Faithless and Forgotten Part 2: Lost Colony Of Taldor (Inactive)

Game Master nightdeath

Motes of dust float in the air as the midday sun shines through the lights of the museum roof. Several scholars and students move about the bookshelves and display cases on the main floor and the balconies above, while some are hunched over tables piled with heavy tomes. Zefiro is in discussion with a colleague when he notices the visitors.

“Ah, you have returned. Welcome.” He shakes hands with everyone. “Right, we have that package for you.” Zefiro beckons to a student at a nearby table. “Run up and fetch the Athenaeum materials from my office.” He turns back from the student, though he occasionally glances nervously at the people going about their work around him.

“The ruin you’re about to investigate is certainly a major discovery, and it’s sure to earn great prestige for my colleagues at Egorian’s Athenaeum. A lost colony of ancient Taldor right within the Kharijite province would certainly give our beloved empire a strong claim to the region.” Zefiro steps a little closer and lowers his voice. “I would be very interested to discuss your findings when you return, with a bit more privacy. Come see me here in the evening and we can have a talk in my office.”

Zefiro takes a step back as the student returns with the package. He hands it over to the PCs, “If there’s nothing else, I must get back to my duties.”

Oggil looks at the package with interest.

Nithrun looks at the package after Oggil, ready to find its contents out.

"What are you waiting for?" asks Magni in his perpetually gruff tone

The Athenaeum package contains several items: an official document that authorizes its bearer to inspect the archaeological site, a map of the Kharijite province that has a route to Ibhir marked on it, and an archaeological report that details the discoveries made at the site.

See Handout #1

Zefiro looks upon all of you aadds on a few more facts before saying his farewell.
"The lost colony lies under a ruined Rahadoumi village called Ibhir, which is located a couple of days’ ride southwest from the city of Khari. A collapse uncovered the site as a fierce battle was fought in Ibhir during the Everwar. Centuries later, a forgotten war diary led the Athenaeum archaeologists to rediscover the colony and mount an expedition to exhume it. According to the Athenaeum archaeologists, Taldan colonists established the settlement as part of the Third Army of Exploration, sometime after Corentyn was founded in 1520 ar."

"As for Ianareth..." here he grimaces."She is a shining embodiment of Cheliax’s values."

Assuming that the party has no further questiosn.

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The sail to Khari is quite uneventful, and the crewmembers—none too pleased about having to transport civilians aboard a military vessel—keep to themselves.

The Chelish frigate cuts through the waves by the Arch of Aroden as sunrise paints the harbor of Khari red. Vessels from all around the Inner Sea are moored at the docks, waiting for their cargo to be unloaded or for new goods to be brought aboard. The city spreads around the bay, with sandstone buildings and twisting minarets marking its Rahadoumi origin now emblazoned with red-and-white banners of Cheliax.

Most of the inhabitants dress in a Garundi fashion of colorful robes and billowing blouses, but occasionally a regiment of Chelish soldiers or a Hellknight parts the crowd. Several openair markets fill the city with clamor as merchants and patrons haggle loudly under many-colored stalls.

At one of the stalls, an exasperated man with an Osirian accent complains loudly, “It would be bad enough if it was just the damned dockworkers who take their time unloading my goods, but now I have to wait for those infernal bureaucrats to grant me a travel permit to even leave the city. I swear I’m about to lose my mind with the incompetence of these people!”

Nithrun approaches the Osirian man. "Why are you not being provided a travel permit? Have you tried to obtain one yet?"

"As the banks of a river control its flow, so do the gates of your city control the flow of people in and out. The banks of the river have ever been so, but did the gates until recently stand open?"

Asks the metaphoric Oggil.

Samildanach is unusually quiet on the Chelaxian vessel, wondering if he had come across it or the crew before in his less clandestine endeavours. Once away and into the Garundi city he is relieved to see less Hellknights around than Corentyn, yet is still wary of them. Hearing the Osirion complaint, the Half Orc asks around the merchants about the current state of affairs with travel, whilst perusing goods needed for a dig, such as rations.

