The Godsmouth Heresy (Inactive)

Game Master Baerlie

A representative of the church of Pharasma sent a letter to the Society asking for help. Bodies are missing from the Godsmouth Ossuary. The representative asked the Society to send a group of Pathfinders to find out what happened to the bodies. The Society sent you on this mission.

You are invited to the Godsmouth Cathedral in Kaer Maga's Bottoms district for a midnight Meeting with the church's representative, Valanthe Nerissia. In a side chapel dedicated to a martyred saint, she explains the Problem. She also wants you to clear the Level of all other monsters or threats, but she does not say why the church wants the dungeon cleared. In addition she offers you to Keep any valuables you find in the sealed crypts for the Society, barring any obviously Pharasmin relics or treasure.

You do not have to entere the ossuary immediately, you may leave to buy supplies you might need on this adventure but Valanthe Nerissia asks you to start your mission the following day latest. She impresses upon you for absolute secrecy.

"Do you have any questions regarding your mission?" Valanthe asks.

"Seems like a dangerous favor to ask the Society," Sefu says. "Let us hope there are enough findings of interest within the Ossuary to justify such a task. Tell me, what nature of monsters or threats should we expect to encounter within the dungeon? And why clear them now? Surely the church has had ample opportunity to rid its lower level of such evil."

Yes, I have two questions. First, do you require that we return the bodies with us or merely find out where they have been removed to? Second, what are we likely to encounter within?

Alexos asks these questions while examining the chapel's artwork.

"Nobody entered the lower levels for centuries. They were sealed, it was forbidden for us to enter them. The problem is that we are running out of space for bodies in the upper levels and we need to open the lower levels for more bodies. Honestly, I don't know what awaits you down there. Maybe undead, maybe daemons, maybe monsters who found their way into the ossuary through hidden passages. And it is not necessary to return the bodies with you, if you clear the level we can get inside and put them back to their last home." Valanthe answers to the questions.

Alexos nods.

Very well. The level shall be cleared, all knowledge that is salvagable shall be recorded, and the bodies shall be located. If we find any Pharasmian relics we will either bring them to you or let you know where they are, if they are not portable. That said, I do reserve the right to transcribe any texts and recreate any drawings in my journals, Pharasmian or not. The Society will expect it, after all.

Alexos turns to his companions.

Sefu, Felicitas, Viincent... good to be working with you again.

He pulls out a drinking horn.

I told you I would get this made! It keeps ale remarkably cold, and I fondly remember our adventure together when I use it.

"And you, Alexos," Sefu says, gripping the monk's wrist while filling the man's hand with his own. "Completing such a dire task is made warmer by the company of familiar faces. But what of our new companions? What experience will they bring to cleansing the dungeons of the Ossuary and revealing its terrible mysteries?"

The magus lets out a sigh of relief when the church's representative dismisses the notion that the Society would be responsible for removing the bodies. Recovering religious relics for the sake of study was one thing, but participating in any divine sacrament was abhorrent to Sefu's very nature as a veteran of the Pure Legion.

I considered taking a piece of the gelatinous cube to raise as a familiar, but thought better of it. Glad one of us took a souvenir.

Indeed, that would have been funny in a way.

A big, hulking bear of a man, with shaggy orange hair, clothed in thick (but immaculately kept!) snow-white furs despite the heat, and with an enormous sword tied across his back, stands up, towering over most of the other party members. Clicking his heels together, he bows, his movements surprisingly dextrous.

"Greetings, my name Hans Olafsson, and I am from the Land of the Linnorn Kings. If we come across any problems that require blunt force to solve, I can be of great assistance. I should also note that alchemy is something of a passion of mine, so if we run into anything... interesting in that regard, I may be of assistance in identifying it. I also have some skill at wilderness lore, so if you need to find food, or track something, I can probably help... although I dare say in an underground tomb complex, that last skill set is probably going to be of limited use."

As the tall furred man finishes, Alexos returns his bow with one of his own.

Well met, Hans. I am Alexos Virden, member of the Silver Crusade and student of the martial arts of Xa Hoi's monasteries. As a result I am skilled in acrobatics and dancing, though the latter I doubt will come in handy here. I am also an avid student of history, as well as an amateur chronicler of it. I am fluent in elven, sylvian, and orcish.

