The Dire GM's "First Steps" in PFS PbP (Inactive)

Game Master CanisDirus

Kegan waits a few moments, then decides that is his answer. Best assume it is protected.

"Alright, let's see what we have!" he says as he goes up next to Einn. He spends a little time looking at the doorway and into the room.

Three active perception checks, cause that is about as much as he has patience for.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

--- Below here ONLY if no one finds anything interesting:
"Let's do this!" Kegan says as he strides into the room.

*Ready*

Zot would frown given the situation. Not only were we assigned to meet with one of the Agents, we were instead sent to a representative at the time of the appointment, and then given blind direction to a set of vaults underneath an area where their customer already held residence. It seemed odd, though he was instructed to work within the confines of his mission and Zot was inclined to make it so. Regardless, the whole situation seemed odd despite the praise their "Lord" had spoke on the Society's behalf.

Remaining silent he would accompany the rest of the others and follow in line as quickly as he could.

Once to the doors Zot would look the servant up and down. Looking ahead Zot would shrug. We were not to embarrass the Society so at this juncture it would seem appropriate to follow along with being silent unless necessary.

Turning to Kegan he would nod, "I imagine his silence is tactfully appropriate given his role." Nodding towards the servant Zot would try to imply his appreciate for the service he had provided. If anything he could pick up on the explicit constrictions that the servant was acting within.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Eagerly looking at the path ahead, Zot would reflect on the path ahead and pondered Desna's possible influences. "Let's make the Pathfinder Society proud!" Zot would express with a subdued excitement, falling in line with the others and eager to take this as yet another opportunity to prove himself.

*Ready!*

A plain stone room contains three chests: a copper-banded chest of smooth, dark wood; a red lacquered chest; and what looks to be a cube of solid steel. Behind the chests sits a low table holding a clear glass jar half full of liquid and a covered wicker basket.

Once you all enter the room, the servant shuts the door and locks it behind them. Written on the back of the door is the message: “Within these cases lies your quest and your way out.”

~~~~~

Floor:
Container 1 - Copper-banded, smooth dark wood chest
Container 2 - Red lacquered chest
Container 3 - Solid steel cube

Table:
Container 4 - Clear glass Jar 1/2 full of clear liquid
Container 5 - Covered wicker basket

~~~~~

"A puzzle!" Kegan exclaims after reading the back of the door.

Looking around to the others, he asks "So, which one of you are good with puzzles? My own method tends to be just randomly trying things until something either works or breaks." ...or gets punctured, or gets jumped over...but no need to go into those sort of details. That is usually for after no one figures out a puzzle.

Sorry the last couple of days have been busy doing last minute stuff for my Mom before I head out and posting got away from me

Anything interestin' 'bout the liquid? Maybe some shine or some such to help get your mind right for da puzzle?

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

> a copper-banded chest of smooth, dark wood
> a red lacquered chest
> a cube of solid steel
> a clear glass jar half full of liquid
> and a covered wicker basket.

Pondering the situation, Zot would reflect on how he wasn't exactly the greatest at such things. One thing remained true: The Wicker Basket was covered, and the other items remained mysterious. Perhaps revealing what is in the wicker basket could help?

"This is a test of solving puzzles, all I can wager is that we need to learn as much about each device as we can. Shall we look to reveal what is hidden in the wicker basket and examine each box more closely first?"

Not sure what to expect, Zot would glance quickly to the now locked door behind them. Glorious indeed, though despite their best intentions Zot couldn't help but feel resentful for the abundant amount of pride seemed to be oozing out of every aspect of this whole mission.

Zot would then walk towards the wicker basket, taking his time to examine everything on his way there.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 Zot attempts to find what is hidden, taken what time is necessary to give a close examination and find what pieces to the puzzle he could find to help make a more informed decision.

Not feeling rushed by this situation, Steve will take a long time to steadily search the room.

I think we can take 20 so if so my total is 27

Pointing to the writing on the door, Kegan says "Zot, the clue says 'cases'. I don't know what sort of tricks there might be here, but I wouldn't consider a basket a case."

With that, he goes over and appears to be examining the red lacquered chest.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 ...had to change my description when I saw this total. :)

Einn will take a look at the containers on the floor before even touching them or picking them up. If nothing at all seems odd with them she will pick them up carefully and examine them.

