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With Lumna saved and the mystery behind the crystal key solved, the Pathfinders make ready for their return to the Lodestar Inn. After discussing with Revecka and Lumna, the group agrees to allow the two to leave with them, but not before Revecka makes a 'call' to Narcela through the device in the basement.

Once more seated at a table with Evni Zongnoss, the group recount all that they learned. Kamenya is pleased that Revecka came back with you all, expressing their thanks for helping the Ardis scholar. Ziri listens to all that you learned, but does not seem overly impressed by your findings. That said, the half-orc does bring you all a round of drinks and raises a glass to commend them on their work.

When the last of you finishes your report, Lumna speaks up. It's like a dam that has finally broken, as the alien barrages Evni, Ziri, and Kamenya with questions. "What is a Pathfinder? How many people are you? Is everyone helpful like Alaric, Jaqard, Sun Fire Boom Boom, and Doctor Talos? What planets have you traveled to? Where..."

After the questions abate, which takes a while, Evni speaks with Revecka. "The Pathfinder Society will provide the alchemical reagents needed to keep your heart beating, and the Society has numerous researchers who
would be interested in collaborating with you. You have my word: we will help."

"Thank you," Revecka says. "I'll take what help I can get. Hopefully I can get in contact again with Narcela too. I understand that Aslynn is a concern for you. She's a concern for Narcela and I too now."

And so ends Scenario 4-06: Signal from the Electric Laboratory. Thanks for playing!

Taking the essense gatherer, Talos moves towards Lumna to collect their energy-based body within. The rogue has no difficulty avoiding the electrical energy that bound the alien (crit success) and moments later steps away from the danger.

"It is done. Thank you. I will be forever in your debt," Lumna says, their voice filling the air around the essense gatherer. "I would like to travel with you, at least for a time. If you'll allow it?"

Through the combined assault of the Pathfinders the clockwork heap is also destroyed!

Among the many scattered parts, the Pathfinders find a damaged galvasphere. While the galvasphere has no inherent power, Alaric and SUn Fire Boom Boom are fairly certain it can still be of use. Alas, there is nothing else of worth, so the Pathfinders continue their explorations.

Moving to where the water trickled in the Pathfinders see that the worked stone gives away to a more rugged and natural cavern overflowing with water from an underground stream. A fine metal mesh containing a slowly dissipating energy orb about 5 feet across is suspended in the center of the enclosure.

Inside the mesh is a glowing orb, one that you realize must be Lumna.

The electrified mesh serves two purposes: it protects the anyone from the alien’s otherwise overwhelming telepathy, and it keeps Lumna’s essence somewhat stable.

"You have found me. This is good news. I have been curious about this place, your world. But would rather have arrived in gentler circumstances," the glowing orb dims slighty, then continues. "The unpredictable nature of my planar jump wounded me, but the kindness from Doctor Treju was unexpected. I wish I had not hurt them, and promise to you that it was not on purpose. It seems that my natural form is not compatible with your minds, and so I find myself within this enclosure."

Alaric and Sun Fire both realize that the essense gatherer they just retrieved could be used to extract Lumna from their cage and allow them to leave the manor.

The heap continues to try and break free...
Scrap Tempest: 3d8 ⇒ (8, 6, 8) = 22
... and does so with a burst of flying scrap.

The Pathfinders respond immediately, with Jaqard landing a flurry of blows and Talos lands a blow of his own. Though he notes that the clockwork heap is unfazed by the aura of fear. Regardless, the foe seems resistant to their martial endeavours. Resistance 5, plus immune to mental effects

It reaches out to touch Jaqard with its flowing purple energy.
Infested Touch: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21
Damage (Negative): 2d12 + 6 ⇒ (5, 1) + 6 = 12

ROUND 5
Talos - Ready (-39hp)
Heap - Free! (-49hp)
Jaqard - Go (-26hp)
Sun Fire - Go
Alaric - Go

ROUND 6
Talos - Go (-39hp)

Another explosion of debris flies out from the heap, striking the remnants of the resilient sphere.
Scrap Tempest: 3d8 ⇒ (1, 3, 5) = 9

And when that fails to pierce the sphere, some of the purple energy infusing the heap picks up a piece of scrap and hurls it in frustration
Wrathful Toss: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30
Damage (B): 3d8 ⇒ (2, 3, 3) = 8

It fails to break the barrier!

Talos gets back up, picking up his weapons. Clearly he's gearing for the fight to continue.

ROUND 4
Talos - Stand (-88hp)
Heap - I STILL want to break free
Jaqard - Go (-26hp)
Sun Fire - Go
Alaric - Go

Jaqard delivers a potent strike that shatters the clockwork vessel!

