Venture Teller Play b'Post |
Alpha Team (formerly: first table, low tier)
"Welcome Pathfinders," a clerk says and removes a large pirate hat with a long frond of seaweed where the feather should be. "Please come in and introduce yourself. Your Venture Captain is on a schedule and will be here shortly."
The room is typical of a Pathfinder lodge: a large wooden table with a pewter bowl of fruit, small windows unshuttered to let the light in, several chairs, perches, and rugs for comfortable seating of all kinds.
Please give us a description of your character and introduce yourself. This will dot the thread so it shows up in your Campaigns tag even though we won't go much farther before the 27th. Welcome :)
Rowanna Nachtalus |
A young human woman of Chelish descent makes her way into the room and sighs at the fact that she's the first one to arrive. Her shoulder length dark hair hangs to her shoulders and she's clad in a black explorer's outfit. Her lack of any major offensive weapons and the number of wands hanging from her belt perhaps indicate her arcane interests. On her shoulder is perched a black raven that nervously peers around the room as if expecting trouble.
Much more composed than her raven, her crystal blue eyes peer at the clerk and his choice of headwear, "Rowanna Nachtalus with my raven Morrey. I do hope this isn't going to be a nautical mission."
Silas Proth |
Silas walks into the room, his every step accompanied by the soft metallic grinding of the joints in his armor and occasionally the muffled ringing of his iron holy symbol hitting against his breastplate. A tower of metal and scales, he nearly has to duck to walk through the doorway. The holy symbol at his chest bears the sword-and-sunburst of Iomedae, and at his waist is a jeweled sword with a mithral handle, sitting in a comparatively ordinary scabbard. "I'm Silas. Nice to meet you."
Venture Teller Play b'Post |
Discussion thread now active. Please check in. Also my GM Avatar has some useful PbP links in the profile.
Warpac |
Warpac ready to go!
Fong, Zhen |
A strapping young man enters. He is bald and simple robes. A few belt pouches around his middle. A sword from his temple on his back. He takes a bit of fruit before sitting cross-legged on a carpet. He munches, taking in the room and see if any would approach to introduce themselves.
Warpac |
Warpac is a stereotypical dwarf. Armored to the hilt and carrying one of those fancy double bladed war axes they are so fond of. He has a nervous habit of twirling said ax and thumping things loudly as punctuation to everything he says. Definitely a guy you want between you and any monstrocity, unless you are, say, a suicidal paladin or under-dressed and overconfident monk.
"Unph. I'm with you little lady. Always did prefer good solid land under my feet."
Fong, Zhen |
Looks with a steady gaze at Warpac. "The name is Fong. Zhen Fong."
Bom Skjold |
Bom strolls in to the room, almost fashionably late, except it's clear Bom and his grey wolf are clearly not concerned with fashion. The dark haired human has Uflen features and plops down on the softest chair available and calls his wolf over to him. The ranger carries a heavy wooden spiked shield and an assortment of weapons. Though he smiles easily, there is something that seems to weigh on the man's mind.
"Bom and Ulfur, we got our marching orders yet?"
Warpac |
Noticing that the monk is still staring at him, Warpac finally responds, "Warpac"
Bom Skjold |
Bom erupts in laughter at the dwarf.
Venture Teller Play b'Post |
We begin the tale in the Heidmarch Lodge in Magnimar.
Rain patters outside the windows of Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch’s study in Magnimar. Zarta Dralneen, leader of the Dark Archive, also waits nearby with a glass of red wine in her hand and a thoughtful look on her face.
“Greetings, Pathfinders,” the venture-captain begins. “We have an important mission for you inside Cheliax. Several days ago, we received word that the Hellknights of the Order of the Gate issued a call for aid at the Menador Gap. Apparently Chelish forces are spread thin these days. Imagine their surprise when we volunteered to help.”
“As I’m sure you know,” Zarta cuts in, “the Society has enjoyed few opportunities to explore Cheliax since the shuttering of the Delvehaven lodge in Westcrown decades ago. Luckily, we still had a Pathfinder agent in the country, an eccentric man by the name of Olandil. He has been gathering and protecting Pathfinder Society records and creating a journal of historically valuable sites within Cheliax that remain unexplored. For years, an embargo trapped Olandil in the port town of Pezzack, but a group of your fellow agents recently arranged for his escape. As it happens, one of the sites in Olandil’s journal lies close to the Menador Gap. Called The Temple of the Sky, this site supposedly contains a host of magical pillars that hold ancient knowledge. I’m sure you’ll agree that such knowledge is best kept safe within the Dark Archives, which is why we would like you to obtain a transcription of each pillar."
