|
Lazlo Ugarte, at your serv—
Yeah, that left a mark
Oh! Oh, my! I have a terrible ringing in in my ears now, rather like some sort of alarm — now I wonder, I didn't cast an alarm spell recently, did I? I don't think I did, no, but one can never be too sure, can one? — and a bit of a headache. Oh dear, oh dear.
|
Oh! Oh, my! I have a terrible ringing in in my ears now, rather like some sort of alarm — now I wonder, I didn't cast an alarm spell recently, did I? I don't think I did, no, but one can never be too sure, can one? — and a bit of a headache. Oh dear, oh dear.
*smirking while reloading* Ye'll get used to it.
|
--- Pre-Game Roleplay/Introductions ---
Six Pathfinders find themselves seated on chairs within a lounge area of the Grand Lodge in Absalom. Each has been summoned to the Pathfinder Society headquarters for an important mission. A mission that they originally expected to be the usual 6-man operation has turned out to be a major, almost yearly event. Pathfinders of all colours, shapes, and sizes mill about, but this lounge is the one refuge of quiet.
|
This is Ka'atib the bard. He stands of average height. His thin frame is neither impressive nor memorable, but it allows the latest of fashions to be displayed as if on a tailor's mannequin. Indeed his adventuring gear is impeccably worn. The enchanted chain shirt is woven to sleeves and a color of the most supple of leather. His boots likely cost more than a laborer makes in a year. His fingers sparkle and reflect light in a myriad of colors form the gems on his rings, fingers typically caressing the cheeks of the comeliest woman in the room. Ka'atib's long hair is meticulously groomed, a trait that even the most harrowing of missions never seems to steal. Long and straight it's tied back into a ponytail. His trimmed beard is the latest in Kelishite styles, highlighted by earrings of the purest gold. Ka'atib's eyes are dark and stormy. Their depths have bedded countless women and frightened countless men. In all his comportment commands respect and attention from prince and pauper alike.
But it is his voice that conquers all. His darkened skin bespeaks of his Kelish ancestry, but his voice flows forth with an accent unplaceable. Master of a dozen tongues celestial and otherwise every word comes with an artistic tilt. When the bard chooses to weave in his bardic talents of oration to a speech it shapes thoughts as surely as dwarf's chisel or a wizard's wand. Diplomats sweat and husband's fume at his very presence.
This is Ka'atib the bard, master of word and recorder of stories. He is an orator and troubadour. He is a womanizer and plunderer. He is a diplomat and instigator. He is a Pathfinder through and through.
|
|
A half-orc--tall, lean, and ugly--sits comfortably. He is travel-worn and serious, clothing that has seen miles of walking in every climate. Shirt and pants are the no-color of old, tough cloth. Only a few accoutrements of note:
The pistol on his right hip is old and glorious. His right hand is never far from Discordia.
The bright medals on his chest--four of them--lay in stark contrast to his otherwise drab attire. Three medals are of Medevian make, the fourth is a simple pin of silver, proclaiming him a member of the Silver Crusade.
Upon catching sight of the stunning human, his bestial face breaks into a toothy (tusky!) grin. He stands, and gives a formal bow. HILE WORDSLINGER! Long days and pleasant nights my old friend!
In the background, a formerly unnoticed man dressed all in black titters disconcertingly--he laughs like a dead man. He's fiddling with a Harrow deck, and watching the gunslinger with amused eyes...always watching. Riegel glances back with open hatred in his eyes. Won't you leave me be and follow someone else? The man in black titters again, shuffling his cards with skill but making no other sounds.
The gunslinger shakes his head in disgust at this soothsayer, then ignores him & turns back to the bard. Looks like you will be my dinh for this mission. I'll be proud to protect you again while you use that trum mouth of yours to get us into trouble!
|
|
Greetings, I am Ulysses
Ulysses Macabre is a half-orc, clad in well-worn, loose-fitting robes perhaps appropriate for desert travel. He barely speaks above a whisper; his voice is dusty and muted, in a similar fashion to his clothing.
He displays trappings of the occult; rings, amulets, mystic symbols stitched into his garments; he looks the part of a spellcaster, despite the impressive falchion strapped to his side, and the glint of fine elven chain underneath his robes.
Ulysses seems distant...not necessarily aloof, just preoccupied with something dark, elusive, possibly otherworldly.
