Angoldir makes it to the edge of the bridge and notices that the statues look rigged to bull rush anyone off if they step onto the bridge itself! He’s confident that he disables the trap, though.
You JUST made those DC’s; phew! What would you like to do now?
N Male Elf Bonded Investigator 7 | HP 45/45 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +2, CMD 16 | F: +5, R: +11, W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +13 (+2 vs traps), SM: +10 | Speed 30ft | Inspiration: 10/10 | Extracts: 1st 6/6 2nd 4/4 3rd 2/2 | Active conditions: None
"It should be safe to continue," Angoldir calls back as he finishes adjusting the tripwire to sit between grooves in the floor. "But let's not get reckless." He continues his inspection of the path, then moves to the double doors.
The wide brass doors swing open on silent hinges to reveal a vast crypt. The only light emanates from a torch mounted above the crypt, flickering with a pale golden fire. Tall pillars march across the chamber, ending at a dais on the far side, on which is set a large stone sarcophagus. A single form rests beside the coffin, that of a comely woman in tattered clothing. She appears to be asleep or unconscious.
As the first Pathfinder enters the chamber, a dry, mirthless laugh can be heard from the dark recesses of the tomb.
“So, Kassen’s heroes have come to fight me again. You will make fine minions in my army of the dead. Come and meet your fate.” With that, a wicked-looking skeleton(here’s another illustration) strides into view wearing polished mail and brandishing a cruel sword in both hands. A cold blue flame burns in its empty eye sockets.
knowledge religion (main dude) DC 14:
He’s a skeletal champion. Bludgeoning weapons overcome his DR. I’ll share more if you beat the DC by 5+
Four skeletal figures move in from out of the shadows, claws at the ready!
—
Round 1: the bold may act!
—
Skeletons
Zoot
Ja’ali/Bhenqai
Psamtic
Angoldir
Asar
"If we stick to the stairs and don't let them past us, Psamtic and Bhenqai can hold these skeletons at bay while Zoot and Ja'ali channel energy and shoot, respectively," Angoldir calls. "Beware the skeletal champion, and use bludgeoning weapons if you have them." He gulps down a vial of clear liquid before walking partway down the stairway.
Standard action to drink extract of shield, move action to move.
Oops. Rage is still factored into my stats above. Psamtic was NOT raging until this turn.
Psamtic raises her axe high into the air, utters "Would you do me a favor and SHOW ME YOUR INSIDES!", and smashes down on the undead with tremendous power.
Despite the skeleton’s resistance to the slashing longsword, Bhenqai still manages to take it down in one clean swipe, then moves adjacent to Asar. Psamtic goes into a rage and attacks Asar but her attack doesn’t feel like it did full damage. Angoldir moves in near Asar to aid his allies. Tokens moved; if you want them someplace else feel free to adjust. Angoldir: please note who you’re aiding.
Zoot hurries in and heals Psamtic, then Asar takes another swing at the barbarian.
longsword, PA:1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 2 = 21 damage, PA:1d8 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 4 = 12
The other skeletons continue to cower from Zoot’s divine sexiness on opposite ends of the large room.
—
Round 2-3: the bold may act!
—
Skeletons
Zoot
Ja’ali/Bhenqai
Psamtic
Angoldir
Asar
N Male Elf Bonded Investigator 7 | HP 45/45 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +2, CMD 16 | F: +5, R: +11, W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +13 (+2 vs traps), SM: +10 | Speed 30ft | Inspiration: 10/10 | Extracts: 1st 6/6 2nd 4/4 3rd 2/2 | Active conditions: None
Angoldir pokes and prods carefully at the skeletal champion, pushing him off balance should he try to attack Psamtic again. "Well done - finish the job!" he cries.
Sword Cane to Aid Another, Fighting Defensively vs AC 10:1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 5 - 4 = 20
Success - Psamtic gains a +4 bonus to her AC vs the skeletal champion's next attack against her.
Female Human Cleric (Cloistered) of Arshea 2 | hp 17 | AC 13 T 12 FF 11 | CMD 12 | F +4 R +2 W +6 | Spd 30' | Init +1 | Kn(His, Loc, Nat, Nob, Pla, Rel) +7, Kn(Other) +3, Perc +7, SensM +7 | channel 5/5 | healing kit 8/10
Zoot utters a short prayer over Psamtic. "May Arshrea grant you the wisdom to know when to fake it, and the sensitivity to not need to exorcise that wisdom too often."
Bhenqai punches Asar while Angoldir aids Psamtic’s defenses. Zoot magically guides Psamtic just before the barbarian takes another slash with her greataxe. Asar isn’t looking very good at all but he still stands for now, attacking Psamtic once more.
longsword, PA:1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 9 - 2 = 9 damage, PA:1d8 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 4 = 10
The other skeletons continue to cower from Zoot’s divine sexiness on opposite ends of the large room.
