Retrocon Elinnea's Legacy of the Stonelords (Inactive)

Game Master Elinnea

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A well armed dwarf bearing a kongaxe enters the room "Balin here

Yanda reports for duty.

Thadeaus Grimm at your service!

Having received the summons from the Decemvirate, you have made your way to the northwestern Worldwound, specifically to the grand cathedral of the Sky Citadel of Jormurdun. A massive expedition is about to be undertaken, led by Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine, and you are to be a part of it. Pathfinder agents of all races slowly drift into the cathedral and gather in small groups, conversing in subdued voices. You might recognize a face here or there. Newly confirmed agents mingle with some of the society’s most experienced heroes.

The entry hall itself is immense, with a vaulted ceiling that soars 60 feet overhead. Large alcoves to the north and south feature grand staircases, one ascending to unseen rooms and the second plunging deeper into the bowels of the mountain. Pathfinders have lit torches on the raised platforms, and a series of cleverly placed mirrors fixed high on the columns reflect the sunlight from the entrance to illuminate the center of the chamber. Even worn by the ravages of time, the ingenious lighting, expertly carved runes, impressive statues, and images on the walls are testimony to the engineering mastery of those ancient dwarves who called this place home.

I’ve added the map for the grand cathedral to the slides. It really is huge. You can stand together as a group anywhere for the briefing (just drop your token or some marker on the map where you wish to gather). For now you can roleplay arriving and introducing yourselves. We won’t start in earnest until the 14th.

A lithe tengu, fidgeting with the Wayfinder hanging from a chain around his neck introduces himself as Kahwen. He's working the catch, flicking the lid open then sealing it with a satisfying snap again and again with one hand. Each time it opens, not only the expected light emanates from the device, but also a soothing song.

He moves with swift, sure movements that only reinforce his bird-like appearance. Despite the legends and views that go with the particular bird he resembles, he proves jovial and friendly and as the group walks to the Worldwound, he moves along with a bobbing pace that resembles a wren more than a raven.

The sword he wears strapped across his back that is almost as long as he is tall and that he handles with all too much familiarity and grace, the other weapons scattered around his body and the dull glint of fine mail under his clothes suggest that he is not always sunny and happy.

Along the way, his travelling companions will learn his life story - grew up in the Shackles, learned sword play by watching a drunken elf, swiped a sword, got shanghaied by pirates to be a jinx eater, literally jumped ship at Absalom and joined the Pathfinders, saved an Elemental Lord, traveled all over Golarion to stop an extraplanar invasion, participated in the Fleshfiend Siege, stops in Bloodcove and back at the Shackles...you know, the usual Pathfinder life.

All his stories are told with more enthusiasm than skill, and generally focus on how well his companions did, his own participation rarely mentioned.

When they finally get to the Dwarven Stronghold, he does not get far. The wonder of the place is overwhelming and he stops to stare and study an enormous statue that stands almost at the entrance.

"Look at this glorious work, Companions! Do you think there's more of this further down? And look over there! What's that?"

Firewarden Yanda is a slim Sylph who looks likely to blow away in a strong breeze. She is too skinny and bony to be attractive, her features rigid and at attention, her posture erect and also stiff. She is plainly dressed, except for the mithral shirt that gleams from beneath her clothing and the belt lined with various vials. Though in present company she hardly stands out. She waits patiently for the session to begin, while critically examining the room with an eye towards exits and fire hazards.

The undine looked around the grand hall, wondering where they hid the library. He’d feel much more at home there than where he was now. ”Ah, the Paracountess got me again. Why won’t she just let me do my job cataloguing our finds, he thought to himself.

He listened quietly as the tengu kept prattling on about all his group’s adventures, trying not to roll his eyes. ”Well, Hopefully this mission will be much less exciting. It’d be welcome if we could just translate some ancient works. Sitting in a cool library, just copying ancient texts...that’d be glorious.”

He wore no armor and had a sickly aquatic blue hue to his skin tone. He didn’t have much else to say, waiting on the update from the Master of Scrolls.

