GM TOP #7-05: School of Spirits (Core) (Inactive)

Game Master Pete H.

Oh, Durvak has 0 trained knowledge skills. But if he can touch you...he knows all kinds of your dirty secrets. ;-)

As he hand makes contact with the creature, the dwarf's eyes roll back in his head. Tables of figures seem to real before his very eyes. "O...O ma Masta! I..."

"Me tinken yas is no real...had 'eard tings...ne'er seen me one o dem nice ghosts." Wiping drool from his mouth he refocuses a moment. "Tis a strangeness yas got in ya J. No is bad...tis diff'ent is all."

"Ya see, dis 'ere uh Fan-Tom ting be's a gud ghosty. Kin 'elp widdle J 'ere savive in fights an stuffs. Ghosty dus fighten fer J an J kin 'elp it an stuff. Fan-Tom ghosty kin get many powersful."

Earlier, as J. is reacting to her dressing down after the fight:

I was that foolish once. Grumbling at the guys, Yangrit puts a stop to the nagging. "All right, boys. You have had your say. She gets the point. Now let her think a bit and get her mind all settled." She turns to J. with a gentler voice. "We will give you a few minutes to sort out your thoughts; then you can tell us about your...remarkable abilities." Whatever they are. ... Could she be permanently affected by all the undeath that was around her?

And now:

Eyes wide in either shock or a state of being thoroughly impressed (and even she's too flabbergasted to know which at this point), Yangrit simply stares. After several awkward seconds, she manages to scoop her jaw off the ground, so to speak. Realization slowly dawns on her. Slowly, she asks: "This started down there...didn't it? Were you afraid, or did it help?"

Farlen softens a little realizing just how young J is and how this is a trial for her. "I appologize for being harsh with you J. I sometimes get too catch up in the solution and add to the problem. I have had bad experiences with people ignoing my advice and bad things happening."
After J introduces Grishim...
"Thank you, J for introducing your friend. It is nice to meet you. Can you explain further? How are you linked so to speak?"
know arcana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
"We will help you find your answers. You have my word we will help you and protect you."

Grishan starts filling in some of the details.

"Okay, so back then uh... back when I died. Anyway back then Junia, Cassiel and I had been playing in the necropolis when the earthquake struck. Its sturdy construction saved us from being immediately crushed to death but the tremors collapsed the only exit trapping us without access to food or fresh water. After a few days of calling for help, we knew we would not be rescued. Cassiel died first, afraid and angry at the unfairness of her fate. I hung on a few days longer, but all I remember about that time was how guilty I felt for leading my friends down into the necropolis to die. Maybe that is one of the reasons I stayed around after dying? I don't know, but whatever it was I stayed to watch over Junia."

"Then there was this... thing. I don't know what it was but it was strong. Much stronger than me. I couldn't even interact with anything physical, just spiritual. But I could feel it was searching for a soul to drain so I uh... grabbed hold of Junia and pulled her back to where it was safe. I don't know how long we stayed there, but Junia never woke. Then she was yanked back hard and I came with. I stayed hidden in her subconscious for a long time before finally getting the guts to show myself to her."

He shows a surprising range of emotion for a spirit as he continues, choking out the next part, "But she accepted me immediately and has just always been there while we figure this stuff out. It's just made me feel so valued and loved and our friendship has grown so much."

"Well, in that case, you sound like a friend of hers, and therefore a friend of ours. Perhaps we will find a way to help find you..er.. your body."

At first, Yangrit was too surprised to truly process what she was seeing. How could this supposedly well-meaning girl willingly associate with an undead creature?! They're evil. Always. ... Aren't they?

Hearing Grishan's story, however, Yangrit is surprised to feel moved by an undead thing, and not in a way that leads her to think her mind is being controlled. He seems like a genuinely normal kid. (Well, except for being a spirit and all.) Normally the only reactions the undead bring out in her are terror and hatred. This boy, though... A tiny part of her brain whispers: Maybe they're not always evil... Maybe they're just lost... Maybe Junia's still a good person... She says nothing, slowly mulling over this potential fundamental shift in her awareness: that those who are allied with undead aren't automatically purely evil. The expression on her face shows her inner conflict, but slowly melts the tiniest bit.

