Tomb of the Emperor Gods -- PbP

Game Master Tarren Dei

"Excellent!" exclaims Esteban. "Then we have time to discuss how we are going to rid the world of that unholy terror in the basement! It really would be unheroic, I believe, if we didn't deal with it!"

"Love t' 'elp ye." Ovirid says drily, "but Ah've got 'is blindfold, y'see."

"What do we do while th' lass 's gettin' m' sorry dwarven arse outta th' pyramid?" Looking in the direction her voice last issued forth from, he adds, "'n dinnae be thinkin' 'at Ah d'not know Ah owe ye me life if'n yer plan works, lass. Ye've got a dwarf owin' ye jus' fer tryin'."

"H'roken, d'ye 'ave a blindfold? If'n ye seen three runes, ye c'not risk seein' a fourth 'n accident, man! We 'ave stories t' share 'n ale t' drink!"

Tarren the Dungeon Master wrote:

"Excellent!" exclaims Esteban. "Then we have time to discuss how we are going to rid the world of that unholy terror in the basement! It really would be unheroic, I believe, if we didn't deal with it!"

"Love t' 'elp ye." Ovirid says drily, "but Ah've got 'is blindfold, y'see."

"What do we do while th' lass 's gettin' m' sorry dwarven arse outta th' pyramid?" Looking in the direction her voice last issued forth from, he adds, "'n dinnae be thinkin' 'at Ah d'not know Ah owe ye me life if'n yer plan works, lass. Ye've got a dwarf owin' ye jus' fer tryin'."

"H'roken, d'ye 'ave a blindfold? If'n ye seen three runes, ye c'not risk seein' a fourth 'n accident, man! We 'ave stories t' share 'n ale t' drink!"

Hrokon takes his thick cloth belt and turns it into a blindfold, once he is certain he can't see he asks, "Wanna play cards?"

Hrokon takes his thick cloth belt and turns it into a blindfold, once he is certain he can't see he asks, "Wanna play cards?"

"Yer a funny one, 'r ye? 'ow 'r ye goin' t' see what be 'n th' cards? Only way Ah'm playin' 's if we play with 'steban's gold."

Tarren the Dungeon Master wrote:

Hrokon takes his thick cloth belt and turns it into a blindfold, once he is certain he can't see he asks, "Wanna play cards?"

"Yer a funny one, 'r ye? 'ow 'r ye goin' t' see what be 'n th' cards? Only way Ah'm playin' 's if we play with 'steban's gold."

"I was plannin' to cheat," says Hrokon deadpan. "Not like you could catch me with that blindfold on."

"He doesn't have any gold yet. Its way off in the jungle or down there with that dragon. And by the way Esteban, how do you plan to get all that gold out of here if you kill it?"

Ovirid Thorvirson wrote:

Tarren the Dungeon Master wrote:

Hrokon takes his thick cloth belt and turns it into a blindfold, once he is certain he can't see he asks, "Wanna play cards?"

"Yer a funny one, 'r ye? 'ow 'r ye goin' t' see what be 'n th' cards? Only way Ah'm playin' 's if we play with 'steban's gold."

"I was plannin' to cheat," says Hrokon deadpan. "Not like you could catch me with that blindfold on."

"Exactly. 's why Ah 'll play wit' 'steban's gold 'n not me own." To Ixius, "'e 'll. We 'll be playin' up 'ere while 'e goes t' get 't fer us. We cannae 'elp, you know. Blindfolds."

Ok, now I'm a bit confused, is it going to take one spell? Or three days? OOC, both Korian and his Player are still fine to go for the dragon if that's the majority decision. But if most o y'all just want to get out of here that's fine by me too. Plus there's also This to consider...

As plans are being discussed for exiting the pyramid and the time it will take, Korian adds another thought "While I admit a part of me feels the need for revenge on that cursed dragon which took the life of our companion and my good friend Asim, I believe those of you who have seen the exit rune have now seen 3 of the 4 symbols, yes? So, as the only person who has seen only 2 thus far, I cannot say the idea and possibility of the rest of you turning to undead while we move through this cursed tomb is a pleasent one"

Ok, now I'm a bit confused, is it going to take one spell? Or three days? OOC, both Korian and his Player are still fine to go for the dragon if that's the majority decision. But if most o y'all just want to get out of here that's fine by me too. Plus there's also This to consider...

