The Forgotten God (Table 1) (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

"Then we will start with the two marked clearly. Burkhardt my friend if you are ready?" Hadran takes the scroll and studies it looking and waiting on his companion to reply before placing his finger on one of them.

Okay, I'm usually a bit of a nerd for the aligned outside groups but that particular psychopomp's description wasn't ringing any bells for me. :-)

"This information will be infinitely useful in our task, Keeper. Thank you. And yes Hadran: let us not delay any longer."

You had to start somewhere - the only question was where. One appeared to be in the Abyss, the second in Abaddon. Neither was friendly territory, or even neutral for ones such as yourself - something the Psychopomp seemed aware of as she looked at you. "...Beware the full extent of your powers. All creatures must take responsibility for their actions and choices - the thieves for their theft, and you for yours. Should you provoke the infernal realms, all consequences - good or ill - will be yours to bear. You may work for Her church, but Pharasma does not intervene in such things, no matter who it helps or harms." she said, sounding slightly less aloof than before.

"We will do this trying to draw as little attention as we can but yes the burden of our actions will be ours. So my friend the Abyss is nice this time of year I hear. Shall we."

Hadran smiles before holding his finger on the gem located in the Abyss.

"Of course, of course." Burkhardt mentally reviewed the summoning ritual for Ubro as he waited for the map to transport him and Hadran to their destination. He also winked at his ally's easy humor. "Yes, I believe the charnel-flowers are in full bloom now."

The teleportation from the Keeper’s map is momentarily disorienting. Reality twists itself back to normal, revealing a whirling, crazy sky, a shifting kaleidoscope of nauseating, viscous colors that exude malice. The scene is a dusty, barren plain dotted here and there with thorny trees shaped from the groaning souls of petitioners. A light breeze moans by, kicking up some of the dust, revealing for a moment a buried head, eyes still open, before the dirt covers it over again. Across the plain this repeats—small puffs of dust and the barest glint of skin, revealing suffering souls bound into the very earth. An oily black bend of a river passes nearby.

Up ahead is a palisaded town on a hill, its outer wall made of thorn-covered logs. The buildings within are covered in thorns and spikes, built from the same wood and covered with a thick layer of dried mud. At the center of town, cresting the hill, is a small stone keep with a huge, gnarled tree. Demons fly to and fro over the town, sometimes alighting on the walls or the tree’s outer branches.

The Abyss is Chaotic and Evil aligned. Both of you take a -4 Penalty to all Charisma-based checks while here. Add this to your quick reference bars.

Ahh, we sure do. So WhiteUnggoy the player didn't realize this before we embarked but I feel Burkhardt the character surely knew... and under that circumstance, he wouldn't have waited until we arrived to bind Ubro. Rednal, are you open to a mild retcon there so I can roll without the penalty? I'll wait for your response before rolling.

Burkhardt felt his stomach lurch as the Abyss stabilizes around him. His bones immediately ached, as if the rest of his wanted to retreat within along the marrow. More than anything, it served as an emphatic reminder that He Did Not Belong Here.

"Jokes aside, the sooner we leave the better." Burkhardt said. "Hadran, what can the map tell you about the gem's location?"

"I'm not sure. Let us find out."

Now closer Hadran examines the map again to see if it gives off any sort of signal being closer.

"We will be in constant danger here. I am a holly creature and just being close even the low demon will know as my aura effects them. We will need to be direct and strike hard and fast. Are you ready my friend?"

With that Hadran begins advancing toward the keep.

@Burkhardt: Yeah, that's fine.

As you get closer, you see that demons - relatively strong ones - patrol the walls. However, there is a path leading up to a gate... also guarded, but it seems there's at least some travel and commerce going on in this city. You haven't done anything to stick out yet, but you know you'll stick out like enormous, flashing beacons the moment anyone uses any sort of alignment or magic detection on you. It might be possible to simply talk your way through the front gate - or you could look for another way to enter. The map is definitely pointing towards the small stone keep inside the town.

