DM_Delmoth |
Walk, if you will, the claustrophobic alleys of the Tangle, the middenstone vats of the Filth, and the cobbled white roads at the summit of an ancient hill. Know that this is but the latest of cities to crown this summit, a monument to the filth and grime and waste of civilization. The city was built upon the battlefields of history past, for many have sought to control this key feature, this lonely hill in a sea of mud and mire. Only its name has remained constant through the ages—Carrion Hill.
DM_Delmoth |
You find yourself within the unsettling city of Carrion Hill, resting atop an unnatural seeming mound rising above the swampy banks of the Kingfisher River. Despite the densely packed buildings arrayed in confusing mire of well worn roads and walls, the streets are open and clear. Not a single soul dares escape the confines of their homes. Even the crows fear to perch atop the eaves and gables and tirelessly circle the dark and overcast skies calling out to some unseen power uselessly.
Mayor Heggry has called for assistance against some threat, and so you stand before Crown Manor.
Please take some time to describe your character and anything you think would be especially pertinent for you to know about each other. Especially since you know each other.
Galileo Figaro Magnifico |
Foolhardy, slightly flamboyant, ingratiatingly optimistic. Born out of union contracted between a celestial being and a wizard of ill repute, Galileo was raised by his father, which proved to be a strict and confining existence for the bright and cheerful boy. At first convenience, he stole away from his father's dark tower and ended up the hireling of an adventuring party. Impressed and inspired by their heroic deeds, the young Galileo began regaling local taverns with tales of their daring adventures, earning himself enough coin to tutor under a master bard. When he became skilled enough himself with sword and song, he ventured forth into the world, seeking the chance to prove himself amongst the bravest of Golarion.
Tall, muscular, handsome, with naturally tanned skin, dashing smile, brazen locks, and eyes the color of sunflowers, which glow with an inner light, Galileo Figaro Magnifico is as charming as they come.
Galileo turns his eyes upward and sighs. "What a miserable city, with an even more miserable name. But when the call for help comes we answer. Right guys?"
He looks about himself and realizes, as per his usual promptness, he is the first to arrive.
"OH well. I wonder what sort of darkness can threaten such a gloomy place." he says to no one as he approaches the manor.
Valkarian |
He is of minor nobility (enough to get a good start in life with military training and a scholarly education). Physically, he is tall and strong, though somewhat off-putting (his 8 Cha reflects his gloominess and introversion).
Yet for all my resources, I could not access every site that I wished. With some trepidation I enlisted with a cadre of mercenaries known as the Pathfinder Society. Some were motivated by wealth; the mysterious figures known as the Decemvirate paid exorbitantly well for 'explorers.'
Some were simply mad with bloodlust. The Society's missions quite often involved unspeakable levels of carnage, and on more than one occasion the Pathfinders were tasked with assassinations.
And a few were scholar-explorers. It is with these that I most enjoyed to spend my time. Some even knew of Azlant, and had explored some of its far-flung ruined sites. A couple spoke The Language. Equally as many spoke Thassilonian, the language of Azlant's great rival. Here, too, could be power that mankind might need. The Society seemed to have had much to do with Thassilon in recent years.
Among their ranks I met a great variety of creatures, from humans and elves to genie-kin and even more exotic beings. All were welcomed, it seemed, and the members of the Society worshipped all manner of gods. Familiar ones like staid Erastil, naïve Sarenrae, reckless Cayden Cailean, and insufferable Irori, but also bizarre fey powers, obscure Empyreal lords, and even the powers of Hell and the Abyss. Some members of the Society openly served the Great Beast Rovagug and were not burned at the stake. The Decemvirate are so open-minded that their brains would fall out if not for their helms.
And yet... there did not seem to be any who served Nyarlathotep, nor Azathoth, nor Shub-Niggurath. Had the Decemvirate drawn a line, or were the members of the Society mercifully unaware of such entities? I knew not.
But the Society, for all of its careless bumbling, still offered the greatest chance to access the secrets of the past. Secrets that humanity needed if it was to overcome its cosmic insignificance. And thus it was that I found myself in Carrion Hill.
Valkarian nods to Galileo.
"The call for help. Hmm. I go where I must, as the Society directs. I only hope this is a worthwhile use of our time."
Valkarian seems not at all bothered by the gloom - perhaps to him this is the world as it should be.
