[Outpost IV] GM Ladile & the Pathfinder Society Present: You Only Die Twice (Inactive)

Game Master Lady Ladile

"Yes, let's secure them so that they can be returned to their families and properly buried."

Guy nods at that, though he makes no move to help dig. In fact he backs off a bit.

Bubba scratches his head as they talk about digging "We're going to dig up dead people? Then what?" He looks around at the group and the lack of something big like a wagon.

"Maybe we should do this after we get what we came for? How do we run away carrying dead people around... and I don't think I want to carry a dead person!" He shies away from the grave site a bit, suddenly skeeved out.

"Frankie, we need answers. And sometimes the only way to get answers," the Ghostwriter says, pausing as he pulls two foot long metal bar out of his pocket. He presses down on a button and shakes the bar several times. The object lengthens to double it's original length, then a shovel head pops out of one end. "is to dig them up," he finishes.

I love my Traveler's Any Tool!

Yeah, I guess I'm not clear on if the order of operations should have been this after the other thing or not- I guess we're going to be lugging some coffins around?

We're looking for a book. The person last known to possess this book was buried in this grave. Digging up the grave would confirm whether the book is still on the corpse or if the corpse is still in the grave. But if somebody has a spell or ability that lets us determine these facts without digging up the grave, then please use it instead.

"I see there is hesitation amongst some of you about digging up this grave. May I suggest that if you are squeamish about exhuming a body that you may have chosen the wrong profession? I'm not sure how you have made it in the Pathfinder Society this long without having to dig up a corpse, because forensic investigation and archeological retrieval is a major part of what we do. Perhaps there is a nice library in which you could find employment?"

Aiden merely laughs. "He's right. Since when have you been sent on an assignment that doesn't involve the dirty work? I mean, they turned us into undead, for heaven's sake. And those Pharasmins were clueless. They certainly could have buried the book or other clues with Heth. Let's get him out."

"Absolutely. You should dig up the bodies."

The tengu grunts as he begins shoveling the cold earth. "And the grave is most likely haunted because the incompetent dolts mucked up when they consecrated the burial site. Guy, I'm sure you'll be able to give them a proper send off once they have been re-interred. Or I guess we could carry the bodies back home instead."

If they didn't walk off on us.

"Maybe we could burn the bodies? I can't see lugging them around. If there are any. I could consecrate the area again, but I don't think that did much good."

Bubba is quickly fascinated with the metal rod that turns into a shovel. "Neat!" He stands nearby, dagger in one hand and the other pawing through the dug up earth.

"My friend Meredith has a farm. She likes getting her hands dirty, its fun to watch her grow things. We do find lots of worms, someone told me once they were good for catching fish, but I think they're full of hooey. Who'd want to catch fish with a worm when you can use your hands?" He grins and bares some impressively little ghoul fangs.

"I didn't think they maybe already had what we were looking for.. guess we're stuck checking." He watches for signs of bodies.

Though it's rather dirty (for everyone) and distasteful (for some of you) work, you quickly decide that it might be best to exhume the bodies buried here to see if perhaps the Pharasmins managed to bury the Testament of Geb with the poor unfortunate Joktan.

With the grave being only a week or two old the earth is still fairly easy to turn once the stones for the cairn are moved aside. As you dig the smell of rotting flesh begins to seep out of the grave, growing stronger the further down you go. Eventually, several feet down, you finally uncover a number of corpses in an advanced stage of decomposition amid a puddle of dark, brackish water, crawling with worms and other scavenging insects.

As best as you can, you pick through the belongings that the bodies were buried with but aside from some rather standard adventuring gear, weapons, and armor, you don't find any trace of the book you seek - though you do find a wayfinder engraved with the initials 'J. H.'.

You remember that Kuryn had mentioned hearing rumors of a book being kept in the Urgathoan temple further to the south. If it's not among Joktan's belongings then perhaps it's still there, in the temple?

