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Xun offers to visit the Gozreh temple and have a look in the belfry.
Arlo lights up with delight seeing a chance to repay their hospitality and have a little fun.
Phineas is willing to investigate the belfry but isn’t sure about the gargoyle.
Nahansa chuckles heartily. “Oh, we would never hold you to such things. We’re a hospitable folk!” He suddenly looks pensive. “Though... We may share a common concern. Your compasses will not work while Paravaax is active in the region, and we are not safe so long as the gargoyle hunts the edges of our territory. If you are willing to seek the gargoyle out and drive him away, you would be helping both our people. It would be nice if the temple was once again safe to visit as well.”
”Paravaax is not in the temple, but the temple is along the way to where Parazaax has been spotted recently.”
Before Nahansa has a chance to finish his explanation of the situation with Paravaas
An echoing metallic clang rumbles through the nearby rainforest. As waves of fleeing birds take flight from the canopy, it’s easy to see that whatever is causing the sound is making its way to the coast—right toward Kihirat.
Howling with rage a pack of metallic hounds bound from the forest’s edge. Their silver scales glint in the sun’s light, and their howls echo like an otherworldly metallic clang. A Group of two hounds attacks your group while another group of hounds attacks the Iruxi warriors who are being helped by Mirian Raas.
avg 24
Status (hero Points): *** Combat Mode ***
Xun Saburo: (1) -
Phineas Hatt: (2) -
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (2) -
Azel the Rebel: (2) -
__Gordy - Leshy:
Blue hound:
Red hound:
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Azel goes first, she thinks these creatures are from the elemental plane but doesn’t know anything about them. Using magic she tries to freeze the blue one but the frost ray misses the beast.
Arlo is caught off guard.
Phineas leaps into action turning into a medium wolf.
Xun looks around unable to respond quickly.
The hounds move up as if they are going to attack Phineas, then they both bay like they scent prey and make a beeline for Xun ignoring Phineas using their full movement to get to the half-orc bard.
Status (hero Points): *** Combat Mode ***
Xun Saburo: (1) -
Phineas Hatt: (2) -
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (2) -
Azel the Rebel: (2) -
__Gordy - Leshy:
Blue hound:
Red hound:
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Arlo yelps as the creatures rush him and his friends.
"Oh, I did not expect this! What weird creatures these are. Let's see if they like Gozreh's thunder..."
Arlo rubs his hands together and static sparks fly around him, then points at the two creatures.
With that done, Arlo has time to think about what these are.
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Arlo didn’t expect the weird creatures’ actions, he uses magic to attack them with an electric arc both seem to take full damage from the jolt. The Halfling thinks these are called Metallic Sod Hounds normally associated with the elemental earth plane, but he really doesn’t know anything else about them.
Phineas the wolf spins around and attacks the red one with flank bitting it once.
Xun calls to his allies with words of inspiring courage. Then attacks the red one which is flanked, but that’s not enough to get a hit.
Azel proceeds to hit the red dog over the head with her staff, the first strike is a critical concussion hit. The hound wobbles for a moment then shakes its head clear and is ready to attack.
Both hounds are still up and looking hungrily at Xun.
The blue tries to bite the half-Orc multiple times. The first bite critically hits and the hound uses its successful attack to knocks Xun down to the ground. Then hits again with a second attack.
The red one jumps in with its metal jaws snapping in Xun’s face missing all three attacks.
Lumki, Mirian Raas, and the crew of the Grinning Pixie are handling more of these creatures in their own battle.
Blue vs Xun
piercing plus Knockdown.
Knockdown action
vs FF
piercing plus Knockdown.
Red vs Xun
vs FF
piercing plus Knockdown.
vs FF
piercing plus Knockdown.
vs FF
piercing plus Knockdown.
Status (hero Points): *** Combat Mode ***
Xun Saburo: (1) - +14+7 = 21 (Prone)
Phineas Hatt: (2) -
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (2) -
Azel the Rebel: (2) -
__Gordy - Leshy:
Blue hound: +12 dam
Red hound: +12+6+22 = 40 dam
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Before Arlo can react, Azel has healed Xun's wounds the wolf had given him.