“Equally important to recovering these tablets,” Zarta continues, “is your mission to aid the Hellknights in securing the Menador Mountains. The details are vague, but we are told that the diviners of their order determined that a chaotic catastrophe is brewing somewhere in the peaks, and we suspect orcs are involved. Pathfinders, myself included, have come into conflict with Hellknights in the past, but they are still useful allies who share a number of our goals. Helping eliminate the threat will strengthen our alliance and ensure Hellknight aid in the future.”
The venture-captain adds, “I have arranged for a teleport spell to take you directly to the Hellknight expedition. Hellknights are not known for their patience. Please make your necessary preparations and return here as soon as possible.”
Bom Skjold |
Bom will cast Longstrider on himself and Shield Companion on the wolf just before teleport. He'll also ask someone to use his wand to cast Mage Armor on the wolf.
Venture Teller Play b'Post |
Knowledge (local)
Knowledge (geography) a second Kn (local) can also be used
Fong, Zhen |
No Know.: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
No Know.: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
"I do remember something. Hellknights look to Hell as an example of perfect order, Hellknight orders are not inherently evil organizations. Within an order, there is a strict hierarchy, with the lictor at the top and the trainees, known as armigers, at the bottom. Most Hellknights simply use the title Hellknight, though spellcasters instead use the title signifer."
Fong, Zhen |
Looks to the Venture Captain, "Aye I am prepared."
Warpac |
Warpac has no special preparations to make.
"Me too. Let's get on with it."
Bom Skjold |
K. Geography w/Wayfinder: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 Don't know if this check is benefited by Favored Terrain Urban, is so, I add +2
Gather Info: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 If I can use Gather Info instead of K. Local
"Ah yes, I do recall some Ulfen stories about the Menador Gap. As I recall, it is the only passage between the Menador Mountains and the Ravounel Forest. At its narrowest point is a fortress called Menador Keep. Yes, those Chelaxians use that fortress to heavily tax all traffic through the mountains. Of course Ulfur has no money so it's not a concern for him."
Bom grins at the wolf.
Rowanna Nachtalus |
Knowledge (local) 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Knowledge (local) 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
A small smile lights up Rowanna's face as Zarta Dralneen presents herself for to explain the mission. After listening intently through the duration of the briefing, she politely waits for an opportunity to ask, "May I ask who is the leader of the Hellknight expedition? Is there anything helpful that we should know about the leadership? What can you tell us about this Order of the Gate?"
As she waits for Zarta's answers, Rowanna informs the others, "Despite the Hellknights presence in the Menador Gap, there are still numerous hazards to beware of such as landslides and dangerous flying monsters."
Warpac |
I hate flying monsters. I really SHOULD get a potion of flying, I really should, but I just can't bring myself to do it. A flying dwarf is just not natural.
Silas Proth |
"I don't know anything about these Hellknights. But anything with the word 'hell' in its name must have some connection to the demons. I don't think we should be working with them at all."
"It's not as bad as that," says a metallic voice. "They have their code, you have yours. The Society works with them when everyone's goals align. If you don't cross them, they won't cross you."
Silas exhales. "If you say so. I still don't think I trust them-- but I'll trust you."
"Thats the first intelligent thing you've done in weeks. The great Vassal of Iomedae, taking advice from a sword."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Warpac |
"Actually, they have connections with devils, not demons, which is worse if you ask me. They really don't like demons which is one of the areas Pathfinders find common ground, you know. I think they also deal with Archons so, in spite of their name, I do believe they include champions of good as well as evil. One thing they agree on is the need for order and laws. Annoyingly so. Rules, rules, rules."
Bom Skjold |
Bom raises an eyebrow at the mention of flying creatures.
"Hmm. Uflur's flying skills leave much to be desired, and I've never been found of a bow. Gets in the way of my shield. Does anyone have a suggestion on how we contend with these airborne assailants? There is a ranger spell what might reveal a landslide...but alas, I do not have the spell prepared."
Warpac |
"I hear a tanglefoot bag, if it lands right, can really mess up a flyer. They even have some that work with arrows! That would be my recommendation. Warpac looks around to see if anyone carries a bow."
Silas Proth |
Silas has a bow. He's not great with it, but he has one.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Rowanna Nachtalus |
"If you buy potions of Fly or purchase a scroll that I can use on you, you needed not have to bother with ranged weapons if they aren't your forte." Rowanna mentions with a minor shrug.