For each container if necessary
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

The Glass Jar: This gallon-sized clear glass jar is about half full with clear liquid. At the bottom of the vessel sits a jeweled brass key.

The Wicker Basket: This 2-foot-round wicker basket requires no key to open, its lid resting gently atop its wide rim. Inside, a blue stone key rests atop a pile of crumpled linens.

The Red Lacquered Chest: This smooth, red lacquered chest looks devious. The solid metal plate surrounding the gaping keyhole pulses with glowing amber runes.

The Copper-Banded Chest: This chest looks very solid and heavy, but beyond that, has no special markings that make it seem extraordinary.

The Steel Chest: This steel cube has only the faintest crack where its lid meets the base, and would be completely featureless save for its narrow keyhole.

Steve - You can take 20 on each item but not the room at-large. Let's roll randomly to see which one you looked at this time around:
Random Container: 1d5 ⇒ 4

Still not understanding the puzzle fully Bumi will take a better look at the steel chest.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

And to recap what we know.

Liquid = Acid, contains a jeweled key
Basket = Snake covered in linens, contains a blue stone.
Copper Banded = Locked, no traps
Red Lacquered = Magically locked needs the right key
Steel Chest = Heavy, no traps

Is that right?

Seems to me everything we need oughta be here, we just gotta figure out how to get to it all, shoot if nuthin' else mebbe we can dump the acid on the snake and get the key and the stone, I dinnae.

Startled, Kegan asks "What acid? What snake?" He looks around, worriedly.

Startled, Kegan asks "What acid? What snake?" He looks around, worriedly.

For sake of speeding up the game a bit I assumed people were sharing what they discovered as they looked around. Though I suppose it could have been accomplished as part of people's turns.

Kegan the Chaotic wrote:

Startled, Kegan asks "What acid? What snake?" He looks around, worriedly.

For sake of speeding up the game a bit I assumed people were sharing what they discovered as they looked around. Though I suppose it could have been accomplished as part of people's turns.

^ This. My bad for putting it all in spoilers I guess.

Sorry, my bad. I assume if it is under a spoiler only the people indicated are supposed to utilize the knowledge. That plus Kegan's perception roll was spectacularly awful!

After it is explained, Kegan looks to Steve. With a nod towards his crocodile, he says "You seem to be good with animals. Any chance you could calm the snake? I would rather not kill something if there is another way."

The Wicker Basket...Upon closer inspection, you hear the telltale sounds of a poisonous viper hissing very softly inside, and are certain that anyone reaching inside the basket will be bitten!

• Liquid = Acid, contains a jeweled key
  
• Basket = Snake covered in linens, contains a blue stone.
  
• Copper Banded = Locked, no traps
  
• Red Lacquered = Magically locked needs the right key
  
• Steel Chest = Heavy, no traps

A bit startled and yet entertained, Zot would look back to the others. Listening to Kegan and enjoying his approach Zot would chime in approvingly, "Agreed, there is no telling if the poor thing is agitated and hunger enough as it is. I must voice that this seems like an odd task. Something isn't sitting well with me about it all. So if we can do this with as little harm as possible all the better."

Reflecting on the pair of keys Zot pondered which key would go to each box, and furthermore if there was an order to which each one would need to be opened. Looking about the room Zot would ponder if the room itself provided any clues.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

"Perhaps we should examine the chests more closely. We have noticed three traps, doesn't it seem odd that the other two have no visible trap?"

With that, he goes over to look more closely at the copper banded chest.
Perception, Copper Banded Chest: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

"If there is something about this one beyond the obvious, I fail to see it!"

Bumi Gruntek wrote:

Kegan the Chaotic wrote:

Startled, Kegan asks "What acid? What snake?" He looks around, worriedly.

For sake of speeding up the game a bit I assumed people were sharing what they discovered as they looked around. Though I suppose it could have been accomplished as part of people's turns.

^ This. My bad for putting it all in spoilers I guess.

Personally I enjoy the whole spoiler piece, and encourage we stick with using this method. The assumption was well intended and no harm done on my end. Though that copper chest seems a bit on the shady side.

