[PFS]GM Elanmorin's Glories of the Past Trilogy (Inactive)

Game Master Otha

"Nobody knows what the hammers signify? Takahiro, you have an augury spell? Why not ask the gods what will happen if we strike the stone hammers against this anvil."

Or maybe they're intended to be weapons against the anticipated rust monsters?

There are clues to be found about the hammers...my earlier post about wondering why the larger chamber (area below the hammers and anvil) had been blocked from view on the map when it should've been readily visible was sort of an indirect hint. ;)

"Perhaps they are linked to these doors somehow?"

Kiboko goes to study the three sets of double doors.

Take 10 on Perception for each, for a result of 27

Kiboko takes the stairs down into the large chamber below and studies the doors. He sees that all three doors are extremely sturdy and sealed to boot; he also gets the sense that these doors are, or were, opened by some sort of mechanism and would be very hard to force open...

On his way back to the stairs, he notices three sculptures at the base of the raised platform that houses the hammers and anvil; each appear to have words in Dwarven scrawled into their bases, which Kiboko can easily translate for his friends...

The words inscribed in the first two statues can be read in the two player handouts linked below:

Statue Inscriptions

The first of the three statues depicts a sinister dwarf toiling over a forge, his hammer emblazoned with a mark of a stone arch that contains a burning fire.

The second of the three statues portrays a stern dwarf pointing downward with one hand and slamming a gavel with the other, with the Dwarven word for Oath-keeper written on the hammer.

The final relief depicts a stoic dwarf working at a forge and wielding a hammer bearing the name Kaglemros. Instead of bearing an inscription like the previous two statues, this relief merely has an arrow incised into it that points to the stoic dwarf.

Know Rel 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Know Rel 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Know Rel 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

"The first one is Droskar, so I assume that one is second - can anyone read the dwarven rune on the hammer?"

Know Rel: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Know Rel: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Know Rel: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Ah, didn't recognize the first Droskar you say? That second is, Kols, dwarven god of justice and oaths. The third is of course Torag."

"Alas, I do not know the dwarves tongue, but I do have some skill with languages..."
Lingustics: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23 if it helps

"Kiboko sees the pattern now. The order. How like the dwarves...

Now, determine which of the three stone hammers is Kaglemros, Torag's hammer, and we have our solution."

Kiboko compares the hammer pictured in the sculpture with those held by the stone maidens.

Kiboko easily identifies the hammers and hits the anvil with each one, in the order specified by the sculptures, and awaits in anticipation...

A cerulean fog seeps into the large chamber below (B6) from its floor and walls and coalesces into a spectral map of Koldukar. Accompanying this mist is a Dwarven spirit, a female; stirred from millenia of inactivity, she appears ecstatic to see the party of Pathfinders as she bows and speaks...

Kiboko returns the bow.

Inghild nods to Kiboko.

She motions to the translucent map and traces a glowing line showing the path that the Pathfinders must take. The spirit raises her hand in farewell and begins to fade away slowly, as does the map...as soon as she is completely gone, the door to the north creaks loudly as it fully opens...

"That was a spirit of Koldukar. She told Kiboko that the stele we seek is to the north. There are bridges difficult to navigate, but there should be no other dangers."

Kiboko and Mvumbu prepare to pass the northern door, once the rest of the pathfinders are ready.

Once you are gathered and ready, you approach the newly opened door, and you see...

A deep chasm separates a large stone platform and whatever might lie beyond. On the platform's floor, an inch-deep depression offers a recess for an unseen bridge to rest. On the eastern edge of the platform there is a small panel of complex but rusty levers and cranks.

You can just make out a rusted iron drawbridge, currently raised, that could span the chasm if lowered...

"Once again, I am humbled by the talents of those I travel with" Takahiro muses as he looks at the problems ahead, and those recently overcome!

Knowledge (Engineering): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

Zeno (after getting temporarily separated from the others when he takes a wrong turn and has to make his way up another flight of stairs) draws the bridge with virtually the same ease as he draws his bow.

With some effort, Zeno expertly maneuvers the rusty cranks and levers on the panel...and with several loud creaks, the drawbridge comes slowly down, giving the Pathfinders a path across the chasm...

Kiboko scrutinises the bridge, wondering if it will support the weight of an adult hippopotamus.

perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28

Kiboko seems reasonably sure that the bridge will hold Mvumbu’s weight...

"Let us advance! Our goal is near!"

Kiboko calls his fellow pathfinders forwards, and makes ready to cross the drawbridge...

Don't want to go far ahead of everyone else, although I'm happy to take point.

Quiella marvels at the skill of her companions in navigating the various obstacles in the way of the party.

