PFS2 - 1-01 The Absalom Initiation by GM redeux (Inactive)

Game Master redeux

Knab "hurries"!

B2
Isra tries to the door to the large room as Hornietelle urges the party to hurry along. Isra looks into what appears to be a long, narrow presentation space that has seating for around thirty guests, all facing a low stage at the south end of the room. At first glance the room seems empty, but a moment later it seems as though the shadows of an audience still fill the plush seats. A chill draft sweeps through the room and a whispery voice echoes from the podium.
"...and rather than engage in a responsible, controlled study of the codebook, Yargos Gill decided--imprudently--to simply execute the signals listed therein..." the voice trails off into a looming silence.

Isra resists the temptation to slam the door shut.

He turns to Knab, "Did you hear that? Could there be more of the dead here?"

Isra will stay at the threshold, still looking for magical auras.

"I did" he whispers to the cleric "Sounds like someone isn't following the rules!" He sneaks to a position where he can safely spy who is speaking...

Avoid Notice (Stealth) @ +5

Isra detects no magic nearby as Knab moves into a better position. Knab does not think he has been spotted but peering into the room he can see nothing more than shadows that begin to fade away into nothingness. It appears that the shadows were being cast out of thin air.

Isra thinks for a moment if he has any idea what they might be.

"I don't see anyone in there" Knab whispers.

Hearing the voices, Tsu takes a protective stance in front of Hornietelle and Stitchy and begins looking for threats.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Isra looks confused.

"Um, perhaps we should listen to Hornietelle and find this Tavvar."

The cleric taps her feet as she waits for Knab and Isra to return from their little excursion. She slowly edges up the side of the wall, knowing that her defences are weak and caution is the by-word. However, just like the cat, her curiosity gets the better of her. As best she can she silently creeps to the end of the wall and looks into B3 another chamber from a safe distance.

Stealth - Keep Hidden 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Tsu and Hornietelle begin walking down the hall. Hornietelle tries to be as quiet as possible but is finding it difficult to walk quietly on the marble floor. Her footsteps echo'ing throughout the empty floor...

Hornietelle lowers her voice into a whisper, "Tsu, we should really wait for the others, but that might even be Tavvar they are talking about. It could be her that is the student, though it is worrying to think who might be her teacher." For once the elf seems indecisive, her brow shows the lines of worry.

She turns back, "Where are the others?" she asks Tsu, her agitation making the words vibrate from her mouth.

Isra has had enough of the classroom and returns to find the others.

"Here" Knab excuses, arriving tardy with Isra "Apologies, mistress"...

"What's happ'nin' Rikki asked, poking his head around the corner.

B3
Rikki looks around the corner into the room and he sees carefully framed spellbook pages hanging along the room's walls along with display cases throughout the room. In the far corner he sees a thick shadow suspended in the air and it seems as though a boisterous half-orc woman stands there, surrounded by vague shadow figures. Judging from the height and shadow ears there appears to be three dwarves, a human, and an elf. A thin and reedy voice is heard that sounds eerily familiar. "Yes, this is very good for you to ask questions. Always ask questions...." The voice fades and the shadow begins to disappear, "Got scared...something on board...can't be certain."

"Three dwarves, a human and an elf... Rikki says, then shakes his head. No that was silly. He looks over the group he was travelling with.

"Nae, i'm not talking about us. That unlikely match up is hanging out in there with an 'alf-Orc woman, who might be this Tavyar, ya mentioned?"

With a trembling uncertainty in her voice, Tsu asks, "So, do we listen more? Or should we go in there? We need to get the scroll, and she might be in trouble, right?" She is asking it generally of the group, but she seems to be looking more at Hornietelle.

Knab looks, rubs his eyes, looks again, and blinks twice. He looks over at the three dwarves, human, and elf that compose this adventuring party. He attempts to make light "Well at least three of those fine folk look find competent!" hoping his joke lands...

[][]

Looks like that last post got lost. Moving on or sticking around?

Isra is staring intently at the shadowy figures. Upon hearing the jokes of the two dwarves, he shakes out of it a bit.

Smiling, "Let Pharasma be the judge of my competence, Knab, my friend. As to the the three of you and Hornietelle, I have no doubts."

"I think we should approach"

He walks toward the room. To the half-orc, "Excuse me, we are looking for Tavvar. Might you be her?"

The half-orc shadow has nearly vanished by the time Isra enters the room. It does not answer Isra's question as it continues to disperse into thin air.

He searches the room for any signs of magic. Detect Magic

Isra detects no magic nearby from the shadows or displays. While there are spellbook pages on the walls, and various artifacts in the displays, nothing seems inherently magical.

"I doubt Tavvar is a shadow, but her ritual might just be conjuring them from the shadow plane, so move on and lets find her. Or is the competence of the 'three' being called into question!" her voice says in exasperation after Knab's words. Her head shakes from side to side as she sighs, a long sigh. "Come Tsu, at least you are worth Calistra's blessing, although it might be safer to leave .... thing here out of harm's way. Let's hope 'we' have some proficiency for the matter in hand." she says pointedly at Knab.

