GM Kate's Extinction Curse [closed]

Game Master Kate Baker

Rova excitedly returns to town, trying to find out if anyone took heed of their show's warnings. Maybe there are even some Groetans here she could talk to? They could perhaps send a message back to her family -- though of course it might not get there in time for The End. But still, it's worth trying. Sadly, she can't use the usual means of sending a message, for obvious reasons.

She also approaches the chief constable. Uncle Siberius always said it was better to find out if they're going to have to flee quickly ahead of time, rather than when the family's traps get set off, so trying to get good relations only makes sense.

Maybe I can tell her that we found the man she was hunting so long ago... Sorry, I tried to do a search to get more specifics on that, but website's not working.

She can of course see if anyone's heard of the Moonstone Hall at the same time as she does her other tasks.

Diplomacy (trained): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 to talk to folks
Religion (trained): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 to look up religious records
And then going to talk to the constable.

Prism talks to a friendly local who unfortunately sends her to a tourist trap underground site. It's neat, but not the temple that you're after. Rova and Niksi learn from talking to other locals that that constables guard the “sewer entrance” near a crumbling mermaid fountain in the city’s dangerous Woodworkers District. This doesn’t seem particularly unusual to anyone, as criminals and black‑marketeers have a reputation for using the city’s vast sewer network in this dodgy part of the city, but it could be your temple.

Niksi and Prism go to the Magistratum,a monumental granite building that serves as Escadar’s primary courthouse for minor offenses as well as its legal records storage site. The Magistratum’s record chambers also contain archived civic records, although the storage is, at best, haphazard from generations of well‑meaning clerks each utilizing their own filing methods. Neither Niksi nor Prism can make much sense of it, though both of them can rule out major sections of the archive. If you try again, you both get +2 bonuses.

You also hear about the monastery of St. Sarnax, one of the oldest buildings in Escadar. This imposing white marble structure is the home of three elderly Knights of the Aeon Star, inheritors of a long Azlanti tradition of sword‑mages. You are met by an elderly knight named Sir Ohlarick Wheem. Ohlarick is courteous but deliberate in his old age, and he slowly escorts you around the monastery’s archives. Ohlarick pulls out a book that says Moonstone Hall was buried a century ago, and that its founding priest was a pious human man named Ulthadar. Ohlarick has some difficulty determining how to reach the now‑buried site, however, and requires some assistance reading and cross‑referencing the texts. Rova comes through, finding mention of Moonstone Hall’s entrance at a mermaid fountain in the Woodworkers District.

You are easily able to make an appointment with Andera Paldreen once you're ready, and it does seem likely that she would be interested in seeing Juniper Winzel's journal!

Rova thanks Sir Ohlarick. "I think this is what we need! Thank you so much," she says. "May you see Groetus' arrival!"

She leaves, a small spring in her step, and heads to arrange an appointment with Andera Paldreen. Now they'll just need to find this mermaid fountain, and how hard can that be? She wonders if there will be real mermaids in it, but that seems unlikely.

Maybe an azarketi, though?

Prism spends quite a bit more time trying to make some sense of the Magistratum’s record chambers and how they decided to organize it. "Goblins, must have been goblins..Only goblins would organize like this." She mutters as she moves stacks of boxes out of her way.

Historical Records Society: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 2 = 20

Prism unfortunately still can't quite figure out the goblins' organizational system.

Andera Paldreen seems reasonably happy to see you all. "I am pleased with what a good job you did clearing out the area. I heard that the show went very well."

"Oh, yes, except when some people came and tried to cause problems," Rova says. "But I think it helps the area you let us set up is very nice. We even found an old diary that mentioned you!"

She sketches out the details of their discovery of the robber's body, hoping the constable will appreciate it.

"Since you're so good at figuring out these types of mysteries," she continues, "maybe you can tell us if you know anything about a place called the Moonlight Hall?"

She examines the journal.

“This brings back memories. Winzel eluded the law for a long time. Finally apprehending her was more than just a feather in my cap—it was the start of my career. Really, I just had a hunch and the luck to be in the right place at the right time.” Andera pauses and flips through the
journal’s brittle pages. She snaps the book closed with a look of triumph. “I always knew she had another hideout! I don’t believe in fate, but for you to find something of hers on that plot, at this point in my career? It’s a remarkable coincidence. I’m going to give your names to my staff; you’ll be able to reach me without an appointment any time you’d like.”