Rednal can I suppress my Grace ability. It's mind effecting and all non good within 30' take the -1 to attacks, saves and checks. Seems like they would be freaked out when I get close.

"How do we want to play this? I can go invisible, that may help us get inside if you can talk your way in. Other than that we will need to look for a sewer system or something to enter underground."

Ubro Binding Check vs DC 17: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
Taking the Vestigal Bond

"Let's look for the subversive path. I fear they'll smell the good on us before I get a word out edgewise."

Yeah, look for a place where we could get around patrols. Either a sewer, or if there's some place that'd be conducive to flying over or burrowing under.

"Very well. Lets go."

Perception for another way in: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (17) + 19 = 36

Technically, Grace is a permanent effect from your template. Auras can only sometimes be turned on and off. That said, there is a Paladin spell that can let you put them onto something else for a bit - something you could hide. I'd say any power that otherwise blocks alignment detection would also work.

Yeah some non detection magic would have been useful oh well you live and learn.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30

(:

There are a lot of patrols on the walls, but... they're definitely not disciplined, regular forces. The attention is heaviest near the gate and seems to drop off to the sides. Given a bit of illusion magic or other way of disguising your approach, you're pretty sure you could vault right over the walls if you detour a mile or so.

Sorry forgot to post about a quick weekend vacation. Went to Canada for the weekend. Back now.

"I think we can disguise ourselves and get around and over easy enough if we don't attempt the front gate. Come lets make our way around."

Burkhardt nodded, and followed behind Hadran. "I don't know about illusions, but do you suppose a bit of mist and a moment of flight would be enough to get us past?"

Would be thinking about binding Achaelous to use obscuring mist to give us cover on the walls, and then using gravity's bane to give us the flight needed to vault over the side. Is there any reason that shouldn't work, i.e. like there's too much wind to use the mist effectively?

"That is as good of plan as any. The illusion magic I have will not last long and may be better suited for finding the stone. Let us give it a try."

There's not much wind here - and after some discussions, you manage to cast your spells and dart over the walls when nobody's looking particularly closely at your section.

The inside of the town is worse than the outside. In front of you, you see what's clearly a market of some kind, and one that's hawking all kinds of merchandise. Weapons, drugs, slaves of all ages and species... this is a place that thinks nothing is sacred, and it shows. Your map still points towards the enormous tree, even as your skin begins to crawl from the tangible evil permeating the very fabric of reality here.

"It will be best if I interact as little as possible. Burkhardt you will have to handle that, if it comes to it. Lets make our way tree. The sooner we can leave the better."

Hadran allows Burkhardt to take the lead knowing his presence will make those around him feel something is off.

Ope, wasn't watching this thread most of the week.
Achaelous Binding Check vs DC 16: 1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 10 - 4 = 11 | That's a poor pact, and I'm bound by the personality influence.

So with that in mind, one piece of my personality influence is that I long for the touch of people I find emotionally & physically attractive. I've decided Burkhardt is bisexual, and while he's not interested in Hadran in any emotional sense, I think he'd certainly find him physically attractive. Acting in accordance with this would involve Burkhardt being a little touchy-feely with Hadran.

However, if that is something that would make either of you uncomfortable for any reason, then I can argue that Hadran's not his type, no biggie. My fun shouldn't come at the expense of someone else enjoying the game.

The ritual Burkhardt performed before going over the wall went a bit awry. Though he barely telegraphed the difference, to those who knew him well, something seemed off. Abyssal energies had twisted his binding diagram, allowing Achaelous to gain a foothold within his spirit.

"Hadran, I must warn you. I'm feeling a tad more... impulsive than you might be used to. I may struggle to move towards our objective with the subtlety it requires. I trust in us regardless." He leads them towards the tree, working to weave around the stalls, merchants, and patrons in a way that wouldn't attract attention.

