[PFS 2e] GM Dinketry’s Bounties: (#4) Cat’s Cradle (Inactive)

Game Master dinketry

Sorry, Drazzel, that I didn’t comment on your attempt at rubbing your eyes. Unfortunately, the eye rubbing did nothing to quell the magical effect from the glitterdust. BUT IT FELT SOOOO GOOD. I’ll need a flat check for your spell attack, please.

Very good, Drazzel! BOTTLE CAP! Er, I mean, a bonus Hero Point to you!

Aeinquel's fiery blast misses the winged thing threatening Hepcut (or is it the other way around?), but as it banks to snicker at the wizard, a glaive blade slashes through it once, then twice, dropping it, quite dead to the sands. On the other side of the battlefield, the kobold's arcanely-perfected projectile and Erathiel's elven blade make short work of the last-standing enemy. Over the course of the next few seconds (30 seconds), everyone's eyes revert to normal vision, the starry sights fading away to nothing.

COMBAT END!

I'll assume that you will look at healing those injured. Spell effects will wear off as you take a few minutes to sort yourselves before progressing.

A brief examination of the strange winged creatures reveals no treasure on their person, and no treasure can be found in the rapidly-diminishing shadows of the large sphinx statue nearby. From that spot off the road, however, the sand dune plummets to another oasis pool shielded from the view of the road. The trappings of a ruined camp, including scattered equipment, abandoned tents, and the half-eaten corpse of a camel despoil the beautiful site. By the pool's southern edge, lounging over the remains of the pack animal, rests a large sphinx.

(Slide 1 updated)

As you stand there, barely breathing. The sphinx speaks in a somewhat-sulky voice, its deep baritone voice projecting across the sands.

“Are you here to attack me, too?”

"Not unless you plan to attack us first. You're hurt. What happened here?"

Can I make a recall knowledge on this sphynx? I have religion and nature at +6

"Ugh, I didn't even want to be on a stupid desert mission, so no I'm not gonna attack you. We're looking for a puzzlebox, its about yea big. Have you seen it?"

"Ugh, I didn't even want to be on a stupid desert mission, so no I'm not gonna attack you. We're looking for a puzzlebox, its about yea big. Have you seen it?"

”It was taken by bandits”, Kurvok adds. ”Did you see them?”

I would also like to make a Recall Knowledge attempt on the sphinx; +7 Arcane & Occult/+4 Religion & Nature.

The elf bows low. "May we examine the camp? It may be that this is where the bandits we are pursuing were staying."

Hepcut Cloudsteel wrote:

"Ugh, I didn't even want to be on a stupid desert mission, so no I'm not gonna attack you. We're looking for a puzzlebox, its about yea big. Have you seen it?"

”It was taken by bandits”, Kurvok adds. ”Did you see them?”

Drazzel glances around at the ruined camp.

"Am I the only one worried about the TALKING SPHYNX?!"

"He has a person head. Of course he talks."

The sphinx extends his claws, revealing an intricately carved puzzle box enclosed within. “I once dreamed of studying at the Magaambya to learn of your magic and history, but now I am close to abandoning my dreams and returning home to my mountain. Whenever I try to gift humanoids a riddle, they attack me like a common beast!” He narrows his eyes suspiciously at you all. “Are you any different?”

"We're looking for a puzzlebox, its about yea big. Have you seen it?"

The sphinx looks at Hepcut. "My name is Zandyk, orc, and as I promise my life to the Enigma of the Dark Flame, so shall I promise this trinket to you should you solve my riddle."

"I suppose we don't have much choice if we want the box."

"back when I was a small boy, my father would take me mushroom gathering and asked me riddles I needed to solve before going back to the village. I'd love to relive those memories with a riddle from you, Zandyk."

”Some stories about sphinxes and their riddles end in blood”, Kurvok replies, ”but I won’t attack if you won’t”

Aeinquel bows again to the creature. "It is said that your people treat a riddle pact as holy. Be assured that we will honor it likewise." He looks around at the others. "Even if we lose, our patron may accept the loss, knowing that such a one values something she crafted."

