Terevalis' The Confirmation (Inactive)

Game Master JASON RODARTE

Krstani scuttles into the cave, tasting the stale air with her tongue. "She knows what she is doing. We shall see her in just a moment, you'll see!" She takes a look inside the backpack.

@ Krstani, I was curious to see if you planning on going Dragon Disciple. I was thinking of trying that with my nagaji.

It is the most powerful spell the Halfling summoner has ever seen in her life

Catching up on this after dinner tonight

As the party members made their way into the Cave behind him, Brik followed with his back to the party, acting as rear guard as he cautiously moved backwards, with a firm gaze fixed on the cave mouth in case anything attempted to follow them in.

Entering the caves, you see the minotaur chasing after Janira through the trees, fighting its way through the dense undergrowth. Soon the cacophony of the chase fades and the sounds of the forest slowly return to normal. The caves are damp, and water drips from stalactites.
After a short while...

The narrow tunnel twists and turns for several hundred feet before slowly opening to a wider passage.

A large hole spans the cave’s width and stretches ten feet down the path. At the bottom of the pit lies a small bundle of cloth.

I am not going to make a map for this one.

I am open to whatever is left over. I wouldn't mind the barkskin, but that should go to a tank.

What is going to go where in the group of the contents?

@Azora- I hadn't really considered Dragon Disciple as generally PrC's don't interest me much. But looking at that one it could be fun.

Krstani would really love the wand of burning hands to supplement her crappy spells per day. Beyond that any of the unclaimed wands/scrolls are fine.

This might sound weird at first, but although I don't have Use Magic Device at this level, Brik's build is Fighter/Cleric and although we won't reach level 2 during this adventure, I still have a +3 Charisma, so could use the Wand of CLW to heal others when necessary, with an okay chance of being able to use it. He was always planned as up front fighter and support.

GM - Is the hole the only way to progress through this system or is there a route around? Like, is this simply a 10ft deep hole, or is there a passage at the bottom of it? If not, Brik would stay up top. Trying to climb down there in his armour is possible but pretty useless.

There is no way around the hole. Your second question: you won't know until you go and look

Brik walks towards the hole and peers over the edge before turning to the rest of the group.

Anyone got a rope?

Sithiel dismisses Bing Wu and summons a celestial dire rat with gleaming golden fur. She commands it to climb down the hole and poke at the bundle.

As for the gear, Sithiel is quite skilled at throwing, and would like the Flask of Acid, Alchemist’s fire (2), Holy water, Tanglefoot bag, and Thunderstone.

She can cast the scroll of mage armor on anyone unless she rolls a 1 to 4. She already has a +2 armor bonus, so it wouldn't be a big help for her herself.

Shalagor peers into the hole and tries to determine how difficult the climb would be and what the bundle is at the bottom.

Perception : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

-Posted with Wayfinder

The tunnel here is 10 feet wide and 10 feet tall with a
ceiling mostly devoid of stalactites.

Knowledge Dungeon or Survival DC 10

DM Rolls 1d6 ⇒ 4

At the bottom of the pit there appears to be spikey spikes.

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Cam I determine the climb DC with my previous perception roll?

-Posted with Wayfinder

Krstani pulls out her rope and looks for a place to anchor it. "Can anyone climb down? These claws don't grip the hemp fibers."

On it. says Brik as he sheathes his sword and puts his shield across his back.

Not the best armour to be wearing when climbing, but I guess it is only a 10ft drop...

Grabbing the rope, he tugs on it once or twice ensuring it's secure and then begins to climb down into the hole.

Climb: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3

Let me double check the rules on climbing

I misread the scene. The pit is 20'

Loosing his grip Brik falls onto the spikes at the bottom of hte bit.

2d6 ⇒ (5, 4) = 9

I'll put this down to blurred vision after a heavy session of drinking.

Brik knew it was a bad idea to climb down, but seeing no other way to progress, he hesitantly went down anyway.

The hole however, was far deeper than he thought it was and unable to find decent footing as he descended, he fell the whole way, landing sharply on the spikes below, as they made their way through the small gaps in the metal scales of Brik's armour.

Shit...

Lifting himself back up and off the spikes, he called up to the others above un-enthusiastically, somewhat irked by the whole situation.

Well, I'm down...If you're following, be a little more careful than I was.

Perception to see if there's a tunnel further into this hole and also to see if I can make it to the bag safely: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

The bag lays a bit away, easily grabbed. You do see that the hole is self contained but is very well dug. It is smooth on the inside and will take some help to get out.

It's odd. I thought there'd have been a way across the hole, but with no hint at anything the other side and no way around, I guess this is literally just to retrieve the bag. Small cave system.

Moving up to the bag, Brik picks it up and has a look inside, shouting up to the party once more; On second thoughts, don't bother. There's nothing else down here. It's just my wonderful self and this damn bag.

Are any of the items or potions labelled? I've got no ranks in spellcraft.

