GM Aarvid PbP PFS First Steps1: In Service to Lore (new players welcome) (Inactive)

Game Master GM Aarvid

Howdy!

I am starting recruitment for running a Pathfinder Society adventure, First steps 1: "In the Service of Lore" for level 1 (only). This will be an open recruitment accepting a table of four to six new players. If you have played other PFS scenarios, then it is the same but running as play-by-post rules. This adventure will lock in a new character for about 8 weeks if posting daily. Pre-generated PFS characters are also acceptable.

However, for players not familiar with PFS or posting here, I'll post a few guidelines.

• You need a legal PFS (Pathfinder Society) character. PFS information is here.
  
• Post your legal character. (Paizo People --> Aliases). Here is
  Fendahl Silvermane for example.
  
• Be able to post about 1-2 times per day for 7-9 weeks
  
• I do not require your previous Chronicle Sheets. I assume you will be honest with me and your fellow players. If a question of an item or race comes up, I may ask to know where and how you got said item.
  
• Maps will be posted through google docs. Please make sure you can access this service if you sign up.
  

Recruitment will open now and will close once I have enough players to start.
If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Please post your Character's Level and Class for consideration.

In the Service of Lore

Fresh off your induction into the Society and
the completion of your basic training within the
organization, you find yourselves in the office
of Ambrus Valsin, the venture-captain in charge of
daily operations in and around the Grand Lodge. The
efficient and straightforward chamberlain greets each of you curtly and motions for you to sit before he continues...

"All right, Pathfinders! Listen up. I know you are new recruits
eager to make names for yourselves in the organization, but first
we need to make sure you are up to snuff and won’t get
yourself killed out there. I have a number of small assignments
for you and your team, and it would be best if you could
finish them before the day’s end."

"Every day we get some doe-eyed hopeful or
some sniveling bootlicker willing to do anything
to join up with the Pathfinders. Most of them are
good kids, but not all of them have the salt to
make it in a world like this. It’s rough out there
and I’m not just talking about the ruins, tombs,
and wilderness Pathfinders find themselves
in on missions. We’ve got people who look
down their noses at us, folks who think
we squander our resources, and agents
who want to take everything we have
collected. This wealth of knowledge
and these items of lore make us the
most powerful organization on the
planet. That said, since we are fractured
and widespread, it’s difficult for that power
to light on anything for too long. For every friend of the
Society, there are two enemies."

"Your first mission, to test your mettle and loyalties, sends
you to meet a few people important to the Society living here
in Absalom. These are other venture-captains or close allies of
our organization, so follow their orders as you would mine. I’ve
prepared a list of things I want you to do. They’re not arranged
in any particular order of importance, but I want them all
completed as quickly as possible. Only report to me once you
complete them all. Included in the envelope you hold in your
hands is the list, complete with the name of your contact, and
directions to the meeting location."

+---------+
| The List |
+---------+

Dahriakt looks and listen attentively to the Venture-Captain Vaslin. After Vaslin is done giving the instructions and bowing his head slightly while saying with an enthusiasm that cant be completely dissimulated: "Will not let you down sir!"

Opening the envelope to reveal the content, he reads carefully the list and proceed to address the other Pathfinders gathered in the room with him: "Dahriakt Tolumeh, you may call me Dahr..." looking back at the list he adds "I think we should start by visiting the Pickled Imp on the Docks and find this fella Guaril, what do you all think?"

Dahriakt is a human male on his late 20s, tho could easily pass as being on his mid 30s. Of medium height for a human, and light build, with bronze dark skin and black braided hair.

Archmoon opens the envelope and reads it's contents, he didn't paid much attention to what Vaslin said earlier, his expression is that of a focused mind, yet absent of his surroundings.

He turns his head to Dahriakt when he spoke. Unimpressed, he replies addressing the whole group: "And you may call me Archmoon, and that's all you need to know about me."
He proceeds to place the envelope inside one of his leather pockets and adds: "All this seems petty work more suitable for an errand boy, not for a Pathfinder."

Archmoon has long golden hair, green eyes, fair skin and a usually pacific yet serious facial expression that matches his personality. He stands 6"6' tall.

Quickly stuffing his unopened envelope into his belt pouch, Thessel glanced at Archmoon with a chuckle. "Yeah, I'd rather be fighting dragons too but what're you gonna do?" Thessel turned his smirk towards Dariakt.

"You're the boss, boss. Thessel Dromad, snarkster extraordinaire, pleased to meet. He swept his ill-fitting cap from his head and treated the Garundi to a flourishing bow. "And while that may be all you need to know about me, it's sure not going to be all I bother to tell you." he added.

