PbP Gameday VII - #6-10 Wounded Wisp - GM NOWRUZ #4 (Inactive)

Game Master noral

Any aids on the Diplomacy? ;-)

Unsure if Jinny is going to convince the man that we mean no harm, Willow swallows hard and tries to actually be friendly...

We'd...um...just like to take a look at that grave. Not here to hurt anything... eek!

Diplomacy (Aid Jinny): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15

holy crap we have a diplomat in the making! if she ever learns to not be afraid of people

Diplo Aid: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Uri does not help much.

[dice=Diplo Aid]1d20

Uri does not help much.

The Asmodean priest looks at Uri and Akaash.

" Be happy that you are still standing here and have not been blown to bits by Asmodeus' might you folly!"

He looks at Akaash and steps uncomfortably close to him.

"Do you want me to express my obviously superior thoughts or are you pi****g your pants and leaving!"

Thanks Willow, I deleted my confused post at one minute before it became permanent. That'll teach me to quickly respond before running off to a meeting.

We are here to pay our respects to Arkath's grave. Are you in charge here? We wish no trouble.

[dice=Diplomacy]d20+7

The priest of Asmodeus looks at Jin and Willow with some suspicion and steps back from Akaash.

The Asmodeus priest looks at you again and sees a Wayfinder ... he is slightly surprised and his facial features suddenly turn into a smile.

"You others deserve no answer and if not for your strong people here, you would need to kiss my feet first."

He eyes you all again. "So what do you want here with Arkath?!"

Aakash gives the man a curious look as he gets into his personal space. As he reacts to the Wayfinder, Akaash says, "We are investigating a past Pathfknder with ties to Arkath, and our clues this far have led us to believe there may be useful information to be gained from his mausoleum."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

"We have no wish to desecrate ... *chuckles awkwardly* Or should I say sanctify? ... Anyway, no wish to disturb his rest."

Durward looks at Akaash and suddenly starts laughing "Ha, ha, ha! So you are with the Pathfinder Society! Then a favor it is. Keep your money!"

The man looks at all of you and his intonation changes to the better.

"This plot of land in Eastgate is dedicated to the faith of Asmodeus and used as the resting ground for those that have served the dark prince, the most powerful of the nine archdevils that inhabit Hell."

He specifically looks at Amaash and Uri and continues "If you do not respect and obey me here then you are welcome to start a fight ..." and his view wanders to the east where you see two city guards routinely patrolling the area around the property.

"... but this is the favor I ask of you: Show respect the lord of darkness and provide the church with a share of what is to gain. As Pathfinders usually are trustworthy I will grant you permission to access the mausoleum you seek." he says with a stern look.

"But the sooner you are gone the better." and then he turns around and walks away.

Tata has the urge to slap Durward across the face. Hard. He thinks about it momentarily, even putting the image of a bloody Durward face across his mind. "Diplomacy wins the day." he decides.

"A swift investigation it is ..." He heads into the cemetery, looking for the mausoleum in question. Once clearly free of the priest's earshot, Akaash says quietly, "I find myself suddenly hoping that this particular mission proves to be a waste of time with no gains at the end. Somewhat hoping, at least."

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

You start walking to the mausoleum.

Arkath must have paid a substantial sum to have his remains guarded here as the mausoleum houses only 24 sarcophagi and the names clearly mark many of the other deceased as nobility.

Arkath's sarcophagus is one of the first you see after entering the mausoleum. It is quite simple but very well made. His name is engraved in Taldan. There are no obvious religious symbols to be seen.

You believe that some strength is needed to open the sarcophagus but that you can jointly remove the upper section to peer into it.

"We should probably keep moving before that guy changes his mind." Willow approaches the mausoleum indicated in the documents and opens the door, quickly finding the right sarcophagus. "This is the one."

Strength: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

"I'm a little more quick than brawny, I might need some help here"

str aid: 1d20 ⇒ 11

I hope I don't strain something...Darnellius says as he leans in with his shoulder.

Together you start to move the upper section of the sarcophagus and it is obvious that some of you are not really happy with this act ... disturbing the peace of the dead sometimes comes with harsh results.

But in this case you find darkness, dust and the skeleton of a humanoid being that is resting peacefully in his grave ... you see that the interior of Arkath’s sarcophagus is otherwise empty. You assume this to be the stonemason’s long-dead skeleton.

it is obvious that some of you are not really happy with this act

At least I was nice enough to check everyone's profile and make sure we didn't have any Pharasmins before I just went at it

Willow is not at all squeamish about dealing with the contents of the sarcophagus, it seems she is only shy when interacting with living beings. "Hmmm. Nothing obvious. I think we should try and see if there's anything hidden...under him or in the skeleton itself...without disturbing it too much."

perception: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Let us get what we need and move on. The dead should be left to their peace.

Perception: 20 + 4 = 24

Perhaps under the sarcophagus as well. Can it be slid? And does it strike anyone as odd that the name is written in Taldan in this place of Cheliax?

The elf rogue peers into the sarcophagus.

perc: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

I did notice the language discrepancy Uri. Slightly odd, but you never know with all the heritages and languages here in Absalom. Let's check inside first and if we don't find anything then we can try more difficult things like moving it.

It's nice that everyone is as into this mystery as I am. Makes it so much easier to talk to them when we have a shared interest

Jin sees something shiny behind the skeleton's teeth. Together you remove a coin from the skeletons mouth.

This apparently is a simple coin and resembles ancient currency. A little chip at the side of the coin shows intricate gold and platinum wires within.

I found something, but it's...odd.

If Jinny is reasonably sure she's searched the sarcophagus, she tries to place the lid back on before the priest returns.

Strength: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

I seem to recall something about such a coin but cannot quite bring the thought to the front of my mind. Likely not omportant.

