GM Fuzzfoot's Carrion Hill PFS run (Inactive)

Game Master PJP

He senses no movements in the next room, and yes, he can glide on over to the other side.

It is blocked by rubble, and so Pebble gets to work, clearing the way in fairly short time.

The walls of this long chamber are of brick, the ceiling supported by stone arches. Remnants of bedrolls and other camping equipment lie along the southern wall.

Another door is again held shut by rubble.

"Wow! Great job, Pebble!" Pai flies down to give the little rock familiar a high five, then floats into the next room to check it out. Once she's seen all there is to see in there, she begins helping Pebble clear the way to the next door.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13

The Earth Elemental returns Pai's high five and then moves towards the next door trying to sense any activity in that room.

(Tremorsense 60')

Igor follows behind his familiar and looks around the room for anything of interest especially valuables.

(Take 10 on Perception is 31)

Unless you want to go camping, nothing looks very valuable here. Pebble doesn't sense anything moving in the next room, so tries the same approach.

Unfortunately, as Pebble starts to remove the rubble, something dark and sinister attacks it from behind.

3 small, dark humanoids stab at pebbles with their daggers dripping with poison.

Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Luckily, Pebble is immune to both sneak attack damage and poison. And his rocky skin appears pretty much unharmed by the daggers.

Round 1: (bold may take actions)
Dark folks
Pebble

You really cannot use Stealth vs Tremor Sense but we can let it go this time as there is no in-game difference. According to the text in the Bestiary with Tremor Sense you automatically detect anything in contact with the ground. He would have detected them from the other room (even with a great stealth roll) unless they have some sort of magical way of hiding the vibrations their bodies make or can fly/float above the ground.

Tiny Pebble withdraws back into the earth and earth glides under the floor to warn the others of the hiding humanoids.

(Withdraw action to move directly down to below the earth and then out)

Yah maybe - tremorsense definitely appears to be one of those things that leaves a fair amount unexplained. Technically these guys were not on the ground, but the walls - does that count as ground? Hard for me to say what was intended here, but given that these things are experts at stealth even underground, and the distinct advantage Pebble has anyway, it seemed fitting to let them have a chance at surprise. Still, it is pretty much not going to make a bit of difference here.

Blissfully unaware of what happened on the other side of the blocked door, Pai chirps at Pebble as he pops back into the room: "Hi Pebble! back so soon? Nothing in there, huh?"

Tiny Pebble speaks a few words to Igor in regards to the creatures in the other room.

Knowledge Check: 1d20 ⇒ 18

(He has all of Igor's skill ranks so he might have some idea about what they are)

The most relevant skills bonuses for Tiny Pebble are probably Local or Dungeoneering +0 or perhaps Planes +2.

Igor speaks to Tiny Pebble briefly in their shared language.

"Yes. He encountered three humanoid creatures that used poison and stealth to attack him. They had a hard time trying to hurt him due to his elemental form. "

"I can send him back in to deal with this threat with a bit more magical protection. I would not like to see anyone in the party get poisoned."

No, Droogi...you have to wait. Poison is bad...you remember what happened last time with those nasty goblins? I was worried sick... Lini has to get her pet to stay. She gets out a wand and taps Pebble with it. That'll help smash some pests...magic fang...use on his slam attack

Pebble knows that humans refer to these creatures as Dark Creepers, and that they are masters of stealth and poison. He also knows that they can see perfectly well in complete darkness. He does not know why they are trapped in this small cave.

Igor uses his master-familiar relationship to Tiny Pebble's benefit by casting the Shield spell on the elemental.

Tiny Pebble nods in gratitude at the Druid and Igor and then returns to do battle with the Dark Creepers.

@GM Fuzzfoot - I guess it is time to roll initiative again unless you think that Tiny Pebble can catch one by surprise with a combination of Tremorsense and Earth Gliding?

I don’t see it mattering much. They can barely scratch the elemental who can easily retreat, so we can just say he pretty easily destroys them if you like.