He turned back to the venture-captain, his smirk breaking into a grin."We'll be off in a jiffy sir, just wondering what our daily liquor allowance is to be...?" worth a shot, heh.
(Bluff 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15)

Thessel's hair is a dirty blond, falling out from under his cap to tickle his earlobes. Brown eyes and a rakish smile adorn his rather handsome face and he stands 2' 7"

Elindriel can barely contain her excitement through Venture-Captain Vaslin's speech. When she gets her envelope, she almost rips it open in her rush to find her assignment.

She reads through the list quickly, then looks up, just realizing that she was being addressed. "I'm Elindriel, but as we'll be working together, you can all call me Ellie."

Elindriel turns to Dahr, "As to where we start, I think we should leave the docks till last. The other three districts are clustered together - if we have to deliver anything from there to other districts in the city, we can drop by the docks on the way."

Upon hearing Thessel's statements, she giggles.

Addressing Archmoon, she narrows her eyes and says with a wry smile, "...and you, it seems, could use a small lesson in humility. We each play our part. However, if you think this is beneath you, I'm sure we can handle it without your help. Perhaps you can go find a dragon to slay to prove yourself to the Venture-Captain?"

Elindriel is in her mid-20's, petite, half-elven, and extremely attractive, with rich auburn hair and hazel eyes.

Archmoon dismisses Elindriel's comment with a audible sniff, adding: "Let's just do it then. The quicker, the better."

a young human male half squatting in the corner opposite of the door looks intently at all those in the room. He is not trying to hide the fact that he is sizing them up while the Captain makes his speech. He slowly stands. He is not a very tall man but not short. Not handsome yet not unattractive. The best way someone could describe him would be average. His dark brown eyes seem almost black which could be made even more so by his short flowing black hair.

He listens intently to the other speak their mind and then says There are no menial tasks only menial people who believe the task at had is beneath them. I agree with Dhar. It is a list and the best place to start is at the top.

the young man than pulls up his greenish brown cloak up over his head and his face seems to disappear into it. He then starts to walk towards the door.

Walking slowly, almost theatrically, Thosar takes one step forward. He has used his time to read and re-read the list, and he has formed an opinion on the best way how to do it.

Raising his left hand towards Elindriel, he speaks slowly and methodically: "I believe fair lady Elindriel do have a point. Venture Captain stated clearly that speed is of importance here. I guess we all spent enough time in Absalom to acknowledge that docks are out of our way at the moment. Let us leave that for later and start with something else - let's say Wise quarter or Ivy district. Anyway, we do not need to stand here, we can agree on the destination even as we start walking"

By saying that, he taps his staff lightly on the floor, as if to emphasize his statement, and walks behind rather nondescript young human (Manzcar).

Turning his head lightly, he adds over his shoulder: "Now, let us see, what do we know of those people on the list, or the establishments they are associated with? Anyone knows anything interesting worth sharing?"

Knowledge (Local) to check what is the shortest route, and if I know anything on people/locations on the list?
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Dahriakt narrows his eyes at the elf Archmoon as his commet, but remained silent. After the others suggestion he adds:
"My logic was the opposite, to take on the farthest away location first while we are fresh and then walk back and go to the locations that are closer together, but whichever direction we go first is fine by me."

After a short pause he adds as he starts to follow Thosar: "But I do agree with Thosar, we can decide on the way out."

said that he grabs hold of the handle of his trident and starts to walk out

I will assume that the ones that didn't explicitly introduced their characters to the others did implicitly anyway, as in we at least know each others names now.

Looking over his shoulder Eli stares intently at the Thosar nodding. You are correct. I tend to move first ask questions later in a matter of speaking.

Realizing that he never introduced himself because his habit was to rarely give his real name,

Ohh by the way my name is Eli.

Knowledge local 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Elindriel, smiling at the support shown by Thosar, follows him out the door. "Then it's agreed? We will go to the Wise quarter first?"

Now hold on, hold on. I've not got my booze money yet. As for where to, I say we do what the big guy says. Someone that big aught to know what he's talking about. And I do so relish the idea of smelling like fish for the rest of the day.

Looking at the halfling and wanting to get the missions going Eli quickly moves over to Thessel patting him on the shoulder in a good hearted way.

