Children of the Mud

Deuce Traveler

Adventurer
Lem takes in the smell at the cook's house and grins, "Well, sir, I thought we might trade some recipes to be honest. I've been working with drying slices of banana fruit and dipping them in coconut oil in order to give them a sweeter taste and to help preserve them. Then I dry them again and serve. So I thought I had the greatest idea for sweetening party snacks, but upon smelling your pastries I realize there are some other oils I could have used. Some of what you have seems to have been covered in some sort of citrus-like batter. What did you use, if I may ask, or is it a trade secret? Oh, and by the by, we were also wondering if you had any words on those strange cultists that had been appearing in the city lately," Lem says adding the last as an afterthought.
 

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sunshadow21

Explorer
OOC: Sorry about the delay. Ended up having to run a session for my real life game that I share DMing duties with at the last minute. Will get a post up sometime today.
 

sunshadow21

Explorer
OOC: temple
"Some concerns is merely a starting point, I am afraid. If you have the time, I would suggest we continue this conversation at my house, where I have my notes."
OOC: Assuming agreement to keep things moving along.
Following Andolyn, Larissa soon finds herself in an older neighborhood approaching an older two story house surrounded by gardens. You enter the backdoor and walk into a big kitchen that is smelling absolutely marvelous with all sorts of dishes laid out on the counters. Andolyn rings a bell, and a gingerbread golem appears, with orders to the golem following quickly. "Please escort our guest to the back parlor and inform my husband we have guests." Turning to Larissa, "I will join you in the parlor after I gather some notes together. In the mean time, I suspect that Gendrew probably has a few bits of leftovers you can snack on. Please resist any urge to eat our butler; we are both very busy right now, and don't have time to replace body parts at the moment." The golem leads Larissa to a back parlor, obviously setup for business meetings, containing a large table against one wall and numerous options for sitting.

OOC: Cook's House
Gendrew seems to be taking some time to craft his reply when the gingerbread golem appears at the door to the room. At a series of grunts and gestures, Gendrew turns back to the group, "It appears that my wife has returned from her investigations and apparently found someone else looking into the matter in the process. She is the one you would need to discuss these new cultists with; I have simply made a few inquiries at her behest. Our butler here will take you back to the parlor where she conducts her business. As for exchanging recipes, I am always looking for new ideas. If you find yourself with spare time after talking with my wife, I will be in the kitchen putting some finishing touches on tomorrow's dinner before packing it up to be taken to the feast hall." With that, he bows and returns to the kitchen. After you have all gathered your things, the golem takes you to a back parlor where you find Larissa waiting.

OOC: Back Parlor

The party has a few minutes to compare notes before Andolyn returns. "You must be the ones my husband's inquiries pulled in. I am glad to see that others are showing concern. This threat is bigger than most here in Venza truly understand, and even I and my associates know more than a few details here and there."
 

mfloyd3

Explorer
Larissa nods to her companions as they enter. "It seems our paths cross again," she observes. "I hope you have learned more on your journey than I on mine. The Children of the Mud have vandalized a temple this morn, and reduced an acolyte to a babbling fool. But I've learned nothing of who did it or how."



[sblock=Larissa stat block]
Larissa
Initiative: +0
AC: 22 (22 flat-footed, 11 Touch)
HP: 93 Current: 93
CMB: +11 CMD: 22
Fort: +11 Reflex: +3 Will: +10 (currently wearing Cloak of Protection)
PER Roll: +3
Move: 30’ (w/boots of Striding & Springing)
Current Weapon in Hand: Greatsword

Weapons:
+2 Greatsword Attack: +14/+9 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2)]
Damage: 2d6+8, Crit: 19-20/x2,
Special: pommel is hollow, contains scripture
Pow Att w/+2 Greatsword Attack: +12/+7 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2) +PA(-2)]
Damage: 2d6+14, Crit: 19-20/x2,




