The Red Arm of Absalom - Ongoing Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master GM Red

“Why does it surprise you that someone who puts a lot of resources into something could undo what you have put relatively little resources into?” Stali asks. He then gives the cost of some of the equipment he lacks which would help, all of it costing over two thousand gold.

As the conversation shifts to other things, Stali takes note of Mr. Peppers comments. He starts talking a little bit about one of his excursions near Bloodcove where they could have used a little more arcane and martial prowess. He allows Mr. Peppers plenty of opportunities to armchair general the problems faced, while mentally cataloging those solutions.

"Relatively little? I've spent decades learning to master the arcane arts. I've likely spent longer learning this trade than you've even been living my feathered friend. The fact that a learned wizard would give away his power at such a lesser cost still baffles me." He nibbles on another fig before shifting the conversation back towards more interesting topics like Blood Cove. K Geography vs Blood Cove: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

"We have not made any travels down in that direction thankfully. Between the heat, humidity, and the pirates it doesn't sound very enticing. Luckily there are numerous important spells to protect and enhance the success of those missions. Endure elements first and foremost to stay comfortable. Maybe charm person could get you far, if not I can't think of more deserving recipients of a well placed fireball." His hands motion at a satisfying explosion.

Stali looks at Mr. Peppers, tapping his claw on the table a few times,

Does he even know how arrogant and insulting his statements are?

Think I will find out.

Stali looks Mr. Peppers straight in the eyes. Maintaning a calm but serious tone, he launches into a verbal attack.

“I believe part of that is that elves know they have time, so they are generally not as rushed to learn things. Tell me, have you learned more about magic in the years since you joined the Pathfinder Society than you did in the decades preceding that?”

“Did you account for the time that the locksmith you hired spent learning their trade? Even without your spell, the lock you put on there is excellent craftsmanship.”

“Do you consider that whereas you have spent almost all your time learning magic, I have worked on a variety of skills useful to a scout? Tell me, how well can you wield a sword like mine?”

“You really should show more appreciation for the skills of others.”

He lets those words hang in the air a moment, before saying “I have had no reason to doubt your skills in magic and broad knowledge of several other topics. I have even asked you for information at times. Please do not belittle other’s trades just because they do not accomplish them directly through magical spells.”

——

“A fireball would have been useful against the giant snake. I did not like fighting it alone.” Stali readily admits.

——

Looking towards Venture-Captain Osretia Cassomiran, Stali asks “What is known of this Zahra? Where is she from, and what are her skills?”

Recap
You recall a few of the details about Zahra and Koor, and your search of the base camp that you had found upon arrival in Koor. The smaller tents had mainly surveying and exploration supplies, while the larger tent was a little more regal. It seemed to have not been inhabited for a month.

You located Zahra's journal tucked underneath a rug beneath the bed in the tent.

You had also found a map inside the tent, with the smelting house circled in ink. Finally, there was a +1 energy resistance (fire) breast plate that was adorned with icongraphy. The letters could be arranged to form this message, which Mr. Peppers thought might suggest a trap.

Currently
Shaine hands you back the lamp you found in the vault, and with a snap of his fingers, you're diving back through a portal and into time and space, appearing once again 50 feet below the earth underneath the smelting house. A tile in the shape of a hexagon protrudes from the wall to the north, and opposite, you had found a secret door. Just as you were about to use the lamp as a key, Shaine had whisked you away, and now you're back! What will you do?

It's very hot here, but Sirettis, Mr. Peppers, and Uesugi used their Brown Mold jar boon, Gallix casted Endure Elements, and D., Stali succeeded at a Fort save. Peps had cast Prot from Energy 20 (Fire) on Uesugi. These are all still valid and active.

Current Map

Mr Peppers remains calm and listens as Stali counter attacks I must admit, he is much calmer in these discussions than Gallix. And he doesn't spit when he talks either.

"The time I spent before I joined the Society was significantly longer. Learning the basics and building a solid foundation within the VAST known as The Arcane takes years. While I have advanced significantly in the last few years here, that would not have been possible without the early time investment."

