Taking in the view, Utara lets out a small sigh. "Such beauty to behold. Praise The Dark Prince's holy hand."
Turning back to the task at hand, he watches Onna check every inch of the door. Obviously running thin on patience, he grumbles "An easier way to see if it's trapped is to have one person swing it open while the others stand back."
Finally declaring it safe, he nods. "Shall we get to it then?"
The golden double doors enter into a wide hallway, ten feet wide and twenty feet long, with a decorated ceiling twenty feet high. At the east end of the hallway, a five-foot-wide doorway leads to a stone stairway down. Two stories beneath the entry chamber, the stairs open into a thirty-foot-by-forty-foot chamber of cold gray stone, its fifteen-foot-high ceiling supported by four granite columns flanking a single stone sarcophagus. Despite the austere decor in the crypt, the lid of the sarcophagus is carved in the form of an obese man with a gaunt face, his bony hands clutching an intricate scepter of interwoven mithril filigree.
*checks the next few paragraphs*
*GM sigh*
...But you don't get a chance to really look at any of that because there's a GROSS NASTY BOI in front of you!
It looks like some sort of...
Well, kind of like Frankenstein's monster? There isn't really a description here so I'm just putting it together by the name of the thing and some of the special notes...
Like if Frankenstein had never seen another human before, or perhaps he had and thought, "What if it was more like someone went into a slaughterhouse with a lot of glue and duct tape and tried to make some improvements on the human design?"
And then tried to make it out of bits of manticore and... large vulture?
Needless to say, it's gross.
GM Screen:
1d5 ⇒ 2
And it doesn't like you!
Updating the maps, rolling initiative... all that will come in a minute.
The creature lurches forward, running on its uneven legs, and arcs a catlike paw toward Kenta-- but the holy warrior is blessed by divine luck, apparently, because it scrapes right off his armor.
However, you all catch a big whiff of it.
It is not pleasant.
ROUND 1
??? (Charged; AC-2)
Toshiko
Ikari
Kenta
Utara
Onna
Phidoe
The party is up-- and EVERYONE owes me a DC12 Fort save vs Big Stinky! Anyone who fails is nauseated for 1 round.
LG Male Kitsune Paladin 6 (Fox Form) | Mods: Aura of Courage | Speed 20ft in Armor | Smite Evil 2/2, 2 Star Reroll 1/1 (share?) | HP 58 (-0) | AC/Tch/FF 19/12/17 | F/R/W +11/+8/+10 (+1 vs. Confusion, Immune Fear & Disease) | CMD 20 (Talisman or Teamwork Boon) | LoH: 6/6 (4d6 no Mercy, 3d6 w/ Sickened or Diseased Mercy) | +5 Diverse Training 1/1 | Init +2 | Perc: +1 (LL, +2 by Chance), SM: +5 (+2 by Chance)
The young fox waits a brief second to see if any inspiring things are going to be inspired. He also waits to see if Ikari is going to be super nice and remove all his fatigue.
Once those things are resolved, he steps to the side and swings his fancy found axe.
Delay, then do the aforementioned move action, then 5-ft, then hack away.
Fort vs DC 12:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Arcana:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
Just the mere sight of the creature was upsetting enough. When the putrid stench hits her, it is simply too much to bear. The worst part is that she does not have an inkling of what it is.
Slowly, Onna's complexion takes on an olive green hue. She then delicately vomits all over the stones.
Tiny Male LG "Dog" UnMonk 1/Paladin 2/UnRogue 2/Swash 1 | HP 58/58 | AC 26 T 25 FF 17 (w/ Mage Armor: 30/25/21) | CMB +11, CMD 22 | F +13, R +20 (evasion), W +8 | | Init +8 | Perc +9 SM +0 | Speed 40' | | Smite 1/1 | Lay on Hands 5/5 | Stunning Fist 2/2 | Active Conditions: Mage Armor
I forgot to ask earlier but if possible would have asked someone to activate wand of mage armor before we entered
Fort DC 12:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Although Phidöe manages not to retch there are times when he wishes he was not afflicted with the keen sense of smell of a dog, and this is one of them.
