[RD][PFS2] 1-15 Devil at the Crossroads [3-6] (Inactive)

Game Master Andrew Harasty

Tresten swings wild but can not connect.

Boar Reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
The Electric bolt strikes the boar solidly and Fangor's arrow adds insult to the injury.

Imiriax's debris hits the boar square in the face, almost knocking it out, but its stubborn ferocity keeps it moving.

Boar Reflex: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
However Bardok's bolt finally puts the boar to rest. Its fire red eyes fade as it slumps down.

"That is unusual." Kellvan remarks. "Something has the wild life a bit more riled up at the moment. Usually the beasts stay off the road. But either way, I do suggest we make it to the Inn before sundown. It is only about another hour or two at the most from here"

Maeri looks over at Kellvan incredulously, shrugs, and then gets the horses and carriage ready again.

I agree, but before moving on, lets see if something near this place make them move here.

Fangor looks for unusal tracks around the place.

Do a survival check with +6

Fangor is not given much time before being glared at by Maeri to stop wasting time. But does not locate anything but tracks of typical beasts found in the area.

The rest of the trip is otherwise uneventful as you make your way.

The Devils Rest

You finally reach the crossroads as afternoon fades into dusk. Devil’s Rest is a weathered two-story log building that overlooks the intersection from atop a nearby knoll. Twin brick chimneys protrude from its bark shingle roof. A vegetable garden and wooden hitching post occupy the yard to either side of the dirt path, which leads to a covered porch. A stable and outhouse are positioned discreetly behind the building.

Having delivered her charges safely to the trading post, Maeri bids you goodnight and unhitches her horses from the wagon before leading them around back to the stable where she plans to spend the night. Kellvan takes care of his horse and then joins you inside soon afterwards.

Inside the trading post, you encounter a collection of individuals relaxing in the common room:

Annavinia Narikopolus: The archetype of a Chelaxian noblewoman: composed and authoritative, expensively and smartly dressed, and possessed of unbending pride and unflinching confidence.

Dehliana Vought: A medium capable of piercing the veil between the material and the spirit world

Nordvick Finnegan : This stoutly built human looks strikingly reminiscent of a 7-foot-tall dwarf, with a barrel chest, broad brow, and well-groomed black beard.

Selik Farheaven: Your conact.

Selik is locked in friendly conversation with Nordvick as the groundskeeper pours him a drink at the bar. “Ah look Nordvick, more guests! And I suspect they are here to do business.” Turning to you. “Come fellow travellers, pull up a chair and let us get to know each other. I have heard Nordivck’s tale enough times I could tell it myself. Drink and tell me of your adventure”

Bardok quickly scans the room (Perception +10) while approaching Selik. ”Well speaking of adventures, we were actually just assaulted by a pack of boars just outside this establishment. Is that animal behavior normal, Nordvick?”

Bardok also has Lie to Me, setting his Lie DC at 24.

When Fangor enters in the inn he says with his smooth voice Greetings everyone. Have you heard of Razmir the Living God?

While Bardok discuss with their contact and a man next to him, he choose to talk to the chelaxian noblewoman.

Pleasure to meet you madam, I'm Fangor, Cleric of Razmir, the Living God and Pathfinder.
If I may, what a quality person such as you is doing here? Is that the story of this place?

Annavinnia gives a half smile of most strained politeness. "This place seems to draw your lot it seems." She gives a scowling eye over to Dehliana. "But my business is my own. And really don't care about yours"

At the mention of Razmir, Fangor notices a brief shock and surprise from Dehliana, but she quickly regains her more cheerful composure. "A Priest of Razmir? I too follow the Living God. This placed called to me. The spirits told me strong forces are going to play out here. But I never though it would call for a full priest! I am honored. You must join me this evening for the seance I am preforming" She seems to be able to chat very excitedly about the spirits and her calling.

---

Bardok gets a raised eye from Nordvick. "Not usually, but did you bring one of them back. Would have made for a good meal. Normal is kind of odd this close to the Scar. But I would note it as at least curious. But not something I would yet go poking at."

Fangor bows to Annavinnia and says with his smooth voice I'm greatly sorry if I've offended you my Lady. I let you at your business, but if you need assistance, don't hesitate to ask.

Hearing that a follower of Razmir is here, Fangor turns immediately to Dehliana.
Smiling behind his silvery mask, the elf says I'm sure Razmir has plans for both of us my child. I will gladly join you for the seance you will performing this evening. Of course if my other obligations permit it.