"Ah heard that someone needed a dwarf on this mission. Valsin is a smart laddie. Balin Fireforge here"

A tall, fair haired, man walks around the area, his blue eyes constantly moving behind a pair of wire framed glasses to this or that feature in the huge room. His clothes while well made, look to be a bit thread bare at the edges, and you can just catch the click of steel links on one another if he moves to quickly avoid another Pathfinder who had inexplicably stopped in the entry way!

He excuses himself with a slight bow muttering, "Thadeaus Grimm at your service" while he quickly catalogues the Tengus' face then enters the huge cathedral, his gaze moving back to one remarkable sight after another. Once or twice you may notice him take out a sketch book and begin furiously scribbling or drawing with quick, practiced strokes.

He listened quietly as the tengu kept prattling on about all his group’s adventures, trying not to roll his eyes. ”Well, Hopefully this mission will be much less exciting. It’d be welcome if we could just translate some ancient works. Sitting in a cool library, just copying ancient texts...that’d be glorious.”

"A library full of undead? Or demons? Or magically enchanted sigils? Wait, no that was a museum. I heard about a library that got flooded once but that doesn't sound like a good adventure or a good spot for reading," Kahwen seeks clarification from Ashwell.

He bows to each person when they introduce themselves, bending low at the waist until his torso is parallel to the ground and with one hand over his chest and the other held out parallel to the ground, as well.

"This must be wonderful for you, Friend Balin! One of your people's ancestral homes! So exciting! Like if we went on an adventure to Kwanlai for me," he continues, turning to the dwarf as he arrives and introduces himself.

"A sketchbook! I can't draw, so I have a journal," he says when he spots Thadeaus sketching. He rummages in his pack and pulls out a battered book and shows him the contents. Pages and pages of sharply scrawled words which list out the facts and some observations with very little style.

A voice carries out clearly over the noise of all the Pathfinders gathered in the Great Cathedral. The talk soon dies away, leaving you to hear the announcement. ”Greetings, intrepid Pathfinders! I, Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine, welcome you to the long-lost Sky Citadel of Jormurdun! For the upcoming operation I recommend you work in small teams, so speak with your comrades here, find a place, and check to make sure you have all your gear. I will brief you all momentarily.”

GMs, you may begin running Act I, but do not start Act II. We will move on in about 2 days.

A halfling bounds up to your group, wearing dusty traveling clothes and sporting several vials that clank together on her belt. She looks worn and wrinkles have carved deeply into her face, but at the moment she is almost vibrating with excitement. “Isn’t this wonderful? We’ve finally made it to Jormurdun! I can hardly wait to see what’s in this place. Oh, Giarra’s my name, Giarra Fullen.”

As you’re gathering, you can attempt some knowledge rolls to see what your characters might already know. You can also ask Giarra for information if you have specific questions.

To recall knowledge about dwarven sky citadels:

To recall rumors about the upcoming mission:

To recall information about the demons that inhabit the Worldwound:

To recall details about the deities of the dwarves:

"Aye laddie Jormurdun is truly a legendary place"

Balin tries to remember what he knows.

Know Dun: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Know local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Know history 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Diplomacy 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Know. Planes 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Untriained Know. Religion 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

The undine clears his throat as he lectures the rest of the group who clearly didn’t have his vast knowledge base.

”There were rumored to be ten dwarven skyholds, masterpieces of construction and very heavily fortified. Four of them are lost to history. The only name that survives of them is Koldukar. You had better speak the dwarven tongue to have a way to translate.

There will be demons all about the Worldwound. Need good aligned weapons or cold iron to punch through their defenses. Most of them can resist or are immune to various energy sources. Others are resistant to all magic.”

A tall Varisian woman saunters up fashionably late, chatting with some of the Pathfinders that she passes and flirting with others. Her black hair is cut just above the shoulders, where it mingles with a yellow and black scarf hanging loosely around her neck. A dull black breastplate shields her torso and upper arms , leading to a skirt covered in sashes and scarves around her waist. A whip and holy symbol of the Savored Sting hang jauntily to one side, while a Kapenia-like scarf is prominent on the other side.

Diplomacy(rumors): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Diplomacy(demons): 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 - 2 = 16
Knowledge(Religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

She listens to Ashwell intently before adding, "The grapevine also says that there's something old and powerful hidden here, though securing the site for the archaeologists is equally as important. Probably wise to refresh your memory on dwarven religion too." She gives a wink to Balin, "Good to have one along for this trip."

