GM Tyranius Tyrant's Grasp (Inactive)

Game Master Tyranius

She is referring to you as children, not the actual children. Also Umble and Thoot are indeed nearby, just outside the Valley so as not to scare the townsfolk.

She is referring to you as children, not the actual children. Also Umble and Thoot are indeed nearby, just outside the Valley so as not to scare the townsfolk.

I think I’m confused...or Vanyan is, probably him.

Vanyan goes to find Umble and THOT, and ask them to explain the crow and/or the other psychopomp.

”Hey Umble...so, I was speaking to the children...”

To the phantom, "Sir, please calm yourself. Despite your insistence, all evidence points to this being a real death. Why are you making this journey more difficult for them."

"Agreed. Leave this place and these people and let them pass on as is normal."

The psychopomp shakes her head sadly, then looks off in the middle distance. "There's been a terrible mudslide. A whole camp of people has arrived, and now I must tend to them. I can see that you are not ready to accept your fate. Once I've finished my other tasks, I'll return to help you with your transition. In the meantime, keep calm. All of this will be made right soon."

The air shimmers around her and she vanishes once more.

Once she's gone, one of the children creeps closer to you. "I, uh,'found' this on the ground. The lady must have dropped it. Maybe it can help you." The round-faced boy presents you with a gleaming deep red gemstone carved into a sphere shape.

”Hey Umble...so, I was speaking to the children...”

"Oh dear. We were afraid of this. Remeber when we said that eventually, more powerful psychopomps will be along to settle this all out? It seems they are more than aware and will be around shortly. Mictena is all about mortal maturity and orderly progressionism

To the phantom, "Sir, please calm yourself. Despite your insistence, all evidence points to this being a real death. Why are you making this journey more difficult for them."

"Agreed. Leave this place and these people and let them pass on as is normal."

Garrid's visage twists into a mask of rage. "LIAR! Who are you going to listen to, Arbella? Your honored ancestor, who fought alongside the great hero, Ervin Roslar, or a tawdry harlot?" He points at all of you in turn. "I challenge you all to a fight! The winner shall be proven correct!"

Vinas stares directly at the phantom, his countenance deadly serious. Show me your virtue... "I accept. Iomedae has given me purpose, and that purpose shall be seen."

Tessenarin looks at Vinas and shrugs with a questioning look.

Atium strides up alongside Vinas. Shoulder to shoulder.
Lady Arbella, will you please help take care of this mirror?

Then to the phantom.
Let's rumble.

Vanyan smiles at it disappears. Oh man, there is so much I don’t know.

”Maybe it can help you?”

Vanyan takes the gift in two hands, smiliing, and trying to show thankful humility for a gift that he didnt’ need to rob from a tomb.

”Thank you, child. This is a nice gift and you are so thoughtful to bring it to me,” Vanyan smiles and ruffles the child’s ghostly hair. He will speak with the children for a few more minutes before going to find Umble and THOT. On the way walking to the ‘pomp pair, he will try to ID the stone.

1d20 + 7 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 4 + 2 = 21 Spellcraft to ID stone

Well, it’s powerful, I will try to figure it out tomorrow.

* * *

"Remember when we said that eventually, more powerful psychopomps will be along to settle this all out? Mictena is all about mortal maturity and orderly progressionism from life to death. We will need to get you on the road before she gets here. Your mortality here is a terrible amount of trouble for her." The pair seem worried.

Vanyan seems relieved that the children will be seen to, but also worried by the ‘pomps fears of the upcoming super-pomp’s arrival.

”Okay, I’ll go find the rest and see if I can help. But it seems like the children are ready to go, which is great, right? I’ll tell them to hurry up too.”

Vanyan will go find the rest of the party to explain what he’s learnt.

GM Tyranius, let me know when VK has caught up to the party. I think we’re on different missions and I’m unsure about timing.

You are indeed. I'll let you know when you gather back together.

Angered by Vinas' vile accusations the phantom slams full into him.

