Montgomery Thorent's page

For the record, Montgomery is donating 700GP to the library at the Lodge in Sothis when we get back there.

Thanks everyone. With this adventure complete, I am one goal on a faction card away from Montgomery becoming a Jeweled Sage.

As the Larger Inevitable reveals the truth of the Amethyst Sage, Montgomery's expression grows dark and grim, but after a few moments a sense of resolve and certainty takes its place.

After the Inevitables leave, Montgomery looks to the others, "If Badru survives their exit I suspect he will not be so friendly towards us. We should be wary as we exit this archive. I want to approach Saruna when we go to leave. To try to convince her to come with us. There may be a way to reverse her condition without her having to be dead."

After that Montgomery continues with the group searching and cataloging what remains to be cataloged, though he seems to have a new sense of purpose as he does so.

When the Globe appears Montgomery looks at the colors of the points and starts mentally calculating and as it reacts to Etu's approach he seems to have an idea, "Well either this thing is keyed to Tengu, or, more likely I suspect, there is some connection to the Sage Jewels. Etu see if you can control this thing using yours."

Glad things have started to improve. Life happens and we should not suffer punishment in our fun activities for problems in real life. As far as I am concerned, and for whatever my opinion is worth in this, I think you should be allowed to continue playing without penalty.

Montgomery will look at Etu, "Thanks for trying. I guess this is up to me and Kramac," signalling them away with a glance before going into the equivalent of a filibuster to distract the Lawful outsiders.

Prof (Barrister): 1d20 + 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (6) + (5) + 11 = 22

Can I apply that bonus we have to Diplomacy/Bluff from the early knowledge checks against these guys to this roll? I think it is a +2

I thought the diplomacy was to get them to accept the truth.

know(planes): 1d20 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (14) + (4) + 7 = 25

With a nod of thanks to Etu, Montgomery tries to back them up.
"As my companion here says, we have bypassed the standard method of entering this place."

Diplomacy to Aid Etu: 1d20 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + (6) + 4 = 11

Know (History): 1d20 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (11) + (5) + 8 = 24

Seeing his companions moving on the problem, Montgomery continues to keep the Inevitables occupied. Looking to the Inevitable Montgomery chuckles, "First off, you're information is more than a few generations out of date honorable one. When is the last time you checked in with your headquarters. Xerbystes the first is dead thousands of years now, his distant descendant Xerbystes the second is now the legal satrap of Qadira. Number two, in 4609 AR the Osirions overthrew the Qadirans and established their own rightful ruler in the Pharaoh Khemet I whose grandson the Ruby Prince, Pharaoh Khemet III is the current lawful ruler of Osirion. His right to rule is acknowledged by all the lawful leadership of the Inner Sea. As to your request, while your jurisdiction here is as dead as the satrap Xerbystes the first of his name, I find it reasonable and am willing to comply. We are members of the pathfinder society tasked with exploring this historical site. We forged a counterfeit sage jewel, or more precisely had one forged for us, to get us past the defenses and to gain access to this archive."

Montgomery pauses for breath before continuing, "All that said, if you can show us some reason why your claim on the Amethyst Sage is in fact still valid I, and perhaps some of my companions, may be willing to render aid in its apprehension once our business here is complete."

Who is carrying the counterfeit sage jewel. GM Do you want any other kind of roll from me. Also, all of this is assuming that they let the others work while I keep them occupied. Montgomery is attempting to convince them of the truth of the fact that they are wrong about the local legal authority and therefore ther unlawful nature of their actions, if there is something obvious I am missing someone please point it out.

Know (Engineering): 1d20 + 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (8) + (2) + 11 = 21

Montgomery glances towards the plummeting object does some split-second mental calculations and looks to the others, "We'v got about 2 minutes till that..." at which point he is interrupted by the winged centaurs.

Profession (Barrister): 1d20 + 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (8) + (6) + 11 = 25

A flash of anger passes over Montgomery's face before he screws on a flat emotionless expression and turns back to the creatures, "I'm sorry but there seems to be some problems with your claim. The Satrapy of Qadira, while a worthwhile and worthy place indeed, holds no jurisdiction in this place and has not for over a century. Number two, we are none of us agents of the Amethyst Sage, you accusation there is baseless and spurious. You make a grand assumption in doing so, as no true agent of Law should and show great dereliction of your duty as a result. Now, in a very short period of time," Montgomery looks meaningfully towards the plummeting object, "we are all going to be struck a very devastating blow, one that will likely stop all of our abilities to function in our duties. Let us try to deal with that and once done we can discuss like rational beings in what way we can help you execute your lawful duties, should your jurisdiction in this still be valid."

