Wounded Wisp - GM Nowruz (Inactive)

Game Master noral

”Hold your breath blue blood! 100 gp for the church then! Now!!!“ the priest says with a serious look on his face.

You either pay or make the diplomacy check now please.

He specifically looks at all of you and continues "If you do not respect and obey me here then you are welcome to start a fight ..." and his view wanders to the east where you see two city guards routinely patrolling the area around the property but are just disappearing around a corner.

@GM: How far away are the city guards? Also if the NPC "steps uncomfortably close to Maaldrek", shouldn't his icon be moved to right in front or or next to Maaldrek's?

not helping... Cara says with a glare at Maaldrek. She then turns to the guard.

There's no need to be involving anyone else...we're happy to make a nominal donation to your church's coffers. Say...25 gold crowns?

diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

I think Maaldrek should roll, he has the best Diplomacy skill...

although it pains me to say this i agree with he dwarf, Maaldrek or Arioch may be the best at this. I am -2 unless it is used to gather info

I think Maaldrek should roll, he has the best Diplomacy skill...

Agreed, he has a +9 vs. Arioch's +4.

Aid to Maaldrek's Diplomacy check.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Wah wah - or not.

"Very well. How could I refuse the authority of such a strong, confident member of the Church of Asmodeus? I fully recognize authority in this place. Perhaps it was wrong of me to assume it was part of your duties to assist visitors find the resting place of ancient relatives."

Diplomacy, 3 aids: 1d20 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 6 = 21

Durward looks at you.

"Ha, ha, ha! So you are reasonable! Then a favor it is. Keep your money!"

The man looks at all of you and his intonation changes to the better.

"This plot of land in Eastgate is dedicated to the faith of Asmodeus and used as the resting ground for those that have served the dark prince, the most powerful of the nine archdevils that inhabit Hell."

"Show respect to the lord of darkness and provide the church with a share of what is to gain. As you are trustworthy I will grant you permission to access the mausoleum you seek." he says with a stern look.

“But the sooner you are gone the better!“ and then he turns around and walks away.

++++

You start walking to the mausoleum.
Arkath must have paid a substantial sum to have his remains guarded here as the mausoleum houses only 24 sarcophagi and the names clearly mark many of the other deceased as nobility.
Arkath's sarcophagus is one of the first you see after entering the mausoleum. It is quite simple but very well made. His name is engraved in Taldan. There are no obvious religious symbols to be seen.

You believe that some strength is needed to open the sarcophagus but that you can jointly remove the upper section to peer into it.

"Let's move the top section, shall we?"

Baldrum grabs the plate and tries to move it.

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

"A little help, please?"

Maaldrek assists Baldrum but makes sure to take off his vest first so that everyone can witness his bulging, freshly oiled muscles shining in the flickering torchlight.

Strength, with oil: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

The elf rolls his eyes as the group struggles with the plate and tries to aid in moving it...

STR Aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

but seems to be more of a hindrance...

Together you start to move the upper section of the sarcophagus and it is obvious that some of you are not really happy with this act ... disturbing the peace of the dead sometimes comes with harsh results.

But in this case you find darkness, dust and the skeleton of a humanoid being that is resting peacefully in his grave ... you see that the interior of Arkath’s sarcophagus is otherwise empty. You assume this to be the stonemason’s long-dead skeleton.

Perception, Guidance: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 1 = 28

"A coin? interesting... and small wires inside as well? now that's intriguing!" says Maaldrek, casting a spell of magic detection.

Knowledge Arcana via Detect Magic, Guidance: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 1 = 18

I'm not fond of this...I'll have to pray for forgiveness when I'm back at the abbey. Sarenrae, forgive me this transgression. Cara says as she looks skyward and mumbles a quick prayer.

Hurry up... she says as she steps back.

The coin is magical!!

spellcraft: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Illyndar looks over the coin in Maaldreks hands and ponders about it...

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 = 18

he does have Detect Magic and is +2 to Identify the properties of magic items

Open the spoiler! ;-)

After looking over the coin Illyndar confidently tells the others "I am almost certain this is a Pathfinder's Coin. These apparently simple coins are usually styled to resemble ancient currency and they hide intricate gold and platinum wires within.... Really a marvel of design and functional magic... This matrix, carefully modeled after fragmentary Azlanti coins, causes the Pathfinder’s coin to rise an inch into the air and slowly spin in place if placed atop a wayfinder.... we should try that... In addition, when levitating above a wayfinder, the coin can be given a message of 25 words or fewer... so the message has to be carefully thought out before recording it... additionally it might be a message for us... maybe.... Or it could be a clue... But I digress- This message repeats in the speaker’s voice the next time the coin is floated above a wayfinder. I believe you may still have a need to understand the language the message was recorded in to understand it... Only one message may be stored at a time, and once it is triggered, the message is expended and a new one may be recorded.... You know what I am absolutely sure it is a Pathfinder's Coin having seen one of these in Scarab Sages Headquarters when I joined them.... Incidentally does anyone actually possess a wayfinder?"

