[PFS2] GM Nefreet's Repeatable Extravaganza! (Inactive)

Game Master Nefreet

Commencing #1-01: The Absalom Initiation

As the “City at the Center of the World”, Absalom has always been a hotbed of political intrigue. Recent decades have seen Primarch Lord Gyr’s clashes for control of the city, as well as the scheming of the Pathfinder Society’s own masked Decemvirate, foster no end of inscrutable plots. And during the so-called “Shadow War”, national factions recruited Pathfinders to engage in espionage and sabotage. To restore its camaraderie, the Society has since moved on from advocating regional interests to ideological ones.

The Shadow War is now over, and Lord Gyr disappeared several years ago. The Decemvirate purged its most toxic leaders from their ranks, and while many of the Society's deadliest missions were launched with noble intentions, the tallying up of losses was heartbreaking. Venture Captains realized they could no longer afford to commit so many agents to external objectives, and so a new generation of factions has arisen. These new factions now exist within the Society and promote particular Pathfinder ideals.

You are all part of the 4721 AR class of initiates, and you've just passed your Confirmation! Congratulations! Tonight is cause for celebration—a rare moment of jubilation after several years of hardship for the Society. Over the past few years you have gotten to know your fellow initiates well, but tonight affords you the opportunity to meet the new leaders stepping up to head the four new main factions. A formal invitation to Skyreach Tower's Convocation Hall arrives for each of you, penned by none other than Head Initiate Janira Gavix!

As you head to Skyreach Tower’s Convocation Hall it seems as though the entire Grand Lodge has the air of celebration! The great gates are flung wide, and the phoenix trees lining the entryway are in full flame. The halls of the main tower of Skyreach, normally somber and reserved, echo with the sound of voices and music. The great ballroom is decked for a celebration, with colorful banners and bunting along the walls, tables replete with food and drink, and a jovial cacophony of conversation rising from Pathfinders of all ancestries, nations, and backgrounds.

Go ahead and introduce yourselves, including a description of your outfit for this jubilation ^_^

Trig enters the gala wearing boring scratchy brown cloth robes. He seems incredibly uncomfortable and miserable.

JUST KIDDING!!!

The young gnome breaths a sigh of relief as he prances through the great gates and walks down the phoenix tree lined entryway, "JUST GORGEOUS! Don't you agree, Unzgrin?"

A tall orc lady in a shimmery blue evening gown brushes her hair behind her ear and pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose, "Well, I can not deny the uniqueness of it. Phoenix trees are quite rare in this climate. I don't know why you insisted upon this dress though, but I do feel surprisingly comfortable in it."

The gnome beams, "Exactly! Fashion need not be a trial. Clothing needs to be useful as well. You even have pockets!"

His outfit is a bit more toned down. A solid black formal outfit with glistening blue buttons to match his companion's dress. Most of the distraction of his outfit is with his hat, an insanely complicated concoction that draws both outfits together.

He smiles and offers his hand to the lady, "Shall we see if we can track down my old companions? I believe you met several of them on our ill-fated first date."

Entering now the hall there is a Tengu wearing an outfit with some arcane symbols looking more eldritch than trickster. That's the point to appear to be more serious. Not to be categorized as a rogue in such a feast. By the way, where is the punch? That's important, the punch in a feast.

Noticing the orc they met in the last job they did when they worked in free-lance, the bird approaches and see then the gnome near her.

Hello, Trig, Miss Unzgrin, how are you? That's looking like a nice event, don't it?

When he talks he's looking around to see if Quetzahl and Quinn are also among the attendees. Quinn is more or less the one because of who they are here indeed.

The druid is just coming inside the building to see how the Pathfinder Society honor his new recruits. Trying not to look too warrior he has placed his brand new warhammer in his backpack but he still wears his hide armor because one should not exaggerate: there no reason to wear something else for this party. If people are concerned they may organize the event in the forest instead.

