GM Erich's 5-23 Cairn of Shadows (Tier 5-9) (Inactive)

Game Master Thereus, Silver Crusader

Paxal, that seems as good an idea as any. There might be a way forward in the pit, or at a minimum we could go up a rope on the other side and save spells entirely. What does Tiny Pebble mean by "bird stones?"

Yeah. I wondered what "bird stones" meant as well. Maybe he means "eggs".
Paxal shrugs.
If he does mean to say eggs, why would they be in here? Seems like a strange place to find eggs.
Paxal suddenly remembers that birds aren't the only creatures that lay eggs.
Come to think of it, maybe they are eggs from another type of creature.
If they even are eggs. Let's go have a look.
Paxal pulls out his rope and grappling hook.

Everyone, get off the platform. I'll shoot an arrow at the door at the end to set off the trap. Hopefully it will make the floor swing open.

Igor nods at Pixal's plan hopeful that it will work. He is sure that both he and Tiny Pebble get off the platform.

"Pixal, you might want to move back a little yourself before firing."

I took the liberty of moving Elby's token as well. I do not want our Paladin going for a tumble into the pit.

I moved everyone back a teeny-tiny bit more. Paxal was still on part of the floor that drops away.

Hopefully, this will set off the trap.
Paxal says as he looks back at his companions and gives a wink as he pulls out his bow.
He nocks a mundane arrow, takes aim, and shoots the trapped door.

From what I've read about attacking objects, specifically doors, I pretty much auto-hit.

The arrow flies true and smacks the door, causing the floor to swing open from the hinged side as anticipated. Looking down into the pit you can see the nets and treasure that Tiny previewed.

Pulling up the mini-haul reveals numerous coins and bits of cut gems in the spiked pits, and the more durable remains of previous humanoids. There are 8 small ruby songbirds (worth 500 gp each) and 165 pp.

fast forwarding just a tad...

However you end up reaching it, you are all quite disappointed that the door itself was a false door and nothing lies beyond.

Igor nods appreciatively at the treasure.

"Well springing the trap really paid off. I guess we should get back to the main room and check it again for other passages or doors. Otherwise we will need to ascend to the top of the primary chamber by chains or other means."

Haha! Gemstones!

Not eggs.
He gives an embarrassed chuckle.

Zzorn takes a moment of silence upon seeing the mass grave. He then follows the Pathfinders back to the room of chains. There, he asks "Where to now, ladies and gentlemen?"

Malik points above and looks towards the ceiling. "That or wherever that... liquid... flows., he looks at the black stream flowing through the room. "I'm not sure about either of those options, if I can say so myself."

It's hard for me to believe that the only way up is by climbing these chains. There has got to be a secret door with a way to get up to the higher levels.

Igor nods.

"I agree. I will start with the dais and the chair that our friend was sitting on and move around the walls of the room from there."

Perception of 32 with a Take 10.

Tiny Pebble stays by his master in case they run into any trouble.

I would think a Secret door would be near the throne, although if that was the case, the current Telendrak might have seen where it is?

Searching the walls carefully does reveal a panel in the throne room that leads to another door behind. Carefully proceeding into it, you crack into some sort of cold storage.

The large chamber beyond the secret door is more than twenty feet wide and thirty long. Two walls have black wooden doors set in them, each tall enough to allow an ogre to pass through. Spiked chains fill the chamber as in the other rooms so far, stretching upward endlessly. Dozens of corpses hang from the chains, cruel looking hooks dig deeply into flesh, suspending the bodies several feet from the ground. Some of them appear to be the subjects of extensive unnecessary surgeries with chains, hooks, or spikes replacing limbs. The faint rasping of labored breathing fills the room.

Elby rushes toward the sound of breathing, ready to heal or free anyone else suffering in this gods-forsaken place.

Malik walks into the room and his eyes seem to be wider every second. "By Ioz'om, whatever entity is doing this must be purged from existence."

