GM Tealk's - Core - Thornkeep Series (Inactive)

Game Master Tealk

After a few short days of rest, you find yourselves once again outside the doors of Greenforest Inn. The Greenforest Inn has become almost like a second home to you in the time you've spent around Thornkeep, and you were ushered to your private room with smiles and greetings instantly upon your arrival. Waiting inside this time are three Venture Captains of the Pathfinder Society.

Adril Hestram is one of the most prominent venture-captains operating out of the Pathfinder Society Grand Lodge in Absalom. A confident fighter and veteran Pathfinder, he has more dungeon delves under his belt than most can count. Rumors claim Adril hails from somewhere in the north, which would explain his light hair and beard, but he has never confirmed the identify his homeland. He is a bear of a man, standing well over six feet tall. While his large girth might be deceiving, his bulk is mostly muscle, and he can frequently be found sparring and arm-wrestling with other members of the Society to further develop his strength.

Istivil Bosk, the Venture-Captain of the imposing Dryblade House in Daggermark, manages Pathfinders in the region of the River Kingdoms. Bosk has a pinched, weathered face, and graying hair, but he still bears the energy of a man half his age and has a reputation of being more forgiving than some venture-captains. As you enter he shakes your hand and greets you by name, displaying respect and a certain knowledge of your previous adventures.

Master of Spells Aram Zey sits at the far side of the table, ignoring all else in the room while he quietly examines a wayfinder.

A fourth man sits near Aram Zey. Slumped in a chair and disheveled like a beggar just in from the streets, he glances around the room with an nervous smile.

Once you all present, Adril Hestram addresses the room. "Some years ago, a band of adventurers aligned with the Pathfinder Society found their way into the Sanctum of a Lost Age while exploring Thornkeep’s dungeons. It took some time, but Venture Captain Bosk was able to track down this man." Hestram gestures to the disheveled man. "His name is Rozimus of Tymon and he is the only survivor from that band to make it back out."

Rozimus clears his throat and tells a short, tragic story. "We all passed easily from the Enigma Vaults through a misty corridor and into the Sanctum, but only I returned. I can only recall small moments, but everyone else was killed. Saw their deaths - burned by fire, frozen in ice, torn to pieces by tooth and claw, crushed by traps, poisoned by fang. Not completely sure how I got out, but I think that had something to do with it." Rozimus points to the wayfinder in Aram Zey's hands and the Master of Scrolls places it on the table for all to see - though the wayfinder itself seems not unusual, it is set with a valuable item - a clear spindle ioun stone. "Take it and the stone. My passion for adventure's gone, and I won’t have any further need of them."

Aram Zey points to the ioun stone set within the wayfinder. "I have have found nothing special about the wayfinder, but I believe the stone is another key to the Sanctum, similar to the one you recovered on your last expedition. Perhaps it is a copy made by a wizard some time in the ancient past, or perhaps a duplicate crafted by Nhur Athemon himself. Whatever the case may be, with two stones you should be able to arrange entrance and exit for more then one person. I would suggest not losing them."

"So, Pathfinders." Adril says with a grin. "Are you ready for another expedition under Thornkeep?"

Telos laughs.

According to our newfound dragon, Blemia, we have no choice!

He then turns to Rozimus. So, how is it that you remember so little? Was there an arcane fog over the whole floor, or do you simply believe you're repressing the horrors you saw there? Do you remember anything other than the scant details of your companions' deaths?

Roran picks up the Wayfinder from the table and places it in his belt pouch.

"If poison may be an issue, might want some way to mitigate it. Might want something to help against elemental damage as well."

"Might want something to help against elemental damage as well."

Now that I can help with in short bursts. Perhaps I should make preparations to ensure it lasts for us...

Protection from Energy, at CL7 absorbs 84 points of energy damage (up to 10 minutes). Starting to more strongly consider that metamagic rod of extend spell.

Extend is always a good one. Usually the first one I pick up for all of my casters. The few that I have anyway.

"Wouldn't hurt" The paladin shrugs.

Seward nods I can cover my own energy resistance need I think

He also nods at the foolish venture captain Of course...we will go beneath and we will triumph. As if it was ever in doubt

Okay, talked me into it (lol)

Later after the meeting Telos stops off at the local purveyor of magic trinkets to secure his lesser metamagic rod of extend.