ROUND 3
Talos - Hit (Dying 1)
Vessel - Kill Talos (-135hp)
Heap - I want to break free
Jaqard - Kill + 2 Actions left(-26hp)
Sun Fire - Heal and Inspire
Alaric - Go (Or target Resilient Sphere)

ROUND 4
Talos - Go (-88hp)

Meanwhile, the clockwork vessel continues to try and cut down Dr. Talos.
Flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 4 MISS
Flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 6
Halberd vs Talos: 1d20 + 23 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 23 - 5 = 30
Damage (S + Negative): 2d10 + 9 + 1d10 ⇒ (9, 8) + 9 + (7) = 33
It connects, cutting down the android.

Alaric attempts to intercede.
Reflex save, DC 26: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (4) + 19 = 23
Flames scorch and melt metal, but still it persists.

The vessel then turns its attention to Jaqard, pivoting and moving its plating to protect itself against the monk.

Then the clockwork heap attempts to break through the resilient sphere, releasing a cloud of loosely connected debris that slashes at the barrier.
Scrap Tempest: 3d8 ⇒ (3, 6, 8) = 17
It then scrapes at the barrier with purpleish tendrils.
Infested Touch: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36
Damage (Negative): 2d12 + 6 ⇒ (12, 4) + 6 = 22
The touch is ineffective though, leaving it trapped for the time being.

ROUND 3
Talos - Hit (Dying 1)
Vessel - Kill Talos (-135hp)
Heap - I want to break free
Jaqard - Go (-26hp)
Sun Fire - Go
Alaric - Go

ROUND 3
Talos - Go (Dying 1)

Jaqard delivers a round kick that strikes the 'head' of the vessel, the move staggering it such that it does not sense the spinning back kick that rocks it! The vessel gets wise the the threat though, and manages to block and dodge the rest of the attacks. It also avoids the good doctor's trip attempt.

Perhaps it's the flurry of blows, or the wily nature of the foe, but the beam of searing light that flies from Alaric is well wide of the target.

Talos, for his part, manages to stick his rapier in the vessel once, wrenching it so that bits of wire are severed.

ROUND 2
Talos - Heal (-106hp)
Vessel - Etheric Discharge (-124hp)
Heap - Infesting Touch
Jaqard - CRIT (-26hp)
Sun Fire - Go + Fort save
Alaric - Miss

ROUND 3
Talos - Hit (-106hp)

Talos heals himself while Jaqard tries to land a blow on the vessel. It's been a rough start for the Pathfinders.

And it gets worse.

The purple energy that suffuses the vessel begins to vibrate, agitating before bursting out in a wave that washes over Talos, Jaqard, and Alaric.
Etheric Discharge, DC 26 basic Fort (Negative energy): 11d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 6, 3, 6, 6, 6, 1, 6, 4, 6) = 53
The vessel readjusts its external plating to continue shielding itself from blows.

Of course heap of clockwork bits and bobs is unperturbed. So it continues to attack.
These are against Talos unless Talos is down. In which case they are against Jaqard.
Concealed Flat Check, DC 5: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Infested Touch: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34
Damage (Negative): 2d12 + 6 ⇒ (12, 8) + 6 = 26
Then a fragment of the purplish energy attaches itself, weighing them down somehow. You are Encumbered now

ROUND 2
Talos - Heal (-52hp) + Fort save
Vessel - Etheric Discharge (-40hp)
Heap - Infesting Touch
Jaqard - Go + Fort save
Sun Fire - Go + Fort save
Alaric - Go + Fort save

The halberd-wielding vessel swings the polearm as Jaqard moves close...
Attack of Opportunity vs Jaqard: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (5) + 23 = 28
Damage (S + Negative: 2d10 + 9 + 1d10 ⇒ (10, 7) + 9 + (5) = 31

The blow is powerful, and throws off the monk enough that neither strike lands. Similarly, the clockwork vessel avoids Talos' trip attempt.

Sun Fire Boom Boom begins to sing, adding magic to hasten Jaqard.

Alaric closes, his aura activated.

FYI - Arcana or Crafting to Recall Knowledge on either foe

ROUND 2
Talos - Go
Vessel - TBD (-40hp)
Heap - TBD
Jaqard - TBD
Sun Fire - TBD
Alaric - TBD

Talos rushes in and delivers a perfect strike with his silver rapier. The metal frame of the vessel is hard though, suggesting that silver is not ideal for breaking the clockwork machine. Resistance

He's not surprised when it shows no fear. Immune to mental effects

For its part it lashes out with a menacing looking halberd.
Strike vs Talos: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (18) + 23 = 41
Damage (S + Negative): 2d10 + 9 + 1d10 ⇒ (2, 4) + 9 + (3) = 18 x2 from crit makes this 36 damage

Strike vs Talos: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30
Damage (S + Negative): 2d10 + 9 + 1d10 ⇒ (3, 6) + 9 + (3) = 21

A series of metal plates extend out on a metal actuator, acting as a barrier to defend against future blows.