”Nasty work. We should probably get that wayfinder home, as it would probably bring someone back there a bit of closure at least. As is, that leaves us to check the temple as I don’t see any other leads,” he volunteers to the others.

The Ghostwriter clicks his beak as he looks down in the rotting corpses. After the party retrieves the way finder he gingerly replaces the bodies and begins burying the bodies.

"I wonder if we can do anything about the insects. At the very least we should make sure they are put back with respect."

Aiden glances at Guy to see if he wants to bless the bodies or at least say any words. He takes the wayfinder to inspect it. "Just hurry up. We need to find the book."

Just a standard wayfinder? Any ioun stones in it?

Guy is relieved to see that the corpses are just corpses. He's not surprised nature is having its way with them - that is the way of things.

"I don't have any miracles readies to handle this type of thing. I could use my bonded item to cast a spell, though I'm not sure what it would be. It seems the consecration did not take so another one of those seems pointless. We could stack them up and burn them. I'm pretty handy at starting a fire, but they are really wet. Maybe it is best I just say a few words over them."

Just a standard wayfinder.

Relieved to find the bodies where they're actually supposed to be and with no sign of the book you seek you decide that it would probably be best to reinter the bodies before moving on. Still, the eerie vision and flash of light that you encountered on your arrival at the gravesite leaves some of you feeling uneasy, as though there's something that's been left unfinished.

int: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Int: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Int DC15... unlikely!: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Frankie gets out his 'cocoa skin' to give an offering to the dead, but then realizes he gave it to the thirsty woman back in town. Instead he offers up some words of encouragement to the fallen Pathfinders.

"We're very sorry Joktan about what happened. We met your attackers and they apologized, if that helps at all." He sniffles a bit and continues "We're going to find your book and bring it back to the Lodge, and your wayfinder. You'll be a hero, not a ghoul." He digs a few stray pieces of taffy out of his pocket and tosses them down into the grave so they have something tasty to snack on.

Frankie isn't an idea man, he's a man of action! Ready to continue to the library when you all are.

Int Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Hey, at least we're burning all these low rolls!

Aiden pockets the wayfinder to bring back. He looks back at the grave for a moment, but then shrugs. Time to find the book.

Does the body still look ghoulish? If so, can we reverse the process here and now?

Int: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

We're so smart!

The Ghostwriter neatly lays out the bodies in the grave before tossing dirt back on them. He counts the bodies and tries to see if there is anything that identifies them.

"How many people were on the first group. Do you think everybody is here?"

Guy shrugs. "I don't think we asked."

int roll to remember: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14 in case it was mentioned off thread (i.e. the GM decides to give us that info anyway).

Intelligence 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

”Ive heard talk that sometimes goodly priests will use positive energy on the corpses to help with the consecration process. I didn’t hear Ole whatshisname anything about that. You think that a bit of positive energy might help protect the corpses?”

The bodies look as 'normal' as can be expected given the circumstances; you'll recall Kuryn realized his mistake because the undead illusion over Joktan and his companions faded after they were killed.

As you prepare to reinter the bodies you do one last count to make sure that everyone from Joktan's team is accounted for, which seems to be the case. His group numbered five, including himself, and there are four bodies within the grave.

The scenario never actually specifies how many people Joktan had with him but I'd assume an average-sized group of anywhere from 4-6 including himself.

Aiden carefully pockets Joktan's wayfinder as the Ghost Writer begins to shovel the dirt back over the bodies. 'Bubba' grows uncharacteristically somber and says a few words of apology for the fate of his fellow Pathfinders, swearing that he and the rest of you will finish Joktan's mission so he can hopefully rest more easily. And as the words leave 'Bubba's' lips...each and every one of you feel as though the oppressive feeling that hangs around the cairn lightens.

Almost as though someone is listening...and feels soothed by the young agent's words.

It's also about this time that a lantern flickers on above Molos' head as he remembers something about burial rights and positive energy! It couldn't hurt to try, could it?
______________

Between Molos making the check and 'Bubba's' amazing luck, you're now on the right track to resolving this side issue :)

"Sure thing, I'm on it."