Ok that sounds good and moves the story forward. They are pretty despicable creatures after all. Once the elemental is finished he can remove the obstruction to the door and we can examine the room.

Pebble clears the way of creatures and rubble. Mounds of more rubble line the walls of this partially collapsed chamber, but here and there patches of brickwork are visible on the floor and walls. One rounded alcove remains in the northern wall, though it lacks a sarcophagus.

There really isn't anything else of value to discover here.

"So, uh, guys? We...didn't find a huge stinky slug thing. What now?" Pai scratches her head in confusion.

Too bad we don't know what drives or calls it...we could bait it...makes sense when hunting right?

"Let's go back!"

Nectanebo pokes gingerly at his ghoul scratch.

"Do we even have any idea what to look for???" He inquires irritably.

Igor has his familiar gather any valuables off the slain Dark Creepers.
He tries to detect any magic on their items and quickly looks over the room.

(Perception of 31 with a Take 10)

(If the knives are not magical/masterwork he will simply leave them behind. At any rate he is careful not to touch the poisoned blades.)

@GM Fuzzfoot - I think that we did successfully comb through the tunnels and found nothing more of interest but it is always better to ask.

"I think that we should go back to the inn and review these books. It may take a bit of time to piece everything together."

"That's true. Okay! C'mon guys! Here's hoping there hasn't been another attack while we were down here." Pai chirps brightly. It's not clear if that's wishful thinking or flippancy.

Yes, it could take years to comb all of the tunnels. But you came looking for clues as to what happened, and have found quite a few. And anyone you could have asked for more is now dead or gone.

Heading back up, you find Carrion Hill’s situation has deteriorated. The rain continues, but word of the destruction of houses has begun to spread and citizens are starting to panic. The Crows have their hands full keeping riots and looting from breaking out, but the streets, recently so abandoned, are beginning to fill with worried citizens packing their belongings and attempting to arrange transport out of the city. Carrion Hill’s coach houses and stables are the epicenters of clots of mobs trying to arrange such transport, and it is at these locations that the Crows are
working hardest to maintain order.

Options to move forward: you can return to the Mayor to report, or spend some time trying to read that book, or do some research on who those people might have been that were being eaten down below.

"Wait. Before we return..."

Sorry for not bringing this up sooner: Can you remind me of all the corpses we've seen down here, and whether/how any of them stood out from the rest?

I think a regrouping is in order...how about you guys? We can see what we can find out from that book and go from there...

"I agree with you."

Awwwww! Studyiiiiing! Pai groans inwardly, but she supposes it makes sense. With an unenthusiastic nod, she lifts off, flying above the group's heads so no one in the crowd tramples her.

Igor looks at the others.

"Perhaps we should meet with the Mayor first. He might have actionable information. Reading through the texts will take a good deal of time and may or may not be fruitful."

That is an excellent point, Igor. I think that is prudent... Lini nods her head in acknowledgement.

There were two corpses that the ghoul was gnawing on. I am not sure what you mean by “stood out from the rest”

I was hoping that there was one from which I might learn something new and useful via Deadspeaker; I guess not, though.

"*sigh*...Actually, never mind. Onward and upward!"

So you head back to see the mayor and report. "What have you found out?"

"A ghoul reading a book!" Pai blurts with a shudder. "But the giant monster thing wasn't down that tunnel. Tell him about the book, guys!" She prods Nectanebo and Igor eagerly, perhaps to get off the subject of that dreaded ghoul.

"I will thank you not to poke me," Nectanebo matter-of-factly admonishes Pai before turning to the mayor. "But yes, we found an INCREDIBLE treasure beneath your town," He explains the Pnakotic Manuscripts to the mayor in technically correct, yet somewhat lay and cagey terms, as if he neither expects the mayor to be capable of understanding their true significance nor particularly wishes to impart that understanding. "Unfortunately, that by itself does little to explain the nature or source of your problem, and...we didn't really find much else. We did find a remarkable work of necromancy beneath your city: A small forest that grows without ever seeing the light of the sun! Perhaps if you could tell us more about the history of your settlement? Clearly, there is much more worth learning, even without an elusive, hole-boring monster!"

