[Table Shieldwall] From the Tome of Righteous Repose (Inactive)

Game Master Nathan Hartshorn

You travel to Lastwall, Anthys and Vindler leading the way, where you meet with the Venture-Captain Shevar Besnik in the back room of the Ace of Dreams, a gambling house that serves as the Pathfinder Society’s Uscalin Lodge.

Loud and raucous conversation filters through the door from the common room of the Uscalin Lodge, which doubles as the Ace of Dreams gambling house. “I know it’s here. I had it just a moment ago.” Venture-Captain Shevar Besnik lifts piles of papers and numerous boxes off of his desk, stacking them on various side tables and chairs in his clean but overly cluttered office. The tall, Varisian man’s face parts in a toothy grin as he lifts up a solid oak box. “Found it!” As if to punctuate his discovery, a crowd of players in the gambling hall erupts in cheers. Distracted for a moment, Besnik stares at the closed office door that leads to the common room. “Desna laughs. Well, she laughs at me, but she smiles on them.” The venturecaptain shrugs. “All they have is gold; what I have in here is far more valuable.”

Besnik opens the box’s lid painstakingly slowly, careful to keep the contents out of sight. With reverence, he lifts a large tome from the box and gently sets it on the table. “Careful, the binding hasn’t held up well. This is one of the few Tomes of Righteous Repose left in the world. I’m pretty sure there’s one in the library of the Sancta Iomedaea in Vigil, but I’m—well, let’s just say I’m no longer welcome there. That’s a story for another time.

Care to peruse the pages with me?”

Anthys is happy to be home. He bring the party on a detour to visit his family, as well as the Cathedral of Sancta Iomedaea. His mother Morgan is still working as a legal scholar for the Church of the Inheritor, though his father Frederick, a smith, has since retired. Anthys prays at the Cathedral, giving thanks for his success thus far and guidance for the challenges ahead.

Upon hearing the Venture-Captain's remarks about the Knights of Ozem, he says crossly, "After what happened last time? What did you do?"
Anthys has high regard for the Knights of Ozem and has considered joining their ranks.

Knowledge (Religion), Scion: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 2 = 21
Anthys knows a fair amount about Lastwall. He launches into a proud retelling of his country's history (giving all the information under the spoilers). He is a bit rueful at the end. "I mean, the followers of the Strong Man are a good sort, just a bit rough around the edges. Athletes, you know? But the Gorumites... well, it's better to have them on your side than against you, that is true."

Besnik looks a bit chagrined as he answers Anthys, "“Have you heard of the Boartusk Twins? Garl and Shrade saved the lives of one of my teams a few years back, so I offered them field commissions. Then they got us in trouble by using wayfinders like badges of authority. I shipped them down to Old Mutton Chops for some training, but gaining the knights’ trust again is taking time."

Vindlér marches along beside Anthys, humming a war tune as they go. The entire time, there is a satisfied grin upon his face, especially as Anthys recounts to story of Lastwall's founding. "Ah, that's right! I'd forgotten you were battle born, lad! As for me, I spent my earliest years in Druma, but my family... well we found that the Prophets of Callistrade had a different way of doing business, so we sailed across Lake Encarthan and came to Lastwall. I've been a sentinel of Lastwall ever since, until I was called to the Society, that is." He carries on with his story whenever he has the opportunity, but always stops to listen when Anthys has some historical fact to recite.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

When he and his companions finally make their way to the Ace of Dreams and meet the venture captain stationed there, he looks with some curiosity at the ancient book. "Tome of Righteous Repose. Sounds like a noble title, sir, but I'm afraid I've not heard of it before. Any of you lads heard of such a book?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

He nods at Anthys' knowledge of the Kurgan and Gorumite faith. Berato is silent and rather speechless during his visit of Anthys' family and the cathedral. Having lived his whole life in Cheliax before joining the Society, he has repressed feelings of wonderment and any habit of expressing himself freely about the works of the holy, but this place finally allows such relief. After a few goblets of wine, his tongue loosens, and he dares speak towards the end of the meal with Anthys' parents. He recounts his mission in Heaven a few months ago, and how Lastwall reminds him so much of the place in so many ways, "The only difference I see between Anthys' noble parents and the angels is that they don't have wings yet... but that will surely change one day once they reach the Shores of Heaven! let us have a toast for that happy day: 'May It Happen, But Not Just Yet!' ... ye can both be proud of this lad here, friends: he sure knows how to swing that sword in battle, and how to wag that tongue whenever he spots some coward or some evildoer!"