I don't know what it signifies either. Tata? Akaash? Darnellius? If none of you know what this is we might have to get help from another party, as it seems this is our next clue.

Willow helps Jinny with the sarcophagus lid

Strength: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

There is also that gnome that was mentioned in the notes. Let's see... pulling the documents out and scanning through them Here it is. His name is Fimbrick, and it has his address as well. If none of us know what this thing is, we could always go to him next.

Knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

"That's payment for passage to the land of the dead ... Not sure it's wise to take it." He glances around. "Anyone able to sense if there's anything magical in here, or in him?" He motions toward the skeleton.

Wow. I must be out of it, that's usually the first thing I do

Willow casts detect magic, for at least 3 rounds to get presence, number, strength, and location of auras...then

knowledge(arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

to determine the school(s) of magic involved.

Unfortunately, the magic and meaning of the coin are beyond my ken...I have more...mundane knowledge...

The coin is magical with Conjuration magic but you do not know the purpose of the coin.

Spellcraft please

FIMBRIK's HOME

You decide to continue the search and all arrive at the Arcanamirium's campus in Absalom’s Wise Quarter.

Fimbrik's home itself is an impressive stone dwelling reminiscent of what one might expect from an eccentric wizard’s home.

A brick step leads to Fimbrik’s front entrance, which is locked with a rusty lock.

Numerous stacks of newspapers—roughly 2 years’ worth of monthly copies—are piled around the door and crammed into a thin slot at its base. Each rounded corner of the building has a large window, allowing creatures to look into the structure without difficulty.

I opened the slide with the map.

See the map in the slides for a layout of the house.

You ring the bell and knock but receive no answer. In general the house does not look like it has seen many visitors recently.

You begin to walk to the first window on the left of the front entrance.

D3. Bedroom
A bed and desk occupy this room.

Then you walk to the window on the right of the front entrance.

D4. Study
This study contains a round table surrounded by chairs, and the walls are replete with tome-laden bookshelves.

An elderly gnome garbed in noble attire with a dapper rounded hat on his head and a can tipped with a brilliant glowing gem in his hand is standing in the room. It seems as if he is perusing his book collection.

flashback to mausoleum for spellcraft check on coin
spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Just got word that I'm out of town for 5 days starting in a couple hours. Running around packing a suitcase. Work related thing. I'll be posting but probably only in the evenings EST, and might miss a day.

Willow does not know what the coin is able to do.

I still don't know what the coin is used for, but it is highly infused with conjuration magic. It's more than just a coin to pay passage for the dead. We should definitely take it with us and see if we can identify it somehow

mausoleum flashback over

If no one objects, Jinny knocks loudly on the door.

Master Fimbrick! May we have a word with you?

Hmmm...what is up with the stacks of newspapers?

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Nothing, apparently.

Tata looks over the coin with Detect Magic, trying ascertain its purpose or use.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Tata does not know anything about the coin either.

Jin, The gnome does not react at all. He is either not noticing you or is ignoring you.

Darnellius peers through the window, trying to see if anything is amiss.

perc: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Well, that's rude., Jinny mutters to herself.

Anyone know how to pick a lock?

Darnellius peers through the window, trying to see if anything is amiss.

[dice=perc]1d20+10

Great roll! Give me a will save.

will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13+2 vs enchantment because i have pointy ears...lol

Nothing unusual... a gnome is reading in his own chambers and obviously wants to ignore you.

Sorry Jinny, I don't have much skill with locks. These stacks of newspapers are odd, it's almost like he hasn't been here to get them, but he seems to be right there in his study. We'll have to find a way in and get him to talk to us.

Locks, I can handle those... the elf says as he grabs a roll of leather tied up with a simple bow. He opens it and reveals some odd looking tools. He selects a few and sets about cracking the lock, inspecting the door for alarms first.

perc: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14disable: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Thank you Darnellius. OK everyone, let's be careful. Thi gnome is supposedly an illusionist.

I don't like all this oddness with years of uncollected newspapers and noone answering the door when it seems he is home.

Willow waits while Darnellius works on the door.

Once the door is open let's not just rush in

I'm assuming with that roll he unlocked it, so as soon as the door is opened I'm going to cast detect magic in the first room, and share anything I discover with the group. If the door isn't opened, then disregard this pls.

This thread is quite active for one that is taking a break for a couple week. :)

Spellcraft on coin: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

This thread is quite active for one that is taking a break for a couple week. :)

[dice=Spellcraft on coin]1d20+8

Success! See the handouts for a description.

The door is locked although the rust indicates that the lock needs maintenance.

Darnellius starts to disable the lock and can open the lock so that the door swings open.

Still standing outside you can still glimpse into the gnome's mansion.

D1. Living Room

A large sofa sits awkwardly near the entrance, facing toward the center of the room. Sets of chairs and tables are arranged throughout, and statues of grandiose gnomes occupy the corners of the room.

A set of stairs at the northern edge lead up and down.

Unless Darnellius someone else insists or objects, Jinny takes pride in being the first in.

Master Fimbrick?

@GM, is Fimbrick in the room that's still hidden from us?

Fimbrik is in room D4.

as soon as the door is opened I'm going to cast detect magic in the first room, and share anything I discover with the group.

Suspicious of illusions, Willow casts Detect Magic.

(3 round cast to identify to presence, number, strength, and location of auras...then knowledge(arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 to determine the school(s) of magic involved.)

Share whatever is found with the group so they can continue. I'm probably going to be offline for the rest of the day. Additionally, if there ARE illusions in place, someone bot me with that same action as we enter each new room/area please. I don't like the idea of entering a known illusionist's home uninvited without being overly careful.