Male Human Fighter 7: spd:30, Init:7, AC:24, FF:20, T:15, HP:15/74, Fort:8, Ref:6, Will:4 (+2 vs fear)
Looks like a soul contract? You mean they actually keep them on paper and we can break people free of their contracts by doing something to those papers?
"Nah. Most of them are copies of the real thing. The originals would be kept in the Fastness's vaults. You know, behind that Phlagantres guy. But he does keep most of his collection of Thrune souls as ghostly servants in the place. Sort of like a self-cleaning display."
Male Elf (Core) Diviner 8 | Init +9 | HP=40| AC=17/14/13 | CMD=15 |Fort=5, Ref=7, Will=8 (+2 vs enchantment, sleep immunity) | Perception +12 (Low-light, Detect Scrying) ---- Familiar Doru Div (usually invisible) => constant Detect Magic and Detect Good | See in Darkness| Perception +12 -----
Diviners Fortune:
10/10
Atum Shane wrote:
A quick note, by the way the map is laid out, these rooms are other dimensional spaces so using arcane eye, while useful for spying around corners it probably won't help Atum in looking into a space beyond whatever room he is in.
Thats reasonable. Differend tiny planes.
Yes, master, I will do whatever you want and try to remember details, especially names of possesed souls. :)
CORE Female Half-Elf Cleric Sarenrae 11 (HP 91/91) AC 22[18] /12[12]/20[16] (CMD 15) (Fort +12[+9], Ref +8[+4], Will +15[+11]) (Init +2) (Perception +17[+12]) Immune Sleep, RezFire/10, +2 Ench 1/7 channels used {airwalk cir v evil } | glory+9 (0/9) used. Fire bolts 0/10 | 1 reroll
”I am not sure how we’d get things out of a guarded vault. It is hard enough on Golarion when it is only guarded by human guards and not companies of fanatical devils. “
"It's more like all the legions of Hell would be against you. Remember, souls are the stuff of Hell. Sorta Hell's jam. Leventi does keep some of his favorite contracts with him. Gellius's for instance." says Tholvinus.
AC18(T12,FF16) CMD16| HP 61/70| F +9 R +5 W +14 | Init +1, Perc +7, Sense Motive +15 | Haste
This time we will have the power of the Law with us.
Says Jair who turns too Tholvinus. Yes, Gellius is our main target. Once deal with Leventi, we will take care of him. If you want us to help him, speak now.
They find the doors to the scriptorium open upon what looks like a temple. Silver flames along the walls accent the features in this statuary chamber. A marble humanoid devil with four horns stands proudly in the center, draped in robes and reaching toward the horizon. It looks a bit like a masculine version of Jalruxis. Regal statues of humans line the walls. Three large wall scrolls with writhing text adorn the north, south, and east walls.
Standing next to the large central statue is Vetrivides. He is positioning a large opaque steel hourglass upon the marble base. It settles like a loadstone brought into contact with iron, giving it a sense of permanence. The is the 10-foot-tall, androgynous bone devil, looms up from they task and says: "You're late." in a hollow tone. "Now mortals, reveal for me what you have gleaned."
Looking around the temple allows the PCs to make a knowledge (history or religion) check and open all the spoilers that apply.
knowledge (history or religion) DC 20+:
The chamber is either a cunning recreation of, or somehow the actual remnants of the fallen temple of Aroden outside Ostenso in Cheliax. In the actual temple there would be 12 statues depicting the 12 guises of Aroden instead of the mere six statues here (which all depict sinister-looking queens and kings). Aroden would of course been depicted in the center of the hall.
knowledge (history or religion) DC 25+:
It's the real vestibule of Ostenso in Cheliax somehow reassembled here in Hell some 60 yeas since the temple's destruction.
Looking at the temple statuary allows the PCs to make a knowledge (history or nobility) check and open the spoiler below.
knowledge (history or nobility) DC 15+:
The six statues around the
chamber are the monarchs of House Thrune: Abrogail I, Antoninus, Terthule, Carellia, Infrexus, and the reigning queen, Abrogail II. All of them seem to be subtly sneering at you.