You think her attitude has changed to helpful!

"Moonstone Hall? It’s an abandoned and buried temple to Aroden that the city wants to keep clear of smugglers or other criminals. I've posted guards at its only entrance in the Woodworkers District. Hmmm. Well, you all did such a great job with the circus plot, I think you could handle an old temple."

She quickly drafts a writ on her letterhead that gives you permission to enter the site.

"Please report back to me what you find. This is a standard adventurer's contract, you get to keep valuables that you find in the course of your exploration, but all evidence of criminal wrongdoing must be turned over to me. Sound good?"

Wifey just had their birthday yesterday so my focus was on them. More available now again!

Earlier

Niksi confers with Prism during their studying at the archives.

Society (bonus from retrying?): 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 + 2 = 24

Now

Niksi taps her chin while she muses on what they have just learned. Aroden, eh? Didn’t he have something to do with the tower they were at before? Why would the xulgathi be targeting areas related to a dead god? Opportunity, perhaps? Hopefully, their trek to the Hall will provide more answers. ”I think we can spare a little time for an exploration. I find this work often inspires me, and I am looking for ideas for our next show narrative.”

"That..isgreat" Prism grabs her hand in both of hers and shakes them rapidly. "Thanks..forhelping..usout!" She was very excited to learn more of this abandoned temple and what answers it held.

"Oh, thank you!" Rova says. It's always good to have at least one member of law enforcement on your side, if only to tell you when the others plan to attack you just because of a few religious rites and nasty rumors. But if it's Andeera, maybe she can prevent that from happening at all!

Her good mood fades a little at Niksi's comments. "You don't like our show? I think it's really helping people!" I know you mentioned wanting other narratives, but I think this one plays to what Rova wants, so don't think she'd volunteer any aid with that.

Niksi manages to make sense of the chaotic organizational system, and finds a mention that Moonstone Hall was buried shortly after Aroden’s death to make way for civic improvements to the Woodworkers District, and that its only remaining entrance is near a specific mermaid fountain.

With the location more than confirmed, you can head toward the entrance to the temple! If you want to buy things first, please feel free to do that!

The eastern neighborhoods of Escadar are filled with drug houses, gambling dens, and overcrowded tenements. In a courtyard at the end of a deserted side street, sequestered from the cacophony of touts and peddlers, a gaping sinkhole yawns next to a dry and crumbling fountain depicting a frolicking mermaid. A metal fence surrounds the sinkhole and the fountain. Four people dressed in constable uniforms stand near the fountain, at ease but alert for trouble.

They examine your writ. "Paldreen's finally having someone go down there, eh? About time. Just so you know, we've been hearing movement down there at the bottom of the stairs. Clinking metal. Nothing's come out though."

Her good mood fades a little at Niksi's comments. "You don't like our show? I think it's really helping people!" I know you mentioned wanting other narratives, but I think this one plays to what Rova wants, so don't think she'd volunteer any aid with that.

Niksi switches her mask to a “pleasant” face. ”Why, dear Rova, I adore our show, and I am certainly not suggesting we retire it. But art requires constant movement, flux, and innovation. To languish upon one’s laurels is to die as an artist. Our new members also deserve to have the experience of building a show narrative from the beginning, too. There are no small parts in our show, nor any small players.”

That totally makes sense, Rova! I figured. Though I don’t think there’s any rule against us having two or more Groetus-themed shows ;)

Prism's eyes grow wide as she gulps. "What couldbe..moving..arounddown..there?" She wonders as noone even went below to find out.

With a look back for encouragement she quietly descends down into the shadows, making her hair and skin turn just as dark to blend in.

"Hey, it's not our job to go down there. We make sure no one goes in, and we make sure nothing comes out."

Prism seems confused. "But, we are going and hopefully coming out!" She smiles being coy with the guard.

"If Groetus doesn't come before then," Rova quietly points out, hoping she won't miss His arrival while she's underground.

Do we want to buy anything? I'm trying to think what might be useful, but nothing specific comes to mind.

You descend descend 100 feet into the ground beneath Escadar by way of wide stone steps.

Far beneath the restless city lies a monument to the past. Sturdy doors of reinforced ebony guard the entrance to an impressive building constructed of gleaming white stone. One of the doors is slightly ajar. White stone pillars support the cavern’s ceiling above. Broken stained-glass windows along the temple’s walls peer like sightless eyes.