The heap of metal parts bounce and roll towards Talos as well, purple wisps weaving and twirling as they reach out to Talos.
Infesting Touch vs Talos: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (11) + 18 = 29
Damage (Negative): 2d12 + 6 ⇒ (3, 8) + 6 = 17

Infesting Touch vs Talos: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26
Damage (Negative): 2d12 + 6 ⇒ (6, 11) + 6 = 23

ROUND 1
Talos - CRIT
Vessel - HACK (-40hp)
Heap - Bad Touch
Jaqard - Go
Sun Fire - Go
Alaric - Go

"Got it. If you can help Lumna, please do. They're an innocent in all of this, and are trapped due to circumstance and bad luck."

Narcela breaks off communications then, and silence returns. The Pathfinders resume their exploration, heading west. Before long they reach another chamber.

The air feels stale and cold, as if something were draining this place of warmth. Scraps and spare parts lie scattered across the room, making it difficult to move without hitting a spring, coil or tube. Unfinished, humanlike constructs lean inert against the wall, most missing limbs or critical components. One slender construct, heavily modified by expert hands, is fitted with a large coil leading to a container filled with dark energy.

The construct begins to move, swirling purple energy infusing it to an animate state. At the same time some of the scattered parts begin bouncing about. Each moves with a menacing intent!

ROUND 1
Talos - Go
Vessel - TBD
Heap - TBD
Jaqard - TBD
Sun Fire - TBD
Alaric - TBD

"Aslynn is good at making things worse," Narcela agrees with Sun Fire Boom Boom. "She's always plotting, but it's hard to know her mind."

"How are the other Ardis scholars? And how is Lumna doing?"

At Alaric's words there's a deep exhalation. And though they ignore Talos' question, he can tell that this person cares deeply for Revecka.

"Good. Good! Alright then, since you're Pathfinders I feel like you probably deserve answers. It's a tale, so please bear with me."

"My name is Narcela, and my mother is a night hag named Aslynn. She sent me to monitor the Ardis Scholars several months ago. During this time, I got to know them. They're good people, and don't deserve to be pawns in my mother's game. So I started visiting the dreams of one of their researchers, Revecka."

"When I discovering what my mother did in the Tomb Between Worlds, I decided to turn against Aslynn to protect Revecka and the rest of the Ardis Scholars. Before I could do much, Aslynn launched a sudden raid on the laboratory and captured most of the scholars, planning to use their knowledge of rare technology and interplanar travel to further her schemes."

"I am no match for my mother in a direct confrontation, so fled the scene, pocketing a strange crystal key," Narcela pauses, and you can hear the regret in her voice when she continues. "The survivors left behind have been forced to fend for themselves, including an incorporeal being from another world named Lumna."

"I knew that Lumna would likely evade Aslynn’s raid, but they can't survive on Golarion long-term without specialized care. Lumna’s telepathic communications can traverse great distances using the crystal key as a beacon though, so I snuck the key into the Pathfinder Society’s treasure hoard, hoping Lumna would eventually reach out for aid."

"My plan was for the Pathfinder Society to arrive in time to save Lumna, learn what Aslynn had done to the Ardis Scholars, and rescue whoever had survived Aslynn’s plots. I've been unable to reach Revecka’s dreams since the raid, and was worried she was dead or caught in the grasp of her mother’s power over nightmares. But neither of those things happened, and you're there now. So my plan worked. Thanks you."

Thoughout this whole conversation Sun Fire Boom Boom pokes around, finding no invisible beings.

"You're at Ardis Manor then. I need to know: Is Revecka there? Is she alive?"

"Pathfinders? Where are you right now? How is it that you reached me?"

Hero Point used
The hum from the device is replaced by a series of different high and low frequency sounds before it creates a connection. A moment passes before the Pathfinders hear a feminine voice filled with trepidation ask, "Revecka? Is that you?"

Vilo volunteers to provide some instruction on how to make the key work with the device.
Need a Crafting check pls

Alaric studies the chart. It's simple enough, explaining the meaning of the tapping from Gleam, the cu sith, and lists off various planes of existence.

Clearly looking for a reward, Gleam once more taps three times. Consulting the chart reveals that the taps
indicate a portal to the Shadow Plane.