As plans are being discussed for exiting the pyramid and the time it will take, Korian adds another thought "While I admit a part of me feels the need for revenge on that cursed dragon which took the life of our companion and my good friend Asim, I believe those of you who have seen the exit rune have now seen 3 of the 4 symbols, yes? So, as the only person who has seen only 2 thus far, I cannot say the idea and possibility of the rest of you turning to undead while we move through this cursed tomb is a pleasent one"

I think Sykala is wondering if it would take three days because of the spell being a 'touch' spell. I'm unclear on whether a spell that shapes 10 cubic feet means any 10 cubic feet stretched in any direction or works as we discussed above. I'm going to agree that it can work as above so it wouldn't necessarily take three days. I'm sure at some later date I'll come across a clarification in this rather complex game of ours. But, for now, you can get out quickly enough. Also, I don't think the majority wants to fight the dragon.

Esteban sees he needs to be more persuasive, "But friends, this pyramid will quite likely return to wherever it came from. Think of Osirion! For that treasure to be lost to this great empire for ever would be a second fall from greatness. Think of the history, the artifacts, that we would be saving. That we would get to keep a percentage of this gold is a minor detail in light of the amount that would go into the coffers of the Ruby Prince. That we may wear a few five thousand year old daggers on our belts for the rest of our days will only serve to point all those we meet, wherever we go, to the greatness that is Osirion. And, we will get the gold out! We have those feather tokens do we not? Each of which will become a fine boat. The sand is fine enough that such a boat could be hauled across it. We will return to Osirion with treasure, glory, and our conscience intact knowing that we have helped and empire and slew a dragon that would surely terrorize the subjects of the Ruby Prince!"

"Now," says the Paracount who has yet to step beyond the rune, "do we know for certain that those who have stepped beyond can reenter the pyramid and leave again? If, for example, I were to take this opportunity to finish my business within, is there anything you could actually do to stop me?"

With that, he heads back into the pyramid.

I just read that "a shaped effect or area can have no dimension smaller than 10 feet". This is for shapable spells. Anyone know any different?"

I just read that "a shaped effect or area can have no dimension smaller than 10 feet". This is for shapable spells. Anyone know any different?"

Well, since those criteria are literally impossible to meet with a spell that only allows her to shape 16 cubic feet of material I would have to say this is an exception to that rule.

Korian, metagame-wise Sykala has seen only 2 runes also but there is really no way for him to be sure of how many she has seen with all the wandering she has done.

A dangerous look comes over Sykala's features as electricity begins to play about her hair and and hands when Esteban continues to push for them to face the undead dragon and recover the gold for him, "You poison. You sick. Put sick ones down."

Tarren the Dungeon Master wrote:

I just read that "a shaped effect or area can have no dimension smaller than 10 feet". This is for shapable spells. Anyone know any different?"

Well, since those criteria are literally impossible to meet with a spell that only allows her to shape 16 cubic feet of material I would have to say this is an exception to that rule.

Yeah. I was thinking that this was one those classic 10 cubic feet means 10 feet cubed (10X10X10) but you're probably right.

Korian, metagame-wise Sykala has seen only 2 runes also but there is really no way for him to be sure of how many she has seen with all the wandering she has done.

A dangerous look comes over Sykala's features as electricity begins to play about her hair and and hands when Esteban continues to push for them to face the undead dragon and recover the gold for him, "You poison. You sick. Put sick ones down."

"Look, skinnydipper, it's not a disease. It's ... it's like an art ... it's just this thing I do. I make money ... or I used to until I met you lot."

I just read that "a shaped effect or area can have no dimension smaller than 10 feet". This is for shapable spells. Anyone know any different?"

Metagame spoilered for space:

The dwarf asks the departing spellcaster, "Ah cannae stop ye, but Ah'm curious. Mind if'n Ah tag along t' see what yer about?"

