Gameday - PF1 - Standard - 3-10 - The Immortal Conundrum - Levels 7-9 (Inactive)

Game Master noral

Xilt nods calmly at Ofarah's words. He winks slyly at Alisia's comments and shrugs at the possible threat that the impostor might pose.

"An assassin's best ally is surprise. Now that we know who his target is he is not much of a threat. I doubt that we will be able to get him to talk but we can try."

"All is not as it seems. But I assure you that I will take care of the prisoners and find out what this was about!" Ofarah says looking at Vornsk and Alisia.

She then turns to Smarmy, Guy and Xilt. "Please, let us speak in private."

Leading your group back to her private chambers the Lioness of Lamasara reveals her true motivations.

“Thank you again for your noble efforts in preventing my untimely demise. As recompense for your deeds, I offer you the prize that motivated this entire party!“ and you feel the stress that she is under.

“Every year, villains and madmen, generally rich from their own evil ways, bid against one another for the sacred sun orchid elixir produced and distributed solely by my homeland of Thuvia. I tire of seeing the people of the world suffer because those most able to win our auctions are those who wish to do their subjects harm. This year, however, I’m going to ensure that a noble and worthy candidate has a true shot at winning a draught of the elixir, stealing it from the lips of the vile!“ and the frustration she feels is clear.

“Each Lamasaran city has a secret vault in which it keeps records of past auctions and other valuables. The locations, names, and contents of these vaults are kept hidden even from other Thuvian cities to ensure no one city ever gains more power than the others. Lamasara’s vault is called the Conundrum, and were one to gain access to it, the information one would find within could prove invaluable. If one could navigate the tests and traps therein, and survive the guardians placed there to watch over our most treasured secrets, the information in the vault would be available to do with as one pleased. It would be illegal for me to divulge this information to anyone, but there are some situations the law does not cover!!“

She looks at you to see your reaction.

“Here, each of you take one of these potions. It will turn your form into that of mere vapor, and will allow you to pass through this ring gate to the Conundrum." Ofarah gestures to an iron ring, each about 18 inches in diameter, mounted like art upon the wall nearby. "Inside you will find a set of identical potions to allow you to return!“

Ahh... Now I know why I am sent on tis mission. Like in te old days. Some one needs work done tat should not be seen. So I work in te shadows. I run in te shadows.*

"Does te jungle breat? Vornsk asks this meaning is there danger in the jungle, is it safe? "Is it illegal also for us to be tere as well?

If she can Vornsk will leave the potions for others and approach the circles to study them for a minute. object reading suceeding at a spellcraft check.

*Vornsk is based on a Shadowrun character :)

Were only 3 of us invited to go in? Or is everyone in on this action?

Since no one seems to be overly invested, Smarmy grabs the ring, and puts it on, then pockets two potions, for later use.

He gladly accepts the Lady's invitation to chat in private... though his mood sours some when Xilt and Guy are invited too... though he hides it reasonably well.

As Ofarah talks of the lamasaran vaults, his interest increases exponentially... his mind already imagining what secrets might be learned in such a place. Perhaps even more valuable that the elixir that inspired many of them.

"My dearest Ofarah." He says, eloquently. "Such noble and altruistic goals should be nourished whenever possible!"

"I am honored to assist you on such a task..." He smiles unctuously. "Or of course, 'not' assist you, should anyone ask."

Xilt seems far more preoccupied with the magic involved and how the gate itself works. Xilt notices that Vornsk is intrigued as well and he nods politely.

"Such fascinating magic. I wonder..."

Xilt spends a few moments examining the potions and the gate.

(Detect Magic)

(Take 10 on K-Arcana and Spellcraft are both 29)

He turns to Ofarah not meaning to be rude.

"Of course we will be glad to help you."

Are the potions merely Potions of Gaseous Form and could we not Dimension Door through the iron gate into the other room or are the rings symbolic and the travel is much greater?

The Mephit puts his little hands on his hips.

"Hey. Am I allowed to go?"

He looks at both Xilt and Ofarah for some sort of answer.

In preparation Tzleztor removes the peace-bonds from all his equipment.

I'm pretty sure the three selected for the interview has to do with the successes during the dinner questioning. Thus Vornsk and Alisia were not invited.

