GM Erich's The Flesh Collector (7-8) for Gameday IX (Inactive)

Game Master Thereus, Silver Crusader

Game begins Sept 1st...

Shardra is a Dwarven Shaman and with wise eyes looks at you all and smiles.

”I am Shardra. May your ancestors be blessed and may you find the peace that the spirits present to you as a gift each day. The spirits teach us that bonding means to share and seek understanding. I am looking forward to bring balance to this world with you ... similar to you I travel the world, guarded but curious, uncovering lost treasure and listening to the tales it has to tell. Like many Pathfinder permanent bonds chafe me ... .“ Shardra says in a deep voice.

“Our manuscripts are sacrosanct! You must make an example of this thief!”

The voice echoes off walls where packed bookshelves compete for space with religious icons and statues. You have come to the Pathfinder Lodge in the Andoran city of Almas, a former cathedral of Aroden, now one of the Society’s foremost libraries. Wystorn Telfyr, librarian of the lodge, continues to rage. “I don’t expect you field agent types to grasp the gravity of such a theft.”

Behind Telfyr, Venture-Captain Brackett winces and tries to smile apologetically at you all. Portrait is in the handouts

“Somehow a thief sneaked past the wards of our reliquary,” continues the librarian, “and stole the Fleshforge Manuscript, a priceless example of the illuminator’s art, embellished in rare inks and exquisite gilt. Certain scholars of the arcane arts—myself excluded, of course—might also perhaps covet it for its content. The Fleshforge Manuscript details how Nex’s fleshforges in Ecanus supplied monstrous beasts for its ancient war with Geb. I myself have a modicum of talent for constructs.”

Telfyr gestures immodestly toward several homunculi shelving books around the library. “Yet I freely admit this manuscript has proven beyond even my comprehension.”

Venture-Captain Brackett unfurls a map on a table and draws you over in a calmed voice. “Thank you for favoring us with your presence so swiftly, fellow Pathfinders. Divination pinpoints the manuscript on a tiny island off Nex’s barren coast—the Monastery of the Unremitting Tide—here. The mission is twofold. Return the Fleshforge Manuscript safely back to the Society, and ensure this thief will never try to steal it again. Questions?”

Results of a Knowledge (history or religion) check

Results of a Knowledge (local) check

Ajax looks over the map but raises an eyebrow at the last directive. " ' ensure the thief will never try and steal again'??? What do you propose, we cut of his hands?" Ajax's voice is tainted with disdain at such instruction.

Invoking his jade wayfinder, Ajax tries to recall what he knows.
K. Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

K. Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Add +4 if vs Humans

Ajax then studies the scene of the crime, looking for any tracks that might have been missed.

Survival (urban): 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (20) + 26 = 46 Add +4 for Humans, Undead. +2 for Evil Outsiders

Ajax also bids Ara to sniff the area to see if she can pick up any scents.

Survival (Scent: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 Please add ame Favored Enemy bonuses

The little gnome studies things over for a few minutes. The most pronounced thing about her at first glance was her large spellbook that seemed almost as large as she.

Know. Religion 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Know. Local 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32

”Oooo, I know a bit about that,” she said with a giggle, filling in the others on what she knew.

Please read the appropriate spoilers.

”It looks like we have a good old fashioned mystery. The last place it was stored had a hallow spell warding the building. And I don’t think the reliquary did. I suspect that’s an important point.”

kn history : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

“Well, Echoes of an ancient war with its undead neighbor Geb define Nex’s wilderness. Plant life still refuses to grow on land touched by Geb’s necromantic blight, and Nex’s own fleshforges were responsible for many of the beasts that still roam its wastelands. And ...
...the Monastery of the Unremitting Tide is a peaceful order of Vudrani monks dedicated to Irori. The order left Jalmeray for Nex 200 years ago. They revere Irori’s aspects of history and knowledge, focusing less on self-perfection and martial prowess!“ Shardra says with a deep voice.

