Grave Treader smirks at Dhovahk and without another word begins to walk briskly through the area occupied by her guards.
We have visitors! she proclaims.
Moments later the rest of the party notices a Shoanti woman crossing the bridge and walking directly towards them.
“Hello there! I met your... "earthy" friend already. Yes, you look much more like a group of Pathfinders when all together like this. Please, follow me. Your friend is this way.”
She leads the party back across the bridge to her tent. As you pass through, the guards give her confused looks and scratch their heads. Still, they know who's in-charge and defer to her judgement.
After rejoining with Dhovahk, she invites all of you into her tent, which contains a small cot and neatly organized equipment tied into portable bundles. A cluster of sharp, glowing crystals encased in a protective glass bathes the room in a violet light. A makeshift table made from several crates pushed together takes up the center of the room, its surface covered in a chaotic collection of papers and maps.
Grave Treader takes a deep breath and speaks, “As you may know, my name is Grave Treader, and I used to be a Pathfinder. After being part of an unfortunate mission to the Crystal Womb, I worked for a while in the Opaline Vault. During my time there, I learned that some miners had discovered a gate with clockwork motifs carved into its surface. As I researched these symbols, I began to suspect that this gate could lead to an artifact known as the clockwork cipher. When I had finished my contract in the Opaline Vault, I set out learn more. That’s when I ran into the Sundered Stone. I couldn’t operate in this region without their blessing, and my resources were beginning to run thin, so I struck a deal with their leader, Jathune Voidstone. I’d get the artifact and he’d gain any other treasure that was found beyond the gate.” Grave Treader pauses for a while to collect her thoughts.
“I’ve finally pinpointed the location of the gate and I’ve found the means to open it, but I’ve grown uneasy with the deal I made with Jathune. He has become increasingly cruel and violent in the recent months, as well as ruthless about selecting his targets.” Grave Treader frowns. “I pride myself on being a woman of my word. I made a deal with him, and I am loath to go back on my agreements, but his actions of late concern me greatly. I no longer trust that he doesn’t intend to kill me and take the artifact for himself. Fortunately, I have not told him the location of the gate. I doubt it is safe to investigate such a place alone, but with you by my side, we could uncover the gate’s nature. You can keep anything we find behind the gate other than the clockwork cipher itself, and you are welcome to analyze the artifact for your reports back to the Grand Lodge.”
“I take it by your presence here that the Society has interest in this region, and someone like Jathune would endanger any plans you might have. Here again we can work together. His cruelty has made him increasingly unworthy of leadership. The Sundered Stone would be better off without him. If you defeat him, I believe I can get the rest of the bandits in line, hopefully with the help of Jathune’s second in command, Pamari.” She looks around the tent, her eyes filled with determination. “What say you. Will you help me?”
How do you respond? This is also your chance to ask her questions!
|
Eltran would really like to clap Dhovahk on the shoulder for accomplishing the mission goals but he is not really good with physical contact.
"Ehh ... well done! Dhovahk I mean well done!"
He greets Grave Treader and of course listens to her story.
When she mentions clockwork, he is already smiling.
"I like it! Great place to be and we can learn so much! I love engineering!" he says like a kid that is looking forward to eating ice cream.
|
|
“Hello there! I met your... "earthy" friend already... Please, follow me. Your friend is this way.”
Sounds like he did it.
Not surprised that Dhovahk has convinced Grave Treader to parlay, Chunhua returns her nocked arrow to its quiver and follows the frontline a respectful distance behind the ex-Pathfinder to her tent.
Once inside, she mouths a Well Done! to the Aqueous Druid, before standing sentinel at the marquee’s exit, listening carefully to their hostess.
Once she has finished her narrative, Chunhua takes her time before replying, choosing her words carefully.
“Our Master of Spells implied you did not complete your contract with the Opaline Vault.”
She pauses a beat before continuing. “Is she correct? And if so what led to that circumstance?”
✒
“I have never known a person unwilling to discuss their tattoos with pride. The artwork’s permanence no doubt reflecting the importance of the subject matter or symbolism to the individual.”
“I have met many Shoanti, but none with the advanced technological style of tattoo that adorns your face, Grave Treader. Would you be so kind as to tell us its meaning?”