"You not make things. Not art. Not beauty. You steal, you take things not yours. Not like great hunting cat, like sca-ven-ger pick at old bones. No, you worse than sca-ven-ger, you destroy no good reason." Knowing her words are falling on deaf ears she turns in disgust and looks out the entrance over the dunes to remind herself not all is as ugly as he.

"You not make things. Not art. Not beauty. You steal, you take things not yours. Not like great hunting cat, like sca-ven-ger pick at old bones. No, you worse than sca-ven-ger, you destroy no good reason." Knowing her words are falling on deaf ears she turns in disgust and looks out the entrance over the dunes to remind herself not all is as ugly as he.

"Hey croc-girl," shouts Esteban reminding you of the nickname he gave to you after the first time you changed shape, "hyenas are part of the jungle too. You can't go against nature, because when you do, go against nature, that's part of nature too!"

He turns and calls after the Paracount, "would some of your 'business within' involve filling a backpack with gold, because I'll come."

"No," says the Paracount. He keeps walking. He hears Ovirid's question as well. "I'd rather be alone."

"Let's go anyway." Ixius follows after the Paracount.

Seeing Ixius head off and sensing that Korian will not be interested in allowing the Paracount to pillage the tomb Sykala follows just behind. Saying low to Ixius as they follow, "He right...but not think. Hunters not like sca-ven-gers. Kill if can. We hunters."

So, did Ixius or Sykala pass the barrier? I assumed by everyone's acquiescence to Korian's comment that we could save time by assuming that everyone passed the barrier that you all did do that.

The Paracount moves from room to room studying the walls, doing what appear to be complex mathematical calculations on his fingers. He takes his time in doing this and seems to be in no hurry.

"Let's go anyway." Ixius follows after the Paracount.

Quietly, "Aye."

Ovirid follows the Paracount, not trying to hide, but trying to be silent so as not to interrupt whatever he is doing.

Tarren:

Yes, she moved past the barrier.

Ixius did as well.

Korian never looked at the rune and sao never exited the pyramid

To the Paracount's threat Korian just smiles evily, but he let's the man continue on with his investigations.
Curious despite himself and sure in his significantly greater intelligence, Korian stands close behind the Cleric and tries to determine exactly what he os about.
He also keeps an eye on Orivid, making sure the dwarf is alright

"I thought you were in a hurry to leave?" says the Paracount slightly annoyed. "I've done my part. My little clue helped you find the key. Now we owe each other nothing. We part ways here."

"We want to watch the dragon kill you."

Whispering, "'ush, man! Yer no talkin' t' 'steban, 'ere. 'e 's not 'ere fer jus' gold -- 'ere's somethin' bigger 't stake 'ere. Ah dinnae think 'e cares 'bout th' relics 't me boy Korian 's worried 'bout, either."

Beyond that, Ovirid continues to try to stay close enough to hear what the Paracount is doing and saying to himself to try and figure out what the man is up to. He's not taking any action to interrupt and even goes out of his way to avoid distracting the man.

Whispering, "'ush, man! Yer no talkin' t' 'steban, 'ere. 'e 's not 'ere fer jus' gold -- 'ere's somethin' bigger 't stake 'ere. Ah dinnae think 'e cares 'bout th' relics 't me boy Korian 's worried 'bout, either."

Beyond that, Ovirid continues to try to stay close enough to hear what the Paracount is doing and saying to himself to try and figure out what the man is up to. He's not taking any action to interrupt and even goes out of his way to avoid distracting the man.

The mutterings of the Paracount sound like the mutterings of a madman. He discusses orbits and dates and the hungry dark. Finally he stops and turns to you, "You want to fight the dragon? Let's do that then. Otherwise, leave."

The mutterings of the Paracount sound like the mutterings of a madman. He discusses orbits and dates and the hungry dark. Finally he stops and turns to you, "You want to fight the dragon? Let's do that then. Otherwise, leave."