“Do you possibly have any suspects? And why do you believe that the manuscript is now on an island where monks peacefully study history?“ she asks.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

"Very versed, I see," Shardra's recounting is affirmed by "The Amazing" Vanzetti, still wearing his opulent costume as "Faizel, The Exceptionally-Mad Barber of Katheer" having just come over from his matinee at the People's Theatre of Almas. , Though muffled by distance and thick walls, excited voices can still be heard outside, as well as the occasional soft clack of large, thorny roses hitting the windows.

As ever, he is masked, and while its normal configuration has been mysteriously adulterated for the part he just played, it retains its three constants: The intense fuschia of his eyes shining through their holes, the luster of numerous gems imaginatively embedded within the mask, and its trademark eerie grin.

If anyone wishes to make a Knowledge (Local or Arcana) check to know about ME, make it and I'll tell you what's worth knowing based on your roll.

Venture-Captain Brackett clears his throat at Ajax's suggestion. "Of course not, but if the thief persists - they should know it won't be tolerated. And as always, protect yourselves above those who would do you harm."

He turns to Shardra and comments. "No suspects to speak of, but I would imagine a talented, evil mage might be able to decipher the manuscript and recreate these nightmare creatures. I doubt the document alone would suffice though. It is quite odd that our standard divinations place it at this particular monastery. Perhaps there is something afoul there."

Leaving the still fuming librarian in the main hall, the Venture-Captain tags along with your investigation of the lodge, remarking. “It was one of several documents I moved down from the West Chapel into the reliquaries fifteen days ago. I noticed the scroll was missing four days ago.”

Ajax and Ara can unfortunately discover no new tracks or scents to follow. Apart from what you have figured out so far, the trail of clues here has dried up.

Ending the tour at the lodge's famed grand entrance, Brackett remarks. "If you hurry to the docks, I imagine you can catch passage on a merchant ship bound for Quantium or Geb. Perhaps they will part with a dinghy for a few coin, or even wait for you if your lucky. I'm sorry I can't be more help to you, this happened so suddenly you know."

Ajax turns his head sideways as the venture-captain leaves. Mumblingly more to himself, but almost out loud, "One does not stop a free thief from thieving any more than you can stop a free bird from flying."

Ajax turns to Shandra, "It would seem that whoever knew you moved the manuscript fifteen days ago might know the thief. Have any of your colleagues left during these last fifteen days?"

"That is the curious thing, Ajax. There have been no outside visitors to the lodge in nearly a month, save for Master Telfyr and I. And the only other soul who knew that the manuscript had been moved to the reliquary was Zarta Dralneen with the Dark Archive in Absalom, whom I only informed as a matter of courtesy for Pathfinder records continuity." Brackett reveals, holding onto to the edge of the door for a moment longer. "Now I've had to inform her that it is missing, but help is on the way."

"Well...have you any way we could quickly speak with Ms. Dralneen? A scrying orb, perhaps? Some manner of virtual visitation? You'd think they'd have something...not that I, erh, suspect the *very virtuous* former Paracountess, but in view of the circumstances it would be...vapid? Vapid not to confer with her?"

Diplomacy, for what it's worth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

@Vanzetti Do you want factions missions? Because this is how you get faction missions... :)

Brackett shakes his head. "I am afraid not. Most of our resources have been pulled to more pressing matters in the world these past few years, and I've been relying on the regular post as well as agents such as yourselves to contact the Grand Lodge. If you really desire, I'm sure she would be delighted to meet you if you want to make a quick stop at the Grand Lodge on your way to the Monastery."

Let me know if you want to stop to see Zarta while passing by Absalom on the way to Nex. Otherwise, you'll need to book passage on a proper ship and gather any last minute supplies you need. Any other questions for the dear Venture-Captain?

Pai is ready to head out.

Ajax gets the sense the mystery will not be unraveled in Almas.

It takes a bit of effort to find a ship to that region of the Obari Ocean. Eventually you find a fruit hauler returning to Geb with Verduran lumber and other building supplies. The captain promises to give you a two day leeway off the coast at your destination and a small boat to row ashore in exchange for your promise to guard her ship from pirates.

------------------------------

As it turns out, the naval voyage is pleasant, with good weather and no pirates. The merchant captain bids you good luck and will anchor here until dusk two days from now before assuming the worst. You are loaned a cramped rowboat that just fits your group.