You spot two strange, lizardy creatures chained to the front doors. They hiss menacingly. Their chains look 40 feet long.

Arcana or Nature to identify

Initiative!
Prism
Niksi
Marilus
Rova
Blue Basilisk
Red Basilisk

You get the drop on them!

Prism watches from the shadows for a few seconds to try and figure out what they are. She slowly and quietly slinks into the chamber.

◆ Recall Knowledge (Nature +10)
◆ Sneak (Stealth +14)
◆ Sneak (Stealth +14)

Niksi pauses as she prepares to focus on the rather exhaustive effort of planning two simultaneous performances.

One action to activate Harmonize, one to begin Inspire Courage as a harmonized composition, and one to begin Inspire Defense

Y’all have +1 status bonus to AC, saves, attack rolls and damage rolls as well as resistance 1 vs physical damage. It says “half the spell’s level” and since it’s a compositon cantrip, it would only be level 3 at this point :/ I think I’ve been doing that wrong

Gesturing for Thkrull to wait behind, Rova sneaks down the stairs behind Prism and tries to get some sense for what they're facing.

Action 1: Sneak (Stealth +12)
Action 2: Hunt Prey (blue)
Action 2: Recall Knowledge (Nature +10)

Mature Animal Companion lets Thkrull act on his own vs. hunted prey, but I'm assuming if I as a player don't want him to move forward, he doesn't.

I think you will be okay with three PCs for this combat, so let's play it out while I look for a new player. Thanks for the note on that spell, Niksi! Rova, feel free to use Thkrull's bonus action as you wish.

Prism sneaks down quietly as Niksi begins to inspire. Rova tries to sneak down but the stairs are quite old, and one crumbles under her nimble feet. She stares intently at one of the lizards, which she suspects are monitor lizards, large aggressive animals sometimes used as mounts.

They both moves forward on their chains. Blue snaps its jaws while Red surprisingly stares at Rova.

Initiative!
Prism
Niksi
Rova
Blue Lizard
Red Lizard

Rova also needs to attempt two DC 20 Fort saves at the start of her turn that do not have the incapacitate trait.

Fort (expert): 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 1 = 20 Succeed because of the incapacitation trait
Fort (expert): 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 1 = 24
Fort (expert): 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 13 + 1 = 24

"Something's wrong!" Rova calls, feeling her limbs start to stiffen, though she's able to shake off the effect.

She hefts her bow as she calls out, "Thkrull, get them," and then fires two arrows at the nearest of the creatures.

Action 1: Strike
Action 2: Strike
Action 3: Command an Animal
Rolls include inspired
+1 Shortbow (deadly d10, magical, 60 foot range, reload 0): 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 1 + 1 = 23
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + (7) + 1 = 10

Shortbow (iterative): 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 1 + 1 - 5 = 30
Piercing damage: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1) + 1 = 4
Deadly? if that crit: 1d10 ⇒ 3
Crit specialization: The target gets stuck to an adjacent surface by the missile. The target is immobilized and must spend an Interact action to attempt a DC 10 Athletics check to pull the missile free; it can’t move from its space until it succeeds.

Thkrull lets out a mighty trumpet and charges into the room, ready to squash the little lizards! Will provoke if they have AoO

Actions 1-2: Stride (x2)

Prism steps in and slashes at the lizard's flank as Thkrull distracts it. "Wha..what's wrong?"

+1 Striking Sickle: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32
Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1) + 1 = 5
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

+1 Striking Sickle: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 15 - 4 = 12
Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + 1 = 7
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4

"I don't know! I don't like the way it's looking at me, though."

Niksi moves up closer to the front, maintaining both of her performances at once.

Afaik, she has to spend an action for each performance still each round to keep them both going, so that’s just stride, inspire courage, inspire defense

Rova aims carefully at the nearest lizard and hits it with two arrows. Thkrull stomps into position.

Prism takes advantage of the elephant to get a perfect swing at the surprised lizard. Niksi keeps her friends inspired!

The blue one stares at Prism, then bites her.

DC 22 Fort save from Prism, please! The incapacitate trait applies. If you fail, you are slowed 1.

bite!: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10

The red one does the same to Thkrull!

DC 22 Fort save from Thkrull. The incapacitate trait applies. If you fail, you are slowed 1.

bite!: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (3, 6) + 4 = 13

Rova and Prism, at the start of your turns, please attempt a DC 20 Fort save or be slowed 1, no incapacitate trait. This is a reaction, not an aura.