Kahwen is quite pleased to find someone else who appears to have the same boundless energy he has. He bows to the halfling organizer and bobs faintly up an down when he straightens up.

"It's going to be glorious! Perhaps we will find a great axe. Not a greataxe but an axe that is great with magic. Or a hammer," Kahwen said.

"Or maybe one of Balin's ancestors is buried here. That would be a pretty great find."

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"I'm sure Master Shaine has everything well in hand. Especially with so many Pathfinders to help him. Is there anything that we could not face, together? Does anyone have any cold iron? None of my weapons are made of that material."

Knowledge Dungeoneering, untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Knowledge Religion, untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Yanda has nothing else to add besides her pessimism.

"Hmmmph. Resistant to Energy you say? Not good news for us alchemists. This will be a challenge, but nothing we cannot surmount with good teamwork, I'm sure." She adds the last with almost a challenge in her voice,

She takes meticulous and neat notes, recording what the others provide.

Know History: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Know Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Know Planes: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Know Religion Untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 18

Thadeaus interjects and helps round out the conversation with details he remembers.
He speaks up and says, “I have a cold iron dagger and 50 cold iron bolts I will share!” “I also have 2 cold iron weapon blanches and 2 Holy weapon balms, I don’t leave home without them!”

Giarra smiles brightly when everyone starts sharing what they know, though her expression dims a little when Ashwell brings up the demons. "Ah... I've been in Nerosyan for the last year, helping out the Mendevian Crusaders to hold back invaders from the Worldwound. It feels like I've seen an entire lifetime's worth of demons in that time. I'd be happy if I never saw another one, to tell the truth. But you're right, it wouldn't be strange to run into some even here, and we should be prepared." She sighs and starts to take inventory of her own stock of supplies.

"Aye lassie demons ya say..dinna you have any oils that makes my axe better against demons?"

Thadeaus looks to Balin and extends a small jar, "Here Sir Dwarf, use it if needs must!" Holding out a Holy Weapon balm he smiles and finishes by saying, "If not I'd like it back."

Giarra pauses in searching through her backpack and shakes her head regretfully to Balin. "I'm afraid I don't have any spares. They might have some available though." She points to a few Pathfinders who are wandering the large hall, carrying large sacks full of torches. "Make sure you get a torch to light the way too, if you don't have a light source already. Those tunnels are bound to be dark. We're headed under the mountain, after all!"

You notice that only the central, lower-lying areas are lit by full daylight reflecting off the mirrors. The rest of the cathedral is more dim, especially off to the edges.

The quartermasters are distributing torches for free that you can use during this scenario. You can also buy some basic goods like oils and potions, at normal cost. If you want to do so now is the time.

What is the GP limit on items purchased? And can we use Prestige?

Kahwen speaks the command word to activate the light in his Wayfinder, to demonstrate his preferred light source. He does take one of the torches that are being handed out, though. There's always a chance that a source of fire will come in handy.

"Thank you for the advice and assistance, Friend Giarra!" he says, wandering over to the nearest quartermaster.

In addition to the aforementioned torch, he buys a Holy Weapon oil and an Alchemist's fire. No matter how many times Master Dreng has told him, it seems he always forgets to carry a weapon suited to fighting swarms over minuscule opponents. Not this time!

This is basically a chance to make purchases at the start of a scenario, except it's not a settlement so you only have access to the type of things that a large expedition would have brought along as supplies. I don't have a specific gold limit, but use common sense and don't go on a huge shopping spree. I'm going to say that you may use Prestige. Does that clear it up?

No purchases here. Yanda's only weapon of any usefulness are her bombs and there aren't any enchantments for them other than her own extracts.

Ash is ready!

Balin buys 2 cold iron weapon blanches and a oil of bless weapon.

Sorry...I meant an oil of Bless Weapon, too, not Holy Weapon. This is what I get for trying to do things from memory.