*------**------**------**------**------*

The next day at the Lodge, Berato's head hurts a little. "To be honest Venture-Captain, I'm going to sit this one out, thanks to Lastwall's good wine. Anthys and Vindler can fill me in later on which new yet ancient site the Society has yet to explore. I will... get back to our lodgings to... prepare for the journey ahead. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause..."

Elaril whistles softly to himself as he travels content with his new companions who seem to been a very competent bunch...at least when it comes to using their weapons and surviving the outdoors.

"I've not been there myself but I've heard a bit about it..."

He then reels of a couple of tidbits that he knows.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

The Venture Captain goes on to explain a bit about the book, “Well, early crusaders had amazing adventures fighting the Whispering Tyrant, orcs, and a whole host of other threats, but they don’t have very many records that aren’t as dry as an Iomedaean’s hip-flask. This tome gives us important insights into the crusaders’ adventures. Rellakarabee Fustbickle, the gnome author, interviewed dozens of crusaders and wrote about the most heroic and tragic deaths in this book. It wasn’t very widely published, so it’s been difficult to get my hands on it. The poetry is a bit purple, too. Not really my style—but perhaps it’s something you’d be able to interpret?”

"I'm afraid I don't have much skill in interpreting ancient tales, Venture Captain. Perhaps Elaril here will have some more suitable skills. I'll be glad to lend any aid I can, of course."

Depending on what checks we might need to interpret, I can aid with things like Linguistics and a few knowledge skills.
@GM, any skills we can apply to attempt to interpret the various tales?

"Allow me to examine the tome, if I may. I am somewhat familiar with the works of master Fustbickle. Though he may have been prone to exaggeration, they tend to be based on his actual experiences during the shining crusade." Marcus carefully turns one of the pages, treating it with respect. "It was said he knew the mortal Iomedae, before her ascension. It would be wise for us to treat the work with some seriousness, despite the florid turns of phrase."

Looks like its the knowledge: Local check, based on the spoiler.

Knowledge: Local, Scion, Inspiration: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 2 + (3) = 28

The Venture Captain opens the tome gingerly and allows everyone to peruse.

Oh Heroes,
Ne’er shall we see you again in life,
For we hid you like buried treasure
‘Neath the halls of poor, sweet Mordesha,
Away from our foes’ rasping voices.
Yet they found you, sharpened your edges
Turned you loose as wild dogs
In poor, sweet Mordesha.
Though we remember you,
We’ll forget where you rest.
The knights have clamored long
For ignorance of your fate.
Our thoughts of you burn bright
But brighter is poor, sweet Mordesha
Her chimneys rise as skel’tal fingers
Desperate call, betrayal anew
We turn away, willfully blinded
From the eyes of poor, sweet Mordesha.

Besnik can't help himself, having to comment. "“Mordesha? Is that the name of a place or a person? Are the samurai the heroes who the poem evokes? Wherever these terrible events took place holds the answers to our mystery. Once we can verify the location, we can share the information with the Knights of Ozem. If some dark force still haunts the place, remove it. I have a ritual that can unravel evil magic.” Besnik searches through his office, eventually producing a finger-length scroll case.

"Hmm...Mordesha, eh? Well, the verse talks about her chimneys, so my guess would be that it's a place, but it's not totally clear. Let's see here..."

Diplomacy (gather info): 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Additional +2 if the knowledge has something to do with dwarves or their enemies.