------------------------------

Moving in after dusk, the hulking silhouette of the monastery dominates the scene. The island where the Monastery of the Unremitting Tide stands is only a quarter-mile across, with little else of apparent interest than the towering wooden structure rising nearly a hundred feet into the sky. There appears to be only a single front gate.

A small sandy cove looks the easiest place to guide your boat to, where another boat is already tied to a bent docking pole.

Map in handouts

As the group gets ready to hop in the rowboat, Pai takes the opportunity to cast Mage Armor and False life, both which will last for 10 hours. Finally, she casts Overland Flight, also lasting ten hours, just to be on the safe side.

False life 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

”Looks like its safest to land over there by that other boat,” the little gnome says, pointing to the sandy cove.

Once on land, Ajax wands up, asking for assistance with his mage armor wand. When's that's done, Ajax casts Barskin on himself 90 minutes.

With that done, Ajax scans the area for tracks. Survival (T10)=31 + FE(human/Undead +4, Demon +2)

Ajax also dons his necklace of Elemental Strife.

Ajax also casts Life Bubble on the hole party 9 hour duration

The group ties up their boat and steps ashore to properly prepare for the mission. After a short climb up rough carved steps in the sheer cliff-face, the group can make their way in the relative darkness to the front doors.

The monastery’s wooden gates stand tightly sealed. Hundreds of carvings cover the gates, no two of which appear alike. The wood is badly weather-worn in places—split or crumbling. To either side of the gates, wooden walls rise fifteen feet to a peaked terra-cotta roof. Inside, several buildings rise above the wall, including two towers nearly one-hundred feet tall.

A nearby crop garden appears overgrown and untended. The plants’ lush growth contrasts starkly with the lifeless waste a stone’s throw away on Nex’s mainland.

Ajax can hear the muffled sounds of combat coming from somewhere within the compound. Nothing deadly, per se, more of a training type rhythm.

Pai hops out of the boat and follows Ajax’s directions, as it was clear he was a man of the woods.

Shardra detects magic and walks forward toward the sound.

Ajax looks to the group, "I suggest...we knock."

There is a fleeting smell of whiskey in the air as an azure glow overlays then fades from V's form, then his mask begins to shift and warp with quicksilver as he concentrates, leaving him ostensibly unchanged, yet somehow...grander to behold than just a moment ago.

I cast mage armor, replicating darkwood bark for +1 CL so it will last 10 hours, and replicating quicksilver for +1 CL of duration to Extended heroism, so it will last 3-hours-20-minutes.

"After you, in that case, virile Ranger."

Rule of two will do...

Ajax takes a strong knock at the massive gate doors. There is a long pause, but they eventually unlock and swing open.

A surprised looking monk, with slight beads of sweat on his shaven head - stands in front of you, staring and silent.

New Pic and changed the group to a single token on the main map while you explore.

The monk blinks.

”Hi I’m Pai! Nice to see you, mister monk. Don’t suppose we could enter and look around could we? We think we need your all’s help for a little problem we seem to have,” she says with a disarming grin.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35

The monk examines the gnome for a passing moment then nods meekly and turns to escort you into the main area, where he rejoins his sparring partner.

-------------------

Two towering edifices face each other across this meadow, one reverently decorated as a temple, the other austere as a library. Overgrown wildflowers choke former pathways between the buildings. At the center lies a sunken pool teeming with lotus flowers. An elegant tiger statue crouches, preparing to pounce, beside the pool. A large banner depicts an open palmed blue hand.

Several doors line the courtyard — one on the south side (to your right) is slightly ajar. The monastery’s white-haired master sits on a chair beside the weapon racks, observing the two students sparring and seemingly ignoring your presence.

An alcove on the western side contains a plinth holding a wooden bust. There is writing beneath it, but it is too hard to discern from this distance. What is more fascinating, is that even from this distance, it bears an uncanny resemblance to... The Amazing Vanzetti himself.

Important For the rest of the scenario, there will be two maps in play. A close up map with your tokens in particular rooms when needed and this larger one with the glyph of the Open Road indicating your group's relative position in the monastery.

Feel free to reposition yourself at the entrance of the close up map

<GM waves his wand> There are no red dotted lines on the map... There are no red dotted lines on the map...