Initiative!
Prism
Niksi
Rova (Thkrull -12 hp)
Blue Lizard, -32 hp
Red Lizard

DC 22 Fort: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
DC 20 Fort: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

Prism takes the small nip and slashes her sickle back at the beast. "Naughty!"

+1 Striking Sickle: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 3) + 1 = 8
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

+1 Striking Sickle: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 15 - 4 = 25
Damage: 2d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 3) + 1 = 7
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 6) = 10

◆ Strike
◆ Strike
◆ Shield

@Prism Don’t forget inspire defense adds to saves! You’re also getting Inspire Courage so are +1 to attack and damage as well

Niksi continues her performance, finally moving into melee range.

Stride, inspire defense, inspire courage

Fort (expert): 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 13 + 1 = 21

Rova gain feels herself seem to stiffen slightly, but again fights it off (barely) as she moves to clear her line of sight and then fires arrows in rapid succession.

"Thkrull, smash them!" she encourages.

Action 1: Stride
Action 2: Strike
Action 3: Strike

+1 Shortbow (deadly d10, magical, 60 foot range, reload 0) vs. blue: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 14 + 1 = 24
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1, 3) + (8) + 1 = 13

Shortbow (iterative): 1d20 + 14 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 14 - 5 + 1 = 11

Fort: 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 13 + 1 = 28

Thkrull hardly needs Rova's encouragement, and stomps hard on the lizard Rova shot.

Foot vs. blue: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 1 = 31 I hope that's enough to crit considering it's flat footed!
Hunter's Edge (bludgeoning/precision damage: 2d8 + 4 + 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6, 6) + 4 + (5) + 1 = 22 If blue was already dead, he attacks red, which would be -5 damage.

Added in Niksi's inspire courage to Prism's damage!

Prism fiercely stabs the blue lizard while Rova finishes it off with an arrow!

Thkrull stomps on the remaining lizard! Oof, would have been a crit against flat-footed but not quite on the other one.

The remaining lizard bites at Thkrull, then stares at the elephant!

bite!: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19
ouch!: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (4, 3) + 4 = 11

DC 22 Fort save from Thkrull, please! The incapacitate trait applies. If you fail, you are slowed 1. It is unclear if this actually affects minions, but the enemies don't know that.

Niksi, DC 20 Fort save at the start of your turn or be slowed 1. Incapacitate does not apply to this save.

Initiative!
Prism
Niksi
Rova (Thkrull -12 hp)
Red Lizard, -22 hp

Rova moves to clear up her line of sight and, quickly sizing up the remaining lizard, fires an arrow toward it.

Action 1: Stride
Action 2: Hunt Prey
Action 3: Strike

+1 Shortbow (deadly d10, magical, 60 foot range, reload 0): 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 14 + 1 + 1 = 26
Hunter's edge (precision/piercing damage): 2d6 + 1d8 ⇒ (2, 5) + (2) = 9

Fort (expert): 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 13 + 1 = 27

Thkrull trumpets in outrage and tries to stop on the lizard.

I'll teach it to look at me like that!

Foot: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 12 + 1 = 23
Hunter's Edge (bludgeoning/precision damage: 2d8 + 4 + 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8, 5) + 4 + (5) + 1 = 23

Fortitude Save (inspire defense): 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 1 = 16
Hero point that!
Fortitude Save (inspire defense): 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 1 = 30

Niksi circles around the remaining creature and enters melee range, prepared for a flank. All the while, she continues her singing.

Stride, inspire defense, inspire courage

Prism quickly darts across and slashes at the xulgath's leg muscles to try and slow it down.

+1 Striking Sickle; Inspire: 1d20 + 15 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 15 + 1 = 23
Damage: 2d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1) + 1 + 1 = 5
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7

+1 Striking Sickle; Inspire: 1d20 + 15 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 15 + 1 - 4 = 32
Damage: 2d4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4, 3) + 1 + 1 = 9
Sneak Attack Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 3) = 9

◆ Stride
◆ Strike
◆ Strike

Rova sends an arrow at the basilisk, and Thkrull stomps squarely on its face. Niksi avoids being slowed by the creature while Prism moves in to finish it off!

Out of Combat!

Prism sighs. "You alright Rova? What was it doing to you?"

"I think so," Rova replies. "I'm not sure, but I felt like it was hard to move."

She claps her hands together a couple times, small clouds of stone dust puffing of them.

