[PFS]GM Dennis - #7-27 Beyond Azlant Ridge (high tier) (Inactive)

Game Master Dennis Muldoon

Moved my pawn inside the temple...don't know where others want to locate themselves so I let them be. Alos don't see the good professor's pawn anywhere?

Petrok move cautiously into the temple his companions already engaged in conversation with a woman who fit the description of Juliet Diaz. He mummers an ancient prayer for Guidance, before speaking. Professor, I don't mean to sound obnoxious but your aloof behavior seems highly irregular we've been sent to find you because you've been missing for some time and there are many parties concerned for your well being. Now if you don't mind could you please explain in detail, why you have failed to contact anyone about your prolonged absence?

Petrok waits for an explanation while mentally inventorying the spells he had memorized should he need to defend himself and the party if not all is as it appeared. sense motive: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9

I didn't put pawns on the map because I meant it just as a visual reference for you for now. You can assume she is standing near you, chatting.

"Oh now really, we only just got here a few days ago! I'm sorry I haven't had time to send reports, there's just been so much to do! Besides, Voltz knew where we were going, it's not like we just up and disappeared!"

Deciding there was little choice but to take the Professor at her word, and besides her own curiosity was getting the better of her as well, Pethwen changes the tack of the conversation. "Well, we're certainly glad to see that you're okay. So, while we're here, perhaps you can tell us all about what you've found and maybe even give us a tour. I'm sure you're dying to tell someone about it!"

Knowledge Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Molly catches up to the others and looks around the temple, in a spinning motion as she just takes in everything all at once.
"Wow! I've never seen a place like this before! It's so fascinating!"

I didn't put pawns on the map because I meant it just as a visual reference for you for now. You can assume she is standing near you, chatting.

"Oh now really, we only just got here a few days ago! I'm sorry I haven't had time to send reports, there's just been so much to do! Besides, Voltz knew where we were going, it's not like we just up and disappeared!"

Petrok makes sure he steps back from the woman(15') before replying, Then one of you is a liar! He told us you've been gone weeks not days! Just where are the other archaeologist anyway ...there were seven others with you were there not? Where are they now, what happened to them?! Speak woman...I would know the truth! Petrok cast detect magic on the Professor.

sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

"Ah!" Juliet recoils as Petrok shouts and begins casting a spell. She retreats, scampering away through the doorway, trying to find some cover from whatever magic Petrok is using on her (not having any training in Spellcraft, she has no idea that you're casting a harmless spell. Spellcasting in conversation is generally a rather hostile action).

"What do you mean?" she asks from her hiding place around the corner, fear obvious in her voice. "They're right here!" Indeed there are other archeologists in the room*. "Everyone that left Azlant Ridge with me is here except for Arletta, who's sick and sleeping in her tent. And yeah, it might have been more like ten days since we got here, maybe I lost track of time a little, I'm sorry! Please don't hurt me." She cowers on the other side of the wall.

(*in that linked post I said there were six other archaeologists in here with her, but actually there are five. One of them, as Juliet just told you, is sick).

Molly will attempt to calm the situation down.
"You will have to forgive us, Juliet. We have been through a lot these past few days, so you can understand why we may be on our guard."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 5 + 2 = 18
"My friend Petrok is merely casting a spell for detecting magical presences. We were assaulted outside by a Pyro-hydra on our way up, and the camp was ambushed by the Charau-ka, thus we believe some potential dangers may be at work." She offers a friendly smile. "It is best we remain on guard with all the outlying circumstances, afterall. Supposedly there are dark forces at work within these grounds."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

"Perhaps you could share with us your findings? Or is there any way we can assist the sick archaeologist?" The creepy little doll asks, being as polite as she can possibly be.

Petrok does not relent...nor does he soften his tone a ...There's just something that bothers him about this whole story..Their mission was to rescue this woman and discover the cause. Their first contact told of stories that she had been gone for weeks and now she has reduced it to days feigning that she lost track of time? Perhaps perhaps she was telling the truth but what of the attacks? The strange lights what of these things...this woman acts as if nothing happened and she just kinda let time slip by while the base camp had been under repeated assault from 4 armed gorilla's, ape men, and monkey swarms?....unlikely...she's hiding something and Petrok was going to get to the bottom of it!