Ironshanks listens to the floating green ghost tell his story, doing his best to stay neutral and not assume the worst, but one thing just nags at the back of his mind "So is it true you can reach through metal n stone like it was just air?"

Sorry, Ironshanks has a 6 CHA for a reason!

Grishan seems quite happy with the acceptance shown from Geo as well as the majority of dwarves not freaking out about his story. He replies to Ironshanks by floating through a solid stone bench, coming cleanly out the other side.

"Yeah, I can do this. But I can't really reach through stuff cause if I can't see what I'm reaching for. It would just be like you shoving an arm into a tar pit grabbing for something... plus I can't even feel anything when I grab for it or really even grab things."

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J. pipes up with a bit of concern, "So you all know what we are? That's really good. But like, what exactly can we do? I know that Grishan can toss stuff for me and move things for me and open doors for me, but otherwise we really don't know anything at all."

I'll give a little more time for chit-chat here, then push us into a bit more of the 'mission relevant' direction of the conversation.

"I truly don't know much about... this connection you two have... except that--as you've figured out--there are different ways that Grisham can protect you, and it depends on whether he's manifesting or how as to what kinds of protection he can offer you." Ahmande finishes by casually tossing out "Oh, and you should be able to cast spells, too."

Ironshanks raises both bushy eyebrows at the display of Dwarven destruction. Reaching through stone and metal... Torag protect us this day!

"So you can go through walls and unlock doors from the other side then? Can you pick things up and move them back with you?" He asks, now a bit more curious to the potential boons.

Halfway into a meditative trance, Yangrit continues to grind this new information in her mind. On the one hand, she was just a child when this happened, and she had no control over it. On the other hand, why didn't she seek help to purge his spirit from her as soon as she found out? On the other hand, he seems to genuinely care about keeping her safe, which isn't necessarily evil. On the other hand, who can know the motivations of an undead thing? On the other hand, he could've killed those thugs back there, but instead just tried to scare them off without really hurting them... (I watched "Fiddler on the Roof" this weekend; can you tell?)

Taking a deep, calming series of breaths, Yangrit finally raises her eyes to Grisham's. Meeting his gaze, she gives him a wordless nod of recognition before looking to J. In a quiet, calm voice she gives an accepting nod and says: "I am ready to go when you are, J."

Her mood is certainly subdued, as if the matter isn't fully settled in her head, but she seems willing to give this a trial run for now.

J. looks wide-eyed at Ahmande, "Spells? Oh no, I don't have magic at all! I mean, things move and stuff but It's just Grishan doing it..."

She looks at the spirit, "...you threw those things at the jerks earlier, right?"

The spirit glances back, "Uh nope, can't say that I did. I mean, you did those things yourself before I even popped out to scare them. Honestly, I don't know how you do half the things you do."

The youngster frowns at the elder dwarf, "Well no, I can't effect anything. That's the main problem. I can't lift or even touch stuff. I've tried a ton, but it just doesn't work."

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After a bit more conversation, Grishan and J. look at each other and the spirit starts to talk, "So... total transparency here. And yes, I get it, you can see through me. But anyway, we are sorta hiding stuff from you all. I mean, obviously me existing in the first place was a big secret. But can you imagine what J.'s mom would do if she found out about us? I'd be banished to some plane of hell in seconds flat."

The spirit actually gives a legitimate shudder at the thought, "But that aside, I was a strong part of why J. wanted to come back to this area. I really think she'll be able to put some things to rest and start moving on with her life. Maybe even learn what she wants to do with her life, like is this adventuring thing really for her or not, you know? So I've supported her to do it, but I also really need to go because..." he sighs, "...because there's something I need to recover from my old life. So my umm older brother asked me to collect some information for him about the families at our school. I did so but before I could pass him the info, I uh died. But I'm pretty sure I can find where I stashed the files. It's been weighing on me a lot lately, unfished business and such. I've gotta go get those files. They should be in the Arboretum Arcanis somewhere. I know I'll remember where if I can get in there."