He walks towards the nearest breathing captive.

Zzorn proceeds with his standard chain-cutting operating procedure, with Malik and Paxal attending, just like they did with Telandrak. "I had no idea this would turn into a rescue mission. Why is it that they never prepare us properly for those missions..." complains the Taldor-raised Ulfen man. It is plain on his face that he is disgusted by what these survivors have been subjected to, and you can all detect a growing, righteous anger rising within the man.

@GM: let me know if you'll need fresh rolls or are ok with the slightly stale rolls I provided earlier this week... hmmmm, fresh rolls... ;)

Malik will knee to the prisoners that were cut down and attempt to redirect the flow of liquids in their bodies to ease the pain. "Let me help you...", he tells all of them. Then offers his waterskin and gently pats them while they drink, if they agree.

Igor keeps watch with his faithful familiar while the others attend to the tortured individuals in the room. He scans the area for any magical auras as well (Detect Magic).

The bodies hanging from hooks in this room all seem alive, but most are actually dead, albeit decomposing quite slowly in these conditions.

Only two of the bodies here are truly alive, but they are weak and starved, weighing no more than 100 pounds each, and are too frail to move at any pace more than a slow shuffle once removed from their
chains. You can remove them as before with a few quick sword chops.

Once freed they sink to the ground, to grovel at your feet.

@Malik The healing does help some, but like Telendrak before, they need long rest and recuperation to fully heal.

@Igor Detect magic reveals no distinct auras.

There is another door to the west.

Zzorn respectfully requests that the group pauses their exploration until the two live survivors are slowly escorted or carried to the entrance next to Telandrak. He then leaves a waterskin and some trail rations there for them, along with whatever cheese, fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried raisins and dried berries he has not used in his journey yet. He mentally utters a quick prayer to Kurgess, asking that this simple yet healthy food knit these men's bodies back together. May their muscles, hearts and lungs be nourished again; to be alive is to be in motion

"I think it is safer to leave them here. They have survived for a long time in here but outside in the entrance I have no idea what might come by. A scavenging animal can easily kill them in their current condition. On our way back we can carry them out."

"Do you honestly believe the entrance is less safe than this unsecured cold dungeon filled with barbed chains?" asks Zzorn, skeptically.

Igor nods.

"Absolutely. The entrance is exposed to the outside and while this room is uninviting it is safe otherwise these people would not have survived for so long. We even had to activate a secret panel to enter the room."

It is just a bit of RP fun. Igor thinks that he has the better side of the argument here but the reality is that the NPCs would be safe almost anywhere due to how PFS runs. :)

"Very well. Since I disagree with your assessment on the safety of this dungeon, and since you are adamant that the entrance is not safe for these men, Ulfgar and I shall guard these men while you continue the exploration of the dungeon. Be careful, and retreat to the... safety... of the entrance if you encounter something overwhelmingly dangerous. Take care friends!"

With that, Zzorn and his bodyguard escort the men to the entrance and stand guard there.

The wizard simply shakes his head smiling weakly not wishing to divide the party over a mere philosophical debate.

"Fine...have it your way. I am sure that they will be safe enough waiting at the entrance. Perhaps you are right after all. We can really use your help on this mission."

I think it would be great fun for your character and bodyguard to wait at the entrance. Ha! However Igor does not agree with this assessment. :)

"No no no... you made a valid point. Ulfgar: please stay with these men while I explore the much safer dungeon with these very professional Pathfinders."

The bodyguard begins to protest, until Zzorn adds, "You've heard the wizard! the dungeon is safer than the entrance! thus, you will still be honoring your blood oath by blocking the entrance against potential wild animals who may come our way. The halls inside are, by all assessments, empty and harmless. The only reason I'm still going in is to provide my expert opinion should we encounter some bits of heraldry. Do not worry, Ulfgar!"