He looks at the people around to see if knows somebody else than Janira. Noticing the new group formed he moves to join them.

hello, glad to meet you again. How was your confirmation?

After a quick scan of the room, it’s obvious that many of the attendees have already gathered in small groups here and there. A half-orc woman in an iconic ship captain’s hat stands near the punch bowl, handing cups to anyone who passes within reach, and a bronze-skinned half-elf leads a small group of new agents around the room, introducing them to other attendees. Several senior agents stand in quiet conferral with a dark-haired Taldan man with a distinctive chin strap beard, while a scholarly dwarf tells a rousing tale to a growing audience.

Just as you begin to take in the scene Janira Gavix, Head Initiate of the Pathfinder Society, bounces over to you, bubbling with excitement!

“Oh my gosh, I’m so glad you could make it! After all, this celebration is for you. Have you gotten drinks? Snacks? Be sure to spend some time getting to know everyone—it’s best to be on good terms with the movers and shakers in the Society. That’s how you learn about the latest opportunities! Oh! And Quinn sends his regards. He tries to attend as many of these events as he can, but he was summoned for a last minute mission to the Mwangi Expanse. But! I’ll be here if you need any help with people’s names!"

She then taps her chin in thought, and a big smile brightens up her face, "That's right! I wanted to introduce you to a brand new agent. Half-orc. Goes by Kiroh. Don't know much about them, but they should be here any moment!"

As if called, a tall half-orc steps up behind Janira. The green skinned man stands a few inches over six feet tall with short tusks jutting from a smiling mouth. "Ah, Janira, so kind of you to invite me to the party! What a way to start my time with the Society." He takes a step around the halfling and you get a better view. The half-orc is wearing a brown and robe with dark green highlights made of a durable and cheap fabric. Though it was recently washed, the outfit has seen better days. The highlight of the outfit is a necklace with an oversized stone medallion, polished to a shine, shaped like a stag head. "My name is Kiroh Batu, humble servant of the Stag Mother. I have recently arrived in the city from the North. I've come to join the Society, to protect and lead." He is rather charming, for a half-orc, confident and smooth. Though he wears no armor, Kiroh has a pair of long weapons - a ranseur and guisarme - crossed across his back. He bends low at the waist and reaches out a hand. "It is good to meet you all, I'm told we will be working together. I apologize for my appearance, I'm afraid I did not have the means to furnish more elegant garments. Perhaps next time." Kiroh smiles at Quetzhal and points to his hide armor. "Ah, I should have brought my plate! It is always good to be prepared, is it not?" He winks and chuckles good naturedly. "And Chupko, did I hear you mention punch? Nothing like a hearty cup to quench the thirst of travelling." Kiroh gives a traditional orc hand greeting to Unzgrin before turning downwards to Trig. "Good to see there's no anti-orc sentiment in these parts. That's a mighty fine outfit you've got there, after our first payday I'll need the name of your tailor!"

He looks around the party, eyes wide. "So many powerful and influential people. Janira, can you introduce us? I'd love to make a good first impression!"

Janira beams, "Why, YES! Err, at least, I can point some people out." She hops on top of a side stool to peek over the crowd.

"That dwarf over there... that's Gorm Greathammer, the leader of the Grand Archive Faction! I hear he's looking for a team to investigate a time-sensitive occult mystery. Right now he's speaking with Ambrus Valsin, the Steward of the Grand Lodge. Ambrus is a bit gruff, but appreciates those who work hard and stay out of trouble. If one of you could distract Ambrus with tales of your hard work, I'm sure the others could sneak a word in with Gorm..."
You believe you can distract Ambrus away from Gorm with Acrobatics, Athletics, Crafting, or any sort of "manual labor" type of Lore.

"The half-orc over by the punch bowl, that's Calisro Benarry, the leader of the Horizon Hunters Faction! And it looks like she's caught the attention of Urwal, the leader of the Verdant Wheel Faction. He's a bit mysterious, and he's somewhat known for his unrequested... 'intrusions'. I bet Calisro could use a break. He's probably asking her about navigating by the stars. He has a deep respect for nature and everyone's place in it."
You believe you can distract Urwal away from Calisro with Nature, Survival, or any Lore skill about a specific terrain.