Now now my good little man. Don’t you worry about beverages my god Caydn Cailean will always provide a good round of drink for us.

producing a gold coin rolling about his hand and making it disappear
slight of hand 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

now I think it would be better to hit the docks later in the day when the fish start really kicking up their boquet. Don’t you think.
Deplomicy1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

Well sheesh pal, gonna buy me dinner with those drinks? Hate for you to think I'm a cheap date shooting a wink at Eli, Thessel starts for the door Well what's everyone waiting for? Come on, come on, we're wasting time here fellas! And lady, of course. Speaking now to Elindriel, Thessel adopted a military posture Lead on oh mighty leader. and from the corner of his mouth, an aside to Dahr I say we do what the half-elf says. Anyone that elvish aught to know what she's talking about.

Dahriakt chuckles at the Thessel's remarks, and takes a position near the rear of the group following whoever is in front of him.

Ambrus Valsin concludes

"So you have your list with contacts. They will have all of the details you need. And remember...these are highly respected members or allies of the Society. You are our trusted agents. So work as a team and be tactful."

"Who knows, I might even see all of you back here at the Grand Lodge for a drink...if you survive. Good luck."

He gets up to leave and has an aid show you out.

So what was the group's decision? I heard a few options of where to go. Unless you want to split up and tackle them individually. ;-)

Archmoon, becoming more impatient, addresses once more the group:"Since we are doing this and although this goes against my nature, I suggest that we stick together, I have premonition, a feeling.."

At this point Archmoon is almost muttering to himself:"..a feeling..yes.. well, I.." Quickly returning to his normal tone and volume: "Well I am wanderer, a lone hunter of the woods, I have no knowledge of the city, I would quickly get lost in this maze of streets and people"

Becoming much more calm and composed:"We should vote, I believe some us have already expressed an opinion, due to my lack of knowledge I will pass my vote and accept any decision of the group."

He then turns his head to Thessel and addresses the halfling: "And I am a FULL Elf."

Alright, alright. I vote Wise Quarter. Visit there should bring me up to a good three-fourths wit. now addressing Archmoon Hey don't worry about it Moony, I'm only HALF ling but I never let it bother me.

Elindriel covers her mouth and giggles at the halfling's retort. I do think he's going to make things interesting today...

"I have already voted, and since it seems that at least two others have voiced abstentions or ignorance", she peers at Archmoon, "it seems to me that we will be heading to the Wise quarter first. Now, let's hurry - I want to finish early, if we can."

My, my, what a disparate group we are. In most human stories of old, these kind of groups achieve almost the impossible, against all odds. Of course, for each legend like that there are hundreds of stories not told of groups perished and killed. And if...bah, we are just errand boys today, no need for delusions of grandeur.

Walking next to Eli, Thosar addresses the group again: "Now, if we all agree, we head to visit Dremdhet Salhar, an Osirian nobleman in Wise Quarter. There is a good chance we will not find him home, but Amenopheus his old adviser, will probably be there. Since I have dealt with Osirion before, I would suggest that we delegate just one or two persons to talk there. Someone skilled in their ways, and with enough wisdom and diplomatic guile to present Pathfinders in best light. Any volunteers?"

Turning to halfling, he adds: "You may find this hard to believe, but I really do find your...directness and openness very refreshing. It is quite different from our elven ways. However, I would like to ask you to restrain from such direct comments and statements while we meet Dremdhet or Amenopheus. They may not share my worldview, and talking of alcoholic beverages with relative unknowns may suggest a character flaw. Not that I am saying there is one, but as such it may be perceived. Would that be acceptable to you"

You're the boss, boss. No talky drinky with the bigwigs. another aside to Dahr This guy pointing a thumb towards Thosar verbosely loquacious. Sesquipidalian even. rolling his eyes, Thessel pushes past the others and marches out... to adventure!

... alright, so where're we going again?

Eli laughs to himself showing no change in emotion on the outside at the halflings wit. I think the halfling has a verbosity himself almost the pot calling the kettle... Eli breaks away from his own thoughts

to the Wise Quarter then. May I also suggest we be on our guard at all times. There are groups here, even allied with the Society, that are less than ... above board.

Eli opens the door and steps through the door holding his arm out

I will watch from just a little behind the group as we go. Keeping myself unseen hopefully to ensure my feelings nodding to the Elf and Archmoon's are just that

he motions for the others to go ahead of him

and I strongly suggest that Elindriel do most of the talking. she seems to have a way of getting what she wants ... even more so than women normally do

"Wise Quarter it is then." nodding to Eli "She sure does, i vote for Elindriel as well to do the talking." then smiles to Elindriel.

You make your way quickly to the Wise Quarter, to the rich estate of Grand Council member Dremdhet Salhar, and are greeted by a guard who is expecting your group as you reach the tall, wrought-iron gate.