Meanwhile, Jaqard passes Alaric to explore another room. The room is dominated by a complex device fitted with two large coils and dozens of dials located on a raised platform. Its metallic shine has not faded over the years, although some of the engravings next to each panel have been worn out due to long-time use. The machine emits a steady and low hum.

Vilo reappears, and when he speaks it's through the machine. His voice is strangely melodic as he talks, suggesting that there may be a musical quality to the device. "Hello again! Seems you've found the device Silvu created for me. Normally, I could only communicate through this, but the key you carry seems to also be a broadcasting device of sorts."

"I wonder what would happen if the two were interfaced together..."

Alaric leads the way as the group heads north, looping around to where the water flows in. The source of the water is a fountain that, perhaps due to the rerouting of power that's occurred, is now overflowing at a slow trickle.

Heading south from the fountain, Alaric reaches a fork. He inspects to the wet first and sees a room filled with spacious pens holding a few different animals. On one side, an albino ball python slithers in a terrarium adorned with Osirion inspired decor while a vampire bat sleeps lazily away from the light. On the opposite end, a large aquarium fitted with a spigot hosts a pair of bizarre fishlike creatures. An attentive and diminutive cu sith sits free in the middle of the room, wearing a polished silver collar with the word "Gleam" on it.

Upon spotting Alaric, the cu sith taps his paw three times on the floor and sits next to what appears to be a chart on the floor.

The Pathfinders return to the manor in time to see Revecka about to head up the stairs. Her voice is weak when she speaks. "I need to get some rest. I'll be upstairs if you have other questions. If you're keen on heading to the lab, it's through the study," Revecka says, pointing at the door to the left.

The frightening heroes and Jaqard head toward the study, immediately notihng that the door to the great hall is missing, its shattered remains barely hanging from the twisted hinges while debris lies scattered
everywhere. Inside, there's a door with deep gashes and marks. It likely survived whatever assault thanks to its metallic inner core. It has no visible lock. A small brass ear horn covered in splinters but otherwise undamaged is attached to the door frame of the reinforced door, acting as a sort of listening device.

When one of you gets close, a deadpan voice intones, "The laboratory is in lockdown mode by the authority of Revecka Cioraru. Only authorized personnel with the current password may enter."

When Alaric says the word 'Stormheart' the voice continues, saying, "Password accepted." The door unlocks, revealing a small
room with stairs leading deep below the manor. As you descend, the air becomes cold and humid and carries an animalistic smell. The sound of water is faintly audible in the distance.

Map Updated. I'm not bothering with fog of war, as it's a small map. But obviously you can't see through walls. Just let me know where you'd like to go.

The villagers, mere peasants with farm implements, cringe back away from emotionless facade of Dr Talos.

When Alaric slams his staff against the stone, booming a proclamation of his hellknight order, several people jump in surprise at the man's words.

Sun Fire Boom Boom then shares a dire warning to the unwashed masses before them. One they are not equipped to handle. In the back someone says, "Oh s~%!."

And when Jaqard speaks, his tone calm, to point out the seemingly obvious fact that Lumna wouldn't say 'hello' if they meant any harm, it's enough to turn the tide of the situation.

Kistur looks at the man leading the group. "Saban, please. Don't listen-"

The man named Saban raises a hand, silencing Kistur. "I will not risk harm to the good people assembled."

With a nod to Jaqard, Saban turns and leaves. The mob, including Kistur, follow wordlessly behind him.

Hero Point to Jaqard!

The Pathfinders head out to meet with the angry mob. Revecka follows them to the entrance of the manor, saying, "I'll be watching at the window. If there's any problems, come back here. I'll be at the door."

As they approach to within speaking distance the man leading the people steps forward. He gestures at the man behind him. "Kistur did say that there might be Pathfinders here, held under the sway of th-"

Static noise presages the appearance of Lumna, and they suddenly appear standing next to Alaric. A chorus of gasps and angry mutters follow, though the alien seems ignorant to the demeanor of the mob. "Hello. I am Lumna. It is a-"

"Block your ears!" Kistur shouts as a warning. You see him adjust the grip on his cleaver, then uses it to point at the Pathfinders. "The vile, malevolent, sick and evil being is trying to get in your head! It's already gotten to that lot."

You can tell that, without some intervention, this is going to escalate to violence quickly...

There are different approaches you can take to calm down the fearful mob so that they disperse. Some possible approaches are:
- Religion to draw draw a parallel between Lumna or the Scholars and Desna as travelers (the leader is wearing a necklace with a symbol of Desna)
- Arcana or Occultism to come up with an explanation filled with technical jargon that confuses the mob, making them hesitate
- Intimidation can inform the mob that the manor is filled with dangerous flammable reagents or paint a picture of untold dangers if they storm the manor
- Something else. I promise I will reward creativity.
You can each make two checks.

