DM Stylz |
The 5 of you each receive a letter, which reads:
Greeting, you have been invited to my humble home in Absolom for an early brunch and an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Attendance is not required, but I assure, that the riches one could gain is beyond your wildest dreams. Please reply with a yes or no so I may make other preparations. I do hope to see you there boys and girls. The festivities are in 3 weeks time, on the 2nd day of the 3rd month after the new moon.
~Cissio
of course assuming everyone says yes lol
The 5 of you arrive at the residence. It is a magnificent sight to behold. A wrought iron gate surrounds the complex, with two large roaring lion statues flanking each guard standing at attention. When you get near the guards, you are of course stopped and questioned. You each produce your invitations, they check their records and you are allowed in.
Inside the gates, the beauty continues, there are varying sizes of pruned and stylized shrubs; rhinoceros, boar, some sort of dinosaur, and an elegant bird. There are roses intertwined with the shrubs, all in all, near perfection.
Inside the two-story grand ball room, you see about 50 other people, Humans, Elves, Half-Elves, and a few Halfling. Twenty or so attendants are dressed in fine clothing, rings, an jewelry adorn their hands, and necks.
The other twenty or so are obvious adventurers, such as yourselves. It is safe to assume that they were given similar invitations to the brunch and your minds can't help but wonder what exactly going on.
Servers, come by with various platters of drink; ale, wine, cider. Along with various platters of food; caviar, smoked chicken, smoked ham, oysters, truffles, along with other fine foods.
You are there for about 30 minutes, when you hear a small horn. It is a small chime, as if to announce someone presence or entrance.
Out from the second story balcony, out steps a beautiful and regal woman. She is in her late 30s, burgundy hair, falling just past her shoulders, hair pulled back in a formal braid, dressed in what appears to be fine silks that flow and sway as she walks out. She raises her hand, to gather the crowd attention, then she speaks in a soft spoken voice.
Thank you all for coming, this day as been absolutely exquisite. To all be dear friends, I have some business to attend to, but please stay and enjoy the festivities. To those whom I hope to call friends soon, please come to my private chambers. My assistant will list off names, if so called, please come up the stairs, and see my in the second door on the right. Thank you, with that she turns, and walks through the curtain and disappears. A few moments later, an older man, in his late 50s walks out, and reads off a list of names, 20 in total. Amongst them, your 5 names are included.
You're free to mingle before she arrives or after or not all all. Jut let me know when you go to the private chamber and I will continue :)
Thackery Binx |
The invitation caught Thackery Binx completely off-guard. Nobody ever wanted to see him. Well, except for those fools at the Pathfinder Society, but he didn't have a choice in the matter now, did he? Still, it would be nice to get away for a little while....
When he arrives at the mansion, Binx very much enjoys the lavish table spread. It's surprising how much food this cadaverous man can eat. He makes a point to avoid the other guests, though. Small talk was so boring, after all. Plus, people may have heard of him before, and that would just be awkward and humiliating. When the names are called, he waits for a few people to enter the room before going up himself. Hopefully they'll be too busy chatting with each other to notice his entrance.
Marvin Rogers |
Marvin is reasonably shocked to get a letter like that. I'm just a schnook. I couldn't hack it as a pirate. But I gotta say riches beyond by dreams? Hmm, not sure they know my dreams, but I'm not gonna miss this.
He finds his way down from Varisia to Absolom over time.
Upon being invited into the opulent room, he takes a look around, but really doesn't have the foggiest notion of the value of the furnishings. He will take advantage of the food present, but he's never much been a people person, so he mostly just keeps to himself unless prompted. Upon being summoned in further he will go.
Jayce Smith |
well isn't this a surprise, someone is inviting me to a gathering. the reject son of a couple of star gazers with little knowledge into my own powers let alone other magics. May as well attend to find out what they want.
Jayce attends in his Courtiers outfit with all the jewelry needed to look as though he belongs with the majority of the gathering. He engages in small talk and bluffs his way whenever someone asks a personal question.
Once his name is called he follows the adventures and looks really out of place.
sorry some of the things are and aren't capitalized and if there are spaces where there shouldn't I'm on a phone atm.
IronDesk |
Eb reread the letter for the third time and looked up to the courier with a grin. The young well man looked distinctly uncomfortable in this crowded, dirty part of town.