The blinded dwarf just shakes his head and grins. "Ah 'ave n' interest 'n th' dragon, but Ah 'ave always been curious 'n ye 'r doin' somethin' interestin'. If'n Ah could 'elp, Ah would. If'n I cannae, Ah jus' want t' learn. Dinnae seem t' 'ave better t' do right now, anyway."

Tarren the Dungeon Master wrote:

The mutterings of the Paracount sound like the mutterings of a madman. He discusses orbits and dates and the hungry dark. Finally he stops and turns to you, "You want to fight the dragon? Let's do that then. Otherwise, leave."

The blinded dwarf just shakes his head and grins. "Ah 'ave n' interest 'n th' dragon, but Ah 'ave always been curious 'n ye 'r doin' somethin' interestin'. If'n Ah could 'elp, Ah would. If'n I cannae, Ah jus' want t' learn. Dinnae seem t' 'ave better t' do right now, anyway."

"Wait!" says the Paracount suddenly, "Shut up for a ... My!! ... How long have we been in here? ... According to this the Pyramid will return to the plane of negative energy in the time it takes a camel to ... RUN FOR THE DOORS!! WE HAVE NO TIME!!!"

Sense Motive (untrained) 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Wow. Just wow.

"Nicely done. Ah'm wishin' Ah could 'ave seen 'at performance, because 't sounded quite convincin'. Go on wit' yer figurin' - what be th' 'ungry Dark?"

Assuming this is not something the dwarf is familiar with, of course.

Knowledge (history) 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31 another +6 if pharaonic knowledge is pertinent

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Sykala simply watches the events unfolding while wondering why Korian is still allowing these men to continue to desecrate this place he puts so much importance in.

Korian looks for a moment towards the doorway but his complete distrust of the Paracount plus Ovirid's comments cause him to realize the lie for what it is.
Saying nothing he continues to pay close attention to what the Paracount is saying and doing
Tarren, Korian's intelligence is in the genius level, plus he's well schooled in Orison history and has all the notes and clues and stuff bought at auction and found in the tenmple. If you need Int or K(history) rolls fell free to make them but can you let me know what Korian has made of it all so far?

Korian looks for a moment towards the doorway but his complete distrust of the Paracount plus Ovirid's comments cause him to realize the lie for what it is.

Saying nothing he continues to pay close attention to what the Paracount is saying and doing
Tarren, Korian's intelligence is in the genius level, plus he's well schooled in Orison history and has all the notes and clues and stuff bought at auction and found in the tenmple. If you need Int or K(history) rolls fell free to make them but can you let me know what Korian has made of it all so far?

hmm, ok, but like can Korian extrapolate, guess anything from the numbers/info etc. the Paracount is studying?

Korian, not fooled by the man's pretend nonsense, simply continues to watch and study what the Paracount is doing

hmm, ok, but like can Korian extrapolate, guess anything from the numbers/info etc. the Paracount is studying?

Korian, not fooled by the man's pretend nonsense, simply continues to watch and study what the Paracount is doing

The Paracount finally gives up and says, "Fine. You want to come with me? I'm not leaving here until I've seen what's in that tomb. You lot would leave without looking over the walls of that last chamber? I'm not. This is about knowledge! You may be satisfied with a handful or relics but I'm here for the wisdom of the pharoahs!"

He stomps angrily towards the elevator.

Ixius laughs and says to Esteban (assuming he is with us):

"Wisdom of the Pharaohs, eh? Is that what you're after?"

Ixius laughs and says to Esteban (assuming he is with us):

"Wisdom of the Pharaohs, eh? Is that what you're after?"

Esteban was the last to cross back over the "point of no return". "I'm after the gold. I've never hidden that. The Paracount doesn't share my very practical interest."

Ah, What knowledge and wisdom along the walls? Korian's an Orisian scholar, isn't that the kind of thing he would notice? And didn't we pretty carefully check the place out before going for the sarcophagus? Unless I'm forgetting you telling us, in which case please accept my apologies

Korian simply smiles at this small victory and the Paracount's anger and says in a pleasant chiper voice
"So, we're still waiting to hear how you plan to do anything in that chamber without an undead dragon chewing for head off. Of course I should be able to get some studying in myself while it's munching on your corpse"
And joins the priest in the elevator, being very careful, of course, to make sure his back is not to the man.

