[PFS1] GM Pudding's Carrion Hill (Inactive)

Game Master Tom G

SLIDES


1 to 50 of 616 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | next > last >>

Night of the Gray Death

It's been a long journey getting to Karcau in North-Eastern Ustalav. It is far from Absalom and with the World-wound, Numeria, Razmir and the Holds of Belkzen on its borders, even getting to it is challenging. But you were called for specifically, and so you came.

The directions you were given to the Pathfinder lodge lead you to a picturesque manor and estate a few miles south of the city. A sign hangs on the gate that reads "Miregrold Manor", and a cobbled path leads to the front of the manor building, which like so many things in Ustalav, is grand, old, and showing its age.

You arrive late in the afternoon, and find the interior of the manor to be rather more up to date. It has the warped, creaking floorboards of an old house, but the numerous pathfinders moving around inside with purpose give it a much more functional, lively air. Paintings, tapestries and sculptures have been replaced with desks, bookshelves and training dummies.

You are clearly expected, and are ushered immediately into a drawing room which has been converted into the office of Venture-Captain Basia Kalistoff. She is dressed in a extravagant, dark dress with a plunging neckline and an absurdly high collar that could only be fashionable in Ustalav.

There's a Picture in the slides

"Pardon my attire, real politics is Karcau is done strictly at the Opera, and so I'll need to leave soon for tonights performance. Pathfinders have had a poor reputation in Ustalav, partially due to my predecessor's crimes here, and partially due to the suspicious nature of our populace. I have been working hard to change that, and recently we decided to expand our operations and open a lodge between here and Caliphas."

As she talks, she's putting on jewellery and applying finishing touches to her make-up.

"Carrion Hill seemed to be a prime location, being roughly half-way between us, central, and with a commanding view of the surrounding area due to the hill. I sent a team to survey the area, get a feel for the political situation, any hidden dangers and so forth. I expected them back with a full report after two or three weeks, but when they didn't return, and didn't respond to our divinations, I called for you. This was now six weeks ago, and I fear the worst"

She pauses putting on her earrings and make-up to add some emphasis to her words.

"I would like you to find our team and bring them home. Oleg - their leader - is brash and impetuous, but he's a good agent. Find out what has happened, and if necessary, complete their report on a possible Carrion Hill lodge. You come highly recommended, so do not make me send a team after you"

She deftly clips her pearl necklace into place and turns to you.

"Any questions?"

Dark Archive

N Male Elf Bonded Investigator 7 | HP 45/45 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +2, CMD 16 | F: +5, R: +11, W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +13 (+2 vs traps), SM: +10 | Speed 30ft | Inspiration: 10/10 | Extracts: 1st 6/6 2nd 4/4 3rd 2/2 | Active conditions: None

A tall, gaunt elf that doesn’t look terribly out of place in Ustalav bows, the hand over his chest not quite covering an ugly scar that peeks over his shirt collar. ”We will find the truth of this matter,” he answers gravely. ”Were the agents able to uncover any knowledge of this hill’s history before they departed? It would be wise to prepare ourselves for the worst when our fellows are missing.”


Night of the Gray Death

"Oleg wasn't really one for research, more of a do-er than a thinker that one, but the others did consult the library before they left as I recall. If they found anything they didn't tell me about it, but you're welcome to use our library, it's in the basement with the reliquary and alchemical laboratory. As it's already late I recommend you set out in the morning, there are rooms available for you here in the lodge of course".

You might already know something of Carrion Hill:

DC 15 Knowledge (local):
Carrion Hill is a large settlement in central Ustalav in Versex County. It is one of the oldest settlements in Ustalav

DC 20 Knowledge (local):
Built on the swampy banks of the Kingfisher River, the hill represents the only solid ground within 20 miles. The city is split into three districts. The Crown atop the hill, the Tangle on the hill's slopes and the Filth. The Crown is the home of Carrion Hill's nobility and most of the government and public buildings

DC 25 Knowledge (local):
The current mayor is Vanton Heggry, who has a reputation for honest dealings and shrewd leadership, though it is said he could have done more to address the rampant poverty in the city. The city's primary industry is Middenstone, a building material made from gravel and boiled cockroaches that is sought after for its durability

You might already know something of the history of Carrion Hill too, however it is not very well known. If you'd like to spend some of the evening in the library, perhaps with a drop of Ustalavic Brandy from the well appointed drinks cabinet, you may add a +4 circumstance bonus to your knowledge history rolls, and you can make such attempts untrained

DC 20 Knowledge History:
The current settlement of Carrion Hill is not the first, rather it is built on the site of an old Taldan settlement from before Aroden raised Absalom from the depths, when the lands around Lake Encarthen were outer reaches of a far flung empire. Evidence of this can still be found in some of the architecture, from the road layout to the repurposed temples

DC 25 Knowledge History:
Some say that even the Taldan settlement was founded on an older one, built when the Varisians first settled these lands after Earthfall when they fled old Thassilon. Artifacts found during archeological digs have given credence to these theories, but they are still hotly debated

DC 30 Knowledge History:
An obscure varisian folk-tale, when translated in just the right way, might tell the story of the founding of the Varisian settlement on Carrion Hill. Even that folk tale speaks of a pre-existing settlement, and one that was ancient even then. Standing stones were torn down, and battles were fought with kellid shamans who worshiped dark gods. Separating fact from fiction at this remove however is all but impossible

Silver Crusade

male|cleric 10|hp 93/93|AC:25 T:12 FF:24|CMB+9, CMD21|Fort+12, Ref+6, Will+14, +2 vs poison|Init+1, senses darkvision 60' Perc:+5|used: dwarf cleric 10|spells used: Bless of fervor, searing light, flame strike, magic circ vs evil|touch of good 8/8 remaining|acid dart 8/8 remaining|channels 4/5 remaining|

A stout bald dwarf with violet eyes and a black beard scawls at the strangely dressed woman. "So this is a rescue mission then?" The dwarf asks while attempting to smile but really just looking like he eat a lemon. "Or salvage should the worst be the worst?"
The dwarf shakes his head. " This job does have its perils and takes a toll.

"Grunyak Deomerhammer, cleric of Torag, at your service. We will do our best to find these missing agents and bring them back."

"Do we have time to resupply? I am hoping to get some new armor." "It should not take long. I was fitted earlier."

Liberty's Edge

Female Human Fighter (9) Init +2 HP 103/103 AC 24 T 12 FF 22 Fort +10 Ref +6 Will +6 Per +10 Move 30 CLW Wand 21/50

A blonde haired tall woman enter the place, covered in armor, and carrying quite an assortiment of weapons. As soon as she seen the dwarf and elf, she display a beaming warm smile

Ah, nice to see some known faces! I hope you feel better now, Algodir.

Dru goes to the elf, and hug him (not too strongly, just in case he might still be hurt) and then hugs Gruniak. Then she turns to the local Venture Captain

Sorry for the display of familiarity, but my last mission was with these two, and it was quite a close call. It bonds people, fighting for their lives. My name is Drusilla, but you can call me Dru. It's really a lovely dress, Captain, if you don't mind me saying that, I'm not sure I could pull that one of.


Night of the Gray Death

Venture-Captain Kalistoff nods at the compliment.

