Pirate PFS2 1-01 The Absalom Initiation (Inactive)

Game Master Pirate Rob

"This isn't going to go well, is it?" Orla comments as the group hurries off to the notorious Blakros Museum. "I mean, even I know of the hijinks and shenanigans that go on in this place, and I've been a house foot-servant for the past decade."

Orla thinks a bit on what she's heard about the Blakros Museum in her goings-on in Absalom.

Lore (Absalom) Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Just being trained in Lore(Absalom) is enough to have heard of the museum... As would Lore(Pathfinder Society) due to the Museum's long history and intertwinement with the Pathfinder Society.

The Blakros Museum was the former stronghold of a mad astrologer and wizard named Ralzeros the Overwatched in the early history of Absalom. The mage constructed the building from a solid block of volcanic stone with the aid of dark, alien powers. After his disappearance, the building was eventually bought by the Blakroses, a matriarchal family of influential nobles and artifact hunters, who filled the building with relics and artifacts collected from throughout the Inner Sea region.

It's currently late morning having spent a couple hours asking about. Where to?

"We should go pop in the Museum and say hello, see if maybe we can't convince our friend to stop engaging in whatever weird rituals they're researching?"

"Agreed, Locke. I feel we should make haste."

"We should probably decide how we want to do this though. Assuming we don't walk into something going wrong already.. We wouldn't want to cause something bad. Nor do we have the right to just take or stop anything really.. Pathfinder not Guards or Thugs."

Heading over to the Blackros museum you find it open with a variety of interesting exhibits on the first floor including a lecture hall to your left, some sort of magical exhibit hall straight ahead and the infamous Hall of Legendary Beasts to the left.

Additionally there are numerous docents and other staffers around.

”Excuse me, dear,” Orla says to one of the passing docents, ”we are looking to have a word with Tavvar Hamavsi. We understand that she’s performing some sort of arcane ritual and it’s vital that we get to speak to her as soon as possible. Do you know where we might find her?”

Diplomacy Check (if necessary): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Once the crew begins moving, Orla comments. ”I’m available to ward someone against evil powers if it comes to that. Nidalese culture isn’t known for its magnanimity, you know. And I’ve got healing powers.”

”I’d be particularly intrigued to see if the lunar cycle was factored into this ritual as well,” Orla half mutters to herself as the group moves.

Losseyel attempts to help with the inquiries.

Diplomacy to aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

"If it helps, we are on offical and sanctioned inquiry of topic. We'd like to interview her. "
ATtempt to aid Aid diplo: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Whelp should'ta done that I guess

No check needed here.

One of the docents will adjust her glasses and answer "Well yes, she does her research here after hours. She's seemed a bit stressed as of recent but maybe you should come back after we're closed and talk to her yourself."

Ball is in ya'lls court for what to do next.

"Thank you kindly. Could you tell me if she has any materials checked out, or sequestered for her usage that we could look at? Oh, also, does this campus have research sponsored housing? Also.. Is there a faculty list?"

Turning to his cohorts, "Well, we know she'll be here after hours,but it seems a waste of time to wait so long, much less possible issuesa arising. If the college has sponsored housing, she may be resting at home if she's up all night researching.
My last idea is a bit simplier. Lets find whoever is in charge of her research project, or the department she's in. They'll know far more. Someone has to be reviewing her disseration."

Off hand, finding whoever is in charge of her dissertaion seems the most expedient measure, with after hours here as the fallback

"We could do that, or we could go investigate a spooky old house while we wait for her to get in. I'd feel a little bad potentially jeopardizing her studies by approaching her professors, ya know? I would rather just deal with her directly."

"Calisro Benarry said the ghost required an overnight stay, I believe," says Losseyel. "But we might gain something by looking the house over in daylight."

The docent at the the Blackros Museum shakes her head in ignorance at the further questions "Sounds like you've got questions for the College of Mysteries. We've just made some space available to the nice young woman."

There doesn't seem to be any further information available regarding the ritual at the Blackros Museum at this time.

...

