TOZ's Passing the Torch (Inactive)

Game Master TriOmegaZero

Whisper tries to identify the monster responsible. Take 10 on KS-Dungeoneering is 25.

Whisper thinks about the Claws and where they live. Whisper will pass on what he knows to Rokgurn.

Does Whisper know anything more about the Claws of Achaekek?
Are they generally humans? KS-Religion of 32 with a take 10. Also is the temple an actual building or a courtyard type of arrangement?

Unfortunately, the assassins are as varied as Pathfinder agents and twice as secretive. You recall seeing the pagoda when scouting the city.

At some point, Hamish is going to empty the water out of his canteen... and fill it with rum from the table!

For later, of course... and Yuri is sure to be parched by now.

Yuri tweets in assent. As a devotee of Cayden, he tries to have a least a sip every hour. Out of devotion, of course.

The hawk squad wings up over the city as Hamish and Bombshell continue to enjoy the subdued party. The Pagoda of the Red Mantis is easy to spot, as two enormous statues of Red Mantis assassins stand to either side of the open gate. An open courtyard stands beyond, hosting a stone pagoda. The front of the building bears a white banner with crimson mantis arms crossed in the center. Winging down, you notice the courtyard appears empty, although robes figures can be seen in the pagoda itself.

Time to pick up your stragglers?

Yes, Plan A is a go.

Rokgurn and Whisper effortlessly bank around a corner enjoying the abundant thermals in a sea-side town. They nestle deeply in appropriate foliage (hopefully out of sight) before returning to the site of the party to retrieve their teammates.

With Rokgurn and Whispers appearance in the hedge, Crazy and Hamish as able to step through on the return trip with no problem.

Okay, party is outside of the Pagoda! Well done.

Rokgurn scans the area to see if they are being observed.

Take 10 Perception in bright light is 41.

Do you have a map for this? Also do we have the opportunity to buff a little before going in?

Rokgurn sees that the walls are carved in murals of religious pilgrims descending stairs to a water-filled room, kneeling before a humanoid figure covered in many eyes.

No map and no one appears to be around yet.

Will cast barskin on the eidolon, and overland flight on himself whilst waiting for Rokgurn.

"I've seen more lively shindigs, but few with quite so extensive a spread!" Hamish chortles, taking a sip from his canteen.

He holds it out to Yuri. "A samplin'!"

He glances at the Seaward Gull, still in hawk form. "All right you lot, quit yer lollygaggin'. There's work to be done!"

The bird flutters to the ground, wobbles around for a moment, then suddenly changes back to that of the now familiar ship.

Only you see no sign of the crew... instead, there are dozens of small birds, flopping and flapping confused about the deck like drunken chickens, as if they all suddenly forgot how to fly, or even walk.

" Mr. Phips! Front and center." Hamish retorts, not paying much attention to the state of the crew. "We're sailin' into hostile waters."

Slowly, one by one, the birds start to turn back into the faceless crewman that typically man the ship, though they continue to stumble about for a minute, as if trying to get their bearings.

The familiar uniformed figure of Mr. Phips staggers out of the foredeck.

"Quite the ride there, Captain. A little warning next time, perhaps?" The tiny voice of the first mate replies, as he scowls at the discombobulated crewmen. "I'll have the men shipshape in short order!" He starts stomping around the dick, cuffing sailors and calling out orders and assignments.

Surprisingly quickly, the men assume their stations and duties. A number of miniature ballista-looking contraptions rise up on the foredeck, and cannon ports open up along both the port and starboard sides. A skull and crossbones flag is raised to the top of the main mast.

"Likely to be a pitched battle lads. Assassins, brigands, and evil of all colors abound! But booty to be had at the end of it, and two extra rum rations for everyone... on both ends."

He holds the canteen of rum over the port side, and the crew rush to that gunwhale, suddenly all holding small mugs. He pours out a small splash of rum, which the sailors collect and swig down with a muted chear. Soon they are waving a vast assortment of weapons in readiness.

Hamish calls upon a blessing to the Pirate Queen herself, to protect the crew. "Besmara will be watchin' us today! Make her proud!"

Casting Protection from Evil on the eidolon. =)

The Seaward Gull seems ready for a fight!

Kasimir looks around to get a sense of the surroundings. He also takes a moment to reflect on the temple itself, having never been inside a Temple of the Mantis God.

K(religion), taking 10 yields a 15.

Bombshell will take an extract of shield and an extract of reduce person before using alchemical allocation to gargle and spit out her potion of shield of faith.

Now being tiny in size, she eyes the eidolon, wondering if there's a decent perch for her that wouldn't disturb the crew. Then she sights and, when the party is ready to head in, she'll take to the air and flutter along on her TINY butterfly wings.

Kn-Religion on Mantis God: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 30
Kn-Local on Red Mantis Assassins: 1d20 + 24 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 24 + 2 + 2 = 47

The Eidolon has the mount evolution... so yes, it can be ridden just fine, size permitting. But you need a proper captain's hat before it will let you (Hamish has an extra tricorne hat! ... but you'd need to don it before shrinking yourself, I suspect.)