”I require both silence and your attention, if you please! Once more, greetings. I am Kreighton Shaine, Master of Scrolls. It is my pleasure to welcome you to Jormurdun and thank you for the parts so many of you have played in getting us here today. The entirety of a dwarven sky citadel lies before us. It is our unique privilege to explore its halls and be the first to study its millennia-old treasures. If other sky citadels are any reference, Jormurdun is immense and would take a less ambitious expedition years to catalog appropriately. Of course, other expeditions are not deep in the Worldwound, so we do not have the privilege of taking our time. Every day spent here is another day that powerful demons might learn of us and attack. Study what you find, but also take care of any hazards you come across. I can only speculate at what kinds of defenses the former occupants left to protect their city.”

Suddenly, Kreighton looks with alarm to the ceiling of the room and shouts a warning.

”Calistria’s garters, I hate being right about these things. Prepare yourselves!”

Table GMs, you may begin Act 2, but do not go on to Act 3. Please remember to report your successes on the form available in the header of the GM thread.

The moment Shaine begins to speak, Kahwen falls silent. The Master of Scrolls has his full, intense attention for the duration of his speech. He is strangely calm and still despite the ominous nature of the announcement.

He keeps staring even a moment after the warning. He looks up, then, grabbing for the hilt of his sword.

Dozens of ropes fall from the ceiling, dancing in the air until dark-eyed, gray-skinned dwarves, bald headed and bearded, slide down to their dangling ends. The invaders attack with malevolent roars.

Giarra lets out a squeak of surprise and then dashes off further into the cathedral. "You handle those three!" she shouts as she goes.

I've placed the rest of you on the map and zoomed in so it's easier to see.

Round 1 - bold names may act
Thadeaus
Yanda
Balin
Kahwen
Blue
Orange
Red
Ashwell
Esmeralda

Never one to hesitate (or necessarily think about what he's doing), Kahwen rushes at the newcomer dwarves even before their feet hit the ground.
Whipping his sword free as he moves, he narrows his eyes trying to figure out exactly who they might be.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

But he has no idea who they are.

"We just want to look around and we're sorry if this is your home but this is NOT how you greet guests!" he says as he takes a swing at one.

Elven Curve Blade: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Slashing plus Sneak Attack: 1d10 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (8) + 9 + (6, 3) = 26

Know local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

"Aye Kahwen they're gray dwarves...No good buggers!"

Balin attacks the one near him blue

attack power attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

damage: 1d12 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

if blue dies or goes to 0 hp cleave into orange

attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

damage: 1d12 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Under Balin and Kahwen's combined assault the two strange dwarves in front both collapse to the ground, with nearly identical expressions of anger and shock on their faces.

There's only one of the three still up!

Round 1
Thadeaus
Yanda
Balin
Kahwen
Blue
Orange
Red
Ashwell
Esmeralda

Kn Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Thadeaus leaps into action with a quick flick of his wrist a wand materializes in his left hand! He points it at the Duergar and says, "ZINGER" and two motes of glowing force fly unerringly at their target, striking the remaining foe in the face!

Wand Magic Missle 3rdlvl: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 41d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Yanda swiftly pops a vial from her belt with her right hand and splashes a dash of something else into it, and then spits into it. For a brief moment nothing happens but very soon is starts to bubble violently. Moving to a position where she can see the remaining deep dwarf, she lobs the vial at it.

To hit ranged touch: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
damage fire: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 6) + 5 = 13

"Dwarves make excellent targets, wouldn't you say?"

"Well at least those Dwarves, Balin is on our side after all Yanda!" Thadeaus replies with a wink and a smile.

I just realized that the third duergar you're fighting is actually Large but I forgot to make his token a different size from the others. Sorry about that! I'll be more careful in future.

Thadeaus sends magical bolts whizzing into the duergar's chest, and Yanda shatters a bubbling vial all over his neck. He roars in pain and spits out what sounds like a curse, but manages to stay upright. He then glares directly at Balin and growls out a short phrase.

The duergar hefts an impressive warhammer and lifts it into the air to bring it down on Balin.

Attack, enmity + power attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 1 - 1 = 23
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5, 6) + 3 + 2 = 16

Round 1
Thadeaus
Yanda
Balin (-16)
Kahwen
Red (-18)
Ashwell
Esmeralda

Ash picks up a piece of rubble with his mind and flings it at the dwarf.

