GM Picatrix |
@Edmund no creatures in your sight matched your bane, sorry. You can retcon as not having shot at a downed target though, sure. @Tiki I had to look up damaging objects for the first time in a while; you definitely smashed his bow!
Kiti plows his bladed tusks brutally into the archer, who subsequently falls limp. Tiki, for good measure, smashes his weapon. Rose’s arrow misses the figure on the ridge because he fell prone at the last second. heal check Screech: 1d20 ⇒ 11 Screech isn't sure if the man is dead yet but he's definitely bleeding all over.
out of initiative! What would everyone like to do?
Kije |
Kije turns back to Valais. "Sorry about the ruckus - are you alright?" he asks.
Enora - Iconic character |
”Let us stabilise everybody and find out what the he** the reason for this attack was!“ Enora says with some anger in her voice.
”Edmund, are you hurt? Listen, I just remembered where I know you from. Didn’t you recently fight against House Thrune somewhere in Cheliax?! I heard stories but you seem to have made an impression! Didn’t know the society would be interested in rebellions!?“ she says with a sly smile.
Tiki. |
Tiki casts stabilize on the archer that he just felled.
Edmund DeCarth |
GM, I will take that retcon and not fire. Sorry for all the confusion in this battle. I will do my best to be less 'needy' as we move forward with the story
Edmund turns to the halfing surprised. "No, M'am- not a scratch. But yes, I found myself in Kintargo by accident and ended up in a rebellion of sorts. Keep meaning to make it back there, but its a pretty good hike on back. I owe a lot of who I've become to those folks though....". Edmunds tone is reserved compared to before- as if the close brush with death reminded him of his own frailty.
In the same demeanor, he approaches Izabela
"Thank you... for back there. I recognize you need'nt have done that- and that you put yerself at risk on my behalf.". There is a moment of awkward silence as you see, potentially for the first time, the uncomfortable 19 year old boy behind the facade.
Edmund uses a spark of magic to stabilize the caster who nearly killed him, and then settles his attention on the creature in front of him. His eyes flash with a dull purple light, as Desna's vision shifts through him- and then he steps forward to examine the fallen priest. Cast Stabilize, then Cast "Detect Evil" per the inquisitor detect alignment (sp) skill. If the creature doesn't detect as evil, he will change focus to "good"
Kissan the Jag |
The black cat follows Edmund over and, sensing her master's tone, settles in quietly at Izabela's feet. Her tail still, she lowers her head- resting her chin on top of her front paws.
Izabela |
Izabela grabs Edmund by the collar of his shirt and pulls him tantalizingly close. She moves her mouth close to his ear and whispers.
She then kisses Edmund on the cheek and forcefully shoves him to the ground. Without another word, Izabela turns heel, heading up toward the building.
GM Picatrix |
The unconscious but stable man near Edmund indeed detects as evil. He also has several magic items on his person. Enora can use Read Magic to determine there is a scroll of Break Enchantment (CL11) and a scroll of Remove Fear (CL8).
The unconscious/stable archer’s magic items include:
Finally, the remaining cultist on the ridge has a scroll of Glitterdust and a cloak.
What would everyone like to do?
jowie |
Rose will go over to the pile and pick up each item, one at a time. She spends about a minute each and then sets them down, after she's done each item, "Well, let me tell you a little about each of those items."
Enora - Iconic character |
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35
Spellcraft : 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
only missed the armor DC
”Hey, lots of magic items here! Listen... “ she tells you all what the items do.
Kije |
Spellcraft DC 21: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Spellcraft DC 20: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Spellcraft DC 23: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Spellcraft DC 21: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Spellcraft DC 18: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Spellcraft DC 16: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Spellcraft DC 20: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
Kije inspects the armor that is vexing Enora, then whistles. "I don't know that I've ever seen angelskin armor before," he says slowly, "but it's not something most nice folks would wear. This looks like studded leather, with probably two enchantments to increase protection from being hit. Similar enchantments on that light steel shield."
He then turns to the group. "This one," he taps the unconscious archer with his foot, "said something about the 'faithful of Laktharis', which I believe is the name Valais was remembering." He looks to her for confirmation before continuing. "If this is not the place Valais is seeking, perhaps one of these two would know more." He pauses to think, then finishes with, "All in all, I'd prefer to start with this one." He taps the archer again with his foot.