He takes a sip of his wine and continues. "As far as the time the locksmith spent learning his trade, he was well compensated. One hundred and fifty gold pieces for the best lock I could find. If he had produced an even better lock I'd have purchased that one instead happily." It took forever to find a locksmith that wasn't a gnome. Sneaky little thieves seem to have almost a monopoly on the trade in this city, I should speak to Master Shaine on this...

His voice trails off for a few moments as he seems to get side tracked. "Where was I.. oh. Comparing crafting a fine lock to crafting a fine spell are like comparing drinking house ale to a fine, rare vintage of wine." He waves his hand at the idea of it.

"My swordsmanship never really developed. Some Elves train at a young age in mastering sword and bow. Those who have the mind for it instead are accepted into the Arcane circle to learn more important spellcasting talents." He lifts his slender arm and shakes his head in the negative.

"Don't get me wrong, everyone has a role to play here. An army of swordsmen would fall easily without the support of its spellcasters. Just like an score of spellcasters may eventually fall to an army. You can't cast spells for days, while you can swing a sword nearly endlessly." At least Uesugi always does. That man never tires. Remarkable.

When the topic of fireballing a snake comes up though his interest is most piqued "In a pinch that would work, but certainly not the best option. Keeping your distance is paramount. Poison and being crushed to death then eaten are high on my 'not to do' list." He pulls out his spellbook and pops it open with a wave of his hand.

"Let me see... shocking grasp? Eh, too close. Maybe if it has already coiled itself on a foe... or perhaps magic missile of course. Old reliable... Scorching ray? Sure if you can get a clear shot on it, never a sure thing. Maybe the fireball would be a good idea... quick and decisive." He flips to the page and traces the words with his finger grinning.

Not sure we should keep spells active vs recasting them, that sounds difficult and a bit too much. I reapplied mage armor via wand, resist fire to Uesugi, and my normal false life. I'll also add in heroism to myself.

False Life: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Edit: I spent the arcana point to swap heroism back to fireball and also added +2CL to resist energy so it is resist 30.

On the topic of snakes

“Dropping it into a big hole would also have been better than what I had as available solutions.” With interest, he asks “Have you learned that magic trick? I’ve seen others use a tiny shovel and some sort of spell to summon a hole directly under an opponent.”

“Just having another ally to fight it would have probably been sufficient in that case, but some of the magical effects can be quite flashy.”

You get the sense that Stali did not enjoy the battle against the snake.

"No I haven't learned any of the create pit spells. I thought about it this week but usually I think they would just be an obstacle and hide them from Lord D's sight." And they aren't tricks.. they're spells.

En route to the Grand Lodge, Sirettis's hair wraps around her arms until they spread like feathers. "This spell is quite useful." She begins to fly at a decent clip, arriving late to the rest of the party. "My apologies. This belt took longer to make than I suspected. And Isa found a friend to converse with." Sirettis calls upon magic to form an icy barrier around her.

I'm casting Overland Flight and Mage Armor before we go in.

"Ah, we are back here. Why did the creature guard the lamp so closely?" She recalls information as her hair messages her temples. "Ah, we wanted to try the lamp in the hexagonal lock, correct?"

Gallix arrives at Master Shaine's study late (and slightly hung over) as usual, but quickly gets himself ready for another go at the city of Koor. As the team is preparing to depart, however, he looks from D, to Peppers, to Stali, to Sirettis, and lets out a low whistle. "Looks like I've found myself in a refined crowd," he says with a grin. "You all gonna force me to use your titles or are we gonna get to work as usual? Cause if we're going with titles, I will need you all to use my stage-name. Now let's say it all together: that's Gorgeous Gallix Granbonne!" His smile widens as he gathers with the others, ready for Shaine to pop them back to Koor. "Yeah, I love the sound of that!"

I'll reapply Endure Elements and give myself a hit of Heightened Awareness as well. I also believe I took the breastplate last time we were here, so I should have some fire resistance going as well.