With her hands she wafts Tsu forward and follows her onwards.

What does Hornietelle see ahead towards B4, perception +6(+8)

@Tsu, I moved your character forward, in keeping with our relationship, hope that's OK. I leave you to place Stitchy

@GM redeux This is the one that was 'Lost'

Perfectly fine and safe to assume that Tsu would go where Hornietelle directs.

As Tsu moves forward to provide protection for her beloved, Stitchy, not having been told by Tsu to wait, follows along.

She is, of course, looking for threats as she moves forward.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Rikki will also stalk ahead, keeping keen eye and sharp nose open for threat to the party.

B4
The group slowly advances towards the next room where they see a gigantic reptilian beast on display, ferociously leering over the collection of taxidermy animals and monsters. Knab and Rikki are the first to spot shadows that are flitting between the displays, meandering and shuffling shapes reminiscent of museum patrons. Tsu appears to be deep daydreaming until a distant shriek echoes off the walls as the shadow of a stuffed owlbear lashes out at one of the shadow-visitors with its talons. The shadow of the tyrannosaur in the room's center departs from its source and snaps at the misty image of another patron, tossing its head back and seeming to swallow its meal nearly whole. Other shadows snarl and hiss, scuffling amongst themselves as shadow-guests panic and run towards the exit.

At the far end of the hall there are stairs that ascend to the 3rd floor.

Tsu plants her feet in a defensive posture in front of Hornietelle as the shadows play out their scene, then she reaches back to take the Elf's hand saying, "Don't worry, I'll keep you safe," and gives her hand a kiss assuming Hornietelle allows her to. Tsu begins moving cautiously into the room moving towards the staircase looking out for threats.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Knab plants his longspear in an offensive posture behind Tsu, backing her play. Seeing as Hornietelle is standing next to him, and as he hasn't had a bath since before this long string of missions began, this posture he has taken with respect to the elf probably derives it's potency not from the mere position he holds his limbs in - even if such movements are additive to those effects.

"Nothing against you skinny-tall folk - you can't help being built lacking in the hardiness department. You make up for it in other ways!" he whispers to her, not wanting to spoil Tsu's renewed focus.

Isra will check for magical auras in the room. Detect Magic

Hornietelle shakes her hand after Tsu's kiss, "Tsu, that's enough, keep alert." The elf shuffles uncomfortably with Knab's close presence, but now was not the time to worry about matters. "This is fascinating, but these shadows, they must have something to do with Tavvar's ritual. Can we move on through these grey things. Does anyone know how one deals with these things if they get aggressive?" Her veneer of calm authority wavers. "Onwards?"

Isra continues to detect no magic nearby. The group advances slowly, perhaps internally debating Hornietelle's question. Once the party enters the room, however, a wall of shadow rises behind them. A giant shadow rhinoceros then emerges from the shadow-wall and lowers its head. With it's horn pointing at Isra it begins stomping it's feet as though it's about to charge. Many more shadows form along the southern wall and start inching towards the group. A lone shadow-visitor also appears at the base of the stairs and begins running towards the 3rd floor.

Isra takes out his shield and raises it.

"Quick, all of you upstairs! I will keep its attention. Now!"

Knab - a little spooked - obeys the man of cloth!

last post just flavor, so you're welcome to still react to it

The group rushes up the flight of stairs and can see the rhino charging as they ascend. When it would slam into the wall, it instead silently dissipates. The group begins to hear voices echo off mahogany walls and domed ceiling of the luxurious room above. Reaching the top the group observes sumptuous furniture that has been pushed to the sides of the room, making space for eldritch markings and mystical paraphernalia that has been laid carefully over the plush carpet. The chamber seems muted and dim despite the crystal chandelier overhead, and a bone-numbing chill seeps through the sapce along with a metallic scent. A ritual is obviously underway here, but it doesn't seem as though it's working as planned. Shadowy energy lashes out from a twisting breach in the center of the room, and indistinct shapes flit and scuttle along the walls.

Around the ritual a woman, with short hair and thick-rimmed glasses, is lamenting "I don't understand, we did everything right! Keep it up!". Her assistants continue their chanting and she rejoins them.

Slides updated - same map as before, but in top right corner is where 3rd floor is. Art for tavvar is on slide 4

Shadow ritual! Round 1: Bold May Act

Round 1
Hornietelle
Rikki
Tsu
Knab
Ritual
Isra
Tavvar (North)
Assistant1 (South)
Assistant2 (East)
Assistant3 (West)

While standing inside of the ritual (red square), You can attempt an Occultism check (1 action) to try to determine what is wrong with the ritual and correct the mistake.
Additionally, Hornietelle previously learned that Tavvar lacks experience with field work and Nature may be a relevant skill as well. This also requires standing inside of the ritual and is 1 action.

"Umm, this seems bad, right? And we should stop them?" Tsu says to the group, but looking more specifically at Hornietelle for leadership.

Knab - no stranger to ritualism - leaps into action. He moves into the indicated area, and attempts to draw upon his experience to see what her can learn.

◆) Stride
◆) Recall Knowledge (Occult) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
◆) Recall Knowledge (Nature) 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

He announces anything he learns to all the participants in the room.