Carry on with the current scene though, just noting it for the record before we enter ye old dungeon.

Before you know it, the meeting is over as Rozimus has little more to offer and slips out quickly, as if uncomfortable among your group. You grab a meal and spend the evening in small talk with your old companions and the Venture Captains.

…

Early the next day you once again approach the base of Brokenhelm Hill and pass the columns that mark the entrance to the ruins beneath Thornkeep. Retracing steps you have made now on multiple occasions you soon come to the strange misty passage in the Enigma Vaults you now know leads to the Sanctum of a Lost Age.

The smaller helmet which you left behind, floats patiently in the air beside the shimmering lights. "You took your time. Although, such concept is foreign to me." It floats over to the sorcerer's shoulder as it was before.

Passing through the billowing yellow mist and strange, shifting lights you arrive into a large entry hall. Across the room, three demonic stone faces as tall as humans leer at visitors like a scornful greeting party. Each has an open mouth, extended tongue, and slightly different features from the others. From north to south they are blue, yellow, and red. Between the huge faces, two staircases lead up 10 feet to a balcony that overlooks the entire chamber. A set of ornate stone double doors stands closed along the south wall. Two shadowy alcoves flank the corridor of lights and mists along the west wall.

The helmet comments, "Please notice the walls and floors are carved from sturdy bedrock, smoothed and embellished in the artistic style of Old Azlant. My master would have worked tirelessly to make this place feel like home..."

Map updated.

Hmm, three distinct colors. Perhaps the staircases in-between represent mixing the adjacent colors? Green on the left, orange on the right? What do you know of this, little buddy? Telos asks the helmet on his shoulder.

He then throws a cautionary Detect Magic scan towards the demon faces and staircases.

The doors to the south appear to contain a complex locking mechanism, but are not currently locked.

"I believe these are all the marks of the Master's Apprentices."

Investigation of the stone demon faces reveals that the central yellow visage bears slightly feminine features, and that all three forked tongues contain an irregular depression that appears to be designed to fit a humanoid’s hand. Your detection spell picks up auras on all three faces.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

The faces have irregular depressions that could fit a persons hand. Each bears universal magic. More than that I cannot say right now, but I presume an effect can be had here. Will? Why don't you see if you can tell how they work before we move on.

Will casts heroism and examines the magics.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

The doors to the south appear to contain a complex locking mechanism, but are not currently locked, offering easy access to the next area. The stairways to the east lead to a wide balcony overlooking the room, which in turn leads through an arch to what looks like an audience chamber.

Unfortunately, there are no more checks to be made in this room. What else would you like to do here, if anything - with the faces perhaps?. Let me know when you would like to proceed.

Will takes a few minutes to investigate the auras on the faces, but can come up with no more information. As the group considers what to do in the chamber - you suddenly become aware of a person standing near the misty entrance to the Sanctum. Outlined in faint blue light, the rogue Rozimus peers around the chamber with wary eyes.

Telos grunts in disappointment and stairs down the faces for one last decision...

He looks down at the little helmet. What's the worst that can happen, little buddy?

Prepare reflex save...

Telos walks up to the yellow face and places his hand in the depression...

Telos moves up closer to the yellow face, and the helmet offers some insight, "This bears the symbol of apprentice Vuzhon. And, I am not sure, are you very much attached to your hand...?"

As the sorcerer places his hand inside the opening in the wall, a few seconds pass and the face animates in a golden flash and clamps down hard on the offered hand.

You can choose to keep your hand inside, or yank it out on a successful DC 18 Reflex save.

Seward prepares a bandage for Telos... and laughs quietly.

Reflex, DC18: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Yup, okay, I guess we'll leave these alone and move on... I was hoping they had a higher purpose than damaging guests.

You take a few minutes to investigate the auras on the faces, but can come up with no more information. As the group considers what to do in the chamber - you suddenly become aware of a person standing near the misty entrance to the Sanctum. Outlined in faint blue light, the rogue Rozimus peers around the chamber with wary eyes.

