Male Dwarf (CORE) Fighter- 2 | AC:18 T:13 FF:15 | HP 24/24 | F+5, R+3, W+1 | CMB=5 CMD=18 | Init +5 | Perc +2, +4 to notice unusual stonework.
anything happy with the jar of liquid? Any smells or reaction to the jerky?
Dunbar, with the visual confirmation of at least 2 keys, will re-examine the 3 'chests' to see if they all have visible keyholes, paying particular attention to the lacquered chest due to its magical aura (thanks to Max), and the cube of steel.
Dunbar makes an exciting discovery as his hand passes through the chest. To his eyes, it shimmers and then phrases back in as if it's not there at all in the first place. His hand feels tingly at first but the feeling fades away.
To the others, it seems that Dunbar simply runs his hands over the chest.
Male Dwarf (CORE) Fighter- 2 | AC:18 T:13 FF:15 | HP 24/24 | F+5, R+3, W+1 | CMB=5 CMD=18 | Init +5 | Perc +2, +4 to notice unusual stonework.
"I'm not showin' the bloody box affection, it's an illusion! I'm tellin' ya it is NOT real!"
The dwarf exclaims. "we need not waste our time on this one. Anyone skilled at detecting traps? Your services should be applied before we use that key!"
HP 21/21 | AC: 17 T:13 FF:15 | F: +4 R:+3 W:+7 (+2 vs illusions) | CMB: 1 CMD: 13 | Init +2, Perc +4| Speed 20
Hinkle puts a hand to the wall and signs as he finds the four underground stone walls comforting. "Looks pretty complex, let me know if you need any help."
Dunbar's exclamation breaks the illusion the Red chest on everybody as they realised the illusion. The copper banded chests disappears from the place as if it never existed, which it didn't.
Despite Dunbar's clumsy help in checking for traps, Geo easily finds and disables the mechanism of the smooth, red lacquered chest. The solid metal plate surrounding the gaping keyhole pulses with glowing amber runes. It pulses twice and then the whiring of a complex pulley system can be heard as from the ceiling releases a small, golden key from a slit in the ceiling, dropping it 6 inches down from the 15-foot-high ceiling.
Together, the dynamic duo of Ēoswulf and Hinkle working together manages to get the key down. This small golden key looks well made.
The red lacquered chest, opened by Geo, holds a key forged into the end of a jeweled scepter. Though the jewels and the scepter appear to be quite exquisite.
Appraise DC 15:
tells the person handling it that these are mere Costume trinkets.
Now only the Stell chest and the door remains unopened.
Male NG Human (Ulfen) Barbarian/Rogue 4/1 | HP 44 | AC 24 T 14 FF 21; never flat-footed; +1 vs. traps | CMB +9, CMD 23 | F: +7, R: +7; +1 vs. traps, W: +3; +2 vs. charm and compulsion | Init: +3 | Perc: +7; +1 vs. traps, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Rage: 17 rounds | Sneak Attack: 1d6 | Rage powers: Knockback, No Escape
So at this point we have a small golden key that is well made, a key/scepter, a steel cube (with a keyhole?), and a locked door. Am I missing anything?
HP 21/21 | AC: 17 T:13 FF:15 | F: +4 R:+3 W:+7 (+2 vs illusions) | CMB: 1 CMD: 13 | Init +2, Perc +4| Speed 20
Hinkle was about to rush forward and check on the fallen Geoclunicus and is surprised by his jest. "Ahh you got me that time," he says with a nervous laugh.
With Geo's joke lightening the mood, the rest of the party relaxes and the tense atmosphere lifts.
Geo swiftly disables the remaining traps and after some tinkering with the keys discover which key unlocks the steel chest.
Steel Chest contents:
This chest holds the map of the Salhar burial vaults beneath Sothis and a wand of knock (CL 3rd, 11 charges)
The scepter key unlocks the door keeping the rest of you in and as you all step out, you see the same servant standing outside with the same stotic expression.
"Congratuations are in Order I see." he states without much aplomb.
Without missing a beat he continues.
"Please return to me all the remaining keys that you hold, whereas the items in the steel chest are yours to keep. I shall see you out and send you on your way. Rest assured that I'll report to Master Amenopheus when he returns."
