[PFS_CORE_Aerondor] 01-49 Among the Dead - Outpost IV (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

kn religion: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

"It will take time to dig out these people and I will surely not do it!" the petite woman says.

She casts detect magic and looks around.

Ledt steps into the room, still focusing into detecting magic.

When Sigil comments the southern room moves he angrily says "Are you sure this is a secret wall and not a wall trap about to fall over us?"

Just in case, the halfling makes another step, this time north, to take distance from the moving wall "I can guess the rune is about Zyphus? The cult was supposed to be their worshipers, Shen"

Knowledge (Religion) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

"Well now." Graff examines the room.

"Looks like they started early and tried bringing the house down."

Sylvester looks at the others astride his Wolfhound. He is careful to always guide his dog along a path already travelled by a party member to minimise the chances of triggering a trap.

"Those bodies were people before they were bodies. So it might be worth the effort for some big and strong people to dig them out. We do not want to leave any treasure behind."

Sylvester's wand is half-sheathed providing illumination from the light spell to the group.

He spends a moment to look around but stays put on his mount.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Hadanka quietly mutters, We can dig for treasure on the way out. I, personally, don't wish to die from a poisoned arrow with a shovel in my hand.
Silgil, is that moving wall trapped? This direction certainly is?

"The point Hadanka is that we do not know what they have. They might have a plan of the traps ahead, keys, treasure or absolutely nothing at all."

"We are currently not under attack so now seems like a good time to do it. I can keep watch if you like."

Considering that we have no one able to deal with traps or locked doors I suggest we do not pass on obvious opportunities to help our case here.

Hadanka grumbles, Oh all right. You keep sharp watch though. He continues quietly muttering under his breath while he walks over to the pile of rubble, checking the opening to the north while he does.

Believe it or not, I actually have a shovel in my inventory.

stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
strength: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Silgil looks right. There is something off about that wall, as if it may be able to move or be moved.

Silgil approaches the wall while Hadanka messes with the pile.

"Yes, well I will give it a good look and see if I can figure it out."

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

kn engineering: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Graff shrugs as he attempts to assist clearing the rubble away to reveal crushed bodies....

Shen examines the rune. She is pretty sure it is the sigil of Zyphus. Shen is aware that stone blocks detect magic, and while the rune on the statue is not magical, anything under the pile would be unlikely to be deteced.

Hadanka starts to haul away rocks.
to start: 1d10 ⇒ 8
AFter eight minutes you are making some good progress. Both Ledt and Shen detect magical auras under the reduced rock pile.
Another the rest: 1d10 ⇒ 10 minutes pass before you get the two bodies out. They are dressed in a manner quite similar to that of Hustavan, who offers great encouragement as you dig. "Oh masterfully moved my lords. Masterful."

One has a scroll tube with a magical aura within in. The other is wearing a magical ring and a magical cloak.

Meanwhile Silgil is pretty sure he has located a catch that would move the wall at the end.

While you dig, you detect the sound of some shuffling feet further down the large corridor.

"Less petulance and more work" Ledt blurts out at Hustavan, offering him the chance to dig.

"You big ones, protect the south corridor while we examine this scroll and ring, something is coming" the halfling says while trying to identify their properties.
Spellcraft (scroll): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Spellcraft (ring): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Spellcraft (cloak): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 3 rounds holding each item required to identify them

With a grin, Hadanka picks up his scythe and steps to the side. He is ready to slash anything coming through the opening.

Sylvester grins with the magical rewards vindicating his decision for the big ones to dig.

"Well worth the effort. Look at all this loot!"

Sylvester tries to not be rude so he allows Ledt to finish. He reads the scroll magically and tries to identify the items.

Read Magic - Scroll

Spellcraft, Ring: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Spellcraft, Cloak: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

I do not believe you have to hold the item to identify. Detect Magic has a good range.

"If anyone else would like to examine the items feel free."

Sylvester directs his invitation to the wizards in the group but is open for any other party member to try.

Taking a position beside his fellow half orc, he gives Hadanka a grin and looks towards where that something might be coming.

Silgil uses his pearl of power to get back a spell of magic missile while the others are digging, then joins in, not averse to getting his hands dirty.

Once the items are unearthed, the three spell slingers pass the items around, each taking a a turn at one of the items.