SKILL CHALLENGE
Alaric - Go (2 checks)
Dr Talos - Go (2 checks)
Jaqard - Go (2 checks)
Sun Fire - Go (2 checks)

Revecka is rocked to core by Jaward's news. There's a long pause as she digests what she's heard, broken when she speaks to the half-orc. "Thank you, Jaqard. This is not the news I wanted today," she wipes at the tears in her eyes. "But it's news I needed to know. Thank you."

"Don't worry about me. Right now, I'm fine. This battery will help sustain me for a week or two. I'll need materials to build another, but I've got some time now at least."

When Alaric asks about the lab, she collects herself somewhat. "Getting into the lab required three things. The first was rerouting power to it, which I've just done. Then there's the override switch, which is in the room here and I can do for you. The last is that there's a password. It's 'Stormheart'. You want me to hit the override? I can-"

She stops, cocking her head. Moments later, you all hear what she's hearing: the sound of many voices outside the building. Revecka moves over to one of the windows, opening it to see what's out there.

A fearful mob has gathered outside the manor holding torches, pitchforks, cleavers, and anything else the frightened people of Ilev could use as a weapon. They are led by a man in his forties wearing a silver butterfly medallion with images of stars, suns, and moons made with a bright blue enamel. A man with a haunted face is close behind holding a sharp cleaver with a sinister glint in his eyes.

The Pathfinders recognize the haunted man outside as Kistur Radu.

The Pathfinders head back up the stairs and moments later are back in front of Revecka.

"Thank you," Revecka says, taking the components from Talos. She sets to the task of building a battery that will sustain her for a time. The process is brief, a sure sign of her skills. She then makes a few adjustments to the stasian coils in the chamber, and the hum of electric power changes. She breathes a sigh of relief. "Alright, I've redirected the power back to the laboratory itself. I'm sure you've got questions about this place. You mentioned a few things in your tale, so let me see if I can at least answer a few questions."

Lumna watches the Pathfinders study her, her expression unchanging. It's clear that, whatever they are, they do not have a perfect grasp of human emotion. The image of Lumna-as-Treju flashes briefly as static once more comes over them. "I am sure that you plan to see Revecka. This is good. I think I see in you what I saw in Adelana: kindness. If I am right, please help me. Find me and free me. It is what Dr. Treju wanted. What they were working towards. Find me. I am in the laboratory."

And with those last few words they disappear is a fresh bit of brief static.

Both Alaric and Sun Fire Boom Boom study Lumna as they speak. They aren't able to really identify what Lumna is beyond an incorporeal creature that is capable of communicating telepathically. What they both conclude is that the Lumna before them is a projection.

Sun Fire does know a little about the primary residents of Liavara though: The Liavaran Dreamer, an amorphous creature that resembles a golden-hued jellyfish and floats through the air, fleshy tentacles dangling down in a line. Lumna, being from a moon that orbits Liavara, is definitely not that.

Occultism, probably. It'll be harder than normal, of course. Just let me know if you want me to roll for you

"I see you are confused. I am the 'alien' below, and the cage is what has ensnared me. But to ease communication I have taken the appearance of Doctor Treju. The doctor, like the other scholars outside of Revecka, are not here. I presume they have expired, which disappoints me. They were all very kind."

Alaric retrieves the box and key from Sun Fire Boom Boom, showing the key to Lumna.

The image nods. "Yes, I will explain. I am Lumna, and I am from Hallas. It is one of the moons of Liavara the Dreamer, the seventh planet in our solar system. I arrived here by accident during one of my experiments, and was wounded and trapped in this place. By the Stasian coil technology, which I know now from Doctor Treju.

The scholars have since adjusted the Stasian coils, allowing me to communicate without causing anyone harm. And they have been working on a vessel that could safely hold me, preventing me from... dissipating. A thing I do not wish to happen."

The image flickers again briefly. "The key that you hold is from Liavara, but it did not come here with me. It is a relic from an older time, one that can amplify dreams as well as telepathic powers."

"I do know that the vessel is the scholar's laboratory, and the entrance to it is on this floor. But there is a password, which Revecka knows. I can still sense Revecka, but none of the other scholars. It's why I sent out my message. I need your help. If you can retrieve the vessel from the laboratory, perhaps it is ready for me. I am trapped here, and do not wish to stay so forever. I worry that it is not safe."

