk 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 DMG: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Atk 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15 MISS

While it looks like he could wrap you up in tentacles, he seems to be moving towards the door that leads to water.

Round 1:
Baddie: Attack!
Haakon: Go
Ulfric: Go
Talieson: Go
Isabella: Go
Quinn: Go

Ulfric moves to the doorway to block him before starting his tale of Jlfen heroes in their endless war against their foes of Irrisen and their foul witch masters.

K. Something: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 = 25 - will share whatever i learn 1

Rage Song - +2 Str/Con, lesser spirits again ^^. Last post till Sunday guys

"If you will not listen to reasoning than that only leaves one option..."

Haakon strides purposefully towards the creature as Ulfric's song takes hold of him. He brings 'Svalin' back ready to strike the creature a mighty blow. Raging Song accepted.

attack roll: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 7 + 1 = 9 damage roll: 1d4 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6 Getting too angry there Haakon!

"Face me and leave the woman alone!" he screams. Free action to grant Isabella +2AC for a round thanks to the Shield Bearer trait.

As Haakon tries to defend his new friend the spirits of the Ulfen attack the creature.

spirit totem attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 spirit totem damage roll: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

knowledge all (what is that thing?): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

"Be of courage, fellow Pathfinders! We cannot let down this land in its moment of need!"

INSPIRE COURAGE + BANNER = +2 ATTACK/DAMAGE! DON'T FORGET IT!

Haakon misses, but the spirit does not!

Round 1:
Baddie: Attack!
Haakon: Miss
Ulfric: Rage Song
Talieson: Inspire Courage
Isabella: Go
Quinn: Go

Quinn quickly drinks his strength-enhancing mutagen...

Isabella steps next to Haakon to block the octopus creature's path and attacks.

"You want to dance the dance of swords?"

Attack, Bard: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 2 = 19
Damage, Bard: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12

Parry first attack against her: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 2 = 27
Riposte Attack, Bard: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 = 17
Damage, Bard: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11

AC now 23

Quinn chugs a concoction to increase his dangerous nature while Isabella uses guile and panache to literally stick it to the creature. Isabella parries an attack, but the riposte misses by a hair. Pinned in, he abandons the path to the water and tries to straight up kill the pair in his way.

He stabs first at Haakon twice:
ATK: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 DMG: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
ATK: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

While grabbing at Isabella with a pair of his tentacles.
ATK: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
ATK: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Round 2:
Baddie: Attack!
Haakon: Go
Ulfric: Go
Talieson: Go
Isabella: Go
Quinn: Go

The power of the mutagen coursing through his veins and Taliesin's words ringing in his ears, Quinn rushes up besides Haakon, and strikes at the tentacled foe.

swordcane-2hnd: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 8 + 2 + (5) = 20 --2 uses of inspriation

dmg: 1d6 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 2 = 12

Isabella attacks again

Attack, Bard: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 2 = 23
Damage, Bard: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14

Parry first attack against her: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 2 = 19
Riposte Attack, Bard: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 = 28
Damage, Bard: 1d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 2 = 9

Quinn smashes his sheathed sword down on the thing's collar bone, snapping it. Meanwhile Isabella slides her rapier into the heart (assuming it's in the same place as a human.) The witch gurgles and spits black blood. In fits, the Sea Witch Na-Kraka drops to the ground. After the final slump, the body lays motionless.

The celestial choir rings in your ears even though the book is closed...

Out of combat.

It is not a rapier! It is an Aldori Dueling sword!

"Didn't Ollysta say that we need to press the books together? Who has the other book?"

Oops! My bad! Sorry about that. Too late for me to edit.

I thought Quinn was holding it, but don't quote me on that. Yes, that is what the VC said.

Quinn raises the fiendish book over the uncannily singing book.

"Anybody have any objections? I don't know what is going to happen here. Maybe you want to stand back? Everyone ready?..."

Quinn waits until everyone gets into whatever position they choose.

As the foul sea witch breathes it's last, Ulfric ceases his tale of grand deed. He moves over to Quinn and slaps him heartily on the back, before saying.

" If you are happy to press the books together my friend then do so, I shall stand guard with you in case of foul play"

Ulfric stands ready with his shield and Battleaxe next to Quinn and mentally prepares himself for hellish threat from the book.

Ready an attack should a devil/demon appear:

Readied attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 1118 + 4 = 22

Isabella stands ready with her dueling sword out. "Let's do this Quinn, I am ready"

Gritting his teeth, Quinn brings he two books together...

Quinn and the rest of you combine the Infernal Incantation and the Celestial Song by locking their covers together. Doing so reinforces the wards on the Infernal Incantation and rebinds the fiendish legion held within.

Retrieving the Celestial Song and Infernal Incantation is enough to spark further Pathfinder Society interest in the tomes, all thanks to YOU.

The Society steps in following the debacle and offers Yargos Gill further assistance with his work on the tomes, an offer the old man can’t refuse, given the Society’s help in saving him from his own foolishness AGAIN. Though his mysterious benefactors may not be pleased with the Society’s meddling, the inclusion of Pathfinder scholars ensures that the two tomes are respected and no further outbreaks occur. Amara Li is grateful for preventing the perversion of Tian imports, and Amara Li is given further control over the imports of Tian goods into Society hands. Along with these changes, the assistance of Ollysta Zadrian does not go unnoticed by the Society, and the agents of the Silver Crusade are requested to assist in the research of several other fiendish artifacts, a request that only increases the nascent Crusade’s standing within the Society.

Well done Pathfinders. Your fame in the Society grows!