So I get that there is a rope and if we brace against the wall its a DC 5 climb check, Shalagor has no problem with that. However, Oso can climb a wall but I don't see the rope helping him much. Is the DC or climbing just the wall without the rope a DC 10 or 15. I should be able to tell from looking at the wall. Also once I'm down there is no rope on the other side so Shalagor will be scaling it without a rope anyway.

"Brik, you got that wand with you. I'm on my down to fix you up" Shalagor calls as he grabs onto the rope." If anyone has another rope give it to me so I can haul him up the other side, "

"Humans, forever in need of rescue," he thinks to himself as he descends into the pit.

Climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

-Posted with Wayfinder

The half-orc climbs down into the pit without hurting himself.

The DC was for going down with out a rope.

Okay, just clearing up some confusion that I see rose up here (I hope this is permissible usage of my previous knowledge of this scenario) - there is no continuation from the bottom of the pit, the tunnel continues from the top of the pit. You can't go around the pit, you have pass it somehow, but there is where to go beyond it. Also, we got Janira's bag as soon as we entered the cave, and this bundle of cloth is a different item.

Enrique peers at the half orc and the drunkard from the tip of the pit.

"If Shalagor can take care of your wounds, I assume it's time to continue. Take my rope, I won't need it anytime soon."

Enrique is correct. We have to go either over or down and back up the pit. Now that he has jumped across like a good frog we should be set. :D

So, does that mean we can now 'Take 10' and safely traverse the pit?

Yea, I've got it. Can't say I know how to use the thing, though!

Dusting himself off, he backs up a little, watching as Shalagor makes his way down.

The help's much appreciated. Ask me to fight and I can protect you all, but against a ledge in this armour? Forget it. he laughs.

Instinctively looking up as Enrique hopped overhead, Brik also answered; Yea, he's just patching me up and then we'll be right over.

Thanks for the extra rope! he called up to the Grippli as the rope fell down.

Man, this is so stupid. One of the flaws of heavy armour, I guess. Great protection, but too heavy to effectively climb, jump or move around with any sense of grace.

Thanks for the clarification, guys. Now, let's get out of this hole!

Upon getting to the bottom of the pit Shalagor is met by a rough looking Brik. "Do you have that wand? Can you even use it? Give me that so I can patch you up." Shalagor snatches the wand from Brik and taps it on him.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
if he needs another oneCLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

After patching him up Shalagor climbs up the newly produced rope on the other side. "That was quite a leap,"he says to the gripli and then turns back to the group on the other side of the pit. "Oso, stay there and guard the rest I want to make sure this side is safe."

Shagor turns and peers down the passageway.

Climb: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Perception : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

-Posted with Wayfinder

Much appreciated. remarked Brik, ignoring Shalagor's impatience.

Following the Half-Orc, Brik waited for him to climb back up to where Enrique jumped to, before spending a moment to tie the rope around himself, as he prepared to climb back up the other side, this time wrapping the rope around his arms, so that if he fell, he'd be dangling and not plummeting all the way back down.

Well, time for round 2...

Climb: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9

Hopefully with the rope making the climb easier he'll make it this time. Otherwise...

If he doesn't even make it off the ground with that, at least he won't take damage.

Climb attempt number 2: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0
Climb attempt number 3: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2
Climb attempt number 4: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11

Using guidance and having a big, strong fighter or half-orc carry her backpack, Sithiel can take 10 for a check of 10.

The warrior is having a bit of trouble getting up the hole due to the polishing that has taken place.

The grippli's powerful frog like legs propel him over the hole. As he explores his surroundings he finds a plank that is long enough to make a bridge to traverse the hole.

Has everyone else gone down into the hole or are there still people on the other side?

Oso stands on the other side of the pit, waiting for Shalagor to let him know that the coast is clear. With his powerful claws the bear would be able to climb into the pit but seeing the frogman produce the plank Oso the little brown bear decides to wait to cross the makeshift bridge.

Meanwhile Shalagor, seeing nothing dangerous down the tunnel turns back to the pit. As he sees the man struggling to climb a grin slowly crosses his face. "hold on tight," He says and begins to pull the rope hand over hand heaving the man up.

I should be able to just pull him up but I'll roll a strength check just in case. Or it could be an assisted climb check I guess.

Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

The only character currently down there is me. Shalagor and the Grippli are the other side, Sithiel was asking you if she could take 10 to go down and back up the other side and the other 2 plus Oso are still the side we began from.

With Shalagor helping, Brik continued coiling the rope around his arms as he made his climb up to the Half-Orc.

Climb: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9
Climb: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (12) - 2 = 10
Climb: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14
Climb: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 2 = 18

It took him a considerable amount of time, but he finally made it up to the Half-Orc, grabbing his arm as Shalagor pulled him up the rest of the way.

Thanks, man. In future I'll wait until there's another way ahead.

Looking down the corridor he asked; Anything down there? I've made enough noise to alert the damn world...

When the grippli produces the plank, Krstani eagerly hurries across, batting her eyes at him. "My hero!"

If it wasn't clear, Azora took 10 to cross.