Nectanebo! Why didn't you tell me that thing scratched you...let me see that...Lini says as she sees tge cut for the first tine, a bit of concern trickling into her voice as she examines the wound

heal: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16 didn't know you wanted it examined...my bad

Igor pipes in.

"Indeed there is much research to be done. I can read that dread language but it will take a good deal of time to piece it all together and the information is likely to be cryptic at best."

The Wizard sighs knowing that this is usually the way with ancient texts.

"We should also mention the blood stained rune that we discovered that we suspect is related to the Dark Tapestry and Yog-Sothoth in particular."

Igor then looks at the Mayor with some intensity.

"I was hoping for more immediate intelligence from you. What is happening with the townsfolk? Do we have any pressing leads or tasks before us or should we continue with our academic research."

Igor cannot help but overhear the Druid fussing over Nectanebo's wounds.
He thinks for a moment trying to recall what might happen to their companion.

(22 on Knowledge - Religion (Take 10) in regards to Ghoul Fever)

The mayor listens in awe, sometimes shuddering in fear or disgust as the story unfolds. "Clearly, this is the right crew. Please, learn what you can about these people that were down there, and if you can read that book, maybe it will help you. Meanwhile, I will try to hold the people together, but speed is of the essence."

He also notices the fuss you are making over the Vulture's wound, and sends in his best healers to assist. Between all of you, you are able to stop any infection that might have lead to ghoulness.

Pai shudders at the thought of Nectanebo turning into a ghoul. If she had any way to help, she'd totally do so. Instead, she watches helplessly as more capable people than her work wonders on his nasty scratch.

Once things settle down, she's bored out of her mind. "So... While some of you guys check out the book, does anyone else want to patrol the town with me? Or keep a look-out or something? I mean, I guess I could take a nap or something... Unless you think there's something I could do to help?"

Might be a good idea to get out and see if anything pops up. What do you think, Droogi? Go for a stretch and stuff? Maybe if you're good I'll stop by the market and get a steak for you. Lini says as she pets Drrogi and he purrs loudly at the mention of steak.

Igor grimaces at the idea of splitting the party.

"I would prefer that we stick together with everything going on in this town."

"Now it seems like there at least two tasks ahead of us now. We need to read through all these books in Aklo and also research exactly who those people were below. Exactly how we are going to that I am at a bit of a loss. Do they even have a library in this town that might aid us in this research or would it be more useful to try to go through the city records or perhaps talk to the townspeople?"

@GM Fuzzfoot - What kind of options do we have available or seem most appropriate to the task to determining who the people below were? My character is just sort of guessing at what might be useful but we are lacking any real details to work with at the game level.

You have pretty much summed it up. Strangely enough, this is probably an excellent time to split the party, as reading the books requires some time and certain skills, and diplomacy or local knowledge checks are likely to get you the most information about the bodies and their colleagues. What, if anything, did you do with the remains of the two bodies you found?

If you are reading the book, tell me how (knowing Aklo is sufficient, or another way to decipher it is necessary. After an hour, you are able to put together a small amount of information that will help, but reading the whole 500 pages will give you some benefit for future knowledge rolls.
Also, a Linguistics check would be useful in addition to reading alone.

For those trying to ask about the 5 names, use normal gather info rules. If you need the mayors help, he can do so, but it will be 24 hours before they can give you much.

We never said anything about the bodies; I guess they're still down there. Our group would've told the Mayor about it and the location so they could send a crew down with stretchers or something to retrieve the bodies.

Pai sets out with Lini to ask around town about the identities of the bodies. She begins by approaching various people indiscriminately, asking: "Hey, we found some bodies, but we don't know who they are. Do you know anyone that's gone missing?"

Diplomacy (gather information): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Unfortunately, her cheery disposition when sharing this upsetting news causes people to be less than cooperative, and she has no idea why.

Lini goes to a member of the constabulary.

