GM Elberion's Thornkeep Sanctum of a Lost Age (Inactive)

Game Master GeraintElberion

Fort: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27.

Victor continues to ignore the fog, and focuses upon Pink.

"It is time for your continued false existence to end. You are, after all, already dead; your body just doesn't know it yet... It is time to accept the inevitability of it; the futility of existence..."

+2 Ghost-Touch Fauchard: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 1 + 4 = 34, for 1d10 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 15 + 4 = 22 Magical, Ghost-Touch, Slashing damage.
Crit Confirmation: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 1 + 4 = 27, for 1d10 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 15 + 4 = 26 *ADDITIONAL* damage.
+2 Ghost-Touch Fauchard: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 1 + 4 = 27, for 1d10 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 15 + 4 = 23 Magical, Ghost-Touch, Slashing damage.

Victor coldly eliminates one of the heads.

Which attempts to slam Valeros

attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Sucy
Reesa
Nemesis
Valeros

Red Head
Pink Head
Blue Head (-34)

Molly
Victor
Bold are up!

Valeros slashes at the floating head kn front of him

attack long: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 13 + 4 = 291d8 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 4 = 19
short: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 4 = 151d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 4 = 15
long2: 1d20 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 5 = 151d8 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 4 = 19

Reesa delays to see if the others could knock out the last enemy before using more magic.

Valeros destroys the final head.

All is quiet in the chamber, although the unsettling atmosphere persists.

Fort: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17.

Without any obvious distress, Victor moves forward out of the cloud.

As the party pushes forward, they enter a chamber where two stories of tightly packed bookshelves line the western half of this musty chamber, and a massive mural map of what must be the Inner Sea region from eons ago adorns the east wall. An enormous skeleton of a huge, twelve-legged reptile clutters the center of the room.
Two undead creatures, one bearing markings of Sarenrae's faith, another a hulking half-orc, leer down from the higher bookshelf gallery.

Sucy
Victor
Valeros
Molly
Reesa

Wight Sarenrite
Wight Half-orc

Nemesis
Bold are up!

Reesa renews her Bless spell on the group.

Unable to see further into the room, Sucy takes out an infusion and drinks it! Her skin then slowly seems to dry out and appears to crack as the effects of Barkskin begin to take place.

"I'll go in after a few people give me room to fire my bow.

Valeros steps up and lets loose with a flurry of steel and curses on the undead warrior.

long1: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 13 + 4 = 361d8 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 4 = 14
short: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 4 = 341d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 4 = 11
long2: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 4 = 141d8 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 4 = 20
i can't tell for sure if the guy is around a corner 100%...if i can't 5 ft step and full attack, i'll move 10 and just use the first attack roll

longcrit: 1d20 + 13 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 13 + 4 = 241d8 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 4 = 18
short crit: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 4 = 321d6 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 4 = 12

Valeros reaches up to the balcony with his blades and completely obliterates the creature.

Victor and Molly are up!

"Flesh that does not know the life has fled from it; a sentience held together by the echo of what once was... allow me to disabuse you of your errors..."

Not betraying any emotions, Victor strides into the room, and takes a swing at the remaining undead.

+2 Ghost-Touch Fauchard: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 9 + 1 + 4 = 28, for 1d10 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 15 + 4 = 20 Magical, Ghost-Touch, Slashing damage.

AoO?: 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 1 + 4 = 25, for 1d10 + 15 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 15 + 4 = 28 Magical, Ghost-Touch, Slashing damage.

And the second cairn wight is destroyed.

Looking around, you realise that you have discovered an extraordinary archive of Azlanti lore. That these books have survived intact is remarkable.

Know. Arcana 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

”Wow, we hit the mother lode here. I’m not sure what all it is, but we need to get that back with us for further review,” Reesa figures.

Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23.

"The fact that books such as these have survived is theoretically impossible. It would require the intervention of either personal preservative magics, or a serious disruption in the flow of time..."

Is there a specific aura on the books, or on the area as a whole?

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Molly shakes her head. "I don't get it." The Doll then begins manipulating the haunted energies she possesses to help her allies defensively.
Back to everyone getting +4 to Saves.

Please don't tell he the books are possessed....um...no offense Molly...

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

Nemesis's knowledge of a book's proper lifespan should be is nothing quite like Victor's; especially where the oldest works are concerned, her church is pretty partial to media that aren't quite so flammable.

She need not just take his word for it, of course, as she makes a more concentrated effort to study the collection....

detect magic/Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Knoweledge Arcana+heightened awareness: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 15 + 2 = 37

Sucy, looking at the books, holds up a hand to keep the others from touching them.