HP 21/21 | AC: 17 T:13 FF:15 | F: +4 R:+3 W:+7 (+2 vs illusions) | CMB: 1 CMD: 13 | Init +2, Perc +4| Speed 20
Hinkle pulls out their to do list. "Looks like the last task is picking up an item on loan to a Chelish Paracountess. Sounds simple enough right?" Hinkle says as he leads the way to the ivy district.
Leaving the rich estate of Grand Councilmember Dremdhet Salhar,
Arriving at Paracountess Zarta Dralneen’s townhouse in the Ivy District—one of several homes the noblewoman keeps around Absalom—the party come upon a magnificent gothic structure three stories in height.
The ebon lacquered double doors wrought with gleaming silver fixtures greet the characters, a prickly brass cone hanging from a chain serving as the door chime. Moments after ringing it, a servant in loose casual attire opens the door, greeting all of you as if expected with only a few simple words: “My mistress will answer any questions you have once we reach her quarters.”
Led through well-appointed sitting rooms, ballrooms, and a grand stairway granting a view of an elaborate study, the party finally arrive on the third floor of the house, at the door of Zarta’s personal study, which lies beyond her bedroom. Knocking upon the door and announcing his presence, the servant opens the darkly stained wooden door.
A large intricate carpet dominates the marble floor in this sitting room. A chaise sits along the north wall and a desk spans the southeast corner, its chair positioned with its back to the southwest corner of the room. Three comfortable chairs are positioned around a small, low circular table.
Perception DC 25:
Hidden in the angled northwest wall is a secret door which shouldn't be drawn attention too at this time.
Sitting in the chair behind the desk, Paracountess Zarta Dralneen regards the party with a wry smile, putting away a few papers before standing to address all of you.
“Aldor, you are dismissed. Close the door behind you and attend to your other tasks.” She then turns her attention to the group.
“It’s always so incredibly adorable when I see a fresh faced batch of Pathfinders. I mean, look at you scrumptious little teacakes. I could eat each and every one of you up. Well, maybe not you.” She gushes over all of you stopping only at Hinkle.
“I assume this isn’t a pleasure visit since most of you are terribly overdressed for that manner of occasion, so that must mean you are here for that trinket Valsin has been nagging me about. Seems I can’t get that man around these parts anymore,” she gestures, sliding her hand down her body and widening the gesture to sweep out and across the room as if her home were a secondary thought. “On the good side, he always sends me all the precious new recruits. she bites her lip, sending an image of woman deep in thought. A very beautiful woman in thought regarding you.
“Many think we in Cheliax serve and worship devils, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, we use the creatures for their power. They serve us and we sculpt their power in our own interests. The world must come to terms with the order of things. People need to know their place and operate accordingly. It is the only way to make order from this world. Too many people stretch too far beyond their station, making waves and eroding the true order.” her voice dips low and then rises in cadence leaving each of you spellbound as she weaves your attention with sensual words and gestures.
"Alas The “trinket” Ambrus Valsin sent you to retrieve is a seven-lock iron case which I have not managed to bypass its protections and is thus still sealed despite my considerable resources.
I would advise not tampering with it lest you unleash forces beyond your ken. I would strongly suggest it be brought back to the GrandLodge for further studying. All you need to know is that the box is warded with abjuration intermingled with strong evocation magic, in addition to
the seven masterwork locks on it. An extremely challenging puzzle."
As the paracountess talks, a cacophony of booms and crashes sounds from beyond the room’s west door. She sometimes pauses at an extended eruption of these noises before continuing with the conversation.
“A servant is greatly misbehaving. You’re going to have to deal with it in order to get the trinket.”
She goes over to the desk in her study, opening a drawer and drawing out an exquisite silver letter opener shaped like a dagger (treat as a masterwork silver dagger).
“You might need this to get it to submit,” she offers with a sly grin.