Brother Laurence |
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His greatest difficulty is in just holding back and let destiny take its course. Since he believes that divine judgment matters, he feels compelled to help others find the perfect afterlife. His community is important to him, and he wants to help the people of Carrion Hill both spiritually and physically. He's familiar with the way Ustalav seems to breed weird cults with terrifying obedience to evil beings, and he began to notice the feeling of Carrion Hill becoming even more dark and insidious a few years ago, before he left to join the Pathfinder Society. He always intended to come back, and he hopes it is not too late.
Eldritch horrors and other evil outsiders interfere with the cosmic plan, and Brother Laurence believes that Groetus wants him to fight against these interlopers whenever possible. The Great Old Ones don't get to destroy the universe: that's Groetus's job. To that end, he's been working on his martial skills at the asylum and now feels ready to return to his home town and see what can be done. He wields potent tools to serve and protect his deity's domains, as well as the group of ragtag individuals with whom he has formed an uneasy alliance.
His fervent belief and dedication to his vision of kingdom come make him seem naive and almost childlike to others, and his ugly mismatched appearance (neither elf nor man) hints at an ostracized and troubled childhood. His social skills are almost nonexistent, though he is at least very perceptive. He is somewhat paranoid of strangers, and ever since the lodge assigned them to the same company he has always deferred to Galileo for "face" interactions.
Brother Laurence nods pensively. "It wasn't always like this, this deathly-- almost shrunken-- reflection of a city. Something has changed. Maybe it's the people? Or maybe it is just that I have changed. I do not know. But yes, the place does cry for attention, does it not? And we must respond, for duty or for hope. Or fate-- perhaps we have been called here for some greater purpose?" He scratches his misshapen nose and looks at the manor entrance. "Shall we?"
Oswald Copperpot |
The cobbled streets are broad and bleached white. The buildings are large and made of stone and timber. Lavender plants grow in and around the olive trees that thrive on the high hill.
Glancing upward the hill, shading his purple eyes from the glaring sun, the sophisticatedly dressed human at first glance (the gills on his neck and his vibrant purple eye color give him away) smiles at the morose and fairly stated words of his compaions.
This Gillmen has soft, delicate skin in a welcoming shade of pearly white. His hair is dark blue-green, as it takes on the colors of the sea, and he has thick, expressive eyebrows that match.
Oswald Copperpot has lived and been raised along the Kingfisher river in Ustalav. Having recently graduated from Sincomakti School of Sciences, the Investigator decided to take a closer look at the mysterious town of Carrion Hill.
Oswald chuckles.
Bland, bleak beautifully built by both evil and good, thus Carrior Hill has maintained its reputation easily through the decades.
The Gillman pretends to playfully muss Galileo's fiery hair.
Hot as ever! One of these days you'll burn me.
Oswald Copperpot nods in agreement to Valkarian.
Indifference of Nethys bless our Decemvirate!
The Investigator straightens his necktie. He cordially indicates the Crown Manor.
So, shall we go see a mayor about a job?
Eudamonia Solanis |
Her big brown eyes and slightly chubby cheeks give her a very childlike appearance and she is often mistaken, especially at a distance, for a human child. It doesn't help that the page she received through the Society is a halfling, and her pet fox (familiar) is dressed up in a tiny little suit of parade armor. The three of them together look very much like a pair of children and the family dog playing soldiers. Of course, the arrival of Bear, clad in her real barding and bearing a saddle, often calls that image into question.
Euda, still sitting astride Bear, looks up at the large building and then over at her associates. "Might as well," she answers Oswald. "Probably I shouldn't be first in though, you know how skittish Bear makes some people."
The curly haired halfling fellow standing on the ground beside her looks up and nods, his bright blue eyes studying the manor's grand facade.
Galileo Figaro Magnifico |
"Ah! Good, you're all here! I thought for a moment I was going to have to go it alone!" Galileo adopts a charming smile as they approach the manor, "I hope they have snacks!"
Valkarian |
"By all means, Galileo. Lead the way. Perhaps the Mayor will be cheered by your demeanor."
There is extreme doubt in Valkarian's voice, but no hint of sarcasm.
DM_Delmoth |
As you approach Crown Manor to guards, Crows, dressed in black leather armor and chains wielding bows and longswords block your path. They lock eyes with you and with a somber expression that flickers with the faintest spark of hope wave you in and to follow them.