Spells prepared:
0 Level (4) Level 01 (5+1) Level 02 (4+1)
* Detect Magic * Bless * Shatter
* Read Magic * Protection from Evil * Resist Energy
* Light * Detect Evil * Grace
* Guidance * Obscuring Mist * Zone of Truth
* *unassigned * D: Spiritual Weapon
* D: Shield of Faith


Level 03 (4+1) Level 04 (2+1)

* Speak with Dead * Summon Monster IV
* Remove Curse * Divination
* D: Holy Smite
* Dispel Magic
* Searing Light
* D: Heroism



Channeling at current level: Channel 4d6,
DC 18 =(10 + 1/2 Cleric lvl + CHA +2 for Glory) for
Undead to Save.





[/sblock]
 

Maidhc O Casain

Na Bith Mo Riocht Tá!
[section]



Weylyn inhales deeply as his new friend the chef discusses recipes with their new friend, the pastry maker. He draws back a meaty hand that had been reaching for the little gingerbread man as their host warned him against taking a nibble. As the group is reunited with their other members, the mage is introduced and her motives discussed, the blood-mage quirks an eyebrow.
[/section]

[sblock=Actions/Rolls]Nuthin' t' see here![/sblock]
 



sunshadow21

Explorer
OOC: The gingerbread golem is fully human sized, so not little.


Andolyn returns carrying some notes, and the butler is behind carrying another tray of goodies, this time leftover bits from the main courses currently being packed up. "My husband has sent samples for your enjoyment from the bits he didn't need for the wedding dinner. Feel free to eat for a bit while I explain the situation as far as I know it; my husband does so enjoy filling people's bellies. My associates and I first ran into this group a few years ago in a barony on the eastern edge of the Baronies. As far as we can tell they originate from the Great Delta or the Great Chasm regions. Aside from pure chaos, their intent is unknown, though reports from an one of the adventurers who first drew our attention to the group suggests that some ancient and powerful source from the Abyss is behind it. My associates believe that they are getting close to finding out more concrete details, but I have not been able to go out there and personally investigate due to the appearance of this group operating under the name you are familiar within Venza itself. I have been tracking them to the best of my ability since their arrival, but even my reasonably extensive network of contacts has been insufficient to glean many details. They have been here a few months and are led by a high priest who, along with a few acolytes, live and operate out of a extradimensional temple anchored to a plain looking slab of dried mud that apparently doubles as their altar. This anchor is periodically moved around at random times and to random places. Pinning down it's exact location at any given time has proven to be exasperating and beyond the means of the few of us that have grown increasingly concerned about the group and its activities. At first, activity was limited and random, but in the last month, it has increased both in quantity and amplitude. Where it started out as followers dying their hair bright pink, we have reached the level you are aware of, with near daily incidents spread out across the city. Something has changed to cause them to openly act, and we don't know what. If any of you know anything further and/or are willing to help track down this temple, your assistance would be greatly appreciated."
 

Deuce Traveler

Adventurer
Lem shrugs and says, "I was able to follow everything up until the food discussion ended. So where do we go searching for this slab that acts as an altar?"
 

mfloyd3

Explorer
Larissa does not partake of the offered food, the gingerbread man having somehow put her off of her appetite. But she considers the mage's words.

"Are any of your associates priests?" She asks. "Have you attempted to seek divine guidance?"

[sblock=ooc]For context, she is considering using her own Divination spell.[/sblock]



[sblock=Larissa stat block]
Larissa
Initiative: +0
AC: 22 (22 flat-footed, 11 Touch)
HP: 93 Current: 93
CMB: +11 CMD: 22
Fort: +11 Reflex: +3 Will: +10 (currently wearing Cloak of Protection)
PER Roll: +3
Move: 30’ (w/boots of Striding & Springing)
Current Weapon in Hand: Greatsword

Weapons:
+2 Greatsword Attack: +14/+9 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2)]
Damage: 2d6+8, Crit: 19-20/x2,
Special: pommel is hollow, contains scripture
Pow Att w/+2 Greatsword Attack: +12/+7 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2) +PA(-2)]
Damage: 2d6+14, Crit: 19-20/x2,




