[AP] The Shackled City Adventure Path by GM Rutseg (Inactive)

Game Master Balacertar

Spellcraft (DC 15): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Though Marigold isn't quite sure what sort of implement Ryan might need for his theoretical magics, she does know that JJ is as eager as ever and can't help but smile a little in spite of the situation.

"G-glad you're as ready as ever JJ b-but I think we're g-going to take a b-breather first before we go, right?" She glances at Ryan and the rest for confirmation. "We should find a s-secure place to b-bed down...oh, r-right! M-Maxim can c-conjure one, I k-keep forgetting that."

Kikinnin gladdens for a chance at rest, heartens when Marigold reminds them of Maxim's magical means of housing them. "I'd prefer Kaurophon to sleep outside. We should post watches, in case we're sieged again by more babau."

==========< During Maxim & Kikinnin's Tongue-Wag >==========

« Hvad mener du to med 'hvalp'? »
« Jeg er i samme alder som han! »

==========< More Recently >==========

"I can give some resistance to elemental energy, Maxim."

In game terms, the Resist Energy and Protection From Energy spells

==========< Presently >==========

spellcraft: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27 … forgot to update my avatar for level ten

"A common steel fork should do the trick, Ryan."

"Like JJ, I too am ready to go. Or as ready as I can be."

"Hvad mener du to med 'hvalp'? Jeg er i samme alder som han!"

Kikinnin frowns as he remembers how many of his companions understand his blood's tongue. He shakes his head at the drakblood, but doesn't offer further words of clarification.

The black beard turns to Maxim, waiting to see what course of action the blond beard feels like taking, as some desire to depart, while others are ready to bed down for the night.

Marigold glances over at Juraan as he butts in on Kikinnin and Maxim's conversation and casually stretches one short leg over to trod on the Professor's foot - not a stomp, but firm enough to get the message across. Any sort of surprised or accusing look it might garner is met with a raised eyebrow and a small shake of her head.

Don't be rude, Juraan.

Kaurophon looks at Kikinnin and frowns "Well, if you do not want me at your resting room, I will stay outside then. I do not understand the role of the prophet in all this, but I suggest you heal him and leave him at some spot were he is not further taking harm or causing trouble"

"The problem is.." explains JJ. "There is nowhere safe. Not here anyway. See how the demons attacked him just before. The least bad option is to take Alex with us."

Having at last come to a conclusion, JJ remains firm in it.

Juraan just looks at Marigold with feigned innocence that wouldn't fool anyone for an instant.

"Rude? ME?"

Maxim gently ignores Juraan's butchering of his mother tongue as he mulls the options...

At Marigold's chiding he flashes a hard smile then confirms that he can provide shelter to the group;

"Lil' Miss has the right o' it, have indeed still got my arcane bivouac up my gilded sleeve. I ain't fir splittin' the group again tho, not in these here parts... would be askin' fir trouble."

The gun-mage strokes his beard in thought, before nodding to himself;

"I can also conjure a steed - horse or pony fir some 12 hours. Critter could carry yer Uncle I reckon..."

"The steed will be useful, I also have the ability to boost its, or JJ's carrying capacity. He just might be the stronger of the two pound for pound....."

Crouching down beside Alek's prone form Ryan studies his eyes and the tone of his limbs, the paladin having spent too much time already in a near catatonic state

heal: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

Readying the grace that he'd once use upon Kikinnin's father before their trek back from the Darklands, Ryan calls on Abadar's mercies to twist the use of the divine grace.

"Abadar, Judge of the God's, Master of the First Vault, and Wealthy Father, grant from your rich mercies this gift that I ask. Sir Alek Tercival, your Paladin, and Captain of St Cuthbert's Cathedral lies stricken and while he yet lives and my ability is not yet such to restore him to his former self I ask that you grant his rest as a gentle sleep, so that the ravages of inaction do not continue to cause his body to wither away. quietem inrigat. "

Maxim raises a bushy eyebrow at Ryan's logic and nods appreciatively;

"He might well be... pound fer pound. Surabar luggin' Uncle Dead-weight there'll keep him out of trouble, and mean I ain't lumbered with the task o' muleskinner."

Ryan performs some movements on Alek's face and he is covered by a resting aura.

Meanwhile Maxim sets a magical resting place for the group. Kaurophon will wait outside, watching over the whole night.

You wake up the next day fully rested.

JJ arises, yawns and feels terrible.

"Oh my the gods, I feel as weak as a kitten!" be moans.

"The delay has cost me my strength, just as it did Alex."

Moving with a lastitude similar to that from when the team was enslaved an in irons underground, he slowly starts helping to close up the camp. After a few minutes he stops and sits down again, grabs a blanket and suggests.

"We have waited this long. There is no way I want to venture into the abyss feeling like this."