The pair lead you into a central hall where the mayor sits in a tall-backed chair. Mayor Heggry's eyes are blood shot and weary from lack of sleep, he frowns as you approach but what exactly he's disapproving of he doesn't say.
He straightens and greets you, "At least we've got a few backbones still upright in this place." He gestures for you to be seated and clears his throat before he continues.
"I thank you for attending in our hour of need—Carrion Hill has a long history of battle, yet always before its enemies have attacked from outside our walls. We are fortified to defend against such attacks, but now we face an entirely different threat. Our enemy is already here, dwelling in the tunnels and catacombs below and surfacing to strike without warning."
"The first of these attacks occurred early this very morning, when something huge came up from below in a part of the Tangles called Slipper Market. It partially destroyed a building and killed a half dozen locals before retreating into the ruined structure. The Crows were swift to reply, led by our own Commander Garus, but when they arrived, they were slaughtered to the last."
"Since then, the thing has moved on, surfacing no less than three times in different parts of the city, crushing buildings from below and slaying anyone it finds inside. I’ve got the entire force of the city watch in reserve, and with each new event they respond quickly, but the damage is always done by the time they arrive. Already there is talk of war and invasion, but I still believe that what we face is a single horror. If we can only figure out what it is, we might be able to defeat it. And this is where your group comes in—the horror has moved on from its initial point of entrance, but if you can explore the ruins in Slipper Market, perhaps you can find some sort of clue to tell us what it is we face. I cannot spare any of my Crows to aid you, for they are needed in keeping order in the streets, but if indeed you can find something… anything… about this monster from below, I will pay you handsomely: 1,500 gold for solid information, and twice again that amount for aiding in defeating the horror."
Oswald Copperpot |
Oswald Copperpot confidently walks right up to the pair of Crows. The studious-looking, properly dressed gentleman smiles at them.
Pathfinder's here at the request of Mayor Heggry.
He patiently just stands there until the pair's somber expression that flickers with the faintest spark of hope wave them in and to follow them.
Once permitted to be seated, Oswald does just that, taking out his pen and note pad to take notes, as the Mayor briefs them on the strange and violent goins-ons.
My, my, what a mess. Destruction on such a scale will be an enormous cost to the city. The Slipper Market is where it initially made its appearance, then? Strange, perhaps it smelled the ...
Knowledge local, inspiration: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 7 + (4) = 27
...coffee and tobacco?
The Investigator looks up from his musings.
You said, ...surfacing no less than three times in different parts of the city, crushing buildings from below and slaying anyone it finds inside. Which other building exactly? May be a pattern.
Galileo Figaro Magnifico |
”What my esteemed colleague is saying is, yes, we are already on the job, you’re mayorship. You’ve done right by calling on us Pathfinders. Whatever loathsome villain troubles your, ehem, fair city, we’ll track it down and slay it, no problem. Right my fellows?”
Laying it on thick: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
"Now, don’t be sparse with the details. My friend here has an investigative mind, he can piece together this puzzle for you, for sure. Whatever you can tell us, however trivial it may seem, can be a vital clue."
Valkarian |
"No problem, you say, Galileo?
An immense nameless beast has slaughtered many of the city guard, including its commander; its strength is such that it can crush buildings. A foul denizen of the sightless depths, it can appear from below and strike without warning.
This may be a foe beyond any of us, and we all may perish in the attempt. To deny the gravity of our situation would be a most perilous mistake.
And yet, there may be some slight hope if we can discern the nature of our adversary. And in that, Galileo, I agree with you. We must learn more. Mayor, have there been any surviving witnesses to the creature's attacks? Have any seen this fiend and retained enough sanity to speak of what they saw? Or has the mere sight of this incomprehensible horror reduced their faculties to ruin?"
Oswald Copperpot |
Oswald holds up a finger with a bit of concern, as their confident (although a bit impetuous) Bard announces the group's pending victory over the unknown menace under.... Carrion Hill!
While your enthusiasm is commendable, my good and fiery friend, perhaps, we heed Valkarian 's thoughts of proper investigation and purpose.
The Gillman winks.
DM_Delmoth |
The Slipper Market is where it initially made its appearance, then? Strange, perhaps it smelled the ...[/b]
[dice=Knowledge local, inspiration]1d20+7+1d6...coffee and tobacco?