Seeing his compatriots engaging the various residents of the inn, Imiriax chooses to remain silent at watchful for now. He stifles his naturally gregarious impulses and sips at his drink, feeding seeds to his raven, Anton, and watching the various figures in the inn in an attempt to fathom their motivations.

”Fair point, thanks.” He catches Fangor’s new friend’s invitation and makes his way over to the two Razmiri. ”What kind of seance is this exactly? Communing with spirits this close to a formerly gaping portal to the Abyss seems...unwise.” He also tries to catch a glimpse of what the rude woman is working on.

Happy to join you.

Dehliana soaks up the attention. "It would be wonderful for all of you to join. More of us will help break the veil and see the truth of this place. And with your help I can put things right!"

Nordvick chimes in. "Like it is that hard. We are just outside the scar. And still picking up the pieces of the crusade. There is no curse to this place. Just everyone blaming their troubles on something they can't control. Sure we still get our share of demons, but they are more just pests then doom and gloom. The Worldwound is closed, and people are still on the crusade."

Selik teases Nordvick. "Oh don't be a sourpuss. Maybe she can exercise that grumpy scowl from your face."

Dehlinana pulls out a few cups and pours some tea and offers it. "Though that will wait till after dinner and sundown. But I would be willing to give you short Harrow reading now!"

Kellvan takes a seat to the side and holds his drink watching the conversations around him unfold. Annavinia is doing her best to ignore everyone while waiting for dinner to be ready.

Bardok frowns. This still seems reckless, he thinks. He glimpses back at their roadside companion and tries to track who and what the investigator is examining.

Bardok notices that Kellvan keeps a wary eye on Dehliana

Anyone else wants to do anything before dinner and the seance? Otherwise I will move forward to the next event

Bardok raises an eyebrow, then goes over to Dehliana as she sets up for the seance. ”So how many of these have you done before? Any noteworthy results? I’ve heard some horror stories about seances done this close to the Scar.”

Trying to Sense Motive, and using Lie to Me for Perception DC.

Tresten has no particular queries or objectives prior to the seance.

"Oh I have preformed them every where. I have had good control so I don't think there should be any issue this close. I deal with the Spirit realm. Demons are a different matter, I am not diabolist"

After time dinner is served. It is a hearty stew but mostly root vegetables with some meat. It is hearty and flavorful. After it concludes Dehliana prepares.

Dehliana lights the final candle and settles into a chair at the head of the table. “Place your fingertips on the planchette. The spirits will speak to us through this quill. Remember, friends, I am here as nothing more than a guide,” she murmurs, gesturing for the participants to follow her lead. Her shoulders relax and she rests her fingertips on the planchette. “Spirits, make your presence known and enlighten us from beyond the veil.”

The room is silent for a few moments. The table rattles as the sound of unintelligible whispers gathers in the air. Dehliana gasps when the planchette moves beneath her fingers, tracing a lazy path against the parchment beneath it. “Spirits, are you with us?” She inquires. The planchette twitches and jerks of its own volition, darting out from under Dehliana’s fingers. In shaky, cramped handwriting, it scrawls the word, “Yes.” Dehliana smiles and turns to face the group gathered around her. “If you have questions for this peaceful spirit, now is the time to ask.”

"Who are you?" asks Imiriax. "And what do you want in this place, oh spirit?"

Imiriax is mostly convinced that Dehliana is a charlatan, but he doesn't really care. He's seen worse entertainment in worse inns. He's playing along and even hamming it up a bit for the fun of it.

Amused, Fangor asks What is the secret of Dehliana

Bardok scowls, highly suspicious of the dubious medium. He waits to see what she cooks up for this “spirit”.

Dehliana does a good job of playing the part. "I am the one that is tied to this place. Many secrets are here for the taking"

However, as she continues to speaks, a gust of wind blows through the common room, extinguishing all nonmagical light sources. The building shakes, rattling the windows and doors and knocking the planchette off the table.

The brass candelabra on the mantelpiece flickers back to life and reveals a wizened man draped in bloodstained robes standing in the center of the common room. The apparition bellows, “Beware the devil who haunts this place!” He raises a trembling finger to point at each guest in turn. “For it serves a cruel master and is responsible for my death! Even now its master lurks within these walls! None shall escape until this night’s end, or till the devil is revealed and the one responsible for my death is brought to justice!”

Although suspicious of Dehliana, you do notice a moment where just is shocked as well, but quickly regains composure.

quick RetCon....Before dinner various guest went back to their rooms briefly. Kellvan mention he was going to rest and not to wake him for dinner. He is not at the seance. Nordvick has been moving between the kitchen and main room during the seance. Selik and Annavina joined in.