Finding the house is no trouble, it might have once commanded the respect and envy of its neighbors, but the remaining story is cracked and crumbling. Whatever upper stories it might have once had have long collapsed, scattering stone and debris across gardens grown wild and weedy.

Two curving staircases lead to a broad veranda bereft of its railings. Two openings that might have once been doors lead into the faint remnants of a solarium, while two more doors lead further into the creaking house itself. A whiff of rot and decay seeps from the structure.

Assuming you'd like to investigate further we'll need exploration mode activities from people. Also I added the map to slide 3. We can move Gorwinel around to help demonstrate where we are, but no need to move all the minis around as we explore.(Also feel free to rearange the marching order if people want something different.

Taking in with a wide view of the building, that seems to be the essence of "haunted house aesthetic" Zazz takes a brief look around. "Well, that doesn't look well kept or maintained. We should probably be careful about broken patches or falling debris. So, should we walk the perimeter and take it all in, or just go for the gusto and explore?"

Falling into line with the others, he pulls out his crossbow-determined to not be caught off guard again,while moving his sunrod to the lower area of his bandolier-for easy access in case of light issues.

Can I make an investigate check via Craft, in order to assess (as we go) the stablity or any structural issues-As well as any oddities in constructions (possibly indications of a wall too wide, or other possible hidden passages)
I am okay with being in the back around Orla in case of back attack or other issues. Zazz is multirange built

Investigate-Craft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Investigating with craft sounds good and relevant, I'll tell you some stuff here but will likely be making secret checks as appropriate as we go.

What remains of the house seems relatively solid, at least not in danger of further total imminent collapse. Interior bits will require a closer inspection.

"We probably should watch our backs, so checking the perimeter seems like a good idea." He pulls out his bow.

Gorwinel will Scout again, looking out for trouble.

Losseyel unsheathes her rapier and stays on alert, Nicudil padding alongside her and sniffing the air.

Losseyel and Nicudil will Scout as well.

Locke will tread carefully, keeping an eye out for traps or secrets that the dilapidated house might hold.

As a reminder Scouting gives a +1 circumstance bonus on initiative, that doesn't stack with others scouting.

Orla will drink her lesser elixir of eagle eye and use Perception.

Orla wanders with trepidation around the outside of the dilapidated house, staying near to Gorwinel.

"I can bless us as we enter this sad place," she says. "In case. And I can concentrate to extend that blessing outward."

She pulls out her starknife. "Here goes nothing," she sighs.

Heading in the the house our pathfinders find an empty ruined solarium out front while inside the decrepit once grand hall evokes a distinctly Taldan aesthetic. The marble floors are cracked and filthy and the statuary lining the walls have been smashed.

None of the three staircases climb beyond head level before ending abruptly, debris from their fallen upper reaches scattered across the floor.

If Loseyel wants to Scout, Gorwinel can Search instead.

"Why don't we check out this door?" Moved my miniature down to the double doors I want to search, and then open after checking out.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Generally the exploration searching will involve secret dice rolls.

Checking to the south you see a large, long-cold fireplace standing on the farr wall of this expansive parlor, but the furnishings are all rotted.

A dank stench of mold lingers in the air. The ceiling overhead has collapsed, leaving the room open to the sky. The floor in the room’s southern end has followed suit, leaving a gaping hole into darkness.

Several of you notice that the floor around the edge of the pit is quite unstable.

A crafting check could reinforce the boards if you want to safely approach the hole.

Just a check? I don't have a repair kit-though reading the description those don't really have tools for fixing floor anyway. Though presumably alchemical goo might work.

Zazz motions for his allies to slow down, goes prone and crawls to disburse his weight evenly. Shimming around checking the boards and reinforcing where he can.

Craft Check Floors: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Yup, no repair kit needed here, just some crafting related know-how to reinforce the boards.

The floors still seems quite weak despite Zazz's efforts.

Nothing stopping you from trying some more if desired.

"urgh. So much termite damage here. I'm going to keep working on this. Not sure if some of us want to keep looking around while I do this.. but I'd prefer not left alone."