I believe there was a bonus we managed to get early in the scenario for when dealing with powerful outsiders, we should make sure we apply that where relevant.

"Some thoughts run through my head at your words Badru. One, you have very little faith in your master's ability to defend themself. If your master is anything like the Diamond Sage, then Saruna has no hope of defeating your master. Two, it seems to me that if Saruna goes after your master it an issue between the two of them, an abuser and their victim, perhaps I could even convince Saruna to make it a proper challenge a ritual of combat to determine who actions were just. A trdition of justice respected in many parts of the world. Lastly, if ordered to defend your master by my superiors at least I can salve my conscience with the knowledge that if she forces me to kill her I gave her every chance to change her course to one of justice instead of vengeance. Until she crosses that line she can still be saved from herself." With that Montgomery turns from Badru with the air of one who has explained things to a subordinate and needs explain himself no further.

Later, after the team leaves Badru and is discussing going back upstairs, "My apologies for the rant. I do not like that thing. There is something wrong with it and its slavish obsession to its master. Anyway, we were directed to catalog it all, so we either need to do it now or we should do it on the way out.

I'm a completionist at heart. So my preference when there is no clock is to explore every corner and given Montgomery trajectory of late he will want to leave no stone unturned. Again I will submit to the will of the group.

Indeed, thank you very much Etu. I was not trying to be a jerk or anything, I was just trying to approach the issue from my character's perspective. I was about to post my willingness to relent the issue after everyone had a chance to weigh in when you made this offer.

Montgomery struggles to conceal his disgust as he turns to the others speaking in Common, "I am not comfortable with the killing of a sentient being just to further my own goals. There must be an alternative to killing her." He considers for a moment, "Perhaps we can find something else in her section of the archives that can work in place of the jewel that provides her animus. Or maybe we can talk her into giving it over willingly in return for our guarantee that the target of her wrath will face justice."

As before, Montgomery continues taking copious notes and making sketches. When he reaches the blueprint he stops, "fascinating, he begins to take more careful notes about the blueprint,"this blueprint is the original plan for the royal palace in Sothis."

Knowledge (Engineering): 1d20 + 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (10) + (2) + 11 = 23
Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (9) + (4) + 8 = 21

Montgomery examines the finely worked stone of the archives, running his hands along it, obviously appreciating the craftsmanship that went into building this place. I would say the worked section here, the older portion, is approximately 3 thousand years old. Also if you look at the construction, it matches the styles of that era of Osirion.

Montgomery then steps into the rougher section of the tunnels. The first thing I will say about this section is it was carved by 'hand' probably earth elementals or the like, not with magic directly or traditional tools. You can see the uneven way in which the walls flow, like someone scooping out sections. I would be curious to know where the dirt ended up.

He again runs his hands along this section, examining it closely, even sniffing the air. This section in contrast feels about a thousand years old, which roughly lines up with when Qadira took over Osirion and damn near wiped out the Jeweled Sages. If memory serves that would have been during the reign of the Pharaoh of Forgotten Plagues.

"Sounds good, Kramac." Montgomery follows along with Kramac watching for traps and trouble.

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (9) + (6) + 7 = 22
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (8) + (3) + 7 = 18

Montgomery stops and starts backing out of the room, "Everybody back. They are security and perceive us as intruders I will explain outside the room.

In Ancient Osiriani as he is backing out of the room, " Our apologies, we were sent down here by the Jeweled Sages to scout the area. We will leave this room now."

Once out of the room, Montgomery turns to the others, "Those are Zelekhuts, a powerful outsider of the category known as Inevitables, beings of pure law, Montgomery continues explaining the relevant details. feel free to look for yourselves as Montgomery will explain it all if allowed.

" I think we should work around that room for now."

I am working from the assumption that we were only confronted as we stepped into the round room.

Montgomery adjust the goggles on his face and surveys his work before turning back to the rest of the group, "That should do it." With that he steps into the room sorting through the detritus looking for anything salvageable, all the while keeping in mind the time he has before the spell is active again and keeping an eye out for a second layer of traps.

GM how long would Montgomery think his disabling of the spell will last?