A creature emerges briefly from his person; a skeleton of a small theropod dinosaur. It looks around, then secrets itself back in the folds of Ulysses' robes.
|
|
Ka'atib sings a song about brave Ulysses.
Lazlo looks at the gunslinger curiously. Ka-tet? I am unfamiliar with that word! It's not Common or Gnome or Elven or Sylvan, nor is it of Draconic origin...not part of the language of fair Varisia or the Shoanti...can't be from the Osiriani or the Ancient Osiriani dialect...not Kelish, not Hallit...Ancient Thassilon? No...
The gnome's face, deep in a frown, suddenly brightens. Ah! An Azlanti term! Or rather, two Azlanti terms put together, a sort of portmanteau if you will. Ka is "fate" or "destiny," and tet is "group" or "gathering," making ka-tet a "gathering of fate."
Seems like I've been fated to be at a "gathering" in the past, now that I think on it...
|
|
The gnome's face, deep in a frown, suddenly brightens. Ah! An Azlanti term! Or rather, two Azlanti terms put together, a sort of portmanteau if you will. Ka is "fate" or "destiny," and tet is "group" or "gathering," making ka-tet a "gathering of fate."
You say true, I say thankya...or perhaps a brotherhood FOR fate!
Seems like I've been fated to be at a "gathering" in the past, now that I think on it...
or two...
|
Former Master of Spells Aram Zey addresses the assembled Pathfinders as more agents stream into the Grand Lodge. “Pathfinders, an entire world is in danger! The Hao Jin Tapestry is on the brink of collapse. If we do not act now, all its wonders and its people will be lost to us forever. Find your assigned group, aid in our preparations to enter the demiplane however you can, and await further instructions.”
|
|
Countless Pathfinders stand ready in a large stone room deep beneath the Grand Lodge. A ragged tapestry covered in clashing colors and abstract symbols rests on an inclined slab in the center of the room, surrounded by scaffolds and ladders. Scholars frantically rush along the scaffolds, studying a flurry of rips appearing on the tapestry.
A harried oread woman approaches (see NPCs). "I am Master of Spells Sorrina Westyr. I won’t mince words—the situation is dire. This cloth is the famous Hao Jin Tapestry, an ancient relic the Pathfinder Society acquired in the Ruby Phoenix Tournament six years ago. It contains a vast wealth of locations, treasures, and peoples torn from Golarion by the sorceress Hao Jin. We have explored many regions of the tapestry, struggled to keep the Aspis Consortium from turning its populace against us, and devised a means to use the tapestry for fast travel across all of Golarion. But now, it has begun to unravel. We must act quickly to repair the tapestry—and that means sending agents into the demiplane itself. Our former Master of Spells, Aram Zey, knows more about the tapestry than anyone here. He is preparing a formal briefing. In the meantime, familiarize yourself with your team, discuss any previous experience you may have with the Hao Jin Tapestry, and gather what information and resources you can.
One more thing, and this is important: you will be able to retreat safely from the tapestry to Absalom. However, we cannot risk damaging the tapestry further by sending groups back and forth. Be sure that you gather everything you need before entering the tapestry, because once you return to Absalom, you will no longer be a part of this mission."
|
|
With several of you already familiar with each other, you dispense with the introductions and make your way to see the former Master of Spells, Aram Zey. He is, not surprisingly, incredibly vexed.
"You lot are at least experienced Pathfinders, so I need you to make yourselves useful. I shouldn't need to explain to you just how you can be useful. You're supposed to be smart enough to know, and I frankly don't have time to tell you. So get to it."
You quickly assess the situation with the Hao Jin Tapestry, and conclude that there are number of things you can do. Namely:
- ASSESS THE DAMAGE (Relevant Skills: Appraise, Disable Device, Perception, or Use Magic Device)
- INTERROGATE THE SNAKES (Relevant Skills: Bluff or Intimidate)
- KNOWLEDGE OF THE WEAVE (Relevant Skills: Diplomacy, Knowledge Local/Planes)
- SOMETHING IS WATCHING (Relevant Skills: Knowledge Arcana/Planes, Perception, Sense Motive, or Spellcraft)
- SUPPLY CHECK (Relevant Skills: Appraise, Craft (any relevant skill), Knowledge Arcana, or Profession (any relevant skill))
- TALES FROM THE TAPESTRY (Relevant Skills: Diplomacy, Knowledge History, or Perform)
- TRAVEL TIPS (Relevant Skills: Knowledge Geography/Nature, Profession (any relevant profession), or Survival)
|
|
A tall human trots up to the group and stops, "Mistress Westyr, apologies. in the confusion of setting group to investigate the tapestries, the group I was assigned to was double booked. Master Farabellus thought you could use one more sword and shield in your groups."