Assuming Zot doesn't find anything clear in the room, Zot would also have a closer look at the Copper Banded Chest seeing as how it would be gathering some attention.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

"I agree Kegan! Lets have a closer look together, shall we?"

Oh you no wanna kill snake, I figured 2 keys, 1 solution ya' know. But in that case mebbe I can get the one out the basket for ya'

Bumi will use his basic geokinesis power to get the blue stone out.

Haha. Miners and stone, ya' know. We go together like dwarves and beer. Though ya' might wanna put that lid back on

Shaking his head, Kegan admits "I'm not even sure what I'm looking for."

"If no one objects, I'll try to get the key out of the jar." Kegan offers. He gets some jerky out from his pack and starts eating it as he awaits an answer.

Assuming no one objects

Putting the wrapping from the jerky on the table, he gets out his dagger and carefully dips it in the acid. Taking it out, he wipes it on the wrapper and examines it.

Assuming acid doesn't damage the dagger

He puts the dagger away and unsheathes his rapier. He then very carefully uses the point of the rapier to try and hook the key by the hole in the bow. He then gently tries to raise the key out of the jar.

Kegan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Kegan is able to quickly determine that the acid does not harm his blades, and expertly fishes the key out of the jar, using the jerky wrapper to clean it off while taking no damage.

Bumi is able to safely geokinesis the stone key out of the basket, and then the cover is put back on, eliminating the threat of the viper.

~~~~~

The key from the jar is a brightly polished Jeweled Brass Key.

The key from the basket is made of blue azurite stone, polished to a near-mirror shine, and has runic markings carved into its sides that match those Einn and Kegan saw on the Red Lacquered Chest.

Einn looks over the shoulders of those here at the keys. "I think we found at least one set that matches together. The next be figuring out is if the other one belongs to only one or both the other boxes -- perhaps even the door, or a key to the door inside the boxes. That'd be an interesting puzzle with'n a puzzle. Kind of like the dolls they like over in Irrisen with other dolls inside."

She'll look back to the boxes again. "It doesn't seem like it would do any damage if it's the wrong one except the red one, it didn't seem like they was trapped any.

Recap:

• Blue Azurite Stone Key, polished to a near-mirror shine. Matches the Red Lacquered Chest
  
• Brightly polished Jeweled Brass Key. No known match.
  
• Copper Banded = Locked, no traps
  
• Red Lacquered = Magically locked needs the right key
  
• Steel Chest = Heavy, narrow keyhole, no traps

"My fellow Pathfinders, you all are truly skilled indeed! Well done!" Zot would proclaim with awe and amazement.

Reflecting on the keys before them Zot would suggest, "Perhaps the basket key would fit appropriately with the copper banded chest that has enraptured our attention all this time? Otherwise I would concur with Einn and perhaps try with opening the Red Lacquered Chest first to see if another piece to our puzzle is revealed."

With a grin, Kegan wipes off the key and his rapier.

Sheathing the weapon, he sets the key down and asks Bumi "If I may?", gesturing to the stone key he has.

If no one objects. Everyone has a chance to step back.

He then leans down and carefully inserts the key in the red lacquered chest's lock. He looks ready to jump back if anything happens.

Feel free to bot any required saves. If no trap.

Then he turns the key and opens the chest.

Einn will carefully step back and try to shield the other smaller members while leaving them the ability to see what is going on. "If no one tries then we will be here for a long time, so lets see what is going to happen."

Zot would insistently step in before Kegan would take his move towards the chest, seeing his intent. "Perhaps some good fortune is in order?" With a smile Zot would close his eyes and recite a simple prayer of Good Fortune upon Kegan.

Zot casts Resistance upon Kegan, granting a +1 bonus to all saves for 1 minute.

"Desna, guide us all to the fortunes that await ahead." Zot would pray softly. Satisfied with his blessing, Zot would step out of the way and allow Kegan to proceed.

Zot: Upon closer inspection (no roll required) the polished Brass Key appears to fit the locks of both the Copper-Banded Chest and the Steel Cube.

~~~~~

Kegan inserts the Blue Stone key into the Red Lacquered Chest. As soon as he does, the key turns by itself to line up the runic symbols, and then the chest pops open.