"Fola Barun is the half-elf leader of the Envoy's Alliance Faction, and always has an eye out for recruiting new blood into the Society. Right now she's speaking with Valais Durant, the leader of the Radiant Oath Faction. Valais usually focuses more on quelling the influence of corruption, since she endured a long journey of expunging herself from a demonic influence. She's big on spreading compassion and mercy and bringing aid to those who suffer."
You believe you can distract Valais away from Fola with Crafting, Medicine, or any Lore skill presented as a plan to assist those in need.

"Lastly, that's Eando Kline, the leader of the Vigilant Seal Faction. He probably wants any excuse to get away from Lady Gloriana Morilla, the former leader of the Sovereign Court Faction. She worked for years supporting young nobles across Avistan, and she was instrumental in Grand Princess Eutropia’s rise to power in Taldor. But Eando hates politics and intrigue, whereas Gloriana loves the nuances of international diplomacy."
You believe you can distract Lady Gloriana away from Eando with Performance, Society, or any Lore skill related to a specific city (especially her home city of Oppara).

For this Skill Challenge, you each get 2 checks of your choice to distract the NPCs away from the Faction Leaders, who each have a Mission they need help with. Each of your 2 checks must be against different NPCs. If you don't feel comfortable with any of those skills, Diplomacy is always an option. Feel free to strategize in- and/or out-of-character before rolling ^_^

The tally so far:
Ambrus: 0/2 Attention Points
Urwal: 0/2 Attention Points
Valais: 0/2 Attention Points
Gloriana: 0/2 Attention Points

Oh! And, you all begin with a Hero Point! This scenario has 4 parts, so I'll distribute extra points after concluding each section ^_^

Trig smiles at the half-orc, "Kiroh Batu, well met. I am Trig, this is Chupko and Quetzal and I think Janira means for us to all work together on this. My ladyfriend is Unzgrin and she is just shadowing us for research purposes. Well... and as my date for this event." He almost blushes!

"But it seems Janira needs us to prove our mettle socially, so let us split up and charm or distract as necessary."

Trig is horrid on the first one, so he won't even consider wasting a turn on Ambrus.

He is very good at the second one with high Nature or Survival. He is 'okay' at the third one and the fourth one. If given a preference he would work on Urwal and Valais (2nd and 3rd).

"Haha, guilty as charged! If I had to introduce every agent to every leader of import, I wouldn't have time to be a Pathfinder myself! But feel free to give me a whistle if you have any questions, or need me to Aid you! Enjoy the party!"

Kiroh's eyes light up at the opportunity to meet some of the Pathfinders he has heard so much about. "Yes, thank you for the advice, Janira! I believe we can work that out on our own." He flashes a smile at the group. "I am more charming than most of my ancestors. But I feel like it is my brawn that will be most helpful at the moment." I think I have the best Athletics score, I can take the lead on distracting Ambrus away from Gorm. You all have me beat on the other skills but I can support with a +5 Diplomacy on any of them.

Once the group has deliberated, Kiroh takes several strong strides towards Ambrus. As the half-orc arrives within several feet of the Pathfinder he claps his large hands together in delight. "Ambrus! Just the man I wanted to speak to. I was working on a farm the other day, to get enough coin for the final leg of my journey south, when this enormous tree fell down on the plow!" He squats and flexes his sizable arm muscles. "There's no exercise like hard work, am I right? Well, I got down to business and lifted that tree up long enough for the donkey to pull the plow free. And then there was the time with the broken chicken fence..." The half-orc continues with his farm stories, that just seem to be thinly veiled stories about his physical prowess and work ethic while the rest of the group pulls Gorm away.

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

The Tengu replies to Kiroh: Well for my part I should be as tricky as my own ancestors. But I think that for now it's more my brain that should be used for now.