=============
"Zan'kul Songsteal, just Zan'Kul to my friends and associates." He nods to the group. unstraps a mithril shield from his back with some well used spikes on the front and loosens his sword from its sheath.
"shall we?"
|
Well this is odd. Tyr the Twice-Cursed is nowhere to be seen. Perhaps he made it to retirement after all and is off sailing on his pleasure boat.
You do, however, see a bat. A rather large (er...'Tiny') bat. Then the bat is gone, and in its place, there is woman wearing a spotless white gown.
She speaks in a distinctly Nidalese accent. I am Katya, the world's second-greatest spy. The extent of my expertise with rugs is applying and removing bloodstains. I will...how you say? Give it a shot.
|
|
Hmmmmmm... Ulysses murmurs a quiet consideration, and feels he can contribute the following skill checks or assists with the following tasks.
ASSESS THE DAMAGE Use Magic Device +16
KNOWLEDGE OF THE WEAVE Knowledge Planes +13
SOMETHING IS WATCHING Spellcraft +18
SUPPLY CHECK Knowledge Arcana +13
TALES FROM THE TAPESTRY Diplomacy +11
He’ll choose Something is Watching if he can’t otherwise assist.
|
|
Katya will use Diplomacy (+9) to suss out some KNOWLEDGE OF THE WEAVE.
Katya will also leverage some of her notoriety within the Sovereign Court to acquire a wand of Mage Armor. She will ask Lazlo to use it on her prior to entering the Tapestry. If Lazlo does not honor this simple request there will be consequences.
NOTE: Katya is from Ustalav, not Nidal. Please adjust your reading of her dialogue appropriately.
|
|
Ulysses steps forward to assess the damage to the tapestry, looking to determine what might be happening to it. He waves the group forward with him, and Riegel's keen eyes start noticing trends. The gunslinger, following the way of ka, begins gesturing at threads that each person investigates.
After comparing notes, it becomes obvious that the largest holes appear around six of the regions that Pathfinder agents have visited in the past few years. Ulysses adds, "The tapestry... is radiating warmth."
It's at this point that, as a group, you get the sense that something is watching you. A rising anxiousness grows, and you sense a malicious supernatural presence trying to enter your minds. Bravely you hold off fighting it off, and learn something... it's intent. It means to feed on the chaos and death in the tapestry!
Concerned, Ka'atib, Ulysses, and Lazlo make a point to search through the repair teams items, intent on ascertaining whether they have what they need. The team is appreciative of their help, and shares what they can spare.
Then as a group you leave the immediate room to interrogate a pair of captured Aspis agents. Using clever wordplay and circular logic, you collectively confuse the agents into revealing more than they intended. "We recently tried to re-infiltrate the tapestry! But it was too unstable! You'd be mad to try to get in!"
With some newfound knowledge, you wander the halls of the Grand Lodge to speak to various experts on the subject of this famously magical tapestry. When you meet you you compare notes, learning that many regions in the tapestry are pulled directly from Golarion. However, most of its denizens have lived in the tapestry for their entire lives, and some can trace back many generations to ancestors who lived on the tapestry as well.
Returning to the room with the Hao Jin Tapestry, the whole place is still abuzz with activity. Having done what you can, you descend into a discussion around the various terrains to be found in the demiplane. From your collected research, past experience, and general knowlege you expect to travel through buildings, caves and tunnels, ancient ruins, mountains, and deserts.
|
|
Aram Zey cries out in alarm as a massive rip appears in the Hao Jin Tapestry. A silvery void dances within the breach. “The rifts are widening—we’re running out of time! Quickly, Pathfinders. Finish your preparations and gather around the tapestry.”
Aram Zey’s gaze remains fixed on the tapestry as he addresses the crowd around him. He is harried and pale, with dark bags under his bloodshot eyes. His hands tremble slightly as he sets a mug of coffee down on a table already littered with empty cups. “Pathfinders, the Hao Jin Tapestry is falling to pieces. Both the physical object you see before you and the mystical realm it contains have been unraveling for several months, possibly even longer. My only hope is that there is still time to save the tapestry
and those who live inside.”