Guy approaches the grave and channels positive energy making sure he does not catch any of the PCs in the glow, which is will require cooperation since he does not have selective channeling.

"You may want to back up for this."

Bubba smiles, knowing somehow that his words were heard. He struts away so Guy can zap them with some holy light. "Now that that's done, let's go find that book!" He giggles and hunches down nearly on all fours, ready to race the others towards the temple.

"Last ghoul there is a goblin zombie!"

Aiden makes sure to give Guy some clear room for him to channel. He wonders if the Sarenrite's own channeling will harm him and watches with morbid interest.

Once everyone falls back, Guy focuses on his holy symbol and calls upon Sarenrae's divine light to channel a burst of positive energy over the reassembled cairn. Luckily he remembers to exclude himself from the burst at the last minute and doesn't suffer any damage for his trouble.

As the positive energy washes over the grave that, combined with 'Bubba's' earlier apology, finally seems to put the lingering spirits here to rest. The oppressive feeling finally fades and a slight breeze rustles through the trees. For a second you even think that you hear a voice, whispering, 'Thank you...'

The breeze fades and as you wait, the air slowly begins to fill with the sounds of the natural world once more.
______________

Off to the temple?

"Let's head to the temple. Be careful, though, for I expect that something terrible awaits us there."

The Ghostwriter begins to move towards the temple.

Guy is quite certain he is right, but no guts, no glory.

"At least we are still hidden by my spell."

Aiden nods. "You know, the most deadly thing so far has been the living. We'll see if that holds up."

Frankie doesn't wait. When it comes to races Frankie always tries to win... sometimes though his directions don't line up.

Survival: Which way to Mexico?: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

The temple of Urgathoa stands somberly atop the low hill, it’s dark, smooth stone seeming to suck the hollow light from the air into itself, giving off an aura of darkness. Large double doors stand ajar, providing a glimpse into the square sanctuary within. A black altar stands on a raised dais along the south wall, covered in cobwebs and dust. Small torches are set into pillars throughout the room cast an eerie, flickering glow on the entire chamber.

A vile mass of writhing worms in undulating humanoid form stands atop the altar. Surrounding him on the temple floor are four emaciated-looking humanoid creatures with long, sharp teeth and pallid skin who watch his every move, swaying back and forth and chanting in a tongue at times guttural and at others sibilant. In fact, these four creatures look very similar to yourselves in general appearance.

They don't seem to be aware of your presence - at least not yet.

kn religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24, resistances and immunities

In a low voice Guy utters "They look like us, only for real. Ick."

The Ghostwriter readies his bow as he silently moves into range, skirting the edge of the wall and trying to find any cover at all to hide behind.

Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

The Ghostwriter always tries to get in a surprise attack if the opportunity presents itself. He would want to get within 30 ft. so he can take advantage of his Hidden Strike ability.

Before approaching, Tiera uses her wand to recast shield and stores it away.

Bubba watches everyone get ready for battle, when they seem ready he strolls in and acts like he belongs there, moving just inside the doorway and watching the ceremony. When they call out to him he'll introduce himself, if he's ignored for more than a minute though he gets impatient and speaks up.

"I'm Bubba, Bubba Ho-tep. Corpselight is under attack from Quickies with the burning light. Corvalos calls for your help." He tries to make his voice as raspy and hurried as possible, waving for them to follow him out.

Take 10 on Bluff and Diplomacy: 27 and 25 respectively.

Aiden crouches behind a wall, then flicks his wrist and a wand drop into it. He taps himself lightly on the leg until a pale green field appears around him. Then he draws a potion and drinks it.

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

UMD Shield: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Drink a potion of Protection from Evil.
I'm assuming Aiden can do all of that since we're not in initiative yet.

Yea, Guy hides behind a wall or tree or something big and sturdy that isn't a target like, say, a PC. In fact he would like to be at least 35' away from any 'targets'.

Molos follows ‘Buba’ rather closely. He figures it might be best to hide in plain sight this time.