⚛
“Can you tell us some more about the Clockwork Cipher? What is it? What is its function? Who created it? What powers does it possess?”
⚔
“You stated you were low on resources when you encountered the Sundered Stone bandits. How did you convince Jathune Voidstone not to just slay you and take your stuff?”
“That’s his normal play, right?”
|
After the guard invites the group, Cade turns to Dusk and says, "Must have made an impression...".
...
“Our Master of Spells implied you did not complete your contract with the Opaline Vault.”
“Sorrina...”
Grave Treader pauses, glancing away and focusing for only a moment before turning to respond to Chunhua.
“I completed it, I simply chose to not return to Absalom when I set my mind to the Clockwork Cipher. I wasn’t sure if the Society was something I wanted to be part of again, or if it would be better for me to continue my research on my own. I’m not quite sure what I will do next, but such decisions can wait until we’ve located the artifact
and dealt with Jathune.”
“I have never known a person unwilling to discuss their tattoos with pride. The artwork’s permanence no doubt reflecting the importance of the subject matter or symbolism to the individual.”
“I have met many Shoanti, but none with the advanced technological style of tattoo that adorns your face, Grave Treader. Would you be so kind as to tell us its meaning?”
Clearly this question lights up something in Grave Treader, as she smiles warmly and speaks with energy.
“Yes! It is well known that the people of the quahs receive tattoos that convey great significance upon coming of age.”
She takes one hand and traces some of the lines down her face.
“Mine are in the most obvious of places. They are carefully and straightly drawn. They are unerring. They carry observations from the eyes and ears to the spirit, where it can use them to sharpen reason and wisdom. My insights and ideas are my own, like any other. I can sharpen and strengthen them the same as an axe.”
“Can you tell us some more about the Clockwork Cipher? What is it? What is its function? Who created it? What powers does it possess?”
Her warm smile gives way to her former business-like demeanor as she answers.
“I cannot say more until I can acquire it. All of your questions about it and more I would like to answer.”
“You stated you were low on resources when you encountered the Sundered Stone bandits. How did you convince Jathune Voidstone not to just slay you and take your stuff?”
“That’s his normal play, right?”
Grave Treader grimaces slightly, thinking on how to best explain the delicate situation.
“They are bandits, not butchers. Jathune knows to ask questions first when he suspects one might have value beyond the goods they hold. I knew to strike a deal with him when I saw who had the run of this region. Jathune was a mercenary in the war between the Opaline Vault and City of Brass until his mercenary company was devastated. Pamari, the ifrit sorcerer, faced a similar fate, though she was on the opposite side of the conflict. Together, they decided that it wasn’t worth it to die in that pointless war, and they joined forces. They established the Sundered Stone from former mercenaries and other wanderers displaced by the war. I’ve gotten to know Pamari and she’s a good person. Jathune’s brutality disturbs her as well, but her loyalty to him runs deep.”
Cade believes she is being entirely sincere in her testimony.
Do others have any questions? The Shoanti woman looks at all of you expectantly, still awaiting a response to her proposition.
|
After the guard invites the group, Cade turns to Dusk and says, "Must have made an impression...".
"Indeed. He handled the situation perfectly. We have been very fortunate on this journey... so far."
Dusk, suspicions as always, listens to Grave Treader's words carefully.
Dusk believes the same as Cade, that she is genuine.
|
Dhovahk nods solemnly. “You honor us with your trust. I, um, vote, I believe it was, to assist you. If you believe your relationship with Jathune can only find peace as a result of violence, it would be helpful to know what you know of how he fights that we might prepare ourselves accordingly.” He rubs his chin, seemingly unaware of the grating sound of rock-on-rock the action produces. “Would you seek this resolution before or after opening the gate and exploring what lies beyond it?”
|
|
“Sorrina...”
Hmm … was she romantically involved with the Master of Spells, I wonder?
Chunhua places a hand gently on Dhovahk’s wrist to stop the ‘dinner plate-ON-dinner plate’ ringing that results from two dense, highly stressed rocks pounding against each other. (True!)
She nods her agreement with the hydrothermally fluid druid’s inquiries. “I vote ‘aye’ to an alliance with Grave Treader.”