With a few grunts of protest the large Ulfen bodyguard (much larger than Zzorn) draws his greataxe and plants his feet wide in the entrance, facing the outside, his gaze angrily turning to the three men eating and drinking on the ground.

For the rest of the scenario Zzorn will not have access to his Personal Bodyguard boon.

"Boys."

Boys indeed

Notos looks around the secret room while Zzorn and Igor have their "discussion"

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Notos notes that there isn't any more of interest here than the obvious macabre solitude of this "meat locker".

Moving forward a bit more before anyone starts to wrestle amongst the chains.

The door on the west wall leads to an adjoining room devoid of any implements and lost to some forgotten purpose.

Continuing through the next door, the source of the black river is finally found. Blood, rusted chains, and corpses cover the floor of this room. It smells of rot and cold blood and the air is heavy with moisture seeping from rent body parts. The congealed misery of this place seeps into the wall and floors, eventually forming the stream
of shadowy essence in the large chamber outside. Four humanoid bodies, drained of color and recently shredded, can be found here.

Igor nods at his discovery of the fetchlings. He searches the area for any items of interest or magic (Detect Magic).

(Take 10 on Perception is 32)

Wow. A lot of posting during my last few hours at work.

Paxal glares at the two bickering teammates.
Yeah, boys. Listen to the ladies.

We're all in this macabre mess together and need to act like Pathfinders, not bickering children.

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

Paxal slinks around the room, trying to avoid the chains as best as possible. He reels in disgust at the sight of the contents of the room with the Black River.
By the gods. This place is worse than the deepest reaches of the Abyss.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Every time I think this place is as bad as it can be, it gets worse.

Notos looks for a way to stop the process that is feeding the river.

Perhaps the way is down, instead of up?

Knowledge (Planes) perhaps, since the Fetchlings are from the Plane of Shadow?

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Not really a way to stop the shadow essence flow from the death and pain here. What's done is done. Now, preventing more death and pain would be the noble goal. To do that, it looks like the only way is up, and that requires heading (climbing?) up the dangerous chains.

Speaking of that, careful examination reveals a second long set of such chains that go up and up in the cold storage room all around the perimeter.

I have indicated where you can ascend the chains by the yellow and orange dotted lines. Proceed at your own risk...

I guess I'll go first.
Paxal looks up as he tugs on one of the thicker chains on the outer edge of the room. He turns to his companions, gives them a determined glance, and starts climbing with unwavering resolve.
Climb: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"Wait... first, rope check... Whoever gets up there first can then drop the rope to the others. I just got my hands manicured in Oppara: I'm not really fond of climbing these barbed chains to be honest..." says Zzorn, opening his backpack and pulling out his fifty-foot coil. "I got about fifty feet here; how long do the rest of you have?"

===============

After the group puts together a long rope...

"Alright Paxal, if you're going first, slap some of this on your hands," says Zzorn, grabbing a handful of chalk powder out of a bag and slapping it into Paxal's hands for a firmer grip. "I've climbed a mountain or two in Taldor, so I'll take up the rear in case one of you falls. There, everyone, use some chalk powder. Go for it! apply it liberally!"

Igor and Tiny Pebble move away from the climbers in case one of them might happen to fall. He directs Tiny Pebble to see if he can Earth Glide up one of the walls to scout.

"Not so hasty my friends let Tiny Pebble have a look ahead."

Igor examines the quality of the wall and the difficulty of the climb if the party does not ascend with the chains.

(Perception 32, Craft-Stone Mason 20, K-Engineering 20)

@GM Erich - How much time has passed in the cairn?

Tiny Pebble attempts to Earth Glide up the wall to get a good look at their potential climb and what might await them on the top. He tries to be as quiet as he can and is directed to return as soon as he sees anything of interest.

(Take 10 on Stealth is 17)

If we stay close enough, I may be able to inspire your climbing if you need it.

And she thinks to herself, I am very likely to need it, since I do not climb well. The Spell is Gallant Inspiration and since it only has verbal components, I can cast it while I am climbing.