Spells prepared:
0 Level (4) Level 01 (5+1) Level 02 (4+1)
* Detect Magic * Bless * Shatter
* Read Magic * Protection from Evil * Resist Energy
* Light * Detect Evil * Grace
* Guidance * Obscuring Mist * Zone of Truth
* *unassigned * D: Spiritual Weapon
* D: Shield of Faith


Level 03 (4+1) Level 04 (2+1)

* Speak with Dead * Summon Monster IV
* Remove Curse * Divination
* D: Holy Smite
* Dispel Magic
* Searing Light
* D: Heroism



Channeling at current level: Channel 4d6,
DC 18 =(10 + 1/2 Cleric lvl + CHA +2 for Glory) for
Undead to Save.





[/sblock]
 


mfloyd3

Explorer
[sblock=ooc] Sorry for the delay, been a busy few days. [/sblock]

Reflecting on the situation, Larissa fishes a scrap of parchment from her pouch. "I did find this in the acolyte's quarters at the temple," she offers. "A map of some kind. Do any of you recognize this place?"




[sblock=Larissa stat block]
Larissa
Initiative: +0
AC: 22 (22 flat-footed, 11 Touch)
HP: 93 Current: 93
CMB: +11 CMD: 22
Fort: +11 Reflex: +3 Will: +10 (currently wearing Cloak of Protection)
PER Roll: +3
Move: 30’ (w/boots of Striding & Springing)
Current Weapon in Hand: Greatsword

Weapons:
+2 Greatsword Attack: +14/+9 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2)]
Damage: 2d6+8, Crit: 19-20/x2,
Special: pommel is hollow, contains scripture
Pow Att w/+2 Greatsword Attack: +12/+7 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2) +PA(-2)]
Damage: 2d6+14, Crit: 19-20/x2,




Spells prepared:
0 Level (4) Level 01 (5+1) Level 02 (4+1)
* Detect Magic * Bless * Shatter
* Read Magic * Protection from Evil * Resist Energy
* Light * Detect Evil * Grace
* Guidance * Obscuring Mist * Zone of Truth
* *unassigned * D: Spiritual Weapon
* D: Shield of Faith


Level 03 (4+1) Level 04 (2+1)

* Speak with Dead * Summon Monster IV
* Remove Curse * Divination
* D: Holy Smite
* Dispel Magic
* Searing Light
* D: Heroism



Channeling at current level: Channel 4d6,
DC 18 =(10 + 1/2 Cleric lvl + CHA +2 for Glory) for
Undead to Save.





[/sblock]
 

sunshadow21

Explorer
Andolyn takes the scrap of parchment and looks at it for a second. "This is most helpful indeed. We have occasionally found such indicators before, but we either lacked people to investigate fully in a timely manner or we found it too late to be of any use. With you to look into it, I can have a friend figure out it's precise location and perhaps we will get lucky and the temple hasn't moved since the acolyte contacted it, as it is clear that the acolyte had to be the one responsible for this act, something that is disturbing. If this cult has managed to spread it's influence into the ranks of the acolytes and priests, we need to stamp this out now, before it gets even harder to stop. I will contact my friend now if you would like to discuss amongst yourself how to best approach this. I will point out that while removal is by far the primary goal, any information you can acquire in the process would be very helpful in preventing a resurgence later as well as possibly get us closer to finding the root source elsewhere. If you need any coin or particular supplies to aid you, let me know when I return and I will see what I can do to arrange it." With that, she leaves to talk to her friend and you have a chance to discuss your next steps.

[sblock=Investigation rewards]CR 5
Encounter XP = 1600 total/400 each
Treasure = none[/sblock]
 

mfloyd3

Explorer
Larissa watches the mage leave, and looks about the room. Then she leans in close to her comrades.

"How much do you trust them?" she asks quietly, clearly referring to their hosts.




