Jaxal |
"Did I hear a call for someone with roguish good looks, and the skills to match? I am sort of a big DOT."
Ruinor Starflame |
Ruinor looks up from his spell book to see who the speaker is. He chuckles a little when he sees it is an elf. "Greetings. Yes, our group is in need of someone who can open locks. I don't think Orovan will be too pleased at having another elf in the group, but if you can save him from having to bash down doors with his shoulder, I'm sure he will get over it. I am Ruinor. I'm glad you could join us."
Nectanebo the Vulture |
Yet another Elf walks in, who deftly fishes a note of invitation out of his voluminous tarnished-silver-colored overcoat (an observer would almost swear that the coat handed him the note, or at least helped him fish it out). "I'm Nectanebo - 'the Vulture,' some call me. I understand there was some call for my talents?"
DM DoctorEvil |
Glad the 3 of you made it over here. Still looking for the rest: Silverback, Orovan and Maximilian. Once they are here we will start in earnest. Feel free to peruse the intro in the meantime.
You, along with several hundred of your fellow Pathfinders, crowd into the Grand Lodge at Absalom awaiting an announcement from Ianareth Alazario, Cheliax’s newly appointed liaison to the Pathfinder Society. With her on the stage is Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus. You note that former Chelish liaison Zarta Dralneen (now head of the Dark Archive) looks on from the front row of the auditorium.
A tall, heavy-set woman wearing a black-lacquered breastplate and a sweeping ruby cloak rests a hand on the gold pommel of the longsword at her hip as she readies to address the Pathfinders assembled at the Grand Lodge. She nods once to Marcos Farabellus before beginning. "I am Ianareth Alazario, and I come to you with words spoken by Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune. Pathfinders, your exile is at an end. Cheliax welcomes you once again."
Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus vigorously leads a round of applause that echoes off the sturdy walls following the new declaration. Ianareth’s smile is as wide as her host’s, though it falters slightly when her gaze falls on her disgraced predecessor Zarta Dralneen. Ianareth continues, "With your help, I would mend the rifts between us and forge an enduring friendship. I have entrusted your Master of Swords with several promising leads found within our borders. To that I add only this: Pathfinders, the glory of Cheliax is placed in your care." Ianareth bows deeply to Marcos and then to the crowd before taking her leave.
Marcos Farabellus steps behind the lectern and announces, "I’ve gathered a handful of teams to lead these initial expeditions, and I’ve posted those outside with times to meet me in my office for more details. There’s rewarding work ahead, so don’t be late!" With that, the auditorium begins to empty. Walking briskly with infinite poise and a clenched jaw, Zarta Dralneen is the first to disappear through the doors.
As promised, Marcus Farabellus has posted lists of half-a-dozen teams to lead the newly-sanctioned expeditions in Cheliax. Your team is on the list along with a pair of newcomers. You don't have much time to dally, your meeting with Farabellus is scheduled to begin in a few minutes after the presentation ends.
Jaxal |
Jaxal stands in the back, watching the event play out. While he has some sympathy for Dralneen, sometimes being slapped down can make you learn a lesson or two. Then he chuckles quietly, and says to himself, "Well, not me, perhaps..."
He wanders around, wondering if there was supposed to be any food at this event. Finding nothing to peak his interest, he meanders over to where his meeting is supposed to start, carefully planning to walk in just barely on time.
He grins wide at the first person he sees, and winks at the next. "So what grand adventure lies in store for us today?"
Silverback |
Silverback, an incredibly tall, hunched elf, arrives a little late, as if he had been taking a nap.
Unlike most of his ageless kind, he seems old and frail. His weak form seems almost as if it had been stretched too thin.
"I remember when Cheliax was little more than a hill of devil dung," he mutters.
"Still, it will be good to see it again. It's almost as if it were yesterday, or a thousand years ago...I'm not sure."
Orovan |
Orovan makes for Farabellus' office without delay, hoping to be the first one in and make a good impression.