Diplomacy to Gather Information: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Berato relates the information he learns throughout his morning stroll throughout the town. He brings back a couple of meat pies for everyone to feast on.

"So, signs seem to point to an abandoned soldiers' crypt that may have been overtaken by evil elements. We'll need to be mindful of light sources, bring an ample supply of holy water, and perhaps I shall look into the means of consecrating a location, for I doubt that the place would still be in its original, unspoiled configuration..."

The consecrate spell requires a vial of holy water and 25 gp worth of silver dust; if each of us could buy 1 vial of holy water and 25gp worth of silver dust, I'm thinking we could be in good shape. Let me know if this works for all of you.

Anthys will happily contribute. So that is 50 gp? No problem. But is that redundant with the scroll Besnik is giving us?
"A proper quest! I suppose escorting the Venture-Captain's remains was a good cause, but this really speaks to my heart. Making sure that the heroes of the Shining Crusade can rest in peace.
Which samurai do you speak of? Those are the knights of Tien countries, are they not?"

Yeah, I wonder the same thing about needing to consecrate the location. I think we might have everything we need with the VC's ritual. If we still need to buy something else, I'm glad to contribute as well of course.

"Aye, lad. The Pathfinders have sent us a good few noble quests: freeing wrongly imprisoned scholars, uncovering the truth of crime, escorting the honored dead. But this, this is the work of all that is good."

Consecrate provides mechanical benefits as well, above and beyond RP... 'rituals from VCs' are usually dubious... I'm good either way, but I'll wait for GM Fez' recommendation.

Elaril considers what he knows on the various topics under discussion...

Knowledge: Local: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Knowledge: Local: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Scenarios tend to supply PC's with the things they will need but happy to purchase concecrate supplies if need be

The Venture Captain turns the page, revealing a piece of art to be showed later depicting the three samurai in the minkai art style.

He waves off Berato's offer to consecrate the area. "This scroll should provide everything needed for the ritual, but if you feel the need to have a backup plan there's no reason not to get the appropriate materials. In fact the presence of that much holy energy may help the standard ritual significantly. Now let's take a closer look at the poem to figure out just where or what Mordesha is."

Profession (soldier), Scion: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 2 = 13
Aww... an actual in-game use for his Day Job and he gets a 3. Still, somebody is going to make this, so no reroll.

Let's see if I can help Anthys out...
Profession (soldier): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
That'll do it! Pop that spoiler, friends!

When Anthys and Vindlér decipher the location based on the scroll Besnik snaps his fingers and smiles, "Marvelous. Now let me see..." He begins digging around his office, looking for who knows what. He comes back with several items gathered in his arms and lays them on a table before you. "These should help out with that area, you can never be too prepared you know!"

Lying on the table before you is a traveler's any-tool, a wand of cure moderate wounds (6 charges), a wand of protection from evil (7 charges), an oil of bless weapon, and two +1 flaming party's preferred type of ammunition.

If we take the flaming ammunition as crossbow bolts, Vindlér could put them to use with a well-timed Touch or Law or Truestrike.
I think Anthys should take the oil.
Vindlér has a scroll of Prot Evil, so if someone else wants the wand, please feel free. Same with the Cure Mod wand.
Any takers on the traveler's any-tool? Vindlér is trained in Disable Device now if we need it.

Elaril can take the Wand of PfE if need be and is happy with the proposed distribution

Anthys is happy to take the Oil of Bless Weapon. He lacks both deflection and resistance bonuses, so Protection from Evil is appreciated.
Fine with letting Vindlér take the bolts.
"Elaril, would you want to pick up a crossbow as well? There could be foes that stay reach of your spells."
While there are long-range spells like Acid Arrow, it might not be worth preparing them on the off chance that we have another 150'+ encounter distance.

Marcus will pick up the wand of Cure Moderate Wounds. "I think I will take this, if there is no objection. I can heal any of us who take an unlucky strike, while helping protect them as part of a shield wall."