Damn, I didn't pack any rope. How could I make sure a novice mistake.

Malik reaches for his belt and unstraps a lenght of rope to help. "Should be around 50 ft as well. I might have cut some to make fire, but probably not much."

@Igor Probably 5 minutes now.

Tiny Pebble struggle to glide of the thin façade of stone but returns a minute later. "Two hundred feet up. Two masked shadow women with swords. They saw me."

You can give me a knowledge planes on that but it is a little vague.

Climbing the chains isn’t particularly difficult, but it is dangerous — climbing creatures do not normally get their Dexterity bonus to AC, cannot use shields, and must make a Climb check to avoid falling anytime they take damage. A successful DC 10 Climb check allows you to ascend the ropes. Can anyone not take 10 to get 10 (i.e. you don't have a penalty to your checks, remember armor penalty applies). This will suffice for most of the ascent, however if you get into combat near the top, then take 10 can't be used. Unless you were a grippli or something.

Speaking in hushed tones, Zzorn says, "Well... if the masked women saw the elemental, the jig is up. This could be a rare scenario where splitting the group could be beneficial, with the elemental and someone highly mobile taunting these swordswomen while the rest of us climb from the other side, above the throne... what say you?"

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13

I assume I know nothing, Nothing

This might be a really good time to try and use the Obscuring Mist trick we talked about. It might allow our front liners to get onto the platform without too much damage. Igor, can you cast it when we approach the top?

Speaking in hushed tones, Zzorn says, "Well... if the masked women saw the elemental, the jig is up. This could be a rare scenario where splitting the group could be beneficial, with the elemental and someone highly mobile taunting these swordswomen while the rest of us climb from the other side, above the throne... what say you?"

As Paxal clings to the chain, he whispers back to Zzorn,

"Keep climbing Paxal! I like Notos' plan better! let's stick together and trust in her fog-sight magic when we get to the top! get wands of magic missiles, bolts, arrows and spears ready! Notos: if we make it to the top, remember to stay right next to me..."

Zzorn slaps some chalk powder in everyone's hands, slaps them on the butt to help them start climbing their own individual chain, and finally takes up the rear on a chain that is somewhat central to everyone's position so that he can reach for anyone falling.

Elby gives Zzorn a glare that says, If I were not lawful good, I would pound you flat where you stand, then begins climbing a chain.

+1 Climb! She can actually do this part!

Notos begins to climb, after moving towards the center of the room.

Notos whispers Zzorn, while I appreciate the advice and the chalk, keep your hands to yourself. If we can get the fog placed properly, you might even be able to get onto whatever ledge these women are on while hidden in the fog, which may be more of an advantage than trying to use bows while hanging on the chains.

Notos also has a +1 climb, so at least she can get up the chain.

"Ah.. sorry... old habits from sports competitions in Taldor tournament leagues..." says Zzorn, nodding at Notos' logic and battle tactic suggestions.

Tiny Pebble tries to recall his conversations with his master about the strange denizens from the outer planes.

K-Planes: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Igor nods and thanks his familiar for scouting ahead. He wonders if seeing the creatures himself would be helpful.

@GM Jhaeman - The empathic link that my character shares with his familiar combined with the description provided might allow Igor to make a knowledge check without a penalty. If that is the case then his k-planes check will be a 25 on a take 10. If Igor thinks that he would be better to wait until he sees the creatures than he will wait.

He turns to speak to Notos.

"Casting a scroll while climbing a chain is certainly beyond my abilities. I will have to decide how I want to ascend. A moment please as I need to think this through."

It is possible for my character to fly up and cast the scroll possibly while being invisible. I am assuming that they have 60' Dark vision but it is possible that my character will know more about them.

While Igor is thinking he is interrupted by a thump to the rump by an overly excited barbarian. He turns around surprised. He is not mad but he is quick to sanitise himself yet again with his Prestidigitation spell as a precautionary measure.