Warpac |
"Actually, flying is not my forte. It's unnatural, I tell you."
Venture Teller Play b'Post |
If you would like to make a purchase based on the description provided, please say so.
VC Heidmarch puts down her wine and signals to a servant. She looks to Zarta who shrugs and answers Rowanna's question. "Not much is known. They will choose an expert in planar lore, for as Warpac says, we share an enemy of demons. That is probably why the Order of the Gate leads as well. They are a Hellknight order focused on the pursuit of knowledge, both infernal and arcane. Their signifers outnumber the rank-and-file knights—an anomaly among the Hellknight orders— and they operate from nearby Citadel Enferac. Other Hellknight orders fear and respect theirpower. You would do well to respect it also.”
The servant returns with a robed man who instructs everyone to take his hand. He starts to cant and suddenly the world is spinning. With a small pop the rainy day of Magnimar is replaced by clear mountain air. The party now stands in a small clearing in the midst of a field of boulders and hoary trees. To the north, the ground slants sharply upward and leads into mountainous peaks of jagged rocks. Roiling black clouds are gathered behind the peaks and the region is filled with a hushed quiet.
Ten men and woman all wearing red robes and identical steal masks engraved with a swirling vortex pattern stand about. The Hellknight expedition waits in the clearing, oiling swords and reviewing spellbooks. The eleventh stands up and moves to he pathfinders. She is slightly shorter than the others and a hint of dark hair is visible from under her steel masks.
She stops in front of you as if expecting something, but then a commanding voice pierces the quiet.
“Pathfinders. My name is Signifer Karva and I am in charge of this expedition. The Order of the Gate doesn’t often work with your organization. Under different circumstances, we could have even been enemies. But today that is not so—we share the common purpose of restoring order to this region. Know that at my command, my Hellknights will sacrifice their lives to accomplish this mission, and I expect no less from you. If you truly wish to return home safely, obey my commands and heed your duties.“
Again she stops as if waiting for something, but interrupts with a commanding voice, "Any questions?"
Warpac |
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If you would like to make a purchase based on the description provided, please say so.
Warpac buys a couple of tanglefoot bags.
Silas Proth |
"Restoring order is what we're here for. If your-- er, knights-- are as loyal as that, we won't have any problem. Where are we going?"
Warpac |
"What can I say. I'm here because the Society wants me here, not because I like the way you run things. I'll help, and I'll even obey orders, as long as they are not TOO stupid. As for risking my life, that's just a typical mission for me."
Rowanna Nachtalus |
"I do not foresee any issues as long as we are working towards common goals, Signifer Karva. Before we begin, however, it would be good to know what is the situation on the ground and what is your current mission?"
Fong, Zhen |
Zhen stays the strong and silent type as he let's the others keep the conversation going.
Bom Skjold |
Bom has little to add to the conversation, but finds himself chuckling at Warpac's comments, particularly the insinuation that he has been given stupid orders in the past.
"Warpac, Ulfur and I have got your back."
Warpac |
Why does it always make me nervous when someone says that?
Venture Teller Play b'Post |
The signifier responds in a matter of fact tone. "Our diviners received troubling visions of scarred orcs covered with strange runes, piles of heaped skulls, and swarms of wriggling worms. Worse still, the
diviners sense that the chaotic taint is growing stronger. They sent us to investigate.”
As she speaks the others begin packing their things away.
"We are to restore order to an area increasing chaos. “The source of the chaos is unknown, but we suspect it’s an incursion of planar beasts or undead working in league with a tribe of orcs called the Severed Hand."
She points toward some peaks dark clouds roil on the horizon. “The Severed Hand tribe lives deep in the mountains, roughly a two-day march from here. Our patrols seldom come out this far, so we will be in untamed wilderness for most of the expedition. There is a small peak called Gozreh’s Fork near the edge of the tribe’s territory that offers a good view of the region. We will head there first to get a grasp of where things stand in the mountains.“ The others are ready to go as she finishes. "We march. Step in where you may." She offers to answer any other questions while walking however.
The map is active, please add your avatar to it. Instructions are in my GM profile if you need, but to feel free to ask questions.
Warpac |
Warpac falls in, enjoying the lengthy march, twirling his axe as he goes. To pass the time, he queries his fellow marchers about the area they are passing through.
"So what have you run into out here. Any of you get into a tussle out here before or is this a new thing for all of you? Got any good stories to pass the time?"
Bom Skjold |
As the group prepares to embark,
"Perhaps we should tie us together with a rope? This will help prevent one of us falling to our death.