Telos yanks his hand away from the contraption, only to turn around and see a curious Rozimus through the mist - ignoring your group. He then steps back through the mist to the Enigma Vaults, and returns a few seconds later followed by a heavily bearded bald human wizard, an armored elf with the symbol of Sarenrae on her shield, and a bulky half-orc warrior with tribal markings and a nasty spear. No sound seems to come from them - no footfalls, swish of clothing, jingle of armor, or rattle off weapons. All bear the soft blue outlines as Rozimus.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Telos' eyes light up as he's stunned by the appearance of several of Rozimus' companions. Suddenly self conscious of his embarrassing interaction with the face, he quickly looks down at the helmet and asks

Do you think that they saw that?

He looks back up at Rozimus and company. Greetings! Are these your devices? Do they do anything aside from mash hands? Wow, you're all awfully stealthy. Am I missing something?

Most of that RP due to failing the SM check. I presume he'll soon find out when they don't answer back.

Does everybody see it or just Telos?

Everyone sees these people.

Will takes 10 for a 27 sense motive

Will tells his allies,” They aren’t aware of us...”

Telos squints at the images of people he sees, looks at Will, looks at them again. Blinks.

Oh. Well they seemed to have notice that the yellow demon face was "activated."

The halfling begins looking for-hand-sized rocks or other objects he can place in the depressions of all three faces.

Let's get all of them going (but not with body parts) and see what our friends here think. Maybe once they realize that we're doing this, even if they don't know who we are, they'll find a way to communicate, or at least show us how all of this works?

Will and Telos observe Rozimus and his party for about a minute as they move about the room. They quickly determine that only Rozimus seems able to move back through the mist and leave the chamber, something the others aren't too happy about it. Eventually they begin exploring the area, checking the southern door and peeking through the archway to the east. They are silent the whole time. As they gather to discuss something among themselves they suddenly fade from sight.

With a little experimentation you soon learn that, while anyone can enter the Sanctum, only someone in possession of an Iuon stone, even Ayaki's burned out example, can leave. Your group has two free ioun stones - one from the sphinx and another from Rozimus.

What next, team?

knowledge (arcana), DC18: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Telos puts his hand on his chin and watches raptly until they finally fade.

Transmutation magic, related to time. This happened in the past. More importantly, we now know that one needs to possess an ioun stone to exit the sanctum. I wonder if that means we should have a couple more... In any case I think we can move on.

Will takes 10 for a 27 sense motive

Will tells his allies,” They aren’t aware of us...”

Pietro waves his hands in front of the phantom wizards, shouts at them, and makes faces at point-blank range just to be sure.

Once they leave, he shrugs, and sighs. "WHAT? YOU MEAN ANY OLD GLOWING FLIBBERTIGIBBET STONE WILL DO?"

"AH WELL! WHAT DO YOU SUPPOSE IS THROUGH THERE?" Pietro says mounting the elevated area and pointing through the opening.

Is there an obvious door or some other impediment to leaving here? Telos would like to figure out if the ioun stones have to be placed *before* we go into this particular room (which I assume is "the sanctum").

Is there an obvious door or some other impediment to leaving here? Telos would like to figure out if the ioun stones have to be placed *before* we go into this particular room (which I assume is "the sanctum").

So this floor you are on, is called the Sanctum. You are already in it, the stones just let you pass in and out - the smoke is the entrance. There is another room up the stairs, further into the compound where Pietro is going, and a pair of doors to your right.

The team moves up the stars to look into the next room. A massive triangular table carved with arcane sigils dominates this room. Three ornate chairs offer a commanding view of visitors. The north, east, and south walls each feature a door brightly colored blue, yellow, and red, respectively.

spellcraft, DC27: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Hmm, this color scheme is becoming consistent in this place. I can sense magic signatures on the doors, but not much more specifically about them... I can say that if they have openings I won't be placing my hand in.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

" I agree the colors are tied to the place. Perhaps blue for Rozimus, yellow for Vuzhon, and red for a third? I regret I can't figure this thing out further either"

Nows a good time for failing all the skill checks!

Telos walks up to the middle chair and sits down in it to see what happens.

Telos walks up to the middle chair and sits down in it to see what happens.

The moment Telos takes his seat Pietro drops to one knee as if stricken, and begins to scrape the floor.

"OH, GREAT MASTER OF THE THREE CHAIRS, WHAT IS THY TERRIBLE BIDDING?"

bluff (feign enchantment): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Huh, that's funny. I don't remember sensing mild enchantment here. VERY WELL. Come of here and be useful Pietro, try this chair at my right hand!

will has a great sense motive, succeeds by taking 10

Will sighs disappointed as he quietly mutters,” Could of seen how far he’d push it with the hand chopper thing...”