Kikinnin will have none of the boy's waffling. "We've been instructed by Kaurophon the All-Knowing that delays might cost us the whole affair, as others are seeking to pass your tests before all comers. No, JJ. You want to drag on another full day, for what? A hangover?"

The black beard gives JJ a swat across his backside Lay on Hands, Mercy(Fatigued), then points to Alek.

"After you. You look much better now."

"I agree, we c-can't wait anymore," Marigold agrees as she tugs on JJ's sleeve. "C-c'mon, I'll help you c-carry him if you still feel w-weak," she offers bravely, though it's an unintentionally humorous suggestion given the height difference.

"Ouch!" cries JJ, too slow to move out of the way of the fearsom dwarfs swot. Still, it seems to have had the desired effect and the lad picks up his pace somewhat.

"Right. Lets get on with it then...". The youth holds tightly to his magical staff, knowing well that what ever terrors the group will face in the eternal pit... it might be a very significant difference between all of their survival and none of them..

Ryan stands up stiffly from his morning studies, stifling a chuckle as Kikinnin puts JJ's idea of a nap to rest in short order.

"Well that didn't take long to sort out, I can make his burden much easier, no sense subjecting Maxim's steed to travel between the planes." laying his hands on JJ's shoulder Ryan says simply "haut formica"

Ant Haul 2hrs/lvl = 20hrs

Turning to the others and Kaurophon "I have prepared the ritual needed to commune with Ababdar to allay any uncertainty that our quest leads to Occipitus or to return home. For the ritual I am allowed 10 yes or no queastions, and understand that it's possible that Abadar may not know the answer to the question we propose. Obvious questions?
Should we go to Occipitus?...Will this help Cauldron?....Will this help Sir Alek?....Others?"

Had other the other day that escape me now, granted should we have decided to go without asking that is an option as well...."

Kikinnin looks back and forth between Ryan and Kaurophon, before offering his suggestions for questions. "Will Kaurophon work against us, uh, betray us in this foray into Occipitus?" The black beard looks into Kaurophon's eyes while he speaks.

"Are there others trying to pass the tests? If we succeed, will we have frustrated the Cagewrights?" Kikinnin has more questions, but feels greedy, seeking answers from Abadar Himself. He declines to offer more, encouraging the others to speak up first.

Maxim too rises having spent the evening preparing spells for the journey.

He flashes a hard smile at Kikkinnin's tough care to the lad, then nods at the logic displayed by Ryan and his bror;

"I ain't got questions fer yer deity, apart from why the gods ain't gettin' involved direct like iffin' all is so grave... Save us mere mortals alot o' time, effort, blood, sweat and coin."

The gun-mage shrugs to himself as he checks over his pistols and ammunition.

Kikinnin nods at Maxim's rumination. "I've asked the same question, back when my beard was starting to grow in." The black beard pulls on his own nose, as Maxim's is too far from him to receive the pull directly.

"Not sure how Ryan sees it, but it feels like we're left to our own devices, mainly, until there is something truly world-ending, when the gods may indeed raise their hands. For the world of mortals, there's probably agreements on both sides of the pantheons to intervene very seldom, otherwise the evil gods would be lettin' loose as much as the good gods. And the gods are hollow without their followers..."

Kikinnin waits vigilantly as Ryan prepares to petition Abadar.

"Th-that makes sense," Marigold agrees. "If all the g-gods let l-loose then this world would b-be a sc-scorched ruin in sh-short order."

As far as questions to pose to the Almighty Abadar, the halfling really couldn't think of anything that hadn't already been proposed. And truth be told, she felt oddly shy about the idea of posing anything to a god in such a direct manner. She'd leave it to Ryan, who was much braver than she on such matters.

While JJ is restored from his fatigue thanks to Kikinnin's mercies, Ryan prepares his ritual, eventually calling for Abadar's guidance. The cleric soon starts talking with a changed voice, while Kikinnin poses his questions.

Will Kaurophon work against us, uh, betray us in this foray into Occipitus? "Uncertain" Kaurophon offers no feelings stare in response to Kikinnin's one.
Are there others trying to pass the tests? "Yes"
If we succeed, will we have frustrated the Cagewrights? "Yes"

Kaurophon approaches Ryan and requests "I would like you ask your got if Adimarchus is still alive"

JJ shrugs at the philosophical conversation.
"I kind of figured we were the gods getting involved. Abadar has certainly guided a number of our hands over the years..." the youth points out.

He turns to Kaurophon. "If he is not still alive, wouldn't that make this test for the rulership of his plane a little...redundant?" asks the youth.

Thanks GM just getting back in from work

Ryan turns as Kaurophon approaches and appears to study the man for a moment before nodding.

"Is the one named Adimarchus still alive?"

"Should we go to Occipitus?"

"Should we take Sir Alek with us to Occipitus?"

"Will traveling to Occipitus help save Cauldron?"