Oswald has been to Slipper market in the halcyon days of his youth. It resides in the Tangles district of Carrion Hill. The Tangles is the district that resides the lower and middle heights of the hill and is the most populated. It's a twisting maze of alleys, dead ends, and lightless streets. While these twist and turns lead to the uninitiated to become lost and easy prey for thugs, they also hold Carrion Hills myriad markets holding countless houses, stores, and cupboard shops selling everything from decorative pig masks to paper lanterns, and indeed coffee and tobacco.
Slipper market in particular is an open air market on the lower western slope of the hill, where merchants can hock their wares and what is sold changes day by day.
You said, ...surfacing no less than three times in different parts of the city, crushing buildings from below and slaying anyone it finds inside. Which other building exactly? May be a pattern.
The mayor gives you what meager details he has, "The other two attacks were homes on the western slope. The dwellings crumpled into sinkholes resulting in a pit with no apparent entrances to what is below. The ruins were slathered and drenched in a foul-smelling slime, no one has seen before. Only the Slipper Market attack leads to the chambers below. Please do not let details of your investigation to reach the public or we will have a riot in the streets."
"Mayor, have there been any surviving witnesses to the creature's attacks? Have any seen this fiend and retained enough sanity to speak of what they saw? Or has the mere sight of this incomprehensible horror reduced their faculties to ruin?"
The mayor answers grimly, "Whatever emerged to destroy the buildings must have been the size of a giant to do so much damage, yet witnesses cannot describe the thing. It's as if the buildings were pulled apart from within and the cause was not visible."
Valkarian |
"Only the Slipper Market attack leads to the chambers below."
"Then we should head to the Slipper Market to investigate."
"Please do not let details of your investigation to reach the public or we will have a riot in the streets."
"Well do I understand. Blessed ignorance allows the plebeian masses of society to go about their lives in peace, unaware of the abominations that dwell in the depths. How I envy them! Though they may be alarmed at the little they know of what has transpired, I will give them no details, so that they may instead employ whatever more mundane and palatable explanations their vulgar minds may conjure."
Eudamonia Solanis |
At the mayor's invitation, Edalmir climbs up into one of the human-sized chairs and sits cross-legged on its expansive seat, but Euda remains seated in Bear's saddle. She listens to the mayor's proposition, and her companion's comments before eventually adding, "will we need some form of token or writ for the crows to grant us free passage at the sites of the attacks?"
DM_Delmoth |
At the mayor's invitation, Edalmir climbs up into one of the human-sized chairs and sits cross-legged on its expansive seat, but Euda remains seated in Bear's saddle. She listens to the mayor's proposition, and her companion's comments before eventually adding, "will we need some form of token or writ for the crows to grant us free passage at the sites of the attacks?"
"If you're ready you will be escorted to the site."
Oswald Copperpot |
Oswald puts away his implements. The Investigator stands.
Of course. Ignorance is the envy of the Intelligent. We shall do our utmost in the discretion regard.
Dodging his hat, Oswald gathers his pack before preparing to be escorted to the site.
Haven't felt this secure since that time I was writing that S&M paper. Still bear scars.
DM_Delmoth |
As you exit the Crown Manor the building storm breaks in a cold downpour, sapping the warmth from your bones. The guards silently march you down the rain drenched streets with rivers of water that run down the central gutters of each of the roads throughout Carrion Hill.
Slipper market has been abandoned save for two dozen milling crows. You're led through a throng of guards to a side street that has been roped off. A number of benches have been set up under a barely functioning open tent which holds the remains of three bodies.
Wide-eyed faces watch the market from upper floor windows, but no one speaks, you only hear the sound of the constant driving onrush of rain.
Slide 1
Alleyway and Ruined House "1"
The side of a single-story wooden house has collapsed outward into this ten-foot-wide alley, adding to the clutter and refuse. The roofs provide some shelter from the rain, leaving swaths of blood and gore on walls here and there. The hideous smell wafting out of the ruined building is as unplacable as it is stomach turning. Perhaps the strangest is the huge spiral-shaped smear of blood on the wall opposite the partially collapsed building, sheltered by the rain, this ominous rune rises high on the side of the building, as if something enormous had used a broken and bleeding body as a brush to paint its mark.
