[Gameday XIII] Demonic Afterparty

Game Master Michael Hallet

A demonic cult recently performed a ritual to great success, part of its leader's grander schemes. Her work near Nerosyan complete for now, she left a token force to guard the site, no longer needing it, and prepared to travel elsewhere for grander plans. This activity, though, has been noticed. The ritual site was supposed to be completely abandoned, but a group of traveling merchants noticed the strange activity. This was reported to the Nerosyan leadership, who in turn have pressured Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury to get involved. Jorsal has decided to send the PCs, to investigate the site itself, assuming that a place so near the city likely isn't much of a threat.

Dot and delete.

A young aiuvarin woman steps off of the Siren's Cargo onto one of the stone quays that serve as the docks for the city of Nerosyan. She wears a dark green cloak embroidered with an owl and what appears to be a lizard, or maybe a cat over leather armor. A shortbow is slung loosely over her shoulder and a rapier sits at her hip. She bites her lower lip and looks around at the stern architecture of the fortified city.

She brings her fingers to her lips and issues a shrill whistle. She looks up in the sky and waits.

"Screech!" A large snowy owl appears and lands next to the archer. He turns his head almost entirely upside-down as he, too, takes in the sights the city has to offer from the docks. He flaps his wings and hoots softly.

The archer nods her agreement. "I know, right? You'd think that it would be a bit prettier." She shrugs. "I mean it's not exactly ugly, really. It's just kinda...cold I guess. I suppose that's to be expected for a giant fortress. Xiao-Feng said that the big battle here was about 10 years ago, though. That's plenty of time to spruce the place up a bit."

"Screech! Silence perks up at the mention of the proprietor of his favorite noodle cart.

The ranger frowns at her friend and tosses him a piece of meat from a belt pouch. "Fine. There you go. You're just lucky that buisness was slow when we left Absalom. Otherwise Xiao-Feng wouldn't have had so much of your favorite barbeque left. It's one of her most popular dishes." She sighs. "Well, we might as well go and find ourselves a room that allows owls. We're a couple of days early for our meeting. Come on!" She gestures for the owl to follow her as she heads into the city.

"I thought I heard a familiar voice!" comes a cheery greeting from the shadows. "Hiya Meadow! Lead anyone else off a cliff lately?" Shayla steps forward and tosses Silence a small rodent. "Here ya go, Silence!"

While Silence devours his treat, Meadow gives the newcomer a scandalized glare. "Shayla? I told you. It was a small cliff. And anyway the lake broke their fall." She waves her hand, dismissing the subject. "What are you doing here in Nerosyan?"

"Same as you. I got here a few days ago and was surprised to see you get off the boat."

Greetings, all, name is Bulak. I have lived many years on a ship, but after seafarer life, decided that exploring the world was my next great chapter in life. So here I am. You see a towering orc carrying her halberd with a smile.

"Hiya Bulak! Wonder what we're doin' here."

Shayla is of medium height and bright blond hair. Her perpetual cheeky grin and and sunny disposition appear infectious.

For reference, think Imoen from Baldur's gate

"Studying the aftermath of a very interesting ritual, I believe," A gnome with static-y hair and black and white vestments offers. "The Sarkoris Scar if the site of many unusual energies."

Nearby, a dwarf is playing the drums. He has long red hair and beard, braided in traditional dwarven fashion. As he finishes the song, grabbing a small box that reads "Tips" and contains some coppers from the passersby, he makes his way toward your group.

He motions toward the two wayfinders around his neck. "Greetings. Looks like I'm here with you lot. Name's Olnik of clan Shadowstone. It's my pleasure to get to the root of this foul demonic business that's troubling the area." He shakes his head in disgust, as he also puts his box of coins away in his backpack.

Ugh, rituals and magic. Not my strength. My strength lies in....beating things up.

"As Olnik wisely observes, nothing attracts fiends like a good ritual, so I'm sure there will be creatures to 'beat up,' Bulak." Sparkin observes, based on personal experience.