The halfling gives Will a surprised look. Oh.. that's just mean.

You notice the sigils on each coloured door, is corresponding to the marks on each of the faces in the previous room.

As Will sits on the middle chair, yellow smoke begins to crawl up the side of the wooden frame, slowly creaming its way up towards the halfling. Your heart races, as you try to stand up - but you feel your body grow heavy. Glues to the chair, you hear another mans voice speak from the aether, "We do not bow to you, creature. We only kneel to the One and Only king of Azlant. You are in the wrong time and space. Go back through the tapestry, tell your kin your kind is not welcome here."

Another chill runs down your spines, as you feel familiar vibrations course through the air. "You will regret making us feel uninvited. You will die here mortals..."

And just like that, the vision is gone, as Pietro pulls you up and out of the chair.

What next team?

Huh, that's funny. I don't remember sensing mild enchantment here. VERY WELL. Come of here and be useful Pietro, try this chair at my right hand!

"IT TASTES TERRIBLE!" Pietro says leaving tooth marks on the chair frame. Then he bursts out laughing.

And just like that, the vision is gone, as Pietro pulls you up and out of the chair.

"OH, OH, YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN YOUR FACE!" the burly cleric pants wiping tears from his eyes.

Telos is the one who was sitting in the middle chair. Does him having the helmet on his shoulder change anything? Perhaps allow him to impersonate this king of Azlant?

The halfling looks direclty at the little helmet on his shoulder. Did you see that, or hear that? Know what it was about?

The helmet remains silent, and briefly falls onto your shoulder dienchated.

To be clear, everyone saw the smoke engulf Telos, but only Telos heard the voices. It was like an out of body experience.

I... was told we're not welcome here. Not the "One True King of Azlant." Unfortunately my little friend here didn't help me pass off as one of them either...

He gestures at the helmet.

I don't think we can do anything here yet, but maybe once we explore this place some more something will occur to us.

Will looks around,” well, this is mightily cheerful. What’s with helmet?”

any knowledge checks for any of this?

Will looks around,” well, this is mightily cheerful. What’s with helmet?”

any knowledge checks for any of this?

Or perhaps detect magic? It will take a couple of rounds, and Pietro's no good at it so he doesn't pack it.

GM, when you say "briefly [...] disenchanted" do you mean it becomes obviously active again a moment later?

As far as I am concerned there is only one thing to do with some called Kings and Queens when given the chance... says the native to Magnimar imagining the Crimson Queen's death day all over again.

I am fully willing to commit regicide with you all

Telos quickly checks the little helmet to see what the temporary condition may have been.

Cast Detect Magic
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 whelp, it's not evocation! yuk yuk

The helmet spaks back to life on the halflings shoulder. "What, wgat happened? Please dont sit on the thrones of the apprentices without invitation. It is forbidden."

Unfortunately, the smoke effect was a little out of any of uour realms of understanding. This entire sanctum is all very strange and confusing.

There is no other checka for this, or the previous room. Shall we try your luck with the double doors in the previous hall?

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Ah see each of these thrones is for a different apprentice of this mad wizard. We should destroy them if we can. Otherwise, we should move on

perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Pietro looks for the symbol that appears the most-harmless (big yellow smiley faces, a thumbs up symbol, marshmallow cartoon mascots--you know stuff that could never ever destroy us).

As far as I am concerned there is only one thing to do with some called Kings and Queens when given the chance... says the native to Magnimar imagining the Crimson Queen's death day all over again.

I am fully willing to commit regicide with you all

Ah see each of these thrones is for a different apprentice of this mad wizard. We should destroy them if we can. Otherwise, we should move on

"Perhaps I should pray for calm emotions in the morning* from now on." rumbles Pietro (mostly to himself) while giving Seward some distance.

__________________

* Note that Pietro defines the "morning" as about high noon--which is when he finally rolls off his tavern table.

“ Its hard to say this but I agree with Pietro. We’d hardly be good chroniclers of history if we show up, say huzzah, and destroyed everything.” Will adds.

This place is beyond our means for now. Let's double back to the previous room and try those double doors...

The halfling immediately begins moving in that direction, and once the whole party is with him throws the doors open.