—
Round 3-4: the bold may act!
—
Skeletons
Zoot
Ja’ali/Bhenqai
Psamtic
Angoldir
Asar
N Male Elf Bonded Investigator 7 | HP 45/45 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +2, CMD 16 | F: +5, R: +11, W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +13 (+2 vs traps), SM: +10 | Speed 30ft | Inspiration: 10/10 | Extracts: 1st 6/6 2nd 4/4 3rd 2/2 | Active conditions: None
Angoldir keeps up his distraction, trying to put the skeleton off-balance enough that its next strike misses Psamtic while not opening himself up to retribution.
Sword Cane, Fighting Defensively vs AC 10:1d20 + 5 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 5 - 4 = 20
Success - Psamtic has a +4 bonus to her AC against the skeletal champion's next attack.
Female Human Cleric (Cloistered) of Arshea 2 | hp 17 | AC 13 T 12 FF 11 | CMD 12 | F +4 R +2 W +6 | Spd 30' | Init +1 | Kn(His, Loc, Nat, Nob, Pla, Rel) +7, Kn(Other) +3, Perc +7, SensM +7 | channel 5/5 | healing kit 8/10
"Oh dear goddess, please show my companion the proper way to swing that hard, thick, axe-shaft, to PUT AN END TO OUR ACHING NEED!" prays an ecstatic-looking Zoot.
Despite the skeletal creature’s defenses against slashing weapons, Psamtic knocks the un-life out of it with a mighty blow from her greataxe! Zoot’s channeled healing energy not only heals her fellow adventurers, but also the woman lying beside the coffin, who promptly regains consciousness. She looks around in surprise and asks, ”Um, who are you? I’m Dimira. Have you seen my brother?”
I’m going to handwave the panicked skeletons at this point because they’re not a real threat to y’all. So: out of initiative! I will also remind you that your mission (that started long, long ago) was to light the lantern from the Everflame, which you presume would be this everburning torch right here. There’s some story wrap-up (after lighting the lantern), treasure, and conclusion stuff that I’ll post tomorrow, as well as chronicles!
Female Human Cleric (Cloistered) of Arshea 2 | hp 17 | AC 13 T 12 FF 11 | CMD 12 | F +4 R +2 W +6 | Spd 30' | Init +1 | Kn(His, Loc, Nat, Nob, Pla, Rel) +7, Kn(Other) +3, Perc +7, SensM +7 | channel 5/5 | healing kit 8/10
GM Picatrix wrote:
Despite the skeletal creature’s defenses against slashing weapons, Psamtic knocks the un-life out of it with a mighty blow from her greataxe! Zoot’s channeled healing energy not only heals her fellow adventurers, but also the woman lying beside the coffin, who promptly regains consciousness. She looks around in surprise and asks, ”Um, who are you? I’m Dimira. Have you seen my brother?”
N Male Elf Bonded Investigator 7 | HP 45/45 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +2, CMD 16 | F: +5, R: +11, W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +13 (+2 vs traps), SM: +10 | Speed 30ft | Inspiration: 10/10 | Extracts: 1st 6/6 2nd 4/4 3rd 2/2 | Active conditions: None
Angoldir lights the lantern from the torch. ”Perhaps this a discussion best held under the light of day,” he suggests calmly. ”Or even better, back in town.”
Psamtic collapses to the floor for about a minute before regaining her composure.
"That was awfully daft of me. I really need to work on controlling my emotions. This damned dungeon is so...drab. Let's get the lantern lit." Psamtic offers to be the one to light it, still assuming the entire dungeon wants her dead.
Apologize for the copy/paste but this dungeon crawl had a LOT of background spread out all over the book. So, here it is, compiled as best as I quickly can:
Stuff Dimira tells you: Just before the start of the adventure, the traditional group of pranksters left the town to prepare the crypt, only to be set upon by Asar and his newly risen minions. Unfortunately, no one made it back to town to warn them of the danger. Oh and the wailing guy, Roldaire, is her brother.