Well, Lulu, what do you think, the old man asked his breast pocket. The courier wasn't sure but he though he heard a muffled croak. The old man nodded sagely. MmmHmm, that's what I thought too." He looked up at the courier with a grin, licked his palms and made a theatrical attempt to smooth out his matted, dusty hair and straighten the stained homespun rag that one might have been a jacket.
You may inform your employer that the most estimable Ebenezer Pyke will be attending. The old man handed back the letter, which the courier gingerly took back from his grimy fingers, and made to turn away, when there was another muffled croak. Ebenezer stopped and turned back. Uh, and guest. The most estimable Ebenezer Pyke and guest will be attending.
Ebenezer Pyke |
Eb absent mindedly picked a leaf off the rhinoceros topiary as he strolled into the party and took in the finery. Good thing you suggested we stop and buy this fancy new dinner jacket, Lulu, Eb whispered to the toad as he inspected his ceremonial silken armour in a passing mirror. He felt it looked very fetching over his old homespun.
He fed Lulu some caviar as their host introduced herself, and made awkward small-talk with the richest looking guest in the room while waiting for his name to be called
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6
Eb apologizes for spilling his drink on the party goers clothing with a horse-like laugh and waves a cheerful goodbye as they hastily remove themselves from his odious presence.
DM Stylz |
You hear 16 other names called, they in no particular order proceed as directed. When you enter the second door into a private room. This room is bedecked in fine cloth and other extravagant items. Fine art hangs on the far wall, above a fine oak desk with dragons carved into the base. The same lady, dressed in a regal blue gown stands behind the desk. She watches as you all trickle in at your various pace, and smiles as she counts all twenty of you gathered. There are two dozen chairs placed before the desk.
Welcome all of you. My name is Cissio Vargas, daughter of Miguel Vargas III. Please take a seat if you like, or stand; whatever feels better. You are probably all wondering why you are here. The basic answer is...a scavenger hunt. For a reason as to why, well how should I put this simply. I cannot adventure, due to extenuating circumstances. Therefore, I would likes to live my adventurous side through you kind folks she pauses for a moment to let it sink in.
Let me explain the rules and the prize. The rules are simple, I will pass a bag and you will each draw a stone from a bag I pass around. Those with the same stone will be a team, 5 teams total. I have comprised a list of things I would like brought back to me, which my right hand man Walter will give to each team. The goal is simple, go gather the items on the list, and return here. If teams wish to work together that is up to each team. You can only turn things in once, so bear that in mind. The prize is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The winning team, will get to she pauses for dramatic effect, draw from a Deck if Many Thing. You may draw up to four cards each, unless FATE deems otherwise. So, please let's see who the teams are because I am excited to see thing game kick off. And to why I chose a scavenger hunt, I loved them as a child and thought that it could be fun for adults too she says with an innocent chuckle.
A bag is passed around, the twenty people pick out at random, and Tackery, Jayce, Ebenezar and Marvin all draw emerald. Cissio, will smile, at how she may get to explore, even if she cannot go herself.
You can introduce yourselves if you like. Let me know when you leave as a group and I will post the next part. Any questions please ask :) and sorry for the text dump :)
Ebenezer Pyke |
Pleased to meet you Eb says cheerfully to the two youngsters also holding emerald. Ebenezer Pike is the name. Former barrister and solicitor, currently seeker of truth. Pleased to make your acquaintance. He shakes their hands vigorously. But his broad cracked smile falters slightly when he turns to meet the fourth man of their party. Tall and pale, he reminds Eb of something unpleasant. Something or someone long forgotten. The moment passes quickly, and the grin is back as he extends his hand to the cadaverous stranger.
Well, it looks we are to be travelling companions on this fine young lady's game of fancy. Where's this Walter fellow with our list...
Jayce Smith |
Jayce starts looking around for other people who drew an emerald. Upon seeing a group already forming he joins them. "Good evening. I am Jayce Smith, an aristocrat just looking for a good time amongst the lower classes. I can assure everyone that I will not slow everyone down if fighting does break out, I have learned how to use some magic on my own. I wonder how this scavenger hunt will start?"
Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
You can tell that Jayce isn't an aristocrat.
Marvin Rogers |
Lesser classes? Oh yeah, this guy is gonna be a barrel of fun. Oh, and another champ here- looks like he's walking dead. The best looking of the bunch is an old man. I'm stuck with these? I wonder if someone stacked this against me or something.
"Uhh, Marvin Rogers here. I'm a sailor by trade. Nica ta meetcha." as he shakes the hand of the old man.