"The two o' ye better not be gettin' all het up 'n walkin' 'n 'ere wit' no preparations! If'n yer goin' 'n, let's see 'bout 'avin' 'ose preparatory spells, eh?"

Sykala just shakes her head in continued wonderment at such suicidal tendencies. Leaning close to Ixius, "I come so you get out when time come for run. Not want fight." She trails behind everyone else and says some prayers of divine protection. She also points to the elevator when they approach and asks Korian, "What word make go up? Down?" Committing those to memory when he states them by quietly repeating them to herself over and over.

She casts Protection from energy (electricity), Barkskin, and longstrider on herself as they head down the elevator.

Sykala just shakes her head in continued wonderment at such suicidal tendencies. Leaning close to Ixius, "I come so you get out when time come for run. Not want fight." She trails behind everyone else and says some prayers of divine protection. She also points to the elevator when they approach and asks Korian, "What word make go up? Down?" Committing those to memory when he states them by quietly repeating them to herself over and over.

She casts Protection from energy (electricity), Barkskin, and longstrider on herself as they head down the elevator.

"Things are going to get dangerous in there. Who's helping and who's staying out in the hall?" asks the Paracount. "Choose one because this is not a free show."

"Unless ye 'ave somethin' fer a blind 'un t' do, Ah'll be 'n th' 'all. 'at spell 'at 'ides one from dead things 'ould be good fer H'roken 'n me so if'n th' fight comes int' th' 'all, we 'ave a chance t' escape..."

The Paracount was present while we were making all of our plans, wasn't he? Anyway, I'm going on that assumption. And just to ask, did Sykala happen to memorize any of those spells we mentioned? Like Hide from Undead, or anything?

Laughing Korian says sarcastically "Ah, so now you do not propose to take on the dragon single-handedly? Well, you've already heard our plan of attack, we're still waiting to hear, or see, what you plan to, or are able to do. That is if you can do anything besides talk and bleed, which is pretty much all I've seen from you so far."

The Paracount ignores Korian's question, answering only, "Feel free to leave. I've asked you to leave."

Raising an eyebrow Korian states flatly to the Paracount "You have an interesting definition of the word 'help' Chelaxian. You refuse to share your plans or capabilities with us yes you expect us still to help you or include you in our own plans? Well, regardless, your death throes should provide at lesst a moments distraction for the creature"

The youg mage then turns his back, completely ignoring one he already considers to be a dead man. To the others he states "So? Same plan as before? We let the priest go in to get himself killed, then send our summonings in to distract and weaken the dragon while we bombard it from afar. Yes? Sykala, I know you are not here by first choice, but can we depend on your aid once again? And Ovirid, we can double check the hall to make sure the are no runes, and this elevator is safe, but if you hear my call, or sounds of our death, you run for this elevator and get out of here. Got it?"

The Paracount says nothing but seems to approve.

As they are heading down, Korian casts on himself (and Jinx, who remains hidden in his master's robes) Mage Armor, Mirror Image and See invisibility
He theb hands Ixus a scroll each of Invisibility, Mirror Image and Rope Trick

Korian, she can't memorize Hide From Undead as far as I could tell. So she memorized the best she could for the situation. Was there anything potentially useful from the Cerulean sarcophagus?

Sykala nods slowly to Korian, "I help."

Oh ya, thanks for the reminder Sykala. Of use there's a +3 Bracers of Defense and a 'Rod of Writhing', but don't know what that last is, couldn't find it in the Pathfinder SRD. Tarren?

Oh ya, thanks for the reminder Sykala. Of use there's a +3 Bracers of Defense and a 'Rod of Writhing', but don't know what that last is, couldn't find it in the Pathfinder SRD. Tarren?

Korian has been able to recognize elements of a summon swarm spell went into its manufacture and he has found a command word but he hasn't quite figured out the use. He can try it out if he wants.