GM Batpony PFS Tyranny of Winds Table 2 (Inactive)

Game Master Batpony

Xavian's little one two stabs don't seem to break through the elementals thick hide.

Jian Sheng comes on strong with some magic to back her up, her blade cuts deep as she unleashes a shocking power causing the elemental to flinch in pain.

Yliss uses all his strength to deliver a mighty blow as well, but soon Yliss returns to his former self. Iyasset swoops down and continues to mock the earth elemental.

Iyasset Slam: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 321d8 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

If someone can deal at least 1 damage to him, combat will be over!

Combat Round 4/5
Conditions:
Iyasset (40ft)
Xavian -7
Earth Elemental -81
Yliss -40 0hp ; Korez ; Jian Sheng -22 ; Inira -7; Glorin -12

Glorin focuses all his effort into a single axe swing.

Axe attack + flanking: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 = 28
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

That ought to do it.

"LOUSY PILE OF DIRT!"

Glorin's angry strike knocks the earth elemental, causing it to fall to it's knees, and subsequently face. Soon the fallen elementals all slip away into tiny portals that lead them back into the elemental planes. Iyasset commends you for your efforts, and as promise starts to lead you to his leader.

You may heal before going to the next place. This next part has very little details given in the scenario.. so if you start to ask difficult questions, I may have to make up the answers!

Iyasset continues to escort you, he brings you to an area near the mountains that you have came from. He asks you to wait for a short moment as he briefs his leader on your trials and the encounter that you had just been through. You don't wait very long, as you are then greeted to a private audience with Aridiea, another elemental take resembles some sort of a humanoid form, although unlike Iyasset, her face looks like he has seen 1000 years. She studies you for a moment before speaking.

"Alas, I first have to apologies for the troubles we have cause you. I'm afraid you are not the prophets. Although, I recognise that the pathfinder society is a very influential one, and would hope we can build ties together."

"I know you seek the Janni, and I shall share with you what information we know about her. We have tracked her as far as we could, she has travelled through this mountains, and through a network of caves, but after that we no longer no where is she. However we know as much that she has travelled away from the material plane, likely into the elements. She is also strongly tied to the Concordance of Elements."

"As a peace offering, take this ring of feather falling, and may we offer you one other gift?" He holds out in his hand a pair of sandals of the lightest step and a wind fan.
As a group, you can choose one of them, and it'll be reflected accordingly in your chronicle.

Jian Sheng sheathes her sword as the earth elemental slips away. After Aridiea has finished speaking, Jian Sheng bows "Greetings great one. The Pathfinder Society too hopes that we can build ties with all friendly parties and thanks you for your generous gifts. Could you also kindly enlighten us as to the nature and purpose of the Concordance of Elements?"

Sandals of the lightest step gets my vote

"The true purpose of the Condordance is not known to me. However I'm sure Jamila's activities is tied to it all. Her theft is only one part of an recent increase in their activities. They are known to have deep elemental ties, and operate on an extraplanar level. That is all I know of them."

"Thank you for your generosity. May I ask, how do you know we are not the prophets? Iyasset seemed confident that we were. At any rate, we are pleased to accept your gifts."

I vote for the sandals as well.

"Yes, I had sent Iyasset In hopes that you were the prophets and fed him the story. But clearly I oversold that story to him, as I can see you do not bring the message of change or ascendancy of one of the elemental tribes. I humbly offer you my apologies. However I believe there is a greater good in this, as we hope that our alliance could bring a better future."

Glorin glowers in the back, but judiciously remains silent, knowing his words would only get the party into more trouble.

I'll abstain, since the ring is the one thing that interests Glorin the most, given recent encounters.

Yliss takes several minutes to slowly heal his wounds, and remains silent through most of the discussion. At one point he picks up the fan and turns it around before returning it, "Yliss is not a geisha."

No ones going to heal?

He provides the group with the sandals, and offers a small team of elementals to accompany you should you find any trouble in your travel back. However you meet no dangers save for a few sand-flies.

You travel back to the city, and meet with Venture Captain Norden to update him on your endeavours.

Mission report please.

Assuming we have 4 minutes to spare, I'm using 4 charges of a wand of infernal healing.

CLW Wand: 2d8 + 2 ⇒ (4, 5) + 2 = 11

Sandals are fine and yes, Xavian is more interested in the ring as well.

Xavian will relate to the Venture Captain the events that unfolded during the "tests" that the party had to endure in order to prove them as some sort of prophets or the like. He'll also discuss the nature of the party's decision as to who to side with when forced to choose between the elemental factions and the battle that ensued. Finally, he will share the last bits of information that the party was given concerning the latest whereabouts of Jamila.