Guy is a little suspicious of this whole thing. Having grown up in Thuvia, he understands the importance of the elixir to the whole country. Letting one person divert the elixir is just asking for trouble, even if the person has noble intentions.

"I don't understand. How does our invading the vault help you to distribute the elixir to whoever you want? And who, exactly, were you hoping to sell it to? You do still plan to sell it, right?"

sense motive: 1d10 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

Helping someone illegally steal blackmail from a vault meant seems wrong somehow. Though it might not be blackmail. What exactly is is she plans to do with the information?

"I don't know. Sounds illegal, dangerous, and I don't understand the rationale here."

I took that first line to be in answer to our questions, and the second line an inclusion of the rest of the group. If I read that wrong and wasn't invited, I will respect her wishes and not enter. :)

Akisia becomes impressed and almost not talkatie as far as Opharah lead her team and provide instructions.

Guy asks reasonable questions. I'd like to do not care, but I am all in. This is gonna be cool adventure - just which I live to be involved. Hopefully there will be nice views and some souveneers.

Alisia watch carefully elixir bottle, trying to find something just inside.
Anyway, we are Pathfinders. And I should find new places to improve my travel agency. 'Foxy Travel: You point - we carry" , - Alisia's pose winks she practiced this slogan and posture a lot...

Of course everyone was invited! :-)

Lady Ofarah looks at you with a raised eyebrow.

"The law forbids me from offering any other advice on this matter." Ofarah says, and no amount of diplomacy seems capable of changing her mind.

"More than this I cannot offer you. I simply wish you luck, and send you on your way. Either home to the Grand Lodge or ... to the mystery that I am offering the Society.”

"Worry not, my dear. I at least aim to assist." Smarmy says, with a faint frown at Guy.

He downs the potion she offered, and (assuming it doesn't kill him outright, and is indeed a gaseous form potion) turns into a mist, before flowing through the ring gate.

My lady, it was a pleasure! Reefclaw Cakes were amazing! May I ask you to spare life of the servant, who cooked this? - Alisia huggs Lioness for a second, before take a step back and add winking I hope we meet again! .
The fox shows couple of barely visible vapor tails as she drinks the potion and follows baron Smarmy ...smoking out purple and silver... towrads the ring.

Does our knowledge checks and Detect Magic reveal anything about the potions or the nature of the gate? I am just wondering if all of us are going to be able to go or only three?

You keep a vault so secret even oter cities do not know it's location, in a foreign nation in te very embassy tose oter cities all have access too? Vornsk lets out a sigh that hopefully sounds more impressed than it does dubious.

I would also like to know more about the magic as I imagine it is going to take us off the island.

Before you drink tat Baron, you may want to put on your oter gear.

Anyone else want to change out of their fineries, don armor, locate their lockpicks & wands, or cast spells before entering?

Guy is shocked that the others are going along with this ad scheme. He shakes his head and announces, "You are all mad. Under severe protest I will go along, for there is glory to be had, or infamy. Not sure which yet. Madness."

He has a resigned look on his face, figuring the whole thing is only going to end in disaster.

Xilt realizes that the potions are specially brewed potions for entering the gate.

The gate probably leads to an extradimensional space!!

All of you may enter and you also receive potions for familiars or animal companions.

Ofarah looks at you with concern and hope.

"I promise you: This part of entering and exiting is safe enough. I cannot say the same for what might await you within the Conundrum."

Assuming you agree and proceed as instructed. You can of course assume that you can have your full gear now. Please place yourself on the map and ALWAYS MOVE YOUR ICON PLAESE.

The ring-gate brings you into a round chamber dominated by a fifteen-foot-tall steel orchid blossom. The orchid’s bladelike petals stretch toward the room’s ceiling and remain closed, each covered in intricate engravings in strange scripts. Four passages exit the chamber, one in each direction.

In the center of each of the four largest petals, is an identical inset.

-

Xilt senses magic upon the ring-gate and the orchid.

You inspects the script upon the orchid.

Why would we bring 'gear' to a formal dinner? Smarmy's wearing what he's wearing and weilding a letter opener! =)
Luckily, what he's wearing is his chain shirt under the finery... not so sure about the heavy shield though.