This is the Discussion thread.

Shennanigans with this character:

-Disruptive: The DC to cast spells defensively increases by +4 for all enemies that are within Zzorn’s threatened area.

-Breaker Rush: Improved Bull Rush or Improved Overrun at CMB +14 (either causes 12 pts. of bludgeoning dmg, targets of the overrun attempt may not chose to avoid Zzorn)

-Breaker Momentum: successful bull rush (12 pts. bludgeoning dmg) also triggers overrun combat maneuver check as a free action (for another 12 pts. bludgeoning dmg as Zzorn stomps the enemy's face into the ground)

-now with an Ulfen Guard level which comes with Guard Dedication (Ex). He selected Deflect Arrows as bonus feat, which can be used on one chosen adjacent ally.

MOAR Shennanigans!

Spell-like Abilities
Envoy Ring (CL 3rd)- 1/day each: charm person (DC 16), comprehend language, disguise self (24 hours duration; clothing automatically matches dominant culture and diminishes any personal feature that would stand out)
Subtle Mask (CL 3rd)- 1/day: comprehend language

--> Mask actually disappears or 'melds' into Zzorn's face (i.e. it doesn't look like he's wearing a mask), and instead produces subtle/faint golden patterns/tattoos on his face, and makes one of his eyes appear green while the other one still appears blue (his true eye color).

Neat. How do you get 12 damage though? I'm seeing 10.

6 for STR of 22, 2 for having Improved Bull Rush or Improved Overrun and 2 from magic armor.

2 from each Imp Bull Rush and Imp Overrun right? (armor and shield are specifically called as not stacking, so I figured having both feats would stack)

I think the way it is worded implies they don't stack since you are only using one or the other at a time. (highlight mine)

"At 1st level, a siegebreaker can attempt bull rush or overrun combat maneuvers without provoking attacks of opportunity. When he performs either combat maneuver, he deals an amount of bludgeoning damage equal to his Strength bonus (minimum 1). If he has Improved Bull Rush or Improved Overrun, the damage dealt by the appropriate maneuver increases by 2 and he adds any enhancement bonus from his armor or shield (though such enhancement bonuses do not stack, if both armor and shield are magic)."

Ah! fair enough! time to invest in a stronger armor then! :)

There are two unusual abilities that I have that may come into play. The reference for the Archetype is linked below:
https://www.aonprd.com/ArchetypeDisplay.aspx?FixedName=Bard%20Flame%20Dance r

Fire Dance (Su): At 1st level, a fire dancer learns to protect himself and others from the pain of fire, and discovers how to control the flame while enduring its heat. Each round of the fire dance, she rolls a Perform (dance or sing) check. Any ally within 30 feet of the bard that has caught on fire or is affected by a fire effect or extreme heat can use the bard’s Perform check result in place of its saving throw against that fire. Any ally within 30 feet of the bard who is suffering from heatstroke can ignore the fatigue from heat exposure so long as the bard maintains this performance. Fire dance relies on audible or visual components. This ability replaces countersong.

Song of the Fiery Gaze (Su): At 3rd level, a fire dancer can allow allies to see through flames without any distortion. Any ally within 30 feet of the bard who can hear the performance can see through fire, fog, and smoke without penalty as long as the light is sufficient to allow him to see normally, as with the base effect of the gaze of flames oracle revelation. Song of the fiery gaze relies on audible components. This ability replaces inspire competence.

Song of the Fiery Gaze is useful when combined with fog spells like Obscuring Mist or Fog Cloud to allow the party to see perfectly well while their enemies are hobbled with the concealment penalties. However my character has neither of these spells in his spell book and is almost entirely out of gold. Other characters might have ways of creating smoke or fog.