With the Red wolf (hopefully taken care of, Arlo focuses on the Blue one. He walks to the north to get a clean shot, and starts casting a spell. Cold winds start howling around him for a second and a ball of ice forms, which he hurls at Blue.
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Phin-wolf growls as he attacks the red hound biting its shiny red backside with a mortal wound. The creature collapses. Moving into the flank with the blue one, Phin-wolf misses with his second attack.
Azel moves into position to attack the blue hound striking with a deadly force that critically wounds the hound. Unable to cast a two-action heal Azel takes a final attack missing the blue hound.
Xun continues to inspire courage from the dirt, then gets up from the ground and slashes at the blue hound flank only to miss.
Arlo focuses on the Blue hound, moving to get a clear shot he stumbles as he cast a ray of frost sending it shooting wildly into the air.
With one dead, the severely Injured metallic hounds retreats by burrowing into the ground leaving no trace of its passage.
The other combats across the village also seem to be coming to an end as well with the hounds dead or fleeing.
Bot Azel ‘s third action since moving prevents 2 action heal.
Status (hero Points): *** Explore Mode ***
Xun Saburo: (1) - 21
Phineas Hatt: (2) -
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (2) -
Azel the Rebel: (2) -
__Gordy - Leshy:
Blue hound: 12+26 = 38 dam (* fled *)
Red hound: 40+8 = 48 dam (* dead *)
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Arlo shrugs, with an "out of sight, out of mind"-kind of mentality.
"Considering they're metallic, I guess they're somehow related to Paravaax? Shame one of them is dead, but luckily the other got away safely."
Now that Arlo has time to focus on his friends, he seems to notice wolf-Phineas for the first time. "Ooh, cool! I wish I could do that. It would be awesome to turn into any animal I'd like. Say, what kind of animal do you think I'd be? I'd love to be a T-rex, I think." Arlo stretches himself out to make him look taller, then makes several growling noises, play-fighting with Phineas.
Then, his attention snaps back to Xun. "You still look a little wounded, let me help you out. You can keep drumming, it's a nice tune."
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Xun ask what those hounds were as he begins playing a soothing tune that heals.
Arlo thinks they are related to Paravaax, he also finds Phineas shape change talent to be cool.
Phin-wolf returns to his normal Phineas self and complains about the hounds’ taste.
Azel discusses what little they do know about the hounds suggesting they have too much metal in their diet.
After the rumble with the hounds the noncombatant Iruxi return from the jungle and begin treating the sounds of the Iruxi warriors, Grinning Pixie crew including your group.
Once the injuries are treated, the Elder speaks with your group and Mirian Raas ” I do not believe this attack to be a coincidence. The strange metallic creatures are connected to Paravaax. A sign that the gargoyle has grown bolder than ever before. Paravaax has taken roost in the old observatory an ancient, abandoned building that once served as a place for observing the skies and learning for centuries before the native Iruxi were driven out by Paravaax and his monsters. The gargoyle has been spotted in that same area by scouts to this day, I suspect he still lives there.”
Mirian Raas and Jekka volunteer ” We’ll stay behind to help protect the village while your group hunts down Paravaax. It is your time to shine”
Nahansa introduces a bright and friendly female Iruxi astrologer to your group ” This is Lumki, she can guide your group to the observatory, navigating by her knowledge of the stars”
Lumki excitedly adds speaking Mwangi ”Yes, I’ve been waiting months for an opportunity to travel to the observatory, a journey that is a rite of passage for Iruxi astrologers in the area.”
Before your group departs, Nahansa gives you a gift in thanks for assistance against the sod hounds: a magical scrollstaff containing a 2nd-level animal form spell.
Status (hero Points): *** Explore Mode ***
Xun Saburo: (1) -
Phineas Hatt: (2) -
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (2) -
Azel the Rebel: (2) -
__Gordy - Leshy:
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Xun nods passing the offered staff to Arlo. While refocusing Xun ask about the Right of passage.