He removes his headband revealing the green bird tattoo underneath.

I am originally from Kyonin, but have since been exiled. This marks me as such. The Society is my family now.

He replaces the headband and shakes his head.

A 4’ 9” Tengu, dressed in dark muted clothing and armor, wearing a bright colored grass hat, approaches the group. Names, Ting Tang, me Pappy taught me’s skills Pathfiners find ‘elpful, An I likes bein’ ‘elpful, specially when a ‘ittle sparkly’s ‘vailable, Wroight? I works better out a doors, buts I do’s all wroight any wher’s. I gots a keen eye and can han’ll locks an’ traps he raises his head and looks around. Making his yellow eyes and the scar on his beak visible. He nods to the elf and Human You’s blokes appears ta have worked tagether afore Nodding at the tall human northerner an’ this tall drink of icey appears ta be able ta hannle his ‘elf turning to the giant of a man no a’fence wroight? addressing the group as a whole so’s I’ll foller yer lead, you’s wants me at the pointers, we’ll go easy peasy, or I’s’ll foller whichever bloke want ta head out. Jus’ let me’s han’le locks an’ traps, wroight? Outa Questionly-ness any o’ you’s blokes handle undead? Other than re-deadin’ ‘em o’ course? Seem releventable since ‘is crew be headed into a crypt

Sefu assesses the words and appearance of his companions - a Northman and a Tengu. Between the two of them and running an errand for a bunch of priests, this mission was already bursting with new experiences for the young magus. He only hoped working with Hans and Ting Tang would be more tenable than wearing the yoke of Pharasma.

"Well met, the both of you," Sefu says, extending a hand of welcome to each in turn. "And I can assure you I will not get in your way when it comes to traps, Ting Tang. I tend to stick to fighting, though I have a few surprises up my sleeve. Spent quite a bit of time at the Occularium in Manaket learning the arcane arts before being called into family service with the Pure Legion. My duty to family and nation fulfilled, I am now free to spend my time as I choose. Obviously, I chose a different species of service altogether in the Society."

FYI - Sefu is 6'1", leaner than your typical fighter, and in his early thirties. He has the tan skin and swarthy features typical of Garundi men, and only the slightest hint of his native accent peaks through his academic tone when he speaks. If you were to fail to notice all of these things, however, you would not be the first. All eyes are naturally drawn to the ornate and otherworldly golden khopesh hitched to the wide silk-and-brass-plated haramaki Sefu wears upon his waist.

A tall, gangly and thoroughly exotic man stands in the corner, seemingly in a trance. He suddenly snaps out of it, and a wave of recognition washes over his face, "Ah! Sefu. Alexos. Good to see you again. I hope this venture'll be as fruitful as our last one." Turning to the newcomers, he smiles and continues, Greetings! I am Viincent, a wind sage from the Mindspin Mountains. I do regret that we, once again, will be delving deep underground, far away from the open sky... But I go where our great society sends me, and luckily I'm good at more than cloud reading. I do believe that I'm to be this expedition's medicine man, a field I am quite apt at."
With his introduction apparently over, he drifts into a trance-like state staring out of one of the chapels windows.

"You are allowed to script and copy everything you find, I know that the Society will appreciate your efforts in taking notes and writing journals and also for us it would be very interesting to see what you found down there, unseen and unchanged for hundreds of years. If there are no more questions, I'm waiting here for your return. Tell me when you are ready and I will open the door to the lower level for you."

Superb, I will be happy to transcribe a copy of my findings for the temple as well. Good to meet you Ting, and as always it is good to be adventuring with you Viincent. Well, I guess we are almost ready unless there are more questions. Felicitas, you are being awfully quiet... I am surprised you don't have a question.

Ting Tang shifts his rucksack and removes a sunrod, tucking it in his belt. He placing his walking-stick in its sleeve and ties his hat to the back of his pack then resettles it on his shoulders. Then, loosening his sword in its scabbard and adjusting his pouch of chakrams, he looks expectantly at the team.

Viincent absentmindedly says, "I'm ready to go."

Hans nods his assent.

"I, too, am ready to go."

"I, too, am anxious to begin," Sefu says.

He gives his gear a final, cursory check, ensuring that his wand of shield is easily accessible and the peacebond has been removed from his khopesh.