Smarmy will stay in gaseous form for a bit.

Though dismissable, it lasts for 10 minutes, so might as well make use of it.

He carefully inspects the petals for signs of traps and the like.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 (+2 if stone related)
Also get a free check (made by the GM) if I get within 10' of any trap set in stone.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

kn arcana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
linguistics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Guy casts detect magic and examines the area. With a frown he declares, "Well, the orchid is magically locked. We might as well go back now."

When he cannot read the script he pulls out a wand of comprehend languages and casts it on himself. Also, Guy knows Common, Osiriani, Polyglot, Inguan, Celestial, and Read Lips if that matters.

There are no traps on the petals.

You can of course open the spoiler if you cast comprehend languages. You can also open if you speak any elemental language I assume.
A reminder: Four passages exit the chamber, one in each direction. Also, the map has been updated.

Kn (arcana): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
Linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

"Tese scripts correspond each to one of te elemental languages. None tat I speak tough.

EDIT:
Vornsk moves to the east hall with the ingan writing and looks for clues.
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

A4

Heading down the eastern passage, you open the doors and look into a room with bright crimson, scarlet, and vermilion tiles covering the walls, floors, and ceiling. The tiles differ in shape, size, and texture, creating a giant mosaic depicting a red-skinned, horned man and a woman wreathed in flames leading armies of beasts of fire and golden-haired celestials against one another in an epic struggle. Strange runes ring the room’s circumference.

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31
kn religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
kn planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Guy looks around the room and glances up, stating for a moment.

"Anyone else notice the garnet up there? Odd place to put a gem. Whoever put it there has a pretty bad decorative sense. It just doesn't fit the motif, know what I mean?"

"And while my spell lasts I can read things. That one over there says 'The dawn brings the light' in Celestial. Apropo, no? The other one says 'The kingdom shall be his.'"

linguistics roll is to determine what language the second message is in - not sure comprehend languages gives that info.

linguistics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

While everyone is messing around, Guy tries to get someone to cast mage armor on him from his wand.

"Can anyone use this thing to cast a protection spell on me? It is called Mage Armor, but I can't cast it myself."

Vornsk nods and takes the wand. Dark tendrils of shadow flow from the now-donned mask, and the wand spills it magic onto Guy. "Wands. Better tan party's for me." She hands the wand back to Guy.

Kn (religion): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Kn (planes): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
UMD: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

"Te mosaic’s horned man represents Asmodeus and te flaming woman represents Sarenrae."

"No wonder they're fighting. Bet Sarenrae wins! I wonder what the room is for. Since they call this place the Conundrum, it is probably part of a puzzle."

Guy's glum look lifts a little at that pronouncement and he sinks deep into thought.

Oh, sorry, just came home from weekend motorbike season closing. Visited another town and spent some time in a forest (is it correct to use 'A' with not specific massive of trees?). I will try to catch up.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Alisia likes to be gas and vapor. She will follow Gut and Vornsk flying and smoking after. These insignia re unknown to me anyway... happily Guy able to read. hUH.
As far as team face missunderstanding - Alisia becomes corporeal and spent a few seconds to come up with Detect Psychic Significance.

A puzzle you say? I hate puzzles honestly as they usually wins me off... soooo, I will just proveide you with some support?! And I saw Auran there, may be I could handle it and read it for you! As for Sarenrae and Asmodeus... they both loves fire! Maybe we need to fire something up here?

Alisa continues to behold the mosaic for a while before shaking head and turn attention to another place with Auran upon norther corridor...

"Interesting idea! maybe we should toss a torch into the room and see what happens!"

You throw a torch and nothing happens.

You detect magic all around the room and no psychic significance.

There is no further linguistic revelation.

Xilt and Tzleztor look around the room. He nods at Guy's attempt knowing that they are both deities involved with harnessing the power of fire.

"Interesting decor. Shall we proceed?"

His interest now piqued, Guy is anxious to proceed.

"By all means."

KN (arcana): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Nothing for it, but to try I suppose. y'all are with me I presume.

Vornsk steps into the room as soon as her allies are near enough to the door for back up. She activates the shadowy magic once again to hide her physical presence and attempts to sneak a little to the right.
Stealth: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (10) + 18 = 28

Nothing happens.