[sblock=Larissa stat block]
Larissa
Initiative: +0
AC: 22 (22 flat-footed, 11 Touch)
HP: 93 Current: 93
CMB: +11 CMD: 22
Fort: +11 Reflex: +3 Will: +10 (currently wearing Cloak of Protection)
PER Roll: +3
Move: 30’ (w/boots of Striding & Springing)
Current Weapon in Hand: Greatsword

Weapons:
+2 Greatsword Attack: +14/+9 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2)]
Damage: 2d6+8, Crit: 19-20/x2,
Special: pommel is hollow, contains scripture
Pow Att w/+2 Greatsword Attack: +12/+7 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2) +PA(-2)]
Damage: 2d6+14, Crit: 19-20/x2,




Spells prepared:
0 Level (4) Level 01 (5+1) Level 02 (4+1)
* Detect Magic * Bless * Shatter
* Read Magic * Protection from Evil * Resist Energy
* Light * Detect Evil * Grace
* Guidance * Obscuring Mist * Zone of Truth
* *unassigned * D: Spiritual Weapon
* D: Shield of Faith


Level 03 (4+1) Level 04 (2+1)

* Speak with Dead * Summon Monster IV
* Remove Curse * Divination
* D: Holy Smite
* Dispel Magic
* Searing Light
* D: Heroism



Channeling at current level: Channel 4d6,
DC 18 =(10 + 1/2 Cleric lvl + CHA +2 for Glory) for
Undead to Save.





[/sblock]
 

sunshadow21

Explorer
To help you out, the party does know a bit about your hosts from Lem and Menik:

Gendrew is a master cook who makes a very comfortable living preparing and serving feasts for the nobility of Venza. Most of the extra cash goes to the perfection of an edible golem, which Gendrew sees as his ultimate contribution to the culinary world.

Andolyn is a retired adventurer who, after marrying Gendrew, works mostly as a consultant for the nobility of Venza, and, as you have discovered, a consultant for former associates on various projects, such as this cult. She is known to have studied the differences between arcane and divine magic in the past, making her a potentially valuable ally in trying to understand, track down, and stop this cult.

Both are, to the best of the party's knowledge, upstanding citizen, who tend to live fairly quiet lives outside of their professional pursuits, rarely bothering anyone and rarely giving too many folks reason to bother them.
 


sunshadow21

Explorer
Andolyn returns shortly with the location of a small, run down farm on the outskirts of town and a suggestion that what little is known is that most people visit the temple at midnight. After a few hours of sleep, since tonight is going to be very long, and preparation, the party finds themselves on the edge of a run down farmstead. The building indicated by Larissa's clue seems to be an old tool shed in the middle of a run down vegetable garden.

OOC: Include any preparations you may have made in your next post. I will update once the majority of the party has arrived at the farm.
 

Maidhc O Casain

Na Bith Mo Riocht Tá!
[section]



Weylyn sleeps deeply, eats heartily, splashes a little cold water on his face and under his arms, checks his knife in its sheath, adjusts his cestus, slings Muutos over his shoulder and heads for the farmhouse. Finding himself the first to arrive, he finds a convenient tree to lean against and waits patiently for the others.
[/section]

[sblock=Actions/Rolls]Nuthin' t' see here![/sblock]

