Test of Tar Kuata (Inactive)

Game Master Baerlie

During lunch you have a relaxing conversation with the monks about their life and their training. Right after lunch Helg takes you to the meeting with Itephta.

Itephta is a young, mild-mannered Garundi man. "Welcome to Tar Kuata." he says. "I heard you are looking for something. Is that true?"

Trying to be as respectful as he can, Pierre brings forth the matter of their coming.

"Thank you for your kind words of welcome. We come from the pathfinder society and we were told to seek an ancient artifact know as "the Sky Key". This artifact has been separated in some pieces and the society believes one of these might be within Tar Kuata. Is our information correct?"

Diplomacy (request, enhanced): 1d20 + 20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 20 + 2 = 23

"Yes, that is correct. The relic you search is present within the monastery's vaults." Itephta answers.

Helg takes over. "We are willing to part with it if Itephta so decides, to somebody who we feel is worthy to carry it away." she says.

"Helg, you spent some time with the agents. Tell me, what do you think about our guests?" Itephta asks.

"Most of them showed their respect, they had lunch with us and they are willing to learn. I say they shall try the tests." Helg answers and nods.

Itephta turns back to you "You seek something we would give freely, but the relic is one heavy with the weight of history. Just as I would not ask a neophyte to lift a boulder before he can lift a stone, I cannot in good conscience burden you with this bauble without knowing your capabilities. When our students request greater responsibilities or greater challenges, we first ensure that they have mastered what they have learned before. I propose you experience the same courtesy I would extend to a student by undergoing a small portion of our training. It shall strengthen your body for the return journey and prepare your mind to weather your future trials."

"Tests? Oh, c'mon...", Adowyn thought, rollin' her eyes up.

Pierre nods calmly.

"Very well. I thank you for accepting our request. May I ask you what are these tests?"

"Brawk! A test, you say? My god has a good history with tests, so I welcome the challenge."

BTW, I'm currently using my Infiltrator misdirection ability to detect as NG. It shouldn't get picked up by regular detect evil/good though, because Inquisitors don't have an aura feature and I'm not level 5 yet.

"In our six trials you will be able to extend demonstrate your abilities. Let me introduce you to Aeotsep. He's our best teacher and he will be your guide, instructor and evaluator. The trials will test your mental and physical skills." Itephta answers.

"Very well, let's get these tests started then," says Julian, who's eager to start doing something rather than just talking about doing something.

"Very well. I'm ready as soon as my friend are." says Pierre, closing his eyes, asking Iomedae for guidance during these trials.

Dexter does some stretches.

Adowyn presents herself and Leryn, without uttering a word. Her stance denounced that she was ready for the challenges.

Aeotsep leads you to one of the study rooms, which contains several bookshelves, a small table, and a lectern on which there is an open copy of Unbinding the Fetters, the principle holy text of the Iroran faith. The elderly monk requests you wait here while he prepares the other trials.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

"Something's up. Do you suppose this might be the first trial? Perhaps a test of curiosity... Oh, do you think we'll get to kill a cat?"

Dexter examines the page to which the book is open, looking for clues that suggest a task to perform. Keeping the place, he thumbs through the rest of the pages, looking for notes or other items stuck between pages.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Linguistics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

"Well, I didn't think so, but now that you mention it..." he says, looking over Dexter's shoulder.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Great rolls, Dexter!

Sense Motive DC 20: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Adowyn stays silent in a corner, stroking Leryn, while pays attention in everything around them.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

Zahir looks curiously at the study room and the open book, wondering what they will have to do.

With -1 in Sense Motive, I technically can't make a DC 20 Sense Motive check ;)

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18

"You think so?" Julian asks Dexter.

"Well he did mention something about us waiting here while he prepares the other trials... But I have no idea what we're supposed to do here, if this is indeed one of the trails..."

Figuring he should place some faith in his ally's judgement of the situation, Julian scans the book and everything else in the room for magic. He then takes a look around for anything that could give the party a clue as to what they're supposed to do.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Although the copy of Unbinding the Fetters seems to be open to a random page, Aeotsep has actually opened it to a carefully selected passage that elaborates on complex and subtle metaphors that compare stages of self-perfection to the creation of the world.

Adowyn shows no interest in that text, she seemed bored while waiting for the return of the monk.

No knowledge history or religion here, buddies. =/

Well I already rolled it and I failed :/ no knowledge history, though.

Looks like Zahir is the only one left who could possibly make it.

"Well... I do hope it's a four out of six kind of thing. Or something similar..."

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Zahir looks at the book but the text remains unintelligible to him.

Psst, try Religion too!

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

I believed it was one or the other but anyway.

Really wishing we had our Investigator back right about now...

Ok, all we can do now is wait the monk come back.

Aeotsep returns and casually chats about the pages' content. "What do you think about mortal knowledge? Do stories about the creation of the world exist in your culture?" he asks.

you did not make the check above, but you can convince the monk that you understood everything with a bluff check.