GM: Everyone please make a Perception check

Inside the Red Lacquered Chest is a key forged into the end of a jeweled scepter. The jewels and the scepter appear to be quite exquisite, but an Appraise check is required to discern anything other than that.

~~~~~

Bot Kegan Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 (clearly Kegan only hears things when I roll for him :P)

(If nobody else makes the DC, I'll bot-post for Kegan revealing what he noticed)

Go for it, Kegan

Perc: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Thanks! Think it is the first Perception this character has made.

Kegan looks up and points. "Another key, this one of gold. Wonder if I can jump that high?"

Feel free to bot as things happen this weekend. I'm really not sure how much I'll be able to get online during the con.

Appraise untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Kegan points up. Hanging from piano wire 6-inches from the 15ft tall ceiling is a small and bright Golden Key.

Recap:

• Golden Key hanging from a piano wire from the ceiling.
  
• Blue Azurite Stone Key, polished to a near-mirror shine. Matches the Red Lacquered Chest
  
• Brightly polished Jeweled Brass Key. No known match.
  
• Copper Banded = Locked, no traps
  
• Red Lacquered = Magically locked needs the right key, now unlocked. Contains a golden key "scepter"
  
• Steel Chest = Heavy, narrow keyhole, no traps
  

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

As if following the same line of sight as Kegan, Zot would realize the now floating golden key tied to the ceiling by a piano wire. "That almost seems too good to be true, makes me wonder what that wire is hanging from or if it is connected to yet another elaborate trap." Zot would smirk, the paranoia really starting to sink in now.

Looking to the other two chests Zot would then suggest, "Bumi: Given that we're better suited for the ground, mind if we give the other chests a try? I'd say try opening the copper banded chest first."

If anybody else decides to proceed to open the chests, Zot will spread Desna's blessing by casting Resistance on them as well.

Einn looks up where everyone else is looking to at this point. "If need be I could hold one of even ye taller folks up and get that once we figure out that it will be safe to pull the key down." Nods softly looking around.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

"It wouldn't surprise me still if it were another trap of some sorts or at least something to note. We do still need to find the key out of here as well.

Appraise(untrained): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

*Correction*

• Copper Banded = Locked, no traps, matches Brightly polished Jeweled Brass Key.
  
• Steel Chest = Heavy, narrow keyhole, no traps, matches Brightly polished Jeweled Brass Key.

Zot would glance towards the scepter thinking if he'd seen or heard of anything like it before:

Appraise (Untrained): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15

Zot would add with a soft chuckle, "Can't say I know of anything like that, though I've heard rumors of people cooking food for royalty with golden spoons of that size!"

Zot: Though the jewels and the scepter appear to be quite exquisite, your closer inspection reveals them to be mere costume gems. The key itself, however, is still solid (if uninteresting) metal. It does not appear to match the locks of any of the remaining containers, however.

So many mismatched keys, chests, and other containers. We missin' summin?

Bumi's gonna look around the rest of the room to see if there's anything else we've missed.

Perc: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Bumi looks around and notices that the door you all entered has a key hole on your side that looks to be about the right size for the scepter-key.

"So, do we try the Blue Stone key in the other two locks, try to get the golden key down, or something else?" Kegan impatiently asks.

Looking over at the table, Kegan adds "Perhaps we could move the table under the key -- that might allow me to reach it!"

Zot would shrug, "Well if you are uncomfortable with using the Blue Stone Key I wouldn't mind giving it a shot."

Assuming Bumi doesn't mind, Zot would take the key from the Dwarf and walk over to the Copper Banded Chest and attempt to unlock the chest.

Then turning to Kegan, "I'd feel more comfortable trying to eliminate all other options first before moving to the ceiling key. That way we aren't leaving anything out that could potentially be a hazard. Though if you insist I wont' stop you!" Zot would laugh. "If there is one thing I've learned Kegan, you are more than capable of handling yourself."

Zot's Resistance that was cast on Kegan still holds effect for just short of a minute I believe.

Kegan proudly explains "I am most comfortable when active. It is extensive planning discussions or idly waiting that can sometimes try my patience."