He rushes forward to kick the thing into oblivion before it can stink anything else up!
Acrobatics to avoid AoO, fatigue:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30 Climb, fatigue:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24Close enough that accelerated climbing is not needed
”Toshiko” | Female CG Kitsune Swashbuckler (Flying Blade) 4 | HP 40/40 | AC 18, T 14, FF 13 | CMD 19 | F +4 R +9 W +1 (+3 vs. charms, compulsions) | Init +4 | Perc +5 | Speed 30ft | Panache 3/3 | Active Conditions: Sickened
Sorry, getting University started yesterday and just did not get to posting. On top of that I went in there to find that there was no classes for that course yesterday.
Toshi yell Duck as she throws a knife through the doorway.
Ikari's spear comes up a little too late, and Kenta's not used to the new, admittedly-average-quality axe; still off-balance, his swing goes wide.
The rest of the foxes do significantly better, however;
Meanwhile, Onna puts a new mural on the floor.
Phidoe climbs onto the target, which seems a bad idea when Toshiko throws her starknife at it; it lodges itself into the creature anyway, thrown with an expert's deft hand.
With a hard kick in the ol' brainmeats and a chomp from Utara, the thing is looking...
Actually, it's still looking pretty good. Well, not "good" exactly, but not a whole lot worse than it did.
It screeches, and tries to smack the creature that climbed up! But Phidoe is too quick, bouncing from limb to back to head to limb with practiced skill.
Utara, however, isn't so lucky.
Not that he gets hit; rather, he can't help but feel like the creature didn't even notice the bite marks in it.
GM Screen:
vP:1d20 ⇒ 8 vU:1d20 ⇒ 11
Damage taken: 15, 5, 11
ROUND 1
Party Buffs: Fatigue Immunity
???
Toshiko
Ikari
Kenta
Utara
Onna
Phidoe (Mage Armor)
LG Male Kitsune Paladin 6 (Fox Form) | Mods: Aura of Courage | Speed 20ft in Armor | Smite Evil 2/2, 2 Star Reroll 1/1 (share?) | HP 58 (-0) | AC/Tch/FF 19/12/17 | F/R/W +11/+8/+10 (+1 vs. Confusion, Immune Fear & Disease) | CMD 20 (Talisman or Teamwork Boon) | LoH: 6/6 (4d6 no Mercy, 3d6 w/ Sickened or Diseased Mercy) | +5 Diverse Training 1/1 | Init +2 | Perc: +1 (LL, +2 by Chance), SM: +5 (+2 by Chance)
Kenta watches Onna carefully, "You okay there Ma'am? Going to puke again? Do not fret, we can win this fight for you. Just take a deep breath."
He looks down at his unwieldy axe, "Why did I even pick this thing up? Oh right, so no kid got hurt on it. Well, no kids here!" He tosses the weapon aside and pulls his monster sword off his back, "IT IS HACKING TIME!"
Delay till Onna acts, Drop Axe, Draw Greatsword, Hackity hack. AC is now 18.
Male Kitsune Barbarian (urban, elemental kin) 5 / Cleric ('varisian' pilgrim) 1 | AC 19 (20) T 14 FF 19 | HP 62/62 | F +9 R +5 W +5 | CMD 21 |Init +3 | Perc +10 | Rage 12/14 | Channel 4/4 | Grow 4/4 | Calm 4/4
Too close for his fox-brush to be used at full height, Ikari draws his curve blade as the summer heat emanates from him, gently warming his comrades and fuelling his growth.
I'm pretty sure this thing can't be Fatigued but if it can then it needs a DC13 Fort save to avoid.
Onna waves Kenta off. "I'm...fine. Just caught me off guard is all. Nothing I can't handle. Indeed it is nothing at all, that's why it is time to put this thing down!"