A rather small and somewhat frail man walks beside a towering, muscular angel, the contrast between the two striking. The man’s slight frame and cautious steps make him seem even more delicate next to the imposing figure of the angel, whose broad wings shimmer faintly with celestial light. The man, though appearing fragile, moves with quiet determination, his eyes darting around as if taking in every detail of his surroundings.

Beside him, the angel strides with confidence, his massive frame radiating strength and protection, casting a long shadow over his companion. Despite the stark difference in their appearances, there is a silent understanding between them, as if they’ve faced many trials together. The smaller man occasionally glances up at the angel, finding comfort in his presence, while the angel’s watchful gaze never strays far from his charge.

Upon their arrival, the man introduces himself. ”Hi, I am Charlies, and this is my angel, Estes.” The angel gives the others a silent nod of acknowledgement.

"Worry not, Bulak! We can beat things up together!"

The adventure starts in the Starrise Spire where the PCs and a veteran group of Pathfinders are receiving their missions from Venture-Captain Jorsal.

The walls of the meeting room are adorned with tapestries depicting battle against demons and the crests of the Pathfinder Society factions. A hearth with a low fire warms those present in the room, casting a soft light. A group of veteran Pathfinders sits with professional calm on one side of the large table in the center. The dents in their armor and assortment of powerful equipment boast of their experience as they wait patiently for instruction.

Across from them, Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury lays out a well-worn map of the region. One pin neatly marks a location close to the city while the other indicates a point further within Sarkoris, closer to the site of the infamous Sarkoris Scar. The Venture-Captain looks up with a stern expression as he begins:

“A group of merchants recently reported suspicious activity around an old bunker outside the city. It used to be an underground shelter owned by the Meruls, but it’s been abandoned since the family perished in the attack on Kenabres.”

“This will be a two-prong investigation. The veteran team led by Ionus will travel further out to the Merul estate to assess if any other incidents may have happened. I’d like the rest of you to learn the cause of the suspicious movement at the bunker, and collect any evidence that activity is occurring. So, any items that would prove that people are there, or even better if it can show who they are or what they’re up to.”

Jorsal gestures to the members of the veteran group, who nod and take their leave. As they pass the tapestries, one touches a depiction of Iomedae as if asking for her blessing. The venture-captain solemnly watches his people go to carry out his mission, his expression both grateful and burdened. He turns to those still in the room. “Bunker team, are there any questions?”

"Could you tell us about the nature of the ritual? Any signs of unusual magical activity would be most instructive," Sparkin questions.

The ritual thing is part of the scenario blurb and is strictly ooc information. Jorsal doesn't mention anything about a ritual and knows nothing about any.

"What happened on Kenabres?" Charlies asks, curious on what happened to the Meruls.

"Ooooohh! Good question. Also, who are the Meruls?"

Previously

Shayla looks up at a familiar voice. She grins as she sees a familiar face. "Hiya Charlies! Looks like we're in the same group again! Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you!"

Now

Shayla listens intently, though it's obvious that she's eager to get going. "So what are we expected to find down there?" she asks.

Olnik nods to Charlies. "And how long has it been abandoned, so far as we know, prior to this?"

"That's all a matter of local history I suppose"

The scenario gives no information about the past. It expects your questions will focus on current events only.

"What sort of mysterious activity have people reported?" Sparkin looks to be taking mental notes.

“Per reports, there have been several people seen skulking about the bunker and an unusual amount of insect activity. One merchant claimed the area was overwhelmed by the buzzing of locusts despite the incompatible climate and another reported an odd smell, like ozone.”

"Locusts? My. Not a very good sign in the Sarkoris Scar, I think." Sparkin mutters.

Any knowledge checks here?

Shayla, Bulak and Charlies all know one thing: Though the Worldwound, a gaping portal to the demoninfested Outer Rifts, was closed off, there are still many demons that walk the Universe as well as those who would try to gain their power.