Quiella readies her weapon and says a prayer (shield of faith) knowing that if her years as a Pathfinder has taught her anything, it is that reaching your goal is often the most dangerous part of the journey.

Ahn is happy to have the bridge to cross the chasm.. his plate mail has always made him unsteady...

Ahn pulls out his Wand of Expeditious Retreat and taps himself with it... UMD: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Then brings his bow to the ready.

Also, if he was ever more than 30 feet from Kiboko he needs to refresh shield other... umd: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

Current active effects/settings
Shield Other Kiboko
Life Link Zeno
Wrist sheaths - Potion of Fly, Wand of expeditious retreat
And I believe we slept, so, Lay On Hands 14/14 left

Quiella also says a prayer for Sèriè (shield of faith)

Tak follows on, sword drawn...!

Casts Bless from his wand

Intrepidly following Inghild's map, you arrive in an area after an hour of travel underground that includes forcing open doors, clearing rubble that obstructs passageways, and performing other such feats of underground exploration (C1 on the map below):

Broken Bridge Map

(An image above the C1/C2 area on the map shows the bridge you're standing on from a side view, giving you an idea at how much the second section is slanted)

A twisted bridge that once must have been an engineering wonder now slants precariously over a vast chasm. Thirty-feet wide and supported by immense stone columns, the bridge extends into darkness. However, forty feet along its length, a section of the bridge has collapsed onto the chasm's unseen floor. After a ten-foot gap, another section of the causeway slants dangerously against its stone support; beyond it lies an even longer gap before the bridge resumes, not far from a stone landing.

The first gap seems to be a manageable jump (Acrobatics DC10)...but the slanted platform you'd be landing on would make it more perilous (another Acrobatics DC10 to keep you from sliding off the edge). Even from where you're currently standing, you can see it'd be far more perilous span to the third platform, as it'd take a 25' leap at an upwards slant (Acrobatics DC24). You also notice that there's an intact 25' long marble column that lies on the slanted platform...

You can take 10 on the first Acrobatics check (provided you are trained), but the next two you'll need to roll the check. If you have other ideas of how to cross, post 'em and that could lower the difficulty as well...

Ahn looks dubiously at the obstacle. "by Ragathiel... I'm not going to make that gap. I have a potion that will allow me to fly, but what a waste for such an obstacle."

"Ropes... could we make this easier with a support line. Maybe then I could try it... I have a talisman that will let me fall like a feather should I slip.", Ahn looks down, "but no telling what's at the bottom of this chasm."

On the other hand... with Expeditious retreat that'd be a +8 to his jump check if this is a straight JUMP... still, +5 total for a DC 24 is pretty bad...

"That column would make a nice bridge... if we could just get it there."

"Kiboko, I think if we share our talents..."

Kiboko has 8 acrobatics. Tak trades shoes and lends him his boots of Striding and Sprining, upping Kibokos speed to 40, and thus pushing him to a +17 on the roll (+8 Skill, +5 from the boots, +4 for a 40' move speed) and hits him with Touch of Law - Treat all d20 rolls as 11 for 1 rd. That beats the DC required for Kiboko to get across. We can then get the ropes into play to build a makeshift crossing, or move that pillar.

Kiboko considers the bridge and the gaps.

"Kiboko does not need your boots, friend. Kiboko knows the ways of all the beasts of the Mwangi Expanse, from the mightiest jungle cats to the lowly tree frogs. But Kiboko will gladly accept your blessings."

Kiboko is still under a Longstrider spell, and can make use of Animal Focus (Frog) for a +4 to jump checks. This is a +16 to jump, for a 27 under Touch of Law (very strong domain power, I'm a fan).

"Kiboko possesses a wand that has the power to transmute stone into new shapes. Kiboko will make a new bridge over the longer gap. It will be narrow: Kiboko will have to shrink Mvumbu for her to be safe. But if the rest of you can manage this short gap, then Kiboko's plan should succeed."

So here's the plan. First Kiboko employs a scroll of reduce animal on Mvumbu, making her Medium sized. Her jump modifier will be +11. Then Kiboko takes Tak's Touch of Law, and jumps 27 feet to land close to the end of the fallen pillar. Whilst still under Touch of Law Kiboko passes the DC10 balance check. Kiboko then touches his Wand of Stone Shape to the broken bridge and extends a 1 foot wide, 25 foot long, 8 inch deep span of stone across the long gap. I'm no engineer, but I think that should hold everyone especially if we cross one at a time. If the DC10 balance check is a problem for anyone I can use a second charge of the wand to raise a path on the sloping section. Sound OK?

Knowledge (Engineering): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

"Yes," Says Zeno, looking carefully across the second gap. "If that fragment of column there could be rested in that far groove on the left up there, it should be secure enough to serve as a bit of a bridge...."