Galileo Figaro Magnifico |
Galileo's enthusiasm is immediately dampened by the pouring rain, but he tries to keep spirits up by humming a jaunty tune as they make their way through the meandering streets of the Tangles. Upon approaching the grisly scene, however, the music stops. He glances at the bodies in the tent and knows he's of no help there, and the bloody symbol is beyond him. Braving the stench, he circles the ruins searching for signs of lingering magic.
Perception+Detect Magic: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Oswald Copperpot |
Oswald steps outside into the drenching with a grin on his face.
This really adds to the ambience. Probably should have invested in an umbrella.
The Investigator's purple eyes turn to take in the barely functioning open tent which holds the remains of three bodies. Not that type of Doctor, he continues onward.
Advancing on the ruin building, the Investigator's entire head begins to follow the huge spiral-shaped smear of blood on the wall until he his bending upside-down.
Pausing in consideration and uncomfortable-ness, Oswald studies the strange (and obviously purposeful) rune, whistling a rain-inspired tune.
The Investigator reaches for two vials, downs them and begins his observations.
Heightened Awareness and Investigative Mind Extract Duration 50 minutes
Knowledge(Religion) DC 20: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 2 + (1) = 16
Investigative Mind Knowledge(Religion) DC 20: 1d20 + 7 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 2 + (2) = 31
Speaking as if reciting from a dusty volume found in someone's attic, Oswald recites
The strange spiral symbol is associated with portals and the dark regions between the stars known as the Dark Tapestry. The Old Cults that lived in Carrion Hill before Thassilon fell worshiped the beings that dwell within the Dark Tapestry.
Brother Laurence |
Brother Laurence follows behind, gazing at the destruction with a sickened expression on his face. He goes to the tent and gives the bodies a cursory once-over.
Heal, guidance: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 4 + 1 = 21
He returns to share his findings. "The damage done to these people is terrifying. The first body was flattened by a single crushing attack to the chest, caving it in. The second had his back broken. The third, a Crow, was twisted twice around at the waist, leaving his arms broken in so many places that the bones might as well be jelly." He grimaces, his eyes wide.
Valkarian |
Valkarian looks at the spiral symbol with growing dread.
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
At Oswald's words, he nods reluctantly.
"I concur, Oswald. This is a most dire portent of the work ahead of us. The worst I feared has come to pass; there is a connection between the creature and the Dark Tapestry. Perhaps the Old Cults are not yet gone. Or perhaps, long since departed, they left a doorway open."
Valkarian looks, if possible, even more gloomy and troubled than before.
"I shall proceed into the building when we all are ready."
Valkarian draws forth his ancient Azlanti wand. He will use a charge of Shield before entering the building for AC 29.
Galileo Figaro Magnifico |
Overhearing the others, Galilieo thinks he should have payed better attention to his father's teachings. Opening portals and summoning strange things from other planes of existence was his thing.
Brother Laurence |
Brother Laurence sees Valkarian preparing for battle and warily does the same. He casts three spells and taps himself with a wand before following behind the arcane fighter.
It looks like divine favor, guidance, and vigor should all last until the end of the next combat, right?
Eudamonia Solanis |
While her sidekick clutches Bear's fur for comfort, Euda takes in the scene with what looks like a bit of disdain. "There aren't enough horrors in this world," she mutters sardonically, "they have to invite new ones from up between the stars..."
When preparations start and the group begins to move into the building, she joins in the casting, placing a minor blessing on herself and each of her companions.
Casting guidance on my menagerie. What's our target speed when moving? While I'm mounted, me and Bear have 40' move but Edalmir's move is only 25'. If that's too slow, he could ride Fox, but he's not very good at that.
DM_Delmoth |
Galileo cannot sense any lingering auras of magic or otherwise.
@Brothrer Laurence yes until end of next combat.
When the party tries the front door to the ruined apartment they find that it is locked securely. DC 25 disable device to pick the lock, DC 18 to break down.
Oswald Copperpot |
Oswald chuckles at the locked entrance. The Investigator pulls at another vial (this one a bit larger), drinks it and grins.
Grins. Grins. Grins. The Gillman's appearance seems to be widening, elongation, felining. Reaching into his vest pocket, he pulls out some tools and begins fiddling with the lock.
