PFS 1e - # 8-12 Tyranny of Winds, Part 3: Caught in the Eclipse (Inactive)

Game Master MauveAvengr

Producing his own wand, Kamishah wipes away the bruises from his errant flights. "What is the next challenge before us?"

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

At the suggestion of healing magic, Cevrik responds, "What? Oh! Yes. I've got one of those," and pulls out a wand of clw and tends to his own injuries. Appreciate the offer, but don't want to use up charges on someone else's wand if I don't have to ;=)

Wand of CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Will wait for Maud to join in before continuing.

The Pathfinders take some time to heal up.

Willard takes a quick look at the items. The fan is a feather token (fan) and the potion is a potion of levitate.

"What is the next challenge before us?"

"Heh...you don't mince words, do you?" Liora can't help but chuckle. "That's probably a good thing, at least out in places like this."

"Words have their place, most often in the halls of civilization. Actions are more suited to our mission here."

With the +10 from the type, Maud can't fail the acrobatics check to get back to the landing.
By the time she does, the chest is already open, and she just now at her companions with pride.

The tunnel follows a downward slope to a large chamber that stands out as particularly artificial among the otherwise roughly crafted trenches and caverns of the rest of the Sandflow Source.

Either statues ring the chamber, each sheathed in an element that clings to the figurines like an aura - constantly burning fire, a swirling cloud of fog, slate-colored stone, or a pocket of water held in place by an invisible force. Triangles etched into the floor connect matching pairs of statues. At the center of the room stands a large wooden desk with several jars on top. Some jars contain nothing more than a bit of dirt or rock, while others are grislier, containing blood or, in one case, a disembodied eye.

In the center of the room stands an oread surrounded by three dogs. Elsharon earth glides around the edges of the room, staying out of sight of this oread.

But this oread seems... strange. Her left hand and forearm have become living stone. One eye has been replaced by an emerald.

The oread turns to the group of Pathfinders. "What do you want?!" she angrily yells at them. "You're interrupting me."

(She's unfriendly to you now. Everyone gains a +2 bonus to Diplomacy checks since there is an oread in the party. Maud gains a +4 to Diplomacy checks since she is an oread. Anyone can Aid Another as long as you contribute to the conversation in some meaningful way. )

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Not being entirely sure what's happening here, Cevrik leans over to Rock Girl and whispers, "Is that some sort of rock people thing?"

Kn. Religion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Maud's realizes the statues represent the Elemental Lords, but is more concerned by the Oread's instant hostility.

"Um, hello cousin. We have many reasons to be here, actually. Why don't you tell us what you are doing in this place, with these likenesses of the Elemental Lords? Maybe we can help?"

With the +4 bonus, Maud's Diplomacy is +1. So someone else should probably be the main talker/roller.

"And lastly, there is a wayward daughter." She eyes Maud cautiously. "I hope that you can convince her to leave this holy place peacefully. It's tragic that she doesn't realize she's already a child of earth.". She does not go into further detail about this 'wayward daughter'.

Perception (DC 15): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

"Yeah, what she said," Liora nods, unsure of what exactly is going on. "We don't want any trouble, okay? We're really just passing through, some manner of tests or something, you know how it is..."

Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 2 = 8

Diplomacy aid another 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15

Yulau also tries to present as non threatening. ”We aren’t here looking for trouble, Ms. Oread. Your dogs seem nice too! Are they friendly? How did you come to tthis place?”

Willard pipes up, This entire place is fascinating, can you tell us any more about it, and the amazing elemental influences here? attempting to disarm her with questions.

diplomacy, aid another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"We are explorers on a quest and must pass through this place. Your assistance would allow us to leave you to your work that much sooner."

Good luck, Cevrik!

Forgot to roll Diplomacy earlier

Diplomacy (aid): 1d20 - 3 + 4 ⇒ (4) - 3 + 4 = 5 nope.

Looks like Cevrik is making the Diplomacy check as everyone else attempted to Aid.

"Ah, you have dogs!" Cevrik says, finding a way to connect to this interesting figure before him. "This is my dog, Dumpling," he says, reaching down to pat the bear dog he is riding.

"So, what amazing thing are you and your pretty puppies doing here?" he asks, trying to be to sound pleasant.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 4 = 19

The woman initially puts her hand on her weapon, not ready for combat, but in a threatening way. Then Cevrik speaks up.

"Those dogs. Fido, Rex, and Spot. Feel free to pet them. They don't bite.". She still does not fully trust you and keeps one hand near her spear.

"If you can't tell, I'm an oread." She glances at Maud. "I'm a native of Osirion whose human ancestors trace their lineage back to the nobles who oversaw the building of the lost city of Tumen. I've researched the region extensively and become deeply ashamed of my ancestor's part in enslaving the elementals.". She sighs and looks down.

She then looks up triumphantly. "I must transform myself into a true elemental.". She holds up her left hand and forearm which are true living stone.

