Muzouka |
The battered journal, found among the ghouls’ treasures, details a previous expedition to the high reaches of the Wall of Heaven. The journal has suffered some damage, pages stuck together and ink in some places, leaving it mostly unreadable.
The last few pages tell of the horrors experienced by the explorers while trapped beneath the avalanche. The last page of the journal lists the names of those that died during the expedition, including Pathfinder Rickard Murton.
Shadow Lodge faction mission
Kiyoko Tamahi |
Kiyoko frowns and holds the journal at arm's length. She then glares at the journal in her hands. "Can anyone read this?"
Sakura Kian Fane |
Sakura nods.
“I am from an order that values written records … sometimes more than life!!“
linguistics : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
She suddenly looks a little confused.
“The last few pages tell of the horrors experienced by the explorers while trapped beneath the avalanche. The last page of the journal lists the names of those that died during the expedition, including Pathfinder Rickard Murton!!“ she says.
“We have to inform the society and Murton’s family upon our return!“
Muzouka |
You can heal up before continuing.
The narrow mountain path ends at the lip of a fifty-foot-wide crevasse that stretches out of sight in both directions. A pair of carved stone pillars stands at the edge of the chasm and a matching pair of pillars can be seen on the far side. The remains of corroded iron chains, set within the stone pillars, dangle limply into the crevasse. A relatively gentle slope leads to the bottom of the crevasse. The slope on the far side is much steeper, and is covered with jagged, precarious looking rocks.
It looks like the spring thaw has increased the chance of a rockslide on the far slope.
Climbing to the base of the crevasse requires a 50-foot climb with a DC 15 Climb check to traverse safely. The far slope of the crevasse is much steeper, requiring a 50-foot climb with a DC 20 Climb check. The stone pillars on both sides of the crevasse are sturdy and can serve as anchors for tied ropes to lessen the Climb DCs in both areas. The jagged rocks on the far side of the crevasse make easy holds for a grappling hook.
Sakura Kian Fane |
survival : 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
So it first goes down..
“Can you give me some guidance please To-To?“
Sakura removes her armor and tries to take the first part.
str - down dc 15 : 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10
She asks for guidance again.
str - to down dc 15 : 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16
She the crosses to the other side but can get no guidance anymore.
str dc Up 20 : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Sakura binds rope!!
Kiyoko Tamahi |
Climb: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 - 2 = 17
Climb: 1d20 + 9 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 9 - 2 = 21
Kiyoko easily climbs down the crevasse, and then begins her ascent just as easily.
To-to-obika |
"Umm, just a second, Im right there..
climb: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (15) - 3 = 12
climb: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (8) - 3 = 5
climb: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (16) - 3 = 13
Sakura Kian Fane |
After most of the group has achieved the task and there is rope on both sides to make climbing easier (and taking 10 easy) Sakura also asks the group again to support her to carry Asb, her white steed, to the other side.
Elemenar |
Knowledge(nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Elemenar watches the others climb down the close side of the crevasse. "Do you all intend to climb up the other side? Those rocks are not stable and they could easily come down on you. We must be cautious."
With the rope assistance Elemenar tries to climb down.
Every successful check moves us 1/4 speed down the rope, right? So for me I get 5 feet for every successful check. I don't know what the DC is if we have the rope but it will require 10 checks for me to get to the bottom -- if I pass them all.
Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6
Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2
Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19
Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10
Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8
Climb: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12
Looks like I have some falling in there. I don't know if that's 1, 2, or 3 falls. Or from how high. In any case, I make it to the bottom -- possibly with some injuries.
Elemenar looks up the jagged and rocky slope. "That really looks unstable. Are you all sure you want to climb this?"
Muzouka |
Climbing down with a rope is DC5. Climbing up with a rope is DC10. I am assuming Sakura secured the rope as she went up. I'll take it easy and only require 1 roll for going down. and 1 going up unless you fail the roll. To-to and Elemenar can reroll the check to climb up.
To-to and Elemenar secure Asb and lower the mount slowly before To-to rappels down once the mount reached the ground. Elemenar goes down last though there were a few close calls.
Muzouka |
To-to successfully scales the far slope to join the others Sakura and Kiyoko. The three of you are able to pull Asb up then Elemenar up with some effort.
A half-hour's travel later you see two rock formations, shaped like a pair of thick pillars, stand prominently near a cliff’s edge. One pillar stands fifteen feet tall and the smaller stands ten feet tall. A shallow cave, just to the side of the pillars, looks as if it might provide some shelter from inclement mountain weather.
These two pillars must be the Two Brothers. A landmark that tells you you're on the right track towards the monastery. The taller of the two formations is known as Big Brother and the smaller is known as Little Brother. Local legend maintains that the Two Brothers were once men who successfully protested against injustices using peaceful and nonviolent means. Upon death, their bodies were transformed into unyielding rock, corresponding to their nature in life. It was not uncommon for representatives of opposing groups to endure the harsh climb to meet here to engage in peaceful negotiation. Often a representative from the monastery would also be present to ensure that the peace was maintained or even to act as mediator.
Taking a peek up you see see the walls of the monastery though it looks like a two hour climb from here.