Looks like we're not quite finished. Anything you can tell us about this Concordance?

"I had worry this would had happen, so I had sent an earlier team of pathfinders to track her down. With your information, we know more of the organization she works for." He grins, likely thinking about how smart he is. "Nonetheless, the alliance with the Ainsi may prove to be fruitful in the future. Good job. Unfortunately for us, the society knows nothing about the Concordance and what their objectives are."

Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir sits bent over a weathered scroll. He looks up from the parchment and smiles wearily.

"You are right that you're not quite finished. I would appreciate your tracking her down, again, and discovering her cabal’s goals. I have enough evidence now to believe she went to Armun Kelisk, a metropolis on the Plane of Air, to convene with other members of her organization. I’ll need all of you to travel to the Plane of Air to pick up the trail. While you are in Armun Kelisk, I have another important task for you.”

Balentiir taps a finger to the image of a gem drawn on the scroll before him. “This is a sketch of the Untouchable Opal. It imprisons the good-aligned lord of air, Ranginori, and is now in our possession. If we can find a way to release Ranginori, he may grant us his blessing, making the outer reaches of the Plane of Air more hospitable for us. Armun Kelisk’s numerous libraries are an invaluable place to start our investigation into the Opal."

“A friend of the Society by the name of Jairo the Enlightener has arranged your travel to Armun Kelisk, and he will meet with you once you arrive. He is a scholarly djinni with many contacts that should prove useful. I advise exercising discretion though— we do not know who may be allied with the Concordance. Do you have any questions?”

"This gem is magical, yesss? I know much about items, and will learn more. I will answers."

"Magical, likely. To what extend is it's magic, that's for you to find out." Soon after, you hear some neighing. In the courtyard, waiting for you is a (unmanned) gilded carriage and four pegasi. "Looks like your ride has arrived ahead of schedule."

You may continue asking questions/prep.. once you're ready, hop on in the carriage.

"The Plane of Air?" Glorin repeats with consternation. "More of that blasted flying."

He sighs. "Still, if it will help a champion of good, count me in," he mutters reluctantly.

Korez listens to the briefing with interest. "This sounds like a much different type of search! So we shall be spending time in a library instead of a crazy cave. Tell me, Venture-Captain, have you met this Jairo? Can you tell us anything more about him or what we can expect to find in Armun Kelisk?"

knowledge (planes)+guidance: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 1 = 25

Korez shares what he knows with the others.

Jian Sheng quietly lets Xavian's describe the events that took place in the desert. She merely nods at the Venture Captain's new mission and before leaving, hands over a copy of her notes on her observations within the desert and one of the flowers from the cavern to Venture Captain Norden.

"You might find something of use in those notes. The desert does show sign of bleeding from the elemental planes as evidenced from certain locales that exhibit traits similar to the elemental planes. It may be connected to certain rituals regarding the elemental lords conducted in the past, although I would advise an impartial study of this as both elemental tribes have their own take of history."

No need to let him know that another copy is on its way to Tahonikepsu. Hopefully the jeweled sages can make good use of this knowledge

Jian Sheng gives a slight bow to the Venture Captain before turning to leave "Don't forget Korez, our primary mission is still to locate the thief and investigate this Concordance. I doubt that can happen in a library"

Without further ado, Jian Sheng climbs onboard the carriage with her new purchase and muses on the upcoming mission To travel to this new realm...a place I have only ever read about in texts. I wonder if we will have a chance to meet the Sultan

“The Society crossed paths with Jairo years ago and earned his respect and friendship. He offered to assist us should any of our agents visit Armun Kelisk. We have no reason to believe he works for the Concordance.”

“He has secured your transportation to the Plane of Air. I will speak more on that shortly. He will also be your host while in Armun Kelisk, and he’s already arranged for you to meet with local scholars and dignitaries. If you encounter any need for political support during your mission, ask Jairo. He may have some connections.”

Knowledge, Planes: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

"I am ready to start our journey." As the carriage opens, she quickly climbs in to secure a seat by a window.

Glorin shrugs, defeated, and hunches over in the center of the conveyance.

"Tell me when we land," he blusters. Muttering, he adds, "...if we land."

As Yliss follows Jian into the carriage, he asks, "Is this carriage magical? How will it get us to the Plane of Air?"