[sblock=StatBlock]
Weylyn Wealbetwyn
Male aasimar bloodrager 9 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Class Guide 15, Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 7)
NG Medium outsider (native)
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +12
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 20, touch 13, flat-footed 17 (+7 armor, +2 Dex, +1 dodge)
hp 110 (9d10+36)
Fort +9, Ref +5, Will +6; +2 bonus vs. spells cast by self or an ally
Defensive Abilities blood sanctuary, improved uncanny dodge; DR 1/—; Resist acid 5, cold 5, electricity 5
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 50 ft.
Melee cold iron dagger +12/+7 (1d4+3/19-20) or
. . muutos +13/+8 (2d6+5/×3) or
. . silver cestus +12/+7 (1d4+3/19-20)
Special Attacks blood casting, bloodrage (23 rounds/day), staggering strike
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 9th; concentration +11)
. . 1—corruption resistance (vs evil hr/lvl on self)[APG] (DC 14)
Bloodrager Spells Known (CL 9th; concentration +11)
. . 2nd (2/day)—elemental touch[APG], glitterdust (DC 14), ironskin, stone discus[ACG]
. . 1st (3/day)—blade lash[ACG], blurred movement[ACG], enlarge person (DC 13), magic missile, stone fist[APG], thunderstomp[ACG]
. . Bloodline Aberrant
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 16, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 15
Base Atk +9; CMB +12; CMD 25
Feats Bludgeoner[UC], Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Enforcer[APG], Eschew Materials, Extra Rage, Iron Will, Power Attack
Traits armor expert, resilient (will)
Skills Acrobatics +12 (+20 to jump), Climb +9, Handle Animal +6, Intimidate +14, Linguistics +3, Perception +12, Sense Motive +2, Spellcraft +4, Survival +5 (+7 to get along in the wild, endure severe weather, avoid getting lost, spot natural hazards, and predict weather), Swim +9
Languages Aklo, Celestial, Custom Language, Dwarven, Low Landellan
SQ abnormal reach, fast movement, truespeaker
Other Gear +1 mithral breastplate, muutos[UE], cold iron dagger, silver cestus[APG], boots of swift fury[ACG], ring of vengeful blood magic[ACG], basic maps (major landmarks only), bedroll, blanket[APG], candle (2), chalk, everburning torch, flint and steel, hammer, hammock[UE], knife, utility (0.5 lb), masterwork backpack[APG], mess kit[UE], piton (4), sack (2), silk rope (50 ft.), sunrod (3), tindertwig (4), torch (2), trail rations (6), waterskin (2), 161 gp, 1 sp
--------------------
Special Abilities
--------------------
Abnormal Reach (Su) Increase reach by 5 ft when raging.
Armor Expert -1 Armor check penalty.
Blood Casting (Su) Cast bloodrager spells while in bloodrage.
Blood Sanctuary +2 (Su) +2 bonus to save vs. spells cast by self or an ally.
Bloodrage (23 rounds/day) (Su) +4 Str, +4 Con, +2 to Will saves, -2 to AC when enraged.
Bludgeoner Inflict nonlethal damage with bludgeoning weapons
Boots of swift fury While raging, +4 def to AC vs. AoO from moving through or out of threat area, or casting spell.
Combat Reflexes (3 AoO/round) Can make extra attacks of opportunity/rd, and even when flat-footed.
Damage Reduction (1/-) You have Damage Reduction against all attacks.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white vision only).
Energy Resistance, Acid (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Acid attacks.
Energy Resistance, Cold (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Cold attacks.
Energy Resistance, Electricity (5) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Electricity attacks.
Enforcer If you deal nonlethal damage with a melee weapon, make a free Intimidate check to demoralize.
Eschew Materials Cast spells without materials, if component cost is 1 gp or less.
Fast Movement +10 (Ex) +10 feet to speed, unless heavily loaded.
Improved Uncanny Dodge (Lv >=13) (Ex) Retain DEX bonus to AC when flat-footed. You cannot be flanked unless the attacker is Level 13+.
Power Attack -3/+6 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage.
Ring of vengeful blood magic (3/day) While bloodraging, cast spell (std act or less) as Attack of Opportunity.
Staggering Strike (DC 17) (Su) On critical hit when raging, target is staggered 1 rd (Fort neg).
Truespeaker Learn two languages for each rank you put in Linguistics.
[/sblock]
 

kinem

Adventurer
Menik meditates in the elven style while he can, and eats a light dinner. His spells for the day are already prepared.

Before arriving at the suspected cult hideout he casts mage armor on himself. He'll also cast a message spell at the others to facilitate communication.

Doesn't look like much. This could be a wild grig chase.
 

mfloyd3

Explorer
Larissa wakes from her nap in the temple quarters, makes her devotions, and dons her armor. But she sets aside her fine white cloak, choosing instead to cover herself with a dull gray one. She makes her way to the rendezvous.