Woman ..! Juliet! Come out from behind that rock now! Petrok turns to the others while readying his crossbow. Pointing to the other archaeologist, You all stay right where your at until we get to the bottom of this and have some satisfactory answers! Petrok hefts his crossbow to his shoulder as if to make a point. He turns to his companions and pleads, The story makes no sense! Their base camp has been under attack by monsters ape creatures for weeks! And her disappearance has been reported likewise! Think on it we were sent here to rescue her from our own venture Captain and she acts like she just lost track of time? With no mention of investigation of strange lights and golems coming to life?! No she and her fellow scientist have just been here these last few days with no worries while chaos ensued at the main camp they remain un-touched? Petrok spits in disbelieving disgust...No with the Aspus consortium being such a player in these parts...perhaps this bird has more to sing...Is that right Juliet?! Petrok is not sure if the heat of the jungle had gotten him so addled and paranoid or if he had drunk some bad water...whatever the case..he wasn't in the mood for lies.

Petrok takes his finger off the crossbow trigger and reaches down to his belt pouch for a bit of bat guano..the material component for one of his favorite spells, You best be coming out from behind that rock now Missy, my crossbow bolt may not find away around that stone but sure as the sun rises I can drop a fireball right on top of you. Petrok is barely bluffing...one hostile act from either Juliet or the other archaeologist and he'll let a readied fireball fly strait the woman being careful not catch his allies in the blast. Petrok never ceases concentration on his detect magic while talking...instead of focusing on Juliet hidden behind the stone..he turns his attention to the other archaeologist to see if they had magic auras present. By the way woman I know there is something magic either on your person or cast on you! Is that why you ran behind the Stone!? Petrok screams as a challenge to her legitimacy.
I assume that a pointed loaded crossbow and the threat of being fire-balled is enough to give me some bonus on the intimidate check..(what that might be I don't know) I'd also like any of my companions that support my suspicion to jump in support my intimidate with an aid another if possible.

intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Bolty spits, and nervously keeps an eye on the path behind them while the interrogation evolves.

"What in the blazes do you think you're doing, Petrok? What's gotten into you?"

The Captain steps in between Juliet and his ally's crossbow.

"Our mission is to rescue and protect these noble scholars, not threaten them!"

The rest of the archaeologists duck for their own cover as Petrok waves his crossbow around. Clearly, these are researchers, not combatants.

"What? I ran behind the wall because you threatened me and were casting some sort of spell on me, you psycho!" Diaz shouts. "Please, put the weapons down and let's talk like civilized Pathfinders!"

Pethwen also turns to Petrok. "That is enough!" Her powerful voice rings out like a slap on a metal cymbal. "Yes, this is strange, but let's stay calm and get to the bottom of this shall we...together as fellow Pathfinders!"

With a deep breath, the cleric then repeats her words that seemed to have been lost in the recent turn of events. "As I said, we're certainly glad to see that you're okay. So, while we're here, perhaps you can tell us all about what you've found and maybe even give us a tour. You seemed excited about your finds. I'm sure you're dying to tell someone about it!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

Pethwen, while using soothing words does not drop her weapon. Instead she ignores the strange request, leaving her bow sheathed on her back for the moment.

Molly catches up to Pethwen and says "Indeed! Also that other researcher is still looking rather ill. We should probably tend to him sooner than later. Can you tell us when he got hurt and what happened?"
Diplomacy Aid Pethwen: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Aid Successful. Add +4 to Pethwen's Diplomacy.

Halfling Luck! Sense Motive on Juliet: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Well that Sense Motive failed. Anyone else want to try it with a better Wisdom score? :3
It never hurts to Sense Motive! :D

Phosdlon moves in closer to the doorway so he can see Juliet a little better..."Come on out so we can take a look at all of you. My name is Phosdlon and I am a warpriest of Yuelra. I can help any who are not feeling quite themselves."

Diplomacy(Untrained; Aid Another): 1d20 ⇒ 11
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

In case I can get a closer look...

Heal: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Haunted Molly, you have not seen the ill researcher. You were told she was sleeping in her tent, and you haven't seen any tents yet. Looking through the open door, you don't see anyone, aside from Juliet as she looks out from behind the wall.

The researchers peek out from behind cover, as Juliet slowly emerges from behind the wall. They all look nervously at Petrok. "Look, we got off to a bad start. Why don't you ask me what you want to know, and I'll do my best to answer."

Bolty asks the obvious "Where are the tents?"

"A valid point. Where are the tents?" Molly asks, now confused and more curious than ever. "Juliet, do not tell me you have been sleeping inside here all this time without proper protection from insects and vermin!" Molly gives a scolding wag of her finger and makes three tsk sounds.
"That is the fastest way to catch a cold, young lady!"
Molly is clearly disappointed in her disregard in personal hygiene or proper care!