DM DoctorEvil |
I sent a PM over to Maximilian to see if he was planning to join us. I will proceed through the intro, and see if chimes in.
You all await the meeting with Farabellus, sitting together in his antechamber when soon the door is thrown open and the big man ushers you in. As you enter, Zarta Dralneen stands across the Master of Swords' desk, her back turned to you. She momentarily acknowledges the newcomers before continuing to lecture Farabellus. "Beware the good intentions of a Chelish diplomat. Who controls whom behind closed doors in Cheliax, and who are we serving by heeding the call of Abrogail’s infernal masters?"
Marcos strokes his beard for a moment, buying time to phrase his reply. "Caution is warranted, but you shouldn’t let past follies color your opinion of this opportunity, Zarta. This is our chance to freely operate within Cheliax again. The doors of Delvehaven may still be closed, but we can start to mend soured relations." Marcos turns to the recently arrived agents. "I expect everyone who takes an assignment to conduct themselves as diplomats as well as explorers. We don’t need a public debacle to ruin our welcome, again."
Zarta straightens her back and glares imperiously down at her counterpart. "Folly? One day you will look between the sheets and see you’ve climbed into bed with a snake, Marcos. I sincerely hope none of your agents find themselves in desperate need of a retrieval team; I remind you that devils work quickly to strip hope from one’s senses." She turns and strides out of the room.
The Master of Swords massages his forehead with one hand and motions to chairs with the other. "Lady Dralneen assumes that we take Cheliax entirely at its word. Ianareth Alazario provided me an incomplete history of a small keep in the Eismonts called Emberhold, once property of House Davian. The reason we don’t hear much of the Davians anymore is that they led the resistance against House Thrune during the Chelish civil war, and her infernal majestrix is not known for showing mercy. I’m sending you to explore the site, learn what you can about what happened there, and bring back any information about the Davians."
He leans forward and lowers his voice before adding, "You’ll be traveling through Corentyn, and I’d like you to pay a visit to the Museum of History there first. The curator, Zefiro Balinger, is an acquaintance of the Society and may have details not available in the official records. Get Balinger’s help, then visit Emberhold." Marcos presents a small folded map. "You’ll leave Absalom aboard the Sea Sylph in two days—Society’s picking up the tab. It’s been years since we’ve had first-hand reports coming out of Cheliax, so be ready for anything."
The PCs might know more about Zarta Dralneen’s tumultuous history with Cheliax and about the fall of Delvehaven. Dark Archive members may take a +5 circumstance bonus on the Knowledge Local check
DM DoctorEvil |
More Knowledge checks. These do not get the Dark Archive bonus listed above.
Based on Farabellus' instructions, you are to meet the Sea Sylph in two days' time to make the trip to Corentyn. You have time to gear up as necessary. Is there anything you want to purchase prior to the trip?
Silverback |
"Oh, I know all about this!" Silverback claims. "I was there!"
He commences a lengthy lecture about quite some number of local knowledge, in which he embellishes his own part handily.
Read any of the knowledge local up to 20
knowledge local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 +1 if related to elves.
Nectanebo the Vulture |
Nectanebo seems to be paying as much attention to what appears to be a fist-sized white pearl as to the briefing, staring into it while Master Farabellus speaks.
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
He suddenly pulls his attention away from it, though, pinching the bridge of his nose as though suffering some discomfort.
"Well, we all know about Cheliax, don't we? In case my faith in the concept of 'common knowledge' is unfounded, however, let's review what needs to be known: Cheliax is Hell on Golarion. That doesn't mean it's a horrible place to visit, far from it. It's a land of wealth and taste...that House Thrune sold wholesale to Asmodeus. It's just tolerant enough of other gods to maintain that certain air of plausible deniability, just so long as one doesn't walk the paths of Chaos. Law and Order! Those are Cheliax's bywords! And like all regimes that prioritize Order, of course, it's a colossus on feet of cheese. Ever heard of the Bellflower Network? If anyone in Cheliax asks, of course you haven't - they're the mice in the cheese, running around inside it, and making off with their slaves. They're run by Halflings and chiefly for Halflings, of course, but they're who I'd want to trust if we ran into trouble."