"Thank you Dru, though truth be told I'd much rather be wearing your outfit, it's so much more practical. But the survival of the lodge here depends on my cultivating the right relationships, so for now it's dresses and whispers at the opera. No need to apologise for familiarity either, our society is built on cooperation, and it warms my heart to see the bonds of brotherhood forged between our agents."

To Grunyak she replies in the affirmative.

"I expected that you might need supplies. Our quartermaster has filled the stores with the basics, and anything unusual ought to be obtainable in Karcau, for the right price of course. If you take the air in our gardens at the rear you'll see the city just a few miles off, though at this time the interminable fog has likely obscured the view. You could stop in to pick up supplies without adding much time to your journey"

You can buy anything you need before the start of the mission, subject to the usual fame requirements of course.

Dark Archive

N Male Elf Bonded Investigator 7 | HP 45/45 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +2, CMD 16 | F: +5, R: +11, W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +13 (+2 vs traps), SM: +10 | Speed 30ft | Inspiration: 10/10 | Extracts: 1st 6/6 2nd 4/4 3rd 2/2 | Active conditions: None

Angoldir returns the embrace without any outward sign of pain. "Such faithful companions are a welcome gift," he answers. "I shall consider myself fortunate that our stories are once more told together." As the younger Pathfinders continue speaking with the venture-captain, he takes a seat and ponders the tales he has heard of this "Carrion Hill".

Knowledge (local), Inspiration: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 9 + (3) = 25

"A town in three parts," he muses aloud. "The nobles atop the hill in the Crown, the less wealthy on the slopes of the Tangle, and the destitute amid the Filth. With the Hill being the only solid ground in the area, it is little wonder there has been a settlement there as long as anyone can remember." He sighs heavily. "The town's primary export down the Kingfisher River is a durable building material made of boiled cockroaches and gravel, called 'middenstone' by some. While a chance to investigate such a unique substance would be fascinating, I suspect there will be a need for stricter hygiene standards amongst ourselves as we lack the benefit of a growing up in such an environment."

Pausing to gently stroke the bird perched on his shoulder, the aged elf continues organizing his thoughts verbally for the benefit of his companions. "Most of the town's government buildings are in the Crown district, which is also where we are likely to find the mayor. The favorable stories of Vanton Heggry depict him as an honest man with a keen mind for business. The unfavorable ones say he is an unconcerned noble, negligent to those living in the abject poverty of the Filth. I suspect the truth lies between these two points. Regardless, he is likely to be a source of information on our missing companions - as well as the deciding factor in the establishment of a Lodge in the town. Perhaps if we frame the proposal in economic terms he would be more receptive to the idea."

When the venture-captain takes her leave for the opera, Angoldir nods solemnly to his companions and retires to the library Kalistoff mentioned.

Knowledge (history), Inspiration, Library: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 9 + (3) + 4 = 26

Grand Lodge

Male Elf Arcanist 8 | HP 42/42 | AC 16 FF 14 Touch 12 | CMB +2 CMD 14 | F +6 R +6 W +9 | Init +3 | Perc +7 | Speed 30 ft, Mage Armour (+4 AC)

Standing a little to one side is a medium height Elf with short brown hair and pale skin. He is wearing a simple robe and an elaborately embroidered cloak. When the venture captain begins the briefing, Eldrin pulls out a small book and starts making extensive notes.

"Venture Captain, before you go, may I ask. Do you have descriptions of the missing operatives? Is there anything about them that may aid us in locating and identifying them?

Once they are alone, Eldrin greats the other Pathfinders warmly before heading to the library. He spends his evening researching the history of the area.

Knowldge (History): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Rolling untrained, +4 inteligence and +4 circumstance from the library


Night of the Gray Death

Responding to Eldrin's question, Basia says

"Oleg is Kellid. Tall and well-built, he favours the greatsword and running off in search of adventure. He's been with us since the start of our lodge here, and in truth I sent him on this mission to keep him out of trouble."

It's clear from her smile as she talks about him that she is fond of him.

"The others I don't know as well, as we've grown I'm afraid I haven't had chance to get to know all of the agents who are based here. I have their names here:"

She rummages around in a drawer and hands you a piece of parchment.

"They were chosen for their level heads and work ethic, which is why I would have expected a timely report, even if Oleg had gone off chasing monsters or treasure again and forgotten."

Parchment wrote:

Leader:

Oleg (kellid human)
Agents:
Opal Barrelhelm (dwarf)
Cullen Angler (halfling)
Mithanduil Blackstar (elf)

I'll give Taariik a chance to introduce himself before kicking us off later today


Night of the Gray Death

Spending the evening at the lodge, you find it very well appointed, particularly the library. Dark mahogany bookshelves and desks, luxurious sofas for reading, as well as ample fortifying spirits would have made for a most comfortable evening, if it weren't for the subject matter.

The library's largest section is on Ustalav itself, and Eldrin and Angoldir busy themselves looking for information on Carrion Hill. Much of the information is split amongst disparate volumes, a book on Taldor here, a set of varisian folktales there, but between the two of them there are able to make some headway, and some of what they learn is disquieting. The origin of the settlement is lost to history, it has changed hands and been rebuilt many times, but however far you go back, there is mention of inhabitation on that hill.

The others avail themselves of the rooms and comforts at what will likely be your last evening in relative luxury for a time. The rooms are spacious and high-ceilinged, and hot baths are drawn upon request.

The next morning you rise well-rested and set off on your journey, some 120 miles or so through fairly easy terrain, indeed there is a road most of the way.

Any purchases you would like can be made before you set off

If you thought the fog you encountered when first entering the country was unusual, you are soon disabused of that notion as it rolls in thick every evening and lingers each morning till noon. On one night of your journey you're able to stay at flea-ridden inn in Berus, but for the most part it's sleeping under the stars, or as the case may be, wrapped in a blanket of fog.

On the sixth day you encounter the swamplands that Angoldir had heard of, and the going is slow. The weather takes a turn for the worse, though you had hoped to reach Carrion Hill before nightfall, your progress is poor and you're forced to camp in a soggy patch of marshland. Visibility barely enough to see each other, and peculiar sounds of swamp-life lead to a restless night. At one point everyone is woken by something moving through the swamp near your camp, large enough to cause waves that lap up to your bedrolls, but it recedes again and you're able to get some fitful rest.

The lightening fog heralding the limp dawn, you collect your soggy belongings and head toward your journey's end, more rain pushing you on. By the time you arrive you judge it mid morning, and the fog has lifted enough to give you a glimpse of your destination - Carrion Hill.

Even as bedraggled and tired as you are, the city doesn't look welcoming. Drab, wet and filthy, it manages to look like it has been rained on every day for a year, and yet still as dirty a place as you've ever seen. Entering through the gates doesn't improve the impression, as the faces you see beneath hoods held against the rain look away and scurry from you. Deep gutters built into every street run thick and fast with bubbling brown water, suggesting that perhaps the persistent rain is something they've come to expect here, and drab buildings are mostly shuttered and closed.

Just inside the gate huddled under an awning is a town crier, doing his best against the din of the rain.