Hornietelle moves up into the chamber to see the ritual being performed. For once Hornietelle is flummoxed by the ritual going on, this was something she knew little about. With panic on her face she calls out to Tavvar and her assistants. "Stop this now, you don't know what you are playing, we were sent to help you, so stop this now and we can help you correct it." She stares at the young woman, her face and eyes trying to dig deep into the woman's consciousness.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Rikki will rush into the room, and into the circle. He grew up around occultism of this sort, he knew how rituals were meant to look on an instinctive, rather than intellectual level. Examining the circle, he tried to figure out what was going wrong with it. Thork would follow him and bounce around the assistant.

↺ (If a spell is cast) Recognise Spell
or
↺ (If a spell targets Rikki) Call on Ancient Blood

◆) Stride
◆) Recall Knowledge (Occult): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
◆) Command Animal Companion
- Stride
- Support Benefit

Tsu asks the group what to do, looking at Hornietelle who seems to ignore the question. Tsu stands there wondering what to do. Delay - It doesn't appear Tsu was told to stop the assistants, nor told to not stop them.

Knab rushes into the circle immediately. As he enters the circle he recognizes the runes used fresh mushroom ink, rather than dried mushroom ink. He also believes there is a [u]crafting[/u] mistake with the ritual, though he doesn't take time to note the exact mistake. He instead produces dried mushrooms and begins creating ink to correct the runes. The shadows begin to lessen in size and severity as Knab works. Occultism success, Nature success

"If we stop then the ritual will go out of control!! Please help us stabilize it!" Tavvar shouts. Indeed as she pauses her chanting to talk to Hornietelle a shadow begins forming in the center of the ritual, flicking more and more violently until she begins to chant again.

Rikki enters the circle next and begins analyzing the ritual but feels too rushed and cannot pinpoint any mistakes occultism fail

The a shadow in the center of the room violently expands, unleashing rays of shadow energy not a spell that strike Rikki and Knab. More rays begin extending towards Tavvar and the assistants.

Fortitude Saves from Rikki, and Knab. If Hornietelle wishes to use a reaction she can step in front of tavvar (fortitude save as well).

Shadow ritual! Round 1: Bold May Act

Round 1
Ritual
Tsu
Isra
Tavvar (North)
Assistant1 (South)
Assistant2 (East)
Assistant3 (West)
Round 2
Hornietelle
Rikki (fortitude save)
Knab (fortitude save)

While standing inside of the ritual (red square), You can attempt an Occultism, Crafting, or Nature check (1 action) to try to determine what is wrong with the ritual and correct the mistake.

Knab calls upon his ancient blood to inure himself:

Knab's Fortitude: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 = 11

Fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Rikki will call upon his ancient blood if he can for +1

Isra runs to the edge of the circle. He has know idea what to do - he looks to Hornietelle, then Tavvar.

He points to the shadow, "What is this thing?" He pulls out his dagger.

Stride ◆
Stride ◆
Interact to draw dagger ◆

Tsu, ever worried for the safety of her group, and especially the Calistrian cleric, listens to determine if there's truth in what the scholar is saying.
One action to use perception to sense motive.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"Stay here, Stitchy!" Tsu calls out to her undead construct friend. Then, Tsu moves into the ritual markings to stand protectively by Hornietelle. One action to move into the square.

And since she is there, Tsu looks for a way to correct the ritual to help keep her beloved Elf safe.
One action to do a nature check.
Nature: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Seeing the threat to Tavvar, Hornietelle steps in front of the woman, her eyes wide as she sees the shadow creature attack. "This can't be right, these things are dangerous." She steals herself against the attack, her confidence in her god providing her with the resilience to resist.

Fort Save 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

The shadow energy lashes out at Knab and Rikki who take 4 shadow damage. failed, ancient blood used. Hornietelle's confidence in her diety shows as she stands in front of the rays and is unscathed. crit success

Shortly after the rays land on their targets, a tiny shadow creature is seen clawing it's way out of the center. Unlike the previous shadow figures, this one seems particularly real. It rises up and lashes it's shadow tendrils out at Rikki hit, 6 negative damage and it moves onto Rikki's square. It seems to try to attach itself to Rikki but he is too quick. It instead strikes at him again. hit, 2 negative damage

updated art on slide 4

Isra runs into position to help, and Tsu decides to also run into the circle. She tries to observe another flaw in the ritual but is unable to recall anything useful.

Shadow ritual! Round 2: Bold May Act

Round 2
Hornietelle
Rikki (-12)
Knab (-4)
Ritual (party has 3 successes vs ritual to disable)
Shadow(Pink)
Tsu
Isra
Tavvar (North)
Assistant1 (South) (-4)
Assistant2 (East) (-4)
Assistant3 (West) (-4)
Round 3

While standing inside of the ritual (red square), You can attempt an Occultism, Crafting, or Nature check (1 action) to try to determine what is wrong with the ritual and correct the mistake.
If you’re not being targeted by the ritual you can spend a reaction to step in front of Tavvar or one of her assistants. Please post this during your turn if it's your intent.