Juraan wakes in the morning feeling much refreshed.

He watches Ryan's ritual with interest, but can't think of a question of his own to add.

Maxim chuckles as he listens to the wisdom of the pious amongst his friends;

"Hollow eh bror? Like the bank without the merchant... Now I git all this religion..."

At JJ's claim of divinity he pauses, then eyes the lad with a frown;

Hell's Teeth! The lad reckon's hisself a divine agent now?

The gun-mage cannot resist a further wry comment after his musing on the young swordsman's words;

"Reckon if you are divine boy then you're the god o' foolhardy eijits an' darned impatience! Har!"

As Ryan continues to ask and receive, Maxim pipes down allowing the answers to reflected upon by all.

"No... and you are just misunderstanding me on purpose now." says the slightly hot around the collar lad.

"You know it too. We've said we are cat's paws for a while now, but maybe, just maybe there are some lions pulling our strings, not just an allycat with nasty claws."

He shrugs. "Ryan is an agent of Abadar, as it Kikinnin and uncle Alex. Heck, I was brought up in the faith too, although perhaps I'd not be the coin lords first choice of subjects. Heck, look, my grand-mother is certainly an agent of the divine."

Ryan continues his questions, his voice changing for each of the responses.

Is the one named Adimarchus still alive? "Yes"

Kaurophon seems surprised and grits his teeth on this answer.

Should we go to Occipitus? "Yes"

Should we take Sir Alek with us to Occipitus? "No"

Will traveling to Occipitus help save Cauldron? "Yes"

3 questions remaining

JJ looks distressed at the news about Alex "How about - Is there a safe place to leave Alex nearby?" says the worried young man.

He glances frequently to the prone form of his formidable uncle.

Are we all going to end up like that one day?

"D-doesn't it have to b-be a yes or no question?" Marigold finally pipes up again. "How about, um...'Is it s-safe to leave Alek Tercival here?'" she suggests. "Here meaning this p-place, I mean."

"Rather than 'is it safe' I'd suggest we phrase the question in the same way 'Should we...'" suggests JJ.

"This place is not safe, but it maybe the best alternative all the same."

He really doesn't look happy at the thought of leaving Alex behind.

Kikinnin spares a moment for reflection on Abadar's answers, before taking action. "We've got two more doors to investigate, if I remember correctly. Perhaps we can find a small, defensible room, and shore it up, before we go."

The black beard will return to the smaller room, and investigate both side doors, hoping to find what he's looking for. "Not sure if we found any large stones back the way we came, but we might be able to roll something up, and sit it down in front of one of these doors..."

Moved on the map, towards Door 1 of 2

"Good idea, Kikinnin. I'll check the other door to save time"

Juraan will go and check the door opposite the Kikinnin's.

First, look for traces of magic: « აღმოაჩინე ჯადოსნური » . . "detect magic", in draconic

Second: it a good listen, and checking to see if it's safe and all that.
perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Ryan continues to filter questions from his companions....

"Will this complex have a safe location to leave Sir Alek while we are gone?"

Allowing the remainder of the questions to pass unless someone has something the specifically want asked.

After the questions are completed, Ryan readies his shield and move to a point between Juraan and Kikinnin. Here's hoping it's not bad news both ways

Will this complex have a safe location to leave Sir Alek while we are gone? "No"

Both Kikinnin's and Juraan's doors open to dark and quite corridors. They begin a exploration of the ancient place facing unknown dangers.

While you work on exploring the ruins, those of you still outside appreciate a glimpse of light on the morning sky. After a couple of minutes you observe a couple of half-elfs galloping on a group of fire mares over the ruins cliff. As they descend towards your group you do recognize Fario Ellegoth and Fellian Shard. They greet you as they step down to talk to you "So you made it once again, to find what was lost" they spot at the fallen Alek Tercival "We were sent to retrieve you but it took us a few ours to find you out." adds Fellian before Fario continues again "A war is in progress, is he truly in shape to withdraw his challenge?"

Fellian points to the fire mares "We can only extract three of you at this time. But we can probably come back for the rest of you in a couple more days"

"Well, now, you're a sight for sore eyes. Almost as if you were sent by Abadar to help us with Alek." Kikinnin looks over to JJ, and lets the boy fill them in.

"Alex needs help. And we need help looking after him." starts JJ.

"We are going in search of the reasons behind the trouble facing cauldron, but had a delimma about what to do with Alex. You two are really a sight for sore eyes. "

The youth smiles happily. "But how did you know where we were?" he asks. The voice of suspicion that has been beaten into him after one too many betrayals sounding another warning.

"Alex is in no position to either withdraw or act upon his challenge. I have reason to beleive he was deceived into making the challenge however. Certainly I don't think that he wanted to bring Cauldron to war."