"I have heard about the permit system, pray tell what does it entail , a simple payment or more?"

Diplomacy, Gather info: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Perception check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

"Is everything as it's supposed to be? In this arid climate I can't be too sure..."

Oggil looks around, gauging his fellow pathfinders, who appear a capable lot on the whole.

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
He helps ask around about recent changes in what the gate guards are doing.
diplomacy(GI) aid : 1d20 ⇒ 3

The man answers "Following the recent exposure of an extensive smuggling ring, Khari’s government has tightened security on who can or cannot leave the city. Even the your official authorization to explore Ibhir is insufficient to get you past the gate guards. In order to leave, you must secure travel permits from the office of Magistrate Mavius Giovenci. A Hassle I tell you."

Oggil thinks about why he knows of the history of the area.
history: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"Alas, as the sea is boundless, so too is history, and my studies have been not so unlimited."

Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
History: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

"I think that Oggil has the right idea about history," Nithrun says, trying to rack his brain about the history of the place.

"All I know about this place is that Lord-mayor Marsiol Giovenci, a friend of the Thrunes, rules this place, and doesn't much like smuggling. The people here in Khari prefer to associate themselves with Cheliax than with Rahadoum, even though their ancestry is from the latter," he finishes.

Magni looks at the others looking annoyed. They don't notice any changes from his usual demeanor...
"Well then?" he asks...

Seeing that the party is perplexed on their next step, the sailor offers his advice.
"Heading towards the Magistrate Mavius Giovenci place of office might serve you all better, the man has a rather inflated opinion of himself and loves being all offical, I heard." he adds in the last rather tamely.

"Presenting yourself all dressed up unlike us common folk might get you access faster then the rest."

"As the sands are blown before the winds, so are we blown towards the office of Magistrate Mavius Giovenci. notes Oggil.

"Unless one is to be as the chameleon and attempting to be unseen..."

He eyes the pack mules full of archaeological equipment doubtfully.

"As the birds fly south for winter, so let us head to the magistrate's office.

Oggil asks around for directions, and then prepares to join the long queue.

Magni eyes Oggil warily before shrugging:"Right. Let's get going"

Samildanach looks at Ogil with raised eyebrow, unsure what was worse, the Gruff Magni with the tongue for trouble or the one that had surely been dropped on his head, repeatedly, and was now stuck reciting poetry. This society the Captain had persuaded him to join was certainly full of 'interesting' people, though he wasn't quite sure how some of them got commisioned...

Cheers mate," Samildanach thanks the Sailor, before turning to his group, "Right, let us find a place to sty so we can dump this gear and get cleaned up. Luckily I have my suit from the last time we had to be official, I suggest you others try to look as presentable as you can." The last comment is clearly aimed at the Dwarves.

After finding a place, Samildanach cleans off his habitual warpaint and the dirt and dust of travel, changing his seawater stained robes and armour for a tasteful gray long coat with matching trousers, fine leather boots, well polished and an off-white cream shirt. A few tasteful rings and necklaces complete the attire.

"Right, let us go make an impression eh?"

Courtier's outfit and relevant jewellry worn, at least i have had to use it a few times!

Oggil takes note of the well dressed Samildanach.

"As the tigers stripes help it merge into the jungle..." he gestures to the fine clothing that Samildanach wears "are you recommending we...adopt local stripes?"

"The fish knows little of the land. Would you be willing to help pick out... appropriate local attire for me?"

If we need to go formal, Oggil is more than happy to spring for a courtiers outfit and jewelry

Samildanach takes a moment to puzzle out the Odd Dwarf's riddle, before realising he was asking for fashion advice. Shrugging his broad shoulders and adjusting his Trident on his hip, the Half-Orc looks around for a tailor tht may suffice.

"Yeah I guess, I had little idea what to get myself, but that is what the professionals are for."

