Male N Dwarf Barbarian 1 / Cleric 1| HP 24 / 24 | AC 16 / 12 T / 14 FF | CMD 16 | Fort + 7 Ref + 3 Will + 4 (+2 vs. charm and compulsion) (+2 to save vs. spells, poison, SLA) Init + 2 | Perception + 6 (Darkvision 60') | Speed 40' ft. | Conditions: None | Effects: None| Rage: 10/10 | Channels: 2/2 | Spells: 1st Level (2/2)
Kihel Rosenthal wrote:
[dice=Diplo]d20+22 Kihel asks around about the Arboretum.
There are probably not many people who climb the gate/pick the lock to visit the haunted Tri Tower place and is still around/alive for us to ask question, she thinks.
35?!?! She could talk people into going to the Arboretum FOR the group! Wowser!
Female Half-Elf Chronicler of Worlds/Studious Librarian Bard 5
Ekadan Joshi wrote:
Kihel Rosenthal wrote:
Kihel asks around about the Arboretum.
There are probably not many people who climb the gate/pick the lock to visit the haunted Tri Tower place and is still around/alive for us to ask question, she thinks.
35?!?! She could talk people into going to the Arboretum FOR the group! Wowser!
Number breakdown:
Chronicler of Worlds archtype wrote:
Scrivener’s Versatility (Ex): A chronicler of worlds seeks to emulate history’s greatest scribe; studying the lore of Tabris grants insight into widely varying subjects, from anatomy to discourse. At 2nd level, a chronicler of worlds selects a skill from the following list: Bluff, Diplomacy, Disable Device, Heal, Intimidate, Profession (scribe), Sense Motive, or Survival. When attempting skill checks of that type, a chronicler can use her Linguistics skill bonus in place of her bonus with the chosen skill. At 6th level and every 4 levels thereafter, a chronicler of worlds selects an additional skill to gain this benefit.
It is not difficult to get folks to talk about the place, In fact once they get going, it is hard to get them to stop!
In the past, the Arboretum was a haven of exotic trees, bushes, and flowers from all over Golarion. The enigmatic wizard Beldrin built the Arboretum in ages past, covering it with a crystal dome that let through light while keeping everything inside safe. Inside the dome, each greenhouse had its own magical temperature and moisture controls, and was watered by artificial clouds that rained only at night.
The earthquake of 4698 AR cracked the crystal dome, disrupting and twisting its magic. The magical rain turned dark and acidic, causing the plants to melt away or transform into horrid mockeries of their former selves. Other plants came to unnatural life and strangled their former caretakers, feeding on their pale corpses for lack of other nutrition. Now, even the aggressive undead that plague the Precipice Quarter at night avoid the Arboretum Arcanis.
Most of the Arboretum now lies in ruins and is inaccessible. The crystal dome is cracked, with a large central portion missing at its apex. Vines have grown through the cracks in the dome, so thick that the interior of the dome is shrouded in perpetual dim light, even on bright, sunny days. Large skylights in the Arboretum’s green houses open the interior to the corrupting rains. These days, the artificial clouds crackle with soundless, purple lightning and emit a slow drizzle of acidic water from time to time.
It is no wonder the place is avoided. Any preparations before going there?
Female Half-Elf Chronicler of Worlds/Studious Librarian Bard 5
Kihel reflects on the information about the ruined Arboretum,"Plants...plants...plants...they could be poison hazard, since plants, especially corrupted evil plants, could very well be poisonous. Shouldn't be too difficult to handle." Spellcasting service, 2x3x10=60gp for 3 hours of Delay Poison for one person, or 3x5x10=150gp÷5 players= 30gp each for Communal Delay Poison for the whole team, 1 hour per person?
Male N Dwarf Barbarian 1 / Cleric 1| HP 24 / 24 | AC 16 / 12 T / 14 FF | CMD 16 | Fort + 7 Ref + 3 Will + 4 (+2 vs. charm and compulsion) (+2 to save vs. spells, poison, SLA) Init + 2 | Perception + 6 (Darkvision 60') | Speed 40' ft. | Conditions: None | Effects: None| Rage: 10/10 | Channels: 2/2 | Spells: 1st Level (2/2)
Kihel Rosenthal wrote:
Kihel reflects on the information about the ruined Arboretum,"Plants...plants...plants...they could be poison hazard, since plants, especially corrupted evil plants, could very well be poisonous. Shouldn't be too difficult to handle."
Spellcasting service, 2x3x10=60gp for 3 hours of Delay Poison for one person, or 3x5x10=150gp÷5 players= 30gp each for Communal Delay Poison for the whole team, 1 hour per person?
Another good reason to find a map so we know how long it will take the group to get there and approximate the time to travel within the Drownyards.
Another good reason to find a map so we know how long it will take the group to get there and approximate the time to travel within the Drownyards.