Sirettis grins for a moment before reclaiming her neutral look. "Goergeous Gallix, we are all equal here. This title is merely a tool to get under Anilda's skin, and get me in contact with those in power a little sooner than usual."

"Sirettis is fine."

Stali wouldn’t advertise his title nor does he normally wear the signet ring. That doesn’t mean Gallix couldn’t have found out about it, just that Stali doesn’t advertise it.

Stali arrives looking much the same as before, sword at his side. He arrives just as Gallix is making his comments about a refined crowd.

“Where do you perform?” Stali asks Gallix with interest. “Is it one of the theaters in the Ivy District?”

He pretends that what Gallix said about titles has nothing to do with him.

"Lord Peppers is best, but Mr Peppers is also acceptable. Shall we?" He flips back through the Cliff's Notes on their previous trip, nodding and humming until he finally settles on Stali "Ok I think we left off with you finding some cleverly hidden door and figuring out where a key may be used?"

"Theatre?! HA! No, back before I joined the Society, I was a star of the fighting pits!" He gives Stali one of his signature winks, and whispers quietly to the tengu, "And don't think I didn't hear about the newest member of the Noble House of al-Hadir, my fine feathered friend. Word travels smoothly when there's liquor to ease the way."

He straightens up and strides over to the hexagon sticking out of the north wall, slapping his elven friend on the shoulder as he does, "Alright, Peps! So we got the lamp and now we're trying to open this door? Let's get to it!"

Gallix shoves the lamp into the hexagonal tile, and it fits perfectly! He then twirls it 360 degrees, and the secret door Stali had spotted shudders and slowly descends into the ground.

Beyond the secret door, a long hallway extends deep into the cave, and the red glow of magma and increasing heat beyond this point is clear. Looking further ahead some 60 feet from your current position, you see a vast pool of magma. Do you approach?

Current Map

Perception, DC only +1/20 ft: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (6) + 22 = 28

“Looks like a trap. Notice the grooves along the eastern hallway.”

Pausing a moment to consider, he adds “I am not fire proof. Does anyone have something to protect us from intense heat?”

Sirettis shakes her head as she floats slowly into the cavern. "I am sorry, Mister One-Penny. The best I could do is offer the fire-resistance breastplate we found at the camp, but such heavy armor may be too much to bear."

Mr Peppers feels the blast of heat and sees the lava "I guess it seems we'll all need increased fire protections... give me a minute and I'll grant us the magical protections we need here." He steps back into the previous room and pulls out his spellbook, instantly flipping to the correct pages and memorizing the new spell quickly.

"Gather together those of you without fire protections." He speaks the words of power and gently touches the shoulder of the four individuals, himself included.

"For the next twenty two and one half minutes, this spell will absorb up to 108 fire damage." Whatever that means exactly... "Let us not dally with things, especially around the flames."

Ok, spend 1 arcana point to swap out dimensional door with communal prot energy, then prot energy on the 4 without fire res.

Indeed, Stali notices the corridor is trapped: he spots a fulcrum halfway down the hall. With enough weight applied to the western edge, the entire floor will tilt violently and deposit its unwilling victims directly into the lava below.

Looking at and carefully experimenting with the trap's mechanism, Stali gets the sense it would take a couple hundred pounds total to activate it.

DC 25 Disable Device to deactivate

“Thank you, Lord Peppers.” Stali says as Tall, Dark and Lordly casts the protective spell.

He then gets out his tools and sets to work on the trap.
Disable Device: 10 + 25 = 35

Once satistified, he steps out on into the hallways so people know it worked.

With the hallway now safe, you continue forward to the edge. The worked walls of the vault quickly fall away, revealing an underground river of molten magma. The biting smell of burning sulfur hangs heavy in the air. The smooth obsidian walls of this natural cavern reflect the soft glow of the burning magma flow below, casting the chamber in a red haze that highlights another grand mosaic. A natural obsidian path connects this chamber’s dock to a series of caves on its north and south shores.