"Everyone step back and let me see what I can do." After giving everyone an appropriate amount of time to step back Montgomery takes off the goggles he has been wearing and tucks them safely in his haversack. He then pulls out different goggles puts them on and attempts to disarm the spell. Once done he swaps back to the original pair of goggles.

Disable Device= 1d20+1d6+22 so you can roll it hidden from me.

"I can attempt to disable it, even without the spell. That said my disabling will not be permanent." Montgomery considers for a moment before continuing, "An alarm spell itself is not that big of a deal, truth be told, but it could be the trigger for a real trap, some kind of damaging spell of some such no doubt. I suspect that this spell was placed here by Badru or Saruna as some aspect of their pointless war."
That last sentence goes unspoken if Badru is visibly still with us.

Branson got ya covered

GM if it matters and for future reference, due to the Inspiration ability and a couple of talents Montgomery can get +1d6 to rolls for a number of skills, including Linguistics, without expending Inspiration points.

Montgomery looks disappointed to find a room in such disarray and begins moving into the room muttering to himself trying to see if there is anything salvageable.

Also worth noting that Montgomery has Trap Spotter and Stonecunning if they become relevant.

Montgomery works with Kramac, making sure they get a solid understanding of what is here.

Montgomery switches back to Common to confer with his companions, he looks unsure of himself as he does so, "I am reluctant to write off Saruna. She is clearly the victim of some kind of abuse from the Jeweled Sage she once named as master. I may be a servant of the modern Jeweled Sages but that does not mean I must support their every action nor will I fail to act against their crimes, should I be able. That said, Badru sounds like he at least he believes he knows how to help us complete our mission here, so I am willing to work with the group if the majority feels he is the right choice to support. Perhaps I should try explaining our purpose here to her one last time and see what that gains us?" Montgomery glances at Saruna looking torn.

GM Eddv, Would you like me to roll another Aid Another as I have been aiding the previous diplo attempts.

I second the sentiments of the others. We understand.

Montgomery translates everything Saruna says in Sphinx into Common for his companions.

Looking to Saruna, Montgomery attempts to back up Etu, "You say you desire vengeance against your former master, however it is likely that the Jeweled Sage you speak of is dead already. The Sages were hunted to near extinction thousands of years ago and the organization is only newly revitalized by the efforts of the Sapphire Sage, Amenopheus and recently the Diamond Sage, Tahonikepsu who now leads the modern incarnation of the Sages. You say you desire that your knowledge live on, some among the rank of the Scarab Sages may one day ascend to the rank of Jeweled Sage and the Sage Jewels preserve the knowledge of all of the former holders. I myself am close to achieving this vaunted status after my years of service. Perhaps if you join the ranks of the Scarab Sages you too could earn the right to be a Jeweled Sage, such an occurrence would insure your knowledge all you have come to know continues on past you, potentially forever."

Diplomacy aid Etu: 1d20 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + (6) + 4 = 11

Montgomery is honestly sympathetic to Saruna and incredibly wary of whatever Sage she speaks of. He is however not a killer and honestly feels that those who have committed crimes must be dealt with through the proper channels of justice, only resorting to vigilantism when no proper channels exist to achieve justice.

Your Diplomacy is way better, have at. :) Montgomery works much better as a support character when it comes to a lot of skills anyway.

Know (Planes): 1d20 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (7) + (1) + 7 = 15
Know (Arcana): 1d20 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (18) + (5) + 7 = 30

As the "mannequin" enters the room Montgomery straightens and watches the interplay trying to provide some context to his allies in Common, "We appear to have stumbled into an ancient conflict between two servants of the Jeweled Sages of old." Montgomery continues providing translations of what is being said to the rest of the group until Etu takes over. Once Etu is busy speaking for the group Montgomery will return to translating for the group when he is not contributing himself to the diplomatic endeavor.

Following on what Etu started Montgomery pipes in, "Some of us are in fact cohorts of the modern incarnation of the Jeweled Sages, part of an organization known as the Scarab Sages."

Diplomacy to aid Etu, if needed: 1d20 + 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + (6) + 4 = 15
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (2) + (1) + 8 = 11

Perception: 1d20 + 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (14) + (1) + 18 = 33
Know(History): 1d20 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (17) + (4) + 8 = 29

Montgomery sheaths his swordcane and bows in the direction of the Gynosphinx, addressing it in Sphinx, "Greetings, honored erudite one."