Alexos ensures that his mapmaker and alchemist's fire flasks are accessible inside his backpack, then ensures that his bow and arrows are prepared for use.

I will follow you all when you are ready.

"So am I"

Alexox gives Felicitas a quick embrace, followed by kisses on both cheeks.

Ah, you made it! I was worried that Touchy might have managed to convince you to attend that two month Calistrian "worship service" in Taldor.

Alexos turns to Ting and Hans.

Gentlemen, this is Felicitas. You will be hard pressed to find a better singer, linguist, bard, historian, or "knower-of-things" in general.

Ting Tang observes silently as Alexox embraces the newest member of the party. s’a ‘bouts tyme somebodies proper height joins in… I wonders what a touchy be, He nods as he is introcduced Gods I ‘ope she aint a’gonna make us sing Pa’leased ta make yer aquiny Miss, so’s, is ‘is here Touchy a comin' along or is we readys ta go now? As he looks toward the rest of the party and then to Valanthe expectantly.

Enjoying the hug and the kisses she smiles to the others. "Alexos, the master of flattery and exaggeration. But I am glad to see one face here, that I know, and you are rock to lean on." With a smile and a nod she greets the rest of the other people. "Do I see this right, that I will responsible for the well-being of the group? Well I hope you are all ready!" W

We are ready to go, my good Tengu. Touchy is a dwarven cleric in service to Calistria who accompanied us previously on our confirmation mission. He is... well, is good enough I suppose, but somewhat creepy. Then again, many followers of the so-called "Savored Sting" are. He will not be accompanying us on this mission. Something about having to take his friend Kraak to a "revival" in Taldor.

Alexos shudders visibly, dismisses the thought, and turns to Valanthe.

We should be ready to enter now.

"We should buy some holy water. Just in case!"

t’anks fer the skinny on ‘is Touchy blokeI read your last adventure together he seemed like a lot of funMiss? turning and talking to Felicitas directly Seeins we’s in a Cathy, doin’ a job fer ‘em, Might you’s be askin’ ‘at Valanthe if she ‘as some ‘oly water, afor we's head inta the basement ta clears out tha infesty, Wroight? Ting is a crow, Felicitas is an angel, I’m thinking she might have a better chance at the diplomacy role for some free goodies

You have enough time to buy what you need. After you return to Valanthe Nerissia, she leads you down the narrow, twisting cliffside path to the Godsmouth Ossuary. Once you pass through the mouth of the Unnamed King, you are in the ossuary proper, where robed and hooded Pharasmin priests silently tend to the deceased. Valanthe leads you through luxuriously appointed catacombs packed with bodies and down several stairways before coming to an area that obviously sees little use — most of the burial niches are empty and dusty, the air is musty and close, and silence reigns supreme.

In this disused portion of the crypts, Valanthe stops before a locked door. She explains that this is the only known entrance to the sealed lower portions of the ossuary, and once you enter, the door will be locked behind you. Because of this restriction, you will be unable to leave the ossuary to rest and resupply between encounters. To help you accomplish your task, Valanthe gives each of you a potion of cure light wounds and a vial of holy water. "Use the supplies wisely, you will be unable to replace them." she says.

Valanthe then hands you a hollow mithral tube about 1 foot Long — a chime of opening with 5 charges remaining. "You may use the chime to get through the Pharasmin seals below, but you should make sure they save at least 1 charge to get through this door again on your way out. The priests will not open the door for you if you don’t have the chime, as they have no way of seeing through the locked door to recognize you or determine whether something has turned you into mindless undead."

With this warning given, Valanthe draws a large iron key from beneath her Robes and unlocks the door. The door grinds open despite long years of disuse. Within, a stone spiral staircase descends into the earth.

"Who wants to go first?" Valanthe asks.

Huge map updated :)

Alexos peers down the corridor and takes a whiff of the stale air.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Well, might as well be me going first, given I can see in low light a bit better than some of you.

Alexos takes his offered holy water and cure potion, pulls out his mapmaker to mark the starting position and corridor on it, and passes into the earth.

... I take it we are at one... wow this place is huge...

Yes, you are at 1, upstairs, I will put your tokens as soon as you are in the next room, there is enough space :)

Hans accepts the potion and the vial of holy water, tucking them away securely in his backpack.