The carriage is made beautifully of precious metal, likely mithral, but in a fine light blue colour. The carriage leaves the ground soon after once everyone has got in, and the world you know melts away into an unfamiliar sky. (Hopefully answers Yliss questions)

An endless sea of sky glows in hues of stunning gold, vibrant rose, and smoky indigo. Distant orbs of light twinkle like stars, and floating islands crafted from crystal, silver, and ice gleam in the twilight. Djinn soar past winged gondolas and flying horses, easily navigating a labyrinth of majestic buildings and the many bridges that connect them. The air is heavy with the scent of incense and spices, and the echo of music and laughter drifts upon the wind.

The carriage glides past opulent structures crafted from marble and clouds, where curious young sylphs and mephits sit perched on windowsills, waving to passing travelers. The pegasi neigh and slow as a cluster of docks come into view. The port is crowded with throngs of airships and the merchants strolling among them.

As the carriages comes to a halt on an empty platform, a djinni dressed in resplendent clothing approaches with a smile. He offers a low bow and clasps his hands together. “Welcome! I am Jairo, and it is such a pleasure to be your host while you stay in my beautiful city. Allow me to escort you to your lodgings where you can rest.” The djinn pauses and looks around warily. When he speaks again, his voice lowers to a whisper. “And also where we can speak in a more private setting.”
I've uploaded a picture of Jairo to the maps link.

He soon leads you to his manor, and your mode of travel is flying carpets. He points out a few area's of interest in the city, sightseeing wise. In the manor, swathes of jewel-colored silks billow from the ceiling of the parlor with matching plush pillows scattered across the floor. Jairo settles atop a large amethyst cushion and gestures to an array of refreshments laid out on shining trays. The aroma of mint wafts up from a steaming silver teapot, while candied fruit and sugared confections sparkle atop tiered plates. “Please sit and help yourself to whatever you like. Savories, sweets—there is a bit of everything to please, I imagine.” The djinni pours tea into polished cups and distributes them among his guests.

“Ah, but there is business to discuss, is there not? Norden told me you wish to learn more about a rival faction and also an artifact. I do not know about either, I’m afraid, but I have arranged for you to join me at the Grand Symposium Gala tomorrow in the Cirussean Ward. It is an event that local aristocrats are hosting to celebrate a newly renovated wing of the Azure Hall, our finest library here in Armun Kelisk. There will be numerous scholars and dignitaries present who may be able to aid you in your quest.”

Once you are ready, the Djinni will show you to your rooms where you are to rest the night, normal rules apply, you can re-prepare your spells if you need to.

Xavian will enjoy the refreshments. Who would you suggest that we ask? Perhaps there is someone that you trust that will be attending the gala?

The djinn smiles at Xavian's question, "Fret not, I have in mind a few particular individuals to point out to you tomorrow, hopefully they will give you the right push to proceed in your investigations. Though, I cannot vouch for any of them on a personal level."

Jian Sheng settles herself atop a large pillow and samples some of the sugared confectioneries "A gala you say? Filled with aristocrats? Will there be any outsiders like ourselves there? Or should we find some way of blending in?"

"About blending in, worry not, I will provide each of you with a suitable outfit taken from my collection. Along with some matching jewellery of course, and if you're worried about the size I've already have someone to alter them to suit all of you."

"As for the folks you shall meet tomorrow, you can imagine they are all folk who have an appreciation for higher society. A range of folk, from scholars, to very influential nobles. Fret not, I shall point them out to you tomorrow when we arrive so that you know who to talk to."

Glorin peers over the edge of the carpets and pulls himself in. He seems to take on an odd greenish hue as he clutches himself. "Flying... Why does it have to be flying?"

At the manor, he delights on what passes for solid ground. He flops down on a large pillow and gulps down some mint tea. "Thank you, I needed that. Just acclimating to all this air..."

Inira relaxes and enjoys the tea and accommodations, not used to experiencing such luxury. She is less sure about wearing the finery provided, but she decides to roll with it and gets dressed.

After a good night's rest, you are treated to a lovely breakfast of bread, bacon, eggs, and an assortment of fruits. "I hope you are well rested. I've arranged something for you." Soon after, a few servants enter carrying 3 (10ftx10ft) carpets of flying. "You may use these for your transportation to the Gala, but also feel free to use them at your leisure during your stay in Armun Kelisk."

If you do the math, that's 2 persons to a carpet. I'm moving us forward though as this time it really matters not who sits with who. But please feel free to play this out how you like!

Once everybody has boarded their carpets, Jairo guides you through the Lower City and Lumnious Court to the multilevel park that hosts the Grand Symposium Gala. Glorin looks very nervous, he seems to hate flying with a passion.