Lumki nervously replies to Xun in Mwangi ” Right of passage is visiting the observatory not the danger involved.”
After a 30-minute trek inland, the PCs and Lumki make it past the fringes of the jungle’s tree line. The foliage and brush become so thick that visibility is at most only about 20 feet.
The jungle becomes unforgivingly dense and oppressively humid as the trail winds deeper into the canopied depths. Dappled light shines down through gaps in the leaves above, and although nothing stirs but the dew dripping from the branches above, the sing-song sounds of the jungle wildlife are a constant reminder that one is never truly alone here.
Lumki cheerfully recites facts about the wildlife and plant life as she leads the group forward. Speaking Mwangi “Did you know the Garundi parrot’s feathers change colors throughout the year? They even turn orange during autumn, just like tree leaves!”
As the PCs proceed into the jungle, Lumki indicates a small side trail leading up to an old temple.
A twisting path branches away from the main trail leading east. The path is trampled flat and lifeless by the passage of many feet, but the jungle seems well on its way to reclaiming the narrow passage.
Lumki, the lizardfolk stops alongside the side trail and turns to them. Speaking to the group with Xun translating her Mwangi, Lumki quickly explains ”The trail leads to Kihirat’s temple of Gozreh. The temple has fallen into disuse during the past year as Paravaax has left his dormant state and become more active. Something may have moved in since the last Iruxi made the trek to the temple. If you wouldn’t mind investigating the temple on Kihirat’s behalf, I have some potions I would happily give you as a reward.”
Status (hero Points): *** Explore Mode ***
Xun Saburo: (1) -
Phineas Hatt: (2) -
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (2) -
Azel the Rebel: (2) -
__Gordy - Leshy:
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Back at the village, Arlo asks, "Do you know if Paravaax has more minions? Things to look out for? Always good to know what we're up against."
His eyes go wide as the function of the scrollstaff is explained to him. "This is fantastic! I promise we'll put it to good use!"
For the next hour or so, Arlo is growling to himself, as if practicing being a T-rex.
During the trek, Arlo happily listens to all the nature facts Lumki shares, and shares a few of his own. Though the jungle is thick, Arlo seems to navigate it with ease, clambering over rocks and weaving through the vines as if it's nothing.
"Pfft, we don't need a reward. Cleansing a temple of Gozreh is a reward in and of itself! Especially with a culture like yours, it's interesting to see other people's take on a deity."
Arlo is clearly eager to run inside and explore.
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Xun walks through the jungle and sweat showing on his face. He does recall his youth in the jungles of mwangi and it seems that nothing has changed.
"Garunid parrots? That's a remarkable bird!"
He looks at the path towards the temple and looks at the others.
"Let's check on the temple, hopefully, it's nothing."
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"I've never heard of these parrots. Say! Maybe I should trade in this stuffy bird for a bright parrot?" Archimedes is Not Amused.
Phin laughs loudly. "Any good herds or fruits around here? I'm always looking for new flavors for my drinks. But yeah, temple. What should we know about it? Any traps or hidden passages or anything cool?"
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When Arlo asked about Paravaax’s minions they didn’t know anything about what to expect.
Arlo is eager to check out Gozreh temple.
Azel listens to Lumki’s knowledge adding her own facts.
Xun is ready to check on the temple.
Phin jokes about trading his bird in for one of the bright parrots.
Heading down the side trail you find the temple has fallen into disuse during the past year because the Iruxi have been staying close to the village due to Paravaax. Exploring the temple you find it mostly empty until you look in the temple’s belfry there you find two frog-like humanoid amphibians creatures hiding.
They have their weapons out but do not attack immediately, instead the bigger one crooks out in common ” You give us food we not attack.”
Status (hero Points): *** Explore Mode ***
Xun Saburo: (1) -
Phineas Hatt: (2) -
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (2) -
Azel the Rebel: (2) -
__Gordy - Leshy:
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Xun looks at the amphibians and is surprised to see them.