"Carrion Hill needs heroes! People of stout heart and bravery are asked to come to Crown Manor with all haste, there to receive a task worthy of their skill and talents and a reward of suitable magnificence. Make haste to Crown Manor! Make haste!"

He sees the well-armed group of you and cries in your direction.

"You there! Adventurers? You're in luck! The Mayor needs your help! A rare purse for those who aid Carrion Hill in our hour of need"

What would you like to do? Taariik feel free to introduce yourself at any point in this narrative, I wanted to get us started before I went to bed

Silver Crusade

male|cleric 10|hp 93/93|AC:25 T:12 FF:24|CMB+9, CMD21|Fort+12, Ref+6, Will+14, +2 vs poison|Init+1, senses darkvision 60' Perc:+5|used: dwarf cleric 10|spells used: Bless of fervor, searing light, flame strike, magic circ vs evil|touch of good 8/8 remaining|acid dart 8/8 remaining|channels 4/5 remaining|

Grunyak, never a fan of damp foggy weather being more comfortable intunnels underground, scowls at the cryer.
"He may need help fron us? Well we need information from him. Now, what's all this painting of doom, direness and gloom? Speak plainly. What is wrong here in Carrion Hill?

Dark Archive

N Male Elf Bonded Investigator 7 | HP 45/45 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +2, CMD 16 | F: +5, R: +11, W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +13 (+2 vs traps), SM: +10 | Speed 30ft | Inspiration: 10/10 | Extracts: 1st 6/6 2nd 4/4 3rd 2/2 | Active conditions: None

Does this have anything to do with our missing compatriots? Angoldir muses silently. Not enough information to be certain. At the very least it provides an accepted method of speaking with the mayor.

Sovereign Court

| Male LG follower of Irori | Ifrit | Outsider (Native) | Paladin 2, Ninja 2, Medium 6 | Darkvision 60 ft | Speed 20ft | DR 5/bludg. 15/40 | HP 93/93 | AC 18 T 8 FF 18 / AC 20 with heavy shield | CMB +14 | CMD 22 | F: +19, R: +14, W: +17 (+18 vs. fear/confusion) | Init: +13 | Perc: -2, SM: -2, Dipl: +22 | Mind Arsenal 9/9 | Ki Pool 4/7 | Reroll 1/1 | Smite 1/1 | Influence 1/4 | Spirit Dance 17/18 | Eefriti Magic 0/1 | Boots of Speed 5/10 | Horseshoe 1/1 | Active conditions: defending bone

Taarik is a massive Ifrit. His hair is blazing and burning so that he almost warms his surroundings.

He has a greatsword and a bardiche on his back, a light flail at his side and a heavy shield in his hand.

He wears a fullplate that looks like it has seen battle recently.

Resting on top of his chest, an amulet showing the holy symbol of Irori is visible.

* * *

Taarik is surprised that the Pathfinder lodge is such a picturesque manor.

In the office of Venture-Captain Basia Kalistoff he bows.

"We might be late but we have come to aid. Hmm … that even rimed!” he says a little confused about his own statement.

”You look fabulous madame Venture-Captain! I have never been in these lands but the fashion seems adequate! Taarik is my name. I follow the Master of Masters ... hopefully to perfection." he says with a stern look on his face as if the path is still long.

He looks at the others and nods.

"It is clearly critical that we save our comrades!"


Night of the Gray Death

The crier stops ringing his bell and leans in closer to Grunyak.

"Something happened this morning in the market. The whole city woke to the noise of a blast, and they say something tore the place up. I had it from a guard that Garus hisself led the charge to investigate, and he got snapped in 'alf an' spat out like a grape! Most of the city's so called 'eroes fled when they 'eard that, and the Mayor has started asking for anyone stupid enough to go in out and find outs what's going on."

He remembers what he's supposed to be doing and continues.

"There's a great reward acourse, and you could help the small folk of Carrion Hill in the bargain. Straight on, then take the second right. The Crown Manor is at the top of the hill, you can't miss it. Tell 'em Henric sent you!"

There's a map in the slides. You've entered the city at the south east gate

Reasoning that you want to speak to the Mayor anyway, you follow his instructions to the manor. The shops you pass are closed, and despite the densely packed buildings there's very few actual people around. Most of the noise comes from crows perched atop eaves and gables, and circling in the air above, caw-ing in fear.

As you approach the manor, two guardsman dressed in black leather armor and wielding bows and crowssbows stand guard. Their sombre expressions flicker with hope when they see the group of you, and they bid you to follow them inside into the central hall. The whole group of you drip onto the cold stone as you go.

In the expansive central hall, a number of guards similarly dressed in black stand watch while a distracted and worried looking man sits in a tall-backed chair. He straightens up when you enter.

"At least we've got a few backbones still upright in this place. Please, take a seat". He clears his throat before continuing.

"I thank you for attending in our hour of need - Carrion Hill has a long history of battle, yet always before its enemies have attacked from outside our walls. We are fortified to defend against such attacks, but now we face an entirely different threat. Our enemy is already here, dwelling in the tunnels and catacombs below and surfacing to strike without warning."

“As you may have heard, the first of these attacks occurred early this very morning, when something huge came up from below in a part of the Tangles called Slipper Market. It partially destroyed a building and killed a half dozen locals before retreating into the ruined structure. The Crows were swift to reply, led by our own Commander Garus, but when they arrived, they were slaughtered to the last."

“Since then, the thing has moved on, surfacing no less than three times in different parts of the city, crushing buildings from below and slaying anyone it finds inside. I’ve got the entire force of the city watch in reserve, and with each new event they respond quickly, but the damage is always done by the time they arrive. Already there is talk of war and invasion, but I still believe that what we face is a single horror. If we can only figure out what it is, we might be able to defeat it. And this is where your group comes in—the horror has moved on from its initial point of entrance, but if you can explore the ruins in Slipper Market, perhaps you can find some sort of clue to tell us what it is we face. I cannot spare any of my Crows to aid you, for they are needed in keeping order in the streets, but if indeed you can find something… anything… about this monster from below, I will pay you handsomely: 1,500 gold for solid information, and twice again that amount for aiding in defeating the horror.”

He looks to you with hope, and not a little desperation

There's a portrait of the Mayor in the slides too

Sovereign Court

| Male LG follower of Irori | Ifrit | Outsider (Native) | Paladin 2, Ninja 2, Medium 6 | Darkvision 60 ft | Speed 20ft | DR 5/bludg. 15/40 | HP 93/93 | AC 18 T 8 FF 18 / AC 20 with heavy shield | CMB +14 | CMD 22 | F: +19, R: +14, W: +17 (+18 vs. fear/confusion) | Init: +13 | Perc: -2, SM: -2, Dipl: +22 | Mind Arsenal 9/9 | Ki Pool 4/7 | Reroll 1/1 | Smite 1/1 | Influence 1/4 | Spirit Dance 17/18 | Eefriti Magic 0/1 | Boots of Speed 5/10 | Horseshoe 1/1 | Active conditions: defending bone

Sorry for posting to an earlier post. I had a window of this game open and assumed this was the latest post and did not refresh. Assume my first post was when we were with the Venture Captaion.

* * *

During the travel ...