If you camp in the cave overnight, the sheltered cave has enough room to hold four Medium characters and offers a +2 circumstance bonus on Fortitude saving throws against exposure.
Make 2 Fort save or become fatigued. The first save is DC16. The second is DC17.
Kiyoko Tamahi |
Kiyoko looks at the skyline, wondering how much daylight they have left.
Would the party be able to make it to the monastery before nightfall if they pressed on? And are the Fort saves only if we press on, or regardless of whether we press on or camp?
Sakura Kian Fane |
kn local : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Sakura points at the structures.
“These two pillars must be the Two Brothers. A landmark that tells you you're on the right track towards the monastery. The taller of the two formations is known as Big Brother and the smaller is known as Little Brother. Local legend maintains that the Two Brothers were once men who successfully protested against injustices using peaceful and nonviolent means. Upon death, their bodies were transformed into unyielding rock, corresponding to their nature in life. It was not uncommon for representatives of opposing groups to endure the harsh climb to meet here to engage in peaceful negotiation. Often a representative from the monastery would also be present to ensure that the peace was maintained or even to act as mediator!“
She would like to press on.
Fort dc 16 : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
fort dc 17 : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Asb |
Asb is supported by Sakura to push on.
fort : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
fort : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
To-to-obika |
Kn. history: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
"Thank you Sakura for teaching me something new. Let's keep going now so we can reach our destination sooner."
Fort DC 16: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Fort DC 17: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Muzouka |
If you leave the camp and go to the monastery you will need to make the fort saves every hour you are there. The weather conditions further up the path is high altitude and you will have trouble breathing. The saves keep getting harder each hour you are up there.
Overnight rest at the camp removes the fatigued condition. When you go back up you'll need to make the fort saves continue.
Sakura Kian Fane |
I’d continue and rest there!
Kiyoko Tamahi |
Fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
I assume that means we need to make two Fort saves regardless of whether we camp. I don't think you answered whether we'd make it to the monastery before nightfall though, Muzouka.
Elemenar has a scroll of endure elements that may be useful for whenever the party continues the climb.
"The climb will only get harder from now on," Kiyoko says. "Perhaps we should camp here."
Sakura Kian Fane |
“We can also rest!“
Muzouka |
Setting up camp in the cave you turn in for the night and wake up nice and early the next day. At first light the party makes its way up the path. After two hours you finally arrive.
Please make 2 Fort saves. DC 16 and DC17
A large stone building lies nestled in a shallow stone cul-desac, hollowed out from the surrounding mountainside. The building shows evidence of poor maintenance—the roof is missing several tiles and the once-proud, central double doors lie in a pile of ruined timbers. The remains of a giant bell, and the wooden structure meant to support and sound it, dominate the center of the flagstone courtyard before the stone structure.
Kiyoko Tamahi |
Fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Fort save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Kiyoko looks around curiously. Are there still people living here? she wonders silently.
Sakura Kian Fane |
She presses onwards.
Fort dc 16 : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
fort dc 17 : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
She then approaches the structure and shouts in Tien.
"Hello? Is anybody here?"
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Asb |
Asb is supported by Sakura to push on.
fort : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
fort : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
To-to-obika |
Fort DC 16: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Fort DC 17: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
"Ahhh, friends, I must rest for a while before continuing. The ascent was tiresome." To-to sighs
Muzouka |
The two hour trip is exhausting leaving Kiyoko fatigued while To-to and Elemenar are totally exhausted by the trek. Sakura and Asb look as fresh as before the team left the camp. You find yourselves in front of the Clouded Path Monastery that Venture-Captain Amara Li instructed you to find.
The door is gone and you have no problem entering the monastery. Atop a ten- foot rise of gray stone steps stands a wide paved forecourt surrounded by worn, red-painted wood pillars and faded rust-colored walls. A massive copper bell rests in the center of the area, surrounded by a mess of wooden scaffolds
and a carved-smooth tree trunk, all collapsed into a pile around the carillon. The north wall features an intricate mosaic of monks walking on clouds. A pair of staircases flanks the wall, leading up to a ten-foot-high porch and three sets of wooden doors beyond.
You hear grunts, yells and banging from behind the bell. From your position at the steps you can see some white, hairy legs. They have not yet noticed your arrival.
We are at slide 8.
Sakura Kian Fane |
Sakura leads Asb forward and tries to see what the temple looks like.
perception : 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Kiyoko Tamahi |
Kiyoko frowns at Sakura's nonchalance. Did she not notice the commotion going on on the other side of the courtyard? The Tian-Min samurai shakes her head and then advances around the south side of the carillon bell. She pauses at the corner just when the creatures become visible, however.
Double move.
To-to-obika |
"Sakura please, I beg you to be extremely cautious. Whatever lies ahead, we don't know their strength and number. We need to rest before confronting them."
Sakura Kian Fane |
Sakura looks back at Kiyoko and To-to.
"I believe that we have slept enough in the cave during the night, right? And we might have some people here who can tell us more about this place. They have hairy legs as it seems but communication should be possible ... I am an emissary and they potentially have written records that we can use." she says.
She looks around and says in different languages that she knows.