Slam 1 vs Vinas AC 18; PA: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 - 2 = 12
Slam 2 vs Vinas AC 18; PA: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 - 2 = 14

Vinas sidesteps the enraged man, easily dodging his strikes. "Hold still!"

No need for a map for this encounter.

Round 1
--------------------------------------
Garrid
--------------------------------------
Atium (19/24; raging 23/28)
Vinas (24/24)
Tessenarin (13/13)

Aishe amiably joins the others after his failure, and is somewhat comforted by their limited successes. ”Yes, there must be another way, this is too slow - one on one.”

When he sees Garrid, and his angry claims, he’s not as eager to fight as the others. ”What do you mean sir? What do you know of what happened last night in Roslar’s Coffer? Speak plainly so we may understand you. What happened?”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3

He is carrying his crossbow, loaded with a normal bolt, which may have taken some of the strength from his pleas for further discussion.

Ninja'd by the DM. Not sure where Aishe is, so carry on and he'll drift by as appropriate.

You are fine Aishe. You can join in as well. .

"There's no evil in your soul spirit. I regret that it has come to this!"

Vinas opts for the silvered longsword, cutting a clean overhead arc: ATK: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 for DMG: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Why are you regretting things Vinas?! This guy called us out for a fight, and this place is not some MayPole Festival challenge. Man, we are downright in a deadman's place.

Atium looks to strike when Vinas has the other's attention and shield protecting against Vinas.
regular attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 Axe
damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Tessenarin takes off his axe while moving forward and takes a swing.

Axe: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
damage: 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

And apparently went to the Aishe school of dice rolling.

"Just because I loath violence, doesn't mean I'll shirk from it!"

Atium and Tessenarin's blades pass dangerously close to the phantom. he steps back causing the axe's to clang together. A few of the local townies step back in surprise as a fight suddenly breaks out.

Vinas is a tad quicker on his feet as his sword slashes into Garrid's ectoplasmic form. "Argh! You Wretch."

Aishe tries to calm the situation down a bit but it seems to be too late. Garrid's anger only seems to grow in intensity.

Slam 1 vs Vinas AC 18; PA: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 2 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 4 = 9

Slam 2 vs Vinas AC 18; PA: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 - 2 = 16

Garrid's fist swings around as he backhands Vinas in the side of his neck.

Round 2
--------------------------------------
Garrid (-5)
--------------------------------------
Atium (19/24; raging 23/28)
Vinas (15/24)
Tessenarin (13/13)
Aishe (13/16)

"Do you see my blood? Do you see that I'm different? Give up this fool's errand!" ATK: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 for DMG: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Round: 2

Aishe gives up trying to reason with the mad-man, and instead takes a shot. He’ll move into a position to avoid cover if he can.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Vanyan kicks a rock as he slowly dawdles down the path back to the party. He’s got a lot to explain and wonders how best to say it all.

With multiple attackers, Atium slides 5 feet to get into better position.
attack plus flank: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 = 21
damage: 1d12 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Garrid, Yield and show that we are in the right. This IS the Boneyard. Paintings describe it. Bard's Tales describe it. Clerics of Pharasma preach on it every...um...Wednesday? Where we are at is perfect down to every detail. Accept the truth!

Tessenarin takes another swing with his axe, hoping to do better this time.

Axe: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
damage: 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Atium's axe drifts through the phantom, flinging a large chunk of ectoplasmic goo across the ground. Vina's slashes Garrid across his arm as the flailing man screams, doubling over in pain.

Tessenarin deflects Aishe's bolt as he misses. Bent over in pain Garrid brings the back of his head up into Atium's chin, before kicking his leg at Vinas knee.