Maximilian Q. Viveiros |
Ooops! Somehow managed to miss the link to the new thread, so sorry!
Maximilian greets the newcomers to the group, and immediately begins to regale them with tales of the group's previous adventures, oblivious to the looks of boredom around him. He has just gotten to the part where Orovan ended a fight before it had begun by throwing sticks at a troglodyte, when the door opens.
Know (local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Know (history): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
"Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Corentyn, where we lay our scene,"
Maximilian recites. "House Davian, led by Duchess Lannavia Davian, challenged Thrune for control of Cheliax at the Battle of a Hundred Kings, a struggle that devastated Corentyn near the end of the civil war. The house’s holdings included much of the nation’s west coast."
DM DoctorEvil |
I don't see anyone taking the opportunity to gear up, so if its all the same to you, we will move forward. You may still retcon gear until we land in Corentyn, and then you must look for it there.
As you gather at the docks of Absalom on the second day following the meeting with Farabellus, a messenger arrives bearing a note from the Venture Captain. It reads: "Agents, I recently learned that Zarta intends to send one of her own agents to Corentyn with a mission she’s elected to keep secret. I don’t think we should interfere, but I never like seeing agents go out alone. If you can, make sure Cassian is on the boat with you when you return to Absalom. –Marcos"
Sure enough, when you find the the Sea Sylph in her slip at the quay, a small, wiry man awaits your arrival. He stands and introduces himself quickly as Cassian Redwold. "I am to tend to the gear supplied by the Society for yours and future explorations. Mostly mundane stuff, like mattocks, ropes, empty crates and packing straw for returning artifacts etc." Redwold also states he was given a small sum of coin to pay any export or import fees, as well as to acquire riding and pack horses once safely landed in Corentyn. After introductions all around, the man excuses himself to see the gear safely stowed aboard before departure.
Finally, you meet the Sylph's captain -- a man named Zaerim. He is capable enough, directing the loading of cargo and gear, and speaks while monitoring the work. "Should be a quick jaunt. Weather should be good. Going to hug along the southern coast of the Inner Sea, with a stop in Merab. That's Thuvia, if you don't know. More likely to avoid Chelish naval patrols that way." He looks you over once, and adds, "Been to Corentyn before? Then you'll know to keep your logs in order. Undeclared cargo worth more than a gold crown or any contraband will be impounded and will likely earn me 20 lashes. I don't look forward to that fate, so make sure your gear is well documented, eh?"
Holy symbols and holy texts dedicated to chaotic gods— visitors are free to worship whomever so long as this doesn’t challenge Thrune’s or Asmodeus’s authority, but a recent
court decision has identified such holy symbols as a medium for proselytization.
∙ Scrolls and potions of spells with the chaotic descriptor
∙ Poisons whose combined cost exceeds 150 gp
∙ Drugs whose combined cost exceeds 50 gp
∙ Large weapons — an uncharacteristic string of attacks has resulted in a crackdown on citizen weaponry that most assume will end in the next month or two. Until this resolution ends, only light weapons are permitted in the city limits. The PCs can declare and leave larger weapons on the ship at no cost and retrieve them when they depart for Emberhold.
Nectanebo the Vulture |
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
"Customs inspectors aren't...given too much leeway in what they are empowered to impound or appropriate, are they? A few of my possessions are priceless in ways beyond the narrow ken of gold."
Ruinor Starflame |
Sorry, week has gotten away from me with work. Can I retcon and use 2 PP to pick up a wand of CLW? Also, regarding the rolls, if I may ...