Ironshanks seems a bit relieved, and also disappointed at the ghost's lack of ability to affect solid objects. "Well, at least you can peek in and give things the eyeball for us." It definitely comes off as a done deal and not a request.

"Yer a spy then eh? Now this makes more sense. Anyone else know about this 'spy' business besides us n yer brother? What kinda evidence we talkin' about here?" Ironshanks thinks back to his most recent mission, spy work wasn't his specialty, but at least he got everyone out in one piece. Damned demons.

Now we have to fetch and carry for a ghost?! This is too mu--wait. No. I made a commitment to give them a chance. I keep my word. More deliberately deep, slow breathing is in order for Yangrit. In through the nose...out through the lips...in through the nose...out through the lips...

"Seems a simply enough request, dearie. But what are these files for? What does your brother need them?"

"What gud 'is eye do iffen it be ghosty? If ya give Durvak you's eye...it no go in Durvak 'ead an see tings..."

With a shrug, he nods to Geoclunicus. "Aye yeah. Why da tings import-tent? Deys be bad tings about in dem? Why no tells da watch? O Zay?"

"Well if you know where they are and it is safe, we can get them."
Farlen purses his lips and asks "After so many years do you really think they will help your brother? Wouldn't you just like to go see him?" If I had lost a brother, papers be damned, I would much more like to see and talk to my brother again."
Farlen shakes his head. "Well, looks like the tasks are piling up. We need to start the doing of them." "I think we are getting close now."

Grishan seems to look through all of you for about a minute. Then he sighs, or at least imitates what a person does when they sigh.

"I don't know. I know it was important and it was something I needed to do but I just can't remember what it was all about. I uh... I really won't mind if you look through it once we find it to make sure it isn't like really bad stuff. But I just need to do this."

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I'll set a little of the scene, then get into the dirty stuff tomorrow. :P

The Arboretum Arcanis was once a haven of exotic trees, bushes, and flowers from all over Golarion. The enigmatic wizard Beldrin built the Arboretum in ages past, covering it with a crystal dome that let through light while keeping everything inside safe. Inside the dome, each greenhouse had its own magical temperature and moisture controls and was watered by artificial clouds that rained only at night.

But all that changed with the earthquake that devastated the area. Most of the Arboretum now lies in ruins and is inaccessible. The crystal dome is cracked, with a large central portion missing at its apex. Vines have grown through the cracks in the dome, so thick that the interior of the dome is shrouded in perpetual dim light, even on bright, sunny days.

Trained Knowledge History OR Local for a bit more info about... stuff. Trained Knowledge Arcana for a bit more info beyond that.

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Knowledge, history: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

know history: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
know arcana: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

"Hmmm"

Farlen will everyone know if he recalls anything.

The three pathfinders recall hearing something about how the magical clouds inside the dome got messed up and they are creating a slightly acidic rain. It isn't concentrated enough to kill things but definitely not healthy in the long run.

Standing before the Arboretum, Grishan has a sudden flash of memory. He tells the group that he is sure that the packet is inside, and that he now remembers that he placed it in a red lion statue that was part of a fountain. He doesn’t remember the location of the fountain.

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IDG maybe?: 3d20 ⇒ (6, 4, 16) = 26

The foyer of the Arboretum Arcanis is in shambles. Debris and dead or dying plant matter cover the mosaic-tiled floor. A gnarled black thorn tree still clings to life in a giant masonry planter. Two massive skylights in the ceiling afford a view of low-hanging, purple and black clouds above; the crystal dome is completely obscured. Piles of rubble obscure most of what once may have been doorways, but a door to the west is free from debris.