Mutagen (Dex) +4, +2 NA, 50 minutes +2
Disable Device (Dex): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19
With a pouty feline face, Oswald shrugs and tries again.
Disable Device (Dex): 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32
Brother Laurence |
Sense Motive, guidance, owl's wisdom: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 1 + 2 = 33
Looking around at the buildings surrounding the scene of the carnage, Brother Laurence's eyes widen slightly. "These are residences that surround the alley-- I wonder if the people who live there saw anything?" He looks seriously at his fellow Pathfinders. "Perhaps we should try to interview them?"
He casts guidance on himself again while they wait for Oswald to crack the lock. For skill rolls like these that aren't time sensitive, he'd certainly cast guidance on the other party members too.
Valkarian |
"Do as you wish," Valkarian says.
He has no interest in interviewing the locals.
What would they have to say? Naught of any worth, I should expect.
Should we expect cobblers and shopkeepers to give information of any use when it comes to the beings of the Dark Tapestry? And if they do have any knowledge of such things, then it is because they serve the Old Cults, and may try to mislead us.
He is not a people person.
Oswald Copperpot |
@Brother Lawrence I didn't want to presume, but always happy to take a Guidance!
Brother Laurence |
Presume away! You know what happens when you presume, right? You make a prez out of u and me...
Eudamonia Solanis |
I'll help keep guidance up on everyone whenever time allows!
Euda looks up at the surrounding houses and shrugs. "Best get started then," she responds to Larry and Val's conversation. "Edalmir, why don't you knock on the nearest door and ask."
The halfling gives a nod and dutifully trots to closest door and knocks on it.
If someone else wants to take over when (or if) a door is answered, please feel free! Euda had Edalmir knock because his untrained +3 is better than her untrained -1, but I'm assuming there must be others whose diplomacy is much higher (I just had him knock to keep us moving along).
DM_Delmoth |
After Oswald transforms he struggles with the lock for a few minutes before finally managing to click it open.
3: Ruined Parlor
This room was once a cluttered but cozy parlor, but now the couches, bookshelves, tables, and other comforts are in complete disarray. The eastern wall adventure says east, but I’m sure they mean west is partially collapsed, including what once may have been a fireplace to the northwest and two doors leading into other rooms of the building to the southwest. A hideous smell wafts through these holes.
Canvasing the witnesses
Brother Laurence, Galileo, and Edalmir manage to locate a witness willing to speak to them, a man named Tarrig who lives across the street from the house where they mayhem occurred. His appearance is disheveled, rumpled clothing, unkempt hair, and a nervous shake.
“As every morning, the Slipper Market was awake early. The merchants set up stalls in the two hours before dawn and prepared their wares, and that was when a terrible something came crashing out of Marshan’s house. There were an awful lot of screams, and the entire house shook as if some great invisible hand had taken hold of it and was trying to push it into the ground or crumple it in its fist. I ran for the watch, but by the time we’d come back, it was all quiet. Wasn’t more than a few heartbeats after the guards entered Marshan’s home that the shaking and the screaming began again. Some of the guards ran back into the street only to be lifted into the air by something unseen and crushed most horrifically; it left behind only a few bodies, whatever it was. The house has been quiet ever since, but that doesn’t mean that the monster’s gone!”
Galileo Figaro Magnifico |
Galileo offers Tarrig a comforting smile and pat on the shoulder, "Don't you worry, good sir. We and my fellows have been tasked by the Mayor himself to investigate this incident and drive this terror back into the darkness from whence it came. Now, what can you tell us of this Marshan? What kind of fellow was he?"
Diplomancy+Guidance: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 = 16
Brother Laurence |
Heal, guidance: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 = 14
Brother Laurence notes the telltale signs of addiction to a hallucinogenic drug in their witness, and resolves to share this information with the others once they are done questioning him.
He recasts guidance.
Oswald Copperpot |
Hearing the satisfactory of a clicking sound, Oswald grins. The Gillman opens the door, grandly presenting egress into the ruined building.
Looking inside the Ruined Parlor, the Investigator seems troubled by the lack of corpses occupying the former scene of such reported violence.
Careful and courteous, Oswald ventures inside for further examination.
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24 +3 Traps
Valkarian |
Valkarian flips through the books with mild curiosity and some disapproval.