Know local (Dark Archive bonus): 1d20 + 8 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 5 = 29 Ruinor shares his knowledge with the group.
Know history: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Know local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
and today's post
Know local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 He lets everyone know what is restricted.
"I don't think I have anything that I shouldn't. How exciting to be travelling to these lands. I can't wait to see what we find," Ruinor says sounding like a little school boy.
Nectanebo the Vulture |
Nectanebo looks over his shoulder with dismay at the shimmering, gemmed Elven blade slung across his back.
"The Guidingstar? I just found this, damn it! It's one of those 'few of my possessions' I was talking about!" He sighs, turning his face forward again.
"What about my bow?" He points to his composite longbow, a fine Elven weapon, if not as attention-grabbing as the sword he calls 'Guidingstar.'
Orovan |
Orovan shrugs and makes sure his longspear and morningstar are stowed. "We'll be alright. Not really expecting any trouble, are we? It's a simple exploration." He declares. He passes by "Vulture" and mumbles "I'll take care of any bugs that might scare you."
Jaxal |
Knowledge, Nobility: 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 7 + (4) = 15
Jaxal looks over his gear, and wonders waht they may make of some of his alchemical concoctions. Well, they aren't poisons, and they may cause chaos, but aren't really chaotic.
Wondering about the bow and arrows, he finally asks the captain where that may qualify. "I could use a short bow, if it helps."
"I carry a gentleman's blade, so surely that isn't outlawed, right?" Clearly, Jaxal may have a hard time parting with his masterwork rapier.
Nectanebo the Vulture |
Nectanebo blinks gently in confusion. "'Bugs?' Why should I be frightened of...? That giant leech was easily the least frightening thing back in the Gloomspires...."
Maximilian Q. Viveiros |
Maximilian pales as Jaxal points out that a rapier isn't considered 'light'. "A simple dueling foil disallowed? I knew the Chelaxians made deals with devils, but I didn't realise they were uncivilised!"
Looking over a selection of light weapons that would be allowed into the city, he picks up a Kukri. "This will do, I suppose. I used one like it for the climactic battle scene of Pirates of Pezzack..."
Nectanebo the Vulture |
Nectanebo looks over the ship's store, opting for something cheap, deadly, and slightly unusual: a light pick, as well as (why not?) a fine darkwood shield to go with it, and a set of chakrams.
271 gold spent.
DM DoctorEvil |
The captain isn't exactly sure of Chelaxian custom regarding bows, but since it is his back that will take the striping if wrong, he asks you to error on the side of caution and declare them, and leave them aboard.
Yes you may use the PP for a wand of CLW. You can assume that Cassian Redwold has all the paperwork in order for the Society's gear.
The journey from Absalom to Corentyn is uneventual. True to his word, Captain Zaerim hugs the southern coast of the Sea, and with a short stop in Thuvia at Merab, the Sea Sylph is soon underway again for Corentyn.
A few days later, you catch your first glimpse of the red Chelish flag. The last fiery golden rays of daylight silhouette the towering monument known as Aroden’s Arch, which reaches out from Corentyn’s southern wall to divide the Arcadian Ocean and the Inner Sea. Corentyn’s numerous fortifications rise behind mighty gray and brown limestone walls. Masts of ships both in port and at sea rise in the hundreds, like a legion pointing their spears toward the heavens.
As the Sea Sylph approaches port, Captain Zaerim orders his crew to ensure goods are neatly arranged and presentable. A halfling female customs agent, she introduces himself as Tamrin Credence, comes aboard immediately after docking with four human deputies. The halfling wears a strained smile as she interacts with the crew and your group. The four humans seem a bit disrespectful and carry out their orders, but usually with an eye-roll or an under-breath comment. Tamrin takes the ship's manifest and starts a thorough examination, her aides making notations in their ledgers as they go.
