GM supervillan's Fiend series (Inactive)

Game Master supervillan

Uh, doesn't that talisman just make you understand Common? Teric has mastered that!

Teric gives Ambusta a sly Varisian stare. "And I will refrain from sharing the story of rescuing a Paralictor from a hole in the ground. Or that you needed help from Morlocks to defeat an enemy. Two days, Paralictor." He waves at Ambusta dismissively.

"Now if the Hellknights are ready to turn tail, let's see what lies inside. Karn are you staying with us?"

"I liked that other Hellknight commander better," Nina mutters, though she can't argue that everyone has kept their respective ends of the agreement.

"Yeah, I agree with Aeliah, let's hurry on and see what we can do about that inner door before all our good magics wane," she agrees.

“Me agree with Aeliah too, Nina Brightspark.”

*Over her shoulder* “What you say, Tiddles?”

BRRAWRRR!

”We rescue his pompous ass, do most of the fighting, and he gives us two days…we could’ve had more than that by leaving his pompous ass in that cage…”

“People like that not realize what important 'til they kneel in chains before Prince of Lies.”

Aeliah shrugs not caring if she’s overheard or not. “If anything, Aeliah feel sorry for them.”

⛓

Brightening now, the druidess punches Daedîn in the arm *quite* hard and gestures at the door. “Shall we? TIDDLES! HEEL!”

“Marianix Karn, you coming with Pathfinders, yes?”

Aeliah waits until everyone signals their readiness and then opens the door.

Pai nodded at the plan. ”We are relatively unharmed and have our preperatory spells still in effect. Might as well charge ahead to our grisly deaths,” she says with a grin.

If Primo Ambusta overhears your remarks, he gives no indication. He leads his Hellknights and the archeologists away.

Bogipfen and Agajprak leave the plaza, the latter with her golem in tow. Only Marianix Karn remains with you.

"Sorry. I'm not going inside. I've taken more than enough punishment over the last couple of weeks and I'm just not ready for any unpleasant surprises. Judging by how you managed this situation" - she gestures at the carnage in the plaza - "you don't need me anyway."

You turn your attention to the fortress atop the steps. Or more accurately, the fortress atop the back of a massive quadrupedal beast that squats, partially buried in the earth.

"Honestly? I can't blame you," Nina nods to Marianix. "Do you think you'll be okay out here by yourself, though?"

As she poses the question to Marianix, Nina's eyes wander over the strange architecture of the fortress and the stone beast.

Kn. Arcana (DC 17): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"Hey...wait a minute...this thing isn't just a critter carved out of stone," she breathes, her eyes wide. "It's a construct too! It's a big ol' dormant construct!"

Know arcana 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (13) + 22 = 35

”Nina’s right as usual! It’s a huge construct. But there’s more, it is known as a behemoth golem. It is powered by spirits from most powerful fiends. It is super dangerous to create one!”

Perception 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

”You all see the fracture zones around it? Those are footsteps! The trail leads 15’ west of where it is now!”

Teric looks down at the massive footprints, trusting the others to know what they are. "So we should be prepared to deal with one of these monster golems? Are they as resistant to magic as the others were?"

So there are two? One is here and one went west?

Teric turns back to Karn, holding the talisman. "I appreciate the gift, but does it do something different for me? I already know Common."

One behemoth. The tracks indicate that it moves - or has moved in the past.

"Oh, it let the morlock understand Common because it's a Talisman of Tongues. You know, as in the divination spell. A rare old thing. It's probably worth a small fortune" Karn explains. "Put it on and you'll understand every language."

“Maybe we can pilot big golem inside?”

Aeliah’s eyebrows rise as she considers the possibilities.

“Anyway, Pathfinders go inside now?”

Aeliah traps and tricks Perception check on the door from before was: 20 + 24 = 44

Daedîn will follow up if Aeliah’s check finds the door either trapped or locked…

Disable Device: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (13) + 24 = 37

Teric puts on the talisman. "Very useful. Does it help me speak any language or just understand it?" He tries to speak in elvish, then gnomish, and then aklo.

"You can read, understand and speak in effect any language at all, Trade Prince" Karn answers.

Aeliah and Daedîn check the outer door of the fortress and push it open. Beyond lies a single chamber, illuminated by torchlight from sconces on the walls. Carved onto the fortress’s interior are miniature elephants, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and myriad other four-legged monstrosities.