DM Stylz |
Ebenezer, as you look around, you notice nobody, but the twenty gathered and Cissio.
Upon hearing your question, Cissio smiles and looks around the room, How rude of me, I should have mentioned that Walter will be at the entrance to my this estate, with a scroll case for each team. With that, I bid each team the best of luck.
With that, she leaves the room, her loose flowing dress swaying as she walks out, and the soft scent of jasmine wafting from her smooth skin as she leaves the room.
Thorakiz Grimblood |
Not one for pretty parties or elegant conversations, Thorakiz sulks in the shadows, but when his name is called, he responds just as eagerly.
Then he goes back to hiding in the shadows, where he can ignore the gawking stares. Presumably, he also draws an emerald.
DM Stylz |
The others in the room break off into their own groups, talk amongst themselves for a few moments, then head out of the room to find Walter and start the hunt.
The five of you head out of the regal mansion through the courtyard where an elderly man stands. He is the same man when welcomed you into the house at the door. As you approach, he asks to see your gems. When she sees all five, he hands a scroll case over to you. As you exit the grounds, you looks around and don't see any of your competitors.
The scroll case is made out of simple wood, no intricate designs. Upon opening the tube, you find three things: an open note, what appears to be a map, and a sealed note.
You take a brief look at the map, and see it is a map of Golarion, all of Golarion. You take a look at the open note and it reads:
I would like to thank all of you for playing my little game, so I may adventure through you all. Below is a list of things I would either brought back to me in one form or another, or an experience I would like you all to have. The items brought back are simple enough to verify with the help of my colleagues. The experiences however, I will need a more magical touch. Why I do like to think everyone is honest, the stakes for the game are just too high that dishonesty might prevail. My good friend will cast a few spells and ask you a few question, and if everything is on the up and up, the experiences will be recorded and count in good standing.
Along with the list provided, are places I heard you could go to in order to find or experience them. The sealed note is given, to provide your team a free boat ride to any place you would like to go, it is a one way trip, so please do choose wisely. With that, I hope you bring back many great experiences and items. And remember, enjoy everything for me
Behind the personalized letter is a list. Scanning the list you see:
Ooze Samples (ie. gray ooze, gelatinous cube, black pudding, etc) Ooze List
1 pound raw adamantite ore
1 pound raw mithril ore
Minotaur Horns
Scales from different dragons (ie. red, blue, silver, etc)
Kill a Giant(s) (ie. fire, frost, troll, etc)
Experience the Tian Xia festival held in the capital
Upon looking at the map, you see various places circled, In no particular order you see:
Land of Linorm Kings (Grungir Forest)
Isle of Kortos (Absalom)
Cheliax (Barrowood, Devil's Perch)
Osirion (Eto Mountains)
Northern Mwangi Expanse (Lake Ocota,
Tian Xia (Forest of Spirits, Star Titan's Grave)
Arcadia (Vallenhall)
Vudra (Madahosa Marshes)
DM Stylz |
Have yet to see Thackery or Jayce. Hopefully they are still with us, gonna move on and hope they're still here :)
Ebenezer and Marvin scan their brains for anything useful about the Kortos Mountains near Absalom. Marvin recalls that there are a multitude of caverns in the mountains, at both base level and higher into the mountain range. Ebenezer recalls that the caverns around the base are home to a plethora of creatures, everything ranging for goblins and kobolds to even a troll sighting. As one goes higher into the mountains, people have claimed to spot flying beasts, and large bipedal beasts as well. One could assume dragons, harpies or even ogres.
Ebenezer remembers there being stories of a spongy like creature attacking adventurers, which now stay clear of the caves on the eastern side of the mountains.
Marvin you're unsure the travel time to get to the base, maybe a 2 weeks. Ebenezer you figure it will take about a week to get from Absalom to the Kortos Mountains.
Thackery Binx |
Sorry about the wait, guys. The updates weren't showing up in my feed. At work now, but will post when I get home. I've been looking forward to this campaign. :-)
Thackery Binx |
Introductions
Thackery steps reluctantly out of the corner where he's been standing and gingerly shakes any proffered hands. "My name is ... Binx. I'm a mage." hopefully the old one doesn't recognize me...i don't like his eyes... (if you feel like making some sort of Knowledge check to remember a bit of my backstory, go ahead. Could make things fun. ;-) )
Upon receiving the paper
Binx looks over the two lists and closes his eyes in thought. so many memories...