"Bah. I've got no patience for the pretensions of the so called "civilization" I refuse to bow down to their stupid rules. I'll stay as I am... and I suggest you do the same!" roars Magni.

Nithrun brushes the dirt off his shirt, thinking about his next step. "A new set of clothes is a bit too expensive for me," he concludes. "But I can stand behind you all," he volunteers.

Having made the 'proper' preparations, the party make their way towards the building.

Scores of applicants hoping to procure official travel permits fill the bulky sandstone building, and clerks steadily work their way up and down the lines to identify each applicant and inquire about their business. That same score turn a sour face upon you as the usher seeing your dress manages to expedite the party towards the front of the line!

Once a clerk confirms the party's authorization from the Athenaeum, she fetches a letter, lowers her voice, and tells them, “Magistrate Mavius Giovenci wants to handle this matter in person. This is an invitation to attend an evening function at his estate.”
She forces a smile and then turns her attention to the next group in line. As promised, the letter requests your presence to join the magistrate at sundown for a fancy meal.

Oggil looks confused and asks his fellows

"Does the lion lie down with the lamb? Are we to be the feast for this Magistrate? I fear the labyrinthine was of Cheliax are drawing us into a web as a spider draws in its prey."

"Such an invitation does make me nervous, but it would be unwise to refuse, since the Magistrate, bless his heart, might start keeping an even closer eye on us than before," Nithrun meekly suggests.

"Who cares? He'll just want us to do something for him... these so called civilized people like to think they are all deep and complex but they are really simple and predictable instead!"

Samildanach reads the letter and sighs, rolling his eyes. Pocketing it, the Half-orc makes his way out of the busy market place to find a quiter place to discuss their plans.

"Maybe, but simple or not our only way to get on with this task is to appease the sap. Governors often like to appear important and this is a small way he can laud it over us. I suggest we go, smile and nod and we can get on."

He turns to Magni and Nithrun

"It looks like you will need to wash up and get changed after all"

As the party makes efforts to freshen up or not, you soon find yourself at the stated location.

The magistrate’s mansion is of modest size but well-maintained. Upon receiving the invitation, a halfling servant guides everyone through an iron gate with flowery designs onto a terrace overlooking the bay near the Arch of Aroden. A ring of sitting pillows and several water pipes furnish the terrace. At the end of the hall sits a handsome, dark-haired man with an easy smile, though years of indulgent living seem to have taken their toll on his physique. The air is humid as thundering clouds gather far from the shore.

Mavius beckons everyone to sit down, “My dear guests, please relax and enjoy yourselves. There are plenty of local delicacies, and the wine is quite exquisite. I’m sure you’re eager to get down to business, yet there’ll be time for that later.”

As advertised, Mavius has provided a sumptuous feast, and he greedily partakes of the many delicacies. He eyes each of you as he takes the first bite as if evaluting each of you.

Oggil does his best to find out what is expected at the meeting.
GI: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1 <-well, that ain't gona help nobody.

Oggil eyes up the feast and sits politely down.

"As the mother duck looks after her ducklings, so are you kind of offer us repast." says the dwarf between bites of food.

"And as the log in the river explores new sights, so does my stomach delight in the novel food you have provided for us."

"Of course, immediately," Nithrun answers Samildanach dutifully.

---

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Nithrun nods his head in appreciation in the direction of the magistrate's cousin's meal, patiently waiting for him to say what was on his mind.

Gather Info: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Samildanach thanks the tailor for both the outfits and the intelligence on the Governor, knowing that a person in such a trade would likely to have their ear to the ground and the confidence of their clients. Keeping the information to himself for now, the Half-orc resists fidgeting at the dinner and eats the food before him, ensuring not t gorge, yet not insult their host.

"An honour for the governor to take our task to hand personally, thank you for the food. You are quite correct, the wine is exquisite, what is the vintage?"

Mavius is confused by Oggil and it shows though it seems like he can find no other fault at this time with the party's dining manners.