"Hey there, My name is Xun and this is Phin, Arlo, Azel and this is Lumki. I will get some food from my backpack and give it to you."
"How about we sit together and eat something? We were traveling sometime now to visit this temple. However, we heard that some wild animal has made a home here. But you must have scared it off. Please accept our thanks for doing that."
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Xun is the first to speak introducing the others as he gets several food rations out of his backpack and offers to sit and talk.
The Boggards are unsure about the half-orc intentions keeping their ready stance.
Arlo plops down and starts talking asking if they have found anyone else in the temple and telling them they were here to clear the building of threats. The Wildwood halfling is so non-threatening that the Boggards relax putting away their weapons and sit down with your group.
Azel shares more food from his pack.
Phin offers up cocktails and such, the Boggards politely accept the drinks but they prefer a fermented fish mash.
The Boggards tell you ” We been hiding out here in the temple’s belfry for about a week as our wounds heal. We were attacked by bizarre metal hounds and driven toward the coast. We were unsure if it’s safe to leave the area.”
You sit and talk with the Boggards for a while giving them some rations. They thank you and leave the temple without a struggle continuing on their journey.
Ensuring the temple is empty, your group joins back up with Lumki on the main path. Telling her about the Goggards she comments ” It’s good you are safe the local boggards are not to be trusted, as they’ve attacked Iruxi settlements several times in recent years. Here you may need these potions.”
Lumki hands out four lesser healing potions one to each of you.
Continuing along the path after about 3 hours trek through the jungle you come to narrow river rushes through the area, shattering the quiet murmuring of the jungle’s wildlife with its chiming roar. A simple log, coated with moss is the only “bridge” in sight, leading to a small island in the center of the river.
Lumki makes a sibilant “tsk” sound before adding in Mwangi “ You’ll want to be careful here. That log isn’t too bad for clawed iruxi toes, but it might be a bit slick for some of you. We should be able to walk across the log out to that islet, pull the log in, and use it to cross to the other side. Unless you have any suggestions for an alternative, I fear crossing here is the only practical route forward, treacherous as it may be.”
Status (hero Points): *** Explore Mode ***
Xun Saburo: (1) -
Phineas Hatt: (2) -
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (2) -
Azel the Rebel: (2) -
__Gordy - Leshy:
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"Yeah, those metal hounds attacked us as well. We fought them off, but we're here to find the cause of those beasts, and hopefully stop them from attacking everyone.
"By the way, if you're wounded, I can treat you, if you'd like. I'm quite good at patching up wounds. Or I could let Gozreh heal you, if you prefer that."
With that, Arlo digs in his backpack and grabs his healer's tools, but waits for the Boggards' reply.
----
When Lumki says not to trust the Boggards afterwards, Arlo asks, "Do you know why they attack you? They seemed like pretty decent people. Are they raiding you for food, or territory?"
---
At the river crossing, Arlo hesitates. "My balance is okay, but swimming isn't my forte. Would anyone object if I used that Scrollstaff to turn into a frog?"
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Xun spots that have not made a good first impression so for the later part of the meeting with Boggards he stays silent. He was glad that they were able to solve it peacefully.
As they come up to the log he looks at it without much enthusiasm.
"Yeah, it's a coin toss. I am good with balancing but if I fall then it will not be that good."
Xun wonders for a moment
"We could use a rope, to tie whoever is trying to walk on the log so that they don't fall into the water. It will not make it easier to balance but could minimize the losses."
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When Xun has managed to cross to the middle, Arlo takes the scrollstaff and casts Animal Form, transforming into a big fat frog. He takes a quick look around to see if there aren't any piranhas or snakes in the water, then lowers himself into the water and swims across. He then swims back and forth, indicating he'll help anyone who falls into the water.
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At the river, Arlo suggests him using the scrollstaff to turn into a frog.
