Supreme Beings Pathfinder 2E Shattered Star (Inactive)

Game Master scranford

"I'd hope so! We've been going back and forth so many times I forgot who said no first! The blasted armored fool wants to fight me and says if he dies he comes back! What in the world kind of curse is that?"

Barry spits on the ground and makes a common sign of warding off the "evil eye" in the faith of the Dwerfather.

"If you're looking to get across it seems he's as intractable as the mountain range."

Brave Sir Geron looks up as the rest of the party approaches.

"You're back. Like I said nobody can cross...". He then sees that Rail carries a decanter of some liquid and begins to stammer in anticipation.

"Is that? Did you? Can I finally rest"?

He seems to not pay attention to the most recent arrival as he is drawn to his possible ?Salvation?.

Rail nods and holds up the decanter. "Yes, we have it here. Do you know what we need to do with it? Do you drink it or do we sprinkle it on you? Something else?"

The Knight in ancient armor approaches but doesn't step off the edge of the bridge.

"Oh! Drink it. I must drink it. Please... bring it to me".

"All this arguing for a blasted drink? I could've given you water, heck, I would've gone back and got some beer or whiskey if you needed. Some say we dwarves are stubborn, but this lads got the head of an ox when it comes to saying no."

Barry steps aside and makes way for the others to provide the requested item.

Rail walks over to the knight and offers him the decanter of water.

The Ancient Knight takes the decanter with shaking hands. As he raises the faceguard of his armor tears begin to stream down his weathered cheeks. He takes one last longing look at the bridge behind him, then stares his thanks at each of you.

"I know not what your futures hold, but you've done me a great service, and whatever the afterlife holds I'll be forever in your debt".

"Thank You".

He then tilts back the decanter and quaffs its contents. He then hands it back to Rail, and steps back. At first the effects of the drink seem subtle as his age lined deepen, and he begins to slouch. He seems to sink within his armor, and it begins to rust and age as does he. A stiff wind begins to wind itself down the river valley, and as the man turns to dust and rust it blows him into the river below that he has guarded all these years.

The wind dies and all that remains of the knight is his gleaming longsword lying on the bridge where the eternal guardian once stood.

Good Job! You've given Sir Garon his final rest. You don't know how he got here, or anything about him, but what you have done seems right.

That's 100 XP each.

"Wow, that went well. I was waiting for him to turn into a monster, seems about my luck. Can one of you magic types confirm that broadsword is magical? Anybody typically use one?" Telurion asks of the others. Then he turns to the dwarf. "Sorry, business first right?" Then he walks over and offers his hand, "Telurion, and you are again?"

Brennus does what he can to observe the magical effects unraveling as Sir Garon disintegrates, his gaze riveted on the sight from his perch on Telurion's shoulder.

Arcana or Occultism +7 if there's anything to actually see, but I'm figuring there's not actually anything to see. This is just Brennus always trying to learn about interesting magic.

Once he's fairly certain there's nothing more interesting to see, the raven turns his gaze towards the dwarf that had been at the bridge. He tilts his head slightly to one side, considering him. For the moment he doesn't speak, not sure yet if he wants to reveal his capabilities to this stranger yet.

"Greetings, Telurion. My name is Baridon Dawnguard, but everyone just calls me Barry. Pleased to meet you, and your companions. By any chance, are you lot professional dungeon delvers and freelancers? My last opportunity went a bit squirrely, what with the crazy mages and group infighting, so I was traveling solo for a bit. But that's a lot more dangerous than I'd like."

Barry shakes hands politely and eagerly, with a broad smile across his bearded face.

"I'm a follower of the Dwerfather, as you can probably see," he taps the side of his emblazoned shield, "And I know most teams like to have one of us divine casters present whenever possible. What say you, up to travel together, at least for a little while?"

Crafting +4, Religion and Nature are both +8. I do not have read aura or detect magic prepared today.

Rail nods at the sword. "I can but I prefer lighter weapons. The elf pats the ornate basket hilt of his rapier. "You'd probably be the best to carry it, Telurion. We could sell it but I would feel bad getting rid of that ancient knight's weapon. I feel like it should go in a museum or something."