Notably, the other part of the personality influence is a desire to take the things I desire by force. For your reference Hadran, I don't have to play in accordance to these influences, but every time I don't, I have to make a DC 16 Will save or suffer a cumulative -1 to ability checks, attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and AC for 24 hours.

I'm good with whatever you wish to do if Rednal is. Love is love and pleasures are not tied to love. Hadran is still in love with Sarenrae and committed to getting back to her, but I had imagined at some point he would sleep with Midfoviing possible creating a half dragon demigod. Kind of like the greek gods liking to sleep around in mortal form :)

"Impulse control is why I walk now in this mortal body. I understand. Keep your wits about you and all will be well. Focus we must not delay and stay here long or we will be found out."

Rednal you still there buddy. We have been going 5 years. I have a site install today and won't post again until tomorrow really don't want our game to end :) Hope Burkhardt is still around as well

I'm still here! And very patient. Seems like you're pretty busy these days Rednal, but I'm alright continuing the game at whatever pace works for you :-)

Agreed a break is fine if you need some time to regroup. Just don't want to end :)

I don't want it to end either! ...I've just been dealing with a combination of stress and burnout and depression and not much sleep. One day turns into another, and suddenly it's weeks later and you don't even know where the time went. That said, I don't want to give up on this game - it's a very special game. I had to stop some other games recently, but... let's keep this one going. D<

As for deities and love, canonically, sexuality in Pathfinder is pretty much "do whatever". Local situations may impact societal expectations - for example, the nations around and next to the Worldwound probably have a heavy emphasis on bearing children so the army can retain its forces, while pretty much any noble group at least demands heirs - but otherwise, it's pretty much do whatever. XD The important thing is that you don't make each other uncomfortable.

As the two of you moved through the merchant stalls, you saw more and more vices on offer. Unlike most mortal realms, though, the people here made no real effort to hide their desires. If they were upset, they'd strike others. If they were scared, they'd cower. And about the only thing holding back total anarchy was the patrols of demons who seemed... not organized, exactly, but at least doing a job and clearly working for someone else. As chaotic outsiders, they didn't much care for orderly activities, but that wasn't the same as at least tolerating situations that could benefit them.

Once out of the market, foot traffic noticeably dropped off, leaving it easier to make your way towards the apparent location of the crystal you were here to find. As you got closer, however, it was clear that it was likely located either in or beyond a much more heavily-guarded fortress. Simply not drawing attention wasn't going to be enough to get through. What was?

Sorry to hear, I hope your taking the time to get right and good. We got to take care of ourselves. If you need a break never worry about taking one just give a heads up. I'm not going anywhere :) Thanks for continuing to provide a great game.

Hadran looks to Burkhardt

k.planes: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23What are the guards, trying to figure out if they have truesight.

"Invisibility and alter self are the only spells I have for sneaking. If the guards have truesight neither will help. I worry a simple disguise will do no good do to my aura. Perhaps there is a sewer system under. That could provide us a less guarded way in."

Yeah, wasn't asking about problems with Burkhardt's sexual orientation; just referring to the Burkhardt/Hadran interaction specifically :-)

And tell you what Rednal, you don't stress about posting and I won't either: do what you gotta do, we'll be here ;)

Burkhardt frowned. "I worry even a sewer system is all too orderly and pleasant an idea for demons, but it's a good place to start."

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (17) + 17 = 34 | Looking for sewer grates or drains or even what would qualify as a restroom for a starting point.

The place did have bathrooms - in fact, outside of the slums, the place smelled at least mostly not-terrible. Possibly because even demons might not like the smells, and if you could rely on them for anything, it was selfishness. That said, most systems seemed to be fairly self-contained. This wasn't a particularly advanced town, and while there were public bathrooms, there didn't seem to be any large sewer systems.

On the bright side, the demons probably didn't have truesight. There were a few mid-strength species represented, but none with that particular trait.