The Pathfinder make their way back to the great hall and are on their way to the stairs when they hear a strange scratching noise that Talos recognizes as static. The noise is brief, ending when a glowing image of a woman in her fifties appears ten feet away from Sun Fire Boom Boom.

"Hello. I am Lumna," the image says, though the sounds originate from within each of your minds, and not from the image itself. The image flickers for a moment, reappear with the woman's gaze focused on the goblin bard. "I have watched you, and sense that you carry something from my home world. Do you wish to be a... friend?"

It says this last word in a way that suggests it's a foreign concept and still grappling with its meaning.

Talos creeps through the door, walking on the pads of his feet. He enters the room, hugging the wall and moving counterclockwise around the Living Fireball. His movement follows the creatures own rotation. Within seconds he's in the same room as the Black Pudding.

The ooze, capable of sensing motion without the need of sight, would immediately detect most people. But Talos is adept at foiling the special senses of other creatures. His body posture helps him to slice through the air with only the barest of disturbances, getting him to the shelf with the battery components while simultaneously stepping around the scant few spaces the ooze provides.

The mustachioed rogue plucks the necessary components with quiet care, repeating the motions to return back to the group.

All without drawing the attention of either creature!
Hero Point for Dr. Talos, whose clever approach helps the party dodge a fight.

The group moves to try from a different angle. After a quick check for traps they open the door, revealing a chamber that appears to have been tossed by individuals performing a hasty search.
Map updated

Alaric takes a look, studying what's beyond the threshold. He's never heard of a Living Fireball, but he recognizes the 'tar' as a Black Pudding. It's not an Animate Tar, as far as he can tell... as he doesn't know what that is.

Black puddings are dangerous oozes that are caustic to the touch. Anyone that hits the pudding with a metal or wooden weapon runs the risk of their weapon being damaged by acid.

Talos takes a moment to study what he sees, and is confident that what's before them is Animate Tar. Infused with magic, they're relatively harmless but make movement in the space difficult.

Behind the tar is a Living Fireball. Capable of flying at incredible speeds, these elemental creatures hate magic. They seek out anything with a minor aura and will explode, perishing in the process.
Occultism and Arcana are the Recall Knowledge checks. If anyone else wants me to do a Recall Knowledge for you just pipe up.

Standing outside the door to the lab, Alaric and Talos give the door a look and listen. Some kind of sixth sense triggers caution for Alaric, an instinct that rewards him when he opens the door.

The acrid smell of alchemical reagents fills the room. Most of the furniture lies in splinters, the wood covered in extensive burn marks and pitted by acid. A few shelves in the northern room are still filled with vials, alembics, and half‑finished creations along with scattered journal pages.

Also, Alaric sees a massive pile of tarry black slime covering most of the room. It pulsesand jiggles, but does not react to the opened door. Beyond the immediate room and through an open door the hellknight also spots another bit of strangeness: a large ball of seething flame, roiling about in place.

Unfortunately the battery Revecka needs is in the chamber where the black slime is.

Revecka listens to the brief explanation from Talos. That, plus the presence of Vilos, helps her come to her own conclusion about the Pathfinders.

At Alaric's question, she explains her situation. She lifts up the cloth of her shirt, showing a glowing blue sphere embedded in her chest, along with a red, uneven scar next to it. "Dr. Treju's latest prototype: a galvasphere that can replace a failing heart. Sadly, she didn’t have time to perfect the energy storage mechanism, meaning that it must rely on external power. I managed to survive thanks to the power from the laboratory, but that power has become too unstable to power something as delicate as a heart. Unless I can gather the reagents from Anaton’s laboratory on the first floor, I won’t survive much longer. With those I can make a battery that can last for a week or two, but in my condition, I can’t fight the creatures roaming around."

"If you return the reagents, I can safely remove the lockdown and let you into the laboratory. Afterward, I hope to find help in Ardis."

"Right this way, please," the spirit says, his voice continuing to be projected telepathically through the key.

He takes the four Pathfinders down the hallway, stopping in front of a sturdy wooden door. "She's on the other side of the door."

Talos and Alaric give the door cursory looks before deciding it's safe and opening it. Beyond is a study filled to the brim with notes and journals. The smell of ozone and the crackling of electricity arcs between Stasian coils. A large collection of books, most sporting elegant metal bookmarks, covers the desk. A single drawing showing a beautiful woman with differently colored eyes sits in a silver frame at the edge of the desk, her smile warm and filled with hope. A pallid woman stands at the desk, her movements slow and deliberate as she is jotting down a few notes.

The pale woman looks up from her notes. The moment is slow, but her eyes display a clear wariness. "I'm going to need to be rude, and ask this: who are you, and what is your business here?"