She smiles. Very good. We leave tomorrow for the location I uncovered in my research. As thanks for... finding me peaceably and not engaging my guards in battle, you may take what you wish from this spare equipment.
She points to four neatly tied bundles of equipment, each wrapped in a chain shirt. All told, everything includes:
- 4x potion of cure moderate wounds
- 4x mwk chain shirt
- 4x light crossbow with 20 bolts
- 4x mwk heavy mace
- 4x thieves’ tools
- 4x traveler’s outfit
She finishes with Additionally, you are welcome to enter the camp proper, beyond this tent. Rest up, we have a bit of a journey ahead.
-----------------
The next day, Grave Treader takes you on a days journey from the Sundered Stone camp, ending somewhere around mid- to late-afternoon. She knows the paths well, and is able to avoid dangerous tunnels where the Plane of Fire most exerts its influence.
Very abruptly, she stops in the middle of a nondescript passageway. She runs her fingers along the wall until they stop at a very subtle seam, and she produces a key from her belt pouch. She inserts it into what looked like a crack in the stone passageway wall, and with a light press the subtle seam expands until the outline of a doorway reveals a slab that swings back.
Inside...
Intricate bronze-and-silver etchings of three-armed and three-legged creatures glimmer on the dark stone walls as faint light shines down from crystals in the ceiling. A line of alternating gold and silver triangular floor plates leads to a wide staircase opposite the temple’s main entrance. In the left end of the room, a large clockwork contraption looms over a dark pit, while at the right end, strange machinery and parts lie strewn across tables.
The luminous crystals in the ceiling provide dim light throughout the temple. The ceiling is 60 feet tall. The stairs are steep, rising at 45 ̊ angles.
Etchings in precious metals decorate the temple’s dark stone walls. These etchings depict servants, worshipers, and a god. The servants, depicted in bronze, are the most numerous. The silver worshipers are placed above the servants, but subservient to a golden figure on the ceiling. Both the bronze servants and silver worshipers have squat bodies, three hands, and three legs. You recognize from your encounter at the broken caravan that these creatures seem similar to, or are xorns.
-----------------
The golden figure is a construct roughly humanoid in shape with three arms and three legs.
-----------------
The large clockwork contraption contains a winch. It looks like you could climb down the winch rope. Looking down into the pit, the winch is connected to a platform by a strong chain. The platform currently rests 60 feet down.
-----------------
-----------------
The area opposite the winch is a workshop of some manner.
-----------------
What do you do?
|
|
Eltran is completely fascinated!
“Ahh look here … the golden figure is a construct … yes … roughly humanoid in shape with three arms and three legs. Perfect construction!!“ he muses.
Eltran continues while he detects magic everywhere.
“Oh and look here!! The large clockwork contraption contains a winch. It looks like you could climb down the winch rope. Well, let me see!! Ohh!! Looking down into the pit, the winch is connected to a platform by a strong chain. The platform currently rests 60 feet down. Fascinating!!!“ the corpulent man says.
“Maybe this is one of the Xorn’s gods?!?“
He suddenly smiles.
“But check this here!! We can operate the winch to raise and lower the platform!! Let’s go down??!!“ he says and asks if he should lower the platform.
|
|
“Can anyone tell if the deity this edifice is dedicated to is good –– or at least not evil?”
She taps the top plug of one of the gifted potions of CMW. “Maybe they’re a xorn-ish take on Brigh? The number ‘3’ is certainly a thrice recurring theme.”
“Dusk, should we check the elevator for traps? If there are none, based on Eltran’s engineering knowledge I think it we should attempt to take the elevator deeper into this complex, and continue exploring.”
|
|
Eltran shakes his head.
“Brigh?!? As one of her most devote followers I can tell you that the Whisperer in Bronze’s holy symbol is a Bronze feminine mask with forehead rune! I haven’t seen that here!!“
He thinks.
“Brigh is normally depicted as either a humanoid woman made entirely of intricate bronze clockwork topped with a metal skullcap, or as a perfectly symmetrical woman clad in transforming clockwork armor. BUT … Temples to Brigh are designed like workshops with tools for crafting, and storage for inventions. So that would fit!“ Eltran says.