Looking at any of the three large wall scrolls allows the PCs to make a knowledge (arcana) or spellcraft check and open all the spoilers that apply.
knowledge (arcana) or spellcraft DC 15+:
The scrolls are supernatural conduits (as Tholvinus explained). They seem to be almost liquid like the surface of pond strewn with floating text written in ink that somehow does not float apart and dissolve. A person merely needs to step through the scroll and it will transport you to another scroll (or perhaps it is the same scroll) on the other side--wherever that is.
knowledge (arcana) or spellcraft DC 25+:
The ink though is magical (a bit like an arcane mark)in its own right and adheres. Anyone passing through the scroll might get some on themselves making them more susceptible to the powers of the one who inscribed them. Also, liquid surface must be relatively smooth to pass through meaning a person might have to wit a few (call it 6) seconds before following someone else through.
CORE Female Half-Elf Cleric Sarenrae 11 (HP 91/91) AC 22[18] /12[12]/20[16] (CMD 15) (Fort +12[+9], Ref +8[+4], Will +15[+11]) (Init +2) (Perception +17[+12]) Immune Sleep, RezFire/10, +2 Ench 1/7 channels used {airwalk cir v evil } | glory+9 (0/9) used. Fire bolts 0/10 | 1 reroll
kn:rel:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28 Lasaraleen looks upon the room and statues with an uneasiness.
spellcraft:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 the scrolls are more enticing, but not as well understood.
Interesting. This place seems familiar...almost like from our own world...yet not.
She re-centers her focus on the devil.
You have our apology, mighty Vetrivides. We have been collecting information from across all of Dis and have just arrived with a tale of plots within plots. Where to even begin? like Jair, she pauses for the others with a shrug.
Veshtahz aid for History:1d20 - 2 + 3 ⇒ (13) - 2 + 3 = 14
Seems like Atum's attention is somewhere else. He still shares some necessary info about how to transport person from one hall to another via walking through scrolls letters.
Elf now wears blindfold but take a short look at bonedevil.
Even if we are late, our intellegence is still relevant.
Then, without eye contact and almost without emotions, Atum describes last two days. Especially contrats, in-wall hellknights, ambush, and everything worth mentioning about investigations. He makes it slowly so that Zarta (if she arrived) or other teammates could stop him from sharing too much or something wrong.
Chandu reviews the room as Atum lays out what we have found. Interesting, this place is reminiscent of the Temple of Aroden outside of Ostenso. These scrolls are clearly magical conduits which allow travel but be careful, they will leave you susceptible to the poweers of the one who created them, presumably Leventi.
She turns to Vetrivedes, Would you like us to expand on any of the issues? Is this sufficient to take direct action against Leventi?
Then, without eye contact and almost without emotions, Atum describes last two days. Especially contrats, in-wall hellknights, ambush, and everything worth mentioning about investigations.
"Adequate."
Chandu wrote:
She turns to Vetrivedes, Would you like us to expand on any of the issues? Is this sufficient to take direct action against Leventi?
"Yes. Seek Leventi out, arrest him. Slay him if he resists." says the grinning osyluth.
So contract devils are muscular-looking humanoid devils who have a 'crown' of short horns on their head and 4 gargantuan black twisty horns that errupt from their backs like in the pictures in the link. You've met one before in this adventure--Jarluxis down on floor 50. There are a lot of them here in the Fastness
Contract Devil knowledge make one knowledge (planes) check and open all the spoilers that apply below.
knowledge (planes) 20+:
Contract devils (or Phistophilus) are Lawful Evil outsiders from Hell.
Contract devils (as the name suggests) specialize in contract law, and are able to grant potent bones or curses to those who deal with them. However all such dealings come at a price.
CORE Female Half-Elf Cleric Sarenrae 11 (HP 91/91) AC 22[18] /12[12]/20[16] (CMD 15) (Fort +12[+9], Ref +8[+4], Will +15[+11]) (Init +2) (Perception +17[+12]) Immune Sleep, RezFire/10, +2 Ench 1/7 channels used {airwalk cir v evil } | glory+9 (0/9) used. Fire bolts 0/10 | 1 reroll
Ewww. Well, if we must, then lets see if this Leventi will cooperate. If not, as I expect, then we can deal with him. Are we ready? Will he be alone or with allies?
