Our Mysterious Benefactor |
A new day dawns in the Osirian trade city of Eto only hours following the meeting with Grandmaster Torch. In exchange for a handful of services, he delivered several maps and sketches of landmarks that collectively point the way to the last known resting place of one or more sage jewels—enchanted gems capable of storing memories of Osirion’s past and reviving the Sapphire Sage Amenopheus’s order. “Those will take you where you want to go,” Torch declared while handing over the maps. “Deviate from the path if you know what you’re doing.” As an afterthought, he added, “You’re not the only ones who know about that site. I hear a group of foreigners set out from Totra not too long ago and are after the same prize. Sounds like there’s no time to waste.”
You make your way to the Caravanserai, where the talk of the area is rumors of gnoll activity in the deserts near Eto. You may make Knowledge Local or Diplomacy (Gather Information) checks to pick up any information on the routes marked on the maps.
Rekgar Boulderstep |
"Then it seems that we must make haste." Turning to his companions.
Diplomacy (Gather Information) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Disgusting rolls.
Sir Quinton Eirador |
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
"We should get some supplies before we leave, though. I don't think we want to be out in the desert with no food or water."
Just to make sure; the 12 gp we paid to get into the city last session was subtracted from our wealth, not from the wealth from the chronicle, correct? Have we had time to gear up a little or is this immediately after the previous session ended (as it appears)?
Rekgar Boulderstep |
Technically from the post it's assumed to be immediately but hey it's PFS! Should be able to purchase gear.
Our Mysterious Benefactor |
It's the next morning. You can probably find a magical weapon in Eto pretty easily.
Quinton, a local caravan driver looks over the map and tells you that the route described is a caravan route, though rarely used these days. He also tells you that the local gnolls have been getting frisky recently and advises you to be careful of them.
Mounts are available in the market. Camels are 150 gp; light horses are 75 gp. There is also one disreputable looking merchant near the outside of the caravanserai who appears to be selling a mule with two flour sacks tied to his back as a 'pygmy camel' for 10 gp. He grins with missing teeth if you come near and in broken Common calls out "Is camel! Very strong! Good for desert! You no regret!"
Hagrym PFS |
"I'm afraid we will have to spring for one of these mounts to make decent time out there, won't we? Wonder if we can get that reimbursed to us? I doubt it," Hagrym grumbles to his friends.
Sir Quinton Eirador |
"Pygmy camels? Those are supposed to bring great luck, I believe!" Sir Quinton says excitedly. "And only 10 gp? I believe we have ourselves a deal, my good sir."
Handing over his coins, Sir Quinton returns to his new companions excitedly.
"Can you believe it? Poor man had no idea what he had. He only wanted 10 gp for it too! I believe I shall name him ... Quickfoot. He reminds me of a faithful steed. As I recall, I found her in a field eating ... no, wait, her name was Pixie, so that can't be right."
-10 gp; +1 pygmy camel
Rekgar Boulderstep |
Rekgar laughs at the sight...
"Does anyone of us know anything about thelay of the land? We might be able to cut our journey short if we do so."
Rekgar is asking about Survival and Knowledge (Geography) Checks.
Our Mysterious Benefactor |
The toothless man happily takes Quinton's money and bolts as soon as it hits his palm. His maniacal laughter can be heard fading into the distance, as well as his shouted "THEY BOUGHT THE CAMEL! HA!"
Hagrym studies the map and by his knowledge of the desert, he believes a straight line across the desert, rather than the circuitous route the map prescribes, would be faster and may shave some time off the journey.
Sir Quinton Eirador |
Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Sir Quinton laughs as the man runs off.
"Poor soul..."
His attention turned back to Hargrym, he shakes his head.
"I'm not sure that's wise. After all, we were warned to stick to the path."
Hagrym PFS |
"Let's start on the path. If we can't make time, we can try for a short cut then." he turns over 150 gp for a camel.
DM, please mark off 150 gp from my chronicle sheet.
Rekgar Boulderstep |
"Let us be off then." Rekgar agrees.
Sir Quinton Eirador RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16 |
Our Mysterious Benefactor |
Riding the pygmy camel would give it a medium load, making its speed 30 feet. It can certainly carry you, even if it does seem to have some sort of incontinence issues...
The link for the maps on Roll20 is here. You'll need a Roll20 account to log in. If you have any questions, let me know.
Our Mysterious Benefactor |
Karos is finishing his taxes and Kurvast needs to drop the game. Shall we continue on with just 4 players or would you like me to see if I can recruit one or two more?
Hagrym PFS |
Up to you, DM. If you want to give Karos a day or two, that's fine with me. If you'd prefer to find another, I'm fine with that, too.
Rekgar Boulderstep |
I'm fine either way.
Our Mysterious Benefactor |
I'm good with giving Karos time. But with him we're only at 4 players. Would you like five?
Sir Quinton Eirador |
IMO, five works nicely for PBP, so if we can find someone quickly, I'd say sure.