Then again, you might not want to be where it goes in combat... =)

Once Rokgurn lands be briefly reverts to human form. He carefully places his needed equipment on the ground before transforming into a man-shaped creature of air. He straps back on his shield and backpack preparing for battle. He hands Hamish his wand of Mage Armor to be used again. Whisper settles easily in a tiny aviary within Rokgurn's backpack.

Medium Air Elemental form assumed with Elemental Body IV.

I am going to assume that Hamish will help him with his wand of mage armor. We must be getting close to the hour mark I think. If not we can wait on the charge.

Omrax-bird lands with the others, and transforms back to half-elven form when it is clear and safe to do so without patrols around.

Addressing Hamish and Crazy Hairy.

Thy plan and conversation were impressive. Although we may need to work on your overzealous use of colorful language and excessive drinking. But those vices can wait until later. Strong work, otherwise.

The paladin closes his eyes for a moment and meditates as the party prepares.

• I will not be taken prisoner by my free will. I will not
surrender those under my command.

• I will never abandon a companion, though I will honor
sacrifice freely given.

Ready.

With spells ready and party assembled, the party enters the courtyard before the Pagoda of the Mantis. Instantly, you each feel a heat on your foreheads. While it does not hurt, you find each of you bears a glowing symbol in the shape of crossed mantis arms on your brow.

How would you like to proceed? No one has appeared from the pagoda yet.

Yuri is relieved to finally be out of bird-form. "I'm a dwarf, that's the fact, not no pheasant! The damned Society'd better appreciate what we do for 'em, I'll tell ye that!"

He pauses to swig some mead from his flagon.

"All right then. So here we are in the middle of an island o' assassins. Standin' in front o' some pagoda. 'N with weird glowy stuff on our foreheads t'boot. Guess maybe we should head inside - can't imagine what could possibly go wrong..."

"Aye! Onward to victory!" Hamish says. "Or at least a generous share o' the booty."

He stops, when the strange rune appears on his forehead... though given he already has a mark there, typically covered by his unruly hair and captain's hat, its kind of a confusing mess.

Hmm.. how is said mark interacting with the summoner symbol that's usually there?

"What's this?" He says, outraged. "I wear no mark but that o' my ship, or Besmara herself!"

He immediately starts trying to figure out what it is, or what its purpose might be.

is there a Knowledge check that might tell us something? Can use read magic or detect magic, if necessary.

He glances over at his ship, and you realize the symbol also appears on the Seaward Gull, its main sail suddenly sporting the same mark as the others.

"Mr. Phips! Strike those colors at once!" He commands, and the crew immediately start rushing about. In no time they have the mainsail furled, and removed. Just as quickly, a second sail takes its place, and is hoisted into place.

Hoping to hide it somehow? Dunno if it works like a typical summoner mark, but I know you can disguise those... and the Gull is quite good at disguises! Anyway, it will try, taking a 10, for a 30 total.

Whisper discuses the strange arcana involved with this symbol with Rokgurn before returning to his protected environment (Familiar Sachel) within Rokgurn's backpack.

Take 10 on Arcana is 35.

Are the familiars and the Eidolon marked as well?

Rokgurn notices Hamish's concern as he hovers effortlessly in place above the ground.

"We are working the problem here. We will let you know soon (I hope)."

Cool effect. Very thematic.

Take ten on Kn-Arcana AND/OR Spellcraft is currently 37

Bombshell pulls out a small silver mirror and looks at the mark on her head. Then she tells her tumor familiar move to where the tattoo is located on her forehead to see what it looks like when it bulges outward, then has Franks move back and forth to make the mark wiggle while she arches her brow first on one side, then the other.
"Which side looks better?"

The Seaward Gull finds itself perplexed, as the brand appears to remain in place despite the changing sails. After some experimentation, the main sail is able to droop enough that the symbol is covered by the folds, although it on occasion peaks out as the ship comes about.

Bombshell and Whisper are unsure of what effect the brand is. It is similar to a mark of justice, but clearly higher magic given it affected the entire party just by entering the courtyard. It might be removed with similar methods to counter that, or you can attempt to hide it or yourself while moving through the pagoda. (Disguise, Sleight of Hand, or Stealth).

Whisper ponders the religious significance of the brand. Does the brand appears only on enemies of the cult or anyone who enters he wonders?

KS-Religion Take 10 is 32.

Whisper isn't sure what significance the brand has, but is pretty sure it isn't welcome.

Rokgurn turns to Hamish.

"These marks cannot be good for us. Can you see if you can dispel the mark on your own forehead to start?"

If we can remove the marks we probably should.

Omrax, although not happy about the unwelcome mark, continues to wear his helm which should cover the brand.

”By the Inheritor, Tis an invasion of privacy and affront to our divine allegiance of choice! “

"Of course I can remove these cursed things." Hamish replies with his usual bravado, despite having no real idea.

"I once removed the black spot itself." He adds, confidently. "After the mark o' death, this should be easy enough."