Slam 1 vs Atium AC 17; PA: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 2 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 1 + 4 = 13

Slam 2 vs Vinas AC 18; PA: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 2 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 4 = 8

Round 3
--------------------------------------
Garrid (-23)
--------------------------------------
Atium (6/24; raging 10/28)
Vinas (9/24)
Tessenarin (13/13)
Aishe (13/16)

Tessenarin takes another swing with his axe hoping to eventually hit home.

axe: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
damage: 1d12 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

He lands a solid blow.
confirm crit: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
assuming this confirms
crit damage: 2d12 + 2 ⇒ (6, 11) + 2 = 19

Round: 3

Aishe reloads with a proper bolt, and tries again from his new vantage point.
Crossbow (cold iron, silver): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9 (point blank) damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 (point blank)

Alas, Desna continues to curse him, and his bolt flies wide of the mark. He sighs with the familiarity of it all and shifts 5' to a clearer position.

Tessenarin's blade passes through Garrin's chin and head as his body shudders from the blow, like a ripple through a calm lake. With that he bursts apart into a pile of ectoplasmic goo just as Vanyan rounds the corner.

Arbella blinks, seemingly confused by everything that just happened. "Did you just kill my ancestor?"

Vanyan stops short as he sees the carnage that Tess has wrought.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 Know (planes) - phantom

”Damnt, you kilt that fierce, Tess,” Vanyan says, nearly dropping his longspear. He moves closer and more slowly, taking a closer look at the phantom, worried that there might be more about. ”That was a unfettered phantom, I think. Phantoms like it are considered to be escaped souls in desperate search of a psychically attuned being with whom to merge. Every phantom harbors a strong emotion that tears it from the normal path of souls seeking final judgment and reward. It’s not undead, just broken, seeking a new home before it can move on.”

Vanyan pokes at the body with this longspear.

”Even so, you found another way to end it, it appears.” Vanyan looks at the wounds of others, wondering how close they all came to death. As they heal, he relates what he learnt from the children, Umble, and Thot.

See the posts above... ”...and so, I’m not sure how much time we have before that other, stronger superpomp comes and kicks us all into the Unmaker. Umble seemed worried too.”

Vanyan puts his hands on his hips, looking around. ”The children should be taken care of. What are you guys up to? Outside of picking fights with phantoms?”

Aishe breathes easy now that the immediate threat has passed, but he is uneasy about their timeline.

"Well, it seems we'll too die here if we try to convince people one at a time. We need to be more, ah, dramatic in our approach I suppose." though he doesn't offer a suggestion on what that might look like.

He looks to Arbella, "He was already dead, and broken, as Vanyan here pointed out. Can you not see?" he asks honestly.

The ectoplasm fades away completely after a minute or so, leaving no trace behind. "Yes, it is quite unusual. So we are dead, then? If that is the case, then we shouldn't linger here trying to deny the truth. We will go the mayor at once! The townsfolk must hear it from her." The other council members nod in agreement.

Soon, Mayor Grive calls a meeting in what passes for the town hall: a large clearing surrounded by dead sycamores. As everyone gathers the Mayor turns to Vinas. "Did you wish to say a few words or shall I?"

Do you guys want to make a speech to convince the town, with the backing of the council, Mayor, and children, that they are dead?

Atium looks from face to face in his Dead-Not-Dead group. When the deceased Mayor Grive asks for volunteers to come up and speak, Atium takes the calculated step backwards.

early meeting, will post ASAP

"Vinas seems to be good with words. Perhaps he should speak, an I will add a few as well."

"Good people. Each of us journeys through life on a path unique to us. The country of our birth, the lot of our families, even things as small as the meal which brings us comfort - all unique. In the end though there is an aspect we all share. The gods give us the gift of life. It is ironic because they do not understand this gift as they are themselves immortal. How sweet is the smell of a rose or a woman if there is no reason to consider it special? This gift does not end with death, for it is death that makes the gift sweet. Go forth now to a new journey and rest well knowing you experienced this unique gift."

"Do not worry about what has gone before. You may be concerned with what has happened to your homes. Be assured we will go back there to determine what has happened and correct any wrongs that may have been done."

diplomacy to aid Vinas: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Vinas Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 = 24

With your support and that of the town council, and a brave face from their children, the townsfolk are grimly accepting of the truth. Even stubborn Luthias is forced to come to terms with his fate.