He then gets uneasy.
“So if you can’t decide if you want to go down then I’ll check the workshop!!“
“Wow!! Everyone look here: You can notice here that the workshop tables hold parts for a three-armed and three-legged construct, similar to those depicted on the temple walls!!“ he says.
He immediately is so fascinated that he casts heightened awareness on himself and starts to put the pieces together.
• Knowledge Dungeoneering +13 (Rank 6, Class +3, Int +6, +3 Brigh’s Knowledge ½ Bard level)
• Knowledge Engineering +13 (Rank 1, Class +3, Int +6, +3 Brigh’s Knowledge ½ Bard level)
• Knowledge Geography +10 (Rank 1, Class +3, Int +6)
• Knowledge History +10 (Rank 1, Class +3, Int +6)
• Knowledge Local +10 (Rank 1, Class +3, Int +6)
• Knowledge Nature +10 (Rank 1, Class +3, Int +6)
• Knowledge Nobility +10 (Rank 1, Class +3, Int +6)
• Knowledge Planes +15 (Rank 6, Class +3, Int +6)
• Knowledge Religion +18 (Rank 6, Class +3, Int +6, +3 Brigh’s Knowledge ½ Bard level)
|
|
"I know what you're saying about Brigh's representation to bipedal humanoids, Eltran. And I meant no disrespect."
Chunhua shrugs, as she watches the big fellow investigate the inner-planar workshop thoroughly.
"As a parallel, I imagine centaur imagery of Erastil is quite different from the traditional Ulfen take."
"Anyway, it was just a guess."
|
|
Dhovahk shakes his head and smiles gently at the thought that those who claim the loudest to be something are oftentimes trying to fool themselves. Turning to Grave Walker, he inclines his head. “An impressive ruin, but I do not see anything that speaks itself to be this cypher you search for. But perhaps I am mistaken?”
Dusk finds no traps on the platform and the group is able to easily operate it and move it up and down.
Grave Treader is smirking and enjoying the amusement of the party's discussion of Brigh when Dhovahk approaches her. She considers his point at length before responding.
It looks like there are more rooms ahead, further up the stairs. It certainly isn't in this room... but: aren't you fascinated to soak up what we find anywhere here? To your friends' point, I find it interesting that we've found a Xorn projection of Brigh, clockwork and all! Centaur Erastil... good one, Chunhua!
|
|
“Or maybe an opening in the market for such a construct, Cade.”
Chunhua steps onto the platform, eager to continue the group’s exploration.
“With all this clockwork about, I have to keep reminding myself we’re on the Plane of Earth and NOT in Numeria.”
The archer checks her load of adamantine ammo is ready to feed her longbow, as she follows the frontline.
The line of gold and silver floor plates continues across this chamber to where a pair of raised stone platforms flanks an enormous metal gate. The gate is adorned with an etching of gold and silver gears around a large bronze gear. A small silver panel is built into the wall to the left of the door. Staircases lead up to the raised platforms, but one of these staircases has collapsed, leaving rubble strewn about on the floor below. A silvery glint rises from the top of the one platform, while a golden shine emanates from the other.
The gate is 45-foot-high. The markings on the door can be seen in this player handout
The flanking platforms are 20-foot-high. You take the intact staircase to the left, and when you arrive at that platform you find a silver dial. Looking across the way to the opposite platform, for which part of its staircase has collapsed, you see an identical gold dial. Except, the silver dial is broken.
Back on the floor of the chamber, the silver panel to the left of the door opens easily to reveal another set of gears. This mechanism is complicated, but Grave Treader provides some insights from her research that make the task of activating it easier.
I suspected we would find some manner of puzzle when we arrived here. The followers of Brigh do not disappoint. Well Eltran, what do you say? Up for a little "worship"?
What do you do?
|
|
The flanking platforms are 20-foot-high. You take the intact staircase to the left, and when you arrive at that platform you find a silver dial. Looking across the way to the opposite platform, for which part of its staircase has collapsed, you see an identical gold dial. Except, the silver dial is broken.
Eltran tries to repair the silver dial!
~
Eltran is confused when Grave Treader says that they are in a temple of Brigh.