Upon to realizing that there are things inside the temple ahead, everyone quickly ducks for some cover and works to get some protections in place. Guy is able to discern that the four emaciated creatures within the temple are ghouls but none of you seem to know what the strange, humanoid-shaped worm-thing could possibly be.

Once you've got some additional magical protections in place, some of you attempt to meld into the shadows and move closer to take up ambush positions. The Ghost Writer manages to creep into the temple and immediately ducks to the left of the door, ready to pounce on one of the ghouls that's only a few feet away. Aiden stops just outside the temple doors, ready to do the same. Molos follows closely behind 'Bubba' while Guy and Tiera opt to hang back a little bit. After giving his silent-lurker companions a few moments to get into position 'Bubba' strides forward, into the temple, and calls out in an attempt to try and trick the beings within into coming outside.

As 'Bubba' calls out, three of the ghouls continue their chanting but one of them turns to look at the new arrivals. The robed figured pauses for a moment and then slowly turns around...and reveals that where a face should be, is nothing but a mass of writhing worms.

"No...no, I think not. What do I care for Corpselight? I have much bigger fish to fry," the creature remarks in a hollow voice. "Welcome, travelers." The worm-thing pauses and looks directly at the Ghost Writer. "Yes, I see you back there. Be you true dead or, hmm, maybe Pathfinders in disguise? Ah well, it matters little to me now. Whoever you are, I'm glad you managed to find me - although truth be told, you’re rather late. At least someone will witness my greatest triumph. I’d take the time to explain things to you, but well, I’d rather just kill you and get this over with!"

Round 1

Molos
Bubba
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Walking-Worm-Thing
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Ghost Writer
Tiera (Shield)
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Ghouls
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Aiden (Longstrider, Protection from Evil, Shield)
Guy (Mage Armor)

Active Conditions: Hide from Undead (Everyone)

Environmental Conditions: None

Molos and Bubba are UP!

Temple of Death

Optional Battle Music

No surprise rounds buuuuut most of you still beat the ghouls on initiative at least!

Are the yellow dots something to be aware of terrain-wise? Or in any way, I suppose.

Ah! Those are bones scattered around on the floor, but not enough to make it difficult terrain.

Molos figured maybe being so far forward wasn’t the greatest idea. He quickly cast Mage armor and then 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 duplicates of Ghoul Molos appeared around him.

"PFFFTT! We're not Pathfinders... YOU'RE PATHFINDERS!" He retorts in his best school yard response. He draws his mithril dagger and goes on the defensive, doing his strange sideways monk-like crab shuffle.

Full defense: +8 dodge to AC, +4 for anyone adjacent to Bubba. 33AC

I'm guessing you mean Mirror Image, Molos? :)

A bit startled by the sudden (but probably inevitable) hostility, Molos conjures duplicates of himself to dazzle and confuse any potential foes! Meanwhile 'Bubba' offers the wittiest retort he can think of and draws his dagger, adopting a defensive stance to protect himself as well as any nearby allies.

"Hah! Once, but no more!" the worm-thing laughs in response to Bubba's taunt as he begins casting a spell. His movements, as well as those of the ghouls, suddenly become faster...

Round 1

Molos (Mirror Image 5 images)
Bubba (Total Defense)
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Walking-Worm-Thing
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Ghost Writer
Tiera (Shield)
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Ghouls
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Aiden (Longstrider, Protection from Evil, Shield)
Guy (Mage Armor)

Active Conditions: Hide from Undead (Everyone)

Environmental Conditions: None

Ghost Writer and Tiera are UP!

Temple of Death

Optional Battle Music

Tiera enhances her weapon as she advances, then seeing them still too far away fires a Magic Missile at the worm thing in the back.

Force Damage: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3, 3) + 3 = 11

She steels herself for an attack.

Go to 6/7 Panache if attacked in Melee for the Opportune Parry & Riposte, but back to 7/7 if that results in a crit

Yes, GM lol. Mirror Image, please!