When the door is opened, revealing a narrow staircase descending into the bowels of the earth, he rummages in his belt-pouch, pulling out a small stone, which he gently lobs into the air. It immediately bursts into flame, and begins to orbit around his head.

Ioun Torch.

"Right, then, let's get this show on the road!"

Ting accepts the holy water and cure potion and places them in his pack. He also looks carefully down the hallway,

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Alexos, ye want me-saelf up 'ere wit' ya or where moight I be’s ‘o sevice?

looking first at Alexos then the rest of the group

do we want to cover order or formation or anything like that in discussion or should I just follow your lead? big time newby or oldy, last time I played was 1982

For now figure we go down the stairs and see where we end up, roight?

Keep your eyes open, Master Tang. I may have decent powers of observation but you probably have a better idea of what might be trapped. Not to mention a better chance of dealing with it.

Alexos draws his bow and nocks an arrow, just to be safe.

Sefu accepts the potion and holy water, shrugging off his displeasure with all the divine connotations of the items and mission in general.

"I can follow behind Ting Tang," the magus says, flipping open his wayfinder and activating its light.

Sefu draws his khopesh and enters the ossuary behind his companions.

The spiral stairway descends 60 feet down a cramped vertical shaft to the second level of the Godsmouth Ossuary. There is a narrow gap between the stairs and the corners of the square shaft, but it is too small for a Medium character to fit and a tight space for a Small character. At the bottom of the stairs is a small landing leading to a larger area.

Ting Tang takes a moment to search the small gap for traps and for any track-able signs. I believe that would be both a perception and a survival role.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 at +1 for trapper
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 at +1 for tracker

Any information Ting Tang find he shares with the group is it ok to put that in, or should he be like "Oy blokes I found...?

First Ting Tang is not able to spot anything in the gap, but then he can see a tentacle moving.

Just waiting for Ting Tang to communicate what he spotted ;-)

I assume the tentacle is in the gap, how deep is it? Can I tell how large the tentacle is and can I tell what it is?

knowledge(dungeoneering): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 or
knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

OY!! I gots some Tentackly movement 'ere in nis 'ole! Ting says as he pulls his sword and points at the gap.

Hearing the Tengus warnung Feli slowly prepares for something nasty to show itself.

It's not stated in the document, so I would say it's about 6-8 inch wide and does not have a bottom. The deep is ifficult to explain, but I try ;) Where the spiral staircase meets the corner it does not connect to the wall any more (because it's rounded) so there is a small triangle-shaped gap. The gap is as high as one stair and is open to the room below it. And one of this gaps is blocked by a creature. It's a small creature and you see only the end of one small tentacle. The creature is a magical beast, so if you want to know more about it, I need a Knowledge Arcana skill check :)

Hans moves forward, drawing his greatsword...

...or we could just 'poke' it...? ;-)

You can also do that :D

knowledge (arcane): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
well, it was worth a try
ting steps back scratching his head 'is place 'as a basement?

Fair enough :-)

Hans experimentally pokes the tentacle, and whatever is connected to it...

Greatsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25, for 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (2, 3) + 10 = 15 damage.

Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20, for 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (6, 2) + 10 = 18 *ADDITIONAL* damage.

Ting prepares to flank the creature just in case it survives that and jumps out and attached itself to Hans face, is anyone having flashbacks to the first 'alien' movie

This is what I expected... not. :O

Hans "pokes" the tentacle thing with his sword. You can't see anything but you hear a strange scream and after a few seconds a bunch of meat hitting the ground. This creature is dead. really dead, -18 HP

ting, amazed at Hans' swordsmanship, looking at Hans and then the bottom of the stairway says I thinks we foun' tha vents fer tha basement, the great white 'ope ear deaded tha tentacally thing, no affence, wroight? looking at the tall man Ting is impressed and slightly intimidated by tall folk, since he's like 4'9" turning back to the room the stairs came down into and the party so's whats in tha crypty that a ways? looking at the rest of the group and into the large room beyond

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
this is for the large room

Seeing the tentacle and Hans's rough management of it, Sefu tries to figure out what the heck it used to be attached to.

Knowledge ( arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"Let us hope all threats get handled so easily this day!"