"The rain is truly awful. This land is really making me sad! I had just recently oiled my armor ... look at it now!" Taarik says and it is clear that he is not really into wilderness adventure.

* * *

In town ...

Hearing about the mayor being in need of able hands sounds like the perfect possibility to introduce the group to the leadership of this town.

Taarik is glad that Grunyak responded and that they were brought to the mayor.

* * *

Now ...

Taarik bows and steps forward.

"Taarik of Taldor stands at your disposal dear Mayor! We are Pathfinders! I would be pleased to assist you! You have to understand that we are in town because of a group of missing Pathfinders. The gold is an incentive and but our mission is to find our comrades. Could there be connection?" he asks with a stern look on his face.

Liberty's Edge

Female Human Fighter (9) Init +2 HP 103/103 AC 24 T 12 FF 22 Fort +10 Ref +6 Will +6 Per +10 Move 30 CLW Wand 21/50

I suppose that my strenght is now upgraded with the magical belt, seeing we had a few days of traveling?

You call that rain? Back in my day, we had real rain. I went into the Mwangi jungle, a few years back… Rain pours there. And the mists are awful, you can't see your hands sometimes. Mud you can drown in, if the insects don't suck your blood first.

She pauses and listen to Mayor.

Could someone describe us the creature? Are we certain it was three time the same creature attacking? I hope so.. It seems big and powerful enough

Dark Archive

N Male Elf Bonded Investigator 7 | HP 45/45 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +2, CMD 16 | F: +5, R: +11, W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +13 (+2 vs traps), SM: +10 | Speed 30ft | Inspiration: 10/10 | Extracts: 1st 6/6 2nd 4/4 3rd 2/2 | Active conditions: None

Angoldir's eyes close as the mayor mentions the death of the town's guards. "May their souls find rest in the Beyond," he murmurs. From his shoulder, Qadar warbles mournfully.

"They say that the Hill is built on the remains of other settlements," the elf states as the mayor finishes making his request. "Ustalavian, Taldan, even ancient Thasalonian structures created by survivors of Earthfall. It is possible these attacks are the work of a malfunctioning guardian, or perhaps something that was imprisoned below." He smiles grimly. "Nonetheless, few creatures could emerge from below without leaving some sort of passage behind them - and if this one has, then we have learned something about it already. We will bring the truth of this matter to light."


Night of the Gray Death

Yes your belt is fully attuned Drusilla. No worries about the post Taariik, I've done the same before

Mayor Heggry listens to your questions and responds. To Taariik he says

"Missing colleagues? I suppose it could have something to do with it, we still don't know much. If you would look into the attack for me I could make some enquiries for you. I'm sure you understand my focus is on the present danger, but I will have my assistant Margrick look into it".

To Drusilla he nods and replies. "Good question. Judging from the extent of the damage it inflicted, it must have been the size of a giant, but those who saw it happen have difficulty describing it - it was as if the buildings were pulled apart from within. Some few who saw more say that the creature itself was strangely hard to see, as if it kept to the shadows or was invisible"

Angoldir's remarks cause him to clap the guard next to him on the shoulder. "I told you we would get some talented heroes! You are very insightful. Carrion Hill is riddled with tunnels and chambers that no-one has fully mapped. Even if it were invisible, something of this creatures size would surely be seen moving through the streets because of the rain. I think it must be coming from below from some hidden place"

Finally he stands.

"Is that all you need? I'll have a crow take you to the market as soon as you're ready. I'll even give you half of your fee in advance if you think it will help you"

That 750GP (shared between you, not each) in funds you can use for this module only basically. It'll become clear from talking to people in the hall that "crow" is the name they use for the city guards

Silver Crusade

male|cleric 10|hp 93/93|AC:25 T:12 FF:24|CMB+9, CMD21|Fort+12, Ref+6, Will+14, +2 vs poison|Init+1, senses darkvision 60' Perc:+5|used: dwarf cleric 10|spells used: Bless of fervor, searing light, flame strike, magic circ vs evil|touch of good 8/8 remaining|acid dart 8/8 remaining|channels 4/5 remaining|

"We will take a look at this market you mentioned. No question. But, Mayor, we have fellow pathfinders that are missing perhaps you could have some of your people look for us while we look for this monster?" "The leaders name is Oleg..."
Grunyak gives a recount of the venture Captain's description and a copy of the names.
"I do not wish to be morbid, but could we possibly look at the recovered bodies? Sometimes wounds can tell you alot about the predator."
"There are recovered bodies, correct?


Night of the Gray Death

He waves his assistant over to take the details of the missing Pathfinders.

"You have my word that Margrick here will make some enquiries about these missing Pathfinders while you do your work. As for the bodies..."

The assistant who has started taking the details speaks up at that.

"I believe the bodies are being held at the market my lord, awaiting the investigators. His obsequious tone is off-putting. After he has finished taking the details of the missing agents he speaks up again. "My lord, I believe you had an appointment with an "Oleg" last month concerning the establishment of some sort of club. He did not keep the appointment as I recall, though I would need to collect last month's diary from my rooms to be sure"

The mayor claps his hands together and stands up.

"Well then! It sounds like we'll have some information for you as soon as you get back"

He looks very eager for you to begin.

Sovereign Court

| Male LG follower of Irori | Ifrit | Outsider (Native) | Paladin 2, Ninja 2, Medium 6 | Darkvision 60 ft | Speed 20ft | DR 5/bludg. 15/40 | HP 93/93 | AC 18 T 8 FF 18 / AC 20 with heavy shield | CMB +14 | CMD 22 | F: +19, R: +14, W: +17 (+18 vs. fear/confusion) | Init: +13 | Perc: -2, SM: -2, Dipl: +22 | Mind Arsenal 9/9 | Ki Pool 4/7 | Reroll 1/1 | Smite 1/1 | Influence 1/4 | Spirit Dance 17/18 | Eefriti Magic 0/1 | Boots of Speed 5/10 | Horseshoe 1/1 | Active conditions: defending bone

Taarik nods.

”My companions and I have different skills!! And you will appreciate our services! Safety of this town is important to me! Good that our mission and this threat can be handled at the same time!“

He looks at his companions and is ready to leave.

Silver Crusade

male|cleric 10|hp 93/93|AC:25 T:12 FF:24|CMB+9, CMD21|Fort+12, Ref+6, Will+14, +2 vs poison|Init+1, senses darkvision 60' Perc:+5|used: dwarf cleric 10|spells used: Bless of fervor, searing light, flame strike, magic circ vs evil|touch of good 8/8 remaining|acid dart 8/8 remaining|channels 4/5 remaining|

Grunyak signals the clerk, "One more bit of help you might be young man, Can you recommend a reputable inn at which we could lodge? It would be most helpful to us. We would not have to waist time hunting for one."

Grunyak stands and stretches, "Now, how do we find this Slipper's Market or wherever the beast attacked." He looks to fellow pathfinders, "Shall we go there straight away, or do we need any items prior? But that was done in Karcau." "Straight away I think." Grunyak starts gathering his things.