Lasaraleen looks to her allies for consensus.
She is going to tap herself a couple times to get to full if any hostilities are expected.
LN Female Half elf Bard 7|DD4 Init +8 | HP 99/99 | AC 25, T15, FF22| Fort +13, Ref +15, Will +12, +2 vs ench, +4 vs bard | CMD 29 | Perception +22, Sense Motive +30
AMF:
AC18, HP44/88, F +8, R +8, W+8
Resources:
Claws 8|8; IC 13|21; LM 1/1; Reroll: Used
Spell Slots:
7/3/0/2
| Conditions: Delay Poison
I am ready says Candu, muttering a simple protective spell and activating a number of wands.
Casting extended mirror image for 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 images and activating wands of longstrider, shield and bless weapon. The latter two only last a minute, I will refresh them as needed. Oddly bless weapon does not have the Good tag and so doesnt need a caster level check to cast in Hell.
Male Elf (Core) Diviner 8 | Init +9 | HP=40| AC=17/14/13 | CMD=15 |Fort=5, Ref=7, Will=8 (+2 vs enchantment, sleep immunity) | Perception +12 (Low-light, Detect Scrying) ---- Familiar Doru Div (usually invisible) => constant Detect Magic and Detect Good | See in Darkness| Perception +12 -----
Diviners Fortune:
10/10
Atum will use wand of Mage Armor to provide more defence for himself and for Doru. Also elf asks to use Protection from Evil from another wand, if it wont overstep hells welcome...
Male Elf (Core) Diviner 8 | Init +9 | HP=40| AC=17/14/13 | CMD=15 |Fort=5, Ref=7, Will=8 (+2 vs enchantment, sleep immunity) | Perception +12 (Low-light, Detect Scrying) ---- Familiar Doru Div (usually invisible) => constant Detect Magic and Detect Good | See in Darkness| Perception +12 -----
Diviners Fortune:
10/10
Veshtahz appears near Ophelia and growls Mrr-miu ...
Atum sharps lips. And answered
Madam Peran, we like you. So follow me, stay ailve and help us, if it is possible. Your freedom could appear a subject of discussion after we prevail. And get out of this hell...
Atum smiles to Vetrivides and than stepes closer to the cage. Elf puts out one of his wand and it flows to Tholvinus through cage ribs.
Here. If we all die and than no one want belive you or madam Peran - you should her eyewitness.
After suggestion about next Cheliax number 1, Shane turns to Zarta. Who faced blindfold and another, old Shanes smile.
I won't tell who gonna be next. Haven't read proper contracts. There will be no Dark Archive soon, yet, you may raise. Next divination wont - I am almost Sage for devils sake!
Secret masage to Zarta, DC 20 Smotive:
Do we have time for a short and passion orgy as we here in Hell? I'd participate, and Ophelia can not resist me.
Male Elf (Core) Diviner 8 | Init +9 | HP=40| AC=17/14/13 | CMD=15 |Fort=5, Ref=7, Will=8 (+2 vs enchantment, sleep immunity) | Perception +12 (Low-light, Detect Scrying) ---- Familiar Doru Div (usually invisible) => constant Detect Magic and Detect Good | See in Darkness| Perception +12 -----
Diviners Fortune:
10/10
We are taking Tholvinus with us, I suppose? I am ready for troubles. - says Atum, made a few steps after Las and asks Doru than: Veshtahz, active magic detection please.
So had someone cast Protection From evil on Atum from wand?
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
To Veshtahz's eyes the player character's magical gear (and active spell effects), the wall scrolls, and the curiously opaque hourglass on the base of the central statue all give off magical halos of light.
Veshtahz appears near Ophelia and growls Mrr-miu ...
Atum sharps lips. And answered
Madam Peran, we like you. So follow me, stay ailve and help us, if it is possible. Your freedom could appear a subject of discussion after we prevail. And get out of this hell...
Setting down her end of the Tholvinus' cage Peran silently draws forth her sword a blade that seems longer and broader then the woman herself.
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
Chandu steps through the wall scroll to the left of the scriptorium entrance. It shimmers for a moment like the surface of pond devouring her completely. It takes a full round for it to settle enough for another character to pass through.