"Hi, Barry. I'm Rail." The elf didn't often give out his full name when meeting new people. Maybe it was another superstition, like never passing a peddler on the road without purchasing something. He gestures at Telurion.

"These folks are. They fought undead and made sure a cursed item was put away someplace safe. I'm just along for the ride," he says with a smile on his lips. The elf shrugs. "The more the merrier, as far as I'm concerned."

He gestures at Brennus. "Oh, and watch out, he's a talking bird. Surprised the hell out of me at first.""

"Welcome aboard, I say. Our troop continuously changes as we move along. And yes, a priest would be greatly appreciated. As a matter of fact, I got just got these nasty burns from a water spout where we got that spring water for the knight. Any chance you could do something about that?" Then he turns to Rail, "I'd love to use it, just in his memory if nothing else but are any of you able to tell if it is cursed? I'd hate to be the next person stuck guarding this bridge until someone gets me a drink."

He gestures at Brennus. "Oh, and watch out, he's a talking bird. Surprised the hell out of me at first.""

The raven turns his head to Rail and narrows his eyes. "The surprise is part of the point," he grumbles, then ruffles his wings slightly and turns to Baridon.

"Well, now that you know to expect something of the sort, I suppose I'll introduce myself. I am Brennus," he gives the dwarf a small bow, half-opening his wings, "A student of the arcane who had the mixed fortune to be hatched in a smaller, more aerodynamic, yet thumbless form than most sapients."

He turns his head to look at Telurion. "It would be highly unlikely that it was the sword that was cursed. The sort of power required to place a curse that involves immortality of a sort would be extremely difficult to place on so small an item, not to mention the problems inherent in the mobility of such a thing when linked to a location-specific curse... but I can examine it for enchantments as well as Rail."

Arcana or Occultism +7, he'll also use detect magic to figure out if it's even enchanted if it's unclear.

SB Screen

Brennus watches the man degenerate before his eyes, and though he knows nothing in particular he does realize that the effect was the man literally aging before his eyes till he was nothing.

A crafting check MIGHT if it's high enough reveal how long it would take for steel exposed to the elements to age away like that.

Though they are not sure that the sword is magical, Brennus does determine that something is magical within a 30' radius, and he suspects it must be the sword. He determines that the sword would aid in hitting its target (+1 Longsword). Barry also realizes that there is something different about the steel the sword is made of, but despite his dwarven ancestry the weapons forging techniques must be lost to time. The sword does have the name "Bridgeguard" inscribed on the pommel.

Read Aura would narrow down what had the magical effect and would give a +2 to identify the item.

Barry and Brennus both study the sword, and Brennus is able to unlock it's magical properties (Must be some ancient runes). NOTE: For something like this it takes 10 minutes for you each to try and identify the item. You can also take the "assist" action instead of rolling individually. This would only take a combined 10-minutes, and a success would add a +1 to the main testers roll.

So, as you remember to head towards the twin temples where Abysthor disappeared to you must cross the river either here or further upstream. Here is a shorter way, and you could arrive there with another full day's travel. It's about mid-morning now.

Where do you want to go from here... and give me your exploration actions when ready to move on if they are different from you default.

"Yes, of course. Glad to help patch you up, Telurion. "

Barry pulls out some salve and bandages, then tends to the open burns on the man's arms and such.

Medicine Treat Wounds DC 15: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 for 2d8 ⇒ (3, 7) = 10 HP healed.

"Hope that helps ease the pain, I can do some more mundane healing in an hour or so, but I have some magical means prepared if time is pressing."

Assuming no-one needs further assistance, Barry hefts his pack and shield again, and prepares to set out with his new companions.

Barry will generally Search for his exploration activity, with a +8 Perception and a +2 bonus if it involves stonework.

If we are going to be going slow then Telurion will head out in Defend mode.

Telurion looks at the sword with a wayward eye. "I wish he'd left a sheath behind. Well, here goes." Telurion says and picks the sword up. "Let's see if I can go across the bridge or if you guys need to go get me a drink." he says mostly in jest as he steps across the bridge.