"From the demons I have seen we can make use of invisibility to sneak in. It won't last long, but it will get us in I think. Can you cast it as well? I have four uses so I can get Midfoviing and us. Can your companion be summoned and dismissed? If not then that is all four uses so we may have to fight our way out. How do we leave once we get the stone? I have not gained sufficient strength for planar travel yet."

Err, our magic is innate and recharge based now, eh? So you wouldn't be able to burn a bunch of castings at once necessarily; but you won't run out?

"No, I'm afraid he's as permanent fixture to this plane as we are for the time." He stepped in front Hadran and reached up, fingers gently playing Hadran's hair away from his neck. His gaze wandered the terrain of Hadran's face as he thought, letting the hot breath of his words fall on the fellow god's neck. "Perhaps... the rest of us create a distraction; and you save your magic for getting in and out with the stone? We meet beyond town's edge, deal with the demons that follow, and we use the map to take us to our next destination?"

Oh I had been playing spell slots still. I need to read how the recharge stuff works I guess. I remember Rednal posting about it but I don't believe I read it.

Hardan pulls away looking at his companion wondering why he was so close.

"A distraction would draw too much attention. We may need to use the map soon as we get the stone if it draws the attention of too powerful of foes. Invisibility is our only option for now. You ready?

Burkhardt has the right of it. With Recharge Magic, you don't really *run out* long-term, but may not be able to spam things short-term. XD It basically makes casters into better all-day characters and a little less overwhelming when spamming the most powerful spells. Conveniently, it also helps us avoid niggling little things like gods wanting to rest after 15 minutes of work.

Right, and so invisibility has a 5 minute recharge. Which means we could have 2 going at a time, tops.

My plan to distract would be to channel energy to harm evil outsiders (as per the Ubro spirit), then fly away with Midfoviing and Erstehund past the wall and then get some distance, so that hopefully we're only followed by flying demons. It's not a great plan, but it does sound like fun! ;-)

If you want to give it a try let's do it :)

"Shall we go then. The longer they have the gems the worst things could get."

His fingers run down to Hadran's chest, giving him a slight push and a playful grin. "I'll let you get a head start, make a commotion once you get some distance."

"Midfoviing, on my mark I want you to pick up Erstehund and prepare to fly off over the wall over there; I'll be right behind you."

I'll wait until Hadran's been gone about a minute, allowing him extra time to get to a position further from me where he won't be trampled, and then cast gravity's bane, then the round after that I'll channel energy to harm and then fly straight up 15 ft (gravity's bane gives Fly 30ft.)

"Wait, what!?" But you were off, and Midfoviing could only look down at the faithful hound as you two made your way towards the wall. As you passed over its midpoint, a flash of red light came out of the tree - but ahead of you, sitting on the massive trunk and nestled by branches, you could see a shining white gem that seemed to pulsate with energies... not safer than those of the Abyss, exactly, but at least cleaner.

Oh that's fun :) I think I have the map so if that is somehow the gem now you need to grab it and come fine me :)

Hey all, took a little longer to get my feet back under me than i thought. There's a little confusion in what I tried to communicate as my plan, I think? The plan I came up was to be as follows:

Hadran: Turns invisible, goes to the tree to find the gem, then finds us outside the town.
Burkhardt: Stay out in the open with Midfoviing & Erstehund. After the point where I'd guess that Hadran was 75% of the way to the tree, I'd cast gravity's bane, then channel energy to harm outsiders and get their attention. Then I signal to Midfoviing, who picks up Erstehund as we fly over the wall and out of the settlement. While/after fighting off those who give chase, Hadran catches up to us and we use the map to get out of here.

Is that more clear?

Does that work for you, Hadran? I'm guessing yes, but I don't want to assume on behalf of my players. XD

Yes sir :)

Ah dang it! Never actually hit post today, just left the text in the browser window. Anyway, all I said was "Excellent. :-D"

Checking in to see how everyone is doing. :)

Alive, awake, alert, and enthusiastic. :-D