Petrok frustrated drops the concentration on his detect magic spell and drops his crossbow to his side, Companions I've not the skill to determine what type of magic is on these individuals but I assure you a moderately powerful enchantment has been placed on all them...of what type ...well as to that I've never been formally schooled in such things rather letting the spirits guide my skill with the arts. Petrok does not put away the bat guanno instead holding it case the archaeologist suddenly turned on him or his party members. (readied action fireball at any out break of hostilities)

Petrok instead sighs and says, I've stated my case, their story makes no sense. I'm reluctant to trust anything they say until they prove their sincerity. Petrok eyes each of the scientist in turn studying them carefully but never closer than 15' from any one of them.
perception: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 20

FYI Petrok is basically admitting he knows detect magic but not knowledge arcana...

Pethwen turns to Petrok and gives him a subtle nod, suggesting she agrees with his feelings but then turns back to the woman. "Yes, we did get off to a bad start, but I'm glad you are now happy to talk. So, perhaps now you'd like to tell us what you've found in the site? You said you've been here 10 days and that it was fascinating. Please tell us what you've discovered so far. I for one am very excited to hear what you've seen?"

Third time lucky, maybe? :)

Hearing Petrok's more reasoned response (and trusting his companions in the absence of any of his own magical ability), Cap suggests everyone calm down and go through the story the archaeologists tell. He'll be paying close attention to the details.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

"The tents? Oh, they're right over there, on the other side of the raised sphere balcony." She points to the far end of the room, through the passageway next to the raised balcony containing the sphere. Beyond, you can see a table and some sheets of canvas, though most of the area is obscured by the wall. They're actually uncovered on the map, though it's not obvious that's what they are.

"As for what we've found, it's really quite fascinating! This seems to be some sort of ancient cyclopean observatory. The mosaics alone could take years of study, and obviously there's the ivory sphere up there, though I'd be careful around that--we think touching that is what made Arletta sick. There's a beautiful fountain just through the door, and some closed rooms we haven't even accessed yet. One of them seems to be filled with a sort of supernatural darkness, so we haven't even tried to venture into that one yet (marked with a dark box on the map)."

"You're welcome to look around if you'd like, just please don't disturb any of the work we've already begun. Oh, and if you find any glowing disks, please bring them to me."

"Glowing Disks?"

"Oh yes, we've found two glowing stone disks! They're quite heavy, and each glowed, though they glowed differently. I'm hoping there are more of them in here somewhere, as well."

Petrok ushers his companions to huddle when everyone has gathered he says in a whisper ,Do you think it safe to explore? Should one of us stay and keep an eye on them? Strange magics here and their story doesn't add up...does anyone have truth detecting magic or at least the ability to sense magic and see what kind of spell or effect these archaeologist have been exposed to?

"How strange! Can you show us these disks, so we know what to look for?"

"They're about two feet in diameter, and quite heavy. I'm afraid we've already deposited the two we've found in to the central chamber for safe-keeping, or I'd show you."

"Is the central chamber not safe? Can we go take a look at them?"

More excuses - I'm starting to think Petrok's story is more and more reasonable...

"The central chamber is all sealed up; we haven't gotten in, yet." Diaz explains over the rhythmic pounding sound that has continued since you entered. "There's a crack in the wall, though, big enough to slip the disks through. We put the ones we had in so that they can be protected by the Starwatcher Spirit inside."

"You said they're two feet in diameter, and the crack was large enough to get them through? Well then, we should be able to open that enough. What's a Starwatcher Spirit?"

Captain Absalom straps on his Adamantium shield and makes to go widen the crack.

Bluff: 1d20 ⇒ 4

His very slow movements and constant checking of Juliet's face probably gives away that he isn't very serious about it.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 Finally!

"Did this Starwatcher Spirit ask you to put the disks in there? What exactly are these disks. Professor, are you sure you're feeling alright?" the Captain peers at her intently, now convinced that something is interfering with the Dr. Juliet's mind.

"Oh, they're two feet in diameter, but they're only a few inches thick. The crack is barely big enough to look into." She winces at the idea of you damaging the walls of this ancient site. "The Starwatcher Spirit is...well, I'm not exactly sure. I believe it's some sort of benevolent essence tied to this place, a loci spirit, if you will. It seems to be the protector of this place. It lives inside that sealed central chamber. It asked us to put the disks in there so that it can protect them."

"Why yes, I'm feeling fine, why do you ask? It was Arletta that's not feeling well, the rest of us are healthy."

Petrok murmurs quietly beyond ear reach of the archeologists,Pethwen you mentioned something about ghola something and Cyclopes...and I remember very well what the Venture Captain told us: “As for the light, I know nothing more than Juliet put in her note. However, there is a large ivory sphere at Azlant Ridge that started glowing six years ago, when an Abyss-touched monster attacked that site. It ceased glowing once the monster was defeated, and hasn’t activated since.”