She slips up beside Menik. "Ho, there," she offers quietly. "Any sign of trouble?"

[sblock=ooc]
She has donned her Cloak of Elvenkind.
[/sblock]



[sblock=Larissa stat block]
Larissa
Initiative: +0
AC: 22 (22 flat-footed, 11 Touch)
HP: 93 Current: 93
CMB: +11 CMD: 22
Fort: +10 Reflex: +2 Will: +9 (currently wearing Cloak of Resistance)
PER Roll: +3
Move: 30’ (w/boots of Striding & Springing)
Current Weapon in Hand: Greatsword

Weapons:
+2 Greatsword Attack: +14/+9 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2)]
Damage: 2d6+8, Crit: 19-20/x2,
Special: pommel is hollow, contains scripture
Pow Att w/+2 Greatsword Attack: +12/+7 = [BAB(6/1) + STR(4) + WF(1) + Magic(2) +PA(-2)]
Damage: 2d6+14, Crit: 19-20/x2,




Spells prepared:
0 Level (4) Level 01 (5+1) Level 02 (4+1)
* Detect Magic * Bless * Shatter
* Read Magic * Protection from Evil * Resist Energy
* Light * Detect Evil * Grace
* Guidance * Obscuring Mist * Zone of Truth
* *unassigned * D: Spiritual Weapon
* D: Shield of Faith


Level 03 (4+1) Level 04 (2+1)

* Speak with Dead * Summon Monster IV
* Remove Curse * Divination
* D: Holy Smite
* Dispel Magic
* Searing Light
* D: Heroism



Channeling at current level: Channel 4d6,
DC 18 =(10 + 1/2 Cleric lvl + CHA +2 for Glory) for
Undead to Save.





[/sblock]




[sblock=Larissa stat block]
Larissa
Initiative: +0
AC: 21 (21 flat-footed, 10 Touch)
HP: 63 Current: 63
CMB: +7 CMD: 17
Fort: +9 Reflex: +2 Will: +7
PER Roll: +2
Current Weapon in Hand: Greatsword

Weapons:
+1 Greatsword Attack: +9 = [BAB(4) + STR(3) + WF(1) + Magic(1)]
Damage: 2d6+4, Crit: 19-20/x2,
Special: pommel is hollow, contains scripture
Pow Att w/+1 Greatsword Attack: +7 = [BAB(4) + STR(3) + WF(1) + Magic(1)]
Damage: 2d6+10, Crit: 19-20/x2,

Pilum: Attack: +4 = [BAB(4) + DEX(0) + Misc(0) + Magic(0)]
Damage: 1d8+3, Crit: 20/x2, 20' Range incr.
Special: successful strike fouls a shield

Spells prepared:
0 Level (4) Level 01 (4+1) Level 02 (3+1)
* Detect Magic * Bless * Bull's Strength
* Read Magic * Protection from Evil * Bull's Strength
* Light * Detect Evil * Protection from Evil, Communal
* Guidance * Remove Fear * D: Spiritual Weapon
* D: Shield of Faith

Level 03
Daybreak Arrow
D: Heroism


Channeling at current level: Channel 3d6,
DC 16 =(10 + 1/2 Cleric lvl + CHA +2 for Glory) for
Undead to Save. 5x/day, Selective (skip up to 2 targets)


Weapons:
+1 Greatsword Attack: +9 = [BAB(4) + STR(3) + WF(1) + Magic(1)]
Damage: 2d6+4, Crit: 19-20/x2,
Special: pommel is hollow, contains scripture
Pow Att w/+1 Greatsword Attack: +7 = [BAB(4) + STR(3) + WF(1) + Magic(1)]
Damage: 2d6+10, Crit: 19-20/x2,

Pilum: Attack: +4 = [BAB(4) + DEX(0) + Misc(0) + Magic(0)]
Damage: 1d8+3, Crit: 20/x2, 20' Range incr.
Special: successful strike fouls a shield

[/sblock]
 

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