No need to make a check to cross. The plank is sturdy

Everyone gets across the other side of hole. There is still the cloak that was found at the bottom of the hole.

As you continue afterwards....

The tunnels continue on, leading deeper beneath the Kortos Mounts until they eventually open into a large cavern. What must have once been beautifully carved reliefs and inscriptions have since weathered heavily, their features dulled and softened to the point that it is hard to distinguish what each once depicted.
A wide tunnel exits the cavern on its far side, and blue-burning torches line the passageway’s walls.
Scattered throughout the cave are inscriptions.

All but 4 scenes accompanying them are illegible. Those that are, are difficult to decipher due to their eroded state.
You can make 4 separate checks each, 1 for each scene.
This is a DC 15 Kn. Religion or History check. Alternatively, you can make a perception or appraise at a -2 penalty.

The language on it is a mix of Aquan & Azlanti, you get a +2 bonus on your check for each language you know.

Krstani oohs and aahs as she looks at the various scenes.

perception-penalty: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 - 2 = 3
perception-penalty: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 - 2 = 13
perception-penalty: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 - 2 = 6
perception-penalty: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 - 2 = 15

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Enrique looks at the reliefs with awe, running his fingers on the cavern's smooth walls. As he tries to decipher the ancient text and imagery, a feeling of empathy and sorriness fills his heart like a knot in his stomach. This feeling is the realization that these are the leftovers of what once must have been a grand civilization - a culture that, like his own, was defeated and diminished by conquerors and warmongers.

"Open your eyes wide, my friends; you may be the first of your kinds to witness these images in a long, long while."

Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Sithiel feels pretty confidant when she thinks she understands the first one, but the rest make no sense at all. "Mysterious..." she whispers, almost as if she were in a trance.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 - 2 = 9
Perception: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 - 2 = 10
Perception: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 - 2 = 19
Perception: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 - 2 = 16

While unable to make out the first to, the ifrit believes she has puzzled out the second set.

I picked up the cloak in the hole because initially I thought it was the bag Janira threw in, but yea, dunno what it was, but we grabbed that.

Having waited for everyone to cross the plank, Brik pulled it back across to the side the party now stood.

That should stop anyone following us.

Following through and down the tunnel, he found himself in the large cavern, curious of the carved inscriptions lined along the walls surrounding him.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 - 2 = 11
Perception: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 - 2 = 10
Perception: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 - 2 = 4
Perception: 1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 - 2 = 8

I wonder how long these have been down here...

Together the group is able to discern what the images mean.

The scenes depicted, are four professions.
With a little study, the team deduces the way it is described, is slightly different from what the tale is told as in the common city nowadays. Perhaps it is even older than current time version?
The scenes depict:

#1 The Fisherman
The Fisherman is depicted 'hauling in an enormous catch of small fish to take back to Absalom', illustrating Aroden’s declaration that a great host of creatures could accomplish a great task, whether that be taming the wilds or feeding a nation.

#2 The Tailor
The Tailor is depicted 'sewing together a long cloth of featuring many patterns that wraps around a city like a moat', referencing Aroden’s proclamation that when the fate of all peoples is woven together, it shall be humanity’s greatest strength.
#3 The Shepherd
The Shepherd is depicted 'herding animals out of a crowded city to the pastures beyond', just as Aroden blessed leaders with the foresight to direct people to the tasks and places that best suit them.

#4 The Scholar

The Scholar is depicted 'writing on a piece of parchment and then reading from it to passersby', just as Aroden was said to smile on those who recorded history and other knowledge to share it with others.

-----------------
As the team advances, after exchanging discoveries (no doubt RP ensues on this ^^), they arrive in a greater cavern.

The soft light of the surrounding fungus mixes with the flickering glow of the nearby torches to reveal a grand chamber. A large pool of water along the chamber’s southern edge reflects the blue and green radiance to illuminate the massive stalactites that cling to the ceiling overhead.
Two other tunnels branch off from this area, leading to the east and west. Rising up from the pool is a column of rock with steeply sloped sides and a flat top, as if someone had sawn off the top of a massive stalagmite.
A miniature city carved from this same stone occupies nearly the entire surface. Tiny trinkets such as ancient coins, polished semiprecious stones, and ornately braided loops of string are scattered throughout the diorama, and pale cave frogs clamber atop it.
The smooth cavern floor is covered in gravel and pebbles along the edge of the pool, and several foot-long centipedes prowl among the gravel in their search for prey.

"I've been in chapels before, but this place actually feels...um, sacred. I don't know much about religion, but a lot of the humans back home spoke of Aroden. Hopefully we'll prove the tenants of the Fisherman and Tailor by accomplishing our mission. But the Scholar speaks most to me!" She makes crude, quick copies of the images. "And, in honor of the Shepherd, I'll do what I'm best suited for!" Sithiel casts detect magic and studies the miniature city and the trinkets.

Oh, at some point she also re-summoned her eidolon.

The Halfling gets a magical emanation coming from the cloak that the they found at the bottom of the pit.