Imiriax looks impressed. He's either looking at a real apparition or the work of an excellent illusionist, and he doubts that Dehliana could be that illusionist, given his close scrutiny of her.

"Remarkable," he says, rising to examine the spirit.

"Who are you?" he asks the spirit directly. "If you want justice, name yourself."

Fangor is a little bit surprised by the turn of event, but quite excited nevertheless!

how exciting! A murder mystery! My first one is so many centuries.

Turning to the apparition he asks, always calmly and with his smooth voice Yes, Spirit, tell us what are the rules of this mystery?

The ghostly spirit proclaims, "Destroy the murderer or be destroyed yourselves." Then a hot fire poker from the fire flyies out and burns Dehliana’s hand before embedding itself into the table.

And with that the spirit bursts from the table then seems to infuse itself into the walls of the inn.

It is now quiet.

Nordvick is standing by the door to the kitchen in shock of the events in the common room.

Dehliana starts to nurse her hand. "It seems that there is more power here than I expected. But I think able bodied travelers like yourselves should be able to deal with a possessed inn. "

Annavinia is pale and gets up. "Forgive me but that was more than I bargained for. I am going to retire to my room"

Selik looks up and tries to lighten the mood. "Well ain't this the slumber party"

What an interesting turn of event!

Let me take a look at this burn. Says Fangor to Dehliana.

Bardok's eyes widen as the drama unfolds. He steps up to Dehliana. "Ma'am, I know you didn't create this effect. This apparition was real. There is a devil afoot in this building, and its presence threatens us all. I need you to cut the crap and tell me what you know about this place."

Following that, the sorcerer approaches Nordvick. "Who was that man? Were there any disappearances or murders in this building in recent memory?"

"So who's dead?" Imiriax asks the general room. He watches Annavinia leave, but makes no move to stop here.

"Should we go check on those who were not present? In the event they may be in danger?" Tresten of course hopes the answer is no, but knows full well that it's the sort of thing they should do.

Annavinia leaves while the interrogations go on.

Dehliana responds sheepishly. "I knew that this place is a place of power and I was hoping to tap in to it. I may not be a real medium, but this death is not my doing. " She looks accusingly at Nordvick. "Ask him this is his place. He should know his guests"

Bardock is content to let Dehliana stand as it is for now. And then confronts Nordvick how immediately breaks down. "It was the demon. Zirzip. It saved my life now I....I..." he sweats a bit more "I sometime leave unsuspecting guests for it. I have never killed them myself, I am good. I just wanted to live!" He sobs uncontrolably and points at one of the brass candelabras on the mantle. "That!"

Imiriax, hands behind his back, wanders over to examine the candleabra.

"The specter spoke of a devil," he says conversationally "Is this Zirzip a demon or a devil? And the names of those you sacrificed?"

Destroy the murderer, that will be easy.

"There is usually an answer that is immediate, obvious and wrong," says Imiriax, waiting for Nordvick's response.

With his smooth voice Fangor adds to Imiriax words Yes, good question Imiriax, good questions indeed.

Bardok scowls in disgust at the large man. "'Good' indeed. Your mother must be proud." He looks to the candelabra.

Imirix and Bardok look at the dull candelabra, and at least determine that it is some powerful artifact, but it would take much more time to fully determine all it's details. But one thing is immediately apparent, It is Infernal in origin.

Ground Floor

Upstairs Floor

Nordvick gains a little composure, knowing the jig is up. "In my office. Upstairs. I have a ledger. Follow me" He gets up and heads though the kitchen. As he does so, you hear the clattering of dishes and Nordvick falls over sick.

Anyone who enters the kitchen will need to make a will save

Dehliana collects here things and follows along near Fangor.

"Everyone stop," says Imiriax. "Pathfinders, we need to take control of this situation and become methodical about it. First and foremost, we need to stay together. Second, we need to collect everyone in the inn and get them together with us. Something's going on and we don't yet know the shape of it. I don't want to discuss our assets for fear that we're not alone, but if you've skills or weapons against outsiders, now's the time to have them handy."

He looks through the kitchen door without entering it. "Nordvick, can you make your own way back to me?"

"Fangor, can you determine what's wrong with Nordvick?"

"Tresten, DoubleGold, please take a look outside and make sure we're alone."

The wizard looks at Bardok. "More than one thing happening here. At a guess, some entity, demonic or diabolic, is pitting mortals against each other. How are you with divinations?"

The wizard looks at Bardok. ”More than one thing happening here. At a guess, some entity, demonic or diabolic, is pitting mortals against each other. How are you with divinations?"