"Ehhh ... are we really? I ... I cannot believe it!?" he says flabbergaster.
~
"Great finds Dusk!!" Eltran says beaming.
He uses the lantern of auras around him in hope that he will discover something special.
|
|
“There’s a pattern in the floor, indicating ‘silver’ or ‘gold’, and the direction each of those knobs should be turned, perhaps?”
Chunhua holds up the ring of protection and offers it around silently. If nobody else wants it, she slips it on her right ring finger.
“Maybe following that pattern will open the gate?”
The archer slings her bow, and pulls a 50’ length or rope attached to a grappling hook from her pack. She then tries to secure the hook to the top edge of the gold platform, retrying if she misses.
"Does someone want to climb up onto the gold platform and check for traps?"
She then calls up to the bard-chronicler, "Did you fix the silver dial, Eltran?"
|
|
"Does someone want to climb up onto the gold platform and check for traps?"
Using the rope, Dusk takes his time and climbs up to the gold platform.
Before he pulls himself up to the gold platform, Dusk will search the area for traps. If it's safe, he will proceed to Search the rest of the gold platform, taking 10 on the search checks if possible.
Take 10 search vs traps = 35. If taking 10 is not possible, use the roll below.
|
|
"So are you suggesting we turn the silver key counter-clockwise first, then the gold key counter-clockwise and then clockwise, and lastly the silver key clockwise?"
“Kinda.”
Chunhua climbs the silver staircase to join up with Eltran, calling across the open space to Cade and Dusk.
“Once Eltran has repaired the silver dial, I would propose turning the ‘straight line indicator’ on the Gold to face South, then Silver North, Silver South, Gold South, Silver North, Gold North, Gold South and Silver South.”
“If that doesn’t work, I would try Silver North, Gold North, Gold South and Silver South.”
Searching this area for traps. Taking 10 if possible for a 35, otherwise using the roll below.
[dice=Perception]d20+25
Grave Treader herself looks slightly confused. I have been researching this site for some time. I myself considered it may only be vaguely related until I could see it. The etchings on the wall depicting worship and servitude. The extensive working clockwork. I think we have our answer and I'm certain we will find the Clockwork Cipher behind this puzzled wall. All disciples of Brigh should partake to enjoy this space, though clearly through the eyes of Xorn. She smirks at the last part.
Eltran fidgets with the silver dial, finding some over-tightened and stuck parts. After a short time he is able to easily fix it so that it could be rotated.
Meanwhile, Chunhua handily lands a grappling hook to make the other platform easily reachable. Cade speeds up the rope, and after standing and dusting himself off cannot find any signs of traps. He is standing in front of an already-working gold dial. Dusk shortly appears behind him.
Chunhua then takes up position next to Eltran in front of the silver dial.
On the ground, Grave Treader is smiling brightly at your progress. I really think you all are onto something. Let me see what is behind this panel next to the door.
She heads over and fidgets with it for about a minute, and once finished, a bright light appears near the top of the image of a bronze gear on the door.
Oh! That light must be a guide for lining up the middle gear and solving the puzzle! she exclaims.
|
|
Eltran suddenly realizes that they really are in a temple to Brigh and he falls on his knees!
"Oh dear goddess! Your unworthy worshipper Eltran is here! I listen to your whispers in bronze every night ... I train your sound of artificial creation!! Thank you for blessing me with your knowledge and your creativity!!" he says and starts drumming on the ground like a maniac in a specific rhythm while moving his head up and down with rolled back eyes.
|
|
Oh! That light must be a guide for lining up the middle gear and solving the puzzle!
“I assume every movement of the ‘starting cog’ (the ones at the bottom in both colors?) affects the turning moment of each of the others, and possibly the movement of the ‘guide light’ into the correct location.”
“So you make a good point about the direction of the turn mattering, Cade.”
Chunhua gently toes one of Eltran’s large thighs. “Hey, Eltran! Mind if I interrupt your religious epiphany, to get you back into the task at hand?”
“If you could critique my theory or get ready if something hostile comes at us once the gates open, I’m sure we’d all appreciate it.”