"It's definitely enchanted, though the enchantment isn't particularly strong" Brennus reports after studying the sword. "Certainly not strong enough for the curse we observed. It seems like a fairly standard improvement to the sword's edge, from what I can tell. Of course, curses have ways of concealing their dweomors... but again, it seems unlikely."

"Well, now that all of that is out of the way, I suppose we should be on our way. If we're to stick to the road, I will keep my eyes out from a perch. Do any of you wish to offer a shoulder?"

Brennus will do the Scout activity for now.

The raven turns his head to Rail and narrows his eyes. "The surprise is part of the point," he grumbles, then ruffles his wings slightly and turns to Baridon.

Rail chuckles, smiling at the bird. "Yeah, I figured."

He shrugs. "I'm happy to be a branch stand-in whenever you want." The elf pats the top of his backpack. "Probably easier to perch on there than a shoulder, though, right? I mean, you know better than I do."

As they cross the bridge, the elf fills in their new companion about their mission and what he knows about Telurion's adventures before Brennus and Rail had joined the group.

Caks defaults to the "Defend" action via the standard Wilderness Actions.

So...
Caks - Defend
Telurion - Defend
Rail - Investigate
Brennus - Scout
Barry - Search

The party crosses the bridge noticing that wildlife is starting to draw closer to the bridge, and even a few birds landing on its rails. The bridge seems to be solid, as the original builders took their time to build it right. Barry thinks it is probably of Dwarven design.

The trail in the West side of the river is much more overgrown than what you have been following and starts to drift westward away from the river. It seems to be following the rises and depressions of the natural land instead of cutting through them as the main road did. Every now and then you pass ruins almost completely reclaimed by nature, pointing out that at one time this part of the land was more civilized. In fact, you sometimes come across stretches of the trail with ancient flagstones embedded though they now are more obstacles then helpful as they jut from the earth at weird, unexpected angles.

Finally, darkness begins to descend... earlier than expected due to the deep vales you travel through, and the height of the towering trees that line the path.

There are no travel shelters on this side of the river, and few signs that it is of frequent use so the party begins to look for a suitable place to spend the evening with Caks & Telurion debating various spots similar to where they normally camp, and the new arrival Barry suggesting looking for a safe cave. When Rail notices something almost concealed by the underbrush.

SB Screen

Rail

Make camp or journey through the night?

"I don't know how well you lot see in the dark, but I'd be keen to take a load off and get some grub going. There must be a decent enough spot to make camp nearby, and even if we drain our waterskins dry, I can potentially make more water tomorrow morning after I pray and prepare my magic."

I vote camp. Survival is +8, in case that should be a secret check.

"I agree. We may as well stay rested. You never know when that luxury may be taken from us. Anyone see any good spots?"

Survival +5 as I help Barry find a good camping spot.

Rail points out a natural arrangement of branches and rocks ahead of the group. "That's an old, old symbol for 'safe haven'. We should check it out. But it's really ancient, so who knows whether it's still safe or not."

SB Screen

Telurion points out several locations that look both comfortable and defensible, and while Barry is grateful for the assistance, he finds a couple of small depressions in a cliff wall that he thinks would be more defensible.

Rail points out the symbol.

Do you guys just camp, or check out the area Rail found?

You've probably realized I don't post much on the weekends, but I'd like to resolve what you're doing by then. Shouldn't take long to determine what you're doing. Should I go with (2) verify, and proceed, or do we need to appoint a "Caller" for wilderness, city, and dungeon?

I typically go with "Rule of 2". If at least 2 party members agree, we move on to the next event/scene/etc. Your call, though, finally.

"Aye, we'd have the rock to our backs over here, and some decent enough water supply. But let's check out this old blaze and see what's happening with that."

"Curious that the sign for it has lasted so long," Brennus muses. "Let us investigate and see what remains!"

rule of 2

”Good find Rail. Let’s go see.” Telurion says as they start off in search of.

Rail follows the others down the trail.

Rail

The party starts to enter the hidden trail, but finds their way blocked at every turn. Seems that the forest is doing everything it can to turn the party away. Perhaps there is a secret to accessing this area???