The people of Roslar's Coffer stir and murmur uncomfortably, but a look of placid acceptance begins to spread. One by one, the figures in the audience begin to exude a warm glow. As her own light slowly brightens, Mayor Grive turns back to speak. "I suppose, at least, there will still be someone on the other side who still remembers us. Just please, promise me that you'll find out what happened to us when you get back, and that you'll go to the capital and tell them what killed the people of Roslar's Coffer." She sighs. "Well... it seems this is goodbye." She says with a weak smile.

Tessenarin looks solemnly at the Mayor.

"We will. I promise that we will do as you request and to honor your memories."

Vanyan stays quiet as Vinas says goodbye to his people, backed by Tess’ words. They were their people, not Vanyan’s. He would have wanted time to get to know them, but that was never going to happen. Instead of making a home in the Coffer, the people had been taken away before he could even establish himself.

”Good luck, all. We will do what we can,” Vanyan says emptily, having no reason to believe he could help these people or answer any questions for anyone. After all, he was mostly-dead (which is somewhat alive), but still mostly-dead is mostly-dead.

Vanyan waves goodbye to the children, then looks to...well, have a good cry and rest. He wants to enter the Inn, find some food and drink and cry. Have a good solid cry seems like a great idea to him.

Not sure what is happening next, if it’s open, VK will hit the Inn.

Headed into meetings for the day. If needed: Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"Should we not go back to Umble and Thot and inform them we have convinced the citizens to move on? They agreed to show us how to leave if we did this task for them? I am anxious to leave the Boneyard. I find it unsettling."

Aishe listens to the kind words of Vinas, and nods - scanning the crowd for known and friendly faces. He tries to look them each in the eye and nod, lending emphasis to the meeting and words that are spoken.

As people begin to accept their truth, he goes through the crowd quickly making his goodbyes before they fade from sight and begin to forget him.

By the end, his eyes circled in red and still moist from tears, he rejoins the party in silent contemplation of his own mortality. Truly it is a journey, as I have now seen with my own eyes. It may not be my time, but I know when it comes, I shall be sent to Abadar for my judgment by this same path.

He wipes his face unashamedly and waits with the party. After a time he'll suggest, "Tessenarin is right. Perhaps we should tell those other two psychopomps we have succeeded so we can begin the march home. I don't want to stay. Not just yet."

"A whole town was slaughtered, and I would like to know how. And why."

Once you have said your goodbyes, and cried your tears in the Inn you find Umble and Thoot waiting for you at the valley entrance. "Splendiferous work! Well then, yes, I suppose we are prepared to get you back to your world. The ritual is quite simple, but I must ask you not to pay too close attention, as we’re not technically empowered to perform this bit of extrajurisdictational transposition."

“Like most things involving psychopomps, the Dead Roads rely on a complex bureaucracy. They’re maintained by Barzahk the Passage to allow us to come and go, but creatures of... of non-psychopompological nature need authorization to prevent abuse. Specially appointed bureaucrats control way stations along the routes, and can offer a stamp on your body to pass freely. Without a stamp of passage, beings tend to, oh... ‘slide off’ the Dead Roads and land back here—hopefully. We never did locate more than a few fingers from that one poor waywardarian Keleshite who found his way in."

“The route to Roslar’s Coffer passes three way stations: the Palace of Teeth, a manor called Nine-Eaves, and Salighara’s Scriptorium. You’ll need to stop at all three to make your pilgrimage back to Lastwall. Each way station master will probably charge for passage. Given your pauparian circumstances, I assume they’ll trade services. I hope.”

"what can you tell us about these way stations and their station masters?"

Aishe nods at Tessenarin's question and adds a few of his own. "How long will it take? We have but little food, water, and other supplies. Where can we obtain such things?"