He contorts his face slightly, trying futilely to see it, then just shrugs, and intones an arcane spell, calling on Besmara to deal with the unwelcome effect.

Dispel Magic CL check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

If that actually works, Hamish can summon a babau demon (that will stick around for 12 minutes... and can cast dispel magic at will.) Though admittedly at only caster level 7... still... 100+ castings would be theoretically possible during that duration... should be able to get a few wiped off (depending on DC)... though Omrax might not like it =)

and, speaking of the black mark... that's a curse... wonder if remove curse might work here too? /shrug. An option if folks have it anyway

Hamish summons a sea spray that causes the glowing rune to run like fresh ink down his face, dripping off his beard and evaporating.

Ah ha! Take that! Always like it when his delusional confidence is reinforced =)

"These Mantis are no match for the might of Besmara!" He says, with a chortle. "Or Mamma O'Toole's youngest, har!"

He glances at the others, thoughtfully. "Still, they be resources we can ill afford to scuttle. Luckily, I know a particularly vile blaggard what owes me a favor or two. Lets see if we can't beat a bit of aid out of it."

OK Then... will summon said babau (using his class ability). Duration 12 minutes. Able to cast dispel magic at will, CL 7

GM can roll more, as needed. We have 5 PC's remaining, plus at least 2 (possibly 3 (still not sure on the tumor familiar =))) companion critters.

One success! And a minute off of buff durations. I'll say the tumor does not count as long as it remains attached.

I was in total cover (in the familiar sachel) when my master crossed over. Do I still have a mark?

Ouch... only succeeds on a 20? Not a good sign. (I guess 19's are still on the table, too)
Will have that one success be on Yuri

As the demon works for a minute, attempting to remove marks, with only a single success, Hamish scowls... unsure if its failing on purpose, or the mark is just that hard to remove.

"Might take longer than expected." He mutters, glancing back at the others.

Dunno how long folks want to keep trying. 10+ minutes of attempts left

Rokgurn nods.

"I think that these marks are bad. Really bad."

As long as it takes. Considering that the monster in here is able to mess with people's minds we definitely do not want their mark on our head.

I was in total cover when my master crossed over. Do I still have a mark?

Unfortunately yes. This is not actually a spell effect but the power of plot.

Was intending to target those who have poor options to hide/conceal it otherwise (the disguise/sleight of hand/stealth skills the GM mentioned earlier)
So Yuri first, then Omrax (if willing), Bombshell, Kasimir, Rokgurn, the bird, and the Gull.
Just not sure how long folks want to work on it for.

You have 120 rolls left on this summon. Do you want help on the rolling?

My character is not entering with this on his head. So as long as it takes. He does not want to end up like Stanton.

Shrug... rollings easy.

Heh... there's that 19... so now to see if it was a 5% chance or 10% =)

2 minutes down

Congratulations, you have found the magic number! 3 successful castings.

Yuri rubs his forehead where the mark was, nods gratefully to the Cap'n, and takes another draught of his pilsner.

ah, 19 then. OK, lets do this thing....

Didn't even notice the 20 in that last round! Too focused on the 19 =)
Will do Omrax and Bombshell on that round then

OK, looks like it takes just under 4 minutes to get everyone

Hamish will then immediately dismiss the demon back to whatever hell it came from.

Omrax is none to happy about the Babau but the enemy of thy enemy working for the greater good.

”Sir Hamish we will also need to talk later about some of the company you keep.“

I don’t have my chronicles handy but may have a boon for targeted dispel Omrax could use. But maybe not. Or if Rokgurn is willing to try.

"Company?" Hamish replies. "Why all sorts! The Captain is a social compass... willing to point to any of the cardinals, if you turn him just right!"

"There was this set of halfling twins I ran into in Riddleport once... Half the size, but twice the enthusiasm!"

"'Course, I don't think they was really twins." He adds in a stage whisper with a suggestive wink. "But who am I to question a lady's veracity? Har!"

Having removed the alarming brand, you are able to enter the pagoda without an issue. The structure has a handful of large rooms on the multiple floors, but most of the robed servants within pay little mind to you. A few look at you curiously, especially the Seaward Gull, but say nothing. You get the sense that it is routine for strange figures to descend the stairs to the chambers below.

As you begin to descend down the 10ft wide staircase, oppressive silence surrounds you, blocking all sound. No light illuminates the steps as they stretch on beyond darkvisions reach.

Next part will be up tonight!

Skipping the small fry at least for now. Excellent job Hamish.
Is it magical silence or just the quiet of a stone tomb?

Rokgurn floats above the stairs keeping an eye out for danger.

Whisper rests in the safety of his tiny aviary.

You do not hear even your own breathing.

Hamish draws his cutlass, which bursts into flames as it leaves the sheath, lighting the immediate area.

The cutlass has a heightened (to level 6) continual flame on it.

He maintains his position behind, but still within reach, of the Gull.

If he has anything pithy to say, you thankfully do not have to hear it.

Rokgurn takes the silence and the darkness in stride.

If you are trying to frighten me (the player) you have succeeded. Spooky. ;)