A single iron door is visible in the opposite wall.

Aeliah's hunch proves to be right, as she finds a hidden control panel in the western wall. There is a perception check but you can't fail the DC.

The controls can be operated with Knowledge (engineering), Disable Device, or Use Magic Device.

A few minutes elapse at the end of the fight, as Daedîn recovers his arrows and your allies disperse (save for Karn.

Daedîn tries to work the control panel…

Disable Device: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (13) + 24 = 37

Pai stares at the door, scratches her chin in deep thought and finally gives up. ”I don’t think I can figure any way to get through that thing. Hopefully Daedin can pick the lock, because I don’t have a clue….”

"Yeah...and I think this thing might be a little out of my league when it comes to what I know about engineering," Nina remarks as she watches Daedîn work. "There's obviously a lot of different techniques and applications and each culture or society has their own style. And I'm...mostly self-taught. Never had much in the way of formal classes on the topic."

Daedin goes to work on the complex set of levers and gears recessed into the hidden panel. After a short while, the behemoth rises! With a loud rumble, you're lifted up with the fortress as the gigantic construct gets to its feat.

I've assumed you've all entered by now.

A little more work, and Daedîn is able to make the beast move forwards too - following the tracks that you saw outside, the behemoth takes several shaky steps before stopping again. Sparks fly from the control panel, and Daedîn declares that repairs are impossible.

A second check was needed - but Daedîn would auto-pass :)

Daedîn shrugs as the behemoth peters out. ”Sorry…did my best…but that’s all I got…I have not the skill to repair it…if it can even be repaired, that is…”

The Elf then looks warily around, looking to see if activating this thing draws any unwanted attention…

Perception: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (6) + 23 = 29

“So him do not think very big golem will be able to be piloted out to Calisro Benarry, Daedîn?”

Is that right? UMD: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Aeliah grunts in frustration. “Still there ‘nother door in north ‘wall’(?)”

take 10 perception for tricks and traps: 10 + 24 = 34

“Everyone want Aeliah open it?”

"Man...I was hoping we'd get to ride around in it for longer..." Nina sighs, clearly disappointed with the construct's rapid descent into an inoperable state.

"Yeah, let's see if we can get it open," she adds, more loudly as she turns her attention to the door that Aeliah points out.

Teric flies into the room, still adjusting the talisman around his neck. "A very useful bauble, especially for a merchant such as myself. Hard to make a deal with you can't understand or speak to anyone."

He refocuses on the door to the north. "Now, unless we find ourselves another clockwork golem, I suppose we have to open this door ourselves."

Once the behemoth has shifted upwards and walked to the west, the "unopenable" door is no longer wedged into the rock outside but instead aligns with a hidden chamber beyond - and opens easily.

An ornate set of stairs opens into a grand throne room with ten stone statues as courtiers. At the far end of the room, a gilded sarcophagus lies before an elevated platform that bears a silver throne and numerous tall bookshelves. Overhead, several glowing orbs wash the tomb in shadowy illumination. Flanking the sarcophagus are two jet obelisks that threaten to pierce the chamber’s orb-filled ceiling.

The throne's occupant rises and greets you.

"Welcome to my court, friends" she says. "As you must know, I am Imperatrix Severina Helsprex. I am in your debt. It is time for me to leave this place, but first you may name any boon that it is in my power to grant and it shall be so."

The woman is of regal bearing, and wears robes that must once have been very fine but now are rotted to tatters. She holds an ivory baton in one hand.

Map is updated.

Know. Religion 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32
Know. Arcana 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (4) + 22 = 26

I have to go run an errand. Please everyone, read the first two religion spoilers and the arcana spoilers. Thanks!

Kn. Religion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Kn. Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

"Ah..."

As Pai whispers what she's able to glean about this Imperatrix and the stone statues, Nina seems to be quite at a loss for words in light of this new development.

A lich?? A LICH!?!?!

She glances to the others to see what they think.

Teric steps forwards and bows to the lich. "Ah, Imperatrix. So good to finally meet you. I am Trade Prince Teric Cain. We have been searching for you for a while now." He motions to to Karn. "We've had a group a scholars and archeologists working to decipher your whereabouts. I'm glad we finally found you."

"Now, we are eager to get you out of this place. The natives have no idea of our plan, but are bound to try something. Please, may I have that ivory wand and we can help you depart?" He holds out his hand to accept the baton.