Silver Crusade

male|cleric 10|hp 93/93|AC:25 T:12 FF:24|CMB+9, CMD21|Fort+12, Ref+6, Will+14, +2 vs poison|Init+1, senses darkvision 60' Perc:+5|used: dwarf cleric 10|spells used: Bless of fervor, searing light, flame strike, magic circ vs evil|touch of good 8/8 remaining|acid dart 8/8 remaining|channels 4/5 remaining|

When Grunyak gets a chance, he will ask Angoldir in private if he knows to whom the clerk was referring when he mentioned the 'investigators'.

"These 'investigators' sounded official yet the mayor didn't turn to them for help." "Is there some power struggle going on here that I should know about?"
Then Grunyak's eyes narrow, "Wait, do you think he meant us?" "Are we 'investigators' now?" "And to be spoken of in sneering tones." "To think I trusted that pompous paper pusher to give us an inn recommendation.
"Or do you think the clerk is angry with the mayor for putting such an important task to any ol' rabble off the streets?"
Grunyak will think back on the conversation to try and get the lay of the land on the mayor's office.
sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
"Hmm, puzzling."

Silver Crusade

male|cleric 10|hp 93/93|AC:25 T:12 FF:24|CMB+9, CMD21|Fort+12, Ref+6, Will+14, +2 vs poison|Init+1, senses darkvision 60' Perc:+5|used: dwarf cleric 10|spells used: Bless of fervor, searing light, flame strike, magic circ vs evil|touch of good 8/8 remaining|acid dart 8/8 remaining|channels 4/5 remaining|

Sorry i missed that the crows were to take us to the market. Grunyak would not have asked for directions then. Tried to edit it but couldn't


Night of the Gray Death

Yes Grunyak from the way he said it and looked at you you get the impression that you are the investigators the advisor was speaking of, and he dripped the word with sarcasm. You'd get the sense as well that the hiring of adventurers to look into this issue might have been a controversial decision, and with the loss of the guard captain today emotions are running hot

The Mayor's advisor bows before Grunyak.

"Of course. When my family visit they usually stay at the Bronze Pig here in the crown. It is a fine establishment, and with so many leaving the city I'm certain they have rooms"

You'll have seen on the way up that most of the shops are closed, but the guard stores here are open to you if you'd like to spend that 750GP of disposable income. Remember that you can't keep it or anything you buy with it after the adventure, but you could pick up some things to use during the adventure

The guard that first brought you in is assigned to lead you to the Slipper Market. Now that you're looking at them the guard uniform does look a bit crow-like.

I've updated the town map with the location of the market

The heavy rain didn't let up while you were inside, and you're led down the soaking cobbled streets of the crown toward the tangle - the crowded parts along the slopes of the hill. It's a twisting mass of alleys and dark streets, all of which seem closed up and empty. Many of the houses are built from the redish crumbly stone that Angoldir knows is Middenstone, whereas the buildings in the crown seemed to be mostly true stone.

Eventually you are led into a market area, though beneath all the awnings are only shuttered stalls. A group of around two-dozen crows is milling around, and you are led through them by your escort. He lifts a dripping sodden rope that was closing off the entrance to a street and allows you to duck under (or walk under in Grunyak's case). Just beyond the rope is an open tent with some bodies inside, and a crow stands up as you approach and shares some words with your escort.

"Right then. Glad to have you with us. These are the only bodies we've recovered from the site thus far. We were told to stand down and wait for reinforcements. That's the house where it happened" She indicates the ruins of a house just up the street, then points to one opposite "And that's where our witness Tarrig lives. He's a cobbler. There's an awful stench in the ruined house begging your pardons my lords. Best wrap a scarf or something round your face when you go in or you'll be seeing your dinner again"

There's a map in the slides. The ruined house is on the left, the witnesses on the right

Looking at the bodies, one is dressed in the uniform of the crows, and two are in rags. They are in a terrible condition, having been rent with incredible force. The first body in rags has been crushed, the second has been broken at the back, and the guard is twisted round 180 degrees at the waist and his arms broken in so many places they flop like tentacles. His chain shirt and sword have also been crumpled up like parchment, whatever did it must have been incredibly strong.

What would you like to do? Investigating the scene or talking to the witness are options

Silver Crusade

male|cleric 10|hp 93/93|AC:25 T:12 FF:24|CMB+9, CMD21|Fort+12, Ref+6, Will+14, +2 vs poison|Init+1, senses darkvision 60' Perc:+5|used: dwarf cleric 10|spells used: Bless of fervor, searing light, flame strike, magic circ vs evil|touch of good 8/8 remaining|acid dart 8/8 remaining|channels 4/5 remaining|

Sounds like the bodies are pretty much as described already but if something more can be learned with a heal check Grunyak will give it a go.
Grunyak respectfully checks the bodies.
wound examination: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

After that he will venture over to look at the destroyed building. Taking a handkerchef out sprinkling a little medicinal brandy on it, he ties it to cover his nose and mouth.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Dark Archive

N Male Elf Bonded Investigator 7 | HP 45/45 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +2, CMD 16 | F: +5, R: +11, W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +13 (+2 vs traps), SM: +10 | Speed 30ft | Inspiration: 10/10 | Extracts: 1st 6/6 2nd 4/4 3rd 2/2 | Active conditions: None

Angoldir murmurs a brief prayer to the Lady of Graves as the bodies are presented. ”I will examine the remains of the structure while you examine these,” he says softly, laying a gentle hand on Grunyak’s shoulder before turning to Drusilla. ”I will admit that I would prefer to not go alone though. Might I ask you to accompany me? And perhaps Eldrin and Taariik could speak with the witness? I would hate to overwhelm them with unexpected company in addition to questions about what was surely a traumatic experience.”

Sovereign Court

| Male LG follower of Irori | Ifrit | Outsider (Native) | Paladin 2, Ninja 2, Medium 6 | Darkvision 60 ft | Speed 20ft | DR 5/bludg. 15/40 | HP 93/93 | AC 18 T 8 FF 18 / AC 20 with heavy shield | CMB +14 | CMD 22 | F: +19, R: +14, W: +17 (+18 vs. fear/confusion) | Init: +13 | Perc: -2, SM: -2, Dipl: +22 | Mind Arsenal 9/9 | Ki Pool 4/7 | Reroll 1/1 | Smite 1/1 | Influence 1/4 | Spirit Dance 17/18 | Eefriti Magic 0/1 | Boots of Speed 5/10 | Horseshoe 1/1 | Active conditions: defending bone

Taarik is not very adapt at investigations.

"Angoldir, I will talk to the witnesses."

He walks over to the witnesses. He waits a moment when he arrives to study them.

"Hello, I am sure that what you witnessed must have been awful. We are here to help. We want to find out what happened. Can you please tell me what you saw or heard?"

Liberty's Edge

Female Human Fighter (9) Init +2 HP 103/103 AC 24 T 12 FF 22 Fort +10 Ref +6 Will +6 Per +10 Move 30 CLW Wand 21/50

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Dru was about to talk to the witnesses, when something about the bodies disturbs her, and she nearly throw up on the boots of a citizen.