The mosaic adorning the north and south walls of the landing depicts all manner of Qadiran warriors proudly flying on magnificently-woven rugs.

Three feet below the level of the landing and 2 feet above the magma stand a dozen solid stone pillars—fallen chunks of obsidian—creating a path to reach several cave openings on the river’s molten banks.

DC 5 Acrobatics to hop along! Unless, of course, you can fly ...

As the party prepares against the intense heat, Sirettis asks D (Lord D... er Sir Darth... him), Lord Peppers, and Mister One-Penny to join hands.

She casts Telepathic Bond, and a brief silence falls over the four.

Can you hear me? These are my thoughts. We are telepathically bonded. If you desire to speak to any of us, merely think about it and I shall hear you.

Sirettis will never ask for the fire protection, beyond the mold. So put me on the lowest priority for the spell. Sirettis releases, and her hair begins to flap to carry her across the cavern.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
"What a beautiful mural..." Her hair points in the air and traces along the mural.

Sirettis uses 1 minute of her Prehensile Hair hex. She'll try to grab anyone who falls in with her 24 Str hair.

Stali tests the bond.

So just think at someone? Does it only go to you, Sirettis or everyone?

——

“Beware, at the edge of the hall is likely another trap. Notice how some areas are completely free of dust?” Stali says, gesturing towards the end of the hall.

He then heads over there, to determine exactly what sort of trap it is. “Most likely it dumps the person into the magma.” He gently taps a few spots in the dust free area.

Rap them in case the floor there is some sort of illusion,

Reminder: Stali has trap spotter in case there is a trap between the entrance and the obvious (to him) dust free area.

Lord Peppers, Lady Sirettis, Lord One-Penny, and Lord D all got the protection from fire.

Lord Peppers watches Sirettis cast and nods accordingly I hear you. Very nice spell. He starts to ramble on about the history of it but stops himself quickly. Sorry, now is not the time. Well done Stali on these traps.

Peppers casts detect magic as he moves along with the others, then up closer to the end of the hallway, hoping to catch anything else that could be important. "Flying carpets. Maybe we'll be lucky enough to find one of these."

He peers off ahead into the lava filled room and at the stepping stones. "Those look safe don't they. Perhaps I should have come prepared less for combat and more for flying and the like." He nods at Sirettis and her overland flight.

Being concerned for his health, like always, Lord Peppers again pulls out his book and relearns a spell. Spend another arcana to swap out phantasmal killer for dimensional door. Another point for swapping fireball to fly

Everyone within the bond can hear your thoughts, should you wish to project them. Think of it akin to a private table in a restaurant. Minus the eavesdropping servants. Too many former masters did not consider me in their midst. I did not own myself, but my ears and mind still functioned. Sirettis replies to Stali before diverging a bit and catching herself.

"I will be ready to catch anyone who falls." She speaks aloud as her hair reshapes into a lattice of thick strands.

"Thanks, Sis," Gallix says as he approaches the magma river. "I should be alright, though, even with this heavier breastplate on." He thumps the fire resisting breastplate and gives her a grin. "Which way do we wanna head first? Left or right?"

My acrobatics should be good enough to auto-pass that check, even with the increased armor check penalty.

Stali doesn't believe there's a trap here. It's more that there were a few things square shaped here at some point, and there no longer is. Just outlines of dust.

Those of you without the ability to fly manage to easily hop along the obsidian jutting out of the lava. The path continues along the river of lava, flowing west before a hairpin turn to the south takes you to a hewn stone cave opening. The obsidian passage leads to a large vaulted cavern where a series of jet glass stairs rise ten feet to a round platform. Thick mucus coat the chamber’s floor, on which lie several broken shells. A large mass of coils lies motionless at the stair’s base next to several rolled up, elaborately patterned rugs.

Dim light here

In the center of the room, a long, brightly colored serpent with a humanoid face is feasting on their eggs. They don't even notice you approach.