HP 21/21 | AC: 17 T:13 FF:15 | F: +4 R:+3 W:+7 (+2 vs illusions) | CMB: 1 CMD: 13 | Init +2, Perc +4| Speed 20
Hinkle smiles and blushes at the teacakes comments, but his smile soon droops into a frown when she singles him out as not worthy of the comment. As she explains the situation Hinkle can't help but look over when ever there is a loud crash or thud from the next room.
When the Paracountess is finished Hinkle asks, "Is there anything you might be able to tell us about this...uh...servant that we might find helpful?"
Male NG Human (Ulfen) Barbarian/Rogue 4/1 | HP 44 | AC 24 T 14 FF 21; never flat-footed; +1 vs. traps | CMB +9, CMD 23 | F: +7, R: +7; +1 vs. traps, W: +3; +2 vs. charm and compulsion | Init: +3 | Perc: +7; +1 vs. traps, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Rage: 17 rounds | Sneak Attack: 1d6 | Rage powers: Knockback, No Escape
Ēoswulf smiles warmly at the Paracountess, appreciating everything about her appearance, gestures, and speech. Well. Almost. He frowns a little as she discusses the Chelaxian use of Demons.
"Ah... what kind of servant now? And what kind of misbehavior?" His grown returns "Should I be arming myself before going through that door?"
"Ah it's nothing but a pet I summoned forth from the deep ethers. It shouldn't give you all much of a problem. It could be impish in dealing with all of you." She smiles and then sits back to watch you.
You're all suddenly reminded of a predatory cat observing a likely prey.
Male Dwarf (CORE) Fighter- 2 | AC:18 T:13 FF:15 | HP 24/24 | F+5, R+3, W+1 | CMB=5 CMD=18 | Init +5 | Perc +2, +4 to notice unusual stonework.
"Less' do this!" Dunbar says taking up the 2-Man position in the 'stack' at the door. He will grasp his axe versus his crossbow for this particular engagement.
Zarta’s bedroom is decorated in the colors of Cheliax— ebon black and crimson red. Silk, rare woods, and carefully carved marble compose every bit of furniture in the room. Goose down now litters the room, covering almost every surface and the silken shreds of the cushions that contained it lie about like flayed skin . A post on the massive screened bed is snapped in half, collapsed on the bed and drawing the screened curtains into a ripped slope of formerly fine cloth. Vials of perfume and crystal jars of other cosmetics sit smashed on the marble floor around the dresser. A prominent fixture in the room, a large “X” made of stout wood sits along the west wall, complete with leather shackles and chains. A table sits to its left strewn with various items intended for pleasure, but outwardly resembling implements of pain.
Once inside a horned small winged figure is enraged and totally out of control. The creature desperately throws it around the room obviously hoping to smash the thing open. Though dented, the case doesn’t look like it will be opening anytime soon. The room is a wreck, a testament to the box's sturdiness.
Male Dwarf (CORE) Fighter- 2 | AC:18 T:13 FF:15 | HP 24/24 | F+5, R+3, W+1 | CMB=5 CMD=18 | Init +5 | Perc +2, +4 to notice unusual stonework.
Can we get a map update as we have entered the room from what I am tracking
Dunbar will assess the situation and motion for his companions to spread out so they can not be a 'group target.' He will then examine the room for anything that could assist them or anyplace they can corner the 'servant' in to retrieve the 'trinket.'
Map Updated.
The scattered debris from the Imp's earlier fury trips up Ēoswulf as his foot slides onto a piece of torn fabric causing him to misjudge his reach, allowing the lithe imp to just dance out of his reach while it glares at the box.
Infernal:
"It's this box. This Accursed Box. Stupid Thrice Dammed Thing!!!!"
Male NG Human (Ulfen) Barbarian/Rogue 4/1 | HP 44 | AC 24 T 14 FF 21; never flat-footed; +1 vs. traps | CMB +9, CMD 23 | F: +7, R: +7; +1 vs. traps, W: +3; +2 vs. charm and compulsion | Init: +3 | Perc: +7; +1 vs. traps, SM: +8 | Speed 30ft | Rage: 17 rounds | Sneak Attack: 1d6 | Rage powers: Knockback, No Escape
I think the GM dropped a sentence or something from the end of his description or something. I think. The implication is that the imp has the chest and is throwing it around trying to break it open.