Might you help us, my good man? We have seen tasked to deal with the...problem that has popped up in town. We seek some information about any missing people... she says with a smile. She has Droogi sit and do tricks to break the ice if the men are scared.

diplo, untrained: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Igor suggests that Nectanebo stay and help as he is familiar with the historical context and he might be useful with the linguistics work involved with the archaic texts.

"Yes, Nectanebo you should stay at the very least. I can translate the Aklo into Taldane. We can then try to determine its real meaning. As you are aware it can be tricky at time."

"I think that we should start with the Pnakotic Manuscripts. You did express some mild interest in the tome if I recall correctly."

Raynard helps Pai and Grimdog to find out something about bodies.

diplomacy aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

Initial rsults trying to gather information are coming up dry, as people are fearful and descriptions of "missing bodies" just riles them up more.

After about an hour with the manuscript reveals some more actionable clues.

The inside cover of the book bears the following inscription: “May we, the Keepers of the Oldest, prevail over the scourge of simplistic thought and lesser men.” Beneath that are five signatures—the names of the five Keepers of the Oldest.

Baskerwhel
Crove
Hyve
Marshan
Myre

One section of the book is marked by a red silk bookmark—indicating the beginning of a relatively lengthy discussion of how to use special rituals to open portals in key locations. This section has been heavily annotated in the same spidery script on the inside cover.

An hour of study is enough for a reader to deduce that these “Keepers of the Oldest” were hoping to use the ritual described in the book to try to open a portal in the Sunless Grove to contact “spawn of the Dark Tapestry” and further enhance their knowledge of forbidden magic and arcane secrets.

Additional hours reveals more, and specifically a section near the end cautions those who would attempt this ritual, warning that forcing open such portals draws forth the spiritual essence of the casters, and that any entity contacted by the portal can make “hideous use of this essence by consuming it, growing more powerful in the bargain, such that only the end of such essence can challenge the intruder’s rights upon your world.”

"I think that we should start with the Pnakotic Manuscripts. You did express some mild interest in the tome if I recall correctly."

"Mild interest, yesss, I suppose so," Nectanebo replies with obvious mock-weariness. "Let's get on with it, leave the [mild Elven pejorative for non-Elves] to tend to ephemeral worldly concerns..."

"May we, the Keepers of the Oldest, prevail over the scourge of simplistic thought and lesser men.”

"Now that DOES seem like a worthy goal! Of course, scribbling inside a secondary copy of the Pnakotic Manuscripts is not exactly a promising start...."

Linguistics: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

Nectanebo sighs, as if venting whatever small quantity of energy is put out by the reaction of putting 2 and 2 together. "Oh, Crove, is your local scrivener really such a 'lesser man' than thee that you could not have gone down to his shop for a few guilders' worth of your own parchment?"

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

"I...I'm sorry, I'm sorry, what the hell does this even mean? 'Challenge the intruder's rights'??? Is this a magical treatise, or a legal one? The consumption of essence is what it is, moral judgment comes later, and legal ramifications later still -if- at all...is that even what he's talking about...?"

screw it, this seems important; folio reroll!: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

"Unless..." He says as if struck by a bolt from the blue; if Elves had pupils, Nectanebo's would be shrinking to pinholes right now. "Let's put the foppish wording aside and assume our 'Keeper Crove' does in fact know what it's talking about: This is a warning. This method of conjuration would link the souls of the ritualists to whatever is on the other side...and consequently, if the conjured were to kill the conjurers directly, it could absorb their essence as simple as that, and anything powerful enough to take such an insane risk to conjure would be even MORE powerful, and entirely free - BUT, if anyone or anything else killed the conjurers before the conjured could, their souls would be beyond the entity's reach...speaking of which, there are possibly other means than death of setting their souls beyond its reach. *Ideally*, although I suspect it's too late for that, if another can get to all the conjurers before the entity itself does, its ties to this little world of ours would be snapped like old ropes in a storm, and it would be dismissed just like that!"

Since studying the book is taking 3+ hours, can the "body-ID-searching" group start afresh with new rolls in a different part of town? Wink wink?