The former Master of Spells glares at the tapestry for a moment, and then a new rip catches his attention. He jabs a finger at the frayed fabric. “There! You see? The degradation is causing—or perhaps caused by—rifts to the Astral Plane that are appearing throughout the demiplane. Fixing these tears is not as simple as stitching fabric or performing a few rituals. We must enter the tapestry itself, find the rifts, and repair them as best we can. But the tapestry is in chaos—undead horrors are emerging throughout the demiplane, and we do not quite understand why. On top of that, the people and creatures of the tapestry are reacting to the chaos, and they are only making matters worse! That, Pathfinders, is where you come in.”
Aram Zey finally turns to face the crowd gathered around him. “The tapestry is a massive realm, and we have spent years exploring it and using it for travel. I fear that our activities are at least partly responsible for the degradation. I don’t think it’s a coincidence many of the six most damaged areas of the tapestry are sites of previous Pathfinder missions.” Zey’s face twists into a pained expression, “My efforts to repair the demiplane over the course of the last several days have met with nothing but failure. The decline continues to accelerate. I have no choice but to send you into the tapestry to deal with the chaos around these six sites. I’ll be sending in other teams to perform the laborious work of patching the rifts once you’ve established control of the situation. Then I can work on a permanent solution. Time is of the essence. By my estimates, in a little over two day’s time, the entire demiplane will collapse without your efforts. I don’t care what motivates you, whether you want to preserve powerful artifacts, save innocent lives, or be a good Pathfinder—get in there and get the job done.”
Aram Zey returns his gaze to the tapestry, raising his hand to his forehead and wincing in pain. In a low grumble, he adds, “You all are this demiplane’s last hope. Don’t let them down.”
|
|
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin seeks the six of you out specifically. "As Aram Zey said, we have identified the six most damaged areas of the tapestry. Unfortunately, each of these areas is populated. In some of them, you’ll find allies who require aid, and in others long-time foes that would thwart our efforts. We must defeat these foes or win them over to our side. Choose your missions carefully! If you have visited the tapestry before, its people are likely to remember you, for good or ill.
"I do have one piece of good news—the tapestry’s attempts to repair itself have caused loose threads from these six locations to connect to each other. What that means for you is that traveling between those locations once you’re inside should be straightforward. Advance scouts tell us these connections look like bridges made of tattered fabric decorated to resemble the two locations in the tapestry that the bridge connects.
"As for getting back home, when you enter, you’ll leave a little blue portal behind you. It’s called an astral eddy, and it’s your personal connection to the Material Plane. Walk back into it, and you’ll reappear in Absalom. Once you’ve come home, though, we won’t be sending you back in.
"You have two days to complete as many missions as you can, but don’t be so hasty that you throw away your lives. Take the time to rest if you find a safe place."
As the only previous visitor to the Hao Jin Tapestry, Ka'atib suggests visiting the one site he knows: The Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment!
|
|
As a group each of you places a hand on the appropriate location on the Hao Jin Tapestry, and a still powerful magic transports you. One moment you're standing within a throng of Pathfinder agents in the Grand Lodge, and in the next you stand before the temple.
The Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment, crafted of white marble, rests atop a forested hill. Three aasimars stand guard before ornate double doors that bear an image of four spheres resting inside a lotus flower. Recognizing agents of the Pathfinder Society, the aasimars open the doors and lead the way to the temple's garden courtyard.
The garden's plants are brown and withered. A Tian man sits at the edge of a dried-up fountain, staring forlornly at the noble turtle in its center. The man has hazel eyes and a streak of white in his hair. Several temple acolytes are busy preparing incense, meditating, and inscribing symbols on the fountain.
One of the aasimar speaks. "This is Zhuang, our leader. After you Pathfinders defeated the demon, Dakang, and purged the temple of corruption, Zhuang was determined to set us on a better path. We now aid wayward travelers in the tapestry and spread Korada's teachings. However, Dakang's deceptions have always plagued Zhuang, and he is on the verge of abandoning the temple. He has been sitting like this for many days, and neither speaks nor eats. Will you help us with a ritual to bring peace to his mind?"
Knowing that this is likely a key task to helping restore the tapestry, you all agree. Each of you is seated, forming a circle around Zhuang. The acolyte instructs you to each hold the hands of your neighbour before he begins a ritual. Before you can even blink, you are yet against transported. This time spiritually, into the mind of Zhuang.
