The Forgotten God (Table 1) (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

After gathering up all the villagers and getting them safely to the temple Hadran will use his wand to heal minor injuries.Just let me know how many charges to mark off. He is happy to see Beseth is still standing.

He looks to the villagers.

"Well you have all survived a great ordeal now. We are sorry for those that were lost. Please to prevent any further loss, share with us anything you may have been keeping to yourselves. We will end what ever has befallen your village."

The villagers glanced at each other and quietly conferred for a few moments. "...We've already told you what we know." one of them admitted - your earlier efforts at diplomacy had clearly paid off. However, they did look more willing to provide a reward of some kind if you could help resolve this - they were clearly desperate for the attacks to end.

"Good. We will go now then before any other of you are hurt. Beseth, Midfoviing lets head to this island."

Did they tell us where it was or how far it was? Can it be seen from the coast? I know you were waiting on Beseth. Been a week. Hope we didn't loose her.

"It's about two miles off the coast." One of the villagers said, stepping forward. He was a broad-shouldered man, just entering middle age, with skin heavily weathered from a life by the sea. "The name's Estian. I'll need to check my boat before I can head out, but unless it's totally broke, I can take you out there. You can try to rest up in the meantime - long as you're ready to go before dawn, we should be fine."

"Well met Estian. You show bravery in doing this. I am Hadran. We are ready whenever you are my friend. We will rest here with the villagers and make sure nothing happens. Let us know when you are ready."

"As I said, come down to the beach before dawn." He said, dipping his head before moving away, carefully avoiding going too close to the water.

You may now rest overnight! In addition, now that you've gained some trust among the villagers, you can go shopping. They don't have much - the Base Limit of this village is 500 GP - but if there are any supplies in that range you'd like to acquire before you set out, you can assume they're available.

"Thank you we will rest and see you then."

I/we don't need anything besides maybe some scrolls. Any restriction on what scrolls may be available?

Scrolls are available for Cleric spells of up to 3rd Level (i.e. those costing less than 500 GP). Spells with the Good and/or Lawful descriptors are not available. Using a divine scroll is effectively calling upon the power of another deity (and not always a friend...), so you'll have to make a DC 20 UMD check to emulate being mortal if you don't want to attract potentially troublesome attention.

Ah well if there are no arcane scrolls he wouldn't bother with the divine ones. No reason to bring unwanted attention. We can move forward to dawn when your ready.

Yeah, it's... not a very big down. XD Or in particularly good shape.

As promised, Estian was ready with his boat before dawn had even breached the horizon - and it looked to be a day slightly better than yesterday, at least. The journey over the water took two hours over choppy seas, and advancement was slow, but steady.

Finally, the island materializes ahead as imposing cliffs lift weed-choked ruins far above the frothing sea. Miraculously, the broken tops of several towers orbit the island in slow, lazy ellipses, some plunging into the ocean before emerging aloft again. A huge blanket of floating jellyfish lurk just below the gray waters as Estian croaks a rough sea shanty under his breath. He sniffs the salty air and nods toward the jellyfish bloom, his wide mouth breaking into a toothy grin. "That’s a bad place to be right now, surely, I’d say!"

"Indeed, do your best here. Midfoviing if something should happen to the boat take to the sky and meet me at the island."

He watches patiently onward and is weary of the water but waits to assist if the need arises.

Estian nodded slightly, but abruptly, he stopped his rough singing-

*Rolls Sense Motive*

-and you could sense his nervous hesitation seconds before his skin bloated wildly and he began to rock the boat.

You're in a Surprise Round! And in this case, may act.

"Fool."

Hadran speaks a few words of divine magic.

"Stop!"

Hold Person DC 20 will save

Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

For a moment, it looked like your spell was going to take hold - then it shattered as his body continued to change, turning green as scales covered it. Going by his expression, this wasn't exactly a voluntary transformation - but whatever was going on here, it didn't stop him from violently rocking the boat.

Reflex DC You Fail On A One: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30

Your reflexes were outstanding, though, and you were easily able to keep your footing. Midfoviing, behind you, was likewise able to stay within the small boat.

For a moment Hadran is lost in thought at the site of the scales.

Could it be my old foe the troglodyte? No he would have to be warded against the magic.

K Check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Having no idea what this thing is while it is transforming Hadran stands and draws his blade spreading his legs and stabilizing himself in the boat.