A small disturbance of some sort has broken out on the docks, and city watchmen call for a group of Hellknights which is slow to mobilize and arrive. From your vantage point, appears to be in the slave market, which is just down the quay from your mooring spot.
Tamrin questions Captain Zaerim, who refers to the Pathfinders only as "passengers from Absalom." Tamrin then turns to you. "What is your business in Corentyn?" she asks looking you over in a bored bureaucratic way. "Please show me your lists of declared goods."
Are any of you openly wearing a wayfinder or a holy symbol? What about other contraband, including your non-light weapons. You may conceal goods (or individuals) with a Sleight of Hand or Stealth check. Lying to Tamrin will require a Bluff check.
Jaxal |
Jaxal has a wayfinder, but not openly displayed - shoved in his pack deep. He is wearing his rapier openly, but if the guards notice and press, he will leave it behind. Given that bows seem to be out, he will leave his bow and his variety of specialty arrows behind.
He is dressed to the nines, though, wearing his mithral chain and noble clothes.
He also has 4 daggers secreted away on his person, and his thieves tools hidden as well (although none of these were on the banned list).
Slight of Hand: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Nectanebo the Vulture |
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 9
Nectanebo grudgingly leaves his bow, arrows, and the Guidingstar - so much more than an impressive sword - behind. By the Chelaxians' own standards, he otherwise has nothing to hide (save for that which is beyond their narrow perceptions anyways).
Silverback |
sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
I have no wayfinder or weapons aside from a spiked gauntlet and a sling
Silverback watches, peeved as usual, as the customs agents sift through their cargo.
When Tamrin questions the captain, the ancient elf raises an eyebrow.
"I say, what are you really looking for? Certainly not our cargo. Is there something else we can help you find?"
diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Orovan |
Orovan doesn't have a wayfinder, but he does have a birthmark of Groetus. I had supposed he could cover it with clothing.
DM DoctorEvil |
"Well, if you really must know," says the harbormaster with an air of exasperation, "An Ulfen slave burst his chains and escaped by diving into the sea. We are searching all ships entering or leaving the harbor until he is found. It's caused quite a ruckus this morning and has put me hopelessly behind schedule. Now, if you'll let me finish..."
Jaxal, still wearing his rapier at this side, keeps it out of sight of the busy officials view and is able to maintain it.
Finally, when it looks like all is done, Tamrin returns to your group and asks once again. "My report is all but finished. You will not be able to unload your cargo today, as the disturbance and missing slave has made that impossible, but you may go ashore, once you answer my question. What is your business here in Corentyn?"
She looks you over from person to person, her sharp eyes missing little.
Maximilian Q. Viveiros |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Maximilian accepts the inspector's explanation about looking for a slave.
"Our business? Why, we are traveling tragedians, here to study the wonderful Chelish history and culture. We're Method, you see, and immersing ourselves in a locale helps us to find the inner being of our characters. Verisimilitude is all, you see.
I am Maximillian Q. Viveiros, playwright and leading man, humbly at your service,", he says not at all humbly, "perhaps you've heard of me. I was quite well received at the Karcau Opera House recently. The gentleman in the fine clothes is, well, I'm sure you recognise him, famous wealthy philanthropist and all, he is kindly funding our production. The elderly elf is our historian, you'll have to excuse him if he forgets what year it is occasionally. These others are my fellow actors."
Looking the halfling up and down, he adds, "You have the look of one who appreciates the fine arts. Have you time for a preview of one of our plays? We're mostly of the blood, love and rhetoric school. Well, we can do you blood and love without rhetoric, and we can do you blood and rhetoric without love, and we can do you all three concurrent or consecutive, but we can't do you love and rhetoric without blood. Blood is compulsory - they're all blood, you see."
Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
DM DoctorEvil |
"Actors, eh?" says Tamrin skeptically. "Pretty well-armed for the stage. But you entertainers are a strange sort, so it's as good as any." She makes one more notation on her tablet then starts handing out reciepts for the declared goods. "Your gear will be completely safe here on board until tomorrow. See all the patrols of Hellknights around? No one will break any laws with them on watch. Speaking of breaking laws, I know you are all actors, but just a word of caution. You may not cast arcane spells within 5 miles of the Esoterium unless you join as a member. Violaters risk having their hands broken and spellbooks destroyed. Alternatively, divine spellcasting in Corentyn is illegal unless you register first. I can register you know, if you care to declare your deity, and show your holy symbol. Any takers?"
Nectanebo the Vulture |
Nectanebo smirks inwardly.
So blind...they fear the Unknown, yet it is the safest place to be in this whole city.
Jaxal |
Jaxal is shocked to think he may have to pretend to be a lowly actor, as he is clearly of more noble status that that... and then he realizes the ruse may not only work, but also give him a story for carrying around a rapier. He starts thinking back to the plays he has enjoyed for characters that can help him maintain his cover.
"Religion? Politics? I try to stay away from such serious topics."
Ruinor Starflame |
Ruinor stands almost leaning against his quarterstaff as the halfling speaks. At the mention of our declared goods, he looks down at the dagger at his waist. In doing so, he notices the strap of his crossbow across his chest. "Oh, I hadn't thought about that. I have a crossbow. I can leave it on the boat though. It doesn't really do me much good."
He's not trying to hide the staff. He honestly doesn't consider it a weapon, more of a walking stick. If questioned, he will leave it on the ship.
At the mention of no spellcasting or risk losing his spellbook and having his hands broken, he cringes.
What do I know about the Esoterium?
Silverback |
"Register our towers? I've never heard of such a thing, and certainly haven't a tower to register. Well, there was an elven maiden in a tower this calls to mind, but that's neither here nor there,"
The ancient elf frowns. "Anyone know the way to Emberhold? It has been centuries since I've been here..."
DM DoctorEvil |
Might want to check the mission briefing about what to do next.
Jaxal |
"First, we are supposed to make a stop at the Museum of History here. Let's make our way there, and see what Mr. Balinger has for us, shall we?"
Jaxal asks a nearby local for directions.
Gather Info: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
DM DoctorEvil |
The Museum of History is located in Corentyn's High Quarter on the north side of the city. It is the tallest building in that part of town, and easily stands out.
Broad marble steps, barely dulled with age and showing only the tiniest of cracks lead to the solid, reinforced double doors of Corentyn’s Museum of History. The building stands in stark contrast to the surrounding structures, most of which are small, cramped, and crumbling. Two city guards stand at the intersection nearby, watching the tradesfolk, fishermen, vintners, and others who make High Quarter their home.
The maple plank flooring of the former courthouse, turned museum, is worn with the passing of many years and countless visitors. The interior has the faint aroma of linseed oil mixed the familiar scent of musty, leather-bound tomes.
After asking to see the head librarian, Zefiro Balinger, the PC's are asked to wait a few moments while the staff locates the important man.
Are any of you openly displaying wayfinders or other symbols of the Pathfinder Society?
Orovan |
Likewise. We're Pathfinder rejects, remember?
Orovan looks around a bit, wondering who really enjoys this "history" stuff. After all, in the end, everything just goes to Groetus anyway. He shrugs and surveys further displays.
Ruinor Starflame |
"How impressive. Oh how I wish we had more time here. I could spend weeks if not months perusing the tomes. I hope I will have a chance to come back when I have ample time," Ruinor says glancing about excitedly.
No wayfinder either.
Nectanebo the Vulture |
"I wouldn't worry about it," Replies Nectanebo. "If all goes well, our ultimate destination will be the real Chelaxian history lesson. This place? It looks the part, certainly, but I'd trust a Chelaxian history museum about as much as I'd trust a Nidalese sunrod."
Nectanebo peruses the displays, almost daring them to tell him a lie.
Knowledge (History): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20 +1 to recognize or evaluate art.