Zandyk smirks at Jun-Mei and Kurvok's words, then straightens up into a sitting position. He takes a deep breath.

"A legend---" Zandyk abruptly breaks off his recitation.

"No. That is too simple." The sphinx glances down at the half-eaten camel corpse. "I grow tired of eating raw camel and entreating with the ignorant. Impress me, humanoids. If you would like this puzzle box and the honour of my riddle, then do me some small honour." He looks about at the whole party.

"SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT...*ahem*, I mean, show me what you've got."

You can attempt to make an impression or dazzle the sphinx with some example of your skills. Alternately, you can try to prove to Zandyk how clever or crafty you are. You may each attempt one check.

The elf ponders. "Your knowledge is doubtless considerable, both broad and deep. I'll try to find something you didn't know, though."

GM D, Aeinquel is Trained in several different Lore skills, all of which are at +7. Let's go with Genealogy. Is this a secret roll?

Technically, Aeinquel, yes. Good call.

Kurvok’s face darkens as he glares at the sphinx, his brow furrowing.

”I am Kurvok Thragson of Irrisen, and I am the storm made flesh!”

He casts a spell, sending a cascade of water into the air that sparks with electricity. The breeze which had continuously stirred his hair now whirls around him, picking up sand and other debris.

”My howl is the thunder booming across the sky!”, he shouts. ”I am brother to the wind, and master of the waves!”

He casts again, and throws his arms wide. A wave of water rises up behind him, and crashes against his back, spraying around him in a massive burst. The swirling winds grow stronger, spreading wider, with driving rain soaking the sand.

”I am the fury of nature unleashed!”, he screams above the whirlwind. ”I destroy without pity, laying waste to all in my path, leaving silence and death in my wake!”

Casting tempest touch and tidal surge

Intimidation +6

Zandyk claps his paws together politely at Kurvok's show, a bemused smile on his face.

"Clearly, the mystery of the winds and the waves moves through you," Zandyk remarks. "Be you a devotee of Gozreh, Kurvok, son of Thrag?"

That's one success. I need Aeinquel to answer the question I've got for him, and we're awaiting Jun-Mei, Drazzel, Hepcut, and Erathiel.

Yes.

Drazzel steps forward.
Watchy dis, mister Zandyk!

I haz power of ancient dragons!!! Rrraaawwwrrrr!!! He roars.

Drazzel holds out his arms as he summons the ancient power of dragons from within. His body bulks up a bit as it takes on a more draconic form and his scales begin to glow like red flame. With arms outstretched and fingers curved, vicious claws sprout from his fingers.
He pretends to strike at something in front of him with his claws.
GRRR! GRRR! Imma dragon!

Keep watching. I's not done yet.

With a pointed claw, he traces an elaborate arcane symbol in the air then thrusts both arms forward. Suddenly, fifteen foot long gouts of flame bursts outward from his hands, the blast almost knocking the kobold backwards.
With a smug demeanor, he steps back and shakes his head self-approvingly to his companions.

Drazzel used his Dragon Claws focus power, then cast burning hands.

Jun-Mei spins her glaive with a flourish before placing it on the ground and kneeling beside it. She unstraps her gayageum from her back and plays softly as she relates a long story about Shelyn and how the events of that tale shaped the tenets of her worship.

religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Jun-Mei has the Student of the Canon feat

Aeinquel's discussion of the genealogy of Zandyk's line borders on the profane as he discusses what he knows about hieracosphinxes and androsphinxes. The sphinx flexes his large claws reflexively as Aeinquel expounds upon his knowledge. As he concludes his brief dissertation, Zandyk exhales slowly, then purrs (or is it growls?):

"Clearly, you are learned beyond the pale of your kin, elf - Aeinquel, is it? Impressive, if not uncomfortable in parts, to be sure."

When Drazzel steps forward and invokes his glorious show, the sphinx seems much more amused. He even laughs as the kobold knocks himself backwards with the climax of his show of power.

"Bravo, Drazzel!" Zandyk cheers.

At the sounds of Jun-Mei's instrument, Zandyk cocks his head. "It is an acquired sound, that music, I believe. Still, new experiences often broaden tastes."