Don't worry about the logistics and ordering of events. If you purchase the spell casting I will allow it to be in effect for the encounter. I'm sure you can find a caster near enough to the destination, and are smart enough to plan your visit to make it there in time.
Male N Dwarf Barbarian 1 / Cleric 1| HP 24 / 24 | AC 16 / 12 T / 14 FF | CMD 16 | Fort + 7 Ref + 3 Will + 4 (+2 vs. charm and compulsion) (+2 to save vs. spells, poison, SLA) Init + 2 | Perception + 6 (Darkvision 60') | Speed 40' ft. | Conditions: None | Effects: None| Rage: 10/10 | Channels: 2/2 | Spells: 1st Level (2/2)
miteke wrote:
Ekadan Joshi wrote:
Another good reason to find a map so we know how long it will take the group to get there and approximate the time to travel within the Drownyards.
Don't worry about the logistics and ordering of events. If you purchase the spell casting I will allow it to be in effect for the encounter. I'm sure you can find a caster near enough to the destination, and are smart enough to plan your visit to make it there in time.
Thanks for the information. The main reason Ekadan wants a map is so we don't get lost and know where to go.
There is no detailed map until you go somewhere that needs it. Until then we are just using the map of Absalom linked to by NPCs and Player Handout's to provide a general idea of where the various regions in the city are.
Male N Dwarf Barbarian 1 / Cleric 1| HP 24 / 24 | AC 16 / 12 T / 14 FF | CMD 16 | Fort + 7 Ref + 3 Will + 4 (+2 vs. charm and compulsion) (+2 to save vs. spells, poison, SLA) Init + 2 | Perception + 6 (Darkvision 60') | Speed 40' ft. | Conditions: None | Effects: None| Rage: 10/10 | Channels: 2/2 | Spells: 1st Level (2/2)
miteke wrote:
There is no detailed map until you go somewhere that needs it. Until then we are just using the map of Absalom linked to by NPCs and Player Handout's to provide a general idea of where the various regions in the city are.
No offense intended. Sometimes PCs have to ask specifically for 'X' in order to receive/find it and that's all I was trying to do. It probably wasn't a priority for the author but it still strikes me as ironic that a complex visited by Pathfinders doesn't have a map. :)
No offense taken. I think we are probably just not understanding each other. You are not at a complex yet. Before presenting a map for the Arboretum, I'm waiting to see if there are any preparations being made in the city. Once we have a consensus to move on from shopping/prepping, there will be a map.
Male Elf M Elf Witch (Gravewalker) [HP 17/17, AC 12(16) /ff 10(14) /t 12, Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +3, Init +1, Per +0, Spd 30'
"Someone should really reclaim this place. It was such a beautiful destination. Just think of all the families on weekend outings who could go to the arboretum and enjoy a nice picnic before heading to the Blakros Museum for a peaceful day of culture, history and art. Surely there are some druids who would take up the task," Vangral comments.
He does not seem particularly interested in the preparations, though he will chip in on any communal spells.
You arrive at the Arboretum to see that it is much as described. Standing before the Arboretum, Grishan has a sudden flash of memory. He tells the PCs that he is sure that the packet is inside, and that he now remembers that he placed it in a red lion statue that was part of a fountain. He doesn’t remember the location of the fountain.
You enter into a foyer. The foyer of the Arboretum Arcanis is in shambles. Debris and dead or dying plant matter cover the mosaic-tiled floor. A gnarled black thorn tree still clings to life in a giant masonry planter. Two massive skylights in the ceiling afford a view of low-hanging, purple and black clouds above; the crystal dome is completely obscured. Piles of rubble obscure most of what once may have been doorways, but a door to the west is free from debris.
DC 30 Perception:
You notice that one of the roots of the tree looks like a little old man who is bent over.
Not really an important roll, so no worries. Wasn't sure if you all are entering from the east or the south, but east works for me and we will assume that the southern set of doors is blocked. At the moment you are outside of the room with the tree in it, but positioned to see it. At least until someone moves into the room.
Tempestas draws his weapons and prepares to advance ((if there's anything that would update a MW weapon to magical, Tempestas would attempt to get it and use it))
Male N Dwarf Barbarian 1 / Cleric 1| HP 24 / 24 | AC 16 / 12 T / 14 FF | CMD 16 | Fort + 7 Ref + 3 Will + 4 (+2 vs. charm and compulsion) (+2 to save vs. spells, poison, SLA) Init + 2 | Perception + 6 (Darkvision 60') | Speed 40' ft. | Conditions: None | Effects: None| Rage: 10/10 | Channels: 2/2 | Spells: 1st Level (2/2)
Tempestas wrote:
Tempestas draws his weapons and prepares to advance ((if there's anything that would update a MW weapon to magical, Tempestas would attempt to get it and use it))
Scroll of Magic Weapon is the cheapest but there's also Oil of Magic Weapon.
Ekadan also has his dwarven giant-sticker at the ready and scans the area for traps or trouble:
Female Half-Elf Chronicler of Worlds/Studious Librarian Bard 5
Vangral wrote:
Vangral waits at the back of the group.