"It's a few days' travel to Mordesha. We could rent horses, but I don't think our mission is that urgent."
Looks like three days walking (with some at 20').
Anthys will spend 50 gp for the vial of holy water and the silver dust. That leaves him just shy of 300 gp if we can think of anything else needed.

Samurai Picture

Yep, three days walking, no urgency. Ready to leave?

Vindlér will do the same. 50gp in the old team bucket!

"Good, I've been working on my riding skills, but I still have no love for riding after our last couple of experiences on mounts. I still don't know how Qioté rode around like that!"

I recommend Holy Weapon Balm for you lot, but that's just because I've played this scenario 3 times already! :P Also, if you fight with a kukri, rapier, scimitar, or other high crit range type of weapon, I recommend oil of bless weapon. Your friendly neighborhood cleric will memorize some useful things to: have no fear!! :P

"I'm sure the nice Venture-Captain here will charter a team of horses and a coach for us yes? with a few men to setup camp for us while we prepare for the exploration yes?"

[dice=Diplomacy to beg for stuff... with SSSSCCCCCION!!]1d20+9+2[/dice]

Besnik lets out a belly-laugh, "Oh Berato, that's so funny." His face turns deadly serious for a moment, "Do you know what old muttonchops would do to me if he found out I got you a coach for a perfectly walkable distance?" He smiles again, hands catching behind his head, "Desna smile on your journey!"

You arrive during a thunderstorm after three days of easy and unobstructed travel to find a muddy field with pillars of blackened stone reaching to the sky like skeletal fingers. These forgotten chimneys are all that remain of Mordesha. Near one of these is a long set of stairs leading 100 feet underground. Unless otherwise stated, the dungeon walls and ceilings are made of hewn stone, 10 feet high. The rooms are completely dark unless a light source is explicitly described.

A cavernous chamber reaches east and west, and several smaller corridors branch outward from it. Dust and neglect mark this chamber, and darkness fills its corners. To the east lies a single stone sarcophagus. A long passage of text is carved into the wall behind the sarcophagus.

A plaque on the lid of the sarcophagus bears the words “General Dame Vheist” and Aroden’s holy symbol. The text on the wall behind the sarcophagus describes a mighty battle, in which the general charged at the point of a formation of cavalry into a valley full of undead.

Which direction now?

Anthys will have picked up a Holy Weapon Balm at Berato's suggestion.
The fighter bows his head in reverence to the memory of the Last Azlanti and His devoted warrior. He waits to see if anyone knows more about General Dame Vheist.
He looks to see if there are any tracks in the dust other than the party's.
Perception, Scion: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 2 = 16

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Additional +2 if the knowledge has something to do with dwarves or their enemies.

Vindlér salutes the apparent resting place of the ancient general. "It looks like the general might have fought against the legions of the Tyrant. A noble man, then, worthy of a great burial place."

Seeing that Anthys is blindly poking around in the dust, Vindlér draws out his Wayfinder and activates its light spell.

Oh yes, Anthys would also be using his Wayfinder for light.
"Actually Vindlér, I think by the name that General Dame Vheist was a woman. But yes, a hero of the Shining Crusade, it seems."

Elaril considers it and recognizes the name as that of an important general. She died in 3825 AR at the decisive Battle of Crumblespine Ridge while leading her troops to victory.

Kn: Nobility: 10 + 10 = 20

I'm going to reconsider Elaril's spells in light of the Wand of PfE

Anthys discovers a few tracks, but they lead back and forth across the room and seem to steadfastly ignore the staircase you entered from.

"Hmm, maybe this way."
Anthys points to the corridor leading north just east of where they are (to Area 8).
No idea, one way is as good as another.

Marcus' eyes dart around the empty room, lit by the soft glow of his companion's light sources. "That seems a good place to start. Everyone stick together; we don't know what we're going to find here, but we'll handle it much better if our opponents face an unbroken shield wall. Let's keep Elaril in the back, if we can." As Anthys moves through the door and the passage widens, Marcus will slide to his side, shield at the ready.