Aeinquel and Jun-Mei achieved a success, while Drazzel achieved a critical success. We are waiting on Hepcut and Erathiel.

"I might not have any grandiose show of the arcane, and I cannot sing divine praises..." The elf looks around, distraught, his face then suddenly showing confidence. "But how about a parlor trick?"

Erathiel takes out his last gold coin once again. "You might know what this is. A single gold coin. But where is it? In this hand maybe." he shows the coin as he puts it in his palm. "Or maybe not." He opens his palm, to reveal it empty. He continues to do tricks with the coin, trying to impress Zandyk.

Thievery check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Hoping this is a good use of the thievery skill, since many magic tricks consist of palming an object :P

Hoping this is a good use of the thievery skill, since many magic tricks consist of palming an object :P

It’s actually an action that you can do using Thievery.

The sphinx follows Erathiel’s movements, watching the gold coin with rapt attention. When it comes to select the hand in which Erathiel holds the coin, Zandyk chooses confidently.

And incorrectly.

”Ha!” chortles Zandyk. ”Well done.”

That’s another success. Awaiting only Hepcut.

Zandyk claps his paws together politely at Kurvok's show, a bemused smile on his face.

"Clearly, the mystery of the winds and the waves moves through you," Zandyk remarks. "Be you a devotee of Gozreh, Kurvok, son of Thrag?"

That's one success. I need Aeinquel to answer the question I've got for him, and we're awaiting Jun-Mei, Drazzel, Hepcut, and Erathiel.

”I make offerings to the Wavelord before a voyage!”, Kurvok shouts above the storm, ”but my power is my own!”

He closes his eyes and tilts his head back, basking in the rain in this dry foreign land.

Refocusing

"Ready? Okay!" Hepcut claps her hands and begins her cheerleading routine. There are several call outs that are undecipherable to those outside the Drowning Sands tribe, but ends with her attempting a back hand spring and then several front tucks in a row.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

Zandyk watches Hepcut's routine with a shocked expression on his face. After the swashbuckler completes her tumbles and flips, Zandyk roars with laughter and gets to his feet.

"Clearly you are all bearers of immense talent!" In sotto voce, the sphinx continues, a slow smile creeping over his face. "Yet I wonder how your minds will handle my riddle..."

A legend that goes untold,
A scale that weighs no gold,
The blue of fishless seas,
I offer a rose and relief.
Beyond belief, I shrink realities.
What am I?

Zandyk sits back. "You have three guesses," he purrs. "I may have some clues to offer you, should you get stuck."

Please use the discussion thread to discuss what you think is the answer to the riddle amongst yourselves. If you post a guess as a character in this gameplay thread (in other words, in bold, as if your character says it), then it will count as a guess. Also, if you'd like to try to puzzle the riddle out without the clues, you may do so, but you've impressed Zandyk enough that he will give you two clues, as per the below spoilers. Good luck!

The group huddles up in discussion, suggestions made and discarded in hushed tones (except for one), until finally they face the sphinx.

”Whether traveling the seas of water or sand”, says Kurvok, ”you need a map to get where you’re going”

Zandyk luxuriantly stretches, his claws flaring in his hands like a cat stretching its paws. He then stands up, depositing the melon-sized puzzle box at your feet.

"You will visit me at the Magaambya sometimes, yes? I would be keen to see more of your ancient dragon magic....or your cheering spectacles." With those words, the sphinx flaps his wings and takes to the skies, leaving you at the oasis just as the sun hits its zenith in the sky.

If you care to try your hand at the puzzle box, please make a roll (not secret), and read the appropriate spoiler. Of course, once you achieve a roll that opens one spoiler, the other spoiler is moot and cannot be accessed. The Perception spoiler at the bottom may be tried by anyone (again, not secret), and has nothing to do with the puzzle box.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Aeinquel takes the box from Kurvok and considers it, recalling his lessons in woodworking.

Crafting check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

...and comes up empty. "Does anyone else want to try their hand at it?"

At Aeinquel’s touch, something quite obviously breaks inside of the puzzle box and a small piece of the contraption falls out at the wizard’s foot.