"And you came in at an inappropriate time. I'm in the middle of some very important experiments. Please leave.". She goes back to fiddling with the jars on the table.

Cevrik quickly accepts the invitation to go pet the dogs, and while doing so, asks, "Why do you need to become a true elemental? Is it some sort of penance? And is there anything we could do to help you?"

"You weren't listening to my story. Guilt. Penance, yes. But it does not concern you. Please leave me be so I can continue with my experiments in peace.".

”Why do you need to transform yourself? You’re a perfect oread specimen. You should take pride in what you are instead of trying to change yourself into something you are not,” Yulau says with a sad smile.

"Even if you are not, is this the place for such work? Our society has places of study that could assist your efforts."

"None of you understand.". She looks down in sorrow, then back at Maud. "Except you.". Then she points to Liora. "And maybe you."

She starts weeping after Yulau tells her she's a perfect oread. "None of you understand my guilt. I've wanted to shed my human heritage for as long as I can remember.". She sits down on the desk. "But you're right. I need to take pride in who I am."

She looks at Kamishah. "What 'society' are you talking about?" She asks, curious.

"You know...the way I see it, it wasn't your fault what your ancestors did," Liora finally remarks after thinking on the oread woman's words for a good, long moment. "Was it bad? Yeah. Should it have happened? Nope. But...that's a lot of guilt to carry around for something that happened before you were even born. Don't forget what your ancestors did, but, y'know, learn from it so you can be better and so maybe it won't happen again. Beating yourself up about it doesn't help anything, you know?"

"We are part of an organization of explorers called the Pathfinder Society. We find that which is lost and learn what is unknown. There are many scholars that may have knowledge that would aid you."

Let's say you need another Diplomacy check to convince her to leave. Or perhaps join the Society? Again, everyone can aid. +2 since you have an oread in your party (or if Maud does the check, it's +4).

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Well that was well timed!

Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 2 = 20

"It's also a fantastic chance to see more of the world," Liora adds with a wide smile. "Broaden your horizons in more ways than one!"

Looks like Kamishah rolled as primary, so I'll smile and nod enthusiastically.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

She nods. "Yes, I think I'll join this 'society'. They may have more resources to help with my research.". She sheds a tear. "Where do I go? Who should I talk to once I'm there?"

Qiarah starts packing up her things to head out. She picks up two wands and hands them both to Maud. "Here, I wont be needing these anymore."

She hands Maud a wand of glitterdust (4 charges) and a wand of magic missile (8 charges).

(Will update the next room later today. Feel free to roleplay a bit more here if you want.)

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 - 3 + 4 ⇒ (5) - 3 + 4 = 6

Maud is visibly discomfited by the strange Oread/Elemental creature. She attempts to assist with the diplomacy, but...

"I, uh... being an Oread is pretty neat though. I mean I like it pretty good. And humans aren't *THAT* bad... mostly."

As the other Oread hands Maud the wands before leaving, Maud offers a weak "Uh... thanks? And uh... good luck?"

"Go to the Sandswept Hall in Sothis. Ask for Venture Captain Balentiir. He will help you."

Willard watches as his friends give counsel to the Oread, The Society is a fantastic please to learn and explore the world. Find out more about yourself as well. The awkward ulfen tries to help...

”It was a pleasure talking with you. Take good care of your doggies! I’m sure they will love the trip. Plenty of adventures on the way! And sticks….”

"Thanks for being willing to hear us out," Liora adds as Qiarah begins packing up her things. "Safe travels back to Sothis!"

Qiarah heads south after packing up all her stuff and leads her dogs out. "Stay in touch," she says with a sigh.

After a bit, Elsharon comes out. "You have proven yourselves worthy! What a wonderful decision you made. I'm sure this earthen daughter will love her new home in Sothis."

Ascending a steep staircase that leads to the open air again, the walls here quickly diminish in height, giving a clear view of the desert beyond the Sandflow Source.

Without warning, several desert twisters wind their way toward the area. They stop at the mouth of the trench, and then dissipate to reveal a group of roughly humanoid-shaped masses of cloudy air. One of the elementals, a creature with a humanlike upper body and a number of cloud-like tendrils emerging from its lower half, moves closer than the others and speaks.

"The Goanron have found their 'prophets' yes, yes," says the elemental. "Creatures of earth are so easily deceived. But the Ainsi, we know how to make a deal, we do. We can offer anything the Goanron have and more! All the Goanron want to do is keep the past buried forever, and kill whoever disagrees with their inflexible ways. Do you really believe that they are willing to look past the longstanding enmity between your people and elementals and forge new alliances? They will take what they want from you and then suffocate you beneath the sands."

Elsharon and this new air elemental start arguing. Both emissaries claim their leader knows the whereabouts of Jamila. They fiercely argue with each other while attempting to convince you their tribe is superior.

From the arguing, it's easy to assume that these two tribes are rival factions. Remembering from before, the Goanron and Ainsi have a bitter history with a long history of warfare. Elsharon calls out that the others are untrustworthy and violent, where the other emissary says the same of Elsharon. The earth elemental denies all accusations.