Know. Religion 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

”Ooooo that represents one of Irori’s white tigers. She loves white tigers I read somewhere,” she whispers to the group.

Pai waits on one of the others to lead the group forward, as she didn’t want a random monk to punch her in the face by accident.

"Now, I don't trust the gods," V explains to the rest of you as you enter. "As a matter of fact I detest the very concept. I grew up enthralled to a 'god', and his brand shall be upon me forevermore, so I resolved never to suffer *that* fate ever again. Even so, I must admit that Irori is one of the few for whom even I have a soft spot. Cheeky fellow, just Willing his own Way into the pantheon like that!" V chuckles.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

He points to the tiger statue with a flourish. "Now this here is not just any tiger, but supposedly a favored..." V seems to struggle to find a word. "...subordinate of Irori's. A being of legend." His gaze shifts somewhat, over to the figure in the alcove. "And this..."

"...This...is..."

"...Impossible."

"What is this, somebody's idea of a joke?!?"

Was wondering if we could do a slight RETCON. Ajax would like to let Vanzentti use one of Ajax's Pearls of Power to cast the 10 hour Mage Armor on Ara.

Invoking his jade wayfinder, Ajax takes a moment to study the area and look for any track that might be different than those of the monks.

Does the monastery count as a building for the sake of Favored Terrain?

Take 10 on Survival = 32 + Favored Enemy and/or Favored Terrain

Ajax then uses his wand of Speak with Animals and talks to Ara.

@Ajax, the retcons are fine. Urban is fine as well, the compound is made up of buildings and stone paths, so close enough.

The ranger tries to spot any tracks out of place, but where he can find them they all seem to be human feet. Ara nods knowingly at the spoken command.

Despite the knowledgeable mutterings, the monks are content to simply train and continue to ignore your presence.

Shardra waits until the master of this monastery has time to dedicate to them.

She studies the environment to be in sync with the spiritual side of the world.

Another minute passes. The master instructs the monks in their form, but does not indicate any interest in your group.

Ajax seems content to wait, after all, it would be rude to walk around uninvited.

The white-haired master suddenly shifts awkwardly in his chair and winces in pain.

Originating from somewhere near the pool, you hear a soft but stern whisper. "Leave now..."

Ajax whispers to the group, "Did we bring any official papers or letters of introduction?"

Pai shakes her head in the negative. ”Something just happened to the old master. Let’s make sure they know we are not a threat and try to give our aid,” she said, moving toward the master.

As Pai takes a step forward...

Something feels WRONG.

Your guts feel twisted in a knot and you feel the hairs on your arm stand on end.

The white-haired master turns his head sharply towards your group, his face twisting in anger. "The book-thieves have returned!" in the Common tongue then something in Vudrani, before leaping off his perch and striking Pai before retreating past the lion sculpture.

The two monks that were sparring stop, look at their master then turn to face you with steely resolve.

master strike vs Pai: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
strike damage vs Pai: 1d10 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Also need a DC 16 Fortitude save or be stunned for 1 round

Round 1 - Bold can act
Red Monk
Pai -2 damage <Need Fort save vs stun>
Vanzetti
Ajax
Ara-delayed
Shardra
Yellow Monk
Pink ?
Orange Monk
Purple ?

Ajax will dealy if Vanzetti or Shardra are going to cast a group buff.

"Book-thieves?" Ajax tries to get a sense of whether this is some deception on the part of the master.

Sense Motive (add +4 if Human): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (11) + 17 = 28

Want to see if there's some deception at work before I start shooting, so would like to wait for the results.. @TEAM - Ajax suspects the master is an imposter so try not to kill the disciples.

The master does seem to be acting very strangely, almost as if he is being controlled by another.

Ajax is still Delaying for Vanzetti and Shardra

Ajax's suspicions confirmed, he focuses on the master. "Try not to kill them, the master is being controlled."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

"'The master is being controlled', he said, tumbling straight over the irony of the statement...HALT, the lot of you!" He bellows out to the monks, students and 'master' alike with a flourishing gesture, while the odor of myrrh suddenly spices the air. "Submitted for your contemplation, a riddle of sorts: I say that no soul has any master but itself!"