She gets near a wall and you hear some disgusting sounds

Grand Lodge

Male Elf Arcanist 8 | HP 42/42 | AC 16 FF 14 Touch 12 | CMB +2 CMD 14 | F +6 R +6 W +9 | Init +3 | Perc +7 | Speed 30 ft, Mage Armour (+4 AC)

Following Taariik over to talk to the witnesses, Eldrin pulls out his notebook and does his best to shield the pages from the rain. He speaks up after Taariik greets the witnesses, "Please be as specific as you can and try not to embellish the facts.".

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Looking expectantly, Eldrin is poised to make notes.

Sovereign Court

| Male LG follower of Irori | Ifrit | Outsider (Native) | Paladin 2, Ninja 2, Medium 6 | Darkvision 60 ft | Speed 20ft | DR 5/bludg. 15/40 | HP 93/93 | AC 18 T 8 FF 18 / AC 20 with heavy shield | CMB +14 | CMD 22 | F: +19, R: +14, W: +17 (+18 vs. fear/confusion) | Init: +13 | Perc: -2, SM: -2, Dipl: +22 | Mind Arsenal 9/9 | Ki Pool 4/7 | Reroll 1/1 | Smite 1/1 | Influence 1/4 | Spirit Dance 17/18 | Eefriti Magic 0/1 | Boots of Speed 5/10 | Horseshoe 1/1 | Active conditions: defending bone

diplomacy with my earlier post as the others are posting interesting rolls :-) : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19


Night of the Gray Death

Taariik, Eldrin and Drusilla head to the cobbler's house, where a small croud has gathered. The stench from the house opposite is powerful even at this remove however, and Drusilla makes a mess. Eldrin endears himself even less with the locals, making a face that seems to accuse them of being the source of the odour, but Taariik smoothes things over with his friendly manner. One man steps forward to speak.

"Yes sir I can tell it. I'm Tarrig, this is my place here. This mornin', as every mornin', the Slipper Market was awake early. The merchants set up stalls in the two hours before dawn and prepare their wares you see, and that was when a terrible something came crashing out of Marshan's house. There were an awful lot of screams, and the entire house shook as if some great invisible hand had taken hold of it and was trying to push it into the ground or crumple it in its fist. I ran for the watch, but by the time we'd come back, it was all quiet like."

He takes off his hat and starts to ring it between his hands nervously.

"It wasn't more than a few heartbeats after the guards entered Marshan's home that the shaking and screaming began again. Some of the guards ran back into the street only to be lifted into the air by something unseen and crushed most horrifically; it left behind only a few bodies whatever it was. The house has been quiet ever since, but that doesn't mean that the monster's gone!"

Meanwhile, Grunyak and Angoldir examined the bodies and approached the house. After giving them a thorough examination, Grunyak found that while the cause of death is the obvious incredible trauma they received, in several places on the bodies they have patches of sticky black slime that smells horrific.

Moving to the house, the door-frame at the front has been warped so much that the door is thoroughly stuck, but the northern wall of the house has collapsed into the alleyway, so there's no problem gaining access. There are piles of rubble from the wall now adding to the already extensive litter and detritus in the alley, but it's possible to get through it. As Grunyak and Angoldir move through it, they can't fail to notice the swaths of blood and gore on walls here and there. The hideous smell wafting out of the ruined building is as unplacable as it is stomach-turning. Perhaps the strangest thing is the huge spiral-shaped smear of blood on the wall opposite the partially collapsed building - sheltered by the rain, the ominous rune rises high on the side of the building, as if something enormous had used a broken and bleeding body as a brush to paint its mark.

DC 20 Knowledge (religion):
The spiral is associated with both magical portals and the Dark Tapestry, the dark region between the stars where ancient gods are said to dwell. Many old cults worship these ancient beings

Stepping cautiously through the rubble and into what must have been the living room, Grunyak and Angoldir are faced with a powerful stench. Doors are smashed open , the furniture is in shambles, and rain leaking in from multiple fresh holes in the roof has done little to wash away the thick layer of sticky black slime that seems to coat every surface - slime that exudes a horrific stench something like an open grave, burnt decay, the air before a thunderstorm, wet and diseased fur, and worse. Scattered amid the slime and rubble are body parts - too many to be from one victim, and all strangely bloodless.

Angoldir Fortitude: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Grunyak Fortitude, poison: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 2 = 16

Grunyak's sturdy dwarven fortitude is enough to hold back his gag reflex, but Angoldir turns positively green.

Angolir you're sickened for now, you'll probably feel better when you get away from this revolting slime. There are two other rooms to look into inside, but I'll hold off in case you want to wait for your allies to report back from the witnesses

Dark Archive

N Male Elf Bonded Investigator 7 | HP 45/45 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +2, CMD 16 | F: +5, R: +11, W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +13 (+2 vs traps), SM: +10 | Speed 30ft | Inspiration: 10/10 | Extracts: 1st 6/6 2nd 4/4 3rd 2/2 | Active conditions: None

Knowledge (religion), Inspiration: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 9 + (4) = 29

Angoldir starts to explain the symbols connection with the dark space between stars where creatures beyond reason dwell, but the combination of sight and smell inside leaves him gasping for breath. "I... Maybe we should wait for the others outside," he suggests weakly.

Sovereign Court

| Male LG follower of Irori | Ifrit | Outsider (Native) | Paladin 2, Ninja 2, Medium 6 | Darkvision 60 ft | Speed 20ft | DR 5/bludg. 15/40 | HP 93/93 | AC 18 T 8 FF 18 / AC 20 with heavy shield | CMB +14 | CMD 22 | F: +19, R: +14, W: +17 (+18 vs. fear/confusion) | Init: +13 | Perc: -2, SM: -2, Dipl: +22 | Mind Arsenal 9/9 | Ki Pool 4/7 | Reroll 1/1 | Smite 1/1 | Influence 1/4 | Spirit Dance 17/18 | Eefriti Magic 0/1 | Boots of Speed 5/10 | Horseshoe 1/1 | Active conditions: defending bone

Taariik is truly shaken by the report and to be honest ... also a little afraid.

"Good sir, we are very sorry for this loss of life. Thank you for telling us what you saw. If you have any further information or hear or see something please inform the mayor and we Pathfinders will contact you."

He grabs his companions who hopefully toughen up and moves to Angoldir.

Seeing the elf so sick he is almost worried.

"Is everything alright here?" he asks and also tells the dwarf and the elf what the group learned.

Silver Crusade

male|cleric 10|hp 93/93|AC:25 T:12 FF:24|CMB+9, CMD21|Fort+12, Ref+6, Will+14, +2 vs poison|Init+1, senses darkvision 60' Perc:+5|used: dwarf cleric 10|spells used: Bless of fervor, searing light, flame strike, magic circ vs evil|touch of good 8/8 remaining|acid dart 8/8 remaining|channels 4/5 remaining|

"That is one hell o' a mess. We got a little ways in but, seeing the size and all thought it best to regroup."

Grunyak stairs at the building while Angoldir recovers.
"There are still two rooms we did not enter and some kind of symbol painted in blood on the wall. Angoldir was going to explain. So if we just wait a bit, he can continue when he is recovered and ready."

knowledge religion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

"I am not as good at surface religions. I could not place it."