Olnik frowns. "Sounds like maybe some swarm activity. Does anyone have spells that work against them? I can hit them with sound burst which can cause some problems. If not, maybe we should get some bombs or scrolls that will be effective. Stabbin' 'em with daggers doesn't work all that well."

[ooc]Shayla looks up at a familiar voice. She grins as she sees a familiar face. "Hiya Charlies! Looks like we're in the same group again! Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you!"

Charlies turns red and hides behind Estes because of embarrassment.

"We should check those unusual activities then." he tells the others behind Estes. "I don't have anything against swarm, unfortunately."

"We probably have time to buy some bombs before we head out. I should still have some money left after buying Silence's fancy food." Meadow checks her purse.

I have no further questions. I'm ready to head out whenever you lot are all ready. All ready here to beat things up. Bulak will say with a smile.

Remember your Pathfinder Provisions, make any purchases or other daily preparation with your next post.

The sounds of the city fade into the whistle of the wind and rustle of foliage as the cart moves towards a peaceful outcropping surrounded by ragged trees and shattered stumps. A dilapidated stone house sits serenely among weeds and tall grass, riddled with ash and bird droppings. Part of the building has crumbled inward, blocking off the entrance, and the noxious buzz of insects infects the air.

The journey to the bunker is a short one by cart, with little distraction along the way. The ground level of the bunker is designed as a pleasant cottage hewn from thick stone. Parts of both the building and its surroundings have crumbled, obstructing the way in through the bunker’s intended entrance.

The bunker’s original entrance is blocked off by debris.

Each PC can attempt one skill check to observe the area,
chosen from the following options or other skills at the GM’s discretion.
• A DC 21 Perception check.
• A DC 21 Nature or DC 19 Survival check,
• A DC 21 Arcana or Occultism or a DC 19 Religion check.

Survival: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Olnik picks up a 3rd level scroll of haste as his provision and then sets out with the group.

As you approach, he looks around to see what he can identify.

Religion: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Each bullet point gives different information so others may want to try the perception check.

Moderate Healing Potion as her provision...

Meadow goes on a bit of a shopping spree before rejoining the group and heading out.

[ooc]Provision-Moderate healing potion. Purchases Cat's Eye elixir, Cantrip Deck-stabilize, Monkey Pin, Moderate Acid Flask, Alchemist's Fire, Blight Bomb, Lesser Bottled Lightning, Frost Bomb x2, Blight Bomb. Total 60 gold.

"Eeew. This house has seen better days. The entrance is blocked. How do we get in?" She proceeds to stalk about and investigate.

perception DC21: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Survival DC19: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

religion DC19: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Only one check per PC.

I misunderstood. Go with the first check then. Perception failure

REligion: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

nature: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Bulak's Perception and Nature modifiers are the same, so we can we say he made a Perception success instead of a second success on the one Shayla already succeeded at?

Bulak's Perception and Nature modifiers are the same, so we can we say he made a Perception success instead of a second success on the one Shayla already succeeded at?

That works as well.

Charlies utters some prayers to help them out with the task at hand. "Perhaps there is something here that can help us open the entrance."
DC 19 Religion: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31 w Dubious Knowledge

All signs point to a hidden entrance around the back.

First you notice footprints leading toward the back. Next you discover that wildlife is avoiding the area, and finally the presence of magic concealing what is likely a hidden door.

You begin to approach, but Bulak spots something in a rocky outcropping. Wedged in the rocks is a magical effigy depicting the deceased demon-god Deskari.

Disable DC 20 Arcana (expert) or Religion (trained) to deactivate the effigy or dispel magic (2nd level; counteract DC 23) to dispel the statuette.

Since he is running around with an angel, Olnik suspects that Charlies might be a bit more steeped in religious lore than he is. "You care to take lead on this, lad? I'll help you if I can ..."

Religion (Aid): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

I do have dispel magic, but with Charlies having a +13 I figure we can hit that DC 20 without burning a spell

Religion, Aid: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Yeesh, I should have just made the check myself.. that's a crit success to aid though, right?