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.