Spellcraft (scroll): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
Spellcraft (ring): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
Spellcraft (cloak): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24

"If we need to slip away, I think I can open this door."

"Oh very wise my lord." says your obedient ex-cultist. He ambles forward and starts to help moving rocks. His age and infirmity however makes him not the most useful rock mover.

As the items are extracted, a waft of dead flesh can be smelt. Looking right, a very large. Very large, creature is trying to squeeze through the narrow doorway to get to you.

Status, bold may post
Ledt
Hadanka -
Sylvester
Shen -
Graff
Big thing that smells of death.

Sylvester gestures attempting to bring the big creature down. He greases the floor directly underneath the undead monster.

(Cast Grease - Reflex DC 16)

ref: 1d20 ⇒ 16

While the area is slippery, the big figure remains on its feet. Perhaps the tight conditions helped it, providing little room to fall in.

Status, bold may post
Ledt
Hadanka -
Shen -
Graff
Big thing that smells of death.
Sylvester

Knowledge (Religion) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

That there is a zombie. A zombie of a real big creature, probably some type of giant.

However zombie seems to be a little unusual.. but Graff is not sure exactly what feels off about it.

Shen casts HASTE on the party!!

At the sight of the oversized zombie, Ledt raises his hand towards him and commands the dancing lights to approach it for perfect lightning "The visit is here, and by the size of it, it is more stupid and hungry than any other before" the hair of the halfling crackles with energy, it seems to fizzle for a second, but with great heroics Ledt shakes the hand and clenches his teeth to make it work.
ray+PB+haste (touch, precise shot): 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 11 character folio reroll

A powerful spark of electricity jumps from his hand towards the giant zombi!
ray+PB+haste+GM stars (touch, precise shot): 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 3 = 27
Scorching Ray electrical damage+PB: 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6, 4, 6) + 1 = 22

The halfling steps back.

hp 37/37 AC 21 TAC 16
mage armor 5 h
haste 6r

Status, bold may post

Ledt
Hadanka -
Shen -
Graff
Big thing that smells of death.
Sylvester

What about Silgil?

Graff shrugs and prepares to Charge!

Will Charge after the rest have taken their turns.
Attack with Charge 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 201d12 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Silgil will whip out a scroll of command undead and give it a try on the shambler. When he gets a chance of course.

Everyones pulse quickens. The first thought is there is an aweful aura of fear around the zombie, but no! It is Shen hasting you all.

Ledt then fires a nasty ray of electricity at the poor zombie. It's not like it asked to be a zombie. Hits it right between the eyes.

Silgril takes out a scroll... and reads it. And presumably tells it to stop It grinds to a halt.

Status, bold may post everyone is hasted!
Hadanka -
Graff - will charge after Had if he still wants to.
Big thing that smells of death. 22 damage
Sylvester
Shen -
Ledt
Silgil

Buffs:
Heroism - from Silgil, dur 70 rounds total (how much left?)
Haste - dur 6 rounds
Rage - dur 8 rounds
AC=17, HP: 48 of 48

Hadanka roars and slashes from the shadows.
cold iron scythe att: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24, if hits, scythe dam: 2d4 + 10 ⇒ (2, 2) + 10 = 14
scythe haste att: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34, if hits, scythe haste dam: 2d4 + 10 ⇒ (3, 1) + 10 = 14 !!!
scythe crit confirm: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32, if hits, scythe dam: 6d4 + 30 ⇒ (1, 2, 3, 2, 1, 4) + 30 = 43

Crits with a scythe are so dang much fun!

As soon as he gains control of the zombie, he roars, "Hold off! I have control of the creature and it will aid us for now on!"

@Hádanka
So, do you want to hold off on that attack so we have this nice big minion to send through the traps, or do you really want to have that crit? I would understand either way.

Well, I didn't bother going for init. So lets see if Had was going ahead of Silgil.

Had init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Silgil: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

So Hádanka you can definitely hold the attack if you want. But if you feel that you want the zombie dead, or don't really trust Silgil's control, feel free to keep it up.

Graff nearly falls flat on his face as he pushes off with his lead foot joining in the charge only to attempt a clumsy brake or so upon hearing Silgil's words.

His axe placed upon his shoulder before charging and getting swung midway in an over head chop smashes into the ground , its edge instantly chipping and Graff skidding to a stop as he falls on one knee as if giving fealty.