"Don't move the books. We need to note their location and have someone from the archives handle them. These books would fall apart if anyone who isn't an archivist would handle them. I agree with Victor's statements."

Sucy then looks about and claps her hands in the silence.

"It doesn't look like much damage has been done either! I think this is a great find and will give me something to do at the lodge after we are done from here!"

Sorry, I perhaps should have mentioned this before...

Upon casting detect magic an overwhelming aura of transmutation seems to suffuse everybody and everything within sight.

”Whats all this magic residue doing on everything? Is someone trying to fool us somehow,” Reesa ponders.

Tapping a finger to her chin, the alchemist looks at the others before grabbing a vial from her cloak.

"I'll have this at the ready if need be, but if someone is trying to disguise something, perhaps we should move a bit quicker?"

Making her way across the room, Sucy then starts examining the door to see if it is trapped and/or locked before attempting to open it.

Perception+Heightened Awareness: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 11 + 2 = 21 +2 for traps
Disable Device: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (15) + 17 = 32 +2 if disabling a trap, and -1 minute from Aram Zey's Focus duration

let me know when my buffs run out please so I can re up them if need be.

Molly tilts her head at an unnatural angle towards Valeros.
"Possessed? I have no idea what you are talking about."

Sucy snickers at the banter between Molly and Valeros as she works on the door.

"Valeris, I'm just glad that the Venture Captains keep you on call. Though, the bail money to get you out if the stockade for your evening trists has sure to come out of everyone's pay. Do the Decimverate have an emergency "Get Valeros out of Trouble" fund, and if so, how much do they invest in it?. I'm curious....."

I have no idea...all I know is that it is nice to make sure I get out of whatever trouble my...activities get me into. Not always a sure thing though. There was one time in Qadira. How was I supposed to know they were the padashah's daughters? That took quite a bit of negotiating. Still can't go there...officially, anyways... he says with a chuckle.

"Perhaps you can tell me more later...."

Pushing open the door of the next room, you find a larger chamber.

Fresh blood splatters the white tile of this operating laboratory, which is lit by mirrored lamps hung from chains suspended in the shadows of the distant ceiling. A sturdy wooden table near the centre of the room holds the lightning-charred corpse of a bald human man with a broom-bottom beard. Smaller tables and bookcases nearby hold the gore-spattered spoils of a recent battle.

More arresting are the rooms inhabitants. A man in strange robes smiles at your approach while a skinless dire tiger rises at his side, eyes fixed on the newcomers.

The man smiles, "Salve, receperint. Pono tibi sunt huc per Rozimus, quod sic?"

Taking a step back at the sight, Sucy looks at the man while swallowing loudly.

With her hand behind her back, the woman flashes the Pathfinder hand signal for danger repeatedly while talking. Keeping her eyes on the man and the monstrosity of a beast next to him, the alchemist takes a step into the room.

I've never heard of a "broom-bottom beard" before! What's stranger still, however, is what I get when I try to do a strict image search for it: Nothing.

Nemesis waves a subtle Ymeriite benediction (guidance) over Sucy from behind her, while studying the mutilated tiger...

Knowledge (Religion), I'm hoping?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

...as well as the corpse on the table...

Heal: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

...and trying to take the measure of their 'host'.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Unholy s*++. Those almost feel like "wasted" rolls.

Sure...the story is best told over many drinks...takes a while to tell... the warrior says as they move along. When they get to the blood spattered room, he instinctively readies his blades. Upon realizing the tiger is there, he lowers them as Sucy parleys with the robed figure.

Nice kitty...

The creepy doll skips into the room behind everyone, swapping from dancing to singing.
"And the sunrod shows you something moving just inside the door. There's a tattered dress and a feeling you have felt somewhere before."

Continuing to give buffs to saves.

Reesa stays silent, not understanding any of the conversation happening in front of her.

I've never heard of a "broom-bottom beard" before! What's stranger still, however, is what I get when I try to do a strict image search for it: Nothing.

Nemesis waves a subtle Ymeriite benediction (guidance) over Sucy from behind her, while studying the mutilated tiger...

[dice=Knowledge (Religion), I'm hoping?]1d20+6

...as well as the corpse on the table...

[dice=Heal]1d20+14

...and trying to take the measure of their 'host'.

[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+10

Unholy s&@$. Those almost feel like "wasted" rolls.

The tiger is, somehow, very much alive. It's some kind of paradox. You are confident that it is not undead.

The chap on the table is very definitely dead.

And your host is very glad to see you. Very chipper indeed.