Then he follows the half-orc to talk to Ambrus and continues once this one has finished his demonstration. Well done, but we can also think about a lifting system with pulleys to help. So no need to use so much strength.

Crafting: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

Crafting, reroll: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Then he goes to meet Valais to explain to him how he can use mechanical tools to help him to take in charge the ones in need of assistance.

Crafting: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

For his part, the druid goes to meet Urwal. May I introduce me into your speaking? I think the navigation with the stars is a good technical because the stars don't lie and your position is always good with them.

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Then he goes to distract Lady Gloriana with an impressive series of acrobatics without talking.

Acrobatics, Acrobatic performer:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Trig strides up as Quetzhal starts talking, "Ah excellent, you are asking him already. See, my friend here and I were having a vibrant debate about wayfinding. He seems to think that the stars are the most important method, but I tend to think that they are incredibly unreliable and require significant mechanical aid to interpret. Sure, anyone can find simple north... if you travel at night and there aren't clouds. But using them to navigate is just folly. But if you use clues in nature and landmarks, it is a lot easier to travel. Also, I love your vest!"

Nature (T) Urwal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

____________________

A little bit after that his keen eye picks out Valais Durant and he can't help but introduce himself to her, "Oh my ma'am your entire look is gorgeous! I know us gnomes probably take too much credit for matching hair and eye color and outfits all together, but you have really nailed it. The gentle purples and golds are perfect!"

He takes her hand and leans in, "I'm sorry for that display of flattery. You are truly a fashionista but what I really wanted to talk to you about was herbs. See, I have been growing (lists five variety of healing herbs) for the last three months in order to donate them to local hospitals and churches, but my distributor just suffered a family emergency and is unable to get them to where they are needed. Harvest for the herbal poultices has been happening all this week and I have no idea where they need to go to address the biggest need! I was hoping you would have some ideas."

Lore - Herbalism (E): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Great start, Kiroh!

Ambrus raises a glass to Kiroh's heroic account.

"Fine crop of new graduates we got here, don't you think, Gorm? Have you ever considered just how many trees seem to get in the way on these missions? I should jot down these notes for my next briefing..."

And he strides away to leave you alone with Gorm, who lets out a sigh of relief and unfolds a paper.

Crit Success, there, so you're done with Ambrus =)

"Appreciate that. Valsin hasn't left my company the entire evening! Thought a bunch of enterprising new agents such as yourselves might be interested in an occult mystery! A partially collapsed house in the Precipice Quarter, long rumored to be haunted, has been marked for demolition in the next few days. I understand that the house was severely damaged in an earthquake, but rumors of strange activity there long predate the damage. I would like you to explore the house and uncover its history before it is destroyed forever."

He then adds, "As a practitioner of the occult arts myself, I know the utility of having an extra spell or two literally in my back pocket. Here, feel free to take one of these,"

You can pick ONE of the following scrolls to use during this adventure: disrupting weapons, heal, or magic missile.

Valais practically glows with golden light as Chupko explains how engineering can bring forth good in the world.

"I had never considered that. When you get the chance, could you forward me your plans in writing? I would very much like to look them over, after the party."

But when Trig then approaches her, she blushes a golden rose color, before listening in earnest to Trig's plight.

"That is simply terrible! Well, then, time is clearly of the essence. If you may excuse me, Fola, this requires the utmost urgent attention!"

Two successes crosses Valais off the list!

Fola smiles appreciatively at you all. "I like her. Kind heart. Good spirit. I look forward to working with her. But, in the meantime, we need to work on potential allies who have hesitated to work with the Society. For whatever reason. On that note, a scholar at the College of Mysteries has been working on an interesting new ritual that’s led to considerable division among her colleagues. She’s been under growing pressure to leave the College, so now might be a good time to contact her, determine if she would be a good fit for the Pathfinder Society, and, if so, recruit her."