He allows Zot to try the key in the other chest. If the key doesn't work there, he will reach out a hand for the key and attempt to open the steel box with it.

"Have we yet tried the Jeweled Brass Key in any of them, the one we found inside the liquid I believe?" Einn mentions. "It looked like it may match at least one of them. If you want to try that in one I'll try the other in the other box and then switch?"

"Oh, I got the keys mixed up! I was thinking that was the one that opened the red chest." Kegan exclaims. "I'm willing to try most things!"

Before proceeding, Zot takes the notes he had been jotting down on a loose piece of paper from his shuffled cook book and shares it with the others in the hopes of trying to clarify what the others had found as well. Multiple scribbles fill it's pages and detail the following:

• Golden Key = hanging from a piano wire from the ceiling. No known match.
  
• Red Lacquered Chest = Magically locked needs the right key, now unlocked with the Blue Azurite Stone Key. Contains a faux golden key "scepter." Seems to fit in the door leading back out from whence we had original came.
  
• Copper Banded = Locked, no traps, matches Brightly polished Jeweled Brass Key.
  
• Steel Chest = Heavy, narrow keyhole, no traps, matches Brightly polished Jeweled Brass Key.

Zot shrugs. "Here goes nothing! See how much fortune favors me today..." Zot would then proceed to the Copper Banded chest with the polished Jeweled Brass Key as long as Bumi and the others do not protest.

1d20 ⇒ 4 (Modifiers hidden)

Zot puts the Jeweled Brass Key into the Copper Banded Chest, but nothing happens. It doesn't seem to budge.

Well if da room be holdin' our treasure and our way out, I think we found the key out, now for da' treasure. Mebbe try dem keys in da' other chest.

Seeing the key do nothing in the Copper chest Bumi'll take it out of the chest and try it in the steel one.

"We can try the last chest that seems to match it, if not I can lift someone up and get the hanging key.

Einn will look around above their head to see if there is anything the key is attached to other than just hanging by a thread.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

"Well for a bunch of chests with elaborate keys they sure do their job of keeping things out! Even when we have a key to match!" Zot would laugh with a mild hint of frustration. Unsure of what to expect and starting to feel a bit paranoid, Zot would take a deep breath. Desna will guide me and all will be alright, Zot would tell himself. As Bumi would approach the chest, Zot would cast Resistance on him, thinking that perhaps it would bring about good fortune as we explored our options further.

Zot casts Resistance on Bumi, +1 to all saves for 1 minute. Kegan should still have about 6 rounds left?

Looking up towards the gold key, Zot would ponder if the ceiling key would match the chest he just tried to open. Did they go together?

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Shaking his head Zot was unsure, this whole thing seemed a bit beyond him.

1d20 ⇒ 12 (Modifiers hidden)

Bumi takes the Brass key and tries it in the Steel Cube. As soon as he puts even the slightest pressure on it, the key breaks and disintegrates into glitter-like dust!

GM Note: Please let me know who is standing near which chest, and also please indicate if you move after posting where you are currently. Thanks!

Kegan was standing near the steel box as Bumi tries the key. Seeing the key disintegrate like that, he tries to jump away from the dust.

If there is a roll, go ahead and use the guidance.

Wow! Must have rolled pretty low to have missed that illusion, I have a +7 to see through illusions! Ouch! LoL

Zot would look again at the Copper Chest after seeing the key turn to dust. "Well... that was disappointing. Down one key now, and to think that someone could have lost their hand diving in to grab the key only to have it turn to dust like that." Whoever set these traps up was clearly a cruel designer and intended to make this very difficult.

Zot would try to approach the Copper Banded Chest as Bumi walked away. Perhaps it was already unlocked or simply had another means of unlocking it. Speaking a prayer to Desna, Zot would reach out and try to find a latch.

Zot will cast Resistance on himself before attempting to use perception to examine the chest more closely. +1 to all saves for 1 minute!

RECAP

• Golden Key = hanging from a piano wire from the ceiling. It is a brightly polished gold key at that! Whoa! No known match.
  
• Red Lacquered Chest = Contains a faux golden key "scepter." Seems to fit in the door leading back out from whence we had original came.
  
• Copper Banded = Locked, no traps. (Bumi knows it is an illusion). No longer has a matching key (So sad!)
  
• Steel Chest = Heavy, narrow keyhole, no traps. No known match. No longer has a matching key (So sad!)
  
• Brightly polished Jeweled Brass Key, DUSTED!

Please feel free to bot my rolls if necessary