Song of the Fiery Gaze (Su): At 3rd level, a fire dancer can allow allies to see through flames without any distortion. Any ally within 30 feet of the bard who can hear the performance can see through fire, fog, and smoke without penalty as long as the light is sufficient to allow him to see normally, as with the base effect of the gaze of flames oracle revelation. Song of the fiery gaze relies on audible components. This ability replaces inspire competence.

Wow... if someone in the group can cast wall of fire, fog cloud, stinking cloud or obscuring mist this could lead to a great combo... we could hide in the fog and shoot at enemies while they can't see us...

I freely admit I always just considered it a defensive ability. I wonder if I can buy a scroll of Obscuring Mist before we leave? I don't have it on my spell list, but I have a pretty good UMD. . .

Wand of Obscuring Mist is 750gp or 2PP :)

Zzorn may need to invest in a proper bow now... :)

Edit: oh, scratch that! I have a sling! that'll do! get ready for the 'Raging Slinger' :)

Subtle Mask (CL 3rd)- 1/day: comprehend language

@GM Erich: as of last chronicle sheet the mask was further upgraded to also do the following (the online alias stats should be up to date now)

(CL 11th)- 9 rounds/day (need not be consecutive): the wearer may mentally activate the mask as a swift action to cast detect thoughts (DC 17)

Envoy Ring (CL 3rd)- 1/day each: charm person (DC 16) [...]

--> Please note this was a mistake: the DC is only 15 for the First Triumph level of this relic... (one then adds +1 to the DC for each 'additional' Triumph if more are applied afterwards)

@Notos - I would suggest purchasing at least four scrolls of Obscuring Mist. If you like you can give one to my character and I will try to cast it in combat when your character begins to sing. Please ask me first as I reserve the right to control my actions in combat but as it is a powerful combination it should work out a great deal of time and if not then your character can try to cast it in the following round from one of the remaining scrolls.

@Zzorn - My character has Stinking Cloud in his spell book however with the exception of my familiar I do not think that any other character would like to camp out in there.

@Zzorn - My character has Stinking Cloud in his spell book however with the exception of my familiar I do not think that any other character would like to camp out in there.

you could place it on the enemies... her ability works either way I think

Hey everyone. A heads up from me. I won't be available over the weekend. I'll try to get a post in today but no guarantees. On phone at the moment. Full force on Sunday.

@Igor Ivantoe, I will purchase the four scrolls and give you one to use as you see fit. I would never presume to direct someone else's character. It will be interesting to see how it works. It should shut down ranged enemies pretty effectively, though.

Just remember, these are all Bardic performances, so I can onoy have one going at a time. I will be choosing which to provide among:
Inspire Courage: +2 attack and damage and bonus to saves versus fear
Fire Dance: I roll a Perform (Dance) and everyone can use that to save versus fire effects
Song of the Fiery Gaze: Which allows you to see through smoke and fog

Which one goes up will depend on the situation, and changing will require me to restart a new performance.

Wow. I'm just seeing all these posts now. I never got a notification of new posts. Great abilities, everyone! Paxal is just a boring archer. I'll try to do my best, though!

@Igor: as per my last post, Zzorn does the detect thoughts from outside the inn, on the porch, to avoid any such notice from the patrons inside, on the off-chance that GM Erich has a very strict interpretation of the 'magic is always noticeable' Paizo FAQ; he is scanning the inn through the wooden walls, with no sound or movement produced, and no line of sight from the patrons. Detect thoughts is a divination; successful Will save on the 3rd round of use means you can't read their thoughts. Furthermore, the 'subtle mask' is special as it is meant to be used with a mental action during social situations, and only 9 rounds per day instead of 1 min/level... it is an item from the War for the Crown adventure path that is literally meant to be used as you're having a conversation with someone without generating any suspicious effects, hence the name 'subtle mask'; with that said, if it is the decision of the group that I can no longer use this aspect of my character, please indicate your vote here in the discussion thread and I will try to adapt accordingly.

It is a pretty clear consensus that all magic is noticeable and this has been clarified by FAQ and the like. Clearly an effect that allows a saving throw will be noticed by the individual making the save.