"Sorry, I meant that I did not expect to see harpies [i]inside[/]. They're supposed to be kept out by the building's defenses."

The good doctor tends to the wounds of the group while others take time to search the area.

This beautiful bedroom is adorned with deep greens accentuated by a few golden decorations. The only surviving painting adorning the wall is made in typical Ustalavic style with dark colors and just a hint of light. A blood trail ends next to an open metal case containing medical gear near the bed.

The medical box contains two moderate healing potions, a set of major clockwork goggles, a traveler’s any-tool, and two greater antidotes. The box also contains a few letters thanking the Ardis Scholars for providing experimental cures, freeing a house from haunts, or creating medical devices.

"I, uh, did not expect there to be harpies," the spirit of Vilo says while wringing his hands. "They have always been something of a pest here. The protections around the windows would keep them away though. Seems they found a weak spot."

Vilo looks impatient while time ticks by. "If you're ready, I can take you to Revecka. She really needs your help."

Jaqard leaps through the flames, surprising the harpy. Clearly the creature had not expected such a willingness to be burned. As such, the pair of strikes both land, dropping the remaining foe. Jaqard gives it a final kick for good measure, making sure it does not rise.
Out of Combat! Hero point to Sun Fire Boom Boom for the counter song, which is always cool to see happen

Talos gets burned walking through the fire, bits of his 'skin' crackling as he reaches the rest of the group.

Sun Fire Boom Boom quickly heals his firey friend, and fires an arrow through the flames. A squawk tells him he did not miss.

ROUND 4
Harpy 3 - Strikes (-109hp, 3d4 Persistent Fire)
Alaric - Go (-18hp)
Talos - Miss (-57hp)
Jaqard - Go (-18hp)
Sun Fire - Soothe + Arrow (-48hp)

Jaqard waits for Talos. Alas, the harpy does not.

Talon vs Talos: 1d20 + 21 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 21 - 1 = 21
Damage (S): 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (5, 3) + 8 = 16
The not-a-doctor easily dodges the first strike...

Talon vs Talos: 1d20 + 17 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 17 - 1 = 34
Damage (S): 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (8, 8) + 8 = 24
... which throws his balance off against the surprisingly quick second strike.

Talon vs Talos: 1d20 + 13 - 1 ⇒ (6) + 13 - 1 = 18
Damage (S): 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (2, 8) + 8 = 18
But the third one is easily avoided.

Persistent Damage: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 3, 4) = 10
Flat check: 1d20 ⇒ 11

ROUND 4
Harpy 3 - Strikes (-95hp, 3d4 Persistent Fire)
Alaric - Go (-18hp)
Talos - Go (-48hp)
Jaqard - Go (-18hp)
Sun Fire - Go (-48hp)

Fort save vs DC 26: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32
Alaric tries to pull the remaining harpy through the flames, but it manages to resist his magic. As a consolation prize, Sun Fire Boom Boom heals the hellknight. The arrow the goblin releases finds it's mark though, adding to the increasing number of wounds.

ROUND 4
Jaqard - Go (-18hp)
Harpy 3 - Strike (-85hp, Frightened 1, 3d4 Persistent Fire)
Alaric - TBD (-36hp)
Talos - TBD (-50hp)
Sun Fire - TBD (-48hp)

Talos lays out oa pair of deadly strikes, slaying one harpy and injuring the other!

ROUND 3
Harpy 1 - DEAD
Jaqard - Go (-18hp)
Harpy 3 - Strike (-66hp, Frightened 1, 3d4 Persistent Fire)
Alaric - Go (-36hp)
Talos - Kill (-50hp)
Sun Fire - TBD (-48hp)

Fort save vs DC 26: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
Jaqard unleashes a flurry of strikes, with only one managing to make contact with the wily harpy. It's enough to briefly take the wind out of her though.

Wall of Fire vs Harpy 3: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 5, 4) = 15
The harpy steps out of the burning flames, positioning itself to focus on the foe standing between it and egress from the manor: Dr. Talos.
Claw vs Talos: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (17) + 21 = 38
Damage (S): 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (6, 2) + 8 = 16 x2

Persistent Fire: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 1, 4) = 8
Flat check, DC 15: 1d20 ⇒ 1

ROUND 3
Harpy 1 - Strike (-80hp, 3d4 Persistent Fire, Frightened 1)
Jaqard - Go (-18hp)
Harpy 3 - TBD (-43hp, Frightened 1, 3d4 Persistent Fire)
Alaric - Go (-36hp)
Talos - Go (-50hp, 3d4 Persistent Fire)
Sun Fire - TBD (-48hp)

The harpies, who are themselves very accustomed to screeches, shrieks, and wails, are unperturbed by the goblin song.
Will save vs DC 26, Harpy 1: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
Will save vs DC 26, Harpy 3: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (3) + 18 = 21
But the magical fear hits home all the same, their eyes going wide as it takes home in their minds.