Will Save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Will Save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Montgomery moves forward into and through the fog bank trying to keep Jiro in sight to make sure he does not get lost while in the fog.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (18) + (5) + 8 = 31
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (9) + (1) + 7 = 17
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + (5) + 7 = 17
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + (1) + 7 = 12

double move to get there

So I guess there is one more thing I should have mentioned. I am providing a link to the rules for the clockwork key. The short version is unless I directly threaten a construct I can only be its target if I am the only available target. Because Montgomery is a follower of Abadar it has an additional effect described at the link.

Scenario Boon - Elemental Awakening

Unfortunately, I don't have much to do with a standard action at this point. And Montgomery is not feeling like taking point at this moment.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 1d6 + 11 ⇒ (18) + (6) + 11 = 35

"Alright people, we will need to be cautious moving into this fog. I believe it is an effect that can cause disorientation and easily separate us."

Montgomery will continue to talk about the effects of the guards and wards spell, but I'm not sure how much is okay to say.

Montgomery advances carefully up behind Jiro, peering past the bulk of the beast into the fog bank ahead. As Montgomery moves forward he draws out the sword hidden within his cane and tucks the cane body into his belt.

"Kramac, remind me to buy this guy a steak...or a goat, I suppose, when we get back to town. Damn. Can anyone do something about this damnable fog?"

Oh yeah forgot to mention Fire/Acid/Elec Resist 1.

Know(planes): 1d20 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (11) + (3) + 7 = 21

The only 2 that come to mind after looking over my sheet are Trap Spotter and Stonecunning.

Combined if he passes within 10 feet of traps of any kind or unusual stonework, such as traps and hidden doors located in stone walls or floors, he gets a check to notice them whether he is looking for them or not.

The aid another pushes me over the hump for the DC so...

"By Abadar's Vault!" Montgomery stands upright from his examinations, "You are right, Kramac, many of these plants are extinct, they are thought lost to the world. When all this is done we will need to try to convince Tahonikepsu of the value of getting some knowledgeable Druids down here to try to get samples that can be returned to the world. In the meanwhile watch where we walk. We would not want to be responsible for the destruction of a lost species of plant life." As he says the last he looks meaningfully at Jiro, but says nothing more about it. With that Montgomery goes back to sketching, focusing on the extinct species, until he needs to go examine the wall, and he will return to sketching when done with the wall if the opportunity exists.

What is north on the map then?

"Eladrian, shall you and I get a closer look at the wall?"
Assuming Eladrian is game, Montgomery moves to examine the illusory wall watching carefully for traps and creatures as he goes.

I forgot to mention that Montgomery changes his outfit before the group sets out for their travels. Once on the road Montgomery is dressed in rugged travelling garb as well as an Armored Coat, various alchemical reagents and clockwork paraphernalia, a pistol on his hip, his cane, and the haversack.

Montgomery seems unphased as the Garundi woman transforms into a dragon nor does he react to he departure except to take out one of his journals and jot down the Ancient Osiriani chant she was speaking that opened access. He then puts that journal back in the haversack and pulls out a different journal and begins to take notes as the group enters the archives.

"My apologies for not warning you about her true nature but one does not reveal a dragons secrets without their permission lightly."

As they descend the stairs Montgomery continues talking, "Is anyone going to need a light source, I have a lantern, some torches, or I can activate my wayfinder's light effect."

As they continue down the stairs, Mongomery takes a moment to examine the stonework and makes some notes about it.
Perception+stonecunning: 1d20 + 1d6 + 18 + 2 ⇒ (8) + (2) + 18 + 2 = 30

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (10) + (2) + 7 = 19
When he reaches the bottom of the stairs Montgomery doesn't even notice the plants at first, at least not their out-of-placeness. Pointing at the inscription as he transcribes it, and sketches the seal, he translates it out loud into common, "Life is fleeting; memory is eternal. Interesting quote."

Only then does he seem to notice the plant life and begins sketching it.
"That is odd, how do they survive down here without sunlight? There is something strange about these plants that I just can't put my finger on. Anyone else have a clue?"

So I went to the doctor and apparently they think I have very slight pneumonia, it took the radiologist looking at the x-rays to make the determination, this morning is the first time I feel like I can string more than a sentence or two together in a typed message, I was so exhausted. I'm going to take advantage of the energy this AM to put together a post for today. both this one and one in the gameplay thread. I hope no one minds that I have been posting about my health here I just felt that I owed everyone an explanation for my lack of posting consistently.