"And unless you h-have powerful r-restorative magic, he's n-not going to be w-waking up anytime s-soon," Marigold adds, staring with so much awe at the fire mares that she forgets to be suspicious of the pair's timely arrival.
____________

Love that movie, GM! My brother had me watch it once I was old enough to enjoy it and not get scared and it's been a favorite ever since.

"Meerthan just let us know" succinctly explains Fario "We do understand. In that case we will just take Alek with us so Jenya and Meerthan can take care of him and put the siege of Redgorge to an end"

Fellian opens hands you a small bag of holding with several scrolls and potions inside "Meerthan thought this might be of help to us. If you are heading into a new goal far away from Cauldron you better take it with yourself."

The bag is a Type I bag of holding, and inside you find a scroll of dimension door, scroll of stone skin, scroll of stinking cloud, scroll of haste, potion of restoration and two potions of cure critical wounds. In addition there are multiple ingredients to refill your magical pouches and reagents suitable for crafting scrolls and magical items.

Fario takes Alek and starts securing him in one of the mares "Is there anything else we can do for you before we leave?" the half-elves give a querying look at Kaurophon but otherwise ignore his presence.

Maxim eyes the bag of magical bounty greedily;

"Some good stuff here bror. Spells to make yer skin as hard as Malachite stone an' conjure a stink akin to the Rouradont clan privvy! Har!"

The gun-mage scrunches his face up in mock disgust, then claps the other dwur's broad shoulder with a hard smile.

"Molded cheese and I have an understanding- it'll enhance my whiskey sits, and I'll endure its gut tugs. Close quarters has its risks and benefits..." Kikinnin taps the side of his nose, and shares the smile.

"I'd tell you to inform our allies that we might be gone a little while longer, but you probably already know that? Meerthan seems to be well informed."

"Th-there is nothing wrong with m-molded cheese," Marigold agrees solemnly. "My f-favorite is the k-kind that's got the m-mold rind outside and the c-creamy part of the cheese in the m-middle...uh, b-but anyway."

Turning to Fario and Fellian she smiles. "Th-thank you so m-much for the help! I know that having Alek s-somewhere safer will be a b-big load off of JJ's m-mind!"

"Very much so" agrees JJ, offering Marigold a thankful smile.

"He can't ride though... how are you going to get him back to Redgorge?"

When it comes to cheese however he wrinkles his nose at the mention of the mouldy stuff. "Why pay extra for mouldy cheese? I had enough of that back in the orphanage."

Ryan chuckles at JJ's objection to paying extra for the moldy cheese.

"Got to love it JJ, some will pay extra to have what you were fed regularly within the orphanage, simply because it was all that was available. Guess the difference is when it is moldy on purpose. Couldn't say though myself never acquired the taste for the moldy stuff, the consistency was melt in your mouth but for all the wrong reasons." Ryan finishes with a shudder at the memory.

Removing a rope from his pack, Ryan begins securing Sir Alek to the saddle.

"He's gonna have a heck of a crick in his neck, but this should help him to remain in the saddle."

Juraan bows to both Fario and Fellian.

"Good to see you both again. Meerthan's gifts are most welcome.
"Alek clearly wasn't himself when we managed to find him.
"For all we know, that challenge could have been issued by an impostor.
"He may well have gone missing before that challenge was made.
"It seems we have to make another detour to help safeguard Cauldron.
"All I request is that you let Shensen know we're all hale and hearty.
"And give her my best wishes, of course!"

"We will try to safely strap him to one of the mares. It should do. Somehow" adds Fario with a convincing tone. While Fellian helps Ryan with Alek, the half-elf gives farewells to the group "I hope we see you back in Cauldron. Good luck with your proceedings"

With that the half-elves mount on their mares, and start galloping through the cliff at incredible speed. In just a few seconds they do disappear from your sight leaving a slight smell of smoke behind.

Kaurophon approaches the group "Well, if you are ready now, approach your hands. We will make a circle for the planar shift ritual"

JJ looks around. Carefully he moves to stand between Marigold and Juraan, his two fellow alumani of the Lantern Street orphenage.

Strappling his staff to his back he reaches out for their hands.

"Ready when you are."

Maxim watches the elves go then joins hands with whomever stands nearby.

"Right. Let's git goin'."

"I'm r-ready," Marigold nods, joining hands with JJ and Maxim. Although she knew it was all part of the ritual she couldn't help but feel a little silly, however.

"Can't be said enough, Kaurophon- if you try and bend us over a barrel, me or mine, it will be the last thing you do." Kikinnin clasps the human's hand, preparing himself as one might when resigned to sticking one's hand into a dead tree stump, where hornets' nest surely resides. We're bound to get stung here. I just need to keep my eyes wide, and leave one of them on this devilblood.

Kikinnin realizes slowly that he's clenching his Axe in his other hand, so sheathes it, and sticks it out to close the circle.