Alisia reads Auran in the northen corridor.
She returns to follow Guy thereafter.

Hey, Smarmy, are you fine there? Lets follow, we'd use your keen keen eye and soft brain. Oh, sorry, if it was offensive. May be you dwarves have even brains harder then we are... Anyway, cmon!

So Xilt said let move on but didn't (or maybe he meant proceed into the room?), Vornsk stepped into the room to the east, and Alisia went north and then came back?

Sorry Guy. I did not realize that I was not on the map. :)

Xilt and Tzleztor cluster near Guy's position.

"Perhaps the doors to the North then? But do look around."

I am positioning Alisia's token every time I post something. Now she stands where she is... to call Smarmy to follow!

Vornsk will continue sneaking around the outside of the room,

Stealth: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

If nothing happens before she is next to the door again, she will attempt to climb the wall to reach the ruby.

Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

If that also fails to illicit a response she takes a calming breath,
...and steps into the inner circle....

I am on my tablet & can't affect the map, but since I tried three things, GM please place my token where ever appropriate. :)

When Vornsk tries to climb she suddenly feels heat.

An unbelievable wave of fire washes over the room and engulfs Vornsk.

The spell effect (maximized flame strike, 48 points fire damage, DC 17 Reflex save for half damage).

Guy flinches when he sees Alisia covered in flames.

"Well, I guess that is not the way to go. I was thinking the same thing. maybe shuffle the gems around, assuming the other rooms have the same mismatch. Ouch."

Smarmy, safely away from the others, whom he's pretty sure are going to make a mess of things, just snorts.

"Did they teach you nothing in boot camp?" He asks, mostly rhetorically. "Triggers don't care how quiet you are. Just cause you have a soft foot, doesn't mean you weigh any less." He shakes his head.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 = 28

Please note, Smarmy has no ability to disarm magical traps. So if these are all going to be elemental traps, we might need a better way to deal with them then walking into the room

Also, the perceptions to notice magic traps tend to be around 30+... so he'll be unlikely to notice them anyway. =)

"The insets on the petals for the big flower back there, would probably fit the gem." He adds. "So probably just need to grab something similar from all four sides, to activate the orchid in the middle."

"On the plus side, perhaps the magic has expired now." He adds, with a smirk.

"Sounds about right, but I don't think anyone wants to bet burnt like that. I have a good deal of fire resistance, but still wouldn't have gone through that unscathed. That was one NASTY trap. Perhaps if we triggered it without going in ourselves and then kept trying to trigger it to find out if there is a reset delay, like Smarmy suggested. Does anyone have the ability to summon something?"

Tzleztor responds to the near immolation of the party's Tiefling.

"Smells like BBQ. Now I am getting hungry."

"Does anyone have any Marshmallows?

Xilt flinches as the pillar of fire burns Vornsk. He gives Tzleztor a dirty look for his complete lack of empathy.

"Ouch. Are you ok there?"

In the meanwhile his spell book just pops out of his magical haversack into his hand. He instructs his familiar to watch his back.

"Just a minute people."

Xilt preps a spell of protection in record time. With an arcane point he protects himself from future fiery attacks.

(Fast Study, spell preparation is 1 minute. Resist Energy - Fire (30), 110 Minutes)

Reflex: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
24-5 47/66

Anything I can learn?
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Disable Device: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (15) + 18 = 33

Vornsk is able to identify the runes horizontally as the trigger as she knows where she triggered the flamestrike. She scratches some of the runes away and can disable the trap!

The gem is still up there.

"Tis safe now." she points to the winged party member. "Be useful please."

Alisia just watch how her team works enthusiastically, her gaze is upon the gem.

Agree with Vornsk, maybe Tzleztor could grab the gem? Smarmy provides a good guese, I think! Oh, are you fine, dear Vornsk? this flame was looking dangerous! ...
if Tzleztor deny or too slow - Alisia will enter the room and try to climb and grab the gem herself.

The Mephit chuckles at Alisia and Vornsk. It is obvious that he has not been properly persuaded.

"By all means go ahead. Once burned, twice shy as the expression goes."