Ranged attack into melee 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 3 - 4 = 15
Damage 1d6 ⇒ 1

Esmeralda smirks at the initial dismantling of half of the combatants in front of them, before frowning at the hammering that Balin unfortunately takes. "Oh no no, Big boy ," she playfully admonishes the remaining opponent, "This isn't going to be that easy." For a second, she hops up onto the balls of her feet, adding a jaunty bounce to her stance before moving into action.

As she dives forward, the Calistrian priestess unfurls the largest scarf from her waist, revealing row upon row of fine razors sewn into the fabric. While her intent seems to strike at the dwarf with those, instead, she swings the cloth high, intent on wrapping his weapon arm and face with the bladed scarf.

Swift action - begin Kitsune Style
Move(With drawing weapon)
Standard action - Dirty Trick on Red. Considering I'm using my bladed scarf for the Combat Maneuver, I added my Weapon Focus to the roll. If you feel that's not applicable, feel free to remove the +1. If successful, apply the Blinded and Entangled conditions to Red.

Dirty Trick(WF): 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 10 + 1 = 18

The duergar has reach, so he gets an attack of opportunity on Esmeralda for moving up to him. Let me know if you have anything to prevent that.

The rubble bounces off the duergar's chainmail armor, and he smirks, and then takes a big swing at the human who is trying to swoop in.

AoO, PA: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 - 1 = 24
Bludgeoning damage: 2d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2, 5) + 3 + 2 = 12

But once she's by his side, Esmeralda gets the large gray dwarf completely tangled in her scarf. He grunts in frustration and thrashes about, but seems restrained for the moment.

Round 2
Thadeaus
Yanda
Balin (-16)
Kahwen
Red duergar (-18, blinded, entangled)
Ashwell
Esmeralda (-12)

"Well struck, Friend Balin!" Kahwen crows as they almost simultaneously drop two of the bad dwarves.

"Thanks Friend Esmeralda!" Kahwen calls as she manages to bind up and blind their last opponent.

They are all jammed up together in front of the last dwarf so he decides to try something slightly risky.

Acrobatics to pass through Opponent's Space: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32

He bounds up, grabbing subtle hand and footholds in the stone over Esmeralda's head and pushes off, leaping forward to plant one foot on the giant dwarf's soldier before cartwheeling off to land beside him.

He spins and strikes knowing his opponent will literally never see it coming.

Elven Curve Blade: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Slashing plus Sneak Attack: 1d20 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (10) + 9 + (3, 4) = 26

Crit plus Tengu Rogue Favored Class Bonus: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 2 = 16
Crit Damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

He manages to strike a particularly satisfying blow.

Confused as he is, the duergar doesn't even notice the tengu leaping nimbly over him. Kahwen's well-placed blade slashes across his back and the large dwarf tumbles to the ground beside the others.

You all pause to catch your breath, and see that no duergar are currently rushing at you or dropping down from the ceiling, although skirmishes continue all around the room.

You can all take one round's worth of actions (including Kahwen even though you just went)

Round 2
Thadeaus
Yanda
Balin (-16)
Kahwen
Ashwell
Esmeralda (-12)

"Sorry, Friend Ashwell, it does not seem like this is going to be one of the quiet reading missions," Kahwen says, as their oversized opponent falls to the ground.

He keeps his sword out, scanning around for other groups of Pathfinders that might need their assistance. But he reaches into a pouch and with a deft motion pulls out a wand with a twirl and offers it, handle first to Esmeralda.

"I think you can use this, can you not, Friend Esmeralda? Please use it on me, if necessary and anyone else who might need it," he says.

It doesn't take much examination to note that it is a standard issue Cure Light Wounds Wand.

Balin holds out his wand of cure light wounds

"Damm buggers..." He looks at this wound. "Can anyone help heal this dwarf?"

In response to Balin, Yanda pulls out a wand of CLW and gives him a loving tap.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Ah yes I always read that Duergar could enlarge themselves but never witnessed it myself. Also of note if I remember correctly and I almost always do they can also become invisible and are quite sensitive to daylight or other bright lights! Food for thought if we meet more of them don't you know.".

Thadeaus snaps the wand back into his wrist sheath and pulls an extract from one of his pouches and holds it ready in his left hand, while looking about at the developing situation and watching his teams backs while they heal up.