Kije is willing to loan his wand to bring the paladin archer back to consciousness. If nobody will use it for him, he can UMD (will roll later if needed).
Tiki. |
Tiki uses his own wand to work on bringing the paladin around.
Tiki will stop as soon as the paladin regains consciousness.
Cure Light: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Cure Light: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Cure Light: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Cure Light: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Cure Light: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Edmund DeCarth |
Edmund picks himself up off the ground on to one knee and brushes the dirty off of his cloak and face. Kissan jumps to his side and lays a quick lick on his face, which Edmund immediately rubs off. "Thanks buddy. At least I always have you, don't I" he whispers to her while he tussles her fur.
Standing the rest of the way, he goes over and inspects the summoner. Leaving the magic items to ones more capable, he focuses his eyes on the captives soul. Evil. Before reviving the the summoner, Edmund turns back towards the rest of the party, carefully avoiding eye contact with Izabela. "This one here is evil. Ain't sure why a Paladin is running around with evil folk, but sure seems strange to me. I'm thinking we leave him like this till we get the full story from the other one- though I am guessing this damned angelskin leathers got something to do with it."
"I wouldn't be minding those arrows, if others ain't got a use fer em. I could probably use that there cloak as well- but only if'n someone else aint got a bigger need"
Edmund has a cloak of resistance +1, so the +2 would be a nifty upgrade
Rhosalth “Rose” Shadowblade |
"Edmund, every God has warriors that are so dedicated to them that they bless them with some of their divine power. Even those who are Evil do that, not just those aligned to the Light. Myself, even though I am what people call a Paladin, my God, Apsu grants be access to some of his power, but it is not Divine in nature. Dragons are Magic, I mean actually MAGIC. So the blessing of power that Apsu grants me is different than most Paladins. You see, my magic is Arcane in nature, so I don't have much access to restorative magic I've seen other Paladins use. That's a warning to everyone that my healing abilities are very limited.
As an extra note though, Screech has about a 50/50/90 chance of making a wand work, he also knows which of my wands to use on me and which to use on pretty much anyone else. So everyone else knows, the one with the yellow ribbon is for most everyone and the one with the black ribbon is for use on me."
From Screech, comes a long series of what might be words, but not in common. Rose Glares at Screech for a moment.
GM Picatrix |
After just one charge of Tiki’s wand, the archer regains consciousness. He looks momentarily startled to be awake with Tiki and Kiti standing over him. His expression snarls into anger. ”Foul demon-friends! What is the meaning of this?!”
Enora - Iconic character |
Enora steps forward.
"I am really sorry that it came to a fight but please be assured that we are Pathfinders and thus mean you no harm! We are just passing through this area." Enora states.
Diplomacy aid, if successful +4 due to 'helpful' trait: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Kije |
"Hmm," Kije says, then mutters something before concentrating on the archer. "Is he under a charm or a similar effect?"
Kije uses detect magic on the archer. Assuming we have time, he'll focus for 3 rounds to see what kinds of auras he currently has on him. If needed, GM can roll Knowledge (arcana) checks for me.
The fiery sorcerer turns to Izabela. "Would you like to talk some sense into him? Gently? He at least seems to know about this Laktharis we're looking for."
Diplomacy to Aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Edmund DeCarth |
As the archer comes back to consciousness, Edmund shifts is attention to the now awake humanoid.
Detect Evil, at will.
He stays mostly silent, waiting until others have addressed the revived threat. He relaxes the tension on the bow, but does not set it down completely.
"I told you we were just passing through- true as desna, that was"
Diplomacy, to Aid: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Unless someone says different, Edmund is going to take the +2 cloak and bane arrows.
Izabela |
Sorry guys, life hit me in the gut due to...let’s say “personal circumstances” and leave it at that.
Izabela places a hand on Kije’s shoulder to stop his spellcasting.
”Let’s not scare him more.”
The Calistrian kneels down next to the scared man, positioning her torso in a natural way so that he has full view of her ahem “endowment.”
”We’re not demon-friends, quite the opposite. Now why don’t you stand up and help us by telling us what’s going on here?”