Montgomery would have done some shopping while still in town, as I didn't get it done at the time I will skip the exhaustive listing of stuff and the craft (alchemy) rolls while travelling. But it turns out that I have gotten this far with Monty without ever actually buying paper, pen, or ink aside from his formula book. So he is going to buy a couple of journals, 10 sheets of paper, 5 vials of ink, 3 inkpens, 10 pieces of charcoal, 10 bags of powder, sealing wax, 2 spring-loaded wrist sheaths, and 2 clockwork keys. Spending 1081.3 gold.

the clockwork key is a special magic item that has specific effects relating to constructs.

Everything else I will post in the gameplay thread.

Being a member of the Scarab Sages, Montgomery has no intention of undermining Tahonikepsu's secrecy regarding this location, however he will not do anything to interfere with his companions attempts.

Montgomery looks a bit nervous at the sight of Tahonikepsu, but stays silent as she speaks. Once Tahonikepsu finishes, Montgomery stands quietly thinking for a few moments before he asks a question.

"Could you make a map of what you remember the layout of the archive to be?

Just an update still sick. I will try to keep up with posts but if I miss on a day and someone needs to bot me that is fine.

"As it happens I speak both the modern and ancient variations of the Osirian tongue, though with something of an accent according to the locals here. If anyone is interested I would be happy to tutor you in the basics of the language as we travel."

As the group leaves the office, Montgomery calls over one of the young apprentice Pathfinders, gives him some instructions, and hands Aiden into his care.

Montgomery nods in thanks to Kramac as he feels the spell's effects as they enter the library. During the course of his research in the library he confers with an elven woman as well as his companions on this mission.

Knowledge (History),Heightened Awareness, Free Inspiration, Savior of Knowledge, Faction Pin, 4 aid anothers: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 1d6 + 5 + 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 2 + (5) + 5 + (4) + 8 = 40
In my rush earlier I forgot some of my applicable bonuses.

Knowledge (Geo) assist,Heightened Awareness: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10
Add one more assist Dioneo

Montgomery face palms himself, "Of course! How could I forget this?" Then realizing he is still within the Library he looks around apologetically and waits to continue his explanation until the group is gathered outside the library.

"So, everything Dioneo remembered earlier is accurate. In addition, each Jeweled Sage carries a unique sage jewel as a badge of membership. These jewels are potent magic items that contain the history of Ancient Osirion and some of the power of the Age of Destiny."

Montgomery pauses for effect before continuing, "Certainly interesting, but that is not the most immediately useful thing I found. You remember Dioneo said that the ancient pharaohs and later the Qadiran satrapy outlawed the Jeweled Sages? Well they didn't just outlaw them, the Qadirans mercilessly hunted the sages and employed powerful outsiders to track them down. I found some suggestions from scholars that I believe we can use to help in communicating with any such outsiders we may encounter."
Recognition of this fact will grant you a +2 circumstance bonus on all Bluff and Diplomacy with such Outsiders should you encounter them.

My apologies for going silent. I ended up getting sick over the weekend and just blanked about the campaign. Very sorry. Just woke up and have to get to work, but I will post again later today.

was attempting to organize the aid another's first Knowledge Geo is assuming we use the library

Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 8 + (6) = 16
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 7 + (6) = 15
Knowledge (Geography)spending 1 inspiration: 1d20 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 3 + (1) = 12

Montgomery can lead the Knowledge check for History, or local if we need to go that way. He will gladly aid someone else for the Geography roll.

Looking a bit sheepish, "You will have to excuse my caution, I only recently had an unplanned visit to the Boneyard and I have no desire to repeat that experience anytime soon."

"Glad to be of service Venture-Captain, and you can skip that 'Lord' stuff, just call me Montgomery. Same goes for anyone I'm working with, Montgomery will do just fine."

After a pause he continues, "What can you tell us of Tahonikepsu and the Jeweled Sages."

Leaving time for the Venture Captain to answer and for his companions to ask there own questions he continues, "Is there any reason we should be concerned about bandits int our travels to the Pillars? What about any other dangers we may face on the way there? Do you know anything about the Pillars of the Sun that you can share with us?"

Looking to the others, "We should avail ourselves of the library here before we go."