We can probably fill a lot of these corridors to block anything coming at us from the direction we're facing from easily getting to Berato or Elaril; Anthys in front when its 1 deep, Anthys+Vindler when its 2 wide, Anthys+Marcus+Vinder when its 3 sound good?

Anthys leads the way in the direction he has pointed, everyone falling in place behind him. The walls of this long hall are filled with niches, each holding a unique urn. On the north end of the hall is a raised platform with a red symbol painted on the ground. Crouching over top of the symbol is a rather sinister looking statue of a humanoid winged and horned demon.

Anthys probably doesn't have the skills to recognize the demon statue.
"The Crusaders wouldn't have built this statue, would they? Probably a later addition by other forces."
He examines the red symbol, but can't tell anything about its religious significance.
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Elaril considers the statue while simultaneously absentmindedly replying to Anthys and activating his Wand of Mage Armor to give himself some additional protection.

"It certainly seems unlikely. It does remind me of something though....give me a moment....."

Knowledge (Religion): 10 + 22 = 32

"Aye, that doesn't seem right ta me either, lad. Best be on your guard...ah! Well I see Elaril is prepared." Vindlér chuckles as he straps on his shield. With his free hand he creates the gestures to open his senses to the presence of magic, then scans the other end of the hallway, trying to determine if any magical presences are down by the statue or the symbol.

Cast Detect Magic

Looks like Elaril is +12 for a 22, rather than +22 for a 32.

Looks like Elaril is +12 for a 22, rather than +22 for a 32.

Oops. Yes. This is correct.

Berato casts light on his buckler. normal light 20'; dim light 40' -- light source shown on map; duration 40min.

Berato casts bless on the party. +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects; duration 4min.

I'll have to put the creature tile on the map shortly, it'll be over top of the red splotch just north of Anthys.

Elaril quickly realizes the statue and symbol have no religious significance, but not quick enough as the statue grinds to life with the terrific shriek of stone on stone. It swipes at Anthys with its obsidian tipped claws.

Surprise!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

It is unable to get through his heavy armor and shield despite its surprise.

Order 1st Round
Elaril
Gargoyle
Anthys, Vindlér, Marcus, Berato

FF AC 24 with Shield Wall.

"A Gargoyle! Sadly my studies don't extend much further than that on these creatures. Perhaps I can stun it temporarily..."

Elaril begins to wiggle his fingers and murmur under his breath before finishing with what appears to be a silent scream...

Cast Ear Piercing Scream. DC18 Fort Save for half damage and no daze.

Sonic Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6

Knowledge: Nature: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Tough it out!: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Elaril's spell causes the gargoyle to wobble a bit, but it shakes off the noise it heard and goes full bore on Anthys standing before it.

Slash!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Swipe!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Crunch!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Gore!: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

It is the creature's use of the horns on its stony head that throws Anthys off, leaving him open briefly enough for it to get a shallow cut in.

Order 1st Round
Elaril
Gargoyle -3
Anthys, Vindlér, Marcus, Berato

Vindlér reaches forward and slaps Elaril on the shoulder with a blessing from Abadar before moving up to stand with his fellow soldier and drawing his morningstar. "Come on, you wicked beast! Time to clear you out of this sacred place."

Touch of Law on Anthys for his turn.
Move action to step forward and draw my weapon.
AC21 with Shield Wall active.

Anthys attacks with the blessing of Abadar.
Attack, Bless, Scion: 11 + 8 + 1 + 2 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
If it matters, which OOC I think it does, he has a +1 sword. AC is now 27. +2 for no longer flat-footed, and +1 from racial trait. Anthys was only adjacent to Vindlér when I looked before, but now two allies are adjacent so he gets the Heart of the Streets bonus of +1.

Yep, magic swords matter for this beastie...

Anthys' blade cuts into the tough hide of the gargoyle, sword flaring with light as the foul blood of the beast stains its blade.

Order 1st Round
Elaril
Gargoyle -8
Anthys, Vindlér, Marcus, Berato