She then smiles again, and hands you a lesser silvertongue mutagen. "Strong or deceptive words are by far better than physical blows. This should help with that."

When the two Iruxi begin conversing about astronomy, it's practically love at first sight.

"Yess, as I was just explaining to the Captain, here, tonight the Stranger is in alignment with the Daughter. The winds tomorrow could be optimal for a westward journey, and the currents coul..."

But when Trig interjects about non-nautical navigation tools, the Iruxi corrects himself.

"Ahh, that is a good point.. The planets are only in alignment tonight, and the earliest I could depart would be tomorrow.. I should make haste to ensure I have the proper equipment. And your outfit is rather extravagant, as well. A perfect match for a starry night."

And he departs.

Calisro smiles toothily and winks, "Thanks! Urwal is probably the most misunderstood... creature here. HahAHa! Means well, though. And that's what matters to me. Similarly, another misunderstood friend of mine - a long-lived naga with unparalleled occult knowledge — was unjustly accused of a crime years ago, punished with the Charge of the Gorgon, and left petrified in Westgate. I've managed to grease the wheels of politics, and gotten permission to restore her to the flesh, but it'll look a lot more official if a 'third party'," she winks again, "takes care of the 'details'. I bet you lot would be a perfect fit!"

She then gives you a greater salve of antiparalysis. Wagging her finger, she adds, "Now be sure to use this *only* on her! Otherwise you're fronting the bill for the next one! HahAHa!"

And she hands over a small hip flask. "This, on the other hand, is just a pick-me-up for when you really need to get back on your feet."

(it is a minor healing potion)

When Quetzhal approaches Lady Glorianna with his acrobatic flips, she leans into Eando and sloshes back a sip of wine.

"Eando, I keep telling you, we need to incorporate your agents into the theatre! Can you imagine the potential for subterfuge? Agents in disguise, spying on diplomats, from the very stage! What do you think?"

3 of the 4 NPCs down, and 1 Success left to go for Lady Glorianna. Chupko, feel free to roll for her, since Kiroh took care of Ambrus on his own. And Kiroh can make another roll, as well.

Kiroh follows Chupko's lead, wanting to fit in with his new group. After Chupko speaks with Lady Gloriana, Kiroh steps up. "Ah, I have just entered the city, from Sarkoris. I was told you are the person to see when it comes to international diplomacy! I am just one member of a humble clan, but..." He gives her an exaggerated wink. "It never hurts to know those of the great Scar! Who knows what clan will end up on top? It could be the people of the Forest of Stones..."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"Mmm, why, I don't believe I have any contacts in that region as of yet. Eando, this revelation calls for a celebration! I'll go grab some more wine. Don't. You. Move. A muscle," she smiles as she glides away through the crowd.

Eando clears his throat, straightens his shirt, and downs a quick drink. "I don't like politics, so thank you for rescuing me there. Even if it is for but a moment. I have a simple task for you. Some smugglers were using a ship in the Flotsam Graveyard to 'import' goods into the city from Nex — including creatures, apparently. Rumor is something broke free of its containment, and the smugglers have been looking for someone to recapture it. I am not keen on letting the them regain their missing cargo, as the creature is equally likely to be a slave or a menace. I want you to locate and identify this creature, and then determine what its fate should be. I trust you are capable to make the right decision."

He then passes you a handful of business cards.

”I’ve become somewhat of an ‘information broker’ in my short time here... for better or for worse, it seems. Drop my name should you need the latest scoop on current events.”

The party gains a +2 circumstance bonus on a single Diplomacy check to Gather Information regarding one of the four missions.

And that concludes the mechanical challenge of Part 1; feel free to roleplay with or ask any of the NPCs questions about the missions.

A bonus Hero Point gets awarded to 1d4 ⇒ 4 Trig!

Which mission would you like to do first, and when would you like to do it? The only mission with any known time restraints is the Mansion scheduled for demolition "in the next few days". Otherwise you can start as early as tonight, or wait until tomorrow, and space them out at your leisure.