She lets out a long breath. “How about we try:
• gold turn clockwise
• silver turn counter-clockwise
• silver turn clockwise
• gold turn clockwise
• silver turn counter-clockwise
• gold turn counter-clockwise
• gold turn clockwise
• silver turn clockwise
“And when I say turn, I mean a full revolution of the dial, while taking note of what the ‘guide light’ is doing.”
Chunhua directs those on the opposite platform to work the dials in turn of her plan. After many of the turns, the dials seem to turn back to their original positions (both, together at once), seemingly reseting to their initial positions. Specifically, it resets after the first five turns. It does not after the sixth, but then the final two turns reset it again.
Grave Treader watches the light on the bronze gear carefully while you try your sequence. She glances black and forth at the sets of silver and gold gears. She then has an iteration on the idea.
I think the idea is right... the plates likely do indicate clockwise and counter-clockwise turns. But... what if it is for the rotation of the bronze gear? I suppose that means the color indicates the "base" gear to turn to achieve that rotation of the bronze gear? Every single gear causes the next one to rotate in the opposite direction... there are four silver gears and three gold gears... her voice trails off as she thinks more on this.
|
|
Far out! Now take a deep breath and let’s nut this thing out.
“OK, so we know the first move is: gold turn counter-clockwise – which turns bronze clockwise, which is the direction of the gold arrow.”
“So the next move must be the direction you turn Silver, to get bronze moving counter-clockwise.”
She thinks for a moment. “Which is -- Silver is turned counter-clockwise.”
“Using the same logic, the remaining sequence is:
• silver turn clockwise
• gold turn counter-clockwise
• silver turn counter-clockwise
• gold turn clockwise
• gold turn counter-clockwise
• silver turn clockwise”
The dials to turn smoothly with no reset, move after move. Those on the platforms keep looking at each other excitedly as the sequence goes further and further.
All faces scream, nonverbally, is this it?!
After the final turn, the mechanism emits a louder click, and the room shakes as the heavy gate lowers into the floor.
Grave Treader claps enthusiastically. Wow! You all are really something else. I've been researching this for weeks but you're picking it right up! Maybe I was quick to part company with the Society...
Wide stairs lead up to a high chamber, where a forty-foot-tall statue depicting a woman with three hands, three legs, and a three-eyed mask of bronze towers overhead. Before the statue is a clockwork altar, and five circular bronze floor plates are arrayed in a curve around the staircase. Narrow strips of bronze connect the plates, altar, and statue. Mechanical clicking and whirring sounds echo from the chamber’s walls.
As soon as you enter the room, Grave Treader rushes to the altar to examine it and notices the clockwork cipher within. Her eyes widen in awe. She slowly, gingerly reaches towards it but as soon as she touches the alter, a harmless jolt of electricity spreads from the altar through the bronze strips into the circular plates. The room begins to shake.
The plates start to slowly rise up revealing stations, each 10 feet high with some manner of construct. These clockwork constructs have a structure similar to that of a xorn, with three eyes, three feet, and three hands each fitted with an integrated weapon.
Over the din of the rumbling, Grave Treader yells out to you that based on her research, the artifact should allow them to control the constructs. She turns back to the altar and begins the delicate process of extracting the artifact.
After only a moment she yells out the the party I think I could use up to two spare sets of hands over here to help. But use your judgement... I think these guardians aren't going to leave us alone to work!
And right she is, as the three constructs before you whir to life to attack! The two constructs at the edges remain inactive
Three times per day, a wielder of the clockwork cipher can cast disable construct (DC 15, current effective CL 5th). Additionally, the wielder can wind a dormant clockwork construct with the clockwork cipher to take control of it. This takes 10 minutes, and the key transforms to fit the winding mechanism of that particular construct. The construct remains functional for 8 hours per wind but it cannot be wound up again until it winds down entirely. Only one construct can be controlled at a time in this manner. As a standard action, the wielder can give one of the following mental commands to the construct controlled in this way: attack, follow, guard, and stay. The construct follows the order until another order is given or it winds down.
Cade
Dusk
Chunhua
--------------
Red
--------------
Eltran
--------------
Blue
--------------
Dhovahk
--------------
Green
--------------
Grave Treader: extracting the clockwork cipher (round 1/?)
Eltran knows that these are greater xorn clockwork guardians.