Fashionably late to the party, but still making an appearance. +1 to all the things.
Inspire Courage round Two of Fifteen. Thirteen rounds remain.
Oh, I miscalculated something earlier-- Utara, your damage went through, and you can save your Fervor, because...
The whole creature is kicked, bitten, starknife'd, slashed, and stabbed apart until it's nothing but portions for foxes.
It doesn't really smell any worse, unsurprisingly.
So, now we're back here:
Me, Quoting the Book wrote:
Two stories beneath the entry chamber, the stairs open into a thirty-foot-by-forty-foot chamber of cold gray stone, its fifteen-foot-high ceiling supported by four granite columns flanking a single stone sarcophagus. Despite the austere decor in the crypt, the lid of the sarcophagus is carved in the form of an obese man with a gaunt face, his bony hands clutching an intricate scepter of interwoven mithril filigree.
You also find some treasure laying around, including platinum pieces, some cool-looking armor, a glowing sword, a wand, and one of those larger wands that makes the smaller wands feel inadequate, but not quite a staff, either. Y'know, one of those things.
LG Male Kitsune Paladin 6 (Fox Form) | Mods: Aura of Courage | Speed 20ft in Armor | Smite Evil 2/2, 2 Star Reroll 1/1 (share?) | HP 58 (-0) | AC/Tch/FF 19/12/17 | F/R/W +11/+8/+10 (+1 vs. Confusion, Immune Fear & Disease) | CMD 20 (Talisman or Teamwork Boon) | LoH: 6/6 (4d6 no Mercy, 3d6 w/ Sickened or Diseased Mercy) | +5 Diverse Training 1/1 | Init +2 | Perc: +1 (LL, +2 by Chance), SM: +5 (+2 by Chance)
Kenta nods as the creature collapses into a pile of creature parts, "Any of you see any uh... traps? I mean, there have been about ten already so there should not be any more, right? I will go grab the staff scepter thingy but I will assume we should probably leave the rest of the stuff. Disturbing his rest to return the thing to a museum seems like enough trouble already."
You sure you want to use all those good rolls on Spellcraft? I haven't seen a hot streak that strong since... actually, never, this party is usually a lot closer to death, a lot more often!
Onna is able to tell that the sword is enchanted, albeit simply: it's a +1 longsword.
The armor, meanwhile, is a +1 breastplate, but definitely made of an organic material. Something with a thick, perhaps reptilian, hide.
Hmm.
The wand is a wand of false life with eight charges left in it, and the stick is a lesser silent metamagic rod.
Do you convince the gold-hearted divine warrior that these items are of significant historical value as well, or let them rot in the crypt?
Do you convince the gold-hearted divine warrior that these items are of significant historical value as well, or let them rot in the crypt?
Eying the items and thinking of how useful they would be, "That creature was here without any way to tell what horrible acts he may have committed to these pieces of treasured memorabilia. They just say here unguarded. I think we should make certain they are safe until the tomb can be properly protected from such vile abominations in the future." With that declarative statement, Onna slowly begins to slide the wand into her pack...
LG Male Kitsune Paladin 6 (Fox Form) | Mods: Aura of Courage | Speed 20ft in Armor | Smite Evil 2/2, 2 Star Reroll 1/1 (share?) | HP 58 (-0) | AC/Tch/FF 19/12/17 | F/R/W +11/+8/+10 (+1 vs. Confusion, Immune Fear & Disease) | CMD 20 (Talisman or Teamwork Boon) | LoH: 6/6 (4d6 no Mercy, 3d6 w/ Sickened or Diseased Mercy) | +5 Diverse Training 1/1 | Init +2 | Perc: +1 (LL, +2 by Chance), SM: +5 (+2 by Chance)
Two super easy ways we can do this. One... simply wait until Kenta walks out of the room first then grab the crap. Two... throw the “sticks” for Phidoe to fetch. Other options include SoH vs Perception. But I mean, come on, Kenta is playing along with the premise quite a bit already for the scepter. Y’all can at least work with/around him and not actively challenge his morals, right?