You're surprised at first to find yourself still within the temple, but Ka'atib immediately notices that something is very wrong. This version of the temple is a desolate place, locked in perpetual dusk and filled with anguished screams and howling wind. Zhuang's mind is in a nightmare state, with each area of the temple twisted and corrupted versions of themselves.
Ka'atib leads the group through the temple...
CRYPT
Dozens of skeletal figures claw at one another, trying to crawl their way out of overflowing sarcophagi. You can...
Beat them Back: Melee attack roll.
Quick, Shut the Lids!: Initiative check
LIBRARY
Two young acolytes sit facing each other on the floor. They read aloud from unholy texts, and tears of blood drip onto the pages from their unblinking eyes. Your options are to...
Find a Holy Text: Perception check
Speak the Words of Korada: Knowledge (religion) check
MEDITATION ROOM
Several monks perform grotesque contortions and throw glass spheres to one another while reciting the mantra, "bind my soul to Sifkesh." Countless worms carpet the floor and walls. You can counter this by...
Spin the Sacred Spheres: Sleight of Hand check
Practice Proper Techniques: Acrobatics check
CHAPEL
A bloated corpse stands upon a balcony at the front of this vaulted chapel, preaching heresy and ugly truths to a crowd of rapt worshipers. You can stop this by...
Drown Him Out: Perform (oratory or sing) check
Distract the Congregation: Bluff check
REFECTORY
A table covered in scorched dirt and vermin sits at the center of this dining room. Two dozen acolytes choke and gag as they feast on the roiling mess. You can...
Flip the Table: Combat maneuver check
Treat the Sick: Heal check
KITCHEN
A halfling sits in the center of this room, weeping in anguish. He waves his fingerless left hand and screams, "Korada has forsaken us! Abandon all hope!". Will you...
Instill Hope: Will save
Talk Him Down: Diplomacy check
|
|
Before joining the circle, Riegel puts a hand lightly on Zhuang's shoulder. He speaks softly. Be easy, Peacemaker. We will grant you aid and succor--the white will stand with you against the black.
He also addresses the monks. We *shall* protect your dinh.
CRYPT
The gunslinger moves with uncanny speed to shut the lids on the horrors
LIBRARY
Riegel searches intently for the true Holy books.
MEDITATION ROOM
Riegel watches intently for a moment, then makes some deft moves to show the proper techniques.
CHAPEL
The gunslinger frowns at the orator, then pulls out a bullet, which dances across his knuckles like a magic trick!
REFECTORY
Riegel moves quickly to disrupt the grisly feast by throwing tables aside.
KITCHEN
Seeing the despondent halfling, Riegel stands boldly before him, trying to bolster his will with the gunslinger's own. Cease your mewling. Stand and be true!
|
|
Ka'atib laughs as he moves. Even when the obstacle before him is too much, he loves this.
CRYPT
Dozens of skeletal figures claw at one another, trying to crawl their way out of overflowing sarcophagi. You can...
Quick, Shut the Lids!: Initiative check
LIBRARY
Two young acolytes sit facing each other on the floor. They read aloud from unholy texts, and tears of blood drip onto the pages from their unblinking eyes. Your options are to...
Find a Holy Text: Perception check
MEDITATION ROOM
Several monks perform grotesque contortions and throw glass spheres to one another while reciting the mantra, "bind my soul to Sifkesh." Countless worms carpet the floor and walls. You can counter this by...
Practice Proper Techniques: Acrobatics check
CHAPEL
A bloated corpse stands upon a balcony at the front of this vaulted chapel, preaching heresy and ugly truths to a crowd of rapt worshipers. You can stop this by...
Drown Him Out: Perform Ka'atib stops for this this one. He takes as much time as the situation allows:
REFECTORY
A table covered in scorched dirt and vermin sits at the center of this dining room. Two dozen acolytes choke and gag as they feast on the roiling mess. You can...
Flip the Table: Combat maneuver check
KITCHEN
A halfling sits in the center of this room, weeping in anguish. He waves his fingerless left hand and screams, "Korada has forsaken us! Abandon all hope!". Will you...
Talk Him Down: Diplomacy check
|
|
CRYPT
Dozens of skeletal figures claw at one another, trying to crawl their way out of overflowing sarcophagi. You can...