Whatever this force is , that’s compelling the archeological team to reactivate whatever power breeds at this site.... I doubt it’s benevolent... I know in my heart even if I can’t prove it these people are enspelled, enslaved, or worse! We need to secure these individuals so they cannot hurt themselves or anyone else! Then we can proceed to investigate the Ruins ourselves! Petrok is quite animated in his conviction.

Bolty shrugs at Petrok "Ya, sometin' ain't right here. Let's check out the sick one."

Molly quickly makes her way to the tents, and peeks around to see who may be nearby them.

Phosdlon moves to the tents as well to examine Arletta. "Arletta...my name is Phosdlon, and I am a warpriest of Yuelral. My friends and I are Pathfinders. May I examine you?

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 14
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Heal check vs. Arletta: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Within the room beyond sphere, similarly open to the sky, is a tidy camp consisting of six tents. A few sheets of canvas stretched between rivets in the wall provide shade to a table and chairs. An opening leads to the west and a solid stone door leads north. Inexpertly hiding among the tents is a human woman, who you might suspect is Arletta. "Shh!" She beckons you out of sight of the other archaeologists, then turns on you with a suspicious scowl. "Tell me, what do you think of snakes?"

Why did it have to be snakes...

"Snakes? Are the Aspis here!?"

Petrok stands just outside the tent Cpt Absalom, Phosdlon and Haunted Molly Molly have entered when he here's the captain erupt..

Snakes? Are the Aspis here!?"

Petrok immediately looks around perception: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 2 = 17 and draws his blade in nervous tension. I don't be liking this! Let's just tie them all up! Then investigate the temple ourselves!

Petork looks over to Bolty standing next to him realizing he's let his nerves get to him by saying too much... Er what I mean... Petrok lets the last part trail off as the serious looking archer's stern gaze turns away from him intent on his post of keeping watch. Keep it together..the spirits are frayed and wild in this place Petrok...don't let the chaos ensnare you!

"No, something worse." Arletta peers at you suspiciously, hesitant to say more.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Molly is now just rather confused.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

"As I mentioned before, there is no need to worry about my group. We are here to help. What is going on?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Ack...someone Aid that sad roll, please.

Petrok is outside the tent so he’s not part of the conversation... otherwise I’d aid with sense motive and diplomacy checks..

"Please, it is as my friends say. We are here to help find out if you and your group were okay. Juliet and the others are behaving strangely. Can you tell us what has really happened here. We'll do what we can to get everyone back home safely." Pethwen joins the group near the tents.

Sorry for absence last couple of days. Busy time of year.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

"You see it too!" She seems to relax a bit. "Good, that means the so-called "Starwatcher Spirit" hasn't gotten to you yet! I had been under its scheming sway, but when I brushed up against that ivory sphere, the dust seemed to dispel the effect. If I were you, I'd stay away from that crack in the wall--I think it was when we looked into it that we came under the thing's sway. Then that thing convinced Juliet to put the discs in? Nuh-uh, not this one, anyway." She clutches protectively at her satchel. "I don't want to know what happens when that thing gets its hands on all these discs." She glances nervously toward the source of the pounding. "I'm worried we may find out anyway if that stupid monolith succeeds in breaking into the central chamber."

Molly sees the concern of her and looks over to Petrok. "At least someone kept up suspicions. Good thing, too. What can we do about this?" Thinking about boiling a cup of tea for the Shaman later.

Petrok impatient with waiting peaks his head inside the tent and says to Pethwen, Haunted Molly, and Phosdlon, Bolty and I have seen no trouble yet ...but this place is ready to explode! What ever we're going to do decide now ...cause I got a bad feeling if we stay here too long talking...something really bad going to happen! Petrok is completely necrotic at this point...blank faced people talk of strange powers and ancient Gods has the usually grounded Shaman on shaky ground.

"Well, the effect ended on me when I touched that sphere...or maybe it was the dust that's all over it? I don't know!" She seems very stressed. "At least that...thing isn't making them hostile or violent. You probably have time to look around a little. Maybe you'll find something that can help?"

Petrok looks at the woman and relaxes a bit, Yeah, yeah maybe we ought to just look around...How bout' it people? Let's have a look around we don't find nothing, we just grab Juliet bundle her up and return her to the VC agreed?! a bit of desperation creeps back into Petrok voice then he sees the sick lady staring wide eyed at him.. You can come along too...I don't think you'll need to be encouraged much!

Bolty nods "Even a peaceful bop and tie up can go south in a hurry, lets save that option for only if we need it."

Captain Absalom suggests that the group investigate this strange orb, and that Arletta stay with them for safety.

Petrok agrees with Captain Absalom but ask, Madame, I think it would be best for you to come with us and surrender the disk to this brawny fellow here Petrok indicated Captain Absalom. It’s for your own safety, I don’t think it wise to leave you or the disk here. diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16