He then smiles to himself and crosses his arms in front of his chest to let the information sink in to the others not realizing he took a long time to explain something simple...

Ooh...that's kind of interesting. I wonder how rare they are...we'll have to ask back at the lodge. cara says a little excitedly.

Wait...do any of you have a wayfinder?

"Money I can't spend? Looks like I've already been cursed. I'm going to beat that Asmoedean assclown with a bag of oranges until he bleeds. Wayfinder eh?"

Arioch checks through his pockets, pulling many concealed weapons but no Wayfinder.

"Guess we're going back to the Grand Lodge."

You leave the mausoleum and reach the Grand Lodge.

Seeing an agent with a Wayfinder is not hard and after some explanation you convince them to help you.

You use the Wayfinder and place the coin above it. The coin levitates above the wayfinder, and you hear a message in a male voice.

"The path and chamber are complete, hidden behind the nameplate of the requested aspirant and guarded by the word you requested. Fimbrik will add more."

"CRICKEY!" shouts Ierwin in stunned amazement at the coin's pronouncement.

Now...does anybody have an idea what they're referring to? Riddles weren't part of the course of study at the abbey...

Now...does anybody have an idea what they're referring to? Riddles weren't part of the course of study at the abbey...

"Not a clue. Guess this one's in the bag eh?"

Might be where 'Wiffle' comes into play and something to do with the Shrine of the Fallen. Who knows?

You decide to visit the Shrine of the Failed.

Erected centuries ago by an unknown organization, the Shrine of the Failed is a dour complex that pays homage to those who failed in their attempts to overcome the Test of the Starstone.

* * * * * * *

E1. Antechamber

This monumental chamber stretches eighty feet from end to end, with a ceiling suspended thirty feet from the floor by great pillars.
Seven arched passages lead to humble rooms, each of which contains a polished stone altar dedicated to one of the failed aspirants who attempted the Test of the Starstone.

The columns here provide cover to creatures hiding behind them.

E2a–E2g. Altars of Failed Supplicants

Each of these chambers contains a small stone altar to one of the failed aspirants. Each altar stands upon a raised dais and bears a small brass nameplate identifying the aspirant and the would-be-god’s areas of interest.

* * * * * * *

As you enter the Antechamber you notice that it is quite empty. Three acolytes that are walking by are talking with great urgency.

"Oh dear, I had already heard about Sir Reinhart when I was in the Wounded Wisp, but as I entered the Shrine earlier today I saw Sir Reinhart, a Mendevian crusader, preparing himself. I tell you ... he is intent on becoming a god, and wants to attempt the Test of the Starstone."

The other acolyte looks flabbergasted "Oh dear, I can already imagine the story being told tomorrow 'As the valiant — and utterly doomed—knight prepared to charge his steed across the chasm outside Starstone Cathedral, the inevitable happened ...'"

You do not know what will happen but this occurrence has obviously led to you having almost unrestricted access to the Shrine of the Failed. The city guard and what few caretakers the shrine have left to watch Sir Reinhart’s potentially ill-fated attempt.

Cara shakes her head as she hears about Sir Reinhart's more than likely foolish attempt at immortality.

I am pretty sure he's not going to like the result of his test... she says flatly.

Now...who was it we're looking for again...? as she scratches her head in thought.

The clues can also be found in discussion. ;-)

"We have good timing, it seems. So let's spread out and see if we can find a failed aspirant who might be connected to the clues we got."

The monk turns to the next altar on his right hand and investigates.

Perception, Take 20: 20 + 7 = 27

Baldrum will start at E2a, then he will go over to E2b, then E2c, ...

"Remember we're looking for 'Caskmail'," says Maaldrek, heading to the room closest to him.

Taking 20 with Guidance for 28

Illyndar sees the other two members storm off in search for clues and he decides he will go look at one of the alcoves as well..."Cask Mail... I'll look over here..."

he will go to E2g and take 20 on perception like the others for a 23

Arioch looks for anything to pilfer oh and the clue...

If we think we have time Arioch will also take 20 for a 24. He will start at 'C' since 3 is his lucky number. :)

Well, I'm going over to that one...keep an eye on Arioch...in case he gets in trouble. Cara says with a shrug as she goes to check out the alcove in the corner.

taking 20 for a 23...because it's the thing to do...and detect magic as well...

You do not have time to take 20 so Perception:

Perc(Ierwin): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Perc(Buzzwinkle): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Perc(Illyndar): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Perc(Maaldrek): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Perc(Cara): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Perc(Arioch): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Perc(Baldrum): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

You check all the names and after 15 minutes you see that the area E2f holds several shrines, among them those of Doulgonlir Caskmail, Hollis 'Evil Grin' Thorne, and Karina Clamp.