Diplomacy w/2 aids: 1d20 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 15 + 4 = 29 +4 if he could be sexually attracted to her
”How astute of you, but before you point fingers you should know that this woman is the victim of a madman’s experimentations and in fact not a demon.”
GM Picatrix |
The archer looks back and forth at the Pathfinders surrounding him, obviously confused. Izabella dissuades Kije from casting a spell for now, and after her gentle words, the archer starts to relax noticeably.
”Pathfinders? I...don’t understand… What are you doing here? This is a sacred site, and it is my sworn duty to protect these people and help them recover their ancestral lands!”
Enora - Iconic character |
”I do not believe that would interfere with your mission. Our companion Valais was disfigured by a demon worshiper and we are trying to find a cure for her affliction!“ Enora says calmly.
GM Picatrix |
”I helped the Sarkorian cultists travel here. It is my responsibility to see them settled safely. I admit I know next to nothing of their god Laktharis but I respect their beliefs. I was keeping watch here while they excavate their god’s temple. I believe by allowing them to reclaim and resettle this land they will be crucial in finally putting an end to this blight.”
The paladin looks over, obviously startled, as Valais finally speaks up from beneath her hood. "I have been having strange dreams, NIGHTMARES, of this ... Laktharis."
Pacing around the ruins, tracing her foot around the newly-excavated earth, Valais says, ”Here. We must go down into this WRETCHED, TAINTED earth.”
Izabela |
Izabela, dumbstruck at Valais’s comment, just stares at the woman.
”You want us to dig?”
Tiki. |
Tiki retrieves his lance and then joins the others.
"I don't think we brought any digging tools."
Edmund DeCarth |
Edmund looks at the paladin uneasily, hesitant to say much after the happenings of the past several minutes. After a brief moment of silence he bursts into a question:
"I don't mean much to pry, but how can a paladin type provide aid to a cult and a God they know nothing about? That one over there" as he gestures towards the other unconscious combatant. "He's wearing angel skin armor to hide the taint of evil about him. Pardon me for doubting- but I'm not thinking that the way to end a blight is to be running around and raising temples to God's we don't understand or know..."
His eyes dart around to others in the group, clearly looking for someone else that might agree with his observation. He appears quite meek, having been humbled by the circumstances of the previous battle.
Kissan the Jag |
While the humans talk, Kissan pads around the edge of the temple- never out of eyesight of Edmund. She sniffs and claws through the dirty, attempting to better understand her environment.
After contenting herself about the safety of the immediate area, she trots over to the fallen caster- who summoned the beast- and crouches down, ready to defend should the creature rise from its state.
Nasty place here. Hoomans leave sick smell. Fire. Dirt. Blood.
Perception, Trick: Detect: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 +8 scent
jowie |
"Even the most pure of souls can be fooled by those who wish to use the nature of the person against themselves.
Would you agree to letting me touch your armor?" Will try to get a glimpse from the item with Occultist powers to see if the archer is telling the truth and not concealing their darkness with the angel skin armor.
As to Valais' demand we go down, there are few cities that are without their own warrens beneath the Cities foundation. I suggest we search for an entrance into the undercity. I find shining light into the darkness usually causes those who wish to use evil to run back to where they came from.
GM Picatrix |
Responding to Edmund, the paladin says, ”What? No, that can’t be…” But the Pathfinders are able eventually to convince her that the cultist is (was) indeed evil and wearing angelskin armor. The paladin consents to letting Rhosalith and any others examine her armor, use detect evil, and anything else. She eventually introduces herself as Shyael. She’s quite distraught to learn that she had the wrong idea about the cultists. ”I … can’t believe this. I thought I was doing the right thing.” She hangs her head in shame.
Valais looks Izabella in the eyes with an unblinking expression of grave seriousness. ”Yes. Whatever’s been calling out to me is here. Right here below us. And time is of the essence.”
I’m gonna fast forward a bit just to keep the adventure moving.