Gossamer pavilions populate a chain of verdant floating islands. Finely dressed djinn hover among cascades of pale blossoms showering down from pearlescent trees. Sylphs stroll along the slender bridges connecting the many platforms. The steady hum of chatter fills the crisp air as Jairo docks his carpet by the outskirts of the park. “Leave the carpets here; you don’t want to accidently crash into the crowd and make a scene.” The djinni regards the throng of nobles and scholars with an apprising gaze. “I have some associates I must meet with, so please excuse me. Enjoy the party and feel free to mingle. I’m sure there are plenty of people here who can to offer you some useful leads for your research.”

But before he leaves you, he points out eight Notable guest that you should take interest in. They are mainly scholars, save for Mithradatha, Wan Feng, and Zhalla bint Rathmozen, who are very influential individuals. He also cautions you should if you should choose to curry favour with one of them, you best not attempt to ally another. The influential individuals are primarily for the purposes of the faction goal of Sovereign Court.

Almoshtari, invisible stalker historian: A very bombastic individual, who drapes herself in colourful beaded fabric and streaming ribbons.
Fairuza Bereket, female djinni librarian: A gentle woman with a mild temperament
Ghassan El-Amin, male djinni archivist: A reclusive archivist with misanthropic tendencies
Lineji Niarndu, female gnome museum curator: A middle-aged gnome with frizzy, orange hair and bulging, mismatched eyes.
Mithradatha, male djinni vizier disgraced diplomat:Mithradatha is a diplomat recovering from a damaged reputation.
Vivek Vallathol, air veela archaeologis: An adventurer at heart who revels in socializing
Wan Feng, male imperial sky dragon ambassador: A foreign draconic ambassador who takes the shape of a white-haired Tian man
Zhalla bint Rathmozen, female sylph aristocrat: A local dilettante who helped organize the Gala

As you might have guessed, the nature of this encounter is that of a social one. Your options are as follow. Everyone can make one improve influence check per NPC. You can choose to aid or make the diplomacy check. But only one check for improve influence.

Post improving influence, you may choose a gather knowledge check. Each player can only make ONE primary gather knowledge check in total for this whole scenario. You may aid without constraint though. However same rules apply, only one check per person for gather information.

To make it simple, I will lead you to the NPCs one by one, if any of you feel that you want to try your gather information skill with that person, go ahead and make your skill check, if not we'll keep moving to NPCs until everyone has decided who they want to gather information from. Remember that they will not share with you any juicy information save for small talk stuff until you make that check. Hope that is clear! The gather information check will be mostly diplomacy, but some characters may use a different check which I will reveal to you.

You first approach Almoshtari. She looks to be reaching out to anyone in the room who approaches her about her historical knowledge.

Korez is thrilled to see the flying carpets and quickly jumps on to the nearest one. "Who's coming with me?"

When they are deposited at the Gala, he listens carefully to Jairo's list of important individuals. "Thank you for your assistance. The Society has a valuable ally here indeed!" He bows and begins mingling.

To Almoshtari, he says, "That is a lovely gown! The ribbons and beads flow so beautifully in the breeze here. Tell me, what is your particular expertise in history?"

I'm glad I put some skill ranks into Diplomacy! Who has the best modifier? They should probably be our primary roller for each NPC. If my +4 is the best then let's say this is not an Aid Another. Also, does your last line mean that Almoshtari's gather information check is Knowledge (history)?

diplomacy AA: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

This might be complicated due to the PbP format - unless we want 100 posts for each one discussing who has the best score. I suggest we default to whoever has the best score makes the main roll, and then everyone else is an Aid. Inira is shy and awkward, so her diplomacy skills are poor. However, she is very observant and likes to watch everything, so +18 perception and +10 sense motive. So she will basically to aid.

Inira stands by watching and smiling and nodding when it seems appropriate, trying to make a good impression.
Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18

Not knowing what else is to come, History is Inira's strongest knowledge check, so she might as well use it now. If anyone has higher than +5 and wants to use it, she will Aid instead, but otherwise she will try now.

Quick check shows that Xavian has the best diplomacy modifier, so I'll assume him as the primary roll for improve influence. And you've guessed it right, you may impress her with History to gather information.

Glorin appears, as he always has seemed since arriving in this plane, horrendously out of place. Still, he tries his best to remain sociable and stay out of people's way.

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

Glorin is not a face or knowledge type. He does have Knowledge(Dungeoneering), which might come in handy with Vivek, but that's about it.