"That's strange. I don't remember getting dusty..."

She looks around the room quickly.

"Maybe we should go back and let everyone else in the circus know what we're doing? This might be more dangerous than we thought, and we kind of just rushed here." Just trying to lay a seed to leave Marilus behind and pick up our new folks.

Good idea.

"Youareprobably..right. Ifwe..gethurt..herewe..needsomeone..toknow..whereto..findus." Prism grabs what she can and begins to skip back towards the circus, knocking the dust off of Rova on the way.

Before you leave...

With time to really look at the creatures, Rova recognizes basilisks! Luckily, none of you fell prey to their petrifying stare! However, you notice an odd-looking statue of a bookish human, looking frightened.

You remember that splashing fresh basilisk blood on a vicitm of its petrification can turn the victim back into flesh.

Niksi collects some basilisk blood in a container and brings it over towards the “statue.” She stands back as an artist at the canvas before dipping the tips of her fingers in the blood. She flicks it onto the “statue” then steps back to observe the pattern. She continues this rhythm until the petrification ceases. Perhaps for slightly longer if she is particularly in the artistic zone.

Imagine a Jackson Pollack painting and you’ll get the idea of what she’s going for

"....away you beast! Oh..." The petrification fades under Niksi's artistic deluge, revealing a middle-aged human man, dressed in the now blood-soaked robes of an academic. He looks around in bewilderment as he absent-mindedly prestidigitates the blood from his clothing. "How absolutely dreadful. I hope none of that blood soaked into my notes." He draws a notebook and begins to carefully page through it before glancing up and seeming to notice you for the first time. "Hmph, my apologies, how rude of me," he says, carefully closing and stowing his book again. "I suppose I must have you to thank for dispatching that horrid creature that attacked me. Thank you!"

"You're welcome," Rova says, examining the blood-spattered man. "Who are you? And what are you doing here?"

"Oh, yes, I suppose introductions are in order" the man says, muttering another incantation as some of the blood disappears from his clothes. "My name is Kennari Gleyminn. I came here, as I do most places, in search of knowledge. I'm writing a book, you see, on the life, ascension, and untimely demise of The Last Azlanti." You notice he unconsciously touches a small fragment of wood, hanging on a cord around his neck. "This place is an important historical site for my research."

He seems ready to launch into a lecture on the history of this place, before he is interrupted by movement within one of his satchels. "Oh, Ratis! Are you stuck?"

When Kennari unlatches the satchel, as small collection of crystal shards orbiting a pearly white stone flies up to eye level, a faint glow seeming to pulse as it emits speech in a language unfamiliar to you.

"ତୁମକୁ ଏତେ ସମୟ ଲାଗିଲା କି? ମୁଁ ସପ୍ତାହେ ଧରି ସେଠାରେ ଫସି ରହିଥିଲି!"

"ସପ୍ତାହଗୁଡିକ? କ୍ଷମା ମାଗନ୍ତୁ, ବନ୍ଧୁ ମୁଁ ଭାବୁଛି ତୁମେ ଯେପରି ମୋ ଭଳି ପେଟ୍ରାଇଡ୍ ହୋଇନଥିବ." Kennari replies in the same strange language, before turning back to you. "This is Ratis, my companion. They are a strange Azlanti relic I discovered on my journeys. I'm afraid they only speak that ancient tongue, however. Probably for the best right now, anyway. They're quite cross about being trapped in my satchel while I was petrified."

The small collection of crystals continues to float nearby as Kennari looks around. "My, is that an elephant? And who might you all be?"

Niksi sighs as the researcher coming back to life ruins her canvas. She wipes off her gloves and sets aside the container of blood. She takes off her hat and bows. ”We are of the Circus of Wayward Wonders, a traveling establishment of artists, entertainers, and freaks. All three at once if we can help it. We get up to little adventures here-amd-there in our free time.” As she rises from her deep bow, she has already switched to her “pleasant” faceplate with a touch of legerdemain. ”I am our recently appointed administrator, Niksi. Pronounced like the fey, spelled differently.” She adjusts her hat back on her head. ”What could draw your interest about Aroden down here? Aside from the obvious, of course.” Always invite other people to tell you about themselves more than you tell them about yourself.

"Why, this is an old temple to Aroden! There may be iconography and architecture of interest, theological tomes, liturgical treatises, even relics! Really, I'm most eager to continue my exploration!"