"Always best to let the ones with more metal and meat wrapped around their bones to go first," he leans over to say to J.
"Or almost naked but covered with force field," Kihel added, "You know, Mage Armor and Shield for those fancy monks." She also hang out in the back rank, crossbow in hands.
Tempestas blushes at the thought of near naked female warriors wearing the bare necessities and force armour - a rather inappropriate thought for a male lashunta towards the female of their species. He nearly drops his sword.
A few seconds after Tempestas enters the room, a little old man extracts himself from the roots of the tree and greets you. He is a short, gnarled, gnome-like figure with a beard of green mold, an oversized, misshapen and bulbous head, and long, branched fingers. On his back he has numerous small sack-like growths about the size of a child’s fist.
"Greetings, visitors, how may I be of service?" he queries in common.
Please put your icon on the map if it is not already there.
Male Elf M Elf Witch (Gravewalker) [HP 17/17, AC 12(16) /ff 10(14) /t 12, Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +3, Init +1, Per +0, Spd 30'
"Well, first, we came to see the state this place is in. It is a true tragedy what has happened and I, for one, believe that someone should do something to restore this place to its former glory," Vangral replies from the back of the group.
"Also, a friend of ours left something here and we're trying to retrieve it for him. Could you point us toward a fountain with a lion statue?"
Female Half-Elf Chronicler of Worlds/Studious Librarian Bard 5
Diplomacy:1d20 + 22 ⇒ (12) + 22 = 34 Kihel assures to that creature that the team means no harm, and are here just to fulfill a boy's wish...(in both Common and Sylvan)
Monster IDing Knowledge:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 ...while carefully examine the creature...
"Mmmmh. I do not know anything about a hidden item, probably because it is hidden. There is such a statue in the greenhouse."
Kihel only:
You identify the creature as a mandragora, a being constructed of leaves, vines, tree bark, dirt, and pallid tubers. A mandragora rises spontaneously from a mandrake root that has drawn nutrition from the corpse or ichor of a demon. A typical mandragora stands at just over 3 feet tall and only weighs 30 pounds. However, its size hides the creature’s fantastic strength and brutality. When a mandragora attacks, its fingers grow into whipping, thorny vines nearly 10 feet long, with which it makes its slam attacks.
Female Half-Elf Chronicler of Worlds/Studious Librarian Bard 5
"Do you happens to know what is behind the door to our right?" Kihels points to the door that's in the middle of the map. "We want to do some exploration to search for the hidden item, and we will try to not get in your way. Thank you for your understanding."
Male Elf M Elf Witch (Gravewalker) [HP 17/17, AC 12(16) /ff 10(14) /t 12, Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +3, Init +1, Per +0, Spd 30'
Vangral also knows Sylvan.
"Can you tell us the most expeditious way to get to the greenhouse? Much as we might like to enjoy a leisurely stroll, we have business to attend to and we wouldn't want to disturb anything that didn't want to be disturbed," Vangral says.
He looks a little confused before answering Kihel. "The double doors are blocked and lead outside. The door to my right leads inside. I do not see a door to your right."
"I can lead you to the Master Gardener, who can answer all your questions, but first you must pay a small fee. I will require a small amount of blood from each of you, for research purposes before you may go further."
Your sense motive does not detect anything dishonest going on here. It does not say in the source book. Make me a decent diplomacy roll and I'll make something up :) But for now...
The creature, who's name you have not discovered yet, approaches each PC and transforms one of his fingers into a thin, translucent, syringe-like tube with a needle-sharp tip and withdraws a small amount of blood, dealing 1 hit point of damage. The blood flows through the needle and via a long, translucent vein to one of the nodules on his back. Once he has done this to all the PCs (including J., who reluctantly agrees if that is what the party decides), he leads them into the next area.
Decaying vines carpet the walls and ceiling of this room. The floor is riddled with narrow cracks and fissures, extending several feet below. The place smells like decay, though it looks like the room was once covered with flowers, now looking like they went though something worse than winter. The vines shrouding this room reduce the light level to darkness, and the cracks provide difficult terrain, making it decidedly awkward for those without darkvison. Even the mandragora seems to stumble along.
Do you pause to investigate the room, or continue following into the next room? Does anyone activate a light source?
"You may call me Majordomo Pip, or just Majordomo if you would like. This room was used to cultivate fragrant lowers, which were sold to produce some income for the Arboretum and provide entertainment for the guests."
Tempestas has his hands full with weapons so he has to rely on someone else's light. Presumably a Potion of Darkvision will be on his next shopping list.
Female Half-Elf Chronicler of Worlds/Studious Librarian Bard 5
miteke wrote:
The sunrod makes life easier for some.
"You may call me Majordomo Pip, or just Majordomo if you would like. This room was used to cultivate fragrant lowers, which were sold to produce some income for the Arboretum and provide entertainment for the guests."