Sovereign Court

| Male LG follower of Irori | Ifrit | Outsider (Native) | Paladin 2, Ninja 2, Medium 6 | Darkvision 60 ft | Speed 20ft | DR 5/bludg. 15/40 | HP 93/93 | AC 18 T 8 FF 18 / AC 20 with heavy shield | CMB +14 | CMD 22 | F: +19, R: +14, W: +17 (+18 vs. fear/confusion) | Init: +13 | Perc: -2, SM: -2, Dipl: +22 | Mind Arsenal 9/9 | Ki Pool 4/7 | Reroll 1/1 | Smite 1/1 | Influence 1/4 | Spirit Dance 17/18 | Eefriti Magic 0/1 | Boots of Speed 5/10 | Horseshoe 1/1 | Active conditions: defending bone

Taariik nods.

He walks in and enters the first room.

fort save : 0 + 1d20 + 10 ⇒ 0 + (7) + 10 = 17


Night of the Gray Death

Regrouping after troubling reports of a powerful unseen menace, the Pathfinders venture back into the house to investigate what might have caused this.

Eldrin Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Drusilla Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Although everyone finds the smell unutterably repulsive, only Angoldir really finds it affecting him.

Just Angoldir sickened from them smell, and only while you're in the house here

Looking around in numbers, you find the north-east room was once a cluttered but cozy parlor, but now the couches, bookshelves, tables and other comforts are in complete disarray. The western wall is partially collapsed, including what once may have been a fireplace to the northwest and two doors leading into other rooms of the building to the southwest, and the smell from the first room wafts in through these. There are a variety of books on the bookshelves, though some are in the process of being ruined from rainwater dripping in through holes in the roof. All the books appear to be on the topic of astronomy.

Moving through to the room to the south, the group finds a ruined bedroom, now in shambles. Furniture is splintered, shelves and books smashed and torn, and everything is coated with a thick, stinking layer of tar-like sludge. A door frame lies burst open to the southwest, beyond which a flight of slime-smeared stone steps leads downward into the dark.

DC 20 Perception:
The books here are mostly ruined, but through careful examination you can see they have similar topics to the one in the parlor, namely astronomical. These ones appear to be more focused on the dark tapestry however, strange monstrous forms from space and sinister cults about them

DC 12 Survival on the slime:
The slime trail appears to come up from below, and based on the amount it must have been very cramped in the stairway for it. It does not seem to have returned that way, and the slime in the stairway is more dried and less foul smelling

What would you like to do? If you'd like to go down the stairs please arrange yourselves in some kind of marching order. Angoldir your sickened condition will end when you get down

Sovereign Court

| Male LG follower of Irori | Ifrit | Outsider (Native) | Paladin 2, Ninja 2, Medium 6 | Darkvision 60 ft | Speed 20ft | DR 5/bludg. 15/40 | HP 93/93 | AC 18 T 8 FF 18 / AC 20 with heavy shield | CMB +14 | CMD 22 | F: +19, R: +14, W: +17 (+18 vs. fear/confusion) | Init: +13 | Perc: -2, SM: -2, Dipl: +22 | Mind Arsenal 9/9 | Ki Pool 4/7 | Reroll 1/1 | Smite 1/1 | Influence 1/4 | Spirit Dance 17/18 | Eefriti Magic 0/1 | Boots of Speed 5/10 | Horseshoe 1/1 | Active conditions: defending bone

perception : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

survival : 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (7) - 3 = 4

”Look here everyone! The books here are mostly ruined, but through careful examination you also can see that they have similar topics to the one in the parlor, names astronomical. But these ones appear to be more focused on the dark tapestry however, strange monstrous forms from space and sinister cults about them!“

He thinks for a moment which actually looks funny as he doesn’t seem to really think thoroughly regularly.

”I have no idea what this astronomy or dark tapestry is about. But after seeing such a strange occurrence we have to account for everything! We should definitely ask if there is any connection between the person that lived here and any other houses that were destroyed!“

Liberty's Edge

Female Human Fighter (9) Init +2 HP 103/103 AC 24 T 12 FF 22 Fort +10 Ref +6 Will +6 Per +10 Move 30 CLW Wand 21/50

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Dru crouches and examines the slime a few moments

Look, its dry now, and smell less, which is quite a bless. It seems to come from below, and if it had get back underground, it wasn't by this way

Dark Archive

N Male Elf Bonded Investigator 7 | HP 45/45 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +2, CMD 16 | F: +5, R: +11, W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +13 (+2 vs traps), SM: +10 | Speed 30ft | Inspiration: 10/10 | Extracts: 1st 6/6 2nd 4/4 3rd 2/2 | Active conditions: None

”That is troubling.” Angoldir’s voice is muffled as he holds a scarf across his nose and mouth. ”According to the witness, whatever did this did not leave the building through the streets. And if this residue is any indication, the creature’s trail would be fairly easy to track. We should also consider a magical effect, such as the creature being conjures or teleporting itself away. But I agree with your intuition, Taariik - it would be well worth investigating what other houses suffered the same fate to seek out similarities.”

Silver Crusade

male|cleric 10|hp 93/93|AC:25 T:12 FF:24|CMB+9, CMD21|Fort+12, Ref+6, Will+14, +2 vs poison|Init+1, senses darkvision 60' Perc:+5|used: dwarf cleric 10|spells used: Bless of fervor, searing light, flame strike, magic circ vs evil|touch of good 8/8 remaining|acid dart 8/8 remaining|channels 4/5 remaining|

"You do not want to investigate the method of entry? These Stairs lead to somewhere ... maybe to the lair of this thing. Or maybe to the lair of what summoned the thing that tore this house apart. Let us tie brandy soaked scarfs around our noses and mouths. I bet after a while you get used to the smell."

Grunyak peers down the stairs hoping to see anything that will help them determine a course of action.

"Is it too foolish to hope there might be survivors down there? The soldiers, two dozen crows according to the mayor, that entered, could some have followed down these stairs or could some of the family have been taken down?"


Night of the Gray Death

I think that's two in favour of investigating the other attack sites and one for going down the stairs. What do the others think? If we get to three either way I'll take that as a consensus. Angoldir judging from scenes upstairs I think you'd have been able to tell that the torrential rain has thoroughly washed away any slime that was outside, tracking the creature through the streets would be very difficult

Grunyak peers down the stairs and sees that it turns to the right after a short distance, and is completely dark down there, though of course his Dwarven vision allows him to see. Walking 10 feet to the first right turn he can see evidence that there had been rubble blocking the passage here, but it looks to have been recently excavated, and now the stairs continue down another 20 feet or so before another turn.

Sovereign Court

| Male LG follower of Irori | Ifrit | Outsider (Native) | Paladin 2, Ninja 2, Medium 6 | Darkvision 60 ft | Speed 20ft | DR 5/bludg. 15/40 | HP 93/93 | AC 18 T 8 FF 18 / AC 20 with heavy shield | CMB +14 | CMD 22 | F: +19, R: +14, W: +17 (+18 vs. fear/confusion) | Init: +13 | Perc: -2, SM: -2, Dipl: +22 | Mind Arsenal 9/9 | Ki Pool 4/7 | Reroll 1/1 | Smite 1/1 | Influence 1/4 | Spirit Dance 17/18 | Eefriti Magic 0/1 | Boots of Speed 5/10 | Horseshoe 1/1 | Active conditions: defending bone

We definitely will check out this site thoroughly before moving on.