I would say to go first to the mansion and in the evening. We can change clothes, take some equipment and then go for it. Then we can pause between each mission.

My vote is the critter first. It might hurt some innocent if left free for too long. The manor can be next. I also vote for the scroll of magic missile. Trig has disrupting weapons and 5x heals already. Then the manor then take a rest.

So I vote for the mansion first because what if we arrive once it is down? Otherwise the petrified guy it's fine for me.

My vote is mansion and then critter!

Trig claps the three pathfinders on the lower back and pulls them together, "Alright then, let's go search the mansion first."

Circling back to Gorm he smiles, "So where is this haunted home? We figured now would be a good time to check it out. Ghosts like to hide during the day after all. Was there anything else you knew other than the address?"

Are diplomacy checks for info to be done here or out in town?

Diplomacy (U) to gather intel: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Diplomacy, trained:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

I think we should go this way. Let me try to remember.

Diplomacy to gather intel: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Kiroh follows up with another question for Gorm. "Yes, are there any prevailing rumors about the strange activity at the mansion?"

Are diplomacy checks for info to be done here or out in town?

I believe it's intentionally vague, so that one PC could say they canvass the bars while the wizard goes to the local library, and the cleric asks their congregation. However you want to describe your search.

Gorm smiles broadly at Kiroh's question, "Heh, I was hoping you could tell me! I'm still rather new to this city, myself. I know it's referred to as the 'Mavedarus Manor', but as it was likely built generations ago, I'm not sure if that name refers to its original owners, or the most recent. Either way, rumors I heard were that it's had its fair share of disappearances and deaths over the years. Maybe the neighbors have some suspicions they can share!"

And canvassing the area before you head to the mansion itself, that's exactly what Trig finds. A pair of Tengu enjoying an evening stroll are quick to gossip about the recent happenings. The earthquake that shook Absalom in 4698 AR sent most of Beldrin’s Bluff into the sea, and the two Chelaxians in residence at the time both went missing. While rescue workers never found their bodies, they found many others within its walls—and then a series of accidents killed some of the rescue workers, so the place was simply boarded up and the site marked for loss.

The Mavedarus home was once a grand, three-story structure with a rooftop veranda and manicured grounds, but now, as you approach, it is clear that only the first floor remains standing. The upper stories must have collapsed during the earthquake, and the grounds have grown into a wild disarray since. Two curving staircases lead to a broad veranda bereft of its railings. Openings that might have once been doors lead into the faint remnants of a solarium, while two more doorways lead further into the creaking house itself. A whiff of rot and decay seeps from the structure.

Slides updated! The numbered rooms cannot be seen into unless you open their doors; otherwise, the floorplan is mostly open.

Trig frowns at the news discovered, "Well that isn't good. Some sort of murder cult probably. But hey, it's our job to get to the bottom of it so let's get cracking. Chupko want to scout out our route or should we just have the big strong strapping Kiroh take lead?"

Vote is 4, 5, 3, 2, 1

Well so we go inside. Follow me with discretion.

The Tengu moves forward to the room #5. Then we can pass through 4 before to go to 3-2-1.

Of course he has his shortsword in hand as well as his cape wrapped around his arm. If needed he has his thieves archaeologist's tools in his bandolier.

The druid moves after the rogue. He's cautious and tries to cover the back of the Tengu.

Kiroh follows after the rogue, feeling much better with his breastplate on and pack at his side once again. Parties can be more dangerous than haunted houses, it is good to be back in the field. He draws his ranseur, holding the long trident in both hands. He briefly holds it to his lips, as if whispering or kissing the pole, before bringing it down to waist level. The metal head of the weapon has the outline of a deer stamped into it's face. The half-orc looks at the empty doorway and chuckles. "Guess I won't be needing my crowbar this time."

4, 5, 3, 2, 1 is fine by me - though I think we need to get to 2 through 1.

I think we need to get to 2 through 1.