Sounds cool :)

As a group, under Zeno’s guidance you have enough strength to push the column to use as a bridge; in conjunction with Kiboko’s plan using his wand and Takahiro’s rope, I’ll hand-wave the Acrobatics checks and you cross without incident.

You collectively enact your plan and cross over the broken bridge to the far side and come to some large doors...

A sixty-foot-wide set of doors is built into the solid stone wall. Geometric designs cover much of the doors' surface, and deep grooves that might have once held metal inlays are now empty. A smaller set of doors better suited to everyday use is built into the larger portal.

Entrance to the Great Hall

As you approach the doors, a magic mouth spell triggers and you hear a loud voice:

”Wurde aus Mutter Folgrits Schoß gerissen und schlug ständig zehn, während ich brenne. Ich werde ein blutrünstiger ailler, bis meine haare mit dem alter rot werden.”

Once Kiboko translates, you may make the check below:

I don't think need that knowledge check to solve this.

"If Folgrit represents the earth who is our mother, then the answer is 'iron': iron forged into a weapon that rusts with age."

Kiboko repeats his answer in Dwarven. After giving folks a chance to cast any spells or make other preparations. Kiboko will refresh his heightened awareness (burn for +4 initiative if combat breaks out)

Takahiro renews the Bless-ing on the party...

"Well translated" Tak smiles at Kiboko!

"Kiboko thanks you, friend. But if you want to be really impressed, hang around a while and you might see a hippo talking dwarven."

a level 10 hunter/barbarian/hippo ;)

Good job, Kiboko! Actually, the religion check would not have told you the answer, just given a clue on who Folgrit was; if no one could guess the clue, I'd have posted a DC15 Intelligence check with the answer...

As Kiboko says 'iron' in Dwarven, the smaller doors open by their own power...stepping inside you see:

Shining columns, exquisite statuary, and elaborate dioramas of battle scenes adorn this majestic hall. The figures stand in small niches in the walls and range from dwarven infantry to mounted cavalry riding all manner of beasts. Gold filigree, metallic plates, and ornate steel inlays decorate every aspect of the grand hall. Pristine marble floors run the chamber's length, and halfway down the hall, twin flights of stairs sweep up to an elevated walkway. Orbs of magical light rest in sconces along the walls of the chamber, and at its far end a large stone stele is visible.

Entrance to the Great Hall

"Very beautiful - ans so many statues means so many traps and animated nasties - I can't help but feel such a beautiful roo will betray us"

"Stunning indeed," Affirms Zeno as he studies the hall with supernatural insight....

detect magic and, if applicable, Spellcraft: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (13) + 18 = 31 +2 to identify magic items and/or Divination magic

"This... this is truly a wonder out of the past. Kiboko truly feels as if he is inside a Sky Citadel now. Even though Kiboko has no love for civilisation, with all its corruption, Kiboko sees beauty here."

"Let us investigate the stele."

Tentatively, marveling at the works of the ancient dwarves, Kiboko and Mvumbu step forwards.

perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29

GM is this another map where the squares are 10' on a side?

Kiboko, technically yes, the squares are 10'; but for the moment, for clarity and movement purposes, we'll treat it as 5'...

As you stand in wonder of the massive hall, Zeno detects magic emanating from the room; after a minute, he can see magical auras around the light orbs and around what appears to be a miniature 'statue' further into the chamber...

As Kiboko warily moves further into the chamber, he detects neither traps nor foes; however, the two statues at the base of the stairwell (both marked 'G' on the map) turn their heads in his direction and speak simultaneously:

"Sprechen sie mit uns das Rätsel des Steins."

"Interesting," Announces Zeno. "Is anyone else familiar with the Figurines of Wondrous Power? Because I think there is one in this room...!"

"Another dwarven marvel, Zeno.

The statues want Kiboko to tell them the riddle of stone. Kiboko thinks he can answer."

Inspired by Conan, Kiboko will answer...

Kiboko faces the statues who spoke, and replies:

"Stein ist stark: das Fundament von allem, was gebaut wird. Aber Fleisch ist stärker, denn es sind unsere Hände, die Hammer und Meißel halten, die den Stein formen. Durch unseren Willen wird Stein gebrochen und neu gemacht. Dies ist das Rätsel aus Stein."

Quiella continues to marvel at the many-talented Kiboko.

Great answer, Kiboko, love the Conan reference as it was the first thing I thought of. However, in this case, there is no right answer (probably young writers who never saw the movie); according to the scenario, the riddle of stone has long been lost to history and the constructs await one round before attacking no matter what answer is given.