After Shyael learns of why the Pathfinders are here, she says, ”The least I can do now is to aid your mission.” There are plenty of picks and shovels about, and Shyael gets to work digging. Valais continues to insist it’s very urgent. After digging for for 2 hours…
An earthen tunnel leads to an elaborate door, shaped like an open mouth baring jagged fangs. The surface of the door is smooth except for six dials, each surrounded by spiked runes. see handout and updated map here
jowie |
Rose sets Screech to helping dig the tunnel, and then she steps in next to the other Paladin and while they are digging the hole, will try to rebuild her self-confidence. "Hello Shyael, let me introduce myself while we work. I am The Lady Rhosalith Shadowblade of House Arpador of Taldor, but I'd rather be known as a Devoted follower of and Holy Warrior of my Patron, Apsu the Maker of All, the Creator of the Original Deities.
Back before I was saved by my first teacher, I had been one of those who believed I too was doing the right thing. I'd been soul wounded and was subsisting on the edge of society.
My eyes were opened to the realities of the World and eventually I was also introduced to Apsu through my teachers eyes. I am certain, in fact I'm positive when next you pray for your daily devotions, ask for the ability to forgive yourself and whomever it is you are devoted to, is certain to grant you their forgiveness thus allowing you to do the same."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Did Rose pick up any useful information about the wearer of the Angelskin Armor?
"I hope none of you mind if I make sure this unholy armor is properly disposed of. I know a couple of other Pathfinder that will assist me in making sure this is blessed and taken care of, so it can never again be used to fool anyone ever again."
Looking at the rune and symbols on the door by the dials, Rose wracks her brain trying to recall any of the languages she has been exposed to.
Linguistics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Rose stands there and draws a total blank, "I thought I was pretty good with languages, but I got nothing I can remember with these symbols. Sorry everyone.
Screech says something in Draconic and the end sounds like barking.
"Screech, next time I get you a lamb, I'll be sure to get a fresh one....and have them leave the wool on it and I won't pull it out when it gets stuck in between your teeth either."
Screech stops his barking laughter and tries to do one of those sad puppy-dog eye looks you see dogs give when they know they're in trouble.....
Edmund DeCarth |
Linguistics, trained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
"I didn't get much formal schooling- but these appear to be Abyssal in origin. Not that I can tell you much more than that, though."
Through some manual labor, and the interactions with the Paladin- some of Edmund's confidence is slowly returning. Still though, he mostly works quietly allowing the others to chat and discuss the future plans.
Enora - Iconic character |
"I am sorry I can't really help with digging but I am still not really sure what we are looking for!? I mean if this 'Laktharis' is down there then ... isn't that dangerous? I mean he is a god, right?" Enora asks timidly.
Kije |
As the group examines the door, Kije pulls out a scrap of parchment and starts copying down what he sees as best he can. "Huh," he mutters, "six dials, five symbols each, thirty all together. Are there any duplicates?"
Circling duplicate symbols in matching colors on the handouts.
"So that's 16 unique symbols and 7 pairs of duplicated symbols," he says finally. "Anybody see some meaning in all this?"
Izabela |
I’m just gonna roll this and hope that I don’t meta-game this too much.
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 Nevermind!
Edmund DeCarth |
I don't know how not to meta-game puzzles like this...
Match the color on the side by side dials. Red, Purple, Pink
Kije |
"Hmm..." Kije says as Edmond points out how each paired symbol has its match on an adjacent dial. "Interesting." He draws lines connecting those matches on his notes.
Annotated copy updated.
EDIT: Oh! Idea!
"Look at this," Kije says as he holds the parchment out. "If those dials turned, we could align the paired symbols on the top left with their counterparts on the top right and middle left dials. And if that pattern continues..." he looks up. "Is anyone willing to try turning a dial?"
I'll see if I can annotate what he's thinking in the slides.
EDIT PART TWO! Looks like we could make two "shapes" - the three lines across suggested by Edmund, or an arch shape. See slides for illustrations.
Tiki. |
"I left my tribe rather than learn these accursed symbols, but if you want me to turn the dials, just tell me what to do."
Kije |
Kije shows Tiki the two different "settings" for the dials that he's come up with. "Try getting that top left one in position first," he directs. "This symbol facing down, and that one facing right."
A thought seems to come to Kije's mind. "Hold up. Just in case the worst should happen..." He pulls out a wand and taps himself with it, ponders, then pulls out another wand and taps himself with it as well. "Should have thought of that earlier," he mutters to himself.