Xun implements a plan to tie a rope to whoever is crossing the log starting with himself. The Half-Orc then crosses the log to the center island making it look easy.
Arlo cast the Animal Form turning into a big ol frog and jumps into the water and swims around a bit having no problem swimming against the 15ft current.
Phineas starts to cross the log telling Arlo, not to any bugs not watching his footing the gnome starts to slip and falls headfirst into the fast-moving water. Thanks to Xun’s rope and Arlo the Frog, they quickly fish Phineas out. He is no worse for the tumble but definitely wetter.
Azel approaches the log nervously with Gordy chanting “Fall in”. She crosses the log easily much to Gordy’s disappointment.
Lumki has no difficulty crossing the log.
With everyone on the Island, the group moves the log to cover the gap between the Island and the other side of the riverbank.
You find a small bag of uncut sapphires hidden under the log. This treasure looks worth 2 bundles to the pathfinder society.
You don’t have any more trouble crossing the remainder of the river.
As the trek through the jungle continues, your group comes upon a clearing with a small stone statue and multiple paths leading away about 4 hours east of the river crossing.
A small, three-foot tall stone statue of a hooded iruxi with its tail curled at its feet rests underneath a tree. The dappled light shining on it glints off of a small plaque attached to the statue underneath the carved iruxi’s feet.
“The Guidepost! We’re almost to the Observatory. The building is about a twenty-minute trek right in the direction the iruxi’s tail is pointing.” Lumki points her claw in the same direction the statue’s tail points, while simultaneously imitating the statue with her own tail.
Having Lumki as your guide keeps you from becoming lost on these many trails and you make good time reaching the Oldstar Observatory
An ancient, partially ruined building looms. The stone walls are almost completely covered in creeping ivy, with a few glimpses of crumbling red sandstone and metallic fixtures showing through.
Having approached the Oldstar Observatory from the south, you see a small flight of stairs leading up to a closed door it looks like a side entrance.
Status (hero Points): *** Explore Mode ***
Xun Saburo: (1+1=2) -
Phineas Hatt: (2) -
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (2) -
Azel the Rebel: (2) -
__Gordy - Leshy:
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"Proceed hence for Oldstar Observatory" Xun reads the sign.
Then he follows towards the Observatory and looks at the building.
He reaches for his bag and takes out a small figurine of a small dog.
"Come Onyx, Xun needs your assistance" says Xun making some gesture with his hands
THe figurine begins to grow until it reaches a size of a wolf. Its eyes are shining with magical light as it sniffs the air
"This is Onyx, Onyx will scout for us."
Onyx sniffs the air and moves towards the doors.
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Xun reads the sign then follows the way to the Observatory. Once there he activates a small dog figurine using him as a trap catcher. The dog sniffs at the doorway.
Arol pets Onyx before letting it do its thing.
Phin studies the sign.
Seeing a small flight of stairs leading up to a closed-door on the south side of the Observatory. Onyx scratches at the door and pushes it open.
Entering the building you find a sprawling, oddly configured collection of rooms that has barely visible, dust-filled metal grooves carved into the floor in concentric rings and crisscrossing lines.
Lumki pipes up explaining in Mwangi ” This must be the Gathering Chamber it is a highly modular room with walls that could be moved along the metal tracks sunken into the floor. “
Two steel mephits flits about the room, idly scrubbing the rusted metal tracks with a tattered cloth and a bottle of oil. With the entrance of your group the Mephits shrieks and toss the bottles of oil on the ground where it quickly runs into the rivulets down the tracks coating the room causing Slick Floors.
Yay both got the same init!
Status (hero Points): *** Combat Mode ***
Xun Saburo: (2) -
Phineas Hatt: (2) -
__Owl who:
Arlo Rumble: (2) -
Azel the Rebel: (2) -
__Gordy - Leshy:
Greater Steel Mephit Blue:
Steel Mephit Green:
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Arlo will cast Light on his clothing before entering the temple.
Arlo is too giddy about entering a Gozren temple to notice the flying creatures before it's too late.