Once you are inside, a servant speaks:

"Greetings Pathfinders. The Honorable Dremdhet Salhar is not present, called away on important Council business, but his most trusted advisor is available to negotiate any business you may require. Please follow me..."

The servant explains this while leading your group down well decorated hallways, past expansive rooms.

After a few minutes, your arrive at a simple study near the end of a long hallway. Inside, a tan-skinned old man sits behind a desk flipping through pages in a large tome. Scraps of paper jut from the book marking over two dozen different places. As you approach the open door, the wise sage silently gestures you each into the study with one thin hand, while closing the tome with the other after finishing what he was reading. Once you are all inside the study, he addresses the group.

The Sapphire Sage: Amenopheus

"Good day to you, Pathfinders. I am Amenopheus, the Sapphire
Sage, advisor to Master Salhar. I understand you were sent
here to discuss archaeological permissions. Knowing this was
coming, I spoke with Master Salhar at length on the subject
and have this to say."

"Since Osirion was reopened to exploration a decade ago,
adventurers, historians, and treasure-seekers flock to my
country by the hundreds, perhaps thousands. While most
families with ancestral burial vaults maintain guards and keep
their sites out of the hands of casual thieves, not all families
have the wealth or power to restrict everyone, and as we all
know, not every defense is perfectly secure. Unscrupulous
tomb robbers and maligned merchant organizations cause
Osirion to bleed relics into the Inner Sea—something the
descendents of Ancient Osirion cannot afford. We Osiriani
have thousands of years of rich history coursing through our
veins, and while that power has been out of focus in recent
years, we are content to wait, knowing our enemies will wear
themselves down. As they fall into arrogance, folly, or greed,
we wait for our return to power, knowing we bear the riches of
our ancestors at our feet."

"Master Salhar remains impressed by the Pathfinder
Society, orating in their favor a handful of times in front
of Absalom’s Grand Council, in fact. Due to previous
relationships between him and the Society, Master Salhar
has agreed to grant permission to the Pathfinder Society to
explore his family’s vaults below Sothis. The only thing he
requires is that you retrieve the map of the vaults from his
own vault here. The servant will lead you to the basement
and show you the room."

The Sapphire Sage’s eyes twinkle as he smirks knowingly,
then he turns back to reading his book as though he had
never been disturbed.

The servant turns to your group....

"If you would all please follow me."

He turns to head down a long hall, looking back to make sure you are following him.

... Thessel mutters under his breath In company I do not trust, a whispered message is a must. ~message~ Subtly pointing to Dahr, Thessel whispers, his lips barely moving Big guy up front and keep yer toesies rosie. I know a nasty smirk when I sees one. Something more than maps is in that vault.

Follwing Amenopheus and not caring if the old sage heard his words or not Archmoon speaks to the group:"Maybe one you more.. erm.. diplomatic ones, should ask this old human about this vault."
Then, looking forward to the Sage, almost speaking to himself: "That bad feeling of mine, just got more intense.. more real."

Oy... elves. Y'know Moony, you and your tummy ache sure know how to ruin some perfectly good drama. Turning to the sage Hey there sir, sirrah, etcetera, turns out my pointy-eared pal here thinks, what with the whole look-on-yer-face and all, we might be in fer a bit of a surprise once we get down there. Now me? I think he's crazy. Or Elvish (not sure which worries me more eh? eh?) but in any case I gotta ask, if only to put his rumblin' tum at ease; What's up with the vault? Is it scorpions? I bet it's scorpions. looking to the rest of the party Or was I s'pose to let the lady do the talking?

(diplomacy 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28)
(perform: comedy 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 just because)

Eli can't help but to smile at the little guy. "he is likable if nothing else" he says to himself.

continue to follow but understanding the concern Eli looks around him intently

perception1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

For a brief moment, Thosar was actually surprised by the turn of events.

Bring it from the vault? Something is not right there...are we covering your blunders, Sapphire sage, or is it just a test?

Seeing that servant is already there to lead them towards the vault, Thosar assumed that they will not be given any more information. And he did not like it at all. Luckily, it seemed that you can count on halfling bard and his impulsiveness.

With a wry smile, matching the expression on sage's face Thosare adresses Thessel: "Yes, my little friend, the lady was supposed to do the talking"

Turning to sage, he continues: "Master Amenopheus, I hope that you will forgive our impetuousness here. Not all of us are descendants of the Great empire, and some of us are not well versed in the proper ways of addressing of someone of your stature."