There's no ceiling, so hypothetically, if you're paranoid, you could climb the exterior vines (or if you had a feather token ladder, as my group did last night) and enter/exit that way.

Chupko sneaks in through the door...

A large, long-cold fireplace stands in the east wall of this expansive parlor, but the furnishings are all rotted. A dank stench of mold lingers in the air. The ceiling overhead has collapsed, leaving the room open to the sky. The floor in the room’s southern end has followed suit, leaving a gaping hole into darkness...

Chupko: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Kiroh: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Quetzhal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Trig: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 (I moved you closer but feel free to place yourself)

...Which, to literally nobody's surprise, will collapse under your feet unless it is shored up somehow (requiring Crafting, but I'd also take Engineering Lore, or something similar).

The room otherwise contains nothing of interest.

Let me know if you do NOT enter the room.

The Tengu moves to the southern side of the room to secure it before something happen in case someone enter the mansion.

Crafting: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Chupko manages to create a stable enough platform of debris that the group can step throughout the room without worry of collapsing the floor.

Which affords you a better look down in the pit. While it has just a simple earthen floor, the walls are smooth concrete, with no obvious means of ingress or egress.

He looks down in the pit by curiosity. Then, if nothing happen, he continues the exploration.

Now it is more secure here let us go to see what is in the ext room.

The Tengu open the door to enter in the adjacent room.

Trig pulls out a rope from his pack and finds a spot to tie it off, ”We should search the pit. It might have a clue to solve this mystery. And if not, at least it is good practice for graverobbing searching ancient ruins for historical artifacts of value.”

He doesn’t climb down first though…

You might be right. And archaeological discoveries are always good to find... And to take apart.

The Tengu goes inside the pit.

You... Think? You smell... The lingering scent... Of rotten eggs.

There is also not a single trace of vermin or pests, creatures you would otherwise expect in a condemned building.

Kiroh nods in appreciation at Chupko's crafting. "Thanks, this suit is a little heavy." He follows the tengu down the pit, easily scaling the rope. "Hmm... These are not the exciting sights I expected to find in the great Absalom. Perhaps there will be something more fun in the next room." He grips the ranseur tighter and stays a few steps behind Chupko.

Trig admires the big man, "It looks good on you though, has a nice aesthetic." He turns to the group, "Next room then?"

The Tengu nods and opens the next door.

Have I complained before about the rules ambiguity of identifying hazards, such as haunts? Other than the rules for Stealth and Perception, hazards are probably my next weakest area of expertise.

Quetzhal, Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Just as Chupko is about to step back onto the tiled floor, the Iruxi notices incorporeal claws about to manifest from below the Tengu's very feet.

Religion DC 16 (trained) to exorcize the spirits and temporarily disable this haunt (likely until the next evening); or, simply avoid stepping anywhere on the tiled floor again.

Trig tries to identify what is happening.

Religion (T) Recall Knowledge: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

"Hmm, those are definitely devil claws. I think I can get them to subside for a bit, at least for us to pass."

Religion (T): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

"Oooba Jooba, you ghosties no getta ussa today!"

Yes, be careful with these claws.

Trig manages to quell the restless spirits, which depart with just the faintest puff of sulfur, allowing Chupko to investigate the next room:

The furniture in this once-fine dining room appears to have been crushed by debris falling from the floors above. What remains is sodden and mostly unidentifiable. A thorough search reveals nothing of interest.

Kiroh's thick brows furrow at Trig's comment. "Devil claws...Not good. Anyone have some silver?" He looks nervously at the steel end of his ranseur. The half-orc grips his amulet and steels his nerves. "No matter. The Stag Mother watches over us. We shall prevail. To the next room." He takes a step forward before remembering that he's supposed to follow the scout.

The Tengu continues his exploration. After the dining-room he goes to the next door #3.

He still has his shortsword in hand and his dueling cape around his arm.

The druid follows his companions to the next door. He has nothing in hands except his shield of course.