Bluff: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (3) + 23 = 26
Folio Reroll: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (9) + 23 = 32

"You want my baton, Trade Prince? That... is an acceptable arrangement." The Imperatrix nods slowly.

"Allow me to gather a few essentials, and we can go." Helsprex scoops several large books into a sturdy knapsack.

sense motive + faction pin + four-leaf clover (i): 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 29

Aeliah advances and heads left to get out of ‘fireball formation’ while supporting Teric.

Her tone is businesslike but respectful. “There seven of us, Imperatrix.”

“It good Trade Prince got his reward, but honestly what would the Sovereign of the Jistkan Imperium trade for freedom?”

Aeliah bows — low. “Aeliah of the Amedio, nature priestess of the Huntress, requests power over your Jistkan stone golem courtiers as her reward.”

“Surely you sick of sight of them, yes?”

Aid Diplomacy + four-leaf clover (ii): 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 2 = 7 Can someone please help Diplomacize for Aeliah?

Thoriel perks up at Aeliah's request. "I wouldn't mind one of those 'courtiers' myself, if they're going around. Anything as annoying as they are to fight, could be handy to have fight by your side."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8

Diplomacy 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (12) + 20 = 32

”The golems would help us with our own issues, if you would be so kind as to help us…”

"Aeliah of the Amedio, with the polite friends, my ivory baton will give you command of my courtiers" the Imperatrix replies. "It would be a trivial thing to issue a command to a courtier to follow or obey a certain individual. There, enough for all seven of you. They are rather poor conversationalists, though, don't say I didn't warn you" she laughs coolly.

"Once we are out, I can let you have a few other trinkets I shall no longer have need of. Small value compared to my courtiers, but I wouldn't want any of my friends to feel shortchanged."

“Of course not, Imperatrix. Aeliah understand.”

The druidess bows again, before glancing at the others and enquiring, “Would it be too much to ask for a demonstration of the power of one of your courtiers, once we are out.”

“Nearby, a militant order of mortal knights, so rigid in their beliefs and philosophy that they model their behaviour on the forces of Hell, possess a shaft and elevator that allows them free reign to do whatever they please in this part of your underground dependency.”

She shares a mischievous grin with her companions. “Would destroying this infrastructure without risking its own operational status be a reasonable test for one of your mighty but mute courtiers?”

While Nina has her doubts about dealing with a lich...she can't help but admit that Aeliah's suggestion is ingenious.

They wanted us to destroy all the entrances anyway, so if we can get these 'courtiers' to do it for us...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Teric is impressed the Imperatrix is willing to part with the baton so easily. "I have been accused of enjoying the finer things in life. But my friends may be more esoteric. I admit that knowledge is often a greater prize."

"Your rule of Rachikan was legendary. Equally so was it's mastery over such constructs. Dare you tell us the secrets of how to create them, especially the behemoth outside? If not, then we've also heard of black obelisks that can teleport users. Care to show us to these devices?"

If the Imperatrix still had eyebrows they would be arching: "My courtiers would make short work of this elevator - and the knights, should they stand in the way."

"And knowledge is the greater prize, Trade Prince. I am glad to be dealing with such wise friends. Alas, it takes years to master the skills necessary to run the golem forges. But I would gladly show you how to use the obelisks." Helsprex points to the two obelisks in her throne room. "I have two here, but their power cells are long burnt out. Have you perchance acquired any during your time in Rachikan? A charged power cell resembles a dark crystal."

It looks like you've decided to deal peacefully with the Imperatrix.

Daedîn hides a frown as he nervously fingers his bow…he’s stayed quite during negotiations as that’s not his forte, but he still ponders, Are we really negotiating with a lich?

The Elf remains silent though but keeps a wary eye open, staying ready if negotiations go south…

Perception: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (13) + 23 = 36
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

”I don’t remember finding any dark crystals around here. Do the rest of you recall any,” Pai asked the group.

“The female golem whisperer morlock, Agajprak gave one to Trade Prince, Pai.”

The druidess shrugs. “Aeliah just thought that meant they engaged.”

"A morlock? In Rachikan? I think it's time I see what has become of my city." The Imperatrix caresses the closest obelisk, and a hidden panel slides open to reveal a recess perfectly sized for Teric's gifted crystal.

At the former ruler's invitation, the Trade Prince inserts the crystal and the obelisk thrums with power. A dark portal opens up in the throne room.