Embarrassed he quickly regains his feet..........

The gnome chuckles a belly laugh almost rolling off his dog as the half-orc skids to a halt.

"It is a shame that you cannot bottle up that rage. I am certain it would have been a mighty blow indeed. I guess we will never really know."

He turns to Silgil.

"Well done. I really need to pick up a scroll of that spell myself. It is just so handy at times. Now we have a huge brute to dig or fall into traps."

Hadanka prepares masterful swing ant the giant creature's neck, but pauses when Silgil tells him to hold off. You sure?

The said huge and dead brute just stands there. Looking dumb. And squashed. Man, if a zombie could look uncomfortable, this one would.

"I'm certain. Do you want it to gesticulate as proof? Zombie, wiggle your fingers."

Ledt shakes his hand as the heroic spark damages the now potential ally "Cool. That is probably the oversized dumbest companion I have ever had. And I have had many dumb big guys around, I tell you"

Then pointing to the secret wall "That wall you said before it is moving... can you make the zombie open it? That way we can figure if it is a secret door or a trap"

The zombie wiggles its fingers. They don't appear very dexterous. But it does appear pretty strong. While it might not be able to activate the wall, it might be able to smash straight through it (if it were thin enough).

@GM Aerondor - Can you tell us about the scroll, cloak and ring that we found?

Sylvestor determines that the scroll is one of lesser restoration. He also identifies the ring a a ring of climbing. He can't quite work out what the cloak does though. Neither can Ledt. That said it does have abjuration magic on it.

If no one else wants to, Hadanka is willing to wear an unknown cloak.

Before opening it, Hadanka closely inspects the movable wall for traps.
perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Hadanka spots no traps on the wall. He does manage to open it up. Beyond is a 10x10 area, with stairs heading downward to the right.

He can't quite work out what the cloak does though. Neither can Ledt. That said it does have abjuration magic on it.

How about Silgil, he got a 24 in this post.

"Shall we send Gumbo down ahead of us?"

Ahh, well. Silgil. Dark horse that he is. Silgil is pretty sure it is a +2 cloak of resistance.

"I will take the ring if no one else does" Ledt affixes the ring in his finger.

"Well... sure, send the Jumbo Gumbo down ahead, why not?" the halfling prepares to go short behind the zombie, pointing his hand at it, still not believing it will not turn to attack them.

'How did these cultists get a zombie this size?" Graff is curious.

Sylvester keeps the scroll of Lesser Restoration for now placing it in a wooden case at his waist.

Without Read Magic or Spellcraft or UMD the party Cleric will be unable to cast the scroll as the caster has to decipher the scroll beforehand. Fortunately Sylvester has a good UMD bonus.

"By all means send your monster ahead."

Sylvester is careful to note exactly where people are walking so he can follow in their footsteps.

Silgil, send the brute down the stairs, we will follow.

Silgil announces that the cloak is one that helps resist spells and such and then, after it is taken, sends Gumbo on ahead of the party.

Silgil already has one of those cloaks so he is not interested.

...

Silgil already has one of those cloaks so he is not interested.

Looks like Graff has the worst Fort and Refl saves. Those are the most commonly needed for traps.

I moved the zombie onto the stairs. I can go behind it. the rest of you are still in the other rooms. I guess Silgil has to be close enough to direct the zombie. I don't know about the rest of you.

I'm happy to take it and also happy not to be on the receiving end of those traps. :P

The giant bashes a hole in the wall, and then steps onto the platform beyond. As it turns to try and squeeze down the stairs... the platform collapses under it. Down, down, down in plumets.

Curious pathfinders look over the edge of what appears to be a very deep pit, with a large, but not large enough, zombie sitting at the bottom, impaled on a number of spikes.
ref: 1d20 ⇒ 4

poor zombie: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 6) = 14
spikes: 4d4 ⇒ (3, 3, 2, 4) = 12
thick skinned zombie makes spikes tough. Need 8s: 12d20 ⇒ (2, 5, 5, 16, 16, 14, 12, 13, 18, 12, 1, 12) = 126
spike damage: 8d6 + 40 ⇒ (1, 2, 2, 6, 3, 3, 3, 6) + 40 = 66

That zombie is still moving at the bottom of the pit.
Makes you glad you didn't have to fight it.