He just looks confused at Onna, ”I am sorry, that was a lot of big words. What do you mean to say?”
"Allow me to attempt to translate those big words for you Kenta." begins Utara.
Thinking a long moment, he shrugs. One of his tails twitch and he turns into the spitting image of Kenta. "Oh nevermind. This is more fun. I'm Kenta and Asmodeus rules!"
With a wink, he turns and makes his way out of room. "I think I'll tell the world Kenta has turned over a new leaf."
Will DC would only be 9 if my math is right to disbelieve when interacted with. Disguise Self
Drawing a 'stick' of his own, he tosses it towards the door. "There you go Phidoe. You've earned a bit of fun."
Will DC would only be 9 if my math is right to disbelieve when interacted with. Disguise Self
I was going to point out that, if someone sees you take the disguise and has reason enough to disbelieve it (such as "we are literally all kitsune and half of us know this particular trick by heart"), no roll would be necessary to "disbelieve" it.
Then I remembered that Kenta is Kenta. Show me the dice, Kenta!
Base DC would be 9. If I'd done it in hiding, I'd have penalties and bonuses for the disguise skill check and I imagine everyone other than myself and Phidoe would gain +10 to realize it wasn't actually Kenta. I did it right in front of everyone so I have no expectation they'd think I was actually Kenta.
I'm certainly not trying to confuse anyone with the trick...this time. ;-)
LG Male Kitsune Paladin 6 (Fox Form) | Mods: Aura of Courage | Speed 20ft in Armor | Smite Evil 2/2, 2 Star Reroll 1/1 (share?) | HP 58 (-0) | AC/Tch/FF 19/12/17 | F/R/W +11/+8/+10 (+1 vs. Confusion, Immune Fear & Disease) | CMD 20 (Talisman or Teamwork Boon) | LoH: 6/6 (4d6 no Mercy, 3d6 w/ Sickened or Diseased Mercy) | +5 Diverse Training 1/1 | Init +2 | Perc: +1 (LL, +2 by Chance), SM: +5 (+2 by Chance)
Will:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Wasted a really nice roll there. :(
Kenta is about to chase after the fox, then remembers his duty.
"He will not get far and most people are not stupid. Plus, I can easily turn him in for his evil act now and get him kicked out of the society if he goes through with it."
He walks over to the scepter, "Excuse me sir, I do not believe this is yours. I am sorry for bothering you." He grabs it and walks out the tomb door, "Come on all, I will close it back up when we are all out."
Tiny Male LG "Dog" UnMonk 1/Paladin 2/UnRogue 2/Swash 1 | HP 58/58 | AC 26 T 25 FF 17 (w/ Mage Armor: 30/25/21) | CMB +11, CMD 22 | F +13, R +20 (evasion), W +8 | | Init +8 | Perc +9 SM +0 | Speed 40' | | Smite 1/1 | Lay on Hands 5/5 | Stunning Fist 2/2 | Active Conditions: Mage Armor
Phidöe eagerly chases after the stick and once he has it refuses to return it. He spends the rest of the adventure proudly guarding it. From time to time he gives "Kenta" a nod of acknowledgment.
Well, to honor Kenta, and my fiancee (not in that order), I will not despoil the tomb further by removing anything but the scepter. Bad karma, especially before a wedding. Onna just isn't as...pragmatic as some other Pathfinders she has heard tell of.
Tossing the stick to Kenta, Utara smiles. "Here, keep him busy. I'm going to see what's keeping everyone."
Heading back inside, Utara looks around the room. Seeing there seems to be some hesitation...he walks up and grabs the items. Shoving them in his pack, he heads back outside.
Utara is now faced with a terrible curse! He must worship a dark god and consume souls to--
Oh, wait.
...He's fine!
---
Phidoe, meanwhile, runs up to the man's feet and grabs the stick; he's given a scritch on the head for his troubles, then let back on his merry way.
Wait.