"One need only focus on a destination" the Imperatrix explains. "Perhaps this elevator that you want destroyed?"

"A morlock? In Rachikan?"

“Well you have been behind those doors for a while, Your Imperial Majesty.”

Aeliah concentrates on the ritual, and whether the Imperatrix has any hidden motives which might be detrimental to the party.

sense motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

"One need only focus on a destination. Perhaps this elevator that you want destroyed?"

“Sounds good.”

The Imperatrix shows you how to use the obelisks, and you focus the portal's destination on the Hellknight's elevator shaft.

Helsprex gestures with her ivory baton, and all ten 'courtiers' - each carved in the likeness of a different jistkan hero - march through the portal with her. You hurry through as well.

"All lies in ruin" Helsprex laments at the sights that greet her on the other side of the portal. "Rachikan is lost, and I cannot doubt that the Imperium has met a similar fate."

The lich removes a ring from her skeletal finger and kicks fine boots off her bony feet. She hands her baton to Teric.

"Our bargain is complete, Trade Prince. Do as you will with my courtiers. They are yours now. Farewell, friends."

Imperatrix Severina Helsprex steps back, speaks a word of arcane power, and vanishes from Rachikan.

With command of ten stone golems, destroying the Hellknight's lift shaft and the old Apsis scaffolding is a trivial task.

What of Grone's staircase? Do you want to do anything else before you depart?

Teric is in shock as the Imperatrix vanishes. "That was not my intent, but we have what we came for. I realize some would not think this is a good outcome, but it's also possible the Society has gained an ally or at least leverage over her if she does return."

Other than leaving ourselves a way out, is there anything left to do? Maybe go back and search her room?

take 10 Spellcraft: 10 + 14 = 24

“Hmm ... Her teleport away.”

Destroying the Hellknight's lift shaft and the old Apsis scaffolding is a trivial task.

“Wow! Aeliah like see look on Licker Ambusta face ‘bout now.”

😉

“Teric, Paracountess NOT VC Benarry Casserole said us destroy Order of Rack shaft, Aspis encampment and way we got in – Brenton Grone’s Staircase.”

As Aeliah ✨casts carry companion on Tiddles to make it easier to carry the dino back to the Grinning Pixie, she finds herself questioning the wisdom of destroying the one remaining entrance to Rachikan.

“Me be controversial mebbe, but vote we not do what Zarta say and leave Brenton Grone’s Staircase intact.”

“It not order from VC Benarry or Ten and it vandalism to destroy natural entrance to archaeology dig site as cool as the remnants of Jiskan Empire. What bet Pathfinder Society decide to come back here one day, anyway.”

Daedîn’s bow comes up as the lich teleports but, alas, he’s too late. Looking at his companions doubtfully, he queries, ”Was it wise of us to free a lich? No telling what the consequences might be…too late to do anything about it now though…”

"Oh, okay. So, not that I was really looking forward to fighting a lich, but...now there's a lich out there running around somewhere," Nina sighs. "That's just great. You know they do horrible things to get like that, right?"

When Aeliah suggests not destroying Grone's way into Rachikan, the little gnome looks as though she's about to object...but then something occurs to her.

"If we collapsed all ways in, we'd be trapping all the morlocks down here. Maybe they've got other ways in and out we don't know about and other places to go to get food, but maybe not. And some of them did do us square and helped us out, even though it was so they could get something they wanted. I...I'd feel bad about doing them dirty. So okay...I'm game to leave Grone's staircase open and just collapse the two obvious ways in."

Pai agrees. ”If they’d have all been nasty morlocks then maybe destroying them would have been acceptable. But like you said, some of them were okay. I’d never live with myself if we collapsed everything on them down here.”

Teric nods. "Besides, this could be an untapped market if the morlocks are willing to conduct trade. I would hate to lose any potential customers, especially if I have exclusive access." He taps the amulet which would allow him to speak to them.

"So. Secured the site, gained the service of several golems, rescued Hellknights, befriended morlocks, and defeated demons. Oh and potentially released a lich into the world. I'd say that's a decent day's work."

"...I'd say that's a decent day's work."

Daedîn looks doubtful. "Might satisfy our superiors, but that's about it...we'll ultimately be judged by any havoc this lich unleashes...any blood she spills will be on our hands..."

The Elf shakes his head a moment later, muttering, "I shoulda followed my instincts and fired at her..."