Knowledge(arcana): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Knowledge(dungeoneering): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Knowledge(geography): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Knowledge(history): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Knowledge(local): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
DM Stylz |
Thackery you recall a lot of various information when searching your thoughts. After a few long several moments, you come out of your minor trance with lots of information.
Through your study of the arcane, you do know with 100% certainty, there are wyverns and a very young sky dragon. You know that sky dragons are lawful good, immune to electricity attacks, and have a 30 foot cone breath weapon of electricity attacks.
When you think about the various cave complex all around and into the mountains, you recall there being goblins, kobolds, and other nuisances. In some of the cave systems, there are more "exotic" finds such as ooze, molds, and bats.
Your study of the surrounding geography and local areas doesn't help you remember anything new. I would take about 1 week travel to get to the base of the mountains and you have heard stories of there being ogres in the mountain ranges higher up.
You recall that the Kortos mountain have been there for millennial.
Thackery Binx |
"I might be able to locate a young sky dragon, but it's probably better to focus on some of the less-risky items first. The Kortos mountain caves should hold a few of the oozes we require, we'll just have to watch out for Ogres. Is this acceptable?"
oozes...and possibly some long-lost ancient fount of power...just what I need...
Thackery Binx |
ooze vials purchased!
Ebenezer Pyke |
Know:History re:Binx: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
There does seem to be a chance for some neat synergy between the backgrounds of these two character...
Eb will stock up on food (bumping to 1 weeks worth of trail rations), and look into buying a mule or pack horse for everyone's gear. Then he gives his familiar Lulu an affectionate pat on the head, shares a wide grin with the rest of the party, and announces that he is ready to depart.
Thackery Binx |
Yeah, you definitely remember me. Question is, positively or negatively? And what to do with the Knowledge considering I have no idea who you are... :-)
Might be fun to have Lucretia be one of my former lieutenants. Once my familiar shifts out of tattoo form, maybe they recognize each other? Depending on how linked you want to be, feel free to PM me. :-)
DM Stylz |
Perception checks please as you travel toward the mountains on day 2 of 7
As you travel towards the mountains. The sun is shining high, and makes your journey that much more pleasant. About mid-afternoon when the sun is at its peak, while scanning around for any dangers, a reflection catches your eye, 25 feet on the ground to the east of you. You cautiously approach, to find what appears to be part of a hilt jutting out of the ground. You start to dig around it, and you uncover the rest of the sword. The sword, while not finely made, is not complete garbage either. A quick brush off of the dirt reveals a standard longsword. After retrieving the longsword, you notice a small pouch, which jingles as you pull it from the soil. You find silver: 4d4 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 3) = 11
Thackery Binx |
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
DM Stylz |
You see an opening to the cave in the mountainside. The sun from outside filters in to illuminate the first few feet of the natural cavern. The cavern walls are lined with various lichen and molds that give off subtle illumination. Almost as soon as you enter the cave, Thorakiz notices a cave in the his right.
hide: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30 vs Thorakiz per: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Thackery Binx |
I don't seem to be able to move my mini, but I'd like to be directly behind Thorakiz.
Thackery mumbles in Necril as he moves closer to the cave entrance.
Thorakiz Grimblood |
Sorry about not posting yesterday. Crazy day at work.
Thorakiz approaches the cave without any fear of the dark. He smells the air for a moment but only senses the normal scents and odors of the underground terrain.
"Nothing here. All good." He pauses for a moment before adding, "But strange."
Thackery Binx |
Posting in rounds just in case, so this is currently my Round Two actions unless something changes.
Thackery continues speaking in Necril as a small rock lifts up from the ground. Binx touches it, and it starts radiating light.
The unseen servant picks up the pebble, and I cast light on it so I can see.
Ebenezer Pyke |
sigh, writing this for the third time now
I fine with Eb's marching position, but like Thackery noted, I can view the map but not modify it.
Round 1
Eb cranes his neck to get a look into the gloomy cave.Well, this looks like a likely place to find ooze. Vials at the ready lads! Eb draws his everburning torch and follows the others in.
Round 2
Eb watches Thackery casting a spell. He looks at Thackery's floating pebble then down at the torch in his hand, frowning. A croak from his pocket distracts him. Hmm? Oh yes, you're right Lulu, best to be prepared. Rubbing a piece of leather between his thumbs, he gestures theatrically and mumbles under his breath. Translucent planes of force sheath his body.
Casts Mage Armor