I cast suppress charms and compulsions (suppression version) on all three of them!

Fort 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Pai moves just south of Ajax, wanting some protection from the monks.

Pai retreats to safety herself as Vanzetti weaves his magic.

The white-haired master drops to his knees, gibbering in a cross of stilted Common and Vudrani. The two other monks look confused at their master's behavior but continue to advance, with a quick nod to each other.

Round 1 - Bold can act
Red Monk
Pai -2 damage
Vanzetti <concentrating>
Ajax
Ara
Shardra
Yellow Monk
Pink ?
Orange Monk
Purple ?

Shardra ‘misfortune’ hexes the monk in yellow clothing and stars to chant to extend the duration.

DC 18 will save vs misfortune hex. Extended with chant hex.

With the master seemingly out of commission Ajax focuses on the immediate threat.

"I do not want to hurt you..."

Ajax fires a volley of blunt arrows on the orange monk

Many Shot (blunt) non-lethal) wPoint Blank Shot + FE (Human) -Non-lethal): 1d20 + 16 + 1 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 16 + 1 + 4 - 4 = 18 Many Shot Damage wFE + PBS: 2d8 + 10 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 10 + 8 + 2 = 24

Iterative Shot (blunt): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23 Damage wPBS+FE: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Ajax then orders Ara to attack, "Do not draw blood"

Spring Attack (bite) wFE-Non Lethal: 1d20 + 15 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 15 + 4 - 4 = 34 Damage wFE: 1d4 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 4 = 13

Trip (from Bite): 1d20 + 15 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 15 + 4 - 4 = 27 Ara is small so not sure what the size modifier is, also not sure if the Non Lethal penalty applies.

Ajax and his companion combine to batter one of the monks to the ground. Shardra's hex casts severe doubt in the other.

The misfortuned monk leaps forward and grabs at the shaman, but is unable to find cloth to grab. The other monk kips up to his feet and steps to Ara, unleashing a futile strike upon her.

The now pensive master crawls forward, still muttering to himself. You can vaguely make out the context from the mish-mash of words. "Thieves. No! Irori betrays. Sorrow."

misfortune will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
yellow grapple vs Shadra, misfortune: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
yellow grapple vs Shadra, misfortune: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
orange strike vs Ara: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Round 2 - Bold can act
Red Monk
Pai -2 damage
Vanzetti <concentrating>
Ajax
Ara
Shardra <chanting>
Yellow Monk <misfortuned>
Pink ?
Orange Monk -28 damage NL
Purple ?

OOPS! RETCON needed. My Iterative attack in the last round should have been at -5, so that's an 18 instead of a 23. If that's a miss on a flat-footed monk, then you'll have to drop that 15 NL.

Ajax waits for Ara to attack the orange monk again.

Bite (NL)wFE - NL: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22 Damage wFE: 1d4 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Trip: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16

Claw (NL)wFE - NL: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30 Damage wFE: 1d2 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Claw2 (NL)wFE - NL: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32 Damage wFE: 1d2 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

Seeing that this monks are more durable than a single arrow, Ajax turns to the yellow monk and fires more blunt arrows.

vs Yellow Monk - Manyshot wFE + PBS - NL - Rapid Shot: 1d20 + 16 + 4 + 1 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 16 + 4 + 1 - 4 - 2 = 23

MS Damage wFE + PBS: 2d8 + 10 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (6, 7) + 10 + 8 + 2 = 33

If Orange monk is still standing, then Ajax switches to fire on orange until orange falls and then Ajax switches back to yellow.

Rapid Shot vs (orange) wFE+PBS-NL-RS: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28 Damage wFE+PBS: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Iterative vs (orange/yellow) wFE+PBS-NL-RS: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 Damage wFE+PBS: 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

If Orange falls, Ajax commands Ara to switch to Yellow

Shardra now ‘misfortune’ hexes the monk in orange clothing and continues to chant to extend the duration.

DC 18 will save vs misfortune hex. Extended with chant hex.

Pai casts Dispel Magic on the master, trying to shake whatever effect he might be under.

Dispel check 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27