No one notices until the creature steps out away from the roots of the tree, but a small plant-like being (he looked really like a root until he started moving) has already begun bowing and introduces himself, "Hello there. I am Majordomo Pip. How do you do?"

Trained Knowledge Nature to ID. This ID will include basic type/subtype and one tidbit of knowledge. I will dole out the tidbits starting with signature special abilities and then working to more mechanical things like DR and other resistances. Multiple rolls from multiple players, assuming they both beat the DC, will grant additional information and not duplicate tidbits.

The map is up with your characters placed. You are welcome to reposition a bit as we aren't in combat, but I tried to place you all per the marching order with enough space so you wouldn't all be easily hit with a small AoE.

Slowly approaching the creature, Durvok offers a toothy smile.

"Oye der, I's Durvak o da Stouthearts. Tis me pleasha ta meetcha. We is gud sa fer an ya is gud, yes?"

Glancing towards J, he turns back to Pip. "We's be looken fer a stat-chew. Es a red lie-on in a foun-tan. Ya knows it? Kin yas 'elp us?"

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

"I'm doing fine--we're doing fine, I think. How are you doing?"

This day keeps getting weirder and weirder... Why am I surprised by that? This mission was never going to be "normal." Fortunately, Durvak and Ahmandé speak first, giving Yangrit time to settle her reaction. By the time they're finished, she's ready to join the conversation. In somber, formal tones and a deadpan expression she replies: "Yangrit Foehammer is my name. It is an honor to meet you, Majordomo Pip. I take it by your title that you represent someone else. May I ask who?"

Once the group descends down into the area he stops and straps on his heavy darkwood shield. A fist holding a hammer striking an anvil adorns the wooden face. "Next lesson kids: be ready fer a fight whenever yer in a dangerous place. Every second counts sometimes." He gives J a look to make sure she, and her ghostly friend are prepared.

Shield strapped, weapons remained stowed. Wasn't there something in the briefing about an equipment shed with useful items? Or am I thinking of another game..

"Aye, Ironshanks Magee here Majordomo. Seen any red statues 'round here?" He cranes his neck a bit to look around the immediate area.
Perception, Stonecunning vs hidden foes/red statue!: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Farlen would like to see if he knows anything about what type of creature Majordomo Pip is. What type of check would he need?
"Farlen Mizzul, here. I take it you live here and take care of these gardens? We just need a quick look around and then we will move on. We are taking a stroll down memory lane for old time sake. One of us remembers a red lion statue and would like to see it again. Oh, is there anything we should be aware of while here? Any dangers?"

Nature as I posted (though it was tiny script). I’ll try to get the next post up in a few hours.

Sorry, I missed the smaller text. I will look closer in the future. I am on my phone and thought it was the stat lines for the next post.
Farlen thinks about what this creature could be.
knowledge nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

"Hmmm..."

Ahmande and Farlen both recognize this to be a Mandragora (CE Plant) and definitely a quite advanced example of the species. Farlen recalls the signature ability of a Mandragora is their shriek. A unsettling sound that can nauseate anyone within thirty feet. Ahmande recalls that they also have a brutal poison, one that can cause confusion in its victims.

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The polite creature wrings its branches together in a very non-plant-like manner and bobs its head up and down.

"Yes yes, I will happily take you on a tour of the grounds. Perhaps you will be able to locate what you wish there or speak with the Master Gardener. She could help. However, for my favor I just ask for a very small boon from each of you. I am working on a research project and have run into an issue with my resources. To continue, I require a very small amount of blood from each of you. Just a tiny pin prick, you really won't even miss it."

Knowledge nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

"Interesting, interesting. I, myself, generally support research, so I am inclined to accept your offer. But first, can you tell us a little about this project you are working on?"

Sense Motive vs Creature, Boon: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 2 = 21

Ironshanks weighs the creature's demands Who needs fresh blood for experiments? Hrm..

Geoclunicus recalls that this type of plant creature is resistant to acid 5, cold 5 and electricity 10. It also has a blood drain ability, which might explain why it wants your blood as that is likely its source of food.