Both tribes - the Ainsi (air elementals) and the Goanron (earth elementals) - have started requesting aid in defeating the other tribe.

(What do you do? Which side do you ally with? Neither side will let you leave without choosing a side.)

"Hmmph. Words are wind. Elsharon has guided us through this challenge. What actions would you take?" Kamishah stares at the whirling elementals, unimpressed.

"Yeahhh...um, nothing personal and all, but Elsharon's been pretty nice and helpful," Liora is forced to agree. "If you'd wanted our help, why didn't you come find us earlier?"

Elsharon smiles as two of the group seem to weigh in in her favor.

Will wait for more people to weigh in.

”Elsharon is okay with me. Without their advice, I doubt we would have made it this far,” Yulau says, volunteering her vote.

Maud ponders... Of course, she is naturally inclined to agree with her companions, the tribe that shares her personal ancestry, as well as the tribe that has been working with them already.

But something the air elemental said triggers a thought in Maud.
Keep their past buried forever...

When Maud's party had first came to this area, they identified the strange geometry of the environment, pointing towards something in the center.

And when Elsharon showed them the historical friezes, they seemed unwilling to discuss the discrepancies.

Maud stolidly announces she wants to hear out the air Elementals and get more information from both sides before making a decision.

She sets her gaze on Elsharon. "What are you so intent on hiding? Is it the lost city of Tumen? What are you afraid of?" Then looks at the Ainsi envoys and asks "Or perhaps you would be more willing to explain."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Totally don't care which side we actually pick IC, just curious about any extra story we can squeeze out

Elsharon speaks up. "Don't listen to what they say. The Ainsi are prone toward violence and treachery.". She looks Maud right in the eyes. "We are cautious. Since you proved yourselves, I will tell you this: we do believe some great power lies within Tumen and want to keep it buried - until we can better understand what is there. They," Elsharon points at the Ainsi representatives, "just want to unleash whatever is there."

The air elemental speaks up. "Tumen. Yes. We want to uncover the city buried under the desert sands. To advance the desert to its true glory!"

Will wait for a response from Willard and Cevrik.

Hearing his companions voicing support of Elsharon, Cevrik nods and says, "There's an old saying, 'Dance with the gal you took to the ball.' We don't need a new partner, thank you."

Okay, sounds like a majority for siding with Elsharon.

"You're going to regret this!" shouts the air elemental. He bellows out to the wind, asking for others to join in and help him, but nothing seems to answer.

The air elemental looks directly at Maud. "You're going down first.". He flies in a rage and slams down on the oread.

And Maud feels very hurt. Will definitely bruise later! (4 points of damage)

-------------

[u]Round 1[/u]

Air Elemental

Yulau (12/12 hp)
Maud (17/21 hp)
Liora (16/16 hp)
Cevrik (12/12 hp)
Mr. Dumplington (20/21 hp)

Elsharon

Willard (8/10 hp)
Kamishah (27/27 hp)

Everyone is up!

Kamishah speaks a few words, summoning fire to his hand. "Foolish bravado." Utter disdain is plain on his face.

Casting Produce Flame.

Sorry, I kept meaning to reply, and catching up on work got to be overwhelming this week...

Willard focuses on the air elemental, and unleashes a hideous scream directed at it.

Ear piercing scream, burn 1 arcane reservoir for +1 DC

Fort Save DC 18 for half sonic damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4And Dazed, fortitude save negates the daze....

Maud is not only physically hurt, but emotionally hurt by the air elemental's focus on her. "I was the only one that even attempted to see your side of things!"

Maud tries to remember her elemental research - What counteracts air? Must be Earth, right?

The tell-tale green glow of acid burns around Maud's flurry of fists as she returns the elemental's attack in kind.
FOB Unarmed Elemental Strike attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
unarmed strike damage (Elemental Fist - Acid / Shaitan Style): 1d6 + 3 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 3 + (1) + 4 = 14
FOB Unarmed Strike attack 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
FOB unarmed strike damage 2: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

She glances at Willard and asks "Wand?" (If by next round it looks like it will be a drag out fight I would appreciate Mage Armor :) but a lot can happen in a round)

Yulau was ready to let out some aggression so she fires a magic Missile at the elemental!

Damage 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

"Why do you have to be such a hothead?" Liora sighs as the situation rapidly heads south. She maneuvers around to where she has a clear line of fire and then begins casting, conjuring a snowball into her hand, which she then attempts to fling at the air elemental.

Snowball (Ranged Touch): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Damage (Cold): 2d6 ⇒ (2, 3) = 5

Crit?: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Damage (Cold): 2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12

Must've been some rocks inside!

Cevrik casts shield on his trusty steed and then urges him forward to attack as he says, "Time to blow away, windbag!"

Dumpling steps forward and unleashes a flurry of fangs and claws on the elemental.

Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 171d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Claw 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 141d6 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Claw 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 91d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10