Beat them Back: Melee attack roll.
LIBRARY
Two young acolytes sit facing each other on the floor. They read aloud from unholy texts, and tears of blood drip onto the pages from their unblinking eyes. Your options are to...
Find a Holy Text: Perception check
MEDITATION ROOM
Several monks perform grotesque contortions and throw glass spheres to one another while reciting the mantra, "bind my soul to Sifkesh." Countless worms carpet the floor and walls. You can counter this by...
Practice Proper Techniques: Acrobatics check
CHAPEL
A bloated corpse stands upon a balcony at the front of this vaulted chapel, preaching heresy and ugly truths to a crowd of rapt worshipers. You can stop this by...
Distract the Congregation: Bluff check
REFECTORY
A table covered in scorched dirt and vermin sits at the center of this dining room. Two dozen acolytes choke and gag as they feast on the roiling mess. You can...
Flip the Table: Combat maneuver check
KITCHEN
A halfling sits in the center of this room, weeping in anguish. He waves his fingerless left hand and screams, "Korada has forsaken us! Abandon all hope!". Will you...
Instill Hope: Will save
|
|
After completing the last challenge within the nightmare, you jolt back awake. THough it felt like a while within the dream, it's been no more than an hour. Still , you feel somewhat stiff from sitting in the same position.
Moments later Zhuang awakens from his nightmare. He grasps his head, wincing from some pain. Acolytes gather, concerned, but he waves them off. "It's a headache, and it will pass."
Standing up, he gathers his pupils around him. "Please, I must beg for your forgiveness. My mind was troubled, and I allowed this to manifest and be exploited. I resolve to, going forward, steel my mind with Korada's blessing."
He then looks to the Pathfinders. It is clear he knows your role in his freedom. He gives a particularly low bow to Ka'atib. "It is good to see you again. You are clearly a blessing from Korada's open hand. This temple will forever be a safe haven for you and yours, and my services are at your disposal for your mission. And yes, I know now of your mission. The bond showed me that much. We will help you."
|
|
With your work at the temple done, you leave to make your way towards Round Mountain. The trip itself is quick, what with the the problem areas within the Hao Jin Tapestry being conveniently linked by threads.
Round Mountain itself takes its make literally. A sphere of stone 10 miles in diameter, with a pagoda built by ratfolk at its centre. Several years ago the Society aided these ratfolk, who are now Pathfinder allies.
As you travel through a narrow tunnel to reach the warren, the floor trembles. Pebbles clatter across the ground, and a low rumbling sound echoes from the distance. A group of ratfolk scouts stagger into the tunnel. One of them cries out, "I hope that was the last of it! Hey, you, Pathfinders! Watch your step. Round Mountain is rolling! If you want to get to the Pagoda, we’ll need to secure safe passage through this tumbling cavern!"
It seems that the mountain itself conspires against you reaching your destination! You must secure passage for the repair team, and this tunnel is the key route.
TASKS
• Find and point out the best handholds (Perception or Survival)
• Construct makeshift scaffolds of wood, ropes, or debris (Craft [carpentry or ships] or Knowledge [dungeoneering or engineering])
• Find and traverse the quickest route (Acrobatics, Climb, or Escape Artist)
• Encourage the ratfolk to help (Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Knowledge [local], or Perform).
• Discern a pattern in the mountain’s rotations (Intelligence or Wisdom check).
|
|
Find and point out the best handholds (Perception or Survival)
Auto-assist on Perception
Construct makeshift scaffolds of wood, ropes, or debris (Craft [carpentry or ships] or Knowledge [dungeoneering or engineering])
Got nothin'.
Katya also has a fly speed of 40ft if that's helpful.
Encourage the ratfolk to help (Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Knowledge [local], or Perform).
Auto-assist Diplomacy
|
|
TASKS
• Find and point out the best handholds (Perception or Survival)
Rigel: perception LEAD
• Construct makeshift scaffolds of wood, ropes, or debris (Craft [carpentry or ships] or Knowledge [dungeoneering or engineering])
Craft, untrained, aid
• Find and traverse the quickest route (Acrobatics, Climb, or Escape Artist)
Aid Kat
• Encourage the ratfolk to help (Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Knowledge [local], or Perform).
Aid Katib diplomacy
• Discern a pattern in the mountain’s rotations (Intelligence or Wisdom check).
Rigel wis LEAD