”Let us go down! I will move to the front!“

Taariik takes out his Greatsword and walks down.

Grand Lodge

Male Elf Arcanist 8 | HP 42/42 | AC 16 FF 14 Touch 12 | CMB +2 CMD 14 | F +6 R +6 W +9 | Init +3 | Perc +7 | Speed 30 ft, Mage Armour (+4 AC)

Trying to hide his disgust at the powerful smell in the house, Eldrin joins Grunyak and Taariik at the top of the stairs. "Yes, let us fully investigate this site before we proceed to the others.".

Peering down the stairs Eldrin says "Looks dark down there. I can conjur some light if you think it is not too big a risk? Before we proceed, I just like to take a moment to ward myself in case of danger."

Stepping away from the group Eldrin makes a series of small gestures and speaks a string of arcane phrases. Completing the spell with a flourish a shimmering field envelops him for a moment before fading to a feint blue glow.

Casting Mage Armour and if it is wanted Light on a convenient item.


Night of the Gray Death

The group descends the stone staircase, lit from the middle by Eldrin's conjured light, flickering against the darkness. After the second turn of the stair the architecture becomes quite different, stone arches and brick lined walls. It's as if you are travelling back through time as well as downward.

DC 14 Craft (stonemasonry) or knowledge (history):
The style is clearly Taldan, reminiscent of many buildings in Oppara or throughout the empire

After a few turns and about 30 feet of descent, the stairway opens up into a larger chamber with brick walls and supported by fifteen-foot high stone arches. Between each arch, circular alcoves have been cut into the wall, each containing a stone sarcophagus. One sarcophagus on the souther wall has toppled over, spilling its long-dead occupant partially out on the brick floor. A dry swath of black sludge nearly ten feet wide runs down the centre of the room, connecting the west and northeast stiars. The far end of the hall seems to have collapsed long ago.

There is a map on the slides

There is one door to the south (that is, to your right as you enter this chamber) just before the collapsed end of the room , and stairs opposite it heading north and further down. The smell of the sludge is much more bearable here as it's mostly dry.

Looking around, the door appears to be blocked somehow, possibly by something behind it, and after a turn to the right the stairway down descends in a straight line beyond the ability of light or darkvision to see.

What would you like to do? The door would require a strength check to burst through (though taking 20 would be ok), or perhaps it could be hacked down and removed

Dark Archive

N Male Elf Bonded Investigator 7 | HP 45/45 | AC 19 T 14 FF 15 | CMB +2, CMD 16 | F: +5, R: +11, W: +8 | Init: +6 | Perc: +13 (+2 vs traps), SM: +10 | Speed 30ft | Inspiration: 10/10 | Extracts: 1st 6/6 2nd 4/4 3rd 2/2 | Active conditions: None

"Of course."Angoldir follows the other Pathfinders further down the stairs. "Perhaps someone sought to explore the ruins below the town."

Knowledge (history), Inspiration vs DC 14: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 9 + (5) = 20

As the group passes through lower chambers, the elf nods. "Indeed - this is built now in the Taldan style, rather than the Ustalavian structure above us. And if there are even older structures below this, perhaps someone released a guardian or broke a seal containing something on accident." His voice holds no judgement as he offers his hypotheses.

Sovereign Court

| Male LG follower of Irori | Ifrit | Outsider (Native) | Paladin 2, Ninja 2, Medium 6 | Darkvision 60 ft | Speed 20ft | DR 5/bludg. 15/40 | HP 93/93 | AC 18 T 8 FF 18 / AC 20 with heavy shield | CMB +14 | CMD 22 | F: +19, R: +14, W: +17 (+18 vs. fear/confusion) | Init: +13 | Perc: -2, SM: -2, Dipl: +22 | Mind Arsenal 9/9 | Ki Pool 4/7 | Reroll 1/1 | Smite 1/1 | Influence 1/4 | Spirit Dance 17/18 | Eefriti Magic 0/1 | Boots of Speed 5/10 | Horseshoe 1/1 | Active conditions: defending bone

Taariik nods after hearing the elf’s comment.

After examining the room thoroughly (take 20 perception) he tries to open the door.

strength, crowbar : 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 = 15

strength, crowbar : 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 2 = 17

strength, crowbar : 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 20

Silver Crusade

male|cleric 10|hp 93/93|AC:25 T:12 FF:24|CMB+9, CMD21|Fort+12, Ref+6, Will+14, +2 vs poison|Init+1, senses darkvision 60' Perc:+5|used: dwarf cleric 10|spells used: Bless of fervor, searing light, flame strike, magic circ vs evil|touch of good 8/8 remaining|acid dart 8/8 remaining|channels 4/5 remaining|

Grunyak examines the dislodged coffin and the occupant. "Wish I had the stone-working knowledge of my race, but I never focused on that."

"Do you all think this coffin fell because of some natural occurrence or what it disturbed by others?" "... and was it recent?"

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

After which he moves to backup the fiery paladin as he works on the door.

Grand Lodge

Male Elf Arcanist 8 | HP 42/42 | AC 16 FF 14 Touch 12 | CMB +2 CMD 14 | F +6 R +6 W +9 | Init +3 | Perc +7 | Speed 30 ft, Mage Armour (+4 AC)

Moving into the chamber with his fellows, Eldrin makes a circuite of the area examining everything closely.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Once he has completed his mundane examination, he begins softly speaking the words of a spell and takes another look around the room.

Casting Detect Magic and examining the room for signs of magic.


Night of the Gray Death

As the group looks around, Grunyak pays special attention to the dislodged coffin and Eldrin to the magical essences of the room. Both are disappointed; the coffin looks to have been disturbed long ago as dust has settled all around its position, and there isn't a hint of magic in the whole place. The body is accompanied by an ancient rusty sword but little else.

Taarik similarly finds nothing else of interest after a thorough search, and turns his attention to the door. His initial attempts don't move it much, though he does hear the sound of small rocks clattering on the other side, as if the barricade were made of piled stones.

None of those were quite sufficient Taariik, even if Grunyak helps, but you'll get it eventually (DC 24)

After the dwarf lends a hand and a with a bit more elbow grease, the pair are able to move it a few inches, allowing them to see the room beyond. Indeed a fairly large collection of rocks has been piled up, and now with the extra leverage of being able to shove the crowbar in it's possible to gradually move the whole door. Eventually the pile of rocks collapses and scatters over the floor of the room beyond allowing easy movement and entrace.

Inside you find a long chamber with brick walls, and a ceiling supported by stone arches. Remnants of bedrolls and other camping equipment lie along the southern wall, and there is another door at the eastern end.

Scanning around it's clear that this equipment is quite recent, certainly no more than a few weeks old, but there is little else of interest. The other door also appears to be stuck, and on touching it Taariik can hear the tell-tale sound of rocks clattering on the other side, indicating that it has been barricaded from the other side much as the previous one.

What would you like to do?

1 to 50 of 616 << first < prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | next > last >>
Community / Forums / Online Campaigns / Play-by-Post / [PFS1] GM Pudding's Carrion Hill Gamplay All Messageboards

Want to post a reply? Sign in.