The magistrate orders a servant to bring out an ornate board with several dozen ivory pieces, “Would anyone care for a friendly game of Siege—unless one of you can entertain us with some Chelish opera? Hah!”

"As the mother bird tips her young from the nest for their first flight, so would I be in playing siege. " admits Oggil.

"However I am always being willing to try something new."

He watches as he learns the way the pieces move, and then has a go at it.

INT: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Magni tries to ask around but apparently he only manages to offend most of the people he enconters...

Once inside the magistrate mansion he gleefully accepts the man's offer:"Ah! I'm not usually one for idle games but I sure can show you how a dwarf dismantles a siege!" he says sitting down for the game...

Intelligence check: 1d20 ⇒ 9

... and losing it but not in a cathastrophic manner.

Both dwarves try their hand a the board game but it appears that playing style leaves much to be desired as shown by their host's features.........

Intelligence: 1d20 ⇒ 1

"Buttercups, I lost. Well done, sire," Nithrun congratulates Mauvis upon losing.

It seems even with the effable Nithrun's congratutions, the man's expression looks puckered and he looks hopefully at the remaining members.

Samildanach looks to the others as they each play against the magistrate, unsure if he has great skill or they were unlucky with such an unusual game. Using the time to study some of the basics and trying to wrack his brain for games taught to him by his Captain, the Half-Orc Quartermaster sits down for a game, taking his time.

Intelligence: 1d20 ⇒ 9

"I am afraid this game is beyond a simple soul like me, though I would be happy to learn with you when we have the time. As long as your duties do not forbid it of course."

Well these rolls don't bode well...

Is improvising Chelish opera with an unconventional Perform skill an option?

Yes. Nithrun. Go ahead.

Seeing the disappointment on Mavius' face, Nithrun intercedes. "It looks as if Siege is beyond the capabilities of some of us... why don't we try the Chelish opera you mentioned instead? I have to warn you, though, that this is my first time..."

Perform (comedy): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

He improvises a song that, in his mind at least, should have been vaguely Chelaxian, adding in some flourishes for hilarity that he hoped would make up for his lack of knowledge in the area, but his act appeared not to have found favor in his eyes, and he hurries down from the spot where he had put on his performance.

"..."

Magni shakes his head at the halfling before speaking:"Yeah, right. Nice try. Anyway we were told you wanted to tell us something personally..."

Seeing that everyone's efforts isn't likely to impress him any further.
Mavius attempts to change the subject.

“Tell me about this expedition you are embarking upon. I have heard a little about it here and there—enough to get me intrigued. I’d love to know more.”

Can we aid-another on this? IF so Oggil will help, otherwise he'll stay shut up, enjoying the food and drink.

Hello? Brute dwarf who can barely speak without insulting everyone in the room with him here... XD

Samildanach takes a seat back at the table and helps himself to another glass of the fine vintage on offer. Tipping large quantity back while he mulls over his answer he smiles. Likely trying to see what he can sell to his Aspis 'friends' The half-orc thinks darkly.

"Well the dig itself should hopefully prove fruitful for the nation of Cheliax, proving that there was once a colony there to strengthen their ties to the land. This will allow them to further reinforce their legitimate claims to territories across the Arch lest some snakes try to get their clammy paws on it."

Take 10 for Diplomacy 16

lol Guys Just try something. There's a one pass already. Lets try soem rolls don't worry too much about it. I have a GM Folio if needed.

Oggil clears his throat.

"I did pick up a tune while in Cheliax recently. This was a song from the history of the early days. One in which a debased house stood against the rules from Thune. And the cautionary tale of what happens to all traitors"

perform: 1d20 ⇒ 18

His voice is surprisingly deep once the dwarf moves out of speaking in metaphors.

Magni just shakes his head, glares at his companions and keeps an indignant silence...

Still ashamed from his performance, Nithrun clears his throat once more in trepidation. "As Samildanach says, the colony of Ibhir would no doubt be favorable for your interests in claiming legitimacy to the region."

Perform (oratory): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20