"That's right... I must destroy all of my clutch, or the insanity will spread!" She mumbles to herself, digging her face into another large egg.

Combat Map

Mr Peppers takes his time hopping from stone to stone happy they are doing this without harrassment. One false step and poof... a pile of ash. As they move along he concentrates on detecting magic, curious about what may be down here.

K Dung, Heroism: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 Resists/defenses/special attacks

Tall, dark and Lordly pauses as he sees the serpent, relaying his ample knowledge to those with the telepathic bond. He takes a look at the unmoving mass of coils near the rugs. Is this the same type of creature I wonder? The other one seems... to have gone mad.

What is that creature, and is it a victim? Stali sends over the link.

My nagaji would probably kneel and praise the great naga. ^^

Gallix calls out to the serpent, "Whoa there, friend! What's going on? Why are you destroying all those eggs? You sure we can't help you with something here?" He gyrates his body as best he can to give his questions a more snake-like appeal.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Mr. Peppers takes a closer look, and realizes this guardian naga seems a little youthful compared to the textbook one he's read about. He doesn't recall guardian nagas having any specific resistances or defenses, but their bites are poisonous. Bite—injury or spit—contact; save Fort DC 19; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d4 Con; cure 2 consecutive saves.

"These eggs?! It pains me greatly, but the binding seals on Moukadeem’s lamp have weakened, and his distraught psyche infects the Forbidden Furnace with his madness. Moukadeem’s taint has contaminated these eggs, so they are spoiled! They must be crushed." She slams another egg with her tail.

"These eggs are contaminated by Moukadeem’s insanity and must be destroyed; I hope that ingesting his foul essence may prevent it from harming anyone else. What about you? Do you require assistance with something?"

Looking around the chamber, you notice a set of rolled up, elaborately patterned rugs, and another guardian naga - a dead one - in a haphazard pile at the foot of the stairs.

Sense Motive... bah why bother!: 1000 = 1000

Mr Peppers stares at the young naga and shakes his head. "Any idea what weakened these seals? Or maybe you've seen an undine woman in here recently?" He asks, then telepathically letting the others know about the creature, especially the poison.

Knowing Gallix and Uesugi can't hear him he looks towards them with some concern if they get too close.

Uhh, I'd have to roll a 24 to gauge her correctly.

Sirettis looks about. Of all the times to not prepare Charm Monster... "What happened to this one?" She points at the dead naga. "It seems death is all about down here. Perhaps relocating the eggs will remove the taint."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Perhaps we could raise our own naga, if we discretely 'eggvacuate' one. It would be a trivial matter., D. telepathically proposes.

At the very least, it's a life saved.

"Yeah! We could get them outta here for you! I'm sure a little distance would get them out of the area of Moukadeem's influence. Also, are those...your eggs?" Gallix looks slightly uncomfortable at the question, but clearly feels it's necessary to ask.

Evidently they are normally worth talking too. I’m wondering if this one is the insane one rather than the eggs.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32 With a couple of Aid Another’s we can push this over!

Stali then telepathically relays some of his observations of the naga’s behavior to the others, not being quite sure what is normal behavior for the creature.

The way that creatures’s hood moves each time it mentions the eggs, seems off. Also is it even possible for an unpatched egg to become insane? Looking at the ones being broken, there is nothing developed in them.

“How do you know they are insane when they haven’t developed yet?”

The whole story seems a little off from what we see. I’m guessing the dead Naga was full sized. You mentioned this one being young,

Sirettis will Auto Aid Stali's Sense Motive.

Oh, yes. Telepathically, we can trade notes. I... did not consider this possibility. Everything she says seems... curious, but I do not have a reason to suspect her. But the dead naga.

A pause. Betrayal? You cannot be certain. How are you so sure the daughter killed her parent and is trying to kill her siblings before they become a threat? another pause as Sirettis listens to something else. Sometimes you are too paranoid.

Mr Peppers can also auto aid if allowed. His thoughts constantly lean and wander towards arcane theories and possible spell effects. Lots of options here. Perhaps I should detect for magic... that may be too invasive.