I am sorry; I was quite clear in my instructions. The puzzle box is now broken. No one else may try.

Where to now?

Haha! We dids it, we dids it!
Drazzel shouts excitedly.
Bye-bye, Mister Zandyk!
He says as he waves goodbye to the Sphinx.

With everyone huddled around, Drazzel glares wide-eyed at the puzzle box held in Aeinquel's hands with the others.
Oooh. Lemme try!
Drazzel reaches for the box.

*Click, clank, clunk*

Then notices that after the others fiddle with it, something inside breaks.
Awwz. You's broke it.
Drazzel says with a frown.

He looks down to see what fell to the ground.

Jun-Mei bows at the sphynx as he departs.

"Farewell my friend. Thank you for the most excellent riddle."

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

While Aeinquel is busy destroying the puzzle box, Jun-Mei moves to the corpse of the camel and begins to gather up a number of odd metallic cogs and sprockets scattered about nearby.

At the risk of asking a rather foolish question, what skill would have allowed Aeinquel to know the potential results of his attempt? Is it something that was obvious by inspection?

ETA: Also too, what's the Bulk on the puzzle box?

Jun-Mei gathers a few pieces of contraptions stamped with the Wizelboom surname as the team plots their trip back to Eto. A few uneventful hours later finds them in front of the Wizelboom's Wonders caravan parked in front of the Bent Coin. Tidbit listens in rapt attention as the team recounts their adventures while she counts out the team's payment from her coffers.

Here's your opportunity to tell Tidbit what happened.

"you should've been there! There were flying beasts, and a SPHYNX! No trace of the bandits..." Erathiel scratches his chin. "I think the spynhx ate them... But anyway! The sphynx was named Zandyk and it asked us to..." Erathiel goes on to tell the whole story in vivid detail.

Jun-Mei sets up her gayaguem and begins to play while Erathiel tells his tale. She uses this time to compose a haiku which she sets to music.

"Three gremlins attack
Mighty sphynx asks his riddle
Puzzle box retrieved"

Drazzel listens to the other's stories and Jun-Mei's poem.
Yeah! And I thought those desert imps were the bandits until we got over the hill and saw the s'pinx munching on a camel. The real bandits who stoles puzzle-box probably not answer their riddle from s'pinx correctly 'cause they's already dead when we's got there.

Sorry we's broke puzzle-box.

Tidbit responds to the team's report.

"WOW gremlins and a sphinx? THE latter are reported to be very touchy creatures YOU should feel proud of your achievements..." She trails off at Drazzel's confession, then shrugs her shoulders with a smile.

"IT'S just fine THIS gives me the opportunity to tinker with it a bit more and see if I can programme it with similar self-protection mechanisms as employed for my caravan THANK you so much for recovering my puzzle-box HERE is your payment and may I say I will happily provide a writ of recommendation for your work!"

Tidbit hands off small pouches of payment to each of you (4gp) before mounting her caravan and rumbling back onto the Golden Road.

This ends the bounty! Congratulations, team! Your chronicles can be found at the below link. I like to add a little bit extra to chronicles - please consider the 'Notes' section as pure flavour; there is no real in-game effect to my silly comments.

Your Chronicles

Feel free to continue role-playing; I'll keep this thread open for a few more days! It was a pleasure to run this for each of you. Happy Days.

Thank you's for reward!
Drazzel says as the pouch of coins is dropped into his hands.

E'cuse me, Miss Tidbit. Seeing that you has caravan, do you have room for another merchant to come along? I must get out of Eto quicks and back to Abs'lom.

Drazzel turns to his companions and gives a big bow.
It was big pleasure adventuring with fine passafinders such as you. I's hopes to travel again with you's real soon! Farewell, my friends!

Drazzel hops aboard a wagon and waves goodbye as it travels towards the setting sun.

As Drazzel rolls away, Kurvok pats his coin pouch to make sure his reward is still there. Then he turns to Hepcut.

”What was that thing you drink? Dakka-ree?”

Ah. Missed that question.

The scenario doesn’t specify a bulk for the puzzle box, but extrapolating from the scenario description makes me assume that it’s between 5-10lbs, so it’s 1 Bulk.