Taking a step back at the sight, Sucy looks at the man while swallowing loudly.

** spoiler omitted **

With her hand behind her back, the woman flashes the Pathfinder hand signal for danger repeatedly while talking. Keeping her eyes on the man and the monstrosity of a beast next to him, the alchemist takes a step into the room.

The man smiles, "O bene scio quidem, simulque non omnino bene. Vides me socium ad praedicendum, Vuzhon est de conservis appprentice Nhur Athemon. Et habet callidus sit semper fuisse, non parum confidit cogitationibus suis, et ita invenerunt Rozimus vehi, quo corpus ex Inconcinnus modicum tempus habet Amethon Nhur clausum ut capti in nobis. Ea re satis luminosum in temporibus.

He shakes his head, "Non vis ut faciam illud. O no. Vuzhon callidus est, sed quia de causis animas paribus, quam quae est immortalitatis. Quamdiu manet corpore eius, verum affectus in tempore, et clausum in mentem normalis tempus, est forma magicae hydria non permittens eam in Rozimus exspirare. Sed si clausum tempus deficere, et corpus eius aetatem milia annorum in momento, et non erit ei anima idoneam receptacula. Ego enim non fit, ad me. Solum realem ad exitum ullum tempus perdere nos est clausum, et modo optimos ut faciam ut creare communi opinioni repugnare."

Knowledge Arcana+HeightenedAwareness: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 15 + 2 = 34

Freezing up at the mention of Magic Jar, Sucy's eyes widen. Turning her head towards the others, then speaks towards the man.

Putting away her thieves toolkit, and unshouldering her bow, the woman says in lowered tones at her group.

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 18

"I don't know about you all, but this seems a bit off, but I can't place it. This man seems dangerous, so be ready. Our friend who came back, isn't who he says he is, and it involves a Magic Jar."

The man frowns, his body stiffens, he holds himself erect and his tone is cold and demanding, "Ut facerent tibi bene loquatur, cum paulo verecundius, iuvenum mulier. A cadre ab ariolis aliquid sciscitemini ut potens socios denique probare ..." his voice deepens to a reedy hiss, "nec delectasti inimicos horribilis."

He snaps his fingers irritable as Sucy whispers at her comrades, "Magistro operam non erant liberi." then he waves lazily at your group and their surroundings, "Et ex eo tempore, per inadvertentiam Rozimus profundam tristitia noctem petit amnis hic. Occidit ei priusquam te huc missus esse creatum in communi opinioni repugnare."

At Sucy's final question he raises his chin imperiously and looks down his nose at her, "Non, non moriatur."

As though responding to some tension in his master, the tiger makes a low growl from deep in the back of its throat.

Nope...don't like this one bit...get ready for a fight. I'll take the walking hairball... Valeros says as he tightens his grip on his blades.

Know. Arcana 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

As Sucy translates for the group, Reesa considers if such a paradox might be possible.

The tiger is an anatomist’s fantasy. The interaction of muscle and bone revealed in intricate detail.

Flashing more hand signals behind her back, the alchemist seems genuinely conflicted.

He sighs, a long, weary sigh,

The wizard pinches the bridge of his nose, as though he has a migraine coming on,

Sucy, not waiting for a reply, tries to usher the others into the previous room in a hurry before agitating the wizard even further.

"What should we do. Possession is bad, but this guy doesn't seem all that friendly either. I don't like him, and his snooty attitude either."

Victor shrugs.

"Friendly or not, it matters not. Can what he told you be trusted? That is the important thing."

Valeros backs away as he watches the big cat.

Well, that was tense...who needs a drink...oh, wait...I do! he says as they rest for a moment in the next room. He takes a long pull on his wineskin and sighs.

Running low on vital supplies...might have to go back... he sats as he shakes his wineskin and nothing comes out.

So...what now?

The wizard scowls at the group as they leave and barks out a final command to Sucy.

"How easy would it be to kill him if he crosses us?" Marshal Haunted Molly inquires. "In spite of my situation, I am not an expert in terms of possession."

"Wait. Waiiitwaitwaitwait," Nemesis finally declares after having the situation explained to her. "First thing's first: If wants us to do this, what incentive is he offering??? I must have missed that part. If he wants warmth and light, he needs to feed the Fire."

He's offering you a chance to be his underlings one day. Isn't that nice.

Three options.
1. Tell the wizard with the creepy cat to go to hell
2. Look for that chap to kill to create a paradox
3. Explore the rest of the dungeon and decide what to do with the furless kitty later.

Vote: first option to get two votes wins. Let's get this shebang on the road!