Uesugi can auto aid if permissible

I do not like how she is destroying those innocent eggs! Killing babies before they have even had a chance to hatch into chicks.

Stali stands tense, awaiting some sort of answer from the creature.

The dead naga is a male about the same size as the other.

She pauses to answer your questions, setting her tail down. "The dead one? The madness got to him. I caught him eating these eggs, and was forced to protect my young, but it was in vain; my eggs were already spoiled."

"An undine woman? No. I do not know any such woman," she adds.

"My duty is that no one releases Moukadeem from imprisonment, but with the seals somehow broken, I feel it is too late. I can sense the evil inside my own clutch even though they have not hatched!"

Sense Motive, Heroism: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 2 = 31
Sense Motive, Heroism: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 = 12
Sense Motive, Heroism: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 2 = 21

Mr Peppers listens on, nodding his head politely as the snake woman answers their questions. "Ah yes, I see, let me see if there is any magic here. Don't be alarmed." He quickly casts detect magic and begins scanning the area.

K Arcana, heroism: 1d20 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 18 + 2 = 34

This naga is clearly insane. By what means I cannot quite tell yet, but perhaps some sort of healing magic would help her break free Sirettis? Please flip the last spoiler.

I'll auto aid the first check.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Yes, I agree. She is lying.
Sirettis seems to mentally agree with... someone.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Insanity has claimed her. We may be able to calm her down. Does anyone have a scroll of restoration? Or heal?

What. Remove Curse isn't an option? Bah! Read the bottom spoiler for more information.

"Perhaps we are all too hasty." Sirettis calms herself, and casts Calm Emotions Calm Emotions upon the naga. Will Save, DC 19 to resist. "Are you certain you did not see an Undine? She told us she could cure the corruption in the naga eggs around here."

Bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Will Save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
Mr. Peppers looks over at the carpets and notices they all glow with moderate transmutation auras. He identifies all six of them as carpets of flying.

"Excuse me?" The naga's gaze shifts upon Sirettis. "You must be servants of Moukadeen yourselves if you mean to infiltrate my mind! Seems like I'll have to crush you like my eggs!"

Combat Map

-- Bold is up --
D., Sirettis, Stali, Mr. Peppers, Gallix
Alfashti
Uesugi

"I am so very sorry." Sirettis applies her Slumber Hex. Will Save DC 21 to resist.

"Please knock her out rather than outright kill her, if you can. Insanity could have claimed my mind at many times."

Were there any active auras on the Naga?

Mr Peppers waits to see if Sirettis's charms work.

D. flings broken pieces of eggshell at the naga, provided Sirettis' hex is resisted.

Shell blast, PBS, overflow, burn bonus: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 1 + 3 = 30 Dmg, overflow, burn bonus: 5d6 + 5 + 5 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (1, 3, 4, 5, 6) + 5 + 5 + 1 + 6 = 36

Shell blast, PBS, overflow, burn bonus: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 1 + 3 = 15 Dmg, overflow, burn bonus: 5d6 + 5 + 5 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (4, 3, 3, 6, 3) + 5 + 5 + 1 + 6 = 36

Sense Motive 1; DC 34: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
Sense Motive 2; DC 24: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17
Sense Motive 3; DC 21: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

Non-lethal? I really hope you can cure her, cause you just made it a lot harder!

Stali sheathes his sword. He calls out “Please set up the flank for me, Gallix”

He then readies himself to move once someone takes up either side of the naga.

Move action to sheath.
Ready, someone fills space to either left or right of the naga.
Move while drawing sap to other side, provoking with the movement.

AC 28 for AoO since I have Mobility.

I am sorry, Mister One-Penny. But her actions are by her own choice. If I could heal her, I would. Perhaps I will donate to a priest, or at least ensure the eggs are carried somewhere safe.

Many called me aloof. Unaware. Mad. They took advantage of my mindset. There are actions my body performed that my mind did not even perceive. I cannot help but pity her.