That being said it is up to GM Erich to rule on this issue.

It is up to your character to decide how he will act and is not a party decision. I was just trying to give you a heads-up of the possible consequences of your character's actions completely out of character of course. My character has no idea about your mask. :)

Wow! That Subtle Mask is cool. I looked it up on AoN. I'm all good with you using it.

The chronicle sheet grants access to it but the wording appears slightly different on the sheet than the version linked by Paxal, as follows, which is why I kept Zzorn on the porch and used the regular application of detect thoughts: (Zzorn only purchased the mask for 1,400 and its First Triumph upgrade for 2,500)

Subtle Mask: (1,400 gp) The wearer of this porcelain mask gains a +2 competence bonus on Sense Motive checks and can use comprehend languages 1/day (CL 3rd).

▫ Triumph 1 (Level 6; 2,500 gp) The wearer may mentally activate the mask as a swift action to cast detect thoughts (DC 17 +1 per additional triumph obtained). This ability can be used for up to 9 rounds per day.
▫ Triumph 2 (Level 9; 6,500 gp) The wearer gains a +2 enhancement bonus to Charisma. When they mentally activate the mask, they also gain the effects of arcane sight for the duration of the effect.
▫ Triumph 3 (Level 12; 8,500 gp) The mask’s enhancement bonus to Charisma increases to +4.
▫ Triumph 4 (Level 15; 17,500 gp) The mask’s enhancement bonus to Charisma increases to +6. When the wearer activates the mask, they also gain the benefits of discern lies (DC 22) for the duration of the effect.

I'm fine with whichever version of the subtle mask though, and I'll go with GM Erich on this (his choice: regular detect thoughts used by Zzorn during his last post as per the chronicle sheet, or modified in-conversation version as per the AP version linked by Paxal)

@ZZorn Boy, they really changed the nature of the item on the chronicle. Use the version from the chronicle, as that's how you have access. Anyone who makes a save against it knows that magic was trying to affect them. Also, you do have the weird tattoos and eyes when donned that might be suspicious. That is enough for now.

The tricky part to rule on is whether a magical item creates the magical "manifestations" when activated like a spell or SLA would per the FAQ. I'm leaning toward yes, but I need more time to come to a conclusion.

@GM Erich: Thank you for the confirmation. I'll keep treating it like a regular detect thoughts spell then (this is why I did it from outside the building, with line of sight blocked to anyone, anticipating that this would be the case). It's a tavern though: Zzorn doesn't expect too many of those folks to make the DC 17 Will save (according to Inner Sea Taverns p.54-55, being drunk gives one a "−2 penalty on ability checks, attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks, but you gain DR 1/— against nonlethal damage." Those who are considered 'soused' take a -4 penalty instead...) About the changes they made to it via the Chronicle Sheet wording, I agree, it's a bit different, but a mental activation as a swift action is enough for me to still like the item! :)

@GM Erich: last post edited in Gameplay with correct use of detect thoughts (no aura location assumption)

The mask is a really fun idea but problematic in many ways. There is also the ethical implications on just using it on uninvolved masses of people. It is not something that a character with a Good alignment really should be doing as reading someone thoughts without their permission is a violation of sorts and should be reserved for suspected enemies or in times of need (to solve a murder, help find someone trapped/missing, etc.).

On the other hand if it is something you want to use as a player go for it. A Neutral act here and again will not make that much of a difference in the long run. Or just be Neutral. It is so much easier. :)

In case anyone is wondering, we should be done with this scenario prior to Gameday X if you wish to use this character.

Gameday X Announcement

Wow, another game day. Thanks for bringing that to our attention. :)

Ha! All this time, mission impossible theme is playing in the background.

Ha! All this time, mission impossible theme is playing in the background.

Or maybe less explosions, and more deductions? :P :D :)

All I'm gonna say is thanks for the patience of GM Erich and the other players! :)

Does the room of chains affect darkvision?