Kije uses his wands of mage armor and comprehend languages. If he still gains no meaning from the symbols:
"Alright, try it now," Kije says.
Tiki, since you're the one brave enough to touch the dials I'll defer to you on which "shape" you want to try first. The top two are the same for both shapes, so that might be a good place to start regardless. Rough sketches in the slides.
Tiki. |
Tiki turns the first dial to the indicated position and waits to see what happens.
Rhosalth “Rose” Shadowblade |
Rose would hold her breath, but she just steps back a little and brings Screech with her. She stands ready to Lay on Hands if someone hits the floor unconscious or near death.... (Readied Action)
GM Picatrix |
@Rose you can’t ready actions when you’re not in combat
After considering the runes and dials, thinking, conferring, and discussing, the Pathfinders are noticeably on edge. Tiki steps forward and reaches for one of the dials. As his fingers touch the knob and try to turn it, he notices his hand becomes stuck to it!
Edmund: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18
Enora: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Izabela: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Kije: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22
Rhosalith: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Tiki: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Edmund: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Enora: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Izabela: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Kije: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Rhosalith: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Tiki: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
door: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
As you were all unaware of the dangerous foe, you are surprised. It uses a spell-like ability (spellcraft DC 22 + 1 per 10 feet distance from the creature to identify) and you all need to make a DC 19 WILL save. There are several effects, so we need to resolve these saves before you take any other actions on your turn.
Weakened: The creature's Strength score decreases by STR: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7 points forduration: 2d4 ⇒ (3, 4) = 7 rounds. Save for half.
Paralyzed: The creature is paralyzed and helpless for duration: 1d10 ⇒ 4 minutes. Save reduces the paralyzed effect to 1 round.
--
ROUND 1! THE BOLD MAY ACT!
Edmund
Kije
Tiki (grappled)
Door
Izabela
Enora
Rhosalith
Notes: there’s no light down here but I’m sure you would have had light sources for those without darkvision so just let me know what those would have been.
Enora - Iconic character |
kn dungeoneering: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 Any resistances?
kn planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
"It's a mimic! It is adhesive, holding fast any creatures or items that touch it. Strong alcohol or universal solvent dissolves the adhesive, but the mimic can still grapple!" Enora shouts.
Kije |
Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Kije is paralyzed and weakened for the time being.
I'll roll his spellcraft and knowledge now to get them out of the way. He can't speak, so this is more so I don't forget to do it later.
Spellcraft DC 25: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Edmund DeCarth |
Light source: Torch Ioun Stone
Will Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Edmund stands there, motionless, drooling like an idiot...
Izabela |
Oddly enough, Strength damage doesn’t affect carrying capacity.
Will: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
When faces with darkness Izabela always casts Light on her whip.
GM Picatrix |
OK this thing is CL11, and I see now that i made a mistake with my math. Here are the correct effects to save against based on your level:
Up to level 10: weakened, dazed
Up to level 6: paralyzed, weakened, dazed
Up to level 1: (this is none of you of course)
@Enora its immunities/resistances come from its (knowledge: planes) template. So you don’t know.
--
ROUND 1! THE BOLD MAY ACT!
Edmund (paralyzed 4 minutes, weakened, dazed this round)
Kije (weakened, paralyzed this round)
Tiki (grappled, DC 19 WILL saves needed for himself and Kiti)
Door
Izabela
Enora (DC 19 WILL save needed)
Rhosalith (DC 19 WILL save needed)
Enora - Iconic character |
Will save : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18 +2 if fear effect
GM Picatrix |
@Enora, this is not a fear effect. Your failed save means you are dazed 1 round, and your STR score decreases by 7 points for 7 rounds)
--
ROUND 1! THE BOLD MAY ACT!
Edmund (paralyzed 4 minutes, weakened, dazed this round)
Kije (weakened, paralyzed this round)
Tiki (grappled, DC 19 WILL saves needed for himself and Kiti)
Door
Izabela
Enora (dazed this round, weakened)
Rhosalith (DC 19 WILL save needed)
Tiki. |
WILL: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Rhosalth “Rose” Shadowblade |
Will Save: 1d8 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Dazed, Weakened (unless Disease then Immune (Paladin Divine Health))
Screech Will Save: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
Dazed, Weakened