The statues just look at you stone-faced, non-plussed by your answer. You grow uneasy in the eery silence of their gaze, as the moment seems longer than it actually is. About six seconds after Kiboko's answer, the statues animate and move towards you; you sense that they are not coming to welcome you...

COMBAT! Round 1 - The bold may act!

Zeno
Takahiro
Kiboko
Mvumbu
Ahn
Quiella
Kelemur
Constructs

Battle Map (Slide 9)

The squares on the battle map are 10' apiece...

Prescience: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (4) + 20 = 24
Lucky number reroll!: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25 Uh...okay. :P Weaknesses?

"Oh dear," Deadpans Zeno, ever quick on the uptake. "I don't suppose anyone's got a hammer or a club of adamantine? These things are solid clay; anything else is mostly just going to make pretty patterns in them...."

Well, I've got blunt arrows, and I've got adamantine arrows, but I DON'T have blunt adamantine arrows - any booby prizes for PARTIALLY meeting DR requirements?

Knowing it's going to take every edge he can muster to bring these things down, Zeno enchants his bow (with gravity bow).

If somebody has Adamantine Weapon Blanch it can be applied to up to 50 of Zeno's blunt arrows, and they'll beat the DR.

know.arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

"Clay golems! Let us destroy them quickly. Focus fire."

Kiboko and Mvumbu go on the attack before the golems can react. I may technically have to delay for Ahn so as to remain in range of Shield Other.

Kiboko summons up all of his animalistic powers, sending himself and his companion into a sympathetic rage and boosting their strength. Mvumbu is still Medium from Reduce Animal unless three hours have elapsed since crossing the sloping bridge.

Swift to activate Bull Focus on Kiboko and Mvumbu, free to Rage, move to move (speed 40), standard to ready action for when Mvumbu completes her turn.

Kiboko is then Fatigued until the start of his next turn (scarred rager archetype halves fatigue duration).

"MOOOOAAAAARRGGGHHHHH!!!!!"

It has been too long since Mvumbu went into battle alongside Kiboko. As her companion's rage power flows through her, she races to attack his target.

tangling chomp! vs blue, amplified rage, power attack, reduce animal, bull focus, menacing pack flanking outflank: 1d20 + 11 + 4 - 2 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 11 + 4 - 2 + 1 + 6 = 37damage: 2d8 + 15 + 6 ⇒ (2, 3) + 15 + 6 = 26
On a hit, Blue is Entangled for 1 round.

outflank AoO triggered by Kiboko's crit (if confirmed): 1d20 + 11 + 4 - 2 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 11 + 4 - 2 + 1 + 6 = 39damage: 2d8 + 15 + 6 ⇒ (2, 5) + 15 + 6 = 28

I think there's a reasonable chance that Kiboko and Mvumbu just took out Blue.

Zeno: no weaknesses listed per se; while it’s immune to any magic that allows SR, there are three spells it’s vulnerable to (earthquake, disintegrate, move earth)

While Zeno identifies the clay golems and preps his bow for battle, Kiboko and Mvumbu double-team the blue golem. Mvumbu bowls into the golem, staggering it, biting deep into its left thigh. Kiboko follows up with a mighty stroke of his great sword, slicing completely through the construct’s right leg, severing it. As the creature falls to the ground, Mvumbu goes for the throat, chomping down till all life leaves the golem...

Yep, even with DR that was just a little more than enough to kill it...

COMBAT! Round 1 - The bold may act!

Zeno
Takahiro
Kiboko
Mvumbu
Ahn
Quiella
Kelemur
Constructs

Battle Map (Slide 9)

The squares on the battle map are 10' apiece...

"Now, golems are notoriously difficult to harm with magic, but they *are* susceptible to certain spells of terramancy, or...

*SSSCHHLUNK*-*CRUNCH*-*WHUMP!!!*

"Uhhhhhrm...or extreme quantities of brute force. That might also work...."

Quiella pulls out a lance as Sèriè barrels towards the golem. She lowers it right at the point of impact...

Lance, charge, power attack: 1d20 + 13 + 2 - 3 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 2 - 3 = 22
piercing: 2d6 + 12 + 18 ⇒ (2, 6) + 12 + 18 = 38

goofy question, but can Quiella be holding her greatsword with one hand while she holds the lance with the other?

Sèriè, Gore, charge, ACP: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 2 - 1 = 23
piercing: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Sèriè likewise lowers her horns as she runs into the golem

Ahn runs forward, maintaining distance with Kiboko... and, for lack of knowing any better will try produce flame.

The ball of flame appears in his hand... ready for a throw...

I see we were told about adamantine

Takahiro moves in and casts Bless!

+1 to hit, add to the fun!