"Who are you?"

The figure croaked something in its guttural tongue - then darted over the back of the boat, diving into the water and leaving you and Midfoviing stranded within. It wasn't at all clear what had just happened... other than the fact that you were now adrift on the sea, and the dangerous-looking blooms had come close enough to surround the boat. That... might be a problem if you wanted to dive after the fishman.

"Midfoviing we need to get to the island. Do you think you can tow the boat along as before? Here lets tie some rope off."

Hadran pulls out some rope and ties it off to the boat so Midfoviing can take to the air and tow the boat to the island.

"We need to hurry before our fish friend returns with others."

Midfoviing shook vigorously a few times to get some of the splashed seawater off. She darted into the air a moment later, then started tugging the boat. That was the easy part - unfortunately, while flying, there was only so much she could to deal with the rocking of the ship itself from below (and indeed, the upwards pull actually made some of the trip a bit rougher).

Roll Acrobatics (DC 15) to see if you can stay in the boat.

Am I on the boat, or did I need to find my own way to the island? Sorry about my absence, feeling better now.

Welcome back, Beseth! ^^ I think we can assume you're on the boat - which means you should make that Acrobatics check, too. XD You also had time to prepare in the way offered to Hadran, as described above.

I'm actually quite bad at acrobatics until I get another versatile performance :)

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18 To grab side of boat.

The vigorous motion was too much for Hadran but he managed to keep hold of the side as he is tossed in.

"Fly on Midfoviing. I will be fine. I can hold on."

Welcome back... :)

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Beseth manages to stay on the boat without any issues.

"While you might be able to hold on, it might be better to have some sort of safeguard." Beseth suggests, taking out a bit of rope and tying it to the boat. "I'm going to tie you to the boat, I'll have to tie this to your arm because it would be dangerous of me to try to tie it to your body." Beseth explained as she went attaching the man to the boat.

And where'd you get a second roll, Hadran?

Under Acrobatics when you miss a jump you get a roll which now that I look it is a DC 20 reflex save to grab the other side and pull yourself up. I imagined in my head it would apply hear like an action movie. I either sploosh in the the water or manage to grab the side, but it is your call not mine. I will roll the reflex and let you describe the scene :)

Reflex to grab side of boat: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31

Hold up Beseth as I may not be there.

Not this time, I'm afraid. XD That's more for stuff like falling off of cliffs or out of windows, when failing the skill check could deal a lot of damage and deserves more than a skill check to protect against - toppling out of a boat in rough water is a bit different.

There was a loud splashing sound as Hadran plunged into the water after a particularly rough wave twisted the boat far more than usual. Beseth had managed to stay inside the boat, but Midfoviing promptly stopped pulling and darted over to where Hadran had fallen in and hovered above it, looking extremely worried.

Now would be a good time for a good swim check... XD Or some help.

Taking out a bit of rope, Beseth begins tying one end to the boat and tosses the other into the water at Hadran. "Tie that to something or use it to get out of the water if you can." She suggests to the larger man.

Swim: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25 Swim I can do balance not so much :)

Moments after falling in Hadran emerges from the water. He looks up to Midfoviing.

"Get the boat and Beseth to safety. I can manage for now."

The god of valor states with poise, or as much as one can muster in such a situation.

Midfoviing nodded and started pulling again, although she went slower and lower this time, frequently looking back to check on the two of you after Hadran's dip. Finally, though, she manages to pull the boat to the shore.

Imposing cliffs rise above the frothy sea, collapsing at a rocky beach of dark sand. Graceful spires and golden domes pierce the island’s thick foliage high above, and the remains of a ruined road of white slate crumble down the cliffs onto the beach. Overhead, a half dozen broken towers float in slow elliptical orbits around the island. A large rock covered in graffiti juts from the sand in the middle of the beach.

Hadran steps on the beach dripping wet. He uses some minor magic to dry out his things then looks to the rock with graffiti. He walks toward it to inspect for any clues to what may be going on here.

Use detect magic on the stone and the stones floating above. If magice detected use Trance to help identify and figure out the situation.

Spell Craft w/ Trance: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (8) + 29 = 37

...Anything you wanna do, Beseth?

"Well, that can't be normal." Beseth says, looking at the towers which orbit the island. She then also casts detect magic as well.