"Hello, is anybody here?"
Elemenar |
Elemenar leans on his staff for a moment to catch his breath. Seeing the others move up the stairs, he shakes his head and mumbles to himself. After a bit he follows along. "Come on To-to, it seems others have decided our course of action for us."
Muzouka |
Just to be clear: Sakura and Asb are fine, Kiyoko is Fatigued, To-to and Elemenar are exhausted.
Exhausted: Creature moves at half speed. –6 penalty to Str and Dex. Rest 1 hour to become fatigued.
Fatigued: Creature cannot run or charge. –2 penalty to Str and Dex. Rest 8 hours to remove.
Sakura sees, just past the copper bell, a trio of creatures that seem to be arguing with each other.
The creatures are yeti. They are immune to cold and vulnerable to fire.
Sakura Kian Fane |
Sakura does not know what this is about and who these creatures are but with the party being quite tired, she decides to retreat in hope that they can leave unnoticed!
Slowly moving back!!
Sakura Kian Fane |
Sakura realizes that going down isn’t possible.
She moves and says in Tien.
“Hello? May I introduce myself to you? My name is Sakura and my loyal friend here is Asb. We’ve come here to talk to you and hope that we are able to test your hospitality? We’d very much appreciate that.“ she says calmly.
diplomacy : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Kiyoko Tamahi |
Kiyoko maintains her cover, partially hidden behind the giant carillon bell. I doubt these will be the talkative sort, she thinks, hearing Sakura try to parley with them.
To-to-obika |
Penalty from exhaustion reduces To-to's strength to 6 and dexterity to 8, which means his speed is reduced to 10 feet and AC is 14.
"Friends, I hope these creatures listen to reason as my body is too weak to fight." To-to moans
Muzouka |
As one the yeti turn to look at the noise and with a yell head toward Sakura!
COMBAT!
Ini(To-to-obika): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Init(Kiyoko Tamahi): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Init(Sakura): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Init(Elemenar): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Init(brown): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Init(green): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Init(blue): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
ROUND 1
Elemenar
Blue
To-to
Green
Brown
Kiyoko
Sakura
Elemenar |
As soon as he gets to the top of the stairs, panting, Elemenar assesses the situation. Looks like another situation that will be resolved by violence and soon. He takes his wand of armor out and activates it.
Cast mage armor on myself
Muzouka |
Blue moves up to see what Brown is yelling about. Upon seeing Sakura and Asb Blue turns its Frightful gaze on both.
Frightful Gaze is mind affecting. Successful save makes the target immune for 1 day.
Will (Sakura): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 2 = 18
The samurai shrugs it off.
ROUND 1
Elemenar
Blue
To-to
Green
Brown
Kiyoko
Sakura
To-to-obika |
With some effort while breathing heavily To-to manages to move closer to Sakura, but isn't yet there. Double move
Muzouka |
Not yet fully recovered from the trek To-to makes his was to Sakura. Green looks around and notices Kiyoko peeking out from the other end and goes to meet her, throwing its shortspear at the samurai.
shortspear(ranged): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Not having a very good angle Kiyko is able to duck behind the wooden frame and the shortspear misses.
ROUND 1
Elemenar(Exhausted)
Blue
To-to(Exhausted)
Green
Brown
Kiyoko(fatigued)
Sakura
Kiyoko Tamahi |
Kiyoko ducks back behind the frame as the short spear whizzes past. As the creature closes with her, she steps out from behind the wooden frame confidently and assumes a combat stance, thumbing Reitenseiya an inch free of its saya. Her katana clearing its saya with the hiss of metal on wood, the Tian-Min samurai's blade is a blur as it cuts deep into the hoary-haired monster.
Reitenseiya, one-handed Iaijutsu Strike, challenge, fatigued: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 - 1 = 27
Crit threat, weapon expertise, brutal slash, fatigued: 1d20 + 8 - 1 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 1 + 2 + 1 = 17
Reitenseiya, one-handed, challenge, fatigued damage: 1d8 + 4 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 3 - 1 = 12
Iaijutsu Strike damage: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4
Crit damage: 1d8 + 4 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 3 - 1 = 7
5-foot-step, Challenge as a swift action, then full-round action to Iaijutsu Strike.
Kiyoko's AC is currently 12 until her next turn, or 10 against anything other than the target of her Challenge.
She has DR 1/- against the one she challenged, though.
Asb |
Will Asb - I think my steed has to roll as well : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
The white steed also steps forward and tries to trample and bite the creature after Sakura directs the horse!
hoof : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 81d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
hoof left : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 61d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
bite : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 201d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Sakura Kian Fane |
Sakura shakes her head.
“Sad that reasoning is impossible!“ she says.
She 5 ft steps and strikes with her greatsword.
Adamantine Greatsword +8 (2d6+6; 19-20/×2) To hit: BAB +3, MW +1, Str +4; Damage 2H: Str +4+2
greatsword : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 212d6 + 6 ⇒ (5, 5) + 6 = 16
She concentrates and suddenly she manifests a haze of crystalline dust that forms into indistinct runes and glyphs surrounding her body.
First round of 20% concealment.