He makes a small pause before continuing, lowering his gaze as to not look sage directly in the eyes: "However, this humble servant standing in front of you owes it's allegiance to the Ruby Prince, may the gods eternally shine his path, and as such I would like to ask you for one or more pearls of your wisdom. What my associate here wanted to say is that we understand and appreciate the value of the offer done by Master Salhar. His family vault's bellow Sothis are a magnificent site, or so I heard. As is our custom, I would expect this vault here to be a small test of our mettle and our worth, am I not correct? Would you care to enlighten us with a glimmer of knowledge coming from your source, prior to entering vault to retrieve the map?"

For a brief moment, Thosar was actually surprised by the turn of events.

Bring it from the vault? Something is not right there...are we covering your blunders, Sapphire sage, or is it just a test?

Seeing that servant is already there to lead them towards the vault, Thosar assumed that they will not be given any more information. And he did not like it at all. Luckily, it seemed that you can count on halfling bard and his impulsiveness.

With a wry smile, matching the expression on sage's face Thosar adresses Thessel: "Yes, my little friend, the lady was supposed to do the talking"

Turning to sage, he continues: "Master Amenopheus, I hope that you will forgive our impetuousness here. Not all of us are descendants of the Great empire, and some of us are not well versed in the proper ways of addressing of someone of your stature."

He makes a small pause before continuing, lowering his gaze as to not look sage directly in the eyes: "However, this humble servant standing in front of you owes it's allegiance to the Ruby Prince, may the gods eternally shine his path, and as such I would like to ask you for one or more pearls of your wisdom. What my associate here wanted to say is that we understand and appreciate the value of the offer done by Master Salhar. His family vault's bellow Sothis are a magnificent site, or so I heard. As is our custom, I would expect this vault here to be a small test of our mettle and our worth, am I not correct? Would you care to enlighten us with a glimmer of knowledge coming from your source, prior to entering vault to retrieve the map?"

Whispering for ony Thessel to hear

As Eli leans up from Thessel his eyes tighten as he stares intently at the person leading the group down the hallway.

Dahr looks amazed at Thosar, then says speaking in Osiriani to Amonepheus:

Elindriel frowns at Thosar, "I'm sure that, whatever the test may be, we will overcome it regardless of whether or not we are forewarned."

Then, to Amenopheus, she says, "Please convey to Master Salhar our thanks, both for this opportunity to prove ourselves, as well as for the opportunity he is granting the Pathfinder Society."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Then, she proceeds to turn to follow the servant down the hall.

Other than a raised eyebrow at Thessel, a knowing nod to Thosar and Dahriakt, and a final smile to Elindriel, the old Sage says nothing and continues with his reading.

Eli continues to be wary of this situation and keeps his eyes open and his hands ready.

After leaving Amenopheus’ study, each of you are able to keep up with the servent without getting lost.

The servant brings your group back through the spacious estate, leading them down sturdy stone steps into the cool basement. Down a hallway, after a couple turns, the party ends up at a plain wooden door. The servant opens the door, gesturing to the room with a bow, and waits silently for you to enter.

Through the open door, you can see a plain stone room containing three chests: a copper-banded chest of smooth, dark wood; a red lacquered chest; and what looks to be a cube of solid steel. Behind the chests sits a low table holding a clear glass jar half full of liquid and a covered wicker basket.

If asked any questions, the servent remains silent and stoic standing outside the door; simply waiting for you to go into the vault...

(Let me know if anyone does not enter the room).

+-------+
+ MAP +
+-------+

(This is my first attempt at google docs for PBP combat map so lets see how this works...each of you should be able to move your own icon. PLEASE do not move anyone else's icon. If you move it or the background of the map by accident, let me know and I will fix it. Hopefully this will work out well...)

Dahriakt quietly follows the servant, staying 1-2 steps behind him.

Eli steps into the vault and stands in front of the middle chest assuming that the map they seek is within the vault and probably in one of the chests.

Eli looks over the middle chest

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Elindriel also steps into the vault. This has got to be some sort of puzzle, or riddle...

Thessel enters the vault, lingering by the door in case anything decides to explode.

Following the sage's persistent silence Archmoon turns to Thessel: "Do not jest halfling, I know you are light-hearted but don't let your guard down"

He then enters the room and positions himself in the southeast corner. Keeping his eyes focused on the chests, trying to understand what they are.

not looking up from the middle chest Eli addresses the others in the party.

If this is a test be careful what you touch and where you move. In my...experience
the last word said with a wry smile
the traps that hurt most are the ones you least expect are traps

The servant waits for Thosar and then pulls a large key from his pocket that looks to fit the large lock on the door...