Wall of Fire on Harpy 1: 4d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 4, 5) = 20
The burning flames catch easily on the feathered form of one of the harpies as it recovers from the strike delivered by Jaqard. It steps back and lashes out at Dr. Talos with a clawed hand.
Talon vs Talos: 1d20 + 18 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 18 - 2 = 33
Damage (S): 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 5) + 6 = 12

Persistent Fire: 3d4 ⇒ (2, 1, 2) = 5
Flat check, DC 15: 1d20 ⇒ 12

ROUND 3
Harpy 1 - Strike (-80hp, 3d4 Persistent Fire, Frightened 1)
Jaqard - Go (-18hp)
Harpy 3 - TBD (Frightened 2)
Alaric - TBD (-36hp)
Talos - TBD (-28hp, 3d4 Persistent Fire)
Sun Fire - TBD (-48hp)

Incendiary Aura Persistent Damage - Harpy 1: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 4, 4) = 11
Flat check, DC 15: 1d20 ⇒ 12

Through Alaric's will a blazing curtain of fire erupts from the ground, flaming licking and crackling in the air.

In the same moment Talos strikes out with sword and rapier, ending the life of one of the harpies. And then he jumps through the fire!
Wall of Fire vs Talos: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 2, 3) = 9 plus 3d4 persistent fire
Incendiary Aura Persistent Damage - Talos: 3d4 ⇒ (3, 3, 1) = 7

ROUND 2
Harpy 1 - Stunned (-55hp, Stunned 1, 3d4 Persistent Fire)
Jaqard - Flurry (-18hp)
Harpy 3 - Strike
Alaric - Wall of Fire (-36hp)
Talos - Kill! (-16hp, 3d4 Persistent Fire)
Harpy 2 - DEAD
Sun Fire - Go (-48hp)

Will save vs DC 26: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32 for Damage (Mental): 4d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 1, 5) = 11 and Frightened 1

A momentary panic falls over the harpy targeted by Sun Fire Boom Boom's dire illusion, but it's not enough to kill the creature outright. The arrow the goblin fires manages to clip the other harpy though.

Fort save vs DC 26: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

Jaqard manages to land a solitary blow, once again taking the breath away from his foe. GM had rolled the Fort save wrong last time, but even with the right modifier you pulled off a stunning fist success

The third harpy lets out another primal screech and begins furiously clawing at Jaqard.
Talon vs Jaqard: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (5) + 21 = 26
Damage (S): 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (4, 3) + 8 = 15

Talon vs Jaqard: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29
Damage (S): 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (4, 6) + 8 = 18

Talon vs Jaqard: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17
Damage (S): 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (4, 6) + 8 = 18

It manages to rend flesh, though most of the assault is dodged by the nimble monk.

ROUND 2
Harpy 1 - Stunned (-44hp, Stunned 1)
Jaqard - Flurry (-18hp)
Harpy 3 - Strike
Alaric - Go (-36hp)
Talos - Go
Harpy 2 - TBD (-68hp)
Sun Fire - TBD (-48hp)

Dust begins to swirl as Alaric's power manifests. Meanwhile, Talos blurs forward to strike at a weak point in a harpy's flesh.

The shriek that follows from the harpy is terrible. It washes over the Pathfinders in a disorienting wave!
All - DC 24 Fort save vs Disorienting Shriek. Success or failure looks like the below.
Critical Success The creature is unaffected.
Success The creature is clumsy 1 for 1 round.
Failure The creature is clumsy 1 for 1 minute.
Critical Failure The creature is clumsy 2 for 1 minute.

It follows up the shriek with a swipe of its wicked looking claws, aiming to disembowel Talos.
Claw vs Talos: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (17) + 18 = 35
Damage (S): 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1, 1) + 6 = 8 (likely x2)

ROUND 1
Harpy 1 - Sing + Spear (-17hp, Stunned 3)
Jaqard - Flurry
Harpy 3 - Sonic Screech
Alaric - Step + Aura (-36hp)
Talos - CRIT
Harpy 2 - Shriek + Claw (-57hp)
Sun Fire - Go + Reflex & Fort save

ROUND 2
Harpy 1 - Stunned (-17hp)
Jaqard - Go + Fort save
Harpy 3 - TBD
Alaric - TBD + Fort save (-36hp)
Talos - TBD + Fort save
Harpy 2 - TBD (-57hp)
Sun Fire - TBD