Astronomy. The lamentable attempts of the poor scholars of this age to make sense of the stars. These pedestrian texts have no inkling of what the night sky portends. Not a one makes mention of the strange light that shines from distant Carcosa and the effects of that dread effulgence on mortal minds.
Valkarian takes up guard outside the holes leading into the other rooms, waiting for his companions to be ready to proceed. The foetid odor is a warning of horrors that lurk beyond...
DM_Delmoth |
Another resident, Nicodemus, answers, "Old man Mashan. He never waved when he went by, he was hiding something from the rest of us. He has no dog. A hook like on his stairs, pounding nails into a hardwood floor late at night."
Tarrig nods in a drunken manner, "Moved here several years ago. Never had anything to do with the market. He had visitors but they arrived after dark and left before dawn. No one's seen the inside of his place."
Oswald is disappointed when he finds no traps.
Eudamonia Solanis |
While half there number are still interviewing witnesses, Euda dismounts--leaving Bear to stand guard with Val while she quickly searches for the oldest history book in the collection.
perception (take 10): 10 + 14 = 24
"If whoever lived here was interested in horrors from the stars that plague Golarion, this seems like the right kind of library... Should we keep an eye out for materials that might be used to contact or summon those sorts of things? And, if so, what kind of materials would those be?"
Galileo Figaro Magnifico |
"Hmm, strange goings on in the middle of the night... Thank you sirs for your assistance in these matters. Now, stay indoors. Looks like nasty weather."
Galileo turns to his fellows, "Don't you think we've got what we need? I'd much rather get out of this rain."
Brother Laurence |
Brother Laurence looks up at the sky as if he is only registering the weather for the first time. He nods absently. "Aye, we should see what our colleagues have been up to while we were here. Perhaps they have solved the mystery all on their own?" He giggles softly to himself and follows Edalmir and Galileo back to the building.
Oswald Copperpot |
Oswald chuckles at the apparent lack of dangerous devices meant to harm, hurt, maim the uninitiated.
This entire place is the Trap!
The feline-formed Investigator seems to be on edge.
Galileo Figaro Magnifico |
Returning to the scene of devastation, Galileo informs the others of what they've learned, "House belonged to a fellow named Marshan, quite secretive, used to have some mysterious late night guests. I have a hunch we'll find something neat buried under the floorboards."
He checks the flooring for a loose nail.
Perception+Guidance: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 17+Detect Magic
DM_Delmoth |
Further inspection of the apartment
Shambles "2"
This living room is in a complete state of disarray. Doors are smashed open and the northern wall has exploded outward. The furniture is in shambles, and rain leaking in from multiple fresh holes in the roof has done little to wash away the thick layer of sticky black slime that seems to coat every surface, slime that exudes a horrific stench something like an open grave, burnt decay, the air before a thunderstorm, wet and diseased fur, and worse. Scattered amid the slime and rubble are body parts—too many to be from one victim and all strangely bloodless.
As long as you remain in this room you are sickened if you fail a DC 12 fort save
Ruined Bedroom "4"
What appears to have once been a library and bedroom is now in a shambles. Furniture is splintered, shelves and books smashed and torn, and everything is coated with a thick, stinking layer of tar-like sludge. A door frame lies burst open to the southwest, beyond which a flight of slime-smeared stone steps leads downward into the dark.
Valkarian |
Fort DC 12: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
The miasma was overpowering, reeking of every foulness known. I had encountered similar in my travels before, but only when confronted with foul denizens of the Abyss.
Survival DC 12: 1d20 ⇒ 3
I could make no sense of the maddening scene before me. The residue of some unutterable chthonic blasphemy crept along the floor and up the walls.
Valkarian looks around and waits for the rest of his group to join him.
"Though this noisome ichor covers the stairs, I fear that we must descend."
Oswald Copperpot |
Oswald approaches the Shambles room. The Investigator's nose crinkled. His purple eyes water. He stops prior to entering.
I could skip lunch.
The Investigator reaches foe a vial of Antiplague and a vial of Antitoxin. He downs them at the same time.
Grape and orange flavors combined. Yummy!
As he is about to test his luck entering, he halts again. He begins rummaging through his pockets....
....a bit disappointingly he stops, shrugs and enters the stink!
Fortitude DC 12, Antitoxin, Antiplague: 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 5 = 22
He begins to quickly Search for anything important.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 +3 Traps