Zazz continues to try and work on the flooring.
craft smoreee: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

"Zazz? You doing ok there, dear? I'm right here - if something comes out at you, I think I can help."

I moved Orla and Zazz to where I think they should be on the map; apologies if I got it wrong. Orla will ready a spell to assist Zazz in case something lunges at him from the hole in the floor.

Was mostly just moving the 1 mini to help describe where we were, no need to move them all up, but no problem with doing so either.

After another bit of work Zazz is able to reinforce the surrounding floorboards and peek down into the pit.

It's about 10 feet deep with bottom covered in sharp and dangerous looking broken boards. Does not appear to contain anything of value from up here.

"I don't really see much, but I can't really see that well from here... I could drop a sunrod down in there, and someone could climb down. I have some rope, two of us could tether it and help descend."

have rope and I think pitons I believe, but not a climbing kit. If someone wants me to toss a sunrod down or tie it to the rope and lower that, or on someone's belt who is climbing down, let me know, I have 2 for the day and they last a long time. If someone wants to climb down, I'll aid action them if they accept the aid

"I was never the best at climbing..." Growinel says, looking down the pit.

Looks like a somewhat easy climb for someone who is trained. DC 14

Losseyel offers to try climbing down to take a look.

+4 Athletics, +6 Acrobatics, forget which one applies in 2e, can't check AON/PRD from where I am right now.

Zazz holds out a Sunrod for Losseyel, unactivated. "Just in case you need a light. Last thing we need is flames in a hole. Although I guess that would solve some issues. Not ideal method."
Zazz wraps the end of his rope around his waist, and hands the slack to Losseyel, and lays down, planting his feet and leaning against the weight as an anchor and to help lower Losseyel as she climbs.

Athletics I believe is climb related. Aid Action for Zazz to help Losseyel
Aid Athletics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

"Hang on, Losseyel," Orla calls out to the elf.

"Oh Mistress of the Stars, protect this wanderer as she bravely treks forth to seek out that which is hidden!" The halfling then touches Losseyel's forehead.

I have cast sanctuary on Losseyel. It lasts 1 minute.

"That should deter any hidden nasty from attacking you before you get your footing under you."

Athletics

With a bit of help from Zazz Orla makes her way down into the pit where she finds nothing other than broken boards and other debris.

Climbing back out is equally easy.

Where to next? Or does somebody else want to climb down and look to?

Zazz is uninterested, but will Aid anyone else who goes (at +10 if I don't see it in time to roll). His pereption is low, doesn't know history well, and doesn't know magic

Losseyel is willing to take Orla's word for it.

Orla didn't climb down. As stated in my post, Orla cast sanctuary on Losseyel before the elf climbed down.

Where to next?

"Hm, I bet that hole will be creepier when night falls, well lets keep looking around."
I guess lets go ot the other side of the house, stay on the first floor and clear that, then head upstairs?

Sounds like a plan.

Agreed, although by the sound of it we may not be able to get upstairs anyway.

Also agreed with clearing out this floor before going upstairs.

Orla looks around at her immobile companions.

"Well, are we going to move on?" she prods, moving past Gorwinel back into the tiled section of the hall.

Zazz falls into our standard formation, while maintaining an eye for potential issues.

I dont think I need to reroll craft for the exploration activity since its all one activity? If so, feel free to roll at +6 for ease of post by post

Let's start by giving Zazz a hero point before I forget.

Heading back into the main hall there is a sudden scratching beneath the floorboards as a child-sized spectral rotting hand with unnaturally long and sharp fingernails reaches up through the marble floor and tears into Gorwinel's leg.

Will need a will save from Gorwinel (if you think you might crit fail this you might want to consider rerolling), and after those results you can all act. There's no visible creature to fight but you can use Religion to recall knowledge if desired.

Messed up the interior of my religion recall info, not a big deal though, will make sense once it comes up.

”What was that?” Orla calls out as Gorwinel gets attacked.

Religion Check: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

”That looked like a haunt! Are you ok, G?”