As we may need to track food carefully, let's make sure we don't use too much from our first day. A couple of us mentioned we had rations and pooled them, but I don't remember (and didn't deduct if it was me) who used what. For convenience, I'll use up mine for the first day - I had enough for everyone I think. So if you deducted yours, please add it back.

Vinas convincing the townspeople.

Atium hears the speech. He is moved and gets a smile. A crooked style smile, but a smile none-the-less.

Atium downs one of the cure light wound potions to try and restore some of the vigor he lost in the combat.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Good work Vinas. And who did I have to borrow the CLW potion from? I still have a CMW in my pouch.
@Aishe - we do have a wand of create water - so we are good there.Food is a different issue, but not deadly like being without water.

Vanyan listens to Umble and Thot speak, offering only a single yawn in response. Not because he was bored, but because he was tired, and broken, and wanting a rest. It seems crazy that just yesterday they were awoken in the tomb, and now had escaped only to learn that they were in a worse trap than before.

His stomach rumbles, having not eaten since he snatched what he could from what Faolan was offering the day before. Sure, he still had his secret cheese, but that was for him and only after a good victory or something positive had happened.

”How far away is the Palace of Teeth?” Vanyan asks, echoing Aishe’s question.

"what can you tell us about these way stations and their station masters?"

“The Palace of Teeth is a small castle constructed by... I say, Thoot, who constructed it? I’ve no idea, actually. Its current occupants are malicious little pixies who collect teeth. Rather pesky. They raid the graves of the Boneyard, so I imagine they’ll accept a few teeth in trade.”

“Nine-Eaves is a rather gloom-encrusted manor. An elderly shoki psychopomp named Kishokish serves as the master, ruminating on all manner of confabulations. Reclusive and a bit annoying, he has a fondness for puzzles and games. He’ll almost certainly demand some battle of wits before granting his stamp, as he’s a depressing fellow. Humor him.”

“Lastly is Salighara Scriptorium! Salighara is a viduus psychopomp, and not a gregarious one. She likes the privacy the Dead Roads offer and oversees several scribes performing menial copying tasks for the Boneyard bureaucracy. I’ve attended one of her pompatious lectures on a prior encounter, and I don’t need to tell you, they are sanctimonious and redundant in the extreme. How a psychopomp could be so full of herself is quite beyond me! If Salighara wants labor in exchange for her stamp, it will likely be exceedingly dull to perform. You have my apologies in advance!”

"How long will it take? We have but little food, water, and other supplies. Where can we obtain such things?"

Umbal chirps. "Not sure, there may be some laying around before you succumb to starvation."

”How far away is the Palace of Teeth?”

"The Palace of Teeth is about 3 hours away on foot, while Nine-Eaves and Salighara’s Scriptorium both require about 8 hours to reach, or are about 3 hours from one another."

We need to put space between us and this place. A three hour walk doesn't seem that bad. So fairies huh? Real fairies didn't like the cold, cold North. But there's a few guys we used to call fairies back in the Lindlorn.
I am certain those at the Palace of Teeth are very different.
He gets a move on. No real place to camp here and sleep.
Vinas, you need to heal some (like a CMW). I need to use another CLW potion also. Can someone update the treasure list to show that both CLW potions are used and gone? Also, has anyone identified the pearl? That might be spell magic we aren't using, and could use.
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

GM-- Atium should be at 20/24 HP

Vanyan yawns despite the 'excitement' of the journey to come. He's never been the most fervent Pathfinder, and sometimes he'd just rather stay at home where it is safe and warm and not-deadly than go raiding some tomb that probably should be left alone.

We need to put space between us and this place. A three hour walk doesn't seem that bad. So fairies huh?

Vanyan yawns again, stretching his arms out.

"Listen, I'm all for marching at 'night', but I've already had a long day. Let's say we sleep in the Inn for the night while we can, then enjoy the stroll in the morning. I mean, we're already mostly-dead, why rush?" Vanyan queries, looking at his last chance to sleep in a bed for a while.