I see that Dexter is the better to bluff.

Pierre has a warm smile and taps lightly on Dexter's shoulder.
Using touch of glory, +6 on your next charisma-based check ;)

"Very interesting indeed! I really never had taken the time to read properly 'Unbinding the Fetters' and I really liked the way the Master of Masters phrases his understanding of mortal knowledge. Self-perfection is a beautiful way!"

Bluff (aid Dexter): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 Success! Another +2 to your check! That's +8 total for now.

Adowyn rolls her eyes up.

Bluff: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"Many stories in our world," Julian mutters unhelpfully.

Darn it... Should've phrased that differently...

"Brawk! Many stories about the creation of the world in my religion, but if I tell you about them, I'd have to kill you."

Bluff: 1d20 + 10 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 6 + 2 = 32

The monk smiles. "Ok, if you say so." He leads you into the Hall of the Inward Gaze, which currently contains several broad reed mats, racks holding wooden weapons, and a pile of small wooden boards.

"Physical might is often mistaken for brute force. Strength without control accomplishes little." Aeotsep says.

To illustrate the point, Aeotsep takes a wooden board from the pile and outstretches his arm, holding the board in front of his face. With a swift movement, he releases the plank and strikes it in mid-air, breaking the board into two symmetrical halves. He invites you to repeat the feat.

This speed-break test requires precision as well as strength. Everybody who wants to try must succeed at a Dex DC10 followed by a Str DC13 check. If you have the Improved Unarmed Strike feat you get a +5 bonus on both checks.

Dexter cracks his knuckles, then picks up a plank and tries to imitate the feat.

Dex: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Str: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

He expertly tosses the board in the air, perfectly balanced to present a steady striking surface with no sign of wobble. Then his hand darts in, and the board clatters to the ground while Dexter yelps in pain and grasps his stubbed finger.

Dex DC 10: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Str DC 13: 1d20 ⇒ 20

"Well, this will be easy", Adowyn takes another wooden board from the pile and repeats the monk's movements, without troubles, with even more grace. "Anything else?", she asks.

Dex DC 10: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Str DC 13: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Zahir takes a step forward and easily repeats the exercise. He then bows his head and returns to his place.

Pierre declines the challenge. "This is not my type of challenge. I'll let my younger companions try it."

Dex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Str: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Julian tosses another board in the air and punches it, breaking it into two equal halves.

Dexter hangs his head in shame, and resists the urge to kill all the witnesses.

-Posted with Wayfinder

All but Pierre give it a try and the monk is impressed. "Great! Not many students succeed at their first lesson. If you did not, don't worry. You get better with training and one day you succeed."

Aeotsep puts away the wooden boards and takes a quarterstaff and a blindfold from the weapon racks. He then requests that everyone in the room close their eyes and be silent. As he walks around you, he tells you to pay attention to the sound of his footsteps and the aroma of incense in his robes. The monk exhorts that consciousness is achieved through the sum of senses, and relying on only one of them creates a false perception of the world. He tells you to open your eyes.

"I need a volunteer for this lesson." he says.

Eager to redeem himself, Dexter raises a hand wing.

"I volunteer!"

FWIW, I'll use Studied Target on Aeotsep for the +1 to Perception and such.

"Ok, I'm now going to put on this blindfold. And you will try to hit me while I can't see you and I'll try to parry or dodge your attacks." the monk explains the situation.

After Aeotsep put on the blindfold Dexter tries to hit the monk, but the monk dodges every attack.

"You see: listen, feel and smell. And you'll be able to defend yourself even when blinded. It's your turn now." the monk says.

This is what you have to roll: DC18 Perception followed by either a DC12 Dex check to dodge or DC12 strength to parry. If you have the Blind-fight feat, blindsense, or blindsight you get a +5 bonus on these checks.

Can I get my Studied Target bonus on the ability checks?

Dexter applies his blindfold, then listens for the footsteps and breathing of the monk.

Can I make a Stealth or Bluff check to put on the blindfold in a way that lets me still see? Honestly, that sounds more like a Sleight-of-Hand check to me (which I don't have), but I'll let you decide.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 1 = 23

Dex to dodge: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16

Dexter hears him coming from a mile away, and deftly steps out of the way of the blow.

Yes, +1 is fine! I will resolve the Bluff thing after everybody posted ;)

Looks like I succeeded even without cheating; the only question now is whether I got caught!

"I'm not the best suited for these tasks but let's give it a try anyway." declares the cleric.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Dex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

EDIT: Wow! Never thought I'd make it!

"Wisdom guides my body."

"I also want to try it."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

As soon as Julian's wearing the blindfold he turns away from Aeotsep. He then gets hit on the back of his head. "Ouch!"

Three attempts so far, what about the rest?

Adowyn just stands in a corner, watching her fellows trying to pass in the test.

After some hesitation, Zahir moves forward and puts on the blindfold.

Perception DC 18: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Dexterity DC 12: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

And eventually manages to dodge every attack the monk makes.