Also, is anyone going to try to talk Quinton out of riding his pygmy camel? He's going to slow us down otherwise.
Karos Valdian |
Are the rest of us buying mounts of any sort? I think it would be a good idea. Also,
"You have got to be kidding, Sir Quinton," says Karos. "That thing will die under you, and if it doesn't, it will move at the speed of a slug. We need horses, or full-sized camels."
Sir Quinton Eirador |
"Eh? No, no, pygmy camels are remarkably hardy, don't you know. I'll admit it may be a bit slower, but it will certainly get me there. Haven't you ever heard the story of the tortoise and the cheetah?"
Karos Valdian |
"Have you heard the story of the knight who, left behind in the desert by his annoyed and much faster companions, was dying of thirst when eaten by lions?"
Rekgar Boulderstep |
Rekgar bows.
"They speak truth Friend Quinton."
Gaius Wolcott |
Gaius needs to purchase a camel. Please deduct 150 gp. He also has not purchased his wayfinder, which is another 500 gp.
A rider approaches the Pathfinders from the city as they begin their journey. He rides a camel, but with none of the familiarity that a local might. As he comes closer, the group can tell that he is Andoran, with a serious and weathered face. A longbow sits strapped to his back, along with a quiver full of arrows. He raises his hand in greeting. "Are you all the Pathfinders?" He presents them with his wayfinder, his sign of membership in the Society. "I'm Gaius Wolcott. The V.C. sent me out to give you all a hand. Got room for one more?"
Our Mysterious Benefactor |
You climb aboard your mounts and ready yourself to head into the desert in search of Seeker's Folly. With a ranger onboard, do you still want to follow the map or would you like to take a shorter route?
Hagrym PFS |
"So Gaius, here's our map. Do you think you can get us to this point quicker than simply following the path drawn out here? We've been warned that its not smart to leave the path, but I've never been called the smartest person in the world. What do you think?"
Gaius Wolcott |
Survival 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
"Deserts aren't safe in general, but I should be able to keep us from getting lost if that is the route you want to take. This is my first time in Osirion, but the cardinal directions are the same here as they are everywhere else. The better question is why you were advised not to leave the road, and what SE might gain by ignoring them."
Hagrym PFS |
"If you think you can keep us from getting lost, let's go for the short cut then. I can help out a bit with directions, so let's try to make up for the lost time, then."
Our Mysterious Benefactor |
Saddling up, you head out into the desert! Give me two more Survival checks, please!
Rekgar Boulderstep |
Rekgar hoists himself on one of his companion's camels being light himself due to tavelling light. He bows low in gratitude to his companion while balancing on the camel.
Gaius Wolcott |
Survival (vs. getting lost) 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Survival (vs. getting lost) 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Gaius leads the group into the desert, following the map to their destination. After some time, the total lack of landmarks makes him worry that he has gotten them lost - but checking his wayfinder shows him that they are still on the correct path.
Our Mysterious Benefactor |
Under Gaius' guidance with help from Hagrym, you set out across the desert. Gaius proves to be a good guide, as you make it to the oasis marked on the map as a last stop before Seeker's Folly near mid-afternoon. The oasis shimmers like a sapphire in the midday heat. Life clings around its edges tenaciously, with only a few hardy plants nestled amid the rocks managing to survive in patches around the area. Finches bathe in the water, resting on an abandoned harness. Trash and castoffs from travelers litter the area, and a small brick hearth is the only permanent fixture.
Make a perception check as you approach.
Gaius Wolcott |
Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Gaius has his camel trot towards the oasis, glad that he was able to guide them without getting lost. He brought enough water to last, but the thought of fresh water from the oasis brings a smile to his rough face. "Looks like we made it," he mutters to the others while keeping an eye out for any danger.
Our Mysterious Benefactor |
As Gaius approaches the oasis, he spots a gnoll hiding in the rocks. Glancing subtly about, he spots two more lurking in two other spots. In all, three scarred, mangy looking gnolls are watching the oasis. They've definitely spotted you, but you see no signs that they know that you know they're there.
Rekgar Boulderstep |
Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
"A Tranquil place it seems like." Rekgar concurs.
Sir Quinton Eirador |
"Ah, yes, this will do just fine," Sir Quinton says as she sees the oasis. "Like the pleasure pool of the Sultan of Kadesha, it is! The spitting image!"
He pats the camel he allowed himself to be talked into buying, yanking the pygmy camel along on its tether behind him.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Our Mysterious Benefactor |
Rekgar sees the gnomes as well, but Quinton does not. However the pygmy camel seems to have perked up slightly since leaving town. It's actually trotting along behind with something of a spring in its gait.
Rekgar Boulderstep |
"I know not what Gnolls speak but if they are hostile, we will have to battle. I recommend preparing for such a battle." Rekgar taps Quinton gently on the back to stop him while settling into a defensive stance once more.