When Psamtic goes to light the lantern with the Everflame (a permanent magical fire like a continual flame spell that gives off heat), the spirit of Kassen stirs from its rest and rises up to thank them for putting an end to Asar. He can tell you all about Asar. Although he does so reluctantly, he even reveals that the two of them were once adventuring companions, and that they split ways after acquiring a great deal of treasure. Kassen is sure that Asar felt cheated after their last quest and that is why he came to attack the town. Kassen knows nothing about the bandits (dead guys you found out front and around inside the crypt), but notes they only stole the amulets with which he and Asar were buried. These amulets are part of a key that opens up the great treasure vault they plundered so long ago. Kassen remembers little about the vault itself, but he does remember that the amulet points the way to the vault if it is reassembled from its three component parts. The last part was given to Iramine, an elven sorceress that was part of their group.
background stuff that Kassen tells you:
Ekat Kassen was a crusader and fortune seeker who came to serve Lastwall in the year 4515 ar. While he fought with distinction, he soon realized that he wanted more from life and left the Lastwall military to find his fortune elsewhere. His travels took him all over the region around Lake Encarthan, and he decided to settle down in 4522 after a very profitable adventure. Using a sizable portion of his fortune, he set out to tame a small area of the Fangwood on the banks of the Tourondel River, making it a natural stopover for those traveling up and down the river to Skelt. For the next 10 years, the town, which was then known as Kassen’s Hold, grew and prospered.
All that changed when Asar Vergas came to Kassen’s Hold with a host of mercenaries under his command. Asar was an old companion of Ekat, and the two had traveled together for some time before splitting up just after Ekat’s last adventure. Over the years, Asar became sure that Ekat had cheated him after that adventure. Promising great wealth to his mercenaries, Asar raided the town relentlessly for 2 months. Finally, the townsfolk managed to locate Asar’s camp in an ancient crypt deep in the forest, and Ekat himself went out to deal with his old companion. The battle was terribly bloody, with only a few townsfolk coming back to tell the tale. In the end, Asar was slain and his mercenaries scattered, but Ekat suffered a mortal wound. He died 2 days later, on the 11th day of Neth, 4535. In honor of their beloved founder, the townsfolk buried Kassen in the ancient crypt, interring his bones in a place of honor, above the simple sarcophagi used to inter Asar, his mercenaries, and the townsfolk that lost their lives in the bitter struggle. They placed an eternal flame above Kassen’s final resting place, so that all who visited might find warmth in the wilderness.
Over the years, the Crypt of the Everflame has become an important part of the history of the town, now simply called Kassen. The townsfolk view the crypt as a memorial to those difficult first years of the town’s history. Every autumn, a few of the townsfolk make a pilgrimage to the crypt to light a lantern from the flame and bring it back to town, where it is preserved all winter, a symbol of the town’s resilience. Most years, the town mayor and a group of dignitaries perform this quest. Every few years, however, a handful of younger townsfolk are given the honor of lighting the lantern. Many see this as a passage into adulthood, a taste of adventure before settling down to work and marriage. The quest starts out as a solemn ceremony in town, where the townsfolk gather to wish the adventurers luck, just as it was when Kassen himself left to fight the mercenaries. When the adventurers return a few days later, the town holds a great celebration in their honor. This also marks the final harvest celebration before the long winter.
The quest itself is a relatively simple one. The adventurers must travel to the tomb (about 2 days’ travel outside of town), venture inside, light the lantern, and return home. Over the years, this ritual has grown more elaborate—now, some of the townsfolk head there in advance to set up simple traps, puzzles, and illusionary monsters for the adventurers to overcome.
This year, however, something has gone terribly wrong. About 3 months ago, a group of tomb robbers broke into and looted the Crypt of the Everflame. While this alone would be a tragedy, the robbery had one unintended consequence. When the thieves broke open the sarcophagus containing Asar’s body, his foul spirit stirred from its slumber, rising as a skeletal knight. While most of the tomb robbers escaped, Asar’s bones now wander the halls of the tomb, using evil magic to turn the crypt into a deadly lair. Just before the start of the adventure, the traditional group of pranksters left the town to prepare the crypt, only to be set upon by Asar and his newly risen minions. Unfortunately, no one made it back to town to warn them of the danger.
After giving his thanks, Kassen reaches into his sarcophagus and produces several items, giving them to the PCs with his thanks. After handing out the gifts, he slowly fades from view, returning to his eternal rest.
Treasure: Kassen gives the PCs a bag of holding (type I), a +1 bashing shield, an elemental gem (water), and one scale from his armor for each PC. Kassen explains that these scales will grant them his boon in their hour of need.
The journey back to Kassen is somber and uneventful. Roldare is thrilled to see Dimira again and seems to most (but not all) of his sanity.
When the Pathfinders finally return to Kassen, they find a celebration underway in their honor. Mayor Uptal is there to greet them at the gates, but his joy at their return quickly turns to horror when he finds out what has happened. The news quickly spreads throughout town and the harvest celebration turns melancholy. The folk do not blame the Pathfinders for what happened, and most are rather grateful that this new menace is ended. The grand feast is still held in their honor, but it is not the same as it was in previous years. This year, many are drinking to help forget that they have lost friends and loved ones. Plans are made to return to the crypt and bury the slain townsfolk.