Ironshanks gets a gut feeling (hunch) that Majordomo Pip is trustworthy, at least in regards to the deal it is offering.

It replies to Geo, "Tut tut tut now, I can't share priveledged information like that. I don't want anyone else horning in on my project. But other than a tiny prick, you won't be harmed in any way."

Unfortunately there is almost zero information here about the Majordomo and his research. Anything I make up is just going to lead to more questions, so I'm just letting you know there isn't anything there to pursue. My best guess is his 'research' is just 'who's blood tastes better'. However, to put some concerns to rest I will state that the blood donation does one hitpoint of damage and has no other effect. But I definitely need 100% of the group to agree to it before progressing. If any one of you objects, I don't feel good going by majority on this very odd request.

Sense Motive, versatile performance (oratory): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Just wanted to get Ahmande's own check in there for RP; since I know from Ironshanks higher roll that he doesn't detect subterfuge on this point, I will assume that Ahmande feels the same.

Ahmande studies the creature, and considers its request for blood. "I suppose it can't do too much harm," he says, and offers his hand.

"I can tell ye right now that I've prolly got the saltiest blood of the bunch." He chuckles a bit at what you THINK was a joke? His delivery just isn't very well polished.

Perform: Comedy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14

Ironshanks agrees to the little plant's request, removing his left hand's gauntlet and revealing 5 beautiful, plump sausage fingers, flush with fresh blood from the earlier 'knuckle dance' with Clyde and his friends.

With a simple shrug, Durvak offers a hand as well.

"Wes appreciate'en yas kindness."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Suspicious. That one word rings in Yangrit's head. And yet, the other members of the party don't seem to be suspicious, and she doesn't get an insincere vibe from this sentient plant-thing. It takes considerable discipline to control her knee-jerk reaction to refuse its macabre request with vehemence, but with long-practiced breathing she manages to calm herself enough to cooperate. She offers the ring finger on her left hand stoically, then steps back away from the thing, never turning her back to it.

sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Farlen, after a member or two submits to the blood withdrawl, will do the same. "Every mage knows that blood is the essence of life. It can be used for horrible things. My mind is completely screaming not to do this. However, I am part of the whole here."

"This couldn't possibly come back to haunt me later.' Farlen continues in a sarcastic tone.

"Very well, then, it seems we have an accord."

Geo offers his hand.

If they all agree, Pip approaches each pathfinder and transforms one of his fingers into a thin, translucent, syringelike tube with a needle-sharp tip and withdraws a small amount of blood (dealing 1 hit point of damage).

The blood flows through the needle and via a long, translucent vein to one of the nodules on his back. J. seems quite reluctant, but after all of the pathfinders agree and complete the process, she steps up and steels herself through the process, "This a normal thing for pathfinding?"

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The Majordomo leads the way to the west, pointing out things of interest, "See here, this floor is all broken up. Watch your step."

Decaying vines carpet the walls and ceiling of this room. The floor is riddled with narrow cracks and fissures, extending several feet below.

This room is in total darkness from lack of light. The cracked floor area is treated as difficult terrain. Nothing to find, but declare how you are managing the darkness please. I'll move us along to the next room next chance I get to post.

As her vision shifts to black and white, Yangrit recalls that some races can't see in the dark like dwarves. "Do we need to stop for a bit so those who cannot see in the dark can find a light?"

Ironshanks points to his bare thumb to receive his blood draw "Best not be doin' anythin' like makin' giant demons n devils with mah blood Mr Domo. You seem like a good sprout though so I trust ya." He gives J a nod of acceptance as she does the same.

"Fire up them flash lights of yers ya bunch of long legs!" He snorts comically as he slips his gauntlet back on then tries to stay near the front and skirt the broken floor.

Acrobatics? Hopefully not.: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (10) - 2 = 8

Farlen will cast light on his crossbow. "That should help with watching our step."
He waves the weapon around to get a quick look around. "Lead on Majordomo."