Knowledge(Dungeoneering): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

It is clear he has not even the first inkling of understanding for flight-based beings.

Xavian isn't learned in history, however he will approach with Korez. True, I don't believe I've ever seen such colourful beaded fabric and streaming ribbons in a garb before. Xavian will than try to help guide the conversation as Korez tries to make his knowledge of history known.

Diplo: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

If I take too long to post, feel free to make the Diplo roll for me as we move along.

Does any of your current characters in this scenario have the Djinni's Admiration boon from #6-11?

She is easily impressed, and happily carries the conversation. She speaks in an elegant but somewhat boastful manner "Oh, you are much too kind. These garment are hand made by myself. Ah, so you've heard about me, and my expertise. I indulge in all sorts of history, but if I had to pick a favourite. Maybe it's regarding the sky key, or maybe Razmiran, or maybe..." She continues to switch between many history topics, as if she was trying to impress the world that she knows so much.

You may make your gather information skill now, diplomacy or Kn. History. Remember each PC can only make one primary gather info check this whole scenario. Jian Sheng has the highest history with +7, We'll let her decide if she wants to make the roll, if by 12 hours no decision, we'll use Inira's roll.

This seems like an encounter where posting speed will be pretty important, so here are my bot instructions if necessary. Aid Diplomacy (+3) whenever possible. Will only take the lead for an Intimidate (+7) or Knowledge (arcana) (+5) check.

Nope, no boon from Djinni's Admiration

Jian Sheng is not a particularly diplomatic person due to her traumatic past, but her ears perk up at the mention of the Sky Key

knowledge history: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"So you know about the Sky Key too! It's a fascinating subject no? A long-lost Numerian device said to be capable of projecting a location's past into the present! I hear there is a group back in the material plane that is reportedly reassembling such a device after they traced a piece of the key. Pray tell what other information you might have about it?"

Sorry for the hold up guys! GM pls feel free to bot my dice rolls to keep things moving if necessary, I can add in my own fluff later =P.
Oh and nearly forgot

diplomacy (aid another): 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4

However, in her enthusiasm to discuss the sky key, Jian Sheng's hands accidentally knock into a waiter, nearly causing a tray of drinks to spill over everyone.

I don't know if she actually knows anything more about the Sky key.. but just keeping it in character.

The conversation continues for aw while regarding the Sky Key, and accumulatively she is very impressed with Jian Sheng and Inira's knowledge of historical matters.

You've passed the check for Gathering Info, You may freely ask her anything, and she will share all she knows. Each NPC knows different a different set of clues, so you need to ask the right questions.

Inira does not have the Djinni's Admiration boon, but her brother Conlaoch does! Too bad he is on a different mission...

No one curious to ask? For simplicity, as long as the gather info check is passed, anyone can ask the questions.

Being a historian, do you know anything of the history of something called the Untouchable Opal?

Jian Sheng looks around conspiratorially before leaning over and saying "I believe that agents of another group called the Concordance of Elements are also interested in this item. Do you know anything about them as well?"

She takes a moment to absorb your questions, "The Untouchable Opal.. specifically about it? Hmm. Historically it's been mentioned in the legends about the elemental lords. It's said that Ranginori, the lord of air, is trapped in the Untouchable Opal. But beyond that I don't think it's ever been mentioned in history books, besides more rumours."

“I’ve heard about the Concordance, but I don’t know much. It is supposedly a covert operation based on the elemental planes, though their agents travel to other planes as well. They claim to be protectors of the planes, but I can’t say what their true motives are. They very well might be the elemental lords’ spies in disguise, hiding behind an innocuous facade.”

"We have urgent business with one particular member of the Concordance- a janni called Janira. We believe she is somewhere in your magnificent city. Do you have any idea where we might find her?"

Yliss is neither talkative nor intelligent. And to be quite honest, I still haven't figured out his personality. Magical knowledge is pretty much the only thing he's interested in.

"Janira? hmm. hmm. Nope. Sorry. Name doesn't ring a bell."

That's alright Yliss, In the other table one of the players pretty much "sat" out of the social encounter as he is not a social type. He just tried to aid once or twice by making awkward comments.

I'll give 12 more hours for one more round of questions then we'll move on the next character. She's told you almost everything she knows. She's kinda given you a hint about what else she knows. So build upon what she has told you.

Spies in disguise? Isn't that what spies are? What do you mean by that?

"What can you tell us of Razmiran? I've always been fascinated by their bizarre culture. Have you spent much time in the River Kingdoms? I've relatives there."

Shot in the dark. heh