Yes, the chains are physical, so they block sight of any type.

Your darkvision is not affected by whatever strange forces are affecting the light sources in this place, however.

Guys, I will have limited availability over the weekend. Leaving in some 2 hrs and will be away until Sunday afternoon-ish. I will be on phone and will check the thread every now and then, but if we get to something crucial and you need to rush, bot me. Everything you need for it is in Malik's profile under Botting Instructions and Frequent Rolls spoilers.

Igor Ivantoe wrote:

@Zzorn - You decide if your magical weapon generates light or not. The percentage roll is just for randomly found treasure outside of society play.

Incorrect: several GMs have asked me to roll for this before.

Igor is quite correct.

@GM, what checks would it take to stop climbing on the chain, pull a scroll from a Handy Haversack, and try to cast the scroll? It may take multiple rounds to accomplish. especially if I need to take an action every round to hold my position in the chain?

You can stop on the chain and use one hand to get out a scroll (it can be in your belt) and try to read and cast it. There needs to be light to read it if you don't have darkvision. Otherwise, no penalties.

I Have Darkvision, so no worries. It will still be a UMD check, since the scroll isn't on my spell list.

How is Elby bonking adjacent targets with a reach weapon? I was thinking that perhaps we were done with those rolls but maybe not.

Igor Ivantoe wrote:

@Zzorn - Michael Brock clarified that point in the Pathfinder Society thread. Players get to choose. If you want a roll to determine your decision then that is your choice. :)

I do and I did, but thanks for pointing that out. For the record I would appreciate if you used PMs or the discussion thread for suggestions like these and let the GM inform me on my options, as I'm getting a ruleslawyery vibe from your posts at the moment. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Regards, PDK

Why Zzorn decides to rage now has me scratching my head. Still playing an unpredictable character does make for more interesting reading. :)

Igor, I have kindly requested you use the Discussion thread for your ooc comments or questions about character actions/decisions. Please do so in the future, if you must (because frankly, I don't care for this kind of running commentary, and have considered elevating this to a complaint to the GM). With all due respect, I signed up for a GM Erich game, not a GM Igor game. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Regards, PDK.

Sure you are right I will keep all ooc comments (and only if necessary) in the discussion thread as you have requested. My apologies.

Much appreciated, thanks!

Generally at table people will simply do their own healing out of combat assuming that there is at least one person who can automatically activate the healing wand. Going forward I really suggest that we take this approach as PbP is painfully slow in comparison to a live game.

Also can Elby activate a cure wand? Typically Paladins can but she might have traded away her spell casting abilities with an archetype choice.

It is entirely up to the GM as to how the healing works. Since GM Erich asked to roll the healing, I rolled it. So long as it doesn't take a ton of time, which this has not in my opinion, there is no reason not to do it this way.

I am pretty sure Elby mentioned she gave up spellcasting for an archetype, although I may be remebering that from a previous scenario.

I just want to go "pew, pew, pew!" with my bow.

"Did you check that those shae were dead before you chucked them over the side?"

Elby rushes to a chain, hoping that a few cuts on the way down is not as bad as an attempt to jump would be.

Hah. I mean it wasn't explicitly stated but it's one of those assumptions, you know. Like you never see posts describing the characters' morning bowel movements here, etc.

^I think that you are going to see a lot of table variance on that point. My characters always play it safe and actively loot the bodies. If you read the posts carefully you can see that the Shae were actively looted. :)

Your characters always play it safe yet they are adventurers for the Pathfinder Society? ::roll eyes::

I don't intend to follow this plan. Every opponent will get a Perception check against the Disguise so it is unlikely to work. The Disguise check might be subject to other penalties as well due to the differences in age between Zzorn and the character he is disguised as so his check might actually be less than the 11 that he rolled. Even with a better roll it is unlikely to succeed with so many eyes on him.