"I can't believe I wasn't prepared for dark places."

Geo somehow has no wand, spell prepared or mundane item to deal with the dark... luckily he has low-light vision, so maybe Farlen's light will suffice.

"This a normal thing for pathfinding?"

"Donating blood to mysterious creatures we meet? Well, no, not specifically," Ahmande offers with a chuckle. "But making compromises--sometimes unpleasant ones--to complete the mission, well yes; definitely."

Ahmande looks grateful for Farlen's light, as he too seems unprepared for total darkness.

"Iffin we's kin make-us friends 'stead o enemies, es gud fer paffies. Sep'rates us from 'em As-pis Consorts." replies Durvak, falling in line.

"No need light Durvak way. Masta blesses 'em wich dark-sight."

Darkvision

J. writes a quick note mumbling to herself, "Compromise your values to complete the mission, got it."

;)

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Those with darkvision see no issues in the room and may be mildly annoyed as the elves and humans show their weaknesses. However, quick thinking by Farlen easily overcomes any issues. Ironshanks even does a very slow pirouette over the cracked floor to show how easy it is to traverse.

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The group moves into the next hallway.

A collapsed sign near the door lists the exhibit that was on display in this gallery at the time of the earthquake: “Flowering Shrubs of Eastern Taldor”. Plants once grew in the large, ceramic planters that still hug the southern wall. Dozens of branches clinging to decaying leaves emerge from the wooden door to the north. To the east, a room with healthy trees and shrubs is visible through a glass door set in a wrought iron frame.

Nothing of note is found here.

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The door to the west leads them into a small room with no exits.

Dozens of healthy plants with vibrant and colorful leaves, fruit, and flowers emerge from the decay in this small greenhouse, spilling out of the pots and berths that once contained them.

Majordomo Pip begins proudly chattering about this room, "So this is the magic plant room. Literally magic plants. There used to be a wizard botanist that worked here, or at least that is what the notes I found claimed. Anyway, some of them have some really beneficial effects. These two ripe walnuts over here provide a divine shield around your body. This vine here will let you climb all over any wall. And it looks like the last two cherries here will shrink you down a size. Next these two huge watermelons will grow you big a size. A single bite will work on any of them. And lastly, I believe this leaf here will grant you temporary invisibility."

Okay, so this is straight up a loot room. If you didn't befriend Pip, you'd have had to ID all this stuff but since you did they are happy to share their knowledge. The DC's to ID them are also really low for a group like this, so it wouldn't be an issue anyway. I'll list what you all can collect and you are welcome to divy things up. Caster Levels are standard for each item and they function like a potion (move to draw if not in hand and standard to 'eat'). Next post (tomorrow hopefully?) will move us along to the next area.

• 2x Potions of Shield of Faith
• 1x Potion of Spider Climb
• 2x Potions of Reduce Person
• 2x Potions of Enlarge Person
• 1x Snapleaf

Ahmande takes one of the ripe walnuts (shield of faith). "J, maybe you should carry that leaf; invisibility is one of the best defenses if we get into trouble, and you can also trigger it in case of a fall (feather fall). We should divvy up the rest where they'd be most useful."

If nobody else claims it, Ahmande would also happily carry the spider climb vine.

Yangrit's eyes almost light up at the treasure trove of beneficial plants. A fruit salad sounds delicious! "I tend to be up front with little protection. A walnut and a watermelon sound great to me." If there is no objection, Yangrit will take one of each (Shield of Faith and Enlarge Person). "That reminds me. I have a wand of Mage Armor that I cannot activate. If one of you spell casters would do that for me now, I would appreciate it. Anyone else can have a tap of it too. J., it will help protect you from harm. We seem to be safe enough now, but once we move on we have no idea what we will encounter." She draws her wand and holds it out.

Geo will take a reduce person, as he doesn't tend to want to be in the thick of battle anyway. He'll take whatever remains as well, just no sense in leaving free magic behind!