Rowanna Nachtalus |
"Thank you for the debriefing. Would you mind terribly if I summoned a mount instead of marching?" Rowanna asks politely, only using her wand of Mount to summon a horse if she gets the go ahead from the Hellknights.
Regardless of their response to her Mount question, Rowanna also casts False Life on herself and uses her wand of Mage Armor.
False Life Temp HP: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
If the Mount is cool, please let me know how many hours the walk takes so I can keep track of the wand charges. If it takes more than an hour, she'll wait to use her Mage Armor wand again unless trouble potentially presents itself.
Bom Skjold |
"...and yes, how long is the march?"
If the march is less than an hour, Bom will also wand up
Silas Proth |
"If chaos is spreading, you can bet there are--"
"--demons behind it," the metallic voice finishes. "No doubt you're right. But just in case there isn't" it says, in a voice laden with sarcasm, "I'd suggest not waiting for one to show up. Put that 'smite' of yours to good use, hm?"
Silas laughs. "The Inheritor will do whatever is in her good plan for us, Gamin. And that goes for all of us-- these orcs don't stand a chance, because we have the Lady on our side."
(Don't really have any preparations to make-- Silas will just stay with the group for now.)
Fong, Zhen |
[b}"I am ready."[/b]
Venture Teller Play b'Post |
The march will be long. Possibly days.
An hour of the march began Karva calls for a halt. "Take five knights," she pauses a moment. "And pathfinders. The hellknights find a place to sit, or to stretch or to read from the Asmodean pamphlet. The terrain has grown even more wild than before and the sky darkens.
Five minutes later Karva orders the march to resume. If anyone was counting, it is quite precisley four minutes and 37 seconds. later. A testament to the ordered sense of the Hellknight's personality.
Casting mount is fine, they even offer to cast it for any Small characters to the keep the march orderly. No need to add short term buffs. It is clear the march is expected to be a long while.
Warpac |
Take 10 on the survival roll.
"Looks like a nasty storm is on the way. We should find shelter. I don't think bedrolls is going to be very comfortable out in the open."
But then I'm just a dwarf so what do I know. Strange the things you learn about in the society.
Silas Proth |
They keep themselves in line. I'll say that, Silas thinks watching the Hellknights. Maybe they have more redeeming qualities than I thought at first.
Upon Warpac's suggestion, he looks up at the sky. "Hm. We wouldn't want to get caught out in a storm. Do you know of anywhere we could hole up for awhile?" he asks the woman.
Fong, Zhen |
"Aye, shelter would be preferred."
Rowanna Nachtalus |
"Ahem. My companions note that some severe weather is coming. Perhaps we can find some shelter until it goes past? If you lose equipment or people power to whatever is coming, it would perhaps cause more problems overall then a slight delay in our schedule." Rowanna also suggests to Signifer Karva.
Venture Teller Play b'Post |
"That storm is a concern, Karva agrees. She considers her Hellknight's, the Pathfinder's views, the terrain about them and a map she has of the area. "Make whatever preparations you want, but for now we continue."
Untrained if you want:
After the next hour the Signifier calls for another break. The Hellknights adjust their packs, clean their boots, and one even pulls a spare set of bracers from her backpack and begins engraves runic swirls into the metal. Many discussions of the esoteric laws and codes of the Order of the Gate grow to a lively banter during the break. After a five minute break, the march continues.
After the rest Karva looks to the storm and to their path ahead, but she deems it safe enough to continue for at least another hour. At the end of every hour she calls another break and soon four hours have passed.
The Hellknights are gracious hosts and cautious travelers. Even for all their strait forwardness they are approachable and introduce themselves when asked.
I am struggling to keep three tables with 10 individual Hellknights all having interesting and unique personalities and keeping the thread moving. Please go to the Campaign info thread and choose a Hellknight that your character might interact with, then place a little of that interaction here. Five people adding a little bit of background will be easier than one and I do not want to bog down an already slow medium. If that sort of writing doesn't interest you, please don't feel pressured. If you do like to: Thanks! :)
Silas Proth |
I'd like to talk to whichever has the nicest-looking sword (from among the ones carrying swords).
Silas finds himself next to a particular Hellknight during one of their breaks. "That's a fine sword you're wearing. Does it have a name?"
Fong, Zhen |
Survival, untrained: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Zhen walking with his head down as the winds pick up with the upcoming storm. He is braced for what is to come.
During one of the breaks he tries talking to one of the hellknights. "So what brought you into this order?"