Chandu wrote:
Chandu reviews the room as Atum lays out what we have found. Interesting, this place is reminiscent of the Temple of Aroden outside of Ostenso. These scrolls are clearly magical conduits which allow travel but be careful, they will leave you susceptible to the poweers of the one who created them, presumably Leventi.
Remembering Chandu's warning everyone in the party needs to make a Will save DC 12
failure:
Some of the eerie runes upon the scroll seem to stick to your body like fresh tattoos.
On the other side the party finds a steep, narrow staircase that spirals along the inside of a tower one hundred feet down to an isolated office with a simple wooden writing desk, a bookshelf stuffed with heavy legal texts, and an iron post with chains and manacles attached. The only light in the entire area is a single candle set upon the desk.
Knowledge (history, nobility or religion) DC 20:
This tower seems to be taken from Kantaria (an isolated settlement in north-central Cheliax, south of Nidal). The keystone set above the wall scroll that serves as its entrance mark it as belonging to a scion of House Narikopolus who have ruled there since 3800 AR. It is said that the mortal Iomedae ruled the city of Kantaria for a year and a day while it was under siege, successfully defending it. This event was so important that it is recorded in Iomedae's canon as the Tenth Act of the eleven Acts of Iomedae.
I will assume that those who can provide some magical light to get down the stairs. The candle only makes the single square it is in dimly lit.
LN Female Half elf Bard 7|DD4 Init +8 | HP 99/99 | AC 25, T15, FF22| Fort +13, Ref +15, Will +12, +2 vs ench, +4 vs bard | CMD 29 | Perception +22, Sense Motive +30
AMF:
AC18, HP44/88, F +8, R +8, W+8
Resources:
Claws 8|8; IC 13|21; LM 1/1; Reroll: Used
Spell Slots:
7/3/0/2
| Conditions: Delay Poison
Will save:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Chandu shrugs off the clinging effect of the portals magic and heads carefully down the stairs, activating her wayfinder to provide light as she does so.
Reaching the bottom she examines the various books, the desk and other bits and pieces, casting a simple detect magic spell.
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
Atum Shane wrote:
As no one takes cage with the imp, Atum asks Ophelia to grab it.
It takes two to easily move the litter otherwise someone has to drag it (slowly)--conceivably damaging the handholds on the other side (especially on the tower steps). Do you want her to drag the imp and litter down the stairs?
There is a magical aura surrounding one of the quill stands, but beyond that (Atum's and his vile familiar's new tattoos, and the wall scroll you entered by far, far above) nothing new appears magical.
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
As s side note someone in the party would have been given the keys to Tholvinus's cage. Just sayin'. ;)
The pretty colors around the quill turn out to be indicative of the necromancy school of magic.
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
Atum Shane wrote:
I suggest that more eagle eyed teammates look for clues here.
Atum, the eagle-eyed PCs don't have ranks in Spellcraft to identify the magical quill with. ;)
Lasaraleen wrote:
Lasaraleen shares what she finds
”This ledger will undoubtedly come in handy if we have to provide to a court or whatever they call it here. “
That looks like a safe bet.
Where to next gang? Jinkies, do we want to split up and search for clues!?
He doesn't believe in 'game balance'. Gandalf always lets him pass. As a feat, he has Exotic Weapon Proficiency (beard). The city guard often question him, just because they find him so interesting. His dice bag is woven from tarrasque leather. His TPKs end game lines. His blood cures moderate wounds. He once punched a flumph. Yes, you heard me. He belongs to a prestige class whose sole requirement for entry is just being him. ♬ He is indeed, the most interesting GM in the world. ♬
Head's up (That was a Veshtahz joke. ;)) Passing back through a scroll to the temple chamber again forces the PC to make a Will DC 12 save. As does passing through another scroll and into another chamber. So Chandu for example has to make 2 saves. She will need to make a third save when (presumably) she exits the archive, and so on.
failure:
Some of the eerie runes upon the scroll seem to stick to your body like fresh tattoos.
Leonabot (whose player got in contact with me to say she is busy elsewhere) opts to stay in the main room to guard the imp.