”I can help with ritualistic divinations, but I don’t know many off hand. I can detect magic, but that’s about it. I can tell you this item is some kind of infernal artifact, so looks like we’re dealing with devils.”

Hearing Nordvick go down, Bardok follows him into the kitchen. ”No way we’re letting our one lead go belly-up.”

Will Save (Haughty Obstinacy): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 Crit success!

He catches up with the man. ”Get up. If you can’t stand, tell me where the ledger is and I’ll get it myself.”

will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 wonder if this means I eat all the food.

Tresten does as instructed, heading to one of the windows and peering out to ensure that there are no threats coming from outside.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Following the other Pathfinders, Fengor stops when Nordvick falls.

Listening to the wizard, he agrees with him.

Adding to his warning. I agree Imiriax, lets be prudent and methodolgical.

When Imiriax asks him to check Nordvick, he says
My power is limited, I've only climbed 4 steps, but I will try.

Fangor looks around, then prudently moves into the room. Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 and takes a looks at Nordvick.

Medicine: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 = 15

The kitchen fills you with visions of dead and rotten foods. Maggots crawl over the exposed carcass. Fangor and Bardock realizes this is an illusion, but DoubleGold is sickened by the vision.

Nordvick returns to the common room. A little worse for ware but able to walk. He will stay with the party with out much argument at this point.

When you go to the Windows, you see NOTHING. Not nothing outside, but just nothing. You try but you can not open the windows or the doors. You are sealed in the Inn.

"Right," says Imiriax, surveying the scene. "Here's what we do. We need to stick together, gather everyone in the inn together, and then move room to room to investigate. The answers are here somewhere."

"Nordvick, more information if you please. Start with the candelabra. What is it, exactly, and what does it have to do with our situation?"

Nordvick beings to talk. "I don't know for sure...it has to do with desire.." At that point a scream is heard from upstairs and then it suddenly is silent.

Knowing about the illusion in the Kitchen the everyone else can pass though with no problem, or go though the Hallway area, in order to get to the stairs up.

Going up:

You make the top of the landing to see a shadowy corridor wind its way throughout the trading post’s upper level. Framed paintings on the walls and worn marble statues transform the hallway into an art gallery, though the area is shrouded in darkness, making it difficult to view the eclectic collection. Wooden doors line the hallway, leading to private quarters.

At the opening of one of the doors you see the slain body of Annavinia. He body punctured with various pieces of writing equipment. Lots of pens, some rulers, and even an ink pot is embedded in her.

Bardok hustles up the stairs and tenses at the grisly scene. He quickly looks around for signs of life, and for any evidence of why writing implements were used for the murder, suspecting the woman's work.

Nothing?! Things gets even more interesting... and dangerous. wonders Fangor looking outside.

The scream puts him on edge and , followed by Dehliana, Fangor moves upstairs, stopping at the grim scene...

He turns to Dehliana and says with his smooth confident voice Don't worry, we are both protected by Razmir, nothing will happen to us.

Then he observes the scene, trying to understand what happened here, a manifestation? a ghost? just an illusion?

I will try to do a perception and occultism check (+8 for both)

Why is the kitchen so gross? He continues on, grossed out by it all.

"This is why I wanted to stay in the archives. Demonic mischief. Can't ever just be a nice smooth mission, no...." Tresten frets as he follows the others through the kitchen.

Making your way up to the dead body. It looks like the whole writing desk "exploded" in to her. But all the pieces were directed at here.

While looking at the body, you notice the armor stands at the end of the hall begin to move, as well as two brooms that want to sweep you away.

Something else is here as well. Floating above the floor a terrifying a skeletal ghost like apparition appears and with a wail that chills your bone it screams.

Currently DoubleGold Crit Failed. Tredten and Fangor just failed

Then various bits of debris start floating then fly out at everyone

Imiraix, Tresten, Bardok are up. Also anyone wanting to spend a Hero Point on the will save can do so. DC is 21

The Upstairs Hall

Group conditions:
Round 1

Imiriax - 8 dmg
Tresten - 13 dmg, frightened 2
Bardok

Brooms (red, blue)
Amrors (green, orange)

Fangor - 17 dmg, frightened 2
DoubleGold - frightened 2 , Fleeing
Selik
Nordvick
Dehliana

Ghost -- dmg

not for me

I want to wait to see if DoubleGold or Tresten will reroll. It can affect what I intend to do.

Not rerolling.

Tresten takes some time tending to his wounds, because with the way this is going it's not about to be the last time he gets hurt today. He takes out a potion and drinks it, then readies his sword.

Healing: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (7, 3) + 5 = 15