Perc(Ierwin): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Perc(Buzzwinkle): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Perc(Illyndar): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Perc(Maaldrek): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Perc(Cara): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Perc(Arioch): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Perc(Baldrum): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Maaldrek starts searching and he finds the plate with the name Doulgonlir Caskmail and through great observation also discovers a secret door hidden by an illusion against the room’s west wall, though you can’t see any means to unseal the door.

Due to the fact that Arioch and Illyndar join the search you also see that something is off with the name plate of Doulgonlir Caskmail.

You look at the name plate again and see that it can be slid aside.

Behind the name plate you all see a miniature chalkboard and a thin piece of chalk.

Arioch gathers his professional equipment and tells the others, "Let's make sure there aren't any extra surprises in moving that name plate. Anyone want to write down Wiffle on the chalkboard? Or do we say 'Wiffle' to the statue? Hey Cara, please hit me with some divine guidance would ya?"

Hoping Cara casts Guidance on him...

Perception with Guidance: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 1 = 19

Help a paranoid gamer out and someone give at least one assist? 8)

If it's a trap, I'll be right here to heal you... Cara says after she helps Arioch look around.

perc aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

"if it's a trap.... I'll be over here..." Illyndar says.
And he moves away from where the thief is working.

Aid Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

"I don't see anything suspicious. Give me the chalk when you are done checking for traps - I'll write the password on the chalkboard."

Arioch gathers his professional equipment and tells the others, "Let's make sure there aren't any extra surprises in moving that name plate. Anyone want to write down Wiffle on the chalkboard? Or do we say 'Wiffle' to the statue? Hey Cara, please hit me with some divine guidance would ya?"

I'll officially say it Ierwin casts guidance on Arioch.

Ierwin slaps Arioch on the shoulder and says "No wawrries, mate! What could possibly go wrong?"

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Buzzwinkle eyes a fresh wreath atop one of the monuments, and runs his tongue along his big blunt teeth.

Looking at the map, I'm pretty sure we aren't standing where we are standing but Ierwin and Buzz try to position themselves in relation to Arioch (wherever he is) as they are currently (or as close to that as they can).

i thought i edited in to have Cara cast guidance...must not have hit save...derp!

i thought i edited in to have Cara cast guidance...must not have hit save...derp!

No you just had Cara abandon poor Arioch...I'm sure he won't mention it...

"Thanks Ierwin, I'm glad to see someone cares that I don't get blown up, poisoned, or otherwise injured due to an unfortunate error."

Arioch sniffles at Cara and mumbles, "Oh sure just let me get blown up..."

Okay okay - he did mention it!

the elf peers from around the pillar... "is it safe...?"

After the initial idea to write Fimbrik's magical word on the board you proceed and this dispels the illusion concealing the door and causes the stone portal to open.

++++

E3. Cavern

The cavern beyond the secret door is made of stone. Although the cavern has the aesthetic of a natural cave.

This cavern is dark but there is some illumination coming from further ahead.

++++++++

++++

E4. Repository

Several desks are arranged along the northern and eastern edges of this small stone alcove. Whereas the stonework leading to this chamber is rough, the walls in the alcove are polished. A single gem rests among the neatly filed papers on the desk, emitting a soft magical luminescence that brightens the small room.

You all start searching and looking around.

The paperwork on the desk is a priceless collection of Pathfinder Society lore and information describing dozens of unexplored sites. Most are written in an Azlanti dialect further encrypted using an old cipher employed by the Society centuries ago.

Although it is clear to you that this collection is very important, you have a hard time understanding the documents as they are mostly encrypted.

"well will you look at that..." Illyndar says after the secret passage is revealed.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

"Hmmm.... I believe the walls are not natural; rather, someone cleared this area using the stone shape spell."

Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

"Oh yeah that gem is worth some coin! Cha ching baybay! And I figured out how to use the password, I'm golden I tell ya!"

Arioch pockets the gem for safekeeping.

Fool's golden, more like... Cara says with a playful jab.

"I cannot read any of these. We should get all of that to VC Dreng. Or, if the paper is too fragile, we should bring him here."

Baldrum turns around.

"This room is already too crowded without the moose being here. I'll wait outside until you're finished going through the papers."

The monk walks out of the alcove and sits down next to the entrance.

Again, you are discussing and standing in a silent room that looks like it was not touched for ages.

Suddenly, Illyndar, Arioch, and Baldrum hear footsteps that are approaching fast.

Illyndar, Arioch, and Baldrum: you have a surprise round with a standard or move action. You do not see anything but have only heard something.

"Heads up! I hear footsteps coming towards us!"

The monk jumps to his feet and reaches for his Sansetsukon.

"Hmmm.... I believe the walls are not natural; rather, someone cleared this area using the stone shape spell."

"Oh? I was garn ta say it might av been burrowed out by a small delvah. Ya see delvers give off this acid tha-."

"Heads up! I hear footsteps coming towards us!"

The monk jumps to his feet and reaches for his Sansetsukon.

"CRIKEY!" exclaims Vest in amazement.