The man?
Yes. Standing tall, a wicked pick in-hand, he glares out over the party from behind a mask made, it seems, from an actual human skull. Perhaps his mother's?
“So at last it comes to this. Did you fools actually think it would be that easy? Found the great Azlanti scepter, have you? Found a good use for it yet? Witless pawns! You have interfered with Zyphus’s plans for the last time! Since you refuse to die an ignoble and forgettable death, it appears I must do the honors myself! No matter, I will send your heads back to the lodge in Oppara as a message: those that meddle in our affairs will pay the price!”
Because this guy is given plenty of motive in the scenario description but y'all have never seen or heard of him before, I'm willing to have him answer a question or two before we roll initiative. But since that's just a decision I'm making and not written into the scenario, I won't let you use it to initiate a Surprise Round. :P
A look of confusion briefly passes across the bard's face. "The LAST time? We just got here like two days ago. Unless a lung burning climb counts, I don't think we have interfered with you at all. Who is Zyphus again?"
Tiny Male LG "Dog" UnMonk 1/Paladin 2/UnRogue 2/Swash 1 | HP 58/58 | AC 26 T 25 FF 17 (w/ Mage Armor: 30/25/21) | CMB +11, CMD 22 | F +13, R +20 (evasion), W +8 | | Init +8 | Perc +9 SM +0 | Speed 40' | | Smite 1/1 | Lay on Hands 5/5 | Stunning Fist 2/2 | Active Conditions: Mage Armor
Phidöe growls at skull-head. "Of course we've found a good use for the scepter! Everyone knows that the Azlanti had mastered many of the deepest secrets of the art of fetch. We are only just starting to unlock them but we certainly cannot allow you to interfere with our investigations. I advise you to stand aside."
Oh, the question was hinted at earlier, but I forgot to mention: the scepter is not magic, unless it's been enchanted to hide its aura.
Though it's hard to read most of his face, you see him work his jaw a moment.
"Zyphus! The Grim Harvestman! I am Harvestmaster Quint!"
Silence.
"I am the father of Deanaris Quint!"
Mountain crickets.
"...The Pathfinder Society ruined my cult, foiled our plans, and killed my son for the crime of being different and attempting to turn the entire Taldane court into zombies? Was that not you six?"
Kenta only focuses on one thing, "Is that a human skull? That is not cool. You should never steal from the dead."
"You're literally holding the scepter of--! Oh, whatever. Yes, it's a human skull. It accidentally fell into a pot of boiling water and all the meat fell right off. And then it fell onto a knife in just such a way that only the front part that fits neatly over my face was left. We didn't eat it, though, we're not cannibals, that would be gross."
LG Male Kitsune Paladin 6 (Fox Form) | Mods: Aura of Courage | Speed 20ft in Armor | Smite Evil 2/2, 2 Star Reroll 1/1 (share?) | HP 58 (-0) | AC/Tch/FF 19/12/17 | F/R/W +11/+8/+10 (+1 vs. Confusion, Immune Fear & Disease) | CMD 20 (Talisman or Teamwork Boon) | LoH: 6/6 (4d6 no Mercy, 3d6 w/ Sickened or Diseased Mercy) | +5 Diverse Training 1/1 | Init +2 | Perc: +1 (LL, +2 by Chance), SM: +5 (+2 by Chance)
Kenta looks at him very confused, then down at the scepter, then stows it in his pack, "Oh yeah, this thing. But it was not his. We are taking it to a museum where it belongs."
He nods at the explanation, "Ah, okay. Accidents do happen. I guess it is nice that you wear it in memory."
Onna's voice becomes more consoling when hearing about the death of Quint's son. "Look Harvestmaster, sorry for your loss, but that wasn't us. This doesn't have to turn into a thing though. You're outnumbered, and smart enough to know that if it comes down to a fight, it won't go well for you."AANNNNND creepy enough to make sure you die alone if it comes down to it. No way I'm letting him add any fox skulls to his collection.