I'm going to assume that Rail makes his donation and moves on.

Rail reaches out and pricks his finger on one of the rose thorns barring entry. The drop of blood is absorbed by the bush, and suddenly the path ahead seems clear. After moving about 30 yards in the heavy foliage ahead clears and opens into a pleasant glade.

The air seems to warm, and become more fragrant, and you can see small game animals drinking from the small streamlet that wanders through the glade. The most impressive feature however is something not made by nature, but seemingly in concert with it. A large elegantly carved Arch is set among a carved plaza. There are benches, and carvings all over the plaza, and a magnificent tree stands growing near the arch.

There are areas of soft grass ideal for setting camp and the glade just seems... well safe. A haven from the dangers of the real world.

Another path leads onward through the arch and seems to head uphill in the direction that the twin shrines lie. The path on the other side of the arch shows a much easier path than the one you've been following and is paved with large carved white marble slabs leading off into the distance.

Elven Glade

"The woods seem to be working against us. Anyone have any ideas?" Telurion asks after observing the odd situation.

I'm assuming Telurion missed the most recent GM post, given how close together the posting times were?

Brennus, of course, has to examine the magical effects clearly present as Rail opens the path ahead. He even flies over to Rail's shoulder as the party enters this haven, staring intently at the elf's pricked finger for a moment before looking up and around, taking in the surroundings. He doesn't say a word, too absorbed in his study to remember the humanoids around him are anything other than useful perches at the moment.

Again assuming there's not really anything for him to see, but Arcana/Occultism +7 or Nature +4 if there is something relevant for him to observe while he's examining the enchantments on the area.

"Uh....that was really something. This place is pretty, and feels like a great area to be in. But what or who set it here? Seems convenient, at least."

Barry begins the process of setting up camp, happy to have such a secure area for once.

Rail sighs contentedly as they enter the bucolic space. "Now this is a campsite," he says, smiling.

"I don't know who exactly, but it was a long time ago and more likely than not elves. If not elves, then elf-friends who wanted to create a safe place for us to rest." He looks curiously at the path leading away from the glade.

"I'd love to see what's over there. Maybe we can come back after we visit the temple." The elf shrugs out of his backpack and drops it on the soft grass. "For now, though, let's set up for the night."

SB Screen

@ Telurion
Just as you turn to complain about the difficulty in transversing this thicket, Rail pricks his finger, and path clears.

@ Brennus

@ Barry
You find fresh clean water in the small stream, and edible mushrooms along the base of the raised platform. In addition, you find an apple tree bursting with fruit.

@ Rail
Just to clarify the path through the gate seems to lead to the area you were planning on travelling to anyway... at least it seems that way.

The night passes uneventfully. You can restore your spell slots and heal whatever HP resting does for you. Sleeping here results in a HERO POINT for everyone.

So consensus of two... back to the path you had been following, or try the gate?

Oh, it looks like it's going where we want to go? That's awesome. Thanks for the clarification SB.

Rail yawns after the good night's sleep. "Almost as being back home in bed," he says. The elf gestures in the direction of the path. "Looking at it, does that path look to anyone else like it's going where we want to go? Maybe we just follow it and see where it takes us." He looks over at the others. "What do you guys think?"

"I'm game for whichever way you're traveling. I've no pressing need back home, and if I can help you all finish your tasks, I'm all too happy for it. Shame to leave such a lovely camp, though. Just needs a toolbench and an anvil and it'd be just about perfect."

Barry smiles and enjoys his morning devotions and preparations, happy to be on the road with qualified adventurers again.

"Any time sensitive quests and errands you lot are working on? I'd so. Let's move on those fastest."

Brennus almost misses dinner that night, so engrossed is he in flitting about the haven, examining every rune and hint of enchantment he can.

He sleeps, as usual, perched on a branch near where the others camp. He's... somewhat more focused when he awakens (somewhat later than he has on other mornings). The raven tilts his head at Rail's questions. "I would be interested in studying the path. The Gate through which it goes has by far the most powerful enchantments of any here in this haven. Though perhaps because of their power they don't seem to have aged quite so well as the others..."