Bardic Knowledge: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

As you close in with the rock, you first hear a faint humming sound-

Fort DC 15 (Beseth): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Fort DC 15 (Hadran): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32

-and Beseth felt sickened as visions started to bombard her. The rock had a powerful aura of enchantment (which was about the only thing that could be determined without a History check), and from here, you couldn't quite figure out what was going on with the stones floating up above. You could hear the distant sound of wind, though.

Hadran looks to Beseth. "Are you alright?" Heal Check: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 "Did looking at these things do something to you?"

Then he looks back to the stones. "Something is familiar about these." He then takes a moment to think about what he is seeing.

K.History w/Trance: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (16) + 27 = 43

"It's nothing I cannot handle, I assure you." Beseth responds, as she does her best to stay in control of her body. "They just made me feel a little sick is all, I'm sure it will pass shortly."

Careful study of the rock reveals it as but a small, exposed fragment of an enormous Azlanti altar to some unknown deity - not either of you. Chances are it's been here for a very long time indeed (since before Beseth was born, if anyone cared for specifics). Unfortunately, the only way out of the beach is up the cliffs that surround it (although there does appear to be an ancient, broken road where climbing would be easier...).

"Interesting. With this exposed fragment the island could be hiding a whole temple. Let us make our way up the path there and off the beach."

Up the broken road we go.

"Do you think such a temple would be related to all the odd things happening?" Beseth ponders aloud as she follows Hadran up the road.

"Yes the Azlanti came into being by large part from the Aboliths that dwell in the see. The Axlanti grew strong and advanced enough to challenge the rule of the Abolith masters. The Aboliths brought down a meteor to cleanse the world of their creations. Now their ruins are seen as places of power to those that worship their culture. I suspect some sort of ritual power has been awakened here. It falls to us to stop it before it destroys the people of the village."

Roll 5 Climb Checks, please.

Climb: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Climb: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
Climb: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
Climb: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Climb: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Hadran tosses the climbers kit to Beseth.

"The climb ahead could be tough. This may help. Watch your step."

Climb: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8
Climb: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 2 = 21
Climb: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 2 = 23
Climb: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 2 = 13
Climb: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15

"Thank you, I'm not that great at climbing." Beseth says appreciatively.

Hadran scaled the broken road much faster than Beseth did - but ultimately, both of you managed to make it up safely. The tools made all the difference. (The challenge was 3 DC 15 climb checks, if anyone was curious.)

Finally, you could see the ruins that called this island home. The streets of the city wrap around the ruined structures of the island in sweeping curves like the shell of some enormous mollusk. Massive slabs of a white, chitinous material grow layer upon layer in a once-contiguous piece, long ago broken into jagged formations. Along the streets, urchin-like spines stab ten feet upward, some with illuminated, glass globes drifting slowly in silent orbit around their points. Densely overgrown, vine-choked buildings alternate between fantastic domed structures and symmetrical, orderly city blocks, following the arcs of the queerly curving streets. Midfoviing's tail flicked a few times as she looked at the ancient structures.

Hadran looks upon the sprawling ruins.

"It is never just easy is it? Well let us start searching and find the source of what is going on."

Will use detect magic and start searching through the different ruins looking for a lead.

"If life was easy, we wouldn't be mortal." Beseth comments, assisting in exploring.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

*Adds a map* You came from B1. Where would you like to visit first?

Well B2 is closest, it seems like the obvious destination...

Sorry all was away on vacation. Didn't get to post at all. Back now. B2 sounds fine to me lets get back on track again :)

The grand crystal dome atop this structure has collapsed into massive shards that jut from the earth at odd angles, forming an unusually beautiful courtyard within this huge structure. A cracked, tessellated floor and worn stone alcoves highlight an ancient archive. Thin, engraved copper plates float gently in the air, bundled in groups like open books, their tarnished pages no doubt filled with all manner of esoterica. From somewhere within, you can hear faint chittering, as if some large insects were occasionally scuttling around.

"Beauty remains even in their ruins. There culture indeed must have been grate. I only wish I could have seen it for myself. Let's have a look around."

Spending time searching with detect magic.

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

Hadran had barely started looking for magic when one of the nearby doors fell off of its hinges and a trio of rust monsters stampeded out, antennae waving wildly in the air. They looked... well... hungry for the metal you'd brought with you - fortunately, there were still a good ways away, so you had plenty of time to react.