Brennus trails off, staring at the Gate for a few moments in silence. "Just some minor instability, probably nothing, just old."

He leaves it to the others to answer Barry's question.

"Looks to be a nice path, better than we had. Let's take it and see where she leads." Telurion agrees.

doing the thanksgiving thing in another state so posting may be sporadic.

The party awakens refreshed and fully rested for the first time in what seems ages. As they gather their belongings, they discuss walking through the gate as this seems the easier path than the way they had been travelling.

Brennus seems overjoyed at the strange magic surrounding the glade, and passes off the minor instability as nothing to worry about, so the party decides to continue through the gate.

Will Save from all who pass through the gate.

The Twin Ruined Shrines

Holiday posting might slow things down a bit on my end. (Never know for sure). but I'd at least like to get us to the shrines so the adventure can continue.

"I'm game for whichever way you're traveling. I've no pressing need back home, and if I can help you all finish your tasks, I'm all too happy for it. Shame to leave such a lovely camp, though. Just needs a toolbench and an anvil and it'd be just about perfect."

Barry smiles and enjoys his morning devotions and preparations, happy to be on the road with qualified adventurers again.

"Any time sensitive quests and errands you lot are working on? I'd so. Let's move on those fastest."

For the most part I find PF2e to be slower paced than other games. If there is a timeline, I'll be sure to make it apparent... but at this time you're going to look for someone who has been missing for hears, so a few more days won't hurt anything... probably.

"Up and at em, then lads and lasses. Let's get on to adventure!"

Barry happily moves through the gate.

Will Save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Brennus is entirely focused on the magic around him from his perch on Rail's shoulder, trying to unravel what precisely this gate is doing even though he knows it's likely beyond his current skill to fully comprehend.

Wil: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Will: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

It would be helpful if you guys could all put your Hero Point tracker in your profile heading. I believe with the most recent reward you all have at least 2?

You all notice that the sun is further along its path, and it seems as though a couple of hours have passed in an instant.
 
Barry after a thoroughly disgusting (To the others) breakfast of leftover trail rations, with berries and apples is the first to step through the portal. There is a bit of resistance as he steps through, but then he stands on some white marble steps down hill, and across a small pond from two identical shrines. (Image in OBR).

Caks silently follows and experiences the slight resistance as well before arriving to stand beside their new Dwarven companion.

Rail with Brennus onboard is next in line.

Rail Will Save

Telurion steps through as he notices everyone has disappeared from sight so he goes to join them. As he steps, he experiences the resistance... but something else as well.

1d100 ⇒ 67 Gate Fun!!!

Telurion

Rail gets out of the way but looks back at the portal curiously. "That was interesting. Did anyone else notice that resistance as you stepped through?"

Generally I think we're trying to go in the same direction we were going, still trying to get to the lost temple or whatever, right?

I'm using the symbol ☘️ to keep track of my hero points.

"Some kind of tension, yeah. Felt a bit like scummy water or fat on soup, but not gross. Certainly was something, all right."

"Let's check out the one on the left, first. "

"If anyone needs help seeing in the dark, I can make light for up to four people. I see fine in the dark, so it's up to you all."

Barry prepares his shield and starts moving towards the leftmost temple structure.

I do have my hero points up there, though I forgot to update it when you gave us one. Brennus spent one recently, so I think he's down to just one.

"Perhaps a sign that we're moving into some sort of warped space? Or even a teleportation... perhaps a pocket dimension?" Brennus hypothesizes wildly.

He turns his head back and forth, dark little eyes trying to take in everything as he examines everything around him.

"I wonder how long this has been here... what sort of secrets might be hidden within? Assuming it wasn't all taken... but then why leave the gate active...?"

Brennus looks around for any clues as to the nature of this space and the reason or nature of its abandonment.

Given the age, he's looking mostly for things like old bones, rusted weapons, or the like that might hint at a battle, or anything like that--though he half expects this is old enough there won't be much to see. Perception, Nature, or Survival +4, Arcana, Society, or Occultism +7